Chapter Text
Vi sat in the holding cell, her siblings were being held in different rooms, making sure they couldn't communicate with each other in case they were planning an escape. She’s been stuck in this cell for hours. She guessed it was early morning by now, she thought about Caitlyn’s anguished cry to her. She knew that Caitlyn wouldn't betray her. She knew how much she loved her. Her leg bounced in stress. Ekko was knocked out when he was put in the cell, the officers had to end up tranquilizing her sister for attacking them.
Vi was alone, she didnt want to be alone. She wanted Caitlyn- to talk with her, she needed the comfort. More time passed and she was still in the cell. No officer or anyone had come yet to speak with her for any reason. Until someone unlocked the door, and someone came in.
“You have 10 minutes Chief.” An officer spoke, leading someone inside before walking out and shutting the door. Vi lifted her head, her eyes open when she saw Caitlyn step into the room and stand up and look at Caitlyn, her eyes were red from tears.
“Vi!” Caitlyn rushed running towards the cell, her hands gripping the bars tightly. “I’m so sorry! I-I don’t know what's going on.” She cried out, watching Vi walk closer to the stall also gripping the bars.
“Caitlyn…it’s okay,” Vi muttered. “They think my siblings and I caused the explosion.”
Caitlyn stammered. “What-”
“Well, what would you expect, we three are outlaws and have done some…stuff. Of course, we would be their first suspects.” Vi sighed. “They plan on sending us to Stillwater Hold in about a week.”
“I won’t let them. I saw who did it-I was there. I know you had nothing to do with it, and I will prove it.” Caitlyn deadpanned.
“Cait. There's nothing you can do, your mother believes I’m guilty. That's it, end of story.” Vi shot back.
“That's because she doesn't understand you how I do. Vi…I’m not giving up on you- I’m not going to let you and your siblings go to die in prison because of me.” Caitlyn huffed.
“Look Caitlyn…it just wasn't meant to be between us. I love you…I love you so much. But we just can't be together.” Vi muttered.
“You’re just saying that. Since when did you decide to give up hope? Where’s the fearless Vi I know!” Caitlyn shot out.
“I’m not fearless without you Cait!” Vi cried out. “You’re my everything, and without you, I feel like nothing. But we can't be together- look at us. You’re the Sheriff, daughter of the mayor! I’m just…a sump rat…”
Vi went on about how useless she was to Caitlyn, before being pulled towards the bars by her shirt, Caitlyn pressed her lips against Vi’s. Vi’s grip on the bars tightened as she felt Caitlyn’s lips against hers before pulling away.
“You’re not a sump rat. You’re my everything, Vi.” Caitlyn enunciated. “I don’t care what you say. I will get you out of here.”
Vi looked at her with a shocked, but loving face. A tear slipped from the corner of her eye. Caitlyn looked at her from the other side of the bar with a serious loving face. She knew Caitlyn wasn't lying.
“I love you Cait,” Vi whispered. “Just promise you won't get hurt.”
Caitlyn let out a sad smile. “I promise.”
The two wanted to say more until two officers came in.
“Times up Sheriff.” One officer grumbled. Caitlyn didnt move, she stood in place. Until the officers had to pry her off the bars and drag her out of the room. She looked at Vi one last time.
“I love you.” She whispered before the door was shut right before her, and the officers locked it and walked away.
Caitlyn stood in front of the door, her fist clenched in anger, she turned around and stormed out of the Police Department. She found Eloria and mounted her quickly. Her stomach shot in pain when she got on her horse, but she ignored it and ushered Eloria in the direction of Piltovers City Hall.
City hall was crowded by many, Caitlyn knew her mother would be here at this time. Caitlyn busted the doors open, people stopping to stare at the mayor's daughter. How she angrily strode how she was up and about even though she was still recovering from being shot, and how disheveled she looked. She shoved people aside, the Sheriff acting completely different than how she usually does. She went up the stairs to her mother's office. Not even knocking just busting the door open and stepping in.
“Mother, We need to talk!” She seethed through her teeth. Her mother is in the middle of talking with someone, before interjecting.
“Caitlyn! You should be at home-”
“I don’t care! We need to talk now.” She interrupted, glaring at the two people who were in the room. They sensed the tension and did not even say a word before sitting up and scurrying out and shutting the door behind them.
“Caitlyn I don’t understand why you’re so frustrated, and you shouldn't be up and about Your wound is still healing.”
“The reason why I am frustrated is that you sent an arrest warrant for three innocent people!” She slammed her fists on the table, slightly wincing from the pain of her wound.
“You mean the Lanes?” Cassandra inquired. “Caitlyn. They aren't innocent, did you see what they did to the market district!”
“They didnt do anything, I was there. I saw who did it! He was the one who shot me!” Caitlyn barked back. “Those three had no partake in it.”
“You say now there is another threat to the city.” Cassandra huffed. “Why weren't you able to stop them sooner?!”
“Mother, I was shot! I may be the Sheriff but I am not invincible, but now I am begging you to release the Lanes!” Caitlyn cried out angrily.
“Caitlyn. I am the mayor, I have to make sure that every possible threat is eliminated. They could've gotten someone to do it. You’ve seen them in action. Especially the blue one.” Cassandra shuddered at the mention of Jinx. “Even if they didnt cause it, they still have many other crimes to fess up for. For starters the bank, which you couldn't stop in time.”
Caitlyn stuttered. “You may be the mayor, but you’ve only seen the surface of it. They didnt do it for spite. They just wanted to survive! You don’t know Vi! Or any of them!” She raged.
“Vi?” Cassandra inquired. “Is that the name of the pink one, with the tattoos? You know, the stray.”
“She’s not a stray! She’s a person with a good heart. She just wants to take care of her family!”
“Caitlyn, you’re the Sheriff. Why are you defending a criminal? You’re supposed to be taking them down for the welfare of Piltover. Not be siding with them.” Cassandra exasperated.
“That's… that is none of your concern.” Caitlyn stuttered.
“Well, it seems like it is. You shouldn't be fraternizing with a criminal Caitlyn.” Cassandra stood up and walked towards the window looking out of it. “I’ve raised you better than that.”
“You raised me to take your place when I was older. Well, I’m sorry that I decided to become a police officer and then becoming the Sheriff instead of becoming the next mayor. I’m sorry for interacting with a criminal. Unlike you, she sees the good in people. You just take one look at people and arrest them for whatever reason!” Caitlyn spat. Tears brimming from her eyes, she held it in as she didnt want to cry. In front of her mother of all people too.
“I have to do what I can to keep the city safe, and I don’t want my daughter to become a threat also.”
“Oh? So you think because I talk to Vi- or Jinx. Or whatever! That I’m just going to suddenly turn my back on people!” Caitlyn fumed. “You think I'm going to start exploding districts! Or…Or what! Kill people?!”
“That's not what I meant. I just don’t want you to start interfering.” Cassandra spoke calmly.
“I am going to interfere as many times as I can! To make sure Vi and her siblings don't get sent to Stillwater.”
“I’m not letting criminals run free Caitlyn. I’m taking matters into my own hands. I didnt send out the arrest warrant right when it all started because I trusted that you could do it on your own. But I was wrong. Instead, you decide to hand around with that pink head and that crazy bomb-exploding girl!” Cassandra admitted.
Caitlyn shook her head in annoyance, she clenched her fists in anger. “You don’t know anything about Vi. Or Jinx for that matter. Vi may be violent, but she’s one of the most loving people you could ever meet. Jinx may be a bomb-exploding maniac to you. But she’s genuine with herself and also holds the Piltover record for her poker games.” Caitlyn added.
“A criminal is a criminal, no matter who they are. Nice or not. Strong or weak. They are being sent to Stillwater, no more excuses.”
“You haven't even met Vi!” Caitlyn pleaded.
“What is up with you and her Caitlyn?!” Cassandra asked frustrated. “She’s a low-life stray, and you want to give up everything for her! Why?!”
Caitlyn stuttered. She didnt know what to say.
“Answer me, Caitlyn!” Cassandra shouted. “Why are you acting so obsessed with that criminal? She’ll do you no good. She’s nothing but a good for nothing-”
“I love her, mother!” Caitlyn blurted out rapidly. Silence radiated in the room, and she covered her mouth after saying that, looking at her mother.
Her mother looked at her, with the most unreadable expression in the world.