omg, you found me 😳
P.S.: If you find gifs that are credited to me, DONT USE THEM!!!!! They aren’t truly my gifs, pick another awesome creators’ gifs :)
im just doing wips now
the fact that arcane was released about TWO years ago is crazy to me??? IT FEELS LIKE YESTERDAY
The Talk (a Piltover's Finest fanfic)
Cassandra asked for Vi's help one day but it soon became pretty clear there was more to it than a simple request.
****
Vi was a little startled when she heard knocking on the door. Caitlyn too it seemed by her wide eyes. Her lips were parted, oh so ready for their almost kiss and Vi only had to move just a scant few inches to claim it.
But Caitlyn was the first one to turn her head towards her door. Damn. Vi released a breath she didn't know she was holding and leaned back against the desk. From her seat, Caitlyn asked who it was and surprisingly, Cassandra emerged from the other side.
Cassandra, nowadays walking with a cane ever since the bombing at the council building, leaned her weight on her right side. "Are the both of you busy?"
Caitlyn huffed as she glanced at her desk and what Vi calls the "conspiracy board". Progress had been slow for the investigation into the racketeering ring that had cropped up in Zaun recently.
While their usual bouts of investigative methods revealed some results (her, talking to people, piecing clues from what she picked up of the bits of information people were willing to trade for some money and protection while Vi used "persuasion" with her fist), there were still gaps in their theories and the masterminds were still unknown.
They were in the midst of bouncing ideas off the wall and each other when a quip turns into two, then morphs into an accidental innuendo on Caitlyn's part that Vi immediately latched onto it. The atmosphere then became steadily charged with tension, spurring Vi to sidle up right next to Caitlyn and leaned close, steel grey eyes flicking to her lips.
Then the mood was dashed by Cassandra. Mother has always had impeccable timing…
"Yes, we were but I think this will be all for today. Do you need anything, Mother?"
Cassandra didn't move from her spot by the door but her eyes wandered around Caitlyn's office. Her daughter's coat is draped over the sofa, top hat balancing on it while a worn-out red jacket that distinctly look like Vi's was thrown haphazardly on the one-seater. Her gauntlets rest on the floor next to it. The fireplace is lit and basked the office with comfortable warmth. Files are stacked in neat piles on top of one of the filing cabinets and a tea set rested on the coffee table, the small cakes that Tobias has sent with the tea are nowhere to be found.
"Not from you but I believe Violet could help me with something."
At her name, Vi's neck prickled with a nervous energy. It always did that whenever she hears someone call her full name. Brings her back to the times when she was scolded by her parents or Vander. And that feeling tends to turn two-fold whenever Cassandra was the one saying it. "Me?"
"Yes. I've made a rather heavy purchase recently. An antique vase from Ionia that would look dear in my office. It's sitting at the parlour right now and I would appreciate it if you could carry it up to my office."
Caitlyn got up from her seat. "The butlers couldn't help?" Her voice tinged with confusion.
"They could but why call for two of them when Violet alone could do it with ease, no?"
Caitlyn and Vi shared a look for a split second, both picking up on something brewing in the air but couldn't figure out what it was.
"I'll come help too then," Caitlyn said.
"Ah, I've just recalled your father asking for you in his workshop. The stock for your new rifle is here."
At that, Caitlyn faltered. Vi knew Caitlyn was heavily involved in the building of the new rifle and wouldn't want to miss something like this. Her last favourite rifle was damaged after a heavily intoxicated Shimmer user managed to slip past Vi and pushed Caitlyn onto the ground with considerable force in their effort to run away. The rifle clattered away from Caitlyn's grasp and fell out of the warehouse's broken window down one too many storeys for it to be in safe working condition.
Tobias was the one that talked Caitlyn into building her own new custom rifle. He called in a favour from his hunting friends for contacts of the best gunmakers around, getting pointers on how to build a new rifle from scratch. Caitlyn and he spent a few laborious weeks figuring out the mechanics for the lenses. Tobias then sent the schematics to a few of his fellow engineers to be made.
Jayce, however, insisted on personally making the barrel for Caitlyn. Vi graciously decided to be less snippy to him for a couple of weeks because of how happy Caitlyn was. It only lasted for 3 days.
Vi immediately picked up her jacket and put it on. "It's fine, cupcake. What's all this muscle for anyway, huh?" Caitlyn just let out a breathy chuckle before tucking errant papers into files and cleaning up her desk.
Vi approached the door and gestured to Cassandra to lead the way. She can never be too sure which parlour the family was referring to. The estate is far too big for her to remember what is where. They walked for a few moments in quiet which suited Vi just fine. Vi noted that Cassandra's gait looked like she never had any injuries and only her cane gives that fact away.
Caitlyn talked about how recovery was difficult for her mother and while she was luckily largely unharmed due to the quick actions of Mel Medarda, her left leg however was pinned down by heavy rubble. The leg broke in multiple places and Cassandra required surgeries and a lot of physical therapy to mitigate the pain and regain function. Cassandra had briefly entertained the idea of getting a mechanical replacement to be done with it all but later changed her mind and everybody saw first-hand just from where Caitlyn got her stubborn streak. Nowadays, she walks fine but would lean on her cane for whenever her leg starts to tire. Vi wish this meant Cassandra stopped kicking things after her injury but no such luck. Her right leg was fine enough for the job.
"How long have you been together with my daughter, Violet?"
The question threw Vi out of the loop and she stammered slightly. "I-I'm sorry, what?" Cassandra simply looked over her shoulder and raised her eyebrow.
"Oh, uhm. Two years?" 3 months and a handful of days but who's counting. Then was when Vi knew this was definitely not a simple favour. Cassandra let out a hmmm and continued walking. Vi quickly caught up to her and entered the parlour alongside her.
True to words, a sizable crate awaited them in the parlour. It was covered in various stamps from faraway ports the package had to go through. Vi also surmised that she could carry it just fine. Cassandra gestured at the box, "If you'd please? Be careful though, it's actually for Toby."
Vi nodded and got in position to lift with her legs. The crate was thankfully not too heavy and Vi shifted her grip to have a better hold on it. Then the both of them started their trek back out of the parlour and towards Cassandra's office. The office is situated in the west wing and it isn't too far from the parlour. As they walked, they spotted Caitlyn leaving the main house heading towards Tobias's workshop, following a sheltered walkway to a separate building built closer to the wooded areas.
Vi saw her walking a little faster than usual, no doubt excited to see the gun parts. It was a chilly autumn day so she had her thick wool shawl on over her work clothes. Her navy hair now long and flowing in the breeze. The arches of the walkway, the light of the setting sun and her own effortless gait framed Caitlyn just right to make Vi stop in her tracks and just stare. Caitlyn is beautiful.
Cassandra cleared her throat, snapping Vi out from her ogling. She had apparently walked a little further ahead and Vi could see a rare soft smile on her lips as she shook her head a little. Vi thought that she and Caitlyn looked so much alike at that moment. "Come along now. Don’t get too distracted."
Vi could only sheepishly smile back and followed her.
Soon enough, they arrived in front of Cassandra's office. With practiced ease, she unlocked the door and held it open long enough for Vi to pass through before closing it.
"Where should I put it?"
"Right next to the coffee table will be fine."
Cassandra's office was much larger than Caitlyn's. With bookshelves filled with law-related books, reports, knickknacks, and pictures of the Kirammans in various places they had visited over the years. Certain spots on the wall display her collection of weapons, from various rifles and guns to a selection of swords and rapiers. And unlike Caitlyn's more practical arrangement, fine art pieces are tastefully arranged in a few available surfaces. A theme of rich dark brown furniture with accents of gold and blue completes the space.
"Thank you for your help, Violet. Now. Onto our next agenda," Cassandra gestured towards the lavish seating area on one side of the office. "Please take a seat."
Vi was then on high alert. She glanced around, looking for any clues as to what was going to happen. She made a mental note that Cassandra's prized rifles are all behind glass cases, so she was probably safe from those. Though there's no doubt Cassandra had hidden a gun or two somewhere under her desk.
Damn it. Vi will just have to run for the door then if shit goes south. …did Cassandra lock the door? "Right…" Vi awkwardly sat on one of the sofas.
Cassandra retrieved a small chest from one of the drawers before returning and taking a seat opposite of Vi. She placed the chest on the coffee table and poured out two cups of tea.
Silence fell over them both. Vi kept quiet and schooled her features to be as calm as possible. She rolled her right shoulder. Cassandra took a sip of her tea. Lukewarm. She doesn't like lukewarm tea but it will do.
Cassandra started first. "It has come to my attention that you have discussed with Toby on the topic of popping the question?"
God damn it. Vi knew she should've just talked to Cassandra and Tobias together instead of talking to him alone. But Cassandra is infamously hard to get a hold off and Tobias was conveniently available at the time. It was just delaying the inevitable.
"Yes, and I know you're against it. But I promise you I'm going to take care of her. Tobias gave his blessing and I told him I was going to talk to you later on, but things have been hectic lately and it was pushed back. I swear I was going to talk to you about it when this case is done." Vi was starting to ramble. But she needed to let her mouth run so her brain could recall all 17 reasons she had thought of on why she is worthy of marrying Caitlyn that she has been preparing ever since she thought about proposing. She only managed to recall 3 at that point.
Cassandra raised her hand, wordlessly telling Vi to stop talking. Vi's jaw snapped close so quickly the clicking of her teeth was audible. "That won't be necessary." Vi made a move to refute when the hand raised again. Cassandra pursed her lips together, eyes darting down at the small chest before looking at Vi in the eye. With a deep exhale she says, "I'm giving you my blessing."
Vi's eyes blinked a few times. Surely, she heard it wrong. This is Cassandra. Everyone knew Vi would be the last person she’d ever want Caitlyn to be associated with. Vi knew it, Cassandra knew it. It was a mutually agreed fact. Vi looked at Cassandra suspiciously. "But… why?"
"I thought you would be jumping around excitedly by now." Cassandra took another sip of her tea.
"Oh, believe me, I will when I get out of this office. But my question still stands. Why? Y-You hate me!" Vi's hands started to get more animated.
"Violet, I may dislike you, especially when we first met. And admittedly, grappling with the fact that the one responsible for this," she gestured to her cane, "is your sister was quite difficult. However, I have never hated you. You've never done anything that would warrant such feelings."
Vi was speechless. She ruminated on what Cassandra said and found herself leaning back against the sofa, tension slowly ebbing away from her body. "I… I thought you'd never let me marry Caitlyn."
At this, Cassandra sighed. "Yes, you are not my first choice, but Caitlyn chose you. And I've had my fair share of experiences that taught me the heart wants what it wants, and parents rarely have a say in it." She looked to the side, almost wistfully but recovered a second later.
Cassandra put her cup down, folded her hands in her lap and sat straighter. "My priority is protecting my family. Holding a position on the council has brought on its own brand of danger after all, so staying protected is always a constant. Caitlyn, however, seems to have a taste for running towards danger and it definitely didn't make it any easier for me." Cassandra huffed in slight amusement. Vi founds herself smiling at that and when she took a good look at Cassandra, she realized that this wasn't easy for her either.
Her grey streak has peppered both sides of her head now and her face has aged considerably ever since the attack. Crow's feet have gotten more pronounced and she is noticeably thinner than she used to be. Caitlyn had mentioned about how her mother wouldn't go easy on her when they had their shooting matches in the woods, years of experience leant her more victories over Cait. Nowadays though, she sits on the side-lines, raising her rifle in a stationary position rather than zipping between trees and risk injuring her delicate left leg. The woman looked older and less intimidating now. More tired too.
"I've done all I could to dissuade her from joining the enforcers. But the girl is too headstrong. Then I pulled some strings to keep her away from the more serious threats, yet it still found her on that Progress Day. I knew removing her from the force would incur her anger but I did it anyway, thinking it would keep her safe. Of course, Caitlyn being Caitlyn, snuck out and gets herself in harm's way regardless of whatever I've done. I realized then that there is no stopping her, and her calling will always put her in the line of fire."
"You've worked well with Caitlyn for the past few years and have always been by her side to protect her as best as you can. All I've ever wanted was to protect Caitlyn and who is more suited for that than you?" Cassandra levelled her sight directly on Vi. "You're the best person I can count on to protect her. You have been a constant companion of hers for years now and she trusts you to look out for her. While I don't always agree on Caitlyn's choices, I must admit that her judgment on partners this time is… deserving."
Vi leaned forward and ran her fingers through her hair, still wasn't fully believing what she was hearing. "Are you sure? You'd be marrying off your child to a poor, ex-convict Zaunite. People are going to talk."
Cassandra raised an eyebrow, slightly amused at how it sounded like Vi was trying to convince her she shouldn't let them get married. "Tongues have wagged over far more ridiculous things and I'm more concerned about the both of you violating laws than petty gossip."
Vi chuckled and let out a heavy sigh. It felt like the dark cloud looming over her head for over 5 months, ever since she thought of proposing to Caitlyn, has lifted. She looked at Cassandra and saw her genuinely smiling. "Thank you."
Cassandra nodded slightly. "You're welcome." Cassandra's attention then shifted to the small chest. "Have you picked out an engagement ring?"
Vi shoved her hands into her pocket and sheepishly said, "Uhh… I'm working on getting it right now. Almost there." Vi started taking on a part time job at the wellness centre near her apartment 3 months ago as an aid. For 4 days every week after work, she would come in to help maintain and keep an eye on the floor of the gym. Usually, she would be spotting for a few clients or cleaning up the fitness equipment. Sometimes, she would work at the front counter.
Caitlyn was curious and prodded a little on why Vi decided to get a part time job out of the blue but Vi appeased her by saying something about looking to save up and move out of her current place. It wasn't entirely a lie, really. She would have to move into the Kiramman estate or better yet, find an apartment together with Cait if things go smoothly.
Cassandra paused for a moment then took the small chest, produced an intricate-looking key from her pocket and unlocked it. Inside, there were a few small black boxes and pouches. Cassandra took out a pouch that had a red bow tied around it. She opened it and revealed a ring in her palm. The ring is a simple silver band with a blue gem set in the middle.
"This ring is an old family heirloom. A great aunt used it as their engagement ring." Cassandra put the ring back into the pouch and held it out to Vi. "You can use this or take it to a jeweller and have them melt the silver and make a new ring. Use the gem."
Vi stared wide-eyed at the pouch. "Are you sure? You just said it's an old family heirloom."
"Yes, but it’s old, unused and out of fashion. It will only be laying around in a box collecting dust. Don't worry, the family has other more significant pieces than this." The nonchalant way Cassandra said it made Vi gulp before she slowly accepted the pouch.
"The money you're collecting can be put towards the wedding ring."
Vi's grasp on the pouch got a little tighter. She really felt clueless as to how to react to all of this. "Thank you, again," was all she could muster. Cassandra simply took another sip of her tea and lightly shrugged.
Now that her stomach wasn't doing flips, Vi reached for the tea. "So, these past few years was 'dislike', huh?" Cassandra hides a grin over her teacup.
"You have no idea what I would do to people I actually hate, Violet."
It's a statement that felt slightly like a very real threat. Vi is definitely going to keep being in the good graces of this woman.
Vi soon finished up the rest of her tea and excused herself. Before she stepped through the door though, Cassandra said, “I will hold you to your promise, Violet. Take care of her.”
Vi turned and nodded, “With all my heart.” The door then closed behind her.
Cassandra slowly made her way to the window. From afar, she could see a headful of pink hair excitedly bounding across the grounds towards Tobias's workshop.
****
Author's note: I... don't really write fanfics so imagine my surprise when I actually finished(!!!) writing up this lengthy one shot. I just throw in all of my headcanons into this and somehow it worked. This is my contribution for Piltover's Finest on Valentine's Day. I hope everybody likes it! Will post on ao3 later on.
Arcane Newswatch - Day 700
ALTHappy 700 days of waiting. If the wait between seasons was a puppy, it would almost be considered an adult dog by now; if it was instead the gap between when you last got the oil changed in your car, you’re probably going to have a very bad time when you next take your car in for maintenance
This has been Arcane Newswatch
rainydaywritesstuff
