Chapter Text
It has been a few weeks since the war has officially ended. Piltover began rebuilding what had been destroyed during the battle. So did Zaun. Many people have lost their lives out there. A few lost their loved ones and a lot of people lost a part of their family.
Today was the first time the council had planned an official meeting. A few new faces were sitting next to old members of the council. So far, six of the seven seats have been filled. The seventh member was already decided though. As the leader of house Kiramman, it was Caitlyn’s job to join the council just like her mother.
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Caitlyn has been recovering well. With the help of Vi she was able to quickly get back to doing things around the house by herself. She hated being a burden to someone so she tried acting strong. But she knew Vi well enough. Almost every time she decided to try a new task, Vi was watching over her. Not to help her immediately, but to be there if Cait ever really needed help.
Cait both hated and loved that.
She hated herself for struggling with the most basic things. Both her knee and her stomach were no problem anymore. She didn't even need to wear bandages around them. But the loss of her eye was something she just couldn't get used to. Distances were impossible to identify and the blindspot on her left meant she needed to turn her head more.
At the same time, she loved that Vi had a reason to stay at her home. She thought about asking her to move in after everything was over but she was scared of the possibility of losing her. So she decided that having her around to help her was enough for now.
Right before the council meeting, they sat together in front of the fireplace. A spot in the house that quickly became Vi’s favorite. She loved the aesthetic of the room but even more she could gather her thoughts while staring into the fire. Everything and everyone she lost. Jinx and Vander were on her mind everyday. That's something that won't change anytime soon.
“I want you to come with me today, Vi”, Caitlyn said, making Vi thoughts disappear instantly.
“You mean to the meeting?”, Vi asked with a surprise on her face. “What use should I have at a council meeting? You don't remember how it went last time?”
Cait did indeed remember how it went last time. “This is different Vi. I… I just need you”, Cait answered while turning her face to the fire in front of them. The look on her face might be able to hide some emotions from most people, but definitely not from Vi. She noticed that something was wrong.
“Cait? What's wrong?”, Vi asked while holding her girlfriends hand. “You have been recovering well. I think it would be good for you if you show the council that your body is ready for these tasks again.”
“I… I know. It's just that…”, Cait wanted to tell her what's wrong but something was holding her back.
“Talk to me Cupcake”, Vi said while slowly caressing the back of Caitlyn’s hand with her own.
“I am scared Vi.. that's why I need you. I have made quite a big decision and I want you to be there with me. I know it’s stupid and embarrassing…”, Cait explained, her eye unable to hide her scared thoughts.
Seeing Cait like that made Vi’s heart hurt a little. “Cait. Nothing is wrong about being scared. Especially not if the meeting you have to attend is that important. If you want me to go with you, then I will be there”, Vi said with a reassuring smile on her face.
For a moment Vi thought that she said something wrong. Caitlyn just continued to stare into the fire as her heartbeat increased. After a few more seconds Caitlyn finally nodded. “Thank you Vi”, Cait said while turning to face Vi. She might have smiled too but Vi knew that Caitlyn still didn't feel much better. She wondered what kind of decision her girlfriend had made. Especially since she didn't tell Vi about it. Still she knew that now is not the time to ask. She would know soon anyway.
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Things already began heated as Caitlyn had to explain to the Council that Vi had every right to be here. She didn't want to tell them that she needed this kind of support so she just came up with something along the lines of ‘Vi was an important member in the war against Ambessa.’ It took her some time but after a while they finally accepted it and allowed her to take a seat next to her.
After many topics that had to be discussed, which even began boring Caitlyn herself, it was finally time for her to bring up her own matter.
“Council. I have an important announcement to make”, Cait began after standing up. “This council exists to represent all the people that are part of this society. Our job is to protect them with our decisions and help improve their lives. All of their lives!”
While Cait was struggling to find the words to continue, Vi noticed her hands shaking a little. As a reaction, Vi just did what felt right to her and began holding her hand behind the table.
Immediately Cait felt her confidence returning to her as she gave Vi a happy smile, before facing the people in front of her again.
“This is why we are missing an important representative. I hereby suggest that the people of Zaun become a part of this council.”
Silence filled the room for a moment that felt like time had stopped. Vi noticed how Caitlyn’s confidence immediately began to shatter again. She even thought about standing up herself but she just didn't know what to say. Obviously she liked the idea that Caitlyn had suggested but she was just as surprised as the other members.
“Eight members on the council are not possible.”, one of the new council members began as he got rid of the silence. “Or do you suggest that one of us has to leave it again, to make room for a person from Zaun?”
Vi didn't know if he meant that as something bad but she didn't like the tone he used as he asked that question. Quickly she felt some anger in her wanting to be let out. Caitlyn immediately noticed as Vi began squeezing her hand a little too hard for her liking.
“It's okay Vi”, she said before facing the council members again. “The council will still have seven members. That is why I am making my second announcement. As the leader of house Kiramman, I decided that our family will no longer be part of the council to allow Zaun to be fully represented.”
“What??”
That's the most she had picked up as all council members began talking at the same time. Some were confused while others seemed to have gotten upset very quickly.
To gain the attention of the council again, she hit the table with her first. To her surprise it actually worked.
“My decision is final. Nothing will change it. Thank you for your attention. This meeting is closed”
Immediately as she finished her sentence, Caitlyn began leaving the room with Vi following closely behind. The room was still filled with silence as both of them walked out through the door.
“Cait?”, Vi asked while trying to reach for Caitlyn’s hand again. Her partner however just continued walking down the hallway before finally stopping behind a corner. Just now she noticed how weak her knees felt. As she was about to fall to the floor, Vi quickly caught her. “Are you alright Cait?”, Vi asked with a worried voice.
“Y…yeah. Just need to breathe for a second. Thank you Vi. I really mean it”, Cait reassured her.
“Don't worry about it Cupcake. Can I tell you something by the way?”, Vi asked again. Now with a smile on her face.
“Sure Vi”, Cait said, confused by what Vi had on her mind.
“This was unbelievably hot, Cait. If I didn't fall for you already, I would have, just by seeing you in there”, she explained while her smile grew wider.
Cait needed a second to process that. But as she did, she immediately knew that she was blushing. “Shut up”, she replied, trying to sound annoyed.
“Never Cupcake”, Vi said while giggling a little. “I will never shut up about how hot you are.”
Cait felt her cheeks getting even more red. She thought about all the ways to reply with something smart or teasing herself. After a few seconds, she gave up on trying and decided to do the only thing that was on her mind right now. She felt her knees gaining strength again. Even the rest of her body was full of energy now.
She quickly grabbed one of Vi’s hands, pulling her along and not giving her a second to think. “My bedroom. Now”
“W..woah”, Vi said, surprised by the sudden confidence Cait had found. She quickly followed her, unable to stop herself from blushing too. “C..cait”