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Piltover at night was a different kind of beautiful. The golden glow of streetlamps shimmered on rain-slick cobblestones, the distant hum of airships overhead mixing with the murmur of evening crowds. The city smelled of fresh bread from bakeries closing for the night, oil and metal from the bustling docks, and a crisp breeze rolling in from the bay.
It was, by all definitions, a perfect night for a date.
And yet, Vi was nervous.
Not the kind of nervous she got before a fight—the jittery, adrenaline-fueled buzz of excitement before she threw a punch. No, this was different. This was Caitlyn.
Caitlyn, who had made it painfully clear that she was looking forward to this. Caitlyn, who had always been the planner between them, the one who picked the nice restaurants, the scenic walks, the quiet moments where the world slowed down just for them.
Vi had never planned a date before.
But she was damn well determined to get this one right.
She glanced at Caitlyn beside her, taking in the way the streetlights framed her face, the soft glow making her look almost unreal. “Alright, Cupcake,” Vi said, smirking. “This better be the best damn date of your life.”
Caitlyn quirked a brow, amusement flickering in her sapphire eyes. “You’re the one planning it. Shouldn’t you be the one convincing me?”
Vi snorted. “Damn right. I want you swooning by the end of the night.”
“Oh, I’m positively weak at the knees already,” Caitlyn deadpanned, but there was a teasing glint in her eye.
Vi laughed, shoving her hands in her pockets as they strolled down the winding streets. It wasn’t Piltover-perfect, this route. No grand restaurants or dazzling skyline views. No, Vi had something better in mind.
After a few minutes, Caitlyn tilted her head. “Are we going somewhere specific, or are we just wandering until something explodes?”
Vi grinned. “Patience, Lady Kiramman.”
They rounded a corner, and the scent of sugar and cinnamon filled the air. The street opened into a quieter part of the city, where a small, tucked-away bakery stood, its warm glow spilling onto the sidewalk.
Caitlyn stopped in her tracks. “Vi…”
Vi smirked, crossing her arms. “Told you. Best date ever.”
Caitlyn turned to her, something softer in her expression. “You remembered?”
Vi’s ears burned. “Well, yeah. You never shut up about this place,” she muttered, rubbing the back of her neck. “Figured I’d see what the fuss was about.” For a moment, Vi bristled at the idea that Caitlyn thought she’d forget. But she let it slide.
Caitlyn’s face lit up, and Vi was certain she’d never seen anything more beautiful.
They stepped inside, where the warmth of the bakery wrapped around them instantly. The owner, an older woman with a kind smile, greeted them with a knowing look. “Ah, Miss Kiramman. And Vi, was it?” Vi nodded.
“I saved some of those chocolate croissants you like so much, dear,” the woman said to Caitlyn.
Vi raised a brow. “Damn, you do come here a lot.”
Caitlyn gave her an innocent look as she placed an order, the corners of her lips twitching upward. “I like what I like.”
As Caitlyn stepped away from the counter, receipt in hand, she turned to scan the café for a table. The place was bustling but not overcrowded, the soft hum of conversation and clinking cups filling the air. Warm sunlight streamed through tall glass windows, casting golden streaks across polished marble floors. The whole place had that signature Piltover charm—elegant without being pretentious. It almost threw Vi off. She knew she wasn't used to Piltover just yet.
Vi, hands stuffed in her pockets, leaned in slightly. “Alright, Cupcake, where’s the perfect spot?” she teased. “I know you’re picky.”
Caitlyn shot her a look but played along, tapping a finger against her chin as if in deep contemplation. “Hmm… that one.” She pointed toward a small table by the window, tucked into a quiet corner. It had plush seats, a good view of the street, and—most importantly—enough privacy for a peaceful date.
Vi followed her gaze and gave an approving nod. “Good choice. Scenic and strategic. Very smart of you.”
Caitlyn smirked as they made their way over. “I simply have good taste.”
Vi held out a hand in an exaggerated flourish, letting Caitlyn slide into her seat first before flopping into the chair across from her. She stretched out her legs, knocking their boots together under the table with an easy grin. Caitlyn shook her head, but the slight blush dusting her cheeks gave her away.
As she placed their order slip on the edge of the table, she leaned forward slightly, resting her chin in her palm. “Now, let's see if this place lives up to its reputation.”
Vi watched her, smirking as Caitlyn’s face lit up when their pastries arrived and how she grabbed one as soon as she could. The smell alone was enough to make Vi appreciate why Caitlyn loved this place.
The taller woman's eyes fluttered shut for a brief moment, and she let out a pleased hum. Vi felt something tighten in her chest.
“Damn,” Vi said. “That good?”
Caitlyn opened her eyes, lips quirking. “Better than I remembered.”
Vi took a bite of hers, nodding approvingly. “Alright, not bad. Not fight-someone-for-the-last-one good, but solid.”
Caitlyn gasped in mock offense. “Blasphemy.”
Vi chuckled, and soon enough, they were lost in conversation—trading stories, laughing between bites, Caitlyn ranting about the latest nonsense she randomly hears while Vi tried (and failed) to resist the urge to lean closer just to watch her talk.
By the time they stepped back into the night, Vi was feeling pretty damn proud of herself.
As they stepped out of the bakery, the crisp night air wrapped around them, cool against the lingering warmth of the café. Vi stretched her arms over her head with a satisfied sigh. “Alright, not bad,” she admitted. “Could’ve used a little more chaos, but hey, solid date material.”
Caitlyn rolled her eyes, linking her arm through Vi’s as they started down the quiet streets. “Yes, because nothing says romance like collateral damage,” she quipped.
Vi smirked, bumping their shoulders together. “Hey, just saying, you ever wanna spice things up, we could stage a pastry heist next time.”
Caitlyn scoffed, but the soft laugh she let slip betrayed her amusement. They walked in comfortable silence for a while, the city glowing around them, their footsteps echoing against cobblestone streets. The night felt lighter, warmer, like the world had shrunk down to just the two of them.
Then, without warning, Caitlyn tugged at Vi’s hand.
Vi blinked, caught off guard. “Huh?”
Caitlyn didn’t answer, just laced their fingers together and pulled her toward a side street, away from the main roads. Vi followed without hesitation, curiosity piqued. The further they walked, the quieter the city became, until the faint glow of street lamps gave way to open space, and the scent of blooming flowers mixed with the cool breeze.
They had wandered into a park, one of the more secluded ones Piltover had to offer. The pond at its center shimmered under the moonlight, fireflies flickering lazily above the water’s surface. The distant hum of the city faded into the background, replaced by the gentle rustling of leaves.
Vi glanced around, then at Caitlyn, raising a brow. “So, what, is this the part where you arrest me for stealing your heart?” she teased.
Caitlyn hummed thoughtfully, stopping by the water’s edge. She turned to Vi with a small, knowing smile. “No,” she murmured, voice softer now. “This is the part where I thank you. I appreciate the effort, you know. You didn't have to do this for me”
Vi chuckled. “Only appreciate?”
Caitlyn hummed, pretending to think. Then, without warning, she leaned in, pressing a soft, lingering kiss to Vi’s lips.
Vi froze for a heartbeat, as if the world itself had paused, before she gave in, her body leaning into Caitlyn’s touch. Her hands instinctively slid to Caitlyn’s waist, drawing her closer, as though they belonged there. The kiss consumed her, and in that moment, everything else faded—the rush of warmth, the sweet taste of sugar lingering on Caitlyn’s lips, and the thunderous beat of her own heart echoing through her chest.
When Caitlyn finally pulled back, she looked smug. “Okay. Now I’m swooning.”
Vi huffed a laugh, dazed. “Damn. Should’ve planned a date sooner.”
Caitlyn laced their fingers together, squeezing gently. “Well, you’ll just have to take me on another one.”
Vi smirked, already planning exactly how to top this one.
“Deal.”