She giggled and obliged. "C'mere-" He leaned into her, lips pressed gently against hers. Vi thought about how warm she was. How strong but vulnerable she felt in his arms, how soft her skin was... 'I never want to let this go,' was all he could say to himself.

"You can always lay back and float, Cait. I'll be there."

"Hm.. Bit of intuition. You looked like you wanted some air."

She laughed and tilted her head for her. 'Got my answer,' she thought. Her hand moved to Caitlyn's shoulder, a gentle hold on her.

She pulled back, her expression soft and her focus dancing from Caitlyn's lips to her eyes. "Been waiting on this one?"

A surprise but... She went along anyway, meeting her lips with the same gentle touch. Vi closed her eyes and moved her hand to meet Cait's cheek in tandem. It felt a bit warmer out by the pond now.

Walking up from behind, Vi yawns as she takes in the sight. It really was nice outside, after all. She goes to say something but opts to just sit next to Caitlyn once she notices the ducks.

Betrayal, that pain that feels like it'll eat you from the inside out, can either break you or forge you into something greater.”

"...I'm not so sure. That stuff at the memorial was crazy, putting it lightly. You handled yourself better than most." She thought about being picked up by one of those monsters. "Ugh... You need your flowers, Nolen. Hats off an' everything."

"Hah--then you know I'd totally rock a Noxian's shit. No sweat!"

"I was plastered when you told me, but weren't you talkin' about how much my skills impressed you on our first meeting?"

💙 & ↺ ?

Wishing she brought her punching bag... This training dummy will do.

Abruptly she scoffed. "Wonder if I could take one. Years in Zaun vs military training...? Could be fun."

"I could tell by the looks of it." She chuckled, genuinely this time. "Those Noxians... Kind of intimidating, If I'm honest."

'I like how she talks,' she thought. "Thanks. I've been... concerned about her. How're you though? Piltover's been flipped on its side!" She offered an ear, though didn't know if it was needed or not.

"Hope I didn't haunt the place--ha!" She cleared her throat. "Um, I don't mean to interrogate you or anything but... Did'ya notice how stressed she might've been?"

"Don't sweat it, cupcake." She smiled as her eyes took in Caitlyn's face. "...Guess I should go-?"

"No it's not that. I'm okay, I promise." She accepted the hug regardless. Any reason to hold her would do. "If anything.. I'm worried about how stressed you've been."

"Hm... Okay. Did she ever.. talk about me? While I was gone?" A small prod, but surely nothing crazy.

"Sometimes that's just how it goes. But... It works out better, later." She wasn't sure if this was still about losing. She kept cleaning until she got all on her side tidy.

“Ah don’t be… Thanks though.” A dark idea wormed into his head. “You and Caitlyn close?”

"Man, everyone's been asking that... The short answer is self-loathing. Fighting, drinking.. You name it. But, I'm getting back on my feet now. I think so, anyway."

“Pff—alright I’ll take your word for it…” [Could have sworn she was onto something]

// it's outtttt

Vi chuckled as he scooped up a few files. "Shoulda seen me fighting in the ring a few weeks back. 0 for 6 losing streak!" He placed the papers back on the desk with a weirdly nostalgic smile on his face. It faded once he went to get more.

She pulled back to look her in the eye. "I'll get right on it. You won't have to worry!" She looked around at the floor. "Uh... Let me help you?"

Holding on, some urge to protect flowing back into her mind, she thought quickly. "Shimmer, me... You don't think that.. Jinx could've gotten them?" Talking about her like the boogeyman. What a sister she is.

She put the papers on Cait's desk and went to comfort her. "Hey it'll be alright. I'm sure we can track down whoever took them. That's specific stuff--easily trackable-!" Her hand held Caitlyn's shoulder to let her know she was right there with her. Panicking too, if need be.

Looking at the mess she picks up a few pages and scans them. "...What were you researching?" Her voice as calm as she could make it. Wouldn't do to make things worse.

"Jeez--when I miss the tornado!?" A bewildered Vi entered.

"And what if you were wrong? Could'a just meant 'six' for all ya' know--and you don't seem the type to be uncertain."

"Hey, that reminds me--did you for real guess my name from the tattoo?"

"You look good! Though I've only ever seen you in 'police-chic' so it could just be shock."

"Relax, Officer Nolen. Just messing with you. Get dressed up for somethin'?"

"You don't have that gleam in your eye. That 'I have to beat this kid for stealing bread' look. Buuut I could be judging unfairly."

"Y'know I'd NEVER assume you were an enforcer."

[Looking in the mirror] You will stay that shade. You will not get lighter. You will re-dye it if necessary.

"So you joined the Enforcers?"

"..." She fell asleep.

"Yeah... Um, aside from the fat hands we're pretty different. I was taken from my sister, thrown in Stillwater... Did a whole lot of wrong before things started going right. At least for me." She breathed. "I would've been one of those 'criminals' growing up. Stealing, fighting--all that."

"Rose oil.." Vi dumbly repeated while the moment entranced her. "I've wanted this for so long. Waited for it, if I'm honest here." Her voice sounded like raindrops hitting a window. "Jus lemme know when you get sleepy..."

"So ya' just... Joined the peanut patrol? Just like that?" She'd been listening intently, wildly surprised at how dissimilar they were. "At least you made those yourself..."

“Alright. Tell me what’cha do—I wanna know our differences.”