#like if you've never seen arcane; idk if any of you are worried about spoilers but still ^^ better safe than sorry

[violetsareblue-selfships]

Grieving

F/O: Caitlyn (platonic Vi) | Word Count: 1487 | Warning: death mention // season 2 episode 1 time so usual spoiler warning, more angst if that isn't obvious - these girls can't catch a break. anyways, i hope you enjoy reading it

The sky is grey the day of Cassandra Kiramman's funeral. It's as if the heavens themselves are mourning alongside the town of Piltover. Honestly, it wouldn't be surprising if it starts to rain.

Tears silently trickle down April's cheeks as she stares up at the open doors of the Kiramman residence, able to see Caitlyn from her position. The only reason she's not in there beside her girlfriend is that she politely asked her to stay in the crowd.

As much as she hates it, she understands.

Caitlyn has to remain composed. It's expected of her as the sole heiress of the Kirammans. April doesn't think anyone would blame her for crying today of all days, but she understands that this is how Caitlyn was raised. To conceal her emotions to the public eye in situations such as these.

She can still hear how Caitlyn sobbed in her arms the night her mother's death was confirmed - not long after the attack on the council building. The memory makes her cry harder. They both needed each other that night.

Cassandra may have been Caitlyn's birth mother, but after knowing her for nearly her entire life, she might as well have been April's as well. Certainly, she was supposed to be her mother-in-law eventually…

As she sniffles, she feels Vi squeeze her hand softly, her thumb brushing over her knuckles. April squeezes back, a silent thank you for staying with her.

She knows if Vi had attended this alone, she likely would've slipped away or would be planning on it soon. But she's not the type to leave someone who needs comfort.

It's something April greatly appreciates.

She watches through her tears as Caitlyn lets those soft purple petals fall into the casket. The look on her face tears April apart, and she nearly darts forward despite her promise. It's practically torture to see that look of pure grief on her face. Even from here, she can tell her girlfriend's holding back tears…

Caitlyn's given one last moment to look at her mother before the casket is closed and carried out of the foyer. April stays still a moment longer, watching as it's carried past the small crowd. She bows her head in respect.

A warmth settles on her shoulder, squeezing softly. "Go to her," Vi murmurs quietly. Now that the crowd's dispersing, she'd be safe to.

April's eyes raise to hers, a silent question in them. Vi sighs, her expression softening. "You'll see me later. Now, go."

April nods and slips away, managing to get inside right as they're closing the front doors. The second her eyes lock with those pretty blue ones, Caitlyn rushes forward into her arms. Catching her is the easiest thing April's ever done.

Caitlyn practically crumbles in her arms, tears wetting April's neck. April holds her a little tighter, occasionally kissing the top of her head as she rocks her girlfriend gently.

She doesn't let go first. She waits as Caitlyn's cries slowly quiet, letting her pull away at her own pace. Her fingers move to gently wipe the remnants of her tears from her face.

"I have to--"

"I know. Do what you need to. I'll be here when you return," April murmurs. She knows that Caitlyn needs some time to herself, and that she'll come to her when she needs her. She's always been that way.

Caitlyn gives her a grateful look and one last hug before quietly leaving her house. April returns to her art studio to wait for her return, needing to throw herself in her art to deal with her own grief.

----

Later, after Caitlyn's returned, they sit on the couch together as Caitlyn goes through the letters they've received. The majority of them are condolences, some coming paired with one of the bouquets of flowers set out on the table.

The rain outside is soothing, leaving April feeling almost drowsy. Her main job right now is to hold Caitlyn as she does this, lending her physical comfort over anything else. Her head rests against her shoulder, and her hand is gently stroking Caitlyn's side.

If not for the current circumstances, it would be incredibly nice. Peaceful, even.

It's as she's reading one of these letters that her father joins them, sitting down on the couch beside them. He shows no interest in the cup of tea Caitlyn offers him, and she sets it back down, leaning more against April.

"I had the shot," She murmurs. April hugs her a little tighter. She doesn't even have to look at her face to know she's thinking of all the what-ifs. That if she made the shot, her mother could still be alive.

There's silence for a moment before her father reaches into the inner pocket of his robe. He sets something in Caitlyn's hand. "Your mother left this to you."

"The Kiramman Key? No, I'm not…" Caitlyn pauses. "I don’t deserve it."

April holds her a little closer as her father sets his hand on her shoulder. "It's your legacy now, Caitlyn," He says.

April's eyes stay on her face, knowing this could be overwhelming for her. Her mother just died barely days prior, and yes, it's her duty to take up her mother's position, but it's so soon. She knows how capable Caitlyn is, but grief is hard. To have to uphold her family's legacy is a lot.

She fidgets with the key for a moment, sharing a look with her father. His face shifts as he looks past them for a moment. "What is she still doing here?" He asks, causing both April and Caitlyn to look.

At the entrance of the room stands Vi, a sympathetic, almost pained look on her face. It only grows more pained at his words and she ducks out of the room. Caitlyn briefly touches her father's shoulder before moving to follow her, April following after her after giving him a brief, respectful nod.

"…hey," Vi murmurs as they approach her, turning away from the glass to look at them.

Caitlyn pauses at the sound of her voice, and her tenuous hold on her emotions seems to break then. She rushes forward, her knees nearly giving out on her as Vi catches her in a hug. She's cautious at first, her hands staying in fists off of Caitlyn as if afraid to hold her properly. But she relaxes into it, her hands eventually uncurling to hold Caitlyn close.

April stands back and watches. She's already had her moment to comfort Caitlyn, besides she thinks they both need this.

Caitlyn pulls back and Vi cups her face. If this were a lighter situation, April might tease them for the way their eyes lock. It feels so obvious to her how much they want to kiss each other.

Once again, her lack of jealousy surprises her. Thinking about her girlfriend kissing Vi doesn't upset her like it would if anyone else wanted to kiss Caitlyn.

Caitlyn pulls back, wiping her tears away, and April finally takes a few more steps forward.

"You were right, Cait," Vi says quietly. "Powder's gone. I can make this right. If you get Jayce to fix the gauntlets, I can do this myself. No one else needs to get hurt."

"No. No more rogue mission. No more reckless plans." As Caitlyn speaks, her hand gently brushes down Vi's arm to take her hand. Her other reflexively reaches behind her, squeezing softly when April takes it.

"My mother was right. My arrogance led me to take on more than I could handle, and she paid the price."

The pain in her voice spurs both Vi and April to take similar actions, squeezing Caitlyn's hand and brushing their thumbs against the back of her hands.

"They're sending all the Enforcers after Jinx." Vi's eyes widen at the words. "I'm going with them."

"Please, I have to help."

"You can." Caitlyn hands Vi a badge. "As one of us."

April stays quiet, already knowing she won't be able to go on this mission. She's a decent shot - she couldn't be anything else after training a little with Cait as kids - but she'd be a liability on a proper mission.

As Vi refuses, and for valid reason. April watches Caitlyn trying to convince her. She understands. Vi's parents were killed by Enforcers. Why would she want to become one as well?

"I thought you were on our side," Caitlyn says. It takes everything for April not to wince as Vi's eyes widen again.

"You didn't think at all," She says before turning and walking away.

April squeezes Caitlyn's hand as they watch her leave. Again, April can't blame her. As much as she might want to stop Jinx, it's different to team up with those that have hurt her rather than doing it solo.

Regardless, she knows they'll manage, whether Vi comes around to help them or not.