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They hadn’t meant to start a fight, but (Y/N) had certainly done just that. What started off as (Y/N) simply mouthing off and calling a bunch of boys twice their size a bunch of buck toothed wannabes turned into them sprinting as fast as they could through the undercity. If those damn boys just had some respect, maybe (Y/N) would’ve stayed quiet. Being 10 and stupid was quite the catch and they only hoped those boys wouldn’t catch them.
They turned a corner and bumped into a girl, which caused both of them to fall to the ground. (Y/N) blinked a few times and rubbed their head, trying to process what happened. It wasn’t until the girl frowned at them and had her fists ready to swing that (Y/N) was crying. The sudden burst of tears made the fiery girl pause for a moment.
“What are you crying about? You bumped into me!” She waved her arms around and (Y/N) looked up at her with pink cheeks stained with tears.
“I made these boys angry and now they’re chasing me and want to beat me up! Now I made you angry and you want to beat me up too!” The crying made it almost impossible to understand what they were saying but Vi looked up and around. Sure enough, there was a group of three boys running their way.
“What did you say to make them pick on somebody your size?”
“I called them buck toothed wannabes.” The loud laughter from the girl who was moments away from beating in their face made (Y/N)’s crying come to a halt.
“Oh, I like that one! I’ll kick their ass for you, but you gotta do something for me.” (Y/N) hadn’t been wanting somebody to beat up the boys for them, but if she was offering then they certainly wouldn’t reject the offer.
“What?”
“Pinky promise me you won’t tell my dad I was gonna punch somebody smaller than me again.” The pinky in (Y/N)’s face made them think for a second, but the sounds of angry boys coming closer made them link the pinkies together quickly. That was enough for the hotheaded girl to throw her jacket off and toss it at (Y/N). There was no way she would be able to take on these guys on her own, but (Y/N) held the jacket to their chest and rooted for her anyway. It took her a minute, but the nameless girl beat enough ass to at least get them to cower away.
“You better not come around here again or I’ll whoop your momma's ass too!” (Y/N) watched her wave her fist in the air as the boys scampered away before they held out their jacket for her to take.
“Too hot to wear that, you wear it. You look like you need a jacket.” The girl ruffled (Y/N)’s hair and hesitated to put the jacket on. The girl took it from their hands and put it over their shoulders before swinging her arm around their shoulders and pulled them into her side.
“The name is Vi, thanks for asking!” She smiled down at (Y/N) who couldn’t help but smile back.
“(Y/N).”
“Vi and (Y/N), I like that. Has a nice ring.” Vi teased and (Y/N) dropped their head down to hide the pink cheeks coming back.
“Don’t be shy now, sunshine.” (Y/N) was tugged along with no idea where they were going, but they weren’t going to complain. They didn’t really have a home down here, but Vi felt safe and (Y/N) would trust her anywhere.
“Pinky promise?” Vi held out her pinky to (Y/N), face bruised and dirty.
“Pinky promise.” They linked pinkies before walking back to the bar where Vander would inevitably ask where they’ve been and why Vi looked like she had gotten her ass handed to her and (Y/N) was left untouched. It was always Vi who managed to come in to save (Y/N) at the last minute and it was always (Y/N) who would cover for Vi. It was a good system they had, honestly. (Y/N) got to mouth off and Vi got to fight somebody, it was a win win.
“Vi, (Y/N).” His voice was deep and firm, and the two knew they hadn’t managed to sneak past him.
“Yes sir?” (Y/N) was good at playing sweet and innocent to butter Vander up and soften the blow. He never really raised his voice and he was a good adult to have in their lives, but (Y/N) was always cautious. They had seen him when he really got pissed off and didn’t want to be on the receiving end.
“Where have you two been?”
“Why do you want to know?” (Y/N) had to put their hand on Vi’s arm and give it a little shake, eyes pleading with her to shut the hell up and let them handle it.
“We were just out in the area! Playing with other kids!” The blank stares from both Vander and Vi made (Y/N) realize that out of all the lies they could’ve told, ‘playing with other kids’ wasn’t the winner. They were 15, they didn’t play.
“Uh huh.” Vander crossed his arms and gave (Y/N) a firm look.
“Don’t you dare do it, you snitch.” Vi glared down at (Y/N), knowing exactly what was about to happen.
“Playing with other kids?” Vander pushed (Y/N) a little more.
“No! I lied! Those dumb guys from a few blocks over were mouthing off about you so I gave them a piece of my mind! Called them a bunch of arrogant assholes and Vi kicked their asses!”
“(Y/N) are you kidding me?! Can you not keep it together for two minutes?” Vi threw her arms up in exasperation and Vander grinned. He always got the truth out, especially when it was (Y/N) carrying the operation.
“Looks like Vi got her ass kicked.”
“I did not!” Vi stomped her foot and Vander laughed at the display. These kids had been forced to grow up fast, but they were still kids when it came down to it and moments like these made him realize just how young they really were.
“I’m sorry! He gave me that look!” (Y/N) pleaded with Vi to forgive them but she was already making her way down the hall.
“Quit following me! I’m never helping you again!”
“You can’t do that! Chihuahua and pitbull! What happened to that?”
“Go find another pitbull! I’m not yours anymore!”
“Vi, please!” Vander laughed even more as their voices went out of range. He knew Vi would always have (Y/N)’s back no matter how pissed off she got. Vi had a soft spot for very few people, but (Y/N) was certainly one of those people. Not that the little hothead would ever admit such a thing.
“What do you mean he’s dead?” (Y/N) blinked at Vi, hands fidgeting with the papers they had been holding. They wanted to think this was some sick joke and Vander would come out, but the tears staining Vi’s face told (Y/N) everything they needed to know.
“I mean he’s fucking dead! Gone! Never coming back!” (Y/N) flinched at Vi suddenly raising her voice and they fell silent, letting the room settle for a moment.
“They’re all dead.” Vi was suddenly quiet and when (Y/N) came back to, she was sitting on the ground with her head in her hands. It took no time at all for (Y/N) to drop to the ground, arms around her.
“Milo? Claggor? Powder?”
“I left Powder there.” Vi admitted and it took (Y/N) a moment to process what she said.
“What?”
“I left Powder.” They didn’t need Vi to repeat herself, they needed Vi to fucking explain.
“She’s a child.” The anger wasn’t hidden at all as (Y/N) pulled away.
“I know! She- she showed up and everything went to shit! If she had just fucking listened and stayed put with you then everything would’ve been okay! Why did you let her go?” (Y/N) blinked at Vi for a moment, silence was deafening
“Are you trying to turn this on me?” Their voice was eerily calm and Vi knew it was about to go south real quick.
“No, I-”
“You left your little sister, the only fucking family you have left now, because you were upset with her. You left her with people who want her dead and you left her there to see all of her family dead because of a mistake she knows she made.” (Y/N) stood up and Vi reached for them, but they had already stepped back.
“I know, I- I need to go back for her.”
“You’re staying here. Alone. I’m going to get her.” Vi scrambled to her feet to catch (Y/N) before they made it to the door, grabbing their arm.
“Please.” (Y/N) looked at Vi for a moment before they held their pinky up for her.
“I’ll come back, I promise.” Vi looked at the pinky before she linked hers with theirs and let them go without saying anything back. Vi stood in the doorway, watching (Y/N) walk away as she replayed everything over again. Their screams, crying, everything she said to Powder. She left her little sister all alone to fend for herself. Her crying sister who was just trying to help. Now, she has pushed (Y/N) away, the only person who has ever taken her side without question. Vi had fucked up time and time again in one night, and she didn’t even realize she wouldn’t be seeing (Y/N) again.
It had been years since (Y/N) last saw Vi. They hadn’t found Powder and when they came back, Vi was gone. They had moped around for a while and been lost for what to do, but they found themselves and pulled their shit together. Vander wouldn’t want them lingering around like a lost puppy and Vi would laugh in their face if she knew (Y/N) was at a loss. (Y/N) spent years building up from the bottom, getting their own bar like Vander had and creating a safe space. Silco had taken over their spot and took the last bit of Vander they had, but that didn’t stop (Y/N) from doing whatever they could to carry on Vanders legacy.
“I heard Vi is back in town.” (Y/N) rolled their eyes at the patron, wiping the counter down.
“I’ve told you that those kinds of jokes aren’t funny and I will have you escorted out.” The patron shook his head at them.
“No, no! I’m serious. Whispers on the street that some Enforcer let her out of jail. I just know the spark you two had and figured you might want to know.” (Y/N) sighed some, but they did appreciate the heads up. It wasn’t something they would believe until they saw it though.
“Thank you.” It was sincere and it seemed to suffice. (Y/N) didn’t open up much about their past to anybody, but every once in a while they would partake in having a few drinks with a regular and would open up some. It gave them a chance to talk about Vander, Milo, Claggor, Vi, and Powder on occasions. It was bittersweet and sometimes (Y/N) would end up shedding a few tears, but it was lovely to share their legacies.
It was late and they were finishing cleaning up. As tidy as they tried to keep things, it was a bar. The endless sweeping and mopping was never truly completed and (Y/N) could go on for hours about how often they had to wipe down the counters. A knock on the doorframe had them sigh, but it wasn’t enough to make them turn around and give whomever it was their full attention.
“Sorry, you’ll have to come back tomorrow. We’re closed now.”
“Even for me, sunshine?” The voice was unmistakable and made (Y/N) turn around. They blinked a few times before they dropped their broom and were in her arms in the blink of an eye.
“Oh my God.” It was muffled from their face being tucked into the crook of Vi’s shoulder and neck. Strong arms were around (Y/N) and it was only a matter of minutes before they were crying on her.
“I thought you died! Then I heard you were in jail and I was so mean the last time I saw you.” (Y/N) cried harder and Vi shook her head, pressing a soft kiss to their temple.
“I never held that against you. I’m here and alive.” It took what felt like hours for (Y/N) to calm down before they were sitting at a table and talking normally. Vi didn’t want to interrupt (Y/N), but she had to get things moving before they got too excited and got their hopes up.
“Hey,” Vi spoke softly and reached over to gently take (Y/N)’s hands. “I have some things to tell you.”
“Okay, I’m listening.” Vi didn’t speak after that for a long minute, simply taking in how (Y/N) had changed. They had grown up a lot and had gained a few small scars. They actually had a little bit of muscle now and Vi was proud to see that, seeing as how she had always been saving (Y/N) when they were younger.
“I loved you.” Vi openly admitted and (Y/N) thought they were going to throw up.
“Don’t do this to me.” (Y/N) pulled their hands away and Vi shook her head.
“No, I have to tell you. I loved you. You were my everything. You were so smart and so strong and so witty all the time. You pushed every single one of my buttons and yet I never hit you. You’ve always been my biggest weak spot and I need you to listen to me.”
“You’re saying it all in the past tense.” Vi paused and stood up to grab their arm as they moved away.
“It still all stands true. You know I still love you. Why else would I search the whole undercity to find you? I don’t go hunting around for anybody.” (Y/N) looked up at Vi and shook their head.
“So why tell me now? Are you dying?”
“No, but I might. I can’t have anybody know how much you mean to me otherwise they will come for you. If something happened to you and I lost you, I think I would go crazy.” Vi reached up to gently cup their face.
“That’s why I’m telling you. I know you would follow me blindly into anything, but I need you to know how serious I am about staying away from me and anything involving me.”
“So you’re gonna tell me you love me and then tell me to get the fuck away?”
“Well it sounds really bad when you say it like that.”
“That’s what you’re doing!” (Y/N) pulled away from Vi and crossed their arms, putting some distance between the two.
“You’re not understanding. I’m trying-”
“I don’t need you to protect me! I’ve done it just fine on my own for ten fucking years! I’m not some helpless kid anymore, Violet. I’m a grown adult who’s had to deal with all my shit on my own.”
“I come back and you’re pissed at me! Leave it to you to be ungrateful!”
“Fuck you! Ungrateful would be having a home to always return to and you choosing not to!”
“I was in jail!” It was a screaming match and if either of them didn’t care enough about the other, it would’ve been throwing things and swinging arms.
“I heard yelling, is everything okay?” (Y/N) looked over at the door to see a tall woman in an Enforcers uniform looking concerned.
“Not now, Caitlyn.” Vi put her hand up to the woman and (Y/N) narrowed their eyes at the tattooed woman.
“Who the fuck is that?”
“I’m Caitlyn, I-”
“She’s nobody.” Vi cut her off and the flash of hurt across her face answered any question (Y/N) could possibly have.
“Get out.” They pointed to the door and Vi took a step closer.
“Please, sunshine, talk to me.”
“Get the fuck out.” (Y/N) left no room for arguing and Vi knew things would only get worse if she stayed and tried to talk, so Vi turned and left. The way Vi grabbed Caitlyn's shoulder and tugged her out made (Y/N)’s stomach twist. They stood in their bar in silence, trying to compose themself and get it together. Vi had come back, which (Y/N) was grateful for, and had even said she loved them. It was everything (Y/N) could have wanted, and yet it hurt more than when Vi was gone.
“She comes in and tells me she loves me and then invites some new bitch in!” (Y/N) threw the rag on the counter and Ophelia, a young woman who helped (Y/N) run the bar, flinched some. Ophelia knew everything there was to know about (Y/N), including everything with Vi.
“Well did she invite her in, or did she come in on her own?” The glare she received answered the question for her.
“From what I’ve heard, Vi seems pretty bad at expressing emotions. She really opened up to you and it probably didn’t go the way she was expecting. I bet that hurt her.”
“Whose side are you on?” It wasn’t what (Y/N) wanted to hear, but they knew it was true.
“Do you believe her?”
“Yes.” There was no hesitation on (Y/N) answering the question. Vi would never lie about something so serious and the tender look in her eyes told them everything she was saying was true.
“Then you need to apologize for the outburst. I know there was a lot of emotions and it was a sudden bomb dropped, but an apology is needed.” It was true and they knew it, but they had no way to get in contact with her. It would just be a waiting game for when she floated back through, if she ever did.
It was almost like fate had heard (Y/N) wanting Vi to come back because later that night, the pink haired woman came sweeping into the bar again. (Y/N) had been facing the door this time and smiled once she saw her. Vi stood by the door until (Y/N) waved for her to come sit at the bar. Vi didn’t say a word, and (Y/N) knew they had to break the silence.
“I’m sorry. I said some really hurtful things to you and I acted out of line.”
“I shouldn’t have dropped all of that on you at once. It seemed a lot more romantic in my head.” Vi smiled some and was happy to see (Y/N) smiling back.
“Well, you have always been really bad at romance.” Vi squinted her eyes and they were laughing once again.
“I’m sorry too, you know. For disappearing, for never sending you word of what I was up to, for coming back and dropping all of that on you.” There was a hand on (Y/N)’s face again and they gave her a small smile.
“I know you are.” It was a comfortable silence that followed where (Y/N) just enjoyed the comfort of Vi’s presence. It had been years since (Y/N) last felt they could let their guard down and feel safe.
“Are you sleeping with that woman?”
“Huh?” The sudden question confused Vi before she was grinning.
“Are you jealous?” She asked and (Y/N) nodded.
“Absolutely yes. Answer the question.”
“No, I’m not. The thought hadn’t even crossed my mind.”
“Pinky promise?” They linked pinkies and it seemed to satisfy (Y/N) enough to relax again. Vi had forgotten the childish, yet sacred promises they had made, but the pinky being held in her face made all the memories come crashing back. The first time she met (Y/N), all the trouble they got into, all the times they had each other's backs. It made Vi remember why she really fell in love with (Y/N) in the first place.
“I can’t stay here.” Vi spoke softly and (Y/N) nodded.
“I know.” They spoke softly. As badly as they wanted Vi to stay here, they knew she couldn’t stay. She was here on business and had an Enforcer, whom she cared about, on the line.
“You’ve changed a lot.” Vi murmured, bringing (Y/N) to rest their head against her collarbone.
“I can throw a punch now.” They were tugged closer to Vi who brought her hand up to the back of their head and ran her fingers through their hair.
“I’m so proud.” Vi spoke like she wouldn’t be seeing (Y/N) again and that thought made them tug away and look up at her.
“Are you coming back?” The look in Vi’s eyes as they asked the question gave them the answer they didn’t want.
“Will you be alive?”
“I hope.”
“Can I come with you?”
“You know the answer to that, sunshine.” It would be no. Any situation that would put (Y/N) in the line of serious danger would always be a no. They were partners in crime until the crime involved serious risks, and Vi never let (Y/N) be in the way of danger.
“Can you stay here for the night?” (Y/N) wanted one night with Vi. Just one night of peace where they didn’t have to worry about the next time they would see her.
“I can do that for you.”
Vi stayed the whole night, letting (Y/N) cuddle up to her side and hold onto her like they might never see her again. In their defense, there was no guarantee (Y/N) would really see Vi again. It was possible this would be the last night they would ever spend with her again and they planned to soak up every moment of it. Before they fell asleep, they made the mental note to make Vi breakfast and have a good farewell for her. Unfortunately, once (Y/N) woke up, Vi was gone.
Days turned into weeks that turned into months where (Y/N) didn’t hear anything from Vi. There was no note and no word sent their way, and it was slowly driving them crazy. They had heard the stories of fighting and violence, heard the explosions and knew everything that was going on. Against everything they were told, they searched for Vi and never found a single trace. It was like hunting a ghost.
“You know where she is?” (Y/N) looked at the man with the scarred face, nervously shifting some. She had heard stories of Silco and knew he wasn’t a man to be trusted, but she was desperate.
“Of course I do. I have her sister.” He answered and the mention of Powder made (Y/N) frown some. She had been missing forever and presumed dead. Had this man kidnapped her?
“Powder?”
“It’s Jinx now, but yes.” (Y/N) hesitated for a moment before she sat down in the chair across from him and leaned forward.
“Can I see her? Pow- I mean Jinx.” Silco chuckled some and shook his head.
“She’s out now,” He leaned to turn a picture frame on his desk around for them to see. Framed in it was a much older Powder. Her hair was so long it was crazy, and she had gotten tattoos just like her big sister. She was smiling from ear to ear holding a gun that (Y/N) only assumed she had built herself. “But I do have proof she is alive and well.”
“She’s so big.”
“She’s grown quickly, yes.” Silco turned the photo back to him and looked at the photo fondly, like a proud father.
“But she was very broken when I found her. Crying, curled up, begging for help. Begging for her sister.” The words he spoke broke (Y/N)’s heart and they knew it had to be true. They knew how close the sisters were.
“Luckily, I was able to take her under my wig and help her grow. No help to that girl of yours, she really did a number on my Jinx.” (Y/N) didn’t doubt this either. They could go without the negativity towards Vi, but when they took a step back they understood the points Silco had.
“Have you been keeping tabs on Vi?”
“Me? No. Jinx has been doing that entirely on her own.” Powder had always been fairly independent so (Y/N) wasn’t surprised to hear that. They were surprised to hear Powder had picked the side of a man who seemingly brought nothing but evil to the undercity, and the man who played a part in keeping her big sister in jail. (Y/N) would understand the grudge held against Vi from Powders perspective. They would probably do the same if their big sister left them the way Vi did.
“So, do you want to make a deal?” Silco broke (Y/N)’s train of thought and they looked at him before nodding.
“Yes.” They didn’t know what they were getting into, but they knew it would get them to see Vi again. (Y/N) was more than willing to do anything to see her again.
Jinx had grown into such a smart girl and she blew (Y/N)’s mind everyday. Working with Silco was oddly like a breath of fresh air and seeing Jinx again made (Y/N) ease into a sense of home. Granted, she was a little off the deep end now but she had experienced so much trauma at such a young age that it wasn’t something (Y/N) would hold against her.
“She should be here.” Jinx spoke softly to (Y/N) who simply nodded. Get Caitlyn and Vi was sure to follow behind. Vi had absolutely nothing in Piltover if she didn’t have Caitlyn, and as much as that thought hurt (Y/N), they knew they had to kidnap Caitlyn.
“I can’t believe she chose an Enforcer over you.” Jinx scoffed.
“You’re telling me.” (Y/N)’s morals had become a bit skewed when she made her deal with Silco, but Jinx was always there to reassure her that they were on the right side and picked the right person to work with. Vi had taught (Y/N) a lot in their younger years and it really came in handy, especially when kidnapping Caitlyn.
(Y/N) had been sent to stand guard while everything went down in the room. They heard the occasional yelling, manic laughter of Jinx, and the scuffling of people trying to move chairs. It wasn’t until they heard Jinx screaming that they opened the door, just in time to catch one of the stray bullets being shot off. It didn’t kill them, but it was enough to put them on their ass and hold their shoulder.
The soft whimpering of Jinx echoed as she sat before Silco as he used his last breaths to talk to her. (Y/N) barely had time to process what was happening before Vi and Caitlyn were making their escape and taking (Y/N) with them. (Y/N) held onto Caitlyn as she supported most of the weight of both them and Vi, but looked back towards where Jinx was.
“She lost her dad again.” (Y/N) could only imagine the kind of hurt Jinx was in right now.
“What the hell were you doing there?” Vi scowled at (Y/N) once they had made it back to (Y/N)’s bar and got mostly patched up.
“I- He- Silco said he knew where you were and I wanted to see you again. I hadn’t heard anything for so long.”
“You made a deal, didn’t you?” Vi cut (Y/N) off who nodded.
“Yes.”
“Are you stupid?”
“Probably.”
“Are you okay?” Caitlyn cut in and looked over (Y/N)’s shoulder who winced when she pressed into it.
“I got shot.”
“I know.” Caitlyn frowned at their response.
“You would’ve cried like a baby ten years ago.” Vi teased some and (Y/N) laughed.
“It’s taking everything I have to not cry now.” Caitlyn finished patching up (Y/N) and gave their good shoulder a gentle pat.
“You should be okay. It’s just going to hurt for a while until it fully heals. Keep it clean and don’t overdo it and you should heal just fine.” (Y/N) nodded and mentally logged the information they were given.
“Once all of this is over, I think I’m gonna marry you.” Vi spoke up, eyes locked on (Y/N). They blinked at her for a second, unsure of what to say before smiling.
“You haven’t even taken me out on a date and you’re talking about marrying me? Do you hear this?” They looked up to Caitlyn who simply laughed.
“Maybe it’s the near death experience making her talk crazy.”
“I’m serious!” Vi defended herself and both Caitlyn and (Y/N) shared another laugh.
“I’ll officiate it.” (Y/N) laughed again.
“We have our officator! Who’s gonna be the flower girl?” (Y/N) smiled and Vi rolled her eyes at the two of them poking fun at her.
“Nevermind, we’re getting divorced.” (Y/N) and Caitlyn laughed harder at her comments.
“Whatever! I’m never opening up again!” Vi huffed and crossed her arms, twisting in her seat to face away from the two.
Explosions at the capital made everything shudder and they knew this was far from over. There wasn’t anybody to take over control of the undercity, and Piltover was slowly falling apart. Once the three breached the surface and saw the fire and smoke, they knew it would be the grace of God for them to survive. (Y/N) grabbed onto Vi’s hand and Caitlyn held onto (Y/N)’s free arm.
“I don’t think I want to do this.” (Y/N) murmured softly.
“Do you want to get married or not?” Caitlyn smiled down at them and they laughed at her question.
“I guess you’re right. Let’s go officitor.” Vi rolled her eyes at them, but smiled regardless. It would be a rocky road full of hurt and sorrow, but the three were confident they would have each other's backs. (Y/N) was just happy to have Vi back in their grasp, and they knew Caitlyn could be trusted.
“Wait, wait.” Vi halted them all and held her pinkies out to them.
“Pinky promise me that all of us will do whatever we can to get out alive. Together.” Caitlyn looked confused for a moment before she linked her pinkies with both of them.
“Promise.” (Y/N) and Caitlyn both answered in sync before they smiled and continued on.