Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Vi opens the door to her new apartment, taking in the smell of freshly painted walls and waxed floors. The complex sits a mile or so outside of the university campus, newly built to house the sports scholarship holders. She puts her box labelled ‘sentimental shit’ down in the corridor before venturing further in.

Every wall is white, the floors an oak colour; a place she can make her own. She ventures around some more, finding a small bathroom and large bedroom. Luckily, the place is furnished, so she doesn’t have to worry about finding the energy to put up a bed to sleep tonight.

Diving onto the mattress, she takes her phone out of her pocket. The team group chat is alive and buzzing, each of them sending pictures of their own apartment. She chuckles to herself, scrolling through the university’s page.

Her thumb hovers over a picture of a group of new politics students. Icy blue eyes jump out at her through the pixels. She stares for a little while, intrigued, taking in the tall drink of water among the other students, before continuing to scroll.

The endless scrolling is finally interrupted by a phone call, an unknown caller. She answers anyway.

“Hello?” Vi questions. She doesn’t even like answering calls from people she knows.

“Hi there. Is this Vi? It’s Mel calling, from the student body. How are you settling in?”

Vi’s shoulders loosen. It’s just some university crap - nothing serious. “This is Vi. Apartment is good, thanks.”

“That is great to hear!” Mel speaks enthusiastically. “So, you’re probably wondering why I’m calling you. Well, as you know, you are now the Zaun University Soccer Captain and there’s this event-”

Vi audibly groans.

“N-nothing major,” Mel chuckles nervously in response to the groan. “You’re required to attend the university’s official opening event tomorrow. You’ll obviously be representing the team and other students will be representing their classes and extra-curricular... How does that sound?”

Vi inhales deeply through her nose, pinching her brow. Calming herself before responding.

“That’s fine - tomorrow. What time and where do you want me?”

“The main building’s lobby at 4pm. Please come dressed in your usual match attire.”

“B-but I’ll look ridiculous!” Vi protests.

“Listen, Vi. You seem to like limited social interaction - just consider that wearing your match attire means people are less likely to ask you questions.”

She hadn’t considered this – sounds like a good deal. Spend a couple of hours hanging around, no-one bothering her, and then she can go home. Her compulsory activity over.

“Deal. See you then.” Vi hangs up the phone before Mel can rope her into any more boring shit.

Springing out of the bed, she rifles through mounds of plastic bags to find her kit to hang it up. It isn’t her colour – blue. Almost reminds her of those eyes… Anyway.

Once her kit is hung, she continues to unpack. The sentimental shit box containing, well, you know... Faded photographs of her family: Jinx, Vander, Mylo & Claggor. Jinx is the only one left. A few love letters from ex flings, not serious to her, but evidently to them. Some old foreign coins and rocks from her travels. Again, sentimental shit.

A lot of it can sit in the back of a cupboard until she moves again, but not everything. Not the family picture from the trip to the Sun Disc in Shurima. The frame is withered, the only frame she’s ever owned. That picture is too important to rot away in a box. She places it carefully on the windowsill, making sure it faces her spot on the couch.

She moves the boxes of clothes to her bedroom, tearing the lids and emptying them out, until a mountain of clothes engulfs her bed. Looking in the mirror, she holds each piece against her muscular frame. Some of these T-shirts and pants are so old and worn out, but she keeps them anyway. They always move with her, from place to place; she enjoys picking up strays.

Trying to make a keep, thrift and trash pile, they all merge into one. She divides the pile into two – half to keep, half to trash. Time for a fresh-ish start, one step at a time.

Vi is awoken by the vibration of her phone on the hard floor. She hadn’t even realised that she had fallen asleep. Her eyes adjust, a single streetlamp shining through the window. The sun has started to set...

“What the fuck,” she groans, checking her phone.

48 texts and 17 missed calls from Jinx. This usually indicates disaster, though might also mean that she’s just bored and needs entertainment. Always hard to guess with her.

The phone calls again, giving Vi time to answer.

“Hey, J.”

“Look out of your window! I bring gifts!”

Vi chuckles, holding the phone to her ear as she uses her left hand to adjust the shutters. She looks out of the window - no Jinx. Surely, she remembered that Vi moved, right?

“J… I’m looking. You aren’t outside my window. You remember I moved into the new University building, yes?”

“Duh!” Jinx huffs. “Do you think I’m an idiot? I’m looking directly at room 307.”

Vi starts to giggle and doesn’t stop.

“What??? Please come and look, I brought your favourite.”

“I’m in room 317. Other side of the building.”

Jinx cries out in annoyance, running around to the other side of the building.

When she finally comes into view, Vi is still chuckling at her error. But then she sees what Jinx has with her: a 12 box of doughnuts and balloon. Very sweet. Very Jinx.

Making it upstairs to Vi’s place, Jinx beams. “It’s cute,” she says. “Smells like our high school gym in here.”

“It’s okay - it’s just a base.” Vi takes a big bite of her first doughnut. “I don’t think I’ll be spending a huge amount of time here. Between practice, school work a-”

“And a job,” Jinx interrupts. “Oh my god, you’re so boringgg, it’s all you’ve talked about with me about for weeks.” Her eyes widen, like a lightbulb suddenly lights up in her head. “Oh yeahhhhhh, I found you one of those!”

“A job?” Vi finishes the doughnut, wiping the sugar from her mouth.

“A job! The local bookstore’s looking for a cashier, stock assistant; an all-rounder type.”

“Perfect - well I need to app-”

“Wayyy ahead of you, sis,” Jinx announces with pride. “I may have sorta spoken to the manager and threa- insisted that they hire you.”

Vi’s brow furrows.

“The manager eventually understood my point of view,” Jinx giggles, happy with herself. “You start on Saturday.”

“J-” Vi hesitates.

As easy as it would be to read Jinx the riot act for using her intimidation tactics, despite being warned not to in the past, Vi knows she only wants to help. Besides, Vi really needs this job. Maybe it’s okay if her sister uses her powers for good, sometimes...

“I love you, Pow-Pow,” Vi says, hugging her tight and kissing her forehead.

Jinx squirms, trying to escape her big sister’s strong hold. “Let…go…!”

Vi laughs, eventually loosening her arms and freeing her sister. They both settle back down, making their way to the couch. Sitting in silence for a while, the pair scroll on their phones, time ticking away.

“Am I okay to crash here?” Jinx asks, breaking the silence.  She scratches the back of her neck. “I need a night away from the boring normality of things, y’know?”

Vi understands perfectly. This place is nice, but even nice places eventually wind up feeling like prison cells. Stuck, staring at the same four walls... She’ll have to get out at some point. Probably soon.

“Of course,” she says. “Did you wanna come and explore the campus with me tomorrow, before my thing?”

“Your thing?”

“I have to represent the soccer team,” she explains. “Some official opening bullshit. You can attend that too if you’d like?”

Jinx scoffs. “Campus exploration - yes. Boring opening bullshit – no.”

They both chuckle and continue with their chatter, before eventually calling it a night.

They sleep in Vi’s bed, top to tail, just like they used to when they were kids. Jinx passes out almost instantly, while Vi lays awake, hands behind her head. Thoughts rush through, swirling, like water down a drain.

What if she doesn’t impress everyone at the opening? What if they take away her scholarship? What if she loses this opportunity and ends up back on the streets?

She groans, covering her eyes with her hands. Turning on her side with a huff, she tries to get some rest.

The walk to campus is uneventful. It’s your average college town - a ton of bars, coffee shops, fast food joints. Vi even passes the bookstore she’ll be starting at on Saturday.

“Cute, right?” Jinx’s voice cuts through Vi’s thoughts.

“Yeah,” Vi huffs. “From what I can actually see.”

A stroll for Jinx is more of a gallop, dragging Vi with her at a million miles an hour.

“Well, I’m sorry that I care about you and your interests!” Jinx bites back. “I’m just excited - I want to see where you’re actually gonna be studying and playing!”

“I’ll barely be studying,” Vi says. “I’m here to play soccer. Just have to pass a couple of basic classes, no biggie.”

They continue walking - well, galloping - until they reach the campus. They both take in the views, the buzz in the air from students new and old. The buildings are surprisingly huge, all glass fronted, very modern for such a prestigious institution. The grass on the lawns is perfectly cut, like each blade has been trimmed individually with scissors. It is everything Vi has wanted, and more. A chance to be free from her other responsibilities; to focus on her real passion: soccer.

“It’s okay, I guess...”

“Pfft,” Jinx giggles at the underwhelming statement, thumping her shoulder. “Understatement of the century!”

At that, Vi lets out a nervous laugh.

As the two of them stroll along the path, a lady decorated in gold jumps in front of them. Her body stiff, a tense look is plastered across her face. “Vi!” She exclaims. “Oh, my goodness, you’re here!”

Vi looks to Jinx - the pair of them equally puzzled. She knows that voice, though...

“It’s Mel,” the lady clarifies.

Ah, Mel, of course.

“I’m glad you’re here early,” Mel continues. “Four pm is when the actual event starts, but you have urgent things to do prior. You need to come with me, now.”

Vi can tell Jinx is slightly disappointed. So much for their plans for a fun afternoon before all the boring official stuff. She puts her hand on Jinx’s shoulder.

Mel waits impatiently, as Vi says her goodbyes.

“I’ll make it up to you - pinkie promise.” Vi holds out her little finger, intentionally pouting her lips enough to make Jinx forgive her.

Jinx rolls her eyes with a smile, linking her pinkie with Vi’s. “Whatever,” she shrugs. “Text me later, bitch!”

Running off in the opposite direction, Jinx heads directly towards the candy store that Vi had told her not to even look in the direction of on their way through town.

Mel taps Vi on the shoulder, gesturing for them to leave with her thumb.

With a sigh, she follows, trailing a few steps behind.

The next couple of hours are spent taking promotional pictures, doing interviews and general prep for the event. This is not Vi’s scene, but she doesn’t want to mess it up. She wants to keep everyone sweet.

After the last obligatory interview, Mel peers her head around the corner of the door.

“I brought something for you!” Mel says excitedly, holding a zipped-up clothes bag. “Something you just have to wear...” She unzips the bag to reveal the new soccer team kit. “I know I told you to wear yours, but this just came in today. I thought you just had to be the one to give it its debut!”

The uniform is in much better condition than Vi’s. The design is mostly the same - the shirt a deep shade of blue, the shorts a bright white. The only notable difference is a collar, and two extra buttons. She likes it.

“And look-” Mel takes the jersey out and turns it over. “Your name! You are number eight, correct?”

On the back of the deep blue shirt is ‘Vi,’ with the number ‘8’ in a large, white decal underneath.

“It’s really cool.” Vi lets a genuine smile cross her face. “Thanks. Really.”

“I’ll leave you to get changed,” Mel says, hurrying to leave the room. “See you in five minutes.”

With Mel gone, Vi pulls the old jersey over her head, yanking her shorts down to her ankles and kicking them off into a pile in the corner. She carefully slips into the new, brighter white shorts, checking that her black trunks aren’t visible from underneath. She dons the jersey, looking over her shoulder in the mirror behind her to admire her name on the back. Ruffling her hair back into its rightful place and stepping back into her sneakers, she lets out a deep breath, before exiting into the corridor.

Outside the room, she reunites with Mel, who gives Vi a little clap. 

“Fabulous!” Mel leads the way, Vi following once more. “At your booth, you’ll find a laptop. Please could you use that to complete the tasks on the sheet of paper next to it. It shouldn’t take you too long, a questionnaire or two. Nothing too extravagant.”

When Mel comes to a halt, Vi nearly walks into the back of her.

“You’re home,” Mel proclaims, presiding over the booth.

Vi gives it a once over – Mel’s right; nothing too extravagant. The booth consists of a small table adorned with the team’s trophies. Vi takes some time to pick them up and admire them, reading the engraved names of past students. By the time Vi’s finished with the trophies, Mel’s gone.

A pile of neatly stacked flyers sits at the end of the table, ready to pass out to anyone who comes over. Vi has been carefully instructed to ‘spread the word.’ 

Vi stands there for what feels like hours - a few polite enquiries from neighbouring booths, a few polite smiles, a flyer handover - and that is that. Time to get on with some of the admin tasks.

Turning her back and sitting in the leather chair, she powers up the laptop and gets to work. 

The gentle hum of the room is suddenly interrupted by the obnoxious click-clack of heels approaching Vi from behind.

“How can you be a number six and a number eight?” A voice asks. Funny sounding accent.

Vi scoffs. She continues to type on the laptop, not dignifying the question with a face-to-face reply. Roman numerals? For a college soccer team? Really?

“It’s Vi, not six,” she says. “That’s my na-”

Swivelling in the chair, she’s met by those eyes - those big, blue eyes. Her cocky smirk fades; jaw tightening, cheeks feeling flush. Her eyes dart about, anywhere but the girl’s face.

“Well, okay, Vi-” She extends her hand. “I’m Caitlyn.”

Vi stares at that hand for a second or two before shaking it, still unable to make full eye contact.

“Soccer?” The girl – Caitlyn – asks. “Hockey?”

Vi coughs, her mouth dry.

Caitlyn towers over her. She must be over 6ft, even without the heels adding a few more inches. She’s all leg...

“Soccer... yeah...” Vi says, her brain thankfully starting to work again. She stands up, eye contact resumed. “I’m the new captain.”

Caitlyn gives a polite smile. She doesn’t seem to actually care; obviously just there to represent whatever she does, too.

“You must be good, then,” Caitlyn says. “My ex used to play - I’ve been told how intense it can be.”

“Where did he play?” Vi asks, pretending to be interested. Play the game, get the people onside.

This Caitlyn also isn’t too bad to look at...

“Oh, just the regional high school league. Nothing professional or anything.”

“I bet I played against him.” And won. She doesn’t really want to say that part aloud, though. Polite and friendly is all she wants to be until this girl goes away, which she’s hoping will be soon.

Caitlyn laughs, and Vi can’t figure out why.

“The Piltover high school league?” Caitlyn asks, still chuckling. Ah, she’s a Piltie. A stuck-up one at that.

“Maybe not.” Vi mumbles.

The rage begins to build. Vi wants to tell her to fuck off, right then and there. But she has to be charming, personable... Despite not wanting to be around this girl for another second, she realises she should ask about her, too.

“So, um, what are you representing?”

Caitlyn looks pleasantly surprised to be asked. “I’ve volunteered to lead the Politics club,” she says. “We debate, discuss, things like that.”

Vi can’t think of anything more boring. “Ah, interesting...”

The air turned stale.

“Well,” Caitlyn puts her hands in her pockets. “It was nice to meet you, Vi. I’ll look out for you if I’m at a game.”

“Sure,” Vi flashes her a quick smile. “See ya ‘round.”

Caitlyn walks away, and Vi can’t help but watch as Caitlyn introduces herself to another future victim of her snobby stance.

She doesn’t know if her attending a game would help or not - maybe she’ll be able to kick the ball harder if she imagines it’s Caitlyn’s stuck-up face? Maybe not.

The sun has long since set, the night air turning colder, but that doesn’t bother Vi. She enjoys the walk back from the campus, giving her time to fully calm down after the conversation with blue eyes.

Caitlyn? Caitlyn.

With the wind picking up, she tightens her hood to her head with the strings. Hands in pockets, she turns the corner to the apartment block.

Her path is lit by oncoming headlights – a car turning into the parking lot of the block. Vi keeps walking, not interested in making friends with anyone else living in the building.

As she approaches the block, she hears a pathetic sounding groan, shortly followed by another. Her eyes follow the sound, finding the cause to be the car that has just pulled into the lot. More so, the owner of the car, attempting to lift two large boxes out of the trunk.

She is instantly familiar to Vi.

Are you kidding me?

Vi lightly chuckles to herself, eyeing the apartment entrance. The pitiful sighs continue as Vi walks up to the door. She places her right palm on the handle, a louder grunt coming from the snooty woman.

“Ugh.” Vi sighs, knowing what she must do.

She backtracks, heading into the parking lot and up to the car. Reaching her hands out to grab the boxes, she pulls back when she is met by a guttural scream.

“What the fuck!?” Caitlyn shouts. “Get off my stuff, you fucking thie-” She glances down, seemingly recognising Vi. “Oh… It’s you.”

“Yes, it’s me,” Vi says, deadpan. “Did you want a hand? You sounded super pathetic from over there.” No need to be polite now; they’re technically off campus, after all. Caitlyn's eyes narrow, with the slightest clench to her jaw. In real time, Vi sees her face twist itself into a forced smile. 

“Please,” Caitlyn caves.

Vi unintentionally smirks, she sees Caitlyn roll her eyes. She definitely noticed. 

Once Vi has lifted the boxes from the trunk with ease, Caitlyn locks the car, and they head towards the building. They walk in silence, all the way inside and up to the elevator. To Vi’s relief, it arrives quickly.

Vi gets in first, Caitlyn following closely behind. Caitlyn presses for the 12th floor. The penthouse. Of course, the Piltie has managed to get the penthouse. Typical.

“I did ask for a regular apartment,” Caitlyn says.

Has she just heard Vi’s thoughts?

“Sure...”

“My parents built this place,” Caitlyn elaborates. “They insisted I had the top floor.”

Her parents built the apartment block...? She’s a fucking Kiramman? Could she be any more annoying?

“Can you please take your shoes off before you enter,” Caitlyn adds, as they reach the top floor. “I have a thing about dirt.”

Yes. Yes she could.

Chapter Text

Vi begrudgingly removed her sneakers before entering the penthouse. Even the front door was different to the other apartments in the block with it being made of solid oak. She looked at it a while, admiring the craftsmanship. The door was painted a bright white and with Caitlyn having a thing about dirt, this probably helped to keep her sane.

Caitlyn passed Vi whilst fumbling with her keys, the keyrings seemingly having entangled in her pocket. She eventually managed to unlock the door - her full body weight being used to push it open. As Vi tried to hide her smirk, enjoying the struggle, Caitlyn opened the door with a huff. She pressed her back against the inside as panic flashed across her face. The door was fighting against her, slowly inching shut.

“Will you get inside?!” Caitlyn stressed. 

Vi strolled intentionally slowly past Caitlyn, with them both making it inside as the door thudded shut.

Vi was frankly astonished at the size of the penthouse, she figured that her apartment could fit into this place six or seven times over. The interior was mostly all white, from the ceiling to the walls, down to the marble tiles on the floor. The outer walls were covered in floor to ceiling glass windows which overlooked the city below. Vi looked towards the skyscrapers, wondering what the people who lived in each lit up box were doing with their evening. She walked over to the nearest window and looked down from fourteen stories high. She couldn’t make out anything but the cars on the highway, one side flooded with white beaming headlights, the other with the dull red brake lights. It was a great view - one that Vi had rarely seen from living bottom-side.

The apartment was modern and open plan, with a black cast iron fireplace encapsulating the lounge area. In place of a TV stood a freestanding notice board which had been split into four sections. With no writing visible from where she was stood, the only difference Vi could make out about each section was the different coloured pins: orange, white, light pink, and dark pink. If she had known the girl better, Vi would have asked what it was all about, but she didn’t want to be there more than a second longer than required.

She looked over to the kitchen which had more life about it. The walls were a light-yellow colour which contrasted with the teal wall tiles. The counters were clear with only an electric kettle sitting beside the integrated oven. It was all very clean, like no-one even lived there.

“They belong in there.” Caitlyn pointed to the door at the back of the space, breaking Vi’s train of thought.

Vi bit her lip to stop herself saying something hostile, instead, making her way over to the door. She balanced the boxes against her hip with one hand, using the other to turn the doorknob. On the other side was a bedroom Vi assumed to be Caitlyn’s. 

This interior felt slightly warmer than the living area did. The walls were painted forest green with walnut coloured wooden panelling laid on top. A matching wardrobe and chest of drawers sat opposite the king-sized bed, with the frame colour matching that of the panelling.

Those legs definitely would need an extra-large bed.

Two bedside tables sat on either side of the bed with a stained-glass lamp rested on each.

“Have you never seen a bedroom before?” Caitlyn jeered as she stood behind Vi. 

“It’s just been a long time since a girl has invited me into hers.”

Vi’s crude response made Caitlyn’s eyes roll and lip curl. 

Putting the two boxes on the floor next to the wardrobe, Vi took a deep breath and turned on her heels, eager to leave. 

“Can I make you a tea? As a thank you?” Caitlyn asked, her hands clasped.

Vi knew she was only being polite in asking. She didn’t actually want her to stay and Vi didn’t want to stay for tea either. Vi saved them both the trouble.

“I’m good.” Vi opened the door with a strong yank, “you’re welcome.” 

With that, Vi had left the penthouse. She picked up her shoes and pressed the button for the elevator. It thankfully came quickly and she forcefully thumbed the third floor button. The doors closed, the box started to descend with a hum. 

Vi thought about the way Caitlyn looked down on her, treated her like the help. The way they all did. And Vi had let her? Vander’s words echoed in her head.

You’ve got a good heart.

The elevator stopped and the doors sprung open on the third floor. Vi walked hurriedly to her apartment, her feet getting cold from the laminate flooring below. 

Once inside, she grabbed a couple of doughnuts for her dinner, settling into her sunken spot on the couch. Engrossed by video after video on her phone, she chewed with her mouth wide, doughnut crumbs collecting at the hem of her hoody. She continued to scroll until there was nothing left to chew. 

The crumbs flew off onto the floor with a quick tug of the fabric as Vi began to strip each piece of her clothing off. Her clothes left a trail behind her as she headed to the bathroom and turned on the shower. It ran cold for the first few seconds and once the water became near scalding, Vi stepped in. As she washed her body, thoughts of what was in store for her tomorrow consumed her. The team was new, it was inexperienced. The thought of only having a few weeks to maintain and build upon the legacy that came with the badge was a scary one.

The shower wasn’t a long one, but it was enough. Leaving Vi as refreshed as she possibly could have been. Once in her bedroom she ransacked her drawers, as she pulled out and slipped into an oversized white tee and grey trunks. Vi slid into bed and got comfortable. Phone now in hand, she texted Jinx.

I’m texting you later, bitch. 

Vi chuckled lightly as 3 dots appeared almost immediately. 

How did it go????? I mayyyyy have spent a very large, yet undisclosed amount at that candy store…….

Of course she did. 

Was good. I’m sure u’ll be able to catch my face on the site tmrw -_- 

I look as happy as I usually do when my pic is taken…

The reply was immediate. 

Ecstatic then!! R u excited for Saturday?? 

Saturday? Ah. Her first shift at the bookstore. 

As excited as I can b I guess. What time did they want me? 

Jinx typed for a few seconds, those few seconds making Vi realise she had to get some sleep pretty soon. 

1, 2? Something like that. You’ll be great, u always are. Anywaysssss, goodnight sis <3333 

Vi held down on the text, giving it a heart. With a sigh, she locked her phone, resting it on her bedside table where it was plugged in. She turned on her side, closing her eyes to rest. 

Forty minutes into the first training session of the season, Vi and her squad took a quick break. The season officially started in a few weeks’ time and Vi had to make sure her team was ready for the drastic change in quality. College soccer was notoriously tough – both physically and mentally, which caused lots of high school soccer players to give up mere games into their first college season.

The warmup had felt tough on Vi’s legs; tic-tac-toe, dribbling and passing drills to get the squad to where they needed to be before their first practice game together. It had taught her two things: who needed to start and who needed to warm the bench. She remembered a few faces from when she had played against them in high school, but for those she didn’t recognise, they had to prove themselves. 

“I repeat - if you can’t find the striker: find Ekko.” Vi urged the squad. She looked around to see who was paying attention.

Ekko was one of those she remembered. She could now admit how talented he was but only because he was now on her side. A few years younger than her, a similar age to Jinx, but just as keen and good at the game. 

Vi played in the centre midfield, a typical number 8 - pushing her team forward and the opposing team back. Ekko - number 7 - played on the wings. His job was to dart through and between the defence, to assist and score. Naturally gifted in both feet, if you pointed to a top corner, he’d deliver. 

Vi clapped her hands twice and the team rushed to their positions. She was already showing why she was picked to be the captain. It wasn’t just her extensive knowledge of the game or the positive references from her high school team; it was her effortless ability to lead. 

Vi took a few steps back into her starting spot in the middle of the pitch. The squad were playing against each other, 9-a-side. She eyed the opposing team, scanning for weakness, looking for anything she could exploit. For the game this session, it was shirts vs training jerseys. Vi had found herself on team shirts and with Ekko on team training jerseys, Vi could tell that this would be fun.

She looked over to Ekko, narrowing her eyes. He found her eye contact and matched it – mirroring her expression. As the pair smirked, the ref blew the whistle and kicked the game off.

It was like the whistle activated a sleeper agent within Vi; with her suddenly standing tall, adjusting her feet so they were further apart, which in turn broadened her stance. The opposing team passed back to their goalkeeper, who kicked the ball long. Vi gently bounced on her toes, lightly swaying from side to side, keeping the ball in sight. Quickly scanning the opposing players movements, she noticed the long ball was intended for Ekko.

Pushing off from a bounce, she ran in his direction. He had already dribbled past two members of her team when she finally confronted him. Using her muscular build, she knocked him to the ground as he tried to flick the ball through her legs. She scooped the ball from under him before he touched the ground, her head up, eyes looking for an opportunity.

She made the run, Ekko and the others following closely behind. Metres from the box, she spotted the chance. Vi leant back to give the cross into the box more height, took a breath, and put her foot through the ball. It landed where she wanted it, her number 9 striking the ball hard with the top of her foot into the back of the net.

‘’Fuck yeah!’’ Vi shouted, pumping her fist. She ran to the striker to celebrate, looking back to Ekko as he stood in the centre of the pitch. His breathing was heavy and hard with his face scrunched into a grimace. She knew he would put up more of a fight now as there was too much pride on the line.  

The game restarted after the celebrations died down, with the teams going back and forth. It was very scrappy with techniques needing to be ironed out. Playstyles from certain team members needed to be adjusted to the formation Vi had proposed earlier. But both teams were getting close, a few clever moves from both sides, there was definitely potential there.

The equal possession continued into the latter moments of the first half, all the players in desperate need of a break. A sloppy pass from one of Vi’s teammates gave Ekko the ball. She stood firm as he ran towards her, the ball led by his left, then his right, then back to his left foot. She braced for impact as she lunged with her right leg at the ball, but it didn’t come. Ekko had touched the ball with the tip of his boot, pushing it past Vi. She could only watch in what seemed like slow motion as he wove his body past hers, Ekko now only a short run away from the penalty area. He found the ball again and steadied himself before he hit the ball by its valve. The defenders watched as the ball curved into the top right corner, the swoosh sound of the net felt almost painful as it rang around Vi’s ears.

Ekko’s team cheered, running to grab him, but he remained calm. Vi rolled her eyes as she had remembered what came next. Ekko high fived his striker before jogging over to her.

Vi let out a groan. ‘‘Go on then, get on with it.’’

Not needing the permission, he pulled a pretend hoverboard from behind his back, throwing it under his feet, swaying side to side, arms extended to ride.

That little shit.

He giggled in her face, Vi responded with only a scowl which was quickly followed by a finger pointing in his.

‘‘Don’t make me crush your fucking ankles, little man.’’

As Ekko finished the performance with a wink, the ref blew the whistle for half time.  

The second half was uneventful in terms of goals, but Vi didn’t mind the game ending with a 1-1 draw. The team showed potential and that is all she needed to see. She threw herself onto the grass watching as the other’s warmed down. She saw how they all interacted and tried to pick out any noticeable comradery between them. The team had bonded, there was no doubting that, but was it enough? Vi puzzled over the question in her head.

She leaned to her left and picked up her water bottle, crushing it above her mouth. She guided the steady stream onto her tongue, then let it splash all over her face. Moving her head under the flow, she ran her hand through her hair, soaking it. Vi felt instant relief as the water dripped down her neck and back, cooling her.

A hand rested itself on her shoulder, the pressure felt unfamiliar. Vi flicked her head around to see the culprit, inadvertently spraying Ekko with the mixture of water and sweat from her head. His smile faded into an exaggerated frown which made Vi snicker.

‘‘I was going to say, ‘great job Captain’ and tell you that I’m looking forward to the first game and then, after all of that, I was going to take a shower.’’

Vi lifted her hair from her face and matched his tone.

‘Well, I was going to say, ‘thank you, vice-captain’ and compliment your goal. But I guess both of our plans have changed.’’

Ekko began to resemble a puppy. His eyes and smile grew wider as he realised what Vi had just said.

‘‘Are you sure?’’

Vi stood up from the grass, putting a reassuring arm around him.

‘‘100%.’’ They began to walk towards the changing rooms, Vi’s arms now by her side.

‘‘You may not be the tallest or strongest player out there, but you’re the bravest. My lunge could have snapped your fucking leg and you kept your cool. It makes you dangerous.’’ Vi looked beside her to find Ekko looking smug. ‘‘But if you try that shit again, I won’t miss the second time.’’ 

‘‘You would purposefully give me a career ending injury to prove a point?’’

‘’I’d do it for so much less than that.’’

The pair shared a laugh as they headed separately into the showers.

what do bookstore cashiers wear

picture of bookstore cashier

bookstore cashier not feminine outfit

Vi scrolled through the results from her prompts, looking over each picture to figure out what she should wear for her first shift. After thinking in front of the mirror some more, she settled on a sleeveless black tee and light-coloured jeans.

She had ripped the material on the thighs herself when she first bought them after being told by a friend that girls love that. Her friend wasn’t wrong, the jeans managed to do the trick. Multiple times.

Once on, she firmly ran her hands down the front of her tee which helped to smooth out any creases. She picked up the cologne bottle from the counter nearby, spraying herself all over. Vi had used the same scent for years: top notes of green tea and papaya mixed with base notes of musk and amber: the cologne usually worked with women too.

Vi moved idly around the bedroom as she tried to remember what the next step in her routine was. Tapping on her temples, she suddenly clicked her fingers and hummed affirmatively.

After grabbing it out of one of her many boxes she had yet to unpack, she lifted the lid on her wooden jewellery box. The box was pretty beaten up with only one of its two hinges still attached. The wood had multiple chips from the times it had been thrown or dropped by Vi over the years. Vi picked out a trio of rings and as she slipped them onto her fingers - two on the left and one on the right - she remembered Jinx gifting them to her when they were just kids.

Jinx was around five or six, on Christmas Eve. She couldn’t wait to give it to her. Vi remembered the sweet look on her face as she watched her unwrap the box containing the rings, the box held shut by mismatched ribbons Jinx had found on the street outside. They were one of Jinx’s first creations, made by her welding pieces of shrapnel together that she had picked up after an enforcer raid. The rings were a lot tighter on Vi’s fingers, but she persisted because she loved her little sister.

She loved and trusted Jinx so much that she was going to start a job at a place she only knew the bare minimum about. All she knew was that by Jinx’s recollection it was ‘pretty cute’ and that it ‘had got a ton of books.’ Vi chuckled to herself as she slung her backpack over her shoulders, leaving the apartment and heading to the bookstore.

The bookstore felt cosy. Warm white lights hung low overhead, the lampshades matching the brown tones of the exposed brick walls. A large counter faced the entrance with a blonde girl sat behind it. Vi watched as she twirled her hair around her fingers, seemingly engaged in a purple covered book. When the girl looked up, their eyes met, and they exchanged a polite smile.

Taking the smile as an invitation to approach, Vi walked over to her, noticing the overstuffed bookshelves that went for miles to the back of the building. The girl turned her book over as Vi placed her palms onto the counter.

‘‘Are you the new starter?’’ The girl asked, as she slid a piece of paper across the desk, looking down to it, ‘‘Vi?’’

Vi looked at the paper which had her name written on it.

‘‘Yeah, that’s me.’’ She remembered how she had gotten the job in the first place, ‘I’m sorry about my sister, she can be… a lot. I hope she didn’t scare you too bad.’’

The girl looked at Vi, puzzled by the apology. Vi returned the expression.

‘’My sister, blue hair? She said she came in and spoke to the manager to get me the job.’’

The girl’s eyes widened as her polite smile turned to a grin. She laughed abruptly, making Vi jump.

“The manager left…” She spoke between deep chuckles. “Not a word to anyone, he just….”

“Yeah… Jinx can have that effect on people.”

“It’s admirable! You need to bring her in. She’ll get your discount too, which reminds me.”

She came out from behind the counter, breaking her rambling.  “Welcome to Bandle Bookstore.” She pointed upwards, “and café! I’m Lux.”

Vi looked up to see another floor above, a spiral staircase at the back of the ground floor leading upwards. She had wondered why she had smelt coffee but figured it was her body telling her she needed a cup. “Café too, huh? Jinx didn’t mention it.”

“It seems like she only had one thing on her mind, she probably didn’t even look up.” Lux giggled.

Vi joined in as she responded, “Yeah, that seems like her.”

The giggling quickly ended as Lux left Vi alone for a few moments, going into the staffroom at the back of the store to fetch her uniform. Vi gave the store another once-over, this time taking in the smell of the coffee beans and the sound of the creaky, wooden floorboards. She liked it and could see herself sticking it out more than one shift. Lux seemed nice enough and the pay was okay. There wasn’t any apparent reason that this would be a bad deal.

Lux came out of the staffroom with Vi’s uniform, new and sealed in plastic packaging. As she handed the packages to Vi, she explained what they both were.

“They’re pretty chill. They only need us to wear a cap and polo, everything else you wear is fair game and don’t worry about putting any of it on for your first shift, just wear it next time. Oh!’ She stopped herself, having remembered something. “You also have an apron because you’ll be working in the cafe. It’s all upstairs, I’ll take you.”

Lux led Vi to the spiral staircase and they both ascended. Once on the first floor, the pair headed behind the counter.

“Its pretty simple. We’re not a fancy place, the machine makes six types of coffee, and we have hot water for tea. We get freshly baked goods in every morning from our supplier, they tend to sell out by close but if they don’t, feel free to take some home.”

Vi smiled and nodded as Lux carried on talking.

“You’ll learn the regulars’ faces pretty quickly. It has been just me here for a few days, before that it was only me and Ben, but…” Lux stifled a giggle. “Yeah… Anyway. The bathroom is in the corner and yeah! Just shout down if you need my help, otherwise, I’ve got to keep an eye on the store.”

Vi was shocked at how quick this was going, her already overseeing the café after only a few minutes. As Lux headed towards the stairs, the sound of a lock clicked behind Vi, which made her turn.

“How could I forget! This is one of our regulars…”

“Caitlyn.” Vi cut off Lux.

The apparent reason for Vi to quit had appeared, as if by magic. Or witchcraft.

“Number eight, how lovely to see you.” Caitlyn smiled through gritted teeth.

“Always a pleasure to see you too, cupcake,” Vi bit back.

“Cupcake?”

“Because you’re so sweet,” Vi said, sarcastically.

Caitlyn scoffed as she walked past Vi and sat back in her seat. She picked up the book on the table and began to read, ignoring Vi’s presence.

It was like Vi could not escape her. She attended the same university; she lived in the same building, and she was also a regular at Vi’s job. It was like the universe was giving Vi the middle finger, a big ‘fuck you’ for her past sins.

Lux went back to the bookstore, leaving Vi on her own to settle in behind the counter. She fiddled with the coffee machine and read the ingredients of the baked goods, trying to pass the time until she could be free of the hell she had found herself in. Caitlyn continued to read her book, every now and then looking up at Vi, to then scoff and resume. Vi caught on to her routine, making sure to lock eyes with her when she looked up again. Caitlyn blushed, looking back towards her book.

“Did you want anything, Cupcake?” Vi smirked.

“Oh-um- a tea.”

“A tea?”

The dominance shifted once again.

“Yes, a tea. Do you know how to make one of those? Or do you need Lux’s help to turn on a tap?”

Vi didn’t give her what she wanted, she instead remained calm and composed. She would kick a few Caitlyn’s-head-shaped soccer balls later.

Vi turned on the boiling water tap, letting the tea bag brew for a minute before she threw it in the trash. She brought the mug over, placing it gently in front of Caitlyn. She gave Vi the cash before she licked her pointer finger and turned a page. Vi made her way back behind the counter and started to clean.

Caitlyn had looked disappointed. Vi was not sure why, maybe because she hadn’t engaged? Maybe Caitlyn had looked for a fight. All Vi knew was that this sucked and it was only the beginning.