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₊˚｡⋆❆⋆｡˚₊ Five months after the war, it happened. The city, once battered and scarred, found itself wrapped in the soft silence of winter’s embrace. Winter sunk its fangs into Piltover and wouldn’t let go. Piercing winds howled through the empty streets, the cold so cool and bitter, stinging like nettles. It turned skin red and raw, cracked. Snow began to fall in delicate, swirling flakes, blanketing the streets in a layer of quiet white. The sharp edges of broken buildings softened, their jagged silhouettes now muted beneath the powdery veil. The air was cold, but it carried a certain peace, as if the world itself held its breath. Footsteps in the snow echoed, but they were few and far between, as most people stayed indoors, watching the snow fall like a quiet promise, a gentle reminder of renewal. The remnants of destruction remained, but now, they were part of a new landscape—one that felt both foreign and familiar. Vi woke to the soft sound of footsteps approaching, the faint creak of the floorboards breaking the stillness of the room. Caitlyn’s voice, that familiar, lilted voice, gentle yet full of excitement, whispered her name, coaxing her from the depths of sleep. “Hey, love, wake up,” she murmured, her hand resting lightly on the bed. Vi’s lip twitched. That nickname was a newer one, one that came shortly after the first time they verbalized their feelings out loud, I love yous whispered in the dark of night. Hesitantly. Reverently. “You have to see this.” Slowly, Vi stirred, blinking against the remnants of a dream as her girlfriend gently brushed a strand of hair from her forehead. Her eyes, still heavy with sleep, met Caitlyn’s bright, expectant gaze. Vi found herself staring, blinking. She would never tire of that bright, bright blue of Caitlyn’s eyes. There was a certain fervor, a fire burning, in the depths in her eye, the one not hidden by the dark eyepatch. Vi slowly sat up, surprised. She hadn’t seen this expression on Cait’s face. Not for a while—not since before, in the dim light of an underground cell, in the moments before the battle, stealing kisses and breathing in the scent of each other. Holding each other close, as close as humanly possible, as if trying to fuse each other together, blood and bone, soul and mind. The months that followed the war were long and tedious. They had grown accustomed to feeling like this— the deep exhaustion carried deep inside them, carved into their bones. There was always something to do, someone to help, something to fix. Vi liked the work, she did. Or she told herself she did. She wanted to help, to play her part. The two cities both had a lot of work to do if they were ever to coexist. Vi wanted to contribute. She had to contribute. It was hard, long work, and it was the perfect distraction. She needed something to do—to keep her hands and mind busy. It had only been a few months, but she couldn’t let herself fall back into the deep, dark place she had been in before. She had sent longing side glances to the fancy bottles of wine and whisky left in the study. The bottle once called to her like a lover, its hollow promise whispering solace in the darkness. Each drink, a numbing escape, each sip, a desperate surrender. But one day, the weight of it all—her spirit drowning, her heart breaking—became too much. Caitlyn found one night, passed out in an armchair in the library, bottles littering the floor at her feet. She had been shaken awake, still slumped in the chair, her body limp and heavy, a glass half-filled with amber liquid still clutched loosely in her hand. Her breath was shallow and uneven, a sign of how deeply the alcohol had sunk into her system. The smell of whiskey mixed with the faint scent of Caitlyn’s perfume, an odd blend of sweetness and bitterness. Time had slipped away unnoticed, and now, hours had passed since she'd poured herself that last drink. The only sound in the room was the ticking of the clock on the wall, its rhythm slow and unforgiving. Caitlyn had stood there in the doorway for a moment, watching her, her heart heavy with a mix of anger, fear, and sadness. She had come home hours ago, her day filled with meetings and promises she had made to herself—promises to leave work behind, to rest, to be with Vi. But the moment she entered the Manor, there had been no sign of her. She'd searched through the sitting room, the parlor, and the kitchen, calling her name softly at first, then more desperately, until she finally found Vi in the chair, passed out, her head lolling to one side. Caitlyn had been so close to breaking down then, but she had managed to keep herself together, even as a cold panic gripped her chest. She gently knelt beside Vi, her hand trembling as she touched her shoulder. “Vi,” she whispered, a pleading note in her shaking voice. But there was no response. She shook her awake, her fingers pressing against her shoulder, jarring her out of the deep stupor she was in. Vi’s eyes fluttered open slowly, unfocused at first, as though the world around her was spinning. Her lips parted in confusion, and she blinked a few times, trying to register her surroundings. “Vi,” she said softly, trying to keep her voice steady despite the tears that were beginning to spill down her cheeks. “Violet, it's late. You need to wake up.” Vi’s eyes struggled to focus on her girlfriend’s face. She let out a low, almost inaudible groan, her vision blurry as she tried to make sense of everything. The room seemed to tilt and sway, and for a moment, she wondered if she had fallen asleep at some random hour during the day. “What time is it?” she slurred, her voice thick with the fog of drunkenness. “Didn’t you have a meeting or something?” Caitlyn’s face crumpled at the words, her heart breaking all over again. The realization hung in the air like a shadow. Vi had been so far gone, she hadn’t even noticed how long she’d been out of it. Caitlyn’s breath caught in her throat as she fought to choke down a sob, the emotion rising in her chest like an unstoppable wave. “No, Violet, darling,” Caitlyn whispered, her voice thick with anguish. “That was hours ago. I’ve been waiting for you to come to bed. I’ve been sitting here, hoping you’d... you’d come back to me.” She seemed to choke on the words. Her body shook as she reached out to touch Vi’s face, her fingers trembling against her skin. Vi’s hand, still holding the empty glass, trembled in the air before she dropped it to her lap. Her vision blurred even more as the weight of Caitlyn’s words sunk in. She blinked, trying to clear the fog in her mind, but all she could think about was how distant everything seemed—like she was underwater, her thoughts moving slowly, distantly, without meaning. “Gods, Cait…” Vi muttered, her voice distant and full of regret. She tried to sit up, but her body felt heavy, uncooperative. “I'm sorry. I'm so sorry I... I don’t even remember.” Caitlyn gently shook her head, her hands cupping Vi’s face now, pulling her close, as though she needed to ground her somehow. The tears kept coming, and Vi could feel them wetting her cheeks, the warm, steady trickle of her girlfriend’s pain. “You’ve been drinking so much, Vi,” Caitlyn said, her voice a broken whisper. “I don’t know how to help you anymore. I don’t know what to do. I can’t keep watching this, watching you... fall apart.” Vi’s heart wrenched at the sound of her voice, so full of sorrow and exhaustion. She had known, deep down, that she was drowning in this bottle she couldn’t seem to put down. But it was different hearing it from Caitlyn. Seeing the tears streaking down her face, the anguish in her eyes, it shattered her in a way nothing else had. She closed her eyes for a moment, her body trembling as she finally faced the truth she had been running from. The truth she had buried beneath layer after layer of alcohol. She couldn’t go on like this. She didn’t want to be like this anymore. “I don’t want this,” Vi had whispered hoarsely, the words barely escaping her lips. “I don’t want to keep doing this to you... to myself.” Caitlyn’s breath hitched in her chest as she nodded, pulling Vi close, and pressing their foreheads together. “I know, love. I know. But you have to want it too, Vi. I can’t do this alone.” Vi closed her eyes, holding Caitlyn tight as though she were the only thing keeping her anchored to reality. “I want to change,” she said softly, her voice shaking with the weight of it. “I want to fight this. For you. For me. I just don’t know how.” In that quiet moment, as the glass trembled in her hand, she saw herself for the first time— truly saw. She saw a life worth fighting for, a love worth giving, and the faintest spark of hope flickered beneath the chaos. And so she let go. With trembling hands, she set it down. The poison no longer held her; she chose to live, to love, to breathe in the possibility of tomorrow, free from the chains she had bound herself with. The grief was a heavy burden, one that didn’t simply fade with time but became a part of her, woven into the fabric of who she was. It was a constant presence, a weight she carried with every step, silently whispering reminders of what she had lost. Yet, over time, she would learn to move through life with it, not as a cruel reminder, but as a quiet companion. She would understand that to survive, she must find a way to coexist with it—acknowledging its place without letting it swallow her whole. She may never fully heal, but she would live, one fragile breath at a time, allowing grief to shape her, not destroy her. To do otherwise would be to let it consume everything. Now, there was something contagious about the way Caitlyn smiled—the warmth in her singular blue eye, the way she seemed to radiate joy. Vi couldn't help but smile back, a soft, shy thing. With a soft sigh, she pulled herself up, wrapping the blanket around her shoulders as she followed Caitlyn to the window. The room felt cold, the air crisp, but there was something comforting about it. As Caitlyn pulled open the curtains, Vi’s breath caught. The world outside had transformed. Snow, pure and endless, had blanketed the earth, coating the trees and the distant rooftops and streets in soft layers of white. The Manor’s gardens had been covered in pure white. It was as if the world had been reset, each flake falling in perfect, quiet harmony. Caitlyn’s hand found hers, warm and grounding, as they both took in the peaceful scene. “I thought you’d want to see it,” she said softly, her voice full of love. Vi leaned into her touch, a sense of peace washing over her as she let the quiet beauty of the snow fill her heart. A smile tugged at her lips as she watched, feeling a sense of calm wash over her. For a moment, the world seemed to slow down, as if time itself had decided to take a breath alongside her. She was awake now, truly awake, and the snow had given her a quiet kind of joy. After a few silent moments, Caitlyn shifted beside her. Vi lifted her head, curious. Caitlyn was still smiling, warm and gentle. “Come on,” she said. She gave Vi’s hand a tug, and before she could ever protest, she was pulled out of the bedroom, down the hall, and into the foyer. The snowflakes fell softly around them, like tiny feathers drifting from a sky painted in shades of gray and pale blue. The world was muffled under the blanket of snow that covered the ground, the trees, even the rooftops of the distant houses. The air was crisp, biting, and fresh—sharp in a way that made every breath feel like the first breath after being underwater. It was the kind of cold that made you ache, but in a way that reminded you you were alive. Vi had only seen snow a few times in her life, and each time it had been more magical than the last. It didn’t snow much in Zaun. When it did reach the lower city, it was merely small, dirty flakes that crusted, gathering on rooftops and the tops of market stalls. It quickly melted, leaving slick puddles and gray slush on the streets. But this— this was something else entirely. She could hardly keep her eyes from wide amazement as she spun in a circle, letting the snowflakes land on her face and melt against her skin. Every movement, every small laugh that escaped her lips, seemed to leave a little trail of warmth in the otherwise frozen world. The ground beneath their boots was soft and giving, the snow a perfect powder, like something pulled from a storybook. Vi had never seen snow so deep, so pure. The trees around them were heavy with it, their branches drooping with the weight of the winter, the flowers in the garden frozen over, and the world had turned into something ethereal, something out of time, untouched by the rush of the outside world. Suddenly, from behind her, Caitlyn cleared her throat. Vi slowly raised an eyebrow. She barely had time to register the sound before she was struck. A snowball, cold and packed tight, collided with her shoulder. She gasped, her body jolting in surprise. Caitlyn, grinning from ear to ear, stood a few feet away, already preparing another snowball. “I may be missing an eye,” she said. “But I’m still an excellent shot.” Vi smirked, rolling her eyes. Her heart raced in excitement for once—not fear, not anger. Just… excitement. Joy. She could hardly remember a time when she had felt this carefree, her laughter ringing through the cold air as she scrambled to gather snow in her hands. It was a new feeling, this freedom, this joy. She had spent most of her life in places where the sun was always too rare and the air too stuffy, but now—here, with Caitlyn beside her—she was finally experiencing the wonder of winter in its purest form. She threw a snowball, her aim wild but full of giddy determination. It missed, splattering harmlessly into the snow at Caitlyn’s feet, but it didn’t matter. She couldn’t stop laughing, her cheeks flushed with the cold, her breath coming in quick, visible puffs. Caitlyn’s, always quicker than her, ducked and rolled to the side, narrowly avoiding Vi’s attack. “You missed!” She called out, hands cupped around her mouth. Then, with a mischievous glint in her eyes, Caitlyn launched herself at Vi, tackling her gently into the snow. Vi let out a breath of surprise as they both tumbled to the ground, their bodies entangled in the soft whiteness. The world seemed to slow as they lay there, breathless from their play, their faces inches apart. Snow gathered in their hair, on their eyelashes, and a soft blanket of white dusted over them. Caitlyn looked down at Vi, her eyes sparkling with something tender, something Vi couldn't quite name, but that made her heart beat a little faster. Vi, still laughing quietly, reached up to brush the snow from Caitlyn’s cheek. "You're crazy," she whispered, her voice full of affection and wonder. Caitlyn smiled softly, her fingers gently tracing the curve of Vi’s jaw. "I’m crazy for you," she murmured, and before Vi could respond, she leaned down, pressing her lips to her forehead. The kiss was soft and lingering, and when Caitlyn pulled back, her breath mingled with Vi’s in the chilled air. Her heart fluttered, her skin tingling from the warmth of the moment, despite the cold that surrounded them. Caitlyn kissed her cheeks next, one after the other, slow and deliberate, as though each kiss was a promise, a soft declaration. Vi closed her eyes, letting herself melt into the affection, the love that seemed to hang in the air between them, as delicate and beautiful as the snowflakes that danced around them. When Caitlyn’s lips finally found hers, the kiss was a little deeper, a little longer, a perfect surrender of all the feelings they hadn’t yet spoken aloud but that they both knew were there. Vi kissed her back with everything she had, her hands finding their way into Caitlyn’s hair, tugging her closer. "I love you," Vi whispered when they finally broke apart, breathless and smiling. The words felt as natural as the snow beneath them, as inevitable as the feeling of warmth that had settled in her chest. Caitlyn brushed a lock of hair away from Vi’s face, her fingers grazing her skin. "I love you, too," she said, her voice low and full of emotion. "More than anything." The moment stretched out, filled with the quiet sound of their breathing and the muffled world around them. They lay there in the snow, their hearts beating in sync, their bodies tangled together in the purest of embraces, the cold forgotten as they held each other close. For Vi, the snow was no longer just a beautiful thing to look at, a fleeting moment of wonder. It was a backdrop to something much more profound—the warmth of Caitlyn’s laughter, the joy of discovering something new, and the certainty that was this love, this perfect love. She grinned up at the blue sky above, small snowflakes still dancing on the breeze. How had she gotten so lucky? And as the world spun softly around them, they stayed there, wrapped in each other's arms, the snow continuing to fall, one soft feather at a time. The study was warm, the soft crackle of the fire the only sound breaking the stillness of the room. The walls were lined with books, their leather spines worn from years of use, the air heavy with the scent of old paper and the faint aroma of wood smoke. Caitlyn sat at the desk, a pile of papers scattered in front of her, her brow furrowed in concentration. She scribbled notes, occasionally pausing to glance at her ledgers. Every now and then, her fingers would hover over the ink pot as she thought, but the silence between them was comfortable—one of those quiet moments that only time and love could create. Vi, curled up in the armchair by the fire, turned the page of her book with a soft rustle, her feet tucked underneath her, her body angled toward Caitlyn. She had long since finished the novel but found herself drifting in and out of it, content simply to be there. The flames danced in front of her, casting shadows on the walls, and the warmth seeped into her bones, making everything feel slower, softer. Then, out of the corner of her eye, she noticed it. The snow. Through the large window beside the desk, she saw the first few flakes, slow and deliberate, falling like little stars against the gray sky. It wasn’t heavy, not yet, but the way the light shifted made it seem almost magical, a quiet reminder of the seasons changing. She hadn’t expected it, hadn’t even realized it was that time of year again. But there it was, delicate and soft, outside, a snowstorm in miniature. Vi set her book down, the edges of the pages curling slightly, and straightened, turning in her chair to get a better view. The snowflakes caught the light from the fire, sparkling like tiny diamonds as they swirled in the air. “Cait,” she said, her voice warm and filled with something playful, something happy. “Look.” Caitlyn didn’t immediately respond, still lost in her work. But Vi couldn’t help herself. She stood, walking over to the desk, and gently nudged Caitlyn’s shoulder. "Hey," Vi repeated, a little softer this time, and Caitlyn blinked, finally lifting her eyes from the paperwork. Her gaze followed Vi’s, and when she saw the snow falling outside, her face softened, a small smile tugging at the corner of her lips. It was one of those small, private things, something so familiar now, yet so new every time. Vi sat down on the edge of the armchair, the warmth of the fire on her skin mixing with the coolness that had begun to creep into the room. Caitlyn turned her chair toward the fire, reaching out to gently hold Vi’s hand. They leaned against each other, their shoulders brushing, the quiet sound of the snow against the window melding with the crackling flames. The light from the fire made their hands glow as they intertwined, their fingers glinting in the soft light. Caitlyn’s engagement ring, a simple band with a small diamond, caught the firelight as it slid along Vi’s skin. Vi’s own ring was on a necklace tucked under her shirt, resting against her beating heart. She used her hands too much, and she didn’t want to ruin it. The warmth of their touch was everything in that moment, the world outside momentarily disappearing, replaced by the steady rhythm of their hearts and the peace that had settled between them. Caitlyn rested her head lightly against Vi’s, closing her eyes for a moment, letting herself soak in the simple joy of being there, of being home. She could feel Caitlyn’s heartbeat, steady and strong, and a feeling of contentment washed over her, warm and full. The snow had picked up now, falling heavier against the glass. Vi could hear it, soft and relentless, as if the world outside was covered in a blanket of white. After a long pause, Caitlyn moved her face closer, her lips brushing against Vi’s cheek as she leaned in to kiss the tip of her nose. It was quick and sweet, the kind of kiss they shared when they didn’t need to say anything, when the silence spoke for them. Vi chuckled softly, her eyes twinkling. "What was that for?" she asked, her voice low and teasing. Caitlyn gave her a small smile, her eye bright with mischief. "I think I could take a little break," she replied, her voice light, filled with affection. "Would you go get our coats, love? The snow looks so perfect out there. I think we could use a little walk." Vi raised an eyebrow, pretending to consider it. "A break, huh? You’ve been working as hard as I have all day." Caitlyn smirked, her hand brushing across her fiancée’s cheek. "Maybe," she teased. "But the snow’s calling to me. You know how I feel about snow." Vi’s smile softened, the warmth in her chest deepening. She leaned into Caitlyn, pressing her forehead gently against hers. "How could I say no to that?" They stood together, their hands still tangled, and Vi gave Caitlyn one last lingering kiss before heading toward the closet to grab their coats. Outside, the snow continued to fall in soft, swirling waves, waiting for them to join it in the quiet, peaceful world beyond. The Manor was quiet when Caitlyn came through the door, the familiar creak of the wood under her boots the only sound breaking the silence. The cold air followed her in, and she shivered slightly, the warmth of the mansion immediately wrapping around her. She pulled off her boots and hung up her coat, brushing off the snow that had settled in her dark hair. The soft light from the lamps around the room cast a golden glow, and the scent of lavender, something Vi often used for their candles, lingered in the air. Caitlyn exhaled slowly, a soft sigh escaping her lips, the weight of the day still pressing on her shoulders. She kicked off her shoes and padded softly into the bedroom, the soft rustle of her coat brushing against her arms as she slipped it off. She looked around for Vi, her eyes searching the space. Vi was standing by the window, her back to her, looking out at the snow falling gently outside, the world outside softly muffled in a haze of white. She had been quiet all evening, as if waiting for Caitlyn, as though the moment she walked in, everything would be right again. Vi turned when she heard Caitlyn’s footsteps, her eyes softening the moment they met. Caitlyn smiled, a warm, tired smile. "It started to snow on my walk home," she said, the words carrying a gentle tiredness, a soft sadness to the day. She reached up, running her fingers through her hair, and Vi noticed the snowflakes still clinging to the dark strands, catching in the dim light, like small, forgotten stars. "You’re freezing," Vi said gently, stepping toward her, her voice full of concern. "Come here." Caitlyn's face softened. Vi always knew how to make her feel at home, even after long days that stretched into nights. She didn’t even have to say much, just the way Vi’s voice wrapped around her like warmth was enough. "I’m fine, darling," She replied, her voice tender, though her body craved the heat. She moved toward Vi, the cool air of the evening still clinging to her, but her chest warmed with the sight of her wife’s quiet love, the soft, welcoming smile. She leaned in, pressing a kiss to Vi’s cheek, her lips warm against the cool skin. Vi smiled, brushing her hand against her cheek, brushing off a few more flakes of snow that had found their way to her hair. "Let me run you a bath," she said, her voice soft but sure, a gentle invitation. "You’ll feel so much better." Caitlyn closed her eyes for a moment, her shoulders relaxing under the warmth of Vi’s touch. "That would be wonderful, darling," she murmured. Vi kissed her forehead, then moved toward the bathroom, her footsteps quiet but confident. Caitlyn stood there for a moment, watching her graceful movements, the way she seemed so at home in their space, in their life together. The familiar feeling of love settled into her chest, and she found herself breathing deeper, as if all of the tension in her body had started to melt away just by being in her wife’s presence. The sound of water rushing filled the air, and Caitlyn removed the rest of her clothes, the soft fabric of her sweater sliding from her shoulders, leaving her skin cool but eager for the warmth of the water. She walked over to the bathroom, where Vi had already started the bath. The steam rose in delicate tendrils from the water, filling the room with a soft, soothing warmth. Vi was waiting by the edge of the tub, the dim light casting shadows on her face. Her eyes sparkled with a quiet affection, and she held out her hand to her. "Come here," she said, her voice low, tender, as though the world outside didn’t matter anymore, as though they were the only two people in the world. Caitlyn’s heart fluttered, and she moved toward her, her steps slow, almost hesitant, as though drawn in by some invisible thread. She stepped into the tub, the warm water swirling around her ankles, and Vi helped her lower herself into the deep bath. The heat of the water embraced her immediately, the warmth seeping into her bones, soothing the tightness from her muscles. She let out a soft sigh, settling back into Vi’s embrace. Vi had already settled in behind her, her arms wrapping around Caitlyn’s waist, pulling her close. They both relaxed into the water, the soft splashes of the tub and the faint crackle of the fire outside the bathroom the only sounds in the room. Caitlyn’s head rested gently against Vi’s chest, the soft skin of Vi’s body warm against hers. The water lapped around them, rising just above their hips, and for a moment, they were simply still, existing together in the warmth. Vi’s fingers traced lazy circles along her arm, her touch soft and steady, comforting. There was something about these moments—these quiet, intimate ones—that meant more to them than anything else. The way their bodies fit together so perfectly, the way their hearts seemed to beat in time. Everything else could wait. There was only this, only them. Caitlyn turned slightly, shifting so that she could press her lips to Vi’s collarbone, soft and tender, a small, private kiss. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice a soft murmur in the quiet of the room. Vi smiled, her fingers playing with a strand of Caitlyn’s hair, brushing it back from her forehead. "Anything for you, Cait." They stayed there for a long time, the water growing cooler around them, but neither of them moved, unwilling to disturb the peace that had settled between them. Outside, the snow still fell, gentle and constant, as if the whole world had slowed down just for them. She relaxed into Vi’s arms, closing her eye and letting herself drift, safe and warm in the knowledge that, no matter how much time passed, this—the love they shared, the quiet moments they stole together—would always be enough. She opened her eye when Vi shifted again. Caitlyn turned, raising a brow. “Are you cold?” Vi asked, a certain unspoken edge to her voice. Caitlyn shivered, and it was not from the cold. “Maybe,” she replied. Vi grinned. “I can think of a few ways to keep us warm.” Her grin shifted into a smirk. “Do you mind?” Caitlyn smiled and shook her head. “Not at all.” The Manor’s library was quiet, save for the soft rustling of pages turning and the occasional sip of hot chocolate. The fire crackled gently in the hearth, casting warm light over the room, its golden glow illuminating the bookshelves that stretched from floor to ceiling. The world outside, muffled by the thick glass windows, had been overtaken by the snow, which had started falling hours ago. Thick, white flakes drifted lazily to the ground, collecting in soft piles on the windowsills. Caitlyn sat in the oversized armchair, her legs tucked up beneath her, the hem of her sweater falling gently over her knees. Vi was stretched out beside her, laying with her head in her lap, propped up by a soft pillow. Her book rested in her hands, but her focus had shifted more toward the warmth of the room and the soft, rhythmic sound of Caitlyn’s fingers absentmindedly running through her hair. They hadn’t said much, content in the silence of each other's company, but the peaceful quiet was comfortable. The only sounds were the crackling of the fire and the soft thrum of their hearts, beating in sync. Caitlyn took another sip of her hot chocolate, savoring the warmth that spread through her chest, and glanced up through the window. It was beautiful—snow falling in soft, delicate flurries, painting the world outside in shades of white and gray. She wrinkled her nose and smiled, a soft, contented smile that reached all the way to her eyes. The way the snow blanketed the trees, the rooftops, and the ground, made the world seem as though it were holding its breath, still and serene. Vi’s gaze flickered up to meet hers, following her eyes to the window. She smiled, her eyes still heavy with the sleepiness of the afternoon, but a soft glow lit up her face at the sight of the snow. She let out a soft sigh, her hand resting over her belly where their daughter was growing. Caitlyn’s heart swelled at the sight of Vi’s calm, happy expression. The gentle rise and fall of her wife’s chest, the way she relaxed into the comfort of the room, the way she had come to trust and love this life they had built together. But then, as if drawn by some invisible force, Caitlyn’s eyes dropped to her belly. She felt a sudden, light movement—a soft pressure against her skin, like a little ripple from inside. Her breath caught in her throat. She quickly placed a hand over her rounded stomach, a soft gasp escaping her lips. Vi froze, her book slipping from her hands. "Was that…?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper, eyes wide with disbelief. Caitlyn nodded slowly, a smile blooming on her face. “Yes,” she whispered, her hand resting over her stomach, fingers splayed. The moment felt almost too precious, too fragile. "She kicked." Vi’s heart skipped a beat. Her hand shot to her chest as her emotions overwhelmed her. She didn’t know whether to laugh or cry as the weight of the moment pressed in on her, so beautiful and surreal. "She kicked..." Vi repeated, her voice trembling with joy. "She’s kicking!” Without thinking, Vi leaned down, pressing her lips softly against Caitlyn’s belly, kissing the place where their daughter had just moved. The tenderness of the gesture, the weight of it, made her heart ache with love for both of them. She pulled back slightly, her face flushed, her breath shaky. Tears welled up in her eyes. "I hope she loves the snow as much as her mum," she said, her voice thick with emotion, her hand still resting gently against her wife’s stomach. Caitlyn felt her heart tighten as Vi’s words washed over her, a quiet laugh escaping her lips as she wiped the tears from her eyes. "And I hope she has her mom’s heart," she replied, her voice breaking slightly with the weight of the moment. The two of them sat there for a moment, eyes meeting, the bond between them deeper and more sacred than ever. The room around them seemed to fade, the fire dimming in the background as their world narrowed to the warmth of each other’s presence. A tear slipped down Vi’s cheek, soft and unguarded, and Caitlyn reached out to wipe it away with the back of her hand, her touch gentle and tender. Their hearts, so full of love, echoed in the silence of the room. Vi shifted, sitting up a little more, her hand cradling Caitlyn’s face as she leaned in to kiss her lips, soft and slow, the warmth of their love radiating between them. Caitlyn kissed her back, her lips trembling with emotion, but the kiss was full of promise, of joy, of everything they had been and everything they would become together. Vi pulled back slightly, her forehead resting against Caitlyn’s. "She’s going to have the best life," Vi whispered, her hand resting protectively on her belly again. "She’s going to know nothing but love." Caitlyn nodded, her voice still thick with emotion. "I know. I’ll make sure of it." The snow continued to fall, quietly, endlessly, and Caitlyn thought, just for a moment, that maybe their little one was already dreaming of snowflakes. The cold air bit at their cheeks as the family trudged through the dense woods surrounding their Countryside Estate, the familiar crunch of snow beneath their boots the only sound accompanying them. It was a late afternoon, the sun hanging low in the sky, casting a soft golden light through the bare trees. The snow had started falling lightly a few hours ago, and now, it swirled in gentle flurries, gathering on the ground and collecting on the branches, creating a scene that felt as though it had been pulled from a winter fairy tale, the kind they would read to Cici before bed. The trees, tall and towering, stood like sentinels around them, their dark trunks rising against the pale sky. There was something magical about the woods in winter—the way the snow transformed everything, covering the earth in a quiet blanket of white, muffling the sounds of the world outside. The evergreens stood in sharp contrast to the bare oaks and maples, their thick branches heavy with the weight of snow, bending slightly under the pressure. The world felt still and hushed, as though even nature itself was holding its breath. Caitlyn, dressed in a thick woolen coat with a fur-lined collar, led the way, her breath forming little clouds in the air. Athena, their loyal hunting dog, trotted eagerly beside her, tail wagging at the scent of the forest. She was a sleek, muscular dog with fur as dark as night, her sharp eyes scanning the woods as she moved with quiet grace. Vi followed behind, her own coat snug against the cold, and their daughter, Cici, who now insisted on being called her full name—Felicia—walked a little ahead, her eyes bright with excitement. Ten years old now, Felicia had been eagerly awaiting this day—her first real lesson in shooting. Caitlyn had insisted on teaching her, just as her own mother had taught her years ago. It had become something of a tradition for their family—one that now felt full circle with Felicia standing next to them, growing into her own and ready to carry on the skills the Kiramman women of the generations before her had learned. Caitlyn paused when they reached a clearing—a flat area surrounded by snow-covered trees—perfect for a shooting range. A wooden target had been set up at a distance, its surface weathered from use. Felicia stood beside her mother, eyes wide, her breath coming out in little white puffs as she tried to steady herself. Athena, ever watchful, sat beside Vi, her ears alert to every sound in the forest. Caitlyn turned to , her face serious but soft with pride. "Alright, darling," she said, her voice calm and steady, the wind tugging at strands of hair that had escaped from under her knitted hat. "Remember, this is about patience. Take your time, focus on your target, and breathe. Don’t rush. You control the rifle; it doesn’t control you." Felicia nodded, her small hands gripping the wooden stock of the rifle a little awkwardly. She had shot before, of course, but never under her mother’s watchful eye, and certainly not out here in the open woods with the stillness of winter pressing down around them. She had seen her mother’s skill with the rifle before—her steady aim, the way she moved with such ease—but it felt different now, the weight of expectation on her shoulders. Vi stood a few feet back, arms crossed, her eyes soft as she watched Felicia. She could see the nerves in her daughter’s posture, the way she tried to steady the rifle but her hands shook slightly. Vi knew it would take time, that Felicia would find her own rhythm, her own confidence. She had seen it in the months after the war, when Caitlyn had to learn to shoot again with a missing eye. Caitlyn crouched down in front of her, placing a hand on Felicia’s shoulder. "You’ve got this," she said softly, her voice full of reassurance. "Trust yourself. And don’t forget to have fun with it." Felicia looked up at her mother, then back at her mom, her expression a mix of determination and nervous excitement. She took a deep breath, lifting the rifle to her shoulder, lining up the sights with the wooden target a few dozen yards away. Athena still sat silently beside Vi, watching her young charge with keen eyes, sensing the weight of the moment. The rifle’s barrel was cool in Felicia’s hands, and she could feel the slight tremor in her fingers as she adjusted her grip. She could hear her mother’s steady breathing beside her, the wind rustling through the trees, and the snow falling lightly around them. The quiet of the woods seemed to wrap itself around them, a comforting silence that made her feel connected to something much larger than herself. Caitlyn watched closely as Felicia took aim, her small frame steadying the rifle with surprising focus for someone so young. She could see the concentration in her daughter’s face, the slight narrowing of her eyes as she locked her gaze on the target. The only sound was the distant rush of wind through the trees, the soft flutter of snowflakes as they drifted to the ground. Felicia exhaled slowly, just as her mother had taught her, and squeezed the trigger. The shot rang out, sharp and clear in the stillness of the woods. Felicia’s eyes widened as the sound echoed through the trees, and then she looked toward the target. There was no visible hit. Caitlyn stood up straight and gave her a patient smile. "Good try," she said gently. "Remember to focus on the follow-through. Keep your stance strong." Felicia nodded, clearly frustrated, but determined to try again. She adjusted her grip and took another deep breath, her small hands steadying the rifle. Before she could take her second shot, something caught her eye—a soft flutter of white. She blinked and looked up. The snow was beginning to fall heavier now, a soft, swirling flurry that dusted the ground and caught on the branches of the trees. The wind had picked up slightly, sending little clouds of snow drifting through the air. It was beautiful—this soft, peaceful scene, the snowflakes twirling and dancing in the sky, the world around them now blanketed in white. Felicia gasped, distracted by the sudden change in the weather. "Look, Mum!" she said, pointing up at the sky. "It’s snowing harder!" Caitlyn smiled, glancing up at the swirling flakes. "It is," she said, her voice soft with fondness. "Just like when we were little." Athena gave a soft bark, her tail wagging excitedly in the snow. They had gotten her as a pup when Felicia was a toddler, and she had always loved the winter, the cold and the snow, and her eyes followed the falling flakes with a curiosity that matched Felicia’s. But then, just as Felicia was about to raise the rifle again, a soft sensation fluttered against her hand. Her eyes widened, and she looked down. There, cradled in her palm, was a small snowflake, pure and still and white, perfectly preserved. "Mum..." Felicia said, her voice a soft whisper of disbelief. She looked up at Caitlyn, her face lighting up with wonder. "Did you see that?" Caitljn froze for a moment, her expression shifting to one of pure amazement as she realized what had just happened. She knelt down beside Felicia, her hand gently resting on her daughter’s shoulder. "Wow," Caitlyn said softly, a grin spreading across her face. "Did you catch that?” Felicia's eyes shone with excitement. "I caught it!" she breathed. Caitlyn laughed softly, feeling her own heart swell with emotion. “You know, the first time your mom felt you kick, it was snowing," she said, her voice a little choked with love. “We knew then you’d love the snow just like us.” Felicia looked up at her mother with wide eyes, feeling the warmth of their shared moment as the snow continued to fall around them. The rifle was forgotten for now, its weight light in the girl’s hands. The world seemed to stand still, just for a moment, as the snowflakes drifted gently around them, and the sound of their breath, of Athena’s soft panting, filled the air. Caitlyn reached out and cupped Felicia’s face in her hands. "Just like us," she whispered. She brushed a strand of Felicia’s indigo hair out of her face, a perfect mix of her and Vi’s hair colors. “Now, do you want to try again?” Felicia nodded eagerly. Caitlyn hummed. “In no time, you’ll be a proper sharpshooter.” Felicia grinned. "I can’t wait." The snow fell harder now, and they stood there in the silence of the woods, surrounded by the soft, endless fall of white.