SCARS

The Vyx Experience

It didn't take long for Calypso and Vi to finish the fish. Vi was almost tempted to order more, but they were so engrossed in their conversation that the moment never felt right.

Calypso let out a satisfied sigh and tapped her full stomach, still recovering from a laughing fit over something witty Vi had said, "So, how did you find this place?"

Vi grinned. "I've been all over Zaun. You learn where the good spots are if you know where to look. Plus, the guy who runs it owes me a favor."

Calypso raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "A favor? Do I want to know what for?"

"Let's just say I helped him with some 'security issues,'" Vi replied with a smirk, clearly enjoying the mystery.

Calypso laughed. "You always have a story, don't you?"

"Gotta keep life interesting." Vi remarked, her eyebrow arching inquisitively. "So, what about you—got any stories of your own?"

Calypso chuckled softly, shaking her head. "Stories? No, no not really. They wouldn't be as interesting as yours anyway, that's for sure."

Vi leaned back, a playful glint in her eyes. "Ah, come on there has to be something about you that I don't know," she teased, nudging Calypso gently with her elbow.

Calypso thought for a moment before answering. "Well, I used to play the violin. It was one of the few things that I could do well enough for all the high up councilors to appreciate."

"The violin, huh? Can't say I pictured that." Vi said, clearly intrigued. "You'll have to play for me sometime."

"Maybe. If we ever find one in working condition down here," Calypso replied, her eyes lighting up. She hesitated then, a faint blush coloring her cheeks as she worried she might have unintentionally insulted Vi by mentioning the lack of functionality in the undercity. But to her surprise, Vi didn't seem phased by the comment. Instead, she grinned and leaned back.

"I'll make it happen. Trust me," Vi said confidently. "And when I do, you're gonna play for me, alright?"

Calypso nodded eagerly, smiling ear to ear.

She looked at Vi then, with a mix of admiration and curiosity. "You always seem so sure of yourself."

Vi shrugged. "Comes with the territory. Besides, I got something to prove."

"To who?" Calypso asked gently.

"To myself, mostly." Vi said, pausing for a moment. "And maybe a few others."

~~

The pair continued to talk for an hour or two too long. Vi grilled Calypso on all the inner workings of Piltover life, peppering the conversation with snarky comments here and there, to which Calypso would simply roll her eyes playfully. Their dialogue flowed effortlessly, shifting from the highlights of each other's past to the darker moments. Vi skillfully avoided any topic that might lead Calypso to talk about her parents (more specifically, her father); she didn't want to bring her down in any way. Besides, Vi enjoyed the sound of Calypso's laugh much more than her strained voice.

There were a few instances where Calypso would unintentionally ask a question that was too personal for Vi - family questions and all that. But Vi would give some vague answer to which Calypso would nod understandingly, as if she could sense the unspoken pain behind Vi's words.

Despite the thick veil of smoke that veiled the sky and the unchanging darkness that enveloped the undercity, Vi couldn't help but feel the weight of the hour settling upon her. It was late, late enough for the shadows to deepen and the streets to become even more lively, signaling that it was time for them to leave.