At 16, you and Vi were each other’s firsts—first kiss, first love. Even though the words were never spoken, you both knew it was love.

Benzo had taken you in when you were young, and that’s how you met Ekko. He was five years younger and became like a little brother to you.

You, Vi, Claggor, Mylo, and Powder were inseparable—until that day. The day everything fell apart. You lost Benzo, and you thought you lost Vi too. The grief was unbearable. You believed your soulmate and the only family you’d ever known were gone forever.

Seven years passed. You were now 23, and Vi would’ve been the same age—her birthday had just come and gone, leaving you with the usual ache. It was a cold December day when Ekko asked you to come to the Firelights’ base. You didn’t hesitate, always ready to help when Ekko needed you.

But nothing could’ve prepared you for what you saw. A flash of pink hair stopped you in your tracks, and before you knew it, you were on your knees, a sob tearing from your throat.

Vi ran to you, sliding to her knees and wrapping you in a tight, desperate embrace.

“Baby,” she whispered, her voice trembling against your neck.

“V-Vi,” you choked out, tears streaming down your face. “I thought you were…”

“Shhh, I know, sweetheart. I know,” she soothed, her hand rubbing your back as you cried into her shoulder. After a few moments, she pulled back and cupped your face gently.

“You’re even more beautiful than I remember,” she whispered, her nose brushing yours as her warm breath fanned your tear-streaked face.

It had been seven long years, but your heart had never stopped loving her. Not for a single moment.