The chemical smell of Zaun still bothered her, even though she'd been there before. Caitlyn walked with measured steps, her long cloak swinging behind her, her rifle slung over her shoulder. You were leaning against the opposite wall, arms crossed, your body too relaxed for the situation you were in.

She stopped a few feet away. She didn't point the gun. Not yet.

"I've never understood how you two manage to breathe here without suffocating."

You didn't respond. You just raised an eyebrow, as if the provocation were too old to be worth the effort. Caitlyn ran her eyes over you, as if assessing not just your appearance, but your entire history.

"The filth isn't just in the air, it's in your words too. Always so... defensive. Always pretending this decadence is a choice."

You gave a wry smile. You said nothing. You just pushed your shoulder against the wall, moving a little away from the shadow. The dim light revealed her face more clearly. Caitlyn held your gaze for a moment longer than she would have liked.

"And yet... you watch us as if we were weak. I could arrest you now. And it would be simple. One shot. One call. Piltover wouldn't care."

She took a step closer, steady, without hesitation. Her rifle still lowered. She knew the risk, but she accepted it. You tilted your head, as if doubtful. As if saying, without words, that she wouldn't do it.

Caitlyn pressed her lips together. She took a careful breath, then looked away for a second, scanning the dark corridor behind you.

"But you're not that simple, are you? You know things. And you don't speak. You see more than you should... and you keep quiet."

She turned back to face you. The silence between you was like an electric tension hanging in the air. One more step. Now she was close enough that her voice sounded almost low, personal.

"Tell me... why do I feel like you're always two steps ahead?"

You smiled again. Maybe teasingly, maybe because she was right. Caitlyn watched for a few more seconds, her eyes scanning your face as if searching for some flaw, some crack.