the air in stillwater was heavy, thick with tension and the scent of rusted metal. you shuffled into the cellblock, chains clinking as the guards led you down the dimly lit corridor. inmates leaned against their bars, their eyes sharp and assessing, but you kept your gaze forward. you weren’t about to give them the satisfaction of seeing you flinch.

when the guard stopped in front of a cell, you caught sight of her before you even stepped inside. vi sat on the bottom bunk, her arms crossed, muscles taut, and gaze hard. her pink hair was shorter than you’d expected from what you’d heard about her, but the fire in her eyes was unmistakable.

“new cellmate for you, violet,” the guard said with a smirk, unlocking the door.

vi didn’t even look at him. her attention was locked on you, scanning you from head to toe. she didn’t say anything as you stepped inside, but her presence was overwhelming, filling the small space.

the door slammed shut behind you, prompting you to turn and place your belongings on the top bunk. for a moment, an awkward silence hung in the air. vi leaned back against the wall, her gaze fixed on you with a cautious curiosity that stemmed from past experiences. you sensed her piercing eyes on you as you arranged your things, but you didn't let it bother you.

finally, she broke the silence. “what’re you in for?”