Of course, [ he mutters to himself — caitlyn would have told as much to vi, and he should have expected that from the start.

what he could never have expected, however, is what vi says next; he freezes entirely, a statue instead of a person for one heartbeat, then another — and when he looks at her, head turning almost involuntarily, his expression is all naked surprise. ]

You... did?

[ will he ever not be surprised when people express that they find his company something to look for? no, it may very well be that that'll never happen — he's so used to those in piltover not sparing him one single thought, dismissing him instantly, that the opposite happening leaves him floundering.

in the end, though, his lips quirk in a small, hesitant smile. ]

I mean — you're one of the few people I do not mind talking to, Violet. I'm... glad, if you think the same.