The Burning Question: Who Does Vi Have a Crush On in Arcane?
The animated series Arcane, set in the League of Legends universe, has captivated audiences with its complex characters and compelling storylines. Among the many relationships explored, the dynamic between Vi and Caitlyn Kiramman has garnered significant attention. So, the question on many fans’ minds is: who does Vi have a crush on? The answer, based on the narrative cues, character interactions, and the show’s careful crafting, is definitively Caitlyn Kiramman. While the series does not explicitly state “Vi is in love with Caitlyn,” the overwhelming evidence strongly suggests a developing romantic interest. Their connection moves beyond mere friendship or a sense of camaraderie, and it’s a relationship fueled by mutual respect, growing intimacy, and palpable chemistry.
The Evidence: Vi’s Affection for Caitlyn
The progression of Vi and Caitlyn’s relationship throughout Arcane provides ample evidence of Vi’s romantic leanings. Here’s a breakdown of the key moments:
1. The “Cupcake” Nickname
Vi’s affectionate use of the nickname “Cupcake” for Caitlyn is one of the earliest indicators of her developing feelings. This pet name is not only endearing but also intimate, hinting at a level of closeness and comfort that goes beyond casual acquaintance. The nickname, coupled with Vi’s playful demeanor when using it, showcases a genuine fondness for Caitlyn. It becomes a sign of intimacy between them and a way to express her feelings without being overly explicit.
2. Intimate Moments and Chemistry
Throughout the series, Vi and Caitlyn share numerous intimate moments that suggest a deepening connection. Whether it’s the genuine concern in their eyes during dangerous situations, the physical proximity they often seek, or the quiet moments of vulnerability they share, their chemistry is undeniable. There’s a palpable tension between them that speaks volumes about their unspoken feelings. These moments are carefully constructed to hint at the growing romantic feelings without explicitly stating them.
3. Jinx’s Observation
Notably, Jinx, Vi’s sister, refers to Caitlyn as Vi’s girlfriend during a confrontation. This, although said with a hint of mockery, highlights the perception of the dynamic between Vi and Caitlyn from an outsider’s perspective. Jinx, being keenly observant, notices the connection that even Vi might not fully acknowledge herself. This moment suggests that the romantic undertones in Vi’s feelings are not subtle.
4. Caitlyn’s Affectionate Concern
The reciprocation of these sentiments is critical to solidifying the romantic nature of the connection. Caitlyn, while more reserved, shows her care for Vi through her actions and expressions. She often worries about Vi’s well-being and goes to great lengths to help her. The moment when Caitlyn trades her rifle for a healing potion to save Vi showcases the depth of her concern. This mutual care and sacrifice solidify the idea of a budding love story.
5. Implied Feelings and Unresolved Tension
Despite moments of intimacy and apparent mutual affection, the relationship between Vi and Caitlyn remains largely unaddressed and implied within the first season. This creates a narrative tension that leaves viewers wanting more. The series cleverly avoids explicit declarations of love, instead, allowing the viewers to interpret the subtle cues, making the emotional connection all the more engaging. However, it’s clear that there are strong romantic feelings brewing, if not fully realized. The finale shows a moment of physical intimacy between them with Caitlyn caressing Vi’s face and Vi holding her hand. However, they break their relation due to their different backgrounds, with Vi stating that they are not compatible, like “Oil and Water”. This shows a heartbreaking moment of the characters not willing to accept their love, but ultimately, showing how real and deep those feelings were.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Vi’s Love Interest
Here are some of the most common questions surrounding Vi’s romantic life and her relationship with Caitlyn in Arcane:
1. Are Vi and Jinx lovers?
No, Vi and Jinx are sisters, not lovers. Their relationship is complex, shaped by the tragic events of their childhood and their diverging paths. Jinx’s feelings for Vi are based on a need for protection and acceptance from her sister, not romantic love.
2. Is Vi’s hair pink or red?
Vi’s hair is naturally pink, not red. This is a distinct characteristic of her design, further setting her apart and adding to her unique look.
3. What does Vi’s face tattoo mean?
The “VI” tattoo on Vi’s cheek is a Roman numeral that represents her name. She was given this name after being discovered by Vander, as she did not know it. It’s a symbol of her identity and her history.
4. Is Caitlyn or Vi older?
According to some sources, Caitlyn and Vi are around the same age, with potentially a year of difference between them, with Caitlyn slightly older than Vi. However, given that there is a significant time jump in the series, it may be difficult to determine their exact ages.
5. Why does Vi call Caitlyn “Cupcake”?
Vi calls Caitlyn “Cupcake” as an affectionate nickname. This has been interpreted by fans to be connected to Caitlyn’s choice in her character design as a ‘Yordle Snap Trap’ that has a cupcake as bait, making her the “Cupcake”.
6. What did Caitlyn give Vi to help her?
Caitlyn gave Vi a healing potion that she activated with a drop of Shimmer. It stops Vi’s bleeding and allows her to recover quickly after being stabbed.
7. Who is taller, Caitlyn or Vi?
Caitlyn is taller than Vi. Caitlyn’s height is 185 cm (6 feet), while Vi is 172 cm (5 ft 7 in).
8. How old is Vi in Act 1 of Arcane?
Vi is estimated to be around 14-16 years old during the first act of Arcane.
9. Why did Vi abandon Jinx?
Vi abandoned Jinx (then Powder) after the events that led to the accidental deaths of Vi’s adoptive family. Overwhelmed with grief and anger, she called Powder a “jinx” and walked away, causing Jinx to fall into Silco’s care.
10. Who does Jinx have a crush on?
In Teen Titans, Jinx has a crush on Cyborg and Kid Flash. In the League of Legends lore, Ekko has a voice line where he mentions having a crush on her before she “started talking to the gun”. In Arcane, her focus is on her complicated relationship with her sister Vi as her focus.
11. What is Vi’s full name?
Vi’s full name is Violet. This is revealed at the end of Act 1 of the series.
12. What is the meaning behind Vi’s Inmate Number?
When she was an inmate, Vi was known as Inmate 516, which directly references her name in Roman numerals (VIVI) where each individual ‘V’ represents 5, and the ‘I’ represents one.
13. Do Caitlyn and Vi break up in Arcane?
Yes, despite their clear feelings for each other, Vi breaks her relationship with Caitlyn during the first season finale, stating they are too different and incompatible, like “Oil and Water”.
14. Why does Jinx hate Caitlyn?
Jinx resents Caitlyn because she sees her as an obstacle to her relationship with Vi. Also, she might see Caitlyn as a reminder of herself, since Caitlyn is also a great shooter, with blue hair. To Jinx, Caitlyn represents a betrayal of her relationship with Vi.
15. Is Caitlyn the one who is in love with Vi?
Yes, based on the narrative cues, it is Caitlyn who is shown to have fallen in love with Vi.