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Viktor has never cared for the spotlight. Not that the spotlight has ever particularly cared for him either. The fame that came with such a breakthrough discovery like Hextech was merely trivial in the long scheme of things. A blip in the timeline, a short-term benefit. No, no, Viktor did not yearn for anything but progress, to find a way that would make the world a better place.
Which is why it was so easy to allow Jayce to become the sole face of Hextech. The Man of Progress, as some had taken to recently calling him. A ridiculous name, if Viktor had anything to say about it. However, it made Jayce blush with a mix of embarrassment and pride whenever he heard it, so Viktor chose not to comment. He allowed Jayce to publicly bask in the glory of their achievements because after everything that they’d been through to get to this point in their research, the man wholeheartedly deserved it.
Some would probably misunderstand Viktor’s willingness to remain in the shadows as a form of fear. Or worse, they might think him resentful. Neither could be farther from the truth, because Viktor was in all actuality (not that he’d ever admit this out loud) Jayce’s biggest supporter. Whereas the spotlight often opted to ignore Viktor’s existence, his partner was quite literally made for it. His charming personality, his boyish grin, his… adequate looking face. He might as well have been genetically bred to be a picture-perfect poster boy in a lab.
Viktor knew this, as did everyone else.
However, Jayce evidently did not. Otherwise, he wouldn’t be needlessly pushing Viktor to attend another useless, upper-class gala with him that night. Despite the fact that he had pestered him about this plenty of times before, all of which ended with Jayce pouting his way out the door alone while Viktor stayed in their lab to pull yet another very important all-nighter. Sleep was a waste of time anyways, quite the evolutionary flaw if Viktor was to give his two cents about it.
And yet, in spite of the prior evidence that he should’ve taken into account like the brilliant scientist Viktor knew he was, Jayce was asking again. Against all odds.
It was exhausting and borderline harassment at this point.
“Please, V, please you’ve gotta come with me this time,” Jayce pleaded while Viktor continued to blatantly ignore him, focusing instead on their newly drawn up blueprints for the Hexgates.
Their biggest project yet, one they’d been working for since the start. And yet there stood Jayce, complaining about a party. “I swear, you’ll have fun! It’s really not all that bad.”
“Hmm,” Viktor hummed, noncommittally from his workbench. “Is that why you’re practically on your hands and knees begging for me to come along? Because they are ‘so much fun’ to attend?”
Jayce let out a sheepish chuckle. Viktor could picture the toothy nervous smile that was no doubt plastered across his face right then.
“Would you believe me if I said I just don’t want you to miss out?”
“Perhaps,” he smirked. “If you were a better liar, that is.”
The actual whine Jayce released in response was completely unwarranted. Viktor opened his mouth to say as much, but was startled silent when he felt his partner’s strong arms wrap limply around his shoulders. His face pressed against the nape of his neck as he sighed theatrically.
“Please, Vik,” Jayce begged, voice muffled by Viktor’s own neck. The heat of his breath sent involuntary shivers down his crooked spine. “I hate going there all alone. People just assume I’m the brains behind Hextech no matter how much I tell them otherwise. I’m getting really sick of having to clarify every five seconds that you’re my partner, not my assistant.”
Viktor huffed, gripping the pen in his hand in a futile way to ground himself. This display of affection wasn’t entirely out of the ordinary. Jayce was a rather touchy man, Viktor was able to figure that out after a single week of working with him. Even when they were practically strangers, Jayce had been extremely upfront with his touches. It was strange how quickly Viktor had managed to adapt to the feeling of Jayce’s hand on the small of his back, or the weight of an arm slung around his shoulders. Considering how horribly uncomfortable physical touch typically made him.
Growing up in the Undercity, receiving any sort of positive contact had been a rarity. After his both parents passed, any type of touch became that of a threat. A pickpocketer, an attacker, someone who saw his cane and in turn saw an easy target.
They were wrong, of course. Viktor may be a cripple, but he wasn’t incompetent.
Regardless, the point was that Viktor did not care much for being touched. Unless it was Jayce. He could make exceptions for Jayce. Although he’d rather break his good leg than ever outright admit that; the man’s ego was inflated enough as it was.
Even so, this touch, this… hug, if it could even be called that, was bold. Much bolder of a gesture than Viktor had been anticipating, because surely Jayce understood that pressing his face into the back of his neck was wildly inappropriate on a professional level, no matter their personal relationship. A relationship that was only a friendship, no more, no less .
Although, he knew that the rumor mill at the Academy had been spinning since their meeting years prior. It was difficult to try and make people understand their connection was purely platonic when Jayce went around calling him his partner left and right to every poor soul that had the misfortune of crossing his cheerful path.
Displays of affection such as these definitely did not help sway the public perception in their favor either.
“You’re being dramatic,” Viktor replied, trying to shrug his partner off.
“Maybe,” he admitted, voice low in his ear. It made Viktor swallow and adjusted the pen in his hand. Focus. “But I really do want you there, Vitya.”
Oh, low blow, Talis.
Clicking his tongue in distaste, Viktor’s hand hovered over his notes on the blueprints. This was important, once this was over the Council was more likely to leave them to their own devices. They could finally use Hextech for its intended purpose in helping people, rather than improving trade disputes.
Going to a party where everyone would be staring at him the same way as they would the dirt underneath their shoe… it was a waste of time. Not to mention a less than appealing idea overall. Even without acknowledging the better usage of his time in looking over the plans of their life’s work.
“I… appreciate it, Jayce,” he eventually settled on, diplomatically, shifting in the man’s suffocating hold. “But I think we both know that I’m not the one potential investors are interested in meeting tonight.”
He felt Jayce frown and pull away, the heat became only slightly less excruciatingly potent. “You’re a genius, V. If someone can’t accept half of Hextech then I wouldn’t want to do business with them, anyways.”
Viktor shook his head, trying and pathetically failing to quell the fondness in his chest.
“You cannot dismiss profitable business partners for the simple crime of undervaluing me,” he smirked.
“Yes, I can,” was the petulant response that had Viktor rolling his eyes in exasperation and spinning around in his seat. Finally forcing Jayce to put some much needed distance between them, lest they end up pressed nose to nose.
“Jayce, be reasonable.”
“I am being reasonable,” he insisted, crossing his arms. “Why would I associate with people who think less of you?”
Viktor shrugged. “For the good of Hextech?”
Jayce narrowed his eyes. “That’s not a good answer.”
“It is quite a reasonable answer, actually,” Jayce scoffed, tugging at the cuff of his sleeve. He was already dressed for the event despite it being hours away, the white blazer suited him rather well. A bit too well, which was entirely unfair because how was Viktor expected to focus with all of these useless distractions around him? “Will Ms. Kiramman not be there? You can stay with her for most of the night, no?”
Jayce cringed. “You’ve gotta stop calling Caitlyn, Ms. Kiramman, Viktor. Last time I seriously thought she was gonna smack you upside the head for it.”
Viktor rolled his eyes. “Will she be there?”
Jayce held out a glare for a moment longer before slouching down with a loud exhale.
“Yes, of course she will be,” Jayce sighed. “But we always get separated and I just end up surrounded by a group of handsy strangers trying to get in my pants for a piece of Hextech.”
Viktor blinked up at Jayce, a pang of shock and disgust surging throughout his entire body. “Handsy?”
From the startled look on Jayce’s face, it was clear that he had not meant to admit that information any time soon.
“I— That’s not what I meant,” he hastily denied, looking pointedly down at the ground. “I just… I don’t like being alone to deal with them. It can be a lot, sometimes. I guess.”
Viktor meant it when he called Jayce a terrible liar. Suddenly, he was hit with an onslaught of vile images containing an uncomfortable Jayce with shadowy hands grabbing at his body in places no hands should be. For a man as affectionate as Jayce to be uneasy with touching, it must be bad. Was that what he had been dealing with? Blatant harassment in the name of their dream? Had he gone so far as to go through with a few of those heinous propositions?
The thought alone was enough to turn his stomach and reach for his cane.
“Fine. I’ll go.”
Jayce’s gaze snapped back to Viktor’s. “Wait. Really?”
“What? Is this not what you wanted?”
“Wha— of course it’s what I wanted!” Jayce was quick to assure, forcing Viktor to keep an amused smirk at bay. “I just wasn’t… it’s… this is usually a lot harder.”
Well, usually Viktor is under the impression that Councilor Medarda and Heimerdinger are keeping Jayce vigilantly under their thumbs during these sorts of events. Obviously, he was wrong to assume such a thing, and he may be seriously reconsidering his associations with these people at a later date.
“Yes, well I have been cooped up in here for quite some time now,” Viktor said, aiming for casual. “Perhaps some fresh air and a lighter atmosphere will do me some good.”
It was a lie, but Viktor was good at lying. Besides, the grin that Jayce gave him in return made the little fib entirely worth it.
The grand hall of the ballroom was resplendent with light and opulence. Chandeliers cast warm golden hues across polished marble floors, and the room hummed with the murmur of conversation, the clinking of glasses, and the occasional hearty laugh from Piltover’s elite. All it did was make Viktor desperately miss the comforting dimly lit walls of their lab.
Viktor stood near a corner, doing his best to blend into the wallpaper, a champagne flute in hand. His sharp eyes took in the scene, observing without participating, watching Jayce’s every movement from afar. Eying every other figure that crossed his vision. As far as he was concerned, everyone here was a threat, someone who had tested the waters with Jayce and taken it too far. To hell with propriety, Viktor wasn’t afraid to get scrappy if needed. His cane has proven to be useful in similar situations before.
Meanwhile, Jayce remained blissfully oblivious to his partner’s true motives, moving through the crowd with practiced ease, charming everyone he spoke to. That part wasn’t surprising in the least. Viktor already knew he was good at this; how could he not be?
“Vik,” Jayce said, suddenly appearing by his side. “What are you doing here in the corner? Come meet some people with me.”
“I am quite comfortable here, thank you,” Viktor replied dryly, sipping his champagne. “You can handle the crowd. You’re better at this whole… performance, anyways.”
Jayce frowned. “I don’t want to perform, Viktor. I want these people to meet you. You’re the other half of Hextech.”
“I am well aware,” Viktor said with a faint smirk. “But you seem to enjoy the attention enough for both of us.”
Jayce sighed, his tone softening. “Look, I know this isn’t your thing, but it’s important. They need to see you. It’s not just about me, Vik. It’s us.”
Viktor waved his free hand dismissively, ignoring the way his cheeks seemed to grow hotter by the end of Jayce’s passionately spoken tirade.
“The work will speak for itself.”
Shaking his head, Jayce placed a hand on Viktor’s shoulder.
“You’re brilliant, V. But sometimes, people need a face to go with the brilliance. Come on, just a little while. For me?”
A little while. To what? Converse? Viktor barely recognized a face in the room aside from the occasional scarce glimpse of a council member, and the brief appearance of a dreadfully unhappy Caitlyn he’d seen stomping away from her mother a few minutes prior. He did not come to fraternize; he was there for Jayce’s benefit. Besides, none of the people chittering about were here to meet him, anyhow. Not that he was in any rush to get their attention either. To even try would be a waste. A waste of time, of energy. Of pride, which was currently sturdy enough to be wearing the suit that Jayce had tailored for him as a present nearly a year ago, but ever fleeting with every stray glance turned his way.
But then, Viktor caught Jayce’s eye. That… for a lack of a better term, puppy dog look that was infuriatingly good at getting Viktor to compromise. Never to fully give in, he wasn’t that pathetic, thank you. Yet still…
Viktor gave him a long stare before relenting with a quiet sigh. “Very well. But I am not responsible for what happens if I lose my patience.”
Jayce’s grin was blinding and almost worth the humiliation that would no doubt follow.
“That’s all I ask.”
Within the span of an hour, Viktor found himself thrown into conversations, shaking hands, smiling amicably left and right all the while plastered next to Jayce’s side. The man was practically beaming with pride, introducing Viktor as his partner, as his friend, the man who made all of this possible.
Honestly, was he trying to kill him? It felt like he was trying to kill him.
Regardless, Viktor was not ignorant to the stares he received from every which way. An overwhelming number of eyes on him; scrutinizing yet undeniably interested in his presence here. As if he was an anomaly, a cripple from the Undercity limping around a grand event such as this.
Viktor could relate. He also didn’t want to be here.
At some point, he lost Jayce to the vultures and found himself speaking with Caitlyn, who had decided to drown her boredom in champagne. It made Viktor respect her a bit more.
“I feel like I am an animal in a zoo,” he muttered, swirling his own drink in his fancy little glass. “An attraction for people to gawk and stare at.”
Caitlyn huffed, leaning back against the marble column they’d found themselves hiding nearby. Viktor did so as well to alleviate some of the pain from his leg. It was a fruitless endeavor, he knew, but there was no way in hell he was going over to sit at one of the overly crowded sitting areas. Leg be damned, he’s had worse discomforts in life.
“Don’t take it personally,” she said. “They’re like that with everyone.”
Viktor’s eyes trailed over Jayce, who stood in the center of a crowd of eager investors. A boisterous laugh erupted from his throat, and the sight had Viktor blaming the involuntary blush that followed on his drink.
“I must say, Jayce does seem to be in his element here.”
Caitlyn looked up and caught sight of him as well. Her nose twisted. “I suppose so. Although, I don’t like how they treat him sometimes.”
Viktor bit the inside of his cheek. “Do they get… inappropriate with him?”
“Not… often,” she cringed, not quelling any of Viktor’s concerns. “Some of these people have just never been told no in their lives. And Jayce… if you’re an attraction in a zoo, then so is he. People stare at him all the time. He’s just more approachable than you are, so people like to take more liberties with him. Sometimes I don’t think he even notices.”
Viktor glared back out at the crowd, wishing he could pinpoint and set anyone with ill intentions ablaze. “He does. He just doesn’t know how to react.”
Caitlyn hummed. “He’s lucky to have you, then. I can tell that you aren’t the type to take any slights made against you lightly.”
“Slights against me I can handle, I’ve dealt with them my entire life,” Viktor shrugged off. “But Jayce… Finding out that he’s often uncomfortable while attending these events is the only reason why I came here tonight. I don’t like the idea of it. Jayce can be too—”
“Sheltered?” Viktor’s brow perked up.
“Much like yourself I’d imagine.”
“I am not sheltered,” Caitlyn dismissed with a hearty scoff. “I know about more than I let on.”
Viktor highly doubted that, but he found himself rather enjoying Caitlyn’s presence, so he held his tongue.
“Whatever you say, Ms. Kiramman.”
She shoved at his shoulder. “Stop calling me that! Gods, I’m not my mother!”
Viktor cracked a sly smile and took a slip of his drink. When he glanced back at Jayce, he found him standing at the center of a growing circle of admirers, his charming smile fixed in place as women in dazzling gowns fawned over him. He saw one of them coo wistfully, her hand brushing his arm. Jayce laughed nervously, shifting on his feet.
At the edge of the room, Viktor leaned against the column, his sharp eyes fixed on the scene, ready to intervene if necessary. He tapped his cane against the floor, the rhythm betraying his rising annoyance. He knew Jayce could handle himself, truly he did, but the incessant flirting— and Jayce’s obvious discomfort— was testing Viktor’s patience.
Next to him, Caitlyn sipped her champagne and nudged Viktor lightly with her elbow. “You’re burning holes into them, you know.”
“I am observing,” Viktor curtly replied.
Caitlyn raised an eyebrow, her tone teasing. “You look like you’re plotting how to get away with murder.”
“Hmm,” Viktor tilted his head in thought. “Would it be too obvious to trip one or two with my cane? Perhaps something more subtle is in order. Or not. I’m alright with being direct.”
Caitlyn guffawed. “If you’d like to make a scene then yes, you can try that.”
“I am not above making a scene.”
“Sure, sure. And how well do you think that would go over for Hextech if you did?”
Viktor didn’t respond, his focus still on Jayce. At the moment, he didn’t much care about what making a scene would mean for the future of Hextech. All he wanted in that moment was for those hands to remove themselves from Jayce's cringing body before he gave people from the Undercity a worse reputation than they already had.
Caitlyn followed his gaze, and very likely his line of thought, then rolled her eyes.
“Honestly, these people are like vultures.”
“Indeed,” Viktor darkly agreed, stepping forward to intervene. However, he didn’t get far, as Caitlyn reached an arm out to stop him.
“Wait, wait! You can’t just go over there and start bashing heads in. You must handle these sorts of things delicately. Here, watch and learn.”
Before Viktor could ask what, she meant, Caitlyn took a sip of liquid courage and strode across the room, her every step deliberate and confident. She approached the most persistent woman— a tall blonde in an emerald gown— and smiled warmly.
“Oh, no!” Caitlyn gasped, feigning a stumble. Her champagne glass tipped, its contents cascading down the front of the blonde’s expensive dress.
The woman shrieked, jumping back as Caitlyn quickly grabbed a napkin from a nearby table.
“I’m so sorry!” she said, her tone dripping with fake concern. Pulling it off better than Viktor could’ve ever hoped to do. “These floors are just so slippery!”
The woman glared, her cheeks burning red hot with furious embarrassment. “You—! I’m—! My dress—!”
“I’ll have it dry-cleaned, of course,” Caitlyn interrupted smoothly, dabbing at the fabric. “Though it’s quite remarkable how it changes color when wet. Almost like art.”
Jayce, who had been trying to extricate himself from the group, blinked in surprise as the women quickly dispersed, the blonde storming off in a huff.
Viktor watched in amazement as Caitlyn turned back to him and gave a wink. This girl was a menace, he finally understood why Jayce liked her company so much.
“Caitlyn Kiramman!” A sudden, sharp voice came from the far side of the room. Caitlyn winced as her mother approached, her expression stern. “Must you make a scene at every function? You’re representing our family!”
“I was just helping,” Caitlyn said innocently, flashing a disarming smile.
“Helping? By ruining someone’s evening?” Councilor Kiramman crossed her arms, glaring at her daughter. “We’ll discuss this later.”
As the councilwoman walked away, Caitlyn let out a long breath and followed after her. Although the triumphant smirk failed to leave her face.
Viktor watched her go with a small chuckle. When his eyes spotted Jayce in the crowd once more, he expected to see him still standing alone, perhaps to even make his way over to permanently stand by his side and prevent any other incidents from occurring. Only, that’s not what he saw, and thus, not what happened.
No, he saw instead that Mel Medarda had approached him.
Jayce’s demeanor changed immediately, his smile becoming genuine, his posture relaxing. Nothing like the way he had previously held himself surrounded by those other women. No, Mel was different. She’d always been different, deep-down Viktor had known that from the beginning. Even if it was easier to just ignore it. He was already ignoring half a dozen other things, what was one more repressed thought?
From his vantage point, he saw her say something that made Jayce laugh; a real laugh, not the polite chuckle he’d been offering all evening. The way he seemed at ease with Mel, the easy familiarity between them, stirred something bitter and unbidden within him.
Viktor’s chest tightened. He was being irrational; Mel was one of the few people who truly understood Jayce’s ambitions. Not to mention they complimented each other effortlessly well. Whereas Mel was striking beauty, Viktor was a sickly, pale thing that seemed to shrivel up further when next to Jayce’s broad build.
Not that he was comparing himself to Mel, there was no need to. Friends don’t compare themselves to other friends' potential romantic partners. Not that Viktor would really know, he hasn’t had many friends throughout his life besides Jayce. Did Sky count as a friend? Certainly not, that was a gross misuse of their professional power dynamic. Heimerdinger, perhaps? No, no, that was just sad.
Regardless, watching them together, so effortlessly connected, made him feel even more like a shadow. A necessary presence but never the focus. But Viktor wasn’t yearning for the spotlight to notice him.
Before he realized it, Viktor was turning away, his cane tapping sharply against the floor as he made his way to the balcony. The cool night air greeted him as he stepped outside, offering a brief reprieve from the suffocating heat and noise of the hall. The cool night air was a relief, the distant hum of Piltover’s gears providing a familiar comfort, and took another long swig from his glass.
He closed his eyes, savoring the moment, until a smooth voice interrupted his thoughts.
“Ah, Mr. Viktor, is it?” Came a voice from the shadows.
Viktor stiffened, turning to see a man in an expensive suit step into the moonlight. He recognized him as one of the more aggressive investors who had been circling him and Jayce earlier in the evening.
“Depends. Who are you?” Viktor replied coolly, leaning slightly on his cane.
The man seemed to startle at the question, as if everyone should automatically know who he was everywhere he went.
“I suppose we haven’t been properly acquainted,” he eventually replied, his smile unsettling. “I am Albus Ferros, a very interested potential investor for your Hextech project.”
Viktor tried to keep his eyes from physically widening. A member of House Ferros? Even Viktor had heard the name before now. Clearing his throat, he did his best to try and remain civil with the possible money maker in front of him.
“Ah, yes. Apologies, Mr. Ferros.”
“No need, there’s a lot of faces to remember. I quite understand,” he hummed, moving to stand at the railing beside Viktor. “I couldn’t help but notice you slipping away. Not much for the spotlight, are you?”
“I am not one for spotlights. I prefer to observe,” Viktor said, his voice clipped yet forcibly pleasant.
The man chuckled, stepping closer. “Interesting. Jayce Talis’s shadow, always in the background. Tell me, does it bother you, being overlooked? Or do you enjoy it?”
Viktor’s jaw clicked. “I’m not quite sure I follow what you are implying.”
Ferros smirked, his gaze turning predatory. “Fine. I’ll be blunt. Someone like you—an Undercity rat—must be quite resourceful to rise so high. But let’s be honest. You’re not here because of your brilliance.”
Viktor’s eyes narrowed. “If you are here to insult me, do not waste your time.”
“Oh, it’s no insult,” Ferros said, though his tone dripped with condescension. “I’m simply fascinated. You must be very resourceful to have climbed so high. Or perhaps you’ve had some help?”
Viktor’s grip on his cane tightened, but he said nothing.
The man’s smirk widened. “Let’s not pretend. Everyone knows why you’re here. Jayce Talis’s little… pet. Or should I say, his little whore?”
Viktor’s breath hitched, anger flaring in his chest. Yeah, no. No amount of money was worth this. Viktor pushed off the railing and clutched his cane, knuckles white, in a valiant attempt to keep from whacking the brute across the head with it. Truly, Viktor had the patience of a saint.
“What did you just call me?” he replied, icily. Ferros merely laughed in response, reaching out to grab and pull roughly at Viktor’s arm. Making the drink in his hand slosh sloppily over the rim of the glass.
“Oh, come now, don’t be shy,” he leered over him, voice oily and rotten. His breath wafted in his face, smelling of fruity drinks and wine.
“Are you drunk?” Viktor sneered, attempting to twist his arm free. Ferros’s grip held strong and threw his head back to laugh.
“I have my wits, although the same can’t be said for your Jayce Talis. The man cannot shut up about you. The entire time he stood there, bragging about your many ‘contributions’, all I could think about was how you must give it up well to make such a lasting impression—”
Viktor yanked his arm free, stepping back quickly.
“Don’t touch me,” he snapped, his voice sharp as steel.
Before Ferros could reply, Viktor jammed his cane down onto his foot and threw what remained of his drink in Ferros’s pompous face. The man yelped and released him to wipe at his eyes while he bounced on his good foot, sputtering and cursing up a storm. It gave Viktor the corner needed to hobble back inside as fast as he could. Witnesses were good. Having people around was a strategically sound plan to have.
His heart pounded, but he forced his expression into calm neutrality. He’d just thrown a drink in a Ferros’s face. A well respected house that resided in Piltover’s uppercrust. And then he’d stomped on his foot for good measure.
Fuck. Fuck. If it had been anyone else Viktor would’ve thrown their smug ass off the balcony for daring to insinuate any of that nonsense about his character. Was that truly what people thought of him? Of Jayce? The thought was enough to make his stomach feel uneasy.
He should leave. He should leave right now. Jayce didn’t need him here. He had Caitlyn and Mel, he’d apologize for his abrupt exit in the morning. As he worked his way through the pompous crowd, Viktor struggled to keep his temper in check. That man’s grip felt burned into his forearm, he’d no doubt have bruises. Great, another thing to keep from Jayce.
Do not draw attention. Simply slip into obscurity. You’re good at that. Do not mess this up for Hextech. For you. For Jayce—
Viktor’s thoughts began to muddle as he wove through the crowd, and he nearly collided head on with Mel. He caught himself before he could, jumping back, almost stumbling to the ground. Mel met his gaze, with a perfect smile.
“Viktor, there you are! Jayce has been looking for you,” her personable appearance then suddenly grew dim, as her perceptive eyes cast over Viktor’s face and evidently did not like what they saw. Damn, how could she do that? No wonder Jayce liked her so much. “Is something the matter?”
“Ah, Councilor Medarda,” Viktor forced out as pleasantly as possible. “Apologies, my leg seems to be failing me. I must go now.”
To be fair, it wasn’t a complete lie. His leg was beginning to ache with an unbearable sharp pain for standing so long, just to add to the chaos no doubt.
Mel studied him for a long moment, her sharp eyes instantly catching the tension in his posture.
“Your leg? Is that all?” she questioned, her voice low. “Did something happen?”
“What? No, of course not,” Viktor replied too quickly, avoiding her persistent gaze. “I simply needed some fresh air.”
Mel frowned, clearly unconvinced. She glanced behind him and caught sight of Ferros making his way through the crowd, his expression predatory, his fancy blazer soaked, and his sight firmly set on Viktor. Her jaw tightened and her smile soured.
“Hold on,” she said firmly, stepping in front of Viktor as if to shield him from view. And then, in the blink of an eye, Mel was smiling sweetly at the approaching man. “Mr. Ferros! How lovely it is to see you. Tell me, how is Camille?”
Ferros seemed to snap temporarily out of his enraged stupor to spare a glance over at Mel. “She is well, to the best of my knowledge, anyhow. She hasn’t graced me with her presence within the last month yet.”
Mel continued to smile, sickly sweet. Any sweeter and Viktor feared everyone within the vicinity would get some cavities.
“Hmm, I’ve been meaning to reach out soon. I hope she’ll forgive my absence.”
Ferros shrugged, that sneering, smirking expression taking over his face once more. “I’m sure she’ll forgive and forget. We all understand that you’ve had a lot on your plate as of late.”
“Indeed,” she grinned, glancing back at Viktor. “I see you’ve managed to meet the other creator of Hextech. Truly, we’ve been begging him to attend an event such as this for quite some time. I trust you have been treating him well?”
Viktor blinked. That was a threat. A mild one, yet the bite in her words was clear. Ferros, however, either didn’t care or was too stupid to notice. Viktor suspected it was a healthy combination of both.
Instead, Ferros inched closer to them, his snide smirk returning when his eyes landed back on Viktor.
“Ah, yes, we were just discussing Hextech back on the balcony. He ran off too soon, didn’t even give me a chance to hear out my proposition for him.”
Viktor glared. “I’d already heard quite enough, thank you.”
Ferros cocked his head, grin widening. “Even so, you shouldn’t run off in the middle of a conversation like that. It’s rather rude.”
“Ahem,” Mel coughed between them. “Mr. Ferros, did you have a spill?”
Ferros laughed and waved her off, wiping uselessly at his damp clothing.
“It’s nothing! Viktor here stumbled and spilled his drink on me,” he leveled Viktor with a stare. “Isn’t that, right?”
Viktor’s glare hardened and Mel’s gaze turned icy.
“It was a simple mistake, I’m sure,” she replied with a clipped tone. “In all the time I’ve known him Viktor does not stumble lightly, nor does he have the time for whatever nonsense you’re peddling.”
The man chuckled. “And who are you to speak for him? Should it not be his keeper?”
“Keeper?” Mel repeated incredulously, eyes wide thanks to the sheer audacity of the statement. “What a horrid thing to imply! I should hope you are not referring to Mr. Talis.”
“So what if I am? Everyone here knows the truth,” Ferros shrugged, slurring his words ever so righteously. Viktor’s self-restraint was cracking open with every fleeting second.
“There seems to have been a misunderstanding,” he growled. “I have earned my place here through my work with Jayce, not because of any other means. And certainly not through the charity of people like you.”
Ferros’s eyes darkened, and Viktor saw the way Mel tensed in front of him. He should probably ask her to move aside, no? That’s the gentlemanly thing to do.
“You should watch the way you speak,” Ferros threatened, kept at bay only through Mel’s presence alone. “Especially for someone in such a… delicate position as yours.”
“Mr. Ferros, now you watch your tongue—”
“Apologies, Councilor. How rude of me to speak of such a thing in your presence,” he smirked. “Please, Viktor, why don’t we continue this conversation in private.”
Ferros reached out, but before he could grab hold of anything, Viktor smacked the top of his hand with his cane. The man cried out, pulling away to cradle his reddened hand close to his chest. His eyes lit up with an unbridled rage, and Mel planted herself more firmly in front of Viktor.
“Mr. Ferros, I believe it is time for you to go—”
“Why you little gutter rat whore!”
“Mr. Ferros!”
“Do you know who I am?! I could ruin you, boy!”
Ferros was quick this time, he grabbed a hold of Viktor’s arm and yanked, throwing him off balance and further into his grasp. Mel, to her credit, did her best to intervene. Pushing back at the drunkard as much as Viktor was. Evidently, the man was as strong as he was horridly insistent.
“Albus, you’re drunk! Let him go!”
“Who are you to deny me?!” Ferros snarled, ignoring Mel completely. “I don’t take kindly to being dismissed by Undercity trash!”
Viktor dropped his cane and thrashed in his hold, pushing at his chest and scratching at his neck. His attacks only seemed to spur the man on, which was concerning in its own right.
Distantly, he realized that the music throughout the grand hall had at some point come to a stop. He heard Mel call out for something, but it was too difficult to hear over the heartbeat racing in his ears as the man before him reached up to grab his chin in a bruising grip.
“What the hell is going on here?!”
Oh, it’s Jayce! Viktor had time to think, a wave of temporary relief overtaking his still very much captive body. But then, the thought was quickly followed up by a much more serious, oh… it’s Jayce.
This was not good.
Ferros paused his assault, eyes going impossibly big at the sudden appearance of Viktor’s partner. The crowd parted as he approached, his expression thunderous.
“Mr. Talis!” he exclaimed. “I-I’m… there’s—”
“Get your hands off of him.” Jayce’s voice rang out, cutting through the tension like a blade and making Viktor tense up. Jayce’s voice… did not sound quite like Jayce. No, there was a sharper edge to it that Viktor in his adrenaline rush could not rightly pinpoint. Something darker. Something deadly.
Quick to obey, Ferros abruptly released his hold on Viktor, which, of course, sent him tumbling to his knees without any support to keep him up. Just another thing to humiliate him further.
“Mr. Talis, please, I- I meant no offense—”
While the man stumbled over his words, Viktor grunted in pain from his spot on the ground. His bad leg flaring at the impact, he squeezed his eyes shut and blindly reached out for his cane. A second later, he felt his cane being placed back into his hands. Cracking an eye open, he saw Mel staring worriedly back at him, alongside dozens of other faces behind her who had turned towards the commotion like moths to a flame.
So much for not causing a scene. Viktor wondered if Caitlyn was somewhere in the room trying not to cackle at him.
Meanwhile, Ferros desperately clings to life with frantic thoughts and useless words.
“Y-You see, your assistant attacked me on the balcony! Unprovoked and without cause!” Viktor rolled his eyes tiredly. Oh brother. “Truly! I was simply trying to defend myself against this wretched Undercity whore of a—”
Ferros cut himself off and shut his mouth with an audible clack. Probably the smartest decision he’s ever made in his life up until that point. Too bad it came just a second too late. Scandalized gasps rang all throughout the hall, and Viktor held his cane close to his chest before daring to spare a look up at Jayce.
Jayce’s eyes flicked to Viktor, then to Mel, who was still holding her ground beside Viktor, despite it all. His gaze finally landed on Ferros, and his fury erupted. But not in an explosive blaze, but in a calm, cold, crack.
“Did… you just call him a whore?” Jayce asked, his voice low and deadly. Viktor nearly swallowed his own tongue.
Ferros opened his mouth, gaping like a fish. “I didn’t mean—”
“No, no, you did. You did mean it,” Jayce growled, his fists clenching at his sides, making Viktor cringe. It looked painful. “Say it. Say it again. I fucking dare you.”
Swearing, Viktor thought somewhat deliriously. Jayce never swore. It… Well, it was rather attractive. Although, he supposed that was hardly a surprise.
The man stammered, taking a step back. “I-It was just a misunder—”
The punch came so fast no one saw it coming. Least of all Ferros. Jayce’s fist connected with his jaw and the impact sent Ferros sprawling to the ground, and even more gasps rippled through the room, one of which definitely belonged to Viktor himself.
Jayce loomed over Ferros, his chest heaving. Viktor stared up at his partner in fright and awe. He looked wild. No, no, he looked feral.
Viktor was sure that his face had to be on fire by now.
“Jayce! Jayce, my boy, what is the meaning of this?”
Heimerdinger entered the scene seconds too late, followed by the horrified Kiramman’s. Except for Caitlyn, no, no, she had a fire in her eyes, and she seemed to be trying to set Ferros ablaze with it. Truly, if one good thing was to come from this night, it would be Viktor’s heightened respect for the young lady.
Jayce took a step closer, and Mel sprung to her feet, placing a hand on his chest, her voice calm but firm.
“That’s enough. He’s drunk, and there are eyes everywhere.”
Jayce glanced at Mel, then Heimerdinger, then finally set his furious gaze right back on Ferros. Flexing his fingers.
“If you ever speak to my partner—or anyone —like that again, I’ll make sure you regret it. Consider any prospect of a potential partnership over. Hextech will survive just fine without your support.”
Ferros held his jaw and whimpered out a pathetic sound. Viktor snorted at the sight.
The rest of it happened in a blur after that. Enforcers arrived quickly, escorting a dazed and humiliated Ferros out of the gala. Mel straightened her dress, brushing off the encounter like a professional.
Viktor, however, was quieter than usual, his expression unreadable. He sat on the ground, staring down at his cane. The cane Jayce had made for him.
Two broad hands enveloped Viktor’s shoulders and he shuttered. After all that had just transpired, the natural reaction probably should’ve been to recoil away from a touch like that. But no, Viktor knew who’s touch it was even with out having to fully look at him.
“Viktor? Are you okay?”
Was he okay? What kind of a question was that? Viktor bit down ruthlessly on his tongue to keep from screaming, staring back at his kneeling partner’s open face. His voice was too soft, his eyes too bright. And Viktor… Viktor couldn’t take it. His humiliation and swirling lust for the man in front of him came crashing down, and his temper snapped.
“I was handling it,” Viktor spat, smacking Jayce’s hands away. “You didn’t need to make a scene!”
Jayce spluttered, narrowing his eyes. “A scene?! You think I give a damn about—!”
“Jayce, I think you should escort Mr. Viktor home for the night,” Councilor Kiramman chimed in, eyes wary. “He should rest.”
“I am fine,” Viktor stressed, pulling himself up onto his feet, ignoring Jayce’s hovering hands. “There’s no need to coddle.”
“No one's coddling you,” Caitlyn denied. Viktor found himself disagreeing, staring indignantly at Jayce.
“Tell that to him.”
Jayce met his anger head on. “What? I can’t be concerned about you?!”
“Now, boys, boys, there’s no need to argue,” Heimerdinger intruded. “Jayce acted admirably to protect his partner, truly there is no need for any more trouble.”
Mel’s hand fell on Jayce’s shoulder, and Viktor withheld the needling instinct to smack it away. “It’s getting late, anyways. There’s nothing more to do here.”
Jayce seemed to mull her words over, while Viktor stood rigidly, all too aware of the hundreds of eyes still planted firmly on him. Most were polite enough to not make it appear obvious, but he could still feel them. Underneath the chandeliers, Viktor couldn’t help but be reminded of how much he despised the spotlight.
After being politely dismissed (kicked out) from the gala, Viktor and Jayce walked down the sleepy streets of Piltover side by side. Mel had offered to use her coach to get home instead, but Viktor outright refused. His dignity was already in tatters, there was no way in hell he would be taking handouts from pitying Topsiders tonight. Jayce fought him on it at first, but when it became clear that Viktor was in no mood to talk, they fell into an uneasy silence.
They made the trek back to Jayce’s apartment simply because it was closer. It was the only compromise Viktor had been willing to make that night, if only for the sake of his leg. Still, that didn’t stop Viktor from marching ahead, his cane tapping sharply against the pavement, while Jayce followed a few steps behind. Bum leg be damned, Viktor would rather die than lose all of his pride.
“You shouldn’t have done that,” Viktor said suddenly, not turning around. He could practically feel the way Jayce frowned at the back of his head.
“What the hell was I supposed to do? Let him strangle you? For Janna’s sake, Viktor, he was assaulting you in plain sight without a single care in the goddamn world!”
“I could have handled it!” Viktor snapped, his voice rising. “I’m a cripple, not invalid, Jayce!”
“Of course you’re not! When have I ever implied that you are?!” Jayce quickened his pace, stepping in front of Viktor and forcing him to stop. “He had his hands on you, Viktor! I wasn’t going to just stand there and watch!”
“I was in no danger. He’d already let go of me by the time you decided to punch him.”
Jayce threw his arms up in exasperation. “I won’t apologize for defending you!”
Viktor merely scoffed in response, because he should. Dammit all, he really should.
“Yes, yes, very nice; you’ve defended my maidenly honor, how incredibly brave you are. And now thanks to you, everyone who attended that gala will be talking about how The Man of Progress punched a member from a noble House over his poor, crippled lab partner,” Viktor said bitterly. “Do you have any idea how humiliating that is?”
Jayce’s eyes widened. “Humiliating? Viktor, he—”
“Don’t pretend this was about me,” Viktor interrupted, his voice sharp. “You did it because you couldn’t stand the insult to your reputation. To your precious image.”
Jayce recoiled as if struck. “That’s not fair—”
“Isn’t it?” Viktor challenged, his golden eyes blazing. “You’re so concerned with how people see you, with what they think of Hextech. You didn’t stop to think how this would affect me. I grew up around people like him, Jayce! I’ve survived much, much worse and I handled it all on my own! Now everyone will see me as some sort of charity case you’re burdened with—”
“Fuck them,” Jayce spat, fists clenched at his sides. “Fuck whoever can’t see you the way I do. I know you’re capable, V, I’ve always known. But I’m sorry to tell you, you forfeited the right to handle bastards like Ferros alone the moment you agreed to be my partner.”
The words hung in the air, silencing Viktor’s retort. Why must he phrase it that way? Why?
“You don’t owe me anything,” Viktor said, anger faltering ever so slightly. Jayce shook his head.
“I owe you everything, Viktor. Why can’t you see that?”
Ah, so that’s what this was about. The night they met, when Viktor had found Jayce quite literally teetering on the edge. Of course, what else would it be?
“I don’t wish to be an obligation,” Viktor sighed, avoiding his gaze.
“An obligation?” Jayce breathed, sounding rather… broken. “Gods, Vik. Do you truly think so little of me?”
Viktor’s head snapped back up in shock. “What? No, I just—”
“—Think I keep you around because you stopped me from killing myself?”
Viktor flinched. They’d never actually spoken about what Jayce’s intentions had been that night. It’d been clear, nothing had happened, there was no need to dwell on it. No need to speak the words of his plans into existence. And yet, Jayce had done just that.
“That’s not what I meant,” Viktor muttered. Jayce sighed, running a hand through his unruly hair. When had it gotten so messed up?
“Do you feel like I’m an obligation?” he asked, suddenly. “The poor guy you saved from offing himself. Are you scared I’ll actually go through with it if you walk away?”
Viktor gawked. He could say with complete certainty, the thought had never crossed his mind before.
“No! I’ve never seen you that way.”
“Then why can’t you accept that I don’t see you that way either?”
Viktor opened and closed his mouth, words failing him in a way they never have before. Finally, he gave up, and hung his head with a heavy sigh, gripping at his cane. Begging it to keep him upright.
“You are the only person in this city who sees me as your equal, Jayce,” he mumbled. “Not that I particularly blame those who don't. I hold you in… high regard. I respect your mind, your passion. It can be invigorating to witness. You are an open book; you wear your heart on your sleeve. People like speaking with you about nothing. About everything. You could tell them the sky is green, and they'd still give you, their time. It’s why you were made to be in the spotlight. And why I… was not. It’s as simple as that. I want to help people, Jayce. That’s all I’ve ever wanted. I don’t care much for how people see me as long as it gets done.”
The hug caught him horribly off guard, although it probably shouldn’t have. Jayce held onto Viktor as tightly as he could, and Viktor found himself struggling to breathe for more reasons than one.
“I’d do it again, Viktor,” Jayce whispered, voice impossibly soft. “What I did tonight. I’d do it all same if I could. Only this time, I wouldn’t let myself be pulled away from your side.”
Viktor’s heart pounded in his chest. “You shouldn’t—”
“I should,” Jayce interrupted, his voice trembling with emotion. “Because you’re not just my partner. You’re…”
His voice caught, and his hand gently cupped the back of Viktor’s head to snuggle closer into the crook of his neck. Viktor stared at the streetlights ahead, utterly stunned.
“Jayce…” Don’t let me go. I despise every other touch that isn’t yours.
“I know I can be ignorant at times,” Jayce continued, rubbing his back. “And maybe I’ve been blind to a lot of things. But tonight, seeing someone treat you like that, call you those things—”
“I’ve dealt with worse.”
“You shouldn’t have had to deal with worse,” Jayce whined, pulling back just enough to meet his eyes. “I respect you so, so much, Vitya. Please understand that. I’m not obligated to do anything. I just want to help you, in any way I can.”
Gentle fingers ran over the darkened bruises on his chin, and Viktor shivered. He blinked up at him, overheated and flattered and oh so very enchanted by Jayce and the oversized heart that was steadily beating in his chest. No one had held him like this in so long. Has anyone ever held him this way before? So close, so tenderly? As if he was something to be admired. To be cherished. To say it was overwhelming would be a gross misrepresentation of what he was actually feeling. Which was, embarrassingly enough, indescribable.
Swallowing hard, Viktor pushed Jayce’s shoulders back slightly, his voice barely above a whisper.
“You’re an idiot.”
Jayce startled. “What?”
“I said you’re an idiot,” Viktor repeated, a small smile tugging at his lips. “But I suppose I can forgive you for that. After all, it is a part of your nature. You can’t help it.”
Relief flooded Jayce’s face as he threw his head back and laughed. It was beautiful. “Thanks? I think? Unless that was intended as an insult. In which case, ouch.”
Viktor huffed a tiny laugh. “No. No insult,” he said, not bothering to hide his fondness.
The rest of the walk to Jayce’s apartment was a pleasant one. The distance between them was gone, replaced by a quiet understanding. Viktor allowed himself to lean against Jayce at times, and in turn Jayce said nothing about it. It was gloriously simple.
The moment they entered Jayce’s front door, Viktor was sagging with relief, limping over to the lavishly plush couch that Viktor had happily made fun of him for buying. Now though, he couldn’t be happier to see it.
He collapsed down onto it with a sigh, closing his eyes and leaning his head back to rest. Glad to alleviate some of the weight from off his leg. The couch shifted, and Viktor heard Jayce’s grunt tired beside him. His warmth was as radiant and comforting as the sun itself.
"Is your leg, okay?"
Viktor huffed. "My leg is never 'okay', Jayce. But it is bearable, for now."
For a long moment, Jayce didn't respond. Viktor began to worry he had once again gone too far with his bluntness, but then he spoke.
“I’m sorry.”
Viktor furrowed his brow, but his eyes remained too heavy to open.
“What are you sorry for?”
“For dragging you there tonight. For letting people drag me away long enough for that bastard to get his hands on you,” Jayce took a breath. “I know you didn’t wanna go. I guilted you into it.”
With a low hum, Viktor shook his head. “That’s not true.”
“You’re saying that me whining like a child didn’t persuade you at all?” Jayce asked. Viktor rolled his eyes behind the eyelids.
“It is not entirely true,” he amended. “I was… concerned about you.”
“Concerned?” Jayce repeated, sounding confused. Viktor swallowed roughly.
“The idea of investors getting too physical with you was not a pleasant thought,” he admitted, quirking up his lips. “Although, now I am happy to know how proficient Caitlyn is in scattering the vultures away when necessary.”
“The vultures?” Jayce laughed, shifting on the couch. “That’s rather harsh, is it not?”
“I’d make the argument that it is not harsh enough,” Viktor shrugged. Jayce chuckled some more, and his tone shifted into something downright mischievous.
“Are you saying that you only attended this disaster of a party to make sure people didn’t get too handsy with me?” Jayce asked, that teasing, heart stopping smile no doubt spread cockily across his face.
“Ehh, perhaps,” Viktor said, before a sudden burst of laughter wrecked through his exhausted body. “To think, I went there to keep you away from wandering hands, only for the night to end with you punching some creep in the face for me.”
Jayce quietly chuckled alongside him. The moment stretched on, and Viktor felt a blanket of peace cover them. Until the couch shifted and dipped, and the sudden weight on his good leg startled his eyes back open. Glancing down, Viktor was met with the sight of a curled up Jayce resting his head on his lap. A soft sigh exhaled through his tired lips, and Viktor could do nothing but stare at the back of his head, frozen in place. Hands hovering awkwardly over the large, incredibly strong shoulders that had appeared rather threatening barely two hours earlier.
Was this really the same man who had tossed Ferros onto his ass and loomed over him with that wild glint in his eye? If Viktor had not witnessed it himself, he might’ve thought otherwise because, truly, the man was a puppy. An oversized hound who fancied himself a lap dog. It would be adorable if Viktor was not so focused on breathing properly.
“I appreciate it anyways,” Jayce mumbled, nuzzling his head further into his lap. “I’m lucky to have you in my corner. You can be kind of terrifying sometimes.”
Viktor hummed, one hand settling shakily down onto his shoulder, while the other hovered over his partner’s head. “And you can be annoyingly approachable. So, I suppose we balance out in the middle somewhere.”
Jayce huffed, smiling into his leg. “I like that.”
Viktor’s breath hitched, before his brain finally said fuck it and placed his hand on top of Jayce’s dark hair. He smoothed it back, scraping his scalp with his nails, and did all he could not to blush horribly like some pathetic, bumbling virgin at the sigh Jayce released in return.
“I enjoy your company far too much, Jayce,” Viktor mumbled, scratching said partner’s head. “I never wish to see you uncomfortable. But the women who surrounded you tonight, I could tell you were not happy to have their hands on you.”
Jayce sighed. “It’s never gone beyond stuff like that."
"That does not make it any less wrong," grumbled Viktor. Jayce cringed in his lap.
"Yeah, I know. But I swear, I do know how to say no when things go too far. And besides, it’s not as if Caitlyn would ever let it get that far anyways. Kinda like tonight.”
Viktor raised a brow. “You knew the spill was intentional?”
“Please, Vik, I’m not that blind. I saw her literally wink at you from across the room, the little devil,” Jayce scoffed with a fond smile. Viktor gave a lopsided grin, tucking some stray hairs behind his ear.
“So much for subtlety,” Jayce said nothing, and Viktor raised his brow. “Jayce?”
His partner shook his head, burying his face into his thigh. Oh, he really was trying to kill him, was he.
“I can’t get what he said about you out of my head,” Jayce eventually said, voice unbearably soft. Thumb rubbing soothingly against his kneecap. “The idea that anyone would dare to say something like that about you… it’s sickening. I swear I never meant to humiliate you, Viktor. It all just went red.”
Viktor believed him, it was impossible not to. “I know you’d never mean to hurt me. And I apologize for being… eh, disagreeable after. I just wanted no part in all the gossip, nor did I appreciate being unwillingly placed underneath the spotlight.”
“It’s alright, it was a shitty situation. I don’t blame you for anything,” said Jayce. “Under different circumstances, I’d say that the spotlight suits you.”
“Oh, please,” Viktor scoffed.
“I’m serious,” Jayce insisted, snuggling closer. “You deserve to be seen.”
Something shifted in the atmosphere. Viktor didn’t know what exactly, but scientists do seek discovery.
“Is that why you were so eager to show me off?” He lightly teased. Jayce reached up and grabbed the hand from off his shoulder. Be brought it to his lips, and kissed the back of it. Viktor gasped and felt the world turn on its axis.
“I’m always eager to show you off,” he said, shifting onto his back. Looking up at Viktor with wide, honest eyes. Hopeful eyes. Turning over Viktor’s hand in his, he interlocked their fingers and smiled nervously up at him. Viktor watched it all, utterly breathless.
"Jayce... what are you..."
"Oh, c'mon now, Vik. Use that big brain of yours," Jayce teased, although the nervous flicker in his eyes remained. "You said it yourself; I wear my heart on my sleeve."
Viktor blinked down at him, both shocked and not shocked at all. This was Jayce after all. Affectionate, kind, protective, impulsive Jayce. Brushing his fingers through his thick locks, Viktor watched Jayce lean up into his touch, mesmerized.
"What about Mel?"
Jayce squinted up at him. "What about Mel?"
"You," Viktor gulped, pulse thundering in his ears. "You... like her."
Jayce stared at him and Viktor suddenly felt like an idiot. Only Jayce could have him questioning his intelligence on such a profound level. It was entirely unfair.
"I guess so," he shrugged. "But not the same way I like you. You're... you've always been different, Vitya. I just can't help it."
I just can't help it. Had Viktor finally snapped? Or was the universe finally throwing him his long-deserved bone? For the sake of preserving his sanity, Viktor decided to believe the latter. Because that meant that Jayce liked him. That he was choosing Viktor. And wasn't that a novel concept?
Viktor was not made for the spotlight; he never would be, no matter how much Jayce disagreed. Viktor would help make the world a better place from the shadows where he could thrive. However, perhaps it wouldn’t hurt to venture out into the light every now and then. Only if Jayce was by his side. Only if Jayce held his hand and stared so sweetly back at him. Maybe it wasn’t impossible to try.
However, he may have paused for a tad bit too long, as Jayce began to shift his head anxiously, face red hot. Viktor found it rather endearing.
"Not that I'm pushing you for anything, of course!" Jayce frantically assured, scratching at his chin. "I-I just wanted to finally—"
"Jayce?" His mouth snapped shut.
"Yes?"
"You're an idiot."
When Viktor leaned down, Jayce met him halfway. And that was that.