Archive of Our Own

Viktor’s memory of their first meeting was nothing like Jayce’s.

At the Academy, every student worth their salt knew the Undercity clubs were the heartbeat of Piltover’s nightlife — a chaotic haven for those chasing music, mischief, and a fleeting sense of freedom. On weekends, the clubs swelled to capacity, the air heavy with laughter, the relentless pulse of diverse rhythms, and a sea of bodies moving in time with the music.

It was not a place Viktor frequented. In truth, he avoided it whenever he could. The cacophony grated on his nerves, an assault on his carefully guarded patience. Even when he begrudgingly agreed to accompany the very few classmates who invited him, bothering to put some effort into getting to know him, he was always struck by the nagging sense that his time could be spent far more productively elsewhere.

That night, the feeling weighed heavier than usual. Viktor sat just outside one of Zaun’s most crowded nightclubs, absently nursing a lukewarm bottle of some dubious “Noxian spirit.” He gazed out into the night, questioning for the hundredth time why he had bothered to come. Perhaps it had been the fleeting illusion that one of his colleagues was flirting with him and that, perhaps, that could bloom into something else — a notion that now felt as thin as smoke as he watched said colleague in the arms of another man only minutes prior. 

He sighed, wishing he had spent his time and money more wisely, staying in his dorm, immersed in work, refining the project he was so fervently preparing for the end of the semester.

As Viktor debated whether to finish his drink or abandon it altogether, a group of young men spilled into the night. Proud, boisterous, and unmistakably intoxicated, they were likely first-year Academy students, stumbling over their own feet, drunk on both cheap spirits and the intoxicating thrill of a night out in the “exotic Undercity”.

One of them immediately caught Viktor’s attention — perhaps because he was the tallest of the group, or perhaps because his disheveled charm was impossible to ignore. Despite his unsteady gait and the way he leaned heavily on one of his friends for support, the young man’s broad grin lit up the shadows with a disarming brilliance. When his gaze finally landed on Viktor, it was with a shameless, boyish charm that might have been irritating — if it weren’t so inexplicably endearing.

The charming young man held Viktor’s gaze for all of two seconds before promptly throwing up.

He was, without question, far too deep into his cups.

Viktor observed as the group of students scattered, their raucous laughter fading into the night. Only two stayed behind: the young man who had clearly overindulged and another, who looked utterly unprepared — if not downright miserable — at the prospect of managing a drunken companion. They appeared to be a couple of years younger than Viktor, though their clothing — impeccably tailored and undeniably Piltover — set them apart from the typical Undercity crowd.

“Hey, you!” the least drunk one called out, his voice tinged with desperation as he helped his friend slump onto the curb. “Do you happen to have any water?”

Viktor shook his head, draining the last of his drink before leaning on his cane to rise. The boy muttered a curse under his breath as his friend mumbled something incoherent — right before retching again, this time onto the unfortunate friend’s shoes.

“Man, Jayce, come on!” he sighed, and turned his attention back to Viktor. “Hey, uh, I’m sorry— but do you mind keeping an eye on my friend here? I’ll just run back inside and grab some water. It’ll only take a second.”

Viktor raised a brow, glancing from the drunk young man to his friend. “And what makes you think I’ll agree?” he asked dryly, though he didn’t make a move to leave.

The boy hesitated, clearly too desperate to argue. “Please. I’ll owe you one,” he said, already edging toward the door.

Viktor sighed, leaning back against the wall. “Fine. But if he vomits again, it’s your problem.”

With a hasty nod of thanks, the boy disappeared back into the club, leaving Viktor alone with a very disheveled and very inebriated Jayce.

Viktor watched the other man fade back into the club, his eyes narrowing slightly as he glanced back to Jayce, who struggled to regain some semblance of composure. The young man’s grin hadn’t quite faded, though it was now tinged with confusion and mild embarrassment.

“So, uh…” Jayce slurred, blinking up at Viktor with bleary eyes. “You… you’re not gonna leave me here, right? Not a chance, right?”

Viktor glanced down at him, his expression unreadable. “I’m not your babysitter,” he said dryly, though he couldn’t help the faint tug at the corner of his mouth.

Jayce chuckled weakly, a laugh that seemed to spiral into a cough. “Yeah, yeah… but you’re still here, aren’t you? Guess that makes you… my hero for the night?” His tone was half-joking, but there was a vulnerability in his voice that Viktor couldn’t ignore.

Viktor felt an uncharacteristic urge to roll his eyes. “I wouldn’t go that far. I’m merely doing what any sensible person would — keeping you from getting yourself into more trouble.”

Jayce leaned his head back to look at Viktor, his head lolling slightly to one side. “Trouble’s my middle name,” he muttered, sounding almost proud of the fact.

Viktor didn’t buy it for a second, rolling his eyes at the response. A quick surveying look revealed the truth: this young man was no seasoned drinker. The flush in his cheeks, the glazed look in his eyes — it was clear this was likely his first time venturing into the Undercity, and certainly his first real taste of its chaotic nightlife. 

Viktor was silent for a moment, watching Jayce’s face with a mixture of annoyance and reluctant amusement. He wasn’t sure what possessed him to stay, but there was something oddly compelling about the boy — something beyond the drunken antics, something Viktor couldn’t quite put his finger on.

Jayce’s head lolled to one side, his eyes fixed on his feet as if they held the key to some mysterious answer. Viktor watched him for a moment, noting the dazed, unfocused look in his eyes. Viktor himself had been in this predicament before. So, ever the observer, reached out and gently tapped the back of Jayce’s head.

“Don’t look down,” he said, his tone flat yet surprisingly soft. “You’re going to make yourself sick again.”

Jayce gave a soft, pained groan, but didn’t protest any further. Instead, he blinked at Viktor as though just noticing him again, though his expression was still a muddled mixture of confusion and gratitude. 

“You have the prettiest eyes…”The drunken young man sighed, as if battered out of breath by that observation. Ah, the drunken, mindblowind realizations of youth. 

It wasn’t long before Jayce’s friend returned, his hurried steps echoing as he approached. His eyes landed on the sight of his drunken companion and he let out a long sigh.

“You’ll have to carry him home,” Viktor said, watching the friend with a bemused expression. “He’ll get nowhere in this state.”

The now mostly sober friend nodded, clearly worn out by the responsibility, and moved to help Jayce stand. “Thanks,” he muttered, though his tone conveyed a mix of embarrassment and relief.

Jayce groggily tried to stand on his own but immediately stumbled, leaning heavily against his friend. “You’re not carrying me…” he slurred, though it lacked any real conviction.

Viktor gave a small, amused shake of his head. “It’s not about what you want, I’m afraid.”

With some effort, the friend managed to get Jayce on his feet and offered him some water. As they began to shuffle away, Jayce turned back toward Viktor, blinking slowly.

“Hey… you’re… alright.” He gave a lopsided grin, his words thick with alcohol. “Maybe I’ll see you again… sober, next time.”

Viktor watched them go, the faintest hint of a smile tugging at his lips. “Maybe,” he muttered to himself, though he didn’t expect it to be anytime soon.

As the pair disappeared into the distance, Viktor let his gaze follow them until they were out of sight. The night had already been a waste of time, and now, with the streets growing quieter, he felt ready to leave. He let out a quiet breath, turning toward the nearest exit, when he caught himself thinking about this young man — his sloppy grin, his playful confidence, and that strange, lingering remark.

Viktor shook his head, dismissing the thought, but it clung to him nonetheless. With a final glance back at the darkened street, he walked away into the cooling night.

Months later, Viktor spotted Jayce again, this time standing among the entrants at the Distinguished Innovators Competition, exuding confidence and ambition. The young man’s appearance was immaculate, his polished presentation striking and charming. Viktor couldn’t help but notice, though he quickly redirected his focus to Heimerdinger, careful not to knock his cane into the professor as they made their way through the crowd.

Accompanying one of Piltover’s founders certainly placed Viktor in the spotlight, but he was still anonymous enough to quietly shadow Heimerdinger without needing to engage directly with others. To a select few, the professor made a point of introducing Viktor and waxing poetic about his scientific feats, but truth be told Viktor much preferred to quietly watch. He met a few inventors here and there — some with open smiles, others with guarded expressions — but mostly, Viktor was happy keeping to himself, weaving together mental observations on the developing machines and the new technologies displayed at the competition.

As they navigated through the lively crowd at the Distinguished Innovators Competition, Jayce’s gaze immediately locked onto Heimerdinger. With quick, eager steps, he cut through the crowd and approached the professor, clearly eager to speak with the renowned scientist. Viktor observed the exchange from the sidelines, his attention drawn to the raw enthusiasm that seemed to radiate from Jayce as he engaged with the professor. 

It wasn’t until after Jayce had finished speaking with Heimerdinger that his attention shifted. Viktor had half-expected Jayce not to acknowledge him at all — he felt unremarkable, easily overlooked — but to his surprise, Jayce’s eyes flickered in his direction. There was no recognition, but a spark of curiosity that caught Viktor off guard. Jayce’s posture remained confident, as though he viewed every encounter as an opportunity to leave an impression. And in that moment, Viktor felt both unseen and, just as quickly, distinctly noticed.

“Jayce Talis, aspiring scientist and inventor,” Jayce called out, stepping toward Viktor with a wide grin and an eager, outstretched hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Viktor hesitated, caught off guard by the brightness of Jayce’s voice. The energy that pulsed in his words was undeniable, yet in Jayce’s eyes, there was no flicker of recognition. It was as if their previous encounter — the drunken stumble in the Undercity — had never existed. For a brief moment, Viktor considered correcting him, reminding Jayce of their earlier meeting, but something held him back. Instead, he offered a small, knowing smile and shook Jayce’s hand, letting the moment pass without words.

“Likewise,” Viktor replied, his tone carefully neutral, and smiled politely as they shook hands.

It wasn’t as though there was nothing to do at the lab. No, that would be a lie — there was always something demanding their attention: adjustments, improvements, tests, and countless other tasks. Certainly, there was no shortage of tasks ever in that lab. But anyone walking into the laboratory that day would have immediately guessed that Jayce was bored out of his mind and had decided to make it Viktor’s problem. He paced behind him, talking nonstop about an upcoming dinner with important investors scheduled for later that week.

Normally, Viktor would zone out in these moments, letting Jayce’s voice blend into the background like a comforting hum. He’d offer a noncommittal sound of agreement here and there, despite not catching half of what Jayce was rambling about. But that day, Jayce seemed especially determined to get Viktor’s attention. He had been going on about the event for a solid half hour — picking up where he’d left off during earlier interruptions when Viktor had asked him to fetch a tool or refill his coffee.

Jayce’s determination to fill the air with chatter was, quite honestly, starting to wear on Viktor’s nerves. His focus was slipping, and twice now, he’d shocked himself on the device he was working on — a sharp, unpleasant jolt that made him grit his teeth in silence. Not that Jayce noticed; he was too wrapped up in his own train of thought, his voice an endless stream of enthusiasm that Viktor found now more grating than endearing.

By that point, ignoring Jayce was proving to be a losing battle. He’d been going on for what felt like an eternity, his voice a relentless thread weaving through the steady hum of the lab’s machinery. Jayce had claimed his usual spot beside Viktor, leaning casually against the workbench with a mug of coffee in hand. He sipped at it absentmindedly, his tone bright and insistent, as though his energy alone could compel Viktor to listen.

The faint glow of Hextech crystals illuminated the cluttered space, soft light reflecting off scattered tools and partially assembled devices. Viktor’s expression remained focused, his gaze fixed on his work even as Jayce continued his cheerful campaign.

“And so,” Jayce concluded, drawing out the words as he took another sip of his now undoubtedly cold coffee, his nose wrinkling in distaste, “that’s why I think you should come to the party.”

His voice hung in the air like a challenge, filled with the kind of optimism that was uniquely Jayce — persistent, exasperating, and impossible for Viktor to fully ignore.

“It’s always nicer when you come,” Jayce continued, despite Viktor assuming he was finally done with his discourse, a grin tugging at his lips. He nudged a stray bolt on the workbench with his finger, watching it roll before settling near one of Viktor’s tools.

Viktor didn’t look up. His hands were steady as he adjusted a delicate mechanism, the faint whir of gears filling the silence between them. He let out a low hum of acknowledgment — neither agreement nor rejection.

To anyone else, it might have seemed like indifference, but Jayce knew better. Viktor’s silences were layered, each one holding something unsaid. Still, he pushed on, his voice carrying an optimism that he hoped might bridge whatever resistance Viktor was quietly building.

“You know, they’d love to hear from you, Viktor. You’re the real brains behind all this,” Jayce continued, gesturing vaguely to the blueprints and prototypes scattered across the table. “Besides, Mel and Heimerdinger are going to be there. And it’s not the same without you.”

Viktor adjusted a wire, his head tilting slightly as if considering the argument. But his thoughts wandered elsewhere. He didn’t need to look up to picture the kind of event Jayce was describing — grand halls filled with polished marble, chandeliers glittering overhead, and the murmur of conversations steeped in money and privilege. It was a world where Viktor felt out of place, a stark contrast to the grime and grit of Zaun that had shaped him.

“Viktor…”

Jayce’s voice carried the telltale lilt of another plea in the making, but Viktor cut him off with an exasperated sigh. His hands stilled over the device on the workbench, dropping his tool with a soft clatter against the surface. Behind the reflective lenses of his goggles, his annoyance was palpable, sharp enough to make Jayce pause mid-thought.

“I sincerely doubt they care about what I have to say.” His tone was clipped, yet there was a subtle weight to his words that betrayed a deeper truth he preferred to keep buried. He hesitated for only a moment before continuing, his voice laced with quiet disdain. “After all,” he drawled, his accent thickening with the mockery, “to them, I’m just a crippled Zaunite. Don't think I've forgotten that, as it's something they really don't hesitate to remind me. What could I possibly offer Piltover’s elite that would be worth their attention?”

The words hung heavy in the air, echoing louder than the low hum of Hextech in the background. Though he tried to mask it with sarcasm, the bitterness beneath Viktor’s argument was impossible to miss. 

Jayce stilled beside him, his usual easy energy momentarily subdued. When Viktor finally looked up, pulling his goggles back to rest atop his head, he was met with an expression that gave him pause. Jayce’s face was unreadable at first, his golden eyes steady and searching, as though seeing Viktor with a clarity that cut through the usual noise of their dynamic. For a fleeting moment, it felt like the first time that evening their gazes had truly met that day.

“It’s just—” Jayce paused, shaking his head slightly, a shy smile tugging at the corners of his lips. His gaze faltered, dropping to the floor as though gathering courage before continuing. “It’s been so long since we last went to one of these events together, Viktor. I miss your company.”

Viktor opened his mouth, ready to follow through with his refusal, to insist on being left to his work — but the words wouldn’t come. He stopped. There was something in Jayce’s expression — open, earnest, almost disarmingly hopeful — that tangled the thoughts in Viktor’s mind.

How could he voice all the things he believed about himself in the face of that? In the face of someone who, time and again, seemed to carry an unwavering faith in him — a belief Viktor couldn’t reconcile with the reflection he saw in his own mind? The weight of it settled in his chest, and for once, Viktor hesitated.

When he looked back up, Viktor instinctively braced himself. Jayce’s eyes were wide and disarmingly earnest, the kind of expression that made him look like a hopeful pup. It was a look Viktor had learned to dread, not because it was insincere — far from it — but because it was damnably effective. He could already feel the resolve he’d so carefully built beginning to crack.

Jayce wasn’t wrong — the last time Viktor had attended one of these events had been months ago, and even then, it had been begrudgingly. The reminder stung, though not as much as the echo of Heimerdinger’s words about the necessity of placating investors. “Every project requires a delicate balance of innovation and persuasion,” Heimerdinger had said, his tone far too cheerful for Viktor’s taste. It was practical advice, Viktor supposed, but it didn’t make it any less unpleasant.

The thought made Viktor’s brow furrow as he flicked a small component on the table, quiet in his thoughts. This wasn’t about him — not really. It never was. It was about how far they were willing to bend, to grovel if need be, in the name of securing funding for their work. The investors didn’t care about his personal struggles, his story, or the hands that built their shining new future. No, what they cared about was the spectacle: the performance of humility, the stroking of egos, the thinly veiled fumbling attempts to cater to their desires.

It gnawed at him in a way he couldn’t entirely shake, the way Jayce — ever the social butterfly, or at least the one more naturally suited to such things between the two of them — handled it all with effortless charm, and how Viktor took, in a way, advantage of that. Grace and a smile seemed to be Jayce’s shining golden armor, deflecting the Piltovian elite’s probing questions and shallow praise with ease. Something that he could never do.

Viktor adjusted the small tool in his hand, his focus slipping as his thoughts wandered. It wasn’t fair, he mused bitterly. While he toiled behind the workbench, pouring over the mechanics and mathematics of their shared vision, Jayce faced alone the crowds of polished aristocrats, smoothing over their egos with words and gestures Viktor could never muster. They were, after all, partners in this endeavour.

Shifting his tone to a more playful one, Viktor raised his eyebrow and gazed knowingly at Jayce, “Don't you think we already spend too much time together, Jayce?”

A weight visibly lifted from Jayce's shoulders as he let out a breathy laugh, shifting on his feet. 

"Honestly? Not nearly enough, no,” he confessed in earnest. 

Picking up his tool again, Viktor turned back to the device in front of him and studied it halfheartedly.

Viktor’s hands stilled for a moment as the thought settled in his mind, a bitter weight pressing against his chest. It was a game he had little interest in playing, but one he couldn’t quite escape. And it was unfair to leave it all to Jayce alone. 

“I miss having you there by my side,” Jayce added softly, the vulnerability in his tone a stark contrast to his usual bravado. “You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to. Leave all the talking to me if you’d prefer. I just… I just really wish you’d come. Please.”

For a moment, Viktor said nothing, and Jayce knew he had cracked through his partner’s steely resolve. The words hung in the air, uncomfortably warm and insistent, weaving themselves around him in a way that was impossible to shake off. He knew Viktor wanted to refuse, to remind Jayce of how little he belonged at those events, to retreat back into the comfort of his solitude and his work. But the look on Jayce’s face — hopeful, unguarded, and inexplicably soft — stayed his hand.

“I’ll think about it,” Viktor said at last, his voice calm and measured, betraying none of the turmoil it masked.

Jayce’s grin was immediate, bright and full of triumph, as if the battle had already been won. To think about it was as good as a yes, for if Viktor was determined to refuse him his answer would have been a sound no. “That’s all I’m asking for,” he said, his tone as light as it was sincere.

Viktor turned back to his work, pretending to adjust something on the table as a quiet sigh escaped him. He’d bought himself some time, but deep down, he suspected he’d already given Jayce his answer.

To Viktor’s quiet relief, the event was not the grand spectacle of a gala. Instead, it promised to be a more understated evening — a refined affair of drinks and canapés held at the opulent Kiramman Manor, with the presence of a select few but very important aristocrats interested in a deeper understanding of the Hextech technology.

The Kiramman estate, with its sweeping halls and polished grandeur, had a way of amplifying Viktor’s discomfort. It was a world so far removed from the cluttered workshop and the cold, functional corners of Zaun that he often felt like an intruder merely setting foot inside. Yet, as much as he dreaded the evening, there was a faint sense of solace in knowing it would not be an extravagant ballroom filled with chandeliers and masked dancers. And, to comfort him further, Jayce had made a solemn promise of keeping an eye out for him at every given opportunity should they ever be parted in the crowd. 

For this event, Viktor had allowed himself a rare indulgence: a fine new suit, tailored to fit him perfectly. He was surprised to find that, despite his usual aversion to such social occasions, he felt a flicker of excitement. Though the evening’s premise still filled him with a quiet sense of dread, there was something unexpectedly uplifting about preparing for it.

He had agreed to meet Jayce at his apartment, and together they prepared for the night ahead. Viktor found himself enjoying the process far more than he’d anticipated. The effort to look his best — perhaps his most polished version — had somehow lifted his spirits. As they dressed, a surprising lightness came over him. It almost made him laugh. But somehow, being there with Jayce, sharing in the ritual of getting ready, had put him in a good mood. It was almost as if, for the first time in a long while, Viktor could feel himself stepping into a role that suited him — not just in the eyes of others, but in his own.

They arrived at the Kiramman Manor fashionably late, much to Viktor’s relief. There were few things more suffocating to him than the prospect of enduring endless small talk with people who seemed to have no genuine interest in him. The idea of being the center of forced conversation weighed heavily on his mind, but now, as they neared the estate, that burden eased just a little.

The gardens before the manor were alive with activity, the sounds of laughter and soft chatter blending with the distant hum of music, inviting them inside. The vibrant atmosphere felt almost surreal, a world away from the sterile quiet of the lab. Viktor couldn’t help but appreciate the sight of people mingling freely, yet his thoughts lingered on the impending social ritual. The night had only just begun, but he was already calculating how best to navigate it.

Jayce quickly offered to grab them drinks, a gesture Viktor accepted with a slight nod. He knew, of the two of them, he was the one better equipped to handle his liquor. The idea of a glass of wine seemed like a small but welcome escape from the whirlwind of social expectations. It helped quiet his nerves, at least for a moment, as he watched Jayce move through the crowd, effortlessly drawing attention with his charisma.

For the most part, Viktor was content to accompany Jayce and remain on the sidelines, offering occasional commentary whenever they engaged with a particularly interested investor. The crowd, much to their relief, was made up of science enthusiasts, academics, and aristocrats with a genuine understanding of technology and progress. It made for a surprisingly pleasant evening, despite a few investors — clearly deep in their cups — making careless and hurtful remarks about Zaun and its people. Viktor felt the sting of those comments but chose to remain silent, his focus shifting back to Jayce’s effortless charm as he handled the conversation with his usual ease.

Time seemed to slip away quickly with Jayce by his side, a comforting constant amid the whirlwind of the evening. Viktor found himself more at ease than he had expected, his nerves dulled by the presence of his partner, the steady flow of conversation, and the pleasant lull of refined wine. It wasn’t until Cassandra Kiramman made her approach, her poised, calculating gaze sweeping over the crowd, that Viktor felt the familiar shift of unease creeping back into his chest.

She was there to borrow Jayce, no doubt. She and Mel Medarda had been waiting for just the right moment to introduce him to a few investors whose upturned noses spoke volumes about their aloofness and disdain for anything less than polished Piltover perfection. Jayce, ever eager to spare Viktor of such occasions, exchanged a glance with him, silently seeking permission to leave his side.

Viktor nodded, his lips pressed in a thin line, the brief flicker of apprehension in his chest quickly quelling itself. He was relieved Jayce knew him well enough to spare him from directly handling the most arrogant of investors, smoothing over their egos and coaxing them into loosening their purses. Viktor knew the drill, had long ago accepted that Jayce’s charm far outstripped his own, particularly in matters of social grace.

As Jayce stepped away, Viktor found himself standing alone at the edge of the gathering, an observer once more. The absence of his companion left a hollow space beside him, but it was a quiet kind of solitude — one he welcomed, if only for a moment.

He let his gaze wander, watching the other guests, the soft murmur of conversation blending with the distant strains of music. People moved in clusters, their voices rising and falling in idle chatter, their laughter smooth and practiced. It was the kind of environment Viktor had always struggled with — too many smiles and too many words that meant little beyond their surface. He could feel the subtle weight of the evening pressing down on him, the knowing glances and polite nods exchanged between investors who valued image more than innovation.

But in the midst of all that, Viktor couldn’t help but feel a certain… detachment. He wasn’t like them. Not in the way they carried themselves, nor in the way they viewed him — an odd outsider, a Zaunite who had done little more than tinker with strange contraptions. What could he possibly offer them? They didn’t care about the struggle or the vision behind Hextech. They cared only for their bottom line, for how much money they could siphon off the next big idea.

He found himself unconsciously making mental notes, as he always did when faced with these gatherings, cataloging faces and conversations for the next time — if there was to be a next time. The idea of returning to such an event, stepping into the spotlight again to endure more of their shallow exchanges, felt… tiring. Unnecessary. Especially when events like this happen almost every other week. When that next occasion would come, however, remained to be seen. For now, he was content to watch from the edges, letting the evening unfold without him.

Viktor barely had time to adjust to the solitude before it was broken by the presence of a young man, his entrance marked by the confident, almost arrogant stride typical of those who had never known a day’s struggle. He was dressed impeccably — his attire a reflection of the wealth and privilege he was born into — and his beautiful golden hair was combed back with careful precision, each strand placed with a meticulousness that seemed to scream of indulgence and excess.

The aristocrat’s smirk betrayed the hint of inebriation, his steps slightly unsteady as he closed the distance between them — perhaps a little too much. Viktor did not need to be told who he was. His polished look, his bearing — everything about him screamed of Piltover’s elite, even possibly a lower member of the Council of whom he had no memory of. He had no doubt that this man would barely spare a thought for anything beyond the power and status he was accustomed to wielding.

“Ah, a fellow inventor, I presume?” the young man drawled, his voice a little too velvety, perhaps from the wine that still lingered on his breath. His eyes flicked over Viktor with something akin to mild curiosity, though there was no real interest in them — just the lazy appreciation of someone accustomed to getting their way. “Viktor, yes? I’ve heard of you… The crippled Zaunite who’s somehow made a name for himself among Piltover’s finest academics.”

Viktor tensed, the casual cruelty of the words hitting him harder than he anticipated. His fingers curled instinctively around his cane, but he forced himself to remain still, to hold his composure, tilting his chin up to gaze at the man before him. He had learned long ago that reacting to such remarks only invited more trouble, yet the words still echoed in his mind, dredging up the painful memories of his early days at the Academy — days marked by struggle, humiliation, and the imposed weight of shame.

The aristocrat’s smirk deepened, as if pleased by the slight discomfort his words had caused. He took a step closer, his gaze lingering on Viktor in a way that felt almost intimidating. “Tell me,” he continued, voice lowering with an almost flirtatious quality, “how does a man like you even manage to survive in a city like this? Or are you just here to make your… well, contributions to the Hextech project?”

There was a dangerous edge to the way he said it — both a question and an insinuation, wrapped up in his casual dismissal of Viktor’s origins. The implied meaning was clear: someone like Viktor, someone from Zaun, someone so far beneath his station, was out of place in these halls of polished marble and glittering gold. That he must, of course, offer something else other than his research to make a comfortable living.

Viktor’s eyes flickered briefly to the man’s face, meeting his gaze with a calmness that hid the sharp sting of the words. He had dealt with this before — been judged, been underestimated, been ridiculed for the mere accident of his birth. The pain, the anger that often flared in him, was now buried deep, hidden beneath layers of self-control.

Instead of responding with the barbed retort he knew would be expected, Viktor smiled tightly. “I suppose,” he said evenly, his voice calm, “it’s simply a matter of doing what one is capable of, regardless of what others believe of us.”

The aristocrat let out a soft chuckle, either unaware or indifferent to the weight Viktor had placed behind his words. “Indeed, I suppose that’s all one can do,” he mused, his gaze lingering a moment longer than necessary. “Though I wonder how many more of your capable sorts are out there, hiding in the shadows of this city, waiting for someone to notice them.”

The remark was wrapped in flirtation, but Viktor wasn’t deceived. It wasn’t just an offhand comment — it was a subtle attempt to probe, to turn Viktor into something more than what he was: a creature to be both admired and discarded, an object of curiosity for a man who considered himself above it all. The aristocrat’s interest was a game of control, his attention a twisted form of validation that Viktor had long stopped seeking.

The words stung, but Viktor knew better than to let it show. Truth be told, every time he agreed to participate in events like this, something of the sort happened sooner or later only to sour Viktor’s mood. Instead, he simply nodded, his gaze drifting past the man’s shoulder, searching for Jayce or for an excuse to exit from the uncomfortable conversation.

His eyes met Jayce’s for a split second before the aristocrat stepped directly in front of him, a grin spreading across his face as if relishing the challenge of Viktor’s silence. 

"You’re quite the pretty mystery, aren’t you?” he purred, his voice playful, but the words carried an unmistakable edge of mockery. “I’m sure there’s more to you than the renowned scientist everyone talks about. You should let me show you Piltover’s more exciting side sometime.” The suggestion lingered in the air, heavy with a sultry insistence, his eyes scanning Viktor with an almost predatory gleam. It was a flirtation that crossed the line, too confident, too knowing — one that presumed Viktor would be eager to fall into his web, one that was definitely not used to hearing a refusal for an answer.

Viktor’s stomach churned, the skin at the back of his neck prickling with distaste. He had heard this all before — the thinly veiled flirtations, the dismissive gestures, the condescending assumptions. He wasn’t a person to them; he was a curiosity, an object of fascination, an experiment in human form. And yet, despite the seething indignation bubbling just beneath the surface, Viktor restrained himself, focusing on keeping his composure. He had learned long ago that snapping back only fed their egos. Instead, he offered a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes — cool, controlled, and entirely devoid of warmth.

“Perhaps some other time,” he replied evenly, his voice calm and steady, even as his mind churned with irritation and he felt a deep disgust at the man's insinuation. He could almost feel the aristocrat’s eyes still lingering on him, but Viktor refused to let it faze him. He had a mask he had perfected long ago, one that could withstand even the most pointed of insults.

The aristocrat laughed, clearly convinced this was some sort of game — a chase Viktor was bound to fall into, a game he was sure he could win. With one final lingering glance over Viktor’s form, his fingers brushed lightly against Viktor’s arm, an almost mocking gesture of ownership, before he turned away and vanished back into the crowd.

Viktor stood still, his body rigid for a moment, the weight of the encounter settling like a stone in his chest. The aristocrat’s arrogance, his casual dismissal, left a bitter taste in Viktor’s mouth, but he forced it aside with a practiced exhale. He had no interest in following, no desire to engage further. Instead, he turned his attention back to the crowd, his gaze flicking over the mingling faces in search of Jayce.

There was a certain relief in being underestimated, he thought, even as a flicker of frustration gnawed at him. Let them think him insignificant. Let them see only what they wanted to see — a lonely scientist, a man from the Undercity to be toyed with. It was a shield, after all. An advantage. It left him room to work in the shadows, where he could build, improve, and refine what was truly important, unnoticed by those who believed themselves too superior to bother with him. The true work, after all, didn’t require their approval.

“Trouble?” Viktor heard the familiar voice, smooth and measured, drifting to him through the noise of the gathering. He turned to find Mel Medarda standing nearby, her head tilted ever so slightly to one side. Her expression was a delicate blend of genuine concern and carefully cultivated poise, the kind of grace that always seemed effortless, as if it were her natural state, even in the most chaotic of situations.

Viktor’s gaze briefly flicked over her, noting how her presence seemed to command attention without her even trying. Her striking features, the sharp intelligence in her eyes — she was a force, undeniably. And yet, in this moment, there was a flicker of something softer, something far more human in the way she regarded him.

Viktor offered a small, sympathetic smile, though there was a hint of wariness behind his gaze. “Nothing worth your time, Miss Medarda,” he reassured her, his voice calm but laced with restraint. He acquiesced to her wordless request to follow her, though his mind remained troubled by the interaction that had just passed.

Mel, ever poised, nodded with a graceful tilt of her head. “Please accept my apologies in the name of the Council,” she said quietly enough to only be heard by him. “Some of our members see a blurred line in boundaries after a couple of drinks.”

Viktor’s eyes flickered to the crowd, pondering how alcohol was not a necessity for some aristocrats to cross others' limits. He had always respected Mel, admired her sharp intellect and her ability to navigate the political games of Piltover with such fluidity. She was an admirable in her own right. And yet, something about her presence grated at him, an irritation he couldn’t quite place. Perhaps it was her subtle manipulations, her delicate weaving of words designed to disarm. He had seen too many like her — adept at playing the game, moving through the aristocracy with a grace that masked their true intentions.

Or perhaps it was of a more petty nature, of how whenever she was in the room, all attentions seemed to effortlessly shift to her — Jayce's especially. 

“Power plays in Piltover rarely take a night off, do they?” Viktor replied, his tone edged with more bitterness than he intended. He immediately regretted it, but his frustration had already taken root. It wasn’t her fault, not entirely, but he couldn’t help feeling unsettled by the world she thrived in.

Mel, unfazed, gave a small, knowing smile, her eyes studying him with an unreadable expression. “It’s all a dance, Viktor. Those who can’t keep up are left behind.”

Her words were smooth, measured, like the fine silk of a well-crafted argument. Viktor almost wanted to laugh, though the sound never made it past his chest. He appreciated Mel’s intellect, but there was something about her ease in the game that rubbed him the wrong way. She was a master at it, and he… he was a tool trying to find its place in a world that would never quite accept him.

“I suppose,” Viktor replied stiffly, “but there are times when I wonder whether the dance is worth the cost.”

Mel’s gaze softened, but only just. “Isn’t it all worth it, Viktor? Power, influence, the ability to shape what happens next?” Her voice was like velvet, inviting him to see things through her eyes, but Viktor felt the slightest flicker of resistance within him. He didn’t want to be a part of their game, their endless cycle of smiles and empty words. He wanted to build something real, something that would stand long after the glittering charade of Piltover had crumbled.

Forcing his frustration aside, Viktor gave her a tight smile. “I suppose it depends on what you’re shaping.”

Mel’s eyes met his with a look that was both calculating and thoughtful. “And what is it that you’re building, Viktor?” she asked, her voice low and inquisitive.

For a moment, Viktor considered her words. He could feel the weight of her gaze on him, and despite himself, he found his mind wandering to the very thing that had always driven him — Hextech, the potential to change the world. He knew he couldn’t articulate the depth of his thoughts to her, not when their goals, their ideologies, seemed so fundamentally different.

He straightened his posture, finally answering her with the only truth he could speak in that moment. “I’m helping to build a better future. A future where people like me — people who were once forgotten — can have a place. And someone to look up to,” he added, voice fading into a soft, wishful confession. 

Mel’s smile never wavered, but there was something almost imperceptible in the way she tilted her head, as if she had heard these words countless times before. A servant passed and refilled her and Viktor’s glasses as they spoke, “Indeed a noble pursuit, Viktor,” she said, but her voice carried a note of something far more complex — something Viktor didn’t quite understand.

He nodded stiffly, gesturing charmingly with his glass. “I’ll let you get back to your guests, Miss Medarda.”

Mel's gaze lingered on him for a moment longer, almost as if she were assessing him before she offered a polite smile and turned away. As she blended back into the crowd, Viktor let out a breath he hadn’t realized he was holding. Despite the respect he had for her intellect and influence, something about Mel always left him feeling both intrigued and uneasy.

For a brief moment, as the evening wore on, Viktor couldn’t shake the feeling that, perhaps, he was playing a game he had never truly agreed to — and that maybe, just maybe, Mel knew something he didn’t.

Distancing himself from the eager crowd, Viktor found his thoughts growing heavier with every passing moment. The relentless hum of laughter and conversation seemed to press in on him, a reminder of the polite masks worn by those around him. His fingers tightened around the glass in his hand, the wine already having loosened his usually tight control just a bit. He needed a moment—away from the prying eyes, away from the annoying aristocrat who was no doubt already looking for his next target.

He slipped into a quieter corner of the garden, where the delicate scent of gardenias lingered in the air, their white blossoms glowing faintly in the moonlight. The rustle of leaves and the gentle chirping of crickets was a welcome change to the thrum of the manor, and Viktor let out a quiet breath, feeling the tension in his shoulders ease just slightly. He sank onto a wrought-iron bench beneath the sheltering branches of a nearby tree, allowing himself a moment of peace. His leg ached, and the support of the bench was a relief. With the strain on his body momentarily eased, Viktor took another sip of his drink, the wine slipping down his throat with a warm, comforting burn.

For a brief while, Viktor let himself drift, losing himself in the quiet solitude, only the occasional rustle of garden leaves and the distant murmur of voices from the party interrupting his thoughts. His eyes wandered over the garden, noting the rows of flowers and the paths winding through the manicured grounds. He had been here before, in the background, never fully a part of the world around him. Tonight, it felt no different, even with the rare moments where he caught glances of those willing to engage him on a more intellectual level.

A couple of young investors eventually approached, their eyes somewhat glazed from drink but still eager to chat. They introduced themselves briefly, offering a cigarette in an attempt to make the conversation feel more informal. The young men, full of bravado, spoke animatedly about the most recent and promising innovations they had heard whispers of around Piltover. It wasn’t long before the conversation veered towards matters of the city’s political landscape — talk that Viktor could engage with more easily, if only to have a break from the overtly patronizing small talk he had grown so used to.

They exchanged ideas, but it didn’t take long for Viktor to sense that their interest wasn’t in his insights but more in the space he occupied — an esteemed scientist of Zaun, a curiosity to be checked off at the party. Still, they were pleasant enough. And as they chatted, their attention turned increasingly toward a nearby group of women, their laughter high and flirty in the cool evening air. Viktor could hardly blame them, their eyes darting back and forth between him and the women, looking for their next moment of entertainment. He wasn’t offended, not really — it was a familiar dance. He took another long sip of wine, hoping the liquid would dull the edges of the discomfort growing in him.

By the time their conversation had fizzled out, and the two young investors had all but forgotten him, Viktor’s glass was nearly empty. He felt oddly light-headed, the effects of the wine mingling with the frustration he hadn’t yet allowed himself to fully acknowledge. The evening had already stretched longer than he preferred, and yet, it was far from over despite being well past midnight. Viktor sighed, pressing a hand to his temple as he sat back against the bench, allowing himself a moment of quiet before the next round of empty politeness began.

It wasn’t long before Viktor heard footsteps approaching — Jayce. Of course. Viktor’s heart gave an involuntary jolt, his tension easing slightly at the sight of him, though he was careful to keep his expression neutral. Jayce’s eyes scanned the garden before landing on Viktor, a slight smile curling at the corners of his lips as he approached, his figure taller and more vibrant than most others at the event.

“Lost in thought?” Jayce asked, his tone warm, the easy confidence in his voice a welcome contrast to the stiffness of the crowd.

Viktor raised his glass slightly in greeting, his lips pulling into a thin, reluctant smile. “Something like that,” he replied, his voice steady despite the lingering unease inside him.

Jayce approached, his smile lighting up the dimly lit corner of the garden. Viktor noticed the slight sway in his steps, a sure sign that Jayce had enjoyed his fair share of wine, though it was different from Viktor’s subtle buzz. Jayce’s energy was more vibrant, and eager. He seemed completely unbothered by the lavish surroundings, as though he were right at home in this world. It was almost enviable, the way Jayce exuded such ease, making even the most insufferable of aristocrats seem like nothing more than another challenge to conquer.

“Viktor,” Jayce said with enthusiasm, his voice slightly slurred but still clear as he sat on the bench next to him, “you wouldn’t believe the crowd I just had to navigate. Mel and Cassandra are brilliant, but they’re ruthless when it comes to picking the right people to talk to. Got a few bites, though.” His eyes gleamed with excitement, and he didn’t wait for Viktor to respond before continuing. “Managed to get a couple of promising investors on our side, and I think we might have secured some extra funding for the Hextech project. It’s going to be alright.” He flashed a grin, as though his accomplishments were the most natural thing in the world.

Viktor couldn’t help but admire Jayce in that moment — his confidence, the way he handled the room, and how effortlessly he navigated the sea of aristocrats and investors. It was such a contrast to Viktor’s own wariness, his tendency to retreat into the shadows, to observe from the sidelines. The younger man had a way of commanding attention without ever seeming to demand it. It made Viktor a bit jealous, but he couldn't quite tell the reason.

Despite his light inebriation, Viktor felt a warmth stirring within him as he watched Jayce — something more than admiration, something deeper. There was a quiet pull in the way Jayce’s eyes sparkled when he spoke of his achievements, as if every victory was a shared triumph, a promise of something greater to come. His words flowed with such effortless ease, carrying with them a vitality that Viktor, in his quieter moments, found both enchanting and elusive. For a fleeting moment, Viktor wished he could be more like that — more bold, more alive in the way Jayce was. But he was still himself, the more quiet, reserved inventor who found peace in solitude and the hum of the workbench, not in the glittering noise of the crowd. 

As their conversation continued, Viktor became aware that the party was gradually thinning. The aristocrats were dispersing into smaller groups, the laughter and music fading into a quieter hum. The atmosphere had shifted — no longer the frenetic energy of early evening, but a more subdued, intimate gathering. It was the perfect time for a change of scenery, and Viktor, in his half-dazed state, was grateful for the opportunity to leave behind the heavy formalities of the party.

Jayce must have sensed the shift too, for he glanced around, his eyes lingering for a moment before meeting Viktor’s gaze. “Hey,” Jayce said, his voice a little softer now, more inviting. “How about a drink at the bar?”

Viktor hesitated, his gaze following the motion of Jayce’s hand as he gestured toward the manor, the warmth in his tone impossible to ignore.

“Are they still serving drinks, I wonder?” Victor hummed, eyes scanning the thinning crowd. “It's grown quite late…”He could not spot the usual servants around, and it was with a slight annoyance he realized his glass had been empty for a while now. 

Jayce, ever perceptive, caught the direction of Viktor’s gaze and grinned, clearly already planning his next move. “Oh, don’t worry,” he said, his voice warm with a touch of mischief. “I’m sure we can find something, even if they’ve stopped serving. The night’s still young, and who’s going to stop us, hm?” He flashed a quick wink, the kind of confident, carefree smile that always seemed to have a magnetic pull.

Viktor hesitated, considering the offer. He hadn’t planned on drinking more, and part of him earnestly hoped to go home and rest. But Jayce’s infectious energy was hard to resist, especially then, when the evening had taken a lighter turn and they seemingly had all the time for themselves, no demanding investors requesting their attention. Despite his reservations, Viktor found himself nodding slowly. Another drink would not hurt, they could come in late for the lab the following day, in any case. 

When they reached the bar, they found it unattended, the polished wood gleaming faintly under the soft garden lights, with empty glasses scattered carelessly across the surface. The absence of the usual staff was a bit of a surprise, but it didn’t seem to bother Jayce in the slightest. He grinned, stepping behind the bar with the ease of someone who had done this more times than he could count.

“Well, looks like it’s up to us, Viktor,” Jayce said, rolling up his sleeves with exaggerated flair, revealing his toned forearms. “Don’t worry, I’m quite good at this. I’ve got the perfect concoction in mind for us.”

Viktor raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing at the corner of his mouth. “I highly doubt your skills extend to mixing drinks, Jayce,” he replied, his tone laced with light teasing. “Your talents are best suited to engineering, not bartending.”

Jayce chuckled, not at all deterred by Viktor’s playful skepticism. “Oh, ye of little faith,” he said, casting a glance over his shoulder, eyes sparkling with mischief. “I promise you, this will be better than any of the swill they’ve been serving tonight. Just wait.”

Viktor took a seat and crossed his arms on the bar, but there was an unmistakable flicker of amusement in his eyes. “We’ll see,” he muttered, though he couldn’t hide the small smile tugging at his lips. “I’ll reserve judgment until the end. Don’t make me regret this, Jayce.”

Jayce, unfazed by the challenge, began pulling various bottles from the shelves, his movements quick and sure as he set about mixing ingredients. He worked with the kind of focus Viktor admired — precise, but with a kind of carefree energy that Viktor couldn’t help but find endearing. The sight of Jayce in his element, even doing something as simple as preparing a drink, made Viktor feel an unexpected warmth spread through him.

As Jayce continued, there was an easy rhythm to their banter. Jayce’s laughter filled the quiet space, and Viktor found himself letting go of the tight coil of tension in his chest. It wasn’t often he allowed himself to relax, but with Jayce, it seemed almost natural.

“You know,” Viktor said, watching Jayce stir a mix of ingredients, “I always thought you were just a bit too charming for your own good. But I see now that you have other hidden talents.”

Jayce shot him a teasing glance over his shoulder. “Only for you, Viktor. Only for you.”

Viktor’s smile softened, and he couldn’t quite suppress the warmth in his chest. Despite his usual guarded nature, being with Jayce like this made him feel… lighter. It was an unspoken connection, a quiet ease that Viktor couldn’t deny, no matter how much he tried to convince himself otherwise.

Jayce finished preparing the drinks and slid one over to Viktor, his grin wide and triumphant. “Here you go,” he said. “You can thank me later.”

Viktor took the glass, raising it slightly as he studied Jayce for a moment, the light glinting off his features. He had been so caught up in their exchanges Viktor confessed he had no idea of what mixture Jayce had made, only that it was of a beautiful shade of purple with the slightest shimmer against the light. He took a small sip, focusing on keeping his expression as neutral as he could, aware of Jayce’s curious golden eyes studying him intensely. 

Viktor let the silence stretch for a moment. “I must admit, Jayce,” Viktor said, his voice softer now, “I’m pleasantly surprised. This is… tolerable.”

Jayce chuckled, taking a sip from his drink. “Tolerable? I’ll take it as a compliment,” he said, and there was a glimmer of satisfaction in his eyes. “I’m just glad I could impress you, Viktor.”

Viktor couldn’t help but feel a spark of warmth at Jayce’s words, the playful glint in his eyes catching the soft garden light. He took another sip, more relaxed now, the slight sweetness of the drink lingering on his tongue. It was more than decent, it was a good drink. Viktor just would never pass the opportunity to tease Jayce. He glanced back at his partner, who was watching him with a soft, almost expectant look in his eyes.

“I didn’t say it was good, just… tolerable,” Viktor teased lightly, though a small smile crept onto his lips, betraying his true thoughts. “Though, I suppose for a first attempt, it’s impressive.”

Jayce’s grin widened at the compliment, and Viktor felt something stir in him at the sight, his chest tightening and his cheeks warming. Jayce had a way of drawing out the best in him, even without trying. 

“First attempt?” Jayce raised an eyebrow in defiance, leaning in just a little closer. “You think I’ve never done this before? I’m offended, Viktor.” His tone was playful, but there was a spark of genuine amusement behind his words. “I’m practically a master at this.”

Viktor chuckled softly, shaking his head. “Forgive me,” he replied, his voice steady but laced with a quiet fondness. “I didn’t realize you had such a hidden talent.”

Jayce made a show of leaning back, taking a long drink as if savoring the moment. “Oh, I have plenty of hidden talents, Viktor. You’ll find out eventually.”

Viktor’s heart gave a little jolt at the implication, and he quickly focused his attention on his drink, his fingers tightening ever so slightly around the glass. That was the alcohol talking, he was certain. His expression remained neutral, but inside, his thoughts swirled in unexpected directions. It was moments like these that made him question the boundaries between them — a quiet, unspoken understanding, but one that felt dangerously close to something more. Viktor pushed the thought away, focusing on the warmth of the drink spreading through him.

Jayce refilled Viktor’s glass and his own, his movements fluid and confident, though the slight tilt in his posture hinted at the effects of the drink. Viktor shot him a playful, pointed glance as Jayce generously poured the last of the concoction into his glass, but Jayce seemed oblivious to the mock reproach.

“You know, Viktor,” Jayce began, his voice low and easy, a playful lilt in his tone, but something deeper there that Viktor couldn’t quite place. “I’m glad you came tonight. I’ve always enjoyed our time together, but… something about tonight just feels different.”

Viktor’s breath hitched ever so slightly. He tried to keep his expression neutral, but his mind raced. Different? He focused on the slight tilt of Jayce’s head, the way his eyes caught the light, but it was more than that. There was a warmth to Jayce’s words — something that stirred in Viktor’s chest. But, despite the slight buzz of the alcohol, Viktor’s mind still held onto the clarity he’d always clung to, unwilling to let himself go completely.

“Different?” Viktor echoed in what he had hoped sounded innocent, his voice a touch more measured than he intended, hiding the flutter that had sparked deep within him. “What do you mean?”

Jayce leaned in a little closer, his gaze steady, the alcohol in his system seeming to lend him a boldness Viktor hadn’t expected. His smile softened, and there was something almost intimate in his next words.

“Yeah,” Jayce murmured, lowering his voice as though it were a secret shared only between the two of them. “I don’t know what it is. It feels… more comfortable, in a way. Like—” Jayce’s eyes darted around as if looking for the right word to express himself. “I don’t know how to explain it. Like something is just right, you know? Like we’re finally seeing each other, not just as colleagues, but as—” He looked at Viktor for reassurance but shook his head and chuckled. “Never mind. I guess I’m just glad we’re here, sharing this moment. I’m happy you decided to come with me, Viktor.”

Viktor’s heart skipped a beat. His pulse surged at the soft weight of Jayce’s words, a strange ache forming in his chest, and for the briefest moment, he considered the unspoken words that might — or he hoped — crossed Jayce’s mind. The two of them had spent years together, every day practically at the lab, side by side. They shared more together than anyone else before, in Viktor’s life — and perhaps, Jayce was closer to Viktor than anyone else ever had been. 

But still, Viktor could only nod, trying to keep his composure as best as he could. This is dangerous territory, Viktor thought, his mind racing even as he fought to maintain control.

“I’m glad I decided to come, too,” Viktor confessed quietly, swirling the drink in his glass. “Thank you, Jayce.”

Jayce’s gaze lingered on him, and Viktor found himself caught in the pull of those golden eyes, warm and steady, unaware of the storm of thoughts crashing inside Viktor’s head. Jayce had always been… Jayce — effortless, confident, generous with his energy, his charm. Viktor admired him in ways he could never fully express. But tonight, something was different — the way Jayce spoke, the way he looked at him, the closeness that Viktor didn’t dare acknowledge aloud.

The silence stretched between them, but it wasn’t uncomfortable. It was, in fact, the most peaceful Viktor had felt in what felt like ages, standing here, sharing this space with Jayce, who was still so close, so… present. The noise of the dying party seemed distant now, muffled by the bubble they had created for themselves, just the two of them.

The warmth in the room pressed in on them, thickening the air, as the distant chatter of the gathering seemed to fade into oblivion. The space between Viktor and Jayce was almost unbearably small, yet neither seemed willing to break the silence as if the moment was fragile, delicate, and teetering on the edge of something neither of them could fully grasp. Viktor could feel the heat from Jayce’s presence like a pull on his very being — a gravity that was both intoxicating and terrifying.

Jayce’s voice slid through the air, softer now, teasing with a hint of something more daring. “You know, Viktor,” he began, his words slow, deliberate, pulling Viktor’s attention like a string tugged just tight enough to make his heart race, “if you keep looking at me like that, I might start thinking you’re finally starting to see me… the way I really am.”

Viktor’s breath hitched at the words, his body instantly reacting. For a moment, the world seemed to fade, leaving only Jayce’s gaze, heavy with an unspoken promise, drawing him in. The heat between them was undeniable, a quiet tension that hummed in the space between their bodies. He knew Jayce didn’t mean it the way Viktor’s pulse wished he did, but the possibility… the invitation was far too tempting to ignore.

Viktor swallowed hard, fighting to keep his composure as the alcohol blurred his thoughts and made his heart thunder in his chest. “And who, pray tell, is that?” His voice was steady, but there was a sharpness in his words, an edge that betrayed just how much the closeness was affecting him. He took a generous sip of his glass to try and moisten his throat.

Jayce closed the space between them, his grin widening as his eyes sparkled with mischief, the scent of his perfume fizzing Viktor and making his eyelids heavier. Viktor’s breath caught, his body yearning to close the distance that seemed to stretch between them. He could feel the heat radiating from Jayce, could see the subtle way he leaned in, like a predator with a secret just for Viktor. It was too much. The space between them wasn’t enough.

“You really don’t know?” Jayce whispered, his voice dropping to a low, teasing but intimate hum, just for Viktor’s ears. There was a spark in his eyes now, something playful, but with a rawness that made Viktor’s chest tighten with want. “I’m the charming genius who gets our pockets full of money. The one who makes all those puffed-up aristocrats fold… and the one who has a habit of getting under people’s skin.” He leaned in even closer, his breath brushing across Viktor’s lips, a promise without words. “But maybe that’s what you like about me, Viktor?”

Viktor nearly collapsed as Jayce spoke his name.

The words were a teasing caress, but the proximity, the heavy gaze, and the warmth between them made Viktor’s pulse race. He fought the urge to pull Jayce in, to finally let go of the tension that had been building between them for years. They’ve had moments of charged tension like this before, but never this intense. He could feel the heat of Jayce’s body, the unmistakable, almost electrical pull between them, and for the briefest moment, Viktor imagined what it would feel like to close the gap between them.

Jayce’s eyes never left his, lips curling into that knowing grin. “Maybe you like the way I make you feel like you’re the only one in the room, Viktor.”

Viktor’s breath faltered, and his heart skipped, the line between teasing and something deeper blurring in a way he wasn’t sure he was ready for.

Viktor’s body seemed to lock in place, his words caught behind a wall of desire and confusion. He was at a loss for words, his heart practically beating in his throat, his clothes too tight and warm for him to be comfortable. There was the joke, the jest, but behind it was something Viktor wasn’t ready to acknowledge yet, though it was becoming harder to ignore. Jayce’s eyes glinted, their usual humor softened into something far more vulnerable, something that made Viktor’s heart twist. He wanted to say something — wanted to tell him, to admit how much he longed for this — but the words stuck in his throat, tangled with the fear of losing everything he’d worked so hard to protect.

Jayce leaned in a little further, his face inches from Viktor’s, his eyes half-lidded, and the world seemed to shrink around them. It was maddening. Viktor was sure Jayce was doing it on purpose, certainly bolded by all the alcohol they’d consumed that night. The air was thick with something unspoken, a tension that thrummed between them like a live wire, just waiting to snap. Viktor’s breath caught again, and he could feel his own heartbeat in his ears, louder now. This wasn’t just a passing moment, was it? It felt different. More urgent. His thoughts began to spiral, the alcohol clouding his judgment and weakening his resolve.

“Jayce…”

His vision was blurry, and then, for a split second, Jayce faltered, the teasing edge in his voice giving way to something softer, more open. “I don’t know,” he said, voice barely above a whisper, his lips so close to Viktor’s that Viktor could feel the heat of them. “Something about tonight… about us… it feels different.”

Viktor’s chest tightened. The words, so simple, but layered with an unspoken weight, felt like a key to something Viktor had spent years trying to ignore. The desire to step closer, to close the distance between them, was almost overwhelming. He could feel the warmth of Jayce’s breath on his skin, and hear the faint rhythm of his heartbeat, syncing with his own. For a moment, Viktor thought he might lose himself in it — in Jayce’s eyes, in the heat between them.

But before Viktor could say anything, before he could close the gap that seemed to stretch between them, Jayce broke the spell. He pulled back just slightly, his eyes flicking down to their drinks as if to reorient himself. The distance, the absence of Jayce’s presence, was like a cold shock to Viktor’s system.

“I’m sorry, Viktor, I shouldn’t have—“

Viktor, unable to stop himself, reached out with a sure hand towards Jayce’s nape and pulled him, closing the space between them before he could think better of it. The air between them crackled, and with a sharp intake of breath, Viktor’s lips found Jayce’s.

The kiss was raw, unrestrained, a collision of adoration and desperation. Viktor had never kissed anyone like this, not in this way — with a hunger that bordered on recklessness and maddening need. It was as if the years of restraint, of holding back, of hiding how he truly felt, all came crashing down in that single moment. He tasted the alcohol on Jayce’s lips, the sharpness of it mingling with something sweeter, something deeper, that made his head spin.

Jayce’s body stiffened for just a moment, surprised, before he leaned into it, responding with an intensity that matched Viktor’s own. His hand found its way to Viktor’s shoulder, pulling him closer, awkwardly trying to bring their bodies close despite the counter between them, a primal need to feel each other's warm bodies. Viktor’s heart raced, the heat of Jayce’s touch sending fire through his veins. This was it. This was everything he had wanted, even if he hadn’t admitted it fully until now.

But as quickly as it had begun, the kiss broke, both of them pulling back, breathless, eyes wide with shock and something else. Something fragile. Fear, confusion, and uncertainty reflected back in each other's eyes. 

Viktor’s chest heaved as he struggled to regain his composure, his mind reeling from the kiss, from the suddenness of it, and the weight of what they had just shared. His throat tightened, and he swallowed hard, trying to push the emotions threatening to flood him back down. He couldn’t look at Jayce, not yet, not when the vulnerability was so raw, so exposed.

Jayce, for his part, looked just as disoriented. His reddened lips were slightly parted and his breath shallow, but the dazed expression in his eyes told Viktor that he wasn’t the only one feeling the shift between them.

Viktor finally found his voice, though it was rougher than usual. “I think I’ve had enough of this party for tonight,” he said quietly, his voice betraying none of the chaos running through him. He couldn’t stay here. Not with everything between them now hanging in the air like an unanswered question.

Jayce blinked, a flicker of something uncertain passing through his gaze before he nodded slowly as if processing what had just happened. “Yeah, I think I’m with you there,” he agreed, his voice softer than usual, a trace of vulnerability still lingering. “Let’s get out of here.”

The words were easy enough, but the air between them was no longer simple, no longer just a casual night out. Something had changed. Something important, something Viktor couldn’t yet understand. But as they turned to leave, Viktor allowed himself to stay close, the warmth of Jayce’s presence still lingering, still pulling him forward, even as they stepped away from the bar and the fading noise of the party.

In stark contrast to Jayce's whirling mind, the lab was quiet, save for the soft hum of machinery and the occasional clink of tools against metal. Viktor, as always, was immersed in his work, his sharp mind miles ahead of where his hands were. Jayce, however, sat at his workbench, staring blankly at the unfinished prototype in front of him. The pencil in his hand hovered uselessly above his notebook, the sketches and equations on the page blurring together, a mass of random circles doodled by the corner of the page. His mind was elsewhere, trapped in a relentless loop of memory.

He couldn’t stop thinking about it — about him. About them .

Jayce closed his eyes, leaning back in his chair, and exhaled slowly. It had been days, but the weight of Viktor’s gaze, the almost imperceptible hitch in his breath, the way their proximity had set the air between them alight — it was all still there, vivid and unrelenting. The way Viktor had kissed him, sudden yet deliberate, like a dam breaking after years of restraint, played over and over in his mind.

The memory wasn’t just a thought; it was a feeling. The warmth of Viktor’s lips against his, the faint taste of liquor lingering between them, the way Jayce had been so utterly caught off guard yet unwilling to pull away. The kiss had been brief, but the ache it left behind had lingered, carving itself into him like an inscription he couldn’t erase.

And now? Viktor had returned to his usual self, all sharp focus and relentless drive, as if nothing had happened at all. If anything, Viktor seemed even more determined than ever to avoid acknowledging the moment they’d shared. Jayce had tried to start a conversation about it, but Viktor had deflected effortlessly, steering their talks back to the lab’s current projects with a precision that left no room for anything personal.

Jayce had always known Viktor to be driven, but now, that drive felt different — more pointed, more determined, like a shield he wielded against something neither of them dared to name.

He had no idea. Or rather, he had — he hoped Viktor felt something for him, but he hadn't dared imagine anything more than a friendly partnership instead of his growing fondness for his colleague. His partner. That night had shifted his perspective immensely, and Jayce was unsure how to proceed next. Viktor, ever the professional, treated him with respect if not a bit of detachment after that night, always being first to arrive at the lab and last to leave, immersed in his thoughts to avoid, Jayce suspected, approaching the looming question lingering between them.

It was driving Jayce mad, the way Viktor could seem so unaffected while he was unraveling at the seams.

Jayce groaned softly, dragging a hand down his face. It wasn’t fair. He couldn’t concentrate on anything. He was here, wasting time daydreaming about Viktor, while Viktor — brilliant, infuriating Viktor — was working circles around him, pouring every ounce of himself into their projects as though the kiss had never happened.

But it had happened. Jayce could still feel the echo of it, an invisible mark burned into him. He glanced over at Viktor, who was bent over a schematic, his expression unreadable but entirely focused.

Jayce wondered, not for the first time, what Viktor was thinking. Did he regret it? Had it meant anything to him, or was it just a fleeting, drunken mistake? The thought twisted in Jayce’s chest, sharp and bitter. He hated the uncertainty, hated not knowing where they stood now.

Worse still, he hated the way his heart raced whenever Viktor so much as glanced in his direction. How pathetic was that? He’d always thought himself confident, the one who could charm anyone if he put his mind to it. But Viktor? Viktor unraveled him effortlessly, leaving him feeling like a lovesick fool.

It was infuriatingly desperate, and yet Jayce chased that high like a schoolboy infatuated with his first love. Every stolen glance, every clipped word exchanged between them held an unspoken weight, and Jayce couldn’t help but cling to the hope that Viktor felt it too — even if Viktor buried it beneath layers of precision and focus.

Another pang of longing coursed through him, sharp enough to make him wince. Jayce shook his head, trying to clear his thoughts. He needed to focus, to pull himself together, but every time he tried, his mind betrayed him. It dragged him back to that night — to the heat of Viktor’s presence, the fire in his touch, the impossible softness of his lips.

He stared down at the notebook on his desk, filled with calculations and diagrams that blurred together under his restless gaze. They mocked him, their rigid logic unyielding against the chaos of his emotions. With a frustrated sigh, he leaned forward, elbows digging into the edge of the desk, and buried his face in his hands.

This is ridiculous, he thought bitterly. You’re acting like a lovestruck idiot.

But no matter how hard he tried to convince himself otherwise, the truth remained: he wasn’t just thinking about Viktor. He was yearning for him. And that terrified him more than he cared to admit. Because for the first time in his life, he wasn’t sure if his feelings would be returned. Worse, he wasn’t sure if he’d already ruined the most important partnership of his life.

Maybe Viktor was right to pretend it never happened, Jayce thought, a sharp pang of guilt lodging in his chest. His juvenile behavior could risk everything — their work, their friendship, their future. If Viktor had moved on, maybe it was because he understood what Jayce couldn’t: that this was too dangerous, too fragile to acknowledge.

But that thought throttled Jayce. The idea of Viktor moving on, of pretending nothing had happened while Jayce was left to stew in the aftermath, felt unbearable.

A voice cut through his spiraling thoughts, smooth and measured, grounding him in the moment. “Jayce,” Viktor said, his accent wrapping around the name like a tether, pulling him back.

Jayce looked up, startled. Viktor stood at the edge of the desk, a faint crease between his brows as he gestured to the notebook. “The projections for the stabilizer,” Viktor prompted gently. “Have you finished recalculating them?”

For a moment, Jayce could only stare at him, his mind still caught between the weight of longing and the sharpness of reality. Viktor’s expression was calm, unreadable — and yet, Jayce thought he detected a flicker of hesitation as if Viktor wasn’t quite sure how to approach him.

“I—” Jayce stammered, dragging a hand through his hair. “Not yet. I’ve been… distracted.”

“Clearly,” Viktor said, the faintest hint of dry humor softening his tone. He gestured again, this time with a slight nudge of his cane against the desk. “Perhaps we should review them together, then. Your focus seems to be lacking today.”

Jayce let out a short, humorless laugh, the sound more bitter than he intended. “You could say that.”

Viktor’s gaze lingered on him for a moment longer, as if weighing whether to press further. Finally, he lowered himself into the chair across from Jayce, his movements deliberate, and measured. “It’s unlike you to be so…” He paused, searching for the right word. “Preoccupied.”

Jayce glanced at him, and their eyes met — a fleeting connection that sent a jolt through his chest. He swallowed hard, knowing he couldn’t keep avoiding the subject forever. The air between them was heavy with unspoken tension, and he was tired of pretending it wasn’t there.

“Viktor,” he began, his voice quieter now, almost tentative. “About the other night…”

Viktor’s posture stiffened, his fingers tightening imperceptibly on the edge of the desk. Those breathtaking eyes of his shifted around in a way so like Viktor that Jayce couldn't help an unconscious smile forming at the corner of his lip. Viktor's eyebrows moved as he put his thoughts carefully into words. “What about it?” he drawled, his tone carefully neutral, but Jayce could see the faintest flicker of uncertainty in his eyes.

Jayce hesitated, his heart pounding in his chest. “I just—” He exhaled sharply, running a hand down his face. “I can’t stop thinking about it. About you. And I need to know if…”

Viktor’s gaze sharpened, his lips pressing into a thin line as he seemed to brace himself for the words that hung unspoken between them. But then, after a long, charged silence, he spoke, his voice quieter than before. “If it meant something?” Viktor echoed his thoughts, tentatively. 

Jayce nodded, his throat too tight to speak.

Viktor’s expression softened, and for the first time in days, Jayce thought he saw a hint of vulnerability behind the guarded walls Viktor had built around himself. “It did,” Viktor admitted, his words so soft they were almost lost in the stillness of the room. “But that doesn’t mean it was wise.”

The tension between them crackled like a live wire, and Jayce leaned forward, his voice firm despite the tremor in his hands. “Maybe it wasn’t the smartest thing we’ve ever done,” he admitted, his eyes locking onto Viktor’s. “But it felt right. And I think things that feel that right are worth risking a little foolishness for.”

Viktor’s breath caught, and Jayce could see the faintest flustering flash across his face before he quickly looked away, his fingers tightening around his cane.

“It’s not so simple,” Viktor murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. “You and I… We’ve built something too important to jeopardize for—” He cut himself off, his jaw tightening as though the words were too dangerous to say aloud.

“For what?” Jayce pressed gently, leaning closer, tentatively placing a hand on Viktor's shoulder. His voice softened, his tone earnest, almost pleading. “For something that matters, Viktor? Because that’s what it feels like to me. It feels like this — like us — matters.”

Viktor’s gaze snapped back to him, his eyes searching Jayce’s face as though looking for some kind of answer. The guarded walls he so carefully maintained seemed to waver, if only for a moment, and Jayce thought he saw a hint of the same longing he’d been drowning in these past few days.

“It’s not a question of whether it matters,” Viktor finally said, his voice quiet but laced with a weight that made Jayce’s chest ache. “It’s a question of whether it’s worth the risk. The implications—”

Jayce hesitated, his throat tightening at the words. He knew Viktor was right, in a way. They were standing on precarious ground, with years of partnership and innovation resting on their ability to work together seamlessly. But even so, Jayce couldn’t bring himself to back away.

“Viktor,” he began, his voice trembling slightly, “I’ve been trying to think about this logically, like you would. I’ve gone over every possible reason why we should just… forget what happened and move on. But I can’t.” He shook his head, his voice breaking with raw honesty. “Because when I think about what we could lose, all I can think about is how much worse it would feel to lose this. To lose you.”

Viktor’s expression softened, and Jayce thought he saw a flicker of pain in his eyes, mingled with something he couldn’t quite name. For a moment, Viktor said nothing, his gaze dropping to the floor as though he were wrestling with something deep and unspoken.

Finally, Viktor exhaled, a soft, shaky breath that seemed to carry the weight of days’ worth of tension. “Jayce,” he said quietly, lifting his gaze once more. “You have a way of making everything sound so… simple.”

Jayce gave him a small, lopsided smile, his heart aching at the vulnerability in Viktor’s tone. “Maybe it doesn’t have to be complicated,” he said, his voice filled with quiet hope. “Maybe we just have to decide if this is worth it — together.”

Viktor stared at him for a long moment, his expression unreadable. Then, slowly, he nodded — a faint, almost imperceptible motion. “We should focus on the project for now,” he said, his voice steady but not unkind. “But… perhaps this conversation isn’t over.”

Jayce’s heart leaped, a rush of warmth flooding through him at Viktor’s words. It wasn’t the resolution he’d been hoping for, but it was something. A promise, perhaps, that the door wasn’t fully closed.

“Alright,” Jayce said softly, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. “One thing at a time.”

Viktor gave him a faint nod, his gaze lingering on Jayce for a moment longer before he turned back to the notebook on the desk. “Let’s start with those projections,” he said, his tone slipping back into its usual precision.

Jayce couldn’t help but chuckle, the sound lighter than it had been in days. “Right. Projections.”

As they began to work, side by side once more, the air between them still hummed with unspoken words, with feelings left unresolved. But for the first time in days, Jayce felt like he could breathe again.

Because even though things were uncertain, even though the road ahead was murky and fraught with risk, he knew one thing for sure: Viktor hadn’t closed the door on them.

And that was enough — for now.

The invitation arrived on a crisp, ordinary morning, its elegant script hinting at yet another evening of refined chatter and veiled power plays. Jayce read the invitation aloud, leaning back in his chair as he grinned across the lab at Viktor.

“Looks like we’re being summoned to another one of these soirées,” Jayce said, waving the gilded paper in the air like a victory flag, and perhaps Viktor noticed the slightest hint of satisfaction in his voice.

Viktor glanced up from his workbench, arching an unimpressed brow. “We?” he echoed, his tone neutral, though the faintest hint of amusement flickered in his eyes.

“Of course we, ” Jayce replied, setting the invitation down with a flourish, pointing his finger at the letter as if to emphasize its importance. “Esteemed creators of Hextech,” he read aloud, exaggerating the plural with a mock pomp. He leaned back further, arms crossed over his chest, his grin widening. “They’re probably expecting both of us. And we’ve got that new project in the works — it’s the perfect chance to secure more funding.” He leaned forward again, his grin taking on a playful edge. “Besides, last time was fun, wasn’t it?”

“Fun,” Viktor repeated, his tone laced with dry skepticism, though the faintest smile tugged at his lips and betrayed his amusement. He turned back to his work, hands steady as he adjusted a small component on the intricate device in front of him. “I recall it being… eventful.”

Jayce laughed, the sound warm and easy, echoing off the walls of the lab. “Come on, Viktor. You can’t let me do all the talking again. Investors love you. You’re mysterious and brilliant — they eat that up. I could bet if you were to show disdain, some of them might even enjoy it.”

Viktor let out a quiet chuckle, setting down his tools with deliberate precision before finally turning his full attention to Jayce. He rested a hand lightly on his cane, tilting his head slightly as he studied him. “Fine,” he said, finally, his voice carrying the weight of reluctant agreement. “But only because we need their funding.” His brow arched as his gaze sharpened, the faint amusement in his expression replaced by something more pointed. “And let us keep things professional this time.”

Jayce’s grin widened, unrepentant. “Of course. Professional. Always.”

The glint in his eyes, however, betrayed his words, and Viktor shook his head with a soft huff of exasperation. He turned back to his work, but Jayce caught the faintest trace of a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth.

As the room fell into a comfortable silence, Jayce leaned back in his chair, the leather creaking softly beneath him. His eyes lingered on Viktor, who was wholly absorbed in his work, the steady rhythm of his movements an anchor amidst the chaos of Jayce’s thoughts. There was something almost hypnotic about watching him, the way his deft hands adjusted the delicate components of their invention, each motion precise and purposeful.

Jayce allowed himself a moment to simply admire him, to soak in the calm determination that Viktor seemed to exude without even trying. It wasn’t just his brilliance, though that alone was awe-inspiring — it was the quiet grace with which he carried himself, the way he seemed to belong in the heart of their laboratory, as if the world outside held no sway over him.

But then Viktor shifted slightly, tilting his head to examine his work from a different angle, and the light from the overhead lamps caught on the curve of his jaw and neck. The warm glow illuminated the faint lines of concentration etched into his features, the sharp edge of his cheekbone softening in the gentle light, the freckles Jayce almost knew by heart casting shy shadows against Viktor's pale skin. It was a sight Jayce had seen countless times before, yet in this moment, it felt unbearably intimate, like catching a glimpse of something Viktor hadn’t meant to share.

Jayce’s breath hitched, a familiar pang of longing tightening in his chest. He quickly turned his gaze back to the invitation on the desk in front of him, as if the ornate script could somehow ground him, clear the haze of emotions clouding his mind. He cleared his throat, the sound too loud in the quiet of the lab, and straightened in his chair as if to shake off the spell.

Professional, he reminded himself firmly, the word ringing hollow in the face of the warmth blooming in his chest. Always.

Out of the corner of his eye, he caught Viktor’s lips twitching into a faint, knowing smile. It was subtle, almost imperceptible, but it sent a jolt through Jayce all the same. Did Viktor know how easily he unraveled him? Or was this just another one of those moments where Jayce’s heart read too much into the simplest of gestures?

Viktor, for his part, seemed entirely unaffected. His focus returned to his work, his fingers steady as they maneuvered a fine tool over the intricate mechanisms. Jayce watched him out of the corner of his eye, his admiration tinged with a yearning he was too stubborn to fully acknowledge.

There were moments, fleeting and fragile, when he thought he saw something in Viktor’s gaze, something unspoken yet achingly familiar. But those moments passed too quickly, leaving Jayce to wonder if he had imagined it.

He let out a soft sigh, his thumb brushing over the edge of the invitation. “They’ll love this project,” he said, his voice breaking the quiet, more to himself than to Viktor.

Viktor didn’t look up from his work but hummed in agreement, the sound low and thoughtful. “Let us hope their enthusiasm translates into substantial investment,” he replied, his tone calm, measured, as always.

Jayce couldn’t help but smile. Viktor always had a way of grounding him, pulling him back from the edge of his restless energy with just a few words. And yet, even now, with the two of them surrounded by the familiar hum of the lab, that unspoken tension lingered in the air between them, fragile and electric.

The evening of the event arrived with all the pomp and elegance that such soirées demanded. Chandeliers glimmered above, casting golden light over the crowd of investors and elites who mingled with glasses of champagne in hand. Jayce, ever the social butterfly, had already dived into the fray, his laughter carrying warmly across the room as he charmed one group after another.

Viktor arrived a touch later, his usual sharp but understated attire setting him apart in a sea of ostentation. Despite his efforts to maintain a low profile, his presence drew more attention than he was entirely comfortable with. Whispers followed in his wake, murmurs of admiration for the brilliant, enigmatic half of the Hextech partnership. Viktor accepted it all with his usual cool composure, a polite nod here, a brief handshake there. Yet his gaze, sharp and discerning, frequently darted across the room to Jayce, tracking his movements like a tether in the vast sea of faces.

For Viktor, the evening was a balancing act: presenting himself as approachable enough for investors while keeping an unspoken distance. His focus, however, always circled back to Jayce. The way he commanded the room with his charm and confidence, the effortless way people seemed to gravitate toward him. It was maddening how one man could embody so much light and energy, and even more maddening how that light seemed to pull at Viktor’s guarded heart.

Jayce, for his part, couldn’t help but steal glances at Viktor whenever he thought he wouldn’t be caught. Viktor had a way of commanding attention without trying — standing by the bar with his glass of wine, his posture relaxed yet exuding a quiet authority, or engaged in a hushed conversation with an investor, his low voice carrying just enough to draw intrigued looks from those nearby.

It was infuriating how much it affected Jayce. The subtle way Viktor’s lips curved when he was amused, the faint trace of his accent as he explained complex concepts with precision and simplicity that made people hang on his every word. And that suit — Jayce swore Viktor had worn it intentionally, tailored perfectly to highlight his lean frame and long legs, the sharp lines somehow both elegant and devastatingly attractive.

Then there was the jealousy.

Jayce caught sight of an investor leaning in too close to Viktor, laughing a bit too warmly at something he’d said. Viktor, ever the picture of professionalism, didn’t flinch, but the faintest hint of a smile tugged at his lips as he responded. It shouldn’t have bothered Jayce. It shouldn’t have made his jaw clench, his grip on his champagne glass tightening as he forced himself to smile and laugh at something inconsequential in his own conversation. But it simmered low in his chest to notice the eager investors drawn to Viktor's quiet charm.

Across the room, Viktor noticed. Of course, he noticed. He always noticed Jayce — the way his shoulders stiffened when someone encroached on his space, the way his eyes darkened with barely concealed irritation when Viktor gave someone else a fraction of the attention he so freely gave Jayce. It was both flattering and frustrating, a silent tug-of-war that neither of them acknowledged aloud.

And yet, Viktor couldn’t deny his quiet pangs of jealousy. He saw the way people flocked to Jayce, the way their eyes lingered on his broad shoulders, his easy smile, his infectious laughter. The way young ladies blushed and twirled their hair as they heard Jayce talk, clearly not following his train of thought. Viktor was no stranger to admiration, but with Jayce, it felt different. Watching others bask in his light made Viktor want to draw the line, to stake a claim he had no right to.

Though he tried to focus on the conversations at hand, he found his attention drifting whenever Jayce laughed too warmly at someone’s joke or leaned in too close during a conversation. The sight stirred something sharp and possessive within him, a feeling he barely recognized but couldn’t quite shake.

The evening wore on, the two of them orbiting each other in an intricate dance. They exchanged brief words now and then — a brush of shoulders here, a lingering glance there. Every interaction felt loaded, the air between them charged with unspoken tension.

At one point, Jayce found himself at Viktor’s side, his champagne flute nearly empty. “You’re popular tonight,” he teased, his tone light but his eyes searching Viktor’s face for something more, making sure his partner was at ease in this usually overwhelming setting.

Viktor glanced at him, his expression calm but his eyes betraying a flicker of amusement. “It seems I am not the only one,” he replied, his voice low, the faintest trace of warmth coloring his words.

Jayce’s lips twitched into a grin, but his gaze lingered on Viktor, his heart pounding in his chest. “Must be the Hextech charm,” he said, leaning just a little closer.

Viktor raised an eyebrow, his lips curving into a subtle smile. “Perhaps,” he said quietly, his gaze steady on Jayce’s for a beat too long before he turned away.

The moment passed, but the tension remained, thick and electric, as they continued to navigate the room. Neither of them could ignore the pull any longer, the magnetic force that drew them together despite their best efforts to keep things professional.

As the night deepened, the air between them grew heavier, thick with tension neither dared name aloud. The laughter and chatter of the room seemed to fade into a distant hum, their awareness narrowing until it was filled only with each other.

Viktor, who had initially resolved to avoid the wine entirely, now found himself holding a half-empty glass, its contents warm against his palm. He blamed Jayce, of course. His partner’s presence was impossible to ignore — all easy charm and radiant energy, drawing everyone’s attention like a beacon. It was maddening.

What was worse, Viktor could feel his composure slipping. The wine had dulled his edges just enough to allow his gaze to linger too long, his body to shift instinctively toward Jayce whenever he was near. He hated it, the way his hunger for Jayce was becoming too obvious, too difficult to temper.

Across the room, Jayce was unraveling in his own way. The faint blush that had risen on Viktor’s cheeks — likely from the wine — had utterly undone him. The cool, controlled Viktor, slightly undone? It wasn’t fair. Every glance Viktor shot his way, every brush of their arms as they passed, stoked the fire in Jayce’s chest until he could hardly stand it.

He knew Viktor was playing a game, subtle but deliberate. The faint smirk when their eyes met, the way he lingered at the edges of Jayce’s conversations but never joined. Viktor was letting Jayce chase him, drawing him closer without ever letting him catch up.

Jayce wasn’t one to back down from a challenge.

As the evening wore on, their quiet game of chase turned into something more pointed. Jayce would find a reason to drift into Viktor’s orbit, feigning interest in the wine selection or a stray comment from an investor. Viktor, in turn, would offer a dry remark or a fleeting glance, his lips twitching as if daring Jayce to try harder.

They stood there in silence for a moment, the distance between them both too much and not enough. Jayce turned to look at Viktor, his chest tightening at the sight. The moonlight softened his features, which made him look almost ethereal. He glanced back at Jayce, his golden eyes catching the soft light of the chandelier. He raised his glass slightly in acknowledgment, his gaze steady and unflinching. It was an invitation, clear as day.

Jayce’s heart thudded in his chest as he excused himself from a cluster of investors, his legs carrying him toward Viktor before his brain had fully caught up. He reached the balcony doors just as Viktor stepped outside, the cool night air a stark contrast to the heat swirling between them.

The city sprawled below them, lights twinkling like stars against the dark expanse. Viktor leaned against the railing, his posture deceptively relaxed, but Jayce could see the tension in the line of his shoulders. Viktor’s fingers tightened around his glass, the cool stem digging into his palm, but it did nothing to quench the heat building inside him. He could feel Jayce’s presence like a weight in the air, heavy and undeniable. Every step Jayce took toward him seemed to slow the pulse in his veins, every glance from those honey-colored eyes pulling him deeper into something he had no intention of indulging in.

Professional, Viktor. Stay professional.

But the thought slipped through his mind like water through his fingers, and the moment Jayce was standing beside him, everything else faded. The noise of the event, the hum of the city, even the chill of the night air — it all dissolved until only the two of them remained.

Viktor wasn’t foolish enough to pretend he didn’t feel the tension between them, the way Jayce’s gaze lingered a second too long, the way his body gravitated toward Viktor’s whenever they were in the same room. It was a dangerous game, one that Viktor had no business indulging in. But even now, standing so close to Jayce, he couldn’t deny the yearning curling deep in his gut, hot and relentless.

“That went well,” Jayce said, breaking the silence. His voice was softer now, stripped of the charm and bravado he wore like armor during nights like these.

“It did,” Viktor agreed, though his tone was distant. He leaned on the railing, his gaze fixed on the horizon.

Keep it together, Viktor reminded himself, but the words lost their weight when Jayce stepped closer, his shoulder brushing lightly against Viktor's. The touch was subtle, but it sent a jolt through both of them. Viktor’s pulse fluttered beneath the soft touch, his mind screaming for restraint, but every instinct in his body urged him to step forward, to bridge the distance between them, to give in.

“You were amazing tonight,” Jayce said, his voice low, intimate. “They couldn’t stop talking about you.”

Viktor turned his head, his expression unreadable. “And yet you seemed quite occupied,” he said, the words slipping out before he could stop them.

Jayce blinked, caught off guard by the edge on Viktor’s tone. A slow, playful grin spread across his face. “Were you jealous?”

Viktor stiffened, his grip tightening on the railing. “Don’t be ridiculous.”

Jayce stepped closer, his grin fading into something softer, more sincere. “It’s okay if you were,” he said quietly. “I was too.”

Viktor regarded him intensely, and for a moment, the space between them felt unbearably small. He could feel the heat of Jayce’s gaze, the unspoken words hanging heavy in the air.

“You’re a terrible influence, you know that?” Viktor finally broke the silence, swirling the champagne in his glass.

Jayce let out a soft chuckle, fixing his gaze on the horizon. “I could say the same for you,” he replied. “But we are keeping it professional, right?” Jayce murmured, his voice low and teasing, as if he was fully aware of the power he wielded over Viktor at that moment. Viktor’s heart skipped at the soft challenge in his words, the glint of mischief in his eyes. The self-restraint that had always served him so well felt like a fragile thread now, stretched tight and ready to snap.

Viktor let out a quiet exhale, steadying himself, but the response that bubbled up in his chest was anything but composed. He shifted his weight, and his fingers tightened on his glass as he tried to maintain his distance, the words on his tongue tasting like regret even before they left his mouth. 

“Yeah… We’re not very good at that, are we?”

It was meant to be a light remark, a gentle push back. But the moment the words passed his lips, Viktor knew he was already lost. Jayce’s smile was a silent victory, a soft pull that Viktor couldn’t resist, not anymore. His resolve faltered, slipping with every second that passed as he watched Jayce lean closer, the heat of his body becoming an inescapable presence.

Jayce closed the gap before Viktor could stop him, his arm circling him as Jayce had done countless times before, his hand finding Viktor’s, the touch light yet electric. Viktor’s breath caught in his throat, and for the briefest moment, he allowed himself to close his eyes, feeling Jayce’s fingers brush gently over the back of his hand, then slip higher, igniting a trail of fire across his skin.

Viktor’s mind screamed at him to pull away, to keep his distance, to protect whatever fragile professionalism they had left — they were, after all, in public. But every fiber of his being longed for Jayce in a way he hadn’t allowed himself to acknowledge before, every flicker of the desire that had been buried beneath his carefully constructed mask flaring to life.

He’s so close.

When Jayce’s lips gently brushed against his ear, Viktor couldn’t hold back. A current of pleasant, electric shock ran down Viktor's spine as he let out the slightest moan, urging the last sliver of his sanity to keep it together. The heat building between them, the closeness, was too much. Viktor’s heart thundered in his chest, pounding harder as Jayce’s breath teased his skin.

"Jayce— Not here."

Viktor’s words came out rougher than he intended, but Jayce didn’t pull back. No, Jayce pressed in closer, his hand moving up to rest on Viktor’s shoulder, drawing him even nearer. The proximity of Jayce's body, the soft pressure, the unmistakable scent of him, was all Viktor could focus on. His thoughts were muddled, his control slipping like sand through his fingers. For any possible onlookers, this moment might’ve looked innocent enough — a brief embrace, a quiet exchange of words. But to Viktor, the heat of Jayce’s lips just inches from his ear, the brush of his breath against his neck, was nothing short of torturous.

It wasn’t enough to merely be close to Jayce. Every part of him wanted more, wanted to feel the press of Jayce’s body against his, wanted to taste him again, the taste of desperation and longing that lingered from their earlier kiss. Viktor could feel the thick, undeniable tension stirring within him, his body betraying him in ways he could no longer ignore.

And damn Jayce for knowing it.

“I know,” Jayce whispered, his voice low and regretful, though there was something else beneath it — something darker, something hungrier. He rested his forehead gently against Viktor’s, his breath warm against Viktor’s skin as the last of the distance between them vanished. Viktor could feel Jayce’s heartbeat in time with his own, quick and ragged.

"I'm sorry," Jayce sighed, but there was no sincerity in the apology. Not really.

And Viktor quite honestly didn't care, only ever pretended to establish some resemblance of limit.

Viktor turned to face him, at his wits’ end, closing his eyes in an attempt to reel in the maddening desire as Jayce's body warmth elicited the most inadequate thoughts. He gripped his cane until his knuckles turned white as he tried to find some semblance of control, but it was slipping faster than he could hold onto it. He wanted to push Jayce away, wanted to breathe, to think, but every part of him screamed in protest. His lips parted in a silent gasp as Jayce’s eyes bore into his, patiently. 

“Stop it,” Viktor muttered, though it sounded more like a plea than a demand. He hated the sound of it. 

Jayce’s response was a soft, breathless laugh that fluttered against Viktor’s skin. The sound was a mixture of amusement and desire, and it sent a fresh shiver through Viktor. There was no turning back now. Viktor’s resolve was crumbling with every second that passed, and in that moment, he hated how easy it was for Jayce to break him.

Jayce stepped back to bring them out of plain view and leaned in, just enough for Viktor to feel the press of his chest against his. Their breaths mingled in the small space between them, and Viktor was painfully aware of every inch of contact, the heat between them burning hotter than any fire.

“I can’t promise I won’t do it again, Viktor,” Jayce whispered, his lips so close to Viktor’s ear that the words felt like a caress. “I won’t stop, not when you’re this close to me. When you feel this good . Not when you are all I can think about, every waking moment.”

Viktor swallowed hard, trying to steady himself, but his body betrayed him. The heat building inside him was unbearable, each brush of Jayce’s body against his own stoking the fire. He needed to get away, needed to breathe, but when Jayce’s lips finally found his own, all sense of restraint shattered.

There was no hesitation now. Jayce’s kiss was deep, urgent, a desperate thing that matched the hunger in Viktor’s chest. Their bodies moved against each other like a storm, pushing and pulling, both of them fighting for control in a game neither of them had the will to win. Jayce’s hands were everywhere — on Viktor’s back, in his hair, pulling him closer, and Viktor responded in kind, his own hands finding Jayce’s waist, gripping him like he might lose him if he let go.

The kiss deepened, frantic now, and Viktor could feel the world spinning around them. Every kiss, every touch, was a promise — a dangerous one. But it didn’t matter anymore. The walls he’d built, the boundaries he’d tried to maintain, had all crumbled under the force of Jayce’s presence. And in this moment, Viktor let himself fall, completely and utterly.

And still, part of him couldn’t help but think, If only we weren’t here. If only this could be ours to have, without the world watching, without the pressure of the rest of our lives...

But Jayce’s lips, relentless and warm against his, drowned out that thought.

The kiss was urgent, desperate, as though neither of them could breathe without the other. Viktor’s hand shot out, gripping Jayce’s jacket, pulling him in closer, feeling the hard press of Jayce’s chest against his. His other hand found the back of Jayce’s neck, fingers tangling in the soft hair at the nape, deepening the kiss with a hunger he could no longer deny.

Jayce responded immediately, his lips soft but demanding, a rush of heat flooding Viktor’s senses. For the first time in what felt like forever, Viktor let go of the iron grip he had kept on his emotions. There were no rules here. No professional boundaries. Just the press of Jayce’s body against his, the taste of him, intoxicating and impossible to ignore.

Every inch of Viktor’s being was screaming for more, to push further, to feel the tension that had been building for weeks finally snap. This was much longer than their previous shared moment — more intense and inebriating as well. But as Viktor pulled back slightly, lips swollen and breath shallow, his mind caught up to his body, and reality — bitter and cold — crept in.

This was dangerous. It was reckless.

But for a moment, Viktor didn’t care. Not yet.

His hand lingered on Jayce’s arm as if to hold on, to tether himself to the moment. He fought to regain his composure, swallowing hard as he looked into Jayce’s eyes, his gaze heavy with desire.

“Don’t do that again,” Viktor said, his voice hoarse, though there was no real conviction in his words. It was a warning, but it was also a plea, the line between them thinner now than it had ever been before.

Jayce’s breath was still unsteady, his lips curving into that infuriatingly perfect smile. “I can’t promise that,” he said, his voice low, the words carrying a weight neither of them could ignore.

“I thought we were keeping it professional,” Viktor murmured, though there was no bite to his words, only a faint, teasing lilt.

Jayce chuckled, his voice low and husky. “I think we’re terrible at that.”

Viktor huffed a quiet laugh, his hands lingering on Jayce’s arms. “Perhaps. But we should try harder.”

Jayce smiled, his thumb brushing gently against Viktor’s cheek. “Or maybe we stop pretending this isn’t what we both want.”

Viktor didn’t respond immediately, his gaze searching Jayce’s face. Slowly, he nodded with a small, almost imperceptible motion.

“Perhaps,” he said softly, and for the first time, Jayce thought he saw a hint of hope in Viktor’s eyes.

And just like that, Viktor knew — whatever had been left between them, whatever had been unsaid, was no longer a secret.

They were both in too deep to back out now.

The night had blurred into a haze of desire, the events of the soirée barely registering as Viktor and Jayce made their way back to the lab. There was no real reason for it — at least, none Viktor could fully explain. Maybe it was instinct, maybe it was muscle memory, but somehow, their steps had led them there, to the one place where they were safe from the prying eyes of the event and could finally, truly, be themselves.

The lab, familiar and cold, suddenly felt different. The hum of machines in the background was no longer a distraction, but the backdrop to something far more intoxicating. The moment the door clicked shut behind them, sealing them in a cocoon of silence, Viktor was already turning to face Jayce, his breath catching as their eyes locked. There was no hesitation this time, no uncertainty. It was the purest, most raw of need.

Without thinking, Viktor pulled Jayce closer, his hands finding Jayce's waist and pulling him in with an urgency that made Jayce gasp. Their lips met, and there was no gentle greeting this time. This kiss was fierce, full of hunger, as if they had both been starved for it. Jayce’s hands were in Viktor's hair, tugging him closer, deepening the kiss, and Viktor responded in kind, his hands roaming over Jayce’s back, urging him closer still. There was no softness now — no shyness, no self-restraint. It was as if they had both been holding their breaths for weeks and now, at last, they could exhale together, letting the heat between them ignite.

Viktor’s mind raced, but his body was in control, and it was everything he wanted. Everything he had imagined and more. His lips moved roughly against Jayce’s, the kiss now full of want, the pressure of his body against Jayce’s sending waves of heat through him.

He wanted more. Viktor’s hands slid lower, gripping Jayce’s hips with a firm possessiveness that made Jayce moan against his lips, the sound pushing Viktor further into the moment. The familiar tension from earlier that night, the uncertainty and the restraint, had evaporated. There was no more playing games. No more keeping a distance. Here, now, in this space, they were free to do whatever they wanted, and Viktor could feel the beast of his desires waking from its slumber, growling for release, ready to take what it wanted with no shame.

Viktor pulled back just enough to catch his breath, his eyes locked onto Jayce's, intense and commanding. The heat in his gaze sent a shock through Jayce, but it was Viktor’s voice, low and dripping with hunger, that made his knees weak.

"Jayce," Viktor murmured, each syllable deliberate, "I want you." He smirked. It felt wonderful to finally voice that desire out loud, knowing Jayce would reciprocate it.

His tone was steady, unmistakably dominant, a side of him Jayce hadn’t seen this close before. Every word was a command, every glance a promise. Viktor's usual restraint seemed to vanish, and in its place was something raw, something potent that stoked the flames between them.

Jayce's breath caught in his throat, and despite the wild rush of heat surging through his veins, he couldn’t help the teasing smile that curled at the corners of his lips. There was an edge to his voice, one that dripped with challenge and defiance. "Is that so?" he purred, his hands trailing down Viktor’s spine with a slow, deliberate touch, his fingers brushing against the fabric of his clothes as if savoring the moment. “Then prove it.”

Viktor’s jaw clenched at the challenge ever so slightly, but he didn’t back down. Instead, he stepped forward, using his weight to push Jayce backward until the backs of his knees hit the edge of the workbench. With a single, swift movement, Viktor’s hand shot out, gripping Jayce’s wrist and pinning him against the wall behind him, the motion forceful and unexpected enough to make Jayce gasp.

“Don’t tease me, Jayce. All these years of yearning have done that enough already,” Viktor growled, his voice thick with desire. The tension in the air was almost unbearable, and Viktor's fingers tightened around Jayce’s wrist, his body pressing into him with a purpose, a clear message. It had surprised Jayce how Viktor was stronger than he gave him credit for, and he felt a pleasant shiver run through his entire body at the thought. "You wanted me to take you, back in the soirée, didn’t you? Now you’ll behave."

Jayce squirmed slightly beneath Viktor’s touch, the mixture of power and restraint in Viktor’s actions making him burn with anticipation. He was fairly certain he could wrestle his way out of Viktor's grasp, though he had a better idea. Jayce wasn’t about to let Viktor think he could have him without a little challenge first, only to drive his partner mad. With a wicked grin, he slid his other hand up Viktor’s clothed ribcage, his fingers brushing against the sharp line of his jaw, teasing him. “Oh, I’ll behave,” Jayce murmured, smirking as he looked up at Viktor. “But only if you can keep up.”

The challenge was clear, and Viktor was up for it, a soft growl rumbling in his chest. He moved quickly, his lips crashing onto Jayce’s with a renewed fervor, kissing him harder, deeper, sliding between Jace's legs and pressing their bodies together. Viktor's hands slid from Jayce’s wrist to his hips, pulling him flush against his body. Jayce’s teasing had left him hungrier than ever, and now, Viktor intended to devour him.

Jayce, ever the playful brat, arched a brow and pushed against Viktor, his body leaning into the challenge. “You think you can handle me, Viktor?” he whispered, his voice low, teasing, a slow smile playing at the corners of his lips. “I’m not sure you’re up for it.”

The arrogance in Jayce’s words was like a spark to dry tinder, and Viktor, his patience already stretched thin, wasn’t about to let that slide. Without a word, he moved fast, his grip moving to tighten around Jayce’s throat, pressing his throbbing, clothed erection against Jayce's, effectively trapping him in place.

Jayce's breath hitched, a sudden tension crackling between them as Viktor’s eyes burned into his with an intensity that made Jayce's heart race. Viktor’s voice was low, dark with intent, every word sharp and demanding. “You think I’m not ready, Jayce?” he whispered, his lips brushing over Jayce’s jawline, his teeth grazing the sensitive skin there, sending a thrill straight through him. “You might be the charming one, but let me remind you who’s in control tonight.”

The realization hit Jayce like a wave — this wasn’t the usual banter, the usual dance they had shared before. Viktor was no longer holding back, no longer the reluctant, reserved partner he was so familiar with. No, this was Viktor, unrestrained by uncertainties, the same Viktor he saw so relentlessly working on a project — only the project now was having his way with Jayce. And something about that made his heart race and heat race up to his ears, his body eager and yearning to meet Viktor’s every demand.

As Viktor's lips moved down Jayce’s neck, tracing a path of fire across his skin, Jayce couldn’t help the shiver that ran through him. The control Viktor had over him was intoxicating, and Jayce was no longer teasing or challenging. Instead, he gave in, his body responding instinctively to Viktor’s dominance.

"Fuck, Viktor," Jayce breathed, his voice shaky and hoarse. "You don’t have to remind me."

Viktor lifted his head, locking eyes with Jayce, the raw hunger in his gaze sending a rush of heat straight to Jayce’s core. “Good,” Viktor muttered, his grip loosening ever so slightly around Jayce's neck as he leaned in close, his lips brushing against Jayce’s ear once more. “Now you’ll behave, won't you, Jayce?”

Jayce let out a sharp laugh, the sound breathless and desperate. “We’ll see,” he teased, but there was no mistaking the need in his voice, the submission he was surrendering without even realizing it.

And then Viktor kissed him again — hard, deep, and unyielding, his expert fingers working lazily on unbuttoning Jayce's vest which was quickly shrugged off. Their bodies pressed together with a ferocity that left them both breathless, no more games, no more teasing. Just raw, unrelenting passion as Viktor finally took what he had been holding back for far too long.

His hands traced the fabric of Jayce’s shirt, working each button open and pushing it off his shoulders and down his arms, revealing the toned chest beneath. Viktor’s gaze followed the path of exposed skin, hunger and possessiveness flickering in his eyes as he admired every inch of Jayce’s body. He couldn’t resist the temptation to touch, running his fingers over Jayce’s skin, feeling the heat radiating from him.

When the shirt fell to the floor, Viktor’s hands trailed down Jayce's sides, moving lower and lower until his fingers brushed tentatively against the waistband of Jayce’s pants. He paused, his lips curling into a smirk, knowing that Jayce’s patience was wearing thin. “Aren't you going to undress me?” Viktor said, his lips curling into a pout, “I thought you promised to behave, Jayce.”

Jayce’s breath caught at the demand, a grin spreading across his face as his fingers moved quickly, eager to obey. He met Viktor’s eyes, his expression full of desire and reverence, evident in the fact that he couldn't believe this was finally happening — undressing Viktor was the most sacred act he could perform. Careful and gentle, Jayce moved Viktor to lean against the workbench, careful to keep his balance, and began to line Viktor's jawline with soft, reverent kisses as his hands worked shakily on the buttons of Viktor's vest and shirt. In response, Viktor hummed a low sound of approval, lolling his head back and threading his fingers through Jayce's soft hair, encouraging him to continue. 

He couldn’t help but worship the exposed skin, trailing his fingers across Viktor’s chest, feeling the solid warmth of him under his touch. His lips followed as Jayce knelt in front of him, trailing down the firm lines of Viktor’s torso, peppering kisses on every freckle he found along the way, tasting the salt of his skin as he went lower, down on his knees.

"Well done, Jayce,” Viktor purred, his hand caressing Jayce’s face as Jayce’s eyes never left Viktor’s, his gaze filled with both hunger and soft adoration. The praise flushed Jayce’s face with pleased content, maddening him even further. 

Viktor's eyes were blown dark with desire, and Jayce noticed a slight tremor as his hand caressed his face. Was Viktor scared? For good measure, he placed a soft kiss on the palm of Viktor's hand, a wordless confirmation that he, too, was eager and a bit nervous. There was a hunger in his eyes, but also something deeper—reverence, as though Viktor were a work of art he could never stop admiring. He wanted to touch, kiss, and taste every inch of Viktor, to lose himself in the sensation of him.

“You’re perfect,” Jayce breathed, his voice full of awe as his hands slid over Viktor’s body, touching him as if he were something sacred. His lips followed, kissing the newly exposed skin of Viktor's abs as if trying to memorize every part of him, feeling the heat of his soft skin, the firmness, the softness.

Seeking approval from Viktor's gaze, Jayce focused on unbuttoning his trousers and pulling them down, ever so careful not to get caught on the leg brace. Each movement calculated, slowly, deliberately, as though Jayce were savoring every moment, every inch of skin revealed. Viktor stood still for a moment, allowing Jayce to explore with his lips, his touch, before he reached down and grabbed Jayce’s chin, tilting his face upward just enough for their eyes to meet.

“Switch places with me, Jayce,” Viktor’s voice was rich with his accent, a nod to how utterly immersed he was in their moment. “Now it’s my turn.”

With a fluid motion, Viktor pushed Jayce back against the desk, leaning the weight of his body agains Jayce's. His hands were firm on Jayce’s hips, forcing him to stay in place, and Jayce couldn’t help but gasp as he felt the heat of Viktor’s body against him.

Viktor reached for Jayce's lips, capturing them in a kiss that was raw and needy, his tongue demanding entrance as he tasted Jayce’s mouth like a man starved. Jayce responded with equal fervor, his hands grabbing Viktor’s small waist as if anchoring himself, afraid he might lose control of his own body under the intensity of the kiss.

But Viktor wasn’t gentle, not now. He wasn’t interested in being soft or slow, he was possessive and demanding, claiming and marking every inch of Jayce's body he could reach. There was a fire in him that could no longer be contained. His hands moved roughly over Jayce’s body, pushing his hips back against the desk with a possessive urgency that had Jayce close to insanity.

"Tell me," Viktor murmured against Jayce’s lips, his voice a velvet drawl laced with command, “what do you want from me, Jayce? Because right now, all I want is you — every part of you.” His fingers trailed a deliberate path down Jayce’s torso, skimming the waistband of his pants before brushing over the hard line of his cock, the touch light yet maddeningly insistent. Viktor’s grip tightened, teasing through the fabric, drawing a ragged gasp from Jayce.

Jayce’s breath hitched, his entire body trembling under Viktor’s touch. “You already have me,” he rasped, his voice rough with need, hands sliding down Viktor’s chest with urgency. His fingertips traced the hard planes of muscle beneath Viktor’s shirt, moving lower to grip his hips. “You have all of me, Viktor,” he whispered, lips grazing Viktor’s jawline before capturing his mouth in a kiss that was both eager and desperate. When he pulled back, his voice dropped to a husky murmur. “Tell me what you want me to do. I’m yours.”

Viktor’s lips curved into a dark smile, his body pressing flush against Jayce as his hand continued its torturous teasing. “Touch me, Jayce,” he purred, his accent thickened by desire, his breath warm against Jayce’s ear. His voice dropped even lower, sultry and commanding. “I want your hands on me — everywhere. I want you to drive me to the brink, make me ache for you, leave me breathless.” His teeth grazed the shell of Jayce’s ear, sending a shiver coursing through him. “And then,” Viktor growled, his tone thick with hunger, “I want you to fuck me like it’s the only thing that matters.”

Jayce’s head tipped back, his resolve unraveling as Viktor painted the picture in vivid, seductive strokes. His fingers dug into Viktor’s hips, his breath coming in short, needy pants as he responded to the heat pooling low in his stomach. “Viktor,” he breathed, his words barely a whisper. “You’re going to ruin me.”

Viktor’s smirk deepened, his hand applying just enough pressure to make Jayce arch against him, helpless under the exquisite control Viktor wielded. “Ruin you?” Viktor’s voice was a low rumble, his other hand coming up to grip Jayce’s jaw, forcing him to meet his smoldering gaze. “I’ve barely started.”

Jayce melted back onto the desk, his legs spreading instinctively, yielding completely to Viktor’s dominance. The desk’s cool surface against his skin did little to temper the heat coursing through him. Viktor, no longer restrained by hesitation or decorum, leaned in to kiss him again — devouring Jayce with a fervor that sent sparks down his spine.

Jayce’s hands flew to Viktor’s pants, fumbling with buttons, desperate to feel more of him, but Viktor pulled back just enough to take control. “Slow down,” he murmured, his tone carrying an edge of teasing authority. “You said you’re mine, didn’t you? Let me enjoy this moment.”

Jayce groaned, a frustrated growl escaping his throat, but the challenge in Viktor’s eyes made him relent. Viktor took his time, unhurried as he undid Jayce’s pants, his hands brushing over bare skin, igniting every nerve ending. His mouth, lips and tongue exploring Jayce’s collarbone, trailing down to his chest, leaving Jayce gasping and trembling beneath him as he freed his partner from his last pieces of clothing.

“Good,” Viktor murmured, his voice a satisfied growl as Jayce's hands slid up Viktor’s sides, his touch both reverent and possessive. . Viktor’s hand threaded through Jayce’s hair, his grip firm but not demanding, guiding him without force. “Now, Jayce,” he said, his voice a low, intoxicating whisper. “Show me just how much you want me.”

“Come here,” Jayce murmured against Viktor’s lips, his voice low, filled with promise. His hands moved to Viktor’s shoulders, gently but insistently guiding him toward the small leather couch tucked in the corner of their lab. It wasn’t much, more functional than comfortable, but it was theirs — a space filled with late-night brainstorming sessions and the occasional makeshift bed for when they spent the night over at the lab. Tonight, though, it would bear witness to something far more intimate.

Viktor allowed himself to be led, his body moving as if drawn by some invisible thread binding them together. His steps were slow, deliberate, his gaze locked on Jayce’s, every unspoken thought and feeling mirrored in those dark, stormy eyes. Jayce’s grin was soft, almost shy now, but his hands were anything but hesitant as he guided Viktor down onto the couch, urging him to sit.

The scientist obeyed, his lean frame sinking into the cushions as he looked up at Jayce, his lips slightly parted, his breath coming quicker now. Viktor’s usual air of calm control was still present, but there was a vulnerability there too, an openness he rarely allowed himself to show, But this was Jayce, Viktor though, if anyone ever deserved to see him in this situation, it was him.

Jayce knelt between Viktor’s legs, his hands bracing on the edge of the couch as he leaned forward, pressing a series of kisses to Viktor’s lips, his jaw, his throat. Each touch was a mix of adoration and hunger, a careful exploration that slowly turned bolder. Viktor’s hands found their way to Jayce’s hair, threading through the soft strands, his grip firm as he tilted Jayce’s head to deepen the kiss.

“Jayce,” Viktor breathed against his mouth, his voice a low rasp. His accent thickened by desire, the sound sent a shiver down Jayce’s spine. “You are far too eager.” It was a half-hearted complaint, if Jayce ever heard one from him.

Jayce pulled back just enough to smirk, his lips already red and swollen. “Can you blame me?” he replied, his voice teasing, his hands roaming over Viktor’s thighs, teasing but not quite touching him where Viktor wanted. “Look at you. How am I supposed to keep my hands off you, Viktor?”

Viktor’s gaze darkened, his grip tightening in Jayce’s hair as he leaned forward, his lips brushing against Jayce’s ear. “Then don’t,” he said, his voice a command, low and rich. 

Viktor watched him, his sharp eyes following every movement, every touch, the weight of his gaze making Jayce’s pulse race. Viktor reached out, his fingers brushing along Jayce’s jaw, tilting his face upward. “You’re beautiful like this,” Viktor said, his voice softer now, but no less commanding. His thumb traced the curve of Jayce’s lips, his touch reverent yet possessive. “On your knees, looking up at me. You paint a pretty picture, Jayce. Perhaps you should stay there more often.”

Jayce’s breath hitched, his grin faltering as Viktor’s words sent a rush of heat through him. “Careful,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper, “or I might like the idea.”

Viktor smiled, his hand sliding from Jayce’s jaw to cup the back of his neck. “I suppose you should.”

Jayce smiled at the suggestion. He could get used to this. He made himself comfortable between Viktor's knees, his partner's leaking erection looking desperate for attention. Jayce didn’t hesitate. He touched Viktor lightly, softly at first, eliciting the most beautiful sounds he had ever heard in his entire life. He wanted to test Viktor's patience, bring him to the limit before finally giving him what he wanted. 

Viktor's hips rocked timidly against Jayce's careful grasp, his eyes heavy-lidded and yet not abandoning Jayce's for a moment. He was the perfect picture of wanton, and Jayce felt dizzy under his attention. It didn't take much longer for him to learn how eager he was to bring Viktor to his limits. His mouth was on him in an instant, warm and wet, his tongue tracing the length of him with a deliberate slowness that made Viktor groan, low and guttural. It was heavenly. Jayce looked up as he worked, his dark eyes locking with Viktor’s, the sight only adding to the unbearable heat pooling in Viktor’s stomach.

“Jayce,” Viktor rasped, his voice a broken edge of need and restraint. His hand tangled in Jayce’s hair, pulling slightly, though not to stop him — never to stop him. “You— ah, you are insufferable.”

Jayce chuckled, the vibration of his laugh sending sparks through Viktor’s already frayed nerves. He took Viktor deeper, moaning in the pleasure of taking him, tasting him, his mouth working with a mixture of greed and purpose, lips and tongue creating a slick, messy rhythm. The wet sounds of Jayce’s effort filled the room, obscene and shameless, and Viktor couldn’t tear his eyes away.

“Oh, Jayce—” Viktor’s voice broke, his head falling back against the couch, letting out the most obscene noises Jayce had ever had the pleasure of hearing. His chest rose and fell rapidly, his ironclad control slipping further with each pass of Jayce’s lips.

Viktor was a delight, Jayce found, his tongue eagerly lapping and pressing at his length before sucking on his cock like his life depended on it. Jayce pulled back just enough to breathe, his lips red and glisteninga trail of saliva catching the light as it clung to Viktor’s skin. “What’s the matter, Viktor?” Jayce teased, his voice husky and dripping with mockery. “Not used to being the one unraveling?”

Viktor’s eyes snapped open, his gaze piercing, heavy and disheveled. “Do not test me,” he growled, though his hand betrayed him, pushing Jayce’s head back down.

Jayce grinned around him, sinking back in with even more fervor, his tongue swirling and his lips tightening as he sucked, delighted, in heaven. Viktor’s hips jerked involuntarily, a rare loss of composure that had Jayce groaning in approval against him, the sound sending vibrations straight to Viktor’s core.

Viktor’s other hand found purchase on the back of Jayce’s neck, guiding his movements as the tension built higher and higher. “You—” Viktor’s voice was fractured now, raw with want. “Fuck, Jayce, you’re going to ruin me. Ah…”

Jayce moaned in response, the sound sinful and needy, his nails digging into Viktor’s thighs, holding him fast as he worked harder, sloppier, desperate to pull Viktor to the edge, to watch him unravel and make him desperate to moan out Jayces name ad he begged for release. His jaw ached, but the way Viktor’s slender thighs tensed under his hands , the way his legs wrapped around his neck, and the sound of broken gasps spilling from Viktor’s lips made it worth every second.

He could do this all night. In fact, Jayce hoped with all his heart he would, as he could barely wait to have Viktor like this again.

“Ah, Jayce— Fuck,” he was beautiful like this, desperate and completely at Jayce's mercy, prettily sweaty and rock hard in his mouth. “Jayce—” Viktor’s voice cracked, his grip tightening as he bucked his hips. “Slow down—if you don’t, I’ll—”

But Jayce didn’t stop. He sucked harder, petulant, pulling Viktor closer to him like he weighted nothing, his free hand cupping Viktor's balls, gently playing with them, then making its way up to stroke Viktor's length in rhythm with his mouth. He looked up, his eyes glazed and desperate, silently daring Viktor to lose control. 

And Viktor did. Cursing, twisting, in his most vulnerable display, Viktor spilled inside Jayce’s mouth, barely believing this was real. 

Viktor’s breath got caught and his slender body tensed as he came in sharp, uneven bursts. He was perfectly disheveled and beautiful, his face the most beautiful sight as he tried to catch his breath, slumping back against the couch, shivering, smiling, his body trembling in the aftermath. A flush of color spread across his pale skin, painting his cheeks and chest in a gorgeous shade of red. His hand lingered in Jayce’s hair, though his grip had loosened, now resting more like a gentle caress.

Jayce slowly pulled back, licking him clean like an obedient pup, lips glistening, a self-satisfied grin spreading across his face as he wiped the corner of his mouth with the back of his hand. “So much for not losing control,” he teased, his voice low and teasingly smug.

Viktor groaned, covering his face with one hand, his embarrassment evident. “You are—” he paused, searching for the right words, “intolerable.” But there was no real heat behind the words. If anything, his voice was tinged with something softer, something vulnerable.

Jayce chuckled, kneeling up between Viktor’s legs, his hands bracketing Viktor’s hips. “Oh, come on, Viktor,” he murmured, pressing a kiss to Viktor’s abdomen, his voice playful but thick with lingering hunger. “You’re incredible when you let go. The most godly sight, beautiful and breathtaking.”

Viktor pulled his hand away from his face, his sharp gaze locking with Jayce’s. There was still a faint flush to his cheeks, but beneath it, the fire in his eyes was undeniable. “I—” He paused, his voice dropping lower, quieter. “I did not mean to…” His hand gestured vaguely, his usual eloquence failing him.

“Mean to what? Let me make you feel good?” Jayce interrupted, his grin widening as he trailed kisses up Viktor’s chest, his hands moving to cradle Viktor’s sides. “Trust me, Viktor, I’m not complaining. In fact—” Jayce’s lips brushed against the curve of Viktor’s jaw, his tone dropping to a sultry whisper. “I wouldn’t mind seeing you lose control again. You are… beautiful.”

Viktor’s breath hitched, the last vestiges of his embarrassment melting away as Jayce’s lips continued their path. He tilted his head slightly, allowing Jayce more access, though his hands found Jayce’s shoulders, steadying him. “And you are insatiable,” Viktor muttered, though his voice was thick with affection and approval.

Jayce smirked against his skin. “And you love it,” he said, his teeth grazing Viktor’s neck, marking him, pulling a shuddering gasp from him. Viktor’s fingers tightened on Jayce’s shoulders, his restraint slipping once more.

“Do not flatter yourself too much,” Viktor murmured, though the way his hands slid up to tangle in Jayce’s hair told a different story. His lips found Jayce’s in a heated kiss, their bodies pressing together in a feverish, desperate rhythm.

Jayce groaned into Viktor’s mouth, his hands slipping down to Viktor’s thighs, urging him to shift, to move. “Viktor—” he gasped, his voice breaking as Viktor’s teeth scraped his lower lip, sending a jolt of pleasure straight through him. “You’re going to drive me crazy.”

He had to admit Jayce was obedient, although he found a way to get things done his way. He had not touched himself, his cock was hard and weeping and desperate for attention.  

Viktor smirked against his lips, his confidence returning in full force. “Good,” he murmured, his voice low and commanding, his accent thick like honey. “Perhaps I could show you what I had intended for you to do to me.”

Jayce shivered at the raw intensity in Viktor’s tone, his body arching instinctively against him. “Show me,” he whispered, his voice rough with need. “Show me everything, Viktor.”

Viktor’s smirk deepened as he pulled back, his eyes heavy-lidded with intent. “Patience, Jayce,” Viktor murmured, his hands sliding down Jayce’s chest with agonizing deliberation, pausing just above his cock. His fingers teased, his nails drawing red lines on his waist before guiding Jayce to sit on the couch, sharing the small space with him.

Jayce’s breathing hitched as Viktor slowly positioned himself between his knees, his gaze never leaving Jayce’s face. The sight alone nearly undid him — Viktor, so composed, so deliberate, now positioned between his legs, his sharp features framed by the flickering light of the lab.

“I want you to stay still,” Viktor said, his voice a commanding whisper. “Let me take my time.” His hands moved to hold Jayce’s heavy, thick length, his hands gentle and soft. Viktor’s eyes darkened, his tongue darting out to wet his lips as he took in the sight before him, head first, languidly sliding his tongue to taste him.

Jayce let out a shaky exhale, his cock twitching under Viktor’s intense gaze. “You’re killing me,” he muttered, his voice hoarse, but he didn’t dare move. His hands clenched at his sides, his restraint fraying with each passing second.

Viktor smirked, leaning in and pressing a featherlight kiss to the base of Jayce’s cock. “Not yet, I just barely started,” he teased, his breath warm against Jayce’s skin. “But I will push you to the edge, and you’ll enjoy every second.” His tongue flicked out, tracing a slow line up the length, earning a sharp gasp from Jayce.

Jayce’s knees nearly buckled as Viktor’s lips wrapped in earnest around his cock’s tip, his tongue swirling with deliberate, maddening slowness, tasting him with no rush. He wanted to beg, to plead for more, but the way Viktor’s hands gripped his hips kept him rooted in place, his body trembling under Viktor’s skilled touch.

“Viktor—” Jayce’s voice cracked as Viktor took him deeper, his lips stretching around him, the warmth of his mouth nearly overwhelming. Jayce’s head fell back, his hands twitching as if to reach for Viktor’s hair, but he caught himself, his knuckles turning white as he gripped the edge of the couch nstead.

Viktor hummed in satisfaction, the vibration sending a jolt through Jayce’s body. He set a torturously slow pace, his tongue and lips and hands working in tandem, alternating between deep, consuming pulls and teasing flicks that had Jayce panting, his body on fire.

“Viktor, please—” Jayce finally broke, his voice desperate, his hips jerking forward despite himself. Viktor responded by tightening his grip, holding Jayce firmly in place as he looked up, his eyes glinting with amusement and something darker.

“You beg so prettily, Jayce,” Viktor murmured, pulling back just enough to speak, his lips glossy and swollen. “But I am not done with you yet.” His voice was soft but laced with authority, leaving no room for argument.

Jayce groaned, his head spinning as Viktor took him in again, deeper this time, his pace increasing but still infuriatingly controlled. Every movement, every flick of Viktor’s tongue felt calculated, designed to keep Jayce teetering on the brink without letting him tip over.

“Viktor, I’m going to—” Jayce’s words dissolved into a broken moan as Viktor’s nails dug into his hips, grounding him, keeping him from losing control entirely. Viktor pulled back slightly, his lips curling into a wicked smile.

“Not yet,” Viktor said, his voice rough with arousal. He sat back on his heels for a moment, his chest rising and falling as he caught his breath, his own arousal evident again. His hands slid up Jayce’s thighs, his fingers pressing firmly, possessively. “Not until I say so.”

Jayce’s legs trembled, his body aching with need, but the raw hunger in Viktor’s gaze made him weak in a completely different way. “You’re evil,” Jayce breathed, his lips curling into a shaky grin despite himself.

Viktor chuckled, his voice low and decadent as he leaned in once more. “And you love it.”

Viktor’s lips curled into a knowing smirk as he leaned back in, his tongue flicking across the tip of Jayce’s cock with an agonizing precision that sent a shudder racing through Jayce’s body. Viktor’s movements were unhurried, deliberate, each one designed to wind the tension inside Jayce tighter and tighter. He hollowed his cheeks, taking Jayce deeper once more, moaning around him, his nails dragging ever so lightly up the sides of Jayce’s thighs, leaving him trembling and gasping.

“Viktor—” Jayce’s voice cracked, his head falling back as his knuckles turned white against the couch. His legs were shaking, his body betraying him as his hips bucked forward, seeking more of the devastating pleasure Viktor was so expertly delivering.

Viktor didn’t relent, setting a merciless pace. He alternated between deep, swallowing pulls and quick, teasing flicks of his tongue that had Jayce moaning, his breath hitching with every desperate attempt to keep control. Viktor’s hands gripped Jayce’s hips, firm and unyielding, keeping him anchored as the waves of pleasure threatened to consume him.

“I’m—oh, fuck—I can’t—” Jayce stammered, his voice broken as his body tensed, every nerve ending on fire. He was so close, teetering on the edge, his chest heaving as the world narrowed to the heat of Viktor’s mouth and the relentless, intoxicating pull of his movements.

And then Viktor stopped.

Jayce let out a strangled sound, a mixture of frustration and disbelief, as Viktor pulled away completely, leaving him aching and desperate. Viktor rose sat back with a fluid grace, his lips glistening, his expression calm yet brimming with unspoken intent. He smirked with a self-indulgent delight, licking his swollen, reddened lips, his eyes burning with lust and control.

“Not yet,” Viktor murmured, his voice low, soft and steady, although the authority in his tone undeniable. He leaned in, caging Jayce between his tighs, his breath warm against Jayce’s ear as his hands slid up Jayce’s chest. “I want you like this — on the edge, desperate, hungry for me.”

Jayce’s hands twitched, itching to grab Viktor, to take back some semblance of control, but the look in Viktor’s eyes pinned him in place. It was a look that promised both indulgence and punishment, a look that left Jayce weak and aching with need. Jayce wanted to say he had been like that for the past months, if not the past year, but the hungry look in Viktor's eyes kept him at his mercy.

Viktor’s fingers curled around Jayce’s jaw, tilting his head up to meet his gaze, applying pressure just enough to make tease him. “Now,” Viktor said, his voice a velvet command, his accent thickened by desire. “I want you to take me, Jayce. Claim me. Make me come crying and calling your name as I’ve so long wished for,” his voice was intense, and Jayce could swear he would come then and there, if Viktor willed him to. “Mark me with your nails and your lips. I want to wear those with pride. Show me just how much you want me.”

The way Viktor shamelessly said all that with his hand pressing around Jayce’s throat made him involuntarily let out a moan, his pupils dilated, his breath shuddering as the words sank in. His hands moved on instinct, gripping Viktor’s hips and pulling him close. The raw need in Viktor’s voice, the weight of his command, sent a surge of confidence coursing through Jayce, overriding the haze of desperation.

“I’ll give you everything,” Jayce promised, his voice rough and low, his lips brushing against Viktor’s as his hands explored Viktors soft skin, leaving nail marks in their wake, his movements eager yet reverent. “Every last part of me, Viktor.”

Viktor groaned softly, his restraint fraying again as Jayce’s hands explored him, his own arousal returning in full force. He let himself be guided, his body pliant but his gaze still sharp, challenging Jayce even as he surrendered. “Then tell me you want this, Jayce,” Viktor murmured, his voice dropping to a whisper as his hands tangled in Jayce’s hair. “Finally… Make me yours.”

He didn't need to say that twice. Jayce moved with renewed purpose now, his earlier brattiness replaced by a reverence that bordered on worship. His hands traced Viktor’s body with care, as if committing every inch of him to memory. With reverent care, Jayce laid Viktor back on the couch, beneath him, his chest rising and falling rapidly as Jayce peppered his skin with kisses — light, teasing brushes of lips and tongue that left Viktor shivering and gasping.

"You're wonderful," Jayce murmured against the sharp edge of Viktor's collarbone, his hands traveling down to grip Viktor’s thighs, spreading him open with gentle insistence. The blush that rose on Viktor’s cheeks at the praise only spurred Jayce further.

“Stop talking and fuck me, Jayce,” Viktor chuckled, his voice betraying his restraint, half-command, half-plea.

It`s was Jayce's turn to laugh, his lips brushing against Viktor’s ear. “Can’t help it,” he murmured, his breath warm and teasing. “I’ve got the most brilliant man in all Runeterra in my arms, all mine. How am I supposed to stay quiet about that?”

Viktor let out a frustrated huff, though his hands tightened their grip on Jayce’s shoulders, his body arching into him. “Then—ah—do something, Jayce, you're driving me mad,” he bit out, his voice breaking as Jayce shifted lower, kissing along his stomach.

Jayce grinned against Viktor’s skin, pleased to see cracks in his partner’s usually so composed behaviour. “As you wish, Viktor,” he replied, his voice dripping with playful promise.

Trailing down Viktor's torso with gentle kisses, Jayce took his sweet time until he reached his partner's inner thighs, his teeth leaving gentle bite marks to claim Viktor's sensitive skin like a prize. In his arms, Viktor tried squirmed, impatient and demanding, but Jayce ignored his partner's pleas in favor of driving him further to the edge. Finally, Jayce’s careful attention turned to Viktor's entrance, his tongue lapping tentative circles around it, basking in Viktor's soft, needy noises as he did so. He inserted a finger, slow and teasing, ever watchful of Viktor's reactions, every action deliberate as he prepared him, his touch reverent yet firm. 

Viktor’s body responded to every stroke, every teasing press of fingers, his hips rolling instinctively to seek more. Jayce marveled at the way Viktor softened under him, how his control unraveled bit by bit, leaving him raw and exposed in the most beautiful way. He added another finger and began moving slower, his digits curling and twisting in Viktor's entrance until his partner was rolling his hips again, impatiently asking for more. 

“Please, Jayce,” Viktor breathed, his plea spilling from his prettily swollen lips.

Jayce was happy to finally oblige. When Jayce finally entered him, slow and steady, Viktor hissed through his teeth, his fingers digging into the curve of Jayce’s ass. The stretch was sharp at first, but the way Jayce stilled, whispering soothing words against Viktor's temple, sent a rush of warmth through his chest. Jayce’s tenderness was maddening, but it was also perfect.

Viktor’s body trembled beneath Jayce, every nerve alive with sensation as his partner's movements were torturously slow, measured, unbearably careful and utterly consuming. Each press of Jayce’s hips seemed designed to dismantle Viktor piece by piece, leaving him gasping and vulnerable, completely stripped of any semplance of composure. His nails raked lightly down Jayce’s back, leaving faint, pink trails in their wake, a physical manifestation of his unraveling.

“Ah—”Viktor rolled his head back, eyes never abandoning Jayce's, "F-fuck, Jayce, you're perfect.”

Quite honestly, Jayce doubted he could look any better than the sight he had beneath of him, as he couldn’t help but revel in it. Viktor, always so in control, so meticulous, was now undone — his head thrown back, his chest heaving, his lips parted in a series of soft, breathless moans that sent a thrill straight through Jayce’s core, his slender thighs pressing around Jayce's hips, urging him in. He wanted to draw out every reaction, every sound, to make Viktor lose himself completely.

Jayce’s lips found the corner of Viktor’s mouth, pressing a tender kiss there before murmuring against his skin, “You’re breathtaking like this, you know.” He punctuated his words with a slow, deliberate thrust, earning a sharp gasp from Viktor. “Look at me,” Jayce murmured, his voice soft yet commanding. Viktor’s amber eyes locked onto his, and Jayce was certain he’d never seen anything more captivating. “Tell me how it feels.”

Viktor’s lips parted, a shaky breath escaping as Jayce picked up his pace, from slow and deliberate to gentle and intense, each thrust coaxing a new sound from him. “It feels…” Viktor trailed off, his head falling back as his words dissolved into a low groan. “It feels... heavenly,” he finally managed, his voice rough with need.

Jayce leaned down, capturing Viktor’s lips in a heated kiss as he began to quicken his pace, his hands never ceasing their exploration of Viktor’s body. He traced every scar, every muscle, every plane of Viktor’s form with a care that bordered on obsession. He wanted to memorize everything, to give Viktor more than just pleasure — he wanted to make him feel adored, cherished, wanted in a way no one else ever had.

Viktor’s resolve splintered further with each thrust. It had been a long time since he let himself be this way, being undone so thoroughly by someone else, but with Jayce, he didn’t mind surrendering. Not when Jayce moved with such careful precision, not when his every touch ignited a fire in Viktor’s veins that burned hotter and brighter than anything he’d felt before.

“You’re—” Viktor gasped, his voice breaking as Jayce shifted slightly, hitting a spot that sent stars bursting behind his eyelids. “Ah, Jayce—”

Jayce grinned, his own breathing uneven as he drove into Viktor with more intensity, determined to push him closer to the edge. “I’ve got you,” Jayce murmured, his lips brushing over Viktor’s jawline as he whispered. “Let go for me, Viktor. Let me see you lose yourself again.”

And Viktor, despite his usual iron will, found himself unable to hold back any longer.

The rhythm between them became fevered, each movement driving them further into the spiral of pleasure they could no longer resist. The lab, their sanctuary of logic and invention, was filled with sounds of raw passion — Viktor’s low groans, Jayce’s breathless gasps, the faint creak of the couch beneath them. It was wanton. It was wonderful.

Jayce’s hands roamed Viktor’s body with unrestrained adoration, tracing over every ridge and scar as though mapping uncharted territory. His lips sought Viktor’s wherever he could find them — his mouth, his jaw, the hollow of his throat — leaving a trail of heated kisses and dark pink marks that seemed to sear his devotion into Viktor’s skin.

“Viktor…” Jayce breathed his name like a prayer, his voice rough with awe as he thrust into Viktor, as if savoring every second. “Viktor, you feel so—so good. I can’t—” His words faltered, swallowed by a deep moan that Viktor coaxed from him with the subtle shift of his hips.

Viktor's hands clutched at Jayce's back, pulling him closer, deeper, unwilling to let a single inch of space remain between them. His own body trembled with the overwhelming sensation, but his focus was on Jayce — on the way his partner's eyes burned with adoration, the way his voice cracked with unrestrained need. Viktor rarely let himself indulge in such raw, uninhibited emotions, but now, with Jayce above him, surrounding him, he let himself feel it all.

“You’re insatiable,” Viktor murmured his praise, his voice low and rich, though it wavered with his own mounting pleasure. His fingers tangled in Jayce’s hair, pulling him into a searing kiss that left them both breathless. “And so needy. Ah… It suits you.”

Jayce let out a strangled laugh, his body shivering at Viktor’s teasing words. “You have no idea,” he managed, his movements becoming erratic, desperate. “You—Viktor, you’re driving me mad. I don’t even—” He broke off, his forehead falling against Viktor’s shoulder as he groaned, his body trembling with restraint he could no longer keep. “I’m so close, Viktor. Please, please Viktor—”

Viktor's lips quirked into a smirk, the faintest flicker of his usual sharp wit breaking through the haze of lust. “Please, what, Jayce?” he whispered, his tone soft yet maddeningly controlled as his fingers trailed down Jayce’s spine, sending a shiver through him. His slender hands held Jayce's broad shoulders, a wordless command to make him slow his pace and focus on Viktor. 

Jayce whimpered, his face burning with the weight of his desperation. “Please, ah— Viktor, I need you to come with me,” he begged, his voice breaking on the plea, his hips thrusting ever so slightly as if they had a mind of his own. “I need you to—I need to feel you—Please…”

Viktor’s resolve wavered, his own body betraying him as Jayce’s words, his touch, his very presence became too much to bear. Mustering every fiber of his being, Viktor pushed Jayce slight back so he could sit on the couch and straddled him, the dull pain of his leg a pale annoyance in face of the needy man beneath him now. Jayce's hands moved instinctively to brace Viktor's waist, one of which Viktor pulled and guided Jayce to wrap around his leaking length, his fingers wrapping around it and making Viktor shudder.

“Jayce,” Viktor growled, his voice rough, his control finally slipping as his own climax surged closer. “Do it. Make me come with you. Together.”

The words were all Jayce needed. As he moved in time with Viktor, his own release barreling toward him with startling intensity, Jayce kissed and bit more of Viktor's exposed skin, a primal need to claim him as his own clouding his normal thoughts. Viktor, in return, clawed at Jayce's shoulder, rocking himself on Jayce's throbbing member as Jayce expertly touched him. It was messy, it was glorious, and Viktor could swear he felt Jayce's cock inside of him with every movement. 

With one final thrust, he cried out Viktor’s name, his body tensing as he shattered, his release crashing over him like a tidal wave. Viktor followed him seconds later, his grip on Jayce tightening as his body arched, every pain forgotten, his own climax tearing through him in a blaze of white-hot pleasure.

They clung to each other, their bodies trembling, breaths mingling as they rode the high together, utterly consumed by the maddening delight of finally, completely having each other. For a long moment, there were no words — only the sound of their ragged breathing, the hum of the lab’s machinery in the background, and the faint creak of the couch beneath them as they slowly came back down to reality.

The world around them seemed to dissolve, leaving only the raw, shared intensity of their moment. Jayce collapsed against Viktor, his body limp, his face buried in the crook of Viktor’s neck as he gasped for air. He could feel Viktor’s heartbeat pounding beneath his chest, strong and steady despite the tremor in his limbs. It grounded him, this shared vulnerability, this closeness that went beyond anything they’d dared to imagine before.

Viktor’s arms remained locked around Jayce, his fingers tracing absentminded patterns along his partner's damp skin. His breaths were deep but uneven, as if his body was still trying to process the magnitude of what had just happened, and much to Jayce's surprise and delight, he heard Viktor laugh softly, pleased with himself, almost. He pressed a soft kiss to Jayce’s temple, an unspoken reassurance, though he didn’t trust his voice to form words yet. The ache in his muscles was a distant thing, eclipsed entirely by the satisfaction humming in his veins and the warmth of Jayce draped over him.

Jayce shifted slightly to look at Viktor, their faces mere inches apart. His golden eyes sparkled with a mixture of exhaustion and awe, his lips curving into a lazy, boyish grin. “How are you even real?” he murmured, his voice rough and unsteady but utterly sincere. 

Viktor rolled his eyes, though his lips quirked into a faint smirk as he brought them closer to Jayce's. “Flattery,” he said, his voice still heavy with post-climax haze, “will get you nowhere, Jayce.”

“Really?” Jayce teased, brushing a strand of damp hair away from Viktor’s forehead. “Because I think it got me exactly where I want to be.” He leaned down, capturing Viktor’s lips in a slow, lingering kiss, one that was more tender than passionate, a quiet expression of everything he didn’t yet know how to say.

Viktor sighed into the kiss, his body relaxing further as his hand moved to the back of Jayce’s neck, keeping him close. When they finally pulled apart, he looked at Jayce with something softer in his gaze, something vulnerable and unguarded. “You are insufferable,” he murmured, but the affection in his tone made the words feel like a confession.

Jayce chuckled, his forehead resting against Viktor’s. “You love it,” he whispered, his voice playful but tinged with something deeper.

For a moment, Viktor didn’t respond. He simply stared at Jayce, his fingers tracing the line of his jaw, the curve of his shoulder, as if committing every detail to memory. Finally, he sighed, a small, contented sound as he shifted beneath Jayce, pulling him down until they were pressed together again, chest to chest.

“I think I might,” Viktor admitted softly, his voice barely audible over the hum of the lab. His hand rested lightly against Jayce’s back, his touch as much a comfort to himself as it was to Jayce.

They lay there together, tangled in each other’s arms, the chaos of their earlier passion replaced by a quiet intimacy. The lab felt different now, warmer, like it held their secrets within its walls. Viktor’s thoughts drifted, half-formed and hazy, but one thing stood out with sharp clarity: he hadn’t felt this alive, this seen, in longer than he cared to admit.

Jayce’s fingers brushed lazily over Viktor’s side, his touch light and soothing. “Do you think anyone noticed we left the party?” he asked, his tone casual but his lips twitching with amusement.

Viktor huffed a quiet laugh, his hand sliding into Jayce’s hair to tug gently. “If they did, it is your fault,” he said, his voice low but affectionate. “You are hardly subtle.”

“Me?” Jayce said, his eyebrows lifting in mock offense. “You’re the one who—”

“Enough,” Viktor cut him off, his lips quirking into a smirk as he pulled Jayce down for another kiss, silencing his protest. For now, words didn’t matter. Only this moment did.

Jayce shifted slightly, his head resting against Viktor’s chest as their bodies tangled together on the narrow couch. The weight of exhaustion began to settle over him, his limbs heavy but his heart light. Viktor’s fingers combed through his hair absentmindedly, a soothing rhythm that made it impossible for Jayce to think about anything else but this — the quiet comfort of being here, with him, like this.

“I’m too tired to move,” Jayce mumbled, his voice thick with drowsiness. “I don’t think I can even make it home.”

Viktor’s lips twitched into a faint smile, his hand stilling for a moment before resuming its gentle motion. “Then do not,” he said simply, his voice soft in a veiled invitation.

Jayce tilted his head to look up at Viktor, his eyebrows raising in lazy amusement. “What, just sleep here? On the couch?”

Viktor huffed, the sound halfway between a sigh and a soft laugh. “It’s not as though we haven’t before,” he replied, his tone matter-of-fact. “This wouldn’t be the first time we fell asleep in this lab, nor will it be the last. However,” he added, a faint smirk tugging at his lips, “it might be the first time we manage it without being covered in grease from the machinery.”

Jayce chuckled, his fingers trailing idly along Viktor’s ribs. “You’ve got a point,” he conceded, shifting to make himself more comfortable against Viktor. He tilted his head thoughtfully. “But what about Miss Young? She’s going to walk in bright and early, and I’d rather not explain why we’re, you know… tangled up like this.”

Viktor’s smirk deepened as he glanced down at Jayce. “I gave Miss Young the day off tomorrow,” he said simply, his voice carrying an air of casual nonchalance.

Jayce’s eyes narrowed in amused suspicion. “You… gave her the day off?” His eyes widened as realization dawned on him. “Viktor, were you planning this?”

Viktor’s composure wavered, a faint flush creeping up his neck. “Of course not,” he stammered, though his tone betrayed him. His gaze flicked away momentarily before returning to Jayce. “I simply anticipated… needing some privacy,” he added, his voice regaining its usual steadiness, though his cheeks remained tinted pink.

Jayce laughed, low and warm, his grin widening as he reached up to trace Viktor’s jawline with his thumb. “Privacy, huh?” he teased, his voice soft yet filled with affection. “I think you’re full of it, but I’m not complaining.”

Viktor rolled his eyes, though the faintest smile lingered on his lips. “Believe what you like,” he murmured, his tone carrying a hint of playfulness as he leaned down to kiss Jayce again, effectively cutting off any further questioning.

They fell into a comfortable silence, the hum of the lab’s machinery filling the space around them like a lullaby. Viktor’s hand lingered in Jayce’s hair, his fingers threading through the soft strands in slow, soothing movements, as though anchoring himself to the moment.

Jayce sighed contentedly, his head nestled against Viktor’s chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. For the first time in what felt like forever, the lab wasn’t just a space for invention and ambition — it felt like a sanctuary, a cocoon where the outside world couldn’t touch them.

The faint glow of the Hextech crystals illuminated their tangled forms on the couch, casting soft, shifting patterns across the walls. Viktor let his eyes close, his hand coming to rest against the curve of Jayce’s back, holding him close. Jayce’s breaths grew slower, softer, matching the quiet cadence of Viktor’s own.

Wrapped in each other’s warmth, the sharp edges of the world beyond their walls blurred into nothingness. For tonight, there was no need for explanations, no pressing demands — only the comfort of their shared space and the unspoken promise that this was just the beginning.

And as sleep claimed them, entwined and content, the lab seemed to exhale with them, holding them in its quiet, protective embrace.

The shy rays of sunlight crept through the tall windows of the lab, soft beams of light cutting through the lingering shadows of the early morning. The warmth brushed over Viktor’s face, stirring him from a light sleep. Jayce’s weight was draped against him, one arm slung across Viktor’s waist, his head resting comfortably against his chest. Viktor couldn’t help the small, fond smile that curved his lips.

He carefully untangled himself from Jayce, mindful not to wake him. Jayce stirred slightly but remained blissfully asleep, his face relaxed in a way Viktor rarely got to see. Quietly, Viktor rose from the couch, reaching for his cane and picking up his scattered clothes with a soft groan as he padded to his locker.

Viktor caught his reflection in the small mirror inside the locker. His breath hitched as his gaze fell on the scattered marks along his neck and chest, faint but undeniable — evidence of Jayce’s enthusiasm, his lips and teeth leaving trails of passion that Viktor hadn’t noticed in the haze of their desire the night before.

Heat flared in his cheeks, spreading down his neck as he raised a hand to lightly trace the marks. The faint pressure sent a tingle through his skin, and despite himself, a flicker of desire stirred in his chest again. He frowned at his reflection, trying to compose himself, but the memories of Jayce’s hands, his mouth, the way he’d whispered Viktor’s name in that rough, needful voice... they lingered, persistent and vivid.

Viktor dressed up in more comfortable clothes, deciding on wearing Jayce's shirt half unbuttoned just to get a reaction out of him. He let out a soft, self-deprecating chuckle, shaking his head as he closed the locker door. “Focus,” he murmured under his breath, though the slight smile that tugged at his lips betrayed him.

With practiced ease, he moved to the small kitchenette they’d set up in the corner of the lab. As the coffee brewed, the rich aroma filled the space, blending with the gentle hum of machinery. Viktor leaned against the counter, his gaze drifting back to the couch where Jayce lay sprawled, one arm tucked under his head, the other hanging lazily over the edge.

Viktor’s mind wandered, tracing the events that had led them here. Their partnership had always been a delicate balance of camaraderie, ambition, and mutual respect. But now, there was something more — something unspoken but undeniable. He would be a fool to think this was a one-time thing and, truth be told, Viktor didn't wish it to be. The thought brought a soft warmth to his chest, a quiet happiness that felt foreign but welcome.

As the coffee pot sputtered its final notes, Viktor poured two mugs, setting them on the counter. He leaned there for a moment, cradling his cup in both hands, letting the steam curl up and warm his face. The lab, bathed in soft morning light, felt different — less a place of relentless work and more like… home.

He took a slow sip, the warmth spreading through him, though it did little to distract him from the unbidden thoughts creeping into his mind. His gaze drifted to the couch where Jayce lay sprawled, the blanket barely clinging to him. Even in sleep, Jayce was all unrestrained energy — his hair messy, the blanket twisted up to reveal a sliver of toned stomach. Viktor’s eyes lingered longer than he cared to admit, tracing the lines of Jayce’s form, his lips twitching as a familiar heat began to stir low in his belly.

His mind betrayed him, flashing back to the night before — the way Jayce’s hands had roamed him, the delicious tension between them, the soft sounds of pleasure that had spilled from Jayce’s lips. Viktor shifted uncomfortably, the desire he thought he’d put to rest now roaring back to life with startling intensity. He swallowed hard, his fingers tightening around his mug.

With a resigned sigh, he set his empty mug down and reached for Jayce's mug, his resolve wavering as a small, wicked smile curled at the corners of his mouth. He couldn’t stop himself — not when the memory of Jayce’s touch was still so fresh, and certainly not when the sight of him, peaceful yet inviting, called to Viktor like a siren’s song.

Carrying the mug carefully, Viktor approached the couch. He placed the coffee on the table next to it before leaning closer, his lips hovering near Jayce’s ear. “Jayce,” he murmured, his voice a low, velvet whisper.

Jayce stirred, a sleepy hum escaping him as his eyes fluttered open, hazy and unfocused. He took a couple of seconds to come to, his eyes darting around, connecting pieces of information together — the lab, the scent of coffee, Viktor, and his shirt on Viktor's lean frame, his pale skin peppered with marks of last night. A lazy grin spread across his face as he stretched, his body shifting just enough for Viktor to catch sight of the unmistakable bulge beneath the blanket.

“Good morning,” Viktor purred, his amber eyes glinting with mischief as his hand ghosted over Jayce’s chest, trailing lower with deliberate slowness. “I thought you might want some coffee…”

Jayce blinked sleepily, his gaze locking onto Viktor’s as the last remnants of sleep left him. The sight before him was better than any dream — Viktor, his hair tousled and messy, wearing his shirt, which hung a little too loosely on Viktor’s lithe frame. The collar slipped slightly to one side, revealing the constellation of marks Jayce had left on his pale skin the night before. His grin softened, transforming into something more tender as his hands reached up, resting gently on Viktor’s hips.

“I don’t think coffee’s what I want right now,” Jayce murmured, his voice rough from sleep, though laced with affection. His thumbs traced slow circles against Viktor’s sides, pulling him closer with careful insistence.

Viktor raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. “Oh? And what exactly do you want, Jayce?” he teased, though his breath hitched ever so slightly as Jayce’s fingers slid under the hem of the shirt, skimming along the bare skin beneath.

Jayce hummed thoughtfully, his eyes drifting over Viktor’s face with reverence before locking onto those amber depths. “You,” he said simply, his voice soft but weighted with certainty. “Just you. Always you.”

Before Viktor could respond, Jayce gave a gentle tug, guiding Viktor forward until he was straddling him, the blanket pooling around Jayce’s waist. Viktor obliged, his legs settling on either side of Jayce’s hips, though his smirk faltered, replaced by a slight flush as Jayce’s hands roamed up his thighs.

Jayce's eyes roamed over Viktor, drinking in the sight of him in the shirt, too big on him, the fabric hanging loosely off his shoulders. A smirk tugged at his lips as he reached up, fingers grazing Viktor’s sides. “You know, you wear my shirt better than I do,” he mused, his tone low and teasing, before his hands wandered lower, pulling Viktor in to sit on top of his growing erection.

Viktor’s breath caught at the feel of Jayce’s touch, his skin tingling under his hands. He rolled his eyes, though the faint flush creeping up his neck betrayed the way his pulse quickened. “You really are relentless, aren’t you?”

Jayce grinned, his fingers curling around Viktor’s waist, pulling him down to bridge the small gap between them. “I’m just getting started,” he murmured, his lips hovering close to Viktor’s ear. He pressed a teasing kiss just below Viktor’s jawline, his breath warm against his skin. “You know you want this.”

“Continuing where we left off, you mean?” Viktor purred, rocking his hips ever so gently against Jayce. “I suppose I could make a habit out of if.” Viktor let out a low chuckle, though his breath hitched when Jayce’s hands expertly worked on his pants, looking to get rid of them. “And here I thought you were tired,” Viktor teased, though his voice wavered with growing warmth.

Jayce pulled back just enough to meet Viktor’s gaze, his grin softening as he cupped Viktor’s cheek. “Not when it comes to you,” he murmured, his thumb brushing over Viktor’s cheekbone. “Never when it comes to you.”

For a moment, they simply looked at each other, the intensity of the night before still lingering between them but now softened by the quiet intimacy of the morning light. The lab, their sanctuary, wrapped around them like a cocoon, as if the rest of the world had disappeared.

"Well, if you're not tired," Viktor teased, his voice thick with desire as he leaned into Jayce’s touch, “then maybe I should make you work for it, hm?” He rocked his hips gently again, feeling the heat of Jayce's body against his own, his mind hazy with the anticipation of more. Jayce’s hands were already at his pants, deftly undoing them, making Viktor’s breath catch in his throat.

“Don’t tease me, Viktor,” Jayce whispered, his lips brushing Viktor’s ear as he slowly pulled his pants down, exposing the bare skin beneath. “You know what I want. And right now, I want you in nothing but my shirt.” His hands ran possessively over Viktor’s waist, and he moved to kiss his neck, his breath hot and insistent.

Viktor moaned softly, his hands gripping Jayce’s shoulders, resisting the urge to let go completely. But just as Jayce was about to pull Viktor down again, the unmistakable sound of keys jingling at the door made both of them freeze. The lock, which Viktor had thoughtfully left in place the night before, was put to the test. Jayce’s eyes widened in alarm as he instinctively froze, tension suddenly flooding his body.

Viktor’s heart raced as he shot a glance toward the door, eyes wide with panic. "You locked it, right?" Jayce whispered frantically.

Viktor didn’t need to answer — the familiar click of the lock confirmed it. He allowed himself a brief moment of relief before the sound of shuffling footsteps outside the door made his stomach tighten. They both held their breath, every sound magnified in the silence of the room.

The faint sound of Heimerdinger's voice floated through the door, carrying a mix of curiosity and obliviousness. “Odd... the lab, locked this early?” He mused, knocking on the door. "Miss Young? Viktor? Is there anyone inside?"

Jayce’s eyes widened in horror. "Oh no..." he whispered urgently, his voice tight with panic. He tried to pull Viktor back into the moment, but the tension in the air had already shifted, the buzz of impending interruption sinking in. “What do we do? Heimerdinger’s right outside!”

Viktor’s heart thudded, but his face remained a calm mask. He didn’t seem as startled, his mind already working through the situation. As Jayce’s eyes flicked back and forth between the door and Viktor’s unreadable expression, Viktor exhaled deeply, finally releasing the tension from his body.

“It’s fine,” he said, his voice low and steady, an eerie calm that seemed out of place. “I’ll take care of this.”

Jayce shot him a confused glance, the tension still fresh on his face. “Viktor, no—"

“Jayce,” Viktor whispered a promise, his hand splayed on the man's chest. "We are not done here."

Jayce froze, unable to tear off his gaze from Viktor as he rose to his feet, pushing Jayce gently back on the couch. He grabbed his cane, leaning on it with calculated ease as he walked toward the door, his expression determined. He gave Jayce one last glance — a soft, reassuring look that seemed to silently say, Trust me.

Jayce hesitated for a moment longer before the realization hit him. “Viktor— Wait, what are you—?”

But Viktor was already there, taking slow, deliberate steps toward the door. The rattle of the door handle echoed in the stillness, and Heimerdinger’s voice grew louder as he approached, his curious tone now more insistent. “Viktor? Jayce? Any one in there? I just wanted to—”

Viktor leaned closer to the door, straightening his back as he drew in a deep breath. As he unlocked the door, his hand rested on the handle, and with a quick twist, the door swung open.

Heimerdinger’s small frame stood in the doorway, blinking up in surprise. His hands, full of papers and a strange mechanical device, froze mid-motion as he took in the scene. “Ah... Viktor, my boy, good morning! I wasn’t expecting anyone to be in so early at the lab... is everything alright?”

Viktor had made no effort to fix his disheveled appearance, his hair still tousled from the night before, a subtle flush lingering on his cheeks. His shirt was askew, untucked and evidently wrinkled, revealing the faint marks of last night’s passion — hickeys scattered across his neck and chest like a trail of evidence from their heated exchange. The most noticeable detail, however, was the undeniable bulge pressing against his trousers, positioned perfectly at Heimerdinger’s eye level. He stood at the door with one hand lazily resting on his hip, the other still clenched from the tension around his cane, as if he hadn’t quite shaken the energy from the moment before.

“Everything is fine, Professor,” Viktor replied, his voice a little sharper than he intended, clearly annoyed at the interruption. He wasn’t one to indulge in discomfort, but he felt the heat of frustration rising. The calm of the morning had been shattered, and he’d much rather have resumed the pace they’d started the night before.

Heimerdinger continued to ramble, oblivious to Viktor’s state. “I was just going over the calculations you mentioned last week — needed to discuss some variables — ah, yes, you’ll want to look at these too. Quite curious how they’ve developed overnight, really—”

It took a few moments for Heimerdinger to fully process the situation. His eyes flicked over Viktor’s appearance, the flushed skin and the way Viktor stood — slightly rumpled, and the neck marks unmistakable. His round eyes widened just a fraction, the realization dawning on him with slow clarity.

Heimerdinger adjusted his glasses, his usually composed expression softening into something akin to mild embarrassment. He cleared his throat, eyes flicking between Viktor and the papers in his hands. “Ah… well then…” he began, stammering ever so slightly. “I suppose these can wait. It seems I’ve interrupted something... rather personal, didn’t I?” His voice was laced with an apologetic tone, a sheepishness creeping in. “I’ll... I’ll leave you to it, Viktor. If you see Jayce, let him know I said hello!” He shuffled awkwardly, stepping back and ready to make a swift exit.

Viktor, not bothering to hide his annoyance now, straightened and crossed his arms over his chest. “You’re excused, Professor. But next time,” he added with a pointed glance, “perhaps consider coming in after eight.”

Heimerdinger nodded quickly, stepping backward toward the door. “Of course! Yes, yes, absolutely! I’ll leave you to... well, whatever it is you’re—ah, I’ll just leave the files with you, please. Good morning, and—ah,” Heimerdinger chuckled, “have a great day!”

Viktor’s gaze softened slightly as Heimerdinger hurriedly shuffled away from the lab, the door clicking shut behind him. Viktor couldn’t quite suppress the small, tired sigh that escaped his lips, the tension of the moment finally unraveling. Once the door clicked into place, Jayce let out a breath of relief, visibly relaxing as he slumped against the couch, clutching the blanket tighter around him. Viktor remained standing by the door, his posture still straight and composed, but his eyes drifted toward the pile of papers Heimerdinger had left behind. The distraction was enough to pull him away from the remnants of the earlier tension.

Turning back to Jayce, still clinging to the blanket as if it could shield him from the world, Viktor’s lips quirked into a small, knowing smirk. "Well, that's dealt with." His tone was almost cheery, an underlying amusement glistening in his eyes, as if the disruption had been little more than an amusing hiccup in their morning.

Jayce, still processing the awkwardness of the moment, managed a self-conscious smile. "That could’ve been... awkward," he murmured, his eyes flickering with a mix of relief and lingering embarrassment.

Viktor let out a soft, almost silent chuckle, his eyes briefly closing as the absurdity of it all sunk in. "It’s nothing we can’t handle, Jayce," he replied, his voice low but filled with warmth, an almost teasing edge to it.

Then, with a slow, deliberate motion, Jayce stood up and sauntered towards Viktor, the teasing glint returning to his amber eyes. "Now, where were we before we were so rudely interrupted?" he hummed playfully as if silently daring him to pick up where they left off.

Viktor’s eyes lingered on the papers for a moment longer, his curiosity piqued by something in the research that pulled him back into a more practical mindset. The lazy smile that had danced on his lips softened, his focus sharpening as his thoughts shifted to the work ahead. He sighed, though it was more of a resigned sound than a frustrated one. His gaze flickered back to Jayce, the playful warmth still in his eyes.

“Well, I... I was thinking we could pick this up again after we start the day,” Viktor said, his voice returning to its usual calm but with an underlying edge of eagerness. He sounded, in fact, almost apologetic, but there was more than just the usual routine in his words, a quiet promise, something more exciting than the mundane tasks of their everyday research. "This looks promising,” His fingers hovered over the papers again, his mind racing with the possibilities they held, but his attention stayed tethered to the man before him.

Jayce watched Viktor for a moment, a curious look in his eyes as he noticed the shift in his partner’s demeanor. “What caught your attention?” he asked, unable to resist the temptation to find out what had so thoroughly captured Viktor’s focus. His voice was casual, but there was an undeniable interest in his tone, a spark of excitement about diving into their work together.

Viktor met his gaze for a brief second, a knowing smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth. “You’ll see soon enough,” he teased, his eyes twinkling with amusement. He motioned toward Jayce, a playful gleam in his expression. “But first, I suggest you get dressed and drink your coffee before you catch a cold.”

Jayce’s lips quirked into a smile at the teasing, but he couldn’t help the warmth spreading through him at the thought of what was to come. “I thought you were the one always dismissing the lab safety guidelines,” Jayce smirked at him as he picked up his clothes, tossed around from the previous night, and Viktor let out a soft chuckle. 

"That way you are distracting me,” Viktor quipped back, taking the papers to their workbench, the gears in his head already moving to solve the issues presented. "Go on, get dressed. I'll brief you in a moment.”

“Alright,” Jayce smiled, stepping into his trousers. “Can I have my shirt back?”

“Absolutely not.”

Jayce grinned, the playful challenge still lingering between them. “We’ll see about that,” he muttered, wrapping the blanket around his shoulders as he moved to take his usual seat next to Viktor, ready to start the day in earnest.

And as they moved to begin their work, the air between them was filled with a quiet excitement — one that spoke not just of their shared passion for science, but of something deeper, something that neither of them could yet name but both felt in their bones. The day was just beginning, and whatever it held, they were ready to face it together.