Chloe

It was hot- almost unbearably so.

Bleary eyes scanned the dim room frantically, and it wasn’t until you moved to sit up that you saw him. Viktor’s head was pillowed on your stomach, winding arms tangled around your thigh- cradling it in his embrace.

Trying to stay still so as to not wake him, you took measured breaths- in and out, slow and stuttered as your rapidly beating heart could manage. Sweat stuck hair to your head in damp tangles, and horrible images replayed on a loop in front of you.

Fire, licking the walls of the apartment the two of you shared- you couldn’t breathe, the smoke was too thick. So thick that you couldn’t find him, no matter how hard you looked all you saw were billowing clouds of grey smoke wafting above the red hot flames.

You remember your thoughts with a razor sharp clarity usually reserved for consciousness.

Did he leave me here? Has he already been taken by the flames? Was he somewhere, slowly dying- waiting for me to find him?

No, everything was fine- better than fine. So why did you have these nightmares? Viktor loved you, that wasn’t something you doubted for a second. Memories of last night filled you with joy- made you giddy and lightheaded with excitement.

You supposed finding love didn’t make all your problems go away- but it did make things easier, knowing you could wake Viktor and he would hold you close. Whisper sweet things into your ear until the both of you drifted back to sleep.

But you didn’t feel much like sleep right now.

Gazing down at his peaceful face your heart throbbed. Gods he looked young- almost angelic, all that smooth pale skin- those high brows and thick lashes.

How could you see him the same? When you knew how perfect he looked as he came apart under your touch? How his head snapped back to expose the pale column of his neck as you felt corded muscle tensed with pleasure beneath you.

A splash of nerves bubbled in your gut- the two of you went from longing glances to love confessions in the span of a day. Things were sure to change, but how?

Questions plagued your mind as you uncurled from Viktor’s embrace. Picking up his maroon sweater from the open wardrobe- you slipped it on before quietly heading for the kitchen.

It was early enough, you decided to cook something special for breakfast before the two of you had to get started on dinner preparations- something you knew Viktor would love.

Hmm, flour- eggs- and sugar, of course. You put on a record, something steady and slow- with plenty of base. Swinging around the kitchen as you mixed and whisked. It was peaceful- grounding, the familiar ratios and temperatures rattling around in your head.

Maybe you didn’t need to have everything figured out right now, perhaps you could simply enjoy the fact that you had someone who cared for you.

*******

Viktor leaned in the doorway, smelling something deliciously sweet wafting from the stove. The smell was almost as pleasing as the sight before him.

You wore nothing but a pair of cotton panties and that soft knit burgundy sweater you’d gifted him a few weeks ago.

It stretched nicely over the curves of your chest- ending at just the perfect length to give him a lovely view of the crease of your ass

The arms were adorably oversized and you’d had to roll them up several times over to keep clear from the sizzling pot of oil you were dropping small balls of dough into

He crept up behind you, long arms winding around your waist- tucking his chin over your shoulder to watch you work.

“Ponchiki?” he asked in surprise- eye alight with excitement.

Viktor turned his head, placing a trail of light kisses along your neck.

You hummed, happily leaning back in his embrace- tilting to the side to give him more room. He enjoyed the softness of your sweater against his bare chest- the press of your ass against the front of his thighs.

“Stop distracting me,” you laughed- pulling back to wave a strainer at him in what you hoped was a very menacing manner. “They might burn.”

“Fine- fine, I suppose I can keep my hands to myself- for a moment,” he stepped away, leaning on the counter next to you- lips spread in that sly little grin.

“Get back in bed,” you gestured towards the doorway.

“What- why?” he would much rather stay here and watch you.

“Because, these are almost done- and I wanted to bring them to you in bed,” you nudged him towards the door, unable to stop yourself from giving his ass a playful smack as he walked away.

Viktor let out a squeak at the surprise contact, putting his hands up in surrender before giving you one last glance over his shoulder on his way out.

As you nicely arranged a large plate 0f steaming dough balls with a few sweet condiments, Viktor settled back on top of the sheets- his mind replaying every broken gasp or dirty word you’d uttered to him last night.

Oh.

He’d forgotten to tell you, so lost in your touch Viktor had completely glossed over the fact that an important discussion was in order. A fresh wave of nerves fluttered in his stomach as you set a platter down on the quilt- carefully climbing in next to him.

What a picture the two of you made- huddled together on the bed. Viktor wore nothing but a pair of boxers and you threw a leg over his- sitting next to him and pulling the platter closer.

You dipped a sugared ball of fried dough into the little cup of caramelized honey- holding your hand out to catch crumbs, slowly bringing the morsel towards his mouth.

Viktor eyed you, leaning forward and wrapping his lips around your fingers, he chewed thoughtfully before breaking out into a pleased grin. Something about the lazy way he bared his teeth sent a thrill up your spine.

Taking turns feeding eachother, you tried convincing him that your preferred dipping sauce of cultured cream and jam was superior.

“Did you see that man at the gala, with the hat?”

“Unfortunately- I saw it all too well, one of the feathers hit me in the face.”

You laughed and chatted, exchanging bites of sugared dough on the soft sheets, bathed in the dim rays of early morning sunlight. It was easy- comfortable, the way he leaned into your touch- sent you those small, heart stopping smiles.

Eventually the plate was cleared, Viktor climbed out of bed to bring it to the kitchen- and you heard the familiar sounds of running water as he washed it clean.

“There is something we must discuss,” he reemerged, taking a seat on the edge of the bed- facing you with the most peculiar look on his face. Viktor seemed… anxious? Excited?

“Okay-” you waited, feeling nerves tug at your gut as you wondered what it was he wanted to talk about.

“Ah, where do I start-'' he rubbed the back of his neck. “There are a few things actually- do not look so nervous, they are good things- eh, well I hope they are good things but that depends entirely on your reaction.”

“Viktor- you’re rambling, it’s okay just tell me.”

“Remember my meeting with the professor? When we discussed the future of hextech and he extended an invitation to the gala,” Viktor wrung his hands together.

“Of course,” you reached forward to steady his hands in your own.

“He informed me that the council and many anonymous benefactors decided to increase our funding- provide us with a new lab, additional space for larger scale projects.”

Why would he wait to tell you that? This was good new, wonderful news for your two dearest friends. “That’s incredible!” you crawled over to him, throwing your arms around his shoulders.

“Yes, yes- it’s fine, but there is more,” his posture was stuff with anticipation, you could feel it under your palm.

“The lab comes with living quarters…” he trailed off, looking at you intently. “One for Jayce, and the other- I was hoping you would share it with me.”

Oh

He wanted to live together- to move somewhere new together. Sure, you were already technically living together, but this was different. Circumstance had led you to staying at Viktor’s apartment, if you said yes it would be a conscious decision to move forward in your relationship- to further entangle your lives.

There were a million questions you should be asking.

Where is this new home? What does it look like? How far is it from where I work? Am I even technically allowed to live there?

But none of that really mattered when you asked yourself one particularly overshadowing question. How could I live in a world where I didn’t wake up next to him each morning?

Why would you say no?

He was frozen, skirting the edge of full blown panic- you’d been silent for too long. Viktor could see the thoughts cycling around and around in your mind. She doesn’t want to, oh gods I ruined everything.

“Of course we can always stay here,” he rushed out. “Really- I would be quite happy anywhere as long as you are with me.”

You sent him the most dazzling smile, reaching up to smooth out the furrow in his brown with your thumbs. “I wonder what our new kitchen will look like.”

Viktor tilted his head, taking a moment to process your words- before letting out a noise of excitement and leaning in for a kiss.

His lips were sweet and sticky with sugar- large palms skimming up the curves of your waist, down to rest at the small of your back.

“Wait-” he murmured through the kiss, pulling back- enjoying the way your mouth chased after him. “One more thing, before I get distracted,” Viktor licked his lips enticingly.

“There’s more?”

“Yes, you see the professor knows about our- eh, arrangement?”

“Arrangement? That’s what we’re calling it?” you quirked a brow.

“Oh- no not that, the other arrangement. He knows that Jayce and I have been instructing you.”

“Oh gods, are you in trouble? It’s against the rules isn’t it, I should have been more considerate-” now you were panicking, worried you might’ve jeopardized everything Viktor had worked for.

“No, no- no,” he soothed. “Quite the opposite actually, he would like us to instruct you- in an official capacity.”

You froze, not quite grasping what he meant. “Uh- what?”

He let out a warm chuckle, “Heimerdinger would like for you to become an academy student, under the private tutoring of Jayce and myself, eh- a bit unorthodox I know.” his shoulders shrugged. “But you would take all the exams the other students take, under the professors supervision of course. Then, when you finish- if you’d like to, you could join us in the lab… as a partner.”

His amber gaze searched your face intently, and you sat there gaping like a fish.

“Take some time to think it over,” his voice grew soft. “It is merely an option, and only if you want of course,” Viktor tucked a stray lock of hair behind your ear. “I simply want you, and I wish for you to be happy- nothing else matters.”

He knew you well- had given you time to think it over, hadn’t pushed for an immediate answer. Sometimes Viktor was so considerate it made you ache.

“I love you.”

It was different, saying it here- alone in the dimness of your cozy bed. Somehow you felt more exposed than when you’d proclaimed it in front of a room of strangers.

****** ******

You launched from your spot on the bed, wrapping both arms around Viktor’s neck to pull him into a bruising kiss. Throwing one leg over his narrow hips, you straddle them- pushing his back flat on the bed before caging him in with your arms.

Viktor let out a surprised squeak before happily succumbing to the swift onslaught of affection. You tasted like tart jam and honey as he licked into your mouth- leaving playful nips on your lips.

“If it was not already apparent,” he rasped as you dropped down to trail wet kisses along his jugular. “I love you as well.”

Grasping each of Viktor’s wrists, you tugged them above his head- sucking a dark bruise onto the crest of his clavicle. “I want to wake up next to you every morning,” you wiggled against him- thrusting your hips suggestively.

He loved the feeling of being surrounded by you- seeing the way your strong thighs and wide hips draped over his narrow waist.

“Are you attempting to seduce me?” he asked, fluttering his lashes coyly.

“Is it working,” your breathy voice sounded in his ear, teeth leaving a teasing nip on the lobe.

“Eh- perhaps I could be persuaded,” he feigned nonchalance.

Viktor loved to rile you- it was practically a guarantee that you would rise to the bait, perhaps you loved this little game as much as he did.

Pulling back, he saw your eyes narrowed in mock irritation. “Persuaded?”

Your palm caressed his cheek, fingers gently squeezing either side of his lips into a puckered pout. Then began a slow descent along his body, hand leaving a trail of fire in its wake.

Down across his chest, detouring to tweak a nipple- causing Viktor's breath to catch in his throat. Spanning across the flat muscles of his pale stomach, smoothing appreciatively through the sparse hairs smattering the vee of his hips.

His mouth went dry in anticipation- flushing as he met your gaze- nose inches from his own. You leaned in, nuzzling him sweetly as your deft fingers toyed with the waistband of his bottoms.

Viktor choked out a pitchy moan as your fingers finally slid lower- experimentally caressing the hardness of his cock through the thin cotton. He would have been embarrassed about how quickly you reduced him to a messy tangle of desire… but it felt too good.

He needed to see you lose control- immediately.

All the things he wanted to do to you, that’s what he would do all day. Viktor decided right then, he would spend hours taking you apart piece by piece… Oh.

Frustration flooded through him as Viktor realized he’d have to put his plans on hold. It would take all day to prepare the Solstice dinner, and there was company coming- he knew how much you despised feeling rushed or behind schedule when cooking.

“Ah- ah- my dearest, it pains me to say this,” he groaned- struggling not to buck up into your hand. “But we cannot do this right now.”

You froze immediately, pulling your hand away. “Oh- of course, I’m sorry-” worried you’d moved too quickly.

“No- no, I want nothing more than to spend the entire day in this bed with you.”

Viktor reached for your hand, gently moving it back to the front of his underwear- rubbing your palm against his bulge. “Feel how badly I want you,” he punctuated the words with a thrust of his hips.

“I want to spend an entire day with you underneath me- I want to touch you” he pressed a molten kiss to your lips. “I want to taste you,” a hand squeezed at the meat of your ass. “I want to be inside you,” Viktor purred in a rich voice.

“Yes-” you looked down at him hungrily, squeezing his cock between your fingers. “Lets do that.”

“A- ahhh, we’re- nghh… hosting the Solstice tonight,” he ground out. “We don’t have the time to do things properly.”

Oh- you’d forgotten all the things there were to do, but did it really matter? When he was so close and smelled so inviting, and was making those sweet little sounds beneath you.

“I don’t care about the food, we can have sliced beets and raw potatoes- who cares,” you dove in for a messy kiss- feeling his muffled chuckles against your lips.

When you pulled back there was a look of delighted shock on his face. Viktor pushed at your shoulders- swinging a leg up to hook around you as he switched your positions.

He towered over you, a positively evil grin taking over his face. “You want me that badly?” Viktor cooed, palms leaving a heated trail under the sweater- spanning across the curves of your bare stomach.

“Yesss,” you hissed out- back arching into his touch.

“Eh- that’s too bad, you are going to have to wait.”

I’ve created a monster, you thought miserably- looking into his intense honeyed gaze.

“Ugh- Viktor, I might hate you.”

He let out a carefree laugh, drunk on the feeling of your frenzied desperation. “I suppose we do have a bit of time- lie back,” a slender finger gestured to the head of your bed.

You followed his instructions embarrassingly quick, scrambling to position yourself.

“Hmm, you are quite a good listener when you desire to be- perhaps teasing is more effective than I’d initially expected.”

That cocky glint in his eyes set you off- and you weren’t sure if you’d rather kiss him into submission or tilt your head back to expose your neck.

“Are you analyzing me?” you asked, rubbing your thighs together- desperate for any kind of friction. The movement wasn’t lost on Viktor, and his gaze sharpened- taking on a predatory tone.

“Perhaps- you are very fascinating.”

“You know, maybe you’re right- maybe we should wait. I could just take care of myself?” you raised a brown threateningly. “After all, it’s nothing you haven’t seen before.”

Oh, you were gaining the upper hand, he had to change tactics- perhaps he should be even bolder.

“If you wish- I suppose you could do that?” he said, feigning an air of indifference. “But I doubt your fingers would feel better than my mouth…” there, he’d said it- now to see how you reacted

You looked up at him dumbly, brain short circuiting at the mental image of Viktor’s gorgeous head of hair between your thighs, silky strands between your fingers as he-

“Cat got your tongue,” Viktor smirked, seeing the look of pure lust dilate your pupils.

“You w-want to? With- with your mouth?” you stuttered out.

“Very much so,” he growled. “Only if it’s something you would like- of course,” his expression grew open and earnest- gods he was beautiful.

Instead of responding, you wiggled further up the bed- positioning yourself against the pillows before slowly spreading your thighs in invitation. He sent you a wolfish smile before reaching forward with both palms- sliding the deep red sweater up your frame, lifting your arms to aid him- it was soon tossed to the floor.

Viktor was in awe, seeing you spread comfortably beneath him on your shared bed- clad in nothing but a pair of cotton panties. A reverent hand trailed featherlight fingertips between the valley of your breasts.

“You are beautiful,” he cut through all your insecurities with that tender smile.

A shy blush spread through your cheeks and he reached up- thumb rubbing against the flushed skin. “I very much like this- pink looks lovely on you.”

For once you were at a loss for words- squirming as wetness pooled around your entrance, knowing you were damp and swollen with heated desire.

Legs spreading even wider, you tipped your head back to expose your neck- communicating to Viktor that he was free to do whatever he pleased. He descended upon your throat, nipping and licking his way down the valley of your chest.

You tensed in anticipation as a warm thumb stroked the soft skin of your inner thigh, each passing swipe moving closer and closer to the fabric of your panties.

****** ****** ******

A knock sounded at the door- and you froze, stomach jolting at the unexpected intrusion.

Viktor groaned, forehead dropping onto your stomach. His wild auburn tufts fanned across your chest- creating a positively delicious sensation.

“Mmm-” you cut off the pleased moan as it left your throat. Viktor’s head snapping up at the sound, pinning you with a greedy gaze.

“We will resume this later,” he murmured, sealing the promise with a messy kiss. “Just a moment!” Viktor called to the door.

The two of you rushed around the room, trying to compose yourselves. Throwing Viktor his sweater you hurried to the closet, pulling on a simple black dress and throwing your hair up into a messy knot.

Upon returning to the main area Viktor raised an eyebrow in question, you gave him a quick nod and he moved to open the door- revealing Jayce and an older woman with a striking white stripe running through her dark hair.

“We’re a little early, I know,” Jayce smiled bashfully. “But I figured you’d need help cooking, besides- you left pretty early last night and we missed you.”

Oh, sweet sweet- thoughtful Jayce… you wanted to rip his head off.

Instead you welcomed him in, tamping down the heated tension in your gut- resigning yourself to an entire day of sexual frustration.

“Yes I’m sure you missed us very much,” Viktor said dryly. “Lovely to see you again Mrs. Talis,” he took her coat, hanging it up before leaning down to accept a hug.

“Thank you for inviting me, it’s nice to be in a full house for the Solstice again,” her warm eyes slid over to you. “I hear you’re quite the cook, it’s wonderful to finally meet you.”

“It’s great to meet you too Mrs. Talis, I’m happy you’re here to celebrate with us.”

She pulled you in for a hug- and although she was miniscule in comparison to her son, the warm and comforting embrace reminded you of Jayce in a way.

“I’m no expert, but I’m very proficient at peeling vegetables- and I have an endless supply of baby stories about Jayce,” she chuckled.

“Ma- they don’t want to hear my embarrassing childhood stories,” Jayce let out an exasperated groan.

“No- that sounds like exactly what we need today,” your eyes lit up with glee. “Who wants a drink?”

*******

It took all of five minutes for you to decide- you absolutely adored Jayce’s mother.

She was kind and loving and had quite a good sense of humor. One of your new favorite things to watch was the maternal way she doted on Viktor- he seemed caught between shying away or preening, not used to the attention.

You’d decided to put the Talis’ on vegetable duty, seating them at the dining room table- leaving Viktor to help you in the kitchen.

Cooking together was easy, he was quite observant of both your behaviors and technique- knowing which utensil to hand you or how to identify each spice. You moved together comfortably, passing things back and forth.

It was a familiar routine- yet everything was different. You leaned a little closer into his space- grabbing his hands to show him things you would’ve just as easily demonstrated yourself.

Viktor catalogued all the minute behaviors you’d changed since yesterday. Seeing all the things you’d wanted to do but held back- unsure of what lines still existed between the two of you.

Now you fed him little bits with your hands- try this you requested, but instead of holding out your usual spoon there was a finger hovering in front of his face that had been dipped in a pot or swiped through sauce. More salt? you’d ask- a morsel of braised meat in your grasp that waited to be placed on his tongue.

Your hand rested on his back a little lower- always reaching out to ruffle his hair or squeeze his side.

After this morning’s interruption, all this contact was driving him wild- he wanted to shove you up against the icebox and drop to his knees under your dress…

“Whatcha thinking about,” you asked from over the stove, stirring a steaming pot of roasted beet soup.

“This morning,” he answered honestly.

You set down the wooden spoon, coming closer to wrap both arms around his waist- resting your head on his chest. “Me too,” you admitted.

“At least I am fortunate enough to spend the whole day taking orders from such a beautiful cook,” he purred- long arms holding you close.

“You’re so good at it too,” you teased, leaning up to place a soft kiss on his cheek.

“Eh- I would argue the same point for you,” Viktor’s eyes crinkled warmly- palm sliding dangerously low across your back.

“Okay, this is getting ridiculous,” a deep voice sounded from the doorway. “You better control yourselves in the lab- pretty sure playing tonsil hockey is a safety hazard.”

Viktor pulled back to pin Jayce with a withering stare, causing you to let out an amused snort.

“Settle down Vik,” he laughed. “So you’re together, yeah? I mean officially, we can stop pretending you’re just friends- together.”

“Yes- well, we were trying to be together,” Viktor rolled his eyes. “Before you interrupted.”

“Hey- don’t let me stop you, go right ahead,” a bright grin stretched across Jayce’s face.

“Unfortunately you’ll have to wait until later for a show,” you teased- shoving a bowl of potato and cheese stuffing into his arms. “It’s time to stuff the pierogi, everybody to the table.”

*******

After the first platter were stuffed, you sent the boys to begin frying and boiling, trusting Viktor to handle Jayce’s propensity for burning things.

You’d been a bit nervous to meet Jayce’s mom, knowing how much she meant to him- you wanted to make a good impression. But now as you chatted across the table, crimping wrappers of kielbasa and mushroom filling- nerves were the last thing on your mind.

“-so he gets home from class, and dinner is ready but he says he’s not hungry- that was my first clue something was off,” she sipped from her half full glass of red wine. “And just as he’s rushing towards the stairs… his backpack meows.”

You almost choked on a mouthful of wine, letting out a loud snort. “Oh my- he didn’t.

“He did, and she ended up being pregnant- so a few weeks later we had an entire litter.”

“Wow- what did you do?” you asked.

“I told him once they were old enough we’d find nice families to give them away to,” she deftly folded the dough- neatly crimping the edges. “And he cried and cried, telling me they were a family and that we couldn’t separate them because they belonged together… so we kept them, all five.”

“Five cats,” your brows shot up.

“We still have two of them,” she nodded, a fond smile crossing her features. “I’ve always had a hard time turning down those big watery eyes.”

“He’s lucky to have you,” you told her- dipping your pinky in the water dish to wet the edges of a dough wrapper.

“I feel the same about you, I don’t think Jayce ever had a real friend of his own… not like Viktor- or you.” she looked up from the table- a sincere look tugging at her strong features. “I’m glad he’s got you both in his life, because it’s been a lonely one.”

Glancing towards the kitchen, you heard the boys’ laughter spilling from the doorway. You’d never really thought of Jayce as lonely- but between his fixation on research and tumultuous sponsorship with the Kirammem’s, he must’ve lived a solitary childhood.

“They’re good for eachother,” you scooped an even spoonful of filling onto the center of a wrapper. “They make each other stronger.”

“You’re all stronger together,” she reached across the table, taking your hand in her own. “I worry a little less- after seeing the three of you. Good friends are hard to come by, and finding family is even harder.”

“I better hold on tight then,” your throat felt strained- a wave of emotion making your chest ache. “These are done, I’m gonna bring them to the kitchen.”

“I’ll finish the last of the potato,” she winked- a knowing gleam in her kind eyes.

*******

“So, you finally sealed the deal huh,” Jayce arched a brow- carefully dropping a batch into the vigorously boiling water. “Use any of the moves I taught you?”

Viktor huffed a laugh, gently flipping the deep golden brown dough pockets sizzling in hot oil. Unable to school the smug expression on his face.

“I would have had the opportunity to use your moves if you had not showed up so early this morning.”

“Oh- okay loverboy, putting all those books you read to good use,” he sent Viktor an exaggerated lascivious grin.

“Books about what,” you asked- walking into the kitchen with a full platter.

Viktor flushed, throwing a sharp elbow into Jayce’s side. “Erm- nothing.”

You wanted to question him further- but a staccato of knocks sounded from the front room, signaling Cait’s arrival.

“Sorry I’m late, but-” she held up a large crate that looked awfully heavy. “I brought plenty of champagne.”

Now that everybody was here you laid out some appetizers on the coffee table- flitting back and forth from the kitchen to finish each dish and join in the conversation. Viktor was on drink duty, always there to refill an empty flute or restock the cheese board.

“Honey, could you help me bring everything to the table,” you asked him from the doorway.

“Of course, coming now,” he called to you- pouring Jayce another glass of champagne. Honey, that was new- he liked it.

“You two are disgustingly domestic,” Cait wrinkled her nose. “It’s too cute.”

“Yeah, well you weren’t here earlier- I had to watch them paw at eachother like a couple of feral cats,” Jayce interjected- sporting rosy cheeks and glassy eyes.

“Eh- I think you are being a bit dramatic, no?” Viktor quirked his lips, disappearing into the kitchen.

He saw you bent over, rummaging through the bottom of the icebox- you turned around, surprised to see him right behind you. “Have you seen the-” Viktor cut the words off, tugging you in for a long kiss. He teased the seam of your lips with his tongue before pulling away, mouth curling in a fond smile.

“You taste like pickled cabbage.”

“Sexy isn’t it?” you snorted.

You were surprised when he went back for another, tongue plunging fully into your mouth, leaving you in a daze.

“Yes, very much so,” his voice was rich with intent. You’d lost count of how many times during the day you’d wanted to climb his tall frame like a ladder- but this one stuck out as particularly memorable.

“You’re torturing me,” you groaned- head dropping onto his chest in resignation.

“I am simply building tension,” his fingers carded through the stray hairs tickling your neck.

“Yeah, yeah, bring the salad to the table- you can take your tension with you.”

“Ah- anything for you darling,” he accepted the large glass bowl with a smile.

*******

For all your careful planning you hadn’t realized there were only four chairs. You were prepared to drag the coffee table over and sit on it until Viktor caught your eye- scooting out and casually looking down at his lap.

Oh he wants me to- oh no way, I’ll squish him

You tilted your head. Looking down at yourself then at his lap as if to say are you sure that’s a good idea?

He chuckled lightly, reaching out and pulling you into his lap- it was a bit bony but surprisingly comfortable. You sat sideways with an arm wrapped around his shoulder, keeping most of your weight towards his right side.

Surprisingly, nobody commented on the position, a few eyebrow raises and everyone busied themselves filling plates and passing dishes around.

You toast and toast some more and each time somebody tells you how delicious dinner is you glow a little brighter inside. You hear more baby stories about Jayce and drunken incidents from Viktor’s academy days and everything in between.

It’s hours of talking and laughing together. Feeding Viktor little bites of food every so often, just to watch that lovely blush color his cheeks. You’d get up to pour fresh rounds of bubbly wine, it’s crisp sharpness cutting through the rich food.

Leaning back into Viktor’s chest you looked around the cramped kitchen table- covered in elbows, half filled drinks and empty plates. A deep sense of contentment settled in your bones. There was so much light in your life- so much love.

You wondered what your new home would be like- if you would add more people to this odd patchwork of individuals you now called family. You thought about what you wanted in this new chapter of your life. What would it be like? Waking up next to Viktor everyday just to go to work with him and Jayce in the lab.

What was holding you back?

You’d felt less and less attached to the bakery as time went on, you were passionate about cooking- seeing the way people’s faces lit up when you’d made something special just for them. Did you need the bakery to feel that way? Or was it something you could have on your own- independent of a profession?

If you looked at yourself honestly- there was still a niggling sense that you might let them down, that you weren’t going to be good enough. You had so many ideas- thoughts about cross-pollination, using the tech to make sturdier crops that would grow quicker- increasing nutrients, purifying the air… but what if none of them worked.

And really, that was a terrible reason. I’ll never know if I don’t try.

These insecurities would always exist, but what was life without a few risks- it would be okay, you decided, no matter what. You owed this to yourself, deserved a chance to learn and grow and become something with someone who loved you by your side. Who wanted to see you succeed and was willing to put the work in everyday to prove it.

*******

By the end of the night there was no doubt- you were drunk, and so was Viktor.

Your head was pillowed on his shoulder, fingers rubbing back and forth across the softness of his sweater. He reached up to clasp your hand in his own, giving it a gentle squeeze before bringing it up to lips, softly kissing your knuckles.

Ping

It happened in slow motion, a floret of broccoli lightly smacked into Viktor’s forehead before landing on the table. All eyes snapped to Jayce, who was looking much too pleased with himself to claim innocence

“Was that really necessary,” Viktor asked

“Yes it was- it was either that or I dump a glass of cold water over you both.”

You snorted loudly, enjoying the adorable pout on Viktor’s face. He sent you a silent look of betrayal, as if he couldn’t believe you were laughing in a time like this.

It only served to make you laugh harder, bouncing on his lap as loud snorts wracked your frame. He cracked a smile, unable to resist the charm of his favorite sound.

“Alright kids, I think it’s time I called it a night,” Jayce’s mother stood from the table.

“I’ll walk you home,” Cait offered- and Jayce clumsily moved to stand as well before she stopped him. “Stay, enjoy the rest of your night- I promised my parents I’d make an appearance at the end of their party anyways.” she sighed.

“Here, let me pack you up some food- then at least you can eat instead of talking to everyone,” you joked, heading to the kitchen to box some things up for the both of them.

Saying your goodbyes by the front door, Cait pulled you into a tight hug- “This is the best Solstice I’ve had in a long time, thanks for everything,” she whispered in your ear.

Next was Jayce’s mother, pulling you into a warm embrace and thanking you for such a lovely evening. She moved to Viktor next, pulling his tall frame down and squeezing him tightly- he wrapped his arms around her, and you noticed the movements looked less stiff than last time.

It was a wonderful thing, watching him become accustomed to affection- it was something he deserved.

Hearing Jayce flop down on the couch and let out a groan- you and Viktor shared a look of amusement. There was no way he would be making it home tonight, your shoulders slumped- there was also no way you’d get to see Viktor’s head between your legs again tonight.

As if he could read your mind, Viktor simply shrugged- “Just a bit more tension,” he murmured.

“Jayce, I am going to get you some water,” he entered the kitchen and you followed behind- both laden with dirty plates and empty cups.

When you returned to the sofa Jayce was sitting up, hunched over with his head hanging down into his hands.

“Here,” Viktor set the glass down. “You’re going to drink all of that, and then perhaps I will give you some cake.”

“M’not a child Vik,” Jayce sulked, peeking up from his fingers. “Is it the honey cake,” he asked hopefully.

“It is,” Viktor nodded with a placating smile.

You sat in the comfortable recliner, looking at the both of them with a secretive smile- deciding now was as good a time as any to reveal the big news.

“Why are you looking at me that way,” Viktor asked suspiciously.

“What way?” you questioned, trying to school your expression.

“Like you know something that I do not,” he crossed his arms- head tilting as his eyes roamed your face with scrutiny. “Do not play games with me.”

“I thought you liked it when I played games with you.”

“Ugh- I’m still here,” Jayce piped in.

“We know,” the two of you spoke in unison.

“Out with it then,” Viktor prodded you.

“I’ve been thinking things over, what we discussed this morning,” you paused- ensuring their full attention was on you. “I want to accept the offer, all of it.”

Viktor’s face split into a grin, letting out a loud sound of excitement.

“What’re you doing man- go kiss her,” Jayce rolled his eyes.

And so he did just that, pulling you from the chair to press his lips to yours in a soft kiss. “We will do great things together, I feel it in my soul,” Viktor whispered tenderly.

“I believe we should honor this moment properly,” Viktor rummaged through the bottom drawer of his desk- returning with a sealed bottle of a dangerously deep amber liquid.

Any buzz that had subsided during the goodbye’s and subsequent decision reveal had now returned full force. The both of you tried to keep slipping Jayce water but somehow he always ended up with a full tumbler of liquor. You were much too drunk to monitor him closely anyways.

So drunk in fact, that any filter on your thoughts had left you. Searching through the old chest that had survived the fire- you pulled out a worn leather notebook, the one you’d started keeping days after your first impromptu lesson with Viktor.

These were your hextech ideas, and if you were to be partners, perhaps it was time you shared them with the boys.

Settling between them on the couch, you flipped through the messy pages- pulling out addendums and drawing that were added in later or tucked between pages. “Some of the earlier schematics are rudimentary- I know,” you critiqued. “But a lot of these later ones… y’know- after we focused on organic mechanisms? I think those have promise…”

You babbled on as the boys looked at you in awe- listening to you talk about residential infrastructure planning, toxic disposal- hazardous material management.

“-We all know that’s the most pressing issue, but- if you flip from the back you’ll see I really want to look at cross pollination to cultivate magically influenced crops, imagine the possibilities.”

It didn't matter that you had no background in science- you had something more than experience, that magic spark in your eyes. It told Viktor you could learn anything he took the time to teach you.

“You’re going to make an incredible addition,” Jayce beamed at you proudly. But after taking another sip from his glass, the smile turned sour- and he bolted for the bathroom.

“I’ll hold back his hair while you make up the sofa?”

Viktor laughed good naturedly, “It is like we have a child, no?” he moved towards the closet to collect some extra linens.

The casual comment left you frozen in place, a child… You pictured a chubby little baby with warm amber eyes and a mess of auburn curls. It knocked the air from your lungs- the idea that maybe someday you could have that with Viktor.

But for now you had one giant baby to keep from choking on his own vomit.

Entering the bathroom you saw Jayce hunched over the toilet- looking clammy and green. “Hey, sweetie-” you rubbed his broad shoulders. “Too much to drink, huh?”

“Ugh- hate myself,” he mumbled- sliding down to press his clammy face against the cool tile floor. The ceiling spinning precariously in his vision.

“C’mon, you’re too heavy for me to carry- let’s get you to the couch,” you cooed- tugging at his large frame.

“S-sorry, can’t handle liquor,” he groaned out pathetically- an arm thrown around you for balance as the two of you stumbled to the coach.

“It’s alright Jay, you’re gonna feel wicked tomorrow- but we’ll be here to take care of you.”

He flopped down on the couch and Viktor moved to unlace his shoes, pulling them off along with his socks.

You arched a brow at him- “he hates them almost as much as you do,” Viktor shrugged, tucking a soft quilt around Jayce before stuffing a pillow under his head.

“Always takin’ care of me,” Jayce slurred out- yawning loudly. “You guys are the best, love you…” his voice trailed off quietly, eyes slipping shut. The two of you looked down at his sleeping face, feeling something protective curl in your chest.

“He’s going to feel terrible tomorrow,” you moved toward the kitchen with Viktor a step behind.

“Indeed,” Viktor began washing the mountain of dishes occupying the countertop.

“Don’t worry about those- we can do them tomorrow,” you offered- knowing he must be as tired as you were.

“Eh- it’ll be easier now,” he scrubbed at a particularly dirty pot. “Go shower if you’d like- you worked very hard today… you deserve to relax.”

“How about I shower while you wash, then when I get out we switch places,” you negotiated.

“I suppose that sounds acceptable,” he smirked- a sudsy hand reaching out to swipe a smudge of sugar from your cheek.

******* ******

Your shower was quick but Viktor was faster- by the time you returned he had most of the dishes laid out to dry. Now you sat in bed, waiting impatiently for him to return- wanting nothing more than to hold him close.

The door opened and out he came, white shirt sticking pleasantly to his damp skin- cotton pants riding low on his hips. Ugh- and something about the way his wet hair curled at the base of his neck made your heart thud.

He sent you a boyish smile, climbing under the covers next to you. “I think our first Solstice dinner was quite the success.”

“Maybe a little too successful,” you snuggled into Viktor’s waiting arms- propping your chin on his chest to look up at him. “I guess we’ll have to keep our hands to ourselves now that we’ve got a guest,” you nodded towards the sofa.

“Perhaps… we could be extremely quiet,” he reasoned- feeling particularly needy after a day full of fleeting touches and exciting milestones.

“After last night I sincerely doubt you can keep quiet,” you delivered a light pinch to his forearm. It was dark but you could practically feel the exasperation rolling off him

“Perhaps it is you who cannot keep quiet,” he challenged- seeing if you would take the bait.

“Ugh- its not fair,” a low sigh left your lips

“What’s not fair?” a cocky whisper sounded against your ear. “That I am right?”

“No- it’s not fair that even though I know you’re baiting me, I just can’t help myself.”

You shifted in his embrace, now facing him- nose to nose in the darkness of your room. Jayce wasn’t far and it made everything you were doing feel that much more filthy.

“Turn around,” a single demand left your lips- and he did so immediately.

“If you get too loud,” you left a kiss between his shoulder blades. “I’ll cover your mouth, okay?” phrasing it as a question rather than request.

Although the idea excited you- covering his mouth wasn’t something you wanted to do without his acceptance.

“Is that okay,” keeping your tone firm but gentle- you continued. “If not, you can always bite into a pillow.

“No- having you keep me quiet, that is something I am most definitely not opposed to,” he whispered out, wiggling in anticipation.

“You’re perfect,” and when you said it with such reverence he almost believed you.

A hand slid under his shirt, across his ribcage- stroking up and down the planes of his stomach and chest, teasing through the trail of sparse hair above his waistband.

His back was pressed against you, a hot line of contact through which you could feel every quiver or shaky inhale. The whirring noise of the heater created a constant humm of ambient noise in the background- hopefully it would be enough to cover any sounds the two of you might make.

You traced a meandering path back upwards- lightly brushing a few fingertips against a nipple, smiling in the darkness at the stuttered way his breathing picked up speed. Increasing pressure- the edge of your thumbnail caught his rosy bud just so, pulling a startled groan from low in Viktor’s throat.

“Ah- ah- ah,” you scolded. “You have to be quiet zoloste.

Switching to the other nipple, you delivered a light pinch- feeling his back arch into the sensation. You bit into the juncture of his neck, sucking a deep bruise as you continued to toy with his nipples- hearing him suck in air with labored pants.

Finally your hand slid lower, palming his aching cock through the thin pajamas. “Mmm, y-yes,” he moaned- and your movements froze.

“If you can’t be quiet… I’ll have to stop.”

“No-” you felt Viktor shake his head. “I’ll be quiet.”

Continuing on, you cupped the thick shaft in your hand- rubbing up and down. His hips jerked wildly into the heat of your palm, but he remained quiet- biting his lips so hard it hurt.

You leaned in closer, resting your cheek atop his, side by side so he could feel your every move.

“Feels good, doesn’t it?” you teased- finding a damp patch of fabric where his arousal had leaked through. “You’re so wet for me,” the breathy tone of your voice pouring into his ear was enough to make him writhe.

Suddenly your hand was gone, and it was all he could do not to whine pathetically at the loss of contact. But then he felt calloused fingertips dipping beneath the waistband of his pants, tentatively wrapping around his hard length.

“Ah…a-aah-” his desperate whimper sounded through the room. “S-sorry- you may need to cover my mouth… I cannot keep quiet.”

“That’s okay, honey-” you snaked the other arm beneath Viktor’s neck, resuming your exploration of his cock. This time you were ready, clapping a palm over his open mouth to muffle the needy mewls that spilled from his lips.

His head whipped back, pressing into the join of your shoulder- and leaving plenty of exposed skin for you to litter with teasing kisses.

With growing confidence, you grasped his hardness- giving it firm and deliberate strokes. His hips thrust erratically into the canal of your fingers, and you felt the thrumming vibrations of his muffled moans.

Twisting on the upstroke- your thumb caressed his swollen head to spread around the gathering wetness. It caused your strokes to glide like silk over his aching shaft- and you kept a slow pace, feeling him fall apart beneath you.

The pressure began building to a blinding height- if last night was incredible then this was otherworldly. The sensation of your bare hand stroking his cock was indescribable- Viktor felt raw, like he was teetering on the edge of an abyss.

“You’re close,” you breathed in his ear- and he gave a jerky nod.

Grip tightening, you continued the tortuous pace- this time letting the edge of your thumbnail catch on the underside of his drooling head.

His limbs shot out in every direction, hips snapping forward.

Viktor’s mouth opened so wide you were worried his moans would escape- thinking quickly you jammed the meat of your palm between his lips… and he bit down hard.

Thick spurts of cum shot from his cock as you stroked through his orgasm. Viktor’s entire frame shook, deep waves of pleasure pulsing through his gut- leaving him a breathless mass of quivering muscles.

You kept going, squeezing every last drop from his used length- feeling drool drip onto your palm from his slack lips. Finally the oversensitized burn was too much to handle, and his thighs clenched together- hips jerking away from your hand.

Pulling your sticky hand from his pants- you rolled back, giving him a little space to breathe. Viktor lie there, staring at you in awe as he sucked in heavy gulps of air. Blissfully boneless in a way he’d never experienced in all his life.

“Wow,” he exhaled. “That was incredible,” his accent was heavier than you’d ever heard it.

Looking down, he saw you study your soiled hand curiously, illuminated by the moonlight streaming from the window. Catching his eye, you brought a finger to your lips- licking off the salty fluid. Viktor’s soft cock twitched in interest, jaw dropping as he gaped in astonishment.

“Lie back,” he demanded quietly- stripping off his white shirt to clean your hand before balling it up and tossing it by the bed.

Viktor molded himself against your side, pushing you flat before resting his head on the pillow beside you. “Now we will see how quiet you can be, solnishko."

His tongue snaked out to run across the shell of your ear- long fingers stroking back and forth over the skin of your jaw. “It is a shame I will not be able to hear those noises you made last night.”

A hand slid up your shirt, gently kneading the fullness of your breasts- tucking your head into the juncture of Viktor’s neck, you clamped your jaws shut to choke down a whine.

“I bet our new house will have a big bed, I could spread you out and play with you all day,” his hushed tone dripped with lust. “Then you can be as loud as you want- in our bed.”

His voice made you weak- and it seemed like he was catching on, whispering filthy promises into your ear as his hand slid lower and lower. Instead of dipping into your pants like you’d expected- he nudged your legs apart, cupping your heated pussy over the thin cotton shorts.

“Mmm,” his chest vibrated against you. “I can feel how wet you are… positively soaked.”

Viktor rubbed harder, and you bucked into the sweet friction of fabric against your swollen clit. You pressed your face further into him- suppressing soft moans into the musky skin of his neck.

He used three fingers to rub broad circles against your pussy- varying pressure and speed, gauging your reactions with razor sharp focus. Every thrust of your hips egged him on further- Viktor was ravenous to see you come apart beneath his hands.

A long arm stretched underneath you, then two fingers probed along the edge of your lips. “Get them wet for me,” he instructed- and you opened, sucking sloppily as the pads of his fingertips stroked your tongue.

“Ah- what a good girl,” he purred, and the endearment ripped a whimper from your throat. “Bite down if you cannot keep quiet- my hands will be busy.”

You were burning from the inside out, unable to focus on anything but the smell of Viktor surrounding you- his hypnotic voice- the heat of his hand rubbing lazy circles over your wet folds.

A hand reached under the collar of your shirt, two saliva drenched fingers drawing rough circles around your pebbled nipple. “Mmpff-” you groaned, lost in sensation, feeling something slow and earth shattering build inside you.

Viktor’s other hand ceased it’s rubbing, moving to finally dip into your shorts- a single exploratory finger sliding between your slick lips. Awestruck at the wet heat, he wondered what it would feel like to be inside of you.

Searching for that special bundle of nerves, Viktor knew he’d hit the mark when your entire body tensed- hips giving a violent jerk. Reveling in your loss of control, he pressed down on your clit with the pad of his thumb- teasing it with leisure circles.

You were going to come, you knew it was only a matter of moments- feeling the slow band in your gut tighten and tighten with each perfect swipe against your clit- every sharp pinch he delivered to your sore nipple.

“I- I.. I’m going to,” you stuttered out quiet as you could manage.

“Be a good girl and cum for me,” he dipped a long finger into your slick entrance- curling it upward smoothly.

You bit down on the corded muscles of his neck, hard enough that he was sure to have a neat row of teeth marks carved into his skin tomorrow.

Walls clenching around Viktor’s finger, you came in waves of agonizingly slow pleasure- stronger than you had ever felt in your entire life. Practically thrashing against the sheets as your clit pulsed so hard you could feel it in your ears.

****** ****** ****** The next thing you knew, Viktor's soothing hands were carding through your hair and you were curled up into his chest. “It seems I lost you for a moment,” his voice sounded awfully smug to your ears.

“How come you’re so good at that,” you asked, letting out a dreamy sigh of contentment.

“Books,” he shrugged- looking awfully shy for someone who’d just had his hands down your pants.

Something clicked in a distant part of your brain. “Oh… so that’s what you and Jayce were talking about.”

Viktor eyed you carefully, waiting for a negative reaction.

“It doesn’t bother me y’know,” you assured him. “That you talk to Jayce about things like that… it’s good that you talk to eachother-” a loud yawn interrupted your sentence. “Besides, after what we just did it would be a little hypocritical of me to get upset.”

“Eh- only a little, but even then I would love you.”

And he meant it, Viktor would love you through all of your flaws because he knew you extended the same reverence to him.

He overworked himself- to an almost unhealthy level of obsession. Knew that sometimes he could be demanding or particular, and perhaps a touch stubborn. He stole your socks and hated those awful ginger cookies you made… but for some mystifying reason- you loved him anyway.

“M’gonna fall asleep,” you told him- squeezing his waist tightly, “love you-”

“Rest well, solnishko,” Viktor placed a soft kiss to your crown- feeling quite exhausted himself. “I will see you in my dreams.”

"You do — now go, stakeholders are asking all sorts of questions... Mostly about when you'd show up," you wave him on as a waiter passes. You grab two flutes of champagne in a smooth move and offer your best smile in thanks. You turn back to Jayce, "Piltover's finest seem interested in you, poster-boy."

"Yea, well," Jayce rolls his shoulders and grabs a drink of his own — shedding his skin as an inventor in an uncannily seamless manner. Suddenly, he's giving you the smirk he reserves for the truest moments of camaraderie, "Don’t be long. And do give my love to Viktor."

You give him an unamused glare. The flat narrow of your lashes makes the man laugh into his drink. With a well-practiced eye-roll, you turn on your heel and move to descend the stairs to the main lobby.

"Don't let them eat you alive, Talis," you snark over your shoulder, unable to hide your evident smile.

"Let us pray they do!" he calls back at the sight of it digging into the corner's of your lips, “Don’t take too long!”

The delicate pluck of a violin's strings carries itself through the evening air. Through the courtyard, across the rotunda. You opt to take the long way around, lest you get suckered into another riveting conversation about trade taxation increases with some would-be politician in the lift to the lower floor.

With so many guests meandering around at the symposium above, they've left the lights on.

You balance the flutes of champagne neatly as you move easily towards the wing where Hextech has found refuge in recent months. With the Hexgates set to begin construction in a month's time, late nights in the these labs have become a regular occurrence. You've made this exact trek a thousand times — sometimes well beyond midnight, at the call of a dream; when magic carries a breakthrough on its wings.

Your heels click neatly across the floor — and you can see the glow of the lab alive beneath the heavy door barring entrance.

It's unlocked.

You bump the door open with your hip.

Viktor is — to Jayce's credit — tinkering.

He looks quite handsome.

He's wearing something different from his usual academic attire — something darker, with a wine colored dress shirt and an inky black suit jacket hung over his chair-back.

Immediately, the tinkering ceases. You note the very deliberate stillness of his hands when you poke your head around the door; your earrings sway and twing like bells in the evening air. Viktor's face lifts at your appearance; and for a moment, the schematics are forgotten.

Perhaps he should have gone upstairs.

"I've brought good tidings...?"

It's as if you're asking permission to pull him from his work. As if he'd ever say no.

Your humor eases the throat-catching hitch of his heart enough — and his rasp of a laugh is wholly real. Viktor drops his head, to denote a bit of an apology, as you move from around the door and let it swing shut behind you.

It's then that he gets a good look at your dress — and once more, he nips at his inner self for refuting the invitation to the symposium. He had a habit of doing so. A habit that he's recently begun to oppose. It's as if he can't spend enough time around you. You, his business partner. You, the one soul he spends more time around than Jayce. You're his equal. His friend. His most trusted confidant.

Hell alive, he thinks you're the most beautiful woman in the cosmos.

The gilded jewelry at your throat catches the low, humming blue emittance from the Hexcore as you pass its confinement. Your hand is extended, offering the flute of champagne to him in his seat at his desk.

"I... Time escaped me," Viktor supplies as his amber eyes move across your face, "I apologize."

Viktor takes the champagne with a quiet thank you. You ignore the way his fingers still against yours — and the way shyness curls into your heart at the touch.

"I'm jealous, really," you chide playfully as you lean against the lip of his desk. You peak over your shoulder at the papers on the desk.

Viktor hums out a soft chuckle as he tips the drink back to take a sip. "Should I assume you were looking for a reason to get away, then?"

You watch the movement — stuck on the glimpse of his throat. His tie is loose. Clearly, he and Jayce had been having one of their rather animated back-and-forth's. The sort that always came when you had put your focus forward...

The three of you... Well, Jayce and Viktor are everything to you. Recently, though, things with Viktor have been different.

Even Jayce has seen it.

He's caught onto the sparks that electify the air each time an excited breakthrough breeches the surface — the way you two connect gazes, with eager smiles hanging onto the closeness shared and breaths abated. There are these moments in the flow of work where forlorn looks are cast across the room; always when the other isn't looking. In the haze of ingenuity, where praise spills, where cheeks are split with bashful smiles and lingering hands upon excited hands.

Is this the burn of fondness, then? Slow and steady, as promised as the rise of the run?

His question isn't an easy one.

Quiet slips between you two. Somewhere, outside the large windows, you can still hear the strings winding a long tune.

You look down at your heels and toe the tile. 

“It’s all so boring — stuffy. You know how it is,” you mutter quietly with a sigh, “And if I’m being honest? I’d much rather be down here... With our work, our projects...”

A pause. You move to gently pick up the set of notes he was reading prior to your interuption. It does well to shield the uncertainty in the coming confession.

“...With you.” 

You flash your gaze to him.

Viktor blinks. Suddenly, he’s rushing to stand. His champagne is left to sit on the desk as he reaches for his cane and bears his weight, squaring his posture away to his full height. He’s not small by any means. Tall, elegant. As handsome as he is clever. 

Quickly, he assess the comment — and he finds no humor. At first, it’s entirely distressing. He isn’t sure whether to laugh this off or to hang onto the small, possible promise of affections shared for a moment longer. Outside, the stars glimmer a little brighter at the thought. 

“I — uh... You...?” suddenly, words a little harder than he remembers; the admission comes like a lightning strike on a calm day. He clears his throat as you gently place down the papers and turn your eyes up to him. He levels his voice and his accent makes the question near poetic, “...Do you mean that?” 

This time, you’re the sheepish one. Your attention flicks between his eyes and his mouth. You’re reading his expression, trying to understand the microcosms of emotion brewing there. 

“Lying is unbecoming,” is the slow, chaste remark earned. It’s sheepish. Shy. Sweet. 

Viktor’s laugh is delayed — chased down by the immeasurable rush of affection that blooms in his heart. 

Then, there’s another crawl of quiet between you. 

This one is easy. Warm. Gentle. 

Both of you hold one another’s gazes with bitten smiles. It’s Viktor whose laugh breaks the silence when his grin becomes too big, too tender to keep back — it’s breathless and enarmored. He ducks his head. 

You chew the inside of your lip.

“Well, if I’m being honest,” comes the pointed drawl of his words as his hand reaches for yours, “I was agonizing over just how I’d ask you for a dance...”

It’s your turn to laugh. Your face feels hot now at the center of his attention. Long fingers turn your palm over, admiring the delicate bands of gold along your knuckles. You’ve painted your nails. 

"Though, now I’m not sure I’d be brave enough to ask the most beautiful woman in all of Piltover to dance.” 

Your lips part in a shocked breath. Viktor smiles. His hand leaves yours to drift to the delicate silk of your sleeve, to trace the cut-outs along your arm. His thumb ventures the curve of your shoulder. As if your orbit has latched onto his, you’re drawn in — the palm of your hand meets the sharp contour of his jaw.

“Flattery will get you anywhere—” you muster in a whisper, deflecting the praise that has your head spinning. 

“—Honesty. It’s honesty,” he corrects gently.

And, perhaps this moment would have ended with more than lovesick looks and tenderness passed between touch. Perhaps, Viktor would have kissed you in the quiet of the lab, beneath the glow of the Hexore, to the tender swell of a string qaurtet in the lower gardens. Perhaps, you two would have decided to share a dance here. In private, in heart and hand. 

Perhaps.

But, Jayce has a habit of poor timing.

He nearly falls over himself at the sight of his two closest friends entwined, a breath apart — and immediately the door is swinging back to clock him in the side as he trips forward and shouts out a loud apology. The tray of cakes in his hands tumble with him, clattering loudly as he laughs sheepishly and regains his balance. 

“Sorry—!”

Is he? 

You snap away from Viktor, moving to gather up your respective glass and play off the closeness with easy, slinking movements. Your own sheepishness is hidden in a well-played cough. Viktor, however, remains unmoved. Steady. Heavily vested in your small moment.

“I... I wasn’t meaning to interupt—”

“We were just about to join you,” comes Viktor’s easy reply, albeit his eyes are stuck to you the entire time he speaks. He raises a hand and waves Jayce off, “Weren’t we?”

You blink at him. Your lashes flutter. 

Then, you sip your champagne and nod. 

“Of course.”