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Chapter Text

Giving a slight huff as you took the pastries out of the oven, you smiled as you managed to take them to the front of the bakery, not missing the smiles on the children's faces that frequently aquatinted your store. Taking the oven mitts off, you gave a small smile to the four children as they managed to line up accordingly, the well organized and well-behaved children contrasting with how dirty they were, covered in scrapes and bruises. Shaking your head as they bumped each other forward to get closer to the glass that held all of the delicious treats, you leaned on the glass counter, head in your hands as you peered down at them.

"What'll it be for today, ya scamps?" You questioned lightly with a smile to seem less threatening. Although you were always nice, the children still kept their guard somewhat up, some more than others, because surely someone from up top can't be this nice. The tallest girl in the front who couldn't be more than twelve, spoke up.

"We want the rolls," She said sternly. A bump from a smaller child had her continuing with a quiet,"Please."

Nodding despite the initial harshness, you made quick work of putting eight rolls in two bags, dividing them evenly. Tying the bags up with a pink ribbon, you gave it to the tall girl in charge, the children leaning in to get a closer smell of the rolls. It tugged at your heart to see them struggling as they were, but you knew that they were tough. They had to be, to live in the undercity.

Giving them another bright smile, you waved good bye as they made their way out quickly, disappearing from view in a blink of an eye. Sighing to yourself, you set to work on a new batch of rolls before hearing the door bell chime. Turning back to the counter. you stopped briefly to take in the stranger's appearance. A fairly tall pale man, with fluffy brown hair that went whichever direction. His copper eyes made contact with yours for a moment, before continuing up to the counter. When you went to your side of the counter, you didn't miss the cane that he leaned on, slouching his posture to support himself. Disregarding his appearance, you gave your usual smile, placing your head in your hands as your elbows supported yourself on the glass case.

"What can I get you today, sir?" You asked politely.

He seems to consider his choices for a moment, before pointing at a treat in front of him behind the glass, asking,"What is that?"

You didn't have to glance down to respond. "That's a snack cake, they're just tinier versions of cakes. We have strawberry, chocolate, and vanilla right now."

"I would like a strawberry and a chocolate."

Nodding, you made quick work of packaging that sweet treats and handing them to him, taking his money in exchange, mindlessly putting it away. You didn't seem to take notice as he placed out the front doors, peering at the bright day beheld outside. Not turning back to you, you heard him clear his throat, catching your attention.

"That was a good deed you did, helping those children." Stiffening up slightly, you played dumb.

"I don't know what you mean. You're my first customer today."

"They went sprinting away as soon as they saw me, I'm pretty observant if I do say so myself." He turned your direction this time, seeing your raised shoulders and clenched fists.

"What're you getting at? Gonna report me? They're just kids, it's rough down there," You started defending yourself and the kids, but your outward defensiveness didn't take away the anxious hole in your chest at the thought of the kids or you getting in trouble. You felt your glare harden as he shook his head, switching the bags of treats from one hand to the other as he waved his hand at you in the air.

"No, no, I am not that way," his accent cut through the air as he started to try to calm you down. "It is just- I am from the undercity. I understand the life down there, so I was thanking you for your generosity towards them. Not attacking you, I apologize for the misunderstanding."

The silence that cut in the air afterwords has you on edge, your eyes searching his for any hint of lying. But as you gazed at him, you could see the genuine in his eyes, the initial hard copper now a gentle honey. You frowned for a moment, feeling embarrassed for a moment for getting defensive so quickly, but you know you had the right- you were from the undercity, and you were raised to be defensive. Rubbing your ear as they burned slightly, you gave a small smile at him.

"Sorry, you just don't know how people are these days, ya know?" You see the tension from himself leave as well at your words, nodding in agreement.

"I apologize as well, I came on too strong for a stranger." Giving a slight chuckle as you nodded in agreement, he nodded at you, turning to take his leave.

"Wait," You called out before realizing, and he turned around, brow raised in question as he waited on you to continue. You stuttered your name, before saying,"It's nice knowing there's other people up here like me, ya know?"

He gave a slight smile, before saying in that accent that had your ears slightly burning,"I agree, my name is Viktor.

From that day on, Viktor became a regular over time, turning once a month visits to once a week, to once every few days. You couldn't complain, the new presence in your life had you feeling less alone, friends not coming easy up here. Initially, that was how you and Viktor related to each other, being from the undercity but managing to rise above. As time passed, however, your pasts simply became a fact about you both, as you started bonding over your actual interests. Viktor, as it turns out, is the smartest person you have ever met. He speaks of his friend, Jayce, oftenly, and their goal of creating Hextech and improving your futures.

"Just imagine," He told you one day as you shared lunch together in your bakery,"A world with no qualms, nothing holding us back and giving us more reasons to better ourselves. A future that we create ourselves." You swore you saw sparkles in his eyes as he shared his dreams with you, and it had you holding your breath with how passionate he was. His strong will and passion had you pushing closer to him, just so you could hear one more story of his studies, his dreams, his passions. Of course, he listened to your dreams as well.

Watching as you raced around the bakery preparing and setting goods and treats, he could only smile as you rambled your thoughts.

"This little bakery is gonna grow, and I won't be the only one here. I'll have shops everywhere, in Piltover and Zaun. I'll be able to have enough to give to everyone, and it'll put a smile on everyone's faces, and the kids," You turned to Viktor with a determined grin on your face,"They'll have all the treats they can dream of! Could you imagine? The treats I could give them, and they wouldn't have to eat the stuff we had to twenty-four-seven." Taking a seat across from him, you leaned forward, your heart in your ears. "I want to give them what we didn't have, I want to give them hope."

He chuckled, raising his coffee to his lips, muttering,"Through their stomachs?" You gave a slight laugh, your shoulders shaking as your responded,"I guess so,"

Feeling him reach across to grasp your arm slightly, you stopped laughing to gaze at him in surprise at the touch. You'll never forget the genuine smile as he said,"I hope to be there."

Reaching to place your hand on his, you nodded,"You will."

Chapter Text

"Viktor!" You exclaimed as said man came in the door, the bell chime alerting you as you pulled some bread from the oven. Placing the food down and wiping your hands on your apron, you went to meet him. Exchanging a quick hug, you asked,"How are you? It feels like I haven't seen you in forever,"

"Two months is not forever," Viktor replied with a slight smile, patting your back. Pulling away from the hug, you grinned, before frowning, looking at him. Bringing your hands to cup his face, you turned him every which way, examining him. Taking your thumbs to trace his cheekbones, which were prominent before but were even more so now, then to his eye bags, gently tracing them. You sensed his discomfort, his weight shifting side to side as he didn't meet your gaze.

"What is it?" He asked, sitting down in his usual spot. Shaking your head, you pulled away to grab some snack cakes.

"I don't know what you're doing up there or what that Jayce has been doing, but you look like you haven't slept in weeks! When's the last time you ate something sweet?" You questioned, pushing the plate in front of him, taking your usual seat in front of him. He glanced away, before taking a fork to push at the cake.

"You know me," He stated,"I'm just busy working towards my goal. A few sleepless nights is nothing." He said it in such an earnest way, but the way his voice was lower and slightly slower had a part of you questioning. That's how he is, you thought to yourself, before just nodding and accepting his statement. Pushing the plate closer, you folded your arms on the table.

"Alright, but I'm not moving until you eat all that! Two months without my treats, how are you alive?" You joked, bringing a slight smile out of him. He nodded, taking a bite out of the treat.

A week later, you were sprinkling some cinnamon when the bell chime interrupted your thoughts. Wiping your hands, you made way to the front, meeting the gaze of a young man, who looked to be mid twenties. His put-together look and uniform had you realizing he was from the academy. Giving a bright customer service smile, you gave a greeting and asked how you may be of help. He looked to a note in his hand, then back to you.

 "Are you the owner of this bakery?" He asked. You nodded in reply, a little confused. 

 "My friend comes here often, he speaks highly of this place, so I figured I'd come check it out." At the mention of his friend, it doesn't take more than a moment for you to realize this was Jayce, Viktor's friend and colleague he mentions a lot when he talks of his work. Brightening at the thought of Viktor praising your food, your smiled turned natural as your grinned pulled ear to ear.

 "You must be talking about Viktor! And you must be Jayce," He nodded an affirmation. "

 "Yes, he is the best. I'm amazed he mentions anything of my shop, I could've sworn he only thinks and talks science." A slight chuckle from the man had you relaxing, himself agreeing with your statement.

 "Is there something I can help with? What would you like? Could you bring Viktor a treat on the house for me?" You asked him, cheeks heating up at the realization that Viktor thought about you and talked of you. Pointing to the many treats for Jayce to look at, you went ahead and started to pack some snack cakes for Viktor of many flavors, throwing in a special one for him to try. Jayce seemed to settle for a chocolate croissant, and you bagged a few for him. When he got his bag out to pay, his brows shot up as you held a hand out to stop him. Handing out the bag of his and Viktor's treats, you gave a small smile.

"A friend of Viktor's is a friend of mine. On the house, just promise to give these to him and tell him I said hi?" You asked him. He gave a pearly white smile at your kindness, nodding at you. 

 "You're too kind, you're just like he said. One day you'll have to visit us, see what we've been working on." Surprised at his invitation, you started to decline at the thought of intruding on Viktor's work. Jayce merely shook his head chuckling as he turned to leave. 

"Oh come on," He started,"Viktor may not seem like it, but he loves to be praised. After all, he's human. If you ever want to visit, just message me, alright? From the way he speaks about you, I bet he'd die if you complimented him." With that, Jayce walked out the door.

 Watching as he disappeared from view, you ran a hand through your hair as your ears burned.

"The way he speaks about me... I wonder..."

 Making your way up the stairs, you gazed around, taking in the sights of the academy. You weren't used to going to too many places as elegant as this, mainly staying in your bakery and the shops around it. You felt underdressed as many of the staff and students walked about, their uniforms outshining your simple slacks and white long sleeve, your combat boots freshly shined as your tried to get rid of some of the stains from wearing them all the time. The basket in your hands was feeling heavy as time passed as you walked around trying to weave through the halls. Sighing to yourself as you stopped to put the basket down for a break, you felt a hand on your shoulder. Jumping slightly, you turned and was met with the sight of Jayce. Smiling at a familiar face, you gave a relieved sigh.

 "These halls are so confusing, I'm glad you managed to find me." You sighed out. Jayce nodded in agreement.

 "I understand. We're right here near the lab, Viktor's in there studying a book. I haven't told him you're coming," He said. Nodding at him, he took the lead in leading you to to the large doors containing the lab. He pushed the doors open, and as the lab was revealed, you felt your mouth gape open as you took it in. Projects, notes, papers, and mechanics scattered throughout that had your mind racing from just looking at them. The many books had your attention, wondering how two people could hold so much knowledge between them. At your stillness, Jayce chuckled, gently pushing your back forward to a hunched over Viktor, one hand holding his head and another holding the page to the book he was reading, ready to flip to the next page. 

 Stopping in your tracks before he noticed, you took in how Viktor looked outside your little world, realizing that you were in his now. His world, filled with so much knowledge and power, something you could barely even imagine. 

 "Viktor, I brought you something," Jayce interrupted, nudging you forward. Viktor hummed in acknowledgement, not paying too much attention until you gave a gentle,"Hi, Viktor."

 At the sound of your voice, Viktor whipped his head around, a slight shock on his face as he stared at you. Grabbing the table, he stood up, making you rush over to meet him. Before he could question you, you held the basket of goods up.

 "I figured you guys would want some treats for all your hard work." You sheepishly smiled at him. 

 Viktor glanced back and forth between you and Jayce, the latter of whom held a slight smirk on his chiseled face. Viktor pointed between you two accusingly.

 "You know each other?" He asked.

 "I visited the other day. I had to go meet this great baker that you speak so highly of. And since you've been holing yourself up in here, I figured I'd bring the bakery to you." Jayce smiled accordingly, seemingly proud of his work. You glanced between the two men, and the slight shock on Viktor's face had stumbling out an apology.

 "I'm sorry if I interrupted your work, I just wanted to bring you some treats since you can't visit as much anymore." Viktor shook his head at your embarrassment.

 "You're fine, I'm just surprised. How about I take a break and we can go eat together? I bet it was a long journey," He commented. Jayce shook his head at Viktor's request.

 "You two go ahead, I'm gonna finish writing some notes. It was nice seeing you though, (Y/N)." Jayce said, you were surprised at his refusal, but quickly took some treats out to give him. He was obviously please, grinning, before ushering you two out the door. Viktor stared at the closed door for a moment before turning to your standing form. Looking you up and down, you gave a slight frown.

"If I had known I was interrupting your studies, I wouldn't have come. I'm sorry Viktor, it's just Jayce-" "It's fine," He cut off your rambling with a slight smile.

 "I'm just surprised, is all. Follow me? I don't want your food to spoil," He said, turning to lead you away. You didn't reply, merely speed walking to catch up with him, matching his pace. Walking in a pleasant silence, it wasn't long before you were standing at a slight ledge, opening to reveal daylight. Looking at Viktor, he placed his cane against the wall, before slowly sliding down to sit, his legs dangling on the edge. Looking to you, he patted the place beside him, and you got the hint, quickly sitting down, the basket placed between you. Opening the basket, you let Viktor peer in, his eyebrows shooting up in surprise.

 "This is quite a lot. I don't know If we can both eat all of this food," He admitted, looking to you. You shook your head, before taking out a snack cake for yourself, motioning for him to take his pick.

 "I figured whatever we don't eat, you could just keep the rest. I figured Jayce would be joining us, and I tried to bring plenty for you two." Viktor nodded, biting into his own snack cake, before looking ahead at the view of the water below. You turned your attention down to your feet, swinging them back and forth. After a moment of silence, Viktor's accent broke the air.

 "I'm glad you came to visit. I'm sorry I didn't invite you sooner," He admitted, looking bashfully at you. You shook your head at him.

 "I understand, you're busy. I know you'd rather not be bothered while you're working," You replied, before thinking of his lab. "Your laboratory is beautiful, I can't believe you guys stay in there just working all the time. If I had access to even half the stuff you guys do, I wouldn't want to leave, either." 

 Viktor nodded in agreement. 

 "It's work, but it is great. If you'd ever like to come read the books or look at some of our studies, you're more than welcome to." He said, turning his soft copper eyes towards you. Your cheeks heated up under his gaze and the implications of you visiting him more.,

 At your silence, Viktor quietly added,"If you'd like to, of course."

 After breaking your train of thought, you smiled brightly at him, nodding, feeling your heart beat fast under his gentle gaze.

 "I'd like that. I could bring treats, so I can make sure you're eating properly," You joked, scooting closer slightly. Viktor nodded at your words, leaning back on his hands, gazing at you. You could've swore his ears were slightly pinker than usual.

 "I'd like that." 

Chapter Text

Making your way up the stairs to the laboratory, you couldn't help but smile to yourself, excited to see Viktor and join him for lunch. The small bag of treats you held was making your mouth water, and your feet could not carry you fast enough, but finally you came across the normal sight of the doors. However, you stopped in your tracks as what was not normal, however, was a girl waiting outside the doors.

Staring at her appearance, you inferred that she went to the academy, her lab coat adorning her figure on top of her uniform. You memorized her face, her tan skin and freckled face with glasses sitting on a button nose. Her curly hair sat atop her head in a bun that you couldn't help but find cute on her. The notes in her hand had you realizing she was possibly dropping something off in the lab. This was proven right when Jayce opened the doors, his small smile making you realize they must know each other.

Finally snapping out of your mind, you finally walked to the doors, Jayce's face brightening as he saw you approaching.

"(Y/N)! How are you?" He asked, side stepping the girl to get a close look at the goods in your hands. You grinned at his boyish behavior, handing him his own bag of treats before stepping into the lab, Jayce beside you. The girl merely stared at you with a confused gaze. Making eye contact with her, you held a hand out, introducing yourself.

"Oh! Hello, my name is Sky, I was just dropping some notes off for Viktor. I don't think I've seen you around before?" The girl, Sky, said, shaking your outstretched hand. You perked up at Viktor's name, smiling a little wider. Holding your treats up, you looked to Sky.

"I actually bake in the city near the ports. I was actually coming to have lunch with him, maybe you could join us?" You asked nicely.

Her face flushed a little at you request, to your confusion.

"O-oh, sure, but let's make sure it's alright with Viktor." She turned to make her way into the lab.

You looked to Jayce with a slight raised brow, and Jayce simply smiled and shrugged, but the gleam in his eyes had you thinking he knew more than he was letting on. Shaking your head at him, you both followed Sky, who was mumbling slightly to herself. You dismissed her quirky behavior, writing it off as that's just her personality. You didn't have many friends, so you weren't one to judge others.

As you approached the hunched over form of Viktor, you realized why Jayce had a mischievous grin when you looked at him. Sky made her way beside Viktor, looking at his notes he was writing.

"Viktor, how is your work coming along? I know how much you've been working, I haven't seen you in a while," She smiled at him, leaning in slightly to point at something in his notes, making a comment you couldn't understand. Standing still, you watched them from afar, feeling your chest tighten up at how close she slid in beside him a she worked. And from his lack of reaction, he must be used to her. Ignoring the feeling rising up in your chest, you let Viktor aware of your presence with a slight greeting. At the sound of your voice, Viktor turned to meet your gaze, Sky doing the same.

"(Y/N), how are you? Is it already lunch time?" He asked, checking the clock on his wall. Laughing at his slight ditziness when it came to the outside world, you approached him, handing him the bag to go through. Sky leaned over slightly to look over his shoulder into the bag.

As he went through it, you jokingly asked,"What would you do if I didn't remind you to eat?" Viktor looked up, shaking his head, before reaching for his cane to make his way out with you. You had made an unofficial agreement to eat lunch at the waterfall, a place where you could ask Viktor all the questions you could think of while he had a break from being holed up all day.

As you two made your way out, a voice cut through the ear, grabbing your attention.

Sky held a sheepish look as she crossed her arm, a nervous grin on her face, as she asked,"Could I come? I know you invited me earlier, but I didn't know if I could..." She didn't finish as you two stared at her. Having forgotten you invited in such a short amount of time, you face burned slightly as you turned to Viktor, who was already staring at you.

"I did invite her for lunch, if that's okay with you?" You asked. Viktor let out a simple shrug and nod as he turned to continue to walk out. Walking beside him, it didn't take long before Sky bounded up beside Viktor, staring ahead. You didn't miss the way she glanced at him every now and then.

Finally making it to your spot, you went to sit beside your usual spot beside Viktor, but Sky had already claimed it absentminded. Your face scrunched up for a moment, but you shook your head, sitting criss cross on the other side of Sky. Passing the treats out, you gave Sky your usual portion to be nice, simply staring as everyone talked.

"So you work at a bakery, you said?" Sky asked, taking a bite out of the sweet tart. Nodding at her question, you explained that you actually owned the bakery and had plans on opening more shops.

"That's nice, having your own business and having control. I'm just Viktor's assistant, so I don't get to get my hands too dirty," She joked, nudging Viktor to her left. He merely nodded, food in his mouth as he swallowed. You placed your head in your hands as you stared at her.

Assistant, huh? You thought to yourself. Viktor hadn't mentioned an assistant, just Jayce.

As Sky talked to Viktor about his notes she brought earlier, you started unknowingly comparing yourself.

Her tan and flawless skin showed that she didn't have to work too hard, obviously being raised in a nice environment, contrasting your (S/C), which had scattered scars throughout from your time in Zaun. Her hands moved flawlessly through the air as she talked, spotless and delicate, making you clench your oven burned hands with uneven nails. her smaller Fram had you hunching over in your hands slightly, trying to look smaller. Zaun had put some slight muscle on you, and constantly baking and lifting pounds of food every day had you building muscle without realizing. Your mood had decreased as you looked at her, so you turned your head to the water below you, regretting it instantly.

All three of your reflections stared back at you, your saddened one staring into your eyes. Shifting your eyes to Viktor and Sky, your frown deepened as you realized how nice Viktor and Sky looked together, speaking back and forth effortlessly, his words bouncing off hers without a second thought. It contrasted to his and your conversations, which consisted of you asking him and him finding a way to simplify his words.

Unknowingly letting out a sigh, Viktor stopped mid sentence to look at you, frown etching on his face.

"Is everything alright?"

You nodded, standing up before dusting your pants off, feeling a bubble of shame light up as you noticed just how many stains adorned your clothes, not having any real nice ones. Turning to the two confused faces, you gave. tight smile, muttering,"I'm heading back to the shop, I hope you enjoyed the treats," Turning away, hearing Sky's soft 'thank you,' and nothing form Viktor, you walked out, hugging yourself slightly.

Walking around aimlessly for a while, your head down, you suddenly stopped when you ran into something hard. Looking up, you realized you had bumped into Jayce, who held a confused look.

"Ah, I'm sorry Jayce, you know how these halls confuse me. Do you mind leading me out?" You asked quietly.

"Are you okay?"

The question took you off guard, but after a moment of surprise, you sighed.

"Is it that obvious?" You asked.

A nod from Jayce.

"Could you be honest with me?"

"Of course,"

"Do you think Viktor is ashamed of me?"

A moment of silence had you looking at Jayce's confused face.

Holding your arms out slightly, you gestured to yourself,"Do you think he's ashamed to be friends with someone so... dirty?"

Jayce shook his head harshly, crossing his arms.

"What makes you think he's ashamed?"

"It's just... watching him talk with Sky had me thinking. I mean, I don't know what he gets out of being friends with me. All I do is ask and question him on his things but I juts don't understand. And you all look so put together and educated, I feel as though I should be sneaking about when I visit. I just don't think Viktor gets anything positive from my being here," You admitted with insecurity dripping form your words. Two hands on your shoulders had your lookin up at Jayce, who shook his head.

"Do you think Viktor cares about all that? He admires you like you do him- you just don't notice because he's good at hiding it. But trust me, when you're walking to lunch, when you walk out the doors, when Viktor knows your coming, he's happy. Genuinely happy, I can't describe it. Listen, just because you don't have a uniform on and some shiny boots doesn't mean Viktor likes you any less, I promise. You fill something in Viktor the rest of us can't- not me nor Sky nor anyone here. I see it, and you can too if you just pay attention. I promise,"

After Jayce's talk, you felt your ears and face burning hot, wondering if Viktor really did admire you and you couldn't see it. But if the look on Jayce's face was any confirmation, you couldn't deny it.

Smiling at the tan man, you gently patted his shoulders, nodding at him. He shook his head, chuckling slightly. Looking at his watch, he looked out the window to the setting sun.

"It's getting late, how about you head home and come back tomorrow? You and Viktor can have a conversation together later," A slight wink had you chuckling, but you nodded, letting Jayce escort you out of the academy.

 The bell chimed alerting you of the entrance of someone. Wiping the powder off your cheek, you sniffed as some entered your nose. Making way to the front, you halted in your place as Viktor leaned on the glass case, staring at you. Tearing your gaze from his, you made quick work of some snack cakes, not saying a word, a little embarrassed from leaving him so early yesterday. You placed the bag in front of him, holding your wrist with your hand, not wanting to make eye contact. At your silence, his accent broke the tension.

 "Sky is my assistant. Nothing more, nothing less," Your eyes shot up to meet his, trying to sputter an excuse.

 "I-I didn't say- I wasn't, yesterday-" "It's obvious, you didn't have to say anything." He interupted. You frowned, sighing to yourself.

 "I'm sorry for leaving without an explanation yesterday, I just felt a bit out of place, and I let my emotions get the best of me," You said, trying to clear up your actions. Viktor nodded, accepting your words.

 "Jayce told me about your worries," He said. 

 At the mention of Jayce telling him about your rambling yesterday, your face burned, and you could only feel more embarrassment of Viktor's slight smile.

 "You know," He started, reaching a hand to wipe some missed powder off your nose,"just because you are not some incredible genius that understands every word I say does not mean I don't like or feel bothered by you." 

 You frowned, pushing your hair behind your ear,"I know, it's just I feel like I'm not on the same level as you are, Viktor. What do you see in me?" 

 The slight blush on his nose had you tilting your head, watching him shake his head,d sighing. He lifted a hand, waving a hand around to gesture to your bakery.

 "This, this is what I see. No one else can make such delicious treats that has me looking forward to a break from my work. No one else has such a passion for putting a smile on people's faces, and you are the only person I know who would take the risk of feeding some children from the undercity just so they have a chance of tasting something so sweet. You, do all these things and I see them. And your questions- I love answering them. Having someone not understand my work but try to see what I do, it makes me happy to explain what I do, seeing your face light up and how you listen so intently to me." Viktor leaned on the glass case to lean closer to you, and you felt your cheeks heat up, listening to his words of admiration.

 "Just because I do not explicitly speak of my fondness of, does not mean I don't like you," Viktor spoke these words quite than the rest, placing a hand on your arm.

 You felt your eyes sting a little, emotions starting to overtake you. Placing your hand on his, you rubbed your eyes with your other hand, gently asked,"You really think so?"

 "I do, I don't waste my words on lies," He admitted. You nodded, smiling at him, receiving one back. His smile and you leaning across the glass, encasing him in a hug.

 "I'm sorry for being emotional," You said into his shoulder. Viktor nodded, placing his arms around you.

 "It's fine, I like how emotional you are," He chuckled. Pulling back, you let out a grin to lighten the mood.

 "Are you calling me emotional?"

 "Well, you said it, I merely agreed," 

 "Watch it, or I'll start having lunch with Jayce from now on," 

 "I think that will do you more harm than me," 

 "Don't be mean to that poor boy," 

 You both laughed at poking fun at Jayce, and you took in the sight of Viktor's closed eye laugh. It was nice, genuine, relaxing.

 You genuinely liked him.

 You could only hoped the same.

Chapter Text

You gave quick, rapt knocks as you waited outside the door to the lab. Bouncing in place, you couldn't help the grin as you waited for the door to be answered. Hearing steps approach the door, you gave a bright grin once Jayce had opened the door. Bolting pass him, you ignored his shocked voice as you beelined towards your target.

"Viktor! I have something for you," You didn't even look at him, instead placing your basket beside his notes, in the one clean spot open on his desk.

"Look, I've been working on some desserts for you, I hope you like them," You scooted the open basket towards the man, now looking up to meet his gaze, but you couldn't help the way your mouth opened in shock at his appearance.

He looked absolutely drained of life, eyes barely opened to look at you, his head nodding up and down as he struggled to hold himself up. His pale skin looked ghostly today, and you could see where he shook as he held his pencil in hand. You were mortified at his sickly appearance.

Ignoring the basket of sweets, you moved to his level and took his face in your hands. Stroking his cheeks, you frowned as you stared into his hazy eyes, unclear as he looked at you.

"Are you okay? What's wrong?" You asked him quietly, your voice shaking slightly.

A hand on your shoulder had you turning your attention from Viktor, but not enough for you to release him form your gentle hold. Jayce stared down at you, the most serious you've ever seen him.

"We're busy at the moment, we love your usual visits but I think today could use a rain check." His serious tone had you standing up, furrowing your brows.

"What? Jayce, I understand, but Viktor looks like he needs a break," You pointed to said man, who sat beside you. Jayce shook his head, wrapping an arm around your shoulders as he began walking you out.

"Viktor's a grown man, he can take a break when he wants. Listen just come back next time-" "No, Jayce,"

You ducked under his arms, moving back to Viktor, who now held his head in his hands.

"Viktor, come on, you need to get some rest," You gently tugged his arm up to try and get him to stand. He merely groaned at your efforts.

"I don't..." Viktor started, but quickly shook in your grasp as he started coughing.

"Viktor!" You moved to steady him as he shook, and your eyes widened at the sight of red on his lips.

Whipping your head to look at Jayce, you yelled for him to get medical attention, grasping at Viktor in your arms. He snapped out of his stupor and took off, leaving you with Viktor. At the sounds of the doors closing, you gently slid Viktor around in your arms, grabbing your shirt and wiping his mouth, not knowing what to do. He groaned, letting out another choked cough before looking to you. Giving him your best smile, you tried to stay positive and calm.

"H-hey, Vik, you're okay, you're okay. Ya got a bit of a cough, ya know? It freaked me out," You said, trying to keep a light tone. Viktor shook his head lightly, grabbing his head before shuffling out of your arms to get into a more comfortable position. Unwrapping him from your arms, you took a seat in the floor beside his feet. After a moment of silence, his soft voice broke the air, softer than what you were used to.

"I'm sorry," He winced at his own voice, taking a moment before continuing. "I get these spells every now and then, this is just a particularly bad one,"

"Don't apologize Viktor," You stated. "You can't help it. It's all that stress, I bet. You need to rest a while, your body can't handle all this stress,"

"My body is just fine," You turned to him, confused at the slight hostile in his voice. He seemed to recognize this from the look on his face, turning away from you.

"That's not what I meant, I'm sorry if it came out that way. Nobody's body can handle that much stress," You corrected yourself. Viktor gave a silent nod, not continuing your conversation any further.

Viktor was taken to his room not long after that to be checked on, soon being told by the doctor to be on bedrest until he was cleared. You remember how upset you were, especially after how defensive he got during your earlier conversation. Once things had died down from his medical scare, you decided to leave, take a break from Viktor and let him rest. Thinking back to Jayce's words earlier, it had you realizing that Viktor was a grown man who was responsible for himself. It also had you thinking that maybe you were a little too dependent on him.

 Taking time for yourself, you focused on your shop. Expanding upon your treats, you managed to find a deal between a seller in Zaun who could distribute your goods for less. It didn't hurt you at all, mass producing large quantities of food for the people down there to enjoy. You knew that just because you managed to get out of Zaun doesn't mean everyone could, so you tried to help them the best you could. Anyone that lived in Zaun was strong, and you wanted to help treat them.

After a few weeks of no contact with Viktor nor Jayce, you were standing outside watering some plants when a familiar voice cut through the air. 

 "If you've stopped visiting me because I ate too much of your goods, I can start paying you." You couldn't help the gasp that left your mouth as you whipped around.

 There stood Viktor, his sickly appearance not changing much since his medical scare. What did change, however, was his cane. Completely gone and in its place, was a crutch. You frowned to yourself at this discovery, but you wiped it off quickly to instead focus on Viktor standing in front of you. Grinning ear to ear, you dropped your water pot to fling yourself onto him, watching his crutch as you embraced him.

 "I've missed you," You mumbled into his neck. His one arm not supporting his weight wrapped around you, and you felt him nod into your neck, silently agreeing.

 Pulling away, he tucked a strand of hair behind your ear.

 "Your hair is shorter," He said, gazing at your appearance. You nodded, placing a warm hand to his cold cheek.

 "I cut it slightly. You're so cold, does the academy not have heating?" You asked with a smile. He said nothing, staring into your eyes, letting his arm fall onto your shoulder. Taking hid shoulders, you gently pushed him down to sit down on the bench beside you, sitting closely to him.

 "How've you been? How's Jayce? Are you alright?" You bombarded him with questions unintentionally, trying to get updates on his life.

 "I'm fine, I'm on more medication. Jayce misses your cakes, he's told me to ask you for some when I get back," He answered. You smiled at him, truly just happy to be in his presence once again. 

 "What about you?" He asked.

 "I've been great, I've added a bunch of new things to the bakery. Oh, I need to tell you! I've made a deal with this man from Zaun, I'm now distributing food down there. Isn't that amazing? At one point I'm going to have to go and check down there, but from what I hear, my goods are doing great. Isn't that amazing?" 

 Viktor nodded, a small smile on his face as he listened. His smile dropped slightly, however, brows furrowing. 

 "Are you aware of what's going on down there?" He asked. You shook your head, confusion drawing onto your face. His hand slid to your knee, squeezing slightly.

 "There is a new drug spreading down there. Be careful down there, especially with your business. The guards are not handling the situation lightly with anything involving Zaun," He explained, voice low.

 You tensed up at his implications, frowning deeply.

 "Are you saying Zaun's become a drug ring?" You asked.

 "No, I'm just- listen, just be careful with who you talk to down there. I don't want you getting hurt, milý." He said quietly. You nodded at his words, trusting him. Taking a moment, you gently out your hand over his, smiling softly.

 "That word, what does it mean?" Viktor smiled softly at you, squeezing your knee.

 "Don't worry about it. I best be going," Viktor gave an apologetic smile. You nodded at his words, quickly running in and making a goodie bag for him and Jayce. You have him a quick good bye hug, lingering slightly as you separated.

"Be careful, alright? I'll see you soon," You smiled at him, your heart racing as he nodded, smiling back. 

 You watched him leave, watching his back until he faded from view. Smiling to yourself, you were slow to making it back in your shop, lingering on the bench beside where Viktor sat beside you, recalling him touching you in a tender way. He was so sweet, it made your heart hurt at his circumstances.

Why was the world so cruel to the people who deserved it the least? All he wanted to do was make the world better, making himself better, but it appeared God had damned him from the moment he was born. It had you tearing up slightly, wondering what he did to deserve this. 

 No, you thought to yourself. Viktor is fine how he is, crutch or not. His pale skin, tired eyes and slouched frame, it was all the same to you.

 You loved him either way.

Chapter Text

You felt quite stressed today, looking through your chest full of old clothes you don’t get to wear anymore. Looking and scouting for some nice clothes, you felt as though the clock on your wall was breathing down your neck with each tick.

Grabbing a black long sleeve shirt and some usual slacks, you put on your cleanest (which wasn’t saying much) boots. Looking in the mirror, you frowned at your appearance which looked like your usual every day clothes, minus an apron. Groaning, you decided to give up, thinking too much into this.

Viktor had invited you to have a day out with him, just something to relieve some stress for both you and him. A day for just the two of you, no Jayce, no one else. Just you and him.

The thought had you blushing, and you tried your best to cool down your face, not wanting to look like a tomato when he arrived for you.

“Don’t want him thinking I’m a complete slob,” You muttered to yourself.

“Who’s a slob?”

You gasped, whipping around to see Viktor standing in the door way. He seemed surprised at your reaction, adjusting himself on his crutch as you two stared at each other for a moment. Taking a deep breath, you placed a hand over your heart, shaking your head.

“Anyone tell you it’s rude to sneak up on people?” You asked. Viktor shrugged.

“I came in and you weren’t at the front, so I followed the noise in the back. I never realized your home was connected to the bakery,” He replied. Grabbing your bag off the floor, you walked to Viktor, motioning for him to follow you out.

“The bakery is my home, Vik. Now come on before you give me another heart attack,” You joked, taking your keys out to lock the bakery once you two stepped outside.

It was a cool day, not too hot and not too cold. The sun felt nice on your skin, but your clothes covered you from being chilled by the breeze. Looking to Viktor, you nodded, showing you were ready to start today’s activities. He turned, and lead the way as you strode beside him.

“I figured we’d go grab some food by the docks. It’s a splendid view I figured you would enjoy,” He said, side eyeing you for a reaction. You smiled and nodded at him, happy you two were getting a day to yourselves, almost like a date.

Shaking your head at the thought, you picked up your pace slightly, turning around to walk backwards as you conversed with Viktor. He spoke of Jayce and Hextech and how it had slowed down a bit, but left the reason as to why out. You connected the dots, knowing it was from Viktor’s medical scare and how Jayce was becoming more involved with the council and a certain somebody from the council.

“Do you think Jayce is just having a spell and is gonna come back to the lab more? Surely you can’t do all of this yourself, even with Sky’s help,” You asked, placing a hand on your chin as you thought aloud.

Viktor shrugged, slightly smiling as you thought of ways to up progress pace in the lab without Jayce being there. Viktor loved how you tried to be involved with Hextech indirectly, mainly just voicing your opinions on some matters to try and give an outsider's view.

Slowing down slightly as you both made it to the docks, you made way down the stairs, albeit slowly, so Viktor could safely make it down. Waking beside the water and seeing all the ships had you smiling. While your shop was near the docks, it wasn’t directly on the water, making you miss out on a gorgeous view despite living a small walk away. Closing your eyes, you grinned as the breeze went through your hair, smelling the water. Suddenly, you got an idea.

Turning to Viktor, you blushed slightly, realizing he just watched you as you stood there in your own world. Rummaging through your bag, you found what you needed, before looking around, eyes squinting. Viktor raised a brow at your behavior with confusion, before you bolted off. He watched you run off with a shocked expression.

Are they leaving? He wondered to himself.

His thoughts of you ditching him diminished when you drug over a small boy, who's attire had him realizing he must’ve been fishing on the docks and had the unfortune of being drug away by you. He watched with slight amusement as you positioned the boy in front of Viktor a few feet away, giving him an object, fumbling in his hands.

You ran back to your place beside Viktor, standing closer than before. Viktor tensed at your closeness, leaning on his crutch as he attempted to move closer as well. He could smell the slight sweet aroma radiating off of you, and his hand itched to wrap around your frame. A smile tugged to his face, before a flash caught him off guard.

Looking back to the boy, he looked just as confused as he did, holding the object unsteadily in his hands. You giggled at the boy’s reaction, before saying,”That’s how you do it, now just tell me before you press the button.”

Oh, Viktor thought to himself, a camera.

“Smile, Vik,” You said, turning towards him for a second. Viktor nodded at your words, turning back to the camera. The boy held the lens up to his eye, finger ready to press the button.

Viktor took a slight inhale, before wrapping an arm around your frame, hand on your shoulder, smile easing onto his face effortlessly. He felt you stumble slightly, surprised at the sudden contact, before feeling you relax into his hold. He felt a sudden arm wrap around his waist, and he knew you wrapped an arm around him as well, tugging him closer to your form as well.

The boy muttered a small,”Smile!” before another flash appeared, this time Viktor was prepared.

The boy dropped his arms to hand the camera back to you, and Viktor felt his chest swell slightly as you didn’t immediatley tug away from his form. A small squeeze to his waist, and you pulled away to take the camera back. Giving the boy a small smile, Viktor watched as you took a picture of the boy as well, his gap toothed smile making him chuckle.

You waved the boy off after giving him his picture, smiling as he took off. Turning to Viktor, you held two pictures up between your fingers. Viktor leaned over your shoulder to look at them.

The first picture was took horizontal, you and Viktor were on the right side, a ship one the left side. The blue, almost greyish, sky illuminated the back ground, a few birds occupying the space. Viktor, not looking at the camera but at you with a tender expression, was leaning on his crutch, his hands place on each other. You were looking at the camera with your hands in front of you mimicking a camera clicking, instructing the boy how to take the picture. Viktor chuckled at the candid moment, loving how the water reflected your silhouttes.

The second, another horizontally took picture, was much more put together than the first. Same setting and set up, you both looked towards the camera. However, the intimate pose had Viktor’s ears burning. Arms wrapped around each other, it looked almost as if you two were used to being in each others arms so close. However, the slight red tint to your cheeks in the picture has his heart fluttering, the natural smile gracing your features.

You stepped away from Viktor, before holding a picture in each hand.

“Pick which one you want,” You said, a small smile gracing your feautures.

Viktor looked to both, neither having any flaws that would make him want one more than the other. After a moments thought, he took the second picture, where you two looked natural in each other’s arms. Tucking it into his jacket, he didn’t miss the grin on your face as you tucked yours safely into your bag.

“Not into candids?” You asked jokingly.

“No, I just like how you look in my arms,” Viktor confidently said before walking ahead. He heard your sputters behind him before your steps caught up to him.

After a small lunch, you and Viktor found yourselves at the end of the dock, the sun setting on the horizon in front of you both. You sat beside him, tearing off pieces of bread to feed to the fish below. Viktor looked on silently, watching your amused face as the fish would pop up and back down.

“Tell me what you’re thinking,” You said suddenly, throwing the last piece of your bed as you looked at him.

Viktor was taken by slight surprise, a moment of silence, before he simply smiled.

“Can I not admire you in silence?” He asked. You went red, turning away from him.

“Has Jayce been influencing you lately?” You asked.

“Whatever do you mean?” He asked, leaning to take a look at you. Taking a hand, he pushed a lock of hair behind your ear, loving how your lips quirked up.

Turning back to Viktor, he didn’t remove his hand as you were closer, noses almost touching as you stared into each other’s eyes.

“You have the prettiest eyes I’ve ever seen,” You whispered. Viktor flickered his eyes back and forth between yours, seeing the sincerity in your gaze.

Staying like that for a moment, he watched frozen as you slowly leaned in, eyes half lidded. He didn’t stop himself as he, too, leaned in.

Your heart leapt to your throat as you felt slight pressure on your lips, a chapped but warm sensation. Tilting your head slightly, you place a hand on Viktor’s as you leaned in closer, turning your body.

Viktor felt the hairs on his neck rising as you deepened the kiss, lifting a hand to your face to cup your cheek, like you had done so many times to him, but this time, it was different. You were warm and soft, contrasting his cold frame, and his hand sat comfortably against the warmth of your cheek.

Pulling back slightly, you gazed up at Viktor, who’s lips sat partly open, before he opened his eyes to gaze down at you. A gentle smile spread across your face, your thumb rubbing his hand as he pulled back to fully see your face.

The sun has long set by now, the reflection of light from the water illuminating your face. Soft shadows danced across your face, Viktor slightly tracing the contours of your face, wanting to stay in this moment forever

“We should head back, I think,” You shyly muttered. Viktor said nothing, running a hand through your hair before leaving a chaste kiss to your cheek.

You helped him back up, not bothering to keep your hands off of him as you helped him back onto his crutch. He looked at you as you held his shoulders, smiling.

“Do I have something on my face?” He asked with a sudden shyness.

“Can I not admire you in silence?” You asked, paralleling him.

He chuckled at you, before you both headed back off the docks.

Walking slowly through Piltover, you both made no rush to go back to your shop, walking a longer path as you both left fleeting touches to each other. A lingered hand here, a small touch there, you were on Mars with how ecstatic you were.

Close to your shop, you turned to Viktor, bringing a hand to his face.

“Thank you for today,” You said, thumb rubbing his cheek. He brought his free hand up to hold yours, leaning his cheek into your hand.

“Of course, milý."

Leaning up to leave a chaste kiss to the corner of his mouth, you returned his soft smile with your own, letting your hand slide off his face slowly, not wanting to depart just yet.

Your romantic moment was interrupted with loud shouts around the corner, having you and Viktor turning in confusion. He turned to you, brows furrowed with a sudden worried expression.

“Do you smell smoke?”

Chapter Text

Viktor and you went as quickly as you could, following the crowd as the smell of smoke got stronger. You halted in your tracks, a gasp leaving you as you stared at the growing flames.

Your throat choked up as you saw your bakery in flames. Enforcers surrounding the area as they tried to douse the fire in water, trying to save what was left of your bakery.

You took off, sprinting to try and get to your shop. An enforcer quickly blocked you, holding you tight as you struggled in his grasp.

“No one may get pass while we try to put out the fire,” He said, grunting as you tugged and pulled in his arms.

“That’s my bakery! Please, you don’t understand,” You choked, a cry leaving your mouth as the enforcer forced you down to the ground. Sobbing as you watched your life’s work be burned in a matter of minutes, you shook in the enforcer’s grasp.

“No, this can’t be… I turned everything off, I locked the door…”

You felt hands grab you and tug you close, much more familiar than the gloves that were previously holding you. You tugged Viktor close, sobbing into his chest as everything burned.

Viktor could only hold you to his chest as he watched the blaze slowly die out from the water being poured on it, a tightness in his chest as you grasped onto him like a child. How could things turn around so quickly? A moment ago you were smiling, embracing each other. Now, Viktor had never heard such distraught sounds come from a human being.

The light from the flame died out as the fire was reduced to nothing, a pile of ash and rubble taking its place. The streetlights illuminated the night, and Viktor loosened his grip as you gently turned to see the aftermath.

Nothing remained, the building collapsed in on itself from the heat, ash and soot on the ground was all that remain. Viktor heard you choke up again, silent tears cascading down your reddened face. You gently tugged away from him, standing to slowly approach where your bakery and home once stood.

Falling to your knees, your hands ran through the ash, slightly hot to the touch. Grasping it and feeling the ash fall through your fingers had you into another sobbing fit, hands close to your chest as you realized your life’s work was gone.

“Oh, what am I gonna do?” You choked out to yourself.

You shot up at the sounds of enforcers shouting again, and the sounds of… children? Slowly rising to your feet, you watched as enforcers pushed some children to the ground, cuffing them.

“H-hey, what are you doing?” You asked, voice hoarse. Approaching the enforcers, you watched with furrowed brows as one of the children’s heads was forced up by the hair. Your eyes widened at the realization that these were the usual kids you fed for free in the mornings before opening, the children from Zaun.

“This delinquents were found inside when the fire was ablaze, they’re the one that did this, miss.” A female enforcer said, hand falling to your shoulder. Watching them stunned, one of the children spoke up, looking to you.

“It was an accident, we swear! We were hungry and wanted some food, and we just got in through a window. We didn’t mean to set the place on fire!” He was forced back to the ground, face shoved into mud.

You jolted down to them, yanking the kid into your lap as the enforcer let go.

“Stop hurting them! They didn’t mean it, you don’t-“ “They set your property and home ablaze and admitted to breaking and entering. They knew what they were doing,”

You frowned at the man that stood in front of you, his decorated uniform showing his higher rank of the enforcers. Clutching the child to your chest, you shook as he looked at you with a coldness, hand out for you to hand over the child.

“Don’t make this harder than it has to be,” He said quietly.

Your eyes shot between the children and enforcers, before looking to Viktor.

He stood leaning on his crutch, an enforcer blocking him from getting close to the scene. He watched with worry, brows up as he looked to you. Your eyes watered, shaking slightly as he watched the scene play.

Looking back to the enforcer, you asked,”What are you going to do with them?”

“I cannot answer that at this moment,”

“Then you can’t take them!” You shouted.

His thick brows shot up at your voice, before narrowing his brows. He shook his head, before motioning for the others. They all began to make their way toward you, and you tugged the child closer to your chest, watching them take the other children around you.

The child in your arms whimpered, hiding in your chest the best he could with cuffed hands. Cradling his head, you tried to scoot back away from them as they closed in.

“Please! They’re children, they were just hungry, you don’t understand what they’re going through-“ You were cut off as an enforcer grabbed you from behind, tugging your hands behind you back to hold you. You yelled in surprise, jerking in their hold as they pinned you. You watched helplessly as the child you were holding was taken by enforcers, his sobs echoing in your head as he struggled in their hold.

“Please, stop! You don’t- you don’t understand,” The fatigue from all the stress was finally setting in, adrenaline leaving your body. You let out quiet sobs, not fighting the enforcer as you went limp in their grasp.

Even as they let you go and Viktor was by your side, you lay there limp as you sobbed, watching the enforcers leave one by one. After it was just you and Viktor remaining, you sat up slowly, feeling him wrap his arm around you.

“There’s nothing you could’ve done, you did your best.” He muttered into your ear.

You shook your head, fist clenching his shirt, not meeting his gaze.

“I should’ve tried harder, they didn’t know what they were doing, Vik. Now they’re gonna suffer, they’re gonna-“ You didn’t finish your sentence as Viktor tugged you close, shushing you. You wrapped your arms around him, tired and upset as you leaned into him.

“Shh, calm down. Let’s go,” He murmured sweetly. You didn’t fight him, following him closely as he lead you back to the academy. You didn’t argue as he said you would be staying with him for the night, unlocking his bedroom.

You took in your surroundings, examining the room. It was so neat, almost as if it was barely touched. It probably was, knowing Viktor pretty much called the lab his home. Taking off you boots, you frowned at the sight of your clothes and hands, covered in black.

Viktor noticed your stalling, watching as you examined your hands. He walked over slowly, a hand coming to cup your neck and bring it close. Closing his eyes, he felt you relax in his hold, pressing a kiss to your hairline.

“Go take a shower, I’ll get you some clothes,” He murmured against you. Nodding slightly at his words, he lead you to the bathroom, leaving you as went to fetch you night clothes.

You stayed in the shower for a while, letting the warm water turn cold as you let a million thoughts race through your mind. Contemplating what was to become of you, you and Viktor, or your business in Zaun and those children.

You felt your chest tighten up, the freezing water not helping. Turning the water off, you stepped out and quickly got dressed in the pajamas Viktor brought, simple white ones that seemed to be made for him.

Walking out with your hair damp and your skin flushed, you looked to see Viktor in his chair, head in his hand with his eyes closed. You approached him silently, standing in front of him gazing at his tired form. His steady breathing had you realizing he was asleep. Knowing he wasn’t in sleeping clothes and had not even taken off his brace, you gently shook him.

“You take the bed,” He murmured, not bothering to open his eyes. You frowned at the exhaustion in his voice, before sliding your arms under his shoulders and lifting him. His eyes shot open, looking to you, his hand grabbing his crutch.

“I’m not letting you sleep on a chair after all you’ve done for me,” You said, attempting a smile. Viktor frowned, saying nothing as he sat on his bed, peeling off his clothes. You turned away as he unbuttoned his shirt, his pale skin showing. You could’ve sworn you saw something purple along his skin, but you assumed your fatigue was getting to you.

After a moment of silence, Viktor adjusted himself on the bed, and your turned at the sound of the bed creaking. You watched as he got comfortable, before he scooted over and pulled the sheets down, gesturing for you.

After a moment’s hesitance, you say nothing as you slid in next to him, noticing how his bed was significantly more soft than your old one. At the thought, your eyes burned, knowing you could never return to the place you called home.

Viktor must’ve noticed your face, blowing out his candle to let the darkness envelope you both, pulling you close. You felt another kiss to your hair, and you slid a hand up to rest on his chest.

“You’re okay,” He murmured reassurance.

You said nothing, losing yourself to sleep as he ran his fingers through your hair, comforting you. Viktor felt your breathing even out, before he, too, fell asleep with you in his arms.

 Waking to an empty bed, you almost forgot what happened yesterday until you noticed you were in Viktor's room, not yours at the bakery. Trying to calm your nerves, you stood to look for Viktor, who was no where to be found. Gazing at his belongings, you looked at the many books around his room, all written on topics you couldn't grasp. Frowning, you quickly put your boots on, not bothering to change out of Viktor's clothes as you began your walk to the lab.

 Ignoring stares from other students, you trekked all the way to the doors, not bothering to knock as you entered, seeing Jayce and Viktor conversing. Viktor looked back to you, an unreadable expression on his face. Jayce turned to you with a frown, looking at your appearance.

 "Did you stay the night?" He asked, his voice light despite the long look on his face. Nodding, you went to stand beside Viktor, who sat in a chair, crutch nearby.

 "Have you told him?" You asked Viktor. He shook his head, rubbing his hands together.

 "I figured you should," He said. Jayce looked between you two, brows furrowed in confusion.

 "What is it?" He asked, crossing his arms.

 "No more treats for a while," You said as you crossed your arms. "My bakery burned down." 

 Jayce's face contorted to shock, approaching you to inspect you. You chuckled at his worried gaze, inspecting you for any injuries.

 "I wasn't in it, Jayce. I was with Viktor when I saw," You said softly. This did nothing to ease his worries.

 "What happened? Do you know?" He asked, placing his hands on your shoulders. You looked down to your feet, hugging yourself.

 "Some children from Zaun broke in, and the caught fire by accident. They were arrested right after it burned," 

 "Of course kids from the undercity did this," Jayce murmured under his breath. 

 Your head shot up at his words, your brows furrowing. You looked to Viktor, who appeared to have heard the comment as well, his own face scrunching up. You turned back to Jayce, taking. a step back from his hold. 

 "What did you say?"

 Jayce looked to you, then Viktor expectantly. He brought a hand up to pinch his nose bridge in annoyance.

 "The undercity people are dangerous. I doubt the kids did it on accident, they're always stirring up trouble for us, I'm sorry you had to see it first hand." Jayce said, crossing his thick arms.

 Turning to Viktor you shook your head at him, hurt lacing your features as Viktor stood with his crutch. Jayce watched in confusion as you stood beside Viktor, anger spread across your features.

 "We're from the undercity." Viktor scoffed. Your gaze flitted to the floor as you followed Viktor out. You heard Jayce sputter behind you, making quick steps from behind.

 "Wait, I didn't-" "Didn't what, Jayce?" You scoffed as you turned around. Your heart tugged at his regretful face, but you knew he needed some cold water to the face.

 "Don't demonize a margin of people when you don't know what that life's like," You said firmly, before shutting the lab doors behind you.

 Looking to Viktor, you frowned at his somber appearance. He looked so tired.

 "I'll get you some clothes, then I'll talk to Heimendinger about getting you a place to stay for now," Viktor said. You nodded, reaching a hand out to grasp his cold one. Squeezing slightly, you caressed his hand with your thumb.

 "Thank you, Viktor."

Chapter Text

Things seemed to be at a standstill for you since the bakery burned down. You had managed to get a job in the academy bakery, and you were still getting used to the onslaught of students and professors that swarmed the mess hall during the day, a significant difference compared to the lower and narrowed population that came through your bakery. Working with others was taking some used to as well- especially that one coworker that wanted to make your life living hell.

“I’m going on my lunch break,” You shouted to your coworkers as they did their specific jobs. You heard a few grunts of acknowledgment, which was enough for you to throw your apron onto a shelf before grabbing a food bag. Before you made it out the back door, a sudden hand on your shoulder had you groaning internally.

“What is it, Alice?”

“You didn’t finish making all of the needed strudels,” Her face twisted as you made no move to turn back. “And you’re not supposed to take food out of here without permission,”

Shaking her hand off you, you turned around with a slight glare to the redhead, who returned it all too well. “We’ve already made enough strudels, there’s no need in making more and having excessive waste. And I’ve already gotten permission from the boss, he knows my conditions. I made my lunch, it’s not like I’m taking your labor,” Not waiting to hear her dispute, you turned and headed out the door.

Wasting no time and hurrying to the lab, you gave a brief knock before allowing yourself to enter.

Greeting Jayce and signaling him it was lunch time while he was stuck on an equation, you made your way to Viktor, slouched over with goggles stuck to his face and gloves covering his hands as he worked with some electrical wires. You slid over a chair as close as you could as he worked, making no attempt to disturb him as you began eating your lunch, his placed beside you.

Munching on the brownie, you contemplated, not having much time for your thoughts nowadays. Viktor and you have gotten closer, those few days you spent with him in his room as Heimendinger arranged for your own had you feeling domestic. Waking up in his arms every morning (Early in the morning, Viktor’s days started earlier than yours and you were still getting used to it,) and making his breakfast while he read over his notes was very calming and needed in this chaotic moment in your life. While you were slightly upset that you eventually had to move to your own room, you didn’t want to jump in too fast with Viktor just yet, especially when you two had your own aspirations.

Speaking of Viktor, you didn’t notice he took a moment to stop his work to grab his food, pulling his chair closer to yours.

“Mily?” He murmured, snapping you out of your thoughts. You turned to him, slightly embarrassed at getting caught lost in your thoughts, before furrowing your brows in question. “Yes, Viktor?”

“Nothing, just wondering where your mind was,”

“I can’t seem to find it if we’re being honest,” You joked. Viktor gave a slight tilt of the lips as he slowly ate his food.

“How is your room suiting you?”

“A little cold for my liking, but it’s nice. They’ve also given me an academy uniform, but I don’t see the point in wearing them under my apron if I’m being honest,” You shrugged.

“Why not? Do your coworkers wear theirs?”

“Yes, but I don’t see the point in wearing something nice if I’m going to get it dirty,”

“Maybe I’d like to see you wear it.” Turning to Viktor at his comment, your face burned as he leaned his head onto his fist, raised brows looking at you. You shook your head with a smile,”We’ll see.”

Finishing your lunch, you went to clean Viktor’s, when you noticed he barely touched his food. Viktor was already sliding his gloves back on as you asked,”Not hungry?”

“Not today,” He slid on his goggles, not thinking much of the concern in your voice.

You sighed, tucking the remaining food away as you examined his frame. It was slim before, but he was getting skinnier now, too much to be comfortable. You stepped closer to him, a hand on his shoulder. He turned to look at your worried gaze.

“If something’s wrong, you’d tell me, right?”

His brows shot up, his face dropping as he took your hand in gloved ones. “Of course,”

Frowning but nodding at his reply, you gave a slight squeeze, kissing his temple before making your leave to go back to work. “I’ll see you later.” You didn’t wait for a reply as you left the lab.

Wiping off the baking powder to the best of your ability, you waited as the mop bucket filled up with water so you could begin cleaning the academy bakery. It was your night to clean, and you figured everyone else had left as you folded your apron for later use. It wasn’t until you began mopping near the front did you hear voices of your coworkers. Slowing your steps to not be heard, you glanced around to see Alice and a coworker you didn’t know well covering. You were about to turn back to your work when you heard your name mentioned.

“I’m sick of their attitude, acting all high and mighty like that assistant didn’t land them this job,” Alice muttered. You glared as the coworker agreed, shaking their head. “Always talking about how they owned their own bakery, so damn annoying. I bet any of us could run a bakery by ourselves, it’s not that hard.”

“Good thing that place burned down, I bet it was complete shit!” You watched as they started giggling amongst each other, your chest tightening at the venom in their words. Your eyes burned as you grabbed your apron, swinging the back door open and letting it slam shut as you made your way to your room. Scoffing to yourself, you tried to let anger take over your body but you felt upset more than anything.

Sighing to yourself, you rubbed the tears away as you pulled your keys out to unlock your room. After missing the key hole a few times, you groaned in frustration as they fell out of your hands to the ground. Squatting to grab them, you took a moment to sit there, trying to calm yourself down. After a moment you heard your name being called behind you.

Turning, you were surprised to see Viktor standing there, a concerned expression on his features. “What are you doing?” He asked.

You sighed, before grabbing the key and standing up to full height, leaning against the door.

“Just got off work, what are you doing here, Vik? Your room is the other direction,”

“I wanted to come see you, but you don’t look the brightest. What happened?” You frowned, thinking back to the conversation you overheard. Approaching Viktor, you put your head to his shoulder, closing your eyes. “People are so mean, Viktor.” He didn’t make you elaborate, allowing you to lean on him as he gently rubbed your back. After a moment of no noise but Viktor’s even breathing in your ear, he broke the quiet.

“I have something to show you,”

You walked silently with Viktor as you approached the lab, not bothering to make conversation when you were just so tired. As you entered the lab, you were about to question Viktor when a blue hue caught your attention.

“This,” Viktor gestured to the floating object,”Is what we call the Hexcore.”

“‘We’?” You asked, your voice small as you examined it, intrigued.

“Jayce and I. We believe it has magical abilities that could potentially help us, the people.”

Your mouth was agape as you stared into it, before turning to Viktor, grabbing his hands in amazement. “Viktor, this is amazing! The possibilities of what this could do, you guys could help so many with this!” Viktor smiled at your childlike excitement over the Hexcore, pride swelling in his chest as you spouted praises.

“Yes, we also believe it could help me and my condition,” Viktor said, his face relaxed but voice small as he spoke. You were again shocked at his implication, staring at Viktor for any implication of lying. When there was none found, you wrapped your arms around him, grinning ear to ear.

“Viktor, this is amazing! You’re amazing, God I can’t believe this…” You murmured the latter into his neck, feeling as though you were in a dream.

“We talk to Heimendinger tomorrow about it, I’ll let you know what he says.” Pulling away from him, you pressed a kiss to his cheek, gazing up into his eyes. The pride and excitement hidden behind his calm eyes had your chest swelling. You could only wait until tomorrow to see where this would Viktor’s discovery would take them.

Chapter Text

 Trying to be perky as you handed the wrapped food to the handful of students, you waved goodbye to the frequent customers as they walked away, food in hand. Letting your hand fall to your side, you ignored the sounds of your coworkers conversing behind you, staring straight ahead at the many students who meandered around in their friend groups. Leaning against the counter, you admittedly felt somewhat lonely. Sure, you had Viktor at your side, and that’s all you could ask for, but the idea of having just a friend besides him was something you wanted.

 Looking at the clock on the wall, you made your way to the back, grabbing your lunch bag as you called out that you were going to lunch. Ignoring any words that came from behind you, you tried to up your spirits as you made your way to the lab. Walking for a while, you ket your legs guide you on your usual path to the lab, slightly zoning out. You were rounding the corner, when you bumped into a familiar face. Papers flew around you two, and you were scrambling trying to pick them up.

 “Sky! I’m sorry, I didn’t see you you-“ “It’s fine,” Her voice cut through yours, and she gave you a small smile as you handed her papers back to her. Glancing at the reports and notes, you felt your mouth go slack at the many equations and wordings on the paper. “Wow, it still amazes me at how you guys can understand this stuff,” 

 Sky chuckled at your words, shifting her arms to let you have a better view over her shoulder at the papers. 

 “After so many years, you get used to it. There is some stuff that still gets me, though,”

 “Still, that stuff is so confusing to look at. Whenever Viktor talks about all this stuff, it sounds so amazing, I feel bad not understanding everything.” Sky waved a hand at you, shaking her head with a smile. “Please, I think that’s just Viktor. He has me running in circles trying to understand him sometimes, and I’m his assistant.”

 You both laughed at her comment, agreeing with her. As she laughed with shaking shoulders, her papers clutched to her chest, you felt happy to be in her presence alone. When you had first met her with Viktor, the only thing on your mind was jealousy and self pity, but now that you were actually talking to her, you could see more to her than ‘Viktor’s assistant’. Speaking of Viktor, you almost forgot you were supposed to be meeting him to see how Jayce and his meeting with Heimendinger went. 

 Pulling out one of the sliced sweet breads in your bag, you held it out to her, her brows raised in slight confusion. “For bumping into you and making you drop your papers,” She smiled at this, nodding at your words as she took the bread. Holding it in her hand, she looked from the bread to you. 

 “We should hang out sometime. I’d love to try some of your goods, they were great from that time I ate lunch with you and Viktor.” Nodding at her words, you waved goodbye as you continued your walk to the lab. Smiling to yourself at the interaction, you let slight excitement bubble up at the thought of a new friend in your life. Approaching the lab door, you gave a few knocks before entering. 

 You saw Viktor sitting at his desk, his head being held up by his fist, the other leaning on his crutch. Smiling, figuring he was just tired and was trying to get a quick nap in, you placed the bag down beside him, letting a hand fall to his head, caressing his hair. After a moment, you heard him sigh, before pulling away to let his hand fall to the table, his head hanging. Frowning at this, you let your hand fall as you leaned against his desk, crossing your arms. 

 A moment of silence passed by as Viktor collected himself. 

 “Heimendinger… wants us to destroy it.” 

 His voice was soft in the silence, but despite how quiet it was, you could hear the disappointment and slight annoyance in his voice. You were caught off guard at Heimendinger’s negative reaction towards the Hexcore, and you let it be known. 

 “What? Why? Doesn’t he know this could help you?” 

 “Jayce said that, and yet Heimendinger didn’t change his stance. He says he’s seen this before, and does not like the possible outcome.” He sighed again, face falling to his hands. Your heart tugged at his dejected form, and you raised a hand to rub at his back, trying to soothe him. 

 “I’m sorry, Vik. What are you guys going to do?” You felt him shrug under your palm, and you just rubbed his back in response, feeling the brace underneath his uniform. Why didn’t Heimendinger see that this could help Viktor and expand his life? You wanted to see Viktor live long and bask in his achievements- not burn out like a light and forgotten. Your chest tightened at the thought of Viktor leaving you one day, but you tried stay clear of that thought. 

 “I’m not going to be able to join you later when you get off work, I’m afraid,” Viktor spoke, steering the conversation else where. You looked at him in confusion, asking,”Why?” 

 “I have some business to attend to, nothing too serious. I should join you tomorrow, though.” His voice had you wanting to question him further, but you just nodded, not wanting to upset him further than he had been earlier. Squeezing his shoulder slightly, you gave a small smile. 

 “I’m off tomorrow, so you have my full attention tomorrow.” He nodded, returning you smile with a slight upturn of his lips. Giving his shoulder another slight squeeze, you gave a chaste kiss to the top of his head. 

 “I should head out, my break’s almost over. Be careful tomorrow, alright?” His brows furrowed slightly at your words of caution, before nodding, waving good bye.

 Groaning as you moved the desk across the room to another corner, you wiped the sweat off your forehead, sighing at the amount of dust in the room. You were reorganizing your room to feel more like yours, but it was harder when you only had a handful of items that were actually yours- a few items of clothing, a blanket Viktor had given you, and some cookbooks from the library you would have to return soon. Opening the window to let the night air in, you sat there, staring at the buildings across Piltover.

 It truly was a beautiful view, more pristine and organized compared to the lively nights in the undercity. While you were happy you’ve made it up here, you still felt as though you left something back in the undercity, something you couldn’t get up here. Maybe it was a since of thrill of running around with little to no rules, or the never ending nerves that came with having to look over your shoulder with every step, either one had your adrenaline constantly up. You can’t remember the last time that feeling came to you, that excitement filled with adrenaline. You missed it, in a somber sort of way. 

 A knock on your door had you turning around, your socks sliding against the hard floor. I really need to invest in a small carpet, you thought to yourself as you opened the door. To your slight surprise, Sky stood there, bag in hand as she stood in her pajamas. “I’m not interrupting anything, am I?” She asked with a smile. You shook your head, opening the door more for her to come in.

 “Not at all, just rearranging. What’s up?” Sky stood in the middle of the room, peering around at the barren place. Turning to you. She gave a smile as she asked,”Would you like to go shopping with me tomorrow?” 

 Confused at the sudden request, she elaborated,”Viktor told me what happened at your bakery, I’m sorry that had to happen. I figured we could go get a few things in the city to make this place more lively? If you’re okay with that,” She said the last part a bit abashed, looking for your response. 

 You thought about it for a moment, thinking back to having a day with Viktor.  However, it also made you realized that Viktor was the only person you ever hung out with. A few hours couldn’t hurt, you thought to yourself. Looking back to Sky with a small smile, you nodded,”I’d love that.” 

Laughing as you and Sky made your way up the stairs back to the academy, you felt her bump into your side, the many bags in your hold rustling at the contact. “Did you see the look on her face when we said we worked at the academy?” Sky laughed in your ear, elbowing you slightly at the memory. You nodded, grinning ear to ear.

 “Oh yeah, especially after I said,’Professor Heimendinger will hear about this!’” Cackling to yourselves like hyenas, you checked her watch on her wrist, seeing it was a quarter past one. 

 “We stayed out longer than I thought we would,” You commented, smiling. Sky nodded in agreement.

 “It was fun though, right?” She asked, pushing her glasses up her nose bridge. You nodded at her.

  “We’ll have to do this again sometime, if you don’t mind. Not just shopping, hanging out in general,” You said, unlocking the door to your room, pushing it open to lay all your bags at the door. Sky did the same with the bags in her hand, before checking her watch herself. You watched as she had a look of shock across her face, as she said,”Shoot, I need to run some papers to the lab. I would stay longer, but I gotta go change. I’ll see you later?” You chuckled and nodded at her, before she left with a wave of her hand.

 Smiling to yourself, you were tickled that you had such a good day with the girl you were jealous of from before. Now that you’ve actually spent the day with her, you let yourself become accustomed to her shy yet lively personality, her colors blossoming after spending a few hours with her. Dumping some of the bags out, you started unpacking everything from new clothes and blankets to the many books Sky convinced you to get. Most were cookbooks, but she slipped in a few beginner science level books.

 To help with your understanding of Viktor’s rants, she had winked at you. 

 You let yourself pop your back, the joints cracking as you stretched. You were used to walking, but the ups and downs of Piltover’s streets and shops had you aching, leading you to plopping down on your bed. Looking over to your desk, you glanced at the photos that sat on your desk. The one of Viktor and you was framed, the one you took on the day you both had kissed. Touching your lips at the fond memory, you smiled softly to yourself at the intimate thought of him. Beside the picture was a simple photo of Sky and you that was taken today, the photo had a slight blur from Sky’s unsteady hands as she took the photograph of you two in front of a fountain. It was a cute cameo, you both grinning ear to ear, and you could still hear Sky’s laughing in your ears.

 Sitting up on your elbows, you decided to go see Viktor, to tell him about your day and ask about his. Making quick work to the lab, you knocked on the door, before letting yourself in. Glancing around, you were surprised to not see the brunette occupying his desk. Sighing, you were about to turn and try Viktor’s room, when a slight cough caught your attention. Looking over to the sound, you met the eyes of Jayce, who stood leaning against the wall. You frowned slightly at the sight. While you two were back to speaking terms, you were still a little hurt about his ignorant comment he made not too long ago. 

 “Where’s Vik?” You asked, your voice echoing in the silent room. Jayce shrugged slightly,”Probably in his room,”

 He kicked off the wall to approach you, his built form somewhat unsettling in the dark. You took a step back when he was in front of you, his brows drawn together with an unreadable emotion drawn across his face. You watched as he placed a hand on your shoulder, his large hands golfing your shoulder.

 “What’s going on, Jayce?” You asked. 

 “I need you to stay with Viktor for a few days, if you don’t mind. Please,” He ignored your question, and your stomach churned at his voice, so quiet for a usually upbeat man. You placed a hand on his, trying to comfort whatever war was going on in his mind.

 “Of course, I’ll have to tell my boss, but I will. This is an unusual request from you, what’s wrong, Jayce?” You asked, trying to pry information out of the man. He shook his head, before lifting his gaze to yours finally.

 “I’m trying to save his life, but I’ve got to get my hands dirty. I just need to know he has someone with him while I do this.” You nodded, still slightly confused at his words. Save his life? Get his hands dirty? You felt his hand slide off your shoulder, before he made his way to exit the lab. Before he left, you called his name, and he turned at your voice.

 “What are you going to do, Jayce?” There was a slight pain on his face at your question.

 “I’m going to get Heimendinger removed from the council.”