Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Jayce roused from his sleep as the morning sun in Piltover filtered in through the bedroom curtains. He laid still for several moments before gently turning his head to look at the clock on the wall, 8:30 am it read. He also happened to notice the date on the calendar that sat on his bedside. A few days ago it had been six years since the stabilization of the crystal and subsequent beginning of Hextech. Jayce settled back against the pillows and allowed his mind to wander. 6 years…

A lot can happen in 6 years.

With the passage of time, things are bound to change. People grow older, they drift apart and come together. Things become more familiar or more mysterious. Every day is spent learning a new thing about the world around you. Constantly out of control of humanity as it ventures forth around you. Yes, things change but similarly, some things will stay the same. 

For Jayce Talis, the past 6 years had done just that. As far as he was concerned he was doing exactly what he had planned to be doing with his future: working on making Hextech a reality and helping the people of Piltover to a brighter tomorrow. It was all he had thought about for so many years and he was right where he needed to be. This would stay the same.

To say that his single-minded determination left him unprepared for change would be an understatement. It had not accounted for an anomaly  to insert themself into his plans; veritably changing the trajectory of his life:

Viktor.

That fateful day six years ago that Jayce was certain was to be his last, he had been interrupted by a gentle lilting voice and a soft smile. 

“I had wanted to yell after you but I was afraid It would have startled you for the edge anyway”  the man had confessed a few years later when Jayce had finally been ready to speak about it. 

Viktor had saved him and even more so, believed in his theories and had helped develop Hextech into a reality. Jayce remembered fondly the moment the crystal stabilized and the two of them had floated in Heimerdinger’s office. Their eyes had met and Jayce was amazed to see his childlike awe and wonder reflected in his partner's face. In those moments he had felt the spark of something that he was unable to put a label on, wrapped up in the feelings of success and relief.

It wasn’t until half a year later that Jayce realized the something he felt had been the roots of romantic feelings settling in his heart. He felt it grow in so many ways. It was there every time he managed to make his new partner laugh. It grew as Viktor put his trust in him, sharing more and more about his past with Jayce. Telling stories of his life as a cripple in the undercity. Jayce never judged his life, only admired his partner's determination to keep living and the innovation that followed him. He felt affection as Viktor’s personality began to bleed into their working hours, how prickly he was with everyone but Jayce. The man had become so fond of Viktor's blunt and straightforward sense of humor. He felt attraction as he gazed upon slender fingers and curly chestnut locks of hair. Soft lips curved in smiles only meant for Jayce...It took all of his restraint to never reach out and touch in fear of startling his friend.

“You are a sap.” Caitlyn had teased him one evening as he shared these thoughts with her often. Apparently, she had known before he did, go figure.

Naturally, Jayce did the logical thing for a boy in his position, and that was absolutely nothing. He was unwilling to break the peace he felt having Viktor as a lab partner and friend and instead pined in silence for many many months. He was pretty darn good at hiding it too, at least he thought so. However, those who had to watch him long for his friend were beginning to get fed up. 

“You are in love with him, Jayce.” His mother had said tersely one evening over dinner, “I am old but I am not blind.”   His mother had given her approval within an hour of knowing him. Always a good sign as Talis women were good judges of character (Or so he's been told).

It wasn’t until Professor Heimerdinger of all people called him out that he realized that he couldn't continue on like this. So one night he bit the bullet and asked Viktor to go to dinner with him. To his surprise, the other man smiled warmly and agreed.

“I was wondering when you would stop looking and start acting.” Viktor had chided him jokingly. Apparently, he wasn’t as subtle as he thought.

Turns out he was also completely unaware of the gentle flirtations and burning gazes that were being sent his way by his science partner. Which, yeah, Jayce was incredibly single-minded and it had led to incredible social stunting, he supposed (Really though looks just aren’t enough sometimes). Viktor obviously suffered the same affliction given that, according to him, he had a personality that “Topsiders don’t appreciate because they lack a sense of humor”. Either way, they laughed over their obliviousness that night and proceeded to have the most lovely date Jayce had been on in years.

Of course, after that nothing really changed between them. They still spent every waking moment together researching and developing Hextech, but now Viktor allowed himself to be pulled away for meals and short walks around the academy. Jayce would receive coffees and little sweet notes at his workstation in return. It was easy to settle into loving one another for they had been doing it for so long already.

----

Jayce’s reminiscing was interrupted by a shifting beside him. He peered down to see that the duvet that had once covered him was now lumped up on the other side of the bed. From the top of the blanket lump, Jayce could see a head of chestnut curls poking out as well as two long legs stuck out the other end. Jayce smiled, Viktor had a tendency to get incredibly cold at night, and while he was often more than happy to use Jayce as a human space heater, most mornings he was no better than a cocoon. He shifted over more pet the soft hair that stuck out every which way as he was consumed by his thoughts once more. 

Two and a half years of peaceful dating between the two men had passed by and Jayce had become so accustomed to it that he was beginning to think he didn’t know how to function without Viktor. The need to be with him and take care of him was overwhelming and what made it more intense was that Viktor felt the same way. They took care of each other. Jayce made sure that Viktor never overworked himself despite the other man’s best efforts and he was healthier because of it, Still slender but not emaciated, skin pale but not sickly, not to mention the bags under his honey-colored eyes weren’t nearly as pronounced. Viktor had become very good at soothing Jayce’s anxiety as well as calling him out on his sometimes out-of-hand ego. Whether it required soothing words or an annoyed whack in the leg from a cane, Viktor would be right there to counter the doubt. It was insane to him that no one, aside from like three people, seemed to know they were together. They loved each other, it was very clear to them that they did. However, Jayce still wanted to give his partner more and more. 

Staring out onto the skyline one night after Viktor had gone to bed, Jayce thought about time. The time he had spent on the mountain, the time he spent at the academy, the time before the explosion. All that time he spent chasing magic. He looked over his old notes, the ones that had every page signed with his name. It had been lonely. No one to share his thoughts and his ideas with. That is until Viktor came along, beautiful and brilliant much like the crystals Jayce studied. He had added so much more purpose to Jayce’s life and that was something Jayce never wanted to live without. His eyes skimmed over newer notes. Ones that were signed every fifth page. Ones that were signed: Viktor and Jayce Talis. Viktor was from the Undercity, and he had explained to Jayce that last names were no such frivolities assigned to the poor populous of Zaun. It felt wrong to Jayce that Viktor had no name to belong to...then it clicked. That was it, he wanted to give Viktor forever. He eyed the bracelet with his original crystal shard in it and planned. 

Jayce proposed to Viktor on a warm afternoon...in the lab. He pulled Viktor over to his station nervously and asked him to partake in a long-term experiment with him. When Viktor had skeptically asked him how long term it would be, Jayce shakily took a ring out of his pocket. A ring he forged himself and inlaid with a piece of the crystal from his bracelet. 

“Forever if you’ll have me” Jayce had murmured.

Viktor had been shell-shocked of course. Had it been a year prior he would have said something about the impropriety of marrying a poor cripple from Zaun, but as time had gone on, Viktor had come to understand his worth especially when it came to Jayce. Viktor stayed quiet just long enough for Jayce to start sweating before he shakily nodded.

“I take my experiments very seriously Jayce Talis, I expect you to do the same.” His voice wavered slightly, eyes bright and glassy with tears. Jayce gave a watery chuckle, not realizing he had tears in his eyes as well. He started to actually cry when he was swiftly whacked in the shins by Viktor’s cane. The shorter man chastising him for such a dorky proposal before grabbing him by the tie and kissing him thoroughly. Not much more work was done that evening. 

They had asked Heimerdinger to wed them, as he was one of the only ones who knew about them. The ceremony itself was also private and small, with only Jayce’s mother and Caitlyn present. It was partially at Heimerdinger’s suggestion that they keep the union under wraps. The yordle was concerned that their status as married would come under duress by the council and he wished to protect both them and their work. Jayce and Viktor didn’t particularly care either way. They had been together for so long and no one had seemed to catch on to their relationship. One laughable example being the time that Councillor Medarda had come to their home and assumed that the sparsely designed guest room in their shared home was Viktor’s bedroom. Jayce did not stop hearing about it for days afterward, laughing at the expense of his lover. Nonetheless, they agreed that professionalism was for the public and intimacy was for them personally.

It had been two years since then, two years of blissful marriage to Viktor. He always heard people talking about how post-marital bliss always wears off, but Jayce had yet to wake up and not still be deeply entranced by his husband. Every moment spent with him felt like it had when they had floated in the air all those years ago, and he was going to hold on to that feeling for as long as he lived.

----

A yawn and shuffling broke his thoughts for the final time as Viktor began to wake up. The shorter man turned to face Jayce with a huff and set a pale hand atop Jayce’s tanned one, wedding ring glittering in the morning sun. Viktor’s eyelids fluttered as he stared up at his husband, disoriented.

“Good morning,” Jayce whispered gently, caressing his beloved’s curls.

“Mmm,” Viktor hummed contentedly, “Good morning, my love. What time is it?”

Jayce’s eyes flicked over to the clock which now read 9:45 am. Oops, looks like he got lost in his head instead of rousing Viktor when he asked.

“Uhhhhh,” Jayce chuckled to save face, “Not too late?”

Viktor huffed annoyedly and used the hand resting on Jayce’s to pinch his arm really hard. Jayce squawked and pulled his hand away. Pinching, why always the pinching with him??

“I told you I wanted to be up by 9.” 

“Vitya, it’s the weekend!” Jayce huffed, “Plus you needed the sleep obviously if you didn’t wake up on your own.”

Viktor pouted at him before smiling coyly, reaching a hand out to caress the other man’s cheek. “Yes I suppose I did,” he relented, “seeing how you kept me up late last night with our...discussions.” he pulled himself closer. 

Jayce leaned into the touch and pulled his pale lover forward, “Well I guess it’s my fault then after all,” he nosed along Viktor’s pale neck, “Seeing as you needed some extra attentiveness to your argument.” Jayce placed a kiss on his adam's apple.

Viktor chuckled before seeking a passionate kiss from his husband's lips. The sensation immediately electrified them. It's mornings like this where Jayce would never let Viktor leave this bed if he had his way. He slipped his tongue into his partner's hot mouth and all thoughts of what was to be done today left his mind. Viktor let out a breathy moan, biting down on Jayce’s lower lip. However before Jayce could get the other man underneath him, his lovely bastard of a husband shoved his freezing cold feet right into Jayce’s stomach. The taller man let out a shout before toppling out of their bed and onto the floor. He heard chuckling as he untangled himself from fallen blankets and glared up at the annoyingly radiant grin his partner was wearing.

“As much as I would love to continue, we really do have to get work done today.” Viktor smoothed out his messy hair, “We only have a short time until Progress Day as it were, and there are some calculations we need to finish.”

Jayce let out a dramatic sigh and got up to collect Viktor from the bed. Progress Day was an incredibly important day for them as Heimerdinger wanted them to give a speech on the successes they were having with the hex gates and the future of Hextech as it were. Jayce loved to talk, he really did, but he also wanted to make sure that Viktor and him were on the same page before he spoke for the both of them, they were in this together after all. He stepped up with the elbow rubbing because his wonderful husband was not so keen on pandering to the elites. “Fine, fine if you insist.” he joked, leading Viktor to the bathroom before kissing his forehead, “I’ll go start breakfast while you shower first.”

“Well actually,” Viktor lingered just inside the door frame while watching him intently, “I think I'd be willing to wait for breakfast if it meant you joining me…” and then he disappeared through the door.

Jayce didn’t need to be told twice.

Chapter Text

There were many things Viktor appreciated about Jayce, far too many to list certainly. So kind and handsome and personable. Truly a worthy match for any man or woman to marry. Not a day goes by where Viktor doesn’t feel both sweet relief and sick satisfaction that Jayce threw his lot in with him. The man from Zaun with a bum leg and an incomprehensible need to learn.

One of the many many things Viktor loved about his husband was that the man was born into this world to work. 

Jayce had not been born of the soft comfort of Piltover’s elite. He came from the fire of the forge itself. He was made to stand tall, he was made to move forward. It shined through in his passion to help people and constantly form and shape his research. His large hands were calloused and rough, covered in little knicks and classes from fiddling with projects that he refused to put down until he finished them. He came to Piltover and worked tirelessly to receive the Kiramman patronage as well as attend the academy. A Smith’s son, now the golden boy of the Academy. Yes, Jayce was not just physically but emotionally built to face hardship and overcome it. Viktor admired him endlessly for it. 

As a child of Zaun, you fought to survive every moment you lived and did Viktor fight. Impeded more so by his disability, he had to fight harder than most to live. Viktor fought hard to get to where he was now so that no other child from the Undercity had to experience what he had. Viktor was built to survive and Jayce, his sweet wonderful Jayce, acknowledged and understood that. He supported Viktor’s strong need to help the people of Zaun by using the technology they built together when he entrusted the story of his life to his partner. Jayce had never judged him for his upbringing, never expected anything special because of it. Jayce even put up with his less than inviting personality when it came to the world they revolved in. It was clear that Jayce agreed with him on many aspects of higher society, both of them coming from an outsider’s perspective. However, Jayce had spent so much time among those elites that he had been able to carefully craft a facade that allowed him to melt into their ranks. Charming, intelligent, and boringly complacent. 

Thus, Jayce handled much of the parties and events that required one of their attendance, smiling as he was shown off, only to come home to Viktor and lay his head in his lap and complain of the smells of the men’s cologne. Viktor was eternally grateful that Jayce never forced him to attend, at the same time he appreciated that Jayce asked him every time whether he would like to come, Always wanting to include him. He knew it wasn’t because he needed reminding that they were in this together, but because Jayce genuinely didn’t want to be without Viktor by his side.

“Why must I suffer alone.” Jayce whined, grabbing at  Viktor’s waist while he attempted to straighten his tie, “Marriage should mean you have to get your cheeks pinched by old bags with pointy nails too.”

“Enough with the whining,” Viktor dragged his fingers from the tie up to Jayce’s lips, “Those Old Bags as you say are going to pay for the chalkboard and chair that we accidentally incinerated last week.”

While he refused to be present for the peacocking of a Piltover party, he would gladly bear witness to His husband addressing the masses on Progress Day. This was their work, their chance to show the populace what the two of them had planned for the future based on their successes these past 6 years. What they had and would accomplish together. For this, Viktor would swallow his anxiety and resentment to stand by Jayce’s side.

——

The event was loud and, quite frankly, more than a little overwhelming. Viktor leaned heavier on his cane than he normally would as Jayce led him through the throngs of people with a hand on his back. People kept reaching out to Jayce in order to greet him, but the man was nervous and focused entirely on getting himself and Viktor to where they needed to go.

“I’d love to stay and chat a moment but there is still much for us to do.” He placated with a winning smile, never stopping as he barreled forward. At this point, Viktor felt as though it would have been more efficient to just let Jayce toss him over his shoulder and make a run for it. Yeah, he really didn’t regret not going to parties with Jayce. He glanced over to look at the man himself. Outwardly, he was composed and beaming but Viktor could see past that. He saw the slightest twitch of his eye that gave away how annoyed he was at the prospect of being delayed and the clench of his jaw that told Viktor he was trying not to grind his teeth. 

“It’s hot out today,” Jayce frantically muttered to him, “doesn’t it feel hotter than usual? Am I dying right now?”

‘Poor man’, Viktor Thought. He wanted nothing more than to soothe Jayce’s fears with soft words and sweet touches but alas, that would have to wait as Viktor himself was faltering beneath the rush of stimulus.

“We might already be dead and this is a fucked up version of hell,” Viktor grumbled, “Maybe we perished in the last lab explosion.”

Jayce cackled, seeming to become less tense and Viktor smirked at a job well done. After a short while, they finally made it to where they were supposed to be. They stepped into the tent and let out sighs of relief. Sky was already there flitting about when she saw them approach.

“I was wondering when you guys would show up!” She exclaimed.

“Sorry Sky but you know how Viktor gets,” Jayce slapped a hand on their lab assistant’s shoulder, “I had to drag him out the house kicking and screaming.”

Viktor scrunched up his nose at the remark and elbowed him in the side, “Har Har, funny man. Go check in with the coordinators while I check on things.”

“Anything for my darling partner.” Jayce winked before walking off. Sky gave him a sly look.

It was laughable actually, how blind people were to the fact that Jayce and he were together. Viktor knew why too. It was inconceivable to think that Jayce would ever pick someone like him over any other eligible person in Piltover. He knew because for a long time he had felt the same way. He knew he was a deeply flawed human being and for a long time, he thought that loving and being loved was not something that was meant for him. However, Jayce had a way of bringing him outside of who he thought he was and showing him that he could be so much more. He had shown Viktor love in so many ways and allowed Viktor to give it in return in a way that was unorthodox and special to just them. They were so obviously in love.

That was beside the point though. The people around Viktor were too self-absorbed to notice the obvious. This, however, did not apply to his and Jayce’s lab assistant. Sky was intelligent, eager, and above all was willing to deal with Viktor and his husband’s chaotic approaches to science. She was also incredibly nosy. When she had first been sent to them she had been infatuated with Viktor, much to Jayce’s amusement. It was after he had politely turned her down that her line of thinking had changed...

“Jayce is looking quite handsome today, don’t you think Viktor?” She whispered conspiratorially. 

Viktor hummed in acknowledgment as he busied himself with one of the sample pieces, “He always looks nice, he enjoys preening like a goose for big days like this.” Viktor obviously was not going to tell her that he enjoyed it as well when Jayce had placed out their coordinated outfits that morning.

She huffed before pressing on, “Did he pick out your outfits today? You guys are matching. It’s very cute.”

“He did,” Viktor replied blandly, “insisting that since we’re partners we should at least match. Though I don’t get what the big deal is.”

“And I saw his hand on your back as you came in.” She wandered over to him, “and the way he winked at you before he left…”

“The point, Sky please.” She’s an incredibly smart girl and she has Viktor’s favor as she too is from Zaun. The problem is...

“Oh come on!” she threw her hand up dramatically, “He likes you! He obviously likes you! When are you going to admit it!” 

She was far too perceptive.

“Sky I have no idea what you’re talking about, have you been sleeping alright?”

Viktor does not enjoy gaslighting his assistant, he swears he doesn’t.

“Oh that’s rich coming from you,” she grumbled, “How do you not see it!? You could crush his toe with your cane and call him a donkey and he’ll look at you like you’ve hung the stars!”

She’s right because of course, she is. She’s not stupid. Viktor revels in the looks that Jayce gives him, even when he knows he’s being a brat. Sky doesn’t need to know all of that.

“I think you have a wild imagination.” He says instead.

She rolls her eyes at him before heading off to begin the tasks Viktor dictated of her. The man smiles to himself. Perhaps one day, they will tell her the truth. He stares into the distance for a while before noticing a presence close behind him.

“How are you feeling?” He leans back ever so slightly into Jayce’s firm chest, glancing around and seeing they were alone.

“Remember that one exhibition where you threw up?” Jayce chuckles as his husband groans.

“I personally think you should throw up today, it would give me something to hold over your head for once.” Viktor breathed contentedly.

"I'm sure you have a whole collection of embarrassing things you can hold over my head." The other man said gravely. He pulled Viktor even closer to him.

Viktor placed a delicate hand over the one Jayce had laid on his middle, “It’s going to be ok, you’re very good at how you say ‘selling the pitch’. Not to mention, they already love you...Golden Boy.”

Viktor slid away from Jayce to look him in the eye, “And if they didn’t, I would love you enough to make up for it. No matter what they think I' will always be there to support and protect you. Just like you would for me.”

The smile he was blessed with was so soft and genuine, it made Viktor want to cry every time he bore witness to it. It was moments like this where he wanted nothing more than to pull him close and show everyone that this man was the only person that mattered to him. 

“Thank you, Vitya.” He murmured.

The moment was broken as the tent flap was pulled aside. Jayce and Viktor moved a respectable distance from each other as the elegant form of Councillor Medarda entered the space. 

Jayce had made it very clear that while other rich people could be blown off, this was not an interaction that could be avoided. The Council is the reason they are able to conduct their research and so they must stay in their good graces. Viktor could be civil, but he had his preferred Council members. Heimerdinger was obviously the easiest to deal with, he had been the one to marry them after all. Plus, the years of working together tended to endear one to you. The second choice would be Mrs. Kiramman. Caitlyn was a close friend of Jayce’s and her mother had been his patron. There had been many times that Viktor had found himself in her polite company while visiting her home with Jayce. The other Council Members Viktor didn’t bother to remember and actively avoided as they were more focused on their own wealth than anything he had to say so he left them to Jayce. 

Then there was Mel Medarda. Viktor would have been blind to not see that she was a beautiful woman. Were he a different man, he would have likely become flustered by her very presence. He wasn’t a different man though, he was a young genius and he could see just how cunning and smart this woman was. Medarda knew what she wanted from life and was actively plotting and planning the best way to get it. She had a look in her eye that betrayed her willingness to do what had to be done to achieve her goals. Viktor would have admired her for it...if not for the fact that she saw Jayce as the thing that needed to be done. 

“Hello Gentleman,” she greeted, sparing Viktor a glance before zeroing in on Jayce.

“Councilwoman Medarda,” Jayce replied amicably as Viktor nodded in acknowledgment behind him, “How wonderful of you to come out.”

“It is my job to do so. Consider it…” she raked his eyes over Jayce’s body, “Protecting my investment.”

Viktor couldn’t have rolled his eyes any harder in that moment. The woman was laying it on thick and to anyone else, it would be enticing. Viktor couldn’t help the feeling of his mood souring as his husband was blatantly flirted with in front of him. Even so, Jayce only laughs heartily and gives a winning smile.  

Undeterred, she laid a hand on Jayce’s bicep, “I imagine you have something exciting to show us today?”

“Of course we do!” Jayce replied only a little shaky, not conveying the extent of his nerves. Viktor was proud. He slid an arm around Viktor’s shoulders and pulled him close, effectively knocking away Mel’s caress. “Viktor and I have so many wonderful ideas for the future of Hextech!”

“Well, I cannot wait to see what you have for us…” The woman replied, her eyes never leaving Jayce. 

The larger man beamed, “Oh! You’ll have to excuse me, I saw Caitlyn on the way here and I wanted to go speak with her before the address.” He pulled away from Viktor to look at him, “Will you be ok without me for a minute?”

Viktor scoffed and pushed him gently towards the door, “Yes yes I will not die if you leave my side for five minutes. Give my greetings to Miss Kiramman.”

Jayce nodded and turned to give a final goodbye to Medarda before exiting the tent. Viktor stood awkwardly alone with the councilwoman as she seemed to appraise him. As if she was just noticing his existence. Viktor didn’t know what to say to her. He knew what he wanted to say to her but that was out of the question. They just stared at each other in silent battle until she smirked at him and spoke.

“Jayce is truly a lovely man, isn’t he?” she asked innocently.

“Yes..he is something else,” Viktor replied warily. 

“You are very fortunate to have him.” Mel supplied politely. A beat passed as she said nothing. Viktor began to get nervous. Did she notice something? Had he given something away?

“He is a very good friend to you.”

Viktor smiled tensely as he screamed on the inside. These upper-class people were so horribly dense!

“Yes. Yes, he is.” Viktor chuckled.

Mel seemed pleased with this as she flippantly excused herself from his presence. He sagged where he was standing and moved to find a chair. 

Mel Medarda was a brilliant woman, but she was not brilliant enough to see that Jayce would not catch on to her flirtations. Viktor’s husband, for as intelligent as he was, was as socially inept as Viktor himself. Add the near debilitating level of single-mindedness and you realize that Jayce was like a big goofy dog that was loyal to one person. That person was Viktor and he would never ever take that for granted. Mel could try her hardest, but she would never have the hold over Jayce that he had. 

----

Jayce returned a little while later and collected Viktor so that he may give his address. Viktor had asked that he stay in the background while Jayce gave his address. 

“Are you sure you don’t want to be up there next to me?” Jayce asked for the 50th time, “It’s your research too.”

“Yes Jayce, I’m quite sure.” he groaned, “If I were to stand next to you, I would only serve as a distraction. Since you can’t seem to keep your eyes or hands off of me.” Viktor pointedly eyed the hand that rested atop his on Viktor’s cane. 

Jayce, the bastard, waggles his eyebrows at him. Viktor fights back laughter as he swats him away. They share a look, trying to convey all of the things they’re feeling as they know they won’t be able to fully share them until they were safely home.

“Show them the future we plan to make.”

Chapter Text

Conditions in Zaun had always been bad, Jayce knew. There was a time in his life where he is now ashamed to say that he didn’t really care. Too wrapped up in his own business to spare a thought for those down below. The only time he’d find himself down there was looking for parts that he knew weren’t legal in Piltover. He was more than willing to get scammed by a shopkeeper or two if it meant a step closer to Hextech. Naturally, his thoughts on the Undercity had changed drastically during his partnership with Viktor. Helping the city that he had come from was his husband’s driving goal as they worked through their scientific discoveries. Viktor had opened up to him about his life and the way people suffered while those topsides wanted for nothing. Jayce would never forget the fiery look in his eyes as the Zaunite and stayed his desires to him. It was beautiful, the passion, and perhaps that’s what gave Jayce the push to set aside his bias so he could better support his partner. Yes, the two men spent a good chunk of time on Hextech but Jayce never questioned it when he looked over and saw the metal casing for a prosthetic or a respirator sitting on his lover’s work table.

 He barely questioned the disappearances either. There had been the first time where Viktor had made his way from the lab with a bulky case on his back. When Jayce had asked where he was going the man had simply said he was returning to Zaun to check on a few things and he would be back late at night. He had left no room for arguments which meant that he had been doing this long before he and Jayce had been working together. Jayce knew better than to worry about his partner. That was his home and he knew how to protect himself. Many times while Jayce would attend another party or Gala, Viktor would take his trips to help in Zaun. 

It was from these trips that Viktor would bring news of what was happening in the Undercity. He had a specific confidant that he spoke with when he was there. Jayce knew nothing of them except that it was a young boy that Viktor met shortly after he and Jayce had started working together. He didn’t necessarily like not knowing who this person was, but Viktor trusted him and as long as his husband continued to return home after his trips, that was enough for Jayce. According to this young man, there had been quite the upturn in Zaun after their de facto leader, a man named Vander, and his children had been killed. Now the Lanes were in the possession of a man named Silco and things were getting violent. 

Shortly after the address on Progress Day, there had been an explosion at the event that had killed several enforcers. In the commotion, a Hex Crystal had been stolen by someone named Jinx. Viktor and Jayce had been scrambling to try and figure out how to recover it, leading to many days spent in the lab working. Viktor was wound up, trying to isolate himself in order to think better. Jayce on the other hand was silently boiling over with frustration. Every time a bureaucrat showed up at the lab he had to fight the urge to bite their head off. He knew he had to field them himself though because if Viktor got a hold of them it would have been a bloodbath. It didn’t help that they had not had a moment of peace alone with each other for all that time.

Caitlyn had come at one point to see him and she told him that she was planning to investigate what was happening in Zaun and was going to figure out where the crystal was. Jayce felt a rush of relief, Caitlyn was smart and determined and her position as an enforcer would get her where she needed to go. Shortly after that, Medarda and Heimerdinger had asked Jayce to take a seat on the council to ensure the protection of Hextech and Piltover as a whole. Jayce was quite surprised, to say the least, and honestly quite worried. Viktor had said nothing when they had come to the lab to make their proposal to Jayce. Medarda had squeezed his arm and told him to think on it before trailing off behind her fellow councilman. This was not a choice he was going to make by himself. As soon as they left, Jayce spared a glance to Sky, who had been not so subtly watching the exchange with a pinched look. Viktor was fiddling with a part of a mechanism casually by their desk.

“Sky, why don’t you head home early today? We’ve been at this for a long time and you need to rest.” Jayce asked politely.

The lab assistant’s eyes flicked over to Viktor who gave her an affirmative nod. Sky nodded before packing up her things and bidding them goodbye. Jayce huffed a quiet laugh, Sky had always liked his husband a bit more than him. It was very sweet. Now that he and Viktor were alone he allowed himself to truly look at his beloved. He looked exhausted, his hair askew and the bags under his eyes were bruised. He had taken to leaning on counters because the stress was exacerbating his leg pain. Jayce was sure he looked no better himself. 

“So…” Jayce started as he walked towards Viktor.

“So?” Viktor inquired, setting down his project to address his husband fully. 

Jayce grabbed his hands as he led him to sit on a nearby chair. He didn’t let go as he kneeled on the ground beside him. “What are you thinking, Vitya?”

Viktor hummed in thought as he moved his hands to gently place Jayce's head on his lap and began stroking his fingers through his disheveled inky locks.

“Councilman Talis…” Viktor mused, “Very sexy sounding, don’t you think?”

Jayce’s shoulders shook as he held in his laughter, “I’m being serious Vik! This is a big fucking deal!”

“I understand that, my love.” Viktor tutts, “I think this may be fortuitous for our work.”

Jayce had to marvel at the fact that his partner could use big words like fortuitous after feverishly working for 48 hours straight. “How do you suppose that is?”

“We’ll think about it, there’s added security for our research with you on the council, people will feel more comfortable leaving us to do as we please because the other members will have you reporting to them…” Viktor trailed off, “You could also start introducing the designs and ideas we made that would help the people of Zaun…”

The man in Viktor’s lap raised his head to look at him. He was right, this would put them down a path where they could start expanding Hextech to those down below. Jayce knew how much Viktor treasured the work he did for Zaun, but he never felt like he could do enough with what he had. Being in a position of power would give them a lot more leeway. Give Viktor the backing he needed to make the difference he wanted.

“You think that I would be able to convince them?” Jayce pushed, doubt seeping in from all sides.

In typical fashion, his beloved husband harrumphed and grabbed his nose, jerking his face upward.

“I will not tolerate your silly thoughts, Jayce! You are the only person I would ever entrust to speak for me and my dreams. You know empathy beyond your years and could sell fish bones to a duchess should you desire. Those peacocking fools will be eating out of the palm of your hand in no time.” Viktor waved his other arm around to prove his point, “We can see the future, we can build the future, but it is you who will show the rest that it’s worth it.”

Jayce’s heart swelled at the words spoken to him, the passion and conviction in Viktor’s eyes. Once it burned only for his dream, now it burned for Jayce as well. He believed in him and with that belief, Jayce could and would do anything. 

“Ok ok…Fuck, you know what that would mean right? I wouldn’t be able to spend as much time in the lab.” Jayce grabbed the hand away from his nose.

“Of course,” Viktor sniffed, “but I know that if I need you, you will come to me.”

“Always.”

“And…” he glanced off to the side, almost dejectedly, “I suppose I will do my best to not overwork myself so you do not have to be worrying so much?”

The taller man shot up in fake surprise and pressed a hand over his chest, “So noble, my Vitya! Such sacrifices you would make for me? Truly this is love.” 

Viktor made a face, “Oh shut up,” he reached out and allowed Jayce to take him by the waist to pull him up and into his broad chest, “If you’re done with your dramatics perhaps we should go home and celebrate your promotion, yes?”

Fingers trailed up Jayce’s shoulders and he shuddered, holy shit it had been too long since Viktor had been able to touch him. It was electric. The hands around Viktor’s waist tightened as Jayce trailed his lips along his pale neck, delighting in the shiver and the breathy moan his partner rewarded him with.

“Can you walk ok?” Jayce rumbled husky and barely restrained.

“Mmm, yes my love,” Viktor leaned to whisper in his ear, “but once home I would hope you’ll rectify that.”

—-

He had accepted the position, much to the delight of Medarda and the rest. He should have known. should have known what that would mean.

Another big party.

The Piltover elite loved a party. Barely needed an excuse to throw one. Any chance for someone to flaunt their wealth and lord over their fellow high society members. Jayce may not hate parties as much as Viktor does, but that doesn’t mean he wanted to attend every one. Don’t get him wrong, Jayce liked praise and attention a lot. However, he liked it when it was genuine. Mrs. Kiramman had a tendency to drag him around to show him off like a pageant pony. This however was a big deal! Jayce Talis, the face of tomorrow, was now on the council! Definitely means to celebrate. Thus, a party was to be thrown at the Kiramman estate in honor of his new position. Lovely. 

He supposed that he would live with it. He had gotten to have his own celebrations in private. Which were hours of passionate lovemaking with Viktor at home and then the two of them enjoying a home-cooked meal with Jayce’s mother.

That morning, Viktor assisted Jayce in planning the outfit he would wear to the event. His husband may detest parties, but he found very deep satisfaction in dressing Jayce up. He had said as much one time only to receive a diabolical smirk in return.

“I enjoy the idea of people looking at you, wanting you…” His voice lowered sensually, “and knowing that they can never have you the way you let me have you. That you are never thinking of them the way you think of me…”  

‘Yikes, Jayce. You will get nothing done if you follow that train of thought.’ He shook his head a little to clear away the sexy thoughts. 

“Stupid, sexy Viktor,” he muttered under his breath.

“What was that my love?” Viktor called from the bathroom.

“Nothing!” Jayce squawked, “Just can’t find my uh…cufflinks?”

“They are in here by the sink.” Viktor emerged wearing the ridiculously fluffy crimson robe Jayce had got him for his birthday one year. The garment was loose and revealed a delicate shoulder and lovely collarbone. The sexy thoughts returned with a vengeance.

“Fuck.” Jayce breathed out involuntarily. All these years and Viktor was still the most beautiful thing he had ever laid eyes on. The man in question raised a brow at him.

“As nice  as that sounds, I don’t believe we have the time.” He dropped the cufflinks into Jayce’s large palm, “You have meetings today before your little party.”

“Right,” Jayce grimaced, “Are you sure you don’t want to come to this one? I think people would expect you to be there to congratulate your partner.”

“Trust me Jayce, they will not care that I am not there. They won’t even notice.” Viktor replied flippantly.

Jayce sighed in defeat. As much as he hated to admit it, Viktor was right. They never noticed. Never questioned where Viktor was. They didn’t acknowledge him as his partner, let alone a fellow scientist. It enraged Jayce to no end that the people they helped could not look past his love’s background and see the things he had done for them. One day they would see. He would make them.

“Plus I would like to be spared from watching Councillor Medarda circle you like a hunting lioness all night.”

“Who? Mel?” Jayce looked at him confused, “I’m not sure what you mean by that, Vitya.”

His husband looked over his shoulder at him, gaze searching, before nonchalantly turning to run his hands over Jayce’s jacket,  “I think she is trying to seduce you.”

The taller man was preening under his husband’s touch before actually processing what he had said, “What? There’s no way! Mel is just like us. Eager to see what the future of Hextech can provide for Piltover. She wants to keep a close eye on things.”

Viktor stared up at Jayce in disbelief for a long moment before he smiled at him indulgently.

“You are a very sweet and very stupid man sometimes, Mr. Talis .” Before Jayce could complain, he was swept up in a very sweet kiss. His eyes fluttered as he ran his hands up Viktors back and sank into his warmth.

“If this is what I get for being stupid, I’m not complaining Mr. Talis. ” He pulled back with a final kiss to Viktor’s forehead. “What will you be doing while I am appeasing our overlords?”

“I am going to take a trip down below.” Viktor stated, pulling on his back brace and shirts, “I need to go perform some adjustments on some prosthetics I gave out last time…I also was going to meet with my contact to see if there was any news about the Crystal.”

It wasn’t a bad idea. Viktor’s friend in Zaun had always been a trustworthy source as well as in touch with all the shady business that happened there. If he had any news, perhaps they would be able to pass it off to Caitlyn to help with her investigation.

“Well if that’s the case, I’ll most likely spend the night at the forge, seeing as you won’t be available to help me blow off steam after this party.” He winked. 

Viktor giggled at him, “That is fine, but do at least shower off before you come to the lab tomorrow. Your sweaty body is unbearable to be by.”

“I thought you liked me when I’m sweaty.” Jayce leans over him with a shit-eating grin.

“Yes! That is the problem! You cheeky fool.” Viktor pushed his face away, turning very red, “Away with you! You will be late!”

He couldn’t help but smile as Jayce’s laughter echoed down the hall.

Chapter Text

Jayce appreciated everything the Kiramman family had done for him, he really did. Even if they had thrown him under the bus after the explosion. Caitlyn had been one of his only friends for a long time, which was super lame given that she was like 9 years younger than him. There was the money as well. He was not allowed to forget about the money. Everything they did revolves around wealth and resources. Jayce had never been in it for the money. Sure, he wanted to be remembered but not for being wealthy and well-liked. He wanted to be known for having made a difference. He despised that he couldn’t make that difference without cooperating with people who had the means to finance him. He hated that they would never fully understand what his work meant and what it had the potential to do. The only concern was lining pockets. How short-sighted and moronic.

He breathed out, trying to calm himself. No reason to be in such a sour mood. This was a party for him after all. His mind wandered to Viktor, pressing his hand against his wedding ring that hung from a chain under his suit. He had no doubt made it to Zaun, completed his work, and was in the middle of meeting with his friend. Jayce is still worried of course. His husband could take care of himself, but what kind of spouse would he be if he wasn’t just a little bit worried? Caitlyn always joked that Jayce was like Viktor’s personal attack dog. He didn’t think it was THAT serious, he just had a bit of a protective streak when it came to the other man. Did tend to get snappish with people that showed even the slightest condescension towards Viktor? Of course, Viktor was wonderful and lovely and he would accept no criticism on that. Would he burn this city to the ground if his husband asked him to? No, probably not…most likely not, it depends.

“Ok, Jayce, no more thoughts, only party,” He recited to himself like always, “No science, no Viktor, only party.” 

“Who are you talking to?”

The man jumped a foot in the air before whirling around to see Mel standing before him, an amused smile on her elegant face. It appears he had been too busy psyching himself up to notice her approach.

“Oh, Mel! You look lovely this evening.” Jayce smiled before offering his elbow, “shall we head inside together?”

The woman chuckled and accepted, pulling herself close to him and laying her other hand on his bicep, “Ever the gentleman, Mr. Talis. Yes let's get in there, they can’t start the party without you there.”

‘I’d be fucked if I didn't wish they could.’ He wanted to say. Instead, he plastered on his best smile before leading them into the foyer.

—-

An hour had passed and the party was finally roaring to life. People were drinking and dancing, the energy was loose. Jayce was in his element, having had a few drinks and strengthening his tolerance for being shown off. Mel had barely left his side so far, laughing at his bad jokes and introducing him to elites that were affiliated with Council business. He was glad she was there with him to help out. It took some of the pressure off of him, having another person to share the spotlight with. Part of him wished that it was Viktor in Mel’s place, and maybe one day it would be. However, for now, he will settle for his new friend.

Speaking of friends, he was certain that out of the corner of his eye he had seen Caitlyn flitting around the room. He excused himself politely from the conversation, completely missing the way Mel had squeezed his hand as he left in search of his friend. He eventually found her tucked in a corner, seemingly having trapped someone there. She spoke in hushed tones as he approached, Jayce was unable to hear what she was saying as he drew closer. 

“Hey Cait, great to see you! I’m doing fine, thanks for asking. What are you doing?” he inquired sarcastically.

Caitlyn’s back straightened upon hearing his voice. Jayce could now barely see a shock of pink hair over his friend’s shoulder. A girl peeked her head over and raised an eyebrow at him.

“Jayce! What a surprise! Why are you here?” Caitlyn asked him nervously.

“Oh, just a party for me. To celebrate my new position on the council. I take it you didn’t know since you don’t seem to be dressed for it.” He laughed, stepping closer, “but whatever, I’m glad you’re here now, who’s your friend?” 

Caitlyn seemed unsure what to say as she looked between her friend and the other girl. The girl made the choice for her as she stepped up and slapped a heavy hand on his shoulder.

“Name’s Vi, I’m helping Cupcake here solve her little mystery.” the girl smirked slyly, “Thanks for busting me out of jail, by the way, Councillor Talis.”

Jayce blinked, confused, as his friend spluttered at the exchange, “Uh, yeah! No problem?” he turned to Cait and raised a skeptical eyebrow.

“She’s from the Undercity, knows a good deal about Silco. You understand right?” Caitlyn pleaded, “The only reason we’re here is that I left some equipment in my room.”

He looked between the two women. One looking reproachful, the other with a silent plea. Of course, he was going to cover for them. If it meant potentially helping recover the crystal, he would do what he had to do.

“Yeah, of course, Cait. Viktor is down in the Lanes right now speaking with his friend. We were hoping to get some information on the situation to send to you upon his return.” Vi’s head shot up at that.

“Wait, you know someone down in the Lanes? Who?” The pink-haired woman questioned him, stepping up into his face, “Who is Viktor? Who does he know?”

Jayce, startled by the woman’s intense demeanor, fumbled his words. Luckily, Caitlyn was able to collect herself enough to respond to him. “Viktor is his husband. He’s from Zaun.”

“Yeah,” Jayce replied intelligently, looking around to make sure no one was looking at them, “He knows a guy down there. Some kid who worked for a trade shop that he met after Vander was killed.”

Vi recoiled at his words before her face lit up in realization. Caitlyn watched her closely, smiling at her as a burst of emotion crossed her companion’s face. OH, Jayce knew exactly what was going on here. He gave Caitlyn a mirthful look and she glared back.

“Ekko,” Vi whispered.

“Who?” Caitlyn asked her. Vi just shook her head, her mind obviously elsewhere.

“OK OK,” Jayce demanded their attention, “You need to get upstairs to get your stuff. I’m assuming you’d like to avoid your mother?” Caitlyn nodded, “Thought so. So I’m going to distract your parents and you guys are going to get what you need and get out of here. If Viktor returns tomorrow with any information, what would be the easiest way to let you know?”

Vi answers for them, “send a courier to the bridge by 2 pm and have them say this sequence of words:’ she whispers it into Jayce’s ear. Jayce nods in understanding. Caitlyn turns to Jayce and pulls him into a hug.

“Thank you.” she breathes. Letting him go as she grabs Vi’s hand and drags her up the stairs. Jayce gives a salute before making his way back into the crowd.

—-

Jayce easily picks out Mrs. Kiramman amongst the crowd. She is standing in a group of people with Mel and a few others. He easily inserts himself among them.

“Oh, Jayce! There you are!” Mrs. Kiramman leans in slightly, “I thought I saw my daughter out of the corner of my eye. Have you spoken with her by chance?”

“I can’t say that I have,” Jayce lied, “You know if I had, I would have grabbed her.”

The woman had nodded her head in assent when Medarda reached out for his attention.

“Jayce, we were just talking about the successes of the Hex gates in regards to trade and travel between different regions.” Mel filled him in, once again curling her arm around his bicep.

“Oh yes,” Jayce sipped from his flute of champagne, “Viktor and I had spent a great many hours theorizing as to whether or not the Hex crystals would be able to stay stable enough to send a whole carrier through. It was Viktor’s calculations that proved that with enough energy bandwidth we would-”

“Yes yes it is truly a triumph of the future,” a man interrupted him with a wave of the hand, “This Viktor you’ve mentioned, he is the man from Zaun yes?

Jayce balked at being cut off, “Viktor is my partner in Hextech, he has a brilliant mind and we would not have the progress we’ve made without him.” 

“Mmm yes,” another woman interjected, “It is very noble of you to allow him to work on this project with you. You don’t find such charity in fields like this.”

“It’s absolutely not charity,” His hackles began to rise, “Viktor was one of the only ones to believe in my theories in the beginning-”

Another person joined in, “but he would not even be here if not for Councillor Heimerdinger’s generosity? He is very lucky to even be considered a part of this revolutionary research…”

The voices began to blur together and Jayce began to see red in the corners of his vision.

“Once again the Academy offers a charitable hand to the Undercity.”

“And the young man is disabled as well? The poor creature was very lucky to find himself among us.”

“It would be unfortunate for his… Zaunite upbringing to taint the potential that Hextech has for Piltover.”

How dare they.

How DARE they talk about Viktor like this. How dare they speak of him like they know ANYTHING about him. What he can do, what he has done. They didn’t know anything. They would never know anything. Viktor was right. These people were blind to progress. They saw nothing in their work but the possibility of exploiting it for their own gains.

Jayce-

They would see. His sweet lovely Vitya was a genius. They were fools to see otherwise. Unable to see the power, the potential of Hex tech. How it could influence them or destroy them.

Jayce are you listening-

He would show them. They planned a future that would bring equity to both Zaun and Piltover. No one would have to suffer the way his husband had, the way that children in Zaun currently are.

Hellooooo-

How DARE THEY-

“JAYCE!” 

He snapped back to the present. All eyes were on him. He looked down and noticed the flute in his hands had cracked slightly under the pressure of his grip. He turned to see Mel looking at him concerned. 

“S-sorry everyone,” He bowed his head in apology, “There has been much excitement these past few days. I’m…a bit tired.”

The group nodded and cooed over him in superficial worry. They shared their pitying looks and words of comfort that only served to make themselves feel better. It only made Jayce seethe. Mel smiled appeasingly at them before asking Mrs. Kiramman if she had a room free for Jayce to rest for a moment. The councilwoman gave her directions and she placed a hand on Jayce’s back, guiding him away from the crowds. Jayce lets himself be led away, fuming silently. He came back to himself at the feeling of Mel’s hand leaving his back and a door clicking shut. He turns to see Mel making her way back to him.

“Are you Ok, Jayce?” Mel asks him gently, putting her hand on the starched lapel of his coat.

Jayce sagged, “Yeah, yeah, I’m sorry. I just hate the way they talk about our work.” He felt comfortable confiding in Mel. She had proven herself as a potentially good friend to him.

“Jayce you have nothing to feel insecure about.” Mel moved ever closer to him, “Everything you’ve done with Hextech is revolutionary.”

“Of course it is!” Jayce grouses, “It’s how willing they are to sell Viktor short! Even after everything he has done for them, they see him as a charity case!”

“You’re a kind man, Jayce Talis.” The Councilwoman says with a coy smile and a fluttering of her dark lashes, “Viktor is very lucky to have you as a friend.”

Her elegant hands make their way to his face. Gently moving him downward. Her deep eyes fixated on his lips.

Wait. What?

Jayce watched in confusion as Mel’s eyes fluttered shut and her lips pressed into his. He tensed up, thinking about what Viktor had said to him earlier.

“I think that she is trying to seduce you.”

Oh. Oh no. 

He grabbed her hands and moved her gently away. He shuffled through all of their past interactions in his mind. The touching, the praise, the attention, every "friendly" meal they had shared...

“You are a very stupid and very sweet man sometimes.”

Sweet Janna, Viktor was right. He WAS an idiot. Mel had been flirting with him this entire time. What was worse was that he had played into it without realizing it. Huh, that made all of Viktors cute scrunchy angry faces make a lot more sense.

“What’s the matter Jayce?” Mel inquired, still staring at his lips.

“Oh uh, Mel, you’ve got it all wrong,” Jayce stuttered, “I’m, well uh, I don’t. I’m not-”

She simply laughed at him, “Oh Jayce, there’s no need to be shy. I’m aware that this may be new to you. I promise that I’ll take care of you.”

She moved purposefully towards him, placing a hand once again on his chest. Jayce walked himself backward in an attempt to get away; only to find himself pressed against a bookshelf on the wall. He was flushed from head to toe and overwhelmed with indecision. What could he do? How did he get himself out of this one? As his back hit the shelves, Mel sensually moved her hand through the buttons of his shirt. It was a sly move, Jayce would credit her with that. She smiled up at him, leaning in once again before-

Her hand caught on something.

She slid her hand out of Jayce’s shirt. The man felt the tug of the chain around his neck. Mel Medarda held his wedding ring in her palm.

Oh fuck.

“Oh what a beautiful ring.” She examined it closer, “Is that a piece of one of the old hex crystals?”

Jayce only replied with a grunt and a nod, smooth Talis. He wasn't going to say exactly which crystal it was and what that meant to him.

“And what’s the engraving on the inside say?” She narrowed her eyes.

He knew what it said. V & J Talis 

He watched as her face comically displayed a myriad of emotions. Confusion, then inquisition. He couldn’t bear to be there as she finally put the pieces together, she wasn't stupid. Not like the rest of them. He snatched the ring out of her hand and tucked it into his shirt, sides-stepping away from her.

“I hate to cut this uh…encounter short,” His gaze darted around the room, absolutely mortified, “but it seems the events of the day have gotten to me and I think it's time for me to head out for the night. Uhm…I hope the rest of your night is wonderful Councilwoman.”

He gave her a final nod before rushing from the room. 

He barreled towards the exit, uncaring of his disheveled state. He passed Mrs. Kiramman and gave her a very apologetic but curt goodbye before all but running out the front doors of the estate. 

In the outdoor air, he allowed himself to take a long breath. He felt disgusted by his stupidity. That he would let someone else get close enough to think he would want anyone besides Viktor. 

He prayed Mel was not as perceptive as he thought. He hoped that he hadn’t completely messed up his position on the council. Messed up his position with Viktor. Maybe if she had put it together, Mel would understand and keep it to herself like Heimerdinger and the others.

“Fuck.” he spoke into the night, “Fucking hell.”

He wished desperately that he could go home to Viktor and have him soothe his anxieties. Have his loving husband kiss away the frustrations. That he would be able to make up for the awful remarks that those people had said in regards to him. 

However, that was not an option tonight. He would have to settle for the second-best stress reliever.

It was time to go to the forge.

Chapter Text

Mel Medarda was a woman who liked to know things. It was imperative to her position as a politician that she knew what was going on around her. That she knows the stakes so she could set the game pieces accordingly. Mel played to win. It wasn’t often that she was caught off guard.

She had thought that she had Jayce Talis all figured out. He was charismatic, idealistic, and incredibly handsome. Add on a brilliant mind and you have the poster boy for the future of innovation. Mel also found him to be naive and just a bit self-centered. She could see in his eyes when he chatted with people at events that behind the polite smile, he thought all of them were too stupid to understand his vision. He never looked at Mel that way, which meant that he saw her as someone who was worth sharing his thoughts with. She may not understand much of the science side of things, but she was very in tune to the massive potential that Hextech had. She knew the ways it would benefit Piltover and how she could also bend those ways to benefit her as well. To accomplish this goal she would need to have it’s creator on her side. 

She had assumed that the best way to do so was to target Jayce specifically. Jayce was a young handsome man and as such she figured it would be easy to manipulate him through praise and attention. Mel knew that she was beautiful and sought after by many, and she would be damned if she didn’t use it to her advantage. Flirting with Jayce was not going to put her out any. All of his political potential aside, she quite liked him as a person. Were situations different, maybe they could have been real friends or even lovers.

At first, she noticed that her flirtations were not hitting the mark and assumed it was due to Jayce being so absorbed in developing his research that he had time for little else. After the creation of the Hex gates, when the man had started to attend parties and events more to promote the project, her advances still were only met with a genuine smile and a fondness one reserves for a friend. It wasn’t like she was being subtle or anything, she knew because the people around Jayce certainly took notice. Be it Kiramman’s daughter raising a brow at her or Heimerdinger shaking his head in disbelief. So she came to the conclusion that perhaps Mr. Talis was just kind of socially stunted and she would have to play the long game with him.She had been wrong, as infuriating as it was to admit. He was not socially stunted. He just had his mind on someone else the whole time. She had made the same miscalculation that every other wealthy person in Piltover had made in regards to Jayce and Hextech: She hadn’t accounted for Viktor. Mel had underestimated just how important Viktor was in the grand scheme of things.

Jayce’s partner was quiet and withdrawn, giving off an air that whatever was on his mind was not something others were worthy of hearing. Mel supposed that with a brilliant mind like his and the upbringing he had, he was more than entitled to his superiority. She saw the passion that burned in Jayce’s eyes burning just as bright in his own during meetings where both men were asked to attend. He always let Jayce do the talking but all of their research was signed with both of their names: Viktor and Jayce Talis . She knew the man from Zaun had some sort of feelings for his partner. Every time she would visit them in their lab, Viktor got this constipated look on his face. Mel knew it was jealousy, but never spared an extra thought for the implications of that. Always assuming that the two were very close friends and he was annoyed that she was pulling Jayce away from their work. 

Assumptions. 

It was assumptions that found her standing alone in one of the offices of the Kiramman estate, Jayce having run out just moments prior. Blindsided by the knowledge that the man she’s been trying to seduce for several years is married to his science partner. She inhaled deeply through her nose, frustrated. Turns out Jayce was an idiot but just in a different way than she thought. It was a little gratifying to know that the reason he was blind to her attention was not because she was unattractive or something silly like that. Jayce had never even considered her an option in the first place. 

The moment she looked closer at the ring around Jayce’s neck, Mel’s mind had conjured up the memory of stepping into the lab one afternoon in search of Jayce. Instead she only found Viktor standing in front of a chalkboard lost in thought. In between his fingers, he fiddled with an identical ring. Once that connected, several other instances began to make sense. Viktor and Jayce were deeply in love with one another. Mel had to hand it to the Talis’s. They did not have to try hard to hide their relationship from everyone. Perhaps if Mel hadn’t been so short-sighted, she would have noticed the clues. Now that she put some thought into it, it was really quite obvious.

That certainly threw a wrench in Mel’s planning. Her manipulating Jayce via seduction was no longer a viable plan. The councilwoman took a seat on a nearby chair and sipped her abandoned drink. How long had they been married? Mel could hazard a guess as to who knew about them. Caitlyn for certain and she had no doubt Heimerdinger had a hand in their union. That furry menace always found a way to cause roadblocks in the council’s business. That was another thing. It had been Mel’s idea to have Jayce on the council. She knew that if her plan worked, she would be able to influence Jayce’s decisions for Hextech. Now she had no way to control him through emotional attachment. 

Except…perhaps she did. She sat up a little straighter, remembering the exchange between Jayce and the group of investors before Mel ushered him away. The barely filtered rage in Jayce’s eyes as they talked about Viktor. That’s why they were hiding their relationship. That’s why Jayce did all of the speaking and the events. Why Heimerdinger had married them in secret. They were trying to protect each other. Jayce had shown her his one weakness without her even knowing it. 

Appealing to Viktor would keep Jayce on her side.

Was it a little underhanded? Absolutely. However, at this point, it was what she had to do. Ruthlessness was the Medarda way, and while she was not the same as the rest of her family, Mel could still play the games. Plus, she’d be lying if she wasn’t the least bit curious about Viktor. What type of man must he be to enrapture a powerhouse like Jayce Talis? Maybe he had some pointers to give. If things went well, Mel might even be able to have both close friendships and also the promise of political backing. No backstabbing required. Yes, what a perfect idea! Mel always prided herself on being able to switch lanes quickly and eloquently. Of course she would do her best to protect the two of them from any dangerous dealings. All this aside, Mel wouldn’t stand for being taken for a ride by the couple. Perhaps it was time the lovely Mr. and Mr. Talis got the recognition they deserved. How hilarious would it be for Piltovan society at large to have it rubbed in their faces that Jayce Talis picked a man from Zaun over any of their sons or daughters? Maybe they would do them some good to check their biases.

She drained the rest of her drink and smoothed out her clothes before returning to the party to put her new plan into action. 

After all, there’s nothing the Piltover elite loved more than gossip.

—-

There was something off about the day, Viktor could feel it in the way his leg ached. He liked to tell Jayce that his leg could sense when things were different or off because it flared more in his knees. Jayce did not find it very funny at first when he made jokes about his disability but when you deal with chronic pain for as long as Viktor had, you work with what you have. Regardless, today felt strange to him.

He had spent the day prior in Zaun, going about checking up on some of his prosthesis and respiratory devices that he had outfitted a few months prior. Shortly after he had been sought out by a Firelight. He let the child lead him to the sanctuary so he could speak with Ekko. Viktor had known Ekko for just as long as he’d known Jayce after the kid had tried to rob him one time after Silco came into power. After that they would meet up and Ekko would fill Viktor in on what was happening in the Lanes. It was never good. When he had asked this time around if he knew anything about the hex crystal’s disappearance. Ekko had mentioned that Jinx and her crew were the only ones who would pull a job like that as the blue haired girl was able to use the power to make her massive explosions. They ran Shimmer shipments for Silco. Viktor took in that information and promised to keep Ekko in the loop should anything happen topside before returning home. 

Thus, despite the minor aches in his knee, he enjoyed a solitary walk to the lab as he grouped up the information he needed to tell Jayce. His husband had stayed the night in the forge and he was most likely eager to tell Viktor about whatever egregious thing happened at his party. As he suspected, the facility was basically empty at this hour, seeing as he and Jayce usually arrived early to review their works. He was unlocking the doors to the lab when he heard the sound of big clunking footsteps come towards him.

Viktor’s eyes bulged out of his head as he turned to see Jayce sprinting towards him…wearing nothing but his work pants and boots, sweat glistening off of his beautiful body. ‘Oh sweet Janna, I am the luckiest man alive.’ Viktor thought as he was swept up in the strong arms of his husband

“Vitya, my gem. I missed you!” Jayce breathed before planting kisses all over the other man’s face. 

Viktor, not one bit disgusted by how sweaty the taller man was, simply giggled, “Down! Down boy! I missed you as well, darling.”

Jayce lowered him to the ground and stepped a short distance away. He looked mildly disheveled, but Viktor assumed it was from working late into the night prior. “I ran up from the forge to see you…there’s something important I have to tell you.”

Viktor glanced at the clock behind his husband, “Yes we have much to discuss. However, you are forgetting you have a council meeting in a half hour, yes?” Jayce clammed up, “unless you plan to go dressed so indecently you should clean yourself up. We can talk after.”

The taller man glanced up at the clock, registering his husband’s words. “Oh fuck I absolutely forgot. Yeah yeah we will talk after the meeting.” He pressed a kiss to Viktor’s cheek, said “Love you bye!” And darted back the direction he had come. Viktor sighed dreamily, what a silly man.

The rest of the morning progressed as normal, Viktor made himself his first of many sugary coffees and began doing some minor welding on one of the hex gauntlets. An hour quickly passed as Viktor got lost in his work. Then the door slammed open for the first of many times that day. He jumped in surprise and swiveled in his seat to face Sky who was huffing and puffing red face in the doorway, a rolled up newspaper in hand.

“YOU!” she pointed an accusatory finger at him. Viktor blinked.

“Me?” He replied dryly, “I was just fine until you blew in here and scared the daylights out of me.”

She ignored him, moving forward and waving around the paper in her hands, “You are a real piece of work you know! You tried to pull a fast one on me, you sneaky little weasel!”

Viktor scrunched up his nose, appalled at their lab assistant’s unorthodox behavior, “And just what have I done to deserve the title of a sneaky weasel Miss Young?”

“Oh don’t try to take me for a ride, Vik. You’ve been lying to me! About you and Jayce! I had thought you two were at least secretly dating but then I came to find you’re full on married? Unbelievable!” She groused.

The annoyance Viktor felt was immediately replaced with the cold wash of dread. He sat up and faced Sky fully. 

“How would you know anything about that?” He asked quietly, “Who told you?”

She paused in her triad to look at him fully, finally seeing the confusion on his face, “you mean you haven’t seen?” She asked worriedly.

“Obviously I haven’t, Sky!” Viktor hissed, losing his patience, “Maybe I would have an inkling of understanding if you stopped hollering and-“

“Viktor, it's all over the papers! Look here.” She held the newspaper in front of him. 

On the front page in big bold letters it read the following:

HEXTECH HUSBANDS? Science Partners Viktor and Jayce Talis’s Secret Marriage EXPOSED!

“Oh fucking hell.”

——

Jayce was wracked with nerves this morning. He had wanted to talk with Viktor as soon as he could about what had happened at the party the night before. About Caitlyn and Vi, about the one lady with the really stupid hat, and especially about the confrontation with Mel. 

Of course he had forgotten about the goddamn morning meeting that was scheduled! 

He made his way to the Council room. The minute he stepped in, the air shifted. Most of the Council was there at that point aside from Mel and one other. The minute he was noticed, all of their eyes locked on him. He stopped in his tracks, quickly checking his appearance. Did he have soot on his face? Upon finding nothing he made his way over to his seat and greeted the others. Mrs. Kiramman narrowed her eyes at him with a pointed frown and the others were giving him highly confused looks but no one said anything. He spared a glance at Heimerdinger, who was looking nervously between him and the other council members. Jayce silently conveyed his confusion but the Yordle simply shook his head. What the fuck was going on? The door opened once more as Medarda and the final council member arrived. The room was tense as Mel took her seat next to Jayce. When they made eye contact, her eyes filled with mirth and her smile curled into something playfully innocent but devious.

Oh god.

Before he could open his mouth, the meeting began. He could not tell you a single thing that they had talked about for that hour. Jayce simply nodded along as his mind raced. Mel hadn’t told them about him and Viktor had she? Or had she told them how he had rejected her? Why was she smiling at him like that??? Did she think she was doing him some sort of favor? Either way he had the feeling that things were about to be messy. He had to get to Viktor before that happened.

The meeting passed as normal up until they adjourned for the day. Then, all eyes zeroed in on him. Jayce shot up in his seat. Mrs. Kiramman opened her mouth to speak.

Jayce interrupted, “Well! Great work today everyone! Hope you have a good rest of it, gotta go BYE.” Then He made a run for it.

He heard Mrs. Kiramman holler “YOU GET BACK HERE YOUNG MAN!” after him as he took off towards the lab. 

Jayce hurried down the halls of the building, praying and hoping Viktor would be where he left him. He swung the door open with a loud bang, sending Sky flying out of her seat.

“Vitya,” he breathed, “I think I fucked up.”

He laid eyes on the shorter man, hip propped up against a desk with a cup of coffee in hand and the morning’s paper in another.

“It would seem so, my love.” Viktor replied, not looking up from the newspaper, “I’m reading about it right now.”

“It’s already in the paper?” Jayce questioned frantically.

“Vitya? My love?” He heard Sky muttering in the background, “that’s so cute. unbelievable.” 

His husband hummed in confirmation, sipping from his mug. He didn’t seem upset. Why wasn’t he upset? Viktor looked up at Jayce, he must have looked a mess based on how his shoulders lost their tension and he swept forward to place his hands on Jayce’s stubbly cheeks. Sky cooed at them delightedly.

“Sky,” Jayce croaked, “ I need to speak privately with Viktor but-“ 

The lab assistant stood up straight, “Say no more Councilor Talis, I’ll guard the door. Nobody’s getting past me!” With that she bounded out the doors, leaving the couple alone. 

Viktor simply stared at him for a few moments, soothingly rubbing his thumbs across his flushed skin.

He finally spoke, “My knee was aching this morning, just so you know.” Jayce sagged with a weak laugh and dropped his head into the juncture of Viktor’s shoulder and neck, breathing in the comforting scent of lavender. A hand was placed on his head and fingers combed through his hair. 

“Tell me what happened, my darling.”

He led Jayce over to the sofa and Jayce recounted the events of the night before and this morning at the council. It felt good to get all of his anxieties out in the open. Viktor stayed silent the whole time, hand placed in his own sweaty ones. He finally finished, waiting to see what the man would say.

“It would seem I owe Caitlyn some money.” Viktor said thoughtfully. Jayce looked at him like he had grown a second head. His husband shrugged at him, “She guessed that Medarda would be the cause of our exposure. She was right and I assume she’ll be expecting her reward when we send her that information.”

“Huh.” Jayce replied intelligently, “Wait, what did you think was going to happen?”

Viktor grinned maliciously at him, “That you were going to very publicly defend my honor by laying into someone for slandering my good name.”

Jayce opened his mouth to protest before remembering that he had actually come very close to doing just that last night as well. However, Viktor didn’t need to know that.

“So you’re not upset with me?”

“Why would I be upset with you?” Viktor tilting his head in confusion.

“You know…for the kiss?”

The shorter man raised his brow, “Did you want to kiss Miss Medarda?”

“NO!” Jayce blurted out, “No. Of course not, the thought never even crossed my mind.”

Viktor gave him a winning smile, “I knew that it wouldn’t, so I am not mad…are you ok with everyone knowing about us?”

Jayce pulled Viktor into his lap and pressed a kiss to his hair, “I get the concept of keeping things under wraps when everything was new, but we’re older now and a hell of a lot smarter than everyone else. I think we should be able to hold our own. Plus I have no issue letting everyone in Runeterra know that I’m married to the most brilliant and beautiful man in Piltover.”

“I’m glad to hear that,” Viktor chuckled, “You know I would do anything to protect you right? I love you.”

“I love you too, Vitya.” Jayce said between places kisses up his jaw, “I would do the same in a heartbeat.”

They stayed there for a moment, basking in the warmth they provided each other. Jayce was unsure of the future, but Viktor would be with him. That was all he needed to know things were going to work out.

“You do know this means you’ll have to start attending parties with me.” 

Viktor blanched, “On second thought, we are getting a divorce.”

Chapter Text

Shortly after Jayce and Viktor finished up their conversation, the sounds of commotion could be heard outside the door. Before they could act, the door banged open for the third time that day. Jayce winced as some scaffolding rattled. Mrs. Kiramman stormed in, trailed by Medarda and Heimerdinger. Sky peaked in from the doorway.

She called out, “Sorry you guys, I did my best but The councilwoman is INCREDIBLY strong!” 

This went ignored as she immediately began to scold them and also Heimerdinger in her best disappointed mother voice. All about how she wasn’t included in their secret marriage ceremony when her own daughter had been after everything she had done for Jayce and how she was expecting him to properly introduce Viktor to her as his husband. Mel watched on, amusement heavy on her features. Viktor sank into Jayce’s side, obviously uncomfortable at the attention he was getting. Jayce looked everywhere but his old patron. Both were sporting bright flushes on their faces. 

“And I demand that as an apology, you let me throw you a party in celebration of your nuptials. Seeing as I was deprived of the honor two years ago!” She finished with a crossing of her arms.

Viktor immediately went to protest, but the woman snapped her head towards him with a look that gave no room to argue. His mouth snapped shut and he nodded. Jayce followed his husband's lead. Smile and nod and she’ll go away. Satisfied with their assent, Kiramman shook her head and exited the lab, no doubt already planning. Mel chitters quietly and steps out behind her. Once the coast was clear, Sky crept back inside to join them.

“Well,” Viktor cleared his throat, “I don’t think I’ve been so thoroughly reprimanded since the time I repurposed Aunt Nastia’s toilet into a garden fountain in offering to Janna.” 

“Wh-“ Jayce started.

“Undercity stuff,” Sky sniffed, “you wouldn’t get it.” 

“I think that you gentleman got off rather easy all things considered,” Heimerdinger chimed in. That was an understatement. “I must say I’m sorry that it came to this, boys. I honestly thought Jayce would be the one to blow your cover.”

“Oh, not you too!” Jayce groaned as his husband laughed. 

The yordle pushed on, “That being said, the council is going to try to take advantage of this. I’m sure you knew that already. As always I will continue to do my best in assisting you.” 

“Thank you, professor.” Viktor nodded. 

“Certainly, now if you’ll excuse me, the bright minds of tomorrow cannot wait any longer!” With that, he too exited the room.

Viktor lounged into Jayce’s side, “How much more do you think we can get away with before he finally tells us no?” He mused.

“You mean tell you no,” the taller man groused, “he tells me no all the time. You can do no wrong in his eyes.”

“It’s because I’ve done no wrong.” Viktor countered primly.

“Tell that to my shins, you menace.” Jayce stood up, taking Viktor with him. They looked over to see Sky watching them with her head resting on her hands.

“You guys are so sweet it’s gross.” She sighed happily.

——

As the established connection between Zaun and Piltover, the bridge area was always a high-traffic place. This was regardless of the silently brewing unrest after Progress Day. There were still people milling about and doing their daily tasks but now there were dots of gold and blue among them as enforcers patrolled the area. Jayce had told Viktor that Vi had asked them to send a courier with information for them to the bridge but the other man had shot that idea down almost immediately.

“Maybe that would be fine back when you knew who you could and couldn’t trust.” He had tsked, “We will go ourselves. That way there is no paper trail.” Jayce admired how savvy his husband was when it came to shady business.

That’s how, despite increased patrols and being caught in the middle of a scandal, they found themselves sneaking through back alleys near the bridge district in search of their friend.

“Are you sure you know where we’re going?” Jayce asked for the umpteenth time.

“There are more ways into Piltover than you topsiders will ever understand. Now quit whining.” Viktor hissed.

The taller man was about to do the exact opposite when he noticed a familiar blue head down another side alley. He pulled on Viktor’s jacket and jerked his head in that direction. They crept silently along the wall as they came upon the two people they were looking for. Vi seemed to have Caitlyn backed against a wall, their faces barely inches apart and intently staring at the other's lips. Jayce flushed in embarrassment upon seeing someone who is basically his sister in such a compromising position. Viktor on the other hand seemed perfectly content to intervene. 

“Didn’t pin you as someone that enjoyed back-alley trysts, Caitlyn.” He teased. 

The two women moved so erratically from being startled that they smacked their heads together. Viktor cackled as he came closer. Jayce winced in sympathy, ‘Menace’ he repeated in his brain. 

“What the hell are you guys doing here? I thought we told you to send someone!” Caitlyn glowered.

“A fine idea, if not for the fact that Enforcers that haven’t gone rogue are crawling all over the place.” Viktor scoffed.

Caitlyn scowled at Him as Vi dusted herself off, “This your husband, pretty boy?” She addressed the shorter man.

“Viktor Talis,” he introduced himself, “It is good to see one of Vander’s children has survived. Ekko will be delighted.” 

The pink-haired woman took an intimidating step closer to Viktor who stood unmoving, “What do you know about Ekko.”

“Who’s that?” Caitlyn asked.

“I would also like to know who Ekko is?” Jayce butt in warily.

“My contact in Zaun. He runs a group called the Firelights that is currently countering the shimmer shipments that Silco is running with Jinx. Who is also the one behind the explosion on Progress Day.” Viktor summarized.

“Did you say Jinx?” Caitlyn shot a look towards Vi. 

“Yeah, Ekko believes that she has the Hex Crystal as well.” Jayce supplies, turning to Vi as well, “is she someone you know?”

Vi’s face darkened, “Her name was Powder before. She’s…my sister. After Vander died, I was arrested and Silco took her with him.” Caitlyn placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.

Viktor sighed. Another unfortunate turn of events. He knew better than to give condolences. That was simply the way things were for people like them. When would the suffering in Zaun cease? Would it ever get the chance? He felt a gentle hand on his back and turned to see Jayce stepping up behind him. A subtle act of comfort. 

“We think Ekko is going to try and steal the Crystal back from her,” Jayce continued.

“We can help him,” Vi concluded, “do you know where we can find him?”

Their conversation was interrupted by the sounds of heavy footsteps approaching. Caitlyn and Vi could not be seen by the enforcers. Viktor leaned in close 

“You do not find the Firelights, they find you.” he explained, “head into the Lanes and stick to the back alley behind Benzo’s old shop. There’s almost always one of them in that area. Now shoo.”

“What about you guys?” Vi asked.

“We’ll cover for you, get going!” Jayce urged. 

Vi took off but Caitlyn hesitated, looking at Viktor expectantly. The approaching voices grew louder as Jayce watched as the other two waged a silent battle against one another before Viktor groused and shoved several bills into Caitlyn’s hands. She grinned diabolically before running off after her companion.

“I told you she’d collect,” Viktor hissed, “now how about that plan, honey.”

“Say no more,” Jayce grinned before pinning the other man against the wall with an absolutely filthy kiss.  

Viktor grunted in confusion before positively melting into the taller man. His cane dropped against the ground as his hands clawed at Jayce’s back, licking into his mouth with a pleased groan. Viktor was immediately lost to his partner’s attentions the minute a firm thigh slid between his legs, weaving their bodies together in a dirty grind. Quickly the two forgot where they were and what they were doing as they simply drank in each other’s presence. Jayce barely gave him room to breathe as he ran his hands over miles of slender body. Right as Viktor trailed a hand down to grab a handful of Jayce’s criminally perfect ass when they were interrupted by someone loudly clearing their throat. 

Jayce pulled away from the mark he was making on Viktor’s pale neck to see two Enforcers awkwardly standing in the opening to the alley. Both young women were beet red, one looking anywhere but the two men and the other unable to look away. Jayce spared a look at his husband, also beet red but more from arousal than mortification, before turning to the two enforcers and offering his trademark smile.

“Hello ladies,” he grinned sheepishly, “lovely day we’re having?”

Both women seemed too shocked to speak for a moment. Eventually, they gathered themselves and one spoke up, “C-councilman Talis, wow what an honor to meet you b-but, what are you doing here in this alley?”

“Oh well I’m sure you’ve heard the news by now.” he replied, removing his leg from Viktors crotch, steadfastly ignoring the dampness and praising the fact that they both wore black pants, “Just trying to find some privacy from the public…with my husband.”

“Oh! Of-of course sir, and we’re terribly sorry for bothering you,” the other girl placated, “b-but it is dangerous out here right now, so maybe you c-could continue your uh…activities elsewhere?” 

Viktor was the one to speak up this time, having finally been freed from his lust-addled state, “Yes yes of course, please forgive us, officers,” he patted Jayce’s chest, “he is utterly insatiable, we will take our leave so you may continue your rounds.” He picked his cane up off the ground and righted his clothing before slapping Jayce on the ass. 

“Hop to it, lover boy. Let’s not waste these people’s time any longer!” he barked. Jayce gave a wink and salute before taking Viktor’s arm and leading him away. 

Once out of earshot, Viktor pinched him hard on the arm, “Some plan that was, you fiend.” 

“It worked didn’t it?” Jayce waggled his eyebrows at him.  Viktor did not humor him with a response. They had got away scot-free and that was all that mattered. Even if he was now painfully horny.

—-

After that first day, things were mildly hectic. Their walks into work were followed by the imploring gazes and whispers of academy students. The news had spread quite quickly. Upon visiting their normal bakery for breakfast, they received their orders on the house with congratulations from the owner. When the two were at work in the lab, they could sometimes feel the curious gazes on their backs before Sky dutifully chased them off. It was amazing they got any work done.

The news had also made its way to Zaun apparently, as the pair had been accosted by a group of children one day and one of them had slipped an envelope into Viktor’s hand. It contained a letter with the original headline glued to it as well as a note from Ekko that read: hahahahahahaha BUSTED. But seriously, you might need to stay out of the Lanes until the hype on this passes. Wouldn’t want you getting hurt. Stay safe and think of Zaun. Hugs and Kisses, E. This aspect frustrated Viktor. Being outed as the husband of a councilor painted a large target on your back. The news would have definitely made it to Silco by now and that meant keeping away from Zaun for the time being. 

In all honesty, Viktor had expected worse to come from the whole ordeal. So far, he had been allowed to continue his work with only minor interruptions. Simply testing out more Hextech theories with Jayce and waiting to hear back from Caitlyn and Vi in their investigation. He had been spared so far from interacting with any of Piltover’s elite. He knew that he would have to face them eventually, given that Kiramman was throwing them a party in two days, but that was a bridge to cross when they got to it. Things were going alright for the Talis’s.

Until it came time for the Sheriff’s report. Both Viktor and Jayce were required to go to this council meeting, and that meant news about Hextech. The couple had been hoping that whatever news they got would come from Caitlyn. Viktor, as a person from the Undercity, was distrustful of enforcers. He knew that most of them saw his people as lessers, and no matter how long he had resided in Piltover, they would be able to pick him out of a crowd. It would be safe to say that Viktor despised Marcus, the Sheriff. The man signified everything wrong with ‘Piltover’s Finest’, the brutality, the corruption, and classist ideologies all rolled into one man. What was worse was that Viktor knew his distaste for the man was returned. He never bothered Jayce with it, as it was never bad enough to warrant involving him. However, things had changed. Viktor held slightly more power now and given his upbringing that would cause problems.

Jayce walked them slowly towards the Council meeting room. Viktor stood close, curled as much around his husband as he could, seeking out his warmth. The taller man kept glancing his way, most likely checking to make sure that Viktor was alright. He remained solemn, knowing full well that Jayce could sense his discomfort, but not willing to say anything. They eventually made it to the meeting room. The two shared a glance as Jayce pushed the door open. The rest of the council was already present as well as a few enforcers higher up in the ranks. All eyes were on them as they entered the room. Jayce gently led Viktor to his council seat, settling him into the chair with a kiss on his hand. Viktor nodded in greeting as Jayce made small talk with the other council members. He felt Medarda’s gaze on him but steadfastly ignored it. This was not something he wanted to deal with at the time. The idle chatter ceases when the Sheriff enters the room. He takes his place at the podium, much like everyone else, his gaze lands on Viktor. The Sheriff’s lip curls up ever so slightly and Jayce unconsciously moves closer to his husband. 

The Sheriff gives his report, his investigations conclude that the culprits of the Progress Day explosion but also the theft of the Hex Crystal were the work of the Zaun gang known as the Firelights. Jayce’s gaze flicks to Viktor at that moment and he sees his hands clench around his cane. They both know that this is wrong and they want to know where exactly Marcus is getting his information. The Sheriff’s gaze lands on Viktor throughout the report more often than Jayce feels comfortable with. It is when Marcus asks that a blockade and extra security be set up on the bridge that the floor opens for questions. 

“Why is a blockade necessary?” Mel is the first to speak up.

“To keep potential terrorists from making their way into Piltover,” Marcus replies.

“How will that halt Shimmer movement?” Viktor’s voice cuts through.

The Sheriff is already looking at him when he asks, “What do you mean?”

“Surely you know about the gangs moving the drug Shimmer in the Lanes?” Another council member interjected, “I’ve heard it has started to pop up in Piltover. Are the Firelights the ones moving it?”

“We have no evidence as to who is-” 

“I think that drug shipments are a bigger issue than recovering a crystal.” Jayce added, “It takes a special skillset to harness its energy.” That was a lie, the crystal was volatile. However, this was throwing the council off of Cait’s investigation and the Firelights in general. Shimmer was a problem that needed to be handled. The Crystal could be handled personally.

“All of this in mind, how is depriving regular Zaunites entry into Piltover stopping actual gangs from bringing shipments of drugs over? They have found their ways around in the past.” Viktor raises an eyebrow, “Sounds like you just need a reason to harass poor people.” 

“It is imperative in our investigation to find the Hex Crystal,” Marcus snarls. Jayce prickled, hands gripping the back of Viktor’s chair. The tension in the room mounted with Jayce’s anger. Mel shared a look with Kiramman and Heimerdinger, silently they seemed to come to an agreement. This could not get out of hand.

Viktor sat, unbothered, and glared at him, “A bit of advice, there are two sides to every coin, Sheriff. I think your efforts would be better suited keeping the peace in Piltover than trifling in the affairs of those you don’t wish to understand.” 

The Sheriff smiled cruelly and leaned forward on the podium, “Oh I understand better than you think, the people in the Lanes are dangerous, but you knew that already didn’t you? You’re down there quite often, Mr. Talis.”  Jayce moved forward as red clouded his vision once more, before anyone could move to stop him, Mel stood and slammed her hands on the table.

“That’s enough, Marcus!” Medarda’s voice boomed. Viktor and Jayce whirled to look at her, “If there is a valid accusation you would like to make against Councilman Talis’s Husband, I implore you to do so now.”

The man at the podium sneered and shook his head, “No, Councilwoman, I do not.”

“Then have stepped out of line and insulted the Councilman and his husband,” She spoke lowly, “apologize, now.”

The enraged face that the Sheriff had twisted into was worthy of getting caught on film. He turned to Viktor and Jayce, bowing his head formally, “My sincerest apologies for speaking out of turn, Mr. Talis.”

Jayce watched as his love reveled in smug satisfaction momentarily before immediately snapping back to professionalism, “It is the way of Zaun to forgive those who are ignorant of our ways in the hope that one day we can strive for equity.” and wasn’t that a bullshit line, but it sounded damn good. Jayce glanced at his fellow council members and saw a level of respect in their faces. 

Viktor may have been more cut out for this than he realized. 

Mel also seemed satisfied, she looked to Jayce who gave her a look of approval before sitting back down, “The council will not allow a full blockade but will approve a further increase of security measures on the bridge. All in favor?” all but Jayce and Heimerdinger raised their hands, “Majority rules. Thank you for your time, Sheriff. Meeting dismissed.”

The Sheriff stormed out of the room as Jayce helped Viktor from his seat. No one else seemed to be affected by the proceedings, so the couple very quickly said their goodbyes and headed back to the lab. 

“Marcus may pose a problem in the near future,” Viktor whispered. 

“You can say that again,” Jayce breathed out through his nose, “he’s lucky we were in council or I would have told him exactly what I thought.”

“I have no doubt you would have,” the shorter man sagged against him as they passed through the doors, “How do you do things like that so often? It is exhausting.”

“Usually, it’s not as intense as that was. Although I will say, you were a natural in there.” Jayce chuckled as he set Viktor gently on the couch.

Viktor sank down, dragging the other man with him, “It is the instinctual need all Zaunites have to argue with the police. Couldn't fight it if I tried.”

Chapter Text

Viktor was currently hunched over in a corner of the lab going through some old notes, trying to make it through his day as peacefully as possible. Jayce had gone down to the forge to work on some things so he and Sky were making some improvements to the Hex Gauntlets. It was a good leg day and things had been rather calm, he was very much just trying to preserve his good mood. Given the chain of events that were unfolding before him, he figured that he may be deprived of such luxuries in the near future. There was no word from anyone down below about Jinx, Silco, or the gem which didn’t necessarily mean anything bad. It simply meant that Jayce and Him had to sit tight for a while longer. Let’s be honest though, the two of them had never been very good at waiting on results, always ready to move on to the next problem. Viktor thought back to a particularly rousing game of “throw shit at the Hex Crystal to see how it reacts” played shortly after its stabilization. They had been drinking to celebrate when the sudden need to experiment had hit them. The results were a rather sizable hole in the lab wall and a very disappointed Heimerdinger. Viktor smiled at the memory. 

He supposed that there was something they could do for the time being and that was trying to figure out what Marcus was up to. The Sheriff certainly knew something and given his false accusations against the Firelights in council yesterday, it would seem he’s taking orders from someone. Not that Viktor was surprised of course, enforcers were more than willing to corrupt themselves to get farther in life. It’s part of why Viktor despised them. Looking down on the desperation of others while also using it to your advantage. It was vile. Yes, Viktor would like to do some digging on the “good” Sheriff and see what he’s been up to. Jayce wouldn’t mind, he has been looking for a reason to put the guy in his place for a while. His added hostility toward Viktor only fueled that hate.

The man was interrupted from his thoughts as he realized the sounds of welding had stopped. He instead heard the sounds of hushed voices and then a giggle. That had come from Sky for sure, who was she talking to? He stood from his station and quietly walked over from behind a partition to see what was going on.

He was surprised to see Mel Medarda standing next to Sky at her desk, looking over her shoulder at something the other woman was showing her. Sky was red in the face and looked more than a little frazzled due to the councilwoman’s closeness. Viktor smirked, moving forward silently to catch the conversation.

“-quite an astounding idea Ms. Young,” Mel replied, seemingly impressed.

“O-oh it’s nothing really,” Sky backpedaled shyly.

“I disagree, I would love to pick your brain sometime on how you could better apply your theories to help Piltover.” Mel smiled.

Sky looked ready to combust, that was Viktor’s cue to step in. 

“Councilwoman.” He made his presence known.

Sky startled, somehow turning even redder. Viktor just smiled. Mel stepped away from Sky and moved toward him.

“Good afternoon,” she seemed mildly apprehensive about something. Neither Viktor nor Jayce had spoken to her about the kiss or about exposing them.

“I assume you’ve come here not just for the express purpose of flustering my assistant.” He heard Sky squawk in the background, “If you’re looking for Jayce he is in the forge with his toys.” He waved a hand towards the door, turning to make his way back to his work.

“Actually I came here looking for you,” Mel said matter of factly. The man turned to her and raised a brow.

“Oh?”

Mel nodded, not deterred, “I was hoping you would join me for lunch. I’m almost certain you haven’t eaten yet.” 

“I’m afraid I have actually, sorry to disappoint.” Viktor instinctually brushed off the invitation.

Hummed in thought at his response before turning her attention towards Sky.

“Is this true Ms.Young?” Mel batted her eyelashes. Oh, that’s dirty.

Sky flushed again before shaking her head no. The absolute traitor! Mel’s gaze returned to him, waiting for his counter. Every conversation with Mel Medarda was like a chess game it seemed. Even lunch plans.

“Hmmm, Trying your hand at seducing me now?” He joked, only a little bitter, “Not the tactic I would have gone for.”

“No, no such thing like that.” She chuckled sheepishly, “I never fancied myself a homewrecker. Consider it an apology for kissing your husband.” 

An apology, huh. From Mel, no less. Viktor had to admit that the prospect was quite gratifying. There was something else to this though. He’s never seen Mel give an apology to anyone. She always gave off the air that every move she made was deliberate. Now she came before him with an apology? She was looking for something from him. Viktor was curious as to what, and curiosity tended to rule over caution with him. Also free lunch.

“Now that I think about it, I am beginning to feel a little hungry.” Viktor mused, “I accept.”

“Lovely I know just the place.” She offered her elbow, which Viktor took cautiously before turning to Sky.

“If Jayce comes looking for me, will you tell him I stepped away with Ms. Medarda?” He asked. She shot him a thumbs up.

“I look forward to discussing further with you Ms. Young.” Viktor watched his friend's head sink onto the table as the Councilwoman all but dragged him away.

——

The place Mel chose was a small cafe that they had to take several random turns to get to. There was no way that Viktor would be able to find this place on his own, too much walking for his taste. The place was covered in hanging pants and different-sized mirrors with tables that dotted the open space. It was very nice.

“Huh,” The man took in the cozy atmosphere.

“Surprised?” Mel asked coyly.

“Unexpected certainly,”. Viktor amended, “less public than I figured you’d go for.” 

She huffed out a laugh, “Contrary to what you seem to believe, Viktor. I do not always wish to be in the public’s eye. There’s a time and a place for everything.”

“That is fair enough,” he held up his hands in defeat.

They found themselves a table in a small alcove teeming with plant life. Someone came by to give them menus and then they were left in silence. They spent several seconds just sizing each other up, seeing who would make the other speak first. Viktor could play that game forever, he didn’t mind making people uncomfortable. Finally, Mel broke the silence.

“How is your leg today?” She asked.

“Which one?” Viktor asked cheekily, “I have two of them.”

Mel huffed out a laugh, “Alright so no health talks, got it. Well, are you excited about the Kiramman’s party at least?”

Her companion supplied a bland look over his menu, “If I didn’t fear Kirammans motherly scolding I would not entertain the idea. I do not like to be gawked at.”

“Even now that you can lord it over everyone?” Mel raised a brow.

“I don’t follow.”

“You are married to the Golden Boy of Piltover.” She shrugged, “Jayce chose you over everyone else. People would kill to be in your position.”

Viktor sniffed, “and I will kill to stay here. I will admit I find some satisfaction in it, but only because those elites are too foolish to consider all of the possible options in a scenario. I am a scientist after all.” 

“Of course.” Mel leaned back in her seat.

“I am to assume you have brought me out today because you have considered all your options?” Viktor asked smoothly.

“I’ve brought you out because you were the one thing I hadn’t considered.” Mel replied, and Viktor had an inkling she didn’t just mean bring him out to lunch, “I thought that Hextech’s potential only lied in Jayce, but I know that you have a vision for it that reaches past Piltover and I’d like to know about it.”

Viktor cocked his head, “You do?”

“Don’t sound so surprised,” she laughed, “You have to have plans you’d like to enact to help Zaun right?” 

Viktor nodded, he needed to be careful with his words. “Well, it wouldn’t be right to abandon the place that raised me. As I’m sure you understand, things are not so good there.”

“Of course, and don’t you think it would be easier to help Zaun now that Jayce is on the council?” Mel asked.

“That is what we had thought.” came the cautious reply.

“But Jayce would be left with the task of convincing the others to help Zaun. With no particular reason?” Mel pressed.

“Is this your roundabout way of saying that you outed us to the public to help us reach a goal?” Viktor deadpanned.

“Maybe and maybe not.” Mel sniffed.

“What’s the catch? What are you getting out of this?” He questioned.

“Hopefully yours and Jayce’s support.” She said bluntly, “you’ll need the favor of the council if you want to achieve your goals and I have it. So we could help each other.”

“We will not be your dogs.” He hissed, “I won’t let you manipulate him.”

“I’m not trying to manipulate you!” She snapped, then she took a deep breath to calm herself. “I’m not, but the same cannot be said for the other council members. I can help with that. You have a lot of good people in your corner, but you could certainly use someone willing to play dirty as well. Especially with how things are starting to get out of hand.”

Viktor studied the woman in front of him. She was right, she had the power to help them. He thought back to the last council meeting, how she had exerted her power in their favor against Marcus. She didn’t have to do that but chose to anyway. 

“How can we know we can trust you?” Viktor asked.

Mel gave him a solemn look, “You can’t, but are you willing to risk that if it means protecting Jayce?”

Viktor answered without hesitation, “For Jayce, I would do anything.”

“That is what I thought.” She beamed, “have we reached an accord then?”

Viktor smiled tiredly, “I would rather have you tentatively on our side than as an enemy Mel Medarda.”

A few moments passed silently before she spoke again. “You know as many times as I said that you were lucky to have him, I believe that Jayce is the one who is lucky to have you.”

The man smiled gently, “We are both quite fortunate. Though I do believe if I wasn’t there to stop him, he would have blown himself up several times by now.” 

“I take it  you have some stories to tell.” Mel laid her head in her hand.

An evil smile crossed Viktor’s face, “Plenty.”

—-

The past few days had been some of the most anxiety-riddled of Jayce’s young life. The only other time he had been this nervous was when he had asked Viktor to marry him. He was certain he had read somewhere that too much stress causes your hair to fall out. Oh god, what if he went BALD? It would be Viktor’s fault of course! 

Jayce had come up from the forge to find no sign of Viktor in the lab. When he asked Sky she shrugged and said he had gone to lunch with Medarda and would be back later. Jayce had asked if she had tranquilized him and dragged him out of the lab. Sky just looked at him funny and said that he left of his own volition. Also, that had been HOURS ago. It was so strange. First Mel outs them to the public, then defends Viktor from Marcus, and now she’s taking him to lunch?? Just what was Mel planning? 

He stopped his nervous pacing at the familiar sounds of a clacking cane and the unfamiliar sounds of giggles approached. Jayce scrambled over to his desk, sliding into his chair and propping his feet up in an attempt to look like he hadn’t been wearing a hole in his boots from pacing. He picked up a piece of equipment to examine. Viktor and Mel walked in, arm in arm with Viktor telling a story.

“-so I say to her that even if the law of attraction was about romance, the only thing she would be attracting with that awful hat was pigeons.” Viktor finished Primly. 

‘Ah yes,’ Jayce thought, ‘The Pigeon Hat story. Always a crowd-pleaser.’ 

Mel chuckled, “You are terrible.”

“That is exactly what she said but I will never be as terrible as that hat…oh Jayce, hello.” Viktor moved towards him.

“Vitya!” He beamed, standing to meet him with a kiss, “where have you been?” He looked over his husband's shoulder at Mel, who was standing there with an innocent smile.

“We were at lunch, did Sky not tell you?” The shorter man asked, “I didn’t mean to worry you.”

“No! No! She did. I was just surprised to hear you had gone with Mel.” he smiled weakly.

“Hmm, I imagine it was.” Mel interjected, “no need to worry, Jayce I was simply passing an olive branch to the man whose husband I tried to steal.” They all laughed at that. Then Mel smirked wickedly.

She looked around casually, “It’s a relief to see everything in one piece given how long we left you unsupervised, Jayce.”

The man’s face pinched together in a frown. He looked between the two of them as realization dawned on him. He grabbed Viktor by the shoulders and started shaking him. 

“What lies have you been telling, you evil little man!?” He hollered. He felt his husband shake with laughter under him, “Mel you cannot believe a word he says, he’s a MENACE and no one believes me!”

“Who Viktor? Not a chance.” She looks at him scandalized, “You should be lucky to have someone like him around to keep you in line.” She waved to them and left them alone

Jayce felt his eye twitch, he turned to his husband. He looked the picture of innocence, “You’re killing me Vitya, you’re going to make my hair fall out before I turn 40.”

Viktor simply patted his head a couple of times and cackled, “Do not worry, I will do everything in my power to preserve your beautiful hair, darling.”

“Seriously though, is everything ok?” 

“Yes Jayce, everything is going swimmingly actually.” Viktor beamed, “We shall have a strong ally in Mel. I’ll tell you about it once we return home.”

“Ok, but first can I take you to the forge to show you what I’ve been working on?” Jayce asked, already dragging the other man out the door.

Chapter Text

The day of the party finally came and the Talis couple was dealing with it the best way they knew how: staying in bed together until the absolute last minute. They laid under the covers with their legs tangled and Viktor propped up against Jayce’s bare chest. Usually the former would be annoyed at the prospect of laying in bed all day when there was work to be done. However, they had been barred from going to the lab today and Viktor reasoned that they would need all of their emotional energy for tonight. Plus, Jayce softly mentioned that they’d barely had a moment alone together in days and gave him those big puppy eyes of his. How could he possibly refuse that?

Before they had started dating, Viktor detested the idea of taking breaks. It had a lot to do with the low opinions he had of himself. That he was an outcast who had to work harder than anyone to prove that he could make a difference in this world and that meant he didn’t have time for breaks. Hell, he had barely had time to take care of himself. As long as he got results, he was willing to let his body deteriorate in the name of science. Then Jayce had come along, the well-meaning fiend, and shut that down immediately. The man always went out of his way to take care of Viktor, but it never felt like he was babying him. Jayce was mindful of his disability but never doting about it, offering to massage his leg and randomly picking up soothing balms for him. 

The thing he was a real bastard about was Viktor’s sleeping and eating habits. He would bring them food that his mother had made, claiming that she always made extra for him but knowing that the woman was absolutely packed for the both of them. That was easy to accept. It was the third time he found Viktor passed out at his desk from exhaustion that Jayce started to get pushy. Never leaving until Viktor did, making off-hand comments about sleep studies, and one embarrassing time tossing the slighter man over his shoulder and carrying him to his room for bed. Eventually, Viktor conceded, just to get the man off his back. Then they had started dating and he found that he wanted to end the day wrapped up in bed with Jayce’s arms around him. It also meant he allowed himself to be pulled away for short walks around the campus to enjoy the weather or go to the cafe. 

It improved his health in the long run. Sure his leg was still the same but that was something that couldn’t be changed. Jayce always made sure that Viktor received medical attention if he needed it. After years of this, Viktor found himself becoming a mother hen in return. Despite Jayce being decent at taking care of himself physically, he tended to neglect his mental state. He had found the man on the precipice the first time they met. Eventually, Viktor had become well versed on when it was time to pull his husband out of his own head. Much like he was doing right now. His poor sweet husband has not had a break from his stress in over a week.

So there they laid, swaddled in the warmth of the midday sun and each other’s presence, pointedly not talking about the pressing issues that awaited them the next day. Instead, Jayce was telling him about the different people he would meet at the party tonight. The descriptions he gave of the various elites were less than flattering, which made Viktor laugh. They both knew there was no way he’d remember them, but it was fun to hear what his husband actually thought about these people. Viktor was also comforted by the fact that there would at least be a few people there that he actually wanted to talk to. Mel and Heimerdinger would be attending and he had all but demanded that Sky got an invitation. As one of Viktor’s oldest friends, She deserved to be there more than anyone.

Jayce’s voice tapered off and Viktor lifted his head to look at him. His husband’s eyes were soft and his face was peaceful in a way it only got when they shared moments like this. He lifted his hand to Viktor’s sharp cheekbone and it was caught as the man placed a sweet kiss on his palm.

“What are you thinking, my gem?” Viktor asked.

“I’m not thinking actually,” Jayce grinned, “there isn’t a single thought in my head right now. It feels fantastic.”

Viktor huffed a laugh and kissed the middle of his love’s chest, “What a simple life you live. I can’t say I can relate.” 

“Oh no?” Jayce rolled so that Viktor was underneath him, chestnut curls splayed across the pillows, “I can name countless occasions that proved the opposite.”

“Hmmm,” The shorter man dragged his fingers down Jayce’s body at a honeyed pace, “perhaps you’ll have to prove me wrong again.”

He watched as Jayce looked up at the clock, seeming to battle with the decision. Viktor helped him decide by all but shoving his hand into his husband's underwear. 

“Ok yeah no sure,” he shuddered, “we’ve got time.”

Viktor smiled devilishly as Jayce’s body covered his own.

—-

“Vitya sweetheart, do you need help with your clothing at all?” Jayce hollered down the hall of their home while fiddling with his tie.

“No dearest, an extra jacket to the routine does not mean I suddenly need help.” Came the annoyed reply. 

After a moment, the familiar clacking of a cane could be heard coming closer, “I think I’m ready. Do you need help with your tie?”

Jayce looked up and the floor seemingly dropped out from under him.

Viktor was a vision.

He wore a fitted suit in deep Crimson color with a black shirt and equally red tie. The red was much darker than Jayce’s own preferred shade but it complimented his pale skin. Gold buttons and trim decorated his slim waist and delicate shoulders. His husband’s hair was tousled attractively and it was pushed slightly back, highlighting his bright golden eyes. His pants were well-tailored to show off his beautiful legs. Despite the darker color, the ensemble matches perfectly with the cane Jayce had forged for him years ago. He was beautiful. Too beautiful. Angelic, remarkable, ethereal-

“Jayce?”

The man stopped waxing poetics to look at his husband’s face. He looked back with an eyebrow raised.

“This is unacceptable.” Jayce blurted.

“What?”

“You can’t wear that.”

“O-oh,” Viktor shrank back slightly, “does it look bad? You don’t like it?”

“NO Nonononono-“ Jayce moved to grab him before he could move away, “you’re beautiful, oh my love you’re stunning I can’t let anyone SEE you like this!” He ran his hands down Viktor’s body. He kissed his neck gently.

His husband huffed angrily and smacked him with his cane, stepping away to straighten his clothing, “Behave! You donkey!” He smiled despite himself.

Viktor took time to look at Jayce, “you also look very handsome.” Jayce’s suit was white with a red shirt and gold trim, they match perfectly.

“No no, you don’t understand! We can’t go to this party with you looking like this. I won’t be able to keep my hands off of you.” Jayce reached out for him again, kissing his hands.

“You can barely do that as it is! Kiramman won’t accept that excuse!” Viktor chittered, delighted. He leaned up to kiss him.

“Let’s get going.” 

—-

This party was going to be interesting. Seeing as the first people to greet them upon arriving at the Kiramman estate was Mr. and Mrs. Kiramman followed shortly by an irate-looking Caitlyn and an incredibly uncomfortable-looking Vi. Jayce and Viktor blinked and shared a glance with each other. They hadn’t heard from them for a few days so they were surprised. Mrs. Kiramman pulled them forward.

“Boys! Welcome!” She smiled nervously, “This is Caitlyn’s new friend Violet! She’s a uh…boxer! From out of town!”

The couple looked at Caitlyn, who rolled her eyes before pleading with them to play along. Vi flushed and said nothing. They looked a beautiful pair, Caitlyn wearing a low cut dark purple dress that accentuated her frame with Vi wearing a simple black suit with no shirt underneath. The jacket did nothing to hide the bulging muscles on her arms. Vi’s eyes were laser-focused on Her companion’s chest. Viktor winced in understanding. They build them different in Piltover.

“Hello, Violet,” Jayce smiled, “whom I’ve never met before. This is Viktor, my husband.”

Vi raised an eyebrow in confusion but Cait elbowed her side and gave her the same look, “ Uh yeah, nice to meet you two for the first time ever.” She shook their hands.

Mrs. Kiramman smiled satisfied before stepping inside, leaving the four of them alone for the moment. They all looked at each other.

“So…” Viktor broke the silence.

“We tried to sneak back into the house to grab a few things.” Caitlyn grumbled, “My mother caught us.”

“Cupcake’s mom is a very persuasive woman.” Vi finished. “She bought me this new suit and made up a backstory for me.”

Jayce shook with laughter beside him but Viktor was no better. No one was immune to Mrs. Kiramman’s mom voice it seemed.

“So here we are,” Cait huffed, “We found Ekko, we planned an attack against Silco tomorrow night. Hopefully, we’ll be able to get the crystal back.”

“I’m sure you will, Ekko is very well organized and very strong,” Viktor boasted, “until then, I suppose we should go in and get this over with?” He looked to Jayce, who nodded.

“The sooner the better.” He agreed, offering his arm to his beloved as he strode through the door.

The home was extravagantly decorated from floor to ceiling and there were people EVERYWHERE. It appeared as though the entirety of Piltover’s upper class decided to make an appearance tonight. All to get a look at the man that had locked down Jayce Talis. Every single one wore fine silks and flowing velvets, with glittering jewels dripping off of their bodies. There were large tables of food off to the side and waiters patrolling the crowd with trays of Champagne. The music was soft and tinkling, typical of a high-brow event like this. The low hum of chatter pierced through Viktor’s core.

Jayce had been watching his husband nervously as he took in the scene in front of him. His golden eyes darted around the room trying to collect an endless amount of information. Jayce could relate, he had been in that situation before. The first couple of times it’s incredibly overwhelming.

“Well,” he asked, “what do we think?”

Viktor said nothing for a moment before his hand shot outward to snatch a glass off of a passing tray and drain it. Jayce’s eyes widened comically. The shorter man stood up straighter before turning to his partner.

“The music is not to my taste,” he held the flute forward, “and I will be needing more of these.”

Jayce smiled and kissed the side of his head, “that’s the spirit, Vitya. Now come.” He slid his hand to the small of Viktor’s back, “Let’s throw ourselves to the wolves.”

Within a few steps of entering the hall, someone grabbed Jayce’s arm and pulled him over. He maneuvered Viktor so that they wouldn’t be separated and they found themselves face to face with the first couple of the evening. Viktor nudged his side, handing him his own drink while having procured another for himself. Bless him.

“Jayce! Oh, don’t you look lovely this evening!” An older woman in a dress absolutely COVERED in feathers cooed at him.

“Oh Angelica, how lovely of you to come,” he fought the urge to sneeze. Viktor however, could not.

The woman’s eyes shot to Viktor and she smiled conspiratorially, “And this must be the little secret you’ve been keeping from us all. Look at how handsome he is Jayce!”

“Ah, yes this is my husband Viktor.” Jayce stuttered.

“Angelica Van Dormand,” She lifted her hand to Viktor, “you may know me from my clothing lines.”

Viktor most certainly did not, but made a face of recognition. He took her hand and shook it gently. “Indeed, very nice to meet you. Though I must ask, are you an enthusiast of various waterfowl?”

Ms. Van Dormand and Jayce both looked at him curiously, “I can’t say that I have an opinion either way.” The woman replied.

“I only ask because of your outfit, it is reminding me of this huge goose I saw in the park the other day. Was this your intention?” 

‘Oh god.’ Jayce thought to himself. They had spoken to one person and Viktor was already insulting people. A long moment passed between the three of them. Jayce’s eyes shot from Viktor’s inquisitive face to Ms. Van Dormand’s surprised face. He was about to do damage control when the woman burst out laughing.

“Well my dear boy, not all of us can be effortlessly attractive like you. Some of us have to overcompensate” she wiped a stray tear from her eye, “I like this one Jayce, he’s got spirit! ” 

He let out a sigh of relief, thank the stars this woman had a sense of humor, “He sure does. Never fails to keep me on my toes.”

“Well I won’t hold you up any more boys, I’m sure everyone is dying to take a bite out of you.” She chuckled, “It was lovely to meet you, Viktor. Do come talk to me again.” And with that, she wandered into the crowd.

Viktor turned and looked at Jayce who wore a look of pleasant surprise on his face, “Did you hear that my love? Effortlessly attractive, she said.”

“I already knew that,” the taller man chuckled, “She’s a woman of taste after all. Shall we continue?”

——

Jayce had to wonder about how marriage changes a person. He was certain that it was unreasonable to find Viktor being rude to right people as attractive as he did. Yet here he was, growing more hot and bothered with every snide remark and condescending look his husband threw out. They had made their way through several groups of people at this point. The beauty of high society was that for the sake of politeness, no matter how Viktor insulted them, they would not call him out on it. Needless to say, his husband was having a ball and Jayce found himself enjoying himself as well. His favorite form of taunting seemed to be making up lies and seeing if anyone fell for them.

“It is quite unfortunate you see,” Viktor told an oil baron and his wife, “the chemical run-off from Piltover spills down into our rivers and it is affecting various amphibious species.”

“How so?” The wife asked, enthralled. Oh, Heimerdinger would be pissed if he heard Viktor lying like this.

“It seems to be throwing off the pheromones, causing homosexual behaviors and endangering the population.” Viktor’s tone was dead serious. Jayce bit hard on his cheek to keep from laughing, though his shoulders were shaking.

“The chemicals in the water are turning the frigging frogs gay?” The Baron exclaimed, eyes bulging out of his head.

“OH LOOK, is that Mel?” Jayce wheezed, grabbing his husband's waist, “P-please excuse us.”

They walked away cackling to each other. Mel was standing in a small circle with a few men Jayce recognized as investors. Sky surprisingly was also there, looking very flustered as she stood next to the councilwoman.

“I think Mel might kill Sky if she keeps on flirting with her like this,” Jayce whispered to Viktor.

The shorter man snorted, sipping from yet another flute of champagne, “I think they are both enjoying the attention in their own way.”

“How many drinks have you had? How are you not drunk?”

“Oh please,” Viktor chided, “this is children’s juice compared to any Undercity spirit.”

They got Mel’s attention and made their way towards her. She gave them a curious look, lip curling in amusement. 

“Having fun out there you two?” She asked.

“A surprising amount,” Viktor replied.

“Mr. Talis!” One of the men boomed. Zelebron, he was the owner of Piltover’s largest companies and one of the only investors Viktor had interacted with, “and the apparent other Mr. Talis. A belated congratulations on your nuptials.”

“Thank you very much,” Jayce smiled, “I am very lucky.”

“Indeed you are!” Another man, Garrix, a construction tycoon chimed in. He turned to appraise Viktor,  “Although you’ve been quite selfish to keep this young man cooped up in that lab away from us you know. Jayce speaks very animatedly about the work you’ve done with Hextech.” 

“It’s true,” Zelebron agrees, much to Jayce’s embarrassment, “He talks about you like you’re some sort of genius angel of a man who came to solve all his problems. If I hadn't met you once before, I wouldn't have believed you were real!”

Viktor chuckles fondly, “He’s hardly keeping me prisoner up there. I simply prefer my contributions to be more behind the scenes.”

“Easier to manipulate things to your advantage, hm?” The third man in the group added with a bitter tone. Both Jayce and Mel’s heads turned sharply to the side. Neither of them had seen this man before.

“If by manipulate, you mean allow me to be unimpeded in my research then yes.” Viktor replied coolly, “If I were as social as my husband, we’d never make any breakthroughs.”

“Oh where are my manners,” Mr. Garrix spoke up, “This is my colleague Dr. Albert Gould, he is a leading mechanical engineer on one of my other projects.” The man in question gave a curt nod. No one moved to shake hands.

Sky broke the tension first, “Yes I believe that I read one of your essays regarding fluid dynamics that you published last year. It was a truly interesting theory you tested.”

The man, Gould, didn’t even acknowledge her, more intent on continuing his conversation with Viktor, “Your Hextech theory, it has not seen any evolution in the past six months I’ve noticed. What do you have planned for the future?”

Mel began to answer, “We are currently using the Hextech materials to fabricate tools to help the product-” the doctor held up a hand to silence her. She looked positively murderous.

“Yes yes, tools are all well and good but have you considered the potential for more than that?”

“The Hex crystals are a volatile material that requires rigorous testing and delicate tweaking.” Jayce explained, “We can’t just throw whatever at it and hope for the best.” They could and they have but that led to an explosion and several pieces of incinerated equipment. Not that it was any of this fucker’s business. 

“I’m not saying it isn’t, but why not allow for the tools to be upgraded? They could hold a dual purpose as weaponry-” 

“No.” Both Viktor and Jayce interrupted sharply. 

“Hextech is only to be used to help others. Weaponry helps no one.” Viktor explained coldly, “We are not warmongers.”

The gentleman sputtered but continued, “You wouldn’t understand! You’re from Zaun so violence is something you’re accustomed to. The people of Piltover need to be protected from the Undercity and their criminal nature.”

The group was tense, the two other gentlemen were unsure of who to side within the conversation. Mel and Sky were silent, astonished at Dr. Gould’s uncouth behavior. Jayce was coiled incredibly tight, hands clenched around his glass. This man was openly insulting his husband at his own party. All because of upbringing. How were people still so ignorant? Why had the council allowed them to become so complacent to the suffering of those who they claimed to rule over? It was cruel and unfair, and he would never blame Viktor for being resentful because of it.

Before the red could fully bleed into his vision, Jayce felt a gentle hand on his own. Viktor looked up at him softly, but he could see the anger burning behind his eyes as well. The face he made said, Let me handle this. So Jayce stepped back slightly, staying at his husband’s back in support.

“The difference between you and me Dr. Gould is not simply upbringing,” Viktor began, “It is how far we are willing to go to get what we want. Criminal nature is not genetic, it is born out of desperation. Desperation is what fuels the very life of Zaun. I used my desperation to bring myself to a place where I could improve the lives of others, regardless of where their desperation takes them. You have never known such a concept and it has made you arrogant. Too arrogant to see that your contributions to society will only be seen by a few. My desperation will allow my work to be seen by thousands. I have earned everything I have worked for, and I will not allow an envious peacocking fool to insult me or my husband because he thinks he knows our technology better than us.”

He reached forward and took the flabbergasted Doctor’s glass out of his hand and finished the contents of it before clearing his throat and looking to his companions.

“Jayce, I would like to seek more polite company.” He turned to the investors, “Thank you for your continued belief in our work, sirs. I will see you at the next symposium, yes?”

The two men nodded and politely excused themselves, dragging the doctor with them. The tension between the remaining four immediately dropped. Mel beamed proudly and magically procured another drink for Viktor. 

“Now that was a verbal beating if I’ve ever seen one.” She patted him on the shoulder.

“No kidding!” Sky bolstered excitedly, “You showed them that Undercity fighting spirit without laying a finger on him!”

“Eugh,” Viktor waved a hand sheepishly, “I would have hit him but I wanted to see if Mel would do it first.”

The three laughed and proceeded to talk shit about that guy. Jayce simply stared at Viktor. The adoration he felt for this man overflowed from him. He was also incredibly turned on. His husband had a way with words that he had never experienced. With every new thing he learned about Viktor despite being with him for so long, he was just made more certain that this man was the person he was made to spend the rest of his life with.

Chapter Text

This had to have been the longest amount of time Viktor had spent out of the house in ages. That wasn’t to say he wasn’t enjoying himself, which was a surprise. He and Jayce had performed the customary amount of shmoozing (read: harassing) the guests before retreating to find their acquaintances. From there he had spent most of the time talking with Sky or Heimerdinger about different things. Mel would occasionally stop around and chat while also terrorizing Sky with her flirting. Caitlyn had shown up with Vi at one point, both looking far less uncomfortable than before. Vi leaned into the other woman quite a bit more and it obviously flustered Caitlyn. Jayce shot knowing looks at her but she just flipped him off and dragged Vi off. Eventually, Jayce was pulled away by Kiramman to talk to the other council members, leaving Viktor to his own devices. He decided that he would like a break from the noise and made his way towards the back balcony. As fun as it was terrorizing polite society, he was quite tipsy and his leg was starting to ache. 

He stepped into the quiet night air, immediately soothed by the slight chill in the air. He looked out and noticed that he was not alone. He saw a familiar pink-haired figure hunched slightly over on a bench, smoke billowing slightly in front of her. Viktor approached, allowing the click of his cane to alert the woman of his presence.

“May I join you?” He asked. Vi grunted and gestured to the spot beside her. He sat down and adjusted his leg into a comfortable position. She offered him the cigarette she had. It was probably more out of courtesy, as she arched a surprised brow when he actually accepted and took a long drag.

“Are you enjoying your first Piltover party?” Viktor joked, exhaling smoke into the night air.

Vi laughed humorlessly, “I mean it's exactly what I had assumed it would be like. More food than any person from Zaun would see in a year in one place. Fake smiles and snide remarks.”

“And the music is so boring with no beat, not to mention the booze is not strong.” Viktor chimes in, “Not nearly as exciting as a get-together in the Lanes.” 

 Vi laughs in agreement, “I don’t know you do it.”

“I don’t usually, but Caitlyn’s mother is very aggressive.” They shared a soft laugh at that.

“Did you picture this life for yourself when you were younger?” Vi gestured, “The snooty parties? The hot rich husband?”

“Pfft, Jayce is the son of a smith, he has no fortune,” Viktor scoffed, “and I hate the parties, these Piltie fucks are so wasteful. I would rather be in the lab with my husband making a difference.”

Viktor paused, “As a boy, I could not even begin to imagine finding someone I wanted to spend forever with. Shit, I didn’t think I was going to live past 25.”

Vi nodded in understanding. Viktor knew she would not look at him with pity. No child left alone in the Undercity has a very good prospect of survival. This was something they both understood.

“Do you ever feel as though you’re undeserving of the things in life you’ve been handed?” Vi exhaled a long puff of smoke.

“As people of the Undercity, I think we are not used to having things go our way.” The man mused, “We are not handed things in life. Things are thrust upon us and we must choose what we do with them. I personally was not going to help anyone by staying in the Undercity. I cannot fight the way you can, and my intelligence would only take me so far. I had to throw myself to the wolves to make a difference.” 

He looked at Vi and noticed her staring into the crowds inside. Following her line of sight, he caught sight of Jayce in the crowd. He was smiling as he recounted a story to Caitlyn. She threw her head back and laughed. Ah, this was not about her past, this was something else entirely. Vi’s face was one he had seen on himself many times. It was longing for something you were convinced you would ever be allowed to have. He was unsure what Vi and Caitlyn had been doing while in the Undercity, but it was clear that something was going on between them. Something that they didn’t fully understand.

Viktor smiled softly, “Is it not funny how we, two outcasts from the Undercity, find ourselves outside while our treasured ones sit beyond the glass. In a world we will never truly be a part of?”

Vi sputtered at his words, turning the slightest bit red, “I don’t know what you think you’re talking about, smart guy!”

Viktor hums in a placating manner, finishing off the last of the cigarette before stamping it out on the ground, “Maybe you do not yet, but I think that you have much weighing on your mind. Just keep one thing in mind.”

“Vi! There you are!” Caitlyn shouted from the doorway, catching the other girl’s attention.

“They may sit beyond the glass, but they will always come to find you in the end.” Viktor smiled sagely.

Vi gave him a funny look but turned to Caitlyn as she approached them, “Hey cupcake.”

“I’ve been looking for you! Have you been out here this whole time?” The other girl asked. Viktor noticed the shy flush on her cheeks as she looked on at Vi. Interesting. 

“That would be my fault,” Viktor interjected, “Vi was keeping me company as I rested my leg. It is nice to have the company of another from Zaun to speak with.”

Caitlyn huffed but smiled fondly, “That’s all well and good, but you should be the one having to be subjected to Jayce’s shitty jokes, not me.”

“I heard that!” Jayce yelled from the doorway.

“I suffer every day.” Viktor sighed dramatically, “All that brain and that beautiful face but I suppose you cannot have it all, yes?”

“I heard that too!” Jayce yelled again.

“It is good to know your hearing works, darling!” He yelled back.

The two women laugh before Caitlyn grabs Vi’s hands and hauls her to her feet, “Come on, someone brought their ugly dog with them, you have to see it.” 

At Caitlyn’s beaming face, Vi seemed to melt. She nodded and allowed herself to be led away. They passed Jayce who was standing at the entrance waiting for Viktor. The man stood up and made his way to his husband’s side and back into the party. 

—-

For once in his life, Jayce was thoroughly enjoying himself at a party. Not only had Viktor’s presence made him feel more comfortable, but his husband’s unending commentary had broken up the usual monotony that he always felt. Another plus was that his attendance meant that people were no longer grabbing at him or pawing at his body like they would in the past. It was out of politeness and maybe fear that Viktor would lay into them if they did. Not to mention he was enjoying watching him spend time with other people. Jayce very much enjoyed monopolizing most of Viktor’s time, but there was something so amusing about seeing him get into intense arguments about theories with Heimerdinger or whispering catty remarks into Mel’s ear in an attempt to make her laugh. Not to mention that Viktor was enjoying himself as well.  It made Jayce happy that everyone was getting to see Viktor the way he got to see him because Jayce thought he was one of the absolute best people in the world.

Speaking of, he had lost track of him again after he found him outside with Vi. Apparently, he had been giving the girl some advice on whatever was going on between her and Caitlyn. Jayce had seen it too, of course, Caitlyn was the most obvious and useless lesbian he had ever met. They both just needed a little push.

Jayce wandered through the crowd in search of his husband but couldn’t seem to find him anywhere. He happened upon Sky who mentioned seeing him go out into the side hallway a few minutes ago and pointed to a door. Jayce made his way over. He stepped into the hallway quietly, at first glance it seemed empty. Then Jayce heard muffled voices slightly down the hall. He crept forward and looked around the corner.

There he saw the man they had spoken to earlier, the doctor who had insulted them, towering over someone and speaking in harsh tones. He had an arm up, blocking Jayce’s view of who exactly he was speaking to. Jayce bristled at the scene, what the fuck was this guy’s problem anyway? Harassing everybody at this party. Jayce began to move closer and the man’s words became clearer.

“...don’t know how you managed to convince him to marry a lowlife rat like you, but you aren’t worth anything in Piltover you hear me? You’re nothing and you will always be nothing.” the man hissed.

Jayce stopped once he was directly behind the man, ready to put a hand on his shoulder and tell him that maybe it would be best if he headed home for the night.

That was before he noticed that the person trapped under him was Viktor. His husband was standing wedged in a corner by this man who had a hand curled around the lapel of his jacket. He wasn’t cowering away, he was standing as tall as he could with an annoyed look on his face as if this man had simply inconvenienced him and wasn’t spitting in his face. Jayce looked over and saw Viktor’s cane was laying on the ground just out of reach.

Viktor caught his eye over the man’s shoulder and looked relieved at the sight of him. That was what did it. This time when the red began to seep into his vision, Jayce allowed it to swallow him.

He placed a heavy hand on the man’s shoulder and gripped it hard. He startled, letting go of Viktor’s jacket. He got a chance to catch Viktor’s satisfied smirk before Jayce pulled him backward and slammed him against the opposite wall. The man crashed hard and slid to the ground as Jayce slowly walked towards him.

“It seems you’ve had a bit too much to drink, Doctor.” Jayce sneered. The man tried to stutter something out, but he was cut off when Jayce grabbed him by the collar and hauled him into a standing position. He got right up in his face, rage burning in his eyes.

“How dare you put your hands on him. If I catch you even looking at my husband ever again I will ruin you, do you understand?” Jayce hissed.

The man seemed to gather up a small amount of courage and growled out, “You think you can threaten me with ruining my career? Do you even know who I-” he grunted as Jayce roughly shoved him against the wall again.

“I don’t give a fuck who you are! When I’m done with you, you’ll wish I had ruined just your career!” He let the man go with another shove, letting him slide to the ground, “Now get the fuck out of here.”

The man muttered something under his breath as he scrambled away. Jayce heaved some deep breaths before turning to face Viktor. The man was looking back at him with a sly smile and a shine in his eye. Jayce immediately went to his side, picking up his cane and handing it to him before taking his face in his hands.

“Are you ok? Did he hurt you at all?” Jayce said seriously as he turned Viktor’s head from side to side. 

“Of course not,” Viktor allowed himself to be manhandled before placing his hands on his partner’s chest, “you made it just in time like always. Though I could have handled it myself.”

Jayce smiled weakly and hugged his husband close, “I know you could have, but I was here and while I know you can take care of yourself, it’s my responsibility to take care of you too.”

“I will say that it was quite enticing to see you defend me in such a way,” Viktor trailed his hand up to Jayce’s hair, “you were like a wild animal.”

Jayce dipped his head down and nosed across Viktor’s neck, “I told you Vitya. I would do anything for you.”

“Anything you say?” Viktor let out a breath at the sensation, “even if I asked you to fuck me in Kiramman’s upstairs bathroom right now?”

Jayce lifted his head and raised a brow at his partner, “Right now you say?”

The shorter man smiled sweetly, “I think my noble rescuer deserves a reward, don’t you?”

Jayce grinned ferally as he scooped Viktor up and ran towards the stairs.

Sure it was in poor taste to fuck in the host's bathroom, but it was their party after all.

—-

Meanwhile, across the bridge on the old docks, Marcus was pacing back and forth in frustration. He had been summoned again to a meeting, no doubt he was to be reprimanded for not holding up his end of the deal. It’s not like it’s been easy for him. There were far too many roadblocks standing in his way. For what seemed like the 40th time he questioned if all of this was worth it in the long run. Not because he felt that what he was doing was wrong, but because it was becoming more trouble for him in the end. He sighed again and rubbed a hand across his face.

“Sigh a little louder Marcus, they’ll be able to hear you on the other side of Piltover.” a voice came from the shadows.

Marcus turned to see Silco step into the moonlight, smoke curling up from the cigar he was smoking. His one eye always looked more vicious in the night, driving home the true nature of his business and what he had done to get where he was. There was silence between them for a moment before Silco spoke.

“You’re not holding up your end of the deal, Sheriff.” Silco moved around him with calculated steps, “My shipments are still getting disrupted. The Firelights have not been stopped.”

“I’m doing everything I can,” Marcus growled, “There’s a lot of interference happening on my end. I have enough on my plate even with our agreement.”

“You wouldn’t even have that plate if it wasn’t for me!” Silco hissed, “You were supposed to throw the council off of the Shimmer. Now they are doing more investigations into it. How have you messed this up so tremendously?”

“It was Councilman Talis’s son of a bitch husband!” Marcus hollered, “He brought the shimmer up to the council!”

“Ah yes, the Councilor’s secret husband,” Silco mused, “He is a son of Zaun.”

“Yeah, and he knows something about the Firelights.” Marcus crossed his arms, “He goes into the Undercity all the time but none of my men are able to keep track of him. It’s like he’s disappeared into thin air! He’s got his husband wrapped around his fucking finger and he has Medarda’s favor too. I can’t touch him.”

Silco thought for a moment. He had heard about the Zaunite who had helped create Hextech and married his partner. Signed had spoken of him before, a sickly boy with a brilliant mind. Perhaps Silco could use this to his advantage. Getting ahold of him could be a step closer to an independent Zaun.

“I see you will be needing my help yet again.” Silco sighed, “I can make this work for the both of us.”

“How so?” Marcus asked warily.

“I will remove Talis’s husband from the equation, and you will get your terrorists to present to the council as well as another promotion.” Silco began to walk back into the shadows, “Just be ready the next time I contact you.” He left the Sheriff once again alone on the pier.

Chapter Text

Viktor and Jayce stood in front of the Hex crystal, staring hard at it. They had been at it for almost a week now. Trying to find a new way to harness the crystal’s raw arcane energy but so far they had nothing to work with. The Council was bothering them constantly for results which in turn was only putting more pressure on them. Mel kept popping in to check on them but even that was becoming stifling. It had finally become so much that the two men had barricaded the door shut to get some peace and quiet. 

“We have to come up with something to appease the council,” Jayce broke out into a pace, “they’re becoming even more concerned with the growing unrest in the Undercity.”

This was true, from their recent communication with Ekko, they had managed to take back the Crystal from Jinx but they had lost contact with Caitlyn and Vi in the skirmish. They were in the process of trying to locate them so they could figure out how to get the crystal topside. It also seemed that there was a power struggle happening among Silco’s group, which was causing more violence in the Lanes. Piltover had taken notice and was growing more unsettled by the day.

“I know, Jayce, we are both under the same amount of pressure you know.” Viktor rubbed his temples tiredly.

“I’ve been doing my best to placate them but they are slowly asking for more offensive solutions.” Jayce sighed, “If we don’t come up with something soon, they’re going to start asking for weapons, Vitya.”

“Which we will not give to them!” the other man hissed angrily.

Jayce turned to face his partner, “I mean, we’re running out of time, what will we do if we have no other option? We can’t say no to the Council if it-”

“JAYCE!” Viktor shouted fiercely, “Our values are far more important than any politician's opinion! We will not shed the blood of my people!”

Jayce was stunned to silence by his husband’s outburst. Viktor clenched his fists and turned away from him with his head lowered.

“There are many things I would do for you, my love,” He choked out, “but do not ask this of me.”

“Oh Vitya,” Jayce came to stand behind  Viktor, curling himself around his beloved’s hunched frame. He wrapped his arms around him and buried his face into his neck, “I would never ask that of you, forgive me for even considering it. We will find a way to get around it.”

“I understand, Jayce,” Viktor whispered gently into Jayce’s soft inky locks, “I do not blame you for considering it. We are backed into a corner are we not?”

The taller man chuckled weakly, “It would seem so, we’ve tried everything short of trying to eat the damn thing.”

“Hmm,” Viktor sighed as he fiddled with his partner's fingers, suddenly an idea popped into his head, “actually that’s not a bad idea.”

“What? Eating the crystal?” Jayce asked incredulously as Viktor wiggled out from his grip, “It’s an incredibly bad idea, Viktor, that’s unfiltered arcane energy!”

“No! No No! I’m not going to fucking eat the damn thing! Organic matter, Jayce!” Viktor flailed his arms in excitement, “We’ve never tossed an organism at it.”

Realization dawned on Jayce’s face as he became more excited, “Holy shit, Vitya, you’re a genius! What do we use though? Should we try to catch a bird or something?”

Viktor seemed to give it some real genuine thought before shaking his head, “Perhaps not an animal. What if we kill it by accident? You would cry.”

“No, I wouldn’t!” Jayce protested.

“You cried when you found a mouse in the laboratory’s mousetrap.”

“Mice are cute! He wasn’t hurting anyone!” His lower lip wobbled. Viktor smiled fondly. This Man. Then Jayce snapped his fingers, “What about Sky’s houseplant? The one on her desk?”

“Yes! Excellent you brilliant sexy man.” Viktor scrambled over towards Sky’s desk. However, in his excitement, he stumbled. He reached out to right himself and caught the sharp edge of one of the machines on the desk. He cried out and clutched his hand.

“Viktor!” Jayce shouted in alarm, rushing over to his husband. 

Viktor held out his hand as blood began to collect in the gash, Jayce examined it before running over to grab the lab first aid kit. In an attempt to staunch the bleeding, Viktor reached for a rag on the lab counter. As he passed his hand over the surface, several drops of blood dribbled from his hand. Almost in slow motion, the blood splashes onto the crystal. It begins to glow.

“J-Jayce,” Viktor calls out, stepping warily back, “Something’s happening.”

“What?” The other man runs over, looking at Viktor first, “Is your hand ok? Are you in pain?”

“No Jayce look,” he points to the crystal.

The Crystal was changing like it was rearranging its composition. The faint blue glow quickly became awash with purple as sprouts and roots erupted from the core of the gem. The two men looked on in wonder.

“What in the world?” Jayce breathed.

“It reacted to my blood,” Viktor whispered in awe. “It transmuted once it interacted with organic material.”

“It’s learning from the genetic makeup of your blood.” Jayce turned to grab his partner’s shoulders, “It’s evolved!”

Viktor let out a laugh in disbelief, “We did it…Jayce this is huge.”

“We have the potential to harness this power and regenerate flora in desolate areas. Maybe even study medical applications! We can do so much more good now!” Jayce picked him up and spun him around.

“Yes,” Viktor swallowed the rush of emotion he felt at his husband’s words. This could save so many lives in the Undercity. This was the break they needed.

“What do we call it?” Jayce turned to him, “It’s no longer a crystal at this point.”

Viktor thought for a moment, “Let’s call it the Hexcore.”

Jayce gave him a brilliant smile. He looked beautiful in the purple glow that filled the room, “Perfect.” he said before his smile dropped, “Oh fuck you’re still bleeding!” He stepped away to find some bandages. Viktor stayed put and stared at the Hexcore, listening to the discordant hum that seemed to buzz in the back of his mind.

Chapter Text

Suffering in silence, similarly to most people in the Undercity, was a very large part of Viktor’s upbringing. Everybody suffered and there was only so much you could do about it. Better to bottle things up than show weakness to those who may use it against you. Comfort and safety were a commodity. However, Viktor was married to Jayce. His husband was kind and understanding to him and they provided each other with security and comfort in a way they could not get from anyone else. They protected each other and Viktor knew that if he ever felt uncomfortable about anything, Jayce would do everything in his power to make him feel safe. 

That’s why Viktor had no problem telling Jayce that there was something about the Hexcore that made him feel off. Every time he got close to it, a ringing would resonate through his head like a song. It begged for Viktor to reach out and touch it. He, decidedly, was not going to be doing that. Maybe at a different point in his life when he felt like had nothing to live for but his research but now he had Jayce to think of as well. He couldn’t bear to leave the man on his own, there’s no telling what he would do.  So he told Jayce about what he was feeling. His partner of course was immediately concerned, suggesting that perhaps interfacing with his blood caused Viktor to form some sort of magic bond with it. They had decided that Viktor should not be left alone with the Hexcore for too long until they can figure out what exactly was causing the affliction. This meant Sky and Jayce stayed with him in the lab most of the time which was fine as it were. Sometimes the urges would become far too strong and cause Viktor to have bad headaches. During these spells, he would remove himself and take walks. 

Viktor was currently on one of his headache walks. He had walked farther than normal, near the docks by the bridge. He looked out on the water and allowed himself to be lost in thought. He had left Sky in the lab, tasking her with using plant samples to test the Hexcore for regenerative capabilities. Jayce was out with Mel strategizing how to dissuade the council from asking for Hextech weapons. As it turns out, Mel was as heavily disinterested in creating weapons as the Talis’ were. She had divulged to Viktor over tea that her mother was somewhat of a warlord and because of her opposition to following that path, she had been disowned. Thus, how she found herself in Piltover. Viktor admired her tenacity. She was a fighter and just like him, she had clawed her way to the top.  It was funny how a short few weeks ago he had detested her, but now he felt he could consider her a friend.

The man’s musings were interrupted by the scuffle of small footsteps coming up to him. He looked down to find a child running towards him. The child was dirty and covered in patchy clothes. This kid was from the Undercity. 

“You! You’re the robot guy right?” The kid asks, “You make the arms and stuff?”

“Yes,” Viktor chuckled, “I do.” The children in Zaun would call the prosthetics he would make for people ‘robot pieces’ and justifiably he became the ‘Robot Man’ to them.

“Good! You have to help me!” The child said frantically, “My brother needs help. We were playing and part of his robot arm stopped working! Please!” The kid pulled on Viktor’s sweater urgently.

He took a moment to weigh his options. First option: this was an ambush and he could be getting potentially mugged by a group of kids. Second option: A child actually needed his help. He looked down at the kid, they seemed far too young and far too scared to be lying to him. If he was? Viktor was out of the little money he had on him, no love lost. He decided that it was worth the risk if it meant potentially helping a child in need.

“Ok,” he said, “take me to your brother.”

The child nodded and led him in between some buildings into the alleyways. They took a few turns and eventually Viktor began to hear sniffles and the child started picking up the pace. Finally, they came upon another child, this one slightly older, sitting up against a wall next to a large storm drain. Viktor knew that this was one of the many secret entryways into the Undercity. The child was clutching his arm close to his body as he silently cried. The smaller kid moved to sit next to him.

“Biz! I’m back and I brought help!” The child declared pointing to Viktor.

“Hello there, my name is Viktor and I’ve come to take a look at your arm.” The man spoke softly, he moved forward to crouch by the boy. 

The boy turned to him sheepishly and held out his arm. There appeared to be something jammed in the joint mechanisms. Viktor nodded and pulled out the small tool kit he kept with him.

“Ah I see the problem, I’ll have it back working in no time.” He began to work on the child’s arm. He was so focused that he didn’t notice the boy worriedly looking behind Viktor’s back, “You were quite lucky I was in the neighborhood or you would have had to wait to get this worked on.”

“It really was!” The little child chimed in, “ I have no idea how Biz knew you would be at the docks but he told me to look for you, and there you were!”

Viktor paused, having just freed the small gear stuck in the child’s arm. He looked up to the boy, who was not looking at him at all. He looked ashamed. 

The man furrowed his brow and went to say something when he was grabbed from behind by an arm around his middle. He let out a shout and flailed but managed to keep his cane in hand. The large arm was attached to a large man, who laughed as Viktor struggled in his grip. The two children cowered in the corner.

“Good job, kid.” The man tossed a small bag to the older kid. He caught it and quickly dragged his sibling into the depths of the sewer drain, “As for you, pretty boy, you’re coming with me.”

Viktor did the first thing that came to mind and jammed the screwdriver he had been using into the arm that held him. His attacker yelled out and dropped him to clutch his own arm. Viktor gracelessly hit the ground but quickly managed to stand up. He fiddled with his cane as the man recovered. He looked at him with rage in his eyes.

“You fight dirty, you little shit.” The man growled.

Finally, Viktor located the small switch on the side of the cane. Sent a feral grin to his opponent, “Takes shit to know shit.” He said before jamming the end of his cane into the charging man’s gut. The man was fully unprepared for the electric current that shot from the tool and into his body. He cried out once again in pain before hitting the ground, groaning, and curled into a ball. Viktor hauled himself over to stand near his head. 

“You can take the boy out of the Undercity, but the fight of the Undercity never leaves the boy.” He smirks before whacking the guy across the face, finally knocking him out. 

Viktor heaved a couple of breaths at his exertion, his headache had returned and now his leg was beginning to ache as well. The adrenaline was still rushing through his veins though and he knew he had to get to Jayce. What if Jayce was also in danger? In his panic, he failed to hear the second person sneak up behind him. 

“Then you should know that attackers always come in pairs, son of Zaun.” The voice said behind him. 

Viktor turned in time to see the baton but was unable to stop it as it struck him in the side of the head. His can clattered to the ground and everything went dark as he fell into the arms of his assailant.

—-

“He’s been gone for 3 hours?!” Jayce paced the length of the lab as Sky and Mel looked on worriedly, “are you sure he didn’t mention needing to go anywhere?”

“I’m positive,” Sky exclaimed, “he said that he was starting to get a headache and that he’d be walking down by the bridge. He said he’d be back in a half-hour and he didn’t return so I assumed he had been with you!”

Jayce and Mel had been at lunch talking about council business and the unannounced appearance of Mel’s mother. They had come back to the lab to find Sky by herself, concerned when she found out that Viktor wasn’t with them. Jayce immediately began to get concerned. He never went off on his own without telling at least Jayce where he would be. The fact that he had been gone for so long past his stated return time meant something must have happened. 

“If he was walking down by the bridge then an enforcer had to have at least seen him.” Mel offered, “We can check with the patrol down there and see if they know anything.”

“Ok, ok,” Jayce breathed out trying to calm himself, “Let’s go to the bridge. Sky, will you go see if he maybe stopped at our house?” 

Sky nodded and they all left the lab in search of Viktor.

It caused quite a commotion when two council members showed up at the bridge demanding to speak to the patrol lead. Jayce interrogated them over whether or not they had seen his husband in the area. Someone had and Jayce all but commanded that they search the alleyways in the area. He was also informed that Marcus was out on patrols in this area today. 

“That rat has to have something to do with this,” Jayce seethed.

“Why would he?” Mel asked concerned, “Now that I think about it, you two have been very cautious of Marcus recently. Is there something I need to know?”

Jayce weighed his options. It was potentially dangerous to let Mel in on their Undercity dealings, but Viktor had said they could trust her and he was sure if he tried to lie, she would find the truth anyway. He looked over his shoulder to make sure no one was nearby listening in. When the coast was clear, he began to fill her in on everything. He told her about Vi and Caitlyn, the Firelights, and their suspicions that Marcus was corrupt. Mel, as unshakable as she was, seemed overwhelmed at the information but took it in stride.

“My my,” she said after a moment, “It seems you’ve found yourself in quite the mess Mr.Talis.”

Jayce sagged, “Tell me about it, and now Viktor’s vanished.”

“Councilors.” A gruff voice came from behind them. The duo turned to see the Sheriff making his way towards them. Jayce stood up straighter, obviously tense. Marcus was holding something in his hand.

It was Viktor’s cane.

“We found this near a sewer drain down by the docks.” The man stated, “there appeared to be signs of a struggle as there was also blood and traces of Shimmer at the scene.” 

Mel let out a soft gasp. However, Jayce was barely breathing, eyes zeroed in on the familiar craftsmanship. Viktor was out there, most likely hurt and immobile. 

“The drain is a secret entry used to get from the Undercity to Piltover. It’s frequented by gangs like the Firelights.” He continued.

That was bullshit. Jayce knew that they had nothing to do with this. The fact that Marcus was bringing them up at all told him that he knew something. 

“Are you saying that my husband has been taken by an Undercity gang?” Mel replied steadily.

“It’s…too early to say, but it would make sense.” Marcus studied him, “The frail husband of a council member? An easy target for someone trying to make a power grab.” 

“I’m sure you’d know a lot about that,” Jayce growled.

“Excuse me?” Marcus replied hotly, “is there something you want to say to me, Talis?”

Jayce snatched the cane out of the other man’s hands and got up in his face, “Yeah I do, my husband is missing and you don’t seem surprised in the slightest.”

“Only because I know what those people down there are like.” Marcus ground out, “I tried to tell you people that before but you would rather listen to a sump rat than the people tasked with protecting you!”

You could practically see the steam pouring out of Jayce’s ears at Marcus’s comment. He was going to attack this man. Mel brought a hand to his shoulder. Jayce looked back to see her stern expression. He stepped back towards her.

“Settle down, Jayce.” She said, “You can’t help Viktor from a jail cell.”

“Oh no,” Marcus protested, “you’re not getting involved with this investigation. Leave it to the enforcers.”

“You’re out of your MIND if you think that I’m not going to go looking for Viktor!” Jayce yelled at him, “I’ll destroy this whole region if it means getting my husband back and you couldn’t stop me if you tried!”

He walked back up to Marcus and jammed a finger into his chest, “If I find out you have anything to do with this, I’m going to tear your throat out with my teeth.” He hissed.

The man simply looked back at him, shocked and disgusted. Jayce turned and gestured to Mel as they began to trek back to the lab.

“Absolutely insane behavior, Jayce.” Mel scolded trying to hide her smile, “Threatening the Sheriff of all people? That could get you removed from the Council.”

“Threaten the Sheriff?” Jayce replied darkly, “Me? Absolutely no one would believe that I had done such a thing. I’m Piltover’s Golden Boy.”

“And a demon it would seem,” she gave a humorless laugh, “what will you do now?”

“I’ve got to get to the Undercity and find Caitlyn and Vi,” Jayce explained as he opened the Lab doors that were unlocked for some reason, “they would know where Ekko is and he would know where to look for Viktor.”

“Well, luckily I found you first so that should save us some time.” A voice called out. Mel and Jayce looked up to see Vi sitting on a workbench looking at the Atlas Gauntlets.

“Vi!” Jayce exclaimed, “How’d you get in here?”

She looked at him like he was an idiot, “I broke in? Obviously?”

“Whatever it doesn’t matter,” Jayce moved around the room, “Viktor has been taken to the Undercity and I need to go find him.”

“I know,” Vi says, “Silco has him.”

Jayce stops, “What?”

The woman nods, “That’s the word around The Lanes. Silco nabbed him earlier today and is planning to use him for something. I would have let Ekko know but I got separated from him and Caitlyn so I came to find you instead.”

His blood ran cold. Silco was going to use Viktor for something? What was he planning? Jayce was going to make sure that he got there before that happened.

“I’m going after Viktor.” He stated, daring the woman to question him.

“I figured as much,” she shrugged, “They’re going to be awfully surprised to see a member of the council storm his way into the Lanes though.”

“They should have thought of that before they kidnapped the one person that matters more than anything to me.” He growled. He turned to face Mel, still standing in the room, “Can you cover for me at council?”

Mel nodded, “The Council will understand that you are emotionally compromised from the news. Sky and I will handle things here. Go get my favorite scientist back.” 

“I thought I was your favorite scientist.” He joked.

“You’re my favorite nuisance.” She sighed tiredly, “Good luck.” And with that, she left.

He turned to look at Vi, “are you going to help me or not.”

Vi raised an eyebrow at him, “Of course, Viktor has been very helpful and I’ve got business to settle with Silco. We’re going to need some firepower though.” She looked pointedly at the large gauntlets.

“Sure, go nuts.” He waved to them. 

“Sweet,” Vi rubbed her hands together, “what about you?”

“Don’t you worry,” Jayce grabbed his key to the forge, “I’ll have to get it from the forge, but there’s something I’ve been meaning to test out.”

—-

Viktor came to with yet another splitting headache and his leg screaming with pain. He could feel dried blood crusted to his head as well. He blinked rapidly to try to get his vision to focus and found that he was in a large dark space. The air was thick and acrid which told him that he was in the Undercity. His confusion quickly bleed into annoyance as he tried to move and realized that he was bound to a chair. Great.

“You’ve got to be fucking kidding me.” He muttered angrily to himself.

“Oh, fiiiiinally you’re awake! I was starting to get bored!” a voice rang out.

Viktor’s head snapped up and it was only then that he realized he wasn’t alone. Sitting on the floor a few feet from him was a girl with long blue braids. She appeared to be tinkering with what looked like a small bomb. 

Ah. “You must be Jinx,” Viktor replied coolly.

“Oh! You know who I am?” She beamed, “You must be a fan of my work. Well, I know who you are too Mr. Hextech and I got a couple of questions for you about your fancy crystals.” 

“Jinx.” Another voice called out from the shadows, “You’ll have to save your questions for another time I'm afraid.”

The girl groaned before waving at Viktor and dejectedly leaving the room. In her place, a dark-suited figure stepped into his field of vision. The air turned cold.

“Viktor Talis.” Silco hummed, “We have much to discuss.”

Chapter Text

Silco pulled up a chair across from where Viktor was bound and sat, crossing one leg over the other. Viktor simply waited to see what the man would do or say first. He was nervous of course, but it was heavily outweighed by his curiosity. He spared a worrying thought for Jayce, who must be going out of his mind right now. If he even realized Viktor was missing yet. He was kicking himself for thinking that he would be perfectly safe in Piltover. Viktor knew better than to get complacent but the whole ordeal with the Hexcore had left him vulnerable. His carelessness would cost him, down in the Undercity in the hands of a dangerous man. Not to mention limited mobility as his cane was nowhere in sight. All he could do now was sit tight and see what the crime lord wanted from him. He wasn’t dead yet, so obviously there was something else the man was after.

After lighting his cigar, Silco cleared his throat, “You’ve been causing quite a bit of trouble both topside and down below haven’t you, dear boy?”

“I hardly know what you mean,” Viktor sniffed, “As far as I’m concerned, your little Jinx stole from us. That’s the most I’ve dealt with you and your lot recently.” 

“Ah but I think that we both know this is untrue.” Silco countered a hard edge to his voice at the mention of the girl, “We can stop pretending that our…chosen associates and their actions have not brought us here today.”

“Am I to assume that your chosen associate has asked you to get rid of me?” Viktor replied blandly, “Marcus was a good choice, he’s an idiot. Easy to corrupt.”

“Certainly,” Silco exhaled a hazy cloud of smoke, “He saw you as a roadblock and so I offered to remove you. For a price of course. I get rid of someone, he does the same for me.”

“This is hardly going to fly under the radar,” Viktor shifted uncomfortably, “kidnapping and killing a councilman’s husband.”

“Oh I’m not going to kill you,” Silco waved the thought off, “you are a son of Zaun and a brilliant mind from what I’ve been told. It would be a waste.”

Viktor furrowed his brow in confusion, “Then Why am I here exactly? What are you getting out of this?”

The other man’s lip curled into a smirk,“Your little friends are getting eliminated. That enforcer girl and her delinquent friend have stuck their noses too far in my business. The Firelights will be turned in as terrorists for the explosion as well as murdering Councilor Talis’s beloved husband.” He pointed to Viktor with the lit end of his cigar.

“As for you, you will be working for me.”

Viktor blinked several times, “working for you?” He repeated.

Silco sighed, annoyed that he had to repeat himself, “Yes, I will be keeping you here and you will be using your research to help me create an independent Zaun.”

The younger man was attempting to process what was being said. He worked through the logistics in his head trying to make sure he had everything straight. Eventually, he nodded and said the most eloquent thing he could think of.

“Absolutely fucking not.” 

Silco raised an eyebrow, “Excuse me?”

“I suggest you dig the corn out of your ears and listen to me.” Viktor hissed, “I will not be assisting you in starting a war. You can’t imagine how many times I’ve had to explain this the past week, but Hextech is NOT going to be used for weaponry.”

Silco scowled at him, “I’d watch your mouth if I were you, boy. I thought that you wanted to end suffering in Zaun. We can no longer live under the thumb of Piltover.”

“Oh, I agree with you,” Viktor countered, “I just don’t see how creating violent conflict will help end the suffering. It’s not as though the Council wants a war.”

“A lesson must be learned and a pound of flesh paid.”

“Ah yes because that worked out so well the first time.” Viktor rolled his eyes.

Silco’s good eye twitched in irritation but that was the only emotion he allowed to slip through. Was it an incredibly stupid idea to be getting sassy with one of the most dangerous men in the Undercity? Of course, it was, but Viktor didn’t get by in his youth by being pushed around. He could almost feel Jayce elbowing him in the side, trying to reactivate his self-preservation. When the other man didn’t speak, Viktor continued.

“You’re not going to get away with keeping me here. Jayce knows just as much information as I do and if Marcus tells him that the Firelights our Friends kidnapped me, he won't believe him. He’s either going to tear Marcus limb from limb then and there or figure out where I am and then tear him to shreds.”

“You have a lot of faith that your Piltover Prince is going to find you.” Silco laughed darkly.

Viktor shrugs, “Of course I do, he loves me.” he says without any hesitation, “He would sacrifice everything for me. His position, our work, anything to make sure I am safe. Don’t you have someone in your life that you would compromise or make sacrifices for?”

That got the other man to bristle in his seat. Silco stood and stalked over to Viktor, looming over him. Viktor matched his gaze, refusing to waver. The moment was interrupted as a large woman made her way into the room with another goon.

“Boss we’ve got trouble,” The woman said gruffly. She eyed Viktor, as she spoke, “There are a few people causing a scene out front.

Silco exhaled through his nose, “Then deal with them. I don’t have time for this.” He turned to Viktor, “As for you, perhaps a sampling of Shimmer will change your mind. We will take you to Signed and show you what you will be working with, I’m sure then you’ll see it my way.”

He nodded to the other thug before disappearing out the door with the woman. He moved to Viktor and began to loosen the bonds on the chair. Viktor had to think. As curious as he was about his old mentor’s involvement, he wanted nothing to do with Shimmer. He’d seen what it could do, and he wanted to be as far away from that as possible. The sounds of a scuffle could be heard on the other side of the door. Viktor’s eyes flitted around the room, looking for a way to escape or something to use as a weapon. The thug himself appeared to have a knife as well as a baton. In the corner near the other entrance, there looked to be a sizable piece of pipe. Ok, he could work with this. 

The minute the man hauled him out of the chair, Viktor buckled and fell into the guy. The man grunted but roughly handled him so he was somewhat leaning against him. They began making their way to the back entrance, Viktors hands tied in front of him and looped around the thug’s arm. The sound of an explosion could be heard and the scaffolding above them rattled. Just before they crossed the threshold into the back hall, Viktor tugged himself close to the man’s shoulder and bit down hard on the juncture between the man’s shoulder and neck. The man let out a shout and grabbed Viktor’s hair to try and pull him off. It hurt like a bitch, but it distracted the man’s hands. In that moment, the shorter man grabbed for the man’s belt, his hand landing on the baton. He yanked it out of the man’s belt. The thug finally detached Viktor from him, bleeding profusely, and shoved him against the wall. Viktor, baton in his bound hands, used his leg to leverage himself against the wall and swung down. The baton smashed into the side of the man’s head and he went down gracelessly in a heap. 

Viktor dropped the baton and slid to the floor, trying desperately to catch his breath. He looked around to see if anyone had heard the commotion, but it seemed as though most everyone was in the main part of the building. Once he was sure that the thug wasn’t getting up for a while, he scrambled over and fished the knife from its sheath. Viktor got to work cutting the ropes around his wrists and using the well as a guide back into the previous room. He found the old pipe and tested his gait against it. It wasn’t ideal, but he was upright and walking.

“Better than nothing,” he muttered, making his way through the door as quietly as he could. As he got closer to the next set of doors, the fighting got louder. He knew for a fact that Jayce was one of the people out there raising hell, Viktor just hoped he could find him before he burned down the Undercity.

Viktor opened the door just in time to see a thug go flying straight through a wall followed by a trail of blue lightning.

—-

Being from Piltover, Jayce had to admit that he was not accustomed to violence growing up. He never had to physically prove himself or defend himself from attacks in his daily life. Jayce was also not a very violent person. Sure, he was known to have a temper and he was willing to throw hands if necessary but he tried to avoid it at all costs. When he and Viktor had begun their partnership, It was bewildering to him how casual the other man was with dealing out physical harm. He slapped hands that got too close to him and was known to give generous whacks with his cane. Jayce remembered a particular instance where Viktor and Heimerdinger had been in an intense argument and the man smacked the Yordle over the head. Jayce had been mortified for him up until the professor shot out and bit Viktor’s hand vengefully. Viktor was hardly abusive, in fact Jayce was certain he didn’t realize he was doing it.

Eventually, he began to understand that it had to do with upbringing. Having to live violence every day in order to protect yourself. He saw it now in the casual way that Vi wielded the Atlus Gauntlets, tools they had created for mining, like a deadly weapon. In her hands, he supposed they were. His own weapon, the Mercury Hammer he had designed and forged himself, felt foreign in his hands. He had designed the plans on a whim one restless night, out of curiosity. He wanted to see what the capabilities of Hextech would look like in that application. Viktor would not have approved, but he did it anyway, to prove that he could. Upon its creation and subsequent testing, it stayed hidden in the forge. A trophy of his success, he had never planned to actually use it. Jayce did not fight, he didn’t want to be a violent man. 

For Viktor’s sake, he would be.

He and Vi silently made their way into the Undercity. The pink-haired woman seemed to know exactly where they needed to go. Jayce thought back to when Viktor had mentioned Vi’s sister had been taken in by Silco. He couldn’t begin to imagine how she must feel about everything. He was certain that whatever grudge she had against Silco ran far deeper than his own feelings. More than he was angry, he was terribly worried. He had no idea what Silco could want from Viktor, but any reason Jayce tried to imagine just made him even more scared. Viktor was mouthy at the best of times, he more than sure his husband would have no problem shooting his mouth off at a crime lord. Jayce hoped that they would be able to find him and then get out of here with minimal damage. If Viktor was hurt or worse, Jayce didn’t know what he would do, but it would not be pretty for everyone else. 

Eventually, the duo came upon a warehouse. They sidled along one side of the building and peeked around the corner, Jayce could see several people patrolling around the building. He turned to Vi.

“Alright, so what’s the plan?” He whispered.

She turned and looked at him like he was dumb, “We’re gonna walk up and start swinging. Then we get inside and you find your man and I go after Silco.”

“That’s it?” Jayce asked incredulously.

“I don't know what you expected, pretty boy.” Vi huffed, “Head on confrontation is the only confrontation down here.”

“I don’t know,” the man flushed defensively, “I thought maybe stealth would minimize the potential for heavy damage.”

“Stealth!” She barked out a laugh, “yet you brought that huge hammer? Trust me when I say that you can’t deal with these people any other way but heavy damage. Now let’s get going.”

With that Vi rounded the corner, activating the Gauntlets and sent a goon flying with one swift punch. Jayce watched in awe for a moment before being tackled by a guard. They rolled but Jayce was able to leverage his feet under the man and kicked him off. He scrambled to his feet and got a good look at the guy. There was something off about him. He was hulking in size, purple-tinted veins protruding from his skin. Eyes pulsed with a bright violet glow. This person was toeing the line between monster and man. Ah, this was the effect of Shimmer in high doses. Viktor had explained to him before what it looked like and what it could drive people to do. Jayce didn’t think he’d ever see it in real life. Vi warned him that Silco was giving his men these drugs and using their force to keep the Lanes in check. Knowing that Viktor was here in this place with men like this triggered Jayce’s protective anger.

He swung the hammer up, cranking a mechanism on the side. The head erupted in the blue glow of arcane energy. In a wide arc, he swung around and caught his assailant in the side, sending him barreling several yards away. He turned and faced two more attackers. He charged forward and rammed the top of the hammer into one’s gut before pivoting his foot and ringing it around to smash into the next. Both flew and landed into an unmoving heap nearby. Jayce let the adrenaline push his legs forward as he sought out Vi. The woman had made her own impressive pile of hopefully just unconscious people. She looked at him and nodded her head towards the door before kicking them inward. 

The pair were met with a large open space filled with goons and crates full of weapons and what looked to be Shimmer. There were stairs leading to a catwalk and a second-story area lined with doors. Standing on the catwalk was a gruff-looking woman smoking a cigar. Her eyes zeroed in on Vi and she glared before fixing her gaze on Jayce. Whether or not she recognized him was unknown as she swiftly turned and stalked through one of the doors. Quickly, the armed men sprung into action, some of them uncorking vials of Shimmer and drinking them. Jayce watched in horror as their bodies began to change. They ran at him and he braced for the attack. Their bodies hit like freight trains, threatening to knock the wind out of him. They landed a few punches on him, each one more intense than the last, but they too met the business end of the hammer. Vi seemed to be holding up on her own which was good, he didn’t want to be worrying about her. This was her element. As Jayce and Vi continued their offensive, they were alerted to a door opening on the second floor. On the balcony, they could see Silco and the woman emerging from one of the doors. 

“Ah Councilman Talis, what brings you here? Surely you have no business in the Undercity that your enforcers can’t handle?” The man called out. 

“Cut the shit, Silco!” Vi hollered back, “You’re not fooling anyone! We know you have Viktor!”

“I’m sure I don’t know anything of what you’re talking about.” Came the smooth reply.

Jayce was angry now, “That’s exactly what someone who knew something would say! I’m not here as a councilman, I’m here as an incredibly pissed-off husband. Why don’t you come down here and find out just how pissed I am!”

Silco made a show of thinking it over, “Mmm, as fun as that sounds, I have no time to talk with you at the moment, Sevika and I have prior engagements. However, I do have something that should tide you over in the meantime hm?” 

He pulled something from his pocket and flicked a switch before tossing it down onto the first floor. Jayce and Vi both looked down before Vi darted towards Jayce, yelling at him to get down. She grabbed him and they both jumped back right as a giant explosion erupted from the object. Fire and debris bloomed from it as the room filled the room. Jayce could feel small cuts on his face and coughed several times as he tried to regain control of his limbs. Vi was quicker to recover and began scrambling towards the stairs.

“They’re going to get away!” She yelled, “I’m going after them!”

Jayce got up, following her lead. He had no idea where Viktor could be but if they followed Silco, they would be able to track him eventually. The pair ran up the stairs in pursuit. As soon as they reached the top, a door opened and more guards entered the area. Vi had been running in front and the group of assailants now separated them. She turned back to Jayce, seemingly unsure of whether to continue or help him.

“Go!” He yelled back, “I’ll catch up!”

She nodded before taking off down the hall. Jayce prepared his attack. Charging up the hammer and running into the fray. Knives came shooting at him, slicing his coat. His hammer swung heavily at the attackers, kicking one in the stomach and using that leverage to bring himself down on the head of another. Jayce was not in his right mind at this moment. No, in the heat of the battle, he allowed the rage to take over. He was fueled by his anger. That he had been put in this position, that Viktor had been put in this position, that he hadn’t been able to protect the one he loved, that, that-

With a final enraged yell, Jayce’s hammer made contact with the final thug. The arcane energy crackled through the weapon at a high velocity and with a thunderous boom, the guard shot all the way down the hall before making contact with the far wall. He left a large hole in the wall before crumbling to the ground. Suddenly it was silent, all that could be heard was the crackle of fire and Jayce’s heaving breaths. He slumped slightly, taking in the full scene. He hadn’t even noticed one of the doors swing open until he heard a tinny creaking sound. 

Jayce picked up his hammer and readied himself for another confrontation when a familiar head of hair popped out from the door. The head looked down the far hallway before turning to look at him. Golden eyes blinking owlishly on a face that was ethereally beautiful even covered in blood and bruises.

“Oh good, all of the excitement was had without me.” Viktor sighed in relief.

Jayce’s hammer hit the floor with a thud as he ran to scoop his husband into his arms.

Chapter Text

“Viktor! Oh, my Vitya are you alright? Are you hurt? Let me look at you-“ 

Jayce had gently folded Viktor into his arms to hug him close before pulling away to check him for injuries. The shorter man sighed at the feeling of his husband's strong but gentle hands roving over his shoulders before moving to his head. It was a touch that was leagues different from the ones he had experienced earlier and Viktor was unsurprised to find that he had missed the feeling. Jayce continued to mutter worriedly as his eyes darted around the smaller man’s form. Viktor huffed in before catching the hands and holding them to his cheeks. 

“Jayce.” He attempted to soothe, willing his voice not to tremble like his hands were.

The man looked up at him finally, he could see Unshed tears in Jayce’s eyes. He looked genuinely frightened, covered in cuts, burns, and soot. Not the familiar ones from the forge, but those dealt with intent to harm. Viktor looked over his shoulder at the large hammer that laid behind them, the prone bodies strewn around the slowly burning complex. He had known about the hammer, of course he had. Jayce was terrible at keeping secrets, yet Viktor never brought it up to him. He trusted Jayce to use decent judgment and not present it to anyone. The fact that it was here now only showed that Jayce felt there was no other choice. Out of desperation, Jayce had broken their promise in order to save him. He couldn't pretend that he wouldn't have done the same for Jayce. Viktor felt the gravity of everything fall on him. They had known that their work with Hextech wouldn’t be easy for them but this was something entirely different. They were in over their heads.

“Oh Jayce,” he repeated, throwing his arms around his broad shoulders, “We’ve really done it this time haven’t we?”

Jayce kissed the top of his head before pulling back to look at him, “Vitya, we made the choices we made. We wanted to do good for people and because of that, we were forced to choose a side. I hardly think this was something we could have avoided.” He pressed his forehead to Viktor’s, “I’m just glad I was able to find you.”

“Of course you were going to find me, you silly man,” Viktor chuckled, “because I was going to come back to you any way I could.”

The pair shared an incredibly sweet kiss despite the blood trickling down noses and the stinging of split lips. They knew that while things were bad now, they were at least together again and that was what mattered. They pulled away and stared lovingly into each other’s eyes only to be brought back to the current situation and burning wood fell to the ground.

“We can’t stay here,” Viktor stated, “the building is going to come down on us and I’m sure it won’t be long until Silco realizes I’ve escaped.”

“How did you escape by the way,” Jayce peered through the doorway Viktor had emerged from, “I have your cane.”

His husband sniffed, as though it was nothing, “I did what was necessary.” He held up the metal pipe he had been leaning on.

Jayce grinned, “How many people have you beaten up today, huh?”

“Enough.” Came the prim reply, “I’m sure you’ve had enough violence to last a while as well, hammer boy.”

The taller man’s face flushed as his attention was brought back to the hammer on the ground. He sheepishly wandered over to pick it up before returning to Viktor’s side. The man simply raised a brow at him before appraising the weapon himself. Jayce fidgeted uncomfortably.

“I never intended to use it.” Jayce tried to explain, “I just wanted to see if I could do it and well, this was a special exception…” he trailed off.

“Mmmm, I figured as much, seeing as you forged it over two months ago and then hid it away from everyone. It is excellent craftsmanship.” Viktor glanced over to see Jayce’s surprised face, “Oh please Jayce, you have a terribly honest face. Hiding things from me is quite simply impossible for you.”

“Why didn’t you say something?” Jayce asked.

“I would have,” Viktor replied, “had I not trusted you would do the right thing, but I do trust you. It is everyone else I don’t trust. So once we get out of this, the hammer goes home with us and we don’t speak of this, ok?”

“Fine by me,” Jayce beamed, pleased that he would get to keep his creation, “now, let’s get out of here. Vi was the one that led me here and she took off down the hallway after Silco.”

It appeared that down the hallway was the only option as one look over the catwalk showed that the main doors were blocked by the wreckage of the explosive. Viktor nodded and began quickly as he could down the hallway. Jayce stood at his side with a hand on the small of his back to steady him, hammer held in his other hand.

“What did Silco want with you anyway?” Jayce asked as they hurried along.

“Turns out it’s his pocket that Marcus is in,” Viktor explained, “I was meddling in their business deal and he asked Silco to take me out of the picture.”

“Son of a bitch!” Jayce grit his teeth angrily.

“We have to find Caitlyn and the others, Marcus is planning to eliminate her and turn the Firelights in for terrorism.” Viktor grunted, “We have to warn them.” 

Jayce nodded in agreement as they continued on. He was already formulating some sort of plan as to how to handle Marcus when they returned topside. Too many of his loved ones were put in harm's way for this to slide. It was clear after what he’d seen here that Silco would have to be dealt with. He just had to convince the council of that. You would think the fact that he had kidnapped Viktor would be enough, but he wasn’t sure at this point. He would have to speak with Mel on the matter. 

The couple passed through the structure, passing large holes in the walls and downed guards, the smell of electricity fizzling through the air.

“I assume that Vi is in possession of the Atlus Gauntlets?” Viktor raised a brow, eyeing one of the more impressive fist-shaped holes.

“Yeah,” Jayce admitted shyly, “she’s a natural with them, you should see it. I mean if they were supposed to be used for fighting.”

A memory fluttered into Viktor’s head of the two of them exploding one of Jayce’s mother's gardening pots during the testing of the tools and the mighty scolding that had followed. He chuckled to himself.

“Let’s just hope she doesn’t get too attached to them. I will be wanting them back.”

They had managed to make their way to the back of the building. It was partially destroyed from the sheer amount of explosives and gunfire that had been traded. It was hazy from the smoke of explosives, limiting their Vision and There was still no sign of Vi. Jayce figured the best course of action was to make their way towards the Lanes.

“Any Idea how to find your buddies from here?” Jayce asked his companion.

“Hard to say,” Viktor replied looking around, “let’s get farther away from the building and regroup.”

The couple started to move again when Jayce caught a flash of blue from his periphery. He stopped, stepping protectively in front of his husband. Viktor bumped into his back and looked up to him in confusion when a voice rang out from the haze.

“Hey, Vikky! Where ya goin’?” 

Viktor’s heart dropped as he turned to look behind him and saw the bouncing braids coming towards them. Jinx looked perplexed with her nose scrunched and her head tilted to the side in a childlike manner. It would have been cute if not for the large gun she had hoisted against her side. Jayce took up a defensive stance, trying to put himself between his husband and the girl. This was not a scenario Viktor had wanted to put Jayce in. Jinx was destructive and unpredictable, he wasn’t sure that Jayce could keep up with that.

“I was worried that you got caught in the explosion! I still have questions for you, ya know!” Her eyes flitted from him to Jayce, suddenly looking disgusted, “oh look! Another pretty Piltie comes to RUIN everything!”

“I’m his husband,” Jayce grunted, “Viktor is coming home with me and you’re not going to stop us.”

Jinx’s anger seemed to flare suddenly, “Oh what a surprise! Another one of our own chooses a fucking topside really over their own brothers and sisters down here!” She hoists the gun up, aiming it at Jayce. Viktor shouted alarmed as he scrambled forward and away from Jayce.

“Jinx!” He pleads, “don’t do this!”

“Vik-“ Jayce moves forward worriedly. Viktor puts up a hand towards him to stop him.

“If you hurt him, I will never answer a single question of yours.” He threatened, “the crystal is his as much as it is mine.”

“I don’t CARE!” She yelled, “I’ll make you teach me! You’re supposed to be with Silco anyway! I’m not letting your little boy toy or whatever ruin things for him too!”

The gun began to fire up and Viktor shouted, trying to make a break for Jayce. Suddenly, Vi shot out of the smoke.

“Powder!” She called out frantically.

Immediately, Jinx stopped her attack. Her full attention focused on the pink-haired girl. 

“Violet?” She yelled, very confused.

Vi turned and looked over to the two men before back at her sister. She took a deep breath and sprinted back into the haze.

“Violet wait!” Jinx screeched. She looked between the men and the place her sister once stood before growling and picking up her gun once more.

“Don’t think this is over, Vikky! I’m getting my answers!” She jabs her finger at him before taking off into the night after Vi.

The two men are left alone once more. They share a look before Viktor shrugs and begins to drag Jayce away from the smoke.

“Think she’ll be ok?” The taller man looks over his shoulder to where Vi had ran off.

“Vi is a smart girl,” Viktor grunted, “it’s best not to meddle in her family's affairs. Let’s focus on getting the hell out of here ok?”

The pair had managed to make their way into the back alleys of the Lanes. Jayce and his hammer stood out like a sore thumb, but the two of them were filthy and bruised enough that they wouldn’t gain too much attention at a passing glance. Viktor’s body was beginning to buckle the weight of his exhaustion. He pulled on Jayce’s arm as they turned a corner, stopping them so he could sit on an old crate against a wall. Viktor’s leg was screaming at this point, he dug his fingers into the seizing muscles in an attempt to stave off the pain. Jayce knelt in front of him and slapped his hand away, gently massaging. It wasn’t much, but the pain ebbed slightly. Viktor sighed and ran a hand through his husband’s disheveled hair.

“We can’t continue like this,” Jayce muttered quietly, “you can barely walk. How do we find the Firelights?”

Viktor huffed out a tired laugh, “As I’ve said many times, Jayce. You do not find the firelights.”

As if on cue, two masked figures jumped from the rooftops into the alleyway. Jayce shot up to fight but Viktor grabbed his hand and shook his head at him. A third figure zoomed forward on a hoverboard and landed in front of Viktor himself, reaching out a hand. He took it and performed a very intricate little handshake. He looked at Jayce and smiled.

“They find you.”

——

The three masked people led Jayce and Viktor 

 through a long and winding series of tunnels. The taller man had handed his hammer off to one of the people so he would be able to carry Viktor, much to the man’s chargin. The three people giggled as Jayce swooped a complaining Viktor into a bridal carry and asked them to lead the way. The trio couldn’t be older than 15 or 16 given the pitches of their voices, but they held themselves as if they were adults. Eventually, they made their way to an open space and what Jayce saw almost made him drop Viktor in shock. A tree grew tall in the middle of the space. Leaves bountiful and green and a strong wide trunk at the base. Something like this could grow in the Undercity? Now that he thought about it, the air down here was more clear and breathable than up in the Lanes.

“This is beautiful,” Jayce breathed in awe.

“This is the sanctuary,”. Viktor explained from his resting place in his husband's arms, “Ekko found it when he was younger and now he operates out of here.”

“I might have to start charging rent if all these Pilties keep showing up!” A boy flew down from the branches and landed in front of the couple. He was young, probably around the same age that Jinx was. Dark skin making his bright white hair almost glow. He stared hard at the two men. Jayce’s grip on Viktor tightened slightly.

“Wouldn’t want that would we?” Viktor replied cheekily, “accidentally show the wrong person and next thing you know, the Topsies will be gentrifying the Lanes.”

The boy barked out a laugh, “It’s good to see you, Viktor.” 

“I’m glad that you’re still doing ok, Ekko.” The man smiled warmly. 

“Wish I could say the same for you guys though,” Ekko circled around the two of them. “You look like shit.”

“We feel like shit.” Viktor and Jayce replied at the same time.

Ekko blinked at the pair before nodding, “Weird. That was weird. I’m guessing that this is the esteemed Councilman Talis?”

“Indeed,” Viktor wiggled in Jayce’s grip until he got the hint and set him down. He leaned against him and gestured between Ekko and Jayce, “This is my husband Jayce. Jayce, this is Ekko.”

Jayce beamed at him, “it’s nice to finally meet you,” he reached out a hand to shake, “thank you for helping Vitya for all these years.”

Ekko looked down at Jayce’s hand like it had offended him personally, “Yeah I’m not shaking your hand. The same goes for you though, I guess. Vik tells me that you’re a good guy despite being a Piltie, but just because you’re his trophy husband doesn’t mean you can have my respect. You’ll have to earn that yourself.”

Jayce blanched at the cold reception but still took the rest in stride. He couldn’t blame Ekko for feeling that way about him. He was the poster boy for everything that Piltover loved and the Undercity resented. He pulled his hand back and nodded to him.

“I completely understand that. Hopefully, in the future, I’ll be able to prove to you all that I am truly here to help.” He turned to Viktor who was smiling fondly at him before he realized something, “Wait a minute, what do you mean Trophy Husband?!”

“You looked at yourself recently?” Ekko smirked mischievously and waved his hand at Jayce’s body, “Himbo…Vik wasn’t joking about that goofy-ass energy you’re giving off.”

The man spluttered before rounding on his husband who was looking innocently off in the other direction, his shoulders shaking with mirth. If looks could kill, Viktor was certain he’d be 6 feet under by now.

“Betrayed once again by my own husband!” Jayce bellows dramatically, “you laugh now, but We’ll see who’s laughing when I tell Mrs. Kiramman you’ve volunteered to plan the next academy social event!”

Viktor’s head shot up with a disgusted look, “You wouldn’t dare!”

“Wouldn’t I?” Jayce narrowed his eyes.

“This is embarrassing to watch,” Ekko said under his breath.

Viktor looked incensed, “Oh don’t be so petty! Everybody knows that the looks were a bonus! I married you for your brains and your huge dick obviously! At least That’s what I told the tabloids.”

Jayce’s eyes bugged out of his head, “You’re telling the tabloids about my penis?!”

Ekko made a face, “I didn't need to know that.” 

“I also didn’t need to know that.” Unbeknownst to them, Caitlyn had stepped into the room during Jayce and Viktor’s bickering. Jayce turned tomato red and made several noises similar to a dying bird. Viktor at least had the decency to look a little embarrassed.

“I was joking…mostly.” Viktor smirked, “Hello Caitlyn.”

She rolled her eyes, “Hey. If you guys are done with your little domestic, maybe you want to fill us in on what hell happened to you guys?”

“Right yeah,” Jayce straightened up, entering what Viktor liked to call ‘diplomat-mode’, “We have a lot to talk about.” 

They eventually got Jayce and Viktor cleaned up while the pair recounted the events of the past day and night. Caitlyn swore up and down when she found out about Marcus, and she and Jayce spoke at length about how they were going to tear his balls off. Ekko was unsurprised to hear of Silco’s involvement but was impressed to hear that Jayce and Vi had almost single-handedly burned down one of Silco’s Shimmer facilities. Apparently, Caitlyn and Ekko had been planning to meet with Marcus to return the Crystal to the enforcers and clear the firelight’s name. However, since they now knew that Marcus would betray them, the group worked out a new plan to get the crystal and Ekko topside to speak to the council. After many hours of talking, Jayce and Viktor’s exhaustion began to get the better of them. Ekko showed them to the room Viktor used when he came to visit and ushered them inside.

“Please do not fuck in here,” Ekko teased, “save room for Janna.”

“As if we have the energy,” Viktor grunted, swiping at the boy, “begone, pest!”

Ekko cackled as he left the two men alone. Viktor sank down onto the bed as Jayce automatically began removing his leg brace. The man felt relief with every clasp unlatched as steady hands released the brace before gently kneading his leg muscles. Viktor pitched forward and laid his head on Jayce’s shoulder, burying his nose into his collarbone. Then Jayce’s hands pulled Viktor up and he was being soundly kissed while nimble fingers glided down his shirt undoing the buttons. The kisses remained tender and unhurried as the two were far too tired and sore to go further. Viktor shimmied out of his shirt and allowed Jayce to begin removing his back brace as well. He could have cried at the relief he felt at being safe here with Jayce. He only wished that they were home and that their friends were not also in danger. Finally, the taller man fully removed the back brace and laid his love down on the sheets. Jayce pressed a kiss to every bruise and indentation on Viktor’s pale skin, warmth radiating from him. Eventually, he returned to Viktor’s lips and kissed him once more before properly undressing and slipping into the small bed beside him. Jayce immediately pulled Viktor as close as possible and curled around him. The smaller man in turn reached a hand up to stroke through his husband's hair. 

No more words needed to be said as the two men quickly slipped off to sleep, warm in the comfort of being safe, alive, and together once more.

Chapter Text

Getting back into Piltover was proving to be a challenge. As expected, there were enforcers absolutely everywhere. The bridge was closed off with a blockade that was no doubt Marcus’s doing, the bastard. It was safe to say that none of the usual outlets into the city were to be of use. Thus, Jayce and Viktor along with Cait were wading through the sewage tunnels that ran through Piltover down into Zaun while Ekko rode ahead above the filth on his hoverboard. Needless to say that everyone else was less than pleased with the ordeal.

“It seems…pretty fucked up that our sewage gets emptied into the Undercity like this.” Jayce says out loud, steering Viktor in front of him, “I guess I always assumed that it went to a processing center.”

Ekko rolled his eyes, “Yeah man, shows just how much you topsiders give a damn to learn what goes on down here. The Undercity runs on your shit and scraps.”

Both Cait and Jayce wince but don't argue with him. Ekko had every right to his bitterness. They had grown up ignorant to the repercussions that Piltover’s never-ending quest for progress had on those that lived below. Viktor had brought into their lives a new perspective, but every time they learned something new about Zaun’s treatment, it made them resent the upper crusts of their society more. Only greedy people would turn a blind eye to those suffering. That was not the progress that Jayce had envisioned. He has been shown just how much work there was still to be done. As long as He and Viktor were able, they would keep working for the betterment of everyone. 

The group trudged along behind Ekko as he led them out of the sewers. According to him, this was the way they took from the sanctuary when he wanted to send messages to Viktor. It led into an area close to the academy district and was, therefore, less patrolled. Usually, the carriers were on hoverboards so no one minded taking this route. Unfortunately, the boards were not designed to carry larger adults like Jayce and Caitlyn and were not user-friendly to people with mobility issues like Viktor. Not that the man had any interest in getting on one as he enthusiastically refused. Jayce was pretty bummed out that he couldn’t though…

“We’re almost there,” Ekko called out after a while.

“We will have to be quick and inconspicuous once we get out of here,” Viktor explained, “we need to draw as little attention as possible on the way to our house.”

“Yeah Jayce, don’t blow our cover,” Caitlyn jokes. 

“Me?!” The man hissed, “Look at how we’re dressed! How would anyone recognize me?” 

They had all changed into clothes that Ekko provided them since their original clothing had been damaged in the skirmish. Jayce wore all black with a hooded jacket, a far cry from his usual pristine white garb. Viktor had told him that he looked quite dark and imposing in his new clothes, giving him a heated once over while Ekko gagged in the background. Jayce had made a mental note to darken more parts of his wardrobe in the future. 

“Oh come on, every high society woman in Piltover could sniff you out of a crowd no matter what you look like.” She teased.

“As if ANY woman in Piltover couldn’t sniff you out!” Jayce shot back.

“I feel that if they come sniffing, the raw sewage will certainly throw them off the trail.” Viktor offered blandly. 

“Seriously though,” Ekko snorted, “You gotta be sneaky, I’m certain that Silco’s men, as well as the Sheriff, will be looking for the three of you at this point.”

They finally found themselves at the opening of the sewer drain. Jayce helped Viktor and Caitlyn out before turning to face Ekko.

“You sure you don’t want to come with us to the Council?” Jayce asked.

The boy just shook his head, “Nah I’ll pass, as you’ve seen, I don’t have a lot of faith in their ability to make the right decisions,” he held up a hand as Jayce began to protest, “I do believe, however, that Viktor has what it takes to plead our case and actually be heard. I couldn’t think of someone better to represent the Firelights after everything he’s tried to do for us.”

Viktor smiled genuinely and reached out a hand to Ekko. The boy rolled his eyes before pulling the older man into a hug. 

“Be safe out there, Ekko.” Viktor replied seriously, “we will do everything we can. I’ll do everything I can. For you and the Undercity.”

“I know you will,” the boy let go of him, “and make sure to keep your Piltie out of trouble, ok?”

Jayce huffed in disbelief. Ekko turned to him and Cait, sparing them a nod.

“As for you two.” He regarded them, “Prove me wrong.”

With that, Ekko disappeared back into the tunnels to return to the people that needed him the most. As much as he didn’t want to admit it, Jayce and Caitlyn were good people. Misguided for sure, but their intentions were nothing but pure. Above all, he trusted Viktor and Vi in their judgments. If they believed that those two were worth the effort, he could look past his resentment for the time being.

—-

Viktor was grumpy, to put it lightly. The past couple of days had been far more excitement than he ever had wanted to experience in his life. He was a simple man, he derived his joy and pleasure from two things: scientific accomplishment and Jayce Talis. Two things he had once never dreamed of having. It was more than enough for him. He just wanted to be in the lab with Jayce and Sky, studying the Hexcore before allowing his husband to take him home and plow him into the mattress before going to sleep. Yet, here he was, getting snatched by Kingpins and crawling through sewers to evade the police. What a waste of his time.

The trio skirted between the buildings in the academy district, keeping to the back walls and shadows. It was early morning so the streets were still pretty empty, only a few people making their way to work at this time. After a few more blocks, Viktor and Jayce’s home came into view. They all made a mad dash across the street before practically diving behind the decorative shrubbery that lined the yard. 

“Well that was lucky,” Jayce poked his head up to scan the road. No one had seen them.

“It seems as though we’ve had a lot of that recently,” Viktor ambled to the front door to look for the spare key. When he went to put the key in the door, he found it already unlocked. They all shared a look. Caitlyn held up her rifle as Jayce brandished his hammer, pulling Viktor behind him.

“Perhaps our luck has run out,” Cait muttered lowly, carefully opening the door. 

The woman stepped in as Jayce and Viktor followed. The house looked undisturbed for the most part, nothing out of place from when they had left it a couple of days ago. Suddenly, they heard movement from the kitchen. Jayce and Caitlyn shared a look before moving towards the room. Viktor silently prayed that they didn't end up destroying their kitchen. He did not want to go through the arduous task of picking out new dishware. Quickly, Caitlyn opened the kitchen door and they immediately charged inside, weapons pointed at the intruder.

Sitting in a chair sipping a cup of Viktor’s favorite tea was Heimerdinger, looking completely unbothered by the sudden disturbance. He blinked at them all in surprise, before wrinkling his nose as he caught the scent of their sewer adventure.

“Professor?” Viktor stepped out from behind Jayce.

“Hello my dear boy,” the Yordle replied, “I'm surprised I couldn’t smell you coming in.”

“What are you doing here?” Jayce asked next, placing the Mercury Hammer conspicuously behind his back.

“Councilor Medarda told me you were out looking for Viktor and asked me to wait here until you inevitably returned so that I could bring you to her to figure out your next move.” He stated, “However, I do believe you should clean up first. You all smell vile and I have my tea to finish after all.” 

The three humans just nodded before shuffling upstairs to clean themselves off. Once they were all clean and looked presentable, they made their way back downstairs and allowed Heimerdinger to hustle them once again onto the streets of Piltover and into a carriage that took them to Mel’s villa. They stepped out and knocked on the front door. After a few moments, Mel herself answered. She looked as though she had just rolled out of bed if the confusion on her face said anything. Once she realized who she was looking at, she grabbed Jayce by the tie and dragged him inside, the others following behind.

“There you are!” she exclaimed, jamming her pointy and well-manicured nails into Jayce’s chest, “for the love of Terra it's been nearly two days! Do you know how much I had to cover for you?”

“I know I know! I’m sorry! Things got out of hand in the Undercity and Viktor and I had to lay low before we could sneak back topside.” Jayce explained.

Mel looked behind the man and noticed Viktor, who gave a sheepish wave. She beamed as she moved forward to hug him, “I’m very glad you’re ok, Viktor. I would hate to lose the co-creator of my project.”

Viktor chuckled fondly, “Yes right, the investment must be protected. Jayce would go crazy without me and nobody wants that.”

Mel pulled away and surveyed the group with her arms crossed in front of her, “Alright, it seems as though you need to fill me in on just what the hell you lot have been up to.”

“Yes, we would be glad to,” Viktor offered, “however, I must ask that we send someone to retrieve Sky. It is important that she hears the situation as well.”

Upon hearing Viktor’s request, Mel became flustered. Her eyes darted away from them and she smiled softly. Jayce and Viktor were both startled at her reaction. They had never seen the councilwoman react in such a manner.

“About that…” She began tilting her head in the direction of the hallway behind her.

Almost as if on cue, Sky rounded the corner into the foyer. She wore a large plush robe that was certainly not hers and definitely had nothing underneath it, her hair was a mess, and there was what Viktor could assume was a bite mark on her collarbone. She yawned sleepily, not registering the collection of people watching her. Caitlyn and Jayce’s eyes were wide in disbelief and when he turned to Viktor, he saw the other man grinning like an absolute madman. Mel turned to them and gave an impish smile and a wink. Heimerdinger simply pinched the bridge of his nose, no doubt having dealt with shit like this a hundred times before with the Talis couple. 

“What’s going on…?” Sky rubbed the sleep from her eyes as she finally began to take in the scene in front of her. Then, her eyes were bugging out of her head as she pulled the robe more securely around her body, “OH MY GOD. Viktor! Jayce! So good to see you're alright! This is, its! It's uhhhhhhh...”

It's exactly what it looks like, they all knew, but they let Sky flounder anyway.

“Sky, you sly dog I always knew you had it in you!” Viktor chittered with delight, endlessly pleased to see his friend, “and with the councilwoman no less!”

“Another scientist, hm? Good to know you have a type,” Jayce smirked cheekily at Mel, who rolled her eyes and punched him in the arm.

Sky looked as though she was ready to explode, “Viktor, by Janna, if you don’t shut the fuck up right now-”

“Children,” Heimerdinger interrupted, “I know we’re all excited to see each other again, but if we could please skip the pleasantries and deal with the task at hand?”

Mel and Sky both nodded in assent before they hurried off, Mel pointed them to her drawing-room in the meantime for coffee. Eventually, the two other women joined them and Jayce began to fill them in on what had happened. 

“It is most troubling to hear that such a high-up enforcer would be so easily bought.” Heimerdinger rubbed his furry chin. He saw Viktor roll his eyes in his periphery.

“That is the price you pay for turning a blind eye to Undercity dealings.” Viktor attempted to keep the bitterness out of his voice.

“Marcus needs to be dealt with,” Jayce demands, “I want him in custody before he can cause any more problems.”

“Now hold on just a moment,” Mel cuts in, “you will not simply be able to have him arrested. You’ll need a viable reason.” 

Jayce sputtered, “He orchestrated the kidnapping of a Councilor’s spouse as well as plotting the murder of another’s daughter!”

“But can you prove that?” She countered sharply.

The man’s mouth clicked shut at that. Viktor gave his husband’s hand a reassuring squeeze.

“Ms. Medarda is correct of course,” Heimerdinger turns to Jayce, “You cannot burst into the Council room and accuse the Sheriff of attempted kidnapping. They would simply write you off as hysterical.”

“Jayce can’t,” Caitlyn thought out loud, “but Viktor and I could.”

“Now there’s an idea” Mel steepled her fingers, “go on.”

“No one in Piltover besides us knows that Viktor has been found and is back topside. They also aren’t aware that we have the stolen hex crystal.” She tapped her chin, “You have a Council meeting tomorrow, yes?”

The Councillors all nod so she continues, “Wouldn’t it be a spectacle if after being undercover in the Lanes for several weeks investigating the crystal's disappearance, I reappeared before the Council with Viktor and the stolen property in hand?”

“Mmm, you’d look like quite the hero for protecting their assets,” Viktor leaned back in his seat, pleased, “I’m sure the council would be more than willing to hear your report as well as my testimony.”

“Especially since I recovered both of them with the help of the Firelights.” Caitlyn crossed her arms, satisfied with the conclusion they’d come to.

“We have information that we know they don’t have access to,” Jayce concluded, “Marcus can’t counter us without giving himself up. We use it to our advantage and get them to start digging.” 

Heimerdinger and Mel shared a look. It was a risky plan, the Council was prickly, to say the least when it came to shady business like what Viktor and Caitlyn were proposing as most of them had their hands in shady deals as well. However, Mrs. Kiramman would most likely choose her daughter’s side and with a convincing enough plea, they could win over one more to tip things in their favor. They just had to bank on the play being believable.

“I think it just might work,” Mel hummed, “Just remember you have to convince at least Kiramman and one other member. Don’t think it’s going to be easy.”

“Nothing is ever easy with the council.” Viktor snorted, then turned to Jayce, “Are you going to be able to play the part of the distressed husband, my love?”

Jayce smiled fondly at him, “Oh please, I’ll just do what I do best: fall over myself in happiness and relief the moment I see you.” 

He beamed as Viktor’s cheeks warmed from his words, giggling like a fool and leaning close to kiss Viktor's lovely face. The smaller man snorted and pushed Jayce away in embarrassment, never letting go of their linked hands between them.

“Yeah we won’t have to worry about them,” Cait huffed a fond laugh, “We will all have to go our separate ways discreetly when we leave here. Viktor and I will hide out at his and Jayce’s house while Jayce should stay here under the guise of needing a friend to be with.”

“A fine idea,” Heimerdinger agreed, “We’ll take my carriage back and I will pick up some of Jayce’s things. Best to keep up with alibis, yes? Oh, this is exciting, it’s been years since I’ve done something like this!”

The others shared a curious look but decided not to press it. Being a couple of hundred years old was a lot of time to get up to shenanigans, and Heimerdinger seemed the type to have caused trouble in his youth.

Once this was all decided, the group figured it was best if they all went their separate ways. Viktor and Caitlyn needed to figure out what exactly they needed to say to the council and Heimerdinger needed to get back to the academy so as not to raise any questions. Viktor had cheekily asked Sky if she was going to be spending the day at Mel’s place to which she made a rude gesture before excusing herself to go to the lab. She claimed that somebody needed to keep an eye on the Hexcore since it’s creators were too busy running around wreaking havoc. Mel walked Sky out the front door, whispering something about seeing her again later before returning to the others, ever pleased with herself. As the final three began to take their leave, Jayce hovered around Viktor as they made their way to the door.

“Promise me you’ll try to sleep tonight?” Jayce murmured as he wrung his hands together, “Just because I’m not there with you doesn’t give you a pass.”

Viktor smiled gently, reaching to soothingly rub the back of his love’s neck. He felt the smallest amount of tension leech from the taller man, “I’ll make Caitlyn sleep in the bed with me if you’re so worried.”

Jayce made a face at that, “Noooo, she’ll mess up the bed dent I’ve made. I worked hard on that.”

“It’s not my fault you sleep like a rock.” Viktor snorted, “Will you be fine without me here?”

“I’ll be ok,” The other smiled weakly, “I won’t like it, but I’ll live.”

“It’s just for one night, you slept alone many nights before we got married.” Viktor laughed.

Jayce rolled his eyes exasperatedly, pulling Viktor face-first into his chest, “What can I say? You’ve changed me. I am now the neediest man alive and it’s all your fault.”

Viktor shook with mirth as he attempted to wrench himself away from suffocating in between Jayce’s lovely pecs. Another time perhaps. He was mercifully released and pulled into a long kiss. Jayce never liked to be away from Viktor for very long. He wanted to go back to when they could spend every waking moment together. No council or no danger to worry about, just them, their discoveries, and their love for each other. Soon, they would be free to go back to their lives. They just had to make it through a few more trials. They were strong together and with their friends too. 

“I love you.” Viktor whispered in his ear as he pulled him close, then he turned to Mel with a cheeky smile, “No seducing my husband while I am away, Medarda.”

Mel barked a laugh before hugging Viktor herself and shaking Cait’s hand, “See you two tomorrow, I’m excited for what you have to show us.”

“Of course Councilor,” Caitly smirked mischievously, “We’ll make sure it’s memorable.”

The door shut behind Caitlyn and Viktor and Mel turned to face Jayce. He slumped in exhaustion once again. The past couple of days had been far more taxing than he had thought and his body was finally catching up to him. He could only imagine what he looked like to Mel at that moment.

“Well,” he grunted, “what do you suppose we do with ourselves today?”

Mel pursed her lips in thought as she eyed the man beside her, “For starters, we’re going to give you a bath and see to you burns and cuts. Can’t have you looking like you just rolled out of the sewer in front of the Council.”

“Oh good, a spa day.” Jaycechuckled, “are we going to gossip too?”

“Only if you want to,” Mel shrugged, “I was going to fill you in on Council things but I could also talk about the stupid thing Hoskel did at a Charity Luncheon yesterday.”

“I would like nothing more.”

Chapter Text

In the early hours of the morning under the comfort of his blanket pile, Viktor’s eyes snapped open. A wave of concern swam over him. Something wasn’t right. His arm shot out from their fuzzy prison to find the left side of his and Jayce’s bed empty. Where the hell was Jayce? He hardly ever woke up before Viktor and when he did, he always laid there until he woke up. There was panic for about 10 seconds before his brain finally caught up with him.

Ah yes, he and Caitlyn were to go before the council today.

Viktor relaxed from his panic and groaned as he curled back into the blankets. Maybe if he thought really hard about it, when he resurfaced, Jayce would be laying beside him in all his tanned handsome glory…also he would be naked. He would say ‘ what are you talking about, Vitya? Police Corruption? We’re dealing with no such thing. You work too much, let me rub your back.’ and then they would make out in bed. Mmm if only. Instead, Viktor fell asleep alone and anxious in his bed while his beloved husband, no doubt just as anxious, was all the way across town. At least he knew that they were safe. With one final deep inhale, Viktor hesitantly left the comfort of his bed.

As he dressed, Viktor thought over what was about to transpire. He was to act as if he was rescued from his captors and brought topside by Caitlyn, just seeing Jayce for the first time in the council room. He still looked the part of a harried kidnapping victim despite having been cleaned up. The bruise from when he had been knocked out was still big and ugly on his temple, and the cuts on his hands were gently re-bandaged by Caitlyn. Jayce was going to do the brunt of the acting for both of them, as his reaction will be under the most scrutiny. Apparently, Mel had really played up Jayce’s worry and distress to the others. Not without merit, of course, Jayce had been both distressed and worried, he just wasn’t at home pacing around and helplessly lamenting Viktor’s disappearance like the Council thought. Those who did not know Jayce were blissfully unaware of the fact that Jayce had always been a man of action. Always one to take his destiny into his own hands and forge it into something great. It made Viktor swell with pride thinking about how smart and determined his husband was. As much of a confused puppy as Viktor teased him for being, Jayce was truly brilliant in everything he did. Viktor found much joy in honing in his partner's ideas and helping them become reality.

He huffed as he tried to regain focus. Can’t spend too much time mooning over Jayce at the moment, lest Caitlyn came banging on the bedroom door impatiently. He hurried through the rest of his routine and slipped down the hallway in search of her. The woman looked up at him as he entered the kitchen. She was seated at the table in front of two cups of coffee. She pushed one of them towards him.

“Your disgusting slurry as Jayce referred to it,” she smiled tightly. Viktor accepted it with a snort and sat across from her, studying her face quietly. Pilties were notoriously bad at hiding their emotions. Easy to read meant being easy to take advantage of where Viktor was from. She was nervous, whether or not it was over their plan, Viktor was unsure.

“How does that saying go?” Viktor hummed as he sipped from his cup, “ah yes, a penny for a thought?”

“Just nerves,” Caitlyn mumbled gloomily.

“Certainly,” Viktor mused, “but something in your eyes tells me it’s not about the little show we’re about to put on.”

She looked up at him quizzically, “am I really that bad at hiding things?”

“You are ah…not well guarded. It’s like I’m staring directly into your soul.” Came the cheeky reply.

The woman scowled at his teasing and took some time to think. Viktor simply sat and enjoyed his beverage as he waited for her to collect her thoughts.

“Am I doing the right thing?” She finally asked.

Viktor furrowed his brow, perplexed by the question, “Um, not to sound biased, but I believe helping me help the Firelights is in the interest of everyone. Plus Jayce is practically your brother so-“

“No no!“ she interrupted him, “I know that what we’re doing is the right thing…I just, am I doing the right thing by being an enforcer?”

The scientist was taken aback by the question. In all the time that he had known Caitlyn and even before, she had planned on becoming an enforcer. As he understood, it was a choice Caitlyn made for herself much to the complaint of her mother. Jayce was exceedingly proud of his young friend for choosing her own path in life. Viktor enjoyed the girl as a person, which made it very hard to reconcile the fact that she was choosing to become something he had grown up to hate and fear. Upon her graduation, Viktor had only asked her that she make the right choices, regardless of what the law required of her. Caitlyn knew that she couldn’t make him change his mind, Jayce had politely asked her not to try. Now she sat before him, someone she knew had biases against her profession, and asked his advice.

“You’re asking the jaded Zaunite man whether or not being an enforcer is doing the right thing?” He asks.

Caitlyn deflates a little, “Yeah…I suppose it sounds silly when you say it like that.”

“It is not silly, just confusing,” Viktor attempts to amend, “have your adventures in the Undercity given you a reality check?”

“This is all just really fucked up,” she finally supplies, “everything I had set out to do has become so convoluted! Everyone I’ve met this past month has needed help that our laws prevent them from getting. They’re good people in bad situations but we call them criminals? Yet my fucking boss is out here plotting to have important Piltovians kidnapped and harmed. What’s the point of law if no one is protected by it?”

“Eh, but that’s the thing is it not? Some people are protected by the law,” Viktor pretends to crunch numbers in his head, “about 15 to 20 of Piltover’s most important people? The one who made the laws, you see.”

“And it’s unfair! It’s wrong.” She concluded.

“Of course it’s unfair, life is unfair Ms. Kiramman.” Viktor smiled apologetically, “I am sorry it’s taken you so long to realize this.” 

She looked up at him, clearly displeased with his answer. He remembers the many times he’s had this conversation with Jayce at the beginning of their relationship. He had been so terribly upset, pacing around their living room as Viktor sat on the couch. He had said the exact same thing to his husband in that moment followed by what he says to her at this moment:

“Now the question is what are you going to do about it?”

Her disgruntled face morphs into one of confusion. Viktor fights the urge to roll his eyes as he continues.

“The way I see it, you have some choices to make.” The man explains, “You are aware there is an issue, now you must choose how you handle it. Will you stay as you are or will you become something else?”

“But what is that something else?” Caitlyn pleads.

“That I cannot answer, only you have access to that information.” He actually does roll his eyes when he sees her pouting, “don’t look at me like that. What did you expect from me, Caitlyn?”

“That you’d tell me to stop being an Enforcer, I guess?” She smiled weakly.

“I seem to remember plenty of occasions where you’ve told me I can’t tell you to do anything.” He replied tersely. He sets down his cup and crosses his arms, leveling the girl with a hard look, “Make your own choices. Don’t ask permission.”

Caitlyn huffs a humorless laugh at that, “You’re right, I need to do this for myself. It’s funny how similar you and Vi sound despite being so different from each other.”

Viktor shrugs, “I think it has less to do with physicality and more to do with our upbringings as it were. I could only hope you think as highly of me as you do of her, though.”

The man watched as Caitlyn’s pale skin tinged with red at an alarming rate. Oh, she had it bad. Viktor snorted with amusement but said nothing as the woman floundered. Eventually, she just huffs and accepts her fate.

“Do you…” Caitlyn trails off, “You said that she had helped Jayce rescue you, do you think she’s ok?”

“She seems strong and also very mean?” Viktor supplies uselessly. He barely knows the woman.

“Yeah she sure is,” Caitlyn looks off dreamily. In that moment, she looks the picture of any normal young adult woman, mooning over their crush. Terribly innocent in a way that almost makes Viktor sad. Maybe in another life, they could have been normal people not embroiled in insane politics. Where the main problems in their lives were of the romantic sort. What a concept that was.

“She will be ok and we will be ok, I think.” Viktor decided, “You can go find her and tell her how you feel once the Sheriff has been dealt with.”

The girl's eyes shot to him in alarm, “Tell her how I feel? You really think that’s wise?”

 Viktor scrunched his face in discomfort, “Ehhh perhaps you should ask Jayce about these things. I am hardly an expert in this field.”

Had it been decided at some point that he was to give life advice to every young girl in the Zaun/Piltover area? 

“I can’t ask Jayce!” Caitlyn looked disgusted, “I watched him try and fail to court you for a year and a half! Even then he would just make fun of me the whole time! He’s called me a useless lesbian more times than my own name.”

The man snorts, “If you want my advice so bad, we can revisit this after we save our asses, hm?”

“Right right, of course, you’re right this is silly,” Caitlyn takes her neglected coffee and chugs it all in one go before standing, “We need to get going if we want to make it on time, let's go.”

Viktor sighs in relief that he managed to swerve this topic for the time being. If Jayce were here, he would be laughing his ass off at him as well as Caitlyn. The man stood as well, collecting himself and heading off after his friend. All the way wondering just what it was about him that screamed, ‘I am someone who knows things about dating even though I unknowingly bumbled my way into a healthy relationship’.