The "Sky" is the Limit
**Back in Zaun…**
To say Silco’s moods had been the worst the Undercity had ever experienced in all of it’s history under his rule was an understatement. Much to everyone’s surprise, the lack of results of Viktor’s whereabouts in Zaun had only increased his fury ten-fold with every time a search party returned empty handed. The last 3 messengers who had delivered the news ended up with critical level injuries, and one even died within minutes of the most recent failure. This time, Sevika didn’t bother to move the body right away. Though she did not approve of her boss’s temper tantrums, the lack of any sign of Viktor was truly souring her own moods. But she didn’t act like a sulking little BITCH about it.
A long drag of his sickly-sweet cigar was the only thing that disturbed the now silent office. The ragged garbled wheezing had finally stopped, as the latest messenger was quite literally shot. 4 times in each lung to be exact. Yet Silco’s mood barely budged. One silky blue grey eye and one black and red eye stared at the space ahead of his desk, focusing on nothing. Every single failed search, he’d just stare at the door. Like he was expecting to hear the clicking of a cane and see those piercing stern amber eyes staring at him in distain. Absently, he turned away from it, clicking his gunmetal steel lighter, etched with his crest on the side. A gift from Viktor, as a surprise when he successfully established himself as the head authority of Zaun. Shortly before… He learned about Vander. The thought of the look on Viktor’s face looking up at him in silent horror when he learned Vander was dead. How unfortunately perceptive he was, even at such a young age. And how the distance between them only grew since that day…
The heavy lighter sat perfectly in his hand. Still as pristine as the day he got it. One of his most cherished possessions. Too bad he TREATED him like a possession, instead of a son. The thought made her sneer, before using a boot to carefully nudge the body away from the seat across from Silco’s desk. With a slow deliberate motion, she turned it to face Silco at his desk before sitting in front of him, her gaze fixed on his. Remorseless. Ruthless. This time she’s had enough. This shit was getting them nowhere. And it was not helping bring Viktor home to them any faster. As much as she wished she could lie to herself and say she didn’t care about him, deep down she knew better. Viktor had become as much of a child to her as Jinx was to Silco. Fuck, it didn’t help SHE practically helped SILCO raise him. Screw that, SHE raised him, literally from an infant. Yet he had the damn balls to treat that boy like an object.
Physically he was not strong, but that kid’s will and determination were something else. Not to mention that undeniably sharp wit and sharper tongue. If words could kill, he would’ve been able to slaughter an entire continent with a single paragraph. Yet despite being raised in one of the worst places imaginable, he still refused to bend to Zaun’s corrupting dog eat dog mentality. And him having the spine to stand up to Silco even when it nearly resorted to physical fights between the two, he refused to back down. Chin held high, defiant gleam in his eyes and chest puffed out, before he usually delivered the killer blow before turning and leaving Silco seething. By Janna, how proud that little bog rat made her. HER LITTLE BOG RAT. And how badly she was missing his snarky quips and jabs. Or like when he was little, he’d look up at her with those big amber eyes, like she was the most incredible person alive. SHIT… She knew they needed to find him, and soon.
And because of some low life scum sucker, he was possibly gone. He may not even BE IN Zaun or Piltover anymore. That thought alone made her bristle. How careless they were. Wasting all that time PROTECTING JINX, and leaving Viktor to the wolves. And now there was nothing left but the carnage. And their regret. And those god-awful green rock things Jinx carried around with her all the fucking time now. The exact rocks she was absent mindedly playing with about 8 feet above their heads, as she lounged lazily in the pipes and wires hanging loosely above them. It was unsettling really. The silence. None of Jinx and Viktor’s banter. Jinx had become uncomfortably quiet and subdued. It was like losing Viktor TOOK the old chaotic spastic pain in the ass Jinx she hated with a passion with him. Personally, she was really missing THAT Jinx. Not this hollow husk of a being. Everything felt so wrong without him there.
Silco’s gaze settled on her, before he slowly breathed through his nose, smoke slowly wafting around his face like a dragon guarding it’s treasure hoard. There was the barest hint of him narrowing his eyes at her, yet she completely ignored the gesture. She had enough. This needed to addressed.
“If you HAVE SOMETHING to say, spit it out. But be quick about it. I don’t have time for this shit.” Silco snarled, his hackles on full display. A soft twitch of the corner of her mouth made him raise his eyebrow slightly.
“Sir, the search parties are yielding nothing in Zaun. We keep rechecking the same damn places over and over. He is NOT HERE. We should be extending our searches beyond our borders-” Sevika started, before Silco let out a faint sound that was gently straddling a growl and a sigh. His gaze was set down at the lighter in his hand, resting in his palm. The look on his face was a mix of parental concern and wavering the costs of labor, prices, time and manpower. That earned a dismissive snap from Sevika.
“Right now, crossing into Piltover is a LOT more difficult than it was before. The Topsiders had increased their security by 5 times what they used before. Not to mention getting through the checkpoints would be a massive gamble. The risks are too great. Even Jinx barely made it out unscathed from the last bombing incident. Due to that, we have needed to pull back and pick our fights and counter measures carefully. We got their attention, now we just need to wait for them to drop their guard.” Silco stated, his voice oddly detached. The sound of metal scraping against metal made the whole room jump, and the mechanical golden fist she had made came slamming down on the corner of Silco’s desk to actually make 4 cracks form in the table top. There was a BARELY visible flinch from Silco, but other than that there was virtually no reaction.
“FOR ONCE, I AM NOT TALKING ABOUT THE FUCKING CAUSE. I AM TALKING ABOUT VIKTOR. YOU KNOW, YOUR OTHER CHILD OTHER THAN JINX?! Or perhaps you’ve forgotten. Since you never TREATED him like a son. Just like a piece of your fucking property.” Sevika SNAPPED, her eyes blazing with such fury it made Jinx lean over and stare from her perch. THAT comment earned a reaction from Silco, who slowly sat up, like a cobra spreading it’s hood before striking its prey. Hit a nerve. Good. Let him squirm.
“Do… NOT… Tell me how I FEEL ABOUT MY SON, SEVIKA. I am doing what I can to ensure he is FOUND, and leave enough room to ensure the cause continues as planned. If I dedicated all the manpower to the searches, we would lose control of Zaun within a week. The losses we took from the Enforcer strike was catastrophic, not to mention having Viktor taken right under our noses. We loosen our grip, then what? If he IS ALIVE, HE would be in MORE DANGER because we lost control. Rival gangs, rogues, shimmer addicts looking for easy money for their next hit? He would be a goner. No. I know you’re upset. We cannot invest more effort into locating him but I AM DOING THIS TO ENSURE IF HE IS OUT THERE, HE COMES HOME ALIVE.” Silco retaliated, eyes blazing with untethered indignance.
The two had locked gazes, two fingers now pressed against Silco’s forehead, his elbow propped up on his desk. Amazing how he seemed to age 5 years in 2 weeks. Not that she could say much in that regard. The loss had been beating her down a lot more than she expected. Viktor was… No. IS her son. There was no denying it now. Even if Silco didn’t treat him like one, at least SHE did. A long hard mocking snort escaped her lips as she grinned mirthlessly at him, her elbows resting heavily on the desk, her fingers intertwined in front of her face. The gesture had Silco’s UNDIVERTED attention, and a look of uncertainty. He seemed to know the gut punch was coming, and was bracing for it. Though, the way his face slowly fell after her words clearly gave away his true feelings. Remorse.
“Protect him, huh? Yet I seem to remember, I was the one who raised him. Taught him to walk, talk. FIGHT, and think. Yet you were always too busy. Just like you were with Jinx. But unlike Jinx, you seemed to forget he ever existed. Yeah, he is a quiet kid. But he was THERE THE WHOLE TIME. You just acknowledged him when he was convenient. Or when JINX was around to REMIND YOU, he was there. I don’t see that as PROTECTING HIM. Protecting and ignoring are two very different things, Silco.” Sevika countered levelly. There was a tense and rigid silence that hung between the three people in the room, before Silco slowly sat up, breaking their eye contact. His expression was contemplative, distant and haunted. Lots of conflicting emotions flickered across his face, before he slowly brought a hand up to his face and looked like he was trying to rub away all the emotions on his face.
“… Being a… WEAKER CHILD, PHYSICALLY, made him a bigger target than most kids. JINX, can handle herself. Viktor, needed a sterner hand. Self-sufficient, resilient and fiercely independent. Defined and crafty, he is a PERFECT image of a Zaunite. But, that fragile bleeding heart of his, makes him WEAK. THAT WEAKNESS, will kill him someday. Call it cruel, call it neglect. It is a form of protecting him. Teaching him not to be DEPENDENT, OR OVERLY TRUSTING. I know I do not say it often enough, or show it, but I am exceptionally proud of them both. I was doing what I thought would keep him safe, at a distance. Especially since he hates resorting to violence. Staying coolly detached reduced his risk of being seeing as my potential heir. It was an act of mercy, a way to protect him from the cruelty of Zaun. But, as many parents fear, I cannot protect him, or Jinx from everything… So, this is the best way to protect him…” Silco answered tersely. But parts of his words, held sincere and genuine notes, especially about being proud of them. Regardless, Sevika was not deterred. She went in for the jugular.
“Even from yourself?” She asked, her voice level and cool. There was no malice behind her tone. It was a genuine question. One that made Silco snap to attention, eyes brimming with near mindless fury. As quicky as it came, it faded. All he did was slump slightly down into his massive red chair, eyes transfixed on the lighter. Silco’s voice was so soft and vulnerable unless you were really listening for It you wouldn’t have heard it.
“… As I said, I cannot protect him from everything… Especially the things he loves most. A moth to a flame… And vice versa. I am… exceptionally worried. My son will never come home. If by fate, his own volition, or against his will…” he replied, his voice just a hint louder than a whisper. A faint remorseful sigh escaped Sevika’s lips, as she fixed him a hard but not uncaring stare.
“If you keep only giving him conditional approval, affection and love, it is all he can give in return. He acts DISTANT because you KEEP him at a distance. You keep giving nothing but conditional approval and acceptance, his LOYALTY will be conditional, too. Everyone has a breaking point, and if you make him hit that point, he may NOT come back to us at all. WHEN he is found, maybe treat him like a son… He looks up to you as a father, he just wants your approval. To be worthy of your praise, just like Jinx does.” There was a long beat of silence, before Silco heftily sighed and stared absently at his cigar. The smoke wafted lazily, as his gaze was fixated on the swirling wisps. The faint resigned sigh that echoed through the quiet room along with another dragon like exhale through his nose. The commanding expression on his face made her grin. She knew that look anywhere.
“….. Amp up the search parties. I want scouts and spies on deck in Piltover IMMEDIATELY. They fail, see they do not come back to me alive. Anything, at all, I want reported. Jinx managed to scope out several easier entry points to Piltover via the edges of the Fissures, bordering just south of the checkpoints. Get them there and I want UPDATES sent back by the end of each day. Make sure they FIND OUR SON, Sevika. And soon. He needs to be back with us, where he belongs…” Silco barked, before turning away from her in his chair, oddly subdued. A curt nod was all Sevika gave him as she rose to her feet and strode to the doorway, before pausing.
“Don’t forget. IF he IS in Piltover, he would absolutely show them all, what a TRUE ZAUNTIE is. Just like you have, old man. You raised a fine young man.” She added, before leaving the room. There were no noises except for the faint clicks of a custom-made lighter igniting a flame, before swiftly shutting closed, extinguishing the flames instantly. Nothing but the soft scrape of metal, followed by a swift snap. Over and over, for several hours. Meanwhile, the entire time he just remained in a near possessed like state staring at a framed photo sitting on the corner of his desk. Old and a bit dented, but it was so incredibly important to him.
Silco, holding a small infant Viktor. So many years ago, as a crying orphan on the streets, hidden away from plain view. Somehow, the lucky little fellow had remained silent right about until Silco and his crew was passing by. What made Silco pause was the remains of a brutally murdered woman, with eyes of bright amber, possibly almost like gold, long brown cascading hair and pale skin like the moon. It was painfully obvious; she was not a native to Zaun. Another dead giveaway were some odd markings, almost like tattoo like etchings in her skin, deep indigo and shades of light blue. For a brief moment, he swore the markings were glowing, before petering out when she truly had died. When that faint glow ended, the sounds of a crying infant were heard loud and clear. His crew stared at him skeptically, clearly uncertain about the situation. An infant wouldn’t last long. In Zaun, without a mother… The thought made Silco’s stomach twist up faintly. What the hell happened here…
Slowly, Silco ventured into the clearly ransacked space. A small little alleyway tucked far down the darker less disturbed parts of Zaun. And how incredibly DIFFICULT it was to find. Yet, someone had. The space was small, but completely themed for caring for a child. Down to every last detail… Timidly, Silco strode forward, kneeling as close as he felt comfortable to the woman’s body. The first disturbing thing he noted was the INJURIES. BRUTAL, EXTREMELY BRUTAL. And ODD. How the injuries to the woman were not by any Zaunite blade, for the cuts were far too clean and precise. And not a Piltie blade either. The cuts were too wide, not nearly as thin or superficial as the shotty Piltover quality blades. There was a reason Piltover prided themselves on GUNS, and not blades. No. The murder of Viktor’s presumed biological mother was no mugging or mindless killing. It was premeditated. And this assailant knew exactly what to look for…
But at the time, this very small detail didn’t seem to play a major role. Now, it was a lot more concerning. The same odd green glowing rune rock that was left behind in the bloody pool near her lifeless body. The same rune rocks Jinx had brought to him a little over 2 weeks ago… It seems, the past was not done with his son after all. Whomever was after him, did NOT hail from either Zaun or Piltover. Regardless, he didn’t offer these findings to anyone. Not even Jinx or Sevika. Opening that can of worms could easily endanger Viktor’s life. Either way, the assailants knew. A child survived. No, THE child survived. HIS SON. And he would not tolerate such attempts on either of his children. Not to mention, they seemed eager on keeping him presumably alive… The more the old memories flooded in the more frustrated he grew, the grinding of the metal ignitor growing more and more intense and aggressive with each click.
How he found him, swaddled in a makeshift cradle, the best the mother could buy with limited money. Beautiful navy-blue silky sheets wrapped carefully around him in the furthest corner, hidden behind carefully hung ropes nailed into the walls the alley, with blankets draped over. It created an intricate curtain and even a canopy space to shelter her child. Clearly, this mother worked VERY HARD to care for her infant even before her death. Her own clothes were dirty and ragged, but everything the child had surrounding the crib was in pristine condition. The remainder of Silco’s gang hung back, hesitantly glancing at each other as he kneeled by the crib. Even Sevika seemed rigid, uncertain what he was going to do.
The instant he saw the small child, he seemed to realize there was something special about this little one. By all accounts, the assailant should have found and killed him. Yet here he was… Draped in a gorgeous silky blue sheet, with hand embroidered stars and rune like markings in the fabric. But that wasn’t what caught his eye. Such a tiny little thing he was. Pale, small and clearly something amiss with his left leg. So very small. The faintest brown curls were present on his head, even as a fairly young infant he already had beauty marks under his eye and just below his mouth near his chin. Originally, Silco was not even sure if taking in a child, no an INFANT after the fallout with Vander and his eye injury was wise, but he had a few loyal allies. And the best bet for the kid surviving was between himself, and his newly appointed right hand, Sevika. Yet, something about such a small child with a greater chance of dying for being a presumed runt hit a nerve within him. This child, was just like he was. Underestimated. Left to die. DISCARDED.
No. Not if he could help it. Though it was not what he was expecting nor prepared for, a soft smile creased his sleek features gently as he leaned down and carefully scooped up the fussy infant from the swaddle of the blanket. The infant whined and hiccupped as Silco gently pulled his future close to his chest. The tiny baby boy paused for a moment, before cuddling into Silco’s shirt, drawn to the warmth and soft fabrics. The boy seemed to instantly calm down when he listened to the soft thumping of Silco’s heart. How that single moment changed his entire life. Back when his heart hadn’t fully faded to the black rotten husk it was now, he remembered how even though he hadn’t been much for feelings or emotions, this small little bundle somehow stirred something deep inside him.
A desire, an urge. A will to give this child the life, the future he deserved. Just like the one he never got. A place where he wouldn’t be afraid, no one would hurt him. Not while he was around. But to do that, he’d need a few things. Money, power, loyal allies. AUTHORITY. TO BE FEARED. He’d give this small boy, no, all of Zaun and the people the future they DESERVED. This was THEIR BEGINNING. And it would be thanks to Vander betraying him, and the desire to raise a child as lost and beaten down by the world like he was, so many years ago. Someday, THEY would be at the top of the pecking order, and BOTH of the cities would be his son’s someday. An heir. If not for himself, then to ensure his son has a brighter future than he ever had. A small but gentle yawn from the baby boy made Silco chuckle, before carefully rocking him in his arms.
“Hello, little one… My little…hm…” Silco asked, before glancing up over his shoulder at Sevika. Her gaze was conflicted, quizzical but her expression softened faintly at the almost pleading look on Silco’s face. An eye roll and a faint huff with a headshake was what he got in reply, before she glanced at the discarded items slew around the space that WAS his home. In the blanket he was swaddled in, an embroidered name stuck out brightly, hand embroidered in glittering golden rune like lettering. Possibly in the native tongue of Runeterra… Silco squinted faintly, as he slowly deciphered the letters, before smiling and pulling the infant a bit closer to his chest.
“Hello, my little Viktor… You and I are going to achieve great things... Just you wait… We will show them. We will show them all…” Silco promised, before turning and leaving, holding his pride and future in his arms.
Silco’s gaze swiftly shifted when he felt his thumb sting, as he dropped the lighter. His thumb and inner palm were bright and red, clearly burned from the lighter’s sparks streaking off and leaving a sizable welt on his hand. The pain didn’t bother him much. It was his memories, and how far he had drifted from… his kids. A faint scowl crept across his face, as he leaned back and stared up at the ceiling, mind wandering.
“Don’t worry, Viktor. Soon, you’ll be back home. Where you belong. And we will make things right. I promise…” Silco whispered to himself. And he took one final heavy drag of his cigar, and blew a large smoke ring into the air. All he could do now, was wait. And hope. Hope, his son would come home… WANTED to come home… Where he belonged. With them. With him… He wouldn’t abandon them… not like he did… Would he?...
**Meanwhile, up in Piltover…**
For a brief moment, they just stared at each other. For himself, it was utter disbelief. There was not a single probability this was real. If he could stand, and run, he would’ve already thrown his arms around her before breaking down sobbing. Thankfully, she barely could contain her own reaction and did it for him. Within seconds, she had closed the space between them and tightly wrapped her arms around his shoulders, being very gentle in regards to his shoulder injury. Nothing could stop him from holding his tears back now. With his good arm he returned the hug, before just burying his face into her shoulder, before finally allowing himself to fully shatter. Neither of them was able to speak for a few hours, both lost in years of pent-up emotion, and for the years they had lost due to the distance between them. Heimerdinger had snuck out quietly when Sky had hugged him, quietly shutting the door behind him. Clearly, they had a lot of things to work through.
A couple hours had passed, where Sky simply let Viktor weep. Ever since he was a child, Sky never once seen him cry. That was one thing Viktor prided himself in, his ability to handle high volumes of mental stress. Living with a warlord, you learned QUICKLY to never shed a tear, especially if you wanted to avoid either a grounding, or an ass kicking. Even to his own children, Silco was exceptionally strict. He did not have TIME for tears or weakness. Cry in front of him, he gave you A REAL REASON to cry. All it took was a single lesson, not directed at him but Jinx.
Ever since that day, he hadn’t cried. It was rare. But now, he felt his resilience fail him. Or, perhaps this was the effects of never letting his guard down. Years and years of pent-up sorrow, pride and fear all spilling from his eyes. Though he hated the sensation of feeling weak, it felt oddly… cathartic. Now that he had finally gotten out of his system, he should be good to not cry for another… 24 years, he thought sadistically. Sky had stopped her crying a short time before he did, but she was kind enough to let him get it all out of his system before saying anything. When they finally pulled apart, the guilt had begun to overwhelm him.
“Sky, I-I am so sorry… for dropping contact. I know we promised to keep writing the letters but-… My… Silco… He threatened… to kill you. Unless I stopped. I had… I never wanted to hurt you. Losing that connection to you, Gods it hurt so much. It was like, the one person, the one thing in my life… Meant so much to me, my best friend, was ripped away from me… I thought... all these years you hated me… Stopped writing…Given up. T-thought I had... turned my back on you… Yet... yet all this time… I had assumed the worst… Yet… You told Council Heimerdinger about… our silly antics… All these years…? Shit… Shit this SUCKS… Sky I am so sorry I-” Viktor rambled, before another hug quickly silenced him.
SO warm… so comforting. He truly hadn’t known how much losing her presence, her warmth and patience had hurt him. How cruel it made him outwardly. Silco had succeeded. Making a cruel monster out of him. And now more than he ever had before, he TRULY HATED him for it. And hated himself, so deeply. For ever doubting her. Even for spilt second.
“Viktor… After all these years, you are STILL so hard on yourself. You potato brain.” She said, followed up by a playful jab. The words stunned him for a moment, before he smirked and snorted. His cheeks flushed as he covered his mouth and nose, earning a giggle and a laugh from Sky. Gods, her laugh sounded like pure angelic singing. Not to mention her snarky attitude. The ONLY person that could ever stump, make him pause or actually challenge his wit and attitude, was sitting right in front of him. Like a long-forgotten puzzle piece, had finally returned to complete the full picture. Gods, how did he ever survive without her in Zaun…? Truly, the Gods must’ve been guiding down a path for a reason. Losing Sky was enough to make him contemplate… Well. The DEATH of Sky would’ve driven him to insanity. How lucky he was she was unscathed. And how lucky for his own conscious…
“Viktor… You grew up and SURVIVED under Silco. You have no idea how many times I begged my parents to take you with us… AWAY from him. But the day we opened our front door… All our letters burning on the doormat… It was a warning. My parents got the message loud and clear. I was banned from writing you letters. We left to Piltover the same day… Silco knew, didn’t he? When I got accepted into the Academy… He knew. He knew I was asking to take you to a better life… And he sent us only one warning. My parents said I was never to ever speak of Zaun to the people here. Or Silco. Or you… I broke that promise… When I met Heimerdinger. But only him. How much you inspired me, taught me even when life gives you a bad hand in the big game, you press on. I kept going, in hope I could sneak down and find you. I tried a few times, but then it became so dangerous… But I still… I wrote the letters. I never sent them but, I kept them all in a big journal, just for that IMPOSSIBLE PROBABILITY you’d come back… So some day you could read them.” She spoke softly, her words cracking at the end, her eyes welling up with tears, her smile faltering.
Viktor’s gaze never left her face. His heart was nothing but dust on the floor of his stomach, coating everything inside his body with the crushing sensation of the truth. Ever so slowly, he gently cupped her cheek in his hand, with a fond smile.
“Well, I am here now… And I would love to read them with you, here and now… Plus at least your hand writing is LEGIBLE.” He teased, before smirking as she playfully rolled her eyes.
“Did your handwriting improve at all?” She asked, eyebrow arched. A guilty expression shifted across his face for a moment, before he looked at her with a judging look.
“WAIT, YOU DID NOT TELL HEIMERDINGER IT WAS MINE BECAUSE OF MY HANDWRITING, DID YOU?!” He asked, cheeks flushing a bit. The slow rise of her eyebrow was all she gave him, which made him scoff and roll his eyes, muttering under his breath.
“Not my fault your hand writing sucks THAT BADLY.” She added breezily, looking at her nails as if they were far more interesting. OH. LITERALLY NOTHING HAD CHANGED BETWEEN THEM. Frankly, he could not have been more relieved.
Before Viktor could open his mouth with a snarky retort, the door to his hospital room quietly swung open. The two looked like deer in headlights, both wide eyed and perplexed. A loud and unflattering groan escaped Viktor’s lips as the WORST possible person stepped in, looking rather solemn expression. Jayce.
“G-Good morning Ms. Young! I apologize I did not mean to interrupt you two but I must speak to uh, Viktor? Was it? Alone… Please. Protector business…” Jayce said, his voice actually faintly shaky. There was a brief second after Jayce spoke that he cleared his throat and glanced around the room, and his hands seemed to be desperately trying not to adjust a tie that was fitted more like a noose. The glare Viktor was giving Jayce was enough to make him visibly flinch. Clearly, that conversation about that thank you stuff did NOT EXTEND to today. Thankfully, the slightly heartbroken expression on his face seemed to imply he understood. At the time, he wasn’t AWARE his glare was not the cause of Jayce’s devastated look. It was SKY. But THAT was not the WORRYING PART.
A long heavy sigh slipped past Viktor’s lips unbidden, glare boring holes through Jayce’s confidence. Even in his fancy flashy Protector’s garb, a long T shaped hammer crest on his left shoulder, the deep near blood red colors accenting the crest and his undershirt and black tie, all neatly tucked and nestled under a large fitted almost tailed open-faced suit, decorated with gold chains and possibly a pocket watch tucked into his right breast pocket. For a single moment, Viktor pondered how anything FIT in those pockets with PECS that large…
Carefully, Sky stood up, adjusted her glasses and nodded at Jayce, that classic poised but patient smile on her lips. A real Sky smile was when her dimples were showing, and this smile did not even crease them. Her hands quickly gathered up the papers she had brought with her, before professionally addressing Jayce. The two of them seemed, almost terse with one another. Oddly, Sky was not someone who ever treated anyone so… curtly. Did something happen? Or perhaps, she knew more than he did… The attire, the rigid and stiff posture. Well-groomed and tidied up. Oh, grease stains. News travelled of his awakening. Janna dammit it all…
“Of course, Protector Talis. If you ever have a spare moment, my interns would love to meet the great Protector Talis in person. They are really inspired by your works and designs.” Sky said, with the faintest bow of her head. A slight pause before Jayce’s attention was painfully dragged away from Viktor. Well, at least out of the corner of his eye. Perhaps he was checking to see if any more metal trays were within his reach. Lucky for Jayce, there weren’t any within immediate reach. Dammit. Funnily enough, Jayce seemed almost SCARED to meet his gaze. Good. He SHOULD be scared. Being alone with this brick of a brain certainly didn’t sit well with him. Yet nobody asked. Fucking inconsiderate.
“Viktor…” Sky said, eyes laser focused on his eyes. The expression made his blood freeze instantly. The eye roll Viktor was dismissively giving Jayce was halted dead in it’s tracks by the LOOK from Sky. A
t first, it was a quick glance, before Sky’s gaze lingered for several, long, AGONIZING SECONDS. The hairs on the back of his neck stood on end. OH, OH NO. THAT LOOK. THAT KNOWNING, LOOK ONLY A BEST FRIEND CAN GIVE. IT was the look of understanding, knowing something the other did not. The look of ‘You have a CRUSH’. OH KURVA- The death words had been spoken. OH, GODS NO. NO WAY NO WAY IN HELL OR HEAVEN WAS THIS REAL, SHE CANNOT COME BACK FROM THE LITERAL UNKNOWN AND PULL THIS- THIS BULLSHIT 3 HOURS AFTER REUNITING. NO- THAT WAS NOT REAL, THIS WAS A DRUG INDUCED DREAM! A HORRIBLE HALLUCINATION! HE’D WAKE UP, ANY SECOND NOW… ANY... SECOND… OH GODS NO NO NO NO NO THIS COULD NOT GET ANY MORE EMBARRESSING!!!
Before Viktor could say or do anything in response, Sky had turned and given Jayce what was best described as the faintest but most passive aggressive dismissive brush off when he tried to hold open the door for her. It was so subtle, but it spoke volumes. Sky had NEVER acted so tersely with ANYONE. It was like she chose to not even ACKNOWLEDGE his attempted kind gesture. Judging from the rather hurt expression making his shoulders bow faintly, and the corners of his lips quirk downward followed by a long, drawn-out sigh. With a rather bitter expression, Jayce cast a glance at Viktor, before exhaling loudly through his nose. A loud “hmph” was all Jayce got in reply, and Viktor turned his gaze to the left, really not wanting Jayce to see the faint hints of pink tickling his cheeks, and making his ears burn more. Subtly, Viktor was keen to watch Jayce out of the corner of his eye.
Much to his SURPRISE, Jayce unabashedly reached in to his hidden breast pocket and pulled out a very fancy possibly custom-made metal FLASK- WAIT A DAMN SECOND- THAT CAITLIN WOMAN, SHE WAS RIGHT. He’s got a booze problem. The gears and cogs in his mind began to click slowly, before an idea began to slowly take shape. Hm. This was NOT a BAD thing… Viktor mulled over, as he watched Jayce quickly down the sizable flask in two hearty gulps. It was quickly slipped back into the same breast pocket, a faint twitch of his shoulders and after a bit some noticeable dilation of his eyes. A rather UNIMPRESSED expression rested on Viktor’s face as he was now staring at Jayce directly again. A sizable scowl slid into place on Jayce’s face. Oh great, an AGGRESSIVE alcoholic. Fuck.
“LOOK, you don’t have the right to be judging me, pal. If you were in my shoes right now, you’d pray you were plastered too. This isn’t a fun, simple CHECK IN meeting. The Piltover Council wants to speak with you, IMMEDIATELY, since you’re coherent and awake. I was hoping we could stall it longer but… fuck.” Jayce said, his tone teetering on panic and outright anger. That awful pacing began again, as he held one arm poised perfectly right in the crook of his back, as he left (dominant) hand rested on his defined handsome chin, eyes scrunched at the corners in deep thought. Watching him talk to himself was baffling. After about 2 minutes, and another sizable swig from a small shot bottle in his breast pocket WITH that flask from before he walked to the button to summon the nurse. There was a brief moment where he hesitated, before pressing the button, his head hanging a bit lower.
NO, NO NO- THE PILTOVER COUNCIL?! NO WAY IN HELL- WAS HE BEING PUT ON TRIAL?! FOR WHAT?! WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK?!? THESE MORONS HAD THE AUDACITY TO SPEAK TO HIM, AFTER WHAT THEY DID TO HIM?! ABSOLUTELY NOT!
“I BEG YOUR PARDON? I was unconscious for 3 GODS DAMNED WEEKS and they can just- DISCHARGE ME without any consideration how that could AFFECT MY BODY OR HEALING PROCESS?! YOU COUNCIL MEMBERS ARE THE TRUE DEFINITION OF CRUEL UNFEELING VERMIN!” Viktor lashed out, the ire dripping hotly off his tone. Oddly, Jayce didn’t acknowledge his comment, as he turned to see the nurse open the door and smile sweetly at Jayce. She didn’t even acknowledge Viktor at all. Wonderful. He really must’ve died and become a ghost. Or, better yet, he was in Hell. Definitely Hell. This day kept getting better and better as he was about 3 seconds away from using the IV tubing to attempt to strangle Jayce the MOMENT he got close enough. One LESS PRETTY SMUG Piltie was a MUCH better world in his books. All he had to do was bide his time-
Without missing a beat, Jayce smiled brightly at the beautiful young nurse, clearly adding a faint hint of flattery in with his flirting. It was plainly obvious to Viktor. There was no real genuine feeling behind the pretty words he gave to the young nurse. Yet she seemed either too stupid, or just honestly didn’t care whether he MEANT IT or not. The display made his stomach lurch. Violently. He would puke right then and there, just to get them to stop.
“So… If you wouldn’t mind, helping me out with discharging him, I would be so grateful to you beautiful~.” Jayce said, flashing a pearly white smile at the now swooning nurse. The display for whatever reason both filled him with disgust and… JEALOUSLY. WHY WOULD HE BE JEALOUS?! THAT WAS ABSURD!!
“Of course, anything for you, PROTECTER~.” The nurse said, twirling a long curled strand of blonde hair on a perfectly manicured nail. A faint cough caught the two off guard, as the nurse glared HEATEDLY at him at the sound. How strange, that cough sounded a lot like the word “BITCH.” The way the nurse let out a insulted huff, stamped her foot before turning and storming out to fetch the doctor’s discharge papers made Viktor’s grin warp into a sick twisted shit eating smirk. There was a faint pause for when Jayce didn’t hear the nurse’s shoes tapping angrily down the hall before he left out a long relieved breath.
“Oh thank Janna… I hate doing that…” Jayce breathed, casting a smug look of his own at Viktor. The way Viktor’s eyes narrowed slowly made Jayce’s sickly innocent smirk grow a bit wider. “Not so fun being the one played, is it?” Jayce batted back at him, standing up straight and perking up once the footsteps of the Doctor and the nurse came down the hall. A deep scowl crept across Viktor’s features, as the doctor came in, talking to Jayce solely. Like Jayce was Viktor’s parent and he was a child that couldn’t make his own DECISIONS. This SHIT WAS GETTING VERY OLD-
“And other than needing to stay off that leg for about another week and icing that shoulder, he should be able to be admitted to… Ahem. Where the Council deems fit for a… being of his position should go…” The doctor said, his tone edging into one of utter unrestrained scorn and distain. The comment made Jayce bristle, his body going rigid and his shoulders hunching ever so slightly. The doctor seemed completely caught off guard, and nearly slammed into the nurse when he hastily stepped backwards.
“DO NOT. EVER. ADDRESS HIM IN SUCH A MANNER IN MY PRESENCE AGAIN. UNLESS YOU WANT TO END UP IN STILLWATER IN HIS PLACE, DOCTOR. KEEP YOUR OPINIONS OUT OF YOUR PROFESSION.” Jayce snapped; eyes narrowed as he towered menacingly over the man. The doctor was shaking so violently, all color drained from his body. It truly was a miracle the man didn’t pass out on the spot.
“I-I I am s-so s-s-s-sorry Protector Talis, sir! I spoke out of line, I beg your pardon, and yours good sir!” The doctor said, voice rising by several octaves. The way the doctor refused to even make eye contact made him roll his eyes. This guy REALLY thought himself as a savior, didn’t he? Well, Viktor intended to remedy that situation and quickly once the bumbling morons left. The nurse practically cowered in Jayce’s presence now, her pouty lip trembling. All they got in return was Jayce raising his proudly and tilting his head once towards Viktor.
“See that he is properly tended to, and if EITHER of you harm him intentionally removing IVs or patches, I’ll make sure you end up in that bed after they finish disinfecting this room…” Jayce snapped, the two rushing to remove the tubes wires and tape keeping IVs and monitor patches. One by one, each item was removed, unfortunately a few of them painfully taking patches of hair and skin, especially on his arms and chest. Each wince and grunt with their removal made the nurse and doctor flinch, as Jayce’s rueful gaze lingered heavily on them. When the last patch was removed, the two hastily placed gauze and tape around the slightly bruised IV sights before escorting themselves out in a hurry. Neither of them bothered to shut the door behind them, too terrified to linger a second longer in Jayce’s presence. For a painful stretch of silence, the only sound in the room was the ever-consistent ticking of the clock on the wall.
After some internal debate, Jayce gently swallowed before opening his mouth, working up the nerve to speak up. Viktor was not giving him the chance to make excuses. Enough was enough. A tension formed between them, as they locked gazes, Viktor’s carrying a spiteful frown with it.
“I know you THINK you’re helping, but I do NOT need protecting. I am not a FUCKING damsel in DISTRESS. SO stop treating me like one.” Viktor snarled, slowly shifting himself into a sitting position. JUST THE IDEA of moving was quickly met with aches pains and grimacing. Actually MOVING was MUCH worse. Gods, his body felt so STIFF. Nothing wanted to work very well, but instead of a faint weakness and resistance, NONE of his muscles seemed to want to do as he asked. Just sitting up alone felt like he was trying to bench press with a giant rock on his chest. And he was already tired. Shit. Cautiously, Viktor straightened out his back and it gave a series of satisfying snaps and pops. The sound made Jayce shudder horribly, before trying and failing to hide his disgust.
“Yeah, I learned that really quick after you smashed my nose in with JUST a tray.” A smug snort made Jayce scowl, but he pressed on undeterred. Though there was a hint of impatience and annoyance in his voice. “JUST because you don’t need it doesn’t mean I will tolerate someone treating you terribly. Not In my presence.” Jayce said, a determined twinkle gleaming in his eyes. Jayce’s beautiful golden gaze unfortunately was firmly locked on his own amber eyes, and all the expression on Jayce’s face screamed nothing but sincerity. It left Viktor temporarily speechless, as he felt his cheeks slowly begin to flush, and heat racing to his ears. KURVA… THIS BASTARD WAS INFURIATING! IN EVERY SINGLE IRKSOME WAY- Then… why the hell was his unwarranted affection and attention so… addicting…?
A devious thought made it’s way into Viktor’s mind, as he grinned maliciously and raised an eyebrow at Jayce, actually shifting his tone to have a rather flirtatious lilt in it, as he halfway closed his eyes. The sight of Viktor giving Jayce the ‘bedroom eyes’ made him go INSTANTLY RIGID. A very audible gulp could be heard, as Viktor watched with great satisfaction the way Jayce’s strong defined Adam’s apple bobbed, a faint sweat beading Jayce’s brow.
“Oh, does this mean you’re my guard dog now~? Should I buy you a thick black spiked collar and a leash~?” Viktor teased, his voice dipping deeper into the sultry tone he used when using his sharp wit and looks to schmooze free drinks out of bar patrons who’d approach him at The Last Drop. Wasn’t hard, especially since he being a smaller frailer looking man, the masculine urge to protect him earned him a LOT of free booze. And even a couple kisses. One or two dates. But Viktor never went any further than that. None of them were ever what he was looking for. Ulterior motives. Easy ways to get in ‘Silco’s good graces’ by wooing his son. After the first few, Viktor just played coy and learned how to get each suitor drunk enough that they’d pass out and he’d slip out with a belly full of GOOD QUALITY Zaunite booze. Life didn’t hand him much, but he took advantage of the kicks it DID give him. This… TALIS…. Wouldn’t be much different. OR…. THAT WAS WHAT HE KEPT TELLING HIMSELF.
Much to Viktor’s completely exposed dismay, that comment had not done what he intended it to. IT HAD DONE THE EXACT OPPOSITE. Jayce paused for a single second, before his face slowly shifted to a GENUINE flirty look, a devious smirk slipping slowly across his face. The way he was looking Viktor over sent a long and unsettling (BUT NOT UNPLEASANT) shiver racing down his spine. Jayce strode forward, setting both his hands on either side of Viktor’s bed, as he gently leaned forward. The utter shock on Viktor’s face clearly was all the encouragement Jayce needed to sign the death warrant on his heart. MOTHER OF JANNA, HE FELT LIKE HIS FACE WAS SPLASHED IN ACID! How badly his ears and cheeks were burning. Utterly HUMILIATING.
“WOOF~… Well, maybe if I am a GOOD BOY, you can teach me to sit and stay... Roll over and maybe even beg~. But that’s not until after the Council meeting, and we get you an ACTUAL solid meal. Not the tube nutrients they had pumped into your stomach the last 3 weeks.” Jayce said, his voice full of a flirtatious edge that nearly made Viktor’s heart stop instantly. All he could do was blink several times, as his mind failed to process what just happened. Did- did he just- flirt BACK?! Viktor’s bottom jaw went slack, as Jayce just smiled and chuckled faintly. The comment nearly slipped right past him as he felt reality slowly seep back into his brain which had completely ceased working.
“By Janna, you’re so adorable…” Jayce said, his eyes transfixed in Viktor as he slowly stood up, clearing his throat. There was a faint blush on Jayce’s face as he looked away, trying to change the subject. Several slow blinks, as Viktor turned to glance at Jayce. He only was able to open his mouth before Jayce quickly cut him off, as he strode towards the door with a faint ‘Aha! Perfect!’ A few moments later, Jayce carefully pulled in a folded-up wheelchair that was left just outside the door for him by a passing nurse.
The sight made Viktor’s heart sink. Though his mobility was limited due to his leg before, he at least was able to GET HIMSELF from place to place. A wistful glance down at his left arm which was stuck in a sling only made that sense of helplessness feel all the heavier. And suffocating. Clearly, he wasn’t doing well at hiding his emotions, as Jayce’s face softened to one of sympathy and worry. It brought back the memories of when he was a child, how some days the pain from his leg and back was so severe he couldn’t even walk. The days he feared he would lose his ability to walk at all. Hie was jostled out of his thoughts when a large hand rested on his right shoulder and gave him a reassuring squeeze. Instead of instantly swatting the hand away and hissing, he just sighed and bowed his head in defeat.
“Hey, the doctor said we just need to let your leg heal a bit longer, then they want to start you on physical therapy. You’ll be back on your feet in no time! You just need a bit longer… But you’ll be walking again in no time!” Jayce piped up, trying to give his best reassuring smile. All that his chipper comment earned was a faint weak little shrug. The gesture made Jayce blink, clearly confused. No snappy comment, no witty retort. No threats hissing or snarling.
The thoughts that were plaguing him seemed to rob all the fight from him. A meeting with the entire Piltover Council, along with the Protectors… VERY BAD NEWS. More than likely, it was what to DO with him. There were 3 top options: Send him to Stillwater, force him to remain trapped there and use him as a political bartering chip against his family and Silco’s cause, or… EXECUTION. The last one made him shake faintly, sweat beading his entire body. Or the idea that if either of the first two happened, there is a sizable probability that judging from the severity of the leg injury, he could lose all his mobility… permanently.
A gentle shake from the hand on his shoulder snapped him out of his thoughts, as he glanced to turn to Jayce. Worry and concern were written on his face.
“Hey, you alright? Do you need help getting into the chair…?” Jayce asked, uncertain how to help. Viktor sighed loudly and furrowed his brows, casting a mutinous glare at the wheelchair. Once he could walk again, he was going to BURN that damned contraption. Beat the charred remains with his cane till his back gave out. And a kick with his good leg. Just for good measure.
“No. I can do it…” Viktor said barely above a hoarse whisper. Viktor’s gaze was adamantly looking away from Jayce, and the tiny devastated sigh made the room and Viktor’s heart feel a lot colder. Gods, was he truly becoming like his father? Manipulative, cruel and ruthless…? While Viktor was silently lying to himself, Jayce slowly grabbed the small remote connected to the hospital bed to have the bed lowered far enough down to the ground to allow Viktor to virtually slide himself off the edge of the bed and right into the chair.
Just trying to scoot himself to the edge of the bed was a challenge, especially anytime Jayce came even just an inch closer to him he looked like he was about to rip put his guts with his bare hands. Along with that, perhaps using his intestines to STRANGLE him like his plan before would add insult to injury. He’d save that for if he tried to help him get into the stupid GODS FORSAKEN CHAIR. All Jayce could do was back up with his palms up, deciding testing Viktor’s determination to murder him was not something the wanted to test. Though he did his best to attempt to be subtle, Jayce every so often glanced at the clock on the wall, getting more antsy with each look. After several agonizing moments and pained winces, swearing, and biting his lip hard enough to make it bleed, Viktor scooted himself to the edge of the bed. He paused, staring at the sizable gap of 3 inches away from each other. SHIT. That wheelchair wasn’t close enough, and the handle bars prevented it from getting closer… And the bed wouldn’t lower and further… So. Great time to test the one thing he was too HORRIFIED to even think about. Standing.
A faint uncomfortable sound coming just out of the corner of his vision made him sigh. By Janna, him not LETTING him help may ACTUALLY kill the idiot. Viktor raised his right hand and gently massaged his temple, swearing to all the gods he could name off the top of his head. He would ONLY DO THIS ONCE. AND HE WAS NOT TO SPEAK OF THIS TO ANYONE. EVER. A sudden jerk from Viktor made Jayce jump, before staring at him with a mixture of hope and concern on his face. For a single second he swore he saw floppy ears and a dog tail wagging. A sharp but very displeased sigh escaped his lips, as he pinched the bridge of his nose, doing his best to swallow his pride and by some small mercy that NO ONE would ever EVEEER learn about this. May his ego forgive him someday. Yeah, no. Not gonna happen. In this lifetime OR the next.
“C.. could.. you… FUCK. JUST HELP ME GET INTO THE DAMN CHAIR-!” Viktor barked, his cheeks so incredibly red. His ears felt like infernos, and the expression on Jayce’s face was baffled, before shifting to something of skepticism. A frown formed on Jayce’s lips, arms folding over his massive chest.
“OH, so you can strangle me the second I touch you? No thanks. Not unless you actually MEAN IT, and actually ASK for it. And say please. Wouldn’t kill you.” Jayce countered, but the last bit was definitely laced with venom. A twitch on Viktor’s left eye made itself comfortable for at least 19 seconds, before Viktor rolled his amber eyes and looked back at the bed.
“You know, you don’t help me, I don’t go. I doubt EITHER us want to go to that stupid pointless meetiIIIIINNNNGG-!” Viktor started, before he was abruptly cut off by Jayce clearing the distance between them with an annoyed expression. Gently and carefully he slipped his arms right on his upper back and behind his knees. Viktor’s pitch in his voice at the end was to high pitched it even startled himself. Instinctively, he reached for anything to give him support, which, miserably enough was Jayce’s broad neck and shoulders. Warm. RIPPLING with such firm toned muscles… and TOUCHING HIM.
The entire instant this physical contact happened, Viktor was pretty sure he had died for a brief moment. His entire body was so charged and tense, he thought his heart stopped beating and his brain exploded. When he blinked, Jayce had carefully yet methodically placed him in the wheelchair without a single issue. Despite being so large and strong, Jayce’s grip was extremely gentle. Like he was painfully mindful of where not to apply pressure on Viktor’s left leg and kept most of his grip on the right, and doing the same not to jostle his busted arm. And the most baffling part of it was, Jayce hadn’t caused him ANY PAIN… Getting him into the chair… HOW- HOW EVEN-
There was a faint snort and a satisfied expression of victory just barely visible on Jayce’s features as he carefully patted Viktor’s right shoulder. He smoothly slid his hand under Viktor’s chin gently closing his slack jaw with a soft click. It had to be absolutely impossible for Viktor’s face to go any redder, or his ears to not be literally be smoking from the fires that must’ve been burning. How THE FUCK DID HE MANAGE TO FOOL HIM LIKE-
“Heh, I guess you’re gonna come suffer through this shitty pointless meeting with me after all.” Jayce chimed in with far too much pleasure of besting him. Slow long blinks were all Jayce got in response, before Viktor quickly snapped out of his extremely conflicting emotions and carnal urges he was feeling. All Viktor could do was shoot him a seething glare at him over his shoulder, before Jayce slipped the brake latches on the sides of the wheelchair, before pushing Viktor towards the doorway. Though he felt like his world had been tossed around like a balloon in a hurricane, he did manage to at least get one snappy comment out. A crappy one but it would have to do…
“I HATE you… so much….” Viktor growled, slumping down into the wheelchair, grinding his teeth loudly. Jayce chuffed faintly, and cheerily replied:
“Oh, if you LOATHE me, you’re going to LOVE THE COUNCIL.” Jayce said, his tone sopping wet with sarcasm. All Viktor could do was groan loudly and submit to his fate. Kurva. How could this SITUATION get ANY WORSE…? Oh, how little he knew. THIS WAS BARELY THE BEGINNING OF THE SHIT SHOW.