Chapter Text
Though most of Viktor’s studies were in the realm of engineering and technology, he was no stranger to the functions of the human body. His initial interest in physiology and medicine was purely out of curiosity, but as he was plagued by more and more symptoms, he began to branch out into other divisions.
By all means, he shouldn’t have been remotely surprised by the changes he was seeing in himself. Yet as he studied himself in the mirror, smoothing his hands over his stomach, he was struck with pure awe. The term glowing made much more sense now. His hair was thicker and shinier than ever, his eyes bright and clear. Looking at himself now was like looking at a different person entirely.
It wasn’t just his appearance that had improved. Singed had him taking several new medications, crafted specifically as to not negatively affect his pregnancy. Viktor had been skeptical about taking them in the beginning, but figured there was no reason for Singed to want to harm him.
He’d met Singed when he was much younger, still living in the slums of Zaun. He’d confided in him regarding the confusion with his own identity, and Singed offered him the choice of starting hormone therapy. At the time, he was far too young to understand just how badly Singed could have hurt him, and yet…
Viktor had lost contact with Singed for nearly a decade, starting when he left to live with Heimerdinger. With his therapy fulfilled by doctors in Piltover, he no longer had a reason to seek Singed’s help. They’d had their share of disagreements with how the man handled his experiments, so Viktor felt it was better that way. Despite his long absence, Singed seemed elated to help out an old friend. It was safe to assume Singed had some sort of lasting fondness for him.
Each serving of the medication came packaged in its own little glass vial, the contents glowing with the tiny bit of Shimmer they contained. As instructed, he gave one of the vials a shake before uncorking it and downing the contents. It tasted terrible as it slithered down his throat, bitter and viscous. As much as he desperately wanted to wash away the taste, he wasn’t supposed to drink anything for at least half an hour afterwards.
Viktor sighed, his face still scrunched in distaste. He began to leave the bathroom, but something caught his eye in the mirror and he leaned in to get a better look. His golden irises were tinged with a familiar magenta. His heart skipped a beat.
Before he could react, he heard the front door opening. Jayce had come home early. Viktor scrambled to stow his medication, zipping up the unassuming leather pouch and shoving it back into its hiding place. He leaned in to examine his eyes again in the mirror, fully prepared to have to lock himself in the bathroom until the color went away. Thankfully it seemed the effect didn’t last long, as there was no sign of it. He stood there for a few more moments just to be sure, finally standing upright as he heard Jayce’s footsteps approaching.
“Oh, you’re home early.” He gave a smile, albeit rather forced.
“Yeah, well… I figured I’d start getting used to taking more time off, since we’re gonna be dads and all.” He seemed rather proud of that fact, a stupid smile spread across his lips. “How’re you feeling?”
“I’m okay,” Viktor replied, idly rubbing his bump with one hand. “I was just washing up.”
“Perfect, because I was gonna ask you if you wanted to go get dinner somewhere with me?” Jayce said, raising a brow. “You can pick the place, since you’re the one with the weird cravings and all.”
“I could eat.” Viktor barely ate two meals a day beforehand, and now he felt like he couldn’t function without at least three. He pushed past Jayce into their bedroom, “Just give me a minute to get dressed.”
“Hey, come here.”
He flinched at Jayce grabbing his wrist, nerves still on edge. The stress began to ebb as he beheld Jayce’s smiling face, leaning in to kiss him.
“I missed you today.” Jayce hummed, thumbing over Viktor’s cheek. “But I’m glad you’re getting some rest.”
“I missed you too.” Relishing in the warmth between them, he wrapped his arms around Jayce’s waist, pulling tight. “Have you… told anyone yet?”
“I may have let it slip to Medarda, but she promised me she wouldn’t tell anyone else.” Jayce’s hand wandered down to smooth over Viktor’s hip, fingertips rubbing gently along his soft skin. “But… I don't think we’ll be able to hide it for much longer.”
It was true, Viktor’s belly was becoming more pronounced every day. As he pulled away from the embrace, Jayce rubbed his hand over it, as if to prove his point.
“I can’t believe we’re having a baby.” It was endearing how elated Jayce sounded when he talked about it. Perhaps that was why it was so hard for him to keep it a secret.
“I say the same thing to myself every day.” He ran a hand through his damp hair, droplets of water flicking onto his shoulders. “Let me get dressed. All this talk of dinner has made me hungry.”
Jayce gave a nod, “Right, just come let me know when you’re ready to go.”
“I won’t be long.” As soon as Jayce left the room, he began sorting through his closet for a suitable shirt. Even though he wasn’t quite big enough to show yet, the weight he’d gained was making some of his shirts feel a little tight. He knew he’d have to go shopping for new clothes soon, as much as he dreaded that idea. How much easier life would be if he could just stay inside all day…
Finally finding a suitable outfit, he greeted Jayce in the hallway with a smile.
“Ready to go?”
Viktor nodded, “I think I know where we will go.” Moving closer to Jayce, he looped an arm around his waist. “How do you feel about going into the undercity?”
Jayce swallowed hard, “I’m… admittedly not a huge fan, but I’ll push through if that’s what you really want.”
The situation with Zaun hadn’t gotten better, but it still wasn’t impossible to visit. The area around the main elevator was a popular trading zone, with several small restaurants and bars.
“I was wanting to go by myself, but I didn’t really want to bother with finding a bodyguard…” Viktor’s hand settled atop Jayce’s firm chest, a coy smile played across his lips. “You‘ll do.”