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Caitlyn Kiramman swooped into the lab without preamble— they really should get better about locking it. Viktor did his best to politely ignore her, as usually she was there for Jayce.
“So… do you guys have plans for Harrowing?” Caitlyn asked. Unfortunately her question appeared directed at both of them.
“Not really,” Jayce said.
“Working,” Viktor said without looking up, scribbling rune combinations into his notebook. One of them had to work. If he just—
“You know it’s bad luck to work during the eclipse, right?” Jayce nudged him lightly.
Viktor scoffed and nudged him right back. “Piltie excuse to take the day off. Nothing but unfounded superstition.”
“Congratulations, you’re both invited to my family’s masquerade ball!” Caitlyn announced, shoving black and white envelopes into their hands. “You better come, since you don’t have anything better to do. And everyone else is boring.”
Jayce laughed. “Wouldn’t miss it for the world!”
Viktor placed the invitation on his desk without opening it. “I am flattered, Miss Kiramman, but I must decline.” It was merely a formality to invite him; he knew he was not welcome in such places even if he wanted to go.
“I’ll provide costumes, no charge,” Caitlyn offered.
“You do not have my size.” He barely fit into most standard sizes, his back brace making things difficult.
“You can borrow our tailor if they don’t fit,” Caitlyn said with a shrug, “or, you know, just tell me your size.”
Viktor groaned dramatically and looked up at Jayce. “Please tell her to drop it.”
“I dunno… it might be fun,” Jayce said sheepishly. “It’s just for a few hours. You don’t need to stay for the whole thing if you don’t want to.”
Viktor glanced between them— at Jayce’s puppy dog eyes and Caitlyn’s smirk— quickly realizing he was outvoted. “Hmph. Fine. You’d best have good food, that is the only thing that could possibly make these events worthwhile.”
He stubbornly fought back a smile as the other two high-fived and whooped in triumph. Menaces, the both of them. “Now, shoo! If I am going to lose a day of work, we will need to make up for it.”
“See you at the party!” Caitlyn waved and left as quickly as she had arrived.
“Alright, alright! Where were we?” Jayce put a hand on his shoulder and leaned over to look at his notes. His hand was extremely warm and distracting, but still their work continued as if it had never been interrupted.
~*~
The Kirammans worked fast. By the time Viktor returned to his apartment, there was a package on his doorstep. He stifled a groan at the sight; it would have been much easier if he were here when it was delivered. How long had it been sitting there? Anyone could have stolen the clearly-expensive parcel. Then again, perhaps the Kiramman crest was enough to deter thieves.
He reached over to unlock the door and poked at the offending package with his cane until it was safely inside, slamming the door shut behind him with more force than necessary. Stupid parties. Stupid costumes. Stupid expensive customs.
After glaring at the package for a few minutes, he reluctantly heaved it onto a table and opened it. Inside was, of course, the costume Caitlyn had chosen for him, along with a business card to her tailor.
The ebony mask was large enough to cover from the tip of his nose upwards, with a crown of raven feathers fanning out from the top and some silver embellishments. Black silk shirt and pants, with a waistcoat covered in delicate silver embroidery vaguely resembling feathers. The collar of the shirt was lined with raven feathers as well.
It looked ridiculous and far more expensive than any sane person would pay for clothing. The Kirammans had more than enough money to spare. Refusing it would be beyond rude, and besides he had given his word.
~*~
Harrowing came far too soon for Viktor’s liking. He took a full shower and went through the trouble of gelling his hair back so it wouldn’t get in the way of the mask. The suit fit well enough, although he made a few minor adjustments himself so it wouldn’t catch on his brace. There was no reason to waste time troubling a tailor for it. If anyone commented on the slightly-messier stitching, he could claim it was part of the costume’s charm.
A carriage came from the Kiramman estate to bring him to the ball in style. A bit showy for his tastes, but it would save a good amount of walking so he allowed it.
Once they arrived, Viktor stared at the Kiramman estate and the sea of people flowing inside. There was still time. He could tell the driver he suddenly felt ill and back out. It wouldn’t necessarily be a lie either— his stomach twisted in knots, and he was glad he hadn’t eaten before leaving.
The driver opened the carriage door before he could open his mouth with the excuse.
Never mind. Time to put on a show. Viktor took a breath, grabbed his cane, and stepped out, pointedly ignoring the driver’s offered hand. He didn’t need their help.
The stairs were an annoyance, but between his cane and the railing he managed just fine. He handed the invitation to a servant at the door and followed another servant to a waiting room.
The room was draped in thick black curtains, lit by dim candlelight, filled with people in dark but lavish costumes. Viktor resisted the urge to turn around again, instead making his way to a sofa against the wall to catch his breath. He barely had time to sit before he was found.
“You made it!” Caitlyn exclaimed, winding her way through the crowd to his side. Her black mask had cat-like ears and whiskers; her blue hair was partially-hidden under ornate black lace. Her dress was fancier than usual, flowing to her ankles with black fur at the cuffs and waistband.
“Mm. I thought the point was to be anonymous, no?” Viktor replied with a quirk of his lips.
Caitlyn shrugged and perched on the armrest. “I never said who you were. I could be excited about any guest.”
Viktor leaned back with a sigh. The sofa was surprisingly quite comfortable. “Is our mutual friend on the other side?” he asked after a moment.
“Maybe, maybe not.” The twinkle in her eyes was answer enough. She swung her feet and hummed. “You know what the best part of being on this side is?”
“Enlighten me.”
Caitlyn grinned under her mask. “We’re encouraged to cause mischief, without repercussions. In the spirit of the season, of course.”
Viktor squinted at her. “Mischief. What sort of mischief are you implying?”
“Well, mostly harmless pranks. But still, it’s fun!”
“Mmhmm… So if I were to… be careless with my cane, causing someone to trip, they could not lash out in response?”
“Exactly!”
Viktor nodded thoughtfully, fiddling with his cane. It would be satisfying to see an aristocratic prick fall on their face, but in the end he was still a crippled trencher. There was no way to tell if the same protections would extend to him as to the daughter of a Great House. Most likely not— if anyone recognized him, anyway. He filed away the thought for later.
A bell chimed. People hastened to the door. “What is happening?” Viktor asked, craning his neck to see around the crowd.
Caitlyn grinned. “It’s time to meet the other side and find our matches!”
“Ah.” Viktor tightened his grip on his cane. Already time. “I will wait. Wouldn’t want to hold anyone back.”
Caitlyn’s smile faded, then she shrugged. “I’ll wait with you.”
“No, no. You go on ahead, Miss Kiramman.” He gestured to the crowd.
“I’m hiding from my cousin anyway. Waiting isn’t such a bad idea,” she added.
“You are… what?” Viktor stared at her, befuddled.
Caitlyn shrugged. “My cousin. My mother invited some distant relatives. I was planning on avoiding them. Or scaring their fancy pants off. Whichever works.”
“Ah.” That meant Jayce was available after all. As long as no sponsors claimed him first. Viktor watched the throng of people flow out of the room, then took a breath and heaved himself to a standing position.
“You ready?”
Viktor nodded. “As I’ll ever be,” he said with a half smile.
The ballroom was chaos, the crowd doubled as dark found their light, mingling in a jumbled mess. He had no idea why anyone thought that would be fun. Somehow no one was trampled. At least the larger room meant it didn’t feel quite as cramped.
“Good luck,” Caitlyn said, vanishing into the crowd before he could respond.
In theory, Jayce would be easy to find. Few aristocrats had such a muscular frame. But costumes made it more difficult, the tumultuous parade of masks unsettling. Viktor shuffled around the room, watching for his familiar shape and for once hoping his own frame would be easy to spot. Mostly he did his best to avoid being knocked over.
Across the ballroom was a man of Jayce’s muscular shape, wearing what appeared to be an exact inverse of Viktor’s costume— white feathers with gold as opposed to black feathers and silver. Of course Jayce wore it much better, far more fit for the sparkling light of chandeliers where Viktor would much rather hide from view.
Their gazes met and instantly the larger man started pushing through the crowd— seemingly apologizing the whole way. There was no doubt now. Viktor took a few steps closer where there was space to do so.
“Viktor!” Jayce smiled brightly at him under the mask. “You look amazing! I’m so glad you made it!”
“Who is this Viktor? I haven’t seen him,” he said with as innocent an expression as he could manage.
Jayce blinked, opening and closing his mouth like a confused fish. Then, finally, he caught on. “Haha, very funny.”
It was far easy to mess with him. “The masquerade, anyone could be hiding under these masks.” Viktor smirked and patted Jayce’s arm. “You look… as charming as ever.“
Jayce beamed at the praise. “Thanks! Cait did a good job on the costumes, don’t you think?”
“If you are meant to be an overly-muscular chicken—“
“Hey!” Jayce squawked indignantly. “It’s not a chicken!”
Viktor tapped his chin. “White fluffy feathers, could be any white bird, no?”
“That’s not— I mean— I think it’s— it’s—“ Jayce sputtered.
Viktor took pity on him. “Yes, of course, it must be a dove,” he said, settling on one of the more flattering options. “A noble, peaceful, dove.”
“Oh.” Jayce nodded slowly. “I can see that.” He looked Viktor up and down. “I think you’re… um… a crow? No, wait! A raven. You’ve got the shiny feathers. And you’re smart.”
“I suppose so.” Viktor shrugged, not overly concerned with whatever it was supposed to be. This whole charade was still a waste of time.
“Oh, right! Gifts!” Jayce held out a wrapped package that was much larger than Viktor’s. “Um… how about we find somewhere to sit?”
Usually Viktor would argue against it on principle, but the ballroom was extremely stuffy and he wasn’t looking forward to fumbling one-handed to open a gift. So he bit back the instinctual I’m fine and simply nodded. “Lead the way.”
People parted much easier before Jayce’s towering frame. Within minutes they managed to find a padded bench near some potted plants.
“Lights usually go first, so, um, here!” Jayce nearly dropped the package in Viktor’s lap.
“Eager, hm?” Viktor teased, then opened the gift, careful not to tear the wrapping. Instantly he felt something luxuriously soft. A pristine white fur shawl. A white so bright he feared merely touching it would leave a stain.
“You always seem cold, so I thought this might help? And, well, we’re limited with the kinds of things we can give for these events. No choice in color, and it’s gotta be something wearable, and technically we’re not supposed to know who we’re gifting to…” Jayce was rambling in the way he did when he was nervous and wanted to fill the silence.
Ah, he had been quiet too long. Viktor cleared his throat to stop the flow of words and offered a smile that wasn’t entirely forced. “Thank you, Jayce. It is lovely.” He lightly stroked the plush fur, then swung it around his shoulders and clasped the front before he could lose his nerve. “It is also quite warm.”
Jayce sighed in relief and smiled back. “Great! That’s good to hear. Glad you like it.”
His turn now. Viktor reached into one of his larger pockets and took out a small black box, handing it to Jayce, who had less respect for wrapping paper and eagerly tore into it. Viktor couldn’t help fidgeting as he waited for his partner’s response. The gift was perhaps a bit of a leap— he had seen how Jayce would often touch his Hexite bracelet in times of stress, and so Viktor had chosen a similar leather bracelet as a gift. Was it too much? Or too little? Why did piltie customs need to be so fucking complicated?
Jayce took out the black leather bracelet, staring at it and rubbing the glass bead almost reverently. The bead was meant to resemble the eclipse, with silvery sun-rays embossed around it.
“Jayce?” Viktor prodded, impatient with the wait. “Where did you go, hm? Same restrictions apply, of course.”
“You got this for me?” Jayce turned to him.
“No, I got it for a mysterious admirer that I couldn’t find in time,” Viktor replied dryly. “Of course I got it for you. If you don’t like it, I can return it after the ball.”
Jayce nearly crushed him in a hug. “I’m never taking it off.”
“What an honor, but Jayce, too tight, loosen your grip, please,” Viktor mumbled into his shirt. The warmth was overwhelming.
Jayce let go just as quickly. “Sorry, sorry!”
Viktor took a breath and shook his head. “I am not angry at you. You were simply excited.”
Jayce rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. “You, uh, wanted food, right? I think I saw some tables on my way in. Want me to grab something for you?”
Viktor scoffed. “And trust you to choose the dishes for me? You would be trapped in indecision for the remainder of the ball. I am going with you.” He used his cane to stand.
“Ouch. You know me too well.” Jayce stood and led him to a decorated table.
At first glance, it didn’t even look like food. More like delicate flowers and small jewelry boxes, all in black and white. No wonder he hadn’t noticed it before. Viktor scrunched up his nose. “Is this some sort of joke?”
Jayce picked up one of the “boxes” and took a large bite out of it, then showed him the cross-section. It was cake-like pastry filled with jam. “White is vanilla, black is chocolate.”
“That is ridiculous. Food should look like food,” Viktor said with a huff, but started serving himself a plateful anyway. Free food was free food, even if it was overly artistic. “Why create art only to destroy it? Frivolous waste.”
Jayce shrugged, filling his own plate. “Because it looks nice, I guess?”
“Yes, because everything in Piltover must look perfectly pristine with no exceptions.” Viktor rolled his eyes. “Are there drinks?”
Jayce led him to another table, where the drinks were slightly more visible. Red wine, a mystery black cocktail, champagne, and a warm creamy drink. “Oh! You’ll like this. It’s kinda like a spiked sweetmilk.”
Viktor arched an eyebrow, before realizing it would be hidden under the mask. “Is that so? I doubt it,” he said, but accepted a cup and took a sip. It was not sweetmilk, but it wasn’t terrible either. “This is an insult to sweetmilk.”
“You don’t need to finish it, I can take it—“ Jayce reached for the drink.
Viktor glared at him and moved out of reach. “No, it’s mine now. I did not say I didn’t like it.”
Jayce laughed and backed off. “Alright, alright.”
“But if you think this is sweetmilk, I will need to make you the good stuff myself.”
“I look forward to it.”
They made their way to a bench to consume the treats, mostly in silence to focus on the food and drink. It was tolerable, although Viktor would have preferred a full meal of genuine food. Still, it could be worse.
Some time later, the bells chimed again. Viktor scowled. “What is it now?”
“The big ceremonial dance,” Jayce said. “I can show you the steps.”
Viktor stiffened. “I am not doing that.”
“It’s not that bad—“ Jayce stopped, his gaze falling on the cane. “Um. Right. Sorry.”
“You go on ahead, if you wish. I will not hold it against you.”
Jayce shook his head. “It’s a partnered dance. Showing the truce between dark and light. Having an uneven number would throw the whole thing off.”
“Ah. My apologies, then.” Viktor gripped his cane.
Jayce recovered first, leaping to his feet. “We can do something better! C’mon, let’s go before the dance starts.” He offered a hand, smile bright.
Viktor looked at him skeptically, then shrugged, reluctantly accepting the hand as he stood. Whatever it was, it couldn’t be worse than being a public embarrassment to dance. Jayce led him through the halls, eventually stopping at a door and revealing a garden courtyard.
Many of the flowers were dead or dying, but there were a few patches of color remaining— mainly the fiery foliage. Some statues were scattered around, and a small pool reflected the sky above. The moon left barely a sliver of sunlight, casting the garden in mysterious shadows.
“No one will bother us out here, and the weather’s still nice,” Jayce explained. “We can even watch the eclipse without bumping into a dozen other people.”
Viktor took a breath of the fresh air, some tension leaving his shoulders. “It is nice here, thank you.”
Jayce smiled his brightest smile. “Wonderful!”
“I’ve never actually watched an eclipse before.” The words tumbled out of his mouth unbidden. Must be the drinks.
Jayce turned to look at him. “Really?”
Viktor shrugged. “Most Undercity children would climb onto rooftops to see. But… well…” He gestured to his leg.
“Oh.”
“Once I came topside, I was more focused on my studies and not getting arrested. It never really crossed my mind to take time to watch the eclipse.”
Jayce put a hand on his shoulder, warm and grounding. “What do you think of it now?”
Viktor partially-leaned into the touch, turning his attention to the eclipse. He hummed in thought before settling on, “It is a routine astronomical event. I think the company makes all the difference.”
“And do I make good company?” There was a hesitation in Jayce’s voice, a nervousness.
Viktor placed a hand on top of Jayce’s. “I can think of no one I would rather experience it with.”
Jayce’s answering smile was brighter than the remaining sun-rays. “Same here! With you, I mean.”
Something clicked. Viktor’s brow furrowed and he let his hand fall. “Jayce… I have a question,” he said slowly, fiddling with his cane, “Forgive me, there are still some Piltover customs I do not understand. If it is too forward, you do not need to answer.”
“Um, okay? Go ahead.” Jayce looked at him, seeming confused.
“These… Harrowing matches, dark to light. Are they usually romantic in nature?”
Jayce coughed, his face turning an interesting shade of red. “No, no! Well, I mean, they don’t need to be. I exchange gifts with Cait most of the time, and she’s more like my little sister than anything.”
“Ah. She claimed to have a cousin to torment today.”
“Did she?” Jayce laughed. “Good luck to them.”
They fell silent for a few minutes before Jayce spoke again, “Do you… want it to be? Romantic? Between us?”
Viktor’s cheeks burned. “I… would not be opposed to the possibility, if that is something you are interested in.”
“Viktor?”
“Hm?”
“Can I kiss you?”
Viktor nodded slowly, not trusting his words. He turned to Jayce, leaning closer. Jayce bridged the distance between them and their lips met.
It wasn’t the cleanest kiss, and their masks clacked against each other, but it was their first try. As with all things, it would take practice to perfect. And Viktor was more than happy to practice.