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Piltover, City of progress.
And yet no one had made sure the most prestigious building was accessable to everyone. Not even Professor Heimerdinger himself despite his disabled assistant of many years. He could watch Viktor struggle with the stairs for the 5th time that week, but he still never made any changes to make it easier on him. Because of course not. He could if he wanted to, but Viktor was certain he didn't care. Not when they met, not when Viktors condition worsened, and not even when he was starting to lose the ability to even walk too far before needing to sit.
Even Zaun was more accessible. Granted, there was a higher level of disabled people down there, but it was one thing that was consistently better than up here in Piltover.
You used to be told that everything you could ever want would await up in the city, where the air was fresh and breathable, and people didn't live in fear and poverty. But it only made people like Viktor feel more alone and singled out, whether it was the architecture or the discrimination. Sometimes he just wanted to go home, but he kept telling himself he could help more people staying here.
But for what? His technology wasn't going to the people who needed it most.
Viktor sighed in relief as he struggled up the last step to his floor, leaning heavily against the banister for support. He was panting heavily, lungs burning and tightening, physically exhausted. He'd made the mistake of going into town to the market, on a day which apparently his leg was not agreeing with him, and by the time he'd gotten back to the building his leg was on fire. It felt like lava was coursing through the entirety of the veins in his leg, and his bones ached with every tiny bit of pressure he put on it, every small movement.
Unsure if he'd even make it back to his room, Viktor took a shakey step down the hall, hoping no one was around at this time. He hated people seeing him like this, just as much as he hated the layout of the building. Long corridors, too many floors, too many stairs.
Why was his room so far?
Viktor gripped the handle of his crutch harder as he forced himself forward, sharp pains shooting through his foot, up through his ankle to his knee, and up his tigh. He'd already been standing far too long, and this needless journey only made it worse. Heimerdinger had promised him he'd make it easier, but like many things the professor had never gotten around to it before he'd been cast out. Guess his former assistant wasn't worth the time or energy.
Viktor leant further onto his crutch, wincing as the top dug into his armpit. It was already starting to bruise. He could feel the tense muscles there starting to ache, growing tender with each painful step that forced him against it, but doing barely anything to help the pain in his leg. He'd half wanted to just give up and sit in the corridor until he felt better, but he wasn't about to look weak. Despite being in quite a high position before as Heimerdinger's assistant, he'd seen how others still looked at him.
Still lesser. Still just a lower being, a dirty Zaunite. Weak.
He wasn't weak. He didn't need their pity. Like hell would he just give up and let them believe that.
"You alright there Viktor?" A familiar voice called, snapping him out of his tunneled thoughts. Viktor turned and glanced back at his partner, who ran over with a concerned look. Jayce cared...though Viktor often thought he just pitied him.
"I'm fine...these corridors are still needlessly long"
"Need me to carry you?" Jayce asked. There was a hint of a joke in his tone, despite clearly being genuine, but it fell flat as the other man just stared back. Clearing his throat, Jayce walked over "Yeah, these corridors seem to get longer each day. Least it helps get your steps in. Seriously though, do you want any help at all?"
"No..."
"Are you sure...?"
Viktor frowned. He didn't mind Jayce's help when they were in private -or at least most of the time. Sometimes he'd be a bit too eager to help that he treated Viktor like a helpless child, something he'd already discussed bothered him. Sometimes being carried was nice, but he wouldn't be caught dead being carried through the corridors where others might see.
I'm not weak
"Yes, Jayce. I'm sure" He murmured and continued on, gritting his teeth in pain. Not too far away and he could lay down. His whole body hurt, but that wasn't exactly new.
As if the gradual decay of his lungs wasn't bad enough, his leg had been getting worse recently. He was starting to fear that he'd need a wheelchair soon. At least with a crutch he had the ability to go places, even if stairs were inconvenient and painful. A wheelchair in this place would get him barely anywhere. He wasn't even sure if he'd be able to go between the lab and his room anymore if he had to use one. Maybe that was another reason he was so desperate to cure himself, other than impending death constantly looming over him.
The human body is flawed, so reliant on everything working that once one thing gives up, your life starts to fall apart too. Especially somewhere like Piltover that wasn't built for people like him. What could he even do if he got worse? No one would care. Even if Heimerdinger was still there, he'd make empty promises to make ramps and make it easier, but he'd never get it done. He'd just watch Viktor struggle with that look of pity in his eyes that Viktor hated oh so much.
Emotions...
Humans would be better without them.
Maybe then he wouldn't feel this pit in his stomach all the time, everytime he looked at those privileged assholes who couldn't care less about the less fortunate. Or those who looked at him like dirt, or a helpless child. Maybe he wouldn't fear death enough to mess with the Hex core. Maybe...he wouldnt feel so angry when-
"Uh Viktor? You walked past your room"
Viktor blinked and glanced back at his partner, who nodded towards a door beside him. He'd been so caught up in his thoughts he'd blanked everything else.
"Oh...thank you" He sighed and stumbled back towards it, shakily pushing it open. He took a step, then another and promptly collapsed onto the floor as his leg gave out, unable to hold him anymore. Jayce immediately rushed over to help, and despite the small irritation he felt, Viktor just flopped against him with a pained groan. The other man picked him up and climbed into bed with him, cuddling him close. The irritation faded, allowing Viktor to relax into the warmth of his boyfriend and the covers. His muscles burned and ached, but he felt the relief that came over no longer putting pressure on it.
Jayce snuggled against him as he cradled him close, nuzzling against him "I wish you'd let me help more. You need to stop pushing yourself so hard"
"You treat me like I'm going to break..."
"Viktor, you almost died. You're going to die. I just...I want you to be ok"
Viktor frowned, but he was too physically exhausted to argue. Cuddling into Jayce, he shut his eyes with a small sigh "I'll be fine...I'm glad someone cares about me up here"
"I love you, Viktor. I'll always care"
A warm feeling grew in Viktors chest as he rest against his partner, slowly drifting off.
Perhaps some emotions were good after all.