Work Text:
Viktor was a workaholic, always searching for something to exploit his intelligence, but even within the vastness of his genius, there was space for something else—something that had become as natural as breathing: Jayce’s presence.
From the beginning of their collaboration, Viktor had noticed something peculiar about his partner. Jayce was like a puppy, always excited, always alert. At first, Viktor attributed it to the man’s energetic and extroverted personality, but as their relationship evolved from "partners" to something deeper, Viktor began to observe more clearly. There was a pattern in Jayce’s behavior, a kind of instinctive devotion that kept him always close, always attentive. If Viktor was absorbed in a project, Jayce would silently hover, offering help without being intrusive. If Viktor was tired, Jayce would find ways to lighten his load, whether it was with a hot coffee or a comment that managed to draw a subtle smile from him.
But there were moments when Jayce’s overflowing energy was almost palpable. Like now, as the other man leaned over the table, watching Viktor with a mix of admiration and curiosity. Jayce couldn’t sit still; his hands nervously fiddled with a small tool, his feet shifting back and forth as if he couldn’t contain himself. Viktor, not looking up from his work, spoke in his calm tone.
"Jayce, can you stay still? Your movements are distracting me."
Jayce laughed, a warm and contagious sound that filled the lab.
"Sorry, Viktor. It’s just... I can’t help it. Watching you work fascinates me. You make everything look so easy."
Viktor looked up, his golden eyes shining under the dim light. There was something in Jayce’s sincerity that always disarmed him, though he would never admit it aloud.
"It’s not about ease, Jayce. It’s about focus."
Jayce nodded, but his gaze didn’t leave Viktor. There was something in the way Viktor spoke, in his posture, in the precision of his movements, that made him completely irresistible. Jayce felt an almost childish impulse to get closer, to be near enough to feel the warmth emanating from his companion, as if that could anchor him in some way.
Over time, Viktor began to accept—though somewhat reluctantly—that constant attention from Jayce. At first, it felt strange, even uncomfortable, but as the months passed, he realized there was something deeply reassuring about knowing someone was there, always ready to support him.
Lately, Jayce had been more restless than usual, which only reinforced the comparison of him to a puppy.
Jayce paced back and forth, pretending to review plans and adjust details on his hextech hammer. He had adopted a new habit that Viktor had quickly noticed: every time he approached the scientist, the young inventor seemed more... animated, as if some internal spring was pushing him closer. The reason was simple: Jayce had decided to grow out his beard, and though he had done it out of pure curiosity at first, now he had a second motivation. Viktor.
Viktor remained silent, but there was something in his gaze that betrayed his interest. It was unusual for him to be distracted, but whenever Jayce came close to hand him a tool or simply make a trivial comment, Viktor’s eyes would wander to his companion’s face. There was something about the newly grown beard that fascinated him. He wasn’t sure if it was the messy texture, the contrast it added to Jayce’s usually immaculate face, or simply how it seemed to give him a warmer air.
That morning, Viktor finally gave in to his curiosity. Jayce was so close that the scent of his lotion mixed with the smell of machine oil.
"Jayce," Viktor called without lifting his eyes from his prototype.
"Yes?" Jayce replied, turning quickly, like a puppy that had just heard its owner call.
"Is that beard permanent, or just an experiment?" he asked, with a barely perceptible note of amusement in his tone.
Jayce burst into laughter, bringing a hand to his chin as if evaluating his own masterpiece.
"What do you think? Does it look good?"
Viktor didn’t respond immediately. Instead, he set his tools aside and slowly turned toward him. Jayce, as if summoned by some invisible force, leaned closer, shortening the distance. Viktor raised a hand, hesitating for a moment before allowing his fingers to brush against Jayce’s beard.
"It’s more... rough than I expected," Viktor murmured, his voice slightly softer than usual.
Jayce practically radiated happiness. Though he tried to maintain composure, his expression betrayed the sparkle in his eyes and the trace of a smile he couldn’t contain. It was as if Viktor had complimented him directly. If anyone had seen Jayce at that moment, it wouldn’t have been hard to imagine him with a pair of ears perked up and a tail wagging, invisible but present.
"It’s new, of course. Give it some time, and you’ll see it’ll be as soft as silk. Well, I hope so," Jayce joked, laughing quietly, not breaking his gaze from Viktor’s face.
Viktor didn’t respond immediately. His fingers continued tracing imaginary lines on the beard, as if analyzing something complex. Jayce stayed still, almost holding his breath. If he had puppy ears, they would have been perked up and alert; if he had a tail, it would have been moving frantically from side to side. Viktor’s brief touch was enough to spark a flame in his chest.
"Not a bad idea, I suppose," Viktor commented finally, withdrawing his hand with a calmness that contrasted with the inner excitement Jayce was feeling. "But you should take care of it. If you’re going to have it, at least do it right."
Jayce nodded vigorously, as if he had just received the most important instructions of his life.
"I will. I’ll make sure it’s the best beard in Piltover. For you, of course," he added in a tone meant to sound casual.
Viktor raised an eyebrow, clearly entertained by the other’s attitude.
"For me, huh? Does that mean my opinion matters that much?"
Jayce paused for a moment before responding with a dazzling smile.
"Always matters, Viktor."
Viktor shook his head, but couldn’t prevent the corners of his lips from curving slightly upward. There was something in Jayce’s joy that was contagious, like a fire that could warm even the coldest parts of his heart.