Chapter Text
It's a brisk Wednesday morning. The air smells like freshly mowed lawns, and cool morning dew.
Viktor is starting his first day of 10th grade after getting adopted by his new parents this past summer. He's at a new school, and is dreading being the new kid.
Climbing in the van, he takes a deep breath and closes his eyes.
Bickering is a given since it’s 7:30 in the morning.
“Move over idiot, your shoe has mud on it.” Violet pushes Powder into the back seat of the van.
“DAD, SHE’S ALREADY BEING MEAN TO ME!” Powder yells out the door as it's slammed shut.
“If you were in your seat with your seatbelt on, then there wouldn’t be an issue.” Silco deadpans as turns the keys in the ignition.
Powder lets out an irritated huff, and draws in the condensation on the window.
“Just be happy you only have to be up early on your band days sweetheart” Vander says as he climbs in the passenger seat.
The radio drones softly as they drive to pick up Ekko, and make their way to the elementary school.
Once they arrive, Viktor and Violet have the car to themselves as their parents walk the younger kids to their classrooms.
“How you holding up, beanpole?” Violet asks as she undoes her seatbelt, putting her feet on the center console between the front seats. Viktor hums, opening his eyes just to roll them closed again.
“Fantastic. There is truly no greater comfort than walking into an unfamiliar building full of strangers.”
Violet huffs a laugh “that’s the spirit”.
Silco and Vander come back to the car and set course for the high school.
Vander turns around to point at Violet. “Try not to get in any trouble today, Vi. I am not leaving work on the first day of school to take your sorry ass home.”
He pushes her feet off the console and exaggeratedly wipes the dirt off of it.
“What about you kid? You gonna cause any trouble today?” Vander laughs as he grabs Viktor’s knee and shakes it gently.
“Of course. You think this is for aesthetic purposes?” Viktor pokes his cane into Vander's bicep with a smirk.
Silco pulls over at the school's entrance and turns to look at the kids. “Firstly, Vi, you’ll do great as long as you don't take your frustrations out on other children's faces. Secondly, I know you’re joking but please don't use that thing as a weapon. We can’t afford our new son to have a battery charge. On the other hand, if anyone gives you hell, maybe you ‘accidentally’ tripped and ‘accidentally’ jammed it into their stomach.”
Viktor smirks at that, Vi throws her hands up. “And why can’t I ‘accidentally’ hit someone in the face when they make fun of me?”
“Because my darling,” Silco sighs “you already have 2 instances of fighting, and unfortunately I don't think the school will believe that your fist ‘accidentally’ collided with someone's jaw.”
“Enough negativity!” Vander pipes up. “Viktor, you can text us at any time, even if you don’t need anything. Vi... you know the drill.”
Violet rolls her eyes and crosses her arms. “Yeah, yeah — try not to make smart-ass comments and be a model citizen, or else I can’t start boxing lessons in the winter.”
Vander ruffles her hair “Good girl.”
The kids get out of the car to start their first day. Vi waves to him as she sets off to find her homeroom.
Stepping into the large entryway confirmed Viktor's fears. A group of older teens laid narrow eyes on him, smirking once they see his cane.
“Great start.” he whispered to himself.
Walking into the front office, Viktor's greeted by a woman with a grey streak in her hair, and a mole similar to his own high on her cheek.
“Good morning dear! How can I help you?”
“Good morning, I am new here, and I was wondering about my schedule. I do not know where my homeroom is.”
“Of course! What is your name? I can look it up.”
“Viktor.”
“Last name?”
“Grey.”
“Hmm… I’m not seeing any Viktor's in our 10th grade chart.”
He freezes.
Before moving in with your new family, you must be enrolled in a school within the district. That means the adoption agency sent his original documents... under his original name.
Being outed in the first 5 minutes of walking in was not on his bingo card.
“Ehh. I am adopted so my information could be wrong. I believe my homeroom teacher's name is Mr. Gen. Could you check there?”
“Just a moment.” She scans through a few more pages with a focused gaze and shakes her head. “There seems to only be one new student marked for this year and she- oh, my dear.” She looks at Viktor with a strained sympathy. “I will get this changed for you and notify your teachers. In fact if you wouldn't mind waiting here, I can text my son to walk with you. He has the same homeroom.”
“Oh, um- thank you, Mrs?”
“Talis.” She says with a smile, handing him his schedule. “I'm Mrs. Talis.”
“Thank you, Mrs.Talis.” Viktor responds and takes a seat across from her desk.
After accepting that this day is happening whether he likes it or not, Viktor looks over his schedule while he waits for his tour guide. He’s taking three AP classes, two of which are above his grade level. He can already feel the tension of having to prove himself to the upperclassmen in hopes that they’ll leave him alone.
Suddenly, someone stumbles into the office — a breeze blows past with how fast he was running.
“What did you need?” the boy huffs out.
“Jayce you didn’t need to race down here- why are you running in the halls!? We talked about this mijo...”
Jayce catches his breath and dramatically wipes his forehead free of the non-existent sweat. “Yeah, but I was wayyy on the other side. I was talking with Cait and showing her the 7th grade classrooms.”
Mrs. Talis smiles. “Well, you have a new student in your class. I was wondering if you’d be willing to show him around today?”
“Oh yeah, of course!”
Jayce turns and his smile drops a smidge as he stares Viktor in the eyes.
“Great.” Viktor thinks for the second time today. “Judging me before he knows me. Why did I expect anything different?”
Jayce stands in silence for longer than necessary. This guy has fluffy brown hair and gorgeous gold eyes that are currently unlocking a flutter of emotions he’s never felt before. Well, never felt for a boy before. Stunning moles decorate his lip, near his eye, his neck and- Jayce realizes he's playing connect the dots with a burning blush on his cheeks. His eyes snap to a pair of plush lips that are pursed into a cute pout.
He’s beautiful.
He’s glaring at me.
I haven’t said anything.
I'm staring like a creep.
“Oh hello! I’m Jayce!” he said louder than necessary, causing the boy to jump.
“Viktor.” the boy responds with a gorgeous accent, and a calculating gaze.
His voice is smooth, like cream. The accent certainly doesn’t help calm the butterflies trying to crawl out of his stomach.
“We uh- We should get going.” Jayce rubs the back of his neck, trying to gain his bearings.
“Yes, I wouldn’t appreciate being late on my first day.” Viktor responds dryly.
Jayce gives him a tight lipped smile and they say goodbye to Mrs. Talis.
Viktor is a relieved that Jayce slows down to match his pace. He’s a little taller and seems quite athletic. Of course his first “friendly” encounter is with a tall, fit, tan, handsome—
No.
He scolds himself.
No, Viktor. We are not getting a crush on the first man we see.
It appears there are no assigned seats in homeroom, so Viktor sits at the end of a row by the door. He makes the mistake of not putting his bookbag in the seat next to him, and Jayce takes this as an invitation to sit and talk.
“So, can I look at your schedule?” Jayce asks with a small smile.
Viktor hands him the paper. “Sure, I saw we passed biology and chemistry on the way here.”
“Yeah, we did...” Jayce pauses with a laugh. “Also, we literally have every class together — like, every single one. That’s crazy. It’s like they just made a copy of mine and gave it to you. Well, I guess it’ll be easier to show you around then, huh?”
Viktor stares slightly wide eyed. “Yes, I believe so.”
RIIIIIIIING
Students flood the halls as Jayce and Viktor walk side by side. Today hasn’t gone at all how he expected. Instead of being ignored and left to his own devices, he’s somehow acquired someone who’ll be part of his life from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, for the next 36 weeks.
“God help me.” Viktor whispered to himself.
Jayce followed Viktor around like a lost puppy. In every class, they sat next to each other. In the halls, they walked together. Even when Jayce’s friends tried to drag him away, he still stuck by Viktor’s side.
In chemistry, the students were informed that they would be working in pairs for the year, and told to choose their partners wisely.
Students immediately began arguing over who they wanted to work with, so the teacher announced, “You’ll be paired with whoever you’re sitting next to.” Which meant Jayce and Viktor’s academic lives were now completely intertwined. Viktor found some solace in the fact that he was partnered with Jayce, and not an upperclassman.
“I’m confident we’re smarter than all of them,” Jayce whispered.
“What makes you so sure?” Viktor whispered back.
“Because none of them were here last year. They all had to wait until they were old enough. We’re geniuses, I think.”
“You don’t even know me.”
Jayce raised a brow and leaned closer. “True. But I’d like to.”
Viktor’s blush was short-lived since the teacher had enough of their side conversation.
“Do you two have anything worth sharing? It must be important since you’re speaking during my class?”
Answering in kind “No, sorry-” “Apologies, sir-”. They looked at each other and quickly turned back to their laptops.
By the time lunch rolls around, Viktor is starving. He couldn’t sromach more than a bite of oatmeal this morning because of his nerves.
“Hey!” Jayce says as he sits with his double portion of chicken parmesan and two chocolate milks”
“Hello.” Viktor mutters with his mouth full of pb&j.
Jayce asks with an equally full mouth of spaghetti. “So, how’s your first day so far?”
“Well, you were there for it weren’t you?” they both giggle at that.
Viktor watches in amusement as Jayce takes a bite that's too hot, and lets it fall out of his mouth back onto his tray.
Viktor sighs. “It’s been less stressful than I originally anticipated, and I believe you’re partially responsible for that. So… eh — thank you — for your kindness and for showing me around today.”
“Of course! Also, I know it's literally the first day, but I have some ideas for our project.”
Jayce reaches into his backpack and pulls out a leather notebook, handing it to Viktor.
“This is just where I write down any ideas that come to mind. If you’d like to look through and see if anything interests you, we could talk about it.
From the first page, Viktor can tell that Jayce might be right about being a genius. The notebook is full of clear notes, but you can see the urgency in the smudges where the ink smeared as his hand dragged across the page, writing too quickly for it to dry.
One idea in particular stands out to him.
“An energy crystal? Portable renewable energy… How could one do that?”
Jayce’s smile grew. “Welllll… I found these-”
“Hey beanpole, I see you’ve already found a cutie to hangout with.” Vi sits down next to Viktor, winking at Jayce who raises an eyebrow in response.
“Jayce, this is Vi, my adoptive sister. Vi, this is Jayce. He shockingly has the exact same schedule as myself.”
Vi snorts. “So he’s hot and a nerd. You really lucked out on this one, huh, Vikky?”
Jayce blushes and clears his throat. “And what grade are you in? Isn’t it your turn to be line leader?”
“HA!” Vi blurts out. “And he’s funny. I think he can stay. Maybe he’ll rub off on you Vik. Sometimes it’s like you’ve got that cane shoved so far up your-”
“OKAY, Violet.” Viktor scoffs and flattens his hands on the table. “You have only just met him. Let's tone it down, yes? Anyway, how is your first day going?”
Vi smirks “Wellll if you must know, I haven’t gotten into any trouble yet. AND there’s a really cute girl who I sit next to in almost all of my classes. She seems kinda stuck up though; very snooty. I think she’s rich or something. Very much my type… Kinda the same situation you’ve got going on.”
Viktor chokes on a Dorito.
Jayce looks down and smirks.
Vi smiles.
“And what is this girl's name?” Viktor asks.
“Caitlyn.”
Now it’s Jayce’s turn to choke, coughing on chocolate milk. “Caitlyn? She’s like my little sister.”
“Oh, so you’re saying you can give me some information, pretty boy?”
“And why would I do that?” Jayce responds with a lowered brow. “Like Viktor said, you’ve only just met me.”
Vi scoffs “Oh so we’re picking sides now? Can you at least tell me if she likes girls?”
Jayce sighs. “Yes, she likes girls, and yes, she's rich. Her mom is one of the benefactors of the academy. They even have a few scholarships in their name.”
Viktor’s eyebrows raise. “And how do you know them?”
“My father’s business is metalworking, and her parents come from old money. They invested in him early on which led to a small empire. Both businesses have worked side by side for years making anything you can think of.”
“So you’re also rich?” Vi blurts out.
Jayce laughs. “No, not quite. My family has always wanted to make sure that anything we produce is accessible to those who need it. Typically, those people don’t have a mountain of money lying around to get new parts. We make our money off of larger corporations to pay for our workers and bills, but we take the loss when our neighbor needs a new loading and holding dock for their cows.”
“Huh… that is not what I expected” Vi said, a little dumbfounded.
“Me either.” Viktor admits. “I’m used to businesses taking their money and running to get ahead. It is very refreshing to know you have such humble people like your father.”
“Ah.. well he um. He died when I was 9. There was an accident with one of the machines. Red hot metal tubes shot out of the sidep and pretty much tore his leg to shreds. They got him to the hospital, but at that point... there was too much trauma and blood loss.” Jayce laughs mirthlessly. “Sorry for trauma dumping on you guys. But anyways, now I work at the forge to learn the trade and earn my keep”
Vi raises her eyebrows, tilting her head down in disbelief. “You work there after knowing what happened?”
“Well, what else am I supposed to do? There’s a business to run and I’m an only child. I like the work, especially since it aligns with my engineering dreams. I like knowing that I can build whatever I need — it gives me the security of knowing that it'll be perfect the first time.”
Viktor is star struck. This man is kind, strong, beautiful, smart, talented, and hardworking. How is it possible to feel so strongly for a stranger? He hasn't even spent 8 hours in Jayce's presence, and he’s been swept off his feet.
“You alright, bean?” Vi asks “You’re staring into the abyss”
“Eh, yes, I was just thinking.”
This garnered a look from Vi “Uh yeah, I’m sure you were." She winks at Jayce again but this time it's met with a smile.
“Well, I think I’m going to head to my next class. Bye Vikky, See ya pretty boy.”
“Wait, did you not have lunch this period?” Viktor spins in his seat to see her shrugging at him as she walks away.
Scoffing, he rests his head in his hand as he leans on the table. “She will be the death of me.”
The rest of the day flew by and apparently so did the school year. It’s the first week of summer and Jayce and Viktor are anxiously awaiting the announcement of who will win the USA Young Innovators Competition.
It started small by winning their state science fair with Hextech. They worked tirelessly to crack Jayce’s theory of portable renewable energy; essentially a universal battery that never runs out. A few years back, Jayce had found some strange crystals in an old mine that thrummed with energy. He couldn't do much with them since they had a tendency to explode. Viktor was the key to their success by upping the amps and raising the frequency; something Jayce was always too cautious to try.
That day confirmed Jayce's suspicions. Viktor is actually insane.
The duo managed to refine the crystals as well as create infinite duplicates without loss of energy. The dean of Piltover Academy, Cecil Heimerdinger, was absolutely enthralled with Hextech, and gave the boys an opportunity to create some devices to present at the Young Innovators Competition.
“Good afternoon everyone!” the announcer takes the stage.
Jayce's heart jumped in his throat and reached out to grab Viktor's hand. Viktor give it a hard squeeze and closes his eyes.
“I am here to announce the top 3 contestants of the USA Distinguished Innovators Competition!
We have Allison Marks and Miguel Lovay with Codelite!”
“How are they in the top three?” Viktor whispers.
“I couldn’t tell you. That idea sucks”
The announcer continues. “We have Velour Woods and Cora Minte with Electrocard!”
“What a dumb name” Jayce snorts
“Eh hextech is kind of silly too, no?”
“Don’t say that, I’m too stressed right now.”
“Sorry.”
The announcer continues.
“And finally, Jayce and Viktor Talis with Hextech!”
Jayce yells in excitement grabbing Viktors shoulders. “Oh my god! WE COULD WIN!”
Viktor stares at him in stunned silence, a deep blush spreading across his cheeks. Viktor Talis? He had only written his first name on their entry slip, since he’d been used to not having a last name for the past fourteen years of his life.
His stomach was already in knots and that definitely didn’t help.
“May I ask for the Judges final decisions?” the announcer reaches out to receive an envelope.
“I’m going to throw up.” Viktor blurts out as he stumbles out of the auditorium and into the bathroom across the hall. Jayce follows to see him on his knees puking into a urinal. Grimacing, Jayce starts rubbing his back.
“Hey, hey it’s okay, just breathe with me. Innnnn….ouuuuuuut…..innnnnnnnn……ouuuuut. Good, Viktor”
With the sudden nausea subsiding Viktor realises where he is. “I eh….I couldn't make it to the stall.”
“It’s alright. Let's get you up and wash your hands.”
As Viktor is straightening his clothes, a drum roll begins.
“The winners of this year's USA Young Innovators Competition are…….Jayce and Viktor Talis with Hextech!”
The crowd erupts with cheers and applause.
They look into each other's eyes, one with vomit on his breath and the other sweating through his clothes.
Alone in a bathroom.
Swarmed by journalists and the heads of wealthy empires, offers started flooding in.
Interviews, scholarships, talk shows, demonstrations, panels, conferences, trips overseas — it was all very overwhelming. Jayce and Viktor were eventually ushered away by Hiemerdinger and sent back to their hotel.
The next morning, after a lengthy chat with the professor, they ended up with a free ride to Piltover Academy. Telling your parents that you wouldn’t be finishing your last two years of high school because you were starting college was… interesting, to say the least.
It's another crisp morning. The smell of grass and morning dew are triggering olfactory senses that say “it's almost autumn and school is starting”.
Jayce and Viktor were given a private tour by a teacher's assistant a few days before the rest of the students arrived. It focused on areas they will spend most of their time. They visited the engineering and chemistry labs, library, and various places to eat. They also went over the accessibility features available to Viktor. Once the tour completed, it was time to settle into their dorm.
Viktor was a little wary living in such close quarters with Jayce. It surely won't help snuff out his feelings for his partner.
They were led by the TA to a large apartment building across from campus.
“This isn't where the dormitories are." Jayce whispered to Viktor.
The TA handed them each a keyring with a fob on it. "You'll be on the 9th floor in room 22A”
Sharing a confused look, they walked through the revolving doors to see their belongings stacked on luggage carts. Taking turns in the elevator, they headed to the ninth floor. Jayce swiped his keyfob with slightly trembling hands and gently pushed open the door.
Greeted by polished wooden floors and exposed ceilings, the scent of lemon cleaner left them breathless. The only sounds were the hum of the central air conditioning and the clicking of their shoes and Viktor’s cane as they slowly stepped into the apartment.
Before them lay a large living area with floor-to-ceiling windows and a balcony overlooking the academy. The living room extended to the kitchen, separated only by an island that housed the dishwasher and sink. The walls were made of deep red brick, and the ceiling was full of ventilation pipes with modern light fixtures.
A wide hallway extended to the right. Two doors on the left led to spacious bedrooms that could fit a California king bed with room to spare. Opposite these doors were a slightly smaller room—presumably meant to be an office—and a large closet that housed the washer and dryer.
The bathroom sat at the end of the hall. To the left was a long, dark marble counter with two sinks beneath large rectangular mirrors. Opposite the sinks were the toilet and a large cabinet.
Splitting the room in half was a glass wall with a sliding door; behind it, the floor recessed about six inches to allow the entire area to get wet. On the far wall, there's a massive rainfall showerhead as well as a detachable wand. Directly below the shower fixture sat a stone stool that was built into the wall.
The real treasure, however, was the enormous clawfoot tub along the back wall of the shower, positioned beneath a gorgeous circular window.
“There's no way this is for us.” Viktor breaks the silence with a barely audible whisper.
Jayce clears his throat. “I...I don't know-"
Rapid knocks at the front door shock them out of their daze.
“Boys! I don't believe it's the safest idea to leave all of your belongings in the hall...” Heimerdinger walks into their living room with a big smile on his face.
“I hope you don't mind, I've let myself in. The door was left wide open.” He laughs brightly. "How are you finding everything?”
Viktor swallows hard. “Sir, This cannot possibly be for us. It must cost a fortune.”
“Oh, don't worry about that Viktor! This is all covered. Neither of you will have to pay a dime!”
Jayce puts his hands behind his back and rubs at his wristband. “Professor, we would be more than happy with just the regular college dorms. This is unnecessary.”
“Oh, pish posh. You two must be aware of the chaos you’ve stirred. I have taken the liberty of housing you off-campus as a sort of… precaution. You know how impulsive young minds can be. I wouldn’t want anyone causing you distress, given your circumstances.”
“What chaos sir?” Jayce asks as he chews at his lip
“Well, my dear boys, jealousy is a powerful drug. There have been some accusations, which I won’t be taking lightly. Considering how young you are and how impressive your Hextech is, people talk. I have heard of many students wishing you ill and devising plans to view your research. Some even believe you’re poster boys for a company and that you lads didn’t truly create magic.” Heimerdinger sighs.
“As much as I wish for you both to take your own path, I am deeply grateful that you have chosen Piltover. I will do all in my power to ensure you are treated fairly and with respect. On the other hand, I implore you to be cautious—some may try to get close to you with nefarious purposes. I trust you will come to me with any issues or concerns. This, unfortunately, is the life you lead when attempting to change the world.”
The weight of the professor's speech seeped into their bones.
Jayce took a deep breath and opened his mouth, only to shut it moments later.
This can't be real, Jayce thought. Why would anyone want to hurt us? Our inventions are specifically to help people. I can't trust anyone except Viktor.
Viktor’s thoughts started racing. I can't believe this. All because I want to help people? I am such an easy target. How will I get around by myself? I can't trust anyone except Jayce.
Viktor breaks the silence.
“Professor, won’t special housing just make this bias worse? If they already hate us, isn’t this just adding fuel to the fire?”
“Yes, I did consider that. However, do trust that both myself and the council are doing everything we can to ensure your safety. We are currently standing in the only apartment on this floor; the rest is storage. You two are the only ones with any reason to access it, besides the cleaners and maintenance staff. If anything were to happen, there would be a much smaller pool of suspects than in a building full of students. Of course, we cannot control how this is perceived — this is something you’ll just have to accept. I suppose you’ll just have to suffer in this spacious, newly built apartment.” Heimerdinger says with a wink.
Jayce blinks a few times and takes a deep breath.
“I just can't believe it. Thank you for everything professor. This place is amazing and we will do our best to make you proud.”
“You already have, my boys.” Heimerdinger smiles. Reaching up to shake both of their hands. Don't be strangers!" He says as he takes his leave.
“Well,” Viktor sighs, sounding exhausted. “I guess we better start unpacking.”
Jayce hums in acknowledgement as they haul their belongings into the living room.