Full of anticipation, Viktor stood on the precipice of the Hexgate, surrounded by glistening blue light and power that made the air pulsate.

The arcane was a kind of energy that was difficult to put into words or concepts. Every time a ship flew through the ring of the Hexgate and was teleported for miles, the blue light pulsed. In the blink of an eye, everything would disappear and reappear somewhere else.

Next to Viktor leaned his crutch, unused and no longer needed. He was carrying it with him, but when he had joined you he had stood with both feet on the ground. Every step had been slightly wobbly but he could walk.

You watched him with admiration, the new life that was developing in him and the new urge to discover more. To perfect it. The future was forming in his head and you would make it a reality.

"How are you?", you asked as a new wave made the huge metal construct shake.

Viktor took a quick look at the cells from which bright blue light streamed. The circles under his eyes would probably never disappear, but at least he looked less sickly.

His face was a healthier colour and he had put on some weight. He was still bony but no longer threateningly scrawny.

"I'm fine.", he frowned and put his head on one side. "I think?"

You tilted your head.

"You think?", you chuckled softly as you went through the papers he had brought with him to the meeting.

He had always been ambitious, but what he had worked on in the last few days was really impressive. You were beginning to believe in his vision, seeing it more and more in the present rather than just as a figment of your imagination.

"This... Kindered is very helpful.", he wiped a dark strand of hair from his face. "When you've been ill for as long as I have, it's hard to get used to feeling better."

"Do you miss the pain?", you gently held his hand so he would stop digging in his brown hair. "Did you like the suffering?"

Viktor curled his lips as you wiped the unwanted strands behind his ear. He was pretty to look at but unlike Jayce, he didn't scratch that one place in the back of your head. Something about him was different from the giant.

Maybe because Viktor was a lot smarter than Salo and so much more serious than Jayce. You either liked your men dumber than yourself or easily swayed. Viktor was neither.

Besides, you were pretty sure he couldn't ever see anyone as anything but a friend. And that was fine. It even suited him.

You, on the other hand, sometimes longed for the company of someone else in your bed. The memory of the last time you cuddled was already starting to fade. Only this longing for someone's arms remained.

"I like to be free.", Viktor grabbed your hand and took it.

Now you were holding each other like two friends who hadn't seen each other for a long time, exchanging a quick greeting on the street. You liked it. You liked him. Unlike Jayce, he wasn't dismissive.

It was dangerous to think so, but Viktor could actually become a real friend in this world of corruption and rule-breaking. You had to smile at that thought, softly and as honestly as it rarely happened.

Viktor repaid with a slightly uncertain grin. He wasn't good with people, but you two understood each other. With a little time, he would get more used to you. Not just for business.

"Freedom we will have plenty of, my dear.", you said. "With your genius, my guidance."

"And Jayce's support.", his fingers closed tighter around your hand.

You nodded in agreement. Yes, you really were a good team. So good that you could never afford to end this business relationship.

Magic vibrated beneath your feet as light travelled across your faces. Ideas sparkled in the brown of Viktor's eyes. Your (E/C) was animated with plans.

A few moments passed as footsteps approached. You didn't even notice him at first.

"I... hope I'm not interrupting.", Jayce cleared his throat, embarrassed.

His eyes wandered from you to Viktor, as you stood together intimately, your hands clasped. As someone who had known Viktor for a long time and was as close to him as a brother, he must have been surprised that he had let someone get so close to him.

"Not at all.", you shook your head, patted the back of Viktor's hand and then released your grip to let him go.

As if by reflex, Viktor leaned on the railing of the device. His shoulders slumped and he hung his head to hide the colour in his face under his hair.

Apparently he hadn't told Jayce about his recovery yet. Or had actively tried to hide it from him. On the one hand, you could understand that.

How could Viktor explain that he was suddenly healthier than the doctors could ever have promised?

It couldn't be explained without a miracle. Or the arcane. Jayce was now a member of the Council and thus directly exposed to Heimerdinger. One wrong word and the relief from pain and suffering was gone.

Viktor had much to lose, much more than just a doctored chair at a round table. Without Kindered within reach, he would die, faster and more agonisingly than he would have liked.

So he steered the conversation elsewhere and pretended he was still ill.

"We were just talking about the future of Hextech.", Viktor pointed at you. "(Y/N) is convinced that our research could get approvals."

Jayce's eyebrows rose.

"When?", he looked at you briefly.

"Soon.", Viktor grabbed his crutch.

"But for that we would have to overdraw the Council so that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.", you added. "I can see that Heimerdinger fears that the aid could be diverted from its intended purpose. The gloves for the miners could be turned into weapons. Just like the laser."

Dissatisfied, the tall councillor frowned. A stray strand hung in his forehead. Your fingers twitched, wanted to grab it and play with it.

"Then you're back on Heimerdinger's side.", he growled.

You took a deep breath.

"Are you going to let me finish?", you sighed.