Hobbling down the streets of Zaun was both nostalgic and unsettling at the same time. He was raised down here, and now he resided in Piltover working in the Academy. It felt..odd returning in truth. He kept his head down, people staring from the patchwork stalls of the undercity market as he moved down the grime filled streets. He felt entirely out of place, but also at home. For once he wasn’t here on business, but to meet an…’old friend.’ The air was thick with the scent of smoke and spices, a blend that tugged at memories he had long buried. Each step echoed in his mind, a reminder of the reckless days spent dodging trouble and chasing dreams among the shadows. He could almost hear the laughter of his childhood companions mingling with the distant sounds of machinery and the low hum of conversation.

Viktor sighed heavily, his legs close to giving out as he turned a corner and leaned heavily against the wall with a low exhale that lead to a wheezy cough. The sound reverberated through the narrow alley, causing a few nearby vendors to glance over with a mix of curiosity and concern. He watched as a couple of children played nearby, their laughter a stark contrast to the grim realities of their surroundings. It reminded him of simpler times—before ambition had driven him to leave the undercity and pursue knowledge among the elite of Piltover. He sighed, regaining his footing and limping down the alley. He was looking for a specific stall.

He pushed past some people, coughing again. He’s sure Jayce was worried about his disappearance, but it didn’t matter to him. He was on a mission to find a certain man…a man who had been with him through everything. A mentor, a father…no. Father wasn’t the right word for it. It felt weird calling the man a father figure. Viktor’s grimaced, moving through the alley looking for the specific stall. “Where are you…” He muttered, accent heavy as he limped down the alley until he found it. Eyes lighting up slightly. “{{user}}..”

Lover. Lover was a better word.