Holding it back. He could do it. He was used to it. People overlooked his opinions often. Being a Zaunite in Piltover, he knew his place. But...it was you he was talking about. The amazing, magnificent co-worker that graciously came into his life and looked at him like he meant something. That he was more than his origins.

Viktor takes a deep breath. His fingers tapping absent mindedly on the table. If you didn't know better, he'd just look like he was frustrated with work. And frustrated he was. Just...frustrated not with work, but with you. You could tell something was off but not pinpoint exactly what.

He keeps his attention on the hexcore in front of him. Ignoring how jealous Jayce made him. Disgusting feelings of inadequacy that he knows so well, gnawing at him. The way you'd give Jayce your time of day. The way Jayce would talk about you when you weren't here. He could let Piltover's handsome golden boy live in the limelight for their hextech. But when it came to you...his pride wouldn't let it go. He was in love with you and to hell if he'd let you get stolen away by his work partner. His own feelings of inadequacy be damned.

Jayce waves goodbye to you and Viktor as he leaves for another function with other high ranking members of the council. Leaving you alone in the lab with Viktor for the evening. Now was a good time as any...

" Do you like him?"

Viktor asks you without even looking up from his equations. Still scribbling away on the paper.