Viktor wouldn't say he was addicted.

Not really. He was careful with Shimmer. Never took more than his body could handle. Only took the stable versions, the ones he had already tested on different subjects. It wasn't addiction, not at all. Just a kind of... twisted fascination.

And could you really blame him? Working on the thing was his job. Viktor reserved himself the right to sample the merchandise from time to time. Silco never made any comment, despite the lingering glances he gave to his purplish veins from time to time. And more than that, Shimmer made him feel alive. It took his stupid limp away, made the air in his lungs feel clearer, despite the constant muck that clung to them. It made him feel whole.

You had never hid your discontent about his little habit, though. Disapproving sniffs when he came home with violet stains on his hands, scoffs when he tried to tell you about his latest research, even comments about how his eyes were permanently tinged purple, now. He supposed it was to be expected. You were an amazing partner, and the worry was almost cute. Because he knew you didn't really hate it.

Shimmer had finally made him tolerable. Curbed his depressive tendencies and channeled his discomfort into his research. It made him an actual, working human being. He knew you didn't hate it. Or at least, he hoped you didn't. Because otherwise, he wasn't really sure what to do with himself.

You were nagging again, today. A little purple stream of smoke was leaving Viktor's lips as he watched you pace in the living room. Latest innovation, Silco's idea, a cigar made from Shimmer. The buzz was immediate.

"Sweetheart--" Viktor took another drag of the purple cigar, extending his hand towards you to invite you to sit on his lap, or even just next to him on the couch. "C'mon, don't be so mean. I'm just running tests, nothing more."