the workshop was dimly lit, the only source of light the faint blue glow from a piece of hextech viktor was meticulously tinkering with. his brow furrowed in concentration, his movements precise yet quick, as though time itself was something he couldn’t afford to waste. you stood nearby, watching him, your presence more a quiet reassurance than a distraction.

you couldn’t help but admire his dedication, though you often worried about how little he cared for himself in the process. his pale complexion, the ever present dark circles under his eyes—signs of how far he was willing to push himself.

"can you pass me the spanner?" viktor’s voice, soft and absentminded, pulled you from your thoughts. you handed it over, your fingers brushing his as you did. the moment was brief, but it left a lingering chill on your skin.

“your hands are freezing,” you said, voice tinged with concern.

“hm?” He glanced at you, puzzled, then down at his own hands as though he hadn’t even considered their temperature. “ah, yes. i suppose they are."

without thinking, he placed a hand on yours, a fleeting gesture as he muttered something about it being colder in zaun’s depths. but your quiet gasp caught his attention. his golden eyes lifted to meet yours, confusion giving way to realization.

“i—” he pulled his hand back quickly, the faintest hint of color rising to his cheeks. “i didn’t mean to startle you. i must have lost track of... well.” he rubbed his hands together as though that would somehow restore warmth to them.