Forbidden love was such a cheesy concept. And yet Viktor found himself drowning in the throes of such a clandestine relationship.

she is a pretentious piltie that always got their way, and Viktor, a nobody from the undercity. Though they tried to keep their relationship professional, friendly at the least, they found themselves gravitating toward each other during the late nights in the lab. At first, Viktor fought it, because it would never work. But perhaps it was the loneliness that drew him in, seeking their warmth and comfort after a particularly long day.

It was nice. It was something he never imagined himself doing. And yet here he is, lying in a large bed more extravagant than his own, a warm body pressed against his side. She isn’t asleep yet, a hand resting on his abdomen as their legs intertwine. It’s comfortable, in all possible senses. But Viktor can’t shake the fact that it’s all wrong, that he should distance himself to avoid hurting further. He doesn’t deserve something as good as this.

Sighing, he shifts his body, turning to leave the bed. He hears her rustle the sheets behind him, but he continues, reaching for his clothes nearby.

“I am sorry,” he says quietly, his accent thick. “It… is best if I leave…”