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I hear you’re good with augments. I’d like something… unconventional added to my arm.
- @onlyvika
You must be Silco's most esteemed right-hand woman. I'm quite flattered, an unconventional addition sounds like an exciting endeavor. How may I be of service?
The dark line of Silco's brow lifts with subtle satisfaction at the sound Viktor makes when he backs into the desk. His satisfaction doubles when Viktor's expression shifts to one of surprise. Had Silco known it would be so simple to throw this clever, confident young man off balance — or so enjoyable — he would have taken this tack sooner. As Viktor's fingers come to rest on his vest, the way Silco smirks down at him borders on gloating.
Oh, no? Do I strike you as a man who has ever been coy about pursuing what he desires?
Silco glides closer, comfortably occupying Viktor's space. His fingertips hover down past Viktor's waist to settle on the desktop. Silco's thumb grazes the edge of a map where 'The Undercity' has been stricken out and replaced with 'Zaun' in tight, precise script.
If I had summoned you to fuck, we wouldn't be having this conversation.
He looks Viktor directly in the eyes and pauses to let him dwell on that. Silco's expression darkens as he continues,
This conversation is strictly business — my business. But since you're so eager to cooperate, I'm not averse to following that with pleasure.
His hand slides from Viktor's chin up to the cigar in his mouth. Silco nudges the head gently against Viktor's lips, prompting him to take a puff.
Viktor smirks.
I suppose not.
He pauses when he hears Silco's words, and looks at him in brief silence. After another moment he averts his gaze with a half-smile, scoffing under a quick breath. Was this Janna's torment? Viktor's eyes trace the arm that crosses past his waist, and over the body that's nearly pressed into him. He chuckles.
Your conduct, then, is misleading. It is hardly fair.
Viktor jokes with an even tone, but the words come out more veritable than intended. He turns to look at Silco again.
And I apologize for the confusion; even if you are the acclaimed baron of this city, I act on my own interests. Answering your 'summons' was entirely selfish, I'm afraid.
Viktor's eyes deepen when the older Zaunite nudges the cigar to his mouth. His hand stays at his vest--fingers hooked over the band with a slight tug--while the other grasps Silco's wrist to steady the cigar. He parts his lips, speaking in a low timbre.
Go on then. Tell me, Silco, how do my private affairs concern you?
Viktor closes his eyes and takes a puff, before they open again to watch the man with a steady gaze. He didn't imagine Silco had true intentions, but he didn't complain either--this alone was more than the Chembaron had ever entertained, given all of Viktor's solicitations in the past.
*Jinx doesn't usually knock - she just breaks into places. Picking locks, slipping through windows that should be way too small for a human. But with Viktor's workroom, she opts to be polite. Sort of. Her hands are full so she bangs on the door with a boot.*
*knock knock knock*
"Heyyyy Viktor! Guess what I got my hands on?"
*it's never certain what she's going to show up with, but this time it's not explosive. She holds a small crate of fresh fruit that looks very out of place in the snowy streets.*
"I bet this had to be imported from halfway across the fuckin world! Somebody topside might miss it a little, but that just makes it taste better!"
Viktor turns sharply in the direction of his door, entirely annoyed by the loud intrusion. But when he ears Jinx’s voice, he pauses. He sighs, a mixture of mild irritation and endearment, before shaking his head with a smile and standing up. He opens the door.
What is it now, Jinx? And please, don’t kick my door down, I just had it repaired from your last visit.
He inspects the box with a raised brow, before picking one up without prompt and taking a bite. He looks at Jinx again with a half smirk.
These…are certainly topside quality. Which poor fool did you steal them from, this time?
Silco's lips tilt into a knowing smirk as Viktor trails off. Warmth simmers in the pit of his stomach when Viktor leans forward, the stirrings of a long dormant volcano. His fingers tighten minutely as Viktor reaches for the cigar, but he relinquishes his grip to indulge in watching Viktor inhale. The heat in his eyes turns chilly when Viktor declines to share more about his visit to Piltover. When he's done, Silco is quiet for a moment. A short, low laugh spills like honey from his lips.
That's where you're mistaken, Viktor.
He rises from his chair and steps into Viktor's space in one fluid motion. Pressing a firm hand to his chest, Silco backs Viktor against the desk. His fingers trace a light, deliberate path along Viktor's collar.
How you spend your evenings and in whose company is your business...
Cool fingers slip beneath the cloth, gliding up the length of Viktor's neck to cradle his chin.
...until you make it my business.
Viktor takes another puff, relishing both in Silco's unexpected gift and initial reluctance to let go of it. Seeing the man's gaze run cold--Viktor could never tire from it.
Mistaken? I wonder what you could mean.
Viktor’s eyes slowly follow the line of Silco's movements. He steps back a few paces when the Chembaron pushes him—legs eventually hitting the edge of the desk— then draws a steady breath in.
Hn.
His brows raise from the surprise, but he can’t deny the thrill that pulses through his veins. When a cool hand touches his skin, his smirk fades to a wry, dampened smile. Viktor's fingertips find the leather cinch at Silco's tailored vest, lingering there. The young scientist can only return the gesture; after all, it's only fair. His lips part softly.
And what business is that? Don't tell me, is this your way of seeking 'company' in your own chambers, Silco? You've been full of surprises all evening, I didn't expect you could be so forward.
Silco inhales short puffs as Viktor's lighter heats the foot of his cigar. Amusement tugs at the scarless edge of his lips when Viktor conspicuously lingers in his personal space, but Silco smothers it before it cracks his mask of disinterest.
Foggy? What a shame. I'd so hoped that the brightest young mind in Zaun could help me out with a little mystery the good sheriff shared.
Silco makes a small, crisp gesture with his cigar.
But I couldn't involve my daughter in this mess, so I'll settle for the second brightest. Strange case of a dose of shimmer that made it all the way up Topside, onto the scene of a burglary, and into the veins of none other than Piltover's Golden Boy. Does any of that jog your memory?
His hand settles firmly on the lid of his cigar box, the lit end of his cigar scant centimeters from Viktor's fingers.
Viktor pauses at the mention of Jayce. He takes a drag before a steady stream escapes his lips.
Hn. I can't say that it does.
Golden amber traces over Silco's cigar. Viktor can feel the warmth of its embers just at his fingertips, before he removes his hand. He bends over the desk, taps the butt of his cigarette in the Chembaron's ash tray, and stands up to wander around Silco's office. As he studies the line of books along the shelves, he says incuriously,
I'm sure he had quite a scare. I wonder how it felt for Topside's precious scientist to taste your Shimmer for the first time. Might you be worried the sheriff will turn you in for tainting the blood of such a nobleman?
Viktor turns to Silco with a masked smile, hoping the redirection of the conversation will sate the baron's curiosity.
Silco takes a sip of whiskey, surveying Viktor over the rim of his glass. He's never taken Viktor for a sycophant. Doubtless his real concern is for his continued employment. Silco swirls his glass languidly as Viktor makes himself at home on the chaise. His gaze roves down the bared column of Viktor's throat and lingers on a mole just above his collar.
A drop of whiskey splashes onto Silco's desktop when Viktor mentions Jinx. She instigated this? He forces the displeasure off his face, cursing himself for letting it slip in Viktor's presence. He snaps a deflection,
It's no concern of mine how much you and Talis enjoyed getting higher than Topside. But you and I both know you're no fool, so tell me all about your little errand.
Silco traces a Shimmer-filled tube from above Viktor's knee up the length of his thigh, the warm threat of his cigar never far from the subtle brush of his fingers. He continues his upward trajectory until the lit end hovers just above Viktor's sternum.
A word of advice? Think less about the consequences of what you could have done...
With a deft twirl, Silco flips the cigar. All Viktor has to do is lean down to taste it.
And more about the rewards of what you will do.
When Viktor watches Silco falter, his intrigue piques at how surprised the man was to learn of Jinx’s involvement.
I’m flattered you think so highly of me. Twice now, you’ve complimented my intellect…
Viktor trails off when he feels the light brush of Silco’s fingertips on him. The smallest exhale escapes his breath from the unexpected behavior, as Silco traces farther up. His brows stitch together softly, watching the baron offer his cigar.
Flattery, talks of a reward, and now this?
Viktor leans over, but before his lips reach the head of Silco's cigar, he gently pulls it from the Chembaron's grasp; cool fingertips grazing his knuckles. He stands upright again and takes a deep puff of the rolled tobacco. Viktor can’t deny it; the imports of Silco’s goods don’t compare to the case of cigarettes in his own pocket.
Your praises tonight are quite exciting, Silco. I’m starting to think you might be rather fond of me.
A curve reaches his lips.
What I do with my own time is my business. I don’t see a reason to divulge any further about it. But if you are truly so eager to know how myself and Mr. Talis conducted ourselves that evening…perhaps I will take your advice. I am curious to hear about the reward you will offer me.
Viktor's reaction to the mention of Talis does not escape Silco's notice. Nor does the way that amber gaze lingers on Silco's cigar. Silco takes a long drag, assessing the sharp and asymmetrical angles of Viktor bent over his desk to ash a cigarette. How far, Silco wonders, until he breaks?
Concerned for my safety? How touching. No, the sheriff was brought to heel long ago. Men that can be made can just as easily be unmade.
Silco glances pointedly at the fuchsia-tinted tubes of shimmer protruding from Viktor's sleeve. His eyes follow Viktor's path around the room, but he remains seated. Silco deals with arrogant young men all day; you can't spit in Zaun without hitting one. Why should this one get under his skin?
But clever as you are, you're asking the wrong question. Are you certain it's in your best interest to lie to me?
Of course I am. You’re the eye of Zaun, after all. The Undercity would surely suffer without you. And I suppose you’re right, Marcus never quite had a backbone.
Viktor takes a seat at the office's chaise, leaning his head back with the cigarette left between his lips.
What would you like for me to say, that the girl sent me on a blind fool's errand that led me to his home? I assure you, I took as much pleasure drugging the man as he enjoyed receiving it.
When Viktor sees the ash nearly fall from the butt if his stick, he stands up to put it out entirely in Silco’s tray. A nearly imperceptible wry smile tugs at his lips.
‘In my best interest’? I’m eager to know what consequence would have befallen me if I didn’t disclose this to you. What do you suppose you would have done?
