Chapter Text
Metal was a familiar material. Viktor liked the way he could shape it, moulding it to how he desired. Within his lab, he was the creator, and every flaw could be wiped out and made perfect. Everyone in the PPD knew that if anything needed fixing, Viktor was the man you turned to.
Most admired him, a few thought him a heartless bastard. Mostly because he preferred the company of robots to humans. He knew how they worked, what made them tick- after all, he’d studied them his whole life. They were fascinating embodiments of mankind, where humans failed, they evolved and became better. Perfect in every way, flawless, strong and young forever.
Viktor both marvelled and envied their capabilities, what he would not give to run freely or to never tire. It was infuriating how limiting the human body could be. Nevertheless, he was thankful that he at least had his mind and a body that functioned somewhat okay. Androids were just codes and wire, they made sense to Viktor, but people- that was a whole other ball game.
As much as Viktor loved his little sanctuary, he could never hide away in it for very long. Viktor continues to pick apart an android’s stomach, trying to determine why it had malfunctioned. When he sees Sky through the glass wall, muttering to herself and heading his way. Not in the mood, he continues to laser-cut the androids insides; drowning out her voice with the grating sound of metal and plastic.
‘Viktor… Viktor!’
Sky puts her hands on her hips, raising an eyebrow. ‘Viktor, I know you can hear me. Would you please listen?’
Viktor sighs and slides his goggles up on his head. ‘What is it, Ms Young?’
‘The captain would like to see you in his office.’
‘Really, now?’
‘Yes, now. You shouldn’t keep him waiting.’
‘Well, I’m a little preoccupied at the moment.’ Viktor says gesturing to the android he is elbows deep in. Blue liquid stains his hands.
Oh, when did that happen?
Viktor tries to subtly block the leaking tube and clean his hands with a cloth. ‘Fine, I will be there in a minute.’
‘You better.’ Sky says adjusting her glasses. She then giggles and moves over to him.
‘…What?’
‘You have some of it on your face.’
Viktor rubs at his cheek and only proceeds to spread the blue substance even further. Sky snorts and shakes her head. She grabs a clean cloth and wipes it off for him.
‘I had it.’
‘…I know.’
With a smile, she walks out of his lab and Viktor is left to contemplate her actions. He twitches his nose and waves the thought away. Untying his apron he straightens out his vest and sleeves. Trying to look somewhat respectable. He notes a purple stain on his apron as he puts it away.
Strange, I thought Android biocomponents only used Thirium 310.
He makes a mental note to check it later. On his way out he looks at the state of his hair in the mirror and attempts to flatten the kinked ends only for them to spring back up. With a sigh he accepts defeat and looks over at the gold android head he had found discarded in the metal graveyard a few months ago.
‘You don’t by any chance want to go in my stead, huh Blitzcrank?’
The head only stares back at him lifeless. Viktor tuts.
‘Didn’t think so.’
Viktor grabs his cane and proceeds to make his way to the captain’s office. He can only hope this won’t take too long.
~~~~~
Viktor nearly makes it to the office before he is stopped by his most irritating co-worker.
‘Hey Viktor, found anything good in the dumps today? You must have because you smell like fucking shit. Or maybe that’s just your natural scent.’
‘Piss off Markus.’
‘Woah, no need for the hostility. I’m just making friendly conversation with our resident freakshow.’ Markus says, wrapping an arm around Viktor’s shoulder. Viktor quickly slaps it off.
‘Well, you are doing a terrible job. I suggest you quit while you're ahead before that girlfriend of yours decides to leave you.’
‘The fuck did you just say to me?’
‘I said I don’t know how your girlfriend can stand the filth that comes out of your mouth.’
Markus grabs Viktor by the collar of his shirt, knuckles white. Viktor holds his stare, unbothered by the man’s seething hatred.
‘Say one more word and I will beat the-.’
‘-Viktor my office now!’
Captain Vander stands outside his office with his arms folded and brows furrowed. Markus grits his teeth and lets go of Viktor. Hitting him in the shoulder as he walks off.
‘Idiot.’ Viktor says under his breath as he fixes his collar.
…
Viktor sits as still as he can as Vander speaks, but his left leg bounces restlessly. It’s not that Vander is a bad guy, he’s actually one of the descent ones. A man raised by the underground. Battle worn and wise. But Viktor knows that when the man folds his hands he’s probably in for something he won’t like.
Viktor zones out as he looks at the photo the man has on his desk of his two daughters. He knows Jinx rather well on account of their shared love of science and her sister Vi is a great drinking buddy. Although he hasn't seen her in a while.
Maybe I’ll go visit Jinx after this.
‘-That’s why I’m assigning you this case.’
Viktor blinks his eyes rapidly. ‘Excuse me?’
‘I need you on this case. You’re the only one smart enough that I trust to handle this.’
‘But I don’t usually do this kind of work. Isn’t this a bit out of my jurisdiction?’
‘Yes, but I think you're more than capable. Besides Hex Tech is sending you a partner to help investigate.’
‘What- I don’t need a partner. I work best on my own.’
Viktor clenches his cane tightly and Vander looks at him with apologetic eyes. ‘I’m sorry Viktor but it isn’t up to me. It’s Hex Tech’s androids so they want a say in how this operation is handled.’
‘Well then just use the android. It is more than capable of doing the case by itself.’
‘I’m sure it could. But they said it still needs a human handler. It can’t be trusted to make the more emotional decisions.’
‘Oh great, so I’m babysitting.’
Vander sighs and rubs his brows in exhaustion. ‘Please, Viktor. This is important to the higher-ups. This is not only your ass on the line but mine as well. Something has to be done and I’m choosing you.’
Viktor drops his head in resignation.
I’m going to regret this.
‘Fine, I’ll do it. But when this is over, I want a month of undisturbed peace in my lab. I don’t want Markus getting his grubby hands on my equipment again.’
‘Fair enough… thank you.’
Viktor gives him a nod and goes to leave.
‘Where are you going?’
‘To the bar. I need a drink to prepare myself for this.’
‘Well, the android will be arriving soon. I thought this would be right up your alley. Don’t you want to see it?’
‘Eh, it can wait until tomorrow. I’ll tell Jinx you said hi.’
Vander merely huffs in amusement as Viktor strolls out the door. He heads to the lab to retrieve his coat and keys. Maybe more than just one drink was in order.
~~~~~
When in doubt the Last Drop was always the place to be if you needed a good drink. Viktor had always liked its gritty and dark atmosphere. It helped that he also knew there was a low chance of him running into some of his more… bothersome co-workers.
‘Another one V man?’ Jinx asks shaking her mixer.
‘Please.’
Viktor slides his glass back over and Jinx whips him up another green concoction. This time he sips at it slowly. Savouring the burn as it goes down his throat. Nothing was better than undercity liquor. Jinx chats with him about Vi and how she has been staying out a lot later than usual these days. Her tone turns soft as she mentions a boy she had met in her art class.
‘Mm, and how are your studies going then?’
‘Eh alright, the professors have been on my back about my final project though. They think it’s too dangerous.’
‘Did you fix the compressor system like I told you?’
‘Yes, and they still think it will cause safety issues.’ Jinx quotes with her fingers.
‘I mean come on; I know my way around explosives. I’m not a child.’
‘Mm, Pilties just don’t like it when someone beneath them challenges their ideas.’
‘You got that right. I don’t know how you and my dad do it.’
‘All you need to do is play their game. It sucks, but that’s how you get what you want in life.’
Jinx snorts. ‘And so working for them is something you consider good?’
‘Of course not, but they give me my space and funding for my lab. That way I can continue to devote my time to understanding those intriguing machines they pump out of that Hex Tech place.’
‘Whatever you say Vik.’ Jinx says with a roll of her eyes.
Viktor merely shrugs and takes a long swig of his drink. The burn isn’t hitting like he wants it to. Suddenly the bar goes quiet and Viktor twists slightly on his seat to see a tall android walking into the joint like a lamb to the slaughter. It’s curious eyes scan the bar, seemingly unaware of the scathing looks sent in its direction.
People in the undercity may dislike posh Piltover folk but the androids are a whole other story. Things were hard enough with the rich pushing down on their necks but when the machines started replacing them in their jobs and taking their livelihoods. People weren’t exactly keen anymore to pull up a chair for a piece of plastic.
Viktor rakes his eyes over the robot. It looks decent, tan and clean-shaven with more muscle than he thinks an android should have. It has a crisp white suit jacket on with dark jeans. A little badge with JT800 flashing on its chest, along with the signature LED that all androids had on the side of their heads.
Bright yellow eyes spot him from across the room and Viktor immediately knows what’s about to happen.
Shit, did it really have to find me now?
‘Hello, my name is Jayce. I am an android sent by Hex Tech. I’ve been assigned as your partner for any cases involving androids.’
‘Oh, have you now?’
‘…yes.’
‘Well sorry Jayce. I’m a little busy right now as you can see.’ Viktor says lifting his drink.
‘I’m sorry Lieutenant. But my instructions stipulate that I must accompany you to the next crime scene that you received a few hours ago; a homicide.’
‘You want to know where you can stick your instructions?’ Viktor smirks.
The android tilts its head in confusion. ‘No… where?’
Jinx cackles in the background as Viktor smiles wider and finishes his drink. He wipes his mouth and looks at the android again. A curl has come loose from its perfect hairdo and ruffles the clean look Viktor had initially picked the android for. He can see that its red tie is lax around its neck and its shirt is partially unbuttoned.
Gods, did they have to make it look so…
‘I understand that you have prior engagements. But I believe it is necessary for you to prioritise the task Captain Vander assigned you… please.’
Golden eyes stare at him so intensely.
Viktor blinks twice and swallows. ‘R-Right, I mean… since you asked so nicely, I guess I am kind of done here.’
Jinx eyes him from the other side of the bar like he’s grown a second head. He catches her gaze and looks away in a hurry, feeling his cheeks heat.
‘So… did you say homicide?’