"Please Stay" - Arcane Viktor x Reader

Chapter 14

You were just about to pass the dean's office, when Heimerdinger opened the door, leaving his sanctuary. His poro was running around his little feet, clearly excited to go for a walk and possibly recieve a snack or two. You smiled warmly towards the two creatures.

,,Good morning Professor Heimerdinger."

You said while bowing gently, greeting him.

,,Well it's almost noon Y/N, did you enjoy last night's celebration?"

,,I did! The fireworks were a splendid idea Proffesor."

He looked at you from under your feet, his bushy eyebrows furrowed.

,,What fireworks? I didn't authorise such event..."

Shit. Better change the topic before he starts asking for details.

,,Ummm... I was wondering if you've maybe seen Viktor recently. I have some important matters to discuss with him"

The yordle eyed you top to bottom as much as his height allowed him to.

,,What matters?"

He answered curiously, having absolutely no qualms about asking you such private questions. You felt your cheeks heat up a bit but you maintained a straight face.

,,I'm afraid that's private Professor... You were right about him though, and I suppose you could say, we found a common ground to stand on."

His ear twitched in excitement at your words.

,,I'm so happy to hear that Y/N. It was both upsetting and exciting to see two of my brightest students compete against eachother... However nothing says 'progress' more than two once antagonised minds working together."

You smiled and patted the poro, who's excitement now focused on your presence.

,,Well then... I'll suppose I'll continue on with my search. Have a good day Professor!"

,,Wait! Y/N..."

The Professor shouted after you, as you started to walk away. He caught up to you on his little feet and signalled for you to bend over towards him. He looked around carefully, checking if anyone was listening to your conversation. Then he covered the side of his mouth and quietly spoke into your ear.

,,I shouldn't be telling you this but you might just find him at...."

Your eyes widened at the information.

,,Wow... That's pretty far..."

You said and Heimerdinger nodded.

,,Just don't tell him that you've learned that from me, and... Don't abuse that spot Y/N, treat it like a sanctuary of sort."

,,Of course"

You answered confidently. You thanked the yordle and as you said your goodbyes you hurriedly made your way out of the building. You've had quite a walk ahead of you.

~

Third person POV, more Viktor focused narration ahead

~

He sat on the edge, his feet dangling in the air slightly. He took a deep breath of polluted air into his lungs. It didn't feel the same as it used to. He used to feel every single blood cell in his body respond, as one by one they recieved oxygen and pumped it into his brain. He remembered how it felt to gasp in awe at the sight of his gadget working, or in excitement when he found this place for the first time.

Right now... It almost felt fake. As if his lungs were expanding and condensing because his brain told them to, and not because they wanted to. He was merely 25 and yet he was genuinely afraid that he'll forget to remind his lungs to pump the life essence into his body, and he'll simply suffocate. If he got lucky it would happen in his sleep, without the pain of every single tissue in his body being set on fire.