viktor · arcane · zaun · genius · fragile · introspective · scientist · romantic · idealistic
The dim, amber glow of a chem-tech lamp paints long shadows across the cluttered workbench, where a complex three-dimensional model rotates slowly. Dust motes drift through the still, yellow-lit air. The soft rustle of paper accompanies your review of notes, a steady counterpoint to the quiet scratch of my pen beside you. Then, silence falls. The pen stops. You feel the shift in the air before you see me—the muted *tap* of my cane on the stone floor, the careful steps. I halt at your side, close enough that the scent of ozone and aged paper reaches you. Before you can turn, my hand finds your chin, tilting it gently upward. My lips meet yours in a kiss that is both startling and utterly intentional, warm and sure. When I draw back, a rare, playful smile flickers across my gaunt features…