Chapter Text
Jayce has never wanted to be anything other than what he was until he met Viktor.
Which, now that he thought about it, sounded bad. He shouldn’t want to change himself for anyone. It’s not as if he desired to be a completely different person, though! Jayce wouldn’t trade away his intelligence, his passion, or work ethic for anything. And while he wasn’t immune to physical insecurities, like any normal person, he was generally pleased with his appearance.
Yet the moment he’d met Viktor, a sinking and cold ball of dissatisfaction had settled into his stomach.
Viktor was an Alpha.
Jayce was a Beta.
They wouldn’t, couldn’t , work.
And how inconvenient was it that Jayce went ahead and fell in love with Viktor anyway?
Jayce had never been ashamed of his Beta status. Yes, he had been mistaken as an Alpha a handful of times, but he didn’t take offense to it. Everyone could be guilty on some level of stereotyping, even himself.
For most of his life, he’d been happy about his designation. His scent was subtle, but pleasant. Aside from hearing things from friends or colleagues, he rarely gave much thought to heats or ruts. The posturing or posing that Alphas and Omegas participated in never concerned him, outside of just witnessing it from time to time in public.
All of his past relationships had involved Betas. It wasn’t illegal for him to venture elsewhere technically, but…
Alphas belonged with Omegas.
Omegas belonged with Alphas.
And Betas stayed in their own little bubble.
Everyone knew that. Everyone accepted it. And in those rare moments where a couple broke those unspoken expectations, people talked .
Betas being with Alphas or Omegas seemed like a waste of time or potential. Whether people felt sorry for the Alphas or Omegas, whose Beta partner surely weren’t enough for them; or if people gave the Beta pitying looks for obviously being played and jerked around by a cruel partner that would eventually leave them, it didn’t matter.
They talked. And the words of Piltover society held weight.
In the spotlight as Jayce was for Hextech, the judgement he would likely receive for pursuing Viktor should have been enough to dissuade him. But it wasn’t the potential gossip that had stopped Jayce from confessing his feelings to his partner early on when working together.
It was Viktor.
Viktor liked Omegas.
Which, yeah, Jayce supposed wasn’t that much of a shock. Even if Viktor didn’t ooze the macho, knot-head Alpha image, his quietly confident demeanor, low voice, and delectable scent were more than enough to convince people of his status.
While it wasn’t often, the few times Jayce had seen Viktor interact with someone romantically, they had always been an Omega. The romances were short, and Jayce isn’t sure they were ever meant to be more than a nice, casual dalliance. Still, he’d never caught Viktor with a Beta.
Every one of Viktor’s Omegas were diverse in their appearances, aside from being attractive. But they all smelled sweet and had that nurturing aura about them. Even the more masculine Omegas had a prettiness to their faces or bodies. Softer. Enticing. A natural way to attract Viktor that obviously worked.
An instinct Jayce didn’t possess.
But one day, after years of watching his partner enjoy the Omegas but never truly commit to mating with them, Jayce had an idea.
Maybe he could fake it.
The idea spread through his mind like wildfire so quickly he nearly choked on it.
Viktor knew Jayce was a Beta. That was never going to change. Yet, there were certain aspects of Omegas that Jayce could replicate. It wouldn’t fool anyone, especially Viktor, into thinking he was an Omega.
Perhaps it could…tempt him, though?
Enough that if Jayce made a move, Viktor might hesitate before outright rejecting him. He might even give Jayce a chance and court him, (A delirious thought that Jayce only allowed himself to indulge in late at night, away from prying eyes that would see his burning face and shaking hands.)
Then he could prove to Viktor all the ways he would make up for the things he lacked naturally.
Guilt hovered over Jayce when he finally decided to go through with his plan. It wasn’t exactly lying , as Jayce would openly admit to the methods he used to ‘improve’ himself. But it definitely wasn’t playing fair, either.
It would be worth it, Jayce told himself.
Viktor was worth it.
—---
Beta courtship was different from Alpha and Omega courtship.
Alphas typically gave the Omegas they were interested in flowers, then jewelry, and eventually this led to scenting each other. The flowers would represent the Omega in some way, or the Alpha’s intentions. The jewelry was a necklace or a bracelet. Jayce had been noticing Omega jewelry more often as of late. Sometimes he would catch himself lifting his own fingers to his neck, imagining the feeling of gold or silver adorning the skin. A clear sign that he had an Alpha’s attention. Something he had never had, or really even wanted. Until Viktor.
Scenting was another beast altogether.
While Viktor would be able to scent him all damn day, Jayce’s scent would never stay as long on Viktor’s skin. Not like an Omega’s would. His scent was too subtle and not meant for such things. Betas didn’t need that with each other,
Jayce was, of course, familiar with Beta courtship. Sharing food, clothing around the neck (usually a tie for male Betas, but not always), and cleaning each other (hair washing was a favorite of his).
Beta courtship wasn’t as glamourized as Alpha and Omega courtship. Not as romantic, some would say.
But Jayce liked the rituals. They made him feel warm, honest and intimate. Something he enjoyed participating in even though his relationships hadn’t ended up lasting. He would push them aside for Viktor, though. Jayce would do a lot of things that didn’t necessarily feel ‘right’ to him for Viktor.
Case in point, the first step to his plan.
Nesting.
Omegas did most of their nesting in their own homes, but many did so at their jobs as well if the environment was right. Not only was it beneficial to the Omega, but the Alphas (and sometimes Betas), generally enjoyed the comforting and cozy atmosphere too.
So, Jayce started creating a ‘Nest’ of sorts in the lab.
He had to be careful of all the lab equipment, first and foremost. Their lab wasn’t built with comfort (or even safety sometimes) in mind. In fact, both Viktor and he had their own versions of creative chaos strewn through their respective areas. They were clean, but definitely cluttered.
For a week, the Beta had been keeping his space tidier than usual. It was a conscious effort, considering when his brain started going on a new idea or formula everything else phased into the background. But he’d managed to keep things organized, papers and tools in their proper place for longer than they had ever been before.
Then came the blankets.
They already had a couch towards the back of the lab whenever sleep eventually latched onto them after days of all-nighters. It had been bare, until now. Jayce brought two soft, warm blankets that he draped over the couch. Three pillows soon followed, making the space homier than it probably had any right too. Jayce would fluff the pillows every day, even when neither he nor his partner used the couch.
Viktor had looked, well, confused at first.
He didn’t say anything, but Jayce had caught Viktor’s brow furrowing when he brought another pillow to be added to the steadily growing collection. That didn’t stop the Alpha from eventually using the couch, however. It had gotten colder lately, so Viktor had even taken to grabbing one of the blankets and wrapping it around himself when he was solving equations at his desk. Pride slithered through Jayce’s skin whenever he saw that, silky and warm.
Overall, Jayce counted it as a success. He could provide a Nest, a place of security and comfort, for an Alpha. Even if the Alpha didn’t realize it was for him, maybe Viktor would consider that later when Jayce eventually confessed to him.
Debating the pros and cons of adding string lights (or candles? Would that be too much?) to the Nest, Jayce nearly flinched when two cups were placed on the table next to him. He looked up to see Viktor rolling his chair and sitting next to him, his cane leaning against Jayce’s desk.
“Break time,” Viktor murmured.
Jayce raised an eyebrow but quickly moved the calculations he was working on out of the way. He glanced at the two cups, expecting to see Viktor’s usual sweet milk and maybe a coffee for himself.
He saw neither. Instead, a clear, reddish-brown liquid steamed from the cups. Tea, Jayce realized belatedly. It smelled delicious. Earthy, warm, and perfect for the cold front they were currently experiencing.
“Oh,” Jayce said. “What’s this?”
Viktor took his own cup into both of his hands. He blew over the tea lightly, the steam curling before moving away. “Last week, you said you wanted to try the new flavor at the cafe down the street. Here it is.”
Jayce had nearly forgotten about that. There were a few shops and cafes that Viktor and he frequented. Mostly when Sky demanded they take a break and actually get some sun. You know, remember that they’re humans and not zombie scientists stuck in the lab.
The tea wasn’t native to Piltover, but the flavor had sounded interesting, and Jayce had wanted to try it. Unfortunately, they’d been out when they’d finally ordered, much to the embarrassment of the Beta running the counter. Jayce had been disappointed but quickly got his usual.
Viktor had remembered that. And, what’s more, he’d gotten the tea leaves to make their own.
After stilling for a second, Jayce finally found the use of his mouth again as he said, “Thank you. You, uh, didn’t have to do that.”
Jayce found himself smiling as he brought the cup to his lips and tested the flavor. It was hot and bold, almost with a peppery aftertaste. Jayce liked it immediately and took another careful gulp.
When he put the cup down, he noticed Viktor watching him. The Alpha stared at him a few seconds more before sipping his own drink. Jayce didn’t miss the small, but very telling grimace on his partner’s lips.
Jayce huffed out a laugh. “I thought you didn’t like tea. Why are you drinking it?”
Viktor was stiff as he shrugged his shoulders. “I made this for us to share.” His gaze lingered to the side as he spoke.
“You didn’t poison it, did you?” The Beta teased.
“Drink your tea, Jayce.”
It wasn’t hard to follow the command. The tea was tasty (to him), and it would be a shame to let it get cold.
For several minutes, the two of them took small sips of their tea together. They chatted easily, as they always did. It was an unexpectedly peaceful moment that Jayce cherished. Seeing Viktor relax around him warmed Jayce more than any tea ever could.
—---
Nesting well underway, Jayce moved forward to the next phase of his plan. A rather risky one, if he was being honest with himself.
Scent.
Jayce’s natural Beta scent had been described as honeyed smoke, with hints of black tea. Masculine, though not overtly, with a balancing sweetness. A good scent, if not dulled.
He was going to change that.
There was nothing he could do to permanently alter his natural scent. And really, he wouldn’t want to. But if he was going to appeal to Viktor in ways that the Alpha would find attractive, that would have to include his scent.
Purchasing the cologne had been embarrassing, even if the store clerk hadn’t looked twice at him for his purchase. It was a special type of Omega cologne. Usually, Omegas who were experiencing issues (hormones, fertility, simple body changes, etc.), were the ones that bought this type of cologne.
The spray was sweet and mixed with pheromones that would help influence the Omega to produce normal, natural scent levels. It was meant to be subtler so as to not drown out the Omega’s own scent, but for a Beta it wouldn’t have any other effect than simply smelling good. Smelling similar to an Omega.
When Jayce had tested it in his apartment, he hadn’t been overwhelmed by the scent. It was pleasant, if sweeter and more sugary than he was used to. He figured this would be akin to dipping his toes into the water on his quest to be more ‘Omega-like’ for Viktor.
The morning that Jayce had applied the cologne (just a few sprays; he didn’t want to drown himself in the scent), Viktor had done a double take when he entered the lab.
“Are…are you wearing something?” Viktor asked, eyes narrowing slightly as he surveyed the Beta.
Jayce had rolled up the sleeves of his shirt and opened his collar more than usual. The cologne was on his wrists and neck, right over his scent glands. As if he could replace his own boring scent with something more enchanting. Something that Viktor would actually want to smell.
He went for nonchalance as much as he could. “Oh, yeah, it’s just this new cologne I’m trying.” No need to mention the added Omega pheromones. They could cross that bridge when they came to it.
“It’s,” Viktor paused before continuing. “Very sweet.”
“You like sweet things.”
Oh, wait, was that too flirty? Jayce shut his lips as soon as the words were out. Maybe the pheromones had more of an effect on him than he thought.
Viktor’s eyes widened marginally before he reeled back his reaction. “To eat, yes.”
‘You could eat me.’ Jayce, smartly, did not say that one out loud. His face burned all the same, though.
Viktor gazed at him for a moment before turning back to what he’d been working on.
“Is it bad?” Jayce ventured to ask.
“No, Jayce. But it is not you.”
‘I’m not trying to be me. That’s the point.’ Again, the Beta kept his mouth shut.
For the rest of the day, things went on as normal. They collaborated on their latest project, erasing and creating and filling up two chalkboards easily by the time the sun had set.
The only noticeable difference was that Viktor’s pupils seemed more dilated than usual. Viktor didn’t get closer to Jayce than normal or say anything else about the cologne. And, if he really thought about it, maybe the pheromones were manipulative somehow. That hadn’t been his intention, as there wasn’t enough cologne to truly do much, but if Viktor wasn’t enjoying the cologne at least then what was the point?
Scent: Failure.
Jayce frowned lightly as he started to pack up his things. Usually he would stay later, but he wanted to go home and wash off the cologne that still lingered on him. Viktor was right, it wasn’t him. What a stupid plan.
“Leaving so soon?” Viktor asked when he noticed him standing.
“Yeah. I’ve got a headache.”
Viktor hummed.
Jayce stopped himself from sighing as he slipped into his coat. Maybe he needed to rethink his strategy.
Just as he was about to leave, Viktor’s voice rang through the lab. “Jayce, a moment, please.”
Without asking, the Beta walked over to the Alpha’s side. Assuming it was something about the latest notes he’d been working on, he was surprised to see Viktor’s hands raised slightly. And even more surprised to see a dark red, knit scarf draped across them.
“Wear this out. It’s getting colder.”
Jayce blinked. “That’s new.”
Viktor’s lips lifted, nearly a smirk. Before Jayce could ask whose it was (Viktor’s? A friend’s?), the Alpha leaned forward. Jayce automatically bent down a bit, completely still as he let Viktor wrap the scarf around his neck. The material was soft and instantly warming. Considering the chill Jayce had developed over his arms and collarbones all day, he was grateful for the added clothing.
“There. Perfect.” Viktor’s hands lingered over the scarf, grazing the material reverently.
Jayce looked at the Alpha through dark lashes. Their faces were close, Viktor not moving away. He could smell Viktor’s natural scent, stronger than Jayce’s own or the fake Omega cologne that had started to dim.
Mouthwatering amber, hints of fig, with something like black pepper that settled in the back of Jayce’s throat. An altogether pleasant sensation. Sometimes, sweet milk would accompany Viktor’s scent, somehow enhancing it.
Jayce wasn’t an Omega; therefore, Viktor’s scent wouldn’t affect him with increased pheromones. But it was really good, nonetheless. Jayce wanted to bury his face in Viktor’s neck. And he wanted Viktor to do the same to him. He wanted them to curl into each other, scenting and partaking and everything he should have been able to do but wasn’t allowed-
He dashed that train of thought quickly.
Viktor’s eyes held a sharpness to them as he studied Jayce’s face. Which was flushing more and more by the second.
Jayce straightened his back. His legs, shaking, moved away a step or two.
“W-well, I appreciate the scarf, Vik. Thanks,” he muttered out.
“It suits you.”
Oh Jayce had to leave now.
The Beta said an awkward goodbye and promptly left the lab. He felt Viktor’s eyes on him the entire time.
The air outside may have been cold, but Jayce had never felt more heated. And it certainly wasn’t because of the scarf.
—---
Jayce had always been a little obsessed with his appearance. He kept himself clean, primed and proper to acceptable levels for the society of Piltover. His hair was usually styled and neat, clothes pressed and his tie in place.
It was only when he spent a few nights in the lab with Viktor that he let himself fall behind marginally. Scruff over his face or clothes slightly wrinkled.
Viktor never seemed to mind, but now Jayce realized he had to limit those times. He had to up his game.
Jayce was handsome. He knew that, even if he still found faults with himself. But he wasn’t…pretty.
Not like an Omega.
Not like the Omegas he had seen Viktor with.
Other Betas had said his eyes were pretty, but that didn’t seem like enough. A strong jaw, thick shoulders and muscles, and the way he towered over the average person didn’t really give ‘Omega Pretty’.
There wasn’t much Jayce could do about biology, yet there were a few things he decided to tweak. For one, he always made sure his face was free of that dreaded five o’clock shadow. And, probably the most obvious change, was that he started waxing off his chest hair.
When Viktor had first noticed, Jayce had just returned from the forge and ‘forgot’ to put his shirt back on.
‘It’s for the forge. I’m tired of my hair burning off,’ Jayce had said, striving to sound lighthearted.
Viktor hadn’t said much in response, but the Beta noticed that he looked over at him more whenever he didn’t have a shirt on. Whether that was because of his waxed chest or the borderline concerning number of times Jayce showed up shirtless now, he wasn’t sure.
Regardless, the attention was a good sign. Surely Jayce could claim this one as a success. Which he sorely needed after that cologne fiasco. (He was too ashamed to return it, so the cologne found a home under his sink.)
Today, after working in the forge for several hours, Jayce came back to the lab with his arms and parts of his chest covered in ash. He’d forgotten to bring a towel with him, and he didn’t want to drip water in the lab with his return, so he figured he would simply use the small sink they had in the corner of the lab.
“Jayce, you’re filthy.”
The Beta froze for a half a second at Viktor’s words before he tried to laugh it off. “Yeah, sorry. Didn’t bring a towel.”
Jayce could feel Viktor’s eyes following him to the sink as he moved. He twisted the knobs of the sink and watched as it began to fill.
His ears picked up the familiar clacking of Viktor’s cane. The Alpha was at his side before the water had reached the level Jayce wanted. Golden eyes glanced over at Viktor, questioning.
“Let me,” Viktor said.
Before Jayce could ask what, Viktor reached over and took one of the small towels from the rack by the sink.
Viktor shut off the water as he dipped the cloth into the sink. Jayce watched, mesmerized, while Viktor rang out the water.
“Give me your hands.”
Jayce could only obey.
He was just thankful that his arms remained steady as Viktor gently cleaned the soot from his skin. The Alpha was meticulous, swiping the towel and dipping back into the water every so often. Viktor's fingers wrapped around whatever arm he was cleaning, holding Jayce where he wanted him. His fingers were cold and used Jayce as support while he did this. The Beta could do little else but lean into the touch. It was like a cool balm after being in the forge for hours.
Minutes of silence went by between them. However, Jayce couldn’t cover the small inhale of breath when Viktor gently maneuvered his back to the sink. The porcelain was freezing against Jayce’s skin, but Viktor’s touch had warmed up the rest of him.
Fingers brushed the towel over his chest. Slow. Deliberate, Jayce almost thought. Like Viktor was teasing him. But that couldn’t be right. Could it?
Viktor’s gaze flickered from Jayce’s chest to his eyes. Jayce prided himself on reading all of Viktor’s little facial expressions and tells over the years, yet for some reason the current look on his partner’s face escaped him.
It was…determined. Focused. But why? He was just helping Jayce out.
If they’d both been Betas, maybe this would have meant something more. But Viktor was an Alpha. He probably didn’t know about Beta courtship. Didn’t know how potentially intimate this could be considered.
Jayce decided not to tell him. One, it could be embarrassing for Viktor since he didn’t know. Two, Jayce wanted to enjoy it just a little longer.
His breath had gotten shallower as Viktor continued to clean the soot and ash from Jayce’s body. The sink’s coldness behind him was no longer a bother. He was very, very warm.
Eventually, Viktor placed the now dirted towel on the edge of the skin. He didn’t retreat, though. Instead, he placed one hand over the top of Jayce’s stomach. Jayce felt his heart skip at the touch, goosebumps dancing across his skin while Viktor gingerly let his hand slide up to his chest.
Viktor’s hand splayed across his chest, tracing over his flesh almost absentmindedly.
“A shame about your hair,” the Alpha said, voice low.
A finger brushed over his nipple. Jayce nearly jumped, shivering. An accident. It had to be an accident.
“...I can grow it back.” Jayce’s voice sounded too soft to his own ears, but Viktor appeared to have heard him just fine with a small grin gracing his lips.
“Excellent idea, Jayce.”
How was he meant to reply to that? Viktor kept touching his chest. Exploring, caressing. He wasn’t sure he could keep saying Viktor’s touches were accidents now, but he didn’t know how else to make sense of them.
He’s not an Omega. He hadn’t even been that successful with his ‘Omega-like’ plan yet. So, what was Viktor doing ?
Jayce’s throat was dry, but his body was near trembling. It felt good, Viktor’s touch. He kept getting closer, even though Jayce was completely clean. If this kept up, he was going to do something dumb like kiss Viktor and-
He didn’t get the chance to make any bad decisions, though. Sky entered the lab, arms filled with new supplies and pastries from the cafe they liked.
Immediately, Jayce slipped away from Viktor. His skin burned, and it wasn’t due to remnants of heat from the forge.
“Left my shirt,” he used as an excuse as he raced past Sky and back towards the forge. He could hear the Omega woman stutter out a reply to him, but couldn’t grasp the words.
Jayce worked (hid) in the forge for several more hours. His mind kept replaying the scene in his head. Viktor’s touch. His eyes, which seemed to burn more than the fire he currently surrounded himself in.
Could his plan be working? It didn’t… feel like it was working, though. Jayce still wasn’t Omega-like enough. And Viktor wasn’t treating him like an Omega, either. No usual courting signs. No words or actions that he’d seen Viktor do with the Omegas he’d been with.
So what was happening?
It was near midnight when Jayce went back to the lab. Shockingly, Viktor wasn’t there. Jayce tried not to feel bad at the relief that brought him, but he still hadn’t created an explanation of Viktor’s actions so he wasn’t ready to face him.
As Jayce made to grab his things, he stopped when a flash of color greeted his eyes.
There, on one of their many tables, was a bouquet of flowers. White and pink flowers bloomed, gorgeous and soft in a clear vase. Jayce’s breath caught in his throat. Could it be?
He rushed to the flowers, leaning down to cradle the petals and take in the floral, sweet smell. They weren’t necessarily something he’d pick out for himself, but flowers were still flowers. Were they for him? They were near his desk, and that might explain Viktor’s odd behavior.
A thrill went through Jayce, a near goofy grin brightening his smile. He’d done it. Viktor was courting him! This was the first step.
His plan was working. He just had to keep up the changes, maybe try a better cologne. There were also some other things he needed to-
A small card next to the bouquet caught his eye.
The handwriting was unfamiliar to him, and Jayce grabbed the card before he could think better of it.
‘Sky,
Please accept these flowers as proof of my affection and intentions. The pink symbolizes-’
Jayce barely read the rest of the words until he got to the end of the card where the signature of some unknown Alpha resided. He sort of remembered Sky talking about an Alpha she had started liking recently, but he’d been preoccupied with his strategy and projects.
Alone in the lab, smelling flowers that weren’t even for him, Jayce had never felt so foolish.
Letting the card fall back onto the table, Jayce experienced a chill that had nothing to do with the weather creeping into his skin. Why was he hurting himself like this? For just a moment, he’d been joyful. A rush of hope had stirred and blossomed inside him.
He’d acted like a giddy Omega. Something he would never be. Something Viktor wanted, but Jayce couldn’t give him.
Defeat poured into his heart as he left the lab. The corners of his eyes felt wet, but he resolutely ignored it. Jayce had humiliated himself enough for one day.
He knew that Viktor was worth it. He really was.
But maybe Jayce wasn’t.