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Chapter Text

Jayce was woken up by the grating sound of bars scraping across the floor. He absentmindedly grumbled to himself as he was torn away from the sanctity of his subconscious. The vivid images of mole-covered skin and warm amber eyes fade from his memory as he blinks the sleep from his eyes. Pushing his body off the ground to face the origin of the obnoxious noise, he preemptively steeled himself for what he was sure was a guard looking to drag him somewhere he couldn’t care less to be. He sat there for a moment, waiting, but the voice that called out to him couldn’t be further from the rough voice he had grown accustomed to.

“Jayce? It is you, right?” A bright, posh voice cautiously spoke to Jayce with a kind familiarity he hadn’t heard in a while. His head shot up, eyes widening as he looked up to see, “Sprout?” Jayce was met with a relieved sigh as Caitlyn’s shoulders dropped and she stepped inside the cell.

“Wait, what are you doing here?” Jayce stammered as he fussed over Caitlyn almost instinctively, eyes checking for discomfort as his hands landed on her shoulders.
“Getting you out of here, that’s what. You do not want to know how long I had to beg my mother to sign the order for your release.” Caitlyn huffed, swatting Jayce’s hands away and motioning him to follow her out.

“How did she ever agree to that?” Caitlyn’s eyes shifted away from Jayce’s, and Jayce hung his head with a sigh, “Let’s just go.”

Jayce entered his home for the first time as a stranger to its walls. Not much had changed, but everything felt different. What was once welcoming had shut him out. It sought to cage him in contentment, call him foolish for not backing down, and deem him selfish for wanting more than the life his mother worked so hard to give him.

“I’m home,” The whisper echoed off the furniture and walls. Mom’s asleep. That’s okay, she probably needs the rest. Jayce removed his shoes, set them next to the door, and headed to his room. He lingered in front of the door to his lab, if he could call it that anymore. Everything that made it a lab, made it his lab, was gone. Footsteps continued until the door to Jayce’s room was before him. He stood there.

He should go to sleep. It’s been forever since he’s slept, let alone on a bed. Who knows, he might actually get a full night of rest. Gods know he needs it. Yet, the door never opens. The wooden floors creak for a moment, then stop. A door opens, and the cool breeze of night hits Jayce. Moonlight fills the room, casting the rubble of his life in soft blues.

Jayce looks about the room. He still has his books and chalkboard, but his desk is almost completely empty save for an envelope. An envelope? Did the enforcers or Heimerdinger leave a letter after they ransacked his lab? How nice.

Jayce picks up the envelope and inspects the wax stamp. It isn’t the crest of the enforcer organization or the academy; rather, it’s an eye with lines around the sides. Jayce immediately recognized it as Silco's crest. But why would-

Dust flies in the air as the envelope is nearly torn in two, Jayce falling into the chair next to him. Eyes frantically scanned every word, every letter as they formed the sentences that soothed and stirred the soul he had longed to hear from again.

Jayce,

I’m sorry about what happened to your lab. I wish I could’ve been there with you, for you. Your research was everything, and I fear all that’s left of it is here. So, I propose to make the best of what’s left of your dream. Come to the Zaun. There’s room for you, and if not, I’ll make it. There's always room for you. We can continue your research together and help the people who need it most. It might take a bit to get back to where you were, but I believe with the two of us working together, as partners, we will succeed. Come to me, I will be waiting in the Last Drop tonight.

Your Partner,

√

Jayce was silent.

All thoughts began to run into each other as Jayce turned on his heel and sprinted into his room. A bag was thrown onto the bed, quickly piling in the first set of clothes in his closet. Random items on his shelves filled the extra space: some textbooks, a couple of crystals in the side pocket, and his blanket rolled up then slotted next to his clothes. He’s surprised at how quickly he seemingly packed up his life in a duffle bag. All things considered, his life was his work, and his work went out with a bang, so there wasn’t much left of his life to pack.

In his rush to the front door, he took a second to pause in front of his mother’s room. He should say goodbye. She’ll be upset that he woke her up so late, but she’ll be more upset that he left so soon after coming home. Most upset that he’s not coming back. Jayce set his bag down and lightly knocked on the door.

Quiet shuffling came from the other side of the door, a soft click punctuating the opening of the door.

“Jayce? Is that you? I thought-”

“Mrs. Kirramann pulled some strings and had me released early.” Jayce interrupted, happy to see his mother gently shake her head with a smile.

“Oh thank gods. Remind me to make something for her to thank her for bringing my son home.” Jayce’s face scrunched at her words. She sounded so relieved to have him back.

“Mama…I’m not staying here.” He spoke slowly, as if that would lessen the pain. There’s no way around it, and it was obvious to him as Ximena’s smile dropped.

“What?” Jayce felt his heart twist, and his mouth moved faster than his brain. Just don’t bring up-

“Viktor offered me a-”

“Viktor? Is that the boy you were sneaking into the Undercity for?” Good going, Talis.

“No! Well yes. Wait, how do you know about that?” At this point, Jayce is surprised he got a full sentence out with the way thoughts began to jumble in his head, and his face immediately flushed. It’s strange, but it brings him a certain joy that the mention of Viktor makes him nervous.

“Jayce, you are a very easy man to read, and you talk to yourself awfully loud in that lab of yours.” Oops.

“I, uh, didn’t notice.” Ximena laughed to herself. He supposes he’s never been the observant type, or maybe just aware of himself. His eyes shift about as the blush on his face brightens.

“Don’t worry about it, mijo. So, what does Viktor have to do with you leaving? You just got back and you’re racing out the door.”

“He offered me a place to stay to continue my work. And I know, it’s the Undercity, but I promise I’ll be okay. I’ll have Viktor and I won’t go anywhere suspicious-”

“You’ll come back and visit me, yes?” Ximena added. Of course, she wasn’t about to let her son go without promising he’d come back.

“I- Yes, if I can make it up here.”

“Jayce Talis. If you can figure out this whole magic business, you can figure out how to visit your poor mother.” He’ll miss the sound of her scolding him, especially when she’s right.

“Yes, mama.” Jayce sighed, ducking his head to the side with a small smile. He knows he’ll miss her. Ximena’s hands find Jayce’s face, gently guiding Jayce to look at her. Soft brown eyes met Jayce’s, and for a moment, Jayce felt himself lurch forward.

“Oh mijo, come here.” Gods, he’s going to miss her so much. Big arms wrapped around Ximena’s shoulders, squeezing her tight as she rubbed Jayce’s back. She smiled to herself. No matter how old Jayce got, he was always her big baby. Slowly, Ximena lowered her arms and stepped back. Jayce’s eyes were glossy and his mouth slightly downturned. It took everything for Ximena not to convince him to stay, so instead she took Jayce’s hands in hers and spoke.

“You go down there and show them what it means to be a Talis. And you better bring that Viktor of yours up here, I’d like to meet the man that has my son running into the night.” Jayce laughed, albeit slightly broken by the sobs that threatened to spill from his heart.

“I will. You’ll love him. He’s so smart and kind and funny and he’s got this cute little-”

“Yes, yes, I’m sure, Jayce,” Ximena interjected, feeling her heart swell knowing how much her boy loved. “Now go. I’m sure he’s waiting for you.” Jayce’s eyes pop open in a moment of emotional sobriety.

“Oh my gods- I- yes. Stay um-stay warm and get some sleep. I’ll come visit next week. ” Jayce panicked, trying to pick up all his bags and put on his shoes at once, all while saying his last goodbyes.

“I will. Goodbye, mijo. I’ll make sure to have dinner ready for you two.” A warm laugh reached Jayce’s heart as he felt the familiar warmth of Ximena’s lips on his forehead.

Jayce quickly adjusted his bag’s straps over his shoulder, gave his mother one last smile, and ran out the front door.

The first thing he’s hit with is the night summer breeze filling his lungs. The moon bathed Piltover in a soft blue light bouncing off the white marble. However, that wasn’t where he was going. He turns his attention to the glowing green light across the bridge. A smile pulled at his lips as he followed the false neon sun.

It was a good night tonight. He’s out of Stillwater. He saw his mother. Most importantly,

Jayce was going to see Viktor again.

Chapter Text

It was a quiet night in the Last Drop—none of the flashing lights or blaring music that had become commonplace most nights. The main area was empty, save for a single person sitting at the bar. A small plume of violet smoke funnels up from a long pipe, held delicately by long, lithe fingers. More smoke surrounds the bar following the soft sound of a long, tired sigh. Collections of blueprints, sketches, and research notes littered the bartop. They’re all months old, relics of times past on top of the blank pages of a leather-bound journal.

Six months. This is how Viktor spent his nights for the past six months. He’d selfishly thrown away hours of his life every night waiting to be surprised. Surprised, is that the right word? It shouldn’t be. Jayce wasn’t a surprise. He was a steadfast, unyielding force in Viktor’s life. Viktor was never surprised to see Jayce walking into Benzo’s shop, never surprised to hear Jayce riffling through his things, never surprised to find Jayce waiting outside the back door for him. Strangely enough, even when they first met, Jayce didn’t come to Viktor as a surprise. Perhaps surprised isn’t the right word. ‘Proven right’ might sound better. Throwing away hours of one’s life to be proven right. Yes, Viktor wants to be proven right tonight, much like every other night.

With another exhale, Viktor returned to his body. The pencil in his hand lazily rolled along its eraser, rubbing the lines off the paper—another night of blank pages.

He used to get things done. There were breakthroughs, as few as they were, but at some point, he couldn’t ignore his growing worry and dwindling hope. The advancements in their research didn’t feel the same without Jayce around to tackle Viktor to the ground in a hug that seeped into his soul, comforting Viktor even now in his absence. Not that he had the chance to admit it to Jayce. Not that he’d take the chance if he had it.

It’s rather pathetic, and Viktor knows it. Loathes it, even. Wasting his nights, barely making any progress all because he couldn’t calm his mind long enough to focus on what actually mattered. The research mattered, the innovations mattered, the lives that would change mattered.

And yet, Viktor found it hard to make it all matter without Jayce.

That doesn’t even make sense, he’s just some guy from topside. Just some annoyingly stubborn man with the biggest, brightest eyes Viktor had ever seen, filled to the brim with passion and determination. A man with the most brilliant mind he’s ever had the privilege of picking apart, to see how each individual gear of his genius came together to produce unmatched technological excellence. Viktor longed to see into Jayce’s inner workings again, running his thumb across his gear as if by merely holding it, he’d get the answer to his questions.

In a rather dramatic act of resignation, Viktor’s hand dropped as he hung his head. Silco was going to notice his lack of productivity sooner or later. Knowing him, he already had. Whether it was an act of mercy he hadn’t said anything yet or not, Viktor had yet to decide. With Jinx, however, he had no such choice. She had definitely noticed but stopped poking fun at him when she realized he might not stop until Jayce came back. He still remembers that unmistakable look of pity in her eyes. Worst of all, he couldn’t bring himself to be mad about it.

Viktor needed to stop this. It’s been six months since he left that note that night. If Jayce had wanted to come, he would’ve by now, right? This was his dream, his everything. Jayce wouldn’t have taken this long to make—what Viktor had hoped—to be the easiest decision of his life.

They were close, right? Of course, not as close as Viktor would’ve liked, but they were friends. Best friends. They were equal, despite it all. There was nothing between a Zaunite and a Piltie, just two scientists trying to change the world. He thought, perhaps selfishly, Jayce would do anything for him. It’s not as if the notion was unfounded, if the number of times Jayce had snuck out and used his sponsor’s money for their projects was any indicator of his dedication. Jayce was devoted to their work, devoted to Viktor—his partner—as he always insisted upon calling Viktor. Was Viktor so wrong to think Jayce would come to him, should all he do is ask Jayce to?

Maybe Jayce made his decision, and Viktor was going to live with it and move on. Jayce wasn’t coming tonight, nor tomorrow, nor the night after that. It was over. At least, that’s what Viktor told himself to give himself the resolve to retire for the night. That isn’t to say that the voices telling him that none of what they shared mattered hurt him any less. Rather, it pained him so much more. Jayce didn’t actually want him, not like he wanted Jayce. He never could. Viktor was undeniably, well, Viktor. A sick, crippled Zaunite that walked with a patchwork cane and noisy prosthetic. Gods, why did he even-

No. He doesn’t have time for this. He needs to sleep, maybe go work on his pet project or something—anything to take his mind off of Jayce.

Gathering the forgotten blueprints and notes, Viktor moved with a slowed grace he could only attribute to the dying embers of his shameful hope and the searing pain in his back from being bent over his work for so long.

With his cane in hand, he begins up the stairs and retires for the night.

That, of course, would’ve been true, had Viktor not heard the doors open.

Chapter Text

It startled him—almost jumped out of his skin. Viktor swore his heart had stopped, and his blood ran cold as his whole body seized in an instant. A long, slow breath flooded his lungs before pulling his eyebrows together in annoyance. It was late, so what the hell could anybody want right now? A drink, maybe, but that would mean Viktor was awake enough to consider that. He stood there for a moment, weighing whether to speak up, call out, say anything really. However, the thought of speaking caught in his throat before the sound could fail as a dangerous hope crossed his mind.

What if it was Jayce?

Viktor kept his eyes on the staircase, eyes glued on the bottom step. No. After six months, tonight, is the night he decides to show his handsome face? Sure, and Viktor is the strongest man in Runeterra. However, with every passing second of agonizing silence, the idea became more and more appealing. What if Jayce was there, staring at Viktor—waiting for him to say something? Viktor tried to calm the uneven rise and fall of his chest and swallow the lump in his throat.

What happened to him? When did this childish affection become so consuming—so real? How did he let this get so far out of hand?

He needed to get a damn grip.

...

He needed to go to bed.

Whoever had come in would wait until morning for whatever business they had. Viktor took a deep breath and called out, “The bar is closed tonight. I suggest you find somewhere else to indulge for the night.” The sound of his voice echoed throughout the room if only dampened by the tables and chairs littered about. His voice had broken a temporary truce bound by silence, and now that it’s returned, the silence is deafening. Viktor contemplates just how stupid—or tired—he is, either being a suitable excuse. Why isn’t he walking up the stairs? He’s tired, and whoever he just spoke to isn’t Jayce. What is he waiting for?

“Closed? I thought you said it was always open for me.” A voice called back, a weak laugh ruminating in the silence. The voice was lighthearted but cautious, as if unsure whether to commit to the levity.

That’s what. “I did,” Viktor began, turning his head slightly, trying to catch Jayce in the corner of his sight, “but I distinctly remember mentioning you had to bring the drinks this time, Jayce.” Viktor inwardly cringed after he spoke. The shakiness in his voice was palpable, and he nearly didn’t get Jayce’s name out of his throat.

He didn’t see Jayce. He only heard bags hitting the ground, and in an instant, he felt Jayce. Two strong arms pulled him in from behind, wrapping around his chest and completely enveloping Viktor. They feel like home.

Jayce felt every hiccuped and shuddered breath from Viktor as his breaths became shorter and the sobs grew louder, his body crumbling under the weight of everything he’d been trying so desperately to swallow for months.

Nuzzling into the crook of Viktor’s neck, Jayce squeezed tight, slowly rubbing circles into the sides of Viktor’s torso. Viktor's hands trembled as he reached up to cradle the side of Jayce’s face, his heart skipping as he felt Jayce lean into it as if he were savoring the coolness from Viktor’s slender fingers. One of Jayce’s hands drifts up to rest above Viktor’s heart, resuming the calming circles as he feels the subtle rapid beat of Viktor’s heart. Viktor finds it pathetic how easily he fell into the lull of Jayce’s comfort, even after all this time.

They stood entangled for a moment, finding home in the feeling of each other again. Carefully, Viktor began to pull away from Jayce’s warmth, not too surprised when met with a hushed whine. For a second, he was worried Jayce wouldn’t let him go. He was worried he didn’t ever want Jayce to. He will, just for a moment, just long enough to see Jayce's face again.

Once Viktor turned around, he wondered why he hadn’t sooner. Jayce looked different. Not in any way bad, but different. His hair was longer than before, his beard had grown out, and a few more lines and scars on his face. He looked so beautiful.

Viktor’s eyes met Jayce’s and he felt his heart flutter. Those gorgeous, sickeningly sweet eyes. Radiant eyes of sunshine dilated as Jayce gazed at him with all the love and adoration in Runeterra. Viktor afforded himself a second to lose himself in those eyes before throwing himself at Jayce and wrapping his arms around him. Jayce quickly caught him and linked his arms around his body. The sound of Viktor’s cane hitting the floor and he sighed, sinking into the feeling of safety as he fell into Jayce. It’s deafening, yet seems so silent compared to the sound of their hearts beating against each other.

They both held on tighter this time, held on as if they could erase the atoms separating them.

Slow, deep breaths forced their way into and out of Viktor’s lungs as he pressed himself into Jayce’s chest. The warm forge surrounded Viktor’s body as his senses flooded with the presence of Jayce all around him. The subtle ruffle of his hair from Jayce’s nuzzling only encouraged him to push further in, opening his hands to move along the expanse of Jayce’s back.

The universe seemed to stop as they melted into each other, hearts and minds sharing the same space in complete harmony with one another. It was magical, like two orbiting stars becoming one in a brilliant, yet quiet, supernova. The room grew silent save for the mutters of agonizing loneliness. A hushed melody of ‘I missed you’ floated on top of a harmony of roaming hands and beating hearts, creating a gentle symphony of familiar adoration.

A million questions raced through his mind, no singular thought more coherent than the next in a whirlwind of boiling self-loathing and hopeless yearning that all come back to, “Gods, Jayce, where have you been?” Viktor mumbled into Jayce’s chest. Jayce tensed under his touch, slowly letting his arms fall away from Viktor’s back to his hands. Viktor silently lamented the loss of Jayce’s warmth, but felt it return to his face when Jayce tilted his head up to meet his eyes.

“It doesn't matter right now. I’ve waited so long to come back, Viktor. Every minute for six months I’ve been waiting to come back to you…,” Jayce trailed off momentarily to look at Viktor. He was as gorgeous as the day he had lost him. It wasn’t fair. It wasn’t fair that after all this time, Viktor looks no different. Sure, his hair was longer and his eye bags were heavier, but his eyes still shone like gold with the same sparkle that pulled him the first day he saw them.

“Gods, Viktor I’m so sorry. I missed you so much.” Jayce’s voice wobbled and dripped with a sadness Viktor wasn’t sure he’d ever seen before. It scared him, that unmistakable sorrow that coated every word.

It was overwhelming. The warmth of Jayce’s hands around Viktor’s, the warmth in Jayce’s eyes that gazed so deeply into his, the warmth of Jayce’s heart that eclipsed Viktor’s soul and made his heart soar. He couldn’t help but smile, moving their hands to cradle Jayce’s face and slowly running his thumbs along Jayce’s cheeks.

The tears rolling under Viktor’s thumbs slowed as Jayce closed his eyes, truly letting himself enjoy Viktor’s touch for the first time. Jayce could only describe it as a feeling he’d let himself sink into for the rest of his life, or however long Viktor was willing to let him. He let Viktor do as he pleased, letting Viktor’s hands guide his face down, cherishing the subtle pressure on his temple. It was heavenly, an overwhelming yet comforting wave of affection that consumed Jayce’s senses, an all-consuming desire to climb into Viktor’s skin and mend their bones together.

It all felt like a dream. After being gone for so long, Viktor was here for him. Close to him. Breathing with him. Touching him. Gods, he’s actually touching Jayce. Not those fleeting caresses reserved for the latest of nights in the lab. Certainly not those tipsy nights when they laid in each other’s arms high off the fumes of shimmer, temples pressed together like they saw the adults doing when they were young.

It was powerful and yet so woefully soft, swelling with a tenderness they both had been robbed of for a long time. It was everything. It spoke every word they wished they had had the courage to say on those sleepless nights, buried underneath lingering touches, hidden behind longing gazes, and obscured by every shameful thought.

Jayce opened his eyes to find Viktor already looking up at him with those mesmerizing amber eyes.

“You really are beautiful,” Viktor whispered, his words lightly brushing Jayce’s lips.

“Aren’t you funny.” Jayce huffs, chuckling to himself while watching Viktor’s eyes flutter close.

“Oh, Jayce, you are beautiful. I have never been so sure as I am right now.”

“You’re not just saying that because of the beard right?” Jayce teased, leaning ever so close to Viktor as his arms wrapped around Viktor’s waist. Jayce tries his best to ignore the pounding in his chest when he feels Viktor loosen under his hands.

“Hmm, no. It is the beard and the hair, of course.” Viktor hummed, tilting his head as he slowly moved his lips closer to Jayce’s.

“Of course.” Jayce sighed, eyes flicking between Viktor’s eyes and lips. They stood still in a trance, leaning into the warmth of each other as their world seemed to collapse in. Jayce hopes he isn’t imagining it because he wants to kiss Viktor so badly. He wants Viktor to want to him, begs even, that Viktor wants this just as much as Jayce does. Eyes fluttering close, Jayce can feel his organs twist as Viktor’s lips begin to press into his, ghosting over like a warm spring breeze.

Abruptly, a whistle of steam blew out as Viktor’s leg buckled under him. Jayce moved quickly, pulling Viktor against him in an attempt to hoist Viktor up by his waist. All Jayce achieved was shoving Viktor into his chest, forcing Viktor to hold on for dear life. Not that Viktor minded, he’d much rather fall face-first into Jayce’s chest than plummet to the floor.

“It seems my leg isn’t as excited to see you as I am.” Viktor nervously laughed to himself, reprimanding himself for relying on his mechanical leg for so long.

“I-what?” Jayce croaked.

“I am kidding, Jayce.” Viktor joked, quickly dismissing the burning in his cheeks and instead redirecting them to the situation at hand. “Are you going to help me up or keep me here? I am afraid I cannot stand here forever.”

“Oh yeah, I can help you up!” Jayce moved his hands to Viktor’s arms, his palm circling Viktor’s entire arm as Viktor slowly pulled himself up. “Are you okay? I can get you your cane,” Jayce began, eyes darting around the room, “It’s gotta be somewhere around…”

“The floor, Jayce.” Lo and behold, it was on the floor. Jayce let Viktor prop himself against the bar counter before bending over to get the cane and promptly handing it to Viktor.

“So are we going to talk about-”

“No.” Viktor spoke, “Not, eh, right now.” He attempted to clear his throat, as if it would cleanse the ache in his heart and lungs, “I have something I want to show you—eh, more like give to you—but show you nonetheless.” As much as Jayce’s smile fell at Viktor’s dismissal, he couldn’t help but tilt his head to the side while trying his best not to invade Viktor’s space immediately.

“Is it in the lab?”

“In a way,” Viktor answered, walking past Jayce towards the staircase. If Jayce’s curiosity hadn’t been piqued before, it certainly was now. The lab? Was Viktor showing him everything he did while Jayce was away? As much as Jayce adored the idea, there was still one thing that was throwing him off.

“Viktor, I know it’s been a while but I can’t imagine you’ve moved the lab to upstairs.”

“That’s because we’re not going to the lab. We’re going to my bedroom. I’ve been working on a pet project of sorts.” Viktor clarified, his lips instinctively turning up as he felt them slide back into place. He moved towards the stairs but only made it up a couple of steps before turning around to see Jayce rooted in place.

“Jayce, I fear I’ve already given you an invitation to follow me, but if you would like another, I would be more than thrilled to provide it.” Viktor jested, laughing to himself upon seeing Jayce seemingly spring back to life to follow him with giddy anticipation he hadn’t seen in Jayce since he left. His smile widened as they continued up the stairs toward his room.

Chapter Text

Jayce followed closely behind, eyes taking in Viktor’s figure in front of him. His eyes traced every inch of Viktor’s back, admiring the intricate embroidery of the black, tight-fitted corset that adorned his waist. The thread was a gorgeous, deep shade of gold that shone bright against the corest's black leather, bringing out the vibrant red-washed roses the thread outlined.

It was new, given its condition. Did Viktor pick out the colors? Had he chosen those colors on purpose?

Regardless, the colors suited him well.

Jayce continued, quietly admiring the soft curls that caressed the back of Viktor's neck. He wanted nothing more than to run his fingers through it and wrap the ends around his fingers like Viktor does. Jayce could see it so clearly. Curled up together on Viktor’s bed with one hand around his waist and the other gently twirling the ends of his hair. Would he massage the muscle around Viktor’s waist? Would he lean into the scent of Viktor’s hair? Would he tilt Viktor’s head up and capture his-

“Jayce?” Viktor called out, turning his attention to Jayce, who had completely walked past him and the bedroom door. The man froze, face flushing as he turned around and quickly invited himself into the room, nearly tripping over the end of Viktor's cane on his way in.

“You may sit on the bed." Viktor directed, gesturing to the small bed in the corner. "I need a moment to find your present. I, eh, do not remember where I put it last.” Viktor continued, leaning his cane against the wall before sitting down at his—and he swore it wasn’t his fault—messy desk.

“My present?”

“Why yes! It was your birthday a couple of weeks ago.” Jayce blinks a few times, his face falling as he averts his gaze and heat rushes to his face.

“Do not tell me the Jayce Talis forgot his own birthday. I better mark the calendar.” Viktor teased, rummaging through the drawer under his desk. It was a meaningless performance to buy himself some time. The present has been in the same spot since he finished it, the same place where he carefully returns it every night.

“Well, they didn’t allow clocks in the cells, or calendars,” Jayce mumbled, almost to himself. It was loud enough to be heard, but just quiet enough that he could pretend Viktor wouldn’t hear him.

Viktor's movement ceased for a second. “You were in Stillwater…” It wasn’t a question. They both knew that. Viktor didn’t expect Piltover to do that to their own, to Jayce. Stillwater was a hell reserved for Zaunites brave enough to act out, but it seems Piltover will put anyone behind bars if they deem them dangerous enough. Viktor felt his jaw tighten when he turned to Jayce. His shoulders were tight, and his eyes were avoiding Viktor, deciding the bedding was the most captivating thing in the room instead. Viktor had never been the best at reading signals, but he didn't have to worry about mixing them up with Jayce. Viktor knew that conversation would wait until Jayce wanted to talk about it. Jayce was still waiting for his present. If that's what he wants, then who was Viktor to deny him?

Viktor pulled himself up from his chair, using the table edge as leverage with his hands behind his back. “Close your eyes and hold your hands out.”

“First day back and you’re already so demanding,” Jayce complains, but complies almost immediately, catching Viktor staring into his soul with an eyebrow raised.

“Would you rather I say please?” Viktor suggested, earning a chuckle from Jayce.

“Ha ha. I think I’d like that, yeah.” Jayce shoots back, enjoying the feeling bubbling in his chest as his shoulders relax, allowing his open hands rest on his thighs.

“I will when you do not immediately give in.”

“Viktor, be serious. When am I not going to give in to you?”

“That I do not know. Perhaps, I should make it my goal to find out.”

“Good luck with that.”

“I will not need luck, miláčku. Now, be quiet long enough to let me give you your gift.” And with that, Jayce complies once more after having his fill. As much as he loved pestering Viktor, he was deathly curious what this present had in store.

Once stillness filled the room, Jayce brought his attention to his surroundings. He listened to Viktor shuffle closer and focused on the warmth of Viktor’s knees pressed against his. What caught his attention, however, was the sensation of a dozen cold pinpricks on his hands. Whatever it was, it was made of metal, and yet somehow as light as a feather.

Jayce couldn’t help himself and slowly opened his eyes, greeted with a sight that was nothing short of magnificent.

In his palms were two mechanical butterflies, blue morpho, if he wasn’t mistaken, with one being slightly smaller than the other. The gold mechanical parts were covered with thin, semi-sheer fabric, allowing the gold shine through the blue wings.

However, it wasn’t the intricate mechanisms that piqued Jayce’s interest. That would be the pattern on the wings. Both had one wing that shone a vibrant blue through the entire wing, while the other was a darker blue with a black and white-dotted pattern lining its edges. They mirrored each other, as if they gave a part of themselves to the other. Jayce found himself thinking they looked with him and Viktor—two halves of a whole.

“Did you make these?” Jayce spoke up, still inspecting the gears and springs inside the wings and body. He swears there's something familiar about them.

“No, I found them in a dumpster.” Viktor joked, earning him a look utterly devoid of amusement from Jayce as the man looked up at him. “Yes, I made them. You can at least pretend I am funny sometimes.” Jayce does laugh this time, scooting over as Viktor uses his shoulder to sit down on the bed.

"So...Do you like them?" Viktor asks softly. He'd hate to admit how long he spent trying to perfect them. He'd hate to admit how far from that they still were, but he wouldn't be opposed ot making it their next project.

"I do. They're beautiful, and the inner mechanisms are brilliant! The wings are the perfect size to create the right amount of lift to sustain flight, and the spring between the..." Jayce praised, only ceasing when his eye finally caught what he was looking for. The small springs that connected the thorax to the abdomen. It was genius to use the weight of the abdomen to offset the front weight of the thorax, and the only other invention he had seen it in was the butterflies he had dissected in his cell.

Were these the final versions? That means the ones he had were prototypes. Prototypes that Viktor had made.

Suddenly, Jayce quickly returned the butterflies, got up, and ran out of the room. Viktor stared at the doorway in disbelief, listening to the sound of heavy steps racing downstairs. That was perhaps the last way he expected Jayce to react. He said he liked them, and his first thought was to run out of the room? Viktor wishes he had half a mind to follow him, if not just to see what Jayce had left in such a hurry for. It didn’t matter much as Jayce came running back as fast as he left, running into the doorframe before stumbling in.

“Jayce!” Viktor sprang from the bed and rushed for Jayce, tripping over himself. “Viktor!” Jayce lunged forward, pulling Viktor towards him with his free hand. “It was you!”

“What-who was me?” Viktor’s eyes shifted rapidly between Jayce’s eyes and lips, wide, dilated, and desperately trying not to look down at Jayce’s arm around his waist again.

“Oh, Viktor! No guardian angel or mysterious mechanical god was watching over me,” Jayce held out his hand, “Viktor, it was you!” Opening his palm, he reveals several smaller mechanical butterflies. A couple were bare, only showing the gold mechanical interior, others without legs, and one had white wings—a cabbage white butterfly, as Jayce came to discover. Despite being in various stages of completion, they all shared their style of mechanical construction. How Jayce didn't recognize Viktor's handiwork sooner, he'll never know.

“The prototypes! You-” Viktor exclaimed, holding Jayce’s hand in his own. “You received the prototypes!” Jayce felt the air from his lungs vanish when Viktor’s excited eyes met his again.

“I-I did not think they ever made it out of Zaun. I had not yet programmed them to find a set location, much less to locate a moving one. I- Jayce, this is incredible! Just imagine what we could integrate this into! We could continue the trials! We must. There's so much you have not seen.” The sound of Viktor’s voice trailed on, but Jayce couldn’t seem to hear much of it anymore.

All senses dulled just to hone in on the sheer sight of the man before Jayce.

There he was. Jayce’s brilliant, beautiful boy. Viktor’s eyes lit up as he began prattling on about…well, Jayce can’t exactly tell. He’d take a guess it’s about redirecting the recoil of the hex crystal’s shards to be used as propulsion, maybe creating an entire system of rapid communication. Whichever it was, Viktor was explaining so rather animatedly, and for a second, Jayce thought he should take a step back to avoid getting smacked in the face. He didn’t, of course. Why would he? Jayce didn’t get this far because he backed away from the fire. He also wouldn’t mind being on the back end of Viktor’s excitement again, but he was taking that to the grave.

Jayce was getting off topic, and Viktor was looking at him expectantly.

“Okay, you are not listening. Let me just show you.” Jayce blinked a couple of times.

“Show me what?” Viktor rolled his eyes, “Exactly my point. Stay right there.” Jayce did as he was told as Viktor grabbed his cane and moved to the other side of the room, blue morpho in hand. “Now, keep your eyes on the butterfly. I haven’t seen whether they land or just stop when they run into something, so try not to get hit.”

With a soft click, the sound of gears and cogs springing into life with the soft hum of the arcane filled the room. Viktor breathed in before blowing a light breeze under its wings, causing the wings to flutter and the butterfly to take off. Jayce watched in awe as it gracefully fluttered towards him. His eyes quickly looked back to Viktor, almost too mesmerized by the look of prideful awe in his eyes to notice him motioning for Jayce to hold his hands out. Jayce snapped back into reality fast enough to bring his hands out, just for the butterfly to completely miss them and land on the tip of his nose.

Movement ceased, but the interior machinery did not.

“I suppose the landing protocol is not yet perfected.” Viktor began, moving towards Jayce to collect the butterfly, when suddenly it began to speak with a voice laced with a familiar accent.

“This is Prototype 6, trial 7 for audio recording and playback. Janna, this is stupid. Jayce, I know you will never get this, so this will be for me more than anyone else.” Jayce’s focus darted back to Viktor. There was a look in Viktor’s eyes that he couldn’t quite place, but he looked nervous. Scared? Why is he backing away?

“It’s been almost six months since I last saw you, and it has been…rough to say the least. You have no idea how quiet it is without you in the lab. I miss hearing your stupidly charming voice, your laugh, I even miss your snoring when you so graciously decide to stay the night.” There’s quiet, strained laughter. Jayce hopes it's just the recording.

“I miss your hugs—your touch—and I am not proud to admit it. I realized I have grown rather dependent on it. It feels like my shoulder misses the pressure and warmth of your hands. I get cold at night, and I can not help but think about how you would react. I miss you so much, Jayce, and I am afraid it is because I love you. I have grown so used to you being around that I can no longer stand you being gone. Nemůžu bez tebe žít, prosím, prosím vrať se…” The voice died out as the gears slowly came to a stop.

[I can't live without you, please, please come back.]

Oh. That's why.

“I, eh,” Viktor’s voice wobbled, “forgot I recorded that." His voice died with a resignation, his arms circling himself in attempts to shrink himself into the wall.

“Do they all do that?” Jayce inquired, watching Viktor’s body tense as if sound itself was painful.

“Just the morphos. The smaller ones were to test flight paths and patterns.” Viktor answered, eyes darting away from Jayce after he finished speaking. He caught the gleam in Jayce’s eyes. It’s very particular and ridiculously common with him. Viktor’s certain Jayce was planning something.

With a quick nod, Jayce began examining the butterfly in his hand, carefully maneuvering the wings and legs, searching for a sort of recording mechanism. It must have been discreet, expertly hidden among the plating and fabric, because Jayce had turned the butterfly over and around about two or three times before he got anywhere.

“There is a button on the underside of the upper body. Hold it down to begin recording, if that is what you are doing.” Jayce perked up at the sound of Viktor’s voice, much closer than it had been moments ago. Lithe fingers turn over the butterfly, pointing at the small button. When Viktor brings his attention back to Jayce, he finds hazel eyes already staring into his own with a look of fondness on Jayce’s face. Viktor thought he looked foolish.

“Jayce,” Viktor began, watching Jayce’s eyes flutter like he does when he’s stuck on a particularly difficult problem. Viktor wasn’t wrong, per se. Jayce’s mind was stuck. Stuck in a loop of screaming, ‘gods, he’s so beautiful’. So, not a math problem, but one Viktor was still the key to solving.

“You are doing something right now, Jayce,” Viktor repeated.

“I am? Yes, I am! Come, um, sit on the bed. Please.” Jayce patted the spot next to him, and Viktor pretended he didn’t notice how close Jayce beckoned him to sit.

“Since you asked so nicely.” Viktor gently sat himself on the bed, only for Jayce to stand up and stand near the door.

“What exactly are you planning, Jayce?” Viktor asked, a smile pulling at his lips. “You’ll see!” Mimicking Viktor’s movements, Jayce released the butterfly. It flitted around the room, choosing to make a show of itself before landing on the back of Viktor's hand. The man raised it to his face as the butterfly spoke once more.

“I missed you more than you could possibly imagine. You didn’t do anything wrong; there’s nothing you could do to get rid of me. I’ve loved you too much for too long. I’m here, and I’ll be here as long as you let me. Love, Jayce.”

The first thing Jayce heard was laughter. No. Not laughter. Giggling.

“Only you would think to sign an audio recording.” Viktor chuckled with a small smile forming.

Jayce’s jaw hit the floor, flabbergasted and bewildered. A full laugh racked Viktor’s body at the sight of it—a full-body laugh from the depths of his diaphragm. A stray cough forces itself through in between his laughing, and Viktor can’t bring himself to care enough to calm down.

“I can’t believe you. I just professed my undying love for you, and you’re making fun of me.” Jayce complained as he dramatically threw his body onto the bed, turning his head away from Viktor to hide the smile pulling at his lips. But unfortunately, Jayce is a weak man. The sound of Viktor’s continued giggling tempted him to turn back. Thank the gods he did, for he was rewarded with the sight of Viktor hunched into himself, trying to cover his laughter with the back of his hand.

“No, no, it’s very charming.” Viktor laughed, his gaze soft as he leaned over Jayce to meet his eyes, “It’s very you.”

Jayce felt the breath from his lungs stolen by a single gaze. Is this how Viktor always looked at him? Staring such unrestrained affection in the eye, he realized how much time they wasted looking love in the face. More importantly, how foolish they were to choose to yearn from a distance. They had been so close for so long, and he was never brave enough to do anything about it.

Jayce sat up slowly, now towering over Viktor's smaller frame.

“Would it be very me to ask if I could kiss you?” Jayce asked, closing some of the space between them. A rosy blush began to spread along Viktor's cheeks, heat flushing the rest of his face when he accidentally looked at Jayce's lips instead of his eyes.

“It is a stupid question, so I suppose it is.” Viktor remarked, closing the rest of the space until he could feel the warmth of Jayce’s thigh on his own. His whole body was as hot as his face, and sat so close, Viktor to see that Jayce wasn't fairing and better than he was.

Oh my gods, they were really doing this.

“So, um, that’s a yes, right?” Jayce insisted. He needed to be sure enough to calm his escalating nerves. In a perfect world, he would’ve gotten himself together enough not to sound so pathetic, but the world was far from perfect, and heat from Viktor’s breath on his lips made it impossible to do anything but whine and trip over his words.

His eyes flickered between soft, thin lips and gorgeous amber eyes, half-lidded and fluttering in a way that drew Jayce in. The man’s large palm rested on Viktor’s cheek, his touch shy but ever gentle against the pale, smooth skin. Viktor raised his hand to press the bronze calloused hand closer, turning his head ever so slightly to brush his lips on Jayce’s palm while keeping his eyes locked on him.

“Of course it is, moje Jayce.” Viktor mouthed into Jayce’s hand, leaving a chaste kiss before grabbing Jayce’s collar and pulling him down to meet Viktor’s lips.

Chapter Text

Jayce could never pretend to be a patient man. He leaned down and met Viktor halfway, resulting in an unintentional hard crash of lips rather than a gentle kiss. Not that it mattered to them. It was imperfect and unfocused, but so woefully passionate they could taste almost it on the other’s lips. It was everything either could’ve wanted. Jayce pushed ahead, nipping at Viktor’s lips, begging to be let in. Viktor was not one to disappoint and graciously opened himself up to a much-welcomed intrusion, all made worth it by the pleased grumble that Viktor felt resonated from Jayce through him. A smile broke across Jayce’s face as he continued to drown himself in Viktor’s lips.

“Jayce, stop smiling. I cannot kiss you like this.” Viktor complains through enthusiastic kisses. They pulled away from each other, and for a moment, Viktor thought Jayce was actually processing his request. Instead, Jayce redoubled his efforts, now running his lips across Viktor’s face, especially those little moles on his face. The smaller man found it both adorable and annoying.

On one hand, kisses from Jayce filled his soul with a happiness he hadn’t felt in years. On the other hand, Jayce wasn’t kissing his lips, and that pissed him off.

Viktor cupped Jayce's face, pulling him away for a second before redirecting Jayce to a much more productive task. Viktor need not try hard to get Jayce to open up for him, so he let himself taste the inside of Jayce as he felt the man melt into his hands. Who knew he’d surrender so easily? Viktor continued to smother Jayce’s poor lips as large hands ran up his thighs, causing him to gasp when they dug into the meat of his waist. Jayce then pulled away, only to recapture Viktor’s lips again, more forceful than before but no less enjoyed. Perhaps he doesn’t surrender easily. Hot lips traveled down from Viktor’s lips to the underside of his jaw, light-nipping at the skin and earning him sweet sighs from Viktor. As Jayce continued to lean over Viktor, one of them became keenly aware of the valuable machinery sandwiched between them.

“Before you continue devouring me,” Viktor began, lips turning up at the pathetic whine that reverberated through his skin, “put the butterflies on the nightstand. I would hate for those recordings to be damaged because someone could not keep his hands to himself.” Reluctantly, Jayce lifted his head from the smooth, soft comfort of Viktor’s neck and sat up to quickly place the butterflies out of harm’s way.

When he turned back, he was surprised by the feeling of the other man’s lips on his as he was tugged back down on top of Viktor. He was allowed but a moment to breathe before he moved lower, pressing feather-light kisses along the curve of Viktor’s neck.

A shiver runs up the smaller man’s spine, but he doesn’t dare move away. Rather, he finds himself leaning in the heat. Jayce smiles and presses his lips to one of Viktor’s moles, searing the mark with a lingering kiss. Viktor's breath hitches, but he catches the moan bubbling in the back of his throat before he makes a sound he'll certainly regret. Jayce moves lower and kisses another mole, this time on his collar, only sparing Viktor a quick glance before trailing even lower down the pale chest before him. Viktor's breath begins to hitch again in choked laughter this time, breathing out in soft, shaky sighs of pleasure.

Those wonderful noises were all the encouragement Jayce needed to continue his mouthing and nipping at Viktor’s chest as his hands slowly slid under Viktor’s shirt. So many moles, and only so much time to leave them all flushed in his love.

It took everything in Viktor’s body and soul not to moan as he felt his body sink into the mattress and his head fall to the side as his eyes fluttered closed, focusing on the heat of Jayce’s calloused hands roaming across his body. It was scorching, and it burned Viktor so wonderfully from the inside.

Jayce continues his conquest, only letting up when a shudder racks through his body at the feeling of Viktor’s breath on the side of his neck. Hazel meets amber for a fleeting second before Jayce’s eyes roll back at the feeling of a flame burst upon his skin where the ghost of Viktor’s lips meets his neck. Were he a stronger man, he would’ve bit back, but all he could do was whimper into Viktor’s shoulder in faint, blissful pleasure.

“So sensitive, moje lásko.” Viktor mouthed into Jayce’s neck, peppering light kisses on the sun-kissed skin with a teasing smile. He chuckled as he felt the weight of Jayce press him further into the mattress.

Big baby. Pout as he liked, it wasn’t going to stop Viktor from running his lips across Jayce’s deliciously warm skin. Viktor hummed in pleasure as Jayce’s arms tightened around his torso and buried himself more into his neck with a low sigh. And what of it if he wanted Jayce to suffocate him with that big, gorgeous body? That was his business.

Viktor leaned back to face Jayce, guiding Jayce to rest in his lap as Viktor slowly sat up. Of his own accord, Jayce draped his gorgeously built arms over Viktor’s shoulders as he brought his attention back to Viktor’s face, eyes half-lidded and lips in a wide, lovedrunk smile like a sly little cat that got the cream. Jayce wanted to kiss the look off his face, but Viktor beat him to it, placing gentle kisses on Jayce’s eyelids as his hands moved from Jayce’s waist to his face.

“If I did not know any better, I would think you were purring, drahý.” Viktor teased, yet the vibration of low grumbles coming from Jayce’s throat didn’t cease. If anything, it got louder in weak protest. Viktor couldn’t have that. He wanted Jayce pliant in his arms.

Thin fingers trailed up the sides of Jayce’s face until they nestled in the crown of his hair. Jayce felt his mind melt as Viktor began to run his fingers through his scalp, gently tugging on his hair every couple of seconds. Kisses and head scratches? Maybe the gods do love him. He leaned into the touch, allowing Viktor to kiss further down his face, letting his own hands wander up into the soft, golden brown hair. Thin lips pressed onto Jayce’s jaw repeatedly, causing Jayce to lurch in what felt like light laughter. Once Viktor caught on, his mission became clear. Jayce tried to pull away, attempting to save himself from the sudden barrage of kisses that flushed his face with a tickling light sensation. Unfortunately for him, Viktor had no intention of stopping. He pulled Jayce closer, leaning further into his space to continue his onslaught of affection, now kissing all around Jayce’s face.

“Vik-Viktor! It tickles, I can’t-!” Jayce stumbles over his words through laughter and Viktor’s lips. It’s a shame Jayce needs to breathe, because he’d much rather suffocate in Viktor’s mischievous adoration.

“I. Do. Not. Care.” Viktor protested, emphasizing each word with a kiss on Jayce’s eyes, nose, and finally on his lips. He lingered on Jayce’s lips, memorizing the way their mouths fit together as he had but an hour ago.

The kiss is broken when Jayce pushes Viktor back. The bed springs squeaked as Viktor’s back lands on the mattress, Jayce boxing him in with his arms outstretched on either side of Viktor’s head.

Expectant eyes bore into Jayce’s soul, half-lidded, happy, and hungry. Jayce didn’t seem to notice, though. He simply took Viktor in, as if trying to make up for the past 6 months when all he had was the burned image of sharp cheekbones behind his eyes at night. No. This longing to look, to witness, it was more than that. He had robbed himself of Viktor for the past three years, when all he allowed himself were stolen glances.

Viktor looked ethereal in the soft light of the room.

Brilliant amber eyes refracted light in a kaleidoscope of warm yellows and golds. Lips so pretty, so soft against Jayce’s, despite being slightly chapped; he hopes Viktor never finds out what lipbalm is. Don’t get Jayce started on those adorable moles that adorn his body like the stars bless the sky. He prays to the gods above he learns just how many lie under Viktor’s clothes.

Jayce gently cards his fingers through Viktor’s fluffy, golden brown hair, twirling the sweet curls that were splayed out around him like a halo. He was like Jayce’s own little angel, living proof that, despite it all, the gods looked down on him fondly. His attention moved downward, hands settling on Viktor’s bewitching waist. It felt like holding the world in his hands with such ease; it made him wonder what he did to deserve this. Whatever did he do to deserve to run his hands along Vitkor’s stomach, to get so lucky as to caress every vertebra of his spine, and to be so privileged to embrace this divine soul held between his mortal hands? Gods, Jayce is sure he’ll never know.

“Jayce?” Viktor whispered, calling out to Jayce through the fog with a tender caress on his cheek.

“Yeah, I’m still here…” He reassures, but his eyes remain singularly focused on greedily taking in the beautiful visage laid before him. Jayce really can’t help himself. He missed looking at Viktor. Missed hearing Viktor. Missed feeling Viktor. How else is he supposed to react to having everything he ever wanted between his arms, comfortably stretched out like a kitten in the sun? All Jayce wants is to keep him here forever, if Viktor allows it.

Slowly, Jayce lowers his body back on top of Viktor’s, sinking his weight into the smaller body and enveloping him wholly. Viktor blinks, but accepts the comforting pressure. It wasn’t exactly what Viktor was imagining when he wanted Jayce in his arms, but he loved it all the same.

“Would you mind if we just, uh, stayed here, like this? Just for tonight.” Jayce asked, his pleading eyes partially hidden in Viktor’s shoulder. It’s a shame he wasted his pleading look on such a request. Jayce could ask for it every night, and Viktor’s answer wouldn’t change. He could ask for anything, and Viktor’s answer would be the same.

“Let me take my leg off first, then I would be more than delighted to, miláčku,” Jayce pulled himself up, rolling over to Viktor’s side to allow him to sit up. Viktor expected the process to be quick, but before he could begin to unfasten his prosthetic, he heard the sounds of a disgruntled man fall on the floor.

“Must you always be so dramatic?” Viktor comments, following Jayce’s sluggish movements as he settles between Viktor’s legs.

“C’mon, you wouldn’t want me any other way.” Viktor rolled his eyes, but conceded, “Hmm, I suppose I would not. What are you doing down there anyway?” Jayce turns his body towards Viktor’s right leg, rolling up Viktor’s pant leg to reveal the intricate machinery. “Helping you take off your leg, duh.”

“Duh,” Viktor mimics, “do you know how to take it off, Jayce?” Jayce pauses. Does he know? Of course not. Would he like to figure it out? Of course. “I will take that as a no.” Viktor moves closer to the edge of the bed as he finishes rolling his pant leg up to the juncture connecting his thigh and torso. There were two main components of Vitkor’s leg, one covering what remains of his thigh and the other being the prosthetic itself, along with numerous wires connecting small ports in his skin to the main leg. Jayce had never been so proud of Viktor. He could see the detailing in the plating and wiring that screamed Viktor’s handiwork. He really built himself a leg, all by himself. Jayce just hopes he didn’t cut his old leg off himself.

“If you want to help, pay attention carefully.” Viktor began, guiding Jayce’s hands to the wiring first.

“Disconnect the wires from my thigh, then pull off the prosthetic. It should come off easily, but still, be careful.” Jayce nodded, and as delicately as he could, disconnected the wires. He placed light kisses over each port before unfastening the velcro and gently tugging the prosthetic off. Jayce half expected that to be all, but there was still something covering Vitkor’s thigh.

“Thank you, Jayce. Go set it by the nightstand, please.” Viktor commands softly. Jayce nodded again, sliding across the floor to lean the leg against the aforementioned nightstand. In the meantime, Viktor rolled the liner off his thigh, both grateful and annoyed that he had the forethought to make a protective layer. Grateful because what’s left of his thigh is free of irritation, annoyed because it’s covered in a thin layer of sweat from keeping it on for too long.

“Could you hand me my cane, Jayce?”

“Just because I’m tired doesn’t mean I don’t notice you being bossy again,” Jayce pouted, of course, while handing Viktor his cane.

“My master plan has been ruined. Whatever will I do?” Viktor muses, dramatically draping his arm across his head. Jayce laughs to himself as he stands to help Viktor up. It shouldn’t have surprised Viktor, yet he hesitated for a moment.

“C’mon, Viktor, we’ve done this song and dance before. Let me help you.” Jayce pleaded. Viktor sighed, taking Jayce’s hand and letting him help him up. He worried for a second that Jayce would carry him to the bathroom, but he didn’t. It seems their song and dance really did stick. Jayce lets Viktor find his footing first, then lets him go. It wasn’t as if Viktor would be gone for long; he just desperately needed to clean his leg before bed.

Once Viktor left the room, Jayce set about properly cleaning it up a bit. To think the one thing standing between Vitkor and a clean room was him. Jayce knew better than to tidy Viktor’s desk, so he opted to get the bed ready. Just a light fluffing of the pillows and smoothing out the comforter would do.

When Jayce left Piltover earlier that night, this wasn’t where he thought this would all lead to. He hoped for forgiveness at best, returning home at worst. The thought of staying the night in Viktor’s bed was so far beyond best-case scenario that he wonders if it’s all an elaborate dream. When Viktor reentered the room, Jayce was sure this was all real. There’s no way he would’ve thought to have Viktor in a light blue oversized sleep shirt. He would’ve guessed one of those boring pinstripe get-ups that would’ve made him look ancient. This was undeniably better. He looked so small when almost swallowed by the shirt, so big it hung off his shoulders.

It was at that moment that Jayce realized he hadn’t much to wear in terms of sleepwear. Mostly because he didn’t wear anything to sleep besides his boxers. Jayce is fully aware they’re adults who can sleep in the semi-nude together, but his mother raised him better! They haven't even been on their first date yet!

“You wouldn’t happen to have any spare clothes I could wear tonight, would you?” Jayce asked timidly. Viktor paused for a moment, looking at his dresser as if debating whether he wanted Jayce to sleep in clothes tonight.

“I would. Unfortunately, it is only pants, if that does not bother you.” Vitkor wasn’t lying, not entirely. He had other sets of sleepwear, but they would be much too small. Besides, it would be cute to see Jayce in matching pajamas. Viktor hopped over to the dresser and pulled out light blue pants, handing them to Jayce before directing him to the bathroom. Jayce thanked him profusely before rushing out to change.

When Jayce exited the bathroom, he heard the sound of his voice echo through the short hallway. Coming to the bedroom doorway, Jayce finds Viktor already sitting up under the covers with one of the butterflies up to his ear, playing back the sweet words he'd spoken earlier that night.

“Hope I didn’t take too long.” Jayce announced with a light knock. Viktor startled, quickly pulling the small bug to his chest. “No, no, you are, eh…” Viktor turns to Jayce, and to say the least, his eyes never met Jayce’s, “fine.” If Viktor wasn’t red before, he certainly was now. In the whirlwind of the night's events, he had yet to fully take in all of Jayce, and now faced with the entirety of his bare chest, Viktor couldn’t help but stare. He doesn’t know what Jayce went through the past six months, but he clearly didn’t have time to shave. Viktor didn’t think he’d like the extra hair, but here he was, staring at Jayce like a complete creep.

Clearing his throat, Viktor quickly moved to make space on the bed for Jayce.

Neither quite knew how to get comfortable with one another like this. They had existed in each other’s orbit for so long that they had no clue how to approach the domesticity of being together. Viktor was the first to lay down, daring to face Jayce in an open invitation for him to do the same. His eyes did remain closed, though, to spare himself the chance Jayce turned his back to him.

It shouldn’t mean much, a simple preference of sleeping, but anything means everything when it comes to Jayce.

The light of the lamp vanishes from behind Viktor’s eyelids, and he feels his heart beat out of turn. The blanket rustles, the bed dips, and a hand gently cups Vitkor’s face. Viktor’s eyes hesitantly flutter open, and the visage of Jayce fills his vision. He’s closer than Viktor thought he would be, mere inches from his face.

“Thank you for taking me back,” Jayce whispers, so quietly Viktor might not have heard if they weren’t so close.

“You are crazy if you think for a second I would not,” Viktor affirmed, moving ever closer.

“I left you for so long, I-” Jayce was cut off by soft lips against his own, then lips upon the back of his hand now cradled by Viktor’s. “You were imprisoned, Jayce. I cannot fault you for that.”

“I should’ve stayed here.” Jayce protested. It was true. Viktor offered time and time again for him to stay the night, work in his lab, but he always chose to run home. He was foolish to think he belonged anywhere else than at Viktor’s side.

“You are here now, are you not?” Viktor asks, pressing his chest to Jayce’s. Jayce quiets for a moment, focusing on the sound of Viktor’s heart as it sings for him in steady beats. Jayce nods slowly, carefully moving his arms to lay across Viktor’s waist. “Then let us sleep, love. I have much to show you in the morning.”

“Te amo muito…” Jayce mumbled into Viktor’s neck, curling into Viktor’s warmth as exhaustion claimed the edges of his consciousness. The world softened into the faint passing of sensations. All Jayce could feel was the soft skin against his own and the sound of Viktor’s voice cutting through the fog of tiredness.

“Taky tě miluju, moje lasko. I will see you in the morning.”