Steve isn't at all put off by Jayce's energetic greeting, but that comes down to the fact that he's also a morning person. He and Sam are usually already running around the city when the sky starts to lighten, and after a workout, he's more than ready to face what the day brings.
A double back harness? He inclines his head, eyes widening slightly with interest, but then his attention shifts over to Viktor as he appears. Or V, as Jayce calls him. Cute. Steve nods to him in greeting.
"It's all right. I have all day." He doesn't have any jobs awaiting him, having made sure to leave his schedule open because he had no idea how long this might take. Jayce seems to want to try a whole variety of things.
"Here." He unstraps the plain metal shield from his arm so that he can hand it over to Jayce. "Sorry, when I was fighting off the undead last month, it got exposed to a lot of heat." He doesn't elaborate on where the heat came from, but won't hesitate to do so if they're curious. No fire-breathing zombies were involved, thankfully. "I'm not sure it was really designed to withstand that kind of thing, so..."
Some repairs might be in order. The shield definitely looks a bit charred at the edges.
A double back harness? He inclines his head, eyes widening slightly with interest, but then his attention shifts over to Viktor as he appears. Or V, as Jayce calls him. Cute. Steve nods to him in greeting.
"It's all right. I have all day." He doesn't have any jobs awaiting him, having made sure to leave his schedule open because he had no idea how long this might take. Jayce seems to want to try a whole variety of things.
"Here." He unstraps the plain metal shield from his arm so that he can hand it over to Jayce. "Sorry, when I was fighting off the undead last month, it got exposed to a lot of heat." He doesn't elaborate on where the heat came from, but won't hesitate to do so if they're curious. No fire-breathing zombies were involved, thankfully. "I'm not sure it was really designed to withstand that kind of thing, so..."
Some repairs might be in order. The shield definitely looks a bit charred at the edges.
Jayce rarely uses his familiar nickname of V around other people, but it sometimes slips when around friends. He scrunches his nose up at his partner at the 'getting ahead of himself' but only to be playful, since they both know his enthusiasm is what gets ahead of him. He likes making things for people who actually will use them.
He takes the shield and hums thoughtfully as he looks it over. Nothing that can't be easily repaired and he spins it around, setting it on his desk with a pointed look at Viktor. "Easy to update, and also fire protection is one of those enchantments we've been working on." Jayce pointed out that Viktor could be strengthening his enchantment practice by doing them, and this is one of those obvious examples.
"But, even more relevant, the metal that Luna sent can withstand extremely high temperatures without melting and is resistant to corrosion." This is when Jayce gets into that mode of his enthusiasm really taking over, animated as he talks, because of course for nerds like them, new metal can be particularly thrilling to play with. He scoops up the new shield he made for Steve and offers it to him.
This one is very light-weight, it would feel almost too light compared to the heavier metal of the other. "Braerium is physically brittle but magically significant, so I had to test it out with some alloy options to keep the magic absorption without shattering at the first serious punch it would take." Do not underestimate how many times Jayce tested things out before making one he liked.
He takes the shield and hums thoughtfully as he looks it over. Nothing that can't be easily repaired and he spins it around, setting it on his desk with a pointed look at Viktor. "Easy to update, and also fire protection is one of those enchantments we've been working on." Jayce pointed out that Viktor could be strengthening his enchantment practice by doing them, and this is one of those obvious examples.
"But, even more relevant, the metal that Luna sent can withstand extremely high temperatures without melting and is resistant to corrosion." This is when Jayce gets into that mode of his enthusiasm really taking over, animated as he talks, because of course for nerds like them, new metal can be particularly thrilling to play with. He scoops up the new shield he made for Steve and offers it to him.
This one is very light-weight, it would feel almost too light compared to the heavier metal of the other. "Braerium is physically brittle but magically significant, so I had to test it out with some alloy options to keep the magic absorption without shattering at the first serious punch it would take." Do not underestimate how many times Jayce tested things out before making one he liked.
"Yes, if you trust my abilities, I'm happy to apply the enchantment. " What he does not say is that he's still kind of practicing all of this, but Jayce will assist if necessary. That's what this is supposed to be about, after all. Viktor shuffles closer so that he can peer over Jayce's shoulder to get a look at the shield, assessing the damage and nodding in agreement.
Of course, Braerium is what's most relevant to this conversation, and though Viktor isn't as openly thrilled as Jayce, the intensity of his interest is the biggest indicator that he's just as excited about it, even if he wasn't the one to do the smithing.
"There's room for improvement, of course." Which is why Steve is here. "Though if I may ask, why a shield?"
He hopes that the implication is clear--it's not necessarily just about the shield, but rather, the fact that Steve seems interested in only a shield. He hasn't asked for knives, or swords, or anything else like that. Viktor finds that curious in itself.
Of course, Braerium is what's most relevant to this conversation, and though Viktor isn't as openly thrilled as Jayce, the intensity of his interest is the biggest indicator that he's just as excited about it, even if he wasn't the one to do the smithing.
"There's room for improvement, of course." Which is why Steve is here. "Though if I may ask, why a shield?"
He hopes that the implication is clear--it's not necessarily just about the shield, but rather, the fact that Steve seems interested in only a shield. He hasn't asked for knives, or swords, or anything else like that. Viktor finds that curious in itself.
It's a relief to hear that the two of them think that they can repair and even improve on the shield that Steve's already been using. He knows that it's never going to be able to ricochet around in a perfect trajectory to return to his hands like his own shield would, but he isn't about to complain about that. It's not a failure on the part of either Jayce or Viktor, as vibranium isn't something that can just be recreated like it's nothing.
"I'd appreciate that," Steve says to Viktor with a nod before he takes the new shield that Jayce hands over. Braerium, huh? It's notably lightweight and Steve's eyebrows lift up in surprise as he turns the disc over in his hands, inspecting it. "If you can figure out a way to make sure that it can handle brute force, that would be great."
Otherwise, it's going to take quite an adjustment for him to learn to use it in way that isn't going to just break it apart the first time he tries it out. To use it solely as a shield, rather than as a weapon in its own right. If Jayce's idea for a pack that can hold two shields works, he could shift between them as needed, though.
Then comes Viktor's question, and Steve smiles wryly as he sets the shield down on the closest counter for now. He'll be happy to test it out for them in any way that they want, but doesn't want to accidentally do any harm before they get to that.
"I've always been the most comfortable using one over knives or guns," he explains with a one-armed shrug. "The one I had back home was made of something called vibranium, and I could throw it in such a way that it would hit multiple targets before returning to me. Sometimes a good defense is the best offense."
"I'd appreciate that," Steve says to Viktor with a nod before he takes the new shield that Jayce hands over. Braerium, huh? It's notably lightweight and Steve's eyebrows lift up in surprise as he turns the disc over in his hands, inspecting it. "If you can figure out a way to make sure that it can handle brute force, that would be great."
Otherwise, it's going to take quite an adjustment for him to learn to use it in way that isn't going to just break it apart the first time he tries it out. To use it solely as a shield, rather than as a weapon in its own right. If Jayce's idea for a pack that can hold two shields works, he could shift between them as needed, though.
Then comes Viktor's question, and Steve smiles wryly as he sets the shield down on the closest counter for now. He'll be happy to test it out for them in any way that they want, but doesn't want to accidentally do any harm before they get to that.
"I've always been the most comfortable using one over knives or guns," he explains with a one-armed shrug. "The one I had back home was made of something called vibranium, and I could throw it in such a way that it would hit multiple targets before returning to me. Sometimes a good defense is the best offense."
"It might not be possible to make one with the strength of a full shield and also have the magical properties, which is why having a magic shield and a combat shield could be one approach." Jayce wants to be honest, the way braerium is made up, you can't have both perfectly. But he understands having two shields instead of just one fantastic vibranium one isn't an ideal situation. The point is this is a work in progress, they only started being able to work with the metal. "I'm still working on it though." He doesn't give up easily.
"I can't even tell you what I'd do to use vibranium. It sounds like ... the perfect metal." And of course for someone like him that's a damn miracle. Also Jayce is a rock collector and while vibranium is not a rock (maybe), it still sounds like something he'd want to treasure. "Have you considered learning some magic? A telekinesis spell in combat could help you do something similar."
Jayce is a mage now, something he still can't believe on a daily basis, so despite much of his work being physical, magical takes its place in his heart when he thinks about it. He problem solves. "We actually have an area we can test out the shield."
"I can't even tell you what I'd do to use vibranium. It sounds like ... the perfect metal." And of course for someone like him that's a damn miracle. Also Jayce is a rock collector and while vibranium is not a rock (maybe), it still sounds like something he'd want to treasure. "Have you considered learning some magic? A telekinesis spell in combat could help you do something similar."
Jayce is a mage now, something he still can't believe on a daily basis, so despite much of his work being physical, magical takes its place in his heart when he thinks about it. He problem solves. "We actually have an area we can test out the shield."
“Ideally we’ll be able to fortify braerium to provide both physical and magical defense.”
But they aren’t there yet. In the meantime, it seems like all three of them are perfectly fine with this arrangement—Viktor and Jayce developing equipment for Steve to test, and Steve gets a cool toy, and brings his notes back to the workshop. Viktor's in agreement that two shields is overkill, but they've only just started to work with this material. Optimizing it is going to take some time.
Jayce might want to swoon over vibranium, but Viktor is more practical. Yes, it might be nice to have. Yes, he'd probably do quite a lot to get his hands on some, but they all know such a thing isn't possible. The next best thing will be to alter braerium to achieve similar effects. That's something he and Jayce could be good at. When Jayce mentions actually testing it out, Viktor lights up.
"Yes, out back in the alley. If you're amenable, of course."
But they aren’t there yet. In the meantime, it seems like all three of them are perfectly fine with this arrangement—Viktor and Jayce developing equipment for Steve to test, and Steve gets a cool toy, and brings his notes back to the workshop. Viktor's in agreement that two shields is overkill, but they've only just started to work with this material. Optimizing it is going to take some time.
Jayce might want to swoon over vibranium, but Viktor is more practical. Yes, it might be nice to have. Yes, he'd probably do quite a lot to get his hands on some, but they all know such a thing isn't possible. The next best thing will be to alter braerium to achieve similar effects. That's something he and Jayce could be good at. When Jayce mentions actually testing it out, Viktor lights up.
"Yes, out back in the alley. If you're amenable, of course."
As both of them work to manage Steve's expectations, he's quick to nod. "I get that I'm going to probably have to switch between the two, at least for now." That's going to be an adjustment, he won't claim otherwise, but he's pretty sure that he'll learn how to manage it for lack of a better option. This is more than he ever could have expected when he first arrived here, so he's not about to look a gift horse in the mouth either. Jayce and Viktor are being more than accommodating.
He nods at the comment about vibranium, because it is the perfect metal and something that's highly sought after back home too. To the point that Wakanda has done a great deal to keep it safely in their hands, rather than allowing people like Ulysses Klaw to get a hold of it.
Though it's the suggestion about magic that really catches his attention, because it's a workable solution that he hadn't ever thought about until now. Realization dawns on him as he stares off for a few moments. "Huh. You know, that isn't a bad idea. I have no experience with magic back home, that was always Wanda's area, so... I just never thought about trying to learn it here, even though I know it's an option." If he could figure out a way to use magic to propel the shield the way that he wants, that would be extremely useful, and he feels a little silly that he's overlooked this for so long.
That's something to file away for later, though. When they explain that they actually have a testing area, he straightens and gives a firm nod, reaching out to grab the prototype shield again. "Of course, that's what I'm here for. Lead the way."
He nods at the comment about vibranium, because it is the perfect metal and something that's highly sought after back home too. To the point that Wakanda has done a great deal to keep it safely in their hands, rather than allowing people like Ulysses Klaw to get a hold of it.
Though it's the suggestion about magic that really catches his attention, because it's a workable solution that he hadn't ever thought about until now. Realization dawns on him as he stares off for a few moments. "Huh. You know, that isn't a bad idea. I have no experience with magic back home, that was always Wanda's area, so... I just never thought about trying to learn it here, even though I know it's an option." If he could figure out a way to use magic to propel the shield the way that he wants, that would be extremely useful, and he feels a little silly that he's overlooked this for so long.
That's something to file away for later, though. When they explain that they actually have a testing area, he straightens and gives a firm nod, reaching out to grab the prototype shield again. "Of course, that's what I'm here for. Lead the way."
I think we can wrap on this one if it's coolio, practicing was fun, Steve has cool shield!
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
hextechhead
2023-01-01 02:13 am (UTC)(link)
They will keep working on the combination of metals until something comes out perfect. There's no way to rush it, and neither of them are the kind to do that anyway. They like their final drafts to be perfect, that is why they have a lot of testing round slike now first. He does smile when Steve seems surprised at the idea of combining magic with the rest. Jayce always thinks about ways to combine his magic with everything else.
"Telekinesis spells are probably a good way to start so you can direct the shield anywhere you want and then back again. Maybe aerokinesis as a backup to use the wind. Both also can be useful as defensive magic to put up fast shields." Jayce can talk as enthusiastically about magic ideas as he can about anything else. More so, to be honest, because it is a dream come true.
"If you train in the Horizon, it actually makes it faster. Easier. Have Wanda show you a few things, I'm sure she'd like that." Wanda has communicated to him that she was somewhat of the new kid in the Avengers at one point, and trained by them. Maybe she'd love the shoe being on the other foot so she can be the knowledgeable one.
"Okay so what we're going to practice with is throwing spells at the shield and seeing how it is on your end. And then...." Jayce talks as they walk out to the back alley.
"Telekinesis spells are probably a good way to start so you can direct the shield anywhere you want and then back again. Maybe aerokinesis as a backup to use the wind. Both also can be useful as defensive magic to put up fast shields." Jayce can talk as enthusiastically about magic ideas as he can about anything else. More so, to be honest, because it is a dream come true.
"If you train in the Horizon, it actually makes it faster. Easier. Have Wanda show you a few things, I'm sure she'd like that." Wanda has communicated to him that she was somewhat of the new kid in the Avengers at one point, and trained by them. Maybe she'd love the shoe being on the other foot so she can be the knowledgeable one.
"Okay so what we're going to practice with is throwing spells at the shield and seeing how it is on your end. And then...." Jayce talks as they walk out to the back alley.
Viktor wakes up coughing--not necessarily unusual, for him, especially when he hasn't been healed in some time, though as he hauls himself out of bed in the middle of the night, he can't help but feel as though something might be out of the ordinary. Being fatigued or in pain is nothing new to him, between his leg and his back and his illness, though he has to admit that the trip on the boat hasn't done him any favors. In Luna, it was easy enough for him to attribute any sub-optimal feeling or worsening symptoms to the weather. Back home, he should be improving, or at least, not feeling worse.
All of that, taken together, is bad, but there's not much he's going to be able to do about it in the middle of the night. He decides he'll cough it out now and sort things out in the morning.
Though he's certain his tossing and turning has already done it, he doesn't want to wake Jayce, moving as quickly as he can into the washroom and shutting the door behind him. That's when he lets the coughing fit overtake him, bracing himself on the sink as it rattles his thin frame, doing his best to suck in air when he's able to. It's not good--he knows it's not good even without spitting up red into the basin, and it leaves him gasping to the point where his vision starts to cloud and he can't hold himself up.
He should wake Jayce--call for him, at least, before he can't, but Viktor doesn't quite make it to that point. If, somehow, Jayce has slept through the shift on the mattress and the coughing in the other room, he will certainly hear the sound of something thudding in the bathroom, like a body slumping against the wall.
All of that, taken together, is bad, but there's not much he's going to be able to do about it in the middle of the night. He decides he'll cough it out now and sort things out in the morning.
Though he's certain his tossing and turning has already done it, he doesn't want to wake Jayce, moving as quickly as he can into the washroom and shutting the door behind him. That's when he lets the coughing fit overtake him, bracing himself on the sink as it rattles his thin frame, doing his best to suck in air when he's able to. It's not good--he knows it's not good even without spitting up red into the basin, and it leaves him gasping to the point where his vision starts to cloud and he can't hold himself up.
He should wake Jayce--call for him, at least, before he can't, but Viktor doesn't quite make it to that point. If, somehow, Jayce has slept through the shift on the mattress and the coughing in the other room, he will certainly hear the sound of something thudding in the bathroom, like a body slumping against the wall.
The cold air in Luna was not good for Viktor and he knew that, trying to keep him as warm as possible through the entire experience. Even with a healer as a boyfriend and Nadine's medical help, bad weather for weak lungs is still that. He wakes up in a haze when Viktor first rises and hears him cough, but he doesn't get up right away. Sometimes Viktor gets twitchy if he thinks Jayce is overreacting to a cough, there are some areas he doesn't like coddling in and this is one of them. He expects to wait until it calms down and Viktor can wash out his mouth before coming back to bed.
He sits up when the coughing comes back harder than before though, it's consistent and it reminds him of what Viktor sounded like when he first arrived, before they had the healing and medicine stop gaps. He was still struggling then so it is a distinct sound. Jayce gets out of bed, ready to maybe get a sharp look for overworrying, but some instinct of his kicks in. He runs to the bathroom and hears the thud before he opens the door. A second too late to stop that part.
Panic immediately springs and he goes down on his knees hard next to Viktor. "V, breathe, love, just breathe." Jayce puts his hand on Viktor's chest and for once he doesn't ask permission first. His healing magic flares to life and burns through Viktor's chest and lungs with force. Blame it on fear, irrational or maybe very rational, like his intuition can tell this is not normal.
He sits up when the coughing comes back harder than before though, it's consistent and it reminds him of what Viktor sounded like when he first arrived, before they had the healing and medicine stop gaps. He was still struggling then so it is a distinct sound. Jayce gets out of bed, ready to maybe get a sharp look for overworrying, but some instinct of his kicks in. He runs to the bathroom and hears the thud before he opens the door. A second too late to stop that part.
Panic immediately springs and he goes down on his knees hard next to Viktor. "V, breathe, love, just breathe." Jayce puts his hand on Viktor's chest and for once he doesn't ask permission first. His healing magic flares to life and burns through Viktor's chest and lungs with force. Blame it on fear, irrational or maybe very rational, like his intuition can tell this is not normal.
Thankfully, Viktor isn't unconscious the way he was found in the lab, and he hasn't slipped all the way down to the floor. Instead, the noise seems to have been from an attempt to brace himself on the wall, and when that failed, he'd slumped against the tub, hunched over. When Jayce rushes to his side, Viktor grasps for him out of reflex, still coughing too much to speak. Blood drips out of his nose, his mouth.
The warmth of healing magic is immediately relieving, though he's too panicked to really notice that it's not helping as much as it should--or maybe it's been so long since he's had an attack like this, that he doesn't know how it should feel. It does, at least, help him breathe easier, the coughs subsiding and Viktor sucking in mouthfuls of air until he finally tries to speak again. It takes a few attempts--a few more coughs, until the spread of healing magic through his chest allows him a reprieve.
Not enough of one.
"It's okay," he says, hoarsely, covering Jayce's hand with his to hold it there, as if trying to keep that warmth. "I'm okay." Though he doesn't sound very certain of that. "I fell. I'm sorry."
The warmth of healing magic is immediately relieving, though he's too panicked to really notice that it's not helping as much as it should--or maybe it's been so long since he's had an attack like this, that he doesn't know how it should feel. It does, at least, help him breathe easier, the coughs subsiding and Viktor sucking in mouthfuls of air until he finally tries to speak again. It takes a few attempts--a few more coughs, until the spread of healing magic through his chest allows him a reprieve.
Not enough of one.
"It's okay," he says, hoarsely, covering Jayce's hand with his to hold it there, as if trying to keep that warmth. "I'm okay." Though he doesn't sound very certain of that. "I fell. I'm sorry."
Edited 2023-01-07 01:14 (UTC)
Jayce is in a high state of anxiety but he also went right into healer mode which helps keep him clear-headed for a few important seconds. He can see that Viktor's starting to be able to breathe again and it helps him feel like he can breathe. "Don't be sorry, sweetheart, it's not your fault." The blood looks so bright at the moment and it's concerning, keeping his hand on Viktor's chest to feel his heart beat as a steady reminder.
"The winter air was terrible, I should've argued for us to stay." They technically could have petitioned to stay and he thinks Cadens would let them, but there was no way of them knowing how bad it would be out there. He considers getting a rag to clean him off but decides against it.
"Let's do a shower, love, it'll be good for your lungs and clean you off." It would be harsh to put a towel on his nose and it would let Viktor steam his showers and get rid of some of the blood too. His healing has staunched the wound again, as far as he knows, but that doesn't mean comfort is there. They've come a long way since Viktor would avoid Jayce knowing when he coughed.
"The winter air was terrible, I should've argued for us to stay." They technically could have petitioned to stay and he thinks Cadens would let them, but there was no way of them knowing how bad it would be out there. He considers getting a rag to clean him off but decides against it.
"Let's do a shower, love, it'll be good for your lungs and clean you off." It would be harsh to put a towel on his nose and it would let Viktor steam his showers and get rid of some of the blood too. His healing has staunched the wound again, as far as he knows, but that doesn't mean comfort is there. They've come a long way since Viktor would avoid Jayce knowing when he coughed.
"No, I wanted to come." Despite the chill of it all and the fact that it's most certainly worsened his illness (he hopes, anyway, the alternative is almost unbearable to think about), Viktor wants to travel and seize the opportunities to do so when he can, knowing there might be a time when he becomes unable. It terrifies him to think that this episode, brief as it is, might be a precursor to that. "I thought I would feel better once we were off the boat."
Viktor doesn't finish beyond that. They both know what he means. He isn't feeling better, and though the healing magic has stabilized him for the moment, he doesn't feel rejuvenated in the way to which he's become accustomed. He's not sure he can say that, yet. He's not even sure if he's sure, or if he's just imagining this out of anxiety.
Suffice to say, he doesn't want to move off the floor, not trusting his legs even if he has Jayce to lean on, so he shakes his head. Maybe in a moment.
"Just a wet cloth. Please."
Viktor doesn't finish beyond that. They both know what he means. He isn't feeling better, and though the healing magic has stabilized him for the moment, he doesn't feel rejuvenated in the way to which he's become accustomed. He's not sure he can say that, yet. He's not even sure if he's sure, or if he's just imagining this out of anxiety.
Suffice to say, he doesn't want to move off the floor, not trusting his legs even if he has Jayce to lean on, so he shakes his head. Maybe in a moment.
"Just a wet cloth. Please."
They both are probably feeling the same fear in their gut that may actually be intuition, but it's better to hope for the best rather than go straight to the worst. For today, at least. That's where he is at, because it could easily have been the winter air, it would be bad for anyone. He has no doubt a few people will get colds afterward. It was very cold at night.
He runs his fingers through Viktor's hair and almost argues, because hot water really would be good for him right now, but Viktor has to take his own pace with things. He knows that much. Jayce lets him stay there for now and rises to get the cloth in question and soaks it with warm water before kneeling back down next to him.
"Tilt your head back." Jayce is the one who can see all of the blood and so he can make sure to wipe it all off. He shouldn't breathe in blood anymore. There's worry still in his eyes, but Viktor is breathing, his heart is beating. He focuses on those certainties. "I'll see Nadine in the morning, I'm sure she'll have good cold herbal remedies."
He runs his fingers through Viktor's hair and almost argues, because hot water really would be good for him right now, but Viktor has to take his own pace with things. He knows that much. Jayce lets him stay there for now and rises to get the cloth in question and soaks it with warm water before kneeling back down next to him.
"Tilt your head back." Jayce is the one who can see all of the blood and so he can make sure to wipe it all off. He shouldn't breathe in blood anymore. There's worry still in his eyes, but Viktor is breathing, his heart is beating. He focuses on those certainties. "I'll see Nadine in the morning, I'm sure she'll have good cold herbal remedies."
Almost a year ago, he would have been--no, he was--much more proud than this. Now, he knows the necessity of letting Jayce in, accepting help, and not being so afraid of appearing weak. Maybe he'll acquiesce to the shower in a moment, but for now he doesn't want to do anything too quickly, and he's glad that Jayce agrees in the moment. He waits patiently, catching his breath, then tilts his head back when instructed, allowing Jayce to gently clean the blood off his face.
"This isn't a cold."
They're both dancing around the real issue, too scared to admit to themselves that they might have to make a choice, sooner rather than later.
"We have to build the Hexcore. It's time."
Vitkor is well aware that this could be a fluke, of course, but an attack like this has shaken him. Maybe it was the cold weather in Luna. Maybe it's not. Either way, Viktor knows he doesn't want to be reliant on magic and medicines forever, even if it means risking it all.
"This isn't a cold."
They're both dancing around the real issue, too scared to admit to themselves that they might have to make a choice, sooner rather than later.
"We have to build the Hexcore. It's time."
Vitkor is well aware that this could be a fluke, of course, but an attack like this has shaken him. Maybe it was the cold weather in Luna. Maybe it's not. Either way, Viktor knows he doesn't want to be reliant on magic and medicines forever, even if it means risking it all.
"That doesn't mean cold remedies won't help."
But they are dancing around the truth and it's just a reality at this point that the dancing has to stop. They've always known this was a stop-gap, not a solution. It has been a part of it from the start, that they still did need to do the Hexcore, otherwise it was inevitable. It says a lot that Jayce doesn't argue or claim they don't know if it's a fluke, he quietly cleans the blood off Viktor instead.
He stands again briefly but only so he can get a cup from the sink and fill it halfway with water, sitting back next to him. This is so Viktor can try and swig the blood out of his mouth rather than have to swallow it all down. He looks very somber and doesn't realize his fingers are shaking slightly as they brush through Viktor's dark hair.
"I might know a way to get a crystal." They can finish the Hexcore but it won't do any good if they don't have a power source.
But they are dancing around the truth and it's just a reality at this point that the dancing has to stop. They've always known this was a stop-gap, not a solution. It has been a part of it from the start, that they still did need to do the Hexcore, otherwise it was inevitable. It says a lot that Jayce doesn't argue or claim they don't know if it's a fluke, he quietly cleans the blood off Viktor instead.
He stands again briefly but only so he can get a cup from the sink and fill it halfway with water, sitting back next to him. This is so Viktor can try and swig the blood out of his mouth rather than have to swallow it all down. He looks very somber and doesn't realize his fingers are shaking slightly as they brush through Viktor's dark hair.
"I might know a way to get a crystal." They can finish the Hexcore but it won't do any good if they don't have a power source.
"I just need to be able to work."
If his body fails him now, before he can even complete the Hexcore and test it and ensure that they can do what he needs to do, everything will be for nothing. Anything that will buy him strength and clarity of mind, he'll try. Of course, if the healing magic is losing its efficacy, he has less faith in Nadine's herbal remedies. He'll try the Ikorr potion before they go back to bed, but he has so little of it, he's not sure if he should.
What he is sure of is that they need to make the right moves at the Academy. Jayce completes the thought for him as he wraps his hands around the glass of water and tries to drink.
"That's what we need. The crystal. Everything else is ready, the theory is sound--but we can't let the military get their hands on a functional Hexcore. What are you thinking of?"
If his body fails him now, before he can even complete the Hexcore and test it and ensure that they can do what he needs to do, everything will be for nothing. Anything that will buy him strength and clarity of mind, he'll try. Of course, if the healing magic is losing its efficacy, he has less faith in Nadine's herbal remedies. He'll try the Ikorr potion before they go back to bed, but he has so little of it, he's not sure if he should.
What he is sure of is that they need to make the right moves at the Academy. Jayce completes the thought for him as he wraps his hands around the glass of water and tries to drink.
"That's what we need. The crystal. Everything else is ready, the theory is sound--but we can't let the military get their hands on a functional Hexcore. What are you thinking of?"
Edited 2023-01-09 06:20 (UTC)
"We'll message Tony and Alucard in the morning and get more aggressive about it." They have been working on it for awhile, but this is a 'ASAP' situation now. Tony to help complete the physical Hexcore, Alucard because his blood will be essential and he should prepare now. They always knew this day would probably come, so it's not going to surprise anyone in the inner circle.
He leans his head against Viktor's, his side pressed up against his, being as close as he can be without being suffocating. None of this will matter if he can't get the crystal, but he knows that he can get it.
"The research assistant who I caught the blueprints with. He's been in the lab with the crystals, I saw him. He's in the right placement and authority to give me one." Viktor knows that Jayce caught wind of some weaponry months back, when he volunteered to help more scientists. This was always about them getting closer to what they needed. In exchange for his silence, the assistant owes him. Or at least will listen to him.
Jayce knows it won't be enough to give him a real crystal though. He'll have to do something else. That seems fairly obvious. But it won't matter. Jayce will do whatever it takes.
He leans his head against Viktor's, his side pressed up against his, being as close as he can be without being suffocating. None of this will matter if he can't get the crystal, but he knows that he can get it.
"The research assistant who I caught the blueprints with. He's been in the lab with the crystals, I saw him. He's in the right placement and authority to give me one." Viktor knows that Jayce caught wind of some weaponry months back, when he volunteered to help more scientists. This was always about them getting closer to what they needed. In exchange for his silence, the assistant owes him. Or at least will listen to him.
Jayce knows it won't be enough to give him a real crystal though. He'll have to do something else. That seems fairly obvious. But it won't matter. Jayce will do whatever it takes.
"I'll reach out to them." This is his procedure, it's his responsibility. Viktor doesn't want to burden Jayce more than he already has, especially if he's the one with the connections to acquire a crystal.
The shower forgotten for now, Viktor settles against Jayce, searching for his hand so that he can entwine their fingers. He's had his suspicions that this would be where the path would lead, and that Jayce will sacrifice whatever he has to, if it means Viktor has a shot at curing himself.
"Be careful," he says, because even though his own life is in the balance, there are still lines he doesn't want to cross. Viktor doesn't like the idea of having to make a deal, but he also knows that this is a better bet than involving the government outright. "Don't sell your soul for this."
The shower forgotten for now, Viktor settles against Jayce, searching for his hand so that he can entwine their fingers. He's had his suspicions that this would be where the path would lead, and that Jayce will sacrifice whatever he has to, if it means Viktor has a shot at curing himself.
"Be careful," he says, because even though his own life is in the balance, there are still lines he doesn't want to cross. Viktor doesn't like the idea of having to make a deal, but he also knows that this is a better bet than involving the government outright. "Don't sell your soul for this."
"Just as long as you remember to include me in everything. We're partners. And I have more medical experience than all of you." He doesn't want Viktor isolating him from parts of it, especially if it's because it may be seen as a burden. Jayce has as brilliant a mind as the rest of them, and as he pointed out, he's the only one with healing and medical training. He leaned more into magic than Nadine, but he still went to the same classes as her. Speaking of. "Nadine is a good choice to get involved. I've seen her surgical training." Something Jayce wasn't as skilled in.
A lot of needing to be included on everything has to do with the trauma he had from knowing nothing about Viktor's illness until it was too late. Vik torshut him out entirely. He can't handle that again.
He lets Viktor take his hand and intertwine their fingers and he squeezes it. Jayce kisses his hair, nuzzling his nose there and breathing him in. Jayce will do anything he needs to. He doesn't care about compromising his ethics. He's already done that once. He understands that Viktor has more qualms though. "I'll try to make sure it's something we both can stomach."
A lot of needing to be included on everything has to do with the trauma he had from knowing nothing about Viktor's illness until it was too late. Vik torshut him out entirely. He can't handle that again.
He lets Viktor take his hand and intertwine their fingers and he squeezes it. Jayce kisses his hair, nuzzling his nose there and breathing him in. Jayce will do anything he needs to. He doesn't care about compromising his ethics. He's already done that once. He understands that Viktor has more qualms though. "I'll try to make sure it's something we both can stomach."
"I promise. The only way we'll be successful is if we do it all as a team."
Viktor knows that now--he's become increasingly convinced that the failure he saw in Jayce's future stemmed directly from an insistence on doing it all alone. As apprehensive as he is, and as tempting as it is to keep trying stop-gaps, they are going to have to make the leap at some point. Better to make it together.
"We can ask Nadine. If we want Strange, we'll have to do this in Nocwich, and I don't think we'll be able to smuggle in all the necessary equipment."
There's some disappointment in his voice, at that, but the reality of it is that he doesn't think he has the time to make those arrangements, and he doesn't want to endanger more people than he has to. This is going to be highly illicit, and Viktor settles against Jayce, clearly seeking comfort, leaning into his touch and focusing on his breathing.
"I know you'll do anything for me. That's what I'm afraid of."
Viktor knows that now--he's become increasingly convinced that the failure he saw in Jayce's future stemmed directly from an insistence on doing it all alone. As apprehensive as he is, and as tempting as it is to keep trying stop-gaps, they are going to have to make the leap at some point. Better to make it together.
"We can ask Nadine. If we want Strange, we'll have to do this in Nocwich, and I don't think we'll be able to smuggle in all the necessary equipment."
There's some disappointment in his voice, at that, but the reality of it is that he doesn't think he has the time to make those arrangements, and he doesn't want to endanger more people than he has to. This is going to be highly illicit, and Viktor settles against Jayce, clearly seeking comfort, leaning into his touch and focusing on his breathing.
"I know you'll do anything for me. That's what I'm afraid of."
Edited 2023-01-11 17:34 (UTC)
"I'm so glad to hear you say that."
Because Jayce agrees. He thinks that failure had everything to do with doing it on his own. And they both know the whys, but the important part is that here Viktor is making the right choice. He has let not only Jayce in but a few others, he has asked for help. Jayce puts an arm more firmly around him, hugging him to his side. He may as well offer all the comfort he can.
"I'm proud of you. I know it isn't easy."
He is letting people in. Strange, Nadine, Tony, Alucard. He has come a long way and while he is still prideful, he's softened in ways that matter.
"Maybe Nadine can talk to Strange, he can go over with her what needs to happen. She is a good surgeon." Not an expert to his level yet, but good enough that Jayce does have faith in her abilities. Enough to put Viktor's life in her hands. It's not as if they have many options, but still. He trusts Nadine.
He settles his cheek on top of Viktor's head now that he's essentially holding him, closing his eyes. Jayce won't deny it. He doesn't think there's anything that he wouldn't stomach in exchange for Viktor's life. But for both of their sakes he'll try to make it acceptable. "You're the love of my life, V."
Because Jayce agrees. He thinks that failure had everything to do with doing it on his own. And they both know the whys, but the important part is that here Viktor is making the right choice. He has let not only Jayce in but a few others, he has asked for help. Jayce puts an arm more firmly around him, hugging him to his side. He may as well offer all the comfort he can.
"I'm proud of you. I know it isn't easy."
He is letting people in. Strange, Nadine, Tony, Alucard. He has come a long way and while he is still prideful, he's softened in ways that matter.
"Maybe Nadine can talk to Strange, he can go over with her what needs to happen. She is a good surgeon." Not an expert to his level yet, but good enough that Jayce does have faith in her abilities. Enough to put Viktor's life in her hands. It's not as if they have many options, but still. He trusts Nadine.
He settles his cheek on top of Viktor's head now that he's essentially holding him, closing his eyes. Jayce won't deny it. He doesn't think there's anything that he wouldn't stomach in exchange for Viktor's life. But for both of their sakes he'll try to make it acceptable. "You're the love of my life, V."
"Don't be proud of me. I don't have a choice."
Viktor says that with a catch of breath in his throat that almost sounds like a laugh. Disbelieving. Well, he does have a choice, maybe. He's just realized which choice is the right one--it took him some time, and yes, he did need to swallow a great deal of his pride, but he's ready now. There are no secrets between him and Jayce anymore, and they'll move forward from here as a unit, the way everything was always supposed to be. That's what matters the most.
He wants this to be over, one way or another. A success, so that they can continue to change the world, together, or a failure, so he doesn't have to keep bearing the knowledge that he hurts his partner every day with the possibility of losing him. He knows that if he asks Jayce, he'll say it's more than worth it, that it's the time they spent together that matters, but now Viktor is facing down the thing he feared the most--that he allowed them this indulgence and Jayce will be left to pick up the pieces. Hearing him say that Viktor is the love of his life, something he already knows, stings that much more knowing how close this might be to slipping away into oblivion.
"I know," he answers finally, nodding against Jayce's shoulder as he curls into him. Part of him wants to stay on the cold bathroom tile, wrapped up in those strong arms, but if they're going to get to work tomorrow, falling asleep here won't be conducive to that. "I will do everything I can to secure the future you imagined for us. I mean that."
Viktor says that with a catch of breath in his throat that almost sounds like a laugh. Disbelieving. Well, he does have a choice, maybe. He's just realized which choice is the right one--it took him some time, and yes, he did need to swallow a great deal of his pride, but he's ready now. There are no secrets between him and Jayce anymore, and they'll move forward from here as a unit, the way everything was always supposed to be. That's what matters the most.
He wants this to be over, one way or another. A success, so that they can continue to change the world, together, or a failure, so he doesn't have to keep bearing the knowledge that he hurts his partner every day with the possibility of losing him. He knows that if he asks Jayce, he'll say it's more than worth it, that it's the time they spent together that matters, but now Viktor is facing down the thing he feared the most--that he allowed them this indulgence and Jayce will be left to pick up the pieces. Hearing him say that Viktor is the love of his life, something he already knows, stings that much more knowing how close this might be to slipping away into oblivion.
"I know," he answers finally, nodding against Jayce's shoulder as he curls into him. Part of him wants to stay on the cold bathroom tile, wrapped up in those strong arms, but if they're going to get to work tomorrow, falling asleep here won't be conducive to that. "I will do everything I can to secure the future you imagined for us. I mean that."
Edited 2023-01-13 02:54 (UTC)
"I am proud. Deal with it."
Jayce wants to just scoop him up entirely into his lap and hold him. It would be easy, Viktor is so fragile, and he seems more so right now, something he knows he would hate to hear. He is not sorry about any of it. Not now facing what could happen, not even after. Jayce is not confused at all. If he loses Viktor, he will be broken, but he will not be sorry. He cleaned the blood away and Viktor had some water, so a shower can probably wait until the morning.
Jayce shakes his head and presses a kiss into his hair.
"Not the future I imagined, Viktor. A future we imagine together. And we're going to get it."
There is no other option he is willing to concede right then. Jayce refuses. He isn't at a point where he will argue over this. Viktor is going to make it. They are going to be together forever. That is the reality.
"Don't argue with me," he says firmly, and then puts his arms under Viktor and picks him right up. This is hardly new or surprising to either of them, Jayce can lift him entirely with one arm alone if he wanted to. He could throw him over his shoulder like a very light sack of flour. Usually Viktor allows this in the midst of sex, but right then, Jaye wants to cuddle him. He wants to protect him in the only way he has since he can't fix him.
"You need sleep." He is going to need as much sleep as he can get. They have to work but Viktor has to also survive.
Jayce wants to just scoop him up entirely into his lap and hold him. It would be easy, Viktor is so fragile, and he seems more so right now, something he knows he would hate to hear. He is not sorry about any of it. Not now facing what could happen, not even after. Jayce is not confused at all. If he loses Viktor, he will be broken, but he will not be sorry. He cleaned the blood away and Viktor had some water, so a shower can probably wait until the morning.
Jayce shakes his head and presses a kiss into his hair.
"Not the future I imagined, Viktor. A future we imagine together. And we're going to get it."
There is no other option he is willing to concede right then. Jayce refuses. He isn't at a point where he will argue over this. Viktor is going to make it. They are going to be together forever. That is the reality.
"Don't argue with me," he says firmly, and then puts his arms under Viktor and picks him right up. This is hardly new or surprising to either of them, Jayce can lift him entirely with one arm alone if he wanted to. He could throw him over his shoulder like a very light sack of flour. Usually Viktor allows this in the midst of sex, but right then, Jaye wants to cuddle him. He wants to protect him in the only way he has since he can't fix him.
"You need sleep." He is going to need as much sleep as he can get. They have to work but Viktor has to also survive.
That conviction, the passion that drew Viktor to Jayce in the first place, strikes something within him, to the point where he can almost believe this. He has to believe it, because the alternative is unthinkable for them both. He'd spent so much time resisting thoughts of a future for them, because he wasn't sure if there would be one. Now, it's all he wants, and he's going to fight for it as hard as he can.
"We have to. I won't leave you, Jayce."
The conversation is settled either way when Jayce picks him up. Viktor wants to object--wants to shout at Jayce for scooping him up without asking and he wishes it wasn't so easy to do. This situation is far removed from the bedroom, where Viktor might not be opposed to being bodily moved. Right now he feels fragile and vulnerable and despite the fact that he's made some concessions, it's hard not to feel the sting of his pride when he can do nothing but let this happen. Viktor balls a hand into a fist against Jayce's chest instinctively, as if he's about to protest, but he can't bring himself to be angry. After a moment, he softens, arms snaking around Jayce's shoulders. Viktor curls into him and lets himself be carried.
"You need sleep, too." If Jayce even can, at this point. There's going to be a lot of work to do, and they both need to be at their best. Viktor's not going to get very far without the unique brilliance of his mind. "First thing tomorrow, you'll go to the Academy."
"We have to. I won't leave you, Jayce."
The conversation is settled either way when Jayce picks him up. Viktor wants to object--wants to shout at Jayce for scooping him up without asking and he wishes it wasn't so easy to do. This situation is far removed from the bedroom, where Viktor might not be opposed to being bodily moved. Right now he feels fragile and vulnerable and despite the fact that he's made some concessions, it's hard not to feel the sting of his pride when he can do nothing but let this happen. Viktor balls a hand into a fist against Jayce's chest instinctively, as if he's about to protest, but he can't bring himself to be angry. After a moment, he softens, arms snaking around Jayce's shoulders. Viktor curls into him and lets himself be carried.
"You need sleep, too." If Jayce even can, at this point. There's going to be a lot of work to do, and they both need to be at their best. Viktor's not going to get very far without the unique brilliance of his mind. "First thing tomorrow, you'll go to the Academy."
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