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There was never really any question as to whether or not Viktor would join Jayce in his recreation of the night they changed the world--it's just that, perhaps, he likes playing a little hard to get. Maybe it's more satisfying for Jayce, if he puts up a fight and then eventually concedes, and Viktor can't deny he likes the look on his face when he realizes that, yet again, Jayce has won him over. Still, he doesn't do it without a slight roll of the eyes. For effect. To pretend he isn't enjoying this just as much.
Viktor leans his cane against the door frame and then takes a step inside, closing his eyes and allowing the blue glow to take him just as it had seven years ago. He'd never forgotten what it was like, to be suddenly unhindered by gravity--weightless, painless, overwhelmed with possibility.
He doesn't smile quite as wide--he's not sure he remembers how--but he does get close.
"Okay. This is fun; you've convinced me."
Viktor leans his cane against the door frame and then takes a step inside, closing his eyes and allowing the blue glow to take him just as it had seven years ago. He'd never forgotten what it was like, to be suddenly unhindered by gravity--weightless, painless, overwhelmed with possibility.
He doesn't smile quite as wide--he's not sure he remembers how--but he does get close.
"Okay. This is fun; you've convinced me."
[Viktor is self-assured, yes, but he's not very good at taking compliments, even from Jayce. In fact, maybe it's even worse coming from Jayce, because he knows that he means it and also he's the only person whose opinion Viktor really cares about. Jayce says that Viktor's attention is addictive, but he clearly doesn't know how magnetic he is, in turn. Having all of this trained on him, singularly, is overwhelming. His tone of voice, his stare, entirely fond. He doesn't know what to do with that, and ordinarily his kneejerk response would be to put up another wall, but he's trying not to do that. Not when they're the only thing they have, in this strange world, removed from everything they used to know. They're still sorting all this out. He imagines they will continue to sort things out for the foreseeable future.
He can tell Jayce is avoiding touching him, more than the usual fleeting touches to the arm, probably to make sure he doesn't scare Viktor off. He'll fill that void instead, reaching out to put the flat of his palm against Jayce's face, thumb rubbing across his cheek once, back and forth.]
Listen to how ridiculous you sound. [A sharp pat, and then his hand is gone. Viktor is turning away, putting a few steps of distance between them.] The sun? Honestly.
[Everyone knows that's Jayce, and Viktor is more than content with their respective positions. He's pretending to scoff at it, but half the reason he's turning away is so that Jayce can't see the little smile that pulls at his own face.]
If my new friends are so concerned about my health, they can ask me directly. You can tell them that, so you don't need to lie.
[Maybe he appreciates the effort, but it rankles him just the same, the thought that as soon as he tells anyone about what's happening, they'll see only a ticking clock. Even Jayce, for all his best efforts, is lying on his behalf when Viktor never asked for that.]
He can tell Jayce is avoiding touching him, more than the usual fleeting touches to the arm, probably to make sure he doesn't scare Viktor off. He'll fill that void instead, reaching out to put the flat of his palm against Jayce's face, thumb rubbing across his cheek once, back and forth.]
Listen to how ridiculous you sound. [A sharp pat, and then his hand is gone. Viktor is turning away, putting a few steps of distance between them.] The sun? Honestly.
[Everyone knows that's Jayce, and Viktor is more than content with their respective positions. He's pretending to scoff at it, but half the reason he's turning away is so that Jayce can't see the little smile that pulls at his own face.]
If my new friends are so concerned about my health, they can ask me directly. You can tell them that, so you don't need to lie.
[Maybe he appreciates the effort, but it rankles him just the same, the thought that as soon as he tells anyone about what's happening, they'll see only a ticking clock. Even Jayce, for all his best efforts, is lying on his behalf when Viktor never asked for that.]
Edited 2022-04-24 15:07 (UTC)
[ Jayce intellectually understands that it is likely good that they are talking things out, rather than leaving them to fester. It may very well have been part of what got them out of sync, and that is the opposite of what he wants now. It still feels uncomfortable to say what he's been avoiding, and he hates feeling like he's applying any pressure to Viktor, not when he has so much on his plate, but Jayce feels things strongly. He isn't good at pushing them down. Talking about the things he loves about Viktor is easy and honest; he could write an essay about him.
Viktor so rarely is the one who touches him, he can count on one hand how many times it's happened, so Jayce is genuinely surprised when he reaches out. And then it is something tender. More personal than an arm touch. Jayce has never dared to touch Viktor's face like this, although he's thought about it many times. He is a starving man given crumbs and since he knows this will be brief, he lets himself lean into the touch. It's almost a caress. If he could bottle this moment up for the rest of his life, he would.
He expected it to be brief because it's Viktor, but he does feel bereft when it's gone, and Viktor turning away and putting distance between them again means he misses the look of disappointment on Jayce's face. It's still something he will be so glad about though. It's probably for the best he did that. Jayce might have done something stupid. ]
Yes, the sun. Sorry, it's my compliment. You can't take it back.
[ Jayce knows his titltes, his nicknames, he knows people think he's a rising star. He has a strong presence, he isn't oblivious to the things that makes him popular. But again, it only really matters if the right people feel that way. Caitlyn loves to mock him, after all, but he knows she loves him all the same. She might not after she finds out. She didn't want him to hurt anyone. She was right. ]
Maybe they will. You must be overheated, just step out into the front room, I'll be there in a few minutes, okay?
[ Jayce gestures. There is a less sweltering part and now Jayce knows Viktor was looking for him. He's not going to make him talk in there. Besides, he's still dealing with the cheek, and it'll help him take a few minutes to clean up so he isn't dripping unattractively with sweat. He also has to shut the place down, he can complete it in the morning, he has to get Viktor home so he'll actually sleep.
As promised, Jayce reappears with his hair slick but mostly dried off, although his button-up white shirt is loose and undone, leaving the front part of his chest still revealed. He's still a little overheated but he'll finish it before they go outside. It gives Jayce time to sort of breathe out what he's feeling, which is a lot. ]
I'm sorry I ran. [ Now it's his turn to get to that part. ] I don't want to burden you with my issues.
Viktor so rarely is the one who touches him, he can count on one hand how many times it's happened, so Jayce is genuinely surprised when he reaches out. And then it is something tender. More personal than an arm touch. Jayce has never dared to touch Viktor's face like this, although he's thought about it many times. He is a starving man given crumbs and since he knows this will be brief, he lets himself lean into the touch. It's almost a caress. If he could bottle this moment up for the rest of his life, he would.
He expected it to be brief because it's Viktor, but he does feel bereft when it's gone, and Viktor turning away and putting distance between them again means he misses the look of disappointment on Jayce's face. It's still something he will be so glad about though. It's probably for the best he did that. Jayce might have done something stupid. ]
Yes, the sun. Sorry, it's my compliment. You can't take it back.
[ Jayce knows his titltes, his nicknames, he knows people think he's a rising star. He has a strong presence, he isn't oblivious to the things that makes him popular. But again, it only really matters if the right people feel that way. Caitlyn loves to mock him, after all, but he knows she loves him all the same. She might not after she finds out. She didn't want him to hurt anyone. She was right. ]
Maybe they will. You must be overheated, just step out into the front room, I'll be there in a few minutes, okay?
[ Jayce gestures. There is a less sweltering part and now Jayce knows Viktor was looking for him. He's not going to make him talk in there. Besides, he's still dealing with the cheek, and it'll help him take a few minutes to clean up so he isn't dripping unattractively with sweat. He also has to shut the place down, he can complete it in the morning, he has to get Viktor home so he'll actually sleep.
As promised, Jayce reappears with his hair slick but mostly dried off, although his button-up white shirt is loose and undone, leaving the front part of his chest still revealed. He's still a little overheated but he'll finish it before they go outside. It gives Jayce time to sort of breathe out what he's feeling, which is a lot. ]
I'm sorry I ran. [ Now it's his turn to get to that part. ] I don't want to burden you with my issues.
There is definitely something thrilling about when he gets Viktor to give in, knowing that he can get through his friend's armor and convince him to let go. He feels like those are victories so the playing hard to get works. He knows Viktor likes giving in when he does too, otherwise he wouldn't do it. He waits and takes in the look on his face as Viktor floats up too, his eyes closed, his healthier face from the Horizon soft.
The amazing thing about that night was there was a physical manifestation of the glory of their discovery. Proving any theory is incredible, but it is particularly thrilling when it looks exciting too. And having an entire weightless room, glowing blue, as a monument to what happened, makes this special for them. Jayce made this and he's going to keep it.
Viktor's smile is the biggest victory he could ever ask for and Jayce beams right back at him. His chest feels full and warm and he's so happy in that moment. "Maybe we should come down here when we get frustrated in a project and remember that we are brilliant and will always figure it out."
Jayce does a roll in the air because he never got to do that before, and he's always wanted to. Now he can. He's a kid again. "This is exactly what it felt like with the mage, you know. Everything was blue and weightless as we teleported. It was beautiful."
The amazing thing about that night was there was a physical manifestation of the glory of their discovery. Proving any theory is incredible, but it is particularly thrilling when it looks exciting too. And having an entire weightless room, glowing blue, as a monument to what happened, makes this special for them. Jayce made this and he's going to keep it.
Viktor's smile is the biggest victory he could ever ask for and Jayce beams right back at him. His chest feels full and warm and he's so happy in that moment. "Maybe we should come down here when we get frustrated in a project and remember that we are brilliant and will always figure it out."
Jayce does a roll in the air because he never got to do that before, and he's always wanted to. Now he can. He's a kid again. "This is exactly what it felt like with the mage, you know. Everything was blue and weightless as we teleported. It was beautiful."
[Viktor keeps it brief on purpose, knowing full well that any lingering, especially this close, could end with one or both of them doing something they might regret (well, something he might regret--he's pretty sure Jayce wouldn't regret it. All the more reason not to). The face Jayce makes at his touch is proof enough of that, so he puts some distance between them, still managing to roll his eyes when Jayce doubles down.]
If you say so.
[He's not overheating--it's hard enough for him to maintain temperature on good days, but he understands that Jayce both needs a moment to close up, and to process all this, probably. They seem to have reached some kind of momentary understanding, so Viktor feels a little better about going outside to wait. He can be patient.
When Jayce emerges, Viktor is waiting for him, seated on a bench outside the shop. He reaches for his crutch, but doesn't move to stand, just in case Jayce wants to continue the conversation here. When he opens with an apology, Viktor lets out a sigh and shakes his head.]
I don't want you to apologize for having feelings, Jayce. What I told you was...it did not reflect well on me. [An understatement, really.] I was dishonest. You're allowed to be upset.
If you say so.
[He's not overheating--it's hard enough for him to maintain temperature on good days, but he understands that Jayce both needs a moment to close up, and to process all this, probably. They seem to have reached some kind of momentary understanding, so Viktor feels a little better about going outside to wait. He can be patient.
When Jayce emerges, Viktor is waiting for him, seated on a bench outside the shop. He reaches for his crutch, but doesn't move to stand, just in case Jayce wants to continue the conversation here. When he opens with an apology, Viktor lets out a sigh and shakes his head.]
I don't want you to apologize for having feelings, Jayce. What I told you was...it did not reflect well on me. [An understatement, really.] I was dishonest. You're allowed to be upset.
Viktor, for his part, simply drifts for a moment, enjoying the feeling of it and trying not to think of the realities that await them outside of this room--this strange realm that allows them to perfectly re-create a memory. He wants to comment that they are frustrated by a project, but he doesn't want to ruin the moment. Maybe Jayce is right. Maybe they will figure it out, even if it feels impossible. Out of reach and out of time, but it's better, now that it's both of them.
Jayce has told him about the mage countless times, of course, but it's not like Viktor gets tired of hearing about it. He hadn't expected to fall so in love with magic, and everything about it--but after experiencing this firsthand, how could he not?
Jayce's own passion for it certainly helps, too.
"You've told me." A contented sigh. He opens his eyes--he's upside-down, not that it matters when gravity has lost its hold on them. "How lucky we are, to experience it for ourselves."
Jayce has told him about the mage countless times, of course, but it's not like Viktor gets tired of hearing about it. He hadn't expected to fall so in love with magic, and everything about it--but after experiencing this firsthand, how could he not?
Jayce's own passion for it certainly helps, too.
"You've told me." A contented sigh. He opens his eyes--he's upside-down, not that it matters when gravity has lost its hold on them. "How lucky we are, to experience it for ourselves."
[ Jayce has spent years making himself not kiss Viktor, so he is pretty practiced at it, but it's different when Viktor is the one who closed the space between them like that. Viktor's touches have meaning and he is trying not to read too much into it, for now. They still have some stuff to work out, and Viktor's life to save. But he will definitely remember the feel of those long fingers caressing across his cheek, soft and affectionate.
He considers whether to get them walking or not, and instead decides to come over and sit on the other side of the bench. Jayce rubs a hand across his heavy eyebrows, shrugging. ]
Alright, I'm upset. I'm hurt and devastated. It's still new to me. I didn't exactly have the time to come to terms with anything, everything was moving so fast.
[ That's probably the truest part of all of this. That a lot happened to them in a short amount of time, and Jayce hasn't had the time to actually react to it let alone come to any healthy state of mind on the issue. He thought the worst thing would be juggling being a scientist and a politician. He's not sure he's cut out for a complicated life, but it is what was handed to him, and he also never let things be. The city of progress. The man of progress.
Viktor doesn't even know how much just a day or so changed everything else too, he saw the terrible effect on his own health, but that's only part of the puzzle. It's a lot. And Viktor's running out of time, but he isn't to that level yet. They still have time. ]
We can't change what happened.
[ If he could, he would. He would not have been a dick on that bridge, he would have paid more attention to Viktor's struggles instead of trying to control everything on his end, and letting his emotions get the better of him. ]
I'm not going to stop you from experimenting on yourself, I'm going to help you do it safely and with backup. We're going to find a way to save your life.
[ He is unable to accept any other options. He doesn't care what Viktor said in that memory, maybe at that point in time it was the only way. They are in a new situation here, he is back to having that aggressive sense of hope and desperation. ]
But like you said, you didn't consider the repercussions of your actions and what it would mean for me. The trade-off of having people who love you is you have to consider their feelings. I hope you'll keep that in mind going forward.
He considers whether to get them walking or not, and instead decides to come over and sit on the other side of the bench. Jayce rubs a hand across his heavy eyebrows, shrugging. ]
Alright, I'm upset. I'm hurt and devastated. It's still new to me. I didn't exactly have the time to come to terms with anything, everything was moving so fast.
[ That's probably the truest part of all of this. That a lot happened to them in a short amount of time, and Jayce hasn't had the time to actually react to it let alone come to any healthy state of mind on the issue. He thought the worst thing would be juggling being a scientist and a politician. He's not sure he's cut out for a complicated life, but it is what was handed to him, and he also never let things be. The city of progress. The man of progress.
Viktor doesn't even know how much just a day or so changed everything else too, he saw the terrible effect on his own health, but that's only part of the puzzle. It's a lot. And Viktor's running out of time, but he isn't to that level yet. They still have time. ]
We can't change what happened.
[ If he could, he would. He would not have been a dick on that bridge, he would have paid more attention to Viktor's struggles instead of trying to control everything on his end, and letting his emotions get the better of him. ]
I'm not going to stop you from experimenting on yourself, I'm going to help you do it safely and with backup. We're going to find a way to save your life.
[ He is unable to accept any other options. He doesn't care what Viktor said in that memory, maybe at that point in time it was the only way. They are in a new situation here, he is back to having that aggressive sense of hope and desperation. ]
But like you said, you didn't consider the repercussions of your actions and what it would mean for me. The trade-off of having people who love you is you have to consider their feelings. I hope you'll keep that in mind going forward.
Jayce thinks they have a better chance here than at home, and in that, he finds his hope. There was too much in their way not to mention they can't turn back whatever Viktor did to make himself sicker, but he is doing okay so far here, and there's magic, there are ways maybe to pause it until they can cure it. That's the plan in Jayce's mind. Step by step. It does feel in this room like anything's possible.
He closes his eye and thinks about that defining moment, the mage, looking around in the middle of it, how beautiful it was, how significant. "All we could do was mimic it before, and we did that well." They created the Hexgates, and then went on to create other technology that had yet to be laid out. "But we can touch real magic here. Maybe not the same as his, but something real."
Jayce is so hungry for it. His focus is on healing magic first and foremost, and it's not as if that's him settling, any magic is amazing to him. He's always liked to fix things, so being able to fix injuries is right up his alley. But once Viktor is cured, who knows what Jayce could accomplish with magic at his fingertips.
"We won't have to settle for crystals that are hard to come by either." He is mirroring and paralleling Viktor above him, smiling up at him.
He closes his eye and thinks about that defining moment, the mage, looking around in the middle of it, how beautiful it was, how significant. "All we could do was mimic it before, and we did that well." They created the Hexgates, and then went on to create other technology that had yet to be laid out. "But we can touch real magic here. Maybe not the same as his, but something real."
Jayce is so hungry for it. His focus is on healing magic first and foremost, and it's not as if that's him settling, any magic is amazing to him. He's always liked to fix things, so being able to fix injuries is right up his alley. But once Viktor is cured, who knows what Jayce could accomplish with magic at his fingertips.
"We won't have to settle for crystals that are hard to come by either." He is mirroring and paralleling Viktor above him, smiling up at him.
It's easy to be awash with possibility, in a place and time like this, where it felt like they had the whole world at their fingertips, and there was no limit to what they could do. It feels like that, now, even though Viktor is fully aware of everything that awaits them outside of this room. Jayce is optimistic, and it's at least a little contagious. He opens his eyes to find that he's floating upside-down, Jayce smiling at him.
"You've been dreaming about this your whole life."
Magic--real magic. Some measure of happiness bubbles within him, at the thought of Jayce finally being able to harness the ability for himself, not just fake it or channel it through a carefully-constructed mechanism.
"It's an almost overwhelming prospect, isn't it?"
"You've been dreaming about this your whole life."
Magic--real magic. Some measure of happiness bubbles within him, at the thought of Jayce finally being able to harness the ability for himself, not just fake it or channel it through a carefully-constructed mechanism.
"It's an almost overwhelming prospect, isn't it?"
None of us really had the time to process.
[He's not sure who could have handled any of it better. He doesn't blame Jayce for his actions, not when so much was thrust on his shoulders, to say nothing of Viktor's own condition. Too much all at once, and everyone did what they felt they needed to do, in increasingly impossible circumstances.
Stil, it's tempting to rebut some of Jayce's statements, though Viktor knows he's done enough. He needs to sit, and listen, and choose his words carefully. Re-affirm his commitment to their partnership. To keeping each other on the same page, because that's how they work best. He does, however, take umbrage with one thing, and he's never been one not to voice his opinion, if he feels it has merit.]
You could make it sound like less of a lecture.
[He swallows, and nods in agreement. There are more unkind things to say, like why should he have to consider everyone else's feelings when people rarely offer him the same courtesy, but he bites it down. Viktor realizes that what he intended to do was reckless, and apparently did have severe consequences. Underneath his stubbornness is real regret, for putting Jayce into that kind of situation, even though from his perspective, he hasn't done it yet.
But--Jayce isn't telling him to stop. He seems to understand that if Viktor wants to save his own life, he needs to test the methods on himself. That's surprising, maybe, though Viktor himself had said that Jayce would understand. Maybe this is what it looks like.]
I can recreate my notes, from the intended experiment. Perhaps you could take a look. See if I missed anything. [Then, after another moment of consideration--] I was reckless, and hurt you because of it. I won't have that happen again. I owe you that much.
[He's not sure who could have handled any of it better. He doesn't blame Jayce for his actions, not when so much was thrust on his shoulders, to say nothing of Viktor's own condition. Too much all at once, and everyone did what they felt they needed to do, in increasingly impossible circumstances.
Stil, it's tempting to rebut some of Jayce's statements, though Viktor knows he's done enough. He needs to sit, and listen, and choose his words carefully. Re-affirm his commitment to their partnership. To keeping each other on the same page, because that's how they work best. He does, however, take umbrage with one thing, and he's never been one not to voice his opinion, if he feels it has merit.]
You could make it sound like less of a lecture.
[He swallows, and nods in agreement. There are more unkind things to say, like why should he have to consider everyone else's feelings when people rarely offer him the same courtesy, but he bites it down. Viktor realizes that what he intended to do was reckless, and apparently did have severe consequences. Underneath his stubbornness is real regret, for putting Jayce into that kind of situation, even though from his perspective, he hasn't done it yet.
But--Jayce isn't telling him to stop. He seems to understand that if Viktor wants to save his own life, he needs to test the methods on himself. That's surprising, maybe, though Viktor himself had said that Jayce would understand. Maybe this is what it looks like.]
I can recreate my notes, from the intended experiment. Perhaps you could take a look. See if I missed anything. [Then, after another moment of consideration--] I was reckless, and hurt you because of it. I won't have that happen again. I owe you that much.
Edited 2022-04-28 00:59 (UTC)
[ Viktor had a long time to process his own health, but Jayce doesn't have to bring that up, they both know. And knowing you may have little time isn't the same thing as experiencing the end of it. It's a petty thing to bring up so he doesn't. Viktor was just trying to do the best with the time he had, everything he did was for that reason. Jayce really does understand, even if it hurts him on a personal level.
He looks startled at that push back, eyebrows furrowing. ]
I'm sorry, I didn't mean to. Maybe I'm being condescending without realizing it, I just got here, and you have all these connections, and you've ... really only had me for years. And our relationship isn't the relationship you'll have with everyone. I thought maybe it would be helpful, to give my ... emotional insight, in case you bump into more of this in the future.
[ As usual, Jayce's intentions are good, but not always executed well. He'll probably always have that arrogant streak, thinking he knows best, even if he is humbled through him very, very much being wrong on that fact. He's utterly sincere in what he's saying though, as usual. He and Viktor have always had a particular relationship that nothing can mirror, and every one of Viktor's new friends will have a different approach. After a beat he smiles wryly, rolling his eyes. At himself. ]
As if I know better. With my total three friends back home.
[ Jayce is good at crowds. He's good at socializing and winning people over with his easy warmth and passion. So in that sense, he is really good at understanding people. But that doesn't mean he understands interpersonal relationships any better. Caitlyn's been his adopted sister figure for years, Mel and him are more complicated than friends, and then there's Viktor. So yeah, he's being condescending, probably. ]
V, you don't owe me anything. And I'm not saying I'm innocent. I mean, I was awful to you on the bridge, and I hurt you enough not to trust in me because of it. We both have to do better.
[ There's also that other thing he hasn't mentioned yet, in his list of really shitty actions, but they'll get there. For now Jayce doesn't want to make it seem like he's above the situation. He's very flawed, he's always been, and Viktor has always seen his flaws clear as day. It's just harder sometimes to see one's own flaws. He reaches out to gently touch Viktor's shirt at the elbow and tugs it playfully, before letting it go. Still being so careful. ]
We've taken our relationship for granted. It's always been so easy. We'll figure it out.
[ And will he ever stop calling them a relationship rather than any qualifying versions of ship no he will not, you will never make him. ]
He looks startled at that push back, eyebrows furrowing. ]
I'm sorry, I didn't mean to. Maybe I'm being condescending without realizing it, I just got here, and you have all these connections, and you've ... really only had me for years. And our relationship isn't the relationship you'll have with everyone. I thought maybe it would be helpful, to give my ... emotional insight, in case you bump into more of this in the future.
[ As usual, Jayce's intentions are good, but not always executed well. He'll probably always have that arrogant streak, thinking he knows best, even if he is humbled through him very, very much being wrong on that fact. He's utterly sincere in what he's saying though, as usual. He and Viktor have always had a particular relationship that nothing can mirror, and every one of Viktor's new friends will have a different approach. After a beat he smiles wryly, rolling his eyes. At himself. ]
As if I know better. With my total three friends back home.
[ Jayce is good at crowds. He's good at socializing and winning people over with his easy warmth and passion. So in that sense, he is really good at understanding people. But that doesn't mean he understands interpersonal relationships any better. Caitlyn's been his adopted sister figure for years, Mel and him are more complicated than friends, and then there's Viktor. So yeah, he's being condescending, probably. ]
V, you don't owe me anything. And I'm not saying I'm innocent. I mean, I was awful to you on the bridge, and I hurt you enough not to trust in me because of it. We both have to do better.
[ There's also that other thing he hasn't mentioned yet, in his list of really shitty actions, but they'll get there. For now Jayce doesn't want to make it seem like he's above the situation. He's very flawed, he's always been, and Viktor has always seen his flaws clear as day. It's just harder sometimes to see one's own flaws. He reaches out to gently touch Viktor's shirt at the elbow and tugs it playfully, before letting it go. Still being so careful. ]
We've taken our relationship for granted. It's always been so easy. We'll figure it out.
[ And will he ever stop calling them a relationship rather than any qualifying versions of ship no he will not, you will never make him. ]
Jayce has been mostly shuttling his joy about the magic to the side, since they have to focus on Viktor's health, it's the priority. And since he's going to be studying healing magic right away, he will get to experience magic, it'll be beautiful, he's excited about it. But now they're in this room and all opportunities hang between them, Jayce lets it settle into him. He is going to be able to do real magic. His dream. He has come the closest he could to it through Hextech.
His smile then is pure joy. "I have been." Waiting his entire life for this. He takes this as permission to be happy about it, to think only about magic for a few seconds and not the rest of their projects. Jayce has never had the talent, only a mind. Viktor knows how much it means to him, and he can feel his support in the way he says that.
"I'll probably cry the first time I do a spell," Jayce says with a laugh. It's also likely true. "So emotionally overwhelming, yes." But exciting. "Have you used any of it since getting here?"
His smile then is pure joy. "I have been." Waiting his entire life for this. He takes this as permission to be happy about it, to think only about magic for a few seconds and not the rest of their projects. Jayce has never had the talent, only a mind. Viktor knows how much it means to him, and he can feel his support in the way he says that.
"I'll probably cry the first time I do a spell," Jayce says with a laugh. It's also likely true. "So emotionally overwhelming, yes." But exciting. "Have you used any of it since getting here?"
All he can do is watch fondly--it's the same kind of passion from the trial, and Viktor can't help but be taken up in it, just as he was that very first night. The fact that it's going to be reality sooner rather than later, well. Viktor can't wait to see it.
"If you cry, I won't hold it against you."
Well, he might. A little. His smile says as much.
"I haven't tried," Viktor admits. It all seems a bit overwhelming, to know that he can, so he's put it off by immersing himself in his own work, as usual. "I'll be honest, I'm...not sure I know where to begin."
"If you cry, I won't hold it against you."
Well, he might. A little. His smile says as much.
"I haven't tried," Viktor admits. It all seems a bit overwhelming, to know that he can, so he's put it off by immersing himself in his own work, as usual. "I'll be honest, I'm...not sure I know where to begin."
[Ah, so, it's back to this again. He knows it's not easy, to be new here, with Viktor having a head start, then to find out he was being less-than-honest, on top of that? He feels a pang of guilt--unsurprising, that Jayce would take everything particularly hard. But he meant it when he said it earlier--Jayce is irreplaceable, even meeting so many new people from countless other worlds.]
I know how to have friends, Jayce. [Knows how to care about people, ostensibly. Sometimes, however, he's a little lacking in the way he shows it. His sickness and preoccupation with it certainly hasn't helped.] Did you think you were the first?
[Well. Actually. Maybe that's true, at least insofar as an intellectual equal is concerned. Jayce had been the first who could really match him step for step, and he's never stopped being glad for it. Once he had that, of course, what other friends did he need? It certainly didn't help that once he had Jayce, he felt less of a need to perform for the Academy--for Piltover itself--and focused singularly on the work they were doing. A life before Jayce seems like it was lived by someone else, at this point, but it existed nonetheless.
Still, he's not going to harp on it. Jayce has apologized both for the little lecture and for his behavior on the bridge, and though Viktor can't deny that the latter spoke to a broader misunderstanding, the social structure of home and all of the repercussions of it are both behind them now. It seems best to start over, on the same team. They've always been better that way. Viktor indulges the touch, leaning into it a little so their shoulders are touching as they sit on the bench.]
We have a second chance, now. We'll do better this time.
I know how to have friends, Jayce. [Knows how to care about people, ostensibly. Sometimes, however, he's a little lacking in the way he shows it. His sickness and preoccupation with it certainly hasn't helped.] Did you think you were the first?
[Well. Actually. Maybe that's true, at least insofar as an intellectual equal is concerned. Jayce had been the first who could really match him step for step, and he's never stopped being glad for it. Once he had that, of course, what other friends did he need? It certainly didn't help that once he had Jayce, he felt less of a need to perform for the Academy--for Piltover itself--and focused singularly on the work they were doing. A life before Jayce seems like it was lived by someone else, at this point, but it existed nonetheless.
Still, he's not going to harp on it. Jayce has apologized both for the little lecture and for his behavior on the bridge, and though Viktor can't deny that the latter spoke to a broader misunderstanding, the social structure of home and all of the repercussions of it are both behind them now. It seems best to start over, on the same team. They've always been better that way. Viktor indulges the touch, leaning into it a little so their shoulders are touching as they sit on the bench.]
We have a second chance, now. We'll do better this time.
Edited 2022-04-29 22:14 (UTC)
We've been in each other's pockets for seven years, I think I would have known if you had other friends.
[ Viktor is private so possibly he could 'hide' friends but Jayce doubts that. He doesn't know if he had friends before him, he just knows that once they had each other, that was more or less it for them. And considering Jayce's three 'friends' includes his sister figure and his lover, it's not as if he's sought out many other connections either.
Jayce is insecure, this is something they are aware of. He is confident to a point, but he's plagued by doubts and uncertainty, and never more so now that he feels out of control. It's not Viktor's problem, but he's floundering a bit. He'll get there, once he balances out and gets his focuses all set up. His hands move to start buttoning up his shirt. ]
It's important you know that I'm really glad you have friends, you've always deserved more recognition and attention than you were given. I've believed that from day one. They're really good people. I'm just ... [ He waves a hand, he does that a lot while talking and trying to get out what he's thinking. ] Having more time to process everything that happened recently. It's bringing a lot of feelings up.
[ They have more time to sit in their feelings, or at least Jayce does, and that isn't a bad thing necessarily, it just might have some growing pains now that he's forced to sit down and cope with things that he was pushing off. Like his feelings about Viktor's illness and his terror of losing him. And other things he hasn't communicated yet, because he really is sort of reacting as he goes. ]
Even if I seemed distant, I was obsessed with finding a way to save your life, I thought about it constantly. I didn't want to burden you with my fear until I had a solution or any helpful ideas.
[ He glances over at Viktor, bumping his shoulder gently, looking at that beloved set of details in his face Jayce has stared at for years. ]
We'll do it here. I know we will. I feel it in my gut.
[ Viktor is private so possibly he could 'hide' friends but Jayce doubts that. He doesn't know if he had friends before him, he just knows that once they had each other, that was more or less it for them. And considering Jayce's three 'friends' includes his sister figure and his lover, it's not as if he's sought out many other connections either.
Jayce is insecure, this is something they are aware of. He is confident to a point, but he's plagued by doubts and uncertainty, and never more so now that he feels out of control. It's not Viktor's problem, but he's floundering a bit. He'll get there, once he balances out and gets his focuses all set up. His hands move to start buttoning up his shirt. ]
It's important you know that I'm really glad you have friends, you've always deserved more recognition and attention than you were given. I've believed that from day one. They're really good people. I'm just ... [ He waves a hand, he does that a lot while talking and trying to get out what he's thinking. ] Having more time to process everything that happened recently. It's bringing a lot of feelings up.
[ They have more time to sit in their feelings, or at least Jayce does, and that isn't a bad thing necessarily, it just might have some growing pains now that he's forced to sit down and cope with things that he was pushing off. Like his feelings about Viktor's illness and his terror of losing him. And other things he hasn't communicated yet, because he really is sort of reacting as he goes. ]
Even if I seemed distant, I was obsessed with finding a way to save your life, I thought about it constantly. I didn't want to burden you with my fear until I had a solution or any helpful ideas.
[ He glances over at Viktor, bumping his shoulder gently, looking at that beloved set of details in his face Jayce has stared at for years. ]
We'll do it here. I know we will. I feel it in my gut.
Edited 2022-04-30 05:09 (UTC)
I had a life before you.
[A whole twenty-five years of one, even. But, maybe he's just trying to convince himself that everything before Jayce was somehow worthwhile, so he says it as gently and as jokingly as possible. Viktor has always been just fine on his own, and he doesn't need Jayce to worry about his capacity to maintain interpersonal relationships. Still, he hasn't exactly been the person he's wanted to be in the last few years, but that's what happens when you spend all your time worrying about your own ticking clock.
He doesn't think he can manage Jayce's grief on top of his own, but it's true that neither of them have really had any time to process. Even knowing it was coming, Viktor himself had allowed himself no time to really absorb his diagnosis, beyond fishing for some measure of comfort from his mentor and finding none. After that, it was back to work--he wasn't sure what else to do, but he knew he wasn't ready to give up.
So it's only natural that all of this is coming out now, when the two of them finally have a moment to breathe. Viktor shifts a little--turns his body at an angle to better watch Jayce's expression, eyebrows knitting together in slight concern. He's been more tactile than usual, recently, but all he can do is hope that he won't go so far as to do something he might regret. Viktor can feel himself pushing that boundary as he puts his hand between Jayce's shoulders for once, but it feels right in this moment, to be this close.]
I know you're afraid of losing me. [I'm afraid of being gone, is what he doesn't say, though he knows it isn't the same thing. Once all is said and done, he won't have any awareness of the void he'll leave. He simply won't exist--Jayce is the one who will need to pick up the pieces.] But I'm not going to leave you if I can help it. I promise.
[A whole twenty-five years of one, even. But, maybe he's just trying to convince himself that everything before Jayce was somehow worthwhile, so he says it as gently and as jokingly as possible. Viktor has always been just fine on his own, and he doesn't need Jayce to worry about his capacity to maintain interpersonal relationships. Still, he hasn't exactly been the person he's wanted to be in the last few years, but that's what happens when you spend all your time worrying about your own ticking clock.
He doesn't think he can manage Jayce's grief on top of his own, but it's true that neither of them have really had any time to process. Even knowing it was coming, Viktor himself had allowed himself no time to really absorb his diagnosis, beyond fishing for some measure of comfort from his mentor and finding none. After that, it was back to work--he wasn't sure what else to do, but he knew he wasn't ready to give up.
So it's only natural that all of this is coming out now, when the two of them finally have a moment to breathe. Viktor shifts a little--turns his body at an angle to better watch Jayce's expression, eyebrows knitting together in slight concern. He's been more tactile than usual, recently, but all he can do is hope that he won't go so far as to do something he might regret. Viktor can feel himself pushing that boundary as he puts his hand between Jayce's shoulders for once, but it feels right in this moment, to be this close.]
I know you're afraid of losing me. [I'm afraid of being gone, is what he doesn't say, though he knows it isn't the same thing. Once all is said and done, he won't have any awareness of the void he'll leave. He simply won't exist--Jayce is the one who will need to pick up the pieces.] But I'm not going to leave you if I can help it. I promise.
Is it bad I barely think of life before Hextech? I guess that makes me a workaholic. But that doesn't mean I should assume you think the same way.
[ Jayce had a life too, technically a pretty engaging one, he's talked to Viktor about the mage, about his time in the desert, about a lot of his past, but it was always about his way to Hextech. His dream. And then when he and Viktor succeeded, that was everything. So apparently he's tunnel-visioned not only his own life, but Viktor's too. He can be a real oblivious idiot, something they both know. He's caught up in his own drama yet again.
Usually one unexpected touch from Viktor is a meal he could feed on for months, the cheek would be enough for a year typically, but he keeps surprising him. He's a starving man and so Viktor's attempts to show him comfort work in a way nothing else really could. Jayce often shows his affection and comfort in touches to the arms, back, anything Viktor would let him, but he's never expected it back or asked for it.
He can't help but lean into it, like a flower toward the sun, but Jayce too is smart, careful not to look at him, knowing doing so would put them too close. He has to focus on what he can ask for or he can accept. Instead of turning, he simply rests his head to the side, briefly leaning their heads together, still within boundaries while taking in every bit of that affection.]
I'm sorry you have to comfort me when it's something you're going through. But I appreciate it all the same. There are no distractions here, nothing keeping us from finding the solution together.
[ Jayce knows he's the one who was distracted, but he's apologized, and they didn't end up doing it together like they should have, because of both of them. That was there, when there was just too much going on and dividing them. They don't have that here. They have each other the way they should have always. In a way this is a blessing in disguise. ]
I won't lose you.
[ Jayce says it in the way he does most things when he is firm and determined and that passion within him seems to never be able to fade. He says it like he means it, like damn anything that tries to get in his way. He will fight tooth and nail to finish his goal. ]
I want us to still be bickering over equations when we've got silver in our hair and you rolling your eyes at me until we both need reading glasses.
[ Jayce has always seen them as older men together; maybe not that old, but a reasonable lifetime. Distinguished. Still brilliant but maybe grown out of some of their youthful issues. ]
But ... that's still what I want. What do you want?
[ Jayce had a life too, technically a pretty engaging one, he's talked to Viktor about the mage, about his time in the desert, about a lot of his past, but it was always about his way to Hextech. His dream. And then when he and Viktor succeeded, that was everything. So apparently he's tunnel-visioned not only his own life, but Viktor's too. He can be a real oblivious idiot, something they both know. He's caught up in his own drama yet again.
Usually one unexpected touch from Viktor is a meal he could feed on for months, the cheek would be enough for a year typically, but he keeps surprising him. He's a starving man and so Viktor's attempts to show him comfort work in a way nothing else really could. Jayce often shows his affection and comfort in touches to the arms, back, anything Viktor would let him, but he's never expected it back or asked for it.
He can't help but lean into it, like a flower toward the sun, but Jayce too is smart, careful not to look at him, knowing doing so would put them too close. He has to focus on what he can ask for or he can accept. Instead of turning, he simply rests his head to the side, briefly leaning their heads together, still within boundaries while taking in every bit of that affection.]
I'm sorry you have to comfort me when it's something you're going through. But I appreciate it all the same. There are no distractions here, nothing keeping us from finding the solution together.
[ Jayce knows he's the one who was distracted, but he's apologized, and they didn't end up doing it together like they should have, because of both of them. That was there, when there was just too much going on and dividing them. They don't have that here. They have each other the way they should have always. In a way this is a blessing in disguise. ]
I won't lose you.
[ Jayce says it in the way he does most things when he is firm and determined and that passion within him seems to never be able to fade. He says it like he means it, like damn anything that tries to get in his way. He will fight tooth and nail to finish his goal. ]
I want us to still be bickering over equations when we've got silver in our hair and you rolling your eyes at me until we both need reading glasses.
[ Jayce has always seen them as older men together; maybe not that old, but a reasonable lifetime. Distinguished. Still brilliant but maybe grown out of some of their youthful issues. ]
But ... that's still what I want. What do you want?
Edited 2022-05-01 04:41 (UTC)
Jayce brings another gear to him and playfully flicks it at Viktor. Of course it's moving very slowly so it won't actually hit him unless he lets it. "You chose an emotional partner, you have to live with it." And if that includes crying, so be it! Sometimes he's a little embarrassed about the extent of his feelings, especially when they get out of his control, but it's also one of those things that are part of his personality.
He can't say he's surprised that Viktor hasn't used it yet. For one, he would have already shown it to Jayce, since he knows how excited he would be. For two, he has more pressing matters. If magic can help finish the Hexcore and get where they need to go, they'll definitely have to use it, but Jayce is more than happy to dive into that part.
"I've only just started looking into it, but they have academic magic which is not that dissimilar from learning science through our texts, there are books you can read and memorize spells through. I figured that would be an easy first step."
Jayce may have gone immediately to academia upon having a few minutes to himself to find out how to start. He is predictable. But that is probably the easiest start for two people who have always been academics at heart. Books!
He can't say he's surprised that Viktor hasn't used it yet. For one, he would have already shown it to Jayce, since he knows how excited he would be. For two, he has more pressing matters. If magic can help finish the Hexcore and get where they need to go, they'll definitely have to use it, but Jayce is more than happy to dive into that part.
"I've only just started looking into it, but they have academic magic which is not that dissimilar from learning science through our texts, there are books you can read and memorize spells through. I figured that would be an easy first step."
Jayce may have gone immediately to academia upon having a few minutes to himself to find out how to start. He is predictable. But that is probably the easiest start for two people who have always been academics at heart. Books!
This time he does intercept the gear, reaching out for it and inspecting it a little more closely than he did that night before flicking it away.
"I believe you were the first one to use the word partner. Technically speaking, you chose me."
That said, Viktor did make the somewhat rash decision to hitch the future of his entire career to Jayce's wagon when he barely knew the other man. He doesn't regret it, of course, but things could have ended much worse than they did. Even with a successful experiment, there was no guarantee that their personalities would mesh, or that they would be able to work together long-term. Lucky for both of them, he supposes.
"I'm aware there are entry-level paths. I'm also told that it's prudent to choose one or two things, to put all of one's energy into." If you want to get very good at it, that is. "Perhaps it's just indecision on my part, then."
"I believe you were the first one to use the word partner. Technically speaking, you chose me."
That said, Viktor did make the somewhat rash decision to hitch the future of his entire career to Jayce's wagon when he barely knew the other man. He doesn't regret it, of course, but things could have ended much worse than they did. Even with a successful experiment, there was no guarantee that their personalities would mesh, or that they would be able to work together long-term. Lucky for both of them, he supposes.
"I'm aware there are entry-level paths. I'm also told that it's prudent to choose one or two things, to put all of one's energy into." If you want to get very good at it, that is. "Perhaps it's just indecision on my part, then."
Please stop apologizing. Let me just...have this. For a moment.
[That's the closest he'll get to admitting that he needs this too, even though it's not bad or weak, to want comfort. If any situation calls for it, it's this one. Viktor, for all he pushes people away, desperately finds himself wanting it as well, and this closeness--the way Jayce leans into him in his sort of half-embrace--it's what he thinks he was missing. Physical contact isn't going to fix anything, but it is nice, to take a breath and just be, removed from all the distractions and complications that have made everything so fraught.
He'll even go so far to admit that this is nice. They lean against each other and Viktor shifts, to better settle him against his shoulder and rest his chin on top of Jayce's bowed head. His hand creeps slowly, experimentally, from between Jayce's shoulder blades to the nape of his neck, tips of his fingers daring to brush against his hairline.
There's that fantasy again--the one he couldn't even conceive of, because somehow he always knew he would be racing against time. Jayce talks about a world where they're older, distinguished researchers with full careers and an innumerable list of world-changing innovations behind them, and Viktor isn't certain he can even picture himself the way Jayce's describes. The first time he mentioned this, it had been surprising. The second time, well. It hurts. That he's thought this and dreamed up a whole future for them, together, that Viktor can't have.]
I want--
[What does he want?
He wants to stay like this for a little while longer. He wants to see what happens if he tilts his head just inches, enough to put his mouth against Jayce's temple while his head rests against his shoulder. He wants to ask Jayce what he really meant, when he said I love you, V. He wants to live, obviously. Wants to cure his illness and have all the time he needs to change the world for the better. Wants to reverse-engineer the ritual that brought them here and get home, where he'll be the most useful, where he can make sure that what happened to him never happens to anyone else, ever again.
He doesn't act on the impulse, as effortless as it would be. His hand stays where it is. He doesn't say any of those things.]
I want to work, for as long as I can. I want to solve this. [So that, maybe, they can have the future that Jayce dreams about, because he thinks he wants that, too.] But, Jayce-- [Viktor thinks he's been clear about not wanting to give up, at least not yet, and they've done the impossible before. They might still do it, but this is the hard part. What they weren't able to talk about, at home, because neither of them had any time.] When I tell you it's time to stop, we have to stop. I need you to be ready for that.
[That's the closest he'll get to admitting that he needs this too, even though it's not bad or weak, to want comfort. If any situation calls for it, it's this one. Viktor, for all he pushes people away, desperately finds himself wanting it as well, and this closeness--the way Jayce leans into him in his sort of half-embrace--it's what he thinks he was missing. Physical contact isn't going to fix anything, but it is nice, to take a breath and just be, removed from all the distractions and complications that have made everything so fraught.
He'll even go so far to admit that this is nice. They lean against each other and Viktor shifts, to better settle him against his shoulder and rest his chin on top of Jayce's bowed head. His hand creeps slowly, experimentally, from between Jayce's shoulder blades to the nape of his neck, tips of his fingers daring to brush against his hairline.
There's that fantasy again--the one he couldn't even conceive of, because somehow he always knew he would be racing against time. Jayce talks about a world where they're older, distinguished researchers with full careers and an innumerable list of world-changing innovations behind them, and Viktor isn't certain he can even picture himself the way Jayce's describes. The first time he mentioned this, it had been surprising. The second time, well. It hurts. That he's thought this and dreamed up a whole future for them, together, that Viktor can't have.]
I want--
[What does he want?
He wants to stay like this for a little while longer. He wants to see what happens if he tilts his head just inches, enough to put his mouth against Jayce's temple while his head rests against his shoulder. He wants to ask Jayce what he really meant, when he said I love you, V. He wants to live, obviously. Wants to cure his illness and have all the time he needs to change the world for the better. Wants to reverse-engineer the ritual that brought them here and get home, where he'll be the most useful, where he can make sure that what happened to him never happens to anyone else, ever again.
He doesn't act on the impulse, as effortless as it would be. His hand stays where it is. He doesn't say any of those things.]
I want to work, for as long as I can. I want to solve this. [So that, maybe, they can have the future that Jayce dreams about, because he thinks he wants that, too.] But, Jayce-- [Viktor thinks he's been clear about not wanting to give up, at least not yet, and they've done the impossible before. They might still do it, but this is the hard part. What they weren't able to talk about, at home, because neither of them had any time.] When I tell you it's time to stop, we have to stop. I need you to be ready for that.
[ Jayce is surprised by the way that Viktor frames it. 'Let me just have this.' As if this is for Viktor too, and he is getting something out of it, and it makes his heart pound in his chest. It only gets worse when Viktor's fingers brush at his nape and he tries to keep his breathing steady and calm. He focuses on how nice it feels instead. How Jayce's head naturally settles onto Viktor's shoulder once it's allowed and then Viktor's chin is on his hair, and his eyes close, settling into this moment as if it is made of pure bliss. The stuff of dreams.
He says nothing, he basks in it. And it makes sense, it's not as if this comfort is one-sided. Viktor knows Jayce loves him, that he is devoted to him, and they both need this. Jayce has wanted to give him comfort before, but he's always been afraid to do more than touch his arm or his back. It's easier that it is Viktor's choice, that he is willingly giving it and asking for it.
It makes Jayce bold enough that he reaches out to take Viktor's other hand in his. He doesn't go so far as to thread their fingers together, but he does hold it. He does think about how easy it would be to turn his head. What it would be like to nuzzle Viktor's neck, so close, press his lips against the soft skin. But it's a fleeting thought. Jayce is far more about embracing what he is being allowed. Points of contact, and they feel great. Soothing. He's happy, despite all the pain.
He didn't expect Viktor to answer mostly because it seems so nebulous, to put wants out there like that, but Jayce's breath does get sucked in quickly when Viktor mentions them stopping. He wants to say no. He wants to say don't, please. Jayce lets his breath out slowly and squeezes Viktor's hand. ]
I will be. I'm with you, to whatever end.
[ If it's the end he dreams of, decades from now, that is ideal, but if it is a few months from now, he will have to live with that. And he will be the one that will have to live with it. The point is Jayce is loyal, he is going to stand by Viktor no matter what. If he has to watch him waste away, he will, but he isn't ready to give up.
His thumb caresses the back of Viktor's hand gently. ]
Can we ... stay like this? Just a little longer?
He says nothing, he basks in it. And it makes sense, it's not as if this comfort is one-sided. Viktor knows Jayce loves him, that he is devoted to him, and they both need this. Jayce has wanted to give him comfort before, but he's always been afraid to do more than touch his arm or his back. It's easier that it is Viktor's choice, that he is willingly giving it and asking for it.
It makes Jayce bold enough that he reaches out to take Viktor's other hand in his. He doesn't go so far as to thread their fingers together, but he does hold it. He does think about how easy it would be to turn his head. What it would be like to nuzzle Viktor's neck, so close, press his lips against the soft skin. But it's a fleeting thought. Jayce is far more about embracing what he is being allowed. Points of contact, and they feel great. Soothing. He's happy, despite all the pain.
He didn't expect Viktor to answer mostly because it seems so nebulous, to put wants out there like that, but Jayce's breath does get sucked in quickly when Viktor mentions them stopping. He wants to say no. He wants to say don't, please. Jayce lets his breath out slowly and squeezes Viktor's hand. ]
I will be. I'm with you, to whatever end.
[ If it's the end he dreams of, decades from now, that is ideal, but if it is a few months from now, he will have to live with that. And he will be the one that will have to live with it. The point is Jayce is loyal, he is going to stand by Viktor no matter what. If he has to watch him waste away, he will, but he isn't ready to give up.
His thumb caresses the back of Viktor's hand gently. ]
Can we ... stay like this? Just a little longer?
Edited 2022-05-03 02:36 (UTC)
I know. Thank you.
[It's a lot to ask--almost too much--and it isn't lost on Viktor that Jayce has effectively, gone through this twice. That's how he knows he'll agree, if and when the time comes--he's seen it himself, thanks to the strange exchange of memories.
Truthfully, he doesn't need to be asked if they can stay like this. He's exhausted, not just from trying to find Jayce, but from sharing that memory and trying to process everything in the aftermath. The hand is unexpected, but he supposes that subject matter like this calls for it. If Jayce wants to further ground himself, given everything they're both struggling with, Viktor isn't going to deny him. He thinks he could probably fall asleep like this, but upright on a bench is not exactly conducive to physical comfort. They'll head home, eventually. For now, however, this is enough.]
As long as you need.
[Well, until something cramps, maybe.]
[It's a lot to ask--almost too much--and it isn't lost on Viktor that Jayce has effectively, gone through this twice. That's how he knows he'll agree, if and when the time comes--he's seen it himself, thanks to the strange exchange of memories.
Truthfully, he doesn't need to be asked if they can stay like this. He's exhausted, not just from trying to find Jayce, but from sharing that memory and trying to process everything in the aftermath. The hand is unexpected, but he supposes that subject matter like this calls for it. If Jayce wants to further ground himself, given everything they're both struggling with, Viktor isn't going to deny him. He thinks he could probably fall asleep like this, but upright on a bench is not exactly conducive to physical comfort. They'll head home, eventually. For now, however, this is enough.]
As long as you need.
[Well, until something cramps, maybe.]
"And I've never made a better choice."
Again, Jayce is very sentimental, as the smile on his face says. He's always so certain of this friendship being the best part of his life, and floating in this living memory of their union only underlines it. What they accomplished is frankly beyond words, and they've only really just begun. If they save Viktor's life as they plan, who knows what they could invent and change here and anywhere else. They're young and already so successful.
Honestly there were so many reasons that they shouldn't have worked. They're opposites in many ways, background and personality, but it's only somehow made them fit together better. Like two puzzle pieces that only make sense after they've locked.
"That's true of becoming good at anything. You and I probably could have become experts at any science we felt like." They're smart, they're determined. They leaned toward what their interests already desired, but they could have excelled anywhere. Jayce already knows what he is going to start with, so he doesn't have to think much outside of perfecting that first.
"Their new magic isn't that different from Hextech, the difference is we had to find the crystals and stabilize them, in this case ... our own power could be the crystals or make them." He hasn't figured out exactly how it works yet, but it will. And that means he doesn't have to spend years tracking down the crystal equivalent here.
Again, Jayce is very sentimental, as the smile on his face says. He's always so certain of this friendship being the best part of his life, and floating in this living memory of their union only underlines it. What they accomplished is frankly beyond words, and they've only really just begun. If they save Viktor's life as they plan, who knows what they could invent and change here and anywhere else. They're young and already so successful.
Honestly there were so many reasons that they shouldn't have worked. They're opposites in many ways, background and personality, but it's only somehow made them fit together better. Like two puzzle pieces that only make sense after they've locked.
"That's true of becoming good at anything. You and I probably could have become experts at any science we felt like." They're smart, they're determined. They leaned toward what their interests already desired, but they could have excelled anywhere. Jayce already knows what he is going to start with, so he doesn't have to think much outside of perfecting that first.
"Their new magic isn't that different from Hextech, the difference is we had to find the crystals and stabilize them, in this case ... our own power could be the crystals or make them." He hasn't figured out exactly how it works yet, but it will. And that means he doesn't have to spend years tracking down the crystal equivalent here.
Viktor rolls his eyes, but there's amusement in it, and he knows it's impossible to take him seriously when he's floating upside-down. How did the two of them get back on the ground, anyway? Between the excitement of completing the experiment, and the exhilaration of creating magic, perhaps the more mundane events of the night escaped him. It was a little awkward, he remembers, with his cane shattered after playing its role as a makeshift barricade and the spare all the way back in his dormitory. Jayce had helped--Viktor had let him, too caught up in the exhilaration of the moment to be overly-concerned about his pride.
It doesn't surprise him that the conversation turns to work. They're naturally industrious, and he can admit that he missed the ease with which they bounce ideas off each other.
"It's the conduit that's the missing piece, yes. If there is an equivalent to the crystals here, that might make things more flexible, but we don't exactly have the time to conduct the kind of search you did, back home."
Months in the desert? No thanks.
It doesn't surprise him that the conversation turns to work. They're naturally industrious, and he can admit that he missed the ease with which they bounce ideas off each other.
"It's the conduit that's the missing piece, yes. If there is an equivalent to the crystals here, that might make things more flexible, but we don't exactly have the time to conduct the kind of search you did, back home."
Months in the desert? No thanks.
One of the first gifts Jayce ever gave Viktor was a new cane. At first he planned on making it as a surprise, but decided quickly against it; if it was something Viktor had to use every day, he had to have a say in its design. Jayce wouldn't know enough to make a perfect cane for him, and that's what he needed to do. The fact that Jayce used Talis colors on it was a personal touch, but it made him happy, giving his new best friend something he could use every day. Something special that they both came up with. A little project, but an intimate one, in his opinion.
He uses his hands to swim upward and playfully does a flip, showing off but also it really feels so free and easy here. Nothing holding him down. All he can see are the possibilities again. This world presents many new ones.
"I'll go ask some of the professors, they seem fairly open to new minds." Jayce will enthusiastically ask all the questions he can think of and go from there. "I think in this situation they're ahead of us, but that's what happens when magic is everywhere. No taboo, no need to guess or work in secret." They just made what they wanted and the magic is at their fingertips to use. There's no way they don't already have their own thing.
"I wonder if teleportation is something you can learn here." There's no mystery as to why that is the first thing on his mind, outside of healing.
He uses his hands to swim upward and playfully does a flip, showing off but also it really feels so free and easy here. Nothing holding him down. All he can see are the possibilities again. This world presents many new ones.
"I'll go ask some of the professors, they seem fairly open to new minds." Jayce will enthusiastically ask all the questions he can think of and go from there. "I think in this situation they're ahead of us, but that's what happens when magic is everywhere. No taboo, no need to guess or work in secret." They just made what they wanted and the magic is at their fingertips to use. There's no way they don't already have their own thing.
"I wonder if teleportation is something you can learn here." There's no mystery as to why that is the first thing on his mind, outside of healing.
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