Viktor makes a little hm noise and rolls off of Jayce, settling against his side in the crook of his arm. He reaches across Jayce’s chest to grasp at his hand, lacing their fingers together, running his thumb over rough knuckles.

Perhaps the question is a little awkward, and maybe he feels a little badly for putting Jayce in this position, but he finds it valuable to talk about regardless. Yes, Viktor knows very well that Jayce is a people-pleaser, and that carries over to their bedroom activities. Still, the sheepishness with which he asked for something that he wanted struck Viktor, a bit. He never wants Jayce to feel like he can’t—or shouldn’t—ask for something. Viktor wants to give him everything.

“I’ll consider that a compliment.” Even if a roundabout one. Viktor knows that Jayce has always been the most comfortable with him, though his thoughts drift towards the hypothetical timeline of home—if his few nights with Mel would have turned into a real relationship, given the chance. Given the political juggernaut that such a pairing would be, and Viktor’s own preoccupations at the time, he imagines that’s how things might have gone. Another reminder that this relationship—the one Jayce considers real—exists because of their displacement here. Another reminder to Viktor that this is something to cherish.

“Always ask me for what you want. Even if you’re embarrassed.”