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."
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.
"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.
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."
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.
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.
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?"
"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.
"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."
"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."
"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."
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."
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."
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."
Jayce feels confident, he truly does. It isn't even that he is forcing himself right then, sometimes he has to make himself believe, strongly enough for both of them. As they get closer he may allow himself more doubts, and he'll allow his fear later with Caitlyn or other people, but for now, he has to believe it enough that Viktor will too. And he can tell in the way Viktor looks at him that he does.
"We're the best at impossible things."
They also have so much more going on for them here that gives it a higher chance. Viktor had a much shorter clock and no real help, one of the reasons he probably failed. And yet he has a group of helpful hands here, a community that will boost him, and then magic and assisted tech. His chances are much higher here.
He knows that simply picking up Viktor will bother him, but he is relieved when Viktor relaxes against him and allows it. He did go through something terrifying, Jayce doesn't want him to have to struggle to walk back or get his breath back. He can do that tomorrow, and every day forward. For now he just needs to take care of him. It's how to keep sane. And it's a gesture between them too, that trust, the acceptance of someone taking care of Viktor and him allowing it.
Jayce sets him down on his side of the bed. The bed only has blankets somewhat pushed off from when Jayce followed him, so it isn't difficult to encourage them both back under them. Jayce immediately puts an arm around Viktor again, wanting to snuggle up with him. "We both will get sleep. We know what we have to do."
It bothers him in a way that's difficult to articulate--not necessarily the act of Jayce picking him up, but what it means for him in the future. Already he's anticipating a time not so far away where Jayce has to carry him from bedroom to bathroom, a time where he can't make it out of the apartment and to the laboratory at all. Despite the fact that he knows Jayce will care for him without question, even the possibility of being so dependent is almost too much to bear. All the more reason to move quickly, to avoid ever getting to that point.
Jayce is right. They've done the impossible before. There's no reason why they can't do it again. He tries to keep that thought in his head as they move back into their bedroom and he's set down gently on the mattress. He waits, patiently, for Jayce to join him, then shifts so they're face to face. He pulls the blankets up over the both and gets close, snuggling into the embrace offered to him, knowing that it's comfort for both of them.
"Okay. Yes." Viktor's hand slides between them, palm resting on Jayce's face, thumb stroking his cheekbone. "I believe we can do this. We have to."
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zvi
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Date: 2023-01-07 01:13 am (UTC)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."
no subject
Date: 2023-01-07 04:03 am (UTC)"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 subject
Date: 2023-01-07 05:57 am (UTC)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."
no subject
Date: 2023-01-08 01:54 am (UTC)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."
no subject
Date: 2023-01-08 04:11 am (UTC)"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.
no subject
Date: 2023-01-09 01:08 am (UTC)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.
no subject
Date: 2023-01-09 01:31 am (UTC)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?"
no subject
Date: 2023-01-09 11:59 pm (UTC)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.
no subject
Date: 2023-01-10 02:29 am (UTC)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."
no subject
Date: 2023-01-11 03:35 pm (UTC)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."
no subject
Date: 2023-01-11 05:31 pm (UTC)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."
no subject
Date: 2023-01-13 01:55 am (UTC)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."
no subject
Date: 2023-01-13 02:54 am (UTC)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."
no subject
Date: 2023-01-13 03:42 am (UTC)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.
no subject
Date: 2023-01-13 05:45 am (UTC)"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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Date: 2023-01-13 08:35 pm (UTC)"We're the best at impossible things."
They also have so much more going on for them here that gives it a higher chance. Viktor had a much shorter clock and no real help, one of the reasons he probably failed. And yet he has a group of helpful hands here, a community that will boost him, and then magic and assisted tech. His chances are much higher here.
He knows that simply picking up Viktor will bother him, but he is relieved when Viktor relaxes against him and allows it. He did go through something terrifying, Jayce doesn't want him to have to struggle to walk back or get his breath back. He can do that tomorrow, and every day forward. For now he just needs to take care of him. It's how to keep sane. And it's a gesture between them too, that trust, the acceptance of someone taking care of Viktor and him allowing it.
Jayce sets him down on his side of the bed. The bed only has blankets somewhat pushed off from when Jayce followed him, so it isn't difficult to encourage them both back under them. Jayce immediately puts an arm around Viktor again, wanting to snuggle up with him. "We both will get sleep. We know what we have to do."
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Date: 2023-01-14 12:22 am (UTC)Jayce is right. They've done the impossible before. There's no reason why they can't do it again. He tries to keep that thought in his head as they move back into their bedroom and he's set down gently on the mattress. He waits, patiently, for Jayce to join him, then shifts so they're face to face. He pulls the blankets up over the both and gets close, snuggling into the embrace offered to him, knowing that it's comfort for both of them.
"Okay. Yes." Viktor's hand slides between them, palm resting on Jayce's face, thumb stroking his cheekbone. "I believe we can do this. We have to."
There is simply no other choice.