Jayce loves sentimentality, he is dripping with it at all times, but it is so sweet to see Viktor getting into it for him. And enjoying it too for himself. Their intimacy is close in a way even he couldn't have imagined, since he never had it before Viktor. It's still amazing to him how much the reality surpassed his fantasy. He does think that Viktor was a little sentimental deep down, but Jayce is the one who gets to enjoy it.
It might take time before Jayce doesn't treat Viktor carefully because their relationship so far was always in consideration of his pain or his illness. By the time it progressed toward the end he treated Viktor like glass, and he is unlearning that again. For example, he keeps his full weight off him despite being on top, but he pouts as Viktor puts a wrench in his frisky plans. He runs a hand down Viktor's side and curls around his good knee, squeezing, settling between his legs like he belongs there.
Jayce kisses the moles on his face lovingly and then trails down to kiss them on his neck too. He is reluctant to stop, enticing as always. "Just give me a little taste." As if with Jayce a little taste ever ended there, he always makes it a full meal.
Viktor rolls his eyes, though of course it's entirely fond. He can't hide it, anymore, not after everything they've been through together. Things that are important to Jayce have become extremely important to him, too, and even independent of that, Viktor finds himself valuing these markers of time deeply. First, because he wasn't sure how much longer he'd have to enjoy them, and now because he knows he has all of the time he wants. They'll mark these anniversaries again and again. The future that Jayce imagined for them is becoming real, and Viktor is finally starting to believe it, too.
He thinks Jayce will always treat him delicately, and it's true that even discounting his illness, Viktor is more fragile than most. He still expects, at some point, a gradual physical decline independent of what they've just cured him of--he'd graduated from a cane to a crutch during the time they'd been professional partners, after all, and over the years he's needed more support from metal and leather contraptions. That isn't going to change, and might, in fact, get worse as he gets older, but it's not going to kill him. He'll be able to get older in the first place. That's the most important part.
And he looks better, and feels better, a testament to their cure. Long nights spent working on the tracking system and worrying over the missing haven't exactly done him any favors, but he's sure that Jayce has noted him put on a little weight, the hollows of his cheeks softening as they fill out, the dark circles under his eyes starting to fade, even slightly. He has more of an appetite, as evidenced by the fact that he's suggesting breakfast. He's ready, obviously, to make love again, though he'd certainly done his best up until the point everything became too exhausting and painful. Then, his recovery and the kidnappings...all of this is overdue.
Suffice to say that he should have expected Jayce to immediately derail, and he's not even sure he can resist. Viktor shivers at the mouth on his neck, even as he's warm under the blankets and in his improvised pajamas. The shirt is so large it reaches almost to the middle of his thighs. Underneath, his usual pair of briefs.
"If you start now, you won't be able to stop yourself." As in, it's never just a little taste. Viktor offers a pout of his own, not that anything will happen if they delay breakfast by a half hour. He has no real argument, especially not when Jayce has decided that he needs to seek out every mark and freckle, starting from the top. "But, I suppose it is your birthday."
Which means that Viktor can't really argue against Jayce deciding what he wants to do. Those are the birthday rules, or something.
Jayce hasn't had a moment to actually think about missing their sex life. Because obviously it was very unimportant compared to Viktor's survival and cure and then their missing friends and Caitlyn. He's gone years without sex, weeks and months are nothing, but one taste of Viktor and feeling his warm body against him reminds him. It would be so easy to sink into this and he wants to, but he nuzzles Viktor's neck and sighs, telling his body to cool down. It can get what it needs later.
"It'll push food off too long, I don't want to rush." While a quickie would feel incredibly good after all this time parched, Jayce really likes to take his time. The times they've had to go quick were fun and intentional, but when it's them in their bedroom, on a day of significance, he wants to languish and linger in Viktor. Especially considering it's their first time post-op.
He playfully squeezes Viktor's ass before pushing off him, so he doesn't get distracted and do the opposite of what he said. Jayce is shirtless but he does have shorts on, and he doesn't bother to put a shirt on. Even if Caitlyn does show up - he thinks she's at the inn - she's used to him never wearing one. He runs hot and they're in a desert. They all live together so they're used to being casual at home.
"Meet me in the kitchen, love." He brushes his fingers affectionately through Viktor's hair but then goes to the bathroom. His morning routine takes slightly longer than Viktor's because he has some tiny beauty regime things and extra teeth-related cleaning, have to keep them sparkly white.
An entire year here. He remembers finding Viktor on the street but it's more like a dream than a memory at this point. Why does it feel so far away? Because they've come so far. Jayce comes out of the bathroom looking and smelling nicer thanks to his small ways, his hair nicely brushed.
Truly, Jayce rolling off of him is the most surprising thing of all. He'd be impressed if he wasn't already resigned to it, ready to give himself over to Jayce. Having to reconfigure, and then reconfigure again clearly trips him up a little, leaving him stuttering when Jayce squeezes his ass and then promptly leaves the bed. Viktor sits up, surprised and wondering if it's fakeout, but then Jayce heads to the bathroom and it seems like they really will be having a meal, as planned.
"All right. Good."
While Jayce is getting ready, Viktor swings his legs over the side of the bed, decides not to get dressed, and reaches for his softer, less bulky leg brace, better for general wear around their apartment. He foregoes the rest, knowing that Jayce will want everything off, shortly after breakfast, but by the time he's finished it's his turn for the bathroom. His time in there is much shorter than Jayce's--he brushes his teeth and doesn't bother with his hair, figuring a shower will be on the agenda at some point, whenever they're finished. The thought, however, of having breakfast and then lingering in bed together all day has warmth pooling in his stomach.
Of course, he'll leave it up to Jayce. For now, he does as requested and heads to the kitchen, leaning in and offering Jayce a kiss before he starts to assemble ingredients from the pantry and icebox.
"If you have any special requests, now is the time. Otherwise I will improvise."
He's not an especially good cook, but Viktor is certainly able to feed himself--and it's not like breakfast is difficult. He's confident in his ability to quickly and efficiently cook them something, so that they can get to the rest of it without delay.
Jayce has waited this long, he can wait a little longer. It reminds him of their real first time together, when he patiently made certain Viktor got his path and was comfortably cleaned up before the seduction. They have endless times ahead together, now that their future is bright again. Besides, they'll need fuel for the sex they'll be having the rest of the day (if he has anything to say about it).
He loves when Viktor's hair is tousled, he usually prefers it that way to brushed, although sometimes his fingers get in the tangles, but he still likes it wild. In true Jayce fashion, he seems to anticipate the things that Viktor wants to grab for and hands it to him without being asked. They do that in the lab together all the time and it continues in their personal life.
"Anything is fine." Jayce slides up behind him and briefly puts an arm around his waist, ducking his head down to kiss his neck again. Just a little snuggle because he can. "The real meal is after." He playfully nips the skin afterward and smiles, having missed this lightness between them. It's not as if everything is perfect, there are an endless list of things to do and worry about, but he can take a brief respite from his concerns. It's his 'birthday' after all.
Jayce releases him because otherwise they'd get distracted and he gets cups instead for juice and brings what plates and utensils he'll need. "An entire year out, how about that?" He smiles as he takes a seat and just watches Viktor. "I would say we didn't really celebrate yours, but we kind of did, with a life-changing surgery." Sure it happened before February, but it was a pretty good lead-in to a year in Abraxas, he'd say.
Having received this confirmation, Viktor rolls up his oversized sleeves and gets to work. Staying in his sleepwear is a calculated move, of course--he knows that Jayce likes the way he looks, practically swimming in one of his old shirts, and it's immediately affirmed when Jayce can't keep his mouth off of Viktor. For as little as he cares about appearances, how he looks now is meant to be particularly appealing, with tangled, unruly hair and the first button undone, exposing the curve of his neck and his collarbones, all places he knows Jayce is particularly fond of.
"You're vulgar. Coffee or tea?"
He's putting a kettle on either way, and as soon as Jayce makes his decision Viktor will task him with taking care of it, as well as grabbing any additional ingredients and utensils, should he decides he needs them (though of course Jayce is always one step ahead). For now, however, he likes being watched, taking a moment to light the stove and pull up a stool so that he can sit while he cooks. He plans to keep it simple, which he thinks Jayce will prefer. They have some bread from one of the nearby bakeries, some eggs, fresh tomatoes--difficult for him to screw up, which is the most important thing.
"You know that my birthday doesn't really matter to me." Mostly because of the attention factor, so he's grateful that Jayce didn't do something silly, like announce it on the network. Besides, they had too much to worry about, and Viktor isn't sure he wants to tie his birthday to his arrival in Abraxas, anyway. Whereas Jayce found Viktor swiftly after coming to Cadens, Viktor was here alone, sure he'd never see Jayce again. He isn't sure he wants to commemorate that, and is content to keep it around the last days of the year, like it was back in Piltover. Much more pleasant, anyway, to talk about their reunion, even if that was not without distress. Viktor smiles a little to himself, remembering how relieved Jayce had been, pulling him into an embrace in the middle of the street.
Jayce finds him very appealing and he always has. It's not as if one day he woke up and found Viktor attractive, he was noting details about his friend long before it all connected together into an actual crush. His beautiful eyes. Those distinct cheekbones. The moles, oh the moles. Irresistible. He absolutely loves Viktor in his clothes as he well knows, so the seduction is all appreciated, if very easy. He is so glad to see Viktor putting some weight on though and the telltale details of his new health. His lust for him never was about how healthy he looked, but he can't deny that the glow of it on Viktor is appealing. Alive. So alive.
He decides on tea and makes it for both of them, knowing of course Viktor's preference. It does put him in mind of their first morning together. Their domestic bliss started out so well, having already been in something like it as friends. But every intimacy is important to him. He watches Viktor intently. Blatantly. Knowing he's aware.
"In a way, it was. Another universe, another timeline." Where neither of them died when they were supposed to. Instead they got this bliss. Imperfect, maybe, but perfect in its own way. He lets his gaze wander down Viktor's body, smiling at how his shirt swims on him, admiring his skinny legs and long neck. He's glad he didn't have to be alone. Jayce is so bad at being alone.
"A lifetime ahead of us." He wonders if Viktor is ready to talk about the future yet. Jayce has the preliminary sketches done, he will be ready soon. But this is more about what Viktor sees for himself.
It's always been pleasant, to exist in each other's spaces, focused on separate activities, but he can't deny that it's nice to be looked at. Once, Jayce's undivided attention might have been overwhelming, like orbiting too close to the sun, but now Viktor relishes it, knowing how special it is and knowing it's only for him. He's not one to preen, but he certainly seems pleased, even facing away from him and working on breakfast.
Which is, at this moment, proceeding. Viktor cuts two generous slices of bread from the loaf, butters both sides and places them in a hot pan to toast. He starts cracking eggs into a bowl, making the executive decision to scramble them. Some kind of egg-on-toast situation seems filling enough and light enough for their purposes. Quick and easy preparation to, if Jayce doesn't want to be kept waiting.
As expedient as he's being, however, he's not going to rush the conversation. They haven't been avoiding any of it, per se--they've just both been so occupied that they haven't had a moment to talk about the cure or what it means for them going forward. Viktor's barely had time to think about it, himself.
Another universe, another timeline. "Yes, sometimes I forget that you're some other Viktor's version of Jayce."
That's kind of a joke, maybe, given that the discrepancy is so small. But if they want to get extremely technical, even those few days that Jayce has and he doesn't means they're theoretically from separate universes, even if the differences are minute. No matter how else he feels about the situation, he can be thankful that this place has afforded them what would otherwise be impossible, back home.
"I've been thinking about that. What I want to do." A lifetime. Barring any additional illnesses he might develop at a later unknown time, Viktor has that now. He's still deciding, but maybe that's why Jayce is looping back around to this conversation. "New projects. Big ones. The Academy must understand how valuable we are by now. It's in their best interest to allow us full access to their resources."
The fact that Jayce might have been not-so-subtly referring to a lifetime outside of work--their future--doesn't seem to have crossed Viktor's mind.
As Viktor knows, Jayce loves to be looked at, especially by him, so he suspects that Viktor has a little bit of that in him too. He spent a long time desiring him with no hope of getting it, and hid his interest as best as he could, so now he is going to linger and enjoy. He doesn't care how long the food takes, he's very easy to please food-wise. He'll eat whatever is set down in front of him. He likes domesticity so it's fun to just be in this moment.
"Wow, I haven't thought about it like that, but that means you're a Jayce thief. Stole me right away from the other one." Jayce doesn't want to think about it too deeply because he can always overthink it, and instead he'd rather have some fun and joke about it. A few days apart and it does technically mean different timelines, but they're also both still in their timelines. So it's fine.
Jayce has grounded himself into the present on purpose, for Viktor's comfort and his own sanity, because until they cured him they couldn't really plan for one. It's hard for him to stop, that has always been how his mind works. He's trying not to rush toward the future now but set it in front of Viktor as a topic and see where it goes. Even if he already has his own plans.
He smiles at Viktor's back when he goes straight to work but he's not surprised. Viktor will be shocked at his plans because it's not the way he thinks, and that's fine with Jayce. To him, they already plan on being together forever, so what do they need to talk about their relationship for? It's why he engages in that conversation. It's fair. They like to start with work.
"Maybe we can finish the projects put aside, like the one for Matt." Jayce really would like ot make his life easier if possible. "We can get back on the mining situation. I want to talk to them again now that they know we helped them get all the equipment out, see if they can communicate directly what's helpful, rather than ask the government." Yes, whatever they do will have to be cleared by the government, but it's better to ask the source first.
Perhaps, also, Viktor has chosen something quick and easy because he doesn't necessarily want to delay the rest of the day's activities. Jayce is being nice and patient, however, which is a welcome surprise. Viktor never really thought of himself as one for domesticity, but he knows that Jayce enjoys it and he's come to like it, himself. They haven't had many quiet mornings, between his illness and his recovery and the kidnappings, but whey they do manage one, it's always something to treasure.
"You've caught me. I'm out to steal every Jayce across the multi-verse."
He turns back to the cutting board to slice tomatoes, placing them in the pan alongside the eggs. It's true that Viktor doesn't seem to recognize that the question is about their future together, because to him it's already a foregone conclusion. Who else would he be with? Who else would he want to be with? Even now that he has a full life ahead of him, he feels no desire to change any of this. There's no one else he'd rather share these quiet mornings with, and it feels so obvious it doesn't even occur to him to acknowledge their level of commitment.
(Suffice to say, he has no idea what's coming.)
Talking about work is easy, and one of the things Viktor likes most about mornings like this. He's had a great deal on his list that they needed to put off for his own health, and he's itching to get back to that and more now that the current moment of crisis has passed. Even with his back turned, it's clear that Viktor is excited about the prospect of returning to some of their old projects.
"I haven't forgotten. Matt's translator, Jaskier's recordings, Claude's hydroponics project, the miners....it's all on the list. Now that we've proven ourselves invaluable to the Academy, perhaps they'll give us the resources we need, for once."
There's no point withholding any of it from them anymore.
"I am not sharing you with any other Jayces. I need your full-time attention, I'm high maintenance."
Jayce wouldn't share him with anyone, he is deeply possessive, something he didn't entirely realize until he found himself jealous after arriving. He thinks it is probably because he didn't know where they stood at the time, and it's always been them, the idea that Viktor could find one or more people better suited for him, it was a crushing thought. And while Jayce is absolutely confident in their relationship now, Viktor is still his. Luckily he doesn't seem to mind that Jayce is so single-minded. The complete devotion has to make up for it.
He smiles at Viktor's back, leaning his elbow onto the nearby table and resting his cheek against his fist. He too loves this about them. He did when they were only friends too. They could always talk about work and feed off each other's minds. Neither of them had ever met another person like that before. They still haven't.
"I think we have a very good chance of that. They were happy with the work we did." Whatever bad list they were on for their experimentation on Viktor, it does feel like it was washed away with their trackers and birds. And while it means putting in their hands some better tech, Jayce feels like they didn't go over the top or give them anything they couldn't live with. They may have found that balance.
"We can tag team. You work on Matt and Jaskier, I'll help with Claude and go talk to the miners." He doesn't mean he'll do Claude's project, it's just one that he thinks he would be better at than the other two. Viktor has always been better at the precision needed for something like a translator or recordings.
"Once we know what we need, we can approach the academy and pitch them for it."
"On the contrary, I think it might be fun to watch you compete for my attention."
Viktor prides himself on not being the jealous type, but he does sound smug at the prospect, knowing how singularly focused Jayce can be. Of course, all of this is just a hypothetical, even if the idea of the summoning ritual--of infinite universes and a possible way to harness various timelines--percolates in the back of Viktor's mind. The joke makes it easy to downplay (Viktor certainly does not want or need multiple Jayces; one is enough), but he makes a little hm to himself, regardless.
Then, it's time for breakfast. Viktor puts a piece of toast on each plate, then divides the eggs evenly on top of them, then the grilled tomatoes. He finishes with a bit of salt and pepper and olive oil, then begins the delicate balancing act of transporting the plates to the table one at a time. Once everything is safely in front of Jayce, he sinks into his chair, offering a smile.
"Their admonishment of us was performative." Evidenced by the fact that they took all of his work, or what they could find of it, for themselves. Viktor is sure that they sent the letter because they had to, not because they had any moral objections to what they were doing. It was simply too groundbreaking. "Now they won't be able to deny it, not after we found the island."
If Viktor sounds pleased with himself, it's because he is, though there's some disdain in his voice, reserved for the government. He takes a generous bite of toast, then continues with his mouth full. "Neither of those projects will take me long. It's all half-finished anyway." Which means that soon, it will be on to bigger and better things. "How is your breakfast?"
"If you want us actually to eat breakfast and not have sex on this table instead, don't be provocative." Jayce is saying it half joking and half completely serious. Yes inherently the idea of having to compete with other hims for Viktor's attention is ridiculous and that's why it is really funny. On the other hand, it does stir up that little streak in here of claiming him and it doesn't have to be logical to be true.
Jayce reaches out to take Viktor's hand once he sits and kisses the knuckles lovingly, the simplest of gestures, before he releases it and eats. Viktor went through the effort so he would eat it even if it was terrible, but it's good, of course. He nods in agreement about it being performative, although he thinks they probably were annoyed. Annoyed that they didn't get there in time. They were already respected, but this made them something more dangerous ... and more desirable, for scientists.
Jayce on the other hand makes certain to chew and swallow before talking. His mother's training, although he is far more sloppy when they're in the lab and just starving. Then he'll get too excited to care about niceties. "Finish them then. Matt in particular could use it, after what he went through." Jayce found him in the aftermath. A good man, Wanda's man.
"It's great, V." Obviously since Jayce more or less scarfed it down, but that is also him when he's hungry. It goes fast. He scoots his chair closer to Viktor and reaches out to run his fingers through his messy hair. "I love your hair like this so much." Viktor knows that but he's still going to say it.
"You know if I'm a year older, so are you. You got here first." So he'll still always be a little younger than his lover, as it was meant to be. Jayce is definitely the person that once he gets to forty he's going to have a meltdown. Luckily they are many years away from that. For now.
"I'm not being provocative. I'm eating my toast, and then you can carry me back to our bed and have your way with me, because it's your birthday."
Okay, perhaps he's being a little provocative. In his defense, however, it was Jayce who agreed to come to breakfast, so he can be patient for a little longer. He eats one-handed while Jayce kisses his knuckles, then reaches for a napkin as soon as his hand is free, watching intently his partner tries the toast, gauging his reaction.
Once there's confirmation that it is, in fact, edible, Viktor goes back to eating. He's slower than Jayce, nibbling a little, a testament to his smaller appetite more than anything. Still, he's content to sit and eat while Jayce wolfs his down and then goes right back to touching him, those familiar fingers catching in the tangle of his hair (tousled on purpose, obviously). Viktor hums contentedly in response, then considers the next part.
"You know that I don't pay much attention to my birthday." A quiet, year-end affair, noted in the back of his mind for record-keeping purposes, but otherwise not really acknowledged. He won't begrudge either of them for missing it, given the fact that he'd been sick and they were scrambling to complete the Hexcore. "And I don't want to mark it by my arrival. I came here alone. It's not worth remembering."
Alone and sick and frustrated and angry and sure he'd never see Jayce again--not something Viktor wants to commemorate.
Jayce isn't sorry about picking this over immediate sex because then they would have been distracted for at least an hour. This means they'll have enough fuel they don't have to get up for most of the day. It's all strategic planning around how long he gets to keep Viktor in bed with him. They've waited months to have sex, they can wait thirty minutes to be able to sink only into it.
"I know, love, that's why I didn't do anything for it." Jayce obviously loves anniversaries and special days. If he didn't know Viktor prefers to ignore these things, he would have done something dramatic for him. He knows now he's allowed to do dramatic things for their personal anniversaries, so that will fulfill his desire to shower Viktor with good things. He already has plans for the next big gift to give him. The question of when and where is still up in the air for him though.
"I don't even like a few days without seeing you. So I get it." They both know that, he did it in Solvunn but missed him a lot. It was a lot better then the time they were apart when Viktor was mad at him though. Jayce knows it was more than that, it was thinking he'd never see him again, it was some hopelessness.
Jayce is right next to him now so he can tug on his arm gently. "Come here." He means right on top of him, onto his lap if he'll let himself be corralled. Jayce is never satisfied until they're as close as can be, honestly. "I am here, and I am yours forever. We have many of my birthdays left." And that's still technically their birthday at this point, since they're both marked a year older every time.
"Well, we were also busy." He doesn't need to elaborate, of course, though if he wants to get technical, they were on the boat for his birthday. But Viktor hadn't been feeling well even then, rejecting Jayce's attempts to get him to relax, almost as if he knew that something wasn't right and using his general discomfort with the boat as an excuse.
But all of that is behind them now, and Jayce is right that there will be many more birthdays, and anniversaries, and anything else they want to celebrate. That thought, on its own, is enough for a small smile to creep across his face as he chews thoughtfully. A future. Together, just like Jayce imagined. He thinks it's finally starting to sink in.
"I'm looking forward to it," he says, sliding into Jayce's lap as requested, the motion mostly effortless. Viktor no longer feels so diminished by illness, but Jayce will always be much larger than him, and it's hard not to feel small in his arms. Small, but not insecure. Viktor wraps an arm around his shoulders and turns in to face him, leaning in for the kiss. "Don't think I've forgotten about the beach trip you promised me, now that things are settled."
They can't guarantee that they're out of danger forever. They might never feel secure here in Cadens again, but at the very least they have each other, and the unspoken commitment that it will be forever. For as many birthdays as Jayce wants.
"I admit that I outdid myself for our half-year anniversary, so I don't have much today by way of gifts. There is something in the night table for you, though. When you're ready."
Viktor looking forward to a future with him is everything he really ever wanted. The fact it's one they can build and share together is far and above better than any of his fantasies. He smiles and puts his arms around Viktor, returning the kiss gently. "Just give me a little longer to make sure Cait is okay, and then we'll go to Aquila together." He can't rush it, she isn't being obvious about it but he can tell she's not doing well. Jayce has an idea for how to make this all work, and he'll manage it. He always does.
"V, you are literally the only gift I will ever need." Jayce does love his bracelet though, he's wearing it right now, he only takes it off for the shower or in the forge so as not to harm it. Viktor knows all too well that Jayce can carry him around, and it is an unspoken agreement that usually it's fine for him to do that when it comes to sex. If he gets scolded for it, it's typically with a little flirtatious energy.
That is to say that he puts an arm underneath Viktor and sweeps him up into his arms as he stands. Viktor will always be smaller than him, and frankly, he loves that. Jayce is strong enough he could do this with just about anyone, but he'd be lying if he said he didn't enjoy doing this with Viktor. He smiles and even when being playful like this he is very careful with Viktor, carrying him back into the bedroom.
"I missed you," Jayce says as he sets Viktor down on the bed. He never wanted it to seem like sex was vitally important to them, as Viktor was sick and then healing, but he feels like it's safe now to admit how hungry he is. He reaches over to the night table to check out what it is.
The promise of a vacation doesn't mean he wants to rush things. They've only just got everyone back, and Viktor isn't going to tear Jayce away from Caitlyn just for some time at the beach. Some things are more important, and though he can't deny that he's excited for the trip (and maybe some time to finally relax), he's patient. It will be worth it, he's sure.
Viktor can tell that things at the table are winding down, so he does his best to get one more bite of toast in before Jayce scoops him up--if only to not leave leftovers on the table. He can't help but yelp, even though he knows it's coming, though the noise isn't pained and immediately dissolves into a breathy laugh as he clings to Jayce and makes sure not to bang his extremities on the door frame as they push into the bedroom.
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zvi
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Date: 2023-04-05 03:51 am (UTC)Jayce loves sentimentality, he is dripping with it at all times, but it is so sweet to see Viktor getting into it for him. And enjoying it too for himself. Their intimacy is close in a way even he couldn't have imagined, since he never had it before Viktor. It's still amazing to him how much the reality surpassed his fantasy. He does think that Viktor was a little sentimental deep down, but Jayce is the one who gets to enjoy it.
It might take time before Jayce doesn't treat Viktor carefully because their relationship so far was always in consideration of his pain or his illness. By the time it progressed toward the end he treated Viktor like glass, and he is unlearning that again. For example, he keeps his full weight off him despite being on top, but he pouts as Viktor puts a wrench in his frisky plans. He runs a hand down Viktor's side and curls around his good knee, squeezing, settling between his legs like he belongs there.
Jayce kisses the moles on his face lovingly and then trails down to kiss them on his neck too. He is reluctant to stop, enticing as always. "Just give me a little taste." As if with Jayce a little taste ever ended there, he always makes it a full meal.
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Date: 2023-04-05 04:37 am (UTC)Viktor rolls his eyes, though of course it's entirely fond. He can't hide it, anymore, not after everything they've been through together. Things that are important to Jayce have become extremely important to him, too, and even independent of that, Viktor finds himself valuing these markers of time deeply. First, because he wasn't sure how much longer he'd have to enjoy them, and now because he knows he has all of the time he wants. They'll mark these anniversaries again and again. The future that Jayce imagined for them is becoming real, and Viktor is finally starting to believe it, too.
He thinks Jayce will always treat him delicately, and it's true that even discounting his illness, Viktor is more fragile than most. He still expects, at some point, a gradual physical decline independent of what they've just cured him of--he'd graduated from a cane to a crutch during the time they'd been professional partners, after all, and over the years he's needed more support from metal and leather contraptions. That isn't going to change, and might, in fact, get worse as he gets older, but it's not going to kill him. He'll be able to get older in the first place. That's the most important part.
And he looks better, and feels better, a testament to their cure. Long nights spent working on the tracking system and worrying over the missing haven't exactly done him any favors, but he's sure that Jayce has noted him put on a little weight, the hollows of his cheeks softening as they fill out, the dark circles under his eyes starting to fade, even slightly. He has more of an appetite, as evidenced by the fact that he's suggesting breakfast. He's ready, obviously, to make love again, though he'd certainly done his best up until the point everything became too exhausting and painful. Then, his recovery and the kidnappings...all of this is overdue.
Suffice to say that he should have expected Jayce to immediately derail, and he's not even sure he can resist. Viktor shivers at the mouth on his neck, even as he's warm under the blankets and in his improvised pajamas. The shirt is so large it reaches almost to the middle of his thighs. Underneath, his usual pair of briefs.
"If you start now, you won't be able to stop yourself." As in, it's never just a little taste. Viktor offers a pout of his own, not that anything will happen if they delay breakfast by a half hour. He has no real argument, especially not when Jayce has decided that he needs to seek out every mark and freckle, starting from the top. "But, I suppose it is your birthday."
Which means that Viktor can't really argue against Jayce deciding what he wants to do. Those are the birthday rules, or something.
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Date: 2023-04-05 10:13 pm (UTC)"It'll push food off too long, I don't want to rush." While a quickie would feel incredibly good after all this time parched, Jayce really likes to take his time. The times they've had to go quick were fun and intentional, but when it's them in their bedroom, on a day of significance, he wants to languish and linger in Viktor. Especially considering it's their first time post-op.
He playfully squeezes Viktor's ass before pushing off him, so he doesn't get distracted and do the opposite of what he said. Jayce is shirtless but he does have shorts on, and he doesn't bother to put a shirt on. Even if Caitlyn does show up - he thinks she's at the inn - she's used to him never wearing one. He runs hot and they're in a desert. They all live together so they're used to being casual at home.
"Meet me in the kitchen, love." He brushes his fingers affectionately through Viktor's hair but then goes to the bathroom. His morning routine takes slightly longer than Viktor's because he has some tiny beauty regime things and extra teeth-related cleaning, have to keep them sparkly white.
An entire year here. He remembers finding Viktor on the street but it's more like a dream than a memory at this point. Why does it feel so far away? Because they've come so far. Jayce comes out of the bathroom looking and smelling nicer thanks to his small ways, his hair nicely brushed.
"Your turn."
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Date: 2023-04-05 10:51 pm (UTC)"All right. Good."
While Jayce is getting ready, Viktor swings his legs over the side of the bed, decides not to get dressed, and reaches for his softer, less bulky leg brace, better for general wear around their apartment. He foregoes the rest, knowing that Jayce will want everything off, shortly after breakfast, but by the time he's finished it's his turn for the bathroom. His time in there is much shorter than Jayce's--he brushes his teeth and doesn't bother with his hair, figuring a shower will be on the agenda at some point, whenever they're finished. The thought, however, of having breakfast and then lingering in bed together all day has warmth pooling in his stomach.
Of course, he'll leave it up to Jayce. For now, he does as requested and heads to the kitchen, leaning in and offering Jayce a kiss before he starts to assemble ingredients from the pantry and icebox.
"If you have any special requests, now is the time. Otherwise I will improvise."
He's not an especially good cook, but Viktor is certainly able to feed himself--and it's not like breakfast is difficult. He's confident in his ability to quickly and efficiently cook them something, so that they can get to the rest of it without delay.
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Date: 2023-04-06 03:06 am (UTC)He loves when Viktor's hair is tousled, he usually prefers it that way to brushed, although sometimes his fingers get in the tangles, but he still likes it wild. In true Jayce fashion, he seems to anticipate the things that Viktor wants to grab for and hands it to him without being asked. They do that in the lab together all the time and it continues in their personal life.
"Anything is fine." Jayce slides up behind him and briefly puts an arm around his waist, ducking his head down to kiss his neck again. Just a little snuggle because he can. "The real meal is after." He playfully nips the skin afterward and smiles, having missed this lightness between them. It's not as if everything is perfect, there are an endless list of things to do and worry about, but he can take a brief respite from his concerns. It's his 'birthday' after all.
Jayce releases him because otherwise they'd get distracted and he gets cups instead for juice and brings what plates and utensils he'll need. "An entire year out, how about that?" He smiles as he takes a seat and just watches Viktor. "I would say we didn't really celebrate yours, but we kind of did, with a life-changing surgery." Sure it happened before February, but it was a pretty good lead-in to a year in Abraxas, he'd say.
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Date: 2023-04-06 04:07 am (UTC)"You're vulgar. Coffee or tea?"
He's putting a kettle on either way, and as soon as Jayce makes his decision Viktor will task him with taking care of it, as well as grabbing any additional ingredients and utensils, should he decides he needs them (though of course Jayce is always one step ahead). For now, however, he likes being watched, taking a moment to light the stove and pull up a stool so that he can sit while he cooks. He plans to keep it simple, which he thinks Jayce will prefer. They have some bread from one of the nearby bakeries, some eggs, fresh tomatoes--difficult for him to screw up, which is the most important thing.
"You know that my birthday doesn't really matter to me." Mostly because of the attention factor, so he's grateful that Jayce didn't do something silly, like announce it on the network. Besides, they had too much to worry about, and Viktor isn't sure he wants to tie his birthday to his arrival in Abraxas, anyway. Whereas Jayce found Viktor swiftly after coming to Cadens, Viktor was here alone, sure he'd never see Jayce again. He isn't sure he wants to commemorate that, and is content to keep it around the last days of the year, like it was back in Piltover. Much more pleasant, anyway, to talk about their reunion, even if that was not without distress. Viktor smiles a little to himself, remembering how relieved Jayce had been, pulling him into an embrace in the middle of the street.
"It already feels like a lifetime ago."
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Date: 2023-04-07 04:20 am (UTC)He decides on tea and makes it for both of them, knowing of course Viktor's preference. It does put him in mind of their first morning together. Their domestic bliss started out so well, having already been in something like it as friends. But every intimacy is important to him. He watches Viktor intently. Blatantly. Knowing he's aware.
"In a way, it was. Another universe, another timeline." Where neither of them died when they were supposed to. Instead they got this bliss. Imperfect, maybe, but perfect in its own way. He lets his gaze wander down Viktor's body, smiling at how his shirt swims on him, admiring his skinny legs and long neck. He's glad he didn't have to be alone. Jayce is so bad at being alone.
"A lifetime ahead of us." He wonders if Viktor is ready to talk about the future yet. Jayce has the preliminary sketches done, he will be ready soon. But this is more about what Viktor sees for himself.
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Date: 2023-04-07 03:37 pm (UTC)Which is, at this moment, proceeding. Viktor cuts two generous slices of bread from the loaf, butters both sides and places them in a hot pan to toast. He starts cracking eggs into a bowl, making the executive decision to scramble them. Some kind of egg-on-toast situation seems filling enough and light enough for their purposes. Quick and easy preparation to, if Jayce doesn't want to be kept waiting.
As expedient as he's being, however, he's not going to rush the conversation. They haven't been avoiding any of it, per se--they've just both been so occupied that they haven't had a moment to talk about the cure or what it means for them going forward. Viktor's barely had time to think about it, himself.
Another universe, another timeline. "Yes, sometimes I forget that you're some other Viktor's version of Jayce."
That's kind of a joke, maybe, given that the discrepancy is so small. But if they want to get extremely technical, even those few days that Jayce has and he doesn't means they're theoretically from separate universes, even if the differences are minute. No matter how else he feels about the situation, he can be thankful that this place has afforded them what would otherwise be impossible, back home.
"I've been thinking about that. What I want to do." A lifetime. Barring any additional illnesses he might develop at a later unknown time, Viktor has that now. He's still deciding, but maybe that's why Jayce is looping back around to this conversation. "New projects. Big ones. The Academy must understand how valuable we are by now. It's in their best interest to allow us full access to their resources."
The fact that Jayce might have been not-so-subtly referring to a lifetime outside of work--their future--doesn't seem to have crossed Viktor's mind.
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Date: 2023-04-10 10:45 pm (UTC)"Wow, I haven't thought about it like that, but that means you're a Jayce thief. Stole me right away from the other one." Jayce doesn't want to think about it too deeply because he can always overthink it, and instead he'd rather have some fun and joke about it. A few days apart and it does technically mean different timelines, but they're also both still in their timelines. So it's fine.
Jayce has grounded himself into the present on purpose, for Viktor's comfort and his own sanity, because until they cured him they couldn't really plan for one. It's hard for him to stop, that has always been how his mind works. He's trying not to rush toward the future now but set it in front of Viktor as a topic and see where it goes. Even if he already has his own plans.
He smiles at Viktor's back when he goes straight to work but he's not surprised. Viktor will be shocked at his plans because it's not the way he thinks, and that's fine with Jayce. To him, they already plan on being together forever, so what do they need to talk about their relationship for? It's why he engages in that conversation. It's fair. They like to start with work.
"Maybe we can finish the projects put aside, like the one for Matt." Jayce really would like ot make his life easier if possible. "We can get back on the mining situation. I want to talk to them again now that they know we helped them get all the equipment out, see if they can communicate directly what's helpful, rather than ask the government." Yes, whatever they do will have to be cleared by the government, but it's better to ask the source first.
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Date: 2023-04-10 11:23 pm (UTC)"You've caught me. I'm out to steal every Jayce across the multi-verse."
He turns back to the cutting board to slice tomatoes, placing them in the pan alongside the eggs. It's true that Viktor doesn't seem to recognize that the question is about their future together, because to him it's already a foregone conclusion. Who else would he be with? Who else would he want to be with? Even now that he has a full life ahead of him, he feels no desire to change any of this. There's no one else he'd rather share these quiet mornings with, and it feels so obvious it doesn't even occur to him to acknowledge their level of commitment.
(Suffice to say, he has no idea what's coming.)
Talking about work is easy, and one of the things Viktor likes most about mornings like this. He's had a great deal on his list that they needed to put off for his own health, and he's itching to get back to that and more now that the current moment of crisis has passed. Even with his back turned, it's clear that Viktor is excited about the prospect of returning to some of their old projects.
"I haven't forgotten. Matt's translator, Jaskier's recordings, Claude's hydroponics project, the miners....it's all on the list. Now that we've proven ourselves invaluable to the Academy, perhaps they'll give us the resources we need, for once."
There's no point withholding any of it from them anymore.
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Date: 2023-04-12 10:38 pm (UTC)Jayce wouldn't share him with anyone, he is deeply possessive, something he didn't entirely realize until he found himself jealous after arriving. He thinks it is probably because he didn't know where they stood at the time, and it's always been them, the idea that Viktor could find one or more people better suited for him, it was a crushing thought. And while Jayce is absolutely confident in their relationship now, Viktor is still his. Luckily he doesn't seem to mind that Jayce is so single-minded. The complete devotion has to make up for it.
He smiles at Viktor's back, leaning his elbow onto the nearby table and resting his cheek against his fist. He too loves this about them. He did when they were only friends too. They could always talk about work and feed off each other's minds. Neither of them had ever met another person like that before. They still haven't.
"I think we have a very good chance of that. They were happy with the work we did." Whatever bad list they were on for their experimentation on Viktor, it does feel like it was washed away with their trackers and birds. And while it means putting in their hands some better tech, Jayce feels like they didn't go over the top or give them anything they couldn't live with. They may have found that balance.
"We can tag team. You work on Matt and Jaskier, I'll help with Claude and go talk to the miners." He doesn't mean he'll do Claude's project, it's just one that he thinks he would be better at than the other two. Viktor has always been better at the precision needed for something like a translator or recordings.
"Once we know what we need, we can approach the academy and pitch them for it."
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Date: 2023-04-13 12:04 am (UTC)Viktor prides himself on not being the jealous type, but he does sound smug at the prospect, knowing how singularly focused Jayce can be. Of course, all of this is just a hypothetical, even if the idea of the summoning ritual--of infinite universes and a possible way to harness various timelines--percolates in the back of Viktor's mind. The joke makes it easy to downplay (Viktor certainly does not want or need multiple Jayces; one is enough), but he makes a little hm to himself, regardless.
Then, it's time for breakfast. Viktor puts a piece of toast on each plate, then divides the eggs evenly on top of them, then the grilled tomatoes. He finishes with a bit of salt and pepper and olive oil, then begins the delicate balancing act of transporting the plates to the table one at a time. Once everything is safely in front of Jayce, he sinks into his chair, offering a smile.
"Their admonishment of us was performative." Evidenced by the fact that they took all of his work, or what they could find of it, for themselves. Viktor is sure that they sent the letter because they had to, not because they had any moral objections to what they were doing. It was simply too groundbreaking. "Now they won't be able to deny it, not after we found the island."
If Viktor sounds pleased with himself, it's because he is, though there's some disdain in his voice, reserved for the government. He takes a generous bite of toast, then continues with his mouth full. "Neither of those projects will take me long. It's all half-finished anyway." Which means that soon, it will be on to bigger and better things. "How is your breakfast?"
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Date: 2023-04-13 01:18 am (UTC)Jayce reaches out to take Viktor's hand once he sits and kisses the knuckles lovingly, the simplest of gestures, before he releases it and eats. Viktor went through the effort so he would eat it even if it was terrible, but it's good, of course. He nods in agreement about it being performative, although he thinks they probably were annoyed. Annoyed that they didn't get there in time. They were already respected, but this made them something more dangerous ... and more desirable, for scientists.
Jayce on the other hand makes certain to chew and swallow before talking. His mother's training, although he is far more sloppy when they're in the lab and just starving. Then he'll get too excited to care about niceties. "Finish them then. Matt in particular could use it, after what he went through." Jayce found him in the aftermath. A good man, Wanda's man.
"It's great, V." Obviously since Jayce more or less scarfed it down, but that is also him when he's hungry. It goes fast. He scoots his chair closer to Viktor and reaches out to run his fingers through his messy hair. "I love your hair like this so much." Viktor knows that but he's still going to say it.
"You know if I'm a year older, so are you. You got here first." So he'll still always be a little younger than his lover, as it was meant to be. Jayce is definitely the person that once he gets to forty he's going to have a meltdown. Luckily they are many years away from that. For now.
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Date: 2023-04-13 01:32 am (UTC)Okay, perhaps he's being a little provocative. In his defense, however, it was Jayce who agreed to come to breakfast, so he can be patient for a little longer. He eats one-handed while Jayce kisses his knuckles, then reaches for a napkin as soon as his hand is free, watching intently his partner tries the toast, gauging his reaction.
Once there's confirmation that it is, in fact, edible, Viktor goes back to eating. He's slower than Jayce, nibbling a little, a testament to his smaller appetite more than anything. Still, he's content to sit and eat while Jayce wolfs his down and then goes right back to touching him, those familiar fingers catching in the tangle of his hair (tousled on purpose, obviously). Viktor hums contentedly in response, then considers the next part.
"You know that I don't pay much attention to my birthday." A quiet, year-end affair, noted in the back of his mind for record-keeping purposes, but otherwise not really acknowledged. He won't begrudge either of them for missing it, given the fact that he'd been sick and they were scrambling to complete the Hexcore. "And I don't want to mark it by my arrival. I came here alone. It's not worth remembering."
Alone and sick and frustrated and angry and sure he'd never see Jayce again--not something Viktor wants to commemorate.
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Date: 2023-04-16 02:06 am (UTC)"I know, love, that's why I didn't do anything for it." Jayce obviously loves anniversaries and special days. If he didn't know Viktor prefers to ignore these things, he would have done something dramatic for him. He knows now he's allowed to do dramatic things for their personal anniversaries, so that will fulfill his desire to shower Viktor with good things. He already has plans for the next big gift to give him. The question of when and where is still up in the air for him though.
"I don't even like a few days without seeing you. So I get it." They both know that, he did it in Solvunn but missed him a lot. It was a lot better then the time they were apart when Viktor was mad at him though. Jayce knows it was more than that, it was thinking he'd never see him again, it was some hopelessness.
Jayce is right next to him now so he can tug on his arm gently. "Come here." He means right on top of him, onto his lap if he'll let himself be corralled. Jayce is never satisfied until they're as close as can be, honestly. "I am here, and I am yours forever. We have many of my birthdays left." And that's still technically their birthday at this point, since they're both marked a year older every time.
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Date: 2023-04-16 03:57 am (UTC)But all of that is behind them now, and Jayce is right that there will be many more birthdays, and anniversaries, and anything else they want to celebrate. That thought, on its own, is enough for a small smile to creep across his face as he chews thoughtfully. A future. Together, just like Jayce imagined. He thinks it's finally starting to sink in.
"I'm looking forward to it," he says, sliding into Jayce's lap as requested, the motion mostly effortless. Viktor no longer feels so diminished by illness, but Jayce will always be much larger than him, and it's hard not to feel small in his arms. Small, but not insecure. Viktor wraps an arm around his shoulders and turns in to face him, leaning in for the kiss. "Don't think I've forgotten about the beach trip you promised me, now that things are settled."
They can't guarantee that they're out of danger forever. They might never feel secure here in Cadens again, but at the very least they have each other, and the unspoken commitment that it will be forever. For as many birthdays as Jayce wants.
"I admit that I outdid myself for our half-year anniversary, so I don't have much today by way of gifts. There is something in the night table for you, though. When you're ready."
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Date: 2023-04-16 04:12 am (UTC)"V, you are literally the only gift I will ever need." Jayce does love his bracelet though, he's wearing it right now, he only takes it off for the shower or in the forge so as not to harm it. Viktor knows all too well that Jayce can carry him around, and it is an unspoken agreement that usually it's fine for him to do that when it comes to sex. If he gets scolded for it, it's typically with a little flirtatious energy.
That is to say that he puts an arm underneath Viktor and sweeps him up into his arms as he stands. Viktor will always be smaller than him, and frankly, he loves that. Jayce is strong enough he could do this with just about anyone, but he'd be lying if he said he didn't enjoy doing this with Viktor. He smiles and even when being playful like this he is very careful with Viktor, carrying him back into the bedroom.
"I missed you," Jayce says as he sets Viktor down on the bed. He never wanted it to seem like sex was vitally important to them, as Viktor was sick and then healing, but he feels like it's safe now to admit how hungry he is. He reaches over to the night table to check out what it is.
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Date: 2023-04-16 02:58 pm (UTC)The promise of a vacation doesn't mean he wants to rush things. They've only just got everyone back, and Viktor isn't going to tear Jayce away from Caitlyn just for some time at the beach. Some things are more important, and though he can't deny that he's excited for the trip (and maybe some time to finally relax), he's patient. It will be worth it, he's sure.
Viktor can tell that things at the table are winding down, so he does his best to get one more bite of toast in before Jayce scoops him up--if only to not leave leftovers on the table. He can't help but yelp, even though he knows it's coming, though the noise isn't pained and immediately dissolves into a breathy laugh as he clings to Jayce and makes sure not to bang his extremities on the door frame as they push into the bedroom.
[continued]