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[hextechhead]

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horizon cont.

[techmaturgy]

The first time had been enlightening. Refreshing, maybe, to meet Jayce in his most distilled form, without any of the baggage from home attached. It had reminded him starkly of the trial--all passion and excitement and handing him a blank slate of pure possibility had created a thrilling feedback loop. Despite his teasing, Viktor had not taken advantage of the situation, nor did he catalogue anything embarrassing on Jayce's part to use against him later. Even if he'd wanted to, beyond making a joke about it, he thinks he was too enthralled, as always, by Jayce's enthusiasm and curiosity to even think it. He decides, for now, to keep all of that to himself.

The second time is, of course, easier. More straightforward. Things make more sense. For as much as Viktor enjoyed guiding someone else through their first visit, now the real work can begin.

He opens his eyes and they're in the lab, the most sensible location to ease Jayce into--he's not sure when and how he's going to breach the subject of the other locations he's dragged up from his own childhood. In time, he supposes. For now, this seems like the best place to start, and Viktor smiles broadly when he sees Jayce in the space with him, face fuller, less pale. He stands up straight in a way that he doesn't in the real world, using a cane instead of the crutch they've both become accustomed to.

"Welcome back."

[techmaturgy]

(From here).

[Viktor can't really say he doesn't deserve this. Jayce vanishes and the memory dissolves around them, leaving him with little but a pounding headache and a pang of regret. He wants to stand by everything he just said--he thinks he has some counterarguments in response, too, given the fact that he's looking at what he's sure is a Hextech weapon, but Jayce doesn't offer him the chance. That should make him angry, but he can also tell that Jayce has been bottling this up for a long time, and that maybe he needs to say it. Maybe Viktor needs to hear it. He'd been so assured of his own trajectory, that he hadn't stopped to think about the consequences of what he was doing. Of the people he'd inevitably hurt, if something happened.

It's hard for him to admit, that he even has the capacity to hurt someone else in the way he seems to have, but Jayce, right now, is proof of that. Viktor's not sure he fully agrees with everything said in the heat of the moment, but at the very least he needs to let Jayce know that he's not about to give up.

He's not in the Horizon. That's fine, if a little annoying, simply because it's easier for him to make his way around the mindscape, rather than into the real world. When he can't find Jayce in the imagined forge, he starts checking all their real spaces in Cadens--the inn room, the workshop, the Academy quad. It's only after he exhausts their shared spaces that he realizes Jayce is probably somewhere that's only his.]

Hi.

[Making Viktor trudge all around Cadens to look for him is probably what he deserves, at this point, and he curses himself for not thinking to check the blacksmith's shop sooner, but he hopes, at the very least, it lets Jayce know that he's not about to give up easily. He stands in the entryway, not wanting to intrude too much in the event that Jayce actually doesn't want to deal with him, right now, and his voice is contrite.]

Can we talk?

package, june 2

[carmesi]

[when the caravans arrive from their travels to drop off supplies from not-so-far-off lands, certain parcels get pulled away and taken to go through customs. they are not for businesses nor for sale, but for individuals. the fact that they are for summoned individuals raise an eyebrow.

and so, through customs it goes, opened, inspected, and then—when none of the items are deemed as questionable—they are repackaged and sent to their designated recipients.

jayce will find several bottles topped to the brim and soaps. the bottles, upon closer inspection, are an assortment of shampoos and conditioners, lotions, and oils to be placed over candles to burn, their scents relaxing an individual and allowing for a good night's sleep if used in tandem.

he will find a piece of paper, blank. at first, anyway; the writing on the paper will appear to him in swathes of scarlet, as if being penciled for the first time by an invisible hand.

Take care of yourself, too.]

some nebulous first week of June time 1/2

[techmaturgy]

Hi.

idk mid-trip back

[techmaturgy]

Good morning.

As requested, this is your daily progress report. The trip is proceeding on schedule, wagon uncomfortable, etc etc. Are you surviving?

Viktor's Return, mid-June (will be NSFW)

[hextechhead]

[ Despite knowing that they were not only on good terms again but great terms, kissing terms, Jayce still felt his heart go into his throat when he saw Viktor in person again. While the Horizon feels very realistic, it isn't real, not the way it did when he pulled Viktor into his arms. He was able to resist kissing him since they were in public, and he wanted to focus on Ciri for a few minutes. But as soon as it seemed appropriate to separate, he put a hand on Viktor's back and leaned in, murmuring. ]

Let's go home.

[ The cane was intact when it came back although Jayce has already made two spares that are in the apartment, mostly out of anxious energy, but also just in case. He manages not to look at Viktor as they walk back because distraction is of high possibility at the moment. He spent the days they were apart cleaning the house and getting supplies for Viktor's eventual return. He has not slept much since they first kissed but it hasn't made him tired, instead he's a different kind of wired.

Jayce didn't bother with the tie and vest today, obviously, instead only in his nice short-sleeved white shirt, the buttons at the top undone. He is newly shaved and smells fresh and clean himself. He put the effort in, he wanted to be ready and let's face it, particularly appealing today. All the misery of the past few weeks has dropped away. Not forever, he won't forget his mistakes because of his joy, but he is letting himself lean into the joy for now.

As soon as they walk into their apartment, Jayce closes and locks the door, and he tries so hard not to get immediately into Viktor's space. Not that he doesn't think he's welcome, he is well aware now how welcome he is, but because pragmatically speaking, other things need to happen. He moves by Viktor, although he brushes a kiss to his cheek on the way, so he can start the bath for him. Despite how eager they both are, he has gone through a lot the past ten days, it really is necessary.

He steps out of the bathroom once that is done and steps up to Viktor, smiling almost shyly as he reaches out to put one hand on his hip, very gently, and the other to cup his cheek. His eyes look into gold, just wanting to get confirmation that this is still very much real, even as the water fills in the next room. ]

Will you please let me heal you? We can do it now or after the bath.

[ Jayce loves showing off his new gifts to other people, but it is Viktor he's been waiting to show the difference to. Just two weeks and he knows it is different, better, stronger. The magic flows in him in a way he's only heard of. And if the anticipation of this moment is correct, he's going to appreciate getting a burst of glowing magical health. Jayce knows Viktor has invited him into his private space with their new intimacy, but it's still polite to ask permission before doing something lke healing. ]

[catholica]

( he doesn't get lost. that wasn't really a huge concern for him but he knows it's a possibility with how everything feels unfamiliar and almost backwards. he doesn't like it but he knows the only way to change that is to explore, map the region in his head and keep moving.

it doesn't take matt too long to get there and once he finds the place, hears the sounds of working inside, he steps up to the door and pushes it open slightly. )

Hello? It's...Matthew Murdock.

( he stays where he is until he hears the footfalls of someone approaching and waits to be greeted before stepping inside further. )

ᴀssɪɢɴᴍᴇɴᴛ ɴɪɢʜᴛ

[righteously]

Hey
Sorry to bother you
Any chance you're at this wolf shindig and have a minute to take a look at something sketchy and probably important?

early sept, in libertas.

[wiedzminka]

[ The message comes in messy and hurried. Ciri is a little preoccupied right now. ]

Where are you?

after Libertas

[righteously]

Hey
I didn't do a great job saying thank you after the whole fire thing, so
Thanks
I owe you one
Let me buy you a drink

backdated to nocwich, after his meeting with strange

[techmaturgy]

Everything goes about as he expects--Viktor is still slightly infuriated with Tony, and he has complicated feelings about looping yet another person into his slightly transgressive plans to save his own life, but perhaps Strange is a worthwhile inclusion after all. The next part is looping Jayce back in, which shouldn't feel unfamiliar but is anyway. Viktor is still, in some ways, adjusting to the new terms of their relationship. Part of him balks slightly at keeping Jayce abreast of his medical developments, a force of habit from so many years of being as private as possible.

Now, he tells Jayce because they're partners, and it speaks to something extremely committal between them that he isn't sure he can quite process yet. Jayce is going to be the last person he's ever with, one way or another. He deserves to be included, even if Viktor still finds it difficult.

"Jayce?"

It's silly, to announce himself when it's just the one room at the inn--he's either here or he's not, but if he knows Jayce, then he's been here the entire time, fretting about not being in the room with him. Viktor shuffles in a little awkwardly, closing the door behind him.

"We finished."

→ ᴛʜᴇ ᴀᴜᴛᴜᴍɴ ᴍᴏᴏɴ ʟɪɢʜᴛꜱ ᴍʏ ᴡᴀʏ

[tobeclosetohim]

ℍ𝕖𝕪,

𝕐𝕠𝕦 𝕓𝕦𝕤𝕪 𝕣𝕚𝕘𝕙𝕥 𝕟𝕠𝕨?

commission; @ the workshop

[gynvael]

[ Some days later Geralt will arrive at Jayce and Viktor's workshop with a slip of parchment that outlines what he wants with the details tidily organized. Whether anyone is at the workshop or sees him is of no importance; Geralt delivers it with minimal to no conversation, then disappears. He trusts Jayce's work, so he sees little reason to have a discussion.

There are two separate requests: one for a second sword, using the unique ore that's been gifted from Nocwich, enchanted to be more durable than the metal is on its own. It will function as his silver sword once did—meant for use against magic and magical creatures as needed, not to cross with another weapon. Length of the blade, the material of the grip, and the angle of the crossguard are all notated.

The other is a dagger for Jaskier, enchanted for protection with a rechargeable shield of a sort while the dagger is held. He's specified an 8 inch blade, and he'll pay the cost to have it forged with meteorite steel. Design's left to Jayce's discretion.

Beneath the commission details is a brief note signed with his initial: ]

Name your price.
Tell me if you have adjustments
or suggestions.

[ Jayce can ask that they talk in person. He'll come if so. Elsewise, Geralt's nature is to avoid unnecessary interactions. ]

nov 14; shield testing

[assembles]

Next Monday, Jayce had said, and the week passes by like a flash. Between trying to manage some of the unrest caused by the sheer number of Libertas refugees that have entered the city and the odd jobs Steve's continued to pick up to make sure that he can afford rent, there's plenty to do. He's more than ready to set aside some time in order to test out some shield strengthening options with Viktor and Jayce, though.

He's quite familiar with Rio Enterprises and where it's located by now. He doesn't visit all that often, but given that Tony is there most days, he's swung by here and there. It's fairly early in the morning, just following his run, when Steve shows up — meaning there's a high probability that Tony is still fast asleep.

This is probably for the best. He might get weird about all the shield stuff, otherwise.

As Steve enters the workshop he isn't surprised to find that Jayce is there, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. There's no immediate sign of Viktor, but that doesn't mean he isn't just tucked away somewhere in hopes of avoiding customers. He seems like the type.

"Morning," Steve greets Jayce with a nod as he steps over. He has the shield Jayce made with him as well, strapped to his arm, though it looks a little bit worse for the wear. Unsurprising, given the stress he put it under last month. It probably wasn't supposed to be exposed to quite that much heat, for one thing...

not long after the return from luna

[techmaturgy]

Viktor wakes up coughing--not necessarily unusual, for him, especially when he hasn't been healed in some time, though as he hauls himself out of bed in the middle of the night, he can't help but feel as though something might be out of the ordinary. Being fatigued or in pain is nothing new to him, between his leg and his back and his illness, though he has to admit that the trip on the boat hasn't done him any favors. In Luna, it was easy enough for him to attribute any sub-optimal feeling or worsening symptoms to the weather. Back home, he should be improving, or at least, not feeling worse.

All of that, taken together, is bad, but there's not much he's going to be able to do about it in the middle of the night. He decides he'll cough it out now and sort things out in the morning.

Though he's certain his tossing and turning has already done it, he doesn't want to wake Jayce, moving as quickly as he can into the washroom and shutting the door behind him. That's when he lets the coughing fit overtake him, bracing himself on the sink as it rattles his thin frame, doing his best to suck in air when he's able to. It's not good--he knows it's not good even without spitting up red into the basin, and it leaves him gasping to the point where his vision starts to cloud and he can't hold himself up.

He should wake Jayce--call for him, at least, before he can't, but Viktor doesn't quite make it to that point. If, somehow, Jayce has slept through the shift on the mattress and the coughing in the other room, he will certainly hear the sound of something thudding in the bathroom, like a body slumping against the wall.

a letter, to open post-procdure

[techmaturgy]

Jayce,

It’s my hope that by the time you’re reading this, we’ll have performed the procedure successfully, and all that will be left is for you to wait for me to wake up. I know this isn’t what you want to read, and of course I hope that when you do read this, this letter will already be irrelevant, but in the event the worst has transpired, I want to make this as easy on you as I possibly can.

My possessions are immaterial—you may do what you like with them. Similarly, my only wishes for burial are your taking steps to ensure I’m not involved the next time the dead rise (I recommend cremation). I think you already understand, however, that none of the aforementioned is very important to me. I trust that you’ll handle my affairs in a way that I would find acceptable, because you are the person who knows me the best.

This will be hard. Remember that you have people here who care for you, who are ready to support you when you need it. Right now it must seem impossible, but please continue to live, and to work, and do good, not only in my memory but for yourself as well. It is a great injustice, that outside circumstance would render me unable to accomplish all the things I wanted to—you must pursue our dream in my stead.

I was selfish, to indulge in our relationship, and it isn’t lost on me how painful this must be for you now, but I cannot bring myself to regret it. These months we’ve spent together have been the happiest of my life, and our partnership both professionally and otherwise has changed me in ways I cannot begin to express. You are brilliant, and kind, and any world is better for having you in it. Whatever happens after this, know that I have loved you more than I ever thought possible. Thank you for sharing this time with me.

Yours, always,
V

after viktor's not-death

[wiedzminka]

[ She's anxious to ask after Viktor, but has the sense to wait. At least a little. Eventually, when Ciri decides she's given Jayce and all involved a polite buffer, she'll send a message. ]

May I ask what the news is?

feb event, early week 1

[londonbound]

Jayce,

Kell is missing. Have you heard anything from him? Please respond.

Shortly after Sam's announcement during the disappearances

[widows_kiss]

[ Unlike the other two Sam had her contacting, Natasha at least knew who Jayce and Viktor were, although she'd spent more time chatting with Jayce in the Horizon than the brief talk she'd had with Viktor in Nocwich weeks ago. ]

Hello, Jayce, this is Natasha. I'm not sure if you remember me or not, but we met in your lab briefly in the Horizon a while back.

Sam's put me in charge of trying to keep lines of communication open between all of us in the different faction, so information doesn't get lost or overlooked, or missed completely if it's relevant to an investigation happening elsewhere. He suggested you and Viktor as among those it would be good to contact in Cadens, which is why I'm reaching out. Would you be open to letting me know if you find anything you think might be of note, or hear anything?

late week 1, kidnapping event

[aquaveiled]

Jayce,

I hope you're well. As well as one can be with everything going on.

I doubt you've been idle. Has aught been found in Cadens?

You've been an adept student at Conjury so I do have a request. Has anything looked out of sorts in the wilds and nature around the city? Has anything felt out of sorts?

Until we meet again,

水

Early Week 2 | While kidnapped (Now in the right place. Hopefully. Bloody browser)

[preferscuffs]

[A relatively, by Caitlyn standards quick note, but still she can't help but check in. Just to hopefully give at least a little reassurance.]

It'̸̧͔̲̐s̸̡͓̆̏̿͜ Caitly̷͖̓͝n
I'm okaÿ̴̢̙̠͚̳͕́.
Well, relative̵͎͖̎̄l̴̲̠̓͂̏y̷̫͒̌̈́ͅ ̴̥̜́a̶̼͉̩͐͊n̴͕͖͒̂̽yway.
C̸̜͈̙̲͐̑̽ơ̴̢̜̜̎̆̓ŭ̷̼̞̹͋l̷̘̏̽̋͜ḓ̴̾̿ ̶̥̰̓̉̂̕b̵̠̚e̵̺̤̋ worse. I'm sure, someh̷̬͓͓͕͕͉͋ǒ̸̼̏͑ẅ̸̧̡̥͕̣̀

nebulous beginning of april time after everyone is back home

[techmaturgy]

It's not often that he and Jayce take a well-earned rest, but they've had several of them recently. First, his recovery, and now as they settle back into Cadens, the captive Summoned home safe and healing. Viktor finally feels like he can breathe, in more ways than one, and it also allows him a moment to remember an important date.

He's trying to be better at that. They'd discussed it, the two of them, some time ago--Viktor doesn't necessarily care about his own birthday, but Jayce has decided that his will be on the anniversary of his arrival. Viktor, happy to oblige, kept it in the back of his mind, not wanting to miss it.

And he doesn't miss it, having gone to bed the night before with a reminder. He's not going to outdo their six month anniversary, but a small token and insistence that they take a moment will be more than enough, especially after everything that's happened. It's touching, to Viktor, that Jayce will mark his age here by the day they were reunited.

"Jayce," he says, completely unabashed about scooting closer, getting into his sleeping face, and kissing him awake. Another nudge, this time with some urgency. "Wake up."

Truly, this is a matter of utmost importance.

Just a random message sent during some downtime at no time in particular

[preferscuffs]

It's come to my attention that I'm now older than you were when we first met.

a note and a little box, june 15

[techmaturgy]

[Much as he did back in December, Viktor gets up early and disappears to work long before Jayce awakens, leaving an obviously pre-meditated box and letter waiting for him on the kitchen table. As if there's any question about who it might be from, the name Jayce is written on the envelope in Viktor's familiar, hurried script.

The content, at least, is much more pleasant than the last letter he had to write.]

Jayce,

There is nothing I can write here that hasn't already been said. Thank you for this past year, and for everything you've done to make our future together possible. I can't wait to share it with you.

Yours always,
Viktor

[Inside the box is, predictably, the ring that he promised. Viktor has done his best to make them match, more or less, though Jayce's is appropriately gold and the design of the gears has more of his own signature on it. He's taken a few artistic liberties, not content to just duplicate Jayce's design, and of course he's enchanted it accordingly, the bands and gears moving of their own accord.

It has a protection spell too, of course, enhanced with his own blood--not that he's going to make any of that known.

And then, within the box, a small, additional scrap of paper.]

P.S. I spoke to the owner of our workshop building. He's looking to sell.