Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The air was warm and heavy with the scent of damp soil and fresh herbs as Jayce stepped into the flower shop, the soft chime of the doorbell breaking the stillness. The small store felt like another world—cozy and green, with hanging plants swaying gently above shelves lined with vibrant blooms and neatly potted herbs. Shafts of sunlight streamed through the wide front windows, catching on tiny motes of dust that floated lazily in the air.

Jayce hesitated just inside, his pulse quickening as his eyes swept the room. He scanned the shop, taking in the sea of greens and pastels, but there was no immediate sign of the reason he’d come. His stomach twisted. He hadn’t built up the courage for this fourth visit just to leave empty-handed.

Then he heard it.

“Be right there in a second!”

That voice, soft, measured, with an accent that wrapped around the words like velvet. Jayce’s breath hitched. He didn’t need to see him to know it was him.

A moment later, the curtain of ivy behind the counter shifted, and there he was: the flower shop’s stunning employee, stepping out with a pot of rosemary balanced carefully in one hand. Jayce froze.

The guy was as gorgeous as Jayce remembered. His angular features were sharp and elegant, like they’d been sculpted from marble: high cheekbones, a defined jawline, and a straight, slightly upturned nose. A loose bandana covered part of his unruly brown hair, and Jayce couldn’t help but notice the way it framed his face, drawing attention to his eyes, warm, golden-brown, almost ambar-like, like the color of honey caught in the glow of a sunset. Two small moles marked his skin, one on his cheek and another just above his mouth, the latter so perfectly placed it felt almost unfair.

He looked up and spotted Jayce. For a moment, their gazes met, and Jayce felt like his lungs forgot how to work. He didn’t say a word, but the corners of the man’s lips quirked slightly, not quite a smile, but enough to convey a faint curiosity, or perhaps amusement, as if to silently ask: ‘you again?’

They stood there for a moment, and the young man’s slight smile turned into a weird, almost awkward expression, arching his brows and tilting his head. “Can I help you with anything?” He finally said.

Jayce panicked. He needed to say something. Or buy something. Or both. His mind scrambled as he searched for an excuse, his eyes darting to the nearest shelf of herbs. “Uh- do you have uhm… basil?” he blurted, his voice a touch too loud. “My mom… needs it for a recipe.”

“Oh, right. You're the herbs guy.” His expression was unreadable, but the barest hint of a smirk tugged at his lips.

The nickname made Jayce feel a bit mortified, but it also made his heart skip a beat.

He remembers me.

“Your mother must really like those, uh?” He continued, his voice low and smooth. “This is like… what, the third time?”

Fourth. Jayce thought. Though he wasn’t really planning on admitting it out loud.

“Yeah, uh, she loves cooking.” Jayce said, scratching the back of his neck and trying to sound casual. “Big fan of… basil. And, you know, other herbs.” He winced inwardly.

“Right…” The young man raised an eyebrow, setting the rosemary down on the counter, and gestured to a cluster of potted plants on a nearby shelf. “Over there.”

Jayce smiled awkwardly and quickly grabbed one without much thought. He felt those golden eyes follow him as he brought it back to the counter, trying not to seem about to have a panic attack. He placed the plant down a little too hard, and a bit of soil spilled onto the counter.

“Sorry!” He said quickly, brushing at the dirt with his hand.

“It’s fine.” The clerk replied, already ringing up the purchase.

Jayce stood there, trying desperately to keep the conversation going, thinking about something to say as he looked at the man’s slender fingers scribbling down some prices. “So… do you, uh, work here full-time?”

His gaze flicked up briefly. “Part-time.” He simply answered. 

“Oh, cool.” Jayce hesitated. Cool? That’s the best you can do? “I mean, I didn’t see you last time I was here, so that’s why I wondered...”

The man’s brow furrowed slightly, and Jayce immediately realized how that sounded.

Fuck. I sound like a stalker. Fuckfuckfuck that was definitely creepy.

“I just mean-” He blurted. “My mom sends me here a lot. You know, errands and stuff. She’s always asking for something new, so I end up… here.” He trailed off awkwardly, wishing the floor would swallow him.

The man tilted his head, the barest glimmer of amusement returning to his face. “Has your mother considered making a list of the plants she uses most? It would save you… many trips.”

Jayce laughed louder than he intended, which made the guy scoff awkwardly, as if he was thinking ‘Not that funny, man.’

Oh he definitely thinks I’m weird.

“That’s a great idea. ” He said quickly, fumbling with his wallet as he paid. “But she likes to keep me on my toes, I guess.”

The man’s lips twitched, as if he couldn’t decide whether to smile. “Hm.”

Jayce lingered a moment too long, unsure if he should say something else. But the man’s gaze shifted back to the counter, and Jayce got the sense he was dismissed. “Well, uh, thanks!” He said, clutching the pot of basil.

“Thank you.” The clerk replied, his voice polite but distant.

“Have a nice day!” Jayce blurted as left the shop in a daze, the bell chiming behind him. The sunlight outside was blinding, and he squinted as he glanced down at the basil in his hands.

The herbs guy.

His cheeks burned at the thought, with a mix of mortification and delight.

At least he’d been noticed.

Sort of.

*****

Jayce walked into his mother’s house, his shoes clicking softly against the polished floor as he made his way through the hallway. The weight of the small pot in his hands seemed heavier than it should have been, as if it bore the entire burden of his embarrassment from earlier that afternoon. He placed the basil on the little coffee table in the living room, just a little too roughly, before collapsing onto the couch.

He hid his face in between his hands, groaning, still mortified. The interaction at the flower shop played over and over in his mind. His face flushed with the memory of his awkward stammering, the way he’d practically fumbled with the basil like it was a lifeline. He leaned back into the couch with a sigh. Smooth, Jayce. Real smooth.

"Jayce? " He heard his mother’s voice from upstairs. 

His head snapped up at the sound of her voice. "Yes, má!" He responded, trying to keep his voice steady.

She didn’t wait for him to say more before descending the stairs, her footsteps light but purposeful. When she entered the living room, she welcomed him with a soft smile, and immediately after her eyes fell on the basil plant sitting on the table. Her brow furrowed slightly.

"Another one?" She asked, her voice tinged with mild confusion. "When I asked for the rosemary, it was just a one time thing. You don’t have to keep buying plants for the kitchen every week, you know?"

Jayce tried to mask his awkwardness with a sheepish smile, his heart sinking slightly. "Oh, yeah, no, I know that." He said quickly, trying to sound casual. "I just thought I’d pick it up for you since the prices in that flower shop near the center are pretty cheap."

Ximena paused, eyeing him for a beat longer. “It’s pretty far from here too.”

Jayce shrugged. “I like walking anyway. You know. Taking some fresh air.”

Her mother kept looking at him with a faint smile, as if she could see through his half-hearted excuse. There was a slight hesitation in her voice, but she didn’t press the issue. Instead, she smiled and walked over to kiss him on the cheek, taking the plant and heading toward the kitchen. "Well, thank you, cariño." She said warmly, "You’re a sweetheart."

Jayce watched her go, his mind wandering. It’s not like he didn’t want to make his mom happy by bringing her plants and all, but the real reason he’d gone to the flower shop was far more complicated.

His mother’s voice echoed from the kitchen. "Have you packed your things yet? You’re moving in practically a week, no?"

Jayce let out a deep sigh. He had been trying to block out the inevitable reality of it all. The university in the heart of Piltover. The move to a new home. The unfamiliarity of it all.

"Yeah, I know." He said, not able to keep the exhaustion out of his voice. He wasn’t sure if he was more worried about leaving or about the strange, unfamiliar feeling of being away from home for the first time. "I’ll get it all done."

He stared at the spot on the couch where his mother had been just moments before, the weight of the next few weeks settling onto his shoulders. Soon he’d be moving into the Kiramann household, one of the most influential families in Piltover, and long-life friends of his own family. They’d been kind enough to offer him a room so he wouldn’t have to spend hours commuting every day to the university, since his house was pretty far from the city center, and Jayce didn’t own a car.

In exchange, he had agreed to help around the house with the daily chores and to assist Caitlyn, their daughter, with her studies. It wasn’t a problem, really. He’d known her since she was in diapers, and they had a bond that ran deeper than friendship. For the past couple of years, he’d helped her with her schoolwork, especially her science subjects, which was convenient since he was about to attend Piltover’s most prestigious university to study engineering. Caitlyn, now finishing her secondary education, had been relying on his tutoring more than ever, and he was happy to help her. Though he must say, most of their study sessions ended up with her yapping about her latest interests, or high school, or her parents being constantly on her ass, as she would say… Adolescence things, Jayce thought. He didn’t mind it, though. Cait had always been like a little sister to him. The thought of living under someone else’s roof, however… made Jayce feel… unsettled.

His phone buzzed in his pocket, pulling him from his thoughts. He glanced down to see a message from Caitlyn.

Cait: Hey

Cait: When are you arriving?

Jayce smiled despite himself and quickly tapped out a response. 

Jayce T: Missing me already?

Cait: Stfu

Cait: I’m just dying to have someone else around the house 😩

Cait: You excited for uni??

Jayce T: A little nervous honestly. Big step yk

Cait: Right

Cait: Well at least you’re going to be living with me

Cait: We can hang out all the time

Jayce T: I’m not sure that’s such a good thing

Jayce T: You’re kind of a handful

Cait: 🖕🏻

Jayce let out a dry chuckle.

Jayce T: I’ll be there on Thursday

Cait: Okokok!!!

Cait: Hey and don’t worry too much

Cait: You’ll be okay

Cait: And besides you’ll always have me to bug you when you get homesick

Jayce T: Shit you’ll probably be the first one to show up at my door, huh? 😭

Cait: You know it 😈

As soon as he read the last message, he stood up and stretched, his body aching from the hours of tension he’d been carrying since his awkward moments in the flower shop. The thought of Caitlyn’s antics made him feel a little lighter. He couldn’t help but think that maybe he needed a moment to step away from his nerves and the anxiety of his soon-to-be university life.

As he went up the stairs to get to his room, his mind wandered back to the flower shop and the mysterious, striking boy behind the counter. He tried to push the thoughts aside. You’re being ridiculous, he told himself. But somehow, it was hard to forget the way the boy’s eyes had held his, the way his mouth had twitched with that faint, almost imperceptible smile.

With a deep breath, Jayce lay down on his bed (probably one of the last times in a while he’d be able to do that) determined to stop overthinking everything for once. He needed a rest from his own brain.

*****

Jayce felt as if the days had passed in a blink of an eye. Now he was suddenly on the floor of his room, surrounded by boxes and the remnants of his life at home. The last few things were scattered across the bed, waiting to be packed away. Tomorrow was the big day: he was moving into the Kiramann's house. A new chapter. A new life. His heart was racing with a mix of excitement and unease. It was strange, thinking about leaving home.

As he shoved some last-minute clothes into a suitcase, he heard a soft knock on the door. His mother’s voice followed. “Do you need help with anything, cielo?”

He shook his head, looking up from his pile of clothes. “I’ve got it, má. Almost done.”

She entered anyway, sitting on the edge of the bed and giving him a soft, almost amused smile as she looked at the piles of stuff. Jayce glanced at her, tilting his head, trying to analyze her expression.

“What?” He simply asked.

“You’ve grown up so fast.” She said, her voice gentle.

The words hit him unexpectedly, a wave of sentimentality washing over him. Jayce paused, his hands stilling as he looked at her, his heart tightening in his chest. He was nervous, and a little uncomfortable. It made him feel… guilty, somehow. Like his life was changing too fast, like he was leaving her behind.

He sat down beside her on the bed. She leaned her head on his shoulder, a tender gesture, and he could feel the weight of her words. “I know you’re moving because the university is closer, but if you ever want to come back home, you know you can.”

“I know, mami.” He replied, side-eyeing her. Her eyes were closed, framed with soft wrinkles, and her hair spilled gently on Jayce’s shoulder. She was getting more and more white streaks, Jayce thought, swallowing a lump in his throat. He wasn’t the only one who was getting old. “But I think I need to change things up, you know? Start fresh, get used to my new life.”

Deep down, he couldn’t shake the guilt. He’d always known that his mother struggled after his father died when Jayce was young. She’d fought through the grief and loneliness, always putting on a brave face, raising him up almost entirely on her own. It never felt odd for Jayce, anyway. He liked it that way. Just his mom and him against the world. And after all this time, she had settled into a life with him, even if it was just the two of them. But now he was leaving. He couldn’t help but feel guilty for it, for not being there for her, especially when she gave so much of her life for him.

“I’ll call you every week.” He promised, his voice quieter than he intended. “And I’ll visit on the weekends if I can.”

She lifted her head and smiled at him, brushing his hair back affectionately. “Ay, mi niño.” She said as she began to shower him with kisses, which made him squirm a little in embarrassment.

“Má!” Jayce laughed, trying to push her away playfully, but she didn't let him.

When she finally stood up, wiping her hands on her skirt as she looked around the room, she spoke with a stiller voice. “I should send Cassandra a thank you text again. For letting you stay with them.” Jayce nodded, about to stand up as well, when she stopped, her brow furrowing slightly as she glanced back at him. “You know, you should bring her a little gift when you settle in. As a thank you.”

Jayce blinked, then shrugged nonchalantly. “What kind of gift?”

Ximena thought for a moment, tapping her chin. “Hm… Maybe some chocolates? Or flowers.” 

Flowers.

Jayce held his breath for a moment, his thoughts winding up in his head.

Her mom moved her hands in the air, shrugging, as she walked through the door. “I don’t know. Something simple. You know, the usual.” She exited the room, her voice quieting down from the hall. “Just get her something, okay?”

I definitely could get her flowers…

Jayce’s mind snapped back to that moment at the flower shop. His heart lurched with embarrassment at the memory, but there was something else there too, something more complicated. He could almost feel that pull again, that odd fascination for the florist guy, the way his mind kept returning to him.

But he couldn’t go back there, not after that awkwardness. He would just… get the chocolates. They were safe. No risks.

Although…

The thought lingered in his mind, and after a moment of hesitation, Jayce pulled out his phone and sent a quick message to Caitlyn.

Jayce T: Quick question: what's your mom's favorite flower??? 🙏🏽

He stared at the screen for a moment, biting his lip. What was he doing? This was ridiculous.

But before he could talk himself out of it, Caitlyn’s reply popped up.

Cait: ???

Cait: Why?

Jayce T: Just tell me please?????

Cait: 🤨🤨🤨

Cait: She likes violets I think

Jayce T: Perfect!! Thanks ❤️

Cait: You're a weird one, Jayce

Jayce blinked at the screen for a moment, trying to ignore the knot in his stomach, the growing mix of excitement and anxiety. He wasn’t sure if this was a good idea, but it was too late to back out now.

He put the phone down, his eyes drifting to the packed bags by the door. Tomorrow, he would leave.

And maybe, just maybe, he’d see that boy again.

Chapter Text

The little flower shop’s door swung, the bell above chiming softly. The air inside was starting to feel familiar now, Jayce thought. Earthy, with a faint hint of lavender and other florals. It smelled like... peace. He liked that. It helped him feel grounded.

And, of course, there was the added bonus of him.

Jayce glanced toward the counter and found exactly who he was looking for. The flower guy. The guy who always seemed just a little weirded out by him but still put up with his indecisive requests and awkward small talk. The guy whose sharp, analytical honey eyes didn’t miss a thing and who somehow managed to look effortlessly… cool. Maybe cool wasn’t the word for it. But Jayce definitely thought he was cool.

He glanced up from whatever he’d been working on, his expression unreadable. Jayce couldn’t help the grin that spread across his face. “Hey!” He said, trying to keep his voice casual.

The florist didn’t return the smile. “Let me guess. You’re here for more herbs for your mother’s cooking?”

Jayce laughed, rubbing the back of his neck. “Nope, not this time.” He said, feeling a little giddy despite the dry tone of the young man’s voice. “I’m actually here to get some flowers. For a friend’s mom.”

That got a reaction, even if it was a small one. He raised an eyebrow, his lips twitching slightly. “Well, that’s a shocker.” He muttered, mostly to himself.

Jayce let out a small chuckle, and he could see the faintest hint of curiosity in the guy’s eyes.

"Do you have any violets?" Jayce asked, almost hesitantly.

He nodded, his fingers already moving toward the shelf where some flowers were kept. Jayce watched him go, noting the way he moved, efficient, focused, as if every step had a purpose. He didn’t even bother to ask for more details, just started pulling violets from their spot and arranging them with practiced ease.

Jayce stayed where he was, not wanting to hover, but the silence felt a little awkward, so he tried to fill it. “This place is really nice.” He offered, looking around the shop like it was the first time he’d ever been there. “It’s small, but it’s got a certain charm to it. It’s almost... cozy.”

“It’s quiet.” The clerk pointed out without looking up. “I like it that way.”

Jayce nodded, feeling the weight of his words more than he probably should have. Everything about him, from the measured way he spoke to the way he worked, radiated a kind of controlled calm that Jayce couldn’t help but admire.

“Do you want a card for that?” He asked abruptly, pulling Jayce out of his thoughts. He held up a small card and pen. “Any message for the birthday lady?”

“Oh, yeah, sure.” Jayce stammered, suddenly feeling unprepared. “It’s not her birthday, though. It’s just a little ‘thank you’ gift, you know? She’s, uh…” He stopped himself before he could start yapping at this man, who obviously didn’t seem too interested in Jayce’s life. “Uhm. Yeah. Anyway.” He thought for a moment before settling on something simple. “Could you just write, ‘Thanks, Cassandra’ on it?”

He nodded, quickly jotting down the message. Jayce couldn’t help but watch him as he worked, his hands deftly tying a ribbon around the bouquet. There was something oddly fascinating about the way he moved, like he didn’t waste a single motion.

When the florist handed him the finished bouquet, Jayce hesitated, his eyes lingering on the card. The message was so small, so impersona. Still, he couldn’t help but thinking he even liked his handwriting. He glanced up at the clerk, wondering if he’d noticed anything, but he just raised an eyebrow.

“Anything else I can help you with today?”

Oh there’s definitely a couple of things I would like you to help me with…

Jayce shook his head, as if he was trying to shake away his thoughts.

“Nope! All done.”

“That’d be fifteen thirty.”

He paid quickly as he felt a flush of warmth spread through him. He wanted to say more, but the words stuck in his throat. Instead, he stood there like an idiot, smiling too much for a bit too long, until the employee finally raised an eyebrow in what could only be described as mild exasperation.

Jayce finally cleared his throat. “Well. Thanks again.”

“You’re… welcome.”

“Uh, have a nice day!” He blurted, turning and making a hasty retreat before he could embarrass himself further.

As he stepped back into the street, the warmth of the sun on his face didn’t compare to the warmth bubbling inside him. He couldn’t stop smiling, replaying the interaction in his head. He felt inexplicably drawn to this man. He was sharp, reserved, and maybe even a little grumpy, but there was something about him that drew Jayce in like a moth to a flame. He held the bouquet a little tighter, glancing down at the violets and the neat little bow the young man had tied.

“Man…” He muttered to himself, shaking his head with a soft sigh. “Crushes really are a pain in the ass, uh?”

*****

Jayce sat back in the taxi, the soft hum of the engine and the occasional bump in the road all that accompanied him on his ride. He had the bouquet of violets that he’d bought resting on his lap, the delicate flowers wrapped in simple brown paper, the bow tied neatly. His fingers absentmindedly traced over the small, neat card that accompanied the flowers. The script was neat but not perfect, slightly trembling at the edges, with a hurried, almost careless slant to the letters, accompanied by a tiny doodle of a star.

“Fuck.” He muttered under his breath, leaning closer to inspect the writing more closely. "Even his handwriting is cute…"

Some people might have thought it looked a little sloppy, but Jayce liked it. There was something endearing about it. Maybe it was because it seemed real, like it was a part of the person behind it.

The florist. The flower boy , as Jayce had jokingly started calling him in his head. He still didn’t know his name. Just the soft voice marked with that thick accent of his, the way his hands carefully handled the plants, and the brief moments they’d shared. He wasn’t sure what it was about him, but Jayce found himself thinking about this man more than he probably should.

His thoughts shifted away from the florist, though, as the taxi approached the grand, familiar house of the Kiramanns. His new home. It felt strange to even think about it. His new life. His new room. The anticipation mixed with a rising tension in his chest. His stomach twisted slightly at the thought of it all: moving away from home, starting university, living with a new family… It was exciting, sure, but the nerves had a way of creeping up on him.

He stared out the window, watching the streets blur by. The idea of things changing was making him restless. Still, he could focus on the moment, on getting through today, seeing Caitlyn’s mom’s reaction to the flowers, settling in, and figuring it all out tomorrow.

The taxi pulled up to the front door of the house, and Jayce felt his pulse quicken. It was time.

As he paid and pulled up his things from the taxi’s trunk, Caitlyn appeared at the front door, grinning mischievously as she spotted him. “Well, well, well…” She called out, raising an eyebrow. “If it isn’t Jayce Talis!”

Jayce smiled warmly, looking at her. She had her dark blue hair in a high ponytail, and she wore a plaid skirt and a baby blue sweater that was definitely too big for her. “Hey, sprout.” He said affectionately, approaching the door, bouquet in hand.

“What’s this? Flowers for me?” She reached for the violets, taking them away from Jayce's hand. Her voice tinted with amusement. “You shouldn’t have, Jayce. Really.”

The young man rolled his eyes, picking up his baggage with a grin. “Cut it out, Cait. They’re for your mother, so be careful with those, okay?”

“Really, Jayce!” She ignored him while teasingly inhaling the sweet scent of the violets. “Thank you so much…” She said with a dramatic sigh. “I’m so touched!”

He smirked. “You’re ridiculous.”

She stuck out her tongue and held the flowers to her chest for a moment before heading inside. As Jayce stepped through the door, he was immediately met with Cassandra, Caitlyn’s mother, who came out to greet him with a polite smile. “Jayce! It’s so good to see you again.”

“Hi, Mrs. Kiramann.” Jayce said, offering a smile back. “Thanks for letting me stay here, again. Really, you’re a life saver.”

“That’s quite alright.” She said, waving a hand slightly. “And please, call me Cassandra.”

Jayce smiled awkwardly. All of this felt weird. He had known them for years, but still, he couldn’t shake the feeling of being an intruder. Caitlyn offered the bouquet to her mother, with a teasing smile. “Jayce brought you this.” She said, side-eyeing him.

Cassandra gasped softly, taking the flowers from her hands. She looked at them for a moment before glancing up at Jayce, pleasantly surprised. “Oh! You shouldn’t have. Thank you, darling. Violets are my favorite, you know?”

“I may have had a little undercover informant for that, yes…” He said sheepishly, looking at Caitlyn.

Cassandra looked at her daughter for a brief second, smiling softly. “I see…” She sighed and glanced at the flowers again, then at Jayce. “Well,  then. I’m going to put these in some water. In the meantime, Caitlyn can show you to your room and help you carry your things, yes? We’ll catch up properly later.”

Jayce nodded and muttered a quiet ‘thank you’ again, as Caitlyn grabbed some of his bags and led him toward the back of the house. The hallway was quiet, the sound of their footsteps echoing slightly as they walked. Caitlyn stopped in front of a door at the end of the hall, opening it with a flourish.

“This is it!” Caitlyn said, stepping aside to let him in as she dropped his stuff on the floor. “Your new home away from home.”

Jayce took a deep breath, stepping inside the room. It was spacious, much larger than he’d expected. It had been a guest room before, but now it was his . The walls were painted a calming shade of blue, and the bed was covered with a soft, neutral duvet. A desk sat by the window, with light filtering through the curtains, casting a soft glow across the room. It felt both new and familiar, like something he could grow into, but there was a part of him that still wasn’t sure if he could get used to this.

“Not bad, huh?” The girl said, plopping down on the bed. “Now we can play video games together all the time. We’ve got the TV, we’ve got the games. We’re set.”

Jayce sat down on the desk chair, running a hand through his hair. “I’m going to be busy with school.” He said with a sigh. “You know that, right?”

Caitlyn grinned, giving him a playful shove. “As I’ll be. But you can’t hide from me, Jayce. I’m literally sleeping a couple of inches away from you.”

Jayce chuckled, his nerves slowly starting to ease with her friend’s usual banter. “Great.” He said sarcastically. “I’ll never get any peace.”

She raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. “Are you still nervous? You know, about university and all that?”

Jayce leaned back in the chair, looking up at the ceiling as he thought about it. “Yeah. I guess it’s just a lot to figure out all at once. New place, new house, new classes, new people… it’s all a bit much.” He sighed, rubbing his forehead. “I’m kind of freaking out, honestly.”

Caitlyn’s face softened a little, her teasing smile turning into something more understanding. “Yeah, I get that. It’s a huge change. But it’s okay to be nervous, you know?” She continued. “You’ve got this. You’re Jayce Talis, for crying out loud! You’ll be fine.”

Jayce cracked a smile, feeling a little bit better. “Thanks for the motivational speech, coach.”

“I’m serious!” She insisted. “You’re smart, man. Uni is going to be a piece of cake for you.” 

He leaned back in his chair, the weight of the upcoming changes feeling just a little lighter. “Yeah, well. I’ll figure it out, I guess.”

“Besides…” He said in a lower tone, with just a tiny bit of shyness on her voice. “If you need someone to talk to, I’m like, five steps away from your room, so…”

Jayce couldn’t help but smile at that, a genuine warmth creeping into his chest. He’d always been there for Caitlyn, and he would always do whatever he could to help her, as he knew she would do exactly the same for him.

“Thanks, sprout.” He got up from his chair and messed with Caitlyn’s hair for a second before she smacked his hand away. “But please just… let’s get off the university topic for now. I think I’ll be more stressed out if you just keep reminding me about it.” He said jokingly.

She rolled her eyes, shaking her head. “Fine, fine. I’ll stop bothering you... for now.”

“Good.” The young man sighed. “I’ve got a feeling I’ll need all the quiet I can get.”

Just as Jayce was about to start unpacking his things, he heard Cassandra’s voice from across the hallway.

“Caitlyn!” She called. “Can you help me set the table, dear?”

Caitlyn groaned but got up without complaint. “Duty calls.” She said. “See you in a minute. Try not to get too lost in here, okay?”

“Sure. I’ll try my best.” Jayce replied, watching her leave the room.

He turned back to his new space, and sat down on the edge of the bed. It felt a little strange to be in someone else’s house, especially after leaving his own. But he was here now, and this was the next step. The first step into his new life, away from everything he knew. It was exciting, but a little scary too. The quiet of the space filled him as he sat there, contemplating the change. It would be odd, at first, to get used to this. But maybe it was exactly what he needed.

The future felt uncertain, but in a way, that was the point, wasn’t it? He was moving forward, and he wasn’t looking back.

It was time for a fresh new start.

*****

The days leading up to the start of classes had been a whirlwind for Jayce. Unpacking his belongings in the sprawling Kiramman estate had been an exercise in restraint. He didn’t have much, just a few boxes of essentials and a couple of personal items to make the room feel a little more like his own. But no matter how many books he stacked on the shelves or photos he arranged on the nightstand, the space still felt... foreign. The walls were too pristine, the furniture too polished, and the air carried the faint scent of something expensive and unfamiliar. It wasn’t that he felt unwelcome. Cassandra and Tobias, Caitlyn’s parents, had been gracious and polite, always offering kind words or asking if he needed anything, but their small talk felt practiced, distant. Jayce wasn’t used to this kind of space, this level of quiet sophistication. He wasn’t uncomfortable exactly, but everything about the Kirammans’ world felt just a little... alien.

The night before his first day of university had been specially... odd. Jayce had expected a casual, warm dinner, like the ones he used to have with his mom. Something that would make him feel at home. Instead, it had been a bit more formal than he'd imagined. Cassandra, ever poised, smiled at him with kindness but maintained a certain reserved air. Tobias had made a genuine effort to lighten the mood with jokes, but they landed awkwardly, drawing polite smiles rather than laughter. Caitlyn, surprisingly, was quieter than usual, her usual teasing banter with Jayce noticeably absent, perhaps subdued by the presence of her parents.

Jayce didn’t mind too much. He understood that everyone, himself included, was adjusting to the idea of him being there long-term. It wasn’t an easy shift for anyone. And despite the slightly stiff atmosphere, he felt genuinely grateful to have a roof over his head and people willing to help him start this new chapter of his life.

The next morning, Cassandra offered to drive him to campus, because she had to take Caitlyn to her high school anyway. But Jayce declined, imagining how it would look to show up on his first day of university being dropped off by one of the most influential women in town. He could already hear the whispers and feel the stares. Nope. Yeah, definitely better to avoid that kind of attention entirely. He didn’t want any rumours about him on his first day. He had already dealt with those in the past anyway… So he thanked her, grabbed his bag, and opted to walk to campus instead.

Now, he stood outside his first lecture hall, adjusting the straps of his backpack and taking a deep breath before stepping inside.

The room was large, but not intimidatingly so, with rows of seats rising in staggered tiers. Jayce wasn’t exactly late, but he wasn’t early either. The front rows were already packed with eager students, notebooks and laptops ready, while the middle rows were filling quickly. He scanned the room, looking for a seat.

Fine. He wasn’t picky.

He made his way toward the back, weaving through a multitude of students. The back row was less crowded, with a few empty tables still available. He was just about to claim a seat at an isolated table when something caught his eye: a familiar figure seated a few rows ahead and to the left, head slightly bowed, long fingers tapping idly against a notebook.

Jayce froze, his heart skipping a beat as recognition hit him like a truck.

The messy brown hair, curling sharply at the ends, was what first drew his attention. Then, as if drawn by a magnetic pull, his gaze moved to the mole above the lips, the sharp cheekbones, and the honey-colored eyes that glanced up briefly in his direction.

It was him.

The flower boy.

The young man blinked at him, tilting his head slightly, his expression neutral but curious, as if he wasn’t entirely sure why this random guy was frozen in the middle of the aisle, gaping like a fish out of water. And just like that, the memory of every embarrassing interaction they’d had came rushing back to Jayce. The awkward silences, the clumsy attempts at conversation, the way Jayce had probably stared too much… God, he was definitely staring now.

“Move, man.” Someone muttered, brushing past Jayce and snapping him out of his daze. He quickly stepped aside, choking an awkward ‘sorry’ in between his teeth. After a moment, the flower boy scoffed slyly and simply looked back down at his notebook, leaving Jayce standing there, still stunned.

Jayce’s mind raced, trying to process what he was seeing. What were the odds? Out of all the classes, all the students, and all the seats at university, he was here. In his class. Why was he here? Was this fate? Coincidence? Some kind of cosmic joke?

Jayce sighed, running a hand through his hair. If fate was offering a chance, this was definitely his time to act up on it.

Chapter Text

Viktor had never been the one to believe in destiny.

He was a man of logic, of science. He was firmly convinced that life was a construct of choices and effort rather than some cosmic plan. Growing up as a broken kid from Zaun, a place no one ever looked twice at unless they wanted something cheap or dangerous, he’d learned early on that the world wouldn’t hand him anything.

No, he had to take it. Build it. Fight for it.

And that he had.

No one had ever believed in him. So Viktor simply chose to believe in himself. He had bet everything on his ideas, his relentless effort, his refusal to give up when others dismissed him as another nobody. That belief in his own hands, his own mind, was what had carried him to this desk, in one of the country’s most prestigious universities.

Not fate. Not luck.

Just him.

But now, Viktor couldn’t shake off the idea that maybe, just maybe, something beyond his control had decided to mock him with some kind of elaborate cosmic joke.

He was just sitting there, slouched near the back of the lecture hall, headphones firmly in place as he scribbled absentmindedly in his notebook, when he felt the unnerving sensation of being watched.

A faint shiver ran down his spine, and his fingers stopped tracing lazy lines and geometric shapes in his notebook (an attempt to busy his restless hands while he waited for the lecture to begin). He tried to ignore it at first, convincing himself that it was just his imagination. But the feeling didn’t go away. Reluctantly, he glanced up, subtly shifting his gaze toward the source of the unease.

And… there he was.

The guy from the flower shop.

Viktor froze, his stomach sinking.

No fucking way.

He blinked, hoping he was mistaken, but no. It was definitely him, neatly combed dark hair, broad shoulders, tan skin and those same curious eyes that flitted nervously over the plants, always moving, always searching, like he was somehow trying to figure out Viktor’s secrets. It gave him an odd sense of being observed. Only this time, his glance was fixed on him, which made Viktor feel even more anxious. This guy was staring at him, openly and unabashedly, like Viktor was some kind of rare specimen on display.

Creep. He thought bitterly.

Viktor’s first instinct was to look away, pretend he hadn’t noticed. Maybe if he ignored him, the guy would lose interest and move on. But Viktor’s curiosity got the better of him, and his eyes flicked back toward him. Sure enough, the guy was still staring, his gaze intense and unwavering. Eventually, another student bumped lightly into him, and the guy finally stopped looking at him. Viktor choked a small chuckle and let himself get to his scribbles again, trying to ignore what just happened.

Unfortunately, that wasn’t it.

The stranger began to approach him. Viktor tensed, lowering his head and pretending to be deeply engrossed in his notebook. Viktor tried to not look up, even as the silence between them grew heavier. When it became unbearable, he sighed quietly and tugged his headphones down to rest around his neck. Looking up with mild irritation, he asked “Do I have something on my face?”

The guy blinked, a bit startled, and then laughed nervously. “No, no! Nothing like that. I just... thought you looked familiar.”

Viktor arched a skeptical brow, unimpressed by the poor attempt at subtlety. “Right.” He said flatly. “You’re the herbs guy. You came in... what? Four days ago? For violets?”

He laughed scratching the back of his neck. His laugh was loud and kind of exaggerated, just as it was back in the shop, like he was trying just a little too hard to impress. Viktor’s lips twitched in slight annoyance. He wasn’t sure why it bothered him. It wasn’t as though he was a stranger to forced politeness.

“Yeah, that’s me.” He admitted. “So that’s where I know you from. Florist guy, right?” Viktor’s eyes narrowed, as if trying to say ‘cut the bullshit’ without saying a word. The young man in front of him almost gulped at the glare, but he continued. “Didn’t expect to see you here. Small world, huh?”

Viktor hummed noncommittally, his gaze dropping back to his notebook. He hoped the guy would take the hint and leave, but instead, he lingered, shuffling awkwardly on his feet. “Uh... is anyone sitting here?” He finally asked, gesturing to the empty seat beside him.

Viktor shrugged without looking up. “No.”

Taking that as permission, the guy sat down, settling himself with a loud exhale. Viktor could feel his presence immediately, the faint scent of cologne, the warmth radiating from his broad frame.

There was another stretch of silence before the guy attempted conversation again. “Pretty crazy running into you here, right? I mean, what are the odds?”

“Mmh.” Viktor muttered, his focus still on his notebook.

“You, uh, studying something plant-related?” .

“No.”

“Chemical engineering, then. I’m assuming” He tried again.

“Yep.”

“Right. Cool. Same.”

The awkwardness was palpable. Viktor sighed inwardly, resisting the urge to roll his eyes. He knew the guy was trying, but Viktor wasn’t in the mood for small talk. Finally, he turned to him. “Look, maybe you should sit somewhere else? Perhaps next to someone more... talkative?”

“No!” The young man blurted, a little too loudly. A few heads turned in their direction, and he quickly lowered his voice, looking embarrassed. “I mean... no. It’s just... it’s my first day, and I’m kind of nervous, you know? Seeing a sort-of-familiar face is... nice.”

There was an honesty to his words that caught Viktor off guard. He studied the guy for a moment, noticing for the first time the subtle signs of nervousness: the way his hands fidgeted on the desk, the tension in his shoulders, the faint redness creeping up his neck. Viktor softened, remembering what it felt like to feel out of place.

Up close, he could see details he hadn’t noticed before. The scar that split one of the man’s eyebrows, giving him an oddly rugged charm. The mix of green and brown in his eyes, like sunlight filtering through leaves. The tooth gap in his smile, which was... oddly appealing.

The guy rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. “Sorry. This is probably weird, right? I mean, we don’t really know each other, and I’m probably bothering you, so-”

“Viktor.” He interrupted.

The other man blinked, caught off guard. “Sorry?”

“My name.” Viktor clarified, glancing at him. “It’s Viktor.”

For a moment, the guy just stared at him, and then his face lit up with relief and maybe a little bit too much of excitement. “Jayce.” He said, offering his hand. “I’m Jayce.”

Viktor hesitated, staring at the outstretched hand. After a couple of seconds he finally reached out and shook it, noting the stark contrast between Jayce’s big, calloused, warm hand and his own long, bulky, cold fingers.

The man grinned at him, his enthusiasm infectious, and Viktor tried to return the gesture. His attempt at a smile came out as a faint, lopsided curve of his lips, but it seemed to satisfy Jayce, who leaned back in his chair, visibly more relaxed.

Just then, the professor entered, a small man with ginger white streaked hair and a moustache comically large for his face. The low murmur of conversations in the lecture hall died down and Viktor straightened slightly in his seat.

“Good morning.” The professor said, his voice high-pitched and full of enthusiasm, setting down a stack of papers on his desk. He glanced up at the class, surveying the room like he was mentally cataloging each student. “Before we begin, let me make one thing clear: the seats you’re in now are where you’ll be for the rest of the semester. Maybe this way it will be easier for me to remember your faces!” He said with a wide grin, putting his hands on his hips.

A wave of murmured surprise rippled through the room. Viktor blinked, his gaze darting briefly to his new classmate.

“Also, you’ll be working closely with those beside you.” The man continued. “Consider it an exercise of collaboration. Science, after all, is not a solitary pursuit.”

Viktor sighed inwardly. Of course. He glanced at Jayce again, who was now looking at him with that same excited energy Viktor was quickly beginning to associate with him.

Jayce leaned over slightly, his voice low enough not to carry but still bright. “Looks like we’re stuck together.”  

Viktor gave him a faint, resigned nod. This guy is going to be exhausting, he thought, already feeling the weight of Jayce’s boundless enthusiasm. He was the type of person Viktor instinctively avoided, too open, too loud, too emotional. But there was also a small, inconvenient part of Viktor that found Jayce’s sincerity... endearing.

As the professor began discussing the syllabus, Viktor returned his attention to his notebook, jotting down a few notes. But he didn’t miss the way his new desk mate fidgeted beside him, clearly itching to say something.

Finally, Jayce leaned over again, his voice hesitant. “Hey, uh... since we’re going to be lab partners and all, maybe we should... exchange numbers? You know, for coordination and stuff?”

Viktor turned his head slowly, giving him a skeptical look. Jayce’s expression faltered slightly, but he quickly recovered, his nervous energy spilling out in a soft laugh. “I mean, it just makes sense, right? If you want to, of course.”

Viktor considered it for a moment. He didn’t like giving out his number to strangers, but Jayce wasn’t exactly a stranger anymore. And it would probably be more trouble to argue about it than to just give in. With a small shrug, he pulled his phone out of his pocket and handed it to Jayce.

“Sure.”

Jayce quickly pulled out his phone as well and gave it to him, while taking Viktor’s with an expression that was almost reverent, like he had just handed him something far more important than an outdated smartphone with a cracked screen. Jayce’s device felt warm in his hands, the screen smudged with fingerprints. He created a profile on his contacts and entered his number carefully, then handed it back.

“Great.” Jayce said, exchanging phones with him. He looked at his own screen, his grin widening. “Now we’re officially lab partners.”

Viktor hummed noncommittally, as he allowed himself a brief glance at his phone to double-check the contact Jayce had just saved. His eyebrows immediately lifted in mild surprise when he saw the name: ‘Herbs guy 🌱’

He tilted the phone slightly and then shifted his gaze toward Jayce, who was already watching him with a sheepish smile.

“Herbs guy? ” Viktor said, voice low but sharp with curiosity.

Jayce gave him a self-aware smile. “I just thought... you know, it’d be fitting.”

“Uh… I just put my name in yours.”

Jayce quickly waved his hands in front of him, backpedaling. “Oh! I mean, that’s fine! You can totally change mine if you want. I just thought it’d be a funny little thing.”

Viktor studied him for a moment, trying to determine whether the explanation was genuine or just a hasty attempt to cover up how awkward the moment had become. Finally, he exhaled softly and shook his head, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth.

“No. It’s fine.” Viktor said, turning his attention back to his phone. “I’ll leave it. This way, I’ll remember exactly who you are.”

Jayce’s grin returned, a little more relaxed now. “See? Practical, right?”

Viktor didn’t reply, but the slight upward twitch of his eyebrow suggested he wasn’t entirely against the idea. He tucked his phone away again, his focus returning to the professor. Yet, in the back of his mind, he couldn’t shake the thought that this semester was going to be far from boring.

*****

The day had been long, and Viktor was more than ready to head home. He was glad he didn't have to work that afternoon. If he had to go to the flower shop after that overwhelming first day, he'd probably rather pass out from exhaustion.

His bag weighed heavily on his shoulder, and the quiet click of his cane against the pavement was oddly soothing as he moved through the crowd of students dispersing after their classes. The university campus, though still bustling, was finally beginning to quiet down. Just as he was reaching for his headphones, a familiar voice called out behind him, cutting through the noise.

“Viktor! Wait up!”

He stopped, turning just enough to see Jayce weaving through the crowd with that same bright energy he seemed to carry everywhere. Viktor felt an instinctual tug of annoyance. He wasn’t exactly in the mood for more social interaction, but he stayed put, curious as to what his new lab partner wanted.

Jayce caught up quickly, slightly out of breath but still smiling widely, showing that stupid little tooth gap between his upper teeth that made the guy’s smile so... annoyingly charming, in a way Viktor couldn’t quite place. 

“Hey.” He said, his tone softer now. “I just… I wanted to say thanks.”

Viktor tilted his head, resting his weight slightly on his cane. “What for?”

“For not, you know, letting me completely embarrass myself in class this morning. Well, more or less…” Jayce admitted, scratching the back of his neck. “I know I kind of just... showed up and started bothering you out of nowhere. It was probably weird, so I’m sorry about that. But I really appreciate you not, like, telling me to leave or something.”

Viktor scanned Jayce’s expression. The nervousness was there again, but so was something genuine, something warm. He hesitated before responding.

“It’s nothing.” Viktor said with a shrug. “You were... nervous. I know what feeling out of place feels like.”

Jayce’s grin softened into something more sincere. “Yeah. I’m still kind of anxious, to be honest. But seeing a familiar face, even if it wasn’t really that familiar,” he pointed out with a sheepish shrug, “it helped. So, thanks.”

Viktor blinked, unsure how to respond. Compliments, even small ones, always felt strange to him. “Well.” He said after a moment. “I suppose we’ll be seeing each other often now. Lab partners and all.”

Jayce nodded enthusiastically. They stared at each other for a minute, as if they were analyzing one another. Jayce’s hazel eyes lingered on Viktor, traveling down to his cane, to his leg braces, and stayed there, as if it was the first time the guy had noticed it at all. It made Viktor cringe a little. It wasn’t the first time he had caught someone staring, and his defenses shot up immediately.

“What?” Viktor asked sharply with a hint of irony in his voice, his accent thickening. “Never seen someone disabled before?”

Jayce’s eyes widened, and he held up his hands, palms out, in a placating gesture. “Oh! No! No, that’s not-” he stammered, visibly flustered. “I just- your cane! I mean, it’s... I thought it was pretty cool, that’s all.”

Viktor frowned, caught off guard by the response. “Cool?”

“Yeah.” Jayce said, his voice steadying as he pointed to the cane. “The handle… I mean, look at that! It’s carved, right? Like, someone put a lot of work into it. It’s kind of... a work of art, honestly.”

Viktor blinked again, his initial irritation melting into surprise. He followed Jayce’s gaze to the cane in his hand, the dark wood polished to a shine, the intricate carvings on the handle catching the light.

For a moment, he didn’t know what to say. He was so used to ableist remarks or comments drenched in pity that Jayce’s unfiltered admiration left him momentarily speechless.

“Uh. Yeah. Thank you.” Viktor finally said, his voice quieter, almost hesitant. “It’s actually the first thing I bought with my first paycheck. My old one was already pretty damaged, so…”

“Nice.” He simply replied. The tension from moments ago was completely gone. “Anyway, I won’t keep you. I just wanted to say thanks again. Guess I’ll see you in class?”

Viktor nodded slowly, still processing the interaction. “Yes. See you in class.”

With that, Jayce gave him a quick wave and turned to leave, his broad frame disappearing into the crowd of students. Viktor stood there for a moment, watching him go. Then he found himself chuckling softly, shaking his head in disbelief. A faint smile tugged at his lips as he started to walk to his apartment, inevitably thinking about his new lab partner.

*****

The walk back to his apartment was uneventful, the sounds of the city drowned by the music on his headphones. Everything was just as usual, except for the strange feeling of his mind drifting back to this Jayce guy. Viktor scowled slightly as the memory of his smile —the one that had seemed so genuine, so wide— crept into his mind.

That stupid, ridiculous smile.

He sighed, shaking his head as he opened the door to his apartment. There was something in the back of his mind that resisted letting go of the thought. Jayce looked like he had his life figured out, the kind of guy who probably had too many friends to count, invitations to every party, and doors just opened for him, no questions asked. He had that effortless charm, that easy going look that screamed golden boy . The tailored clothes, not overly flashy but undeniably expensive, the athletic build, the way his hair somehow looked perfectly tousled… It all painted a picture of someone who had it all.

He looked precisely like the kind of person that Viktor disliked.

Even so… The tone in his voice, the awkward gestures, the anxiousness in his eyes… it all screamed honesty. He couldn’t shake the image of Jayce standing there, his eyes flicking nervously over him, and the way he laughed (loudly, maybe too loudly) at his half-hearted jokes. Viktor had been irritated at the time, but now that irritation had faded into something else, something less concrete. Perhaps it was just curiosity. Amusement, even.

Viktor’s apartment greeted him with the familiar silence, the kind that only a small, sparsely decorated studio in the outskirts of Piltover could provide. The city was still bustling in the distance, the noise of a million lives living in parallel, but here, in his small, secluded corner, there was nothing but peace.

He hated the city. Or, at least, he hated the overwhelming nature of it. Piltover was a place of constant motion, of never-ending advancement, and it felt like it never stopped looking down on him, as if every corner of the city was a reminder that he wasn’t truly from here. The people, the buildings, the air… it all screamed of privilege, something Viktor had never quite understood. 

It wasn’t that he disliked the city’s wealth or progress. But he despised how it made him feel like an outsider. And, more often than not, the fact that he was from Zaun made the experience even worse. People who lived up here often treated those from Zaun as if they were beneath them, as if the grime of their origins somehow rendered them unworthy.

But, at least, he didn’t have to interact with most of them. His studio was tucked away far from the center of the city, on a quiet street that seemed untouched by the relentless energy of Piltover’s heart. It was small, not much more than a big room with a bed, a few pieces of furniture, a kitchenette, and a tiny bathroom, but it was his space. Alone. Silent. No one to judge him. That was something he could appreciate.

As he stepped inside, the first thing that greeted him wasn’t the cold air or the dim light, but a soft purring furball, darting out from her hiding place with her usual speed, her tail flicking with excitement. Viktor’s lips curved into a sweet smile at the sight of her. He bent down slowly, careful not to overexert his leg, reaching for the small, sleek white feline who affectionately rubbed her head against his hand.

"Hi, Rio." He muttered in his usual soft, low tone. "Have you missed me?" He could feel the warmth of her body in his hands, and for a moment, the world outside seemed to cease to exist. "I bet you’ve been napping all day again, huh? You lazy lady."

Rio merely looked at him, her large eyes unblinking, as though processing every word he said. She leaned into his touch, a low, steady rumble of purring echoing in the quiet studio. Viktor couldn’t help but smile at her. Talking to her, even though he knew it was illogical, brought him a strange sense of peace. There was no judgment in her gaze, no expectations, just companionship. He spoke to her with an endless amount of tenderness, his voice gentle, as if she were the only one who could truly understand him.

"I wish I could be like you." He continued, softly. "Lay around all day and just… rest. You have the right idea."

He leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to the top of her head, his lips brushing against her soft fur. Rio meowed quietly, as if to agree, before nudging her head into his hand again, demanding more affection. Viktor chuckled under his breath, indulging her with a few more strokes behind her ears before he finally set down his bag, wincing slightly as he stretched his bad leg. He grabbed Rio’s food and filled her bowl, watching as she immediately began to eat. Meanwhile, he moved to the kitchen to prepare his usual cup of tea. The routine was familiar, comforting. It was something simple, something he could count on after a day filled with unpredictability.

With the tea ready, he sank into the small couch with a long sigh, stretching out his leg on top of the small coffe table in front of him. He massaged his knee lightly, hoping the gentle pressure would ease the tension that had built up throughout the day. His eyes navigated lazily over the space. Lately he had been filling the studio with house plants, like ferns or succulents, and occasionally some flowers that he would get from his job. He enjoyed the hint of green in the middle of the whiteness and minimalism of his urbanite apartment. They brought him a strange sense of calmness. It made him feel more at home, somehow.

Rio hopped onto the couch and settled herself on his lap, curling into a ball, purring softly as if she was trying to comfort him. And for a few moments, Viktor allowed himself to simply sit there, absentmindedly stroking the animal’s fur, letting the warmth of the tea seep into his bones. His mind, typically buzzing with thoughts, began to quiet. The rhythmic sound of Rio’s purring helped him sink deeper into the stillness, and for the first time all day, he could truly relax.  

But then, as it so often happened in the moments between wakefulness and sleep, his thoughts drifted, almost unbidden, back to that image of his new classmate, with his silly grin and his odd tenderness. Viktor didn’t really know what the guy’s deal was yet.

He closed his eyes and took another sip of his tea, trying to clear his mind. His muscles ached, his body was tired, and the last thing he wanted was to think about something —someone— who wasn’t important. Rio’s warmth against his legs was soothing, and the soft murmur of the city outside was like white noise in the background. Slowly, as the minutes ticked by, Viktor felt himself slipping into sleep, his eyelids growing heavy.

Just before he finally succumbed to the quiet embrace of rest, the last thing he thought, rather absurdly, was about that stupid indelible smile.

And then everything went dark.

Chapter Text

Viktor had learned to navigate the currents of university life with precision and detachment. To him, it was merely a system of equations: lectures, assignments, exams, go home, repeat. People, too, were part of the equation, variables he preferred to simplify or remove entirely. He wasn’t cold, or at least he didn’t think of himself that way. He simply didn’t see the point in small talk or shallow pleasantries when the world was already so noisy with irrelevant chatter.

Jayce, his new desk partner, embodied that noise.

At first, Viktor had regarded him with mild curiosity. Jayce was one of those people who radiated energy: warm, open, almost unbearably bright. He smiled too easily, laughed too loudly, and always seemed to have something to say. It was almost exhausting just to be near him. And yet, there was something almost admirable about the way Jayce carried himself, as though he believed every problem had a solution, every conversation a purpose. Viktor envied that confidence.

Viktor began to notice the small ways in which Jayce tried to bridge the gap between them, even when it was unnecessary. Their interactions were minimal, mostly limited to shared class time. Jayce often attempted small talk: casual questions about their coursework, occasional remarks about the weather, or the professors. During lectures, Jayce would occasionally nudge Viktor’s notebook with a grin, pointing out a clever insight he’d written down or a doodle in the margins. Viktor would nod, a ghost of a smile tugging at his lips, but he never fully engaged, though part of him couldn’t help but wonder why Jayce kept trying. 

Jayce seemed to take it in stride, though Viktor sometimes caught a flicker of frustration in his expression, as if he were trying to solve a particularly stubborn puzzle. It was almost amusing.

Viktor simply tried to survive the start of the semester. His time outside of class was a careful balance of work and study. The hours spent in the flower shop gave him a small sense of peace, a quiet corner of the world where he could focus on the meticulous care of plants and avoid the endless noise of the university. He liked the solitude of it. The plants never asked him awkward questions or tried to make unnecessary small talk.

Jayce, however, was not so easily deterred. Viktor just assumed he felt indebted to him for “saving him” the first day of class. But he kept trying. And he didn’t need to do that.

If all his classmates were sunflowers, Jayce was definitely the sun. He seemed nervous and afraid of not fitting in at first, and yet, somehow, his natural charm and openness drew people to him. Professors praised his enthusiasm in class, students lingered to chat with him after lectures, and in the first couple of weeks he was already surrounded by acquaintances who treated him like an unofficial leader. Viktor quickly learnt that Jayce was definitely the golden boy stereotype. The way his hands moved with precision when adjusting a piece of equipment. The way his laughter filled the spaces between conversations, unguarded and unforced. The way he seemed to carry the weight of everyone’s attention while still maintaining an air of ease. Viktor found it both irritating and oddly fascinating.

Of course, the university had its own narrative about Viktor, and it was the complete opposite to Jayce’s.

He was a zaunite. That was enough to make people talk. It was always the first thing people latched onto, the one thing that carried an entire world of assumptions and prejudices. He obviously had heard the whispers: criminal, outsider, unworthy… But Viktor had long since learned to let them wash over him. He didn’t have the energy to correct them, nor the inclination to care what others thought.

Jayce was different, though. Viktor could see it in the way Jayce looked at him, not with pity or judgment, but with curiosity. It was… unnerving. He didn’t want Jayce’s attention, and yet he found himself wondering what Jayce thought of him. Was he just another enigma for the charismatic golden boy to unravel, or did Jayce actually see him?

Viktor hated that he cared.

This man was persistent in a way that bordered on reckless, refusing to be deterred by Viktor’s walls. It was as if Jayce saw something in him that Viktor couldn’t see in himself, and that thought was more unsettling than any rumor or whisper could ever be.

So Viktor did what he always did. He retreated into his work, into the safety of his solitude. After all, someone, an old mentor, many years ago, had told him that his loneliness was what made him special, what made him a genius.

But as the weeks passed, he couldn’t help but feel the faintest spark of curiosity. His new classmate was still there, still trying, still smiling. And for the first time in a long while, Viktor found himself wondering what it might be like to let someone in.

*****

The library was Viktor’s sanctuary during the lunch hour, a rare rest from the chatter and chaos of campus life. While the cafeteria buzzed with voices and clinking trays, the library offered silence, broken only by the faint rustle of pages turning or the occasional hum of the ventilation system. It was perfect.

Today, he had staked out a small table near the back, away from the main traffic of students passing between the stacks. His book, a dense hard cover tome, lay open before him. He didn’t mind the weight of it; the content was worth every ounce. The elegance of this topic was something he cherished, a delicate framework of rules that underpinned the universe itself.

The music on his headphones lightly caressed his ears as he focused on the words in front of him. He tapped his fingers against the edge of the table absently as he read, letting the rhythm match the flow of ideas unraveling in his mind.

Then, a familiar figure appeared in his field of vision. His eyes flickered up from his book to find no other than Jayce, with his usual warm smile and sparkly hazel eyes. He stood there, his broad frame blocking the light from the nearest window as he waved his hand at him. Viktor blinked, taking a moment to reorient himself, taking off his headphones. Of course, it was Jayce. Who else would approach him so casually?

“Hey.”

“Hey!” Jayce gestured to the chair across from him, speaking quietly. “This seat taken?”

Viktor arched an eyebrow. It obviously wasn’t. It was just him at that table. And still, Jayce had the urge to sit there. He had chosen that spot to avoid precisely this kind of interaction. Yet, saying it was occupied (when it obviously wasn’t) felt needlessly combative, and Viktor was nothing if not practical. “Does it look like it’s taken?” He finally asked in a low tone, with just a spark of sarcasm in his voice, making a subtle gesture to the seat, as if inviting him to take it.

Jayce smiled, shrugging it off as he slid into the chair, setting his bag down with a thud. Viktor resisted the urge to sigh. Instead, he returned his attention to his tome, hoping Jayce would take the hint.

“What are you reading?” 

Okay, so he obviously didn’t get the hint.

He glanced up again, caught off guard by the genuine curiosity in Jayce’s tone. He was slightly leaning forward, looking at the book. Most people didn’t ask questions like that unless they were looking for an opportunity to talk about themselves. Jayce, however, seemed interested.

“A monograph on, uh… thermodynamic systems.” 

Jayce frowned slightly. “I didn’t know we had a thermodynamics assignment.” 

“We don’t.” Viktor replied. “It’s for… my personal interest.”

His classmate raised an eyebrow, a lopsided grin forming on his face. “Oh. Okay! Thermodynamics, uh? Sounds intense.”

Viktor’s fingers stilled against the table. He debated whether to elaborate. Usually, he wouldn’t bother, but there was something about Jayce’s expression, open and unassuming, that made him reconsider. “It is.” He finally admitted. “But fascinating, honestly. It is fundamental to almost every physical process, and yet most people overlook how elegant it truly is.”

The young man leaned his chin on his hand. “Elegant, hm? You’ll have to sell me on that one. I remember the basics from high school. Nothing elegant about all those equations.”

To Viktor’s own surprise, he let out a quiet huff of amusement. “That is because they teach it poorly. They reduce it to mere formulas, ignoring the underlying principles. Take entropy, for example. Most people think of it as ‘disorder,’ but it is so much more. It is... potential. The universe striving for balance.”

“Wow.” Jayce’s grin softened into something more thoughtful, his lips slightly parted. Viktor found himself looking at his sharp canines and slightly crooked teeth. It was… oddly charming. “I didn’t expect entropy to sound so poetic.”

Viktor’s lips curved into a smart smile. “Poetry is not the goal. Precision is. But there is beauty in precision, if you care to see it.”

His companion nodded, his eyes looking up, as if they were searching for a specific idea inside his brain. “I think there's beauty in chaos too, if you really look into it. But then again, I guess the real beauty is in between the two, you know? A balanced mix of preciseness and disarray. Just like in science.”

Viktor raised an eyebrow, his smirk widening. “Careful, Jayce.” His name slid across his tongue with a strange softness. “You’re the one starting to sound like a poet.”

The man laughed, shaking his head. Viktor bit his lip, trying vainly to conceal his amusement. Jayce’s attitude wasn’t probing or judgmental, it was curious. Genuine.

He nodded again, his interest unmistakable now. “Alright, so what got you into this stuff? Thermodynamics, I mean.”

For a moment, Viktor hesitated. It wasn’t a question he was used to answering. Most people didn’t care to know what drove him.

“When I was young, I grew up in a pretty poor place. So that made me want to understand how things worked in the ‘outside world’.” He said, making invisible quotation marks in the air with his fingers, a hint of irony in his voice. “Machines, processes, people… it all seemed connected somehow. Thermodynamics is... a framework for understanding those connections. It is not just science; it is a way of thinking.”

As he spoke, Viktor felt vibrant energy coursing through him, his hands moving to emphasize his words, his eyes darting rapidly around the space. He let himself get lost into his own words, a warm fervor emanating from his voice. It felt... steadying.

“You’re passionate about it.” Jayce said softly, almost as if speaking to himself.

The comment caught Viktor off guard, and he froze mid-gesture. Was that what it looked like? He straightened in his seat. “I guess you could say so, yes.” He said, the slight trace of a smile still on his lips. “Though I doubt most people would care to hear about it.”

Jayce shook his head. “I think it’s awesome, man. I mean, it’s not every day you hear someone talk about entropy like it’s the meaning of life.”

Viktor glanced at him, unsure whether to take the comment as a compliment or a jest. Jayce’s face gave no indication of mockery, only admiration. And Viktor didn’t know what to do with it.

“Perhaps you are not as inattentive as you seem.” He said finally, the words slipping out before he could stop them.

Jayce looked a little surprised at first, but then he scoffed softly, leaning back in his chair. “I’ll take that as a compliment.”

Viktor’s gaze has fixed in his mouth again; white shiny teeth separated by that tiny gap. He cleared his throat, and he forced himself to look elsewhere. His eyes landed on the clock on the wall. He had stayed longer than he intended, and the conversation, while not unpleasant, had thrown him off balance. “I should probably go.” He said abruptly, closing his book and gathering his things. “I have work this afternoon.”

Jayce blinked. “Oh, right. Sure. See you in class?”

“Of course.” Viktor replied, slinging his bag over his shoulder. He hesitated for a fraction of a second, considering whether to say something else. But the moment passed, so he firmly gripped his cane and walked away without another word. As he exited the library, Viktor found himself mulling over the conversation, unsettled by how easy it had been to speak with Jayce.

Perhaps he had judged him too soon.

Chapter Text

“Viktor.”

The name slipped out from Jayce’s mouth in a whisper, like it wasn’t meant for anyone else to hear. A smile crept across his face, entirely unbidden, the syllables lingering in his mind, the sound of it smooth and deliberate. Viktor . There was something about that name that felt... solid, grounded, like its owner.

Jayce was lying in bed, his arms sprawled wide, his head slightly tilted, eyes fixed blankly on the blue walls. He turned onto his side, folding an arm beneath his head. The mattress gave a familiar creak beneath him, but he barely noticed. His mind buzzed with an energy he couldn’t quite explain, his thoughts circling the same point over and over.

The whole thing still felt absurd. How could the universe have lined up so perfectly? This guy who’d unwittingly taken up residence in Jayce’s thoughts turned out to be his new classmate. It felt like something out of one of those overly coincidental rom-coms Caitlyn liked to mock. And yet here he was, basking in the glow of it all, like the universe had handed him a gift.

Although, as the weeks went by, Jayce quickly came to understand a simple, somewhat disheartening truth: Viktor was his desk partner, not his friend.

It wasn’t that he was unpleasant or rude. When he spoke, his voice carried a dry, subtle humor that Jayce found really interesting. Their exchanges were fine, even pleasant in a perfunctory way, but nothing substantial ever came of them. They were two ships passing in the night, close enough to acknowledge each other’s presence but too far to truly connect.

Viktor existed in a world entirely his own, orbiting just outside of everyone else’s reach. In class, his focus was razor-sharp, either scribbling notes at an astonishing speed or watching the professor with an intensity that made Jayce wonder if he was mentally dissecting every word spoken. Around campus, Jayce occasionally spotted him, always alone, always with his headphones on. If solitude was a language, Viktor was fluent, and he seemed to savor its quiet.

He could see Viktor’s face so clearly in his mind: the faint lines of focus that crept across his brow, the way his mouth tilted in a half-smile, half-smirk that was impossible to decipher... Viktor didn’t try to be noticed (if anything, he seemed to shrink from attention) but Jayce had noticed him anyway.

Of course he had noticed him…

For him, the semester seemed like a seamless continuation of his solitary habits, but for Jayce, the first few weeks were a whirlwind. At first he was anxious about making a good impression, yet somehow, his natural charm and openness drew people to him. Before he knew it, Jayce found himself at the center of a growing circle of acquaintances and compliments.

But it wasn’t as effortless as it seemed. Jayce had always known how to be liked. How to flash the right smile, say the right thing, project an air of confidence even when he didn’t feel it… Yet, by the end of each day, he was drained. It wasn’t that he didn’t enjoy the attention, it was just exhausting. He’d come home and barely have the energy to exchange a few words with Caitlyn before retreating to his room, where he could finally drop the cheerful façade.

Sometimes, he envied Viktor. Jayce couldn’t imagine a life without people, but he also couldn’t help but admire how unapologetically Viktor existed in his own space. There was something magnetic about that kind of self-assurance, that comfort in solitude. Jayce wondered what it would be like to live like that, even for a day. To shut the world out and just be .

Still, there was one thing Jayce could take pride in: he was good at what he did. He worked hard, studied even harder, and when the first exams and projects came around, it was no surprise to anyone that Jayce’s name sat at the top of the leaderboard.

Well, almost at the top.

In nearly every class, every assignment, Viktor’s name was just above his, holding that elusive first place.

Jayce wasn’t upset about it. If anything, it made Viktor even more intriguing. It felt like a silent challenge. How did he do it? How did he manage to balance his job with his studies and yet seem so calm, so unshaken, while excelling at everything he touched? Viktor was an enigma, and Jayce couldn’t help but be curious. What went on in his head? What kind of thoughts and dreams drove someone like him?

Jayce had hoped that their professor, Heimerdinger, would assign a lab project soon, something that would require collaboration and, perhaps, give him an excuse to work more closely with Viktor. But no such assignment came, leaving Jayce no reason to spend time with Viktor outside of the classroom. And he thought that going back to the flower shop with a new absurd excuse to talk to him would be too obvious at this point…

“Are you still alive?”

The sound of Caitlyn’s voice broke his reverie. Jayce shot upright, startled out of his thoughts, and saw the owner of that unmistakable voice there, leaning casually against the frame.

“Huh?” He simply murmured, still in a daze.

Caitlyn raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. “You’ve been lying there like a corpse for the past ten minutes. Figured I should check if you were still alive.”

“I’m not-” He stopped himself. “Wait… how long have you been there?”

“Doesn’t matter.” She replied, casually adjusting her tights. “You okay, man? You’ve been awfully quiet lately for someone who just started their dream program.”

Jayce groaned, running a hand through his hair in a futile attempt to regain his composure. “I’m fine, Cait. Just... thinking.”

“Thinking.” She echoed, stepping further into the room and sitting at the edge of his bed. Her sharp gaze lingered on him for a beat too long, her lips quirking in a way that made Jayce wary. “Alright. Spill. What’s going on in that overactive brain of yours?”

“Nothing.” He said quickly, leaning back against the headboard in a too-casual manner. “It’s just… a lot. Classes, assignments, upcoming exams… and the people.” He let out a long sigh. “There are way too many new faces. Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate that people seem to think I’m alright, you know? But… it drains me sometimes. You know how it is.”

The young girl shrugged as she dangled her legs absent-mindedly. “Right. Well, at least you have friends.” 

Jayce tilted his head to look at her, noticing the casual drop in her tone. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

Caitlyn gave a small, self-deprecating chuckle and looked away. “Nothing, really. Just that, you know… making friends isn’t exactly my strong suit.”

Jayce sat up straighter, studying her. “What are you talking about? You’re cool, Cait. I’m sure there are people who think you’re great.”

Her lips quirked into a faint, almost bitter smile. “Sure. People think I’m great, alright. Great at being ‘the spoiled rich kid from the Kiramanns’. That’s about it.”

Jayce frowned, his brow furrowing with concern. “Hey, that’s not fair. You’re more than just your family name.”

“Tell that to the girl with pink hair in my class.” Caitlyn replied dryly. “She acts like I personally offended her by existing. I don’t even know her, and yet somehow, she seems to hate me just because my family has money or something.”

Jayce laughed lightly, shaking his head. “Still with that? What’s her name again?”

Caitlyn sighed, exasperated. “Doesn’t matter. The point is, she’s made it her mission to remind me every other day that I’m a ‘privileged princess’. Like…! Ugh! I didn’t ask to be born into my family, you know? It’s not like I chose this life.”

Jayce nodded thoughtfully, letting her words settle before replying. “You’re right. It’s not your fault. But… you have to understand, not everyone’s had the same privileges you’ve had. A lot of people struggle with stuff you’ve never had to think twice about. It’s easy for them to look at someone like you and feel like life’s unfair. It’s not personal.”

Caitlyn crossed her arms and leaned back slightly. “Feels personal when she glares at me across the room with those piercing grey eyes.” She trembled slightly, wrapping her arms around herself. “She gives me the creeps…”

Jayce grinned. “Maybe she’s also alone and… just wants to be your friend.”

That earned a sharp laugh from the girl. “Yeah, sure! The day she wants to be my friend is the day pigs fly. It’s obvious she’d rather do anything but make friends.”

Jayce chuckled, nudging her shoulder lightly. “Well, who knows? The year’s still young. You still have plenty of time. You’ll figure it out.”

“Yeah, well…” Caitlyn glanced at him, her expression softening. “Same for you. All those new faces you’re drowning in? You’ll figure it out too.”

He smirked, touched by her attempt to return the encouragement. “I’ll hold you to that.”

“You better.” Caitlyn smiled, the corners of her mouth twitching upward in a rare moment of unguarded warmth. “Dinner’s in an hour, by the way. Try not to get lost in your head before then.” She stood up, stretching herself and scanned the room before leaving. “You know… maybe you'd feel better if you made this room a little more your own. It still feels too ‘Kiramanny’ for you. It wouldn’t hurt to add a splash of color, or something.” 

And with that, she was gone. He sighed, letting himself sink back down onto the bed, thinking about Caitlyn's words. She was right. He was still adjusting to his new place. He tried to put up some posters and photos, but it still felt too pristine, too impersonal. Just as the people at university.

His fingers drummed against the sheets as his mind returned, inevitably, to his lab partner. Unlike all the other classmates that had begun to swarm constantly around Jayce, he actually wanted Viktor to be his friend. It wasn’t about a crush anymore. He found this guy actually fascinating .

There had been a moment in the library today… Jayce couldn’t shake the memory of the way Viktor’s eyes lit up as he explained thermodynamic principles with a fervor that was almost contagious. He’d been so expressive, his normally composed face alive with subtle shifts. His hands moved as though they were sketching invisible equations in the air, precise and deliberate, yet animated with the kind of excitement that only came from genuine passion. The image clung to Jayce’s mind, unraveling the carefully constructed idea he’d had of Viktor as cold and enigmatic. No, he wasn’t dark nor mysterious at all.

He was just a big nerd.

Jayce chuckled at the thought. But it was true after all. Viktor was a young man who had an unbearable passion for things, a guy with big dreams and endless ideas.

And Jayce could definitely relate to that.

He looked around his room, Cait’s words swarming around in his mind again. A splash of color…

Maybe he could pay his favorite florist a visit once again.

*****

Jayce stood outside the flower shop, the cool autumn air brushing against his skin. His heart thudded in his chest as he peered through the glass window. Viktor was there, as always, arranging flowers with his precise, almost surgical movements. It was absurd, really. Jayce knew it. He had no reason to be here. None that he could admit to, at least. Yet there he stood, shuffling on the sidewalk, trying to muster the courage to step inside.

Taking a deep breath, he pushed the door open, and the soft chime of the bell above announced his arrival. The familiar scent of flowers enveloped him instantly, earthy, sweet, and calming. It felt like stepping into another world, one that was quiet and delicate, much like the man behind the counter.

Viktor glanced up, his golden-brown eyes sharp but warm. He looked surprised to see him, but Jayce also perceived just the tiniest bit of anticipation. “Ah, if it isn’t the famous Jayce Talis.” He greeted, his voice still a bit dry but carrying some humor. “I see you in class everyday and now also in here again… Are you following me around, perhaps?”

Jayce’s eyes widened as he almost choked. “What? No! Of course not, I-”

“Relax.” The florist interrupted. “I was joking.” He readjusted the red bandana that was keeping his hair from falling into his eyes. “I was actually wondering when you’d show up again.”

Jayce chuckled nervously. “Do I come here that often?”

“You did before classes started. At least enough for me to notice.” Viktor replied, a faint smirk appearing on his lips. His words made Jayce feel a little embarrassed and at the same time, it felt like Viktor’s strange way of showing… acknowledgement. Appreciation, even. “So, what brings you in this time? Another urgent floral emergency?” He asked as he seated on the stool behind him, returning to his work, deftly trimming the stems of a bouquet. 

Jayce opened his mouth to respond, but his words faltered. Right. An excuse. He hadn’t thought that far ahead. “Uh… yeah, kind of. I, um, have a friend’s birthday coming up, and I thought flowers might be a nice gift.” He blurted, the words tumbling out in a rush.

Viktor straightened, setting down the scissors. He regarded Jayce with a skeptical eyebrow raised, the corners of his mouth twitching as though suppressing a smile. “You always seem to be buying flowers for someone else. Convenient, don’t you think?”

Jayce froze, his brain scrambling for an explanation. “I- Uh, well-”

“It’s fine.” Viktor interrupted, his tone light but laced with amusement. “I know what this is.”

Shit.

“You do?” Jayce choked.

The young man nodded, crossing his arms. “Yes. You think I’ll judge your cool guy image for wanting to buy yourself some flowers?” His head tilted to the side, as if he was analyzing every inch of Jayce’s being. “If you just like flowers, you can say so, you know? There’s no shame in that.”

Jayce blinked, caught off guard. “What? No, I-” He stopped himself, realizing how ridiculous he sounded. Maybe this was his out. “Uh. Okay, you got me.” He lied. “I just wanted some for myself, and…” He stopped himself, going over Viktor’s words again. “Wait. You think I’m cool?”

The florist frowned a bit, caught off guard as well, and he cleared his throat. “Whatever, man. That’s what you pick up from what I've just told you?”

Jayce smiled inwardly, taking Viktor’s response as a personal win. “Okay, okay. You’re right. I do like flowers. I don’t have any birthday parties coming up, I just thought it’d be nice to have something to brighten up my new room.” And that wasn’t really a lie.

Viktor’s expression softened, and for a moment, he looked genuinely pleased. “Now that,” he said, “is an excellent reason to buy flowers. You don’t need an excuse with me. I work in a flower shop, after all. I do get the appeal of decorating your space with some greens.”

Jayce let out a breath he didn’t realize he’d been holding. “Right. Of course. So… what would you recommend? You know, for a new space.”

Viktor tilted his head, considering him for a moment. “Hmm… That depends. Would you like a plant to keep you company, or some flowers to brighten up the space?” He mused, slipping on a pair of gloves.

“I think I’ll stick to the flowers for now.”

“You can always keep buying the entirety of the herbal section.” The florist said while sticking his arm out toward the aromatics and herbs.

Jayce leaned forward, resting his elbows on the counter, as he let out a soft chuckle. “I’ll always be the herbs guy in your mind, won’t I?”

Viktor bit down as smile, looking Jayce in the eye for just a second. “Wait here.”

Jayce watched as he began selecting flowers with careful deliberation, his long fingers plucking stems from various buckets. There was something hypnotic about the way he moved, deliberate yet unhurried, as if each choice carried significance. Jayce found himself smiling, feeling a strange sense of contentment just being in Viktor’s presence.

“You said it’s for a new room?” Viktor asked without looking up.

“Yeah.” Jayce replied. “I just moved in with some family friends. It’s close to the university.”

“Adjusting to a new place can be challenging.” Viktor remarked, trimming with practiced ease. “You’re settling in well, I hope?”

Jayce’s chest warmed at the question. Viktor was showing interest in his life. However casual, it still felt significant. “Uh, yeah! It’s been good so far. Still kinda awkward sometimes. Feels weird to be away from home… But the people I’m staying with are great.” He said casually, still thinking about his previous conversation with Caitlyn. “ And, you know, school’s going well.”

“Ah, yes.” Viktor said, glancing at him with a glint of amusement. “Top marks in everything, no doubt.”

Jayce grinned. “Well, I do try. But don’t think I haven’t noticed your name just above mine on those same lists.”

Viktor smirked proudly, an eyebrow arching. “Do I sense… envy? Is that what this is? A subtle challenge?”

“Not at all.” Jayce said, holding up his hands. “Just… healthy competition.”

“Hmm.” Viktor chuckled softly, shaking his head. “Stimulating, I suppose, to have a rival. Though I’d hardly call it fair. You have an unfair advantage.”

“Advantage?”

“Boundless energy.” He replied, his tone teasing. “I tire just watching you.”

Jayce laughed, feeling the tension ease between them. This was nice. Natural, even. For the first time, their conversation didn’t feel like a delicate balancing act. He was so lost in the moment that he barely noticed Viktor finishing the bouquet until it was handed to him.

It was a vibrant mix of soft and warm blooms, their colors harmonizing perfectly. Jayce recognized some roses here and there, but that was about it. Still, the composition was beautiful, eye-catching yet refined. Viktor didn't just speak the language of solitude. He obviously spoke the language of flowers as well.

“It’s lovely.” Jayce said, marveling at the arrangement. “What’s in here?”

“Well, you’ve got mostly daffodils, which represent new beginnings.” He pointed at the yellow flowers composing most of the bouquet. “Some white lilies for renewal and transience.” He said in a thoughtful tone, removing his gloves. “And some red roses because…” He shrugged, a faint smile appearing on his face. “It just seemed fitting for you, I guess. Vibrant, passionate. You know.”

Jayce’s heart rushed as he looked at Viktor’s slightly parted lips. The way the words left his mouth, wrapped around that sharp yet velvety accent made a wave of heat spread throughout his body. He couldn't help but thinking about Viktor’s accent and raspy voice pronouncing his name, his imagination lingering, picturing his thin lips trembling and gasping and whimpering and-

“I’ll… take that last part as a compliment.” Jayce said in a low tone, trying to sound casual and hoping it wasn't as hot as he was feeling it. “Thanks. It’s really nice.”

He shrugged again, beginning to roll up his sleeves. “I like to give arrangements some… symbolic significance. Not everyone notices, but I enjoy it.”

Jayce was about to respond, but breath hitched when something really interesting caught his eye.

Oh, god.

As his long shirt sleeves went up, Jayce discovered intricate tattoos snaking up Viktor's forearms. Delicate ink patterns of what looked like branches and vines decorated with blooming flowers that seemed to grow across his skin.

And I thought this man couldn’t possibly get any hotter…

“You have tattoos?” He blurted, unable to hide his fascination.

Viktor looked down at himself, as if he’d forgotten about it. “Ah, yes.” He rested his arms on the counter, as if they were on display. “You look surprised. I don’t seem like the type, do I?”

“Not really. But they suit you.” Jayce murmured, still looking at his arms, soft pale skin splashed with dark ink and moles. “I just- I’ve never seen them before.”

“Well, yes. I usually keep them covered.”

Jayce frowned slightly, feeling just a bit annoyed at Viktor for depriving him of such a view until now. “Why?”

“Eh. It’s practical, mostly. I get cold easily, so I’m not really a fan of short sleeves, especially in this season. And at the university…” He trailed off, shrugging. “People tend to take you more seriously when you don’t look like a walking garden, I guess.”

Jayce shook his head, still staring. “They’re amazing, man. You should show them off more.”

“Oh.” Viktor blinked, visibly surprised by the compliment. “Well, thank you.” He said quietly, a rare, genuine smile gracing his lips.

Jayce felt his own face heat. He quickly paid for the flowers, mumbling his thanks. “I, uh… Yeah, well, thanks for the flowers. I’ll see you on Monday.”

“Yes.” Viktor replied, his smile lingering as he watched Jayce leave. “Until Monday.”

As he stepped out into the crisp air, the bouquet cradled carefully in his hands, he couldn’t wipe the grin off his face. There was no way this guy was just casually hiding the prettiest piece of ink work Jayce had ever seen.

He covered his own face with a trembling hand as he began to walk his way back. Viktor, with his sharp wit, hidden tattoos, and unexpected kindness, was more captivating than Jayce could have ever imagined.

And he was definitely gonna think about that silken accent and those tattooed arms when he got in the shower later back at home…

Chapter Text

“Well, then…” Heimerdinger’s voice echoed through the classroom. “I think it’s time for the first collaborative project of the semester!”

Viktor flinched at the words. He was sitting hunched over his notebook, meticulously copying the last equation Professor Heimerdinger had scrawled across the board, but the words made his pen pause mid-stroke. The room instantly came alive with murmurs and the scrape of chairs. Heimerdinger, undeterred by the sudden energy shift, turned to write on the chalkboard: Thermodynamic Principles Applied to Real-World Systems.

Well… At least the topic was something Viktor could enjoy. Teamwork… not so much.

“This assignment” the professor continued, “is mostly focused on theory, but it’s not just about that! It is about collaboration and innovation! You will work in pairs to analyze a problem of your choosing and propose a theoretical application of thermodynamic principles to address it. Your findings will be compiled into a concise paper, no more than fifteen pages, and presented to the class in two weeks time.”

A ripple of groans swept through the room, and Viktor barely stopped himself from sighing. The last thing he needed was to be tied to someone else’s whims for two weeks. Heimerdinger, however, was already raising a hand to silence the complaints.

“Now, as I explained at the beginning of the term, your partner will be determined by proximity. Those seated together will naturally form a pair. After all, true innovation often arises from familiarity!”

The murmurs escalated as students turned to eye their neighbors. Viktor stiffened, the weight of inevitability settling over him. Slowly, he glanced to his right, where Jayce sat, already looking at him with an almost ridiculous amount of enthusiasm.

“So…” Jayce said, leaning closer with a grin. “Looks like we’ll finally get the chance to be actual lab partners.”

Viktor exhaled sharply through his nose. Of course.

Of course, it’s him.

“It’s not really a laboratory project, though…” He answered in a whisper.

His desk partner rolled his eyes with a soft smile. “Yeah, well. You know what I mean.” 

Heimerdinger continued, oblivious to the room’s collective resignation. “Remember, this project is not only an opportunity to deepen your understanding of thermodynamics but also to foster cooperation and shared insight. Use your partner’s strengths as you would your own.”

“What a coincidence, uh?” Jayce nudged Viktor’s arm lightly. “You were talking to me about this stuff just the other day.” His smile widened as he rested his cheek on his hand. “Guess that means I’ve got the best partner in the room. This is your thing. I sure am lucky.”

Viktor blinked, momentarily caught off guard by the sincerity in Jayce’s tone. He wasn’t sure where the warmth pooling in his chest was coming from. He shifted in his seat, absently breaking eye contact with a treacherous smile making its way to his lips.

“Luck.” He muttered, tapping his pen once against the desk. “I’m sure that’s one way to see it.”

Jayce leaned back in his chair. “We’ll kill this thing, you’ll see. It’s cool to finally have a chance to work together outside the classroom, you know?” Viktor’s pen paused mid-tap and his amber eyes darted in his desk mate’s direction. It wasn’t the first time he had said something like that, as though the time they spent in the classroom wasn’t enough. Jayce’s smile hesitated for half a second and he tried to quickly recoil. “I mean- Being the top two students and all… I think we’d make a pretty good team. Don’t you?”

Heimerdinger began handing out instructions, but Viktor barely registered it. He was too focused on Jayce’s glimmering eyes. “Sure. I guess we’ll find out.”

He tried to smile back, but he couldn’t shake the persistent thought creeping into his mind:

The universe really does seem to be having fun with the idea of throwing this guy directly into my path…

*****

The library was quiet, save for the occasional rustling of pages or the faint hum of whispers in the background. Viktor sat across from Jayce, his pen tapping lightly against his notebook as he outlined the parameters of their project. They spent the last hour debating on which issue they should focus their work on, and they were already losing their minds as it seemed that they couldn't agree on anything.

Finally, Viktor’s sharp gaze settled on his new partner, his eyes shining with purpose.

"Okay. I think I got it. Hear me out.”

Jayce, who had been resting his forehead on top of his arms on the table, looked up, his hazel eyes carrying the weight of the day’s fatigue. “I’m all ears.”

“I think we should focus on waste heat recovery systems.” Viktor continued, his tone thoughtful. "Particularly in urban areas. Capturing heat from industrial processes or infrastructure could significantly improve energy efficiency."

"That’s…” The tan man tilted his head, and Viktor noticed a messy yet soft piece of dark hair sliding gently across his forehead.  “Actually a really solid idea. Why this specifically?"

Viktor hesitated for a moment. "Uhm. Well. As you probably know, I grew up in Zaun.” He began.

“I figured, yeah.” Jayce looked at him with a genuine curiosity that made Viktor quake in his seat. “The accent gave it away.”

Viktor rolled his eyes, though he wasn’t really bothered. He was expecting him to say something like everybody knew he was from Zaun at this point. He wasn’t stupid. He had heard the rumours people made up about him just for being from the Undercity. But Jayce’s response wasn’t condescending or judgy. His expression was carefree, warm even.

“Yes, well. We didn’t have the luxury of energy efficiency. Or energy at all, sometimes.” The young man continued, looking down at his notes. “Heat was a resource, one that was often wasted or poorly managed. If people could reuse what is already there, it might make a difference. Maybe one day, no one will have to live like that." His voice softened, tinged with something unspoken, a deep-rooted longing masked in practicality.

Jayce leaned forward slightly, resting his chin on his hand as he studied Viktor’s expression. "That’s... honestly a really noble purpose." He said, a genuine admiration coloring his voice. "I get it. I’ve always dreamed of being the kind of scientist who can change the world, too. I want to help people who’ve got it rough. Build things that actually make a difference, you know?"

Viktor gave a small, almost imperceptible smile. "A scientist and a humanitarian." He mused. "You certainly aim high."

"Hey, nothing wrong with aiming high!" His classmate replied. "Besides, I could say the same thing about you.”

The slender young man shook his head, a faint huff of laughter escaping him. "Guess we’re just a couple of idealists then, aren’t we?"

“I like that.” Jayce nodded. “With someone like you as my partner, I might actually stand a chance at pulling this idealistic scientist thing off."

"Let’s focus on surviving this project first." Viktor replied. “So, if you like my proposal, let’s get to work, shall we?”

“Yessir!” Jayce exclaimed, earning some shushes from the people around them, and making Viktor let out a low chuckle.

After determining and distributing what information they should collect first, they started taking notes, each one in their own notebooks, the silence of the space lingering between them. Viktor had already fallen into a rhythm, writing in a precise and methodical way as he outlined his portion of the project. Beside him, however, Jayce was fidgeting. He tapped his pen against the edge of his notebook, scribbled something, then crossed it out, letting out a soft sigh. Viktor glanced up, mildly annoyed at the disruption but more curious than anything.

“What?” Viktor said.

Jayce looked at him with the softest of expressions, his glassy eyes gleaming with tiredness. “What?”

Viktor had to admit it. This man was handsome. Like, objectively handsome. But it wasn’t just the pretty boy image that made Viktor think so. Jayce usually looked polished. It was obvious that he cared what people thought of him. Clean clothes, combed hair, clean shave, nice cologne… But it was at times like this one, wearing a sweatshirt, with his hair just a bit messy, and biting at his slightly chapped lips, when Viktor found him the most attractive. He looked somewhat innocent, naive even, with his gaze lighty narrowed, looking up at him with those stupid puppy eyes.

“You’re-” Viktor muttered, realizing that maybe, just maybe , he had stared at him for a bit too long. “You seem restless. What’s up?” His voice was low, but sharp enough to cut through the stillness.

Jayce leaned back in his chair, rubbing his eyes. “Yeah, sorry. It’s just… the library. It’s so cold and impersonal, you know? I can never concentrate in here.”

Viktor arched an eyebrow. “Cold and impersonal?”

Jayce shrugged, leaning forward to rest his chin on his hand again. “Yeah. Like, it’s too quiet, too sterile. Makes me feel like I’m in a museum or something.”

Viktor tilted his head, studying him for a moment. “I assume you’re not taking many interesting notes, then?”

“I mean- It’s just-” The young man sighed, looking up with a mildly exasperated look on his face. “My brain is too loud sometimes. And in here it’s even louder. I can’t really concentrate.” He looked at his partner again, slightly puckering his lips. “I know it probably sounds dumb.”

“It doesn't.” Viktor said softly. He could somehow relate to that. He looked at him with a thoughtful expression before sighing. “Let me see your notes. Maybe I can help.”

Jayce hesitated for a moment, then slid his notebook across the table. Viktor opened it to a random page and was immediately struck by the chaos of it. The writing was surprisingly round and legible, elegant even. But his notes were covered in ink stains and cross-outs. At the bottom of each page, Jayce’s name was scrawled in bold, exaggerated letters.

“You sign all of your notes?” Viktor asked, a small smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. “A little egotistical, don't you think?”

Jayce frowned, crossing his arms and resting them on the oak table. “I thought you were gonna help me, not insult me.”

Viktor’s hand reached for a curl of his own hair and played with it in an absent-minded way. “Eh. I’m not trying to insult you. It’s just curious, that’s all.”

His companion grinned sheepishly. “Hey, engineers sign all of their research papers, right? I’m just practicing for the future.”

Viktor huffed a laugh, flipping through the pages. His attention caught on the margins, where small doodles of stars, abstract swirls, and, oddly enough, flowers were scattered. He tapped one of the sketches with his pen. “Is there some artistic side to you I should know about?”

“Not really. It’s just a distraction. Something to do when I’m bored. Nothing serious.”

Viktor’s gaze lingered on a particularly detailed sketch of a flower, a daffodil, like the ones he had arranged for Jayce mere days before. New beginnings… Viktor remembered saying. Before he could comment on it though, his classmate reached over and turned to another page.

“Okay, okay, but check this out.” Jayce said, pointing to a corner of the page where a small caricature of Heimerdinger sat, his oversized mustache and glasses exaggerated.

Viktor snorted softly. “That’s… accurate.” He kept looking at the doodles on his notebook, some scattered along the edges, some taped down to the pages in colorful post-its. “These are good, actually.”

Jayce smiled at him, a tiny bit of pride shining behind his eyes. “Wait, give me a second.”

He pulled the notebook back toward him and started sketching something, his hand moving quickly across the page. Viktor, bemused, returned to his own notes, though his attention kept drifting to Jayce. The way his pen moved carelessly, his slit brow twitching in concentration, and his tongue slightly out, slipping through his lips. Viktor found it comically cute. After a few minutes, Jayce turned the notebook back to him with a grin.

“Ta-da!”

The paler man looked down and saw two tiny doodles of themselves labeled as ‘research partners’, sitting at a cartoonishly large library table. Both figures had exaggerated bags under their eyes and slumped postures, as if exhausted from studying. In addition, the tiny version of Viktor had a flower tucked behind his ear.

Viktor couldn’t suppress a chuckle. “A flower? Really?”

Jayce shrugged, grinning. “What? You work in a flower shop. It’s your default setting.”

Viktor shook his head, his smirk lingering. “You’re a nerd.”

“Yeah, well…” Jayce trailed off, his grin turning sheepish.

Viktor looked at him again, his eyes narrowing slightly. “Well, your doodles are great, but you’ve barely taken up any notes about the subject, so…” He said, closing the notebook. “We’re not really making progress.”

Jayce groaned. “It’s this fucking place, man! I’m telling you, I can’t focus in here.”

Viktor bit the interior of his cheek, trying to come up with something to say while he gazed at his partner, that looked like he was thinking way too hard. Jayce hesitated for a moment, tapping his pen against the table. “Maybe we could try working somewhere else? Like… a café, maybe? Something more casual?”

Viktor blinked, caught off guard by the suggestion. His heart raced for a second, unsure on how he should respond, but he finally tilted his head, a wry smile forming. “Are you asking me out on a date, Talis?”

Jayce opened his mouth and stayed silent for just a second, as if he was trying to search for the right words. “What? No, man! Not a date! Just… you know, somewhere more relaxed to work.”

Viktor hummed, a little taken aback but amused nonetheless. Maybe he had read the room wrong and his joke hadn’t really landed as he expected. He kept playing with a strand of hair in the base of his neck, breaking eye contact with the man in front of him.

“A café would be worse for me. All the noise, the people… I’m easily overstimulated by all of that.”

“Oh.” Jayce finally sighed, deflated. “Alright, alright. The library it is, then.”

“Thanks.”

Viktor simply gave a small nod, returning to his work. But as he copied down some more facts, the image of the tiny doodles Jayce had drawn lingered in his mind, and despite himself, he felt a small, warm smile tugging at his lips.

He couldn’t figure out what his deal was, but one thing was clear: this man was just getting more and more interesting by the minute.

Chapter Text

Jayce closed the door to his room with a sigh, letting his backpack slump to the floor beside him. He ran a hand through his already messy hair and tossed his keys onto the bedside table. The work session with Viktor kept replaying in his head, every moment picking at his nerves.

He felt like a complete idiot.

He sighed again, dropping onto his bed and letting his eyes drift to the bouquet of flowers resting on his desk. The same bouquet Viktor had arranged for him during their last meeting in the flower shop. Jayce stared at it for a long moment, feeling even stupider.

Jayce wasn’t stupid. He knew he was smart, and objectively, he knew he was attractive too, charming even. People told him that all the time. If he played his cards right, he could probably have anyone he wanted. But whenever he actually liked someone, really liked someone, it was like his brain turned to mush. All his confidence, all his intelligence, all his smoothness… it vanished.

And Viktor? Viktor didn’t just make his brain short-circuit. He made him question everything. Every word, every glance, every tiny little detail. Their last interaction had been even more idiotic and humiliating than usual. Yes, the stillness of the library made him anxious and he would rather work in any other place, but, of course , he’d been trying to ask Viktor out. Subtly, at least. But when he joked about whether it was a date, Jayce panicked. He didn’t want to sound desperate, so he denied it. Viktor hadn’t offered any alternatives and just shrugged the idea off, which left Jayce with the feeling that he wasn’t interested in spending time with him outside of their academic obligations.

Jayce was desperately trying to play it cool, but it wasn’t easy with someone like Viktor, especially not after spending a shameful amount of time just days ago lying in his bed with his hand in his pants shamelessly thinking about him in ways that were anything but decent. The vividness of those images he had conjured up had left Jayce unable to look Viktor in the eye for days. So, really, it wasn’t a surprise that the moment Viktor had made that joke, his brain went completely numb, and panic had taken over, leaving him fumbling for words like an absolute fool.

Yeah. He was definitely an idiot. And a horny idiot, which was even worse.

The vibration of his phone broke him out of his spiral. He fished it out of his pocket and glanced at the screen: messages from Mel Medarda.

Mel: Hi 🤍 How’s university going?? 

Mel: I’m in Piltover for a few days. Feel like catching up?

Mel: Dinner and wine on me? 🙌🏾

Jayce stared at his screen for a moment before his gaze flicked back to the flowers on the desk. His chest tightened with frustration; at himself, at how much Viktor was occupying his mind, and at the fact that he’d somehow managed to botch what could have been an actual invitation to spend time together.

He sighed, this time more deeply, looking at Mel’s chat again. He wasn’t sure he was in the mood for that right now. His and Mel’s relationship had always been a little… complicated. But still, he enjoyed her company, and she was a good friend after all. Maybe seeing a familiar face would help clear his head. Or at least distract him from the constant loop of Viktor’s smirk, and those sharp golden eyes that seemed to see right through him.

Jayce T: Sure!! ❤️ Let me know when and where.

He didn’t have anything to lose, after all.

*****

The restaurant was exquisite, the kind of place Jayce had only dreamed about when he was younger. The ambient lighting glowed warmly against the polished wood and marble accents, the scent of the fresh herbs mingling with aged wine. There were pots of highly elegant flowers decorating the space that Jayce recognized as orchids.

Mom used to like those before dad died.

He sighed, his eyes fixing at the expensive flowers that clearly screamed refinement, much like the woman sitting across from him: Mel Medarda was as captivating as ever. Her black hair was styled flawlessly, adorned with small, gold accents that shimmered under the soft light matching the simple but elegant jewelry she wore. Her dark skin glowed with a natural radiance in contrast to her white dress. Her makeup enhanced every angle of her face; golden eyeliner that made her eyes look sharp and calculating, and deep purple lipstick that made her smile seem even more dangerous.

Jayce had known her since high school, though it felt like a lifetime ago now. She had been a senior when he was a junior, and from the moment he’d seen her, she had seemed untouchable. It wasn’t just her beauty (though she had always been breathtaking) it was the way she looked, the way she walked, the way she unapologetically existed around others, like she owned every room she walked into. Even at seventeen, she exuded a kind of authority that made people stop in their tracks and pay attention.

And Jayce had paid attention.

Of course he had. Everyone did. She wasn’t just a girl from the year above him. She was Mel Medarda, heiress to one of the most powerful economic empires in Noxus. To a young, slightly starstruck Jayce, she had felt like a fantasy made real. And when she’d taken an interest in him —of all people— it had felt like winning the lottery.

Their relationship back then had been intermittent (and it still kinda was, if Jayce was honest), more of an experiment than anything serious. Jayce hadn’t minded. He was a teenager navigating his first real crush, and Mel... well, Mel seemed like she was testing the waters of what it meant to connect with someone outside her world. He’d been enamored, of course. How could he not be? Mel was older, more experienced, endlessly confident, and utterly magnetic.

But their relationship had always been shadowed by rumors. Even more considering her surname carried weight not just in Noxus, but across the continent. Whispers about the rich, untouchable Medarda girl sneaking around with a Talis —a name that wasn’t exactly prestigious in Piltover, let alone anywhere else— had spread like wildfire. Jayce hadn’t even been born in Piltover, which only made the gossip worse. He’d tried to ignore it, but the weight of public scrutiny was hard to shake, even for someone as relentlessly optimistic as him.

Mel had handled the rumors better, or at least, she’d seemed to. She had laughed them off in public, brushing them aside with her usual grace, but Jayce had sensed the tension beneath her exterior. Her world had expectations, rules, and stepping out of line with someone like him had come at a cost.

By the time she graduated and left for Noxus to study political science, they had quietly parted ways. It hadn’t been a dramatic ending, just two teenagers realizing their lives were heading in different directions. Yet they’d never quite lost touch. Every now and then, when Mel returned to Piltover, she would reach out, and they’d meet up. Tonight was one of those nights.

“It’s exhausting.” Mel spoke as she swirled the wine in her glass, her tone momentarily losing its usual playful edge. “My mother’s been pushing me harder than ever. I haven’t even finished my degree, and she’s already hounding me about strategy meetings and projections. It’s like she can’t wait to throw me into the deep end and see if I sink or swim.”

Jayce frowned, his brows knitting together in concern. “That sounds like a lot. Doesn’t sound like she’s giving you much room to figure things out on your own.”

“Room to figure things out doesn’t exactly exist in my mother’s language, I think.” She said dryly, her fingers idly tracing the rim of her glass. “That’s the Medarda way. No room for weakness. No time for rest.”

Jayce simply nodded, gazing at the woman in front of him. She was, quite simply, stunning. She always had been, but seeing her now felt like stepping back into a dream he hadn’t quite known he was still having.

“Stop staring, Jayce.” Mel teased, breaking the sudden silence between them. “You’re making me self-conscious.”

Jayce blinked, and cleared his throat as fast as he could. “I wasn’t.” He said quickly, though his sheepish grin betrayed him.

“Sure you weren’t.” She replied, watching him with a playful smile.

Jayce chuckled and shook his head, reaching for his own glass of wine. They were already a couple of glasses in, the initial awkwardness of reconnecting melting away with each sip.

“C’mon…” She purred, resting her chin on her hand. “You’re awfully quiet tonight. That’s not like you.”

“Just taking it all in.” He sighed. “You know how these places are… I’m still trying to figure out which fork I’m supposed to use.”

Mel laughed, a sound that felt like it could fill an entire room without effort. “You know, Jayce, you belong here more than you think. You’ve always had that... charm.”

“Charm?” He echoed. “Pretty sure charm doesn’t pay the bill in places like this.”

“Not directly, no.” Her smile widened. “But it opens doors, and that’s more valuable than you think.”

Jayce took a sip of his wine, letting her words settle. It was typical Mel, always one step ahead, always calculating, always aware of the game being played around her. She leaned back slightly in her chair, the gold accents in her hair catching the light.

“Anyway… Tell me, how’s university treating the great Jayce Talis?”

Jayce smiled despite himself, leaning back as well. “Honestly? Better than I expected. But it’s been... a lot. The classes are great, but the social part? Exhausting.”

The young woman tilted her head, intrigued. “ Exhausting how?”

“Just... trying to keep up with everyone. Figuring out where I fit, who I can trust. It’s draining.”

Mel’s expression softened, a flicker of genuine warmth crossing her face. “You’ve always been too hard on yourself. I’m sure you’re doing fine. I bet you’re already at the top of your class.”

Jayce rolled his eyes as he let out a dry chuckle, shaking his head. “Almost.”

“Almost?” Her eyebrows shot up. “Who’s beating you?”

Jayce hesitated for half a second, as he bit his lower lip absent-mindedly. His desk mate’s face flashed just before his eyes. He reached his glass and drank all that was left before finally speaking.

“His name’s Viktor.” He muttered while refilling his glass. His voice casual but his gaze distant, as if he were replaying something in his mind. “He’s... different. Quiet, but brilliant. Keeps to himself a lot.”

“Viktor…” Mel’s lips curled into a smirk, her glittery eyes giving Jayce a sharp glance. “He sounds interesting.”

“He is.” The man admitted, his tone softer than he intended.

Mel studied him for a moment, her expression unreadable, before leaning forward. “And what about the professors? Do they adore you as much as I’m sure the rest of the campus does?”

“I wouldn’t say that.”

“Don’t be modest. I’m sure you’ve got many friends already. And plenty of suitors too…” She teased. “Surely you’ve got a fan club by now.”

Jayce shook his head, a faint smile tugging at his lips. “If I do, I haven’t noticed. And honestly? I’m not looking for one. I’m not really interested in that kind of thing right now.”

Liar.

Jayce gulped when Viktor’s soft laugh, tattooed arms and honey eyes lingered again in his mind. Yeah, he was definitely lying to her. There was one person that he actually was starting to need in more ways than one.

He was suddenly pulled out of his thoughts as he felt Mel’s leg brushing against his under the table, a deliberate, teasing motion. He felt a shiver run down his spine.

“Really? Not even a little?” She whispered with a sly smile. Her soft accent tinched by the sweetness of the alcohol slurring the words.

Jayce froze, his breath catching as their eyes met. She was testing him, as she always had, and for a moment, he hesitated. Viktor’s face flashed in his mind once again. The quiet passion in his voice earlier that day in the library, the way his eyes lit up when he talked about their project... But then the thought faded, replaced by the reality of the moment.

Mel was here, now, tangible and undeniably interested. Whatever was stirring inside him for Viktor was... complicated. He was a distant, improbable crush. But this? This was simple. And maybe it was the wine, or the stress of the past few weeks, or the memories of how easy it had always been to lose himself in her, but Jayce made his decision.

“Do you have a place to stay tonight?” He asked, his voice low and dark.

Mel’s smile widened, satisfaction gleaming in her eyes. “I’m staying at a hotel nearby.” Her foot lingered against his leg, increasingly higher up.

Jayce nodded, downing the rest of his wine, the warmth of it spreading through him. “Perfect.”

*****

The first rays of sunlight casted a warm glow on the pristine white sheets of the hotel room. Mel stirred, her head still heavy from the wine and the night before. Her hair was slightly tousled, her makeup smudged but somehow enhancing her effortless beauty. Even in the early hours, disheveled and unguarded, she looked every bit as stunning as she always did.

Jayce, on the other hand, was already dressed. His shirt was neatly buttoned, his dark hair still damp from the shower, and he was bent over near the door, just about to reach for his shoes. He stayed there for a bit and sighed deeply, looking at the smudged glass of the floor-to-ceiling windows, fingerprints and traces of their bodies and breaths still remaining. The images of him and Mel from the night before still playing inside his head made his cheeks warm up with embarrassment.

He felt a twinge of guilt. It wasn’t like he didn’t appreciate the evening. Mel had paid for dinner, invited him to her hotel room, and welcomed him with a warmth that reminded him of why he’d once been so drawn to her. But now, in the quiet aftermath of their night together, he was... hollow. Used, in some ways. Seeing himself like this, in that luxurious room, with Mel still draped in between the silken sheets, made a nastily unpleasant part of him feel like some kind of expensive whore.

There’s nothing wrong with it. He had told himself. They were both adults, and they were friends, and sometimes, when loneliness or stress became too heavy, they allowed themselves to do these things together. But still, the weight of it settled uneasily on his shoulders. But mostly by his own choices. After all, he had agreed to this. He had walked into it willingly. 

He was putting on his shoes with almost hurried movements, as if he were trying to leave before he lingered too long and made things uncomfortable. Just then, Mel’s voice broke the silence.

“You’re up early.”

Jayce paused, glancing over his shoulder. She was sitting up in bed now, holding the sheets around her chest, her bare shoulders catching the morning light. Her tone was casual, but her sharp eyes were watching him carefully.

“Yeah.” He replied, clearing his throat. “I’ve got some things to take care of.”

Mel didn’t really seem offended by his clear intention to leave. “Of course you do. Busy, important university things, I assume?”

“Yeah. Classes start in two hours.”

She tilted her head, studying him. For a moment, the air between them felt heavier, as if she were debating whether to let him go without saying more. Then she spoke, her tone shifting to something more serious.

“You know…” She began, brushing her hair out of her face. “The University of Piltover is hosting that Distinguished Innovators Competition soon. My family’s company is funding it this year.”

“Oh.” Jayce blinked, caught off guard by the sudden change in topic. “Right. Nice.” He simply muttered, not really knowing what else to say.

Mel nodded, her expression calm but intent. “You should enter. I’ve seen what you’re capable of, Jayce. You have good ideas, real potential. This could be your chance to stand out. Get your name out there in the real world.”

For a moment, Jayce just stared at her, the weight of her words settling in. He hadn’t considered entering anything like that before; the idea of competing on such a big stage felt daunting. But as Mel’s confident gaze held his, something in him stirred.

“I’ll think about it.” He concluded, his voice quieter. “Thanks for telling me.”

Mel smiled, that sly curve of her lips that always made her look like she was a step ahead of everyone else. “You’ve got what it takes, Jayce. You just need to believe it.”

He nodded, grabbing his bag and slinging it over his shoulder. “Thanks... for the advice.” He tried to give her a soft smile trying not to let his shame show. “And for last night.”

Mel leaned back against the headboard, her smirk softening into something almost fond. “Thank you, too. You know, you can call me whenever you want. Not just for…” She looked around, shifting around in the bed. “You know. But, if you just want to talk or see a familiar face…”

“Oh. Yeah, uh- Sure.” Jayce hesitated at the door, feeling an awkwardness settle over him again. “Look, I- I’m sorry I have to run. There’s just... a lot I need to do today.”

Mel arched a brow, clearly not fooled by his excuses, but she didn’t press him. Instead, she gave a small shrug. “It’s fine. You’re a busy man now. University life and all that. I know how it is.”

He smiled faintly, appreciating her ability to make light of the situation. “Yeah... something like that.”

“I’ll be here again in a couple of weeks so… I’ll see you around, okay?”

“Okay.” He winked at her softly before stepping out of the room, the door clicking gently behind him.

As he made his way down the hotel hallway, Jayce’s mind wandered. Mel’s suggestion about the competition lingered, sparking both curiosity and doubt. She had always been good at pushing him, at seeing the potential in him that he sometimes struggled to see himself. But her presence also reminded him of how easy it was to get swept up in her world. Power, ambition, expectations… He had seen it up close, and although tempting, it was also somewhat scary.

As he made his way to the elevator, there was still an ache he couldn’t quite place, something that lingered no matter how hard he tried to push it down. Just as he pushed down the button, his phone buzzed in his pocket. He pulled it out and his eyes widened in surprise when he saw the screen.

Viktor: hey

Viktor: this is Viktor

Viktor: i mean i guess you know that because i put my contact in your phone

Viktor: but you know

Viktor: i won’t be attending classes today

Viktor: but i wanted to tell you that i don't have to work this afternoon. maybe we should meet to continue our project??

Viktor: i was thinking about what you said about not concentrating at the library 

Viktor: so perhaps we can go somewhere else if you want 🙄 nothing too loud or distracting pls

Jayce blinked, rereading the message a couple of times. For a moment, his mind blanked. Viktor, suggesting they meet somewhere outside of their usual rigid university setting? That was... unexpected. And it showed that he actually listened to him. Jayce bit his lip, unable to hold back a big dumb smile. Somehow, it sent an uninvited flutter of hope through his chest.

Jayce T: Hey!! Sounds great

Jayce T: Everything alright though? I’ve never seen you miss a lecture

The response came within minutes. Jayce saw the ‘typing…’ sign above Viktor’s chat appear and disappear a couple times before finally getting an actual text.

Viktor: i’m ok. medical stuff. i have an appointment this morning that’s all

Jayce frowned, pressing his lips into a thin line. He tried not to think about it too much.

Jayce T: Oh ok!!

Jayce T: So about the place for the meeting then… Any preferences?

Jayce T: A park? A quieter café? Or we could stick to the library if you think it'll be more productive. I don’t mind

Viktor: i could go for a hot drink

Viktor: i’d like it to be somewhere with minimal noise though

Viktor: and preferably not too far from uni

Viktor: can’t really do long distances

Viktor: bum leg and shit yk

Viktor: i don't want to come home later feeling sorer than usual

Jayce paused, scrolling through the list of local places he knew. After a brief exchange of recommendations, they settled on a small café near the university known for its peaceful atmosphere and decent coffee.

Viktor: ok. 5 pm ?

Jayce T: Perfect! See you then, partner 😉

Viktor: 👍🏻

As he slipped his phone back into his pocket, Jayce felt an inexplicable sense of warmth spreading through him. It wasn’t like this was a date or anything. Viktor had made it abundantly clear that their focus was the project. Still, it felt like a small step forward, one he hadn’t dared hope for.

But even as the optimism flickered, Jayce reminded himself not to get carried away. Viktor had probably noticed his interest by now. But if he hadn’t acted on it, maybe he just wasn’t interested. Maybe Viktor just didn’t see him that way. He exhaled slowly, steadying himself.

It didn’t matter. He would go, they’d work on the project, and hopefully at least Jayce could make an actual, real friend at uni. And that would be enough.

It had to be enough.

At least for now.

Chapter Text

The cold evening air nipped at Viktor’s face as he limped his way toward the small café. It had been one of those days, the kind that left him bone-tired and restless all at once. The kind where the medical appointments, the endless questions from doctors, the same tired reassurances that they’d ‘see what they could do’ , felt futile. This wasn’t how he had planned to spend his day, but he knew the importance of maintaining his health, even if it came at the cost of his energy… or his patience.

He’d been feeling off lately, more tired than usual, and his leg pain had gotten worse, probably due to the cold at this time of year, he assumed. He had never been a healthy child, living in the polluted air of Zaun, but lately, it felt like his body was breaking down in ways he couldn’t ignore. It couldn’t have come at a worse time too. He was just starting university. He couldn’t afford to be distracted by his health now, not when he had a scholarship to maintain. There was too much at stake.

Viktor wasn’t sure why he’d even asked Jayce to meet for work today. He could’ve easily asked to meet any other day. But they had a project to finish. And somehow, the thought of cancelling didn’t sit right with him. Actually, the thought of sitting down with Jayce didn’t feel like an obligation, but rather, a small relief. Though he would never say that out loud.

When he finally spotted the café, tucked neatly into a quiet street corner, a small part of him relaxed. It was a cozy place, dimly lit, with warm amber lighting spilling out onto the cobblestone pavement. Viktor immediately spotted Jayce, seated at a table near the back. His broad shoulders hunched slightly over some notes scattered across the table, his brow furrowed in concentration. He noticed how the afternoon light filtered through the glass, hitting Jayce’s hair, making him look absurdly radiant. It annoyed him how casually someone could look that... bright.

Viktor hesitated, leaning for a moment against the doorframe before stepping inside. The warmth of the café enveloped him almost instantly, as well as faint jazzy background music. It was oddly soothing. He adjusted the grip on his cane and made his way over to the table.

Jayce looked up as soon as Viktor approached, his face lighting up with a wide grin. “There you are!” He said, his voice loud enough to draw a glance or two from nearby patrons. “I thought you might’ve bailed on me.”

Viktor pulled out the chair opposite him. “Tempting as that was, I decided to spare you the heartbreak.”

Jayce laughed, the kind of laugh that was full and unrestrained, and Viktor had to glance away, busying himself with settling his bag on the floor. “Tough day?” Jayce asked, his tone softer now.

Viktor exhaled sharply through his nose. “It was... long.” He admitted. After a moment he decided to shrug it off, waving a hand. “Nothing I cannot handle, though.” He didn’t elaborate, and thankfully, Jayce didn’t press any further.

“Well.” The tan man cracked his knuckles as he got up. “I think we deserve a nice hot drink before getting to work.” He rested his hands on his hips, standing just right in front of his companion. “What kind of coffee would you like?”

Viktor stared at him, unimpressed. “And why would you assume I want coffee?”

Jayce hesitated for a fraction of a second, then shrugged, unfazed. “Because everyone likes coffee?”

“I do not.” Viktor deadpanned, though the faintest twitch of his lips betrayed him. “Not really, anyway.”

“Oh. Okay.” Jayce crossed his arms, smiling with a growing and amusing interest. “I would have taken you for the kind who would inject caffeine directly into his veins, so…”

Viktor shook his head, pulling out his own notes from his satchel. “No. It is bitter, overly stimulating, and not particularly enjoyable. It just messes up with my sleep.” He made a face, breathing through his teeth. “And it's not like my sleeping routine is very good on its own so…”

Jayce let out a soft laugh. “Okay, fair. So, what’s your poison?”

“Tea.” Viktor replied curtly, as though it were the most obvious answer in the world.

“Tea.” He repeated, nodding slowly. “Right. Should’ve guessed.” He leaned against the edge of the table, studying him with exaggerated thoughtfulness. “Let me guess… black tea? No sugar, no milk, straight to the point?”

“No. Milk and three teaspoons of sugar.”

Jayce froze for a second, staring at him. “Really?”

Viktor’s fingers twitched ever so slightly, betraying a hint of discomfort. He picked up a pencil and tapped it a few times against the cover of his notebook. “Yes, really. It balances the bitterness of the tea.”

Jayce couldn’t help but let out a surprised laugh. “Milk and sugar?”

His partner frowned a little, his cheeks flushed just the slightest bit. “What about it?”

The tan man grinned, genuinely amused. “Nothing, nothing. Sorry, I’m not laughing at you, it’s just… I never would have pegged you for the type of guy who drinks tea like it’s dessert.”

“What is so strange about enjoying balance?” Viktor asked, his voice cracking with a tiny bit of embarrassment.

“Nothing, really.” Jayce said quickly, shaking his hands in the air. “But then I should just order you a cup of sweet milk at this point.” Jayce said, spreading his arms with his palms up and shrugging slightly, a teasing smile playing on his lips as he began walking toward the counter.

“Ha, ha.” Viktor answered dryly, rolling his eyes. He pressed his lips, embarrassment taking over him as he made a mental note to never ever confess to Jayce that he actually enjoyed drinking sweet milk once in a while.

From where he sat, Viktor’s gaze wandered almost involuntarily to Jayce, who leaned casually against the counter, ordering their drinks. His posture was relaxed, confident without trying too hard, and Viktor couldn’t help but notice how absurdly good he looked in those clothes. The dark green long-sleeved shirt, though pretty unassuming, clung ridiculously tightly to the muscles of his arms and back, outlining every line and curve with almost laughable precision. He probably should stop staring. But he didn’t. At least for a few seconds longer. 

Viktor exhaled quietly, shaking his head at his own thoughts. Stupidly handsome was the only way to describe him, yet completely unattainable felt just as accurate. And yet, the real joke was how far that image was from reality. Jayce was anything but the untouchable, perfect figure he appeared to be. No, he was a ball of energy and nerves, naive in the most endearing way, like an overenthusiastic dog stumbling over its own feet. It was ridiculous, really. And entirely unfair.

As his eyes still flickered hungrily over Jayce’s back, his mind drifted to a moment he’d been trying to forget since last week. He could still picture Jayce standing in the flower shop, all bright smiles and enthusiasm as he talked about ‘bringing life’ to his new room.

Some red roses because... He remembered saying. It just seemed fitting for you, I guess. Vibrant, passionate. You know.

The memory made him cringe. What the fuck was that about? Why had he said something so utterly impulsive? It was shamelessly flirtatious, now that he thought about it. Jayce probably hadn’t even noticed. Or worse, he had noticed, and thought Viktor was some kind of eccentric flower weirdo.

But the most uncomfortable part wasn’t that he’d said it. It was that he had meant it . Jayce was like a rose, as cliche as that may sound: intense, colorful and somehow soft... and maybe a little too much at times.

Viktor shifted awkwardly in his seat and forced himself to focus on the notes on the table. Anything to silence the voice in his head that insisted on dragging him back to that moment.

Jayce finally came back with two steaming mugs in his hands. “Here.” He said, placing them on the table. “Three sugars and a splash of milk.” He added, looking oddly pleased with himself. “It’s chamomile tea. Thought you could use something relaxing.”

The gesture was somehow considerate, and it caught Viktor off guard. He wrapped his cold hands around the steaming mug and settled for a quiet “Thank you.”

Jayce smiled, as if Viktor’s simple gratitude was a victory in itself. “No problem. I mean, we’ve got a lot of work ahead, and I need you sharp if we’re gonna ace this project.”

Viktor smirked faintly after blowing on his tea. “You need me sharp, because without me, your chances of acing anything are slim.”

“Oh, please…” Jayce said, leaning back in his chair with a dramatic sigh. “I’ll have you know I took detailed notes today, Viktor. Really detailed. And you weren’t there. So be careful. You might actually fall behind for once, and I’d finally get to feel superior for, like, two seconds.”

Viktor raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. “If that is what you need to sleep at night, I will let you believe it.”

Jayce laughed again, the sound filling the small space around them. It wasn’t that funny , Viktor thought, but Jayce’s laughter was simply disarming. He found himself smirking despite his better judgment. The young man’s energy felt infectious, and Viktor found himself relaxing, the tension from earlier that day beginning to melt away.

Once their teasing subsided, they actually got to work. Jayce, to Viktor’s surprise, had done his research. His enthusiasm was apparent as he discussed potential approaches for their presentation. He brought few fresh ideas to the table, some of which Viktor found intriguing enough to explore further.

As they worked, Viktor noticed that Jayce had a habit of fidgeting when he got excited. Tapping his pen against the table, running a hand through his hair, leaning forward like he couldn’t contain himself. It was... distracting.

“You need to stop doing that.”

“Doing what?” Jayce asked, genuinely confused.

“That.” Viktor gestured vaguely. “You are like a hyperactive child.”

“Well, yeah. I’m- I actually am, so.” Jayce grinned sheepishly. “Hyperactive, I mean.”

Against all odds, Viktor actually found his answer kind of adorable. He arched his brows and nodded. “Should’ve figured.”

“Sorry, I can’t help it. It’s just- you know, when you’re really into something, and you can’t sit still?”

“No.” Viktor replied flatly. Even though the answer was actually yes.

Jayce chuckled. “Ok, mister stoic.”

They fell into an easy rhythm after that, trading ideas and refining their plans. Between work, Jayce would throw out random comments. Some about their classes, like the absurdly long line at the campus cafeteria that morning, or the strange way that one professor always mispronounced basic terms… Other times they were about completely unrelated topics, and though Viktor found it hard to keep up sometimes, he didn’t mind. This man had a way of steering even the most mundane conversations into something lively, even entertaining.

At one point, Jayce launched into a dramatic reenactment of their professor’s confused expression during a lecture earlier that week, complete with hand gestures. Viktor snorted into his tea, barely suppressing a laugh. Jayce’s face lit up at the sound, and Viktor quickly cleared his throat.

“You should laugh more often.” Jayce said, casually, as if it were the most normal thing to say. “It suits you.”

Viktor felt heat creep up the back of his neck. He busied himself pretending to focus back on his notes. “I will laugh when I find something worth laughing about.” He said, his voice deliberately flat.

“So I’m not funny enough for you the rest of the time?” Jayce teased.

“Eh.” He shrugged. “The effort is appreciated.”

“Oh, wow, okay, thanks!” He gasped, pretending to be hurt. Viktor shook his head, but there was a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. He hated how easy it was for Jayce to draw him out of his shell, and yet... he didn’t. “Okay, well. Just for the record, I do think you’re funny.”

“Am I really?” Viktor asked playfully, unconvinced.

Jayce shrugged, his grin teasing. “Yeah. I mean, when you’re not going around campus being all lonely and mysterious you’re actually pretty chill. You’re, like, funnier than I expected.”

Viktor’s brows went up with a small twitch. He genuinely didn't know how to take that. “Am I supposed to take that as a compliment?”

“Absolutely.”

There was something in the way Jayce looked at him, in the way his attention never wavered. It was unsettling, in a way Viktor couldn’t quite put into words. For a brief moment, he wondered if Jayce was... flirting. If his attentiveness was something more. But no, that couldn’t be it. Jayce was too sweet, too subtle. 

Viktor knew how actual flirting worked. He wasn’t a stranger to it. Jayce wasn’t like the men he had encountered in the past. Men who were blunt, transparent and unapologetic in their intentions, who saw him as nothing more than a convenient distraction. Viktor hadn’t minded. It had been a distraction for him too, after all. But Jayce… Jayce was different. He was kind, thoughtful. Too thoughtful.

Viktor shook his head, brushing the thought aside. He was reading too much into it. Jayce was just... friendly.

Right?

When they finally packed up for the evening, Jayce insisted on walking him to the door. He lingered there, hands stuffed into his pockets, as if he didn’t want the evening to end.

“Hey, so…” He began. “There's a department mixer event in a couple of weeks. You coming?

“Uh. No.”

Jayce frowned, as if Viktor had just declared he was boycotting sunlight. “Why not?”

“I don’t know. Why would I?” He said as he exited the café, stopping on the pavement and looking at Jayce with a faintly confused look.

“It’s a great way to meet people.” Jayce insisted, as if that was some kind of incentive.

“I have met plenty of people already.” Viktor countered, resting his weight on his cane as he adjusted his coat. “And most of them are intolerable.”

Jayce laughed, and Viktor hated how much he liked the sound. “Okay, but what if I’m there? Would that make it less intolerable?”

Viktor froze. He looked at his classmate, searching his face for any sign of mockery, but all he found was that same infuriating sincerity.

“Ah, so now you’re suggesting you could make a frivolous university event into something bearable?” Viktor replied, trying to hide his racing heartbeat. “I suppose it could be worth attending, if only to witness that miracle in action.” 

Jayce tilted his head with a knowing smile, looking far too pleased with himself. “Well, I think you should come anyway. Just for an hour. Who knows? You might actually have fun.”

Viktor rolled his eyes as he placed both hands on the handle of his cane. He hated how Jayce could so easily plant these thoughts in his mind, making him question things he’d long accepted about himself.

“Well…” The taller man continued. “Thanks for your time. It was a productive afternoon after all.”

“It sure was.” Viktor nodded, his eyes observing how the cold night air gently tousled Jayce’s dark hair. He definitely needed to stop staring so much.

“And we still have almost an entire week until presentation day. I told you we’d make a good team, partner!” He added, a proud grin tugging at his lips.

Viktor felt a tremble in his stomach when he heard those words. He coughed, covering his mouth with his scarf, trying to cover up his sudden nerves with a small laugh. “The partner thing is kind of corny, is it not?”

“Ouch! I’m just trying to forge a partnership here, man.” Jayce said, playfully. Then his voice lowered down, and he spoke with a soft, casual tone. “But, honestly, if it bothers you I’ll quit saying it. It’s fine.”

“No.” He replied, the word slipping from his lips before he could stop. “I don’t mind it.”

They silently looked at each other for a few seconds. In that moment, Viktor felt like Jayce was looking right through him. Like he could see in Viktor’s golden eyes, the faint reminiscent of a kid who had spent too much time alone. A kid who had become a man aching to find someone who shared his passions.

Jayce offered the softest of smiles and nodded almost imperceptibly. “Okay. Cool, then.”

“Cool. Yes.”

Viktor let out a quiet but shaky breath, his gaze drifting to the cobblestone floor right under his feet. Even if he wasn’t looking at him, he knew Jayce was smiling at his awkward remark. But it didn’t feel demeaning nor weird.

“Anyway.” Viktor cleared his throat. “I’m gonna go ahead and catch a bus home.”

“Yeah. I’m gonna go too.” The other man said in between a yawn. Then, Viktor felt an unexpected shiver run down his spine when Jayce put his hand on his shoulder and squeezed it as he gave him one final smile. “See you tomorrow, partner.”

Viktor’s breath hitched as he felt the weight of Jayce's warm, broad hand resting in the space between his neck and shoulder. The gesture seemed so casual, so effortlessly warm, like something Jayce did without even thinking. But it was strangely intimate. His body heat, the palm placement, the grip of his fingers… Viktor wasn’t really used to physical contact (in fact, he usually found it uncomfortable, even jarring) but Jayce’s touch didn’t feel intrusive. Instead, it was oddly comforting, a gentle pressure that left him with a warmth he couldn’t quite explain, almost as if he were craving more of it, even if he didn’t want to admit it.

“Uh, yeah. See you tomorrow.” He muttered before giving a small nod and turning away, gripping his cane tightly and forcing himself not to look back.

As he walked away, his steps quick and purposeful, his mind was a tangle of conflicting thoughts. The feel of Jayce’s touch still lingered on his skin, an unexpected weight that he couldn’t shake off. It wasn’t that he disliked it (quite the opposite, actually) but it made him uneasy, the way something so simple could stir something so complex inside him. He focused on the rhythm of his steps, the sound of his cane clicking against the street's floor. But no matter how much he tried to push it aside, the warmth from Jayce’s hand remained.

Maybe having a partner wasn’t that bad after all…

Chapter Text

Viktor could say one thing for sure: Jayce was definitely a touchy person.

He sat at his cramped tiny desk at home, glaring at the collection of books and notes scattered in front of him. He was supposed to be studying, focusing on his exams, but his mind had other plans.

Since that moment outside the café, when Jayce’s hand had squeezed his shoulder —his first deliberate touch— his partner had adopted an infuriatingly persistent proximity. Viktor hadn’t moved away then, even though he probably should have. And now, Jayce acted like he had full permission, testing boundaries that Viktor realized he was no longer sure he wanted to set. 

It wasn’t just the casual touches anymore, though those were certainly frequent enough. A squeeze on his arm as they reviewed formulas in the lab. A sudden arm draped around his shoulders while walking to class, like they were old friends. A palm lingering on his back, guiding him through a crowded hallway with a gentle pressure that was entirely unnecessary. It was too much, too often, and yet… Viktor couldn’t bring himself to pull away.

Because the truth —one he hated admitting, even to himself— was that he didn’t want it to stop.

At first, he’d told himself it was harmless. Jayce was just like that. The type of person who touched others freely, whose warmth radiated outward, unbothered by personal space. He clearly didn’t mean anything by it. But Viktor found himself craving his touch. He longed for the times Jayce’s hand seemed to linger just a second longer on him. The way he sought him out more often, always finding an excuse to sit closer, to stand closer, to just touch .

It was insane how much space Jayce had carved out for himself in Viktor’s life. It wasn’t just the touches; it was everything. The bright, guileless smile that greeted him every day. The stupid, endearing enthusiasm Jayce brought to even the dullest of topics. Viktor had tried to ignore it, to write it off as annoying or shallow. But Jayce wasn’t shallow. Viktor had come to the realization that he wasn’t just some privileged golden boy skating through life on charm and good looks. He was also something else, something Viktor had been struggling to name for weeks now. Something painfully, frustratingly irresistible.

And that was the part Viktor hated most of all.

He’d spent so long dismissing people like Jayce: conventionally attractive, effortlessly charming, practically glowing with self-assurance. That kind of guys didn’t notice people like him .

And yet here they were: Jayce casually showing affection like it was nothing. Viktor had tried to convince himself it meant nothing, that his desk partner was just friendly, that this closeness was just an extension of his easy charisma. But he wasn’t used to that kind of attention. And it was disarming, unsettling, and lately, completely distracting .

Because for the last couple of days, his brain had been working against him, betraying him at every turn. His thoughts had started spiraling into places he absolutely couldn’t allow them to go. And he tried to ignore them, he really did. But there was no denying the facts: Jayce was attractive. He was so attractive it actually made him mad. Everyone would agree on that. And that’s what angered Viktor the most; how humiliating it was, being so thoroughly undone by someone so... obvious. Jayce was the kind of person everyone fell for: tall, muscled, sharp jawline, broad shoulders, soft silken hair…

Ugh.

Viktor groaned, taking off his reading glasses and rubbing his eyes in frustration. This wasn’t supposed to happen. He wasn’t supposed to feel this way about someone so painfully out of reach. Also, Jayce was probably straight. He was definitely straight. Viktor had no reason to think otherwise, no matter how many lingering touches or soft smiles he might receive. It didn’t mean anything. It couldn’t mean anything.

But still, he'd catch himself watching Jayce too closely, observing things he had no business noticing. Like that expression of his that could shift between innocent to devastatingly seductive without even trying, or the way his shirt stretched obscenely tight across his chest when he leaned forward, or the way his canines, sharp and almost predatory, flashed when he smiled. Viktor had imagined, once or twice (or far too many times to count), what those teeth might feel like against his skin, pressing, biting…

No. Absolutely not.

He tried to shut the thought down as quickly as it came, but it left a bitter aftertaste. He gripped his pen tighter as if sheer force of will could pull his mind back to the equations in front of him. He hated himself for it, but his thoughts had taken a decidedly obscene turn in recent days. Likely due the sudden wave of physical contact they've been having lately, he guessed. He couldn’t help it. But sometimes, in Viktor’s mind, Jayce’s stupidly large, strong hands weren't just touching his shoulder anymore. They were gripping him, pinning him down, making him-

“No.” Viktor muttered under his breath, his grip tightening on the edge of his desk.

He was being ridiculous. This wasn’t him. He wasn’t the kind of person to get this worked up over someone, especially not over someone like Jayce. Viktor was no stranger to casual encounters. A drink or two at a bar, a fleeting night of fun, or the occasional arrangement with someone who wanted the same simple, uncomplicated thing. He was a loner, yes, but far from celibate. Physical connection had always been easy for him when the circumstances were clear and the intentions direct.

But this… this was different.

He had never felt himself longing for someone like this, consumed by a carnal, almost obsessive ache that refused to leave him alone. It was physical; something raw, something maddening, something that clawed at him relentlessly, and it all centered around Jayce.

He let out a shaky breath and put on his glasses again. But just as he was trying to regain some composure, his phone buzzed on the desk, the cracked screen lighting up with a notification.

Herbs guy 🌱: Ugh I’m hating this exam prep. My brain’s gonna explode

Viktor’s jaw tightened as he stared at the message. He bit his lower lip, shaking his head at the contact name. He hadn’t changed it. Even from the moment they actually started to know each other, Jayce had been goofy and transparent with him. Another buzz followed.

Herbs guy 🌱: Seriously this subject is just plain boring

Jayce had also been doing this more and more lately. Texting him at random times, sending messages that ranged from class related questions to completely pointless observations about his day. Viktor wasn’t much for texting. In fact, he was pretty disastrous at it. He rarely even remembered to respond most of the time. But Jayce was relentless. Sometimes he sent multiple messages a day, occasionally accompanied by selfies, showing off whatever ridiculous thing he was doing at the moment. Viktor found it annoying… in theory . In practice, he couldn’t deny the small thrill he felt every time Jayce’s contact name popped up on his screen.

Against his better judgment, Viktor typed a reply.

Viktor: i’m trying to study here thank you very much

Viktor: just because you’re distracted doesn’t mean you have to distract me too

A moment later, another buzz.

Herbs guy 🌱: 🙁

Herbs guy 🌱: Seriously how do you even focus on this stuff? It’s killing me.

Viktor: if you had a brain to begin with, you wouldn’t be struggling now

Herbs guy 🌱: 😭😭😭

Herbs guy 🌱: Fucking rude

Herbs guy 🌱: Thanks for the encouragement, man

Viktor: anytime 👍🏻

Viktor catched his own reflection on the screen, seeing himself with a dumb smile plastered across his face, and it annoyed the fuck out of him. But then, before he could even roll his eyes at himself, another buzz. This time, it was a photo.

Viktor’s hand froze as he opened the image.

Jayce was lying on his bed, dressed in a thin, white tank top that clung to his chest and arms in ways that Viktor’s brain immediately betrayed him for noticing. One strap of the tank top had slipped off his shoulder, baring the smooth skin of his collarbone. His hair, normally neat and styled, was disheveled and slightly damp, like he’d just stepped out of the shower. His face was set in an exaggerated pout, his brows knitted together in mock frustration, his bottom lip sticking out ever so slightly.

Viktor swallowed hard.

It was supposed to be funny. That was clearly Jayce’s intention. But all Viktor could think about was how obscenely attractive he looked. The bare skin of his shoulders. The shadows of his muscles under the fabric. The faint stubble along his jawline, just a little rougher than he usually wore it. Viktor’s gaze lingered too long on the curve of his lip, the faint glisten of moisture there-

His phone buzzed again, pulling him out of his thoughts.

Herbs guy 🌱: Maybe if you were here helping me study, my brain wouldn’t hurt so much

Viktor’s heart did something humiliatingly erratic in his chest and he instinctively squeezed his legs shut. He clenched his jaw, feeling a flush of heat creep up his neck. He knew it was a joke, innocent, meaningless. Jayce wasn’t trying to be suggestive. And yet, Viktor could feel his body reacting in ways he absolutely did not want to admit.

His fingers hovered over the keyboard before he forced himself to type a response.

Viktor: i thought we had a student rivalry going on, Jayce

Viktor: if i help you study, where’s the fun in that?

Another buzz, almost immediately.

Herbs guy 🌱: Screw the rivalry. I need my partner to save me from this hell

The words sent a jolt of heat through Viktor’s entire body. His breathing was shallow, his palms damp as he stared at the screen. It was stupid. Completely stupid. These were harmless messages. Jayce wasn’t flirting; he was just being his usual, over-friendly self.

But Viktor couldn’t stop the way his imagination ran wild. Couldn’t stop picturing Jayce lying there in that thin tank top, his muscles flexing as he shifted, his lips parting in a sigh-

Viktor dropped his phone on the table and groaned, leaning back in his chair as he dragged a hand down his mouth and neck. He felt ridiculous. And yet, before he could even notice, his hand slid lower, tracing his chest and stomach, until his fingers were curling around the waistband of his sweatpants. He breathed heavily, feeling a sudden lump in his throat. He glanced back near the kitchenette, where Rio's usual spot was. There she was, curled up on herself in her small bed, eyes closed and soft purring in the background.

Viktor looked at his phone again, still lying face up on the desk, automatically regretting what he was about to do. He opened Jayce’s photo again, his pouty, irresistible face staring back at him.

“Ridiculous.” Viktor muttered under his breath, his hand already diving inside his boxers, his thoughts spiraling deeper into territory he knew he shouldn’t tread. Jayce was driving him insane, and he couldn’t resist much longer.

Before he could stop himself, his hand moved without permission, his fingers already carefully brushing against the sensitive skin of his sex, spreading himself open with a muffled groan. His touch was tentative at first, as if testing the waters of his own surrender.

He was wet .

Almost too wet for barely doing anything .

His shoulders trembled, as he let his fingers wander, explore, delicately teasing his entrance. He tried to control his breathing, but his lips parted to release a shaky exhale while his mind spiraled even further.

Viktor’s gaze flickered back to the phone screen, his thumb brushing against the edge of the photo as his chest rose and fell with uneven breaths. “What the fuck…” He whispered hoarsely, as if he was just beginning to realize what he was actually doing. Though he wasn’t sure if he was talking to himself or to the grinning idiot in the picture. Jayce’s face was still there, frozen in that playful, exaggerated pout that Viktor now found utterly maddening.

He imagined Jayce leaning over him, those sharp canines scraping against the sensitive skin of his neck, his hips pounding shamelessly into him. Viktor’s fingers tightened instinctively, and his legs shifted against the chair as the tension coiled tighter, hotter. He whimpered and bit hard on his lower lip, stealing one last glance toward Rio, still fast asleep in her little corner, completely oblivious to her owner’s descent into madness. He wouldn’t want to wake her up because of this absurd outburst he was having.

Viktor’s eyes closed for just a second, as he adjusted aimlessly against the chair. He easily slid a finger inside of himself at the thought of his classmate, which drew another muffled, almost weepy moan out of his mouth. He hated how easily the thought of Jayce unraveled him, how powerless he felt against the onslaught of his own desire.

He opened his eyes again just enough to look at the photo through his eyelashes. He stared at it for a long, agonizing moment, his hand rapidly increasing its pace, filling his studio with embarrassingly wet sounds and heavy breaths. He met Jayce’s gaze directly, as if he could somehow return the look, with those stupid innocent eyes that Viktor now found himself picturing filled with tears, narrowed in surrender, begging, yearning, eating Viktor up with blown out pupils.

He couldn't help but think about how Jayce would sound. Whether his moans would be soft and breathy, caught in his throat, or low and guttural, raw and animalistic, like an untamed growl. His breath hitched, sharp and shallow, as another finger went up his cunt, eyes flickering vaguely at the sight of his partner’s lips, pouty and slightly shiny from his saliva. He’d like to put that mouth in between his own thighs and see how his tongue felt against him.

“Fuck.” He spat, licking his own lips as he sped up his fingers. 

He could almost hear Jayce’s laugh, warm and genuine, ringing in his ears. Could almost imagine the weight of him, the press of his body against his own. The way his tensed up muscles would feel, all heat and firmness under Viktor’s touch. The soft, low sound of his voice when he wasn’t performing for the world, but just whispering something —anything— against Viktor’s skin. How his calloused yet gentle hands would hold his body, pulling him closer. Viktor was almost certain that Jayce’s hands were large enough to wrap around the entirety of his waist with ease.

The thought alone made his head fall back against the chair, a low, frustrated sound escaping his lips as the lenses of his glasses fogged up, blurring his vision even more than it already was. He felt absurd, pathetic even, but the fire in his veins burned too much to be ignored.

He dropped his phone and his free hand reached for his own neck, gripping at his skin desperately, nails digging deep around his throat, imagining it was his partner’s fingers instead of his own. His head was spinning with utter feral desire. 

Viktor’s breath hitched as his movements grew frantic, his body arching slightly off his seat. Every nerve felt alive, burning, as if Jayce's phantom touch was real. The heat in his lower belly pooled even lower, tightening until it was unbearable, his mind completely untethered from reason. He bit his lip hard, stifling a sound that threatened to escape, the hand at his throat pressing harder as if to anchor himself, but it only heightened the sensation. His thoughts blurred, overwhelmed by the imagined weight of Jayce, the intensity of those innocent eyes darkened with want.

When he finally reached that sweet spot, his body tensed sharply, a strangled gasp breaking free as he shuddered in release, letting out shaky groans as he gave in completely, every thought, every feeling consumed by Jayce.

The heat of his skin slowly ebbed, leaving him slumped in the chair, chest heaving as the haze began to clear. His glasses slid further down his nose, and he let them fall into his lap, his hand dropping limply to his side and the other one still inside his soaked boxers. For a moment, he just looked up and stared blankly at the ceiling, caught somewhere between lingering euphoria and the heavy weight of regret sinking into his stomach.

Viktor sat there for a long moment, still and quiet except for the uneven rise and fall of his chest. His body felt drained, but his mind was anything but quiet. Shame crept in slowly, crawling under his skin like an itch he couldn’t scratch. He dragged a hand down his face, trying to wipe away the lingering flush from his cheeks, though it only seemed to grow warmer the more he thought about what he’d just done.

His eyes drifted reluctantly to the phone lying on the desk. The screen had gone dark, but he didn’t need to see it to know what awaited him. Viktor hesitated, his fingers hovering above the phone for a second before he finally picked it up, his thumb hesitantly tapping the screen.

It opened to Jayce’s selfie, and he minimized it rapidly, trying to not look at it too much. In their chat, he discovered one last message from his classmate, still glowing brightly against the dim light of the room.

Herbs guy 🌱: I swear, man. If you were here, I think I’d actually be able to focus. You make studying much easier 🙏🏽

The words felt like a punch to the gut, both innocent and disarmingly intimate, made worse by the memory of what he had just done. Viktor stared at the message, his lips pressing into a thin line, guilt gnawing at him. He typed out a response —something dry, sarcastic, distant— then deleted it. He tried again, a more neutral reply this time, but that too felt off. Instead, he locked the screen and placed the phone facedown on the desk, pushing it just out of reach as if that would help banish the thoughts still swirling in his mind.

“Fucking ridiculous.” He said again, shaking his head. He leaned back in his chair, running a hand through his already tousled hair. He’d never felt this out of control, this affected by anyone before. The intensity of it unsettled him, left him wondering if he was starting to lose pieces of himself. But no matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t shake the image of Jayce from his mind.

Viktor sighed heavily and leaned forward, his elbows resting on the desk as he buried his face in his palms. He needed to get a grip. This was getting out of hand, and the last thing he needed was to complicate things with someone like Jayce. But even as he sat there, willing himself to forget, his fingers itched to pick up the phone again, to respond, to give in just a little more.

He stood there for a couple more minutes, thinking how he couldn’t stop himself from imagining. From wanting. From longing, slowly and inexorably, for the most infuriatingly obvious choice in the entire university.

And oh, God, did he hate himself for it.

Chapter Text

The hum of the coffee machine was the only thing keeping the kitchen from being completely silent. And the sound of it was starting to make Jayce feel anxious.

He was leaning against the counter, staring down at the open chat with Viktor. The last two messages he’d sent hung there, blue ticks marking them as read, but no replies followed.

That silence felt even more deafening than the one in the kitchen.

Maybe it wasn't the coffee machine’s sound that was making him anxious after all…

Jayce T: I swear, man. If you were here, I think I’d actually be able to focus. You make studying much easier 🙏🏽

He stared blankly at his last message. It wasn’t a weird thing to say, was it? They were friends (at least Jayce’d like to think so), and friends said stuff like that. It was normal, letting Viktor know he liked working with him, studying with him, spending time with him. Still, the silence in return stung just a little.

Jayce sighed, setting the phone down on the counter. A small part of him wanted to laugh at himself for being so hung up on a couple of texts. Viktor wasn’t the kind of person to constantly text back anyway, and Jayce knew that. Viktor had his own pace. He wasn’t ignoring him; he was just... busy. Yeah. Busy. That was probably it.

But then, why did it feel like this dull ache in his chest every time Viktor didn’t respond?

The coffee maker sputtered as it finished brewing, filling the kitchen with the comforting scent of dark roast. Jayce grabbed a mug and poured himself a cup, trying to focus on that instead of the stupid flutter of disappointment twisting in his chest. But his gaze kept drifting back to his phone. He opened the chat again and read the last couple of messages they had exchanged. A soft smile inevitably appeared in Jayce’s lips as he re-read Viktor’s sardonic and dry jokes. 

“Alright, spill it.”

Jayce raised his head just to see Caitlyn, dressed in her usual lounging clothes, a tight pastel t-shirt and sweatpants rolled at the waist. It’s like she had appeared out of thin air and was just standing in the doorway, her sharp blue eyes immediately landing on him. She had her arms crossed, looking at him with a knowing smile, while shifting her weight from one leg to the other.

Jayce blinked, startled. “Spill what?”

Caitlyn pointed toward his phone with her chin. “Whoever you’re texting. You’ve got that stupid look on your face.”

“What look?” Jayce frowned, feeling his face heat up as he grabbed his coffee, trying to play it cool.

Caitlyn tilted her head, smirking. “The one you get when you’re thinking about something, or someone, who makes you feel all warm and fuzzy. You’re standing there staring at your phone like it just told you you’re its favorite person.”

“That’s... that’s not a thing.” Jayce said, fumbling with his mug and taking a long sip to avoid looking at her.

“Mmhm. Sure it’s not.” Caitlyn stepped fully into the kitchen now, closing the distance between them. “So? Who is it? Some girl you met in one of your classes?”

“Cait…” He groaned, nearly rolling his eyes into the back of his head.

“Oh, come on, Jayce!” She exclaimed, making eyes at him. “I’m dying for something mildly interesting. School is boring as shit.”

“Language!” 

“Oh, boohoo!” She replied, sticking her tongue out. “C’mon, just tell me. Who is it?”

“It's no one, I’m telling you.” The man insisted, tapping his fingers against his mug to avoid showing how nervous he actually was.

Caitlyn’s grin widened like a predator smelling blood. “Oh, no one, huh? Funny how ‘no one’ has you smiling like a complete idiot at your phone.”

“I wasn’t smiling.” He muttered. He could feel his ears starting to burn.

“Oh, you totally were. You were practically starry-eyed.” Caitlyn leaned against the counter next to him, chin resting in her hand. “So? Anyone I know? Come on, you can tell me. I’m your favorite Kiramann, after all.”

“I literally know three Kiramanns. Your parents and you. That doesn’t leave too much room for me to choose from.” Jayce said, glaring at her half-heartedly. He grabbed his phone and shoved it into his pocket as if that would make her drop it.

“Don’t change the subject. Is it someone from your class? Or wait-” Her expression totally changed, from something mischievous to a surprised look. “Is it Mel? Are you texting her again?”

Jayce stiffened. “No.” He said quickly, too quickly.

“Uh-huh.” Caitlyn’s eyes raised in an elegant yet inquisitive arch. “You sure? Because you’ve got that guilty look on your face. Don’t think I didn’t notice you didn’t come back to sleep here that night last week…”

“Look.” Jayce interrupted dryly. “It’s not your business what I do or don’t do with my sex life, Cait. Respectfully.”

The girl’s eyes widened dramatically. “So you DID spend the night with her!”

“Ohmygooood…” Jayce let out an annoyed groan again, pinching the bridge of his nose with his fingers.

He really didn’t want to have this conversation. Not with Cait, not with anyone. He could still remember how awkward he’d felt after dinner, how he’d spent half the time thinking about Viktor instead of Mel, and how the whole thing had left him feeling stupid and more alone than before.

“It’s okay, I’m not judging!” Caitlyn said, putting her hands in the air in surrender. “I like Mel. She’s cool. And very pretty. But…” She pursed her lips, making a little, mildly irritating noise. “I don’t think it’s a great idea for you two to keep…” 

“It’s not Mel.” He interrupted again, his tone drier this time.

Caitlyn raised an eyebrow. “Oh. Okay, fine, not Mel. But then it IS someone. I mean, you’ve been acting weird all week.”

“Caitlyn, I swear to God.” He insisted, his voice a little sharper than he intended. He grabbed his mug and started walking toward the hallway, hoping she’d drop it if he just left.

But Caitlyn wasn’t one to let things go. She followed him, her tone light but teasing. “You’re a terrible liar, you know that?”

“Yeah, yeah, I sure am.” He said absent-mindedly, with sarcasm in his voice, quickening his pace toward his room.

“Is it that embarrassing? Or are you just scared I’ll figure it out?” She called after him. “I’m going to figure it out anyway, you know. You can’t hide stuff like this from me. I’m too good of a detective.”

Jayce stopped in front of his door, turning to look at her. “Okay, Sheriff. There’s nothing to figure out. And I’m trying to study, okay? Leave it alone.”

“Sure you are.” Caitlyn smirked. “You know, for someone who’s supposedly ‘just studying,’ you sure spend a lot of time texting ‘no one’ and staring off into space.” She casually leaned against the wall. “I don’t know who they are, but it’s obvious you’re down bad, Jayce.”

His face flushed, and he opened his door, muttering under his breath as he stepped inside. “You’re so annoying.”

“Love you too, big guy!” Caitlyn’s voice and laughter echoed down the hall as he shut the door firmly behind him.

Jayce leaned against the door, exhaling slowly. His heart was pounding. Not just from Caitlyn’s relentless teasing, but from the realization that she wasn’t entirely wrong.

He sat down at his desk, setting his coffee next to his open laptop, but his focus was already elsewhere. His phone buzzed in his pocket, and he pulled it out instinctively, his heart leaping before he even checked the screen.

It wasn’t Viktor. Just an email from the University he honestly didn’t care about. Jayce huffed, dropping the phone onto the desk and burying his face in his hands. Caitlyn’s words circled in his head, refusing to leave him alone.

You’re down bad, Jayce.

Was he really that obvious? He glanced at the phone again, biting his lip. Maybe Caitlyn wasn’t the only one who could see it. Maybe Viktor could, too. The thought made his stomach twist with a mix of embarrassment and something that felt dangerously close to hope.

He sighed, running a hand over his face as the realization hit him with more force than he liked to admit. And the worst part? He’d managed to make everything worse instead.

His thoughts drifted back to the night he’d spent with Mel. He grimaced, ashamed at the memory. He’d gone into that dinner looking for a distraction, desperate to shove down the confusing emotions clawing their way to the surface. Mel had always been easy to be around, a safe place for him to retreat to when he didn’t want to deal with the mess of his own life. But he hadn’t been fair to her, not even remotely.

Because, in retrospect, he had spent more of that evening thinking about Viktor than he had about Mel.

Embarrassment burned hot in his chest, and he covered his face with his hands, groaning softly into the silence of his room. He could still hear Mel’s laughter, could still picture the warmth in her smile as she’d leaned across the table to tease him about something inconsequential. She’d been perfectly kind, perfectly Mel, and yet his mind had been elsewhere… On a couple of golden eyes, a sharp accent, and that sarcastic smirk that always made his stomach flip.

He was such a fool.

It wasn’t just that he’d let his thoughts stray, it was why they’d strayed. He’d spent more time imagining the way Viktor’s fingers would feel on his skin than paying attention to the actual touch and soft moans of the woman under him. And that wasn’t fair, not for Mel, not for him.

Jayce huffed again, sliding down to rest his head on his knees. His chest felt heavy with regret, embarrassment, and a distinct sense that he’d been thinking far too much with his dick lately. He was the worst kind of fool.

He didn’t deserve Mel’s patience, and he sure as hell didn’t deserve Viktor’s time. And yet, even now, all he could think about was how much he wanted to see Viktor again.

Jayce sat there, in the stillness of his room, his thoughts spinning, as the laptop screen light flickered faintly against his face.

Down bad.

Yeah. That was probably accurate.

*****

The café smelled like roasted coffee beans and freshly baked pastries, the sound of conversation blending with the muted hiss of the espresso machine. Two familiar figures were sitting in one of the tables in the back, their space filled with scattered papers and some colored cards scribbled with notes.

It was their usual spot. A cozy corner table by the window. Jayce had grown so familiar with the little café over the past two weeks that he could navigate the menu and seating layout with his eyes closed. Not that they needed much deliberation. He and Viktor always ordered the same drinks: a latte for him, always with a dusting of cocoa on top, and a sugary chamomile tea for Viktor, who never seemed particularly enthused about coffee.

Across the table, his classmate was hunched over his laptop, his brow furrowed as he scrolled through the latest iteration of their presentation. His tea sat untouched beside him, the steam curling lazily into the air, forgotten in favor of whatever fine detail he was scrutinizing. Jayce, on the other hand, was leaning back in his chair, sipping the last of his coffee and watching Viktor out of the corner of his eye. He tried to focus on the final draft of their project, but it was hard not to be distracted by the way Viktor’s long fingers moved over the keyboard, quick and precise, or the way a faint crease appeared between his brows whenever something didn’t meet his exacting standards.

Jayce had come to look forward to these evenings more than he cared to admit. Sure, their project was coming together brilliantly, but it was more than that. Their time here had become a sort of ritual, one he’d grown a little too attached to.

“I think that covers all the technical specifications.” Viktor said, breaking the silence. His voice was low and steady, with that slight accent that always made Jayce pay closer attention than he probably should. “But I’m still not entirely satisfied with the flow of this section.” He tapped the screen, his lips pressing into a thin line.

Jayce leaned forward, craning his neck to see what Viktor was pointing at. Their heads were close (too close, maybe) but neither of them seemed to notice. “Yeah, it does feel a bit clunky. It’s functional, but not seamless. If the professors ask about it, we’ll need a more coherent explanation.”

Viktor glanced at him, and for a brief moment, Jayce caught a flicker of something in his expression—approval, maybe. “Well, I guess it’s nothing that we can’t figure out. You do know your part or the presentation, yes?”

“Uh. Yeah, I think so.” Jayce muttered, his eyes moving over the various colored cards he had filled with crucial information about their project. “I don’t know if I made enough cards, though….”

Viktor grinned slightly, straightening up. “You don’t need cards. You’re way better with words than I am. You worry too much.”

Jayce’s heart felt a wave of warmness around it. Viktor rarely made compliments, but when he did, there was an undeniable honesty to his voice.

“You’re good with words too.” Jayce replied as a thank you.

“Not in front of a crowd, though.” The pale man shrugged. “But it’s fine.”  

“Of course it’ll be fine.” Jayce nodded, putting a hand around Viktor’s forearm and squeezing it as a sign of support. The gesture made Viktor’s sleeve slip up just enough to reveal the shape of an ink blooming branch imprinted on his skin. Jayce couldn't help but to look at the tattoo for the briefest of seconds. “You’ve got this. Seriously, Viktor, we’re going to crush it tomorrow. They’re not going to know what hit them.”

Viktor’s lips twitched, his eyes also wandering for a moment to Jayce’s hand on his arm. “Optimism has its uses, I suppose.”

“Damn right it does.” Jayce said, leaning back in his chair again and folding his arms behind his head. “Come on, man, admit it. We make a great team.”

His companion tilted his head, considering him. “I’ll admit that our synergy is… unexpectedly productive.”

“Yeah, but I’d also say it’s a double-edged sword. We’ve spent far too many late nights refining details that most people wouldn’t notice.” Jayce laughed, a warm, easy sound

“Perfection has a price, Jayce.” He simply replied, resting his chin on his hand. 

“Yeah, well. I guess if we’re going to be perfectionists, at least we’re perfectionists together.”

Viktor rolled his eyes but didn’t disagree.

They spent another twenty minutes fine-tuning the presentation, their conversation drifting between technical specifics and minor adjustments. When they finally wrapped up, Viktor closed his laptop with a satisfying click and stretched, his arms reaching up and his shoulders rolling back. “Done.”

“Finally.” Jayce said while putting his notebook and cards in his backpack. “I can already hear the applause.”

Viktor raised an eyebrow, sipping his now-cool tea. “Modesty isn’t your strong suit, is it?”

The tan man shrugged, grinning. “Not when I’m right.”

They fell into a companionable silence for a moment, the kind that had started to feel natural between them. Jayce let his gaze wander, taking in the way Viktor’s posture had relaxed slightly now that they were finished. His face was still guarded, but there was a faint softness around his eyes, a subtle indication that the weight of their work had eased.

It was moments like this that made Jayce’s chest ache in a way he didn’t fully understand. Viktor had a way of existing in the world that fascinated him: quietly determined, deeply thoughtful, and somehow endlessly surprising. And yet, when they were together, he discovered a new part of him, passionate, talkative, direct, never mincing his words. He was like a puzzle Jayce couldn’t stop trying to solve, even though he wasn’t sure he ever wanted to finish.

“So.” Jayce said, breaking the silence. “I’ve got to ask you again. Are you coming to the department mixer on Thursday?”

Viktor sighed, setting his cup down. “You’re relentless, you know that?”

“Relentless and charming.” Jayce said with a wink.

“Debatable.”

“Come on, man! It’s also gonna be like… Christmas themed, I think.” He insisted. “ Because of the end of classes and winter holidays and all that.”

“Oh, great. You’re making it even worse now.”

Jayce let out a small chuckle. “Seriously. I need you there.” He said, his eyes almost begging. “I don't enjoy social interaction as much as it probably seems. You’ll be my lifeline when my social battery dies halfway through.”

Viktor raised an eyebrow, nibbling absten-mindedly at his lip. “Ah, so that’s what I am to you. A portable charger.”

Jayce smirked. “You know what I mean.”

“Do I?” Viktor’s mouth twitched again, the faintest shadow of a smirk.

Jayce’s grin softened, and he dropped the playful tone. “I’m serious, though. It’d mean a lot to me if you came. I don’t want to be the only one standing awkwardly by the snack table while everyone else talks nonsense for hours.”

Viktor studied him for a long moment, his gaze steady and unreadable. Then he sighed, shaking his head. “I’ll think about it.”

Jayce’s face lit up like a kid on Christmas morning. “I’ll take it! That’s practically a yes.”

“It’s not a yes.” Viktor said pointedly, though there was a hint of amusement in his voice.

“Close enough.” Jayce leaned back again, his grin refusing to fade.

The conversation drifted after that, meandering into lighter topics as they finished their drinks and packed up their things. But as they walked out of the café together, their usual routine settling back into place, Jayce couldn’t help but feel a little lighter, a little more hopeful.

Maybe Viktor didn’t say yes outright, but he hadn’t said no either.

And for now, that was enough.

Chapter Text

Jayce adjusted his shirt for what felt like the hundredth time, catching his reflection in the sleek glass of the hall’s double doors. Inside, the department mixer was already in full swing, judging by the hum of voices, the occasional burst of laughter, and the faint clinking of glasses. Through the frosted glass, warm golden light spilled into the cold evening air, flickering slightly as it passed through the strings of fairy lights adorning the room. Evergreen wreaths adorned the walls, their red ribbons vibrant and festive, while the tables were decorated with those big red flowers that everyone displayed in their homes at Christmas.

He almost couldn’t believe it was winter already. The festive atmosphere should have felt comforting, but instead, it filled him with a strange sense of unease. Winter had always been a tricky time for him. The season brought with it memories of a brutal snowstorm from his childhood—one that had left him and his mother trapped for days. The cold, the howling wind, the sense of helplessness… it had seared itself into his memory.

But Christmas was different. Christmas meant family, laughter, and warmth. It meant his mother humming holiday songs as she stirred a pot of something delicious, the smell of cinnamon and cloves filling their home. It meant opening presents by the fire and pretending to be surprised, even though they both knew Jayce had peeked under her mother’s bed days before. He loved Christmas, even if the winter that surrounded it sometimes felt like a heavy weight pressing on his chest.

He smoothed the front of his shirt once again, suddenly self-conscious. He’d agonized over what to wear, but he ended up deciding on a casual but elegant denim jacket, a dark grey long-sleeved turtleneck, and a pair of black pressed trousers that he hoped struck the right balance between polished and approachable. The effort felt a little over the top now, surrounded by the relaxed warmth of holiday sweaters, but it was too late to be having second thoughts about his outfit now.

With a deep breath, he stepped inside, his shoes clicking softly against the polished floor. The air was rich with the scent of mulled wine, and the faint notes of a jazzy rendition of ‘Winter Wonderland’ floated over the chatter. He made his way through the crowd, exchanging polite smiles and nods with familiar faces, but his focus was elsewhere. His heart was already racing, though he couldn’t decide if it was from nerves or anticipation.

He scanned the room, his gaze flitting from group to group. He told himself he was just looking for a familiar face to latch onto, someone to share the awkwardness of forced small talk. But deep down, he knew exactly who he was looking for.

Pulling out his phone, he typed some quick messages:

Jayce T: Hey 👋🏽 You coming?

Jayce T: No pressure, but you’d be doing me a huge favor

Jayce T: The decorations are something else… Think cheesy but charming

He looked at the texts for a long second, re-reading them. It felt a little too eager, but it was too late to take it back now. Sighing, he pocketed his phone and moved further into the room, his gaze still darting around. Before he could get too lost in his thoughts, a familiar voice broke through the festive hum around him.

"Ah, if it isn’t Jayce Talis!"

Jayce turned to see Professor Heimerdinger approaching, balancing a mug of hot cider in one hand. The professor’s eyes sparkled behind his big round glasses, his expression warm and his big moustache dusted with a little bit of powdered sugar, likely from the cookie on his other hand.

“Professor Heimerdinger.” Jayce greeted, his shoulders relaxing slightly at the sight of a familiar face. "Good to see you. Enjoying the event?"

“Oh, quite so, quite so.” The older man replied. “But I must say, I was hoping to run into you tonight. I wanted to congratulate you personally on your presentation yesterday. Splendid work! Truly splendid!”

Jayce felt a flush of pride at the compliment, though he quickly shook his head modestly. “Thank you, Professor. I honestly couldn’t have done it without Viktor. Most of the good stuff was his input.”

Heimerdinger nodded approvingly, his eyes twinkling. “Ah, Viktor. Always meticulous, always thorough. The two of you make a fine pair. A prime example of collaboration done right! You’ve both set a high bar for the rest of the class, my boy.”

Jayce’s chest swelled with a mix of pride and gratitude, his grin widening. “That really means a lot coming from you, Professor. Thank you.”

His teacher adjusted his glasses and leaned in slightly, his tone conspiratorial. “Now then, have you seen him tonight? Viktor, that is? I would like to congratulate him as well.”

Jayce shook his head, his gaze flicking around the room again. “Not yet, but I’ve been looking for him. Figured he’d be here somewhere. You haven’t seen him?”

Heimerdinger chuckled softly. “Oh, I haven’t laid eyes on him yet. I daresay he’d rather be in the lab than at a social event.”

Jayce nodded, letting out a long sigh. “Yeah, well. If I see him, I’ll let him know you enjoyed our project.”

“Thanks, lad.” The small man said, giving him a playful wink as he moved on to mingle with other faculty.

Jayce said goodbye with a simple hand gesture, trying not to show how he was starting to lose hope. But then he turned toward the back of the room…

And then he saw him.

Viktor stood near the far end of the hall with a tall champagne glass in his hand, his fingers lightly curled around the stem, while he held to his cane with his other hand, resting his weight on it as he casually looked into the distance. He was dressed with a subtle elegance that took Jayce by surprise: pleated charcoal trousers that fell perfectly against his frame, paired with a deep burgundy vest beautifully embroidered with dark green vine patterns on the side. It hugged his slim figure and emphasized the sharp lines of his shoulders, and beneath it, a crisp white shirt peeked out, the sleeves neatly rolled to his elbows, revealing the edge of the intricate tattoos that snaked along his forearms, just barely visible under the warm amber glow of the holiday lights.

And here I thought my outfit was too much…

For a moment, Jayce forgot how to breathe. When did he get here? And since when did Viktor dress like that ?

He blinked, then blinked again. It was as though Viktor belonged to a different era entirely, his refined style exuding a kind of timeless grace. His hair, slightly disheveled yet effortlessly in place, caught the soft gleam of the fairy lights draped along the walls. Jayce felt his breath catch in his throat, entirely captivated by the sight before him.

Shaking himself out of his daze, he made his way across the room, weaving through clusters of students and professors. His smile grew wider with every step, and by the time he reached Viktor, it felt almost impossible to contain.

“You made it.” Jayce said, the warmth in his voice unmistakable. “I didn’t think you’d actually show.”

Viktor glanced up, his expression calm but faintly amused. “You’re nothing if not persistent.” He replied, arching an eyebrow. “It seemed easier to come than to keep ignoring your messages. And also…” He raised his glass, half empty already. “There's alcohol. And food. So I won’t need to worry about tonight’s dinner, I suppose.”

Jayce laughed, the sound spilling out naturally. “Great.” He paused for a moment, simply gazing at the young man in front of him. “Oh! Before I forget: Professor Heimerdinger just came up to me. He wouldn’t stop talking about our presentation from yesterday. Said we set the bar for everyone else and insisted I pass his congratulations on to you.”

Viktor raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued but trying not to show it. “Did he now?”

“He did.” Jayce nodded earnestly. “He called us a ‘prime example of collaboration.’ Seriously, Viktor, you should’ve seen him. He was practically glowing.”

Viktor’s amusement deepened as he swirled the liquid in his glass. “That’s because he doesn’t have to work with you directly.”

“Hey!” Jayce protested, frowning playfully. “You’re saying I’m not a good partner?”

“I’m saying,” Viktor replied smoothly, “that I’m remarkably patient. And that patience might be why the Professor thinks so highly of us.”

“Harsh.” Jayce clutched his chest in mock offense before leaning in slightly, his voice dropping just enough to feel a bit more intimate. “You know, I actually told him you were the one who did most of the heavy lifting.”

Viktor glanced at him, his eyes narrowing slightly. “Such a gentleman.”

“I’m serious.” He insisted, stepping a little closer. “He said we make a good team. I think so too.” They stared at each other for a couple of seconds. The man in front of him stayed quiet, but his expression was gentle. Jayce knew Viktor wasn’t really great at receiving compliments, but that was enough to let him know he was grateful. “Anyway…” Jayce sighed. “Thanks for coming. I owe you one.”

Viktor tilted his head slightly, studying him. “You owe me nothing. It’s not as though I had pressing plans.”

“Still…” Jayce said, leaning in conspiratorially. “You’ve just saved me from an evening of awkward small talk and pretending to know what I’m doing. I was already starting to regret showing up.”

“Regret?” Viktor’s tone was skeptical. “You? You seem like the type who would thrive at these kinds of events.”

“Yeah, well…” Jayce shook his head. “The holiday decorations are nice, but the networking, the professors trying to impress investors… it’s all a bit exhausting. But with you here, it’s... less tiring.”

Viktor raised an eyebrow, and for a moment, Jayce braced himself for a sarcastic remark. But instead, Viktor took a sip of his drink, and his expression softened just enough to betray a hint of amusement. “Well, then. I suppose I’ll stay long enough to fulfill my role as your... what was it? Lifeline?”

“Exactly.” Jayce grinned. “My personal hero!”

“You’re being overly dramatic.” Viktor said dryly, though there was no bite to the words.

“Am I?” He teased. “Or am I just a guy who knows when he’s found the best partner-in-crime in the room?”

Viktor’s lips curved into an almost sly smile. Then, with a slow, almost unthinking movement, his tongue darted out, grazing across his bottom lip in a gesture so subtle it might have gone unnoticed by anyone else.

But not Jayce.

The moment landed squarely in his chest, a sudden knot tightening in his throat as he tried (and failed) to look away. His heart stuttered, heat pooling low in his stomach as the gesture replayed in his mind, unbidden and unstoppable. Before they knew it, a subtle but warm tension had begun to build up between them.

Viktor arched an eyebrow, his sharp gaze catching the slight shift in Jayce’s demeanor. “If you keep this up, I might start to believe you invited me for reasons other than my company.” He said, his accent thickening just in the slightest.

Jayce gulped, feeling the heat rise to his face. He tried to cover it with a laugh, pretending he wasn’t blatantly staring at Viktor’s lips just now, though it came out a little weaker than he’d hoped. “Your company’s reason enough. But if I’m being honest…” He paused for a brief second, hesitating before speaking, the air between them thickening in the brief pause. “You also look great tonight.”

Viktor blinked, clearly caught off guard. “It’s not a fashion competition.” He muttered, adjusting his vest self-consciously.

“It’s not.” Jayce agreed quickly, his grin turning sheepish. “I just meant- You look good. Really good. I like the vest.” He said as his eyes ran over the man’s figure.

Viktor rolled his eyes, but the faint blush up his neck betrayed him. “And here I thought you valued my mind above all else.”

Jayce laughed, his confidence bubbling back despite the tension crackling between them. “Who says I can’t appreciate both your looks and your brain, uh?”

Viktor simply looked away, trying desperately not to show the smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. Their banter slipped into an easy rhythm as the evening wore on. Together, they moved through the room, their conversations drifting between lighthearted teasing and genuine moments of connection.

For the first time in years, surrounded by twinkling lights and the scent of pine, Jayce found himself forgetting the cold weight of winter. And as Viktor’s quiet laughter joined the hum of the holiday crowd, Jayce couldn’t help but think that maybe, just maybe, this stupid Christmas event would be one to remember.

Chapter Text

Okay.

So maybe Jayce WAS flirting after all.

Viktor’s mind raced as he seated across the room, watching Jayce work the crowd with that effortless charm of his. The warmth of the room seemed to intensify, and he found himself clenching his fists at his sides, his cane gripped so tightly his knuckles ached. He hadn’t been able to shake the thought of Jayce lately, and now, everything about this man stirred something inside him, something he couldn’t ignore.

It was embarrassing. He could hardly look at himself in the mirror after the other day, when he'd practically ruined his own self-control at the thought of Jayce, staring at that photo of him on his phone. Viktor had never been like that before. He was never this… obsessed. And yet, somehow, Jayce had wormed his way into his thoughts. He couldn’t stop thinking about him, carnally, compulsively. Hell, he’d even jerked off to that stupid fucking photo.

And now, here he was, standing across the room, trying to act like he hadn’t completely lost his mind. And the reality was, he thought there was no way Jayce would ever be interested in him. They were colleagues, sure, but that was it. Viktor had always assumed Jayce’s interest in him had been professional, that he’d just been being nice or friendly in some naive, overzealous way.

But Jayce’s insistence for him to attend the department mixer, the casual, almost predatory glances, the playful teasing, the soft touches on his lower back while guiding him gently through the crowded room… He couldn’t ignore it anymore. Maybe… Just maybe… Jayce wasn’t as straight as Viktor originally thought. Maybe he really did feel attracted to him. Viktor wasn’t sure, but the tension in the air tonight was undeniable.

Viktor suddenly realized he was clenching his teeth, and his knuckles were white from gripping his cane so tightly, so he cleared his throat, and relaxed the tension in his body, trying to regain his composure. He observed the crowd like an outsider peering into a world he had no desire to join. It was a carefully orchestrated chaos, every interaction a performance of charm and self-importance. Viktor found it exhausting to watch, let alone participate in.

But Jayce? He was at the heart of it all, effortlessly gliding from one conversation to the next, a smile never leaving his lips. Viktor’s gaze was fixed on him despite his best intentions to look away, his mind too preoccupied with thoughts he couldn’t seem to push down. Jayce was the sun, and Viktor, stupidly, had become a planet orbiting far too close.

And then, of course, there was that . The lingering touch from a colleague, the way they laughed too closely, the way they’d placed a hand on Jayce’s arm a second too long. Viktor could feel his grip on the cane tightening again as he watched, irrationally jealous. He swallowed the rising frustration and glanced down at the glass in front of him, just staring down for a couple of minutes, trying not to get too overstimulated by all the noise and the multitude of people around him. In retrospect, he wished he’d brought his noise cancelling headphones with him…

“Enjoying yourself?”

Viktor’s attention snapped back up, startled by the voice. He looked up to find Jayce standing beside him, disheveled in all the right ways, he had taken off his jacket, the fabric on his turtleneck outlining his arms perfectly, his cheeks flushed from the warmth of the room and from having one too many glasses of champagne. Viktor’s chest tightened.

“Clearly.” Viktor replied dryly, gesturing to his newly untouched glass.

Jayce chuckled, a familiar glint in his eyes as he ran a hand through his hair and slid into the seat across from Viktor. “Lucky you. I’ve been dragged into four separate highly boring conversations and one or two very awkward attempts at flirting.”

“You sound disappointed.” Viktor remarked, unable to resist.

Jayce’s grin softened, a hint of sincerity creeping into his expression. “I’d rather be here with you.”

Viktor’s heart skipped a beat, and he tried to ignore the heat flooding his face. He glanced away quickly, pretending to focus on the far wall where a jazz quartet was playing awful christmas songs.

“Then why keep leaving?” Viktor muttered before he could stop himself.

Jayce’s expression shifted. He seemed surprised, vulnerable even, before he let out a sigh. “I didn’t want to. People just-” He ran a hand over his face. “They don’t really give me much of a choice.”

Viktor hummed noncommittally, his mind swirling. Jayce was here with him, but Viktor couldn’t understand why. Why him ? Why was Jayce paying so much attention to him?

“Then stay.” Viktor said quietly.

Jayce blinked, his smile shifting into something warmer, more genuine. “Is that an invitation?”

“Do not make me regret it.”

The young man chuckled and leaned in, putting his hand on Viktor’s knee. “You won’t.”

God fucking damn it.

That was too much. Maybe it was the warm ambience, maybe it was the alcohol, but this man was definitely up to something. Viktor couldn’t deny that the air between them crackled with something. Something raw. Electric. His own desires were too complicated, too intense. The idea of it made him dizzy.

And then came the real kicker.

“Hey.” Jayce said, standing suddenly. “Dance with me.” 

Viktor froze. His mind didn’t know how to process that. The sheer absurdity of it... and yet, the undeniable urge to accept. His heart was pounding too loudly in his chest.

“Excuse me?”

“You heard me.” The taller man grinned, stretching out his hand. “Dance with me.”

Viktor scoffed, looking at him in confusion. “I do not dance.” He replied, hoping his tone would end the discussion.

Jayce’s grin was mischievous. “Neither do I. But that’s not the point.”

Viktor raised an eyebrow. “What, exactly, is the point?”

Jayce’s voice dropped, a conspiratorial whisper. “If we’re dancing, maybe people will stop trying to talk to me.” He pointed behind Viktor’s back with his eyes. “Or you… seems like you have a couple of secret admirers of your own.”

Viktor hesitated, frowning slightly, before glancing over his shoulder. Sure enough, a trio of young women stood near the far side of the room, heads bent together as they whispered and occasionally glanced in his direction. The moment he turned to look at them, they burst into nervous giggles, quickly averting their eyes as if caught doing something forbidden. One of them, bolder than the others, peeked back again, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

“They’re probably looking at you.” Viktor said flatly, turning back towards Jayce. His tone was dismissive, but the hint of discomfort in his voice betrayed him.

Jayce tilted his head, as if considering it. “Could be.” He admitted with a nonchalant shrug, before adding “But I wouldn’t be so sure. I mean, look at you. You’ve got that mysterious, brooding loner thing going on. Add in the tattoos and the cane, and, well… you’re basically irresistible.”

Viktor scoffed, rolling his eyes. “You are ridiculous.”

Jayce laughed, the sound warm and genuine, leaning closer again with that same mischievous glint in his eyes. His breath was hot and smelled sweet, like caramel and alcohol. “Maybe, but I’m not wrong. You’ve got a whole vibe, Viktor. Very unapproachable intellectual with a touch of danger. People love that.”

Viktor huffed, his amusement growing by the minute. “If they do, it is entirely their problem.”

His partner leaned in even closer, his eyes pleading in a way Viktor could not ignore. As if he was trying to say ‘let it be my problem, then’ . He offered his hand again. “Just one dance. For me?”

Viktor’s pulse quickened. He couldn’t stop himself. It was as if Jayce had woven a spell around him, and no matter how hard Viktor fought, he couldn’t break free. He sighed, defeated. “You are insufferable.”

“Is that a yes?”

“It is a maybe.” Viktor muttered, standing shakily, leaving his cane behind. Jayce’s hand immediately steadied him, and Viktor’s breath hitched at the warmth of his touch.

As he followed Jayce to the improvised dance floor, Viktor couldn’t shake the nagging voice in his head that screamed this was a mistake. He stopped just short of stepping onto the polished floor, his hand tightening leaving his classmate’s.

“This is a terrible idea.” He mumbled.

“Probably.” Jayce turned to face him, his grin unwavering. “But terrible ideas make the best stories.” Without giving Viktor a chance to argue, Jayce reached out and gently took his hand again, his grip firm but careful, as if he knew how much permission he was pushing for.

Who the fuck is this man and what has he done with the Jayce I know?

Viktor glanced down at their joined hands, then up at Jayce, and sighed. “I do not know why I let you talk me into these things.”

“Because deep down, you know you’ll have fun. Or, at the very least, you’ll have something to mock me about later.”

Before Viktor could fire back, Jayce took a small step closer, his other hand resting lightly against Viktor’s waist. The touch was gentle but grounding, and it sent a ripple of awareness through his body. He let himself be maneuvered, if only because Jayce seemed so confident about what he was doing, and because Viktor could feel the weight of eyes on them already. If he bolted now, he’d never hear the end of it.

The two of them began to sway, a little awkward at first. Jayce’s movements were too broad, his footing a little uneven as he adjusted to match Viktor’s careful steps. Viktor scoffed softly. “For someone so determined to dance, you seem to have no idea what you’re doing.”

Jayce laughed quietly. “Told you. I don’t dance. But we’re figuring it out.”

Viktor’s brow furrowed as he focused on the rhythm of the music, trying to block out the discomfort of being so exposed, so visible. But then Jayce’s hand on his waist shifted slightly, gripping him just a little tighter, the warmth of his palm sinking through the fabric of Viktor’s vest, steadying him in a way that felt too intimate. Viktor’s breath hitched against his will, his pulse quickening.

He tried to keep his focus anywhere but on Jayce —on the other people who were dancing around, on the neutral notes of the music— but Jayce had a way of pulling attention. The taller man’s gaze never wavered, his grin softening into something almost tender as he watched Viktor.

“I think we’re doing great.” Jayce murmured, his tone warm and encouraging, as if this were some monumental achievement instead of a clumsy attempt to not trip over each other.

Viktor wanted to scoff, to roll his eyes, but all he could manage was a faint huff. “Tolerable.”

“High praise.” His dance partner teased.

As the seconds dragged into minutes, Viktor found himself loosening just slightly, letting Jayce guide the movements. His steps were cautious, but they matched Jayce’s now, the rhythm of their bodies slowly falling into sync. And then, against his better judgment, Viktor let himself really look at Jayce.

The man was still grinning like a fool, but there was something earnest in his expression, something disarming in the way his eyes gleamed with quiet determination. Jayce wasn’t laughing at him, wasn’t mocking him for his reluctance or awkwardness. He was just… there. Present. And utterly focused on Viktor, as though no one else in the room existed.

Viktor’s chest tightened at the realization, a strange mix of frustration and longing bubbling up inside him. He hated how exposed he felt in that moment, how his heart seemed to thrum faster every time Jayce’s hand shifted even slightly against him. He hated how much he wanted to lean into the warmth of that touch, how much he wanted to let go of the defenses he always kept so carefully in place.

And then when Jayce’s grin grew, all that pent-up frustration, confusion, and desire seemed to collapse into something fragile, raw. “You’re not half as charming as you think.” He whispered, his voice low but unsteady.

Jayce’s smile only grew. “But just charming enough, right?”

Goddamnit, Jayce. Enough for what?

Viktor didn’t reply, his mind too clouded. He was far too aware of everything between them—too aware of the growing pull, the things left unsaid. The song ended too soon, and Jayce’s hand lingered on Viktor’s for a moment longer than necessary. “Well, that was nice. Thanks for granting me this dance, gentleman.”

“You are lucky I am a fool.”

Jayce’s smile softened, his voice almost shy. “You’re not a fool.” He looked like he had something else to say, but nothing came out of his mouth.

As they returned to their table, Viktor couldn’t quite suppress the faint warmth spreading through his chest.

Jayce was definitely flirting.

And Viktor didn’t know how much longer he could pretend it was affecting a bit too much. 

*****

Viktor leaned against the wall, his cane steady beneath his hand, the cool metal grounding him as he observed the room. The mixer was still loud, a cacophony of overlapping conversations, laughter, and clinking glasses. It wasn’t a space designed for someone like him. The night continued on as a parade of polite facades, of people congratulating themselves on achievements they only half-understood or networking with an enthusiasm Viktor found nauseating. He had long since resigned himself to the monotony when the sound of a microphone crackling to life drew his attention.

Mel Medarda.

The moment she stepped onto the stage, the room shifted. Her confidence was palpable, her movements graceful and deliberate. Viktor tensed, instinctively wary. She was commanding, magnetic, the kind of person who could make anyone feel small without even raising her voice.

He didn’t know her personally, but he had heard about the Medarda family. Of course he’d heard about Mel. She was brilliant, he wouldn’t deny that, but there was something about her that set his teeth on edge. Maybe it was the fact that at the end of the day she was just a spoiled girl rotten in money. Maybe it was the ease with which she seemed to navigate spaces like this, her ability to charm a crowd with just a smile. 

“No way.” Jayce muttered beside him, a wide smile creeping onto his lips. “I’ll be right back.” He said walking near the stage.

Oh.

Okay, maybe what annoyed Viktor the most about Mel was the way she instantly spotted Jayce. The way she looked at him, the way she smiled when she saw him, as though he was something she had already claimed.

As she continued her speech, Viktor let his attention drift, the smooth cadence of her accent washing over him without meaning. He already knew the script: innovation, progress, the Medarda family’s unwavering support for young talent. It was a polished performance, perfectly tailored to the audience.

Mel’s voice cut through the ambient murmurs, steady and commanding. “I am particularly excited to announce that the Medarda Corporation will be funding the Distinguished Innovators Competition this year.” She said, her smile flawless. “This is an opportunity for all of you to showcase your ideas, your visions of progress, and to have the chance to bring them to life with the resources and support of our team. We encourage every one of you to participate. Your creativity is what drives Piltover forward.”

Polite applause rippled through the room, and Viktor resisted the urge to roll his eyes. Of course, she’d frame it as a generous act of altruism rather than the strategic PR move it so clearly was.

He found himself inevitably drawn to his partner again. Jayce stood near the front, a new champagne glass in hand (how many had he had already?), already surrounded by a small group of students. Even from across the room, Viktor could see the way they leaned toward him. Jayce was smiling, glancing at the woman on stage and casually replying to some comments from the people around him. The picture of effortless charisma.

And then Mel stepped down from the stage.

Viktor watched as she moved toward Jayce, her expression warm, almost intimate. The way she approached him, so sure of herself, so completely unbothered, made something in Viktor’s chest tighten. Jayce noticed her immediately, his smile widening in that way it always did when he saw someone he cared about.

They knew each other? Jayce is friends with THE Mel Medarda?

They exchanged a few words, and then Mel touched his shoulder, her hand lingering just a moment too long. Jayce didn’t seem to notice, but Viktor did. He noticed the ease of their interaction, the way they stood close, like they had done this a hundred times before.

It was infuriating .

What angered him most was the way their interactions made him feel. Jealousy was a foreign emotion, one he had long since dismissed as irrelevant. He had no right to feel this way. And yet, here it was, clawing at the edges of his composure.

He tried to look away, to focus on anything else, but his gaze kept drifting back to them. He watched as Mel said something that made Jayce laugh, the kind of laugh that came from deep in his chest. Viktor hated how natural it looked, how easy they seemed together.

The rational part of his mind told him it didn’t matter. Jayce was free to speak to whomever he pleased. But that didn’t stop the irrational part. The part that wanted to march over there and pull Jayce away, to remind him that Viktor was here too, standing on the sidelines as always. Instead, he tightened his grip on his cane and forced himself to focus on the floor. And then, realization hit him: 

He didn’t belong in Jayce’s world, not really.

Jayce was light, vibrant, the kind of person who could light up a room without even trying. And Viktor... Viktor was the opposite. Quiet, reserved, perpetually lingering in the shadows.

He told himself it was better this way. It was natural for Jayce to be friends with someone like Mel, someone who could match his energy, who could thrive in the same spaces he did. Viktor wasn’t that person, and he never would be.

But knowing that didn’t make it any easier to watch.

The sound of Jayce’s laughter reached him again, and Viktor couldn’t stop himself from looking up. Jayce was leaning toward Mel now, his expression open, unguarded, one that was reserved for people who could meet him on equal footing.

Viktor’s chest ached, a dull, persistent pain that he couldn’t quite ignore. He suddenly wanted to leave, to escape the suffocating atmosphere of the room, but his feet wouldn’t move.

And so, he stayed, watching from a distance. Jayce’s eyes flickered momentarily in his direction, and then he raised a hand, waving and smiling at him. Viktor frowned, trying to keep his gaze carefully neutral as Jayce suddenly approached with Mel. They stood side by side, a picture of effortless charm and confidence. Jayce, as always, radiated warmth, his presence magnetic, while Mel complemented him with her polished elegance.

“Viktor!” Jayce began, his voice as bright as ever, oblivious to the stiffness in the young man’s shoulders. “Hey, there’s someone I’d like you to meet. This is Mel Medarda.”

Mel extended her hand, her smile poised and inviting. “Viktor, I’ve heard a lot about you.”

“Have you now?” He asked, a touch of skepticism in his voice, as he shook her hand briefly.

“I have.” She smiled, looking him up and down, as if she was analyzing him. “Jayce speaks very highly of your work.”

“Does he?” He sighed, his tone monotonous, looking briefly at the man beside her, who was watching him with a hopeful expression that only made Viktor’s stomach twist. “Well, I’m sorry to say I can’t say the same thing. He hasn’t talked much to me about you. I didn’t even know you knew each other.”

One of Mel’s perfect eyebrows shot up, her smile hesitating for a second. “Oh. That’s fine. We barely see each other these days, but we actually go way back. Isn’t that right?” She asked turning to Jayce.

The man looked as lost and confused as ever, glancing between Mel and Viktor. “Ah, yeah! Yeah, that’s right. We met in highschool.”

“Right.” Viktor said dryly. He cleared his throat before speaking again, breaking the silence between the three of them. “Well, it sure was a pleasure meeting you, Miss Medarda.” His tone was polite but clipped, and his gaze didn’t linger on hers. Mel’s presence, her poised confidence, only served as a glaring reminder of the world Jayce belonged to. A world Viktor could never truly fit into. She was everything Jayce deserved: flawless, charming, an equal to his brilliance. “But I fear I’m not much for events like these. And my leg started to hurt a while ago, so I should probably be heading out.” He gave a half-step back, ignoring the way Jayce’s smile faltered, just slightly. “It’s been a long evening.” He offered a curt nod and a poor attempt at a smile, but it didn’t come out as he planned. “Goodnight to you both.”

Before either of them could respond, Viktor turned away, his cane tapping against the floor as he made his way to pick up his long coat. Then he went straight to the exit. The cool winter air hit him like a balm, and Viktor exhaled sharply. He told himself he was imagining it, the faint sound of hurried footsteps behind him.

“Viktor!”

He froze but didn’t turn. Of course.

Of course it was him.

“Hey, man! You really leaving already?” Jayce asked, breathless as he caught up.

Viktor tilted his head slightly, his tone deliberately detached. “I thought that much was obvious.”

Jayce hesitated, studying him like he was trying to decipher something. “Can we at least talk? Maybe take a walk? Just for a little while? I didn’t know you wanted to leave so soon.”

Viktor’s grip on his cane tightened. “That won’t be necessary.”

Jayce frowned, genuinely confused. “What do you mean?”

“I mean,” Viktor said, finally turning to face him, his expression unreadable but his voice sharp, “you don’t need to do this.”

“Do what?”

“Pretend.” Viktor said bluntly, his tone colder than he intended. “I know what this is. You feel sorry for me, don’t you? The poor cripple from the Undercity who looks so out of place at these perfectly curated social events.”

Jayce looked stunned, his lips parting as if to protest, but Viktor didn’t give him the chance.

“You’re trying to make me feel... included. I get that.” Viktor continued, his accent thickening with frustration. “But I don’t need your pity. I’ve always been perfectly fine on my own. You don’t owe me anything.”

“Pity?” Jayce echoed, his brows furrowing. “You think that’s why-”

“What else could it be?” Viktor snapped, his voice quieter but no less cutting. “Let’s not pretend, Jayce. We are... different. You-” He gestured vaguely, his lips curling into a bitter smirk. “You’re charming, brilliant, adored. And I- Well, I think you can see the difference.”

Jayce stepped closer, his expression softening despite the tension. “Viktor.” He said, his voice low, almost pleading. Hearing his own name on his lips made Viktor shiver. “I don’t pity you. If I’ve been trying to spend time with you, it’s because I want to.”

Viktor blinked, momentarily disarmed. Jayce exhaled, running a hand over his face as though trying to steady himself. His cheeks were slightly red from the champagne, and his eyes were glassy and full of confusion.

“You’re... fascinating, Viktor.” He continued. “Fuck, from the moment I first saw you in that flower shop, I haven’t been able to stop thinking about you.”

Oh.

The admission sent a jolt through Viktor, but he kept his face carefully composed, even as his pulse quickened.

“I thought you were intimidating at first.” Jayce continued. “But you’re also intriguing, and interesting and- Honestly really good-looking. And-” He paused, his voice dropping. “Well, you’re- You’re not exactly easy to ignore.”

Oh.

Viktor observed the man in front of him. His lips parted slightly as though on the verge of saying something, only to close again. His gaze, too intense, too warm, was fixed on Viktor, eager, like he was something Jayce was desperate to have. Something about the way he looked at him then, fierce, almost hungry, made Viktor’s chest tighten. It felt exciting, yet he also felt something slightly painful inside of him.

It wasn’t pity. No, Viktor could tell by the way Jayce had been looking at him all night that it wasn’t pity. All evening, Jayce had been there , hovering at the edge of Viktor’s space, brushing his fingers against his back as if testing the waters, leaning too close under the guise of conversation, eyes lingering a moment too long on Viktor’s mouth. The way Jayce had danced with him, those strong hands steady against his waist, holding him just firmly enough to keep him from pulling away entirely. It had all been too much, and yet Viktor couldn’t stop himself from craving more.

That look on his face was not pitiful. It wasn’t guilt either. 

It was desire. Pure and unfiltered. 

It was the same look Viktor had seen on others before. Men who wanted something casual, something physical. And yet, as Viktor’s gaze trailed over Jayce’s boyish grin, his damnably perfect face, and the way his shirt stretched taut across his chest, he felt a spark of something deeper.

But, no. That’s all it was. Jayce wasn’t special after all. He wanted Viktor, yes, but only in the way men like him always wanted something fleeting.

“And” Jayce continued, his voice quieter but no less earnest, “I’m not asking you to talk for a bit longer or to take a walk because I feel sorry for you. I’m asking because I don’t want you to leave yet. I want to have a little more time with you.”

He wants me. Viktor thought bitterly. And isn’t that exactly what I want too?

The question festered in his chest, an ache that refused to be silenced. Why, then, did the thought of Jayce touching him feel like both a relief and a punishment? Why did he feel anger —at Jayce, at himself— because this was all it would ever be?

“So…?” The man in front of him broke the silence. He looked nervous, awkward, even. “What do you say?”

Viktor didn’t respond right away, his jaw tightening as he looked straight into Jayce’s hazel eyes. What could he say? That he had been driving him mad all night, touching him in ways he couldn’t resist, smiling at him like he was some kind of prize, and now Viktor wanted him just as badly? That he hated how easy it had been for Jayce to worm his way under his skin?

Because wasn’t this exactly what Viktor wanted? Jayce’s attention, his hands, his lips pressed against his skin… Wasn’t that all he ever allowed himself to want?

“Fine.” Viktor said at last, his voice quieter now, almost resigned. “If you insist on going for a walk... my apartment isn’t far. Care to accompany me there?”

Jayce blinked, clearly surprised, but then a smile broke across his face, wide and boyish and devastating. “Yeah, sure. Lead the way.”

As they walked side by side under the dim streetlights, Viktor allowed himself one fleeting glance at Jayce. His broad shoulders, his easy smile, the way his hair caught the light… everything about him was maddeningly perfect.

Viktor’s fingers tightened around the handle of his cane as a thought echoed in his mind, unbidden and unrelenting.

Maybe this will be enough. Just one night. Just this.

Maybe then, he could forget the way Jayce’s smile made his chest ache.

Chapter Text

He actually said it.

Oh god, he actually said it.

I haven’t been able to stop thinking about you.

The words hung in the air, fragile yet impossibly heavy. Jayce’s heart hammered against his ribcage, each beat louder than the last. It wasn’t some grand declaration of love, no poetic confession worthy of the ages. But for Jayce, in this moment, it was everything. The admission had tumbled out of him, clumsy and unpolished, fueled by the warmth of alcohol and the reckless courage it gave him. Surely, it was enough—right? Viktor must have understood what he meant.

And yet, the silence between them on the walk to Viktor’s apartment was deafening. Each step felt like an eternity, the quiet stretching taut between them like a string ready to snap. Viktor hadn’t responded, not directly. He just agreed to the walk. And Jayce found that enough. He just wanted to spend time with Viktor at this point. Anything. Anywhere. It was fine.

But his silence gnawed at Jayce, a hollow ache of uncertainty settling in his chest. What did it mean? Did he misstep? Was Viktor too polite to brush him off outright? Jayce tried not to spiral, but his mind was a mess of overanalyzing every glance, every shift in Viktor’s expression, searching for something —anything— that might give him hope.

He filled the quiet with his voice, rambling in a desperate attempt to mask his nerves. “You know, tonight was kind of ridiculous. I mean, how many more times do people need to ask me about ‘innovation in today’s landscape’? Like, what does that even mean?” He laughed, his voice louder than it needed to be, a weak attempt to lighten the mood.

Viktor’s soft snort was barely audible over the rhythmic tap of his cane against the cobblestones, but Jayce caught it. That sound—a flicker of amusement—was enough to make his heart flutter. He glanced over at Viktor, and for a fleeting moment, he caught it: a dark, steady intensity in his gaze, like he was seeing right through him. It sent a shiver down Jayce’s spine, the kind of look that made him feel exposed, laid bare in a way he couldn’t put into words.

“And Mel, right?” Jayce continued, his words tumbling over each other. “I mean, she’s great with speeches, but honestly, does anyone actually listen after the first thirty seconds?” He threw in some air quotes for emphasis, trying to sound nonchalant, but Viktor’s quiet, knowing look made him falter.

“Maybe you should write her next speech.” Viktor said finally, his voice low and dry, laced with something that wasn’t quite humor.

The comment made Jayce’s smile twitch, hesitation creeping into the corners of his expression. Still, he felt a rush of pride at having earned even a trace of Viktor’s attention. But that small moment of connection faded as quickly as it came, the quiet returning to stretch between them once more.

When they finally reached Viktor’s apartment, Jayce wasn’t sure what he’d been expecting. A quick goodbye, maybe, or an awkward parting…

"Well, uh..." Jayce began. "Thank you for letting me walk you home. And for the evening, and-"

"Jayce." Viktor interrupted. His voice was sharp, almost dry, but his eyes, those maddening eyes, carried something that Jayce couldn’t decipher. He opened the door and looked at him with an unreadable expression. “Are you coming in, or do you plan to stand out there all night?”

Jayce blinked, startled. The invitation caught him kinda off guard, his mind scrambling to catch up. “Oh, uh… sure. Thanks.” He tried to sound casual, but his heart was racing, anticipation thrumming through him like an electric current.

Okay, maybe Viktor wasn't as uninterested in him as he thought.

Inside, Viktor’s apartment was small but distinctly him: quiet, deliberate, and unassuming, with an underlying warmth that surprised Jayce. The air smelled faintly of lavender, mingling with the earthy scent of old wood and something metallic. There were some potted plants scattered around the corners and some others hanging from the walls. A white cat with gray streaks lounged on the back of a chair, its sharp, curious gaze fixed on Jayce with an intensity that mirrored Viktor’s own.

“You have a cat?” Jayce asked, his voice higher than he intended as he gestured awkwardly toward the animal. “What's his name?”

“Her name” Viktor corrected him, "is Rio." His tone was absent, his movements efficient, controlled, like he had done this so many times before it was automatic.

“Oh, right. Sorry.” Jayce crouched, extending a hand toward the cat, who regarded him coolly before leaning forward to sniff him. “Hi, Rio. You’ve got a cool name, huh?”

He tried to keep his attention on the animal, still analyzing him with her big eyes, but his gaze kept drifting back to Viktor. He filled a small bowl with food and shook it around a bit, making a rattling sound. The feline instantly jumped off the chair and ran toward his owner. He then proceeded to open a small door in one of the corners of the studio (the bathroom, Jayce assumed) and put the bowl inside, which made Rio instantly get in the room and start eating.

Viktor caressed her fur as she ate. "I need you to stay here for a bit, okay, baby?" His tone was so gentle, his voice spilling like honey. Jayce’s breath hitched at the sound, low and intimate, the way the word ‘baby’ rolled off his tongue. “Be a good lady will you?” He continued, scratching her head. Rio was too busy devouring her food, though.

Viktor stood up and closed the bathroom door behind him, walking to a small closet as he shrugged off his coat and left his cane resting against the furniture.

"I don't mind." Jayce muttered. Viktor looked at him briefly, his eyes almost asking. "The cat, I mean. I like animals, I don't mind her being around with us."

"It's fine." Viktor said dryly as he hung his coat.

“Right." The tan man looked around awkwardly, taking off his own jacket and leaving it in the chair where only moments before Rio was sitting. "Cozy place. Uh. I like the..." He gestured vaguely to some ferns hanging on one of the walls. "The plants and all. Very you."

Viktor’s look silenced him. It was an unreadable glance, almost as if he was studying him, figuring out what Jayce was really here for.

“You don’t have to keep talking, Jayce.” He said, his voice even and calm.

Jayce frowned a bit, opening his mouth slightly to say something, although he wasn't really sure what he wanted to say. Before he could respond, Viktor stepped toward him, his pace slow but assured. Jayce barely registered himself taking a step back until the edge of the bed pressed against the back of his legs, forcing him to sit down with a soft thud.

There was a shift in the air, a weight that made Jayce’s pulse quicken. Viktor stood over him, close enough that Jayce could feel the faint warmth radiating from him. The white light of the room surrounded him like some kind of saintly halo. He was so beautiful. He was the most stunning man Jayce had ever seen.

Jayce’s breath caught as Viktor reached out, his hand brushing against his hair in a slow, deliberate motion. The touch was impossibly gentle, almost reverent. Jayce was losing his mind. He just kept staring at him, mouth half open in awe, feeling his nerves stand on edge when he felt Viktor's fingers against his scalp. This was insane. This was absolutely insane. Just the thought of having Viktor touch him like that was making him crazy.

"What-" Jayce managed to say. His voice came out as little more than a whisper.

“Shh.” Viktor’s tone was firm yet soft, his eyes burning with something Jayce couldn’t quite name.

It wasn’t the reassurance Jayce expected. But his pulse quickened when Viktor’s fingers trailed down, brushing against the back or his neck and then moved to his face, his thumb ghosting over his jaw. Jayce let out an embarrassingly long sigh. Viktor's touch felt amazing, despite his cold hand pressing against his face. He looked at him directly in the eyes, warm golden honey sparkling with desire.

For a moment, Jayce thought —no, hoped — that Viktor might lean in, might kiss him. But instead, his thumb ran across his lower lip, his eyes fixed on his trembling mouth. To Jayce's surprise, it didn't end there. His breath hitched, as he felt Viktor's thumb pushing gently in between his lips and through his teeth, his mind a haze of want and disbelief. 

And Jayce, even as shocked as he was, let him. Of course he let him. He parted his lips almost instinctively, the weight of Viktor’s touch anchoring him in place. He didn't break eye contact, not even for a second. Jayce’s heart was pounding so loudly he was sure Viktor could hear it.

And then, he sucked.

Slowly at first, tentatively, his tongue brushing against Viktor’s thumb as if tasting the very essence of him. Viktor’s eyes darkened, a faint, incredulous smirk tugging at the corner of his lips, his eyebrows arching in a gesture of pleasant surprise. He then slowly exchanged his thumb for his index and middle finger. 

Oh, Jayce surely wasn't holding back anymore.

He opened his mouth, running around his tongue against the man’s fingers as an embarrassing groan choked on his throat. He licked every inch of Viktor’s skin with sloppy and wet sounds, almost slurping desperately as if he wanted to taste him through his fingertips.

Viktor parted his lips, letting out an incredulous gasp as he pushed further into his mouth. Jayce’s hands gripped the edge of the bed, grounding himself as he took Viktor’s fingers, the heat of the moment drowning out any lingering doubts. Every movement felt electric, every glance between them charged with a tension that made the air thick and heavy.

He wanted more . 

God, he wanted so much more .

And by the look in Viktor’s eyes, so did he.

Jayce’s breathing was ragged, his chest heaving as Viktor’s fingers lingered in his mouth, the taste of his skin intoxicating and leaving him craving something he couldn’t even name. It felt like the world had narrowed to just this —just them— every fleeting thought in Jayce’s head replaced by the visceral pull of Viktor’s presence.

Then, Viktor’s fingers slid free, slow and deliberate. Jayce swallowed hard, the absence of his partner’s touch almost unbearable, and he licked his lips instinctively, catching the faintest trace of him still lingering there. He couldn't help but wonder how other parts of him would taste like.

“A little eager, are we not?” Viktor whispered, his accent thick and tainted with low, deep desire, and a soft hint of amusement.

The words sent a jolt of electricity through directly to Jayce’s cock. This was too much. He wasn’t expecting to end his night like this. But of course he wasn’t going to complain.

Jayce’s eyes locked onto Viktor’s, wide and unsure, his lips parted as though he was about to say something, but the words never came. Viktor didn’t wait for a reply either. Instead, he eased himself down, carefully positioning his leg to avoid any strain, until he was sitting between Jayce’s parted legs.

His mind scrambled to keep up, hands gripping the bed’s edge as if it were the only thing keeping him grounded. Viktor’s steady hands reached out, brushing against his knees and up his thighs, and then — God — his fingers found the buckle of Jayce’s belt.

“Viktor.” Jayce breathed, the sound dark and needy, filled with equal parts disbelief and anticipation. He wasn’t sure if he was about to protest or beg him to keep going. His body was on fire, every nerve alight as Viktor’s deft fingers worked the clasp, the faint clink of metal loud in the charged silence of the room.

Viktor’s expression was unreadable, his brow furrowed in quiet focus, but there was something in his gaze—something that made Jayce’s stomach twist. It was as if Viktor had claimed every shred of control in the room, and all Jayce could do was surrender to it.

When Viktor tugged at his pants, Jayce instinctively lifted his hips, propping himself up on his hands to give him room to continue. Viktor’s eyes fixed on his underwear, the silhouette of his hard cock under it, with a small wet spot on top. Jayce swallowed hard, trying to conceal his embarrassingly heavy breaths. This was Viktor. This was Viktor in front of him, touching him, doing things he had imagined, things he had fantasized about for far too long.

And Viktor had the fucking audacity to smile . A big, sly, dirty fucking smile settled on his lips. He was enjoying this. Seeing him like this, all messy and eager for him to keep going, like a trembling animal. And Jayce kinda hated that he liked feeling so helpless.

And then he touched him. Deliberately, no hesitation, straight to the point. He grabbed Jayce’s length through his boxers with his pale and elegant hand, and Jayce could barely contain the breathy groan that came out of his mouth. He was eager to find out how good those fingers would look completely wrapped around his cock.

“Fuck, Vik.” He whined, the nickname almost escaping his lips like it was the most natural thing in the world.

“It’s okay.” Viktor silenced him, brushing his hand against his erection. “I understand what you want.”

Suddenly, those words made Jayce’s stomach churn. The room seemed to shrink, the air thickening with tension. He couldn’t make sense of it, couldn’t keep up with the wave of emotions crashing over him. He could feel his thoughts spiraling, hazy from the alcohol they’d both consumed. There was something about this moment that felt wrong. He suddenly realized Viktor's actions felt too methodical, too practiced. Hell, they hadn't even kissed yet. Viktor went straight to the point.  Directly to assure Jayce's pleasure. It almost felt like he was treating this as some kind of transaction.

Jayce’s chest tightened. He had been dreaming about this, fantasizing about Viktor in ways he didn’t want to admit, but this wasn’t what he wanted.

Viktor leaned in, and pressed a kiss to the head of Jayce’s still clothed erection.

Fuck.

Jayce wanted to stop him, but Viktor sure was making it really hard for him to even articulate a single word. He allowed himself to gently put a hand in his head, running his fingers through his soft and messy hair.

"Wait, Vik." He managed to say, trying to keep his tone soft. "You don't need to- We can-"

“It’s fine.” Viktor replied quietly, without even looking at him, his lips still brushing against the fabric of his boxers. “Just let me do this.” His voice was too serious, almost dry.

Something inside Jayce's chest ached. This wasn’t what he wanted. This wasn’t how he wanted it to be.

"Wait. No, I-" His hand moved to Viktor's face and he pulled him away gently. “No, Viktor. That’s not it. This is- This isn't what I meant.”

Viktor’s eyes flickered with confusion, his brow furrowing. “Then what did you mean, Jayce? What is this?”

He felt his heart pounding in his ears. His words stumbled out, clumsy and full of emotion. “I- I don't know. I just. I don't want you to just-" He huffed, grasping his head with his left hand. 

Viktor scoffed, his expression slowly turning more and more annoyed. "What? What, Jayce? What the fuck do you want from me, then? I don't understand."

"I- I want you. I just- I just want you." He simply said.

"Then why did you stop me?" He sounded genuinely angry. For a long moment, Jayce just stared at him, without really knowing what to say. He let out a frustrated sigh and stood, straightening up, brushing his hands as though to dismiss the moment entirely. "You don't even know what you’re saying."

Jayce frowned, his expression turning earnest, almost desperate, as he awkwardly pulled his pants back on. “No, no. I know exactly what I’m saying. It's just-”

“Don’t." Viktor cut him off with a sharp shake of his head. "Just… don't.” He rubbed his temple, avoiding Jayce's gaze. “You’re drunk. And I-” He hesitated, his eyes briefly meeting Jayce’s before looking away again. “I can’t do this right now.”

Jayce’s throat tightened, the words caught in his chest. “Viktor, I-”

“It’s probably best if you go." He said, his voice soft but final. Jayce stood, his knees weak beneath him. He was drowning in confusion and guilt, in regret and longing, but the look in Viktor’s eyes —the emptiness— was enough to silence him. “Please.” The man in front of him insisted, his voice low, almost pleading. “I need to think.”

A suffocating silence blanketed the studio, thick and oppressive, broken only by the faint sound of Viktor’s uneven breathing. He stood there, rigid and small, bracing himself with one hand gripping the edge of the desk like it was the only thing keeping him upright. His head was bowed, his shoulders tense, his face turned away as if even meeting Jayce’s eyes would be too much to bear. 

Jayce’s chest ached at the sight. His fingers twitched at his sides—he wanted to reach out, to say something, anything, to fix whatever had just broken between them. But he couldn't find the words. His brain just wasn't working.

“Okay.” He finally whispered, his voice raw and barely audible as he felt the weight of his own failure press down on him. It wasn’t an answer, not really. It was an acceptance of the inevitable.

He stood frozen for a moment, then forced his feet to move, reaching out for his jacket before crossing the room to the door, each step feeling heavier than the last. Then, he paused with his hand on the handle, his heart pounding in his ears. Something in him screamed to turn around, to try again, to find the right words before it was too late. He stole one last glance over his shoulder, hoping —praying— for a flicker of acknowledgement, anything to suggest that Viktor didn’t want him to leave. But he didn’t look at him. His gaze stayed fixed on the floor, his face hidden, his entire posture screaming a kind of resignation that made Jayce’s stomach twist painfully.

Swallowing the lump in his throat, Jayce turned back to the door. He pushed it open and stepped out, closing it behind him with a soft click that seemed to echo in his ears.

Outside, the night air hit him like a shock, cold and biting against his skin, but it did nothing to clear the haze in his mind. He stood there for a moment, staring blankly at the empty street. The tightness in his chest only grew as the reality of what had just happened sank in.

He ruined it. Everything felt too rushed, too transactional. And that’s not what he wanted. But he hadn’t found the right words to tell Viktor that.

Jayce clenched his fists, nails biting into his palms, his jaw tightening as he fought back the storm of emotions threatening to overwhelm him. Shame, regret, and a hollow, gnawing ache churned in his stomach. The thought of Viktor, alone in that studio, his face etched with that same defeated expression, was almost unbearable.

The chill of the night seeped into his bones, but it wasn’t enough to numb the ache. Jayce’s thoughts spiraled, his mind replaying every moment, until one truth stood out above the noise: whatever chance he’d had with Viktor —whatever tentative hope he’d been holding onto— it was probably gone. Whatever delicate bloom they had been nurturing between them had begun to wither, its petals curling and falling away before it could fully flourish.

And the loss of it left him feeling hollow in a way he hadn’t known was possible.

Chapter Text

The morning after the mixer felt like a cruel joke.

Every step of Viktor’s walk to campus felt heavy. He hadn’t slept much, his mind running laps around the disaster that had been the night before. Why had he let himself act like such a fool? Worse, why had he assumed —however briefly— that Jayce Talis could ever… No. He shook the thought away, his grip tightening on the handle of his cane.

By the time Viktor reached the classroom, his resolve was set: he’d try to not engage into conversation and just focus on the class. The only thing worse than embarrassing himself would be letting Jayce know just how much it all had gotten under his skin. He found his seat near the window, opened his notes, and stared blankly at the words on the page.

“Hey.”

Viktor’s stomach twisted. He could recognize his voice anywhere at this point.

He hadn’t even seen Jayce arrive, but there he was, smiling like they hadn’t just endured the most awkward night imaginable.

“Hey.” He reluctantly replied.

Jayce lingered beside the desk for a beat too long before sitting down. The scrape of his chair against the floor set Viktor’s teeth on edge.

“How’s it going?” His classmate asked, all too bright and cheerful for someone who was clearly forcing it.

Viktor didn’t reply. He just shrugged and kept his eyes on the notebook in front of him, pretending to review notes he didn’t need to look at. He thought he heard Jayce clear his throat, an awkward shift of weight in the chair beside him, and the faint creak of his backpack being dropped to the floor.

“So… uh, did you see the Industrial Automation homework?” Jayce tried again, his voice overly casual. “Kind of fucked up, huh? Who sends homework during the holiday season?”

Viktor’s pen scratched a little too hard against the paper. He exhaled slowly through his nose. “I saw it, yes.”

Another silence. Viktor hoped it would last.

Obviously, it didn’t.

“Well.” Jayce spoke again, as if unsure how to respond to Viktor’s clipped tone. “At least we’ll have plenty of time to get it done, I guess.”

Viktor didn’t look up. “You might need plenty of time. I already started it.”

It was a lie. An obvious, blatant lie. But Viktor was angry . And he couldn’t help the irritation that flickered in his chest.

There was a beat of silence. Out of the corner of his eye, Viktor saw Jayce’s shoulders slump ever so slightly. Good. He thought bitterly, though it didn’t feel like much of a victory.

“Impressive.” Jayce said after a moment, still trying. His voice had softened, as though he was afraid to step on a landmine. “Always ahead of the game.”

Viktor let out a quiet, humorless laugh. “It’s called preparation, Jayce. Perhaps you should try it sometime.”

He didn’t mean for the words to come out so sharp, but they did. Jayce sighed, running a hand over his face, and Viktor hated the way his heart pinched at the sight. Jayce always did that when he was nervous, when he actually cared about what someone thought. For a moment, Viktor’s anger faltered, replaced by something uncomfortably close to guilt.

No. Don’t be stupid.

A flash of something unreadable crossed Jayce’s face before he quickly plastered on that same, unbearably pleasant expression.

“Yeah. I’ll keep that in mind.” Jayce replied, voice tight but still trying to sound light.

For some reason, that only made Viktor angrier. Why was Jayce acting like this? Like everything was fine? Like they hadn’t made complete fools of themselves last night? Viktor didn’t know what Jayce’s game was, pretending as if nothing had happened, but it was infuriating. Did he think ignoring it would somehow make it disappear? That Viktor didn’t have enough pride to be at least a little offended?

Viktor’s hand tightened on his pen as he heard Jayce’s fingers insistently tapping against his desk. He shifted beside him again, clearly uneasy. He was quiet for a long moment before trying once more. “Hey, um… Should we maybe… talk?”

Viktor swallowed. Oh, this might have been even worse than him trying to ignore the elephant in the room. The last thing he wanted to do right now was talk about it. What could he say anyway?

Oh, don’t worry, it was nothing!

Don’t flatter yourself. It’s not that deep.

What do you want from me, Jayce? What do you expect me to be or do? 

Yeah, uh, actually, fuck you for confusing the shit out of me and not even letting me get laid while at it.

Yeah, no. None of those would be a good idea.

He glanced at his desk partner briefly, expression neutral. “Aren’t we talking?”

“No, I mean-” Jayce sighed. “You know what I mean.”

Viktor’s laugh was short and humorless. “Do I?” He gave him an annoyed look. “I think you’re the one having trouble figuring out what this means.” He made a swaying motion with his pen, pointing at himself, then at Jayce.

“Look, that’s not-”

“No. It’s fine.” Viktor snapped, the edge in his voice startling even him. “Why do you want to talk? So we can laugh about it later? I’m sure you have better things to do, Jayce.”

He didn’t mean it. Of course he didn’t mean it. But the words were out before he could think better of them, and the hurt on Jayce’s face stung like salt in an open wound. Viktor dropped his gaze back to his notes, his pulse pounding in his ears.

“Okay.” Jayce said after a long pause. His voice was quiet again, unsure.

For a long time, neither of them said anything. In fact, they stayed silent until the teacher entered the lecture hall and started the class. Viktor tried to force himself to not look at Jayce, his chest tight and burning. He felt stupid. Stupid for overreacting, stupid for hurting him, and worst of all, stupid for ruining what might have been his one real chance at friendship.

But a part of him was still angry. Angry that Jayce had made him feel something, had gotten his hopes up even a little, only to turn it into nothing. And somewhere, buried deep beneath the anger and frustration, was the raw ache of disappointment.

You really are a fool, Viktor.

*****

By the time the class ended, Viktor was seething. Mostly at himself.

He was just trying to talk, a small voice in his mind pointed out, but Viktor shoved the thought aside. Jayce didn’t get to pretend nothing had happened. He didn’t get to breeze in here, flashing smiles and friendly chatter, as if he didn’t just fuck things up the night before.

You’re angry because you embarrassed yourself. Viktor thought, disgusted. You’re angry because you care.

He got up and walked out the classroom without even looking at Jayce. He didn’t trust himself to speak, so he didn’t. He crossed the hallway lazily, head full of noise and unnecessarily complicated thoughts.

In truth, it wasn’t Jayce’s fault, not really. He was well aware he hadn’t even let him explain himself last night. But the sting of embarrassment and the bitterness of disappointment were still too fresh, and Viktor didn’t know what to do with the ugly knot of emotions twisting inside him. He wasn’t that angry at him. Not anymore. Most of the frustration he felt was directed inward, at himself, at his stupid assumptions, at the flicker of hope he hadn’t been able to suppress. For one brief moment at the mixer, he’d let himself believe that maybe, just maybe, Jayce saw him differently. But of course, he’d been wrong. He always was.

In reality, Jayce was just probably having some kind of weird sexuality crisis, or maybe he just felt bored and Viktor had been the nearest distraction that night.

And then came the second thoughts. Then came regret. Then came absence.

For now, ignoring Jayce was easier.

Or at least, that’s what Viktor told himself.

But the worst part was, he still couldn’t shake the image of Jayce’s face. The way he’d looked at him last night after he had told him to stop, and then again this morning. Confused. Concerned. Like he actually cared.

Viktor closed his eyes, shaking off that last thought away.

He didn’t want to get his hopes up.

*****

By the time Viktor reached the flower shop, the air outside felt heavier, pressing against his chest as if the entire city conspired to sap his energy. The faint sweetness of blooming flowers greeted him as he unlocked the door, letting himself inside. At least the tiny shop was warm and cluttered, a comforting mess of greenery spilling from every corner. Viktor let the door click shut behind him, leaning briefly on his cane as he gathered himself. The morning had already drained him more than he cared to admit.

Sky, his coworker, was arranging a small display of succulents near the counter. She glanced up as he entered, her face brightening in a way that made Viktor instantly regret coming in looking as miserable as he felt.

“Viktor! Hi!” She greeted, though her cheerful tone faltered as she got a better look at him. “You look… rough. Are you okay?”

Viktor sighed, running a hand through his hair. His relationship with Sky was, at best, cordial, so he wasn’t really gonna be honest and say that he, indeed, wasn't okay at all. He wasn't particularly close with Sky, but he found her pleasant enough. She covered the morning shifts on the days he worked, and she always welcomed him with the widest of smiles. They shared a tenuous connection, both having grown up in Zaun, and Sky had once mentioned they’d been in the same primary school class for a year. Viktor, however, had no real memory of her from those days. She was kind —almost too kind at times— but her shyness made her difficult to read, leaving Viktor unsure how to navigate their interactions. And on any other day, he might have been able to tolerate the small talk and polite exchanges, but today, the last thing he wanted was to deal with more social niceties than strictly necessary.

“Good afternoon.” He sighed, shaking off his coat and walking toward the counter. “I’m fine.”

“You sure?” Sky frowned, her brows knitting together in concern. “You look tired.”

“I’ve had worse nights.”

“Right.” She hesitated, then gestured toward the back room. “Do you want me to stay for a bit? We’ve still got those monstera pots to move, and they’re a nightmare to lift on your own.” She let out a small awkward chuckle, adjusting her golden glasses. “I was going to do it before I left, but I can stay and help if you want.”

Viktor stiffened at her offer, and his grip on the counter’s edge tightened imperceptibly. “I said I’m fine.” He snapped, sharper than he intended. “I’ve been working here for a while, I think I can manage.”

Sky blinked, clearly taken aback by the harshness of his tone. Her lips parted as if to respond, but instead, she looked down, her shoulders sagging slightly. “Right. Of course. Sorry, I didn’t mean…” Her voice was quieter now. She trailed off, taking off her apron and starting to gather her things.

The sight of her retreating expression struck a nerve in Viktor’s chest. Guilt clawed at him immediately. “Sky.” He rubbed a hand over his face, leaning on his cane as if trying to gather himself. “I apologize. That was… uncalled for.”

She stopped, glancing over her shoulder with a small, uncertain smile.

Viktor sighed. “It’s just been… a long day, and I didn’t sleep well.” He said as he rested his cane on top of the counter and started to put on his own apron. “And my temper…” He trailed off, gesturing vaguely with his hand. “Well, it’s not at its best.”

Sky hesitated before leaning on the counter, resting her chin on her hands as she looked at him, her expression shifting to something gentler. “It’s okay. Bad days happen.” He nodded, unsure what else to say, but Sky tilted her head, studying him. “Do you want to talk about it?”

Viktor opened his mouth to brush her off. He didn’t make a habit of sharing, not really. But there was something in Sky’s quiet patience that made him pause. She wasn’t pushing, wasn’t prying… just offering a lifeline, should he choose to take it. After a moment of silence, he huffed, sitting down on a stool behind the counter.

“Have you ever tended to a plant that… confuses you?”

Sky blinked, scrunching her nose. “Confuses me?”

“Yes.” Viktor glanced toward a shelf lined with small succulents. “You water it, give it sunlight, try to nurture it, but then it just…” He gestured vaguely with his hand, searching for the right word. “… wilts.”

Sky followed his gaze, her brows knitting together in thought. “I guess? There’s this ficus at home that always drops its leaves no matter what I do. It drives me crazy.”

“Yes, well.” He shrugged. “That’s what I mean. You gave the ficus what you thought it needed, right? But then it withers before it even has a chance to bloom.” He pressed his lips in a thoughtful expression. “Or perhaps it thrives too quickly? Too unpredictably. And you don’t know why.”

Sky frowned, clearly trying to process the metaphor. Then, her gaze softened as she looked at him, and Viktor could’ve sworn her eyes carried some kind of subtle sadness. Disappointment, even. “You’re not really talking about plants, are you? ”

He said nothing, letting the silence settle between them. His fingers traced the grain of the wooden stool absentmindedly, his thoughts tangled and knotted like the roots of an overgrown tree.

Sky let out a soft sigh, tucking a wild strand of hair behind her ear. “I think,” she finally broke the quiet, “sometimes you just have to give it time. Plants don’t grow on your schedule, you know? They need space, light, the right conditions… but they figure it out eventually.” She shrugged, a small, shy smile playing at her lips. “And also, sometimes, we just have to let some plants grow, whether we want them to or not.” Her gaze drifted to the rows of greenery around them. "There are times where we have to put up with a few weeds if we want to grow any flowers."

Viktor stared at her, his brow furrowing. The logic in her words felt painfully simple, but it still struck a chord. He nodded faintly, his gaze drifting to the floor.

“Perhaps.” He murmured, more to himself than to her.

The young woman seemed to sense the conversation nearing its end. She offered him one last gentle smile. “Anyway… if you need anything just give me a call. I don’t mind staying.” She reached for her coat, slinging it over her shoulder. “Or if you ever want to just… Talk. Without the metaphors, and all.” She shrugged, a shy chuckle escaping her lips. “I’m around.”

He managed a faint smile, one that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Thank you, Sky.” He said, his tone soft but firm. “I’ll be fine. Truly.”

She nodded, though a bit of concern still lingered in her eyes. Viktor watched her go, the shop door closing with a soft chime behind her.

Left alone among the greenery, Viktor let out a long breath, his gaze drifting to the heavy monstera pots in the corner. For a moment, he simply stood there, the silence pressing against him. The metaphor lingered in his mind, the thought of flowers wilting before their time refusing to leave him. He moved to start his shift, his body going through the motions of lifting, arranging, and watering. Though his mind was somewhere else entirely.

The image of Jayce’s saddened expression from this morning refused to leave him. It hovered in his thoughts like a shadow, pulling at his focus, tugging at his chest. He didn’t want to care. He didn’t want to feel anything at all.

But, like Sky had described, some things grew whether you wanted them to or not.

Chapter Text

The day couldn’t end fast enough.

Jayce slung his bag over his shoulder and exited the lecture hall, the buzz of chatter from other students fading into background noise. For the third day in a row, he and Viktor had barely exchanged more than a handful of words. Each interaction —if you could even call them that— was an awkward exchange of glances, clipped replies, and uncomfortable silences. And the worst part? Today was the last day of classes before the Christmas holidays. So he definitely wasn't gonna be able to talk to Viktor and clear things up, at least until January.

Although Jayce had stopped trying to force conversation anyway. Viktor clearly didn’t want to talk to him, and Jayce was starting to think he couldn’t blame him.

Maybe I should’ve kept my mouth shut that night. Maybe it would’ve been better to just… let things happen.

The thought left a sour taste in his mouth.

He replayed that moment in his head, something he couldn’t seem to stop doing. Jayce could still feel the heat of his breath against his skin, the rush of desire that had left him breathless, the way his heart had nearly pounded out of his chest. Viktor had been so beautiful like that, so utterly irresistible. And yet, the memory felt wrong.

There had been no lead-up. No stolen glances. No slow exploration of touch, no gentle kisses to ease them into something more. It had been… mechanical, almost. As if Viktor had been trying to do him a favor, a favor Jayce never asked for.

And that had made him feel like shit.

Because that’s not what he wanted. He didn’t want Viktor like that. He didn’t want something rushed, something devoid of feeling. He wanted him. Every part of him. 

He wanted hours of sitting next to Viktor, undressing him with his eyes before he ever put a hand on him. He wanted to trace his tattoos, kiss every mole, memorize the way Viktor’s body moved under his touch. He wanted to take his time, to feel Viktor’s breaths against his skin, to learn what his hands would feel like as they explored him in return. He wanted to kiss him for hours —deep, slow kisses that left them both dizzy— and fall asleep next to him, only to wake up tangled in each other’s arms. And then he wanted to wake him up and tease him over breakfast, to learn how he took his tea and make it for him perfectly every damn time. He wanted to make Viktor laugh, to hear that low, gravelly sound that was so rare it felt like a gift.

But he’d fucked that up.

Because when Viktor had been there, kneeling, offering himself like Jayce was owed something, he had panicked. He’d stopped him, and then… then he’d stood there like an idiot, completely incapable of saying what he meant, of explaining why he’d stopped him in the first place.

Now, Viktor barely looked at him, and Jayce felt like the biggest fool on the planet.

Lost in thought, Jayce didn’t even notice his phone buzzing in his pocket as he weaved through the hallway crowd. The call nearly went to voicemail. He pulled it out, frowning at the screen. Cassandra Kiramman.

“Cassandra?” He quickly answered, surprised. “Hey, what’s up?”

“Jayce, darling.” Cassandra’s voice was sharp and clearly strained, the way it always was when something had gone wrong. “Where are you right now? Have you finished your classes yet?”

“Uh… yeah, I just got out.” Jayce replied, now fully alert. “Why? What’s going on?”

There was a pause on the other end of the line, followed by a sigh. “I need you to do me a favor. The school just called me. Caitlyn’s been in a fight.”

“A fight?” Jayce repeated, his brows shooting up.

“Yes, a fight. Don’t ask me for the details because I don’t have them yet. My husband is running some errands, and I’m in the middle of a meeting and can’t leave right now. Can you go pick her up? They won’t let her leave unless someone speaks to her headteacher.”

Jayce blinked, stunned. “Caitlyn? Our Caitlyn?”

“Yes, Jayce, our Caitlyn. The one with a brain too big for her own good and apparently enough nerve to throw a punch.” Cassandra snapped, clearly at the end of her rope. “Will you go or not?”

“Yeah, yeah, of course I’ll go.” Jayce assured her quickly, though he was still trying to wrap his head around the idea of Caitlyn getting into a fight.

“Thank you.” Cassandra said, her voice softening just a little. “She’s at the main office. Call me if there’s a problem.”

“Got it. I’ll handle it.” Jayce replied.

The line went dead, and Jayce let out a long breath, staring down at his phone like it might hold answers to the mystery of why on earth Caitlyn Kiramman would get into a fight. He shoved the phone back into his pocket, shaking his head as he walked toward the main exit.

“Jesus, Cait.” He muttered to himself, a reluctant smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. It was hard to imagine her, who always seemed so composed and level-headed, actually throwing hands. He almost wished he’d been there to see it.

Still, as the humor faded, Jayce sighed again. Between Viktor and the awkward hellscape that had become his daily routine, he already had enough on his plate without playing babysitter.

But this was what you did for family, right? And Caitlyn was his family at this point.

And for all the trouble she might’ve caused today, Jayce couldn’t deny that a part of him was relieved for the distraction.

*****

Jayce wasn’t sure what he expected as he approached the gates of Caitlyn’s highschool, but a visit to the principal’s office to pick up a bruised and bloodied teenager hadn’t exactly been on his holiday bingo card.

The halls were quiet when he stepped inside, save for the echo of his sneakers against the linoleum floor. A secretary directed him to the office, where, through the windowed door, he caught a glimpse of Caitlyn sitting stiffly in a chair. Her usually neat hair was disheveled, her face flushed with lingering anger, and a streak of blood trailed from a cut above her brow. Jayce’s stomach flipped, concern rising sharp and quick. 

He opened the door without thinking, practically bursting into the room. Caitlyn immediately turned toward him with a surprised look, and her glare softened just a fraction when she saw Jayce, as he approached her with a soft and breathy ‘oh my God’ , resting his big hand on one of her shoulders.

Behind her desk, the headteacher —a stern-looking woman with tan skin, short dark hair and sharp eyes— looked Jayce up and down. “You must be Caitlyn’s brother.”

Jayce shifted his attention from the girl in front of him to the woman behind the desk. He rubbed the back of his neck, forcing an apologetic smile. “More or less. Her mom couldn’t make it, so here I am.” He gave Caitlyn a quick look that said, ‘ we’ll talk about this later’.

“Director Grayson.” She said curtly, then gestured to the chairs. “Take a seat, please.”

Jayce nodded, quickly obeying. But just then, he noticed another girl, sitting across from Caitlyn on the opposite side of the office. Shorter than his young friend by a few inches, with shockingly pink hair, gray eyes glinting like steel, and an expression that screamed defiance even as her face told another story. Her lip was split, her freckled cheeks marred with scratches, and one eye looked like it was moments away from swelling shut.

Jayce blinked.

Oh.

So this was her. The ‘intimidating girl with pink hair’ Caitlyn had been grumbling about for weeks. She barely spared him a glance, slouched low in her chair with a stubborn scowl etched onto her face.

Suppressing an incredulous laugh, Jayce settled in beside Caitlyn, who huffed and turned her head, cheeks still burning red. The other girl tilted her chin up defiantly, staring somewhere over Grayson’s shoulder as if she couldn’t care less about what was happening. The air in the room was heavy, thick with the lingering tension of whatever had unfolded between the two girls. 

“Let me be clear.” Grayson began, her voice a low, controlled drawl. “This kind of behavior is completely unacceptable.”

Jayce leaned forward, concern creasing his brow. “What exactly happened?”

“The girls decided to settle their differences in the middle of the school courtyard. During the Christmas celebration event, no less!” The woman sighed, shrugging slightly. “Fists were thrown, hair was pulled… it wasn’t exactly subtle.”

“She started it.” The pink haired girl shot back, finally breaking her silence. Her voice was rough, edged with both irritation and pride. “She came at me out of nowhere.”

Caitlyn whipped around, glaring daggers. “Out of nowhere? You wouldn’t stop bothering me! I just defended myself!”

Her classmate snorted, crossing her arms. “All I did was exist, princess.”

Jayce couldn’t stop the faint twitch of amusement at the corners of his mouth, though he quickly suppressed it when Caitlyn caught him smirking. The look she shot him could’ve flayed him alive.

Grayson, unamused, slammed her palm lightly against the desk. “Enough. I don’t care who started it. This ends now.”

Both girls fell silent, though the freckled girl’s leg bounced irritably under her chair while Caitlyn shot a murderous glare at the window.

“Right.” Jayce said, clasping his hands and leaning back in his chair with a practiced calm he didn’t quite feel. “Well, uh, thanks for letting me know, Ms. Grayson. It won’t happen again.”

Grayson looked unconvinced. “It better not.”

Just then, the door opened, and a heavyset man with a worn expression entered the office. Jayce took in the graying hair and beard, the rolled-up sleeves, the broad shoulders, and the look of exasperation etched across his face as his eyes fell on the pink haired girl.

“For the love of God, Violet…” He groaned.

“It wasn’t my fault.” She shot back instantly, though there was a note of guilt in her voice.

“Save it.” The man, Violet’s dad, Jayce presumed, grumbled, shaking his head.

Beside him, almost hidden behind his bulk, was a young girl with bright blue hair and wide, shy eyes. She clung to the man’s coat like a lifeline, peeking out cautiously to assess the room.

Grayson cleared her throat, regaining control of the room. “Mr. Vander, I’ve already made it clear: behavior like this could jeopardize Violet’s scholarship. She’s here because of a program that believes in second chances, but there won’t be a third.”

The man, Vander, sighed deeply, nodding in agreement. “I know. It won’t happen again.” His gaze slid to Jayce, who stood out of politeness and extended a hand. Vander took it firmly. “I assume you’re family?”

“Something like that.” Jayce replied, shaking his hand. “Sorry about the trouble. Teenagers, right?”

“Tell me about it.” He muttered in response.

Caitlyn and Violet scoffed, almost in unison at the words, and shared a quick annoyed look.

“Alright.” Grayson said, standing to her full height. “The punishment is simple: when you come back from the holidays, you’ll both spend the month of January cleaning the art and science classrooms after school.” She paused, arching her brows and leaning a bit forward. “Together.”

“What!?” Vi and Caitlyn bursted out at the same time.

“No arguments.” Grayson snapped. “I’m done listening to excuses. You can fight or you can work. I suggest you learn to get along.”

The office fell into an awkward silence. Vander shot her daughter a pointed look, and Jayce patted Caitlyn on the shoulder, feeling her stiffen beneath his touch.

“Thanks for your time, Director.” Jayce said quickly, eager to escape.

“Thank you both.” Grayson nodded. “See that it doesn’t happen again.”

Violet stomped toward Vander, the little blue-haired girl falling into step beside her. “Did you at least win?” She whispered up to her, earning an exasperated groan.

“Shut it, Powder.” The older girl muttered, ruffling her sister’s hair before shoving her playfully forward.

Jayce held the door open for Caitlyn as they exited, her face stormy and red. She didn’t say a word until they were halfway down the street.

“I’m dead.” She muttered finally. “My mom is going to kill me.”

“Yeah.” Jayce replied with a teasing grin. “Probably. But at least you landed a few punches.”

Caitlyn shot him an annoyed look. “Shut up.”

“Hey, I’m just saying! I didn’t think your conflict with the pink-haired mystery girl would get violent.”

“She deserved it.” Caitlyn grumbled. “She wouldn’t stop getting in my face.”

“Still, maybe next time don’t go full WWE in the courtyard?” Jayce teased, nudging her shoulder. “There’s a difference between not letting someone walk all over you and, you know, pulling hair.”

Caitlyn huffed. “You sound just like mom.”

Jayce laughed. “Well, until she gets home, you’re stuck with me. And step one is fixing up that face of yours. You look like you lost the fight.”

“I did not lose!”

*****

The soft glow of the bedside lamp bathed Caitlyn’s room in warm light, casting long shadows across her neatly arranged bookshelves and the dark blue bedspread she now sat on. Jayce perched on the edge of the bed, carefully dabbing antiseptic on the small gash above her eyebrow with a piece of cotton. He worked with quiet precision, his brow furrowed in concentration as Caitlyn sat grumbling softly under her breath.

“Ugh.” Caitlyn hissed as the antiseptic stung. “That’s enough to sterilize an entire battlefield, Jayce.”

“You’ll survive.” Jayce muttered, the corner of his mouth twitching faintly. His voice was softer than usual, laced with a tired edge that Caitlyn couldn’t ignore. He reached for another cotton ball, his hands steady as he gently wiped the blood that had dried on her cheek.

Caitlyn exhaled sharply, still fuming. “She started it, you know.”

“I’m sure she did.” The young man said, though his tone was distracted. He finished cleaning the last of her cuts and leaned back, assessing his work. “There. You’re all patched up.”

Caitlyn glanced up at him, noticing the way his shoulders sagged just slightly. There was something off about him, his eyes seemed distant, his usual spark dimmed. “Thanks.” She said quietly, softening a little.

Jayce looked down at her, a weary but affectionate smile breaking through. “Anytime, Sheriff.”

Cait raised an eyebrow at the nickname but let it slide, watching as her friend busied himself putting the medical supplies back in the small kit. For a moment, the only sound was the gentle rustle of fabric and the faint creak of the bed.

Then she spoke, breaking the silence. “Hey. Are you okay?”

Jayce froze briefly, his hand hovering above the kit before he shut it with a snap. “Of course.” He replied, maybe too quickly. “Why wouldn’t I be?”

“You tell me.” Caitlyn said, crossing her arms. “You’ve been acting weird these past few days. You’re like a ghost around the house. And don’t try to pin it on university stress. I know that’s not it.”

He sighed, running a hand through his hair before sitting back on the bed beside her. “It’s nothing, really.”

The girl narrowed her eyes at him, unconvinced. “You’re not fooling anyone. What is it?”

Jayce hesitated. His gaze dropped to the floor as he rubbed at his jaw, considering whether to open up. “I just… I think I messed up.” He finally admitted, his voice low. “With someone important.”

Caitlyn’s expression softened. “Important? As in… the girl who’s been making you smile at your phone like an idiot?”

Jayce rolled his eyes and groaned softly. “Don’t start.”

“Well, is it?”

“It’s-” He muttered, leaning forward to rest his elbows on his knees. “It’s not- Look, it’s just someone I’ve gotten close to at the university. We’ve been working together on a project and…” He trailed off, his mind suddenly flashing to Viktor, sitting on the floor, looking at him from below through his eyelashes, with sparkly eyes and parted lips.

“Oookay…?” Cait tilted her head, eager to know more. “So?”

Jayce quickly shook the image away, embarrassed at how vivid it was. He cleared his throat. “He’s just a really good friend.” He finally said, and even though that was the truth, there was something else in his words, something Jayce didn't dare to say out loud. “And the other day, I don’t know, I got nervous and- We kind of got into a weird argument. And I just handled it all wrong. So now we’re not really talking.”

Caitlyn squinted her eyes, curious and a bit concerned. “What happened? You’re being vague.”

Jayce’s cheeks flushed slightly, though he kept his eyes down. How could he even begin to describe what happened? The image returned unbidden—Viktor in between his knees, looking at him through his eyelashes, his warm lips against the fabric of his boxers… The way Jayce’s chest had tightened, panic seizing him when he couldn’t figure out what to do with the strange heat pooling under his skin.

“What happened it’s not important.” He said at last, shaking his head. “The point is, I think I screwed up. And now… now it’s awkward. Really awkward. And I don’t know how to fix it.” He cracked his knuckles absent-mindedly, greeting his teeth. “And it sucks because I really wanted it to work. Because he’s just so… cool. And smart. And honestly I just feel good being around him, working with him. I finally had a real friend at uni, and I probably ruined it.” 

Caitlyn watched him carefully, her sharp blue eyes assessing every inch of his expression. When she spoke, it was with a faint, knowing smile. “You like him.”

Jayce’s head snapped up, his heart stuttering in his chest. “What? No, that’s- That’s not it.”

“Please.” Caitlyn leaned back, smirking slightly. “You’re sitting here talking about this guy like he hung the moon. He’s important, he’s fascinating, he makes you feel calm? That’s not how you talk about a friend, Jayce. That’s how you talk about someone you-”

“I don’t- It’s not-” Jayce stumbled over his words, feeling heat creep up his neck. “It’s not like that. I just…” It was exactly like that. And Jayce knew it. He had a big fat crush on Viktor from the moment he first laid eyes on him.

But it was more than that now, Jayce was well aware of that as well. Viktor was a friend now. A lifeline. He was brilliant and sarcastic and stubborn in a way that made Jayce want to argue with him just to see his sharp wit; to see how his passion burned brighter than anything.

He swallowed hard, suddenly feeling unsteady.

Caitlyn broke the silence, her voice softer now. “However it is… You care about him, Jayce. That’s obvious. So why not just be honest?”

“It’s not that easy.” The young man said, sighing heavily.

“Maybe not.” She agreed. “But it’s probably the only way you’re going to fix it.”

Jayce was quiet for a long moment, his thoughts spinning. Finally, he looked over at Caitlyn and gave her a small, grateful smile. “Okay. I’ll… keep that in mind. Thanks for the advice.”

Caitlyn shrugged, smirking faintly. “Thanks for patching me up.”

The sound of the door creaking open interrupted the moment. Tobias, Cait’s dad, stepped inside, his expression immediately shifting from concern to near-panic when he saw his daughter's face. “Oh, no. Oh, no, no, no, no! What happened to you?!”

Caitlyn groaned, slumping back against the pillows. “It’s nothing, dad. Don’t start.”

Tobias ignored her, turning to Jayce with wide eyes. “What happened? Was she-?”

“She’s fine.” Jayce said quickly, standing. “It was just a misunderstanding at school. I picked her up, patched her up, and now she’s good as new.”

Tobias blinked at him, clearly torn between gratitude and exasperation. “Well, uh- Thank you, Jayce.”

“No problem.” He replied, already backing toward the door. “I’ll leave you two to it.”

As he stepped out into the hallway, he heard Tobias’ voice carrying from the room. “Your mother is going to be furious!”

Jayce chuckled under his breath, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes. He walked to his own room, his thoughts heavy with Caitlyn’s words.

You care about him.

He sat on the edge of the bed, his room bathed in the pale light spilling in from outside. The distant hum of Piltover’s bustling streets drifted through the window, but it all felt muted against the noise in his head.

Be honest.

Jayce exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair and letting it linger at the back of his neck as if the weight of the moment could be eased with some touch. Viktor’s face kept resurfacing in his mind: his sharp features softened by the afternoon sun, his voice laced with that dry wit that never failed to make Jayce laugh, even on his worst days. But alongside those memories was the sting of their last interaction. The awkwardness. The look Viktor had given him, guarded, distant, like he was pulling back behind a wall Jayce hadn’t even realized was there.

And now, he had no idea what to do.

Instinctively, his gaze flickered toward his phone lying on the nightstand. He hesitated, chewing on his lip, before finally grabbing it and scrolling through his contacts until he found the one name that always felt like home. His thumb hovered for a second before he hit call.

It rang twice before a warm, familiar voice answered, tinged with a lilt that could soothe even his worst worries.

“¡Mi amor!” His mom said, her tone bright with affection. 

“Mami.” He simply replied in a low tone, a soft smile slowly tugging at his lips.

“Everything alright?” Her voice suddenly tinged with a tiny bit of worry. “You don’t usually call at this hour…”

Jayce felt a pang of guilt for not calling more often. “Yeah, everything’s fine. I just… I wanted to hear your voice.”

There was a brief pause. “Ay, mi niño.” Then he heard a soft laugh on the other end. “You’re coming home for Christmas, right? I already got your presents and everything.”

Jayce smiled faintly, leaning back against the headboard. “Yeah, next week. The Kirammans are insisting I stay a few more days to have dinner with them during the holidays since I’m not going to be here for Christmas.”

“Of course they are.” Ximena replied, a teasing edge to her voice. “But that’s good. They’re lovely people. And you could use a little spoiling.”

Jayce chuckled, though it was brief, almost distracted. “I miss you, though. A lot.”

“I miss you too, corazón.” Her voice softened, the endearing nickname making something in Jayce’s chest tighten. “It’s not the same without you here.”

The line went quiet for a moment, the kind of silence that only exists between people who know each other completely. Jayce turned his gaze toward the ceiling, the words he wanted to say clawing at the back of his throat.

“Má…”

“Hm?”

“What do you do when someone you care about” he started, thinking about his conversation with Cait, “is mad at you, and you’re not even sure what you did wrong?”

There was a small sound of surprise on the other end, followed by the rustling of fabric, as though Ximena was settling into a more comfortable position to answer. “What happened?” She simply asked.

Jayce hesitated, biting the inside of his cheek. “Nothing important, really. ” He lied. “t’s just- I have this, uh, friend, at uni… And we had this weird argument- Or, not even an argument, just… a moment. And now it’s like there’s this wall between us, and I don’t know how to fix it.”

“Ay, Jayce.” Ximena said gently. “Have you tried talking to them?”

“Kinda. But he won’t really let me explain myself?” He huffed, pinching the bridge of his nose as he shifted around in bed. “I don’t know. It’s weird. He doesn’t seem to want to talk to me. So I just kind of… stopped trying.”

“Well, then you just have to find the right moment to talk to him. Or the right way to reach him.” Ximena said. Jayce could almost feel her smile in her words. “And when you find it, you just… be honest. With yourself and with him.” There it was again. Being honest. Exactly what Cait had said. “Sometimes we hold back because we’re scared of what the other person might say or how they might react, but holding back only makes things worse.”

Jayce swallowed, his grip on the phone tightening. “Yeah, but what if I say the wrong thing? What if I make it worse?”

“Then you try again.” Ximena replied simply. “If he’s important to you, of course. If he’s not worth it, drop it.” She let out a long sigh. “That’s life, hijo. When someone matters, you don’t give up just because it’s hard. You show them that they’re worth the effort. And if they’re upset, listen to them. Sometimes that’s all people need: to feel heard. Maybe then, he’ll hear you out as well.”

Jayce closed his eyes, the weight of her words sinking in. “He’s… different. He’s not like anyone I’ve ever met. And he’s my first real friend here and…” He took a long, deep breath. “I don’t want to lose him.”

“Then don’t.” Her voice was firm but kind. “If you really know him, you’ll find a way to reach him. And don’t overthink it so much. You have a big heart, Jayce. Let it lead you.”

Jayce smiled despite himself. “Thanks, mami. I needed that.”

“Always, mi amor.” She paused, her tone brightening slightly. “Now go fix things so I can hear all about this mysterious new friend of yours when you visit, okay?”

Jayce laughed softly. “Okay. Te quiero.”

“Y yo a ti, mi vida. See you soon.”

The call ended, leaving Jayce alone again in the quiet of his room. But something had shifted—a clarity, a resolve.

Find a way to reach him.

Show him you care.

A sudden spark of clarity lit up Jayce’s mind, cutting through the haze of uncertainty. Slowly, a sly smile curved his lips, the kind born of a half-formed plan that might be brilliant—or completely ridiculous. But it was the only idea he had, and for now, it would have to be enough. He took a deep breath, the decision settling over him like the quiet before a storm as he laid back on his bed.

Tomorrow, he would go back to the flower shop.

Chapter Text

Nice way to start the holiday season…

The apartment was quiet, save for the soft hum of the radiator and the occasional creak of wood as the building settled. Viktor lay curled up in his bed, the thick duvet cocooned around him like a shield against the biting winter outside. The faint light filtering through the drawn curtains did little to chase away the heavy gloom in the room. Or in his chest.

Rio purred softly in his arms, her small body warm against his. Viktor ran his fingers absentmindedly along her fur, the repetitive motion both soothing and grounding. But his mind wouldn’t quiet. It hadn’t been quiet for days.

This was his second official day on vacation. They had let him have a few days off in the flower shop, and instead of making the most of his free time, he was lying in bed sighing like a moody teenager.

He felt stupid. Stupid for letting things get so far. Stupid for letting himself believe, for even a moment, that someone like Jayce Talis would want anything from him other than the obvious. That was all men ever wanted, wasn’t it? But it was fine. He had accepted it. At least, he could get something out of it anyway. But no. Jayce had decided to have a sudden outburst of gay panic or something, and now Viktor didn't only lose the opportunity to get laid, but he had also lost a potential friend.

His jaw tightened, frustration bubbling beneath the surface. He’d been so certain he understood what Jayce wanted that night. The way he’d looked at him, the way he’d gasped with anticipation for his touch... He had seen that look before, felt that kind of eagerness before. It had always led to the same thing. He thought he’d been doing what Jayce expected, what he wanted. So why had everything gone so horribly wrong?

The memory of that moment in his apartment played on a loop in his mind. The way his lips had parted, as if to say something, but no words had come. That hesitation, that silence, had cut through Viktor like a knife. And then the days afterward... Jayce pretending nothing had happened. It made Viktor’s blood boil just thinking about it.

Though to be fair, Jayce had tried. But Viktor didn't want to talk about it. He didn't want to go through a humiliating conversation where Jayce would call it a mistake, claiming he’d been drunk or acting on impulse, while apologizing with that sad, pitying tone to make everything seem fine. No. Viktor didn’t have the time (or the patience) for that kind of self-serving performance. He refused to sit there, subjected to Jayce’s guilt, as though he were the one who needed forgiveness for wanting something more, for daring to hope that, for once, he might not be the only one to feel it.

Viktor’s fingers tightened slightly in Rio’s fur, and she let out a small chirp of protest. He eased his grip, murmuring an apology as he stroked her head. “What do you think he wants from me, hm?” He asked softly, his voice tinged with light bitterness. “Because I clearly have no idea.”

He felt betrayed, though he wasn’t sure by what exactly. By Jayce? For stopping him? For not giving him what he thought he’d wanted? Or by himself, for letting his guard down? He felt kind of pathetic, to be honest. And the worst part —the most pathetic part— was that they hadn’t even done anything. Not really. No sex. No kissing. Hell, Jayce hadn’t even touched him in any meaningful way. Yet here he was, curled up in bed like a heartbroken teenager, letting it ruin his entire winter break.

Viktor let out a frustrated sigh, dragging a hand over his face. His fingers brushed against his lips, and he froze, his thoughts snagging on a memory: he’d wanted to kiss Jayce that night. He hadn’t let himself think about it too much at the time, but now the desire crashed over him like a wave. He’d wanted to kiss him so bad it almost ached. But he hadn’t.

Usually, when Viktor brought someone home, kissing wasn’t really a consideration. Most guys didn’t bother with it unless it was messy, wet, and borderline aggressive. But that night, he actually wanted to press his lips against Jayce’s and feel every quiet, unspoken emotion in the space between them. He’d wanted to explore every inch of Jayce’s skin, to trace every line and curve with his mouth, to know him in a way he’d never known anyone else.

Oh, no. Nononono.

He had to stop thinking about Jayce in that way.

He had to stop thinking about Jayce. Period.

He tightened his hold on Rio, burying his face in her fur. “Remind me again why do I like men, Rio?” He groaned. 

The cat blinked up at him, her sparkly eyes wide and uncomprehending. Then, with a soft meow, she stretched up and licked his nose.

Viktor huffed, letting his head fall back against the pillow. “You’re no help.” He said dryly, though a faint smile tugged at the corners of his lips.

He sighed sharply and reached for his phone, desperate for a distraction. His mind was a relentless loop of overanalyzing what had gone wrong. And maybe some doomscrolling would make him forget about all of it. At least for a little while.

He tapped the screen and noticed he had a couple of unread messages from Sky.

Sky 💐: Hey, some guy came by the shop yesterday asking about you

Sky 💐: Tall, tan skin, dark hair????

Sky 💐: I didn’t catch his name though

Sky 💐: I didn't get what his whole deal was, but I thought you might want to know

Sky 💐: He ended up ordering a custom bouquet and left 

Viktor’s breath caught, his stomach twisting in a mix of anticipation and dread. There was only one person it could be. He knew it before the thought fully formed in his mind.

His thumb hovered over the screen, debating whether to respond to Sky or not, but instead, his mind turned inward again, spiraling into questions he didn’t want to face. Was it Jayce? It had to be. And if so… what the hell was he trying to do now?

Before he could spiral further, the sharp sound of the doorbell jolted him back to the present. The interruption shattered his train of thought, and he turned his head sharply toward the door, his pulse quickening despite himself. The sound startled Rio, who leapt off the bed. Viktor groaned, dragging himself upright. His body protested every movement; the lingering exhaustion from too many sleepless nights weighed heavily on him and the deep winter cold made his joints hurt like hell.

He shuffled to the door, his cane tapping softly against the floor. The last thing he wanted right now was company, but he doubted whoever it was would leave without an answer. When he opened the door, he was met with a surprising sight: a deliveryman, standing in the hallway with a ridiculously enormous bouquet of flowers in his arms.

No way.

“Good evening! Viktor, right?” The man asked, smiling politely. 

Viktor blinked, momentarily stunned. “Uh. Yes.”  

“These are for you.” He said, handing over the bouquet. “If you could just sign here...”

Still bewildered, Viktor took the flowers and signed the clipboard. The deliveryman thanked him, gave a soft ‘Merry Christmas!’ and went away, leaving Viktor standing in the doorway with the bouquet cradled awkwardly in his arms.

He closed the door with the end of his cane and made his way back to the bed, observing the flowers carefully. They were beautifully arranged, wrapped in the same paper and ribbons used at the shop where he worked. That alone made his heart skip a beat.

Sitting down, he let his fingers trace over the petals, studying the bouquet: Lilies. Camellias. White roses. All flowers with meaning. Renewal. Devotion. Apology.  

He swallowed hard, his chest tightening.

No fucking way.

There was a small card tucked between the stems. ‘VIKTOR’ was scrawled across the front in all caps with a familiar handwriting, and a silly little doodle of a tiny version of himself, with a flower in his hair. Viktor’s breath caught as he recognized it instantly.

No. Fucking. Way.

His hands trembled slightly as he opened the card, bracing himself for whatever message it contained.  

‘I’m not as good as you at putting together bouquets, but I hope this does the trick. I owe you a conversation. Our café, Sunday at 5 pm? :) I’ll be waiting for you. No pressure.

JT.’

Well. That sounds like pressure.

He read the note once. Then again. And again. His heart thudded in his chest, emotions warring within him. He let out a long, shaky breath, closing his eyes as he leaned back against the bed, putting a hand over his face, still clutching the bouquet with the other arm. 

“This is so pathetic.” He muttered to himself. “He’s pathetic.”

And Viktor hated that he liked it.

Rio jumped back onto the bed, sniffing at the flowers curiously. She wagged her tail and looked at Viktor expectantly, as if waiting for his reaction.

“It’s probably a bad idea, right?” He asked, looking at her through his fingers.

Rio rubbed her face against his hand in response, purring softly. Viktor chuckled under his breath, his lips curving into the faintest of smiles. He reached out to stroke her fur, his gaze drifting back to the bouquet.

After all, Viktor wasn't exactly known for making good decisions.

*****

Viktor arrived at the café early, more out of nervous habit than punctuality. He sat on their usual spot, his cane resting against the chair as he absently stirred the tea he had ordered but hadn’t touched. His eyes drifted anxiously to the outside of the window every couple of minutes, searching for some sign of Jayce.

Of course, he knew he’d arrived far too early. Jayce had scribbled ‘5 pm’ in his note, so he probably wouldn’t be here for at least another twenty minutes. And yet, here Viktor was, sitting awkwardly like some overeager fool. It was a little humiliating, showing up with such ridiculous anticipation, but, damn , he was nervous.

He didn’t know what to expect from this situation, from this conversation Jayce supposedly owed him. Would it turn into an awkward apology? A failed attempt at repairing something fractured? He really had no idea how Jayce would approach this. But for once, Viktor had decided to believe in second chances. It went against every guarded instinct he’d nurtured over the years, but this time, he’d chosen to set his pride aside. Whether it was foolish or brave, he hadn’t yet decided. All he knew was that some part of him —despite everything— wanted to see what would happen next.

He was listening to music through his headphones while his fingers moved absentmindedly over the pages of his notebook, sketching abstract shapes and patterns in the margins. It was a futile attempt to calm the restless energy buzzing beneath his skin, but it was better than staring blankly out the window or at the clock on the wall.

On one of the pages, carefully pressed between the sheets of paper, was a single lily of the valley. The delicate white flower had fallen from the bouquet Jayce had sent him, a tiny, unassuming fragment that Viktor had impulsively decided to preserve. He had a habit of pressing flowers every now and then, slipping them into books or journals as if to trap a moment in time. He always thought there was something quietly romantic about the idea of dried flowers; something fragile and fleeting, made eternal between the pages of a story.

He didn’t know why he’d done it with that particular flower though. Let alone brought it with him today.

The little bloom rested delicately between the pages, its pale bell-shaped blossoms a contrast to the dark, angular lines of his sketches. Viktor traced the edge of the notebook with his thumb, his mind wandering. Maybe it was a reminder, a piece of something he couldn’t quite define but couldn’t bring himself to discard either. It felt foolish and sentimental, qualities he despised in himself. But he didn’t close the notebook. Instead, he let the image linger.

When he sensed some movement, Viktor’s eyes snapped to the entrance. Finally, Jayce stepped in, scanning the room until their gazes met. His face lit up, an unmistakable mix of relief and hope softening his features, as if Viktor showing up had lifted some unspoken weight off his shoulders.

Jayce was bundled in layers of winter clothing—an oversized coat on top of a Piltover University sweater and a thick knitted scarf that looked like it might have taken days to make. His cheeks and nose were slightly flushed from the cold outside, and Viktor couldn’t help but think he looked ridiculously adorable.

For a fleeting moment, Viktor’s lips twitched as if a smile might break through his carefully neutral expression. He had to force himself to look back down, fixing his attention on his tea as he removed his headphones and let them hang around his neck. A faint flush warmed his own cheeks, not from the cold, but from the sheer effort of not letting Jayce’s disarming charm unravel him completely. 

“Hey.” The young man greeted softly, approaching the table. He hesitated for a moment before pulling out the chair across from Viktor. “You’re here.”

“I certainly am.” He replied curtly, his tone neutral but not unkind. He leaned back slightly, his arms crossed over his chest, clearly on guard.

Jayce fidgeted for a moment, removing his coat and looking down at the table. “I wasn’t sure if you’d show up.” He admitted with a nervous chuckle. “I take it you got… the bouquet?”

“I wouldn’t be here otherwise, would I?”

“Right.” He sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. “Right, yeah.”

A short silence grew between them, and Viktor simply gestured vaguely for him to continue.

“Okay. Straight to the point, then.” Jayce muttered as he leaned forward, resting his forearms on the table. “Uh. Well. I’ve been thinking about the department mixer night… You know.”

“Hm-hm.”

The tan man cleared his throat, still fidgeting faintly with his scarf. “About... what happened. Or what didn’t happen. And I feel like I probably owe you an explanation.”

“Do you?” Viktor asked, his tone laced with dry skepticism, though there was a flicker of curiosity in his gaze.

Jayce nodded. “I do. Because I feel like I messed things up. And I don’t want you to think-” He paused, searching for the right words. “I don’t want you to think I regretted it or that I didn’t want it to actually happen or something. It’s not like-” He stopped himself from rambling and let out a long sigh, as if preparing himself to speak. “Listen, I really like you, Viktor.”

Viktor froze. For a moment, it felt as if the world had narrowed to just the space between them, the hum of the café fading into a distant blur. He didn’t move, didn’t speak—he wasn’t sure he could. His heart was hammering in his chest, an uneven rhythm that he was sure Jayce could hear from across the table.

A dozen thoughts surged through his mind all at once. He felt an overwhelming ache of vulnerability, the kind that came with realizing how much he wanted to believe those words, how much he wanted them to be true. He gripped his teacup a little tighter, his fingers trembling slightly, as if it might anchor him to something solid. His lips parted, but no sound came. What could he even say to that? His gaze flickered to Jayce’s face, searching for any trace of insincerity, any hint that this might be another cruel twist of fate. But all he saw was earnestness, raw and unfiltered, and it was almost too much to bear.

“You- God, you drive me crazy. In the best way.” Jayce continued, letting out an anxious chuckle. “That night, what you did to me... it wasn’t that I didn’t like it. I did. A lot. But it didn’t feel like you were doing it because you wanted to. It felt like you were doing it because you thought you had to. Like you were skipping over everything else just to get it over with.”

Viktor’s brow furrowed slightly, his lips pressing into a thin line. “I thought… I thought that’s what you wanted? We were both a little drunk and after leaving the mixer you looked at me like…” He interrupted himself and shook his head, not really sure of what he wanted to say. “I don’t know.”

Jayce’s expression shifted at the sound of Viktor’s words, displaying a mix of surprise and concern. “Look, I don’t know what you’re used to. But for me… It felt weird. I don’t want something that feels rushed or transactional. I’d rather know that we’re both in it together, instead of just... taking.” His voice was soft but firm, and his hazel eyes sparkled with a quiet fondness that Viktor couldn’t help feeling a little disarmed by.

Viktor’s fingers tapped lightly against the edge of his now closed notebook, his eyes narrowing slightly. “That is very noble of you. But not everyone has the luxury of waiting for things to align perfectly.”

“I’m not asking for perfect.” He replied gently. “And I’m not here to judge you or what you’re used to. I just... I want to be clear. What I said was true. I want you. At first, yeah, maybe it started as some stupid crush. But now I… I kinda feel like I’ve finally made a real connection with someone.” He sensed a flicker of fear in his gaze, some sort of fear of rejection that Viktor couldn’t ignore. His brows knitted together in an expression that was almost apologetic, as if bracing himself for the worst. 

Viktor swallowed hard, studying him for a long moment. Finally, he said. “We don’t even know each other that well, Jayce...”

“Then let me get to know you.”

Viktor scoffed, looking away slightly, his gaze fixed somewhere far off into the distance. “You don’t know what you’re saying.”

“I do. And I want you. I really do.” Jayce insisted, his voice still soft but laced with a sincerity that made Viktor’s chest ache. “In any way you’ll let me have you.”

The words hung between them, heavy and raw. Viktor’s instinct was to retreat, to deflect with sarcasm or cold detachment. But the way Jayce looked at him, with that maddening mixture of vulnerability and determination, made it impossible.

“Right… Look, you think you want me.” Viktor finally said, his tone sharp, though the crack in his voice betrayed the effort it took to keep his composure. “But you don’t. You don’t want… this.” He gestured vaguely to himself, the bitter edge in his smile returning. “You don’t want someone who will never fit into your world. Someone who-”

“Quit that ‘never fitting into your world bullshit’.” Jayce interrupted. His words were sharp, but his voice wasn’t. “My world is pretty lame, Vik.” He offered a small smile, the nickname gently slipping off his tongue. “I’m not as cool and collected as you think I am. I’m anxious, and indecisive, and I mess up a lot, and I geek about stupid things like gear ratios and rocks and crystals and…” He laughed nervously, realizing he was probably rambling. “Yeah. That’s how thrilling my world is.”

Viktor blinked, feeling a strange warmness settling in his stomach. He had expected a condescending look in Jayce’s gaze. A half-assed apology. But he was really trying. He was being honest and unapologetically himself. 

“You say I don’t really know you. And, yeah, okay, we’ve barely known each other for like four months now. But I think I know enough.” He continued, his tone softening. “I know you’re brilliant and stubborn as hell. I know you care more about helping people than you let on. And I know that you’re probably one of the coolest and most passionate people I’ve ever met. And we work so well together, and you- You have become my first real friend in this stupid city, and-” Jayce hesitated before reaching out, his fingers brushing lightly against Viktor’s. “I honestly just care about you.”

Viktor’s mind was scrambling to process the words. There was no pity in Jayce’s voice, no hesitation. Just truth. Uncomfortable, unwavering truth that made him feel exposed in a way he wasn’t used to.

“I don’t care about the rest of it. I don’t care about fitting into some stupid idea of what things are supposed to look like. I just... ” Jayce sighed, running a hand down his face. “I just... I want my partner back. In whatever way you’re comfortable with. No expectations, no pressure.” He swallowed, still clearly nervous. “I’m trying my best here, man.”

Viktor’s lips parted slightly, and for a moment, he didn’t respond. He looked down at their hands, Jayce’s fingers barely touching his own. The truth was, he wanted to believe him. Wanted to believe that this was different, that Jayce was different. And damn it all, but he had already carved out a space in Viktor’s chest, no matter how much he had tried to ignore it.

“And also, like…” Jayce shrugged a bit, his lip curling into the slightest of pouts. “I think the flower bouquet thing was pretty smooth, to be honest. You have to admit that.”

Finally, Viktor exhaled a soft sigh, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly as a low laugh took over him. “You’re such an idiot.” He muttered, but there was no real bite to his words.

His companion grinned, his relief palpable. “Does that mean we’re okay?”

“We can take it slow.” Viktor said, his tone cautious but sincere. “But do not expect anything.”

“I don’t.” Jayce said quickly, his grin softening into a genuine smile. “I don’t expect anything from you. Just... your company. And maybe a little help studying.”

Viktor rolled his eyes. “You don’t need help studying. We’re both top of our class.”

“No, but it’s a good excuse to spend time together.” He replied with a playful shrug.

For the first time in what felt like weeks, Viktor chuckled—a soft, genuine laugh that made Jayce’s smile widen. “You are insufferable.” He said, shaking his head.

“I’ve been told, yeah.”  

They locked eyes for a few seconds, absorbing everything they had just shared—the conversation, the unspoken understanding… and perhaps, the hopeful future that lay ahead.

And for the first time since that night, the weight between them felt a little lighter.

Chapter Text

The house was quiet except for the faint crackle of the fireplace and the soft hum of a song playing from the old radio in the corner. Jayce sat curled up on the couch with a knitted blanket draped over his legs, absently flipping through an old family photo album. He sighed in relief, smelling the scent of hot cocoa from the kitchen.

Damn, it felt good to be back home.

It had been a good few days since he arrived home for the holidays, and he already felt more grounded. The familiar warmth of his childhood home, the scent of cinnamon and pine that lingered in the air, and the easy rhythm of his mom bustling around were all comforts he didn’t realize he’d missed so much. Tomorrow was New Year’s Eve, and Jayce was determined to soak in the calm before the celebrations began.

Ximena appeared holding two mugs and handing one to Jayce before settling onto the couch beside him. “What are you looking at?” She asked, leaning over to glance at the album.

“Just some old photos.” Jayce replied with a small smile, flipping to a picture of himself as a kid, bundled up in a puffy jacket and holding a lopsided paper snowflake he’d cut out.

His mom laughed softly. “I remember that. You refused to go outside with the other kids and spent the whole day making those snowflakes instead.”

Jayce chuckled, shaking his head. “Yeah…” He simply said. Snowstorms weren’t exactly his idea of fun. Not after getting trapped in one with his mom all those years ago. “Guess I figured I’d make my own winter indoors.”

Ximena sipped her cocoa, her gaze softening as she watched him. “Feeling more relaxed now that you’re home? No classes to worry about for a bit?” She asked, her tone warm and soothing.

Jayce hesitated, swirling the cocoa in his mug. “Yeah… I guess I was a little all over the place when I got here. Sorry about that.” He glanced at her, offering a reassuring smile.

She shook her head, waving her hand. “I’m glad you’re feeling a little bit better. School must be exhausting.”

“It is.” He huffed. “This past month has been… pretty intense. Lots of ups and downs.” He let out a dry chuckle, shifting around a bit in his seat.

Ximena looked at him with that familiar mix of tenderness and just a hint of worry, the kind only a mother could master. “Right…” She hesitated for a moment, then spoke gently, her tone careful but curious. “You sounded really worried when you called me that day before coming home. How's that going? Did you talk things out with your friend?”

“Oh, right!” Jayce looked at her, his hazel eyes glimmering with an almost golden sparkle. “Yeah, I listened to your advice and, uh, found the right way to get to him, I guess. We’re okay now.”

Ximena’s smile turned softer, the warmth in her expression returning as she let out a quiet sigh of relief. "I'm glad to hear that." She said, her voice steady with reassurance. "I told you, if it really mattered to both of you, things would work out.”

Jayce nodded, a sheepish smile tugging at his lips. His thoughts briefly flickered to Viktor. He was genuinely happy that things were okay between them now, even if he still felt a little embarrassed about how open he had been in their conversation at the café. He hadn’t gotten so close and personal with anyone in a very long time, but in that moment, with Viktor, it felt right. He didn’t regret a single word he had said—it had all been true.

Ximena, noticing the quiet shift in his demeanor, leaned forward slightly, her curiosity piqued. "Well? Aren’t you going to tell me about this mysterious friend of yours?" She asked with a playful glint in her eyes. "I’ve been waiting for you to tell me about it since you got here, but it seems like I’m going to have to pry it out of you!"

Jayce laughed, his shoulders relaxing as he finally gave in. "He’s my desk mate at my Integrated Chemistry Laboratory class. We’ve become really good friends, that’s all.”

He fidgeted slightly with the corner of one of the photo album’s pages. The whole truth of how he felt about Viktor was something he wasn’t ready to share, even if his mom would undoubtedly support him. Instead, he focused on the warmth in her smile, the simple joy she felt in knowing he was happy. She nodded and raised her eyebrows, as if she was waiting for him to keep going.

Jayce exhaled, leaning back into the couch. “His name’s Viktor.” He began, his voice soft but steady. 

“Viktor, hm?” Ximena’s eyebrows lifted slightly in curiosity, but she stayed quiet, letting him continue.

“Mh-mh.” He nodded, taking a moment before speaking, choosing his words carefully. “He’s… different from anyone I’ve ever met.” He finally said, staring down at his mug. “He’s brilliant, like, scarily brilliant. But he doesn’t rub it in your face or act like he’s better than anyone. I think he’s been through a lot, even though he doesn't really talk about it.” Jayce murmured, lost in his own thoughts. “Oh! And he’s funny, too, in this very personal, dry, sarcastic way.” He shrugged, though his grin gave him away. “And working with him is just easy, you know? Like we click.”

Ximena’s smile widened as she listened, and when Jayce finally looked up, she reached over to squeeze his hand. “He sure sounds like someone special.”

Jayce nodded slowly. “He is.” He squeezed her hand back with an absentminded expression. “And it’s like… I don’t know. Being around him makes me want to be better. Smarter. More thoughtful.”

“And does he know that?” She asked gently, her tone teasing but kind.

Jayce chuckled, a little embarrassed. “I think he does. Or at least, I hope he does.”

Ximena tilted her head, studying him for a moment before brushing a strand of hair off his forehead. “You’ve always had such a big heart, Jayce. I’m glad you’re letting someone see that.”

“Yeah, me too.” He said softly. “It’s nice to feel... understood. It’s been a while since I’ve had that.”

Ximena’s hand rested on his cheek for a second, brushing his skin with a caring motion. “You deserve to have people in your life who see you for who you are, mi amor. Don’t forget to let people in.”

Jayce nodded, swallowing the sudden lump in his throat. “I won’t.” He promised.

They sat together in comfortable silence for a while, flipping through more photos and reminiscing. Jayce’s phone buzzed in his pocket, pulling him from the warmth of the moment. When he pulled it out and saw Viktor’s name on the screen, his lips curled into a curious smile.

He opened the message and was immediately greeted by a photo of Viktor's cat sprawled out between a tangle of messy sheets on the bed. She was curled up comfortably, her fluffy tail draped over her body like a blanket. The scene was framed by Viktor’s legs—bony, pale, and clad in loose, gray sweatshorts. His right leg bore the faint marks and bruises left by the brace he usually wore.

Jayce couldn’t help the chuckle that escaped him; the image was equal parts chaotic and adorable. There was something inherently Viktor about it. It was messy, unbothered, and yet oddly comforting.

Viktor: apparently Rio has decided that her own bed isn’t good enough, nor is the heating i specifically turned on for her 🙄

Jayce’s grin widened as he stared at the picture for a moment longer, finding an inexplicable fondness in the domesticity of it all.

Jayce T: Oh my god 🥺

Jayce T: Hope you’re staying warm. Don’t let her hog all the blankets

Viktor’s reply was almost instant.

Viktor: she already did

Viktor: she’s a tyrant, but i’ll survive

Jayce T: Oh I’m sure

Jayce T: How’s the Grinch doing without me?

Viktor: peaceful. quiet. as it should be

“Who’s got you smiling like that?” Ximena asked, breaking into his thoughts.

Jayce cleared his throat, trying not to blush. “Viktor.”

“Oh! Speak of the Devil.” She chuckled.

Jayce hesitated for a moment, then turned the phone toward her to show the photo Viktor had sent. “This is his cat, Rio. Don’t let her fool you, according to Viktor she’s a ‘tyrant’.” He said, making quotation marks with his fingers, his tone light.

His mother leaned in, her eyes softening instantly. “¡Ay, por favor!” She exclaimed. “Qué cosita más linda.”

“Yeah, she’s cute.” Jayce nodded, smiling fondly at the image. “And I think she’s pretty spoiled too. Viktor says she’s taken over the bed entirely.”

Ximena glanced at him thoughtfully, her expression shifting. “Is he home alone?”

Jayce blinked, realizing he hadn’t thought to ask. “I… don’t know, actually. Probably? He mentioned wanting to rest over the holidays, but…”

Her brow furrowed slightly. “I hope he’s not spending Christmas holidays all by himself. You could’ve invited him, you know.”

Jayce paused, the idea catching him off guard. For a moment, he imagined Viktor there, sitting on his couch with Rio curled up on his lap, his mom fussing over him with food and her familiar warmth. The thought was strangely comforting—and a little bittersweet.

He suddenly felt a pang of guilt at the idea of Viktor possibly spending the holidays entirely alone. Maybe he should’ve asked…

“Even if I did, I don’t think he would’ve said yes.” The young man admitted after a beat. “He’s… very private. Enjoys his solitude.”

His mother gave him a pointed look, the corners of her mouth twitching into a soft smile. “That’s fine, but I think he’d enjoy some hot chocolate and homemade cookies even more.” Before Jayce could reply, Ximena let out a small gasp, her hands flying to her mouth. “The cookies!” She exclaimed, leaping to her feet. “¡Ay, carajo, Ximena…!” She mumbled to herself, hurrying to the kitchen.

Jayce shook his head with a fond smile as he watched her go, her festive apron fluttering behind her. This was the quiet kind of happiness that only home could bring, Jayce thought.

For the first time in a while, he felt like everything was falling into place.

*****

Yep. It was definitely New Year's Eve. 

The familiar comfort of home was all around Jayce: the sound of his mom singing downstairs as she finished the food for tonight’s dinner, the faint scent of pine from the Christmas tree in the living room, and the distant laughter of neighbors celebrating the season… He had dressed for the occasion, honoring the family tradition of dressing up, even if it was just the two of them. His black slacks and deep red button-up shirt weren’t overly fancy, but they struck the perfect balance between polished and comfortable. There was something grounding about the ritual, something reassuring in its familiarity. Besides, Jayce never needed much of an excuse to dress up—any chance to add a touch of flair to the evening was good enough for him.

Jayce gave himself a final once-over in the mirror, adjusting his shirt and smoothing down his hair. Satisfied, he pulled out his phone and snapped a quick selfie, the faintest smile tugging at his lips. As he typed out a message, his teeth grazed his lower lip before finally hitting send.

Jayce T: Alright, rate my New Year’s outfit

The response came quicker than he’d expected.

Viktor: mhh 8/10

Viktor: i expected a tie or something

Viktor: are you slipping, Talis?

Jayce grinned, sitting on his bed as he typed an answer.

Jayce T: Oof tough crowd ok 😔

Jayce T: I thought about it, but I figured I’d keep it casual

Jayce T: Now show me yours

The three dots indicating Viktor was typing appeared, then disappeared. Jayce waited, curiosity piqued. When he finally replied, it was with a photo. Jayce’s breath caught in his throat.

The image showed Viktor sitting at his desk, surrounded by books and papers, his laptop open in front of him, with one hand adjusting his headphones. He wore an oversized gray t-shirt that showed his tattooed arms, and plaid pajama bottoms. His face was partially obscured by a pair of thin framed rectangular glasses, his hair tousled in wild directions. He had a pen tucked between his lips, and the faintest hint of a smirk.

Viktor: behold: the height of New Year’s fashion

Viktor: your outfit has nothing to do against mine i fear

Jayce stared at the picture for a moment longer than he intended, his heart doing a weird little flip. Viktor looked… good. Really good. The glasses caught him completely off guard. He didn’t know Viktor wore them, but they suited him—made him look even more sharp and devastatingly attractive. He typed back as he felt a pang of irritation at how unfairly stunning Viktor was, even in his messiest state.

Jayce T: Okay, first of all: rude

Jayce T: Second: you wear glasses?? Why didn’t I know this????

Viktor: they’re my reading glasses. i usually just wear them at home

Jayce T: Mhh ok, then third:

Jayce T: Why do you look so good in them?????????? This isn’t fair

Viktor: i look like a sleep-deprived librarian, Jayce

Jayce T: A hot sleep-deprived librarian

There was a pause before Viktor responded.

Viktor: you’re ridiculous

Jayce leaned against the edge of his bed, still holding the phone, a sly smile playing on his lips.

Jayce T: So, what are your plans tonight? Please tell me you’re not working

Viktor: i am. sorry to disappoint

Viktor: just catching up on some notes

Jayce furrowed his brow, his fingers pausing over the keyboard. He recalled his conversation with his mom the day before, where she had asked if Viktor was spending the holidays alone.

Jayce T: Wait. Are you spending New Year’s Eve alone?

Viktor: yes?

Viktor: it’s just another night, really

Jayce’s heart sank slightly.

Jayce T: That’s… kind of depressing, Vik.

Viktor: it’s not lol???

Viktor: i don’t really see the appeal of crowds or forced cheer. i prefer it this way

Jayce hesitated before asking his next question.

Jayce T: Have you spent all the holidays alone?

Viktor’s response took a moment longer this time.

Viktor: mostly, yes. i’ve never been much for celebrating tbh

Jayce T: You’re not visiting your family???

The reply came quickly, almost too quickly.

Viktor: god no

There was a brief pause after that. Jayce wondered if he should ask about it or maybe just leave it alone and change the subject. But then, more messages came through.

Viktor: my dad died a couple years ago 

Viktor: and my mom is currently living in a public elder care home in Zaun

Viktor: her mental health has been declining for a while and i can’t really afford taking care of her daily rn as much as i wish i could so

Viktor: i visited her on Christmas but that’s it

Jayce stared at the screen, his heart sinking as he read the words. He could almost hear the matter-of-fact tone Viktor would use to explain something so deeply personal, brushing it off like it wasn’t a big deal. But to Jayce, it was.

Jayce T: Shit

Jayce T: That sucks

Jayce T: Sorry

Viktor: don’t be lol. it’s not your fault

Jayce T: No, I know, but still

Jayce T: My dad also passed away years ago, so I know how it is

Jayce T: Always feels weird not having him around this time of the year

Viktor: i guess

Viktor: don’t worry too much though

Viktor: i’ve spent Christmas alone for years now, so it’s not a big deal, i’m used to it

Jayce didn’t know what to say to that. The thought of Viktor spending Christmas and New Year’s alone year after year made his chest ache.

Jayce T: I don’t think that’s something you should get used to though

Viktor: eh. it’s fine. i enjoy the quiet

Viktor: besides, Rio is keeping me company

Jayce let out a small, frustrated sigh. It wasn’t fair. Viktor deserved more than this—more than spending the holidays alone with nothing but work and his cat to keep him company. How lonely must Viktor’s life have been to make solitude feel like a comfort instead of a burden?

His thoughts wandered, unbidden, back to the department mixer. He remembered how sure Viktor had been that night, the confidence in his touch, the way he seemed to know exactly what to do to drive Jayce wild. But now, the memory made his stomach twist—not with arousal, but with guilt.

It was easy to see now, with the clarity of hindsight, that Viktor had been doing what he thought was expected of him. Jayce hated that. Hated the idea that Viktor had been with people who saw sex as transactional, something to take and give without care.

Jayce wanted something different for him. He wanted to spoil Viktor, to pleasure him until he trembled, until his sharp mind went blank and he was left breathless. He wanted to kiss every inch of him, to watch him unravel and feel cherished—not used. Not ever.

Jayce swallowed hard, the heat rising to his face as he realized where his thoughts had gone. He shook his head, trying to clear the haze. 

Jayce T: I still think it sucks. You could’ve joined us, you know?

Viktor: i appreciate it. but i like it like this

Viktor: i find socializing a bit exhausting sometimes

Jayce T: You’re not that antisocial though. You’re texting me, aren’t you?

Viktor: a momentary lapse in judgment, clearly

Jayce smiled, though the knot in his chest didn’t ease. He glanced back at the photo Viktor had sent, his gaze lingering on the soft mess of his hair, the way his glasses caught the light, the faint smirk tugging at his lips even with the pen in his mouth.

Jayce T: Ok, fine

Jayce T: But if you were here, I’d at least make sure you had some champagne

Jayce T: And maybe convince you to put on something other than pajamas

Viktor: unlikely. my commitment to comfort knows no bounds

Jayce T: I’d still try

Jayce T: And for the record, you look good

Jayce T: Even in your pajamas

The reply came slower this time.

Viktor: careful, Jayce

Viktor: compliments like that might make me think you're trying to charm me

Jayce chuckled, lying back against the pillows as a familiar warmth bloomed in his chest. He liked this, the way their conversations had evolved into something lighthearted and playful. He liked being able to say they had this absurd flirty dynamic now. At least, that’s how he interpreted it. That's how he wanted to interpret it.

Jayce T: Ok but if you’re alone then, what have your holiday plans been?

Jayce T: I’m guessing no big feasts or loud celebrations

Viktor: you would guess correctly 

Viktor: been mostly reading, watching some movies… 

Viktor: had a couple glasses of wine. maybe i’ll have some cheese if i feel indulgent

Jayce T: Oh!! What Christmas movies have you been watching?

Viktor: Christmas movies?

Jayce T: Yeah?

Jayce T: My mom makes me watch Love Actually almost every Christmas lol

Jayce T: We actually saw it yesterday again for like the 100th time

Viktor: haven’t seen it

Jayce T: WHAT???????

Jayce T: You’ve never seen Love Actually?

Viktor: no

Viktor: should i have?

Jayce groaned dramatically, even though Viktor couldn’t hear him.

Jayce T: YES??? Haven’t you at least heard about it??

Viktor: uhhhhh

Viktor: is that the one with the corny signs scene and

Viktor: well

Viktor: lots of love, i assume?

Jayce T: Okay, I’m actually offended now

Jayce T: Love Actually is a Christmas masterpiece. How have you never seen it?

Viktor: idk??? watching Christmas movies is not exactly my thing ig

Jayce sighed, typing furiously.

Jayce T: That’s tragic

Jayce T: When I’m back, we’re watching it together. I’m not taking no for an answer

There was a pause before Viktor’s reply came through.

Viktor: are you trying to make me watch a movie just so you can mock me for not liking it?

Jayce T: Maybe

Jayce T: But also because it’s objectively good. Trust me

Viktor didn’t respond, and Jayce smiled to himself, imagining him rolling his eyes. He switched gears.

Jayce T: Okay, no Christmas movies, but at least tell me you treated yourself to something this year

Jayce T: I think that's a tradition anyone can get behind

Viktor: yep

Viktor: got myself a new desk lamp, my old one was falling apart

Viktor: also some thermal high knee socks bc the cold fucks up my joints lol

Jayce couldn't help but picture Viktor wearing a pair of high knee socks. The image flashed in his mind for a brief moment. It was… an interesting one, to say the least. He couldn’t help but imagine how good they would look on him. He smiled quietly, biting his lip. It was a thought he would definitely save for later, when he could have some alone time, maybe.

Viktor: oh, and i almost bought one of those LEGO flower sets i like, but it felt unnecessary

Viktor: and i still need to put together another set that Rio keeps knocking over so

Jayce chuckled softly, already picturing Viktor carefully assembling the tiny blocks while his mischievous cat plotted chaos in the background.

Jayce T: You should’ve gone for it. Everyone deserves to treat themselves at Christmas 

Viktor: what did you get yourself?

Jayce T: Nothing, really. But my mom bought me a couple of shirts, a new hard cover notebook with a fancy pen and some crystals for my collection hehe

Viktor: you collect crystals?

Jayce T: Yeah!!!!!! 

Jayce T: Thought I told you that

Viktor: sounds vaguely familiar

Viktor: but i didn’t know you had an actual collection

Jayce T: I do!!!!

Jayce T: Wanna see? 👀

Viktor: sure

Jayce turned toward the shelf in his room, where rows of stones, crystals, and minerals were carefully arranged. He snapped a photo and sent it over.

Viktor: oh my god

Viktor: what the fuck

Viktor: that’s not a collection that’s a fucking shrine

Jayce T: Guilty as charged. I’ve been collecting them since I was a kid

Jayce T: I’ve studied about the way they’re formed, their colors, their properties…

Viktor: oh my god

Viktor: oh my god Jayce Talis is a fucking rock nerd

Viktor: i can’t believe this

Jayce T: Stop laughing at me omg 😭

Viktor: nah

Viktor: it’s kinda cute tbh

Jayce felt his cheeks warm at Viktor’s words. It was embarrassing to admit, but a small part of him couldn’t help but be pleased with the fact that the cutest guy he knew thought he was cute. Or… his obsession with minerals was cute. Didn’t matter. Whatever it was, it felt good either way. 

Jayce T: Some people say they have magic properties and all

Jayce T: Idk I just find them fascinating. If you think about it’s like holding a piece of Earth’s history in your hand

Viktor: that’s unexpectedly poetic

Viktor: though i still think my LEGOs would’ve been the superior purchase

Jayce stared at the screen, his smile wide and his heart feeling full in a way that was both comforting and a little overwhelming.

Just then, he heard his mom’s voice from downstairs, calling for him.

"¡Cariño! Can you come help me set the table, please?"

He let out a soft sigh. “¡Voy, má!”

He stood up, glancing at his phone one more time before typing quickly.

Jayce T: Gotta go. Don’t miss me too much

Viktor: please 🙄🙄🙄

Viktor: you’re too full of yourself

Jayce T: Happy New Year. Here’s to no loud parties and plenty of peace for you

Viktor: happy New Year, Jayce

Viktor: enjoy your night

Jayce T: You too ♥️

Jayce set his phone down after hitting send, a soft smile tugging at his lips. The thought of Viktor spending the holidays alone still bothered him, but at least he’d made him smile tonight. As he made his way toward the stairs, he couldn’t help but think about the conversation.

Oh, he was definitely going to make Viktor watch Love Actually if it was the last thing he did.

And maybe, just maybe, he’d find a way to make this Christmas a little less lonely for him too.

Chapter Text

Jayce was late.

Viktor glanced at the small clock on his desk. It was almost seven. He sighed, leaning back in his chair and running a hand through his hair. He didn’t mind too much —he wasn’t exactly counting the seconds— but there was an odd sort of nervousness coiling in his stomach, a feeling he wasn’t particularly fond of. He told himself it was just the prospect of socializing. Having Jayce over in his tiny, cluttered apartment for the evening wasn’t something Viktor was used to, especially not after the... complicated events of the last time Jayce had been there.

Inviting Jayce into his apartment again felt strange. It was impossible to ignore the shadow of his first —and only— other visit: the night of the department mixer. A night Viktor tried very hard not to think about. Too much had happened. Things he wasn’t ready to revisit, not now that they were finally finding some kind of balance—rebuilding their dynamic at a slower, steadier pace. Taking things one step at a time.

Still, Viktor had to admit —if only to himself— that he secretly enjoyed Jayce’s casual flirting. The quick wit, the disarming compliments, the teasing edge to his words. They were fleeting moments, small enough to be brushed off as harmless fun, but they left Viktor with a warmth he couldn’t quite shake. After all, Jayce had made it clear that he did feel attracted to him in one way or another.

I want you. He had said. I really do. In any way you’ll let me have you.

Viktor shook his head sharply, trying to dispel the memory before it could settle in his mind. Dwelling on those words —on the way Jayce had looked at him, as though he were something precious and not just an afterthought— was a dangerous path to tread.

He glanced around his apartment one last time. Viktor had done his best to tidy up, tucking away stray tools and folding the worn throw blanket on the bed. It wasn’t perfect, but it was as presentable as it was going to get. Satisfied, he stood up, supporting himself on his cane with a stifled groan. He wandered over to the window, absently wiping away a patch of fog with his sleeve. The cold outside had left the glass misted and icy to the touch, distorting the streetlights below into soft halos of yellow. 

The holidays were coming to an end, and this was their last free weekend before classes started again. Jayce had insisted —practically begged— to spend the afternoon together, determined to squeeze in some last-minute festive activities. He’d even come back to his house in the city center earlier than expected, texting Viktor about his plans to ‘help make this the best weekend before the semester’. There was something endearingly innocent and almost childlike about Jayce’s determination to ensure Viktor had something that vaguely resembled a 'proper Christmas'.

In another context, Viktor might have dismissed it as stupid or unnecessary. After all, he had survived plenty of holiday seasons just fine without decorating cookies or watching cheesy movies. But it was hard to say no to Jayce. Not with the way he insisted, sending a ton of selfies during the holidays, with that bright smile and those pleading eyes practically daring Viktor to refuse. And so here he was, looking through the window, waiting, searching for any sign of Jayce’s arrival so they could do... whatever 'festive plans' his friend had cooked up for the weekend.

Friend.

He had an actual friend at university.

The thought brought a faint smile to Viktor's face, one he quickly hid behind his hand. Somewhere deep inside, the small, solitary kid he had once been —the boy who spent countless hours tinkering with scraps of metal and wood to build his own toys because no one else wanted to play with him— would have been overjoyed by this. Proud, even. It was a strange, bittersweet comfort to think that perhaps he had finally managed to outrun those lonely years, if only a little.

Although, to be fair, Jayce wasn’t just a friend.

Well, he was. But Viktor had to admit, begrudgingly, that, yeah, okay, he might have a small, stupid crush on him. 

A very small one. 

It was ridiculous, really. He wasn’t usually like this. He didn’t do crushes. He was almost twenty-five years old now, a grown man with far too many responsibilities and not nearly enough energy to waste feeling giddy and flustered over some hot guy at university. And yet, every time Jayce smiled at him, or casually rested a hand on his shoulder, or leaned in just a little too close when they worked on something together, Viktor’s stomach would twist in ways he didn’t appreciate. A part of him absolutely hated it.

But it was fine. This was fine. Normal. They were friends spending time together, and whatever else lingered between them could stay safely beneath the surface.

The sharp buzz of the doorbell jolted Viktor from his thoughts. He exhaled deeply, running a hand over the fabric of his sweater to smooth out the faint wrinkles before making his way to the door. When he opened it, Jayce stood there, grinning like a child who had just found the biggest present under the tree.

“Hey, you!”

Despite himself, Viktor smiled back softly. “Hey.”

Jayce shifted on his feet, the grin on his face softening as he made a slight move forward, his arms half-raising in a gesture Viktor recognized immediately. For a brief moment, he hesitated, almost as if waiting for a signal, a sign that it wouldn’t be unwelcome. Viktor didn’t move, so Jayce seemed to take that as permission and closed the gap between them, wrapping him in a warm embrace. Viktor let himself be pulled in, knowing full well by now that Jayce was an extremely touchy person, someone who expressed his emotions in physical gestures that Viktor still wasn’t quite used to but no longer found uncomfortable—at least not if they came from Jayce.

For a few seconds, Viktor simply let himself feel it—the solid weight of Jayce’s arms around him, the contrast of his warm body against the chill of the outside air, the faint scent of Jayce’s cologne mingled with the clean, fresh aroma of his detergent. Jayce Talis, Viktor thought fleetingly, was warmth personified.

“Hope I’m not too early.” The taller man murmured as he pulled back, his hands briefly lingering on Viktor’s shoulders before dropping to his sides.

“You’re late, Jayce.” He replied dryly, though there was no real bite to his tone.

“Oops?” Jayce grinned apologetically as he shrugged awkwardly. “Sorry, man. I had to take a cab from my mom’s place to where I’m staying now. Had to drop off my stuff and organize things a bit before coming over.”

Viktor rolled his eyes. “It’s fine.” He stepped aside to let Jayce in, closing the door firmly behind him to keep out the cold. Jayce grinned again with a quiet ‘thank you’ stepping inside as he unbuttoned his coat. “How was your winter break?” Viktor asked. “I assume you’ve been indulging in every seasonal treat imaginable these past few weeks.”

Jayce laughed, a warm, deep sound that filled the apartment as he set his coat onto a nearby hook. “Guilty as charged. My mom made enough food to feed an army. I’m still recovering.” He paused, then added. “Speaking of…” He opened his bag and pulled out a paper bag which, honestly, smelled pretty great. “These are from my mom. She made me promise to bring you some.”

Viktor raised an eyebrow as Jayce handed him the bag, and he gently opened it. Inside, there were several homemade cookies, their golden edges slightly crisped. Viktor couldn’t help but feel a soft warmth spread through him, a quiet but genuine appreciation for the gesture. It was simple, but it felt personal.

“That’s… very kind of her.” He managed, trying to conceal how touched he felt. He cleared his throat, dropping the bag on the kitchen counter. “I didn’t realize your family’s Christmas traditions included feeding your friends.”

Jayce simply nodded, his smile indelible. “She says she’d love to meet you someday.” He said with a shrug. “She’s got a thing for hospitality. You’ll like her.”

Viktor didn’t reply. The idea of meeting Jayce’s mother settled in his chest, and he couldn’t quite tell if it felt strange or oddly exciting. It was almost like Jayce had already decided that it was inevitable, as if the prospect of him meeting his mother was a natural next step in their growing friendship. As if there was no question that Viktor would eventually be woven into the fabric of his life, in ways he hadn’t fully anticipated.

That thought both unsettled and intrigued him. It was too personal, too close, yet there was a part of him that couldn’t help but feel a small flutter of anticipation. Would she like him? Would he like her? Jayce seemed so certain. Viktor felt the unease in his chest shift into something else—something that felt a little too much like a familiar warmth.

As Jayce wandered further inside the apartment, his gaze caught on something. For a moment, he simply stared, his brow furrowing as he leaned closer. Then recognition lit his face as he pointed toward the wall. "Is that...?" His voice was tinged with surprise, his eyes flickering back to Viktor with an expression of dawning realization.

Viktor followed his finger. Hanging from the wall, upside down and tied with a bit of twine, was a bundle of dried flowers. It was the bouquet Jayce had sent to him. Viktor’s heart gave a violent jolt. Of all the things Jayce could have noticed, it had to be that.

“Eh- Yes, well…” Viktor cleared his throat, his voice unusually clipped as a faint flush crept up his neck. “I, uh, I dry flowers sometimes. It’s a hobby. I thought since I already had the bouquet, it would be... a waste not to use it.” He gestured vaguely at the bundle, as if the explanation were perfectly logical and needed no further elaboration.

Jayce’s lips curved into a slow, satisfied smile, his expression somewhere between delighted and proud. “You kept it.” He said, his voice warm and genuine. “I’m glad you liked it.”

Viktor glanced away, feeling his cheeks grow uncomfortably hot. Kept it? Well, yes. Why throw away something he could repurpose? He’d convinced himself it wasn’t sentimental. And yet, there it was, hanging prominently in his apartment, drawing Jayce’s attention like a spotlight.

“It was a thoughtful gesture, yes.” Viktor murmured, his voice quieter now. He risked a glance at Jayce, only to find the man watching him intently, a glint of something unreadable in his eyes.

For a few seconds, neither of them said anything. The silence was heavy, but not uncomfortable. Jayce’s gaze softened, his smile lingering, and Viktor could feel the warmth of it from across the room. It wasn’t just the flowers Jayce seemed pleased with; it was Viktor’s quiet acknowledgment, however reluctant, that he had kept them.

And Viktor hated how vulnerable it made him feel, standing there under that gaze. And at the same time, he couldn’t seem to look away.

“Anyway!” Jayce finally broke the silence, his grin returning full force. “The holiday spirit isn’t over yet.” He said, rubbing his hands together in an almost mischievous gesture. “I’ve got plans, Viktor. Big plans. You’re gonna love them.”

Viktor raised an eyebrow, making his way to the bed, where Rio was curled up between the sheets. “Highly debatable.” As soon as the animal felt her owner’s weight on the mattress, she nuzzled into his lap for warmth, purring softly.

Jayce laughed, rubbing the back of his neck. “C’mon, just trust me for once.”

“Dangerous words, indeed.”

Viktor scratched Rio's head, wincing slightly as he stretched his legs out, feeling the stiff ache in his joints from the cold that had seeped into his bones. “Sorry I’m not being a very good host today. It’s just- my joints are protesting.” He muttered, his voice quiet but tinged with discomfort. “Feel free to grab whatever you need, though.”

Jayce waved off his concern with a casual shrug. “No need to apologize. You’re not gonna hear me complain.” He said, dropping the bag he’d been holding on the floor right next to the bed and sitting down beside Viktor. He looked at the cat in his lap briefly, his smile widening. "She’s a sweet one." Jayce remarked with a smile, watching Rio shift lightly in Viktor’s lap. "I’ve never seen such an affectionate cat. She’s practically glued to you."

Viktor nodded, continuing to run his fingers through the feline's soft fur. "Yeah. I think it probably has to do with the fact that she was a stray.” He began explaining absentmindedly. “I found her on the street. She was in pretty bad shape. I guess she spent a lot of time alone, so… maybe that’s why we get each other so well."

Jayce’s eyes softened as he watched the exchange, and Viktor couldn’t help but notice the way his gaze lingered on him for a moment. There was something almost mesmerized in his expression, like he was seeing Viktor in a new light. He didn’t say anything though, feeling a little self-conscious under the intense look.

After a few seconds, Jayce cleared his throat and sat up straighter, taking a deep breath. "Right! Okay, so! For starters…” Jayce paused, his grin returning, almost mischievous. "I got you something."

Viktor blinked, startled. He paused, glancing up at him, clearly surprised. “No, you didn’t.”

Jayce didn’t reply, instead he just smiled, pulling something out of the bag he'd set down. Viktor stared at him in confusion as Jayce pulled out a neatly wrapped package, handing it over to him with a look of anticipation.

Viktor froze for a moment, unsure how to react. He gently lifted Rio off his lap, the cat meowing in disappointment, but Viktor didn’t mind. He needed a moment to gather his thoughts. “You didn’t need to get me anything.” The words felt awkward on his tongue, as if he was apologizing for something he hadn’t even asked for.

“I know I didn’t need to.” Jayce said, his usual grin softening into something more genuine. “But I wanted to. Come on, open it.”

Viktor hesitated, eyes flicking from the package to Jayce's expectant expression. He felt that familiar pang of discomfort. Jayce was looking at him with that unshakeable warmth, the kind that made Viktor feel both exposed and strangely at ease.

Reluctantly, he gave in and began unwrapping the paper, his fingers moving slowly. When he finally opened it, Viktor’s breath caught in his chest. Inside, neatly arranged, was a LEGO set—a bouquet of intricately designed flowers. His heart skipped a beat as he carefully ran his fingers over the box.

He remembered.

“I know you said you like building those. And you mentioned you almost bought one for yourself, but you didn’t.” Jayce said, almost sheepishly, his voice softer than usual. “And, well, you work at a flower shop, so... it just seemed fitting.”

For a moment, Viktor couldn’t form words. His mind was too occupied with the unexpected kindness of it, how Jayce had listened, had remembered something so small. He wasn’t used to this. The gift was... thoughtful. Thoughtful in a way that felt almost foreign, as if Jayce had seen a part of him no one else had noticed, and had acted on it.

"Thank you." Viktor said quietly, the words more sincere than he intended, his gaze finally lifting to meet Jayce’s. The gift felt heavy in his hands, not in a burdensome way, but in a way that made him feel cared for.

“You like it?”

“Hm-hm.” Viktor swallowed, feeling an unfamiliar discomfort stir in his chest. "I didn’t get you anything, though.”

Jayce shrugged it off with an easy wave. “You didn’t have to. I didn’t expect anything anyway. It’s fine.”

Viktor nodded, though he couldn’t shake the feeling that Jayce’s casualness, his ability to brush aside formalities so effortlessly, was both irritating and comforting. It was as if the act of giving, of kindness, didn’t come with any strings attached for him, and that was something Viktor couldn’t quite wrap his mind around.

“Okay. Now!” Jayce said, clapping his hands together. “Where’s your laptop? We’ve got a movie to watch.”

Viktor gestured toward the desk in the corner. Jayce retrieved the laptop and plopped down on the bed. Then he pulled a tall thermos out of his bag.

“Also, I brought eggnog.” Jayce announced triumphantly.

Viktor groaned. “You’re making me drink that?”

“You don’t like it?” He seemed genuinely surprised. “I figured, since you drown your tea in sugar, this would be right up your alley.”

“Okay, first of all-” Viktor tried to protest.

“Here.” Jayce cut him off, already pouring a generous amount into the thermos cap and handing it over. “Just try it.”

Viktor hesitated, staring down at the creamy concoction, before bringing it to his lips. He sipped reluctantly, the taste catching him off guard. He pressed his lips together, savoring it. “It’s tolerable.” He admitted, setting the cap down with a sigh.

“You like it.” Jayce grinned, leaning back with a smug expression. “You actually like it. I knew it.”

Viktor shot him a sidelong glance, lips twitching into a half-smile. “You might be confusing ‘tolerable’ with ‘delightful.’ But, sure, I’ll concede it’s not the worst thing I’ve ever tasted.”

After a bit more playful banter, they settled comfortably on the bed, the laptop balanced precariously on a stack of books. Viktor felt a bit stiff at first, but as Jayce began narrating random scenes from Love Actually with the kind of exaggerated enthusiasm usually reserved for the most groundbreaking pieces of cinema, he couldn’t help but chuckle. It was absurd, and yet, somehow, it made the whole experience feel more real.

Without even realizing it, Viktor shifted slightly, propping his bad leg up for some comfort. In the process, his leg ended up resting on Jayce’s lap. The warmth of his leg against Jayce’s body made him tense immediately. He froze for a moment, his pulse quickening.

“Sorry.” Viktor muttered, already moving to pull his leg back.

But Jayce’s hand was there before he could do anything, warm and firm on Viktor’s knee. “Leave it.” His voice extremely soft, his expression warm. “It’s fine.”

Viktor hesitated, uncertain. There was something about Jayce’s touch —something unspoken in the way he didn’t pull away or make a big deal out of it— that made Viktor pause. Slowly, he allowed his leg to stay where it was. Jayce turned his attention back to the screen, resuming his energetic commentary. His hand didn’t move though. It stayed right there. On Viktor’s knee. Big, heavy, warm.

Viktor’s eyes stayed fixed on Jayce’s hand, his fingers lightly tracing the fabric of his pants. The warmth radiated through him, and Viktor’s mind seemed to short-circuit for a moment, caught between the comfort of the contact and the strange tension it created. Jayce didn’t seem to notice —or maybe he did, but he didn’t acknowledge it— and Viktor was left to wrestle with the weight of the quiet, unspoken gesture.

The minutes passed in relative silence, the only sounds filling the space being the faint hum of the movie and the occasional shift of Rio as she moved around the studio. It was oddly peaceful, and Viktor found himself leaning into the calm.

The movie continued to play, the light from the screen casting a soft glow over the room, and then Rio hopped onto the bed once again. With a curious sniff, and without hesitation, she settled herself in Jayce’s lap. 

Jayce practically gasped, looking up at Viktor with the widest of grins, his eyes almost sparkling. “Oh my god.” The cat purred contentedly as Jayce slowly scratched behind her ears. “Oh. My. God.”

“She likes you.” Viktor observed, amusement creeping into his voice.

“I feel like I’m the chosen one or something.” Jayce replied, looking down at the cat with exaggerated pride. 

Viktor raised an eyebrow. “Don’t let it go to your head. She’s unusually affectionate for a cat, you said it yourself.”

Jayce’s smile softened, and he ran his fingers through Rio’s fur again, clearly enjoying the moment. “Still,” he said, his voice a little quieter now, “feels special.”

Viktor glanced at him, something tightening in his chest as he watched Jayce, so at ease, so comfortable in this small, intimate instant. There was an effortless warmth to the way Jayce smiled, the way he interacted with his space, his cat. The way he seemed to have a place here, a place where Viktor didn’t feel quite so out of place himself.

For a fleeting moment, Viktor felt an unexpected rush blooming in his chest. It wasn’t just the heat of the apartment or the closeness between them. It was the feeling of having someone by his side, someone who wasn’t afraid to bring their whole self into his universe.

Maybe spending the holidays with someone else wasn’t so bad.

Especially if that someone was Jayce Talis.

*****

The movie had ended nearly an hour ago, but the warmth of Jayce’s laughter still lingered in the tiny apartment. Viktor sat cross-legged on the bed, his cane leaning against the wall, as he watched his friend gesture animatedly, his broad hands cutting through the air as he dissected some plot hole in Love Actually.

“I’m just saying,” Jayce said, his voice carrying that familiar note of indignation that Viktor had learned to recognize, “why didn’t she just tell him she didn’t speak Portuguese? Like, why the secrecy? The whole thing could’ve been resolved in, what, five minutes?”

Viktor hummed, leaning back against the headboard. “Perhaps it is meant to be romantic. You know, the language of love transcending the need for actual communication.”

Jayce snorted, leaning forward to rest his elbows on his knees. “Romantic? It’s incredibly inefficient. If I were him, I’d be like, ‘Cool, we’re in love, but also, here’s a dictionary'.”

Viktor chuckled, the sound low and soft in his throat. “And this is why you are single, no?”

Jayce shot him a mock glare. “I’m single because I have standards, thank you very much.”

Viktor raised an eyebrow, his expression teetering on the edge of amusement. “Ah, yes, standards.” He repeated, his tone dripping with dry humor. “Please, enlighten me—what are these impossibly unattainable Jayce Talis high qualifications that leave you alone and sulking every Christmas?”

Jayce crossed his arms, leaning slightly closer, his grin sharpening into something playful. “First of all, I don’t sulk.” He paused, giving Viktor a pointed look. “I brood. It’s way more dignified.”

Viktor tilted his head, his smirk deepening. “Ah, yes, brooding. Much like a tragic, lonely hero in some cheap romantic novel, right?”

Jayce groaned, running a hand down his face. “Wow, thanks for that mental image. Really adds to my confidence.”

“You’re welcome.” Viktor replied smoothly, his golden eyes glinting with mischief. “So? Are you gonna tell me these legendary standards of yours?”

Jayce leaned back against the wall, feigning deep thought. “Well, for starters, they need to be smart. Like, really smart. Preferably the kind of smart that could out-nerd me any day of the week.” 

“Out-nerd you?” He scoffed. “I doubt that’s even possible.”

“Ha, ha.” Jayce bit down a smile and then he gestured vaguely in Viktor’s direction, his voice teasing. “I don’t know. I just… I’m looking for someone who I can share my passions with. For example, someone who has a borderline unhealthy obsession with science and spends their free time reading about entropy and all that.”

Viktor rolled his eyes, but there was a faint, almost imperceptible twitch at the corner of his lips. “Go on.”

“They also need to have a sense of humor.” Jayce continued, tapping his chin as if he were listing off items on a grocery list. “Sarcasm is a bonus. Keeps me on my toes.”

“How convenient.” Viktor said dryly, folding his arms across his chest. “This hypothetical person sounds very familiar.”

“Doesn’t it?” Jayce replied, his grin widening as he leaned in just a fraction, his voice dropping slightly. “Oh, also, bonus points if they’re a little grumpy. You know, just enough to make it fun.”

Viktor reached out to punch Jayce’s arms, chucking softly. “Oh, fuck off.” Jayce laughed, the sound rich and unrestrained. Viktor tilted his head, regarding the man in front of him with a faint flush creeping up his neck. “No wonder why you’re single then, with all these specific qualifications.”

“What can I say? It’s tough being this picky.” He leaned closer, lowering his voice as if sharing a secret. “Or maybe the problem is that the person who does meet my standards keeps playing hard to get.”

Viktor’s breath hitched almost imperceptibly, but his response was quick, his tone dry as ever. “Perhaps they simply enjoy watching you squirm.”

Jayce’s grin faltered for half a second, replaced by something more nervous, shy even. If Viktor liked anything more than Jayce's flirting, that was watching him come undone when Viktor actually flirted back. Jayce scoffed, but he didn't pull away from Viktor's eyes. “Oh, I’m sure they do.”

The space between them felt smaller now, though neither of them moved. Viktor’s smirk lingered, but there was something unspoken in the way his gaze met Jayce’s—sharp, curious, as though testing the waters of a conversation that had begun to tread deeper ground.

It was too warm. Not the room itself —the heater barely managed to take the edge off the winter chill— but Viktor’s chest, his stomach, his skin. The closeness of Jayce, his laughter, the way he sprawled so easily on Viktor’s bed as though he belonged there... It was dangerous. All of it.

Viktor shifted slightly, trying to quell the unease creeping through him. He wasn’t supposed to feel this way. They’d agreed to take things slow, to be patient. And yet, every time Jayce smiled at him, Viktor felt something slipping, like a fragile wall he wasn’t sure he could rebuild if it fell.

Clearing his throat, Viktor glanced at the small clock on his desk. “It’s getting late.” He said, his tone deliberately casual. “Perhaps you should head home.”

Jayce blinked, his grin faltering slightly. “Oh. Yeah, I guess it is late.”

There was something hesitant in the way Jayce got up, gathering his things with a quiet efficiency that was unusual for him. Viktor felt a pang of guilt, but he ignored it, focusing instead on straightening the corner of his blanket.

As Jayce zipped up his bag, Viktor stood and stretched, the faintest creak in his knees betraying his fatigue. He turned his head absently toward the small window, his movements unhurried, until something caught his attention. His breath hitched. Snow was falling thick and steady, swirling in the muted glow of the streetlights and blanketing the narrow street below in a pristine layer of white.

“It’s snowing.”

“What?” Jayce’s voice was sharp, almost startled.

Viktor glanced over just in time to catch the way Jayce’s shoulders stiffened, the taut line of his jaw, the white-knuckled grip on the strap of his bag.

“Is something wrong?” Viktor asked, his tone sharper now.

Jayce’s head snapped up like he’d been jolted from a trance. He gave a quick shake of his head and forced a smile, too quick, too strained. “No, no, I’m fine. Just... gonna be cold out there, that’s all.”

Jayce’s hands were trembling.

“Jayce.” Viktor said, his voice quieter now but no less serious. “What is it?”

For a moment, Jayce didn’t answer, his gaze falling to the bag he clutched like a lifeline. He fiddled with the zipper, his movements slow and deliberate, like he was buying himself time. When he finally spoke, his voice was soft, almost reluctant. “It’s stupid.”

“Clearly, it is not.” Viktor countered, sitting back down on the bed, his posture patient but unyielding. “Tell me.”

Jayce exhaled a shaky breath, his shoulders slumping under the weight of something invisible. “It’s just... I have this thing with snowstorms. Even small ones. When my mom and I moved here, we got caught in a blizzard on the way. We were stuck in the car for hours. I thought... I thought we weren’t going to make it.”

The rawness in his words hit Viktor like a physical force. His chest tightened as he watched Jayce grip his backpack, his knuckles pale, like he was trying to anchor himself.

“I know it’s stupid. It’s just a little bit of snow.” Jayce continued, his words tumbling out in an uneven rhythm. “But I just... I just can’t. I don’t like it. I hate it, actually. I hate how it makes me feel.”

Viktor nodded in silence, taking all the information in. For a moment, neither of them spoke. Viktor watched as Jayce —normally so composed, so self-assured— stood before him stripped of his usual armor, the vulnerability in his voice evident.

After a moment, Viktor spoke, his voice quiet but firm. “Stay.”

Jayce looked up, caught off guard. “Huh?”

“Stay here.” Viktor repeated, gesturing to the modest space around them. “I am not going to send you out into the snow just so you can have a panic attack on the way home. It would be irresponsible.”

Jayce blinked, as though trying to process the offer. “I... You don’t have to do that.”

“I know. But I am doing it anyway. At least stay until it stops snowing.”

There was a long pause, filled only by the soft hiss of wind outside and the faint hum of the radiator. Jayce hesitated, his fingers drumming lightly against the back of his backpack. Finally, he nodded, a small, almost bashful smile curving his lips. “Okay. Thanks.”

Viktor nodded, turning his gaze back toward the window. But something unfamiliar unfurled in his chest, something he tried —and failed— to ignore. Inviting Jayce to stay had been the logical thing to do. Yet, it felt like something else entirely. It felt like standing on the edge of a goddamn cliff.

Because the truth was, Viktor wasn’t just worried about his friend’s well-being. He was worried about himself—about the way Jayce made him feel. He was concerned about the way Jayce made his guarded edges feel softer, the way his presence filled spaces Viktor had learned to keep empty.

But letting him stay a bit more wasn’t a bad decision. Not entirely.

Friends looked out for each other, after all. And that’s what they were. Friends.

At least, that was what Viktor told himself as he turned back to Jayce, trying to ignore the warmth spreading through his chest.

Chapter Text

A snowy night stuck inside had never been so warm.

The hours had slipped by in easy laughter and conversation, the kind that felt effortless and grounding. Jayce couldn’t remember the last time he’d enjoyed himself so much just talking—bantering about plot holes in movies, swapping ridiculous anecdotes, and arguing over whether pineapple belongs on pizza. It felt good, spending time with Viktor as friends, not just as lab partners or classmates, but two people sharing a quiet evening together.

Now, as snow continued to fall outside in a soft, relentless blur, Viktor sat at the foot of the bed, his laptop balanced in his lap. The soft glow of the screen caught on the glasses Viktor had slipped on earlier halfway through Love Actually (God, he looked good in those stupid glasses…), his brow furrowing slightly as he scrolled through Jayce’s Netflix account.

“Okay, I think we’ve had enough holiday cheer.” He finally said, his voice calm but laced with dry amusement. “If you’re letting me choose, I’m going to make it count.”

Jayce grinned, stretching out with his back against the headboard. “Just don’t pick something that’s going to put me to sleep. I’m trusting you, y’know.”

Viktor didn’t look up, though the faint twitch at the corner of his mouth betrayed his amusement. “Trusting me might have been your first mistake.”

Jayce snorted, though his chest tightened with the odd thrill of Viktor’s teasing. “If it’s some sort of weird black and white auteur cinema shit, I’m leaving.”

“Oh, it is.” Viktor chuckled at Jayce’s dramatic groan, as he accommodated himself against the bed’s headboard next to him. “And you’re staying.”

Jayce’s mild apprehension turned to curiosity as the screen flickered to life, displaying the stark, grainy opening of The Lighthouse . The eerie sound of a foghorn echoed through the speakers, setting a haunting tone that made him shift in his seat.

“What is this?”

“Eggers.” Viktor said, settling the laptop on Jayce’s lap instead, and leaning back further against the headboard. Rio instantly hopped up and curled into his lap with an ease that made Jayce a little envious. “A modern allegory. Prometheus meets madness.” His tone was neutral, but the glint in his eyes betrayed his quiet enthusiasm.

Jayce gave a dubious hum as the film unfolded (though not without first begging Viktor to turn on the subtitles so his brain could actually keep up with the dialogue). At first, he tried to focus on the plot, on the cryptic conversations between the two men spiraling into madness, but he quickly realized his attention was slipping elsewhere. It wasn’t the film’s abstract metaphors or stark cinematography that captured him—it was the way Viktor’s eyes sharpened as he watched, how his expression shifted during certain scenes.

He seemed utterly in his element, occasionally muttering low comments that Jayce couldn’t quite make out but which stirred the corners of his mouth into a smile. Viktor called the characters ‘pitiable fools’ and at one point, he scoffed, murmuring, “This is what happens when men believe they’re owed everything.”

Jayce found himself distracted, not by the film’s grim absurdity but by the weight of those words—and the sharp, complicated figure sitting beside him who had said them.

By the time the credits rolled, Jayce leaned back, blinking as if emerging from a fog himself. “That,” he said slowly, “was the most unsettling two hours of my life.”

Viktor let out a quiet laugh, resting his chin in his hand as he looked at Jayce. “That’s the point. It’s meant to remind you of the cost of ambition. Of hubris.”

“Hubris?” Jayce echoed, sitting forward, his brows knitting together. “I don’t know. Maybe it’s just me, but it felt more like desperation than arrogance. Those two were trapped, not just physically, but mentally. Like they couldn’t see a way out, even if it was staring them in the face.”

Viktor tilted his head slightly, his expression thoughtful. “Desperation and hubris are not so different, are they? Both make you blind, reckless. Both make you believe the world owes you something.”

“But isn’t ambition- Like, real ambition, about creating something bigger than yourself? About taking risks because the reward could mean something? Maybe what those two lacked wasn’t ambition or even humility. Maybe it was perspective.”

Viktor’s lips quirked into a faint smile, a rare softness breaking through his usual sharp edges. “Perspective.” He repeated, as if tasting the word. “Perhaps.”

Jayce leaned back again, exhaling a laugh through his nose. “I think you just enjoy the part where people spiral into madness and doom.”

His host shrugged, his smile now tinged with mischief. “I won’t deny it’s compelling.” His gaze flicked to Jayce, lingering for a moment. “But it’s not madness or doom that interests me. It’s what they reveal about people. What we cling to, what we sacrifice, and what we’re willing to endure.”

Jayce opened his mouth to reply, then closed it, caught off guard by the weight of Viktor’s words. The hum of the radiator and Rio’s soft purring filled the silence as Jayce let his thoughts wander. He wasn’t sure why Viktor’s words hit him so deeply—maybe because they mirrored thoughts he rarely allowed himself to confront. Progress, ambition, love, kindness, all the ideals he had built his life around… weren’t they, at their core, about the same things Viktor had mentioned? What people cling to. What they’re willing to sacrifice.

But Viktor’s perspective was different, sharper, and somehow more grounded. Despite the hurdles life had clearly thrown at him, hadn’t been crushed under the weight of it all. There was still a quiet hope in him, a belief in the future, in progress. Jayce thought about the bits and pieces he knew of Viktor’s life. The limp, the ever-present cane, the vague guarded mentions of his turbulent family history and growing up in Zaun… How did someone carry all of that and still have the strength to believe in something better? It wasn’t just admirable—it was magnetic.

When Jayce glanced back at Viktor, whatever quip he’d been about to make died in his throat. Viktor was slouched against the headboard now, his features softened by the dim light, his eyes half-closed in what looked like rare peace, with his glasses slightly askew, resting precariously on the bridge of his sharp nose. Rio had curled tighter against his side, her tail draped over his wrist, and his hand resting absently in her fur, the smallest motion of his fingers betraying that he was still half-aware, still present.

Jayce’s chest tightened, an unfamiliar ache blooming there. He’d always thought of progress as something loud and explosive, something forged with sweat and brilliance and an almost reckless drive to achieve. But Viktor’s version of it was different—like a light you tended carefully, keeping it alive through sheer will and patience. Although there was also something passionate and explosive in him, something that burned just beneath the surface. A quiet but fierce yearning to change the world for the better, to leave it brighter than he’d found it.

For a moment, Jayce simply watched him, his own thoughts swirling as he tried to reconcile the Viktor he was coming to know with the image he’d built in his head. This man —so guarded, so brilliant, so unwilling to bend to the world’s expectations— was everything Jayce had never realized he was searching for.

“Vik?” He called softly, reaching out to touch his leg.

The man’s eyes opened slightly, and he blinked at him, his gaze unfocused. “Hm?”

“You’re falling asleep.” Jayce said gently. “It’s late. You should get some rest.”

Viktor’s head turned toward the window, his eyes narrowing as he took in the faint glow of the snow still falling outside. “It hasn’t stopped snowing.” He muttered.

Jayce followed his gaze, his lips pressing into a thin line. “Yeah…” He hesitated, then added. “Maybe I should get going. It’s fine, I’ll just call a cab or-”

“You’re staying.” He straightened up a bit, taking off his glasses and putting them aside on top of the nightstand. “I told you, I don’t mind.”

“But-”

“Jayce.” Viktor’s honey whisky eyes seemed tired but sharp as ever.

Jayce sighed, though there was a flicker of relief in his chest. “Fine. Then I guess it’s time to call it a night. I’ll take the desk chair, if that’s alright. Do you have any blankets I could use or…?”

At that, Viktor frowned, his expression caught somewhere between confusion and annoyance. “You’re not sleeping on a chair.”

“I don’t mind-”

“I mind.” Viktor interrupted, his tone leaving no room for argument. “You’ll sleep in the bed.”

Jayce blinked, heat creeping into his cheeks as his brain processed the words. “Wait- you mean… both of us? In the same bed?”

Smooth, Jayce, real smooth. You don’t sound like a horny teenager at all!

Viktor gave him a look that suggested he thought the question was ridiculous. “Yes? Unless you’d prefer the cold, hard floor over a perfectly good mattress.” He seemed to pick up on Jayce’s nervousness anyway, because his expression softened ever so slightly, and he shot him a dry, almost amused look. “Relax, Talis. I’m not about to sweep you off your feet. This isn’t one of your overdramatic romantic comedies. I’ve had enough Love Actually for one night.” He let out a small, breathy laugh. “It’s just practical.”

Except this really felt like a bad romantic cliché.

Viktor was obviously trying to keep things light, but there was the faintest flicker of something on his face—a subtle, almost imperceptible moment of hesitation. Anticipation, perhaps, or maybe even embarrassment, betrayed in the slight downturn of his gaze and the way his hand adjusted the blanket just a little too tight.

Jayce caught it, and the realization didn’t help his already jumbled nerves. He wasn’t sure what it meant, but it sent an odd warmth through him, his stomach flipping like a dumb little kid with a crush. Still, he barked out a laugh, a little too loud and forced, trying desperately to play it cool. 

“Uh, yeah, no, I mean- Sure. Makes sense.” Jayce stammered, rubbing the back of his neck. He tried not to let his eyes linger on Viktor too long, a wave of nervous energy currently short-circuiting his brain. “No big deal.” He waved a hand in what he hoped was a nonchalant gesture, though the warmth in his face betrayed him. “But, uh, I don’t want to make you uncomfortable, though.”

“You won’t.” Viktor said simply. “It’s fine. Better to share the bed than freeze.”

Jayce swallowed hard, his heart thudding a little too fast. “Okay. Thanks, man.”

Viktor shrugged, already pulling off his sweater to reveal a loose t-shirt underneath. Jayce tried not to stare, but his gaze caught on the tattoos that spiraled along Viktor’s arms, the faint lines and floral patterns dark against his pale skin. The oversized shirt hung loosely off his frame, making him look softer somehow.

Jayce dragged his eyes away, pretending to rummage through his bag. Viktor was already moving, pushing a few items to the side and clearing the bed before slipping under the covers, his movements unhurried but precise. He adjusted the blanket over himself, then glanced at Jayce, his expression unreadable under the dim light of the room. “If you need something to sleep in, check the wardrobe. Though I doubt anything of mine will fit you.” There was a faint hint of amusement in his voice.

“Yeah, no, don’t worry. I can probably borrow one of your bigger shirts, if that’s okay? That, and these sweats,” he picked the fabric of his pants in between two fingers momentarily, “should do the trick.”

Viktor nodded, already reaching for his phone on the nightstand, his attention drifting as he swiped at the screen. “Suit yourself.”

Jayce hesitated for a moment, watching Viktor out of the corner of his eye. He turned toward the wardrobe, tugging it open and rifling through the row of neatly folded shirts until he found one that seemed large enough—a worn, oversized black t-shirt. The fabric looked soft from years of use, and though it wasn’t exactly his size, he figured it would do.

Pulling the shirt off its hanger, Jayce hesitated for a moment, glancing briefly toward the bed where Viktor was still propped up, scrolling through his phone with an unreadable expression. He turned his back to the bed as he began to strip off his layers, first his sweater, then the shirt underneath.

The cool air of the room hit his bare skin, and Jayce suddenly felt oddly exposed, a flush creeping up his neck. He rubbed one of his shoulders awkwardly, wondering —against his better judgment— if Viktor was looking at him. The thought sent a jolt of self-consciousness through him, making him feel both foolish and  vulnerable.

Quickly, he pulled Viktor’s shirt over his head. It didn’t hang on him the way he’d expected. It wasn’t super tight, but it wasn’t exactly loose either—just snug enough to be comfortable. As he adjusted the hem, his senses caught something subtle but unmistakable: the faint, clean scent of Viktor.

A shiver ran down his spine, a sharp and unexpected thrill that made his pulse quicken. He inhaled deeply before catching himself and shaking his head, annoyed at his own reaction. He turned back toward the bed, schooling his expression into one of casual ease, though his chest felt tight with a strange anticipation. He looked up just in time to catch Viktor glancing away from his phone. For a brief moment, the man froze, his gaze fixed on Jayce before flickering downward, scanning his torso with an almost imperceptible glance.

The silence stretched just long enough for Jayce to notice, heat creeping up his neck again. Viktor quickly cleared his throat, his expression shifting into something neutral, though there was a faint tension in his jaw. “Good?”

Jayce smiled, running a hand absently over the fabric. “I mean. It fits. Kinda.”

Viktor nodded, his attention darting back to his phone a little too quickly. But Jayce caught the way his fingers fidgeted with the edge of the device, and something about it sent a ripple of satisfaction through him. He felt seen, in a way that wasn’t entirely uncomfortable—more like a rush of quiet pride, as though Viktor’s reaction was some sort of small victory.

Gathering himself, Jayce took a step toward the bed, trying not to let the awkwardness of the moment weigh too heavily. “Uh, so…” He gestured toward the empty side of the bed, feeling almost absurdly self-conscious.

Viktor looked up, amused, and shifted to make room, finally putting his phone aside. “Just lie down before you make this more awkward.”

Jayce let out a nervous laugh, scratching the back of his neck as he moved closer. Carefully, he pulled back the covers and slid in, the mattress dipping slightly under his weight. The bed was small —too small for two grown men— and no matter how he tried to position himself, some part of him inevitably brushed against Viktor.

He turned onto his side, facing Viktor, and tried to ignore the way his heart raced at their proximity. “Are you comfortable?” He asked softly.

Viktor nodded, his eyes heavy with exhaustion. “You?”

“Yeah.” Jayce smiled faintly. “Thanks again… for everything.”

Viktor’s lips curved into the barest hint of a smile, his voice low and rough with fatigue. “You don’t need to thank me.”

For a moment, Jayce just stared, his breath catching at the sight of Viktor so close, so warm, his eyes gleaming softly in the low light. His gaze lingered on the small mole just above Viktor’s mouth, the way the faint shadow of his lashes curved against his cheek. It was impossible not to notice how peaceful Viktor looked, and yet, there was something maddening about the simplicity of the moment. They were lying there, side by side, pretending everything was fine —normal, even— when Jayce felt like he was seconds away from combusting.

The paler man yawned softly, breaking the silence, and turned onto his side, his back now facing Jayce. “Goodnight.” 

“Night.” Jayce whispered back, though his voice sounded strained even to his own ears.

He stared at Viktor’s back, his eyes tracing the faint curve of his neck and the small moles just visible above the collar of his shirt. His mind betrayed him, dragging him back to that night not so long ago. His chest tightened as his thoughts began to spiral. How was he supposed to act like this was no big deal? How was he supposed to stay calm, stay still, when the space between them was barely the width of a pillow and the air felt too warm and heavy, carrying that faint, distinct scent that was so Viktor?

How the fuck were they pretending like everything was fine when they were literally sleeping on the same bed where Viktor had looked at him with those piercing, hungry eyes? Where his sharp, clever hands had touched him with a confidence that left Jayce reeling. Where he had had his fingers inside his mouth and in between his legs. Jayce could still feel the ghost of that touch, the faint press of Viktor’s fingerprints against his tongue, the low hum of his voice as he murmured something sinful and grounding, and the way he’d-

Jayce clamped his eyes shut, his fists balling in the sheets as he bit the inside of his cheek, willing the thoughts to stop. This wasn’t helping. He needed to calm down, or he was going to lose it.

It was nothing. It was just one night. He could survive this.

Except Viktor was right there, and the distance between them felt like the most fragile thing in the world. Jayce turned his head into the pillow, inhaling sharply, trying to convince himself that he wasn’t on the verge of exploding. Because the truth was, every nerve in his body was aware of Viktor, every memory of that night clawing its way to the surface.

It was everything. It was too much. And it was going to drive him insane.

This was going to be the longest night of his life.

*****

Jayce woke up in the middle of the night, blinking sluggishly in the dim light of Viktor’s small desk lamp. He couldn’t quite pinpoint when he’d drifted off, but now every sensation seemed painfully sharp. The faint creak of the mattress as he shifted, the slow, steady rhythm of Viktor’s breathing, the warmth of his body…

And then he realized it.

His arm was draped over Viktor’s waist, his hand resting lightly on the curve of his hip. His nose was buried in Viktor’s hair, catching faint hints of something that smelled undeniably sweet. Jayce’s heart lurched into his throat. For a split second, panic flared. He should move, pull away, do something. But his body stayed rooted where it was, frozen in a mix of fear and something deeper, something far more dangerous.

He swallowed hard, his voice faltering as he whispered. “Vik… are you awake?”

No response. Just the quiet cadence of Viktor’s breathing, soft and steady, completely undisturbed. Jayce let out a shaky breath in relief, his heart pounding furiously in his chest as he tried to convince himself to move. 

But he couldn’t. He couldn’t possibly tear himself away. 

He allowed himself —just for a moment— to stay like this. To savor the quiet intimacy of it. His nose brushed against Viktor’s hair again, and a shiver ran down his spine. The strands were soft, tickling his face, and without thinking, his lips ghosted over the nape of Viktor’s neck. His skin prickled, a flood of heat rushing through his body at the sensation.

Images flashed in his mind again, unbidden but vivid. The way Viktor’s fingers had pressed into his skin, how his touch had left him completely unhinged, how his mouth had felt against his clothed erection…

Jayce squeezed his eyes shut, trying desperately to quiet his racing thoughts. He should stop this. He needed to stop this. But his hand, almost on its own accord, started to move. Slowly, cautiously, his fingertips slipped beneath Viktor’s oversized t-shirt, brushing against the bare skin of his waist.

Oh, he was a bad person.

His breath caught in his throat. Viktor’s skin was impossibly soft, warm under his touch. Jayce’s fingers ghosted along the curve of his waist, tracing the faint outline of his hipbone. He felt like his body was on fire, every nerve alive and sparking with electricity. His own breathing grew uneven as heat pooled low in his stomach.

“Fuck.” He muttered under his breath, barely audible as he pressed his face into Viktor’s neck, desperate for grounding. But the scent of him only made it worse, made Jayce’s head swim with things he couldn’t —shouldn’t— want.

Jayce didn’t even realize he was moving at first. It was instinctual, a pull he couldn’t resist, like gravity drawing him closer. The warmth radiating from Viktor’s body felt unbearable and irresistible all at once. Before he knew it, the space between them had vanished, his hips pressing against Viktor’s backside as a quiet, involuntary gasp escaped his lips.

Oh, he was a terrible fucking person.

The contact was light at first —so faint it might have been accidental— but it was enough to send a jolt of arousal straight through him. He felt mortified as he sensed his cock straining against the fabric of his boxers. As if possessed by something outside himself, his hips shifted again, this time pressing harder against Viktor, as a quiet, stifled groan escaped his throat before he could swallow it down. His own voice startled him, and he squeezed his eyes shut, embarrassed by his lack of control.

Jayce froze, shame and desire warring violently inside him, his heart hammering loudly in his ears.

This was wrong.

So wrong.

He clenched his jaw, opening his eyes as he fought to regain control of himself. He couldn’t do this. He wouldn’t do this—not to Viktor, not to their fragile, tentative friendship, not to everything they were trying to rebuild.

With a ragged exhale, he forced himself to pull away, every fiber of his being screaming in protest. His hand slipped from Viktor’s waist, and he carefully, painstakingly, rolled out of bed. The cold air of the room hit him immediately, and he shivered as he stood there for a moment, staring at Viktor’s sleeping form. He looked so peaceful, so completely unguarded. Jayce’s chest ached with something he couldn’t name, something far too overwhelming to face in that moment.

Jayce stood there for a moment, feeling utterly lost as he glanced around Viktor’s small apartment. The quiet hum of the radiator filled the silence, and his eyes landed on Rio, curled up peacefully in her tiny bed in the corner. Jayce let out a soft sigh, running a hand down his face, before his gaze shifted downward to the silhouette of his growing erection inside his pants. He exhaled sharply through his nose, his face flushing with an embarrassing heat.

Clumsily, he walked toward the bathroom, shutting the door quietly behind him as he entered. He sat down heavily on the closed lid of the toilet, burying his face in his hands as his heart continued to race.

Fuck.

Fuckfuckfuck.

What the hell am I doing?

He felt completely out of control. It wasn’t just the physical attraction, though that was undeniable and ever-present. It was everything. The way Viktor made him feel, the way he always made him feel. Like he was standing on the edge of something vast and terrifying, something that could swallow him whole if he wasn’t careful.

Jayce dragged his hands through his hair, exhaling shakily as he leaned back against the cool wall of the bathroom. He couldn’t let this happen. Not like this.

But God, being close to Viktor, feeling his warmth, touching his skin—every part of it felt so right, and that scared Jayce more than anything.

Jayce’s eyes hovered down nervously once again. He grabbed himself in his sweats, a frustrated, shaky huff escaping him, equal parts embarrassment and eagerness. What the hell was he supposed to do now? Just sit here and wait it out? Hope that this maddening, all-consuming wave of tension would subside on its own? The idea of going back out there and sliding under the blankets beside Viktor like everything was fine felt impossible. No. No, that would only make it worse.

He bit his lip, staring down at his lap as his chest rose and fell unevenly. His tongue darted out, wetting his lips unconsciously, and before he could stop himself, his hand moved. Slowly, tentatively, his fingers brushed the waistband of his pants.

“Shit.” He whispered under his breath, the word carrying a tinge of shame, and yet… what choice did he have?

Swallowing hard, Jayce squeezed his eyes shut. His breath hitched as he tugged his sweatpants and boxers down his knees, just far enough to free himself. He felt impossibly self-conscious, painfully aware of where he was and what he was doing, and the knowledge that Viktor was just a few meters away, sleeping peacefully in his bed, only made it worse. This was Viktor’s bathroom. His quiet, private space. And here Jayce was, unable to keep himself together, unable to push back the need that clawed under his skin.

He rested his forehead against his other hand, his palm clammy against his temple, as he finally grabbed his cock at the base, starting to stroke himself slowly, deliberately. His teeth sank into his bottom lip as he tried to keep his breathing quiet, though the muffled sound of his own unsteady exhales filled the tiny bathroom. This wasn’t supposed to happen. He wasn’t supposed to feel this… consumed.

But he couldn’t stop the images of Viktor earlier that evening, the way his long, elegant fingers moved with such fervor when he talked, gesturing with precise, almost hypnotic motions. His golden eyes glinting behind his glasses— fuck, those goddamned glasses. 

Oh, how Jayce wanted him.

He wanted him so bad.

He bit back a groan, his hand quickening as his mind kept spiraling, flooding with images of Viktor’s sharp smile, full of unspoken challenges when he had flirted back at him, firing off clever retorts that left Jayce scrambling to keep up. He thought about the way Viktor’s eyes had traced him earlier, the subtle catch in his breath. He could almost feel the phantom weight of his gaze, the way it had lingered a moment too long, like it left marks on his skin.

Viktor had to want him too. In some way or another.

Didn’t he?

With his free hand, Jayce gripped the hem of the shirt he was wearing. His fingers twisted in the worn fabric as he brought it up to his nose, breathing in deeply. The scent hit him immediately, earthy and clean, like damp soil after rain, mixed with the sharp edge of something like cheap shampoo, simple and unpretentious, yet strangely sweet and comforting. It was grounding and unpolished and intoxicating  and so uniquely Viktor.

Oh, how he ached for him.

He ached for having Viktor in his arms, for having him beneath him, above him, anywhere, anytime, in any position, it didn’t matter, so long as it was them.

He ached for knowing every inch of his body, every mole, every curve, every place that made him shiver or sigh.

He ached to learn how he would sound—soft gasps, breathy sighs, maybe even low, desperate whimpers that would drive Jayce wild. 

A low, muffled moan escaped him as he buried his face in the fabric, the smell filling his senses and making everything worse—or better, he couldn’t tell anymore. It was embarrassing and primal, but he didn’t care. He couldn’t stop. The heat in his chest, in his stomach, in every nerve of his body, grew unbearable as he pressed his lips against the shirt, stifling another soft noise as his hips moved instinctively against his hand. The realization that it was Viktor’s scent —the very same scent that clung to his skin, his bed, his everything— only made the ache inside him sharper.

He wanted to bury his face in Viktor’s neck and breathe him in, to feel that earthy scent, and then taste it, trace it with his lips and tongue, in every inch of his skin.

His grip on the shirt tightened as his head tipped back, a low, almost pitiful whine slipping free as the fabric clung to his face, his senses overwhelmed by the phantom of what could be.

God, he wanted that, wanted him, wanted to lose himself completely in him until nothing else existed.

His breath hitched as he squeezed his eyes shut, gripping the shirt like it was the only thing tethering him to reality. And then, he realized:

This wasn’t just desire.

It was longing.

Deep, raw and all-consuming longing.

Finally, Jayce felt his body tense, a strangled noise catching in his throat, his heart pounding as the intensity peaked and then ebbed, leaving him panting, shivering and hollow in its wake.

For a long moment, he sat there, eyes closed, trying to catch his breath and collect the scattered pieces of himself.

Holy shit.

He was, indeed, down bad for this man.

When he finally opened his eyes, he felt a new wave of shame wash over him. Slowly, Jayce reached for a handful of toilet paper, cleaning himself up as quickly as he could, his hands shaking slightly.

Pulling his pants back up, he rested his head in his hands again for a brief moment, breathing deeply and trying to compose himself. He felt terrible. Ashamed, yes, but also restless, like he’d barely scratched the surface of what he truly wanted.

He stood up and with one last glance at himself in the small mirror above the sink, Jayce exhaled heavily and turned off the light, stepping back into the dim apartment. He paused just outside the bathroom, his eyes lingering on the quiet silhouette of Viktor in the bed. Only now, Viktor had shifted, facing Jayce’s side of the mattress. For a fleeting moment, Jayce considered taking the desk chair as he had initially suggested, but his feet moved on their own, pulling him back toward the shared space.

Carefully, he slid under the covers, trying not to disturb Viktor. Their faces were barely inches apart, close enough for Jayce to make out the faint rise and fall of Viktor’s chest, the curve of his slightly parted lips in the dim light.

A wave of tenderness hit him, sharp and almost unbearable. His heart ached in a way that felt far too deep and raw for what this moment was supposed to be. Slowly, almost without thinking, Jayce reached out. His fingers brushed Viktor’s temple as he gently pushed a stray lock of hair back, tucking it behind his ear. His touch was featherlight, as if afraid to wake him, though his chest tightened painfully just from the simple act.

God, he’s beautiful.

Jayce swallowed thickly, pulling his hand back and rolling onto his back to stare up at the ceiling. The reality of it all —of how much he felt— settled heavily on him, pressing down with a force that made it impossible to breathe. How was he supposed to sleep now?

Sleep? He laughed bitterly to himself. Yeah, that probably wasn’t happening tonight.

Instead, he lay there, hyperaware of Viktor’s quiet presence beside him, feeling like he was on the edge of some enormous precipice.

This had gotten out of hand. Completely, out of hand.

Because now, he wasn’t even sure if what he felt for Viktor was just a crush, or a close friendship, or- No, it was something bigger, scarier, something he wasn’t even sure he was ready to name.

Something that terrified him as much as it thrilled him.

Chapter Text

Viktor woke up to the quiet hum of the radiator and the faint sound of snow still brushing against the window. His room was dim, lit only by the pale morning light filtering through the curtains. It took him a moment to register the warmth beside him, the broad, steady presence just inches away.

Jayce.

Viktor shifted slightly, careful not to disturb the body next to his, but the motion only heightened his awareness. Jayce’s warmth bled through the blanket they shared, and Viktor realized with a strange pang that at some point in the night, Jayce must have shifted closer to him, because their arms were brushing.

He exhaled quietly and, for a moment, he considered closing his eyes again, pretending none of this was happening. Inviting Jayce to his bed might have been a bit of an impulsive decision. And yet, here they were, sharing it like it was nothing. Like it was normal. But nothing about this was normal, and Viktor knew it. This was the same bed where they had crossed a line they still weren't ready to talk about. The memory of that night was tucked away in a locked drawer of Viktor’s mind, one he used to open a little bit too much, if he was being honest.

But despite all of that, Viktor knew he couldn’t let Jayce leave. Not in the middle of the night, not in the middle of a snowstorm. Not after everything Jayce had confided in him about winter storms, about the way they twisted knots of fear in his chest. The thought of Jayce walking home alone, flinching at the howl of the wind and the biting cold, had been unbearable.

And, if Viktor was honest with himself —truly honest— he knew it wasn’t just concern for Jayce’s safety that had led him to make the offer. A small, selfish part of him had wanted this. Had wanted the simplicity of sharing warmth, the fleeting comfort of human closeness, the quiet reassurance of Jayce’s presence. That part of him had craved the intimacy, no matter how small or fleeting, of lying side by side with him in the dark.

Now, with Jayce’s body so close to his that he could feel the faintest whisper of heat, Viktor felt like an exposed nerve. Every moment felt stretched thin, each second laced with tension he couldn’t ignore. He had always been good at setting boundaries and sticking to them. But Jayce had a way of tearing down those walls, slipping past his defenses with ease, leaving Viktor both frustrated and longing. And here, in the quiet stillness of the morning, Viktor found himself wondering what it would mean to stop fighting it.

So he allowed himself to let his guard down for a moment. A soft, quiet pull made him turn his head ever so slightly, and his eyes met his companion’s sleeping form. Jayce’s face was right there. Peaceful, unguarded, and maddeningly close. His hair was a little messy, and his lips were slightly parted, revealing that stupidly adorable gap between his front teeth that Viktor had been obsessed with almost from the moment they met. Viktor’s gaze lingered longer than it should have, tracing the slope of his nose, the faint stubble on his jaw, the small scar on his right eyebrow...

He tried to tell himself it was just curiosity, but it obviously wasn’t.

The events of the night before returned to him in a slow, disjointed wave. The storm, Jayce wearing his clothes, the shared mattress that now felt far too small... And then there was that moment in the dead of night, the one that still lingered in his mind, leaving him questioning whether it had been real or just some fever dream conjured by his half-asleep state.

He’d woken briefly in the middle of the night, groggy and disoriented, to find the other side of the bed empty. The faint glow of the bathroom light spilled into the room, and he assumed Jayce had simply gotten up to use the toilet. Too tired to think much of it, Viktor had shifted slightly, pulling the blanket tighter around himself as he tried to drift off again. But then he’d heard the sound of the door, the quiet creak of the floorboards, and the subtle rustle of fabric as Jayce slid back under the covers.

He hadn’t been fully asleep when it happened. That moment. That barely-there touch.

Viktor could still feel the ghost of it now—the way Jayce’s fingers had grazed his temple, brushing back a stray lock of hair with a gentleness that left him frozen. He had kept his eyes shut, his breath shallow, pretending to be asleep. But the touch lingered, burning itself into his mind. It wasn’t just the intimacy of the act that unsettled him; it was the way it made him feel. Soft. Exposed. Wanted.

And now, here he was, staring at Jayce like an idiot, caught in some strange liminal space between longing and fear. He didn’t know how long he stayed there, looking at him, mere inches away from his face.

That impulsive side of him —the same one that had led him to invite Jayce to share his bed last night— was now whispering unhinged suggestions in his mind, pulling his gaze toward Jayce’s lips. They were a bit chapped, and his cupid’s bow was slightly uneven, but still, Viktor found them strangely, maddeningly irresistible. He hated to admit, even to himself, how appetizing they seemed. That part of him —a very foolish, reckless part— wanted to lean in and taste them, if only to know what they felt like beneath his own, what Jayce’s mouth would taste like against his tongue.

But of course, he didn’t. It was better this way—better to keep his distance. Jayce didn’t need to know how much Viktor’s heart had skipped when he’d felt the brush of his fingers the night before. He didn’t need to know just how much control his stupidly unaware, soft, sleeping face effortlessly wielded over him.

No, it was better to stay silent, to keep his thoughts buried. Jayce didn’t need to know, and Viktor wasn’t sure he could bear the weight of what might happen if he did.

He was still lost in his own thoughts when Jayce finally stirred slightly beside him. The faintest of movements, a soft sound in the back of his throat, but it was enough to snap Viktor out of his trance. He turned his gaze away sharply, shifting onto his back and fixing his eyes on the ceiling. A moment later, Jayce groaned softly, the sound of someone reluctantly surfacing from sleep. Viktor forced his expression into something neutral as he heard the sheets rustle.

“Morning.” Jayce mumbled, his voice husky and thick with sleep. 

Viktor didn’t turn to look at him, keeping his gaze fixed upward. “Good morning.” He replied evenly, his tone betraying none of the turmoil still simmering beneath the surface.

Jayce yawned, and Viktor could feel him stretching beside him, the mattress dipping slightly with the movement. The air between them was heavy with something unspoken, but neither of them addressed it.

“Sleep well?” Jayce finally asked.

Viktor hesitated for a fraction of a second, just long enough for it to be noticeable. “Well enough.” He replied curtly, his voice carefully measured. “And you? You seemed kind of... restless.”

Jayce froze for a second, but then he plastered on a smile, waving off the comment. “Ah, yeah, just… weird dreams. Nothing important.” 

Viktor hummed softly, nodding as though accepting the response but deciding not to press further. His gaze flickered briefly toward Jayce’s face before he glanced up again. He couldn’t quite shake the memory of Jayce’s hand brushing against his face the night before, the faint memory of that gesture still lingering in the back of his mind.

“But, uh, yeah, I’ve had worse.” Jayce continued, rubbing at his face with one hand. “Your bed’s surprisingly comfortable to be this small.”

Viktor glanced at him out of the corner of his eye, his mouth twitching as if fighting off a sarcastic retort. “Well, I’m glad it was comfortable. Though I suppose anyone would find it a bit small when they’re trying to fit a restless giant in it.”

Jayce grinned at that, his dimples faintly visible even in the dim light. "Um. Excuse me, but I’ll have you know I’m perfectly capable of curling up." He said, raising an eyebrow. “I’m not a giant. Just... a little more... vertically gifted.” He stretched out, making a show of it as he sat up, still rubbing the sleep from his eyes. “You’re lucky I didn’t roll over and crush you in my sleep.” He finally said with a playful smile.

Viktor’s lips also curved into a small smirk despite himself. “I think that would have been a mercy.” He muttered under his breath.

His friend let out a low, gravelly chuckle, and Viktor simply watched him for a moment. Jayce was now sitting there, looking back at him from above, his black hair falling slightly over his forehead, his eyes bright in the soft morning light.

For a few seconds, neither of them spoke, the silence stretching between them like a taut thread, and Viktor felt the weight of it more than he expected. The quiet was too heavy, too thick with unspoken things that neither of them seemed ready to name. He could feel his pulse picking up a little, his thoughts scattered.

Finally, Jayce cleared his throat, shifting uncomfortably as if he, too, had noticed the tension hanging in the air. He swung his legs over the side of the bed and stood, rubbing the back of his neck. “So... I’ll, uh… I can make us some breakfast if you want. As a thank you for letting me crash, you know.” He said, his voice a little too casual, like he was trying to fill the silence, to return to something more normal.

Viktor blinked at him, then sat up slowly, wincing a little at the sudden pain on his back. “You don’t have to.” He let out a slow breath. “I don't normally have breakfast, anyway.” 

Jayce furrowed his brow, crossing his arms over his chest. The sleeves of the shirt he was wearing, a size too small for his frame, tightened perfectly around his biceps. Viktor had to admit, he was oddly glad he didn’t have any larger shirts in his wardrobe.

“Well, that’s not good.” Jayce said, his frown deepening. “You should really try to get into the habit of having breakfast. It’s the most important meal of the day, you know. And besides-”

“Yes, yes, alright, Dad.” Viktor cut him off, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “I’ll try to eat more toast or whatever. No need to lecture me.”

Jayce’s lips twitched, the corners of his mouth betraying a smile despite himself. He shook his head, clearly entertained. “Fine, fine. But at least let me make you some tea. You can’t argue with tea, right?”

Viktor sighed, rolling his eyes in mock exasperation. “I suppose I can’t.”

“Perfect.” His friend nodded enthusiastically. “Where do you keep them?”

Viktor gestured vaguely toward a small cabinet, trying to act as though he was completely unaffected, even though the warmth in his neck was making it difficult to pretend he wasn’t at least a little flustered. “The kettle should be in there as well.” He muttered, trying to sound casual.

“Alright.” Jayce stretched his arms above his head, the movement causing the edge of the shirt to ride up slightly, revealing a hint of his abdomen—a soft line of dark hair trailing from his waistband up to his navel. Viktor felt his throat go dry, his eyes fixated for a moment longer than he should have.

God, he really needed to stop staring.

His gaze followed Jayce as he moved toward the kitchenette. He swallowed down, thinking how grateful he actually was for the distraction.

He sat there, watching Jayce’s broad back as he moved around the apartment, allowing himself a rare indulgence: staying in bed for a moment longer, letting himself be cared for, even if just for an instant.

Jayce was rummaging through cabinets with an easy confidence, as if he belonged there, as if this wasn’t Viktor’s meticulously organized space. He should have been annoyed by the intrusion, but instead, he found himself staring, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips. He watched as Rio left her own tiny bed and walked towards Jayce, circling his feet with curiosity. She rubbed her head against his legs, and Jayce crouched to scratch behind her ears, murmuring something Viktor couldn’t hear. It was a quiet, domestic scene, and he felt a pang in his chest—a strange, aching warmth that he couldn’t quite name. For a brief, fleeting moment, he let himself imagine what it would be like if mornings like this weren’t so unusual. If Jayce’s presence here was the norm, not the exception.

The sound of his classmate’s voice startled him out of his thoughts. “What kind of tea do you want?”

“Uh… Whatever is fine.” Viktor replied without thinking. Then, realizing he’d been staring for far too long, he cleared his throat and swung his legs over the side of the bed. He reached for his cane and pushed himself up with a little more effort than he liked to admit.

He quickly walked toward his desk and sat down on his old office chair, trying to focus on the scattered notes in front of him, the lines of equations and scribbled reminders a welcome distraction. He could hear Jayce moving around in the kitchen, the occasional clink of ceramic, the soft hum of the kettle as it came to a boil, and from time to time, a distant meow or quiet purr from Rio breaking the calm.

It was all too easy to look over at where Jayce was standing, but Viktor forced himself to keep his gaze fixed firmly on his notes. He wasn’t sure if the distraction was from the sound of Jayce in the kitchen, or the sound of his own thoughts, but he pushed through it.

A few minutes later, Jayce walked over to the desk holding two steaming cups in his hands, and he set one down with a soft clink.

“A splash of milk and three sugars for the gentleman, right?” He said, the teasing lilt in his voice unmistakable.

Viktor shot him an exaggerated look of irritation, though it was more out of habit than actual annoyance. “Thanks.” He muttered, the faintest smile tugging at the corners of his lips as he took the cup.

Jayce simply smiled back, and then he leaned slightly to peek at the notes on the table. “Still working on that Industrial Automation homework?” He asked, blowing on his own tea.

“No.” Viktor replied without looking up. “I finished that days ago. These are just… personal notes.”

Jayce’s curiosity was palpable. “Can I see?”

He hesitated for a fraction of a second, his fingers brushing against the edges of the scattered pages on the desk. Finally, with a small shrug, he muttered, “If you want.”

Jayce reached out, carefully picking up a few of the worn pages, his movements deliberate as though handling something fragile. His eyes scanned the intricate diagrams and tightly packed annotations, his brows drawing together in concentration. The lines of equations and neatly drawn schematics were dense but elegant, like a puzzle waiting to be unraveled.

Viktor watched him out of the corner of his eye, pretending to focus on his tea but acutely aware of every flicker of Jayce’s expression. His classmate’s lips moved faintly, as though silently working through the calculations in his head. Jayce’s face shifted from focused curiosity to something softer—an unmistakable mix of admiration and disbelief.

“Viktor, this looks….” Jayce started, pausing as if searching for the right word. He glanced up, his wide-eyed expression almost boyish in its sincerity, “pretty cool, actually.”

Viktor snorted softly, leaning back in his chair as he rolled his eyes. “It’s nothing. Just an idea I’ve been playing around with.”

Jayce’s frown deepened as he set the pages down, looking back at Viktor like he’d just claimed the sky wasn’t blue. “You call this playing around? There’s nothing ‘nothing’ about it.” He said, his voice tinged with genuine awe. “What even is this? Some kind of… energy efficiency model? Kinda looks like what we were doing for Heimer’s class.”

Viktor shrugged again, a faint blush creeping up his neck. “Yes, well, eh- Kind of. I’ve been working on the theory base we had for that project, trying to take it a few steps further. You know, focusing on waste heat recovery systems and improving the efficiency of urban energy structures.” He admitted, his tone deliberately casual. “Mostly theoretical at this point. Just… tweaking formulas, experimenting with designs.” He waved a hand dismissively, as though the hours he’d poured into it were inconsequential. “I doubt it’ll amount to much.”

Jayce didn’t look convinced. “You’re underselling it, man.” He murmured, shaking his head as a grin slowly spread across his face. “I think this could really work.”

Viktor tilted his head slightly, his expression unreadable as he studied the young man in front of him. There was something almost irritating about the way Jayce’s praise felt so... sincere, like he truly believed it. Viktor wasn’t sure whether to feel flattered or uncomfortable.

“Well, then.” He said dryly. “If you’re so impressed, perhaps you can offer some of your engineering expertise to improve it.”

Jayce chuckled, setting the papers back down with exaggerated care. “I might just take you up on that.”

Viktor huffed softly, but the faintest trace of a smile lingered on his face as he picked up his tea again. Jayce’s enthusiasm was infuriatingly contagious, but Viktor wasn’t about to admit that aloud.

Suddenly, Jayce’s expression shifted, his usual easy smile fading into something more thoughtful. His brow furrowed slightly, and he seemed to drift off for a moment, as though caught in the orbit of an idea just out of reach. Then, just as abruptly, his eyes snapped back to Viktor, locking onto him with startling intensity. His mouth parted faintly, as if the realization had hit him all at once.

“You know what?” He began, a spark shining behind his hazel eyes. “We should enter the Distinguished Innovators’ Competition.”

Viktor blinked at him, completely taken aback. “What?” He said, scoffing lightly. “Why?”

“Because!” Jayce leaned forward, his enthusiasm bubbling over. “We could win! Look at what you’ve designed here! It’s genius. Also, we probably could both use the prize money.” He let out a small, slightly awkward chuckle before picking up where he left off. “And more importantly, we could show everyone what science can do. You want to change the world, right? This is the kind of platform to make that happen.”

Viktor tilted his head up, his gaze sharpening. “Look, I agree with your sentiment, but that competition is a glorified advertisement for the university and its sponsors. It is less about innovation and more about selling a narrative.”

Jayce frowned, his excitement deflating just a little. “Listen, I know the whole competition deal it’s not exactly pure science. But if we want people to notice our work, to believe in it, we have to get their attention first. And this is how we do it.” He fidgeted with the waistband of his pants absentmindedly for a moment, trying to find the right words. “Think about what we could do with that kind of recognition. People would listen to us, Viktor. We could actually make a difference.” 

Viktor sighed, setting his tea down with deliberate care. “Nobody’s ever paid much attention to me before, Jayce. I don’t see why this would be any different.” He sighed, running a hand through his hair. “But if you’re so sure, then enter the competition yourself. You have the enthusiasm, you have the charm, you have the looks…” He added, the corner of his mouth quirking up in a faint, sardonic smile. “People will listen to you.”

Jayce shook his head persistently, leaning forward. “This is your idea, man. Well, the concept started with our project right? So technically I helped a little.” Jayce’s expression softened, his voice steady but warm. “But this?” He picked up some notes and shook them around softly. “This is your genius. And it deserves attention. You deserve it. If people haven’t seen that yet, then they’re blind. We’ll make them see it.”

Viktor blinked, momentarily caught off guard by the earnestness in Jayce’s tone. It felt strange —unsettling, even— to hear someone speak about him with such conviction. Only a few months ago, Jayce had been just another face in a lecture hall, an overly enthusiastic stranger who had asked too many questions. And now here he was, looking at Viktor like he was someone worth believing in, worth fighting for.

“And besides…” Jayce spoke again. He hesitated, then smiled gently. “I don’t think I could do it without my partner.”

The word ‘partner’ lingered in the air between them, heavier than it had any right to be. Viktor swallowed hard, his chest tightening as he stared at Jayce. There was no mockery in his expression, no condescension, just raw sincerity.

Jayce truly believed in him. And it was disarming.

Clearly, this wasn’t just about winning some competition. It was about proving they could achieve something incredible together.

“You’re exhausting, you know that?” Viktor finally said, rubbing the bridge of his nose with a weary sigh. But his tone lacked real resistance now, and he didn’t miss the way Jayce’s head shot up, his expression hopeful.

“Is that a yes?”

Viktor huffed softly, shaking his head. “Alright, yes, I’ll do it.”

“YES!” Jayce exclaimed, his excitement practically radiating from him.

“But if this goes wrong, I’m blaming you entirely.”

Jayce’s smile lit up, and he extended his hand toward Viktor. “Deal.” Viktor eyed the hand skeptically before shaking it briefly. “And trust me,” his friend continued, his gentle hand tightening his grip in a warm, quiet gesture, “you won’t regret this.”

As Viktor glanced at him, he felt something unfamiliar but strangely comforting—a faint warmth spreading through his chest. Maybe it was Jayce’s unwavering enthusiasm, or maybe it was the quiet realization that, for the first time in a very long while, someone believed in him without hesitation.

And that, somehow, made him feel like this might actually be worth it.

Chapter Text

Winter had settled into Piltover with a biting chill, the kind that seeped into bones and lingered like an unwelcome guest. The holiday season had come and gone, and with it, any semblance of rest Viktor might have allowed himself.

Not that he’d ever been good at that, honestly.

Time had blurred into a cycle of work, study, and the occasional fleeting moment of stillness that never lasted long enough. One moment, the semester had barely begun, and the next, days blurred into weeks, and weeks turned into months. Everything had fallen into place as if it had always been meant to be this way. Classes resumed, assignments piled up, and endless talks about their entry for the The Distinguished Innovators' Competition.

Their joint project had become the central axis around which everything else revolved. It gave Viktor something to focus on, something tangible, something that —despite the ever-present ache in his body— still made him feel like he was moving forward.

It was strange. In some ways, he felt more alive than he had in years.

Jayce had that effect on him.

It was hard to explain where their relationship fell now, what label it should carry, or if it even needed one at all. Viktor was precise, he was used to tag and catalog everything. And the fact that he didn’t know how to define this was driving him crazy.

It was strange. Like they’d known each other for years, like they had history when in reality, they’d only met a few months ago. Their bond had grown so seamlessly that it was hard to remember a time before it. They had that closeness of lifelong friends, that unspoken understanding that made every sarcastic remark, every glance exchanged over the rim of a coffee cup, every exhausted sigh after hours bent over blueprints feel natural. And yet, woven between the banter and the quiet companionship, there was always something else—something teasing, something playful.

Their usual flirtations still crept into their conversations, lingering just long enough to make Viktor grow crazier by the minute, his thoughts slipping into places they shouldn't—dangerous, intoxicating places that made his skin too warm and left his mind teetering on the edge of something he wasn’t sure he wanted to name.

It all made him wonder if he was just imagining things. If the way Jayce’s gaze flickered over him sometimes, and the wicked way his lips curled when he leaned too close to peer over Viktor’s notes, was intentional.

And if the university rumor mill was anything to go by, he wasn’t the only one wondering.

It had taken little time for whispers about them to spread like wildfire, twisting through campus hallways and study groups, carried by hushed voices and curious stares. Viktor had caught snippets of it more than once—passing mentions in conversation, girls giggling behind their hands, someone nudging their friend when the two of them walked by.

He should’ve been annoyed. Maybe embarrassed.

But he wasn’t.

If anything, he felt a little bit proud.

There was a certain power in walking beside Jayce Talis, the golden boy of the university, the one everyone wanted to be close to, the one whose name carried weight in every lecture hall. It felt like some kind of poetic justice, in a way. He was the one at Jayce’s side. He, the broken boy from Zaun, the one people had dismissed, pitied, or spoken about in hushed, condescending tones, was now the confidant and inseparable partner of the most sought-after student in Piltover.

Let them whisper. Let them choke on it.

Still, a part of him felt… strange about it. Not for himself—he had never cared about what people said, and he certainly wasn’t going to start now. But Jayce… The thought of being a burden, of dragging him into something messy just by association, unsettled Viktor more than he cared to admit.

And yet, Jayce didn’t seem to care. If anything, he seemed amused by the rumors, brushing them off with an easy grin and a casual shrug. Like none of it mattered. Like Viktor mattered way more.

In fact, the rumours didn’t stop Jayce from inserting himself into every part of Viktor’s life, in and out of school, effortlessly weaving himself into the fabric of his routine as if he had always belonged there. After all, their Distinguished Innovators’ project was the perfect excuse now to spend more time together.

It had progressed significantly, expanding beyond what Viktor had originally envisioned. Their discussions had become daily occurrences, whether in between classes, on their working dates at their usual coffee place, and now, even during his shifts at the flower shop.

That last one was… relatively new. It was no longer unusual for Jayce to stop by unannounced at Viktor’s workplace, sometimes under the pretense of keeping him company, other times with the excuse of brainstorming ideas for the competition. And occasionally, he just sat there, flipping through his notes while Viktor worked, filling the small store with his restless energy.

Viktor should have been irritated by it. He was working after all. But, in the days where the flower shop was quiet and almost empty, he actually enjoyed Jayce’s company. So eventually, Viktor had stopped minding.

If only his body felt the same way.

Lately, exhaustion clung to him more persistently. The dull, constant ache that he had learned to live with had sharpened, turning unbearable on some days. Even that stupid cough that appeared from time to time, which had always been an annoyance, had worsened into something heavier, more insistent. There had been mornings where the pain was so bad he physically couldn't get out of bed, where the weight of his own body betrayed him.

Of course, some teachers had noticed. And more importantly, Jayce had noticed. He always noticed.

Viktor usually went with the usual dismissive excuse, saying that winter just wasn’t the kindest time of year to his body. It wasn’t a lie, not entirely. But they were already past February, and his health wasn’t improving at all.

He knew that the real answer was in the increasingly frequent worried looks from his doctors, in the check-ups he had conveniently “forgotten” to schedule, in the way his breathing had started to feel heavier when going up the stairs... But dwelling on it wouldn’t change anything. He had responsibilities—work, studies, a scholarship that needed maintaining.

And, most importantly, he had a project to finish.

Now, as he focused on floral arrangements during his shift, Jayce sat at the counter, flipping absently through his notes, the pages crinkling under his fingers. The shop was quiet, save for the occasional rustle of leaves or the soft scratch of Jayce’s pen against paper when he paused to jot something down.

He was thankful for him trying to keep him company under the guise of “helping” but mostly just loitering, sprawled over the counter like he belonged there. Sometimes, he made himself useful by watering plants or carrying specially heavy pots, even though Viktor insisted that he didn't need any help. But on days when the fatigue and the burden on his body was almost unbearable, he let himself accept Jayce's help.

Other times, like now, Jayce simply sat there, talking—about class, about their project, about whatever ridiculous thing had happened to him that day. Viktor had to admit it was a little challenging sometimes to focus on his work while having him there. 

But he didn’t mind. It was a little annoying. A little distracting.

But it wasn’t bad.

In fact, it was quite the opposite.

Jayce tapped the end of his pen against his notebook. “We need to talk about the energy efficiency of the design.” He said, breaking the comfortable silence. His brow furrowed in thought, his eyes scanning the mess of calculations scrawled across the page. “I was thinking-”

Viktor, still focused on tying together a bundle of lavender, barely glanced up. “You thinking? Terrifying.”

“I was thinking…” Jayce simply continued after rolling his eyes and offering a small, ironic smile, “we could modify the power source to be more adaptable.” He pushed his notebook closer to Viktor across the counter, tracing a finger along one of the scribbled diagrams. “Make the prototype more flexible for different applications. I know the judges would eat that up.”

Viktor hummed, considering it. His hands still moved instinctively, fingers deftly adjusting the plants, tying a neat ribbon around the stems. “Probably.” He conceded. “But it depends on what you mean by adaptable. If we sacrifice stability for versatility, it might backfire.”

Jayce frowned and nodded after a few seconds. “Huh. Yeah, okay.” He pointed at him, his lips quirking into a soft, knowing grin. “You’ve got a good point.”

“You’re lucky you have me. If you did this alone, you’d probably set something on fire.”

Jayce smirked. “You’re one to talk.”

For a moment, neither of them said anything. Instead, they fell into one of those wordless exchanges that had become strangely frequent between them—an unspoken challenge wrapped in shared amusement. Their eyes locked, and for a few seconds, it was just that: the quiet hum of the shop, the faint scent of fresh flowers in the air, and the subtle game they played without ever acknowledging it.

Jayce’s lips curved in a slow, knowing grin, his expression relaxed yet teasing, like he was daring Viktor to break first. Viktor, for his part, held his ground, eyebrows raised ever so slightly, his own smirk playing at the corners of his mouth. It was a silent battle of wills, laced with something lighthearted, something that felt easy despite the sharpness of their usual banter.

But, as always, one of them had to yield.

This time, it was Viktor. He scoffed under his breath, shaking his head as he turned his attention back to his work, fingers resuming their careful arrangement of branches and petals as if none of it had happened.

Jayce sighed. “So, want to work on it this Saturday?”

“Sure. Coffee shop at five, as always?” Viktor replied, glancing up briefly before returning to the bouquet in his hands.

Jayce hesitated for a moment, shifting his weight before scratching the back of his neck. “Actually... I was thinking we could work at my place instead.”

Viktor raised an eyebrow. “Your place?”

“Well, not my place, exactly.” His companion admitted, drumming his fingers lightly against the counter. “But the house I’m living in right now. I’m staying with some family friends.”

“Ah, yes. I think you’ve mentioned.”

“Right. But they’re going to be out of town for a business trip this weekend, so we’d have the house to ourselves. More space, more comfort, more silence.” He leaned in slightly, a small grin tugging at the corners of his lips. “We’d have a bigger table for sketching out blueprints. Oh, and I’ve got some tools and spare parts laying around if we feel like getting hands-on with an actual prototype. And, you know… if we get tired, there’s a bed we can sit on. Or lie on. It’s pretty big.”

Viktor let out a quiet, amused hum, his lips twitching into a smirk as he set down a pair of shears. “Inviting me over when you have the house to yourself…? Are you trying to ask me on a date?”

Jayce immediately stiffened, his expression a mix of indignation and flustered panic. “What? No, I-”

Viktor interrupted him, tilting his head. “Mm. Talking about blueprints and tools, offering me a spacious bed—very smooth. You truly know how to seduce a man of science.” He sighed dramatically. “Unfortunately, I am a gentleman, and I require at least dinner and wine before getting into anyone’s bed.”

Jayce groaned, covering his face with his hand as a deep flush crept up his neck. “Oh my God. Fuck off.”

Viktor chuckled, thoroughly enjoying himself. “Language.”

Jayce dropped his hand and gave him a half-hearted middle finger, but his lips twitched despite his embarrassment. Viktor only grinned in response, shaking his head in amusement before finally relenting.

“Alright, fine. If you are certain we will not be intruding.”

“We won’t.” Jayce assured him, exhaling as he recovered from Viktor’s teasing. “It’s just gonna be us and Caitlyn, the daughter of the couple I’m staying with.”

Viktor nodded, considering. “The teen you complain about sometimes?”

“I don’t complain about her.” Jayce argued, though the look Viktor gave him said otherwise. “Okay, maybe a little. It’s just- She’s turning seventeen soon and…” Jayce said, sighing like a man much older and wiser than a young student in his twenties, “she’s at that age where everything is so dramatic.”

The florist huffed a quiet laugh. “Sounds exhausting.”

“You have no idea.” Jayce shook his head, then shrugged. “But she’s cool. We’ve been best friends since she was a kid.”

Viktor’s thick eyebrows sharply arched. “Remind me how old you were again?”

“Uh.” Jayce looked up for a brief moment. “Twenty three.”

“And your best friend is a teenage girl…” He started, blinking slowly. “Whom you live with… In her parents’ house.”

“What?” The young man mumbled, crearly a little embarrassed.

Viktor finally broke, letting out a small breathy laugh. “It's kinda sad, Jayce.”

“Okay, well, your best friend is your cat, so I don't think you’re in a position to badmouth me like this, Mr. Loner.”

He clicked his tongue and shrugged with a sigh. “Touché.”

You’re my best friend, Viktor wanted to say. Although he wondered if that’d be a weird thing to say out of the blue.

But it was true. Viktor had never really had a best friend before.

The kids back in school had never really been his friends. They only spoke to him when they needed something—when their toys broke, when they wanted a new gadget, when they needed someone smarter to solve their homework for them. Viktor had understood early on that people only reached out to him out of convenience, not companionship.

The closest thing to a real friend had been a strange neighbor he’d had as a child, a reclusive man with an eccentric obsession for scientific tinkering. Viktor had sometimes helped him with his projects, drawn in by the mechanics and the quiet understanding that neither of them cared much for small talk.

But that hadn’t been a friendship, not really. In hindsight, it was actually a little unsettling. Maybe even sadder than Jayce having a seventeen year old as his best friend. Definitely sadder. And definitely creepier.

But with him, Viktor had felt useful. He had felt seen. The man was a loner, just like him, and in his own way, he had reinforced the idea that true intelligence was isolating—that the solitude of a genius was not just inevitable, but necessary. That being alone was simply the price of brilliance.

And for a long time, Viktor had believed that.

But then Jayce came along.

Loud, golden, persistent Jayce—who made him laugh, who challenged him, who refused to let Viktor retreat into himself like he always had. Who looked at him not with the expectation of something he could fix, but with genuine admiration, as if just existing at his side was enough.

And now, Viktor wasn’t so sure that loneliness had ever been a requirement for brilliance at all.

Viktor swallowed. He gathered the courage to speak, to say something heartfelt for once, parting his lips to speak-

And then, just as the words were about to leave him, a violent coughing fit tore through him. His entire body lurched forward as he doubled over the counter, gripping its edge with white-knuckled fingers. His lungs seized, a sharp, tearing sensation radiating through his chest as if something inside him was fracturing with each cough. The sound was harsh, rattling, dragging up a raw burn from the depths of his throat. No matter how hard he tried to steady his breathing, his body refused to cooperate, shuddering with each painful expulsion of air.

By the time it finally subsided, Viktor was left gasping, his shoulders trembling from the effort. His throat felt like it had been scraped raw, a dull ache settling in his ribs. A chill crept up his spine, leaving his fingers unsteady as he tried to straighten up.

Jayce quickly stood up, standing by Viktor's side in an instant. Warm hands found their way to his friend’s back, tracing slow, steady circles between his shoulder blades. His touch was firm but gentle, grounding. “Hey, hey. Take it easy.” Jayce murmured, his voice low with concern. “Just breathe.”

Viktor squeezed his eyes shut, swallowing against the sting in his throat. The warmth of Jayce’s palm lingered against his back, the motion soothing in a way he hadn’t expected. He let out a slow, shaky exhale, his pulse still racing, and slowly nodded.

“Shit, man. That sounded bad.” Jayce said after a moment, his voice tight with worry. “You okay?”

Viktor held up a hand dismissively, trying to catch his breath. “Fine.” He rasped. “Probably just… caught something.”

Jayce didn’t look convinced. “Probably?” He frowned, eyes dark with concern. “That sounded like your lungs were trying to escape your body.”

Viktor forced a weak chuckle, straightening up with more effort than he wanted to admit. “Overdramatic, as always.”

Jayce was still watching him closely. “If you’re getting sick you should probably go see a doctor.”

“It is nothing.” Viktor sighed, mustering the best reassuring smile he could manage. “Winter it’s a personal enemy of mine, that's all.”

“Dude, we’re in March. It’s almost spring now, we’re not really-”

“I’m fine, Jayce.” He cut him off. “Really.”

His partner exhaled, clearly still skeptical, but he let it go, at least for now. “Alright.” He said, though the concern in his voice lingered. “But if you start coughing up a lung, I’m taking you to the hospital myself.”

Viktor exhaled, shaking his head. He didn’t say it out loud, but deep down, he knew that wasn't just a normal cough. He knew all the doctor appointments he had been avoiding were scheduled for a reason.

Jayce had no idea.

None at all.

And for as long as Viktor could help it, he was going to keep it that way.

Because right now, there were things more important than that. A project to finish. A job to keep. A future to secure.

And, more importantly, a date —or something close to it— this saturday.

A weekend at Jayce’s. Alone.

Maybe that thought alone would be enough to quiet the weight of worry pressing on his shoulders—if only for a little while.

Chapter Text

Jayce had spent the last thirty minutes making sure his room looked perfectly presentable—clean, organized, with just the right balance between casual and put-together. He told himself it was simply a matter of being a good host. Nothing more. Definitely not an attempt to impress Viktor.

…Okay, maybe it was a little bit about that.

He glanced around, checking for anything out of place. The bed was made and his desk wasn’t a complete disaster, so that was… something. He wasn’t entirely sure why he cared this much. Viktor had already seen him in far less dignified states—half-asleep in class, rambling like an idiot about math, nervously fumbling with his notes... But still.

Jayce hadn’t realized how much he’d grown used to Caitlyn’s presence (or her parents', for that matter),  because now, the silence in the house seemed almost deafening.

Standing in the middle of his room with nothing but the quiet stretching through the halls, he felt the sheer size of the house in a way he never had before. He was fairly certain this was the first time he’d been completely alone in the Kiramanns’ home. And it was… weird.

Caitlyn had mentioned that morning over breakfast something about a group project for school that would keep her out for a while. And honestly, Jayce wasn’t going to complain about it. That meant Viktor and him would have the place all to themselves. Not that it mattered, of course. Viktor was just coming over to work on uni stuff—nothing more, nothing less.

Still, Jayce had conveniently omitted mentioning Viktor’s visit to Caitlyn. Not because it was a big deal, but because he didn’t feel like giving her an opportunity to latch onto it. If she knew, there’d probably be comments. There’d be questions. There’d be that irritatingly smug look she got when she thought she knew something he didn’t. And Jayce didn’t need that.

So, really, it was just easier this way. No overthinking, no unnecessary conversations. There was nothing wrong or weird about two classmates hanging out to work on a joint project.  It's not like it was a date, or anything. (He definitely should stop thinking about it as a date…)

And yet, some deeply embarrassing part of his brain was excited about having the entire house to themselves. Jayce ran a hand over his face, repeating over and over again that this was a study session. Not a date, and definitely not an excuse for his brain to supply him with increasingly scandalous mental images of his lab partner in compromising positions all over the Kiramanns’ very expensive furniture.

Which, of course, meant that the moment he told himself not to think about anything inappropriate, his brain immediately betrayed him, flooding him with vivid images of Viktor, bent over one of the sleek marble countertops in the kitchen, his long fingers gripping the edge for support. Then, him against the grand piano in the living room, head tipped back, panting softly. Viktor, bracing himself against the bookshelves in the study, a sharp intake of breath escaping those beautiful rosy lips-

Woah- No. No, no, no. Absolutely not.

He needed to pull himself together before Viktor got here.

Just then, as if fate itself had decided to punish him for his thoughts, the doorbell rang—abrupt and unforgiving, yanking him back to reality.

Jayce barely had time to curse under his breath before instinct took over. He glanced at the mirror one last time, running a hand through his hair in an attempt to make himself look more put-together, only to immediately feel ridiculous for doing it.

Shaking off the nerves, he practically bolted down the hallway, stopping just short of the front door. He took a deep breath, exhaled slowly, and then, with what he hoped was an air of casual nonchalance, pulled it open.

Surely enough, there stood Viktor, almost frozen in place. He looked like he'd stopped mid-step, his weight unevenly distributed as he leaned heavily on his cane, his free hand gripping the strap of his messenger bag slung over one shoulder. His shirt collar —a crisp white but slightly wrinkled— peeked out from beneath the neckline of a knitted sweater that, by all reasonable standards, should have been objectively terrible. The kind of thing someone’s well-meaning but taste-impaired relative would give you for the holidays. And yet, somehow, it worked on him. The fabric draped loosely over his frame, the sleeves just a little too long, the color—something between beige and old mustard—not quite flattering, yet lending him an odd sort of charm.

And then, of course, there was his face—caught somewhere between shock and exasperation, mouth slightly open as if words had momentarily failed him.

“Hey, you!” Jayce’s face slowly shifted from a warm, welcoming smile to a look of confusion and mild concern. “Uh… You good?”

The young man blinked at him, then at the house, then back at him. “Isn't this the Kiramann household?”

“Oh. Uh. Yeah.”

Viktor’s eyes widened even more, one of his hands flying up in a quick, incredulous gesture. “The Kiramanns are your family friends?”

Jayce hesitated. “...Yeah?”

Viktor inhaled sharply through his nose and pinched the bridge of it as if fighting off a headache. “And when, exactly, were you planning to mention this detail?”

“I don’t know? I guess it just… never seemed that important?”

His friend's mouth fell open. “Never seemed- Jayce. This house-” He gestured vaguely in front of him. “This house alone could fund me at least three university degrees.”

Jayce winced. “Yeah. They’re, uh. They’re pretty loaded.”

He muttered something under his breath in a language Jayce didn't recognize, then exhaled. “Obscene.”

“Yeah, yeah, okay, I get it, Mr. Anti-Capitalism, the bourgeois excess is shocking. But at least come judge it from the inside where it’s warm.” Jayce said jokingly, practically dragging him inside before Viktor could change his mind.

Viktor stepped in, looking around with a mix of awe and exasperation. His fingers trailed over the carved wooden banister, as he eyed every ornate decoration like it personally offended him.

“So, how does it feel to be disgustingly rich by association?” He said, casting Jayce a sideways glance. “Do they let you bathe in gold, or is that reserved for special occasions?”

The taller man huffed, shaking his head. “Right, because nothing screams ‘luxury’ like crashing in a guest room that isn’t even mine.”

Viktor smirked. “Ah, so you’re only moderately rich by association. My apologies.”

They finally reached his room, and Jayce pushed open the door. “Well. This is my, uh- humble little corner of the Kiramann estate.”

Viktor stepped in, surveyed the space, and let out a somewhat lazy laugh. “Humble is putting it lightly. I think your bedroom might be larger than my entire apartment.”

Jayce snorted, leaning against the doorframe. “Oh, come on. What’s next? Claiming it has its own postal service?”

“It might as well do.”

Jayce just shook his head with an exasperated huff, dragging a hand through his face, while Viktor rested his cane against the wall and dropped onto his desk chair with the air of someone who needed a moment to process the sheer absurdity of it all. He dropped his bag by his feet and spun the chair slightly, testing it out, then propped an elbow on the armrest, resting his chin against his knuckles as he surveyed the room once more.

Jayce lingered by the door, arms behind his back, still feeling a little ridiculous for being so eager to have him here. But Viktor was here. In his space.

And suddenly, the house didn’t feel quite so overwhelming anymore.

Jayce shifted his weight, clearing his throat like that might dispel the odd warmth creeping up his neck, and closed the door behind him, suddenly hyperaware of the fact that it was just the two of them in the vast expanse of the Kiramann house. He tried not to think about it too much.

Viktor’s sharp gaze swept across the bookshelves, the desk, the neatly made bed—pausing when he spotted a wooden shelf mounted on the wall, lined with various stones, clusters of minerals, and delicate dried plants arranged between them.

“Is that your collection of pretty rocks?”

Jayce blinked, then grinned. “Oh! Yeah, well, part of it. I brought some of them back from my visit home over the holidays.” He perked up, already moving toward the shelf. “You wanna see?”

Viktor let out a slow breath, leaning back in the chair. “I have the distinct feeling that if I say no, you will wither away from disappointment.”

Jayce simply chuckled, reaching for a crystal plate full of colorful rocks from the shelf before settling on the edge of the bed. The soft glow of the room reflected off the glass, casting fleeting patterns across his fingers.

Viktor, intrigued, nudged the chair forward with lazy interest, the wheels gliding smoothly over the floor. He stopped only when their knees brushed, a fleeting touch that neither of them acknowledged aloud. But Jayce felt it—just as much as he noticed the quiet spark of curiosity in Viktor’s gaze.

Jayce set the plate on his lap, carefully picking through the stones before glancing up at his companion with a small shrug. “I only keep a few here. You know, the essentials. And my favorites. The rest are back home.” He picked up a deep purple stone in between his fingers. “Look. This one is an amethyst. Pretty basic one.” He said, holding it out for him to see. “Supposed to help with clarity and intuition. Plus, it’s quartz, so it’s got high resistance to heat and pressure.”

Viktor squinted, simply looking at it as he nodded faintly, with a quiet, “Hm.”

Jayce grabbed another, a golden-brown stone with a silky luster. “Tiger’s eye. Confidence, focus. The shimmer comes from fibrous inclusions inside the quartz.”

Viktor studied it for a moment, then scoffed. “Sure.” He said, his voice laced with playful skepticism. “Well, maybe you should carry it around more often, considering your endless energy and complete lack of focus.”

Jayce rolled his eyes, but there was a smile tugging at his lips as he picked up another. “Rose quartz. Also pretty basic. The crystal of love. Another variety of quartz, but this one gets its color from trace elements of titanium, iron, or manganese.”

Viktor quirked up an eyebrow, shooting Jayce a sly look. “Love, eh? Tell me, Jayce, is this one for personal use? Because it doesn't seem to be very helpful this far.”

Jayce let out a breathy laugh, nudging Viktor’s knee with his own. “Oh, shut up.”

Viktor let out a low chuckle, and then his eyes settled on a jagged black stone that seemed to absorb the light around it. “What about this one?” He murmured, a long, bulky finger pointing at it.

“Oh, that’s black tourmaline.” Jayce answered, his voice brightening. “Good for protection, absorbs negative energy. Also, it’s pyroelectric, so it can generate an electrical charge when heated or cooled.”

“Ah, so this one actually does something. Unlike the whole ‘absorbing bad energy’ thing.” He huffed. “I suppose this one is at least scientifically sound.”

“Well, they all are. Kind of.”

“Mh. Sure.”

Jayce finally picked up a deep blue stone from the plate, and held it out for Viktor to see. His voice softened as he spoke, almost as though he was sharing a personal secret. “Look. This one is my all time favorite. It's called lapis lazuli.” He said, tracing the stone’s smooth surface with his thumb. “My mom gave me one when I was a kid. She’d gone to one of those old, esoteric shops, just for some palo santo for the house, and whatever religious symbol she needed for her altar at the time, you know. And they gave her the stone as a gift? Like as part of the purchase. So she handed it to me, like it was nothing, and she told me the clerk at the store told her it had magical powers.” He paused, a smile tugging at the corner of his lips as the memory resurfaced. “So from that day on, I couldn’t stop thinking about crystals. I became obsessed with them. Their colors, their meanings, their-” He scoffed, a bit of embarrassment creeping up his tone. “Well, their magic, I guess.”

Viktor, who had been watching Jayce with an intensity that felt unspoken but heavy, looked at the lapis lazuli with a raised brow. “It’s beautiful.” He said softly, his fingers hovering near the stone but not touching it. “So, what does this one do?”

Jayce’s eyes lit up as he launched into a detailed explanation, his enthusiasm spilling over. “Well, lapis lazuli is linked to wisdom and truth.” He began, carefully turning the stone in his fingers. “It’s considered a symbol of power, intellect and spirit. It’s also used in healing, both physically and spiritually. The deep blue color is associated with the throat chakra, so it’s supposed to help with communication and-” He paused, cringing faintly at his own ramble. He quickly looked down at the plate of stones, suddenly feeling a little self-conscious. “Sorry, I’m rambling.”

Viktor shook his head gently, his voice soft. “No, you’re not. I’m the one who asked you, anyway. Besides, it's eh, nice, to hear you talk about it. They really are quite beautiful.”

Jayce bit back a grin, trying to suppress the wide smile that threatened to break across his face.

They stayed silent for a moment, and then Viktor's gaze turned soft and contemplative. “Do you really believe all that, though? That crystals have- magical properties?” His voice was calm, but there was a trace of curiosity in his words, as though he were trying to understand something deeper than just the stones themselves.

Jayce shrugged slightly. “I’m not sure. But I don’t think it’s any harm to believe in a little magic now and then, don't you think? I mean, illusion is what keeps people going, right?"

Viktor didn’t say anything immediately. Instead, he held Jayce’s gaze for a few moments longer than usual, his eyes warm and thoughtful. There was a quiet tenderness there, unspoken, but heavy in the air. Jayce’s heart skipped a beat, feeling a sudden, strange warmth flood through him as their eyes locked. It was almost like…

Magic.

He nervously glanced down at the plate again, his fingers brushing over the cool surface of the stones, trying to steady himself. After a few seconds, something inside him shifted, and he found himself picking up another stone—this one a warm amber, small and smooth.

“Here. Take a look at this one.”

His friend tilted his head, analyzing it as Jayce held it up to the light. “Oh, I think I know that one. Amber, right?”

“Yep! It’s actually just fossilized tree resin, but the thing about it is that it’s been around for millions of years, absorbing everything from sunlight to energy. It helps cleanse negative energy, kind of like a natural purifier. And it’s supposed to bring good luck.”

Viktor smiled faintly as he looked closely at the amber. “That’s nice.” He paused, then pursed his lips as if he was deep in thought. “So it's kind of like a lucky charm?”

“You could say that.” Jayce’s smile grew wider, then without thinking, he placed the amber next to Viktor's face, holding it just beneath his right eye. “But it’s the color I love.” He said softly, his voice a little distant. “It actually reminds me of your eyes… kind of that warm golden glow. You know, like the way the sun hits them sometimes?”

Viktor froze for a moment, his gaze following Jayce’s movement as he held the stone so close to his skin. There was a strange, electric silence between them. Jayce found himself lost in the deep, almost honeyed shade of Viktor’s eyes, feeling a sudden flush spread across his chest as he realized how close they were.

He watched as the man’s throat moved ever so slightly with a quiet swallow, his pupils dilating just a fraction. His gaze deepened, eyes narrowing as though caught in a quiet thought, and Jayce swore he saw something flicker in those golden irises—something warm and heavy. It was the way he looked at him, he realized, that felt so familiar, so intense. His gaze was so focused, so deep, that it reminded Jayce of the way he had looked at him that one night in his apartment.

He remembered how Viktor had stared at him with those same eyes, dark with emotion, lips slightly parted, and Jayce found himself caught in the pull of the man’s stare. Suddenly, a vivid image of those same eyes flashed in his mind, now shimmering with unshed tears, smoldering him through long and damp eyelashes. His brain painted the picture of Viktor’s gaze, no longer calm and composed, but clouded with lust and full of hunger, his bright irises rolling back into his skull as the soft, maddening sound of a moan slipped from his reddened, kiss-bitten mouth-

Goddamnit.

Bad Jayce, bad! Keep it in your damn pants, for Christ’s sake.

Jayce snapped out of the trance, feeling his breath catch in his throat as he blinked rapidly, suddenly aware of how heavy the air between them had become. He quickly cleared his throat, trying to distract himself from the way his pulse was racing.

“Sorry. I know that’s... a little weird.” He muttered, forcing a smile as he pulled the amber away from his face and extended it toward Viktor’s hand. “Here. You can keep it, if you want.”

Viktor looked at him, brow furrowed in slight confusion. “Uh. No, no, I- I couldn't possibly take it. I wouldn’t want to take your precious… lucky charm.” He said, his voice teasing but gentle.

You’re my lucky charm. Jayce wanted to say, but he bit back the impulse, refusing to let something that cheesy slip out and risk either scaring or grossing Viktor out. 

Instead, he laughed, feeling his nerves slowly settle. “No, seriously. I’ve got plenty more crystals back at home. This one just... it feels like it belongs with you. It matches your eyes."

Viktor hesitated for a moment, his gaze flickering between Jayce and the amber in his hand. But eventually, he reached out, taking the stone with a delicate touch. He held it close to his face, examining it quietly for a few moments.

“That’s... really kind of you.” He lifted his gaze and gave Jayce a soft, almost imperceptible smile. “Thank you, gem guy.”

The young man grinned, unable to suppress it any longer. “Oh, now I’m the ‘gem guy’? I thought I was the ‘herb guy’ to you.”

“Eh, you still are. But you can have more than one title. It seems like you're earning them all.”

Jayce snickered, shaking his head as he watched his friend hold the crystal, his expression calm and thoughtful, but something flickering there beneath the surface. He stood up, and walked toward the shelf to place the plate back, and Viktor followed his movements. 

After a moment of silence, he spoke, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. “You know,” he said, his voice casual, “you could use a plant to keep your rock collection company. It would complete the aesthetic."

Jayce narrowed his eyes. “Are you already trying to make a sale?”

Viktor shrugged. “Apologies. It is kind of inevitable.”

“I did have flowers. The ones I bought from you a while ago.”

Viktor’s lips twitched. “And?”

“Well, they died.” Jayce gestured vaguely, as if the answer was obvious. “But I dried some of them and placed them around. Look.”

Viktor raised an eyebrow, a smug grin spreading across his face. “Ah, I see you’re following in my footsteps. Good job, Jayce.”

Those words caused a shameful visceral reaction on Jayce. The way the subtle praise accompanied by his name rolled off Viktor’s tongue (with those strong consonants and soft vowels of that accent of his), felt like a spark that ignited something deep inside him. Jayce cleared his throat, forcing himself to ignore the humbling warmth pooling in his lower stomach.

“Yeah, well, I- Hah. I learned from the best florist in town.”

Viktor sighed, rolling his eyes. “Well then, the best florist in town would recommend a plant instead, actually.”

Jayce frowned. “I don’t know if I could keep one alive.”

Viktor tapped a thoughtful finger against his chin, as if considering a great dilemma. “Then you need something resilient.” He snapped his fingers. “Like a cactus.”

Jayce snorted. “A cactus?”

Viktor nodded sagely. “Even you would have a hard time killing a cactus.” He paused, reconsidering. “Or… well. I think.”

Jayce laughed, walking back and placing a hand on Viktor's shoulder. “Thanks for the vote of confidence.”

Viktor paused for a moment, biting back a smile, his lips twitching with amusement. After a beat, he slowly pushed off Jayce's hand from his shoulder, moving the chair closer to the desk. “Come on. Let’s get to work before you keep distracting me with your shiny crystals and golden boy charm.”

“So you think I’ve got charm, huh?”

Without missing a beat, Viktor shot him a playful middle finger, a cheeky glint in his eye. Jayce rolled his eyes but found himself smiling back. His gaze lingered on Viktor for a moment—on the way he pulled out his things from his bag, the way the soft glow of the room’s light caught in the strands of his unkempt hair.

It was easy, talking to Viktor like this. Comfortable. He had expected to feel nervous about today, but instead, everything felt… right.

Oddly, the project wasn't exactly a priority on Jayce's mind. Right now, he was exactly where he wanted to be.

*****

The hours passed in a blur of conversation and focused work, the hum of their productivity punctuated by laughter and playful jabs. By the time they had finally closed the prototype and placed an order for the necessary parts to begin building it, both men were practically vibrating with excitement. The adrenaline of the breakthrough was an infectious, electrifying feeling, one that left them both buzzing.

The tension in their bodies and the strain from hours of concentration, finally caught up to them, and after a couple of quick snacks and a few obscenely sweet soft drinks, they decided it was time for a well-deserved break. They settled onto the plush couch in the Kiramanns' spacious living room, sinking into the soft cushions as the massive screen mounted on the wall flickered to life. After some brief deliberation —scrolling past action movies, true crime shows, and a few ridiculous reality TV options— they finally landed on a documentary about reptiles. The soothing narration and mesmerizing shots of sunbathing lizards felt like the perfect, mindless escape from the hours of work behind them.

“…I’m just saying, if I had to choose between being a komodo dragon or a crocodile, I’d go for the crocodile. No doubt.” Jayce declared, stretching his legs out in front of him, wiggling his toes in an attempt to shake off the last bit of energy.

Viktor, leaning back with his arms crossed, shot him a skeptical glance. “That is a foolish choice. Crocodiles are predictable. Strong, yes, but reliant on ambush tactics and brute force. A komodo dragon, on the other hand, is patient. Strategic. It plays the long game.” He gestured vaguely at the screen, where the documentary was currently detailing the reptile’s hunting techniques. “Plus, they have venom. It is, how do you say, eh… kinda goated.”

“Oh my God.” Jayce made a face, cringing as he let out an incredulous laugh. “Please, never say goated again in your life.”

Viktor, smirking, nudged him with his elbow. “Why not?”

“It just doesn’t suit you. It’s like hearing an old man try to be ‘hip’ with the kids.”

Viktor rolled his eyes, but there was a playful glint behind them. “Okay, well, I’m not that old, you know. It’s merely a two-year gap between us.”

Jayce raised an index finger, nodding dramatically as if he had just unlocked a great truth. “It’s not about the age, Vik, it’s the attitude.”

“You’re really not helping me here.”

Jayce shrugged, his voice softening with amusement. “Hey, you’ve got the soul of a grandad, but it’s kinda charming in its own way.”

Viktor gave Jayce’s face a playful shove with his palm, the push a little more forceful than he intended. Jayce immediately swatted Viktor’s hand away, his surprised laughter bubbling up as he shot his friend a mock glare.

He turned his gaze back to the screen, watching as the narrator explained how komodo dragons took down prey much larger than themselves. A brief silence settled between them, broken only by the soft hum of the television. “So, you’d be a komodo dragon, then?”

Viktor made a thoughtful noise, tilting his head. “Mh-mh.”

“I think you just want to be a venomous lizard so you can bite people who annoy you.”

Viktor let out a quiet scoff, but he didn’t argue. Instead, he shifted subtly, leaning ever so slightly into Jayce’s side, as if testing the waters. Jayce forced himself to stay still, his heart picking up its pace as he felt the warmth of the man's weight settle against his shoulder.

“You tired?”

“A little.”

“Are you going to fall asleep?”

“No.” He replied, though it was hard to ignore the drowsiness threading through his voice.

“Hm-hm.”

A few more minutes passed, the only sound the distant narration and the occasional rustling of fabric as Viktor shifted again—this time, fully resting his head against Jayce’s shoulder. Jayce went completely still, hardly daring to breathe. The weight of Viktor against him was somehow grounding, soothing.

For a while, they stayed like that, until Jayce’s heart started to thud so loudly in his chest, he was certain Viktor could feel it. He tried to stay still, to soak in the moment, but the tension was almost unbearable.

“Huh.” Jayce scoffed lightly, trying to break the silence. “You comfortable there, or...?” His voice came out more strained than he intended, the weight of his anxiety making the words feel awkward.

But as his words trailed off, his gaze dropped to Viktor—and he froze again.

His classmate’s eyes were shut, his breath deep and even. His lips were slightly parted in a relaxed expression. He was completely out, fast asleep.

Jayce swallowed, suddenly hyper-aware of every tiny detail—the slow rise and fall of Viktor’s chest, the way a few stray strands of his hair fell over his forehead, the faint crease between his brows that remained even in sleep. He looked… so soft.

Jayce couldn’t help but grin, an almost sad, tender smile as he watched Viktor, feeling his heart swell. It was a stark contrast to the Viktor Jayce had been noticing lately—one who seemed to be carrying more weight on his shoulders, who moved a little slower, who coughed more frequently, who tried to disguise the rasp in his voice when he spoke for too long... He always brushed it off, of course, but Jayce had noticed. And seeing him like this, unaware, peaceful, completely at ease, filled him with something indescribable.

Carefully, almost hesitantly, he reached up, brushing his fingers against Viktor’s hair to move a stray lock out of his face. His fingertips ghosted over the skin beneath his eye, lightly caressing over the small mole there, before tracing the sharp edge of his cheekbone.

He didn’t stir. His breathing didn’t falter. And for a moment, Jayce let himself linger in that space, letting the warmth of Viktor’s presence fill him completely. The quiet comfort of having him so close, so relaxed, was something Jayce could never quite put into words.

His chest was tight with emotions he couldn’t quite name, but he didn’t mind. He didn’t want to think about anything else right now, not the complexities of their lives, not the unspoken tension that still lingered between them. All he wanted was to be here, in this moment, with Viktor so completely at peace.

Unfortunately, the peace didn’t last long.

The sound of the door creaking open shattered the fragile moment. Jayce’s body stiffened instinctively, pulling his hand off of his partner’s face as he heard the unmistakable sound of laughter, light and carefree, coming from down the hallway. He tensed, trying his best to stay still so he wouldn’t disturb Viktor, who was still softly nestled against him.

Jayce turned his head just slightly, his gaze flickering toward the hallway, and from the dim light emerged Caitlyn, casually strolling in with her hand clasped around none other than Violet—the infamous girl from his high school, the one whose very presence had always irked her. The way she walked, confidently holding Caitlyn’s hand, left Jayce stunned momentarily. They were laughing, clearly at ease with each other, and for a moment, Jayce's mind completely short-circuited. Caitlyn? With the girl she had literally fought just months ago?

The moment Caitlyn’s gaze met Jayce’s across the room, time seemed to slow. They locked eyes, both of them momentarily paralyzed by the suddenness of the situation. It was like they had both been caught doing something they weren’t supposed to. The girl’s face shifted into a mask of surprise, and without missing a beat, she quickly let go of her companion’s hand, clearing her throat awkwardly. Caitlyn’s guest glanced between her and Jayce, her grey eyes flicking from one to the other with confusion, her expression shifting into one of mild bewilderment.

Jayce opened his mouth to speak, but his words caught in his throat. The weight of Viktor’s head on his shoulder —so calm and unaware— made him hesitate. 

“Uhm. Hello.” Cait finally broke the silence. “I didn’t know you were gonna be here.”

The young man gave a subtle gesture, an almost imperceptible movement with his head, urging Caitlyn to lower her voice. “Why wouldn’t I be?” Jayce muttered under his breath, the words coming out a little more pointed than he intended. “I thought you were staying out the whole afternoon.” 

Caitlyn smiled awkwardly, her cheeks turning pink as she shrugged, her eyes darting around the room in embarrassment. “Yes, well, plans changed.” She said, her tone strained.

Jayce raised an eyebrow, pressing on. “And, uh, aren’t you going to introduce us?” He asked, his eyes landing on the pink-haired girl next to her.

Violet, who had been standing by quietly, spoke up with an exaggerated casualness. “Oh, we’ve already met. You’re Caitlyn’s brother, right?” She said, her voice playful, but with a sharp edge to it, like she was eager to throw him off balance.

Jayce blinked, slightly taken aback. “Well, not exactly-” 

“I’m Vi.” She interrupted, giving him a bright, too-knowing grin. “Nice to meet you.”

He hesitated for a moment, unsure of what to say. "Right... Nice to meet you too.” He muttered, his voice trailing off.

Caitlyn, visibly uncomfortable and now red in the face, crossed her arms, a hint of sarcasm creeping into her voice. “And what about your friend?” She asked, her tone dry but pointed. “Aren’t you going to introduce him as well?”

Jayce’s face flushed a deep shade of crimson, and he nearly choked on the words before he could force them out. “He’s- he’s just a classmate.” He stammered, his mind racing as he tried to figure out how to handle this awkwardness. “We were working on a project for-”

“Working on a project.” Caitlyn echoed, arching her brows.

“Yes!” Jayce bit back, a little too quickly. “And, uh, clearly now’s not the best time to introduce him since he’s obviously not very awake, so-”

“Jayce?”

Viktor’s voice, thick with sleep, interrupted him, and Jayce felt his heart leap into his throat. He did his best to control his breath, looking down at his friend, who was glancing up with half-lidded eyes while rubbing one of them lazily. Jayce had to force himself not to melt on the spot, fighting the overwhelming urge to swoon at how unbelievably cute Viktor looked.

“Shit. Sorry, man. I didn’t mean to wake you.” He whispered, his voice tight with the effort of keeping his composure. He could feel Viktor’s sleepy gaze on him, and his mind scrambled for something to say.

Violet’s eyes glinted mischievously. “Perfect timing!” She chimed in, clearly amused. “Now you can introduce us properly.”

Jayce’s eyes narrowed, and he let out a long, frustrated sigh, his patience wearing thin. “Cait-”

“Okay, okay, okay, maybe now is not the time!” Her young friend said rapidly, her words tumbling out as she grabbed Vi’s arm and hurriedly pulled her forward. “Anyway nice to see you, yep, okay, we’ll talk later. Bye!” She quickly yanked her guest along, both of them disappearing down the hallway.

Jayce, still trying to catch his breath, ran a hand over his face, releasing a pent-up sigh, feeling both exhausted and embarrassed. He tried to refocus on Viktor, who was now sitting straighter on the couch, still half-dazed. He tilted his head and blinked slowly. “I’m guessing that was your... best friend?” He asked, as he rubbed his eyes, clearly not fully awake.

Jayce’s smile was tight, forced. “Yeah, well, unfortunately.” He replied, his voice laced with discomfort as he tried to brush it off.

They both sat there for a moment, awkwardly silent, the tension lingering in the air like a storm cloud that wouldn’t quite dissipate. From down the hallway, they heard Vi’s voice, asking Caitlyn, “Is that your brother’s boyfriend?”

Both Jayce and Viktor froze at the sound, the words hanging in the air, and then the unmistakable sound of the girls’ laughter followed. The door to Caitlyn’s room slammed shut.

The two men exchanged an uncomfortable glance. Jayce let out a forced nervous chuckle that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Ha. Teens, right?”

Viktor swallowed, his voice still a little hoarse. “Yes… Teens.”

The tension in the room was palpable. Jayce felt a sudden urge to escape it, to do anything other than stand there feeling like an idiot. So he jumped up from the couch, so abruptly that the floor creaked under his feet. “If you’ll excuse me just a moment...” His words tumbled out quickly as he headed toward Caitlyn’s room.

His steps were fast, determined, as though the rhythm of his feet could chase away the discomfort. He knocked sharply on the girl’s door—three hard knocks.

Then his voice rang out, authoritative and a bit breathless. “Cait. My room. Now.”

From inside, he heard a faint groan and then, Vi’s soft laugh. Turning on his heel, he made his way back to his own room, entering with a feeling of finality. He threw himself down on the bed, crossing his arms tightly over his chest as if to guard against whatever was coming next.

After a moment, Caitlyn appeared at the doorframe, her shoulders slumped and her expression a little pouty, like she was reluctantly giving in to whatever this was.

“Shut the door.” Jayce muttered, crossing his arms tighter, his words clipped.

Caitlyn sighed, stepping in and closing the door behind her. She lingered there for a moment, arms crossed as she eyed him cautiously. The silence stretched, then finally she broke it with a short, “What?”

Jayce blinked at her, as if he didn’t quite hear her right. “What? What do you mean, what? You didn’t tell me you were bringing someone in today.”

Caitlyn blinked back, her face scrunching up in mild surprise. “You didn’t tell me you were bringing someone in, either!”

Jayce sucked in a breath through his nose, frustration building in his chest. “Besides that- Isn’t that the girl you literally got into a fight with a few months ago? The one you were pulling hair and throwing punches with?” His eyebrows furrowed in confusion. “What happened to the whole ‘mortal enemies’ thing?”

Caitlyn groaned dramatically, letting herself fall into the desk chair near Jayce’s bed. “It’s a long story, okay? And a complicated one.” She sighed again, like she was trying to wrangle her emotions into some kind of semblance. Then, her voice dropped a little, almost shy. “But, ah... Well, she’s... not as bad as I thought at first.”

Jayce pressed his lips together, his face softening from irritation to something more curious. “Hah.” He raised an eyebrow, unable to keep a slight smirk from creeping onto his face. “I knew it. I knew she just wanted to be your friend. I don’t want to say I was right, but...”

“But you were right.” Caitlyn cut him off, her tone slightly mocking but laced with embarrassment. “Fine. Yes. Don’t start with the know-it-all speech.”

Jayce smiled, a little softer now, his hazel eyes glinting with humor. “So, are you two like... besties now, or what?”

Caitlyn’s face flared a deep shade of red. She twisted her fingers in the hem of her sleeve, looking suddenly very unsure. “I don’t know, okay? I guess? More or less. It’s not like we’re best friends, it’s just…”

Jayce watched her carefully, and it didn’t take long for the sudden warmth in her cheeks and the way she shyly tucked her hair behind her ear to tell him everything he needed to know. His eyes widened in realization. “Oh my God. Are you two...?”

Caitlyn shot out of her seat, practically slapping her hands over Jayce’s mouth before he could say anything more. “Don’t!”

Jayce, still laughing, pried her hands off and grinned. “No way. You like the girl you were criticizing every single day just a few months ago?”

Caitlyn let out a long groan and flopped down onto the bed, her cheeks still burning, as she rested her head on Jayce’s shoulder. “It’s... weird, okay? It’s complicated, I’m just... trying to figure things out. But yeah, after a month of being stuck with her after school for detention, I realized she wasn’t as mean as I thought. She just- She had a rough time growing up, you know?” She paused, voice softening, almost timid as she added, “And, uh… Yes, I guess I like her…” She admitted, her tone shy. “A lot.”

Jayce’s heart swelled at the vulnerability in her voice. Without thinking, he slung an arm around her, giving her a comforting squeeze. “Hey, it’s okay, sprout. It happens. First impressions are hardly ever accurate, anyway. And, besides,” his voice took a playful turn as he shot her a wink. “I’m pretty sure she likes you too.”

Caitlyn scoffed, biting her lip. “You really think so?”

“Sure.” Jayce grinned wider. “I mean, what’s more romantic than a good old-fashioned beat-down to make you fall for someone?”

She shoved him off, but a small laugh finally escaped her lips, and she let herself relax, rolling her eyes playfully. “Oh, shut up.”

Jayce looked over at Caitlyn, his eyes softening as he watched her regain some composure. All of it was… kind of endearing. There was something sweet about seeing her like this, not the sarcastic, know-it-all teen she usually was, but this softer version of herself, still figuring things out, but doing it with courage.

He remembered a couple years back, when Caitlyn had sat in front of him, her face a mess of tears as she nervously told him she might be a lesbian. She was confused, unsure of her identity, lost in the world of her own emotions. He had watched her break down, until Jayce had wiped her tears and held her hand, offering a simple, but honest truth about his own bisexuality. The shift in her expression had been almost immediate, as if hearing that one of her closest friends understood her, that he was also queer, had lifted a huge weight off her shoulders.

And now, here she was, admitting, albeit timidly, that she liked another girl. She had come so far since then, from the kid who couldn’t even look him in the eye when she first came out, to the young woman who was now bold enough to bring her crush into her own home.

Jayce’s heart warmed with pride, like he had witnessed his younger sister's first steps toward becoming the person she was meant to be.

A beat of silence passed before Cait exhaled, sitting up straighter. “Please don’t tell my parents. My mom would lose it if she found out I brought the same girl that beat the shit out of me a few months ago into the house.”

Jayce extended his pinky finger. “I swear. But only if you promise not to tell them about the friend I brought home today.”

She intertwined her pinky with his, then tilted her head, giving him a smug look. “Why wouldn’t you want them to know? I thought he was just a classmate you were working with.”

The young man straightened up quickly, getting up from the bed as he tried to cover the sudden spike of nervousness. “He is. It’s just- I didn’t mention bringing anyone, and I’d rather not deal with any fallout from your parents, you know?”

Caitlyn raised an eyebrow. “Suuure...” She stood up with a playful grin. “So, hey. Is that the guy who has you grinning like an idiot at your phone all day?”

Jayce rolled his eyes, but a soft blush crept up his neck. “Caitlyn Kiramann, get out of my room before I change my mind and call your mom to tell her that her daughter is having sapphic adventures with a potential criminal in her bedroom.”

Caitlyn gasped, grabbing a pillow and throwing it at him, then bolting for the door.

“And leave the door open!” Jayce yelled after her.

“Shut up!” She yelled back, her voice fading as she rushed down the hall toward her room.

Jayce chuckled softly, shaking his head in disbelief. He let out a long sigh before heading back to the living room. There, he found Viktor nestled into the couch, curled up comfortably in a corner, lazily watching the documentary. His presence was oddly calming, and for a moment, Jayce just watched him, taking in the simple peace of the scene.

His partner, sensing Jayce's approach, tilted his head slightly, his half-lidded eyes peeking over the top of the couch. A soft, sleepy murmur escaped his lips. “Hi.” He said, his voice still thick with the remnants of sleep, like it was wrapped in a comforting haze.

Jayce couldn’t help but to grin like an idiot. “Hi.” He replied, his voice almost breathless.

Viktor stretched, a deep, slow yawn escaping him as he shifted on the couch and sat back up. “Did you have some kind of... besties argument or something?" He asked, his tone slightly teasing.

“Please, don't call it that.” Jayce laughed awkwardly. His friend let out a small laugh in return, too tired and soft for it to be anything but endearing. Jayce sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I just had to talk a couple of things through with her. It's nothing, really.” His eyes flickered briefly to Viktor’s face as he sat beside him on the couch. “Sorry for waking you up.”

The older man shook his head slowly, his voice quiet but sincere. “Eh, it's fine. I didn’t mean to fall asleep anyway.” He paused, eyes fluttering shut for a moment as if savoring the rare quiet. “Sorry.”

“Don’t worry about it.” Jayce replied, his words coming out quickly, almost to reassure him. “You’re clearly tired.” He mused, offering a smile that wasn’t just teasing, but kind.

Viktor hummed in acknowledgment, his eyes now fully closed. After a moment, Jayce shifted slightly on his feet, a thought suddenly crossing his mind.

“Hey.” He said, his voice gentler than before. “If you want, you could… stay and sleep here.”

Viktor opened his eyes back, momentarily surprised. “What?”

Jayce shrugged, as nonchalant as he could manage, though his heart beat a little faster. “I know it’s still kind of early, but if you need a proper nap, you’re welcome to stay as long as you want. Cait’s parents won’t be home for at least two more days anyway, so...”

Viktor hesitated for a second, clearly processing the offer. “Are you sure?”

Jayce gave him a reassuring smile. “Of course. I wouldn’t offer if I didn’t mean it. You scratch my back, and I’ll scratch yours, you know?”

Viktor met Jayce’s eyes for a moment, an appreciative smile forming on his lips. “Well, alright. But I don’t want to fall asleep just yet.” He shifted his position again, a slight flush creeping onto his cheeks. “We just finished the final blueprints of the winning prototype of the Distinguished Innovators’ Competition.” He said with a smug grin. “We should celebrate, no?”

Jayce’s eyes lit up, his smile widening. “Now that’s the spirit!” He clapped Viktor on the back lightly, and then, almost instinctively, rubbed slow circular motions in between his shoulder blades.

Viktor looked up at him with a small, affectionate grin, their gazes locking for a few seconds. Jayce’s heart gave an unexpected, thrilling leap as they smiled at each other. 

Then, after a beat, Jayce stood up, trying to shift the energy. “So…” He started to move toward the kitchen, glancing over his shoulder, eyes sparkling with excitement, as he gave Viktor a playful grin. “You like beer?”

Chapter Text

The fourth beer was probably a mistake.

Jayce realized it as he leaned back against the plush couch in the Kiramanns’ ridiculously nice living room, feeling the telltale buzz creeping into his mind. The alcohol was starting to dull his focus—and in this situation, losing concentration was simply not an option.

His jaw tightened, eyes locked on the TV screen as his fingers fidgeted with the controller. Viktor sat beside him, half-draped over the couch. The blue glow of the screen flickered over his face, golden eyes narrowed in wicked determination.

Jayce didn’t trust that look. Not one bit.

They had been at this for nearly two hours, their initially friendly game of Mario Kart having escalated into a full-fledged war. There were no alliances anymore—only bitter betrayal and smug victorious looks.

“Come on, come on, come on…” Jayce muttered under his breath, leaning forward as his little red skinned Yoshi shot toward the finish line.

His heart was pounding. This was it. The final stretch. Just one more second-

Then, at the last possible moment, Viktor used a blue shell.

Jayce’s car was blasted off the track.

For a heartbeat, there was silence.

Then-

“NO FUCKING WAY!” Jayce bellowed, throwing his hands into the air as Viktor cackled beside him.

“Oh, did you think you had that in the bag?” Viktor taunted, his accent thick with amusement. He leaned back against the couch, stretching his arms lazily. “Jayce, Jayce, Jayce... You should know by now—I am always three steps ahead.”

Jayce turned to him, scandalized. “You-! That was foul play! I had that win, dude!”

Viktor smirked, tapping his temple. “Brains over brawn, dear.”

The younger man groaned, dramatically collapsing back against the cushions. “I can’t believe this. I have been betrayed.”

Viktor chuckled, nudging his knee against his host’s as he swirled the half-empty beer bottle in his hand. “Oh, please. You are just a sore loser.”

Jayce rolled his eyes but couldn’t fight the grin pulling at his lips.

The coffee table in front of them was a mess of snack wrappers, empty bottles, and game cases. The night had started with casual banter and a few friendly rounds, but the more they drank, the more heated the competition had become. And now, stretched across the couch, both of them comfortably tipsy, Jayce was feeling… a little bit too warm.

Maybe it was the alcohol. Maybe it was the fact that Viktor was right next to him, laughing under his breath, stretching lazily, curled up like a damn oversized cat—lean and smug and entirely too distracting.

Jayce cleared his throat, trying to distract himself by grabbing his almost empty beer. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you like this before.”

“Like what? Victorious?”

Jayce huffed a laugh, taking a sip. “No. So tipsy. So… relaxed.” He grinned, tipping the bottle toward him. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you drink this much before.”

“I do not, usually.”

“Why? You don’t like it?”

Viktor tilted his head, thinking. “I’m not a big fan of drinking, no. And also… well.” He lifted a lazy hand, gesturing vaguely. “It hits me faster. My medication makes me more sensitive to alcohol.”

Jayce’s grin faltered. “Wait- Shit, I didn't know that. God, now I feel guilty.”

“You did not force me to drink, Jayce. I am fully capable of making my own bad decisions.” Jayce still looked concerned, so Viktor sighed, letting his head tilt back against the headrest. “And honestly? It has been a long time since I had a night like this. Just… you know, drinking and relaxing and,” he hesitated, but then he gave a little shrug, smiling faintly, “being a little stupid with a friend.”

Jayce blinked. His chest felt… weirdly tight at that.

“I’m glad.” He replied, voice quieter now.

Viktor’s eyes flickered. He looked at Jayce for a long moment—too long.

Then, as if breaking the tension himself, he scoffed lightly. “Besides,” he added, stretching his arms over his head, “it is not as if I can control every medication I have to take, so-”

He stopped mid-sentence. His expression shifted in realization before he suddenly groaned, dragging a hand down his face, cursing under his breath in a language Jayce couldn’t understand.

He sat up straighter, alarmed. “What? What is it?”

Viktor let out a sharp sigh. “I was supposed to do my shot today.”

“Your… shot?”

“Yes, well.” His friend groaned again, rubbing his temple. “It is not a big deal. I usually do it on Saturdays, but I was not expecting to stay here tonight, so…”

Jayce frowned, his tipsy brain catching up sluggishly. “Wait- Do you need to get an actual shot? Like- Do you need to go to the doctor, or something? Is it for the pain? If you need something from your place, I can go with you and-”

“Jayce.” His classmate cut him off, letting out a soft, tipsy laugh, shaking his head. “It’s fine. I can do it tomorrow.” Jayce stared at him, still confused, so Viktor cleared his throat, shifting slightly. “I just meant my- eh. My T shot.”

Jayce’s brain stalled.

“…T?” He murmured, still a bit lost. “T as in…?”

Viktor raised his eyebrows, waiting. Then, with the slow patience of someone watching a humanities student flounder through a complex algebraic equation, he said, “Testosterone.”

Jayce opened his mouth. Then closed it.

“Oh.” A beat. “Oh!”

Jayce’s mind scrambled, his thoughts tangling in a rush of clarity, yet still blurred with a lingering confusion. He felt a flicker of embarrassment for not realizing sooner. The truth was, he didn’t tend to think much about their friends' naked bodies, or what they had between their legs. And yeah, okay, that might have been a little different with Viktor… But, to be fair, his fantasies always had more to do with the feeling of him, the warmth of his breath, the sound of his voice… His thoughts would often spiral into places where Viktor was above him, or under him, breathing him in, touching his skin, bruising his lips with endless kisses. Not the specifics of anatomy.

Jayce swallowed, a warm rush spreading through him. Yep, whatever Viktor had in between his legs didn’t matter. He was pretty sure, he thought (a little shamelessly), that he’d enjoy it, no matter what form it came in.

“Jayce.”

“Huh?”

Viktor sighed, fingers drumming against his bottle. “Do not act so surprised. I’ll actually feel insulted if you try to play dumb with me.”

Jayce’s brain scrambled for something intelligent to say. “I’m not-! I just- I genuinely hadn’t thought about it- I mean, it’s not like I-” His words tumbled over themselves, nerves tightening his throat. “Fuck, I feel like anything I say is just gonna make this worse.”

Viktor tilted his head, looking at him with something softer now. His cheeks were flushed —probably the alcohol— but the way he was looking at Jayce made it hard to breathe.

Then, quietly, “It’s okay.” His voice was almost fond. “I guess… it’s kind of flattering, in a way.”

Jayce let out a quick laugh, rubbing at his face. He still felt stupid, but at least Viktor wasn’t mad. There was a silence between them—one that stretched just a little too long, something shifting beneath it.

Then Viktor spoke again, voice lower this time.

“…Is that a problem?”

Jayce blinked, turning back to him. “Hm?”

Viktor looked at him then, really looked at him, and this time, there was something hesitant in his gaze. “Me being trans.” It was barely more than a whisper. There was an attempt at neutrality in his tone, but it wavered at the edges, like he was bracing himself.

Jayce’s heart clenched.

“What?” He straightened instantly, words spilling out before he could even think. “No! God, Viktor, of course not! I’m not just some transphobic douchebag. Who do you take me for?” He shook his head, huffing out a soft laugh. “I don’t care, man. You’re my friend. I’m happy with whatever makes you happy.”

For a second, Viktor just stared at him, something unreadable flickering behind his eyes. Then, slowly, his lips curved.

“You, Jayce Talis,” he murmured, almost to himself, “are disgustingly adorable.”

Jayce could have sworn his heart started doing cartwheels inside his chest.

“I’m serious, it gets to a point.” Viktor smirked, biting his lip like he was holding back laughter. “It is infuriating how charming you are.”

Jayce chuckled, tipping his head back against the couch in exaggerated suffering. “Kindness is the best charm there is.”

His friend hummed, stretching lazily against the cushions. His legs shifted, and suddenly they were resting on top of Jayce’s lap.

Something in the air changed.

Jayce swallowed, feeling the heat of Viktor’s body settling into his, his weight pressing against him in places that made it hard to think. His smirk lingered, but his eyes were a bit darker now, half-lidded, the dim glow of the TV casting lazy shadows across his angular face.

“Are you always this gallant when you are tipsy?”

Jayce scoffed, trying to sound unaffected. “I’m always this gallant, period.”

Viktor chuckled, shifting again, and—fuck. His leg was practically brushing Jayce’s crotch now. It seemed like a casual gesture (maybe too casual), but it definitely sent Jayce reeling.

He looked somehow gentle and dangerous at the same time. Fingers idly tapping against his beer bottle, hair messier than usual from pulling his sweater above his head earlier. He had undone a couple of buttons on his shirt, and it had slipped off one shoulder, exposing a sharp collarbone, a faint glimpse of soft dark hair just barely visible on his upper chest, and —Jesus fucking Christ— floral ink patterns peeking out from beneath the fabric, trailing up over his shoulder.

Jayce swallowed hard. He wondered- how far did those tattoos go, exactly? The thought sent a sharp, hot spark down his spine. He wanted to tear that stupid shirt off Viktor’s body and find out for himself. He wanted to grab him. To slide his hands over Viktor’s thighs, to pull him in, to let Viktor settle onto his lap properly, straddling him, pressing closer, and closer, and closer…

Viktor’s gaze lingered on him, thoughtful, unreadable. Jayce felt the weight of it settle in his chest. His pulse pounded in his ears.

“…What?” He asked, his voice lower than he intended.

Viktor didn’t answer right away. He just studied Jayce for a moment longer before finally murmuring, “You’re a good man, Jayce.”

It caught Jayce by surprise. His breath hitched for a second, and then, warmth spread through his chest, settling deep, low. He wet his lips, suddenly feeling too big for his own body.

He swallowed before speaking, his voice rough. “Yeah?”

Viktor tipped his head back against the couch, exposing the long, pale column of his throat. Jayce’s gaze caught on the small mole just below his jaw, and fuck, he really wanted to press his lips there. To map out every single mole on Viktor’s body with his mouth, to learn them one by one, to know them as intimately as he knew the callouses on his own hands.

“Yes.” Viktor hummed, smirking faintly, eyes half-lidded. “I still plan to crush you in the next game, though.”

Jayce let out a slow breath, forcing a grin to mask the heat coiling in his stomach. His fingers twitched before he finally lifted his free hand, resting it —lightly, carefully— on Viktor’s good knee.

“Oh, I’d like to see you try.” He murmured, his thumb ghosting over the fabric of his pants.

Viktor’s lips parted slightly, his breath hitching just enough for Jayce to notice. His head tilted, eyes flickering downward—lingering, just for a second too long, on Jayce’s mouth.

For a moment, neither of them moved. The air between them felt razor-thin, stretched tight, fragile. Jayce’s grip on Viktor’s knee tightened just a fraction, and then, very slowly, his fingers slid a little higher, tracing the sharp plane of his thigh. He could feel Viktor’s body tensing beneath his touch, though he made no move to pull away.

Jayce could feel the scent of cheap beer and something faintly sweet clinging to his skin. His pulse pounded. He could see the way Viktor’s tongue darted out to wet his lips before he spoke, voice quieter now.

“You’re playing a dangerous game, Talis.”

Jayce swallowed, his throat dry. “Am I winning?”

The silence that followed was thick. Too thick. The kind that settled like a weight in the air, stretching longer than it should.

Jayce felt Viktor shift slightly beside him, but neither of them spoke. His palm was still tingling, and his brain was still short-circuiting from the way Viktor’s warm amber eyes were fixed on him—like he knew exactly what he was doing to him.

“You guys are still here?”

Jayce startled slightly, yanking his hand away from Viktor’s thigh and whipping his head towards the doorway. Vi stood there with her hands in her hoodie pockets, eyebrows raised. Caitlyn was beside her, shooting her a look before elbowing her in the ribs.

“Don’t be rude.” Caitlyn muttered. “This is his house too.”

Vi snorted. “No, I just meant- I figured they’d have moved to his room by now.”

The double meaning hit Jayce like a slap.

His face burned. “No.” He cleared his throat as he sat up a little straighter, suddenly hyperaware of how close Viktor still was. "We were in my room earlier. But we wrapped up our work a while ago. Thought we deserved a break.”

Caitlyn and Vi exchanged a glance. Just a brief, knowing flicker of eye contact, but it was enough to make Jayce feel even more ridiculous.

“Sure.” Caitlyn said, dragging the word out just a little bit too much. She cleared her throat, shifting awkwardly. “Anyway. It’s getting late. I’m gonna walk Vi home before her dad kills her. I’ll be back in a bit.”

“Wait.” Jayce frowned. “Then who’s walking you back?”

“Oh my God, Jayce.”

“I’m just saying-”

“I’m not a child.”

“Debatable.”

Caitlyn groaned, sliding a wild strand of hair behind her ear. “I’ll take a taxi back home, okay? I’ll be fine.”

Jayce hesitated, but he didn’t insist. He wasn’t in any state to argue right now. His head was buzzing—not just from the beer, but from the fact that Viktor’s legs were still pressed against his.

“…Fine.” He muttered, slouching back. “Just call me when you’re on your way back, alright?”

“Okay, dad.” She rolled her eyes at him, but before she could start walking with Vi toward the main door, she turned to Viktor. “Oh, hey. I- I think we never caught your name.”

The man blinked, slightly caught off guard. Then, with an awkward little smile, he said, “I never threw it.” There was a beat of silence. Then, with a small nod of acknowledgment, he added, “It’s Viktor. Nice to meet you.”

Jayce cleared his throat once again, suddenly feeling the need to clarify something. “He’s probably crashing here tonight. … Just so you know.”

Viktor gave him a brief, unreadable look before turning to the young girls again. “I promise not to be a bother.”

Caitlyn hummed, her sharp gaze flickering between them for a second before she smiled. “Oh, don’t worry, I’m sure you won’t, Viktor.” She said his name as if testing it out, committing it to memory. Then, with a sly little grin, she added, “And nice to meet you too. I’m Caitlyn, and this is Vi.”

The pink haired girl beside her, still looking far too entertained by the situation, grinned and threw up a casual hand. “Yo.” She opened her mouth to speak, and Jayce already had a bad feeling about it. “So…” She started, tilting her head, “how long have you two-”

Caitlyn grabbed her arm immediately. “Nope.” She said firmly, dragging her towards the door. “We’re leaving before you embarrass me.”

“Oh, come on.” Vi laughed, letting herself be pulled along. “I was just gonna ask how long they’ve been scre-”

Caitlyn slapped a hand over her mouth. “I swear to God, Violet.”

Jayce groaned, slumping back against the couch as Cait practically shoved her new friend out of the room. Their voices faded as they disappeared down the hall, bickering the entire way.

The silence that followed was different from before.

It was Viktor who finally broke the tension. “They seem nice.”

Jayce turned his head, shooting him a flat look. “Don’t encourage them.”

Viktor just smirked. “You were also a teenager once. Let them have a little fun.”

“Yeah, well. I’m pretty sure sometimes Caitlyn’s idea of ‘a little fun’ is making my life miserable.”

Viktor smirked, tipping his bottle to his lips. “And here I thought you two had a more civilized relationship.”

The younger man raised an eyebrow, his lips curling slightly. “Civilized? Maybe, if by ‘civilized’ you mean constant teasing.” He let out a dry chuckle. “It’s a bit exhausting sometimes. Living with a hormonal teenager isn’t exactly a walk in the park. But she’s alright. I’ve known her since she was practically a baby, so at this point, she’s kind of like family.”

Viktor’s eyes softened slightly as he nodded, clearly understanding. “Family sure can be... complicated.” He said thoughtfully, his gaze drifting to some distant point. “But I suppose you wouldn’t change anything about them, even if you wanted to.”

Jayce’s expression mellowed, and he shifted in his seat. “Yeah. I guess not. Even if she’s a pain in the ass.”

Viktor’s lips twitched, almost imperceptibly. “The best people often are.”

Jayce returned a wry smile, raising an eyebrow and making a face, as if he could feel the teasing behind Viktor's words. He sighed deeply, letting his head fall back against the headrest of the sofa.

His companion, for his part, took a deep breath and finished off the last of his beer. He then pulled the bottle away, grimacing as he swallowed. “If I drink one more drop of this, I might never want to touch beer again.”

Jayce smirked, watching Viktor wipe his mouth with the back of his hand. He also was starting to think he might have pushed it a little too far. It wasn’t that he was drunk, per se, but he could feel the effects of the alcohol spreading through his whole body. He hadn’t realized how dizzy he was until now, or how warm his skin felt.

For a moment, they both just looked around the room, taking in the mess they’d made—empty bottles, discarded wrappers, a controller hanging half-off the coffee table.

“We should probably clean up.” Jayce murmured.

Viktor sighed. “Yes, I suppose we do.” 

He then braced himself against the armrest and pushed himself up to stand. The second he got to his feet, his legs wobbled. His balance faltered, and before Jayce could even think, he was already moving, catching Viktor by the waist before he could stumble.

“Whoa, hey-” His grip tightened instinctively. “You good?”

Viktor huffed, his expression pinched—annoyed, though Jayce wasn’t sure if it was at him or at himself. “Yes.”

Jayce didn’t buy it, but he also knew better than to push. Instead, he eased Viktor back to standing, making sure he was steady before he let go. “Look, why don’t you head to my room and grab something to sleep in while I clean up out here?”

Viktor frowned. “I’m not going to let you do that by yourself. I can help, I’m not useless, you know?”

Before he could actually pick something up from the table, Jayce caught Viktor’s wrist before he could move, holding it just firmly enough to keep him in place. 

“Viktor.” His tone was sharp, almost demanding, making sure there was no room for argument. But there was a gentle hint in his voice. “I’m not saying you’re useless.” He reassured him. “But you’re my guest. I’ll clean up. Let me be a good host.”

His friend swallowed, hesitating for a second before sighing. “…Fine.”

Jayce nodded with a faint, satisfied smile, releasing him and grabbing his cane from where it rested against the couch. He handed it over before saying, “There should be some t-shirts and sweatpants in the right side of my wardrobe. Take whatever you want. Get yourself comfortable.”

Viktor glanced at him, then away, his shoulders tense. “…Thanks.”

He just hummed in return, watching as the young man turned and made his way toward the bedroom, his limp more pronounced than usual. When he finally disappeared down the hall, Jayce let out a long breath, dragging his hands down his face. His pulse was still a little too fast. His skin still a little too warm.

Fuck.

He moved on autopilot, picking up the empty bottles, wiping down the table, taking everything back to the kitchen. His head was still buzzing, but not from the alcohol.

He wasn’t sure if he could handle another night sleeping next to Viktor.

Definitely not after last time’s little… incident.

Maybe he should just let Viktor take the bed and crash on the couch himself. Yeah. That was the smart thing to do. The sensible thing to do.

…Definitely not the thing he wanted to do, though.

When he was finished, he headed toward his bedroom, his mind still a little foggy from everything that had happened. He opened the door and started to speak, “Hey, man, you can sleep in here, I think I’m just gonna take the-”

But the words caught in his throat as soon as his eyes landed on Viktor.

There he stood, with his back to Jayce, the soft city light spilling through the window and casting shadows over his pale skin. His shirt was discarded carelessly somewhere near the bed, and Jayce could see the entirety of his bare back.

Viktor’s skin was dotted with a constellation of freckles and moles, scattered across his shoulders and trailing down his spine like stars against a moonlit sky. Jayce had fantasized about Viktor’s moles before, but he hadn’t imagined there could be so many. And something about them was quietly, breathtakingly beautiful.

He also immediately noticed how Viktor’s tattoos extended up both of his arms, the intricate designs snaking around his forearms and shoulders. Jayce lost his breath even more, completely caught off guard.

It all happened in a flash —just mere seconds— and before he could even process it, he found himself stammering.

"Shit- Sorry, I- I din’t mean to-" 

Viktor turned to face him, and just as Jayce was trying to recover, still mid-apology, he lost all focus.

Those goddamn tattoos.

It wasn’t just that they climbed up Viktor’s shoulders—no, they took even more space and were far more intricate than Jayce could have ever imagined. Delicate floral patterns and twisting branches spread across Viktor’s ribcage, blooming in dark, elegant ink. They twisted and intertwined, weaving through each other and finally arching in perfect symmetry, covering both sides of his upper torso, meeting at the center of his sternum, just over two silvery crescent scars below his chest. They were barely noticeable beneath the ink, but they were there.

Before Jayce could wrap his mind around any of it, his eyes flickered higher, and-

Oh, Lord help him.

A piercing.

A small silver stud gleamed against Viktor’s skin, right across one of his nipples.

Jayce’s brain completely short-circuited.

His face went up in flames. His mouth hung slightly open, but no words came out. Every thought in his head turned to static.

Viktor raised an eyebrow. “Jayce?”

He was going to die. Right here. Right now.

Jayce’s tongue finally started working again, but unfortunately, so did his brain-to-mouth filter—or lack thereof.

“Oh, wow. Uh, shit- Sorry, man, I wasn’t-” He ran a hand through his hair, already tripping over his words. “I didn’t mean to stare, I mean- I was staring, but not like that, I just-” He exhaled sharply, eyes darting from Viktor’s face to his chest and back up again. “I just wasn’t expecting you- You know.” He made a vague, helpless gesture in Viktor’s general direction. “And the tattoos, fuck, I had no idea they went all the way… there. They’re so, uh, nice. Hah. Really cool, yeah. I just- Sorry, I swear I’m not, like, ogling you or anything, I’m just-” 

“Dude.” A snort broke through the rambling, warm, quiet, amused and unmistakably Viktor. “Breathe.” He chuckled, shaking his head. “You’re going to pass out.”

Jayce let out a breathless laugh, rubbing the back of his neck as the tension cracked like ice beneath the warmth of their shared laughter. “God. Yeah. Okay. Sorry.” He exhaled again, shoulders finally loosening as the moment shifted into something that wasn’t quite as mortifying. He glanced back at Viktor, letting his eyes wander —this time with permission— to really take in the ink curling across his chest. “I mean it, though.” He insisted, voice softer now, more genuine. “They’re beautiful. The tattoos, I mean.”

He let himself appreciate the details this time—the careful lines, the way the vines twisted and curled over Viktor’s upper ribs, reaching across his torso like something organic, something alive. There was a softness to them, something fluid, something natural. They really suited him.

Without thinking, Jayce reached out, hesitating at the last second before his fingers could brush against Viktor’s skin. He hadn’t meant to move. He just—he wanted to feel the shapes beneath his fingertips, trace the ink like it was part of Viktor’s story written into his skin. But he caught himself before making contact, drawing his hand back slightly.

Just then, Viktor took his hand.

Not forcefully. Not hesitantly. Just a quiet, certain motion, his fingers cool but steady as he guided Jayce’s palm to his own chest, pressing it lightly over his sternum. When Jayce looked up, startled, Viktor was watching him—amber eyes dark, unreadable, a flicker of something almost challenging in them.

“You can touch them.” He said, voice low. “I won’t break.”

Jayce swallowed, mouth suddenly dry. No—no, that was a lie. His mouth was salivating.

The alcohol hummed in his bloodstream, distorting everything just slightly, blurring the edges between caution and impulse. Or maybe it wasn’t the beer at all. Maybe this had been building up for far longer than he wanted to admit.

Slowly, deliberately, Jayce let his fingers trace the ink.

He followed the path of the tattoos with a reverence he barely understood, letting his fingers glide over the carefully etched shapes until they met at the center of Viktor’s sternum, two mirrored lines twining together in perfect symmetry.

“Did they hurt?” He asked, just to say something, just to fill the silence—just to feel immediately stupid afterward.

Jayce could hear the amusement in Viktor’s voice when he replied. “Well, yes, they did, kind of. But nothing I couldn’t handle.” Then, with a dry sort of humor, he added, “When you’re used to living with chronic pain, this kind of thing barely even registers.”

Jayce just nodded in response, suddenly noticing how bizarrely intimate this situation had become. His breathing slowed, matching the rhythm of his fingertips. And then, gently, without thinking, he let his hand wander upward.

The tips of his fingers skimmed higher, barely ghosting over the center of Viktor’s chest, then up, following the ridges of his sternum. His gaze lifted again, locking onto Viktor’s.

There was something in his expression now—something heavier, darker. His pupils were blown wide, swallowing up the gold of his irises, hunger simmering just beneath the surface.

Jayce felt like something inside him had stopped. His brain, his breath, his pulse—everything had gone impossibly still.

They were so close.

Probably closer than they had ever been.

He could feel Viktor’s breath against his face, the faint scent of beer lingering between them, warm and intoxicating. His fingers had drifted, without him even realizing, higher still—tracing the edges of the man’s collarbones, following the subtle curve of his throat.

“Jayce.”

His name slipped from Viktor's lips like silk, smoothed over with something deep, something almost sacred, and Jayce swore he could feel it sinking into his skin. Every syllable was drawn out like a secret, like something meant only for him, and it sent a tremor through his spine, curling slow and sweet at the base, and pulling tightly.

In that gravelly voice, wrapped around that velvet accent, Jayce’s name felt like it had always belonged on Viktor’s tongue. Every letter, unmade and remade in that single breath, sounded like beauty, like a whispered prayer in a language Jayce had never learned but somehow understood in his bones. It barely felt like his own anymore, like he was hearing it for the first time.

“Hm?”

Viktor’s gaze burned into his, his mouth just barely open, his voice nothing more than a quiet, wicked murmur.

“There are no tattoos there.” A pause. Then, lips curling slightly. “At least, not yet.”

Jayce exhaled sharply, heart slamming against his ribs.

“I’m aware.”

Viktor’s mouth parted just a little more, his crooked canine teeth catching his lower lip, biting down on it. The movement was so devastatingly effortless that something low in Jayce’s stomach twisted, coiled tight, and snapped.

For a moment, they stood suspended in the charged air between them, the faint scent of alcohol lingering like a slow-burning fuse. Viktor’s lip remained caught between teeth, flushed and tempting—an unspoken challenge, a silent invitation.

And God, how Jayce wanted to answer it.

He felt like if he didn’t kiss Viktor this instant, he was going to die.

A sudden impulse twisted deep in his throat, a sharp pang of reckless courage surging through him. Almost without thinking, he opened his mouth—threw caution to the wind and leapt.

The words were out before he could stop them, barely more than a breath.

“You have no idea how badly I want to kiss you right now.”

Viktor didn’t answer right away. He just looked at him—steady, unreadable. He went still. Not in a poised, calculated way, but in the way someone does when their brain momentarily short-circuits. His fingers twitched at his side, like he wasn’t sure what to do with them, and he let out a breath that was just slightly uneven—almost like a quiet laugh, but not quite.

His gaze flickered down briefly, catching on Jayce’s hand before lifting again, locking onto his hazel eyes with a slow, deliberate weight. When he finally spoke, his words were drawn out, almost woozy,

“What’s stopping you?”

Jayce sucked in a breath-

But before he could even think, before he could even process, Viktor was grabbing him by the shirt and pulling him in, crashing their mouths together.

The world tilted on its axis.

Jayce responded on instinct, arms winding around Viktor’s lean frame. His hands traced down the delicate, yet slightly crooked curve of his spine, fingertips pressing into warm skin, feeling every inch of him beneath his touch. 

How many months had he been waiting for this? Maybe since the very first moment he had seen Viktor behind the counter at the flower shop, that instant where his soul had recognized something in him—like they had known each other before, like they were tied together by something unseen, some gravitational pull that had been drawing him in from the start.

Viktor kissed like a force of nature, fierce and consuming, all teeth and tongue and breathless, desperate sounds against his lips. Of course he would kiss like this—like a storm, reckless and unrelenting, a hurricane tearing through Jayce’s senses, leaving nothing untouched.

Fuck crystals, fuck the illusion, fuck anyone who claimed to know what witchcraft was.

This, right here, this was magic.

Kissing Viktor felt like pure, inexplicable, undeniable magic. His fingertips tingled with it, as though he was touching something sacred, something not meant for human hands.

When they finally broke apart for air, their lips barely a breath away, Jayce felt the floor almost sinking beneath him. Their breaths mingled in the space between them, warm and dizzying, and before he could stop himself, he murmured, voice thick with intoxication, “Still don’t believe in magic?”

He immediately regretted how stupidly romantic he sounded. God, he had to be the most embarrassingly lovesick man alive.

Viktor huffed out a breathless laugh, arms coming up to loop around Jayce’s neck, and he whispered, voice barely above a breath, “I might just start.”

Chapter Text

Kissing had never been a priority for Viktor.

It wasn’t something he actively avoided, nor did he particularly dislike it, but in his experience, most people were in a hurry to get to the next thing. Past lovers had been efficient, purposeful—quick hands, mouths that sought satisfaction rather than indulgence. And that was fine. He had never really minded.

But he could have spent an eternity kissing Jayce.

It should have been absurd, the sheer desperation curling in his stomach, the breathless urgency with which he chased after his mouth, like he needed it, like he would go mad without it. He found himself wondering how something that started as simple physical attraction, as mere curiosity, could have unraveled into this feral, undeniable need.

Because Viktor wanted Jayce with a depth that almost terrified him.

His breath hitched as Jayce began to move, guiding him backwards with slow, unsteady steps. Their balance was precarious, and Viktor barely had time to register the way Jayce stumbled slightly before his own upper thighs met the solid edge of the room’s desk.

It was sort of embarrassing, the way Viktor felt his own body react, the way he instinctively braced his hands behind him against the table and let Jayce press in further, like it was the most natural thing in the world. But embarrassment was an afterthought, drowned beneath the heat pooling low in his stomach.

Especially when Jayce’s thigh slid between his own.

The pressure was sudden, solid, an anchor against the growing ache in his core. Viktor exhaled sharply as he broke the kiss, a quiet, shaky sound lost between them, his fingers curling against the dark wood as he took the gesture as an invitation. He started moving, slowly at first, just the slightest roll of his hips, a slow grind against the firm muscle between his thighs, chasing friction, breath shuddering at the sheer relief of it.

Jayce swore under his breath, grip tightening at Viktor’s waist, as if encouraging him. And Viktor —already so far gone— kept grinding himself against his broad thigh, every shift of his hips sending sparks through his nerves, feeling the heat of Jayce's body seep through every layer of fabric between them.

Jayce held him steady, large hands gripping his hips, guiding him, pulling him down, letting him chase his own pleasure. His breath came in uneven gasps, hot against Viktor’s skin, his forehead nearly resting against Viktor’s temple.

And then Jayce pulled back just enough to look at him.

To really look at him.

His gaze was intense, narrowed and glassy, like he was mesmerized, like he was seeing something holy. Godlike.

The weight of that look made the wet heat between his legs even more unbearable.

Jayce murmured something just then, his voice barely more than a whisper, as he shifted his leg to help Viktor find better friction. “You like that?”

It wasn’t cocky. There was no bravado in it, no teasing. Just quiet, genuine curiosity—kinda shy, as if the thought that Viktor might actually be enjoying this was fragile; something too vital to let slip away.

It was almost adorable.

Before he could think twice about it, he nodded and grabbed one of Jayce’s hands, pressing it flat against his own chest, right over his racing heart. He wanted him to actually feel what he was doing to him.

Jayce inhaled sharply, eyes flickering between Viktor’s face and the hand resting against his tattooed chest. Something like awe flickered across his features before he surged forward, kissing him again—deep, hungry, yet still so unbearably gentle, like he was holding something precious. His hand, once uncertain, now moved freely, exploring Viktor’s torso with quiet reverence. Tentatively, his fingertips traced over soft planes of muscle and bone, until they found the metal piercing on his left nipple.

Viktor gasped against the man’s mouth, his body reacting before his mind could catch up. He arched slightly, pressing further against the thigh in between his legs, his breath catching in his throat as he felt the slow, testing drag of Jayce’s thumb over the sensitive spot.

Jayce pulled back just enough to breathe against his lips, voice hushed. “Can I?” He asked as his finger traced slow, lazy circles around the metal piece, barely applying pressure, waiting for permission.

Viktor had never felt like this before—like every touch, every whisper, every glance was a question. A request, rather than a demand. Jayce was careful. Gentle. Seeking approval at every turn.

This was all new for him.

And Viktor thought, dizzy and breathless, that he could get used to it.

“Please.” He nodded in response.

The word barely left his lips before Jayce’s hands settled more firmly around his waist, large calloused palms nearly encircling him completely. His theory was correct. Jayce’s hands could, in fact, almost meet around his waist. The confirmation sent a sharp, reckless thrill through him—something darkly satisfying.

Jayce adjusted his stance, dipping his head to press open-mouthed kisses down Viktor’s neck, slowly trailing lower, until his lips brushed against his chest. Then, he closed his mouth over the peak of his nipple, curling his tongue around the cool metal bud.

Viktor sighed, long and unrestrained, pressing closer as his hands shot to his partner’s hair and jaw. Jayce was hesitant at first, testing and tasting, tongue flicking, lips parting, sucking gently. His hands slid down, gripping Viktor’s ass and pulling him just a little closer.

Then—teeth.

A sharp little bite, a slight pull.

It sent a shock straight to Viktor’s core, a broken moan escaping him before he could stop it.

Jayce pulled back immediately, looking up at him, lips slick, pupils blown wide with something Viktor didn’t have the strength to name. He licked his lips absently, voice hushed, almost awed. “You’re stunning.”

A rush of something unfamiliar shot through Viktor—warm and embarrassing and definitely too much. He wasn’t used to such blunt compliments, least of all in heated moments like this one.

“You’re corny.” He countered.

Jayce didn’t seem to mind. If anything, he grinned—wide and sincere, showing off that little gap between his front teeth that Viktor had grown to adore far too much.

Before he could think better of it, he shifted, wrapping his legs loosely around Jayce’s waist. Surprisingly, he found himself hesitating for a beat, voice shy and words slightly slurred from too much beer. “Take me to bed?”

For a second, Jayce just looked at him, eyes still hazy, lips parted—like Viktor had just asked him for something impossible. Then, as if shaking himself back into the moment, he nodded, gripping his ass more securely. He lifted him without effort, holding him as if he weighed nothing at all, carrying him with a care so reverent it made Viktor’s chest ache. And when he finally set him down on the bed, it was soft, delicate—like he was something worth cherishing.

No one had ever touched him like that before.

Jayce stood on his knees on the mattress, and took a moment to quickly yank his shirt over his head in one swift motion, tossing it carelessly to the floor. Viktor allowed himself a moment of self-indulgence to take all of him in, to admire the absolute wonder that was Jayce Talis.

His gaze devoured the sight before him; golden skin stretched over broad, sculpted muscle, with only the faintest hint of hair beginning to grow along his chest and lower abdomen. Viktor couldn't help but mourn the fact that the soft trail of hair that extended from his navel, disappearing into the waistband of his boxers, would’ve been so much more noticeable —so much more inviting— if it weren't for the clear evidence that Jayce kept himself waxed regularly.

Viktor barely had time to register all of it before Jayce positioned himself between his legs, pressing down just enough to let his weight settle against him. He rolled his hips forward —a slow, testing grind— and they both exhaled a soft, shaky moan at the touch.

Viktor's hands shot up without thinking, finally exploring the expanse of Jayce’s chest, nails digging into warm, sun-kissed skin. Jayce took it as permission, as encouragement, and rubbed their crotches together a little more eagerly as he let out a breathy, “Fuck.”

Biting down on his lip, Viktor let his hands slide down, fingers digging into the curve of Jayce’s ass and pulling him down into the pulsating warmth of his clothed sex. Soft moans caught in his throat as the friction became sweetly unbearable.

He opened his mouth, his mind scrambling for something —anything— eloquent to say, but everything about Jayce was killing every coherent thought he had.

So he finally settled on a whispered, “I want you.” Because there was really nothing else left to say.

Jayce nodded, brows furrowed in pleasure. “Yeah?”

“Yeah.”

It was, quite possibly, the dumbest conversation they’d ever had. But neither of them seemed to care.

Jayce’s hand moved to Viktor’s cheek, cupping his face, slowing down, his hips rolling with more control now. “How much?”

Viktor grabbed his wrist, fingers wrapping around it tightly as he leaned into his touch. His answer came without hesitation, voice low and trembling. “Too much.”

“Fuck.” Jayce let out a strangled groan. “Fuck, okay.” After a moment, he suddenly pulled away. “Wait- Yeah, just- give me a minute.”

He stumbled to his feet, looking around the room with the frantic air of someone who’d just realized they left the oven on. Viktor blinked at him, propped on his elbows, watching with a mix of curiosity and amusement as Jayce started rummaging through one of his desk drawers, cursing under his breath.

“Shit, shit shit…!”

Viktor arched a brow. “What?”

Jayce turned to him with the eyes of a kicked puppy. “I don't- Fuck, I don’t have any condoms.” He cleared his throat, gesturing vaguely, clearly embarrassed. “Shit, uh- I could maybe run to a store? See if there's one still open?” His words came out rushed, a little slurred from the nerves and the few beers he’d had earlier. “It’s late but maybe I can look around to see if there’s a convenience store or like, uh, a gas station or-”

“Jayce.”

“Yeah?”

“It's fine.” Viktor exhaled through his nose, half amused, half endeared. “We don’t have to do anything right now.”

Jayce hurried back over to sit at the edge of the bed, shaking his head. “No! I mean- Yeah, I know that, obviously, but- I do want to. I really want to.” His hands fidgeted in his lap, and then, more hesitantly, he added, “If you also want to, of course.”

Something warm settled in Viktor’s chest. He smiled, small and sincere, and nodded. “I do.”

Jayce exhaled, as if he’d been holding his breath for a lifetime. “Right. Thank God. I mean- You know…”

Viktor huffed a laugh, shaking his head as he dropped back onto the pillows. Then, without warning, his laugh grew louder—snorty, and shaky and a little breathless. It had been a long time since he had laughed like this, carefree and unguarded. Maybe it was the alcohol, maybe the sudden rush of endorphins, or maybe just the fact that Jayce made him feel safe.

His laughter ended up catching in his throat, tipping over into a fit of coughing. He turned his head, thumping his chest a couple of times as if to knock the air back into his lungs, his body shaking with the force of it. With a final, strained wheeze, he sighed, rubbing at his eye with the heel of his hand, a small, tired grin still tugging at his lips.

When he finally caught his breath and turned back, Jayce was staring at him with stars in his eyes, mouth slightly open, like he’d just witnessed a miracle.

Viktor narrowed his own, suddenly self-conscious. “...What?”

Jayce blinked, then broke into a wide, dazed smile. “I love your laugh.”

He scoffed, immediately rolling his eyes. “It’s awfully ugly."

“I think it’s cute.”

Viktor groaned and pressed a hand over Jayce’s face to shut him up. His companion just laughed, easily pulling his hand away, his grip gentle but firm, thumb brushing over Viktor’s knuckles before lowering it to the bed. He leaned back in close, their faces mere inches apart, as his fingers found their way to Viktor’s stomach, tracing slow, idle circles there.

Their eyes met—bright amber and gold-speckled hazel, locked together in the dim light of the room. There was something unspoken in Jayce’s gaze, something achingly tender, and Viktor let himself sink into it.

“So... should I try my luck at a store or...?” Jayce murmured.

Viktor bit his lip, considering it for a moment. "Or," he began, tilting his head, "we could always… do other things. That don’t require, eh- for you to get out of bed.”

Jayce blinked, swallowing hard.

“Would you be alright with that?” He added, just to be sure.

“Yeah. Yeah, I’m perfectly okay with that.”

“Good.” Viktor hummed, letting his fingers card through Jayce’s hair, lightly scratching at his scalp. He felt the tension in his body melt away at the touch, leaving him pliant. Then, in a honeyed tone, he murmured, “Take off your pants for me, please?”

Jayce obeyed instantly, fumbling in his eagerness as he kicked off his pants, leaving him in just his boxers. Viktor let his gaze drift over him, taking in the sculpted muscles softened by gentle edges, the faint scars scattered across his brown skin, the heavy shape of his erection beneath his underwear…

God, Jayce Talis was a prodigy of a man.

“How obedient.” Viktor mused aloud before he could think twice.

The reaction was immediate. Jayce inhaled sharply, his fingers twitching at his sides. Viktor’s eyes flicked up to his face, assessing, intrigued. He could see the way Jayce’s lips parted, the way his breath quickened just slightly.

He pressed a little further, testing. “Are you going to keep being this good for me?”

Jayce let out a shaky breath, nodding almost frantically. “Yeah. I’ll do whatever you want. Anything.”

So fucking adorable.

“That’s good to know.” Viktor’s tongue darted out to wet his lips. He traced his fingers along Jayce’s jaw, feeling the way his pulse beat just a little faster under his fingertips. “Be a good boy and help me get these off, would you?” He said, vaguely gesturing to his own pants.

Jayce swallowed hard at the words, his Adam’s apple bobbing. And then, almost as if something inside him snapped, he let out a quiet, almost desperate sound —half a sigh, half a groan— and moved without hesitation. He undid Viktor’s button with a quick, eager motion, hands a little too frantic, too clumsy in his urgency, tugging the pants down one leg in a single, fluid motion. But when the fabric caught against Viktor’s brace, he faltered, hands fumbling awkwardly at the clasps.

“Sorry, I got it-” He mumbled, brows furrowed in concentration as he tried to undo the fastenings without yanking too hard.

Viktor huffed out a quiet laugh, reaching down to help, their hands brushing as they worked together, until —finally— the last strap came undone. Jayce eased the pants down with a careful touch, letting them pool on the floor, and when he straightened up again, both of them were in equal states of undress.

Jayce’s gaze dropped lower, zeroing in on the unmistakable damp spot darkening Viktor’s boxers. His tongue skimmed over his teeth, a slow, unconscious motion. With firm hands, he eased his partner’s legs apart, fingers pressing into the soft give of his thighs. A breathy murmur escaped him—awed, dazed, almost trance-like.

“Fuck, you’re soaking.”

Viktor groaned, pressing a hand over his face as if that might somehow hide the heat creeping up his neck. He couldn’t believe this was the same Jayce who used to show up at the flower shop all wide-eyed and awkward.

He forced himself to gather some semblance of composure, trying to be smooth, but the slight tremor in his voice betrayed him. “Then get down here and do something about it.”

Still, it definitely seemed to have an effect on Jayce.

He sucked in a breath, his pupils blown wide, but Viktor barely gave him time to react before gesturing for him to lie down by his side. He tapped the space next to him, gaze heavy-lidded, expectant. And of course, Jayce obeyed without hesitation, shifting onto his side as he lifted both hands to cup his partner’s cheeks. His thumbs traced along the sharp lines of his cheekbones, as if memorizing every dip and angle.

Viktor let himself look at him up close. Their faces were barely inches apart, cheeks pressed against the pillow, warm exhales mingling between them. 

It felt so intimate it was almost scary.

So Viktor tried to distract himself from the overwhelming softness coiling inside his chest by letting his hand wander, trailing down Jayce’s abdomen with purpose. His fingers slipped beneath the waistband of his underwear, relishing in the way his cock twitched at the first touch.

Viktor bit his lip, suppressing a smirk. He had already verified Jayce was big before, but wrapping his fingers around him like this only cemented the fact.

Jayce’s grip tightened suddenly, hands cradling Viktor’s face as he pulled him in, crashing their lips together. It wasn’t a slow kiss, nor a gentle one—he kissed him like a starved man, like he couldn’t bear the thought of not breathing the same air as him for even a second longer. His teeth caught Viktor’s lower lip, tugging just enough to make him gasp before his tongue slipped past his lips, deepening the kiss.

It was almost endearing —Viktor thought— how a man as strong and broad as Jayce Talis could unravel so easily with just the right touch. How all of that raw power could be reduced to nothing but shuddering breaths and desperate sounds.

And all for him.

Jayce let out a choked moan against his mouth when Viktor’s hand found a steady rhythm, his hips jerking forward instinctively, chasing after his touch. His lips trembled, a shaky, breathless, “Viktor-” slipping past them like a prayer.

Something sharp and insatiable coiled deep inside Viktor, a hunger so visceral it almost made him pass out from anticipation. He wanted to consume Jayce entirely, to hear his name fall from those lips over and over again until it was the only thing left in his mind. His wrist ached slightly from the awkward angle, but the way Jayce trembled beneath his touch made it impossible to care. He wasn’t stopping. Not when he finally got to see Jayce like this.

“Tell me you want me.” Viktor whispered, almost like a plea.

His voice didn’t sound like his own—too raw, too unguarded. He wasn’t like this. He wasn’t needy. He wasn’t desperate. But this man was making him lose his fucking mind.

He needed to hear it again. He needed to know that those past few times Jayce had told him he wanted him, he had meant it. He wanted to hear it with his own ears once again, wanted it branded into his memory.

“I want you.” Jayce gasped, pressing their foreheads together as if grounding himself. “I want you. I've been wanting this since the first moment I saw you. I want you so bad, Vik.”

Viktor’s heart did something humiliating in his chest, warmth spreading through his limbs, making his fingers tremble slightly as he reached for Jayce’s hand with his own free one. He guided it toward his lips, brushing a lingering kiss over his fingertips before taking his middle and ring fingers into his mouth, never breaking eye contact.

Jayce’s lips parted, a shaky exhale slipping free as he watched, hazel eyes dark with something unreadable—something Viktor ached to unravel completely. 

He sucked his fingers to the knuckle, tongue curling around them a couple of times before finally pulling away with a wet smacking sound. Then, he guided Jayce’s hand lower, an invitation unspoken, but clear.

“Then take me.”

Jayce’s breath hitched as his fingers dipped beneath the waistband of Viktor’s boxers, his palm brushing against fever-warm skin. He moved carefully at first, fingertips tracing the slick heat between his wet folds, exploring, memorizing every little twitch and shudder beneath his touch.

Viktor bit down on his lip, trying —and failing— to restrain himself from moaning in response. His thighs clenched, a shiver rolling through him as his stomach twisted itself into nervous, electric knots. He could feel the impatient way Jayce was moving against him, panting softly, grinding just slightly against his fist, seeking friction while his own fingers wandered tentatively beneath the fabric.

“Hah-! Fu-”

Viktor barely had time to brace himself before Jayce’s fingers slid inside, stretching him open with an ease that made something in him snap. A choked moan escaped his lips, his body tensing and trembling all at once. His eyes fluttered shut for a second before snapping open again—because fuck, he didn’t want to stop looking at Jayce.

“Is this okay?” Jayce asked, voice low, breathless.

Viktor moved his head frantically. “More than okay.”

Jayce nodded back, determination flickering across his face as he adjusted his angle, testing, searching for the perfect way to move his fingers, to give Viktor exactly what he needed.

Viktor whined, the sound dying in his throat, high and helpless. He tried to keep moving his own hand, to focus on both giving and receiving at the same time. But it was getting harder and harder by the minute. Every slow drag of those fingers inside him sent sparks racing down his spine, scattering his thoughts, making it nearly impossible to do anything but feel. His free hand gripped Jayce’s wrist, the muscles in his stomach fluttering as his self-control slipped away, bit by bit.

“You’re-” Jayce huffed, his voice thick with awe, “so fucking tight.” His fingers curled just right, and Viktor let out a broken gasp, his head tipping back against the pillow, his hips stuttering into the touch. “I can't wait to be inside you.”

A low, guttural groan escaped Viktor’s throat as his hips jerked down instinctively, desperate for more. He immediately slammed his mouth against Jayce’s, giving him a messy, frantic kiss. It was sloppy; there was no finesse in it, just raw need, teeth clashing and tongues battling as they both gasped and moaned into each other. It was messy, unrestrained, the kind of kiss that spoke of everything unsaid.

And so they stayed like that—noses pressed together, breathing into each other’s mouths like they needed to share the same air to survive, drinking in the heat and scent of one another, drowning in each other’s dilated pupils.

It was funny, in a way. Viktor had shared experiences that, by all accounts, were more physical, more explicit, more direct in their intent—experiences that had their own raw intensity. He had let other men inside him, had surrendered himself to pleasure in ways that should have been more intimate. 

And yet, this, despite seeming like nothing more than a rather messy mutual jerk off session, felt a thousand times more romantic than anything he had ever experienced before.

It wasn’t just the closeness, but the quiet tenderness between them, the way every touch, every breath, felt like an unspoken promise, a silent acknowledgment of something deeper. The way Jayce’s eyes never left his, the way his free hand was glued to his cheek, continuously caressing the mole beneath his eye with his thumb like he was handling some sort of treasure…

This was the most intimate thing Viktor had ever known.

“Jayce-”

The younger man groaned at the way his name left Viktor’s lips, his grip tightening ever so slightly as he begged, “Say my name again.”

“Jayce.”

“Again.”

“Jayce.” Viktor repeated, his voice breaking, his body curling inward slightly as another surge of pleasure wracked through him. “Jayce, Jayce, Jayce…” He panted, his tone growing more urgent, more wrecked, until the name itself became nothing but a breathless plea.

Jayce let out a deep groan, unable to take it any longer. His left hand cradled the back of Viktor’s neck, fingers threading into his hair as he pulled him in for a bruising kiss, like he was trying to consume every sound Viktor made, like he couldn’t bear to be anywhere but in his mouth.

Next thing Viktor knew, Jayce was spilling all over his fingers, accompanied by a low, drawn-out groan. Neither of them pulled away—not even for air. Viktor swallowed every shaky moan, every tremor, as he kept stroking him through it, drawing out every last tremor until Jayce was left shaking against him, whimpering softly into his mouth.

Of course Jayce would be the kind of man who went in for a kiss right as he was reaching his orgasm. It felt fitting. It felt right.

Jayce’s free hand shot out, wrapping around Viktor’s wrist in a shaky, desperate attempt to stop him. His grip was firm, but his body kept shuddering, oversensitive, small aftershocks making his muscles twitch. He gasped softly, breath uneven as he fought to ground himself.

His forehead pressed against Viktor’s, eyes barely open, and finally, he spoke, voice wrecked, dazed, yet still carrying that unshakable earnestness that was so inherently Jayce. “Tell me what to do.”

Even now, still reeling from the high of it all, he wanted to be good for him. Wanted to be obedient, to please, to get it right. Always so eager, so devoted.

Jayce Talis was definitely a keeper.

Viktor reached for Jayce’s hand, slipping his fingers out of himself and guiding them up to his neglected cock. “Touch me here.” He murmured, voice thick with need and anticipation.

Jayce obeyed without question, his fingers pressing in carefully. His brows furrowed as he adjusted his touch, tracing quick, purposeful circles where Viktor needed him most. “Here?”

“Yes.” He nodded, biting his lip so hard he nearly drew blood. His thighs clenched around Jayce’s hand, fingers curling against the man’s wrist, silently urging him on. His vision blurred slightly, the heat behind his eyes spilling over before he could stop it—tears welling, unbidden, as everything in him coiled tight, teetering on the edge. “Fuck, yes…!”

And then—a spark, a perfect press of fingers that sent a sharp wave of pleasure straight through him. His back arched off the mattress as a strangled whimper slipped past his lips, his entire body trembling from the inside out.

“Jayce!” He cried, almost delirious, his fingers curling around his partner’s forearm.

Jayce froze for half a second, concern flickering across his features at the sight of tears. But before he could say anything, before he could ask if he was okay, Viktor spoke:

“Kiss me.”

No hesitation. No second-guessing. Just instinct, just urgency.

Jayce’s mouth was on his in an instant, claiming him in a kiss that was all-consuming yet impossibly sweet. Their lips pressed together in perfect sync, slick and heated, and Viktor felt lost—completely lost in him.

And then it hit him. A sharp, consuming wave of pleasure surged through him, stealing the air from his lungs, pulling a broken, muffled moan straight from his chest. His body locked up, trembling violently as he came undone beneath Jayce’s touch.

Jayce never pulled away. Never let him go. He was still touching him, still holding him, still kissing him, even as Viktor sagged against him, spent and overwhelmed.

It was poetic, somehow—the way Jayce had this effortless ability to bleed this kind of syrupy tenderness into everything he touched, turning even the most fevered moments into something achingly soft. The way his kiss, chaste and gentle, felt like a prayer against the ruin of Viktor’s lips—a striking contrast to the wild intensity of the instant.

A quiet affection against the heat of it all. A whisper of something soft in the midst of sweat and trembling limbs and shuddering breaths. Like a single daisy blooming in a field of smoldering crimson roses, innocently delicate yet defiant, untouched by the fire.

Maybe he could get used to this—kissing through the haze of pleasure, letting himself fall apart with someone’s lips pressed against his.

At least if they were Jayce’s lips stealing his breath away.

When Viktor’s body seized up with the aftershocks of his climax, his muscles trembling as he rode the last waves of it, he dug his nails into the other man’s wrist, a silent plea, and Jayce stilled immediately.

They pulled apart just enough to breathe, noses still pressed together. The room was thick with the scent of sweat and sex, the ghost of each other's touch still buzzing on their skin. For a few seconds, neither of them spoke, their chests rising and falling in sync.

Then, almost at the same time, they both let out small, breathless chuckles, still dazed, still catching up with what had just happened.

Viktor sighed and turned onto his back, eyes drifting up to the ceiling as he pressed a hand over his chest, trying to steady his breathing. The familiar whistle in his lungs made itself known, subtle but present, and he exhaled slowly, waiting for it to settle. He lifted his other hand, fingers sticky with the remnants of Jayce, and before he could say anything, his partner made a face—equal parts embarrassed and guilty.

“Sorry.” He mumbled, already starting to sit up. “I’ll get you a towel.”

“It’s fine.” Viktor huffed out a tired laugh, tilting his head to look at him. “You’re not the only one who made a mess.”

Jayce paused at that, eyes flickering down between them before letting out an awkward little chuckle.

After a beat, he asked, “All good?”

“Hm-hm.”

Jayce’s relief was visible in the way his shoulders dropped, his smile small but warm. But then, he shifted slightly on the mattress, rubbing at the back of his neck. “Sorry if that was, uh... too fast.” He admitted, his voice quieter now. “It’s just- I’ve been wanting to kiss you for so long, and I think I just-” He exhaled sharply, shaking his head at himself. “I guess I got a little carried away. Maybe we should’ve... waited. Should’ve given it more time, you know…”

Viktor let out a slow breath through his nose, amused. “I think we've both waited enough, Jayce.”

He blinked at him before letting out a small, nervous laugh. “Yeah. Yeah, I guess you’re right.”

They stayed there, just looking at each other, the weight of the moment pressing in around them—not uncomfortable, but heavy in a way that made Viktor’s chest feel tight for an entirely different reason.

Then, Jayce reached out, brushing a stray strand of hair from Viktor’s face with the lightest touch of his fingers. And that was when Viktor felt it—that creeping, scary realization settling in the pit of his stomach.

This was dangerous.

This was terrifying.

The weight of how much he liked Jayce —how much he wanted him— was too much to ignore now.

The sound of a door being slammed somewhere in the house broke his train of thought.

Both of them froze.

Footsteps echoed from the entryway, followed by a distinctly familiar young voice, thick with an unmistakable accent. “Jayce? Why do you insist on making me call before I come back if you’re not even going to pick up your damn phone, man?”

Their eyes met in perfect, wide-eyed horror.

“Shit.”

Chapter Text

Jayce nearly faceplanted onto the floor in his frantic attempt to get up.

His legs trembled beneath him, unsteady and useless, as if the sudden rush of adrenaline had drained all the strength from them. He fumbled clumsily for his pants, finding them halfway under the bed, and tried to pull them on with shaking hands. The fabric tangled around one ankle, stubborn and uncooperative, while his other hand,still slick and embarrassingly unpresentable, scrabbled desperately across the nightstand in search of a napkin, a towel, divine intervention—anything at all that might salvage even a shred of dignity.

His heart shot straight into his throat when he heard Caitlyn, closer this time. “Hellooo? Dude, are you listening?”

“Don’t come in!” He shouted, way too loud, his voice cracking right down the middle like a teenager caught mid-makeout behind the bleachers. “Just- gimme a second!”

He heard her footsteps, brisk and purposeful, suddenly stop just outside the door. A pause. Then her voice, uncertain now, tinged with confusion. “Uh… okay?”

Across the room, Viktor had sat upright with whiplash speed, the sheets crumpled at his waist, his clean hand now half-covering his face in a posture of existential regret. He looked like a man re-evaluating the sum total of the choices that had led him here.

Jayce sent him a panicked glance that screamed do not move, then swiped a few tissues from a box like they were going to undo the last twenty minutes of sin. Without thinking too much about it, he clumsily tossed the entire pack at Viktor so he could clean himself up. It nearly nailed him in the face, but thankfully, Viktor dodged it just in time, eyes wide, his expression flickering from stunned to vaguely murderous as he stared at Jayce.

He winced, muttering a hoarse “Sorry…”, as he grabbed his shirt off the floor and yanked it over his head in one messy motion.

Then he bolted for the door, shoving himself out into the hallway and slamming it shut behind him with a hurried, breathless click. He leaned against the door like this was fine. Like he was fine. Cool. Calm.

Absolutely not freshly post-coital and barely keeping it together.

“Hey!”

“Uh. Hey.” Caitlyn stood a few paces away, keys dangling from one hand, and the unimpressed expression of someone who already suspected more than she wanted to. Her eyes narrowed the moment she saw him—shirt rumpled, hair a mess, face flushed like he’d run a marathon or committed a federal crime. Possibly both. “What’s up with you?”

“Nothing!” Jayce chirped, far too brightly. “All good. You’re early, though.”

“I… told you I’d pick up a taxi to come back home.” She said, deadpan.

“Right. Yeah. Of course.”

Caitlyn squinted at him, then crossed her arms, the keys in her hand clicking softly. “I called you. As you asked. Three times.”

Jayce’s smile strained at the edges. “Yeah, sorry. I didn’t hear it. Had my phone on silent mode. I was… distracted.”

“Distracted doing…?”

He gestured vaguely at the closed door behind him, as if that might explain everything. “Just talking to Viktor. About the project.”

Caitlyn’s eyes narrowed with surgical precision. “Talking.”

“Yeah.”

“I thought you two were done for today.”

“Uhm.” Jayce nodded too fast. “Yeah. Yeah, we were, but we- we started ranting about a different project. Yep. For our Integrated Chemistry class. Lab stuff. Hah. You know. Heat distribution. Fluid dynamics. That kind of- science.”

She blinked slowly. “Fluid dynamics.”

Jayce winced internally. Poor phrasing. Horrible phrasing. Definitely not a great choice.

“Like... viscosity. And temperature thresholds. You know-”

“Jayce.” Caitlyn stared at him. And stared. And then her eyes flicked briefly to the door again. Her expression shifted subtly—eyes widening just a little, one brow raising in dawning horror. “Did you two…?”

“Nope.” Jayce cut in, far too fast. “No. No. You don’t- Don’t finish that sentence.”

Her face twisted into something between disgust and amusement. “Eeeugh!”

“Don’t- Hey! Don’t make that face! It’s not what you think, I swear.” She opened her mouth, but Jayce raised both hands like he was warding off an oncoming truck. “Please. Don’t say anything. I really, really don’t want to hear it right now.”

Caitlyn sighed, rubbing her temple like she was suddenly too tired to deal with his entire existence. Then she raised her hands in surrender. “You know what? Sure. We’ll talk tomorrow. Or never. I’m good with either.”

She turned toward her room, and Jayce sagged against the doorframe in quiet relief, already trying to forget the last sixty seconds of his life.

“Oh, and Jayce?”

“Yeah?” 

Caitlyn had paused, halfway through her door, and was staring at him back over her shoulder. Slowly, she gave him a smug little smile. “Your shirt’s inside out.”

She didn’t wait for an answer. She just slipped into her room and closed the door, leaving Jayce alone in the hallway, absolutely, thoroughly, mortified. He looked down, groaned and pressed a hand to his face. Great. Now she was going to tease him about this until the end of time. Possibly even after.

He made a detour to the bathroom, cleaned up as best he could, ran some cold water over his face, and fixed his damn shirt. Then, after rummaging through the linen cabinet, he grabbed a small clean towel, dampened it a little, and padded back toward his room, heart still thudding in his chest.

Viktor was waiting inside. And Jayce still had no idea how the hell he was supposed to look him in the eyes again.

He entered quietly into the room, and, surely, there was Viktor—still sitting on the bed, with messy hair and flushed cheeks, wearing nothing but his boxers and mismatched socks, half-wrapped in Jayce’s crumpled sheets like some disheveled painting come to life.

Jayce had to physically stop himself from sinking to his knees on the floor, from showering Viktor in kisses and worshipping him for the rest of the night like some lovesick fool. Instead, he swallowed hard, forced his face into something resembling composure, and walked over to the bed with a slightly awkward smile.

He held the towel out to him, gently. “Here.”

“Thanks.” He replied, his gaze flicking up to meet Jayce’s for the briefest of seconds before he looked down again and began wiping his hands.

And then, silence.

An extremely loud and heavy silence.

It was like time had stopped for a second, and neither of them quite knew what to do with themselves.

“Sorry about… the interruption.” Jayce finally broke the tension, rubbing the back of his neck. “That was kind of a mood killer.”

“It’s fine.” Viktor murmured, eyes flicking downward with something like embarrassment. His ear still held a faint blush, whether from heat or nerves, Jayce couldn’t tell.

Jayce cleared his throat awkwardly. “Should we, uh… talk about what just happened?”

The man in front of him blinked, slow and sleepy, like his brain was two steps behind his body. “I don’t know if I’m in the right state of mind to talk right now.” He mumbled, voice hoarse.

Jayce let out a sheepish laugh. “Yeah, no, sorry. You should sleep.”

He turned to his closet, pulling out a few clean pieces of clothing. He grabbed a shirt, sweatpants, even a pair of boxers, and turned back and held them out.

“You can wear these.”

“You really don’t have to-”

“It’s fine.” Jayce interrupted, shrugging. “I don’t mind.”

Viktor looked at the bundle of clothes, then nodded with a quiet “Okay.” Then, he took them hesitantly and began to change.

Jayce, ever the gentleman —or at least trying to be one— quickly turned around, grabbing his phone and pretending to check messages that didn’t exist. Which was ridiculous, really, considering he’d just had his fingers inside this man five minutes ago.

He was pulled from his faux distraction by his guest’s voice, dry and a little slurred: “The pants won’t fit.”

Jayce looked up to discover a very sleepy Viktor perched on the edge of the bed, his frame swallowed by Jayce’s oversized t-shirt, sleeves hanging past his elbows. The boxers kinda fit, but they sagged dangerously low on his hips.

Jayce’s brain short-circuited for a second. “Oh. Right. Sorry.” He stammered, eyes darting anywhere but Viktor’s thighs. “I guess we’re not exactly the same size.”

HIs friend gave a resigned shrug. “It’s fine. I usually sleep without pants anyway.”

Jayce bit down the inappropriate grin threatening to surface and nodded. “Good to know. I mean, sure. That’s… that’s okay.”

Viktor let out a quiet huff of laughter—dry, amused, and laced with just enough breath to hint at mischief. His eyes slid toward Jayce, gleaming with the kind of sharp, knowing light that suggested he was one well-placed quip away from reducing him to a blushing heap on the floor. But instead, the spark dimmed into a tired sigh as he slumped a little further down into the sheets, the adrenaline finally giving way to exhaustion.

“I might keep the socks on, though.” He muttered, rubbing one foot against the other. “I get cold feet.”

Jayce blinked, then smiled. Something about that made his heart clench in the warmest way. “Of course.”

They fell into silence for a bit once again, Viktor quietly getting settled, and Jayce watching him like he was something rare and precious he’d never expected to touch. There was a peace to his movements now. A kind of exhaustion-softened grace.

Jayce could’ve sworn he felt the earth tilt. His head was spinning again, trying to process everything that had just happened. The fact that Viktor was here, half-asleep in his bed, wearing his clothes. The taste of his lips still ghosting on his own, vivid and unreal. God, how long had he been wanting to do that?

And now, it somehow felt like some kind of fever dream. Surreal, fragile, like something that might dissolve if he touched it too hard.

But he was, in fact, there. Right in front of him. Not a mirage. Not a fantasy conjured in a lonely moment.

He was real. Tangible. Breathing.

It was the most real thing Jayce had ever felt.

“So, uh…” He hesitated. “I was thinking of sleeping on the couch. Let you take the bed. But after, you know… I was wondering if maybe you wouldn’t mind if I just… slept here too?”

Viktor looked at him, deadpan, eyes a little wide, like he couldn’t believe what he was hearing. “Jayce.”

“Yeah?”

“Shut up and come to bed.”

Jayce swallowed a smile and nodded. “Yessir!” He moved carefully, peeling back the covers and sitting on the edge of the mattress. “And, just a heads-up- I usually sleep without a shirt. Something about fabric clinging to me at night makes me feel a little overstimulated. I don’t know, it just feels a bit constricting, you know? Hope that makes sense-”

Viktor gave him a look. Slow blink. Raised eyebrows. A single, unimpressed nod that practically screamed: We were just practically naked and grinding against each other ten minutes ago. Cut the bullshit.

Jayce scratched the side of his neck, chuckling under his breath. “Okay, yeah. Got it. Noted.” He quickly peeled off his shirt and slid into bed beside Viktor, careful not to crowd him. “Do you need anything? Another blanket or…?”

“Mind if I steal a pillow to put between my knees?” Viktor asked, voice muffled now, softer. “Just, eh- makes it easier to sleep.”

Jayce reached over with a smile and offered his. “Here.”

“You- No, don’t give me yours, I just meant if you had a spare one-”

“There’s two of these.” Jayce assured him, pointing with his chin to the one under Viktor’s head. “And they’re pretty big. One could probably fit both our heads if you don’t mind, uh… sharing.”

“Ah.” Viktor looked at him for a beat. His mouth twitched into something almost like a smile. “Sure.”

Jayce waited as his partner adjusted himself, curling on his side with the pillow hugged close. Only then did Jayce slide down under the covers too, laying behind him—close enough to feel his warmth, but not quite touching. His face hovered near Viktor’s neck, breathing in the faint scent of beer, sex, cheap floral shampoo, and sleep.

And then, Viktor shifted, subtly, just enough to press his back gently into Jayce’s chest.

That was all the invitation he needed.

He moved slowly, slipping an arm around Viktor’s waist and pulling him in with a gentleness that made his own breath catch. His hand came to rest on the soft plane of the man’s lower stomach, fingers splayed like he couldn’t quite believe he was allowed to touch him like this. He leaned in, nose brushing against Viktor’s hair, and breathed in, deep and quiet.

“Is this okay?” He whispered.

“Hm-hm…” Viktor nodded, face half-buried in the pillow, exhaling a soft breath.

Jayce smiled against his neck and held him a little closer, their bodies fitting together like puzzle pieces they hadn’t known were missing.

After a few quiet moments, he murmured, “Goodnight.”

He could hear Viktor’s sleepy smile in his voice when he replied: “Goodnight, Jayce.”

*****

When Jayce woke, for a terrifying split second, he thought it had all been a dream.

But then, he opened his eyes and felt the weight of another body, warm and solid against his own, grounding him in the quiet haze of morning.

Relief washed over him like sunlight breaking through a storm. 

He slowly realized he was practically teetering on the very edge of the bed, clinging to the last strip of mattress like his life depended on it, while Viktor —a very obvious space thief, apparently— was sprawled out luxuriously, limbs everywhere, unapologetically taking up the rest of it.

Jayce didn’t mind. Not even a little.

A quiet, breathless laugh escaped him, the kind that was more exhale than sound. Images from the night before flickered through his mind in flashes: Viktor’s lips on his, the way he’d whispered his name, the feeling of skin against skin. 

Dear God…

Yes, that was it. God was here. In his bed. In his arms.

Practically drooling on the pillow.

His hair was a disaster, flattened on one side and sticking up wildly on the other, but somehow it just made Jayce feel more like he was in heaven.

He tightened his arm gently around Viktor’s waist, pulling him just a little closer. The man stirred, letting out a small, half-formed noise of protest and a slow, sleepy yawn. He shifted against the sheets, laying on his side again and nudging back into Jayce’s warmth without hesitation.

And, of course, Jayce didn’t loosen his hold. He leaned in instead, his lips brushing against the nape of Viktor’s neck. “Morning…” He murmured, voice still rough with sleep.

Viktor hummed, barely awake, but pressed himself even closer, as if retreating into Jayce’s body was a perfectly reasonable substitute for a blanket.

Jayce felt it like a jolt. The warmth of him. The soft, sleepy weight. His throat moved in a thick swallow at the feeling of having him this close, trusting, pliant, tangled in his arms like it was nothing. Like it hadn’t upended his entire nervous system.

Goddamnit.

Jayce could feel his heartbeat in places it absolutely shouldn't be.

In an instant, he became painfully aware of the very real, very unfortunate situation happening in his boxers. Morning wood was bad enough. Morning wood with Viktor curled up against him like that?

Unfair. Completely, brutally unfair.

He cleared his throat and did his best to keep his voice steady. “Sleep well?”

Viktor stirred again, more aware this time, the rhythm of his breathing shifting subtly as consciousness crept in. His shoulders flexed with a quiet stretch, his spine curling slightly as he adjusted. Then, he froze for a second, as if he just was realizing the unmistakable pressure against his lower back, warm and firm even through the fabric of Jayce’s sweats.

And after that, against all odds, Viktor didn’t pull away. He leaned back, ever so slightly, just enough for it to be deliberate. His hips rolled in the subtlest way, a ghost of friction that made Jayce’s breath hitch instantly.

“Mmh. I did.” He mumbled, voice still soaked in tiredness. “How about you? Feeling alright?”

Jayce gulped, his throat suddenly dry, heart hammering. But he took Viktor’s lazy grind as permission. As an invitation.

His hand slid slowly beneath his borrowed t-shirt, fingertips grazing warm skin, the soft dip of his waist and the taut line of his stomach. He let his touch rest there, light and reverent.

“Better now” Jayce replied, low and husky, “that you’re awake.”

Viktor let out a quiet huff of laughter, equal parts fond and amused, and reached down to find Jayce’s hand beneath the fabric. He guided it gently, lacing their fingers for a breathless moment before tilting his hips again. Purposefully. Slowly. Grinding back into Jayce’s pelvis like it was the most natural thing in the world.

“I can see that.” He murmured, smirking into the pillow, his voice a little bit slurred but laced with unmistakable mischief.

Jayce groaned quietly as he pressed closer, his lips finding the nape of Viktor’s neck, as his hand slipped further under the shirt, roaming up until his fingers found what they were aching for: a cool, familiar glint of steel beneath warm skin.

God bless beer. God bless morning wood. God bless slow, lazy, utterly shameless morning arousal. And above all, God bless Viktor’s fucking pierced nipple.

His thumb circled it reverently, as Viktor gasped. His back arched into the touch, and Jayce bit down a moan, lips moving over his partner’s neck again, open-mouthed and barely restrained now.

The dopamine rush was heady, addictive, near-devastating. Jayce didn’t even try to slow down.

Viktor was in his bed. In his shirt. In his boxers. Under his hands.

All his.

They were so tangled up in each other, that the knock on the door felt like a gunshot.

They both froze.

Time came to a full stop, as if the universe itself had hit pause. Jayce’s hand was still under Viktor’s shirt, his mouth still grazing the skin of his neck, their fingers still laced together. For a moment, they didn’t even breathe, muscles tense, hearts pounding, caught in that uncertain space between reality and imagined panic, as if they were trying to figure out if they had really heard it, or if it was just their shared paranoia manifesting.

But then-

Knock. Knock.

This time more insistent. Undeniable.

Jayce sat up abruptly—too abruptly.

With a soft, surprised yelp, he toppled backward and fell clean off the mattress, landing on the carpeted floor with a heavy thud and a very audible “Ow!”

Viktor gasped, alarm shooting across his face as he scrambled to the edge, peeking over the bed with wild bed hair and sheets still tangled around his waist.

“I’m fine, I’m fine.” Jayce groaned, limbs splayed and squinted up at the ceiling. “…I think.”

Seeing him alive and sprawled like an idiot, Viktor let out a half-panicked, half-relieved breath and immediately slapped a hand over his mouth to stifle the laugh bubbling up his throat.

And then, like divine punishment, Caitlyn’s voice came muffled from the other side of the door: “Jayce?”

Jayce lifted his head with a wince. “What?” He barked. “What?!”

“Okay, good morning to you too!” A sigh. “Wash the sleep out of your eyes and come to the dining room, will you? And bring your friend, too.”

Her footsteps retreated down the hallway, unhurried. Casual. Like she hadn’t just completely killed the mood for the second time in a row.

Jayce stared at the door, slack-jawed. Then turned to Viktor, who was still sitting at the edge of the bed, both confused and trying very hard not to burst into nervous laughter. They looked at each other for a second, speechless, and finally, Viktor gave a tiny, helpless shrug.