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Whenever Jayce and Viktor were both attending one of Piltover’s illustrious events, there was an unspoken agreement between the two of them to see what kind of outlandish story they could get away with telling.
It started off innocently enough the first time it happened. Someone nameless was prattling on and on in their presence, and the conversation had drifted away from their scientific research long ago. And that was the only reason to go to these parties, at least for Viktor (Jayce enjoyed the seemingly never ending trays of butter biscuits that were always present). Sensing that they had reached a dead end with this certain fellow, Viktor tried to make eye contact with Jayce, a nonverbal cue to let his extroverted partner know to signal their exit when there was a break in the man’s speech. But Jayce happily spied a passing silver tray and popped another snack into his mouth, missing the signal entirely.
“Now my boys, have you ever heard such a fascinating tale about a ship before?” The old man chortled, quite pleased with whatever he had just said. He smelled of sea salt and cigarettes, and he seemed to be relishing being in company with people other than his usual shipmates. People who hadn’t heard his stories before.
“Actually-“ Jayce said, wiping crumbs from his mouth, “Viktor and I met on a ship a few years ago.”
Viktor felt his blood run cold. They absolutely had not met on a ship.
“Do tell!” The stranger exclaimed, newly invigorated by the thought of hearing another deep sea tale.
“Well…” Jayce trailed off, and Viktor made a satisfied “mmph” sound under his breath. Served him right for trying to be cute or funny or whatever motivated him to say something so utterly stupid. But at the same time, he hated to see Jayce make a fool of himself (at least when it was outside of the safety of their lab). He pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed, before plastering a fake smile on his face.
“I had decided to spend my day at the pier, where I noticed a vessel selling tickets for a sea-life exhibition.” Viktor stepped in quickly and took charge of the situation, a plausible story taking shape in his mind. “And Jayce was the last person they sold a ticket to. We ended up sitting next to each other on the boat.”
“I gave you my jacket too, because you forgot yours.” Jayce added, smiling when his partner shot him a warning glare.
“It was quite thoughtful of you, yes.” Viktor drawled, ignoring a comment from the old man about how one should always be prepared for cold weather at sea. “But then, mid-way through the trip, we noticed the skies becoming grey. We were told a possible storm was moving in.”
At this point, several partygoers mingling in the vicinity inched their way closer, forming a circle around the men. Viktor cleared his throat, growing increasingly uncomfortable with the amount of people listening to their fabricated story. But this time Jayce took the lead, struck by a sense of confidence that came with having a crowd’s attention.
“Waves started lapping at our little boat, and the winds were really whipping up. Suddenly, one sharp gust of wind knocked over our captain, who landed on the floor with a sharp thud. He was okay, but dazed, and in no condition to steer us out of the danger.”
Several murmured gasps were elicited from the group. Viktor, entertained by the sheer nonsense spilling from his partner’s mouth, did his best to look like he was reliving every moment from their supposed fishing trip gone awry.
“I had to take his place, my hands are quite sturdy from working in my family’s forge for so many years. But truthfully, I’m not nearly as versed in reading equipment as I’d like to be. Thank god Viktor was there, because he was able to get us on a solid heading and lead us back to the harbor.” Jayce looked over at Viktor with clear fondness, causing the others to glance over at him with new appreciation as well.
“Yes, it was quite an adventurous way to meet my future partner.” Viktor said, clapping his hands together tightly in an attempt to convey that was the end of their story. “Now we have even more exciting moments together in our every day lives, working on developing Hextech for all our futures. Please, do not hesitate to seek us out for any inquiries you may have.”
Viktor tugged on Jayce’s hand and led him away from the talkative crowd, an annoyed expression written across his face. When they were out of earshot, he spun around to look him in the eyes. “We met on a ship?”
“Apparently an exhibition ship,” Jayce replied, a hint of laughter in his voice. “who knew you had such a love of the sea?”
“Oh stop it.” Viktor said with a huff. “I said whatever came to mind. You’re the one who chimed in and made a simple little fishing story about our dashing heroics.”
“You know what, though?” Jayce said absentmindedly, casting a glance over the room.
“What?”
“That was the most fun I’ve ever had at one of these stupid things.” He said, returning his attention back to Viktor. Jayce grabbed a champagne flute from one of the servers passing by and took a big swig before handing it to Viktor. “I know we have to talk to these people and ‘schmooze’, but half of the time they just go on and on about how great they are, and all the amazing parts of their life. I feel like we ought to embellish a little too. For starters, they seemed to really like it. And the other thing is, if they’re so drunk and out of their minds to realize we’re clearly kidding, then that’s on them. Might as well make the night interesting for ourselves, don’t you think?”
“I…would have to agree.” Viktor admitted. Jayce wrapped an arm around him lazily, and Viktor instinctively leaned into the touch. They spent the rest of their evening surveying the party from the safety of their hiding spot behind a large column, simply enjoying each other’s company.
And so began a semi-regular weekly tradition. There were still times here or there where Viktor was unable to attend, likely due to a medical flare up, but he found himself attending more and more parties to spend time with Jayce. After all, whenever they were together in the lab, work came first. Here, they could have a few drinks, dine on Piltover’s dime, and mess with a couple of rich, arrogant fools who were none the wiser. People began to seek them out for company, either to see if they could get in on the ground floor of Hextech’s latest development, or hear another dramatic tale from the two scientists, or both.
Viktor’s favorites stories were:
1. The time where Jayce supposedly found a new species of mushroom, only to eat it before they could do more studies, and miraculously he survived with only a stomachache.
2. An incident where they saw a brushfire growing rapidly near the university, so they used their thermoses to scoop out fountain water to extinguish it.
3. And a secondary tale of how they met: this time, they were arguing over the same piece of machinery in an antique store before they realized it was a defunct weapon from a world war, and they had to properly dispose of it together.
While Jayce loved:
1. The exciting story of how Viktor used his cane to relocate a venomous snake that had slithered into their lab without ever leaving his desk by ushering it out a window (he made sure the guests knew that the snake survived the ordeal).
2. The time where the two of them got lost on a walk and spent a night in the woods. Viktor had correctly identified some wild berries that were safe to eat, and Jayce was able to lead them back to safety after following a river back to town.
3. A third account of how they met, although this time it was because of an overdue library book. Viktor had apparently been arguing with the librarian at their university over a book that was listed as in stock, and she told him that he had to wait for the person who checked it out to bring it back. Jayce then poked Viktor in the middle of his back with the book in question. (A similar event did occur, Jayce was always borrowing books that Viktor liked).
Their luck appeared to run short when delicate hands gripped their shoulders the second they entered the ballroom one evening. “Gentlemen.” Mel Medarda’s smooth voice soon followed her touch. “Won’t you step aside to the bar and join me for a quick drink?”
When Viktor and Jayce turned to face her, they immediately noticed the hint of danger lurking in her smile. So they followed her to the edge of the bar, where three glasses of whiskey were already waiting.
“What did we do?” Viktor inquired, picking up his glass to swirl the contents.
“I can’t have a drink with you?” Mel said with mock offense.
“What did we do?” Jayce echoed Viktor’s statement, although his voice was more unsteady.
“I have it under authority that you two have been running around these events, weaving the most intricate tales for our guests.” Mel crooned, not meeting either of their eyes. “Now, most of these little anecdotes have been well received. But some are starting to notice that there are now five different accounts of how you two met.”
“That seems low.” Jayce mumbled under his breath.
“The point is,” Mel snapped, indicating that she heard Jayce’s little comment and did not appreciate it, “Inconsistencies do not benefit your cause. Nor do they benefit your investors.”
Realization sunk in when they understood just exactly why Mel was so incensed by their behavior - they were putting her neck on the line as well. If people were to get offended when they realized they were being told a made up story, they could rescind their donations, which would affect Hextech’s bottom line. Maybe it was a bit reckless to blatantly lie to their client base, even if it was all in good fun. It was silent for a moment while they all took a sip of their drinks, pausing to reflect on what to do next.
“We’ll…cool it on the stories for a bit Mel. I started it one day, I just got tired of the dry conversations. I didn’t stop to think of the bigger picture.” Jayce said with a sigh.
“And that’s an area of growth for you, love.” Mel said gently, a small smile gracing her features. “I’m glad you’ve come to your senses before it got too out of hand. Viktor, you’ll help rein him in, won’t you?”
“To the best of my ability, of course.” Viktor promised. Jayce shot him a look, and Viktor replied with an innocent smile. The last story they told had ties to Norse mythology and that one certainly didn’t come from Jayce.
“That settles it then gentlemen. Do try and enjoy the party, even if you find some aspects of it…stale.”
They both watched as Mel left their side to enter the lion’s den that was a Piltover party. Immediately members of the elite flocked to her side and she gave them a winning smile in return, before engaging in several conversations at once.
“Now that is someone who was made for this sort of thing.” Jayce marveled.
“Truthfully, I much prefer our own personalities. But I do respect people like her. I certainly could never be so graceful, especially in these conditions.” Viktor said thoughtfully.
“I think you’re plenty graceful.” Viktor snorted, but he gave Jayce a gentle squeeze on the arm to let him know he appreciated the sentiment.
“I need to use the restroom. Will you stay here and wait for me?”
“Aye aye, captain.” Jayce replied, giving his partner a playful salute.
It wasn’t long after Viktor left that Jayce found himself amongst company again. He was nursing his drink when he heard someone politely clear their throat in greeting. A flash of silver jewelry was illuminated by the lights in the sconces above and Jayce couldn’t help but notice the person next to him exuded an old glamour type of beauty.
“Pardon me.”
One of Piltover’s richest business owners, a beautiful woman named Celina, was seated next to him. She specialized in several health spas that had recently sprung up around town. Her golden blonde hair fell just above her shoulders in tight ringlets, and her lipstick was just a touch too dark for her creamy skin. She settled in comfortably next to Jayce and silently ordered two drinks, passing one over to him. If he didn’t know any better, he would’ve taken this act as a sign of flirting, but lots of people bought him drinks lately. (He also found that he did not enjoy being flirted with by most people, and more often than not he would look around for the safety of Viktor’s company).
“To the most ingenious storyteller in Piltover.” She said with a wry smile, lifting her glass in the air as a toast.
“Hey, thanks.” It was all Jayce could think of the say in response. He let out an uneasy laugh and took a sip of the drink she ordered for him, grimacing when he felt a burning sensation in the back of his throat.
“Relax, I won’t leave you out to dry.” She said reassuringly. “But I figured in exchange for my silence, you could answer a question for me. With honesty, of course.”
“Yes, absolutely. I never…I wouldn’t do that to you, Miss Celina.” Jayce said, holding his hand up like he was taking an oath.
“I’m just so curious. I’ve heard many, many exciting things about you and your cute little companion. But there’s one story you haven’t told us yet. The story of how you met your other partners.”
“I don’t follow.” Jayce said, looking clearly puzzled by her statement. “Viktor is my one and only, so to speak.”
“Romantic partners,” Celina elaborated. She took a sip of her drink, leaving behind scarlet lip stains on the rim of the glass. “Are you to tell me that Piltover’s most dazzling and brilliant scientists have not yet made a match?”
Jayce pondered her question for a minute or two, and then he answered with a shrug. “Well, the truth is I feel like I’m married already. Married to my work. There’s not a whole lot of room in my heart for anything else.” Celina clicked her tongue in dissatisfaction, shaking her head.
“You expect me to believe that there isn’t someone who has caught your eye?” She asked, slightly exasperated. “Someone has bound to have captured your attention, Mr. Talis. I’d like to know who.”
“I mean, if I’m honest, it’s Viktor.” Jayce replied matter-of-factly.
Viktor always had his attention, he had it from the moment they met. The actual, real moment they met, when Jayce was backed into an impossible corner and feeling the lowest he had ever been. A playful accent cut through the air, and Jayce had become face to face with a lanky university student with unkempt, shaggy brown hair and eyes the color of honey. Viktor put himself on the line by helping Jayce take his personal research to the next level. By telling him that he believed in him. He wouldn’t be the man he was today without him…in fact, there was a good chance he wouldn’t be here at all, if not for him. And now he had the good fortune of always being by his side, and helping pave a way for a better future for Piltover and Zaun. There was simply no one else who meant that much to him.
Her glass dropped on the counter with a sharp thunk. She leaned forward, whispering her next words. “You mean to tell me you’re in love with your partner?”
“Hey hey,” Jayce said in a hushed voice, trying to keep their conversation as private as possible. “I just…I don’t know. We haven’t exactly talked about it or anything. But he is the one who I spend the most time with. We share our lives’ work together, and it’s more than us just being coworkers. He believes in me, and he believes in our dream.”
Ignoring the wretched look on Celina’s face, Jayce continued. “He’s the one who I go to whenever I have a problem, or if I have news to share. He’s my best friend, and to tell you the truth, he’s saved my life more than a handful of times. I can’t imagine my life without him. He makes me a better person, and I’d do just about anything to make him happy.”
“I never would’ve thought…” Celina trailed off, shaking her head. And then a terrible thought sprung to life in her mind, and she was often one who spoke first, and considered the consequences later. She began to repeat herself, but this time she made sure to talk at a much louder volume. “I never would’ve thought…that Jayce Talis would be in love with his partner.”
The room fell silent. A hushed murmur rippled through the crowd, and Jayce became painfully aware of how quiet everything was. A few people casted glances his way as they whispered to their friends. Jayce felt his face grow hot, and the urge to get up and flee was growing stronger by the second.
He was an idiot, for sure. But he couldn’t help it, the words flowed out of him like water does from a river. Celina seemed practically bewildered by the thought of Jayce loving Viktor, when to him it was the most natural response in the world. Who wouldn’t love Viktor?
“Is this true, Jayce?”
Jayce spun around wildly to find Viktor in the middle of the crowd, his golden eyes were wide with shock. But…was Jayce imagining things, or did Viktor sound hopeful?
Jayce cleared his throat uncomfortably and got up from the bar stool. He made his way over to Viktor and grabbed both of his hands in his. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes, taking a moment to himself before trying to find the right words to save themselves from the situation they were in. “I…I’m so sorry Viktor. Looks like my big mouth got us in trouble again. I figured when the time came around for me to talk to you about things, I would have had the luxury of having privacy. But it’s a little too late for that, and we’re surrounded by people who love to over-listen and gossip, and who love dramatic stories. But I’m afraid there’s nothing exciting about how I fell in love with you. It was probably over coffee one morning. Or maybe when you shouted out with pure joy when we solved that super complex formula during our first week together. It could’ve been any moment with you, really. Maybe just a look into your eyes. It crept up on me, Vik. But how could anyone not fall in love with you, especially if they were around you all the time? It’s you. Anyone would be lucky to have you.”
Viktor’s face was flushed red, and it looked like several emotions were crashing over him at once. Embarrassment from being stuck in this hellish, public nightmare. Shy from being the recipient of someone’s declaration of love. Overwhelmed by it all. Gears were turning in his head as he fought to figure out what their next move should be, and how he should respond to Jayce.
Viktor squeezed Jayce’s hands in return before dropping them. Several people gasped, assuming that meant Viktor had answered Jayce with rejection.
Mel chuckled and took a sip of champagne. She knew better.
“To the people of Piltover,” he began, turning to look at the crowd. He spoke with utter seriousness, and he commanded their attention. “You have been especially interested in my partner as of late. And I can understand why. He is…undeniably attractive. He possesses intelligence as well, along with a wonderful heart, and he’s a good conversationalist. Too good, if you ask me, considering he seems to be spilling his deepest, darkest secrets in mixed company.” Viktor paused to shoot daggers at Celina, who quickly looked away, trying to downplay her actions. “But I’m going to tell you this now. And several of you won’t like it.”
Even Jayce was on standby, waiting with bated breath to see what Viktor would do next. To his shock and internal delight, Viktor marched up to him and slid an arm protectively around his waist, turning to address the crowd one final time.
“He is off the market.”
And Viktor leaned up and pressed a firm kiss to Jayce’s lips.
A chorus of cheers erupted from the crowd. To some, it was quite simply the most romantic thing they had ever seen. To others, like Celina, disappointment tasted bitter, and they abruptly made their way to the exit. When Viktor pulled away, Jayce was happy to see that most people that had gathered around them were genuinely pleased with the situation. He spotted Mel in the crowd, who was holding her glass up high to show her approval. She then proceeded to make her way over to the orchestra, commanding them to play a lively song for everyone to dance to.
“May I have this dance, partner?” Jayce said, bowing and offering his hand to Viktor.
“There’s no need for the romantics,” Viktor said with a laugh, taking his hand and stepping forward so they were close together. “I think you outdid yourself tonight in that department.”
“If anything Viktor, it was you,” Jayce gently placed his hand on Viktor’s back to steady him as they rocked back and forth together. “I would’ve never thought you’d address the crowd like that.”
“Well, I don’t like that our hand was forced.” Viktor grumbled, closing his eyes as he leaned on Jayce’s chest. “But we couldn’t help it. And I was not going to let her continue to embarrass you. That’s why I turned the attention on myself, by publicly claiming you.”
“Well to be honest, I don’t think anyone could ever doubt that I’m yours, Vik. I’d follow you anywhere.”
Viktor’s heart skipped a beat. He smiled and nuzzled Jayce’s chest, and closed his eyes when he felt a gentle kiss on top of his forehead.
Usually, the two of them were some of the first guests to leave an event. Likely due to Viktor’s leg or his social battery running low, or if Jayce didn’t get good sleep the night before. The point is, they often slipped out before the crowd even noticed they were gone. But not tonight. Jayce and Viktor stayed in the middle of the dance floor, holding each other, drowning out the rest of the world while the band played.
Everything changed that night. Instead of going home separately, they walked back to Jayce’s apartment with an unspoken understanding: they didn’t want to be apart from each other, not ever again.
Once inside, Viktor would don one of Jayce’s old athletic t-shirts after a quick shower. Jayce would be waiting for him, propped up on his side in the bed. Viktor would crawl into the bed and curl up against him, his eyes fluttering closed when Jayce would start planting kisses from the side of Viktor’s cheek to down his neck.
And the shirt would not stay on for very long.
~
Viktor and Jayce continued to enjoy conversations during the various functions they were required to be at, but their stories no longer consisted of fictionalized retellings. If people did ask for personal anecdotes, they would often end up being domestic in nature - maybe it was about the time where Viktor burnt Jayce’s toast, but he ate it anyway of politeness. Or how Viktor forgot his coat at the lab and had to borrow his boyfriend’s, when it was two times the length of his, so it quite frankly looked like a dress. The two of them would often steer the conversation back to Hextech, which is why they came to parties anyway. Except they did look forward to the occasional dance, where they would shuffle back and forth to the tune of an old love song. They also loved to sneak away to their favorite hiding spot to people watch, sharing a drink or two while allowing time to tick by. Jayce also never passed up a tray of butter biscuits.
Jayce and Viktor were a package deal. Partners, in every sense of the word. And the elite members of Piltover loved to talk about them, whether it was debating over who would propose first, or arguing over facts about their relationship. Because of the quick, chaotic start to their romance, people were often hung up on the smaller details. But if some thought they had met on a ship, while others steadfastly believed they became acquainted over a library book, it didn’t matter to Jayce and Viktor in the slightest.
Because no one, absolutely no one, questioned that they were made for each other.