Chapter Text
The soft glow of morning light filtered through the worn curtains, casting streaks of gold across the small apartment. The faint hum of ever-turning machinery was a distant backdrop, muffled by the walls that surrounded them.
Jayce stirred first, the warmth of the body beside him anchoring him to the moment. Viktor lay curled against him, his breathing soft and even, his chest rising and falling in a steady rhythm. The pale light illuminated Viktor’s features—the sharp line of his jaw, the faint shadows under his eyes, the delicate curve of his lips, slightly parted in sleep.
For a moment, Jayce let himself bask in the quiet, tracing the lines of Viktor’s face with his gaze. In these moments, he looked so at peace, as though the weight of the world he carried so often had finally lifted.
Jayce shifted slightly, brushing a stray strand of hair from Viktor’s forehead. The movement stirred him, and Viktor’s lashes fluttered as he began to wake.
“Good morning,” Jayce murmured, his voice soft and low.
Viktor’s amber eyes opened slowly, still hazy with sleep. He blinked up at Jayce, a small, sleepy smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. “Is it?” he asked, his voice rasping from disuse. “I hadn’t noticed.”
Jayce chuckled, leaning down to press a kiss to Viktor’s temple. “It is now.”
Viktor hummed contentedly, shifting closer until his head rested against Jayce’s chest. “You’re far too cheerful for this early hour,” he muttered, though there was no bite to his words.
Jayce grinned, his fingers tracing idle patterns along Viktor’s back. “I have my reasons.”
“And what might those be?” Viktor asked, his tone teasing as he tilted his head up to look at him.
“You,” Jayce replied simply, the sincerity in his voice making Viktor’s cheeks flush faintly.
Viktor rolled his eyes, but the small smile on his lips betrayed him. “You’re insufferable.”
“Mm, maybe,” Jayce admitted, shifting slightly so they were face to face. His hand moved to cup Viktor’s cheek, his thumb brushing over the faint stubble there. “But you love me anyway.”
Viktor’s gaze softened, his fingers curling into the fabric of Jayce’s shirt. “I do,” he admitted quietly, the vulnerability in his voice making Jayce’s chest tighten.
Their faces were so close now that Jayce could feel Viktor’s breath against his lips, warm and steady. He tilted his head, closing the small distance between them to press a soft, lingering kiss to Viktor’s lips. Viktor responded in kind, his movements slow and unhurried, as though they had all the time in the world.
The kiss deepened gradually, Viktor’s fingers tangling in Jayce’s hair as he pulled him closer. Jayce’s hands found Viktor’s waist, holding him firmly but gently, his thumb brushing over the soft fabric of his shirt. The world outside faded into nothing, leaving only the warmth of their connection.
“Jayce,” Viktor murmured against his lips, his voice barely above a whisper but filled with meaning.
Jayce pulled back slightly, his forehead resting against Viktor’s. “I’m here,” he said softly, his voice steady and reassuring. “Always.”
For a moment, they simply stayed like that, their breaths mingling, their hearts beating in tandem. Then, with a soft smile, Viktor leaned in to kiss him again, the warmth between them growing as the morning light bathed them in its glow.
Jayce’s lips moved against Viktor’s with growing intensity, his hands roaming from Viktor’s waist to the curve of his back, pulling him closer. Viktor’s fingers tightened in Jayce’s hair, a soft noise escaping him that sent a shiver down Jayce’s spine.
Viktor shifted, his body pressing against Jayce’s, and the closeness ignited a spark between them. The warmth of Viktor’s breath ghosted over Jayce’s skin as their kisses grew more fervent, the unspoken longing between them breaking free in the quiet morning.
Jayce tilted his head, deepening the kiss, his hand slipping beneath the hem of Viktor’s shirt to find the bare skin beneath. Viktor inhaled sharply at the contact, his body responding instinctively as he arched into Jayce’s touch.
“Jayce…” Viktor murmured, his voice low and filled with both affection and want.
“Tell me to stop,” Jayce said softly, his lips brushing against Viktor’s as he spoke. His hand stilled for a moment, waiting for permission.
“Don’t,” Viktor replied, his tone resolute despite the slight rasp of his breath. His hands trailed down to Jayce’s chest, his touch deliberate and slow. “Not this morning.”
Jayce smiled against his lips, his fingers exploring the planes of Viktor’s back, tracing the lines of his spine with feather-light touches. Viktor’s hands moved to unfasten the buttons of Jayce’s shirt, his movements deliberate but unhurried, savoring each moment.
The air between them grew heavier, charged with anticipation and the comfort of familiarity. Viktor’s shirt slipped from his shoulders, the cool air meeting his skin only to be replaced by the heat of Jayce’s touch.
They moved together in perfect sync, every touch and kiss a reflection of the trust and love that bound them. Jayce pressed Viktor gently back against the bed, their limbs tangled as he leaned over him, their lips never parting for long.
Viktor’s hands roamed across Jayce’s broad shoulders, his touch a mixture of urgency and tenderness. The quiet intimacy of the moment was punctuated only by their breaths and the soft rustle of the sheets.
“I love you,” Jayce whispered, his voice thick with emotion as he leaned down to kiss Viktor’s neck, leaving a trail of warmth along his skin.
Viktor’s hands tightened on Jayce’s arms, his breath catching as he replied with a smug, “I know.”
Jayce huffed softly, quiet amusement in the sound as he tucked his head into Viktor’s neck, nibbling along his skin languidly. Viktor thread his fingers through his hair, softly tugging. He yawned, nosing into the crown of Jayce’s head.
“We need to get up, Jayce.” he said reluctantly into his hair.
“Five more minutes…” Jayce’s words were mumbled, barely above a whisper, and then he pressed a kiss to his neck, lips trailing a gentle path down to his shoulder. “…Please?”
If only Viktor could see his face right now…his eyes would be wide—pleading, like a dog begging for attention. Except he was begging for Viktor to stay with him—and also to give him attention, but that wasn’t important! What was important was the fact that he just wanted five more peaceful minutes with Viktor—before they got too caught up in their work day.
“…Five more minutes,” he repeated, pressing another kiss to his shoulder as his arms tightened around them a little more, pulling him closer.
"I didnt think it was possible for you to get more clingy," Viktor chuckled softly, leaning back against the pillows. "Ever since our engagement you cling almost every waking moment."
Jayce couldn't help but beam at the comment, nuzzling into Viktor's neck affectionately before pressing another soft kiss to his skin.
"Well, what can I say? I just can't get enough of you..." he murmured, hands starting to wander and explore the edges of Viktor's body. "Besides, isn't it normal for newly engaged couples to be a little... clingy? Especially when they finally have the chance to spend some quality time together outside of work?"
Viktor chuckled. “We were co-dependant before engagement, let’s be honest.”
“True enough.” Jayce laughed. “But I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
He punctuated his words with a gentle squeeze, arms tightening around Viktor's midsection as he pulled him impossibly closer. The sun continued to creep in through the window, casting a warm glow across the bed and illuminating the intimate scene.
Jayce's eyes flicked up to meet Viktor's gaze, a playful smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth.
"Besides, I think I'm just trying to make up for lost time..." he said softly, hands starting to skim along the bare skin of his lower back. "We could have had this a decade ago if I had just said something, and nowadays we’re always running around and putting out fires... literally and metaphorically. I just want to savor these quiet moments with you."
He leaned in, breath hot against Viktor's ear as he spoke. "And besides, when I have a man this gorgeous in bed with me, it’s not an opportunity I can pass up."
With that, he lifted up onto his arms, hovering above Viktor with a wicked grin, eyes darkened with desire. The sun illuminated the dark scruff on his jaw, the sharp angles of his face, as he gazed down at his soon-to-be husband.
"Think you can handle that, amor? " he asked teasingly, fingers dancing along his ribs, toying with the waistband of his pants. "Because I certainly don't plan on letting you go... not now, not ever."
Viktor huffed in amusement, reaching up for Jayce’s chest, pushing him back lightly.
"I have to get to the lab soon," he said. "And you , Professor Talis, have lectures to teach today. You have to let me get up."
Jayce let out an exaggerated sigh, dramatically flopping onto his back on the bed, arms thrown out to the sides as if crucified. "Ugh, fine... you're right, as always," he grumbled playfully. "Duty calls, and all that jazz."
He paused for a moment, as if considering something, before his eyes sparkled with mischief. "But I'm not letting you go that easily..." Quick as a flash, he lunged forward, pinning Viktor down beneath him on the bed. "How about a quick... incentive to motivate you to come back home as soon as possible?" he suggested with a roguish grin.
Slowly, teasingly, he leaned down, breath hot against Viktor's lips. "What do you say, beautiful? Care to indulge your fiancé's... appetites ... before diving headfirst into the chaos of the day?" His voice was low, almost a purr, as his gaze dropped to Viktor's lips before flicking back up to meet their eyes.
Viktor huffed in amusement, eyes sparkling with mischief. “You’re insatiable.”
“Can you blame me? Have you seen you?” Jayce grinned.
“Well I try not to.” Viktor shrugged.
“Vik,” Jayce admonished softly. “Hey, you’re beautiful baby. You have no idea how much.”
One hand crept up to cup Viktor's jaw, thumb brushing lightly against his cheek, while the other hand trailed down his side, fingertips sliding up his chest and grazing along the surgery scars of his pecs.
"Come on, Viktor... give in... just this once," he coaxed, edging closer until mere millimeters separated their lips, the heat between them palpable. "I promise I'll make it worth your while..."
"Did my puppy not get enough love last night?" Viktor hummed, reaching up to cup his cheek. “Not satisfied yet my love?”
"Mmm, not nearly enough..." Jayce murmured, leaning in even closer until his lips brushed against Viktor's, not quite kissing him yet. "I could never get enough of you, Viktor. Never." His voice was low and husky, thick with desire.
Jayce's hand on Viktor's cheek slid back to tangle in his hair, gripping it lightly as he tilted his head to the side. “You don’t need to even get up, you can keep resting your leg, let me do all the work.”
“Oh I was never intending on doing any work.” Viktor smirked. “That’s what I have my puppy for.”
Jayce rolled his hips against Viktor's, letting him feel the evidence of his growing arousal. "Is that a yes? Are you going to stop teasing your poor, needy fiancé and give him what he needs? Please?" Jayce breathed against Viktor's lips, the words sending shivers down his spine.
"Or are you just going to leave me high and dry...?" He let the question hang in the air, a silent challenge, as he stared deeply into Viktor's eyes, waiting for his response. The tension between them was palpable, the air thick with unspoken desires and pent-up longing.
"I am so tempted to leave you like this." Viktor grinned wickedly, trailing his hands down Jayce's chest. “You’re not begging very well Jayce,”
“I can beg better.” he promised immediately, growing docile in the wake of Viktor’s darkening tone.
“And yet the temptation to have you begging and to leave you anyway still remains,” Viktor teased.
Jayce practically whined. "And what have I done to deserve that?"
"Mm technically nothing, but it would be very funny." Viktor smirked. "But not to worry, I am not that cruel, not when faced with my poor, darling future husband."
He glanced at the clock on the wall, squinting as he made some calculations in his mind.
"We've got about twenty minutes before one of us is late to work." He summarised, arching an eyebrow at Jayce. "Does my puppy think he can make me cum before then? If you're really a good boy and make me cum twice, I'll reward you."
Jayce's eyes widened, a slow grin spreading across his face at Viktor's challenge. "Oh, I can do that." he promised, a gleam of determination in his gaze.
“Yeah?” Viktor grinned. “You’re going to be good for me?”
“Yes,” Jayce groaned, diving down to kiss and bite at Viktor’s throat.
“You’re going to be a good boy for me? Make me cum?”
“ Yes .” Jayce’s hips bucked, grinding down against Viktor. “Yes, I will. I'll be good baby, I'll be so good."
"Hmm I know you will be lásko, you're always so good for me." Viktor purred. "Touch me lásko,"
Jayce trailed his lips down Viktor's throat, his hands moving irreverently up his chest to tease at his nipples.
"Fuck, you're gorgeous," he breathed, taking a moment to admire the scars and muscles that defined Viktor's physique. "And all mine..."
“All yours, darling.” Viktor hummed, his touch against Jayce’s cheek surprisingly tender compared to what they were currently doing.
Jayce leaned down, trailing open-mouthed kisses along Viktor's collarbone and up the side of his neck. He paused to suck at the sensitive skin just below Viktor's ear, knowing it would drive him wild.
His hand slid down Viktor's chest, fingers teasing over his nipples before trailing lower, over his stomach, to the waistband of his pants.
“Viktor,” he whined. “Let me make you feel good, please.”
He slipped his fingers under the waistband, but Viktor slapped his hand. He retreated with a needy whine.
“I haven’t given you permission yet puppy,” Viktor chastised. “You don’t want to be a bad boy, do you?”
“No,” Jayce groaned, shaking his head. “Please. Viktor please .”
“You’re lucky we don’t have time to play this morning,” Viktor hummed, glancing at the clock. “Go on, you have permission.”
With a triumphant grin, slipped his hand inside to cup Viktor. He could already feel the heat and the wetness against his fingers
“Someone’s happy to see me,” he teased, gripping Viktor’s hips so he could lift him and shimmy him out of his boxers. “Let me see if I can make you forget everything except me inside you.”
Viktor indulged his partner's little power play, still a little too sleepy to do much about it. It didn't matter all that much anyway, they both knew Viktor was the one in control, and Jayce was always eager to please.
"Then get to it puppy, we don't have all day." He rolled his eyes, sounding bored.
Jayce huffed in mock offense, but quickly got to work, not wanting to waste a single second of their limited time together.
"Yes, sir," he pressed kisses to Viktor’s inner thighs, nipping at the sensitive skin teasingly, which earned him a half-hearted smack.
He took a moment to admire the sight before him - Viktor's sex quickly growing wet despite his pretense at being bored. He groaned involuntarily.
“ Viktor .” he whined, his cock impossibly hard against Viktor’s thigh.
"Fifteen minutes." Viktor said warningly, reminding Jayce of the time. "Put that mouth to better use than groaning like a pathetic dog ."
The harshness of his tone and the degrading orders sent shivers down Jayce's spine, and he found his head sinking down to Viktor's glistening cunt without even registering the movement.
Jayce wasted no time, burying his face between Viktor's legs and inhaling deeply, the scent of his arousal filling his nostrils.
" Fuck ." he murmured before diving in, his tongue parting Viktor's folds and delving inside.
He lapped at the slick heat, relishing the taste of his lover on his tongue. His hands gripped Viktor's thighs, holding him open and exposed, allowing Jayce complete access to his most intimate places. His bad leg rested over his shoulder, always mindful.
It was one of the many things Viktor adored about Jayce. He was always so considerate of his disability, even in the throngs of passion. His leg had given out the previous night when Viktor had tied Jayce to the bedpost and he had felt so guilty about being unable to get himself out of the restraints to help him that Jayce decided then and there bondage wouldn’t be attempted again. As hot as it had been, he never wanted to be in a position where he couldn’t help Viktor when he needed him ever again.
At the first Czech curse, Jayce knew Viktor’s pretense of being bored with this had broken. He moaned when Viktor’s hips weakly bucked against his mouth, trying to ride his face from his position.
Jayce focused his efforts on Viktor's clit, circling the sensitive nub with the tip of his tongue before sucking it between his lips. He flicked his tongue rapidly over the swollen flesh, spurred on by the increasingly desperate sounds falling from Viktor's mouth.
Muffled moans and gasps filtered down to his ears as he worked Viktor closer to the edge, determined to make his fiancé cum not once, but twice before their time ran out. His own arousal strained against his underwear, aching for release, but he ignored it for now. This was about Viktor's pleasure.
They say practise makes perfect, and almost four years into their relationship Jayce prided himself on how well he knew how to please Viktor. His record s ofar for getting Viktor to cum in this way was seven minutes, but he was hoping to beat that today. And from the way Viktor was gasping, he was succeeding.
“Fuck, like that. Just like that…good boy.” Viktor groaned, his fingers tangling in Jayce;s hair and pulling . “My good boy, you’re doing so well, so good for me…fuck I’m close, Jayce…”
Jayce could feel Viktor's legs trembling, his grip tightening on his hair as he teetered on the brink of climax. He doubled his efforts, sucking harder, flicking faster, pushing Viktor over the precipice. Moments later, he felt the first wave of Viktor's release flood his mouth, and he lapped it up greedily.
Viktor cursed, the now familiar syllables of his mother tongue reaching Jayce as he lapped away, only stopping when Viktor dragged him off his sex by the hair.
“How long?” Jayce rasped. “I can do it again.”
"No, it’s your turn puppy," he tugged on Jayce’s hair to indicate he wanted him to come up and kiss him. "You’ve got ten minutes and I want you inside me, now ."
So, new record was five minutes. A personal best.
Jayce surged up Viktor's body, capturing his lips in a searing kiss. Viktor could taste himself on his fiancé's tongue, a heady mix of their combined arousal. Jayce's hips ground against his, the hard ridge of his cock pressing insistently against Viktor's thigh.
Breaking the kiss, Jayce quickly shed his boxers, freeing his aching erection. It slapped against his stomach, leaving a smear of precum on his abs. He licked his fingers, making quick work of preparing Viktor, pushing two digits in deep and curling them just so.
"Fuck, you're so tight..." Jayce panted, scissoring his fingers and stretching Viktor open. “I won’t have time to do this properly.”
“Don’t care.” Viktor huffed. “You know I’m not made of glass Jayce, I can take it.”
He kissed his forehead. “Baby, are you —”
“Fuck. Me.” Viktor demanded. “Or you’re on the couch tonight.”
It was an empty threat, they had agreed that they would always share their bed no matter what. But empty or not, the threat had its desired effect. With a final check of the clock, Jayce lined himself up, the swollen head of his dick kissing Viktor's entrance. With a swift thrust of his hips, he buried himself to the hilt, a low groan tearing from his throat at the exquisite sensation.
Jayce gasped, giving Viktor a moment to adjust, but Viktor wasn’t having it. He smacked Jayce’s hip, making him whine before he started to move. He set a hard, fast pace, the bed creaking beneath them as he pistoned in and out of Viktor's tight heat.
Jayce leaned down to capture Viktor's lips again, kissing him deeply as he fucked into him. One hand slid beneath Viktor's ass, tilting his hips to take him even deeper. The other hand crept up to palm his chest, fingers plucking at a nipple before giving it a sharp pinch.
"Love you, fuck! Love you so much," Jayce panted against Viktor's mouth, his thrusts growing more erratic as he chased his release. Sweat dripped down his face and chest from the exertion, his muscles flexing beneath his skin. He was determined to make good on his promise and bring his lover to a second climax before their time ran out.
"That's it puppy, good boy, good boy..." Viktor encouraged him with a groaned, arms wrapped tight around his shoulders, gripping his hair like a lifeline. "You're so good for me Jayce, you're so good..."
The praise went straight to his cock, as it always did. He wanted nothing more than to be Viktor’s good boy and bring him pleasure. Jayce doubled his efforts, spurred on by Viktor's encouragement and praise. He could feel his climax building fast, his thrusts growing more urgent. He wanted - no, needed - Viktor to cum first.
"Cum for me Viktor, please! Please!” he pleaded, his voice strained and tight. He slammed in harder, the headboard slamming into the wall with each powerful thrust.
He changed his angle slightly, and from Viktor's sharp inhale, he knew he found that special spot inside him. He targeted it relentlessly, his hips never stilling, as he pushed Viktor closer and closer to the edge.
"Fuck, I'm getting close..." Jayce gasped, sweat dripping down his brow. "You feel too fucking good. Can't hold back much longer!"
He crashed his lips against Viktor's in a bruising kiss, all teeth and tongue, desperation and hunger. He reached down with his free hand to rub at Viktor's hardened clit, circling and pressing, coaxing that final push he needed to fly over into ecstasy.
"Baby I can’t…I can’t hold it…” he whined pathetically into Viktor’s neck.
“It’s okay, cum for me Jayce. You can,” Viktor encouraged. “Be good for me and cum.”
Jayce may have blacked out, in all honesty he couldn’t remember the next few minutes. All he knew was his vision went white and the sound that came out of him wasn’t recognisble. And the next thing he knew, Viktor was murmuring softly in his ear as he pet his hair, pressing soft kisses into his sweaty skin.
They took their time getting out of bed, despite the time pressure.
The world beyond their small sanctuary began to stir as the muffled sounds of Piltover’s morning routine filtered in—clanging metal, distant shouts, and the low hum of machinery. But here, in this space they had carved out for themselves, it still felt like the day hadn’t fully begun.
Jayce shifted onto his side, brushing a kiss against Viktor’s temple before resting his forehead against his partner’s. “We should probably get up.”
It was Viktor's turn to groan softly in protest, burying his face in Jayce’s shoulder. “Must we? The world can wait another hour. I have decided we no longer need jobs.”
Jayce chuckled, the sound deep and warm. “As tempting as that sounds, if we don’t get you to the lab on time you'll get stuck in your work and I’ll never drag you out in time for lunch.”
“Perhaps that is the point,” Viktor muttered, his lips curving into a faint smirk against Jayce’s skin. “I don't need lunch, I need progress.”
Jayce gave him a playful nudge, causing Viktor to roll onto his back with an exaggerated sigh.
“You won't let me go one day without eating will you?”
“Nope, not anymore,” Jayce said with a grin, leaning down to steal one more kiss before sitting up and stretching.
The light streaming through the curtains caught on his bare skin, and Viktor allowed himself a moment to simply admire him—broad shoulders, strong hands, and the unwavering determination that seemed to radiate from him.
Jayce glanced over his shoulder, catching Viktor’s gaze. “See something you like?”
Viktor rolled his eyes, but his smile lingered. “Don’t let it go to your head.”
“Too late,” Jayce quipped, standing and pulling Viktor up with him. “Come on. Coffee or tea?”
“Tea,” Viktor replied, his voice soft as he let Jayce steady him for a moment. The effort of standing too quickly always left him slightly lightheaded, though he brushed it off with practiced ease.
Jayce moved to the kitchenette while Viktor dressed, pulling on a loose shirt and his usual suspenders. He’d just reached for his cane when a sudden, harsh cough ripped through him.
It came out of nowhere, startling them both. Viktor doubled over, his hand flying to his mouth as the fit wracked his body. Jayce froze, teacup halfway to the counter, before rushing to Viktor’s side.
“Hey, hey, easy,” Jayce said, his voice filled with concern as he placed a steadying hand on Viktor’s back.
Viktor straightened after a moment, his breaths labored but evening out. He waved Jayce off, his expression carefully neutral. “It’s nothing,” he said, his voice raspier than usual.
Jayce frowned, his eyes scanning Viktor’s face for any sign of weakness he wasn’t already seeing. “Viktor, that wasn’t ‘nothing.’ You’ve been coughing more lately.”
“It’s just the air,” Viktor replied dismissively, turning toward the window as though to blame the weather. “It happens in the springtime.”
Jayce’s jaw tightened, his hands hovering as though unsure where to place them. “Viktor…”
Viktor turned to him, his expression softening but firm. “Jayce, I am fine.” He leaned up to kiss Jayce’s cheek, a gesture meant to placate. “Now, stop fussing and finish making the tea.”
Jayce hesitated, his concern warring with the trust he had in Viktor. “Fine,” he relented, though his tone lacked conviction. “But if this keeps happening—”
“It won’t,” Viktor interrupted gently, a small, reassuring smile on his lips. “Trust me.”
Jayce nodded slowly, though the worry in his eyes didn’t fade. “Tea’s coming up,” he murmured, retreating to the kitchenette.
Viktor watched him go, his smile slipping as soon as Jayce’s back was turned. He leaned heavily on his cane, exhaling slowly as the remnants of the cough lingered in his chest.
He put his leg brace on slowly. Slower than normal.
Jayce glanced over his shoulder, catching Viktor’s brief falter, but he said nothing. Not yet.
He didn't know why Viktor was so determined to hide his illness from Jayce, or deny it was getting worse. He was acting like Jayce couldn't notice his spine curling in more and more, his movements getting less nimble, his breathinatat night becoming more ragged.
He'd already begun forging Viktor’s back brace and the modifications needed to turn his cane into a crutch. His heart sank as he thought of the schematics at the forge. They'd hoped he wouldn't need them for some time still. Jayce had a feeling Viktor would make a fuss when presented with them, even if he needed them now rather than later.
Perhaps he was still in denial that he was declining much earlier than expected? Or maybe he was waiting until after the wedding to admit it, Viktor was the type of person to not want to ruin occasions because of his limitations. As if he could ever ruin their union by being sick.
Jayce didn't have the heart to confront him with reality. Not yet.
Instead, he poured the tea and brought it to Viktor, his smile soft but tinged with unspoken worry.
“Here,” he said, pressing the warm cup into Viktor’s hands.
“Thank you, lásko. ” Viktor replied, his fingers brushing against Jayce’s.
After having their tea, and forcing a piece of toast in Viktor’s mouth as he buttoned his vest, despite his grumbling, Jayce got dressed for the day.
“Jayce, you're teaching in forty minutes.” Viktor reminded him at the door. “Stop fussing with your hair, you look beautiful, pretty boy, let's go.”
“Okay okay, I'm coming.” Jayce grabbed his satchel and headed to the door. He leaned down to kiss Viktor softly. “Don't work too hard, amor. I'll pick you up for lunch at the labs.”
“I won't. Have a good day lásko ,” Viktor said warmly. “I'll see you soon.”
The lab was alive with the quiet hum of machinery, the soft clink of tools against metal, and the faint aroma of oil and solder. Viktor stood at his workbench, his brow furrowed in concentration as he carefully adjusted the delicate mechanism of a prototype device. Sky was across from him, fiddling with a coil of wire and a stack of schematics, though her attention kept wandering toward Viktor.
“So…” she began, her tone deliberately casual as she twisted a strand of hair around her finger. “What’s it like being engaged ?”
Viktor didn’t look up, his focus unwavering. “I fail to see how that is relevant to the project at hand,” he replied evenly, his voice tinged with amusement.
“Oh, come on,” Sky said, rolling her eyes as she leaned against the workbench. “We’ve been at this for hours. A little break won’t kill us.”
Viktor sighed, setting his tools down with deliberate care before glancing at her. A small smile was playing on his lips despite his act of annoyance. “If I humor you, will you stop pestering me and return to work?”
“Maybe,” she said with a mischievous grin. “Depends on how juicy your answers are.”
Viktor shook his head, his smile growing. “It is… nice,” he admitted after a moment. “Comforting.”
“ Nice ? That’s all you’ve got?” Sky pressed, feigning outrage. “Come on, Viktor, give me something more. What’s it like living with someone who’s so… Jayce all the time?”
Viktor huffed a soft laugh, his fingers absently fiddling with a loose screw on the workbench. “He is… enthusiastic . Like a puppy.” he said, the warmth in his voice betraying his affection. “Sometimes overly so. But I adore him, I wouldn't want him to be any other way.”
Sky smirked. “And? Does he, like, leave his tools everywhere or forget to clean up after himself? Or is he secretly a neat freak?”
“He is…” Viktor hesitated, as though considering how much to reveal. “Not as chaotic as one might assume. But he has a habit of starting three projects at once and abandoning two of them halfway through.”
“Typical Jayce,” Sky said with a chuckle. “So, what about you? What’s he like with you? Does he spoil you?”
Viktor raised an eyebrow at her. “What exactly do you mean by ‘spoil’?”
“You know,” Sky said, waving a hand vaguely. “Does he cook for you? Bring you tea in the mornings? Random flowers just because?”
Viktor’s expression softened, a faint blush creeping up his cheeks. “He… yes,” he admitted. “His tea is terrible, but I never tell him that, the thought is appreciated. He cooks for me all the time, he rarely allows me in the kitchen these days.”
“What did you do?” Sky chuckled.
Viktor snorted. “I was tired and my hand slipped, I cut my hand. Ever since then he hovers. It wasn't a big deal, but he worries.”
“Aw, that's kind of sweet though.” Sky said. “I can see it being annoying for you though.”
Viktor shrugged. “I don't mind. He means well.”
He was also downplaying the event in question. He had become sluggish and easily exhausted with the onset of his illness — the cut had resulted in seventeen stitches. Jayce worried with good reason.
“As for things like flowers,” Viktor went on, his cheeks going a bit pink. “He doesn't buy me real ones. But he forges me roses from different metal alloys. I've got four now — copper, aluminium, tin, and iron.”
“Aw,” Sky cooed, clasping her hands dramatically. “That’s so romantic! What do I have to do to get a man like that?”
Viktor chuckled. “You can't have him, sorry Sky.”
Sky pretended to pout. “Aw come on, surely you can share with your best friend.”
Viktor laughed, shaking his head. “I am not the sharing kind my friend, neither is Jayce.”
“He doesn't have a brother does he? Or a…cousin?”
Viktor laughed.
They returned to their work, Viktor's rhythms pencil tapping keeping time as they worked.
“You know,” he said after a while, making Sky look up from her notes. “There is one thing I particularly enjoy about being engaged.”
Sky smiled. “What's that?”
Viktor glanced at his watch. It was almost time for lunch, which meant Jayce would arrive soon to come get him. He smiled softly.
“My favourite thing about being engaged is when I ask my fiancé ‘who's my future husband’? You know in the same kind of way you'd ask a dog who's a good boy. And Jayce gets so excited every time and goes ‘it's me! I am future husband!’ It is adorable, I love it.”
Sky didn't know whether to laugh or coo at the story, so she settled for doing both.
“He doesn't really do that every time, does he?” She giggled.
Viktor picked up his pocket watch, hearing the door open as he watched the hands on the clock face tick. He smirked.
“Watch this.” He muttered, turning in his chair and grabbing his cane to stand. “Is that my future husband I hear?”
“Yes! It's me!” Jayce was grinning ear to ear as he came in, walking briskly to greet Viktor immediately. “Viktor! Your future husband missed you!”
Viktor laughed softly as Jayce ducked down to kiss his neck, holding him close by the waist.
“You saw me four hours ago lásko, ” he teased warmly.
“Exactly.” Jayce whined, tucking himself into Viktor's neck unashamedly.
Viktor chuckled, petting his hair. Sky shook her head in amused disbelief.
“Hi Jayce,” she grinned at him as he reluctantly detached himself from Viktor.
“How are you Sky?” Jayce greeted. “Do you mind if I steal your partner for lunch?”
“Does it matter if I say no?” She joked.
“No, it does not. He's kidnapping me regardless.” Viktor said.
“Kind of you to remember.” Jayce said smugly. “Thank you in advance for your cooperation in this kidnapping mi vida.”
Viktor sighed and rolled his eyes, waving to Sky as he was tugged out of the lab and into the sunshine for the first time in hours.
The café was a quiet haven in the bustling heart of Piltover, tucked away from the city’s usual chaos. Its warm, wood-paneled interior and the faint aroma of fresh bread gave it a comforting charm that Viktor had always appreciated. Jayce, on the other hand, seemed to appreciate its proximity to their lab.
“This place never changes,” Jayce said as he slid into the booth across from Viktor. He smiled as he picked up the menu. “Bet you’re going to get the same thing you always do.”
Viktor smirked faintly, propping his cane against the table. “Perhaps. Consistency is not a crime, you know.”
Jayce laughed, the sound warm and rich. “No, but I’m determined to get you to branch out one day. Maybe try the salmon instead of the soup.”
“You dream too big, Jayce,” Viktor replied dryly, though there was a teasing glint in his eye.
A server approached to take their orders, and Jayce predictably tried to nudge Viktor toward the seafood menu. Viktor, equally predictably, ignored him and ordered bramboračka as he always did. Jayce ordered his usual king prawns, grinning as the server walked away.
“You're as predictable as always,” Jayce said, leaning back in his chair.
“So are you.” Viktor shot back, a ghost of a smile on his lips.
Their food arrived quickly, and for a while, the conversation was light, filled with banter and the occasional shared laugh.
Viktor, however, grew quieter as the meal went on, his posture stiffening slightly. He picked at his food, his movements slower than usual.
Jayce noticed immediately. “You okay?” he asked, his brow furrowing.
“I am fine,” Viktor replied, though the insistence lacked its usual sharpness.
Jayce’s concern deepened as he watched Viktor rub his temples, his eyes momentarily closing as though the room were too bright.
“You don’t look fine,” Jayce said, his tone soft but insistent. “Are you feeling dizzy?”
Viktor opened his eyes, his expression guarded. “It is nothing,” he said dismissively. “I just stayed in the lab too long in the dim light. I just need to adjust to the brightness.”
Jayce didn’t buy it. He reached across the table, his hand covering Viktor’s. “Vik…you're getting sicker, aren't you?”
Viktor started to protest, but the words caught in his throat as a wave of exhaustion washed over him. He took a deep breath, steadying himself, and forced a faint smile. “It will pass. You do not need to fuss.”
Jayce’s grip on Viktor’s hand tightened slightly, his jaw clenching. “This isn’t fussing, Vik. I’m worried about you.”
Viktor looked away, his fingers curling slightly against Jayce’s. “And I told you, I am fine,” he said, though his tone lacked conviction.
“Don't treat me like an idiot Vik, I'm not stupid I can see you. I'm with you all the time, and you forget this is the second time I'm watching you get sick — I think I know the signs by now.”
“I'm not —” Viktor broke off, rubbing his head. He sighed. “I would never insult your intelligence Jayce.”
“You're doing it right now by pretending everything is okay.” Jayce said.
Viktor looked down guiltily, fingers twirling his spoon quietly.
The tension between them hung heavy in the air, the unspoken truth of Viktor’s declining health sitting like a weight neither of them wanted to address.
“I'm sorry.” He said quietly. “You're right, I'm not feeling well today. But it's okay, Jayce, I just need a moment.”
Jayce leaned against the table, watching Viktor sip his tea. His gaze lingered on the faint flush on Viktor’s cheeks—not the warm, healthy kind, but the kind that came with exhaustion. Viktor, for his part, seemed to sense Jayce’s scrutiny but chose to ignore it, focusing instead on the steam curling from his cup.
“You’re still staring,” Viktor said finally, raising an eyebrow as he looked over the rim of his mug.
“Can you blame me?” Jayce countered, his tone light, though his eyes betrayed his concern. “You’re beautiful in the sunlight.”
Viktor shook his head, a small chuckle escaping him. “Flattery will not distract me from the fact that you are worrying again.”
Jayce’s smile faltered for a fraction of a second before he covered it up with an exaggerated shrug. “Who, me? I never worry.”
“Liar,” Viktor said, but there was no malice in his voice—only the weary affection of someone used to carrying the weight of another’s concern. “You are like a dog with a bone. Once you latch onto something, you refuse to let go.”
Jayce’s brows furrowed slightly, his joking demeanor slipping. “Can you blame me?” he echoed softly, his voice almost a whisper now. “You’ve been—”
“Enough.” Viktor’s voice was gentle but firm, cutting off Jayce before he could finish. He set his tea down on the counter and stepped closer, resting a hand on Jayce’s arm. “You cannot fix everything, Jayce.”
Jayce’s throat tightened at the words, his gaze dropping to where Viktor’s hand rested against his arm. “I’m not trying to fix everything ,” he said quietly. “Just… you.”
Viktor’s expression softened, and he sighed, his fingers curling slightly against Jayce’s skin. “Maybe I do not need fixing,” he said, his tone measured. “I am not a project for you to perfect.”
Jayce looked up, his eyes searching Viktor’s face. “You’re not a project,” he agreed, his voice thick with emotion. “You’re… everything.”
The words hung in the air between them, raw and unfiltered. Viktor exhaled, his hand slipping down to take Jayce’s, their fingers entwining.
“And that is precisely why I need you to let this go,” he said softly.
Jayce shook his head, his grip on Viktor’s hand tightening. “I can’t. I can’t just stand here and watch you—”
“Die?” Viktor interrupted, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. “I'm not dying yet, Jayce.”
“But you cannot lie to me and tell me you're fine.” Jayce said pointedly. “You're getting worse, quicker than we thought.”
Viktor sighed, closing his eyes. Jayce took his hand over the table, squeezing his fingers.
“I…am getting worse.” He admitted. “And it scares me. How quickly it's developing. I didn't want…”
His fingers flexed, wrapping around Jayce's.
“I didn't want you to spend your time worrying instead of being happy.” He sighed. “I wanted to wait, address it after we were wed. But…I don't know if I have that long.”
Jayce’s breathing stopped. “It's that bad already?”
“I don't think so.” Viktor murmured. “It doesn't feel the same, exactly. It feels different. Which is terrifying, to be honest. I can't predict it.”
“I can fix it.” Jayce said determinedly. “I'll fix it, Vik. I'm going to save you.”
“How? There's no Hexcore to shove into me this time.” Viktor arched an eyebrow. “Did you graduate medical school while I wasn't looking?”
Jayce winced. “I will find a way, Viktor. I'm not — I can't…I dont accept this. I won't . I don't want to be in a world without you in it.”
“Jayce…” Viktor shook his head. “Let's not do this right now, please? I just want to live in the moment right now, and get married. That is all I am trying to do, Jayce. Live.”
Jayce let out a shaky breath, his free hand running through his hair. “You make it sound so simple.”
“Perhaps it is,” Viktor replied. “Or perhaps it only seems so because I have no choice.”
The quiet honesty in Viktor’s words cut deeper than any argument could. Jayce swallowed hard, his thumb brushing over the back of Viktor’s hand.
“You don’t have to do this alone, you know,” he said after a long pause.
“I know,” Viktor said, his voice softer now. He leaned closer, resting his forehead against Jayce’s. “And that is why I need you to let me set the pace.”
Jayce closed his eyes, his breath mingling with Viktor’s. “I just want more time,” he admitted, his voice cracking.
“And I want to spend what time we have being happy with my husband.” Viktor replied. “Not worrying about what may come, but appreciating what is here.”
Jayce squeezed Viktor’s hand one last time before letting go, the weight of their conversation still lingering but softened by Viktor’s quiet determination.
“Okay, Vik. I'll let it go, for now.” He agreed quietly. “But I'm not letting you ignore it for long.”
“I wouldn't expect you to.” Viktor hummed. “You'd never let me go quietly.”
“Never.”