The Party
Jayce had not yet worked up the courage to send Viktor a text. Viktor had gotten them in contact in a sneaky way; forcing Jayce to take his number means that he wouldn’t have to be the first one to text. Jayce was slowly starting to realise how much Viktor liked to be in control of all situations. This was a stark comparison to Jayce, who’s thoughts and circumstances spun so out of control that it gave him a full mental disorder. And right now, the thought of texting Viktor was giving him plenty of anxiety. What if he only gave it to me for emergencies? What if he thinks because I didn’t text him I don’t like him? Jayce was sprawled out on his bed, biting his nail, phone in hand contemplating whether or not to text Viktor.
It was a Saturday, his day off. The sun was shining lazily into his room, curtains open to let the natural light in. When they had moved in, Jayce offered the larger room with the ensuite bathroom to his friend. They fought about it a touch, but Cait finally ended up with the master bedroom. Jayce was okay with this, he liked his room a lot. If the spaces were too large, it reminds him that he has no one to fill it, and the other room has lots of empty space. The chamber that Jayce occupies now ws perfect for him. He had left the wall white, but put up shelves to display all his interests. He had his 3D model of the solar system, his prized katana and, of course, a super ancient tiny PacMan machine.
Aside from the shelves and an occasional poster, Jayes room was quite bare with white walls and ceiling. A colourful antique rug lay on his floor, giving a pop of colour. His bedsheets and cover were also white to match the floor length curtains on his floor to ceiling windows. Through these apertures he could see the entirety of Piltover. Their apartment was on a high level and it gave Jayce the most gorgeous skyline view. Now he watched from where he lay as people the size of ants went about their day.
He looked back up at his phone. Should he text him or not? Viktor was like a pleasant wind, cooling him off but also disrupting his hair. He loved Viktors presence, yet feared it. Jayces home screen lit up. He jumped into a seated position. He knew there was no way Viktor had gotten his number, but maybe Jayce had summoned him somehow with his thoughts. He quickly unlocked the phone and checked his messages. Jayce felt himself deflate ever so slightly when he saw the text was from Mel. She was asking him about the party. Jayce was slightly taken aback.
She had brought up the party like it was an afterthought. He didn’t think she was being serious. When Jayce had just begun thinking about university, his mom deeply encouraged the go out. It was a bit of a shock to him, she always seemed like the quiet shy type. Apparently she was a wild socialite and told Jayce that he would be missing out on some of his best memories if he skipped out on post secondary festivities. He had taken her advice and attended a few, but they were boring. Only a handful of people had showed up, there was no booze and the music was mediocre. At some point he had given up on parties all together.
But this had to be different. Mel would never throw a half assed get together, she was too outgoing for that. She has many friends in the school so surely there would be plenty of people there. Her mom was extremely rich so her house would probably be large and perfect for gatherings. Mel also had money, she would have no problem getting the high end drinks. Jayces only problem was: who would he know? Parties are normally to meet new people, but he didn’t want to go into a space only knowing one person. And Mel would have other friends there. She would be busy all night chatting with other people and hosting. But he could use some fun…
Jayce did what he always does when he has an issue: either call his mom, or Cait. He landed on his roommate. He assumed his mom would say just go anyway, not caring about his other worries. He opens up Caits contact and asks her about the party. She shouts
“I’m in the living room! Just come talk to me!” From where she is on the couch. Jayce sighs and hoists himself up. He opens the door and walks down the hallway to where he finds both Cait and Vi on the sofa. Vi has been spending a lot more time around theirs as of recently. Jayce assumes their relationship must be getting pretty serious. Jayce doesn’t mind Vi so much anymore. He might even say he likes her.
“What did you wanna ask me about?” Cait asks when he enters the room.
“I’ve been invited to a party.” She just looks at him blankly. Jayce was one of the most well known men in town, so this was expected, and he had been to parties before. She wasn’t sure why this one was any different.
“So? What? Are you here to get my advice on what you should wear?” She’s joking, but Jayce stays very serious.
“No. I need to know if I should go or not.”
“I say do it. Drinking is fun, unless it’s not that typa party.” Vi intersects from where she's haphazardly laying across Caits lap. She has headphones on and is playing some sort of fighter game on their PS. Her trained eyes don’t leave the screen.
“I’m with her on this one.” Cait points a finger to the girl's head on her thighs.
“No, it’s more complicated than that.” Jayce is getting frustrated. The two girls were making it far too casual than it was. “Mel invited me, remember her? The girl I told you about? But I don’t know how. I mean, I don’t know how she intended on inviting me. Was it as a possible date or just a friend? I don’t wanna seem like a douche and assume that she likes me, but sometimes I get the vibe that she’s trying to flirt. I don’t want her to think I like her like… like that.”
“What about Viktor?”
“Exactly! I don’t have my whole Viktor situation sorted out yet so I just don’t want things to get messy. I also won’t know anyone there.”
“Are you not the most popular guy in school?” This came from Vi. She was having no difficulty being part of the conversation while also giving her game the utmost attention. “Don’t you know, like, everyone?”
“Vi, you literally go to the same school as me. You’re more likely to know if I’m popular than I am.”
“Uhm, no I don’t.” Vi shoots him a weird look. Jayce is confused
“But on the first day? I saw you in the school leaving class.” Vi gives out a short laugh.
“No, no. My sister’s the genius, I was just walking her to class on the first day of school.” Jayces brows knit together.
“Then where do you go to school?”
“I don’t. I work instead.”
“In that case, you should be paying bills.” Vi snorts. “Okay, seriously, I need help you two!” Jayce draws the attention back to the topic at hand. “Bottom line is, everyone kinda knows me, but not enough to approach me at a party. The only person I’ll know is Mel, who will know everyone else there and definitely be busy throughout the night. I need to have someone else to talk to.” Jayce isn’t looking at the girls anymore. His eyes are trained to a spot on the floor as he absentmindedly rubs his chin.
“Why don’t you just invite someone?” Cait announces it as if it’s the most obvious thing in the world. Maybe it was.
“Great idea. Cait, would you please go with me?” Jayce brings his hands into a prayer motion and does his best pout.
“When is it?”
“Next Saturday.”
“No can do. Vi over here offered to bring me out for dinner.” Jayce let out a dramatic groan.
“Pleeeeaasseee Cait? I was your friend first y’know.” He gives her an accusing look.
“I have a better idea.” A devious look manifests in her eye. “What if you invited Viktor?” Jayce freezes.
“He wouldn’t go.” He finally decides.
“Why not?” Cait asks.
“Because it isn’t his scene. He hates the rich, and a fancy shmancy Piltover party isn’t something he’d do.” Jayce was confident in his answer.
“You’re the rich. He doesn’t seem to mind you.” Cait points out.
“Oh no, you’ve got it wrong. If you saw us actually together, you would see he definitely doesn’t like me.” Jayce retorts.
“Jayce, I’m sure he doesn’t mind you if he agreed to spend all his lab time with you.” She looks at him and smiles.
“Why are you doing that with your face? The situation is not humorous.” Jayce accuses. Cait lets out a snort.
“It’s just… you were Jayce Talis in high school. A popular kid, always had a girlfriend, a jock. Uni Jayce is very different. Not a bad different! But who knew a single man would have your panties all in a twist.”
“My panties are not in a twist!”Jayce’s face is going all red and he stamps his foot like a little kid, and Cait can’t help but continue to laugh at his antics.
“Hey, it’s okay to like men!” She teases. Jayce stomps over to the couch and picks up a pillow. He brings it down hard over Caits head, but she’s too busy cackling. Vi doesn’t stir, clearly wrapped up in her game.
“It’s not funny Cait. The whole thing is so weird. This is my first guy crush and I’m not ready and inviting him to a party seems like too much and I don’t think we're that close.”
“Why wouldn’t you two be that close?” She throws her hands up in the air, exasperated. “Every single fucking time you talk about him you always say how you can never seem to shut up to one another. You always tell me about how you think both of your ideas are frighteningly identical. You guys spend so much time together, and knowing how much you yap, he probably knows everything about you! And he still voluntarily wants to spend time with you! What's the confusion here?” She says all of this like the know-it-all she is. Jayce lets out a huff of air and hits her again in the face. He hates it when she’s right.
“But what about Mel?” He begins in a quieter tone. “I don’t know if she invited me as a friend or-”
“Oh so you’re going to Mels party?” Jayce nods his head. “She’s the host? And she invited you personally?” Jayce nods again. Cait sighs. “I’m not going to ask you if she was flirting when she invited you because you tend to be oblivious to things like that.” Jayce rolled his eyes. He was not oblivious. “All I’m going to say is I’ve heard Viktors name come out of your mouth far more than Mels. I would think he's on your mind far more than her. But Jayce,” she looked at him earnestly, “I think you need to figure this one out yourself.”
Jayce holds eye contact with her a beat long, chewing on his gums, deep in thought. Then he turns back down the hallway to his room, phone already in hand.
“This doesn’t feel right. I invited you, I would’ve liked to be the one to pick you up.” Viktor doesn’t answer. He distinctly remembers already speaking of his dislike for Jayces truck twice now, mentioning it once more would be a waste of breath. When he had first received Jayces request to go to the stupid party with him, his immediate answer was no. Then he thought about it, and the image of some pretty girl dancing with Jayce played in his head on loop, somehow forcing him to pick up the phone and accept. Now here they were, in Viktors beat up vehicle driving to some big flashy lakehouse that Viktor already can’t stand.
So far, the only highlight of Viktors evening was watching Jayce come out of his apartment. The man was undeniably gorgeous, but this party had given him an occasion to dress up. He was wearing a casual pair of slightly loose fitting jeans and a boxy maroon button up. His converse dressed down the outfit, but the gold ring on his pinky and pointer finger dressed it back up. His hair was pushed back away from his face and he had stepped out the building with the goofiest grin on his face, waving at Viktor before he was even in the car. For a split second, Viktor let himself imagine he was picking him up for more selfish reasons. Possibly for a bookstore date or stargazing. The thought left as quickly as it came.
Viktor himself had contemplated dressing up. He mulled over his closet, even contemplated going out to buy something new, but eventually came to the conclusion he didn’t care. He ended up with black open cuff sweats and a tight long sleeve black top. He didn’t even bother fixing his bedhead. His only qualm with the look was his brace. It stuck out awkwardly in the back, all the metal quite visible through the fabric. He, once again, came to the conclusion he didn’t care and wore it anyway. Due to the constant freezing temperature he endured, he brought his favourite black zip up along too.
The car ride had been silent aside from Viktors music and Siri occasionally giving direction. Viktor had been playing more upbeat music, attempting to hype himself up. It told Jayce that although he looked pissed off, he was in a fairly good mood. At one point Pink Pony Club even came on. Viktor skipped it immediately but Jayce had already seen it and burst out laughing.
“Shut up.” Grumbled Viktor, but the corners of his lips had also turned up.
The house that Viktor had pulled up to was just as grand as he imagined. It was right on the water and had a pristine sand colour about it. It was so extravagant there were even pillars out front with double doors. Viktor rolled his eyes. No way people had this type of money and actually spent it on stupid shit like this. He had to park further down the road because a whole bunch of cars were already stuffing the oversized driveway and most of the street. He and Jayce made the short walk from the car, past the entry gate that was swung wide open, and into the house.
The inside was glorious. A grandeur staircase has placed itself dab smack in the middle. The bottom was wide and inviting but it tightened up near the top before eventually splitting into two, leading to other separate parts of the house. The floor was a beautiful marble and the walls held pieces of expensive looking art. The room was clear of furniture aside for the glass table in the center, now housing what looks like a mountain of coats and jackets. Vikor is grateful he had left his in the car, as per Jayces instructions.
The lack of furniture in the room was made up for with bodies. It looked like hundreds of people had stuffed themselves into the entrance. Jayce normally enjoyed spaces with lots of people to talk to and network with, but he even had to admit this was overwhelming. Viktor had already regretted accepting the invitation. He hated people, and people hated him, and this room was full of people. The oversized flashy chandelier hanging over them was turned off, but multiple expensive looking lamps had been turned on. Most would say the effect it had on the room was cozy, but Viktor was nervous about what these shady rich folks do under the cover of darkness.
Almost instinctively, Viktor inched closer to Jayce. Viktor might not have noticed how his body automatically found comfort in Jayces, but Jayce did. He felt their two arms bump up against each other. He felt his skin alight on fire through the cloth. He felt his heart melt as he realises: Viktor trusts me. Viktor might not have noticed what his own body was doing, but those small movements made Jayce want to combust right then and there. What Jayce was not excited for was what comes after nervousness.
“So… I don’t really go to a lot of parties. I mean, I go to a few but… not like this. Never this many people. There sure are a lot of people, aren’t there? What I was trying to say is what should we do now? Do we like… uhm… explore? Because that feels a bit invasive. Do you go to parties? I feel like there haven’t been many this year. I feel like you wouldn’t go to them anyways. Not in a bad way! Just in a… way…” Jayces cheeks go pink as he patters out his sentence. Can he not shut up?
Luckily for him, Viktor finds this endearing, although you would need to draw and quarter him to admit it to himself, and even at that he might try to deny it. His only telltale sign is the way his lips slightly draw up.
“We’re going to get me a fucking drink. Something strong. There's no other way I’m surviving this fuckass party.” Viktor says this in a monotone voice before trudging off through one of the doors under where the staircase splits. Jayce follows him right on his heels. To any bystanders, it might look like a puppy following its owner.
The two enter under an archway below the stairs. The room they find themselves in holds much more furniture including a set of chic brown leather sofa and chairs. People already occupy all the seating and some even sat atop one another. There was no way the alcohol smell was ever leaving the couch. Viktor continued without a second glance into the next room. This one seemed to be a kitchen. Atop the island was a tower of red solo cups. On the counter were rows of various versions of alcohol. There was vodka and tequila, some expensive and others dirt cheap. Aside from the strong and sickening smell of alcohol, the kitchen would've been gorgeous in the light of day.
The countertops were all marble, the cupboards painted a light brown. All the appliances seemed pof the highest degree. Right after the two men registered the whole room, an obviously already drunk man ran in carrying a bright red cooler.
“Punch!” He slurred. Viktor peered over as he dropped the big box on the ground and opened it up to reveal bottled gatorade and ice. He started dumping all the drink into the bare cooler, into the ice. He then grabbed the closest bottle of booze and poured that right in there as well. Viktor turned to Jayce and smirked.
“Definitely not punch.” The drunk man snatched a cup and dunked it right into the trough, taking his fill. Cautiously, Viktor picked up a cup of his own and approached the freshly mixed drink. He wryly leaned over the cooler, Jayce copying his actions.
Quietly, Viktor let out a sniff of disapproval. He turned around and began searching the bottles sitting on the marble. Jayce just watches on in confusion, head tilted. When Viktor found what he was looking for, he trotted back over to Jayce. He opened up the lid and the clear liquid rushed out. He hands Jayce the empty bottle and scoops up the cocktail in his chosen cup. He takes a big swig of the concoction, not squirming at all. Jayce looks at the label in his hands. Everclear.
“Did you just spike the punch?”
“The punch was already spiked, I just made it better.” Viktor retorted, finishing his small portion of the mixture and going in for seconds. That's when Jayce saw the alcohol percentage.
“95%! Viktor, are you trying to poison yourself?” The man just shrugged in response. “Are you sure this is safe, especially because-” Whatever Jayce was about to say was cut off by Viktors gaze, which was cold as ice. If Jayce had any worries about his health he didn’t want to hear it. He did not want the man's pity.
He shoved past Jayce, who was now feeling extraordinarily bad about himself. He doesn’t mean to come off as deprecating, he just genuinely cares and voices his concerns. He himself grabs a cup of alcohol, though he chooses a more expensive whiskey, and mixes it with coke. If he’s being honest, the drink was more liquor, but he needed the courage tonight. He may not act like some rich snob, but his drinks are very important to him.
He has already lost Viktor by the time he makes his way back to the room he started in. Without the other man at his side, he feels slightly disoriented. He can sense himself growing smaller, not physically, but the room somehow now seems larger than life and all the people far more important. The music that has been playing since he entered the house is louder and the laughing of others more fake. He needs to find Viktor. Quick.
Instead of the grumpy boy's presence, the shine of gold catches his eye. It’s Mel, surrounded by five other girls who have just entered and are in the throes of adding their jackets to the growing collection. She looks stunning tonight, in a small black skirt and a white drapey top. The gold jewelry is out in earnest tonight, with yellow chains dripping from her neck and waist. She was smiling so brightly, Jayce was captivated. He had been looking at her long enough to be considered a creep, so it was no surprise when she caught his eyes, grin unfaltering. She confidently sauntered across the room towards him.
“Thought you weren’t gonna show up.” Mel says as she approaches.
“When a girl like you offers an invite to her party, you don’t say no.” This just makes her smile wider.
“I see you found the alcohol. Anything good?”
“Must be decent enough for me to try it. I don’t really drink often.”
“Well let’s see how many of these we can fill you up with,” she gestures to the cup in his hand, “and the night is sure to be interesting!” Jayce laughed. Mel’s presence was doing an effective job of calming him down.
“Who are those girls over there?” Jayce asks, pointing at the group Mel was previously surrounded by.
“Just some girls who go to our school. You seriously don’t know them? I’d say they’re fairly popular; the typa people you’d hang out with.” Mels surprise bleeds through her words.
“Yeah… guess I don’t get out much anymore.” Jayce scratches the back of his neck. He was the most famous man in Piltover, shouldn’t he be going out more often?
“Makes sense, with you being in the lab all the time and whatnot.” There it was, the real reason Jayce didn’t know any of these girls, because there was Viktor.
A wave of guilt hit him then. He was on a search for Viktor right now, and he was getting distracted. He didn’t even want to come originally, Jayce had dragged him out here for strictly selfish reasons only. He just didn’t want to be alone at a party.
“Speaking of the lab, have you seen Viktor?” Mel let out a cackle.
“Viktor? Here? Definitely not. He would never show his face at something like this.”
“I suppose you’re right, this isn’t something he’d normally attend, but he is here. I invited him.” Mel hides her shock very well, but it slips through at the corners of her face. Jayce hadn’t told her in the first place because he was worried how she would react. He was certain of his attraction to Viktor, but he was uncharted territory. Mel, on the other hand, made him feel safe. She wasn’t a second option, more like someone Jayce could go to if Viktor ever broke his heart.
“You invited him? And he showed up? Wow, you two are closer than I thought.”
“Not really, we just hang out alot because we’re lab partners for a project.” Jayce shrugs his shoulders. Maybe he and Viktor really are friends. They spend a lot of time together and now that Jayce thinks about it, he has told Viktor more about himself than he’s ever told anyone.
“Well, I’ve heard a few things about Viktor. That he’s quiet, distant, a bit of an asshole, but if he agreed to go to some party he is so vocally against… then I’m afraid you two must be some form of acquaintances.” She gives him a knowing look. Mels eyes have a way of staring into his soul, reading him like a book. He hasn’t told her about Viktor, but he has a feeling she already has an idea.
“Yeah, he doesn’t really seem to like socializing… that’s why I’m trying to find him. I feel bad dragging him here then abandoning him. Even though he technically abandoned me… long story. Anyway, have you seen him?”
“Nope, but if I had to guess I’d say he’s hiding in a dark corner somewhere private. Finding him is probably a good idea.” Jayce could feel the conversation coming to a close but made no move to say goodbye. He didn’t want to be alone again. “I’m going back over to my friends and greeting some more people. Enjoy the party Jayce.” Mel walked away from him just as majestically as she came, hips sashaying from side to side.
Jayce’s next room to search was the mirrored side of the corridor he had just come from. The layout was the exact same except for the first place he stumbled upon wasn’t friend groups hanging out, but the more resilient doing more hard core substances. The stink of weed hit his nostrils violently and he watched as a little plastic bag containing a white powder was passed around. He then eyed the smaller array of alcohol sitting on a desk. Even with the looming threat of a wicked hangover tomorrow, he went to go refill his cup before wandering into the next chamber. From the door he could already see the blue lighting and very loud music emanating from the room.
The space was crowded with people. They were dancing and swaying with one another, giving the air a sticky sweaty feel. The DJ had a massive booth shoved onto the wall to the right of Jayce. It was so loud in there his own voice would have been carried away with the beat and vibrations. Hot bodies ebbed and flowed around him and he tried to push his way out of the sea of people. Even if he was looking for Viktor, Jayce couldn’t make out any faces. Good thing he knew Viktor would never find himself in a room like this. There were so many flailing limbs touching him at once, Jayce was beginning to grow uncomfortable. Deep breath, he thought, this is just a party. Like the ones you always wanted to go to when you were younger. Luckily for Jayce, large crowds never made him nervous.
He had eventually made it to the opposite wall from where he started. He shifted around the edges of the room and found himself at an unknown door. When he opened it, a welcome gust of fresh air hit him in the face. He quickly burst into the cool night, letting cold air cool him down. When he looked around he realized the sheer size of the backyard he was standing in. A few steps down from the beautiful deck he was on was a long pool that was lit up blue. It was too freezing for anyone to be taking a swim in this weather, but it was beautiful all the same. Beyond that was too dark to see, but the entire thing was lined with perfectly trimmed hedges. Jayce didn’t see anyone, but his head snapped to the sound of a familiar voice to the right of him.
And there he was… Viktor. He was talking to another man who had his arm draped around the waist of a girl beside him. The tealish light of the pool reflected the annoyance and slight disgust on Viktors face as he chatted with these two folks. Besides that, Jayce couldn’t help but ogle at Viktor in the faint glow. He had picked a shirt that hugged his waist that Jayce wanted so desperately to put his hands on. The black top he chose was tight, Jayce could see every muscle on his body. He was resting on the end of the stone banister and had his hip jutted out, sticking his ass out in a way that made Jayces heart flip. A cigarette hung lazily from his fingers, over the edge of the deck. He had to wonder if Viktor had purposely worn that ensemble to make him go crazy. If there was ever a time to believe in God, it was now.
Jayce wasn’t sure if he was welcome to the conversation or not, but the whisky running through him had started working, giving him confidence. He had always been a lightweight. He walks over to where the three bodies were hanging about.
“Well, Hex Academy has very competitive acceptance. I know you were top of our class, but I’m surprised you got in!” Jayce already doesn't like this man. He sounds like a douche. He’s about Jayces height but not nearly as muscular. His hair was blond and looked as though it was already thinning. His eyes were piercingly blue and matched the sharp angular face he had. Jayce recognized him from somewhere, he just couldn’t put his finger on it. Viktor was the one to turn first at the sound of Jayces footsteps.
“Hey Vik, I’ve been looking for you. Is this where you ran off to?” Jayce was slightly disappointed Viktor had left to find the company of someone else.
“Yep, just needed a smoke. Jayce, this is Salo. Salo, Jayce.” Viktor made an uninterested gesture towards the two of them. As much as he was trying to contain his annoyance and boredom, it slipped into his tone. Jayce and Salo met eyes and Jayce immediately felt hostility. He had a feeling they were competing for something, but he wasn’t sure what. Salo eyed him up and down, assessing him, before putting on a relaxed smile.
“Ah yes, Jayce.” Salo put out his hand for Jayce to shake. “I’ve heard of you. Piltover's Golden Boy. Never thought you would’ve been into dudes, especially a… y’know… scientist.” Jayce immediately felt himself sneer. So that’s what this was about. This Salo man thought he was Viktors date. Jayce was immediately floored, and also somewhat offended. Was he that easy to read? But that was an extremely invasive thing to say. Didn’t he deserve a little more respect? He took a moment to regroup before answering.
“Uhm, no. I am definitely not into-” Jayce was cut off. Viktor laced his fingers right through Jayces and held them up for the two people in front of them to see. Unfortunately, Jayce was the most taken aback. He had to work very hard to keep his jaw off the floor. He couldn’t believe his eyes. Viktors hand was intertwined with his, willingly. The cool temperature of it was calming down the growing blush already running all over his body.
For Jayce, everyone stopped breathing. Time stopped ticking. The world detonated before his very eyes. But Viktor didn’t hesitate for a second.
“Best not to make assumptions.” Jayce was once again marveling at how easygoing Viktor was. “Hun, I was just telling Salo here about the Academy, seeing that he didn’t get in.” Viktor looked up at Jayce. Their eyes connected and Jayce saw something he’d never seen before in Viktor: pleading. His eyes were big and begging Jayce to go along with the bit. Who was he to say no when Viktor was looking at him with those big gorgeous eyes?
“Yeah, love it there. Love it even more ‘cause that's how I met you.” If Viktor was letting him, he was going to lay it on thick. Jayce wasn’t sure why they were pretending to be boyfriends, but he was if Viktor was letting him be this close to him there was no way he was complaining. Viktor leaned into Jayce, resting his head on him. In a perfect world he would be putting his head on Jayce’s shoulder, but unfortunately he only came up to his upper bicep.
Salo looked between the two boys and his snarl became less hidden. There was an awkward pause where no one says anything at all and Viktor and Salo seem to be in a staring contest.
“If you’ll excuse us, I’d like to get my boyfriend another drink.” Jayce could feel Viktor freeze up beside him as he said it. He knew that was the role that they were playing, but Viktor was not expecting to hear Jayce refer to him as ‘boyfriend’ aloud. He had to remind himself to act naturally. Salo and his date thought they were boyfriends, and he’d like to keep it that way. Without another word, Jayce pulled Viktor into the house from where their hands were connected.
After dragging Viktor through the party room and surpassing the weed room, Jayce pulled Viktor into a corner. He didn’t mind helping Viktor out with their fake dating scheme but he at least deserved to know why.
“Okay who was that and why are we now dating?” Viktors eyes refused to meet him. This whole situation annoyed Viktor. He didn’t like to be reliant on people and he only said that the two were in a relationship out of a moment of desperation. “Viktor, seriously what's going on?” Viktor stayed silent but ripped his hand away from Jayce’s to cross his arms.
“That man…” Viktor still wouldn’t look at Jayce, eyes darting around the room. Maybe this would all be easier if Jayce wasn’t looking into his soul. “Me and Salo… we were… uhm… together. Back in highschool. Not officially because he never came out to anyone. I was just his undercover boy that he could use when he wanted.” Jayces' gaze turned all soft and mushy. Viktor knew he was in for a shitton of pity.
“Viktor, I-”
“I don't want your sympathy.” He snapped. “It happened a long time ago and almost every fucking queer person on this planet have had the same shitty experience. It’s character building.” Viktors voice was harsh but Jayce knew he was just trying to skim over the hurt his past had caused him. “Anyways, we both applied to Hex and he got really pissed off when I got in. Spread nasty rumors about me sucking off teachers for good grades or whatever.” They were both quiet for a beat, Viktor with his arms crossed and distant while Jayce just stared at him, somewhat heartbroken.
“Wow… your highschool life seemed like a real shitshow.” Viktor truly looked at Jayce now. He didn’t seem like he was going to bawl for Viktors miserable life. He didn’t look like he couldn't give less of a shit. He just looked… kind and… understanding. It were those sweet, all-seeing eyes that held the capability to rip Viktor apart. “Still don’t understand why we’re boyfriends.” There was that word again. Boyfriends. Viktor sort of loved the way it rolled off the tongue. No, no, no, not loved. He barely even liked.
The smaller scientist pushed out an annoyed sigh. He wanted it to be none of Jayce’s business, but he needed to keep up the charade for the rest of the night if he wanted things to go smoothly.
“It just…” Viktor squeezes his eyes shut for a moment, thinking about how he was going to say this. “He was always embarrassed of me. He never wanted to be seen even in the same room as me. Now he has all these beautiful girls hanging off his shoulder that he can flaunt all he wants. I know it’s dumb and petty, but I wanted a handsome date of my own…” Viktor peeked up at Jayce sheepishly. He wanted to gauge Jayce’s reaction, and was it ever a reaction to behold. Jayces face immediately went completely red and Viktor watched as his chest rose and fell fast. He heard the small sound that escaped through Jayces parted lips, it was all so satisfying.
Jayce was going to explode… or melt. The way Viktor looked up at him almost shyly through his lashes made his heart burn. It might’ve been his imagination, but he was pretty sure those eyes had extremely naughty thoughts behind them. And handsome. Viktor said Jayce was handsome. He had literally admitted to wanting to show off Jayce. At that moment, the tall man had an overwhelming urge to get closer to his partner. He wanted to see what Viktor would do if he took a step closer. What if he snuck a hand up his neck? Or maybe grip his waist, push him against the wall, like the other night? Would he finally have the balls to follow through with the thoughts plaguing his mind? Could he bring himself to cover Viktors lips with his own? It all seemed so scary, it all seemed so unrealistically perfect. Instead he stood there in agony, accepting the torture Viktor was dishing out.
“Boyfriends… okay, yeah…cool.” Jayce couldn’t find his words. Fake dating. Fuck it, I’m sold. There was that word again: Boyfriends. The tips of Viktors ears went a deep red, contrasting his almost iridescent skin. His pupils got even bigger, making Jayce fall even more. Viktor could see it in the man's eyes, the want. The begging. It killed him. But for some reason he couldn’t bring himself to do anything about it, he was still second guessing him. So there they were, in an impossible situation. They both wanted to, but neither of them could.
“Let’s go get drinks.” Viktors voice was barely above a whisper.
The rest of the night went on awkwardly. As it got later, Jayce got drunker. The two just hovered around each other, not saying a word. What was there to say? A conversation would just force Viktor to say more soul bearing things, a task he wasn’t ready for. Viktor had come to find out that Jayce was a chatty drunk. As more alcohol entered his system, he started going up to people and striking up conversations. He would leave Viktor alone in his own little corner as he went and networked or hung out with Mel and her friends. He was ready and willing to talk to anybody… except Viktor.
In all honesty, he was purposely avoiding Viktor. If it were up to him, he would have the man by his side all night long, but the sound of Viktors voice and distinct smell was more intoxicating than the rum in his cup. If he were to stand near Viktor in this state, he might do something rash. He had been fantasizing about the man all night. Physically he was having a talk with someone or other, but mentally it was him and Viktor, sprawled against that couch or pressed up against a wall in an upstairs bedroom. Who knew what Jayce would do if he was allowed in a five meter radius of the other man. Even though he was drinking liquid confidence, Drunk Jayce knew that being close to Viktor right now wasn’t a good idea.
Even though Viktor didn’t want to talk to Jayce, his eyes never left him. He hid in the shadows, watching as his partner laughed loudly and brightened up the room. When his mouth was open like that, Viktor could see those gorgeous canines. Viktor just wished he could get a better look. Viktor found it sort of cute how Jayce was beyond tipsy after three drinks. Viktor was endeared by how Drunk Jayce was just a more outgoing version of how Jayce was naturally. At one point in the evening, after he had a few shots, admittedly, he caught himself wondering: What did I do to deserve this man? It was crazy because Viktor was sure he had never thought so highly of a person in his life.
It wasn’t until the early hours of the morning that they saw Salo again. Jayce had suddenly decided that he wanted to dance and Viktor, his self appointed protector for the night, followed him into the blue lit room. This was the part of the party that Viktor hated. All these people pushing up against each other had no self awareness. Their arms were up, armpits in Viktors face. The whole room smelled like alcohol and, grossly enough, piss. Viktor almost gagged. He crept along the wall, trying to find the back of the room where hopefully he could stand without a flailing limb knocking his cane out from under him. He found a singular chair at the furthest wall from the DJ booth and perched himself in it.
As much as he hated the whole vibe, he had to admit it was quite picturesque. All the strobe lights were going off, catching and bouncing off the sequins of the partygoers outfits. The music was pretty good, but you could put on any song and Viktor would probably enjoy it. Everyone's hips were swaying and they seemed to be having fun. All of a sudden, Viktor found himself wishing to join in. He wished he weren’t so pissed off all the time. He wished he could enjoy this and not focus on all the bad. He wished he could dance properly, take part in all the good times being had. Then, like straight out of a movie, the huge crowd parted, giving Viktor a direct view of where Jayce was in the middle of the dancefloor.
He was surrounded by a group of girls. The only one Viktor recognized was Mel, but in his eyes that was the only one that really mattered. She was close to Jayce, far too close for Viktors liking. Not that he was jealous or anything, but how was he going to explain his date dancing with other women? But unfortunately it did make sense for Jayce to want to have some fun. Viktor couldn’t dance, and Viktor wasn’t the prettiest person in the world to pretend to date. In reality, Jayce was getting the short end of the stick, of course he would want to break away from Viktor and his less than ideal qualities as soon as possible. Viktor felt himself difflate as he sunk back into the chair, his legs and arms crossing.
But could he not admire Jayce from afar? Viktor wasn’t able to rip his eyes off the man, he was such a big, light presence. It was as if a spotlight was shining on him, brightening up his whole smiling face. He looked so carefree there in the middle of the dancefloor, like talking and being around all these people came so naturally to him. Viktor was astounded by the difference in their two lives. Jayce then showed off his dance skills, making the girls around him drunkenly laugh. Got Me Started by Troye Sivan was playing and for some reason Jayce knew all the choreography. Even wasted and embarrassing himself, Jayce had such charisma.
Just like that the song was over and a new one started up. Viktor didn’t recognize the tune, but he knew the language being sung was french. All the lights in the room dimmed, making it a more intimate setting. The strobe lights turned off and a soft pink glow replaced them. Viktor watched as Jayce and Mel moved closer to one another. Her boobs were practically smushed up against Jayces chest as they looked each other in the eyes. Viktor was going to be sick. He wanted to go home. He was not about to watch this. His heart ached as the two began finding a rhythm with one another. Sure, watching Jayce move his ass like that was something he could do for hours, just not with that girl.
Then Jayce abruptly stopped, staring at something over Mels shoulder. Viktor looked too. It was Salo and his date, dancing right beside Jayce and Mel. Even with his fuzzy mind, Jayce immediately knew that he could not be seen with Mel. She said something that got lost in the roar of the music, but Jayce was already scanning around the room. That's when he saw him. The shadows were engulfing his body, but he would recognize those eyes anywhere. Viktor. They seemed to be glowing from where they were hidden up against the wall. Jayce swallowed at Viktors disapproving stance and the way he was looking at him like he was going to eat Jayce. Without even thinking about it, Jayce let go of a confused Mel and walked slowly over to Viktor. It was unbearable to be apart from him one second longer.
When Jayce arrived at the chair, neither of the two boys said a word. They just stared at each other, the gaze full of want and need. Jayce offered a hand down to Viktor. He looked at it, then back up at Jayce.
“I can’t dance.” Viktors voice cut through the music.
“Please Viktor?” That ‘please’ hit Viktors ears and went straight to his core. With caution, he grabbed the hand offered and Jayce pulled him to his feet. If it weren’t Jayces large hands coming down around his waist, Viktor would’ve fallen over. Then Jayce placed Viktors feet over his own. Viktor immediately understood and stepped on Jayce, being careful to not hurt any toes. At first it was awkward to walk, but they eventually got the hang of it, both of them walking over to where Jayce once stood with the girls. Mel was nowhere to be seen anymore, it was just the two boys.
It was a touch difficult to relearn how to dance while being literally on top of one another, but they managed. They only slipped up once, forcing Jayce to catch Viktor by wrapping both arms around the man's waist, accidentally pushing their two crotches together, but neither of them moved to adjust,they just got even closer. Viktor never really thought about how big Jayce was until his eyes were at eye level with Jayces pecs. He had to look up to make eye contact with his dance partner. This was probably a good thing, looking at his face right now might be what finally drives him insane.
At the end of the song, Salo and his date were still right beside them. The two each stole sneaky glances at them. Finally the last note of the song finished and Salo dragged his date closer to him. With one more smug look towards Viktor, he pulled the girl in for a kiss. The boys immediately looked away. Neither wanted to see that gross man indulge himself. The two boys didn’t just look away though. They subconsciously looked at each other, searching for something. Jayce’s eyes held the biggest question: can I kiss you? It was such a simple question and the one they had been dancing around all night. Viktor wasn’t sure what his answer would be. What if Jayce regrets the kiss? What if this ruins the sort of friendship they have? The last thing he wants are things to be awkward.
But… for tonight, it wasn’t real. They were fake dating. Everything they did was fake. Viktor could kiss him… it was only for the sake of appearances. Viktor took his hands off of where they were sitting on Jayces shoulders. Then he slithered them up into the bigger man's hair, grabbing a fistfull of it. He noted how a sigh escaped Jayces lips at the tug, saving that information for later. No, not later Viktor had to remind himself. There is no later. Viktor dragged Jayces head down so his ear connected with Viktors mouth. Jayce could feel himself losing his mind. Never in a million years did he imagine himself here, getting absolutely wrecked by the hottest, smartest man in the entire world, but he wouldn't trade it for all the riches of the world. He felt his chest lock up as he waited in anticipation to see what Viktor would do next. His body was entirely at his mercy.
“I am only doing this because you are my partner, yet you seem to keep forgetting that.” Viktor then guided Jayces head so that the two were face to face. Viktor was assessing him with a judgmental look, making Jayce desperately crave to pass whatever test Viktor was running on him. He then drew his gaze down to Jayces lips. The large man felt a deep red blush arise on his cheeks. Viktor smirked. If this could make Jayce all hot and bothered he wondered what kind of damage he could do in an empty room, just them. Then, suddenly, Viktor crushed his lips against Jayces.
The kiss wasn’t tender, it was rough. It was the kiss of two people who had been needing each other since the dawn of time. It was the desperate kiss of two souls that have finally been reconnected. It was an angry kiss because they both knew this would never happen again. Viktor was able to contain some sort of composure to the kiss, trying to keep it strictly professional, but Jayce was a lost cause. After a few seconds, his mind had gone haywire. The smell of Viktor, the hands in his hair, the lips of his dreams up against his, it was all too much. Jayce did something neither of them could come back from.
He pried open Viktors mouth with his own, then gave one, long, wet lick inside. Jayce even tilted his head to the side, tasting as much of Viktor as possible. The worst part about it was the loud moan Jayce released into Viktors mouth after savouring the flavour on his partner's tongue. There it was, all of Jayces cards right there on the table. He had just physically demonstrated to Viktor how much he needed him. He just gave Viktor complete control of the situation, the way he likes it. Jayce was extremely embarrassed as he felt Viktor freeze up underneath his hands. He did not return Jayces enthusiasm like Jayce was hoping, he even untangled his hands from Jayces hair. The understanding of what he had just done hit Jayce like a semi truck. He pulled himself away from Viktor.
Jayce looked down at the shorter man and immediately knew that the last 10 seconds were a mistake. Viktors mouth was slightly agape and the tips of his ears a violent red. His shoulders were all scrunched up, showing his obvious discomfort. As Jayce looked into his eyes he saw something that he never could’ve imagined: fear. It shone bright in those beautiful amber eyes. Jayce immediately pulled his hands away from the body he was holding, making Viktor stumble a touch. When Jayce went to help, the scientist held up a hand, commanding him to stop. Jayce did as he was told, watching as Viktors body slinked back into the darkness.
Safe to say Viktor was shook. He had given Jayce permission to kiss him, but he didn’t know it would be so life altering. He didn’t realize that Jayce’s lips would be so soft and warm under his own. He was especially caught off guard when he slipped his tongue into Viktors mouth with such desperation. Before all of this he could deny Jayces longing glances and silent pleas, but that kiss, the way he deepened it, changed the whole game. But what if it was like with Salo. What if Piltovers ‘Golden Boy’ just wanted to try something new? But even if it was just that, isn’t it nice to be desired every once in a while?
Viktor had to limp back to his cane which was still leaning against the chair he was sitting on earlier. Luckily his leg was feeling alright today so he could somewhat feebly walk. It wasn’t that far anyways, and he only got a few looks. Once he was reunited with his stick, he had made up his mind. Tonight, he will allow himself some fun. Tonight only he will allow himself to flirt with Jayce if he wants and possibly even acquire another kiss. What’s the harm in being wanted every once in a while though. But he isn’t letting whatever this is drag on. He does not want another Salo situation. Plus, Jayce will probably be too drunk to remember anything. For now, he wanted a smoke… and a breather. Even though the kiss was probably nothing, it was still somewhat breathtaking.
This time Viktor goes out the front door and to the side of the mansion. He really just needs a moment to himself. The long space only had about a meter in between the wall of the house and the large cypress trees surrounding the house. The alleyway smelt slightly of vomit, marking it as the obvious human waste spot, but there wasn’t anybody there now, just Viktor, his cigarette and the stars.
Jayce was still on the dancefloor back inside, but was having a strikingly less than spectacular time. For a few seconds after his partner disappeared, he stood in the same spot, unmoving and stupefied. He didn’t want to believe his own idiocracy, but unfortunately, he could. Viktor had been in a loop in his mind ever since the two locked eyes on the first day of school. The shape of his body and pitch of his voice was engraved in his head. If anything, Jayce considered himself lucky for being the person Viktor, an alluring yet prickly man, had decided to spend his time with. Jayce was grateful for any time they spent together, even if Viktor was acting distant or yelling at him. Jayce had never felt this feeling of complete adoration and worship for anyone. It led him to do frightening things. Like shove his tongue in Viktors mouth.
When he finally snapped back to his senses, he swiftly followed the path he had last seen Viktor. When he wasn’t back in the chair, Jayce went to quickly check all the other rooms. He wanted to apologize, say sorry for all of the lines he completely over stepped. All the base floor rooms were void of Viktor, and Jayce knew he wasn’t the sort of guy to go upstairs where he might walk in on something he did not want to see. The next logical place to check was outside. As much as Jayce hated it, Viktor had a habit of smoking when stressed. Jayce would say the look on his face after he kissed him was definitely stressful. Jayce decided to do a lap of the house.
Viktor could hear unstable footsteps nearing him. He prayed that the shadows would be enough to hide him from whoever came stumbling down the alleyway. A large body completely blocked the soft light coming for the entrance to the side of the house. Viktor could recognize that frame anywhere. He should’ve expected Jayce to come looking for him. It was the sort of thing he would do. Viktor rolled his eyes as he watched the man lean against the wall for support. Maybe Jayce was more drunk than Viktor had realized.
Jayce didn’t notice Viktor leaning against the house at first. It was only until the man was standing right infront of him and his nostrils were filled with the distinct smell of smoke.
“Viktor?”
“Does alcohol make you blind too?” Although it was a joke, Viktors voice was dead serious. Jayce had originally come out here to apologize and beg for forgiveness, but now he couldn’t find the words. The two stood there, unmoving, as Jayce searched for what to say next.
“Y’know, you shouldn’t be doing that. It’s bad for you.” Jayce pointed an accusing finger at the cig in between Viktors fingers. Viktor tried not to take it to heart that even Drunk Jayce cared for his well being. No thought Viktor, he does not care for my well being. He’s just being fucking annoying. Viktor could tell him to shut the fuck up and berate him for treating him like a baby, as he’s done in the past, but that never seems to stop Jayce. He decided to take a different approach.
Jayce was standing straight up in front of him while Viktor was pressed up the wall. Viktor stood up straighter and looked down at the cigarette as if contemplating it. Jayce admired the way his eyes and piercing held onto the fading light. He saw Viktors beautiful cheekbones and aspired to cradle them with his hands. He desperately wanted to kiss each mole on Viktors perfect body. His hands ached for Viktors waist. If only Vikotr would let him touch him, put him out of his misery.
“Jayce, have you ever smoked before?” He looked back up at Jayce with a smirk and a look he could only hope was seductive. It might’ve been the alcohol, but Viktor watched as Jayces cheeks reddened and his eyes grew wider. Viktor mentally laughed, it was just too easy. “Jayce?” Viktor coaxed, waiting for an answer.
“Uhm… no. Smoking is bad for you. So no… I’ve never done it and I’m not gonna…” Jayce was having a hard time with words considering the liquor but mainly the intoxicating way Viktor was looking at him right now. Viktor took another long drag of the cig, looking away from Jayce.
When he looked back, a mischievous gleam was in his eye.
“Do you want to?”
“Uhm…” Jayce didn’t know what to do when Viktor was looking at him like that. His palms got all sweaty and his heart raced a million miles an hour. He felt like his body was going to overdrive and kill him. Viktor leaned back up against the wall, his body so conversely calm compared to Jayces.
“Come here.” He commanded. Jayce, willing to do whatever Viktor asked, complied. He stepped forward; they were dangerously close to rehashing what had happened in the lab earlier. Viktor, annoyed by Jayces timidness, grabbed the big man by the collar of his shirt and dragged him in. Jayce caught himself by putting both hands against the wall beside Viktors head. The two were impossibly close, but somehow not touching.
Viktor took a long drag, keeping eye contact with Jayce the entire time. When he was done, he dropped the smoke to the ground and extinguished it with his foot. Then, very slowly, Viktor pulled Jayce in closer, as if he was going in for another kiss. Jayces mind was racing. Was Viktor going to kiss him again? He thought their first one had been a bit sloppy which was definitely on his part but maybe just wanted more privacy. He couldn’t believe Viktor would ever want to be near him again and the way he was holding his shirt and pulling him in right now was giving him actual chills. He held his breath, not daring to scare away the man below him.
Their lips were so close, Jayce would just have to pucker his lips and the two would be kissing. He refrained this time though, keeping his lips slightly agape.
“Inhale.” Viktor whispered. Jayce did as he was told, sucking in air. Then, Viktor slowly began expelling the smoke into Jayces mouth. It was by far the sexiest thing Jayce had ever had the absolute pleasure of being part of. He almost didn’t notice the way the smoke burned down his throat.
When Viktor was done, he practically pushed Jayce away by the chest. Jayce just looked at him, dumbfounded. Viktor let out a little smirk at Jayces red cheeks, heaving chest and jaw, which was on the floor. Viktor could never get over the way his simple actions could leave Jayce in a puddle. He also found it hard to believe that Jayce actually found him that attractive. Approximately two seconds later Jayce began coughing up a storm. Viktor suppressed a laugh as he briskly walked over to the exit of the alleyway. When he turned around to alert Jayce that Viktor was driving them home, he saw the big man was already following him, still coughing, but compliant.