The following week was… Hectic. Stressful too. Viktor and Jayce were working nonstop around the clock, nearly working themselves into exhaustion with teaching the young alchemists at the Academy. Most nights the two rarely had a moment to just sit and catch their breath, as they would go home and share a few “I love yous,” before falling asleep. However, with the holiday break upcoming, the two were less stressed about homework and grading and such but it was still a lot to work with and Viktor had been in an irritable mood. For one, his leg was flaring up that morning and it was almost impossible to get from the apartment to the Academy, though with Jayce helping, it was somewhat bearable. He was leaning against his cane all day, creating a callous on his hand that he gripped with his cane. The second thing was well, he was sleep deprived and needed the rest, Jayce knew that too… God. Viktor still couldn’t believe the fact he had landed with Piltover’s Golden boy as his boyfriend. He was thankful and wouldn’t change it for anything.
That morning was as chaotic as ever. Viktor had woken up from his alarm and had nearly fallen off the bed when Jayce moved from where he had been curled up against his chest, letting a cry of pain escape his lips when he moved his bad leg, rubbing instinctively where the pain was most sharp. He grumbled something in Russian, swinging his legs over the edge of the bed, grasping his cane that rested beside him. Jayce watched with a careful gaze, ready to catch him just in case. With every step he took, Viktor’s body felt like it was getting struck over and over again with the same pins, he hated the feeling. He sighed heavily, grasping his partner’s hand, wrapping a strong arm around Viktor’s small frame, offering support as he led them to the kitchenette, insisting he sit down whilst he made them a simple breakfast. Viktor thanked him, rubbing his eyes as he made sweater paws- yes, he was wearing one of Jayce’s sweaters, sue me-, watching him cook breakfast. Jayce had perfected the simple ways of cooking, and then some. He heated up sweet milk in the kettle, pouring it into Vik’s favourite cup and handed it to him. Viktor thanked him silently, wrapping his hands around the warm mug, taking a small sip from the extremely hot drink.
The warmth from the mug seeped through his hands, sending a comfortable feeling throughout his body as he sipped on the drink. His eyes watched his boyfriend move amongst the small kitchenette, hiding a smirk behind his mug as Jayce flipped an egg expertly. He was fond of how Jayce looked… His muscles, his brown hair shining in the early light of the morning, the way his body moved, how his face was always so full of life and love and just… Viktor could, and he would watch him all day no matter what. He smiled fondly at his partner, humming softly and locked eyes with him, catching his stare.
“You’re staring, Professor, ” Jayce teased, handing over a plate with avocado toast and an egg on top, leaning across from him to kiss him on the mouth lovingly. “Eat up, Vitya.”
“Well. I can’t help it when my partner is always so insufferably good looking,” Viktor smirked behind his cup, taking a bite of his toast as he averted his eyes for a moment, enjoying the silence that rested amongst them. Jayce flushed red, huffing as he sat beside Viktor.
“You’re not so bad yourself, V.” Jayce grinned, squeezing his hand lovingly, kissing his cheek lovingly, nuzzling against his neck with a soft sigh, inhaling his partner’s scent- cinnamon, pine, and subtle mint? Whatever it was, he liked it. The man’s canines protruded out a little bit as he made a small nibble to his neck. “ Mine. ” His words were protective and loving. Viktor smiled softly, petting Jayce’s hair and returning the favour by pressing a light kiss to his temple.
“You’re one to talk,” Viktor mumbled, finishing the rest of his breakfast and swallowing the last of his sweet milk before standing, grabbing the counter for stability as he hobbled over to the sink, placing his plate into the growing pile of dirty dishes. He filled his travel mug with more sweet milk, shutting the lid, setting it on the counter where his keys were. “Were you not going to put the dishes away?” He was teasing, there was love in his voice as he carefully grasped his cane, walking back to their bedroom to put his uniform on, tying the tie before walking back out to the living area, giving Jayce a look that silently reminded him to get dressed as well. Jayce chuckled, pushing a hand through his hair with a smile and then proceeded to do so. Viktor grabbed his satchel, swinging it over his shoulder, storing his keys inside as well as his notebook and a few other necessary items. He walked over to the door, waiting on Jayce. He smiled at Jayce who walked out of the bedroom in a haste, tie hanging from his neck untied, and the three buttons not tied, hair messy from the quick run through with the brush he had yanked through his hair. Jayce looked at Viktor, blushing furiously before kissing his cheek.
“After you, V,” he mumbled against his cheek, rubbing the smaller man’s waist, his hand resting on Viktor’s lower back the second they walked out of the apartment, the door being locked by Viktor behind them. “I grabbed your pain meds just in case.”
Viktor hummed in reply, hobbling along the path as they walked into the elevator and down the small steps leading out into the city of Piltover. As the early morning rays shone through the city, the fall air bristled around them once the pair stepped out into the cool, crisp autumn air. The Zaun’s sharp eyes skimmed amongst the horizon, watching people as the pair walked down the cobblestone pathway, heading towards the Academy. Voices from nearby vendors and merchants who were setting up their shops for the day filled the streets. It was quiet but nice too. Jayce kept fixing his tie absentmindedly, struggling and as Viktor noticed this, he smiled at it, and Jayce returned on, pausing to give him a peck on the forehead. Viktor blushed a little, looking away when he was given a small smooch on his head, continuing with his pace, cane clicking amongst the cobblestone pathway.
“Should’ve let me help,” mumbled the Zauntie, his tone teasing rather than scolding.
"I was already running late thanks to you," Jayce shot back with a grin.
Viktor raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. "Ah, yes, because reminding you to actually wake up is somehow my fault?"
Jayce chuckled, reaching up to tousle Viktor’s hair gently. "You’re lucky I find you charming in the mornings, V."
The smaller man just rolled his eyes, flattening his hair after Jayce had tousled it, accepting his lover’s affectionate touch, however, he mumbled something in Russian, quiet enough to where Jayce couldn’t catch it and translate what he had said. The two made their way to the academy, the large, beautiful building towering above the two professors. Jayce’s eyes shifted around them as they walked into the courtyard, nodding to Caitlyn, who was talking to Vi- her girlfriend-, smiling as he caught up with his boyfriend who moved surprisingly quick with his crutch, though it shouldn’t surprise him (it didn’t). Students hurried into the building, rushing to their homeroom, some holding books, protractors, what have you. Lucky them, neither Jayce or Viktor had a home room class period which gave them ample amount of time to say “I love you” and such. Jayce smiled softly at his partner, holding the door open for him, and Mel who just walked in. Protectively, Jayce had wrapped his arm around Viktor’s waist, reminding her that he was taken and was currently in a relationship. Okay. He and Mel were good friends but sometimes she was… Handsy and it bothered him (and Viktor for that matter) so they always made sure to show that they were together. Viktor mumbled something in Russian when he saw the alchemy teacher, gripping his cane a little tighter as he walked with Jayce towards his classroom. V’s classroom wasn’t far from the main entrance- though it was one in the back- and lucky him, Jayce’s was right down the hall, across from his room and the lab they shared when having classes.
The couple walked through the lobby and the main corridor, Viktor’s cane clicking on the cobblestone, the sound echoing across the polished stone floors, windows high and beautifully stained glass in the warm sunlight. Mel, who was standing near the main entrance and talking to Heimerdingers, caught sight of the pair. Her golden eyes flickered to where Jayce’s hand rested on Viktor’s waits protectively. A smirk on her face appeared, though she gave a curt nod in respect rather than a usual remark, for once using actions instead of deciding to acknowledge them with crude remarks. Jayce returned a curt nod, his eyes lingering a moment that sent a message along the lines of, ‘ We’re good. I’m fine. I’ve got him .’ Mel’s look softened slightly, turning back to Heimerdinger without another word. Viktor took note of this and looked at his lover, mumbling something in Russian, which translated to, “I don’t need a guard dog, you know.”
Jayce grinned, leaning down and whispered, “You’ve got one anyway, Vitya.” He gave a gentle squeeze to his waist, which in return was given a huff in response as they continued towards the classrooms. By the time they reached Viktor’s classroom, the Piltie opened the door for his boyfriend, and yes he was dramatic as if he was greeting a royal guest. Viktor rolled his eyes but there was fondness behind his look as he stepped further into the large classroom, limping with each step even though his cane provided support, and his leg brace (which he really needed to take off and adjust). He sat down, carefully lowering himself into the chair, stretching out his bad leg once he was seated, adjusting his cane to where it was leaning against his desk. Viktor’s classroom was quiet, filled with an earthy scent, an old book-y smell, firewood, cinnamon, pine and ink, as well as a faint metallic scent of alchemical substances that were stored in the back wall inside of cabinets. Jayce had shut the door behind him, shrugging out of his coat as well, looking at his partner with fond eyes as he watched him get comfortable. V looked at Jayce, smiling softly and then back at the clock.
“Ten minutes before chaos ensues…” Viktor spoke. Despite being playful, he was being dry about it. Jayce smirked, perching on the edge of the desk.
“Plenty of time,” he answered, leaning forward a little, his smirk still on his face before he grabbed Viktor’s tie and pulled him into a kiss. “To make out with my handsome partner.”
Viktor hummed against Jayce’s mouth, his hand instinctively reaching up to curl around Jayce’s biceps, allowing the kiss to deepen for a moment. He relished in the heat of the moment before the smaller man pulled away, looking at Jayce unimpressed but fond.
“As much as I would like to continue,” he started, his voice holding playfulness and admiration, “I, and yourself, have students arriving soon, and I would assume they do not prefer to see their professors devouring each other’s mouths.”
Jayce laughed a little, agreeing silently as his hand rested on the smaller man’s chest, playing with his tie a little before looking at him. “Alright, fair enough,” he answered with a smile. “Can you blame me though? You look divine this morning, V.”
“Flattery isn’t going to get you anywhere, moje láska (my love),” Viktor replied, fixing Jayce’s tie as well as his own. He smiled a little, straightening Jayce’s tie before making a quick knot. Jayce sighed, being dramatic as he let Vik adjust his tie before he placed a kiss against his hair. “You’re too good to me.”
Viktor hummed softly, tugging the tie with a little more force than needed. “I always remind you of that, moje láska (my love),” he teased, leaning back into his chair, rubbing a tense spot on his bad leg, hoping it would pass before lunch hour.
Jayce frowned a little bit, taking place and massaging the man’s upper thigh gently, warm and strong hands working out the tense muscle, occasionally glancing up to make sure he wasn’t in any discomfort or pain. Viktor smiled, thanking him quietly as a slight red colouring appeared amongst his features. The pair shared one more fond look before kissing one another just as the bell chimed, signalling the arrival of students for their first periods. Viktor shifted, reaching for his cane and once more thanking Jayce for helping him up to his feet, leaning heavily against his cane for a moment.
“You okay…?”
“I’m okay, Jay. Go before Heimerdinger decides to lecture us on “even professors need to be on time,” again,” Viktor chuckled, making his way to the door of his classroom, opening it and holding it open with his body, which was a bad idea because of the realisation that he would be standing most of the day. It was fine… He’d push through the pain for today. He waved his partner off with a flick of his hand. Jayce chuckled, kissing Viktor once more before he grabbed his own satchel and coat and headed for the door, calling over his shoulder, “love you, V!” and rushed to his classroom. Viktor didn’t look from the corridor but smirked faintly and answered back with, “I love you too, Jayce,” and that carried enough to make Jayce pause in the slightly empty corridor, his smile fading to something more tender and soft.
Viktor greeted his students, the ones who were usually first to arrive anyway, with a curt nod and a look of sterness yet calmness. Jinx (Vi’s sister) was a year three student, her partner, Ekko (a childhood friend- both raised in Zaun), was also a year three student and they were some of the few who arrived early to class, of which Viktor much appreciated. The young blue haired woman bounced on her heels, grinning as she walked into the classroom with Ekko, who was engrossed in his notebook, walking and writing. Viktor took note of this and greeted them with a look that said something of not creating explosions, mostly appointing towards Jinx. Jinx smiled sheepishly and nodded as she and Ekko sat towards the front of the classroom, both talking amongst themselves as they awaited for everyone else to walk in, and for class to start. When the bell chimed at fifteen past eight, Viktor shut his classroom door, though he spared Jayce one final look, and entered his classroom. His cane clicked on the floor under him as he approached the blackboard and started writing out equations, notes and such for the students to copy down. As he dove into the lesson, explaining what he wanted his students to do, he set them off to work in peers for the first few minutes of class, allowing him time to sit down and stretch out his leg, as well as grade papers. Whilst grading papers, his door opened and then shut. A student- one who was always late- walked in and tried getting to their seat unnoticed but alas, unsuccessful as Viktor’s sharp eyes caught them.
The door creaked when it opened, Viktor’s sharp eyes flickered over to the student who had just entered, footsteps light, hesitant and guilty. The late student of his, was a year four alchemy student, bright young woman she was and one of Viktor’s most brightest that he had but she had developed the habit of always arriving late to classes. And not just Viktor’s class. It occurred in her other classes as well, arriving well after the clock and trying to sneak to the back of the classroom. The Zauntie let a small frustrated sigh escape his mouth as he straightened in his chair, his hand- which was rubbing at his leg- froze, nimble fingers gripping his pen in annoyance. The silence stretched for a moment, his eyes unyielding as the student tried to remain unnoticed. When she felt the change in the room, she stopped and swivelled on her heels, looking back at her professor. Viktor’s sharp voice broke the silence, low and controlled but there was a subtle hint that he was annoyed with this occurring tardiness.
“I assume, Miss Lark, that you have a good explanation for being tardy once more?” His tone was sharp. Amara Lark huffed, her silver eyes rolled as she stayed silent for a moment. She stood there for a moment, unamused by her professor’s sharp tone of voice, though she shuffled uncomfortably, shifting her weight from one foot to her other. Viktor’s brown eyes never left the student. He sighed heavily, gripped his cane and pushed himself to stand, telling the rest of the class to continue silently on their work while he spoke with Amara outside in the corridor. “We shall speak in private.” He walked slowly yet with a strong stance as he opened the door, allowing her to exit first before he followed, leaning against the door. He raised a brow and then spoke, “care to explain?
Amara shrugged, crossing her arms as she stepped into the corridor, leaning against the opposite wall, eyes catching her professor’s gaze. Her posture was straight and defiant though there was a shuffle in her step, betraying her discomfort. A sly smirk appeared on her face as she remained silent, thinking about how to answer the question. Viktor’s expression was tight as he watched as his student nonchalantly leaned against the wall, her smirk only growing his irritation and his patience was already rather thin. His hand gripped his cane as he shifted, taking a breath, regaining composure and once more repeated the question, voice still sharp as a knife.
“I will ask you again, do not make me repeat myself a third time, Miss Lark. Care to explain why you’ve deemed it acceptable to stroll into my class late for the tenth time this month? And your other classes as well,” he asked again, knowing about her being late in a few other classes, such as her chemistry class (Jayce’s, who he knew got on her case about it too). “Don’t make up an excuse either, Miss Lark.”
The young alchemist’s smirk widened slightly, however her eyes held a flicker of uneasiness. “Maybe I like to make an entrance…?” she stated, voice laced with mocking coolness. Her arms stayed crossed over her chest, eyes locked onto her professor’s with a move of boldness that only fueled his irritation.
Viktor’s jaw locked, his grip tightening slightly on his cane. “An entrance?” he repeated, voice low and stern, struggling to contain his frustration. “Is that what you call disrupting my class—your classmates’ focus—for the tenth time this month? You’ve mistaken arrogance for charm, Miss Lark.”
Amara shrugged again, rolling her eyes. “Well, it’s not like anyone’s really paying attention when I come in. They’re too busy with their own work.”
“Your presence is noticed, I assure you,” Viktor countered, his eyes narrowing. “And not for the reasons you’d like to believe. Your lateness is disruptive. Your indifference is insulting. And your excuses—” he gestured sharply toward her with his cane, his voice rising just slightly, “—are as tired as I am of hearing them.”
Amara shifted her weight, her defiance faltering just enough to show she knew he was serious. But her smirk quickly returned, albeit smaller. “Look, it’s not like I’m failing or anything. I’m still one of the best in your class, and you know it.”
“You are a bright student, yes. However, your intelligence does not excuse your lack of discipline,” Viktor snapped, his patience finally unraveling. “You may be a bright student, Miss Lark, but that brilliance is wasted when paired with such blatant disregard for responsibility.”
“Your intelligence does not excuse your lack of discipline,” Viktor snapped, his patience finally unraveling. “You may be a bright student, Miss Lark, but that brilliance is wasted when paired with such blatant disregard for responsibility.”
Amara opened her mouth to respond, but Viktor held up a hand to silence her. “Enough,” he said, his tone firm and final. “If you can’t respect my time—or that of your other professors—it’s clear you need a reminder of what discipline entails.”
He straightened as much as his leg would allow, his expression severe. “You will report to this classroom after the final bell for detention. You’ll spend the evening cleaning and reorganizing every single alchemy supply cupboard until they meet my standards. And if I see even a hint of that attitude of yours, we will extend the detention to tomorrow—and the day after if necessary.”
Amara’s smirk faded entirely, replaced with a glare. “Seriously? For being late? That’s—”
“Nonnegotiable,” Viktor interrupted sharply. “And let me make this clear: if your tardiness persists, I will escalate the matter to the Head of House. Do I make myself clear?”
Amara bit back her retort, her jaw tight as she muttered, “Fine. Whatever.”
“Good,” Viktor replied curtly. He stepped aside, gesturing to the door. “Now, return to class and do what you should have been doing from the start—learning.”
Amara brushed past him with a huff, her irritation evident in her stiff movements. Viktor watched her go, a weary sigh escaping as he followed her back into the classroom. His gaze swept over the room before he resumed his seat, the tension lingering but his focus already shifting back to the lesson. Viktor lowered himself into his chair, straightening out his leg as much as he could, sighing deeply as he rubbed his temple and kept grading the last of his papers and just as the bell rang, he reminded Amara to come back for detention. He could make it through the rest of the day? Right? At least until lunch.
Viktor and Jayce both had a class before their lunch break, of which was a shared hands on in the lab they shared that was between both of their rooms ironically enough. Jayce leaned against the doorframe of the lab, sleeves rolled up as he looked fondly at his boyfriend, who hobbled over to him, offering his hand a squeeze.
“You alright, V?” Jayce asked, placing a hand on his lower back, helping him into the lab, which was empty let alone him and Viktor. Students had a few minutes before the need to get to their fourth class of the day, so that gave them a few minutes to catch up before the lab filled with students. Viktor made a noise of response, grumbling in Russian as he lowered himself into the chair that was at the desk in the front of the room, stretching out his leg and rubbing it with his hand, sighing softly. His headache was only growing from that morning and he knew the lesson today in the lab was going to make it worse. The smells from all of the chemicals too.
Jayce knelt down to Viktor’s level, his larger hands resting on his partner’s knees, leaning forward and pressing a small kiss to his forehead, gently massaging the man’s limb, trying to ease the pain. “Long morning?”
Viktor shrugged, rubbing his temple. “Ehh.. If you call a confrontation regarding Miss Lark for being tardy again, then yes. Long morning,” he mumbled, accent thick as he looked at his partner. He smiled a bit, his expression softening when Jayce cupped his face and softly stroked his cheekbones with the pad of his thumb.
“Mmm. Had to do that too. I’ll inform Heimerdinger later,” Jayce mumbled against Viktor’s lips after pulling him into a soft kiss. The tension from Viktor’s shoulder fell into a more relaxed position when his partner brushed his lips against his. It was grounding and soft, allowing a moment between all of the chaos that had happened so far in the day. He allowed himself to lean into it, hands moving to rest on Jayce’s toned chest, lightly tracing his abs and pecs. A light blush appeared on his pale features as he pulled away, lips twisting into a faint smile, eyes looking up at his partner, though there was exhaustion written in his eyes.
“Mhm. Is that so, of what precisely will you inform our mentor? Of Miss Lark’s continuous tardiness or your habit of being distracting?” Viktor teased, his hands still resting on his partner’s chest. Jayce’s thumb brushed over Viktor’s cheek again, nuzzling his nose against the other’s- somehow able to comfortably as he was kneeling on the hard tiled floor-. The blacksmith chuckled, his deep voice soothing as he nuzzled against his partner affectionately.
“Both, probably. Heimerdinger should know about the chaos I manage to create, it does keep him on his toes, y’know,” he teased, his grin lightening the room as he pulled back enough to lock eyes with Viktor, their gaze full of warmth and love. “I’m not the only distracting one, by the way,” he added, voice lowering a little as his fingers traced Viktor’s jawline. “You’re too handsome for your own good sometimes.”
Viktor scoffed, though his cheeks gained more colour. “Flattery isn’t going to make me forget how insufferable you are, Jayce.” His voice was laced with amusement, fingers dancing around Jayce’s chest before shifting to pull away. However, Jayce wasn’t ready to let go. His hands slid down to Vik’s waist, steadying him as he aided him into standing up, passing over his crutch.
“Insufferable, huh? Well, I take it as a compliment, plus you love me for it,” he added, pulling his boyfriend close again, tilting his chin up. “You’re the one who fell first, Vik.” He smirked, bringing him into a deep, yet slow and loving kiss, holding him steady. His left hand remained on Vik’s waist while his right hand wound up and rested on his cheek. Viktor hummed softly against Jayce’s lips, allowing himself to melt into the kiss. His hands curled into Jayce’s shirt, holding him as if he were grounding himself. The kiss was light and tender, a break away from chaos and stress. When Viktor broke the kiss, his lips quirked into a light smirk, looking up at the Piltie.
“Is that so, můj drahý (my dear)?) he purred in Czech, to which Jayce responded with a smile at hearing the sound of Viktor’s accent. He let his thumb trace his jawline again, voice deep with curiosity and playfulness before speaking.
“Mmm. No idea what you said but it sounded sexy. Wanna translate, professor?”
Viktor chuckled, shaking his head as he leaned into his touch. “Perhaps later,” he teased, grinning before he looked at him again. “Though, perhaps you should set the lab up, Jay. We do have a class to teach and I don’t want our students to see their professors fawning over each other such as lovesick dogs would.”
Jayce laughed at this, pulling away, though making sure Viktor was okay on his own before he fully moved away, stealing one last kiss and headed towards the back where he pulled out the burners, beakers and such. Whilst he was doing that, Viktor turned to start writing on the blackboard, writing out instructions and equations that were to be followed precisely. He turned back to face the front, greeting the first few students with a small nod, telling them to take out their notebooks and write down the equations that were written on the board. He and Jayce shared a look before starting class together, as ready as can be to tackle the flood of students that they were about to get in the laboratory, both men knowing it was going to be a chaotic mess of young scientists.
Not even twenty minutes later, and once again, three students were late and then an explosion happened. Viktor cursed in Russian, Slavic accent thick on his tongue as he confronted the students with the exploding beaker while his boyfriend talked to the late students. Viktor’s patience was already on a thin line and the small yet contained explosion was not helping his ever growing headache. He pinched the bridge of his nose, sighing deeply as he cursed under his breath. He really didn’t want to keep at this. With a sharp breath, he grabbed his cane, slamming the bottom of it harshly against the tile floor from where he was seated at his desk in the front of the lab. His sharp eyes caught the attention of everyone in the room, though his gaze faltered to Ash and Jacob whose own eyes were wide with shock and they had stopped bickering.
“Both of you. My desk. Now.” Viktor’s words were as sharp as a knife, punctuating the air with every word he spoke. The room was dead silent, you could hear a pin drop. Viktor didn’t want to get up from his desk, his leg already in enough pain, which had moved up to his hip and lower back. He took a slow breath, rubbing his temple before catching the look of his students. “You are lucky I am kind enough to let this slip. However, I do expect precision and focus. Especially when handling dangerous chemicals! Failure to proceed carefully can result in not just a bad score- it results in injury, failure and potentially a much larger disaster than this.”
The two students shuffled uncomfortably, about to say something but Viktor’s raised hand silenced them as he continued to speak. “I do not want excuses, nor apologies. I care for respect in this classroom at all times, as well as focus and improvement. Consider this as your first and only warning. If this happens again, I will take it to the dean and it will not just be a warning. Clean up your station and start again.”
The students nodded, both mumbling a “yes, professor,” and scrambled back to their work station, cleaning up quickly and redoing the assignment that was written on the board. Viktor dropped his head into his hands, ready to just finish the day and go to sleep. He was exhausted, in pain, stressed and just… Bleh. He glanced up when he felt a hand on his shoulder. Jayce’s simple action was enough to make him smile a little bit, leaning into his warm and comforting touch. Only a few minutes until their lunch break. He could make it. With Jayce beside him, he could.
When class finally ended, he was helped up by his partner and the two of them walked back towards Viktor’s classroom- and Jayce had already placed his items there in the room. Viktor leaned heavily against him, sighing softly. He limped more than usual with every step. His grip tight on his cane as he let Jayce lead, however, the second they got to the classroom, he neared but collapsed into the wheelchair that was always on standby in case the days were too much. Today was one of those days. Jayce frowned as he helped out Viktor, easing him down into the chair and pulling up the spinny chair that usually stayed behind Viktor’s desk to sit beside him. He placed his hand lightly on his upper thigh, massaging the muscle gently, getting a soft groan from Viktor. The man was uncomfortable and Jayce knew that so he was doing everything he could to help out. Gently, he moved his hands further up, putting the right amount of pressure on Vik’s bad side, kissing his cheek gently.
“Vik.”
“Hmm?”
“Don’t be mad, but I talked to Heimeridnger and got us off the rest of the day and tomorrow off. Before you say anything, you need the rest. Don’t bullshit me and say “I’m fine”. I know you’re not. You’re stressed, exhausted, in pain-.” He was cut off by Viktor pulling on his tie and kissing him, hugging him when he pulled away.
“Thank you.” His tone was soft as he breathed in Jayce’s scent. Jayce was caught off guard by the sudden kiss, though he leaned into it, his arms coming up to wrap around the smaller man’s body to return the hug. He felt the tension drop a little in his boyfriend’s body. Viktor pulled away and there on his face was a small but genuine smile, the one that Jayce loved to see and it made his heart skip a beat.
“You’re welcome, V,” Jayce whispered, brushing a stray strand and golden brown hair from Viktor’s face, cupping his face lightly. “You deserve a break, love. No one expects ya to be a machine herald.”
Viktor chuckled a little though his voice was tired. “You know just as much as I do that completing that task is easier said than done. It is… Difficult to shut off my brain and… Breathe.” He shifted a little, wincing as he adjusted his bad leg. Jayce frowned, moving his hand back to his thigh and resumed the gentle massage.
“Science can wait a day or two, my love. Your health is far more important,” Jayce said, eyes glancing up just in time to catch Viktor’s brown eyes watching him. His own golden ones softened with love and admiration for the smaller man.
“You are insufferably good at convincing me, Jay. It’s infuriating and endearing.”
Jayce shrugged, smirking as he stood up, leaning down though to press a light kiss to his forehead. “You love it, V.”
Viktor shook his head, smiled faintly as he gripped his cane, preparing himself to stand up, or in this case, Jayce would carry him home. Wouldn’t be the first time though. “Hm. What did you have planned?”
Jayce grinned, his boyish (or as Vi called his, his golden retriever) charm shining through. “I was thinking… We just relax at home. I cook up something of your favourites, soup maybe? A few rounds of chess where you’ll absolutely destroy me, and a warm bath later.” He busied himself with grabbing his and Vik’s belongings as he spoke, finally coming beside his boyfriend and gave him a look, which was silently asking him if he could pick him up.
“Firstly, do you really think you can beat me at chess? Second, you may and third, I suppose that isn’t a terrible idea.” He steadied himself as Jayce picked him up bridal style, allowing Viktor to adjust and get comfortable- as well as he could- before he pressed a gentle kiss to his forehead and started out the door, taking the back exit instead of through the lobby. Plus, it was a shortcut home. Rather than getting dirty looks from people as they walked down the streets of the city, they were walking around the backs of the houses and shops, only popping out of the alleyway when they neared their apartment building. Once again, Jayce had opened the door and carried Viktor up the stairs, all the way to their floor- the second floor- and instead the apartment, setting him carefully on the couch.
There, the blacksmith shut the door and took off his shoes as Viktor did the same from where he was sitting on the couch, setting his cane aside as he shrugged off the satchels and everything else he was carrying, setting it off in a pile, deeming it to be dealt with later that afternoon. Jayce smiled, coming over to Viktor and carefully removing his leg brace, pulling him into his lap gently, and then wrapped his arms around his back as Viktor lay down on Jayce’s chest, laying his head against where his heart was, listening to his heartbeat. He settled comfortably against Jayce’s chest, sighing deeply as he let the stress from the day wash away. The warmth from his human heater of a boyfriend was soothing and the rhythmic sound of his heartbeat calmed Viktor’s restless mind. He shut his eyes, finding the peace in the quietness. Jayce’s smile fell into something much softer as he stroked his hair lightly, pushing his fingers through his hair, his touch light and slow. He let his boyfriend relax, pressing a kiss to his forehead. Though, being ever so perceptive, Viktor tilted his head up a little bit.
"Ты всегда знаешь, как сделать меня расслабиться…" {You always know how to make me relax...}
Jayce, hearing the familiar flow of Viktor’s native language, smiled but didn’t respond in kind—his Russian was limited to only a few words, and it was still a struggle for him to keep up. "Uh, I understood ‘relax,’ but... the rest is a mystery, Vik."
Viktor let out a small laugh, a sound that was almost like a soft, tired sigh. "Ты такой милый... даже если не понимаешь половину того, что я говорю." {You’re so cute… even if you don’t understand half of what I say.}
Jayce smirked, pressing a light kiss to Viktor’s hair. "I try, I try." He glanced down, seeing how relaxed Viktor had become, his face softened by sleepiness and comfort. "You know, it’s kinda nice hearing you speak Russian. Even if I don’t understand everything."
Viktor’s lips curled up into a small, private smile, but his voice remained soft, as if he were speaking more to himself than to Jayce. "Это просто… мой способ расслабиться. Мой язык. Мои корни." {It’s just... my way of relaxing. My language. My roots.}
Jayce raised an eyebrow, intrigued, though not quite sure how to respond. "Well, if it helps, keep speaking it. I like hearing you say it." He gave Viktor a reassuring squeeze, his voice a bit quieter now. "Besides, I'll learn it eventually. Maybe you'll even teach me a bit."
Viktor chuckled softly at the idea, his breath warm against Jayce’s skin. "Ты слишком упрям для своего блага." {You’re too stubborn for your own good.}
Jayce couldn’t help but laugh at that. "Maybe, but you like it." He kissed the top of Viktor’s head again, feeling the warmth of his boyfriend in his arms. "I’ll take that as a compliment."
Viktor hummed, his hand lightly resting against Jayce’s chest, as though anchoring himself to this moment. "Я думаю, что ты прав." {I think you’re right.} His voice trailed off as he relaxed further, his eyelids growing heavy. "Я все равно тебя люблю, даже если ты не понимаешь меня." {I still love you, even if you don’t understand me.}
Jayce’s heart swelled at the soft confession, a smile tugging at his lips as he held Viktor close. "I love you too, Vik," he whispered, the words more than just a promise. They were everything Viktor needed to hear, even if the words were said in English. "We’ll figure out the rest together, okay?"
Viktor’s answer was a soft sigh, his body relaxing completely as he nestled closer, the peaceful silence enveloping them both. For the first time all day, Viktor let go of his worries. In Jayce’s arms, everything felt right