Chapter Text
. Jayce thought that they would die in the end. Or that perhaps they will appear in some other place. But they reappeared near the Hexcore again. When Viktor came in this terrifying form of his to reclaim the power. Not they were here again. But Viktor was in human form. He still has a metal body. But he wasn’t a monster.
“Viktor!” Jayce stepped to him and embraced his slender figure. “We’re alive! Can you believe it? I thought that was the end.”
“For how long?” he sighed. “They can come for me. To judge me. I don’t know what the punishment will be.”
“We will handle this!” Jayce promised.
“How?” Viktor asked. “I don’t want you to get into trouble. Or to make everything worse. I should take it alone.”
“No!” said Jayce. “You suffered enough. I don’t want to sit and see you be judged and executed. I won’t lose you…”
“You almost killed me…” Vik whispered.
“I’m sorry.” Jayce ruffled his hair. “I gave a promise to another you. You saw it. Hurting you was like…tearing my own heart out… “
“You shot into my heart,” said Viktor.
“I know, I know,” Jayce replied. “I don’t try to minimize your own pain or my fault. I am just trying to say that I would rather kill myself than you.”
“Don’t say that,” he said. “I didn’t want this.”
They both kept silent because they did try to kill each other. And Jayce almost succeeded. He tried not to think about what would happen if he didn’t try.
“Let’s stay here for some time,” Jayce said. “And then we tried to escape town. Together.”
“No,” Viktor replied. “You shouldn’t give up your life for me.”
“And I won’t give up on you again,” Jayce said stubbornly. “I failed you so many times. I almost gave up on you. I won’t fail you again.”
“I appreciate the sentiment, but I need to go alone,” Viktor said. He also could be stubborn. “You still have family and friends here.”
“My family is you as well,” said Jayce.
“Jayce…” he whispered.
Jayce suddenly gripped him again, as he was afraid that Viktor could disappear again. And he didn’t want to take chances.
“You should know…” Jayce started.
“Jayce…” Vik’s voice was dry.
“No, let me finish,” Jayce asked. “I love you. And I always loved you. You are incredible and smart, kind, and beautiful. And I was just a fool that didn’t understand my own feelings until it was too late.”
Viktor was silent. And Jayce’s heart broke one more time. How many times can the heart be broken until it’s done?
“Oh Jayce…” Viktor whispered finally. “I…thought you… You were with Mel.”
“I was… I didn’t know what I felt,” Jayce replied. “Perhaps, it was just desire with her. And she manipulated me. But you…you are the most important person to me. I love you so much that I can’t describe it with words.”
“Jayce,” Viktor whispered.
“I’m sorry, I don’t want to overwhelm you,” Jayce felt uncomfortable. He is such an idiot. Viktor was going through a lot already.
“You didn’t,” Viktor replied. “I love you too. I just… I get used to being alone. To not be loved. And we saved the world and almost died.”
“That’s true,” whispered Jayce.
“You didn’t hate me?” Viktor asked after the long minute of silence.
“You weren't angry with me?” Jayce asked in return.
“I couldn’t…” he sighed. “I was hurt, but I can’t stay angry with you.”
“How could I hate you if you are everything I need?” Jayce said. “Everything I said was true. I just need you.”
Viktor was silent, but he didn’t take his arms away. He was…shocked, overwhelmed. One moment it was glorious evolution, and the next—they were ready to die or disappear. And then they appeared here. It was too much.
“What now?” he asked.
“They would probably look for us,” Jayce replied.
“What are you going to do with this?” he asked.
“I need to keep you safe,” Jayce replied. “I failed you before, but now I can save you. I won’t let them take you. I can’t lose you one more time.”
“Are we going to stay here?” Viktor asked.
“Maybe for a few days,” he said.
“Perhaps it would be better if I left the city,” Viktor admitted.
“No,” Jayce said quickly. “Please, don’t leave me. Not now. I missed you. I want to stay with you at least for a day.”
“Alright,” he said. He can’t say no to him.
“Are you hungry?” Jayce asked.
“No,” Viktor replied.
“Do you want something to drink?” Jayce continued.
“Not much, I don’t feel the hunger or thirst anymore,” Viktor replied. “I think we need a rest. It was eventful…time.”
“Yes,” Jayce went to the bathroom. “Wait for me. I…will come back and make you a bed.”
And he hid in the bathroom. Viktor didn’t know what to think.
Jayce trembled and almost fell on the floor. It felt so painful. There in the astral plane, he felt like they were getting somewhere. Like they were together again. Then why does everything feel so embarrassing and painful? He was fighting sobs. There wasn’t time to fall apart and cry. He will relax when Viktor is safe.
And then Viktor knocked on his door.
“Are you alright there, Jayce?” he asked.
“I am,” Jayce tried to compose himself.
But Vik let himself in anyway. He looked on the shower, on the sink, and then at him. And frowned with a confused expression.
“You didn’t even turn on the water,” he noticed.
“Yeah,” Jayce laughed nervously. “Sorry, I just needed the minute.”
“Maybe I should go,” Viktor said. “I don’t want to make you uncomfortable and hide from me in other rooms.”
“No, don’t go, please,” he asked. “I’m fine.”
“Are you sure?” he asked.
“Of course, you can’t make me uncomfortable,” Jayce replied.
In fact, he would like to keep Viktor forever in his arms. But he wouldn’t endanger him again.
“Give me five minutes,” he asked.
Suddenly Vik caresses his cheek and rubs the only tear that escaped his eyes. Now Viktor too looked sad.
“Why are you crying?” he asked.
“I almost lost you,” Jayce laughed nervously. “We almost died. And humanity was almost destroyed. That’s just a relief.”
“Doesn't look like relief to me,” Viktor admitted.
Jayce couldn’t take it anymore. So he took slender Vik’s hand and kissed his fingers. They were cold and odd to touch, but they were Viktor's, so Jayce didn’t care.
“We went through hell and back,” Jayce smiled. “We deserved a little breakdown, didn't we? And… I don’t know when I will see you the next time.”
“I don’t even know that it’s a good idea to see each other at all,” Viktor noticed.
“Oh…” Jayce felt crushed again.
“But I will stay with you for one day, and then I will leave the city,” Viktor finished.
“Where will you go?” he asked.
“I don’t know,” he sighed. “I can make a new commune. Somewhere in Zaun or in another city. Or outside the city.”
“Can I walk with you?” Jayce asked. “To the borderline maybe?”
“Alright,” Viktor agreed.
After that, Viktor left the bathroom, and Jayce could take care of himself. He found a clean cloth and made him a bed on the sofa. He didn’t dare to touch him anymore. Furthermore, he was afraid he won’t be able to let him go.
“Good night, Viktor,” he whispered and went to his bedroom.
“Good night,” was a quiet answer.
Jayce couldn’t fall asleep for he didn’t know how much time. He was thinking about him and Viktor. He maybe won’t be able to see him again, but at least he will be alive. Only that matters. But it was painful. Not to be able to laugh with him again or to touch him. He couldn’t return their time in the lab, and it was his fault. He should choose him instead of Mel. They should choose their plan to help people instead of weapons.
Viktor heard that Jayce couldn’t fall asleep. And then when he finally did fall asleep, he began to scream and beg for something. Nightmares, he understood. He hesitated about what to do. Jayce definitely went through hard times too. And Viktor stood up and went to Jayce’s room. The man was shifting on his bed. He was definitely in a nightmare.
Viktor recalled times when he put a blanket on his shoulders. Or when Jayce fell asleep and started to mumble something. But he was calmed once Viktor put his hand on Jayce’s shoulder. Maybe this time, it will work too. So Viktor undressed and lay on the bed. Then he embraced Jayce carefully. And the other man stiffened, then pressed to him. Did he do it when he was with Mel? Viktor tried not to think about this.
“Vik…” Jayce whispered in his sleep, and Viktor stiffened. “Please, stay… I don’t want to lose you again.”
Something in Viktor’s heart almost broke. Does Jayce see him in his sleep? Does he often see dreams about him? Viktor didn’t take his arms. He was used to loneliness. Or he thought that he used to. Now he could imagine that they were at their lab again and everything was alright. He didn’t want to leave him for real. But he didn’t want to ruin his life.
When Jayce woke up, he saw Viktor, who was sleeping peacefully. And his heart was healed a little bit. He was fragile and tender. He was a miracle. And came to save Jayce from nightmares. Jayce could hardly breathe. He carefully caresses his hair, trying not to wake his partner up. But Viktor opened his eyes anyway.
“Good morning,” Jayce smiled.
Viktor suddenly blushed and quickly stood up. Perhaps he didn’t remember what he was doing in Jayce’s bed.
“Good morning,” he said sleepy.
“Is everything alright?” Jayce asked.
“Yes,” he replied. “I will prepare breakfast.”
And he quickly left the room. Perhaps he still feels something after all. Perhaps Jayce still has a chance to persuade him.
Jayce washed his face, dressed up, and went to the kitchen. Viktor was in his T-shirt and looked even more fragile than before. He cooked something already. So Jayce decided to help him and made coffee.
But then he embraced him. He was warm and tender and smelled like rain and magic. He was magic himself. Furthermore, he should have hugged him a long time ago and never let go. Viktor trembled but didn’t go away. Yes, if Viktor stays alive, perhaps Jayce can survive their split up. Perhaps Viktor let him visit him one day…
Viktor turned in his arms and looked at him. Once golden gaze became silver rose, but even now they were beautiful. And Jayce kissed him. His partner sighed but kissed and hugged him back. And everything felt right again.
“Why didn't I kiss you earlier?” Jayce whispered.
“Why indeed?” replied Vik.
“It feels so right,” Jayce said.
“You need to have breakfast.” Viktor handed him a plate.
“Thank you, Vik,” he said. “Would you like some coffee?”
“Yes, please,” he nodded.
And Jayce handed him the cup. Then he sat at the table and began to eat. That was so sweet that Viktor made him a breakfast.
“Delicious,” he said.
“I’m glad,” Viktor replied.
“I can go and take your clothes if you want,” he suggested after the breakfast. “Or some other stuff that you might need.”
“No,” Viktor said suddenly. “You wanted to spend time with me, didn’t you?”
“I did,” Jayce agreed. “If you want.”
“I want,” he whispered.
“Then I stay.” Jayce came closer and embraced him again. Viktor didn’t mind at all. He put his head on Jayce’s shoulder.
“You are my everything,” Jayce whispered. “There isn’t a universe when I don’t love you. You are my magic.”
“Jayce…” Viktor whispered.
“Can I hold you a little longer, please?” Jayce asked.
“Yes,” he nodded. “Hold me.”
And Jayce held him tighter and kissed him desperately. Now he can’t stop. He could kiss Viktor forever. Why does it take him that long to understand? Viktor is…his partner in everything. His soulmate. This is one thing he is sure about.
“Jayce?” Viktor whispered and put his hands on Jayce’s shoulders.
“Yes?” he asked.
“Come with me?” Vik asked. “We can build everything from the beginning. Together.”
“Is that what you want?” asked Jayce with hope.
“Yes,” his partner whispered.
“Then I will go with you,” he whispered. “Wherever you want.”
“We need to go now,” Viktor said. “Before they start to look for us.”
“Give me ten minutes to pack some things,” Jayce said.
Jayce began to chaotically gather things. And Viktor helped to pack everything and organize things. As he usually does.
And then they went away, holding hands. At that moment Jayce felt like everything could be alright again. Until they heard footsteps. Someone was chasing them. They found Jayce and Viktor faster than Jayce thought.
“They might be spying on my house,” Jayce noticed.
“I can stop them with my magic,” Viktor suggested.
“No, it only will give you up,” Jayce said. “You should go first, and I will try to stop them.”
“Promise me you will find me,” Viktor said desperately.
“I promise,” he smiled gently and kissed him. “I promise to keep you safe. I love you. Go.”
And he went where they were supposed to be, leaving shaking Viktor behind. All this situation was so unfair.