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[ Though he doesn't need anything to motivate him, Viktor's plea does exactly that anyway. The need and want to be shown. He doesn't way what, but Jayce is going to interpret it on his own that he means his love, his affection, his want, his need for his partner. Years of yearning that he hadn't quite figured out he had. Longing stares at the person who he spent sleepless nights beside.

Jayce isn't sure how he hadn't figured it out until recently. What a fool he is. For a touch-starved man, the hands carding through his hair send a shiver down his spine. They touch the part of him that is trying to make up for lost time. Lips and tongue desperately claiming the flesh of Viktor's neck and jawline, more-so when the other tilts his head and offers it to him so freely.

He feels the crying before he hears it. The gentle shake, the hitch in his breath. It alarms Jayce. How long has it been since he's seen Viktor cry? Has he seen Viktor cry? God -- he can't remember. It's not that his partner was stoic and emotionless, but unlike Jayce, he seemed to keep his feelings closer to his heart.

He lifted his head, moving to place his right hand on Viktor's cheek. His eyes are searching for an answer as he mentally backtracks over what he's said - and finally realizes what he had said just before the crying started. He brushes his thumb over Viktor's cheek. His own eyes meet Viktor's. ]

Vik--?

[ There's hesitation now. He called Viktor beautiful because his thoughts are decidedly unfiltered now. ]

[ Oh. The touch is so gentle and warm that Viktor can't help but lean into Jayce's hand. He closes his eyes again before letting out a soft laugh. Just another surprising reaction from him that Jayce has to contend with now. It's a fleeting thing, but it's genuine and it's so very him as he opens his eyes to get another look at Jayce. His hand mirrors Jayce's action as he cups Jayce's cheek. His eyes are filled with affection and adoration for the man before him. ]

I'm fine, Jayce. [ A slow motion of his thumb over Jayce's cheek as he continues. ] I apologize if I worried you.

[ That laugh is everything to him in the moment it happens, as soft as it is. It's something he wants to hear again and again. Amazing, after all this time, he's finding new things to adore about his partner. When he says Viktor is the sun, this is what he means. His uncanny ability to bring the light to Jayce's life with something that could be seen as so simple.

And yet -- it meant a lot. Reassured that he's fine, Jayce nods. As long as Viktor's fine, then it's fine. That's all that he needed to know. He gives it a moment before he leans in and places a series of soft kisses on Viktor's lips, his cheek, his jawline. ]

That's what I needed to know.

[ Jayce's hand on his cheek is still cradling his face, shifting only to allow him to kiss in those spots. He's keeping a hand on Viktor to treat so gently - like he's the most precious thing. His hand on his back is still solid, steadily keeping their bodies pressed close.

At least Viktor seems to understand that Jayce meant it when he said it. Why else would he react the way he did? His kisses keep shifting, moving his hand from Viktor's cheek to trace over the buttons of Viktor's top. That's when another consideration strikes him: ]

Are you comfortable standing here?

[ He can get them both moved to somewhere better. If needed He'd hate to do anything to cause Viktor pain simply because they didn't find something comfortable. ]

[ Viktor huffs out a soft sigh with those fervent kisses to his lips, his cheeks, and jawline, all while his own hand idly drawing circles against Jayce's cheek. His eyes have only adoration in them as he meets Jayce for another kiss, reveling in it, as he nods. He'll swallow thickly, his eyes still a bit misty but not so much after that. ] I'm more than fine.

[ But, oh, he hadn't even considered it. He was so caught up in everything that, hm, his leg is starting to hurt a bit. But there are also plenty of places for them to get comfortable, too. ] I don't know how long we'd last between our two working legs. The couch, or...bed, perhaps would be better?

[ The insinuation is there with the mentioning of a bed, but Viktor's half-lidded stare is also there to set a tone. He'll lean in to kiss Jayce again before idly whispering into his ear. ] I'm content with wherever you choose, Jayce. But you should know if you take me to bed, I intend to spend the rest of the evening there.

[ Another look back into Jayce's eyes, his lips, his everything. To see what his reaction might very well be. Viktor's cheeks are so very flushed now as he looks away. ]

[ This hadn't gone the way Jayce had planned. It's a conversation he had carefully planned out in his head before he had settled in to have it with Viktor. It took him days to come up with exactly what he wanted to say and how he wanted to say it. And he got to say everything he had wanted - and so much more. He hadn't gone into this expecting that he'd be telling Viktor of his love for him.

But it felt good to. It felt good to have the chance to show him, too. He'd get to express the full extent of his love and care for his partner. A word that now held more implications than it did the day he arrived here.

When Viktor talks, Jayce listens - as focused and attentive as he always is. And he's right. Neither of their bodies would particularly like them standing in the living room like this. He considers the couch for a moment. It's better, of course. Easy to get to from here.

But the bed -- it would be far more comfortable for the both of them. So if that's the case -- An affection smile touches the corners of his mouth and his eyes try to meet Viktor's, but he does glance away. Still, his attention is on the other's face. ]

Hm, to spend the evening in bed with you...

[ He can't think of anything better. ]

That may have made the decision for me.

[ And so, he reaches to scoop Viktor into his arms suddenly. His leg instantly protests, but he ignores it. He'll pay for that later, certainly. His body barely likes carrying his own weight, let alone the weight of another person. But still, he moves forward. Though neither of their rooms are a long walk, he'll get them both to his own. An invitation into his space, which doesn't have much of anything in it yet, but he plans to change that in time. ]

Well, one of us had to make one. [ An amused tone as he returns the look, wanting and expectant now. What he wasn't prepared for was for Jayce to lift him up so suddenly like that. He'll gasp and grab hold of Jayce's shoulder with his empty hand. ] Jayce!

[ His face is burning up quickly at that. He does give a huff as he struggles for half a second before accepting his fate. ] Your leg. You don't have to carry me. You do realize I can walk, yes?

[ It's not a long walk, no, but still! Jayce's leg and now his own are both...damaged. It's still a notion that he's trying to get used to. It doesn't make him happy knowing that they now share such a similarity between them. Just as quickly as he thinks it, they're in Jayce's bedroom, and the heat upon his cheeks only deepens. He's still not entirely sure if this happening. Jayce's love, his own constricted feelings, all of it seemed far too good to be true.

How far Jayce had gone to...keep him alive also lingered in his mind. Perhaps he should be more angry about it, and perhaps not. After all, he was willing to go to whatever lengths to stave off his death, even so far as to use the hexcore. That is, until he was brought here. It's a lot to...think about, consider, ruminate on. But for now, he will just bask in the knowledge of finally hearing those words fall from Jayce's mouth. Relish in it and allow himself this.

He leans in, pulling at the collar of Jayce's shirt as he kisses him again. It's almost impatient with the insistence Viktor puts into it. ] Don't keep me waiting too long.

Of course you can walk, but my leg will be fine. [ He sees it this way: it will hurt, but the damage is long done. It's healed. And he does his best to ensure that his walk doesn't show any signs that it hurts, and is careful not to show any signs of a limp. The nearness of his space helps that, though. There's part of his brain that's simply wanted to simply do that. Lift Viktor up, sweep him up off his feet.

And while this is about as far from the initial plan as he could have thought, he stillw anted to have a chance at indulging in that. Which Viktor, at least, seemed to allow. ]

No more waiting.

[ He's in moments that he has Viktor settled down on the bed, not going too far beyond the edge of it. He's sure they'll make their way further into it, but for now this is a start to getting more comfortable. He doesn't go anywhere, though since Viktor grabs his shirt, pulls him in. And Jayce accepts the guidance. Years of pent-up longing lead to this. ]

I waited so long for this.

[ Another shameless admission in the heat of the moment. It's been years. Probably nearly all seven of the years they've known each other, if he thinks about it. No longer needing to support Viktor (realizing the crutch got left behind) since he's now taken a spot on the bed, Jayce presses down hard into the kiss, hands settling on Viktor's neck, thumbs stroking his jawline. He's taking full advantage of the changed positions and allowing his instincts to guide him more than before. Safely in his bed, comfort isn't as big of a concern now. His hands trail, knowing that the articles of clothing are going to have to get discarded. ]

[ Viktor doesn't normally allow nor like it when people carry him, even as a young boy, he never truly allowed it unless there were dire circumstances. Could this be considered one, he wonders? He allows Jayce this because the sheer amount of yearning and love radiating off the other man is suffocating to an extent. It was done not out of pity but out of love and devotion in a way Viktor has never seen before.

He's placed upon the bed with a soft sigh as he deepens the kiss that pulls Jayce in towards him, his own eyes filled with something akin to heat, longing, need. ] And you think I haven't? At least we're in agreement about that.

[ They have both been rather foolish, haven't they? It is the amused but breathless reply before Jayce deepens that kiss, and Viktor lets out a noise of acknowledgement and pleasure. Allowing Jayce's hands to cradle his neck and trail downward towards his clothes. ] Your hands have always...been something I've thought about.

[ One of his own will come up to grip at Jayce's wrist, the one without the crystal embedded into it. Viktor's eyes flicker again with that want. ]

I have wondered...how it must feel to be manipulated and touched by them.

[ It's not that people haven't looked at and admired him, but there's something in the way that Viktor does it that feels so different. It's deeper, a look coming from seven years of friendship - them being as close as they always had been - that evolved into something more. It was precious to him. He realized in Viktor's absence that he had always wanted Viktor to simply look his way like he is now. He hadn't know to ask for it then, but even if he did - he doesn't know that he would have.

They were on the same page, a consideration no longer surprising after everything that had happened today. But he still finds some relief in knowing that Viktor has waited for this as long as (or probably longer) than he had.

His work on the buttons of Viktor's shirt is slow, but the other grips at his wrist and he listens to the other's admission. He lets out a breath, leaning to press his face against Viktor's neck, leaving a gentle kiss there before speaks on the sentiment. He whispers his words there. ]

Have you? My hands are rough.

[ Calloused. Not just from working the forge or doing work in the lab - from his months at the bottom of a chasm and dismantling his hammer. Viktor deserves to be treated with the utmost care -lovingly, as if hew want to ensure each touch is felt and full of intention. While the one handstills while Viktor holds it, the other still works through the buttons. ]

But still really gentle. Although I'd love to see you undone. [ Fully treated exactly as Jayce felt Viktor deserved. As if he were something rare and precious, but not fragile or delicate. Jayce wouldn't want Viktor to think that he's worried he'd break him.

With a couple of buttons undone, he moves his free hand - with the crystal - and spreads his fingers over the top of Viktor's chest, dragging over it. ] You're already beautiful, I can only imagine what that'd be like.

[ This time, the intention is there. His eyes are locked onto Viktor's as he says it. As if to prove that it wasn't an accident last time he said it, too. ]

Edited 2025-04-19 12:02 (UTC)

Who's to say that I don't appreciate them that way? [ Viktor hums into Jayce's hand, kissing his palm as he slowly drags his lips across those calluses. Viktor shudders from the kiss pressed against his neck, his eyes half-lidded as he watches Jayce undo his buttons. It's almost like a dazed stare as if he can't believe any of this is really happening right now. But it feels real, and he doesn't recall falling asleep, so it mustn't be a dream.

Viktor feels his face flush at Jayce's words, however, unexpected as always with what he says sometimes. The beautiful especially has him pull away slightly, looking some kind of way, half embarrassed, half turned on, he's not sure what he's feeling right now, but it's a mixture of emotions. Another shudder as he lets out a soft, sighed breath, taking in Jayce's warm hand spread across his chest like that. It's enough to make the flesh on his skin break out in goosebumps. ] You say the most ridiculous things sometimes, Jayce.

[ Him...beautiful? He doesn't think of himself in that way at all, especially when it comes to his back brace, which Jayce will see beneath his shirt. He still wonders what Jayce even sees in him now, but maybe he'll change his mind. ] There could be...many improvements.

[ To himself physically and perhaps in other areas as well. There is a creeping sense of anxiety the further along Jayce goes with undoing his shirt and exposing the imperfections of his body underneath it. Skrawny, pale, and affixed to his back brace in some sort of hideous amalgamation of flesh and metal...he blinks and looks away, trying not to let his fears and self-deprecation get the better of him. ]

[ He lets out a pleased sound as Viktor's lips gently kiss against his hands, moving over the rough surface that he had mentioned thinking about. It was in his blood to have rough, but gentle, hands. Capable of doing challenging work but creating fine details both while at the forge. There's something about the kisses there that ignite something deep within him.

Like through all of the roughness of his outer shell he's getting treated with a tenderness that he missed. It would take a better man than him to resist what's being offered here. Then Viktor pulls away, just enough for Jayce to notice, and takes his hand. He's protesting the sentiment, but Jayce believes he's wrong about himself.

Sure, Jayce would rather Viktor not be sick. He'd rather the man live as long as he does so he can stay by his side. He saw what what he becomes when Viktor's not there.

He lets out a thoughtful sound of protest as he undoes the last of the buttons on Viktor's shirt, keeping it in place as it opens. His eyes, half-lidded, shift over Viktor's form for a moment. ]

And if you tell me where you think you need improvements, I will tell you why you're wrong to think they make you less beautiful.

[ Confidently. His mind may be twisted and unreliable, but he is certain of that. ]

Edited 2025-04-21 03:39 (UTC)

[ Jayce's eyes shifting over his form make Viktor feel so very exposed. It was a silly and ridiculous thing to feel, since his body from a young age has been observed by doctors and nurses alike. But their eyes looking down at his broken and frail form never made him feel like this. When Jayce looks at him, it's like he's not enough, will never be enough, can't be...enough. But it's not anything Jayce himself is doing wrong; he knows, he knows now that the other will love him regardless of what he is, what he becomes, and maybe he's just still coming to terms with all of that. But he wants to be more for him, for them both, but he can't be. Not when he is like this.

So his eyes remain focused on the bedroom floor before they flutter as he looks back up at Jayce. God, Jayce is so beautiful. How could he ever think they were equals? Viktor's expression shifts into surprise and incredulity as he looks away again. ] Everything could use an improvement. I'm not quite sure that my sickly pallor, my eye bags, or the brace nailed into my spine and leg could be considered as-as beautiful.

[ All said so very matter of factly. ] But you have continued to surprise me with your answers. So I might be persuaded to keep an open mind.

[ Jayce's hand traces over Viktor's chest, where he can see a pretty striking difference in their skin tones. There's a flush on his face that reaches his ears as he admires the man he's standing near. He understands that the other sees him so differently than Jayce sees him. But for Jayce, he simply can't believe that he gets to indulge in this. That he gets to be close to Viktor in such a way that that he'd never expected.

He steps in close to the bed, pressing against the edge of it, his braced leg sliding between Viktor's legs so that they can be as close as possible for now. He knows they'll both be sliding further into the bed sooner than later. But for now he's okay like this. He's okay admiring Viktor and showering him with every ounce of affection that he has.

One hand settles on the other's head, the other shifts from his chest to his waist. He sighs, it almost takes him no effort to come up with an answer. His smile is a little cheeky, because really - he doesn't have some sort of brilliant answer, either. It's simple. ]

And all of those things are pieces of you that are a part of the whole. They don't somehow make you less. All you have to do is be Viktor. The Viktor I admire and adore. The Viktor who is beautiful.

[ Of course he wishes Viktor never had to deal with these things. But for him, they're simply a part of the person he loves so much - and he'd take Viktor with or without them. He wonders, hopes there's a way to make it more clear. He has a question. ]

So what of me, Viktor? A shattered leg, a scarred body. A mind so irreversibly tainted that I always have to remind myself it's real. [ Not to mention a mind that was always slowly working towards an edge long before the chasm. A mind his mother called unwell. ] Maybe you wish I didn't have to deal with it, but I know you don't see them as things that somehow make me less.

Edited 2025-04-21 16:14 (UTC)

[ A stuttered sigh manages to worm its way out of Viktor as Jayce teases his hand over his chest, his leg pressing between his legs gets another hitched breath. An innocent enough gesture, but the intent behind it is loud and clear. Viktor wants nothing more than for Jayce to continue, have his hands glide along the contours and ridges of his body, and the thought is enough to make his face go red hot down his neck and up to the tips of his ears. But his breath catches again in his throat for what feels like the umpteenth time today, and his eyes dart to look directly back at Jayce. His breath is shaky as he exhales and looks away, almost like he can't believe what he's hearing. ]

Jayce I-I can't. I can't accept that so easily. [ He truly can't even if Jayce makes it so abundantly clear and easy to accept. How is he just supposed to do it so effortlessly? He shakes his head and presses the heel of his palms to his eyes, almost like he's fighting to keep tears at bay again. Having some you've loved for over seven years say that the things you hate about yourself only make you beautiful is...so much. This whole time, he's only ever hated what he was unfortunately born with. A bad leg, a crooked spine, lungs that were diseased, none of it by choice, and all of it predetermined without so much as a chance. He never stood a chance, and yet Jayce finds them...beautiful? He finally removes his hands from his face and looks back at Jayce, eyes filled with surprise. ]

You are...you've always been perfect to me, Jayce. Your mind, your body, I could never see you as anything less than perfect, regardless. [ That confession slips out as his face lights up again. But he sighs as he lets out a soft laugh, thinking on his own answer, it does make his self-loathing a bit of a contradiction, doesn't it? ] I suppose it does make my argument a bit weak when you put it that way.

[ His smile is amused as he raises his hands to tug Jayce down towards him. His lips pressed against Jayce's once again, this time more insistent and hungry. ] I will always want to see you for who you are and nothing else.

[ Viktor's words echo in his mind. He had a feeling that turning it on himself would resonate with him a little more. He gets what he's dealing with, really. While Jayce has never struggled as intensely with his image - he knows what he's been through. He knows that the damage done to him is permanent, irreversible. But he also knows that he had to embrace those things about him to do what he could. He had to be persistent, just as he always had to be.

Jayce had always seen Viktor as someone persistent, too. Committed to their goals and work through it all, even in times when Jayce wasn't attentive.

He falls into Viktor, allowing himself to be pulled in. He smirks a little into the kiss. He feels a little victorious. ]

Mhm... [ A hum - a little suggestion that says he knows he's right - right now. ] I thought so.

[ Only because as a romantic he knows that to love someone is to love them wholly, entirely, and thoroughly. It means that it's just as Viktor says - that he will only ever see him for who he is and nothing else. He simply wishes for Viktor to have the best of this life.

He feels a lot more settled now, no longer needing to continue insisting. As long as the other understands how Jayce sees him, he'll be satisfied for now. Pulled towards Viktor, he leans into him, hands exploring the form under him. His hands tracing of the form of his back, slipping under the back of his unbuttoned shirt and moving softly, feeling the shapes of it. His movements are slow, callused fingers exploring every piece of his partner for the first time.

He lets out a pleased sound, thinking now only of this. How he'd like to explore every inch of Viktor with his hands and mouth. How he'd like to thoroughly taste and experience him. He wants to treasure and experience him in ways he's never gotten to before. He only gets one first time to experience Viktor, and he wants to ensure that he gets to fully.

His tongue moves past Viktor's lips, taking the chance to explore the other's mouth with his tongue. He pulls back a little, teeth catching on the other's lip only briefly, playfully. ]

I'm going to show you.

[ He says it again. ]

I'm going to show you what loving you means to me.

[ Viktor gives Jayce an almost annoyed look at that satisfied look and that hum, knowing full well that Jayce knows he's right. Then again Viktor finds that part of him so damn desireable too it's rather unfair. ] Don't let this one instance go to your head.

[ He's clearly at a disadvantage here, okay?! And it shows as Viktor's back arches, the places around the bolts in his spine are especially sensitive, as he lets out a pleased noise. Feeling Jayce's hands on his body in any place, any way, is electrifying. Then comes another kiss, and Viktor folds immediately, letting Jayce taste him, nip at his bottom lip, as he pulls away, and Viktor can only reply in kind with a scowl. ]

Then you better hurry up and stop teasing me.

[ A small hum in acknowledgement. He won't let it go to his head too much, at least. But he will enjoy the smallest victories with Viktor. He doesn't blame him for not fully knowing his worth and beauty. The world taught him that everything that was thought of as wrong with him was an imperfection only meant to be fixed and corrected. That having them was a mark on your beauty. Maybe it was Jayce's affection that helped him feel that way. Maybe it was simply Jayce being who he always was.

His eyes fall on Viktor's lips, face. Enjoying he way that the noises rise from Viktor's through when Jayce's fingers move over he sensitive pieces of Viktor's back. ]

I'm not teasing.

[ Okay, so he kind of is - a little bit. But he'd probably call it exploring instead. It's their first time together like this. He wanted to treasure it. So he kneels before Viktor, just as he had before their conversation started, and work on slowly undoing the brace. He starts near his ankle and foot, with a clear goal to work up.

After each piece is undone - he lets his hand rest on Viktor, fingers and thumbs working in gentle circular motions to massage him. He's working a little deeper this time. More intention behind the touch. As he works, he looks up at Viktor often, watching the man's face and reactions. ]

Are you trying to fool me, or yourself, with that?

[ Amused quip as he watches Jayce ever so attentively. The same feeling happens again, watching Jayce kneel before him sends a heat throughout his body that he knows is desire in its purest and primal form. He remains still as he watches Jayce slowly start to remove his newly made brace with such intensity in his eyes that its easy enough to see the desire in it now. Such looks were not beneath Viktor, but he often reserved them for when Jayce wasn't looking. It's easier now, now that he doesn't have to hide his wants or desires. Viktor can't stop the noises that escape him with the additional touching, though, his breath coming out in soft exhales with each ministration, as he has to look away when Jayce finally looks at him.

The massage into his bad leg makes him shudder, and he'll put his hand against his mouth to curb the sounds, embarrassed enough as is, he doesn't want to make it any worse for himself. ] Jayce. [ Hissed through his teeth because he wasn't expecting all of this. ]

You are...incorrigible sometimes. [ Said through even breaths as he fights with himself to not come off as too needy, too desperate. It feels amazing, though. He can't help but make some noises of pleasure. ]

I can't fool you.

[ A hum when he says that. It's the truth, though. Not that he really tries to fool Viktor. There's still things Viktor doesn't know, and he is sure in time that the man - his partner - will. Jayce wasn't going to let him go without that knowledge now. Not when so many wounds had been opened today. For now, he was just going to let himself enjoy this. Show Viktor how loved and treasured he is. He wants to make sure every ounce of affection he's held for so long is known, even if not fully understood.

He will give Viktor more time to understand. The way Viktor says his name wakes up ever sense in his body. It's like he can suddenly feel every ounce of everything in the world and he never wants to stop. Viktor's voice saying his name, the way he breathes, everything -- he's so keenly aware of it. He wants more of it.

He works to undo the thigh finally. He'll shift, gently setting the brace to the side with Viktor's shoes. He knows the other can do things like this himself, of course. He always knows. But that doesn't mean he doesn't want to do it himself. With that done, he can resume his touches to Viktor's thigh.

Here, there's almost a tentative touch at first, but his mind urges him forward with the hope of getting more of those sounds from Viktor. His hands move in slow circular motions, using the heel of his palm at times. But he knows this can be better. His eyes flicker his legs then to Viktor. A finger hooks into the pants and a muttered question of -- ]

May I?

[ Maybe he's being polite and cautious. Maybe he's trying to not look too eager (not that he's successful on that front). But he wants to make sure Viktor knows that he's not simply being taken for a ride here, he's got the freedom to change his mind. ]

Mm, yes, well, I do tend to be the smarter of the two of us at times. [ Just have a smirk and a teasing tone of voice as he says that. Jayce was brilliant in his own right, and Viktor knew it all too well; it's one of the things he loved the most about Jayce. Jayce's mind is above all else the most important aspect to why he loved the other so deeply, and his ability to constantly challenge Viktor with his own thoughts.

There's a soft sigh that passes his lips as he closes his eyes momentarily. Taking in the strength and yet the gentle touch that Jayce uses on him. His leg is sore on a good day, but when his brace is removed, it tends to remind him just how bad the pain can be at times. Here, it was worse because of the lack of medicine he'd normally take for the pain. The pain relief provided by the locals of this place is woefully insufficient for his needs. He's been managing, but there's a small gasp when Jayce massages his thigh like that. His eyes shot open at the question posed to him, that smirk resurfacing. ]

Are you asking to be polite? Or to not come off as too eager? [ Viktor's eyes flicker with some mischevious mirth. ] You're still an easy read, Jayce. You don't have to ask for my permission to do this.

[ His arm will reach out to thread lightly through Jayce's hair, tugging his head back a little, so that they can meet eye to eye. He can feel and see how eager Jayce is, how he's holding himself back from this. It's like a build-up of potential energy that's threatening to burst from the very seams of its confinement. ]

You may do what you like- [ 'with me' is the unspoken finishing part to that sentence. Just a spark to ignite that energy to finally spill over. ]

[ Jayce knows Viktor is teasing, the little smile at the corner of his mouth says he understands it's a joke. Logically, he knows they stand side by side. Each with their own strengths and talents - always toe-to-toe on the things that they did. They were partners that worked so well because they treated each other as equals and they could keep up with one another.

He takes notes of each and every one of Viktor's sounds, memorizing where and what kinds of touches caused each one. He wants to make Viktor feel as good as he possibly can. He knows what the goal is here, but that's all the more reason for him to make sure Viktor feels as good as possible. He wants to be sure Viktor understands the extent of his adoration. ]

I -- just wanted to be sure.

[ Viktor knows him so well. He can tell that Jayce is holding back, practicing restraint. It's challenging when he's practically buzzing with excitement and interest. Of course it was a bit of both of trying to reel in his eager nature and the polite behavior instilled in him since he was young. But that aside, he still felt it was the right thing to do. Even with a Viktor who seems to trust him, Jayce still feels like he has to work and earn that trust back.

Permission given, Jayce undoes Viktor's pants without hesitation and tugs. Despite the fact that he's working with a pleasant buzz of excitement, he still is making sure he's plenty gentle with the motions. Gloved fingers working to remove the garment promptly.

And as they are discarded, he suddenly feels extremely overdressed - and he's only really now realizing that his gloves are still on. He simply does not take them off most of the time anymore. He doesn't want to call attention to the arcane corruption crawling up his arm, the glove hiding a portion nearest the wrist - threatening to make its way into his palm. There's a brief moment of hesitation to remove them. He doesn't want to reignite any worry Viktor has over it, since it's simply something that cannot be changed as he is now.

But it would absolutely be weird for him to keep them on. And extremely suspicious. So with that decision quickly made, he puts his index finger in his mouth, gripping the fabric of his glove with his teeth, and pulls it off his right hand - and then similarly off of his left hand. He discards the fabric of the gloves somewhere - to fresh pile of discarded clothing - and realizes how nice it is to have bare hands on Viktor's bare leg. ]

What I like?

[ And he leans in, placing kisses along Viktor's leg where the brace once was. As he places a steady kiss on Viktor's thigh, his eyes drift upwards, letting his lips linger. ]

I am.

[ Because he likes to hear the noises and sounds. He likes to see smirk that touches Viktor's lips or the way that he looks at Jayce. Because for every ounce of affection that he gives Viktor, he gets it in return. Sure, their ways to show it are different, but Jayce knows it when he sees it from his partner. ]

Edited 2025-04-29 19:09 (UTC)

[ Viktor is blushing so deeply now as he watches through half-lidded eyes as the man of his most intricate and enthralling fantasies recreates scenes from each one of them perfectly. His breath hitches in his throat as Jayce removes his pants. His legs and the brace bolted into his femur, exposed. He instinctively shies away ever so slightly because he's not used to this...having someone like Jayce see him so utterly bare, someone who he cares for and loves so deeply, seeing all the damage and distorted nature of his body. It's more about trust than anything he can put into words, and he does trust Jayce. But he still feels lacking, so very lacking, and not at all deserving of all this attention, affection, and devotion. He takes a stuttered inhale of breath as he feels Jayce's lips press against his inner thigh.

He lets out a pleased noise, akin to a moan, flushing ever so slightly as he breaks contact with Jayce's intense gaze. ] You are...doing it, again. Teasing me.

[ It's easy enough to see Viktor's arousal now without his pants there to cover it up, and his blush is down to his chest now as he watches Jayce, his gaze intense. ] I might have to reconsider for next time if you keep this up. So be a good boy and get on with it.

[ He sounds a bit testy as his shifts in place, spreading his good leg a bit more to accommodate Jayce. Of course, it's all bark and no bite; there's certainly no way Viktor would ever deny himself, or Jayce, of this again. ]

[ There's an earnestness in his gaze that is so different from the Jayce Viktor's gotten to know in his time here. It certainly is reminiscent of the one with the younger face, untainted by anything. His eyes flicker up towards Viktor's face, smiling clearly after he notices arousal.

He places a couple of more kisses on his leg, gently placing them on the sore limb. His fingers trace over it, shifting up to grip at Viktor's hips. Each movement is full of intention. There's that accusation of teasing again.

He doesn't think he's teasing. Not exactly. ]

I'm appreciating. [ Really, nothing short of total devotion and adoration. ] I --

[ He almost speaks again then his jaw snaps shut and his eyes get wide. He locks onto Viktor's face trying to decipher the intention behind the words. But he honestly can't think. That good boy went straight to his cock. He was not prepared for that sort of self-discovery. He was not prepared for Viktor to strike a pleasant sensation in his mind with two words. ]

Since you asked nicely.

[ Told him, more like. Which is honestly better (?) than being asked for him. He shifts his weight, moving to stand awkwardly shifting to nudge Viktor further onto the edge of the bed. To be honest, he didn't want to wait long, anyway. Haven't they waited long enough? ]

[ Viktor's breath hitches in his throat as he sees that expression on Jayce's face, feels his lips against his sore leg, it sends a shudder through him as he exhales ever so softly at the gentleness of those touches. He swallows thickly, watching Jayce with rapt attention as Jayce's expression shifts. Don't think he didn't notice because boy, he sure did. Those two words, hm? It's an interesting thing to file away in the back of his mind for later experimentation.

For now, he watches Jayce with a flushed and enthralled look in his eye,s moving ever so slightly as he's pushed further onto the edge of the bed, his eyes fluttering ever so slightly at the sudden close proximity. He will let out a soft huff, a small chuckle escaping him, as he shifts in his position. ] I am only ever nice.

[ Such a lie, but when it comes to Jayce, that is the truth. His hands will reach out, fingers lightly fiddling with the hem of Jayce's shirt and then the waistband of his pants. There's an eagerness in Viktor's movement that he can't control. ]

I would also like to do some appreciating. [ Viktor will pull Jayce closer to him with the band of his pants, his hands roaming downward in a teasing manner, only to stop abruptly at his thighs. He'll give Jayce an amused and challenging look. ]

Take them off. [ A pause. ] Please. [ See. He's being nice and polite, too. ]

You are nice.

[ As far as he's concerned, Viktor saved Jayce when he needed saving most, and then he continued acting kind towards him. But Jayce also saw what Viktor was doing in the Undercity, and though he had to take it apart, his short experience there also told him that it was built on his idea of kindness, too.

He's pretty sure that it's Viktor's default state beneath it all. Which is probably why what Jayce did hurt him so much. But that's different here and now. He had put his heart on display and gave Viktor every reason to squash it.

And he hadn't. ] I can do that.

[ A shift of his weight and he works to undo the brace first. It has to be the first article to be removed because once it's gone, everything else is fairly straightforward. It's for the best that he's taken to not wearing the elaborate coats and boots since arriving, isn't it? Who would have thought that his shift in style would benefit him now? While he took his time undoing Viktor's, he's far less patient with his own as he starts near his foot, working to loosen each piece of it. ]

I'm pretty sure you've been appreciating this whole time.

[ It's not like he hasn't noticed the way Viktor's been looking at him. All of that affection that's so clear to Jayce now that he knows what it looks like. Hm. How long has Viktor looked at him like that? How long has he missed it? ]

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