hexcorized | [ IC INBOX ] labyrinthum

[ He didn't know how long he was down there, but he knew that it had to have been awhile. It felt like awhile. When he was there, he could see and hear Viktor. Or at least he thought he had been seeing and hearing Viktor. Part of him knew that it wasn't really him, but he still struggled with the thought that it could be.

When he got back, the first place he went was home. There was no hesitation in his steps. He wanted to see the man that he loves, died for, and thought of the whole time he was gone. His body feels heavy as he moves forward. He makes the choice to ignore the pain in his limbs, the voices that were far louder than they had been for awhile. They were just another thing to lock away.

He stands on the front porch of their home for a moment - before he simply walks inside. He doesn't shout, but his voice cracks a little when he speaks. ]

Viktor.

[ More than anything, he missed him. ]

Edited (typos) 2025-06-23 11:58 (UTC)

[ These last 3 days have been hard to say the least. People becoming corrupted beasts, his wish turning him into...this, and Jayce's death have left Viktor reeling from it all and considering Jayce's death to be a fault of his own. If he weren't so...so broken, then this would never have happened. He's in the kitchen when Jayce finally comes back, staring into an empty cup, about ready to put the kettle on for some tea, when his head, with that long hair and golden highlights, whips towards the door. The shock on Viktor's face is easily recognizable as he stumbles to his feet. He'll use the wall to drag himself as fast as he's able towards the other. Eyes glimmering with unshed tears as Viktor stands in the middle of their living room, draped in a hooded robe. It's the only thing that's been useful in covering his entire body. ]

Jayce... [ you're back, you're home. He doesn't say anything as he wraps an arm around himself. Has it been three days already? He hasn't been keeping track of time, so lost in his own thoughts and with everything else going on around them, he's surprised he's even remembered to eat.

More than anything, Viktor has missed him too. ]

[ He's just glad to be back and see Viktor alive. He had been worried considering how dangerous things seemed to be getting here. He hated leaving Viktor like that. Not because he had died, but because he knows what it means to watch someone you care about die like that. For him, he was glad that Viktor was there. He was glad that he was by his side. While there was a time where he wouldn't have needed to have Viktor by his side, now he knows there's a certain peace that comes with dying by someone you love.

But he knew this place didn't work like that and it wouldn't stick. So he dealt with the hell that he was in again for the privilege of returning back to life. There was something about his time in Inferna that reminded him of his time in the pit - alone, trapped in his head, but fighting to push himself through with a goal in mind.

He stepped forward, wrapping his arms around Viktor's shoulders, pulling the man to his chest without a moment's hesitation. ]

I'm glad to see you. [ The desperation lingers n his voice. ]

Jayce... [ He gives a shuddering sigh as he all but sobs into Jayce's chest as he's pulled into that embrace. His voice is barely above a whisper, shaky, almost ready to fall apart because Jayce had died because of him and his inability to do anything in this broken body of his. Unable to defend himself and protect Jayce like had protected him 4 days ago. His metallic hands grip the fabric of Jayce's shirt, and he just wants to push the other away and curl in on himself at the sheer and utter pain he feels in his chest at this moment. ]

I'm sorry. I. I couldn't...I couldn't do anything to help you. You paid the price for my weakness. [ It's his fault for Jayce's death, and yet the other is still glad to see him. Unbelievable. ]

[ Jayce holds onto Viktor. He reminds himself of a couple of a very important thing: Viktor is real, and he's truly here. His tightens his arms around Viktor's shoulders, finding the most comfort even in the touch. His head is spinning - a push and pull of voices, but he centers himself on Viktor and is kept from floating away by his voice, his touch, his everything.

So much so that he doesn't notice the metal immediately. Instead, he takes in Viktor's apology. Why is he apologizing? He's not responsible for this. He just wants to hold him close and stay like that. He wants to be swept up in Viktor's being. ]

You're — don't. You shouldn't be apologizing. [ Jayce never saw Viktor as weak. And if he were, he didn't die because of Viktor. He died explicitly because he didn't want to see Viktor get killed or hurt. Not again. He had told Mel that it should have been him under the rubble. That was why Jayce made sure it would be him. It's why he kept Viktor safe.

He pulls away, shifting to take Viktor's hand in his when he notices it, and his eyes jump up to Viktor's face. He's looking for an answer. Anything. Something. He needs to k now that despite this change this is the real thing. ]

[ That look. Viktor shies away from it at first, trying to hide himself as he pulls his head away, prismatic eyes fearful and uncertain, but he blinks away those inner thoughts manifesting themselves through his strange new features. ] If I were stronger, healthier, this would not have happened in the first place. That's why I-

[ He had wished for so many things in that moment. Jayce to be alive again, himself replaced in his stead, Viktor had wished for a body that was not useless and rotting from the inside out, and this is what he got for his avarice. ]

I had no intentions of it being this form. I simply wanted a body that could be of some use. [ Where he could breathe without his lungs being pained. Where his leg and spine were no longer aching and sore, regardless of how many pins and bolts he shoved through his skin, his bone. He simply wanted it to be all changed. ]

[ There he is. That's the Viktor Jayce knows and loves very well. The Viktor that is truly his and here. It's odd to see him in this body before he ever should be touched by the Arcane. But here he is. He makes every effort to maintain control over his face, keep it calm and focused on Viktor. He knows it's not wholly there, but it's the best that he can do.

He doesn't want it to show that his mind has been taken for a ride. But he would still argue that it was worse in that pit. If only because down there he didn't know if he would have anyone waiting for him when he got out.

Here, he had Viktor to crawl back home towards. The other's wish was born from his desire to be of use. Jayce's expression softens, saddens. The words get caught in his throat. ]

You're not useless. You're not the reason I died.

[ He brings that hand to his lips, placing gentle kisses along the knuckles, then pressing it to his cheek, holding it there. It's comforting. More comforting than he thought a body crafted of metal could be. It still feels like Viktor to him. His face relaxes, truly. Whatever will haunt him can haunt him when he's not with Viktor. ]

I died because all I wished for was to protect you. [ His eyes flicker open, locked onto Viktor's face. ] When I got back from that place, when I found out Mel shielded me from that explosion—I told her that she should have protected you. That it should have been me under the rubble. I finally got to do that for you.

[ Those words hurt almost as much as the fact that Jayce would throw away his life so readily for him like that. Should have been him? It should never have been either of them, as far as Viktor is concerned. ]

It should not have been either of us, Jayce. Do you-you think this is some sort of repayment for that? [ Viktor looks...upset as that hand being kissed pulls away again before reaching out to cup Jayce's cheek. ] I do not want to ever see you get hurt like that ever again.

[ His voice struggles to stay firm and without emotion as he often tries to hide that part of himself. But when it comes to Jayce now, after all this time, he feels the wetness of unshed tears in his eyes. ]

I can't. I can't bear to-to see you like that. [ He does move closer, his breath shaky as his other hand reaches up to cup the other side of Jayce's face. Being alone for these three days has made him painfully aware of his own thoughts and feelings. He hasn't said it even once since they've been together. They are feelings that he has been denying the truth of, incapable of believing that was deserved such sentiments entirely. But this has only made his conviction stronger as he moves forward to press his forehead against Jayce's. It's an intimate thing from Zaun that he knows Jayce has no idea about, and yet he still does it with his eyes closed for a brief second. ]

I. I love you. I do not want you to ever leave me like that again. [ His voice cracks a little as he looks back into Jayce's eyes now. ] Please.

Not... repayment. Just I want to protect you.

[ While he doesn't necessarily see it as a repayment. He just wanted to be able to protect Viktor. He feels like he failed to do it at every turn. It was what he had wished for, it was why he was given his hammer, but he ultimately got to do what he had wanted to do and make sure Viktor got away safely.

But he feels a little bad about it. Viktor is distraught. Jayce can understand because he's watched Viktor die twice. He knows what it's like to watch someone who means the world to you be killed. Jayce had been prepared to trade everything just to have Viktor back. He can't promise that he won't get hurt like that again, if only because things here aren't always safe. And he doesn't want to break promises. ]

I'll try —

[ Because that means just as much. But what Viktor says makes hie heart jump. ]

— Really? You mean it?

[ Part of him knew, but hearing it means a lot. He nuzzles into the touch on his face. ]

But dying for me? Leaving me like that. I-I would never wish for you to do that again, Jayce. [ Why would you ever...no. Viktor is a fool. Of course, Jayce would die for him, every single time, if he had reason to do so. But what was Viktor to do with this information if not try to better defend himself? Perhaps making something that could stop such things from ever being an issue again?

It's something he keeps in the back of his mind, the thought only escaping him as he blinks and then pulls his forehead away, only to knock it back into Jayce's with an annoyed huff. ]

Of-Of course I do, you idiot. [ Ow. Now they can both share a headache together as well! But Viktor is blushing so hard as he looks back at Jayce. ]

Why would you think that I didn't? [ There is a familiar pout touching his lips as he looks directly into Jayce's eyes. His hexcorized thumbs stroke Jayce's cheeks as realization dawns on him. Ah. He's also been an idiot, hasn't he? ] Have you thought that, this entire time?

[ That his affections were not reciprocated? ]

[ He'll do his best not to do it again. He won't promise that it won't happen again because he can't promise that it won't happen again. He doesn't know what this world has going on. But he will do his best to not leave Viktor behind. He knows how bad it feels.

And then the headbutt happens and he's stunned. He just stares, blankly, at Viktor for several moments before he brings a hand up to his forehead and rubs the spot where Viktor knocked into it. He considers the other's question.

What did he think? It was hard for him to say for sure. Viktor had accepted the way Jayce had felt readily. But that didn't necessarily mean that he returned his feelings. He certainly liked and cared for Jayce. He could feel that without the words. But he didn't know if he could say that he thought Viktor loved him just as he loved Viktor. ]

Well...I'm not going to just assume one way or the other.

[ He had been kind of lingering in purgatory with his confession. ]

[ Viktor can only huff with an annoyed look that turns affectionate as he leans in to kiss Jayce on the lips. It's deep and lingering before he pulls away, face flushed. ] I have given you no reason not to assume such things. I. I apologize for that.

[ He looks away, clearly flustered now. ] That was not my intention to have you question me, us, and what it means to me. These last few days gave me much to think about, and I...realized I was being foolish in not wanting to see it. To see us how you do.

[ Another stroke of Jayce's cheek as Viktor's expression just swells with adoration and love. His eyes swirl with hues of red and gold, House Talis colors, but also colors to signify love. ] Seeing you die before me. I couldn't stand it, Jayce. You are mine, and you were taken from me.

[ Another kiss. This time deeper, and he pulls away with an exhale. ] Perhaps I could make it up to you. Show you. If you'd like.

[ He is staring so very intensely back into Jayce's eyes before he blinks and looks away almost ashamed. ] That is...if this form is not too unappealing.

[ Jayce chases that kiss, eagerly accepting any touch. Happy to have even the smallest bits of affection from Viktor. He just feels like he needs to be in his bubble right now. He brings a hand up to card through Viktor's hair. He was patient because he knew Viktor needed time. He still was getting used to the way Jayce loved him. He would have happily waited longer for those three words, too. ]

Don't apologize.

[ He doesn't want Viktor to think he owes him any sort of apology for making him wait. ]

Viktor, I'd wait for you until the end of time. You have nothing to make up for. [ He's very much Viktor's, and Viktor is very much his. They belong. Jayce does wish he knew long ago. He wishes he had known so he could have made Viktor his at home, too. He moves, wrapping his arms around Viktor's shoulders again, now placing small kisses all over the other man's face as he holds him. ]

Viktor... there's no version of you I find unappealing. But you can show me. And I'll show you how much I missed you. [ A short pause, and his attention shifts past Viktor. ] My room?

[ For comfort. ]

Edited 2025-07-03 21:53 (UTC)

Jayce... [ ah. When he says things so earnestly and easily like that, it just makes Viktor fall in love with him even more. The sincerity in how Jayce speaks just makes his face flush red and his heart beat faster. He'll press his forehead against Jayce's again as he lets out a soft, amused huff, as Jayce plants those kisses all over his face. Viktor will catch his lips in a light-hearted gesture, his eyes filled with love and longing. ] If I do not say it now, then I might lose the chance to do so in the future.

[ Viktor was never one to rush things until the onset of his illness. It seemed like his life was flashing before his eyes in a manner that he could not prevent or determine for himself. In some ways, he's afraid his fears are unknown to Jayce. He worries about Jayce most of all and how he will endure it if he dies again and again here. ] Your room is fine but... [ a small frown as he looks back at Jayce. ]

It is my sincere desire to take care of you first, Jayce. With this body I truly can, and there is no telling when it might revert back. So. You may use it how-however you like?

[ Viktor KOing himself as he gets extremely flustered just saying all that. Good job, Viktor. ]

[ Jayce moves his arms to wrap them around Viktor's shoulders, holding him close. He rocks their bodies left to right, shifting his weight. He lets out a quiet hm when he does, taking in the other's words. Viktor wants to take care of him. As far as he's concerned, Viktor has always taken care of him. From the day they met - when he pulled Jayce off his ledge, up until just today - giving him something real and true after his time in Inferna.

It was terrible there. The voices in his head were louder than anything, the hallucinations he experienced almost seemed real. He had to convince himself constantly that it wasn't. The air tasted of reptiles and every part of his body ached. It had renewed that sensation of his time in the pit.

But here, Viktor's presence alone helps. He manages to always pull Jayce off of a ledge even without trying. He helps him because for Jayce, loving Viktor was as natural as breathing. He takes Viktor's wishes and words to heart readily. So even though he still feels wrong he's alive and doing his best to not worry Viktor.

Because he's certain, as before, time will help him heal enough.

He takes a deep breath, and doesn't release his partner. ]

You take such good care of me. I know it took a lot to say it like that.

[ He gets the implications. And he does want to explore the metal form. He wants to experience in ways he hasn't before. ]

I just want to be close to you. That's how you can take the best care of me.

[ He always speaks in truths and absolutes. Viktor does not like to say things in any other way. So, for him to say that at all does mean it took quite a bit out of him. His flushed cheeks are indicative of this, as is the jackrabbiting of his heart in his metallic chest.

Viktor has always allowed Jayce to touch him, even now, with this form, it's almost like a drug that he can't seem to ever get enough of. Jayce just being close to him again, to be able to hold him in his arms and to feel his warmth, they both needed it more than anything else right now. Viktor was always someone who wanted to help others, Jayce, Zaun, and Rio. But it was always due to his limits that he never could; he always wanted to, but his body was not made for such things. So the fact that he could finally do something with this decrepit body of his is enough for him to sigh into Jayce's touch.

He'll look back at Jayce with those half-lidded, strangely prismatic eyes that swirl with reds and golds in him as he plants a light, playful kiss on Jayce's lips. ]

Then take me to bed, Jayce.

[ A kiss that he returns, even as brief as it is. He sighs into it, closing his eyes as he leans into the closeness that they have right now. Oh yeah, his room. His bed. They'll be comfortable, they'll be close. He'll let his mind turn off and be swallowed by instinct. He'll simply go with the feeling of it all. He'll hope that a good night's rest will help the cracks in his mind.

He finally steps back so that he can guide Viktor forward, towards his room - well, he'd argue it is their room anymore. He doesn't dare lift up Viktor - a lesson learned from their first time here. ]

Always.

[ Anytime. For as long as he lives. No matter how long or short that may be.

Stepping into the room feels strange, but familiar - kind of like when he'd visit home and sleep in his childhood room. The knick knacks he's gathered in his time here feel almost out of place. His unfinished cane leans against a wall. Notebooks he got here with fresh sketches - people and things here. The real. He realizes he's still finding his ground. But, at least, Viktor feels real and familiar. Jayce knows it's because he's always tethered his own well-being to Viktor. ]

I hope you're not disappointed I opted against carrying you.

[ Viktor walks without his crutch because this body does not need it and it's been strange to say the least. His leg is better, he is better than he ever was, like this. It's strange to admit it, but...this form, despite the circumstances that caused it back home, is truly one without pain or weakness. He could accomplish so many things if he had this body here. He could even help protect Jayce and not cause him undue duress. But those thoughts are filed away as they both enter Jayce's bedroom. It should be their bedroom now, but Viktor is stubborn that way. He'll look back at Jayce with a small huff, his metallic hexcorized hand lightly carding through Jayce's hair. ] You make me feel a great many things, Jayce, but disappointment is not one of them.

[ He murmurs as he pushes Jayce onto the bed before straddling him and sinking into his lap. There's a shaky exhale from Viktor, one that comes without a pain in his lungs or a cough, unbridled and unburdened. ]

Did you ever think about this body in such a manner when you saw it? When you...created it? [ His hexcorized hands roam up along Jayce's abdomen and over his chest as those pearlescent eyes of Viktor's lock onto Jayce's. His cheeks are flushed even as he acts so boldly, doing this, he still retains that ever-present insecurity about his body, especially now when it looks like this, of all things. ]

[ It is so surreal to Jayce—.seeing him walk like this and hearing him breathe like this. He had gotten so used to his partner with the illness attached to him that having him without is an experience. Of course it's a good thing—Viktor being healthy was all he had ever wanted. It was what he repeatedly fought for up until the end.

And sure, he'd seen Viktor in this form. But this is so...personal because he's not been changed at his core like he was when Jayce last experienced him. Hearing that is nice — he didn't realize how much he needed to hear of Viktor's care and love for him.

And feeling Viktor push him like this, climb onto him. It's all so new to him with Viktor. He stumbles back, getting comfortable in the blankets and mattress. Then he thinks about the question for barely any time. ]

My first thought when I saw this was - Viktor is alive and he looks beautiful. [ He reaches a hand up to move over the metal of Viktor's arm, trailing up to his face. ]

If I had known then - yes, I would have. I thought about it since then, though. It's beautiful, you know. You're beautiful in every form.

[ If Jayce thinks it looks surreal, then Viktor surely experiences that for himself. This body with its working limbs, lungs, and back has been nothing but a surreal dream that he's lived in for the last 3 days. Wished into existence by Viktor's own frustrations and guilt over his broken body but it has proved its uses, especially now. There are no pains that come from atrophying muscles or the slow decline of his breathing as his lungs fill with blood.

He can move and walk as if gravity isn't pulling him down, and it is so very freeing to him. It's almost empowering that he can straddle Jayce easily; he can do more than just that, and since Jayce's death, he has missed his touch so much. ] I missed you.

[ He chases the hand Jayce brings to his face, wrapping a hexcorized hand around his wrist as he kisses Jayce's palm and wrist, nuzzling into that touch like a man starved for one specific touch. Viktor blushes as he looks taken aback, his lips quirking into an amused smile. ] Flatterer. [ A pause. ]

I need you to take off your clothes, now. [ Typical blunt Viktor behavior, engaged. ] I want to see all of you.

[ Jayce had missed him. He had missed the love and care and affection. He had missed the quiet that Viktor's presence brought to his mind simply by being near to him. Inferna was lonely and it was loud — the voices were louder than they had been in quite some time. He had missed everyone in those few days, but Viktor more than others. He had been the one who kept him feeling safe, loved, and quieted the persistent words of someone else in his mind.

He lets out a pleased sigh at the kiss, cherishing even the smallest touches right now. He looks towards Viktor, straddled and gives him a little head tilt. ]

Not flattering.

[ He shifts. ]

Well, if they must go.

[ The shirt is easiest to get from this position, so he moves his hands to the bottom of it and starts with a tug pulling it off in one swift motion. The pants are a different story between Viktor's weight straddling him and the brace - it's going to take a little more effort. ]

It may require you to move a little. [ A glance. ] Unless you want to help me.

[ A playful little grin. He's trading his troubles for time with Viktor for now. It feels so nice. They can revisit him later - after everything. After his physical needs are met. ]

Unless you want to sit up closer to my face.

[ Said without a hint of bashfulness to him. ]

[ Goodness. That certainly is a suggestion offered so willingly and without shame. Viktor feels a heat bloom across his cheeks and down in the pit of his stomach simultaneously. He can't help but stare at the sincerity behind those words, that offer so easily spoken, before he lets out a huffed laugh. Gods, does he ever want that. ]

If I didn't know any better, Jayce, you would make a proper Zaunite with the things that come out of that mouth of yours. [ It's hot. Really, truly, he wants nothing more than to do as suggested, but... ]

I'm afraid I might hurt you if I do what you suggest. [ He is a bit heavier than he used to be after all. ]

However... [ Viktor does start to shift a bit downward, grinding up against Jayce's groin with his hips. ] We can revisit that offer once I get you out of these.

[ And get Jayce out of them he does, with surprising efficiency. Viktor's hexcorized hands shift to Jayce's brace first as he slowly slides himself off the other to kneel on the floor in between Jayce's legs, which he spreads apart eagerly, it's an action that his broken body could not afford him, so he takes to the opportunity like a moth to flame. So willing and with a leg that won't ache in the morning, he seats himself on the floor, almost reverently. Those prismatic eyes of his look back up at Jayce with the slightest hint of bashfulness in them as he begins to undo the brace. Mingled with the action are touches and massages to Jayce's inner thighs. Once the brace is removed, Viktor will press his mouth against Jayce's thigh, his breath hot and wanting against still clothed skin. ]

It's okay, I — [ He stops himself. It's okay if Viktor hurts him. It's okay if he gets a little damaged and broken. He has to rewind his brain to stop himself from saying things like this. He doesn't want to worry Viktor with the things he says. He figures out an appropriate way to end that statement. ]

I trust you. [ Which is also true. Even if he told Viktor he could hurt him, Jayce still trusts him not to. A moan escapes him. ] I only talk like that with you.

[ Jayce — normally polite and Piltover trained. Quiet politeness with hidden desires was a common thing among the elite there. They didn't share their wants and desires. They didn't share the parts of themselves that they buried. But it was always well known secrets. With Viktor, Jayce is a little more of himself than he is with most others. And with his love for the other man known after seven years of burying it - he's taking on a little more shamelessness.

He shifts, doing what he can to help Viktor remove the brace with the ease and expertise of a man well-practiced with braces Jayce builds. He watches, too. As those fingers and lips touch him with such delicateness that Jayce feels a shiver of anticipation down his spine. It only was a few days apart, but now that he's had Viktor, Jayce doesn't want any days apart. His breath is slow, practiced - focused. The heat pools in his gut, a feeling Jayce is well familiar with when it comes to Viktor now. ]

[ None of those things are okay, and it's probably a good thing Jayce doesn't say them out loud for Viktor to hear. It would only cause him more worry, and truthfully, he would struggle with the mindset Jayce has about that, given everything that he's learned. ] Ah. Of course. Noblebloods of Piltover always buried their desires. But we're not there anymore, so you can tell me everything you like. I like it when you talk like that.

[ Viktor will murmur into Jayce's thigh as he finally works on undoing the belt around his waist and pulling his pants down shortly afterward. Viktor doesn't make to remove the other's underwear quite yet, savoring just having Jayce beneath him like this. ] I find it highly enjoyable seeing you underneath me like this.

[ He is blushing, of course, as he says that, but he is also straddling Jayce's body again, leaning down to press a hungry kiss to the other's lips. They can both be shameless together, then. Just another notch in their already strange and beautifully diverse attraction for each other. ]

I trust you too, with my entire being. There is no one else but you.

[ He exhales sharply when the pants are gone, watching Viktor the best that hecan as the other makes his way up onto straddling him again. There's adoration again. Jayce is looking up at Viktor like he hangs the stars in the sky. Even with all of his thoughts twisting in his mind (his name would mean nothing without Viktor, he's nothing without Viktor, he's dead without Viktor) - he can still easily show that he loves the man before him.

The kiss is hungry, they'd only been apart a few days but it felt like an eternity. And he pours that feeling into everything when their lips meet. He brings his hands up to Viktor's cheeks, fingers brushing over where soft flesh meets metal. He wishes he had gotten to do this the day Viktor woke up.

If Jayce knew how he had felt then — maybe he could have salvaged their relationship at home. ]

No one else.

[ That makes him feel glad to know that he's the only one that Viktor trusts the way that he does. He shifts his hips a little, an attempt to grind up into Viktor where he's straddling him. There's neediness in every touch. It's there when he kisses and presses himself into Viktor, holding himself against the man. He needs Viktor to help his mind vanish for awhile. He needs Viktor to quiet his thoughts and voices as he always had. ]

[ IC INBOX ] labyrinthum

action; several days after death

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