[ The laugh is...hm. Strange, but also welcomed in a sense. There are many things that they have to discuss, but over these devices is not how Viktor wants to do it. ]
The lab, of course. You remember...how to get there, I hope? [ He's not sure of the extent of Jayce's memories of this place, so better safe than to assume anything. But where else would he be? And when Jayce does arrive, Viktor looks...well, not his best. His eyebags are rather dark, and he looks like he hasn't slept in days, but you know he's at least making sure he drinks. Eating has been optional even if he knows it shouldn't be.
He's been fixated on several projects they have going on, so he's been focusing all of his time and energy on that. ]
He sends a message this time, not wanting to call given how winded he's going to sound:]
Trolley's broken. I'll get there as soon as I can.
[It takes him forty-five minutes to show up, and when he does, he's throwing the door open with a loud bang; sweaty, breathing heavy, and with a look in his eye that's bordering desperate.]
Viktor? V?
[As soon as he sees Viktor, he beelines for him, arms out like he's about to give a hug. The scolding he'll give for Viktor's much worse state comes second to physical contact.]
[ The lab is quiet, for the most part, aside from the humming of the fluorescent lighting overhead. Viktor does startle at the sudden loud bang and Jayce's voice that follows it.
He will be hunched over various blueprints for Robert and Sevika's arms, his own study, and blueprints for his personal project, shuffled in a pile somewhere nearby but not out in the open for Jayce to see. Viktor will stand slowly, only bracing himself against the bench with one arm while the other comes up to lightly touch Jayce's back when he is hugged by the other man.
His expression is one of surprise, but it's mostly that yearning look that he quickly stuffs down and away. Out of sight. ] Jayce...?
[ He's been acting strange since he got this message, and Viktor's confusion is easy to hear in his tone. ] Is...everything alright?
[ The desperation in both voice and actions does not go unnoticed. ]
[The hug is all all encompassing for Viktor. Jayce wraps his arms tight like he's not planning on letting go again. And without a second thought, he nuzzles his face into Viktor's neck, shoulders sagging with relief at the familiar scent of... Viktor. Alive. Whole. Still mostly flesh.
Fortunately(?), Jayce has a shirt on- his white lab button-up- but all it really does is emphasize the slightly damp line running up his spine, and when he finally pulls back from the hug, he still doesn't fully let go as he keeps his hands on Viktor's shoulders.]
Yeah- everything's... fine...
[He looks over Viktor with a more critical eye now, and notices the even-more withered look.]
You haven't been sleeping, have you?
[A little ironic perhaps, coming from Jayce, since he's currently sporting darker eyebags than he usually has as well, along with that barely cared for hair.]
[ Viktor huffs out a sigh. Everything is not fine, and Jayce knows better to even try to lie to him in person like this. Working together for nearly a decade and Viktor can see when Jayce is distraught and stressed, but he's never seen it to this degree.
Viktor's blushing ever so slightly because that nuzzling?? that inhale?? It's a lot, especially coming after everything from Aphaia. He looks away briefly, collecting his thoughts, before he gives Jayce another look. Critical, just like Jayce's. ] I can sleep when I am dead, Jayce.
[ Viktor, no. Too soon!! But it's said with a hint of teasing. ]
There are far too many projects to-to complete and I wasn't sure if you were... [ Coming back, but he doesn't say it as his eyes scan Jayce's features once more. His hand will raise as he lightly touches Jayce's cheek, a frown slowly forming on his lips. ] Speak for yourself. You look like you haven't slept in days either.
[ He only barely realizes what he's doing before his hand drops back to his side immediately, a flush of warmth touching his cheeks, as he looks away again. ] A bit hypocritical of you to point out my poor sleeping habits, no?
[Comes the quick retort, a hint of bitterness in his voice he didn't mean to let seep in, especially given that Viktor was clearly teasing, and so he quickly tries to cover it up with a follow-up.]
I know. I didn't say anything before leaving. I didn't get a choice.
[One day he was here, or rather, in Aphaia. The next? Back in Runeterra.
Without thinking, Jayce leans into Viktor's hand on his cheek, his eyebrows pinching up as he unintentionally gives a sad puppy impression, a cloying, overly sentimental feeling welling up in the pit of his stomach. Viktor, alive. Barely. Viktor's clinging to threads here, and they both know it. And if he dies, even if he comes back, he could lose something important along the way. A sense, a memory, all of those are so important. Every part of Viktor is important.
He has to find ... maybe not a cure. It might be too late for a cure. But if they can change the part of Viktor's that's killing him, or make him resistent to the disease, that would be good enough, wouldn't it?
That hand is gone as quick as it came, and Jayce's cheeks also lightly flush as he turns and looks at the desk Viktor had been at instead. He's putting too much thought into this.]
I've been up for a few days. Things haven't been easy since Jinx's attack.
[The explosion. Viktor's... recuperation. The attack at the memorial. He's maybe had eight hours of sleep collectively over the course of three days.]
[ The response gets a blink and then a small look of apology. ] I apologize, Jayce. [ But what else can one do but joke about their rather grim future, huh? At least he's actively trying to change it.
Viktor looks away, again, at those words. There's a pang in his chest as he listens. ] There's no need for that. [ A light chiding tone. ] The manner of our existence here is...unpredictable, but there is always a chance for us to be sent back. People come and go all the time. An unpredictable predictability. How were you to know?
[ He's not blaming Jayce for leaving, but there is an underlying deep-seated sadness and turmoil beneath the surface of an otherwise even tone of voice. It's especially apparent when Jayce gives him that look. Leans into his touch like that?? It just makes his chest hurt even more, and he can't help the words that spill out of his mouth next because the yearning and want have been...so much. ] What matters is that you have returned to me...ah, us. [ A minor slip-up as he clears his throat. He follows Jayce's attention back to the table. ]
I hope you don't mind some of the adjustments I made. You can look them over...once you've slept. [ Ah. There it is. It's a very pointed look directed at Jayce. But then there's something else...a murmur, more like a thought to himself. ] Jinx's attack.
[ Oh. Ah. That's it then, is it? That explosion in the council room, the ringing in his ears...and then the nothingness. Only to wake up here. ]
[There’s no way he could have known, of course, but guilt haunts his every move nowadays. It feels like it’s tied to his shadow; every step he takes, it takes a step along with him. Maybe it’s worse because he knows that even if he feels bad about the things he’s done— he wouldn’t do it differently. He’d always do the same things, every time. Recursive.]
I’d rather be here with you than there, any day.
[And he fails to elaborate why, but when he looks at Viktor’s face, he can’t help but remember how it looked only a few days ago, lips parted, eyes closed, dirt staining his cheeks… Is he just saying this because he’d rather be with a Viktor who he knows is alive, versus the unknown of what he’s done? He’s revived future-Viktor, somehow, but put him into a state that’s entirely unresponsive— something he knows this-Viktor would hate to know was done to him.
A sudden nightmarish thought jumps into his brain: What if when he sleeps, Viktor’s gone?]
—Why don’t we look them over now? I’m probably not going to be able to sleep any time soon anyway. Just ran all over the place because of that downed trolley. Adrenaline, you know?
Jayce... [ Please do not say that to him like that. This is hard enough as is. Knowing Jayce doesn't remember anything from Aphaia at all, and he just doesn't know when the right time, if ever, would be to tell him. Viktor looks...worn, tired, especially at hearing all of that. Will he remain stuck in this infinite loop of undeclared feelings and yearning, he wonders.
It's a thought that's pushed aside for progress and to help others here. ]
Yes, I do know. I also know that after an adrenaline rush, a crash comes soon afterwards. I'd rather you not do that here. I'm not exactly the best to have around should you or anyone else collapse. [ Just a look. ]
I can guarantee you that if you were to lie down, you would fall asleep. [ A pause. ]
Perhaps we should test that theory? [ They do have a couch in this lab, at least, for late-night and overnight work. Viktor's been making use of it himself for the last couple of days...maybe a week. He's somewhat forgotten what day or time it is; who's to say how long he's been in here alone? ] If you can remain awake for ten minutes, we'll go over the changes I've made. If not, you at least get a decent sleep out of it.
[It feels like every time he tries to say something, he screws it up a little. The look Viktor just gave him— he can practically feel the shutter of disappointment from Viktor. Isn’t that what he wants to hear? That Jayce’ll be making more time for him, staying by his side more? Maybe he shouldn’t be saying it at all. No words, just actions. That’s been Viktor’s preferred style, anyway, right?
Viktor doesn’t want him to crash here, though. Probably was enjoying his peace and quiet without Jayce around bouncing off the walls immediately. Maybe he should head back to Caitlyn’s mansion…
No! He can stay awake. He’s stayed awake for longer than this. Just a little longer won’t be hard.]
A challenge? Come on. I can handle that.
[Jayce, full of confidence, strikes over to another part of the lab— it’s a huge enough room, Viktor might not have noticed the still-in-use mini fridge that might have at some point stored something not food sits in the corner. He crouches down to open it and pulls out an energy drink, he cracks open and takes a swig from.]
Perhaps I should have laid down some ground rules. [ Even as he says that, Viktor watches with an amused look. The energy drink won't save you, Jayce Talis! ]
But I'm fairly confident in my assessment. [ Said as he walks over to said couch to take a seat. ] I cannot believe you drink those...things either.
[ Viktor gives him a look, but he also huffs out what could be considered a laugh. He just uses sheer force of will and stubbornness, and that honestly gets him through it usually. ]
They're caffeine with no sugar, what's not to like?
[The taste, to start. It tastes awful, but results are results.
Jayce joins Viktor on the couch, although he knows this is part of a trap. He's more likely to crash if he's even a little bit comfortable, but maybe, just maybe, he can convince Viktor to take a nap with him if they're both sitting here.]
So you found my blueprints for Romano's arm. We'll have to make a few tweaks to it, because he talked me into adding a defibrillator into it. That, along with the connection to brain wave pattern recognition so he can move it without mechanical inputs, it's definitely going to be a pretty-
[YAWN.]
-pretty complicated build. But I think once we get going with nanomachines, it'll be...
[He blinks slowly, losing his train of thought to exhaustion.]
The no sugar part, first off. [ Said so very deadpan as he gives Jayce a look from his position on the couch. Viktor no. There's a smile, barely, as Jayce takes a seat. Viktor will watch him with that gaze, like Jayce has hung the stars in the sky. It shifts into something more incredulous and amused at that yawn, but Viktor also yawns as he listens. ]
It sounds a bit more complex than what we are used to building, yes. But the human mind is like a computer. [ Like the hexcore he thinks to himself. ] It registers inputs to perform specific functions. If we can create a conduit that turns those inputs from the brain into a signal to the arm, then we might solve the issue. [ But it's definitely not going to be easy. ]
And there is also the problem of maintaining the power output, so the arm doesn't give out during important procedures, which is something I've been thinking about as well. Using a gemstone would ease the burden, but if we want to use an external source, a battery of some kind would be best. There are multiple variations of batteries that we could make, nonmagical or otherwise. [ He gives Jayce a fond look. ]
Mm. I've been looking into them, nanomachines. I believe Kirk might be able to help us. It all comes down to the, ah, programming. [ But there's a subtle and short pause as he gives Jayce an amused look. ]
[The reminder of Viktor’s sweet tooth brings a small smile to his face, as he leans back onto the couch. It's really not a great couch to sleep on. The back is angled in a way, downward, that would make laying on it like falling into the crevice. He closes his eyes, imagining this were a nicer couch. That's all. Just imagining things. Definitely not sleeping.]
Right. We’d just need to find what inputs register up, down, right, left, etcetera… the question is getting those signals to the arm without some sort of implant, which he definitely won’t want. Too intrusive.
[And also, Romano seems a little vain. Jayce understands.]
Hextech gemstone is out as a power source. He wants a “normal” battery, whatever that means by his standards of normal. Maybe something like what the companion bots use? Maybe we tell him the voltage we need it to be, and he requests it from Aurora.
[They shouldn’t be the only ones spending on resources or this, after all.]
For the nanomachines, we should talk to Finch. He... I think, invented artificial intelligence on his world? What if we put that into the nanomachines? Since that's the problem with nanomachines- once they're in somewhere, they do their one task, and can't be altered. That's what went wrong for Kirk, right?
Here me out...
[He hasn't opened his eyes this whole time, crossing his arms as he theorizes while looking like he's basically already asleep. Just resting his eyes.]
We connect the nanomachines to a device outside of the body. We have artificial intelligence run the device. It controls the machines, and through pattern recognition, fixes problems that could occur before we even know something's gone wrong. Or in Romano’s case, instead of an implant, we use nanomachines to interpret his brain inputs, they send the signals to the arm, and it works like that?
[Jayce shifts, drags both hands down his face, and slowly slides onto his side, in what one might consider, “laying down.”]
This all assumes we can get them going exactly the way we want.
[He begins to toe off his shoes with his feet, in his half-laying down position. Almost like he’s slowly giving up the ghost on staying awake.]
Don't think I don't notice you sneaking your fair share of it...
[ A returned smile as he sighs and gets himself more comfortable on said couch. Viktor will rub his chin in thought. ] Well, power source is a broad term and an even broader spectrum of things. But that is the easiest of our problems to solve.
When you put it that way, nanomachines seem to be an ideal solution. Complex as they are, they seem to have boundless potential to do good when used correctly. Do you think they and the AI would get along? [ He's not talking in a friendly way but in a can they communicate properly to do their task uninterrupted way. ] It's a sound theory, but it will need to undergo rigorous testing. I hope you haven't promised him this arm anytime soon? [ It'll be like the council and the deadlines all over again otherwise. ]
I must confess the use of AI is...intriguing. Given what we're going through right now, do you think he would approve of it?
[ Some people aren't so fond of the idea of AI in general, let alone one that can read their brain signals and control tiny machines inside their body. Viktor will blink and smirk before...shifting in his seat. Enough so that he might have Jayce's head resting in his lap, if he doesn't move. Viktor can feel his cheeks warm a little at his own actions, but this is fine, it's not as if this position is something they haven't encountered back in their younger days during the hexgate's formation. It's a bit reminiscent if he's being honest, and it makes his chest hurt just ever so slightly as so many things are running through his head right now. His eyes will remain on Jayce. ]
We will do what we do best, Jayce. Together. [ Another small yawn before he continues. ] I have also come to realize that there is no small amount of creative and intelligent people here either. We might as well look to them for...eh, additional help.
[Jayce hums in agreement, both to him sneaking his share of sugar, and that batteries are easy. Words are becoming a little more of a struggle to form right now, as he moves to fully lay down. Viktor hasn't moved away or relinquished the couch to him, and so Jayce lays his head on Viktor's lap, quietly thrilled he's getting away with this much closeness. Viktor’s metal leg probably wouldn't be hurt from a little bit of pressure on it, right? There's just always been something reassuring at being able to rest his head on someone's lap...]
I think they’d get along great. Best friends.
[He knows what Viktor’s getting at, but the exhaustion and giddiness of his current position has his thought process getting a little silly.]
Robert’s patient even if he doesn’t seem it. But he is the local doctor, so helping him helps everyone else.
[Rigorous testing is right. This is something involving people’s brains. They can’t rush into this. But, if there’s a possibility for a solution for Viktor in this… well, they’re both more than a little desperate for that.]
I think if he doesn’t approve, Kirk could make a compelling argument for it. Without a way to manage the nanomachines, they can have unpredictable results— like with Kirk. We can’t manage them unless we build in a way for them to be managed, and we can’t detect fluctuations in Robert’s brain waves as fast as a computer can.
[Jayce finally opens his eyes again, turning his head a little so he can look up at Viktor from his place in his lap. Maybe this would make it all too intimate for Viktor and he’ll make an excuse to flee, but Jayce risks it anyway.]
We can put out a call. A joining of the best minds in Etraya.
[He says, as if he doesn’t know at least a handful of those ‘best minds’ aren’t mad at him, for one reason or another.]
Mm. Best friends, is it? Scientifically speaking, it's sound enough. I doubt we have to do any testing at all. [ Amused as he murmurs that as he watches Jayce...intently because this one is so much different than his futureself that it's a bit alarming. But he has missed it; he misses things that haven't come to pass either, but this is something that he will always regret not getting enough of. ] But you're right. Helping him will help others in the long run.
[ It will potentially help me, is the unspoken thought. But Jayce isn't wrong. Viktor isn't going to let his desperation guide him this time, though. He doesn't want to make that same mistake twice, even if his lungs ache and his body feels heavy. The pains are the same as they normally are, but they also feel that much overwhelming in the sense of time. He doesn't say anything to Jayce either, now wouldn't be the time for it anyway, but when was it ever? ]
Kirk, yes. We seem to have...come to a rather profound understanding of one another. [There are a lot of similarities that Viktor isn't happy to share, but is also grateful to know someone does. A conundrum if there ever was one, but he doesn't shy away from it as he normally would have.
Viktor's been staring at Jayce the entire time, and so when Jayce finally opens his eyes, he blushes and looks away immediately. Like being caught looking at the person you love and admire from far too close, only to have them look directly back and perceive you. His hands stutter at his sides as he fiddles with the fabric of the couch.
It's something so simple and yet so intimate that Viktor's heart drops into his stomach, and his breath catches in his lungs. He does want to run, flee, put space between himself and Jayce because he's not entirely sure he'll be able to keep up the charade and just come out and say what needs to be said. To quell the aching pain in his chest and finally be free of it. But he does not. Instead, he exhales and looks impossibly tired as he does so. ]
We can and we will. [ Maybe once Jayce is asleep, he will flee and curse his indecisiveness and want to tear his hair out for being so...pathetic. But he knows Jayce would never consider him as such. ]
[Jayce smiles, eyes crinkling at the corners, unable to help himself at how affectionate he must look right now. Hearing Viktor’s voice, the deadpan and dry humor of his little jokes. His steadfast determination. He has to save him. He has to. There’s no future he wants to be a part of without Viktor in it. He’s deciding that, here and now. Even if it’s nothing more than this- their conversations, their discoveries, and the occasional moment where he can lay his head in his best friend’s lap. That’s enough.]
I think I’m losing the wager here. Another few minutes and I’m definitely going to be asleep. I should get up and go home unless you want me drooling on your pants.
You're not supposed to show your hand so openly, Jayce. [ His tone is amused again as he looks back at Jayce. Gods, he's beautiful. Is a really sudden thought to have for your partner whose head is in your lap, but this is where Viktor is right now, after everything. He sighs and shakes his head, bringing a light touch to Jayce's cheek where it lingers for probably a second too long. ]
You seem comfortable like this. [ An affectionate look returned. ]
And a little bit of drool isn't the worst of things that have gotten on my pants. [ Viktor?? Please?! He flushes because that sure...sounds suggestive. ]
Having you trek all the way back to Miss Kiramman's under the effects of sleep would be impractical when you can just sleep here. I'll wake you up in an hour or so. [ If he doesn't fall asleep himself, which he will, given the stress of it all coming to an end. ]
[He can do it in very rare occasions, but a time like this? When everything is soft at the edges of his vision, the comfort of sleep taking him as Viktor touches his cheek, just the barest friction on his skin, and then it's gone.
Suggestive or not, Jayce's mind goes elsewhere.]
Lubricant's much worse.
[Like machine oil lubricant, obviously. That stuff's really hard to get out if you don't take care of it right away, and he's had to throw away pants that had enough soil marks. A sigh, as Jayce turns onto his side, head still in Viktor's lap.]
It's a good thing you didn't venture into Zaun more often. [ Jayce would have been eaten alive, honestly. But Viktor sounds and looks fond as he says it.
His face also contorts into something of embarrassment with the words lubricant, and Viktor's own mind goes elsewhere for a second or two before he coughs lightly into his hand and huffs. Machine oil lubricant, obviously. ]
Just an hour, Jayce. Sleep. [ Does he absentmindedly run his hand through Jayce's hair for a second or two? Yes, yes he does. He doesn't really register that he's doing it but it's something of a soothing motion for them both, probably. Is this normal lab partner behavior? Absolutely.
He hums a little, and they are definitely not getting woken up within the hour because Viktor will most certainly without a doubt pass out as well. But they get an A for effort?? ]
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The lab, of course. You remember...how to get there, I hope? [ He's not sure of the extent of Jayce's memories of this place, so better safe than to assume anything. But where else would he be? And when Jayce does arrive, Viktor looks...well, not his best. His eyebags are rather dark, and he looks like he hasn't slept in days, but you know he's at least making sure he drinks. Eating has been optional even if he knows it shouldn't be.
He's been fixated on several projects they have going on, so he's been focusing all of his time and energy on that. ]
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[He sounds a little strange when he says that too, like he can't get the words out fast enough.]
I'll catch the next trolley.
[And, within 5 minutes of him saying that...
He sends a message this time, not wanting to call given how winded he's going to sound:]
Trolley's broken. I'll get there as soon as I can.
[It takes him forty-five minutes to show up, and when he does, he's throwing the door open with a loud bang; sweaty, breathing heavy, and with a look in his eye that's bordering desperate.]
Viktor? V?
[As soon as he sees Viktor, he beelines for him, arms out like he's about to give a hug. The scolding he'll give for Viktor's much worse state comes second to physical contact.]
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He will be hunched over various blueprints for Robert and Sevika's arms, his own study, and blueprints for his personal project, shuffled in a pile somewhere nearby but not out in the open for Jayce to see. Viktor will stand slowly, only bracing himself against the bench with one arm while the other comes up to lightly touch Jayce's back when he is hugged by the other man.
His expression is one of surprise, but it's mostly that yearning look that he quickly stuffs down and away. Out of sight. ] Jayce...?
[ He's been acting strange since he got this message, and Viktor's confusion is easy to hear in his tone. ] Is...everything alright?
[ The desperation in both voice and actions does not go unnoticed. ]
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Fortunately(?), Jayce has a shirt on- his white lab button-up- but all it really does is emphasize the slightly damp line running up his spine, and when he finally pulls back from the hug, he still doesn't fully let go as he keeps his hands on Viktor's shoulders.]
Yeah- everything's... fine...
[He looks over Viktor with a more critical eye now, and notices the even-more withered look.]
You haven't been sleeping, have you?
[A little ironic perhaps, coming from Jayce, since he's currently sporting darker eyebags than he usually has as well, along with that barely cared for hair.]
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Viktor's blushing ever so slightly because that nuzzling?? that inhale?? It's a lot, especially coming after everything from Aphaia. He looks away briefly, collecting his thoughts, before he gives Jayce another look. Critical, just like Jayce's. ] I can sleep when I am dead, Jayce.
[ Viktor, no. Too soon!! But it's said with a hint of teasing. ]
There are far too many projects to-to complete and I wasn't sure if you were... [ Coming back, but he doesn't say it as his eyes scan Jayce's features once more. His hand will raise as he lightly touches Jayce's cheek, a frown slowly forming on his lips. ] Speak for yourself. You look like you haven't slept in days either.
[ He only barely realizes what he's doing before his hand drops back to his side immediately, a flush of warmth touching his cheeks, as he looks away again. ] A bit hypocritical of you to point out my poor sleeping habits, no?
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[Comes the quick retort, a hint of bitterness in his voice he didn't mean to let seep in, especially given that Viktor was clearly teasing, and so he quickly tries to cover it up with a follow-up.]
I know. I didn't say anything before leaving. I didn't get a choice.
[One day he was here, or rather, in Aphaia. The next? Back in Runeterra.
Without thinking, Jayce leans into Viktor's hand on his cheek, his eyebrows pinching up as he unintentionally gives a sad puppy impression, a cloying, overly sentimental feeling welling up in the pit of his stomach. Viktor, alive. Barely. Viktor's clinging to threads here, and they both know it. And if he dies, even if he comes back, he could lose something important along the way. A sense, a memory, all of those are so important. Every part of Viktor is important.
He has to find ... maybe not a cure. It might be too late for a cure. But if they can change the part of Viktor's that's killing him, or make him resistent to the disease, that would be good enough, wouldn't it?
That hand is gone as quick as it came, and Jayce's cheeks also lightly flush as he turns and looks at the desk Viktor had been at instead. He's putting too much thought into this.]
I've been up for a few days. Things haven't been easy since Jinx's attack.
[The explosion. Viktor's... recuperation. The attack at the memorial. He's maybe had eight hours of sleep collectively over the course of three days.]
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Viktor looks away, again, at those words. There's a pang in his chest as he listens. ] There's no need for that. [ A light chiding tone. ] The manner of our existence here is...unpredictable, but there is always a chance for us to be sent back. People come and go all the time. An unpredictable predictability. How were you to know?
[ He's not blaming Jayce for leaving, but there is an underlying deep-seated sadness and turmoil beneath the surface of an otherwise even tone of voice. It's especially apparent when Jayce gives him that look. Leans into his touch like that?? It just makes his chest hurt even more, and he can't help the words that spill out of his mouth next because the yearning and want have been...so much. ] What matters is that you have returned to me...ah, us. [ A minor slip-up as he clears his throat. He follows Jayce's attention back to the table. ]
I hope you don't mind some of the adjustments I made. You can look them over...once you've slept. [ Ah. There it is. It's a very pointed look directed at Jayce. But then there's something else...a murmur, more like a thought to himself. ] Jinx's attack.
[ Oh. Ah. That's it then, is it? That explosion in the council room, the ringing in his ears...and then the nothingness. Only to wake up here. ]
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I’d rather be here with you than there, any day.
[And he fails to elaborate why, but when he looks at Viktor’s face, he can’t help but remember how it looked only a few days ago, lips parted, eyes closed, dirt staining his cheeks… Is he just saying this because he’d rather be with a Viktor who he knows is alive, versus the unknown of what he’s done? He’s revived future-Viktor, somehow, but put him into a state that’s entirely unresponsive— something he knows this-Viktor would hate to know was done to him.
A sudden nightmarish thought jumps into his brain: What if when he sleeps, Viktor’s gone?]
—Why don’t we look them over now? I’m probably not going to be able to sleep any time soon anyway. Just ran all over the place because of that downed trolley. Adrenaline, you know?
[Or anxiety. Whichever comes first.]
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It's a thought that's pushed aside for progress and to help others here. ]
Yes, I do know. I also know that after an adrenaline rush, a crash comes soon afterwards. I'd rather you not do that here. I'm not exactly the best to have around should you or anyone else collapse. [ Just a look. ]
I can guarantee you that if you were to lie down, you would fall asleep. [ A pause. ]
Perhaps we should test that theory? [ They do have a couch in this lab, at least, for late-night and overnight work. Viktor's been making use of it himself for the last couple of days...maybe a week. He's somewhat forgotten what day or time it is; who's to say how long he's been in here alone? ] If you can remain awake for ten minutes, we'll go over the changes I've made. If not, you at least get a decent sleep out of it.
[ It's a win-win, right? ]
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Viktor doesn’t want him to crash here, though. Probably was enjoying his peace and quiet without Jayce around bouncing off the walls immediately. Maybe he should head back to Caitlyn’s mansion…
No! He can stay awake. He’s stayed awake for longer than this. Just a little longer won’t be hard.]
A challenge? Come on. I can handle that.
[Jayce, full of confidence, strikes over to another part of the lab— it’s a huge enough room, Viktor might not have noticed the still-in-use mini fridge that
might have at some point stored something not foodsits in the corner. He crouches down to open it and pulls out an energy drink, he cracks open and takes a swig from.]Didn’t say I couldn’t cheat.
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But I'm fairly confident in my assessment. [ Said as he walks over to said couch to take a seat. ] I cannot believe you drink those...things either.
[ Viktor gives him a look, but he also huffs out what could be considered a laugh. He just uses sheer force of will and stubbornness, and that honestly gets him through it usually. ]
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[The taste, to start. It tastes awful, but results are results.
Jayce joins Viktor on the couch, although he knows this is part of a trap. He's more likely to crash if he's even a little bit comfortable, but maybe, just maybe, he can convince Viktor to take a nap with him if they're both sitting here.]
So you found my blueprints for Romano's arm. We'll have to make a few tweaks to it, because he talked me into adding a defibrillator into it. That, along with the connection to brain wave pattern recognition so he can move it without mechanical inputs, it's definitely going to be a pretty-
[YAWN.]
-pretty complicated build. But I think once we get going with nanomachines, it'll be...
[He blinks slowly, losing his train of thought to exhaustion.]
It'll be, uh, easy.
[He gives Viktor a squinting look.]
I'm not going to fall asleep.
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It sounds a bit more complex than what we are used to building, yes. But the human mind is like a computer. [ Like the hexcore he thinks to himself. ] It registers inputs to perform specific functions. If we can create a conduit that turns those inputs from the brain into a signal to the arm, then we might solve the issue. [ But it's definitely not going to be easy. ]
And there is also the problem of maintaining the power output, so the arm doesn't give out during important procedures, which is something I've been thinking about as well. Using a gemstone would ease the burden, but if we want to use an external source, a battery of some kind would be best. There are multiple variations of batteries that we could make, nonmagical or otherwise. [ He gives Jayce a fond look. ]
Mm. I've been looking into them, nanomachines. I believe Kirk might be able to help us. It all comes down to the, ah, programming. [ But there's a subtle and short pause as he gives Jayce an amused look. ]
It doesn't look that way from where I'm sitting.
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[The reminder of Viktor’s sweet tooth brings a small smile to his face, as he leans back onto the couch. It's really not a great couch to sleep on. The back is angled in a way, downward, that would make laying on it like falling into the crevice. He closes his eyes, imagining this were a nicer couch. That's all. Just imagining things. Definitely not sleeping.]
Right. We’d just need to find what inputs register up, down, right, left, etcetera… the question is getting those signals to the arm without some sort of implant, which he definitely won’t want. Too intrusive.
[And also, Romano seems a little vain. Jayce understands.]
Hextech gemstone is out as a power source. He wants a “normal” battery, whatever that means by his standards of normal. Maybe something like what the companion bots use? Maybe we tell him the voltage we need it to be, and he requests it from Aurora.
[They shouldn’t be the only ones spending on resources or this, after all.]
For the nanomachines, we should talk to Finch. He... I think, invented artificial intelligence on his world? What if we put that into the nanomachines? Since that's the problem with nanomachines- once they're in somewhere, they do their one task, and can't be altered. That's what went wrong for Kirk, right?
Here me out...
[He hasn't opened his eyes this whole time, crossing his arms as he theorizes while looking like he's basically already asleep. Just resting his eyes.]
We connect the nanomachines to a device outside of the body. We have artificial intelligence run the device. It controls the machines, and through pattern recognition, fixes problems that could occur before we even know something's gone wrong. Or in Romano’s case, instead of an implant, we use nanomachines to interpret his brain inputs, they send the signals to the arm, and it works like that?
[Jayce shifts, drags both hands down his face, and slowly slides onto his side, in what one might consider, “laying down.”]
This all assumes we can get them going exactly the way we want.
[He begins to toe off his shoes with his feet, in his half-laying down position. Almost like he’s slowly giving up the ghost on staying awake.]
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[ A returned smile as he sighs and gets himself more comfortable on said couch. Viktor will rub his chin in thought. ] Well, power source is a broad term and an even broader spectrum of things. But that is the easiest of our problems to solve.
When you put it that way, nanomachines seem to be an ideal solution. Complex as they are, they seem to have boundless potential to do good when used correctly. Do you think they and the AI would get along? [ He's not talking in a friendly way but in a can they communicate properly to do their task uninterrupted way. ] It's a sound theory, but it will need to undergo rigorous testing. I hope you haven't promised him this arm anytime soon? [ It'll be like the council and the deadlines all over again otherwise. ]
I must confess the use of AI is...intriguing. Given what we're going through right now, do you think he would approve of it?
[ Some people aren't so fond of the idea of AI in general, let alone one that can read their brain signals and control tiny machines inside their body. Viktor will blink and smirk before...shifting in his seat. Enough so that he might have Jayce's head resting in his lap, if he doesn't move. Viktor can feel his cheeks warm a little at his own actions, but this is fine, it's not as if this position is something they haven't encountered back in their younger days during the hexgate's formation. It's a bit reminiscent if he's being honest, and it makes his chest hurt just ever so slightly as so many things are running through his head right now. His eyes will remain on Jayce. ]
We will do what we do best, Jayce. Together. [ Another small yawn before he continues. ] I have also come to realize that there is no small amount of creative and intelligent people here either. We might as well look to them for...eh, additional help.
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I think they’d get along great. Best friends.
[He knows what Viktor’s getting at, but the exhaustion and giddiness of his current position has his thought process getting a little silly.]
Robert’s patient even if he doesn’t seem it. But he is the local doctor, so helping him helps everyone else.
[Rigorous testing is right. This is something involving people’s brains. They can’t rush into this. But, if there’s a possibility for a solution for Viktor in this… well, they’re both more than a little desperate for that.]
I think if he doesn’t approve, Kirk could make a compelling argument for it. Without a way to manage the nanomachines, they can have unpredictable results— like with Kirk. We can’t manage them unless we build in a way for them to be managed, and we can’t detect fluctuations in Robert’s brain waves as fast as a computer can.
[Jayce finally opens his eyes again, turning his head a little so he can look up at Viktor from his place in his lap. Maybe this would make it all too intimate for Viktor and he’ll make an excuse to flee, but Jayce risks it anyway.]
We can put out a call. A joining of the best minds in Etraya.
[He says, as if he doesn’t know at least a handful of those ‘best minds’ aren’t mad at him, for one reason or another.]
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[ It will potentially help me, is the unspoken thought. But Jayce isn't wrong. Viktor isn't going to let his desperation guide him this time, though. He doesn't want to make that same mistake twice, even if his lungs ache and his body feels heavy. The pains are the same as they normally are, but they also feel that much overwhelming in the sense of time. He doesn't say anything to Jayce either, now wouldn't be the time for it anyway, but when was it ever? ]
Kirk, yes. We seem to have...come to a rather profound understanding of one another. [There are a lot of similarities that Viktor isn't happy to share, but is also grateful to know someone does. A conundrum if there ever was one, but he doesn't shy away from it as he normally would have.
Viktor's been staring at Jayce the entire time, and so when Jayce finally opens his eyes, he blushes and looks away immediately. Like being caught looking at the person you love and admire from far too close, only to have them look directly back and perceive you. His hands stutter at his sides as he fiddles with the fabric of the couch.
It's something so simple and yet so intimate that Viktor's heart drops into his stomach, and his breath catches in his lungs. He does want to run, flee, put space between himself and Jayce because he's not entirely sure he'll be able to keep up the charade and just come out and say what needs to be said. To quell the aching pain in his chest and finally be free of it. But he does not. Instead, he exhales and looks impossibly tired as he does so. ]
We can and we will. [ Maybe once Jayce is asleep, he will flee and curse his indecisiveness and want to tear his hair out for being so...pathetic. But he knows Jayce would never consider him as such. ]
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I think I’m losing the wager here. Another few minutes and I’m definitely going to be asleep. I should get up and go home unless you want me drooling on your pants.
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You seem comfortable like this. [ An affectionate look returned. ]
And a little bit of drool isn't the worst of things that have gotten on my pants. [ Viktor?? Please?! He flushes because that sure...sounds suggestive. ]
Having you trek all the way back to Miss Kiramman's under the effects of sleep would be impractical when you can just sleep here. I'll wake you up in an hour or so. [ If he doesn't fall asleep himself, which he will, given the stress of it all coming to an end. ]
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[He can do it in very rare occasions, but a time like this? When everything is soft at the edges of his vision, the comfort of sleep taking him as Viktor touches his cheek, just the barest friction on his skin, and then it's gone.
Suggestive or not, Jayce's mind goes elsewhere.]
Lubricant's much worse.
[Like machine oil lubricant, obviously. That stuff's really hard to get out if you don't take care of it right away, and he's had to throw away pants that had enough soil marks. A sigh, as Jayce turns onto his side, head still in Viktor's lap.]
Just an hour, okay?
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His face also contorts into something of embarrassment with the words lubricant, and Viktor's own mind goes elsewhere for a second or two before he coughs lightly into his hand and huffs. Machine oil lubricant, obviously. ]
Just an hour, Jayce. Sleep. [ Does he absentmindedly run his hand through Jayce's hair for a second or two? Yes, yes he does. He doesn't really register that he's doing it but it's something of a soothing motion for them both, probably. Is this normal lab partner behavior? Absolutely.
He hums a little, and they are definitely not getting woken up within the hour because Viktor will most certainly without a doubt pass out as well. But they get an A for effort?? ]