[ And Viktor will watch Jayce pace in an all too familiar manner rather reminiscent of home. He listens silently all the while. ]
People from another world who have no idea how to handle the stones should not have them, I agree. Do you think Vander, Jinx, and Silco will use the one they have against these people now? [ He does not want their dream, their work, to be attributed to such baseless violence. ]
Jinx has yet to do anything with hers, of course, but Silco is another factor entirely. [ And then there is Vander, who might be able to balance things out? ]
Quite the conundrum we find ourselves in. Bringing in more stones could work as long as they are kept away from the public, I suppose. It also brings in more problems that we cannot- [ another cough as he covers his mouth. ] -undermine.
[ There is such a heavy sigh from him. ] This should not be what we are focusing our energy on as a collective... [ considering people's worlds are at stake, their gemstones are hardly worth all of this nonsense. ] Getting the stones back from all parties would be the best option since we are the ones who know them best. But I know that is not feasible.
If it comes to it, I think they will. Vander’s the only one of the three who knows about the second one, but I don’t doubt he’s told Jinx and Silco that now.
[As much as they want to consider Vander on “their side,” he’s not. He’s on Jinx’s side, and this is information that would be shared to the rest of “her” side.
He runs his hand over his face again, and with a deep sigh:]
We're going to have to let her keep it. Worse to do that now that she's furious with me, but even if we wound up getting it back from her, she'll try to bring more in, and that's more risk of ending up in foreign hands.
[Why couldn't life be simple? Why can't people just see the gemstones for what they are, a source of power, and not immediately see a weapon?]
I know I’m not in a position to demand anything from them. But if we let Jinx keep it, for good…
[He looks to Viktor now, serious.]
We need to tell her everything about it. Last thing we need is her finding out through first hand every problem we already ran through over the past seven years. It won’t mean we can’t assume she won’t make more weapons with it, but her making another missile launcher is still safer than her leveling a city block.
Let her keep it, are you sure? [ Though there is a thoughtful pause from him as he looks back at Jayce. ] And you wish to teach her about it as well?
[ His tone is incredulous, and he hardly supports the thought of weaponry being made...but not leveling a city block is a valid argument. Knowing how to manipulate and control the energy source is just as important. A thoughtful hum from him as he considers all their options. ]
She has already proven herself capable enough with just your notes. I suppose going a bit further might not be much of a difference. [ A thoughtful noise from him as he considers it. ]
Then I will assume that I will be doing the reaching out? I'm not sure if she's still mad at us both to get into contact with her, but it is worth a try... [ will it get them anywhere?? Viktor isn't sure, but what he is certain of is that Jinx's mind is brilliant in its own right, and it needs to be tempered and steered in a direction that benefits everyone. ]
Going to Vander could be another option if she doesn't wish to answer us. Or we can be annoyingly persistent until they give in. Whichever sounds more appealing.
[It's not what he wants, but he knows when he's backed into a corner, and this is very much a corner. It would placate Vander and Silco, it would keep it in Runeterran hands, and it would come across as trying to bridge the divide, at least by a fraction. He doesn't think he'll ever stop being mad at Jinx, not being able to really forgive her for what she's done, but what other choice does he have now?]
She's mad enough at me she broke into my room again and graffiti-ed the place with insults, so.
[He can't reach out. It'll need to be Viktor or Vander.]
You can try, just don't tell her where we're holing up. If she ignores you, I'll try Vander.
It seems rather unfair that our life's work is in all hands but ours. But if it is to avoid...whatever this is, then we have little choice in the matter. [ He doesn't sound thrilled about any of this either, especially since this was all due to a miscommunication of some kind that could have been easily prevented. ]
She what? [ Jayce... ] I hope you didn't mention that to Miss Kiramman. And you didn't mention it to me either until now, when my room is next to yours?
[ Luckily, he's been spending all his time here at the lab trying to make something to prolong his life! He sighs and finally begins to walk toward the lab's entrance. ] How long do you propose we 'hole up' for exactly? It's not as if I have all the time in the world.
[ That comes out a bit more sarcastic and biting than he intended it to. ] I will be sure to leave our exact location out of our conversation.
I didn't, because after that happened, I went to speak with Cait, and...
[He rubs his temple.]
That started a completely different fight. It would have only made things worse if she knew about my room. After that, I messaged you, and came here.
[He gives a, frankly, pathetic look to Viktor.]
Maybe a day or two? It's close enough to the cafe, we can get food from there...
[But it's not ideal. He knows. He and Viktor need to be burning the candle at both ends if they're going to get this potential nanobot cure going before it's too late. But they both know Viktor isn't in a position to defend himself if someone threatened physical violence. The distinct and not too distant memory of a chainsaw revving echos in his mind.]
-I can make it comfortable for us there. There's couches, I'll find us a blanket, there's this thing called "television" there...
Mm. [ Another noise as he looks back at Jayce. There's a subtle frown on his lips before he looks away again. ]
I wish you would...confide in me a bit more. We're partners. [ Whatever that term might mean to them in this moment, Viktor doesn't say, but the look he returns to Jayce when the other isn't looking is telling enough. ]
My body may be eroding, but my mind is the one thing that isn't. [ It's an attempt at some levity, but it probably falls a bit flat. Of course, physically he is of little use, but at least with his mind he can hope to do some good. ]
[He swallows hard, a lump in his throat that won't go away. He's felt like he's been on the edge of frustrated tears for hours now. Annoying, stupid, childish.]
Didn't want to burden you with this.
[It's not an uncommon thing for him to do. Viktor runs off and doesn't tell Jayce where he went; Jayce can't hide where he goes but he can try to hide his worries. Tightly wound up like a spool of thread, every little bit of spilled over emotion feels like it threatens to unravel him.]
Sorry.
[Even if they're on the move, Jayce grabs Viktor by the hand, and selfishly pulls him into a hug.]
[ The hug is...unexpected, but Viktor assumes such things would be for him especially. Despite what's happened at the camp, he still feels uncertain about their everything. But it's small moments like this that make him feel warm in a way that only Jayce can, it seems. His own hexcorized, gloved hand will come up to lightly touch Jayce's back. That surprised expression turned into fondness and a gentle concern as he huffs. ]
Not telling one another things...is how we ended up where we were back home. I'd like to try to fix that and avoid a repeated mistake. It's the only way to learn, is it not?
[ He does smile where Jayce can't see it, but he can probably hear it in Viktor's voice. ] It's different here, us, and this place. We are at odds with things beyond our understanding. So it-it only makes sense to share the burden, especially when it comes to hextech. [ And then said a bit softer. ]
And you may talk to me about other things too, if you ever want.
[Jayce doesn’t pull back right away, like he might if this hug happened before they talked about how they felt. He holds Viktor close, firm but not too tight, his nose nuzzling into the soft small curls of Viktor’s hair and nape, breathing in his scent. It’s grounding to just be able to close his eyes and feel someone, wrap his arms around them and let their heart pump against his own. He always wonders why he bothers with ever letting go. Can’t he just hold Viktor like this, forever?
…Viktor probably wouldn’t like that. Jayce gives one last deep inhale and sighs as he finally releases Viktor, keeping his hands on Viktor’s hip and shoulder for an extended minute or two.]
You’re right.
[As always.]
But I don’t want to worry you. Stress doesn’t help your condition. And if I told you about the things I’m worried about, you’d get stressed out too.
Jayce. [ His expression is pointedly annoyed. ] The stress from you keeping things like almost starting a war between us and another group of people over our life's work is also not doing anything for my stress.
[ Said with a slight cough afterwards, but he covers his mouth with his hand. ] I will always stress when it comes to you-to us, and our work.
[ But that was just ingrained into his being at this point. 7 years in the making. ] Sometimes the need to bear the burden alone is justified. But I can't make you speak about it, only offer to listen should you choose to do so.
[ And here he'll place his hand on the one that's on his hip with a small, albeit tired, look. ]
[Jayce exhales quietly, listening but trying to recall if Viktor's voice always sounded this thin, or if it's worsened. He takes Viktor's ungloved hand and lifts it to his lips, placing a kiss on it.]
I'll tell you everything. Everything from Piltover, everything I can think of from here. Some of it's... harder to talk about. But I'll try. I don't want to make the same mistakes again- with us.
[ Viktor flusters and scoffs slightly at the sudden kiss?? Jayce, please, his heart cannot take such things. He also coughs again as he looks away, moving to only slightly pull his hand out of Jayce's grasp. But there's very little strength or urgency in the way he does it.
He looks worn down, but he does try his best not to look it. He knows Jayce worried,s and he knows the other has been pushing himself for his sake. ] Neither do I. We only have each other here, so it's best to make the best of it, no?
[ It's not about that, is what he wants to say. It's about the worry that comes with it and the tiredness he feels about his body slowly eroding around him more than anything. ]
I simply do not wish to give you more to worry over. [ It's a muted and muttered response as he looks away. The ever-growing clock counting down to his final moments hangs between them both as an invisible threat. But they both know just how real it is. Every day, every second, it all matters when it comes to Viktor and his health. ] And I wish you didn't. Know what it sounds and looks like.
[ Viktor doesn't shy away this time but moves into Jayce's hand as he closes his eyes momentarily. His expression weary as he sighs and lifts his own hand to cover Jayce's. He nods slightly with a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. ]
I have...asked a few people for their help regarding the matter. Both Accelerator and Kirk to be precise. Kirk seems more than willing to offer up the nanomachines in his blood to help me. And at this point, I am running out of time and options.
[ Trials. Viktor wasn't even thinking about how long that would take. It would be the proper way to go, of course, but time is not on his side, especially now. ]
That would take time, Jayce. I'm not sure how long my body...can hold out for.
[ He doesn't know, truthfully, how much time he has. It's a miracle he's lasted this long, is what he thinks every day. ] But it would obviously be the more sensible route to take.
[ But they both don't exactly have a good track record of being that, do they? ]
[It would be, but sense is the first thing out the window when it comes to saving Viktor's life. He had said they'd do trials when he spoke to Harold about this... But he knows Kirk didn't have time for trials either. The cost that came with that was fairly huge, but as Jayce has insisted time and time again: it still saved Kirk's life. At the behest of others, but it did what he had set out to do.]
We will, yes. [ His expression is strained as he gives another silent nod of his head.
But even if they don't and he still dies, death isn't permanent here, so that in and of itself might yield something they could use. ] I have been thinking...do you suppose my body would reset itself to the point of when I first arrived here? Before its further decline? [ If I die is the unsaid words. ]
It is something to consider, to take away some of the stress. [ But even as he says that, his hand gripping his crutch shakes ever so slightly. He has always feared it, death, and what it does to someone who is trying to outrun it. ]
The first time, yes. [ Not an option he says but it is a damning truth that they both will have to consider. Viktor looks at Jayce as he grabs him with both hands, weariness in his eyes, but also a strained apology as well.
He knows the word Jayce doesn't speak, and it's written clearly in his expression as well. ]
I found someone new, too. His name's Peter— works in all the right areas we're looking for. Nanotechnology, artificial intelligence, coding... With him, Kirk, maybe Accelerator— [Not Harold.] —we'll make it work.
[He forces a smile onto his face, like he's done before.]
Ah. I believe we've spoken before as well, on the train. He was quite talented and smart, too. I have no qualms about him helping, either, if you think he could help us.
[ He knows a forced smile when he sees one, and he can tell Jayce is stressed out. So for some much-needed levity, he'll try a subject change. ]
For now. Let's go to the library. I would like to see what this television is that you mentioned.
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no subject
People from another world who have no idea how to handle the stones should not have them, I agree. Do you think Vander, Jinx, and Silco will use the one they have against these people now? [ He does not want their dream, their work, to be attributed to such baseless violence. ]
Jinx has yet to do anything with hers, of course, but Silco is another factor entirely. [ And then there is Vander, who might be able to balance things out? ]
Quite the conundrum we find ourselves in. Bringing in more stones could work as long as they are kept away from the public, I suppose. It also brings in more problems that we cannot- [ another cough as he covers his mouth. ] -undermine.
[ There is such a heavy sigh from him. ] This should not be what we are focusing our energy on as a collective... [ considering people's worlds are at stake, their gemstones are hardly worth all of this nonsense. ] Getting the stones back from all parties would be the best option since we are the ones who know them best. But I know that is not feasible.
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[As much as they want to consider Vander on “their side,” he’s not. He’s on Jinx’s side, and this is information that would be shared to the rest of “her” side.
He runs his hand over his face again, and with a deep sigh:]
We're going to have to let her keep it. Worse to do that now that she's furious with me, but even if we wound up getting it back from her, she'll try to bring more in, and that's more risk of ending up in foreign hands.
[Why couldn't life be simple? Why can't people just see the gemstones for what they are, a source of power, and not immediately see a weapon?]
I know I’m not in a position to demand anything from them. But if we let Jinx keep it, for good…
[He looks to Viktor now, serious.]
We need to tell her everything about it. Last thing we need is her finding out through first hand every problem we already ran through over the past seven years. It won’t mean we can’t assume she won’t make more weapons with it, but her making another missile launcher is still safer than her leveling a city block.
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[ His tone is incredulous, and he hardly supports the thought of weaponry being made...but not leveling a city block is a valid argument. Knowing how to manipulate and control the energy source is just as important. A thoughtful hum from him as he considers all their options. ]
She has already proven herself capable enough with just your notes. I suppose going a bit further might not be much of a difference. [ A thoughtful noise from him as he considers it. ]
Then I will assume that I will be doing the reaching out? I'm not sure if she's still mad at us both to get into contact with her, but it is worth a try... [ will it get them anywhere?? Viktor isn't sure, but what he is certain of is that Jinx's mind is brilliant in its own right, and it needs to be tempered and steered in a direction that benefits everyone. ]
Going to Vander could be another option if she doesn't wish to answer us. Or we can be annoyingly persistent until they give in. Whichever sounds more appealing.
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[It's not what he wants, but he knows when he's backed into a corner, and this is very much a corner. It would placate Vander and Silco, it would keep it in Runeterran hands, and it would come across as trying to bridge the divide, at least by a fraction. He doesn't think he'll ever stop being mad at Jinx, not being able to really forgive her for what she's done, but what other choice does he have now?]
She's mad enough at me she broke into my room again and graffiti-ed the place with insults, so.
[He can't reach out. It'll need to be Viktor or Vander.]
You can try, just don't tell her where we're holing up. If she ignores you, I'll try Vander.
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She what? [ Jayce... ] I hope you didn't mention that to Miss Kiramman. And you didn't mention it to me either until now, when my room is next to yours?
[ Luckily, he's been spending all his time here at the lab trying to make something to prolong his life! He sighs and finally begins to walk toward the lab's entrance. ] How long do you propose we 'hole up' for exactly? It's not as if I have all the time in the world.
[ That comes out a bit more sarcastic and biting than he intended it to. ] I will be sure to leave our exact location out of our conversation.
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[He rubs his temple.]
That started a completely different fight. It would have only made things worse if she knew about my room. After that, I messaged you, and came here.
[He gives a, frankly, pathetic look to Viktor.]
Maybe a day or two? It's close enough to the cafe, we can get food from there...
[But it's not ideal. He knows. He and Viktor need to be burning the candle at both ends if they're going to get this potential nanobot cure going before it's too late. But they both know Viktor isn't in a position to defend himself if someone threatened physical violence. The distinct and not too distant memory of a chainsaw revving echos in his mind.]
-I can make it comfortable for us there. There's couches, I'll find us a blanket, there's this thing called "television" there...
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I wish you would...confide in me a bit more. We're partners. [ Whatever that term might mean to them in this moment, Viktor doesn't say, but the look he returns to Jayce when the other isn't looking is telling enough. ]
My body may be eroding, but my mind is the one thing that isn't. [ It's an attempt at some levity, but it probably falls a bit flat. Of course, physically he is of little use, but at least with his mind he can hope to do some good. ]
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[He swallows hard, a lump in his throat that won't go away. He's felt like he's been on the edge of frustrated tears for hours now. Annoying, stupid, childish.]
Didn't want to burden you with this.
[It's not an uncommon thing for him to do. Viktor runs off and doesn't tell Jayce where he went; Jayce can't hide where he goes but he can try to hide his worries. Tightly wound up like a spool of thread, every little bit of spilled over emotion feels like it threatens to unravel him.]
Sorry.
[Even if they're on the move, Jayce grabs Viktor by the hand, and selfishly pulls him into a hug.]
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Not telling one another things...is how we ended up where we were back home. I'd like to try to fix that and avoid a repeated mistake. It's the only way to learn, is it not?
[ He does smile where Jayce can't see it, but he can probably hear it in Viktor's voice. ] It's different here, us, and this place. We are at odds with things beyond our understanding. So it-it only makes sense to share the burden, especially when it comes to hextech. [ And then said a bit softer. ]
And you may talk to me about other things too, if you ever want.
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…Viktor probably wouldn’t like that. Jayce gives one last deep inhale and sighs as he finally releases Viktor, keeping his hands on Viktor’s hip and shoulder for an extended minute or two.]
You’re right.
[As always.]
But I don’t want to worry you. Stress doesn’t help your condition. And if I told you about the things I’m worried about, you’d get stressed out too.
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[ Said with a slight cough afterwards, but he covers his mouth with his hand. ] I will always stress when it comes to you-to us, and our work.
[ But that was just ingrained into his being at this point. 7 years in the making. ] Sometimes the need to bear the burden alone is justified. But I can't make you speak about it, only offer to listen should you choose to do so.
[ And here he'll place his hand on the one that's on his hip with a small, albeit tired, look. ]
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I'll tell you everything. Everything from Piltover, everything I can think of from here. Some of it's... harder to talk about. But I'll try. I don't want to make the same mistakes again- with us.
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He looks worn down, but he does try his best not to look it. He knows Jayce worried,s and he knows the other has been pushing himself for his sake. ] Neither do I. We only have each other here, so it's best to make the best of it, no?
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[He swallows hard, releases Viktor's hand as he pulls away.]
You don't have to hide every time you cough, you know. I mean, it's you. I know what your cough looks and sounds like by now.
[Keeps the thoughts of you could cough on me and I wouldn't even care, how's that any different than someone spitting in my mouth? to himself.]
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I simply do not wish to give you more to worry over. [ It's a muted and muttered response as he looks away. The ever-growing clock counting down to his final moments hangs between them both as an invisible threat. But they both know just how real it is. Every day, every second, it all matters when it comes to Viktor and his health. ] And I wish you didn't. Know what it sounds and looks like.
[ He hated that part most of all. ]
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"It only makes sense to share the burden," right?
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I have...asked a few people for their help regarding the matter. Both Accelerator and Kirk to be precise. Kirk seems more than willing to offer up the nanomachines in his blood to help me. And at this point, I am running out of time and options.
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[Animal trials, or even... human trials? Before they jump right to putting them into Viktor first.]
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That would take time, Jayce. I'm not sure how long my body...can hold out for.
[ He doesn't know, truthfully, how much time he has. It's a miracle he's lasted this long, is what he thinks every day. ] But it would obviously be the more sensible route to take.
[ But they both don't exactly have a good track record of being that, do they? ]
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...
We'll get it right the first time.
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But even if they don't and he still dies, death isn't permanent here, so that in and of itself might yield something they could use. ] I have been thinking...do you suppose my body would reset itself to the point of when I first arrived here? Before its further decline? [ If I die is the unsaid words. ]
It is something to consider, to take away some of the stress. [ But even as he says that, his hand gripping his crutch shakes ever so slightly. He has always feared it, death, and what it does to someone who is trying to outrun it. ]
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[Jayce is quick to say, both hands on Viktor now, like if he could just hold onto him physically, he'll never lose him.]
Even if it did reset, when someone dies here, they still lose something. A memory, a sense. What if you go blind, what if you forget... [me?]
[He lets the unsaid word hang in the air, lips twitching in an unstable frown, like he's holding back another emotional flood.]
We'll get it right the first time.
[If he says it enough times, it'll come true, like a wish on a star.]
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He knows the word Jayce doesn't speak, and it's written clearly in his expression as well. ]
We have help. So I have no doubts that we will.
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[He forces a smile onto his face, like he's done before.]
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[ He knows a forced smile when he sees one, and he can tell Jayce is stressed out. So for some much-needed levity, he'll try a subject change. ]
For now. Let's go to the library. I would like to see what this television is that you mentioned.