[Dodger is still getting his bearings, but he hasn't forgotten about their agreement. He just needed some time to figure out where the library was, and really take in how huge this whole complex is in general. But.. he does want to get this done before he inevitably has to set up those auction dates he signed up for. So, Viktor gets a simple message out of the blue:]
it's dodger i found us a spot at the library and you owe me a date.
[Specifically, he found a private room for them to do their research - quiet and well-insulated, with comfortable chairs and a table to keep the stacks of books he brought back to it. Some about Earth, some about multiverse theory, some about other universes that are strangely familiar to him... he's going mostly off of the titles to pick ones that might be relevant, figuring he can always go looking for more if these aren't what he's looking for.
Whenever Viktor shows up, he's sitting on the table with a book open about Earth history - not his own Earth, it turns out, since no one in this universe has powers. Crazy how much that changes. (He's also wearing real clothes, this time, and bandages covering his forearms. He's honestly very glad that no one pointed out any of the things written on his old robe, but he did burn it at the first opportunity.)]
[ It takes Viktor around half an hour to finally reach the library, so into his own research about this place and the entities within it that he had read the message, but got sidetracked. There is also the case of Jayce being here, and it would not be too hard to assume that he may have been staying in the other's suite for the last couple of days. Another distraction and the word 'date' being used, makes him flustered all the more as he finally shows up and knocks before entering the room that was reserved for them both. He has his staff with him and, of course, his hooded robe that he uses more often than not when out in public, if only to keep eyes off his strange metallic skin and otherwise inhuman appearance.
The door opens with a slight creak, and Viktor will bow his head slightly as he closes the door. ]
I apologize for the delay. I hope I am not interrupting? [ He gives Dodger an inquiring look before his eyes look toward the stack of books already spread about the table. He looks pleased and sounds it too when he speaks again, propping his staff up against the table as hexcorized fingers glide across the covers of a few books. ]
You've spared little time in getting to work. Good.
[He tries to be casual about it, but he really does like researching things when they catch his interest. It's that aggressive curiosity that's always been so easy to slip into stalkerish obsession - something Viktor doesn't have to worry about (yet) but a few other people are already finding out about.
Dodger holds a book out to him at random.]
I, ah... have more reason than most people, to care about this sort of thing. Other realities, dimension-hopping. The more I can figure out, the... better.
[Odd place to pause. But even if he likes Viktor, there's still a sort of wariness that comes from not wanting to give too much away.]
Is that so? [ Hm. He will take a seat at the table then. ]
I would think it is very obvious what else there is to do here. You did not strike me as the type to want to stick their nose into books all day. But I will never dismiss an opportunity to do research. It is, after all, something I had excelled at back home.
[ A raised brow at that as he picks up a book now, looking at Dodger from his seat. ] You are familiar with it, then, dimensional hopping as you put it? Your powers or someone else's?
I'm usually more hands-on, but... sometimes it's easier to read than to explain to someone else what you're looking for.
[Although... in this case, if he wants help, he's going to have to do his best to explain. Dodger scratches the back of his head for a moment before elaborating.]
It's... neither. I've got a mental condition. The wall that separates me from every other version of me is missing some holes. I've never been to another dimension before, as far as I know, but I've... seen them. Just flashes, but I know they're there.
[More things that Viktor will want to observe, probably. For now he's setting down his book and grabbing another one, although he keeps glancing up. Waiting for a reaction.]
[ Viktor drops whatever he's doing when that text comes in because HELLO?? Viktor right now, wherever he is, probably his room, is just looking at his screen for entirely too long a time.
He finally remembers that he has to actually, you know, respond. ]
Well. Without having a forge to work in, I am not surprised you took to the gym. You should...be careful, Jayce, with your leg, I mean.
[ He worries. ] I certainly hope you did not take this at the gym and you are back in your apartment. [ He is also possessive, whoops. He didn't mean actually to send that, but there it is. Always showing itself just a little bit after everything they've been through. ]
I have heard that a massage does wonders for the body after a truly rigorous workout. There are plenty of places that might be able to help you with your aches if you have any. Though they might become a bit more...sensuous than what you are used to.
[ Don't think he doesn't notice the lack of muscle on you!! And that would probably lead to some soreness. ]
[He's always done more upper body based exercises anyway, purely because that's what forge work required. His thick thighs were more a byproduct of genetics, he's sure.]
No, I'm still at the gym, was going to hit up the sauna now. I've never gotten a massage before, actually. The heat from a sauna should do the trick, sweat out all the soreness.
[Is he teasing on purpose, or is he... actually oblivious to what Viktor's trying to get at? The debate Viktor's surely had with himself over Jayce's answers for the past seven years.]
[ Delivered slipped beneath the door, with no trace of the sender having asked for his room or knowing where he resides, not even necessarily having made a big deal of their own name being one to remember...
Is a small square of drawing paper, on which a single purple hydrangea is drawn in watercolor.
Beneath the illustration, it is signed "Kiritsubo". ]
[ Viktor receives the hand drawn picture with a curious and intrigued look. It's only after a day or two of its delivery that he messages the not so mysterious sender. ]
I thank you, for the drawing. Its detail and elegance cannot be undermined. I assume from the books I have gathered that it is a purple hydrangea. Does it hold any significance in your world?
You are most welcome. Supposedly, it is the season for greetings and gifts, even in this place where time has lost much meaning.
There was a time in my world, perhaps a bit long ago by human reckoning, when flowers for others were carefully selected to express feelings or intent. It may now be somewhat passé, but I was quite fond of it.
Do you wish for me to tell you its significance? Or shall I set you back on the trail in the library in search of answer to this mystery?
[ An interesting thing to make note of, for next year, if he is still around for such things. ]
I was not familiar with this tradition. Nothing like it existed in Zaun. But it is good to see that people are forgetting their roots or their traditions, despite our being here. It gives some a sense of normalcy, I would expect.
[ But, hm. ]
It is not that I haven't already looked myself, but the purple hydrangea has several meanings. I would not wish to assume anything but is it perhaps that you wish for a deeper understanding?
[An hour or so after midnight, Dodger knocks on Viktor's door and disappears before he can answer. In his wake he leaves a small present behind on the floor.
The wrapping paper is nice, and poorly wrapped around a circular shape. Inside (loose, not in a box or anything) is a metal gear charm. Some fingerprints in the metal betray that it is handmade.
Attached is a note - Merry Christmas. I'll text you on your birthday. --Dodger]
[ At some point on Christmas morning, a helpful and industrious resort staff member will deliver a box to Viktor on Keita's behalf. The wrapping paper is a sort of iridescent light blue, tied in a deep purple ribbon and with a card sitting atop.
Inside the box, Viktor will find a clockwork gift from Keita, taking the shape of a young oak tree. At first the branches look dead, but should Viktor find the small knob on the back of the trunk and turn it, he will hear the clockwork inside engage as the trunk expands and leaves begin to grow from it, filling out the empty spaces. At its peak, the tree looks fully grown and in full bloom, so to speak, before the leaves withdraw again and it withers back down to youth and begins the whole cycle anew.
The accompanying card reads, ]
As it turns out, the components I took from your room at Halloween came in quite handy for this. I confess it isn't particularly useful except as something to keep your hands busy, but I hope it's nonetheless to your liking.
I'm pleased we met, and I hope to get to know you better in time.
[ First the gear and now...this. Viktor is not very good at receiving things and the only reason he hasn't gone directly to Dodger's to return it is because of the dungeon number 1, and number 2 is because he hasn't provided anything to give as a gift back. Returning a gift is impossibly rude, even if he doesn't think he deserves it, especially not with how their last interaction went. ]
This is...far too much. I don't deserve such kindness, especially if you are not to join me for any of it.
[ It is his money after all. ]
At least...allow me to return the favor at some point.
[ He doesn't really understand that. Dodger hating him, knowing what he knows now, would be more logical to him, and yet he...persists by bringing gifts and offering genuine kindness. For Viktor, it does make his chest tighten painfully in a way he's only briefly felt while here. ]
[Following up on the "game" post, Jayce sends a picture of himself- not blushing like he said he would- but a picture of himself with his back facing the mirror, and flexing to show off his reacquired musculature. Added text on the image says: "Part 1"]
[ Jayce is playing a dangerous game!!! Viktor is just smiling like a cat at that picture, though. He takes a moment to consider if he'll respond, but after a minute or two, he'll just send Jayce his own picture of a blanket that is very similar to Jayce's back home. Deep blue with a red underside, and it's draped in a way that conceals his groin area but exposes most of his thigh. His chest is also exposed, but the picture is focused on the topmost golden bolt fused to his body from his back brace. But its shape is the shape of his suit, a club. Viktor almost looks bored as he props his cheek up with a curled fist; his expression bemused but no less wanting as seen clearly in his eyes. ]
Are you sure you want to do this, Jayce?
[ Viktor's willpower or Jayce's?? Who will give in first?! ]
[This is not going according to plan immediately. The plan was for Viktor to get all hot and bothered and come banging on his door, not equal retaliation. He really should have seen this coming, but Viktor always does find new ways to surprise him.
What he sends next is not as intentionally sexy- he's leaning back in a chair, shirtless, his massive pecs taking up most of the shot, but what can be seen of his face is something of a pout, again. He's full of pouts lately.]
Unfair escalation. I had a whole series planned out before I got to the cloth draped over groin pose.
[ Viktor is also frowning slightly!! ] You should have said that to begin with, Jayce. Don't you like it?
[ Probably rhetorical?? He knows Jayce does, but hm the reaction is not the standard one he was expecting. ]
I thought it would make for decent inspirational material for when I get there, but also if I'm not around in the future. But. Hm.
[ The last thing he texts. So much pouting, my god, Viktor thinks it's cute though. Enough to get him to act accordingly at least. Whenever Jayce has that look, Viktor has no choice but to go over there now. With how pathetic Jayce looks, how can he resist?? Maybe he's also a little hot and bothered by those photos, too. He's not going to say it outright, but he does appreciate the photos, and he will be keeping them!!
Jayce doesn't get another message until there's a knock at his door and then a text. ]
Open the door. [ Viktor will be there with not much else on aside from that blanket, along with his staff, and his underwear, of course. He's not crazy enough to wander the hallways with nothing on underneath. But he's pretty sure that's what Jayce would prefer him in anyway. ]
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text/action;
it's dodger
i found us a spot at the library
and you owe me a date.
[Specifically, he found a private room for them to do their research - quiet and well-insulated, with comfortable chairs and a table to keep the stacks of books he brought back to it. Some about Earth, some about multiverse theory, some about other universes that are strangely familiar to him... he's going mostly off of the titles to pick ones that might be relevant, figuring he can always go looking for more if these aren't what he's looking for.
Whenever Viktor shows up, he's sitting on the table with a book open about Earth history - not his own Earth, it turns out, since no one in this universe has powers. Crazy how much that changes. (He's also wearing real clothes, this time, and bandages covering his forearms. He's honestly very glad that no one pointed out any of the things written on his old robe, but he did burn it at the first opportunity.)]
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The door opens with a slight creak, and Viktor will bow his head slightly as he closes the door. ]
I apologize for the delay. I hope I am not interrupting? [ He gives Dodger an inquiring look before his eyes look toward the stack of books already spread about the table. He looks pleased and sounds it too when he speaks again, propping his staff up against the table as hexcorized fingers glide across the covers of a few books. ]
You've spared little time in getting to work. Good.
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[He tries to be casual about it, but he really does like researching things when they catch his interest. It's that aggressive curiosity that's always been so easy to slip into stalkerish obsession - something Viktor doesn't have to worry about (yet) but a few other people are already finding out about.
Dodger holds a book out to him at random.]
I, ah... have more reason than most people, to care about this sort of thing. Other realities, dimension-hopping. The more I can figure out, the... better.
[Odd place to pause. But even if he likes Viktor, there's still a sort of wariness that comes from not wanting to give too much away.]
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I would think it is very obvious what else there is to do here. You did not strike me as the type to want to stick their nose into books all day. But I will never dismiss an opportunity to do research. It is, after all, something I had excelled at back home.
[ A raised brow at that as he picks up a book now, looking at Dodger from his seat. ] You are familiar with it, then, dimensional hopping as you put it? Your powers or someone else's?
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[Although... in this case, if he wants help, he's going to have to do his best to explain. Dodger scratches the back of his head for a moment before elaborating.]
It's... neither. I've got a mental condition. The wall that separates me from every other version of me is missing some holes. I've never been to another dimension before, as far as I know, but I've... seen them. Just flashes, but I know they're there.
[More things that Viktor will want to observe, probably. For now he's setting down his book and grabbing another one, although he keeps glancing up. Waiting for a reaction.]
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text;
A follow up message:]
They have a decent gym here.
text;
He finally remembers that he has to actually, you know, respond. ]
Well. Without having a forge to work in, I am not surprised you took to the gym. You should...be careful, Jayce, with your leg, I mean.
[ He worries. ] I certainly hope you did not take this at the gym and you are back in your apartment. [ He is also possessive, whoops. He didn't mean actually to send that, but there it is. Always showing itself just a little bit after everything they've been through. ]
I have heard that a massage does wonders for the body after a truly rigorous workout. There are plenty of places that might be able to help you with your aches if you have any. Though they might become a bit more...sensuous than what you are used to.
[ Don't think he doesn't notice the lack of muscle on you!! And that would probably lead to some soreness. ]
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[He's always done more upper body based exercises anyway, purely because that's what forge work required. His thick thighs were more a byproduct of genetics, he's sure.]
No, I'm still at the gym, was going to hit up the sauna now. I've never gotten a massage before, actually. The heat from a sauna should do the trick, sweat out all the soreness.
[Is he teasing on purpose, or is he... actually oblivious to what Viktor's trying to get at? The debate Viktor's surely had with himself over Jayce's answers for the past seven years.]
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[ He is debating this as he reads that message over again. ]
Never? I find that surprising. Sometimes...when the pain was bad enough and I could afford to do so, it would help my hip, back, and leg.
I could...show you. [ He's glad this is text only because boy, he sure is red. ]
So that you know what types of massages would be of benefit to you.
[ Yep. That's all this is, and definitely not an excuse to do anything else! ]
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I never had a medical need for it before, even after exercise, so it never occurred to me to get one.
I'd like to know which ones you mean. Should I wait at the sauna, or should I go to your room?
[ :) :) :) ]
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un: kiritsubo
Is a small square of drawing paper, on which a single purple hydrangea is drawn in watercolor.
Beneath the illustration, it is signed "Kiritsubo". ]
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I thank you, for the drawing. Its detail and elegance cannot be undermined. I assume from the books I have gathered that it is a purple hydrangea. Does it hold any significance in your world?
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There was a time in my world, perhaps a bit long ago by human reckoning, when flowers for others were carefully selected to express feelings or intent. It may now be somewhat passé, but I was quite fond of it.
Do you wish for me to tell you its significance? Or shall I set you back on the trail in the library in search of answer to this mystery?
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I was not familiar with this tradition. Nothing like it existed in Zaun. But it is good to see that people are forgetting their roots or their traditions, despite our being here. It gives some a sense of normalcy, I would expect.
[ But, hm. ]
It is not that I haven't already looked myself, but the purple hydrangea has several meanings. I would not wish to assume anything but is it perhaps that you wish for a deeper understanding?
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If we can take it back.
As for the meaning...
Yes, you have carefully selected the one which I intended.
Would you send me a purple hydrangea in turn, if you possessed the talent or the access to a florist... ?
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[not here]
The wrapping paper is nice, and poorly wrapped around a circular shape. Inside (loose, not in a box or anything) is a metal gear charm. Some fingerprints in the metal betray that it is handmade.
Attached is a note - Merry Christmas. I'll text you on your birthday. --Dodger]
( 12/25 ) — special delivery
Inside the box, Viktor will find a clockwork gift from Keita, taking the shape of a young oak tree. At first the branches look dead, but should Viktor find the small knob on the back of the trunk and turn it, he will hear the clockwork inside engage as the trunk expands and leaves begin to grow from it, filling out the empty spaces. At its peak, the tree looks fully grown and in full bloom, so to speak, before the leaves withdraw again and it withers back down to youth and begins the whole cycle anew.
The accompanying card reads, ]
As it turns out, the components I took from your room at Halloween came in quite handy for this. I confess it isn't particularly useful except as something to keep your hands busy, but I hope it's nonetheless to your liking.
I'm pleased we met, and I hope to get to know you better in time.
Happy Christmas, Viktor.
Mori
text // @dodger
happy birthday
do something fun with jayce tonight, tell me about it later
i want you to spend everything i just sent you.
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This is...far too much. I don't deserve such kindness, especially if you are not to join me for any of it.
[ It is his money after all. ]
At least...allow me to return the favor at some point.
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think of it like you're hotwifing.
[Ignoring that Viktor would be doing things with his actual partner, and... how weird that is to say anyway after their last interaction.]
my birthday's on the 16th.
you can send me something then.
assuming i'm still around, at least.
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[ He doesn't really understand that. Dodger hating him, knowing what he knows now, would be more logical to him, and yet he...persists by bringing gifts and offering genuine kindness. For Viktor, it does make his chest tighten painfully in a way he's only briefly felt while here. ]
Why would you not be?
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text; un: jaycetalis
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Are you sure you want to do this, Jayce?
[ Viktor's willpower or Jayce's?? Who will give in first?! ]
Let's see part 2 then.
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What he sends next is not as intentionally sexy- he's leaning back in a chair, shirtless, his massive pecs taking up most of the shot, but what can be seen of his face is something of a pout, again. He's full of pouts lately.]
Unfair escalation. I had a whole series planned out before I got to the cloth draped over groin pose.
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[ Probably rhetorical?? He knows Jayce does, but hm the reaction is not the standard one he was expecting. ]
I thought it would make for decent inspirational material for when I get there, but also if I'm not around in the future. But. Hm.
[ The last thing he texts. So much pouting, my god, Viktor thinks it's cute though. Enough to get him to act accordingly at least. Whenever Jayce has that look, Viktor has no choice but to go over there now. With how pathetic Jayce looks, how can he resist?? Maybe he's also a little hot and bothered by those photos, too. He's not going to say it outright, but he does appreciate the photos, and he will be keeping them!!
Jayce doesn't get another message until there's a knock at his door and then a text. ]
Open the door. [ Viktor will be there with not much else on aside from that blanket, along with his staff, and his underwear, of course. He's not crazy enough to wander the hallways with nothing on underneath. But he's pretty sure that's what Jayce would prefer him in anyway. ]
1/ a bunch im sorry for your inbox
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done
I'm cryin why is he like this 😭😭
undiagnosed disorders is why
ain't that the truth
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