hexcorized | IC INBOX

[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.

Sure. It's not like I had anything better to do.

[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.]

As long as the knowledge is conveyed clearly, there should be no issues.

[ And it's funny he should say that as Dodger explains and Viktor immediately perks up. His eyes swirl to life in colors befitting ones that are attributed to intrigue and understanding. ] Interesting.

I am familiar with conditions such as yours. How did you become afflicted with it?

[That's... very different from what he was expecting. TDD isn't unheard of - his medication is lab-tested, after all - but he doesn't think he's ever actually talked to anyone else that had it. It... does makes sense that it would exist in other worlds, though.

There's a moment where Dodger fails to keep the surprise off his face, the bright curiosity. And then he forces himself to look back at his book.]

I'm not sure. [Almost the truth.] My memory's not very good. But it must have happened... three or four years ago? I don't think it happened all at once, just... a lot of little things.

Hm. Repeated exposure, then? [ Viktor's head will tilt to the side in observation and in an almost clinical manner. ]

There is another whose mind had become damaged from interaction with a powerful arcane force. It pulled them across time and space to an alternate world and, in doing so, affected his mind.

[ But Jayce had never let him try to heal those wounds, or any other for that matter. Viktor's expression is distant before he continues speaking. ]

Is it something similar to that? [ A soft inquiry as he looks from his book to Dodger. ]

Repeated exposure, yes. But... not the other thing.

[He chews his cheek for a moment, trying to decide how much he can say without... what, admitting weakness? All of this is admitting a weakness.]

I used to know someone who could bend reality, and change how peoples' brains and bodies worked. I spent too long around him, and it fucked me up.

[This time he doesn't look up from his book.]

I am also intimately familiar with powers such as those. [ His tone shifts to something more muted and soft, a tinge of pain beneath the surface. There's a brief flicker in the corner of the library's room, a tall, gaunt figure with golden eyes behind its mask, reaching out a hand. Viktor will let out a constricted sigh before his eyes close momentarily, his hands gripping that book tightly. He will look back at Dodger, a frown tugging on his lips. ]

I am sorry...that happened to you. I am sorry that your mind has suffered from it.

[Viktor does seem to have much more experience than most people he talks to. It makes him very curious, although he isn't exactly sure how to press further.]

That man is dead now, and the world's better off.

[He pauses for a moment, flipping through the book in his hands.]

Anyway, I... just wanted to see if I could find information about the other worlds I've seen. If this place has books on Earth, it's gotta have books on- Rapture, or Hell.

[Speaking those names did not feel good, and they come with flashes of memories that don't belong in his head. The ocean viewed through a giant glass, and a view of the sky as animal corpses rain down. The sounds of gramophone records and flamenco guitars. One of his hands moves up to his face in a practiced motion, stopping the blood from his nose from dripping onto the page.]

I am sure your world is all the better for it. [ Viktor being his own biggest hater again!! Runeterra is better off without him, without The Herald, so he understands the sentiment. But there is a thoughtful look in his eyes as he regards Dodger, not speaking of what Dodger says next just yet. ] If there were someone here who had similar powers, would you kill them if this place caused them to go out of control?

[ Viktor STOP. But he knows what would have to be done if it ever came to that, and he knows that Jayce would not have it in him to do it. ]

There are plenty of books to go through; I'm sure we'll have some success in finding what it is you are searching for. [ He flips through a few pages again before seeing the blood. It's not something he's unused to, well, back when his body was flesh and blood. But to see it happening to another person is rather strange. ]

Does that happen often? [ Related to the words in question, he surmises. His tone is casual as he asks that, though. Almost completely unfazed by the suddenness of it. ]

[The questions give him pause. Not because he doesn't have a ready answer - more because Viktor's familiarity makes this feel like they aren't talking in hypotheticals.

But the answer is clear.]

Yes. I would kill them.

[Maybe not even intentionally. His panic responses tend to be... disastrous.]

...And yeah, pretty often. My brain doesn't like remembering things that don't belong in it.

[It should clear up soon enough - now that he's not actively remembering. For now he keeps his nose covered, while he tries to thumb through his book one-handed. Another history book, from another world... but this one doesn't ring any bells.]

I will keep that in mind. Your sincerity is appreciated. [ There is something in the way Viktor regards him almost appreciatively before he nods silently and solemnly. ]

I do not imagine many people's brains do. [ There's an amused lilt to his voice as he says that. He'll put down his book before his hands grab for another. He will flip through the pages before a soft 'ah' escapes him. He reads it for but a moment before handing it over to Dodger. ]

Is this the 'Hell' you were looking for? [ Is it a book on the biblical hell or the Hell which Dodger speaks?? ]

[The 'sincerity' comment gets an amused snort. He isn't sure how to feel about it being appreciated, but he'll take it.

Dodger takes the book from Viktor and skims over the spot he'd been reading before flipping through aimlessly. He doesn't remember Hell, so he isn't sure exactly what he's looking f-

-a chill tends to set in during the fall festival. Vendors sell fruit wines and grilled pets to sinners-

Rather than just bleeding, Dodger's skin explodes in colors like a damaged VHS tape, flashing chunks of cyan, magenta and yellow. It only lasts a second at most, but Viktor will be able to catch glimpses of a red, devil-like tail behind Dodger, sharp fangs in his mouth and a gnarly scar on the left side of his neck that looks like something tried taking a bite out of him. And then it ends, leaving Dodger to slam the book closed and hold his nose closed to block a fresh bout of bleeding.

God, it hurts just as badly every time.]

Yeah. Yeah, I think it is.

[ It seems that everything is proceeding as intended until, well, that little display. Viktor tenses in his seat, eyes widening as he watches that transformation take root and shape before him. His eyes swirl to life with colors of purple and yellow in varying hues. He might lean forward once the shock wears off to try and reach out, but he stills his hand, going instead to reach down to tear a small piece of his robe off to hand to the other man to help stop the bleeding. ]

Incredible. [ Sorry, that's just how he is Dodger. But this is something he's never quite seen before, and he has a lot of memories from people to shuffle through, and not a single one yields a result like this. ]

Such a sophisticated manifestation. What a fascinating response. Does it feel...physical in any way? Can you feel that tail, or fangs when they formed just now?

[Dodger takes the scrap gratefully to block his nose, and sets the book aside in its own spot so he can try to read more of it later. Later, when he's actually taken his medication and he's less likely to react to it.

He honestly doesn't know how to feel about the reaction. It's uncomfortable, being studied and potentially giving weaknesses away, but he doesn't really get the sense that he's being judged. Or pitied, which was common enough from his doctor back home.]

I can feel it, yeah... vaguely. Sometimes one of my eyes blinks out during those, that's a lot more... solid.

[It's always the right eye. He can't see through it anyway - just blurry shapes and dim lights - but it's uncomfortable to have it fully vanish during the shifts.]

I guess we got what we were looking for. But uh... we can keep rooting around, unless you wanna work on the next part of that bet.

[He could find more material, but that would likely come with more reality shifts and they don't feel great. At least he's confirmed that he can find the information he wants, which is huge.]

I am curious. What would happen if your memories were sealed off, or partially sealed, almost like a net that filters things through at a slower pace? Would that perhaps ease the symptoms?

[ He's muttering to himself but keeps those strange eyes on Dodger all the while, like he's openly talking about an experiment to the test subject with little regard for how it might be perceived. If his powers might be used in a way that is beneficial to somebody...would it be alright to use them? The other is tantalizing in a way Viktor knows it shouldn't be, not after what he's done, and yet...there is a voice in his head telling him it would be fine. Words slip past his lips before he has a chance to reconsider the offer. ] If you would ever like to try it, please do let me know.

[ But, hm, that other thing that was promised. He hasn't forgotten it, it's just not something he's been overly invested in, perhaps because he knows what the outcome will be. There is the slightest hint of a flush on his cheeks as he finally looks away. ] The part where you are going to try to suck me off, yes?

[ When you have no filter, usually, and then your suit also makes you truthful and impulsive, dang. ] I am curious to see if there is...potential.

[It does sound like something that would work - might work, at least - but he still bristles while Viktor talks. He's touchy at the best of times with people rooting around in his head, and it's worst still with thoughts of Arzial on his mind. Worse enough that even the prospect of switching gears feels a little off, and his eyes narrow at the word potential.]

The man that did this to me trained plenty of potential into me.

[But that doesn't mean he's backing out. Once he's confirmed that his nose has stopped bleeding - and tried to wipe some of the remains out of his beard - he slips off of the table to lean uncomfortably close over Viktor's chair, one hand bracing against the back of it. That feels a little better that going straight to his knees. A little more like he's forcing his will, instead of submitting to yet another man with too keen an interest in him.]

How important is romance for you? Or would you rather I got straight to it?

You have nothing to worry about in those regards. I do not intend to train or use you in such a manner. I only meant to offer a potential relief to you and to your symptoms. But, perhaps, I have misspoke.

[ He has only ever wanted to help people; here is no different. Should the other accept his offer, he would do whatever he could to mitigate the damage already done. ] It is your choice, do what you like with the offer.

[ There is a slight wince from him as the words there is always a choice and choice is false both ring in his head. But his thoughts are interrupted by Dodger looming over him, and he has to tilt his head up to look back at the other. ]

That entirely depends on what you would like to get out of such a thing, no? I am not opposed to it, but considering the current environment we are in, it is not a true necessity. [ Have an amused smirk directed your way, Dodger. ]

Were you looking to romance me in a library in an almost covert affair? If so, this is your chance to do so.

[There is some hesitation - the amusement is as frustrating as it is disarming, digging into the part of him that wants to be an intimidating figure as much as it soothes the part of him that wants Viktor to like him. And... he does soften a bit, even if his metaphorical hackles are still raised.]

Maybe next time, bud.

[When he isn't putting active effort into not thinking about traumatic memories, of a man who happened to really like going slow and romantic during his abuse. But there is going to be a next time, regardless of how this goes.

He hadn't actually been paying that much attention to Viktor's clothing - his gaze tends to stray to the metallic skin, even if he still hasn't asked about it - but he's taking in as much information as he can while he kneels down between the older man's legs. Figuring out if there's pants under that robe, or if he just needs to hike it up - either way his hands are abundantly gentle when he finally touches him, just sort of assuming that Viktor is frail enough to need that.]

As you wish. [ There's a soft look in his eyes as he mutely nods to Dodger's response. The touch being so gentle is surprising, but not unwelcome as Viktor watches. One of his metallic hands comes up to almost stop Dodger before he's even begun, but his fingers only twitch slightly before his hand rests against the arm of the chair again. ] Before we begin. You need not push yourself for me. If it is...too unpleasant to look at, I do understand.

[ After all, this body is also one he struggles to come to terms with himself. ]

In instances like these, both parties should be enjoying themselves, yes? It would devalue the meaning if only one of us is to enjoy ourselves.

[ On good days, Viktor can tolerate his strange metallic flesh and allow himself to go practically nude beneath the robe he clings to like a second skin. On other bad days, he can't even bear the thought of looking at himself in the mirror sometimes. Today is a good day, and so beneath the robe is a simple pair of undergarments and nothing else. He straightens ever so slightly with the touch, dulled as it is, it feels mostly like being underwater and encased in a bubble. Viktor spreads his legs a bit more to allow Dodger better access. ] You can also be a bit rough, if you'd like.

[ His body is more than sturdy enough to handle it. ]

[Dodger lets Viktor stop him, but just gives him a bemused look. This body is interesting, which is all he really needs to want to touch it. And the idea of wanting them both to enjoy themselves is... a little foreign. Not because he's unfamiliar with the concept, just because it's been a very long time since it was a real concern. Everyone's pleasure is their own problem, but voicing that doesn't feel particularly important.]

We'll see how I feel when I'm down there.

[But he does at least move a little more confidently. Dodger is super-humanly strong, and Viktor will likely still feel him holding that strength back, but he is at least not treating him like he's made of glass. Pushing that robe up, and taking a moment to examine the strange skin of his legs before leaning forward to mouth him through those undergarments.

This soon after a memory bleed, his mind is always a little more open to them, and he can feel another stray thought pushing up to the surface. A memory of skinny, warped legs resting on a bathroom floor... but he pushes that aside before it makes him bleed directly onto Viktor's crotch. There's more interesting things to focus on - like the feeling of that purple skin under his calloused fingers, and the slow exploration of what he sort of assumes is going to be a purple, metallic dick against his lips.]

You may just make me feel a bit self-conscious with comments like that.

[ Just kidding! Viktor is his own biggest hater, so he would not be surprised if Dodger called this whole thing off. If he's stubborn, then perhaps Viktor could see him persevering through it all.

But Viktor's skin feels exactly as it looks. Cold, metallic, hard as metal with splits in the metal looking sinew that allow for a soft purplish like to escape from beneath his skin. His cock is no different. Its appearance does hold the same properties as the rest of his body. Viktor might feel a buzzing beneath his skin as Dodger presses his mouth against the outline of his cock. Those calloused fingers drawing up some associations to someone else is enough to get a short, muted inhale of breath out of Viktor.

His hand will come up once more this time to rake itself through Dodger's hair, and Viktor watches in an almost experimental kind of way. ]

[If anything, Dodger's interest seems to grow the more that he touches, and he nearly misses Viktor's comment - it just gets a huff of laughter in response. His focus is on admiring the texture of that odd skin, both with his fingers and with his lips. It's rough and hard, distinctly inhuman in a way that he fixates on without meaning to, and his fingers experimentally heat up to see if he can get a reaction from warming the golden metal of his thighs.

After a bit more teasing, he carefully pulls down Viktor's underpants, and his eyes sharpen with a sort of scientific focus when he finally gets to see that cock. It's rare for mutations to affect this area, but not something he hasn't seen before - and it's always exciting when he gets the chance to get up-close with one. But he doesn't go straight for it, instead running his lips over the skin at its base, licking along its underside and finally taking just the head into his mouth. And if he got a good reaction from warming Viktor's thighs earlier, he'll try it again now, heating any metallic bits of skin with his tongue.]

IC INBOX - goldenet

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