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Chapter Text

Viktor was the first to fall.

It happened in an instant. One moment, holding onto Jayce. Foreheads pressed together. One moment with the Rune burning between them. Viktor ready to commit to his fate. One moment where the universe suddenly seemed to tear and bleed. Where he was being dragged down, as if through a current, yanked down and forced to watch as Jayce is dissolved into nothingness without him. As the inky darkness around him gave way to a blinding white, ethereal landscape. White, endless, swirling with vague hints of translucent teals, pinks, purples and greens. For a long time, it was all Viktor saw. It was all Viktor knew. He spent days and days navigating the space. Trying so hard to focus. Trying so hard to escape. But nothing. He could form things. He allowed himself the outfit he felt most comfortable in. That suit he'd worn during his sicker hours of his life. Adorned with House Talis colors. The nostalgia kept him awake. His hair remained that ethereal white and his features remained youthful. Healthy. Yet, he remained alone. He wasn't sure how long it was until that changed. 

Silco was the next to fall. 

Not the Silco Viktor had known. Not the old one with the scarred face. No, he was young, fit and newly wounded. His eye was freshly injured. The Arcane had covered it in that webbing. His hair was glowing white, like Viktor's. He had arrived soaked and terrified in ragged clothes. With him, came The Last Drop. A few days after his arrival and some clearly muddy tension, the building had constructed itself from nothing, like a lighthouse on a cliff to the endless ocean of white. Even though Viktor had never seen it, Silco had insisted that the inside was exactly the same. Having a roof over their heads and a drink or two from the bar, they spoke. Silco had been dragged down once he'd been shoved under the water by a former friend. Someone who had been close to him. He wondered what 'Vander' thought, feeling Silco dragged from his violent hands beneath the churning water. When Silco never resurfaced. When Silco had simply... disappeared. The thoughts brought him to tears and Viktor had guided him from them. 

The next to fall was a surprise. Powder. 

Viktor didn't know who she was, but Silco had sworn he knew the name from somewhere and he felt as if he recognized her. Powder had sported the glowing hair as well, arriving in a nice dress, a leather jacket and nice combat boots. She had her makeup done, with glittery blue eyeshadow. She had been frightened and panicked, insisting that she had to get back to 'Ekko'. But there was no way to leave. It would take her a while to accept that. Powder had told them she'd been going to investigate where her boyfriend had gone during the Distinguished Innovator's Competition. She had been headed down a staircase when she had moved forward onto a step that apparently didn't exist. She had fallen. Each of them had created a bedroom within The Last Drop. And 'created' was quite literal. Though the outside of the building never changed, the inside was constantly expanding and changing to their needs. Food was never an issue, nor clothes. Despite this, they all liked to cook, wanting to make the food themselves. They would eat their meals together. 

On darker days, they would have to help Silco through violent night terrors, keeping him from strangling himself or clawing at an already injured eye. Sometimes, it would be Powder waking from a nightmare, screaming the name of her sister, who she'd lost when she was young. On the very rare occasion, it was Viktor. Haunted from guilt about his near takeover of the world, not to mention watching Jayce dissolve into nothing right in front of him while he could only watch. His breakdowns were the worst, lasting hours at a time and seeming to warp whatever he touched. For a long time, it was just the three of them. 

Jinx was the last to fall. 

It had certainly been a surprise for all of them, but especially Powder, since it seemed her and Jinx shared every feature. It didn't take long for them to find out they were the same person. Just from different worlds. Jinx had arrived in a mess of hair. Her glowing white hair was so long that it dragged along behind her on the ground. She wore her cropped top and striped pants. She had looked at Silco as if he were a ghost and she hadn't spoken to any of them for nearly two weeks. She looked as if she'd been crying and devastated. It took a week before she let them touch her, and it was to let Silco braid her hair into one large braid so it wouldn't drag on the floor. Her first words to them was asking for food, which they quickly provided. Jinx had been dragged down from a jail cell. Viktor remembered Jinx. When she recounted the events leading up to her fall, he was able to plot nearly the exact moment she fell. It had been shortly after his second death, in the commune. Viktor felt a little out of the loop whenever the three of them would speak about 'Vander' or 'Violet'. Upon realizing she couldn't leave and after quite a few frightening attempts on herself, Jinx finally seemed to settle.

None of them could leave. None of them were part of their worlds anymore. None of them knew how much time had passed and it soon didn't matter. After a while, they all knew each other's stories. They all helped each other with their bad nights and breakdowns. Jinx and Silco both seemed especially prone to them. For a while, all they had was each other. 

Then came the first Passerby.

Viktor sighed quietly as the Jayce he'd been tending to wrapped him in a hug. It was an older one this time, which he thanked the gods for, since they always seemed to understand where they were a little easier. He was still smelly and devastated after several months alone, not to mention he'd been unbelievably clingy, but Viktor had pinpointed which timeline he came from and opened the Arcane to let him back out after tending to his wounds just a little. The opening swirled in a myriad of colors behind Jayce. "Thank you, Viktor. I... I miss you." Jayce told him, his golden eyes earnest and pained. Viktor's own eyes trailed to that blue circle illuminated behind Jayce's head.

"I miss you too, Jayce. Go now." Viktor shooed him off with a playful smile. "Your world needs you." That disgruntled Jayce finally backed up, turning and disappearing through the opening after giving one last look. Viktor closed it up. At least he'd gotten much better at that. He turned away, moving back to the front door of The Last Drop and opening it. Inside, the bar wasn't as busy as some days, but it was still loud. The Passerbys, as the four permanent residents referred to them, all seemed to be the same several people. Each of them had assigned themselves to deal with a certain person or people. 

Silco would handle any versions of himself, along with Vander and Jinx.

Jinx would handle any version of Ekko and, while they hadn't had one of either pass through yet, she insisted on handling any versions of Caitlyn or Vi. 

Powder was to handle any version of Viktor. It had been decided among them that Viktor likely shouldn't handle any versions of himself, given his powerful connection to the Arcane. So Powder had volunteered to handle it, along with any version of Ekko that distressed Jinx too much. 

Viktor was to handle any version of Mel. He'd only seen one or two iterations of her, but really, his main concern was Jayce. He passed through quite often. Never more than one at a time, but it was continuous, like a rotating door. 

Each of them had settled on a set of rules and they followed them strictly. Of course, that didn't mean they couldn't have fun with the versions of their friends or lovers. More than once, they'd had them laughing at the bar. More than once, they had taken them to bed (with permission, of course) and Silco especially seemed to have a bad habit of it with any version of Vander that came through. More than once, Viktor would find a Jayce napping against him while he read a book in one of the booths. More than once, the Passerbys were allowed their own temporary guest rooms in case they needed to rest. They were never to stay longer than a day, so the rotation of people was constant. The interactions with themselves had resulted in violent imposter syndrome, at first, for all of them, but they had since grown used to it. 

Most of the Passerbys were simply people who'd been pulled into the Arcane accidentally. They just had to be pushed back out. They were not fallen. Any version of Jayce, Viktor and Ekko all needed special attention, with Jayce and Ekko having purposefully entered the Anomaly and Viktor with his Arcane connection. All of the Passerbys sported a small, glowing ring. It was a spoiler to the outcome of their timeline. Blue rings were the most common, following a set path with no real intense change. The gold rings meant their timeline would change for the better in an extreme way. The red rings meant it would change for the worst. None of the four residents could help but give extra kindness and care to those with red rings. The Passerbys couldn't seem to see them. 

Viktor moved through the bustling room, heading towards the bar. "Viktor!" He blinked and glanced over, changing his course to meet Powder, who was sitting at one of the booths with a version of Ekko. Powder smiled, reaching out and Viktor took her hand. All four of them were big on touch. "You finally shook off that Jayce, huh?" 

"Goodness, Powder, I have never had one so clingy. I suspect he may have been trapped in that ravine much longer than most of the others. His leg was much worse than what I am used to seeing." Viktor gave a heavy sigh. He glanced over at Ekko, who was regarding him in confusion. "Hello, Ekko." The boy greeted him uncertainly, a gold ring shimmering behind his head. "Have you seen Jinx around?" He asked Powder politely. 

"She retreated up into the beams. I have no doubt she's creeping around, waiting to pounce." Powder joked, her voice becoming spooky in a playful manner. Viktor laughed quietly. His eyes instantly trailed up to the raised ceiling, trying to see if he could spot her. He didn't catch the sound of footsteps running up behind him until arms were suddenly wrapping him in a vice-tight hug. They squeezed him and he let out a noise similar to a squeaky toy, both Jinx and Powder erupting into giggling.

"You both plotted against me! I cannot believe it!" Viktor exclaimed in mock betrayal, though he was much more embarrassed about the sound he'd made. They both seemed to love his squeaky noise that he occasionally let slip. Jinx cackled softly and picked him up. "Jinx!" 

"Silco wanted to check on you, so I'm gonna bring you!" Jinx insisted in her scratchy voice, turning and starting to waddle across the room with him as Powder was heard laughing in her booth behind them. 

"Jinx, put me down this instant!" Viktor demanded, wiggling around. When she didn't, Viktor teleported from her grasp and reappeared at the top of the stairs she'd been taking him to, fixing his collar and vest before huffing at her. 

"Oh, c'mon, Viktor!! I never get to carry you! It's not faaaair, I don't know how to do that yet!" Jinx had yet to learn how to teleport around and the only other one who had a hang of it was Powder, much to Silco's jealousy. Viktor rolled his eyes, turning and moving through the upstairs. He finally knocked at the office door before opening it, Silco not even glancing up from his conversation with a slightly older version of the Vander they usually saw around here. His hair was completely grey and white.

Silco took notice of Viktor, leaned back in his chair with his feet up on the desk. He blew his bangs out of his face and gave a grin. "Well, hello, handsome, how are we today?" He asked, tipping his head. 

"Mm, finally sent back the Jayce you saw following me around." Viktor moved forward and gave a polite nod to the Vander with the red ring before turning back to Silco. "I did, however, just experience quite the betrayal at the hands of Powder, if you could believe it." Silco's brows raised and that crooked smile pulled at his lips. 

"An unexpected twist!" Silco exclaimed, laughing a little. Viktor rolled his eyes. "Vander, the room is down the hall, the first door on the left. If you'd like, I could tend to your wounds for you in a few minutes." The Vander's cheeks flushed slightly and he nodded, saying that would be lovely. His knuckles seemed busted. He turned and shambled out of the room, leaving Silco with Viktor. Silco stared after him with a small sigh. "...It never gets any easier to see that ring, Viktor. Why do you think it is, that Vander almost always sports a red ring?" He sounded defeated and his shoulders were sunken as he leaned back in the chair. "I mean, I certainly have my own..." He raised a hand to the colorful webbing on the side of his face. "...qualms about the man, but a bad timeline for him almost every time seems... cruel." Silco's hands tightened, having moved back down to clasp over his lap. 

"A face like yours doesn't mesh well with such a look of disdain, Silco." Viktor said, sitting on the edge of the desk with a small, comforting smile. "The fate is decided before they even arrive here." Silco met his gaze, though it was tired. 

"Always the charmer, Viktor." He joked softly. He was in his own leather jacket and a deep-cut, red collared shirt with form fitting pants. He blew his bangs out of his face again in slight irritation. "I know it is... predestined. But it does not make it seem any less unfair. What he did to me is..." Silco's eye moved away. "It is certainly something terrible, but I've had much time to think. Much time to ponder. Even more time to forgive. Watching those older versions of Vander break down into tears from guilt and pain is heart-breaking. Especially knowing they will not remember that I forgive them when they return to their places." Silco sounded mournful. 

"There are versions of Jayce I feel similar for. The ones with red rings seem to have gone through something different than what I am familiar with. Each one so terribly upset to see me. Each one older. I can only wonder what happened to them. And why they deserve for it to only get worse. But I have no answers. And I doubt the Arcane is too keen on these kinds of questions." Viktor replied, his fingers tracing along the edges of the desk. He kept his head down before jumping a little as he felt Silco nudge his arm with his foot. He glanced back at him with a raised brow. 

"Perhaps we both have seen more tragedy and the Arcane believes us strong enough for it. It likes to challenge. You said yourself that it does not seem interested in positivity." Silco said, tipping his head. Viktor gave a weak chuckle, murmuring that he recalled. "Now then, Viktor, I hear that you and the girls may have crafted quite a spectacular blanket fort in Jinx's room that I was not invited to." Silco gently changed the topic to something lighter and Viktor rolled his eyes. 

"Perhaps you forgot, but you told us you were going to be 'preoccupied' with that Vander from yesterday. I have certainly never been one to interrupt your fun, Silco." Viktor said, glancing back at him with a smile.

"But you could." Silco teased, moving his feet off the desk and leaning forward on his elbows, holding his hands together and resting his chin atop them. "You always decline the invitations to join me and whatever Vander I have. Even if we both know they won't remember." Viktor chuckled softly. 

"You say you would like that, but you are secretly a very jealous man, Silco. The moment the attention is off of you, you will not like that I accepted the invitation and we both know it." Viktor scolded gently. Silco huffed softly, rolling his eye. "Besides, you know how continuous my Passerbys are. They all move one after another. He and I seem most frequent. Powder seems to have caught a break. I have not seen any versions of myself for two days now." Silco's lips were pursed in a silent smile and Viktor had to stop his own. "I will not start complaining." Silco replied that he would any moment now. "I will not." 

"Mhm." Silco leaned back in his chair. "The last one wouldn't even let you out of his sight. We had to lock him in his room and you had to put him to sleep." Viktor made a noise of annoyance, muttering for Silco not to remind him. "And, while I sympathize for his situation, he smelled ghastly." 

"He always smells ghastly when they come from the ravine. Half of them refuse to shower and the other half refuse to let me treat their wounds. Is it so much to ask that I send them back clean?? Good gods, he's always been so stubborn. Even the younger ones. They refuse to leave me be. And, while it warms my heart to see them look at me in such relief when they see I am without ailment or disease, I just wish I could sleep in my own bed whenever they come by!" Viktor waved his hand in vague irritation before pausing. He was complaining. He felt his face go hot and he turned to shoot a glare at Silco. "You set me up!" 

"I simply started a conversation." Silco responded with a cheeky grin. "You started to complain." 

"I'll be sure that Jinx dyes your hair pink this time." Viktor responded flatly. Instantly, Silco protested that the blue had taken so long to fade before. "Mm. Perhaps we should be kinder then?" Viktor jumped as Jinx's muffled voice came rocketing from below. 

"VIKTOR!! GOT ANOTHER ONE FOR YA!!" 

"See? Continuous!" Viktor exclaimed, Silco laughing in response. "The blanket fortress is in Jinx's room and we will expect you there, come tonight. Jinx may not be able to lift you, but you and I both know she will certainly try." Viktor said matter-of-factly. Silco nodded, saying he wouldn't wish to disappoint. 

Viktor pushed himself off the desk and moved forward. He slipped out of the office and made his way down the hall. He nearly jumped out of his skin as he came face-to-face with Jinx. She looked troubled, her brow furrowed. "This one's weird, Viktor. His ring is weird." She told him in a scratchy whisper. Viktor blinked before asking if she was uncomfortable. "No, no, it's fine. I just haven't see that color before. I think we finally got something new around here." She sounded like she was trying to joke, but she did sound a little offput. 

"I will handle it. I've also told Silco he will be joining us in the fortress tonight." Viktor added, Jinx instantly lighting up. Viktor gave Jinx's shoulder a reassuring squeeze before moving past her. He made his way down the stairs and finally paused once he reached the bottom. This was... Viktor could only stare for a moment at that Academy uniform. Good gods, this one was young. He seemed to be demanding answers from Powder, who had her hands up nervously. "Jayce?" Viktor asked, tipping his head in confusion. The other man startled and turned to look back at him. He was young. His golden-brown eyes seemed to search Viktor over before recognition appeared, followed by anger. 

"You??" He demanded. "You said you were the Dean's assistant, what the hell is all of this??" He waved his arm around vaguely. "First, you have me arrested and now, I'm in a bar in some empty void??" Jayce had come right up to him in an unconscious attempt of intimidation. This one didn't know him at all. "Does the Professor know you're a mage??" He asked firmly. Viktor was momentarily taken back by that.

"Pardon?" Viktor asked in surprise. 

"You're a mage, aren't you?? That's the only explanation for this. It's some kind of illusion." Jayce sounded so sure of himself and Viktor furrowed his brow. He replied that he wasn't a mage. His eyes drifted past Jayce's shoulder towards the thing that had been distracting him. Powder was staring at it as well. Jinx was right, it was something new. 

They'd never seen a pure black ring before. 

Chapter Text

Jayce instantly scoffed at him, but Viktor wasn't listening to anything he was saying. He reached up and snapped his fingers, seeming to shock the other silent. He stared at Viktor for a moment in absolute offense, like he couldn't believe him. "Jayce, what were you doing before you ended up here?" Viktor asked quietly. He turned and moved towards the bar. No one was up there at the moment and he took a seat. Jayce had followed him, albeit cautiously and still incredibly offended. Viktor raised a brow at him. Jayce had opened his mouth to answer, but he suddenly paused. He paused and uncertainty flooded his eyes. In a second, Viktor knew exactly where he'd been. "Oh. Never mind." His shoulders sank. "You..." He lowered his voice. "Tell me you have not made it off the ledge yet." Jayce's eyes went wide. 

"What the hell would you know about that?!" Jayce instantly exploded at him, catching the attention of the other few Passerbys. Powder was watching them nervously. It wasn't uncommon for some Passerbys to have violent reactions, but Jayce yelling at Viktor, of all people, was new. Viktor tightened his jaw just a little. "Where am I?! I can't seem to catch a break, can I?? I can't even end this properly!" Jayce sounded beyond upset and frustrated. "All of my research is gone, my apartment is destroyed, and I'm as good as expelled from the Academy!! There is nothing left!!" Jayce slammed his fist against the table, making Viktor startle a little. "And I don't need the guy who got me arrested looking at me in pity!" Viktor understood perfectly.

There'd been many nights where he'd sat with his own Jayce, listening to him detail how angry he'd been. How upset and confused. How Viktor's approach to him on that ledge could've gone so much worse. He can't imagine it's any easier for this Jayce. From the sounds of it, the Viktor from that timeline hadn't even made it to him yet. Viktor understood it perfectly, yet his hands were tight in his lap anyway. It was genuinely startling to have Jayce raise his voice at him like this after all this time. There were Jayces that had regarded him with fear and distrust, but none of them had really... Viktor glanced away. "I am not pitying you, Jayce. I am... saddened to know that is the position you are in. And I am... so very nervous as well. Please just tell me if you stepped off or not." He lowered his voice again as he met the younger man's furious eyes. Jayce scanned him over before asking why he would even care in a bitter voice. 

The question almost felt comical in the worst way. If only he could tell him why he would care. If only this Jayce knew just how deeply he did. Viktor caught Powder starting to stand from her booth, her eyes wide and dismayed. He subtly shook his head to her and she furrowed her brow before sitting back down. Powder, Jinx, and Silco all knew why this was such a devastating question to Viktor. "...I care for you." Viktor stated as simply as he could. Jayce seemed taken back by that, but more so by Viktor's ever so slightly strangled tone. Viktor wasn't sure how much longer he could handle speaking to the young man that he would have grown to spend a lifetime with. To be closer than he'd ever thought possible. Viktor squeezed his eyes shut as Jayce spoke again. 

"Why? I don't even know you. I had to learn your name from that girl with the braid!" Jayce stated indignantly. 

I don't even know you.

Said in Jayce's voice? Devastating. Viktor knew more about him than he could ever possibly know. His favorite foods. His favorite season. His fear of snow and wind. His love for thunderstorms and rainy days. His infatuation with gold and red. That hammer he'd wanted to build ever since he was a child. He'd met his mother and he'd stayed at Jayce's apartment. They'd changed the world together. Viktor let out a weak laugh, finally pushing himself to his feet. "Viktor, darling, why don't you let me take over for this one?" Silco's voice sounded from the stairs as he leaned against the railing. Viktor nodded, inhaling shakily.

"Y-Yes, I believe that would be best." Viktor agreed. He reached up and quickly wiped his eyes. Jayce seemed taken back by his tears, the tension slightly loosening from his shoulders. 

"Why are you-" 

"H-He will ensure that you return home safely. I only pray it is not too late." Viktor kept his head down. "I did not mean to upset you. Please forgive me." Viktor raised a hand to his chest, giving the smallest bow of apology. He turned away and moved towards the stairs. Jinx had come running down to him, hugging him tightly. He managed a smile as he hugged her back. Silco moved down next to them, gently resting his knuckles against the back of Viktor's shoulder. 

"You should take a rest, handsome. I'll deal with this one." Silco murmured. Viktor nodded, managing another weakened laugh. 

"Do not stress yourself, Silco. I appreciate this more than you could know." Viktor leaned forward, bumping his head against Silco's, the other smiling before gently shooing both him and Jinx up the stairs. Jinx practically pulled him along and he cast one more look down at the young Jayce. Those golden-brown eyes were so confused and uncertain as they followed Viktor until he was out of sight. Viktor let out the breath he didn't even realize he'd been holding. When they reached the top of the stairs, Jinx turned to him with pleading eyes and Viktor gave a quiet laugh. He leaned down, bumping their foreheads together as well. Jinx seemed delighted by that and Viktor yelped as she pulled him along again, seeming twice as determined now. When they reached her room, Jinx shouldered the door open and finally let go of Viktor in order to do a full dive into the absolute mountains of pillows on her floor. 

Blankets were strung up all over the room, even covering the door that led to Powder's room. They both shared a bathroom, but different bedrooms. Jinx had glowing, neon signs all over her room, illuminating it in different colors. She'd also painted her room with the various graffiti tags she remembered from Zaun. Viktor smiled as he shut the door. Faint music always seemed to be playing from somewhere in Jinx's room, but they could never figure out where, the origin always seeming to move when they thought they'd found it. It was an upbeat, rock-like song with electronic undertones. "Viktor! Come on!" Jinx rolled over until she was buried beneath the pile, only her braid sticking out to signal where she was. Viktor came over and flopped backwards on top of her anyway. "Ack!" 

Viktor smiled to himself as he laid on top of the writhing pillows. "Viktooooor!! You're squishing meeee!" Jinx whined. 

"I highly doubt that." Viktor replied, rolling his eyes. He wiped them again, finally forcing himself to sit and take a breath. Calm down and think. Jinx finally surfaced next to him like a breaching whale, falling over hard on his stomach. It knocked the breath out of him and he curled up a little before lightly smacking her shoulder. She giggled as she laid back on top of his midsection. She scanned him over quietly with those magenta eyes, her smile faltering a little. Viktor blinked before shaking his head. "I-I will be fine. I am just a little shaken. It has... been a while since I've heard Jayce raise his voice at me. I do not think he's done so since my first resurrection. When he was trying to stop me from leaving the lab." 

"...That was way long ago." Jinx said quietly, frowning at him. "And this is the guy you were practically married to. I think you might just be scared, Viktor." Viktor paused before glancing to the side and replying that they hadn't been married. "Mm, you basically were." She yelped as Viktor lightly smacked her shoulder again. "Owww." Viktor leaned back against the pillows again. 

"I... I do not know if I would call it fear." Viktor raised a hand, studying his quivering fingers. "Perhaps shock is a better descriptor. I..." Viktor let out a shakier breath than he meant to and Jinx reached out, holding his hand tightly. Viktor did feel comforted by that. "...I have never had to let anyone else handle a Jayce. I suppose I am still capable of new experiences." Jinx replied that they hadn't seen one this young around here before. "Indeed. He... He has no idea who I am besides the Dean's Assistant. If you had not called for me, he would not have even known my name." Viktor was trying to sound like he was musing, but his voice was shaking far too much. "I should have expected this, but I suppose I grew too used to the constant rotation of Jayces that gazed upon me with recognition. I was just... unprepared. I must apologize to Silco for this. I know he is already hosting a Vander, I did not mean to drop this on him as well." Viktor buried his face in his hand. 

Despite Silco's flirtations, Viktor knew he would not tempt Jayce. Just as Viktor would not dare tempt Vander. Both of them were extremely respectful of the other's affection for their respective 'partners'. They would not betray each other like that. Viktor reached up and wiped the last of the tears from his eyes. Had it truly shaken him so much? To see Jayce's eyes look at him in such irritation and unfamiliarity. Good gods... Viktor's heart felt like it was going to rip from his chest. And that ring. What was wrong with his ring??

Both of them startled as there was a knock at the door. "Silco? I thought you were to take care of that Jayce?" Viktor called out, recognizing the other's taps. 

"Could you come out into the hall, Viktor?" Silco requested through the door. Jinx gave an extremely loud huff before rolling off of Viktor. He pushed himself to his feet and moved over, opening the door. He froze up as he stared over Silco's shoulder at the Jayce. Why had he brought him up here? "On me, darling. Take some breaths." Silco refocused him as Viktor stepped out into the hall, shutting the door. The young Jayce was turned away, his shoulders slightly scrunched. Viktor recognized the posture as guilty. His gaze moved back to Silco.

"He did not hurt you, did he?" Viktor asked, his brow furrowing. He reached up, turning Silco's head side to side. Silco chuckled, allowing him to do so. Jayce was watching them with his own furrowed brow. 

"No, no. He insisted upon speaking to you again after a minute or so. You'd barely even gotten down the hall, I'm sure. I tried to tell him that he might be a little too overwhelming for you, but I couldn't answer his questions about why." Silco sighed, rolling his eyes. "Truly 'in all timelines' with you two, hm?" Viktor felt his cheeks go red as he scoffed. "I'll leave you to it. If things become... unsavory, put him to sleep and we'll prioritize getting him out of here quickly." Silco promised. Viktor nodded, having pulled his hand back. Silco gently bumped his shoulder as he moved past him, his footsteps soon heard retreating. Viktor was left with Jayce again. He cleared the heat from his face with a breath before meeting Jayce's eyes again. That black ring was so distracting. 

"Uh, Silco said we know each other. In almost every... universe?" Jayce was clearly so uncertain about that. He had barely scratched the surface of Hextech, it made sense he wouldn't have known about the multiversal properties of the Arcane. Viktor nodded, glancing to the side. "He said we're close. Unbelievably so." Viktor nodded again, keeping his gaze to the ground. Jayce was awkwardly quiet again. "...I apologize for making you cry. I shouldn't have yelled at you or lost my temper like that." 

"You've no need to apologize, Jayce. I should have used a little more tact. I panicked and I spoke in an insensitive manner." Viktor said softly. Jayce scanned him over. He still seemed confused and hesitant, but at the very least, something in his eyes had softened. 

"...I haven't reached the ledge yet." Jayce said after another moment of silence. Viktor squeezed his eyes shut and let out the shakiest swear of relief. He raised a hand to his head. "I, uh, I was walking to it and I stumbled. Something tore and I panicked for a second because I thought it was me. Then I, uh, I hit a door." Jayce recounted quietly, his hands clasped behind him. Viktor nodded, replying that was all it took sometimes for people to end up here. One slight step. "Viktor." Jayce said his name uncertainly. "What are we?" 

Partners. 

The word was so close to the edge of his tongue that it almost escaped him, but he kept it back. "I do not believe I can tell you that, Jayce. On the very off-chance that you recall your time here." Viktor told him. It was a one-in-a-million chance, but it had happened before. Jayce nodded. 

"Right." He managed quietly. He scanned him over and Viktor could tell he had a couple theories. He didn't even want to know how close they were. 

"...Thank you for your apology. Unfortunately, I fear I am too shaken to go searching for your timeline at the moment. If you move down this hall, you'll find any door without a tag is free for the taking. You will have a bed and bath for the night." They always said night, but they were never sure. Jayce stared at him before nodding. He stuttered out an awkward goodbye before turning and moving down the hall. Viktor watched him go before turning back to Jinx's room. He opened the door and moved back inside. Once he shut it, he finally collapsed backwards and slid down the door, one hand covering his face as he inhaled shakily. 

"I'm here! I'm here!" Jinx was hugging him in an instant and he hugged her back. Good gods, he didn't think a question would hurt so badly. Maybe not the words, but for it to be said in that familiar voice. 

Viktor. 

He felt more tears run down his face and he admonished himself for crying. 

What are we?

Chapter Text

Viktor had just barely managed to drift off when he was startled awake again at the sound of the bedroom door clicking shut. He paused and blearily lifted his head. Silco's arm was slung over his chest, Jinx seen laying in the crook of his other arm. Powder, however, who'd been on Viktor's other side of the pillow pile, was gone. And not only that... Viktor furrowed his brow. He carefully moved Silco's arm as he sat up. That tense feeling in the air. There was soft snoring, but he only heard one. Three of them snored and one of them wasn't there. "Mm, you feel it?" Silco's voice was tired as he blinked his sleepy eye up at Viktor. "Those things are like cockroaches." 

"We have not seen one in a while. That must be what it is. Powder will let us know in a moment. Both of them fell silent and waited. A soft ping floated through the air and Viktor nodded, giving a quiet sigh. 

"Ugh, only those things are capable of such an ugly feeling drifting into our home. You truly outdid yourself with those." Silco mumbled. "Ow!" Viktor had flicked his arm with a stern look. "...Do you need any help?" The other man glanced back up at him. Viktor shook his head, replying that they usually only listened to him anyway. "Jinx is going to be so excited to see you tomorrow. You know how much she loves that form of yours." Silco murmured, closing his eye again. Viktor chuckled, rolling his own eyes. 

"I will handle it. You get some rest, Silco. It sounded as if that Vander earlier may have been too much for you." Viktor teased with a sly grin. Silco instantly opened his eye in a small glare as pink flooded his face and he pointed at him. 

"No Vander is too much for me, thank you." Silco stated firmly. He made a waving motion. "Now shoo." He closed his eye again with a huff. Viktor laughed softly. He pushed himself up. He moved forward and pushed open the door to the room. It was always troubling when one of these things managed to reach the Hub. Viktor had to strain himself in order to control or dismantle them. He paused, glancing down the guest hallway as something moved out of the corner of his eye. He didn't see anything. He furrowed his brow before turning and making his way down the stairs. Powder was already at the bottom, wrinkling her nose as she peered up into the raised ceiling. 

"It's like a spider. That was your idea of perfection??" Powder asked, clearly unnerved and uncomfortable. Viktor sighed quietly. 

"At the time, yes." Viktor moved down next to her and glanced up as he heard that cracking. "Oh, an older one." He murmured in vague surprise. He could only see those blue, glowing dots around its featureless face. The slender body was overgrown with roots, wood and dirt. "One of the Mages must have lost it." Powder sighed through her nose, stating in an exasperated tone that they always seemed to be losing things. "Those versions of myself have spent decades to centuries alone, Powder. They are bound to become rusty." Viktor told her gently. "You do not have to watch this." He waved her backwards the stairs. She only moved halfway up before stopping again. Viktor sighed. "You and Jinx. Stubborn as mules." Powder gave a small smile. 

Viktor turned back as something shifted at the top of the stairs. He didn't think much of it, considering his vision always became violently blurry when he switched eyes. His body started to shift and crack, lengthening and darkening as gold pieces started to click in place over his skin with soft tic-tic-tic-tics. There was one part of his transformation that remained painful and he inhaled sharply before he felt an aching tear go through his head as the front of his face split open, allowing forward the one attached to this form. His vision blurred and pulsed as his human eyes closed and his new ones opened. His clothes had all merged together and reformed around his neck in that familiar, yet tattered cloth. His very presence caused the Hub to warp around him for a moment before settling. Something was pulling from his back, winding and clicking. 

Viktor let out a heavy sigh, his voice reverberating. The evolved that clung to the ceiling seemed to twitch its head to the side before detaching and dropping onto the floor. The dirt that fell off of it collapsed to the floor below it and Viktor heard Powder groan quietly. "The old ones always leave a mess everywhere, Viktor!" 

"They likely pulled themselves from the ground, Powder. They have stood still for decades. I imagine this one was chasing after the Jayce of that timeline when it tripped into the Arcane. Hopefully I can return it instead of dismantling. These... used to be people." Viktor murmured quietly, taking a step forward off the stairs. The evolved twitched and took a step back, instantly hunching down. "Do not fight me." Viktor's voice held a heavy, haunting hum behind it. He raised a hand, Arcane magic crackling along his arm. The evolved had a strange mark on its featureless face. A dark red stain, stopping abruptly where an eye would've sat on the face. Viktor tipped his head quietly. His fingers stretched out and the magic sparked between his fingertips and the fingerprints. The evolved instantly seemed to startle and lunged at Viktor.

"Viktor!" Powder sounded alarmed, but Viktor caught the evolved by the neck. The second he touched it, it changed to its former body and Viktor's shoulders sank. Powder called out. "Who is it, Viktor? You recognize them?" 

"Miss Caitlyn Kiramman. She was a close friend of Jayce's and she was kind to me." Viktor replied nostalgically. Caitlyn had been missing an eye, blood down her face. "What a mess." Viktor reached up with his other hand and pressed his fingers to its forehead. Instantly, the evolved began to twitch and spasm in his hold. Viktor sighed quietly before reaching to the side. He gripped the air before tearing it open. It took a lot of energy for him to reach straight to the universe it came from. "Go back now." He flicked his wrist and tossed the evolved back through before sealing up the hole. The moment it was shut, Viktor jumped as he was pulled backwards. "Powder!" He said her name in a scolding tone. 

"Hi!! Look at you!" Powder held the Hexclaw excitedly, which seemed to click at whir under her attention. Viktor would've rolled his eyes if he could. 

"I would appreciate if you did not treat my Hexclaw like a pet." Viktor stated flatly. Powder laughed softly. 

"But it's so cute! Look at it!" Powder insisted. The Hexclaw clicked at him. Viktor started to reply before the stairs creaked. They both turned to look at Jayce, who was staring at Viktor in absolute shock. "Oh..." Powder inhaled through her teeth. They never usually allowed any of the Passerbys to lay eyes on Viktor's Herald form, since it always shook them so much. Even now, he could see Jayce's fingers trembling against the railing of the stairs. Finally, he swallowed. 

"Viktor?" He managed, as if he wasn't sure. Viktor sighed before nodding. 

"This form is not meant for your eyes, Jayce." He replied in his echoing voice. Jayce kept moving down the stairs and Viktor paused. "Jayce." Instantly, Powder moved forward, placing her hands firmly against his chest. 

"Don't. Viktor doesn't like anyone else near him but the people who live here." Powder said, frowning at Jayce. Jayce instantly protested that he wasn't going to touch him. "You were thinking about it." Powder instantly accused. She kept herself planted between them. Viktor did feel a bit of warmth at her insistence, but he also felt an ache when he saw that look on Jayce. Fascination and excitement. Uncertainty, of course. Maybe a bit of fear. But it seemed Jayce wasn't afraid that Viktor would hurt him. Jayce wanted to study him and Viktor knew it. But he couldn't let him. "Don't come near him. If you want to ask him things, you'll ask from right here." 

"I can't just have a normal conversation with him??" Jayce asked, seeming taken back as he looked down at her. 

"Take one look at him and tell me if the conversation will be normal." Powder replied flatly, raising a brow. "You should really just go back upstairs." Powder glanced back at Viktor sympathetically. "He doesn't... like this form." Viktor didn't. He didn't like this form. The power it brought him was always accompanied by shame. Guilt. He jumped as Jayce spoke. 

"Why?? Gods, look at you! A mix of synthetic and organic! If that's all metal, it looks like it's also a type of skin! Your human body's been stretched to fit around it and you have a functioning third arm that seems to have a type of sentience!" Jayce's voice was trembling with excitement. The Hexclaw clicked its prongs at Jayce's words. "You're a marvel!" Viktor stared at him and he didn't know what to do for a moment. A marvel? Him? This?? How...? Viktor hesitated. Powder glanced back at him uncertainly.

"...Jayce." Viktor spoke quietly, lingering on the 'a' as he had always done. It did, unfortunately, give a slight warm tone to his word, which made Jayce stare at him with wide eyes. "The things I had to do to become this... marvel. They are unforgivable. I appreciate your enthusiasm and I am grateful for your compliment, but... this form has brought me nothing good. I would prefer to not have others gaze upon it." Viktor explained calmly. Jayce's shoulders had sunken as he watched him. Viktor could see the disappointment etched in his body language. Jayce wanted to study. Explore. Admire. He... Viktor's eyes drifted behind him and his body slowly stiffened. 

The ring was no longer black. 

The ring had lightened to a murky grey. It was still a color they had never seen before, but it wasn't black anymore. It felt much less foreboding, but the fear it filled Viktor with was dizzying. He was messing with something. Inadvertently, he was changing something in this Jayce's timeline with his presence alone and that was not good. "Jayce, you must return upstairs. Please." Viktor stated quietly, trying not to let his panic betray him. Jayce seemed taken back. Frustration flicked across his face and Viktor was desperately praying for him not to make a scene about this. His pleas fell on deaf ears, it seemed. 

"Why?? Viktor, if we're as close as you say, you must know what I'm thinking. Do you think I'll go back upstairs when I have something like this in front of me??" Jayce asked, his eyes wide and his tone indignant. He hesitated before quieting himself. "If I'm not going to remember, why can't I study you?" Jayce reasoned. "Biological, yet mechanical. Do you know how incredible that is?" To hear the excitement in Jayce's voice again nearly made Viktor fold and he likely would've if there wasn't a click from up the stairs. 

"Oh! Jinx!" Powder's voice was instantly scolding and exasperated. She didn't sound alarmed, which seemed to be quite the surprise for Jayce, who turned to see the barrel of a gun aimed right at him. He swore and quickly held up his hands. Viktor knew it was a bluff. The Arcane did not allow weapons. The gun Jinx held was an illusion and nothing more, but Jayce didn't know that. 

"Viktor, none of the Jayces are usually this difficult. Was this just a phase he went through or something??" Jinx asked, raising a brow at Viktor. Her lips were twitching in excitement at his form, but she wouldn't say anything with the serious situation at hand. 

"I cannot say. Anything that happened before we met, I only had his word to go off of." Viktor replied, giving a quiet sigh. Jinx continued to creep down the stairs like a hunting lion. 

"You know how much trouble you gotta be to have three of the hosts supervising you?? What's up with you??" Jinx demanded, her scratchy voice annoyed. Jayce furrowed his brow. 

"I'm in a void and the man that I am apparently close to just turned into a half-organic, half-mechanical organism!" Jayce exclaimed. "Can you blame me for being a little curious about it??" Jinx rolled his eyes. 

"There's a line between 'curious' and just plain old 'nosy'!" Jinx exclaimed. She beckoned with her gun. "Go back to bed, pretty boy." Jayce's brow twitched as he shot her a glare. He moved around her awkwardly and kept his hands up. His eyes moved back to Viktor one more time before he disappeared, his footsteps heard retreating. Viktor held a shaking hand up to his buzzing chest. He would've squeezed his eyes shut if he could. "Ugh!" Jinx finally moved down, dissipating the gun and walking over. "You okay?" She reached up and let Viktor hold her hands. Viktor nodded. 

Powder inched over and Viktor moved one hand away to hold hers too. "Thank you. Both of you. I've not had one so insistent. He was always brazen, especially when he was young, but..." Viktor trailed off. "You both saw it too. When he laid eyes upon me, the ring changed." Jinx nodded, saying it was an ugly grey now. "I fear that means he will remember seeing this form, at the very least." Viktor sighed. "What an unbelievable mess. Always a Jayce too." 

"Always your guys being the problem." Jinx commented, giving a smile. 

"As if! You're enough of a problem! Don't even get me started on the last Jinx who dropped in here!" Powder exclaimed, turning to Jinx in disbelief. Viktor would've smiled if he could, but all he could really do was worry. Everything in the Arcane moved with a purpose. Everything had its place. Every detail intentional once it pulled in someone. He internally furrowed his brow. What was it doing with Jayce??

Chapter Text

"Exploring timelines all by yourself, gorgeous?" 

Despite how stressed he was, Viktor still felt a smile pull at his lips and a soft chuckle escape him as he turned to look back at Silco. "What an opener. I commend you." He was searching for that Jayce's timeline, but his efforts bore no fruit. He was outside The Last Drop, having illuminated all the universes around him in strings. There were so many that he could barely see Silco through them. His Herald form had vanished only a minute or two earlier, while he'd been tugging two or three strings at a time. Each tug he gave would open up a small, circular screen to the timeline. The outline of the screen would always match the ring of the Passerby if it happened to be theirs. The whole world inside would also appear frozen, stuck in place until the missing piece was returned to it. Viktor had yet to find a universe that sported this Jayce's grey ring. "We cannot let him stay much longer. We don't know what the Arcane will do to him. If it will corrupt or warp him." 

Viktor turned away, continuing to pick at the timelines delicately. He let out a displeased sigh as he scanned each one over. "Powder tells me that Jayce saw your Herald form last night." Silco said, moving forward and starting to open up some strings himself. "That it turned that Jayce's ring grey." Viktor nodded, his brow furrowed.

"It is extremely troubling, Silco. I have never witnessed a ring change color, nor have I even seen either of those colors before. And he is odd. Insistent and temperamental. He seemed so excited to study me, yet he spoke so..." Viktor wasn't even sure what to call it at first. "Indignantly. As if he had a right to study me with his current situation." Silco snorted. 

"I'm sure Jinx appreciated that." He replied flatly. Viktor replied that Jinx had brought out her gun and Silco blinked in surprise before heavily rolling his eyes. "Good gods, how many times to we have to tell her not to threaten the guests? No matter how annoying they are." Silco added in a quiet mutter. "He was quite curt when he spoke to me and he also suggested that he was not in a rush to return to his timeline." 

"He is at a critical point. Just as Jinx was when she fell." Viktor said, glancing over at the other man. "When he returns, he will standing at the ledge where I met him." Silco sighed quietly, shaking his head. 

"You must have changed him for the better if this is how he acted previously!" Silco stated, sounding somewhat annoyed. "Your Jayces aren't usually so... bratty." He scoffed. "Perhaps you could teach this one some manners." Viktor paused before glancing over at him. He shook his head. 

"...I do not have the... will to do that with any one of them, Silco. After watching that face dissolve into nothingness, I..." Viktor's hands tightened on the strings and his shoulders sank. "I truly must commend you for having the strength to tempt the man who hurt you. To be able to look him in the eyes. Bear yourself to him. It is a confidence I quite envy." Viktor gave a small smile back at him. Silco paused before laughing quietly. 

"I seem to draw lots of envy. Even from my previous life." Silco said proudly, continuing to search through the strings with him. He finally pulled at one. "Ah! I think I found it!" Silco paused as he looked into the screen, soon going pale and taking a step back with a wide eye. "Oh, good gods." He quickly took a step back from it, covering his mouth. Viktor dispersed the strings around him and quickly moved over. In the screen, the world would've been frozen around the last place the missing person would have been. Viktor was expecting to see the ledge. Instead, the screen was focused only a few inches above pavement and Viktor felt a chill go down his spine as he stared at it. The grey outline of the screen slowly darkened to that inky black again, both of them staring at it. 

"...He lied?" Viktor stated in a quiet voice. He was a little perplexed by that, wondering why on earth this Jayce would lie about that. "He told me he hadn't reached the ledge yet. Good gods, he already dropped. The Arcane took him when he was inches from the ground." Viktor furrowed his brow as he moved forward. "Perhaps the black ring means he is... finished. His time has ended." Viktor's voice shook a little. "Silco, there is a dead man walking in the Hub. What on earth are we supposed to do about that?? This has never happened." Viktor held a hand up to his forehead, his shoulders still sunken. "The moment we send him back, he ceases to be!" Viktor inhaled shakily. Silco quickly moved over, offering a hand for Viktor to hold onto. He did, squeezing it as he screwed his eyes shut. "Are we to let him die??"

"That's his fate, is it not?" Silco asked quietly. "I fear the most we'll be able to provide is a warm meal before we send him on his way. Such a situation seems evil. The Arcane loves itself a twisted joke." He commented, giving a quiet sigh. Viktor was still holding his hand tightly. His shoulders were scrunched. "...I think you should go reprimand him to get it out of your system." 

"I think you may be right." Viktor finally muttered, wiping his eyes. He let go of Silco's hand and moved towards The Last Drop with purposeful strides. He opened the door and moved inside, not even paying attention to the bar as he moved upstairs. He knew Jayce wouldn't be awake yet. While there was technically no indication of time, Viktor's vague knowledge of the hours told him it was far too early for Jayce to be awake yet. Viktor moved down the hall and stopped in front of the door he'd directed Jayce to the night before knocking rapidly. Something was heard knocking over inside before footsteps followed. The door opened and Jayce furrowed his brow at Viktor, still in his Academy uniform, but with serious bedhead. Jayce blinked in surprise, likely from seeing Viktor back to his human form. He opened his mouth before jumping and holding up his hands as Viktor started to stalk forward, his finger jabbed into his chest and his eyes narrowed into a glare. "Why would you lie to me???" 

Jayce stared at him in confusion before it seemed to click and guilt instantly flooded his features, seasoned by panic. "I-I didn't know what to say!! You seemed so upset by me just being near it! I didn't want to tell you I was..." Jayce trailed off, seeming unsure of how to properly word it. "I didn't want to tell you that I was already done for when it looked like you were about to cry!" Sure enough, Viktor was secretly trying not to and, this time, it at least seemed to be working a little bit.

"Good gods, Jayce." Viktor took a step back, raising a hand to his forehead. "When we send you back, you're going to hit the pavement. What have you done??" Viktor squeezed his eyes shut and turned away. He knew this wasn't Jayce's fault, but he was more upset about him lying than anything. He startled so hard when he felt Jayce's hand on his shoulder, that he slammed himself backwards into the wall by accident. His eyes were wide as he looked Jayce over, the other looking completely shocked by his reaction. "I-I apologize." Viktor reached up, furrowing his brow as he rubbed the shoulder he'd just hit against the wall. "Y-You must w-warn me if you are to touch me when I am not looking. That's what you u-usually do." Viktor inhaled shakily, closing his eyes. "Good gods..." The first tear rolled down his face and he startled as he felt Jayce's fingers brush his shoulder again. "What did I just tell you??" He stated firmly, shooting a scolding look over at him through his blurry eyes. 

"S-Sorry." Jayce hesitated. He was looking him over and it seemed like some theories were in his head, his shoulders sunken. "You really have to send me back?" The question stung Viktor and he covered his mouth, his eyes instantly moving away. 

"If you stay, you may corrupt or the Arcane will waste you away. Everyone who has stayed has disappeared after a while. We do not know where they went or what happened to them. If you stay, you may not be given as quick a fate. As... merciful." Viktor could barely get the words out. They hurt him. Even discussing this hurt him so much. "I am so sorry, Jayce. I cannot believe it has done this to you. Dangling life in front of you like some toy. And I cannot believe it has done this to me. Who has to watch you die." Viktor swallowed quietly before muttering the softest 'again' under his breath. 

"I'm going to touch you." The bluntness of the phrase startled him, but what startled him more was Jayce following through without any kind of acknowledgment or permission on Viktor's end. All of a sudden, he was back in those arms. Those warm arms that wrapped around him during darker nights in the lab. During panic attacks and during sleepy afternoons. Viktor's eyes went wide and he froze up like a deer as Jayce hugged him tight, the other having pulled Viktor against his chest. He was so unbelievably warm. Unbelievably alive. Viktor couldn't move for a moment until he finally stretched up a hand, his shaking fingers settling on Jayce's arm and lightly curling into his sleeve. "I... I wish I knew you. The way you look at me... It's so bizarre. Like you know everything about me... You probably do." Jayce sounded confused as he spoke. Viktor gave a weakened chuckle. This Jayce didn't even have a Rune or his bracelet. "If I hadn't dropped, are you sure I would've even met you?" 

"The Viktor of your timeline likely watched you do it." Viktor's response seemed to make Jayce freeze up a little. Viktor couldn't help but ache for what his counterpart had lost as well. He swallowed quietly. "I suppose it truly does not matter..." Viktor finally moved, looking up to meet Jayce's wide, golden-brown eyes. "I spent almost a decade of my life by your side. We were partners. We dreamed and created and prospered. In order to save my world, he pulled me close and we were both to dissolve into the Arcane together. I was ripped from his hands. I watched him disintegrate into nothing before my eyes. And I could do nothing." Viktor's voice dropped into a weakened spat. He paused as the situation finally sank in. His common sense overriding his nostalgia. He quickly guided Jayce's arms away from himself. "I-It will do neither of us good for me to lament like this." Viktor said, moving away and turning to stand in front of Jayce properly again. That young face stared at him in dismay. Viktor sighed weakly. "I just wish you could have had a few seconds longer. I did not mean to... dump my emotions onto you." Viktor covered his mouth, quickly wiping his eyes. 

It was because it was Jayce. Jayce had always been the one he confided in. Spoke openly to about his feelings. Not during their rockier patches, but... It had always been Jayce and it seemed his mind was fooled into believing he was safe to say how he felt to him. Despite this Jayce never having met him, nor the fact that he never would. Viktor gave a weak laugh, glancing off to the side. "You... You do not even know me." He stated, shaking his head. His voice was strained. "It must be offputting enough that you are even here. That the last time you saw my face was in... bad taste. I must be... quite irritating." Viktor swallowed. 

"...Do you have to send me back now?" Jayce asked, scanning him over. Viktor paused and glanced up at him. 

"It is not recommended you stay much longer, but I..." Viktor hesitated, wondering what Jayce wanted. Jayce asked what it was Viktor usually did with the Jayces that came here. Viktor paused. "...Many of them cling to me because they have not seen me in so long, or they are overjoyed at how healthy I seem. Over our years together, I started to fold to a lung disease and physical ailments." Viktor replied. "So, most of the time, I sit with them. I read with them, I let them sleep against me or they will allow me the same courtesy. We eat together and tell old stories. On occasion, I will nap with them. You..." Viktor's hand curled into his own sleeve. "You are the only Jayce that has looked at me with a stranger's eyes." 

That seemed to strike a chord in Jayce and disdain filled his eyes. "I-I'm sorry." 

"Do not apologize for something that is not your fault. You were not meant to be here. It seemed you were fated never to meet me and yet, the Arcane has a cruel sense of humor. Yet you stand before me." Viktor sighed, hugging himself. "But, based on how it... spiraled out of control, perhaps it is best if your world is never exposed to Hextech." Jayce's eyes widened at the word and he asked if they'd actually done it. "Of course we did. I would not be here without it. Both a blessing and curse, I suppose." 

"No one believed in my research. No one believed my research." Jayce said, looking taken back. Viktor gave a weak chuckle. 

"I did." He replied softly. Jayce stared at him before he glanced to the side. There were many emotions flying across his face. Disbelief. Guilt. Pain. Awe. Jayce finally turned back to him. 

"I, uh... Did you want to... just come in and lay down?" He finally managed in an awkward invitation. "You look like you may have exhausted yourself with... too much at once." Viktor paused. 

"And what would you do? I have my own bed that I could return to." He said, raising a brow. Jayce blinked and Viktor saw the tips of his ears go red. 

"N-No, I mean lay down... with me." Jayce stumbled over his words, becoming flustered. Viktor hesitated, staring at him with wide eyes. 

"I would be a stranger sharing your bed." He said, furrowing his brow at him. "You know next to nothing about me." 

"...I want to." Jayce finally managed, the redness spreading down the entirety of his ears. Viktor stared at him. "It should be fine if I'm slated to die, right? To learn about you? The partner I could've had? Someone who... actually believed in me?" Jayce shook his head, turning it away. "I really thought everyone turned their back on me." Viktor watched him. Jayce glanced up and seemed to notice his staring. "So, uh..." 

Viktor tightened his jaw a little before taking a few steps forward. "...I suppose it would not hurt." He replied quietly. He had overexerted himself. He was already recovering from taking that form. He was exhausted. An outburst of emotion like that wasn't good for him. Jayce perked up just a little before hesitantly offering his hand. The way Viktor seemed to reach out instantly without a second thought seemed to surprise him and Viktor quickly snapped out of it, pulling his hand back to his chest in a fist. "I can walk myself. I appreciate the offer." He said quickly. He turned and made his way into the bedroom, hearing Jayce's footsteps follow. His ring had been black once more and Viktor let out a defeated sigh. He wished he was a stronger man. 

What was he doing? 

Chapter Text

The guest rooms all looked the same. A simple bed in the center. A bathroom off to the side. There was no need for dressers or closets. They never stayed that long. The blankets were thrown around everywhere on the bed and the pillows were yanked out of place. Viktor gave a weak laugh when he saw it, recalling when they would both fall asleep on the couch and, without fail, Jayce would always end up on the floor because he moved so much. At least that wasn't any different. "I would have... made it look better if I knew you were coming." Jayce said awkwardly, shutting the door. He didn't lock it, to which Viktor realized Jayce was unconsciously letting him know he could leave whenever he wanted. Viktor moved over to the bed and sat down, his fingers curling into the blankets for a moment. They were different from his own and the corner of his lip twitched a little as he tried to decide if that was a dealbreaker or not. He finally decided that he didn't like them. 

"Jayce, do you mind if I change the blankets?" Viktor asked, picking at the fabric unhappily. Jayce paused before shaking his head and starting to ask where the extra blankets were. He didn't even finish the question before the blankets warped under Viktor's touch, changing to a much more tolerable material. Viktor didn't hear anything for a moment and he glanced up. Jayce seemed speechless as he stared at the blankets, his eyes wide. Viktor paused and a slight smile tugged at his lips in amusement. Jayce's eyes instantly moved up to Viktor, clearly looking for some kind of explanation. "Ah, when you are a permanent resident of the Arcane, you are able to manipulate pieces of it to your liking. I, especially, have a strong connection to it that the others do not possess. I can manipulate far more." He snapped his fingers and Jayce jumped as his Academy uniform was suddenly replaced by the white and grey suit he'd worn so often during their years together. Viktor regarded him in amusement before changing it back to his Academy uniform. Jayce had been speechless for a good few minutes now and Viktor chuckled. "Longest I have heard you quiet so far." He commented. 

Jayce scoffed softly before hesitantly moving forward. He seemed like he wanted to ask something, but he wouldn't say it. Viktor rolled his eyes. Even this Jayce who was a stranger was so easy for him to read. Viktor scoot to the side, allowing Jayce the room to sit down. Jayce seemed surprised and even a little embarrassed before he did so. "...Viktor, how old are you?" Jayce asked, looking him over.

"I am not sure how much time has passed since I fell here. I believe I was... 33 when I did. There is no sense of time here and when midnight starts was decided on a whim, so we just went from there." Viktor glanced over at him. "You are 24 right now. I do recall that. We were around the same age when we met." Viktor gave a quiet sigh, closing his eyes. "I would... rather not answer too many questions. You were right. I am overwhelmed. Your... situation has not happened before. I am unsure what to do to you. Which fate you would rather resign yourself to." Viktor leaned down, placing his head in his hands. "Even when you do not know me, you still manage to cause me trouble, hm?" He joked lightly, finally lowering one of his hand so he could fully tip his head into the other. "You are quite a handful, Jayce Talis. I... I wish I could've held on a little tighter." 

"...I'm, uh, touching your shoulder." Jayce finally said awkwardly before his warm hand was felt giving Viktor's shoulder a squeeze. Jayce's ears were red and he glanced away. "...Do you want to try and lay down now? See if that'll relax you?" Viktor watched him quietly. Truly, in all timelines, in all possibilities. His gaze softened as he replied that he would. He pulled away from Jayce's hand, sliding himself across the bed as his shoes left his feet. He settled on the other side of the bed, lying on his side. He had the blankets over him, his head buried against the pillow. Honestly, laying down for a nap always felt so much better than going to sleep for the night. Viktor paused as the bed shifted. The blankets didn't move and Viktor glanced back. Jayce was on his back, but he didn't seem willing to move under the blankets. Viktor asked if he'd be okay sleeping like that. "Hm? Oh, this is nothing, really. In all honesty, I'm used to falling asleep on a desk, so this is a welcome change." Jayce assured him, smiling. Viktor gave a quiet chuckle. There was a fizzling noise and he felt Jayce startle as the blankets were suddenly over the both of them. "...I forgot you could do that." 

"Mm, faulty memory at your age?" Viktor spoke in a quiet, teasing tone. It felt... nice having the warmth of another person nearby. All of the residents usually slept in a pile together for this reason. The room would always switch, but the four of them typically ended up all crowded together. Viktor closed his eyes, allowing his body to sink down into the bed. Whenever he slept, it was typically dreamless. All four residents preferred a dreamless sleep. Whenever they did dream, it was often a nightmare instead. Silco, remembering the hate in Vander's eyes and his hands around his throat. Powder, cradling Vi's lifeless body. Jinx, screaming out for the little girl she'd come to love. Her name had been Isha. Viktor remembered her. And Viktor, himself... His nightmares were different. Very few concerned the disintegration of Jayce. No, most of them were Jayce taking aim with his hammer at him in the commune. The burning of the hole through his chest. The pain of being violently ripped back to life by the Hexcore. Being changed into something he didn't recognize. It burned. It burned, it burned, it burned-

Viktor's eyes shot open and he inhaled shakily. His whole body was quivering and his hands were so shaky that he momentarily couldn't really control his fingers. His heart was pounding so heavily that it felt like it was going to break out of his ribs. He was... warm? Viktor paused. He could feel arms wrapped around him. A broad chest against his back. Ever so soft snoring behind his head. Viktor blinked. When had Jayce moved? He managed the smallest glance back and, sure enough, Jayce's relaxed face was right behind him, eyes closed and lips parted. Viktor's chest felt warm as he stared at him, the pounding of his heart calming. Jayce looked like he'd originally had his head buried against Viktor's shoulder. With how his arms were, it looked like he'd been trying to comfort him. Had he been having physical reaction to the memory of his first revival? He hoped it hadn't scared Jayce too much. 

Viktor turned his eyes forward again. He'd already broken one of his own rules by telling Jayce what happened to him. He wasn't quite sure how much it mattered in the long run, considering Jayce wasn't going to... have a long run. Viktor paused. He was so used to seeing Jayce with his longer hair and that beard. And he certainly never got tired of it, but he also hadn't seen... him so baby-faced in a long time. Viktor hesitated before fizzling in place. He'd switched his direction so he was facing Jayce, scanning his features over quietly. He reached up, drawing his thumb over the shape of his cheek and down across his jaw bone. Not even a hint of stubble. Viktor tipped his head into the pillow. He cupped Jayce's cheek before sliding his hand up. He gently brushed a finger over that missing notch in his eyebrow. A faint smile tugged at his lips. His usually meticulous hair was a mess right now, Viktor playing with the curl that would always fall over his forehead at the slightest inconvenience. Viktor finally pulled his hand back. 

You were never broken, Viktor.

Viktor felt tears blur his vision and he instantly muffled his sobs with his hand, squeezing his eyes shut. 

There's beauty in imperfections. 

Viktor felt the first tear escape down his face. The sweetest words that Jayce had given him. They would stick with him until he ceased to exist, he was sure of it. He kept his eyes shut and his head lowered. The bed suddenly shifted, but Jayce didn't say anything. Viktor continued to muffle his sobs until he felt those arms pull him closer. Jayce's chin was felt on top of his head and Viktor buried his forehead against his collarbone. "...I got you." Jayce stated quietly. For some reason, those words shattered him and Viktor couldn't keep his sobs quiet anymore. Jayce seemed to let him cry, rubbing his back. Viktor could practically sense the questions swimming around this Jayce's head. Had they really been that close? Would Viktor be okay? Jayce's worry was evident in his fidgeting fingers. "I'm... sorry that I look like him. And sound like him. I'm sorry for... being-" 

"Don't. I-It is nothing t-to apologize for." Viktor whispered shakily, trying not to hiccup through his words. "I am just being f-foolish. Clinging to the remnant of a life that no longer belongs to me." Viktor buried his head a little more against Jayce. "I do not mean to guilt you." Jayce was quiet for a moment before letting out a weak sigh through his nose. His chin left Viktor's head and his cheek replaced it instead. Viktor felt held. He felt held and he felt protected. He wasn't sure how long he laid there with his eyes shut, but it was long enough that he heard Jayce's soft snoring again. Viktor felt a small twinge of amusement at that. 

He recalled his Jayce telling him how long it had taken him to actually sleep after the trial. No doubt Jayce had been awake nearly a whole day. And then Viktor had woken him so abruptly in the morning. He was still probably exhausted himself. Viktor finally glanced up at Jayce again, keeping his movement as small as possible as he wiped his eyes. He felt a little ridiculous crying like this when he was almost 10 years Jayce's senior. And that wasn't counting the years he'd been here beyond his physical appearance. He reached up, sliding his hand up the side of Jayce's neck and settling it against the side of his head, his thumb in line with Jayce's jaw again. He leaned forward and tipped his head. 

Ba-dump

Ba-dump

Ba-dump

Viktor felt himself relaxing a little at that sound. He adored that sound. On their lazy days in the lab, he would lose track of how long he would simply lay and listen to Jayce's heartbeat while they were resting on the couch. The fact that this Jayce would have that sound taken from him... Viktor felt his own chest ache. Could he really send him back like this?? Could he really do nothing? With his powerful connection to the Arcane?? He was supposed to send back this Jayce just in time for him to smash into the ground? Good gods. The tears were creeping back into his eyes and Viktor paused as he caught a movement. His eyes shifted up, Viktor clearing the tears from them with a firm blink. 

That glowing black ring remained behind Jayce's head like a demented, crooked halo. Viktor could only stare at it for a moment. It wasn't fair. 

It wasn't fair. 

Before he knew it, Viktor was stretching out his hand. His arm twitched as his fingers settled upon the ring, causing an uncomfortable prickling to shoot up his fingertips. Viktor narrowed his eyes. He slid his hand up further before he was able to grip a part of the ring. It crackled and fizzled beneath his hand. Viktor's lips had parted, it suddenly becoming hard to breathe. He did his best to reach it. He gripped it tightly and he watched as white started to claw its way across the ring from his fingers. He took in a shuddering breath, already feeling weight burdening his shoulders. 

It wasn't fair. 

Viktor squeezed the ring tighter. And, in the silence of the room, there was that first loud crack.

Chapter Text

The splintering noise that echoed through the room sent such a choking bolt of fear through Viktor, that he felt his entire body destabilize for a moment. His hand shook as he pulled it back, watching as the pieces of the ring dropped away into nothingness. For a moment, nothing seemed to happen. Then, slowly but surely, the tip of every hair on Jayce's hair started to glow. The glow started to climb the strands and, Viktor felt like he should've been glad about it, but instead... Viktor teleported out of Jayce's hold so he was standing a few feet from the bed. He had his back pressed against the wall and his hands over his mouth. What had he done??

Fuck.

What had he done?? 

Viktor's vision became blurry as he stared at Jayce, the other still asleep, despite his now ever-glowing hair. Jayce had fell. He'd made Jayce fall. Tears instantly started down Viktor's face as he inhaled shakily. He kept himself pinned back against the wall before raising a hand. A single string formed and he could barely look into the screen when he tugged it open. The world had been set in motion again and he saw his younger self at the ledge, staring down with wide, confused eyes. His chest was heaving in panic and he held Jayce's journal and bracelet tight against his chest. Viktor quickly shut the screen and he hesitated before Bookmarking it. The wave that swept out was supposed to be relaxing, but it only brought more tears to Viktor. He released the string, covering his face with his hand. He was an idiot. He was such a fucking idiot. He couldn't bear to look at Jayce a moment longer, teleporting downstairs. 

Silco, Powder, and Jinx were all already waiting for him at the bar. Silco paused at Viktor's tearful, disheveled state. "It was you." He finally said, his shoulders sinking as he pushed himself off the counter and moved up to him. There was a creak as Viktor moved to meet him and he didn't even have to look to know what it was. Whenever he was upset and needed comfort, his leg brace would reform on him. The one built in House Talis colors. By Talis hands. For him. Viktor buried himself against Silco, finally breaking down into tears. "...I should've insisted upon handling him." Silco sounded disappointed in himself as he rubbed Viktor's back. Viktor swore. "You Bookmarked the timeline?" 

"I-If I can see that it becomes better with my interference, which I so desperately pray it does, I will not want to fade into nothingness." Viktor muttered weakly. "I must keep an eye on it." He inhaled shakily. "I am a fool. I am a fool, why did I do that??" Silco hesitated before giving a quiet sigh. 

"Viktor, if a Vander had come before me. Young and inches from death. Goodness..." Silco shook his head. "The things I would do." 

"I don't blame you." Powder kicked her feet quietly as she sat on the counter next to Jinx, who was leaned against her. "I mean, if it had been-" 

"Ekko. Or Vi." Jinx said, not seeming able to even look at them. Powder's hands weakly curled into the counter beneath them as she nodded. Silco glanced back at them before turning to Viktor. 

"Above all else, Viktor, we are still human. We are selfish. We are loving. If we have the chance to save our loved ones with the powers we've been handed, did you really believe we'd have the strength to turn away?" Silco scoffed, giving a small eye roll. "The gods know I wouldn't." Viktor pulled back, scanning them all over weakly. He did feel comforted like that, even if the guilt still gnawed away at him like a rabid animal. He stared at them before turning his head to the side. "Perhaps some time to yourself to think would be preferable." Silco suggested lightly. Viktor nodded. 

He teleported up to his own room, which was adorned in shades of blue, gold and purple. He didn't want to run the risk of seeing Jayce in the hallway. He sat down on the edge of the bed, burying his face in his hands. Viktor hesitated before squeezing his eyes shut with a sigh. Through the Arcane, he called out, for any of them to answer. It only took a minute or so before one of them did. Viktor glanced up as a hole started to open in front of him. Through it, he saw the husk. On its knees, holding the hammer. The Jayce here hadn't passed through yet. Viktor's eyes slowly moved behind the husk. To that robed figure. His own eyes met him, wisened and soft. "...I was wondering if I would ever be able to see the self hidden in the folds. It is nice to meet you. I have only been able to sense your presence." The mage spun his hand, small Runes sparking over it. 

Viktor watched as a small cloud appeared over Jayce's husk, rain coming down for the lichen and flower buds that covered its form. "It is not often I reach out. I fear I have made a terrible error. Even if I hadn't fallen through, I was not on the path to become one of you. Yet, I seek you because you know the inner workings of each timeline. Each of you have interfered in others. Just... as I have done right now." The mage paused and tipped his head, the colorful webbing on his sun-whitened robes shifting and waning. He seemed to be listening. "A Jayce appeared before me, having been taken by the Arcane moments before he would have hit the pavement. A Jayce who wouldn't have lived past when we met him... I forced him to fall into the Arcane." The mage paused. He dissipated the cloud before moving forward, standing at the hole and giving Viktor his attention. His bandaged hands were delicately holding his staff. Viktor momentarily wondered how it felt to age. "Do you feel a terrible guilt whenever you change the course?" 

"...Of course there is a guilt. Every time one of us saves him from that blizzard, we run a very possible chance of..." The mage turned to look back at Jayce's husk, a small sigh leaving him as his shoulders sank. "And yet, knowing what damage Hextech will do to the world, I know we will choose to save him again and again." The mage turned to look at him again. "We are bound." 

"Inextricably so." Viktor said, giving a weak laugh as his eyes moved away. "I have seen your speech to him. Time and time again." A smile seemed to pull at the mage's mouth. 

"I have not even gotten to deliver that speech to mine yet. Do not embarrass me now." The mage teased lightly. Viktor gave a small smile in response. "...It is natural to want to save him. Like magnets. Drawn to each other continuously. Guaranteed to meet. To change the course of fate for him is in our nature." The mage rested his head against his staff. "You will carry that guilt, yes. But know that almost every version of you carries a similar guilt. A similar selfishness. A want. You are not the first to alter fate. You will not be the last." Viktor relaxed a little at that. "You may have not had the chance to save him as I have, but you have still saved him." 

"At what cost? His Viktor witnessed him drop. Yet he saw no body." Viktor replied quietly. "I do not recall seeing that happen in any timeline I have opened." The mage furrowed his brow a little. He didn't seem like he'd heard of that either. "It is not often we experience something new, hm?" Viktor tried to joke weakly. It did little to ease his churning stomach. The mage smiled anyway and gave a soft chuckle. 

"What we did... Is it right? No. Were we supposed to? Of course not." The mage gave a small shrug, leaning against his staff with a weary look. "But will we do it again?" Viktor watched him quietly before his eyes averted. 

"Of course." He replied, knowing it to be true. Of course it would be Jayce that he would break his own rules for. It was always Jayce that he pushed aside the rules for. From breaking into Heimerdinger's lab, all the way to messing with the fabric of reality. 

"It is comforting in a way, no?" The mage asked softly. "Undeniable proof that, despite everything, we remain human. We remain flawed and imperfect. On the rare occasion that I dream, I recall a rather familiar voice saying that there is beauty in imperfections. An... inseparable piece..." The mage trailed off, staring at Viktor expectedly. Viktor could barely bring himself to speak, a weakened warmth in his chest. 

"Of everything he admired about us." Viktor finished softly, an ache accompanying that warmth. He didn't even realize he was crying until he felt it drip off his chin. He startled a little, lifting his hand to his face. The mage nodded, his own eyes sporting small droplets. 

"Does that make what we did right? No. Saving him has almost always proven to be a mistake. I will continue to make this mistake, I am sure of it." The mage said matter-of-factly. Viktor nodded. "Were you expecting assurance?" 

"No... I was expecting that there would be a way to undo it. The mages... You. You all are the closest to the Arcane besides myself. To fate. I hoped you would have had an answer, but it seems... this is destined." Viktor replied quietly. The mage gave a soft chuckle and shook his head. 

"We live with what we've done. You and I... We have all the time in the world to do so." The mage said, leaning his head against his staff. Viktor nodded. 

"Thank you for your words. Your assurances." Viktor told him softly. The mage nodded, giving a smile. He turned and made his way back to Jayce's husk. Viktor watched with an aching heart as the mage slid his hand over Jayce's arm before settling next to him and resting his head against his shoulder. Viktor closed the hole, weaving it back together like thread. He sat for a moment, unsure of what to do. He hugged his own waist, his eyes trailing down to his brace. He unconsciously reached out, sliding his hand over it. 

The knock that came didn't even startle him. Instead, it made him squeeze his eyes shut and take in a weak breath. Jayce's voice drifted through the door, shaken and uncertain. "...Viktor?" 

Chapter Text

Jayce could feel... something moving through his body when he finally stirred again. The faint movement of strings through his very bones. He let out a shaky exhale, his throat feeling like it was burning. When he moved, it was like his body was a second behind him. Not quite... attached? Another thing soon became apparent as well. Viktor was missing from the bed. He'd clearly been there, Jayce never slept with his arms this stretched out. Jayce pushed himself up and he squeezed his eyes shut as he suddenly became dizzy. A gag even left him and he raised a hand to his mouth. Out of the list of possibilities for the situation he was in, he was convinced he could cross off that this was some kind of prank. He didn't know any of these people. Especially not... 

Jayce furrowed his brow as he moved to the edge of the bed. It felt like only a few hours ago he'd seen that snobby, indifferent face shrug at him while all of his life's work was being carted away by Enforcers. Now, those eyes looked at him with recognition. Recognition and pain and nostalgia. It made Jayce's chest ache. That man looked at him like he was seeing a ghost. And what had they been? Jayce felt like he could take a couple guesses and, if Viktor was telling the truth, he couldn't even imagine how painful it was for Viktor to see him again. He'd spoken in such a strangled voice. He was the only Jayce who didn't know him. At least, the only one that had passed through this place. Jayce raised a hand to his other arm, curling his fingers into his sleeve as he furrowed his brow. 

To put it simply, he was so fascinated by Viktor that he could barely contain himself. The others intrigued him too, but not as much as a man that seemed to have known him for a lifetime. And a man that could transform into... such a thing. Jayce still couldn't believe he'd witnessed it. That body of flesh and metal. And the more he thought about it, the more he felt like he was right. That was his blanket around Viktor's neck, wasn't it? Taken from his blown-up apartment. One of the few things to survive. Jayce was so curious, he couldn't even describe it. He wanted to know about Viktor. He wanted to know what they'd been and he wanted to understand it in detail. He wanted to understand him in detail. Jayce mused on it quietly. Was Viktor right?? If Jayce had just waited a few more seconds, would he have met him? 

There were so many questions swimming through his mind and he had no answers. Would he ever get them?? His head... hurt. Jayce raised a hand to his forehead and squeezed his eyes shut, as if that would somehow drive the offending ache away. "Ugh." Jayce finally made a noise aloud. Where had Viktor gone?? Jayce managed to push himself to his feet and something glowing caught the corner of his eye. He turned to look at it, expecting another strange thing in this building of strange things. He did not expect himself to be one. His hair had changed. It held the same ethereal glow as Viktor's and the other three residents. Jayce could only stare at the mirror in shock. Admittedly, he hadn't looked in a mirror since he got here. Was this something that usually happened?? 

Jayce stumbled over to the door. He opened it up and stepped into the hallway. The moment his foot hit the carpet, he was suddenly overwhelmed. He collapsed to the floor, holding his head as what appeared to be lifetimes of memories that were not his passed through him like water. Over and over, he saw that face, those eyes. A soft, accented voice speaking, but he was unable to pick up on any of the words. None of the memories stayed. Every single one was nothing more than a fleeting glimpse, but there were so many that it felt like he was drowning. There were so many. All he heard was his name. His name, said in that way where the 'a' was stretched out. The way that a stranger would never say it. 

"Jayce!"

"Jayce."

"Jayce?" 

"Jayce..." 

No stranger would ever linger on a letter like that. Not with such warmth or care. Such familiarity. Jayce felt like he was going to be sick as his head spun and he collapsed back against the wall, squeezing his eyes shut. He wasn't sure how long he was dropped back against that wall, but it felt like far too long. He inhaled shakily and had to slowly scoot himself back up to his feet, his hands carefully moving along the wall. He paused as he felt something wet running down his face. He reached up, pressing a hand to his nose before pulling it back. Even his blood seemed to be a murky pink instead of the usual red. What the hell had happened to him?? He had to find Viktor. Something was happening to him and he didn't know what it was. Was he... corrupting?? Had he stayed too long?? Viktor had mentioned something about that before, right?? Jayce's heart was racing and he swore before glancing up.

Jayce started heading back towards the stairs. He moved past them with a new sense of urgency, keeping his head down and his hand cupped below his head. Viktor would be able to help, wouldn't he? Or was this the drawn-out fate that he'd warned him of?? He'd thought it would've happened... slower? Jayce glanced around the doors and he was drawn to one in particular with gold flecks etched into the wood. It felt... right. When he moved over to it, he could hear Viktor's voice. It sounded like he was saying goodbye to someone before it fell completely quiet. Jayce finally gathered the courage to speak again. "...Viktor?" There wasn't an answer and Jayce hesitated before he continued. "S-Something's happening to me. M-My hair is glowing and my b-blood is pink." He wasn't sure which part had spurred the sudden footsteps towards the door, but Jayce jerked back as it was yanked open. 

"Y-Your what??" Viktor looked absolutely shaken as he reached out, cupping Jayce's cheeks and tipping his head so he could get a better look at him. Jayce was momentarily startled by this and he was even more startled as Viktor seemed to materialize a cloth out of nowhere, pressing it to Jayce's nose. Viktor was staring at him in panic, but there was something just beyond that. Shame. Guilt. Like this... wasn't the thing he'd warned Jayce of. His hands pulled back, slightly shaking. 

"...Viktor? Did you do something?" Jayce finally asked, keeping the cloth held to his nose. The look Viktor suddenly gave reminded Jayce of an old roommate's pet. He still wasn't sure what it had been, but it was an expressive thing that always pulled the same face whenever it broke something. This felt like that exact face. "Viktor." Jayce tried to harden his voice, but he couldn't. "Viktor, what did you do?" Viktor took a step back and Jayce paused as he heard a slight creak. He glanced down before freezing up at the brace Viktor was wearing on his leg. It looked like it was meant to support his knee. Had he been wearing that the whole time?? Why did it...? Jayce froze up a little at the small hammer symbols adorning the sides of it. He had built that. Not exactly him, but... Jayce had built that. Jayce's eyes moved back up to Viktor's face. He looked like he was going to be sick. He'd done something. What had he done?? Jayce instantly opened his mouth. 

"VIKTOR!! GOT ANOTHER ONE!!" 

Viktor was gone before Jayce could even finish processing the scratchy yell from downstairs. "Wha- Hey!!" Jayce called out, turning in place with wide eyes. Where did he go?? He started towards the stairs and made his way down them. He could see Viktor at the front door and he was about to say something before freezing up as he heard a voice. Not just any voice. His voice. Jayce stared at the older version of himself in the doorway. His hair was ever so slightly tousled and he looked as if he hadn't slept in weeks. He was in a fancy white coat with red shoulder pads, adorned with his House symbol. There were tears in his eyes as he spoke to Viktor, having moved forward to hold his cheek and his shoulder. Even from here, Jayce could see how Viktor's body relaxed. The way his older self looked at him was so... overjoyed. So warm and so... caring. Jayce wasn't sure what to do for a moment, his body having locked up. He watched as his older self pulled Viktor into a hug that was far too tight to be anything casual. 

All of a sudden, his vision was blocked by the other man of the house. What was his name? Silco? "Perhaps it would be best if you return upstairs. It is quite a predicament to have two of you here at once." His hand was pressed firmly against Jayce's chest as he walked him backwards up the stairs. 

"Wh- No. No, something's happened to me! Can't you see it?" Jayce asked in disbelief, though he did allow Silco to push him back into the upstairs hallway. 

"I see it, beautiful." Silco replied calmly, his eyes scanning over him with a much more troubled feeling than he was letting on. 

"Viktor did something. He did something to me. When I came to show him, he looked like he had been caught doing something he shouldn't! He looked guilty! What the hell did he do to me??" Jayce's frustration was starting to bleed through his words as he glared down at Silco. Instantly, the other man's gaze hardened as he blew his bangs out of his face. Jayce was about to say something else, but it suddenly felt like his jaw was being forcibly held shut by something. "Mmh!" 

"It would be wise of you to watch your tone when you are speaking to someone who can control the Arcane. Especially when it about someone they care about." Silco said firmly. "If you are going to be here, you will follow the rules and you will show respect to members of the household. Am I clear?" Jayce furrowed his brow, trying to respond. "Nod if you understand." Jayce shot him an irritated look, but he nodded. He just wanted to know what the hell had happened to him! Why was that such a problem?? "While Viktor is tending to the Jayce downstairs, you will return to your room." Silco rolled his eyes as Jayce started to protest again. He took a step forward and Jayce startled as Silco grabbed his jaw. "Listen to me. You have been nothing but combative with us since you arrived here. You are being a brat. I know something has happened to you and we will explain it to you once it becomes safe to do so. The timelines are delicate. We cannot risk a mishap." 

Jayce stared at him quietly. While he did partially understand that, he was burning inside. Viktor had done something to him. And at the first sign of confrontation, he'd just gone running right back into the arms of a Jayce that knew him?? A Jayce that he could hug so familiarly? What about him?? Viktor had really just left him upstairs for the other one?? What the fuck. Before he knew it, tears of frustration were burning in his eyes. Silco had released his jaw, but he still couldn't talk. "I know you are uncertain and you are frightened, but we will explain. It just has to be safe to do so." Silco gestured towards the stairs. 

Jayce's chest was burning with frustration and he finally gave a heavy sigh through his nose. He nodded again and Silco hesitantly offered his hand as Jayce felt the pressure on his jaw loosen. Jayce rolled his eyes and pushed it away, moving past him and back down the hall. He reached his door again, opening it before slipping inside and slamming it shut. He leaned back against the wall next to it, one hand still holding the cloth to his nose and the other holding his forehead. What was happening?? He squeezed his eyes shut as more memories that were not his soared through his head. 

An older version of Silco on a bridge with one blackened eye. That councilwoman adorned in gold. A glowing blue orb held in his fingers. And...

Viktor. 

So many memories of Viktor. In a laboratory. Wearing goggles and tinkering away. The image of a crutch that would tuck under the shoulder, slowly morphing into a warped, curled staff. A blueprint for a body brace. Each time Viktor flashed through his mind, his posture became worse and his skin paler. His eyebags kept getting darker and he was getting thinner. He looked sick. Jayce couldn't hold onto a memory long enough to see it further. He furrowed his brow. 

Dead. 

A still image of Viktor on his back, crushed beneath rubble and his chest unmoving. Eyes closed, mouth open. Dust. 

Jayce felt tears erupt down his face. These memories weren't his. They weren't his and they were unfamiliar. Terrifying. He squeezed his eyes shut. One particularly strong memory was him lying on his back on a couch. Viktor was reading a book above him, it seeming like Jayce was resting his head on his leg. Viktor's amber eyes flicked over to him and his lips quirked in a smile. His hair was dark brown. "Mm, look who is finally awake. I swear, you could sleep a whole day if you wished." His voice was warm and playful. "The deadline is not for a few more weeks. You can keep sleeping." The memory yanked itself from him and Jayce had his hands pressed to his chest, having dropped the cloth. 

He swore he could feel slender fingers stroking through his hair. Lazily. Almost absentmindedly. He leaned his head back against the wall as he kept his eyes closed. Viktor's voice was warm, pulling him into an embrace of darkness. "Rest now, Jayce. We have work to do when you wake." 

Chapter Text

Jayce furrowed his brow. The bar had long since fallen quiet downstairs and he assumed it would be safe to come down now. However, the sight he was met with made his nose slightly wrinkle in displeasure. That Jayce was asleep in one of the booths, a pillow beneath his head as he laid out on the seat. His fancy coat was off and it was laid over the sleeping form of Viktor on his chest. Viktor was so relaxed against him, Jayce was sure he would've melted into this version of himself if he could. Jayce furrowed his brow. Viktor had kept him at relatively arms length in the bed. Yet here he was, buried in the chest of another Jayce. A more familiar one. Jayce's shoulders slightly sank. Something was... blurry behind the other Jayce's head, but he couldn't quite-

A shape suddenly landed in front of him and Jayce was startled so badly that he felt a physical pain in his chest. His mouth had opened, but he had been effectively silenced by his fear. "...fuck." It was the only thing he managed to whisper. He had a hand over his chest. He'd managed to clean his face up and he turned to look back at Jinx with a slight glare. He opened his mouth to speak before hesitating and lowering his voice. "What??" 

"You know we warned you about being down here at the same time as him." Jinx suddenly flicked his nose and Jayce instantly moved back, his glare coming in fully. "Even I'm not this bad at listening!" Her scratchy voice was hushed as well. She put her hands on her hips, leaning forward. She finally lifted a hand, gesturing to him vaguely in a circle with a pointed finger. "You are sooo stressful, you know that?? And you yelled at Viktor." Jayce paused. 

"I apologized for that! And you can't blame me! I still don't know where I am!" Jayce stated in a furious hiss. "And he did something to me! I look different! And I feel different! When I asked him, he looked guilty as hell!" Jayce's voice was a furious whisper. Jinx let out a heavy breath through her nose before turning on a steel-plated heel. 

"You want a drink?" She asked, moving towards the bar. They would be hidden from the booth. Jayce stopped at the question, not expecting it. He hesitated before following after her. 

"...You're not going to try and poison me, are you?" He asked hesitantly. Jinx waved her hand at him dismissively, but didn't answer. That certainly wasn't promising. She moved around to the other side of the bar. 

"You're old enough to drink, right?" She asked, glancing back at him with a raised brow as he took a seat at the bar. 

"Yeah... Are you?" He asked after a moment, making Jinx let out a rather exaggerated snort. 

"I am probably three times your age by now." Jinx stated, looking back at him flatly as she pulled down some bottles from the wall, looking them over. "What's the drink?" Jayce hesitated before replying that he usually just had a margarita. "Mm. Fruity drink checks out." He furrowed his brow, asking what that meant, but Jinx was already moving away. She had put one bottle back and hooked two crystal glasses with her fingers, pulling them down to the counter. Jayce watched as she turned away, starting to mix with skilled hands. He furrowed his brow.

"Did someone teach you how to do this, or did you figure it out?" He asked after a moment. Jinx paused and glanced back at him with one glowing magenta eye. He'd never paid much attention, but her eyes had vague veins stretching from the corners of them. She looked deathly white too. 

"...I used to live in this place. Not here, obviously, but... this." Jinx vaguely gestured around them as she continued to mix his drink. "My dad used to run this place and then my second dad ran it after. I learned a thing or two!" It looked like she'd poured herself a glass of straight whiskey and Jayce's stomach slightly heaved at the thought. He glanced around, replying that he hadn't realized this was a place outside the... Arcane. "Of course you wouldn't, Piltie." Jinx turned and slid him the glass, the rim covered in flavored salt. She picked up her own glass and leaned back against the other counter. "It's in Zaun. The four of us are all Zaunites." That would explain it. Jayce glanced down at the margarita quietly. Jinx took a sip of her whiskey, tipping her head at him. "Well?? I made it."

Jayce glanced up at her again before picking up the glass. The salt around the glass rim was sweet and he relaxed a little when he took a sip. His brows shot up in surprise and Jinx gave a satisfied little hum. "...It's good." Jayce couldn't help but sound slightly surprised. Jinx blew her bangs out of her face with a grin. Jayce hesitated before glancing over at her again. "Thank you." She shrugged, taking a long drink from her glass. She gestured back towards the booth.

"You know, Viktor said all your counterparts started drinking fancy wine." Jayce wrinkled his nose, muttering that he didn't even like wine. "I don't think any of your counterparts do either. But, uh..." She put on a fake, posh accent. "It is what 'high society' demands." Jayce blinked before scoffing. 

"I'm from a lower House blacksmithing family. And I was just expelled from the most prestigious Academy in Piltover. What am I doing in 'high society'??" He stated in flat disbelief. Jinx raised her brow and took an uncomfortably long sip of her whiskey. Jayce started to take another sip before nearly choking as she spoke again. 

"I dunno, Councilor Talis." She gestured to the booth. "You tell me." Jayce turned to look back at the booth in disbelief before glancing back and asking if he was really a Councilor. "That one is. Not you." Jinx said, shrugging. 

"Obviously!" Jayce hissed back. His mind was spinning. "Was Viktor a Councilor too? He said we were partners." Jinx stared at him before giving a quiet sigh, her painted nails tapping along the glass. 

"A Zaunite with a bad leg and a wasting disease. You tell me if you think he was a Councilor." Jinx replied quietly, waving her glass to the side. Jayce froze up a little. Jinx seemed to take notice. "Yeah, uh, he was kind of... dying during the last years you guys had together. You became a Councilor and got so busy with your, uh, politics that you left him in the dust." Jinx sighed, slowly turning her glass in a circle to watch the liquid move around. "That Jayce is just after he left you. Y'know, with his eyebags and all that." Jayce furrowed his brow. He knew this one had nearly been in tears when he'd seen Viktor again. "It's seriously strange. We never got a Jayce that didn't know him!" Jinx rolled her eyes. "We didn't even think we could be surprised by anything anymore." Jayce took another sip of his drink. He finally asked what he and Viktor were and his ears went slightly red as Jinx gave him the flattest, most unamused look. "...You can piece it together, genius." 

"Right." Jayce awkwardly took another sip of his drink. Jinx nodded. 

"Exactly. Duh. You guys are brothers, obviously." Jinx replied, making Jayce finally choke on his drink enough to start coughing. She broke out in quiet snickering, trying to hide her smile with her arm. Jayce turned to look at her with a tearful glare and she finally broke out into actual laughing, though it was so heavy that she wasn't making any sound at all. She just keeled over and dropped behind the bar, soft wheezing heard. 

"Y-You think you're funny, don't you??" Jayce demanded quietly, getting up in his chair to lean over the bar and glare at her furiously. Jinx was lying on her back on the floor, her glass still upright. She raised it to him as if she were proposing a toast. 

"I am funny." She stated matter-of-factly before tipping the last of the whiskey into her mouth. "You almost choked!" Jayce threw his hands to the sides. 

"Brothers do not look at each other like that!" Jayce exclaimed in a hushed voice. Jinx nodded, peering into her empty glass. Jayce leaned back, sitting in the chair again. He buried his face in his hand. "...I can't imagine how uncomfortable he is around me, but that doesn't mean he avoids me! Especially if he's done something to me. My hair wasn't glowing when I got here!" Jayce added, taking another sip of his margarita. There was soft grunting before Jinx hopped up from behind the bar again. She set her glass down before leaning forward on her elbows, her hands tucked neatly under her chin. 

"He saved your life." Jinx stated, her irises seeming to have a slight buzz to them. "You won't go 'splat!' against the pavement anymore." Jayce blinked and he furrowed his brow. 

"I... won't? I... I'm inches from the ground. How did he manage that? Am I just going to be back on the ledge again when I go back?" Jayce asked in quiet confusion. Jinx stared at him for a few seconds and dread filled Jayce's stomach. It did not take long for that to click. "...Oh. Did he...?" Jinx gave a small nod, her lips pursing. "Is that why-" Another nod. "And my hair-" Another nod. Jayce finally fell silent. "I'm not able to leave?" 

"None of us are. This is just where we are now." Jinx said, finally pulling back and moving back over to the whiskey bottle again. "Y'know... what we are now." She only poured herself a half a glass this time. Jayce was stunned speechless as he stared at his nearly finished glass. Jinx took another sip. "On the bright side, you'll get used to it." She grinned. "We all had to." Jayce's hands were tight on his glass. He could never leave?? He was trapped here forever? He supposed that, yes, that meant his life was saved, but... How was he supposed to do anything with it if he was stuck here?? He wasn't ever going to age?? See his friends or family again?? His own world? Jayce's hands only grew tighter on the glass and he jumped as Jinx suddenly flicked his fingers. "Watch the crystal. Silco will be sooo mad if you break it." Jayce loosened his grip. 

His mind wandered after a minute, remembering that he'd taken note of something odd when he'd come down the stairs. That vague shimmering behind the other Jayce's head and he still wasn't sure if his eyes had been playing tricks on him. He didn't want to get up and go look either, since it ran the risk of the other Jayce seeing him. It had had a warm-toned tint to it. "This one must have it bad." Jinx gestured towards the booth. "He doesn't usually let them hold him that close. Basically swallowing him." She snorted. "Maybe that one will make it into his bed." Instantly, Jayce's whole face went hot and he turned to her with wide eyes. Jinx's brows shot up and she snorted. "Woah, are you okay?? What a color!! Ha!" She laughed before taking another sip. Jayce turned away, holding his glass. He wasn't sure how to feel about that. 

He'd never slept with anyone at this point in his life. He was sure his counterpart could say otherwise. Jayce dismissed the thought as quickly as he could, only awkwardly taking another sip and finishing his margarita. "You want another one?" Jinx asked, gesturing to the empty glass. Jayce stared at it quietly. His eyes moved over to the booth and he furrowed his brow before giving a quiet sigh and lifting his glass. 

"Please." 

Chapter Text

It was a ring. It was a ring that glowed behind the other Jayce's head and it was a startlingly vibrant red. Jayce wasn't sure what to make of it and he also wasn't sure what to make of what he was looking at. They were in the upper hallway and it couldn't have been more than few hours later. But this Jayce had Viktor slightly crowded against the wall. Nothing about his posture was threatening, just as nothing about Viktor's suggested that he was threatened. In fact... Jayce's eyes were wide and his face was slightly hot as he watched his other self press his lips to Viktor's, whispering gentle, desperate praises. Soft 'you're so beautiful's and 'please don't leave's and 'I'm so sorry's. Viktor seemed to be more than drinking up the attention, melting into every bit the other Jayce gave him. His cheeks were flushed a glowing pink. Jayce had to say something or he had to leave. He hesitantly opened his mouth. 

"I'm so sorry. I shouldn't have broken my promise." The other Jayce's voice was destroyed and weakened as he cupped Viktor's cheek, glowing tears starting to run down the latter's face. The other Jayce rubbed his thumb over his cheekbone before shaking his head. "I... shouldn't have let you go." His voice broke a little and Viktor's shoulders sank. He reached up and cupped the other's face with that same tenderness he'd used when he'd been tracing Jayce's features in the bed. The kiss that followed was just as gentle and so intimate that Jayce's face became unbearably hot and he was finally forced to look away. Was this what he could've been with his Viktor?? Viktor pulled back to search the other Jayce's face over before a weak smile pulled at his lips. 

His fingertips were glowing as he traced them over the other Jayce's cheek. "One sandwich and a glass of milk is hardly a proper meal to go traveling through an Anomaly on, Jayce." He scolded lightly. "Surely you know better than that. You must eat better." Their casual touching and the way Viktor stretched out the 'a' in his name brought a fresh flush of heat to Jayce's face. He heard his other self stutter in admittance that he had been a mess without him. "Mm, I can see that." Viktor laughed softly, but it wasn't hesitant or guarded like it was with him. Jayce's nose slightly wrinkled in displeasure again. He paused as the other Jayce asked where Viktor's room was and he was barely able to gesture to the side before the other Jayce had picked up his braced leg to wrap around his hip. "Jayce!" Viktor's voice was scolding, but warm and amused. "We are in the hall!" 

The other Jayce suddenly quieted him with a messy kiss that Jayce didn't even know he was capable of and it seemed to leave Viktor spinning before he buried his face against him. The other Jayce lifted his head and he turned to look back. He froze up as he saw Jayce, his face red. "Oh! Sorry." He managed a rushed apology before picking Viktor up and quickly moving to the side, disappearing into his room and shutting the door. Jayce was left out in the hallway, wide-eyed and stunned. Sorry?? What the fuck had that been?? He backed up to the stairs, swallowing to wet his suddenly dry throat. He started to head downstairs. 

"-never seen him engage a Jayce before. It's quite impressive, really." Silco's amused tone drifted from downstairs. "He's usually so reserved and all words. First time I've seen the bite instead of the bark." There was a moment of silence. "This is quite delicious, Jinx. Incredible work." He heard Jinx reply smugly that she knew. 

"I mean, he probably needs the attention after being so stressed out by the other one." Powder's voice was quiet. The other one. Him. Jayce's hand tightened on the railing. He'd really stressed Viktor out that much. 

"Did you see how exhausted this one is??" Jinx's scratchy voice was amused as there was the sound of liquid being shook around. She let out a whistle. "He is going to treat him soooo good." Silco was heard laughing as Powder said her name in a scolding tone. Jayce furrowed his brow and let out a quiet sigh through his nose. He glanced back up the stairs. He didn't understand how he could feel envy for it. He didn't even know this man. He'd never had the chance to meet him. He had taken one or two psychology classes during his time at the Academy and he knew what it was. Affection by proxy. It wasn't that he, himself, felt affection for this man he'd never met, but it was because that Viktor clearly felt so much for him. Not to mention these occasional flashes of foreign memories. It felt wrong of him not to feel some kind of attachment in response. He just had to remind himself that's all it was. He didn't know this man and they weren't even friends. 

It was a moment of weakness to let him nap with him. He had absolutely no real reason to be jealous about this. Jayce quickly shook it out of his head and continued down the stairs. He paused as he glanced up, seeing that Jinx was now dealing with a rather hostile-seeming boy with white hair at the front door. She seemed mostly unbothered, smiling as she took a sip of her glass. It looked like it was just juice this time. The boy was becoming less hostile and more uncertain as she replied to his words, rolling her eyes and giving her exaggerated gestures to accompany them. Powder had turned away to face the back wall. Silco glanced up at Jayce. "Well, the man of the hour. Viktor isn't down here at the moment, if that's what you’re worried about." Oh, Jayce knew that. Jayce finally made his way down the stairs completely. 

"...Mind if I join you guys?" He asked uncertainly. Silco blinked before nodding his head to the empty seat next to him. Jayce accepted the silent invitation. 

"How are you feeling, beautiful? Jinx said she didn't have to explain much." Silco said, stirring his drink. Jayce hesitated. 

"...Do you really want me to answer that?" Jayce asked quietly. He paused as Powder spoke up, holding a glass of juice. 

"We have to. If anything's wrong, we have to figure it out. Just tell us how you feel around your body. There's certain sensations that all of us have, since we're embedded in the Arcane." She explained. Right. That made sense. At least something made sense. Jayce relaxed and focused a little. 

"I, uh, I feel like I have... threads... moving through my bones." He really wasn't sure how to explain it, but he paused as he saw Silco nod like it was perfectly normal. 

"That's the flow of the Arcane energy." He assured him, taking a sip of his drink. Jayce stared at it, trying to figure out what it was. Silco seemed to notice and a smile pulled at his lips. "Mimosa." He said, waving the glass a little. Jayce nodded. If he hadn't had two margaritas already, a mimosa would've sounded pretty good. "What about memories?" Instantly, Jayce froze up and his wide eyes flicked up to the both of them. Silco hummed, that seeming to be enough of an answer for him. "It was overwhelming for all of us. I apparently lived much longer than how you see me now. And I became something quite..." Silco waved his glass, though a weak look entered his eyes. "...To be put simply, it's not what I would've wanted for Zaun. My only reassurance is that Powder tells me things went much better in her world." Powder nodded, giving Silco and sympathetic smile. "Both her and Jinx slip up sometimes-" 

"Silco!" Powder smacked his arm as her cheeks went red. Silco seemed undeterred, pretending to study his empty glass. 

"Sometimes they call me 'Dad'." Silco finished, giving a grin as Powder groaned and buried her face in her arms. 

"You are so embarrassing!" Her voice was muffled and Silco gave a small snicker. Jayce watched them quietly before asking how long either of them had been there. Powder glanced up from her arms and gave a small shrug. 

"We have no way to determine time here. All we know is that Jinx was the last to fall to the Arcane. And that felt like ages ago." Silco sighed. Both he and Powder paused as Jayce asked who had 'fallen' first. "Ah, that would be our dear Viktor. I fell after him. I couldn't possibly tell you how long he'd been by himself here. Admittedly, there was tension between us. He knew my older self of his world as something frightening. But I saw the relief in his eyes. That there was finally someone else with him. Goodness, that face is far too pretty to look so upset." Silco rested his cheek against his hand. "It is going to be so hard for him to have a Jayce here permanently." He glanced over. "And don't get us wrong. It isn't your fault you ended up here. It's just... hard for us to see certain people. Our reprieves are that we only see each of them temporarily." 

"He'll get used to you, basically." Powder interrupted, leaning around Silco to look at Jayce. "It'll just take a while. In the meantime, don't feel bad for just... existing." Jayce did feel slightly reassured by that, but he paused as Silco scoffed, glancing over at him. 

"I'm sure once that attitude of yours improves a little, we can start trusting you to handle some of the Passerbys. Unfortunately, you may have to start helping Powder with the Viktors that pass through." Silco said casually. 

"I don't have an attitude. I'm just trying to get used to everything. I'm still trying to process that any of this is happening at all. I'm going to be seeing versions of myself. That's... a lot." Jayce insisted. 

"I mean your attitude towards Viktor. I know seeing how he looks at you is confusing and it may even scare you, but you have to be gentle with him. The last time he saw your face this long, you were dissolving into nothingness." Silco commented, raising a brow at him. "Not to mention you were so combative with Powder that Jinx had to intervene." He rolled his eyes. "You'll have to learn how to live with all of us now that you’re here." They paused as there was the sound of the door and Powder glanced back. 

"Oop, that looks like one of mine." She quickly finished her juice and got up. Jayce could only stare. The Viktor that had come in had shoulder-length hair, pale at the ends. His eyes were pale and everything below his chin became a twisted purple visage of skin, made of wires and darkened metal, adorned with gold. He held a staff and he was wrapped in that blanket, wearing it like a robe with belts holding it together around his waist. Powder came up to greet him and the Viktor seemed to listen to her calmly and attentively as he held a curled staff. Jayce had seen that skin before in the creature this Viktor was able to become. 

"You will see many things in your time here." Silco said, noticing him staring. "Worlds and timelines. Some good, some bad." The shimmering ring was behind both this Viktor's and the boy's head. He couldn't make out the colors yet. All of this made his head hurt and he put his head in his hand, silently regretting his margaritas. 

"...Fantastic." He muttered quietly.

Chapter Text

The guilt was nearly unbearable. Viktor held this Jayce's timeline in his hand by the string before glancing up at him. They both stood outside The Last Drop in the vastness of the Arcane. That Jayce gave him a comforting smile and leaned down, pressing his lips to his forehead. "It's alright." 

It wasn't.

That Jayce was cupping the back of his neck and Viktor couldn't help but tip his head against his arm. This Jayce had been so gentle with him and it shook him to his core. He'd made sure that this Jayce had eaten a full, warm meal.

It would be the last one he'd have for a while. 

Viktor reached up and his fingers gently traced along the Jayce's jawline, guiding him back into another soft kiss, which the other seemed more than happy to return. "Don't look so sad, Vik. I'll be okay."

No, he wouldn't.

That Jayce spoke assuringly and all it did was hurt Viktor more as his eyes drifted to that red ring behind his head. He managed a smile anyway, finally opening up the timeline with the wave of his hand. That swirling portal formed and the Jayce glanced back at it. "...I'll tell him everything. How I feel. What I want. I'll say it." That Jayce promised him. It brought a warmth to Viktor's chest and he gave a soft laugh.

No, he wouldn't. 

"Do not scare him away, Jayce." Viktor gently made a shooing motion and that Jayce squeezed his shoulder before turning away. He moved forward and disappeared into the swirling portal, Viktor letting it close behind him as he released the string like a balloon. The moment that Jayce was gone, Viktor squeezed his eyes shut and finally allowed the tears to fall, burying his face in his hand. That Jayce was destined to be a husk or something worse. Viktor hoped he'd made the start of the downwards spiral something enjoyable. He finally let out a weak sigh and wiped his eyes. He paused as he heard Jayce's voice again. 

"Viktor? Can we talk? Before another... 'me' drops in?" Jayce sounded hesitant and Viktor had to take a moment to steel himself before turning to face him. Jayce's eyes held the same vague illumination to them as his, but it was his carefully styled hair that gave off an ethereal glow. He clasped his hands behind himself as he stood in front of Viktor and it was a pose that Viktor had only ever seen him take in front of people of authority. He didn't want to be one of those for him. He nodded silently and Jayce finally paused, as if he hadn't thought Viktor would agree. "The, uh, the others clued me in a little on what's happened to me, but how did you... do that?" Viktor raised his gaze to Jayce worriedly. 

"...I have a far deeper connection to the Arcane than the others. Have you seen the rings?" Viktor asked, his hand hooking into the top of his brace nervously. Jayce hesitated, seeming to think before he finally nodded. 

"...Behind their heads, right? Do I have one  of those?" Jayce asked, raising a hand to the back of his head. 

"You did. I... I got rid of it. S-Split you from your world." He was quiet before speaking. "I forced you to fall like we did." Viktor's voice strained as he admitted it. "It was reckless and impulsive. No one is able to touch the rings like I am and, even so, my handling is questionable, at best. I-I could have seriously h-hurt you. It is with my sincerest apology that I've done this to you. I just couldn't let..." Viktor trailed off, unsure of how to even explain it to someone he'd never had a connection with. Jayce watched him with his golden-brown eyes. He never remembered the color being so dark when they first met, especially when Jayce's eyes had ended up being the color of molten gold in his final moments. 

"I can't replace him, Viktor." 

The statement made Viktor's whole body lock up and his fingers curl into his brace. "I know. That is not why I did it." He stated, his voice barely controlled. He wasn't angry. He was hurt, but he wasn't angry with him. He was sure Jayce had meant well by the statement, but he hadn't been cut like that in a while. "I did it because you are still Jayce. Not to... replace the one I lost, but because you were to return to nothingness and I would never wish that upon Jayce. Upon you." Viktor swallowed quietly, hearing Jayce awkwardly state that they weren't even friends, much less what he and his Jayce had been. "Yes, I know that." Viktor spoke a little more curt than he meant to. The statement felt unnecessary. Salt in the wound, even if Jayce hadn't meant for it. "I meant to save your life. But, in exchange, I may have given you something worse." 

"Yeah, immortality, right?" It sounded like Jayce was trying to joke, but it only forced the knife deeper. It was right. Viktor had forced immortality upon him. Viktor wasn't even crying. He was just so deeply upset inside that the tears couldn't even make their way out. Viktor's arms moved up to hug himself quietly. "You really, uh... You really can't undo it, can you?" Viktor couldn't even meet his eyes as he shook his head. 

"...The damage is done." Viktor finally said. "You would have ceased to be or you could spend eternity here. I... hoped this would be the lesser of two evils for you." 

"There's a lot to get used to." Jayce finally admitted. "I don't think the others like me either." 

"They will mellow. We are all quite protective of each other. Especially when a Passerby upsets us so. I know you were confused and frightened when you raised your voice. I do not blame you for it. It was just startling for me." Viktor gave a quiet sigh through his nose. "I'm sorry I have trapped you in eternity, Jayce. I wanted to save you from death, but now I am... uncertain this is any better." He moved forward, his brace creaking as he started back towards The Last Drop. He struggled not to flinch as Jayce spoke again.

"I'm not sure either." It sounded like Jayce was just trying to be honest with him, but good gods. Viktor reached out and pushed the door open. Powder was still speaking at the bar with that commune version of him, whose pale eyes raised to fix on Viktor. This version of himself always made him uneasy, but he was always cordial. Perhaps it was the emptiness behind his eyes and words that scared Viktor. Perhaps it was knowing that he had been like that once. At one of the tables, Jinx was playing a card game with a reluctant Ekko, who was still scanning her over every so often like he couldn't quite believe it was her. 

"Oh, handsome, you miss him already?" Silco's voice was teasing as he moved over to Viktor, blowing his own bangs out of his face before cupping Viktor's cheeks. Viktor closed his eyes. "...I know that must have been difficult for you." 

"I did my best. I sent him there with a warm stomach and relieved of tension. I doubt it will aid him much, but it is what I had to offer." Viktor replied, Jayce moving past the both of them to sit in an empty booth. Silco's eyes subtly followed him before flicking back to Viktor. 

"What did he say to you, gorgeous?" Silco's voice became serious and flat. 

"...Silco, I think I have made a horrible mistake. I think I have forced immortality upon someone who would have rather died." Viktor's hands tightened on Silco's wrists as he held them. "He believes I did it so he could replace my Jayce." Silco immediately froze up, asking if he'd really said that to him. "He meant it with no ill intent, Silco. I understand his apprehension." Viktor felt so sick. He squeezed his eyes shut, all of the stress that the Jayce before had just relieved building back up again. "This is what it feels like to have a soulmate that wants nothing to do with you, hm? How cruel." Viktor gave a weak laugh. Silco's thumbs rubbed over his cheekbones and Viktor shook his head. "So much for 'all timelines, all possibilities', I suppose." Viktor sighed. "Even on a graph riddled with consistency, there is always an outlier." He fell quiet. "Silco, I think I may need to-" 

"Go upstairs and rest, beautiful. We all know you certainly weren't doing that for the past few hours." Silco's voice became teasing and Viktor's cheeks flushed as he shot him a slight glare. He scoldingly nipped Silco's thumb, making the other man jump before laughing. "Feisty little thing, aren't we?" He spoke warmly and Viktor gave a weak smile. 

"Only for you." He replied cheekily. He glanced towards the door uncertainly. "Maybe I should wait, in case another one comes through?" Silco shook his head, taking Viktor's shoulders and angling him towards the stairs before shooing him off. "Fine, fine." Viktor started forward, though he could feel Jayce watching him. He tried to pay it no mind and started up the stairs. The moment he was upstairs again, he came to a complete and utter stop in the hallway, taking a deep breath. He closed his eyes and took another. His heart was pounding so hard that just the sound was starting to give him a headache. He had to silence his affections again. It was rare he did it, as he was usually much better at controlling his emotions. It felt needed. 

Viktor turned and opened his eyes, moving forward to his room. He opened the door and slipped inside. His cheeks flushed. Somehow, seeing his that Jayce had neatly made the bed felt more obscene than what they'd done on it. Viktor settled himself on the edge of it before raising his hands. Slowly, Runes and electricity alike started to spark along his fingers. The runic code ran through his mind like nothing more than background noise as he materialized it into his hands, combining each one until he had what he wanted. He wrapped the line of Runes around his arm and let it sink into his skin. Bit by bit, he felt himself numbing. His shoulders lost their tension and his stress was starting to ebb away. His eyelids slipped halfway shut as he let out a soft sigh through his nose. His heart was starting to slow down again. 

A clicking noise in front of him made him open his eyes back up. Curious. He'd never had one appear in his room before. He watched as that featureless face seemed to pull itself from a rift in the wall, its slender limbs following like the prodding legs of a trapdoor spider. When the evolved finally stood in his room, he stared back at it. It was a brand-new one, as evident by the shiny gold adornments and porcelain white covering. Along with it came that uneasy choking feeling. A disruption in the flow around them. The evolved always seemed to cause it when they arrived here. The glowing blue fingerprints around its forehead seemed to pulse and it let out a chittering warble. 

"You should not be here." Viktor warned quietly. He had much less of an ability to sympathize when he stabilized his emotions like this. The evolved tipped its head at him before suddenly moving forward. Viktor had never transformed quite so fast and it split his head straight in two all the way down to the collarbone for a moment with how hard the second face emerged from his skull. Viktor didn't even have time to process the pain as he grabbed the evolved, standing and holding it up off the floor by digging his darkened fingers into its shoulder joint. "Whoever you were is gone. I will not force life upon another." Viktor's voice was much more robotic. He reached out.

The limbs went first. Every crack was accompanied by a screeching little squeal, golden liquid spraying out if he didn't break the limb off right in the correct position. He started to detach the head, his fingers rusting the neck. He pushed his fingers under the shell, allowing the decay to internally spread. The pieces of porcelain shell started to wrinkle and break, folding in on themselves. The fingerprints sputtered and went out, several golden lines of liquid starting to run down them like tears. He held the evolved's limp body up, studying it. Viktor applied just a little pressure and he watched as the whole thing exploded into ash, collapsing and fading before it could even hit his carpet. The disruption of the flow through the Hub vanished and Viktor settled himself back down on his bed again. His eyes moved up to look at his Arcane Herald form in the mirror on the wall. Wasn't he just a pretty picture? 

Overzealous and lonely. A perfect portrait of a false god. 

Chapter Text

Viktor wasn't sure how long he was sat there until there was a knock against the door. "Did you get it??" Powder's voice drifted through uncertainly. "Or is it still creeping around and I'm about to have a nasty surprise?" Viktor would've at least smiled if he could've. His voice drifted through in that reverberating rumble. 

"I have dealt with the intrusion, Powder. There is no more need for alarm." Viktor said assuringly. Powder was heard asking if he was absolutely sure he got it. That they were fast and sneaky. Viktor raised one ash-stained hand, looking it over. "...I can guarantee you that I handled it. That one is gone now. Would you mind leaving me to rest?" He kept his tone polite and he heard Powder pause. He knew the others didn't like when he did that to himself, but above all else, he knew they would understand. The pain was immeasurable. The guilt was too much. He was sure he would be able to come to terms with it eventually but... not now. Viktor paused as he heard no movement and he swore would have rolled his eyes. He flicked a finger and the door unlocked. 

Powder stepped inside, donning much more casual clothes and makeup with her space buns. "Thanks... I left the Viktor with Silco... if that's your next question." She added, shutting the door and moving over to him. It had taken a while for any of them to approach him in this form without fear, but he was certainly grateful for it now. "I... think he doesn't know what to do, cuz his flirting isn't working." Viktor gave a soft scoff in response. "That Jayce felt you transform. I think he's adjusting faster than we did. Maybe it's because we're all here to guide him and we've been here so long that we just kinda know what to do." She sat on the bed next to him before leaning against his side, her back to his arm and her head against his shoulder. 

Viktor glanced down at her. "I think he followed me up, too. He's really eager to see this form of yours." Powder added, glancing over at the door. 

"Of course he is. Above all else, Jayce Talis is a scientist. He enjoys exploring the unknown, of which I... certainly am." Viktor stretched out a hand, studying it over quietly. "I know you all do not enjoy when I dampen myself down like this, but I am not able to handle the guilt at the moment. Especially not when he believes I only saved him so he could replace my Jayce." Powder's eyes widened and she instantly tipped her head back. 

"He did not say that to you!" She stated in disbelief. Viktor hesitated before turning his head away. Powder hesitated before she finally changed the subject. "Do you think Jinx and I can test out makeup on this form again? You looked so nice with the gold eyeliner last time." Viktor paused before glancing over and deciding to humor her. 

"Is that so?" He asked, a light, playful tone to his voice. "And what else do you plan to do?" 

"Jinx has been getting real good at drawing the eyeliner. We were thinking butterfly eyeliner for your lower eyes and something simple for the upper ones." Powder stated matter-of-factly. "Some purple eyeshadow too, glitter." 

"Good gods, not glitter with this skin, Powder." Viktor allowed himself a small, exaggerated groan. Powder blinked before reaching up over his head and poking at one of his cheeks on the split half of his face. 

"This skin is still smooth, right? Besides, it's not like we can give eyeshadow to your main face without it looking... weird." Powder gave a shrug and Viktor replied with a scoff. He was... aware of the presence outside the door, raising his eyes to it. "...How long do you think he'll stand out there?" She asked in a hushed voice. Viktor gave a quiet sigh. 

"Perhaps I should just let him. I know how Jayce is. Relentless and determined in his pursuit of knowledge." Viktor replied quietly. He turned to look down at Powder. "Will you supervise for me?" 

"Of course." Powder agreed instantly, her brow furrowed. Viktor flicked his wrist and the door clicked open, both of them hearing stumbling footsteps. Viktor flicked his wrist again and he heard Jayce swear to catch something. There was a moment's pause before Jayce slipped his hand into the room and pushed the door open. 

His cheeks were red as he held the pen and journal Viktor had summoned for him. "...Sorry, I didn't mean to just-" 

"Stand outside the door and eavesdrop like some kind of creep?" Powder asked, raising a brow at him. Jayce instantly averted his eyes and Powder laughed quietly. "Viktor says you can study him, but he wants me to stay in the room so you don't get too ahead of yourself." She said, studying her nails in false interest. Viktor hadn't said exactly those words, but it was certainly what he'd meant. He was relieved Powder understood that. Jayce paused and glanced up at Viktor. 

"...Your journal." Viktor prompted. The entire code of Runes he'd used for his emotions was weaved along one arm like a tattoo. Jayce's eyes seemed to follow it immediately. How he'd instantly noticed a discrepancy was nothing short of impressive. His pen was already scritching against the paper of the journal. Jayce tipped his head and Viktor could tell what he wanted, stretching out the arm for him to study. Jayce instantly reached up to trace where he was looking before starting to sketch the Runes. He awkwardly ducked under the arm to continue sketching and Viktor glanced over as Powder spoke again. 

"Jinx was making drinks downstairs, but she's preoccupied with that Ekko. I can take a crack at it if you want a Mudslide." Powder sounded slightly excited. She'd been dying to try and make the chocolate-based drink. "Or the vodka cream float?" 

"You..." Jayce paused, clearly guilty about interrupting their conversation. Powder raised a brow at him in a prompting manner. "You like sweet drinks, Viktor?" 

"I do. It is my preference. My favorite is sweetmilk. A different world's Viktor introduced it to me. He was obsessed with it and I can see the appeal. However, chocolate is still quite an irresistible confectionary and Powder has been quite eager to try making it. She says her fathers had just started teaching her how to make drinks when she fell. Jinx and Silco have taken over teaching her." Jayce furrowed his brow. "Everyone except me lived in a version of The Last Drop. I lived in Piltover... as you know." Viktor gestured to him quietly. 

Jayce had moved on to Viktor's hands, studying the studded gold pieces on the knuckles. "You all seem... comfortable with one another." He said, glancing up quietly.

"The warmth of another is one of the few things we have. You will more often than not find us all in a pile in order to sleep. It is why Jinx is clingy and Silco is flirty. Powder likes to hold hands." Viktor offered it to Powder, who took it with a smile. Jayce paused before asking what he liked. Viktor was a little taken back. "Me? I suppose I simply like sitting with others. Many times, the Jayces will lay against me while I read, or they will allow me to lean against them. Physical contact is... something we all treasure." He squeezed Powder's hand and she squeezed it back. Jayce hesitated, glancing at Viktor's chest and he moved his arms back. Once again, Jayce stretched out a hand, but he wouldn't touch. He studied the gold-plated torso with a furrowed brow. "If it aids your curiosity, this used to be a body brace for my back. It was screwed into my spine to straighten it and fused to me when I changed." 

That very much did seem to aid Jayce's notetaking, which instantly sped up as he stared at the paper with wide eyes. He paused as he moved to Viktor's other arm. Viktor instantly tensed up as he saw where Jayce was looking. The Rune from his timeline was still etched in his wrist. A permanent reminder. Not to mention it was the same wrist that Jayce usually wore his bracelet. "...Our Rune was Control. I did... terrible things with it." Viktor stated quietly. "It fused to the both of us." Powder squeezed his hand again. 

"...Mine was Entropy." Jayce stated, glancing up at him. Viktor gave a weak scoff of vague amusement. "Opposites attract, I guess." He joked quietly, but he wouldn't look up at him. They all paused as music drifted up from below. A guitar. 

"Silco's playing again. Maybe this commune you likes music. Always a hit or miss with them." Powder sighed as she leaned back against him. They blinked as Jayce asked if Silco knew how to play guitar. "He does! He knew how to do it even before he fell! He's even written a few songs while he's been here. Sometimes he plays them for us!" Powder said proudly. A smile seemed to pull at Jayce's lips, but he seemed to hide it. 

"Jayce plays guitar." Viktor commented lightly. In that snapshot he'd seen of this Jayce's room, it had been in the same spot as every timeline. Jayce suddenly jumped and his ears went completely red. 

"You do?? You and Silco can play songs together!" Powder exclaimed, sitting up. 

"I-I'm not very good! N-Nothing like what he's doing right now." Jayce gestured beneath them as he averted his eyes. Powder seemed excited to see something other than guardedness from him. She insisted that Silco could teach him and Jayce paused. "...Would he?" 

"Yeah! Silco was trying to teach Viktor for a while, but-" Instantly, Viktor covered her mouth with his hand, his head turned away. "Hey!" Her voice was muffled and Viktor jumped before yanking her hand away. 

"You and Jinx need to stop licking when I do that! It is unsanitary!" Viktor scolded instantly, Powder's tongue still sticking out. There was the softest snort from Jayce, whose smile remained this time. "And he does not need to know what happened." Powder snickered softly as she glanced up at him. 

"The strings-" 

"Powder." 

"He couldn't keep his-" 

"You!" 

"Hey! No, no, put me down!! Aaaah!" Powder yelped and cried out dramatically as Viktor scooped her upside down with one arm. She hung down, laughing as Viktor stood up, easily dangling her off the ground. "It's not fair when you're over seven feet tall!" She protested through her giggling. Viktor rolled his eyes, shaking his head. "All the blood's going to my head! I'm dying!" 

Jayce had started laughing and Viktor glanced over at him for a moment before looking back to Powder warmly, who was very much pretending to be dead. He gave her a small shake and she squeaked. Jayce had moved to study the side of him and Viktor allowed it, taking note of the other's smile. This was a start, wasn't it?

Chapter Text

After two weeks, Jinx dyed Jayce's hair purple. Whenever she did that to each of them, the dye would eventually fade, but for the time being, the person's head would be glowing that color for a while. She'd snuck the dye into his hair product and when he'd used it, his hair had been turned a gorgeous lavender. Jayce was not a fan of it. He sat by himself in one of the booths, clearly annoyed by this as he kept his head resting against his hand. "It doesn't look bad on you, gorgeous." Silco tipped his head as he came up, leaning on the other side of the booth with a grin. 

"I would dare say the color suits you." Viktor added with a smile as he passed by, Jayce giving both of them quite an unamused look. Viktor was headed to the door to meet with another Jayce. It looked like it was another... what did they call this version? Post-ravine? He was filthy and unshaven. Agitated and feral, yet when he saw Viktor, he always melted and came to him like a puppy to its owner. Jayce had never felt so awkward. Viktor had regressed to kind formalities and the same casual flirting that Silco had. Their conversations never stretched longer than that, at Viktor's insistence that they didn't. 

"It would be easier on the both of us to act as housemates and nothing more." Viktor had told him. Jayce had agreed, so he only ever really saw Viktor in passing. Viktor had become much more open and affectionate with his Jayces, according to the other residents. Even now, he watched as Viktor cupped the Jayce's cheeks, rubbing tender circles over his cheek bones that seemed to bring genuine tears to the man's eyes before he broke down. Jayce sighed. In a way, he understood what Viktor had really meant by it. He didn't want Jayce to get close. He didn't want to get attached to him and he didn't want to hurt because of him. Jayce's eyes moved to the side as Viktor led the sobbing Jayce by the hand towards the stairs, likely to go shower. Once they both disappeared, Jayce glanced up again, furrowing his brow. 

"...Those versions of me reek." He said quietly. 

"Well, yes, beautiful, being trapped in a pit for seven months or more will do that. Eating raw lizards and drinking stagnant water as well." Silco waved his hand dismissively and Jayce wrinkled his nose in distaste. Silco chuckled. He rested the webbed side of his face against his hand as he sat down across from him. His bangs usually covered it from the side, but they framed it in the front. From what Jayce understood, that had been done to him by the man Silco usually handled. Vander. Silco didn't even seem afraid anymore whenever he approached them. Jayce found his eyes moving to the staircase again. Admittedly, he still very much felt like a stranger here. Everyone was friendly and they seemed close, but it was as if they were still keeping him at arms length to protect Viktor. He did not sleep in the pile with them, nor did they cling to him like they did to each other. 

Jayce had been trying so hard to be on his best behavior. He listened to them when they taught him things and sat nearby when they all gathered, even if he didn't really have anything to contribute. Jayce fiddled with his fingers quietly. "I do hope that isn't about the color, gorgeous. At least she did not turn your hair hot pink." Silco laughed across from him and Jayce paused, glancing up at him. He didn't answer and Silco let out a quiet sigh. "Something else is bothering you." He noted, tipping his head. Jayce felt a pinch of anxiousness in his chest. He wasn't sure how to word this without sounding desperate or ungrateful. 

"What..." Jayce paused before glancing aside. "What can I do so that... you guys trust me more? I try to join all the little get-togethers when I can and I listen whenever you all tell me something, but I just can't... seem to be friends with any of you. And I'm... going to be here forever, aren't I?" Silco seemed surprised as he stared at him. "None if you seem exactly... willing to get close to me and I... understand if it's Viktor because of his... experience with me. But I just feel..." Jayce jumped as Silco stood up. The other man moved around the side of the table before slipping right next to Jayce and giving a rather mischievous grin. "Silco!" 

"Here I was, under the assumption that my touchiness would make you uncomfortable.  Silco turned and laid his legs over Jayce's lap as he leaned against the side of the booth, his bangs following the curve of the seat. "We were all trying to be respectful of you, darling, you should have said something. A face like yours shouldn't be so troubled." He sounded more than eager to flirt now that he knew Jayce would be okay with his casual touch. Jayce blinked in surprise before exclaiming that he wasn't some fragile, porcelain doll. "Oh, I know." Silco's hand traced down his bicep as he grinned like a wolf. Jayce scrunched up a little. He finally glanced back. "Be careful what you put out into the Arcane. We don't need it bringing us another one of those right now." He rolled his eyes. Jayce knew what he was talking about, but he still had yet to see one. 

The way Jinx had described the evolved to him was like hearing about some kind of demon. However, the way she and Powder spoke about them made it sound as if they were nothing more than annoyances. Just some scary bugs. "Silco!" Viktor was heard calling for him as he came back down the stairs. He paused as he saw them and hesitated before making his way over. Jayce blinked in surprise as Viktor heaved himself up to sit on the table of the booth, Silco tipping his head. "Did any of your counterparts ever mention using Jayce to bring Shimmer into Piltover? The closest I can recall is them using the Hexgates, but never Jayce himself." Jayce paused. Him? Shimmer? Hexgates?? Viktor gave an apologetic look for Jayce's confusion, but he focused back on Silco. 

"Perhaps one or two, do-" Silco paused before he instantly raised his hands, his eye growing wide. "Oh, good gods, here." To Jayce's shock, he seemed to suddenly form a chain of Runes in his hands, his fingers quickly tracing and materializing them. Viktor held out his hands and Silco passed the chain to him, the white glow becoming gold the moment Viktor touched it. "Go! Get it out of him!" 

"Thank you!" Viktor hopped off the table, quickly teleporting away. Jayce paused. 

"...Was that version of me on Shimmer??" He asked in shock. He never thought he would've stopped so low. 

"That version of you, in every timeline it has happened, had his tibia shattered and snapped clean in half by almost a ton of metal. I am shocked more versions of you did not have Shimmer to ease that pain." Silco stated, seeming troubled as he looked up at the ceiling. "That Rune chain will force the Shimmer from his system, but it'll-" Silco flinched as the noise started and Jayce froze up. 

Hearing his own muffled, agonized screams from upstairs sent a chill down his spine. They sounded shredded and hoarse. Silco's hand gently squeezed his shoulder and Jayce could only stare at the ceiling with a pale face. The screaming soon started to die down again, falling eerily quiet. Jayce was shaking a little. There were sudden footsteps from the stairs before Jinx appeared, her eyes wide and frightened. She quickly came over and scurried up onto the table before dropping to Jayce's other side and grabbing his arm, hiding behind it as she trembled. Glowing tears ran down her face from her eyes, which were squeezed shut. "...It's okay. Viktor's just healing a version of me." Jayce tried to comfort her awkwardly and she nodded, still not opening her eyes. He hadn't seen her since yesterday, when she'd dyed his hair. It looked like this had scared her out of hiding. He couldn't even be mad at her. "Jinx." 

Jayce paused before slightly lifting his arm. Jinx took the opening instantly, suddenly burying into his side and making him grunt from the slight impact. Silco watched them both with a tired, warm look. He seemed much more used to the sounds, though his lips were still slightly quirked in displeasure. Jayce held the shivering girl against his side. "Hey, uh, was lavender the color you were going for, or was it supposed to be something else?" He asked. Jinx paused and that magenta eye finally opened to peek up at him. 

"...Dark purple. You didn't put enough in your hair." Jinx answered in a muffled voice. "It'll fade after a while." They all jumped as Powder suddenly teleported downstairs. Jinx scoffed. "Show-off." Powder stuck out her tongue as she moved over.

"Viktor's singing." She said in a hushed tone. Jinx instantly sat up, her eyes wide.

"Is he??" Even Silco sounded shocked. "Is the Jayce doing that poorly??" Powder nodded, her hands fidgeting in her vest pockets. Jayce was a little confused and Powder seemed to notice. 

"Viktor can sing. He doesn't do it in front of us, but he'll do it for his Jayces if they really need to be soothed or distracted." Powder explained. She glanced up. "His voice is beautiful." 

"He sings in a tongue that is neither Piltovian nor Zaunite. His mother tongue." Silco added. "He seems ashamed of it, even if we ask him to sing for us. I used to hear it often in the distance during our first week together." He glanced up at the ceiling. Try as he might, Jayce couldn't hear anything. 

"I never get to hear him!" Jinx protested instantly. Powder quickly offered her hands. "Is the room not soundproofed??" 

"Not the door! Come on! Before he remembers!" Powder insisted, Jinx almost immediately flying over the table. The moment she took Powder's hands, both of them teleported away and Jayce was left wide-eyed. After a few moments of silence, he felt awkward again before speaking. 

"He's been the only... Passerby today." Jayce commented. Silco blinked and turned back to look at him. A smile tugged at his lips, seeming amused at Jayce's clumsy attempt for conversation. 

"Days like this happen, beautiful. Rest assured, even on days we only get one visitor, it will always be you." Silco said, giving a shrug. Jayce nodded quietly before jumping and letting out a small grunt as Silco lightly hit his stomach with his leg. "Stop being so awkward, gorgeous. As cute as it is, it'll do you no good." Jayce felt his ears heat up and he turned his head away, giving a small, helpless shrug. 

"I can't help it. I've never been too good at making friends. My only real friend was a 16-year-old girl." Jayce said flatly, his eyes fixed on the table. Silco smiled at him before holding out his hand. Jayce stared at it quietly before raising a brow. He hesitated before reaching up and taking Silco's hand. To his surprise, it was a handshake and Jayce blinked. 

"Pleasure to make your acquaintance, Jayce Talis. My name is Silco and I will be your friend starting now." The other man said, grinning. Jayce blinked in surprise once he pulled his hand back. 

"...Is that really it??" He asked in slight disbelief. Silco broke out in quiet laughter as he gave his own shrug. Jayce furrowed his brow. Gods, if it was that easy, then why couldn't he have done that in his own world?? He'd just been too caught up in his research. He paused and glanced up at the ceiling. "...Do you think Viktor would ever be my friend or do you think I've already... blew that chance?"

"Mm, well, telling him you two aren't even friends after subtly accusing him of using you to replace his dead lover might've not been too good for your odds." Silco's bluntness nearly made Jayce flinch as he tightened his jaw. It really hadn't been his... best idea. Especially not in the hindsight that he would be living with this man for the rest of forever. "But, luckily for you, Viktor is a very forgiving man. Especially with Jayces. I'm sure it's nothing that a proper apology, an offer of friendship, and a glass of warm sweetmilk couldn't fix. Who could turn down such a handsome face?" Silco almost purred and Jayce felt his ears heat up again. 

"I, uh, I'll apologize then." Jayce said quietly, glancing to the side. Silco raised a brow at him, seeming to be studying him over. "I-I do want to be friends with all of you. Especially if we're all going to be stuck together-" 

"You want to join the sleeping piles." Silco stated bluntly, a smile tugging at his lips. Jayce froze up before the heat from his ears spread across his face and he glanced to the side. 

"...I want to join the sleeping piles." Jayce admitted in a soft grumble. 

Chapter Text

It took Jayce another week before he met one of the bugs. He had never been scared of bugs before this. 

He was now. 

Jayce sat at one of the bar stools. He was musing over his diagram of Viktor's 'Herald' form with Powder. She had insisted Jayce draw the 'Hexclaw' on his diagram and he didn't even know what that was until Powder reminded him that, the first time he'd seen Viktor in that form, there'd been something jutting from his back. And the last few times, Viktor hadn't formed it. Jayce was sketching out exactly what Powder described before raising a brow. "Is... this a part of Viktor or is it something separate? What you’re describing sounds sentient." Jayce stated flatly. Powder smiled. 

"Viktor controls it when he wants to, but when he isn't, its idling state is to return any kind of reaction that it's given." Powder explained. Jayce wrote that down in his notes before pausing as he scanned over the diagram. He hesitated before drawing a line from the circle in the center and writing that it shot beams of energy. Powder hadn't told him that, but... He did vaguely recall being dragged upwards and having to tip his head to the side as a laser fired straight past his head. So close that pieces of his hair had singed off. It was one of the memories that wasn't his. "Oh, you already know about the beam!" Powder seemed fascinated before her eyes moved past him and she recoiled. "Oh! Ew! Ew, ew, ew!" She ducked behind the counter and let out a ping that swept through The Last Drop. 

"Ew?" Jayce echoed in confusion before there was a clicking noise. He turned in his chair before choking as a slender, porcelain-plated hand grabbed him by the throat, its fingers holding his jaw and pressing against his trachea in a way that ripped forth another memory of him facing one of these exact things in the Council Hall. Jayce choked for a moment, kicking at it. This one had different gold placements than the one in his thrifted memory. Those blue lights that surrounded its featureless face seemed to let out a fluorescent hum. It was mind-numbing. Every time it moved, the joints and plates would click together. It was far too slender for this kind of strength. Far too skinny for this kind of pain. Jayce let out another wheezing noise. He reached up and grabbed at its wrist, trying to pry it off or, at the very least, loosen it. He was starting to get spots in the corners of his eyes. 

"Release." Viktor's thrumming voice echoed through the bar and Jayce was suddenly dropped to the floor with an aching throat, coughing and hacking. He held his hand up to the tender skin, taking in labored breaths. Jayce swore as Viktor's Herald form appeared, moving in between him and the evolved. Viktor seemed to slice open the very air. Despite how commanding his voice was, Jayce could only stare at how much weight he seemed to be putting all on one leg. His body was shaking. "R-Return." There was a loud clicking noise. "RETURN OR RUST!!" Viktor's voice suddenly became something feverish and screechy, the evolved heard clicking away rapidly before that rip closed up. The second it shut, the form disappeared and Viktor collapsed to the ground with a painful-sounding thunk. 

"Viktor!" Jayce broke out in coughing, but he moved up to the other's side. Viktor had passed out, but he now sported paler skin, sunken eyes and sunken cheeks. He looked ill. "Viktor??" Jayce's voice was terrible, but it only turned into a shaky swear as glittering blood started to seep down Viktor's face from his nose and mouth. Pieces of his glowing white hair had darkened into a mousy brown. "Powder?? Wh-What's wrong with him??" Jayce asked, his eyes wide. Viktor was wearing the leg brace again. Jayce reached up before yanking some napkins down from one of the tables. He gently pulled Viktor against him so he would be sitting up before holding the napkins under his nose and keeping his mouth open for him to keep breathing. He had one arm wrapped gently around his shoulders. 

"He's- FUCK!!" Powder had come around the side of the counter, but she stopped in clear shock as she saw them, covering her mouth. Jayce glanced up at her in confusion. He hadn't heard her swear before. Powder finally came over and sank down on her knees next to them. She reached out to Viktor slowly and Jayce startled as Viktor's body suddenly started to decay when her hand came close, the skin suddenly deteriorating before the muscle and bone started going too. Powder instantly pulled her hand back and his body started to repair itself once more. "Yeah, that's... usually what happens. Not with you, I guess." She said, her brow furrowed.  

"Powder." Jayce didn't mean to sound so desperate, but the scratchiness of his voice paired with his confusion and alarm wasn't helping. 

"Oh, right. So, uhhh..." Powder seemed to take a moment. "The reason we always appear young, healthy and, uh, glowing is because of the Arcane flow through our bodies, right?" Jayce nodded, still keeping Viktor against his side as his heart raced. "Right, so Viktor turning into his Herald form takes a lot of energy. Even more if he does stuff while he's in it. Even more if he has to use this form within days of each other. Do you, uh...?" Powder waved her hand vaguely. Jayce furrowed his brow. 

"The... the flow is... dampened down because he's exhausted it?" Jayce asked. Powder nodded. 

"And because the flow through me is so different, it only interrupts it more. So, if I happen to touch him, my flow will disrupt his completely and his body will return to how it should be without the Arcane energy. And... that's... not ideal with how long he's been alive." Powder gave a nervous little laugh, keeping herself back. "B-But I guess your flow is similar enough that it won't do that. Probably because of... your fates and all that junk." She gave another smile, but quickly disappeared in worry again as she stared at Viktor. "Yeah, so, uh, for future reference, if one of us starts looking all patchy like this and it's not Viktor, please don't touch us." It finally struck Jayce why Powder seemed so shaken and he paused before quickly nodding and apologizing. 

He could've killed him. 

Good fucking gods, Jayce hadn't even thought that was possible. He could've turned Viktor into a skeleton. Without all this Arcane magic in him, Viktor really was just a corpse. All of them probably were except maybe Jinx. Even then, she would probably have one foot in the grave if she was her actual age too. He could've... Jayce was terrified. He didn't know what to do. He squeezed his eyes shut and he hoped Powder wouldn't ask any questions as tears ran down his face. He'd almost recklessly wasted someone away. 

Jayce's hand shook and he lowered the napkins, the blood having soaked almost all the way through. Viktor was breathing quietly. Jayce dropped the napkins, small wheezes continuing to leave his throat. Right, he was still... Jayce shakily raised a hand to his throat. It felt tender and he was absolutely bruised. Powder looked troubled again. "...We've been seeing more of those since you got here. I guess they really are drawn to you." Jayce's heart was pounding. "Viktor's the only one that can send them back and that's only if he's in his Herald form." Jayce glanced down at Viktor and back up at her. "We had one two days ago while you were sleeping. Three days before that, while you were down here." Powder furrowed her brow. "The evolved are all extensions of their Viktors in some way. Maybe they just instinctively seek you out because it's what Viktor would've done if he didn't know where he was." 

Jayce furrowed his brow. Those mousy brown patches in Viktor's hair were finally being swallowed up by white again. Jayce furrowed his brow and guided Viktor to sit back against the bar. Viktor's face was filling in and the bags under his eyes were disappearing. He finally blinked open his eyes, though his breathing was still shaky at best. He wasn't glowing nearly as bright as usual. "Did it leave?" He managed in a hoarse voice. Jayce nodded, replying in his own raspy voice that it did. Viktor's eyes instantly moved to him and they widened in dismay. "J-Jayce, your neck-" He reached out, but Powder quickly stopped him. 

"Viktor, you can't spare anymore." She told him, her brow furrowed. Viktor's shoulders sank and Jayce blinked.

"I, uh, I can still breathe. It probably just looks worse than it is." Jayce tried to assure him. Viktor already had tears in his eyes and he turned his head away, nodding. The brace creaked as he dragged his leg up. Jayce furrowed his brow before reaching out, asking if his leg hurt. 

"A-An unfortunate side effect. The magic of the Arcane alleviates the c-conditions of my human body. I was born with a bad knee. When I am weakened, it... it becomes a bit of a nuisance again. Powder?" Viktor glanced over and Jayce startled as Powder suddenly summoned a crutch to her hands. She gave it to Viktor and he dug it into the ground before nearly falling as he tried to push himself up, keeping it tucked under his arm. "I, uh..." Viktor jumped as Jayce finally decided to take his hand and guide it to his shoulder. He helped Viktor to his feet easily, staring down at him in worry. "Ah, thank you, Jayce." There was no more linger on the 'a'. 

"You were shaking in your other form. And you... Is your... head okay?? You hit the ground pretty hard." Jayce reached out to the side of Viktor's head worriedly before pulling his hand back again. Viktor hesitated before furrowing his brow. "...You don't remember hitting the floor, do you?" Viktor shook his head quietly. "Viktor..." Jayce's voice became heavy with worry. "Good gods, I thought you said those things were just kind of annoying??" He turned to Powder as she stood up, clearly confused.

"They might be a little more dangerous to you, Jayce." Viktor admitted quietly, glancing up at him after a moment. "Because of..." 

"Yeah, yeah, our fates or whatever it is." Jayce pitched the bridge of his nose as he sighed in irritation. Viktor's hand weakly tightened on the second handle of his crutch. Fresh tears seemed to be coming to his eyes, along with disappointment and frustration. None of it seemed aimed towards Jayce. Just himself. Jayce softened as he watched him. "Can I walk you up to your room?" Viktor paused and glanced up at him in confusion. He looked a little lost as he asked why Jayce would want to do that. Jayce paused at just how disdained Viktor sounded. "You hit your head hard enough that you don't even remember it. I just..." Jayce struggled with his words for a moment. "I just want to make sure you’re.. That you... get... up there... safe." He almost wanted to punch himself for how hard that was to say. Viktor stared at him. 

There was a clicking noise. 

Jayce's breath sucked into his throat and he went stiff as goosebumps erupted along his skin. His throat burned and he jumped as Viktor's hand was felt cupping his cheek. "Breathe." Viktor whispered quickly, his eyes wide. Jayce did so, forcibly relaxing himself as tears involuntarily came to his eyes. He glanced up. The clicking sound had been Jinx tapping her nails on the wooden railing, almost absentmindedly as she stared down at them, asking if everyone was alright. Viktor managed a weak nod. "I-I took care of the intrusion. It... attacked Jayce." Viktor turned back to him in dismay, still seeming ever so slightly stressed at the sight of his throat. He reached up to it, but that slender hand was far too similar to the one he'd just seen and Jayce knocked over a chair as he jerked back, covering his neck. Viktor stared at him in shock. He looked shaken and he slowly lowered his hand. 

"Sorry." Jayce could only manage that before swallowing with some effort. "Can I still walk you up or...?" Viktor blinked, clearly confused on why before just giving a silent nod in response. He turned and started towards the stairs. Jinx hopped over the railing to land below next to Powder. Jayce watched as he used his crutch to limp along. A vague memory stirred and he moved forward before placing his hand on Viktor's lower back, straightening him up just a little. Viktor startled at that, turning to look at Jayce with wide eyes. Jayce glanced away before nodding up the stairs. Viktor didn't answer, turning and carefully starting to climb with Jayce's help. By the time they reached the top, Viktor's leg was shaking and he had a death grip on his crutch. His eyes were squeezed shut, but he seemed like he was refusing to make any noises of pain. 

Jayce could only watch him, not understanding why he wouldn't cry. "Viktor, don't... hold it in. If you need to make noise, it's fine." He told him. Viktor inhaled shakily before that first choked sob escaped him. Jayce wasn't sure why it felt like something inside him shattered, but he kept his head and his breathing steady. Viktor finally broke down in tears as he limped towards his room, Jayce guiding him along. Viktor shoved open the door once they reached it, suddenly seeming to jerk away from Jayce's hand. He disappeared into the bedroom like it would be his savior and slammed the door, leaving Jayce outside to hear his muffled crying. Jayce stared at it with wide eyes. He... 

Before he knew it, he was already reaching out to the doorknob. He just... Jayce hesitated before pulling his hand back. "...I hope you feel better, Viktor. Goodnight." He called out after a moment. There was a weak hiccup from just on the other side of the door and Jayce was nearly possessed to try and open it again, but he didn't. Viktor's weak voice finally drifted through.

"...Goodnight." 

Chapter Text

It took one more week before Jayce got what he wanted. 

"In my room?" He asked, a little taken back. "My room still looks like one of the guest rooms, I don't know how exciting it would be." Jayce admitted, glancing off to the side. Silco laughed quietly, sharing a glance with Jinx, who was clinging to his arm. Viktor was outside, sending off another Councilor version of Jayce. 

"You may not be able to control its appearance through the Arcane quite yet, but the rest of us will create a fort just fine. We're just asking if you would be alright with all of us sleeping in your bed." Silco prompted. Jinx piped up. 

"You are the biggest though, so that means you'd have to go on the bottom of the pile!" She insisted. "So you don't squish anyone else!" Jayce instantly felt his ears go hot as he stated that he doubted he would actually squish anyone. Jinx snickered as she leaned against Silco's side. To Jayce's amusement, both of them seemed to blow their bangs out of their face at the same time. "I'll start setting up your room! Hope you don't have anything embarrassing laying out!" Jinx was up the stairs before he could stop her, Jayce's eyes wide. Silco let out a small hum of acknowledgement before turning back to Jayce with a raised brow. 

"You... don't have anything embarrassing lying out, do you?" He asked. Jayce shook his head, though he was very clearly flustered. Silco glanced him over, before his eyes softened just a bit. "...We don't have to do it in your room. I just recall someone saying they wanted to join the sleeping piles." Silco prompted, raising a brow. Jayce blinked before glancing away. 

"I-I do! I do, I just wasn't expecting it." He finally admitted. Silco, Powder, and Jinx had all been opening up to him more. Jinx had even started climbing on him. However, the only person that still kept him at arms length was... Jayce turned to glanced at the front door. "He's, uh, he's been out there a while." 

"Viktor sometimes seeks counsel or comfort from the aged versions of himself. Even if we are our own eldest versions, we have not aged out in the world as our counterparts have. Viktor often seeks them out because nearly every timeline he ages, the end of the world has been brought forth. His counterparts are often... lonely. The only living things left in their worlds." Silco mused. When Jayce didn't answer, Silco glanced over. Jayce was horrified. 

"He, uh..." Jayce glanced over at the door. "He can only grow old if the world ends??" He asked. How was that even fair?? How was that fair to Viktor?? Silco started to respond, but Jayce kept going. "Aren't I with him in every timeline?? Somewhere? Do I have to die too in order for him to be able to grow old??" Silco stared at him and Jayce realized he'd raised his voice just a little. "I-I'm sorry, I just... Viktor never gets to live a full life unless everyone else dies?? How is that fair, Sil??" Silco did soften at the nickname. He'd seemed relieved that Jayce felt comfortable enough to use one. He had no nicknames for Powder or Viktor, but he did call Jinx 'gerbil'.

"Perhaps it would be easier for you to see it than for me to explain it. The older versions are desperate for conversation and I don't doubt one of them would love to see you again." Silco gestured towards the front door. Jayce paused before furrowing his brow. He wasn't too sure it was a good idea, but Silco beckoned again. "Go, beautiful. Viktor's older counterparts are simply people who love to talk. They'd be able to tell you things the rest of us never knew." Jayce blinked before turning and moving towards the door. He pushed it open and slipped outside into the endless white expanse. Sure enough, he could distantly see Viktor, sat on the ground next to a rip in reality. Jayce could see blue sky, green grass and a... He tensed up a little. A white, hooded figure. His heart sped up a little, his steps soon following.

Viktor seemed to be having a quiet conversation before he startled and turned to face Jayce as he finally reached them, stopping a few feet away. Jayce was momentarily speechless. That hooded figure still clutched the same staff that he remembered from his childhood. And yet, the hood no longer contained darkness. "...This is the Jayce that fell?" The mage asked Viktor, who nodded quietly. "He is far younger than I expected." It was the same mage, but Viktor's face was weathered with age, populated with a sparse, mousey brown beard. He had wrinkles and his eyes were no longer amber, but a vague kaleidoscope of colors. He had faint, glowing webbing, mimicking the inside of the Arcane, stretched up onto his gaunt cheeks. 

"I could say the same when I saw him." Viktor joked quietly. "He keeps up with the younger residents quite well. I feel like an old man here. The only one, technically, in their 30's." He added to the mage, who gave a quiet bit of laughter. 

"Oh, do not call yourself old while you sit beside me." The mage's tone was playful. Those eyes moved back up to Jayce. "You are allowed closer. I have long lost my bite." Jayce paused and glanced to Viktor. Viktor nodded next to him and Jayce finally moved up, settling down. His eyes drifted past the mage and he froze up. What was that?? The vague shape of a person was knelt down, head resting against what appeared to be a corrupted hammer. Their hands were tight around the staff. It looked so much like a person. It looked so familiar, yet the wood mixed with wiring felt obscene. It felt like... 

"Is that me?" He asked after a moment. He didn't know why he felt like it was, but his theory was only confirmed as Viktor hissed his name in a slightly scolding tone. 

"No, no, it's alright." The mage spoke gently, raising a hand to assure Viktor. "It is natural for him to be curious." Those wisened eyes fell upon him and he nodded. "That is you, Jayce. Your shell keeps me company." He replied. Jayce's hands instantly curled into fists against his legs in slight horror.

"I-It's really just you, then? In your world." Jayce's voice shook a little. The mage watched him sympathetically before dipping his head.

"Just me." The mage answered. Jayce's vision became blurry as he looked back at the overgrown husk of himself. Tears finally started down his face. Viktor stared at him and he finally moved. He got onto his knees and reached out, placing his fingers against Jayce's arm in worry. 

"Y-You really don't get to age unless the world stops? How is that fair to you?? Either of you?" Jayce asked, glancing between them. Viktor hesitated and the mage didn't seem willing to answer either. 

"...The Arcane does not care for fairness." Viktor stated quietly, pulling his hand back. "That is why I reach out to my older selves. They are aware I am here, hidden in the threads. They have the sharpest connection to the Arcane besides myself. I like to... keep company. Ask advice, when I feel I need it." Viktor explained softly. Jayce reached up and wiped his eyes. 

"...Is it always you in that blizzard?" He was technically asking either of them, but it was the mage that spoke. 

"Yes. Always." The mage replied, his bandaged hand gripping the staff. Viktor wouldn't meet Jayce's gaze. The mage looked Jayce over and his eyes slightly saddened. "...Ah, you never would have known, would you?" Jayce froze up a little before glancing up to meet those ever-changing eyes. Finally, he tightened his jaw and shook his head. "Mm." The mage made a noise of acknowledgment. He turned to look back at the husk of Jayce, his eyes softening. 

"Can you still feel him there? In some timelines, he is gone completely. In others, a piece of him remains." Viktor said, glancing up at his older counterpart. 

"He is absolutely still there. He moves, on occasion. He will snag my robe if I pass too closely. He will drop his hammer. Purposely, I may add. Three times in an hour." He rolled his eyes as he shook his head. "He only seems able to move his arms and hands, but he is extremely playful." The mage's voice sounded fond as it spoke of him. Every time, that bit of envy would bloom in Jayce's chest. He'd been too disoriented during his first month or so, but now, it made him a little upset to hear that he would've had someone that loved him so deeply. So deeply that they knew everything about him. That they could figure out what he wanted or what he was thinking without any words. That was why he kept a little distance from Viktor. It felt... cheap. He didn't want to slip into the shadow of someone else, he wanted to be loved as him. Not what came before. 

The first several days, Jayce had suffered from such bad imposter syndrome that he'd had hours-long bouts of paralysis in his room, frozen by his thoughts. It seemed like it had lessened by now, but... Jayce stared at the husk of himself. He thought he'd seen nearly every version of himself. Not this. It was so morbidly peaceful. The mage himself seemed so resigned. His hair was still mousey-brown, but it held streaks of pale, stretching down past his shoulders. He looked so tired, yet his eyes shone with a knowledge and warmth that Jayce couldn't quite fathom. How was Viktor able to speak to his alternate selves so easily? Perhaps because he'd been there so long. Jayce watched them quietly. 

"Our Rune was Flow." The mage spoke to Viktor quietly. "I am afraid I abused it." Viktor gave a weak laugh, asking how much the mage thought he'd abuse a Control Rune. "Oh, goodness, I am so sorry." The mage shook his head with a small scoff. "I cannot believe you did not end up in my place with a Rune like that. Your Jayce must've had a steel resolve." Viktor gave a small smile.

"He was... much more stubborn than most, I have discovered. The first time a Jayce admitted that I was right within an hour of an argument nearly gave me a heart attack." Viktor joked softly. He kept his head down. "He always fought so fiercely." Something small happened when he kept looking over at the husk. Something peculiar. Jayce furrowed his brow. He wondered if it was because Viktor didn't want to see what had become of other Jayces, but even discussing the shattering of his own Jayce didn't result in the slight fearful twitch of his pupils. They'd had more than a few instances where a Vander would become violent towards Silco. While it was usually Viktor or Powder who would step in to defuse the situation, Jayce could tell Viktor was still scared of the large man by his eyes. Jayce wasn't even sure when he'd started to notice that. Regardless, it was obvious to him that Viktor was afraid of the husk. 

Or maybe it wasn't the husk at all. Maybe it was... "You built that, you know." The mage spoke, getting Jayce's attention. He'd been staring at the husk's hammer. Jayce paused, staring at him. "Of course, decades of Arcane exposure has warped it, as it has with everything here, but..." The mage gave a smile. "You did build that." 

"I wanted to build a hammer of that size when I was young. Something that I promised myself to do everything I could to have the strength to wield." Jayce said, glancing over at them. The mage nodded, gesturing to it again. Jayce felt like he could just barely see what the hammer had looked like before. Just barely. He glanced over at Viktor and the other had frozen a little. "Viktor?" Jayce stared at him quietly, his brow furrowed. The other startled, looking back at him with wide eyes. "Why do you keep looking at it like that?" 

"I, ah..." Viktor trailed off, though his mouth remained parted. He seemed like he didn't know what to say and the mage watched him sympathetically before his eyes moved back up to Jayce. 

"One of the things a Jayce is tasked to do to create a peaceful world is to destroy Viktor's second form with that hammer. It shoots a concentrated beam of Arcane energy. Admittedly, with a corrupted hammer such as this one, the beam would be unstable, but twice as powerful. A hole must be blown through the chest to eliminate an important connection." The mage explained quietly, his fingers tapping along his staff. Next to him, Viktor's brow slightly twitched as he stared at the ground. He seemed confused by something, but the look was gone so quickly that Jayce almost swore he imagined it. He looked back up at the mage. 

"...I have to kill him?" Jayce asked after a moment. "After spending, what, a lifetime with him??" Even if Jayce had never met his Viktor, he knew how dedicated he got to his relationships. How protective and how caring. 

"...I hear that disbelief. It is well-placed. Despite this task being given in nearly every timeline, very few Jayces are able to follow through on it. Even less are..." The mage's hands tightened on his staff. "...able to handle the emotional consequences." Jayce's own hands tightened and his shoulders sank. Despite all the good things he heard about his life with Viktor, all of the bad things felt... unnecessarily cruel. Jayce blinked as he felt something wet run down his face again and he reached up to it. He quickly wiped his eyes. 

"I believe it is time for us to go." Viktor finally spoke up, giving the mage a thankful smile. "I am grateful you allowed me to speak with you." The mage chuckled and gave a nod. 

"Of course. This is the most I have been able to speak in a while. My first proper conversation in a decade." The mage answered. Despite how terrible that sounded, he also didn't seem too bothered. "Thank you for visiting me." Viktor nodded, smiling. Jayce gave a polite farewell to the mage and Viktor sealed the opening back up. They both sat in silence for a moment out in the expanse. 

"I, uh, I came out to get you. Jinx decided we're all going to be sleeping in my room." Jayce said awkwardly after a moment. Viktor blinked up at him in surprise. His glow was a little dimmer than usual and he had his hand pressed to the center of his chest. Jayce got to his feet and he moved over before offering his hand. Viktor took it, allowing Jayce to pull him up. "I didn't mean to interrupt your conversation. You were taking a lot longer to come back." Jayce started to walk back to The Last Drop alongside him.

"I-It's alright. I am sure that older version of me enjoyed your presence." Viktor stated. His brow remained furrowed and he looked slightly unfocused. Jayce finally reached out, gently taking Viktor's shoulder before they reached the doors. He asked what was wrong and Viktor blinked. 

"You've been... off since we started talking about the hammer. I'm sorry if it brought up a painful memory for you." Jayce stared at him, wondering how Viktor was standing the memory of his own Jayce blowing a hole through his chest. Viktor stared at him a moment. "You keep, uh... holding that spot." He reached out and pushed Viktor's hand down from the center of his chest. "A-Again, I didn't mean to remind you of that moment." Viktor furrowed his brow a little. "Oh, I..." Jayce backed up a little. "I don't know if seeing my face is making anything worse. Good gods, he said you were... shot through the chest." Jayce's voice fell to a whisper and he hid the side of his face from Viktor's view. Jayce was so worried that he almost felt sick. 

"No, no, it's okay, I..." Viktor sounded confused and slightly beside himself as he spoke again. "That's... That's the thing, I don't..." He furrowed his brow and turned back to the door, pushing it open. As he slipped inside, Jayce just barely caught his uncertain mutter. "I do not think mine shot me." 

Chapter Text

Drifting so plainly in place.

So silently in serenity.

With his partner on the way. Even through the buzzing that had long replaced his heart, there was excitement. Worry. Viktor's thumbs slid over the gear in his hands, shaking a little. A smile kept weakly twitching at his lips. Salo would lead Jayce right back to him, surely. He was a loyal follower like that. He would bring Viktor back his partner. The buzzing only grew stronger. He knew Jayce might be a little upset with him, but now Viktor could show Jayce everything he'd done. The flowers, his followers, his powers. Everything. Would he be proud of him? Viktor finally held the gear up to his lips with shaking fingers, pressing them to it tenderly. Jayce had to be nearby. It had been long enough, hadn't it?? They could meet and Viktor could get him some fresh clothes. Fresh clothes, a bath, and some food. He could help his leg. He could... do... so much more now. 

That first stumbling footstep within his spherical structure caught his attention. Instantly, Viktor started to lower himself down from his drifting position. Those glowing wisps remained attached to his back, but he wouldn't let them stop him as his feet gently settled back on the ground. The blanket hung around his waist and he waited nervously for his partner to arrive. When Jayce stumbled into view, Viktor stared at him. Jayce met his eyes and Viktor could only take note of that murky gold. He'd changed. Touched the Arcane. Survived the Arcane. He was dragging something behind him. Viktor didn't even spare it a second glance, taking a step forward. "Jayce." His voice was hushed with excitement and shaking with warmth. "Jayce, you are here." Viktor took another few steps forward and Jayce suddenly jerked back, like he'd just processed that Viktor was in front of him. "It is alright, Jayce. It is me." Viktor held the gear between his fingers. 

Jayce's eyes were wide, wild, and slightly... Viktor stared at him quietly and his smile faltered a little. He didn't understand. Why did Jayce have that look again? "Jayce?" He took one more step forward and Jayce's arms instantly shot behind himself. The movement was fluid. Around his side and up over his own head. Viktor stared at him and then 

the hammer fell. 

Viktor woke up screaming. If he'd been in a stabler mindset, he would've felt absolutely terrible for how badly he scared everyone else. Jinx had flown off the bed in an instant, hiding herself under it. Powder had shrieked too, Silco quickly grabbed her before she could fall off. Jayce was watching Viktor in shock. Viktor couldn't look at any of them. He couldn't. He held the sides of his head, his hands pushing against them as if he was trying to keep it together. And he was. Viktor felt like his head would cleave open the moment he stopped holding it. Tears ran down his face as he screamed again, squeezing his eyes shut. "H-Hey, Viktor." Jayce's voice was uncertain and Viktor couldn't help the scared spasm that went through his body as he felt that hand touch him. He instantly shut his mouth so fast that his jaw clacked and his teeth hurt. 

Don't. The thought was repeating itself over and over in the background static of his mind and Viktor instantly began to scream again, causing the blurry shapes in his vision to move around. Hurt. His throat felt scratchy as he finally quieted once more. Me. He was wracked with fear and confusion and terror. Desperation. Which him had this memory?? These feelings?? 

"V-Viktor." Jinx spoke up and her skinny arms hugged him from behind. She had crawled from under the bed once she'd processed what was happening. She buried her face against him. Viktor couldn't stop crying, hiccuping and choking. He was so scared that he felt like he was going to be sick. He'd never seen that memory before. He'd never had a dream like that. It felt raw and real. He couldn't forget that look. That look. Why had Jayce always looked at him like that?? Like... what? Viktor on the verge of hyperventilation as he desperately tried to think. What look?? He couldn't even remember. It was already leaving him. It was already leaving him. 

Viktor became aware of how loud he was breathing and he had tears streaming down his face. His breathing was hoarse and ragged. He finally wrenched his hands from the sides of his head, all of his fingers shaking as he stared forward. There was warmth on all sides. Silco had him on the left, Powder on the right and Jinx from the back. Viktor slowly focused and his tearful eyes raised to meet Jayce's. Jayce's golden-brown eyes were filled with horror and worry. He kept himself pressed back against the headboard. Viktor slowly started to open his mouth to apologize, but a wheezy choking noise was the only thing that could escape him. His body quivered and he shakily reached up, sliding his arms over Silco's and Powder's so he could hold onto their shoulders. He began to cry again. He didn't understand it. Usually, he would compose himself by now. It was just a nightmare. Or some Viktor's stray memory. It wasn't real. It wasn't his. Viktor had such a bad headache that it was only making the aching worse. 

He held his hands to his head and he pressed his palms firmly against his forehead. Gods, it hurt. His head hurt so much. It felt like when his face would split open to transform. As if he were stuck in the single moment it took to do so. It was agonizing. There was talking, but he couldn't quite make it out. He didn't understand. He didn't understand. All of the arms around him suddenly retreated and he was left quivering, with only his own arms to provide himself comfort. Where did they go?? The bed shifted and Viktor started to cry harder as thicker, warmer arms wrapped around him, pulling him against a solid chest. Viktor melted into it almost immediately, his fingers curling into the sleep shirt before him. One of those large hands started to rub comforting circles against his shoulder. Viktor had never been so terrified in his life. He would've preferred the nightmare of opening his eyes to the energy gathering in the center of the hammer before Jayce sent it through his chest. He would've preferred it to whatever this one had just been. 

Whose memory was that?? Was this a new Viktor?? He'd even had to apologize to Jayce for what he'd said when he walked back into the bar with him. Yes, of course his Jayce had shot him through the chest. Just like any other Jayce on the path to the peaceful end. Obviously. Why had he said that?? Why did he dream that?? Which Viktor was this?? He could only feel the tears rolling down his cheeks, feeling like they were never-ending. His head felt so hazy. His hands were still shaking. He'd never seen a Jayce gaze upon him with such... disgust. Good gods, he felt like he was about to throw up. The worst his own Jayce had given him were looks so dark with annoyance that it resembled anger, but it had never been pure disgust. "Viktor?" Viktor nearly jumped out of his skin, seeming to scare Jayce with how fast he whipped his head up to look at him. "A-Are you better now??" He looked terrified for him. 

Viktor wasn't sure how to answer for a moment. He didn't know if he could. He glanced to the side as Jinx butt her head to the side of his own. "...You don't have to say anything, h-how about that?" Jayce suggested softly, making Viktor look up at him again. Was he disappointed?? Viktor felt so panicked that he was lightheaded. Jayce's eyes were gentle as they met his. He... wasn't disappointed. He wasn't mad. Jayce glanced back and Viktor jumped, clinging to him as Jayce suddenly laid himself backwards, keeping Viktor lying on top of him. "Uh, here. How's this?" Before he'd gone to sleep, Viktor had just been curled up against Jayce's side. He furrowed his brow, feeling troubled. Wouldn't this hurt Jayce's chest if he laid on top of him too long? He glanced up at him uncertainly, still trying to wipe his own eyes. Jayce didn't seem bothered by his weight. 

He glanced to the side before awkwardly laying his arm out. Instantly, Jinx appeared, resting in the crook of his arm as she reached up to Viktor. He took her hand, holding it loosely. Powder appeared, lying down behind Jinx. Silco was laid on Jayce's other side, his head rested against his shoulder. He offered his hand as well and Viktor took it. He trembled before slowly laying his head back down against Jayce's chest. He could... hear his heartbeat. Viktor felt his body relax a little and he let out a weak noise. Jayce hesitated, seeming unsure of what to do with his other arm. "If someone is lying on top of you, steady them." Silco stated scoldingly. He was felt guiding Jayce's arm and Viktor froze up a little. 

Jayce's hand was settled on his back, around his waist. Jayce was a little wide-eyed. "R-Right." He managed in a quiet voice. "Viktor?" He glanced up at Jayce quietly. The other opened his mouth to talk again, his eyes hesitant and worried.

"Are you fucking done??" 

Viktor paused, blinking a few times. "...What?" He asked after a moment or two. Jayce blinked before his eyes softened and he slowed his words. 

"Are you steady? Do you feel like you're going to slip off?" Jayce asked, keeping his voice calm and gentle. It wasn't annoyed. It wasn't angry. Viktor stared at him before shaking his head. 

"I feel steady, thank you." He replied quietly. "I, uh, I apologize for such a scene, I..." He felt terrible and blinked as everyone nearly spoke in unison to assure him that it was alright. "I think I caught a stray memory. It was not... good." Viktor was sure it didn't take a detective to figure that out. 

"Make sure to rest, gorgeous. You're going to be exhausted in the morning after that kind of panic." Silco murmured to him, rubbing his thumb over his knuckles. Viktor nodded, his shoulders sinking. His mind slowly started to calm and he gave Silco and Jinx's hands a tiny squeeze. He didn't know what he was thinking. His memories aligned with the peaceful timeline as far as he could remember. There weren't any discrepancies. There wasn't anything different. Viktor furrowed his brow. He paused as he felt someone watching him and glanced up. Jayce as still staring at him in slight worry before he tipped his head back and rested his cheek against the pillow beneath him. He gave a quiet sigh. 

"Try to get some sleep, Viktor. Alright?" He asked hesitantly, his golden-brown eyes darting off to the side. Viktor stared at him before giving a weak nod in response. His bad leg was already giving slight spasms from exhaustion. His brace had already formed again. He closed his eyes and rested his head above Jayce's beating chest. It was so loud, yet it was soothing the ache in his head. After another moment or two, Viktor was dragged back down into a dreamless darkness. 

Drifting. Serene. Peaceful.

Chapter Text

Viktor was the last one awake. Silco had been right. He'd felt exhausted. He'd woken up several times, just to fall back asleep again. His eyes were always open for maybe a few seconds at the most. When Viktor finally opened his eyes and let them remain open, he and Jayce were the only ones left in the bed. Jayce had a book propped up against a pillow, seeming like he'd been reading with his free hand. His other arm was still settled around Viktor's waist. Viktor furrowed his brow, his eyes moving over to the book quietly. It looked like one of Jinx's books, based on the crinkled pages and stained hardcover back. Likely a guide to guns and bullets. She seemed fond of that one. Jayce was studying the diagrams and words over quietly. A focused, studious look in his eyes. Curious instead of stressed. That was... new. Bizarre. Viktor watched him a few moments longer before speaking in a hoarse, weakened voice. 

"Good morning." He managed softly. Jayce jumped a little and turned to look down at him. That dark lavender color from Jinx's hair dye prank had dulled down to an ever so present lilac. 

"Hey. How do you feel?" Jayce asked, marking his page and letting the book shut. Viktor took the offered hands and slid himself off of Jayce, finally sitting next to him on the bed. Jayce sat up and squeezed his eyes shut as he stretched. He probably hadn't been able to in hours. Viktor watched him before his eyes moved down to the bed and he gave a small shrug. 

"Terrible. I have never felt worse, truly." Viktor gave a weak little laugh as he shook his head. His head still ached and he furrowed his brow. He jumped harder than he meant to as Jayce sat on the edge of the bed next to him. He hadn't heard the other get up and he hadn't realized he'd even left the bed to move around it at all. 

"Woah, uh, I-I'm sorry." Jayce stumbled over his apology as he held up his hands ever so slightly. Viktor forced himself to relax, his heart pounding. His jaws were parted, him needing more breath in that moment than what he could get through his nose. He wasn't even sure why. Viktor shook his head, mumbling his own apology in response. "The others asked me to stay with you once you woke up... If you’re alright with that. They said you... never screamed like that before." Viktor glanced at him before giving a weak scoff and letting his eyes fall back to the ground. 

"Please, I have had worse nightmares." Viktor stated flatly, glancing aside. "Comes with the territory of every memory of every version of myself." He waved his hand dismissively. "If you haven't started getting them yet, you will soon." He added. 

"Oh, I can't wait." Jayce replied sarcastically, rolling his eyes. He sighed and focused back on Viktor. "No, I don't think they were saying that was your worst nightmare. What they said is that you've never screamed like that. Even Silco was shaking. His hands when he messed with your hair. They were, uh, trembling." Jayce furrowed his brow, his own hands clasping in front of him nervously. "It... sounded bad." Jayce was very clearly struggling to get through his worries without directly peppering him with questions and anxieties. Viktor's gaze weakened a little. 

"I dreamt my head was cleaved in two." Viktor stated calmly, making Jayce's hands tighten and his breath seem to catch in his throat. "I dreamt that you gazed upon me in hatred and disgust. Like I was some annoying bug that you could finally get rid of." Jayce whispered his name in shock as he glanced over at him. "To see such a look instead of that usual adoration..." Viktor kept his eyes on the ground, knowing he would break again if they made eye contact in that moment. "...My apologies. I know hearing of our... intertwined lives makes you uncomfortable." He gave a weak laugh. Jayce furrowed his brow and opened his mouth, but Viktor didn't want to hear it. "At the very least, both of us are free since both of our respective partners are now unreachable in one way or another. You do not have to worry yourself over having to end up with me." Viktor assured him. He finally gathered the energy to push himself up from the bed, having to stand in place for a moment to get used to his brace. 

"Viktor." Jayce sounded oddly serious as Viktor felt him snag the back of his shirt. Viktor jumped a little and turned to face him. "What was your Jayce like?? I didn't think you guys argued, based on how you act with all the ones that come through here." Viktor paused, staring at him. Did Jayce really want to know that?? He remembered how bad he'd gotten when faced with multiple versions of himself. Why would he want to hear about another one?? Upon seeing Viktor's hesitation, Jayce only furrowed his brow again, looking him over in concern. Viktor could see the gears moving in his head. Jayce was thinking and he was thinking hard. Viktor wasn't sure he liked that. 

"My Jayce was..." Viktor trailed off, his arms slowly raising to hug himself. "He was a stubborn man. Much like you, in that regard. He often had difficulties admitting when he was wrong in everything except his research. The moment he found a miscalculation in his own work, he would work aimlessly to correct it. He was sociable and possessed a silver tongue. A wordsmith, if you will. He would stress himself and become frustrated very quickly, but it was easy to calm him." Viktor glanced off to the side. "He defended me fiercely when judgment and bias was cast my way. He even had me join him on the stage for his Progress Day speech. Admittedly, against my wishes, but he was insistent that Piltover know the other face of Hextech." Viktor glanced up at the Jayce sitting in front of him. "...I threw up the moment we got off the stage." Jayce was listening quietly. 

"...Anything else?" Jayce asked hesitantly. Viktor blinked and he felt a small uncertainty. 

"...Are you looking for every little detail??" Viktor asked, his voice a little flat. 

"No, was... was he kind? Was he good to you?" Jayce asked, looking him over. Viktor's hands tightened on his own arms, unsure of why that would matter to him. 

"Of course he was good to me. All Jayces are." Viktor replied, raising a brow. "He had a bit of a temper, but yes, he was kind." Viktor took a step or two to the side. "...Why does that matter?" He was growing increasingly uncomfortable with the conversation. With Jayce's staring. With his questions. 

"...Are you sure?" 

Viktor's nails dug into his own arms and he shot him a furious look. "Why wouldn't I be sure?? Why are you questioning me about my dead partner?? We speak of those we have lost lightly in passing, but the direction this conversation is taking is one that is best stopped now. This isn't just disrespectful, Jayce, it is rude and it is upsetting!" Viktor raised his voice a little by the end, his shoulders slightly scrunched. Before he knew it, tears had started running down his face. "Why would any of it even matter to you?? You do not want anything to do with me!! Every time you see me with a version of you, you hide away and you will not look me in the eyes for a good amount after. Every time I speak of fond memories shared with Jayces, you look uncomfortable and unhappy! I am not blind nor stupid, Jayce. I can see when someone just simply does not like me, but is forced to interact with me by association. Good gods, I was a crippled Zaunite in a Piltover Academy, I know that look all too well!!" Jayce stared at him in shock before starting to protest that he didn't dislike him. "Then what?? What would possess you to start a conversation about him like this?? Why would you do this?? I have already lost him, must you spit on his grave??" Viktor couldn't stop the hiccup that left him and he covered his mouth, falling quiet. 

"...I'm sorry, Viktor." Jayce managed quietly, keeping his head down. Viktor stared at him before giving a silent nod. He turned away and moved to the door before freezing up as Jayce spoke again. "He loved you?" Viktor's hand had been on the doorknob, but he could only stare forward. There was a moment of silence before the whole door suddenly splintered straight off the hinges, the wood falling apart like cotton and dissolving into dust. Viktor dropped the rusted doorknob from his shaking fingers and inhaled shakily. Of course his Jayce had loved him. What kind of fucking question was that?? Jayce had loved him. He hadn't been as affectionate or vocal as the others, but yes, he had loved him. Why would it matter to this Jayce?? Who turned his nose up at every mention of them being together?? Why would it fucking matter???

"...Yes. He loved me." Viktor answered calmly, pushing down the burning cold that rushed through his body. He turned to look at Jayce, who had crawled backwards to pin himself against the headboard of his own bed in wide-eyed shock. He was trembling and Viktor's hand closed into a shaky fist as he saw the fear in his eyes. "I... apologize for your door." He stepped through the doorway before raising his hand. A new door slowly started to form and Jayce's wide eyes disappeared behind it, leaving Viktor out in the hallway. His hand dropped back to his side. His Jayce had never said it. But he'd never been one to talk about real emotions. All of his talk was saved to spin the sponsors in to fund their work. 

But Jayce had given him his braces. He'd given him his crutch. He'd gotten the surgery for his back. Jayce had gotten him all of the things he needed. He had built the braces himself and he'd made the crutch from scratch. The only times that Viktor could remember anything negative outside their arguments was when Jayce would become disappointed in him when he couldn't speak in front of others like he could. He'd called it embarrassing, even as he rubbed circles on Viktor's back while he'd gotten sick. Viktor gave a small sigh through his nose. 

How entitled did this Jayce have to be to speak in such a way to him?? Viktor was still burning inside. He was so upset that tears were still running down his face, even through his anger. Viktor turned away and moved back down the hall towards his own room. How could he talk about his Jayce like that?? The man he'd watched get dissolved and ripped apart into nothingness. The man he'd loved. He already had so little memory of him. Viktor furrowed his brow. 

He already had so little memory of him. 

Chapter Text

Jayce's hands curled into the bed on either side of him, his body slowly relaxing as he stared at the brand-new door. He'd really done it. He'd really upset Viktor. Jayce wasn't sure that upsetting the person with the strongest connection to the Arcane was a good idea, but he also wasn't sure he could just... look away from that. His mother, Ximena, had been the talk of the town when they'd first arrived in Piltover after the death of his father. Men came to visit her in the clinic, ones that Jayce had never met before, bearing flowers and gifts. Throughout his childhood, Ximena had had many a potential partner. And, throughout his childhood, Jayce had learned to weed out who the bad ones were, based on his mother's words and body language. How she spoke about them. How she acted around them. And if he took notice of something he didn't like for just a little too long, Jayce became a fucking nightmare and drove the suitor away with his ghoulish behavior. Thinking back on it, he wasn't proud of how he'd handled it, but if something valuable had come of it, it was that he could tell.

That Jayce didn't sound good. 

Quite the opposite, in fact. Jayce furrowed his brow and he pulled his legs up to him in a crisscross position. It almost made him... angry to think about it. Viktor's head, cleaved in two?? Looking at him in disgust?? Like a bug?? Jayce's hands curled into fists. He had to take into accountability, of course, the chance that his nightmare had just been the memory of a different Viktor. But, deep down, Jayce... really didn't think so. He felt unsettled and he felt sick. He didn't like the way Viktor spoke about his Jayce. He hadn't liked it from the start, but he'd chalked it up to just having some weird psychosis relating to multiple versions of himself. Jayce gave a quiet sigh through his nose. Maybe he'd... pushed too hard. He raised a hand to his head, rubbing his forehead. 

Jayce finally pushed himself up from the bed and moved towards the door. He was a little hesitant to touch it, but he did and he was a little relieved when nothing tried to harm him. He wasn't sure of the extent Viktor's emotions bled into his manipulation of the Arcane. Jayce stepped out into the hallway and glanced around, furrowing his brow. As expected, Viktor was certainly not in the hallway anymore. Jayce took a step towards Viktor's room before freezing up. What was he doing?? What was he doing? Good gods, the guy was dead. Viktor wouldn't even have to worry about him anymore. All Jayce was doing was tearing open old wounds and he couldn't even really prove anything. All he had was his gut instinct. 

For once, there wouldn't be any consequence if he let Viktor keep looking through his rose-tinted glasses. The guy was gone. Dead. And... Jayce had his face. Jayce stiffened a little. He really was tearing open old wounds. This... This wasn't any of his business. He felt guilt crash over him and it made his legs wobble a little. His eyes trailed to the floor and he swore softly. "Jayce?" He jumped a little and turned to look up at Powder, who had just come up from the stairs. "Did Viktor wake up?" She seemed worried. She was in her dress and her makeup today. 

"Uh, yeah... He ran back to his room." Jayce's shoulders were sunken. "I upset him again. Seems to be all I'm good at." Jayce felt like such a bastard. He buried his face in his hands before turning and moving back towards his door. 

"Do you want to... talk?" Powder asked hesitantly, her brow furrowed. "You don't look too cheerful yourself." Jayce paused and glanced back at her. He scoffed, managing a weak smile. 

"Last time we were by ourselves, one of those things tried to murder me. I don't know about that." He joked quietly, gesturing between the two of them. Powder paused and she managed a smile in response, but more as a courtesy than anything. She was still extremely worried and Jayce could tell. "I would, uh, prefer if you checked on Viktor. I think I really... I really did it this time." Jayce muttered, turning back to his door and pushing it open. He slipped inside, shutting it behind him before falling back against the door and sliding down it, burying his head in his hands. "...Ugh." He waited until he heard Powder's footsteps moving away. He finally got up and moved towards his bathroom. 

Inside, he couldn't help but examine himself in the mirror. He couldn't help but compare himself to all the other versions of himself that he'd seen come through. Some confident, some feral, some bearded, some ragged, some cleanshaven, some desperate. Too many to keep track of. And he... Jayce stared at himself. He really was just the baby compared to the rest of them. He wouldn't have been surprised if Viktor thought of him as some bratty child, considering how he acted. Jayce buried his face in his hands. It wasn't that mentions of their shared life made him uncomfortable... it made him... upset. Not upset at anyone else, but just himself. It wasn't Viktor who had taken that life from him. It was himself. He had done that. He'd robbed himself of a soulmate. Someone who would believe and support him. Someone who would love him like that. Jayce's shoulders sank.

He was trying to not let it get to him, but it was so difficult. To see Viktor's face and knowing that he couldn't have him, but he could've had him. He imagined it was definitely worse for Viktor, especially with Jayce's new suspicions. Jayce looked at himself in the mirror again. His whole life had been dedicated to his research, but now, he was in the culmination of it. The very equation itself. He was in the Arcane. He was part of the Arcane. And if the only people here already knew how to use it, his research... wasn't needed anymore. And he was... 

Jayce was lost. 

He was so lost on what to do that it wasn't even funny. He didn't know. He didn't know. What was he supposed to do? Love hadn't even been in the top five of his priorities before, but it... sounded nice now. Especially with how he saw the others interact. Powder and Jinx were each affectionate with every Ekko that passed through. Silco had Vander and Jinx. Jinx had Silco and Vander. Viktor had the Jayces. But Jayce didn't know if he could quite handle... the Viktors. The ones that crossed into the Hub all seemed so calm or reserved. There was no excitement or desperation behind their actions at seeing anyone else. Granted, the occasional Viktor they got that wasn't purple would be clearly fascinated by his situation, but nothing more than that. Not to mention, Jayce felt like he would be lying to them. 

Even if he knew Viktor now, he had never met him. Not in his world. He barely knew anything about him, as opposed to Viktor, who had already lived a lifetime with Jayce. Even the memories of other Jayces weren't exactly helping. They wouldn't amplify old affections because he didn't have any. Jayce turned on the shower, watching as the water came pattering down from the showerhead. He stripped down before stepping inside. The water ran warm on his skin and Jayce furrowed his brow, tipping his head back and combing out the remnants of the prior day's hair gel with his hands. 

He leaned his head back down, tipping it forward to rinse off his neck before freezing up as he felt ghostly, slender fingers moving through his hair. "Your hair is always a mess when you put this much in it, Jayce." Viktor's soft, scolding voice lingered on the 'a' again. It was full of warmth. "How have you not learned your lesson yet?" Jayce gave a small sigh through his nose. It wasn't uncommon for him to fall into memories when he stood in one place for too long. Doing so in the shower was always startling, but it was always something pleasant. And surprisingly innocent, considering Viktor was almost always standing in the shower with him. It would always be him talking about something or washing Jayce's hair. Reciting speeches or presentations with him. Even now, it sounded like Viktor was scolding him. He never saw the memory, but he could hear and feel it. "Are you not a little too grown to have someone washing your hair for you, Councilor?" Jayce felt a little flustered by Viktor's playful tone. Especially when it was combined with how good his fingers felt against his scalp. He nearly let his eyes slip shut. 

"Viktor." 

Jayce instantly froze up and he startled as one of Viktor's hands was yanked away from his head, the other following much slower. Usually, Jayce would just hear his own voice respond with something affectionate or snarky. Maybe rattle off equations in response, or butcher the speech he was practicing. Not say Viktor's name so threateningly. "My apologies, Jayce, I was simply trying to tease you." Viktor's voice had become hushed. 

"You know I hate when you call me that. You know I did my best to-" 

"I know, Jayce, I know. It was a lost cause, I already told you." Viktor's voice was trembling ever so slightly as he spoke soothingly. "The Council never would have even considered it." There was a moment of silence before he spoke in an even softer, slightly strangled voice. "...Please let my arm go." After another moment, Viktor's arms were sliding around Jayce in a hug, his nose felt burying against his shoulder. One of his hands seemed as if it was staying abnormally still. "Nine Councilors would have been far too many anyway." Another long silence. "...I will stop joking like that. Please talk to me, Jayce."

"...You're so fucking aggravating, Vik." 

Jayce's voice sounded on the verge of tears and he heard Viktor give a weak sigh before his fingers traced along his jaw. "...I know. I'm sorry." 

Jayce yanked himself backwards, hitting the wall and staring through the stream of water at nothing. Nothing was there. Jayce's heart was pounding. He didn't feel or hear anything anymore. But he felt itchy. He felt itchy and terrible and sick. He couldn't tell if it was tears or water in his eyes and he inhaled shakily. He finished his shower quickly and climbed on, grabbing his towel and throwing it over his head. He allowed himself to remain hidden in teal-tinted darkness for a moment, his breathing stuttery. He didn't even want to look at himself, let alone speak. He didn't want to sound like that. It was just a memory. From another time. Another him. He prayed it wasn't a memory from that Jayce. He didn't want anything of his, especially when he was stuck with his body and voice. His face. 

No.

"...No. No, it's my body. My voice. My face." Jayce finally said after a moment, furrowing his brow. He lifted the towel to look at himself in the mirror. He wasn't stuck looking like someone else. This was him. He was Jayce. And he was a different Jayce. A kinder Jayce. Maybe not technically a better one, but a nicer one. He would never speak to someone like that. He would never hurt someone like that. Not if they did nothing to deserve it. He was stronger than that. "I'm not him. I will never be like him. If... that's how he was." Jayce whispered to himself. He buried his face in his hand. He had to stop letting himself be defined by previous iterations. This was him. Every version of himself was different, no matter how similar.

And he... just wanted to be... good.

"I just want to be good." Jayce repeated out loud, his voice breaking a little. As good as he could be. "As good as I can be." 

Chapter Text

"...Are you sure you'll be able to handle this?" Powder asked Jayce with a furrowed brow. He'd practically begged to be able to handle the next Viktor. Even though Silco and Jinx had been just as hesitant, they were allowing it. Jayce nodded, glancing over at her. "It's just another Commune Viktor. They're the most common ones. He... should be pretty docile. You just have to make sure he's alright. See if he needs anything. Those ones can usually help find their appropriate timeline." She explained to him. Jayce nodded. He needed something to distract him. Viktor hadn't spoken to him in three days. Talking to this one would be the first time hearing his voice in a while. "Okay?" 

"Okay." Jayce replied softly. They stood in the bar and that Viktor was at one of the booths. The blanket was wrapped around his body and belted. His hair sported those same pale streaks hidden inside the mousey brown. Jayce moved from the counter and made his way to the booth, those pale eyes raising to fix on him. The Viktor had been tracing a gear with his thumb in one hand, but it came to an abrupt stop, even though his face betrayed no change. "Hey." Jayce wasn't sure how to start, sitting in the booth across from him. "I know I'm probably not what you were expecting." 

"You are young." The Viktor's voice was soft and thrumming. Vaguely mechanical. "You are a recent addition to the Arcane, no?" He tipped his head, his thumb having resumed its circular path around the gear. 

"...Recent in terms of the Arcane, I guess." Jayce replied, unsure if that's what he'd meant. He'd definitely been here over a month by now. The Viktor nodded. He glanced him over. "Do you need food or water? Any kind of rest before we go looking for your timeline?" He asked quietly, cutting straight to the point. The Viktor let out a small hum. Finally, he stretched out a hand. Jayce stared at it quietly. 

"Could you hold my hand for a moment?" The Viktor asked quietly. Jayce paused, unsure if that was safe before he hesitantly reached out. The moment he took his hand, something suddenly shot through his mind and memories like a bullet, gone before he could even process it fully. "Mm, I see." The Viktor murmured softly. He pulled his hand back, leaving Jayce's fingers tingling and his eyes wide. The Viktor rested his head against his hand. "Usually, it is a bit longer of a show than that." Jayce paused before turning his head away. "I understand. Do not feel ashamed, Jayce." There it was. The soft linger on the 'a'. "You are... quite warm." The Viktor sounded vaguely surprised. He actually seemed to show a bit of uncertainty as he reached out to Jayce's hand again. He paused and his pale eyes met Jayce's. Jayce blinked before placing his hand into the Viktor's again. The Viktor stroked his textured fingers over his palm before pulling Jayce's hand up to his cheek and resting his head in it. "Ah." 

The sound was terrifyingly calm for the amount of tears that suddenly erupted down the Viktor's face. "Oh, hey, uh..." Jayce quickly grabbed a napkin from the center of the booth, holding it out to him. 

"Thank you." The Viktor wiped his eyes quietly. "My apologies. It seems this form is still susceptible to the unconscious emotions." He gave a quiet sigh, his fingers tracing over Jayce's knuckles. "Your hand is quite warm." He whispered it quietly, his eyes sliding shut. Jayce didn't feel any temperature from the Viktor at all. He wasn't even cold. Jayce furrowed his brow. Something about this felt sad. He finally rubbed his thumb over the Viktor's cheekbone and he gave a soft chuckle. More tears started up. 

"Oh, good gods, Viktor. Are you sure you're alright??" Jayce finally asked in shock, starting to pull his hand back. The gear fell to the table. The Viktor caught his hand, looking it over with teary eyes before pulling it up and pressing his lips to his knuckles. Jayce felt his ears go red at how ghostly of a kiss it was. The Viktor held Jayce's hand in both of his own, a small smile on his face as more tears came down from tired-looking eyes. Jayce watched him with an aching heart. "...Maybe you want to lie down?" He suggested softly. The Viktor's fingers were lightly rubbing circles on his hand before he nodded. 

"If I could. I would like to lie with you." The Viktor said bluntly, raising his eyes to meet Jayce's again. Jayce blinked at him in surprise. "Your warmth will be last I ever feel. My Jayce will not be coming home to me." The Viktor said softly. He gave a weak little laugh that sounded a little more strangled. "H-He slipped. Attempting th-the climb o-out of the ravine. H-He d-did not survive the fall the second time." The Viktor's voice had become strained and shaky, despite his neutral expression and Jayce stared at him. He got up and moved around, helping the Viktor to his feet before pulling him into a hug. The Viktor hesitated before his fingers curled into Jayce's shirt and he buried his face against him. He did not make any noise. It didn't seem like he was capable of it anymore. 

"Let's go lay down, okay?" Jayce prompted softly. The Viktor nodded. He turned and Jayce blinked as he scooped up a staff from the booth. It wasn't quite the staff that the mage had, but it was part of the way there. The gear came next, though the Viktor slipped it into a small pouch on his side. The Viktor reached out and Jayce allowed him to take his hand. He led the Viktor towards the stairs, glancing over at the counter. His face instantly flushed red as both Silco and Jinx gave him huge grins and a thumbs-up before both were smacked by Powder. Jayce moved up the stairs with the Viktor. He emerged into the upper hallway, starting to lead him towards the guest rooms. He jumped as the Viktor stopped and he turned to look back at him. "Hey... What's wrong?" Jayce came back, reaching up and wiping at the tears that had started rolling down his face again. 

"May I ask something a bit inappropriate of you?" The Viktor asked softly, his other hand seen tightening on the staff. Jayce paused and his ears burned a little before he replied that he could ask. "I will not get to kiss him." The statement was filled with such weakness and defeat that it negated whatever embarrassment that would've come from the implication. "Could I ask that of you?" The Viktor kept his head down and Jayce's chest ached.

"I, uh, I think so." Jayce replied quietly. Especially if this Viktor was returning to no one. The Viktor paused before giving the weakest smile. Jayce hesitated and gently moved forward, cleaning his tears with his thumbs. "You might be a mess before we even get there." He joked weakly. That seemed to pull a real smile at the Viktor's lips. He paused before glancing to the side. Even though Jayce had heard nothing, the Viktor spoke anyway.  

"My apologies. We did not mean to bother you." The Viktor said politely. Jayce glanced over and froze up as he met Viktor's eyes. The other scanned them over silently, leaned in his doorway. There was a forlorn, dark look before he curled his lip and sighed.

"...Kiss him in the guest bedroom. You are not to loiter with Passerbys in the hall, especially if you plan on doing anything... obscene." Viktor stated to Jayce flatly, finally moving forward. He shut his door and disappeared down the stairs. Jayce wasn't sure he would ever want to mention to Viktor that he'd seen that one Jayce practically manhandling him out here. 

"...That's the first time he's spoken to me in three days." Jayce commented quietly, staring after him with a quiet sigh and a red face. The Viktor blinked before jumping a little as Jayce turned, carefully pulling him along. He brought him to an unoccupied room, shutting the door. The Viktor wandered around the room quietly before finally sitting on the edge of the bed. He had his staff delicately placed across his lap and his shoulders were sunken. Jayce watched him. He felt a little guilty about it, but... He carefully moved over to him and reached out. "Viktor." He spoke his name gently and the Viktor glanced up. "Can I kiss you?" He still wanted to make sure he had permission above all else. 

The Viktor's pale eyes softened and he nodded. Jayce gently brushed some hair behind his ear before leaning forward. The kiss was soft and ghost-like. It didn't last longer than a few seconds and it seemed that was exactly what the Viktor wanted. His eyes were still closed once Jayce pulled back, though he'd started crying again. He let out a weak laugh before the staff clattered to the ground as he buried his face in his hands. There was nothing but phantom sobs coming from him. Jayce sat next to him before guiding them both down. He let the Viktor rest against his side before tugging the blanket over him. The Viktor soon fell quiet, his darkened fingers gently hooked into the front of Jayce's shirt. 

My Jayce will not be coming home to me.

Good gods, he didn't expect how painful those words were. Jayce felt tears well in his own eyes before he glanced down at the Viktor. His hand hesitantly moved and he slipped it over his shoulder, hugging the Viktor against his side. That seemed to comfort him. He paused as the door suddenly clicked open and he glanced up. "You didn't lock the door??" Jinx sounded taken back as she whispered to him. 

"...Did I have to?" Jayce asked, staring at her. Jinx glanced down, to where the Viktor was buried against his side. 

"I guess not. Weird." She sounded genuinely surprised that they were just lying together. "Just a heads up, you might want to stay in here with him till tomorrow. Viktor's about to get blasted downstairs cuz Silco can't say no to making drinks for him when he's all pouty." Jinx rolled her eyes. "You can get that guy home first thing in the morning." Jayce blinked, not having been expecting a warning. He furrowed his brow and nodded. "And we will be-" She reached in and Jayce went red as she made a notable show of locking the door. "Click! Goodnight!" She sang out softly before slipping back out and shutting the door. He was left in a quiet room. Jayce blinked. Viktor had never had more than a drink or two in the time he'd been here. How drunk was he planning on getting? It momentarily worried him. 

Jayce turned his gaze back to the Viktor curled into his side. He moved his hand, sliding it up into the back of the Viktor's hair. Instantly, the other relaxed a little, pressing his cheek against Jayce's shoulder. Jayce felt a small smile tug at his lips. This must've been why everyone here was so comfortable with the Passerbys. He wasn't his Jayce, but maybe he could... keep the pain away just while he was here. Just while he was... passing by. 

Chapter Text

Jayce wasn't sure where he'd woken up, but it was not with the Commune Viktor. It looked like he was in his own room, though his bed had been stripped of all blankets, sheets and pillows. He was lying on nothing but an empty mattress. Jayce hesitated before pushing himself up into a sitting position. The room was... It was dark?? They didn't have night or day here, how was it dark? Jayce hesitated, getting up from the bed and moving to the window. When he looked outside, all he saw was a dark, starry expanse. It seemed to stretch out forever and Jayce furrowed his brow. He backed up from the window before moving over to his bedroom door. He stopped in his tracks. There was no doorknob. He reached out and placed his hand against it, shoving at it. The door didn't budge. Was he dreaming?? 

Clink, clink, clink.

Clink, clink, clink.

Jayce jumped and turned to look towards his bathroom door before freezing up. Viktor was leaned in the doorway, shadows dancing across him. He was using the cup in his hand to trace circles in the air, causing the ice spheres inside to spin against the glass. Viktor's eyes were glowing. They were hazy and glowing. The color kept shifting. Purple, pink, blue, teal. Jayce stared at him quietly. Viktor only stared back. "...Hey. Are you, uh... Are you real??" Jayce wasn't sure anymore and he didn't even know if asking that was a stupid question. Viktor didn't answer, only continuing to trace circles. 

Clink, clink, clink. 

Clink, clink, clink. 

Jayce hesitated before starting towards him. "Viktor...?" He wasn't sure what to do. That was dark rum in the cup. He could tell that much. "You were drinking, right? How much did you have?" He kept his voice concerned. He didn't want to come off as accusatory in any way. The clinking of the spheres inside the glass was almost deafening. 

Clink, clink, clink. 

"Viktor." Jayce hardened his voice just a little. 

Clink, clink, clink. 

"Viktor." Jayce took another step forward and the tracing suddenly stopped. 

Clink.

Jayce glanced at the cup before his eyes moved back to Viktor's. "...I upset you earlier and I'm sorry. I didn't mean to imply anything about him. I was just worried for you." He said softly. "I didn't mean to make you cry and I especially didn't mean to make you drink." Jayce's shoulders sank a little bit. He glanced around. "I... I think I can piece together that you're still mad, but I want to apologize." Viktor watched him for another few moments before finally blinking. Jayce's breath of relief was suddenly sucked back into his throat as Viktor dropped his glass, it shattering on the floor next to his feet. Viktor took a step forward, out of the shadow. The glow returned to his hair when he moved into the light, having been completely dark beforehand. 

"How did you kiss him?" Viktor asked quietly, those hazy, glowing eyes boring into Jayce's. He took another step forward and wobbled. Jayce instantly reached out to steady him before jumping as Viktor smacked his hand away. "Jayce." He didn't linger on the 'a', but on the 'ce' instead, resulting in a threatening hiss. Jayce didn't like it at all. He took a step back and inhaled shakily as Viktor practically appeared in front of him. "How. Did. You. Kiss. Him." 

"I-I, uh... I-It was just a few seconds l-long. Soft and closed was all he wanted." Jayce managed, keeping himself leaned back. "N-Nothing more than that." Viktor stared at him. After a few moments, Jayce finally turned his head away. "C-Could you please blink? That can't be good for your eyes." He heard Viktor let out a wheezy scoff. Jayce yelped as he was suddenly shoved back onto the bed and he stared up at Viktor in shock. Viktor made no move towards him. Jayce flinched as there was that cracking noise, Viktor's body beginning to shift. His head began to split open and Jayce squeezed his eyes shut, looking away. 

"...He couldn't look at me either. Not when I looked like this." Viktor's voice was slow and drawling through its mechanical reverberation. Jayce's eyes widened and he turned to look back at Viktor. His Herald form seemed just a small bit more... separated? It was like all the gold pieces hadn't properly fallen into place. His sternum was skewed and the gold plates were not clicked together. Jayce instantly sat up, his eyes wide. 

"Oh, Vik... How is it you still look like some kind of cockroach? You took those words to heart, huh?" 

Jayce froze up and glanced around. He didn't see anyone. He hadn't said that.

"You ascended to godhood and you still look like something that flew into the bug zapper in that one corner of the lab." 

That was his voice, but that wasn't him. It sounded so pitying. So, so condescending that Jayce could barely stand it. 

"Look at yourself. This isn't perfection, Viktor. Gods, I can barely look at you. What have you done??" 

Jayce watched as Viktor's hands shook. He didn't even have his staff or his Hexclaw. Jayce didn't think he even had the focus to form it. "Then why do you persist??" Viktor could barely hiss out the words, glowing gold liquid seeping down his flattened face from the eyeholes. 

"Because I'm the only one that can stand you. If you go back now, they'll kill you. They'll kill you for what you've done to yourself and to others. You became a parasite, Viktor. Is that what you wanted?" 

Viktor held his hands up to the side of his head, his lanky body slamming backwards into the wall. 

"Then come here. Why did you do this to me, Vik? Why'd you have to go and make it so I'm the only one that can stamp you out?" 

Jayce felt sick and he pushed himself to his feet. 

"Smile for me. There you are. Why did you have to go and ruin this beautiful face? Had to take away the last thing I admired about you? You're a mess." 

Jayce instantly reached out and Viktor startled so hard that the lights in the eyeholes flickered for a moment as he hit the wall.

"You never could finish anything on your own. Don't even try with that. We'll finish this together."

Viktor looked like he was dragging in huge gulps of air, but there was no noise. "Viktor! Viktor, it's okay! It's okay, Viktor, hey!!" Jayce reached up and placed his hands on Viktor's sternum, making him instantly go rigid. "Don't listen to that. Listen to me! In front of you! I'm here!" Jayce insisted, his eyes wide. Viktor's flickering eyelights moved down to him and Jayce's shoulders sank. "Here! Here, let me do this." He begged, starting to carefully pull the gold pieces of his sternum together. "Here." He started to click them into place. Viktor was shaking, his body suddenly turning to the side as he hid his face. He dragged his lanky form into the smallest ball he could. "Viktor!" Jayce instantly dropped on his knees next to him. "Hey! Hey." He gently held his shoulder. 

To see such an incredible creature cowering like this felt horrible. Jayce moved forward and pulled him into his arms. Instantly, claws dug into his shoulders and Jayce flinched, feeling his flesh tear so easily. He wouldn't let go, feeling Viktor's body shaking. Wracked with silent sobbing. "Viktor. Viktor, please, it's okay. Please." Jayce stared at him as he lifted his head. He reached up, cupping the split sides of his head. "Good gods, you can even cry in this form." Jayce gave a weak laugh. "I don't have my journal." Viktor's hands were still dug into the flesh of his shoulders and he could feel his shirt becoming wet, but he didn't care. 

"You should not touch me. I am filthy. Disgusting. Like a bug." Viktor's voice became scratchy and weak. "I am just a bug." Ashamed. He wrenched his hands from Jayce's shoulders, a cry of pain leaving his throat. He quickly stifled it and shook his head, wiping his eyes before the tears could come out. 

"No! No, you are not. You are not. Viktor, this form is incredible. It's a marvel! An organic machine!" Jayce insisted, his eyes wide. Viktor stared at him. "Even if you were a bug, your exoskeleton would be made of gold and your body would be purple velvet!" He furrowed his brow and shook his head, cringing a little. "Uh, I-I don't know if that sounds good, but I promise it is!" Admittedly not his best convincing argument. Viktor stared at him with those unblinking eyelights and Jayce could only blink in response. "...Please say something so that I can move on from what I just said." 

There was still nothing before a small, weakened sound left Viktor. It shook his chest and, at first, it sounded painful, but Jayce quickly realized that Viktor was laughing. He was actually laughing. Jayce could only stare for a moment. His laughter was downright haunting, but despite how creepy it sounded, Jayce could tell it wasn't malicious. Viktor was genuinely amused. Jayce wasn't sure how to feel at first before his ears went completely red. Viktor couldn't even seem to pull together words. His whole body twitched and Jayce flinched as his laughter erupted into a scream for a moment as his body started to retract into itself. When it finished, Viktor was in tears, though it looked to be half from pain now. He lay crumpled on the ground in just a tattered cloth. His blanket. 

Around them, the room suddenly flickered and Jayce flinched as it became bright again. Instantly, he was met with pounding from his bedroom door. The other three residents sounded worried and panicked as they called out for him. 

"I'm okay!! I'm okay, please be quiet!!" He called out. The pounding stopped and Jayce inhaled shakily. He glanced over, carefully moving Viktor's bare feet from the shattered glass. Viktor had finally broken down into weak sobbing as Jayce started to carefully wrap him up. 

"I-I'm sorry. I'm sorry. Don't hate me. Please don't hate me. Pl-Please. I'm sorry." Viktor was whispering desperately as tears ran down his face. Jayce pulled Viktor against himself, shaking his head. 

"I don't. I don't hate you. Viktor, I don't hate you." Jayce assured him, trying to keep up with his words. Viktor's voice finally died down in his throat and he stared up at Jayce through hazy, blurry eyes. Jayce jumped as Viktor used his shirt to pull himself up, pressing their lips together. Jayce didn't dare move and he could taste the alcohol just on Viktor's breath alone. Viktor pulled back after a moment, his shoulders sinking. He looked unfathomably upset. 

"You do. You do hate me. I have known it from the start." Viktor managed shakily. Jayce quickly shook his head. 

"No, no, no. Viktor, you're very drunk. I don't hate you, but I can't... It is not right of me to do anything besides maybe give you a hug and put you in bed." Jayce managed quickly. Viktor slumped against him, wrapped up in that blanket before saying in a muffled voice that he wanted Jayce's bed. "Y-Yeah. Yeah, of course. Here." He flinched at the pain from his injured shoulders, but he scooped Viktor up, turning and laying him down in his bed. Viktor could only seem to lay there. All the pillows and blankets and sheets had come back. Jayce carefully tugged one over him. Viktor pulled the pillow closer. He buried his face against it, letting out a weak sigh. Jayce waited a moment before moving over to the door and opening it. 

"Jayce! Gods, are you-" Silco froze up as that stinging in Jayce's shoulder made him inhale shakily. "Jayce." 

"I, uh..." Jayce had reached up to grab his shoulder, only to come away with a bloody hand. "I said something really stupid in there." He watched as the blood started to run down his wrist. Was there really that much of it? "I think I need to sit down." 

Chapter Text

Viktor couldn't sleep.

He couldn't sleep.

He couldn't. His shaking fingers remained curled into the pillow next to it as he tried to keep breathing in that familiar scent. He whimpered and kept his eyes squeezed shut. The alcohol still burned in his throat and he felt so, so paranoid. He was so scared and he didn't know why. He could hear voices around himself and he started to shove himself backwards, running into the headboard. Instantly, the voices stopped and Viktor felt a small hand on his shoulder. Too small to be his. "-ktor? Viktor?" Jinx's voice was quiet as she gave him small shakes. Her glowing braid came into view first before her magenta eyes followed. Viktor didn't feel sick, but he felt sluggish, heavy and scared. "Heeey." Jinx gently pinched his nose and he gave a small sneeze. She giggled. "You drank waaaay tooooo much." Viktor felt like that was certainly true. 

Viktor blinked at her tearfully before turning and burying his face against the bed. His fingers were still curled into the sheets. "Ow!" Viktor jumped and sat up so fast that he became momentarily dizzy as he heard Jayce hiss in pain. It came from the bathroom and he could see Silco sitting on the sink counter, tending to Jayce. He had his shirt off, Silco seeming to be taking a rag to his shoulder. Viktor instantly made a displeased noise and started inching towards the side of the bed. 

"Hey, no, no, no." Jinx gently pulled him back so he was laying back against her. "Silco's making sure Jayce is okay." She assured him. At his name, Silco leaned to look out of the doorway of the bathroom. Viktor stared at him in disdain. 

"Oh, beautiful, it's alright. I'm not hurting him." Silco assured Viktor. Viktor felt so useless when he was coddled like this. But he was so anxious that he felt like he was going to be sick. Why was Jayce over there?? Why was Jayce not with him? Was Jayce going to run off with someone else again?? Was he going to leave him again? Viktor hiccuped shakily and squeezed his eyes shut. Silco watched him before his eyes softened in sympathy. "Jayce, darling, can we move to the bed before Viktor starts crying again?" He asked, Jayce glancing back. He quickly nodded, standing up and moving out of the bathroom. Jinx yelped as Viktor pulled away from her. Jayce sat on the edge of the bed and Viktor paused next to him. He was still wrapped up in just blankets. 

Why had he just bothered them?? Jayce was bleeding. He was hurt. Why had he just made them move?? Fuck! Viktor inhaled shakily. Jayce glanced over before reaching out. "Here. Please just stay still, okay?" He asked quietly. Viktor blinked as Jayce pulled him sideways across his lap. Viktor paused before he practically melted against him. He could hear his heartbeat. "How much did you give him??" Jayce asked, sounding slightly annoyed as the bed shifted again. 

"More than I should've, I'm sorry. I just can't stand when he looks distressed." Silco admitted, his voice coming from behind the both of them. "I have to continue cleaning the wound now." Viktor startled as Jayce let out a weak swear. He curled his fingers against Jayce's chest, squeezing his eyes shut. His head felt so heavy and foggy. He could barely think. Jayce had his arms loosely wrapped around him and Viktor could only stare forward. Jinx's face popped into view around Jayce's arm and she stretched her hand out. Viktor took it, pulling her hand against his chest and just holding it. He had started to cry again and he didn't even know why. "Powder is taking care of the Viktor." Silco was heard assuring Jayce. It was quiet for a few more moments. Well, not quiet, but Viktor couldn't understand what was being said. "We thought he was going to kill you when he disappeared from the bar counter. Jinx nearly bowled me over to get up here." Silco was speaking worriedly now. 

"...I don't like the way his Jayce spoke to him. I don't like the way he spoke about Viktor and I don't like... him." Jayce finally said in a firm voice. "He was cruel to him. I have his memories, just like I have any other Jayce's." Viktor didn't understand what he was talking about. He heard Silco ask something, but Jayce responded faster. "It's not. It's nothing like the base timeline." Viktor's head was getting foggy again and his grip was starting to loosen on Jinx's hand. 

"Oop, he's starting to slip away." Jinx said, watching him. Viktor's eyes started to slip shut and he just barely managed to close them when-

"Viktor!"

He jerked awake as a pile of books was dropped on the desk in front of him. "How long were you sleeping?? Someone could've just taken these from outside the door! If you know we're expecting a delivery, then stay awake for it!" Jayce's voice was scolding as he paced around the lab, shucking off his Councilor's coat and tossing it to the couch. 

"My apologies, Jayce. How were your meetings?" Viktor asked, his head still resting in his arms as he watched him agitatedly pace about. Jayce rolled his eyes, following it up with a dismissive wave of his hand. "Right. Did you find the part we were looking for in the market?" 

"...That was YOUR job." Jayce stated, turning to look back at him. Viktor paused and raised a brow. 

"No, we discussed this last night. I would wait for the delivery and you would fetch the part after your meetings." Viktor said, furrowing his brow. He blinked as Jayce moved over to him, leaning forward so his hands were gripping the desk on either side of Viktor.

"Then explain to me the part where I would have any FUCKING time to do that, Viktor!" Jayce snapped at him. He looked completely stressed out of his mind again and Viktor hesitated. Jayce HAD agreed to get the part, but it didn't seem like he was thinking straight right then. Viktor stared at him before hesitantly reaching up. He rested his fingers against Jayce's cheek. The other hesitated as he glanced at them before those eyes moved back to Viktor, softening. "Right... Who am I kidding? You couldn't even stay awake for the delivery, why would you be the one getting the part?" Jayce finally muttered, pulling back and turning away. Viktor remained in his stool, his brow furrowed. 

"I was trying to stabilize the codes all night, Jayce. One misstep and the entire pattern would reset. I had to do that 22 times." Viktor insisted. Jayce shot an unamused look back at him before asking if he'd stabilized it. "I stabilized 14 out of the 22."

"...I guess that is more than I thought you would." Jayce said, a tired grin pulling at his lips. Viktor scoffed and rolled his eyes. 

"Have some more faith in me, Jayce. I am the Dean's Assistant for a reason." He stated.

"Yeah, so the Professor can make himself look good with his Zaunite assistant that he mercifully rescued from the slums." Jayce stated flatly. Viktor's playful smile faltered, but Jayce didn't seem to notice as he turned away. "I guess I'm going back out for that part." He sounded less than thrilled and Viktor nodded silently, turning to look back at the papers on the desk in front of him. He was trying to see where he'd left off, but it was just all jumbled nonsense to him. "Oh, Vik." Viktor blinked and turned to look back at Jayce with a raised brow. "I'm going to be staying with someone else tonight. I'll come back to drop off the part and then leave again." 

Viktor blinked. "...Did I do something to upset you?" He asked after a moment, his brow furrowed. Jayce blinked. 

"What? No. We discussed this before. Your body is too weak for me." Jayce said, gesturing to him. "I don't want to hurt you like that, so I go to someone else. I'm still yours, Viktor." Jayce moved over, speaking to him assuredly. "But between your leg and your lungs and your spine... You just wouldn't be able to keep up." Viktor's shoulders sank a little and Jayce gave him a comforting smile. "I just don't want you hurt, Vik." He gently cupped his cheek. Viktor hesitated before leaning his head into it. "Come on. Smile for me." Viktor hesitated and he glanced up at Jayce before smiling. Jayce's eyes softened and he leaned forward, catching Viktor in a kiss. Viktor eagerly took it, such things from Jayce being rare. "Alright, I'll be back in an hour and then I'll need you to hold down the lab until maybe noon tomorrow."

"...Noon? How long are you planning on staying there??" Viktor asked, instantly frowning again. Jayce rolled his eyes. 

"Viktor. I haven't done a DAMN thing in THREE MONTHS. Out of respect for YOU. Understand?" His voice was quiet, yet firm. Viktor stared at him for a moment before nodding quietly. "Alright. I'm off then." Viktor started to bid him farewell, but Jayce was already out the door. Viktor stared after him quietly before swallowing softly and turning back to face the desk again. 

Too weak. Can't keep up. Your leg. Your lungs. Your spine. Can't keep up. Too weak. 

Viktor woke up a second time. Tears were still streaming down his face. He was warm and his nose was pressed into someone's collarbone. He heard the softest snoring and glanced up through bleary eyes. Jayce's face was buried against his pillow, Viktor being tucked against his chest. He had bandages over both shoulders, lying on his back with Viktor on top of him. He had no shirt on either. Viktor wasn't... wearing anything. His eyes widened as he stared down at Jayce. He struggled to get his arms free from the blanket he was wrapped in and Jayce furrowed his brow, stirring. "Mm?" 

"Jayce. Jayce, why am I bare??" Viktor asked shakily. He was admittedly panicking, but Jayce only shook his head tiredly. 

"You didn't come back with anything but the blanket when you got out of your Herald form." Jayce mumbled, his eyes barely open. Viktor paused. Why had he been in his Herald form?? It usually took him at least two days to dispel that. "There's no way you're able to stand right now either. Not with how much you drank." Jayce yawned before nuzzling his cheek into the pillow below him again. "Can we please just sleep a little longer?" 

"Where is your shirt?" Viktor asked, wanting to at least clarify that first. 

"You were freaking out and you tore into my shoulders with your, uh, your claw hands. Shirt got destroyed." Jayce mumbled in response. Viktor paled a little, his fingers weakly stretching up to the bandages before pulling back. "Don't worry about it." Jayce sounded like he was already going anyway, but he still asked. "Can we please go back to sleep, V?" 

V?

Viktor stared at him quietly. V. Not Vik. Just V. Viktor wasn't sure what to do for a moment before a faint heat covered his face. Jayce's tiny snores met him, his question already answered. "V." Viktor echoed softly, still a little taken back. He'd never been given a different nickname before. Even the others called him 'Vik' sometimes. This one was new. Viktor wasn't sure why it made him feel so lightheaded. A new nickname. His Jayce had never allowed anyone to call him anything but Viktor. Not 'assistant', not 'Zaunite'. Viktor. And only he was allowed to call him 'Vik'. Not even Sky had been allowed to do that. 

"...V." Viktor repeated the nickname softly, like a child discovering a word for the first time. He knew Jayce was long gone again, but he nodded, laying his head back down to listen to his beating heart. "Yes, we should... sleep a little... more." 

Chapter Text

Ever since that day, Viktor had become much more touchy. Not standoffish, but rather... similar to Jinx. It had started off slow, with Viktor yanking his hand back and retreating at the first negative reaction to his touch. Jayce had quickly learned not to jump or crinkle his nose. He most definitely learned not to furrow his brow. Once he'd learned not to show a negative reaction, Viktor had started to become much more comfortable with his casual touch. Despite constantly touching the others, it was only Jayce that Viktor seemed touch-starved with and he could only assume it was because he was Jayce that this was the case. Even now, Jayce sat at the bar, sketching out the Rune from the most recent Commune Viktor he'd just sent back. He paused as he felt that first light touch to his shoulder before Viktor's other hand followed. "Are you alright?? That Rune-"

"Hunger. Yeah." Jayce gave a flustered chuckle. "I'm alright, V. He was just... really needy." He had dark marks all over his neck and shoulders. Viktor's hands kept curled into his sleeves, seeming anxious. Jayce glanced back at him before giving a smile. "I promise I'm fine." He stated gently. "He didn't do much of anything besides some nipping and biting." Viktor's grip loosened a little and he relaxed. He hesitated before leaning forward and resting his head against Jayce's shoulder as he watched him sketch the Rune. "I feel like I should be lucky that he wasn't experiencing literal hunger and it was just... carnal. Though I'm not sure if that was... better." Jayce's ears went red as he scoffed. "This could've ended much worse for me." 

"Mm. Your statements contradict one another." Viktor commented calmly. Jayce clicked his tongue. 

"That's because I'm just talking to talk." He replied quietly, his ears going a little more red. Viktor let out a soft scoff of amusement.

Something changed.

Jayce paused, his pen coming to an abrupt stop as he lifted his head. Viktor's grip tightened on him uncertainly. "...Silco." Jayce murmured quietly, placing his pen in the journal and shutting it. "Listen." Viktor paused and he seemed to visibly freeze as he heard what Jayce was hearing. Rain. It was raining. And only one person would manifest rain within the Arcane and he only did it when he-

"DON'T!! DON'T!! PLEASE!! I DIDN'T MEAN IT!! I DIDN'T KNOW!! STOP!!"

Silco's strangled scream ripped through The Last Drop from upstairs, sounding hoarse already. Jayce suddenly felt his body pull apart just a little before reforming as Viktor teleported them upstairs. His head spun and the moment Viktor let go of him, he fell over. "W-Warning! Warning would be nice." Jayce reminded him, suppressing a gag. Viktor quickly apologized before looking down the hall. Faintly, they could see sparks of blue and pink erupting from under Jinx's door. She never reacted well when Silco started screaming like this and Powder usually had to stay with her. Jayce had never seen the full extent of Silco's wound, but he knew he would now. He pushed himself to his feet, stumbling for a moment before moving to the door of Silco's room. Viktor unlocked it with a flick of his wrist and both of them jumped as a foul smell emitted from the room, Silco heard choking and gasping as tainted water spilled out around their feet. 

Silco was spasming on the bed, thrashing and screaming as he fought against an invisible assailant that was very clearly bigger than him. 

"Please!! Please, I'm sorry! I'm sorry, I didn't know! Stop! Stop, please!!" 

Silco was sobbing, a horrifyingly dark bruise seen around his neck. He had his eye squeezed shut, though Jayce couldn't quite see his injury. "Silco! Silco, hey!" He quickly rushed over and pulled the smaller man back against him, carefully pinning his arms. Silco screamed out, giving small thrashes. They had to restrain him, otherwise he would start clawing at his throat to dislodge the invisible hands. Usually, it was Viktor who had to do this, but Jayce had insisted on being able to help everyone. Silco had devolved into sputtering apologies. Jayce squeezed his eyes shut, tucking Silco's head under his chin as Viktor moved onto the bed in front of him to see on his legs. Silco hiccuped shakily as Viktor cupped his face. 

One of Viktor's hands was quickly stained with blood. Silco was completely soaked and bedraggled as he sobbed. His eyelid was missing and his eye itself was an angry-looking red. The skin around it was torn away, leaving a bloody mess. Jayce inhaled shakily as he stared at it. "Silco. Silco, it is okay. You are safe here. You are safe with us." Viktor insisted, his eyes wide. He kept his voice soothing and Silco could only continue his crying. The water was spilling from beneath him, dampening Jayce and Viktor's clothes, but neither of them cared. Silco croaked out that he hadn't known and Viktor nodded. "I know. I know, Silco. You wanted to protect your friends, I know. You couldn't have known what would happen." 

"You couldn't have known." Jayce added quickly, rubbing Silco's shoulder. Silco's hair was limp and dangled around his tearstained face in pathetic strands. Silco only tried to curl up on himself, but he couldn't with Viktor sitting on his legs. "Don't. Don't hide yourself. It's okay. You’re not underwater. You’re not anywhere near it. You can breathe as much as you want. Take some breaths. Pl-Please." Jayce begged him. Silco squeezed his eye. 

"I didn't know. I didn't know. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'M SORRY!! I'M SORRY, DON'T!!" 

He was seeing something they couldn't, his screaming instantly starting again. Viktor quickly started to rub circles on his cheeks with his thumbs, looking him over with sunken shoulders. "It is okay! It is okay. Silco, you are safe here. You are safe." Viktor spoke to him insistently and assuringly. Jayce's heart was pounding, but he couldn't let his terror of Silco's screaming stop him. This was his friend and he needed his help. He continued to rub his shoulder. With both of them soothing him, Silco started to calm back down into whimpering and sobbing again. He was an absolute mess. That smelly, toxic water continued to spill around them. 

"It hurts. It hurts. It hurts so much. It hurts." 

Silco was bleating weakly at this point, his voice scratchy and hoarse with pain. He gagged a few times before heaving and starting to spit up the toxic water. Jayce squeezed his eyes shut, wrinkling his nose as the water spilled over his arms. Luckily, it seemed to be just water and nothing more than whatever chemicals were in it. He inhaled shakily, soft hiccups escaping him as he spoke in a weak gurgle. 

"V-Viktor?? Viktor, it hurts so much. I can't breathe. I can't breathe, I think I'm drowning. Viktor, I think I'm drowning." 

"No, no, Silco. You are not drowning. You are safe in your bedroom with Jayce and I." Viktor assured him quickly. 

"...Jayce?"

Silco echoed his name weakly and Jayce nodded. "I'm here, Sil. I'm here. You're safe. You're with us. No river. No water. Just us." Jayce said quickly, keeping his head firmly tucked under his chin. Silco seemed to feel around for Jayce's hand before grabbing it and yanking it to his chest. Silco's heartbeat was irregular and painfully fast. His chest was heaving with each breath. "Slower. Take your time." He prompted softly. Silco squeezed his eyes shut and took a few more breaths. All of his joints, which had been locked up, were starting to loosen and relax. Jayce let out a quiet sigh. 

Something changed.

They all shivered as a new feeling washed over The Last Drop. "S-Someone's arrived." Silco mumbled weakly. Viktor nodded. Whenever none of the hosts were downstairs to greet Passerbys, the Arcane would rattle their whole nervous systems as a way to warn them. It wasn't comfortable, nor was it ideal, but it certainly always worked. 

"I'll get it. V, can you stay with Silco?" Jayce asked, instantly volunteering. More than likely, it was either himself or a Viktor. Viktor blinked at him before nodding, still clearly getting used to the nickname, though he seemed more excited about it than anything. Jayce carefully let Silco go and Viktor caught him as the other man slumped forward, his body exhausted from the sudden and violent strain. Jayce turned and moved from the room, shutting the door and heading to the stairs. 

However, he stopped halfway down as he heard a low rattling growl. He instantly froze up, his hand settled on the railing. He took another step. One more. Just enough to peer into the bar below. The hulking creature that was moving around sported the same porcelain shell and golden adornments as the evolved, but the shape was wrong. The size was wrong. The body was wrong. It was animalistic. Golden claws left deep gouges in their ceiling and floor as it tried to steady itself. It was wolf-like. Ever so vaguely wolf-like. Yet it was semi-bipedal, its claws keeping it upright. It let out another rattling growl. The face not only had features, but it was... terrifyingly human. 

The mouth seemed fused shut, but glowing gold eyes scanned their surroundings. It took a few steps forward, its claws seeming to hold its weight fine, despite being poised like spiders. The tips of them sank into the wood. It let out another low rattle. Jayce took a few steps backwards, standing on the staircase out of view. He had no fucking idea what that was. He couldn't even begin to guess. His eyes were wide and he remained frozen for a moment. The clicking of the creature's claws kept momentarily stopping, like it was listening for any kind of movement. Jayce's heart was going crazy. How would he warn the others?? How would he protect them?? What the fuck was this thing?? 

His body felt strange and his fingers twitched. His throat was closing up and Jayce furrowed his brow, not understanding what was happening. His head hurt. His bones ached. It felt like his whole skeleton was coming undone and it hurt. A burning feeling was starting to spread up his body and once it covered his whole frame,

he teleported. 

Chapter Text

The way Jayce reappeared in Silco's room was unceremonious, at best. He collapsed to the ground on his knees, hunching over and burying his head in his hands as his body violently distorted. He swore he could hear the other two saying his name just for a moment, but he quickly shook his head and held up his hands. He couldn't hear anything. Jayce froze up and pulled his hands back to his ears, snapping his fingers on either side of his head. He couldn't hear anything. Fuck, he couldn't hear anything!!

Jayce quickly shook his head and focused on the two in front of him. As alarming as his sudden deafness was, he needed to address the other, much bigger problem. He struggled to guess how loud he was before speaking. He couldn't hear himself, but he knew what he was saying.

There's something downstairs! I don't know what it is! I've never seen it before!

Viktor stared at him with wide eyes. Silco's face was starting to regrow the glowing webbing as he stared at him as well. Based on the shared glance between them, this was something new. That was terrifying. Silco turned back to him. Jayce could see him asking a question, but nothing reached his ears. He inhaled shakily before trying to speak again. 

I-I can't understand you. I don't even know how loud I am. I can't hear anything. I think I just teleported. But I'm telling you, there's...

He held a hand up to his head, somehow wobbling even in a sitting position. He felt sick and he squeezed his eyes shut. He startled as he felt hands grab his shoulders and he opened his eyes to see Viktor. He was trying to speak to him, but Jayce could only stare uselessly at him. He shook his head in disdain. 

I can't hear you. I don't know what you’re saying.

Jayce watched as Viktor's shoulders sank and the other reached up, Jayce feeling him tapping at his ear. Despite the spark he felt from Viktor's fingers, all Jayce could hear was a buzzing noise, similar to fluorescent lights. He reached up and quickly pushed Viktor's hand away, becoming a little more desperate. 

There is a monster downstairs! Its claws are tearing apart the floor and ceiling! I don't know what it is! We have to do something!

Despite being able to raise his voice, he wasn't sure that he managed to showcase his distress well enough. Viktor furrowed his brow and Jayce could feel him tapping at his other ear, seeming to become slightly frustrated. It seemed like Viktor was trying to restore his hearing. As much as Jayce appreciated it, they didn't have time for that. He may have spoken a little louder than he meant to.

Viktor, stop!

Jayce quickly took Viktor's wrists, making the other suddenly flinch. Jayce tried to soften his voice, though he wasn't sure if it worked.

Please, I'm worried that thing is going to hurt someone. We have to deal with that first.

Jayce pleaded with him and Viktor stared at him before seeming to understand why Jayce was fighting him. He nodded and Jayce quickly let go of his wrists. That buzzing was absolutely unbearable. He saw Silco say something, his brow furrowed and Viktor paused before seeming to take a deep breath. He turned back to Silco with a nod and Silco's eye widened as he started to pull himself off the bed. Viktor stood up and held a hand out, making Silco jerk back. He finally seemed to resign himself, sitting back. Jayce watched as Viktor started to transform, still wincing a little when his head split open. He reached out and caught the edge of Viktor's blanket as the other started to move away, causing the other to stop and look down at him. 

Be careful, V. Please. 

Jayce stared up at him in worry before letting the blanket go. Viktor nodded, reaching out. He placed a head on Jayce's head before pulling it back and moving towards the door, disappearing outside of it. When it shut, Jayce blinked as Silco tried to slip out of the bed, nearly falling over himself. Jayce practically threw himself forward on his knees to reach out, catching Silco and guiding him to him. Silco looked worried as he searched Jayce over, the webbing having grown to cover the side of his face again. His hair was a mess and Jayce glanced down. He caught Silco's wrist, seeming to surprise the other as he pulled the hair tie off of it. He reached up and Silco scrunched his shoulders up as Jayce ran his hands through his wet hair, pushing it back and carefully pulling his limp bangs out so they would dangle again. He put up the rest of Silco's hair in that ponytail again before managing a smile. Silco seemed to say something and Jayce shook his head, wiping his wet hands on his pants. 

Still nothing. 

He gestured to his ears as he spoke and that only seemed to worry Silco more.

Do we know what that thing is??

Jayce asked his question hurriedly and hoped he hadn't jumbled his word. Silco glanced over at him, a vague pain in his eye as he nodded. Jayce assumed it was directly connected to him in some way. 

Has it been here before?

Silco shook his head at his question, only seeming to slightly upset at it. The floor suddenly gave a rattle beneath him and Silco instantly reached out in order to cling to Jayce with a wide eye. Jayce wasn't sure what he was hearing and he wasn't sure he wanted to, based on how pale Silco was. Jayce paused, feeling a prickling creep up his spine.

Danger.

Danger!

Danger, danger, danger!!

FUCK!!

Jayce grabbed Silco and threw both of them to the left. Heat barely brushed his leg as a blue, concentrated beam of energy suddenly sawed through the floor where they both had just been, dragging along the ceiling before disappearing as the floor gave another rattle. Jayce had his back pressed firmly to the wall, feeling Silco shaking against him. How had he known?? The Arcane?? The flow in his bones was pricking at his fingers like needles. That feeling of danger wasn't gone yet and he quickly yanked his legs back as those gold claws suddenly ripped upwards through the wood, making Silco jerk against Jayce. Silco's heart was erratic, compared to Jayce's steady, but painfully fast thumping. 

The claws rattled the floor, seeming momentarily stuck. Jayce could only stare for a moment. They were stained with a dark red-purple liquid. A lot of it. A chill went down his spine and he could feel it suddenly redirect, moving towards his wrist. The one he'd always worn his Rune on. He spoke again, even though he still couldn't hear himself. 

Let me go, Sil. Don't touch me.

It was more of a warning than it was fright and he felt Silco pull back, the other staring at him in confusion. Jayce's arm was shaking. It felt like there was frostbite on his wrist, causing it to shake. He could see a shape being burned into it, causing his skin to blacken. That translucent webbing that covered the side of Silco's face started to stretch up his arm. Jayce inhaled shakily. That was his Rune. His Rune. 

"Mine was Entropy." 

Entropy. 

Jayce instantly reached out as he assumably whispered, grabbing one of the claws with so much force that he felt the flesh of his palm give way almost instantly. It didn't matter. He felt the floor rattle as the metal of the claw suddenly started to rust, warping out of shape before the rust started to acidify, eating away the metal. The claws suddenly broke free, yanking back down to the floor below. Jayce was shaking, the Rune glowing on his wrist. He jerked back as the other claw seemed to suddenly burst up through the floor, scratching around. It seemed the creature was trying to figure out what had hurt it. Jayce moved forward and used both hands to grab the claws this time. The same rusting acidification started to erupt through the claws and he could see the porcelain plates start to crack as the decay spread to them. The arm yanked back. 

Jayce was breathing heavily as he stared at the hole in the floor. The burning cold on his wrist abruptly stopped and he let out a yelp as his arm gave out. His whole forearm had gone numb and when he pushed himself back up, it hung limply at his side. He took another few shaking breaths before speaking. He wasn't sure how loud he was. 

I think I'm safe to touch no-

He didn't even finish his sentence before Silco was back at his side, his eye wide as he stared at Jayce's wrist. He instantly stretched his hand towards it as the other hand seemed to absentmindedly reach up to his face, as if he were comparing the webbing. Jayce was staring at the hole. The floor wasn't rattling anymore and he pulled forward, looking down through it. His eyes went wide as he saw the acidified carcass of the metal creature. Its eyeholes were dark and empty, already being eaten away. He could see so much dark liquid. Dark red mixed with purple. He began to shake. 

V?? Viktor?? Viktor!!

He had no idea how loud he was, but Silco instantly grabbed his arm. The other had moved up to look through the hole as well. When Viktor came stumbling into view, Jayce felt himself go pale. Both of his arms were torn off at the shoulders, the Hexclaw clicking spastically as it stretched up on his back. His golden eyelights were fizzling as he stared at the decaying beast. They raised to meet Jayce's and Jayce nearly threw himself through the hole, Silco being the only thing keeping him from doing so. Viktor finally collapsed, the dark liquid spreading out in a rapidly widening pool beneath him. The eyelights went dim and Jayce instantly panicked. 

VIKTOR!!

Chapter Text

To say that they were all worried for Viktor would be a massive understatement. The rest of them felt sick. They felt so off that even their Passerbys had noticed. All of them. Jayce had his head buried his hands, sitting at one of the booths before he felt a hand gently nudge his shoulder. He glanced up at the Jayce across from him. This one had been completely calm when he arrived, sporting a dark green shirt and four crystallized fingerprints on his head. A glimmering, pale gold ring behind his head. Pale rings signified that their presence in their timeline was no longer required. Not quite a resident of the Arcane like he was, but now a traveler. He insisted that he'd just gotten separated from his Viktor for the moment and he could go find him on his own. It had not taken him long to notice Jayce's distress and it took even less time for him to assume it was because of a Viktor. "Your Viktor will be alright. It sounds like a mortal injury and you both are beyond that." 

Jayce glanced up at his older self before looking away. "...He isn't my Viktor. We're from different places. We're just friends." It looked like it downright baffled the other Jayce to even hear him say that, the older one staring at him with wide eyes. "I mean it. I know we're supposedly soulmates or whatever it's called, but he isn't my Viktor. Mine didn't..." Jayce trailed off. He wasn't supposed to tell any Passerbys what happened to him. He shook his head and it didn't seem like the older Jayce was going to question him about it. "I-I'm sorry, do you need any food or water? We have guest rooms upstairs if you want to sleep." Jayce offered, finally composing himself with a sigh. The other Jayce's eyes softened and he nodded. 

"A nap would be nice." He admitted. Jayce managed a weakened smile in response before getting up. He led his alternate self over to the stairs. Silco was at the bar with a version of Vander, the bigger man seeming worried as he rubbed his back. Jinx had her face buried in his arms at one of the tables, the Ekko with her having his brow furrowed. He turned and said something to Powder, who gave a weak shrug and a smile. Jayce turned his head away. He led his alternate self to one of the bedrooms upstairs before turning to look down the hall. "You should go see him." The other Jayce's voice made him jump a little and he turned back towards him with wide eyes. "Really. I think I can tell better than anyone when I'm about to hurl from how nervous I am. Go see him." At the Passerby's prompting, Jayce bid him a good rest before turning and moving down the hall. 

Jayce really didn't like how easily the oldest versions of himself seemed to read him. He was still the youngest version of himself to appear within the Hub. At the very least, Silco seemed like he could relate, considering all the versions of him that came here were well in their 40's or 50's. Jayce headed over to Viktor's door. Even though he hadn't received an answer in a couple days, he always made sure to knock anyway before opening it up. He slipped inside and shut the door, turning to look at the bed with sunken shoulders. Wisps of colorful light seemed to spawn from the air itself, stretching down to the half-reformed stumps of Viktor's arms. Jayce had regained his hearing just in time to hear Powder scream at the sight of these things. 

Once they'd gotten over their initial confusion, they'd relaxed once they realized it was the Arcane, replacing Viktor's arms the only way it knew how. Bit by bit. Cell by cell. Muscle by muscle. It was rebuilding everything from scratch. Jayce stared at Viktor quietly as he hugged himself. They'd made sure he had all the most comfortable pillows tucked beneath him and the softest blankets they could find in the building. Viktor had shifted out of his Herald form shortly after the attack, but he also hadn't woken since then. Jayce hesitated before moving forward. He glanced down, seeing the armchair and couch that had been dragged over next to the bed, blankets and pillows scattered on the floor. They'd all been sleeping here in case he woke up. 

Jayce sat on the edge of the bed, rubbing his wrist. Powder had given him a bandanna to cover up his burnt Rune with. He'd found it was prone to activating and affecting things when it was exposed. He'd accidentally sent rot through a couple of tables. For a Rune that was supposed to signify disorder and chaos, it seemed awfully consistent in its tendency to waste things away. Everything he touched while it was active would just decay. Jayce glanced back at Viktor, his shoulders sunken again. "...Another version of me asked if I was worried about you again, V. They all say it's 'always about Viktor' when I look like that. I don't even know what 'that' is." Jayce admitted quietly. He had no idea if Viktor could hear him or not. "...I really hope that doesn't hurt. Jinx and I have been really anxious about it. Silco keeps saying you've had worse just in your lifetime, but... that doesn't mean this isn't... awful." 

He stared down at his covered wrist. "I should've tried this sooner. Maybe you'd at least have one arm." He muttered. "I know you're the strongest here out of us, in terms of the Arcane, but we shouldn't have sent you down alone. Surely the rest of us could have done something." Jayce stared at the ground. "I wish I could help more. But I don't know how to do much of anything. I went deaf when I tried to teleport." He put his head in his hands. "I keep fucking rotting all our tables too. Silco keeps having to fix them." He mumbled into his hands. "I hate experiencing other memories too. Flashes of... other people's nightmares... I see his memories sometimes. Your Jayce. They make me feel sick, V. Maybe there was something good you saw in him that I can't puzzle out. I have never wanted to punch a version of myself in the face so badly. Even the way he spoke to the mage... Ugh. Mama did not raise us to be like that." 

Jayce stopped himself after a moment. "...I'm sorry. I know you loved him. I shouldn't... say things like that about him. It's disrespectful." Jayce admitted, his ears going red. "I just... wish you'd gotten someone better to love." 

"...Like who?" Viktor's soft voice scared him so bad that Jayce's entire body distorted with a gasp. He keeled over for a moment, holding his chest tightly as he swore. His eyes were wide as he turned to look back at the other in shock. 

"Fuck, Viktor, how long have you been awake??" He asked, his hand trembling against his chest. The other's tired, amber eyes met his. 

"I woke this morning. It has been quiet, so I tried to rest again. Until you came in, of course. You seemed like you had a lot on your mind and it seems I was right." Viktor replied softly. "What did you mean by-" 

"Please... don't... ask. I told you that I, uh, I just talk to talk sometimes. Nothing serious. I'm sorry." Jayce managed quickly. He clumsily changed the subject. "H-How do you feel? Do you need anything to eat or drink?" Viktor did seem like he wanted to press Jayce on what he'd been saying before, but he turned his head aside and shook it. "We've all been sleeping in here, waiting for you to get up. It's been a few days and all of the Passerbys, without fail, can tell something is worrying us." Jayce turned his head away. "It's a little embarrassing, honestly." Viktor furrowed his brow before glancing over. 

"Jayce. What memories of his have you seen?" He asked quietly. Jayce's hands curled into his pants and he glanced at Viktor before looking away again. "Jayce." 

"I don't like having his memories, Viktor, so I try not to focus on them." Jayce stated quietly. He closed his eyes with a weak sigh as Viktor spoke again.

"A-Anything, Jayce." He sounded desperate to hear about him again and it made Jayce grimace a little. "Please, I just-" 

"He took you to a gala once. To gather sponsors. He tried to slow dance with you, but he got irritated because you danced 'like you had two left feet', even though you were well into the later stages of your disease. You looked so happy that he didn't say anything." Jayce said, trying to locate a better memory for him. He felt like that Jayce had loved Viktor in some way, but he just couldn't see it. Viktor gave a small laugh and Jayce's eyes weakened as he glanced back at him.

"I kept stepping on his foot. I had difficulty keeping up with his steps due to my brace. I heard him make that annoyed little noise, but yes... He never said a word about it." Viktor sounded fond and Jayce gave a small sigh as he nodded. "Do you know how to dance, Jayce?" Jayce paused and glanced back at him. 

"No, I, uh... that must've been something I learned when I became a Councilor. I guess I never really thought about learning  because I never thought I would be going to galas." Jayce said, shrugging a little. "You have to remember, V. I'm still just a student at this point. You probably know how to dance better than I do." He managed to joke quietly and Viktor chuckled softly. 

"That is quite unfortunate." He replied, closing his eyes again. Jayce scoffed in response. There was a moment of silence before Viktor started to ask something else and Jayce stopped him.

"I'm not some kind of nostalgia bank, Viktor. I would rather not keep bringing up memories that don't belong to me. Especially when it's a version of myself I know I wouldn't like." Jayce muttered the last part and he heard Viktor sigh in defeat. 

"He was not a bad man, Jayce. Just a little protective and a little full of himself." Viktor said quietly. He had his eyes closed when Jayce turned to give him that look of absolute unamusement. "He fought to get my name added to every blueprint. For people to acknowledge me as the co-founder of Hextech. He brought me everywhere so no one could deny that I was his partner. People knew my face. It was on posters." Viktor insisted, still sounding fond. "He did not let me hide myself in the shadows." Even if that was supposed to be good, Jayce didn't like it. He bit back his indignant question of 'so he constantly put you in situations where you were uncomfortable', knowing it would likely upset Viktor. He wasn't sure he wanted to upset the other while his arms were being rebuilt. "I became somebody because of him." 

"You were somebody without him." Jayce instantly stated, looking back at him with a frown. Viktor opened his eyes, raising a brow. 

"I was at a dead end. I had nowhere higher to climb until he came into my life." Viktor said quietly. "I was a nobody, doomed to leave not even a mark. I owe my life to him." 

"That..." Jayce trailed off, his hands tightening in his lap as he swallowed harshly. He didn't care what evidence he had from however many timelines. He refused to believe that was true. He refused to believe it. Viktor was unfathomably intelligent and clever. Surely he could've made a mark without him. And no, if they were partners, they were equal. They were both somebody. They were each other's partners, but the way Viktor always said it made it sound like he was just Jayce's. Just one of them. And based on how that Jayce had handled their physical relationship in the latter years, it seemed like Viktor did just become one of his partners. He bit his tongue before abruptly standing. "I'm going to go let everyone else know you’re awake. I hope you're ready for some noise." Jayce joked softly. He took a step before Viktor spoke again in a slightly desperate tone. 

"Jayce." There it was. That linger on the 'a' again. But it felt sour since Jayce knew what Viktor wanted him to do. "Will you not stay a little longer? I enjoy speaking with you." Jayce stared at the ground. 

"...You enjoy his memory. I would rather you not do it through me. Which, if I recall correctly, is the one thing I asked of you not to do to me." Jayce stated, reminding Viktor in a forcibly polite tone. "I don't like his memories. I don't like him. Please, for the love of the gods, stop asking me to remember him for you." Viktor was silent as he stared up at him. Jayce looked him over, feeling a little defeated. "I kind of thought we were getting somewhere with you seeing me as... me, but it just feels like we're going backwards again." He looked away. "...It always just... feels like we're going backwards." He gave a heavy sigh and smiled. "I'll let the others know you’re awake, alright? They'll be so relieved."

He turned away, moving towards the door. Viktor didn't answer him for a moment until Jayce was already halfway out the door. All he heard was a weak, half-hearted 'okay.'  

Chapter Text

Jayce did not sleep in Viktor's room with everyone else that night. He'd assured Silco that he just needed some time to himself. And he really did. Jayce laid in his bed, staring up at the ceiling. It was one of those rare nights where he felt like he was just sinking. Where the gravity of just how trapped he was crept into his mind and consumed his thoughts. He was stuck here. Forever. With a man who was, allegedly, his soulmate (in all timelines, in all possibilities), yet who only saw him as a way to remember his dead lover. Jayce felt weak. He felt sick. He felt like this was genuinely the cruelest joke someone could've told him. And he'd never gotten to meet his own soulmate. Jayce raised a hand to his head, squeezing his eyes shut. It always hurt when he let those thoughts in the back of his mind finally seep forward. They poisoned him like mercury. 

Jayce was terrified to fall asleep. His sleep had not been dreamless as of late. It was all distorted piles and scraps of memories, from every other Jayce. He saw things he didn't recognize. He saw things he didn't understand. Each morning, he would wake up with a splitting headache and a tearstained face. Even worse, he always woke up exhausted. He always woke up exhausted. Genuinely, it was hell. He blinked as there was a soft knocking at his door. "I'm about to go to sleep, Powder, what is it??" Jayce called out, not wanting to move.

"Viktor really wants to see you, Jayce. He's in tears." Powder's muffled voice drifted through the door. "Did... Did you both fight?"

"...Not exactly. I'm sorry, Powder, but I really... I really just don't want to see him right now." Jayce felt bad saying it, but if Viktor was already crying, he didn't want to go and make it worse by getting upset with him. "Can you guys just...?" 

"Yeah! Yeah, I just wanted to come make sure you were alright. The door will be open to the room, if you happen to change your mind." Powder was heard moving away and Jayce closed his eyes, resting his arm against his forehead. He felt bad. He really did feel bad, but he wasn't sure how else to go about this. Viktor using him to remember his Jayce was... too much. The way he said his name to him, but not for him. Jayce felt like a stand-in. Just a cardboard cutout of what Viktor wanted. He didn't even realize he was crying until his tears hit his lip. He blinked and reached up, wiping his face. 

"...Fuck." He muttered quietly. "What did you see in that guy, V?" He squeezed his eyes shut. Just to see the genuine look of shock on the mage's face when that Jayce had rasped out to just let him go back and clean up the mess that Viktor had made was enough to make Jayce flinch. The sudden light that emitted from his bathroom, of all places, was also enough to make him flinch. There was crashing as someone knocked something over. Jayce instantly shot up as someone appeared in the doorway. It was another Viktor, though his body was vaguely covered in that translucent webbing. His hair was longer, dangling just over his shoulders. He sported the same look as the Commune Viktors that would pass through, but it only took one look at him for Jayce to crack an amused grin. "Hey, I, uh..." He snorted as he got up from the bed. "I take it you might be looking for a Jayce that might he passing through here." 

He leaned around the Viktor and had to suppress another laugh at the bottles all knocked over in the shower, not to mention the downed shower curtain. "...Perhaps. And I would appreciate if you were not to laugh at me." The Viktor stated flatly. 

"You just destroyed my bathroom." Jayce answered, chuckling quietly. That pale gold ring floating behind the Viktor's head really cinched his suspicion. "I'll take you to him. He was going to go out looking for you after he slept a little." 

"Oh, good gods, please tell me you were going to go with him. He would've gotten himself even more lost." The Viktor rolled his eyes as he followed along, though there was affection in his voice. Jayce led him out of his room and down towards the guest bedrooms. He found the door and knocked loudly. 

"Hey, your Vik-" Jayce startled as he heard someone fall off the bed from inside the room, loudly hitting the ground. He stared at the door before looking back at the Viktor. "Two peas in a pod, huh?" Jayce jumped as that Viktor smacked his arm scoldingly, making him laugh. The door was thrown open and the Jayce stumbled as he moved forward, dragging the Viktor into a tight hug. 

"VIK!! Vik, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to let go of you." The Jayce sputtered the apology quickly before he pulled back to look at his Viktor with a grin. His braced leg was awkwardly lifted off the ground and Jayce furrowed his brow. He imagined he must've moved too fast for the leg to keep up with. The Viktor chuckled softly, reached up and cupping the Jayce's bearded jaw before pressing his lips to the crystallized fingerprints along his forehead. The Jayce instantly smiled and pulled the Viktor into a deeper kiss, Jayce turning away politely. 

"I doubt you two will need any help finding your way back into the Arcane, so feel free to stay for a little. You can ask any of us for help." Jayce started to move away and he paused as he heard the Viktor speak curiously. 

"How many others of you are here?" He asked, Jayce turning to look back at them. 

"Oh, uh, not Jayces. I'm the only one that lives here. We have, uh, we have a Jinx, Powder, Silco, and... a Viktor." Jayce hesitated on the last name and his stumble was enough to make the Viktor raise his brow. "Not mine. We're all from different timelines. Silco and I are both the youngest versions we've seen of ourselves." Jayce quickly changed the subject away from Viktor. The Viktor's eyes were looking him over. 

"You did seem quite young. How old are you?" The Viktor asked. The Jayce glanced at him before leaning down and whispering something to the Viktor. "...Ah. I take it we aren't allowed to ask questions about you."

"Nothing regarding a previous life, though nearly every Jayce I've met has been able to, uh..." He gestured to the Jayce. "...piece together what happened." He seemed to catch the Viktor's attention with the bandanna on his wrist and the other man started to reach out to it. "Please don't." Jayce was used to having set certain boundaries with Viktors. He understood and appreciated that they felt comfortable enough to touch him, but that didn't mean he was. However, that guilt still blossomed in his chest when he saw their expressions. Hurt, confusion, downright shock. All of them had expressed similar reactions when Jayce had asked them not to touch him. None of them looked like they could even believe that Jayce was refusing their touch. Even now, the Viktor looked taken back before slowly retracting his hand. 

The Jayce seemed to notice and reached up, gently intertwining his fingers with the Viktor's. It seemed to relax him and he cast him a grateful glance. He looked back at Jayce and gestured to his wrist. "Your Rune, what is it?" He asked curiously. Jayce paused before glancing to the side. 

"...Entropy." He replied quietly. The Viktor seemed fascinated by that before asking if he could see it. Jayce let out a quiet sigh through his nose before jumping as the Viktor raised his own wrist, a Rune suddenly shimmering into view. Instantly, the Jayce went bright red, reaching out and hiding it with his hand.

"Viktor!" He exclaimed. The Viktor instantly rolled his eyes, wriggling his wrist away. They both had the Desire Rune. 

"It is a powerful Rune, Jayce. It is used for far more than what I have seen your mind come up with." Viktor replied, his voice slightly scolding as the Jayce instantly averted his eyes with completely red ears. Jayce managed a quiet laugh before undoing the bandanna. He showed off the Rune and the Viktor paused, his brow instantly furrowing. "Jayce." He nudged his own Jayce, getting his attention before diverting it to the Rune. 

"Oh, uh..." The Jayce tipped his head. "That's... Where did you hear this was Entropy?" Jayce paused at the question before replying that it had been in his book. Instantly, the Viktor's mouth quirked in slight amusement as he glanced up at his Jayce, whose red face instantly returned. "Oh. I think there was a mix-up. This isn't Entropy. This is Atrophy." The Jayce gestured to the Rune on Jayce's wrist again. "I mean, it's a completely understandable misread-" The Viktor gave a small cough as he turned his head away, the Jayce instantly muttering through his teeth without looking at him. "Shut up." The Viktor broke out into laughter, turning away as he covered his mouth 

Despite having no idea what was going on, Jayce did still smile at the Viktor's laughter. His Viktor never laughed that hard. Jayce stiffened a little. No. Not his Viktor. Jayce quickly shook his head before glancing down at the Rune. Atrophy. "That... explains the behavior. I just assumed any effect it produced would bring disorder and the constant decay was definitely..." Jayce sighed quietly. He raised his hand to his head. "...I can't believe I spent years thinking it was something else. I could've really hurt someone." His voice faltered a little. "I guess it's good I never..." Jayce trailed off and his shoulders sunk. 

The Viktor's wide eyes suggested he'd pieced together what had happened to him without him even finishing his sentence. Jayce shook his head and shot both of them a small smile. "It's good you both know what you’re doing. We usually have to guide people around. At least you guys won't be trouble." He paused. "You know, after Viktor just destroyed my shower curtain." Instantly, the Viktor's face went dark pink and he looked away as the Jayce raised a brow at him.

"M-My landing here was less than ideal." The Viktor said quickly. He shot Jayce a look. "You did not have to say anything." 

"You're right. I didn't." Jayce agreed cheekily, grinning at him. The Viktor scoffed and rolled his eyes. His eyes moved past Jayce and his body froze up. Jayce jumped as he heard Silco's slightly panicked voice. 

"Viktor! Viktor, you have to come back and lay down! You are not done recovering!" He spoke insistently and Jayce turned to look. Silco had his hands on Viktor's shoulders. Viktor had a blanket wrapped around his upper half to hide his arms. There were no wisps and Jayce assumed that him getting up had interrupted the healing process. Viktor looked exhausted and pained before he leaned around Silco. 

"Jayce. Jayce, please, we need to talk." Viktor pleaded quietly. Jayce stared at him before his hands slightly curled into his pants. 

"Viktor, I am not playing more of his memories for you. I'm sorry." Jayce said firmly. Viktor seemed to deflate as he shook his head. Tears came up to his eyes. 

"Th-That's not it. Please. Please, can we speak??" Viktor was practically begging at this point and it dragged at Jayce's chest. Silco sighed and turned to Jayce. 

"I can handle the Passerbys." He offered quietly. Jayce glanced back at the two behind him. The Viktor seemed dismayed by them and Jayce was just staring at Silco, like he couldn't quite believe it was him. 

"Oh, they're travelers, they know what to do." Jayce added to Silco. Silco paused and glanced around him before making a noise of acknowledgment. 

"...Mm, I think I may speak to them anyway." He murmured, making Jayce roll his eyes. Silco glanced up at him. "You should speak to him." Jayce nodded quietly. Silco moved past him and he heard the Jayce ask in blatant disbelief if he was really Silco. 

Jayce moved back to Viktor, sighing through his nose as he led him to his room. He opened the door for him and Viktor moved inside, keeping his head down. Jayce stared at his back before stepping into the room after him and quietly shutting the door. 

Chapter Text

The way Jayce looked at him in such defeat and disappointment made Viktor feel like he was falling apart or he was going to be sick. The moment he heard Jayce shut the door behind him, a choked sob wracked his body. He'd been holding everything in to not cry in front of that many people in the hall. His heart was racing so fast that he genuinely felt like he was dying. He inhaled shakily. "V?" The nickname that usually calmed him was doing next to nothing as Viktor dragged in breath after breath. He really felt like he was going to die. "Oh, gods, Viktor!" Jayce's warm hands settled on his back and shoulder, guiding him over to the bed and sitting him down. Viktor's heart hurt so much. He didn't want Jayce to hate him. He didn't want this Jayce to hate him. 

"I-I'm sorry. I'm sorry, J-Jayce, I'm sorry, I shouldn't h-have asked that of you." Viktor's words were shaking so badly that he was even forcibly using conjunctions to shorten the length of his speech. It all burned in his throat and he squeezed his eyes shut. He felt like he was dying. Viktor finally broke down into quiet sobbing and he felt Jayce's arms wrap around him. Jayce pulled him to his chest and held him there. Viktor couldn't quite grasp why until he heard that gentle thumping. Viktor wanted to hold onto him, but he couldn't. He still had no arms. He could only cry as Jayce held him. He could only cry as he listened to his heartbeat. The longer he cried, the more he panicked. Jayce would push him away soon if he kept going. If he was too annoying. 

Jayce would push him away if he was too annoying. He had to stop. He had to stop. Viktor squeezed his eyes shut, trying to hold in his sobs. He firmly shut his mouth, forcibly choking down the little gasps that tried to escape him. It hurt. It all hurt so much. He just didn't want Jayce to let go of him. He didn't want him to get annoyed by his crying and leave him again. He didn't want that. His chest was shuddering from the effort of holding in his tears and he felt Jayce's hands gently take his shoulders. "V-Viktor?? Viktor, good gods!" Jayce quickly cupped his face and Viktor startled, finally managing to focus on him. Jayce looked panicked, his eyes wide in shock. "Breathe, Viktor, come on!" He refused to open his mouth and he startled as he felt Jayce apply pressure to both sides of his face with his thumbs, pushing his jaw open through the skin of his cheeks. Viktor took in a shaky breath. 

He cried. 

The way he broke down seemed to scare Jayce's hands away. There was nothing for a moment and Viktor could only beat himself up about it. He'd scared him away. He'd probably angered him and now- Jayce's arms suddenly wrapped around him and Viktor's eyes shot open in shock. He was still here?? Jayce was still here?? He didn't understand. He'd been crying for more than a few minutes now. He was far past the point of annoying, how was Jayce still here?? He made a frustrated noise as he tried to stifle himself again. "Viktor! Stop!" Jayce's voice was slightly scolding, but shaky. "Stop doing that! Y-You're going to hyperventilate or you’re going to make yourself choke!" Jayce held his face again and Viktor stared at him through teary eyes. Jayce looked terrified for him and he hugged Viktor back against him again. "Please just keep breathing." It sounded like he was begging him and Viktor didn't really understand. 

He cried for several more minutes, often simmering down just to have the tears choke him back up again. By the time he was finally able to compose himself, he felt so beaten down. He felt bruised, but only on the inside. It hurt his lungs and ribs to breathe normally. His throat hurt. The entire time, Jayce had held him, though he'd occasionally had to force Viktor's jaws back open to keep him breathing, since his nose was too runny to help in that regard. When it finally became silent again, Viktor felt Jayce shift. His hand settled on his back and Viktor couldn't help but flinch. He'd just been the most annoying thing in the world. Jayce was going to leave him there. "Viktor? Do you... need water or anything?" Jayce asked uncertainly. 

Water? Viktor glanced up at him in confusion, trying to wipe his teary eyes against his shoulder. Jayce looked worried as he stared at him. "You just, uh, cried out a lot of your fluids. I think I should get you some water." Jayce gently guided Viktor to the edge of the bed before he got up. He moved into the bathroom and Viktor heard the sound of the sink running. His throat was dry. It did taste very dry. Why was Jayce getting him water?? Viktor glanced up as Jayce came back out of the bathroom and it finally struck him. 

Because this wasn't his Jayce. He wasn't at the lab and this wasn't his Jayce. This young face only stared at him in worry and concern. He came back with a small glass of water. "Here." He raised it to Viktor's lips and Viktor's hesitated before starting to drink it carefully. Jayce was watching intently, seeming focused on raising the glass as slow as he could. When he pulled it back, he set the glass on the nightstand before sitting next to Viktor. Viktor only stared at him. Right. This wasn't his... The moment he'd stepped into the room and the moment he'd heard that door shut... A chill went over his body. 

"I-I'm sorry you had to see that. I do not know what happened to me." Viktor managed quietly. Jayce stared at him. 

"I shut the door and it sent you into such a bad panic attack that you started suffocating." Jayce stated bluntly, though it sounded like he had been shaken by it. Viktor winced a little at the statement, his eyes falling to the ground. "Fuck, Viktor, what did-" Jayce fell quiet and he could only stare at him as too many emotions for Viktor to catch flew through his eyes. Jayce finally turned his head away. "I, uh... Do you feel better?" He asked, his voice having softened. Viktor gave a weak nod. "What did... you want to talk about? Do you remember?" Jayce asked, his own eyes on the floor. 

"I wanted to apologize very deeply for seeing you as a way to experience him again." Viktor said quietly, staring at the ground. His heart was still pounding in terror. "I cannot imagine how used you feel because of me." He scrunched his shoulders up and squeezed his eyes shut, unable to hide himself much more than that with his arms missing. "This kind of situation is so difficult... And I miss him dearly." Good gods, the state of him. His Jayce would laugh and tease him if he saw him so disheveled. Then, once it was the nighttime hours, he would ask if Viktor was okay and bring him a dessert. He would fall asleep with him. It brought a weak smile to his lips. 

"Why??" The utter distaste in Jayce's voice made Viktor jump and look up at him with wide eyes. "Viktor, you can't be serious. You just cried so hard that I had to give you water so you wouldn't dehydrate!" Jayce exclaimed, getting up from the bed. He was staring at him in absolute disbelief and it made Viktor feel stupid. And he hated feeling stupid.  

"You did not have to do anything for me! I can handle myself! It would have passed on its own, as it has many times before. Without you. I am physically almost a decade your senior and a possible century older than you. Do not try to speak to me like I am some child!" Viktor snapped back at him. 

"THEN STOP PLAYING MAKE-BELIEVE!!" Jayce suddenly exploded at him, Viktor jerking back and staring at him in shock. "FUCK!! You just cried for an hour because I shut a fucking door! What the fuck do you mean you 'miss him dearly'?? What the fuck did he do to you?!" Jayce looked distressed as he slid his hand up into his hair, turning away and trying to catch his breath. He squeezed his eyes shut and his hand slid down to pinch the bridge of his nose. He took a few deep breaths before that hand slid down again to cover his mouth. Viktor had completely frozen up, his knees having drawn up to his stomach. He'd pushed himself back a small bit on the bed. Jayce kept his eyes shut. "...I'm sorry. I shouldn't yell at you. I shouldn't do that. I just... don't... get it. I'm just..." He seemed to struggle for a moment. "I'm just frustrated because I don't get it." His shoulders sank. "...I'm really sorry I just yelled at you like that." His voice had weakened to almost a whisper now. 

Jayce hadn't yelled at him since they met and even that one hadn't been as angry. Viktor was shaken. "I-It is a-alright." He managed in a shaky voice. Jayce squeezed his eyes shut and shook his head. 

"It's not. You're scared now." Jayce gave a weak, helpless shrug as he threw his hands to the sides in frustration. He couldn't even seem to look at Viktor. Viktor wanted to protest and say he wasn't, but he didn't even know if he would be able to speak again past his racing heart. He still couldn't quite pull his shoulders from his knees. Jayce inhaled shakily and tears welled in his eyes. "I don't want to be like that to you. I'm sorry." His voice was shrill and whispery, right on the verge of breaking down before he turned away. He moved into the bathroom and shut the door, locking it. There was a thump inside, but nothing else after. Viktor could only assume that Jayce had just dropped straight onto the ground. After another minute or so, he finally stretched out a shaking leg, carefully moving to his feet in a way that wouldn't creak the floorboards. 

Viktor stared at the bathroom door. The hallway wasn't even a thought in his mind as he moved over and shakily settled himself down outside of it. "J-Jayce?" He spoke carefully. When Jayce spoke, it sounded strangled. 

"I-I'm okay. Y-You can go, if you n-need to. I really appreciate th-the apology." Jayce managed. Viktor sat crisscross in front of the door, his brow furrowed. He glanced back. 

"I-I have nowhere I need to be." He replied quietly. He heard the softest hiccup from inside the bathroom and his shoulders sank. Now, he could finally say it since he'd calmed down. "I am not scared of you, Jayce. I promise I am not." He tried to sound as earnest as he could. This Jayce had never done anything to hurt him. The Jayces that Viktor knew wouldn't get so worked up like this, but this Jayce was still too young to handle his emotions properly. He hadn't spent enough time around obnoxious Piltover elites to learn how to do that. "...Jayce, can you open the door?" It was a new question on his tongue. This situation wasn't anything new, but the question certainly was. He wouldn't have dared to try and get closer if his Jayce had been this upset. But he felt like this Jayce may have really needed it. "Please? I am, uh, afraid I cannot do so."

It took a moment before the door clicked open. Viktor shuffled and pushed it open with his foot. Jayce was leaned back against the bathroom cabinets, his face tearstained and his hair an absolute mess. He glanced over at him, seeming like he'd just been sitting in the dark. Viktor shuffled onto his knees before inching over. He settled next to him without a word and Jayce stared at him. Viktor leaned back against him, getting comfortable before closing his eyes. After a moment or two, he could feel the Arcane creeping back towards him. It started to mess with his arms again and he could feel each little piece sparking back to life. Finally, he heard Jayce sigh and felt the other lean his head against the top of his. 

They both sat in silence, save for the soft swishing of the Arcane. 

Chapter Text

Jayce was not as sneaky or graceful as he was probably trying to be. Viktor was instantly stirred awake the moment he felt Jayce pull away. He felt spent. He felt so exhausted that it wasn't even funny and he just kept himself leaned against the bathroom cabinets, not even bothering to open his eyes. There was silence for a moment before Viktor felt Jayce's hands. One slipped beneath his back and the other under his knees. He lifted him and Viktor heard Jayce let out a small exclamation of surprise. "Oh!" He started to move forward. "...I thought you would be heavier." He muttered it under his breath and Viktor wasn't exactly sure how to feel about it. Being carried like this caused such a mix of comfortableness and embarrassment that it made him crinkle his nose a little. "Here." 

Jayce spoke softly as he laid Viktor down on what felt like his bed. It also felt like his arms were back and Viktor weakly wiggled each of his fingers, wanting to make sure they were working properly. He felt Jayce move a pillow under his head before he pulled the blanket over him. Jayce was heard giving a quiet sigh through his nose before starting to move away to where Viktor noticed earlier that a beanbag had manifested in the corner of his room. He finally opened his eyes a little and reached out, snagging Jayce's shirt and making him jump. He turned to look back at Viktor with wide eyes. His hair was still a mess, but he looked much calmer again. He furrowed his brow. "Sorry, I didn't mean to wake you up-" Jayce started to speak, but Viktor interrupted in his quietest voice. 

"Please stay." He said simply. Jayce stared at him for a moment before he gestured to the beanbag and opened his mouth, likely about to explain that he was going over there, but Viktor gave a small yank on his shirt. "Here. In the bed." Jayce paused and he furrowed his brow. He glanced to the side. "Please?" Viktor's voice broke a little and Jayce seemed to stiffen a little. 

"I... don't know if crowding you is really a good idea. You were so stressed out not even two hours ago." Jayce stated worriedly. Viktor still wouldn't let go, but his eyes drifted to the side uncertainly. Jayce reached down to his hand uncertainly and started to undo Viktor's fingers from his shirt. He got them off and ended up just holding Viktor's hand in his own. Viktor's eyes moved back up to him. Jayce seemed to be struggling before his eyes averted. "...Please don't hurt me too much if you start freaking out." He requested. Viktor shook his head. He barely managed to push the blanket off of himself, wanting Jayce to join him beneath them. Jayce gave another quick sigh through his nose. "...Okay, uh, yeah. Sure." He placed Viktor's hand back down before moving around the side of the bed. He climbed into it as his clothes shimmered into sleepwear. Viktor felt a little proud of him for that. 

Jayce slipped under the blanket awkwardly, seeming like he was trying not to pull it off of Viktor. Viktor watched him quietly. When Jayce seemed like he'd gotten comfortable, Viktor watched him quietly. He wanted to try something else he'd never gotten to do, but he felt like he was already toeing a line of what was appropriate and what wasn't. "...Jayce, could we lay a different way?" Viktor spoke hesitantly, wanting to leave any and all options for Jayce to say no. Jayce paused and furrowed his brow. He was lying on his side, facing Viktor. He finally gave a nod and Viktor hesitated. He finally turned so he was facing away from Jayce before inching backwards. 

"O-Oh." Jayce sounded blatantly taken back as Viktor pressed himself back against him. 

"If you do not like it, please just tell me." Viktor pleaded quietly. Jayce fell silent for a moment before stuttering.

"N-No, I, uh... It's alright. I don't mind it as long you don't." Jayce stumbled over his words. His arm moved and hesitantly reached over Viktor, settling on his waist and resting there. Viktor blinked, a faint heat running to his cheeks. It felt... nice to be held like this. So loosely. He always felt fond when the other residents would fall asleep holding him, but with Jayce, it felt nice. Like he was allowed to slip away whenever he wanted. Like Jayce could easily lay his hand back without any kind of struggle once Viktor returned. Viktor buried his face against the pillow. "This is alright...?" Jayce asked hesitantly. 

"Feels nice." Viktor replied in a soft voice. He was already tired again. He could feel the heat of Jayce's chest against his back. He could feel his heartbeat. Viktor's fingers loosely curled into the blankets in front of him. His heart suddenly jumped as he felt Jayce place his chin on top of his head, shuffling so he could keep Viktor tucked against him. Viktor's eyes had shot open again, his face going hot. He felt... safe...? Fuck, he felt safe. The thought struck him so suddenly that it momentarily shocked him. Had he not felt safe until this point?? He didn't understand. His heart was pounding and he furrowed his brow a little. He felt protected. Held. His Jayce had always fought to keep others away from him, so why did Viktor just now feel protected?? Why did he just now feel safe?? Surely he was misremembering something again. He had to be. 

Jayce's other arm stretched out across the bed and Viktor paused. What was that?? A Hexcorized pattern had spread up Jayce's arm, stemming from beneath a bandanna that definitely looked to be one of Powder's. His Rune?? Had Jayce somehow managed to connect to his Rune here? Viktor hesitated before stretching his hand out. He picked at the bandanna quietly before jumping as Jayce quickly pulled his arm away. "I, uh...!" He was quiet for a moment before clearing his throat. "I... I accidentally... misread what Rune I had and the traveler versions of us told me." Jayce admitted quietly. "It's, uh, it's Atrophy, not Entropy. So... it's all decay and, uh, rot." He sounded slightly ashamed about it and Viktor blinked. 

"Many Runes pass through here every hour. Granted, I have never seen Entropy, but I have never heard of Atrophy." Viktor couldn't help the quiet fascination that slipped into his voice. His fingers were still rested against Jayce's arm. "Is that how you saved me?" He felt Jayce pause before the other scoffed. 

"Probably just distracted the damn thing, but yeah." Jayce didn't sound too confident and Viktor sighed.

"It was going to bisect me if its claws hadn't gotten stuck in the ceiling." Viktor replied calmly. Even though he knew Warwick wouldn't have killed him, the fear that had filled his body in that moment had been overwhelming. Because he knew it wouldn't have killed him. Jayce went silent behind him before a soft swear left him. "So, yes, you did save me. Which I... never thanked you for." Jayce sputtered and Viktor's fingers weakly tapped against his arm. "Thank you for saving me from a likely agonizing paralysis. If this was what I had to go through for my arms, I do not even want to imagine..." Viktor trailed off, sighing through his nose. 

"...No problem." Jayce's voice was weak. His arm settled back down and Viktor's slender fingers instantly returned to the bandanna. "V." Jayce spoke a little sharply and Viktor pulled his hand back quickly. There was another moment of silence. "You can look, but just try not to touch it. I think I told you I keep rotting all our tables by accident." Jayce sounded worried. Viktor's fingers stretched back out to the knot, carefully pushing through and undoing it with one hand. "W-Wow, you're good at that." Jayce sounded slightly awed from over Viktor's shoulder. Viktor managed a small chuckle before carefully laying the bandanna out beneath Jayce's wrist. He didn't like how the Rune seemed branded into his skin. But his curiosity overtook his displeasure. It felt like a proper shadowed reflection of a Revival Rune. Rare in itself, and yet somehow, Jayce carried one even rarer. "Careful, V, fuck." Jayce sounded panicked as Viktor slid his fingers just inside the Hexcorized circle that surrounded the Rune. "I don't want it to end up hurting you." 

"My Rune is Control, Jayce. It is often used to neutralize hostile effects." Viktor assured him gently. "Theoretically, I could touch it and be fine-" 

"Please don't." Jayce instantly stated, his voice almost amusingly deadpan. Viktor smiled and he pulled his hand back as warm laughter finally left it. It felt good to laugh. His body relaxed and he heard Jayce scoff. "I'm glad me not wanting to turn you into a skeleton is so funny." 

"As if I am not one already?" Viktor joked lightly, causing a snort to erupt from Jayce. 

"N-No, you're not. And I would rather you not be one." Jayce gently jabbed him in the side, making Viktor yelp and lightly smack his hand. Jayce laughed from behind him as Viktor slightly rolled over to give him a glare. He was much closer to his face than he expected, blinking in surprise. Jayce startled a little too with a sharp inhale. "Oh. Hey." 

"Hello." Viktor responded quietly, his eyes wide and his glare forgotten in an instant. He could only stare for a moment, wondering how many Viktors got to see this sight. How many Viktors got to feel the lips he saw above his head. It ached. Then, the lips spread into a grin and Jayce's laughter rang like bells to him. Viktor smiled in response, his ache dissipating. "Is my face still so amusing to look at, even after you have seen so many iterations of it??" Viktor rolled his eyes as he leaned his head back down. 

"N-No, no, sorry." Jayce chuckled softly. "That, uh, that just startled me so bad that I thought it was funny. You were a lot closer than I thought. You got me really good with that." Viktor scoffed softly. 

"Mm, so it only works when I'm not trying? Noted." Viktor stated flatly, pretending to study his nails as he laid against the pillow. 

"So you've tried scaring me before?? Kind of rude, don't you think?" Jayce teased over his shoulder. Viktor only made a playful noise of acknowledgment. "Alright, I'll get you back for that." 

"Oh, will you?" Viktor questioned, smiling a little. "Because you are the pinnacle of stealth, hm?" 

"Stop." Jayce groaned, seeming to be trying to stop Viktor before he could start on how many tables and chairs he'd seen him walk right into, not to mention doorways when he got too excited. Viktor laughed softly. 

"...I suppose I will spare you the embarrassment." Viktor said, his voice light and casual. 

"Oh, how considerate." Jayce responded flatly. Viktor finally rolled over onto his back so he could look up at Jayce, his eyes scanning him over. 

"Have you not heard? I am so clearly benevolent." He said, smiling. Jayce stared at him with slightly pink ears before letting out the loudest, most dramatic and disbelieving scoff that Viktor had ever heard. He rolled his eyes and rolled his body over with it, sending Viktor into an immediate laughing fit. His sides ached as he laughed, but it was a good ache.

He never thought he'd have a good ache. 

Chapter Text

By the time the others came to find them, Viktor and Jayce had been asleep for a good few hours. Viktor stirred as the bed shifted and he blinked open his eyes. "Good morning, gorgeous. How are we today?" Silco asked with a smile, leaned over Jayce, who was still asleep. Viktor gave a small shrug before yawning. His legs were tangled with Jayce's and they'd both fallen asleep facing each other. "Did you two kiss and make up?" Viktor murmured that they'd made up and Silco's stunned silence was devastating, Viktor's shoulders instantly scrunching up. "Truly??" 

"Silco!" Powder's scolding voice sounded from the doorway. Jinx was peering in behind her curiously. Silco rolled his eyes. 

"Can you blame me?? Look at them!" He exclaimed, gesturing to them and causing Viktor's face to go pink. "Tangled together like pieces of the same string!" Viktor felt his heart sink a little. Except they weren't. They were completely different strings. Viktor finally let go of Jayce's hand. He pushed himself up as carefully as he could, slipping his legs out from Jayce's before teleporting off the bed. "Careful." Silco said gently, steadying him when he wobbled. "Oh dear, Viktor." Viktor's vision fuzzed and he nearly collapsed against Silco. "Jinx." It took a moment before Viktor felt someone else scoop his other arm up and both people started to carefully guide him out of the room. 

"You have fun yesterday?" Viktor asked Silco, vaguely remembering him approaching his and Jayce's traveler counterparts. A smile instantly tugged at Silco's lips and Jinx snorted. 

"The, uh, the Jayce could not keep up, I'm afraid." Silco said, both casually and vaguely. Viktor laughed weakly. "Your counterpart matched me just fine." 

"Of course. As expected." Viktor murmured in quiet amusement. They brought him back to his room and Viktor sighed. "I take it I am being trapped in here until I shower and change?" He asked, raising a brow at them. 

"You got it! You are now a hostage!" Jinx said cheerfully, helping Silco set him on the bed. "And I'm going to wake up Jayce." She sounded devious and Viktor chuckled.

"Do try not to give him a concussion this time. Make sure he's awake before you jump. He seems to recover from those much slower than you." Viktor reminded her, Jinx huffing. 

"Ugh, I knooow! I remember!" She whined. Viktor laughed quietly before Jinx took off. Silco watched her go too, his arms crossed.  His smile faded and he gave a quiet sigh. 

"Your room changed for a little bit while you were in his room. Back to that lab. None of us knew how to leave." Silco said, turning to look at him. "And that only happens when you're in extreme distress, beautiful, did you know that?" Viktor hesitated before glancing up at him. Silco was watching him with a slightly questioning look and Viktor straightened up. 

"I had a panic attack and kept freaking myself out. Jayce held me and stayed with me the whole way through. I..." Viktor mulled over his next words quietly before hugging himself. "I feel safe with him, Silco." He wasn't sure why just saying those words brought such an aching guilt to his chest, but it did. Silco watched him quietly, seeming to be thinking. He finally moved over and settled on the edge of the bed next to him. "I do not mean to imply that I do not feel safe around the rest of you, it is just that, with him, I..." Viktor trailed off, struggling for a moment. "He makes me feel... protected instead of protective. Dare I say, even more than you." He added jokingly. Silco put a hand on his chest like he'd been mortally wounded and Viktor broke out in quiet laughter. Silco scoffed and turned away. 

"Never... in my life..." Silco started dramatically, making Viktor groan and roll his eyes. "...did I think I would suffer a worse betrayal-" 

"Stop, that is not funny." Viktor interrupted, lightly kicking him as he covered his smile with his hand. "Gods, Silco!" 

"If there is anything I have learned here, in my time with you, it is to see the humor in everything. The beauty in everything." Silco added, nudging Viktor with his shoulder. Viktor stared at him before laughing softly. "And the amount of 'beauty' that walks through our doors daily-" 

"Silco!" Viktor instantly scolded, though his smile never left. "You are insatiable!" 

"Mm, yes, quite unfortunate for everyone else." Silco agreed, though he fell quiet to look Viktor over. "...How is it, being in love again?" Viktor paused and his heart ached. "The same person, yet so different? I imagine it's quite jarring." Viktor gave a weak smile as he nodded. 

"It feels terrible, truly." He admitted quietly. "It does not feel real and I am so afraid that it isn't. I am worried that I just miss..." Viktor trailed off, putting his head in his hand. "But you are right. He is different. The same, yet different. He's so emotional, yet not temperamental. He has not learned how to mask yet. And now he won't." Viktor sighed quietly. 

"Well, he is young. And I know better than anyone you have a thing for younger men." He stated, gesturing to himself with a grin. Viktor laughed softly. 

"Of course. Do not tell me you're jealous?" Viktor teased, his hands relaxing out of the sheets. Silco blew his bangs out of his face and made a big show of seeming to think about it. 

"Well, perhaps. But you could make it up to me." He stated suggestively. "You and him. Maybe he'd keep up better if he's young. I have no doubt you could." Silco said, purring like a pleased cat. Viktor tipped his head. 

"Mm, we will see, handsome." Viktor replied vaguely. Silco laughed. He nudged Viktor and he did look a little worried. Viktor silently assured him that he wasn't crossing any lines with a reassuring look. Silco relaxed, turning his head away. Despite their playful flirting, Silco had admitted that he constantly felt as if he were making Viktor uncomfortable, to which Viktor had assured him that he would let him know if he was. So far, he hadn't felt uncomfortable in the slightest. Silco still looked troubled. "What is it?" Viktor softened his voice. 

"It's... alright that I... propositioned the traveler versions of you and Jayce? I realized that I did not ask permission and I apologize." Silco stated, glancing up at him. Viktor chuckled softly. 

"As long as they were okay with you joining their bed, it makes no difference to me. It is rare both from the same timeline appear at once." Viktor mused quietly. Silco did seem more than reassured that he hadn't trespassed on any of the clear boundaries that had been set. "Even if it isn't necessary, I do appreciate that you felt the need to apologize." 

"Of course." Silco glanced up at the door before looking back at him. "Do you think he is interested in you as well?" The question made Viktor tense up a little. That was the thing. He really didn't know. He felt troubled chasing a memory of his own, how did Jayce feel if he were chasing memories that weren't even his? 

"Silco, I truly do not think his affection for me would be anything except coerced by the countless timelines he's bore witness to in his time here." Viktor admitted quietly. 

"Perhaps it's fated!" Silco suggested with a grin. "Think, Viktor. You, who has lost your Jayce. Him, a Jayce who never met his Viktor. Your predestined path is thrown to the wind once you fall into the Arcane." Silco said encouragingly. "Perhaps it has written a new ending for the both of you." 

"But it was me who caused him to fall!" Viktor exclaimed, glancing up at him in worry. "I made that choice!!" A bit of panic flared up in his chest as he buried his head in his hand. 

"...The Arcane accepted his fall though." 

"...What?" Viktor asked, glancing up at him. Silco had turned his head away, a forlorn expression on his face. Viktor felt a weak prickling and he sat up. "Silco?" 

"Have you ever collapsed a timeline by accident?" Silco asked softly, his shoulders tense. "Because you were selfish? Tried to take something that didn't belong to you?" Viktor stared at him before it clicked in his mind and he reached out, quickly placing a hand on Silco's arm and starting to rub comforting circles. Silco let out a weak laugh devoid of any humor. "I... thought I could do the same with him. But the Arcane rejected him. And it tore him apart. Without him, certain catalysts in the time could not happen. Without those... the whole thing collapsed. And I could only watch." Silco glanced up at him. "When you came to us in tears over what you'd done, I was... admittedly so relieved that it hadn't rejected him. That it gave him to you. Let you have him." A tear escaped down Silco's face as his voice became a little strained. "Perhaps you are its favorite." 

"Gods, I hope not." Viktor whispered, pressing his head against Silco's arm as he rubbed his shoulder. "...I am so sorry, Silco." Silco shook his head, wiping his eye.

"It was quite a long time ago. We were still finding our way. It was still just us at that point. Powder hadn't even fallen yet." Silco waved his hand dismissively. "...Will you try to court him?" Viktor paused and his hand slightly tightened on Silco's arm as he glanced to the side uncertainly. 

"I fear it is not smart for me to do that. He has already felt used because of me. I do not want him to think he is just a replacement. Because he is so... very different from him that he couldn't possibly be." Viktor admitted quietly. 

"Mm. Perhaps you should tell him that." Silco suggested gently. Viktor didn't know if he could and he paused as Silco gestured forward. He turned and met Jayce's wide eyes. His whole body froze up. He hadn't even heard the door open. Jayce stumbled forward, looking back uncertainly as Powder and Jinx shoved him into the room. Jinx nodded at him encouragingly.

"Like we talked about. Go." Powder whispered, Viktor just barely catching the words. Jayce still seemed nervous, but he nodded and glanced forward.

"I'll leave you two be." Silco pushed himself up from the bed, giving Viktor's hand an encouraging squeeze before letting go. He moved forward and seemed to glance at Jayce, who couldn't seem to meet his eyes. Silco shut the door and the two were left alone. 

Chapter Text

Viktor didn't recall ever being this afraid of something. Not even from his own Jayce. Not even when the other threatened to leave him. Somehow, this was worse. Somehow, this was so much more terrifying. His fingers curled tightly into the bed as he kept his head down. Luckily, it was Jayce who broke the icy tension first, taking a few steps forward. "Hey, V." He greeted him awkwardly and Viktor paused, his head raising to nervously meet his eyes 

"...Hello, Jayce." He managed softly, his shoulders tense. Jayce slowly settled to the floor in front of him in a crisscross position. "Jayce, you can sit on the bed." 

"It's easier for you to look at me like this, isn't it?" Jayce asked quietly. Viktor knew that he meant it would be harder for Viktor to look away from him. His natural instinct was to avert his gaze to the floor, but it seemed like Jayce had already figured that out. Viktor's hands instantly moved to nervously clasp in his lap. "What you were just talking about with Silco... can you tell me anything about it..?" Jayce asked quietly. He wasn't as calm as he seemed either. Viktor could hear the uncertainty in his voice. He could see the slight dig of Jayce's fingers into the carpet on either side of him. Viktor gave a weak sigh through his nose. 

"I did use you." Viktor finally admitted. "At least, I tried. I was trying to experience him again through you. It was already a little difficult from the start, but as time passed, I realized that, truly, the only thing you two share is a face. Nothing more. You are so strikingly different from him. In words and mannerisms. The way you approach things. Something about you feels... refreshing. New." Viktor admitted softly. "You try so hard to be good to everyone. He never catered to anyone he did not need to. Especially not me." Viktor's hands were tight. "I must... thank you for how patient you have been with me, Jayce. I cannot even begin to imagine how frustrating it must be." Jayce's ears were red as he stared up at him quietly. He finally looked away. 

"...I knew from the start you were using me as a projection. I wanted to show you that I could be more than that. That these actions and experiences with you were my own." Jayce sighed. "I was trying to draw you out of the box you caged yourself in. But every time I managed to pull you out for a little, it just seemed like you would retreat further back inside. Look at me like I was someone else. Treat me like I was someone else." Jayce's shoulders were sunken and his golden-brown eyes moved up to meet Viktor's amber ones. "Do you see me now, Viktor?" Viktor's eyes widened a little. 

He scanned Jayce over quietly. Jayce had a slight look of desperation on his face, and even more obvious tone in his voice. "...I do." Viktor responded softly. "I see you, Jayce." The way Jayce searched his eyes so hopefully was slightly devastating and Viktor felt an ache in his heart that Jayce didn't believe him, accompanied with the understanding of why Jayce wouldn't believe him. It wasn't like Viktor had shown him much proof of that statement before. Jayce seemed to find whatever he was looking for in Viktor's gaze and his shoulders slightly relaxed. "I have been unfair to you and I am sorry." Viktor's voice strained a little. "All of this... Everything I have done... has been so unfair to you." 

"That's... not entirely true." Jayce said after a moment. "I was, uh, inches from hitting pavement. I didn't have any friends. I didn't have any will or drive to continue. I had nothing. Truthfully, I was a little upset with you, but you did... give me another chance. I feel like I'm wanted here." Jayce said quietly, glancing up at him. Viktor could only stare at him for a moment. If only his counterpart had been a little faster, Jayce could've had far more than what they could provide here. Research. Legacy. A place in history. 

"...I wish he could have caught you in time. I wish you could have lived a proper life outside of here. You could've had so much more." Viktor said, squeezing his eyes shut. He blinked as Jayce rested his hand against his calf, looking up at him. 

"I don't think I'd want more now. This is... This is nice. I... I like it here." Jayce stumbled over his words as he tried to explain. "I like all of you guys and I... I like you." Jayce said, glancing to the side. Viktor stared at him quietly, unsure of what he meant. Before he could even try to piece together which version of that word Jayce meant, the other was clumsily continuing. "Y-You've all been nothing but supportive. It's relaxing and it's friendly. Once I, uh, got used to seeing my own face so often, even talking to the Passerbys... I think it's... I think it's nice." Jayce gave a small shrug. "What I'm trying to say is that I don't feel like you burdened me. I think you gave me a chance to live again." 

The words affected Viktor so much more than he thought and he felt tears prick at the corners of his eyes as his hands loosened in his lap. After a moment, he couldn't help but give one soft laugh in order to expel the strain that was building up in his throat. He managed a weakened smile and Jayce seemed disdained. He quickly moved up onto his knees, his hand resting on one of Viktor's. "V? What's wrong?" Jayce sounded like he had a few suspicions on what it was, but he wouldn't say anything. Viktor shook his head, raising a hand to cover his mouth as tears finally ran down his face again. 

"...The guilt I feel has done terrible things to me. I never thought any of it would be relieved." Viktor admitted. He paused, startling a little as Jayce's knuckle brushed over his cheek. The other stared up at him quietly, both of their eyes meeting and making them freeze up. Viktor's hands moved back to his lap and he swallowed quietly. Jayce was so close and Viktor was doing his best to fight every instinct that told him to run. Told him to run away and hide. Jayce furrowed his brow and Viktor saw his adam's apple bob ever so slightly. He started to move up, his hands settling on Viktor's knees. He was leaning down now, hovering his face in front of Viktor's. 

Hissssssss!!

Viktor's body went white-hot and he jerked back, Jayce yelling out a swear as he flinched. It felt like an electrical torrent was ripping through the both of them and Jayce inhaled shakily. "F-FUCK!! Wh-What is-" Jayce jumped as the door to the bedroom slammed open. "Were you guys all just standing outside?!" 

"No!"

"Yes." 

Powder's protest was met with both Jinx and Silco's blunt reply. Silco moved forward, having brought in one of the Bookmarks. Viktor paused and quickly stretched his hands out to take it. Jinx was clinging to Silco's other arm and Powder moved up to hold onto Jayce's. Jayce quickly held her shoulder, his eyes wide as he stared at the Bookmark. He still had yet to figure out how to do that, but also... "Is that... my timeline?? You said mine was grey." Jayce sounded shocked. 

"I-I Bookmarked it to study the events. Without you, it is supposed to continue, since you were slated to die. I just was unsure if taking you away from it before you did had changed anything." Viktor took the spasming, glowing line from Silco's hand as delicately as if he were holding fishing line. The Bookmark continued to spasm and hiss. All of them flinched, Powder heard shrieking as more burning electricity swept through their bodies. Viktor felt tears erupt down his face. Everyone else had the same, even Jayce, who lifted a hand to his eyes in shock. 

"Wh-What is it doing??" He asked in shock. Viktor couldn't even open the timeline to look inside. He watched as a blue glow seemed to move up and down the grey line, like some agitated creature. Viktor glanced up at Silco. Silco moved forward, Jinx still clinging to him. They both would have the strongest Arcane connection since they'd been there the longest. Viktor squeezed his eyes shut as he pushed his finger and thumb directly into the Bookmark, trying to soothe the burning energy with his own. Silco did the same and Viktor heard him shakily inhale through his teeth. It hurt. It fucking hurt. The Bookmark continued to spasm and twitch before the blue glow stopped directly in the middle. It twitched once, twice.

It spit something out. 

It hit the floor. Tink! Viktor could only stare as it bounced before Jayce spoke. "That's one of my crystals!" Tink! It bounced again and there was a crackle. "I-It's not-" 

"It is not fortified." Viktor finished in plain horror as he watched it go back down a third time. 

Tink-

The explosion that followed seemed to rip through the very fabric of the Arcane. Both Silco and Viktor lost hold of the Bookmark, the string being yanked forward. It started to spasm and rip, a blurry hole opening up as everything in Viktor's room started to suck towards it like a black hole, even them. "FUCK!! Guys!" Jayce yelled out to them as Viktor grabbed onto Silco, who had his arm hooked around Jinx. 

"I-It's happening!! Sh-Shit, it's happening!!" Jinx started to scream, already being lifted off the floor. She clung to Silco's arm in panic, already kicking her feet. "W-We're falling out!! WE'RE FALLING OUT!!" 

"R-Remember the plan!! Remember the plan, we must g-gather at the bridge!!" Viktor yelled out, losing his grip on the bed. Jinx, Silco and him were all being dragged forward, sucked into the blurry rip. Viktor managed to look up and see Jayce holding onto Powder with wide eyes as they were dragged behind them. His eyes met Jayce's and they were alight with terror. Viktor's were too and he knew they were both fearfully wondering the same thing. 

If Jayce was going to survive returning. 

Chapter Text

Being in the Arcane and being unable to leave had given them all plenty of time to think. To imagine. To theorize. To plan. Of course, this had been one of their topmost worries.

What if they fell back out??

It was Viktor who had spent the most time studying this, seeing as his timeline had technically 'ended' when he'd fallen. His presence was no longer needed and his physical form was all but destroyed. They'd all been especially worried about what would happen to him. There had been many theories and many hypotheticals, but they had agreed that they would most likely be spit out wherever their timeline counterpart was.

They'd already accepted that, wherever they dropped out, it was going to majorly fuck up that timeline. Perhaps even collapse it. Viktor had presented the best case scenario of the Arcane realizing they were missing and pulling them back to preserve the delicate balance it seemed to favor with all its timelines. The worst case scenario? They would collapse with it, or they would start to fade away. 

Viktor was most at risk. 

Jinx and Silco had intertwined fates in nearly every timeline, so they were likely to end up in the same place. They hadn't been sure about Powder, as her timeline was so different than the structure most of them followed, and all of them had bit their tongue when it came to Jayce, not wanting to even touch on what his outcome likely was. They had not exactly planned to be returning to one of the fallen's timelines. Especially not Jayce's. But, as much as Viktor hated to admit it, a plan was a plan and they had to follow it whether Jayce survived returning or not.

No matter how bad it made his heart hurt.

No matter what, they were going to end up in Piltover or Zaun. If they were seperated, each of them was to get to the Bridge of Progress while trying to cause the least amount of damage or drama possible. Above all else, they had to stick together. They only had each other in an unfamiliar place. No matter how familiar the buildings or the faces.

Wherever they were going to fall out, that world wouldn't belong to them and they had to treat it like a stranger. They had to treat whoever they thought they knew as a stranger. There was no telling what that world would be like to them. Especially not... one in this early of a stage. They'd be returning to the night Viktor and Jayce had met. The night Silco and Vander had said goodbye for the last time. Good fucking gods, it was going to be a mess.

The matter of their physical appearances had to be taken into account as well. Best case scenario, they would retain whatever form they fell out of the Arcane in. Worst case scenario, they would revert to whatever form they'd fallen in to the Arcane with. Powder and Jayce would be the least affected, Powder likely returning to how she'd been dressed up for the Distinguished Innovator's Competition. Jayce would likely return to his Academy uniform. Jinx's hair was going to end up being a nightmare for her, completely unbraided. They had a plan for that too. It was Silco who would have it the worst with a fresh disfigurement pouring blood and stinging with chemicals. 

Then there was Viktor.

What the hell was going to happen to him?? The last physical form he'd had was when Ekko had thrown his creation, his Z-Drive, at his head and blew it open. When his Arcane Herald head had been fractured to reveal nothing but metal bone membrane and glowing gold blood inside. If that was the form he reverted to, he would likely die within minutes. His last literal form was his astral one, with his white hair and silhouetted body. He didn't know what was going to happen to him.

At that moment, they all felt like they'd been pulled into a free fall, yet the complete wrong way. Instead of falling downwards, they were all free falling to the left. Viktor was vaguely aware that he was still holding onto Silco. He hoped that Silco still had Jinx. He feared for Powder and Jayce as well. He didn't want to meet Powder at the bridge, trembling and covered in blood. But... if Jayce survived, what then?? This was his timeline. He would be put back into his timeline and he would be able to continue it. He could leave. He could leave the Arcane. For some reason, the thought hurt him more than the feeling of his ears popping from decompression. 

Viktor crashed into some boxes. It hurt, for sure. He inhaled shakily, squeezing his eyes shut. Admittedly, it had hurt his back more than anything. He barely managed to sit up, his head spinning. He startled as something pale fell into his vision, making him jerk back. Was that...? Viktor reached up a trembling hand to see his hair. It was as long as it had been when he'd become the Herald, but it was now an extremely pale strawberry blond. He was still dressed in the clothes he'd been wearing in the Hub. He could still feel the flow of the Arcane moving through him, though it felt weaker than usual. "And where did you come from, sweet thing??" An unfamiliar and gruff voice spoke and Viktor barely had time to look up before yelping as he was yanked up by his hair, making him flinch. This, along with Jinx's habit to put braids in everything, had been the reason he kept it so short. The man in front of him was a Zaunite and Viktor slowly became aware of his surroundings. 

All of the greasy-looking, fascinated goons on the metal platform had turned to look at him. "Look at that! A pretty bird just fell outta the sky!!" Another Zaunite jeered at him. He was drawing the attention of everyone and there was a strict clanging noise. Viktor's head spun as he tried to focus through the pain. He was in a warehouse. He was inside a warehouse and he could smell fire. Not out of control. Contained. This was... Viktor flinched again. This had to be the industrial area in Zaun. This had to be- He startled as there was a flash of blue and glowing magenta. Viktor was dropped to the ground as Jinx slammed the man to the floor. She was barefoot and dirty, her blue hair splayed everywhere around her in a mess. She wrestled the knife from the man's hand, disappearing and reappearing by Viktor. 

Viktor took the hair tie from her and started to loop her hair into the messiest, largest bun imaginable. It was likely she would have tangles, but she just needed it out of her face and off the ground. Makeup was run down her face from her eyes, but they held no sadness. Only a fearful determination and protectiveness. The people around them suddenly swore and moved back as Viktor smelled something foul. "Ugh." Silco sounded both pained and disgusted as he appeared on his other side. He'd maintained his ponytail and his longer bangs, but his wound was fresh and bloody, not to mention he was soaked. He held out his hand and Jinx passed him the knife. Silco was the one gifted in knife combat. If Jinx wanted to use anything more than her speed, they would have to get her a gun or an explosive.

"Th-This is a really bad time. We have to go." Jinx grabbed Viktor, appearing onto the next ramp with him by using her Shimmer-enhanced speed. Silco hopped over next, following them. "Don't look. Don't look, Silco, don't look." Jinx was whispering, her eyes forcibly fixed forward. "J-Jinx, don't look." She seemed to be warning herself too. Viktor knew where they were and just how dangerous this situation was for the both of them. 

"...Powder?" 

"Fuck." Jinx squeezed her eyes shut, shaking her head. Viktor turned to look at the boy who had spoken. Two boys were knelt next to a man tied to a chair. One chubby kid with goggles and a second boy who resembled a bird. Viktor felt his heart ache. The boy with the goggles spoke next. 

"Y-You're all grown up. Powder??" 

"Keep going. We have to keep going." He told Jinx quickly, Jinx inhaling shakily as she allowed Viktor to move her forward. The thin boy who had spoken first started to move after them, but fell backwards as Silco turned to him with the knife. He wasn't holding it threateningly, but just enough to show that he had it. It was likely Silco's eye injury had scared him more.

"Don't." He warned quickly, the boy backing up. Silco swore weakly as the man in the chair froze up and struggled to tip his head and look at him, the eye on the side of his face beaten and swollen shut. When he saw Silco, his eye went wide and he spoke in a shaky, rasping voice that Viktor could tell shook Silco to his core. 

"Silco...?" 

Before Silco could answer, his voice rang out from elsewhere in the warehouse. "Now how do we have more visitors?? You are interrupting a private party." The older Silco standing above looked them over, the Silco next to Viktor refusing to lift his head and show his face. "I cannot have prying eyes." 

Chapter Text

"HEY!!" The young, yet commanding voice that rang out through the warehouse made a strangled noise escape Jinx as she covered her mouth. Viktor turned to look back at the middle ramp. He had only ever met Vi once and it was long into her adulthood. To see this teenager glaring so ferociously with nothing but junk-crafted mining gauntlets made a chill go down his spine. Vi was glaring up at the Silco, her lip curled. "Focus on me, Scarface. I'm the one causing you problems, aren't I??" Despite his clear overwhelmed state, Silco still managed a weak laugh from next to Viktor. 

"Good gods, ouch." He murmured. Just beyond Vi, Viktor could see that little face peering from a door. Blue eyes. Viktor startled as Jinx suddenly whipped herself back. These boys. Jinx stared at them as if she were seeing ghosts and, knowing her story, she was. Claggor had reached out to take her hand and she had nearly fallen over, Viktor quickly catching her. 

"Don't! Don't touch me! Don't touch me, you'll die. You'll die, don't touch me." Jinx sputtered shakily, making the kids back up in shock. Viktor shushed her gently. He could hear the older Silco talking before there was movement. 

"Go." Vander croaked out the word from the chair as he looked them over. He looked confused, but resigned and defeated. "Go, get out of here." Claggor and Mylo suddenly retreated to hide behind his chair and Jinx had a moment to relax before someone landed on the ramp. The woman froze up as she saw them, seeming shocked silent. 

"...Sevika." Silco managed in a quiet voice. Sevika furrowed her brow, hunching down. Jinx had wiped her eyes and she paused as she saw Sevika. 

"Woah, you still have both arms!" Jinx exclaimed. Sevika stared at her, eyes wide. 

"What??" 

"What?" Jinx echoed before quickly grabbing Viktor's hand. She turned and took off with them, Viktor hearing Silco following behind after what he assumed to be one last shared look with Vander. 

"Don't let them get away!!" The older Silco's powerful voice carried through the warehouse as Jinx led them down a smaller maintenance hallway. She was shaking. They could hear Sevika and a few others giving chase. Jinx couldn't seem to handle running anymore and Silco grabbed the both of them, yanking them to the side into a small supply closet and shutting the door. The only light came from the crack under the door, all of them watching as shadows started to pass by it. 

"I got claim on the pretty pale one!"

"What, I get your sloppy seconds??" 

"I was the one that caught him!"

Viktor could hear several groans and protests. His arms moved up to hug himself and even if they couldn't really see each other, he felt both of the others each put a hand comfortingly on his arm. His body had locked up in slight terror. He swallowed softly and none of them dared to speak until the shadows had long passed and there was no noise in the hallway. "Viktor, I would have cut them from jugular to femur if they laid a single hand on you." Silco quickly assured him. 

"I'll bite their throats out." Jinx managed, finding his arm in the dark and hugging it against herself. "I'll scratch and bite 'em." Her rough voice still sounded strained and Viktor couldn't imagine how shaken she was to see all of her siblings again. Alive.

"Are you both alright??" Viktor blurted out. "Good gods." He reached out, dragging Jinx against his chest and Silco against his side. Both of them were shaking as they buried against him. "Th-This is a terrible time." Jinx hugged Viktor tightly. "W-We cannot allow our presences here to change too much. W-We must leave. Silco, once we are out, we can tend to your wound, alright??" Viktor said worriedly, feeling Silco nod. 

"I-It needs to be cleaned. It burns like you would not believe." Silco managed quietly. "...He probably thought he was hallucinating me, Viktor." 

"Mylo and Claggor recognized me. They never got to see me all grown up, I didn't think they'd know it was me." Jinx mumbled weakly against his chest. Viktor's brow was furrowed. All of their hearts were racing. He had to get them both out of here. This place wasn't healthy for them, especially not Jinx. They had to get out, they had to find Powder, and hopefully Jayce. "You're blond, Viktor." Jinx's words caught him offguard and Viktor blinked before giving a weak laugh. 

"I-I am. Does it look bad?" He asked softly. He was just playing along, knowing that it was just the result of the color being completely drained from his hair. He heard Silco give a soft laugh. 

"No, no, you look beautiful." He murmured. Viktor smiled weakly. "J-Jinx, darling, do you think you can handle leaving now, or do you need another moment?" Silco turned his focus to Jinx. 

"I-I can do it. I can do it." She insisted weakly. Viktor could see the panicked glow of her magenta eyes in the darkness of the closet. "W-We just need to run and I'm fast." 

"But will you be okay?" Viktor asked, rubbing her back. "Can you keep focused?" Jinx hesitated before giving a small nod against him. Silco moved forward, being the only one with a weapon. He pushed open the door and led them out into the hallway. Jinx quickly started to lead them, keeping a tight hold on Viktor's hand as Silco covered them from behind. He had to be careful, still blind on one side. Viktor was keep track of the side he couldn't, while Jinx focused forward. They reached a rotted part of the wall and Jinx slammed herself against it, coughing as rotted sawdust exploded around them. They climbed through the hole and instantly took off down one of the metal ramps. As they ran, Jinx only seemed to become more panicked, turning and looking at the warehouse in shock and confusion. 

"...We fucked something up. We fucked something up, where is the explosion??" Jinx sputtered, staring at the still-standing warehouse. Viktor knew she was right. The explosion that had killed Mylo, Claggor, and eventually Vander should've set off by now. He shook his head. "V-Viktor, we ruined the timeline!" 

"We don't know that!" Silco instantly butted in, his eye wide. "All the timelines are different! We never got to see his to its full extent, we don't know how it'll unfold!" Silco assured Jinx, who looked like she was about to burst into tears again. Her eyes widened and she grabbed them both, dropping down with them as gunfire rang out. Viktor flinched, feeling that aching in his back. Something hurt so badly. He curled his hands into fists and inhaled shakily. Silco seemed to notice, furrowing his brow. "Viktor??" 

"I-I landed on my back. It is fine, we need to get out of here first." Viktor managed in a strained voice. He pushed himself up before they all jerked back as the warehouse doors slammed open. One of goons was taken out by Vander, the larger man heaving in breath as his children supported him. Vi moved to take out the other and Vander raised his gaze to fix on them.

"YOU THREE!!" He roared out. "DON'T MOVE!!" He didn't sound angry, but rather baffled and disoriented. Likely speaking far louder than he meant to. The Powder was hidden behind him. Mylo and Claggor stared at them as Vander started forward. Jinx instantly started to push herself back, panicked breaths escaping her. Silco had frozen up next to him and Viktor swore. He could feel the burning in his bone marrow. The flow of the Arcane hissing beneath his skin. The tips of his hair started to light up as he dragged in breath. He saw the little Powder's eyes widen. Vi's did, as well. 

"Silco. Jinx. Hold onto me." Viktor managed in a strained voice as he pulled all of them to their feet. He squeezed his eyes shut. His body burned and his back hurt. He heard Vander yell out before all sound suddenly cut out into ringing. For a moment, they were all suspended mid-air. No ground beneath their feet, no gravity to pull them down. Viktor could feel Jinx clinging to his back while Silco held his shoulder. Viktor was holding his breath. He started to shake. His lungs were burning. He let out his breath and the ringing stopped, sound suddenly exploding in their ears once more. Viktor collapsed to the floor when they all landed on their feet. He dragged in shaking breath as something wet started running down his face. They'd landed on wood. 

"Viktor!" Jinx sounded panicked as she got up, bare feet heard running across the wood floor before coming back. She held out a washrag to him and he pressed it under his nose. He shakily lifted his head. It somehow looked exactly like their version of The Last Drop, yet also nothing like it at all. It had none of the touches and changes they'd made to it. Nothing that had made it home. Viktor could feel the blood rushing from his nose and threatening to pool in his mouth, keeping his head tipped down. "Wh-What did we do, Viktor??" Viktor felt Jinx partially lay against him and he wrapped an arm around her quickly. 

"W-We discussed this, Jinx. No m-matter how hard we tried, we were going to mess up the timeline wherever we were spat out. B-But Silco was also right earlier. We do not know if the explosion was scripted in this timeline. P-Perhaps the timeline is m-more reflective of Powder's?" Viktor swallowed shakily. "W-We must get to the Bridge. Powder would know to go there." 

"What about Jayce?" Silco asked, looking back at him. Viktor paused and he scrunched his shoulders up a little. "You don't think he-" 

"Silco." It was rare that it was Jinx scolding someone, but she hissed his name in a weak warning. "D-Don't."

"My apologies. You're right, we should go meet them quickly." Silco said, nodding. He offered his hand to Viktor, who took it. Silco pulled him to his feet, Jinx standing as well. She seemed a little too eager to get out of there, relaxing once she was in the street again. Jinx hugged herself and sniffled weakly. They all walked in silence, though Viktor's back was screaming for him to stop. He was finally able to pull the washrag from his nose, staring at the blood-soaked fabric with a stomach-churning sense of déjà vu. It nearly made him sick. When the Bridge of Progress came into sight, the sun was rising. There were no Enforcers at the bridge, likely having been paid off by Silco to ignore the chaos happening down in Zaun. However, there was... Viktor dropped the washrag. 

"Go." Silco pushed him forward quickly and Viktor broke into a stumbling run. 

"JAYCE!!" He yelled out, one of the figures on the bridge instantly turning. Jayce was in his Academy uniform and his eyes widened as he took off towards Viktor. He caught him in a bear hug, Viktor digging his fingers into his shirt. 

"Powder! Powder, come here!" Silco was heard speaking in relief before Powder was heard squeaking as Jinx assumably tackled her in a hug. Jayce pulled back to look Viktor over, seeming speechless at the sight of him. Viktor paused. 

"It... It looks bad?" He asked, much more self-conscious about pale, strawberry blond hair now. Jayce didn't speak, but he shook his head. His ears were red. "J-Jayce, you survived?? You aren't... You are not a stain on the pavement." Viktor's voice became choked. Jayce whispered that he wasn't. 

"P-Powder and I woke up where I would've been. We came here as quickly as we could. We were waiting for a long time and we were going to come search for you." Jayce sputtered softly. Viktor shook his head, giving a weak laugh. 

"That was not the plan." He stated in a weak, playfully scolding tone. He pulled away and went over to Powder, Silco moving over to check on Jayce. "Powder? How do you feel?? Anything out of place?" Viktor asked worriedly. 

"Only my eyeshadow, ugh." Powder joked softly, gesturing up to one of her smeared eyes. "I forgot I was wearing this much makeup when I fell." She laughed quietly. 

"Viktor." Jinx's hushed whisper made him freeze up, glancing over at her. She pointed and Viktor heard it before he saw it. 

The tapping of a cane. 

The soft approaching footsteps of...

Viktor slowly looked over and met his own eyes, his younger self staring at them all with wide eyes. Jayce turned to look back with a smile before it dropped as he saw the Viktor. His Viktor. The Viktor furrowed his brow as he scanned them all over.

"...Am I interrupting?"

Chapter Text

Viktor's apartment was just as embarrassing as he remembered it to be. Small and cramped. On an unaccommodating second floor following a nightmarish staircase. Jayce was the only one who would speak to this Viktor.

His Viktor.

Silco, Powder, and Jinx remained back with Viktor. Once they'd all entered the apartment, the four had taken over the couch in the living room, though Viktor and Silco were electing to sleep against the front of it, while Powder and Jinx laid on top of it. Viktor could still hear Jayce trying to make sense things in the bedroom, the door having been left open. Silco had helped Viktor put his pale hair into a bun. Viktor had been silent ever since he'd seen himself and even now, he was leaned against Silco, the other holding him in a loose hug as Jinx had her hand stretched down for Viktor to loosely hold. Viktor's head was turned away from the bedroom door. 

"Viktor..." Powder sounded worried as she stared at him. Viktor managed the smallest glance up before giving a weakened shrug. Jinx was lying on her stomach on top of Powder. Powder was working on rebraiding all of Jinx's hair. Once they'd all been reunited, there'd been a quick cleanup. Each of them had tended to each other, whether it was cleaning Silco's face wound or fixing up Powder's makeup. Even cleaning Jinx of hers. Viktor went still as the bedroom door opened and he heard footsteps. 

"Hey, is he, uh, awake?" Jayce's voice was soft and Viktor squeezed his eyes shut. 

"I'm afraid not, handsome." Silco answered, relief spreading through Viktor's body as he felt him rub his arm. "I imagine teleporting us without full Arcane access and then coming face-to-face with himself may have exhausted the poor thing." 

"I don't know what to do, Sil. I'm not supposed to be here. None of us are, obviously, but me?? I'm..." Jayce sounded confused. "I'm supposed to be..." 

"Jayce, the second explosion never went off." Jinx mumbled from the couch, instantly diverting the conversation away from the depressing topic. Jayce was heard stiffening before swearing quietly. There was soft tapping. "Mylo, Claggor, and Vander are all still alive. Soooo, I don't... think you’re gonna have a Jinx." 

"W-Well, we don't know if I was even supposed to." Jayce muttered. Silco gave a quiet sigh. "C-Can't you wake V for me?" 

"V?" That accented voice nearly made Viktor flinch again. 

"Oh, uh, that's my nickname for him. I think this is already going to be confusing enough. S-Sorry." Jayce stumbled over his apology to the other Viktor before he was heard pausing. "Listen, I asked if you could stay in the bedroom-" 

"And I told you before that this is my home. Which I am graciously letting you all stay in." The Viktor replied almost immediately. Jayce was heard letting out a heavy sigh through his nose. "Why do we need him awake? He seems exhausted." 

"Oh, uh, he has the strongest Arcane connection. We discussed something ahead of time. In case, uh, something like this happened. Viktor is supposed to listen and see if the Arcane will try to rewrite around me. M-Maybe he can even change it himself." Jayce didn't sound thrilled about that at all. It confused Viktor. If the Arcane did rewrite itself, he would become vital again. He could live again. The timeline would collapse without him. "He can, uh, bend and manipulate it pretty easy." There was a moment of silence and Viktor recognized it as himself being stunned before he heard himself scoff in disbelief.

"What? What is he, some kind of god-"

"NO!!"

Instantly, everyone spoke up as Viktor felt a violent paralysis of terror lock up his limbs. He heard that stunned silence again.

"No! No, no." Silco said quickly, his arms tightening around Viktor. "No, not that word. That word will send him into a panic. Don't." It was true. Viktor was already fighting back the nausea and the terror in his chest. He didn't want to be a god. He didn't want to. He didn't want to. Powder was much more gentle as she spoke, though she was very clearly shaken. 

"He never wants to be called that. It scares him. He... He hasn't had good associations with that. What happened... It was, uh..." Powder gave a small shrug as she glanced to the side. "It was pretty bad." That was the biggest oversimplification any of them had ever heard, but no one was itching to elaborate. 

"I-I'm sorry we ended up taking over your place, by the way. With my apartment blown up and none of them... being from here, we didn't really..." Jayce trailed off. "I know it's a little hard to believe what's happening-" 

"I believe that is me, is it not?" The Viktor asked flatly. "I certainly do not recall having a twin of any kind growing up. Not to mention I watched you drop from the top floor of an apartment building, disappear, then reappear. Unscathed, I might add. With a girl." There had been a subtle tapping and Viktor finally heard Jayce speak in a flustered, weakened voice. 

"R-Right." He managed quietly. The Viktor scoffed before Jinx spoke up, her hand tightening on Viktor's.

"I would back off from him." She stated it suddenly and Viktor had a small, sinking feeling that this Viktor might've been much more bold than he was. There was a moment of silence and Jinx rolled her eyes. "You don't know if getting close to him messes with anything. Nothing's been rewritten yet." She pointed out in her scratchy voice. Viktor heard the other him let out a resigned scoff.

"Mm, I suppose you're right." The Viktor murmured before his cane was heard moving towards the kitchen. Jayce let out a soft breath and Jinx seemed to flash him a smile. Viktor finally gathered the courage and pretended to stir, Silco glancing down at him before letting him go. His eyes had become troubled and he mouthed his name as his shoulders sunk. They were the oldest of them. They could feel the Arcane starting to wobble. Silco gave him a sympathetic look as he whispered that he was sorry, Viktor already fighting to keep himself composed.

"V!! H-Hey." Jayce knelt down instantly, his eyes wide. He offered his hand and Viktor found himself reaching out to take it, Jayce giving his hand a squeeze. He clearly didn't feel it. "How do you feel?" Viktor gave him a tired, but flat look and Jayce smiled in response. "I'm sure. I do need to talk to you, though." He glanced back at the Viktor, who'd poured himself what appeared to be a glass of rum. "You mind if we, uh..." He gestured to the bedroom and the Viktor took a sip of his glass with a nod, gesturing to it as well. Viktor managed to push himself up and followed Jayce to the bedroom, slipping inside and watching him shut the door. Jayce finally turned to him, his hand covering the bottom half of his face and Viktor watched as all the stress he'd been hiding suddenly appeared on his face. "Viktor, what do we do??" 

"...I am afraid it is the rest of us who must decide what to do, Jayce." Viktor replied quietly. That sinking feeling hadn't left him and he long knew why. He squeezed his eyes shut as he felt it creeping up. 

Hisssssssss

Viktor heard the world fizzle and click around him. When it stopped, there was a moment of silence and he heard Jayce speak in a horrified tone. "V." Jayce's voice was absolutely breathless in horror. Viktor had never been more devastated in his life. Especially knowing that Jayce wouldn't react to this well. "I-I don't feel the charge anymore-" 

"It has reinstated you." Viktor replied softly, his eyes finally raising to meet Jayce's. "Rewritten your timeline." He gave a small smile, hoping it didn't give anything he was feeling away. "It will be difficult for you to readjust-" 

"Viktor-"

"But you get a chance to live again. Discover Hextech and change the world-" 

"V." 

"A-And perhaps, when all is said and done, if your timeline goes well and you reach the end." Viktor kept speaking, despite Jayce's desperate interjections. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, trying to keep his smile. "Perhaps o-once your presence is finished in your timeline, the Arcane will allow us to meet again." 

"No!" Jayce grabbed his shoulders, making Viktor flinch. He kept his eyes squeezed shut, feeling the tears threatening to spill over. "N-No, V. No, I've already seen the end, why would I-" 

"This timeline will collapse without you. Everyone. Everything. It will cease to exist." Viktor told him softly, opening his eyes and raising them to meet his. Jayce stared at him in shock. His hands shook as he pulled them back. He hugged himself and looked back at the door. 

"Then that's it...? My... My home with you guys?" Jayce asked quietly, his voice trembling. To hear Jayce call the Hub 'home' stung more than any bullet and Viktor's eyes averted to the ground before he managed a small nod. 

"Yes." He said softly. "That is it." 

Chapter Text

When they both came back out, the Viktor was showing off his cane to Powder and Jinx, who seemed fascinated by it. "You carved that?" Powder asked curiously. The Viktor chuckled quietly and nodded. Jayce scanned him over quietly, so unused to this man.

"I did not have much to do in the Undercity growing up." Viktor seemed to pause at his counterpart's statement. Jayce assumed that meant there was some kind of discrepancy there. "I took on woodwork and I became quite good at it. I'm sure if I had remained in the fissures, I could have made good money. Unfortunately, that was not my dream." The Viktor said, giving a small shrug. His hands tightened on his cane. "But it was also not my dream to just be an assistant." Jayce felt an ache of nostalgia. He remembered those words well from countless other memories. That night. Silco seemed to notice the both of them and his shoulders sank as he moved over to them. 

"...I'm so sorry, you two." Silco sounded devastated for them. Viktor moved forward and hugged him. Silco held him with one arm, while stretching out his other one so Jayce could hold his hand. "I know there was affecti-" 

"Sil." Jayce's voice was strained as he spoke in a slightly scolding tone. "Please." Silco apologized in a very soft tone, resting his head against Viktor's. 

"The girls tell me the timeline has rewritten." Viktor's other self spoke, seeming to make Viktor flinch. "Is this true?" 

"It is true. The timeline will continue forward like the others." Viktor replied, pulling back from Silco and facing his other self. He moved forward to Powder and Jinx, stopping only for a moment next to his other self. "He is yours." He stated ever so quietly. The other Viktor seemed surprised by that before glancing over at Jayce. The edge of his lip quirked a little, the expression vague for now. 

"...Mm." He made a small noise of acknowledgment as Viktor continued forward, both girls instantly moving their legs so he could sit down. Jayce wanted to say something. Anything. No. No, he wasn't his. This didn't feel like... his Viktor. This didn't feel like his home. He missed the charge in his bones and he wanted to go back to the Hub. He wanted to go back to The Last Drop. He wanted to go home.

This couldn't be it. "We cannot stay here." Jayce instantly glanced up at Viktor's voice, his eyes wide. "Silco, your counterpart has seen us. This Vander has seen you. You said it yourself, based on your other memories-" 

"We have eyes everywhere, yes." Silco gave a quiet sigh through his nose. "They would have found us. They would've followed us." He gave Jayce a resigned, small smile before turning and moving back to the three others on the couch. "We wouldn't want to endanger the two of you." 

"Y-You're just going to leave??" Jayce blurted out, staring at them in shock. Viktor couldn't look him in the eyes and both Powder and Jinx seemed unwilling to answer him. "You're all just... going to... leave me?" His voice broke a little. 

"Your place is here, Jayce. The Arcane rewrote your timeline for you." Viktor answered, glancing up at him. Jayce could only stare and he knew it was wrong to say, which was why the words were trapped on the tip of his tongue, but... What if... What if he didn't care that the Arcane had written him back in?? What if he just let the timeline...? Jayce's hands were shaking at how freakishly selfish the thought was. The tears were running down his face before he could stop them. When this Viktor had handed him his journal and his bracelet, he didn't even know what to do. He'd already seen the culmination of his research. He'd seen the peaks and he'd seen the tragedy. He'd already seen every stage of Hextech through parallel memories, why would he need to again?? Especially with a Rune like his?

Jayce glanced down at the Atrophy Rune uncertainly. "V? Can I talk to you again then?" He managed in a quiet voice. Viktor glanced up at him in slight surprise. He hesitated before standing and making his way over. The Viktor was watching him, looking torn between awe and jealousy as he held his cane tighter. Jayce glanced over at him apologetically and the Viktor waved them dismissively towards the bedroom again. "Sorry, I know we just came out of here." 

"It is alright. I imagine you have some things you wish to say before I go." Viktor said quietly, still facing away from him as he moved into the bedroom. Jayce shut the door behind them, tears still running down his face.

"Yeah, maybe a few things." His voice became a little strangled before he reached out and pulled Viktor back gently. He turned him around and leaned down, pressing their lips together. Viktor's whole body jumped like he'd been shocked with a live wire. Jayce hoped he wasn't overstepping, his ears having completely flushed as he slid his hand up to hold the back of Viktor's neck. He hesitantly nipped at Viktor's lips, praying to be let further. Viktor's hands seemed to find his shoulders and Jayce was prepared to be shoved away, but instead, Viktor's fingers curled into his vest. He opened his mouth for him and Jayce eagerly deepened the kiss. 

"M-Mm." Viktor practically melted in his hands and slumped against him. Jayce could taste the sparks of the Arcane on his tongue and when he finally pulled back, he could hear that faint crackling and popping in their mouths. Viktor's face had flushed a dark pink and he'd held a hand up to his mouth, turning his head away to the side. He squeezed his eyes shut and Jayce felt his heart sink as Viktor let out that first muted sob. Panic flared in his chest and his eyes widened. Fuck, what had he done?? Had he been wrong about this situation the whole time?? "I-I'm sorry! I'm so sorry, I d-didn't mean to up-"  

"Please do it again." Viktor's voice was weak and Jayce stared at him for a moment. His body moved before he could catch up and he pulled Viktor in by the waist before pressing their lips together again, Viktor's arms sliding up around his neck. Jayce felt so warm and he didn't want to ever pull away, but he finally did. They were both out of breath now and Jayce leaned down, pressing their foreheads together firmly as he closed his eyes. "I'm sorry, Jayce. I... I was still so... stuck in the past. And now I have lost you too." Viktor sounded miserable as he spoke. Jayce frowned, but he didn't say anything. He finally opened his eyes again to meet Viktor's. 

"Will you keep watch over me? Will you wait for me?" Jayce asked, his questions desperate. He hated how desperate he sounded, but he knew they would be able to Bookmark the timeline again. Viktor nodded quietly. "Fuck, Viktor, I don't... I didn't want to have to learn about you all over again. I didn't want to have to meet you again." Jayce felt broken as he spoke, Viktor staring at him. His gaze was painful, understanding, and resigned. Yet there was so much adoration in those eyes that it made Jayce wanted to break down. Jayce stared at him. "...Will I forget you??" He finally spoke about the thing he'd been worried about the most. "Please tell me I won't forget all of you. Pl-Please tell me I won't forget you." 

Silence.

Silence.

Jayce's heart felt like it had shattered into a million pieces and he squeezed his eyes shut. "The timeline cannot continue like it is supposed to if one already knows all its workings, Jayce." Viktor said softly, his shoulders sunken. "It will repress your memories until you reach the end. If you happen to do so." Viktor had his hands clasped in front of himself. Jayce stared at him before squeezing his tearful eyes shut and turning his head away. "I know, Jayce." Viktor inhaled shakily. "It will happen gradually. Inevitably." No. No. Jayce finally covered his mouth and his own weakened hiccup escaped him. Viktor fell silent with dismay before moving forward and hugging him. Jayce accepted it desperately, nuzzling into the side of his neck. He didn't want this. He didn't want to be back. That Viktor out there wasn't his Viktor. This place wasn't his home. It wasn't supposed to be. 

"Please don't go, V." Jayce whispered against his pale skin, his voice broken and shaky. Viktor shook his head. 

"I have to." He whispered softly. "I'm sorry, Jayce." 

Chapter Text

Viktor waited in the doorway of the apartment building for the others to catch up. They'd bid the Viktor and Jayce farewell, all of them having been certain to squish Jayce as much as they could in a hug.  However, even with everyone being outside now, Viktor squeezed his eyes shut as he heard it. The rushed footsteps. He couldn't even turn to look at him, keeping his hood pulled up. He and Silco were the only two that needed hoods, considering they would be recognized. Viktor finally managed a glance back. Jayce stood at the bottom of the stairs in the apartment lobby, his shoulders sunken. Jinx and Powder had already slipped outside. Silco's hand was felt on Viktor's shoulder, giving it a squeeze. Jayce looked like he wanted to say something. Anything. But he didn't. He only seemed to watch them and Viktor gave the weakest smile before turning away and allowing Silco to lead him outside. The door shut behind them and it only took a second before the first shaky hiccup left Viktor's throat. 

"Oh, beautiful..." Silco sounded distressed as the other three around Viktor instantly moved to comfort him in one big hug. The moment Viktor felt hidden enough, he finally started to cry, burying his face in his hands. It took him a good few minutes to stop and he hiccuped shakily. Viktor shook his head before wordlessly gesturing forward. "Are you sure?" Viktor nodded in response to the worried question. Both Jinx and Powder finally let him go, the group moving off in the direction he'd chosen. They made it about a block before they were stopped. 

"Awfully late for a group to be wandering around, don't you think?" The Enforcer shone his flashlight over them. Jinx winced away from it. "Got some concerned calls that a group of trenchers were wandering around Piltover." 

"I am afraid everyone seemed quite asleep to me." Viktor replied firmly, pulling his hood back. As unfortunate as it was, the Enforcers would always recognize him as Professor Heimerdinger's assistant. The Enforcer's suspicious gaze instantly became one of exasperation and annoyance. When he spoke again, it was completely flat and borderline sarcastic. 

"Ah. Viktor. My apologies, sir." He didn't sound sorry at all and Viktor let out a heavy sigh through his nose. "I didn't recognize you with the change in hairstyle." 

"Yes, ideally, that was the point." Viktor responded. "These folks were helping me with a thesis about the air quality of Zaun. It was my intention to escort them back, in case a situation happened to arise. And it appears my intuition was correct about that." He managed to sound as unamused as possible. The Enforcer's lip slightly curled and he was clearly looking for an explanation. "The twins live higher in Zaun, while my friend here lives deep in the fissure. His face has been marred by the chemicals present there and, no, I will not have him embarrassed." Viktor shot the Enforcer a firm glare. The Enforcer opened his mouth and Viktor had heard the question came after so many times, that he responded before the Enforcer could even ask. "I do hope you are not about to ask me if my own mentor approved my study." The Enforcer shut his mouth. "Goodnight, sir." 

"...Goodnight." The Enforcer grumbled, Viktor reaching out and guiding everyone past him. He was making a show of using Silco to aid with his false limp. The moment they were out of view, Viktor let out the heavy breath he'd been holding. Silco laughed next to him. 

"You are quite attractive when you rebel against authority like that, you know." Silco commented with a grin, making Viktor laugh weakly as well. 

"I forgot you have teeth!" Jinx turned and made a dramatic biting motion. "You’re usually so nice to everyone that I forgot you can be a little more snappy!" Powder even gave a quiet giggle. They all jumped as Silco gave a small swear, reaching up and delicately touching at his face. Viktor stopped and reached up, pushing his hood back enough to look at the plaster. They'd gotten it from his other self, usually used to hold a heating pad in place against his lower back. Viktor's shoulders sank as he saw the dark spot already starting to form. 

"The blood has not coagulated and it is infected. I think the chemicals from the river are keeping the blood from clotting. There must've been an excess amount of toxin in your river." Viktor sounded dismayed. "Silco, I may have to Hexcorize the side of your face. Is that alright?" He asked worriedly, his fingers already slightly hovering above the damaged skin. 

"Out of the street, preferably." Silco managed in a weakened voice, though he still tried for a smile. Viktor nodded, quickly taking his hand and pulling him off to the side. Jinx had grabbed his other hand, Powder taking hers as they moved in a line towards an alleyway. Ducking inside, Viktor lowered them and had Silco sit back against the wall, reaching out and pushing his hood back. He reached out to the plaster. 

"Deep breath." Viktor warned gently. 

"Oh, fuck." Silco muttered. He took a deep breath and Viktor ripped the plaster off. "Fuck!!" The way he still managed to keep it at a furious whisper was impressive. His wound was leaking darkened liquid and Viktor swore softly. It smelled as well. "Ugh." Silco wrinkled his nose. "Please hurry, beautiful, that is rank." He sounded disgusted. Viktor nodded. Powder had covered her nose and Jinx could only stare in dismay. "And it hurts." His voice strained. 

"I have you." Viktor said quickly in a hushed voice. "Powder, Jinx." Each of them moved to Silco's side, taking his hands. Silco was already controlling his breathing. "Good, you will be okay." Viktor knelt in front of him and his fingertips lit up. He pressed them to his face and Silco's other eye widened as gold, glowing lines started to crack his face. His mouth opened and his leg thrashed as the girls held his arms. Jinx instantly put her hand over his mouth, tears in her eyes as Silco let out a muffled scream. That translucent, colorful webbing started to stretch across his face. It was sealing up his skin. When it ended, Viktor pulled his fingers back. He'd firmly rejected any attempted connection into Silco's mind. He'd left crystallized fingerprints on his cheek and Silco squeezed his eye shut, sizzling still heard as Jinx pulled her shaking hand away. "Breathe." Viktor gently rubbed Silco's shoulders as he tipped his head back, dragging in breaths. Tears ran down his face. 

"Are you guys done?" That voice made all of them freeze up and Viktor quickly reached out, dragging Powder against him and hiding her. Her fingers were already tightly curled into his shirt as she whispered small swears, tears in her eyes. Viktor turned to look at the front of the alleyway, seeing the young Vi blocking it with her junk-crafted mining gauntlets. Her eyes were harsh and sharp. Cold for a teenager. 

"We actually need a few minutes. Could you come back later?" Silco asked flatly, already holding Jinx against his side. Vi scoffed. 

"Fucking comedian." She muttered. Mylo and Claggor hopped down from the roof on the other side of the alleyway. Mylo's hands were shaking on the gun of an Enforcer and Claggor held a pipe. Viktor glanced between them. 

"I doubt the Hound of the Underground would have sent children to apprehend us. Does Vander know you all are here?" Viktor asked flatly. "This isn't-" 

"Shut up. You're not asking questions." Vi said firmly. 

"You are incredibly rude. Honey, this man is a mage. You think your junk gauntlets will stop him?" Silco asked, raising a brow as he turned his head so his good eye could narrow at her. Vi scoffed, muttering that it didn't matter. "I would say that quite does." Silco turned to face her with a furrowed brow. "I know neither Vander nor Felicia would have raised you to be so reckless. You are smarter than this, Violet." Viktor reached out to Silco gently, gesturing for him to calm. Silco scoffed and shook his head. Jinx had raised her head to look at Mylo and Claggor, who met her eyes in shock. They were looking at Powder too, though she refused to unbury herself from Viktor. Viktor knew that she would fall apart the moment she saw Vi. Vi had fallen silent from Silco's scolding, seeming shellshocked for a moment. 

She finally broke into a furious glare, her voice shaking. "Vander wants to see you. And he wants to see her." Vi gestured to Jinx, who froze up. Jinx finally turned back to look at her, her braid laid along the ground behind her. Vi froze up as she took in Jinx's face. "You..." Jinx got up and started towards her. "Hey! Hey, g-get back!" Vi snapped, instantly dropping into a fighting stance. Jinx seemed unbothered by it. Vi threw a punch and Jinx's form fizzled as she stepped to the side and hugged Vi, shocking the teen. "Wha- Get off of me, you fucking weirdo!"

"I didn't know you swore this much when Vander wasn't looking." Jinx said in her weakened, scratchy voice. Vi's eyes were wide in shock. Jinx pulled back and Vi could only stare up at her as Jinx gave a raspy giggle, putting her hand out to display their height difference. "This is the only time I get to be taller than you." 

"Powder?" Vi asked after a moment, staring up at her. Jinx hummed and gave a small shrug as she backed up, shaking her head. 

"Not anymore. It's Jinx now." She spun her hand as she gave a dramatic bow. Vi stared at her, clearly overwhelmed, but trying to hide it. She gestured towards Viktor. 

"Wh-Who's that??" She asked, Viktor having a feeling she wasn't talking about him. Mylo spoke up, seeming shaken. 

"V-Vi, I think there are two Powders." He managed in a confused, hopeless tone. Vi's eyes widened. 

"Viktor, darling." Viktor glanced over at Silco as he spoke. "Should we just entertain them and go? We've really messed this one up this time." He gave a heavy sigh. 

"Will you three be okay?" Viktor asked quickly, looking between them. Jinx gave a weak laugh, shrugging a little. Powder said nothing, but offered her own helpless shrug. 

"What else are we to do? Wait until my counterpart finds us?" Silco pointed out gently. Viktor paused before turning his head away and nodding. 

"I suppose." He stated, finally resigning himself to another bad decision. He helped Powder to her feet, Jinx doing the same with Silco. 

"You guys know The Last Drop?" Vi asked, clearly trying to keep a professional, yet threatening tone despite the fact that she was clearly overwhelmed and scared out of her mind. Viktor heard Jinx let out a loud snort and he couldn't help the weak laugh that left him. 

"Very familiar with it, yes." 

Chapter Text

If only things could be that simple. They all knew there was a problem the moment they crossed into Zaun, Viktor furrowing his brow. He had lent his cloak to Powder, knowing the girl didn't want to be seen by, nor see any of her siblings. Especially not Vi. Jinx had started to speed up just a little bit, Silco's hand loosely hooked around Viktor's arm. The closer they got to The Last Drop, the louder it became. That gurgling and that roaring. Those garbled words and sputtering breathing. The furious slamming of a hulking body throwing itself against doors. Right. One of the very reasons Powder would have set off the explosive in that warehouse in the first place. Vi, Mylo, and Claggor were all panicked as they rushed forward, emerging into the plaza that held The Last Drop. Viktor soon followed and he sighed through his nose. Three of them had never met this one, but they knew his name well if the nightmares Jinx woke screaming from were any indication. 

Deckard.

The mutated man, with his Shimmer-pulsed veins, was attacking the doors to The Last Drop. Something had to be holding them from inside or they would have gave in by now. Vi was panicking and she turned to Viktor with wide eyes. "You!! C-Can't you fuckin' do something?? You’re a mage, aren't you?!" She demanded in panic. Viktor paused. He shared a glance with Silco before scoffing softly. 

"Mylo." Silco called out to the terrified boy, making him jump. "Give Jinx your gun." Mylo stared at him and glanced over at Jinx, who was completely frozen as she stared at Deckard. She seemed to snap out of it, but she turned her glowing, unblinking gaze to Mylo and held out her hand. 

"What?! No! Don't give her that!!" Vi instantly snapped. She turned back to Viktor with a glare. 

"My apologies. He is not my monster to kill. I am afraid that, for Jinx, this may be quite personal." Viktor replied. They heard Mylo yelp and they all watched as Jinx moved forward with the gun she'd snatched from him. She let out a low whistle, like she was calling a dog and Deckard snarled as he turned to face her, his body heaving with every breath he took. 

"She's going to die!! Bullets don't do anything!" Vi snapped. Viktor raised a brow at her and called out for the other kids to come back to them. Claggor and Mylo backed up uncertainly as Jinx gave a tiny, delicate little wave to Deckard. She spun the gun along her fingers in her other hand, all of the teens watching. "Woah." Even Vi seemed impressed by her trick. Then, Jinx disappeared. "Wha-" 

Jinx reappeared behind Deckard, landing on his back and grabbing him by what was left of his hair and yanking his head back. Deckard roared and thrashed around, Jinx planting the gun firmly into the side of his neck and firing. Glowing blood erupted from Deckard's mouth, but he didn't seem too dissuaded as he tried to shake Jinx off. Every time he tried to dislodge her by slamming himself back against the wall, Jinx would disappear again. "Wh-What is she doing??" Viktor blinked in surprise, it being the first time Claggor had spoken and the boy was looking up at him nervously, but expectedly. "How is she doing that??" 

"Ah, Jinx has been... altered, so to say. She is fast. So fast she seems to teleport. It is a chemical within her blood." That was the best explanation that Viktor could give them without mentioning that Jinx's body was fully running on Shimmer. "She is quite gifted with firearms and explosives. I do not doubt she will end this within the next minute. She has already damaged most of his major arteries." The last one was the jugular and Viktor wrinkled his nose a little as the blood exploded over Jinx, spattering her face and clothes as she sent the bullet through Deckard's final weak point. Deckard was left choking and Jinx hopped down, watching with a cold expression as the monster of a man collapsed to the ground. He was twitching and gurgling, but she wouldn't spare a bullet to put him out of his misery. Instead, she only watched. 

It haunted Viktor when she looked like that, but he understood. Nothing could've brought Jinx more satisfaction than being able to kill Deckard without killing most of her family. And she'd done it herself. Because she was stronger and faster. No longer the scared little girl she had been. Viktor watched as she cast the gun to the side and he hummed, moving forward. "Wait, what are you doing?? She's..." Vi didn't seem to even know what to say. Viktor reached out and put a hand on Jinx's shoulder. 

"Vindicating enough?" He teased gently. Jinx managed a weak laugh as a smile pulled at her lips. She looked tired, yet pleased. So very pleased. "You did very well, Jinx. He was no match for you." 

"He sure wasn't." Jinx agreed after a moment, a huge grin on her face now. "Shit." Viktor turned to look back at the rest of the ground. Powder was stood next to Silco and all three of the teens were grouped up, Claggor and Mylo slightly behind Vi. "I dreamed of being able to do that, Viktor." Viktor nodded, chuckling softly. He glanced over at the doors, tipping his head. He raised a brow before moving forward. He lifted his hand and gave a few knocks. There was the sound of something scraping before the door was thrown open and Viktor blinked up at Vander, whose chest was heaving. His eye was still swollen shut and he still had bloody wounds and scratched up wrists. Had he been holding the doors by himself?? 

"You. Where did you come from??" Vander's voice was nearly a growl. Viktor paused before starting to answer that Violet had brought them from Piltover and he startled as Vander's whole hand engulfed his shoulder, picking him up and slamming him into the door. "You know damn well that is not what I meant!!" Vander spat at him. Viktor flinched at the man's massive fingers digging into his collarbone. 

"I suppose the temper never got any better, did it?" Silco's voice seemed to make Vander drop Viktor instantly, the larger man turning to look at Silco as he pulled his hood back. Silco looked him over with a quiet sigh. "Good gods, I thought you would be better than to throw around an unarmed civilian again." He stated the word pointedly and Vander's lip seemed to twist in pain. "The children came to fetch us. Rather threateningly, I might add. And I just scolded Violet for being reckless about this, but it seems I misjudged whatever caution you taught her, considering you also just threatened the mage of our little ragtag group." Silco sounded unamused and Vander paused, glancing at Viktor, who held his shoulder. "Viktor, darling, are you alright?" 

"It will likely bruise, but nothing is broken." Viktor replied, inching away from Vander and moving back to Silco. Jinx had returned to Powder. This was not his situation to handle either. Viktor stared back in the direction of Piltover, his shoulders sunken. He just... wanted to go back to him. His hand slid down from his shoulder to his arm, holding it tightly. He just wanted to... know. Of course, Viktor knew it was a bad idea and he knew the effort from it would likely wipe him out. But how was he supposed to know? Jayce had come to them with a black ring. One that had only turned grey upon contact with the magic Viktor himself produced. How was he supposed to know otherwise? He just...

Viktor's hand unhooked from his arm and he kept himself facing away from everyone as he lifted his hand ever so slightly. Runes started to dance along his shaking fingers. It was a bad idea. Truly, it was a bad idea, but he just wanted to know if he would see him again. If, at the end of all things, Jayce would come back to him. Viktor knew it was a foolish thought. Jayce would long be attached to his own Viktor by then. His proper one. His Viktor. Not him, but the Viktor he was meant to be with. 

Not him. 

The Runes started to swirl faster as Viktor's fingers twitched and tingled. He swallowed quietly. He could already feel the flow of Arcane magic in his body stuttering as it redirected. He squeezed his eyes shut and tried to control his breathing. His hand was becoming so heavy, like he was holding up the weight of a boulder. He felt like it was going to break off his body. Viktor raised it best he could before raising his other hand. He tapped his finger against his heavy palm.

Ding!

The noise mimicked a bell perfectly, but the small shockwave of air that swept out from his hands may have come as a surprise to everyone. Viktor stood there for a moment, completely frozen as his vision blurred. The weight left his hand so fast that his hand almost snapped back to him. He had to move. Why wouldn't he move?? This would only last 30 seconds, but he didn't even know if he could bring himself to turn around. He just wanted to know. He just wanted to know for himself. And for Jayce. "Hey! What did you just do??" Vi's demanding voice made him pause. He only needed to see one of them anyway. Viktor finally gathered the courage to lift his head and look to the side. 

He wished he hadn't. 

His heart fell into his stomach and it felt like it had shattered into a million pieces on its way down. It felt like every piece was jutting inside of him like shard of glass. Vi seemed taken back as the first tears started down Viktor's face. "What is your problem??" She demanded, throwing her hands out to the side in frustration. They couldn't see it. But he could. Viktor couldn't even bring himself to give an answer, let along an excuse. All he could do was stare. 

All he could do was stare and that red, glowing ring behind Vi's head seemed to stare right back. 

Chapter Text

Viktor had stood his ground and he'd made one thing very clear to Vander when the four of them were finally brought inside. There would be no further questions and no further answers until everyone had some time to rest. Vander had seemed less than pleased by this and Vi, even more so, if her silent, yet bristling demeanor was any indication. Viktor did suppose it was rare that Vander had this fierce of an opposition that wasn't actually an enemy, but simply a standoffish stranger. Viktor didn't mean for it to come across as so, and he hated being rude, but everyone had had enough. They all had to rest and they had to recover. They all needed to calm down. Once he'd put his foot down about it, Vander had growled for Mylo and Claggor to escort them to some guest rooms. He had then retreated up the stairs with Vi, similar to a defeated dog going to lick its wounds. Vi had shot Viktor a furious look, clearly resentful that he'd spoken to Vander in such a way. Viktor didn't doubt that little Powder was around somewhere, but he had yet to see her. 

Viktor paused as he felt Silco's hand on his shoulder and the other man sighed, resting his cheek against it. "...I should have assisted you in that conversation." He muttered apologetically. "It would've gone smoother with me." Viktor glanced at him sympathetically. 

"You are still shaking, handsome." Viktor replied quietly, Silco seeming surprised before glancing down at his trembling fingers. His shoulders sank. Seeing Vander unconsciously trying to intimidate Viktor through his size while keeping his voice bordering just below a furious bellow had clearly affected him. Despite possible centuries, it seemed that the fear of Vander from that single moment was still engrained in Silco's bones. Jinx was hugging Powder against her, the other girl still having yet to look up or say anything. Viktor stared at her quietly before sharing a glance with Silco. Jinx seemed to be keeping it together better than expected, but it seemed Powder had shut down completely once she'd heard Vi. Viktor gave a quiet sigh through his nose.

He glanced up at Mylo and Claggor. "Excuse me. Somewhere to rest, please?" He kept his tone polite as both boys' attention jumped to him, their eyes wide. After a moment, Claggor nodded and Mylo soon copied him. 

"Yeah. Yeah, right. Uh..." He turned and moved up the stairs, Claggor following. Viktor glanced back to make sure Jinx was bringing Powder along before moving after the two boys with Silco. When they reached the upstairs hallway, Viktor was momentarily taken back by it. Right. In their version of this place, the hallways stretched out further than what the actual dimensions of the building would be. Here, it... it was normal. Mylo led them to a room and, when he opened the door, both him and Claggor stopped as Silco went in, Jinx following with Powder. "O-oh, are you-" Viktor paused, being the only one left outside with the two. He raised a brow at them. Mylo shut his mouth, clearly seeming nervous about his question now. 

"You all don't want different rooms?" Claggor seemed to cover for him and Viktor's eyes softened on them. 

"No. We all stay together typically. Warmth is a fleeting comfort of ours. We may not even sleep on the bed itself if Jinx wishes to build a fort." Viktor watched Claggor's brows instantly shoot up in interest and Mylo lightly elbowed him. Viktor laughed quietly. "Perhaps if we stay longer and there is much more trust, a collaboration of some kind could be arranged." He suggested gently. "But, for now, I am afraid we are all quite shaken and we need some time to adjust. Thank you for your hospitality." Viktor dipped his head in thanks. "Goodnight." 

"...Goodnight." Both the boys spoke uncertainly, Claggor much softer than Mylo. Viktor turned away and moved into the bedroom, shutting the door behind him. As expected, Jinx was already throwing everything from the bed into a pile on the floor, Silco in the bathroom with Powder as he gently wiped her puffy eyes clean of the ruined makeup. Viktor sighed quietly. As expected, when it came time to rest, they all ended up together in a pile on the floor. Silco was at the bottom, Viktor and Jinx off to the side and Powder laying on top. Even as the time dragged by and Viktor listened as his friends went to sleep one by one... he didn't. 

Viktor couldn't sleep. He sat up from the pile and stared at the window. They were in Zaun, within the fissures, but where The Last Drop was in this world, the moon was perfectly positioned to shine down on it. Viktor could see moonlight. Real moonlight. He hadn't seen it in years. It was absolutely captivating and he wasn't sure how long he'd been staring. His leg twitched. His knee twitched. He had to get up and walk around. Viktor furrowed his brow. He pushed himself to his feet, moving over to the door and slipping out into the quiet hallway. Not a single light on. Not a single other soul awake. Viktor moved forward and inched his way down the stairs. Whenever he was restless, he would just do small laps around the bar. He started to do so, his footsteps soft against the wood. He swallowed quietly. 

He squeezed his eyes shut. They didn't need to be open. He knew his way around the room without knocking anything over. Despite the different arrangement, the path he always followed remained clear. From up above, he heard a shuffling noise. Right. There was supposed to be a balcony overlooking the bar. They'd gotten rid of it in the Hub, on the off-chance Passerbys freaked out when they saw each other. They'd turned it into another wall, which Jinx had painted. He assumed one of the children was watching him do small laps. Viktor felt a prickling on the back of his neck and he stopped in his tracks, looking over at the front doors. Something was happening. 

Viktor altered his steps and made a beeline for the doors. He pushed them open and slipped outside, staring in the direction of Piltover. He couldn't quite make anything out from here, but he could feel it. He could feel it. The Arcane was being pulled towards something. It was twisting and building up. Viktor's hand raised to grip his vest, the other hand gripping his wrist. He kept himself eerily still so he could feel it. It was building up. The Arcane was pulling, every line suddenly being stretched taut and pulling and pulling and pulling until it-

Viktor heard the snap distantly. It was very distant, but he instantly placed one foot behind him to steel himself and it had been for good reason, because the shockwave that swept over him nearly knocked him over. And if that didn't, the smell of thick rust that accompanied it would've. It made his eyes water and he squeezed them shut before he started to cough. He swore he could taste it in his throat. Viktor raised his shaking hand in front of himself, particles of the Arcane dragging towards his palm in order to create a screen. He just wanted to see. He had to know. 

Sure enough, the screen showed Jayce in Heimerdinger's lab, his eyes wide as he held the Viktor tightly against his chest. He looked like he'd been knocked back onto the floor. The Viktor's eyes were huge and he was holding onto Jayce's arms in shock as he sat between his legs, his back pressed to his chest. They were both illuminated by a pale blue light from something in front of them. Enforcers had broken in the door of the lab, Professor Heimerdinger seen with them. Viktor turned the screen to show what they'd made. He furrowed his brow. The glowing piece inside the glass canister seemed to It seemed be rusting the metal being dragged into it. Yet, in doing so, it seemed the rust was being used to power a device next to it. It spiraled upwards in a controlled coil, disappeared into what appeared to be a massive fuse, now alight with a blue glow. An energy source, based in decay. For a moment, Viktor felt a swell of pride so strong that it brought tears to his eyes. 

They had often worried about how Jayce's timeline would've gone with a dangerous Rune like Atrophy. He'd imagined they would only use it for weaponry. But no, Jayce had created something good with it. Viktor gave a weak laugh. He spun the screen and he could see Jayce's huge smile as Mel spoke, seeming to be chiding Professor Heimerdinger about something. The Viktor had rested his cheek against Jayce's arm, seeming a little exhausted from all the excitement. Viktor felt a pain in his heart. Jayce was brilliant. He was so brilliant. He just wished he... was... his. Viktor instantly shut the screen at the thought, his eyes wide and his body going cold. How could he think that?? Nothing could've replaced his Jayce. No matter how difficult their love had been, it had been. His Jayce, first and foremost, would always be the one he'd first looked to in adoration. The night they had solved Hextech, his Jayce had gazed at him with that awe and adoration too. Viktor couldn't remember if he'd ever seen it after that, but that first look would forever linger in his mind and memories. 

Viktor squeezed his eyes shut, his heart racing and his breathing shaky. What was he thinking?? Jayce was back here. Where he belonged. Where he could have a life. Where he could hold that Viktor. His Viktor. The same way Jayce had held him some nights. In warm arms and a comforting grasp. It... Viktor inhaled shakily and the first tear rolled down his cheek. It... hurt. Good gods. He raised a hand to his mouth, covering it. He refused to cry. He refused to start crying like this. Not over something so foolish.

"Sir?" Viktor jumped as he heard a boy's voice. He recognized it and his shoulders sank. Ah, right. Viktor turned to look at the small Ekko, who had his own tearstained face. Viktor wiped his eyes quickly, the boy watching him. Ekko's fingers were stained and he was gripping a bloody pocketwatch. He must've gone back to that thrift shop once Deckard had been done with it. It would alter from Powder's timeline then as well, if Benzo had still died. It really seemed like this was supposed to be a 'Jinx' timeline, but he supposed all plans for that were out the window now because of them. 

"Go inside. Vander is resting, but I am quite sure he'll make an exception for you if you wake him." Viktor told Ekko gently. Ekko seemed confused, but he inched over towards the doors. "I am sorry for your loss." Viktor's voice faltered and he heard Ekko pause. 

"I'm sorry for yours too." The boy replied, making Viktor stiffen. Did he really look that upset that Ekko could only assume that was why he'd been crying? Good gods, he had to get ahold of himself. He heard the door shut as Ekko disappeared into The Last Drop. Viktor remained outside, his arms crossed tightly and his head down. He knew better than to stand outside alone in the dead of night in Zaun. He did. But right then, it really didn't bother him. His Jayce would've thrown a fit. He remembered how angry his Jayce had been when he'd had to come get Viktor from the blockade. Viktor had never seen that level of anger directed towards him. Only ever towards other people on his behalf. Viktor didn't quite remember what Jayce had said to him, but he did recall the nearby Enforcers looking absolutely shellshocked as they watched them. He did recall not being able to sleep that night. Viktor wasn't sure why the words themselves were fuzzy. It must've not been anything worth remembering.

Viktor turned and raised his head to look up at the fissure. There it was. The moonlight stretched down in beautiful rows. Diagonal and shimmering. Viktor felt his shoulders relax as he stared at it. He'd always loved the moon. The sun wasn't his favorite thing. He'd always burned easily from it and it had always hurt his eyes. He'd never cared for the warm tones sunset or sunrise brought, though he did admit they were visually pleasant. He did not like the heat it brought. But he loved the moon. The moon made the sun's heat bearable. Nothing more than a reflection of it with no resulting red skin and no aching eyes. Just a beautiful glow. It brought a weak smile to Viktor's lips. 

"Psst!" Viktor jumped as a girl's voice hissed to him from the door of the bar. He paused as he saw the little Powder. She seemed nervous as she peeked out. "Vander says you gotta come inside. It isn't safe." She said softly. Viktor blinked before nodding, murmuring an apology. He moved over, though he did take note of her wide-eyed staring. He raised a brow. 

"Staring is rude, I am afraid." Viktor stated in a prompting tone. "Is something wrong with me?" The little Powder quickly shook her head. "What is it then?" He grabbed the door and opened it so he could slip inside. 

"...Your hair is really pretty." 

"Ah. Thank you. Yours is pretty as well." 

Chapter Text

When Viktor shut the front doors behind him, he paused as he heard the clinking of a glass and a heavy sigh. Viktor glanced up. Vander had cleaned himself up for the most part, though his eye remained swelled shut and he did sport bandages now. He looked better than he had and he was moving about. He seemed like he was mixing a drink as he stood behind the bar. "Lad, come here, please." He requested quietly. Viktor blinked before moving forward. He tipped his head as he reached the bar, Vander gesturing for him to take a seat. "Any particular poison?" 

"Nothing quick, I am afraid." Viktor answered. "All of my preferences require much sweetness." He settled on one of the stools before glancing up. Three pairs of eyes met him, all jerking back. Ekko, Powder, and Vi had been staring at him. Viktor sighed through his nose. He wiped his face one more time and Vander raised a brow at him. He seemed to be mixing something new and Viktor recognized it as sweetened caramel rum topped with whipped cream and chocolate syrup. Vander was much faster than Silco, Powder, or Jinx at making drinks. 

"You kids better be in your rooms!" Vander called out strictly. Instantly, Viktor heard the rushing of footsteps and the shutting of a door. He released the tension he'd been holding. He hadn't seen children in a very, very long time. They never passed through the Hub. Viktor glanced up as Vander slid the drink over to him. "On the house." The larger man added.

"How generous." Viktor managed a quiet chuckle. "Thank you." Vander nodded and seemed to get to work making a much bigger drink for himself. "...I do not believe any answers I have for you will be ones you understand. Nor ones you want." Viktor said softly, dabbing at the whipped cream with his straw. 

"I have a mage sitting at my bar. I wasn't expecting any straight answers." Vander replied, glancing back at him. "There hasn't been a mage so openly in Piltover or Zaun for as long as I've been alive." Viktor nodded. He finally took a sip of the drink, making a soft noise of appreciation at the smooth taste. He licked the whipped cream from his lip, covering his mouth with his hand while he did so. "You drink like a Piltie, but I have a sneaking suspicion you might not be." 

"Your instincts prove very sharp." Viktor answered. "I am a Zaunite. I moved to Piltover once I became an adult and managed to wiggle my way into the Academy through good marks and impressing the right people." Viktor sighed. "Not through any physical means." He added, Vander holding up a hand to indicate he hadn't assumed that. He had a large mug of beer, though it seemed he was adding some apple juice and cinnamon sugar. "Obviously, I am not a member of the Academy any longer. Those days have long since passed." Viktor murmured. He glanced up. "But you are not interested in me. You are interested in my friends." 

"Clever lad you are." Vander answered, starting to put away his things. "I have an inkling you know which one specifically." Viktor watched him quietly. 

"...It is him. Not from here, as you saw from your own. But the Silco I hold companionship with is made of flesh and bone. He is not a resurrection. Nor is he a construct or an illusion. He is simply a Silco from a different place, at a different time. You must forgive how he reacts to you. He has grown content and he knows forgiveness. It may scare you a little, as I am sure what happened haunts you." Viktor spoke calmly, but he saw Vander's fingers tighten on his mug as the other took a long sip. "He does not hold ill will towards you, but that does not mean he won't react to you if you were to show aggression." 

Vander stared at the bar counter and Viktor couldn't quite distinguish from his face if he understood or not. "...And those girls. They're mine, aren't they?" Viktor paused to take another few sips of his drink, covering his mouth to lick his lips again. 

"...Both are different outcomes for your youngest. They have each lost some number of you from here. Do not expect them to react well." Viktor replied quietly. "The one with the braids goes by Jinx. It would be greatly appreciated if you could address her as such. Being called by her former name sends her into a dangerous spiral." Vander's brows furrowed, but it seemed like he was taking that into account. Viktor paused as Vander spoke again. 

"You and Silco. Are you two...?" He trailed off to take another sip. Viktor could see where the misunderstanding was, but it still made him give a quiet laugh. 

"No, no. Simply affectionate and platonic flirting. We have been around each other the longest." Viktor murmured. He blinked as Vander scoffed, asking if they really hadn't bedded each other. The sudden private question did little to embarrass him and instead, made a grin instantly pull at Viktor's lips, which seemed to surprise Vander. "Oh, don't the gods know that Silco wishes to. But, no, he refuses to bed me alone. The requirement is one of two very specific people." Viktor took another sip. "The ones our hearts belong to." 

"You seem quite open about things, eh? Answering some pretty bold questions from my end." Vander commented. Viktor gave a small breath of amusement through his nose as he nodded. 

"You are not the first one to ask of my relationship with the others. You will not be the last either." Viktor said softly. "We both have people we linger for. They are just not each other." 

"...And who is yours, lad?" Vander's question made Viktor's hand stop, the straw going completely still in the partially sunken drink. Admittedly, this was the longest he'd spoken to a Vander without Silco. They'd never asked him about Jayce. Most of them hadn't lived to see the 'Man of Progress'. 

"...Tonight is the night I would've met him. Another Academy student. A Piltie, of course." He added, giving a small shrug as he studied his glass with false interest. "A handsome young man from a smithing family. Nothing too spectacular joined us. Not like you and Silco with your 'independence for Zaun'. No, I was joined to him by a love of magic and a chance of legacy. Something a little more selfish." Vander was quiet as he leaned against the back of the bar, already partway through his mug. 

"What do you know about Silco and I, hm?" He asked. Viktor blinked, glancing over at him. 

"Everything, Vander." Viktor replied simply, making the man's grip on his mug visibly tighten again. "I have seen worlds upon worlds of your story. There are several alterations and one is never quite the same as the other, but they tend to hit upon the same beats. I have seen where it begins and I have seen where it ends. Your story is one of the most consistent alongside mine and Jayce's." His voice weakened a little at Jayce's name and he took a much larger sip of his drink. Vander had fallen silent. 

"I take it I'm not going to be getting much detail from you about any of this." The larger man stated simply. Viktor shook his head. "Can't even tell me where you four came from?" Viktor shook his head. "Can't even know what happened to you?" Viktor shook his head again. 

"On the off-chance you ever meet me in this world, no. I cannot risk it." Viktor sighed before taking one more finishing sip of his drink and swallowing down the whipped cream. He cleaned his face quietly. "That was quite good, thank you." He set the glass down carefully. "I just ask that you tread carefully around those three. They all know you from a life before. I do not, which is why I can speak to you so calmly." Viktor stated. "I also must request you keep Vi a little more tempered down around the older Powder. I am afraid that... seeing Vi again..." Just the implication he was making was a dangerous amount of information to give. Vander's eye widened and he stared at him. 

"...Oh." He said in a hushed voice. Viktor gave a weakened smile and turned his head away. A long moment of silence stretched between them before Vander spoke again. "How spent are you, lad?" The question made Viktor furrow his brow as he looked back over at him. "I've never seen such tired eyes on a face so young. Old eyes with old memories." Vander gestured to him with an almost empty mug. "You got a sad resignation to you that I've only seen on those who are so old that they have no family left to visit them." Viktor blinked before giving a forced little chuckle. 

"I suppose that example is not too far off." He replied. "I spend my days in nostalgia and mourning when I am not distracted. Remembering how he was with me." Viktor glanced aside. But which one?? He reminisced about his Jayce often, but the one that had been occupying his mind was... Viktor almost had to fight off tears again. His hand curled against the wooden countertop of the bar. 

"Was he good to you?" Vander asked, setting his own empty mug aside. Viktor gave a smile and nodded. The motion was stuttered and Vander's brows raised. They... both had been...? Viktor furrowed his brow and looked away again. Vander's arms had crossed over his chest as he watched him with an unreadable look in his eye. No. No? Yes. No, yes, they'd been... He had been... Viktor stared ahead for a moment before nodding wordlessly again. He didn't know what jumbled words would escape him if he tried to talk. "...Alright. I think we should both be getting back to sleep. Thanks for sharing a drink with me, lad." 

"Thank you for making me one." Viktor replied, smiling weakly. He got up from the stool and moved towards the stairs. He glanced back, watching Vander get to cleaning the bar before disappearing up the steps. He'd been answering his questions fine, why had the last one choked him so badly?? He hugged himself as he emerged into the hall. That mental image of this world's Viktor resting his cheek peacefully against Jayce's bicep as he held onto his forearm was burning in his mind. It did not spark anger or envy, but a deep, sinking feeling. Guilt. Upset. Pain. To see Jayce hold this version of him so warmly. His version of him...

Viktor felt evil. He felt cold and selfish and evil. How could he think so self-centeredly?? That was not his Jayce. That Jayce was not his. No matter how deeply he knew him. No matter that he knew how Jayce only ate each section of a meal one at a time. Vegetables, then meats, then grains. No matter that he knew how Jayce liked fruity drinks and could not handle the sugary drinks that Viktor did. No matter that he knew Jayce still had nightmares of his mother dying in that blizzard. No matter how he knew Jayce would snort if he laughed just hard enough and that he got so embarrassed from it that his neck would tint red. That Jayce preferred playing rock melodies on the guitar as opposed to Silco's simple acoustic ones. That he was really bad at it too. That he preferred to always hold someone else for comfort as opposed to being held. Viktor finally came to a stop in the hall. 

Something dripped down his face, leaving the tiniest dark stain on the wood. They kept coming and Viktor squeezed his eyes shut as the tears fell freely. His heart ached as it raced. "...oh, gods." He finally choked out in a small whisper. He didn't know if he could take it. "Jayce..." His fingers dug into the fabric above his heart as he inhaled shakily. He closed his eyes. 

He spoke to his distant counterpart in a soft voice with pleading words he knew he would never hear. "Please make him happy. Then... maybe I can... forget him." 

Chapter Text

Viktor dreamed that night. He hadn't dreamed in a long time and he couldn't even remember what it was about when he woke up, but he remembered Jayce's voice. He remembered Jayce's voice and waking up in such a blind panic that he'd erupted into his Herald form almost instantly. It looked to be late in the morning and the only one still there was Powder, who was asleep on the bed. Seeing that she'd surprisingly slept through his transformation, Viktor fled to the bathroom and shut the door, having to sit on the floor to fit himself. At least in this form, he wouldn't feel sick from how fast his heart was racing. He had no heartbeat in this form. Viktor held the sides of his split head, his vision blurring. He was trying so desperately to adjust to his head splitting in half while he'd been waking up. He couldn't stop holding his wrists against himself. He was shaking so badly and all he knew was that Jayce had been in his dream. 

He couldn't remember and it terrified him. When he did dream, he was a lucid dreamer. It made sense, seeing as the base Rune of the Hexcore he'd been fused with had been the Control Rune. However, this dream hadn't been in his control. It had been so far from it that he couldn't even remember. Viktor's eyelights twitched around the darkened bathroom, casting an eerie gold glow along the walls. He pressed himself back against the wall with a soft scrabbling. The Hexclaw scratched at the wall above him and Viktor flinched as he heard it splinter into the wood. He inhaled shakily though he had no working mouth with which to do so. His hands raised and he dug his fingers into his hair, his feet scratching along the floor as he tried to get a grip on something. 

Viktor really was just a bug on its back, legs flailing uselessly. 'Displeasing to look at' and 'an ugly kind of terrifying' and 'an insult against life itself'. All of that and more. All of that and more. Viktor could feel the burning tears running from his closed eyes on either side of his split face. He wanted to cry. He wanted to cry, but he couldn't be loud. He couldn't be loud or they would see him. They would see him in his worse form. They would hate him. They would hate him. The panic he felt was making him sick again, but he had no way to discharge it. He could only cry silently, more tears escaping down his faces. The Hexclaw dug tighter into the wall and Viktor slammed himself back against it, the fingers of his hands soon digging into the wall as well. He had no idea what he was trying to get away from, but he had to get away. 

"Viktor?" Powder's voice was weak and her knock was soft and polite. "Can I come in...?"

That was all it was. That was all it was, but Viktor was hearing something else. He was hearing something else entirely and it was scaring him. 

"VIKTOR!!" Jayce's voice was furious and his knock was pounding and threatened to break down the door. "LET ME IN!!" 

Viktor couldn't even answer, shaking his head as more tears spilled down his face, new gold ones starting to erupt from his eyelights. "Stop. You're scaring me. You're scaring me. Stop, stop, stop." He pleaded, his reverberating voice warbling and straining. "Stop. Please stop. Stop it. You're scaring me. You're scaring me, stop." He couldn't keep the words from spilling and he didn't understand because he never remembered this happening. Not only that, but he knew it was Powder on the other side of the door, so why couldn't he...? The door opened and he flinched so hard that the Hexclaw instantly pulled itself from the wall and lit up, starting to hum as it gathered energy. Viktor snapped to his senses and ripped his fingers from the wall to grab it. "NO! No. No, no, no." Viktor released the Hexclaw with shaking hands once the beam had turned off again. He hiccuped shakily. 

Tears were streaming down his face from all four eyes and he let out another choked sob. He heard soft footsteps before a smaller shadow fell over him. He swore in his weakest voice as he felt that small hand on his shoulder. "Viktor. It's okay." Powder was trying to comfort him. She rubbed his shoulder gently. Viktor inhaled shakily, burying his face in his knees. 

"Viktor. It's okay." Jayce spoke comfortingly as he cupped Viktor's cheeks. His pinkies slipped down to brush the edge of a bandage and Viktor flinched. He jumped as he felt lips against his own. He melted into the kiss, reaching up and holding onto the other's wrists. "You know I didn't mean that, right?" Jayce sounded a little desperate as he spoke against his lips. "I'm sorry. You know I'm sorry. I didn't mean to do that." He pressed another kiss to Viktor's lips before moving down and starting to press them along his jaw. "Please. Please forgive me. I don't think I could keep living if you didn't." Viktor's breath caught in his throat as he whispered that he forgave him and he felt Jayce give a warm smile against his shoulder. 

Viktor had fallen silent. He kept his legs against his chest and he'd retreated into the smallest ball he could in this massive form, the Hexclaw wrapped around him tightly. Viktor couldn't even bring himself to breathe as he felt Powder sit down next to him, leaning her head against his side. He was so grateful that she wasn't afraid of this form anymore. Powder rested her hand against his arm. Finally, the Hexclaw twitched and started to unwrap itself from Viktor's body. It whirred and clicked its fleshy prongs before poking at Powder's head. "Oh! Hey!" She yelped as she looked up at it with a smile. "You don't get poking privileges! You tried to shoot me!" She accused, the Hexclaw instantly seeming to rapidly click its prongs in protest. "Don't you take that tone with me, sir!" The Hexclaw whirred before poking her again. "You-!" She reached up, lightly swatting at it. The Hexclaw started to lightly swat back at her. 

Viktor managed the weakest laugh as he felt them bickering. "It is your fault since you tend to spoil it so much." He finally said, resting his head in his arms as he turned it to look at her. Powder scoffed quietly. 

"I do not. Sometimes it likes to act cute and trick me. That's not my fault." She stated matter-of-factly before the Hexclaw poked at her again. Powder groaned. Viktor watched them quietly. Those memories. Those memories of Jayce. Where had they come from?? One of his hands reached up to absentmindedly brush along the underside of the jaw Jayce had pressed his kisses. It was warm. He missed when Jayce used to do that. He always seemed so attached to Viktor's neck and shoulders. He always liked his throat. He... Viktor inhaled shakily, burying his head back in his arms. His breathing felt stiff. No, no, Jayce's kiss was a good memory...? Was it?? He didn't know. He didn't know. He didn't even know he had that memory. Did it belong to a different Viktor?? He had to stop. He had to stop, he had to stop. 

Viktor stretched out his arm and he saw Powder's smile drop out of the corner of his lower eye. "...Was it that bad?" She asked, her shoulders sinking. Viktor trembled for a  moment. "No, no, if it helps you, then you should do it. I just... You aren't yourself when you do that, which I guess is the point, but..." Powder gave a small shrug as her eyes fell to the floor. Viktor's finger was already perched on his arm, ready to carve the Runes that would lock away his emotions. He was hesitating. He squeezed his eyes shut, though it wouldn't show outwardly. 

"What are these?? You're not supposed to be messing with your brace." Jayce sounded confused as his hands moved over the metal. His thumb brushed over one of the Runes that Viktor had painstakingly etched into the metal. "Viktor. Did you think I wouldn't notice these?? What are you trying to do??" Jayce stood up, Viktor's shoulders scrunching up as he sat on the table in front of him. Jayce looked panicked and his eyes were searching Viktor for any kind of explanation. Viktor started to reply it had just been something for his hands to do. "Don't lie to me, Viktor. You'd always come to me if you wanted something for your hands to do." His eyes wouldn't leave Viktor's as he spoke the last part, making Viktor's face go hot. "What are these Runes for?? What are you doing??" 

"...I'm sorry." Viktor's voice was so small that it carried no reverberation at all. He felt Powder put a hand on his shoulder. Viktor shakily drew his arm back, golden blood already in a puddle on the floor. He'd started to carve the first Rune without even noticing, but he couldn't do it. He couldn't. He couldn't do it. It was already too much and he could feel his golden blood trickling over his fingers. "I cannot do it. I cannot do it. I feel sick. I feel sick." 

"It's okay! Hey, it's okay!" Powder tried to assure him. "You don't have to do anything. W-We don't even have to leave the bathroom. I can bring the blankets in here, if you want." She offered. Viktor hiccuped shakily in response. "I'll get them!" She quickly got up. 

"It's fine, Vik. I didn't expect you to be able to." Jayce somehow managed to sound both comforting and disappointed at the same time. "But good fucking gods!" Viktor was straddling his hips best he could, but his leg hurt so much that it was unbearable. Jayce had scooped his arm beneath it to relieve the pressure and Viktor had started crying from relief. "You shouldn't push yourself if you can't do it! You could've gotten hurt! Fuck, Viktor!" It was just disappointment now as he sighed. "...Can you at least use your throat?" Viktor nodded, just wanting to make up for it in some way.

Viktor startled as a blanket was draped over him. Powder plopped down next to him, smiling as Viktor felt the blanket shifting around on him. The Hexclaw seemed very confused as to why it was suddenly stuck under something. Viktor managed another weakened laugh. Powder pulled the blanket down to free the Hexclaw, which whirred indignantly. She draped it over Viktor's shoulders before wrapping a blanket over her own. Viktor held the blanket in front of him tightly. The tears hadn't stopped and it didn't seem like they would. Nor did the bleeding from his arm. Luckily, he was no longer capable of passing out from blood loss in this form. Only shock. Powder sighed softly. "I tried to join everyone for breakfast, but I couldn't even make it to the stairs." She said quietly. Viktor glanced over and his shoulders sank. "I should be better than this by now. That happened way long ago and I know this one isn't even my Violet." 

Viktor blinked as the Hexclaw moved down and nudged her cheek with a prong. Powder gave a weak laugh before sticking out her tongue. "Oh, look who's trying to be sweet again." The Hexclaw clicked at her. Viktor leaned back against the wall and Powder moved over to lay against his side. He leaned his head on top of hers, a weakened sigh heard leaving him. Whichever Viktor those memories were from, they had to stop. They couldn't have been his.

He would've remembered if they were. 

Chapter Text

Jayce's throat was dry. When he finally started moving again, he groaned softly. "Fuck. Ow." He muttered, his joints all popping as he started to stretch. He had to catch himself from falling off the couch he was laying on. His head spun and he squeezed his eyes shut. He was in sleepwear that was just a little tight on him. Not enough to be too uncomfortable, but certainly... tight. He could smell coffee and he wasn't sure it was helping his headache.

"Mm, I am surprised you do not break your neck sleeping like that." Viktor's voice caught his attention and he finally pushed himself up on the couch so he was sitting. When he saw him, Jayce wasn't sure why he felt so confused. This was Viktor. Why did something look off?? Had his hair always been so dark?? Why was his voice so... sharp...? He sounded curt. Distanced. What about- His eyes trailed down and widened. 

"Is that my shirt??" He asked, his ears instantly going hot. Viktor was wearing his normal pants, but the collared shirt he sported was too big on him. Viktor paused and lifted an arm as if to study it over. 

"Probably. We may have both celebrated a little too much last night." Viktor chuckled quietly as he leaned back against the kitchen counter. He paused at Jayce's expression and chuckled. "Just drinking. I think there was a mixup with clothes when I gave you things to change into." Jayce let out a sigh of relief, pinching the bridge of his nose. His eyes trailed over the wall. Right, this was Viktor's apartment. He furrowed his brow. Celebrate?? He stared at him blankly and Viktor rolled his eyes. "Councilor Merdarda is investing in Hextech, Jayce. You are no longer expelled." He reminded him in a prompting tone. Right. Right! Jayce instantly straightened up, his heart pounding. "Do you need any water? I can try to find a glass we did not use." Viktor gestured to the kitchen counter, where Jayce could see a lot of glasses and some open bottles of liquor. His ears went hot. How much had he drank last night??

"Water would be... nice." He admitted. He watched as Viktor set down his mug, grabbing his cane and moving to the cabinets. "Uh, thank you." He spoke suddenly and it seemed to startle Viktor, who turned to look at him with wide eyes. "F-For believing in me. For helping me." Jayce stuttered, glancing to the side. "And, uh, letting me stay at your apartment. You're doing a lot for me, even though we just met, and I don't know if I've been... actually showing how grateful I am. So... thank you." Jayce hoped that wasn't too much of a word wreck. Viktor blinked before breaking out in quiet laughter.

"I am fully committed to something when I believe in it, Jayce. Your work is something promising." He filled a glass before using his cane and bringing it over to Jayce. He looked him over curiously as Jayce took the glass. "You are something quite promising." Jayce nearly dropped the glass as his ears went hot for the third time since he'd woken up. Good gods. A smile quirked Viktor's lips and he turned away. Jayce took small sips of the water before sighing. His dream had been strange. His fingers running through pale hair that soon started to glow like starlight. Pink cheeks and a smile. Jayce furrowed his brow a little. He stared at the water.

It felt like he was forgetting something. 

He glanced up, his eyes scanning over the apartment. He had to think. Start over. Rewind. Viktor had found him on the ledge, propositioned him about his work. Jayce guessed that they must've stopped at his apartment for a drink before going to break into Heimerdinger's lab. One of the Councilors had caught them, but was willing to turn a blind eye if the project proved promising enough. They'd built a machine that fed off decay, powered by magic. That same Councilor had invested in their work and voted to have Jayce reinstated as a student. Viktor had taken Jayce back to the apartment and they'd caught up on the sleep they missed. When they woke up, they'd started drinking to celebrate. Passed back out. Now he was here. 

Now he was here. 

Right? Jayce wasn't sure why he was doubting that. He squeezed his eyes shut and pushed his head against his hand. "Ugh." He muttered, his head still aching. 

"It seems someone could not handle their liquor as much as they boasted to." Viktor commented, Jayce blinking as the other man sat next to him on the couch. He had a new cup of coffee. Jayce rolled his eyes, taking another sip of his water. He felt like a mess. He set his glass down and buried his head in his hands. "...I feel it is my duty as the Dean's Assistant to remind you that you do have classes today since you’re reinstated." Viktor commented casually. 

"...FUCK." Jayce's swear was loud and muffled. "I don't-" 

"I will find your clothes. I already have one piece here." Viktor lifted the sleeve again. "Use the shower in my room." Jayce nodded, thanking him as he quickly got up. He nearly tripped over his own feet on the way to the bathroom. Once he got inside, he flicked the lights on and shut the door. When he glanced in the mirror, he could tell that he'd definitely put on Viktor's clothes. He hoped he wouldn't be mad at him for stretching them out. Jayce started to strip down. He left his bracelet on, but he stopped as he noticed something new. There were faint lines up his arm. When he ran his fingers over them, the skin had no texture. He hooked his finger under the bracelet and tugged it up. The rune in his crystal was also burned into his wrist. And he meant burned. He could see the edge of skin. 

"Gods..." Jayce ran his fingers over it. Had that happened when the device had fired off?? He stared at it quietly before covering it back up with the bracelet. He moved to the shower, noticing the anti-slip mat and the bar installed along the wall. He started up the water and ran his hands through his hair as he stood outside the tub and waited for it to warm up. He gave a quiet sigh. He wasn't sure why he felt so terrible. It felt like someone had rubberbanded him across space and time. Everything had a dull ache, especially his head. He was still forgetting something too. He moved over to the mirror and gripped the sink counter, leaning in to look at himself in confusion. 

He still... looked the same. He raised his hand to his hair. He felt like his hair was darker than he remembered too. Yesterday had gone by in such a blur that he hadn't had time to stop. He still technically had to get to class. But he couldn't help but just... look at himself. It didn't feel right. His hands gripped the sink counter. This feeling was going to eat him alive and he knew it. This was terrible. What was he missing?? He finally pulled himself away from the mirror and moved to the shower. He let the water fall over his body, swearing he could see little swirls of color in every droplet. He rubbed his eyes. He steadied himself with a hand on the tile wall as his head gave a heavy ache again. His fingers were already tapping against it. Jayce's thumb was already absentmindedly tracing a shape and he didn't even realize it at first. 

What?? Was he... drawing a Rune? Jayce furrowed his brow and leaned back so the light would catch the droplets. He felt like he recognized it. Which Rune was this?? Why was he drawing it? Was he that obsessed with his research again after having it taken away for less than 24 hours?? Jayce scoffed and shook his head, rolling his eyes. He had to finish his shower quickly. Once he did, he got out and wrapped the folded towel on the counter over his head. He started to dry his hair, ruffling it. The mirror had fogged up and Jayce stared at it. He wondered if his unconscious muscle memory would serve him right and he stretched out his hand. He started to trace lines and, sure enough, that same Rune was now on the mirror. It was itching something in Jayce's head. 

He wrapped the towel around his waist after quickly drying off and opened the bathroom door. "Viktor?? Do you have my journal??" He called out. 

"...Why are you researching magic in my bathroom??" Viktor called back, Jayce pausing. He was about to defend himself before Viktor came limping into the bedroom, his journal in hand. He stopped as he saw Jayce, looking him over once before raising a brow. Jayce was too embarrassed to hold his gaze, holding his hand out for the journal instead. Viktor moved up and handed it to him. "May I ask?" 

"I have some kind of... muscle memory of this particular Rune." Jayce gestured to the Rune he had drawn on the mirror. Viktor moved up to look at it before furrowing his brow. 

"...It looks very familiar." Viktor instantly spoke, frowning. Jayce felt a bolt of relief before he nodded. 

"It does! But I don't know why." Jayce was flipping through his journal to his guide of Runes. He was scanning over the pages quietly. "This wasn't a Rune that we put on our device, but maybe it was one we considered." The Rune guide was scribbled with color. Green if the Rune would work, black if it was a maybe, red if it wouldn't. The red was only reserved for Runes that were too unpredictable. Viktor had come up to his side to help him look, using Jayce's shoulder to steady himself. Out of the corner of his eye, Jayce swore that he could see glowing hair, but when he glanced over, it was just Viktor's dark hair again.

"There." Viktor's voice startled him and Jayce quickly followed his finger. Yes, there, that was-

"Jayce?"

Jayce startled. Viktor's voice was softer and calmer. The linger on the 'a' was casual and affectionate. It sent warmth through his chest. Like someone was gently pressing their hand over his heart. Jayce could only stare for a moment before a drop of red suddenly appeared in the journal. "Jayce!" That voice was younger and much more startled. The whole word was sharp, with no lingers on any letters. The journal was pulled away from him and Jayce jumped as a washcloth was pressed under his nose. He quickly took it, snapping out of his trance and thanking Viktor. Viktor seemed startled by him, but seemed to try and break the tension. "Allergic to Runes now, are we?" He managed, Jayce scoffing. 

"S-Sorry. What Rune was it?" He asked, his voice muffled. Viktor gave a quiet sigh, glancing up at the mirror. 

"Control Rune. We did not implement it in the device because it presented far too many variables." Viktor told him. He tipped his head and, just for a moment, his hair was longer with an ethereal glow. His face was older and his features sharper. His eyes almost seemed to glow and he raised a brow at Jayce. Jayce snapped out of it just as Viktor spoke again, a softer version of his voice echoing his. "Are you having second thoughts?" 

Chapter Text

The following days were a rough period of adjustment for Jayce and he wasn't sure why. Maybe the threat of expulsion had just shaken him that much? It felt like he had to relearn almost everything. On the bright side, a private investment meant a private lab and Jayce had been ecstatic when Professor Heimerdinger had brought Viktor and him to their new room in the Academy. Jayce had spent almost a whole day setting up his equipment. He'd also set up a living space. The lab came with a bathroom and shower. No matter what Viktor said, Jayce didn't want to keep taking up space at his apartment. So he started living in the lab. He'd brought whatever clothes they'd salvaged from his apartment. Finally, Jayce had begun learning about Viktor. 

This also proved to be something that he had to relearn. 

Despite never having interacted before, Jayce found himself with a preconceived notion of Viktor as a whole. He had thought of Viktor as introverted and reclusive, but it seemed the opposite was true. Viktor went out of his way to speak with people, not to mention flirt. He often went out to parties, usually resulting in him bringing someone home. Jayce had been secretly relieved that he'd relocated to the lab after hearing that. He'd thought of Viktor as soft-spoken and mild-mannered, but Viktor was actually quite loud and playful with a mean streak a building wide.

Viktor was very bold and he was very touchy. He'd practically propositioned something rather risqué from Jayce nearly three times in a week and he'd finally backed off when Jayce, in a moment of flustered panic, had revealed that he was a virgin and casual sex wasn't exactly something he was looking for. It seemed to be a boundary that Viktor respected entirely. And the last thing had confused him. He'd thought Viktor would only drink sweet drinks, but had been humbled fairly quick upon witnessing him get through nearly an entire bottle of straight vodka with no flavorings or chasers. 

Despite all this, Viktor was still extremely observant and extremely intelligent. They worked well together, though it was rare they encountered each other outside the lab. Viktor would always invite Jayce to join him to one of the Academy parties, but Jayce would decline. Viktor never pushed him. Jayce would sleep on a pullout couch in the lab and his dreams had only grown more cryptic. As much as it embarrassed him to admit, he dreamed about Viktor a lot. Only small things. Reading books together. Talking at a bar he didn't recognize. Viktor just laughing and laughing and 

coughing. 

As of late, Jayce had only been hearing coughing. In his dreams, Viktor had grown quieter. His cheeks had become sunken. His eyes had bags beneath them. His posture had become crumpled and painful-looking. And he just wouldn't stop coughing. Jayce was dreaming about it now. His brow twitched in his sleep.

Jayce heard the coughing again. He was walking through a hedge maze. The kind that the Kirammans had for decoration in their back gardens. He followed the noise until he emerged into a clearing. In the center was a marble fountain, the water seen spilling in gorgeous waterfalls from the topmost point. Viktor was sitting on the wall of the fountain, his eyes closed. He had a crutch in his hands, him leaning his forehead on it. His leg brace looked especially heavy, being several thick leather straps and pieces of metal. Viktor was breathing quietly through an open mouth. His eyes were still sunken and he looked gaunt. Jayce slowly approached the fountain and Viktor's eyes opened tiredly. He seemed to notice Jayce watching him in dismay and he managed a weakened smile before shaking his head. 

"Jayce." 

That warm tone again. That soft linger. Jayce's shoulders sank and he started towards him. Viktor's chest suddenly heaved and he broke out in coughing again. Jayce startled as something suddenly spattered the marble next to Viktor. The other man covered his mouth, tears starting down his face as he stared at the spatter of blood. "-ave to see a doctor, Viktor." Jayce hadn't even realized he was speaking. Viktor glanced over at him and his eyes seemed to avert as he shook his head. 

"No doctor could fix me. No doctor could fix this." 

Viktor gestured to himself weakly, having moved his hand so Jayce could see the blood running from his mouth and nose. Jayce's eyes widened and he moved forward. He cupped Viktor's face, quickly sitting down next to him. Viktor reached up, his fingers gently hooking into Jayce's sleeve. 

"Jayce, I might have to break a promise I made to you." 

Jayce stared at him. A promise?? When?? "-at?" He could never hear the start of his own sentences. Even if he couldn't remember what the promise was, it still hurt to hear Viktor say that. "-ing's going to happen to you. You'll be okay." Jayce insisted, his eyes scanning Viktor's over. Viktor managed a weak laugh that only sent him into another coughing fit. He shook his head once he finished. He took a deep breath and Jayce's heart sank as he heard that death rattle in his lungs. 

"Those last few months I was meant to live are rushing back to me. They intend to finish the job." 

Viktor had raised his hand to his lips, pulling his red-stained fingers back and staring at them. "-ob?? What job, Viktor?? What is happening??" Jayce asked desperately, tears starting to well in his eyes. Viktor visibly swallowed as he turned his head away. A drop of blood fell into the fountain and Jayce flinched as the whole thing suddenly seemed to change. The water became clouded with red and Viktor managed a weak smile as a fresh line of blood escaped down his chin. 

"These small little spaces that I have had the energy to construct in pockets of the Arcane... I cannot sustain them anymore. I am glad you will forget me. You will not have to see me like this. You will not be seeing me anymore." 

What?? "-o. No! Viktor!" Jayce tried to hold onto him as Viktor pushed himself to his feet, using the crutch. It was tucked under his arm and when he walked, it was a stumble. His braced leg seemed to wobble with every step. "Hey!" Jayce got up from the fountain and moved after him, reaching to grab his shoulder. However, something grabbed his and threw him aside so hard, it knocked the wind out of him when he hit the ground. Jayce struggled up to see a man in a tight, dark red shirt with gold detailing move up next to Viktor. He had that same webbing up his arm. He had a beard and longer hair. He had his own leg brace, opposite to Viktor's. A gloved hand gripped Viktor's shoulder, making him jump. 

He turned to the man and Jayce watched as Viktor seemed to flinch back in shock. He could only seem to stare before stretching out his hand to the man's face. He seemed so hesitant to touch it. That gloved hand raised and the man took Viktor's hand, kissing his fingers. Viktor seemed to shake and he limped forward before burying himself against the man's chest. Jayce felt a burning in his chest. Something was bad. Something was wrong. Viktor was crying and Jayce watched as the man's face twitched in slight annoyance as he rolled his eyes. Why couldn't he recognize that face? It felt so familiar. Jayce's hands curled tightly into the grass beneath him. 

Danger.

Danger, danger, danger. His body was screaming that this was danger. This person was danger. He didn't want Viktor near this person. No! No, he had to get Viktor away from him. He started to push himself to his feet, opening his mouth. "Vik-" 

"-tor!" Jayce yelled out as he sat up on the couch in a cold sweat, his eyes wide. The silence of the lab met his heavy breathing. His heart was pounding and he was soaked with sweat. His adrenaline was rushing and his chest was so tight with fear that he felt like it was stabbing his heart. The lab was empty and he was the only one there. Fuck, what had he just been dreaming about?? He didn't even remember. He kicked the blanket off of himself and got up, staggering over to the bathroom. He washed his face in the sink before drying it off with a towel. He paused as he heard knocking. 

Jayce set the towel down and moved out of the bathroom. The knocking erupted from the door again, though it was uneven. Jayce gave a small sigh of exasperation. He moved over and unlocked it, catching Viktor by his shoulder as the other stumbled forward. Jayce glanced behind him, but, surprisingly, it seemed Viktor hadn't brought anyone back with him this time. He'd only been drunk enough to do this twice before. Go to the lab instead of his own home. Jayce sighed. "Viktor, are you an alcoholic?" He asked flatly, shutting the door after he guided the man into the room. 

Viktor made it another few steps before leaning heavily on his cane and turning to him with a flushed face and a small sneer. "Depends on who is asking." He replied snarkily. Jayce sighed. Jayce had asked at one point why Viktor was always drinking and the only answer he'd gotten was some mutter about chronic pain before Viktor had changed the subject. Jayce watched as Viktor glanced around. "...This is not my bedroom." He mumbled. He didn't seem too bothered by that. Jayce assumed he'd just been kicked out of his own bed and he was right as he watched Viktor stumble over to it and collapse on top of it. "Jayce, I am taking a nap." 

"Right." Jayce answered flatly, rolling his eyes. He moved over to the desk and sat in the chair. Jayce's eyes drifted forward. He vaguely remembered water from his dream, but that was really it. He didn't remember anything else. He paused as he heard something and turned in his chair to look back. Viktor was snoring. How someone so thin could make such a rattling noise was beyond him. Jayce likely wasn't sleeping anymore. He didn't hold anything against Viktor, but... he was annoyed about this. Jayce reached out and flicked on the desk lantern.

He reached out to his notes next and picked up a pen, the sound of scritching ink on paper being drowned out by Viktor's loud, drunken snoring. 

Chapter Text

The dreams had changed. It had been the same dream each night for three days. Jayce had been walking through a white expanse, swirling with color. It felt so familiar to him. It felt like home. Yet, he would always approach the same place. An open door in the white expanse, leading to what appeared to be a cave. Sunlight was shining into it and a river moved through it. There was a toy boat resting on the shore. But, above all else, the cave would be empty. When Jayce would pull back, a small message, inscribed in gold, would appear on the door. 

Do not listen to him. 
Do not let him out. 

You do not need him. 
No matter what he told you. 

Don't forget.

It was unmistakably Viktor's handwriting. 

Don't forget.

Clearly that hadn't worked out for whoever Viktor had left the note for. Whoever had been in the cave was gone now. The dream would always end the same. Footsteps rapidly approaching him from behind and a gloved hand grabbing his shoulder. Then he would wake up. 

Jayce blinked open his eyes, flinching a little from the sun. He groaned and pulled the blanket over his head. He could smell coffee and he stifled a heavy sigh. Jayce had discovered that he did not like the smell of coffee. Something about it made him nauseous, but seeing as this was Viktor's lab too, he certainly wouldn't stop the other man from having a drink that wasn't alcohol. He could hear Viktor tinkering at the workbench across the lab. "...You better not have a hangover while working with the welding torch again." Jayce called out. 

"That was one time!" Viktor instantly stated back in a firm tone. 

"One time too many! You nearly burned your fingers off!" Jayce exclaimed as he sat up, stretching his arms above his head with soft pops.

"Yes, Jayce, I was there. Shut up now." Viktor made a dismissive shooing motion at him and Jayce rolled his eyes. Jayce may have become a kind of recluse, but Viktor was a mess. Four out of seven days of the week, he'd come in with a hangover and forced himself to work through it. After much debate, Jayce had gone to ask Heimerdinger what he could do about Viktor, but the Yordle had assured him Viktor could handle himself. It seemed the only ones who would see the mess Viktor became were the students and they seemed perfectly content with keeping it that way. Even now, he could see the dark marks on Viktor's neck and he gave a quiet sigh. 

"...You left your necktie at a dorm, didn't you?" Jayce asked quietly. He saw Viktor pause and reach up before sounding surprised. 

"I suppose I did. I will have to go back and get it once I am finished here." Viktor said, still focusing on what he was doing. Jayce watched him quietly, sitting on the edge of the bed. 

"Viktor, don't you think staying home for a few days would do you some good?" He finally asked, his brow furrowed. Viktor seemed to pause at that and he lifted his goggles as he turned to face Jayce with a furrowed brow. 

"I don't understand what you are suggesting by that." He stated, slipping the goggles off and placing them to the side. Jayce paused and his eyes averted. "Do you mean the parties?" Jayce hesitated before nodding. "Jayce, respectfully, you do not even leave the lab unless it is to go to class. And you are telling me where I should go??" Jayce's eyes widened as he started to protest that wasn't it. "I am not a friend you have to look out for, Jayce. We are lab partners. Acquaintances driven by a common goal. You have not expressed interest in being anything more than that, so we are not." Viktor stated matter-of-factly. Jayce paused. 

"...We're not friends?" He asked after a moment, confused by this. Viktor stared at him for a moment, seeming to be trying to gauge if he was serious or not. When he seemed to see that Jayce was, his gaze and his tone softened. 

"Ah, I see. Jayce, again, I mean this respectfully, but I do not think I could be friends with someone who never leaves their lab. I am a social creature who lives like everyday is my last, because it very well could be. I like to indulge in what I can. Try everything. You... do not seem as willing in that regard. We work together well and you are extremely intelligent. But..." Viktor sighed. "No, I do not think we are friends. Unless you are willing to make an effort to change that." Jayce stared at him and he finally nodded. 

"I, uh, yeah. Sorry, I didn't really..." He stood up. "I was kind of... under the assumption that we were... friends after you, uh, saved my life." Viktor paused and he gave a small sigh through his nose. 

"Any person with an ounce of good will would have saved your life, Jayce." He replied. "If it were some middle-aged Enforcer, I doubt you would have thought the two of you were now friends." Jayce stared at him, his face finally growing hot with humiliation. He gave a nod, flashing a quick smile before turning and moving to the bathroom. He shut the door and locked it before moving over to the shower. He quickly turned it on before turning and moving to the wall, falling back against it and sliding down into a sitting position as he buried his burning-hot face in his hands.

"I think I might be fucking stupid." Jayce muttered. "Good gods, what the fuck is wrong with me??" He could feel the tears from his embarrassment welling up in his eyes. If Viktor hadn't thought he was some entitled 'Piltie' already, he most certainly did now. Jayce quickly wiped his eyes. He'd thought there was some kind of connection since that night, but clearly it was only him who'd felt it. Had he... even felt one at all or was he imagining it?? One thing was for certain, he had just made an absolute fool of himself in front of the only person who believed in his work. And, even if Viktor's words were terribly blunt and stung a little, he was right. Any good person would have tried to keep him from jumping if they'd found him. It really could have been anyone. Why did he assume they were friends because it was someone who knew his work? What kind of jackass was he?? Jayce inhaled shakily. 

He jumped as he heard a quiet knocking. "In the shower!" He called out. 

"No, you are not. At least be in the shower and not close to the door if you are going to say that!" Viktor's scolding voice drifted through and Jayce felt another pit of humiliation in his stomach. He heard Viktor sigh. "I will be attending a party tonight in the Velvet Commons." Jayce paused. The Velvet Commons were a group of dorm buildings closest to the border of Zaun. There would likely be Zaunites that rowdy Academy kids would have snuck over in their dorms. He heard Viktor sigh after a moment. "Should I even bother inviting you, Jayce?" Jayce got up and he quickly moved over to the door, opening it and making Viktor jump. "Oh. You really could have pretended to be in the shower a little harder than that." 

"I'll go. I'm sorry, I just... I didn't realize I was coming off so..." Jayce struggled to find the words. "I didn't mean to be an asshole. I worry about you a lot and I guess it came off as me being... overbearing, especially if you didn't think we were friends." Jayce glanced aside. "...I just didn't want my new partner to drink himself to death before we could even do anything." He admitted quietly. Viktor stared at him before blinking and furrowing his brow. 

"I do not drink that much." Viktor stayed in disbelief. The look Jayce gave him was even stronger and Viktor paused. "...Do I?" 

"Two bottles of vodka and a mug of white rum, not even two days before at least six straight pints of cherry liquor." Jayce replied, watching him carefully. "You came into the lab with such a bad hangover that you spent half the day puking." Viktor's fingers tapped against the top of his cane as he seemed to think about that before glancing up at Jayce. 

"So why are you willing to go? To chaperone me?" Viktor asked, raising a brow. Jayce blinked at him before annoyance bubbled in his chest. 

"Do you want me to go or not, Viktor?? You keep inviting me and I finally say I'll go, just for you to mock what you think the reason is??" Jayce threw his hands to the side in frustration. He turned away before jumping as Viktor grabbed his arm. 

"Jayce. Jayce, I was... I was joking. I apologize, it wasn't a very good one." Viktor admitted. "I would like you to go. I think time out of the lab will do you some good and you can... make sure I do not get kidnapped to Zaun or something." His statement was clumsy as he vaguely gestured with his hand and Jayce sighed. He finally nodded and Viktor let him go. "Then I will see you after your classes. Meet me back here and we can walk together, alright?" His tone was oddly gentle and Jayce raised a brow. "Can you blame me for being concerned? I know you have not seen the light of day in weeks-" 

Jayce shut the door in his face and he heard Viktor laugh through it. "...I'll see you later, Viktor." Jayce called out. Viktor finally stopped laughing. 

"I will see you tonight, Jayce." Viktor was heard moving away back to the workbench. Jayce knew that meant he was likely going to finish whatever he was working on before Jayce finished his shower. He could already see the mirror fogging up and he glanced away from it, seeing all the various iterations of the Control Rune he kept drawing on it start to reappear. Had he really been drawing it that much?? Why that one?? 

...Maybe he had been cooped up in the lab for too long. Maybe this party would do him some good. Lately, there'd been a cold feeling up his spine. It felt like something bad had happened since the last time Viktor had come back drunk to the lab, but he couldn't figure out what. Maybe it really had just been an unresolved tension between the two of them. Maybe this would help. 

Don't forget.

Don't forget what?

Chapter Text

Viktor was already waiting for him in the lab when Jayce returned from his last class. He put down his bag in surprise as Viktor pushed himself up from the chair he'd been waiting in. "...Why so surprised? Did you really think I would let you walk there alone?" Viktor asked, raising a brow. Jayce shook his head. 

"No, I just... You’re usually gone by now whenever I come back, so I guess seeing you here at this time was just... startling." Jayce admitted. Viktor rolled his eyes, though it did seem to be more out of amusement than anything. He moved to the door with his cane. "Oh, we're going now." Jayce moved up and opened the door, Viktor leading him into the hall. Jayce made sure to lock up the lab before following him. "Are you sure we should go in our uniforms?" 

"We are going to a dormitory, Jayce. Are you planning on doing anything that will catch the attention of an Enforcer?" Viktor asked flatly, turning to look back at him. Jayce shook his head, falling into another embarrassed silence. Viktor looked him over before shaking his head and continuing forward. When they got outside the Academy building, Jayce was momentarily stunned by the night sky. There was always too much light for Jayce to see them from inside the building, but... he could see them now. "Gods, Jayce." He jumped and quickly faced Viktor again with a hot face. "You really have not been outside, have you?" 

"I... I didn't need to be." Jayce admitted. Viktor didn't say anything else, but he didn't really need to with the look he gave. Jayce only felt his embarrassment spread down his neck as he followed him. The further they got from the Academy, the more obvious it was where the groups of students in the streets were headed. As the Velvet Commons came into view, Jayce could already tell which building it was. It seemed to be a first floor party, which he was a little relieved for. It meant Viktor wouldn't have to deal with stairs. It was good for his leg. And possibly how drunk he was going to get. 

Jayce startled as students started to call out to Viktor, greeting him and teasing him and already offering him drinks. Jayce was not an antisocial man by any means. Once he was out of the lab, he was friendly and he was talkative. But this? This just didn't feel like his kind of thing. He felt so out of place that it wasn't even funny. Jayce's hand instinctively moved to his wrist, holding his bracelet as Viktor broke away to go speak to a group. Jayce didn't know if Viktor expected him to follow or not, but he hadn't. What was he supposed to do?

Someone suddenly grabbed his arm and he jumped in shock as he turned to look at a girl with short blue hair. "S-Sorry! Sorry, I'm here with my friend. He's supposed to be taking me back to my room, so I can't cause trouble for him, you know??" The girl laughed nervously at the students who were clearly trying to get her to come drink or go somewhere with them. One of them glanced up. 

"You have friends??" The man asked Jayce in a point-blank, doubtful tone. Jayce had no idea who this was, but he wrapped his arm around the girl. 

"You're freaking out one of them, if you can't tell. I'd appreciate it if you left her alone." Jayce stated firmly. "Come on." He turned and started leading the girl away as he heard groans about a teacher's pet getting all the good ones. Jayce sighed through his nose. "Hey, are you alright? They didn't do anything to you, did they?" He finally turned to her and the girl smiled, taking his hand and giving it a squeeze. It was an oddly affectionate gesture for a stranger, but he didn't feel anything malicious behind it. The girl had a leather jacket, combat boots and a beautiful dress. She had glittery blue eyeshadow and she... looked so... familiar. Jayce furrowed his brow. He didn't remember seeing her before. At least, he didn't think so. 

"No, you saved me back there. They were getting really pushy." The girl sighed heavily as she glanced to the side. "I'm, uh, I'm Powder." She seemed to struggle to keep her smile for a moment and Jayce watched her worriedly. 

"I'm Jayce. I-If you're still uncomfortable, I can take you back to whoever brought you here." He offered. Powder pulled her hand back and crossed her arms. 

"I'm not. You just... remind me of someone I used to know." Powder said, her hands tightening on her arms. Jayce glanced up and noticed Viktor watching them in concern. He gestured to the girl, seeming to silently ask if she was alright. Jayce held up a hand, telling him to wait a moment. "The drinks aren't even good. I could do better and I'm still learning." Jayce's eyes moved to Powder as she scoffed and shook her head. 

"Do I know you from somewhere??" Jayce blurted out the question a little faster than he meant to, seeming to startle the girl. Powder stared at him for a moment before raising a brow. 

"I don't know. Do you??" The answer easily could've come off as something cheeky, but Jayce didn't hear it like that. Did he? Jayce stared at her for a moment before taking a step back. "Woah, are you okay??" Powder seemed shocked as she stared at him, reaching out. "I've never seen someone get pale that fast!" Jayce held a hand up to his head, managing in a strangled voice that he was fine. He finally decided to lower himself to the ground, seeing other people sitting in the yard outside the building. Powder blinked before settling down on her knees next to him. "...You're not gonna throw up, are you?" 

"Only if you keep talking like that." Jayce mumbled, squeezing his eyes shut. Powder apologized before Jayce felt her hand on his arm. He found himself lifting his arm in response and she seemed to take his hand once he apparently offered it. She gave it a squeeze and it did make him feel better. Why did he do that?? She felt safe. She felt like someone safe and he'd never seen her before, he was sure of it. 

"Jayce?" Viktor's hesitant voice spoke up and Jayce lifted his head as Viktor stood next to the both of them. "Are you alright? You barely just got here. You have not even drank anything yet." Viktor sounded taken back and Jayce glanced away, his face going hot with embarrassment. "...Who is this?" 

"My name is Powder. Jayce just helped me get away from some really... insistent people." She seemed to struggle for a polite word, reaching up and offering her hand to Viktor. He shook it. 

"I am Viktor. I am Jayce's lab partner. I brought him out tonight so he could get some fresh air, but maybe..." Viktor glanced over at Jayce uncertainly. 

"I'm fine. I just got dizzy for a moment." Jayce said, looking up at him. Viktor stared at him doubtfully. "Really, I'm okay, Viktor. Thank you." He said, trying to soften his tone to something earnest. Viktor sighed through his nose. 

"Jayce, if this party becomes too much for you, you must let me know." Viktor said, his hands tapping his cane again. Jayce nodded and Viktor turned away, moving back to the group he'd left. Powder watched him go before looking back at Jayce. She offered her hand again and Jayce took it, once again, without a second thought. Why did he keep...? 

"You don't have to stay with me. I'm sorry to keep you from the party." Jayce apologized to her and Powder watched him before smiling. 

"It's okay! I wasn't having much fun anyway. Sitting down is nice too." Powder said, shrugging. Jayce gave a weak laugh. "I was gonna go take a look at the river. Everyone's saying the chemicals inside are glowing." Glowing? Jayce blinked at her in surprise. 

"Glowing?? The river is glowing?" He echoed in disbelief. Powder stared at him. 

"I don't know! That's what I wanted to go check out. Do you want to...?" She trailed off with a smile and Jayce paused. "We can come back right after! It'll take ten minutes, tops!" Powder stopped for a moment. "If you want to." She added quickly. Well, yes, Jayce wanted to see a glowing river. Maybe if he got some samples of the water, he could bring it back for testing with his Rune.

"I, uh, yeah! Yeah, let's go check it out." Jayce agreed, finally managing a smile. Powder stared at him. 

"Really??" She didn't seem like she'd expected him to agree and she instantly hopped to her feet, holding out her hands. "Come on!" Jayce found her excitement relieving and he took her hands, getting to his feet. Powder didn't let go of one of his hands and she seemed eager as she pulled him along. Jayce glanced back, catching Viktor's worried eye as he gestured that he'd be right back. They slipped around the back of the building. The river was about two blocks away. Powder slowed down once they were away from most of the students,  closing her eyes and taking a deep breath. "Yeeeesh." She muttered. 

Jayce gave a small laugh and Powder glanced back as she started to walk. "Couldn't have said it better myself." The girl shot him a grin. "What are you studying, Powder?" 

"Engineering!" Powder answered. "I won the Distinguished Innovator's Competition one year." Jayce paused and stared at her. 

"...That's incredible." He said, a little stunned by how casually she said it. Powder gave a small shrug with her smile. When they finally turned the corner to the river, Powder ran forward excitedly. "Careful!!" Jayce instantly exclaimed, following her. "Powder, please be careful." Powder was peering over the wall that had been built, but her shoulders sank. Jayce paused. He moved up next to her and looked over the wall. The river ran dark below them. Darker than clean water. Powder sighed through her nose and buried her face in her arms. 

"That's what I get for believing people, I guess." She muttered. Jayce glanced at her and his eyes softened. She stared out over the river at the darker city of Zaun. It was something small and subtle. Just the tiniest look in her eyes, but Jayce felt like he'd found out why Powder seemed to feel out of place. 

"Hey, I just... mean this out of curiosity and I don't... plan on doing anything with it, but are you... a Zaunite?" Jayce asked, glancing over at her. Powder paused and glanced over at him with wide eyes, asking why he thought that. "I don't mean anything bad by it. You just... You don't look at Zaun like how..." 

"Like how a Piltie would?" Jayce froze up at a second voice. It sounded like Powder's, but she clearly hadn't spoken. It was deeper and scratchier. Jayce felt the barrel of a gun press into his back and his body locked up. Powder glanced away, seeming guilty. The voice sounded a little saddened and Jayce furrowed his brow as it spoke again. "...You don't either, Jayce." 

Chapter Text

"I-I didn't bring any money with me, I'm sorry." Jayce kept his hands on the wall in front of him, his shoulders tense. 

"Fuck. Powder..." The second voice sounded strained and Powder glanced back behind him. "Powder, I can't do this." Jayce blinked. 

"Y-You guys don't have to do this! I'm sure I can help you find whatever you need." Jayce said quickly, his heart racing. Powder watched him with sunken shoulders and she crossed her arms before turning away and moving behind him. Jayce slowly turned around and there was a second girl with blue hair. Her braids were so long, they touched the ground and her eyes were a bright magenta. She looked just like Powder. Maybe a little paler. Much more obviously dressed like a Zaunite. She was holding a custom-looking handgun. Jayce could only stare at her. With how recognizable she looked, he could only decide that she looked familiar too and nothing more. It drove him crazy. 

"He doesn't remember us, but I think he recognizes us." Powder told the other girl quietly. They must've been twins.

"I-I do!" Jayce blurted out, startling both of them. "I-I mean, I do recognize b-both of you. I thought I was just crazy this whole time, but I... I do recognize you guys. I just... don't know where I would've met you." Fuck, maybe he could finally get some answers. The girl with the braids put the gun back in the holster before shakily holding her hands behind her back and tipping her head. She seemed to be looking him over with the smallest frown on her lips. He backed up a little as she moved forward before freezing as she took one of his arms and hugged it against her chest. Jayce was left paralyzed again. This felt so familiar. He startled as something wet ran down his face and he quickly raised his hand to his nose. "Fuck!" He swore softly. 

"Oop, here!" Powder pulled out a small bandanna and held it up to his nose. Jayce apologized, but gladly took it. "We, uh, we actually came here for you. Sorry that I had to... trick you like that." She did seem to genuinely feel bad about it. "Our friend is sick and he'll die very soon if we can't get him back to where he belongs. Jinx already has your things that you'll need." Jayce paused as Jinx pulled a small bag around her hip, opening it to reveal-

"You broke into my lab??" Jayce asked in shock, staring at the vial holding three Hex Crystals. "Those are dangerous! You could've blown yourself apart at the hip!" Jayce stared at them. "...How did you know about those?" Jinx held up his journal and he sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "...I assume your friend is in Zaun?" He asked flatly. Both Jinx and Powder nodded, though Powder looked much more guilty. "Okay, uh..." Jayce let out another annoyed breath through his nose. "Fuck." 

After a minute or two of him silently debating, Jinx finally seemed spurred into action. "Jayce, I can't keep waiting! You're going! He's dying and we need to get back to where we came from and you have to help us! Let's go!" Jinx had pulled her gun again. "Now!" Despite how shaky she seemed, her hand was steady and her finger was settled firmly on the trigger. Jayce jumped and nodded. It was clearly upsetting Jinx to threaten him, but one look at her said she was serious. Jinx quickly shoved him along. Powder walked in front of them, leading them along the walkway. She reached a broken part of the wall and hopped down, Jayce staring. Did they really expect him to...? "Jayce, go! Just land on your damn feet!" Jinx snapped weakly. Jayce swallowed before kneeling down. He slipped himself over the edge, landing on a rooftop and stumbling before hopping down into the alleyway next to it. Jinx quickly followed. 

Powder hesitated before taking Jayce's hand and pulling him along. He jumped as he dropped the bloody bandanna. Neither Powder nor Jinx seemed to care at all. Jayce's heart was pounding. Fuck, this was actually happening. Hadn't Viktor said to make sure that he wasn't going to be kidnapped to Zaun?? Why was Jayce the one being kidnapped?? He glanced at Powder. She looked distressed, keeping her face forward.

Jayce stumbled as they pulled him out into the streets, other Zaunites jerking away in shock at his Academy uniform. The blocks kept passing him by faster than he could process them. Startled faces and wide eyes. Everyone staring at him since he stuck out like a sore thumb. Where were they going?? He opened his mouth, but before he could fully ask, they emerged into an intersection. His head erupted in pain and he yanked his hands back to hold it as a building came into view. He knew this building. He knew this building. He'd never been this far into Zaun. "Go!!" Jinx snapped, shoving him forward. She sounded pained. 

Powder quickly pulled Jayce through the doors. "WE GOT HIM!!" She yelled up the stairs, dragging Jayce along with her. Jayce wasn't sure what to do, only able to follow. At the top of the stairs, Powder suddenly let his hand go, flinching away and covering her mouth. She turned and disappeared into another room, the door slamming behind her. Jayce didn't understand what was happening as the pink-haired teen in front of him sputtered an apology before pointing him to a room down the hall. Jayce hesitated as Jinx shoved the bag with the journal and the crystals into his hands before he followed the teen's instruction. He jumped as he heard Jinx finally break into tears.

"Don't. Don't look at me like that, please. I didn't want to do that, but he just wouldn't go!" Jayce turned to look back at Jinx, watching as she dropped to her knees, crying as the teen awkwardly moved to her. Jinx glanced up, her teary eyes meeting Jayce's. "Jayce. GET YOUR ASS IN THERE!!" She screamed in a scratchy voice, Jayce nearly slamming himself into the door in shock before throwing it open as Jinx fired the gun above the door. 

Huge hands grabbed him by the arms and pulled him inside, the door shutting. "Sorry about her, lad, she's a little emotional right now." Jayce was being manhandled by everyone right now and it was making his whole brain short circuit as he was passed to someone else. Jayce froze up as he saw the webbing covering one of the thinner man's eyes. That matched the webbing on his arm! Even with half his face covered, the man gave him a warm, sad smile as he looked him over, pushing some hair back into place for him. 

"Oh, beautiful, I'm sorry to meet you again like this. We need your help." The man told him gently. Again??

"A-Again?" Jayce echoed his inner thought aloud and the man's eye became pained before he let out a weakened laugh and nodded. "C-Can I ask a question??" The man paused and pulled back, blowing some bangs out of his face as he nodded. "Thank you." Jayce took a deep breath. "What the FUCK IS HAPPENING?!" The man jumped a little and Jayce startled as a hand clamped over the lower half of his face, making him freeze up. 

"Watch your tone, lad. I can't have you scaring my kids more than they already are." The bigger man warned in a low voice. 

"Vander, please." The smaller man seemed to shoo him back and Jayce was left shaking in place. He was so fucking scared. He didn't know what was happening. His head hurt. He was just almost shot. His highly combustible research was in a pouch on his hip. He couldn't tell if he was going to cry or be sick. Maybe even both. Two hands offered themselves to him and Jayce remained terrified as he found himself instinctively taking them. "Jayce. I know this is frightening. I know you're confused and everyone else being panicked isn't helping." The man sighed. "But I'm afraid we need you because you are the only one who knows how to handle Hex Crystals made from the Atrophy Rune. Jinx said she would've tried it, but I would rather her not rot her arms off." The man looked him over. "Close your eyes and breathe a little bit." Was he- "I'm serious." Jayce squeezed his eyes shut and tried to focus on slowing down his racing heart. His hands were shaking. 

He felt like it hadn't even been five minutes since he'd gotten to the party with Viktor. Fuck, where did Viktor think he went?? Did he know he was gone?? "Jayce." The man's gentle, yet stern voice made him jump. "That doesn't sound like breathing to me. In and out." Jayce tried to follow his instruction. After a minute or two, he finally opened his eyes, tears starting to fall freely down his face. "I know. I know, Jayce, I'm sorry." The man did sound genuinely upset at how afraid Jayce was. "I wish this was easier. I wish we didn't look insane to you." He sighed. "How much force would you need for those to all break simultaneously?" Jayce blinked and glanced down. The man was gesturing to the vial. 

Simultaneously?? "I-I'd have to use a hammer and chisel and apply just enough to send one crack through the center of all three. They won't break otherwise, they aren't meant to flatten or smash. B-But the result of this would likely rot straight into the core of the very world." Jayce paused as the man nodded. 

"That's the point. We have to get back to what lies behind this world." He told him. Jayce could only stare for a moment. 

"The Arcane?? You want me to rot a hole into the Arcane?" Jayce hoped that was what the man meant, while hoping the opposite as well. The man nodded. 

"One of my friends... When he returned to the physical world from the Arcane, his body kicked back up whatever he'd disappeared into the Arcane with. A limp, a crooked spine, and a fatal lung disease. He's been passed out for days. He won't even cough anymore. If he stays out here, he will deteriorate and die. I can't..." The man inhaled shakily. "I can't lose him like this, Jayce. Not when I don't even know what's wrong with him to make him wake up screaming in the middle of the night, yet silent during the day." Jayce stared at him. "Please." 

This had all been out of desperation. Love. Jayce's hands tightened on the strap of the bag. These were people from the Arcane?? He could feel questions burning in his mind and on his tongue, but he held them back. "Where is he?" The man instantly lit up at Jayce's question, taking him by the hand before pulling him to the bathroom. When they stepped inside, Jayce instantly froze up. In the bathtub, there were pillows and blankets, all cushioning a frail-looking body. Pale, strawberry blonde hair was pulled in a braid over the shoulder. Despite the skeletal face and deep eyebags... Despite the death rattle Jayce heard in every breath... That was unmistakably... "Viktor?" 

Chapter Text

"Well, yes, but-" 

Jayce didn't even hear the rest of the man's words, completely tuning him out as he stumbled forward and dropped next to the bathtub. He quickly reached out, finding Viktor's hand and trying to find his pulse through his wrist. He listened, squeezing his eyes shut. He couldn't feel it. He reached up and held the back of his hand to Viktor's parted lips. His breathing was still warm. Jayce felt his heart twist and his eyes became blurry as tears fully erupted down his face. "Fuck." Jayce could barely choke out the word. He wasn't sure what his mind or his memories were doing right then. He wasn't sure what he was feeling. Jayce reached out and it felt borderline inappropriate to be handling someone he barely recognized like this, but he cupped Viktor's cheeks and pulled his head towards him, gently pressing their foreheads together. His mind didn't recognize him, but his body so clearly did. He laid him back down.

"Jayce?" The man put his hand on his shoulder. Jayce quickly swatted it away. He didn't know if he could handle anyone else touching him right then. This was too much. This was all too much.

"H-Hammer and chisel. Any size. Please." The word yanked from Jayce's throat like glass, destroying every bit of his voice that escaped with it. He heard footsteps retreat from the bathroom. Jayce was so upset that he could barely breathe. He didn't know why, but he also didn't know what he would do if this person died here in front of him. It had all come crashing down the moment he'd seen Viktor lying there so motionless. "Viktor?? Viktor!" Jayce inhaled shakily. He reached out and took his hand, pressing his forehead to his limp knuckles. "Viktor!!" His tears ran down his face and he squeezed his eyes shut. That wasn't the right... He exhaled softly. "...V." The fingers twitched in his hold. Jayce's eyes shot open. "V?? V!! Hey!" He hated sounding so desperate, even when he still didn't know what the fuck was going on, but it was working. "V?" Those fingers rested against his cheek and he felt a spark.

The world suddenly seemed to go silent and shift around them. "-ayce..." Viktor's voice barely escaped him as his eyes slightly opened. They were a dull beige. The world had started to warp around them. "-yce...?" Jayce squeezed his hand. 

"V! Hey!" Jayce needed this man to look at him. He paused as those dull eyes slowly traced over to him. His fingers twitched in Jayce's hold again. Jayce was still crying and Viktor only seemed confused by that. "F-Fuck, V, you're..." Jayce didn't even know what to say, squeezing his eyes shut. His chest was brimming with emotion for someone he didn't think he'd ever met. He didn't understand. 

"-hind." Viktor was trying to whisper something to him, but Jayce couldn't understand it. He held his hand closer. Tears had started in Viktor's eyes. "-ehind." Jayce furrowed his brow. He felt a gloved hand on one side of his head before he felt the sharp corner of the sink countertop against the other, momentarily splintering his vision before he hit the floor. There was a soft creaking sound accompanying every footstep that approached him. A boot dug itself under his stomach before flipping him over onto his back. Jayce's vision spun for a moment as the bearded man above him grunted while lowering himself next to him. Jayce could only stare, feeling something wet pooling under one of his ears. That was his face. Older. But him. 

There were crystallized markings around his other self's throat. They looked like fingerprints. The older man reached out, taking the vial from Jayce's bag and throwing it over his shoulder. Jayce opened his mouth to protest before choking as that boot pressed against his throat. "V? That's a new one. You didn't like my nickname anymore?" The world started to shift around them and Jayce was plunged into a starry expanse. 

"J-Jayce! Jayce, let him go! He's done nothing wrong!" Jayce watched as Viktor appeared, shoving his older self away. All three of them had glowing, opalescent hair and their bodies had become white from the shoulders down. "He has nothing to do with this! H-He can return to his world and it will be like he never met me!! It was my fault! I persisted, despite knowing I should not have." Viktor had glowing tears streaming down his face. "He is an innocent in all of this." The other man narrowed his eyes. "...I decided to be unfaithful and I seduced him. It is my fault." Viktor managed.

"What...?" Jayce started to speak again but Viktor shot him a look to keep quiet. That wasn't what had happened. Jayce still wasn't sure what memories were his or not, but that didn't sound correct in any of them. His vision blurred and he startled as Viktor made a small choking noise. Jayce sat up as fast as he could, trying to keep his head from spinning. The older version of him had gently slotted his hand around Viktor's throat. He wasn't applying any kind  of pressure, but it seemed the gesture was enough for Viktor to break down in silent tears. "P-Put him-" 

"Did they tell you what would happen? Did they tell you that cracking those would rot a hole into the Arcane?" His older counterpart suddenly asked in a gruff voice. Jayce startled before nodding. "Did they tell you it would eat away your whole timeline? Did you know they're asking you to collapse it?" Jayce paused as he stared at his older self. "They're asking you to kill every person in your world, including yourself, so they can all go home and play House." 

"...V-Viktor will die if I don't." Jayce spoke shakily and his older counterpart hummed. 

"He should've been dead already. He was supposed to die with me. I did everything for him. I gave up my life, my legacy, my fucking leg. Only to have him trap me in another cave and chase the tail of a younger version of myself that he can mold however he wants." His older self's fingers gently brushed under Viktor's jaw and the smaller man seemed to bite back a hiccup as his chest heaved a little. "Vik." His older self's voice softened and Viktor jumped a little, staring at him. "I'm sorry. I don't mean to speak about you so poorly. I feel strongly... about what's been done to me." He gently pressed his lips to Viktor's and Viktor visibly melted like putty in his hands. His fingers reached up and curled into the fabric of the dark red shirt. "About what you did to me." The older Jayce whispered against Viktor's lips. "We can fall into oblivion together." 

The word seemed to make Viktor shiver, but it wasn't anything good. Jayce could see the fear and the panic in every part of his body. Viktor did not want to die. He did not want to fall into oblivion. Jayce struggled to get to his feet. Gravity felt so heavy and the blood from his head wasn't helping either. He stumbled forward and he took Viktor by the shoulder before tugging him back and pushing the other behind him. His older counterpart stared at him, a soft scoff escaping him, like he couldn't quite believe the audacity that Jayce had just shown. Jayce's vision was pulsing and he could feel Viktor trying to keep him steady. He felt sick. He really felt like he was going to be sick. The wound on his head was throbbing. "Jayce." Viktor's voice whispered in panic. "Jayce! Don't!" Viktor sounded desperate. "Do not leave me alone here." He sounded so scared that it ingrained itself in the back of Jayce's head. 

Jayce slowly turned to him and he leaned down, pressing their foreheads together. Viktor instantly cupped his cheeks, his hand sliding through the blood down the side of his head. "V... I don't feel good." Jayce managed quietly. Viktor's eyes widened and he shook his head. "Fuck..." He could barely whisper the word, reaching up and tenderly holding the side of Viktor's neck and sliding his hand up into his hair. Viktor squeezed his eyes shut and tipped his head into his hand. "You... You won't disappear. I-I'll save you." Jayce managed. Viktor stared at him doubtfully. "Sorry, V, I need a second." When Jayce hit the ground of the starry expanse, he woke back up in the bathroom, pulling Viktor's crystal fingers from his cheek. 

"Jayce??" That voice. S...Silco? Jayce furrowed his brow. He felt like if he moved too much, he would collapse. He dug around in his pouch, searching for the vial. "Here! It was in the bedroom." Silco held out the vial to him. Jayce took it, though it seemed like Silco was hesitant to let it go. He was handed two other tools and he sat back, staring forward as he twisted open the vial. He picked up the chisel in one hand and the hammer in the other. His vision was starting to spin and he heard crackling as his wound finally followed him out of the Arcane. He pressed the chisel straight to the center of the topmost crystal in the vial. Seeming unable to stop himself, Silco finally spoke again, his voice shaking with guilt. "Jayce, listen. We didn't tell you and I-I'm sorry, but doing this is going to-" He didn't get a chance to finish as Jayce heard Viktor's frantic begging from somewhere distant. Somewhere just beyond the pale. His pulsing vision dropped to the vial in front of him. He raised the hammer. 

Clink.

Chapter Text

Cra-a-ack!

The world splintered. Jayce was vaguely aware of hands grabbing him and yanking him backwards so hard that the hammer and chisel flew from his hands. They didn't clatter and he furrowed his brow, vaguely wondering why. Jayce paused as he heard rushing water. He blinked a couple times. He was... back by the river, looking down into the dark water. He was sitting on the wall, his legs dangling over nothing. His back was slouched and his head hurt so much. Jayce furrowed his brow and glanced down at his hands. 

...Hand. 

One of his arms ended in a wrinkled stump, blackened veins stretching up from it. The other hand seemed fine, though his bracelet had rotted away and the crystal was now resting in his palm. The Rune burned into his wrist was glowing. He made a small noise of acknowledgment. "Jayce, darling." Jayce startled a little as he turned to look at Silco. He paused, his eyes drifting past him. He'd... really brought everyone with him. Well... no. He didn't see Viktor, Powder, or Jinx. Everyone else was here. From Vander to Powder. "Oh... Jayce..." Silco reached up to the bloody wound on his head and Jayce flinched a little. Upon closer inspection, Silco looked worse for wear. His webbing had become pale on his eye, as had the rest of his body. He looked absolutely drained and there were bags under his eyes. He paused as Vander came up, wrapping an arm around Silco. 

"It's enough, birdie. You've done enough." He assured Silco quietly. Silco paused and tears vaguely welled in his eye as he gave a small laugh, glancing up at Vander. "Take a rest before you go in a few minutes." Silco shook his head before reaching up and pulling Vander down. 

"Ew!! Vander!"

"Silco! That's grossss!"

"You guys are embarrassing!"

All of the kids instantly protested from behind them as Jayce looked away politely, a small twitch of amusement on his lips. He heard Vander sigh. 

"I missed you, Sil." He admitted quietly. Silco murmured that he missed him too. "Oh?" Jayce glanced up in order to see Vander staring past him. He followed his gaze to see Viktor, who was already holding a drink. He stared at them all, seeming a little speechless. "Where have you been, lad?? You stopped coming to the bar!" Viktor instantly seemed to fluster and took a sip of his drink. 

"Viktor. Even the bartender in Zaun recognizes you??" Jayce asked in an exasperated tone as he turned to his lab partner. Viktor quickly gestured for him to shut up and Jayce gave a weak chuckle as he shook his head. 

"I have never seen you all out of the bar at once. What's the occasion?" Viktor asked, raising a brow. In the distance, Jayce finally saw it. A vast, off-white. All of the color and all of the buildings seem to crumble into it as it spread. It approached slowly but steadily. Jayce didn't feel fear. There was an odd calmness in his chest. His heart didn't race. 

"Bar's gone." Vander answered. Viktor seemed stunned, only able to give a small 'what?' in response. Vander's voice remained calm. Resigned. Accepting. "Everything else is going too." 

Everything else is going too.

The words made Jayce's hand weakly tighten around the crystal. "Jayce?" Silco appeared next to him, leaning on the wall he was sitting. "The rest of them have fallen back in. The Arcane took them back. Viktor will be alright." Jayce felt such a rush of relief through his body that it made him squeeze his eyes shut. 

"What about you, Sil?" Jayce asked, the nickname easily sliding off his tongue. His memories were still jumbled, but he was sure that was what he called this man. Silco raised a hand and Jayce could see wisps being dragged downwards. Pulling. Tugging. But Silco wouldn't follow. Instead, he leaned his head against Jayce's arm and closed his eye. Jayce paused. 

A tingle was starting to spread through his body. A charge. Threads stretching through his bones and making his fingers twitch. He furrowed his brow. He flinched and squeezed his eyes shut as memories started to flood him. He scrunched up his shoulders as he inhaled shakily. Jinx dying his hair purple, Powder building small scrap robots with him. Silco watching in amusement as he played a sour note on the guitar. And Viktor. Viktor laughing so softly as Jayce held him in his arms. Tears were running down Jayce's face as he turned to look at him. Silco pulled away and Jayce startled as Silco's dark hair suddenly started to turn grey and the man reached up in surprise. "Sil?? What did you do??" Jayce asked, his eyes wide as he reached out to him, leaving the crystal in his vest pocket. Silco laughed quietly as he took Jayce's hand. 

"Just being a little selfish again, Jayce." Silco paused, his cheeks tinting a joyful pink as Vander wrapped his arms around him from behind. "I have always been a weak man to self-indulgence." The webbing was disappearing from his face and it left behind a scarred, milky-eyed wound. It was healed. "It feels strange. But welcome." 

Jayce jumped as a hand took his other arm. He turned to look. Viktor was staring forward at the approaching nothingness, his eyes wide and his jaw open in shock. He glanced over at Jayce, his hand shaking as he set down his drink. "I'm sure... we could've done something great together, Viktor." Jayce told him softly. He gestured to the drink. "You don't have to worry about your liver anymore, so you may as well finish that." Viktor stared at him, tears in his eyes before he nodded. He picked up his drink before jumping as Jayce pulled him into a hug. He felt Viktor hug him back with one arm, but still took a sip over his shoulder. "Gods, Viktor, come on." 

"You told me to finish it!" Viktor protested, pulling back with a scoff. He had pulled back, but he kept his fingers tightly curled into Jayce's sleeve as he watched the end come crawling towards them, eating everything in its path. "...I always thought I would die of alcohol poisoning, so this is a step-up, I suppose." Jayce glanced over at him in dismay and Viktor rolled his eyes as he let out a heavy sigh. "Why does no one ever laugh at my jokes?" He muttered quietly, taking another sip. Jayce rolled his own eyes in response and turned to look over at Silco. Silco was studying his hand. He was... aging. He didn't seem frightened either. Vander's hand moved up to cup his, looking it over. 

"To be quite frank, I didn't even know if it would work. I'm relieved it did." Silco was murmuring to Vander. Jayce stared at him quietly. When he looked at his hands, the wisps were no longer there. Silco was no longer being pulled downwards and a chill went up Jayce's spine. Something clicked.

"Sil?" He asked softly. Silco must've heard the change in his voice because he squeezed his eye shut. Jayce lifted his own hand and he could... see the wisps starting to drag downwards. "Sil. Silco." Jayce instantly stated his name in panic, his eyes widening. "You fucking didn't." He sounded shocked and Silco gave a weak smile as he leaned back against Vander. Powder and Ekko had come up to Viktor, asking him about his cane. Both of them had a hand on his pant leg, seeming like they just wanted to hold onto something. Despite his initial apprehension, Viktor entertained their questions gently. "Why??" Jayce's voice shook. Silco watched him with a quiet, warm gaze. 

"...The Arcane is a cruel master, Jayce. It would only take back one more. I forced its hand. It has to take you now." Silco replied quietly. "The Last Drop will not be returning without me. Could you form somewhere new for them? Somewhere warm and comfortable. I would appreciate it greatly." 

"Make sure you keep a bar in there, lad. That Jinx is a natural." Vander added, giving a weakened chuckle. The nothingness was closing in on them, starting to spread from the direction of Piltover as well. It encased them in a circle. "Kids!" Mylo, Claggor and Vi all backed up to press close to Silco and Vander. Viktor hesitated before bringing Powder and Ekko over to them. Silco chuckled, reaching out and pulling Viktor over with an arm. Viktor jumped before laughing quietly and offering Silco a sip of his drink. Silco sniffed at it before wincing with a slightly impressed whistle. 

"Good gods, orange liquor at nearly midnight??" He asked in disbelief. Viktor started to pull it away, but Silco stopped him. "...I didn't say no." He took the cup, taking a large gulp of it and handed the cup back. Jayce started to feel the pull downwards and his eyes went wide. 

"Sil." Jayce's voice was weakened as he spoke again. All of the kids had turned inwards to hide as Vander closed his eyes. Viktor did the same, but the only one who continued to watch Jayce was Silco. He looked so old now. With one last smile, Silco closed his eyes. 

And Jayce fell. 

Chapter Text

"He didn't-" 

"He would've. Of course he would've." 

Both Powder and Jinx's horrified voices were above him as Jayce's senses slowly returned to his body. He could feel the heavy charge of the Arcane through his bones again, but his whole body ached like he'd just been thrown around like a ragdoll for an hour. Jayce started to cough, his fingers curling into the ground. "Jayce! Jayce, hey!" Powder spoke first, hands felt gently shaking one of his arms. He was laying on his back. Jayce opened his eyes to a white void. He could only see the faintest hints of color and it made his body freeze up before Powder appeared in his vision, her eyes wide and her hair glowing. "Jayce?? Jayce heard an awkward cough and Powder glanced up before giving an apologetic smile. "S-Sorry, this is going to be confusing." She turned to look back down at Jayce, offering her hand. Jayce barely managed to reach up and take it. Powder pulled him up into a sitting position.

He startled as Jinx appeared next to him, grabbing his hand with shaky fingers and burying her face against it. Tears were running down her face and her braids drifted around her head in glowing ropes. Jayce could only stare before the dots connected in his head. He shakily reached out and pulled Jinx against him. "...I'm sorry." Jayce whispered weakly. "If I'd known what he was doing, I would have stopped him. I didn't realize until it was too late." Silco's last smile to him had hurt something inside Jayce's core. 

He needs you.

Those words. Jayce squeezed his eyes shut and buried his face against Jinx's head. "I-I'm sorry it's me and not him." He said weakly. Jinx's grip tightened on him and she shook her head weakly. 

"N-No. No, that's not it. I-I promise that's not it." Jinx's voice broke a little as she spoke, her tone desperate. Jayce rubbed small circles on her back. He stared around. Just as Silco had told him, The Last Drop was nowhere to be seen. It had disappeared with him. He paused. Viktor. What about Viktor?? Instantly, his eyes went wide and his head snapped up to look. Viktor laughed somewhere nearby. Jayce should've felt relief at the noise, but instead, every alarm in his body set off at once as his joints all locked up. Danger. 

Danger, danger, danger. 

Jayce turned and the piercing gold gaze of the older Jayce met his own golden-brown. The older Jayce had glowing hair as well and he was watching Jayce curiously. His arms were wrapped around Viktor's waist, the smaller man seen with his House Talis-colored crutch and brace. The older Jayce gestured, saying something to Viktor. Viktor turned and his gaze instantly lit up as he saw Jayce. Normally, Jayce was sure he would've been happy about that, but his body was still screaming. Danger.

Danger! Danger! Danger!

The older Jayce led Viktor over. He finally let him go and moved to Jayce with a smile, holding out his hand. When Jayce didn't take it, his older self gave an understanding smile. "I know this may be confusing-" Jayce didn't want to hear it. He didn't want to hear him. He didn't want this Jayce anywhere near any of them. With all the ways Jayce had been thinking about getting this man away from them, he didn't think he could ever safely say he'd been expecting a house. But that was what he got. A wall suddenly erupted from the ground and the older Jayce was taken away as the rest of the structure started to build upwards. "Fuck!" He soon disappeared inside the massive building that was forming and Jayce could only feel something similar to electricity shooting through his body. There were sparks igniting in front of his eyes and he held his head. 

Grass suddenly rippled outwards from him and Viktor was heard yelping as he stumbled over a growing flower bush. A garden had started to form around them. By the time the garden had been walled off and the building had stopped growing, Jayce went momentarily blind, holding a hand to his forehead. He nearly collapsed and Jinx had to hold him up. "-the Kiramman Estate." Viktor's voice came drifting back to him as his vision throbbed. "Could you both go see where he'd ended up in there? I will speak with Jayce." Jayce felt Jinx give his hand a squeeze before she was felt pulling away. 

Jayce barely managed to get to his feet, despite Viktor's insistence that he remain sitting. He staggered for a moment and looked over at the door as it shut behind the two girls. He and Viktor were at the bottom of the marble staircase leading up to it. When Jayce's eyes moved up, he could only stare at the massive building within the white void of the Arcane. It was the Kiramman Estate. Only the back portion and the massive garden, but still. He jumped as he heard the creak of Viktor's brace as the other stepped toward him. He turned to him and looked down at it. Viktor paused. "...With how my body deteriorated, I am not at full energy and I am afraid I will not be for a while. I will need these to walk." Viktor gestured to his crutch. When Jayce didn't answer, Viktor only seemed to become more troubled. His hand tightened on his crutch. "Jayce-" 

"What the fuck is he doing here?!" Jayce spat the words with far more venom than he meant as he gestured to the building and he paused as he saw Viktor flinch. "S-Sorry, but why is he...?" 

"...He was waiting for us when we fell. He said he'd been wandering the Arcane a long time trying to find me." Viktor said in a small voice. Jayce could only stare at him. "It is... It is my Jayce. From my world. I-I thought I lost him." Jayce's chest was tight. "I apologize, I know this... very much complicates things between us." Viktor glanced aside and Jayce could only wonder why Viktor had that as his top worry. 

"Viktor, he's going to fucking kill us!" Jayce blurted out in disbelief. "He just tried to kill me!" Viktor stared at Jayce and shook his head after a moment. 

"Jayce would not do that. I-I'm unsure as to what you just saw, but that is not something my Jayce would do." Viktor said, looking him over in worry. 

"Except it is!! And he's probably done worse!! I have his memories, V, I can see everything he did to you!!" Jayce exclaimed, taking a step forward. Viktor instantly took a step back from him, his eyes looking him over in confusion and uncertainty. 

"E-Everything he did to me??" Viktor echoed. He seemed like he was really trying to listen and understand, but he didn't. Jayce's heart was pounding and his throat was tight. 

"Viktor, you can't be serious. You can't." Jayce's voice had become strangled as he watched him. Viktor only looked back with a fearful, but blank expression. He had no idea what Jayce was talking about and Jayce covered his face. "Fuck." The word was strained. Viktor's gaze had weakened and he hesitantly took a step forward. 

"I know him being back must... upset you."  Viktor's hand moved up to his own sleeve, holding it tightly. "I know there was... something between... us." The words stung Jayce and he stared at him. He hadn't even realized tears had welled in his eyes until his vision became blurry. Viktor seemed panicked as he moved forward, reaching out to him. Jayce squeezed his eyes shut as he felt Viktor's hand cup his cheek. "I do not mean to be cruel to you. But that is my partner in there. My Jayce." Viktor's voice became a little strained. "Please, I need you to understand." 

"I don't. I really, really fucking don't." Jayce muttered. "I can't keep playing this memory game with you, Viktor. I can't do this. He is not a good man. I told you, I have his-" 

"Whichever Jayce's memories you are referring to, it is not him!" Viktor finally snapped at him, instantly pulling his hand back. "Jayce, my partner would not hurt me! He would not hurt you!" 

"Except he did!" Jayce snapped in response. "He nearly cracked my fucking head open!! I have every memory of his because I actively searched for them so I could understand you better!! Viktor, he's a horrible person!! The things I heard him say to you-"

"HE DID NOT SAY THOSE THINGS TO ME!!" It was the first time Jayce had truly heard Viktor yell and he jerked back as Viktor took a step forward, his eyes teary and furious. He took a deep breath to seemingly compose himself. "Jayce, I understand it may hurt you that he's back, as it hurts me for you. But doing something like this is childish!! I expected better from you!! That is my first love in there! I am sorry that I led you on, I'm sorry. But this is not a healthy way to handle it! First and foremost, my heart has always belonged to him, and I'm sorry." 

Jayce stared at him as tears streamed down his cheeks. He felt broken. He felt broken and he felt laughed at by some invisible audience. The Arcane really was a cruel master. "...Your heart belongs to one of the worst versions of myself that I've seen. I'm sorry too." He replied, his voice shaking and cold. Viktor was taken back, clearly hurt by that, but Jayce only turned away. 

"You... are not entitled to me as your partner just because you erased yours from existence!" Viktor finally yelled, the venom in his voice piercing Jayce all the way to his gut. He froze in place. 

"Why do you think I fucking did that, Viktor?" Jayce's question was cold and furious as he turned to look at Viktor in absolute disbelief. Viktor's own eyes were wide, like he'd realize what he'd said was out of line. He opened his mouth and Jayce held up a hand. "Don't. Don't fucking say anything else to me." Viktor's hands were white as he held his crutch. Jayce looked him over and another tear spilled down his face. "...Fuck you." He turned away, starting up the stairs. 

"We found him!" Powder called out, her and Jinx leading out the older Jayce. He looked like he'd been stuck in drywall, covered in dust. He paused as he saw Jayce coming up the stairs, trying for a friendly smile again.

"Hey, I feel like we may have gotten off on the-" Jayce shot him a furious, hateful look through his tears as he passed him, heading towards the door. "...Fuck, what did I do??" He heard his older self whisper in shock. 

"Y-You did not do anything." Viktor's voice was beyond upset. "H-He is being a petulant child and throwing a tantrum." Jayce felt his heart twist at the words. He shut the door behind him, staring blankly into the reconstructed parlor that he would have tea with Caitlyn in. They had a fireplace here and it already seemed lit, giving a soft crackle. Jayce felt empty as he stared at it. Finally, he turned away and allowed his feet to carry him up a familiar path. Up the stairs. Right to the guest room he'd called his own for a few months. From below, he could hear Powder and Jinx calling out for him, but he wouldn't answer nor turn back. He shouldered open the door quietly before shutting it behind him. He leaned back against it and squeezed his eyes shut, the first shaky exhale leaving him. 

Alongside it, there was scraping from outside the room. Twisting and splintering. He kept himself standing as his whole room seemed to shift. When it stopped, he had a feeling the hallway would no longer be there if he opened the door again. Only a mess of wood and stone. He'd blocked himself off completely. His legs had been shaking this whole time and he hadn't even realized until they gave out and he slid down the door. He buried his head in his hands and started to cry quietly. 

Chapter Text

If Jayce had expected anyone to be able to find a way to his room, even through the shattered hallway, it would be Jinx. And, of course, if Jinx had found a way in, that meant Powder had found a way in too. Surprisingly, the vents were all still connected and both of them were just small enough to squeeze through. From what they told him, the Hub was back in session again. Lost Passerbys would appear in the gardens this time. Jinx and Powder had started handling Silco's old Passerbys, Jayce making sure to let Jinx know how proud he was of her for doing so. Jayce wouldn't leave his room. And maybe it was because he'd been the one to create the Hub this time, but he found himself able to manipulate so much more than before. He'd shifted his simple bedroom into a full living space, with a kitchen and even a door that led down to a forge. According to the girls, it didn't show up at all outside the building, but it was there. 

The other Jayce had taken over his role in the Hub. Jinx and Powder didn't have much to complain about with him at first. Jinx soon, however, showed up to tell Jayce that the other Jayce had absolutely ruined their sleeping piles. No matter how they fell asleep, Jinx and Powder would be shoved to the side when they woke up. It had gotten so bad that Jinx had yelled at the other Jayce and none of them had slept in a pile since. The other Jayce and Viktor had their own bedroom. Jinx and Powder shared another. They were pretty sure Viktor had had a nightmare once before, but they'd found him crying outside the splintered wreck that would've led to Jayce's room. Through some barrier, whether Arcane or emotional, no one was able to teleport into Jayce's room, but it really seemed like Viktor had tried. Jayce hadn't seen Viktor ever since their argument. It didn't mean he hadn't wanted to, but even the thought of seeing Viktor again after he'd brushed him away so easily was enough to make his chest ache. 

Jayce glanced up from the kitchen counter, where he'd been making some sandwiches. Jinx was curled up in a ball in front of the fireplace in his room. Her braids were wrapped around her tightly as she laid on her side in the glow of the fire. She'd upset Viktor today and it had, of course, been over the other Jayce. Jinx was alone this time, having come running to hide with Jayce, absolutely in tears. It had been something so little, but Jinx had freaked out about it. 

She'd been making drinks when the other Jayce had asked why she didn't try to do something a different way. When Jinx had responded that it was because Silco had told her this was the way to do it, the other Jayce had smiled and asked why she didn't try something new since Silco wasn't there anymore. They'd had to pry Jinx's nails from the other Jayce and Viktor had spent nearly twenty minutes trying to get her to apologize, which she had refused to do. And when Viktor had told her he was disappointed in her, Jinx had replied that she was disappointed by his Jayce. Jinx wouldn't tell Jayce what had happened after that, but he didn't doubt there'd been yelling involved. Jayce finished fixing the sandwiches and moved out of the kitchen area. He made his way over, gently nudging Jinx with his foot. She sniffled and sat herself up. Jayce handed her a toasted ham-and-cheese sandwich and she started to eat it with small crunches. 

Jayce settled himself next to her, eating his own sandwich. He hated to say it, but he was glad someone else hated the other Jayce too. "...Why did he say that to me??" Jinx spoke weakly and Jayce glanced over. "Why would he say that about him while smiling like that?? Did he think Silco beat me into crushing up the ice like that?? What did he have to say that for??" Jinx asked, her voice shaking. "What the hell is his problem?? Is he stupid?" Jayce replied that he didn't think so and Jinx sniffled again. "...I believed you about him from the start." Jayce paused and glanced over at her. "He feels bad. His whole... His whole thing that he gives off." Jinx waved her hand in a vague circle. "It's bad." 

"It is bad." Jayce agreed, giving a quiet sigh. "But he makes Viktor happy, I guess." He'd had more than enough time to cool down, but he still wouldn't come out, no matter how often Viktor asked for Powder or Jinx to get him. Just because he'd calmed down didn't mean he still wasn't hurt. He did miss his Viktor. A playful alcoholic with a mean streak. He'd only got to know him a couple weeks. But would he collapse the timeline again if it would save this Viktor's life? Yes. Yes, he would. When he'd finally told the girls what Viktor had blurted at him, Jinx wouldn't talk to Viktor for almost a week. Jayce had felt bad even telling them. He hated sleeping anymore. He had nightmares every time he even tried to rest. 

The people he'd sacrificed in the timeline. Silco. Viktor screaming at him. And that other self of his, always standing in the back and seeming so smug. Jayce had bags under his eyes as he continued to nibble away at his sandwich. Finally, his bites came to a stop and the sandwich was dropped harshly onto the plate as Jayce buried his head in his hands. "...I wish he hadn't done that." He finally spoke in a weak tone. He heard Jinx pause. "I don't want to sound ungrateful. But I really wish he'd just fucking let me die." 

"No!" Jinx instantly blurted out, grabbing his arm and forcing him to look at her. "Don't say that. Don't. Silco wouldn't ha-"

"Not Silco." Jayce interrupted quietly, fresh tears running down his face. Jinx stared at him and she inhaled shakily. Jayce turned away. "...Sorry." He pushed himself to his feet and moved towards his bathroom. He slipped inside as he heard Jinx call out. He locked the door and fell back against it, burying his face in his knees. 

"Jayce! Jayce, please, please don't do anything. Please!" Jinx sounded frantic as he heard the doorknob rattling. 

"I'm not! I'm not, I just... I need to be... in my own space." Jayce instantly called back, not wanting her to misunderstand. The rattling stopped and he heard Jinx breathing heavily. 

"A-Are you sure?? You promise you won't do anything??" Jinx sounded desperate from behind the door and Jayce felt his heart sink. "Please promise, Jayce, please." 

"I promise, Jinx." Jayce said, glancing back at the door. He heard a tiny thump and he knew Jinx would be resting against the other side of the door. He felt ridiculous. He felt ridiculous and lost. And so, so upset all the time. He did want to see Viktor and he wanted to try and talk out what had happened, but he knew Viktor would bring that other Jayce. And the last face he wanted to see was his. He had taken down the mirrors in the room. He'd covered the one in the bathroom. How bad was his situation that he couldn't even look at himself anymore? What kind of way was this to live? 

Simple. It wasn't. 

Jayce rested his head against his knees. It felt like he'd never left the ledge, but now he didn't even have that out anymore. Jayce gave a quiet sigh through his nose. He felt empty. He felt empty and he didn't know what to do.

The ground suddenly lurched beneath his feet and Jayce yelped. He heard Jinx squeak as she hit the other side of the door and Jayce quickly got up, opening it and catching her. The last thing he would've expected here was an earthquake and he instantly moved under the doorway with Jinx. She seemed terrified as the whole building shook and when it ended, both of their hearts were pounding. Jayce was breathing heavily. After a few minutes, they both heard that telltale clatter from the vent. "Powder?? Powder, what was that??" Jayce yelled out, still too tense to move out from under the doorway with Jinx. 

They both heard Powder's boots land on the carpet before she appeared, her eyes wide. "...That wasn't you??" She asked in confusion. Jayce stared at her before shaking his head. Had it been the building shifting?? Good gods, he hadn't felt it do that before.

"N-No, I wouldn't. Not while I know there's Passerbys here. I wouldn't try to alter the structure in a way that would shake the whole building if there are still people inside." Jayce stuttered quietly. Jinx was still holding onto him, her eyes squeezed shut. Powder came over and knelt next to them. "Wh-What happened??" 

"The floor started breaking. All the wood came up like teeth." Powder demonstrated with her hands. "One of them impaled the other Jayce. He's about a foot off the floor right now with a bunch of wood through his stomach." Jayce stared at her in surprise. "Viktor's in such a panic that he almost screamed at me to go get you." Jayce stared at her.

"Does he really think I did that?? I haven't spoken to anyone but you two for weeks." Jayce was a little taken back. "Why would I just suddenly attack them??" 

"That's, uh, what he wanted to know." Powder said, glancing off to the side as she fiddled with her sleeves. Jayce stared at her. 

"...Don't tell me you believe it was me." Jayce said after a moment, his voice weakened. Powder didn't answer before shrugging. 

"...I wouldn't have minded if it was. The conversation we were having was... really frustrating. He was contradicting everything I said. I was kind of glad it shut him up." Powder muttered. "Either way, Viktor wants to see you. He said that if I can't bring you out, he's coming in." Jayce furrowed his brow. They all jumped as the door to the room rattled and Viktor's reverberating Herald voice echoed through the wood, cold and commanding. 

"Jayce. Come here. Now." 

Chapter Text

Instead of feeling threatened, Jayce was genuinely so pissed off that he could barely handle it. "Are you fucking joking?" He muttered under his breath. He gently guided Jinx to Powder. "Can you guys wait here?" Jayce pushed himself to his feet. He moved over to his bedroom door as he heard the splintering and twisting of the hallway moving outside. He slammed the door open and Viktor's hand was on his shoulder, pushing him backwards so he could duck into the room. Jayce stared up at him flatly, wondering how much of a mess he looked right then. He hadn't combed his hair in a while, nor had he had any proper sleep and he wondered if that showed on his face. Viktor stared down at him in Herald form. His face didn't move in this form, so Jayce had no idea what expression he was actually making. "What do you want?" He asked, his voice dull and cold. 

"I want you to explain yourself, Jayce." Viktor replied, his voice deep and menacing. 

"Surprised you even remembered I existed." Jayce stated flatly. Viktor replied that he'd never forgotten and Jayce narrowed his eyes. "I think you did. Especially if you're accusing me of attacking someone despite weeks of radio silence on my end. You really think I would just get bored and attack someone that makes you happy for the hell of it?" Jayce sighed through his nose. "You really didn't get to know me at all, did you? Just practicing for him in case he ever came back." Jayce's words were bitter and they tore from his throat like thorns. Viktor seemed taken back by that. "Sorry about whatever happened to him, but it doesn't involve me. You can go." Jayce turned away from him. He started towards the door to his forge and he heard quiet cracking and twisting behind him before a smaller hand grabbed his arm. 

Jayce turned to look back at Viktor, the other seeming pale as he forcibly returned to his human form. He staggered and Jayce still reached out to catch him. Viktor trembled before standing himself up. "Jayce, I'm sorry, I just-" 

"Vik??" Jayce closed his eyes and bit his tongue as he heard that voice interrupt what would've been the first real conversation he'd had with Viktor in weeks. He glanced over as his older self appeared in the doorway, holding his stomach. "Hey! I-"

"Do not come in here. You're not welcome in here." Jayce instantly stated when his other self tried to step into the room. He reached up and gently undid Viktor's hand from his arm, pushing it back to him. "Viktor, just go back to him. Whatever just happened, it wasn't me, so just get out of here." Jayce's voice strained as he turned away. He moved to the door of his forge, pulling it open. 

"Jayce-" Viktor's weakened voice was interrupted by Jinx's loud snap. 

"He said you aren't allowed in here!" She sounded furious. "You can't even show a little respect for anyone else?? He made the building, you can at least stay out of his room when he asks you to!" He heard his other self apologize. "Bullshit!" 

"Jinx!" Viktor instantly said her name in a scolding tone and she fell into an upset quiet. Jayce rolled his eyes. "Jayce, please let me-" Jayce slammed the door to the forge and started down the stairs. He really didn't want to hear it. He really didn't. Especially with his other self watching. He felt sick. The door was heard opening at the top of the stairs again. "JAYCE!!" Viktor yelled down in frustration and Jayce stopped before turning to look back up at him. "Jayce, do not walk away from me!" 

"If he comes in my room, he'll be leaving with more than an impaled stomach." Jayce instantly threatened, his eyes narrowing. Viktor stared at him before turning back to look at something in the room. 

"Please just wait out there, I will be right back." He said. Jayce could hear someone else responding. "Please, I have to speak to him. Please just stay out there." Viktor finally moved onto the stairs and shut the door behind him. Jayce paused. 

"You're not going to make it all the way down these stairs by yourself." He said, frowning as he looked him over. Viktor's hand tightened on his crutch as he shuffled his braced leg.

"I would appreciate some help then." He replied quietly. Jayce watched him before sighing through his nose and moving back up. He let Viktor hold onto his arm as he guided him down the stairs. When they reached the bottom, Viktor stared around the forge with wide eyes. "You made this?" 

Jayce pulled away from him and moved towards the furnaces. "Needed something to do now that I've been replaced." He responded calmly, adding more wood to one of them. 

"You were not replaced." Viktor said, sounding taken back. He seemed to pause as Jayce glanced over with the flattest look of disbelief he could muster. "Jayce. You were not replaced." Viktor seemed to be trying to assure him and Jayce rolled his eyes, turning away back to the furnaces. "Jayce, he has only been kind to me-"

"I'm sure." Jayce replied curtly. He started to move around and pull down tools he would need. "That's why Jinx came crying here and not you, right?" 

"He did not mean to upset her." Viktor quickly said, his shoulders scrunching. 

"Who in their right mind would word the question like that with a smile? Is he stupid then?" Jayce turned to look at him with a glare. Viktor flinched a little.

"H-He just wasn't thinking." Viktor protested before jumping as Jayce yanked down a pair of metal tongs, slamming them to the counter with a loud clang. Viktor took a step back, his eyes wide. Jayce stared down at the tongs before leaning down and resting his elbows on the counter, burying his head against his hands. He curled his fingers into his hair tightly before giving a weak laugh. 

"Good gods, I wish I had someone to make excuses for me like he does." Jayce said, his shoulders sinking as he chuckled again, shaking his head. "Must be nice to never have to take accountability for anything because your partner swears they know you." Viktor was taken back before his hands tightened on his crutch. 

"That is not what it is!" He insisted, instantly glaring at Jayce, who only met his gaze with a dull one. Jayce leaned his head against his hand as he watched him. Finally, he straightened up and moved forward. Viktor startled a little as Jayce took his arm and started to pull him along. "Jayce?? Where are we going??" 

"Back upstairs. It's clear we aren't going to get anywhere with this. I'd rather just stop now." Jayce answered quietly. He started to move up the stairs, but Viktor pulled back from him and Jayce closed his eyes in exasperation. He turned back to him and weakly threw his hands out to the sides in defeat. "What?" 

Viktor stared up at him quietly, his eyes looking him over. The more he stared, the more dismay seemed to show on his face. "...What happened to you, Jayce?" He finally asked, his shoulders sunken. "You used to look at me with such bright eyes." 

"You used to speak to me like I wasn't just some jealous psychopath." Jayce replied, tears already felt stinging in his eyes again. "Guess we both changed." He gave a small shrug. "Except one of us has everything he wants now... and the other..." Jayce tipped his head as his eyes moved away. "The other wishes he'd just hit the ground." Viktor's eyes widened in shock and Jayce couldn't even look at him. "He's probably throwing a fit without you up there. You should really go back up." Jayce said, gesturing up the stairs. 

"J-Jayce." Viktor sounded beyond shaken as he spoke again. Jayce squeezed his eyes shut. "Jayce, I'm sorry this has upset you so much. I'm sorry I've upset you so much." Jayce stared at the ground quietly before giving another shrug. 

"Apology accepted. Let's go." He gestured up the stairs again. Viktor had tears in his eyes now as he searched him over. It felt like it was tearing through Jayce's heartstrings and he inhaled shakily. "What are you looking for?? What?? Go back to your Jayce. Your partner." Jayce's voice weakened. "The one you still have." Viktor flinched and the first tears rolled down his face.

"I should not have said that. I was not thinking clearly. I should not have said such a thing to you." Viktor sounded distraught as he spoke. His tone was begging, like he just wanted Jayce to listen. "I know you did that for us. I know you did that for me. I'm sorry." A choked noise escaped him as he squeezed his eyes shut. "I'm sorry, Jayce. I have been unfair to you. I was so distracted by getting him back that I... completely disregarded you had given up everything to get us back." And he had. Jayce had given up everything. 

"I see their faces every time I sleep. I see them terrified as their world collapses. I hear them ask me why I did that. Why I killed them." Jayce's voice was quiet and dull. "Even my partner, with another drink in hand, asking why he wasn't good enough for me to stay. He would've been if I hadn't met you." Jayce made his way back down the stairs. "If I hadn't grown attached to you. Waited for you." Jayce looked him over quietly. "If I hadn't loved you." The words seemed to break Viktor and he started to cry quietly. Jayce wanted to hold him, but he wouldn't move as Viktor tried to muffle his sobbing. Viktor seemed confused by this as well, his arms wrapping around himself as if to provide himself his own comfort. "Your first love is still upstairs. He can comfort you." Jayce nodded towards the stairs and turned away. He heard the soft creaking and froze as Viktor grabbed his arm. He felt Viktor's head press against his back as the other cried. 

"J-Jayce..." Viktor's voice was weak and broken. Jayce wrapped an arm around him before scooping him up and making Viktor yelp. "Jayce! Jayce, p-put me down!" Jayce was silent as he moved up the stairs with him, Viktor still holding his crutch. "Jayce, I-I am not done speaking with you!" 

Jayce shouldered open the door to the forge and the other Jayce instantly got to his feet in the hallway, his eyes wide. "Here." Jayce handed Viktor off to him, the other Jayce holding him gently. He seemed to be trying to see if Viktor was alright, but Viktor was still focused on Jayce. 

"Jayce!! Get back here! We are not done!!" He cried out, tears still running down his face. Jayce turned to look back at him. 

"I think we are, actually." He looked him over and took the door, leaning against it for a moment. "Goodbye, V." The nickname seemed to stun Viktor silent and Jayce shut the door.

Chapter Text

This was the closest thing that Viktor had felt to being buried under the rubble in the Council Hall explosion again. An unbearable crushing in his lungs. It was so hard to breathe that his bones ached. All he could do was stare at the door that had just been closed in his face. He startled as the hallway around them started to move. Jayce backed up with him, watching as the wood slowly moved to cover the door back up, creating an abrupt dead end in the hallway. Viktor felt another tear roll down his face. "I, uh, I guess the talk didn't go too well?" Jayce asked, burying his face against his neck. His beard tickled Viktor's skin. He inhaled shakily before speaking. 

"Pl-Please put me down." He requested softly. Jayce did so and Viktor had to take a minute to compose himself, wiping his eyes. 

If I hadn't loved you. 

With how his timeline had gone, Viktor knew how it felt to kill, but this was the first time he knew what it felt like to end a life. He really was a monster. "Vik?" He glanced over through tearful eyes as Jayce gently took his hand. He reached up with his other hand, wiping away his tears before starting to look him over. "He didn't put his hands on you, did he?" 

"No. He would not do that. He is not a violent man. I think... I am the one who has hurt him." Viktor's voice became strangled. Those eyes had been so dull. Almost lifeless. Like Viktor had been staring at a husk. It upset him in ways he couldn't even verbalize. "I think I have hurt him in a way I cannot fix." He felt Jayce's arms wrap around him and he leaned back against him. Somehow, his Jayce wasn't as warm as the other one. 

"Let's go lay down. You're shaking." Jayce whispered gently against the top of his head. Viktor gave a weak sigh, his heart still racing. "Come on." Jayce started to lead him away from the twisted wall, Viktor wanting nothing more than to stay and beg for the Jayce inside to open up and let him in again. But he didn't. He turned and he followed his own back to their bedroom. He slipped inside and moved over to the bed before sitting on the edge of it. It was so neat and tidy compared to the mess he'd just seen inside that room. And... Viktor's hands curled into the bed as tears welled in his eyes. All of the mirrors had been missing. Viktor buried his face in his hands. That Jayce couldn't even look at himself. Had Viktor really just used him? He hadn't known he'd be getting his Jayce back. He... 

When Viktor had thought about it, he really had been so quick to cut that Jayce off. To show his own Jayce that he was still loyal and he'd never stopped thinking about him. And he'd been stupid enough to forget that that Jayce was his own person who would very clearly have strong feelings about the situation. And Viktor had basically called him a murderer. Viktor scrunched up his shoulders and that muffled sob escaped him as he covered his mouth. "Hey. Hey, none of that. Come on." Jayce moved over and knelt in front of him, resting his cheek against his braced knee. He reached out and cupped Viktor's cheek. Viktor hiccuped softly. "He's just too young. He wouldn't understand the situation like an older version of me would." Viktor didn't think that was it, but he only gave a small shrug in response. 

His eyes drifted forward. Dealing with Passerbys felt like more of a thankless chore than anything. He'd started letting Jayce handle versions of himself since all they'd want to do is hold or touch Viktor if they saw him. All it did was make Jayce upset. Viktor squeezed his eyes shut. It wasn't even fun anymore. He really should've protested harder when that Jayce had said he had everything he wanted. He'd gotten his Jayce back, but it really felt like he'd lost everything else. His want to help Passerbys, Silco, his cured body. Powder and Jinx didn't speak to him as much and they didn't cling to him at all like they used to. And that Jayce. He'd lost that Jayce the hardest. That Jayce had always said how he was grateful that Viktor had saved him and he would always say it with a smile. Not anymore. 

To hear him say in such a dull voice that he would've rather hit the ground had shaken Viktor to his core. Hadn't he saved him?? And good gods, why had the building opened up like that in the hallway?? He wasn't sure why his first thought had been to accuse that Jayce, especially since he knew he wasn't violent like that. He'd just panicked. "Viktor." Fingers snapped in front of his face and he jumped, looking down at his Jayce with wide eyes. "Stop thinking about him. I'm here now. Not some Academy student with a poor handle on his emotions. Me." Jayce pushed himself up on his knees, reaching out and cupping Viktor's cheeks with his gloved hands. "I've never seen you look at someone else like that. I thought you said you just kissed him." Viktor paused and looked at him. 

"I did. It was just a kiss. We never went further than that." Viktor confirmed quietly. Jayce stared at him doubtfully and Viktor blinked. "W-We didn't. He is a virgin, I was not going to..." Viktor trailed off, his shoulders scrunching up. 

"How'd that topic come up in conversation?" Jayce asked softly, those gold eyes boring into Viktor's amber ones. 

"B-Because of Silco." Viktor answered immediately. Jayce scanned him over before visibly relaxing again. Viktor let out the weakest sigh. Jayce leaned forward, wrapping his arms around his waist and pressing his face against his stomach. Viktor's hand moved to his hair, sliding his fingers across his scalp. His hands were shaking and he heard Jayce give a heavy sigh. The other turned to look up at him before pushing himself up. His lips met Viktor's and Viktor made a small noise as his tongue instantly pushed in. Jayce barely gave him any time to breathe as he pushed him back against the bed, his beard scratching against his jaw. Viktor startled as he felt Jayce's leg push between his thighs and he flinched back from the kiss. 

"Still no good?" Jayce sounded in disbelief as he stared at him, slowly moving his leg away. "What are you afraid of??" 

"I-I don't... I don't know... I..." Viktor stumbled over his words. Genuinely, he didn't know why. 

"Isn't your body cured? Or do I have to wait?" Jayce sounded disappointed as he leaned on his elbows, keeping them on either side of Viktor's head. 

"I-I nearly decomposed, Jayce, I-I'm sorry. M-My form is still recovering from that." Viktor managed in a quiet voice. Jayce stared at him before finally rolling over without another word, pulling Viktor on top of him and holding his waist as he laid his head back. "Jayce..." 

"I'm not mad, Vik." Jayce replied, irritation in his voice as he kept his head turned away. Viktor's fingers curled into his shirt uncertainly before he laid his head against his chest. Jayce's heart was slow and he furrowed his brow. Had that Jayce's heartbeat just been naturally faster?? Jayce had fallen quiet and Viktor's body tensed up a little. He hesitated before burying his cheek against his chest. That Jayce would always hold him a little tighter when he did that. His Jayce... Viktor couldn't help but feel dissatisfaction as Jayce only squeezed his waist tighter. No, he wanted to be held. He hesitated.

"Can you hug me while we sleep?" He asked quietly. Jayce's eyes lowered to him and his brow raised. 

"Why? Is that what you’re used to doing with him?" He asked flatly. Viktor froze up a little and Jayce scoffed. "You'll have to relearn some things, Vik. This is how we always used to sleep. You don't like it anymore?" Jayce asked, his tone turning soft. Viktor hesitated before speaking again. 

"It does not keep me as warm here as it did outside of the Arcane." He replied softly. Jayce sighed, reaching out and dragging the blanket over them. He seemed stubborn about changing where his arms rested. "That... That works too." He laid his head back down on his chest. Jayce didn't reply and Viktor paused. "I did not mean to upset you, Jayce." 

"You didn't." 

The words themselves didn't break something in Viktor, but the harsh tone beneath them did and Viktor felt something burn on the side of his neck, beneath his collar. He let out a choked noise and such a heavy bolt of fear shot through his body that he suddenly teleported backwards. What was he doing?? What was he doing? He had to get out of here. He had to get out of here. "Hey!" Arms wrapped around him and Viktor screamed, starting to thrash. He had to get away. He had to get away, where was everyone?? 

"JINX!! JINX! POWDER!! POWD-" Viktor flinched as a gloved hand cut off his screaming and he squeezed his eyes shut as tears ran down his face. 

"...Guess I have to watch my tone." Jayce was heard muttering as he suddenly yanked Viktor's shirt open, breaking the top three buttons. Viktor instantly shrieked out a muffled protest as Jayce tugged his collar to the side. The crystal embedded in his wrist lit up and Viktor screamed as Jayce pressed it to his skin. It sent a shockwave through his body that caused all his limbs to go slack and he went limp as he leaned back against Jayce. "There you are. I'm sorry, Vik." Jayce gently nosed against his neck, pressing kisses to it. "I didn't mean to scare you. Please forgive me." He buried his cheek against the side of his neck and Viktor blinked. Forgive him? For what? 

"Can we sleep now? I... I think I may be tired." Viktor said weakly, his shoulders sinking. Jayce nodded. 

"Of course. I'll hold you and I'll keep you warm, okay?" He said, turning Viktor to face him and brushing some glowing hair out of his face. Viktor felt his cheeks go hot as Jayce leaned forward, kissing him again. His eyes slipped shut. There wasn't anything desperate behind his Jayce's kiss. Viktor felt like he was the one chasing him despite Jayce initiating the kiss and Viktor felt disappointment. Was he not wanted enough? He was quiet as Jayce pulled away and led him to the bed. He laid down and his body sunk against it. Jayce laid next to him, but he wouldn't hold him at all this time. Viktor furrowed his brow. This all felt wrong. "I love you, Vik. I hope you know that." 

Viktor's shoulders were sunken. He wanted affection. He wanted some kind of closeness. He wanted more than just words. But instead, all he did was nod and reply. "I know. I love you too, Jayce." 

Chapter Text

Viktor was watching from the fireplace as Jayce spoke with a version of himself that had just come from the ravine. He was shockingly patient with these ones. Perhaps because he remembered what it was like to be down there. Viktor was sitting on the plush couch in front of the fire in the massive parlor. He hadn't heard anything about that Jayce in days and the most Powder or Jinx would speak to him was in quick greetings or in passing. Jayce had been oddly affectionate the past several days, but it wasn't enough. It was affectionate for this Jayce, but it was maddeningly little for Viktor. Viktor fiddled with his crutch quietly. He paused as he heard metal-plated footsteps before startling as Jinx heaved herself over the back of the couch in order to sit next to him. She bounced for a moment before glancing over at him. "Hi." 

"...Hello." Viktor said after a moment. He was already reaching his hand out to her, but he faltered as Jayce glanced back at them. Jinx blinked and seemed to take his hand, wrapping one of her braids around it so he could hold some part of her without Jayce seeing. He felt comforted by that and managed a weak smile. Jinx hummed. 

"Soooo, uh, funny question. When it was just you and Silco, did either of you ever get... sick?" Jinx asked, glancing over at him. Viktor paused. Sick? He furrowed his brow as he tried to think. 

"...Silco came down with a fever shortly after falling, but I am afraid it was due to the chemicals in his blood. The Arcane had the fever broken in less than a day, but it was quite painful for him until then and he would not allow me near him." Viktor sighed quietly. "I have woken with severe nausea after particularly bad night terrors. One of which I still cannot even remember what it was about, but Silco told me I was screaming for hours before getting sick." Jinx seemed to be thinking as she kicked her feet back and forth. 

"Jayce is sick. He's been sick for a couple days now." Jinx's words made Viktor freeze up in shock. "Powder and I don't know what to do anymore. We don't exactly have medicine and he won't eat anything. Every time he does, it just... makes him worse." Jinx's fingers curled into the couch. "I don't suppose you know anything about that, huh?" Viktor held her braid tightly against his chest. 

"H-Have either of you tried feeding your Arcane magic into him?" Viktor asked, glanced over at her in worry. "My illness happened because the toxicity of fear in my body weakened the Arcane flow." Jinx gave a weak sigh through her nose. 

"He's rejecting it. Or his body's rejecting it. I don't know. I..." Jinx scrunched her shoulders up. "I don't know what's going to happen to him. We were kind of hoping you'd know what to do." Jinx mumbled. She suddenly yanked her braid from his hand. 

"Hey. What's going on?" Jayce sounded worried as he came over, kneeling in front of them. Jinx glanced up and he inched away from her just a little. 

"Jayce is sick. He has a fever and he hasn't eaten anything in three days." Jinx mumbled. Jayce's eyes widened. 

"Is there anything we can do?" He asked. "I know he hates me, but-" 

"I think Viktor might be able to do something." Jinx interrupted. "His body is rejecting the Arcane magic from me and Powder." Jayce's brow twitched before he furrowed it. 

"He's made Viktor cry nearly every time he's even thought about him, I don't know if letting them near each other is a good idea." Jayce said hesitantly. 

"I can do it." Viktor interjected, making Jayce glance at him. "At least let me try. I do not know what happens if one is to succumb to illness in the Arcane and I do not believe I want to know." Viktor gave a weak sigh. "I will come back right after, successful or not. Besides... you have a Passerby." He reminded Jayce. Jayce clenched his jaw before sighing. He leaned forward and kissed Viktor gently before pulling back. 

"Be careful. Quick, too." Jayce told him before getting up and moving back to his Passerby. Jinx watched him before relaxing and hopping to her feet. She offered her hand to Viktor and he took it. Jinx helped him up before starting to guide him. Viktor placed a foot on the stairs and they immediately all folded down into a ramp for him to climb. They had started doing that after his last conversation with that Jayce. Jinx led him up and the stairs popped back out to normal once he was off of them. She led him through the halls before approaching the jagged dead end. She suddenly took off in a run and threw herself at the wooden spikes, causing Viktor to cry out as he dropped his crutch in shock. 

All of the wood suddenly retreated at once and Jinx landed in front of the exposed door with a laugh. Viktor had his hand on his chest, his eyes wide and his heart pounding. Jinx turned to look back at him. "Well?? Come on!!" Viktor hesitated before leaning down and picking up his crutch. He hesitantly moved forward before flinching as the wood spikes moved towards him. They stopped inches away and he was frozen. They finally retreated and Jinx opened the door. Viktor made his way inside and Powder glanced up from next to the bed. 

"Viktor!" She came running over and hugged him tightly. Viktor nearly cried, almost forgetting how nice it was to hug them again. Jinx grabbed him in a hug from behind and he inhaled shakily, tears already in his eyes. They both pulled away and Powder took his hand, leading him around the side of the bed. "H-He's cold." Cold?? Viktor furrowed his brow. Jayce was curled up on his side, small shivers wracking his body. His eyes were squeezed shut and his face was tearstained. He looked so pale and he kept shuddering his breath, like he was trying not to be sick any second now. Viktor could only stare at him in dismay. He hesitantly climbed onto the bed before reaching out to Jayce. 

"Jayce?" His voice seemed to startle Jayce, making him momentarily open his eyes. They were glassy with fever and Jayce only made a small wheezing noise before his eyes slipped shut again. It had been fear. Something had scared him into sickness. Viktor reached out and pulled one of Jayce's hands from the bed, holding it in both of his own. His fingers were cold, but his palm wasn't. Viktor furrowed his brow. He curled Jayce's hand up so he could warm his fingers with his hands. "Jayce, can you hear me? It... It's Viktor." At his name, Jayce's eyes fluttered open again as his brow furrowed. He suddenly started to push himself back, his dazed eyes looking around Viktor before he tried to look at the rest of the room. "...My Jayce is not with me." Viktor assumed that was what he was looking for and it seemed to be right as Jayce sighed and slumped back down. 

He pulled his hand from Viktor's, it feeling like he was yanking out his heartstrings along with it. Something about that single motion popped the cork on everything Viktor had been bottling up since his Jayce had returned. And it all came spilling over.

"Please!" Viktor didn't mean to sound so panicked or desperate, but he reached out and took Jayce's hand again. He hesitated. All of his Jayce's affections had felt overbearing and performative. None of it was satisfying enough and it was leaving Viktor so desperate for real affection that he was on the verge of tears already from a single touch. Jayce stared at him with hazy eyes. "Please..." Viktor raised Jayce's hand to his cheek and he tipped his head into his palm. "Please, I'm sorry." Tears had already started down his face and he could see the moment it clicked in Jayce's feverish eyes, just how touchstarved Viktor had become. His fingers finally brushed over Viktor's cheek and he trembled. 

Right as Jayce's fingers slipped under his jawline, Viktor broke. He started to cry, pushing his head against Jayce's hand like some desperate cat. He couldn't help it. He'd been robbed of this kind of contact for longer than he ever would've wanted. Jayce's dazed eyes opened a little more and he finally shifted. He opened his arms to Viktor and Viktor practically threw himself into them, his hands curling against his chest and his head tucking under Jayce's chin. Jayce's strong arms wrapped around both his waist and his shoulders, finally giving him that warmth he'd been silently pleading for. Everything Jayce did was exactly what Viktor had been missing. He felt Jayce's grip tighten a little. Viktor hiccuped softly. He slid his hands up Jayce's neck in order to hold just under his ears. He focused and the flow of his Arcane magic stretched out to Jayce's. An offer to flow together. 

He begged him silently to accept it, tears running down his face. There was a small spark. A connection. He heard Jayce groan and the tension suddenly seemed to start escaping the younger man's body. His Arcane energy had been weakened by fear, but Viktor couldn't tell anything further. Jayce seemed to be trying to control his breathing as he hugged Viktor closer. Viktor pressed his face up into Jayce's neck, his eyes squeezed shut. He'd missed this so much. He'd missed it so much. He'd missed him so much. "Viktor?" Jayce's voice was little more than a wheeze. "...You're going to get in trouble with him..." Viktor hiccuped softly. 

"I do not care. Gods, I have not... Jayce..." The words were desperate and messy as they spilled from his mouth. He glanced back and paused. Jinx was seen leaving the room and Powder gestured towards the forge before disappeared into the door. They'd left them alone. Viktor inhaled shakily. That same spot burned on his shoulder. "Jayce... Jayce, please." He buried himself against him. "He does not hold me correctly. He does not keep me warm like you do. He does not make me feel safe when he lies with me. Please." Viktor's voice weakened. "His touches do not hold the affection I want. N-Not like yours." Viktor was crying again, burying his face against his chest. "Gods, Jayce, I am sorry... I am sorry... H-He cannot hold me like you can..." He felt like he should've been much more guilty about admitting all these things, but he didn't. He was right. His Jayce was not warm like this one. He did not hold him correctly. He did not touch him as affectionately. Every touch only starved him instead of feeding him and Viktor couldn't take it anymore. 

Jayce's color was starting to return to his face as his breathing evened out. "What about your partner? First love?" He muttered weakly. Viktor shook his head, pressing closer. 

"He does not hold me right! Not like you!" Viktor sat up and pulled Jayce's hand against his chest. Right above his racing heart. Viktor stared at him desperately. "I thought I just wanted him back, but you held me so differently. You touched me so differently and I liked it." Jayce's face went red as he stared at him. 

"Th-That makes it sound dirtier than it was, V." He mumbled in embarrassment. Viktor paused and his own face went hot. 

"I-I apologize. I..." Viktor fell into a completely flustered silence, holding Jayce's arm up to his chest. Jayce's knuckles brushed over his lips and Viktor paused before pressing a desperate kiss to them, his eyes squeezing shut. Jayce watched him with wide eyes. "Wh-What happened before you fell ill?? What depleted your energy??" Viktor asked in worry, his eyes wide. Jayce paused. 

"...I think I had a bad nightmare. I haven't been able to rest a single night without one." Jayce said quietly. "This one must've been... terrible. I almost hurled the moment I woke up." He squeezed his eyes shut. "I think you were in it." 

"I am here now! N-Not in your dream or a nightmare! H-Here." Viktor insisted. He hesitated before laying himself back down in front of him. He made that squeaky-toy noise as Jayce pulled him in by his waist and the immediate grin that spread across the other's tired face made Viktor go dark red. Jayce wrapped his other arm over his shoulders and Viktor shivered.

"Viktor, I, uh... I'm sorry I've made you cry so much." Jayce said quietly. Viktor paused before shaking his head. 

"You have every right to be upset with me. You have every right and perhaps more. I did terrible things and I said terrible things to you." Viktor inhaled shakily. "I was a monster to you." He felt Jayce pause before his arms tightened around him. "Please do not hate me, Jayce. Please, I beg of you." Viktor had broken down into tears for the third time and Jayce shaken his head. 

"I don't hate you, V." Unlike his Jayce's assurances, which held a harsh undertone of disappointment or irritation, this Jayce's words were gentle and genuine. Viktor felt like he could die here. He clung to Jayce as tightly as he could. "...I love you, Vi-"

"I love you!" Viktor blurted out, making Jayce jump. "You, Jayce, you. I... I really do think I... I really do love you." He was stumbling over his words so badly. "Gods, Jayce." He buried his face against him. "I'm sorry... I'm so sorry..." He wasn't sure why his neck was burning so much. He still loved his Jayce, right? He... He didn't know. He didn't really... Not like this one. It was nothing like how he felt for this one. Something vibrant and warm. He paused as Jayce tucked Viktor's head under his chin again, letting Viktor bury himself against his collarbone. 

"Think you'll be able to sleep?" Jayce asked tiredly. He sounded exhausted again. Viktor nodded. Once he wound down, he was sure he'd be out like a light. His hands crept up to hold onto Jayce, just wanting to be pressed against his skin. He was so warm. Viktor nearly started to cry again. This was all he wanted. Had it been too much to ask for?? This warmth and this affection. It was all he wanted. Jayce was all he wanted. The side of his neck was really burning now. As he finally slipped away into a comfortable sleep, he felt like he was forgetting something. 

Chapter Text

"-sorry, Viktor." Jayce's voice was gentle and Viktor felt his hand rubbing the back of his neck before sliding up into his hair. What was going on? He'd just barely woken up and he made a small, relieved noise as Jayce's other hand worked the knots from his shoulders. There was a fading, burning sensation on the side of his neck. "I guess I really should have been paying more attention to these things." Viktor didn't know what he was talking about, but he didn't care as long as his hands kept going. "I didn't even know you could get like this here." Jayce gently scratched his scalp and Viktor whimpered, tipping his head back. Jayce's other hand moved down and Viktor gasped as he felt Jayce press a spot along his spine. The satisfying crack and pop his body let out made him melt into the blankets. He was breathing heavily now. It felt so good. "Yeah, you're tense." Jayce sounded taken back and his other hand moved down. They both started to massage along Viktor's back, rubbing deep circles against either side of his spine. 

"Mmh! Hah!" Viktor couldn't stop the noises that erupted from him. He clung to Jayce, his fingers curled tightly into his shirt. Jayce's thumbs reached the bottom of his spine and pressed inwards just a little. The crack that his body let out would've made someone think he died. Instead, Viktor moaned. He couldn't stop himself, covering his mouth as he gasped. Jayce's hands had come to a complete stop for a moment before they moved up to his neck, massaging into that sensitive muscle between his neck and shoulders. Viktor's feet arched and twitched. He had a slight burning in his cheeks, his lips parted. He was trying to blink open his eyes and focus, but they kept sliding shut again every time Jayce worked out another knot from his body. It felt so good. "Jayce..." It came out sounding far dirtier than he meant. 

"U-Uh, yeah. Y-You’re okay, Viktor. Just breathe." Jayce assured him gently. His hand pressed slightly against his back again and Viktor arched with a small, choked noise at another pop. "G-Great. You're, uh, you're doing good." Jayce praised gently. Viktor almost cried as he was laid onto his stomach. He could feel Jayce's hands working over his body and he felt like a puddle. He felt like a puddle and he couldn't move for the life of him. Jayce's hand worked out a knot from his shoulder blade and Viktor buried his face against the cushions. Cushions? Hadn't he been on a bed? His fingers started to knead a little. 

"...c-couch?" He questioned softly. Jayce made a gentle noise of confirmation. 

"Couch. I moved you from the bed. You were getting really worked up when I started doing this." He explained softly. Did he? Viktor could barely even think. "I didn't want you to end up, uh..." Jayce trailed off, seeming to be struggling for words. "...making a... mess." He cleared his throat awkwardly. "A-Are you okay?" Jayce seemed to be checking on him and Viktor kept his eyes squeezed shut as he nodded. Another filthy noise escaped him as he felt Jayce's fingers start to work the tension from his hips. He whined, his hands curling into fists. He didn't know where Jayce had learned to do all this. Well... he vaguely, vaguely remembered a Jayce mentioning he was good at massages, but he couldn't remember which Jayce. He'd spoken with so many.

Why was...? Why was Jayce doing this?? He felt heat in his cheeks, his ears and his shoulders. He felt heat... somewhere else too. His hips twitched and he felt a slight hint of panic. Jayce's hands moved back up, applying gentle pressure just beneath the shoulder blades. "Hah..." Viktor made another shaky noise, muffling it with his arm. His legs were squeezed together. "J-Jayce??" He barely managed to open his tearful eyes. He felt the hands move away and Jayce moved into his blurry vision. It wasn't his Jayce. Viktor relaxed a little, but he was still confused. "Wh-Why did you start...?" Viktor was giving tiny trembles and Jayce paused. His ears were red. 

"Y-You asked me to. You woke me up to ask if I could." Jayce told him, his brow furrowing. "You sounded like you were in so much pain and your eyes were so bright, they weren't even amber anymore." Viktor didn't remember that at all. He'd just woken up, he was sure of it. Jayce reached out to him hesitantly. "Are you okay? I asked three times if you were sure about it." Jayce sounded worried now. "I-I'll stop, okay? I can go take a shower while you take care of yourself." Jayce sounded horrified with himself, though he seemed just as confused as Viktor. Viktor could barely move, but he managed to extend his hand off the couch. Jayce paused before reaching up and taking it.

"C-Can you finish? We can... we can f-figure out what happened l-later..." Viktor said softly. Jayce paused and his cheeks went pink. 

"You want me to? Are you sure?" Jayce asked uncertainly. Viktor nodded, giving his hand a squeeze. Jayce furrowed his brow. "I, uh... Viktor, I'm worried... you're going to... finish." Viktor paused. "You were, uh... already..." Jayce covered his face with his other hand and he went the deepest shade of red that Viktor had ever seen on him. "L-Leaking." He said the last word softly. Viktor felt his cheeks go hot. He shifted his hips and he froze up completely as he felt that stiffness between his legs. It was pressed right up against the fabric of his pants and the couch itself. Viktor buried his face in his arms, muffled apologies starting to escape him. He really didn't know what was going on. "V... can you look at me?" Jayce asked softly. Viktor barely managed to lift his head to glance over, ashamed of himself. "I, uh... I think there was a miscommunication somewhere. I'm sorry. This is my fault."

Viktor glanced away and shook his head. "You said I asked for it." He responded weakly. 

"You did, but maybe I should've checked to make sure you were more awake. I-I didn't think." Jayce buried his face in his hands again, his knees pulled up to his chest as he sat on the floor in front of the couch. "...I just did something horrible to you." 

"N-No." Viktor managed quietly. He'd started to unconsciously grind his hips against the cushion, squeezing his eyes shut. "Pl-Please keep going. Please." Jayce looked up at him, seeming like he'd been about to start crying. Viktor met his eyes and nodded. "Please, Jayce, it felt good." He pleaded. Jayce swallowed softly before nodding. He moved over to the couch, getting up on his knees. He hesitated before firmly stilling Viktor's hips. Viktor tried to keep them still as Jayce started to work the knots from around his nape. "Mm..." Viktor could only make another tearful noise of relief. Even if he wasn't sure how they'd ended up here, he wasn't afraid. He was embarrassed, sure, but he didn't have any voice in his subconscious screaming that this was dangerous and he had to get away. 

Finally, Jayce's hands pulled back and Viktor was left panting. "N-Normally I'd do your legs and hips too, but I... I really don't think you can handle that right now." Jayce admitted. Viktor felt so comfortably warm and he made another tiny noise as he felt himself twitch between his legs. He was working himself up towards something so, so dangerous. He whispered Jayce's name. "Y-Yeah? Are you okay?" Jayce was leaned against the edge of the couch. He was clearly trying to keep his composure, but the hot red shade of his face said otherwise. 

"W-Would you...?" Viktor glanced up at him, his own face flushed in shame and desperation. Jayce froze up, his eyes wide. "Please...?" Jayce had already lifted his hand, but he didn't really seem sure what to do with it. Viktor could see Jayce struggling for a moment. It finally struck him that Jayce had no idea what to do. Viktor hesitated. "Uh... n-never mind, I-" 

"I-I can do it!" Jayce blurted out. He covered his mouth as Viktor look back at him with wide eyes. "I mean, if you’re okay with it, I... I want to help." He glanced over in the direction of the door. "I'm going to get killed for this." He muttered, his face still bright red. "What do you need me to do?" Viktor's breathing was heavy and he furrowed his brow before trying to push himself up. He slumped back against the couch, his body still mush. He made a small noise of frustration before jumping as Jayce gripped his arm in one hand. "Just tell me. I can move you." He promised. 

"...Lap?" Viktor couldn't help the shy tremble in his voice when he made the request. He saw the gears in Jayce's head turning. "F-Facing away." Jayce seemed to relax and he carefully pulled Viktor up off the couch. He sat back against it, placing Viktor down so his back was pressed against his chest. He placed a pillow firmly between them. Viktor slumped back against him. When he looked down at himself, he covered his mouth a little. His pants were soaked around the front, right where the tip of the strained bulge was. His length was twitching against the inside of his pants and it felt so sticky. Viktor felt like he could've died of shame right then and there. "Jayce?" He didn't hear the other say anything and a small bit of panic rested in his voice as he said his name.

"I-I'm still here. Sorry, this is... I've never... seen you like this." Jayce's voice quieted down and Viktor felt the panic only grow. 

"I-It is disgusting, isn't it?? I... I'm sorry, I..." Viktor instantly shut his legs best he could, tears welling in his eyes again. 

"No! No, you... you look... nice." Jayce had pushed his thighs back open as he scrambled for words. "I've never done something like this with someone else. Even your most risqué counterparts wouldn't try things like this. N-Not that I asked them to, of course." He added quickly. "But, uh, this is... new to me. I'm worried I'm going to hurt you or I'm going to mess it up." Jayce sounded anxious. Viktor reached up and grabbed Jayce's hand. He slid it around his waist and slipped just the tip of his middle finger into the waistband. Jayce's breath shuddered behind him, easily shutting the younger man up.

"However you touch yours... do it to me too." Viktor begged quietly. He heard Jayce whisper a soft swear, his voice awed. He hesitated before sliding his hand past Viktor's waistband. Jayce's hand wrapping the entirety of his length made his heart jump and it already felt like it was going to pound out of his chest. Jayce started to pump him and Viktor gasped. "HAH!! Mm! Ah...!" Viktor instantly shut his mouth, not wanting to be annoying with his noises. He didn't want Jayce to get irritated and sto-

Viktor paused. That wasn't this Jayce. This Jayce wouldn't. This Jayce... Viktor hesitated and swallowed before opening his mouth again. Jayce was pumping his length, pressing his thumb into the leaking tip. "Jayce!! Jayce! Gods! Hah... ah... ah..." Viktor tipped his head back against him and Jayce was heard struggling to keep his breathing under control. "Ahn!" Viktor's thighs twitched and he cried out, his good leg shooting straight out. He didn't mean to be so dramatic, but he hadn't done anything like this in a while. He almost never did things by himself. The idea didn't interest him. Unfortunately, that meant when the occasion did arise, Viktor was so sensitive that he started crying nearly every time. "Oh! THERE!! Oh, please, Jayce, there." Jayce had dragged his thumb up the bottom of his length, making it twitch madly. 

"H-Here." Jayce could barely seem to speak. He started to rub his thumb up and down the underside of Viktor's length. It was making Viktor's hips go crazy, trying to rock himself against Jayce's hand. "Oh my gods." Jayce whispered, his voice soft and shaky. As he used his thumb to rub the underside, his pointer finger crept up. Viktor suddenly arched his back, a strangled rendition of Jayce's name wailing from his throat as Jayce dipped his nail ever so slightly into the slit on his length. 

Viktor released so hard that his vision blurred and he didn't even know what noise he made. He was left shivering, feeling Jayce hovering his hand over his length before shakily pulling it from Viktor's pants. He had release dripping from his fingers. There was a lot of it.  Viktor's whole body felt like he'd been electrocuted. He gasped for air as he buried himself backwards against Jayce, pressing his cheek to his chest. Jayce's heart was pounding. Viktor could feel it. He was so hot and he just... wanted to... 

"Jayce?" Viktor called to him softly and those flustered golden-brown eyes fixed back on him. "Can we...?" Jayce stared at him before squeezing his eyes shut. 

"Fuck, I am going to die." He managed quietly. Viktor wasn't sure what he meant before squeaking as he was suddenly scooped up, Jayce making his way towards the bed with him. "He's going to fucking kill me." 

Chapter Text

It took everything Jayce had to gently lay Viktor back on the bed. His heart was hammering against his chest as Viktor stared up at him with dazed eyes and a flushed face. His body was loose and limp, practically sinking into the sheets. Jayce knew he was good at massages, which was why he'd agreed. But not this good. Viktor had woken him up so suddenly. The amber had been gone from his eyes and they'd nearly been a marred gold. He'd sounded so pained. "My body hurts so much. Please do something. It's all sore. Can't you do anything?" Viktor had practically begged him. Jayce had already felt it odd, but he'd complied. He hadn't even been past Viktor's shoulders before the other was a flushed mess and Jayce had to very quickly come to terms with just how messy this was going to get. And it was. 

Jayce wasn't sure what to do as he stared at Viktor, who was splayed out in front of him. Viktor panted before shakily stretching out his good leg. Jayce yelped as Viktor hooked his waist, pulling him forward. Jayce was left frozen as his hands rested on either side of Viktor's head. Viktor stared at him before his hands stretched out. Jayce shivered as he felt them slide over his cheeks and under his ears before clasping around the back of his neck. Viktor pulled him down and Jayce dropped to his elbows as he closed his eyes. Viktor was giving him full access, Jayce's tongue free to explore his mouth and tangle with his. Jayce eagerly took the chance. Viktor pressed back against him. "Mm..." He let out a small noise, shivering. Viktor's hands slid down and Jayce pulled back as he felt Viktor's fingers tug at the waistband of his pants. 

Jayce had been trying to ignore it this whole time, but that was going to be obscenely difficult when Viktor pulled the waistband down to allow Jayce's throbbing length free. "Oh, fuck..." Jayce whispered. Even the fresh air hitting it felt like too much stimulation already. Viktor grabbed his hand and pulled it down to his own pants. Jayce followed his silent request, pulling Viktor's pants off of him. Viktor pushed them aside with his legs. His own length hadn't seemed to calm at all. Viktor had frozen up and he closed his legs, hiding himself as he stared up at Jayce. "W-We don't have to do this. We can stop." Jayce said, wanting to assure him. He sat back on his knees, not wanting Viktor to feel trapped beneath him. 

Viktor sat up, his legs pulled against his chest. He looked terrified and Jayce quickly reached out, cupping his cheek as he hid himself with his other hand. Jayce was admittedly a little panicked. He didn't want Viktor to start freaking out while they were both exposed like this. Viktor's hand moved up to his, his fingers slipping between Jayce's much larger ones from behind. He closed his eyes, seeming to be controlling his breathing. "It is not him. It is not him. It is not him." Viktor seemed to be feverishly trying to assure himself and that sentence did bring a bit of dread straight to Jayce's stomach. He wasn't this Viktor's Jayce. His Jayce was here and yet they were still both about to do this. Jayce glanced at the door worriedly. Powder and Jinx were both out and the room was separated from the rest of the house again, but he didn't know how far the other Jayce was able to manipulate the Arcane.

Jayce shivered as he felt his fingers be pulled somewhere. He looked back with wide eyes as Viktor's tongue slipped over his fingerprints like he was trying to remember them. He had three of his fingers in his mouth and Jayce exhaled softly as Viktor suddenly took them all in to the knuckle. Jayce could feel the soft back of Viktor's throat. Hesitantly, he ever so slightly pushed his ring finger down against Viktor's tongue. His mouth suddenly became flooded and he pulled Jayce's dripping fingers from his throat as he started coughing. "Sorry! Sorry, are you okay??" Jayce held up his dry hand and Viktor held it against his chest as he nodded. His heart was racing. Viktor's body shook as he lowered himself back against the bed. Finally, his pale thighs slid open and he showed himself off fully. 

Jayce felt himself give a painful throb. "O-One finger first. P-Pointer finger. Your fingers are much bigger than mine. Once you are inside, give me a moment." Viktor instructed quietly. Jayce's face was flushed, but he nodded, reaching down. He pressed his pointer finger against Viktor's hole before firmly sliding it forward past the little resistance it gave. He slotted his finger up to the knuckle, Viktor being hot and wet inside. "HAH!!" Viktor let out a depraved noise, covering his mouth and turning his head to the side. Jayce could feel Viktor squeezing around him and he nearly folded as he realized that this was where he would be inside Viktor in a few minutes. If that was how he felt around his finger, how was he going to feel around- "J-Jayce?" Jayce's attention snapped back to Viktor. "Start moving in a-and out. Y-Your finger." 

Jayce nodded. He slowly began to thrust his finger, causing small gasps and stifled moans to erupt from Viktor. Jayce's eyes moved up to him. He hoped Viktor knew that he didn't mind if he was loud. It was really going to help him in this regard. He furrowed his brow, wondering if it would change anything if he... Jayce curled his finger as he thrusted it and Viktor's eyes widened. "HAH!! AH! Ah! J-Jayce!" He tipped his head back, gasping as his fingers curled into the blankets. "Jayce, a-another finger... pl-please." Viktor begged him and Jayce nodded. He paused before carefully working his middle finger into Viktor alongside his pointer. It seemed to make Viktor's back arch as he gasped. Jayce began to thrust both of them. Viktor's fingers were clawing into the bed on either side of him. 

He realized that Viktor had started to move his hips, trying to roll them down against his hand. Jayce swallowed hard. He crooked both of his fingers and Viktor screamed. Jayce hadn't been expecting a scream to sound anything but fearful, but Viktor's voice was so dirty with his name that it almost sent him over again. He'd brushed against something inside of him and he angled his fingers so he could stroke over it and figure out what it was. "JAYCE!! TH-THAT SPOT!! Jayce! Gods! Hah!! Please!" Viktor had tears running down his face as his length twitched madly. He squeezed his eyes shut, gasping. Jayce decided to take a risk and he pushed in his third finger. "AH!! Fuck! Hah!" Viktor buried his cheek back against the bed as his shoulders scrunched up. His words became garbled as Jayce began to thrust all three fingers. 

He really didn't know if he was going to make it. He gulped as he continued to thrust his fingers, feeling Viktor's insides becoming soft and pliant. He hadn't realized how big his fingers were until he could see Viktor impaled on them in front of him. Jayce swallowed again, trying to wet his dry throat. Finally, at Viktor's prompting, he pulled his fingers out of him with the filthiest noise he'd ever heard. Jayce stared at him. Viktor's legs were spread wide and his hole was visibly looser. Viktor was shakily breathing. He gestured for Jayce to rub what he had left on his hand on himself. Jayce was scared to even put his hand close to himself. He was throbbing so bad and he could already feel the precum running down.

He carefully slicked up his length, squeezing his eyes shut. After what felt like a minute of pure hell, he opened his teary eyes to look at Viktor again. Viktor visibly swallowed before opening his legs wider. Jayce took the invitation and moved forward. He lined himself up once Viktor told him to and his hands shook as they held Viktor's legs. Viktor froze up as he felt Jayce, his breathing suddenly speeding up. Jayce paused, seeing the terror in Viktor's eyes. He quickly retreated from the position, no matter how much his length protested against it with a body-numbing ache. "It's okay! H-Hey, it's okay, V." Jayce wiped his hand on the bed before offering both of them to Viktor. Viktor hesitated before grabbing them, guiding one to his jawline and the other to his cheek. It felt like Viktor was trying to hide in them. "It's okay. Breathe." 

Despite how his own body ached, Jayce would not move a muscle unless Viktor gave him permission. With how sensitive they both were, it would hurt if Viktor panicked and Jayce had to catch him. "Jayce... Jayce..." Viktor sounded like he was both begging him and trying to ask him something, but neither of them seemed to be working. Viktor's tear-filled amber eye appeared between his fingers. "...You want me? Me??" He sounded in such doubt and disbelief that Jayce's shoulders sank. 

"V, I-I want you so bad that I can't feel my legs." Jayce admitted, glancing off to the side. "So, uh, I... I want you, yeah." 

"Y-Your first is important. Do not just give it away to someone you will regret." Viktor's voice sounded experienced and full of pain. Jayce's heart sank. "...Me, Jayce?" He sounded scared and Jayce had to slightly shift himself into a more comfortable position if they weren't proceeding yet. Viktor seemed to notice and it only seemed to distress him. "I-I'm sorry, I'm sorry I am being so bothering. I-I do not want you to regret this." To regret me. Jayce didn't need to hear Viktor say what he meant in order to understand it. 

"I-I won't. I wouldn't." Jayce promised gently. Viktor seemed to be searching him over both desperately and doubtfully. "I mean it, V. I mean it. I'm giving this to you because I trust you. I want to give this first to you." His length throbbed against Viktor's thigh and Jayce had to cover up the whimper he would've let out with an awkward clearing of his throat. "...please." The word was small and Jayce glanced up at Viktor. "I think I might be about to disappoint you." Viktor paused. "I'm sorry." 

It hadn't even happened yet and Jayce was already embarrassed and worried that he'd messed up his first time. Viktor's leg weakly nudged him as his lips were felt against his fingers. He opened up his legs again and Jayce exhaled shakily. He lined himself back up, a small noise already escaping him at the hole's slightest squeeze around his tip. He screwed his eyes shut and inhaled softly before pushing his hips forward. "Fuck..." Jayce swore as loud as he could, it tapering off into a moan. Viktor was back to only making noises as his body seemed to try and pull Jayce deeper. Jayce squeezed his eyes shut, trying not to lose it before he could bottom out. It was one of the most difficult things he'd ever done in his life. Finally, he felt his hips slot against Viktor's and he gasped. "Fuck... oh, fuck... gods, Viktor..." It was all coming out so much more pathetic than he meant it to, but he'd never felt anything like this. It was tight and warm. It felt so fucking good. 

The realization that he was actually going to be moving hit him and Jayce gave a full-body shiver. He already felt on the verge of losing it just from being inside him. Jayce blinked as Viktor reached up. He pulled Jayce forward until his legs were hooked on top of Jayce's thighs and his lower half was lifted off the bed. Jayce's hands were swallowing his waist. He paused and let out a soft exhale, his thumbs meeting in the middle and pushing down. Viktor cried out, a sharp inhale escaping Jayce as well. 

He could feel himself inside of Viktor. 

The thought made his ears feel like they'd set on fire. He swallowed and glanced up at Viktor, trying to see if it was okay to move. Viktor was trying to control his breathing as he stretched out a hand. Jayce paused before reaching out and taking it. Viktor's fingers pushed between his and he clasped Jayce's hand tightly. His other hand stretched up and they repeated the process before Viktor leaned back, dragging Jayce over him. He had his head resting back against the pillows. "Please move, Jayce." He begged weakly. Jayce let out a shaky exhale. "Hah! AH!! HAH!! JAYCE!!" Viktor quickly erupted into noise again as Jayce started to thrust. 

Jayce was seeing stars, unable to even make any noise since he was trying so hard not to finish so quickly. Viktor felt incredible. He could feel him massaging his length and he swore. "F-Fuck. Fuck, Viktor. Y-You feel so... g-good... oh, fuck..." Jayce's voice was becoming a pathetic whine again. "Viktor... V..." He inhaled shakily as his hips kept stuttering. His thrusts were messy and uneven, but he felt like he would cave the moment he found a rhythm. His length and everything attached felt so full. He could feel every part of it throbbing between his legs, begging for release. He hadn't been kidding when he told Viktor he couldn't feel his legs. Viktor suddenly pulled him down and their lips met again. The kiss was messy and desperate, both of them trying to push deeper. Jayce suddenly seemed to hit a good angle and Viktor screamed out, throwing his head back. 

Jayce stared at him before starting to thrust in that specific direction. Viktor's body instantly started to writhe and twitch beneath him, so much precum leaking from him that it ran down his belly. "JAYCE!! JAYCE, PLEASE!! I-I will not l-last, Jayce! Th-That spot!! Jayce!! HAH!!" Viktor's body arched and Jayce swore as he felt Viktor clamp down on him. That was enough and he was suddenly blinded by how hard his orgasm hit. It had never felt like that before, sending a cold rush of heat over his entire body and leaving it tingling. He groaned as he felt himself emptying out inside of Viktor. Viktor's stomach was spattered with his own release and his body seemed to milking Jayce for his. 

"Hah... Viktor... fuck, ah..." Jayce squeezed his eyes shut. "S-Sorry..." He had so much to empty and he felt his face flush in absolute humiliation as Viktor finally raised his head to look at him in wide-eyed confusion. Jayce finally stopped releasing and he was left shaking. He stared down at Viktor, his heart pounding. Right on his stomach. Jayce reached out and drew his hand right along his navel. 

"Mmh!" Viktor gasped, covering his mouth. He gave a tremble, his foot felt arching against Jayce's arm. Jayce shivered as he carefully pulled out of him with a loud, wet noise. Almost instantly, his release started to leak out of him and Viktor hid his face under his arms. He closed his legs, turning on his side, but it still gave Jayce a view. He swallowed hard and glanced to the side. "J-Jayce." He startled as Viktor said his name. "Y-You released a lot." Jayce's face went hot to his neck and he squeezed his eyes shut as he started to sputter apologies. Viktor stopped him. "Is that normal? A-Are you alright??" He sounded worried and strained. His voice was a little scratchier. 

Jayce buried his face in his hand as he nodded. "...That's normal... for me. I had it checked out as a teen and the doctors told me some guys just... are like that. I'm... I'm sorry, I should've told you. I should've warned you..." Jayce trailed off before burying his face in both hands this time. "Fuck, I should've asked to release inside at all. Is your stomach okay?? That's something that happens when I do that, right? Your stomach hurts?" Jayce had moved up next to Viktor, yanking his own pants back up. They'd been around his knees the whole time. 

Viktor stared at him in surprise before laughing weakly. He shook his head. "No... it just... feels full. I am not used to it, but it does not hurt and it does not feel bad." Viktor assured him. Jayce stared at him quietly before glancing aside as he pulled the blanket up over him. Viktor managed to sit up, keeping himself wrapped in it. "You felt really good, Jayce." He spoke quietly, leaning against Jayce's arm. "I hope I was just as satisfying for your first time-"  

"Good fucking gods, yes." Jayce sputtered, his eyes wide. Viktor seemed startled by that. "I have never felt any of those sensations before." Jayce's heart was pounding and he glanced back up at Viktor in amazement. "That was terrifying." That seemed to make Viktor start laughing again. "I don't think I'm ever going to be able to get better at that if that's how it'll feel every time." 

"No, no, you will get used to it." Viktor seemed to promise. His eyes were bright and Jayce stared at him before gently cupping the back of his neck and pulling him into another kiss. It was shallow and sweet, yet both of them panted into it. Jayce pulled back, his thumbs rubbing over Viktor's cheeks. Viktor finally gave him a smile. A real one as he tipped his head ever so slightly against his thumb. 

"I think that might be the most insulting part of this whole... situation." Jayce's own deep voice spoke up from across the room and the cold chill that came down on both of them sent goosebumps erupting over their skin. Viktor was completely frozen up, looking too terrified to even move. "My own partner is sitting there with someone else's release dripping out of him, and yet that's somehow less hurtful..." The other Jayce turned to face his younger counterpart. "...than the smile he just gave you."

Chapter Text

The door was open behind the other Jayce, it seeming like he'd shifted the wood around. How had they not noticed?? The other Jayce didn't even seem angry as he crossed his arms over his chest, giving a heavy sigh. "So let's make this clear. I'm the unfaithful one for not wanting to hurt you while your body was in its dying stages. But now that you’re cured, you'll just spread your legs for a younger version of me?" He sounded disappointed beyond belief. "Smile at him like you used to for me?" Viktor pulled the blanket tighter as tears ran down his face. "I went through hell twice to get back to you. And the second one was the one you put me in." Viktor flinched at the furious undertone. The other Jayce seemed to take a breath to calm himself. "Viktor, I don't... think you ever loved me." 

In that instant, Jayce realized that his counterpart had no plans to attack them. He had malice and he had hatred and hurt. But he didn't plan on physically attacking either of them. It made Jayce's hair stand up on the back of his neck. He didn't know what the other Jayce planned to do, but the air was full of dread. 

Viktor's eyes widened and he turned to face the other Jayce, opening his mouth. "I'm not done talking." The other Jayce's voice was gentle and scolding, Viktor instantly shutting his mouth as he trembled. "I saw every moment you regretted saving my life, you know?" He took a step forward. "And I knew you only accepted my advances because everyone else had left because they couldn't stand me. I accepted it as long as it meant you would let me show my affection to you. You pitied me. Even when I tried to bring you to the top with me, you fought me every step of the way. I brought you back to life because I didn't want to live without you and you stabbed me and then you left me." His tone was slowly becoming more poisonous. "And after being stuck in a pit for months eating nothing but bugs and drinking stale water with an infected, fractured open leg, you have the audacity to greet me so hopefully in that filthy commune of yours. Where you manipulated dozens of people into loving you with the Control Rune." 

Tears were streaming down Viktor's face as he shook his head, managing to croak out that that wasn't what had happened. The other Jayce stared at him flatly. "Why did you stop me the second time, Viktor? Or the third? I knew I didn't mean to you what you meant to me. Why did you make me keep living?" Viktor instantly pushed himself off the bed, stumbling a little. Jayce reached out to steady him, but Viktor smacked away his hand, his eyes wide in panic as he turned to face the other Jayce. 

"I-I do love you. I do. I-It hurts how much I do and I cannot stand it anymore. It hurt too much to be with you because you were so self-destructive and I was afraid one little mishap would make me find you with that needle in your hand again. Or on that ledge. Or with those stupid fucking pills." Viktor's hands held the blanket tightly around himself. "When I saved you, I didn't think I would have to save you again and again and again and again while you actively fought against me to die." He squeezed his eyes shut. "When you became famous for Hextech, I thought it would get better. And you were happier, but then I couldn't satisfy you anymore because I was dying and you treated me like I had done that on purpose." Viktor hiccuped weakly. "You were so very bad for me. And you still are. That's why I chose to forget about you. That's why I tried to keep you away from me. Any version of you. And it worked until-"

"Him." The other Jayce sounded unamused as Jayce froze up on the bed. Viktor turned and looked back at him with tearful eyes. 

"...Him." Viktor agreed, turning back to the other one. "I had to move on. I had to find someone who was better for me and every god knows I have been fighting him this whole time about it." He sounded terrified and humiliated. But he was right. Viktor had fought Jayce at every step in order to get where they were right then. To finally get Viktor in his arms. To finally get Viktor to cry and scream and shout as loud as he wanted for as long as he wanted. Jayce's shoulders sank. "I do not think I can handle loving you anymore." The other Jayce watched him quietly before nodding. His shoulders relaxed. It looked like something had been put to rest in his eyes. Like he'd finally found some sort of peace.

"Then don't." He stated casually. Viktor froze up and looked up at him. The other Jayce lifted his wrist and Jayce flinched, hearing Viktor scream out for him to stop as there was a fleshy tearing noise. The other Jayce was heard screaming as Viktor's voice begged for him to stop doing that. The tearing continued and when it stopped, Viktor was heard taking shaky steps backwards. Jayce was almost afraid to look up, but he had to in order to catch Viktor before his knees buckled. The other Jayce stared at the mangled remains of his wrist, the Rune seen dangling on bloody tendons. He had started to go pale, the side of his body starting to stain dark from all the blood. "...I loved you so much that it hurt too." He spoke quietly. "I think our reasons may have been, uh..." He tapped the bloody Rune gently with a morbid fascination. "...ricocheting off one another in some horrible circle." 

"Jayce..." Viktor could barely get out his name through his quiet sobs. He looked like he was about to be sick. The other Jayce reached up to the Rune and Jayce flinched, covering Viktor's eyes. "STOP!!" Viktor screamed out, his voice shaking and upset. There was nothing but a soft clinking noise. The other Jayce let out a quiet, relieved sigh. Viktor was full-blown crying now, Jayce staring at the bloody Control Rune on the floor. He glanced up at his other self. The bloody tendons dangled emptily from his carved open arm. His fingers were stained, yet his face remained calm. "Jayce... Jayce, why...? Why??" Viktor could barely sputter out the words, having made himself as small as possible. It looked painful how scrunched up he was as he sobbed. 

"Mm?" The other Jayce glanced over, bags starting to appear under his eyes as he rolled them. "Please. You know why." He replied, shaking his head. "I held on to some... little hope that there was a part of you that still loved me. And I had quite a lot of it when I returned and you greeted me so joyfully. But that was always how it went, wasn't it? You were only happy to see me after I disappeared. The longer I stayed, you'd get distant again. You'd become fake. So I would leave again and I'd stay away for weeks, just to have even a day where it seemed like you loved having me around." The other Jayce sighed. "I think we both were very bad for each other. And I think you should've just let me die." Viktor made a soft, choked noise at that. The other Jayce looked pointedly at his younger self. "...It seems you never got any better about that either." He commented flatly. Viktor's fingers were dug so tight into the blanket that his knuckles were white. "Letting me drop off that ledge would've been so much better than all of that drivel just to end up here." The other Jayce raised his arm to study the ripped tendons. "Being cast aside by a younger version of myself. A better version. It's... a bit ironic." 

"Jayce, I did not m-mean for a-any of th-this, I just w-wanted you to be h-happy." Viktor hiccuped through his words. Jayce tried to reach out to him, but Viktor smacked his hands away with a teary-eyed glare. "Do not touch me." Jayce pulled his hands back, tucking them behind himself. The other Jayce watched them both in some kind of amusement. 

"...Of course." He replied calmly. Those words only seemed to upset Viktor even more as his voice became shrill. 

"I tried!! I tried, Jayce, I just didn't want you to die! I wanted to help you with your dream and I was trying so hard not to leave because I knew the second I did, I would see you in a casket if you were gracious enough to not destroy your body on your way out!! Is it so much to want someone to succeed because you believe in them?!" Viktor was nearly screaming by the end as he held the sides of his head. The other Jayce was only looking worse and worse. His blood had started to shine as it seeped from him. Like the body had run out of blood and was bleeding the Arcane magic now. "You were so passionate about your dream... I just wanted both of us to be able to live." Viktor could barely speak. 

"And you can." The other Jayce replied, making Viktor flinch. "You don't have to feel guilty about it." His smile was anything but warm. He looked so tired and so disappointed. "I just needed to hear you say it. I just needed to hear you say that it was over and then I could finally let go." Webbing was starting to spread up his arm. "I wish you hadn't smiled at him like that..." The other Jayce was quiet for a moment. "I wish you had never smiled at me like that. I had to fight against you in a war. I had to rip myself free from your astral plane." The other Jayce held his bloody hand up to the crystallized fingerprints around his throat with a small sigh. I wish the Rune had killed me." He held up his hand, pieces of him shattering off and fading. "Want to watch me dissolve into nothingness again?" It almost sounded joking and playful. 

Viktor's only reply was a strangled hiccup. He had his head buried in his hands. "Hey, Atrophy." Jayce paused and glanced up at his older self. "He's only going to get more upset. You think we can hurry this up a little?" Jayce startled as Viktor grabbed him, tears in his wide eyes. Jayce glanced over at his deteriorating counterpart. 

"Sorry, V." Jayce murmured, pulling back from him. Viktor stared at him. 

"Don't. Jayce, don't, you can't!!" Viktor immediately erupted in distress and shrill begging. Jayce forced himself to keep walking forward until he stood in front of himself. His counterpart raised a brow. 

"I don't care what happened between you two, but you have no right to say any of that to him when you just forced him to watch you tear yourself apart. Maybe you do feel hurt and betrayed. Maybe you did love him. Maybe he should've just let you die. The only thing I know is that you are terrible for him. The way you caged him and manipulated him was disgusting. What you could have done to him if Silco hadn't traded his life for mine makes my skin fucking crawl." Jayce's voice was furious and cold, the other Jayce watching him with narrowed eyes. "I think you both were bad for each other and it was nothing but an endless feedback loop of hurt, but if you're going to forcibly tear out a part of your body to make him watch you bleed out, just shut your fucking mouth and go quietly. There was nothing else to prove. You made your fucking choice and you made your damn point. So shut the fuck up and dissolve into nothing like you wanted." Jayce reached out and grabbed his wrist, holding it up. His own wrist lit up and he heard Viktor scream out as the other Jayce's skin started to rot. It began to spread up his arm and he managed a quiet laugh. 

Jayce wouldn't even give him last words. He'd already had way too many. He moved back over to Viktor and dropped in front of him, pulling the smaller man against him as he screamed his name in the most gut-wrenching voice he'd ever heard. He wouldn't let Viktor look. He wouldn't let that Jayce see him. He would not allow them a final glance. All it would do was cause more pain. Viktor was clawing at his arms, trying to frantically get around him. "Don't. Don't, Viktor. He's gone." Jayce spoke shakily. He didn't even have to turn around. The smell of rot had already faded. 

"What have you done?? WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?! GET THE FUCK OFF OF ME!!" Viktor screamed, shoving Jayce away. "YOU KILLED HIM!!" Jayce stared back at Viktor quietly before letting out a heavy sigh through his nose. 

"I did." He agreed quietly. Viktor stared at him before breaking down into another sobbing fit. Jayce's heart hurt. "And it was more than he ever deserved." 

Chapter Text

Viktor didn't speak to Jayce for days.

And days.

And days.

The only way Jayce heard his voice was through the Passerbys. Powder and Jinx had both been relieved the other Jayce was gone, but that moment of joy had been crushed when they saw what it had done to Viktor. He had become temperamental and emotional, lashing out over smaller things. Despite this, they all stayed with him. Well, as much as they could, considering Viktor would shift the structure of the house if there was even a chance of him having to see Jayce. It hurt, but Jayce had to understand. Breaking someone's control over another person was going to have terrible aftershocks. He'd known that. Viktor would still sleep in piles with Powder and Jinx. He would still greet all his Jayces with a calm warmth. He just refused to look at or speak to him specifically. And it had been like that for a few months now. 

Jayce had been trying not to let it get to him, but after the first two months, he'd had to do something drastic. Powder and Jinx both still napped with him in his room during the day, but would go sleep in a nighttime pile with Viktor in the later hours. Jayce had started to have to assure his Passerbys everything was fine when Viktor would change the structure of the house so abruptly. And lately... he'd been having to tell his Passerbys that he was fine too. Even now, the one that sat in front of him regarded him with a frown. A Viktor that had just touched the Hexcore for the first time. His hand was that darkened purple and he gripped his House Talis crutch tightly. They were both sitting in the foyer on a couch, Jayce having just brought him some food. 

"...You are not well." The Viktor commented after a moment, leaning his crutch against the couch and pulling the plate of meat and rice towards himself. Jayce gave a small snort, glancing up at him warmly. 

"You're one to talk." He replied, raising a brow. The Viktor blinked before scoffing and looking to the side as he made a dismissive shooing motion with his warped hand. "I appreciate the concern, but as I've told a lot of you again and again... I just look like this." The Viktor shot him a doubtful look and Jayce grinned. "I know. Unfortunate." He joked, picking up his own plate again. That finally seemed to get a laugh out of the other. Jayce started to eat quietly. The Viktor across from him closed his eyes and his shoulders relaxed. He likely hadn't had a warm meal in days, if Jayce remembered correctly. 

And if Jayce remembered correctly, it would have been the night he'd left Viktor alone to go on an intimate rendezvous with another Councilor. Jayce gave a small, weakened sigh. He glanced up as Jinx went sprinting past him with another version of the Z-Drive, her Passerby Ekko's eyes wide as he followed. "You're going to hurt yourself! Hey!!" The boy cried out as he followed along. He had a blue ring. The Viktor next to him had a gold one. Jayce chuckled softly as he watched them. 

"Have you all been here a long time?" The Viktor spoke up and Jayce glanced over at him. 

"I'm the youngest arrival, but yeah. We've all been together a while now." Jayce could hear Ekko yelling after Jinx and he wondered how long it would take him to realize that any Z-Drives were neutralized here. 

"You all have the glowing hair, no? I swore there was a version of me here." The Viktor said, taking another bite of his food. 

"There is, yeah. I haven't seen him in a bit." Jayce replied quietly. "He started avoiding me recently due to an outside situation." The Viktor sighed. 

"When I become upset with Jayce, I can go a few days without speaking to him. I suppose it is a bad habit of mine that stretches across timelines." He shot Jayce a flat look as the other spoke again. 

"Yeah, I noticed." Jayce leaned over the couch to see if the Ekko had caught Jinx yet. It didn't sound like it. "It's been going on three months now, I think." He paused. "Oh, speaking of bad habits, every version of you keeps unscrewing the lower half of your crutch when you fiddle with it too hard. I recommend this to all of you, but I would weld the handle to the crutch if you’re going to mess with it like that."

"Three months??" The Viktor's shocked exclamation made Jayce jump and he turned to him with wide eyes. "My Jayce would be in tears if I avoided him for more than a week, let alone a month, let alone three." He sounded genuinely baffled by that. 

"I never really had a chance to form an emotional attachment to any Viktor. The one here isn't from the same universe as me, so we're not really..." Jayce vaguely gestured with his hand. It hurt to say these things. There was an emotional attachment. There really was, but Viktor just wouldn't let him apologize. He wouldn't even let Jayce lay eyes on him. Jayce genuinely wondered if Viktor didn't like him anymore. If seeing him use the Atrophy Rune like that had made him fall right back out of love again. The Viktor across from him only seemed to grow more unnerved by his casualness. They always did. None of the Viktors were ever used to Jayce speaking about one of them so neutrally. It had actually triggered panic attacks in some of them and Jayce hoped it wasn't about to happen again. 

The Viktor was stunned silent, glancing down at his food again. "This is longest I've heard one of you guys stay quiet." Jayce made the same joke every time and, whether it was cane, crutch, or staff, it always earned him a scolding hit to the shin. "Ack!" Jayce burst out in quiet laughter. He paused before reaching out and catching the Viktor's plate as he dropped it in shock as there was a loud cracking noise. The house started to shift and wood spread across it to cover the balcony above. It shook the structure and Jayce waited to give the plate back once the wood had retreated again and the house was back to normal. "Yeah..." He handed the plate back and the Viktor stared up at the balcony. 

"Was that him??" He asked in shock. Jayce nodded, going back to taking bites of his food. "The whole foyer shifted." Jayce nodded as he chewed, making a vague circle gesture with his hand as he swallowed. 

"He shifts around the, uh, the structure so he doesn't have to see me." Jayce explained calmly before taking another bite of food. The Viktor's hands were trembling. 

"...And you are just... okay with that?" The Viktor sounded more shaken by the thought than by the structural shift of the house. Jayce glanced over at him before giving a small shrug. 

"It's not really my business what he chooses to do." Jayce took another bite before chewing and swallowing. "Maybe he'll talk to me again one day." He reached out and caught the plate just as the Viktor dropped it. He placed it on the table in front of them as the Viktor stared at him with wide, panicked eyes. Jayce sighed through his nose and put his own plate down. "You all always freak out a little. Please remember that the last time I would have spoken to you, you were having me arrested." The Viktor visibly swallowed and nodded, though he raised his arms to hug himself. It did hurt Jayce's heart to see all of the Viktors so freaked out to come across a Jayce that didn't speak of them or to them with affection or yearning. A Jayce that was only cordial and nothing more. It had made more than ten of them burst into tears so far. "Are you finished eating?" 

Jayce had cleaned his plate. The Viktor glanced at the plate before nodding wordlessly. Jayce reached out and took it. He formed a container, dumping the rice and meat inside for one of them to eat later. He glanced back at the Viktor. "I'm going to be a moment in the kitchen. Do you want to come with me or do you want to wait out here?" The Viktor was quiet for a moment, looking him over. His hands were tight on his crutch. 

"Would you mind if I came with you?" The Viktor asked uncertainly. Jayce grinned. 

"Of course not." He shifted the plates to one arm before reaching out to the Viktor as he moved to his side. He supported his lower back as they walked, keeping a slow pace. 

"...You know to support my back when walking?" The Viktor asked in surprise, glancing over at him. Jayce blinked.

"When you encounter the same problem over and over again, you start to learn things. A lot of versions of you need me to do this." Jayce explained gently as they made their way to the massive kitchen. He made his way to the sink, letting Viktor lean against the massive island countertop in the middle of the room. Jayce rolled up his sleeves and his eyes fell upon the tattoo of runes that spiraled up his arm. It had taken him weeks to figure out how to put it on himself. He had it written down in his journal from the very first time he'd studied this Viktor. He hadn't thought he would ever need a spell that would quell his emotions like this, but he did. He really, really did. "When we're finished here, I'll show you to a room. The beds here have pillows that will support your back." 

When the Viktor didn't answer, Jayce furrowed his brow and glanced back at him. The Viktor was staring at the ground with a worried and frightened look on his face. "Viktor?" Jayce said his name gently, but the other still jumped. "What's wrong?" He finished washing the plates and set them in the drying rack. He turned back to him, drying his hands with a cloth. 

"I am to... remain alone tonight?" Viktor asked uncertainly. Jayce paused. It clicked for him again.

"Oh, right. He's not there tonight. He's out on... Council business." Jayce waved his hand to the side dismissively. He chuckled. "I can stay with you tonight, if that's what you’re asking. Almost every Viktor asks me to stay the night with them. It wouldn't be anything out of the ordinary for me." The Viktor paused before glancing off to the side and nodding.

"If it would not bother you." The Viktor said softly. Jayce shook his head, moving forward with a smile. When he reached out, the Viktor seemed surprised by his rune tattoo sleeve, reaching out to it. "What are all these for?" 

"Nothing important at the moment." Jayce replied. He guided the Viktor to a room on the first floor. They usually had the Viktors and the Ravine/Post-Ravine Jayces stay on the bottom floor. He opened the door for him and the Viktor seemed startled as he took in the room. Jayce remained in the doorway with a smile. He didn't even notice the stumbling footsteps approaching him until the smell hit him. Jayce flinched as he was slammed back against the doorframe by a filthy arm, the Ravine Jayce in front of him glaring at him furiously. Even the blue ring behind his head was flashing angrily.

"Jayce!!" The Viktor in the bedroom sounded shocked, both of them looking over at him. The Ravine Jayce could only stare at him for a moment, his eyes filled with pain before he turned to Jayce again. 

"Are you going to murder someone he loves too??" The Ravine Jayce demanded. Instantly, the panic and fear left Jayce's body and he rolled his eyes. Good fucking gods. He teleported out of his grasp, appearing next to the Viktor. The Viktor quickly asked if he was alright, Jayce assuring him he was before gently guiding the other behind him. The Ravine Jayce glared at him coldly. 

"Viktor, if you could stop implying that to them, I would appreciate it! Considering every single one has tried to attack me!!" Jayce yelled out in annoyance. He waited a moment and a pale hand reached out, grabbing the Ravine Jayce's sleeve before dragging him out of sight. Jayce moved up and shut the door, putting his head in his hand and sighing. 

"Jayce?" The Viktor sounded worried as he approached him and Jayce shook his head. He turned to look back at him, giving a weak smile. 

"Let's lay down, okay?" 

Chapter Text

"Jayce?"

"Mm?" Jayce glanced up as the Viktor said his name again. He'd gotten dressed in the silky sleep clothes and he was waiting near the bed with the pillow for the Viktor's back. The Viktor seemed uncertain as he leaned out of the doorway to the bathroom. He was still in his regular pants, though he'd changed into the sleep shirt. "Oh, right, your brace. Yeah, hold on." Jayce set the pillow down and made his way over. "Here." He helped the Viktor sit up on the bathroom counter. As he worked to undo the brace solely through muscle memory, he couldn't help but think of that Viktor again. Not his Viktor. But also no one's Viktor now. Just as he was no one's Jayce. Tragically poetic and bitterly ironic, he felt. 

Powder and Jinx had told him that Viktor didn't need a brace or crutch anymore, but he still needed a cane. Jayce wished he could see it. He wished he could see him, but it was obvious to him that that wish was one-sided. He could see the Viktor itching to ask a question, his fingers tapping along the counter of the sink. He knew what it was and he just didn't think he had the heart to entertain it right then. So he kept himself quiet and he didn't. He helped the Viktor get the brace off, carefully placing it to the side. "I can help you down or I can carry you. Pick your poison." Jayce teased. The Viktor stared at him with wide eyes before clearing his throat as his cheeks went pink. 

"J-Just help me down please." He said softly. Jayce offered his hand and the Viktor took it. He seemed to pause, not making any move to get down. He furrowed his brow before glancing up at Jayce again. 

"You don't have to say it." Jayce assured him. He moved over. "Arm around my neck." The Viktor seemed more than relieved as he slipped his arm over Jayce's shoulders. Jayce scooped him up, one arm under his back and the other under his knees. He moved out of the bathroom with him and over to the bed, setting him down on the plush covers. He wondered if this Viktor would... Jayce felt a grin pull at his lips. The Viktor's hands had instantly started to knead the blankets, squeezing them between his fingers as he stared down at them quietly. It was a cute little quirk he'd noticed a couple of the Viktors doing. Jayce sat down on the bed next to him. The Viktor finally pulled his hands back to himself, hugging his arms. 

"...This Viktor. Does he... hate you?" The Viktor sounded distressed by the thought of it. Jayce paused and glanced over at him. He held his rune-marked arm tightly as he gave a small shrug. 

"I guess I'll never know until he lets me see him again." Jayce replied quietly. The Viktor hesitated before moving over. He made a small noise of effort in order to sit next to Jayce on the edge of the bed. 

"I have barely seen my Jayce as of late. He has been elsewhere so often and leaves me to the lab. I am worried he had distanced himself from me as well. Because I have been... so much more desperate lately." The Viktor held up his darkened hand, looking it over. 

"Did you hit the floor before you woke up here?" Jayce asked, looking over at him. The Viktor seemed stunned by the question before giving a small nod. "He'll be right at your bedside when you wake again." The Viktor paused. Relief seemed to flood his face, but worry made his nose twitch. 

"Are you supposed to be telling me that?" He asked uncertainly. Jayce sighed, giving a small shrug. 

"On one hand, you won't remember. On the other, your Jayce will still be at your bedside. I'm not saying anything too unraveling." Jayce chuckled softly. "He runs right to your side in nearly every timeline. The moment he hears you are hospitalized. Doesn't matter where he is or who he's with." Jayce glanced over at the Viktor again. His eyes had slid shut and he looked so relieved that he might've been about to cry. Jayce gave a small smile. "Maybe we should lay down, alright?" He prompted. The Viktor jumped and nodded, lying back on the bed. "Arch as much as you can." The Viktor tried his best and flinched as Jayce fit the pillow beneath his back. Once he sank onto it, his eyes widened before sliding shut in relief again. Jayce pulled the bed pillow down for his head to rest on. The Viktor looked unbelievably happy with this setup. Jayce imagined it must've felt good after days of sleeping at the lab desk. 

The Viktor glanced over as Jayce laid next to him. He fiddled with his fingers quietly and a grin spread across Jayce's face. "...They all ask." He told him, glancing over. The Viktor only seemed to fluster at that. Jayce moved over, slipping his arm under the Viktor's neck so his shoulders would be inside the curve. Jayce was on his side as he laid his head against the Viktor's. "Like this, right?" The Viktor couldn't even seem to answer, his eyes squeezed shut as he pulled in a shaky breath. 

"Jayce." 

"I know. It's okay." Jayce replied gently. The Viktor finally started to cry, turning and burying his face against Jayce's shoulder. Jayce watched him with warm eyes. It wasn't long before he heard that crying calm into soft breathing. He laid the Viktor fully on his back again. He was fully asleep now, though his face was tearstained. Jayce wished he could get one of them to sleep without them crying from being overwhelmed. He reached out and brushed the hair from his face. "Hm." He made a small noise of warmth before resting his head back against him again. He paused as there was a knock at the door. 

Powder peeked in and Jayce waved his hand to let her knew he was still awake. She moved over quietly. "The Ravine Jayce Viktor is tending to might have rabies." She told him, biting her lip. "He's hydrophobic and paranoid." Jayce gave a heavy sigh through his nose. "Viktor is going to need your help." 

"Did he ask for my help?" Jayce asked flatly. Powder paused before looking away. "Powder, I would really rather not have a rabid version of myself attack me twice." Powder blinked before rolling her eyes and opening her mouth. "He never tells them outright, but he always implies it and nearly every single one has tried to fight me over it." Jayce replied before she could ask. Powder buried her face in her hands with a muffled groan. Certain diseases still held effects in the Arcane, but due to its rapid, perpetual healing, each one was treated more like a cold than anything. Rabies was the worst to contract, but it would be gone within two days or less. This wasn't anything new. It was always a Ravine Jayce, without fail, every time. "You think you’re tired of it, imagine how I feel." Jayce joked softly.

"...You don't." Powder replied, her hand brushing over his Rune-covered arm. Jayce stared at her before giving a weak nod. He gave a small stretch before carefully sliding his arm out from under the Viktor's neck. He remained asleep, looking more peaceful than ever. "...He doesn't seem like he's in as much pain anymore. The pillows were a really good idea." Powder commented.

"Thank you." Jayce stood up from the bed. He followed Powder to the door before stepping out. Jinx was already peering into a different room, the door open. Glass was seen thrown into the hallway and Jayce furrowed his brow as he heard Viktor pleading for the Ravine Jayce to open the door. He'd likely locked himself in the bathroom again. Jayce met Jinx's eyes and leaned back against the wall outside the door. "Let me know when he needs me in there." He said quietly. Jinx frowned at him, but she nodded. After a few minutes, the bathroom door was heard slamming open. 

"-AWAY!! I TOLD YOU TO GET THE FUCK AWAY!!!" Jayce could tell that his other self was frothing at the mouth from how he was trying to speak. Jinx snapped her fingers and pointed. Jayce nodded. He moved around the corner, slipping into the room. Viktor was trying to calm down the Ravine Jayce, who was stumbling. Jayce could only see the back of Viktor's head. The Jayce was, indeed, frothing at the mouth. He lunged at Viktor and Jayce stepped between them, taking the bite straight to his arm. 

"Fantastic." He muttered, rolling his eyes. The next couple of days would be a nightmare. He pushed the other Jayce back before holding his arm back to Viktor. There was nothing for a moment before Viktor took it. His fingers traced over the runes on Jayce's skin. "Focus, please." Viktor seemed to direct the flow of his magic through Jayce's. Jayce reached out and caught the Ravine Jayce by the jaw. When they both focused, Jayce's Rune could be used to rot away any specific thing they targeted. In this case, it would rot away the viruses in the Jayce's body. The Ravine Jayce spasmed violently.

All Jayce wanted to do was get out of this room. And yet all he could feel was Viktor's free hand trembling as it traced the emotional suppressant script of runes on his arm. 

Chapter Text

Of course, it only took a few hours before Jayce collapsed on the way back to his room. He squeezed his eyes shut, his hands curling into fists. He was burning up and his throat had become scratchy and dry. He was far enough away from the guest bedrooms that no Passerbys would see him, but he had miscalculated how much time he had by mere seconds, considering he could see his door down the hall. He could already feel the ache spreading through his body. Jayce pushed himself backwards and kept his back pressed against the wall, his head and upper body underneath one of the small, decorative tables that held plants.

Jayce's vision blurred and he squeezed his eyes shut as his thigh began to twitch. He didn't dare make any noise. He already knew he likely looked ridiculous, lying on the floor in the hallway, shoved halfway under one of the tables. He just had to focus on breathing and he couldn't trust anything that appeared in front of him to be real, no matter how much he thought it was. 

Jayce was breathing heavily. His thigh was really twitching now and he stretched his hand down, gripping it tightly to hold it still. He was so hot and it hurt. It was times like this that he wished he was smaller just so he could hide both on top of  and inside of things. "Mm..." Jayce made a weak noise, keeping his eyes shut. He didn't want to open them. His hand gripped the leg of the table tightly. His body ached so much and he inhaled shakily. It was so fucking hot. His feet scraped uselessly against the floor, his body trembling. He finally curled up as much as he could. He could feel his thigh twitching so much that it was starting to cramp and he buried his face into his arms. 

Through the haze that was slowly clouding his mind, he heard it. A soft, mechanical whining. "Oh, come on." Jayce muttered. He had to wipe his chin, even the small attempt at speaking causing drool to run down his chin. He managed to open his eyes and he watched as dirt-covered, slender legs stopped in front of the table, the gold of the heels having long rusted. It turned to face the table and Jayce really didn't know if he trusted himself to use a Rune that literally caused things to rapidly rot while he could barely focus. The evolved slowly lowered itself down in front of him. It was an old one, likely from the end of a bad timeline. But this time... on the blank face, there was a dark red line where one of the eyes would have been, staining the dirty porcelain red. Jayce stared for a moment before managing to speak again. 

"Hey Sprout." He lifted his hand for the evolved, wondering if it would remember him. The evolved Caitlyn always had this eye marking on her. The evolved tipped its head before lifting its hand in response. It squished its own fingertips against his and Jayce managed a quiet laugh. "You remember me, Cait? You look different." Drool was running down his chin and he swallowed shakily. The evolved reached out to him, carefully guiding him out from under the table and sitting him up. It kept his eyes shielded from the light of the hall and Jayce could only stare in confusion. 

A flash of blue caught his attention and he glanced over. A Hexglove was slipped onto the pale hand of someone hiding behind the nearby corner, sitting on the floor. Their hand shook and Jayce made a small noise of acknowledgment. It amused him, since this carried the same energy as someone being able to remote control a spider. It made him chuckle. The evolved reached out again and it always surprised Jayce just how strong they were. It heaved him over its shoulder and it made him break out in wheezing laughter. If Caitlyn had been able to carry him, this was absolutely how he imagined she would do it. He kept his hazy eyes on the floor, giving a weakened sigh. The evolved was taking him back to his bedroom. 

"...Thanks." He managed to say, though his body remained twitching. He kept trying to wipe his mouth, feeling disgusting. He didn't want to keep drooling onto the floor and it was the worst part. Due to how short the frame was for the rabies to affect them, the symptoms arrived fast. His door was pushed open and the evolved brought him inside before laying him on the bed. He laid on his side so he didn't choke on his spit, trying desperately to control his breathing. His thigh was fully spasming now and he watched as the evolved took a step back, a portal opening. It moved backwards and the portal shut again, leaving Jayce alone. His fingers dug into the bed as he squeezed his eyes shut. 

He was... alone. He was alone again. Jayce started to drag the blankets around him, trying to get some semblance of comfort. However, all they did was make him hot and he swore weakly. He trembled in place. He didn't even hear the footsteps and he flinched as he felt a hand on his shoulder. The other hand kept his head facing forward. A second flow of Arcane magic suddenly connected with his and he let out a weak noise as his body began to cool. It started to become cold and he shivered. It started to go up again and he relaxed. It felt like the temperature of his body was being actively manipulated. It finally stopped at a good middle ground and Jayce let out a shaky noise of relief. He kept the blankets dragged up to himself. His thigh was spasming. 

The flow seemed to redirect itself and Jayce startled as his muscles all froze up. He was paralyzed. His breathing began to speed up in panic and he felt the paralysis retreat from the upper part of his body. He was trying so hard to look and see why this was happening, but the hand on the back of his head firmly kept him facing forward. He was focusing on keeping his saliva in his mouth, but his jaw was having a hard time cooperating, not to mention the second flow of energy through his body was messing with him. He squeezed his eyes shut. He didn't feel hot anymore, but panic was starting to bloom in his chest. Especially when his tattooed arm suddenly moved all on its own, pushing out in front of him. 

He jerked back in shock, but the hand on the back of his head slid up along his scalp, making him tip his head into it with a weakened noise. It left the back of his head, but the flow inside of him kept him from turning it. He watched as those slender fingers shakily reached out to his arm, trembling as they brushed against the runes. Jayce swore he could feel the thoughts that came with the touches. 

Why so many?

Was it this bad?

If this was how deeply he felt,

then why did he not listen?

Why did he do that? 

The flow was distressed and Jayce's fingers twitched weakly as that hand settled on his tattooed arm. The fingertips were tracing every rune and Jayce was terrified. He didn't know what was happening and he couldn't quite process it through the mental fog. Who was in his room?? Who was touching him?? Jayce was so scared that he'd started to cry. He felt like he should've already known who it was based on hands alone, but he couldn't. He just couldn't. He was still struggling not to choke and he started to cough weakly. The hand retreated out of view to the back of his head again and Jayce's vision blurred. 

Sleep through it. 

I will care for your temperature.

I will care for the spasms. 

The aches. 

No pain for now. 

His senses were being guided into dormancy and Jayce let out a shaky exhale of fright. He was terrified, not being able to control himself like this. 

It's okay. It's okay. 

Nothing bad. Nothing bad. 

Jayce's eyes finally slipped shut as he let out a weak breath. 

Just sleep. 

Chapter Text

He should be angry with him, right? Viktor wasn't sure how to feel, seeing all of those Runes in Jayce's skin. That was... That was far too many for basic emotional suppression. He glanced down at the other, finally pulling his hands away from him before moving around. He climbed onto the bed next to him before lifting Jayce's arm with shaking fingers. He'd thought it was genuinely an ink tattoo, but it wasn't. It was all scarring. It was all... Viktor felt a tremble go through his body. Why would he do this?? Viktor glanced up at his sleeping face in panic. "Why would you do this?" He echoed the thought out loud in a strangled voice. "Y-You killed him in front of me. Even though I begged you not to. And the gods all know you didn't regret it, so why would you need all of this??"

Viktor's eyes scanned the lines of Runes over. His heart was twisted. He hadn't even been able to look at Jayce for months. Not without the rotting form of his own Jayce appearing in his head. And he never meant to imply anything to the Jayce Passerbys. He just couldn't control his face or body language when they asked about the Jayce here. Their questions would always lead one to another based on how he would react and some of them even came to the conclusion that the Jayce here was a murderer before Viktor even had a chance to utter a word. His fingers slid over the Runes. There wasn't just emotional suppression here. Memory suppression. Personality suppression. Jayce had given himself a medical cocktail of Runes. Viktor shakily raised a hand to his own forehead. This was too many. This was way too many. 

"Jayce..." Viktor was panicking as he stared at it. He didn't know what to do if the Runes were scarred into his arm. He placed Jayce's arm back down on the bed before standing again. He squeezed his eyes shut before that pain erupted through his skull as it split open. His limbs lengthened into his Herald form and he stumbled for a moment before steadying himself. It was the most panicked way he'd ever entered his form and the Hexclaw was already snapping open and shut on his back agitatedly. He knelt next to the bed, an unhappy buzzing leaving him as he reached out, setting Jayce's arm in front of him. "Why did you do this? Why would you do this?? This is too much. Your body will expend too much energy trying to fuel this many runes." Viktor was muttering to himself in his warbling voice. "How long have you had these??" 

Viktor's fingertips lit up and he pressed them over a certain script of the Runes. He left behind crystallized fingerprints on each Rune, removing them from Jayce's body. His fingerprints would eventually erode away within the Arcane. It would take time, but they would. Jayce wouldn't be able to carve new Runes either. Viktor quickly reached up, grabbing the Hexclaw and silencing it as Jayce shifted. The Hexclaw let out a low whirring noise. "Do not. I must get these off of him. He will waste away and it will not even be by the fault of his own Rune." Viktor's panic carried through into his Herald voice, which was usually cold and emotionless. Viktor continued to burn away each rune on Jayce's arm, five at a time. He had to stop after a few more, seeing how Jayce's skin rippled agitatedly in response to the outside magic.

"Please. Please, please, please. Don't do this again. Please. Please, you can't do this to me again." Viktor's voice was becoming more frantic. He knew Jayce wasn't bleeding, but all he could see was blood and Shimmer tearing apart flesh in front of him as he tried to quiet Jayce's screaming. He knew Jayce wasn't bleeding. He knew he wasn't screaming. But this was far too familiar and Viktor couldn't escape it. Fractures of energy were bursting up from his wiry skin, spanning his body. They erupted from all over and each sharp little sting panicked Viktor more. "Why are you doing this to me again?? Why? Why??" Viktor couldn't cry satisfyingly in his Herald form, only able to feel the tears running down the cheeks of his split face and not receiving any of the stress-relieving chemicals that should have accompanied them. 

Viktor continued to desperately burn out each of the Runes on Jayce's arm. It was leaving Jayce's skin red and angry until the Hexclaw finally grabbed Viktor's wrist and yanked his hand back. Viktor broke down in sobbing against the edge of the bed. Why did Jayce keep hurting himself?? Why did he alway make Jayce hurt himself?? Why couldn't he ever get this right?? Viktor curled over the side of the bed, his fingers on his free hand tearing into the blanket. The buzzing in his chest that usually replaced his heart was agonizing and he tried desperately to hide his head under his arm. He couldn't. He couldn't. He couldn't. 

He couldn't keep being the one finding Jayce like this. Dying of a Shimmer infection. Standing on the same ledge over and over. Those pills. And now wasting away from far too many Runes for his astral body to handle. It couldn't keep being Viktor. It couldn't keep being him that found Jayce like this. He couldn't handle it. He couldn't handle it. Viktor grabbed Jayce's arm at the elbow, digging his fingers in before dragging them downwards. He wasn't sure whose scream was louder. He backed away, his hands shaking as he stared at the fully crystalized lines on Jayce's arm. They were marring his skin and his arm even seemed to be flickering, Viktor's magic having completely disrupted his astral form's limb. Jayce had tears running down his face as he choked in his sleep. 

Viktor hadn't even heard him scream. 

He hadn't even heard him scream and he hadn't even heard himself scream, but he knew he had because his throat was burning like someone had taken a match to it. He was wheezing and he pushed himself backwards, the Hexclaw squealing in protest as Viktor slammed himself back against the wall, hiding his head in his arms. The Hexclaw wiggled around before whirring as it freed itself. It seemed snap open and shut anxiously as Viktor sobbed. His cries were dark and echoing, something much more terrifying than sad. What had he done?? What had he done?? That could have killed him. That could have killed him. 

Viktor's fingers dug into his messy hair and he curled up even more as he tried not to think about how he could've completely just destroyed Jayce's astral form right then and there. Good fucking gods, he would've killed him. Viktor's stress and panic was starting to warp the Arcane around him, the wooden boards and the carpets all starting to crackle. They all began to shift to resemble that same webbing shape and Viktor was struggling not to choke on his own voice. "-sorry. I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry." Viktor's words strained and broke. Jayce's arm was going to be useless for at least a few days. 

Viktor startled, slamming himself back against the wall as a pillow hit him in the side. He looked over. Jayce's eyes were hazy and panicked, half-lidded and teary. He was partway off the bed already, looking like he'd thrown it with his good arm. His other one hung limply at his side. He already had one leg out of the bed and Viktor shook his head. "Do not come near me. Do not come over here. Stop. Stop." Viktor didn't know if he wanted Jayce to stay away because he was afraid of hurting him or afraid of being hurt by him. 

There was a loud thump as Jayce collapsed in front of the bed, squeezing his eyes shut as he leaned back against it. His shoulder gave a spasm and he flinched, inhaling shakily before he started to choke again. His flickering arm was sending twitches up to his shoulder. Jayce managed to calm himself enough to look up at Viktor again. "V..." He could barely speak in a pleading voice. "V..." Viktor could only stare for a moment. No. He couldn't. He couldn't leave Jayce to suffer alone on the floor. He couldn't. Not again. He couldn't let himself get scared off again. He had to help him. He had to. 

The Hexclaw whirred and helped him move by pushing off the wall. It clicked loudly as Viktor extended it to snag Jayce's shoulder and pull him over. Jayce broke out in coughing as Viktor caught him. The Hexclaw clicked and whirred, burying itself under Jayce's cheek with a mechanical whine. Jayce squeezed his eyes shut, dragging in weakened breaths as he leaned back against Viktor's Herald form. Viktor dragged Jayce sideways into his lap, one arm wrapped around his back and holding his shoulder while the other stretched over his waist. He had to focus. He had to focus. He guided Jayce's body temperature to cool down again. Jayce's eyes fluttered as he seemed to try to keep them open. 

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry, Jayce, I'm sorry. I did not mean to hurt you, I'm sorry." Viktor knew he sounded destroyed, but he couldn't help it. He was terrified. His chest hurt so much and he broke out in those unsatisfying tears. Jayce seemed confused as he leaned against him. He reached up with his good arm, holding onto the hand grasping his shoulder. He leaned his head against the Hexclaw, which buzzed softly. 

"...s'okay." Jayce managed, looking like a complete mess. Viktor couldn't handle it. It wasn't. It wasn't okay. He buried his middle face against Jayce's head, unable to close his eyes. He wrapped what was left of the blanket around his neck over Jayce's shoulders as the two sides of his face continued to cry. He had to calm down. He had to calm down. Different Jayce. This was a different Jayce. This was only the first time Viktor had seen him do this. He didn't know why he'd done this, but he couldn't just assume it was... Maybe Jayce hadn't known. Maybe he hadn't known it was too many Runes for his form. He was still new to this. 

Viktor inhaled shakily. He had to stop warping. He had to stop panicking. He kept Jayce's damaged arm in his lap. The Runes were gone. They were gone. Viktor had to keep calm now. "I hope you did not know. I hope you just did not know. Please." He whispered. "Please tell me I actually saved you this time. Please... tell me... I am not forcing you to live." Viktor's voice strained again, interrupted by a hiccup. He could hear footsteps rushing towards the door from outside, but he couldn't even lift his head. "Please tell me I saved you." 

Chapter Text

The scratchiness of the bandages on his arm was what really stirred Jayce awake. However, it was also the new weight sitting on the side of the bed. Jayce furrowed his brow. The bed shifted as he managed to prop himself up and the person sitting on the edge of the bed turned to look back at him. Their glowing white hair was combed and Jayce blinked in confusion. "Viktor?" He flinched a little, knowing he sounded terrible. Not to mention he couldn't feel his arm at all. The good news was that it seemed like the rabies had finally passed him by. Those amber eyes looked over him quietly. Jayce began to focus a little more. An Academy uniform. A young face. Neat hair, albeit that ethereal white. A brow raised. 

"I would say the one and only, but I have a sneaking suspicion that may not be true anymore." Viktor rolled his eyes and glanced around. "You know, I had been in this estate maybe once or twice before with the Professor, but to see someone I know curled up in the beds so comfortably is quite bizarre." Viktor commented, his eyes still flitting around with a vague curiosity. He seemed like he was resting his hands on his cane. Jayce finally pushed himself up into a sitting position. He stared at him blankly.

"Viktor, what are you talking about?" Jayce asked, sitting back on his knees. Viktor seemed to pause, looking over at him. Jayce's eyes landed on his cane and he stopped. Hand-carved. Expertly so. It wasn't possible. Surely it wasn't-

"Jayce, I think I may have been nothing for a little while there." Viktor's comment made him freeze up and he finally lifted his head to look at him properly. "It... was truly one of the most excruciating things I had ever felt before. And then the dragging. The falling. Good gods, I felt like I was drowning. I think I may have even had a dream like that once before." Jayce started to move towards him, his eyes wide. Viktor sighed. "And to get the breath knocked out of me upon landing! The beauty of that garden was not anywhere near enough for me to forgive that. Though I did find it a little amusing to still be-"

Jayce reached out and dragged Viktor into a hug, seeming to surprise the other man. "Oh, alright." After a moment, Viktor hugged him back. Not this Viktor. But his Viktor. Good fucking gods, it was his Viktor. "No, but truly, I could feel my cells being rebuilt. I felt my muscles grow. Jayce, it was horrifying. And when the nerves all connected-" Viktor jumped as Jayce squeezed him tighter. "You are trying to get me to stop talking and it will not work, I regret to inform you." He stated flatly. Jayce let out a weak laugh and pulled back to look at him. He could still smell the orange on Viktor's breath. "I... I assume you are the same Jayce as before? I know it is likely there are multiple, but are you...?"

"Yeah... Yeah, it's me." Jayce gave another weak bit of laughter, holding a hand up to his head. "I can't believe it..." He hesitated before reaching out his hand to Viktor, who leaned back with a raised brow. A look of amusement quirked his lips, but he reached up and pushed Jayce's hand down from his face. 

"...Enough of that, please." He requested, though his faint smile remained. He did look slightly baffled and awkward as he looked Jayce over, making Jayce stare at him in confusion. "My apologies. I am not used to people being so... eager to see me out of genuineness. They always usually wanted something of me, but I think you may just... be happy to see me." The concept seemed foreign to Viktor as he spoke. Jayce paused. 

"I-I am just happy to see you. I... I watched you hide as your world was collapsing. Our world. You were terrified." Jayce held up his hand to his shirt, balling up his fingers in it. He felt so guilty that he could barely stand it. "And it was all my fault. It was all my fault. I killed you." Jayce's shoulders sank as his voice gave a slight shake. Viktor stared at him with wide eyes. Jayce averted his eyes off to the side, able to tell that his runes were no longer working. He felt guilty and ashamed and scared. 

"...You did that?" Viktor sounded more doubtful than angry. Jayce stared at him before nodding. As it slowly started to click for Viktor that Jayce was being serious, he stared at him. "Why?? Why would you...?" Even as he demanded the reason, he still didn't seem angry. Just confused. 

"Your counterpart was suffering. He was at the tail end of the lung disease and it all came rushing back. He was going to die and I... I couldn't lose him." Jayce stuttered quietly. Viktor froze up at the mention of the disease and Jayce's eyes widened as he reached out. "You're a part of the Arcane. As long as you're here, your disease won't spread. You're safe here... Cured..." Jayce managed quietly. Viktor's hand had moved to his chest, like he couldn't quite believe Jayce's words. "I... I chose to end our world so the Arcane would be forced to take him again. I'm sorry. I... I know you were terrified and I know you didn't want to die, I just-" 

Viktor stopped him by raising a hand. He seemed troubled by Jayce's words, having turned to fully face him on the bed. "...And did you save him?" He finally asked. Jayce glanced up at him before giving a small nod. Viktor didn't seem to know what to say for a moment. "Jayce, what about our research? The... The Hextech?" He asked, staring at him in confusion. "What about our legacy?" 

"There isn't a need for it here. We're, uh..." Jayce curled his fingers into the sheets of the bed. "We're already immortalized." He held up his wrist and showed Viktor the Atrophy Rune. "And I... I don't know if the path we were destined for originally was going to be anything good. Not when the magic I was going to be basing it off of would've been sourced in decay." Viktor hesitated before reaching out and brushing his fingers over it.

"...Perhaps not." He admitted after a moment. His shoulders were still sunken. "But everyone... They are still gone? None of them to exist again until the Arcane wants them to?" Viktor held his hand up to look it over. "I was rebuilt from nothingness. I could feel every part of me returning. It was... agony. Did you mean for it to bring me back? You seemed quite startled."

"No. No, I didn't even know it was possible for you to be brought back. Both, uh, both Silco and your older counterpart... They say the Arcane is alive. That it likes to play around and it has a twisted sense of humor. The only reason you're back is because it wanted you to be. Not by... Not by any wish of mine." Jayce held his limp arm quietly. "...Do you hate me for that, Viktor? I mean, I would understand, but I... I need to know. I... I ended the world. I killed everyone. I killed you. You had to disappear in fear and terror. I couldn't... even do anything to comfort you." Jayce sounded more destroyed the longer he kept speaking. Viktor was silent for a moment. Jayce was glad he'd remained cordial, but he could see the creeping unease and confusion and panic beneath the other's face. If seemed like it was a little difficult for Viktor to process all of this.

"...I-It was a selfish decision, undoubtedly." Viktor finally spoke and Jayce felt his heart twist. "But if we were headed towards ruin, as you say, perhaps it may have been for the best. I... didn't like the look on the Councilor's face when she saw what the magic was capable of. Perhaps we would have spiraled into a... a horrible place." Viktor said, glancing aside. "I always worried I would be nothing more than that crippled drunkard from Zaun that had outlandish dreams of being a scientist. But now I'm... part of the magic that holds together our very reality." 

"Part of the Arcane." Jayce agreed, giving a weakened smile. Viktor watched him and let out a quiet breath of amazement, glancing around again. 

"Yes. Yes, part of the Arcane." Viktor gave a quiet laugh. Jayce watched him.

"You're... You're taking this really well." Jayce said, a little taken back. Viktor paused and managed a sheepish look. 

"...I may still be tipsy." He admitted. He turned, reaching out to the nightstand. "And you would not believe what I landed in the garden still holding." When he turned back around, Jayce couldn't help the laughter that hit him like a punch in the gut. Viktor had his cup from the party, still half-full of orange liquor. Viktor was right. Jayce couldn't believe it. "I was quite surprised when I sat up with it still in my hand, but I am not one to waste anything given to me." Viktor took another sip of it. Jayce finally stopped laughing after another moment or two and watched him with a grin. 

"You're impossible. How did you even manage to bring a drink while being resurrected into the Arcane?? Good gods, Viktor..." His laughter was making him feel better. This Viktor was making him feel better. Maybe he really had missed him. "I think you really may have a problem." 

"Mm." Viktor waved his hand dismissively. He stared at the cup before glancing around and looking at Jayce again. "...Do I still have a liver to worry about?" 

Chapter Text

Viktor wasn't able to return to Jayce until that night. He'd been locked in his own room for a whole day, having been trying to force himself out of his Herald form. By the time he'd been able to do it, he'd completely collapsed to the floor from exhaustion. He'd been taken to his room by Jinx after her and Powder had managed to separate him from Jayce. Viktor knew he would have to apologize to them for how aggressive he'd gotten when they had done so. It was downright embarrassing how little control he'd had over himself. It was humiliating that he'd had to be led out of the room in his most powerful form. And it was horrifying what he'd done to Jayce while he'd been in it.

Walking down the hallway even proved to be a laborious task, both of his knees shaking. He had to check on Jayce. It had been two days, nearly three now. Surely Jayce had some mobility back in his arm. The thought sent a chill up Viktor's spine as he walked and he swallowed dryly. He still couldn't believe he'd done that. He couldn't believe he'd lost his mind like that. The consequences would've been irreversible, right??

Viktor squeezed his eyes shut. "-o not remember asking for your opinion, I'm afraid. I prefer orange to cherry. Plain and simple." Viktor stopped dead in his tracks. He could hear his own voice coming from Jayce's door. His hand tightened on the ball of his cane. How did he have a Passerby in there?? When had he woken up? And... why did he have a Passerby in there? Jayce had never brought one back to his own room. Viktor's chest had gone tight and painful. It sounded like a young version of himself. Academy days or just a little after. Not a Commune Viktor, that was for sure. The Passerby sounded far too expressive for that. But why was he with Jayce in his room?? Wasn't Jayce still recovering?? He heard Jayce say something in a casual tone that was clearly accompanied by a smile. "Oh! Well, it is completely within your right to be wrong." His own voice replied dismissively and Viktor's heart hurt as he heard Jayce break out in laughter.

Viktor's shoulders sank as he stared at the ground. He... had really... fucked this up. He'd had him. Not in a violent way. Not in a malicious way. But Viktor had... had Jayce in his hold. He'd had him and now it felt like he'd scared him away again. He'd let him slip away. Viktor squeezed his eyes shut. Jayce had bed him with so much care and so much desperate yearning that it had made Viktor feel alive again. And he'd gone and fucked it all up. And now Jayce was poisoning himself with runes to suppress his feelings. Now Jayce was laughing with another version of Viktor. The way Jayce had once laughed with him. Tears finally rolled down Viktor's face. He covered his face, burying his cheek against his palm as he let out a weakened hiccup. He'd hurt him. He'd hurt him emotionally. And then he'd hurt him physically. 

Was it any wonder that no Jayce seemed to want him in the end? 

Multiple timelines. Multiple possibilities. Multiple worlds where Viktor had seen him and Jayce. Living and loving so tenderly. Deeply and intimately. So many worlds where they were happy together. Where they loved each other. Viktor squeezed his eyes shut, a choked noise escaping him. Why couldn't he have been one of those worlds? Viktor's hand slid down to cover his mouth and the whimper that tried to escape his throat. He couldn't be too loud. He couldn't be too loud. They would hear. He would hear. "...Is there really something so wrong with me that I just cannot keep him? Am I just not meant to have his affection like all the others are?" Viktor whispered to himself frantically. "How do I mess this up over and over and over again??" 

Why was loving him so difficult?? Like walking on shards of glass.

"-ere is absolutely no way you already know how to do that!! Give me that!!" Jayce was heard scolding the Viktor through his laughter. "You are unbelievable! Good gods!" Hearing him sound so playful made Viktor take a step back. His legs felt so weak and he felt so upset that he was nauseous. This was his fault. He'd pushed him away. He'd pushed him away and Jayce had stayed away. Viktor had forgotten that people would respect him enough to listen to his unspoken gestures. But he hadn't meant for this one. He hadn't... Viktor's hands tightened on his cane. He stared at the door before finally taking another step back. It sounded like Jayce was... fine. More tears ran down his face and he silently turned away from the door. 

It felt like needles were being stabbed through his heart as he moved back down the hall. He crossed over the upper balcony to the hallway that held his own room. He opened the door and slipped inside, locking it. Jinx and Powder would know that he was in no mood for a sleeping pile if the door was locked. He moved over to his bed and shakily sat down on the side of it. He had spoiled himself a little with this room and he curled his hands into the puffy blankets. They did nothing to comfort him like they usually did. Viktor was afraid to even lay down, knowing he would remember how Jayce had laid him down that night. So desperate, but so careful. 

He'd been touched softer in that one night than all of his years together with his Jayce. Viktor choked back another pained noise as he hugged himself. It was too late to apologize, wasn't it? Viktor glanced over at the door. It was too late to apologize and even still, would an apology even begin to cover up the fact that he'd gone to bed with Jayce and taken his virginity, only to avoid him for three months to the point of neither of them seeing each other's face?? No. No, he really didn't think so. Jayce was kind and caring, but he was smarter than to accept an apology from someone like him. Something broken, who would freak out and hurt him over misunderstandings and old memories. Someone who hurt him and accused him while he'd just been trying to protect him. 

Broken.. glass...

When Viktor had nearly torn his astral form open, he'd seen every reason behind every decision Jayce had made. Just for a split second. With the one explanation he needed being front and center. To put it simply, Viktor was a monster. Even now, the thought made him squeeze his eyes shut. He hugged himself tightly, bringing his knees up to his chest with a small wince as he buried his face in them. He shook quietly. It was no wonder that Jayce would prefer the company of a playful Passerby. Maybe once the Passerby left, Viktor could try to speak to him. He didn't want to bring up such damaging and personal information in front of a version of himself that had nothing to do with it. Would the Viktor in Jayce's room be gone any time soon?? 

Viktor was trembling. He just wanted to speak to him again. He wanted to see him laugh and he wanted to hold his hand. And he wanted to see Jayce's face, but specifically his face. Viktor's hands curled around his calves as he hugged his legs to himself. He wanted Jayce to bed him like he belonged to him again. Like they were actually each other's. They'd both lost their partners, hadn't they? Couldn't they be that for each other? 

...Maybe if Viktor stopped hurting him. Maybe if Viktor stopped freaking out. Viktor buried his face back in his knees. He knew Jayce always tried to be so patient with him. And he was. He really was. For how irritating Viktor knew he was, Jayce had had the patience of a saint with him. He... He had. A sudden hiccup escaped Viktor again. He wanted nothing more than to feel the warmth that his own Jayce had lacked throughout their lifetime. Viktor reached back and pulled the blanket over himself like a hood. He wanted to feel hidden. He didn't know what to do. He didn't want anyone to see him. Not like this.

Never like this. 

Viktor pulled the blanket tighter around himself, his eyes squeezed shut. There was so much panic in his body, but he knew he would lose it if he tried to apply the emotional suppression rune script to himself. Especially after what had just happened with Jayce. If he had to see a line of Runes like that again so soon, he was going to be sick. Viktor kept his eyes shut and tried to imagine that it was Jayce holding him close, even though he wasn't certain he ever would now. How Jayce could even bear being in the same house with him was hurting his head and his heart simultaneously. If Jayce had been anywhere near a violent enough man to kill him for what he'd done, Viktor would have let him. He would've let him choke the life from his throat. Shatter his form. Toss him to the window and watch him clatter away.

Broken glass. 

Like Viktor was nothing more than damaged goods and broken glass. And Viktor wouldn't blame him at all. 

Chapter Text

Viktor spent the night alone.

He spent the night alone and when he finally left his room the next day, he was completely unkempt with bags under his eyes. He hadn't slept at all. He'd only laid with his eyes closed for hours, wide awake and his thoughts racing. His cane taps were uneven and he furrowed his brow, unsure of why they were echoing like that. He wasn't even onto the upper balcony yet. "Viktor?" Jayce's voice made him flinch like he'd been shot and he instantly heard the other quiet down. "Hey, it's just me." Viktor knew that. He knew and that's why he shook like this. How could Jayce even look at him? How could he speak to him so gently after three months of not seeing his face specifically??

"The, uh, the Arcane gave us a... surprise." Jayce's words made him freeze up, but it was when he looked up that the goosebumps erupted over his skin. His own face. A younger, healthier, happier version of himself standing straight and tall beside Jayce, his hair that... damned ethereal white. 

Viktor was done for. 

He was done for.

He didn't even hear the rest of what Jayce said, taking a few shaking steps back. Had he run out of time?? Out of chances?? Out of luck? Viktor didn't even realize how panicked he looked and his other self watched him with wide eyes before saying something quickly to Jayce. Jayce nodded before hesitantly moving forward. Viktor's eyes snapped to him and he stumbled a little, moving back even more. Jayce paused. "Viktor?" He softened his voice. "Please talk to me. What's wrong?" Viktor almost laughed at the question. Didn't Jayce have eyes?? What did he think was wrong?? Jayce reached out to him, his hand pausing next to Viktor's cheek. It was open and relaxed. No threatening body language. 

Viktor glanced over at it before lowering his head in quiet submission. Jayce gave a small sigh. He cupped his cheek and Viktor inhaled shakily. "...I'm sorry. I'm sorry." He finally managed. "I'm sorry I made you do that to yourself. I'm sorry I bed you and abandoned you for three months. I-It was unbelievably cruel of me." Jayce stared at him. 

"No, no, you didn't... I... I did that so I would respect your wishes of not wanting to see me. I wanted to run back to you the first chance I got, but you were still upset. I figured if I used Runes, I could push that want down. So I wouldn't overwhelm you. Or scare you." Jayce admitted. Viktor stared at him. 

"...You used too many. You would have burned up expending the energy needed for all of those." Viktor looked him over. The relief that flooded his whole body nearly brought tears to his eyes. The exasperation that accompanied it was only a small piece. "You didn't know." 

"N-No, I..." Jayce's thumb seemed to rub Viktor's cheek as the first tear escaped down Viktor's face. Viktor gave a weak laugh, though he didn't know what emotions were spurring it. "Is that why my arm is...?" 

"I removed them, yes. Good gods, I didn't know what to do. That many Runes at once on an astral body. You could have burned away." Viktor's voice became strangled and Jayce seemed taken back before his eyes quickly averted. 

"I'm sorry, I just wanted to give you the space you seemed to need." Jayce admitted. Viktor couldn't believe Jayce would do that to himself just to respect Viktor's wishes. Viktor stared at him with tearful eyes and Jayce's own eyes weakened. He leaned forward and his lips hovered in front of Viktor's, making his eyes go wide in shock. "Would this still be okay?" How?? How did Jayce not hate him?? Viktor found himself nodding before he could question things any further and he let his mind go blank as he felt Jayce's lips against his. His hands instinctively stretched out, curling into Jayce's shirt and pulling him closer. 

When he finally pulled away, his heart was racing and his face was hot. He didn't deserve this. He didn't deserve this kind of forgiveness. This kind of affection. Viktor stared at Jayce quietly. Jayce gave a small smile and held Viktor's cheeks before bumping their foreheads together. Tears ran down Viktor's face. "Jayce... I fear I am to be replaced." His whispered words made Jayce's eyes widen and he pulled back to look at him in shock. There were many emotions flying across his face, most notably pain and disbelief. 

"V, I wouldn't do that. I wouldn't. And especially not with him, I found out he's kind of an asshole- WHERE DID YOU GET THAT??" Jayce had gestured to the other Viktor, turning to look at him before stopping dead in his tracks. The other Viktor was sipping quietly at a margarita as he watched them, leaning on his cane. A smile seemed to pull at his lips. He didn't seem bothered at all by Jayce's comments, even seeming to agree as he raised the glass with a nod. Jayce turned back and gave Viktor such a 'can you fucking believe this' look that it lightened Viktor's chest and pulled him out of his panicked stupor. Jayce pinched the bridge of his nose as Viktor burst out in laughter. It felt so relieving that it was even downright painful how fast it lifted the weight from his shoulders, just for a moment. 

Jayce's gaze softened on Viktor as he watched him laugh. Viktor finally stopped and he gave a shaky sigh, falling quiet. "...I do not fear you replacing me, Jayce. I fear that the Arcane itself has grown tired of me." Viktor said, looking up at him. "It reconstructed him from nothingness and for what reason?" He gestured to the other Viktor before pausing. "I do not mean to speak of you as if you are not here." He said apologetically. The other Viktor rolled his eyes, chuckling. 

"Nothing I am not used to already." He said calmly, taking another sip of his drink. Viktor's shoulders sank a little and the other Viktor watched him with understanding. "Nothing we have not been used to before." Viktor gave a small nod before startling as arms wrapped around him. He was pulled into a warm hug against a warm chest and it instantly brought tears to his wide eyes again. Jayce's hand slid up into the back of his hair, keeping Viktor close. 

"...I did think you grew to hate me. I would have. Doing that to you..." Viktor buried his face against his shoulder. 

"No. No, I wanted to come talk to you so bad, I had rewrite how I felt in order to stay away from you." Jayce admitted. "I thought you wanted space, I would have..." Jayce sounded frustrated with himself. Viktor glanced up at him. He was unbearably confused. He didn't know why Jayce was beating himself up over this. It had been Viktor's fault, hadn't it?? It was his fault. Why was Jayce upset with himself?? He pressed himself closer to him. 

"Good gods, Jayce, hold his hip up on his weak leg." The other Viktor commented, rolling his eyes. Jayce gave a heavy sigh, turning to look at him flatly. He did follow his instruction though. 

"Can you go off somewhere else??" Jayce asked, throwing his free hand off to the side in annoyance. Viktor allowed himself a small smile as the other Viktor waved his hand dismissively. 

"Going to leave me to wander this massive area myself? Not very polite of you." He commented. Jayce shook his head, though he did at least seem to be playing along with him instead of it being actual annoyance. The Viktor hummed. "Is there a bar here?" 

"You cannot be serious. You are not having more drinks." Jayce stated. The Viktor looked him up and down before turning away. 

"So there is a bar." He murmured, making his way back down the hall. Viktor broke out in weak laughter again as Jayce buried his face in his hand. 

"...I don't understand him. I haven't met another one like that." Jayce said, rubbing his forehead. Viktor couldn't tell if he meant something about his personality and he did suppose this one was much more laid back. Jayce met his gaze and raised his brows. "Alcoholic." He clarified. Ah. Viktor nodded, glancing past him to make sure the other Viktor was gone before sighing. 

"Your world was based on Atrophy, Jayce. Wasting away. It... may have portrayed in prominent figures. Just in different ways." He explained quietly. Jayce paused before his shoulders sank and he nodded. 

"Right. Maybe we'll be able to help him with that." Jayce murmured, crossing his arms. Viktor stared at him and that same question was on the tip of his tongue. He knew it was likely annoying that he needed this many assurances, but he... he really did. Jayce seemed to notice his staring and his gaze weakened. "...I'm not upset. I was... I was a little frustrated. Because I didn't understand. And I still don't, but I know what I did scared you. And I'm not sorry for what I did, but I am sorry for scaring you." Jayce said, turning his head away. "And I promise that all of that was just so I didn't overstep your boundaries. Because I... I don't want to be like that. You had your boundaries violated enough by someone with my face. I didn't want you to have to bear more of it." 

Viktor stared at him before he managed a weak smile. His chest was shaking from how hard his heart was pounding. It was such painful relief that he felt like he was going to collapse. He squeezed his eyes shut, finally reaching up and hiding his face. He... He hadn't ruined everything. He hadn't fucked everything up. He couldn't believe it. This had... He didn't think this had ever happened before.

"Hey." Jayce spoke gently, making him look up at him. "I really think we should stop him before he finds the bar." He offered his hand and Viktor stared at it. It felt like they were right back. Like the three months they'd spent apart was merely an hour. He reached out and took his hand with a weak smile. 

"Of course." 

Chapter Text

"Hey! You!" 

Viktor had been out in the garden a week later when a brand-new Passerby had appeared. The second to last thing he expected was to be dragged backwards by his shoulder. The last thing, however... Viktor could only stare at the Vi with wide eyes. They'd never had one here before. She was as he remembered from the commune, with oil-slick hair and that leather jacket. He remembered it well. He could only stare at her and Vi slowly released him, taking a step back. "...Why the change in looks?? You're not trying to 'evolve' us, are you??" She asked suspiciously. She stared at his glowing hair, furrowing her brow. 

Us? Even transported to an unfamiliar place, she still worried for Vander, Isha and Jinx? "...No, I am afraid I have not done anything like that for a very long time." Viktor answered. His eyes were wide in shock and he scanned her over. There was a blue ring encircling the back of her head. He could smell something on her as well and he raised a brow. "Partaking in the commune gin, I see?" Vi instantly froze up, her eyes narrowing into a glare. 

"Do not tell Jinx or Isha." Vi stated firmly. Viktor paused and his eyes moved to the side. "Hey. I'm serious. Don't-" 

"Violet." Viktor spoke softly, though his prompting tone startled her straight out of her aggression for a moment. "Do you recognize this place?" He gestured to the building. Vi paused as she turned to look at it. Her shoulders instantly sank and she scoffed, turning her head away. "What the fuck are we doing here??" She muttered. Viktor sighed through his nose. He still had his cane. His leg had a tendency to give out on him and the cane was often the only thing to keep him upright. 

"We are not where you think we are. We have never had you here before. I think she will be quite happy to see you." Viktor started past Vi and he jumped as Vi quickly grabbed his arm. 

"I can't see her right now." Vi said, her voice having the slightest tremble. Viktor paused before shaking his head. 

"Not Miss Caitlyn. She is not here." Viktor replied. Vi paused and Viktor nodded towards the entrance. "It is best you follow. I will not be the one hosting you here. We all have designated people." Vi slowly let go of his arm, glancing around in confusion. 

"...What the fuck are you talking about??" She finally asked, seeming confused and defeated. Viktor gave a small smile. He turned away and started up the stairs to the door. He could hear Vi following. As they moved into the foyer, he felt a smile tug at his lips. 

"-ou already had three of those!! Give me that!" Jayce's scolding voice erupted from the direction of the bar and Viktor heard Vi whisper a swear of confusion as she stared. Jayce had taken a mimosa from... Vik. The other had taken the old nickname from him so it could finally be associated with something else. Jayce paused and shot a pointed, firm look at Vik. "Do not." Vik gave a grin, holding his hands out to the side. 

"Mm? Do not what?" He asked playfully, though his voice was sluggish. His cane was propped against the bar as he leaned back against it. Jayce gave him a completely flat look. Vi seemed dumbfounded as she glanced between Viktor and the one at the bar. 

"...Maybe I shouldn't have tried the gin." She muttered after a moment. Viktor closed his eyes and he sent out a ping to alert Jinx that she had a Passerby. He sighed and turned to Violet, who seemed more than lost.

"She will be here shortly. She has not see you for a very, very long time. Please be careful with her. She is not the one you know." Viktor told her. Vi paused, looking him over again. 

"...Look, I know your whole thing is being vague and creepy, but can we drop that for right now?? Where am I?? There's no balcony or bar in the foyer." Vi said, clearly guarded and uncomfortable. Viktor blinked before giving a small sigh. 

"It is not my place to explain. Please excuse me." Viktor turned away and started towards the bar. Jayce instantly strode forward to meet him, seeming shocked as he stared at Vi. He wrapped an arm around Viktor quietly, leaning back. 

"Are you okay?" He asked softly. Viktor nodded. 

"Miss Violet would not hurt me, as far as I know." Viktor told him. Vi was staring at Jayce, clearly remembering him too. She opened her mouth to say something before there was the sound of metal-plated boots landing on the floor. Jinx straightened up, her single braid brushing along the floor as she stared at Vi with wide, shocked eyes. 

"Jinx?? Jinx, what are you doing here?" Vi started towards her instantly and Jinx quickly backed up, holding her hands up as Vi reached out to her. Vi paused. Jinx's breathing was stuttery and she already had those glowing tears in her eyes. "...You have that glowing hair too. What the hell is happening??" Vi only seemed to be growing more frustrated as she pulled her hand back. She suddenly gasped in shock as Jinx tackled her in a hug. Vi genuinely looked like she didn't know what to do for a moment, staring straight forward before her eyes slowly moved down. "I, uh... What are we...?" 

"Please just hug me back." Jinx requested in her weakened, scratchy voice. Vi blinked a couple times, seeming unsure if it was some kind of trick before hugging Jinx back. It seemed to send Jinx into tears, the first soft sob escaping her. 

"O-Oh, wait, no. Hey, uh..." Vi seemed to panic at Jinx's crying. Viktor finally turned away, moving towards the bar with Jayce in tow.

"...Are we sure they will be alright?" Vik asked, one leg hooked over the other as he watched them with dazed eyes.

"In the time I have been here, I have never seen a Vi appear here. I have confidence that Jinx will take care of her until she can find where she came from." Viktor replied calmly. Jayce suddenly hugged him from behind, making him jump. "Jayce??" 

"You left me to chase around this asshole all morning." Jayce groaned into his shoulder. A smile pulled at Vik's lips. Viktor wondered what could possibly be so difficult about that before pausing. His suspicion was confirmed as Jayce's muffled voice spoke up from his shoulder again. "He knows how to summon drinks and teleport." 

"You have a grasp on teleportation already?" Viktor asked his other self in surprise. Vik gave a shrug, bouncing his head side to side as his eyes followed. 

"Ehh, I am able to switch floors, but that is all." He replied. All of them jumped as Vi called out. 

"Can one of you help explain what's happening??" She was still holding Jinx, who seemed like she'd broken down into full scale sobbing, her face in her hands. Vik pushed himself up, much to Viktor and Jayce's surprise. 

"I can try my hand at this. I know enough and Jinx can correct any misinformation. A conversation will keep my head off a glass." Vik added. He made his way over to Vi and Jinx. 

"...He has been nice to have around." Viktor finally admitted. Jayce scoffed against his shoulder. "No, truly. He listens and he even agreed to take that... that name upon himself so I could..." Viktor's hands tightened on his own cane. "So I could finally associate it with something else." Jayce paused and lifted his head, glancing at him worriedly. "...He has not woken from nightmares. Perhaps because I  am already here, he does not carry the weight of multiple memories." Viktor wondered briefly what that would be like. He couldn't even remember. "You... You both do get along, right?" He was always unsure about that with how they interacted. 

"Oh, yeah. We're just messing around, I promise. He's a good guy. Just..." Jayce's eyes drifted to the bar. "You know." Viktor nodded. He paused before slowly allowing himself to relax back against Jayce with a small sigh. He could feel Jayce perk up, it being rare that Viktor let himself feel safe enough to do this. Viktor's eyes slipped shut and he felt Jayce's arm hesitantly wrap around him. 

"...I suspect it will be any day now, Jayce." Viktor finally spoke and he felt the other freeze up. "He has picked up on things faster than any of us. Perhaps it is the Arcane rushing his abilities so he will be... an adequate replacement." He jumped as Jayce spoke. 

"Please don't say that." Jayce let him go and moved around to stand in front of him. "It won't replace you. We won't let it." He insisted. Viktor felt touched by that, but all he could manage was a weakened smile. 

"The Arcane gives and the Arcane takes, Jayce. We are at its whim." Viktor's words were soft. "It harbors them, but the Arcane is not fond of damaged things. It is a wonder it tolerated me so long." Viktor paused as Jayce spoke again. 

"Stop. Viktor, stop." Jayce buried his face in his hand before looking up at him again, seeming dismayed. "Stop talking about yourself like that. You're not damaged goods. You're not." Jayce said firmly. Viktor could only stare back at him in doubt. "...Stop." Jayce's voice was pleading and weakened more than it was upset. Viktor's heart twisted and he nodded, turning his head away. He could see Vik speaking calmly with Vi, who seemed at least amused by their conversation. Viktor's shoulders were sunken. He wondered if all the alcohol was just for Vik's chronic pain or if it was to keep all that self-loathing away. He jumped as he was guided forward into a hug.

Jayce's chest was warm and Viktor's eyes widened before slipping shut. He relaxed against Jayce, pressing his cheek to his shoulder. He wouldn't dare tell Jayce that he could feel the flow in his bones weakening as the hours passed by. He wouldn't dare tell Jayce that he hadn't slept for two days straight now. It was as if his body had decided he didn't need to anymore. He would only stare at his veiling for hours on end. He wasn't exactly fading and he wasn't exactly withering. Untangling. It felt like he was being untangled and the moment the string was finished, he would drop again. Viktor leaned against his cane, his eyes closed. 

Jayce had been busy with Passerbys each night and Viktor had not had the opportunity to join him in his room at night. He... felt like he was running out of time. Out of space. Out of breath. How could he feel like this when it was Jayce and Vik who represented Atrophy? Ironic, wasn't it? He glanced over as Vi started to crack up, her and Jinx both laughing as Vik seemed to shrug with a slight smile on his lips. Viktor watched him quietly. He would be a good replacement for him, but... he was sure the Arcane already knew that. 

Chapter Text

Along with nighttime, came another Passerby for Jayce to tend to. Viktor could only wonder if the Arcane was pulling them in on purpose to separate them. He sat on the edge of his bed, his hands in his lap. His cane was propped next to him. It was something simple, unlike Vik's handcarved masterpiece. Viktor sat with sunken shoulders. He didn't think he was scared either. No, he knew what it felt like to be cast aside once he was no longer of interest. It had happened so often that he was no longer afraid of it. Viktor had locked his door for the night. He hadn't made a scene and he hadn't said a word to anyone about how he felt he could barely walk. How hard it had been to even get back to where he was right now. 

Would he see his Jayce again? 

The thought made his whole body shiver and he let out a weak breath. What would happen when the Arcane took him? Viktor's hands had tightened in his lap. He paused as he pictured this Jayce with his young face and glowing white hair. What about him?? What about this Jayce, whose care was genuine and whose touch was gentle? Viktor felt tears well up in his eyes as he swallowed. 

What if he saw nothing at all?

What if the Arcane was truly finished? Viktor's hands curled into his pants. What if his story was truly over? His epilogue had lasted far too long. He wasn't scared of the end. But he had such a sickening worry in his chest. Would everyone be able to move on? Undoubtedly, Jayce would be devastated, but since he had his Viktor, maybe they could curb each other's self-destructive tendencies. Nearly every Jayce met every Viktor on that ledge. And considering how this Jayce had already stepped off before his Viktor had reached him, he didn't want to imagine how badly he would react to this. That's also why he was relieved Vik was here. Viktor's eyes slid shut. "Why did you grow bored of me?" He asked aloud, his eyes finally opening again after a few minutes. 

"Was I only interesting when I was with my Jayce?" He didn't know who he was talking to, but he hoped they heard. He hoped the Arcane heard. "Was I only interesting when I had to fight back the memories of him speaking to me in such disappointment when my physical illness made me unable to pleasure him?? When I tried to anyway and ended up hurting myself? When he dragged me into the spotlight to partake in his speeches and I got sick?? Was I only interesting when I kept all of this pushed down?? Was I only interesting until... this one came along?" Viktor's voice strained. He fell quiet and, as expected, he was met with no answer. Nothing at all. "Was I only interesting until I fell in love with a Jayce that did not belong to me? Are you punishing me for it?" 

Viktor finally moved, burying his face in his hands. He had gotten in the way, hadn't he? The Arcane seemed fond of this Jayce and they didn't even know why. He didn't even seem to notice. It was not fond of Viktor. Not like it had been. Viktor truly felt like a discarded doll. Thrown aside in favor of a newer, shinier toy. Was this what he deserved for meddling with things that weren't his? Viktor felt the first tears roll down his face. His heart hurt and his chest ached. He could feel the weakened flow of magic in his body starting to sputter. It was giving off spurts of energy, like it was desperately trying to keep flowing. Every single one seemed to send a violent buzzing through Viktor, making him squeeze his eyes shut in pain. 

He jumped as there was knocking at the door. "V? You in there?" Jayce's voice drifted through the door and Viktor could only stare at it for a moment, his whole body frozen. Jayce couldn't see him like this. He kept his mouth shut. He didn't want this to have any fanfare. He didn't want this to be something dramatic and traumatizing to the people he loved. He just wanted to go as quietly as possible. Slip away without anyone noticing. "Viktor?" The doorknob turned a little. "...Hey, I'm sorry I haven't been able to spend the night with you recently, but I got the Passerby to a room early and he didn't ask me to stay with him." Jayce sounded hopeful and it pulled at Viktor's chest. After another few moments, Jayce spoke again. "Are you already sleeping?" He sounded as if he was confused more than actually asking the question. 

In the following silence, Viktor knew what Jayce was considering doing and he hoped he didn't. He hoped he would respect his privacy. Respect his locked door. He hoped that Jayce would inadvertently respect his decision to go peacefully. The doorknob gave one more small jiggle and Viktor felt such an intense fear shoot through his body that he nearly threw up. Why was his door locked?? He was never allowed to have his door locked. Jayce would kill him. Jayce would kill him. He was on his feet and halfway to the door before he could even stop himself. Luckily, his body decided it for the both of them, his weak leg giving out and causing him to drop. 

"OPEN THIS FUCKING DOOR, VIKTOR!! OPEN IT NOW! HAVE YOU LOST YOUR FUCKING MIND?!" The way Jayce's voice had become raspy with scalding outrage was still burned into his mind and it sent violent pinpricks of anguish and terror through him. Viktor hugged himself tightly. "Viktor, I'll kick this door in. Don't make me do this. I don't want to hurt you and I don't want to scare you. You know better than to lock me out like this. We fucking talked about this. I'm your partner." The word sent a tremor through Viktor's whole body. "I'm your partner." 

"My partner." Viktor could barely get the words out, his fingers curled so tightly into the carpet beneath them that it was hurting his nails. 

"I'm your partner." 

"My... My partner." Viktor's voice only broke more. He was scared. He was scared of the end. He was terrified. He didn't want to disappear like this. He didn't want to know what awaited him once the Arcane took him, if there was anything at all. "No. No, no, no. Please. Please." He curled up, hiding his head under his arms as he let out a shaking sob. "Please do not t-take me. Please. I do n-not want to go. I d-do not w-want to go." He managed to push himself up before screaming as Jayce knelt in front of him. He jerked backwards and his whole body suddenly fizzled. He was suddenly slamming backwards against the bed across the room, tears running down his face. He dragged his knees up to his chest and broke down crying as he hid his head in his arms again.

"Viktor! Viktor, I'm sorry, but I heard you freaking out. I-I wouldn't force my way into your room if I didn't th-think it was an emergency." Jayce sputtered his apology. Behind him, the doorknob had been rusted and the wood around it rotted away. Jayce took a few steps towards him and his form changed. 

"What did I tell you about locking the door?? Obviously you knew it was me. What are you trying to hide in here?? Huh??" Jayce's voice was aggressive and demanding. Viktor flinched, squeezing his eyes shut as he heard the sound of drawers being thrown open and things being knocked of the desks. "You have some secret project you’re working on?? With our sponsor money?? Fuck, Vik, you’re still a Zaunite, they won't want to invest in any solo projects of yours, you know that!" Viktor inhaled shakily, struggling to control his breathing. He couldn't take it. He couldn't take it. "They barely recognize us as partners, why would you risk anything more than that?" Viktor kept his eyes squeezed shut and he shuddered as he felt a hand rest on his knee. "We're partners."

Viktor lashed out so hard with his leg that it hurt his knee. He broke down into tears and dragged it back towards him. He had yet to untangle his hands from his hair and he continued to drag in gasping breaths. "...fuck." Viktor froze up as he heard Jayce swear softly. He opened his eyes and shakily lifted his head. Jayce had been knocked back and his hand was held up to his nose. It was gushing blood and already staining the carpet beneath Jayce. He squeezed his eyes shut, his hand trembling. He'd hurt him. He'd hurt him. 

"-orry. I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry." Viktor was spitting with how fast he spoke, so panicked that he could barely breathe. Jayce glanced over at him and opened, his mouth, but Viktor was already speaking again. "Sorry, sorry, sorry, sorry." He shoved himself backwards as much as he could. When he couldn't, he felt around behind him before leaning down and shoving himself beneath the bed, letting the bed skirt fall again, completely hiding him. "Sorry, sorry, sorry, sorry." He dragged in shaking breaths. The new adrenaline rocketing through his body seemed like it had steadied the flow of Arcane magic in his body, but at what cost?? He'd hurt Jayce. He'd made him bleed. 

"V-Viktor? Hey, I-I'm fine. It's okay." Jayce's voice was muffled through the bed skirt, but Viktor could barely listen. He'd made him bleed. He'd made him-

"DON'T!!" Viktor screamed out as he saw the shadow of a hand appear outside the bed skirt and it quickly yanked away again. Viktor hid his head under his arms again. "Don't... Please don't..." What was he doing?? What was he doing? Shoved under the bed like some kind of petulant child? Even being upset with himself like this, he had no intention of moving. Why was he-

"-hiding like a fucking cockroach." 

Viktor squeezed his eyes shut at Jayce's disgusted tone. He couldn't stand it. He couldn't stand it. The world started to fizzle. "V, you can take as much time as you need, a-alright? I'll wait out here." That voice was much gentler, but Viktor could barely recognize it through all the fizzling. He took one more breath. 

He woke up.

He staggered.

He became sick.

Chapter Text

Viktor covered his mouth, his head leaned against his crutch as he squeezed his eyes shut. He could feel a hand rubbing his back. "Keep walking, please." That voice was familiar as it spoke curtly to someone that wasn't him.

"What happened?" That one. That voice, he hadn't heard in a long time. 

"Councilor, I think I may have pushed him a little too hard by bringing him up there with me. He held it together on the stage really well." Jayce sounded apologetic and Viktor heard Mel pause. 

"He delivered part of the speech flawlessly. Was he not supposed to be up there?" She sounded surprised and Viktor barely managed to lift his head. He took in another weak breath. 

"...No. No, I was not supposed to be up there!" Viktor snapped, turning a teary-eyed glare on Jayce. "And I told you I did not want to go up there and that I did not want all of them staring at me!" Jayce held up his hands, though he didn't seem too apologetic about it. Viktor could hear Mel requesting a member of the cleaning staff and he shakily wiped his mouth. Why had he nearly passed out on the last step like that? Had he really been that anxious? Why was his head so fuzzy? 

"You walked out as soon as the speech was over. Did something we said upset you??" Jayce was staring at Mel in confusion, no longer seeming concerned about Viktor's upset. Mel paused before gesturing to Viktor, still seeming very concerned.

"I wanted to be sure that one of my two biggest investments wasn't about to pass out the moment he went back behind the curtain." She said firmly. "You two are supposed to work together, not decide something on a whim and drag the other along for the ride!" 

"The speech went fine, didn't it? Everyone even liked Viktor's part." Jayce replied, scoffing. Viktor wiped his eyes and straightened up best he could, tucking the crutch under his arm. They hadn't even presented what they were supposed to. The moment Viktor had been about to talk about, Jayce had grabbed his arm with such force that he was sure he had bruising. Jayce sighed, rubbing his forehead. "I know you both aren't pleased with me, but Professor Heimerdinger said that we shouldn't present this until-" Jayce had been gesturing to the Hex Gemstone in the case, emboldened by the Kiramman Crest when Viktor suddenly couldn't stand his voice anymore.

"I am going home." Viktor interrupted, making both of them look at him. Mel's look of shock faded into something understanding as she nodded, her hands clasped in front of her. 

"Home?? We still have the afterparty with the investors-" Jayce's exclamation of disbelief was interrupted as Viktor moved back with his crutch, his hands tightening on it. 

"No, Jayce. I am going home. H-Happy Progress Day to you both." Viktor managed in a slightly weaker voice. He was so upset that it wasn't even funny and he knew Mel could see it. 

"Happy Progress Day, Viktor. Please get some rest." She replied, her shoulders seeming a little sunken at the sight of him. Jayce stared at them both incredulously and Viktor turned away, using his crutch to navigate himself towards the exit.

"He's my partner, he's supposed to be up there and out there with me! We both invented Hextech! Everyone is going to think it was just me and it wasn't!" Jayce was heard snapping at Mel as Viktor moved away. He shouldered open the door and made his way outside into the crowds. He could smell food and hear the laughter of children as they ran around with small toy versions of the Hextech Blimps. Viktor let out a weak sigh through his nose. His heart was still racing and his hands were clammy. He couldn't believe that Jayce had just done that to him. 

Well, in a way, yes, he could. But he hadn't thought Jayce would actually do it. There had been hundreds of Piltovian eyes on him. Judgmental. Uncaring. Uninterested. Viktor's hand tightened on his crutch again and he kept his head down as he limped through the crowds. Something was itching the back of his mind. Like he'd done something he wasn't supposed to. Was he supposed to stay?? So Jayce could have the time of his life at the party while Viktor would have his crutch taken from him and passed about with everyone's excuse being that they were just admiring the 'handiwork'?? Viktor paused. That was... an oddly specific thing to be angry with. 

Regardless, it wasn't happening. He was going home. Climbing the stairs to his apartment had gotten much harder lately, but he managed. He unlocked his door and entered the living room, slamming the door and locking it behind him. He finally stopped in place, burying his head in his hand. Where was he?? He furrowed his brow, feeling like he was momentarily swaying in place. His crutch suddenly clattered to the floor and his braced leg gave a single spasm before giving out. He hit the floor with a painful clack, holding his hand to his leg as he inhaled shakily. His head was spinning. Was it still just nerves? The adrenaline?? His shoulders were completely sunken and every bolt along his spine seemed to harbor its own ache. He could hear the faint Progress Day music out on the streets. 

He knew Jayce was far too bold for his own good and, hell, he was already hoping he wouldn't find him somewhere on the brink of death again, but he thought Jayce would've cared enough to not do that to him. Good fucking gods. He didn't want to go up on that stage. He didn't want all those people looking at him. He thought Jayce would've respected that. Viktor glanced down at his arm. He shakily rolled up his sleeve. A dark bruise was already forming on his bicep. Alongside another. And another. Viktor didn't think Jayce knew how strong he was. Either that or he thought Viktor was much more durable than he was in reality. He shakily brushed his finger over the bruise. He thought they'd been getting better.

Jayce would come back to the lab late and he would always put a blanket over Viktor's shoulders if he found him sleeping at the desk. Most recently, he'd even taken Viktor back to the couch in their lab and laid down so Viktor could sleep on top of him. Of course, Viktor would be awake the moment he heard the door open, but to see these softer gestures from Jayce made him warm. Maybe Jayce only liked being kind to him when he was asleep. Viktor stared forward quietly, his fingers weakly hooked into his sleeve.

He really, really needed to end this partnership. 

There were long stretches of time where Jayce and him would get along. Laugh. Formulate. Discover. But when Jayce had his worst days, he always seemed determined to make them Viktor's worst days as well. Viktor had been left unable to walk for a week after straining his leg too hard by pulling Jayce back from that ledge again. The thought made him squeeze his eyes shut. He didn't think he could do it anymore. Hextech was a success, wasn't it? Viktor took in a soft breath before starting to cough, holding a hand up to his chest. He sat in an uncomfortable silence for a few minutes after before staring at the floor. It didn't seem like curing him was on Jayce's priority list when it came to Hextech goals.

He was tired of being flaunted around. He was tired of being one of the 'Men of Progress'. He was tired of having to keep his sleeves rolled down because Jayce didn't know how to control his strength when he grabbed him. He was tired. He closed his eyes again, letting out a soft breath. He furrowed his brow. He had memories of Jayce watching him fondly and with warmth in his eyes, but he didn't remember where they were from. He didn't think Jayce had ever looked at him like that. His brow twitched and he held a hand up to his head. He had memories of Jayce laughing. Jayce holding him in warm arms. Jayce smiling at him in a way that was more playful than it was pitying. Viktor didn't remember any of that. Where had he seen him do any of that before? 

There was a loud pounding at his door and Viktor nearly had a heart attack. "Viktor! Viktor, please let me in." Jayce's voice was exasperated and tired. Viktor could only stare for a moment. Wasn't he supposed to be at the afterparty? 

"Y-You were supposed to join Councilor Merdarda for the party, Jayce." Viktor called out scoldingly. He heard Jayce give a scoff.

"Yeah, so were you, Vik. Open up." Jayce stated, clearly unamused. Viktor did consider just leaving him outside, but he knew he'd throw a fit. Viktor dragged his crutch over to himself before carefully lifting himself to his feet. He limped over to the door and unlocked it, opening it. Jayce came inside, Viktor shutting the door again. "Viktor, I'm sorry, okay??" Jayce sounded more frustrated than apologetic. Viktor knew that Mel had likely forced him to come apologize. He could only stare at Jayce flatly, which seemed to irritate him. "I don't know why you're so upset. Everyone loved your part of the speech. They cheered for you!" 

"I do not care if they did. I did not want to be up there, Jayce. I felt like I was going to be sick every moment I stood in that damned spotlight. I have never hated anything you have done to me like I hated that. Dare I say that it may even be one of the worst things you have done to me. And the bar is quite high, need I remind you." Viktor replied, bordering on a spat with very word. 

"Really?? That? You just got us in trouble with our biggest investor because you had stage fright." Jayce shot back, his glare potent as he took a step forward. "Is that really where the bar is at??" Viktor refused to back down, though his hand tightened on his crutch. "Viktor." 

Viktor shivered a little. Jayce's irate voice suddenly changed into something soft and unbearably gentle for a moment. He furrowed his brow and held a hand up to his head. He heard Jayce stop talking and sighed heavily as he felt him grab his shoulder, likely bruising again. "What now?? What's wrong??" Jayce sounded confused beneath his frustration. Viktor shook his head. What was wrong?? 

"...You grab too tightly. Stop." Viktor muttered, shoving Jayce's hand off his shoulder. Jayce stared at him with wide eyes, like he was absolutely shocked Viktor had even done that. Viktor inhaled shakily and his leg gave out again, sending him to the floor as his brace squeaked. His crutch went clattering away. 

"Something is wrong. I thought you were just being dramatic again." Jayce muttered, kneeling down in front of him. "Have you eaten anything?? Drank any water?" He sounded exasperated, like these were questions he was used to asking. Viktor kept his head down, trying to control his breathing. This felt wrong. What was he doing?? Where was he? Viktor's vision pulsed and he finally collapsed again, fading away to the distant sound of Jayce's much gentler voice. 

"...Goodnight, V..." 

Chapter Text

"-e's gone! What do we do?? Where the fuck did he go?? Viktor?? Viktor!!" 

Viktor twitched in his sleep. Why did Jayce sound so panicked? 

"VIKTOR!!" 

Viktor shot awake, his eyes wide in shock and his chest heaving. He held a hand up to his head, his brow furrowed. He was in his apartment and it was dark outside. He was in his bed. He glanced around quietly. The only thing he saw was the moonlight drifting through the window. He didn't feel the brace on his leg anymore. Viktor stared at his blankets for a moment before turning and leaning over. He tugged open the drawer to his nightstand.

He had stopped smoking as much once he'd met Jayce, relegating himself to maybe once a month. This felt like a pretty good contender for his 'once a month'. He pulled out a cigarette, placing it between his lips before flicking the lighter. He didn't care that he was still in the house either. He didn't care that none of the windows were open. 

Viktor blew out some smoke once he had lit it, closing his eyes and tipping his head back. The taste was beyond foreign to him, like he hadn't had a cigarette in years. Which he was certain was not true. He paused as he suddenly heard footsteps out in his apartment before his bedroom door swung open. "What the hell are you doing??" Jayce demanded, holding a hand over his wrinkled nose. Viktor was admittedly surprised that he was even still there. Jayce started coughing, waving the smoke from his face before glaring at him. "Are you trying to double your lung disease?!" Viktor watched him as he took another drag on the cigarette. "Don't ignore me." Jayce's voice became something low and threatening. 

Viktor sighed, blowing out some smoke through his nose as he held the cigarette between his fingers. "Jayce, I think we should go separate ways." He finally spoke, taking another puff. Jayce froze up, staring at him. 

"What?? You're going to die." Jayce scoffed, seeming taken back. "You need Hextech to cure you." 

"And how will it do that?" Viktor asked, leaned back against the headboard of his bed. "Are we even close to scratching the surface on that? Or have we spent seven years creating a glorified shipping port for the wealthy?" Viktor's eyes drifted away from him as he waved his hand vaguely. "Perhaps it is not meant to be." He took another puff. "Perhaps I am not meant to be." He saw Jayce pause and, for once, the other's aggression seemed to falter. 

"Y-You can't just break this off. What about Hextech?? You wanted to help everyone. You wanted to help Zaun." Jayce insisted, clearly becoming panicked as he spoke. Viktor gave a weak sigh through his nose. "Don't tell me you're giving up. You want to die as a nobody??" Jayce demanded, moving forward to stand at the edge of his bed. Viktor blew out another cloud of smoke and glanced up at Jayce. Jayce only seemed more put-off by the look in his eyes. "Viktor, you can't. We need each other. We're partners." 

"I do not recall us needing each other. I have had to save you a few times now. And I cannot seem to... remember anything you have done for me." Viktor replied, studying the lit end of his cigarette. Jayce stared at him like he couldn't believe what he'd just heard.

"You said it wasn't your life's goal to be an assistant. You need me in order to be more than that. More than just some Zaunite lucky enough to claw his way to where he was." Jayce stated harshly. Viktor watched him quietly. He felt so empty. He was sure this would've hurt him at an earlier point, but he just couldn't take it anymore. 

"With how soon my life will end, I'd say I have achieved my goal. I am more than that." Viktor replied. He shook his head. "Jayce, please leave."

"Viktor, you're fucking joking. Is this all because I made you go up onstage?? I'm sorry, okay?? I just wanted my partner and the co-creator of Hextech up there with me." Jayce couldn't seem to believe him. "You're not about to break off a seven-year partnership over stage fright, are you??" 

Viktor put out his cigarette in the unused ashtray next to his bed. "Must I escort you or can you find the door on your own?" He asked flatly. Jayce stared at him, speechless. It hurt Viktor's heart. It really did. Because yes, that was his partner. They'd made discoveries and they'd had good times together. But... Viktor's fingers curled into the bed. The bad times were becoming far too much. As he stared at Jayce's outraged, disbelieving face, he wondered where those memories of him smiling had come from. He closed his eyes and slid his hand up into his hair, curling it into a fist. "...Have any of your smiles ever been genuine for me, Jayce?" 

The question seemed to confuse the other as he stared at him. "What??" 

"Have you ever smiled at me in a way that was not from pity or amusement? Have you ever just smiled at me because it was me?" Viktor asked, leaning his head against his hand. Jayce furrowed his brow. 

"What does that even mean??" He asked, sounding frustrated. "What are you talking about??" Viktor looked him over again and he let out a small breath. Didn't that answer it then? He could dismiss that feeling now. He could dismiss that hope. 

"Right." Viktor gave a small laugh, humorless and tired. "Jayce, I would appreciate if you left. Now." He said, the words still burning alongside the tobacco in his throat. He reached over and pulled up another cigarette. Jayce stared at him. "Jayce. Get out of here." Viktor's voice became angered and tired as he finally narrowed his eyes in a glare again. Jayce scoffed. He seemed like he really wanted to say something else and that hope stuck in Viktor's heart like a needle. Maybe something genuine. Maybe Jayce would finally have something to say to him. Instead, he watched as Jayce's expression became furious and he turned away. He moved out of sight and Viktor heard a vase crash to the ground with how hard Jayce slammed the apartment door shut. 

Viktor let out a quiet exhale. After any of their particularly bad fights or arguments, Jayce would always go back to the same place. Viktor didn't know if he had the energy to follow. He didn't know if he had the energy to talk him down again. He couldn't keep doing it. He couldn't keep being the one to find him. He couldn't... Viktor sat in silence for a few moments before squeezing his eyes shut. "...fuck." He whispered, his voice choking up. "Why are you like this?? Why must you always be like this??" His voice strained miserably as he cast the unlit cigarette aside. 

He grabbed his crutch, heaving himself off the bed with a frustrated noise. He limped over and out his bedroom door. It took him a moment to put on his shoes and he knew it would be a crushing walk for his leg without the brace, but he had to catch up. Jayce had been getting faster each time. Each time... Viktor felt tears prick in his eyes that he even had to think those words. He hiccuped shakily and wiped his eyes. He reached out to the door and pulled it open before freezing up. 

Jayce stared right back at him. 

His own eyes were wide in shock and Viktor was much more concerned about where his fancy coat had gone. Or why his hair was ever so slightly unkempt and had pale streaks through it. The clothing he wore was far too casual to be worn beneath a suit like that and he would've had no time to change. Viktor didn't understand and he flinched as he saw Jayce reach out towards him. The following feeling was so foreign and unfamiliar that he nearly freaked out right then and there. Jayce was hugging him. Why?? Why? Jayce never did that. He never did that. "Y-You..." Viktor's voice was still choked up and Jayce sighed. 

"Yeah." He agreed softly. Viktor didn't know what to do. He hiccuped as Jayce pulled back and started to look him over. The way he investigated him and even gently turned his head side to side was so soft that Viktor nearly became sick from panic. Jayce was going to hurt him. He was going to hurt him. Viktor's heart was racing and Jayce finally sighed, pulling back. "We have to get to the lab." What?? Viktor was taken back as he stared at him. They weren't partners anymore, hadn't Jayce been listening?? "Come on, V." The nickname made him freeze up in confusion, his whole body going stiff. What was happening?? He nearly jumped out of his skin as Jayce waved a hand in front of him, having leaned down. "Hey." 

"H-Hey?" Viktor answered, completely baffled as he stared at him. Jayce wrinkled his nose and Viktor could tell he smelled the tobacco. However, Jayce didn't say anything, offering his hand. Viktor's heart was pounding. He didn't know what was going on. How was Jayce not already standing on that ledge again?? Was Viktor hallucinating?? How old were those cigarettes??

While a million questions whipped through his head, he felt Jayce take his hand with all the gentleness of a lover and start to pull him along. It scared Viktor to death. 

Chapter Text

"W-Wait." Viktor's voice was barely a whisper once they made it out onto the darkened street. Jayce continued forward, seeming to be scanning over the area with a furrowed brow, like he was trying to remember where he was. "Wait!" Jayce jumped and turned to look back at him as Viktor yanked his hand free, holding it up to his head. "Please wait." His voice gave a violent tremble. "Stop." 

"Of course. I'm sorry." Jayce kept his voice soft and Viktor glanced up at him in complete and utter confusion. The apology sounded genuine. Jayce only seemed dismayed by his expression. "...I know this may be overwhelming, but I would rather wait on anything until we're in more of a controlled environment." He explained. Viktor paused, glancing at his wrist. The bracelet was gone and there was a... tattoo? A tattoo of a Rune instead. Viktor stared at it before glancing up at Jayce. He took a few steps back with his crutch, his body shaking.

"What are you doing??" He demanded, his eyes wide in terror. "You're usually at that fucking ledge by now. You never come back after we fight." Viktor inhaled shakily as he held his crutch. Jayce stared at him and he seemed slightly horrified as something seemed to click for him. "I-I told you. We're not partners anymore. I cannot take it. You are too much. You are too much and I cannot-" He jumped as there was yelling from the direction of Jayce's old apartment building. He could see Enforcers rushing by them. Jayce kept his eyes squeezed shut as he let out a heavy sigh.

"I hear you. And I understand. But we have to get to the lab right now, okay? We don't have to see each other ever again after that." Something in Jayce's voice strained a little, like it hurt him to say that. "Please." Viktor stared at him for a moment before flinching as more commotion started. He hated the gathering of crowds and all these loud noises late at night. He moved forward and Jayce quickly guided him along. Viktor blinked for a second and he came a dead stop. "-ould be just around this corner." Jayce's voice suddenly echoed and he paused, seeming to realize that Viktor wasn't following anymore. "Viktor??" 

"How did we get here??" Viktor's voice was shredded and terrified as he held his crutch against his chest. They were in the hallway leading to the lab, but that made no sense. They'd just been outside. Jayce stared at him in confusion before hesitantly coming back over. 

"We, uh... we walked." He said, raising a brow. Viktor stared at him. He didn't remember walking here at all. He inhaled shakily. "Okay. Okay, uh, let's get you inside." Jayce sounded concerned as he guided Viktor along. When they reached the lab door, Viktor fumbled with his keys. Jayce took them and unlocked the door before pulling him inside. He shut and locked it before leaning against the door and slamming his head against it with a heavy sigh. He stayed like that for a moment as Viktor stood a little ways away from him. Viktor was prickly all over and he hated it. 

"Jayce, where is your scar?" He asked after a moment. Jayce paused and glanced back at him. The scar Jayce had gotten on his cheek was gone. From the night they'd cracked Hextech. Come to think of it... a lot of the lines Jayce had developed over the years... were gone. Viktor took another step back. 

"...Right." Jayce pinched the bridge of his nose. "Viktor, listen-" 

"What is your game, Jayce?? What are we doing this time? What is it??" Viktor was on the verge of tears again and he really felt like he was about to be sick. "You forced me on the stage today in front of all those people, pretended to storm off to go back to that stupid ledge once I told you the partnership was over and now you are being so gentle that it is making me physical ill." Viktor couldn't help the terror and distress from spilling into his voice. "What are you doing??" Jayce was wide-eyed and he furrowed his brow at him, his shoulders sinking. "No. No, don't you dare look at me like that. Y-You have not given me a soft look like that once in the seven years I have known you. You do not have the right." Viktor stated furiously, tears running down his face. "Your manipulations must end. I cannot take it anymore." He hiccuped. "Please..." 

His pain finally overwrote his anger and he couldn't help but collapse against his crutch, burying his face in his arm as he cried. He didn't know what was happening. Why did Jayce always jerk him around like this?? Nice one moment and then harsh the next. Viktor hiccuped weakly. He heard footsteps cautiously approach him. He held up his hand shakily once he saw a shoe come into view. Instantly, it backed up again. Viktor froze up as he felt those larger fingers settle on his palm. Jayce's hand was warm and Viktor trembled, keeping his head down. He was so scared. He was so scared that Jayce had found out his messiest secret and he was terrified what he would do with it. The fingers slid up in order to press against Viktor's, their fingertips touching. "...Wh-What are you d-doing, Jayce?" Viktor spoke miserably and he felt Jayce pause. 

"...Seeing if this helps you calm down." Viktor wasn't sure what he meant before jumping and giving a small shiver as Jayce started to rub deep circles into his palm. Viktor shuddered and glanced up at him. No. No, not that look again. Not that soft look. This was terrifying. This was dangerous. Viktor averted his gaze again. He was completely stiff and Jayce sighed. He touched at Viktor's neck and shoulders before tapping at his hip. "Good gods, Viktor, you're full of knots." He sounded exasperated and Viktor still didn't know what was going on. Why was Jayce touching him like this?? What was he playing at? Did he... Did he know how Viktor felt?? Jayce finally pulled back again, looking him over once more with a satisfied look before turning away. 

Viktor didn't know what devil possessed him in that moment, but he was grabbing Jayce's shirt in an instant, making the other stumble and look at him with wide eyes. "Sorry. Sorry, I-I'm sorry, I..." Viktor struggled as he yanked back his hand, unable to think of anything that could save him from this. "I-I don't know wh-why I-"

"Viktor." For once, Jayce's voice... didn't make him flinch? Viktor paused and glanced up. Jayce's eyes were just as soft as that singular word had been. "It's okay." It was... okay? "Where is the skeleton for the Hexcore?" Jayce began to search around and Viktor paused. Was that really what they were doing?? Right now?? 

"Y-You want to fire up the Hexcore now?" Viktor asked, taken back as he watched the other man move around the room. He watched as Jayce stopped in front of the stand they'd built, holding the unlit Hexcore, a shape made up of rotating scripts of runes. "Jayce, we did not even confirm if this would work, let alone did we get clearance to activate it on Academy grounds." His eyes widened and he moved forward, grabbing Jayce by the back of his shirt and pulling him back as the other reached out to it. "JAYCE! You're not listening!" Viktor snapped, his voice straining. Jayce startled and turned back to him. 

"Sorry! Sorry, I'm just anxious for this to work. I know what to do." Jayce said, sounding far too sure of himself. Except, instead of sounding cocky, he did just... sound like he knew what to do. Viktor could only stare for a moment before pulling his hand back and burying his face in it. "Viktor, I know I might be stressing you out-" 

"I feel like a woven basket in my spine, yes, thank you." Viktor managed weakly. Jayce stared at him and his eyes softened. Viktor really didn't know if he could stand that look and he turned his head away. 

"Jayce, stop looking at me like that. You have never looked at me like that." Viktor stated firmly, his hands shaking on his crutch. Jayce paused, seeming taken back before looking away himself.

"Right. Uh, after we do this, I definitely recommend you get a massage somewhere. It seems like you really need it." He added, turning away. It really sounded like he was just trying to make rushed, light conversation, but Viktor lingered on his words. A massage?? Like Viktor would trust Piltovian hands on him? Especially after being forced to go up onstage in front of hundreds of their prying eyes?? He didn't think so. 

"After what you just pulled?? If a Piltovian masseuse touches me, I fear I will be leaving that business in the hands of Enforcers." Viktor stated flatly. Jayce paused and looked back at him, clearly not understanding what he meant. "You just deposited a crippled Zaunite onstage to hundreds of wealthy eyes." Instantly, something in Jayce's expression shifted and he glanced away. He looked... angry. But not with Viktor. For once, it wasn't at Viktor. His hands curled against the desk and Viktor furrowed his brow. "Why are you acting like this?? You have never shown concern for my wellbeing so outright. Hugging me?? Touching my hand?? Telling me to go to a masseuse for my back is so uncharacteristically scandalous of you that you may as well have just suggested massaging me yourself!" 

Viktor knew it was a mistake the moment the words left his mouth, but Jayce's reaction was something entirely unexpected. His ears changed color first before it spread to the rest of his face and he glanced away. Viktor was speechless. In the seven years they'd been around each other, this was only a face he would see on Jayce when he was severely intoxicated and attempting to court an investor. It had never been made in relation to him. Not that he could remember. Jayce's hands curled up tight as he shook his head. "...I wouldn't, uh... I..." Jayce tripped over his words and Viktor could only stare. Jayce cleared his throat. "I'm going to, uh, activate the Hexcore." He moved around, starting to plug in the necessary wires. Viktor furrowed his brow. 

This kind of hope was dangerous. It was so dangerous and he reached up, pulling at his own sleeve. "Jayce, if you are intoxicated, we should not be doing this." Jayce paused, glancing over at him. 

"I'm not drunk. I promise. I wouldn't be putting my hands on delicate lab equipment if I was." At the very least, Viktor knew that to be true and it only confused him more. 

"Then why are you acting like this?? It is scaring me. You do not act this way. You are not usually like this and I don't know what game we are playing that would require such... such..." Viktor inhaled shakily, his hands hurting from constantly squeezing the crutch handles. He squeezed his eyes shut as he heard Jayce drop all the wires he was holding, his footsteps quickly coming over to him. He was fully prepared to be grabbed in that bruisingly tight grip again, but all he felt were fingertips gently pressing to his cheek. Viktor froze up again, his eyes going wide in shock. He was afraid to look. "This joke has gone too far, Jayce. Stop it. You have to stop now." Viktor inhaled shakily. "Please stop. You cannot keep fueling that ridiculous hope. You can't." His words were barely whispers and he felt Jayce's fingers pause before pulling back.

"...Sorry." Jayce didn't seem to know what else to say as he stared at him. He looked dismayed and resigned, a small sigh leaving him. "Forgot about that." A chill went through Viktor's whole body as he watched Jayce turn away, moving back towards the wires. Forgot about what?? Did he know?? How long had he known? 

"Jayce!" Viktor said his name a little shocked than he meant to, seeming to scare the other man. Viktor's heart was racing. "What do you mean??" Jayce stared at him and his eyes moved away before he shook his head. Jayce had picked up the wires again. "No, do not avoid me. What are you talking about??" Jayce seemed embarrassed and, with shocking casualness, he connected the final plugs. 

Chapter Text

The light that swept out nearly blinded Viktor and he flinched backwards. He nearly fell as the ground rattled. However, the rattling quickly stopped and he froze up as he raised his head. Jayce was... What the fuck was he doing?? Viktor watched as Jayce seemed to tap at the runes on the Hexcore, as calmly as if he were tapping on a keyboard. The combinations he was using were seemingly restricting the Hexcore's output and he finally pulled his hands away, leaving the Hexcore calmly floating in the stand, simple as a balloon. Viktor was silent. He jumped as the Hexcore suddenly hissed and all the magic that they'd predicted it releasing in shockwaves was now nothing more than a blue steam. Jayce watched it in quiet relief. "Okay, thank the fucking gods." He muttered before turning back to Viktor. He blinked. "Oh, uh, definitely don't touch that like I just did. I have, uh, precautions in place for me."

"...How did you do that??" Viktor sputtered in shock, staring at him. Jayce paused before leaning back against the desk and giving a small, vague gesture with both of his hands.

"I mean this genuinely and without sarcasm, but... magic." Jayce said, glancing to the side. "It's... It's magic." Viktor didn't know what to think for a moment. Was Jayce serious?? He'd just activated their most unpredictable theory without so much as a flinch and put his bare hands on it before stabilizing it. Viktor hesitated before limping forward. Jayce quickly put his arm out in front of the Hexcore, clearly firm on not wanting Viktor to touch it. Viktor stared up at him, clearly annoyed since he'd only ever seen this on paper. Jayce seemed to understand, glancing aside. "...If it makes you feel better, I've never seen one of these either." It sounded so sincere that Viktor couldn't tell if it was a joke or not. "Just did a lot of, uh..." He gestured vaguely to his own head. "...studying." 

"Without me?? For all the drama you cause everyday about me being your partner, you did not think to involve me in your 'studying'??" Viktor demanded instantly, glaring at Jayce. 

"...I don't think I could've." Jayce answered vaguely, glancing aside. Viktor stared at him. Finally, he raised his hand and Jayce startled as Viktor balled his shirt up in his fist before slamming him back against the desk. "Ow! Fuck!" Viktor released him with shaking fingers and quickly moved back in case Jayce wanted to retaliate. Jayce held his hand up to his lower back, his brow furrowed in confusion. 

"The joke is over, Jayce." Viktor said firmly, his voice shaking. His crutch was the only thing keeping him on his feet at this point. "You caused so much unnecessary drama and stress on my behalf, only to go and complete the research on our biggest project behind my back??" Viktor was beyond upset. "If I were a healthier and much more violent man, you would be in the ground for this." Jayce stared back at him with wide eyes. Viktor doubted he looked threatening at all with how close he was to sobbing again. "I-It is a-as if all y-you wish to do is humiliate me." Tears finally escaped down his face.

"NO! No, I..." Jayce blurted out the words so fast that he almost seemed to trip over them. "No, I mean... I wouldn't... I wouldn't..." Jayce seemed frustrated with himself as he tried to word what he wanted to say. He glanced off to the side before burying his face in his hand. "FUCK." Viktor flinched as Jayce slammed a fist against the desk, making everything rattle. He sighed and glanced up at Viktor, holding up his hand in apology. He wasn't angry at Viktor. He was angry, but not at him. Viktor didn't understand. His hand found its way back to his own sleeve again. He didn't know what to do. Jayce had never acted like this. He didn't seem sick, nor did he seem drunk. 

Viktor furrowed his brow. Was this some kind of dream?? Maybe the consequence of an awry experiment?? His fingers curled into his sleeve a little tighter. Could he be a little dangerous about this?? Jayce had turned back to the Hexcore with a furrowed brow. Viktor could tell when Jayce was running through scenarios in his head. It seemed like he was troubled by all of them, his expression never becoming lighter. "Jayce, what are you doing?" His voice was much more defeated now. Jayce hesitated before Viktor gestured to the Hexcore. 

"Oh, uh... I know what has to happen in order for the next shift to work, I'm just... running through variables. It'll take a lot of energy on my part and it... still might not even work the way I need it to." He sounded a little frustrated and Viktor paused. It was best not to keep talking to Jayce once he started getting frustrated, but... 

"Wh-What is the desired effect?" Viktor asked shakily. Jayce was pacing back and forth in front of it now and, to Viktor's surprise, he still answered completely calm. 

"To Anomalize it. If I can do that, the Hexcore's abilities will be magnified. It creates a bigger doorway." Jayce muttered absentmindedly as he watched the runes twist and spin. Viktor's hands were still a little tight on his crutch, but he started to move forward. Jayce suddenly bumped into him, having been pacing still. "Oh, sorry." Jayce stopped pacing, seeming like he was letting Viktor take a look at the Hexcore. He... He really wasn't mad? He wasn't accusing Viktor of walking into him? Viktor had even done it on purpose that time. He hesitated before reaching out. He used Jayce's arm to steady himself and froze up as Jayce shifted his arm so Viktor could hold onto it easier. Like it was second nature. Like he'd actually been accommodating him for the past few years his body had started to deteriorate. 

Sure, Jayce had put cushioning around the lab, but he never helped Viktor with the stairs and he never made a gracious attempt to help him when he stumbled. Viktor furrowed his brow. He was trembling and he scrunched up his shoulders. He really felt like he was going to start crying again. "...Viktor?" Jayce sounded hesitant as he glanced over at him. The light from the Hexcore illuminated him in blue. Viktor hiccuped and turned his head away. 

"I-It is nothing. Just cold." Viktor managed quietly. Jayce frowned and he seemed to start searching around. Viktor blinked in shock as Jayce came back with a blanket, laying it over his shoulders. He stood by his side again and Viktor shakily reached up, holding onto the blanket with a pounding heart. Why was he acting like this?? Why was he doing this?? How far was he willing to take this? "I... Could you..." What could he ask that could force Jayce to break character?? Jayce was already looking over at him again. "A... A hug?" Viktor uttered the word frightfully. Jayce blinked in surprise, but he moved forward. Viktor's eyes went wide as Jayce pulled him into a hug.

It wasn't a polite hug either. No, Jayce's hand was on the back of his neck and the other was around his waist. It was far more than a 'friendly' hug. Viktor had his cheek pressed against Jayce's shoulder and he squeezed his eyes shut. Jayce's arms were warm. The blanket was warm. He actually... felt warm. The tears escaped Viktor before he could stop them again. He quickly reached up and pushed Jayce away, the other holding up his hands in submission. Viktor looked him over, gripping the blanket tightly. "...How long do you intend to keep acting like this?? How long do you plan on being gentle? This is mortifying, Jayce." Viktor stared at him in defeat. 

"...Unfortunately, as long as you'd let me." Jayce responded after a moment. Viktor felt a chill go through his body. He couldn't be serious. He had to be fucking with him now. Viktor's eyes narrowed at him. "Viktor, I'm really not-" Viktor took a large step into his space, reaching up and dragging Jayce's head down. He pressed their lips together, fully prepared for any kind of pain that would accompany a blow. He could punch him or kick him and Viktor would, at the very least, be ready for it. He knew Jayce was a sore loser anyway. However, the last thing he was ever prepared for, was the way Jayce's hand lightly settled against his cheek and his thumb under his chin. He wasn't prepared for the gentle way that Jayce guided his face back. "Viktor, please. I don't want you to feel like-" Viktor quickly moved forward again, though it was a deeper kiss this time. "Mmh!" 

Viktor watched as Jayce's eyes slipped shut, his ears growing red. Viktor startled as Jayce's arm wrapped around his waist and his other hand cupped the side of his head. The kiss was teetering on desperate from both of them. Viktor didn't even know if he was trying to get Jayce to break character anymore. Not when it felt like this. He didn't know if he was scared anymore. He opened his mouth and made a small, shuddering noise as Jayce's tongue made its way in. The deeper kiss was hesitant and careful, like Jayce was trying hard not to overwhelm him. Viktor could still feel tears streaming down his face. His heart was racing and... he was definitely still scared. Good gods, he was fearing for his life. They both finally pulled away from each other, Jayce's eyes going wide. 

A shiny line connected their mouths before breaking and Jayce quickly wiped the drool from Viktor's chin, taking a step back. He raised his other hand to hide his face in it, looking as if he was questioning his life choices. "...Viktor, you shouldn't just... What if I had been...?" Jayce seemed to struggle with his questions again. Viktor kept himself wrapped up in the blanket, his cheeks hot. 

"Did you hate it?" Viktor asked quietly, his eyes averting. 

"No. Gods, no. But that doesn't make it right." Jayce had a clear look of guilt on his face. "I-I don't even know if this will work properly. I don't want to leave you in a bigger mess than you were if it doesn't." Jayce looked troubled and anxious. Viktor never usually saw both expressions at once. Viktor hesitated. He felt foolish and small, scrunching up his shoulders. He didn't know what was happening and he didn't know why Jayce would be upset if it wasn't at him. All he knew was that it had been the nicest, warmest kiss he'd ever had in his life. And certainly not one he would've ever expected from Jayce Talis. "I-I'm sorry, I shouldn't have... let myself get so caught up in that." Jayce sounded horrendously guilty, unable to look at Viktor now as he moved past him to the Hexcore. 

Viktor stared after him, the blanket pulled tight. He paused before making his way to the desk. He pushed himself up so he could sit on the edge of the desk properly, his feet off the floor. It felt nice to have weight completely off his leg, especially considering it hadn't been braced the entire time. Jayce glanced over at him in surprise. "V?" That name again. He didn't understand it.

"...My leg. I did not have time to put on the brace when I came after you." He managed. Jayce's eyes widened and he moved over. 

"Oh gods, Viktor, you aren't wearing your brace?? I thought it was under your clothes. How bad does it hurt??" Jayce asked, his hand lightly touching Viktor's knee. Viktor squeezed his eyes shut. "...Tape. We keep athletic tape here, don't we? For your leg??" Jayce quickly started to search through the drawers. Viktor stared at him. How had he known about the tape?? Hadn't he been the one to veto the idea since it wasn't 'relating to Hextech'? Viktor had snuck it in anyway. He watched as Jayce came back with the tape before going dark red as Jayce started to roll his pants leg up far too quickly with one hand for it to be his first time doing it. Viktor's hand shot out instantly, stopping him. Jayce jumped before looking up at him in confusion. "What?" 

"Nothing." Viktor managed quietly. He watched as Jayce started to tape up his knee. How did he know what to do?? Viktor was speechless before his mouth instantly snapped shut as Jayce raised the tape to his mouth and bit through it with his teeth. He stood up again, leaving Viktor's heart going wild at the sight. What was going on?? What the fuck was going on??

Chapter Text

Viktor hesitantly lifted his newly taped leg. He moved it back and forth before following it up with a side to side swing. "How does it feel?" Jayce asked, his golden-brown eyes soft. Viktor had never, in his life, realized Jayce's eyes weren't just brown. Jayce had never let him look that long nor had he ever let him that close. He could only stare at him for a moment before glancing down at his knee. He gave a wordless nod and Jayce seemed to understand. "Good. I'm sorry I didn't notice that sooner, I would've gone back for your brace before we got here." He moved to put the tape back and Viktor stared after him. No, he wouldn't have.

...Right? Jayce wouldn't do that. Why would he need to? Were they really still doing this?? How long did Jayce want to role-play being a good person? A good partner? Viktor's fingers curled against the desk as he stared at the ground with sunken shoulders. "...You're still scared of me?" Jayce sounded defeated as he spoke, though he kept his eyes on the Hexcore. Viktor paused, glancing over. 

"Terrified." Viktor admitted. "I know this is a game. I just do not know the rules and it scares me when you do this." Jayce's grip tightened on his own bicep and he looked upset again. "How long do we have to keep pretending, Jayce?" 

"I'm not. That's the problem." Jayce's voice strained a little as he spoke. Viktor almost believed him with how emotional he sounded. "I don't want you scared of me, but I know if I try to do anything to help and this doesn't work, you're going to be left in such a fucking mess." Jayce raised a hand to his forehead. "I have been trying to psyche myself up for nearly twenty minutes because I just... don't know if it'll work." He sounded so distressed and Viktor stared at him. He hated how genuine he sounded and it scared him to death. 

"Jayce, stop. I do not like this game." Viktor's voice became strangled and Jayce squeezed his eyes shut. 

"...I don't either." He mumbled, sounding beyond pained. Viktor didn't get it. "I can't stop, Viktor, this is just how I am. I don't... I don't know what else to do. I don't know how to make you feel better about it. I don't know if I'm even allowed to or if that will have... terrible consequences." Jayce's voice became a muttering whisper by the end. Viktor stared at him before his eyes moved to the ground. Maybe it was an experiment that had gone wrong. Jayce seemed to genuinely believe this was how he acted. Viktor wondered when the mask would fall. He just... How much could he risk taking?? How much of his messy fantasy could he let spill? 

He swallowed quietly. "Jayce. Over here... please." He requested. There wasn't even a moment of hesitation before Jayce was standing in front of him again, leaning down and looking him over worriedly. Viktor's pale hand moved from the blanket and he took Jayce's. Jayce's hand dwarfed his and he felt embarassment flood his cheeks. Jayce remained quiet, seeming to be letting Viktor do whatever he wanted. Viktor hesitated before starting to rub his thumb in circles on Jayce's palm, like he'd done to him earlier. It didn't make Jayce shiver, but a weak smile seemed to pull at his lips. "This does not affect you?" 

"Unfortunately, I'm not the one who described his spine as a 'woven basket'. I make sure to stretch everyday." Jayce replied, raising a brow. Viktor scoffed, instantly displeased by that. It only seemed to make Jayce's eyes warmer. 

"...I am sure a masseuse would do wonders for me if everyone in Piltover had not just been looking at me like I was some trussed-up pig roast with an apple in its mouth." Viktor stated, a little bitterness creeping into his voice. "Like I would trust any Piltovian to lay hands on me when they all look at me like I am some fascinating exotic animal." Jayce's shoulders sank a little, his eyes falling to the side. He had his free hand leaned against the desk on Viktor's side, while the man examined his other hand. Viktor furrowed his brow before slowly guiding Jayce's hand to his shoulder. 

"V." Jayce spoke quickly and hesitantly, his eyes wide. Viktor paused, glancing at him. He just wanted to know what he'd do. He wanted to know what Jayce thought he was asking him to do. "Are you... sure?" He had no idea what Jayce meant, but he nodded anyway. He jumped and he practically latched onto Jayce's arm as he felt the other start to massage circles into the side of his neck. "Let me know if it's too much." 

"Mm." Viktor could barely make that much of a noise as he felt Jayce working away the knots in the back of his shoulders. His eyes slid shut. Had Jayce always been good at this? He vaguely recalled a feeling like this before, but he didn't know where from. Something popped and a rush of relief swept through him. "Hah!" Viktor shivered and a tear rolled down his face. Jayce seemed to hesitate, but when Viktor didn't say anything, he kept going. Viktor buried his face against Jayce's shoulder, his hand having moved up to curl into the fabric of his shirt. Something popped on his other shoulder and he exhaled shakily, his shoulders sinking completely. Jayce drew his hands back so that they were holding Viktor's biceps gently. 

"Does that feel better?" He asked quietly. Viktor nodded immediately. 

"Gods, yes." Viktor managed, his voice a little more breathy than he meant it to be. 

"G-Good." Jayce started to pull away, but Viktor didn't... He actually didn't want him to. This was a first. This whole time, it had been full of firsts. Things he'd never seen Jayce do and never heard him say. Viktor looked up before freezing a little as he saw Jayce's face so close to his, the other's eyes wide. His lips hovered and Viktor swallowed before leaning up a little. He wasn't even sure it counted as a silent request, but Jayce seemed to take it as one. He closed the gap and Viktor shivered, leaning into him as Jayce kissed him again. His eyes slipped shut and he clung to him tightly. This shouldn't have felt so tender. It shouldn't have been so soft. And Viktor felt like an idiot aching for it the way that he did. They both pulled away again and Viktor could feel his tears running down his face. "...W-We shouldn't keep doing that." Jayce sounded embarrassed as he pulled back, his face flushed. 

Viktor's own face was dark red and he pulled the blanket around himself tightly, feeling like maybe he could hide from the warmth burning under his skin. He couldn't. He felt terrible. He felt terrible about how much he enjoyed that. He felt like he was a sick freak for it. "Okay, uh..." Jayce wandered around and Viktor jerked back as Jayce came back over with a precision knife. 

"Jayce." Viktor's voice erupted with shock and fear. He nearly fell off the desk from terror and Jayce shook his head. 

"No, no! It just needs a few drops. I don't know if my blood will work, but I can at least try." Jayce spoke like it wasn't a completely insane thing to suggest, giving their unpredictable entity human blood. Before Viktor could stop him, Jayce nicked his finger with the blade, flinching. "Ugh." He held his finger over the Hexcore. When his blood seeped down, it suddenly started to orbit the device like rings on a planet. He wrapped his finger up in his shirt as he watched the Hexcore with a furrowed brow.  It began to buzz and crackle. Jayce squeezed his eyes shut and Viktor jumped as the other man's hair flickered between its normal state and an ethereal white glow. 

The runes on the Hexcore started to suddenly melt together and Jayce held a hand up to his head. He looked like he was going pale and Viktor paused. He slipped off the table and grabbed his crutch. He practically shoved Jayce over to the couch in the corner before the larger man went completely limp, seeming to collapse against the piece of furniture. Viktor's heart was pounding as he watched him. Jayce's hair was still flickering and Viktor could only stare. He hesitated before stretching out his hand. Jayce's hair felt normal when he slid his hand through it, even when it was glowing white. He slipped the blanket off himself and laid it over Jayce. The Hexcore was shifting around, but it had fallen quiet otherwise.

Viktor was left confused and with more questions than answers. He still didn't know why Jayce was acting like this. He still didn't know how long it would go on for. He still... felt terrible for liking it so much. He still didn't know why Jayce would indulge him so much. Viktor froze up. It had just clicked that he might have been using this as... leverage.

He was so fucking stupid.

Tears welled up in Viktor's eyes as he watched the other man. That was it, wasn't it? Was that the game?? "...I lost, didn't I?" Viktor asked miserably, his shoulders sunken. He raised a hand to his head, hiccuping shakily. "Y-You bastard. I hate you." He managed, his voice breaking. The tears made it down his face. "Gods." How could he not have seen that?? Well, the answer was as simple as it was messy. It seemed Jayce had already figured that out. Viktor wiped his eyes, inhaling shakily. 

He jumped as there was a frantic knocking at the lab door and he furrowed his brow. He made his way over and opened it up before flinching as Mel spoke, her eyes wide in shock, like she hadn't been expecting the door to open. "Viktor! Thank gods!" She covered her mouth, two Enforcers seen accompanying her. All three of them looked sick or pale. Viktor stared at her for a moment. Mel had closed her eyes, like she was trying to calm down. Viktor's hand tightened on his crutch. 

"You... are not usually one to greet me with such excitement, Councilor." Viktor said after a moment, furrowing his brow. He was a little guarded, really not understanding what was happening. Mel exhaled shakily, holding her hand to her chest. 

"Viktor, I..." Mel didn't seem to know what to say for a moment before squeezing her eyes shut again. Viktor froze up when she spoke again. "I have terrible news about your partner." 

Chapter Text

Viktor felt like a monster. He felt like a monster and he felt so cold. Despite how he'd gotten sick, he still had the blanket over his shoulders. He didn't know why. He should've gotten rid of it. He swallowed shakily, unable to even look at the bed. He felt terrible. He felt terrible that Jayce was injured so badly because of him. He felt terrible that a distinguished Councilor had to help pick him up off the floor and comfort him. He felt terrible that he'd fallen for the tricks of that shapeshifter and he felt terrible for loving them so much. He knew if he started crying again, he was going to get sick. He sat next to the hospital bed, his crutch leaned against the chair. His face was stained and his throat felt dry. He didn't even know where the Enforcers had dragged that 'other Jayce' off to. He hadn't even woken up. 

Viktor couldn't believe he'd let that distract him. Of course it hadn't been Jayce, but it had been so obvious that he thought it was just another game of his. Fuck, Jayce could've actually died this time! Viktor buried his head in his hands. He couldn't start crying. He would throw up. He finally managed to look over. Jayce's right arm and leg were both completely elevated and bandaged. The doctors had no idea how his head hadn't bounced off the pavement, but the shock from two broken limbs had been enough to render him unconscious. Viktor felt tears blur his vision again. He choked back any noises he wanted to make, holding his hand up to his mouth. 

He'd kissed that other man so much. And so deeply. What the fuck was wrong with him?? He was that easy as long as they had Jayce's face? Viktor squeezed his eyes shut and the new tears rolled down his face. And what would Jayce say once he found out?? If he already looked down at him like this, gods, what would he say if he knew Viktor had been seduced by a shapeshifter with his face?? Jayce would think he was disgusting. Viktor really didn't know if he could handle it. The shuffling of the bed nearly gave him a heart attack and Jayce inhaled sharply. 

"Fuck, come on." He muttered, sounding more annoyed than anything. "Never fucking works." He laid his head back before glancing over and pausing. Viktor wiped his eyes as he held the blanket tightly around him. "...You didn't come after me." Viktor froze up before whispering that he did. "Then where were you??" Viktor hiccuped and he gagged, turning away. He was trying so hard not to be sick and Jayce made a noise of disgust, turning his head away. "Why are you here now? We're not partners anymore. What happens to me shouldn't concern you." Jayce stated firmly. Viktor only gave a small hiccup in response. Jayce looked him over before narrowing his eyes. "You did something." The way Jayce could see right through him only made him curl up more. "Viktor." He flinched a little. "What did you do??" 

"I-I let a shapeshifter into th-the lab. I thought it w-was you. That is wh-why I was not there. I thought I was already with you." Viktor answered, his voice choking up. "I'm sorry, Jayce. I'm sorry." 

"You couldn't tell me apart from a shapeshifter?? I've known you for over six years!" Jayce snapped, pushing himself up his good elbow. 

"I thought it was one of your games!! I thought it was just another one of your games because it acted so laughably unlike you that I thought you were just fooling around again!" Viktor snapped back, tears in his eyes. "If you did not play those games so often, maybe I would not have been fooled!" 

"You're blaming me??" Jayce sounded absolutely incredulous and Viktor turned in the chair to face him. 

"YES!!" Viktor nearly yelled before taking in another shaking breath, his heart racing. He buried himself against the chair, trembling. "Yes." He gave another weakened tremble. "...That thing has been watching us for a long time. It activated the Hexcore with no help on my end and stabilized it." Viktor managed, making Jayce's eyes widen. "I-It was trying to Anomalize it. It fed the Hexcore its blood." Viktor gave a helpless shrug. "I-It knew exactly what to do, like it had done it a million times before. What could that mean, Jayce?? Our lab has been guarded. Our research has been tightly secured, it should not have known what to do so easily when we still did not even know what to do." Viktor swallowed shakily. 

"...The Enforcers took it into custody?" Jayce asked after a moment. Viktor nodded, burying his face in his arms. "...What did it do to you?" Viktor instantly froze up and that only seemed to alarm Jayce. "Viktor, what did it do to you?? With my face??" He actually sounded... worried? Viktor was certain it was only because the creature had his face and not because of what it had potentially done to Viktor. 

"Seduction. It acted sickly sweet and caring It was nice to me and it kept drawing me in with... its... lips." Viktor trailed off in shame and he squeezed his eyes shut. "Good gods, I thought you had lost your mind." He remained curled up against the back of the chair.

"And that worked?? You fell for that??" Jayce sounded in disbelief and Viktor gave another helpless shrug, not even bothering to look up at him. "...You liked it." Jayce sounded both amused and taken back. "You liked that candied version of me." Viktor still wouldn't give him an answer. "Viktor, get out." It still sounded like it was said with a smile. Viktor didn't need to be told twice. He grabbed his crutch and hooked it under his arm before standing and limping over to the door. "You really are just going to leave, huh?" Viktor's hand paused on the doorknob and he inhaled shakily. 

"You just told me to get out." Viktor stated, turning back to look at him with a furious, tearful glare. 

"I figured you'd have some kind of protest, considering you were obviously in this chair for a while, but clearly you don't." Jayce stated, shrugging. Viktor stared at him and another tear rolled down his face. 

"I forfeit." Viktor stated after a moment. Jayce paused. 

"What??" 

"I forfeit the game. You win." Viktor managed quietly. He turned away and opened up the door, moving into the hall. 

"Viktor! Hey, I was joking! Vik-" Jayce's voice was cut off as Viktor shut the door behind him. He could hear Jayce's muffled voice getting louder as he started yelling. Viktor raised his eyes down the hall and started to limp forward again. Nurses were soon rushing past him, Jayce having obviously called for them. He made it outside the clinic and into the streets. It was raining. Maybe that was also why his chest hurt. Certainly that was the only reason. Nothing else. No one else. The rain covered up the tears running down his face too. The blanket was quickly becoming wet and it was soaked by the time he made it back to his apartment. His leg was screaming in pain and he cast the blanket aside with a wet noise, shutting his door. 

Viktor dropped down right on the floor, burying his face in his hands. That was it. That was his seven-year-partnership gone and flushed away. That was likely the last of his time here in Piltover. He was sure to be kicked out back to Zaun. He felt so stupid and he felt lost. He didn't know what to do now. Who was going to take the research? Their inventions? The Hexcore? He didn't know. He really didn't know. Why had he just spent nine hours sleeping in an uncomfortable chair for this man?? His back hurt and his leg hurt. His neck hurt and his shoulders hurt. Everything hurt. "Being detained wasn't an ideal way to wake up, I have to admit." Viktor nearly had a heart attack at Jayce's voice. Except it wasn't Jayce. It couldn't have been. Viktor instantly started to shove himself backwards, slamming into the wall as the other Jayce got up from the couch. "V, please listen to me-"

"GET OUT!" Viktor yelled at him, his eyes wide in terror. "You have done enough! Enough damage has been done, you have no need to come back here!!" Jayce held up his hands, though he looked at him with dismay. "Do not look at me like you know me, you bastard. I have just lost everything because of you!! Fuck you!!" Viktor rarely ever flung those words at another person, but this felt necessary. The way Jayce flinched at them was cathartic. Jayce inhaled shakily as he turned his head away. 

"The, uh... The Enforcers called me a shapeshifter. Is that what you think I am?" He asked, seeming to compose himself enough to ask. Viktor's heart was racing as he spit at him. Jayce could only stare for a moment, seeming genuinely heartbroken by that. "What can I do to show you it's me?" 

"You can leave." Viktor instantly spoke in a cold, shaking voice. Jayce glanced aside and shook his head. "Why not??" 

"Because I want to get you out of here. This world isn't good for you. He isn't good for you. In the amount of time I've been here, I think you might have both cried and thrown up three times each. It hasn't even been a day." Jayce stated, throwing his arms to the sides. Viktor stared at him. His whole body was trembling. "I want to take you away from this place, Viktor." Jayce sounded distressed again. "You're not well. You'll only get worse. I have to get you out of here. I have to bring you home."

Home? 

Viktor didn't understand what he meant or why he sounded so upset. Jayce looked like he was about to cry from frustration. He took in a shaking breath. "V." He softened his voice. "Please let me just hold you for a few minutes." Viktor stared at him. "Please." Something inside Viktor broke and he nodded, tears instantly erupting in his eyes again. "Okay, I'm moving over. Unarmed." Jayce told him, keeping his hands up. He came over and settled one the ground next to Viktor. Viktor froze up as Jayce wrapped his arms around him and pulled him to his chest. His arms were warm. Viktor exhaled shakily. 

Finally, his fingers found what he was looking for and Jayce froze up as Viktor held the shard of the vase up to his throat, already cutting into his skin. Viktor could just be rid of the problem now. He could just be rid of it now. Jayce's grip didn't loosen and he closed his eyes. "What are you doing??" Viktor demanded, panicked by that. He froze up as Jayce spoke again in a much softer voice. 

"I'm trusting you, V." 

Chapter Text

"...What??" Viktor's voice shook as he pressed the shard further against Jayce's throat. Jayce didn't let go of him. Blood started to trickle down his throat, though it held a slight glittering effect to it. "I-I'm going to kill you." 

"Alright." Jayce's response was soft. Alright?? Viktor's eyes filled with tears again. Alright? No, it wasn't. It wasn't, why was...? 

"Why would it be alright?!" Viktor demanded, his voice becoming shrill. He broke out into coughing, giving to pull in wheezing breaths after a moment.

"Because it's you." 

Something about Jayce's gentle response shattered Viktor and he broke down in tearful coughing again, the shard clattering to the ground. Jayce inhaled shakily, though his throat was still bleeding. He finally looked back down at Viktor, those golden-brown eyes warm. Viktor gagged and Jayce rubbed his back, guiding him to face away. Viktor could only gag for another moment or two before squeezing his eyes shut in pain. Jayce was felt pressing kisses to the back of his neck and Viktor sobbed. "N-Not with his face, please." 

Jayce was heard scoffing. "This is my face, sorry. It'll look better than his ever will." He rested his cheek against the back of Viktor's head. "I want to treat you better than he ever could, if he even fucking bothered." Jayce's voice was angered, but not at him. This whole time, it hadn't been at him. He sighed. "Viktor, we have to go home." 

"Home?" Viktor echoed weakly. Jayce sighed softly. He gently turned Viktor so the other would face him again. Jayce gently cupped his cheeks before leaning forward. He pressed his lips to his forehead before moving down to his nose, then his cheek. He started to kiss at his neck and Viktor jumped, squirming a little before melting as Jayce's lips finally met his. His eyes slipped shut and he pressed back against him. It felt normal. It felt normal and joyful and... nice. It felt nice. Jayce pulled back, scanning him over. 

"Home." He agreed, his voice gentle. "But we have to get back to the Hexcore. Can you hold onto me? I have to teleport us." Viktor paused and stared at him. Teleport?? Jayce seemed to notice his expression and broke out in quiet laughter. "You heard me." He teased gently. Viktor was shaking. "I hope we can restore your memory. But even if we can't..." Jayce leaned forward and Viktor desperately met his lips. "Even if we can't, we'll love you all the same." Jayce murmured against him. 

"We?" Viktor asked in a broken voice. Jayce's eyes were calm, kind, and amused as he nodded. Viktor stared at him, lost and miserable that he didn't understand what was going on. Jayce carefully brushed Viktor's hair back out of his face. "...I fear you may be a hallucination. Or someone trying to kidnap me out of... foul intention."  Viktor finally stated, his body locked up and shaking. Jayce's shoulders instantly sank. 

"How can I fix that, V? I don't even know if you'll remember me." Jayce seemed to admit quietly. He looked him over furrowing his brow. "Do you think you'll be able to handle teleporting? You..." His thumb traced under Viktor's eyes. "Do you need to rest? Where did you go while I was being detained?" Viktor was silent for a few moments, remembering that he'd spent over eight hours by the other Jayce's side. Just waiting and waiting and waiting to see if he would wake up this time. His body was so sore from being curled up in that chair for so long. 

"I think if I try anything right now, I will snap into pieces." The laugh that Viktor let out was so defeated that he saw Jayce's expression entirely shift into something devastated. "It has all been too much. I fear they will give my research away. They will banish me back to Zaun. If you truly are some creature sent to seduce and kill me, perhaps... that would not be so bad." He jumped in shock as Jayce quickly took his shoulders and pulled him into a hug, pressing his face against his neck. Viktor furrowed his brow, reaching up and holding the younger man with an arm. "Even when he had this young of a face, he did not treat me like this. Every conversation was a battle. Every disagreement felt like a war. If you were trying to mimic him, you have done so very poorly." 

"I would rather set myself on fire than try to be like him." Jayce responded firmly as he pulled back from Viktor, staring at him as he cupped his cheek. "I'm not trying to be anyone else. I..." Jayce gave a heavy sigh through his nose. "I just wish I had been your Jayce." Viktor didn't know why those words stabbed him so deeply, but he made a small, choked noise, his shoulders sinking and his arms moving up to hug himself. He didn't even think he knew this man and he agreed. It was... Good gods, it was bad. How did he stand him for so long?? Had he just become numb to him?? Desperate for those small, calm moments with him? When Jayce wouldn't look at him with condescension and would instead respond with interest? Had he been that desperate for someone to share a dream with??

Was that why everyone seemed so concerned when they spoke to him alone?? Was that why Mel was so hesitant to address him by himself?? Had Jayce been working behind the scenes to make sure Viktor was in a birdcage that only he held the keys to?? And Viktor hadn't even realized it?? He felt broken. He felt broken and used and pitied. Good gods, he'd just thought everyone spoke to him strangely because he was a Zaunite. No, maybe that disdain in their eyes hadn't been for him. Viktor's own eyes fell to the floor and he buried his face in his hand. "V? Do you want to go back to bed?" Jayce asked gently, his hand gently coming to a rest under the side of his jaw.

Viktor paused and glanced up at him. Why... Why couldn't this have been his Jayce?? He nearly started sobbing at the thought, but he gave a nod. With Jayce's help, he pushed himself to his feet. Jayce gave him his crutch, escorting him back to his bedroom. Viktor hesitated, seeing the cigarettes on the bed. "Oh, you...?" Jayce seemed surprised as he stared at them. "I thought I was imagining it, but..." He picked up the box and looked it over uncertainly. Viktor settled on the edge of the bed, his face flushed in shame. Jayce didn't say anything else, even though it was clear he very much wanted to and it certainly wouldn't be anything approving. 

Jayce set the box down on the nightstand, not saying anything. He started to climb into the bed too, like he'd done it a million times before, but he instantly froze and awkwardly stood back up. "S-Sorry. Once you're settled, I'll go back out to the couch." He seemed a little lost and Viktor watched him. His hand tightened on his crutch.

"You... seem used to joining someone's bed." Viktor said softly. 

"Yours... typically." Jayce answered, glancing aside as his ears turned red. "But, uh, you clearly wouldn't... have..." He was stumbling over his words. "Not with him." Viktor didn't understand. He didn't understand anything this man was saying. He didn't understand why he looked like Jayce, why he spoke like they'd known each other forever, why he was standing in his apartment right now. All he did know... is that this man treated him how he wanted to be treated. With the face he liked most. No doubt it was bait. Or some kind of trick. He may not even wake up once he fell asleep, but he... he didn't know if that was such a bad thing anymore.

He paused, his eyes going wide. The wound he'd dug into Jayce's throat was gone. It hadn't quite clicked for him until now. It was like nothing had happened at all. No wound. No blood. Was any of this even real?? Viktor took in a soft, shuddering breath. Did he... care if it was or not? "...Would you hold me?" Viktor asked quietly, still clinging to his crutch like he would die if he didn't. Jayce stared at him before nodding. 

"Uh, yeah, if that's what you want." He replied, clearly surprised. "Do you want to face me or face away?" Jayce slipped down into the bed, sitting on his knees up near the pillows. Viktor hesitated and finally slipped himself backwards, leaving his crutch propped up. 

"Towards." Viktor mumbled, Jayce nodding. He laid down on his side and opened his arm. For a moment, Viktor was only filled with terror. This felt too good to be true. Too good for someone like him. This thing was going to kill him or eat him or do some other horrible thing to him. And even still, Viktor lowered himself down into its grasp anyway. Jayce wrapped his arms loosely around him, tucking Viktor's head beneath his chin. He could feel his warm breath ruffling his hair. He was so warm. Viktor paused before pressing himself closer. Any moment now, he'd be a bloody mess on the floor. Right? He shook quietly, squeezing his eyes shut. 

"Viktor." Jayce's voice was soft and Viktor nearly jumped out of his skin, looking up at him in frantic confusion. "Hey, hey, it's okay." Jayce quickly assured him. Those golden-brown eyes looked him over. "Viktor, I... I really hate this world." Viktor paused, staring at him. Jayce glanced off to the side. "I'm sorry, I know it's... it's a little out of line for me to say, but... your world is terrible. You deserve so much better than this. Good fucking gods." Jayce sounded upset as he leaned forward, gently pressing their foreheads together. "I'll take you back home when you wake up, okay? To a place that actually deserves you." There it was again. 

Home. 

"Home." Viktor repeated, staring back at Jayce. A smile pulled at his lips and he nodded. "You will take me back home?" Viktor knew that he didn't mean Zaun. Jayce sounded like he meant something much more specific. Like Viktor had a... a house. An actual home of his own. That was impossible, wasn't it?

"I will. And you can lay in a much bigger, much comfier bed." Jayce spoke promisingly. "I... I would prefer to... stay with you, but I'll understand if you just want to be alone and readjust." Readjust. Like he'd been there before. Viktor stared at him. Despite all his negativity and dread, he was... he was curious. He wanted to know what Jayce was talking about. If he was telling the truth. If Viktor did have a 'home', with people waiting for him. If he did have this Jayce in his bed every night. If this was Jayce at all. If there was... actually some kind of hope for him. 

"Do not leave me alone. Please." Viktor's voice broke a little as he stared at him. Jayce's eyes weakened. 

"I won't. I'll stay with you then. Promise." Jayce assured him, giving his hip a comforting squeeze. To Viktor's shock, that single motion relaxed him. He sank into the bed and he buried his face against Jayce's chest. He was warm and he was... he was comfortable. If he slipped away like this and never woke up, it would be the kindest thing that had happened to him in this life. He heard Jayce give a quiet sigh against him. Viktor pushed himself closer and he practically melted as he tucked his arms up between both of their chests. Jayce was felt smiling against the top of his head. 

He could die like this. He could die like this and he would've felt more comfortable right now than he had for the last decade. The thought nearly sent him in a delirious sobbing fit, but he refused. He closed his eyes and let that comfortable numbness creep over him, each thought slowly being blotted out like stars beneath clouds, until there was nothing but a blank night sky in his head.

Chapter Text

One thought blinked into existence. And it was just how much everything

hurt.

Viktor trembled as he kept his face buried against the warm body in his bed. How had this creature not killed him yet?? How was he still waking up? His whole body hurt and he inhaled shakily. He was sore. He was sore and the pain was so bad that it had woken him in the middle of the night. Tears welled up in his eyes and he pressed himself closer to the human furnace next to him. "V?" Jayce's voice was soft and questioning. Viktor made a small noise of acknowledgement and that noise seemed to be enough to spur Jayce to action. "What's wrong??" He asked, quickly pushing himself up a little. His hand gently settled on Viktor's arm and Viktor shook his head. "You can tell me, Viktor. I won't get upset with you. I promise." He insisted. Viktor had heard those first two sentences before, in the form of false assurances, but he'd never heard the third one. It made him want to trust it.

"...Sore. Everything is sore. My whole body aches." Viktor said shakily. Jayce's eyes softened on him in the dull light of the moon. Viktor wondered if he could be... just a little dangerous about this. He subtly lowered his arm to show off a shoulder. He felt Jayce's hand slide up his arm and settle between his neck and shoulder. "Mm!" Viktor made a small noise, shuddering a little as Jayce started to rub a deep circle against the tender spot with his thumb. He squeezed his eyes shut, his lips parting as he shuddered. There was a soft pop and Viktor couldn't help the moan of relief that erupted from him as he shivered. 

"Better?" Jayce asked quietly, his ears a different shade again. Viktor stared at him. Finally, he rolled over on his side, facing away from Jayce. "Sorry, I-" Jayce's apology was cut off as Viktor pushed himself back against him. He felt around for his hand before grabbing it and pulling it up to rest between his neck and shoulder again. Jayce seemed to understand and Viktor gasped as he felt Jayce's thumb start to rub in a deep circle again. Viktor squeezed his legs together. He made another noise, this one much louder and dirtier. 

"HAH!!" He moaned again as there was a second pop, relief rushing through his body, followed by the relief of his much looser neck and shoulders. He exhaled shakily. He paused, hearing Jayce's own shaky breath. He... He wanted to be dangerous about this. "J-Jayce, could you get something from the nightstand? Top drawer?" Viktor asked softly. This was dangerous. This was dangerous and he felt downright perverse to even be thinking it. He felt Jayce pull away and the drawer open before there was digging. It went an abruptly quiet. 

"O-Oh." Jayce's voice was soft and Viktor knew he'd found what he wanted. "V-Viktor, are you-" 

"...It is just a fantasy of mine. I'm sorry... You do not have to indulge me." Viktor replied miserably, unable to face him. It was one of his greatest shames that he'd laid in this bed and imagined Jayce on top of him. He knew that man would've been rough and degrading. Far too smug and cocky that he had Viktor beneath him at all. The things he would say would likely drive Viktor to tears. And yet, just the thought of those hands finally touching him and holding him down was enough. And Viktor hated that it was enough. He paused as he felt the bed shift again. 

"...Him? Really? H-He probably would've been insufferable, Viktor, if he'd ever gotten this chance. He never would've treated you right." Jayce sounded upset as Viktor felt that body slip back up against his from behind. That warm chest pressed to his back. Viktor gave a small shiver. 

"Disillusion me then." He whispered softly. "Please." He heard Jayce pause before his hand slipped around him. It slid down and down until- "Hah!" Viktor made the weakest, bell-like noise as he felt Jayce grasp between his legs. He knew he was already stirred up and he shivered as Jayce's fingers began to rub against his clothed bulge, squeezing it. "Mm!" Every noise Viktor made was soft and little. Nothing more than a second long, just in case he got too loud. He didn't want to be annoying. "Oh...!" Jayce's warm breath was felt against his nape and Viktor exhaled softly.

"Please don't think of him right now. He wouldn't treat you like this. You deserve a nice reality instead of a twisted fantasy." Jayce murmured against him, pressing kisses to his neck. "I'll give you everything you ask for, o-okay?" Viktor gasped as Jayce continued to squeeze between his legs. Viktor could feel something pressing up behind him and his own hand raised to his mouth in slight surprise. Well, yes, he'd figured Jayce would be... He'd figured he'd be big, but... He startled as Jayce's hand finally slipped into the front of his pants to touch him directly. Viktor let out a brief, filthy gasp, pushing his hips up into Jayce's hand. His length twitched against his palm. He couldn't believe this was happening. He'd only ever imagined it and, even then, it was nothing like this. "Do you want to stay like this?" 

Viktor instantly nodded. He didn't think he could handle seeing Jayce's face right now. Knowing that those were undoubtedly his hands exploring his body was already so close to too much. He felt Jayce pull his pants down, leaving him bare beneath the blankets before he pulled his hands away. There was a soft pop of a lid and Viktor's back arched as he felt Jayce's wet finger push up against him from behind. The lube he kept smelled of strawberries. Viktor's body shook as he felt Jayce push up against him. "AH!" Viktor gasped as Jayce's thick finger pushed inside. He kept sliding it until his finger was slotted in to his knuckles. Another kiss to the back of Viktor's neck. Viktor whimpered and he felt Jayce hesitate before his other arm moved over him to hug him loosely. Instantly, Viktor's hands grabbed onto it. "O-Oh... ah... mm..." Viktor whimpered as Jayce began to thrust his finger. 

It felt so much better than what he'd imagined it felt like. Even more so when a second fingers was suddenly stretching him wider and his toes curled as he exhaled shakily. "You're doing good. You're doing so good for me." Jayce praised gently. The words were shaking him and tears welled up in his eyes. Jayce pressed more kisses to the back of his neck as he thrusted his fingers. Viktor suddenly pushed backwards and Jayce gasped as Viktor brushed against his bulge. "V-Viktor." His name was breathless and begging on Jayce's tongue and it sent a full rush of excitement through Viktor's body. He'd still been tense, like this was a hallucination and nothing more. However, he instantly started to relax. Another soft ripple of pleasure moved through him. 

"Mm!" Another tiny noise. He panted as Jayce thrusted and twisted his fingers. It made Viktor's hips twitch. Jayce was breathing shakily against his shoulder. "A-Another." Viktor whispered, pushing his hips back against him. 

"Okay." Jayce's compliance was nothing short of exciting. Viktor never dreamed of being able to boss Jayce around. Not even in the slightest. The noise that left him was loud and sinful as Jayce pushed in a third, wet finger. Viktor felt full and his legs squirmed as he felt Jayce sliding them in and out of him. "Y-You feel good. Are you okay? Doesn't hurt?" Jayce's tone was both worried and awestruck. Viktor swallowed and shook his head. His heart was racing. After another minute or so, Viktor shivered, leaning his head back. 

"Jayce... please get inside me." He whispered, feeling the larger man shudder. 

"F-Fuck. Okay." Jayce sounded breathless and his fingers pulled out slow, with the wettest noise Viktor had ever heard. His whole face went completely hot. "I-It'll be a little hard to move like this. Will you be okay?" He could hear Jayce fumbling with his pants.

"Pl-Please, I- oh..." Viktor exhaled shakily as he felt something huge and thick push between his legs, rubbing up against him. "G-Gods, Jayce." He was frozen up. "C-Could you... do that for a little bit before going inside?" 

"Y-Yeah. Just between your legs, like this?" Jayce hugged his waist and torso before Viktor moaned as he felt Jayce's length slide back and forth beneath his own. It was pressing up against his balls and he felt a rush of ecstasy. Jayce felt heavy and throbbing between his thighs. He was so excited and it was all because of him. Jayce continued to slowly thrust, soft panting escaping him from over Viktor's shoulder. Viktor couldn't stand it anymore, his own length twitching.

"Jayce... Jayce, please... hah..." Viktor reached down, his slender hand wrapping the base of Jayce's length, making him groan. He guided him up until his head was pressing against his hole. "Please. Please, please, please." 

"Gods, yes. T-Tell me if it's too much." Jayce whispered into the back of his shoulder. He started to push his hips forward and Viktor felt it breach him. Something hot and thick and unmistakably Jayce was pushing up inside him, carving a new place for itself. "Fuck, Viktor..." 

"Jayce..." Viktor's response was just as filthy. He swore he could feel Jayce in his stomach by the time he felt their hips slot together. It felt... so good. It felt far better than he could've ever imagined and tears ran down his face as he covered his mouth with his free hand. Jayce was shaking as he held Viktor. His breath was hot against his neck. "Please move." He had barely finished the statement before Jayce was already snapping his hips forward eagerly. "HAH! JAYCE!!" Viktor instantly threw his head back as he felt Jayce scrape against all his most sensitive parts inside. Jayce was keeping nothing more than a vague semblance of a rhythm and Viktor had thought he'd be a little more experienced than that, but maybe not. He arched his back and a shuddering moan erupted from him as Jayce determinedly fucked into him from behind.

Viktor's legs and length were both twitching madly. Jayce wasn't his first physical partner by any means, but he had never felt anyone thrust into him like they wanted to be a part of him like this. It was making his vision blur and the noises that escaped him could no longer be restricted.  For once, Jayce didn't seem to mind how vocal he was being at all. If anything, it seemed to be spurring him on more. He... He liked how loud Viktor was being?? Viktor could feel him in his stomach, sending shockwaves of heat and pleasure through him. "V... V, you feel so good. Tight and hot. Fuck..." Jayce whispered against his shoulder, sounding as if he'd just been given his greatest gift. His hand slid down and two of his fingers framed his length as his palm pressed into Viktor's navel. 

The outside pressure of his hand combined with the inside movements of his length made Viktor let out a noise that was near unintelligible, his vision blurring again. "J-Jayce! Jayce, fuck. Fuck, ah! I-I feel you. I feel you." He whined and Jayce nodded, his teeth ever so lightly pressing into the skin on Viktor's exposed shoulder. His breath was so hot. Tears continued down Viktor's face. Deciding he wanted to take some initiative too, Viktor began to rock his hips back against Jayce and the throb he felt that length inside him give was something dangerous. 

"Oh, gods, V, I don't... I don't know if I'll make it. You feel so good." Jayce's voice was bordering on a whine too and Viktor had never heard such a thing before. The Jayce he knew would rather disappear into the ocean than make such pathetic sounds. This one seemed to have no such qualms with it. Viktor told himself that, if this ever happened, he wouldn't let Jayce release inside. The other would already be smug and cocky and the last thing Viktor would've wanted was for him to bring up the fact that he'd spilled inside of him during a later argument. But he... Fuck, he wanted to feel this Jayce flood his belly. "I-I have to... I have to pull out. V, I... I release a lot." Jayce said apologetically, his voice breathless. He started to draw his hips back and Viktor hiccuped. 

"Jayce Talis, d-don't you dare release anywhere except inside of me." Viktor stated firmly, his voice bordering on angry. He heard Jayce take in a shaky breath. "HAH!!" Viktor shrieked a little as Jayce buried himself right back inside with one quick thrust of his hips. 

"Y-Yes, sir." Jayce's voice was weak and shaky against him. His hands had moved to hold Viktor by the shoulders and he nuzzled his face against the back of his neck. "F-Fuck, Viktor. Viktor..." He groaned his name, his thrusts starting to become awkward and sloppy. Viktor's toes curled again as he tipped his head back. His own length was twitching and he could feel that knot growing tighter. He just happened to shift his hips ever so slightly to the left and the spot that Jayce's head dug into inside of him released the knot with such a snap that Viktor screamed out as he felt himself release. 

His whole body went numb with pleasure for a second, his eyes squeezing shut. The moment he became aware again, he could feel Jayce gushing inside of him. Viktor's eyes went wide and he pressed himself back against Jayce, who was clearly fighting through his orgasm. "Hah! Ah! J-Jayce..." Viktor's hand slid to his own stomach, tipping his head back. "O-Oh..." 

"Sorry... sorry..." Jayce whined into his shoulder as his hips gave small rocking motions. He was trying to push himself through. He was releasing a lot. So much, in fact. By the time it stopped, Viktor felt full. Jayce exhaled shakily, panting against him. The noise he made when he started to pull out was downright filthy. 

"Don't!" Viktor blurted out desperately. He felt Jayce freeze up. "Just..." He wasn't sure how to ask, but he pushed himself down, taking Jayce's length back up inside him. It was nice to feel like this. It was the warmest he'd felt in years. Jayce panted before slotting their hips together again, keeping Viktor stuffed. 

"Like this? A-Are you sure?" Jayce asked worriedly. Viktor nodded, rubbing his face against the pillow. "D-Doesn't this hurt-"

"Oh..." Viktor moaned as he felt Jayce's hand press on his slightly bloated navel. Jayce let out the softest swear behind him, quickly pulling his hand back. 

"I-I guess not." Jayce kept him in a close hug. "Do you still hurt anywhere?" 

"Mm-mm." Viktor barely managed the noise as he leaned back against him, softly panting. "F-Feels good." And it did. Everything felt so good. Jayce was felt kissing the back of his ear and Viktor was struggling not to break down crying. Even with the possibility that this was a shapeshifter, he didn't care. He'd finally bed Jayce. He'd finally fulfilled that stupid fantasy and it had felt better than he could've ever imagined it would.

Viktor's vision was blurring again. He was warm and full and comfortable. His eyes started to slip shut again. Jayce nudged the back of his neck and he drifted off again, letting the soft gesture follow. 

Chapter Text

Meet me at the lab when you are able. Painkillers and water are right here. 

Jayce had left the note on Viktor's nightstand. Just pulling out of Viktor had taken him an ungodly amount of restraint from the noises alone. He'd left the other completely swaddled up in the softer blankets. Viktor looked exhausted and miserable even in his sleep. Jayce never wanted to see him look like this again. He couldn't quite describe the panic he'd gone through when Viktor had disappeared and just how bad it had gotten when Jinx had discovered a new string that seemed to have been tied back together. Both her, Powder, and Vik were waiting for him and Viktor to return. They all had the most confidence in Jayce to bring him home. And Jayce had to. Whatever this world had been, Viktor didn't belong in it anymore. He didn't deserve to live through it a second time. 

He didn't deserve this a second time. 

Jayce shut the door to Viktor's apartment and turned away. The world fizzled around him as he walked forward and his footsteps were soon tapping quietly down the hallway of the clinic. He tipped his head, taking note of the emptiness. He approached the door he was looking for and knocked before going inside. "Hey! I didn't even say you could come in-" his own annoyed voice greeted him as the other Jayce started to push himself up. He stopped in place, their eyes meeting. For a moment, he looked too stunned to speak. Then, he scoffed and laid his head back down. "Shapeshifter, huh?"

"Not quite." Jayce locked the door and moved over, pulling up the chair before sitting in it. He looked his other self over quietly. Last time he'd seen him, it was with the longer hair and the beard. It didn't look like this world had quite gotten there yet. The other Jayce chuckled. 

"What's the goal here...? If you wanted anything to do with Hextech, there were a million easier ways to go about it." He stated. "And what would you know about the Hexcore?? We didn't even tell Councilor Merdarda about that yet-" 

"I don't want Hextech." Jayce interrupted, leaning back in the chair. "That's not what I came here for." He sighed quietly. "I came here for Viktor." 

"...Viktor? Why??" The other Jayce's voice instantly became hostile, much to Jayce's surprise. He watched as his other self tried to sit up. "What could you want with him?? He's frail and he's dying! He wouldn't be of any use to you!! He would die from shock before you'd get any word about Hextech out of him! I wouldn't be surprised if he's gone and passed away just because you got so close to him looking like me!" Despite how condescending it sounded, Jayce was genuinely taken back to see that this Jayce was defending Viktor from harm... in his own way.

"I don't want answers from either of you. About Hextech. About anything. I just want... him." Jayce replied. "I want to see him happy and thriving. Not this beaten down, shaking shell that you made him into." The other Jayce seemed taken back before scoffing.

"And if I'm the one that made him a so-called 'shell', why would you use my face to bait him?" The other Jayce stated with a sneer. Jayce's skin prickled. "You already made him cry. He freaked out so badly about you seducing him with my face, that he nearly threw up in my room." The other Jayce's eyes were fiery. "So what kind of savior are you??" He kept himself slightly sat up. "Cut the bullshit. Do whatever you want to me, I don't care. But leave Viktor out of it. He doesn't belong to you." The other Jayce startled as Jayce firmly planted his foot on the side of the bed from his chair, his eyes narrowed. 

"He doesn't belong to you either." He answered coldly. The other Jayce scoffed, pushing himself up completely. 

"Yeah? How fast did he fold when you approached him with my face? He said he knew the behavior was all wrong, but how fast did he fold all while thinking it was me??" He demanded. Jayce felt a twitch of anger. The other Jayce's smile was insufferable. He looked Jayce over. "Exactly. He knows who he wants. And he's always known it. Did he beg you to bed him?" The question took Jayce offguard and his lack of answer seemed to answer enough. "Exactly. And you must have said yes. I would've if I saw his face like that." Jayce's fingers dug into his own arms and the other Jayce only seemed more amused by his expression. "You think you managed to pull him away from me, but he'll come back." 

"I won't let him this time." Jayce responded, keeping his arms crossed. "I'm going to force the hand. And you're helping." The other Jayce let out a laugh of disbelief, raising a brow. Jayce sighed through his nose. "In order to get him out of here, I need to kill you." He didn't stand up yet. "It'll be the least difficult thing I have ever done." 

"He'd hate you." The other Jayce replied, raising a brow. His gaze was challenging and unthreatened. 

"He already has." Jayce shot back. "Once I kill you, the pillars of this timeline will start to collapse and this world will end. I can take him once it does." The other Jayce seemed incredulous as he stared at him. Jayce could see him thinking over what he said and actively connecting the dots together that this wasn't a shapeshifter at all, but he didn't seem scared one bit.

"...With how soft of a heart he has, you think he'll forgive you? Ending the lives of millions and the whole world just for him?" The other Jayce scoffed. Jayce finally pushed himself up from his chair, looking down at his counterpart calmly. 

"It'll be the second time I've done it." He replied icily. The other Jayce stared at him. "And I'd do it a third time too." His voice wavered a little. His hands curled up as the other Jayce started to laugh. He sounded genuinely baffled and amused all at once, raising his hand to his face. 

"D-Do you think you’re a hero?? Good gods... I think you might actually be me." The other Jayce said, resting his head back against the pillow. "Yeah, sure, you would be his hero. But saying you would end the lives of millions three times over for him is... something psychotic. I won't even ask if he means that much to you because I know he does and that makes it worse. We really are the same, aren't we?" The question took Jayce offguard again and he furrowed his brow at his counterpart, who seemed amused by his confusion. "I'd do the same thing for him, if I was given the chance. If I had the opportunity to make sure I was the only one he could ever think about-" 

"That's not-!" 

"Not what? You don't want to be the only one he thinks about?"

The other Jayce was watching him with that same dissecting eye that all of his older counterparts seemed to have developed. Jayce shook his head. He could never be like this Jayce. He couldn't- "Or are you saying that because you know that you can't be?" His whole body froze up and the other Jayce's grin was wolfish. "You think you're the good guy, don't you? Maybe we don't act the same, but you're just as fucked up about Viktor as I am. It drives you insane to know that, no matter what you do, he'll always think of me first. Doesn't it? After you take him away from here, I'll still be the one he thinks about every time he sees your face and you know it." Jayce's fingers were going numb with how hard his fists were curled. 

"I'm not like you. And I will do everything in my power never to be like you." Jayce stated firmly, his voice shaking a little. The other Jayce raised a brow at him. 

"Then you would kill both me and Viktor, if that were true. You wouldn't be here at all, in fact. Ending someone else's world just so that person belongs only to you? It's just like me. I'm just not being high and mighty about it." The other Jayce scoffed in disbelief. "And this'll be the second time??" Jayce was frozen. The first time, he'd ended his own world so he could be with Viktor. This time, he'd be ending Viktor's world so Viktor could be with him. That was... His face went pale. That was insane. Fuck, that really was insane.  The other Jayce watched him. "...I was going to finally make a move. When he inevitably begged to leave the Progress Day party I was going to bring him to. I know he would've said yes." He chuckled quietly. "As long as we share this face, I'll always come first in his thoughts. That's enough to keep me happy, even knowing you're about to end my life." Jayce felt cold and numb inside. "I hope you both get what you deserve, at the cost of the millions you sacrificed for it." The guilt in Jayce's chest was hideous and twisted.

The other Jayce snorted quietly. "That House Talis possessiveness is quite the, uh... quite the poison, isn't it?" He sighed, his smile not having left once. "You want Viktor? You can have him. Because it'll never be you he thinks about first when he sees your face and hears your voice." Something in Jayce broke, forcing him into silence. He took a step forward and he reached out, snatching his counterpart by the arm. His Rune sparked and he watched his other self's eyes widen. When the screaming started, it passed over Jayce as nothing more than background noise. Tears finally ran down his face as he felt the bone and skin rot away beneath his hand. 

He shakily drew his hand back, staring at the rapidly decaying body on the hospital bed. He could hear the fizzling and he knew the end had been kickstarted. Another world gone so he could be with a Viktor that wasn't even his. He even had his own Viktor back and this was still the one he wanted. The one he needed. There... There really was something wrong with him, wasn't there?? Jayce choked back a hiccup, knowing he had to get back to the lab before it all collapsed. 

"We really are the same, aren't we?" 

No. "No. No, I'm not... I'm not like you. I'm not like you. This world isn't kind to him. He'd be better without it. Without you." Jayce was trying to assure himself as he glared at the corpse. "H-He'd be better back home. With everyone else. With me. He'd..." Jayce inhaled shakily, trying to blink away his tears. This was for the better. "He'd be better with me." 

Chapter Text

"I thought you'd be used to it by now, Atrophy." 

Jayce froze up, his shoulders tense. A prickling feeling had erupted through the air and it felt so cold. The world had gone grey, suspended in time. His fingertips were freezing and he inhaled shakily. "...You're not him." He stated in a trembling voice. 

"No. But his words guided you most, didn't they? He was the last anchor. Besides, what better person to lecture you about something like this?" Jayce quivered before turning to look behind him. The version of Silco that stood behind him had no eyes. Only empty black sockets. He blew his bangs out of his face and took a step forward. Besides the obvious, other things weren't right about him. His nose was off. His whole appearance seemed desaturated in color. It was like the thing that was mimicking him barely remembered what he looked like. In a way, it felt like the final nail in the coffin. Tears started down Jayce's face. "You've been here long enough to see multitudes of bad endings. You've sent back Viktors to their worlds, knowing they would collapse into nothing or become just another lonely mage. Why the guilt now?"

"Who the fuck are you?" Jayce managed in a weak, defeated voice, staring at 'Silco' with sunken shoulders. The other man only seemed to stare back, despite his lack of eyes. He stood with one hand on his hip, the same way Silco had always stood. But it wasn't him. When it was clear he wouldn't get an answer, Jayce turned his head away. "I've always felt guilt. Ever since I saw the first red ring Passerby. I don't care how 'used to it' I'm supposed to be. I'm not. All I can do is look the other way until it's something I did myself. Like collapsing two timelines... for one person who is most important to me." Jayce glanced up at 'Silco'. "I don't think something like you would understand emotions like that." 

"I don't. But I've seen them. I've watched. I've observed. I've studied. Why do you want him so badly? I have half a mind to dissolve him and be rid of him entirely." The eyeless man suggested casually. In a second, Jayce had a chilling feeling of just what he was speaking to. "I don't understand why you insist on taking things that aren't yours. I even gave you back your partner. Why not dedicate yourself to him instead of this worn out one?" Instantly, Jayce felt something burn in his chest.

"Don't you dare fucking talk about Viktor like he's something that needs to get thrown out! Against all odds, he's tried so hard to remain kind! Which is something you would never know the struggle of." Jayce took a furious step towards the eyeless man. "Because Silco was right. You are a cruel thing that does what it wants without any care for who it'll affect." The smile that spread across the eyeless man's face sent a chill up his spine. 

"On the contrary, I am fascinated by who it'll affect." The eyeless man insisted, sounded excited. "What it'll do." He seemed like he'd taken Jayce's step forward as a challenge. Jayce jerked backwards as 'Silco' appeared almost directly in front of him, slamming him into the wall with one hand. "Hm." The eyeless man tipped his head and leaned in with morbid curiosity. "You don't remember my eyes, Atrophy?" Jayce squeezed his own eyes shut and turned his head away with a shaking breath. 'Silco' leaned back and turned away, letting him go. "Did his words scare you that much?" He gestured to the empty hospital bed. "You’re still scared of just being a replacement?" Jayce stared at him. 

"Is it such an irrational fear to have?? You would know better than anything how many of me there are. You would know better than anything how bound we are in every timeline. Every... possibility." Jayce's shoulders sank. "I don't want to be the replacement. I want to be something better for him. And I think he does see me... when he remembers me." Jayce stated flatly, shooting 'Silco' a look. "But that doesn't mean I'm not afraid. I can admit that I'm afraid of it." The eyeless man had his arms crossed and his head tipped. "He was right. The things I'm doing for him are insane." Jayce's voice strained as he rubbed his forehead. "But if you get rid of him, you'll have to get rid of me too." Jayce stared at the ground. "With attachment like mine and a Rune like Atrophy to match... it's best you take both of us out."

There was a moment of silence before that hand was slamming him back against the wall again without so much of an ounce of effort. "It's always a version of you that thinks they're above everything. That thinks he is self-righteous and topples the very things that provide him shelter. I've seen it in nearly every timeline. I restructured your timeline so you could live and that version of your partner would humble you. Yet you avoided it. You barely even remembered the one you chase and you chose to rip the timeline apart for him anyway." The eyeless man leaned in again, seeming to look him over with empty sockets. 

"I don't! I don't think I-I'm above!!" Jayce sputtered. "I-I just want to make my own decisions. I-I want t-to love the ones I do without th-this horrible acknowledgment looming over me that they 'belong' to someone else. Because once we fall, we shouldn't belong to the timelines that lost us anymore... W-We all belong to the same place again." Jayce inhaled shakily. "...I just don't want to keep living in guilt." 

"The others don't. Why do you?" The eyeless man questioned. Jayce stared at him. 

"They do. You may watch, but you certainly don't listen, do you? Even the one whose face you’re wearing... He would scream at night. He would bring that river right into his bedroom." Jayce reached up and pushed that hand off of him and 'Silco' seemed to allow it. "Powder and Jinx are terrorized by phantoms on especially bad days. And Viktor created a sleeve of Runes to suppress his emotions. He didn't make that for me. He already had it. Didn't you ever wonder why he would need that??" Jayce stared at 'Silco' with sunken shoulders. "You can put us in your dollhouse. You can dance us around. But at least show us some respect. The weight of all these memories. The weight of our own. How we haven't fallen apart because of you." Jayce's voice was strained. "I don't care if you think I should be 'used to it'. I'm not because no one should be. Guilt is a very human emotion. You don't overlook it." 

"Hm." The eyeless man seemed to acknowledge this quietly. "Jealousy. Guilt. Shame. All of these things seem so negative and unnecessary, yet it is these things you all have such visceral reactions to. The reactions I am most interested in. But the tears are ugly. I want to see how far I can push before those appear. You have proven most resilient, Atrophy." 

"Jayce. My name is Jayce Talis." He stated firmly, his voice trembling. "My Rune does not define me."

"Please. It would've. It always does." The eyeless man responded with a scoff. "Just the 'Man of Progress'. Just Piltover's 'golden boy'. Just good ol' 'Councilor Talis'. If no one in the timelines bothered to remember you by anything other than titles and nicknames, why should I?"

"Fuck you." Jayce stated in response, seeming to make the eyeless man's brows shoot up in surprise. Jayce started to make his way past him and flinched as 'Silco' grabbed his arm, grinning a little.

"I knew you were my favorite for a reason, Jayce." That voice nearly purred and Jayce trembled. The world seemed to kickstart again. "Better hurry if you want to reach him in time. I'll allow you to keep him if you do." With that, 'Silco' disappeared and Jayce paused. What did he mean?? He turned and made his way towards the door again. 

Out in the hall, he fizzled, but froze up as nothing more happened. "Son of a bitch." He muttered, instantly breaking out into a sprint. 

He couldn't teleport.

Chapter Text

It had started to rain. 

Something about the rain sounded off, but Viktor couldn't quite tell what it was. He glanced up at the hallway ceiling in worry. He was sitting just outside the lab. He'd tried to wait inside, but the warbling of the Hexcore had made him physically ill after not even five minutes of sitting near it. Viktor listened quietly. He wasn't imagining it. The rain sounded stuttery. There had to be something going on, given that all raindrops fell differently and this still sounded off. Perhaps one of the airships was moving overhead. 

"Are you still waiting for him, beautiful?" 

Viktor felt a chill go down his spine. He slowly glanced over at the lab door. He recognized that voice, but he couldn't put a face to it. It was muffled and he was certain he had not seen anyone in there. It sounded like the person was just beyond the door. "That is a restricted area. Y-You can't be in there." He stated loudly and firmly, keeping his crutch tucked under his arm in order to stand. 

"I can be wherever I'd like." The voice stated sharply, another chill sending goosebumps over Viktor's skin. There was a shadow under the door. Viktor inhaled shakily. He unhooked his keys from his belt and carefully approached the door, but when he found the right key, the voice spoke again. "Are you sure you want to do that, Viktor?" There was a loud clatter as he dropped the key ring, swallowing as he held onto his crutch. 

"What are you doing in our lab??" He demanded shakily. There was a soft scoff. 

"Mm. 'Our'? You think he's still around?" The voice questioned gently. 

"He was alive when I left him in the clinic." Viktor argued weakly.

"Before the other one got there, right? After leaving you alone in the bed? You thought he'd been nothing more than a hallucination until you felt that release stained down your legs." Instantly, Viktor's face went completely hot as he stared at the door in shock. It had taken him a while to clean himself up and he had to take a long shower to calm himself down from waking up alone. The relief he'd felt upon seeing that note had nearly made him cry. How did this man know about it? "Atrophy rotted him away into nothing. He's headed here now to take you away." 

"A-Atrophy? That... second Jayce?" Viktor questioned. 

"Maybe you didn't recognize the Rune he bears on his wrist. He was certainly hesitant to let you see." The voice was calm and Viktor's heart was racing. 

"He's... He's rotted him away? He's killed him?" He echoed shakily. The voice only gave a soft chuckle and Viktor's hand tightened on his cane. And the last thing he'd seen of Viktor was him leaving out the door after cutting off a seven-year partnership?? Viktor felt guilt climbing in his throat. He felt sick. 

"Your world is rotting away. That's why he's coming to take you away. So you do not rot with it." The voice murmured. Viktor was shaking. This Jayce had killed his and set the end of the world into motion?? This man had to be joking. "Do I sound like I'm joking?" Viktor inhaled sharply and took a step back, his eyes wide as he stared at the door. "You hear it, don't you, beautiful?" Viktor glanced up. Ever so slightly, he could hear... crinkling. Like paper curling and withering in the heat of fire. It wasn't anywhere near him, yet it was all around him at once. 

"Why has he done this??" Viktor asked shakily, his voice hoarse with disbelief. This Jayce had been so kind. He'd looked at him so warmly and touched him so gently. 

"For you." The sudden contempt and disgust in the voice made Viktor startle, shrinking in on himself. "I even restored your world, hoping that if I put you back, he would feel too much guilt to sacrifice all the lives in another timeline for you. I underestimated his peristence. I do not understand why he keeps coming back to pluck expired fruit." Viktor trembled, not understanding the malice or the reasons for such insults. He held onto his crutch tightly for comfort. All his horror and all his shock was starting to melt away. His Jayce was gone and his world was ending. He didn't want to die. If this Jayce would go to such lengths for him... 

"Maybe he loves me." He spoke weakly, it barely being a suggestion and more of a hope. The voice was quiet and Viktor felt like he was in danger before something suddenly grabbed him from behind. Warm arms dragged him back against a warm chest and his crutch instantly clattered to the ground as he grabbed onto those arms and buried his face against them, the first strangled hiccup escaping him. He heard a shaky breath behind him as lips pressed to the back of his neck.

"I-It's not a 'maybe'." Jayce glared at the door, his gaze furious before it immediately softened as he turned his head to look down at Viktor. "Hey. Hey, it's okay." He quickly turned Viktor to face him, the smaller man finally choking out a sob as his vision blurred with tears. He was terrified. Jayce was breathing heavily, like he'd run here. He quickly pulled Viktor into a hug and Viktor melted in his hold. He cried softly, forcibly keeping himself quiet. Whoever this was, whatever it was... it loved him. Jayce pulled back and cupped his face, wiping his tears away with his thumbs. "Viktor. Viktor, it's gone." Viktor paused and glanced over at the door. The shadow was gone. "Let's go home, okay?"

Viktor still didn't know what he was talking about, but even the idea of 'home'... Even the mere idea that there was a life where he had a house with people who wanted to see him. Who were waiting for him. With this Jayce who treated him so kindly. It was all he wanted. "Okay." He said softly, shakily leaning down and picking up his crutch as Jayce fetched the keys. He unlocked the lab and shoved the door open. Viktor followed him, the Hexcore twitching and warbling agitatedly. Jayce approached it and he started to draw a Rune on its surface. Another one that Viktor didn't recognize. The Hexcore suddenly seemed to spit at him, almost angrily. 

Viktor startled as Jayce slammed his fist against the table. "Just FUCKING DO IT!!" He snapped back. Viktor was trembling and Jayce instantly looked back. "Sorry." He lowered his voice and softened it instantly. "Sorry, I'm just frustrated." The Hexcore finally sputtered and Viktor jerked back as a giant, wobbly ring opened up, nothing but blinding white in the center. He heard that crackling and glanced back. His blood ran cold as he saw an eerie darkness start to bleed through the door. "V. Hey." Jayce quickly moved over, gently taking his shoulders and getting him to look at him. "Let's go." 

"H-Home?" Viktor managed weakly. Jayce's eyes softened and he nodded. He paused before leaning forward and pressing their lips together. Viktor pressed back against him desperately. He needed this. He needed this more than anything. He was scared and he was alone. He didn't want to be scared. He didn't want to be alone.

Good gods, he just didn't want to be alone.

Jayce finally pulled back, giving an encouraging smile. Viktor held onto Jayce as he guided him towards the ring. "Home." Jayce affirmed before stepping into the ring with him. 

Chapter Text

The burning only lasted a moment.

Then, Viktor was buried beneath two warm bodies, feeling grass tickling his hands. A girl's scratchy voice was speaking excitedly. "-iktor's back! You found him! Look, he's back!!" She sounded so excited. Relieved. Happy.

Happy?

Happy.

She was happy to see him. 

Viktor's vision finally focused and he hesitated. Long, glowing braids accented the head of the girl buried against his chest. She was hugging him tightly. Jayce was still behind him, Viktor leaned back against his chest. "I thought we lost you for good!! Jayce said you disappeared and we were all freaking out!!" The girl insisted, looking up at him with wide, glowing magenta eyes. She had glittery tears running down her face. Viktor jumped as someone dropped next to him. Oh. Oh, they must have been twins. This girl had her glowing hair up in space buns and her eyes were blue. 

Viktor heard Jayce give a quiet chuckle as both girls stole Viktor from him. "Welcome home!! Oh gods, I thought you were never gonna make it back!" The second girl exclaimed, burying her face against his shoulder. Viktor was frozen. Home. He was... He glanced behind them, speechless at the estate he could see. The back was overgrown with flowers and vines, yet light flickered around inside, indicative of life. Pink and blue graffiti covered the massive stairs leading up to the open doors. This was home? All of this?? All of them?? He was... 

He was home. 

Tears welled up in his eyes as he broke down into crying, both girls instantly protesting and trying to comfort him. The garden that surrounded them was beautiful. It was messy, overgrown, and sporting absolutely impossible colors. It was beautiful. He flinched, it feeling like needles were weaving their way through his bones. He let out a choked cry of pain, but the girls both held his hands. "It's working!" The one with the braids exclaimed in absolute relief. The other girl finally started to cry too and Viktor jumped as he was pulled backwards to lay on Jayce's chest. Both girls followed, giggling accompanying them. They were all in a giant pile on the ground and Viktor would've thought he'd freak out, but this felt... He remembered this vaguely. From somewhere. 

It still felt like threads were being pulled through his bones, but he was distracted as he was suddenly shifted around by his hips, both girls leaning away for a moment. Viktor was left facing Jayce, lying on his chest. "You're home, V." He whispered, sounding like he was about to cry too. His hair had taken on that ethereal glow too. They were all so happy to see him. Viktor had never experienced anything like it before. Jayce leaned up and both girls were heard making playful gagging noises as Jayce pressed his lips to Viktor's. Viktor's hands slid up to cup his jaw and he pressed back into the kiss desperately, his eyes squeezed shut. He finally started crying again, pulling back and burying himself against the crook of Jayce's neck. "Jinx, Powder, he doesn't quite remember us. It'll take some time. I hope he'll start to remember, but if he doesn't-" 

"That's okay!" The scratchy-voiced girl interrupted. "Th-That's okay! He's back! He's back and... and he's still letting us pile on him!" Viktor hiccuped, his fingers curling into Jayce's shirt. He felt both girls leaning against the both of them and the warmth from the pile itself made him sink against Jayce.

"V. We should get you inside. To a real bed. Your bed." Jayce prompted gently, making Viktor stare at him. He glanced back at the massive house in shock before looking at him again. 

"M-My bed??" He stated in absolute disbelief. A smile spread across Jayce's face as he nodded. 

"Guys, let me up!" Jayce stated, both girls groaning dramatically. Jayce pulled Viktor into a bridal carry before pushing himself to his feet. "Oh..." He stumbled before steadying himself. "Right, your braces are all heavy. Can one of you grab his crutch?" Jayce called back. Viktor only kept himself tightly curled against that warm chest. Home?? Bed?? His bed?? His home? He didn't understand. It all felt too good to be true. "Hey." He jumped and glanced up as Jayce spoke gently. "Don't look so upset, okay? We want you here. We love you here." Jayce insisted softly. Viktor stared at him before more tears welled in his eyes. "I know you're not used to these things. I hope we can get you used to them again." Jayce rubbed a circle on his thigh with his thumb. "The girl with the braids is Jinx. The other girl with the buns is Powder." Viktor gave a small nod before inhaling shakily as Jayce spoke again. "They missed you." 

They had missed him. 

Viktor didn't understand. He didn't understand. They moved up the stairs and entered into a massive foyer. Chandeliers were dangling and more graffiti covered the walls. Viktor's eyes moved towards a bar and he flinched backwards in shock. That was... That was Jayce in his Progress Day attire. He seemed like he was arguing with... Viktor stared. That was him. That was him. Younger and with the ethereal white hair. The other Jayce didn't have the white hair and he seemed exasperated. There was a gold ring glowing behind his head that seemed to move with him. "Vik!" He jumped as the Jayce carrying him called out. "That better not be vodka! We said sparkling water only!" 

The other Viktor paused and held up his glass. "It's not!" Instantly, the other Jayce rolled his eyes. 

"It is! He's almost finished the whole damn bottle!" He stated in annoyance. The other Viktor... Vik... groaned. 

"You did not have to say anything." He muttered, taking another sip from his glass. His eyes trailed back over to them and softened on Viktor. "You brought him back! Good gods, I can't believe it! Viktor, welcome home! We should celebrate-" 

"Powder." Jayce said her name flatly. Viktor flinched as the girl suddenly appeared behind Vik and snatched away the glass with a firm look. Vik gave a heavy sigh through his nose. 

"I have been trying to get that from him for an hour." The Jayce told her, his head in his hand. Powder rolled her eyes. Viktor could only stare. Multiple versions of them... were normal here? The other Viktor's words shook him. Welcome home.

"Jayce?" He finally managed to speak and the Jayce carrying him glanced down. "I have been here before?" The other man's eyes softened. 

"You were the first." Jayce answered gently. Viktor hesitated. Jayce was taking him upstairs and they made their way across the balcony overlooking the foyer before emerging into another hallway. They entered one of them rooms. A bedroom of gold and purple. When Jayce set Viktor down on the bed, it was so plush and soft that Viktor sank into it. His jaw dropped open in shock. This was his?? Jinx seemed worried as she propped his cane against the bed, moving to hold onto Jayce's arm.

"Hey, uhhh, Jayce?" Jinx seemed hesitant as she spoke and he paused, glancing at her before leaning down a little. "That Vi is still here." Jayce froze up and turned to her, seeming dumbfounded. 

"It's been at least three days. You haven't found her world yet??" Jayce asked, sounding shocked. Viktor kneaded at the blankets anxiously. Her world? Jinx seemed to bite her lip and hide her face behind his arm. "What happened?" 

"...Her ring turned black. Like yours did." Jinx whispered softly. Viktor could barely pick it up. He remembered seeing that gold ring behind the head of the Jayce downstairs. This one looked shocked silent. "I-I tried asking what she remembered before this, but she won't tell me and she won't tell Powder. She's locked herself away in that room..." Jinx buried her face against Jayce's arm, seeming upset. "...I heard her punching the walls." Jayce closed his eyes and let out a quiet sigh. 

"She was in the commune last, right?" He asked, glancing over at her. "You know where she came from." 

"I know what point we're supposed to be at." Jinx said, rocking on her heels. "But she just won't-"

Viktor wasn't sure what possessed him, but words had been bubbling up in his throat and they itched along his tongue until he was finally able to spit them out. They burned his vocal cords. He didn't know who was speaking. He didn't know what was speaking.

"She's in his jaws! She's gotten too close! She's gotten too close! She's in his jaws! In his jaws, in his jaws, in his jaws-"

Viktor was starting to spit up saliva and he could feel the edges of his vision pressing in before he collapsed back on the bed and darkness consumed him. 

Chapter Text

When Viktor woke again, his body felt... painless...? The awe quickly disappeared as he heard someone break out into coughing. He jerked away and the person sitting on the edge of the bed startled, staring at him with wide eyes. Viktor could only stare back. He was staring at himself. What had they called him? He opened his mouth. 

"Vik." His other self answered his unspoken question calmly. He was holding a silver flask. It had the Zaun emblem engraved in it. He took a sip and gave a quiet sigh, his other hand settled on the top of what looked like a handcarved wooden cane. "Jayce asked me if I could keep watch over you for right now." Jayce?? For a moment, Viktor's confusion nearly erupted into panic before he remembered the odd place he was. Right. Not his Jayce, but a different one. Not his, but one that so clearly knew him. One that so clearly... "He loves you. I am almost jealous." Vik mused, glancing over at him with a playful gleam on his eyes. "If our story had gone how everyone tells me, that Jayce would have fallen in love with me."

Viktor stared at him, unsure of what to even say. His eyes were wide in shock and he sputtered. "I-I'm sorr-"

"Oh, gods no, there is no need to apologize." Vik replied, giving a reassuring grin. It remained slightly lopsided. "I am rather pleased with how he treats everyone here. He is the only Piltie here, after all. Everyone else is Zaunite. Yet he does not carry that, eh..." Vik gestured vaguely. "That pompous attitude." He took a small sip from his flask. "As you have been told, you disappeared from this place and returned to your own universe with no memory." Vik sighed as he tipped the flask back and forth absentmindedly. "He was frantic. Good gods, that poor man. It was like someone had cleaved his heart in two." Viktor stared at his other self with wide eyes. "I know you do not recall, but this Jayce... He loves you so very much. As I have seen in many timelines, Jayce Talis is usually not a half-hearted lover. He puts all of himself into it. Maybe even more than he can handle."

Viktor's shoulders had sunken. Was that so? Why had his own Jayce been so...? He furrowed his brow and his fingers dug into the bed. "Vik, I'm going to pretend that's water." Jayce's voice made them both jump and Viktor watched as a crooked, playful grin spread on his counterpart's face. 

"Ah, feeling merciful today?" He commented, pushing himself up. He bid Viktor goodbye and moved forward, limping past Jayce, who was leaned in the doorway of the bedroom, watching him go. He moved inside and shut Viktor's door, heading over to the bed and settling on the edge. He was quiet for a moment, his hands clasped in his lap before he spoke. 

"Hey, Viktor. How do you feel?" Jayce asked softly. Viktor hesitated before glancing to the side. 

"I, eh, woke without pain. I... I have not done that before." Viktor admitted quietly. "My leg does not hurt. Nor my chest. Nor my lungs." The more he spoke, the more relieved Jayce looked. Viktor paused and managed a weak smile. "I take it that is good news. Perhaps even normal." 

"Yeah. Yeah, you already lived through a whole timeline where you used the Hexcore to 'fix' yourself." Jayce put the word in quotations. "Your body is likely just reverting back to the state you were in before you were pulled back to that universe." Viktor stared at him and something clicked. He wasn't wearing his body brace. He quickly lifted a hand to his chest, patting at himself before quickly yanking off his vest and starting to unbutton his shirt. Jayce startled at that and quickly turned his head away, awkwardly clearing his throat. Viktor felt a small bit of heat on his cheeks and he knew this was skirting inappropriate, but he had to see. 

He opened up his shirt and stopped, staring at his bare chest. He raised a shaking hand to it, able to see the vague outlines of where his brace had once been, but nothing more. His fingertips settled lightly against his skin and his eyes were wide in shock. His body brace was no more. The prickling in his lungs was no more. His mouth remained open, but no noise came out. "Yeah." Jayce seemed to agree with whatever silent thoughts Viktor was having. And there were millions swimming around his head. Jayce laughed softly and outstretched a hand to him. It wasn't in silent command or anything vaguely threatening. No, it was an offer. Viktor's choice.

Viktor hesitated, his mind struggling as he focused on Jayce's lightly calloused fingers. They hadn't seen the years' worth of wear that he was used to. Not yet. And Viktor could see why. That this Jayce was that Jayce that he'd met on the ledge. Too young. Too hopeless. But this one had a new brightness to his eyes that matched the ethereal glow of his hair. Caring. Content. Calm. Viktor shakily buttoned his shirt back up best he could with one hand before reaching out with the other. His slender fingers slipped over Jayce's larger ones. Jayce's thumb shifted and began to stroke over Viktor's knuckles. The smile Jayce gave him was patient and kind. So very... unlike what Viktor could have ever imagined. 

Before he knew it, Viktor had crawled closer, fueled by an unsteady and desperate weakness. He expected rejection. He expected hallucination. But when his lips met Jayce's, all he got was a desperation equal to his and a reciprocation that made his chest swell with a violent emotion. Jayce's arms slipped around his waist and pulled him closer. Viktor's hands found his shoulders. And he nearly cried again. He was already so close to tears again as Jayce pulled back to look at him. "O-Oh, uh, did I hurt you??" Jayce's voice immediately became tight with concern and his eyes were wide as he searched Viktor over. "S-Sorry, I get ahead of myself sometimes-" 

"No." Viktor answered weakly. "No, it was... nice." His eyes fell to the bed. "This may seem like a redundant question, but... have we known each other long?" The question seemed to make Jayce clench his jaw, but there was still understanding in his eyes. 

"I'm not actually sure how long it's been. But it feels like it. You, uh, brought me here. Even when I wasn't your Jayce. Even when I... yelled at you. Powder and Jinx always remind me that I was a bit of a brat when I was first here. Indignant. Pushy. I overwhelmed you a lot and you ended up holding yourself away from me." Jayce gave a weak scoff. "Looking back, I really understand it. Even your jackass of a Jayce didn't act like that." Viktor stared at him before glancing aside. "We theorize that, hopefully, the longer you're back, your memories will start returning. I'm sure you’re already starting to vaguely picture memories that aren't yours." 

And he was right. Viktor always felt like his skin flickered to something different sometimes. Something darker. More metal than flesh. His heart was pounding. Jayce kept his hands clasped and he bit his lip. "You don't really know me yet, but if I start to freak you by knowing a little too much about you, I need you to tell me." He said, looking over at Viktor. "The way I always panicked you before... I don't want to do that again." Viktor felt a small warmth in his chest at that. "Luckily, my overeagerness seems to be... okay. You’re not freaked out when I kiss you, right?" He asked hopefully. 

Viktor shook his head. "I... I feel... like it is natural when we do it. Like we have done it before and it sounds as if we have. There is a comfort and complacency I feel with you. Certainly it means something." He reasoned, glancing back up at Jayce. Jayce looked downright relieved by that, giving a small sigh through his nose. Viktor hesitated before reaching out. To his surprise, Jayce offered his hand in response, taking Viktor's and giving it a squeeze. "You are so drastically different from him." 

"Gods, I hope so." Jayce muttered the words with such bitterness that Viktor shrank back a little. Jayce paused before glancing aside and apologizing. "...You'd repressed all memories of your own timeline when I arrived. You were convinced your story went how most of them did, from beginning to end." Viktor's shoulders sank as he listened. When Jayce told him their story, it was messy. It was messy and he felt downright embarrassed by himself at some points, but Jayce spoke of him so affectionately that he figured it might have been okay. "It really is... all possibilities. We found our way to each other, despite being from separate timelines." He rolled his eyes, seeming slightly exasperated. "Vik and I were theorizing that the Arcane hates that. But somehow and someway, we keep defying its attempts to keep us apart." 

"Vik is from your timeline, is he not? You did not feel drawn to him instead?" Viktor asked softly. Jayce paused and glanced over. 

"I, uh... technically stepped off the ledge before he found me. I wasn't ever supposed to meet him." Jayce seemed to admit, Viktor's face going pale. "And when I did meet him, I'd already been drawn to you. He knows that and he accepts it. But I think he feels a little lonely sometimes. He's always so curious with the versions of me that come through." He scoffed again. "Sometimes, depending on his drink, he gets bold." It didn't take a genius to figure out what he meant and Viktor felt his face go hot. Right. He gave Jayce's hand a squeeze. 

"May I come closer to you?" He asked after a moment. Jayce glanced over and his eyes softened. 

"If you get too close, I might be clingy. The Arcane's been unkind to us, I haven't gotten to just sit and hold you in a while." Jayce only sounded like he was half-joking and Viktor stared at him. 

"I do not think I would mind that at all." He admitted. The words were barely out of his mouth before he was being pulled forward into Jayce's lap. The younger man's face pressed into his neck and his arms were wrapped tightly around him and Viktor could only stare for a moment. His brace was gone from his leg. He could move it without pain. He teared up a little and glanced to the side. After years of degradation and condescension from his own Jayce, this felt like a dream. A Jayce who adored him. A family. No pain in his joints. No struggle with his lungs. A home to call his own. Viktor squeezed his eyes shut and let out a shaky exhale. "...This does not feel real, Jayce."

"I know. I promise it is." Jayce replied quietly. "Hopefully you'll start remembering again. But please just tell me if I start making you uncomfortable. Or if you don't think you can handle me touching you. Some days are just like that, I've learned. Comes with a lifetime of being trapped with the worst version of me." Again, he only sounded like he was half-joking. "...Jinx proposed a sleep pile in her room tonight. We'll have to deal with the other problem in the house in the morning." 

Sleep pile? Something about it sounded vaguely familiar and, despite his brow furrowing, he could feel himself softening. If this really was a dream or a fantasy... it wouldn't hurt to indulge just a little, wouldn't it? 

Chapter Text

"JAYCE!! JAYCE, ONE IS BACK AGAIN!! OH MY GODS, EW, EW, EW!!" Jinx's voice broke through the quiet calm they'd been sitting in and they could both hear her footsteps rapidly approaching their door. Jinx threw open the door, panting. "Oh my gods, this one is so freaky, it has that weird, gross halo-thing behind its head. Agggghhh." Jinx gestured with her hands before she made a fake gagging noise and Jayce couldn't help but let out a heavy, dramatic groan. He guided Viktor off his lap. He'd just gotten Viktor back and now there was an evolved here. Good gods, he still couldn't seem to catch a break. 

First, he'd had to go get Viktor back from his long-gone, mysteriously-instated timeline. He'd had to deal with the most ugly and aggravating version of himself and after collapsing another timeline, he'd had to put a fallen Vi to sleep. Now there was an evolved and Viktor likely didn't even remember his Herald form, so they would be left to deal with it. Jayce was honestly so impressed that he hadn't lost his damn mind. "Fuck, alright. Viktor, I have to be right back again." He muttered, getting up from the bed. He jumped as Viktor snagged his shirt, his brow furrowed in worry. 

"What is it?? Is it something dangerous?" He asked, his voice tight with anxiousness. Jayce gave a small, reassuring smile. 

"Not anything I haven't dealt with before. It just, uh, is kind of a pain in the ass." Jayce admitted. He'd already had to deal with an evolved himself and he really wasn't sure how Viktor had done it so effortlessly before. Those damn things were strong and he didn't have nearly the amount of muscle his older counterparts did in order to hold it down. "I'll be fine. I'll be right back. Jinx, can you stay with him? See if you can jog any memories?" Jayce asked, the girl nodding eagerly and hopping past him towards the bed as he moved to the door and disappeared into the hallway. 

He paused, realizing he hadn't even thought to ask where it was. It ended up not being a mystery, Powder's soft ping erupting from the floor below. Jayce quickly teleported downstairs and there was a low, warbling hum. Powder was seen peeking up from behind the bar and Vik was casually sitting in one of the seats, his brows raised in surprise. The evolved was twitching in the center of the foyer, clearly lacking direction and experiencing a sort of malfunction because of it. Jinx was right, it was one of the ones with the crumbled golden ring jutting out of its head. He glanced over and Powder had a look of absolute disgust on her face. He almost laughed. 'It's so gross.' Powder mouthed, her nose wrinkled. 

A smile quirked Jayce's lips. He glanced back at the evolved quietly. It wasn't entirely covered in dirt but it was certainly aged. The battle had happened and it had been lost. Jayce gave a small sigh through his nose. He wasn't able to send them back to their timeline like Viktor could. The best he could do was take them out of their miserable nonexistence. The Atrophy Rune tattoo glowed on his wrist as he carefully approached the evolved. He had to get it before it stabilized. The damn things were fast and he didn't know if he had the energy to try and catch it. The moment he stepped within three feet, the evolved suddenly let out a loud, terrifying buzzing noise. Jayce flinched backwards and there was a clatter as Vik dropped his flask, his eyes squeezed shut. 

Jayce swore as the evolved suddenly used him as a bar, one hand on his shoulder as it flipped itself over him. It landed behind him before scurrying up the wall and propelling off of it, landing on the second floor balcony. "HEY!!" Jayce yelled after it, his eyes wide in complete shock. Where was it going?? Sure, he wasn't the one that usually dealt with them, but he didn't think in the entirety of his time here, that he'd ever seen one run away from him. He was honestly much more surprised that the motion hadn't left him completely speechless. He finally teleported upstairs and took off down the one hall that he figured it was going. "JINX, IT'S HEADED YOUR WAY!!" 

"WHYYYY?!" Jinx was heard yelling back down the hall before the door slammed. There was a crash and a scrabbling noise as the evolved scratched at the bedroom door with its smoothed fingers. Jinx had shut and locked it, 'ew's being heard stated repeatedly through the door. Jayce had to shake his own wrist a little before the Atrophy Rune lit up again and he managed to grab the evolved. He slammed it against the door, letting his Rune warp and twist it around. He didn't let it go until it was nothing more than a cloud of dust billowing across the floor. Jayce's heart was pounding. "Did you get it?! Is it gone?!" Jinx called through the door. 

"Got it!" Jayce called back, though he was ever so slightly out of breath from it. The door unlocked and Jinx threw it open, moving out to him with wide eyes. "I never had one run away like that. I think it made a beeline for Viktor." Jayce muttered to Jinx, who furrowed her brow. 

"The only times they usually run anywhere is if it's at the person closest." Jinx scoffed and leaned around him to look at the pile of dust on the floor. "What was that one's problem??" Jayce shook his head, lacking an answer and unsure if he'd even want to give one. Jinx suddenly stiffened up and she reached out, Jayce instinctively taking the hand she offered and giving it a squeeze before turning to look at the door. "Uh, hey." Jinx's voice was small and awkward. 

Vi stood in the doorway, staring down at the pile before lifting her eyes to fix on them. Her hair gave that same ethereal glow as the rest of them and Jayce remembered how chilled he was when that Ring behind her head had shattered into pieces with the most sharpened crack he'd ever heard in his life. He'd been shocked it hadn't woken Viktor when he'd gone to check on him. "...What happened?" Vi asked quietly. 

"Bug got in." Jayce answered, his voice just as hushed. He paused and looked over at the bed as Viktor spoke up, his brow furrowed. 

"All of that noise was for a bug?" He asked doubtfully, his glowing amber eyes focusing on Jayce. "It sounded like someone was thrown against the door." 

"I'm sure you both will see another one. They come and go. They're more of an... irritation than they are an actual threat." Jayce awkwardly explained. 

"They're not literal bugs." Jinx piped up. "We're not talking spiders or anything-" She stopped herself and huffed, blowing her bangs out of her face. "...Spiders aren't even bugs." She corrected quickly. "But these things are about 6 and half foot tall automatons in various stages of gross. And they always make this warbling 'woooo, woooo, whooom' noise when they move around." Both Vi and Viktor stared at them in quiet disbelief. "But yeah!" Jinx exclaimed, shrugging. "Bugs." She turned and dropped back against Jayce, who chuckled and kept his arms wrapped around her shoulders. She reached up to hold his arms, clearly pleased by the warmth.

"What-" Viktor started to sputter, but Jayce shook his head. 

"I took care of it. And when another one comes around, I'll take care of that one too." He spoke assuringly. He paused as there was a pulse downstairs from Powder and Vi didn't seem to feel it yet, but Viktor certainly did as he jumped, quickly hugging himself as he sat on the bed. Jayce snorted and glanced down at Jinx. "Sounds like you got an Ekko." He prompted. 

"Ekko?" Vi sounded confused. Jinx gave Jayce's arms a squeeze and hopped towards the door, Vi stepping aside to let her pass. 

"Yeaaaah, whenever he shows up, he's kinda my responsibility." Jinx said, doing a tiny spin. "Let's hope that it's not one of those with that stupid Mohawk that's the size of his forearm. Ugh!" Jinx rolled her eyes before disappearing out of the doorway. "Talk about ugly!" Vi could only seem to stare after her. Jayce moved back over to Viktor and his eyes softened. 

"Hey, V." He said quietly, sitting down on the bed with him. Viktor stared at him before reaching out in worry. 

"That, eh, bug. Did it hurt you?? It sounded like something was being thrown all over the place out there." Viktor stated, his voice trembling. Jayce scoffed and shook his head. 

"Once you've seen one, you've seen them all. After the third one, they lose their shock value." He said, giving a small smile. "You start to learn how to dodge and weave." 

"Dodge and weave?" Viktor echoed. "With a frame as large as yours?" Jayce paused and he finally laughed, though he was more surprised than anything at Viktor's weakened, teasing tone. The other man felt safe enough to joke? This was good. This was progress. Jayce glanced up at the doorway. Vi had disappeared, likely following after the only person she really recognized in the place. He gave a heavy sigh through his nose. "That woman... Her hair glows as well." 

"She's new. She fell last night. I guess she'll be living here too, but she seems like she'll have a lot more trouble getting used to this place than the rest of us." Jayce said, leaning back against the bed. Viktor watched him and he seemed particularly focused on his face. He was already reaching out and Jayce paused as he felt Viktor's fingers stroke over a certain area on his cheek. "I know. I don't have the scar." Jayce said, knowing what Viktor was searching for. 

"You said earlier that you were never meant to meet your Viktor. Therefore, you never would have stabilized the crystals and received the scar in the first place." Viktor said quietly. He still seemed perplexed by him. "...I'm sorry, you just... look so young. Unburdened by any titles. Lacking stress from having your face plastered on buildings and mugs." Viktor's fingers ghosted over the notch in Jayce's eyebrow. "...That is still the same." Jayce nodded and turned to face him. "You are forever stuck at 24?" Jayce chuckled. 

"Don't sound too jealous." He teased, Viktor pausing and seeming a little taken back. Jayce watched as the tension seemed to leave his shoulders. He could see in real time how Viktor processed that the statement was not serious or degrading. How he was allowed to find it amusing without fear of consequence. It made Jayce's heart ache and he turned to face him properly. "V, can I kiss you again?" He asked, searching his expression. He could see every emotion, plain as day on Viktor's face. 

Shock, uncertainty, realization, hesitance, and then... want. Viktor finally nodded and Jayce leaned forward, cupping his cheek and pressing their lips together. Viktor's hand was felt settling on his arm, seeming to hold onto him as if he needed to anchor himself. Jayce deepened the kiss, testing how far Viktor would let him push it. Viktor accepted it wholeheartedly, gasping a little at the intrusion of Jayce's tongue. When they pulled away from each other, both of them were breathless. Jayce glanced over, pulling his arm back just enough for their hands to press together instead and he intertwined their fingers. 

"I know you're still afraid of him. And I'm sorry that we share the same face." Jayce started quietly. "But I-" 

"You are different." Viktor interrupted quietly. "I... I may be affected by the years I spent with him, yes. But I still have eyes, Jayce, and I still have, at least what I hope, a little bit of sense." Viktor's tone held the lightest little bite to it. You are clearly different. There is a strength and determination to you that he lacked when it came to those around him. He may have had his moments of kindness, but his protectiveness was little to none when it came to anyone but himself." Viktor's hand was trembling and Jayce reached out, cupping it in both of his own. 

"We don't have to talk about it." Jayce stated, his brow furrowed in worry. He glanced up at the pile of dust starting to fade from the doorway. "...You did just get the hell scared out of you, I imagine." 

"Oh, like you would not believe." Viktor muttered in quiet agreement, leaning forward and burying his face against Jayce's shoulder. Jayce pulled him closer and rested his head on top of his. "You are certain it did not hurt you?" 

His concern brought a small blossom of warmth to Jayce's chest and he nodded. "I'm sure, V. Thank you." 

Chapter Text

Between getting both Viktor and the new Vi adjusted to the area, Jayce was finding himself stretched thin. As Jinx had explained to him, Vi had been at her lowest point here. This did somewhat explain the combativeness and Jayce had already had to dodge a punch or two from her. And, shockingly, Vik refused to give her alcohol, despite his own generous consumption of it. Every time she tried to take it, he would turn it into water. Every time she tried to take from the bar, the bottles would faze right through her hands and the foyer had suffered quite a few blows to the wall because of it. "As a fellow... alcohol fanatic, if you will, I understand why she wants to." Vik had told Jayce. "But she is not the kind of drunk we'd want in a place like this."

At the very least, Jayce was relieved he could trust Vik with that. The more he had to tend to, the more he absolutely could not believe how Silco or Viktor had handled it so well before. Even if Powder or Jinx tried to help, it was clear that neither of them could keep control of things very well. It really just fell to him now that the Arcane had effectively eliminated their most experienced Hosts, despite one still being 'alive'. Jayce was becoming more and more convinced that it had done that on purpose. Despite Silco's having been... 

Seeing Silco aging so rapidly in front of him. Yet he had smiled...

It ate Jayce alive.

Jayce shot up in the bed with a sharp inhale, his eyes wide. Now that he wasn't sleeping in the same room as Viktor, he was starting to become increasingly plagued with nightmares. He panted quietly and paused as he registered that the bed was heavier than usual. He glanced to the side and blinked in surprise. Viktor was curled up next to him, still sleeping. His head was tucked into Jayce's side and even Jayce's sudden movement hadn't jostled him awake. Jayce glanced up. His door was closed, but he knew he hadn't locked it. Had Viktor teleported or had he searched through the rooms until he'd found Jayce's? 

Jayce gave a small sigh as he glanced down at him. He reached out and stroked shaky fingers through Viktor's glowing hair. He paused as there was a soft clinking against his bedroom doorframe and glanced up. He hadn't even heard the door open. He relaxed as he saw Vik, who was tapping a bottle of bourbon against the painted doorway. He was leaned on his cane. "Happy to report that she has exhausted herself and passed out in her room." Vik kept his voice quiet and Jayce let out a sigh of relief. Vik raised a brow, his lips seeming to quirk in amusement. "...and somehow, he has found his way back into your bed, hm?" 

Jayce felt his ears go slightly hot as he glanced down at Viktor. "Yeah, I guess. I just woke up and he was here." Jayce leaned his elbow against his leg and buried his face in his hand. There was a moment of silence before Vik spoke again. 

"You are aware you can ask me to help you with things, Jayce?" His tone was prompting and Jayce paused before glancing up at him. His gaze flicked to the bottle in his hand before it moved to the man holding it. He couldn't help but look doubtful and Vik rolled his eyes. "I am only ever tipsy, Jayce. However, this does not mean I am completely useless." Vik leaned against the doorframe. "Are we not supposed to work together in every timeline? You carrying the brunt of the Hub hardly seems fair from my perspective, especially if we-" He gestured between himself and Jayce pointedly. "-were meant to be the original partners of our world. Is there any reason why we could not work together now? It certainly isn't Hextech, but it's..." Vik hummed as he slowly tipped the bottle in a circle, watching the alcohol splash around inside. "It is certainly something." 

"Vik, keeping track of everything is a nightmare. I'm sober all the time and it's overwhelming." Jayce stated, his forehead in his hand. 

"And I am not sober all the time. How will this affect my management? Untested. We cannot assume a conclusion without evidence." Vik said matter-of-factly. He took a sip. "I would expect that a man who calls himself a scientist would know that." Jayce snorted and rested his cheek against his hand, glancing aside. 

"I haven't called myself a scientist in a long time, Vik." He mumbled, his shoulders sunken. Vik seemed undeterred by that, gesturing the bottle in his direction. 

"Well, I am calling you one now. Such praise is hard to gain from me, might I add." He said, raising his brows. Jayce felt a smile pull at his lips. "I have been the one to deal with..." Vik trailed off and rolled his eyes as he gestured vaguely. "Vivian or whatever it is." 

"Vi." Jayce stated flatly, Vik sighing and taking another sip. "I noticed. You’re doing really well with manipulating the Arcane to keep her sober. Thank you." Vik blinked, seeming vaguely surprised by that before nodding. He stared at the bottle quietly. 

"I am being serious, Jayce. It was him who used to overlook this place." Vik gestured to his other self, who continued to sleep against Jayce's side. "And now that he is without memory, it falls to everyone else to maintain normalcy." Vik paused. "As normal as someplace like this could be." Jayce nodded, but he still stared at him in slight doubt. 

"Vik, I appreciate the idea, but you are still an alcoholic." Jayce stated bluntly, Vik letting out a small snort at that and glancing over at him with a raised brow. 

"...A well-adjusted one." Vik said pointedly before the bottle disappeared from his hand with a fizzle. He leaned on his cane, tipping his head. "Better?" Jayce gave him a flat look. "Oh, good gods, you are so dramatic." Vik straightened up and his brows furrowed. "You are not taking me seriously. Vi, Powder, and Jinx are all younger than us and it is understandable to treat them as such, but not me. I do not care how long you have been here, we are both proper adults and we must respect each other!" His voice had become firm and Jayce was slightly startled by that. Vik put a hand to his chest insistently. "I am capable. Is that not a good thing about having overindulged in something for so long?? The effects have long become dulled and a tolerance has been built. I am of much clearer mind than you assume." His gaze was stern as it met Jayce's. "So let me help you." 

Jayce was stunned, to say the least. "Vik, managing the Hub is a fucking nightmare." Jayce needed to be honest. "It requires all of your focus and-" 

"If one person is carrying the weight of it, perhaps." Vik said, blinking incredulously. "Jayce, I am aware of how hard it must be and that is exactly why I am offering to help. Once again, you are not taking me seriously!" He closed his eyes and sighed. "If we are struggling this much to split the responsibilities of a household, I fear to even think of how seven years of close lab activity would have gone, had we made it that far in the timeline." Jayce stared at him, open-mouthed. He wasn't even sure how to respond, his shoulders sunken. Vik seemed to notice and relaxed a little. "I am not your partner, per se, but we can at least be partners in this, can't we?" 

Jayce glanced down at the bed quietly. His hand absentmindedly moved to stroke through Viktor's hair. Gods, he wished Viktor could help restore order to this place.  That he remembered anything and didn't just move about the Hub like a wide-eyed deer. "...Yeah. Yeah, I guess so." Jayce finally stated, glancing over at Vik. Vik was watching them with a slight melancholy in his eyes. Jayce felt guilt bubble up in his chest and he swallowed. It was a subject he never usually wanted to touch upon. And it was one that he always wondered how Vik felt about. He finally spoke in a strangled voice. "Vik, I... I'm sorry we didn't..." Vik paused before shaking his head. 

"In all honesty, you have to take into account that neither of us should be here at all. I never would have gotten the chance to know you. Our story was not meant to play out." Vik sighed as he leaned back against the door. "I don't think our paths were meant to intertwine. So do not feel guilty." Vik gave a soft snort. "Even if you did not end up with me..." He gestured to the other Viktor in slight amusement. "You still ended up with me." Jayce paused and glanced down at Viktor before his face slightly flushed and he nodded. "There is no point in agonizing over what could have been... especially if it never should have been." Vik was quiet for a moment and he closed his eyes. He finally opened them and glanced over at Jayce. "I will watch for Passerbys. You should try to rest a little more." 

Jayce nodded and Vik turned away, his footsteps and the tap of his cane soon heard fading down the hall. Jayce could only stare at the blankets for a moment before he balled his hands up in them. That brief look of resignation on Vik's face was causing his heart to ache. He felt guilty. He felt guilty for Vik. He felt guilty for even feeling guilty since he had Viktor. "...Fuck." Jayce muttered in a harsh, hushed voice. Viktor shifted next to him, his brow furrowing. His fingers curled tighter into Jayce's shirt and Jayce reached out, gently running his fingers along his scalp. Viktor ever so slightly seemed to tip his head back, his expression relaxing. 

Viktor made him happy. He'd always been doubtful before. Affection by proxy. Feeling that he only was drawn to Viktor because of the memories supplied by his numerous selves. But that hadn't been it. Jayce had just liked... him. Maybe they weren't fated soulmates like every other version of themselves, but Jayce was still here. Jayce was still with him. It was still a worry that always lingered in the back of his mind of Viktor's love was also just affection by proxy. He knew what it had been at first. Viktor had already lived a lifetime with a Jayce he'd fallen for. But as time had progressed, hadn't it become something different? Was that why, even without his memories of their time together, Viktor had still found his way to Jayce's room to seek comfort? 

Jayce's hand moved from Viktor's hair to his shoulder, tracing circles on the fabric of his shirt. Not even two days back in the Hub and the gaunt features that Viktor had had in his timeline were already filled out. Older, but healthy. He hesitated before leaning back against the pillow again. His hand slipped down to cup protectively over the back of Viktor's neck. Viktor's cheek remained pressed to Jayce's hip and his hand remained curled into the fabric at the bottom of Jayce's shirt. Jayce furrowed his brow, not liking how discontent Viktor seemed in his sleep. He traced a few more circles along the side of Viktor's neck, watching him relax again. 

Jayce finally laid his head back and his gaze focused on the ceiling. He waited and waited until his eyelids grew heavy again, his hand loosening around Viktor. His heart was still pounding and he wasn't sure if it was from fear, stress, or something else. Despite how it rocked in his chest, the lull of sleep dragged him in anyway.