Chapter Text
How could a closed door be so intimidating? Jayce rubbed a hand down his forehead till his fingers bruched against his beard; he wasn’t sure how long he was sitting there, waiting to hear if peace would stay or if they would all be preparing for war once again. Even Caitlyn, who normally kept on a calm appearance as Jayce’s guard, was staring at the locked door where the meeting was occuring like she was also considering leaning her ear against it, as they both did when he was younger.
Jayce’s leg shook with his restlessness, the agitating action jostling his other leg that was wrapped with his brace. He winced when it started to cramp in pain, finally stopping his movement...only to then stand up and pace back and forth, glancing at the locked door for probably the twentieth time.
“Stop walking a hole through the carpet, they’ll let you in when ready,” Caitlyn sighed, though her tone sounded as on edge as Jayce felt.
Jayce winched slightly, shooting her an apologetic nod, still for only a moment before starting to pace again. Caitlyn huffed out a deep sound but said nothing, shifting her weight between her feet as she glanced at the door, only when she thought she was acting subtle. Jayce smiled lightly, grateful that she was here with him; even when silent in thought, her company was something he cherished.
Jayce knew Caitlyn well enough that he didn't even need to ask; she must be thinking the same as himself - what could possibly be happening in there that their own prince couldn’t attend to? His mother had never requested that Jayce stay behind from a meeting of this nature before. And now, after the newly reinvigorated riots that were happening between their kingdoms? If the kings of Zaun were calling for a meeting after the most recent of the violent riots, then Piltover’s prince should be in there too, right?
Jayce groaned, running a hand down his face as Caitlyn walked over to pat his shoulder once. Her silent action was a gentle reminder; he needed to calm down – clearly his mother, Queen Ximena, knew what was important and he knew his she would explain to him if needed.
When the door creaked open, Jayce turned on his heels instantly, barely catching himself at his speed as he made his way towards her, catching his mother’s wearied gaze. He stood by her side, his hand gently holding on to her shoulder questioningly. She said nothing at first and as Jayce was ready to ask what happened when he saw someone familiar behind her. One look at him and almost instantly Jayce's entire body relaxed.
Viktor was here?
Jayce held back a sigh of relief; of course Viktor had come with the kings of Zaun. Zaun’s mage was always a wise addition to any situation, plus, Jayce selfishly added, he enjoyed Viktor’s presence. Jayce wasn’t sure why but having his friend nearby was always a benefit.
Viktor hadn't seen him, and Jayce observed his friend quietly, almost all thoughts on the meeting leaving him; Viktor was pulling his shoulder length hair back with a dark green ribbon, the blonde curls by his neck getting mixed up with the dark brown locks that were the majority of his hair color. Jayce almost forgot why he standing there before he felt his mother’s hand move down to pat his shoulder blade, encouraging him to move forward.
Oh. Yes. As Jayce took a step forward, Viktor paused his action with his hair, catching sight of him. Viktor raised his head as he shot Jayce an odd look, and Jayce felt his gut jolt up before falling down to settle in his stomach. It was an expression Jayce had never seen on Viktor before, brow furrowed with mixture of apprehension, his lips lowered in a faint frown. Jayce turned his head between his mother and Viktor, before finally noting that the Kings of Zaun were seated around the table in the room, eying Jayce. One observing him impatiently while the other nodded his acknowledgement.
Queen Ximena smiled warmly at Jayce. “Come inside, we are ready for you."
Jayce shot Viktor a quick smile, before Jayce joined them, Caitlyn not far behind him. His eyebrows shot up seeing that along with the Kings of Zaun, were their two daughters, Violet and Powder.
Jayce quietly sat down, shifting awkwardly in his seat, now even more uncertain of what could have been discussed that wouldn’t require him; if they were here before him, what did that mean? He glanced at Caitlyn who was staring at Vi with a confused look, a look which Jayce understood - since when did Vi ever stay seated and quiet when Caitlyn was nearby? Violet normally would be grabbing at Caitlyn and encouraging her to sit next to her without an hesitation.
Queen Ximena smiled at each person seated around the table, before setting on Jayce, calming down Jayce’s rabbiting heart. “We have good news.” She started.
“We believe the reason for the increase in riots is due to the people not satisfied with just the documents and verbal promise of peace between kingdoms,” King Silco said coolly, eyeing Jayce with a strict look. “To keep the peace and encourage the riots to stop, a marriage will take place. Somethign we have supected for some time.”
Jayce’s heart sunk. He stifled a sigh; of course that is what this was about. It was inevitable that a marriage between Piltover and Zaun would be needed to cement the peace treaty, he just – wished he had more time.
Jayce looked between the princesses, both of who were staring daggers at Jayce, which felt a little unfair; Jayce barely talked to either of them...though he couldn't find it in himself to truly be upset. He looked away from them carefully, understanding now why they stared dangerously at him. He couldn’t bring himself to see how Caitlyn was reacting.
“I see.” He shot a desperate look at Viktor, unsure why.
“But,” King Vander spoke this time, looking directly at Jayce. “A royal Zaun is not needed for the peace.” His did not ;leave Jayce's face.
"...Oh." Jayce did not see.
Queen Ximena reached over to grip his knee gently. “A Zaunite member of the court was agreed to be enough to ease the people’s mind.”
Jayce swallowed down a lump in his throat. A random member? A least with Princess Violet and Powder, he had met them before and knew bits and peices of them through Caitlyn’s experiences. But to marry some random person -
“Viktor, our court mage, has been chosen,” King Silco said, so simply, as if it was not something that ripped out from under Jayce and making him mentally crash to the ground.
Viktor.
…Viktor.
Viktor Viktor??
Jayce shot his head up, eyes finding Viktor’s light amber eyes instantly. Viktor seemed to have been on him since the moment Jayce sat down.
Jayce felt Caitlyn slump next to him in the corner of his eye, he was sure it was from comfort that he was not to be wed with VI, but it was hard to focus on that.
“With Viktor’s knowledge of science and magic, he would be a…” Silco paused as he weighed over his next words, something Jayce couldn’t recall ever seeing before. “An excellent trade.”
Jayce didn’t miss the matching look of disgust that flickered on Silco’s husband and their children’s face; Jayce was sure it matched his own. “Singed will take over in Viktor’s stead, and Viktor can stay in Piltover, but may visit Zaun whenever needed.” The last part was vaguely threatening, and Jayce tried not to take offense that Silco would imply he would stop Viktor from doing anything. As if anyone could but still.
Jayce nodded, barely hearing the rest that Silco and Vander had to say as Jayce fought to keep his eyes away from Viktor. He felt Viktor's steady gaze on him and he ached to return it. He registered the basics of what was being discussed but - but what did Viktor think about this? Was he angry? Jayce felt pained at that, unsure why though. It would be a logical feeling; Jayce had time to accept that he had no say in the matter, but Viktor - it wasn't fair. This wasn't fair.
“We think it would be best,” King Vander spoke carefully. “for the wedding to take place as soon as possible. The announcement can be planned for this week.”
This time, Jayce’s eyes did seek out Viktor’s.
Viktor’s throat bobbed once, but betrayed nothing else. Jayce was sure he could not say the same for himself. Should he say something? Put a stop to this now and demand it be anyone else? He shouldn't let Viktor be punished - not Viktor.
Queen Ximena nodded once, tapping her finger on the table in thought. “I agree, the sooner, the better.”
Jayce turned his head slightly, observing the princesses who hadn’t stop staring down Jayce. He made sure not to shrink under their steely gazes; he knew both were close with Viktor as they grew up with him; no wonder they were staring at Jayce like they wanted him to know they could rip his head off with ease.
Jayce sighed under his breath when the meeting officially ended, his moment to say anything passing. Idiot.
Queen Ximena patted Jayce’s bicep once. “Why don’t you go with Viktor? I think you both should talk.” She offered. Before Jayce could even ask, she added “Caitlyn can stay here if that is acceptable, since you aren’t going far.”
Jayce didn’t need to be told twice. He got up as fast as he could with his leg, watching as Viktor used his crutch to push himself up from his seat as well.
Jayce couldn’t recall how he ended up by Viktor, but so soon and yet not soon enough, Jayce was standing in front of him. “Hey,” Jayce said breathlessly, cringing internally. All that time he sat there saying nothing, ruining Viktor's life, and he comes up with 'hey'?. Viktor, however, did not look offended. Jayce leaned in closer, leaving little space between them. He was always glad to see his friend, he just wished it wasn’t in this situation.
“Hello, Jayce,” Viktor said in that comforting voice only he could do, smiling softly at Jayce. At least he seemed to be handling this well.
“Um, I guess. We should...” Jayce gestured his hand towards the door. “I think privacy may be needed.”
“Ah yes," Viktor lightly gestured his head towards the table where the princesses were whispering quickly to their fathers. "Probably for the best. I think I saw Powder fiddling with something sharp while looking directly at your head earlier,” Viktor was still smiling but Jayce glanced at her nonetheless, a feeling telling him that the joke wasn’t too far from the truth.
Jayce grimaced but said nothing, appreciating that Viktor accepted being away from the watchful stares of the others. Plus Jayce wasn’t sure if Powder would refrain from sticking something explosive on him if she had the chance.
Jayce walked carefully side by side with Viktor, keeping an eye on Viktor’s leg to make sure he wasn’t going too fast for him, a habit he kept for their entire friendship. Evene after Jayce's injury with his own leg. Once, Viktor had caught him and playfully hit Jayce’s shoulder, eyeing Jayce’s brace with a raised eyebrow as Jayce rubbed his arm, a pout on his lips as he demanded to know why.
Jayce had only blushed in return.
Weak and helpless were never words that could be used to describe Viktor, yet Jayce was always eager to help, if he could.
Only once the whispers and sounds of the room faded with distance did Jayce allow his shoulders to slump. “I can’t believe this has happened.” Jayce didn’t mean for his voice to shake. “I mean, you and I – I’m sure you must be - ” Jayce paused. He wasn’t sure what Viktor could be feeling; Jayce barely knew what he was feeling himself, besides disbelief.
Viktor was uncharacteristically quiet, eyeing Jayce carefully, seemingly waiting for him to continue.
Jayce sighed, thankful when stairs were in sight. Carefully he paused before cautiously seating himself down on the first step, minding his leg. He looked up at Viktor expectantly, offering his hand, ready to pull back if Viktor shooed him away. Viktor paused for only a moment before he took Jayce’s hand silently, and settled himself side by side Jayce. Jayce fought the urge to grin.
Viktor grunted slightly as he tried to move his braced leg to stretch out in front of him, his careful mask slipping only slightly.
Jayce gently placed his hand on Viktor’s shoulder, frowning slightly.
Viktor shrugged a shoulder, rubbing at his thigh. “I’m fine, just need to readjust this,” He tapped his chest, and Jayce knew he was gesturing to his back brace. “I should probably make a new one with how old this one is, but I haven’t had enough time.”
“Has it really been that long since we worked on it?” Jayce remembered working on the blueprints and measurements with Viktor, how touched he was when Viktor requested for his help. He knew Viktor could have done it himself, but the fact that Viktor had still asked, filled his heart with something he couldn’t describe.
“It has,” Viktor answered, positioning his crutch on his lap. “It is fine though, I have the old blueprints I can look over to add updates.”
Jayce’s glare lessened but didn’t fade away completely.
Viktor pushed at Jayce’s arm, his smile never fading. “Don’t worry about me, I know my limitations.”
Jayce couldn’t help it; when it came to Viktor, how he was doing was never far from Jayce’s mind. "Of course," He said, a teasing smile on his lips. "Like when you went almost three days without sleep."
Viktor pointed a finger at him. "I was on the verge of a discovery." He said, but Jayce knew Viktor. He wasn't upset.
"Discovering how long you can go without sleep?" Jayce leaned closer, letting Viktor's finger touch his cheek. "I thought we learned not to do that after the four days without sleep incident."
Viktor poked Jayce's cheek before rolling his eyes. He brought his hand down to his lap and Jayce missed the contact instantly.
“Jayce...How are you feeling about this?” Viktor asked after a moment. “If – If it is unacceptable I am positive we can talk it over with your mother and - ”
Jayce shook his head quickly. “It’s just a lot…” Viktor nodded in agreement. “I always thought when day would inevitable come, it would be me and Violet having to work through this…” Jayce looked behind them, ensuring they were truly alone before he leaned closer to Viktor. “I’m glad it’s not, I think if she didn’t kill me, Caitlyn would.”
Viktor’s furrowed brow seemed to lessen at the joke. “I am sure Caitlyn would not have killed you….publically.”
Jayce grinned, the anxiety in his chest decreasing somewhat. He wanted it to stay like this, smiling by Viktor’s side as they talked about anything, everything, nothing. He just wanted Viktor's presence. “I don't want to fight this. I mean it," He added when Viktor started to open his mouth. "Truthfully, it’s much better that it’s my best friend,” He shoved his shoulder against Viktor’s.
Viktor’s smile lowered somewhat. Jayce cocked his head to the side, making a questioning sound.
Viktor cleared his throat. “Are you…upset about this, though? I- I thought...Was there - that is,” Jayce raised an eyebrow at the sight of Viktor fumbling for words; the entire time Jayce knew him, Viktor was sure before he spoke, words chosen carefully and tone assured. “I know from your letters that the rumor of you and Princess Medarda were unfounded, but…is there someone else?”
Jayce shook his head. “Nah…I didn’t want to get attached to someone when I knew I could be forced to marry a stranger. It just didn’t feel right.”
Viktor lowered his head, gripping his crutch in his lap as he seemed to struggle with something. Jayce waited for him patiently as he slowly placed a hand on Viktor’s arm, waiting. “No one would fault you if had taken up a lover after an arranged marriage.”
Jayce grimaced at the thought, fingers unconsciously gripping Viktor. “Maybe not. But I couldn’t do that.”
Viktor looked up, expression almost tired. “Even if you don’t love the person you’re marrying?”
Jayce didn’t think they would be having a conversation like this so soon, but if Viktor was bringing it up, Jayce couldn’t ignore it. “Viktor, come on, we’ve been friends forever...I wouldn’t do that, and not to you, even if it’s just a marriage for show.”
Viktor was looking at Jayce that way again -the same he had when Jayce first saw him at the meeting, observing at Jayce in that undiscernible way. Jayce couldn’t help but to grin nonetheless; Viktor always looked so adorable when his brows were creased as he became lost in thought, Jayce was struck with an odd urge to sooth the crease away with his thumb.
Jayce coughed, driving the impulse away; no need to make this day any weirder for themselves. “I’m glad it’s with you, truly.” Jayce said. “You’re like, my best friend. Most marriages like this aren’t this lucky.”
Viktor smiled, light but it was there. “True…Though some would say I am your only friend.”
“Hey! I have friends.”
“Caitlyn is your guard, she doesn’t count,” Viktor’s growing smile at Jayce’s fake gasp just had Jayce shove at him with no real force. Viktor only smiled wider.
Jayce mumbled curses, wanting to see that smile on Viktor as long as he could. With a sigh, he leaned his head against Viktor’s shoulder. “We’ll figure it out.” He said quietly. "We'll be okay."
Jayce felt Viktor propped his head alongside of Jayce’s, humming thoughtfully. “We will.”
Jayce closed his eyes, breathing in the familiar scent that clung to Viktor’s clothes. If an urge to hold Viktor’s hand came to him, no one else had to know but himself.
*
Viktor fiddled with the flowers on the table for what is probably the tenth time before Powder grabbed his hands. An exasperated groan falling past her lips.
“It’s perfect, Vik,” Powder sighed, pushing Viktor’s hands to his lap forcefully. “If his royal dumbass doesn’t like it, we’ll kill him.”
“Assassination attempts will be made,” Violet agreed.
Viktor nudged Powder with his elbow, but she grinned the entire time, knowing there was no force or anger in his movements.
“It is very sweet,” Vi said, laying on her stomach on Viktor’s bed, arms bent to rest her chin on as she eyed Viktor’s work. “He will love it…Got any idea what Jayce’s wedding gift to you is? I tried asking Caitlyn but her lips were sealed.”
“Mm hmm,” Powder snickered. “I’m sure they were.”
“Ugh, shut up,” Vi slammed a pillow at her sister, who cackled as Powder slid away from her older sister’s reach.
Viktor tapped his finger to his mouth before he reached forward to fidget with the gift just once more when Powder and Vi grabbed his wrists individually.
“It’s perfect,” They said in sync.
Viktor waved their hands off, but did stop, heat building in his cheeks. “I would not have asked you two to join me if I knew it meant you would just be bullying me.” He was not pouting, absolutely not.
“Then you shouldn’t have invited us,” Violet said with a wofly grin.
“…But…seriously, how is it going, like really?” Vi asked, propping herself on her elbows. Powder heard the change in her sister’s voice and stopped laughing, her expression changing swiftly. She quickly moved to sit next to her sister. Having both of their eyes boreing into Viktor had him forcing himself to stay still. “Most of your belonging are still packed up.” She jerked her chin to his opened suitcase that was still full of neatly clothes, while his closest stayed empty.
“A whole week here, and you’re still packed?” Powder raised an skeptical eyebrow.
“Everything has been fine,” Viktor said truthfully, leaning back in his chair, shifting slightly to get his back comfortable. He really needed to look into finding his old back brace blueprint to work on updates. “Jayce and I talked about moving our stuff in his bedroom after the wedding, so I found no point in unpacking yet. He and I are doing well,” He added when the sisters gave him a particular look. “And he has not said anything to make me think he is upset over…this.”
Vi and Powder made a similar sound of disapprovement.
It was Viktor’s turn to raise his brow. “Yes?”
“So you haven’t told him that you are madly in love him?” Powder correctly guessed.
Viktor shot his head behind him, as if he had missed Jayce sneaking in. “Must you be so loud?” He hissed.
“So that’s a no,” Violet said with a groan, burying her head into the sheets as Powder slapped her own forehead. “We have seen the way you stare at this man for years, heard how you gush about him, and yet you haven’t taken this opportunity to tell him that you’ve been in love with him forever?”
“Seriously!” Powder’s hair fell into her face at her exclamation. “You’re getting married to the man in less than week, the engagement ball is tonight, and you are just planning on…” Powder waved her hands dramatically. “hoping your husband doesn’t ever find out that you have been in love with him for a decade - ”
“Seven years,” Viktor interjects, knowing that didn’t help any part of his cause.
"And also never ask how he feels about you?”
Viktor lips tighten into a thin line, shaking his head firmly. “Jayce has never expressed interest in me and I don’t plan to make our marriage a miserable one by confessing to Jayce when he doesn’t feel the same way…he never wanted to marry either of you, we know that.”
"Hey I’m a delight,” Powder said with a scoff.
“Nah it’s true, I didn’t wanna marry him either,” Vi said with a shrug.
“This is good then,” Viktor rationalized. “Jayce will be married to someone who does not expect him to be anything but himself." He pressed his hand to his chest, silently annoyed at how his heart was beating rapidly at the mere thought of Jayce. "He doesn’t need to know about something that would ruin our friendship.”
“You don’t knooowww thattt,” Powder slowly bemoaned, slamming her head on her sister’s broad shoulder. “I mean, Vi and I were sure we would be married off for political reasons for years," she groaned, rubbing at her forehead. "and never let ourselves admit that we could fall in love. And look at us now! Jayce could have been feeling the same way, and now if you confess, he can admit he loves you!”
Viktor only knew that Silco and Vander told their daughters that marriage for peace was never an option when Powder and Vi came bursting into his lab, hugging him as they told him. No one outside of their little group knew of the agreement, and while Viktor was pleased that Silco and Vander agreed that they were not going to trade off their daughters, it still hurt that the princesses had that concern.
“Oh,” Viktor said slowly, seeing a perfect chance for a rebuttal. “So you have discussed your wish to pursue a real relationship with Caitlyn Kiramman?”
Vi went a dark shade of red. “Well - ”
“And Powder, you are finally going to confess to - ” Viktor started, Ekko’s name on the top of his tongue when Powder jumped up and covered his mouth withboth hands.
“Okay shut up!” Powder hissed, frowning when Viktor only smirked harder under her fingers. “Ugh, you’re such an ass when you want to be.” But her smile proved she meant none of it.
Viktor almost jumped out of his skin when he heard the knock on his door. He felt his cheeks warm at his own apprehension and quickly whiped his hands down his shirt, removing nonexistent dust. He shot a silently desperate look at the now grinning sisters.
“Someone is excited,” Powder teased in a singsong voice.
Viktor pointed to them. “Not a word.”
They zipped an imaginary zipper over their mouths in sync and Viktor could only sigh as he opened the door.
Coming face to face with Jayce’s warm smile erased all of Viktor’s fears. The other held a box in his hands and grinned when he saw Viktor. Jayce’s eyes glance behind Viktor’s head and opened his mouth for a greeting to Viktor’s cruel and bulling guests.
"We’re leaving, don’t worry,” Powder jumped off the bed with graceful ease as Vi pushed herself up. Both sisters gave Viktor a quick hug before shooting Jayce a dark look as they left the room.
"Will they ever start to at least tolerate me?” Jayce asked as Viktor opened the door wider and let Jayce walk in, making sure to block his present for Jayce.
"They worry for me,” Viktor said, his chest warming at the knowledge; though a pain at times, they were dear to him. “I’m sure after the wedding, they will start to warm up to you. I’m sure Caitlyn will have a hand with that.”
Jayce nodded, looking unsure still. It was an adorable sight. One that Viktor was careful not to sigh longingly at.
“I, um,” Jayce looked down at the attractively wrapped box in his hand. “I know this may not be, well, correct” Jayce stumbled over the words. “But you can make adjustment to it! Or we could work on it together, if that's okay! I know I may have gotten some incorrect measurements, but…”
Viktor smiled lightly. “May I open it?”
Jayce’s cheeks turned a dark pink. Cute. “Oh! Yes, sorry, I just…” Viktor squeezed his crutch under his arm for balence as Jayce placed the box in Viktor’s hands. While Viktor’s hands were full, Jayce unwrapped the box before pulling off the lid.
Viktor’s mouth dropped open.
He almost dropped it as he gazed at the gift. It was a back brace, Viktor could tell instantly, the design similar to the one he and Jayce worked on years ago. But the black leather and green steel matched the Zaunite colors, the brace looking sturdier than his current one.
“I know you said you were planning on working on a new one,” Jayce’s speaking was rushed, a trait Viktor knew meant Jayce was nervous. Anytime Jayce lead a meeting and starting rushing eagerly towards the conclusion, Viktor knew it meant he was eager to be done. A fact that Viktor privately treasured. “But when we worked on it before, I remembered the measurements and I thought it would – I wanted to add your colors – but I understand if you need to fix it or you don’t even have to even use it - ”
“Jayce,” Viktor placed the box softly on the bed, carefully, lovingly, before grabbing Jayce’s hand. “It’s beautiful.” He said, meaning it. “Thank you for this.”
“Oh,” Jayce’s shoulders drooped, breathing out heavily. The relief on Jayce’s face was too endearing, Viktor could have leaned over and kissed him then and there. “I-I’m glad.”
Instead, Viktor beamed, loving how excited Jayce looked. “Oh,” Viktor said, moving loose hair over his ear as he glanced behind himself at the gift for Jayce. “I have yours.”
Viktor moved out of the way, clutching his crutch with slightly trembling fingers; he understood now why Jayce had been so nervous with his own present.
Jayce’s eyes widened and Viktor swallowed the lump past his throat. He looked back at the gift. “They’re those flowers you mentioned you loved...your favorite flowers,” Viktor said slowly. “I know you said they were rare where you grew up in Piltover, but I had been trying to grow them - sunflowers they are called - for a few years now.” He pulled at a petal sharply. Jayce made an adorable disgruntled sound but Viktor just smiled, poking his hand to the still attached petal. “I grew them so they don’t lose the petals easily. Now you don’t need to worry if you are working on them."
Gods... It was years ago, when they just met and Jayce was showing Viktor around. He remembered the garden, but even more so he remembered how Jayce had grumbled at how the flower petals would break off so easily. "I barely touched them!" Jayce insisted then, and while Viktor had laughed then, privately he went home and tried experiment after experiment, wanting to make it for Jayce. He never knew he was making his wedding gift all those years ago. If younger Viktor had known, he may have died from his heart imploding.
Jayce’s gaze went from the fully bloomed flowers to Viktor in rapid succession before he took the few steps needed to be toe-to-toe with Viktor, quickly pulling him into a constricted embrace. Viktor froze for all of two second before returning the hold, his feet almost dangling at the tight hug, but Viktor didn’t want it any other way.
Jayce hooked his chin over Viktor’s boney shoulder. “Thank you,” if Jayce’s voice sounded wet, well that was between just the two of them.
Viktor buried his head in the crook of Jayce’s neck and shoulder. Jayce shouldn’t be thanking him. Would he thank Viktor if he knew how selfish Viktor really was? How much he craved to be near Jayce at all time, how he looked forward to the fact that he would soon seeing him every day, how he wanted Jayce, in every possible way, how he -
"Of course,” Viktor said, closing his eyes. Even if Jayce didn’t have a brace of his own, Viktor was positive Jayce would not be so cruel as to think less of him because of his…what did that one teacher at the academy say all those years ago? Condition? Viktor couldn’t help but snort at the memory. No, Jayce was not like that…But Viktor was not so arrogant as to think Jayce could ever want him back, love him back.
It was a silly dream…at least Jayce would still be in his life…Viltor would not stop Jayce if he eventually wanted to start seeking the comfort of others…it would hurt.
Viktor remembered how his heart selfishly soared when he heard Princess Medarda and Jayce were not betrothed. Perhaps Viktor was the one that was cruel. Viktor was too selfish when it came to Jayce. He couldn’t stop loving Jayce, Viktor thought to himself as he felt Jayce’s big hands tighten their hold around Viktor...but he could hide it, for both of their sakes. He had been hiding it for years, he could continue to do so.
“I should get back,” Jayce said, laughing into Viktor’s hair when Viktor unconsciously held him tighter. “Caitlyn will kill me for being gone too long, but I had wanted to give you your gift alone.”
Viktor nodded, reluctantly letting Jayce go. Was it possible to miss someone who was still here?
Jayce grinned at him, squeezing Viktor’s shoulders once before he left.
Viktor swallowed, biting his bottom lip as he refrained from asking Jayce to stay...as long as Jayce was in his life, then that was enough.
*
The wedding planning had felt like a rushed affair, however, Jayce supposed it actually was in their case. Viktor was probably feeling just as overwhelmed. Jayce barely had time to register what the flowers chosen were, what food was picked, who was on the guest list – he could only imagine how Viktor was doing in all of this. Piltover weddings were more extreme, he wondered what their wedding in Zaun would be like. He should ask Viktor. He missed him; he knew he only saw him that morning but that was hours ago. Jayce had gotten spoiled now that he got to see Viktor everyday.
“Hey! Where did you go?”
Jayce blinked, looking up at Caitlyn who was staring down at him with a dangerous glare. “I’ve been talking for the past – are you thinking about Viktor again?” Her eyes shot up. “Wait, did you tell him?”she asked excitedly.
“Tell him what?” Jayce grumbled, crossing his arms as he leaned back in his chair defensively.
Caitlyn crossed her arms in turn. “Oh gee what do I mean? Oh yeah, that you’re in love with him?”
“Caitlyn,” Jayce turned around, making sure Viktor didn’t slip in without him noticing. “Why do you keep saying that?”
“Because you are,” Caitlyn said, in a tone that sounded like she was speaking to an unruly child. "You give him those puppy dog eyes every time he is near by, you both wrote to each other for years, you barely notice anything else when he's nearby - believeme, I can and will go on."
“He’s just a friend!” Jayce insisted, unable to meet her direct gaze.
“I’m your friend! If you had to marry me, would you be this calm?” Caitlyn demanded, poking at his chest.
Jayce cringed. “I mean, we could have made it work, I guess l, but -” He wrinkled his nose at the thought; Caitlyn? How could that have worked? She was like his sister – yeah she’s one of his closest friend but it’s not the same as Viktor.
Caitlyn leaned closer, her fingers twitching against her palm as though fighting to slap him. “And that proves what then, Jayce? Hmmm?”
“I don’t love him like that!” Jayce’s insistence was starting to sound weak, even to himself. He shot up from his chair, dragging his fingers in his hair and past his beard. Of course he cared for Viktor, who couldn't? He was smart, caring, handsome, and secretly so funny - like when he would slip in a sarcastic reply so seriously, most wouldn't catch it. But Jayce would. Then Viktor's amber, practically golden eyes would find his and Viktor would smile at him as they shared the joke together. And his smile - an almost delicate thing. He remembered how rare it was to see it when they first met, how it grew more frequent as they spent time together. Jayce wanted to see it everyday.
"I just want him in my life, and to see him smile every day and hear him talk about anything that fascinates him, and so what if I like the feel his hand against mine when we're walking together, or when he touches my arm, my heart goes fast- ”
Caitlyn’s eyes may have started to bug out of her skull as Jayce trailed off, his heart jolting to his throat.
“Oh, oh,” Jayce whispered, his eyes widening as the feeling washed over him.
He was in love with Viktor. “I may be stupid.”He whispered.
“For a genius, you are rather stupid,” Caitlyn agreed, no bite in her tone as she placed her hands on her hips.
“Oh," Jayce felt the toom spin around him. "I love him,” Jayce laughed incredulously. But of course he was, of course he was in love with Viktor. How did he not notice? How could he not love him? It only made sense. Grass is green, sunflowers are yellow, the sky is blue, Viktor’s eyes are amber, Jayce is in love with Viktor – it was a fact.
“How did I not…” Jayce carefully slid down the wall, mindful not to sit on his braced leg.
“How did I not know?” He wasn't sure who he was asking anymore.
Caitlyn sighed. “I mean,” She kicked the ground lightly, looking almost sympathetic. “I can’t imagine how it would feel. Knowing that you would be forced to marry, and not marry for love. Maybe it…felt easier to say you weren’t in love with him when it meant you could lose him?”
Heat built up behind Jayce’s eyes. Losing Viktor was not something he thought he could stand. He couldn’t lose Viktor, he couldn’t.
Caitlyn eyes widened at his reaction, looking unsure how to act at first. “He’s here now though,” She said in a soft tone, doing him the kindness of not saying any more insults. “So I mean, yay that you know now before the wedding, so there’s that?” Well, not too many insults.
Jayce slapped a hand to his face. “And I told him he was a good friend after the announcement.” He moaned pathetically.
Caitlyn winced. “Um, I think this is where Powder would say ‘oof’.” She said as she kneeled down by him, rubbing his arm.
Jayce’s eyes widened. “And he doesn’t know. He - I need to tell him – I need - ” Jayce pushed himself off the floor with some of Caitlyn’s help. “I need to find him now and tell him - ”
Caitlyn held on to his arm fully, a smile breaking through her usually steady gaze. “What, right now?”
“Yes now!” Jayce didn’t know how he was still in the same room when he needed to find Viktor as soon as possible.
“He’s getting ready for the reception ball,” Caitlyn said calmly, as though that was supposed to stop Jayce from rushing past her. “You probably won’t see him until then, and he’s with Vi and her sister – you can tell him tonight when you have privacy.”
“I don’t care who hears me except for him,” Jayce exclaimed with wet eyes and a grin; he wanted to laugh, cry, grin, scream – all of them, none of them. He wanted to tell Viktor. “Weren’t you just pushing for me to tell him?”
Caitlyn slowly closed her eyes, pinching the bridge of her nose with her free hand. “Yes, and while I am positive he feels the same way, don’t you think after years of pining for you, he should have that moment be just the two of you?”
Jayce opened his mouth, trying to think of a reply but nothing except for Viktor Viktor Viktor came to mind. Instead he pouted, looking at Caitlyn with the most pathetic look he could muster.
Caitlyn was too strong.
Caitlyn refused to budge. “Just, give it a few hours. You’ve both waited years, you can wait just a little bit longer, right?” She patted his arm, her tone sure.
"Do you think he loves me?" Jayce asked, his voice small.
Caitlyn made a sound between a laugh and a snort. "Definitely."
Jayce didn’t know how he was supposed to just wait when Viktor was so close – but he could do that, for now.
“Just a few hours, and if the engagement ball goes on to long, I am grabbing the mic start yelling at people to leave,” He pointed to her, as though she could control that.
Caitlyn rolled her eyes, smiling. “Fine, just don’t start biting people to get them to leave, your mother will kill me.”
“No promises.”
*