Chapter Text
Sunday arrived with a brilliant sky, sunlight spilling across the grounds of Hogwarts. The perfect weather was all Powder needed to rally the group for a day by the Black Lake. She’d spent most of the morning badgering Viktor, determined to drag him away from his books.
“Viktor,” she groaned, hanging off the back of his chair in the common room, “it’s just one afternoon. You’re always working! Don’t you ever want to have fun?”
“I find my work quite enjoyable,” Viktor replied without looking up, though his lips quirked faintly.
“Okay, but what about sunshine? Fresh air? Snacks? And us?” she added, gesturing dramatically. “Your friends?”
Viktor sighed, setting down his quill. “Will you stop annoying me if I say yes?”
Powder grinned, her victory achieved. “Yup!!”
___
By midday, the group assembled outside the castle, arms full of towels, snacks, and picnic blankets.
Claggor and Mylo bickered over who would carry the heaviest basket, while Caitlyn and Vi walked ahead, pointing out the best spot by the lake. Mel strolled beside them, holding a wide-brimmed hat to shield herself from the sun and a basket with loads of drinks.
___
Once they arrived, Jayce was already stripped down to his swim trunks, the sun glinting off his broad shoulders. He shot Viktor a grin as he fell into step beside him. “Come on, V!”
“The water looks murky” Viktor replied, his cane tapping rhythmically against the ground.
“Come on, you’ll love it,” Jayce said, bumping his shoulder lightly. “Or at least tolerate it because I’m here.”
The Black Lake stretched out before them, its surface glittering like glass under the sun. They laid their blankets in a shaded patch underneath a large tree, near the shore, unpacking an assortment of snacks and drinks.
“This is so refreshing” Powder declared, kicking off her shoes and racing toward the water.
Jayce laughed, dropping his towel onto the blanket and he dove cleanly into the lake, surfacing moments later with a shout. “The waters perfect, V. Cmon!!”
“Perfect for him, maybe.” Viktor muttered as he settled onto the edge of a blanket, his posture composed despite the casual setting.
“You sure you don’t want to join him?” Mel asked, raising an eyebrow as she took a sip of her soda.
“I am quite sure.” Viktor replied.
Mel broke the silence “You like him, don’t you? Jayce?” Mel questioned, the silence returned once again.
“Everyone likes Jayce” Viktor responded, turning his head to look at Mel.
“I think he likes you,too” she replied and turned her head away to look at Jayce who was splashing water around Powder. “More than you do.” She added
After a long period of silence Vikor opened his mouth “Is that what you think?”
“No, he told me” mel replied
Viktor spoke “when did he say so?”
“A while ago.” Mel said with a comforting smile
___
Jayce floated lazily in the water, his hair plastered back and his grin impossibly carefree. He glanced toward Viktor on the shore, raising an eyebrow. “Don’t tell me you’re afraid of a little water!”
“I assure you, fear has nothing to do with it.” Viktor called back, shaking his head.
Powder waded into the lake with Claggor and Ekko close behind, all of them splashing and laughing as they tried to dunk each other while Mylo stayed back with Vi and Caitlyn.
Viktor, meanwhile, remained firmly on the shore, content to observe the chaos from a safe distance.
“You’re missing out,” Jayce said, breaking Viktors observation. Now leaning against a rock near the edge, his voice quieter but still carrying a playful edge.
“On what, precisely?” Viktor asked, raising an eyebrow.
“Fun.” Jayce said simply, his gaze warm as it lingered on Viktor.
Viktor hummed thoughtfully but didn’t reply. The sun was warm on his face, the laughter of his friends carried by the breeze, and while he had no intention of stepping into the water, he couldn’t deny that the day was, in its own way, enjoyable.
“Baby steps.” Jayce teased with a wink, pushing off the rock and swimming back into the deeper water.
Viktor shook his head, though his gaze followed Jayce for a moment longer, the ripples on the lake mirroring the subtle shift in his thoughts.
___
Jayce swam closer to the shore, his smile widends as he caught Viktor watching him. The moment their eyes met, Jayce's grin spread even more.
"Viktor!” Jayce called, his voice laced with teasing. "You're way too dry for a day like this. Come on, just your feet if you're that stubborn."
"I told you, I am not swimming!” Viktor replied, his tone firm but calm.
Jayce pushed closer, his feet touching the shallow bottom now. “You don’t have to swim. Just come here for a second. Trust me, it’s not that bad.”
Viktor sighed, shooting a glance at Powder, who was already halfway through convincing Claggor to cannonball into the lake. His gaze returned to Jayce, who stood waist-deep in the water, dripping and smiling as if he had all the time in the world.
“Still no” viktor responded
Jayce sighed and looked around him then opened his mouth. “Come here! I want to show you something.”
Viktor raised his eyebrow slightly but complied. He guided himself to where Jayce was. Viktor approached the water’s edge and the moment Viktor’s toes touched the cool water, he stiffened slightly. “It is freezing.”
Jayce laughed, his voice warm and inviting. “It’s refreshing! Stop being so dramatic.”
But before Viktor could respond, Jayce lunged forward, grabbing Viktor’s wrist and waist with a firm but gentle grip. “Alright, you’re coming in!”
“Jayce!” Viktor protested, his free hand grasping for balance. “I—”
With a playful tug, Jayce pulled Viktor further into the water. The shock of the cold made Viktor gasp, but before he could argue, Jayce steadied him, his hands firm but reassuring on Viktor’s arms.
“See? Not so bad.” Jayce said, his grin softening as he looked at Viktor.
Viktor glared half-heartedly, his golden eyes narrowing. “You are insufferable.”
“Yeah, but you’re smiling,” Jayce pointed out, tilting his head.
Viktor froze. There was an unmistakable curve to his lips, though he quickly masked it with a shake of his head.
Jayce laughed, releasing Viktor but staying close. “Come on, it’s nice, right?”
Viktor waded cautiously, keeping the water below his knees. “It is tolerable.” he admitted begrudgingly.
Powder noticed them and cheered loudly from the deeper waters. “Viktor! You’re in the water! Finally!”
“Against my better judgment.” Viktor muttered with a small smile, though the warmth of Jayce’s laugh beside him made it hard to regret.
They stayed there for a moment, the lake rippling around them as their friends laughed and splashed nearby. Jayce stayed close, offering steady encouragement until Viktor relaxed, the usual tension in his shoulders easing.
“See?” Jayce said quietly, glancing at Viktor with a smile. “Told you it’d be worth it.”
Viktor didn’t reply, but the faint smile that lingered on his face said enough.
___
After a while of swimming, they reached back to the shore, the laughter of their friends filled the air, drawing their attention back to the lively chaos of the group. Powder was trying (and failing) to balance on Ekko’s shoulders, while Claggor and Mylo were locked in a splash war. Caitlyn and Vi sat together on a picnic blanket, sharing quiet conversation, their hands tightly intertwined.
Jayce grabbed a towel from the pile and tossed one towards Viktor, who caught it with practiced ease.
“Here.” Jayce said, picking up a different towel and running it over his dripping hair. “Don’t want you catching a cold.”
Viktor raised an eyebrow, the corners of his mouth twitching upward. “How considerate. Perhaps I should prepare for a full lecture on the importance of drying off?”
“Only if you need it,” Jayce shot back, leaning casually against a rock as he grinned at Viktor. “But you seem like a quick learner.”
Viktor rolled his eyes, dabbing at his damp trousers with the towel. “You give me too much credit.”
“Nah.” Jayce said, his tone softening as his gaze lingered on Viktor. “I give you exactly the credit you deserve.”
The comment hung in the air for a moment, Viktor’s hands pausing in their task. He glanced up at Jayce, something unspoken passing between them before Viktor broke the moment with a faint smirk.
“I shall assume that is a compliment,” he said, returning his attention to his now slightly less wet clothes.
Jayce laughed, his voice rich and warm. “Good assumption.”
Their moment was interrupted by Powder’s voice cutting through the air. “Viktor! Jayce! Come help us! Our team is losing!”
“Losing what?” Viktor asked, turning to see Powder gesturing wildly from the water.
“Volleyball, obviously!” Powder replied, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.
Jayce chuckled, tossing his towel over a rock. “Guess we’re needed again. Cmon”
Viktor sighed, shaking his head with a faint smile on his face
Jayce extending his hand towards Viktor. “just one more game then we’ll head back”
Viktor hesitated, his gaze flicking from Jayce’s outstretched hand to the chaos unfolding not too far back. With a resigned sigh, he reached out and took Jayce’s hand.
“No promises we’ll win” Viktor said as Jayce pulled him to his feet.
“Don’t worry” Jayce replied, his grin widening as he led Viktor towards the group, Their hands lingering together for a moment longer than necessary.
____
The sound of laughter filled the air as Ekko and Powder were on one side of the net, with Caitlyn, Vi, and Mel on the other and Mylo as the referee for this match. Jayce and Viktor, on the other hand were walking slowly towards the group after taking a brief break. Jayce had his arm draped casually over Viktor’s shoulder, a gesture that seemed natural now, but to those around them, it speaks volume.
Powder, who had been focused in winning the match with a mischievous glint in her eyes, noticed something as Jayce and Viktor approached. Their hands were intertwined, just barely, the faintest connection of fingers between them. Her eyes widened, a wider grin slowly spreading across her face as she nudged Ekko, who had been very focused on the game.
Ekko raised an eyebrow at her, then followed her gaze to where Jayce and Viktor were walking together, their hands still linked.
"No wayyyy.” Powder whispered, bouncing slightly on her heels.
Vi noticed powder and Ekko’s eyes looking in a direction, she turned her head causing caitlyn and Mel to do the same. Vi’s lips quirked upward into a sly smile. "I think we have a couple of lovebirds in the group, huh?”
They all exchanged a look, and before Jayce and Viktor had even reached where the group was playing, Powder couldn’t resist.
“Hey, Jayce! Viktor!” Powder called out, her voice laced with teasing innocence. “Didn’t know you two were so... hands-on these days.”
Jayce froze, his grip tightening on Viktor’s hand for a split second as he heard the teasing in Powder’s tone. Viktor, on the other hand, glanced at Jayce, his golden eyes narrowing in mock irritation. He quickly dropped Jayce's hand before anything else happens.
“What? No, we—” Jayce stammered, his face flushing, though a grin tugged at the corners of his lips. He quickly cleared his throat. “It’s not—just a casual—”
“Oh, sure, sure,” Powder interrupted, her eyes gleaming with mischief. "Casual, right. Just casually holding hands like it’s no big deal.”
Vi joined in, tossing the volleyball up and down in her hands as she walked over with Caitlyn. “Doesn’t seem casual AT ALL.” she teased with a wink.
Viktor, standing tall with his usual composed demeanor, shot them both a deadpan look. “Do you always jump to conclusions so quickly, Powder? It’s not as dramatic as you’re making it.”
Vi laughed, throwing her arms around Caitlyn’s shoulders in a playful display of affection. “Oh, I don’t know, Viktor. You two are certainly making it dramatic by not denying it.”
Jayce rolled his eyes but couldn’t keep the smile from spreading across his face. “We’re not—this isn’t about you guys right now.”
“Uh-huh,” Powder chimed in with a knowing grin. “Sure it isn’t. But it’s cute.”
Viktor shot her a look, and she raised her hands in mock surrender. “Okay, okay, I’ll stop.”
Jayce let out a long sigh and grabbed the volleyball that Vi threw at him “Can we just play now?”
Powder shrugged, pretending to look hurt. “Jayce,Viktor, join my team!” she yelled, winking at him as she dashed right back next to Ekko. Vi picked her own spot on the opposite side of the net.
___ (vi’s team won Btw)
The late afternoon sun cast a golden glow over the path as the group began their walk back to the castle. Viktor walked beside Jayce, his hands tucked into the pockets of the oversized jacket Jayce had insisted he wear. The soft fabric swayed as they walked, and Viktor couldn’t entirely suppress the relief he agreed to the plans powder convinced him to join today.
Jayce, however, was uncharacteristically quiet, his usual easygoing demeanor replaced by a thoughtful expression. Viktor glanced at him, raising an eyebrow. “You’re awfully quiet. Planning your next brilliant spell?”
Jayce chuckled, shaking his head. “Not this time. Just… thinking.”
“Careful.” Viktor teased. “Too much of that could be dangerous for you.”
Jayce gave a half-smile but didn’t immediately respond. He glanced ahead at the rest of the group, their voices and laughter echoing faintly in the distance. Then, taking a breath, he turned his focus back to Viktor.
“Can I ask you something?” Jayce said, his tone steady but quieter than usual.
Viktor looked at him, intrigued. “Of course.”
Jayce rubbed the back of his neck, his gaze dropping briefly before meeting Viktor’s. “You’re important to me. And I don’t just mean as a friend or someone I work with. I mean—you’re someone I care about a lot and I’m really glad I went to detention that day.”
Viktor’s steps faltered slightly, but he quickly recovered, his golden eyes fixed on Jayce.
“I’ve been trying to figure out the best way to say this, but there’s no perfect way, is there?” Jayce continued, his voice softer now. “I really admire you, Viktor. More than just as a friend. And it’s making me go insane, I just want to know if you feel the same way.”
Viktor stopped walking, turning to face Jayce fully. The sun caught in his hair, making it appear almost golden, and his expression was thoughtful, unreadable for a moment.
“You’re quite direct.” Viktor said finally, a small smile playing at his lips.
Jayce shrugged, his heart pounding in his chest. “It’s the only way I know how to be.”
Viktor studied him for a moment longer, then nodded slightly. “I admire that about you.”
Jayce’s breath hitched, his chest tightening with relief and something else he couldn’t quite name. “Yeah?”
“Yes.” Viktor said simply, his smile soft but genuine. “Though I have no idea where this will lead.”
Jayce’s grin returned, and he reached out, briefly brushing his fingers against Viktor’s arm in a light, reassuring touch. “We’ll figure it out. One step at a time.”
Viktor gave a quiet laugh, shaking his head. “Ever the optimist.”
They resumed walking, a comfortable silence settling between them. Viktor adjusted the jacket around his shoulders, and Jayce couldn’t help but notice how right it looked on him. The castle grew closer, the sounds of their friends ahead still distant, and for the first time in a long while, Jayce felt like everything was starting to fall into place.
Gold and blue do mix.