Chapter Text
Jayce and Viktor hadn't exactly been on good terms in a long time. Quite the opposite. Many years ago they had been partners in their Hextech dream. They'd shared so many ideas and sleepless nights in lab together, being the only people knowing such intimate things about each other as how Viktor loved warm sweetmilk as a treat, or how Jayce craved human touch so much and sometimes would take to getting quite whiny when he was tired; though he would always continue on for a little bit longer if Viktor asked him to; eyes bright with admiration. There were often little shoulder rubs to accompany his proud grin whenever Viktor would show him a rather amusing bit of information. Viktor had to admit he didn't really think anyone would even WANT to be that close to him like THAT. Not that he was the most unwantable people or anything, but he didn't exactly feel like a catch with his failing body and tired face. He often attributed it to Jayce just being a tactile person without an outlet and excited about their studies, but eventually it had flourished into a relationship of sorts. It wasn't really offical, but it was more than anything the Zaunite could have dreamed of. Someone as handsome and smart as Jayce wanting to cuddle him on the couch after bringing him his personal warm cup of sweetmilk because Viktor refused to stop working so late into the night and mornings... only the larger man's incessant whining that he should get some rest would pry him away from his chair, bad leg aching from sitting in one position for so long.
They had kissed on that couch once, in that sweet silence of that lab with only their heartbeats pounding in their ears. Viktor's mind swam with such thoughts he'd never allowed himself in the past. He stated to wonder if maybe he and Jayce could continue on like this, scientific and romantic partners working towards a shared dream.
But then it all came crashing down when they began to butt heads. Viktor too stubborn about what their Hextech dream had originally been for, and Jayce more worried about the politics of it all. Jayce had always been easy to push and wanting to please... and so many people were pushing him in a direction Viktor did not want to follow. On the other hand, Viktor would not be budged, and no amount of sweet talk would take back some of the words that had come to the surface in their arguments. He was just someone from the undercity. He didn't belong here. That's how it was starting to feel. He wanted to prove himself to the Golden Boy of Piltover, and to the whole world, but all they would see him as was a lowly creature. He couldn't bear to feel the eyes on him at times; his self loathing so strong. And while he was suffering and wasting away, Jayce was only getting more popular... more wanted.
Oh, so that's how it was... he wasn't going to be wanted anymore even in his own shared lab if this kept up. Of course... neither of the men were all that great at talking about these feelings. Jayce simply watching Viktor grow more angry and withdrawn, gaunt and clearly dealing with more pain as time went on... he didn't WANT him to die, to deal with it alone... he knew he wasn't doing well lately. But those feelings were so big... so heavy. They scared him. He didn't know how to get them across. It was easy to show off to politicians and most other coworkers. To go to banquets and meetings and show off their inventions. He knew the part well... But Viktor wasn't so easily pleased. He didn't know how to make it better. Could he even make it better at this point?
Jayce peeked his head into the lab one evening. What time was it even. He looked at his watch and cringed a bit at the little delicate hands pointing to 11:30pm, and yet he could see Viktor still hunched over his papers at his desk, scribbling away like a mad man; clothes looking like he hadn't washed them in a day or two. Or maybe he'd fallen asleep in them. Had he even taken a break today? Probably not.... that wasn't Viktor's style. The larger man closed the door behind him, slowly padding over to where the thin man sat. A large tanned hand reached out to gently play with the messy overgrown bits of hair at the nape of Viktor's neck, earning a soft grumble.
"I'm not in the mood, Jayce." Viktor's voice croaked raspily, clearly having not being used most of the day. He shrunk a bit under the touch.
"When are you ever in the mood for me?" Jayce gave a small playful smile, trying to gain a little sympathy. He refused to remove his hand, sliding his fingers futher into the unruly head of hair, scratching a bit. Viktor shuddered at the feeling.
"Stop it... Jayce, please." Viktor finally sat down his pencil, giving an exasperated sigh and turning around to stare up at his partner to see the saddest pair of brown eyes staring back at him.
"What are you looking so sad about."
Jayce huffed. "You! You're so... crabby lately. What is your DEAL, do you not even like me anymore or what?"
Viktor raised a brow.
"What are you saying. I like you just fine. I just don't see how showing me any special attention is going to help with our studies that you aren't even helping with lately anyway, thank you very much."
Viktor leaned back, his poor back cracking from being hunched over for so long. He turned his chair around, crossed his arms and looked up at the larger man, taking in his look tonight. Jayce had been to a council meeting and clearly it had ran late. He looked tired too, his sleeves rolled up on his soft forearms. And those eyes said he was oh so sorry, but Viktor was quite apt at smaller details as well. He blinked, trying not to seem too obvious as his eyes roamed down to look at the strained buttons of Jayce's dress shirt. Interesting... Jayce WAS a bit of a stress eater wasn't he.... it suited him.
Jayce cleared his throat, a little unsure at the silence.
"Have you eaten? You know it's like almost midnight."
Viktor hummed. He didn't... have much of an appetite lately. He'd been feeling worse and worse, though he didn't want to admit pushing himself so hard was probably making it more of a problem. He wasn't so good in the upkeep department... But he needed to finish these studies.. to make his mark before it was too late.
"No, but i'm fine."
"You are not."
Viktor blinked.
"How would you know?"
Jayce frowned at that.
"Viktor... I'm sorry ok. You're mad. I know I'm dense, but damn. You throw yourself into work so much lately. I know it's important, and I need to pull my weight more, but you don't even smile anymore."
"Well I don't exactly have a lot to smile about." Viktor couldn't help but sound a bit snide at that.
"I'm not the one everyone wants to see; who gets to gallivant off and show off his face to the masses and get praised. In all honesty, I don't even know why you bother to come back to the lab sometimes. You should just stay out there and do what you do best."
Jayce gave a soft huff through his nose; shrugging a bit. Ok... he deserved that. But he couldn't let it go on like that. Viktor was going to burn himself out, or worse, hurt himself if he kept going. And to be honest he could use a late night snack. He'd skipped dinner in favor of making sure he was ready for the meeting, and now he could feel the gnawing hunger in the pit of his stomach. Food did always help Jayce find comfort... a little too much lately, but that was a bit of a badly kept secret.
"...Are you done?"
Viktor gave a small, almost playful smirk. Jayce was really trying tonight... wasn't he.
"I suppose I am, now. What do you have to argue against it?"
Jayce couldn't help but give a small smile back. Now that Viktor had gotten that off his chest the air was slowly lifting, though he did still need to put a bandage on this wound...and quick.
"Well if we're being scientific about it... you DO need food for fuel.... and your tank is definitly empty. Come on Vik.... let me take you to get something to eat. I'm sure we can find at least a couple places still open. IF you let me do this.... then tomorrow I'll stay in the lab ALL day. I've cleared my calendar."
Viktor blinked.
"You.... did? Why would you do that."
"Because I miss you, Viktor... I know we haven't exactly been... ok. Um, but I really miss being in here with you, but you're always mad at me now. I guess that's.... partially my own fault. I just thought maybe... I could make it a little better?"
"Why Jayce Talis.... you're apologizing? AND you want to take me to dinner? Well... I suppose I should... attempt to return the olive branch.... mn, but can we go somewhere with soup? My stomach hasn't feel feeling so.... up to solids lately."
Viktor's heart melted slightly at the worried look Jayce was giving him at that statement. He had meant it more as a matter of fact, but... Jayce was clearly realizing the severity of it all. How slow.... but.... cute? He was really trying tonight, wasn't he. He couldn't deny his fondness still burning for the other.
Viktor stood, unable to help the small noise of pain he made as he reached for his crutch, his bones aching as he stood, still slumped a bit. Jayce was imediately at his side like a puppy, worriedly watching, but not wanting to get too into the other's space, as if he was going to be kicked for it.
They headed out in mostly awkward silence, Viktor making sure to lock the lab up after them as they slowly headed out.
They ended up at a noodle shop that was open 24 hours, Jayce fussing over Viktor to sit down and he'd get them their drinks. They had seated themselves in a secluded corner, though it was quite dead in the resturaunt regardless. As Jayce returned with some water and tea for Viktor, he himself grabbed a coffee, loading it was sugar before stirring it and giving it a little sip.
Viktor hummed as he watched.
"Take it easy on that sugar there, Golden Boy, you're gonna be up all night."
Jayce blinked, smiling wide and chuckling. It was nice to see Viktor finally playing back a bit after so much tension.
"You know I can't help it... It tastes so bad without it. Besides I've gotta be up all night if I'm going to keep up with you. Honestly I don't know how you can do it sometimes."
Viktor chuckled. "Mind over matter, mainly. But sometimes the body is not as... eh, willing itself."
"You really can take it a little easier you know, Vik.... you aren't a super human. I really am sorry I haven't been paying more attention to you. I just get... side tracked?"
Viktor clicked his tongue. "I'm not a child, Jayce..... but... thank you I suppose. I'm sorry I've been.... distant. I'm in a lot of pain lately... and I just feel like I need to make a breakthrough soon."
Jayce gave a tired nod. "It's... ok. I think I have way more I need to say sorry for, but we'd be here all night if we get started, hm? I'm glad you let me bring you out. I honestly thought you might just shut me out of the lab."
"Well... it IS technically yours too." Viktor sipped his tea, giving a relaxed little noise.
As the two partners continued their soft chat, their food was brought over. Jayce had gotten Viktor a simple broth and noodle with an egg for some protein. Something he knew would warm the other, but be easy to keep down. Though his own order was quite the bit more... extravagant. The tanned man couldn't help but feel a little warm under the collar as Viktor's golden eyes stared a bit at the large bowl of ramen, piled high with extras, his side of steamed buns, as well as gyoza.
Viktor chose not to say a thing though, giving his thanks and taking a small sip of his broth, looking off to the side as to not spook the larger man.
Jayce smiled nervously, nodding before he dug in hungrily.
As the thinner man nibbled lightly on a noodle he watched Jayce eat, a little enamored with the whole thing. It was interesting how different they were. He could barely keep things down at times, but he was rather enjoying how the other was practically inhaling his ramen, reaching over to poke at a gyoza every once in awhile. He looked happy like this... like the calories and tastes were really cheering him up. Viktor pondered a bit before he spoke.
"You're hungry tonight, aren't you? Tough day in the office?" He smiled with a playful tone, trying not to spook the other.
Jayce rubbed the back of his neck, slurping a noodle before quickly wiping his mouth.
"Heh... m-maybe? I missed dinner, ok. Heh, we don't all run on air and sweetmilk like you."
"Mmm yes, but you're quite enjoying it. It's... eh, cute? I suppose I never noticed how much you liked food."
Jayce gulped a little, putting down his chopsticks and spoon. Viktor tilted his head. He'd spooked him.
"It's... ok, you know. I did not mean it like that. Here."
He nudged the plate of buns closer to his partner.
"I was simply observing. You can have as many as you like. Heavens knows I couldn't eat them. I was just stating a fact... you've been stressed..."
Jayce hummed a little, taking the offering and picking up one of the six buns. They were meant to be shared, but he knew Viktor wouldn't be partaking of any. He took a bite, thinking a bit before he scarfed down the rest of it and grabbed another.
"Yea... And you are SO not helping right now." The larger man gave a playful little chuckle and continued to happily munch. They continued their chatting, making up for lost time, Jayce steadily working his way through his whole spread of foods as he talked between mouthfuls. Viktor had long since finished his meal, unable to finish his bowl, but he'd take it to go. Right now his golden eyes were on the buttons of Jayce's dress shirt, pulled tightly over his softened chest, but clearly straining around his middle where he'd definetly put on a few pounds in the last months or so... He wondered how much more there was under there. The Zaunite wondered when that happened... for such an observant man, he'd missed that bit of filling out on his partner. He wondered if Jayce was shy about it... or maybe he didn't realize how much it was and hadn't gotten a new shirt...
When their meal was over, and both of the men were feeling a lot better about their conversations and stomachs, they headed out into the nice cool night air, Jayce offering to carry Viktor's to-go bowl. The thinner man couldn't help but feel a little nostalgic in the moment, just the two of them, no politics between them. He walked a bit closer to Jayce as they made their way back to their apartment complex, taking in the night sounds of Piltover. Finally Viktor broke the silence, giving a rather curious look, leaning against his crutch.
"You know... you've really amazed me tonight Talis. I didn't think you cared this much."
Jayce invaded his space, hand hovering over Viktor's thin waist before he was sure it was alright. "Viktor... of course I care I'm just..."
"Thick headed?"
Jayce made a mock annoyed face. "I wasn't gonna say that, but okay." He laughed softly, taking the pluge and letting his warm hand rest against Viktor's hip, tugging him over a bit.
"So... would you want to come over to this thick headed partner of your's apartment for the night? It's already so late... and I'm full of soup and sleepy."
Viktor hummed, walking, tugging Jayce gently along with him in the direction of Jayce's apartment now.
"You're really pushing it tonight, aren't you.... I commend that. Always a go getter... Though you are full of way more than just soup. I'm amazed you can even keep those eyes open."
Jayce huffed playfully, happily walking along, holding onto the other.
"Hey... I'm a growing boy!"
Viktor couldn't help but blush at the thought, suddenly his mind opening a bit at the idea... he pushed a bit as they neared the front door.
"You certainly are growing, that's for sure. You know, if I didn't know any better I'd say someone needs a new shirt."
As Jayce opened the door to his apartment, he blushed, ushering the other inside. Viktor had been here before, though it had been so long since; Jayce was happy to have him back around in good spirits.
"I-is it that obvious... oh my god. I knew I needed to go on a diet. It's just... I get so hungry and it tastes goo--"
"Jayce. yes I noticed, your buttons are practically holding on for dear life. Though... I must admit, it's... a very nice look on you."
Jayce squeaked a bit, hurrying to put Viktor's leftovers in his fridge.
As he came back he shyly peeked out into the living room, Viktor had already seated himself on Jayce's old couch, needing to take a load off of his tired leg. He smirked up at the other a bit before leaning his crutch to the side. Jayce quickly sat down beside him at the silent invitation, the weight on the couch causing Viktor to slide over even closer into the other's space. Viktor was a bit pleased at this. He'd never really considered Jayce's personal tendencies to be so cozy. Being wrapped up in being annoyed at him lately... it seemed he had forgotten to.... pay attention to how the other really was inside... before all of the fame and politics clouded it all.
Viktor cleared his throat, sliding a thin finger down to playfully poke curiously at Jayce's softened side.
"Do you even have abs anymore~ I always thought you were the workout all the time type, but you're just handsome by default aren't you..."
Jayce gulped, his body reacting to the soft ministrations. It... sounded like teasing, but it was so tender and felt like something else entirely. It made him hopeful. He hummed a bit and began to undo his shirt, soft tan skin being revealed first on his softened chest, then slowly down to his belly. It was very true he didn't have abs anymore... it had been awhile since he'd worked out honestly. His belly pooled out slightly as he let out of nervous breath, looking to Viktor's golden gaze in want of some sort of positive reinforcement.
Viktor's mouth was slightly agape as he watched this little show at first, eyes roaming down to take in Jayce's softened pecs... noting that his jaw was actually a bit softened as well, though he hadn't noticed. Gods... why did this do things to him. His eyes continued down to blatantly stare at the soft belly that Jayce now sported, set atop wide and tan hips; Jayce's pants buttoned still, but clearly being a little tight as well.
"...You really think I'm handsome?"
"Jayce... how could you think I didn't... we've kissed before... of course I do. Were you worried a little weight would change that? Mn... I have to admit its... ehm... Goodness... you've gotten so soft."
Jayce blushed, sucking in his stomach reflexively, but Viktor slowly moved his hands to slide under the sides of his shirt, parting the front and sliding his long fingers around to squeeze lightly at soft tan hips, thumbs kneading at his soft middle. Jayce let out the breath shakily, gaining a pleased noise from Viktor as his soft belly filled and overflowed his hands. He was drawn to it... chuckling softly as Jayce nearly purred at the attention.
"Do you like that? You like being soft, don't you... you're just shy...."
Jayce's brown eyes looked a little unsure as he looked away a little.
"Jayce come now... you're perfect, this is actually quite handsome... and it suits you... you're a softie anyway. And I know how much you enjoy desserts~"
He couldn't argue with that, he groaned, nuzzling up to Viktor finally; earning a soft little gasp. Jayce whined softly, wrapping his arms around Viktor's lithe frame and tugging him close, squishing him against his bare front. Viktor's face was hot, his ears burning.
"Yesssss I actually like it a lot, Vik... I feel so silly, but these... are totally not the first pants I've almost outgrown. I've actually gone up a few sizes."
Jayce mumbled shyly into Viktor's neck, kissing one of the moles there. Viktor's brain short-circuited a bit as he let his hands moved down to curiously squeeze at his partner's larger thighs, amazed he could have let so much get past him while he was buried in work. It was true, Jayce's thighs still felt strong, but they were definitely bigger... softer... oh god, no wonder his ass had looked so good in his pants lately, it was probably bigger too. Viktor had never really... considered his preferences with people. He was just happy when someone even showed attention to him like this, but perhaps... Jayce plus about fifty pounds was in the right direction.
"Let me see... gods I can't believe I hadn't noticed... You feel amazing Jayce. I just want to lay on top of you and burying my face in your chest..."
"I mean... if you really want to~"
It was Viktor's turn to squeak, Jayce quick to gently push Viktor off of him for a moment while he struggled to wriggle out of his too tight pants, freeing those glorious thighs... they really had gotten soft. They were thick and tan and Viktor was staring. Jayce couldn't help but blush but grin widely. He felt... loved.
"You're still clothed though, baby.... lemme just... em, if it's ok?"
Jayce was back in Viktor's space, hands at his vest buttons. Viktor swallowed hard and nodded to allow the other to slowly undress him. It was only fair. First the vest, then the shirt... leaving Viktor's thin frame and back brace revealed. It made Viktor shrink a bit to have his hardware out in the open; the cold metal and leather was always such a marring object in intimacy. It was bulky, and sometimes Viktor just wished he didn't need the damned thing. But Jayce, oh that sweet Golden Boy, leaned forward, kissing at his chest lightly; warm hands around his back before he was slowly guiding Viktor to lay on top of him, flush against his soft front as he nuzzled and kissed at Viktor's sharp jaw.
"You're still perfect too you know, Viktor..."