Work Text:
-Did you know the academy is getting a pool?
-Hm?
Viktor stopped mid writing on the chalkboard to look back at Jayce, who was delicately placing and tightening a serie of bolts in a piece of machinery. He continued talking while his hands worked almost automatically. It was, like usual, extremely late at night, and besides their workshop, most of the rooms in their vicinity were dark and empty. Earlier that day Ximena, Jayce's mom, had visited. The concern that was plastered all over her face exacerbated when her eyes noticed the ever expanding piles of scraps that filled every corner. The past few days had been tough for the inventors, who were usually able to help each other out of burnout, but after a series of explosions managed to dislodge one of the roof fixtures outside their room, followed by a stern talking to, their already foul mood had noticeably soured. Ximena had kindly provided them with food, and her calming words could have been healing in any other circumstance, but in that moment they only meant that their mess up was already being discussed outside the Academy's walls. At least the meal meant they were able to skip going outside the lab, and avoid the glares of others. After some time making conversation, Viktor excused himself so he could go back to his station, only half hearing Ximena lecturing Jayce about not staying too late, yet her knowing eyes told him she knew her son was probably going to spend another night there anyways.
-Heimerdinger told me about it-Jayce stopped his tinkering and looked at him- one of the academy sponsors noted their concern about the students spending too much time on their labs, and not enough worrying about their health.
Viktor rolled his eyes, going back to his writing. Surely, it was much less about the welfare of the students, and more about the Academy not being entertaining enough for them when they came to visit.
-I went looking for it before, and it's pretty much fully built, it will probably be open soon.
Viktor only answered with a small noise, ready to go back to his equation, but the movement Jayce made while standing up stopped him. Jayce stopped at his side, examining his rushed writing.
-So, I was thinking-he took one of the chalk pieces scattered in the edge of the board and, after erasing one of the numbers with his thumb, wrote another.
-Yes, a pretty usual think for you to do- Viktor wrote the result of the equation based on Jayce's change. He saw his eyes lit up and start to write another sentence under the conclusion.
-Indeed, well, I was thinking about visiting the pool with you someday.
Viktor stopped mid writing to look at his face. His eyebrows furrowed, trying to read Jayce's expression.
-That doesn't really seem.. doable.
He was picking his words carefully, yet, he could almost feel Jayce visibly deflating.
-Why? I thought it could be a great way to relax for a little. -using his entire arm, he completely erased what he wrote- God knows we need some relaxing.
-I'm sorry, but I don't see how being splashed by over eager colleagues and drowning in a puddle would be relaxing.
-It will go well, you can hold onto me, I promise I won't let you drown in a puddle.
This only made Viktor's frown deepen, he greatly disliked to depend on others, not even Jayce. Jayce, to his credit, was able to read his discomfort quickly before correcting himself and trying again.
-I mean, we don't even need to wait for it to be open, we could just sneak in there, so it wouldn't be crowded. Besides - he scratched the back of his neck, red with embarrassment- I've been reading some medicine journals, and apparently water buoyancy can help with back pain.
Viktor looked back at him, his eyes were back to the board, and the blush was creeping up his cheeks. He wasn't able to stay mad a Jayce for long, specially when he remembered his concern wasn't out of frustration, he really cared.
-Alright - he stepped away from the board, wanting to retrieve his notes to compare them once again.-Just give me a heads up beforehand so I don't start any project that would require constant observation
Jayce was at his side in a moment, brushing chalk off his skin. He was smiling, the way he did when he had more to say.
-Actually, we should go today.
Viktor looked out the windows that surrounded the wall, they weren't paying attention to the time, but from the creeping orange that he could see in the horizon, it was likely it was going to stop being "tonight" and starting to be "today" very soon.
-It's like- he glanced at the clock in the wall, and groaned - four in the morning right now, and you want to go swimming?
They both looked exhausted, but their eyes were still bright.
-Yeah!, it's the perfect moment, now that I think about it. I don't know when the pool is going to be announced, it could be tomorrow for all I know.
Viktor just looked at him for a moment, before nodding and going along.
The pool was located in it's own private wing, in a building much lower compared to the ones with multiple floors that surrounded it, thankfully, they didn't have to take any stairs, opting instead to travel there in the same floor their lab was in, avoiding with ease the guards on patrol. It's wasn't like roaming at night was forbidden, but after the last explosion it was better to avoid further suspicions. And, using a freshly built, hextech powered, platform, they traveled lower down until the entrance. It's nearly silent hum, and precise machinery a tangible reminder of all the good they were able to make when their brains weren't constantly struggling.
The door that led to the pool was massive, like most of the architecture in the place, and had a simple golden cord as a deterrent. Pilties, ever the rule followers, probably didn't think twice about the rooms they didn't have access to, thus not needing a more safe lock for it. The door opened when pushed, since, like other common areas, a real lock wasn't included in the design, opting for a folding door that could be pushed against the wall to allow a free entrance to the place. It make little to no noise on its rails when they walked by the small space before closing them again. Both of them stopped to take in the place inside.
It smelled clean, and new, and the water was perfectly still. The pool was a long, rounded rectangle with a light marble trim, where thin streaks of gold shone in the low light emitted by the lanterns placed on the walls. A series of columns were placed evenly around the entire edge, supporting balconies from where bright greenery laid suspended on top of the pool, casting interesting shadows on the water. The place grew brighter, noticing their presence and filling with warm colors that allowed them to see more details, without hurting their dark accustomed eyes. To the left, under the privacy of the balcony, smaller circle pools tangentially touched each other, from their color, it was evident that each of them was a different depth. To the left, a small area included tables with chairs, a wall with smaller spaces where people could leave their belongings, as well as a small circular staircase, that undoubtedly ended on the gardens that adorned the pool, on top of whose clear glass let the sky be seen. It was beautiful.
Viktor walked until the edge of the pool, where a leaf that fell form above created a small ripple. Under the water, in between the white tiles, each adorned with more gold monograms, he could see small contraptions that glowed faintly, its use unknown.
When he turned back to Jayce, he was surprised to find him already undressing, leaving his clothes on a chair he dragged from its assigned place. Once his waistcoat was removed, Viktor could see the way his muscles moved under the thin fabric of his shirt, when he was noticed staring, Jayce stopped, and went to drag another chair for him. Viktor sat on it gratefully, even without having to navigate multiple sets of stairs, the walk there has been enough to make his body start to ache.
-It fells a bit.. unbecoming. -Viktor speaks while he tries to compose himself- for the "man of progress" to take a dip in the middle of the night in his underwear. I'm sure you will be invited to the opening ceremony and everything.
He receives a small smile in return.
-Well, last time I checked, you're the one that said we didn't need to ask for permission. Besides, if I end up having to go, it's likely I wouldn't even be allowed in the water, having fun may be too improper for them.
That made Viktor roll his eyes and huff, his own words being used to chastise him, the subtle criticism towards the council, the comradery Jayce had started to hide ever since more and more eyes scrutinized their projects, finally free to bloom out of the lab. Slowly, after leaning his cane on the chair, Viktor too started to undress, removing his outer leg brace, and folding his clothes neatly on the floor. When all that was left was his underwear and the brace that surrounded his torso, he could feel Jayce's eyes on him.
Viktor was always private about his health, fiercely avoiding most talks about it. But after the first time he felt his spine falter, ending up on a painful fall, Jayce was the one who was with him and urged him to seek advice, the assumption he wasn't doing that already instantly made him furious. That conversation evolved into a pretty nasty fight about personal responsibility and use of resources, and it ended up with Viktor disclosing enough information that Jayce urged him to go ahead with the surgery he was considering getting later on, too preoccupied on what he was developing at that moment. The process was indescribably painful, and even under the effect of pharmaceutics, he was able to feel every incision and hole drilled into his bones, the noise stayed with him for months after. But the fact that he was on rest for what he felt was years was the worst part. Jayce's visits had provided some comfort, they spent hours studying, and creating the new brace he would have to use from then on, changing schematics, and trying the prototypes Jayce created based on them. After moths of use, the beautiful craftsmanship, and the Talis colors still showed the skill he had for creating.
Now, he realized, it was the first time Jayce was able to see the surgery result in full view, the screws that started around his shoulders and continued along his spine, most of them protected under the brace coverings, supported by the strap surrounded one of his shoulders. He continued watching as Viktor, methodically turned each covering until it was released before unfastening the sides, his hand reached him to catch the brace and help him removing it off his body, before placing it carefully on the ground too.
The sudden cold on Viktor's revealed skin made him shiver, and realize that, instead of a calming swim, it was likely all he would get form this stunt would be a nasty cold.
-I feel I have to advice you that, if the water isn's able to help with the back, I really can't be off the brace for more than a few minutes.
Jayce raised up quickly, handing him his cane.
-We should make this quick, then.
As much as the place was beautifully designed, like every other Piltover creation, it was not built with ease of access in mind, the marble would turn slippery once it inevitably got wet, and it was already polished so much his cane has issues gripping to the floor, Jayce kept hovering around him, his face showing he was doubting his choices up until that point. When they were closed enough to the edge of the pool, a set of stairs built inside it appeared, big enough to be sat on, or used to get to the bottom, it was a small victory, since without them Jayce would've had to carry him into the water.
Viktor went in first, managing to walk into the water with his cane until it covered him up to his waist, when he sat on the step, leaving his cane on the edge of the pool, he was covered until his collarbones were underwater. The water was cold, but not freezing, it didn't soothe pain the way a warm bath would, but it wasn't unpleasant either. If the sun had been up, the light going through the windows would have been enough to keep the place warm, now, in the middle of the night, the vegetation stopped most of the drafts that would exist otherwise. Jayce kept walking until he reached the bottom of the pool, and getting to the bottom only left his head above the waterline, that was a problem. While the water that covered his torso was working to lessen the pressure on his spine, since he was sitting, the lower vertebrae were being pressed down anyways.
-Jayce, I will not be able to walk on the bottom of the pool. And, like I's expressed already, I cannot swim.
Jayce's face didn't show surprise at the fact, he was already sitting besides him on the step.
-I assumed so-his face changed to show a glimpse of shyness-but, if you use me as leverage you should be able to submerge until your head is up the water without having to touch the bottom.
He offered his shoulder, his skin shining with the water moving to show the solid muscle underneath, compared to the cold that surrounded them, his body felt comfortingly warm. After a beat, Viktor placed his hand there, and started to move lower with Jayce's help. He was used to Jayce's casual touches, but, for what felt was the first time, he was the one that had to keep his hands on the others body. He was expecting that Jayce would place his arm around his waist to be able to maintain balance, but the water lessened their weight enough that he was able to keep steady only with one hand. The change he felt was immediate, it was disconcerting to not be able to feel the floor, and he could feel how his body started to stretch, pulled by its own weight. Jayce looked at him intently, providing a solid support should Viktor need it. Once he got used to the sensation, Jayce, very slowly, started to walk, taking him along. The devices on the bottom of the pool hummed quietly, sending waves that could be felt on their skin, gradually, while they made their way to the other side of the pool, the water started to warm up, not enough to be considered hot, but enough to stay pleasant.
-So thats what those machines are for, fascinating.-Viktor lowered his voice without thinking, trying to catch the noises of the devices.
The devices glowed when they approached, as the ones they left behind turned back off. Jayce placed his hand on Viktor's elbow to get him closer before speaking as well.
-They are programmed to read both proximity and air and ambient temperature, I bet that if they are used while the sun is out, they will also cool the water accordingly.
-I do remember seeing something like this on one of the conventions, I didn't examine it properly then, I wish I could see them in use now.
-We could get a closer look if we go underwater.
Jayce could see Viktor's apprehension on his face. While he wasn't preoccupied about drowning while being beside him, actually swimming was still daunting. When they arrived to the other edge, witch also had stairs, Jayce, after being sure Viktor was safely sitting again, went underwater, skillfully swimming until the closest one of the sensors before going back. He sat on one of the lowers steps and placed his forearm on top of Viktor's knee.
-It looks like they are programmed to be aware of any approaching body as well of each other, and to differentiate things properly so they never get out of sync. Maybe with some sort of frequency, or maybe something in their construction makes them conscious from the get go.-he shrugged- deceptively simple, the really important part is the way the case is constructed to allow all the pertinent information to get in while keeping in mind the material that surrounds it to avoid being overwhelmed or giving false reads. I'm sure you would be able to figure out way more than I did if you could see it.
Viktor made a noncommittal noise, as he watched Jayce turn to watch the pool and press his back softly onto his legs, he was so close Viktor could see the freckles that covered his shoulders, a shade darker than the rest of his skin, they were not noticeable form afar. He glanced down to see his own body, pale in contrast, with the red marks of the brace slowly disappearing, he touched one of the moles spread all over his legs, and touched Jayce's skin next, he felt it twitch. Jayce started to talk without turning to see him.
-Why didn't you learn how to swim as a kid? Were there no bodies of water where you grew up?
His past was another subject Viktor was private about, but from time to time, he let parts of it escape, but only when Jayce was the one asking.
-We had some, buy as you are probably aware, most of them weren't safe for swimming.
-Oh, I didn't even think about that, I'm sorry.
Jayce's voice was soft, as it usually was when he was aware of his shortcomings when it came to information he didn't have. Viktor continued, before he had the time to regret sharing more.
-And, the ones that were adequate for the activity, were still pretty hard to traverse.
Viktor extended his hand so he was able to touch the water in front of Jayce, and slowly traced an irregular shape in the surface.
-I remember one, in particular. It's was a lot of kids favorite because you could scale tue wall easily and jump from there.-he let his hand sink into the water again.-But, even the edge was dangerous, and the bottom was uneven, so I was never able to get in.
He felt his voice break on the last word and stopped to release his breath. Jayce looked back at him then.
-Would you want me to teach you? At least the basics, I've been told I'm a great teacher.
That made a Viktor laugh, the only time he heard someone say that was then Caitlyn Kiramman had asked him to check over her homework, and he was pretty sure she meant it sarcastically.
-Alright, but no jokingly disappearing or anything like that.
-Who do you take me for?
And, with that, Jayce took him away from the edge so they had more space.
-The easiest thing you cold do, is float.
He gestured at Viktor's stomach, asking for permission. Viktor, unsure of his plan, nodded. Jayce walked so he was in front of him and placed Viktor's other hand on his shoulder, before pressing on his stomach softly, making his body rise up. Viktor's eye's opened in surprise, unable to stop his body from lifting, he pressed harder on Jayce's shoulders, Jayce didn't even flinch.
-It's okay, your body naturally will float up no matter what if you let it, I know it feels scary the first time, you can take your time till you're used to it, and push your legs back to be able to stand again.
After the initial shock wore off, Viktor focused on his arms, slightly bended and surrounded by Jayce's hands so they stayed in place even if he faltered. Using his feet, he flexed them and felt the rest of his body follow suit leaving him vertical again.
-Great job! When my parent gave me my fist lesson I was so scared I onto my dad's shoulders and they could not pull me away from there for hours.
Although the mental image was amusing, like every time Jayce's dad was mentioned, the memory was filled with a subtle kind of sadness. Viktor tried to repeat the motion Jayce started and found himself floating again, receiving a bright smile as a reward.
-You understood that really quickly, it's great because regardless of how great of a swimmer someone is, being able to float can save you in an emergency. If you are able to keep your calm underwater, you will be set.
Yet, that was the most troubling part, even more so since Viktor had started to feel his breath falling from time to time. Jayce gripped him delicately, encouraging him. He made him take deep breaths slowly, paying attention to the way air filled his lungs. And making him keep it there for as long as he was able too, witch wasn't very long, but it was easier to do and not panic on the surface.
With Jayce's arms secure around him, Viktor combined his newly learnt skill of floating, with submerging his head entirely and keeping it there. His fingers twitched with the effort, but he didn't let himself feel dread, focusing on Jayce's presence constantly. He was rewarded with a pat on his hair once he raised his hand again.
-Maybe Kiramman was telling the truth, you are a good teacher.
He could practically feel Jayce beam.
After practicing over and over, every time extending his arms further until they were stretched completely, with his hands wrapped around Jayce's who had his own arms extended, it was clear Viktor had grasped the concept completely. So, when Jayce made both of them sink to the bottom instead, Viktor's first emotion wasn't fear, but wonder. Underwater felt like an entirely different world, with the lights from above casting moving shadows on the tiles, and all the noise gone and replaced by his heartbeat on his ears. They were only like that for seconds before coming up again, and while Viktor got his breathing under control, Jayce distractedly brushed the damp hair that adhered to Viktor's cheek.
-You can go down by slowly releasing your breath until you reach the bottom, and raise your hands up and push on the floor to rise again.
That felt way more challenging compared to submerging his head on the surface, he risked running out of oxygen while still being underwater.
-I can always come with you, but I'm afraid the amount of bubbles released by both of us would make it hard to look at the machines on detail.
-You're right, although -Viktor started to use his limbs to guide them closer to one of the machines- I could go down, have a quick glimpse and, with your help, raise to the surface quickly. If that is okay with you?
Jayce nodded, steadying his arms so Viktor would try to sink without losing his grip, after a few tries, he let go so Viktor could go down fully. The white tiles made it easy to watch his descend, and while it wasn't pristine, Jayce could see his adept fingers tracing the edges of the machine for a moment, before reaching up to catch his hand, and using it as leverage. It took longer for Viktor to steady his breathing this time, Jayce watched over him patiently, rubbing calming circles on his knuckles, the water surface was calm before he managed to speak again.
-It is, indeed. a marvelous construction. I had to cut it short, but just from the precision shown on the joints, and the fact that they could replicate it to create multiple devices, I can't imagine how many trials it took!
Jayce smiled brightly, perhaps this adventure wasn't just relieving their stress, but also giving them ideas about their own work. Jayce was so focused in coming up with ideas based on Viktor's suggestions that he was surprised when Viktor submerged again, letting his hands empty. It took him a moment to reorient himself because once he looked down, Viktor wasn't next to where he was standing, and instead had already moved to the next on in line, and whatever he was doing was making the machine change colors rapidly. Jayce looked at him with concern. suddenly aware that a wrong movement on Viktor's part could open the case and electrify the water they were both still on. The worry didn't have time to set in, since Viktor was already trying to go to the next one, before deciding to float up instead. Viktor managed to get to the surface before losing balance and starting to sink again, before Jayce managed to get where he was. With his arm over Viktor's shoulders, he could feel the way his heart was beating wildly in his chest. He talked in between heavy gasps.
-I think I overdid it there.
Jayce could feel, more than hear the soft laugh Viktor was trying to make. Part of him wanted to scold Viktor, but he knew he wasn't the type to do something just because, or as a prank.
-What were you trying to do? -I... noticed the case may have other functions besides the ones it's performing currently. -So you are trying to figure those out while the thing is plugged in, and underwater?
Jayce knew Viktor was able to deduct his concerns without having to spell them out.
-Well, yes, I do thing they should work properly under the conditions that it was created to work under. -That doesn't mean it was programmed underwater too, for all we know it was set up before they filled the pool with water.
Viktor's face didn't show concern, just the deep curiosity that showed itself when he was thinking about a difficult problem.
-Since we weren't electrocuted, and the machine allows manipulation directly, I think it's doable.- He placed a palm on Jayce's chest, pushing him so they faced the other side of the pool.
Jayce let himself be guided until they were in front of the other set of devices. Viktor didn't wait before submerging again. Jayce was starting to get concerned, they have bee there for quite a bit, and while he didn't feel in now, he knew his muscles would hurt later on, it was surely going to be worse for Viktor. When he resurfaced again, he has a glint of his eye that meant a new idea was forming, he pushed Jayce to the center in between the lights, placed his arms on his shoulders, nodding at him, and, after taking a big gulp, went down again, taking Jayce with him. After a few beats in darkness, the devices started to glow, not with the soft warmth from before, but by creating millions of sparkles that glinted on the water and danced with the shadows. It looked like an entire new galaxy, Jayce tried to touch one of the lights and he could see it stick onto his skin, looking back at Viktor, he was also surrounded by them, stuck on his hair and contrasting with the moles that adorned his skin, they both looked dazzling. When they went up again, Jayce too had to catch his breath, and he watched how the sparkles, that still floated underwater, disappeared quickly from their faces, exhausted, he took himself and Viktor back to the stairs.
-I believe that was some sort of party mode.
Viktor was tracing shapes on the air trying to describe the controls.
-It releases some sort of luminescent chemical, that dissipates on the air. Clever, possibly limited use.- As he spoke, the devices turned off again.
-Doesn't that mean that was probably there for the opening ceremony?
Viktor shrugged, unconcerned still.
-I guess they'll have to do with one less shiny thing that day.
He looked suddenly tired, not in pain yet, but Jayce could feel the fatigue catching up with him too. Their legs touched underwater, still adorned with stars.
-Maybe we should get out of here soon - he looked at the sky, where the colors betrayed the hour, the orange covering the windows completely. -Yes, perhaps. But..
Jayce looked back at Viktor, who was instead looking at the still shimmering water.
-It does feel really nice, to be able to stretch fully, even if it's not doable for long periods of time.
-You could try floating on your back, you already got the hang on everything else.
Viktor nodded, putting his hand on Jayce's bicep, while he was still sitting.
-Okay, so, the exact same steps as the last time, but your stomach needs to go up.
He hovered his hands next to Viktor's back, but stopped close to it. Viktor didn't look at him while he spoke.
-It's okay, you can touch them, just don't press hard on them.
With that, as carefully as he could, Jayce put one of his hands in between his shoulders, and the other one in the end of his spine, and pushed up. Viktor's hand pressed more on his arm, but his face didn't show any concern then he found himself glancing up at the ceiling. He felt when Jayce's hands left his back, instead grabbing the arm he had holding onto Jayce. Jayce saw Viktor's face fill with relief once he got his bearing and started to relax the rest of his body, leaving only the arm that connected them flexed, when Viktor lowered himself back to standing, his face was calmer, even happy.
-I think you may be a natural swimmer.
Jayce moved his arms so they were both on Viktor's shoulders again, this time with his back to him, and saw how easily Viktor managed to float back, stretching himself completely. He brought him closer flexing his arms, so it was easier for Viktor to hear him.
-After a few more tries, you'll probably manage to float without me holding on to you.
He was surprised when Viktor's arms went up, his hands landing on top of his own.
-I prefer if you didn't actually.
-If I din't what?
-If you didn't stop holding onto me.
The soft blush that extended on Viktor's chest was matched with the one present on his own skin, Viktor didn't open his eyes to see him, but he knew he was aware of his movements too. They lingered like that for a long moment, Viktor slowly floating, absentmindedly moving his fingers over the ones that still held his shoulders.
When Jayce kissed him it didn't feel come as a surprise, it was comfortable, warm, expected. Perfectly in tune with the movement of the water, the lights dancing under him and the first rays of sun warming the room. When Viktor kissed back he felt a jot of surprise, and his body sink back suddenly, Jayce's hands bringing him close and leaving him half sitting on his legs, half on the steps, their lips still touching. A bright laugh escaped his throat, and was met with a similar one coming from Jayce, whose hands were currently on his arms steadying both of them after the sudden movement, they continued to laugh in between kisses as the birds started to sing, announcing the start of a new day, and only quieted once, side by side, their foreheads touching each other, they saw the sun finally appear on the horizon.