Work Text:
The lights are off in the lab when Viktor enters.
That itself is not unusual. They have automatic sensors that switch off outside of approved work hours, forcing either Viktor or Jayce to step away from their desks and cross the room in order to switch them back on so they can continue working. The two of them have a habit of staying back more often than not, and often joke about rewiring the lights so they won't have to do it anymore.
When Viktor enters the lab though, it’s only 12:34 PM, meaning the lights have been manually switched off.
The lab is dark and silent. The blinds have been drawn closed, leaving only the smallest sliver of light shining across the floor and bouncing off the edge of Viktor’s desk.
Viktor frowns.
Heimerdinger had caught him on his walk in this morning, claiming he needed Viktor’s attention for something. He was rather nonspecific on the matter, so Viktor had sent Jayce a message via errand boy letting him know that he would not be in today.
All in all, Heimerdinger’s quandary (A broken type-writer Viktor had designed for him when he was still his assistant) only took four hours. Viktor would have weaseled himself out sooner if the yordie hadn’t spent most of that time asking Viktor inane questions about his personal life, and then moving on to questions about HexTech when it became clear Viktor had nothing else particularly interesting going on in that area. It was only when Heimerdinger tried broaching the subject of Jayce that Viktor fully removed himself, listing off instructions on how to finish the repair himself as he made his way to the door. Most of the intricate work had been finished anyway.
Viktor assumed he would find Jayce working in the lab when he returned. In fact, he had been looking forward to seeing what his lab partner had accomplished in his absence. The two are right on the precipice of a breakthrough in their personal projects at the moment, as well as nearing yet another deadline for the HexGates.
They have been working tirelessly these past few weeks, and so the empty lab is a surprise. Jayce is not the find of man to shuck off his responsibilities just because Viktor got called away.
Viktor steps further into the lab, his cane clicking against the tiled floor. Something moves, and from behind their couch comes a slurred and quiet noise.
Jayce is hunched against the floor when Viktor finally spots him. One of his notebooks has been discarded a few feet away, like Jayce had been trying to work even in this strange position, but had quickly given up.
Jayce’s temple is pressed flush against the cool tile, his eyes squeezed shut and his face visibly pale, even in the dark light of the lab.
Viktor studies him, curious. An inkling of concern works its way into his chest.
The end of Viktor’s cane nudges Jayce’s shoulder, and the man hisses in response, shrinking away from it. Viktor hums, and then slowly crouches down, gripping his cane tightly.
Jayce’s forehead is warm, flushed and covered in sweat. Viktor presses his palm against it, and watches with interest as Jayce leans into the touch, a pained noise slipping from his lips. He swipes his thumb feather-light against the bridge of his nose and receives another sound.
“Have you taken pain medication?” Viktor asks, keeping his voice quiet and gentle. Jayce’s nod is a slight thing, barely detectable. “How much have you taken?”
“‘s just a headache,” Jayce grinds out, voice weak. Viktor’s gaze turns towards the closed blinds and switched off lights, and then to Jayce’s hunched form and the way he seems to be attempting to disappear into the cold tile. For once, Jayce appears small. “I can go home I just–” His voice breaks off, lips pressing tightly together. He swallows stiffly, and Viktor watches a shiver wrack through his frame. “Just give me a bit.”
Viktor reaches forwards again and brushes a sweat-soaked piece of hair away from Jayce’s face. His fingers slip further, until he’s combing gently through Jayce’s mussed hair. Viktor watches as Jayce’s lips unpurse, and he pulls a deep breath in through his nose.
Viktor reaches further again, finding the back of Jayce’s neck and pressing firmly against the tight muscle where his neck meets skull. Jayce gasps and squirms against the floor, his hand shooting up to grab at Viktor’s wrist before halting mid-air.
“Oh,” He sighs, leaning back into Viktor’s touch.
“Do you feel nauseous?” Viktor prods gently.
“Before. I did, but…” He sighs in slight relief.
“You are having a migraine, Jayce,” Viktor says, matter-of-fact. Jayce frowns, looking like he wants to argue. He leans further into Viktor’s touch instead. “I am going to get you some more pain medication, and water. And then we are going to move to the couch.”
“No,” Jayce refuses, a slight whine to his voice. “No, this is fine. I’m okay.”
“Trust me,” Viktor asks, and starts to pull away.
“Please don't,” Jayce begs, but doesn’t try to pull Viktor’s hand back.
Viktor rises from the ground, knees aching from the position and tile. It takes him a few minutes to hunt down everything he needs, and by the time he returns Jayce has curled further in on himself.
“I cannot lift you up,” Viktor explains softly, nudging Jayce with his cane again. “You only need to make it to the couch. I will take care of the rest.”
Jayce doesn’t move for a moment. His own hand has found the back of his head, and he presses uselessly against it, trying to find the same spot Viktor had. Eventually, he shifts and pushes himself up on shaking arms. He gasps in pain, but pushes through enough to stand up, walk a few steps, and collapse lengthwise against the couch. Viktor follows quickly behind him, lifting his head up for a moment so he can sit against the couch and lay Jayce back into his lap.
“Oh,” Jayce huffs, some of the tension leaving his shoulders as he relaxes back against Viktor.
“Don’t get comfortable yet,” Viktor hums softly, reaching forward to pick up the pain meds and glass of water he had placed on the coffee table earlier. Jayce is easier to rouse this time, and he takes the pills and glass obediently. When he lowers himself back down, Viktor lays a damp, cool cloth against his forehead, and Jayce moans in relief.
“Thank you,” Jayce breathes. Viktor’s fingers find the back of his neck again, and something warm pulses through him.
Viktor is so used to perceiving Jayce as this unstoppable, powerful force. He is tall and strong, tanned and pretty. Committed and intelligent. Infuriatingly perfect. Jayce’s mind and body never seem to fail him the same way Viktor's do, and it is so easy to resent him for it.
Since the start of their partnership, Jayce has yet to falter. He hasn’t had to take a day off or step away from their work. He has been there to help Viktor whenever he requires it, and Viktor appreciates the help, he does. But–
It’s nice to have Jayce need him for once.
They spend the afternoon and evening like that. Jayce drifts in a pained half-conscious state for several hours, before finally going limp and falling asleep in Viktor’s lap. Viktor combs his hair, and eventually drifts off as well, head leant awkwardly against the back of the couch.