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Chapter Text

Viktor doesn’t remember much about his childhood. The few memories he has include moving to the United States from Czechia and being adopted by his father, Singed. 

Viktor had been five when he was picked up and shipped off to a new country, far away from his parents whose faces had vanished from his mind. He remembers cold nights that made his leg stiffen up so badly that he could barely walk the next day. He remembers stepping out from the bus with the other kids, entering a world of rapid English and suffocating city smoke. Not one person around him spoke Czech. He was so unbearably alone. 

A few years later, Viktor saw a man enter the orphanage, bag slung over his shoulder. He looked around at the children, who were all silently observing his every move. Hoping to escape the prison where the caretakers were strict and beatings were more common than the flu. The man spoke to one of the women and pointed at Viktor. He chose Viktor, with his broken English and his broken boat that had been cruelly thrown into a wall by another boy. The man, Singed, took Viktor by the hand and brought him home, where Viktor was free to tinker to his heart's content. 

Viktor remembers every moment in which he lost or found home. Immigrating to the United States, being treated as inhuman for so many years. Running away as fast as he could, away, away, away, because he didn’t think anyone could love him. Tripping and falling, Singed finding him, all bruised hands and scraped knees in the woods, hand on his shoulder telling him that “you have a home, Viktor”. 

But mostly, he remembers Jayce. The boy he met at the ripe age of eight, who first pushed away the bullies and asked if Viktor was okay. Viktor remembers being starstruck by hazel eyes and genuine smiles framed by chocolate-colored hair. He remembers their first real hug, where Viktor was so overcome by gratitude for Jayce helping him fix his cane that he pounced onto Jayce, burying his face in his chest. Viktor remembers the smell of vanilla and car grease. 

Viktor remembers Jayce looking at Mel. He remembers how his eyes lit up every time he saw her, and Viktor remembers how his stomach twisted every time they interacted. The perfect girl with her perfect hair and perfect clothes. As if Viktor could ever compare to her, he thought bitterly.

He remembers first reading about love. How it was this feeling like butterflies in your stomach, like turning around and seeing a beautiful sunset. The joy and freedom that came with love. 

Viktor remembers realizing how he felt about Jayce. Love. Viktor has never once found a word that truly captures what he felt for Jayce, but love comes quite close. Viktor remembers wanting to touch Jayce, when he wouldn’t even think about touching anyone else. Viktor remembers wanting to kiss Jayce for the first time. He remembers when Jayce kissed him on the cheek, Viktor’s cheeks blooming roses. Viktor remembers feeling so full around his hazel-eyed sunbeam that he felt like bursting into a million butterflies. 

He remembers joy. 

“Viktor, we’re leaving”. Viktor remembers dread. 

He remembers being forced to pack his things, teardrops soaking through his folded clothes. He remembers being told that he had to leave, for “work reasons”, which made Viktor want to scream. He remembers mumbling, “I want him”, through his tears, never once referring to his father. Viktor remembers his stomach dropping when he realized this was real, that he was never going to see Jayce again. He remembers his ten year old hands grasping for Jayce’s sweater. Viktor remembers yelling “I love you” in one last, desperate attempt to stay with Jayce, his sunbeam, his reason to keep going through the dark world. He remembers being dragged away into the car, the silence following his tears ringing louder than a nuclear bomb.

Chapter Text

- 15 years later -

“Zoning out again Jayce?” 

Jayce’s head snapped up and found Caitlyn’s aquamarine eyes. She leaned against the counter, mischievous grin spread wide across her face. Jayce hurriedly finished the order he was working on and handed it to the customer before turning to his sister. 

“Shut up, Caitlyn. As if you don’t also zone out at your job.” 

“I actually can’t, Jayce. I’m a lawyer! What if the person I’m up against says something crucial and I miss it?”

“Okay, okay, well in my defense I’ve been here for five hours. I’m tired and my shift doesn’t end for another thirty minutes.” 

Jayce turned around and started working on orders, chatting with Caitlyn as he filled out drinks and handed them off. Iced americano, mocha latte, and… straight black coffee. Well, it’s not Jayce’s job to question orders, but black coffee, really?

“Jayce, listen to me, that is not a healthy work schedule. You’re not even supposed to be working right now. Your shift ended a while ago.” 

“My coworker was going to propose to his partner, he needs time to get his nerves out. Besides, it’s not that bad.” 

“Jayce.” 

“I won’t do it again, Cait.” 

“That’s what you always say.” 

The next day, Jayce was once again working a double shift (his other coworker had to pick up her kid), dishing out cannolis and caramel lattes left and right. He was starting to slow down, the length of the day wearing down on his patience and stamina. Jayce had almost put salt into someone’s sugary drink not fifteen minutes earlier.

Sometimes it felt like Jayce was chasing exhaustion, or maybe exhaustion was chasing him. He couldn’t tell. 

Jayce glanced up at the clock. Forty-five minutes left. He could do this, right? Just finish this americano, move onto the next. Mechanical, robotic, hopefully no room for error, because–

“Jayce?” 

His fingers froze, because his name was not said in his sister’s British accent, nor his mom’s Mexican accent. The syllables of his name tumbled with a Czech accent he’d last heard years ago. The voice was deeper, yet Jayce’s heart began to race with recognition. As if he’d ever forget the voice of the boy whom he had been in love with for years. The boy whom he’d recognized his feelings for too late, when he was dragged away to who knows where, fingers tugging at Jayce’s sweater in a desperate attempt to stay together. The screams that followed their separation. 

Viktor stood in the doorway of the small café, and Jayce knew he was done for. Dark grey sweater hanging loosely over his frame, cane tucked beneath his arm. His brown hair had grown out, tied up in a half-up-half-down style. He was so, so beautiful, even fifteen years later. Jayce’s ten year old heart raced inside his twenty-five year old body. He set the order he was working on down onto the counter. 

“Viktor?” He breathed. “My God.” Well, we’re off to a great start and he’s gonna think I’m weird now… I can’t even form a proper sentence. 

“What are you doing here?” Viktor asked. 

Jayce threw him a boyish smirk, already falling back into their old, easy rhythm. “Well, V, believe it or not, I work here.” Viktor let out a small chuckle and leaned against the counter. 

“Where have you been all these years?” 

“I could ask you the same question.” Jayce’s smile softened as he processed the fact that Viktor was here, that they’d found each other again. Viktor’s expression darkened for a moment, and he sucked in a shaky breath. 

“My father moved us to Boston so he could become a professor at Harvard. He thrived there, and his business friends came over a lot to our house for parties and such. I didn’t do as well. I never made friends there. I guess I just… I missed you, Jayce.”

A loud cough from a customer who was waiting in line suddenly had Jayce scurrying back to the register, apologizing for any inconveniences. Viktor waited patiently near the coffee machine, a gentle smile on his face. The two men continued to chat while Jayce completed orders, covering the past and hopes for the future. It was almost like they’d never been separated, and Jayce couldn’t be more grateful. If he and Viktor had ended up too different, they may have never reconnected. And, a tiny part of Jayce hoped that maybe, they would get another chance.

Forty-five agonizing minutes later, Jayce was hanging up his apron and stepping out into the main part of the café. Viktor was waiting, just as patient as when he was a boy. Jayce felt his face break into a grin and he pulled Viktor into his chest, breathing in his scent. Honey and cinnamon with a faint hint of smoke; so perfectly Viktor that it made Jayce want to cry. Viktor’s arms slowly wrapped around Jayce’s waist, making Jayce’s breath hitch. 

“I missed you,” he breathed, face in the crook of Viktor’s neck. 

“I missed you too, Jayce,” Viktor whispered, his warm Czech accent filling up Jayce until he thought he might burst. Gods, he was still so down bad for this man, and they hadn’t seen each other in fifteen years. 

Jayce was certain that Viktor was going to be the death of him, but damn, what a way to go.

Chapter Text

- a week later - 

Jayce: I’m almost done with my shift, where r u? 

Viktor: Outside. Take your time, I can wait. 

Jayce: Yeah, well I can’t wait to get out of this shift tbh

Jayce: I got yelled at by a customer for my bi flag earlier :( 

Viktor: That’s terrible. 

Jayce: I’m ok

Jayce: It doesn’t bother me anymore 

Jayce: I’m honestly just excited to see u 

Jayce: It’s been so long

Viktor: I fear that I have not changed much since I was a child.

Jayce: U grew up V 

Jayce: thats a change 

Viktor: You’re… not wrong, Jayce. 

Jayce stepped out onto the dimly lit street, his eyes searching for Viktor. He found him standing by a lamppost, illuminated by the glowing bulb overhead. 

“V! I thought you were going to leave without me!” Jayce exclaimed, running over. 

Viktor smiled. “Jayce, we’re going to get food, and I’m paying. Why would I leave?” 

“Viktor, I can’t possibly let you pay for my food.” 

Viktor shoved Jayce’s shoulder. “I suggested the idea, Jayce. I’m going to pay, whether you like it or not.” 

They started ambling slowly down the sidewalk, and Jayce found himself wanting to hold Viktor’s hand. Not just the casual touches, but the fingers entwined, thumbs rubbing soothing circles onto the backs of hands, kind of hand-holding. Almost like a couple. 

Jayce has never really entertained the idea of soulmates. The idea that two souls could be made for each other, created to click perfectly, never seemed realistic to him. But, in the few weeks he’s had Viktor in his life again, Jayce has started to believe, just a little bit. Because, what other explanation would there be, for them to fall into their easy rhythm after being torn apart for fifteen years? Jayce undeniably still loves Viktor, even though they’ve both grown up. It feels as if no time has passed, despite over a decade of tears and longing and separation . Jayce still loved Viktor. Two souls cut from the same cloth, perfectly fitting together like a puzzle. 

“You’re staring,” Viktor said, interrupting Jayce’s thoughts. 

“Oh- uh… sorry?” Jayce tried, turning his face away. He started fidgeting with his hands, speeding up his pace a bit as well. 

They walked in silence for a few blocks, the only noise coming from Viktor’s cane tapping the ground as he walked. They eventually reached a corner a few blocks down, where Viktor guided Jayce into a small, quaint coffee shop with leafy wallpaper. 

Viktor and Jayce walked over to a small table in the back, where Viktor sat Jayce right next to him. And, Jayce noted, immediately pressed his arm up against Jayce’s. Gods, he’s pretty.

A waiter arrived soon after, asking for their orders. Viktor said something, but Jayce couldn’t tell because, it turned out that Viktor’s touch was too damn addicting.

A plate arrived, laden with a fluffy danish and a blueberry muffin sprinkled with coarse sugar. Jayce handed the muffin to Viktor, who nodded in gratitude and started nibbling at the edges. A small cup of coffee was placed in between them, and they each took turns alternating drinks. Jayce felt he might die of happiness, because he was indirectly kissing Viktor. Was it normal to want to marry someone so soon? 

They continued eating, chatting casually about their lives, despite the fact that what Jayce was feeling was anything but casual.  

“Uh, do you want to come home with me?” Jayce asked. Then, realizing how that sounded, quickly clarified. “To, um, watch a movie? It might be fun.” 

“Sure,” Viktor replied, handing his card to the waiter. “Why not?” 

Jayce smiled and just looked at him. He still couldn’t believe that Viktor was here, with him, after all this time. That the job he had wanted to quit managed to bring him back to the most important person to him, ever. Maybe they had a chance this time. 

“Jayce, what are you thinking?” Viktor asked. That I love you, and I’m sorry that I never told you before. That I regret not looking harder for you. I’m so grateful that I have you again and I want to hold you and never, ever let go. Would that be bad? Viktor, I’ve never found someone else, I’ve never even thought about trying, because all I wanted was to have you back. I know it’s too early for confessions, but I love you I love you I love you so much and I never want to lose you again, Jayce thought, never voicing the burning confession inside him. 

“I, uh, it’s just really great to have you back, V,” he breathed. Jayce felt his cheeks heating up, and quickly looked away from Viktor. “Uh… we should go?” 

“Yes,” Viktor agreed, standing up from the table. He extended a hand to Jayce, who threaded their fingers and stood up. They ended up standing right in front of each other, chests almost brushing, Viktor looking up at Jayce, and, gods , his cheeks were so red. 

Jayce coughed and glanced down at their joined hands. “Is this okay?” he whispered. Viktor gave a small nod, and stepped away a few inches. However, Jayce noticed gratefully, he did not separate their hands. 

“Let’s go, Viktor.” 

“We should watch Luca, Jayce.” 

“No, Viktor. I’ve seen that movie too many times. Whenever Jinx comes over with her daughter, Isha insists on watching that movie,” Jayce retorted, scrolling through Disney+. Viktor made a grab for the remote, throwing himself across Jayce’s body, arm stretched towards where Jayce was gripping it. Their noses brushed, only for a second, but Jayce felt his whole body alight with desire. 

Viktor seemed to notice something changing, because he quickly moved off of Jayce. “Ahem, sorry,” Viktor said, clearing his throat. Jayce stared at him, because he was just so beautiful, but quickly snapped out of it. 

Eventually, they did end up watching Luca, and Viktor seemed very invested in shipping the two boys together, smiling at all their interactions. But, the highlight of the night for Jayce was when Viktor shifted over so he was lying on top of Jayce, the crown of his head just under his chin. All of Jayce’s focus was on Viktor now, and he had literally no idea what was happening in the movie, because Viktor was lying on top of him . Jayce was convinced that he was going to spontaneously combust due to all the touching. Viktor’s arm across his body, his legs curled up against Jayce’s stomach. Viktor’s hair brushing his chin and his cheekbones resting against Jayce’s collarbones. Jayce had died and gone to heaven, he was sure of it. There was no way this was happening in real life. 

Jayce could hear Viktor’s soft breathing, surprisingly uneven, but that was probably due to Viktor’s old lung condition. Jayce remembers having to be careful when playing so Viktor wouldn’t break into a coughing fit. Was he still sick? Jayce didn’t know. 

But, for now, Jayce would relish in the fact that the love of his life was touching him. Occasionally, Viktor would snuggle in closer, and Jayce felt like he was going to die. He was probably cold, that was it. 

With a sigh, Jayce turned his head away from Viktor and tried to pay attention to the movie. 

As the credits rolled, Jayce turned to look at Viktor, who had fallen asleep against him. He was sprawled across Jayce’s body, soft breaths causing the hairs in his face to flutter against his skin. Oh fuck, Jayce thought, I’m so, so done for. 

Jayce picked up Viktor into a bridal hold and stepped across the room, careful not to jostle him. He carefully set Viktor down on the bed, brushing a few strands of hair away from his face and tucking a soft blanket over his frail body. He looks so peaceful like this. Jayce walked out of the room, glancing back at Viktor for a moment, and closed the door. 

He then laid down on the couch, exhaustion weighing like boulders on his back. He dreamed of an astral plane, and of dancing with chocolate-brown hair and amber eyes.

Chapter Text

The next morning, Jayce woke up with a start, remembering all the events of the day prior. Sharing coffee, cuddling on the couch, and the overwhelming presence of Viktor, Viktor, Viktor.  

I should probably go check on him, Jayce realized, standing up from the couch and stretching. He ambled over towards the door to his bedroom and carefully pushed it open. He winced when the hinges squeaked, doing his best to silently close the door behind himself.

Viktor was asleep, curled up and tangled in Jayce’s bedsheets. His brows were tense, breathing hard, like he was having a nightmare of some kind. Jayce hurried over and shook Viktor’s shoulder. 

“V? V, wake up.” 

“Jayce…” Viktor mumbled, grabbing Jayce’s wrist. His eyes opened blearily, breathing slightly calmer than before. 

“Hey, Viktor, it’s okay. Were you having a nightmare?” 

“Come here, please.” 

“What?” Jayce asked, confused. 

Viktor sighed, fully awake now, and tugged on Jayce’s wrist, causing the other man to fall forwards onto the mattress. Jayce felt his brain short circuit as Viktor pulled him closer on the bed. 

“Can…can you stay here, for a little while?” Viktor asked, hesitant. 

“Of course, Viktor,” Jayce whispered. Viktor cracked a small smile and kissed the crown of Jayce’s head. Jayce felt his cheeks heat up and stared at Viktor in disbelief. Wha… what was that?

“Was that okay?” Viktor whispered, his cheeks flushing faintly in the dark. Jayce nodded, not trusting himself to speak. Viktor just kissed him. The moment simply continued replaying in his head, over and over and over again. 

And clearly, Viktor woke up with the intent to kill Jayce, because he then kissed his collarbone. Jayce was feeling lightheaded at this point and he wasn’t sure how long he could restrain himself before he would kiss Viktor fully on the mouth. 

So, Jayce decided to kiss Viktor’s sloping cheekbones instead. Viktor’s breath hitched, and when Jayce pulled away, Viktor started kissing a line down Jayce’s neck, causing the other man to gasp in shock. 

“Vik, Viktor, what…” 

“Is there a problem, Jayce?” Viktor looked up at Jayce, hesitating. He ran a hand down his neck and pulled away slightly. 

“No! No,” Jayce panicked. “I just…I think we should get ready for the day. We were gonna go to the garden, remember? And walk around the city?”

“Ah. Ok,” Viktor said, sitting up. “I will go get changed.” 

 “Come on, Viktor!” Jayce exclaimed, dragging the other man by the arm towards the expanse of flowers ahead of them. Viktor quickly followed suit, putting more of his weight on the cane so he could move faster. He seems excited, Viktor thought to himself. 

It was dusk, and they had spent more time eating together than they had initially expected at the restaurant Jayce had picked out. Jayce had remembered that Viktor quite enjoyed it the first time Jayce had brought him a tamale when they were kids. That had sparked Viktor’s love for Mexican cuisine, and Jayce had brought him new dishes every day during school. 

And now, fifteen years later, they spent an afternoon spooning pozole into each other’s mouths, lips smiling around spoons when someone told a joke. Jayce had carefully broken apart a warm tamale and handed half of it to Viktor, who swore he saw blush dusting his cheeks when their fingers brushed. 

A few hours later, Viktor now felt his own cheeks heating as he stared at the Latino boy in front of him, full of joy that had been void when Viktor had walked into the café three weeks ago. Standing in a field of flowers, Viktor gasped softly as Jayce leaned in and tucked a red tulip behind his ear. 

“You look good tonight, mi cariño,” Jayce whispered in Viktor’s ear. Viktor choked for a second. 

“Jayce, what does that mean?” Viktor asked. 

Jayce flushed. “‘My friend’, it means ‘my friend’.” Viktor swore that he’d heard Jayce’s parents say it to each other, but his memory was a bit fuzzy. 

“Alright, I’ll trust you this time, moje láska,” Viktor purred, stepping away to observe some yarrow flowers. Jayce seemed to stutter for a moment, and Viktor paused. Did Jayce learn Czech in the past fifteen years? Did he know what Viktor had just said moments earlier?  

“Ay amor, those flowers look beautiful. Do you want to make a bouquet together?” suggested Jayce. 

Viktor nodded, plucking a few red carnations and handing them to Jayce. Flower language wasn’t his strong suit, but Viktor was a coward, and he would confess in any way except the one that would tip his heart off the edge of the knife threatening to pierce it. A few stems of baby’s breath and red chrysanthemums later, Viktor was blaming his pink cheeks on the cold wind. It was June, but some details weren’t necessary. 

 After a few hours, Viktor handed Jayce a bouquet of red, pink, and white camellias. You’re adorable, you’re a flame in my heart, I long for you. Jayce looked up then, and Viktor could swear there was a galaxy of stars in his eyes.

“I love you…” Jayce breathed, and Viktor’s heart stopped. 

“Jayce? What do you mean by that?” Viktor took a step back, refusing to get his hopes up. Jayce filled the gap between them and took Viktor’s hands into his own. 

“I mean exactly what I said, V. I love you, so, so much. But I can’t imagine life without you, so if you don’t feel the same, please let me at least stay in your life. I can’t lose you, and I’m sorry that my feelings might make you uncom-” Viktor cut him off with a soft peck. 

“I love you too, Jayce Talis.” 

Chapter Text

Viktor walked up the path to Jayce’s house, his hand hesitating at the doorknob. His fingers closed around the cuff of his sweater sleeve, attempting to dry his sweaty palms. 

Without warning, the door flew open, and Viktor was greeted by Jayce’s blinding smile. Jayce pulled his boyfriend into a crushing hug, and once his arms loosened, Viktor pressed his forehead to his.

“Viktor! You came!” 

“Of course, Jayce. Meeting your partner’s parents seems to be an important part of the whole dating process, and it would be rude for me to reject their request for a meeting,” Viktor rambled, resting a hand on Jayce’s arm and following him inside. 

As Viktor pulled off his shoes, Jayce headed to the kitchen to announce his boyfriend’s arrival. This seemed to create a larger fuss than Viktor initially expected, voices rising in the other room. 

Jayce returned to stand next to Viktor, his family close behind. Viktor was first embraced by a woman with a warm smile and grey-brown hair. 

“Welcome, welcome! We’ve heard so much about you from Jayce. My son really is absolutely smitten with you!” she finished with a wink. Ah, this must be- “I’m Ximena, Jayce’s mother. I am delighted to have you here, cariñito !”

“Thank you for having me, Mrs. Talis,” Viktor responded with a nod. 

Ximena gasped. “Oh, Jayce, mijo, he is so well mannered, just like you said! He’s a wonderful boy, really, a keeper. When’s the wedding?” 

Jayce’s breath hitched. “Mamá! We just got together! It’s too soon!” he stammered. 

“Mijo, you’ve been pining after him since you were boys! You are whipped for this boy! Andale! Lo amas, no?” 

“Si, Mamá, lo amo mucho.”

Viktor was completely lost, but figured he could somewhat understand what was being discussed by the sheer redness of Jayce’s cheeks. Not that Viktor’s face was any less pink — what with the topic of marriage being brought up when he was just meeting Jayce’s family for the first time in fifteen years.

Marriage to Jayce would be amazing, but it was too soon. They had just started dating after fifteen years apart. Viktor had clung to his love for Jayce like a lifeline, but he had no idea what Jayce’s love life had been like in the years apart. Perhaps Jayce had never loved him, and Viktor had misread the signs. 

No, Viktor reminded himself, we’re dating now . Jayce loved him, and Viktor loved him back. They had made it. 

They had spent fifteen years apart, but Viktor was willing to make up for it with a lifetime together. 

The next few months passed by in a whirlwind of dates and kisses and cuddles. Every time Viktor thought he could not be more in love with Jayce, he was soon proven wrong. It didn’t take long for him to decide that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with this man. 

Here they were, sitting on a cliff overlooking a small lake, Viktor resting his head against Jayce’s shoulder. He fidgeted with the small box in his pocket, worries carving a hole in his chest. 

After a few minutes, Viktor stood up, Jayce following close behind. The sun had started to sink below the horizon, casting golden rays of light upon Jayce’s tan skin. Viktor was still shocked at how drop-dead gorgeous his hopefully soon-to-be-fiancé looked.

“Jayce,” Viktor started, nervous. “Where do you see yourself ten years from now?” 

“Um… I don’t know, V, I haven’t thought much about the future yet. I think I’d like a family, maybe a few kids,” Jayce replied, almost fond.

“Oh, yes. That sounds nice,” Viktor mumbled, clutching the small box like a lifeline. 

“And you, Viktor?” Jayce asked, turning towards him.

“I… I’d like to spend it with you, Jayce,” Viktor admitted, voice trembling. He pulled out the box and slowly got his stubborn legs to let him sink down onto one knee. He slowly opened the box, the golden ring resting inside glowing in the light of the dying sun.

“Eh… Jayce Talis, I know we have not been reunited for very long, but if I’m being honest, I never want to be apart from you ever again. I have loved you since I was a young boy, and I wish to continue loving you until the day I die. I know it is a bit… cliche, but it has always been you, no one else. I know I’m rambling now, but my question is, will you marry me, cariño?”

Jayce looked down at Viktor in disbelief, and then burst out laughing. 

Viktor’s hope immediately turned to dread. “I, I, I understand, em, I’ll- I’ll be going now…”  He stood back up, tears welling up in his eyes as he turned to walk away.

Suddenly, Viktor felt a hand grab his wrist, turning him back.

“No! No, Viktor, stay. I was only laughing because, well, I was going to ask you the same question,” Jayce explained, pulling out a second ring box. Viktor felt his tears spill over and his legs gave out, but as always, Jayce was right there to catch him.

“Yes, Viktor, of course I’ll marry you, mi amor.” 

“I love you, moje láska.”