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Jayce had left the lab some time ago, leaving Viktor to his tinkering and experimenting with new equations. The two of them have been basically living in the lab at this point, barely sleeping, too busy with finding new possible applications for Hextech. Jayce had been becoming restless lately and decided to go stretch his legs a little. He also thought that it'd be a good idea to grab some food. It had been a little too long since either of them had eaten an actual meal.
Viktor wasn't being particularly vocal about how he was feeling lately. Jayce knew him though. He was usually very quiet, but the way he wasn't responding much to Jayce - or any small jokes he would through his way - he knew that Viktor was definitely feeling off. Due to the circumstances, Jayce deduced that he was probably just very exhausted and "hangry"; hungry and irritated with basically everything because of it. Not to mention, most of their experiments have had some very undesirable results - which was another reason Jayce had decided to take a break. Of course, he'd encouraged Viktor to come with him, but he was being stubborn. Big surprise there.
Jayce had returned from his short adventure to this cute little corner café that they both very much enjoyed visiting. He halted halfway down the corridor to the lab when he heard a metallic crash accompanied by a strangled grunt. He bolted to the door and threw it open. There were papers strewn about, Viktor's rolling stool was laying on its side, and Viktor was in the middle of the room, swaying side-to-side, pulling fistfuls of his hair. Jayce froze. He wasn't quite sure what he should do, or if he should do anything yet. Sometimes, Viktor needed his space, but with the evidence of an outburst, and the fact that he was actively trying to rip his hair out, Jayce didn't want to leave him by himself. He was right not to leave. Not even a couple, minutes after he had barged in, Viktor began slamming his fists into his head. This wasn't just some frustrated outburst - he was having a full-blown meltdown. Not good.
Jayce discarded everything he was holding on the nearest table, tapped the door nearly all the way shut, and cautiously made his way towards his visibly distressed partner. From what Jayce could see - Viktor's shirt was halfway unbuttoned, his shoes and socks were missing, and he appears to have ripped off his leg brace - which would explain the sound Jayce heard form the hallway. So would the large wrench and the hammer that were now on the floor near the back wall… Jayce was about to call out for him, but the sudden sound of Viktor crying out with his broken voice struck a cord in Jayce and the words died on his tongue.
"Viktor." He finally closed the distance between them. Viktor must not have heard him - he was too far in his head. Jayce called him a little louder, catching him off guard. The smaller man swung an arm out towards the sound of Jayce's voice, too frightened to realize his actions. His hand made contact, knocking Jayce in the mouth, causing him to stumble backwards. He yelped, stunned, and groaned in pain as he brought the back of his hand to his lips. Viktor startled out of his thoughts and slowly realizes what has happened. He began to feel the strain in his legs and collapsed to the floor on his hands and knees. He looked up at Jayce, terrified, as he moved his hand away from his mouth.
"Shit…" Jayce exclaimed quietly. There was a small red splotch where he'd pressed his hand and the familiar taste of metal covered his tongue. His lip was busted. Viktor, horrified by his own actions, began to sob. Oh, no. "Honey, no, it's okay." Jayce bent down and reached out for him, trying to console him. The fear in his partner's eyes was heartbreaking, to say the least. He was about a foot away when Viktor flinched and cowered away. "Viktor, it was an accident, you didn't mean to-" Too late. Viktor scurried under the nearest table and continued to cry hard. Jayce felt horrible. It was nobody's fault. 'Shit happens', as they say. But still…
Jayce stands and began to calculate his next move, but the sound of Viktor's fists cracking against his skull sends him straight into action. Jayce bent forward, using the table as a support, to see exactly what Viktor was doing to himself. To Jayce's horror, the smaller man was scratching at any surface of skin he could get at and biting hard into the meat of his hands and arms, as well as continuing to hit himself in the head. All the while Viktor was inflicting pain on himself, he seemed to be slurring what sounded like the word "bad" to himself, repeatedly.
Jayce wasted no time in getting on the floor with Viktor. Unfortunately, he miscalculated his movements and clipped his forehead off of the edge of the table top. The loud thunk and the groan of pain from the larger man sent Viktor completely off the deep end. He began to hyperventilate as he cried harder yet. He attempted to scramble away from Jayce again, but was caught before he could get anywhere. Viktor yelped as Jayce pulled him from under the table by his "good" leg. He flailed and screamed, trying to escape Jayce's grasp.
"Baby, please, stop." Jayce struggled against the smaller man. He was way stronger than he looked. Viktor yelled and twisted his body, kicking his legs out, becoming increasingly dangerous to both of them. Jayce had no other choice. "Alright-" He hugged Viktor, back to chest, then took his wrists, opposite to his own, and brought them down towards Viktor's hips. He then wrapped his arms around the "x" created by Viktor's arms and squeezed tight, just enough to lock him in place. Jayce craned his head forward and pressed Viktor's head to his shoulder - a precaution to keep him from bashing his skull into Jayce's nose, or any other part of his face.
The two of them stayed like that as Viktor cried it out. Jayce gently rocked him side-to-side, quietly shushing him. "You're okay, baby, I've gotchu." Jayce whispered.
Minutes pass. Viktor stopped trying to escape but was still struggling to correct his breathing and had begun coughing. "Mimic my breathing, honey." Jayce took some deep breaths, pressing his chest to Viktor's back, making sure he could feel the rise and fall. Viktor screwed his eyes shut, doing his best to focus on slowing his breathing, as well as his racing heartbeat. Keeping an arm still firm around the smaller man, Jayce brushed the slightly dampened hair from Viktor's face then wiped his tears and sweat away. His body was on fire. He's definitely gonna crash later.
More time passes as Jayce waits patiently for Viktor to, literally and figuratively, cool down. Once his breathing was reduced to an occasional hiccup, Jayce took the chance to try and talk to him. He wanted to get to the bottom of what happened to make Viktor lose it like this. "You okay, bub?" Viktor was still trembling, but not nearly as bad as before. He shrugs, sniffling and taking a shaky, deep breath, attempting to further ground himself. "Can we talk about what happened?" Viktor gave another shrug. "Can you give me a 'yes' or 'no', please?" The smaller man thought for a few seconds. He didn't really want to talk. He'd rather curl up into the void and just stop existing for a while. He eventually decided on 'yes' and nodded.
"Okay, hun." Jayce loosened his hold just a smidgen, so he wasn't putting anymore strain on either of their bodies. "So, what happened?" Jayce began the game of 20 - or more - questions. "I know some experiments didn't go our way. You got angry?" A nod from Viktor, as well as some shed tears. "Okay. That's okay." Jayce reassured as he brushed the new tears away. "I understand. But, that's not all, is it? Something else set you off?" Viktor gave a heavy sigh and a half-shrug.
Why can't we talk about this later? How am I supposed to explain when I can't even talk? Even if I could, I can't think of the right words to tell you - I DON'T KNOW! The frustration crept its way out once more and Viktor strained against Jayce, a weak effort to escape again.
"No, no." Jayce tightened his hold for a few seconds. "I know you don't really want to talk right now, but, we gotta. If we don't, neither of us will feel better. You know that." Defeated, Viktor slumped back into Jayce. "Are you tired?" A small nod. "Have you been frustrated for a while?" [Nod]. "You hungry?" [Shrug]. "Vik." A small sigh and a reluctant nod. "So everything just kinda built up until you exploded?" A strong nod. "Okay, hun." Jayce completely loosened his grip into a gentle hug and Viktor relaxed into it. "You know you're allowed to take breaks. We don't actually have any deadlines right now." Viktor shrugged, too exhausted now to try and argue. "I know you just want to get things done, but letting it get to the point where you lose it like this is not okay.." Jayce lightly scolded him. Viktor could feel himself slipping as more tears rolled down his hollow cheeks. Suddenly, he felt very small.
Papa is disappointed.
"Vik?" Jayce craned his neck to look at his partner's face. Viktor was crying again, quietly. He rubbed his arms and gave him a peck to his temple. "I've gotchu, sweetheart." Viktor moves away from Jayce for a split second before he whips around and locks his arms around his broad shoulders in a bear hug. Jayce was a bit stunned. He wouldn't expect Viktor to want any sort of contact after what had just happened. He returned the embrace, carefully, and began rubbing circles into his back in attempt to soothe him. A barely audible mumble suddenly came from the smaller man. "Hm? What's up, bub?" Jayce gently encouraged Viktor to repeat himself.
"'M sorry, papa.." The little croaked.
Papa… Oh, honey… "It's okay, baby. We're good. We're okay." Jayce pressed a kiss to his tear stained cheek. Viktor picked his head up, sheepishly looking through his lashes at his caregiver. His gaze fell to his busted lip, the blood began to dry up and scab. The little felt horrible - so much guilt and regret churning in his stomach. Viktor brought a shaky hand up to Jayce's mouth and brushed the tips of his fingers, feather-light, over the split skin. Tears threatened to fall once again. Jayce took Viktor's hand in his and softly kissed his fingertips. Viktor scooted himself closer to Jayce, brushing his nose against Jayce's - a gentle "bunny kiss". A rosy glow dusted both of their faces as Viktor hesitantly closed the gap between their lips. It was sweet, and weightless like the brush of a butterfly's wing, aimed right for the small wound. Jayce melted and his heart sang.
Viktor pulled away, too soon in Jayce's opinion. He attempted to hide his reddened face behind his hair, putting his head down in slight embarrassment. Jayce wouldn't allow it. He gently, yet firmly, cupped Viktor's face with both hands, moving the hair away, and attacked him with kisses and pecks, earning a squeal from him. The little quickly became overwhelmed again, the giggling turning into a strangled groan. Jayce stopped before it could freak him out, and delicately placed his forehead against his - a Zaunite 'kiss'.
Viktor snaked his arms around Jayce's middle, resting his head against his chest, and curling up in his lap like a cat. Jayce continued to rub his back, played with his hair, and began to massage his sore leg. They stayed like that for a while until Jayce noticed the lack of feeling in his own legs and feet. He'd been sitting on them the whole time they were on the floor, and who knows how much time had passed.
"Hey, honey." Jayce gently nudged the smaller man, who appears to have been dozing slightly. Viktor picked his head up with a hum. "I can't feel my legs…" He said with a light chuckle. Viktor sat up and gave him a bit of space so he could stretch out. Jayce gladly relieved the pressure from his stiff joints, sprawling out on the cool floor. Viktor was amused. Papa starfish. He giggled at the thought. An idea popped into his head suddenly. Jayce must be sore from being stuck in that position. I help - massage Papa's leg like he does when mine hurt. Viktor went through with the thought and carefully squeezed Jayce's shin.
Jayce yelped at the sudden odd and intense sensation that shot through his leg. The little was spooked, afraid he'd done something wrong - until the larger man let out a cackle. Viktor looked at him like a confused puppy, his head tilted with a concerned expression.
Jayce picked his head up from the floor, his brows furrowed but he adorned a toothy smile. "That felt weird." He explained. Oh. Viktor's expression softened as he let out a relieved chuckle. Viktor decided not to touch his papa's legs and curled up into his side. They snuggled as they waited for his legs to regain feeling. Jayce played with the little's hair again. Viktor closed his eyes and let himself enjoy the soothing contact.
After a while, Jayce decides to test the feeling by wiggling his toes. There was still a slight tingle, but it was bearable. He gave Viktor a few light taps and began to sit up. "Let's clean you up a little, bub." Viktor sat up with him and raised an eyebrow at the suggestion. Jayce carefully traced the red lines that were shallowly carved into Viktor's forearm. A few scratches were slightly deeper than the others and had actually begun to bleed. Neither of them had noticed until then. Viktor looked down, ashamed and disappointed in himself.
"Hey," Jayce took Viktor's hand in his and gently lifted his face up by his chin. "It happens, sweetheart. No need to feel bad about it." He reassured the little. Viktor avoided eye contact. "This is something that we can work on; experiment with. It's okay. It's a learning curve." Jayce punctuated his sentence with a kiss between Viktor's eyebrows. The smaller man finally made eye contact with a brief half smile. Jayce tucked a thick strand of hair behind Viktor's ear. "Come on. Let's patch up, and maybe get you changed into something a bit more comfortable." Viktor tugged at the open collar of his striped dress shirt and nodded.
Jayce stood first and helped Viktor to his feet then helped him walk to the small bathroom they had built right off from the lab when they renovated. There were the usual basic facilities, as well as a shower with a chair for the times they decide to stay at the lab for a few days or more. They also had a cabinet with towels, washcloths, blankets, and plain spare clothing - including emergency sleepwear and comfort clothing for both of them.
Once inside, Jayce flipped on the soft light and closed the door behind them. Viktor began unbuttoning his shirt completely, noticing a missing button, then undid his trousers. He showed Jayce his shirt once it was off, and he quickly examined the blank spot.
"That's okay. We can sew another one on. No biggie." Jayce took the shirt and put it in the dirty clothing hamper. Jayce turned to the cabinet, giving Viktor a little bit of privacy for a moment, and picked out an oversized dark blue hoodie and some loose boxers and gym shorts. He placed them on the edge of the sink and went back to the cabinet to pick out a change of clothes for himself - a close match in style, aside from his hoodie being a maroon color. Jayce set his new clothes aside and stripped down to his boxers. Viktor leaned awkwardly against the sink, picking at his, already irritated, skin. Jayce took quick yet gentle action to stop him.
He took Viktor's hands in his own and rubbed circles into his knuckles. "Do you wanna take a shower?" The smaller man shook his head. "Okay. Can I give you a little wipe down instead?" Jayce released one of his hands and carefully traced an invisible line, connecting two moles on Viktor's chest. "-clean the scratches; help make your skin feel a little less sticky?" He continued to try and convince the little. Viktor contemplated his options and decided on the wipe-down, begrudgingly. Although, Jayce was right about his skin feeling a little tacky. Viktor made a wiping motion with his palm open, swiping his hand up and down in front of his torso. "Wipe-down?" A nod from the smaller man. "Okay." Jayce released his hand then went and grabbed a soft washcloth from the cabinet. He ran it under warm water from the sink faucet, then wrung it out so that it was only slightly damp. Viktor hopped up onto the counter beside the sink, with a little help, to take some pressure off of his leg.
Jayce gently began wiping the little's face, carefully cleaning his tired features. Viktor played with the drawstrings of Jayce's boxers as he let himself be tended to. While wiping down Viktor's arm, one of the small cuts opened up and began to bleed a little. Jayce noticed and grabbed a tin of bandaids from under the sink, as well as some antiseptic ointment. He picked a colorful small bandaid and dressed the wound. "Pretty colors." Jayce stated once the plaster was secured. Viktor gave him a bittersweet smile. "Wanna pick some more?" The little nodded and took the tin off the counter. He rummaged through the container, selecting a few more bandaids with fun designs on them - bright green space themed, light blue paw prints, multicolored tie-dye, and a small pink one with hearts - as Jayce gently cleaned the rest of his exposed body. He didn't actually need all of these bandaids - most of the scratches didn't really break skin - but Jayce knew that the patterns would make him feel better. He helped him place the plasters in various places - another on his arm, one on his thigh, and one on his opposite shoulder. Viktor saved the pink hearts for last and instead of placing it on himself, he tried to put it on the split in Jayce's lip.
"Aw, thank you, baby." He chuckled warmly at the gesture. Unfortunately, the bandaid wouldn't stick. Viktor pouted and stuck it to Jayce's cheek instead. "That works." The caregiver smiled, and the little returned it. "Alright, let's get dressed." Viktor carefully hopped down from the sink and took his briefs off. Jayce helped him put the fresh boxers and gym shorts on. "Arms up." Jayce placed the oversized sweatshirt over him. Once on, the hoodie nearly reached his knees. So tiny. Jayce quickly changed into his almost matching set. "Good?" A thumbs up from Viktor. "Okay. You wanna go snuggle on the couch?" He asked as they stepped back into the lab, the smaller man clinging to his arm for support. Viktor gave it some thought, noticing the scattered paper and a few tools he'd thrown during his meltdown. He bent down and picked up the hammer that was laying near his bare feet. "You wanna pick up first?"
Viktor gave a slightly pleading look. [My mess.] He signed in answer.
"You sure? we can always get it later." Jayce reassured.
The little shook his head. [Now, please.]
"Okay. I'll gather the papers?"
[O.K.]
Jayce gave a thumbs up and walked to the other side of the lab to start his task. Viktor made his way around the lab, using various surfaces as support, collecting other things he'd thrown in his anger - the large wrench, his leg brace, a book, and a few pens and blueprints he swiped from the table. When did I do that? He shrugged the thought away and walked over to Jayce, using the tables and wall for support. He set the items he'd collected on his desk and picked up some of the papers on the floor, as well as his rolling stool.
Jayce finished collecting the rest of the papers and placed the small stack on the table, near the forgotten food and drink. "Oh, yeah, I grabbed lunch.." He exclaimed flatly then chuffed. "Probably cold now… We do have a microwave.." Jayce thought aloud. "You hungry? I already asked you that, didn't I?" He said with a slight chuckle. Viktor nodded with a half smile. "Let's go settle on the couch. I'll heat these up real quick." Jayce handed one of the to-go cups to Viktor, took the other drink and their paper bag of food with one hand and gave Viktor support to walk with his free arm.
The smaller man handed off his beverage and fell back on the couch with a soft but heavy thud. Jayce walked over to their dainty makeshift kitchenette and placed everything on the counter top next to the microwave. He took the contents of the bag out - a large blueberry muffin for himself, and a few big strawberry strudels for Viktor. He heated the pastries first, then their drinks, and brought them over to his partner, who seemed to be dozing slightly with his eyes falling shut.
He carefully sat beside him, placing their food and drinks on the table next to his side of the couch. "Honey?" Jayce gently rubbed Viktor's shoulder with his knuckles. The smaller man slowly opened his eyes and hummed, feeling awfully sluggish. "Let's get something in your belly, then I'll let you nap, okay?" Viktor sat up and pulled his legs onto the couch, sitting "tailor style". Jayce handed him his warmed drink first. He took a whiff at the sip-top opening - it smelled sweet with a warm spice. "I figured 'teddy graham' chai was a safe one." Jayce explained as Viktor took a test sip. He perked up and went for a mouthful of the latte. Jayce chuckled, amused by the sudden enthusiasm. "Slow down, baby, that's not all I got you." The little looked at him, wide-eyed with his cheeks puffed out, full of the warm beverage. Jayce wanted so badly to squish his partner's face. He looked so cute! But that would, unfortunately, end in another big mess to clean up.
Jayce reached for the small plate stacked with three big strawberry strudels and handed it to Viktor, who managed to look even more excited. If he had a tail, it would surely be wagging like crazy right now. The little gave him a puppy-eyed look that said 'all for me?'. Jayce nodded towards the plate. "Dig in! Before it gets cold again." Viktor gladly followed instruction. Jayce smiled wide. His heart felt as warm as the blueberry muffin in his hands.
The boys picked away at their pastries in relative silence. Viktor was halfway through his second strudel when he suddenly spoke. "I liked.. the way you.. held me.. earlier." He spoke softly, just over a mumble.
Jayce perked up and finished a bite. "Yeah?"
Viktor hummed. "-like a straight jacket." He said through a mouthful of pastry.
"Straight jacket." Jayce echoed with a soft chuckle and nodded in agreement. "Kinda was like a straight jacket, huh?"
There was a small pause. "Sorry I made a mess…"
Jayce looked up from the remaining bits of his muffin. "It's okay, hun." He rubbed the side of Viktor's arm with his knuckles as he reassured him. "It's okay to get mad sometimes. You didn't break anything." Viktor gazed up sheepishly from the nearly empty plate in his lap. "I don't like that you hurt yourself - that's the only thing that bothered me."
Viktor looked back down in shame, his cheeks flushed pink. "-and I punched you in the face…" He mumbled.
"Baby, that was an accident. I'm not gonna hold that against you." Jayce attempted to ease his mind. "You were in distress. You got scared. I'm fine, sweetheart." Jayce placed the last chunks of muffin down on the table beside the couch. He then took Viktor's hand in his and brought it to his lips. He planted a gentle kiss to his knuckles, then, with his free hand, tucked some stray hair behind Viktor's ear.
The little looked up at Jayce, tears prickling his eyes as he opened his mouth to protest. Before he could get a word out, Jayce gently placed a hand over Viktor's mouth. "Stop. No argument." He warned with a soft tone. The tears threatened to fall, but Jayce wiped them away before they could. "I'm not mad. We're okay. I love you." More tears welled and Jayce caught them all. "I love you, Munchkin." He repeated, just above a whisper.
"I love you, too." Viktor nearly choked on the words as his emotions quickly became overwhelming.
"Here." Jayce took the plate from his partner's lap and placed it next to the remains of his muffin. "Come here, cariño." He opened his arms and Viktor quickly filled the gap in between. Jayce held him tight once more, rubbing his back, letting him get it all out. It didn't take long before the little calmed and corrected his breathing, repeating the instructions from earlier in his head. "You okay, babe?"
A heavy sigh escaped the smaller man, then he nodded. "Tired.." He croaked out.
"I bet." Jayce sympathized. "You got a lot of feels."
Viktor nodded in agreement. "Too much…"
"That's okay. We'll get through them. Together." Jayce kissed the shell of his ear. "I gotchu." Silence fell on them again and Jayce just held him through it, giving him all the time he needed. He did want to talk to him though. They needed to make a plan as both of them knew for a fact that there would be more meltdowns in the future.
After some time, Viktor's body began to sink, heavy against Jayce's chest. Is he falling asleep? Jayce rubbed his back, slightly more firm and fast. Viktor hummed in response. "You sleepin'?" Viktor grunted and lazily shook his head. "Can we talk? Just a little? Make up a plan for next time you feel like you're gonna explode?"
There was a long pause. "Okay…" Viktor whispered into Jayce's neck. He picked his head up and leaned on the back of the couch, still in Jayce's arms.
Jayce started the conversation with a thought he had as soon as he had set foot into the lab. "Next time you're feeling overwhelmed, and I'm out of the room - like, as soon as you start to feel like everything is too much - can you throw me a text?" Viktor nodded. "Also can you find it in yourself to stop what you're doing and take a break before it becomes too much?" Viktor pursed his lips and looked to the side. "Viktor-"
"I'll try." He mumbled quickly.
"Okay." Jayce thought some more before making another suggestion."We can get more fidgets for here too. The ones at home help, right?" Viktor nodded." Oh, and I saw this on in a video that was spiky." Viktor seemed intrigued by that feature. "It also had a clicky part." Jayce imitated the motion of clicking a pen as he explained. "It looked pretty cool. It's 3D printed too. If you're interested, I'll see if I can get that one." Viktor nodded, vigorously. "Yeah?"
"Please." The little asked quietly.
"Yes." Jayce smiled and chuffed. "I'll see if I can find it." He paused for a moment as he fidgeted with Viktor's long hair, twirling a thick strand on his finger. "What about when you start to lose control? Weighted blanket?"
Viktor thought for a moment with a hum. "Maybe.." He carded through some ideas in his head. "Straight jacket." He thought aloud.
"I don't think we can get you one of those, babe-"
"No." Viktor interrupted. He took hold of Jayce's arms around him and squeezed them against his sides.
"Oh~ yeah, when I'm here, absolutely. But what if I'm not in the room? That's what I want to help you figure out." Jayce explained. "Like today, I wasn't in the room when you exploded. So, what would work for you then?"
Viktor looked around the room, searching for another idea. "Build a squeeze machine." He half-jokingly suggested.
"Squeeze machine?" Jayce chuckled at the thought. Suddenly, he had another idea. "What we should do, is maybe modify your leg brace - give it a quick release mechanism."
Viktor hummed in agreement. "That would be good. It kinda hurt a little when I ripped it off." He paused, a realization hitting him. "Did I break it?" His eyebrows furrowed with worry.
"I don't think so." Jayce reassured. "You may have bent a part of it, but that's okay. You got a blacksmith right here." He smiled warmly with pride.
Viktor smiled with a chuff, and rolled his eyes, amused. "I guess."
"Hey, I am." Jayce poked at him playfully.
"I know." Viktor took his larger hand and fidgeted with it, running his fingertips over the rough callouses. There was a small pause. "I think a weighted blanket or stuffed animal would help.." He steered the conversation back on track.
"I saw a really cute weighted triceratops at the store, last time we went."
The little perked up with excitement. His favorite dinosaur! "Can we get it next time we go out?" He gave Jayce a puppy eyed look, pleading.
"Of course, baby." Jayce melted at the look. How could he say 'no' to that face. He sighed softly, noticing the heaviness in Viktor's eyelids. "Well then - now we have a plan, and I feel much better now that we've talked things over." Viktor hummed. "You wanna lay down for a little while?"
"Can we snuggle?" The smaller man asked shyly.
"Ye-s. We sure can. Let's get settled." Viktor smiled. Jayce untangled himself from his partner and got up from the couch. He stretched, raising his arms well above his head, his joints creating a satisfying symphony of crackling and popping. He walked to the bathroom and grabbed a blanket from the cabinet. On his way back over to the couch he noticed the remains of their pastries. "You all good with these?"
"Can we save them for later?"
"Sure. I'll just stick 'em in the microwave, okay?" Viktor gave him a thumbs up. Jayce completed the small task and returned to his partner's side. They situated themselves with Jayce leaning back on the arm of the couch and Viktor tucked into his side with the soft blanket covering them both (but mostly Viktor). Jayce pulled his phone from his pocket and began scrolling through goofy pet videos. They watched together and giggled at them until the weight of exhaustion put Viktor to sleep. Jayce lowered the volume so that he wouldn't accidentally wake him and continued to scroll through the various apps he had, switching through simple games here and there. He stroked his partner's hair and planted a tender kiss to the top of his head, earning a content sigh from him.
"Te amo, mi vida."