Officially archived! Moved to @hexfcrged!
TVSTRANGERTHINGS

#extradirty
Cosimo Galluzzi

JBB: An Artblog!

Kiana Khansmith
he wasn't even looking at me and he found me
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wallacepolsom
sheepfilms
Misplaced Lens Cap
"I'm Dorothy Gale from Kansas"
Jules of Nature

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styofa doing anything

shark vs the universe
Acquired Stardust

blake kathryn
🪼
ojovivo
One Nice Bug Per Day
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@hexwrought-a
Officially archived! Moved to @hexfcrged!
PhD in just fucking shit up
@hexwrought
ᴛʜɪꜱ ᴡᴀꜱ ᴛʜᴇ ɢᴀᴍᴇ ᴛʜᴇʏ ꜱᴇᴇᴍᴇᴅ ᴛᴏ ᴘʟᴀʏ , ᴛʜɪꜱ ʙᴀᴄᴋ ᴀɴᴅ ꜰᴏʀᴛʜ — though it seems that the creator was faltering from his own gameplay when it comes to the dance. he was oft times meticulous in his endeavors , every action with a reason behind it , every situation planned out to the very breath he takes in. and yet , how tainted he feels when it comes to what is laid out before him. those humanly thrums of sensations that coursed through his veins when confronted with Jayce. he had done so very well to fixing those issues within himself for such sneaking things to arise when everything is placed right before him , trapped like an animal. he could finish everything , so why wasn't he?
‘ i could never hate you. ’ it draws a roll of the eyes , a tsk to elate upon his tongue. of all things that should surge through the other , shouldnt it be hate that he feels for the man who has been consistent in his take over? who has needlessly hurt , caged , attacked the other for. . . for what? what more could he actually do to bring it forth? in part , he questions why he is so adamant on Jayce hating him , for it wasn't only because that is what is suppose to be felt. if the other , his once partner and friend , could hate him , then Viktor could stop sulking and faltering every time an opportunity is presented to him.
and it is evident it was what he needed to rid those emotions out of himself , for when the other continues speaking , he visibly seems to flinch as if the words hurt him. instead of his normal quip , Viktor just shakes his head , turning upon his heel , his chest feeling something fierce. there is little to no time to focus upon it , however , as clattering sound comes forth and pulls his attention back towards Jayce , surprise painting upon eyes before his body is rocked onto the ground.
the sudden tilt in positions leaves him a bit susceptible to the change in dynamic presented , pinned beneath the other man , the chorus of grunts and heavy breathing mingle into the air as Viktor is grappling to his best ability from under Jayce. fingers hook and claw in clothing and across skin , stretching fingers to try and go for the throat , but the angle is anything but in his favor. hes snarling , glaring , teeth grinding upon each other. that was , until he watched as the other tore into his arm , and he watched in near horror as his work is shred right before his eyes. it is luck that pain was not felt , but the frustration that comes through with it and surging through Viktor as he uses his other hand in attempt to stop the other , but to no avail as he ends up listening to the hissing and popping noises before the arm is ultimately no long attached to its mechanism along his body.
his chest is heaving , and once he is completely pinned with still attached arm locked down , he can do nothing but stare up at Jayce in dismay. he has no sentimental words to share , for if he were to speak , he would be confirming the hesitancy within himself. but he still feels the ache in his chest , listening and watching. hate me. please just hate me.
though , eyes flicker from the others features to his arm within Jayces grasp and suddenly , recognition sparks in those eyes , widening with something far more humanly than he had anticipated ; fear. he had no gauge on how far the other may go , but it comes all to fast and all to late for Viktor to react.
it was as if his body shut off. the second the collapse of the frontal lobe took the brunt of the jagged exterior of the arm that had once been attached , he felt nothing. it was black , dark , and simply empty. pain was not something he felt , not on a physical level at least , but the battering presented upon the creators head did show through jerks that pulled through his body as if reacting. short circuiting , shocking , the full works as if his body could still feel. Viktor wasn't there. he was gone , shut off in a sense , everything trying to recalculate and reboot , so to speak. the liquid that coursed through his veins had splattered , painted everything within its path , the concave part of his metallic skull sparked and shined with gleams of grease and oozing life source.
moments seem to pass before the lights turn back on in Viktors innerworkings of his body , and he draws a deep gasp like breath. his vision is blurry , a mix of the damage done and the liquid that pooled across every space it can cling too. another breath is taken. how. . . interesting. unexpected. he felt anger , but not even at Jayce anymore. at his work , his creation upon himself , being damaged. he flexes his hand from the ground , realizing he was no longer pinned , slowly bringing it up to touch the side of his face that had been beaten. how unfortunate. this was going to set him back.
he had hardly registered the other was still there until he heard his name , working eye blinking a few times before it rolls to look upon his once partner. he sits up , slow to be honest considering the lack of an arm and his form still attempting to ‘wake back up’. dark liquid pools from the snapped wires of his arm and from the hole carved into his skull along his eye , and all he can do is laugh. and laugh. and laugh. flickering red eye rolls towards Jayce , a sinister smile upon what is visible of his lips , and still that broken sound seems to escape.
❛ after. . . ąƖƖ ơʄ ɬɧąɬ , you still. . . apologize. ❜ he spits out the final words , shaking his head , the overlapping tuning of mechanical voice to his own bouncing between each other. he had lost a lot of source , and had a lot of damage he needed to fix , but he was still functional. after a moment , he has calmed down from his amusement , still not pulling his gaze from the other as if daring him to do more. ❛ you are still. . . hesitating too. ❜ a grunt escapes him then , shaking his head as Viktor leans upon his remaining arm with hand flat upon the ground. remaining eye shuts and he sighs.
❛ just leave , Jayce. ❜ he couldnt , he wouldnt attempt to restrain the other once again. not like he would be able to do so easily in his current condition. ❛ next time. . . it ຟill ๖ē hคr໓ēr. ❜ and every time after , he knows very well until one of them puts an end to the cycle , it will never get easier.
@hexclaimed;
Guilt sinks its teeth deep into the meat of his belly, adding to the conflict of an internal battle where a physical one had been swift for its victor. The way Viktor's body twitches and stutters, the mechanical warble of his voice akin to a faulty radio, the hole that Jayce had burrowed into his skull oozing and sending off discharge— it was all too much. Jayce couldn't look at him for long.
He wanted nothing more than to return to him, not to maim or finish the job, but to be by his side. The desire to undo the damage, to tell Viktor it's okay, he'll fix this, he'll fix everything— was impossibly strong. Even with the eruption of wicked laughter and hostile words. Even after everything Viktor's done.
Still, Viktor's choice of wording does something to Jayce.
❛❛ You are still hesitating too. ❜❜
There was so much to unpack with that, a strange sense of relief and comfort washing over him at the revelation. It was as if Viktor had unknowingly admitted to some forbidden secret, something that Jayce had only ever seen in his dreams. Humanity was still deep within Viktor, however small— and Jayce will always try and pull it to the surface— to bring him home.
He never expected himself to be that catalyst, but at the same time it doesn't come as much of a surprise as it settles. Hope blooms in its place, filling his heart with warmth.
Jayce made up his mind, then. The indomitable human spirit will always triumph, and he intends to prove that to Viktor, no matter how long it takes. Even if it kills him. Viktor has always been his responsibility, and he failed him when Jayce was needed most.
Steadily catching his breath, Jayce moves toward the exit, clamoring around various metallic projects in his adrenaline fueled haze. His hands find purchase on one of Viktor's strung up coats, tugging it over his shoulders. With hands lingering on the metal door frame, Jayce finally looks back.
❛❛ Next time ... At least I'll get to see you. ❜❜ His voice comes out, soft and gentle, something raw and real on full display for Viktor to see. Jayce has to force himself to look away again in order to finally breach the door, and run into the night, Viktor's coat masking his visage his only material comfort.
@hexwrought
IT WAS ALWAYS A BIT STRANGE TO MEET SOMEONE WELL KNOW IN ITS AREA that it sparkled in such a way within Sona that she seemed overtly bubbly in motion and expressionism. she wasn't one for this sorts of soirees , much of one to keep her circles small or out of the political eye altogether. alas , donned in a sleek white dress trimmed in gold with her hair pulled up all in sorts of intricate braids and loops , she had to at least look the part in the place she was being hired to work.
it comes as a mere blessing that she wasn't been hounded about in conversation that would become droll with those that pack the place , standing more so off to the side , merely people watching until time called for the woman to grace the stage. even more so , it would be , that it was someone like Jayce to come to her in steed of the other possible faces. and it shows in effortless ways of her tension being rather loose and flowy , her features adorned with a knowing and gentle look.
when her last name comes to light , she merely nods once , a bit abashed that even someone as he had paid attention to them. it was always a big deal , as much as she hated it , when she was coming about. it was rather awkward altogether.
after a moment , those eyes blink widely as she is writing , listening as the other continues speaking. once its turned , her head cants in acknowledgement , 《 Viktor? 》 the name had come in passing , tied along side that of Jayce Talis. she wasnt uneducated in those she may be greeting and meeting here , so there is a bit of a sore pout forming upon her lips at the lack of the other half of the two. brilliant minds were always of interest to her , especially upon hearing their plans and promised future for those in need , on both in Piltover and the Undercity.
《 :) 》 she adds onto it quickly , though she is acknowledging his pointed observation of her place here with a strained smile of her own as well , nodding once again. tips of fingers soon wipe the board clean , leaving pink dust and residue upon her digits before she is writing again. 《 Not a fan of these. But , can never say no to people it seems. 》 her travels had taken her far and wide from Demacia , a sought after person for lovely music to be heard , though it was always a positive in her eyes to be able to share her music even with those she was not always comfortable with. 《 They pay well. And I love that people want to hear me in any sense. 》
the crowds were gathering around a bit more , mingling and voices to be heard overlapping each other , though she was solely focused upon Jayce with attentive ears and writing as diligently as she could to keep the flow of things going. 《 I won't be stopping here , unfortunately. I promised some kids in the Undercity a show before the night ends. 》 with this , she underlines Undercity and even taps her chalk near the word. her efforts and time in this place were not taken for granted , for even if a part of her internal enjoyment of showing her talents was there , everything she did in Piltover and such for her time here was a gift to give upon others altogether.
《 Will you be watching the performance? It would be nice to see a friendly face amongst the crowd of unknown. :) 》
@si1entmuse;
Jayce's eyes light up at the recognition of his partner's name upon Sona's chalkboard ( and spelled correctly no less ). It was disappointingly rare for Viktor to ever be brought up, much less acknowledged, during events like these— or even during other discussions regarding the dealings of hextech. So to have Sona acknowledge him without a second thought only reinforced Jayce's choice in approaching her to be a good one. Perhaps the best one of the evening.
❛❛ Yes, ❜❜ he ecstatically confirms, reining in some of his wafting excitement, his smile wide. ❛❛ He's not really a fan of these things either. ❜❜ He finds her little smiley face additions to be charming, a small laugh leaving him when she includes them. ❛❛ I think he'd enjoy talking with you, though. I know I do. ❜❜
A few more sips at his flute are taken as he reads her words. Jayce makes a point to not really make any solid comment on her eventual visit to the Undercity that would show some kind of deep set opinion, not with so many prying eyes. Though Sona may have those freedoms, it wasn't his place, and he had a social face to maintain— which he kept neutral and grounded, palpably absorbent and pliant to whatever information Sona wishes to bestow upon him.
He does at least smile at her mentioning of it being for kids— the expression made genuine by the glint in his eye and how the corners crease up. A silent and carefully placed show of support.
When she mentions her upcoming performance, Jayce offers a smile and nod. ❛❛ I wouldn't dream of missing it, ❜❜ he confirms, confident, and appreciative of her casual flattery. ❛❛ When do you go up? ❜❜
@hexwrought said: "regardless of how we got here , i'm having a really good time."
Caitlyn let out a soft snort of amusement, barely glancing up from the book in her lap. She was settled comfortably on the couch, her two dobermans, Sprinkles and Cookie, curled up sleeping at her sides and radiating warmth. Her broken leg was carefully propped up on a pillow atop a pouf, and a pair of glasses perched on her nose to ease the strain on her one good eye.
❝ Is that so?❞ she replied, her tone teasing as she finally looked up at Jayce. Setting her book aside, she inserted the bookmark with precision before snapping it shut with a satisfying thud. The sound made Sprinkles lift his head lazily, but Caitlyn just reached out to give the dog a soothing pat before turning her attention fully to her friend.
She raised an eyebrow, her lips quirking into a playful smile. ❝ So, this ‘really good time’ you’re having — is it because of the endless baked goods I’ve been spoiling you with, or my dazzling company you get to enjoy every day now? Surely, it’s the latter, right?❞ She gestured to the coffee table, which once again had a fresh batch of red velvet cupcakes on it, their rich frosting practically begging to be eaten. Baking had become her current pastime in the time she could not return to work yet, filling the hours she couldn’t spend on duty.
❝ Go on, have one, or ten❞ she added, her smile widening as she leaned back into the couch. ❝ You’ve earned it. Or at least you should pretend you have — those cupcakes won’t eat themselves.❞
@gaevaer;
❛❛ Couldn't it be both? ❜❜ He laughs, but it carries an emptiness— something deep within him ( within them both, really ) still gone, unhealed. Jayce is, of course, snagging one of the cupcakes the moment Caitlyn is gesturing to them, carefully peeling the pleated wrapper away to take a bite.
He moves to occupy the adjacent armchair closest to where she sits, seeing most of the couch space filled with her familiar animal companions. The scene felt reminiscent of so many past exchanges that made his heart ache with something bittersweet and cherished. A hand reaches forward, giving Cookie a gentle scratch behind the ear like he's done so many times in the past.
Jayce leans back into the chair after, getting himself comfortable. His free hand kneads subconsciously into his right thigh to soothe himself and the aches that now grip him there.
After a few large bites the cupcake is gone, the wrapper balled up and set upon the table to retrieve later. The silence is comfortable, albeit thick— a unique sort of tension brewing until Jayce finally speaks, looking to Caitlyn rather melancholic. ❛❛ How are you holding up, sprout? ❜❜
@hexwrought : "you're a musician, right? i recognize you. i think i've been to one of your performances."
BROWS RISE IN SLIGHT 'PON THE OTHERS VOICE COMING TO LIGHT , though it is quick to soften as words continue to flow. the blonde nods in answer, the emerald shade of eyes seemingly brighter than normal as they are brought upon someone she very much recognized from posters around the city as well as the spoken word of its people. her etwahl was hidden at this time , so it did not come into play of her movements as she reaches into the bag she carried to pull out a small chalk board as some stark pink chalk along with it.
the scratching sound comes quickly as she writes before delicate fingers turn the board towards Jayce , tender flesh tilt into its ever placed smile. 《 I am Sona. I have heard about you! 》 she waits a few moments , making sure the other had read her board before flipping it back to erase it. there is an obvious excitement bouncing within the musician as she is , in attempt , conversing with the other. after a moment or so , the board is turned once again.
《 Everyone speaks of you and your inventions. Not to mention your face is everywhere. 》 she isnt looking at him this time , however , a light dusting of pink 'pon the apple of her cheeks. of course she would recognize him. who wouldnt?!
@si1entmuse;
It was yet another public soirée where faces were to be maintained and elbows greased ( all at the reinforcement and encouragement of miss Medarda ) that had Jayce working his own form of magic among the sea of faces. The pattern was one he fell into naturally, almost carrying a mechanical twinge with his movements; with each smile, each shake of the hand, each ❛ yes, sir, ❜ ❛ yes, ma'am, ❜ ❛ I totally agree with you. ❜ Even among the golden filigree, the song of strings, and sparkling wines and ciders, he'd rather be anywhere else.
However, it was a rare blessing to be able to slip away and seek conversation in someone that was very obviously not among the bureaucratic elite who wanted nothing more than to line their pockets with his work. Thus, the pull he felt the moment he locked eyes onto both a familiar and unfamiliar face— someone who, too, carried a passion for something that likely wouldn't be put in the spotlight like it ought to be without the hankering for greed.
The board she used to communicate was both a surprise and not. A gentle embarrassment pulling at him that doesn't show, only reinforcing thoughts he's been harboring previously. I've been put in this situation twice now with people I want to talk to. I really ought to learn sign. He wanted to make conversation seamless, not a challenge on others. But perhaps he's making assumptions— even if prototypes for tools of that kind of accessibility are already turning in his head.
Her introduction followed by her acknowledgement of his popularity pulls a slightly nervous chuckle from him, barely dancing underneath his social mask. ❛❛ It's a pleasure to meet you, Sona— Buvelle, if I recall? From the posters, ❜❜ Jayce bows his head cordially, extending one of the champagne flutes he's had in his hands like a peace offering. ❛❛ Jayce Talis. ❜❜ He smiles, offering his hand to shake once his hand is free.
❛❛ I wouldn't call them solely my inventions, ❜❜ another chuckle falls from him as he speaks, in an effort to lighten his own awkwardness. ❛❛ Our is more appropriate. Though my partner isn't here tonight. ❜❜ His disappointment isn't too well hidden.
Jayce sips at his champagne, nose crinkling just barely at the dry notes before returning a smile upon Sona. ❛❛ I wouldn't really take you as someone interested in events like this. I'm assuming you're here to perform? ❜❜
Late night inspiration.
@hexclaimed;
Scraping the bottom of the barrel, indeed.
He had expected to cause Viktor some alarm, some level of fluster and tumble that left him stammering like before, to sufficiently nip him in the bud. But, unfortunately for Jayce, Viktor had his own means to get under his skin and even further still, poking at parts far too raw that even anger couldn't take hold.
The moment Viktor began turning it back onto him ( and rightfully so ), going for the metaphorical throat and targeting Jayce's body— poking at his thinly veiled insecurities regarding his humanity— Jayce actually flinches. All that bark leaves him in an instant, hurt slotting in place of his previously smug expression as if he'd been struck. He recoils from Viktor by several steps, tight lipped and knitted brows.
Jayce felt ugly. He didn't want to be looked at anymore.
❛❛ I— ❜❜ he attempts, and fails, voice breaking. He rips his gaze away, hands coming up to pull his shirt together to cover himself more, as if it would do anything, shoulders hiking up in a way that makes him look smaller. The bottle of malt is abandoned on the cabinet table.
There's a brief intermission as a series of conflicted emotions flits in his eyes, looking anywhere but at Viktor. Jayce doesn't have the strength to continue this verbal fight, the final blow landing and resulting in Viktor's triumph. He scurries to the metal door, a trembling hand grasping the handle and swinging it open.
❛❛ I'll be in the forge, ❜❜ Jayce mutters, broken and quiet, before shutting the door behind him.
If Viktor dares to lean in close to the door, quiet sobs are all to be heard.
@hexwrought
ᴀɴᴅ ʀᴇɢʀᴇᴛ ɪᴛ ʜᴇ ᴡᴀꜱ. — the instant he saw the change in expression formulate upon the others features did he find the smug attitude he held to ‘fight back’ slip away in an instant. which , he feels to be ridiculous. Jayce has not hesitated once to find a reason to put him down , so why was Viktor suddenly feeling bad for doing the same? because he spoke the truth? this regret was not what he expected to feel , for he was expectant of a verbal lashing over anything like this.
but he watched what appeared to be a metaphorical wall crumble and behind it , things he should have considered before to be an issue presenting itself. the glass he had been clutching is placed on the table rather quickly , contents sloshing around. his expressionism drew the very same painted picture that seared itself in his chest , the thrumming sensation of absolute remorse that was taking form within. a stammering of breathless words , uncertain of what could soothe anything , for he was already on the others not-so-good side.
❛ Jayce. . . ❜ he finds himself finally sighing out when the other was making his way towards the exit , his own steps hesitant in following , alas the door becomes shut between them. his own hands lays upon the knob and stays here , counting down seconds , near willing himself to pull it open and go make amends to the best he could. i didn't mean it. you just keep hurting me , too. . .
but his hands soon slips away when the softest , yet very obvious sort of sounds is like whispers from the other side. and he feels his heart break. forehead soon meets the cool of the wood upon door with a simple thud , eyes shutting. oh yes , what a sort of regret he had truly not expected to feel. and how much further would this set them back on reconciling over these treacherous things Viktor has done?
after a moment , after it seemed the other had settled and gone about his way , does he let his eyes open. he had stood there for a bit longer than intended , soaking into his own foolishness , stewing over everything. if not tonight , nor tomorrow , he would devise a plan to fix this. but Viktor was no good at this. and Jayce held a heavy disdain for him already. later. yes , later , he will fix this. somehow.
// strongly considering making jayce his own solo/main blog my muse for him is SO high
“You sleep coiled; tightly wound. Hands are fists beneath pillows, clenched above cotton sheets. You are at war, even in your dreams.”
— Rest Achilles, the world will wait | p.d (via p.d vulpe)
There had been little in the way of exchanges between the two since their last verbal spat, with Jayce exclusively existing in the forge for days on end. Whenever he does emerge from the forge, he's covered head to toe in his attire, never removing his hat, gloves, mask— nothing was shown, and everything was left to the imagination. He only ever leaves for necessary supply drops, for the clipped request for more supplies, and nothing more. Viktor is barely afforded any sort of glance beyond what is deemed necessary for their work.
Jayce didn't want to risk another verbal or physical exchange, knowing very well that the devil amalgamation within him had turned him into something wicked with a temper to match, and it was a struggle to reel in— to not give in to that devilish nature he now possessed. But most of all, he couldn't bare to be looked at, to be acknowledged as a thing that's alive and real. Every reflective surface that had enough shine to it; mirrors, panes of glass, polished steel— they were all turned around or covered in cloth.
Eventually Jayce emerges from the forge with a hulking frame of refractory metals interwoven together with an expert's touch; molded into the specifications of the blueprints that he had been toiling over for weeks, having sought feedback from Viktor when needed. The frame mimics the internal measurements for the furnace burning in Jayce's chest, clearly intended to be the shell for Viktor's eventual contribution for the coolant itself, as planned.
He sets the metal amalgamation down on one of the nearby work tables, steam still bellowing from the freshly-cooled piece, as well as Jayce himself. His back is turned to Viktor, face hidden by his blacksmith attire. As he turns to leave without a word, his hands just barely having left the frame, Viktor's voice stops him in place.
@hexclaimed; ❛❛ The road for hell for me is paved with everything I would do for you, and that list never ends. ❜❜
Jayce's hands find the table's edge, gripping tight enough to make the steel groan, still unaccustomed to his new strengths. He slouches forward, hovering above the frame on the table, head hung low. There's an audible intake of a shaken breath, and the visible rise and fall of shoulders.
He assumes those words were brought to light in order to make him stop for once, and actually attempt at some kind of conversation, after so many previous attempts resulted in failure. And if that is indeed the case, Viktor can tally this as yet another victory. Jayce remains, head only turned just-so to allow his voice to carry beyond his mask and to Viktor.
❛❛ Don't— ❜❜ Jayce croaks, low and defeated. Another heavy sigh leaves him, a hand coming up to rub at his forehead in exasperation. ❛❛ I don't want to hear it, Viktor. ❜❜
Jayce had made that observation weeks ago in a fit of rage and mockery, the exchange burned into his skull. He didn't need to hear how he was right, because there were far too many ways he was wrong that outweighed those small victories. Too many nights spent weeping like a weakling in the dark corner of the forge, where the only light was from him, baking him in hellish reds and oranges.
He steels himself after a moment, taking solace in his entire appearance being protected, and stands up straight. ❛❛ It's finished, ❜❜ Jayce turns, partially facing Viktor. ❛❛ We can go meet that contact of yours. You can make your deal. ❜❜
@hexwrought
ʜᴇ ᴡᴀꜱɴᴛ ꜱᴜʀᴇ ᴡʜᴀᴛ ʜᴇ ᴡᴏᴜʟᴅ ᴇxᴘᴇᴄᴛ ɪɴ ʀᴇᴛᴀʟɪᴀᴛɪᴏɴ — for the doctor was in favor of actually tipping the scale at this point to deal with an angered devil , even if by his own making. but he is greeted with silence for moments that seem to stretch far to long , causing Viktor to absent mindedly gulp , worry pulling upon his heart until sights are full of nothing but the others towering glory.
if there were some more truth to be had , what scared Viktor the most about Jayce would be the increasing amount of ability the other had now in their form. inhumane , as it was. that is what seized his heart , gripped him , made him regret opening his mouth. not the sight of the other before him. no , it was rather. . . unfortunate that even like this , Viktor did not find the devilish looks to be of anything to palpitate the heart negatively. it all came back around to what it , essentially , meant.
thin line forms upon lips , until the others speaks finally. eyes flicker between the others own , confusion playing a part within his own gaze. so that was how Jayce wanted to go about this. he truly did want to push all of Viktors buttons , even if it meant scraping along the bottom of the barrel.
❛ good? i suppose your ego truly is too large. ❜ he won't deny it. its already been ignored once , but no matter what he says be it lie or not , the other will not take heed that Viktor was not obsessed with him. ❛ considering the changes that had been made , i would be more presumed to think that nothing like that can work anyway. or. . . are you so focused on me being obsessed with you and wanting to. . . fuck you because no one else can touch you? ❜ the question is light , though there is some bite behind it.
he rolls his eyes then , reaching back towards the table his glass is on and bringing it to his lips , eyes still very focused upon Jayce. ❛ a shame. another thing you would have to rely on me for , hm? ❜ hes going to regret this , he knows he is. but if Jayce wanted to play dirty , he might as well ball up and fight back.
@hexclaimed;
Scraping the bottom of the barrel, indeed.
He had expected to cause Viktor some alarm, some level of fluster and tumble that left him stammering like before, to sufficiently nip him in the bud. But, unfortunately for Jayce, Viktor had his own means to get under his skin and even further still, poking at parts far too raw that even anger couldn't take hold.
The moment Viktor began turning it back onto him ( and rightfully so ), going for the metaphorical throat and targeting Jayce's body— poking at his thinly veiled insecurities regarding his humanity— Jayce actually flinches. All that bark leaves him in an instant, hurt slotting in place of his previously smug expression as if he'd been struck. He recoils from Viktor by several steps, tight lipped and knitted brows.
Jayce felt ugly. He didn't want to be looked at anymore.
❛❛ I— ❜❜ he attempts, and fails, voice breaking. He rips his gaze away, hands coming up to pull his shirt together to cover himself more, as if it would do anything, shoulders hiking up in a way that makes him look smaller. The bottle of malt is abandoned on the cabinet table.
There's a brief intermission as a series of conflicted emotions flits in his eyes, looking anywhere but at Viktor. Jayce doesn't have the strength to continue this verbal fight, the final blow landing and resulting in Viktor's triumph. He scurries to the metal door, a trembling hand grasping the handle and swinging it open.
❛❛ I'll be in the forge, ❜❜ Jayce mutters, broken and quiet, before shutting the door behind him.
If Viktor dares to lean in close to the door, quiet sobs are all to be heard.
@hexwrought
ʜᴇ ᴄᴏᴜʟᴅ ꜰʟɪɴᴄʜ. ʜᴇ ᴡᴀɴᴛꜱ ᴛᴏᴏ. ʙᴜᴛ ɪᴛ ɪꜱ ᴛᴏ ʙᴇ ᴇxᴘᴇᴄᴛᴇᴅ ɴᴏɴᴇᴛʜᴇʟᴇꜱꜱ — the way his name holds no tenderness as it might have once before. instead , Viktor finds himself huffing slightly , taking a sip of his now filled glass , letting the rolling heat travel down to his stomach to soothe the irritation that may be bubbling about. he is still trying to figure out how badly he had actually messed things up , alas , it feels to come a bit to quickly when the other is approaching him in his seated position.
fingers curl around the glass tightly , chin raised in slight just as well as eyes keep steady gaze upon the others. neutrality seems in place , he isn't too worried at this moment about Jayce turning the tide with anger , but the guise is quick to fold with a near awkward laugh to escape him at such an accusation. ❛ obsessed? ❜ is echoed , disbelief etched upon expressionism , though its not completely far from the truth , now was it? ❛ some ego you have on you after dying and ever so lovingly being brought back. ❜ as soon as the words leave his lips , he snaps them shut.
he feels his lip pull upward now , placing his glass upon the table that held the instruments from earlier , rattling them about. Jayce was , effectively , pissing Viktor off. hes moved off of the chair and standing before the other , glaring at him , even prodding a finger against the bigger mans chest. ❛ pick one. i either keep my promise or i do not make a deal that can fix this. ❜ is snappy from him , a near desperation flickering through those eyes. ❛ everything you are wanting from me is something i cannot achieve without - ❜ giving up more. teeth grind together and its clear he is agitated. Jayce is so damn frustrating like this and its all his fault.
he draws in a deep breath and rubs his forehead , eyes squeezing shut. ❛ i do not need your permission to do what needs to be done. you are not someone in the position to demand that of me. ❜ shoulders slump and hes shaking his head , mildly giving up. ❛ if that is your term , then there is nothing we can do. ❜
@hexclaimed;
Jayce could get mad— should get mad, even, and rightfully so. He never asked for any of this, after all— Viktor had been the one to turn him into something that was against everything Jayce was as a person, now practically unrecognizable. But he withheld the anger that was itching to boil again in favor of something that would be far more impactful.
In the end, Jayce couldn't truly stop Viktor from making his own choices. But he can make those choices a living hell.
So, he listens. He listens with a surprising edge of patience, not once showing a hint of anger beyond the way his blazened chest rattles ever so slightly, igniting the glow in his eyes. He lets Viktor get in his face, unflinching, unmoving. And Jayce waits, until Viktor's surrender is palpable, his shoulders sagging and voice exasperated.
Jayce doesn't even retort with anything, standing to his full height before Viktor with an eerie silence. He looks down upon him, wickedly smug. The lighting of the room paints his face in shadows, save for the flickering of flames that kiss the edges of his jaw and emanate from his eyes. He looks ... incredibly devilish. Scary.
❛❛ You'd do anythin' for me, wouldn't you? ❜❜ He says, more of a statement rather than a question, tone low and concerningly even. ❛❛ If it meant you got to keep me. Obsession isn't a good look on you. ❜❜ He repeats, throwing Viktor's claim into the murk.
Jayce lets out a mockery of a laugh. ❛❛ You want to fuck me so bad it makes you look stupid. All this, for a good lay? Really? ❜❜
@hexwrought
ꜰᴀᴍɪʟɪᴀʀɪᴛʏ ʀɪɴɢꜱ ʟᴏᴜᴅ ᴀɴᴅ ᴄʟᴇᴀʀ ᴡʜᴇɴ ᴀɴɢᴇʀ ᴡᴀꜱɴᴛ ᴄᴏᴜʀꜱɪɴɢ ᴛʜʀᴏᴜɢʜ ᴛʜᴇ ᴀɪʀ — settling into the space where Jayce had been not moments before as he had taken a further dive into understanding the engine. those unnaturally yellow eyes watched the other as went about garnering the alcohol. this was an odd flip of the switch. he was waiting for the shoe to drop , for hatred and sear the air once again , but as he takes the glass from the other , he finds something odd settling within his chest.
he takes a sip , soon letting his sights follow around where Jayce was viewing. ❛ i have not touched much of anything since. ❜ he admits , shrugging a bit. ❛ my focus had been on. . . you so everything here has basically stayed the same. ❜ another sip is taken , licking his lips thereafter. it was strange to admit such things , that even after the rebirth had happened , he had still been so focused on his once partner that everything else came second. it didnt help that he couldnt exactly work anymore on living patients due to his hand.
his thoughts are halted altogether when the other speaks again , causing brows to rise and fall quickly as he lays back against the chair , eyes turned towards the ceiling , legs freely swinging back and forth over the edge. ❛ considering my dealings , i have a few people in mind i may be able to converse with that could give some actual direction on how to proceed better with how your mechanism works and is altered. ❜ he rambles a bit , humming a moment after. head turns upon the softened back and stares at Jayce. ❛ that would be all i need you to do. i. . . think. ❜
he sits up then once more , slamming the rest of his glass back. he was antsy. he wanted to get the ball rolling. work on the engine more , find out more. free hand hooks over the edge of the chair , digging nails into it as the other is holding his glass out towards Jayce , expectant of another pour. ❛ i have one or two in mind. one much. . . much less enjoyable than the other but i do not doubt that they have what we may need. ❜ he shakes his glass , a brow cocked up , lips pursed.
❛ you just have to rely on me. i know you hate that , do not blame you , but i will get what we need , Jayce. ❜ the others name comes off far softer than the directness that had been present in his tone when speaking. ❛ i can at least promise you that much. ❜
@hexclaimed;
A small hum comes from Jayce, acknowledging Viktor's words, yet dismissing the possible conversation branch that may come from them. His focus had been on Jayce; and what an unpleasant feeling that was when Jayce turns it over in his belly. He'd rather not dwell on that right now.
He was giving Viktor his attention, even if he wasn't fully turned to face him, preferring to lean against the nearby cabinet while he drinks, body facing the forge. Jayce is close enough to reach the bottle over to pour Viktor another drink when he requests it, perhaps out of habit. That tentative sense of peace remains as they converse ( Jayce mostly listening ), at least until Viktor hints at an unenjoyable contact. Jayce can read between the lines. He sneers, before his expression smooths out, favoring his drink.
As soon as Viktor is finished, that displeased scowl returns to Jayce's features, nose crinkling. ❛❛ You've promised a lot of things, Viktor, ❜❜ his name comes with a healthy amount of venom, instilling Jayce's distrust. ❛❛ I'll believe it when I see actual results, not empty words. ❜❜
He sets the bottle of malt down on the cabinet's table section, standing up fully and closing the distance between him and Viktor. One hand snags the chair back, allowing Jayce to lean close, now hovering over the man. ❛❛ We rely on each other, no? ❜❜ Jayce speaks low, almost mocking, face mere inches from Viktor's. ❛❛ Perhaps you rely on me more than I do you. Given your obsession with me, ❜❜ he snickers. ❛❛ You can't bear to be without me. ❜❜
Jayce leans away then, taking the bottle of malt in hand again. ❛❛ So you better listen when I reiterate; no more deals with devils. ❜❜ His inflection at the tail end is serious, deadly so, brows knitted together to match. It carries like a threat.
It's fleeting however, as his expression loses its hostile edge when he takes another swig. He tops Viktor's drink off without a word.
❛❛ I'll do my job. You do yours. ❜❜
in the wake of their . . . peculiar reunion there had been much that had felt lost between the pair in favor of questions ( toeing the line of interrogations ). Jayce's gaze often adrift to the hex crystals and gemstones no matter the topic at hand. the man was - distant in a manner unfamiliar to Viktor with his, well, former version of Jayce. a stranger to him in the way Jayce seemed to be in perpetual mourning whenever he looked at him .
it was difficult to shake. surely, even moreso for his partner from this timeline or the next. but, in the end? he was still his Jayce.
thus, under the meticulous guise of needing Jayce's assistance had Viktor led him further and further and further still through winding corridors and dark chambers of the Academy. neglected pathways that they had all too often benefited from when transporting Zaunite goods into the lab. fond memories brimming bright in the back of the scientist's mind as they traversed together once more by a single flashlight. pressed close as they meandered. the sounds of merriment and celebration having grown distant at this height . . . the stark silence serving as Viktor's indicator that they had finally arrived.
❛ here we are. ❜ a tone Jayce could recognize for what it was: the smug pleasure of a well-earned victory ( one sided as it were ). shifting his weight upon his cane to press open the hatch. gesturing - after you.
awkward squirming thereafter aside ( which had perhaps been easier with Jayce's aid, afterall ) would they find themselves stood high upon a precipice of the Academy's exterior walls. the crisp night air an easy come excuse to settle side-by-side. staring up at the swath of endless night as the countdown to a new year sounded off below like a distant song.
counting down from three . . . two . . . one. a flurry of vibrant colours blossoming into the dark of night before them. fireworks loud as the thunderous roars ricocheted off the walls around them. the show certainly a sight to behold, if the reflections in amber eyes were any indicator. as for Viktor? well, he was more than satisfied with his own view. ❛ another year, hm? ❜
@hexwrought [ happy new year! ]
@vesthnik;
Ever since his arrival, Jayce had begun to ruminate over a litany of theories as to why he was here— part of it all felt like a dream, to be able to see his partner alive, during a time when everything seemed so simple; to see Viktor's passions so clear in the glint of his eye, the drive he possesses when it comes to their work, and to be leveled with that gaze once more. The questions were reasonable, expected even, but there were things Jayce couldn't answer, and was afraid of answering. Viktor had wanted to help him all the same, and how could Jayce deny him that? How could Jayce deny himself these newfound moments, impossibly bittersweet?
He was to be a walking conflagration. If he were destined to burn down everything they created, would it be so wrong to seek comfort in this Viktor before the inevitable?
It was a natural thing, to fall back into familiar patterns he had done once before by Viktor's side; fond memories returning to him during familiar moments. So Jayce followed him through those darkened halls during this night of revelry, where he might have once spent it among the noble elite. Now, there is nowhere he'd rather be. He would not take any of this— any of him— for granted. Every moment to be savored and burned into his soul.
Amusement finds him when Viktor's smugness is shown; a confidence Jayce is happy to be privy to after so long without. His chest aches, offering a small smile before being ushered inside. A gentle hand remains at the small of Viktor's back as they both settle beneath the night sky, beholden to her stars, and the expanse of Piltover before them.
Jayce's eyes only afford a cursory glance to the eruption of color in the sky— enjoying the pop and crackle that each new display of color provides. But he finds his partner far better to look at and admire than the fireworks. The way the light reflects off of Viktor; the ends of his hair, the sharp cut of his cheek, the glint in his eye— Jayce felt suspended in this moment.
The fact that Viktor had chosen to show him this had more impact on Jayce than anticipated; that ache in his chest tightening something fierce, coalescing heavy in his gut. It felt overwhelming.
He leans in closer then, leaning some of his weight against Viktor with a sigh. That trembling hand moves from the small of Viktor's back in favor of— with a degree of hesitance— entwining Jayce's fingers with Viktor's own, warmth blooming from the connection.
❛❛ To another year. ❜❜
Even if he may not have the time to see it.
✱ 𝐋𝐄𝐓𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐒 .
Shit I’ve said to my cat; sentence starters
▌ “Are you stuck? You got yourself up there, you can get down.” waves my little hand at your oc 「 @hexwrought 」
Bold of Jayce to assume the very survival expert EVER gets stuck anywhere. Nooo ? She was not stuck. Far from it. From up here ( a very unfortunately placed window sill ) , Habi could basically see the whole city. The former scout merely hadn't thought of a way to come back down yet. It was a work in progress.
❝ I'm very fine up here. Probably've been a bird in my former life-- ❞ Almost slipping onto a mystery liquid while trying to stabilize her stance but grabbing onto the wall, most definitely costed her a nail. ( Close call ) .
❝ You, eeerh, do your science stuff, yes ? I keep watch. ❞ Just don't look down.
@sanddornn;
❛❛ Suuuure, ❜❜ Jayce smirks, looking incredulous. ❛❛ Birds tend to have more grace than you've got going on right now, though, miss bird-in-another-life. ❜❜ And despite his jokes, concern briefly washes over him as the poor woman nearly slips.
There's an eye roll and head shake, Jayce patting around his pockets before procuring a set of keys. ❛❛ Yeah, yeah, I'll get right on that science stuff, since it means saving your ass. ❜❜ He slips inside the building utilizing the appropriate key.
Some muffled sounds emanate from inside the workshop, mostly clattering metal, before Jayce is returning, something hefty in tow.
Ah, yes. Science stuff. Ingenuity in the form of a ladder. Revolutionary! ( It's quite a nice ladder. Retractable, too ). He immediately uses his science stuff to set the ladder up to reach Habi's precarious perch, keeping it secure at the bottom. ❛❛ Your savior, to the rescue. ❜❜
@hexwrought
ᴛʜᴇ ᴡʜᴏʟᴇ ꜱᴄᴇɴᴇ ᴘʟᴀʏꜱ ᴏᴠᴇʀ ᴀɴᴅ ᴏᴠᴇʀ ɪɴ ʜɪꜱ ʜᴇᴀᴅ — though he was so focused and determine to find out what altered within his engine that he had not had the mind to process it when it happened. but as he is standing there , examining his charred fingers and patches of flesh along his hand , he let it replay until the others voice comes to light. it was confusing but he couldnt be so sure as to what had happened. but it was generally an interesting look to see upon Jayce in the aftermath of it all , the way his voice lacked the threatening aura and gruff it held not long before. he will simply keep this in mind.
❛ ah - ❜ he doesnt pull away when the other snatches him by the wrist , both their eyes upon his fingers. some were merely blistered red from the heat , all while his index and middle finger showed far worse for wear with flesh deeper and darker in color , specked with tinge black along the tips. it didnt feel good , of course it didnt , but due to some of the augmentations that he had implemented upon his query with the mechanical devil , some pain did soothe over rather quickly.
❛ my instruments would not have been able to find the parts i need to feel for. ❜ he speaks rather flatly , letting Jayce do as he pleases , rather enjoying the simple thing such as this. ❛ besides , i do not have much use for them anymore after scarring them so hard. ❜ other hand comes up with palm facing upward , turning it over slowly and stretching fingers out within their lines of vision. the flesh was a taut and bright pink , warped and tightened where the molten liquid that fallen from Jayce when he had tended to him , caressing the flesh of his hands and wrists alike. he had bared with it. and he would , again and again and again.
a frown is quite prominent upon his lips. ❛ i do think the heat in your chest was the first thing i have physically felt in my hands since you have come back. ❜ the pain was more of a mild dull throb now as yellow eyes turn to watch Jayces hands , and when he finds himself satisfied , Viktor is retrieving his hand away to examine the flesh closer himself. not much could be done. he can ignore it for a later time.
a sick part of him wanted to do it again , dig his fingers into Jayces chest , pull those sounds from him again. part of him will admit it is simply to see what else he may find within the engines new augmented state , but he isnt so blind to know that part of him wanted to see Jayce like that again just for the sake of. . . something. he shakes his head , pulling his thoughts back towards the matter at hand. ❛ its been a day. my face is worse for wear. ❜ the lesser of fucked up hands rustles through his hair , pushing it back. ❛ if anything needs to be tended to , its that. and i do not find myself trusting you near my face again. ❜ he jests , reaching over and grabbing the mans shirt to hold it out to the other. ❛ does whiskey still work on you or would be offering it be silly? ❜
@hexclaimed;
Jayce grumbles as a retort to Viktor's variety of excuses, choosing to avoid being vocal as inklings of shame creep through him. It was a cruel reminder of what he'd done, even if inadvertently. He had become a cruel, twisted thing— no longer himself, and now nothing more than a monster parading with his face. His cruelty evident in the burns that litter Viktor, the mottled bruising on his face. So Jayce remains silent, and works.
A soft ❛ mm ❜ of acknowledgement is all Viktor really gets out of him, preferring to focus entirely on the tending of wounds self inflicted. Only once Viktor's hands are in a more satisfactory state does Jayce pull away, expression stern, yet something solemn is found in his eyes.
All Viktor receives from the jest is a dry chuckle. He takes the shirt offered to him, buttoning it only half way, the furnace of his heart still exposed. ❛❛ Hm. Dunno. ❜❜ Jayce shrugs, pulling himself onto his feet, wading over to a very familiar cabinet where he knew Viktor stored his liquor. He's yet to fully test the waters with his alcohol tolerance since his rebirth, but he's already noticed that it's a lot harder for him to feel that comfortable heat when he drinks. ❛❛ Guess we'll find out, ❜❜ he says, and he's already procuring an entire bottle of rye double malt.
He only pulls out one glass, pouring out two fingers worth and returning to Viktor, extending it forth. Jayce is quiet for a long moment, sipping at the bottle periodically until he finally speaks up again. ❛❛ Everythin' still where I left it? ❜❜ And his voice comes out low and soft, almost akin to how he would've normally spoken to Viktor before— now carrying something sad at its frayed edges. He isn't looking at Viktor when he asks, eyes examining the workshop, staring beyond a metal door where he knew the forge to reside.
❛❛ What d'ya exactly have in mind when it comes to these contacts of yours? ❜❜ Jayce is finally looking at Viktor again, his incredulity notably absent. ❛❛ I can work the forge, put together blueprints, but I ain't got a clue what I really need to make this thing stable. ❜❜ He knocks on the metal exterior of his chest for emphasis.