Jayce rp @piltovers-goldenboy - Tumblr Blog

Viktor thought it was rather amusing when Jayce seemed slightly taken off guard by the food. Though that moment wasn't lived in very long as their conversation had taken a more...honest and vulnerable turn. Even with Jayce's rambling Viktor sat there. As still as a statue as he watched him explain the reasonings behind all of these questions. He couldn't tell how it make him feel. If the unease he felt was because he was uncomfortable or because he liked it, it was something new. People didn't usually ask him about his life, he usually kept to himself. As he never really had a reason to share it. There was heart ache there, wonderful things. Yet he could never understand why someone would want to know about what he considered to be his mundane life. He didnt know exactly what he was willing to share with Jayce just yet. But the fact he was even interested in him was...extraordinarily perplexing. He didnt know what to say, sitting there in a long uncomfortable silence before his lips parted to speak. Voice catching in his throat, he cleared it before speaking aloud. "People are not usually this interested in me." He muttered softly with a gentle shrug. Taking a few small bites of the food in front of them. Did he tell Jayce more about himself? If he did, what should he tell him? He seemed hesitant before speaking further. "....My full name is Viktor Arcane. I was born here in Zaun. I have enjoyed music since a young age. I grew up in an orphanage before being adopted by a musician. I was born with a disease called rickets, which is why I have a cane. I was the frontman in a band up until ten-ish years ago. Now I own a club...and a studio, and I do music production." He mumbled. Though he didn't seem as inclined to specify why he stopped performing. Perhaps he wasnt ready to share that yet.

#arcane au #arcane roleplay #jayvik #jayvik roleplay #piltovers-goldenboy #theheraldscientist

Jayce was surprised when he heard Viktor mention that people weren't interested in learning about him. The producer may have been the most interesting person he's ever met in his life, so it didn't make sense to Jayce. He leans his elbows on the counter as he orders another glass for himself, listening to Viktor intently.

When he finishes, Jayce takes in a quiet, deep breath.

"I would have never guessed you've gone through so much, just by looking at you right now. I'm sorry." Jayce takes a sip from his glass, thinking more on how to respond.

"You grew up in such harsh conditions, but you really seemed to pave your way through Zaun. Hell, you even opened up your own venue. It must have been hard."

When Jayce looked at Viktor again, he could note a certain tension in his eye, but also an exhaustion.

"...and you don't play anymore?"

JayVik Rockstar AU!

The low buzz of neon flickered overhead as Viktor stood just inside the back entrance of the Piltover club, a place far removed from the gritty underground dens he was used to in Zaun. The air smelled cleaner here—less oil and sweat, more expensive cologne and the faintest trace of ozone. It was the kind of place where people came to be seen, not to disappear.

Viktor’s hands twitched slightly at the edge of the worn synth pad he carried with him, the only piece of familiarity in a room that felt like a spotlighted stage set for some show he didn’t want to be part of. The message from Jayce’s manager was still fresh in his mind, and the weight of it pressed heavier than he expected. Why would the famous rockstar want help from a shadow like him? Why come to someone who thrived in Zaun’s grit when the whole of Piltover had been shining a light on him?

The door creaked open, slicing through the murmur of the club like a spotlight hitting the darkest corner.Viktor’s gaze snapped up.There he was—Jayce. The man whose name filled headlines and whose face was plastered across every holo-banner in Piltover. He moved with that practiced ease of a performer, a confidence that felt almost too rehearsed. The leather jacket, the wild tousled hair, the kind of grin that lit up the room... all carefully crafted, meticulously maintained.

But Viktor saw past it.

Not because he was some cynical underground prophet, but because that shine felt brittle, like it was cracking beneath the surface. The rumors were true—Jayce was struggling, and the cracks were starting to show.

Viktor studied him, quiet and unmoving, weighing the story behind the star. This was no longer just a musician on stage—it was a man caught between two worlds, and Viktor was being pulled into the middle.No words came at first. Viktor simply held the synth pad tighter, waiting to see what would happen next.

@piltovers-goldenboy

JayVik Rockstar AU!

Jayce arrived at the club in a foul mood. He had one too many drinks just the night before, and after being jarred awake from a deep sleep, Piltover’s golden boy was now hungover and irritated. Jayce's manager consistently reminded him of his meeting with some new producer-hailing from Zaun, no less–but he was hardly excited.

Jayce's numbers had started to dip, and less and less venues stopped reaching out offering spots for him, but the golden boy stuck to his confidence like glue. He strode into smaller clubs as if he were still performing for hundreds; walked into shows of 20 or 30 like he was still performing at the Medarda’s opera house. The grit was there, but the passion was utterly hollow. And the gnawing sensation that his career was failing haunted the backdrop of his mind constantly.

He walked through the backdoor with his best face and practiced smile. Then he paused when he saw Viktor. Thin framed and alabaster skin, a waterfall of chocolate brown hair with streaks of platinum. His neck and arms were layered with jewelry, and his dark fitted vest framed his silhouette. Jayce also couldn't avoid the two distinct moles that graced his face; one pressed into his cheekbone under fluttered lids, the other rested just above his lip.

He was cute. And by the look of his anxious demeanor, Jayce was confident it would be easy to get his attention. He walked over to Viktor with ease, eyeing him once over.

“Hey, nice synth. You must be Viktor? My manager’s told me a lot about you. I look forward to working together.” He smiled. “I think we’re up in ten." Jayce headed towards the stage but paused before he turned back,

"And, oh. We can throw that out,” Jayce gestured to Viktor’s synthesizer. “My manager can pull one from our storage. It’ll be in way better shape than that one, trust me.”

Jayce walked back to Viktor and began reaching for his instrument.

Viktor could see through the act, how it was fake, how this practiced smile was somehow meant to make Viktor feel at ease. Well, he was hardly having it. He could see how the other man commanded a room...but in this case there was no room to command or wow, and Viktor was a very tough crowd.

The brown haired man had a scowl on his face the very minute the polished rockstar began speaking to him. He could see the slight bags under his eyes, taking note that he was tired, and probably hungover. He expected something along the lines of washed up polished rockstar but definitely not a dick who didn't know how to keep his hands to himself.

He was still busy studying Jayce's appearance, all he offered was a small nod in hello before the other's manicured fingernails reached out to grab his personal belongings. "Excuse me?" He spat with furrowed brows, smacking Jayce's hand away. "I think you may have forgotten, but not everyone wants your hands all over their belongings. Hands to yourself, Piltie. Or are you so desperate for attention that you'd be willing to bother your new producer." He narrowed his eyes with a grumbled to his voice, holding his synth tight to his chest before laughing.

"You think you're performing? This is rich. I was sent here to pick you up, take you to my private studio in the undercity. I don't need to see you on stage. If we are going to fix your career, we need to tear down this...pretty boy ballad stadium anthem look and sound of yours. Of course, only if you think you can handle it.' He spoke with a smug expression,

", that is, if you can keep your hands to yourself." He spat.

Jayce abruptly pulled his hand away when Viktor had smacked it, shocked. Viktor’s golden eyes shimmered in the low lights of the neon glow, and Jayce briefly caught himself lost in them. He swallowed.

“B-but…my manager, I thought we were here for the show–” Jayce paused, then tried his best to compose himself. He had been so taken aback by Viktor’s actions, he initially didn’t know how to respond. Piltover’s golden boy always had everything handed to him, and this type of rejection was completely foreign to him. He never expected this man, who was smaller (small enough to probably haul over his shoulder with one hand), had a bite just as loud as his bark. He cleared his throat and spoke again, trying his best to hide his embarrassment.

“I’m sorry, I just thought you’d want a better synth than that one. It looks like it’s on its last limb…it was supposed to be a kind gesture.” Jayce spoke somewhere in between genuine kindness and hollow altruism. But he was honest enough to admit that he didn’t want to get off on the wrong foot with him. Viktor was unlike anyone he’d ever met before. Entirely different from what he expected his new producer to be. There was also something about the man that he couldn’t deny was mesmerizing, and he didn’t want to ruin any chances he had by making Viktor so mad that he’d abandon the job altogether.

“I promise, I won’t touch anything of yours again. I’m in your care, Viktor.” Jayce stood, holding his hands behind his back instinctively. “I look forward to checking out your private studio.”

Without Jayce’s anticipation, he started to realize perhaps there was a lot to learn from Viktor.

Viktor knew he had a thin, small stature. That he wasn't very tall, or very muscular, which is part of the reason why he carried himself the way he did. When push came to shove in Zaun it was hard, which was probably why his work ethic and drive was like no other. He had always been this way, snappy and slightly rude when it came to him feeling disrespected. His brows furrowed as he stared at Piltover’s Golden Boy, it was odd. To see a man that was so highly valued crumbling at the simplest of an action. He thought someone in this industry would've had tougher skin, yet again, people from Piltover were all rich and pretentious in his eyes. "Follow me then." He spoke softly, keeping his synth close to his chest. Wary of it being grabbed. It was special to him and had been with him since the beginning, and little did Jayce know this busted little synth was the key to his first success. He led Jayce through a private exit way to a car. Black, a bigger vehicle. But most definitely not sleek or polished. It wasn't anything like Jayce was used to. The only reason there was someone driving the car was because of Viktor's bad leg. He opened the door for Jayce and raised a brow, the dimly lit alleyway lighting slightly flickering in their wake. "...Are you going to get in the car? Or is Piltover’s Golden Boy scared to take a little trip to Zaun?" He knew that the place was...not as easy on the eyes, and nose, and- everything, the way Piltover was. It was anti glitz and glamor. Everything Jayce wasn't used to.

Viktor’s fiery behavior had first caught Jayce by surprise. But the longer he was with Viktor, the more he became interested in learning about the man.

Jayce scoffed quietly with a half smirk, “Hm…scared. Who’s scared?” He walked over and opened the car door wider, to let Viktor in first. “Zaun sounds exciting to me. Never been.”

He paused briefly to look at Viktor, “Mind you, I’m not opening the door for you because I think you can’t do it yourself.”

It was true, Jayce may have been pretentious and overbearing, but one thing he didn’t do was look down or underestimate the differently-abled. He grew up having to watch his own mother face ridicule for simply having prosthetic fingers. And it always angered him. Jayce continued,

“You just have more on your hands, and I like being a gentleman.”

Jayce noticed how carefully Viktor held onto his synth, and briefly hitched his brow. Maybe he was too brazen with the Zaunite when he had reached out for it before. Jayce made a mental note to not touch his things in the future. Though it did make him curious.

“So what’s your story with that synth?”

This was different than the way he first behaved firsthand, opening the door for him was something that he didn't expect. Nor did he expect the other man to say something like that. He had to give it to him, that did gain him a bit of respect in Viktor's eyes. But a very small amount, Viktor didn't make extreme judgements too quickly.

He settled into the car and buckled his seat belt, straightening up his posture before saying something to the driver about the location they'd be going to. Now turning his attention back to Jayce. "Mm. I don't think a gentleman doesn't know how to keep his hands to himself." It also seemed that Viktor wouldn't let go of that little action.

The brown haired man stared down at the synth in his arms, tilting his head at the question. "Well. It's been used on every single album I've produced, as well as my own work." He spoke softly. "There's nothing like it, partly because it's the only synth I've seen that's able to operate with a broken high pass filter. I've been able to- sort of make the busted sound the trade mark sound of Zaun's rock scene. I carry it with me out of fear of it getting stolen."

He shrugged before glancing out the window, pressing his lips into a thin line before continuing. "I highly doubt you would have any knowledge on the rock scene here. It's unlike anything in Piltover." He spoke as the car drove past a security border checkpoint. Driving them into the undercity.

The two of them were greeted with dirty air, neon signs and grime. The whole city looked rough and busted but in its own unique way. People on the streets wearing gas masks of their own to prevent from getting poisoned by the air.

It truly wasn't like anything else.

Jayce laughed quietly. Normally a sharp tongue would irritate him, but it was a good look on Viktor. And he knew Viktor was skeptical about him. Chasing stardom started to feel like a snake eating its own tail. And when Jayce’s fight to gain popularity started to burn him out, he was only left questioning why he was doing it in the first place. So Jayce couldn’t exactly blame Viktor for his doubts. He turned and looked the man in the eye. He tried to assure him again, but this time more seriously.

“I promise I won’t touch your things again. So lighten up a little. I bet if you trusted people more, you’d have a lot more fun.” He smirked.

And when Viktor talked about his synth, Jayce could see a spark his golden eyes.

“I’d really love to hear your music. A broken high pass filter really doesn’t have any limits. And you’re right, I have a feeling your stuff is pretty unique. Probably even stands out from the other music in Zaun.” He smiled.

When they stepped out of the car, Jayce stifled a cough from the Gray. There was an edge to the Undercity. A slew of people with augmentations, the neon glow from clubs. And the distinct crowd of punks and alternative Fissurefolk roaming the streets with abandon. Jayce was entirely out of place, yet he felt exhilarated. There was something uninhibited about Zaun. But he had the feeling that’s exactly what made their music on so different.

He coughed again, and looked at Viktor who had seemed to breathe fine. Jayce’s pride wasn’t strong enough to defy physics and support his actual lungs, so he asked Viktor candidly.

“Those masks that some of them wear. You mind if I borrow one for a bit, just enough till I get used to it here?”

Viktor shot Jayce a heavy glare when the other made the comment about trusting people. Nobody could really trust anyone in Zaun, that was just the nature of the city and how he grew up.

Though he couldn't help the smirk that washed over his face once he saw the other's reaction to the air quality here. It definitely did take some getting used to, and it didn't help he was an avid smoker. He dug around in the car before he handed one to Jayce. It was the law to have at least one in each vehicle just in case.

"Take it. Keep your head down and don't make eye contact or talk to anyone. It's obvious you're not from here. The last thing we need is people finding out who you are, it's a first class ticket to getting your ass kicked." He spat before shoving Jayce forward to tell him to follow him. Viktor walked with a confidence that he didn't have in Piltover. It was clear he was more comfortable here.

After walking half a mile he took Jayce down an alleyway. Sketchy at best, trash everywhere, two club patrons messily making out to their left. It was easy to ignore, and Viktor's goal was to get Jayce inside as quickly as he could to avoid being spotted. There was a door with a small sign above it, The Machine Herald was the name of the place.

Viktor unlocked the door and ushered Jayce inside before locking the door. At first glance it seemed like some sort of exclusive club. Which it sort of was, but Viktor never treated it as that anymore. There was a bar, a few couches, seats, and a small stage. Though Viktor yet again pushed past that to another door. Stairs.

The brown haired man grabbed onto the railing and slowly went down them. It didn't seem to be easy for him but he was more than capable. Elevators didn't really exist in Zaun, so he had to make do. And once he was finished it was a dingey recording and writing studio. It really wasn't anything all that nice, and it was definitely shifty compared to all the ones Jayce had been in.

"You can take your mask off now. This is the place. Make yourself comfortable." He spoke, lots of items littered the walls. Awards from records he produced that had gone silver, gold, or platinum in Zaun. Photos of him with various people though there was a photo that seemed to stick out. It was a younger Viktor with a group of three other people, playing on stage to what in the picture seemed like loads of people. Perhaps.

Viktor had first hand experience on what it was like to be a washed up rockstar.

When Viktor shot Jayce a glare, the golden boy had to stifle a smile. The producer grew up in Zaun and was obviously much more in tune with the goings-on of his own home town. He doubted he could even last a day without Viktor's guidance in the Underground. But he also couldn't help but find Viktor's temper quite cute. Not that he'd ever tell the man that. Viktor would probably wring his neck if he ever knew.

When Viktor handed Jayce the mask, he smelled the scent of burnt tobacco on him. Viktor smoked? Jayce would have never known. He made a note to stop by a convenience store sometime. Maybe he'd like a pack. Jayce couldn't deny he also just wanted to see the producer with a cigarette between his fingers. The mental image of it looked good.

Jayce followed Viktor dutifully as they both weaved through the streets. When they finally got to the recording studio, Jayce took a look at the walls. He traced over the picture of a young Viktor with who he assumed was his bandmates from back in the day.

As Jayce walked around studying the small space, he said, "The Machine Herald. Has a nice ring to it. Is this your club?" He asked, gesturing to the whole of the place; even the space outside of the small studio. He found himself standing in front of the photo again on the wall, in slight awe.

"Would have been pretty cool to see you play back then." A softness in his voice came out, but he didn't intend for it.

Viktor kept his eye on Jayce, knowing that the other man liked to touch things that didn't beelong to him. And this place was filled with things of that sort. Viktor raised a brow when the other complimented his club name, as well as the photo of him and his band mates. There was a slight bitterness to his expression when the other man uttered such words. "Yes this is my club. I often have individuals on the rise of popularity, to give them a head start in the industry play here." He hummed softly, a gentle smirk on his face as he spoke about it. He moved over to his his desk and sat down slowly, at it, gesturing to Jayce to sit in the chair next to his, It seemed that he wanted to get right to work. "That was a long time ago. Theres no purpose in dwelling on it." He mumbled before reaching into his desk and handing Jayce a pen and paper. "I would like you to write down your goals for your new album, image, and everything of that nature. I cannot help you unless i know what youre working to achieve." He nodded, reaching into his desk once again and taking out the last cigarette in his pack. He cursed lowly, knowing he would probably need more than one to get through dealing with Jayce. He didnt seem to fond of him at the moment but he did have a pang of sympathy for him. He wouldnt have accepted the job working with him if he didnt. He flicked on his lighter and took a long drag of it, blowing the smoke away from Jayce as to not be rude and blow it in their space. "Im not writing you statidum jingles. Keep that in mind. The goal here is to shock Piltover with something they have never seen before. Not everyone is going to like this change, but remember. Bad press is still press." He raised an eyebrow at Jayce, wondering what his response would be to that.

When the man mentioned that he had stopped giving beginning musicians a head start in their careers, Jayce briefly wondered why. Jayce sat down and took the pen that Viktor offered, and accidentally brushed his hand over the producer’s knuckles. He winced, apprehensive of how the man would react to his unintentional touch.

“Sorry,” Jayce said, before looking over at the sheet. The Piltovian stared long and hard at it. The blank sheet of paper felt like a doorway to something new; a rewrite of his potential future. It was both terrifying and thrilling at the same time.

Suddenly, he heard a couple clicks and soon after, the distinct smell of freshly burnt tobacco wafting through the air. Jayce’s eyes widened and he looked at Viktor. The man sat there next to him, smoking casually, and Jayce gulped. He quickly turned back to the page in front of him and forced himself to concentrate.

He thought carefully over Viktor’s words. Superficial attention grabs were off the table, and something about the producer’s deliberate choice actually gave Jayce relief. The Zaunite’s comment that not everyone will like his new music gave him a better sense of freedom. As he wrote, he said out loud without even thinking,

“You know when I was younger, I used to write my own music. Nowadays I barely even play my own guitar anymore. Everything’s so rehearsed now, sometimes my manager will just play pre-recorded tracks while I perform.” Something about Jayce’s own statement irked the golden boy. One of the first things he wrote on the paper was, write my own music again. As he continued to write he said,

“Lately I’ve only been performing pop songs. But when I first started out, I loved listening to Nirvana, Radiohead…the Strokes. That was the music that really stoked my passion.” He smiled bitterly to himself, “Guess I really am a washed up musician. Sold out pretty hard, huh.”

When he went to hand the list to his new producer, he noticed the man looking into his empty cigarette packet with a slight scowl. After he gave Viktor the paper Jayce immediately stood up,

“I uh…I have to use the bathroom. I’ll be right back.” Jayce paced out of the studio without even asking Viktor where the restrooms were located.

As he exited The Machine Herald, he looked around. He thought he could remember a pop up stand nearby that sold random snacks and newspapers. When he got to the shop, he was relieved to see a shelf of cigarette brands behind the counter. He pulled out a few crumpled pieces of cash from his pocket and set it down on the table before saying,

“Two packs of Marlboro’s please.”

It wasn’t much longer until he arrived back at the studio in a small sweat and a harsh breath. He felt a scratch in his throat from going back out to the Lanes without a mask, but said nothing about it before he sat back down next to Viktor. The packs were secured tightly in his own pocket. After a minute or two, he discreetly slipped the cigarettes on the corner of Viktor’s desk.

Viktor understood Jayce's words, It helped him paint a picture. There was a sympathetic pang in his chest as the other man described how rehearsed his fame had become. It made sense, at least it made sense to Viktor why the public eye had become to ignore the Golden Boy. People like something new, shocking, unlike what was seen before. The words 'write my own music again' made Viktor make a few mental notes. Though his thoughtful silence was interrupted when the other spoke about needing to use the restroom. But he did not even ask where the location of it was. Strange. Maybe the other wasn't adjusting to Zaun as easily as it seemed. He stood and began to set a few things up into his recording studio. When the Golden Boy returned and he seemed slightly out of breath he shot him an odd glare, shifting quietly to open his laptop when he noticed the packs of cigarettes on his desk. His brows furrowed for a moment as he turned to Jayce. On one hand, maybe he was losing his mind and forgot he had left a few packs there, on the other hand Jayce left and returned meaning he had purchased these during his supposed bathroom break. He pressed his lips into a thin line "....Thank you." Though the topic was not touched on a moment more. He leaned agaisnt the wall with a raised eyebrow. "Id like to try putting you in the studio, recording whatever you can come up with at the moment. Spontanious actions like this can lead to...favorable results." Perhaps his words were a dual meaning, referencing the gift upon his desk. "I have a few different guitars in there. Sing, play whatever you like. Just as long as its original. I do not mind if it takes you seconds, or hours." Perhaps his words were more gentle now, kind, this gift seemed to put Jayce in his good graces at the moment.

When Viktor said thank you, Jayce couldn't deny that he felt an exhilaration. It might have been the first time Viktor had let a wall down--if you could count the quiet thanks as one at all. He smiled warmly, but wiped the smile from his face before Viktor could notice.

"Spontaneous...?" Jayce trailed off. He thought about it more. He wasn't sure if the producer had meant to liken the statement to the gift he left, but he couldn't help but wonder what else the Zaunite might like. Does Viktor drink coffee? Coffee and cigarettes always seem to be a good combination. He marked it in his mind for later.

"Thank you, I'll try to think seriously on it," Jayce said quietly, before standing up to look at the instruments in the studio. He perused. Some were high-end; Gibons, Fenders…but he paused when he saw an old acoustic guitar. It looked like it weathered years of use, tucked in the corner and coated with dust. He wondered when the last time it was played. Jayce walked up to the acoustic, different from the line of cleanly polished electric guitars, dusted it off with his sleeve, and began tuning it by ear.

He didn't want to admit it, but being in front of his new producer was nerve-wracking. So when Viktor had told Jayce to take as long as he needed to write something new, the Golden Boy sighed in relief.

Just before he had signed onto a major label with his manager, he had been halfway finished with a song. Mostly the melody (there weren't many lyrics yet), but it was all but thrown away when he was forced to become a "rock star." It didn't fit the image, his manager said once. It was too stripped down, no beats, no electrics. Just an out-of-tune acoustic that was way too melodic, too classical sounding, than a pop song you would hear on the radio.

Jayce adjusted the guitar strap and slung it over his shoulder. He tried to remember what it sounded like. Then he closed his eyes, let out a sigh, and began to play.

Viktor watched carefully, golden eyes scanning the taller man in front of him as he went to a guitar. Viktor's first guitar, a guitar that held so many memories of being a rising musician in Zaun. He would've stopped him from using it if he wasn't so intrigued. He found a seated position as his desk before scooting the wheeling stool over to his mixing console. He straightened his posture and hit the record button as the other individual began to play. The sound wasnt perfect, Viktor had issues which such a concept in the past. Finding to learn that imperfection was beautiful and that was exactly what his ears were hearing. A sweet melodic sound fluttered through the air. It was beautiful. It was utterly original, and Viktor was glad to be able to record every single bit of it as he watched him play. Perhaps capitalizing on this raw unfiltered sound was something they could capitalize on. Though before making that decision he leaned into the mic on his mixing desk and spoke to Jayce. His voice was soft, softer than it had ever been before as to not interrupt what was happening in front of him. "...Id like you to sing whatever comes to mind. Hum. Whatever seems correct for this tune." He spoke before leaning away and taking another long drag of his cigarette, exhaling the smoke with a practiced ease. Part of being a good producer was coaching the musician into reaching their musical wants, needs, ideas, as well as coaching them through moments like this. Experimental creation processes. He remembered moments like these when he was young, naive. And something about watching Jayce play reminded him of that time.

As Jayce played, he could hear Viktor’s soft voice over the intercom. Sing something on the spot? Jayce nearly paused his playing but forced himself to continue. He closed his eyes and tried to think about his lyrics. What were the words he had been working on before? While he thought, he found himself getting nervous. He was a musician for god’s sake. He’d played on stages for years, but he didn’t know why it was now that he suddenly found it hard to do.

Jayce pushed through the nerves. He didn’t want to waste the time he had with Viktor; he knew it was precious and probably fleeting. And he was sure he’d be met with harsh words if his new producer found that the golden boy couldn’t even sing in front of him.

{When I met you}

{Things started to change}

{An inseparable piece of everything}

{When I met you}

{All there was}

{Were fields of dreamless solitude}

{If there’s a chance}

{In this new light}

{I promise you}

{I’ll make things right}

Jayce paused and stopped playing. He let the guitar hang at his side.

“…or something like that.” He smiled and gave a nervous chuckle. “Sorry, I know it was kind of sappy,” he said, rubbing the back of his neck, face hot. If Jayce were more honest with himself, he’d admit that he was more than embarrassed. He almost avoided Viktor’s eyes through the glass pane of the studio altogether. But he eventually looked up. Then he noticed a red light just above the window. It was blinking, right underneath a plaque that said “In session, recording”

Jayce’s eyes widened, and his mouth fell loose. He didn’t realize Viktor had been recording.

“Oh uh—“ he fumbled with his words, at a loss for what to say. Viktor would have this recording in his possession, to listen to whenever he wanted to, and it moored Jayce. My god. He must have sounded corny. “Uh…you know, maybe we can re-record? I can do a different song or something. This was just off the cuff and I’m sure it sounds too cheesy.” He brought a face to his hand, ears burning.

It was in these moments Viktor could see somthing different. Past a version of Jayce that was all made up of cash grabs, flashy stage lights and performances. Something brought out with a busted guitar. This type of music couldnt be crafted with those material aspects, this was something crafted by sheer talent. Not just by some pretty face playing to a track. This was raw, this was real, and it was infatuating. Viktor watched with golden eyes, A small smirk finding his lips as Jayce had suddenly gotten embarrassed by the sheer fact Viktor had been recording what Jayce had just come up with. He let out a laugh, one of the first since their time spent together. It was evident he was letting down a few of those major walls. Not completely but it was there. "We don't have to show this to anyone, Jayce. I just needed to capture your talent." He mumbled as he saved the audio file on his laptop and simultaneously burned it onto a CD just in case the audio file as lost and vise versa. "Sappy isn't bad, There is a market for such songs. People experience heartbreak, people like to find their own stories in the music of others." He spoke with a gentle nod as he wrote a label on the case of the CD and sat it on his desk. "This shows me you have talent, the reason why you became popular in the first place. Relax. You have control of who sees what songs. Not some fuckass label. Alright?" He muttered as he stood, using his crutch carefully as he shuffled around the studio before asking something. A question that showed he was warming up to him. "Are you hungry?" Implying they would go out to eat or something along those lines.

When Jayce heard Viktor laugh, he paused. He had heard his producer scoff and laugh harshly before, but this one was different. A little softer. And a part of Jayce thought it would be nice to hear more of it.

“Ah, r-right. Sure. And thank you, I appreciate that you liked the song.” He tried to speak calmly, hoping his enthusiasm wasn’t too obvious. It might have been the first time his new producer complimented him too. Jayce’s face grew hot, and he coughed in his hand. He felt like there were a lot of firsts tonight. Like maybe there was at least one wall he was able to break down, with his music.

“Gods, it would be great if I could start writing my own music again,” he sighed. He made his way out of the small recording studio, and when he heard Viktor’s question to grab food, he nearly tripped over some recording cables.

“Hungry? Yeah, that sounds great. Where were you thinking?” Jayce straightened himself and tried to sound level-headed. He didn’t know why he was so nervous. It felt like there was some type of shift in Viktor, but he didn’t know exactly what it was. As Jayce collected his things before following Viktor to where they were going to eat, he paused for a second. He was always so curious but so far, they never seemed to have a chance to talk much about it,

“What kind of music did you used to make when, y’know…when you used to play? I think it’s important to know what kind of stuff your producer is into. To be honest I’d really love to hear you play sometime,” Jayce smiled. It was less polished. Less like the ones he’d put on for publicity. And It showed his gap tooth, which was something he usually tried to hide, but would sometimes show if he was too comfortable with someone enough to care.

Viktor knew that introducing Jayce to traditional zaunian dishes and foods may not go very well. Mainly due to the nature of what could be in them. Meat wasn't an item that was easy to come by underground. Leaving dishes like steaks, chicken, etc, considered luxurious. Which left lizards and bugs, Newt, as sources of protein for those down below. They was a sly look on Viktor's face as he dragged Jayce out of the studio. His expression had a flare of a mischievous glint.

"Don't worry of it, Jayce." He spoke as he quietly led them off to the restaurant theg would be eating at. The walk was quite long so he expected conversation. Just not...the question that Jayce asked. It was well put as well, leaving Viktor to seem like an idiot not to answer it honestly. Though the prospect of Jayce hearing his old work made his head spin. It seemed like ages ago, playing to large crowds down in hidden stages and clubs in Zaun. Almost like a dream.

It evident that Viktor was caught off guard by the question at first. Lightly jumping at the prospect of the question. He cleared his throat with a gentle shrug. "I... mainly did what you would consider. Cyberpunk rock....mixed with a sort of Industrial rock flare." He muttered seeming more hesitant to go on, though the look of genuine curiosity on Jayce's face made him go on further. "...I was the. Front man of a band called Glorious Evolution. Our record Evolution Protocol went platinum here in zaun."

Viktor's past as a well loved rockstar wasnt something he spoke about often. Nor why he didn't seem to do that allanymore. He seemed to speak of a time of fame. So where was that now? He didnt tell, at least not for now.

He quickly changed the subject before pointing at the restaurant. A small hole in the wall place known for the bar food and drinks. He carefully led himself and Jayce inside before slapping currency on the counter and ordering from the large fish cook who went right to cooking their order. The place seemed....less than sanitary but he paid no mind. Just seating himself in a quiet booth nearing the corner with a gentle grunt from having to lean down to sit. "This place is one of my favorites."

Jayce was curious about the restaurant Viktor was taking them to. And when he started to talk about his time as a musician, he kept his mouth shut. Every sentence Viktor said sprang twice as many questions from Jayce, but he held back, attempting be calm.

"Cyberpunk is so...punk," Jayce said with awe. He looked at Viktor again, taking in his features as if he was seeing his producer for the first time. Everything about his look--from the clothing style, to his hair, and even his demeanor--screamed punk in some form or another. Jayce figured growing up in the Undercity only naturally bred musicians with that type of grit.

When Viktor mentioned his old band, and for gods' sake, his own record label, Jayce was immediately curious. He needed to hear his music.

"You went platinum? That's seriously amazing," Jayce said with a slightly more excitable air than he hoped would come out. "Why haven't I heard of you guys before?"

When he saw Viktor change the topic, he paused. Something about the look on his face beckoned Jayce to treat the particular topic with care. Even though he wanted to know more, he didn't want to push him.

When they got to the restaurant, Jayce's stared for a moment. The chef behind the counter was huge, and looked like some type of fish hybrid. He admitted that he had never eaten the type of food before, but something about the aroma wafting from the kitchen smelled good. He sat next to Viktor, noting the producer wincing as he sat.

"I'm sure it has great food then," Jayce smiled. "Do you have a favorite dish here?"

When he saw that Viktor paid for the food, Jayce's eyes widened. He wanted to pay Viktor back somehow. And not just for the food, but for giving him a chance to play. And giving him his company. When the cook came by the counter again, Jayce jumped at the opportunity and called out to him, briefly looking at the menu of drinks.

"Could we get two whiskeys?" He pulled out his wallet and paid for the drinks before Viktor could even try, then looked at him with a half-smile.

"As thanks for taking me out to dinner. I heard whiskey pairs well with tobacco. Thought you might enjoy it with a smoke."

Viktor was settling his wallet in his shoulder bag before he heard Jayce call out to the cook. Only to watch him pay for the drinks. It was a nice gesture that brought a small reserved smile to his lips. Watching as the glass was placed in front of him soon after.

Though his next comment was a bit snarky, it was said with care. "Are you sure thats a good idea? I could tell you were hungover when you walked up to me at that club in Piltover."

He snickered softly before reaching for his glass and taking a small sip. He seemed to enjoy the taste, ultimately relaxing more in his seat. He was more slouched, unusual for him, but a sign that he felt more comfortable.

The brown haired man watched as the food was soon brought over to them. Fired salamander on skewers, expertly cooked newt with a special dipping sauce, raw fish served over plants native to zaun, fried mealworm and other insects over a mushroom salad, or fried on their own with little toothpicks in them making it easier to eat. Viktor didnt say anything for a few moments other than thanking the chef. He then turned to Jayce.

"Everything is meant to be eaten with your hands. Dont worry about utensils. And go easy on the newt, newt typically has toxic chemicals that can cause hallucinations if consumed in large amounts. " He nodded before further mentioning "It is my favorite dish though." He shrugged with a gentle smile before moving to dig in.

Viktor ate everything like it was nothing. He didnt eat very much to tell the honest truth, but the prospect of everything being rather unsavory didnt seem to cross his mind. As he had grown up with it.

Though he had one more question of his own. It had been eating at him just a bit over the past few moments. He couldn’t place his finger on why Jayce seemed so impressed by even the mention of the music he used to make. It confused him, especially since it was a completely opposite genre of what Jayce had sung moments ago. "...Why do you seem so impressed by the moments of my past I have shared?" He questioned, the first time he had seemed less than confident. He averted his gaze away from Jayce. Shy. Something Jayce had not seen from him yet.

#why does it feel like Jayce is lowkey confessing his undying love hahaha #theheraldscientist #piltovers-goldenboy #jayvik roleplay #jayvik rp #jayvik #jayce talis rp #viktor rp #arcane #jayce arcane #viktor arcane

Jayce was halfway through finishing his first drink already when he nearly choked from Viktor's comment.

"Oh uh--yeah...haha," he laughed awkwardly. "I guess it's a habit I haven't been able to kick yet." He stared at his glass, attempting to take his time on it. He peered over to Viktor and could see the man relax slightly, and it brought a smile to Jayce's lips.

When the food was finally brought to them, Jayce wasn't sure what he thought. He didn't know if the food looked good, or if it was his stomach thinking for him. And he was caught by surprise when Viktor said the newt was his favorite dish. He chuckled loudly, taking another sip from his whiskey,

"Sounds like it could be dangerous."

Jayce took a bite out of one of the dishes, and he coughed. The food was chewy, and a distinct aroma filled his nostrils. It was new, but there was also something about it that he liked. But again, he was buzzed from a good whiskey, and in the company of someone he enjoyed, so that could have been why the evening was so pleasant.

When Jayce heard Viktor's last question, he looked over to his new producer. His eyes widened. Viktor looked...meek? Jayce immediately turned to face the counter again, stuffing his face with the food to give him some more time to think on an answer. He couldn't help but find Viktor's expression cute, and he had been tempted to look over to him again. Once he swallowed, he cleared his throat and washed the food down with the last of his whiskey.

"I...uh. Well..." Jayce held his chin in his hand to cover the partial blush on him. How would he tell Viktor that he was just interested in anything that he does, without sounding utterly insane?

"I guess it's just, I don't know a whole lot about your past. And it seems like you have a lot of it. Indie folk and punk aren't exactly the same, but I really admire both genres. Honestly, there're some good folk punk bands out there if you've never heard of them!" Jayce began to ramble,

"If you ever want to hear some, I'm sure I can dig up a few old cassette tapes back in Piltover..." Jayce closed his mouth when he noticed how much he had been talking. He looked over to Viktor with a quiet breath and said again,

"Honestly, I just want to get to know you more. It can be anything. It doesn't even have to be music."

JayVik Rockstar AU!

But Viktor saw past it.

@piltovers-goldenboy

JayVik Rockstar AU!

He was cute. And by the look of his anxious demeanor, Jayce was confident it would be easy to get his attention. He walked over to Viktor with ease, eyeing him once over.

"And, oh. We can throw that out,” Jayce gestured to Viktor’s synthesizer. “My manager can pull one from our storage. It’ll be in way better shape than that one, trust me.”

Jayce walked back to Viktor and began reaching for his instrument.

", that is, if you can keep your hands to yourself." He spat.

Without Jayce’s anticipation, he started to realize perhaps there was a lot to learn from Viktor.

Viktor’s fiery behavior had first caught Jayce by surprise. But the longer he was with Viktor, the more he became interested in learning about the man.

Jayce scoffed quietly with a half smirk, “Hm…scared. Who’s scared?” He walked over and opened the car door wider, to let Viktor in first. “Zaun sounds exciting to me. Never been.”

He paused briefly to look at Viktor, “Mind you, I’m not opening the door for you because I think you can’t do it yourself.”

“You just have more on your hands, and I like being a gentleman.”

“So what’s your story with that synth?”

It truly wasn't like anything else.

“I promise I won’t touch your things again. So lighten up a little. I bet if you trusted people more, you’d have a lot more fun.” He smirked.

And when Viktor talked about his synth, Jayce could see a spark his golden eyes.

He coughed again, and looked at Viktor who had seemed to breathe fine. Jayce’s pride wasn’t strong enough to defy physics and support his actual lungs, so he asked Viktor candidly.

“Those masks that some of them wear. You mind if I borrow one for a bit, just enough till I get used to it here?”

Viktor shot Jayce a heavy glare when the other made the comment about trusting people. Nobody could really trust anyone in Zaun, that was just the nature of the city and how he grew up.

Viktor had first hand experience on what it was like to be a washed up rockstar.

"Would have been pretty cool to see you play back then." A softness in his voice came out, but he didn't intend for it.

When he went to hand the list to his new producer, he noticed the man looking into his empty cigarette packet with a slight scowl. After he gave Viktor the paper Jayce immediately stood up,

“I uh…I have to use the bathroom. I’ll be right back.” Jayce paced out of the studio without even asking Viktor where the restrooms were located.

“Two packs of Marlboro’s please.”

Jayce adjusted the guitar strap and slung it over his shoulder. He tried to remember what it sounded like. Then he closed his eyes, let out a sigh, and began to play.

{When I met you}

{Things started to change}

{An inseparable piece of everything}

{When I met you}

{All there was}

{Were fields of dreamless solitude}

{If there’s a chance}

{In this new light}

{I promise you}

{I’ll make things right}

Jayce paused and stopped playing. He let the guitar hang at his side.

Jayce’s eyes widened, and his mouth fell loose. He didn’t realize Viktor had been recording.

When Viktor mentioned his old band, and for gods' sake, his own record label, Jayce was immediately curious. He needed to hear his music.

"You went platinum? That's seriously amazing," Jayce said with a slightly more excitable air than he hoped would come out. "Why haven't I heard of you guys before?"

"I'm sure it has great food then," Jayce smiled. "Do you have a favorite dish here?"

"Could we get two whiskeys?" He pulled out his wallet and paid for the drinks before Viktor could even try, then looked at him with a half-smile.

"As thanks for taking me out to dinner. I heard whiskey pairs well with tobacco. Thought you might enjoy it with a smoke."

wonderful-rp-resources

Please reblog this if it’s okay for me to just pop into your ask box to RP with you, even if you haven’t reblogged a meme, because I just want to RP with you

JayVik Rockstar AU!

But Viktor saw past it.

@piltovers-goldenboy

JayVik Rockstar AU!

He was cute. And by the look of his anxious demeanor, Jayce was confident it would be easy to get his attention. He walked over to Viktor with ease, eyeing him once over.

"And, oh. We can throw that out,” Jayce gestured to Viktor’s synthesizer. “My manager can pull one from our storage. It’ll be in way better shape than that one, trust me.”

Jayce walked back to Viktor and began reaching for his instrument.

", that is, if you can keep your hands to yourself." He spat.

Without Jayce’s anticipation, he started to realize perhaps there was a lot to learn from Viktor.

Viktor’s fiery behavior had first caught Jayce by surprise. But the longer he was with Viktor, the more he became interested in learning about the man.

Jayce scoffed quietly with a half smirk, “Hm…scared. Who’s scared?” He walked over and opened the car door wider, to let Viktor in first. “Zaun sounds exciting to me. Never been.”

He paused briefly to look at Viktor, “Mind you, I’m not opening the door for you because I think you can’t do it yourself.”

“You just have more on your hands, and I like being a gentleman.”

“So what’s your story with that synth?”

It truly wasn't like anything else.

“I promise I won’t touch your things again. So lighten up a little. I bet if you trusted people more, you’d have a lot more fun.” He smirked.

And when Viktor talked about his synth, Jayce could see a spark his golden eyes.

He coughed again, and looked at Viktor who had seemed to breathe fine. Jayce’s pride wasn’t strong enough to defy physics and support his actual lungs, so he asked Viktor candidly.

“Those masks that some of them wear. You mind if I borrow one for a bit, just enough till I get used to it here?”

Viktor shot Jayce a heavy glare when the other made the comment about trusting people. Nobody could really trust anyone in Zaun, that was just the nature of the city and how he grew up.

Viktor had first hand experience on what it was like to be a washed up rockstar.

"Would have been pretty cool to see you play back then." A softness in his voice came out, but he didn't intend for it.

When he went to hand the list to his new producer, he noticed the man looking into his empty cigarette packet with a slight scowl. After he gave Viktor the paper Jayce immediately stood up,

“I uh…I have to use the bathroom. I’ll be right back.” Jayce paced out of the studio without even asking Viktor where the restrooms were located.

“Two packs of Marlboro’s please.”

Jayce adjusted the guitar strap and slung it over his shoulder. He tried to remember what it sounded like. Then he closed his eyes, let out a sigh, and began to play.

{When I met you}

{Things started to change}

{An inseparable piece of everything}

{When I met you}

{All there was}

{Were fields of dreamless solitude}

{If there’s a chance}

{In this new light}

{I promise you}

{I’ll make things right}

Jayce paused and stopped playing. He let the guitar hang at his side.

Jayce’s eyes widened, and his mouth fell loose. He didn’t realize Viktor had been recording.

JayVik Rockstar AU!

But Viktor saw past it.

@piltovers-goldenboy

JayVik Rockstar AU!

He was cute. And by the look of his anxious demeanor, Jayce was confident it would be easy to get his attention. He walked over to Viktor with ease, eyeing him once over.

"And, oh. We can throw that out,” Jayce gestured to Viktor’s synthesizer. “My manager can pull one from our storage. It’ll be in way better shape than that one, trust me.”

Jayce walked back to Viktor and began reaching for his instrument.

", that is, if you can keep your hands to yourself." He spat.

Without Jayce’s anticipation, he started to realize perhaps there was a lot to learn from Viktor.

Viktor’s fiery behavior had first caught Jayce by surprise. But the longer he was with Viktor, the more he became interested in learning about the man.

Jayce scoffed quietly with a half smirk, “Hm…scared. Who’s scared?” He walked over and opened the car door wider, to let Viktor in first. “Zaun sounds exciting to me. Never been.”

He paused briefly to look at Viktor, “Mind you, I’m not opening the door for you because I think you can’t do it yourself.”

“You just have more on your hands, and I like being a gentleman.”

“So what’s your story with that synth?”

It truly wasn't like anything else.

“I promise I won’t touch your things again. So lighten up a little. I bet if you trusted people more, you’d have a lot more fun.” He smirked.

And when Viktor talked about his synth, Jayce could see a spark his golden eyes.

He coughed again, and looked at Viktor who had seemed to breathe fine. Jayce’s pride wasn’t strong enough to defy physics and support his actual lungs, so he asked Viktor candidly.

“Those masks that some of them wear. You mind if I borrow one for a bit, just enough till I get used to it here?”

Viktor shot Jayce a heavy glare when the other made the comment about trusting people. Nobody could really trust anyone in Zaun, that was just the nature of the city and how he grew up.

Viktor had first hand experience on what it was like to be a washed up rockstar.

"Would have been pretty cool to see you play back then." A softness in his voice came out, but he didn't intend for it.

When he went to hand the list to his new producer, he noticed the man looking into his empty cigarette packet with a slight scowl. After he gave Viktor the paper Jayce immediately stood up,

“I uh…I have to use the bathroom. I’ll be right back.” Jayce paced out of the studio without even asking Viktor where the restrooms were located.

“Two packs of Marlboro’s please.”

Jayce adjusted the guitar strap and slung it over his shoulder. He tried to remember what it sounded like. Then he closed his eyes, let out a sigh, and began to play.