An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works
Based off this amazing fanfic! Continuing my drawing exercises by using the a03s that I love!
I have such a weak spot for childhood Jayce and Viktor. And sub-fusion of both the game and show, coming here as Jayce coming after Viktor to Zaun. AS HE SHOULD HAVE!
The story was not written by me. Just making sure to make that clear. I just adore it.
@jayvik-lover I hope you enjoy this story too.
I've been doing an awful job of keeping up with jayvik fic week (other than hoarding recs for when I have time to read them!) but I am a frequent rereader so I have a number of fics I go back to often! This list is going to be. Long. And in no particular order. Sorry.
Fics That Hollowed Me Out And Rebuilt Me As A Person:
Coming Home (But Not To You) by queercatfan (@lesbianherald) -- I know this is one of The Fics of this fandom but it is that for a reason. I spent months reading chapters 7-9 on a loop at least every other week.
It's the Good, Defining Itself by TopHat69 (@tophat-69) -- One of my all time favorite fics, in any fandom. This Viktor is my favorite Viktor hands down. (Hattie also has a pre-canon zaundads/vanco fic that I can't officially recommend because I haven't read it yet, but it's on my list and if it's anywhere near as good as It's the Good then it will be phenomenal.
The Firelight Tree by Tempeste (@e11era) -- This fic wormed itself into my brain so thoroughly that it wasn't until I looked back on *my* fic halfway through that I realized it deserved an "inspired by" link. A lovely soft postcanon, with the requisite angst to make the healing worth it.
A Divine Intervention by Tempeste (with art by @aleurain) -- I love this sad messy polycule so fucking much you have no idea.
Huzzah to the Hammersmith by zillac (@zillac) -- One of three fics with the distinction of making me cry, and the only one to make me cry happy tears. I would live in this fic if I could.
Balance (this world is a wasteland but we can still grow) by zillac -- I always want to call this one a postcanon but in honesty it's a canon divergent fix-it, and my god does it fix it. This fic blows my mind every time I go back to it and it is the perfect remedy for when I'm feeling sad about canon.
Love, Letting Go by theroyalsavage (@theroyalsavage) -- When I read I tend to take screenshots of lines that I like, and at least a third of this fic lives on my phone now. I adore this fic so, so much. There's also a gorgeous comic that crosses my dash periodically just to make me reread the fic.
All This Longing, Ships Left to Rust by theroyalsavage -- The pacing and tone of this fic is everything to me. I hesitate to call it a slowburn but it is patient and it's gorgeous.
Salt and Honey by 27dragons -- This one punched me in the gender. I'm normal about it, I promise. The normalest. Don't worry about it.
Comfort Food Fics I Can And Will and Do Reread On A Regular Basis
Lessons in Leverage by zillac -- This one is just fun. Instant pick-me-up of a fic.
buy more orange juice by zillac -- I cannot express the way that this one charmed me. Another bite-sized comfort fic.
Verdura by allandnothing -- My go-to fic for a world where everything is fine and nothing goes wrong. The family dynamic in this fic in particular is so special to me.
Perspective by AhoyTheShipOfDreams (@pigfartsviatardis) -- One of my earliest bookmarks!!!
You Know I Can't Let You Slide Through My Hands by AhoyTheShipOfDreams -- This fic is like a cozy sweater. Which is a wonderful coincidence. Because there is one featured in this fic.
Of Champagne and Unspoken Confessions by twobros_chillinginahottub -- This one. Does things to my brain. The rest of the series is good! But this one. Biting it.
Breaking Point by That_One_Neuvichili_Author (@thatoneneuvichiliauthor) -- Exactly my favorite flavor of physical and emotional h/c, in a tiny little fix-it fic.
Differential Burdens in Displacement by RhapsodyInWaves (@yallstar) Sweet and soft, one of my favorite Hextech-era fics :) Also has fantastic illustrations from the author that I adore.
Please Do Not Build A Deathray by nightlilly -- I want to live in this discord server. I want to live in this discord server so fucking bad.
AFK for Love by Rohvee (@rohvee) -- A cozy modern au where everything is fine and nothing hurts. Would also live here if i could.
Prove To Me I'm Not Gonna Die Alone by Shattering -- A very fun and unique au that lives in my head rent-free.
Burden In My Hand by MGCraig -- This series suckers you by luring you in with smut and then hitting you with the feelings truck halfway through.
sensory process by ducky (conscious_mess) -- @rebornfromash if i haven't recommended this to you specifically before then i am now.
tie up the broken threads by notsolstice -- A lovely postcanon and an absolutely fascinating exploration of the runic magic system that honestly kind of blew my mind.
What Crumbles, What Remains by weltraum_vaquero (@weltraum-vaquero) -- My all-time favorite x-reader fic
The Dawn/Dusk Duet by TheTrickyOwl (@thetriickyowl) -- Angst-flavored without being too angsty, one of my favorite League-flavored divorce-era series
put your lips on mine by vavavoom -- I'm kind of enamored by how prickly this Viktor is as well as the hurt/comfort flavor of the omegaverse aspects
Playground by ellenchain (@ellenchain) -- This one's a comic but it's on ao3 and has a plot so I'm counting it! This one's smut. But it's gorgeous smut.
I Only See Myself Reflected In Your Eyes by 27dragons (@27dragons) -- H/c with very cool worldbuilding that makes my brain itch (positive).
In These Modern Times by 27dragons -- Technically meljayvik but I love it so so much. I want to live in this fic. It delights me.
Whistled a Tune To the Window by 27dragons -- Reading this fic feels like hanging out with friends and I love it.
Pretty Thing (An Experiment) by 27dragons -- This one is relatable :3
Novelty by softestpunk (@softestpunk) -- A cozy modern au sickfic I reach for often
Heat by softestpunk -- One of my favorite omegaverse jayviks!
Jayce and Viktor Make a Porno (For Science) by softestpunk -- one of my very favorite fics by softestpunk, these two idiots won me over within the first few lines and I go back to hang out with them a lot.
stringing the lyre by softestpunk -- another easy cozy fic for when I just want the boys to be happy. This Viktor is a gremlin and I love him.
(I've almost certainly forgotten some but this post was over 3 hours in the making so I'm calling it here)
Question of the Day: Do you wait for fics to be completed or read them while in progress?
It really depends on the fic! I don't think there's any particular rhyme or reason to how I prioritize what I'm reading, so I have many subscriptions and bookmarks in various stages of completion and read statuses.
DAY 7: Today is focused on the future: the finale, fix-its, post-canon, S2 Act 3 or what comes after.
AHHHH I can't believe day 7 of @jayvikficweek is already here! Post-canon is one of the big question marks I love reading about the most. I gathered a few of my favorites from my bookmarks, under the cut!
Fracture Point by bluemorningsoup: 6.6k, rated E, codependency, bottom/demi jayce, Viktor POV, stress baking, hurt/comfort
Summary:
In the after, there were bad days, but at least they were together.
During the day, Jayce stress-baked, and Viktor stressed about Jayce. At night, they met in the middle, desperate to recapitulate the state of singularity they experienced in the arcane.
Bookmarker's Notes: Jayce stress bakes; Viktor thaws. A story about breaking down in slow motion; about not realizing the extent of the damage until the cracks become fragments. The prose is measured, precise, and perfectly Viktor. There's hurt, there's comfort, there's even bottom Jayce—this story is quietly devastating in every way!
season of revealing by @sulkybender: rated T, 2.1k, non-sexual intimacy, disability, chronic illness, dancing, bathing/washing, hurt/comfort
Summary:
He should feel so embarrassed, naked in the steaming water, and he does for a moment, but then it’s gone. It’s just Jayce sitting on the side of the tub—it’s always been Jayce—soaping Viktor’s hair, rinsing it gently, massaging his shoulders, careful around the bruises. It’s Jayce’s steady hands on Viktor’s back, careful but unshakable, and Jayce bundling him up in an enormous white towel and walking him to the bed.
A hundred unpleasant things he could be feeling and thoughts he could be thinking, but when he’s with Jayce those thoughts always seem to narrow down to one pleasant thing, or two.
There’s something easy about letting himself be cared for by someone he cares for so much.
—
Or: Viktor lets himself be loved.
Bookmaker's Notes: One of my favorites of sulky's! Featuring all the gentle and soft love for the boys, but Viktor especially, as he and Jayce navigate the ups and downs of chronic illness and disability. There's cooking, there's caring, there's even some dancing… T_T I keep this one earmarked for the days when I need a little warmth <3
Summary:
The midnight sky is dark, but it still has a certain luminosity to it. Distant city lights glowing off the clouds over lush fields. None of the stars Jayce was used to seeing from Piltover, but nothing like the little that Viktor has told him of Zaun either.
He supposes that’s exactly why they’ve come here to hide from the world for a while.
Or:
“Mmmh. Jayce.”
“Yeah?”
“What is with all this, eh– tossing and turning?”
be still, my indelible friend by @dearreaders-things: 1.8k, rated G, literal sleeping together, cuddling & snuggling, only one bed, tenderness
Bookmarker's Notes: This fic is. SO tender. Jayce spirals in the middle of the night and Viktor comforts him by becoming his weighted blanket, heh. Explores the kind of physical touch you (a yearner, perhaps, just guessing :3) dream about. Gosh I love this fic so much. I want to live here forever!
a post-piltover guide to stop worrying by bato (dust_motes): 1k, rated E, T4T jayvik, consensual somnophilia, bottom jayce, cottage fic
Summary:
It’s the slightest crease in his brow, ultimately. The stream shimmering in the moonlight, soft beams just enough to show the tiniest change in Jayce’s sleep. Viktor tucks back his hair, brushing knuckles along his beard, and Jayce leans into it with a hint of a tremor in his breath.
Viktor knows what to do.
---
(Late) Bottom Jayce Week, Day 7
Free Day!
Bookmarker's Notes: SO sweet and hot! Love Viktor taking care of Jayce even when he's asleep, heh. If you see me commenting on every fic in this tag no u don't. LMAO anyway! A peek into a lovely and intimate moment in their cottage. All of bato's fics deserve more love—please do check them out!
cataclysm by @saintemiliosandoz: 3.4k, rated E, overstimulation, bottom Jayce, praise kink, PWP
Summary:
Jayce has always been prone to bright, intense bursts of emotion, Viktor knows. When he met him, he was about to make the most final decision a person can make. Something a person just doesn’t do if they didn’t feel so terribly, so deeply. Later, he seemed to stabilize, to manage his emotions with more ease.
Of course, now, after everything, all that progress is down the drain. Jayce cries some days just looking at Viktor, like he can’t believe he’s in front of him, that Viktor wants him. As if there was any version of Viktor that could ever not want Jayce Talis.
Bookmarker's Notes: This is THE post-canon pwp for me. The porn itself is fantastic, some of the best in the business, but what really makes it for me is just how unhinged jayvik are about each other. This is exactly how I imagine them doing it for the rest of their lives once they get settled—with a hunger and devotion so all-consuming it crashes headlong into possession, religion. SO hot and satisfying! A full meal! I, ahem, go here often. Peace and love <3
tie up the broken threads by @americachavez: 33.4k, rated E, T4T, divorce era, reunions, dream sex, Arcane Herald Viktor, angst, getting back together
Summary:
Viktor leaves Piltover for the first time in his entire life the night after the battle. He’s not the only one on the airship bound towards Ionia—Jinx is fleeing from her past as well.
Seven years later, Jayce finds him again.
Their reunion goes about as well as you’d expect.
Bookmarker's Notes: I LOVE reunion fics post-breakup, and this one had me jumping up and down like I'd won the fucking lottery. It has all the delicious angst that comes with running into your ex at the grocery story (or: your ex purposefully seeks you out at the grocery store because he's dying and still shares a magic soul bond with you but ofc he's not gonna tell you that because you LEFT HIM and oh shit HE'S STILL SO HOT and oh fuck YOU DONE FUCKED UP!!!). Just. Ughhhhhhh the Viktor guilt is soooo good, I ate it up with a big ole spoon. I think I already saw someone rec this one this week but you'll see it again! I'm gonna reread it right after this! One of my all-time faves.
QOTD!
Where do YOU 🫵 think Jayce and Viktor are now?
When I first heard "in all timelines, in all possibilities," I took that line to heart! I think they live on in every fic and fanart and h/c and piece of fan media that exists about them. I can jayvik anything, and I WILL. Love them endlessly <3
Fashionably late to the party!! But I brought some treats!!!
This list has some of my personal favorites! Fics that are under 1k kudos, all of which I would give thousands of kudos myself, had I the capability! And, this list is absolutely not exhaustive in that regard! A reminder that if you've enjoyed one of my fics, there might be a list of links to inspiring works in the author's notes! :D
Check out the tag for more recs from this week (thank you organizers)! And a little bonus meta rec: @film-in-my-soul has a compendium of PHENOMENAL jayvik rec lists which have led me some delightful places.
ALSO, a broad general shout out, of course, to literally everything @27dragons has ever written for JayVik. You can do no wrong with anything in the lineup.
I've added ratings (some of these works are Explicit), wordcounts and summaries here! As always, if you click through, make sure to be mindful of the tags on the works themselves! Let's go:
DAY 1: "I don't even know your name..."
mine, all mine by @chubsonthemoon (Rating G; 20k words; Complete)
The Mage keeps walking, and Jayce panics; he shoves the stone in his pocket and runs ahead, seizing the Mage by the back of his robes. “Please, mister,” he says. “Thank you for saving me, but my mom—she went out to look for help and didn’t come back—do you know where she is?” The Mage turns around to look at him, then behind him, as if to confirm that Jayce is, indeed, alone. Jayce tries to peer up into his hood, but there’s something about the way the light bends around his face—it’s like he can’t look directly at him, no matter how hard he tries. “She might be lost,” Jayce says. “Please, could you—whatever you just did, could you find her, too?”
Baby!Jayce gets separated from his mother in the storm. Mage!Viktor takes care of him.
DAY 2: "In all timelines, in all possibilities."
Match Your Breath to Mine by 27dragons by @27dragons (Rating E, 140k words; Complete)
The Academy had been Jayce's dream school since he was thirteen, and he was super excited to finally be going there. And also kind of nervous, because he'd never been away from home for more than a weekend, and he'd emailed the guy who was supposed to be his roommate and the guy had never responded, so that was a little worrisome, because Jayce thought he'd managed to be super chill in the email but he was never really sure and Jayce didn't really have that many friends because everyone said he was so intense, but he didn't know any other way to be.
"Oh, you're already here." Viktor's roommate stepped further into the room, his arms bulging with stuff, followed by an older woman who was almost certainly his mother. He dropped his shit on the empty bed, then stuck out his hand. "So, hi, I'm Jayce." "Viktor," he said, and stood up to take Jayce's hand on autopilot, because the only thing that he could actually think was Oh no, he's hot.
“What are you-” Viktor tries again, increasingly strangled, because he both does not like being spoken over and is starting to think that Jayce has brought him here to reenact some of Viktor’s least fond high school memories. The kind where he was lucky if he could see out of either eye before limping home. Only he’s stopped a second time when Jayce pivots and lifts him off the ground, two strong, large hands on Viktor’s narrow waist, depositing him carefully on the lip of the sink before dropping unceremoniously to his knees.
And oh. Oh God.
DAY 4: Share a Favorite Standby
exit wound by @chubsonthemoon (Rating G; Wordcount May Vary; Complete)
He loves him, even as he fires.
DAY 5: Fingers In His Forehead/Freaky Friday
destabilise by @antiparticular (Rating M; words 1k; Complete)
Jayce was naked and in Viktor's bed.
Don't get him wrong - Viktor had dreamed of this happening, both literally and on slow days in the lab when he was feeling particularly self-indulgent, but for it to manifest outside of his overactive imagination? He was half tempted to pinch himself to check he'd actually awoken. Why was Jayce Talis in Viktor's bed? And more pressingly, why did Viktor not remember?
We've all seen the fics where Jayce and Viktor end up in their past bodies post S2 and immediately get down and dirty about it, but what if their trip to the past wasn't as permanent as they expected?
DAY 6: Date Night
watch the masochists all celebrating love by @sulkybender (Rating E; 5k words; Complete)
It’s the vodka sodas or years of compounded poor judgment, but Viktor can’t find anyone at this reception who wants to fuck in the men’s room.
Jayce has been the best man one too many times.
—
Love, self-loathing, and waffle strategies at the Ramada Inn. Not in that order.
DAY 6: After Dark
Put the Papers Down by @e11era (Rating: E; 2.5k words; Complete)
On a summer evening Jayce realises there is only one person he wants to be around.
He abandons Piltover’s aristocracy, and goes to find Viktor in their lab.
***
I listened to Marcus Skeen's new Jayvik song and had to write this. HAD TO. I recommend listening throughout.
Papers by Marcus Skeen.
speaking of Marcus Skeen, Infinity End by timely_thunderstorm (Rating E; 80k words; Complete)
After finally destroying the arcane anomaly alongside Viktor, time itself breaks, sending Jayce back to the moment everything began, years prior. Although he basks in his newfound second chances at love and life, all actions spark reaction, and all rhymes have reason.
(A continuation of Jayce and Viktor's story)
Bad Moon Rising by @film-in-my-soul (Rating E; 9k words; Complete)
At first, Viktor doesn't notice that Jayce Talis is, for lack of a better word, strange. Stranger than a man determined to mix magic and science should be. And why would he?
Knowing how a man loops his initials on every page of his personal notes and what angle his shoulders make when he appears to have given up does not mean that Viktor should know him. A similar mind and equal drive towards the unknown do not mean they are the same.
DAY 7: We Finish This Together
when it comes my turn to lose you by @chubsonthemoon (Rating: E; 17k words; Complete)
It’s perfect, their terminal velocity. What they’re hurtling towards, and what they’re running from, Jayce can’t say.
All he knows is: when they hit the ground, it will hurt.
Jayce and Viktor, through the seasons, by the sea.
the city of god by @shangyang (Rating: E; 13k words; Complete)
Beauty in my imperfections, Viktor thought. Someday, Jayce, I might truly believe in that.
Day 1 of @jayvikficweek: "I Don't Even Know Your Name" (Canon or Canon-AU, Season 1)
A few notes beforehand:
I'm very excited for this week because I read a lot of fanfics (I basically refresh AO3 as a fidget) and I feel like a lot of the ones I read and like aren't getting enough attention. Hopefully, this will get a few more people reading them!
To fit in the spirit of the fic week, I'm not reccing anything over 500 kudos. I've included rating, kudos count, and word count (rounded up), alongside the writer's Tumblr - if they've posted it on the fic. If I'm leaving anyone out and you know it's the author, not just someone with a similar URL, please let me know and I'll tag them!
Relevant tags contains a selection of posted AO3 tags, plus ones I think are useful. It does not include anything standard canon, like 'Disabled Viktor'. I guarantee you if a fic had erased Viktor's disability I won't be reccing it. I also include content warnings in the tags, so be careful!
With that said - the recs!
Bullet Catch by eyyrie || G | Kudos: 100-300 | Complete: 12k | Completed: 18 Mar 2025
Relevant Tags: Fluff and Humor, Getting Together, First Kiss
“Are you going to pull a poro out of a hat?” Viktor asks.
Jayce laughs, and Viktor’s heart skips a beat. It really shouldn’t, because Jayce is too easy-going and laughs too often for that type of reaction to be good for Viktor’s health. He should be used to this, ten months into their partnership.
It's Caitlyn’s birthday, and Jayce has volunteered to be the entertainment. The problem is, he's also volunteered Viktor to be his assistant.
Commentary: This is so fucking cute. Also, Jayce is very competent at being a magician and it’s hot of him.
Mycelial by Shrikesoup || T | Kudos: 100-300 | WIP: 14k | Updated: Jan 2025
Relevant Tags: AU – Canon Divergence, Circus AU, Disabled Jayce, Not Really Character Death, Suicide Attempt
Finding out that the Dean of Piltover’s finest academy is a fan of a traveling circus was not something that Viktor had expected. But all of a sudden, he had come up to Viktor and Sky holding three golden tickets and exclaimed that in celebration of Viktor’s new position, they would all be attending. As he looks up at the noisy tent, he cannot help but feel it’s for everyone’s benefit but his own.
Or: Jayce Talis ends his life after the entire world shuns him for his work. Years later, Viktor goes to see the circus and watches a dead man make magic.
Commentary: a very unique AU, featuring a Jayce who had given up on his hextech dream but not on magic and a Viktor who hasn't given up on hextech.
crossed the borderline of weightless by flightofwonder || M | Kudos: 100-300 | One-Shot: 5k | Posted: Apr 2025 (@flightsofwonder on Tumblr) (BlueSky: tenhumanyears)
“I have no doubt you had to overcome many obstacles to get where you are as well. It’s impressive.” The man’s voice was the same even tone when he spoke again, but he was still standing on the edge of oblivion right beside Jayce. That meant something. “But you made one mistake.”
Jayce exhaled through his nose, a smile sneaking onto his lips despite himself. “What’s that?”
“You played by their rules,” the man said, a hint of both joviality and severity in his voice. “When you’re going to change the world, don’t ask for permission.”
Commentary: This is a brilliant AU given the way the show explores disability, especially regarding Hextech, and it's literally the only one I’ve found (well, during canon). The author has clearly thought a lot about the accommodations Jayce would need to still create Hextech.
-
The next two fics only have one chapter (so far?), but it’s a great chapter and I keep thinking about it, so I’m going to recommend it here so everyone else can also randomly think about it for the rest of their lives :3
Sing, O Caged Bird by PerfectlyAwful15 || M | Kudos: 100-300 | WIP: 4k | Posted: Apr 2025
Relevant Tags: AU – Canon Divergence, Zaun Revolution, Jayce has PTSD, Zaunite Viktor
The Talis Forge has long churned out the weapons that aid Piltover in their war against Zaun. It is run by a single man: The Mad Man of Progress.
Jayce Talis is taken down into the family forge a week after the bombings. He is a child, not yet old enough to be left home alone for extended periods of time, and yet he is handed hammer tongs and placed in front of sweltering heat. It is a long long time before he is able to leave.
Sweetened Deals by Nyxelestia || M | Kudos: 100-300 | WIP: 2k | Posted: Jan 2025 (@nyxelestia on Tumblr)
Relevant Tags: Sexual Abuse, Jayce Whump, H/C
"Like I said — public speaking is not my forte." Viktor smiled up at Jayce. "Nor is private speaking. I’ll let you handle the salesmanship. Go…" He flapped his last three fingers again to shoo Jayce away, still not tipping over his champagne. "Use your pretty face to get us some seed funding."
Jayce nearly spilled his drink. "You…you think I’m pretty?"
Viktor rolled his eyes. "Everyone does."
Then he turned and walked away, beelining for a snack-laden waiter like he hadn’t just upended Jayce’s world.
Jayce was still trying to reorient himself when Mrs. Kiramman sidled up to him.
"Jayce." She smiled, polished and practiced. "I'd like you to meet an old business partner of mine. She is deeply interested in you and stands to gain quite a bit by investing in your work."
This was absolutely not what Viktor had meant.
But Jayce wouldn't let his…squeamishness…get in the way of his and Viktor's pursuit of progress. Their aspirations were worth a few bad nights on Jayce's part.
And Viktor never needed to know it wasn't just Jayce's sales pitch making their dreams come true. Jayce would keep the nightmares to himself.
(note: mind the warnings)
Both of these fics are well-written with incredibly unique concepts that I really want to read more of. Jayce really goes through it in both of them, because that seems to be my thing. Anyway. Genuinely highly recommended.
Also crossposted on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/sunjelly.bsky.social/post/3lxsimfe7i22v
"I don't even know your name…" Canon or Canon AU, Season 1 or League. First meetings. Missing scenes. Whatever your heart desires.
I bring you....
second opinions by @kettleninth, rated M, 7/14 chaps, 29.5k words
Summary: "1.03 - 1.04 gap fic feat.: neuroatypical J and V, a depressed barkeeper/philosophy postgrad, a pushover physician, their agender Guy. Hextech wasn't developed in a vacuum, and Piltover's a small city.
1: V introduces J to the embodiment of the eyeball emoji
2: J and V, bad at parties, but for different reasons
3: V puts the mad in mad scientist, J puts the other mad in mad scientist
4: guard dog antics. J and V are normal and healthy friends
5: the Kiramman matriarch’s guide to tormenting Jayce Talis for fun and mostly profit
6: Schroedinger's double date; V is mentally well about this
7: J has questions about shoes and definitely nothing else"
--
If you enjoy... explorations of the universe of Arcane and top tier worldbuilding that effortlessly fills in the gaps in canon, fantastic character work across the board, JayVik being their absolutely most frustrating yearning codependent selves, and delightfully entertaining original characters that fit in seamlessly? You will love this! 💜💜
