You give me a reason, something to believe in

[hextechhead]

WHO: Jayce and Viktor
WHAT: The two head out to Aquila for some networking and beach fun and heart to hearts.
WHERE: Aquila
WHEN: End of April/Early May
WARNING: Will add if need be!





[ooc: artwork by rachelle-redacted]

Comments

[techmaturgy]

Guilty as charged, though of course it's a joke, and there's some relief when. Jayce confirms he doesn't care about any of that. This is for them, and if they choose to revisit the question of formalizing their partnership in the eyes of the Free Cities government, they can do it if and when they're both ready. For now, they have each other, and that's enough.

Viktor finds Jayce's smile contagious, and he offers a brief one of his own before Jayce kisses him fully and he has no choice but to reciprocate. He throws his arms around Jayce's shoulders and leans into the kiss, perfectly content to drag it out as long as possible, the whole world shrinking down to just them.

"You're everything to me, Jayce. How could I say no?"

He'd be content to stay exactly like this, burying his face against Jayce's neck, but his partner has other ideas. Viktor yelps, more out of surprise than anything else, but finds that he doesn't object to being picked up in the heat of the moment, nor does he care that they're in public. The ease with which Jayce lifts him out of his chair is not surprising, but the temporary instability catches him off-guard for a moment. Viktor clings tightly to him as though his life depends on it, though when it becomes apparent that he isn't going to fall, he tilts his head back and laughs.

"You don't have a ring," he says once he stops spinning, though he'll remain in Jayce's arms for as long as he's allowed, toes barely skimming the sand. "Can I make you one?"

It occurs to him that was the idea, so he imagines Jayce will love that he asked, but Viktor means it, regardless. He wants to do this.

[hextechhead]

"It's still your choice. I am going to be everything to you anyway."

That is important to him for Viktor to understand, and he thinks he does. Their relationship is not contingent on Viktor agreeing to what he wants, but when they both learn to want something together, it makes it even better when it happens. Jayce is more traditional in many ways, that's always been true. He did always want to fall in love and get married, although his ambitions toward his work took first precedent. But he never saw himself as a lifelong bachelor, he knew that he wanted a partner in life. Viktor just ended up being his partner in everything.

He laughs when Viktor yelps but he's holding him carefully, Viktor knows Jayce is very careful and considerate when he's sweeping him up. He never lets him fall or be put in any danger, he could do this with one hand if he wanted to. He loves when his partner ends up relaxing into it though. When he clings to him not from fear but because he wants to stay close. Jayce stops spinning and for a few seconds he still holds him close, even if it requires Viktor to stay off the ground. He does set Viktor down but his arm moves around his waist and keeps him near.

Jayce beams down at him. "I didn't make one because I assumed you'd want to make it yourself." Viktor admires Jayce's handiwork, obviously, but he also likes to put his own touch on everything that matters to him. His own inventions, and this ring will be one of them. There are people looking at them after the spinning, but nothing negative. If anything they might see from the corner of their eyes some smiles, because who doesn't love a beach proposal?

"Thank you, V." Jayce cups his face with his free hand. "For literally all of what I showed you in the video, but also ... because I know this isn't really your thing, but you're willing to do it anyway. I promise it will be intimate and comfortable and not my usual brand of overdramatic." Jayce likes that for his presentations but his wedding, not so much.

[techmaturgy]

"You will be my husband."

Viktor tries it out, finding that he likes the way it sounds. That much is evident on his face, which sports a sincere smile. Soft. All the love in the world in his eyes, a rare look for him. He can't say he ever thought this for himself, but now that it's happening, it feels more comfortable than he expected. This is right. It feels right.

They come to a stop and Viktor nuzzles into the crook of Jayce's neck, not at all worried about falling or stumbling with that strong arm around his waist. He can't say he isn't anxious about a ceremony, but Viktor already knows he can weather it.

"I'll make you a ring, and then we can have a celebration. In the Horizon, so all of our friends can be there. If it makes you happy, I want to do it." Increasingly, Viktor is determining that's what matters to him. It makes him happy too. That said, he's not about to let Jayce off without consequence. "But we will have to do it in the Zaunite way. I don't think my mother would forgive me, otherwise."

Is it a joke? It might be a joke. Viktor pulls back from the embrace and his face is sincere, betraying nothing.

[hextechhead]

"Absolutely, I'd love to incorporate any Zaunite traditions!" Jayce takes what he says at face value, he doesn't assume he's joking. They probably have their own traditions, and he would never want it to be Piltover only. "It's really not going to be complicated, I promise. We can invite some friends to the Horizon, make a little celebration in our domain, maybe say vows to each other, and keep it simple."

That way Viktor really doesn't have to worry about too much attention or discomfort. Jayce is already getting what he wants by the marriage and the party. Even if it's them and three other people, he will be happy. Symbolically, it is all going to be enough for him. If he really did care about the details, he might have wanted the legal documents. It's all about being able to look in Viktor's eyes and make promises in a more official way, and then call him by a name he's thought in his head for years.

He does wish for a strong moment that his mother could be there. That is the only downside. He has Cait here, and he is thankful for that, but his mother always wanted to be there for this. They talked about it sometimes, she would tease him about making her wait so long. But Jayce knows his mother would be happy for him if she knew. That is what has kept him from going crazy missing her here. It can't hold him back.

He leans down to kiss Viktor, long and sweet, and takes his hand with the ring so he can kiss it. "Looks good on you," Jayce says with a smug smile. He looks forward to the expressions on other people's face when they see it. Maybe. Once he gets one, he'll be sure to probably flash it everywhere. Jayce is too enthusiastic about these things, but Viktor likes him for it.

"I've been planning this for awhile, I'm glad the practice paid off."

[techmaturgy]

"You say that now. I haven't even told you what that means. I could make you walk barefoot across hot coals, for all you know."

Okay, maybe now it's clear that he's joking, because of course Jayce would do that, without question. Viktor is still apprehensive about the thought of a ceremony, but Jayce talks him through it, seemingly having thought of everything. Yes, something short and simple in their domain, with their friends, feels appropriate. Neither of them really need the formality of it, but if it makes Jayce happy, then he'll do it.

In his head, however, he considers this moment all that matters. Maybe they'll quibble about the use of fiancé in the interim, when this is all Viktor requires to call Jayce his husband. The way he leans into the kiss says as much.

It's not long, however, before something else occurs to him and he gives Jayce a little shove against his chest.

"I can't believe how long you've conspired against me."