[open] january/february catchall

[techmaturgy]

Who: Viktor and special guests and YOU
When: January through early February
Where: Cadens, the Horizon
What: open stuff, closed stuff, dangerous and illicit magical surgery, the usual
Warnings: the usual references to terminal illness including a steep decline and medical procedures/surgery. will list additional warnings as needed.

[open and closed starters in comments! This is also a general catch-all for Viktor’s do-or-die attempt to cure himself, and the events leading up to it, and his recovery (to come later). If you want a custom starter or something specific, just hit me up. full horizon details are here for any and all wildcarding needs. For everything else, I’m on plurk at whitticus and on discord at whitticus#8139.]

Comments

cadens

[techmaturgy]

i. the workshop, earlier in the month

[Do you need something built? Fixed? Improved? A great idea you absolutely MUST see realized? You have come to the right place. Or you would have, if circumstances were better. Rio Enterprises is always slightly chaotic—Viktor and Jayce are at their best when they get to work on multiple projects simultaneously, but its current state is a special kind of disarray. Many of the current commissions are cleared away to side tables and shelves and benches, the main worktable covered in notes and schematics and pieces of metal, carefully etched with arcana symbols. The geometric drawings and equations that have graced the blackboards for so long are coming to fruition.

Viktor himself is still receiving the occasional visitor, but he looks incredibly worse for the wear, even more than usual. When he opens the door to receive a visitor, he looks almost surprised.]

I wasn’t expecting anyone.

[But he doesn’t refuse entry, turning and walking back to his workbench, his usual gait even more halted. You’re welcome to come inside, though it’s hard to see how you might make yourself comfortable. Viktor seems harried.]

If you could keep it quick—I have a lot of work to do.

ii. the workshop, later in the month

[Things get worse. It gets harder and harder to drag himself out of bed and go to the workshop every day. Viktor isn’t bothering with commissions anymore, only stopping into the Enterprises shop to collect a tool, or some supplies. Perhaps you catch him on his way in or out—either way, the bags under his eyes more pronounced, curls of dark hair plastered to his temples with sweat.

Maybe you let yourself in. There’s coughing from the back room, and when Viktor emerges he’s leaning heavily on his crutch, a bloody handkerchief balled in his fist.]

I was just leaving. Whatever you have, you can leave it for Jayce.

iii. the academy, throughout the month (hexcore viewing for close cr only)

[Viktor isn’t letting anyone into his lab at the Academy, at least not without prior discussion. Whatever he’s doing in there, he’s trying to keep it as private as possible. He crosses the quad surreptitiously, looking over his shoulder as he heads to one of the laboratories, keys in hand. Those who only know him in passing, or are just friendly with him, might get a nod of acknowledgement as he locks the door—but he otherwise doesn’t invite you inside.]

Were you looking for something?

[If you’re particularly close to Viktor, and he can trust you to keep a secret, he might bring you there himself. On the center of his desk is a floating polyhedron, animated with indigo. Arcana symbols are delicately etched into each metal piece. Plant matter litters the tabletop.Viktor looks immeasurably proud.]

It’s beautiful, isn’t it?

[Despite his general air of exhaustion, worse than usual, his expression lights up. It’s clear he truly believes in this, whatever it is.]

ii

[assembles]

[ Tony's been anxious lately. Jumpy, more so than usual, just when it seemed like he'd finally come to terms with Peter's disappearance. With them renting rooms literally next door to each other, it would be impossible not to notice.

It hadn't taken much to get an explanation out of him. Viktor's getting worse. Whatever solutions he'd had for his condition, they've stopped working. There are plans, a last-ditch effort that's in the works, but that's no guarantee. Tony had been insistent that they would succeed, that this was fixable, but Steve had still noted the desperation hiding in his wide yet steely gaze.

Steve's kept his distance, under the impression that he represents something unattainable to Viktor. Maybe he should stay away even now, but with so much that's uncertain, he feels the need to stop by and check in. And to maybe make an offer, even if it was expressly refused in the past.

He shows up unannounced to the workshop shortly before closing, letting himself in. He hears that wracking cough all the way from the entrance, spots the bloodstained cloth as Viktor hobbles out.

Steve shakes his head. ] I'm not here for that. [ True to his word, he doesn't have either of the shields with him. This isn't about wanting something; it's not about running more tests. ]

[techmaturgy]

[Viktor looks momentarily surprised to see that it's Steve, although maybe he shouldn't be. He can't expect Tony to keep his mouth shut, and as long as he's only talking to a trusted circle and ideally not mentioning the Hexcore at all, Viktor simply does not have the time or energy to care about other people discovering his current state. His only real wish is that if someone does come here to speak with him, that they don't waste his time. Though he isn't necessarily close to Steve, Viktor at least respects him, and therefore is more willing to give him a moment, provided what he has to say is worthwhile.]

Condolences go on that table. [He cants his head towards one of the work benches. It's covered in dead houseplants.

Viktor assumes the joke won't land mere seconds after it leaves his mouth, so he recalibrates, giving Steve a look up and down before he pivots.] What are you here for, then?

tony (closed)

[techmaturgy]

[This is another late night in a sequence of them--not necessarily out of the ordinary for Viktor, but it's getting harder and harder to hide the fact that he's not able to weather these like he used to (said like he ever weathered them well in the first place). True to form, however, he puts his head down and ignores it, seemingly of the mind that if he doesn't pay any attention to it, his lab-mates won't, either.

The Hexcore is not perfect. It wasn't perfect back home, either, but that's all part of the process. Here, however, Viktor has a team--not only himself and Jayce, but Tony, too--to check the math and tweak the arcana symbols and measure the outputs. That means more to him than he can possibly express, especially given their time limit and the general dire-ness of the situation, but predictably Viktor chooses not to talk about any of that and instead focuses entirely on the work ahead of them.

At least, until he finds himself unable. He wears down as the night goes on, until finally he stops scrawling at his pages and pages of near-incomprehensible notes and pushes his stool back, scrubbing a hand against his face.]

I need some air. [He needs to show weakness and doesn't want anyone else to see it, and in that statement is a hope that Tony won't follow him out of the lab.] Put more coffee on while I'm out.

Re: tony (closed)

[industries]

Sure. [ Tony mutters, about eight fractal equations deep on the piece of paper in front of him. Viktor's statement only registers about three seconds after Tony's replied to it, and he raises his head to look at the guy. Spend enough time around Viktor – or several days of straight work, in this case – and it's easy to forget that he's pushing the same breakneck speed as everyone else with three bald tires and a faulty transmission. ]

You sure you don't want to take a break? [ Tony raises the packet of procedures and contingencies they've compiled, waves it in the air. ] Object permanence is a thing – this won't disappear if you take a nap.

[ Don't think it's the papers he's worried about drifting away in his sleep, a voice says, deep down. Tony shoves it away – they're close, and they're even optimistic about their chances, but...

It's a tough pill to swallow, after everything. The idea he might lose someone else. ]

jayce, early Jan (closed)

[techmaturgy]

They've talked about getting their hands on the crystal they need to power the Hexcore almost from the moment they learned of its existence. It had, however, never quite seemed worth the risk, given their various stop-gaps and the time they thought they had. Better to work their way up in the Academy the right way, acquire it through above-board means. They still, technically, got their hands on one through legitimate means, though Viktor isn't exactly pleased about the deal they had to make to do it.

All of those worries--the anxiety that the government might discover the exchange--might as well vanish when the activate the device for the first time. It's just as beautiful as he remembers it, though it looks a bit different now, with arcana symbols inscribed on the facets, instead of familiar runes. The feeling in the pit of his stomach that he gets when it finally--finally--levitates from the surface of the worktable and starts to spin of its own accord, however, is much the same as it was back home. He grins at Jayce, then, beaming. It reminds him of how things used to be, just the two of them and the thrill of boundless discovery.

Of course, the work isn't done. Testing comes next, which is less exciting and much more grueling. Viktor faces the same problem he did back home, where the arcane power pushed through his subjects is simply too much for them to bear. That's where the blood and the sap from Ikorr and their own magic comes in, the two of them doing everything they can to fortify the plants that they then subject to the device. The good news is that it's promising--given the correct application of their various substances, the plants are lasting longer and longer.

But it's not perfect, yet. They can't try it on Viktor until it is. He brushes the latest round of plant matter off the worktable.

"I think we're almost out of subjects," he says, and despite the situation and the long hours of testing and adjusting, there's fondness in his voice. This reminds him of first puzzling out the Hexgates, years ago. "What do you think about a cactus?"

II

[preferscuffs]

Hello to you too, Viktor.

[There's a tinge of dry amusement in Caitlyn's voice. But honestly, she hadn't expected any other sort of reception from her housemate for showing up here unannounced. Honestly, she's been trying not to hover. Though, she honestly kind of wants to, but she knows Viktor would hate that.

But as the month has progressed and things have gotten worse it's been harder to remain fully confident that things really will be okay. But she's been trying. Someone has to believe this isn't going to end in a tragedy. And she's made it her job. Because otherwise? There's next to nothing she can do and that sucks.]

I was about to head back and wanted to see if you were wrapping up for the day. I thought we could go home together?

[Making sure he doesn't stay too late is she? Or making sure he doesn't collapse on the way back with no one around? Honestly, there's any number of reasons Caitlyn might be here. But they're all born from concern. Both for Viktor and Jayce.]

iii

[godshattering]

[ It soon becomes apparent why Viktor asked to meet him rather than letting Claude simply wander about the academy in search of his destination. The secrecy with the keys, the locked laboratory door: him trying to find his own way there would've drawn far too much attention, wouldn't it? He remembers the mention of a project the scientist was working on here, so perhaps that's part of it. Claude keeps his growing number of questions to himself out of both respect for that and because Viktor is clearly extending trust to him.

The questions threaten to spill over when they're inside and there is a glowing something on Viktor's desk waiting to be admired. There's a long moment where Claude does just that, where he approaches and surveys the object he doesn't have a name for with great curiosity, and walks around it as much as possible in the space there to take in as many details as he can. The glowing reminds him of Shambhala's technology, but - that doesn't mean it's the same. With all they've talked about, Viktor's goals of aiding others have always been rather clear. ]

It is, [ he finally murmurs in response to that query about the sight before him since there's no doubt he's looking at some kind of marvel and not just because he comes from somewhere with no comparison. The appreciation in his voice is genuine.

And he's aware enough to know that asking what is it is enough of a faux pas. After another few seconds of studying the runelike marks on it he glances up towards Viktor, notes that tiredness, notes what looks like delight, and says, ] What all can it do?

here to witness the Weird Shape

[wiedzminka]

[ As agreed upon the previous day, Ciri shows up around sundown, waiting for Viktor on the west side of the quad where he'd specified they'd meet.

She greets him pleasantly, familiarly, though he may catch a pinch of worry to her brows. It hasn't escaped Ciri's attention that Viktor's been looking worse for wear than usual -- and he was already always looking worn out. She doesn't comment, though. What is there to say when she knows he's already doing everything he can, and so is Jayce? All she can do is support him.

And that includes letting Viktor show her what he's been working on. That spark of genuine excitement inspires some hope in her, too.

Ciri smiles back. ]

It is... prettier than I expected. The way it glows like that.

You really made it.

the horizon

[techmaturgy]

i. mind palace etc

[If Viktor is a rare sight in the workshop this month, he’s even harder to find in the Horizon. It’s not as though he doesn’t want to be here—on the contrary, the sicker he gets the more he wants to vanish to a place where he can have the strength and clarity of mind to keep working. The Hexcore, however, exists in the real world now, and needs to be tested accordingly.

When he is in the Horizon laboratory, it’s to practice the actual procedure. He runs through it a dozen times—with Alucard, with Jayce—they even bring Strange in to help, taking advantage of his modern medical knowledge while they can. The magic, however, is all up to the Hexcore, and Viktor’s uncertainty lies with the fact that he’s not sure it behaves the same in the Horizon as it will in reality. A risk he’s going to have to take.

Despite the fact that their test runs aren’t “real”, they’re exhausting nonetheless, though Viktor finds the idea of being even more exhausted in his physical body to be a daunting prospect. Once he vanishes away any evidence of surgery, he can be found in his study. Blackboard drawings of mechanical projects have been replaced by anatomical diagrams and arcana symbols, and Viktor himself is hunched over a desk, scrawling feverish notes, to the point where he might not even notice an intrusion.]

ii. the overlook

[As the procedure draws closer, however, Viktor finds he can’t stay away from his domain for long periods of time. He doesn’t have to be sick and exhausted here, and with their hard-fought plan looming, finds himself in need of contemplation. Luckily, he has a place in the Horizon for just that, though you might only know to look for him here if you know him well.

Still, he doesn’t seem to object to visitors, even if he’s not much for words at the moment. It’s possible silent company is enough.]

dr strange (closed)

[techmaturgy]

[When their allotted time at Nocwich comes and goes, Viktor decides that he can't afford to wait until they're allowed to return again. Beyond that, the amount of specialized equipment they'd need to transport there (to say nothing of the Hexcore itself) means that there's too great a risk of interception. Smuggling seems far too risky, given the stakes, and if anything is contraband, it's the magical computer that runs on secret Academy property and also blood.

The surgical tools and various drugs are probably a no-go as well.

It means they'll have to forego Strange's physical, in-person assistance for the actual procedure. Viktor is apprehensive, knowing that he won't have a real surgeon with medical knowledge far beyond what could even be conceived of in his own world, but he knows he's been backed into a corner on the matter. He'll just need to move forward with what he has.

The Horizon, then, is the answer. Viktor sends Stephen a message, and they agree to meet in the lab.]

Obviously, this is not ideal. [An understatement, all things considered. Vitkor leads his guest inside briskly--unaffected by his illness within his domain, he doesn't waste any time moving slowly. The Hexcore (or the imagined version of it, anyway) spins idly on his desk.] If I thought it was worth the risk for you to be there, I would find a way, but it seems foolish to endanger all of this-- [his research, the procedure, the people who are helping him] --unnecessarily.

the overlook - a visit

[blackeyedprince]

[Kell needs only a short message from Viktor to excuse himself from his current company, come back to his room, and in no more than a blink of an eye he's already walking through Viktor's domain. Viktor shares his with Jayce. Kell has been in Jayce's part several times already. Not here, though. This is new. It must be Viktor's.

Still, it doesn't take him long to find Viktor.]

Is this somewhere from your city?

jayce (placeholder, last days of january)

[techmaturgy]

Despite their best efforts--more frequent healing, more gratuitous use of potions and serums meant to mitigate his symptoms--Viktor declines precipitously. Good, in that they spent the month working successfully towards the procedure, but obviously not ideal in the sense that there are still things to do, and Viktor is finding it increasingly difficult to haul himself out of bed and get to the laboratory.

He's known this was a possibility for a long time, but perhaps part of him hoped to spare Jayce the worst. The days are increasingly trying, with Viktor burning out early in the evening, unable to work the hours that he wants to. Needs to, at this point. By the end of the month, they make a unilateral decision that the procedure will happen in the next day or two. No backing out now.

With the deadline set and most of the preparations underway, Viktor is more-or-less forced to rest. That in itself is frustrating to him, even before the most important night of his life, and despite the fact that he clearly isn't up to it, Viktor hunches over their bedside table, scrawling out last-minute notes, bloody handkerchief close at hand. He writes until he has to bend double, the coughing wracking his slight frame. When he finally sucks in enough breath to speak, it's to call for Jayce.

"Tell me it's all right to stop."

The Hexcore works. This is the best chance they have. Even now, however, Viktor can't stay idle.

[hextechhead]

To his credit, Jayce has managed to be as level as possible during these harder weeks. It's always been easier for him to take care of other people and find the strength within himself to be there. He's held his internal turmoil where it has to be, but it has been terrible to watch Viktor degrade by the day. When this first started to change, when Viktor was still relatively healthy, he started to wonder if they should keep putting it off. Now it's clear, they can't. There's no other option.

He is the perfect partner during all these trials. He is at his elbow any time he needs something, he finishes everything Viktor can't do himself, he brings him food and water, and makes certain that he rests. He cleans his handkerchiefs out of blood daily so they're ready when he needs to use them again. Jayce does all of it as carefully as he can so as not to set off his pride, but at a point, illness is harsher than pride.

Viktor was dying back home but he had hidden it from him until he was at this place. And then when it was over, he'd given up. At least he hasn't given up again. Jayce is never far from him these days, he hates leaving him even for a few minutes. This may be all they have left. He comes in when he hears Viktor speak, bringing warm tea for his throat since he's coughing hard again.

"It's all right to stop. You need to rest, love." Jayce hasn't questioned the letters, he knows that Viktor needing to rely on him for other things is difficult, so he lets him keep as many of his secrets. He hands him the tea and runs his fingers gently through his hair. The bed is always made up these days with his comfort in mind, pillows often firmly stacked so he can sit up if it is easier for him to breathe that way.

"Have some tea. What are you going to do when we're through this and you have to stay in bed for weeks?"

just a little illegal magic surgery, last day(s) of january (jayce, alucard, nadine, feat. tony)

[techmaturgy]

cw: surgical procedures, medical stuff, blood, needles, human experimentation, etc.

The Hexcore works—it works, which is more than he could have hoped for just a few short months ago. A month of sleepless nights and constant testing has yielded plants that flourish and rejuvenate and stay that way, thanks, in part, to infusions of the serum he and Alucard have developed. Given the less-than-ideal circumstances, and the increasing time constraint, it’s everything he could have hoped for. He only wishes that he didn’t have to let it go, at the end of this.

Of course, graduating directly from plants to his own person is unwise, and even their practice sessions in the Horizon haven’t necessarily put him at ease. They attempt to run through every setback or unexpected complication, but the Horizon, despite its vast possibility, is only as good as their own minds. And they don’t really know what the Hexcore will do to him, but at this point, Viktor is willing to take the risk. As he told Nadine, he would rather die in the attempt than simply let himself waste away.

In the days leading up to the procedure, Viktor arranges the lab for their needs until it looks more like an operating room than a workshop, various medical equipment and tools and bottles of things smuggled from other parts of the Academy. They decide on a late night, to avoid detection, and the Hexcore spins idly on its tabletop, strangely serene in the face of what they’re all about to do. Everything is prepared and sanitized, and though Viktor is feeling slightly hazy from the first round of anesthetic, his gaze is sharp and his eyebrows are furrowed in determination—or he’s bracing for it. He supposes there’s little difference, right now.

Viktor’s not one for inspirational speeches—that's Jayce's job—and he doubts that he looks very inspirational, propped up on a gurney with tubes and wires in place, but it’s not unnoticed how important all of the people in this room are to him. Despite his pride, he knows now that success hinges on what they’re able to do as a team. It’s a new feeling, for someone like Viktor, but not an unwelcome one.

“Whatever happens, I want to—“ He’s not going to spend much time expounding on the possibilities of failure. He’s already written those letters, and it’s for the best if he pushes them out of his mind and out of this room. “Thank you. For allowing me this chance.”

[hextechhead]

The Hexcore works and Jayce has an arcana card ready in his hand, one that has been promised to amplify his healing spell moderately. In a lot of ways, his work has all been leading to this moment too, every minute he spent training with Himeka and working on his magic, all the healing he did in Libertas and for the other Summoned, it built him to this spot.

And yet, now that they're there, he definitely has a lot of fears he's forcing to the side. This was Viktor's choice, and he is the one who assembled a team he trusted, but this could also be the last hour of his life. Jayce is trying with all his might not to think about that. He has to focus. This is when he has to be the Man of Progress, not the boyfriend. It's the only way through.

Jayce knows that's the closest thing to a speech Viktor will give and it is important that they be on the same page of this just as they are in everything. He lets out a breath he's been holding and brushes his fingers through Viktor's hair soothingly. "I think it's safe to say that anything you want from now on, no matter what it is, will be on the house."

cadens & the horizon (february)

[techmaturgy]

i. viktor & jayce’s apartment but maybe sometimes the workshop, 1st & 2nd weeks of feb

[It works—the procedure works, and barring any sudden decline, Viktor’s prognosis is good. He’s not in much shape to enjoy that, at the start, sleeping for most of the time in the days following the surgery—he and Jayce send out a broader round of messages about the situation, but for the first few days they keep visitors to close friends.

After the first week or so, however, he’s in better shape to receive visitors, perking up at the sound of Jayce opening the apartment door to greet guests. Viktor calls out from the bedroom, which has become overrun with books and writing utensils and various spare parts.]

I hope you’ve brought something to entertain me.

[A newspaper, a puzzle, something interesting to fix. He still seems a bit tired, so it shouldn’t be too hard.

Shortly into the new month, visitors to the apartment building might pass Academy officials on the way in or out, and find Viktor, still bedridden, fully distraught at whatever just transpired. On the other end, those that pay attention to various Academy affairs might notice officials letting themselves into Viktor’s laboratory there, leaving with notes and equipment. It’s probably not hard to deduce what may have happened here.]

ii. the workshop, 3rd week of feb

[By the time Viktor rounds his third week of recovery, he’s feeling well enough to return to the shop. It’s possible he could use some more time in the apartment—he spends more time in a wheelchair pulled up to his worktable than not, but for someone who has fairly recently undergone a highly invasive, experimental magic procedure, he appears well. There’s a bittersweetness to it—his lab at the Academy has been ransacked, and though Jayce destroyed the Hexcore and tried to destroy everything related to it, they’d found enough. Viktor isn’t sure they’ll be able to piece his work together from the confiscated notes and the remains of the device, but the government seizing everything that was left and doing who-knows-what with it will be the price he has to pay, sooner or later.

So he throws himself back into his work, glad that he’s able to distract himself, at least. In contrast to his surly, harried demeanor over the last few months, Viktor appears to be in good spirits. Makes for a friendly greeting, should someone enter the shop.]

Don’t tell Jayce I’m in here.

[Maybe that’s a joke? Possibly he should still be in bed. Being forcibly laid up has given him some time to get back to various commissions abandoned when the Hexcore took priority, and that much is evidenced by the half finished projects absolutely everywhere.]

iii. the horizon

[This is what the Horizon is best for, Viktor decides. He’s cogent enough to enter it after the first week or so, and being able to meditate his way into his domain and free himself from the pain of healing is a welcome relief. Things in his domain feel brighter—the lab is well lit, the study is warm and sunny, and even the vines at the overlook show budding green leaves.

Viktor can usually be found in his study, slightly more serene and less harried than usual. He might even invite you in for some tea. Once again, after everything he’s been through, perhaps silent company is enough.]

Horizon

[cryptsleeper]

[Sometimes, one needs to send a note to someone else's Horizon to invite one over.

Which is what Alucard has done, suspecting that Viktor should enjoy an environment that isn't just a workshop. And to his credit, Alucard has made a point to shift away from some of the autumnal darkness that dominates. There is still fog that covers the forest grounds now, but brighter sun has chased away the rain in most places, and more leaves are on the trees.

Alucard has since added a small porch to the depression hut, with rocking chairs, foot rests, and a table to hold drinks. And that is what much of the day has become - sitting in those chairs with a pot of mulled wine tea coffee whatever has been requested, feet propped up on the footrests and the occasional creek of wood. Alucard has draped a dark wool blanket over his lap, and his eyes are focused on the forest.]

I think you're cursed with my hair now.

the apartment, 2nd week

[theidlemaiden]

[ When she had met Viktor on board the Arcanis, Hilda hadn't had any idea that he had been weeks away from an intensive, possibly life ending surgery. She hadn't picked up any sort of notion that that had been weighing on his mind, and even if she had, a first meeting after watching her puke her guts overboard didn't seem like an opportune time to bring something like that up.

She wasn't certain what the protocol was around visiting someone you had just met who was recovering but after a week or so, she had politely asked Jayce when a good time would be -- only to show up at what she immediately realized was a Bad Time.

Hilda hovers uncertainly at the doorway holding a large basket filled with a whole damn tea set, some sweets (you could eat those after a surgery, right?), her sketchpad, and a number of other various bits and bobs she thought might cheer Viktor up. After a beat she knocks on the slightly ajar door. ]

Viktor...? I can come back if this is a bad time.

jayce (throughout the month)

[techmaturgy]

Viktor sleeps. It's impossible not to, given everything he's been through. Following the procedure, the group locked away the Hexcore and transported him back to the apartment, cautiously optimistic despite the harrowing experience of their untested, experimental intervention. His vitals are good, and with no indication that he'll decline, they decide that they've done their best, and they'll monitor him closely from here.

He stays asleep for at least a day, then drifts in and out of consciousness for a few more.

When he finally awakens, it's not without a great deal of pain, and his prone position in a white-sheeted bed immediately makes him think the worst. That would be familiar, after all, waking up in a hospital bed, a poor prognosis, Jayce seated in a chair next to him, exhausted and despairing. After a moment, however, everything comes into focus. He remembers the procedure, and being moved from the lab to his room, and that must be where he is now. His apartment--their home, with Jayce waiting for him to wake up.

"Jayce--" His voice is little more than a whisper, at this point, but there's no question in it, this time. Of course Jayce is here. Where else would he be, but at his bedside? That's enough for Viktor to know that everything is okay. "Hi."

Horizon

[blackeyedprince]

[It's a week of harrowing wait. Especially after the letter Victor has left him. It just doesn't feel right to respond to it any other way than in person. Though, even that is more metaphorical than Kell would have liked. Still, most likely it will take time until Viktor is able to risk travel, and Kell doesn't have patience. So Horizon visit it is.

Once he's there, Kell cannot help but notice that all around him are subtle, but obvious, changes to the domain. Everything feels more vibrant, lively even. He goes straight to Viktor's study. There are two boxes under his arm. A smaller, colourful cardboard in bright colours and gilded edges, and bigger, a multicoloured cube made of surprisingly smooth, polished wood. He knocks on the door frame with his free hand. ]

May I? I think I promised you a card game.

Workshop, 3rd week

[preferscuffs]

I'd be quite surprised if he doesn't already know.

[Caitlyn's tone is mildly teasing, with a levity that shows even she's felt the difference in their apartment. With how things have changed as he's recuperated.]

Doesn't take a detectives skillset to figure you'd be here. Coffee?

[While she's still not become a convert to the drink, she's aware of his fondness for it. So of course she can't help but bring him some. With her own ubiquitous tea as well of course.]

I thought you might appreciate a little pick-me-up.

second week of feb.

[wiedzminka]

[ It's not the first time Ciri's come over since the procedure. As soon as Jayce gave her the go-ahead, she was there to offer her congratulations and support to Viktor, and has since been a frequent visitor, bringing Viktor pastries and bread from Kol's bakery and checking on his progress with the puzzle she'd given him -- even if he probably finished it pretty quickly. One time, she even showed up with a huge bottle of vodka, which she was surprised and mildly annoyed to find deferred for a later time rather than opened in celebration. Something about needing the energy to heal (as if vodka isn't helpful for that; ridiculous).

This time is about the same as most of the others. Ciri arrives with a basketful of still-warm sweet rolls, about to make her way up to Viktor and Jayce's apartment -- when she is nearly shoved aside by a cadre of grim-faced people she doesn't recognize, dressed not exactly in uniform and yet in such a unified, stiff fashion, it's unmistakable they're some sort of official group. Not city guard, nor soldiers, as far as she can tell, but no more trustworthy at first glance.

Ciri's first instinct is aggressive. Her metaphorical hackles rise at once, and she grips her basket of bread hard enough to feel it creak beneath her grip, ready to make a weapon out of the flimsy wicker at a moment's notice. But the man who bumped into her stiffly apologizes and they move past all hurried and official-looking, leaving Ciri baffled and a little stunned.

A few seconds of silence pass before she realizes she's just standing in front of the still-open door looking like she's about to threaten somebody with a bunch of cooling rolls.

Eventually, she steps inside. ]

Jayce? [ Had those suspicious weirdos come in here when no one was even home? ]

Viktor?

workshop

[aquilus]

[Altaïr had considered coming by sooner, once he'd heard what had happened and, more importantly, that Viktor had survived it. Mostly, Altaïr is impressed; he's no doctor and he hadn't even known just how ill the man had apparently been, but the fragments of explanation he'd gotten were enough to make it clear that this could have, and perhaps should have, been the end for the man. That he survived and perhaps may even thrive so no small thing.

But while he respects and even likes Viktor, Altaïr knows they're not close enough for an unsolicited visit, and he definitely can't pepper the man with questions, so he'd waited a bit. Today seemed as good a time as any to check in.

(He could pretend he's come to buy more knives, but that would be a transparent excuse.)]

What's my silence worth to you?

apartment, 1st week

[assembles]

[ News had traveled quickly that Viktor's procedure had been a success, that he was alive and breathing with a healed set of lungs. He's bought himself who knows how many more years, and that's something to celebrate.

If it was business as usual, Steve would have waited longer to come visit. Post-op, Viktor's going to be in a lot of pain, bedridden and most likely aggravated as a result. Sure, he has his whole life ahead of him now, but being confined to your bedroom is never a fun time. (Steve would know.)

It's not business as usual, though.

Sending a message on the neural network wouldn't have felt right. Not when it's this important. Steve's confirmed that Tony's gone now, even checking the Horizon to see that Avengers Tower was conspicuously absent. He worked his way out of the lease and is back at Mag's now. Sam knows and he's most likely going to pass the news on to the others.

Viktor needs to know, though. He's going to wonder where Tony's been, why he hasn't been by to visit when he was there at the operation itself. It isn't too difficult for Steve to track down Viktor and Jayce's place, Tony having mentioned it a few times, and so now he's here.

Having explained the reason for his visit to Jayce in hushed tones, he's then allowed into Viktor's room, though he pauses at the doorway and shakes his head. ]

I should've. [ He raps his knuckles against the doorframe, an errant nervous act that might give away that something's wrong, if the crease in his brow doesn't. ] Congratulations, Viktor. It's good to see you here on the other side. [ He'd like to focus on that first, before getting to the bad news. ]