![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
[ Compared to how confident he had been when discussing the technology, Jayce seems to be more reserved again now that it comes time to take the plunge. Viktor can't blame him, assuming that it's because of his own presence and the somewhat surreptitious nature of this whole endeavor. They hadn't signed anything, hadn't even figured out the exact details beyond "show me your technology" and "it looks like a good idea."
Humming at the unspoken implication that he should be said rider, he stood up and stretched some of the stiffness out of his legs. He really shouldn't push himself, not after all of the walking he'd already done today, but he hates to be told know and hates to do it to himself even more. There's also a part of him that wants to maybe prove to Talis that he isn't fragile, that there's no reason to tread softly with him. If they're going into business together, they need to trust each other, don't they? ]
I can take her for a short stroll tonight. [ He says it as a fact but with the slight lilt of a question right at the end. Maybe Jayce didn't want to test out the new shoes right away and instead wait to let the horse get used to something that might be unfamiliar to wear.
Though he'd like to sit back down, or even lay down in bed for the rest of the night, he knows that it'll be harder to get back up if he retakes his seat on the haybale. Instead he leans against the nearest wall and watches Jayce work, efficient and focused to the point that Viktor dare not try to carry on conversation. ]
Humming at the unspoken implication that he should be said rider, he stood up and stretched some of the stiffness out of his legs. He really shouldn't push himself, not after all of the walking he'd already done today, but he hates to be told know and hates to do it to himself even more. There's also a part of him that wants to maybe prove to Talis that he isn't fragile, that there's no reason to tread softly with him. If they're going into business together, they need to trust each other, don't they? ]
I can take her for a short stroll tonight. [ He says it as a fact but with the slight lilt of a question right at the end. Maybe Jayce didn't want to test out the new shoes right away and instead wait to let the horse get used to something that might be unfamiliar to wear.
Though he'd like to sit back down, or even lay down in bed for the rest of the night, he knows that it'll be harder to get back up if he retakes his seat on the haybale. Instead he leans against the nearest wall and watches Jayce work, efficient and focused to the point that Viktor dare not try to carry on conversation. ]
[ tonight. tonight?
tonight. jayce pauses in his rummaging to pitch another surprised look of pleasant approval. reservation still creeps along the edges of a contained smile as he nods, but it's still a smile nonetheless, one that splits his lips apart to flash the small gap in his teeth— he's a bit more excited, as much as he is still reeling about how much . . . the ideas and thoughts connected.
who would've known. he still wonders if he's asleep in his single cushioned bed, with nothing but a pillow and his childhood blanket, wrapped in lofty dreams and destined to wake up to the neigh of horses hungry for breakfast.
once his working strikes have finished the job, jayce gives one more 360 degree survey around the mare, checking her conformity from the front, then the back. a little lopsided beam makes their dimly lit surroundings look a little brighter as he comes back around, slipping his hammer into one of his leather apron pockets and wiping his labored hands on it. he's satisfied with his work; her posture is perfect. ]
She's ready. I'll— I'll get her tacked up.
[ he can't afford to jog, almost forgets in his haste which quickens a tiny skip in his pace before he forces himself to slow, and walk with less of a limp than when he forces himself. jayce situates himself with viktor's riding gear, which now finally connects in his head, and gets to the final touches. bridle, halter, saddle pad, his personalized saddle, and so on.
it's to the mounting block. he's already smiling dumbly as she treks with him. he can't really see but there's a small difference he hopes he's glimpsing. ]
Do you need help mounting?
[ he figures it's worth it to ask; let viktor be the boss of his own needs. ]
tonight. jayce pauses in his rummaging to pitch another surprised look of pleasant approval. reservation still creeps along the edges of a contained smile as he nods, but it's still a smile nonetheless, one that splits his lips apart to flash the small gap in his teeth— he's a bit more excited, as much as he is still reeling about how much . . . the ideas and thoughts connected.
who would've known. he still wonders if he's asleep in his single cushioned bed, with nothing but a pillow and his childhood blanket, wrapped in lofty dreams and destined to wake up to the neigh of horses hungry for breakfast.
once his working strikes have finished the job, jayce gives one more 360 degree survey around the mare, checking her conformity from the front, then the back. a little lopsided beam makes their dimly lit surroundings look a little brighter as he comes back around, slipping his hammer into one of his leather apron pockets and wiping his labored hands on it. he's satisfied with his work; her posture is perfect. ]
She's ready. I'll— I'll get her tacked up.
[ he can't afford to jog, almost forgets in his haste which quickens a tiny skip in his pace before he forces himself to slow, and walk with less of a limp than when he forces himself. jayce situates himself with viktor's riding gear, which now finally connects in his head, and gets to the final touches. bridle, halter, saddle pad, his personalized saddle, and so on.
it's to the mounting block. he's already smiling dumbly as she treks with him. he can't really see but there's a small difference he hopes he's glimpsing. ]
Do you need help mounting?
[ he figures it's worth it to ask; let viktor be the boss of his own needs. ]
[ Viktor meets the surprised expression with a smile, perhaps a bit smug at exceeding expectations but mostly just enjoying himself. Usually, the staff and servants on his parents' estate had two settings: avoid him like the plague, and treat him like a child. Even his parents sometimes still struggled to give Viktor his independence; it was one of the reasons he'd originally left to live in the capital.
Even just looking at the mare when she's been fitted with the new shoes, Viktor can tell that she seems more comfortable. As Jayce moves around her to fit the riding gear, she doesn't step in place or paw at the floor, just stands at ease and whickers softly when Viktor runs his fingers down the side of her neck. ]
Hm? Of course not. [ He was born with his disability, and being the heir to a family of horse breeders meant that he learned early how to mount and ride despite what others would consider a setback. ] But thank you for the offer.
[ Grabbing the reins and leading Rio towards a hay bale, he clucked his tongue softly at her while stepping up onto it. It took a little bit of maneuvering, and it wasn't the most graceful way to mount a horse, but he was able to get his good leg into a stirrup while leaning his weight against her and then at once pushing himself up and using a hand to lift his other leg into place. It wasn't considered very manly to ride side-saddle, but Viktor wasn't trying to convince anyone of his manhood.
Wrapping the reins around a hand, he looked down at Talis. ] Anything in particular you'd like to see, or just casual walking?
Even just looking at the mare when she's been fitted with the new shoes, Viktor can tell that she seems more comfortable. As Jayce moves around her to fit the riding gear, she doesn't step in place or paw at the floor, just stands at ease and whickers softly when Viktor runs his fingers down the side of her neck. ]
Hm? Of course not. [ He was born with his disability, and being the heir to a family of horse breeders meant that he learned early how to mount and ride despite what others would consider a setback. ] But thank you for the offer.
[ Grabbing the reins and leading Rio towards a hay bale, he clucked his tongue softly at her while stepping up onto it. It took a little bit of maneuvering, and it wasn't the most graceful way to mount a horse, but he was able to get his good leg into a stirrup while leaning his weight against her and then at once pushing himself up and using a hand to lift his other leg into place. It wasn't considered very manly to ride side-saddle, but Viktor wasn't trying to convince anyone of his manhood.
Wrapping the reins around a hand, he looked down at Talis. ] Anything in particular you'd like to see, or just casual walking?
[ jayce has yet to truly realize, but what he sees before him is a thing of beauty. side saddle— elegant and successfully pulled off to the point that he momentarily depends on gesture until the tardiness of his words catch up to him. ]
—Walk and trot. Canter, if you think she could handle a few beats.
[ ...... he's still, technically, speaking to one of his bosses? why was that so easy to forget— ]
Please, [ he corrects. and is ready to watch them. rio's legs, especially. ]
—Walk and trot. Canter, if you think she could handle a few beats.
[ ...... he's still, technically, speaking to one of his bosses? why was that so easy to forget— ]
Please, [ he corrects. and is ready to watch them. rio's legs, especially. ]
[ The lack of formality or manners is far from being on Viktor's mind—they're doing science, and he's currently acting as a tool in the experiment, so he's not expecting "yes sir" and "if you please" to be featured heavily in the conversation. He doesn't know why he gets that impression from Talis, however, and whether it's based on logical deduction or just... instinct.
Clicking his tongue again, he steers Rio towards the opposite end of the stable at a slow walk. Once they reach the door, he lets her continue out into the evening air and takes a deep breath while looking up at the stars starting to wink into view. If there was one thing that he'd missed in the city, it was how clear and beautiful the sky was out here. ]
Shall we show Mr. Talis a circle? [ It's more of a wide loop, Viktor not wanting to push the mare into doing anything unusual with new shoes and a bad trim on her, but he thinks it should be enough movement to get a good look at how her gait is affected. ]
Clicking his tongue again, he steers Rio towards the opposite end of the stable at a slow walk. Once they reach the door, he lets her continue out into the evening air and takes a deep breath while looking up at the stars starting to wink into view. If there was one thing that he'd missed in the city, it was how clear and beautiful the sky was out here. ]
Shall we show Mr. Talis a circle? [ It's more of a wide loop, Viktor not wanting to push the mare into doing anything unusual with new shoes and a bad trim on her, but he thinks it should be enough movement to get a good look at how her gait is affected. ]
[ viktor will one day realize that it is a matter of intimacy— but that will be so easily kicked once they establish a friendship. which, speaking of— ]
—Jayce, [ he calls out. they are, surprisingly, the same age, give or take. it feels odd to use his surname, especially when he isn't talking to either an elder or someone much younger than him. viktor was no lad. ] Call me Jayce.
[ he has yet to experience the sound of it in his ears, but he thinks he doesn't . . . need formalities. he's a farrier.
he gets mildly distracted with viktor's horsemanship and feels an image imprint into his memory for later— rio's gait, priority. jayce watches her legs swing and push the ground, studies her balance and the way her hooves maneuver beneath her. he watches facing her, he stares from behind her— and at last he keeps to the center of the circle she trots in. all of it comes down to this: jayce running his hand through his disheveled hair, with eyes restored hope more than he's ever felt in this lifetime. he beams an incredulous, unfurling smile, and exchanges a faraway, approving stare that fails to break.
it's working, he whispers to himself. this was not the end. it will take maintenance and adjusting. jayce will have to be on top of her foe weeks until her hooves are naturally restored. but—
he had someone to share it with. he had someone who believed in him, now. ]
—Jayce, [ he calls out. they are, surprisingly, the same age, give or take. it feels odd to use his surname, especially when he isn't talking to either an elder or someone much younger than him. viktor was no lad. ] Call me Jayce.
[ he has yet to experience the sound of it in his ears, but he thinks he doesn't . . . need formalities. he's a farrier.
he gets mildly distracted with viktor's horsemanship and feels an image imprint into his memory for later— rio's gait, priority. jayce watches her legs swing and push the ground, studies her balance and the way her hooves maneuver beneath her. he watches facing her, he stares from behind her— and at last he keeps to the center of the circle she trots in. all of it comes down to this: jayce running his hand through his disheveled hair, with eyes restored hope more than he's ever felt in this lifetime. he beams an incredulous, unfurling smile, and exchanges a faraway, approving stare that fails to break.
it's working, he whispers to himself. this was not the end. it will take maintenance and adjusting. jayce will have to be on top of her foe weeks until her hooves are naturally restored. but—
he had someone to share it with. he had someone who believed in him, now. ]
[ It surprises a smile onto Viktor's lips, unexpected but not unwelcome. When he'd asked Jayce to call him Viktor, it hadn't been with an ulterior motive to receive the same courtesy. ]
It would be my pleasure, Jayce. [ A simple name, yet it sends a jolt of electricity down Viktor's spine. Oddly, he feels like he's said the name a thousand times despite never knowing another person called Jayce. He falls into contemplation as the warmth he'd felt before fizzles into cool confusion. Luckily, he doesn't have to focus too hard on the simplicity of riding a horse, and the steady plodding of her walk is soothing to his racing mind.
It doesn't stop him from seeing Jayce's smile that hits him with the force of a thousand suns. It's a smile of something stronger than disbelief—belief that had been proven despite the odds. For someone who came across as somewhat cold upon meeting, Jayce is giving Viktor an awful lot of glimpses at the warmth within.
Clearing his throat, feeling as though he'd witnessed a private reaction full of emotions that he shouldn't be privy to, Viktor turns back towards Jayce and rides right up next to where he stands. ] The ride feels smooth, and I'm guessing she looks good, too.
It would be my pleasure, Jayce. [ A simple name, yet it sends a jolt of electricity down Viktor's spine. Oddly, he feels like he's said the name a thousand times despite never knowing another person called Jayce. He falls into contemplation as the warmth he'd felt before fizzles into cool confusion. Luckily, he doesn't have to focus too hard on the simplicity of riding a horse, and the steady plodding of her walk is soothing to his racing mind.
It doesn't stop him from seeing Jayce's smile that hits him with the force of a thousand suns. It's a smile of something stronger than disbelief—belief that had been proven despite the odds. For someone who came across as somewhat cold upon meeting, Jayce is giving Viktor an awful lot of glimpses at the warmth within.
Clearing his throat, feeling as though he'd witnessed a private reaction full of emotions that he shouldn't be privy to, Viktor turns back towards Jayce and rides right up next to where he stands. ] The ride feels smooth, and I'm guessing she looks good, too.
[ in the span of a few hours, jayce has shown more of himself to a single, accepting soul than he has shown anyone over the last ten years. it almost felt . . . a little ridiculous, the way his heart squeezed at the roll of his name off his tongue like it belonged there.
jayce chalks it up to being tired. when they return, jayce presses a hand and his face to the great slab of the mare's neck, giving her a few praising pats. good girl.
he doesn't know why he pauses when his eyes settle on viktor to respond to him. he wasn't planning on it, and it adds another layer of stumbling before he quickly manages: ]
—Yeah. [ she looks good. his fingers loosely hang off the loop of her halter, and with a pull to side, they walk together. back to the stables. ] I'll have to make more adjustments, and think about the others . . .
[ should he say it? his pulse quickens to. jayce was a little bad at holding back his impulse control— ]
It'd be nice— To have you, I mean. With— with the others, if . . .
[ "if you want"? ]
jayce chalks it up to being tired. when they return, jayce presses a hand and his face to the great slab of the mare's neck, giving her a few praising pats. good girl.
he doesn't know why he pauses when his eyes settle on viktor to respond to him. he wasn't planning on it, and it adds another layer of stumbling before he quickly manages: ]
—Yeah. [ she looks good. his fingers loosely hang off the loop of her halter, and with a pull to side, they walk together. back to the stables. ] I'll have to make more adjustments, and think about the others . . .
[ should he say it? his pulse quickens to. jayce was a little bad at holding back his impulse control— ]
It'd be nice— To have you, I mean. With— with the others, if . . .
[ "if you want"? ]
[ It's endearing how Jayce leans into the mare, something that Viktor can picture himself doing a hundred times. Maybe it hadn't been up to Viktor to hire the farrier, but he'll certainly defend him if there are any opinions about removing him from the position; he cares about the horses as much as the job itself, an unfortunately rare trait for many working with animals.
When his gaze lifts to Viktor, that same electricity fizzles through his bones. Clearing his throat and trying to ignore the feeling of having those eyes on him before, golden and intense, he waits to be led back to the hay bale where he can dismount. As he's sliding back down to his feet, Jayce's words hit, and though it's a request, it sounds like a confession. Why is Viktor reacting like a schoolboy to this stranger? He almost makes a joke about Jayce being so forward, but he doesn't know how it will land and doesn't want to risk the budding friendship. ]
Of course. You're not getting rid of me so easily, Jayce. We're partners now.
When his gaze lifts to Viktor, that same electricity fizzles through his bones. Clearing his throat and trying to ignore the feeling of having those eyes on him before, golden and intense, he waits to be led back to the hay bale where he can dismount. As he's sliding back down to his feet, Jayce's words hit, and though it's a request, it sounds like a confession. Why is Viktor reacting like a schoolboy to this stranger? He almost makes a joke about Jayce being so forward, but he doesn't know how it will land and doesn't want to risk the budding friendship. ]
Of course. You're not getting rid of me so easily, Jayce. We're partners now.
[ partners.
it rocks him to his core, the word, the prospect. for starters, no one's ever wanted to work with him! that, and . . .
it reverberates like a song's hymns that get stuck in your head. they stick and glue. they whirled his emotions up as if they were spun in a bottle and set free.
maybe he needs the biggest shower and his bed, even if he knows he's not a smudge exhausted in mind. its spinning gears, active and excited.
partners. ]
I'll— be here, then. [ jayce keeps rope snd reins in his hand, stands there rather foolishly with the same simper— it is rio that knocks her head into his side enough to startle a step offbalance. it seems she's rather tired herself, huffing at his boots— to which he combs through her mane in apology. ] Tomorrow.
it rocks him to his core, the word, the prospect. for starters, no one's ever wanted to work with him! that, and . . .
it reverberates like a song's hymns that get stuck in your head. they stick and glue. they whirled his emotions up as if they were spun in a bottle and set free.
maybe he needs the biggest shower and his bed, even if he knows he's not a smudge exhausted in mind. its spinning gears, active and excited.
partners. ]
I'll— be here, then. [ jayce keeps rope snd reins in his hand, stands there rather foolishly with the same simper— it is rio that knocks her head into his side enough to startle a step offbalance. it seems she's rather tired herself, huffing at his boots— to which he combs through her mane in apology. ] Tomorrow.
[ Viktor tries to remain nonchalant, but it's difficult when he's excited about the project and the prospect of having someone to work with. Partners. He's never had a partner in anything his entire life, preferring independence which was so often hard-won. Jayce hasn't done anything to suggest he's doing this out of pity or obligation, and that makes it all the more precious to have earned some of his trust.
Why did that matter so much to Viktor?
Chuckling at the interaction between horse and handler, he waves farewell as he takes up his cane and heads back towards the house. ] Tomorrow.
Why did that matter so much to Viktor?
Chuckling at the interaction between horse and handler, he waves farewell as he takes up his cane and heads back towards the house. ] Tomorrow.
[ he waves off one last tomorrow before he's turning on his good heel and accompanying the click of rio's hooves, the smile hasn't relented and it's starting make his cheeks burn. for a second he feels like maybe he should've said more. thank you, or, i've always wanted a partner, or even i'm happy. that last part was especially true and meant . . . so much.
when rio is untacked and put away for the night, jayce organizes the tack room itself, gets a much needed shower, and shuffles to his night desk with a bright candle light. it's time to write. every evening is a moment to put his thoughts in order, scribble any new ideas. the first thing he writes as a page header is:
I have a partner. His name is Viktor. He believed in me.
Maybe this is what I needed.
he took some notes on rio's gait underneath, some future adjustments to keep in mind for the following week, based on what he saw. then his pencil roamed, starting with the shape of the mare's neck and extending to her front legs. by the time he stopped to realize his work, some time has passed, and he's drawn viktor, riding his steed side saddle in surprising detail and gentle strokes. he didn't forget his moles or his sharp cheek bones, either.
he stares at it in silence, for a while— a puffy breath of a laugh pushes through his nostrils at last. maybe it's time to go to bed.
so he blows the candle out, lays in bed, and sleeps like a log until tomorrow. ]
when rio is untacked and put away for the night, jayce organizes the tack room itself, gets a much needed shower, and shuffles to his night desk with a bright candle light. it's time to write. every evening is a moment to put his thoughts in order, scribble any new ideas. the first thing he writes as a page header is:
I have a partner. His name is Viktor. He believed in me.
Maybe this is what I needed.
he took some notes on rio's gait underneath, some future adjustments to keep in mind for the following week, based on what he saw. then his pencil roamed, starting with the shape of the mare's neck and extending to her front legs. by the time he stopped to realize his work, some time has passed, and he's drawn viktor, riding his steed side saddle in surprising detail and gentle strokes. he didn't forget his moles or his sharp cheek bones, either.
he stares at it in silence, for a while— a puffy breath of a laugh pushes through his nostrils at last. maybe it's time to go to bed.
so he blows the candle out, lays in bed, and sleeps like a log until tomorrow. ]
[ it's been a few months, and the projects have been coming along wonderfully. this partnership was the best thing to happen to jayce— he feels more at ease, more enthusiastic to do something as simple as wake up and start the day again, all under the pretense that latsr, after work, he'd get to babble the night away with viktor, pitching ideas and coming up with even greater, bolder technology. they had some ways to go, still. it's only recently that riosilitta has excelled in her march and fully recovered for sport. the rest of the herd are well on their way to near perfectly clipped hooved with little to no accidents.
things were going, well, fantastically. but one idea led to another, and jayce noticed, quite early on in their friendship, that viktor would improve his wellbeing drastically if he had a brace of his own, custom fit. the accommodation could make standing more comfortable, even walking a little more bearable when faced with chronic aches. jayce brainstormed support, weight removal, mobility and pain relief into a single, multipart design. he was even incredibly sneaky in getting viktor's measurements!
now, during the last month is where things likely started to get . . . odd, for viktor. jayce wouldn't object to their usual meeting hours, but he would begin to claim fatigue and ask to rest early.
every day.
some days, he would say he's backed up with some work he needs to do. never said what, and he'd always avoid the details. if viktor didn't know any better, yes. it was beginning to feel too frequent. even jayce knew that— he just hopes to god viktor would understand when he's finished.
it's only on a fine day, that jayce finally asks if viktor could pass by the stables at dusk. with urgency. with importance!
(please, don't be too mad at him, please—) ]
things were going, well, fantastically. but one idea led to another, and jayce noticed, quite early on in their friendship, that viktor would improve his wellbeing drastically if he had a brace of his own, custom fit. the accommodation could make standing more comfortable, even walking a little more bearable when faced with chronic aches. jayce brainstormed support, weight removal, mobility and pain relief into a single, multipart design. he was even incredibly sneaky in getting viktor's measurements!
now, during the last month is where things likely started to get . . . odd, for viktor. jayce wouldn't object to their usual meeting hours, but he would begin to claim fatigue and ask to rest early.
every day.
some days, he would say he's backed up with some work he needs to do. never said what, and he'd always avoid the details. if viktor didn't know any better, yes. it was beginning to feel too frequent. even jayce knew that— he just hopes to god viktor would understand when he's finished.
it's only on a fine day, that jayce finally asks if viktor could pass by the stables at dusk. with urgency. with importance!
(please, don't be too mad at him, please—) ]
[ For the first time since his childhood, Viktor feels mentally stimulated at home. He looks forward to his time spent with Jayce in the stables, either riding newly-shoed horses or talking across a table covered in notes and half-drunk coffee. He didn't even mind when they started to talk about things other than work, sharing details about themselves and joking just as much as they shared formulas and diagrams. Viktor enjoyed Jayce's company in both capacities, so it was the first time since his childhood that Viktor felt he had a friend at home.
Possibly even something more than a friend. Not that he would ever admit to it, both because he wouldn't want to jeopardize their partnership and also because of the little snag of them both being men.
That second concern came to mind more and more as Jayce suddenly became tired earlier most nights, and then every night, and then busy some afternoons as well. It was a reminder that he was free to have a life outside of work, although that was often his excuse—it was entirely possible that he was busy dating someone and was trying to keep his partnership with Viktor more professional by not discussing romance.
Still, Viktor couldn't help but... miss their time together and, if he would be honest with himself, miss Jayce himself. That was probably why he rushed to see him when he was sent for, leaning heavily on his cane by the time he reached the stables. ]
Jayce? Is everything alright? Ethan said you were quite urgent about your request.
Possibly even something more than a friend. Not that he would ever admit to it, both because he wouldn't want to jeopardize their partnership and also because of the little snag of them both being men.
That second concern came to mind more and more as Jayce suddenly became tired earlier most nights, and then every night, and then busy some afternoons as well. It was a reminder that he was free to have a life outside of work, although that was often his excuse—it was entirely possible that he was busy dating someone and was trying to keep his partnership with Viktor more professional by not discussing romance.
Still, Viktor couldn't help but... miss their time together and, if he would be honest with himself, miss Jayce himself. That was probably why he rushed to see him when he was sent for, leaning heavily on his cane by the time he reached the stables. ]
Jayce? Is everything alright? Ethan said you were quite urgent about your request.
[ jayce heard the clips of viktor's cane on the ground first, and that in itself made his heart rush round like a carrossel. he ambles out from the tack room to meet him there halfway because— he too, missed viktor, his presence and ideas, his clever mind and sharp tongue that would either make him laugh or flush with humble embarrassment. it does a little of both at this moment, meeting his friend outside with a broad smile and a near relieved curl of the bridge of his brows. ]
Viktor! No, I— I mean, yes, [ the horses notice viktor's approach, causing a domino effect of whinnies and nickers of greeting between the grading of hay and flatbed teeth. it gives jayce an extra moment to restart before he stumbles on himself more; the thrum in his core keeps dancing. breathe in, wait for the silence, ] —I want to show you something.
Viktor! No, I— I mean, yes, [ the horses notice viktor's approach, causing a domino effect of whinnies and nickers of greeting between the grading of hay and flatbed teeth. it gives jayce an extra moment to restart before he stumbles on himself more; the thrum in his core keeps dancing. breathe in, wait for the silence, ] —I want to show you something.
Edited 2025-01-05 20:57 (UTC)
[ The way Jayce says his name makes Viktor's heart ache a little. He's always so enthusiastic, but then again, he's also the kind of man to enthusiastically say a mathematical formula aloud. Don't read into it, Viktor reminds himself, Having a partner like Jayce is more than I've dreamed of. It's enough.
Now that he's seen that Jayce isn't injured or upset, Viktor calms enough to greet the horses that stick their faces out of their stales. Patting necks and rubbing noses, he listens to Jayce's excited fumbling. ]
Oh? Aren't you full of surprises. Where would you like me?
Now that he's seen that Jayce isn't injured or upset, Viktor calms enough to greet the horses that stick their faces out of their stales. Patting necks and rubbing noses, he listens to Jayce's excited fumbling. ]
Oh? Aren't you full of surprises. Where would you like me?
Ahh—
[ now that's a question. jayce briefly considers his bed, a place where viktor could comfortably stretch his leg as he worked, but— the implications of that answer spills red hues to the tips of his ears. they were partners. friends. only this—
truly, only this. with a heavy heart, it had to be. ]
—Wherever you'll feel the most comfortable. [ the hay bales, the many accommodating benches on even inside the tack room was alright. jayce allows viktor to choose, and as he selects his seat, he adds, with his hands folded behind his back: ] It's something I've been working on.
[ now that's a question. jayce briefly considers his bed, a place where viktor could comfortably stretch his leg as he worked, but— the implications of that answer spills red hues to the tips of his ears. they were partners. friends. only this—
truly, only this. with a heavy heart, it had to be. ]
—Wherever you'll feel the most comfortable. [ the hay bales, the many accommodating benches on even inside the tack room was alright. jayce allows viktor to choose, and as he selects his seat, he adds, with his hands folded behind his back: ] It's something I've been working on.
[ Jayce has never been one for mystery, often wearing his heart on his sleeve with Viktor. This other side of him is intriguing, to say the least.
Choosing a bench to avoid getting hay stuck to his ass, Viktor settles in. The fact that Jayce has been working on something is both a relief and a shock. Was it something that he didn't want Viktor's input on? Was he planning to perhaps patent it and didn't want to run the risk of Viktor claiming ownership? It was an issue he'd heard of with many inventors and their patrons, but all of Jayce's ideas would forever be his own—Viktor is just happy to be included. ]
Ah, a secret project? [ He doesn't want to admit his hurt outright, but it's probably written on his face. It may be difficult for Viktor to see someone else's blush due to his colorblindness, but that doesn't mean his own reddened cheeks wouldn't stand out compared to his usual pallor. ]
Choosing a bench to avoid getting hay stuck to his ass, Viktor settles in. The fact that Jayce has been working on something is both a relief and a shock. Was it something that he didn't want Viktor's input on? Was he planning to perhaps patent it and didn't want to run the risk of Viktor claiming ownership? It was an issue he'd heard of with many inventors and their patrons, but all of Jayce's ideas would forever be his own—Viktor is just happy to be included. ]
Ah, a secret project? [ He doesn't want to admit his hurt outright, but it's probably written on his face. It may be difficult for Viktor to see someone else's blush due to his colorblindness, but that doesn't mean his own reddened cheeks wouldn't stand out compared to his usual pallor. ]
Something like that.
[ to the benches it was. jayce meanders alondside him, gaze sliding across viktor's features for answers while passing by hanging candlelights— it squeezed his chest to see a pang, but he promises. it's worth it. his complexion shifts, and for whatever reason, jayce assumes its from the shadows of dancing flames.
the smile he tries to hide is suspicious. ]
But you have to close your eyes.
[ to the benches it was. jayce meanders alondside him, gaze sliding across viktor's features for answers while passing by hanging candlelights— it squeezed his chest to see a pang, but he promises. it's worth it. his complexion shifts, and for whatever reason, jayce assumes its from the shadows of dancing flames.
the smile he tries to hide is suspicious. ]
But you have to close your eyes.
[ That makes Viktor's eyebrows arch higher up his forehead, curious despite everything else that warns him to be cautious. ]
Quite the secret, then. [ He closes his eyes, as asked, but can't help quipping all the same. ] I hope this isn't the kind that will steal you away from me.
[ So much for a cautious heart. ]
Quite the secret, then. [ He closes his eyes, as asked, but can't help quipping all the same. ] I hope this isn't the kind that will steal you away from me.
[ So much for a cautious heart. ]
[ jayce barks a laugh on his way into the tack room. he's a little glad viktor can't see his face. he's a few shades darker and a little sheepish with the way he needs to rub at his neck. clever tongue . . .
well, he had to grab "it". some shuffling and footsteps back and forth later, viktor will hear jayce's approach: a soft succession of thuds and clicks, before there is a growing weight of something quite lengthy, stuff and wrapped in the confines of thick cardboard and a large cloth that is binding it all together. ]
—Okay, open your eyes.
[ viktor will find that this thing in his lap is a crudely wrapped gift. at least, he tried to wrap it with whatever he had in hand. he couldn't afford fancy paper or even the glittering ribbons viktor may be used to after spending all of his meager allowance on the metal he needed to forge this. the paper is signed: JAYCE TALIS. TO VIKTOR. ]
I didn't, uh— have any wrapping paper, so . . . Excuse that.
well, he had to grab "it". some shuffling and footsteps back and forth later, viktor will hear jayce's approach: a soft succession of thuds and clicks, before there is a growing weight of something quite lengthy, stuff and wrapped in the confines of thick cardboard and a large cloth that is binding it all together. ]
—Okay, open your eyes.
[ viktor will find that this thing in his lap is a crudely wrapped gift. at least, he tried to wrap it with whatever he had in hand. he couldn't afford fancy paper or even the glittering ribbons viktor may be used to after spending all of his meager allowance on the metal he needed to forge this. the paper is signed: JAYCE TALIS. TO VIKTOR. ]
I didn't, uh— have any wrapping paper, so . . . Excuse that.
[ Jayce is certainly gone long enough to further pique Viktor's curiosity. There are any number of things he could be doing, including setting up a prank or running away, but Viktor trusts that neither of those things are true. After spending time with enough cruel children in school, Viktor has learned how to judge whether or not someone is about to do him an unkindness.
Letting out a grunt when something large and heavy is deposited into his lap, he opens his eyes in time with Jayce giving him permission to do so—hopefully it doesn't ruin the surprise that he'd been unable to keep his eyes closed a second longer.
The gift is charmingly wrapped, practical and honest the same way that he's come to appreciate from Jayce himself. If there had been fancy paper or glittering bows, it would have perplexed Viktor more than anything. ]
Unnecessary. [ Both the paper and, therefore, the excusing. He looks up at Jayce, head cocked to one side. ] But there's no occasion for this, Jayce, or I would have reciprocated.
Letting out a grunt when something large and heavy is deposited into his lap, he opens his eyes in time with Jayce giving him permission to do so—hopefully it doesn't ruin the surprise that he'd been unable to keep his eyes closed a second longer.
The gift is charmingly wrapped, practical and honest the same way that he's come to appreciate from Jayce himself. If there had been fancy paper or glittering bows, it would have perplexed Viktor more than anything. ]
Unnecessary. [ Both the paper and, therefore, the excusing. He looks up at Jayce, head cocked to one side. ] But there's no occasion for this, Jayce, or I would have reciprocated.
'Course there is. [ he claps his partner's shoulder, ] Happy Birthday.
[ it's not viktor's birthday. but jokes aside, he shakes his head and chews at his bottom lip, to smooth out his ridiculous grin from getting any larger. in all genuine honesty: ]
I just wanted to do it.
[ and have no obligation of any sort of exchange get in the way of its meaning. he's also . . . amazed at viktor's modesty. it is not every day you meet someone so high classed and still in touch with decency.
he finally gestures and lifts his brows, excited, and it shows in how his expectant eyes nearly glisten with anticipation for viktor to pull away at the gift's clumsy shell. ]
[ it's not viktor's birthday. but jokes aside, he shakes his head and chews at his bottom lip, to smooth out his ridiculous grin from getting any larger. in all genuine honesty: ]
I just wanted to do it.
[ and have no obligation of any sort of exchange get in the way of its meaning. he's also . . . amazed at viktor's modesty. it is not every day you meet someone so high classed and still in touch with decency.
he finally gestures and lifts his brows, excited, and it shows in how his expectant eyes nearly glisten with anticipation for viktor to pull away at the gift's clumsy shell. ]
We both know it is not my birthday.
[ He emphasizes the negative, but he's smiling nonetheless. No matter what the gift is, it's better than all of the things that his brain had invented about Jayce spending time away from him on other ventures—which is his right to do, but it would still have hurt Viktor for him to not be honest about it.
Drinking in the excitement on Jayce's face, Viktor makes a show of opening the gift carefully. He can see glimmers of metal as the surfaces catch the lamplight, but it's not until he's fully unwrapped it and taken a good long look that it sinks in.
A leg brace. It looks similar to Jayce's own, but more delicate and obviously much thinner to fit Viktor's slight frame. A wide range of emotions flow through him, from sheepishness to gratitude, pain to love. He knows that Jayce doesn't see him as weak, and he's never given Viktor any physical help that wasn't first asked for; but the fact that he saw how much Viktor silently struggled with walking and took his own time and materials to make him something that would help... To be cared for is to risk also being perceived at one's lowest.
Looking up at Jayce finally, eyes a bit dewy, Viktor clears his throat. ] Thank you, Jayce. It's quite lovely. I'm always amazed by your handiwork.
[ He emphasizes the negative, but he's smiling nonetheless. No matter what the gift is, it's better than all of the things that his brain had invented about Jayce spending time away from him on other ventures—which is his right to do, but it would still have hurt Viktor for him to not be honest about it.
Drinking in the excitement on Jayce's face, Viktor makes a show of opening the gift carefully. He can see glimmers of metal as the surfaces catch the lamplight, but it's not until he's fully unwrapped it and taken a good long look that it sinks in.
A leg brace. It looks similar to Jayce's own, but more delicate and obviously much thinner to fit Viktor's slight frame. A wide range of emotions flow through him, from sheepishness to gratitude, pain to love. He knows that Jayce doesn't see him as weak, and he's never given Viktor any physical help that wasn't first asked for; but the fact that he saw how much Viktor silently struggled with walking and took his own time and materials to make him something that would help... To be cared for is to risk also being perceived at one's lowest.
Looking up at Jayce finally, eyes a bit dewy, Viktor clears his throat. ] Thank you, Jayce. It's quite lovely. I'm always amazed by your handiwork.
[ jayce watches as emotion furls across viktor's face, a wash of his own sweetens and mellows like the kindling fire in a thriving furnace. the hand once on viktor's shoulder lowers to the side of his arm with an affectionate squeeze, by now having lowered himself to the ground in front of viktor. he has his toolbox, right here. he's eager to see if he got the fit as right as he'd thought.
it is one of his best items to day. sleek, tailor-made, the archs are beautifully dipped and there are even decorative details sculpted into the grooves of the rods, and the colors— he doesn't know. he'll have to explain that later.
it is forged with all of the care in the world. a token of his affection and how much it's grown— a preliminary view of how much it could grow even further. ]
Ready to try it on?
[ he asks this with gentle encouragement. ]
it is one of his best items to day. sleek, tailor-made, the archs are beautifully dipped and there are even decorative details sculpted into the grooves of the rods, and the colors— he doesn't know. he'll have to explain that later.
it is forged with all of the care in the world. a token of his affection and how much it's grown— a preliminary view of how much it could grow even further. ]
Ready to try it on?
[ he asks this with gentle encouragement. ]
Page 2 of 19