[In many ways, Jayce's lack of response is unsatisfying no matter how Viktor looks at it: scientifically, practically, emotionally. He sets the chalk back down, and turns fully from the board, just in time to see a perplexingly soft look, and then Jayce's struggle to hoist himself from the chair. The only thing more unsettling here than to have his questions unanswered is to watch Jayce -- the Man of Progress; the Golden Boy of Piltover; a solid pillar of a man -- grapple with something as simple as standing. He isn't meant to be the broken one. It doesn't suit his proud frame.
Viktor says nothing as Jayce pays him a compliment, (although he does spare the slightest arch of brow,) and only watches as the other man makes his way over to the board. Viktor takes the smallest step aside, as he expects Jayce to finish the formula; to fill in the missing variables as he has so many times before, but he is surprised when it gets little more than a glance. It seems Viktor himself is to be the center of his attention. This does not bode well, considering the other man's cryptic statements in regards to the future. Their future?
Viktor exhales a thoughtful little hm, and tilts his head to the side. Jayce should know better than to think this is the end of his inquiries, but against Viktor's wheeling thoughts, he only offers a deceptively mild:]
It must be something rather important then, if it's worth risking messing with the space-time continuum.
[This is not the end of their conversation. In fact, it is very much an invitation for Jayce to provide information of his own volition. His Jayce would know that. Would this Jayce?
In the future, after this event, when Viktor has the time and clarity to really analyze the situation, he still won't fully be able to quantify what makes him reach out to this Jayce, but honestly? The answer might be as simple as affection. He has gotten far too comfortable with Jayce's presence in the last few months, and perhaps a little too bold with his hands. The still have the guise of professionalism to maintain, after all, amongst...other things.
All the same, his hand lands against that broad chest. He's not practiced in comfort, and they all know he hasn't the strength to help steady another -- his own rebellious body is a trial most days -- so his gesture ends up being nothing more than smoothing down the stubborn label of Jayce's jacket. It's a tiny, finite gesture in a universe of infinite possibilities, but in the simplest terms: it's connection. Something that Viktor would guess this Jayce has not seen in some time.]
You should know this, but -- I will help you, if I can.
no subject
Viktor says nothing as Jayce pays him a compliment, (although he does spare the slightest arch of brow,) and only watches as the other man makes his way over to the board. Viktor takes the smallest step aside, as he expects Jayce to finish the formula; to fill in the missing variables as he has so many times before, but he is surprised when it gets little more than a glance. It seems Viktor himself is to be the center of his attention. This does not bode well, considering the other man's cryptic statements in regards to the future.
Their future?Viktor exhales a thoughtful little hm, and tilts his head to the side. Jayce should know better than to think this is the end of his inquiries, but against Viktor's wheeling thoughts, he only offers a deceptively mild:]
It must be something rather important then, if it's worth risking messing with the space-time continuum.
[This is not the end of their conversation. In fact, it is very much an invitation for Jayce to provide information of his own volition. His Jayce would know that. Would this Jayce?
In the future, after this event, when Viktor has the time and clarity to really analyze the situation, he still won't fully be able to quantify what makes him reach out to this Jayce, but honestly? The answer might be as simple as affection. He has gotten far too comfortable with Jayce's presence in the last few months, and perhaps a little too bold with his hands. The still have the guise of professionalism to maintain, after all, amongst...other things.
All the same, his hand lands against that broad chest. He's not practiced in comfort, and they all know he hasn't the strength to help steady another -- his own rebellious body is a trial most days -- so his gesture ends up being nothing more than smoothing down the stubborn label of Jayce's jacket. It's a tiny, finite gesture in a universe of infinite possibilities, but in the simplest terms: it's connection. Something that Viktor would guess this Jayce has not seen in some time.]
You should know this, but -- I will help you, if I can.