Chapter Text
Chapter 1: Strangers come and go
15th march 2022.
The worst day of Jayce’s life. He recalls the events of that day so perfectly, yet, he’s unable to speak of it. Viktor, the only man Jayce looked up to, the only man Jayce thought was smarter than himself, the only man that Jayce… loved. It has been 4 years since it happened. Jayce has never been the same since, how could he not? He lost the love of his life, he doesn’t even know if Viktor is still alive, no one does. Jayce discretely remembers begging doctors for any news, only to be turned down.
Ever since that day, Jayce put barely any effort into hextech, he couldn’t work on their project without Viktor, it wasn’t the same. Luckily other alchemists and scientists now work on hextech. Overtime, Jayce learnt to let go of the past and heal, he’s working on living without Viktor, because deep down he knows he’s never coming back.
“You’ve barely touched your plate Jayce, put that notebook down for one fucking second!” The blue haired Kirraman sighed, lunging across the table to snatch Jayces notebook away. Caitlyn is Jayces best friend, despite the noticeable age gap, they have a lot in common. She was the first person he called after the incident took place, Caitlyn has been by Jayces side this whole time, looking after him when he couldn’t. Jayce huffed. “I know I know Im just-“
Caitlyn put her hand up, telling him to shut up. Jayce hated when she did that. “I don’t care, eat your food it’s going to get cold.” Her bossy manner always worked on Jayce, mainly because he was scared of the Kirramans. Jayce sighed and began to eat his medium rare steak, whilst thinking. Caitlyn coughs, getting Jayces attention. She then sighs in defeat “What are you even thinking about?”
Jayce puts down his fork and grabs his notebook from across the table. He turns the pages lightly, trying not to accidentally tear any of his past work. He then slams the notebook on the table, causing others from other tables to look at them both with concern. Caitlyn looks down at the notebook, only to find maths equations, she had no care for science, so she had no idea what any of this meant to her. He smiles at her, only realising her confused look, he puts the notebook closer to her and stars explaining.
“I’ve been designing a gadget!” He then points to certain parts of his notebook, Caitlyn tries to look impressed but she can’t seem to change her clearly bored expression. “I’d call it something like a… memory keeper, you would be able to store your memories in this little capsule, and if you were to loose your memory or something, you could use this capsule to regain the memories, after hearing about the cases of people randomly forgetting memories, this would really help.”
Caitlyns bored expression changes into a confused expression. “I mean.. that would be useful for people but.. but, how would that tiny thing hold someone’s whole memory?”
Jayce sighed. Usually when he showed Viktor his inventions, he would laugh in Jayces face and call him ridiculous, but Viktor always loved Jayces ‘ridiculous’ ideas. That’s what Jayce always loved about Viktor, he was always honest. Jayce looks at his notebook. The same notebook Viktor gifted him after accidentally burning his old one. Viktor felt bad so he gifted Jayce the notebook, Jayce never let it go, it’s one of the last few items he has of Viktor. “I only started working on this today.. but I’m sure this can work this time, all I need is a bit of hope-”
“Yeah and a permit.” Caitlyn interrupted. Jayce gave her such a dirty look that only Viktor would give to Jayce after hearing one of his stupid inventions. Caitlyn, clearly not in the mood for his emotions, carried on speaking. “Jayce, you know how much harder it is for you to even create inventions, after you left the council, they haven’t been very supportive of your ideas… I would love to help you with inventions but you know how my mother feels about you now.” Caitlyn sees Jayces mood go from bad to worse, however she has no comforting words for him. Jayce takes another bite of his steak, he doesn’t chew it at all and swallows it. She’s right. As much as they deny it, the council refuse to acknowledge Jayces work, due to Jayce leaving the council, to this day Jayce has no regrets leaving that place, his once found love and admiration for the council turned into hatred and resentment. However, they made him an honorary professor at the academy. His anger slowly begins to rise, he knows she’s right but he hates how she always admits it.
“You don’t think I know that?! You know exactly why I left the council, I knew the consequences and still left… besides, I’m sure if I show this to Professor Heimerdinger maybe he’ll think it’s a good idea right..?” Jayce goes from angry to determined in the spam of one second. All he wanted was world peace in life. He’ll never forget the conversations him and Viktor used to have about creating world peace. Viktor words always motivated Jayce, it encouraged Jayce to peruse the dream of peace. They both bonded over world peace due to their past trauma, they bonded really quick in a short amount of time. He’ll never forget the day where Viktor was able to transport hextech over to Zaun, allowing the city to have the same technology as Piltover. He’d never seen Viktor so happy, if Viktor was happy, Jayce was happy. All that was shattered over one stupid deal with the council.
Caitlyn gently touches Jayces hand, she could tell he was feeling a race of emotions. “I’m not gonna stop you, but you know it’s going to be the same answer as always..” she sighed. As much as Heimerdinger admires Jayce, he can’t bring himself to fund any of his projects due to the past. But Jayce never gave up, he knows one day Heimerdinger will eventually come around and start funding his ideas. One of these days he will stop giving stupid excuses.
‘That’s to dangerous my boy!’, ‘That will never work’, ‘I’m already funding someone else’s work, I’m sorry son..’. Every rejection is a rip in Jayces heart, but he never stops trying, he knows that’s what Viktor would want. Jayce groans, shoving the rest of his steak into his mouth, clearly not interested to eat, but Caitlyn was paying and he felt bad. “Thanks for the lunch Caitlyn, appreciate it.” Caitlyn rolled her eyes at Jayce. “Just go find him Jayce, when you get rejected again, you know where to find Vi and I” Caitlyn reassures him, every time Jayce gets rejected he goes straight to Caitlyn, shes like a sister to him. He stands up, pushing the table back a bit which startles Caitlyn a little, he doesn’t have much determination in him, but he’s still going to try. He ruffles with Caitlyns hair, like she’s a pet, and starts walking away. Caitlyn looks at him, her empathy for Jayce growing more and more every time, whilst fixing her own hair.
"Am I interrupting something?" Viktor interfered, he looks around the room to see an arm pad with a blue crystal. Jayce was startled by him, why was he back? Jayce looked over the edge of his broken apartment, everything he worked so hard for, was being taken away and destroyed by the council. If Viktor was even a minute late, Jayce would've been dead. Jayce, not trusting this strange man, turned to him, confused. "Why are you even here? If you're here to ridicule me, go ahead, I don't give a shit." Jayce huffed with annoyance, turning away from Viktor and looking back at the view. He heard Viktor chuckle. "I looked over your notes, dare I say they're impressive, a bit egotistical how you signed all the pages though.." Viktor said, closing the book. Jayce immediately turned around to Viktor, who was holding his notepad.
"Where did you-"
"They haven't burnt down your equipment yet, I stole this when no one was looking, this is ground breaking Mr Talis." Viktor exclaimed. Viktor was a well respected scientist in Piltover, however people pitied him due to his disability and the fact he's from Zaun. Jayce looked at him with a sceptical look, he was convinced this random stranger was pulling a massive prank on him.
"Why does it matter anyways? It's all going tomorrow, I have no idea why you're comforting me, you took away my stuff." Jayces tone was annoyed, he was already having a bad day, and this man ruined it more. Those words did sting Viktor a little, but his emotions didn't give it away.
"I didn't have a choice Mr Talis, I'm only an assistant, I get no say, Heimerdinger sent me, I'm now here on my own accord."
Viktor walked more closely towards Jayce, their eyes meeting. "I understand you don't trust me, however, I really see potential with your magic." Jayce gazed at Viktors eyes, 'as bright as the sun', Jayce thought. He then looked down to see him with a cane, his expression softened a little. Viktor saw this and clicked his fingers, ordering Jayce to look at him, Jayce looked up straight away. Viktor hated when people looked at his cane, he absolutely despised it.
“Sorry- thank you for your enthusiasm, but there’s no way to even get my stuff back, it’s locked.” Jayce sighed, his gaze never leaving Viktors, something about his eyes sent Jayce into a trance. Viktor began to grin, making Jayce confused.
Viktor began reaching for his pockets, he pulled out a set of keys and started swinging it around his slender fingers. He crossed his legs, putting most of his weight onto his cane, whilst giving Jayce a look of malice. “There’s always a way”. Jayce looked at Viktor confused, then he began to slowly realise what he was implying.
“Wait- you want us to steal my stuff back”? Jayce began to stress a little. His ma taught him to never steal, he couldn’t go against his own mother’s lessons. Viktor chuckled, every time a singular sound came out of Viktor, Jayce couldn’t help but admire his Czech accent, something about his accent gave Jayce butterflies in his stomach. “I want to help you complete your research, Mr talis”
Jayce sighs. “But, no one thinks it can be done..” His gaze still focused on Viktors.
Viktor looks at the explosion in the room, not gazing at Jayce once. “When you’re going to change the world, don’t ask for permission.” He then handed out the arm pad and offered it to Jayce, Jayce resisted for a second but took it from Viktor, putting it back on with pride and determination.
“I don’t even know your name…”
“It’s Viktor”.
Jayce walking on the streets of Piltover became slightly overwhelming for him. He used to love the attention he got as the ‘golden boy’, but now, that meant nothing to him, he still acts respectful in public but he cannot handle the public eye anymore, luckily it died down after he left the council. He started thinking about what Caitlyn said to him. Was Heimerdinger ever gonna look at Jayce the same? He could easily fund his inventions by himself, however he needs permits, which only the council provides.
“Hey Professor J! How are you?” A familiar voice echoed, the mysterious person tapped Jayces shoulder. Jayce turned around to see Ekko. One of Jayces friends and most determined student. Ekko looked up to Jayce, most of Ekkos inventions were stemmed by Jayce, Jayce loved helping Ekko with his research, feeling a sense of pride whenever Ekko shows him his new mechanical innovations.
Jayce put his problems behind him and turned fully to Ekko. “Ah, hello Ekko, why are you up in Piltover..?” Jayce adored Ekko, he had potential, he reminded Jayce of Viktor, kind and determined, and always up for challenges. Ekko chuckled and pointed to a familiar blue haired girl. She was looking at different stools in the Piltover market, buying materials.
“Jinx wanted to come up here to get some ideas for her new bombs, and of course Vander asked me to babysit her.” He rolled his eyes but deep down, he loved spending time with Jinx. Jinx however, heard what Ekko said and stormed up to him. “Hey! I’m not exactly thrilled either, I can handle myself you know-“
She turned over to see Jayce. “My my! The golden boy! Surely you can tell boy savior to fuck off right?” Jinx didn’t mean it, she too cared for Ekko, unlike him, she never showed it.
Jayce chuckled and looked at the two of them. He loved their relationship, teenage love, seeing them together always made Jayces heart melt. “Now now, he’s just keeping a close eye on you, remember the last time you came up here alone?”
Jinx winced her eyes at Jayce, however she couldn’t say anything, he caught her in a fiddle. “A- well- yes but.. What can I say golden boy, I was young” She grins at Jayce.
“You know Jinx, your strange yet imaginative mind would do wonders at the academy.” Jayce exclaimed. It was no secret Jinx was actually really smart when it came to creating machines. To this day, Jayce admires the mechanical arm Jinx made for Servika. However, Jinx was always against the academy, she hated being bossed around, she was a lively spirit, joining the academy would in her words ‘turn her into a dick riding council lover’. Her purple eyes winced at Jayces. “Are you trying to make me mad at this point? Id rather have lunch with Caitlyn, no way!” She then stormed off, going back to the market to look for supplies. Ekko chucked “Sorry about that professor J, you look like you’re in a rush, what’s going on?” Ekko asked. Jayce remembered why he was out here in the first place. “Nothing much, just another invention I have in mind.” He nervously chuckled.
Ekkos face changed, like he remembered something. “Oh right, good thing you’re here, I went to Heimerdinger for some extra tuition, he told me to tell you that he has found you a new assistant.” Jayce faced dropped. An assistant? Why on earth would Jayce need an assistant? He has been fine on his own for the past 4 years, according to himself. The thought of a new assistant made him feel deflated, did Heimerdinger not trust Jayce? Jayce worked alone, an assistant would ruin it all for Jayce. “Ah- uh, thanks for the heads up Ekko, heading to the academy now.” As soon as Jayce said that, he rushed away, not giving time for Ekko to even say goodbye. Ekko shrugged his shoulders and turned his focus on Jinx, who was messing with one of the clerks.
Jayce began to speed up, he wanted to give Heimerdinger a piece of his mind. He didn’t want or need an assistant. Why couldn’t he at least find his own? What work would he even have the assistant do? Not like his inventions get a permit anyways. It seemed like since ‘V’ left, his only job was to grade and tutor kids, which he didn’t mind, in fact he loved inspiring the next generation. However, he still wanted to be something more than a professor. Jayce was thinking about the reasons why Heimerdinger would find him an assistant, to get him to socialise? Maybe the assistant was a spy for the council? It didn’t help that Jayce was a huge over thinker. Every time Jayce and Viktor would have to present a new hextech idea, Jayce would get so nervous that they’d always show up 5 minutes late, because Viktor would always have to encourage him.
When Jayce showed up to the academy, he recognised a few new cars, usually more professors and more students would arrive this time of the year. He barged in, all he could think about was his new assistant. In the back of his mind, he felt guilty, it felt like he was betraying a certain someone. As he was walking, he couldn’t think straight. The next thing he remembered was bumping into someone, luckily, his strong reflexes were able to save the other person from falling. He looked up to see Mel, someone who he cherished. He gripped her waist a little tighter, making sure she didn’t fall. He gazed into her eyes. Jayce and Mel indeed had a relationship, but after he left the council, they were forced to separate, they were still good friends. Jayce let go of her waist, making sure she was able to stand up right. Mel looked at Jayce, she knew he was stressed about something.
“Fuck- Mel I’m so sorry-“
“This is why you never run in the halls Jayce Talis.” Her voice was commanding, yet it had a slight hint of humour. Her strict gaze turned into a concerned one. “Why do you look so upset? What’s troubling you?” She asked. Jayce sighed in annoyance, today wasn’t his day. He woke up late, burnt his toast, ran out of toothpaste, and was 5 minutes late to lunch with Caitlyn, someone who is keen on punctuality. “Tough day, I guess, now I’m being told I’m getting a new assistant.”
Mel looked at him confused, Jayce was never the type of person to not like new people. To Mel, Jayce was like a little puppy, always excited when someone came through the door. “Isn’t getting a new assistant good though? Helping you with your new inventions no?”
“What inventions Mel?”
Mel didn’t know what to say, “Touché.”
Jayce turned to Mel, she knew why he left the council, she had no hard feelings, he had his reasons. To Jayce, Mel was the only person in the council that he could trust. “Do you think I would’ve been better off as a blacksmith?” He suddenly asked. Mel was confused by the question, it wasn’t like Jayce to ever question his role as a scientist. “What ever do you mean Jayce?”
”What work have I accomplished since hextech? Sure I love being a professor but sometimes, I just want to be in the lab late at night with Viktor again, coming up with inventions that were scrapped the next day.”
Mel never cared for Viktor, she didn’t hate him, but she never knew the guy, he was always reserved. However she knew the big impact he had on Jayce. “Do you remember when I caught you and Viktor trying to steal back your stuff? I told you both to leave but you persisted, you both disobeyed me and created hextech that same night, back then you didn’t care about what the council said, you shouldn’t care now.” She then gently lifted Jayces head, their eyes meeting one another. “Just make sure no one tries to break in again, I recommend installing security, Noxus has good security investments if you’re interested.” She winks at him then begins to walk away. Jayces eyes widen when he realised what Mel was trying to say. He has never gone against the councils wishes, but the more Jayce thought about it, the more he knew Mel was right. He needed to take some matters into his own hands, he was born to invent, to create stuff, with or without help.
His hopes were immediately crushed when he remembered his new assistant. He couldn’t do anything with a new assistant around, they’d probably rat him out to the council. Jayce was convinced his new ‘assistant’ was just a spy for the council. He would have to work discreetly, he had a lab built in his home, but the equipment at the academy was more better and had a higher quality. As Jayce walked into Heimerdingers office, he put the notepad in his pocket, hoping Heimerdinger didn’t see.
Heimerdingers office was extravagant to say the least, why wouldn’t it be? He was the head of the council. All of his awards over the decades were stored a glass cupboard, they were always polished and sparkling. Heimerdinger spent an hour every day at his office, polishing all of his awards, it’s hard work for him, but his awards makes him proud. For a little man, his desk and chair was huge, it was always kept nice and tidy. On the ceiling, constellations were dangling on thin pieces of string which confused Jayce because Heimerdinger was not interested in astrology in the slightest. As Jayce walked in, he couldn’t see him at first, but the more he got closer, the more his orange fur appeared. Heimerdinger stood up from his chair, seeing Jayce he practically jumped off, and walked up to him.
”Ah! There you are my boy! I’m guessing Ekko told you!” Heimerdinger said with an enthusiastic tone.
Jayce looked at him, suspicious. “Professor, I don’t need an assistant, I’m well off on my own..”
Heimerdinger shook his head, indicating no. “You do Jayce, your new assistant will give you more.. what’s the word… inspiration, I’m sorry Jayce but you’ve been lacking as a scientist..”
Jayce was offended. Jayce Talis? The once golden boy of Piltover? The literal creator of magic? “Professor, what are you talking about, every time I come to you with a new invention, you reject it straight away.”
Heimerdinger closes his eyes and nods. “Why do you think I do that? Because they’re lacking… I’m being rough on you, only to make you a better scientist..” Jayce scoffed, he couldn’t believe what he was hearing. “And how do you think some assistant is going to change that?”
“We as the council chose someone who would boost your confidence up, your new assistant is well educated, has an excellent mind.. and someone you will definitely bond with.” Heimerdinger sighed.
Jayce stares at him, ‘bond?’ Impossible. “If you love this assistant so much why don’t you make them a professor?” Jayce was barely like this, but when it came to his work, he was always insecure.
“He wanted to help you, Jayce, he offered to be your assistant.”
Jayce turned to face him, “He.. offered? But why?”
“Hes inspired by hextech, interested in the research.”
“So, he only wants me for hextech?” Jayce rolled his eyes, deep down he was touched someone wanted to willingly work with him.
”I’m not saying anything else, he’s in your office, if you want to meet him.” Heimerdinger said, Jayce saw how skittish and excited Heimerdinger looked, which made him even more suspicious. Jayce began to calm himself, he looked down at Heimerdinger and thanked him for his time. As Jayce was walking out, he felt someone pull the ends of his coat.
“One last thing my boy, don’t be mad if he doesn’t remember.”
Jayce was confused, what did Heimerdinger mean? Jayce was thinking his old age was finally catching up to him. He said his goodbyes to him and walked out his office.
“I’ll open the door, you keep clear.” Viktor instructed Jayce. Jayce was still overwhelmed and stressed, he wasn’t even allowed on academy grounds, now he was here, stealing?! Viktor knelt down on his good knee, positioning his bad knee to make sure it wouldn’t hurt. Jayce, seeing this, decided to say something. “You know I don’t mind opening the door-“
“Just keep watch.” Viktor ordered. Jayce immediately shut up, he felt some kind of lust when Viktor said that. Jayce began to look around, making sure none of the security guards would catch them. Although, he couldn’t think straight, he had the most weirdest and stressful day today. Viktor began to fiddle with the keys, trying to find the one that matched the lock, it didn’t help that there was over 10 keys. Viktor was trying to be fast and quiet, which didn’t work, every noise the keys made, it made Jayce more anxious and he began to cringe. Why was he doing this? Why was this man he barely knew convince him to steal his stuff. Jayce began to look around some more, luckily no one was around for now.
”Tsk, keep the torch straight, you keep moving it.” Viktor whispered. “Sorry sorry, I’ve never done shit like this before.” It sounded like Jayce was having a panic attack, in his mind he was. Viktor sighed “For science, you need to take all the risks you get.” Jayce looked down at him as he was still fiddling with the keys.
“How long is this going to take? I can’t stand here anymore Vinny-“
“Viktor.”
”Right- sorry, still can’t you hurry this up?”
“If you stop moving the torch I can.”
The next thing both of them knew, a bright torch was being shunned right at their faces. It made Viktor drop the keys, creating a huge sound. They both covered their eyes and looked at the light, they could see a powerful figure, they knew exactly who it was. Mel, a well respected councillor, Mel was the only councillor who voted no for Jayces crimes.
She both shined brung the torch closer to their faces, her look stern and mad. “Willing to risk exile for your endeavour? That’s quite the conviction.” She sternly said, directing her gaze straight at Jayce, who was shocked and was about to piss his pants. The pair began to talk so quickly Mel couldn’t comprehend what either of them were saying.
“Councillor-!“ Jayce was about to start a whole yapping session on why he was back at the academy.
Viktor picked up his keys, and began to awkwardly chuckle. “Wait a minute this isn’t my bedroom?” His acting skills clearly needed some work. “How could I have-“
Mel didn’t have time for Viktors bad attempt at humour, her look became even more angry. “Both of you stand up.”
Jayce stood up straight no questions asked, Viktor however took some time due to his leg. Jayce offered a helping hand but Viktor slapped his hand away, Jayce felt a little offended. Once Viktor stood, Mel looked at them, the torch still shining in their eyes. “Why are you here? Especially you Mr Talis?”
Jayce didn’t know what to say, Viktor however, “I believe he was right, I believe magic can be done.” He didn’t stutter once, Jayce looked at him, he was shocked and touched. Mel winced her eyes, “There’s nothing you two can do, your stuff is getting burnt in a few hours.”
Jayce stepped forward, facing Mel, he was intimidated by her, there was no doubt about that. “Please listen to us councillor, give us an hour to prove ourselves, Vance- ahem, Viktor, showed me what I’ve been missing this whole time!”
Mel shined her torch down, looking at them, she still wasn’t convinced. The three of them saw a light shine from the corner of the halls, a security officer was here, shit. Mel turned her torch off and looked at the pair. “I’m going to distract the officer, I expect you both gone when I come back.” She ordered. She grabbed the keys from Viktors hands, taking one specific key, and handing it back to Viktor. Viktor knew what she was implying and waited for Mel to turn the corner. After they saw her shadow disappear into the darkness, they heard Mel almost seducing the security officer. Jayce sighed. “Well… there goes our idea, thanks for helping me anyways Viktor.”
Viktor chuckled in his face as he began to slowly open the door, trying not to make noise. Jayce widened his eyes. “What are you doing? did you not hear Mel? she’s going to kill us!”
“Like I said before, being a scientist means taking risks.” He winked at Jayce, who was clearly blushing a little. Once they both entered, Jayce was filled with so much hope, seeing all of his stuff untouched was such a miracle. He wanted to hug all of it and give it a huge kiss, but he didn’t want to scare Viktor.
As Jayce promised, all they needed was an hour. For the next hour they were going through notes, sorting out the math which Jayce got wrong, which wasn’t a lot, sorting out the magic balls. Jayce found working with Viktor relaxed him, it made him feel at ease knowing someone was helping him, and that someone was very handsome. After everything was set up, the last thing they had to do was power on the hextech. Jayce was so excited yet so nervous. Viktor, who looked so proud of what they accomplished within an hour, looked up at Jayce with glee.
“You should turn it on, it’s your idea after all.” His warm smile made Jayce melt, Jayce was never able to bond with people easily, but with Viktor, something felt so different. Jayce smiled back at Viktor, his determination growing as he turned on the machine whilst holding the magic.
“Relax, Jayce, if this fails there’s always a next time.” Viktor reminded the shaking Jayce. Viktor then reached out his hand, prompting Jayce to take it. He grabbed Viktors hand so tightly it’s shocking how it didn’t become purple. He gave one final look at Viktor. “Three… two….”
He slowly brung the ball closer to the machine, “ONE!” He slammed the ball onto the machine. They both closed their eyes, expecting a huge explosion, instead they open their eyes to find themselves… floating. Viktor looked around the room, he saw all their notes, pencils, and random gear equipment floating in the air with them. The magic shun the whole room, giving it a blue majestic view, Jayce was astonished. He looked around to see not only had the magic worked, it worked better than expected.
Jayce and Viktor were laughing and giggling as they were doing silly poses for one another in the sky, it was the most fun either of them had in ages. Viktor had never felt so alive in that moment, usually he would be careful due to his leg, but in that moment, all he thought about was the magic and how carefree he felt. Both of them couldn’t keep their eyes of each other, that was their moment, and theirs alone.
“What on earth is going on in here?” A familiar voice said. The pair looked down to see both councillor Heimerdinger and Mel. Heimerdinger looked out of breath, whilst Mel looked impressed. “Viktor, I demand you come down this instant!” Heimerdinger shouted. Viktor could barely hear him due to being so high up.
“I’m not sure how to do that sir!” He chucked, Jayce laughing with him. Jayce realised Viktor never stopped holding his hand, they were holding hands whilst floating, that made Jayce blush a little, luckily the blue shimmer didn’t make Viktor notice. Heimerdinger noticed Jayce, he wasn’t happy. “I’m telling you this magic idea of yours isn’t a good idea!” He shouted, he had a look of concern. Jayce laughed, “Professor, what harm can this cause?”
Little did he know how much harm it would cause.
His office door was wide open, Jayce saw straight through his door. He saw a few boxes and a shadow of a figure. He was scared to say the least. He walked in, not turning to his new assistant. He wasn’t sure what he was doing, but he just-
“Jayce Talis.. what an honour.” The strange figure said, his strong accent was something Jayce could recognise from at least 10 miles away. His eyes immediately widened, he turned slowly, his gaze slowly going up and up. He looked directly into those yellow eyes that remind him of the sun, his clean brown hair that obviously had gel in it, his smart yet casual wear, his face… he looked so much healthier…
Viktor was standing in his office.
Jayce gasped, he immediately sat on the chair that was coincidentally right behind him. He couldn’t say a word, he looked up that the confused Viktor, who was standing there awkwardly. His gaze never left Viktors. 4 years. 4 years of no contact.. no idea if Viktor was even alive, and here he was, standing in Jayce Talis office. His noticed his cane, he was barely using it, it was smaller, there wasn’t a mechanical leg helping him balance. He looked healthier, his skin was glowing. Jayce noticed he was staring for a long time, he couldn’t help it.
“Oh my gosh- V? You- you’re really here?” Jayce couldn’t speak straight. He grabbed the arm rests of his chair preventing himself from going up to Viktor and giving him a huge hug. Viktor still didn’t understand what was happening. How did he know his name? Why was Jayce Talis calling him ‘V’?
“Professor Talis.. is everything alright? I can get you some sweet milk if you like.” Viktor replied with a calm and respectful manner. Viktor loved sweet milk, Jayce would always bring Viktor sweet milk after a long day in the lab. Jayce stared down for a moment and remembered something.
‘Don’t be mad if he doesn’t remember.’
The voice of Heimerdingers words was floating in his memory, is.. this what he meant? Why wasn’t Viktor more happy to see Jayce?
“Viktor- oh holy Jesus- it’s me… look at you! You’ve- you’re- healthy.” His words were getting even more ridiculous and confusing. Viktor nervously chuckled.
“Ah… I’m sorry Mr Talis, I lost my sense of memories 4 years ago in a lab accident, i have very little recollection of my life in Piltover.” He put his hand behind his head. He clutched his cane, he was kind of scared of Jayces behaviour.
“What.” His tone changed. His stuttering and acting ridiculous changed once he heard the words ‘lost memories.’ The man standing in front of him. Viktor. The man he waited 4 years for, the man Jayce had sleepless nights over, the man Jayce cherished more than anyone. The man who… lost his memories…?
He wanted to sob. He wanted to hold Viktor close in his arms and tell him everything would be ok, he wanted to cherish Viktor as much as Viktor cherished him. He stopped clutching the arm rests, looking up at the confused Viktor. All he wanted was his partner back. Clearly fate got something wrong in the process, he indeed was back, he was standing right there, but at what cost? Jayces shaky breath didn’t help either, in that moment, his guilt, anger, sadness and lust started rising all at once. He knew what lab accident he was referring to, he knew exactly what Viktor was taking about.
Jayce stood up, kicking the chair a bit backwards. He went closer to Viktor, his eyes intertwined with Viktors. He really wanted to hug him, but he couldn’t. He closed his eyes and began. “I’m sorry- where are my manners..” He opened his eyes, and forced a fake smile. “I’m Jayce Talis, Im- im honoured you want to work with me.” He gently put his hand on Viktors shoulder, the usual Viktor would put his hand on Jayces shoulder in return, but instead he just kept his arms to himself.
He smiled at Jayce, making Jayce wanting to sob more. His cute adorable pretty normal looking smile made his heart beat faster, how could he be so delirious… yet so handsome? Viktor noticed Jayces stress and tension. “I’m sorry but, did I know you..?”
That question made Jayce loose it. Not at Viktor, but at himself. How could he let one stupid mistake turn into this? Yes Viktor was here, but he wasn't really here. All the memories Jayce had with Viktor went down the drain in that very moment. He sighed, his breath still shaking.
“Yes, you did.. friends, partners, Viktor you were… my true love my best friend.”
He then pulled out his phone, he swiped on his phone so hard Viktor was surprised he didn’t break it. Jayce shoved the phone in Viktors face. Viktor saw a picture of the two of them, it was the day they won the innovations competition. Viktor took Jayces phone gently and zoomed into the picture. Jayce was holding the trophy, holding it up for everyone to see, his glee and happy smile was the first thing Viktor noticed. In Jayces other hand, he was holding Viktor. Viktor looked so happy, but his gaze wasn’t at the camera, it was at Jayce. Viktor noticed his cane, it looked so big, Viktor noticed all the flaws, his messy hair, his mechanical leg. He quickly gave the phone back to Jayce, he didn’t know what to say.
“Wow, guess we were close huh-“ He nervously chuckled, Jayce looked at the picture, the memories of that day swirled in his mind, what a perfect day it was for Jayce. “So.. you really don’t remember huh?” He asked for clarification, he wished he was dreaming, he wished upon every shooting star that Viktor was pranking him, he wished none of this was real.
He shaked his head, for some reason, Viktor felt something unique about Jayce, Viktor felt as if the man standing in-front of him was someone important, special even. He felt guilty for some reason, even though he’s only met Jayce, he can’t help but feel a connection already forming. A connection slowly regaining itself after years of isolation. Viktor smiled at Jayce, his smile genuine and heartfelt.
“I once read a quote that went along the lines of ‘Old friends reuniting creates newer and stronger memories” Viktor chimed in, trying to lighten the mood.
“Maybe this was fates way of punishing me.” Jayce sighed, the Viktor he knew was gone. However, now he had a chance of rebuilding memories with Viktor without screwing it up. Now that the council wasn’t on Jayces ass anymore, Jayce wouldn’t have anyone to stop him.
“What do you mean punish you? What did you do?” Viktor asked, he looked concerned, yet, his guilt still rose, he had no reason to feel bad for Jayce, they just met.
“Nothing, forget it.”
“I’m kind of an expert in that department.”
They both chuckled a little, at least his terrible attempt at humour never left. Jayces notebook fell out his pocket, a loud bang effect when it reached the floor made them both jump a little. Viktor picked it up, passing it back to Jayce, he looked a little embarrassed.
“You know you actually gifted me this notebook, I use this notebook for my most special inventions.” Jayce randomly spluttered, “I adore this notebook as much as I adore you so much, the pages are thick and a good quality.” Jayce then remembered his latest invention. He carefully opened the notebook, inside contained all of his maths equations and inventions that he never got to make. He signed every paper, making him a bit ‘egotistical’.
He then reached the page of his latest invention, the memory keeper. He glared at Viktor, then at the pages. What a weird coincidence. Jayce was going through the pages of the memory keeper, he was looking at the design and the layout, everything looked perfect. He then gazed back at Viktor.
”You’re… still good at engineering right?”
Viktor chucked, amused by Jayces random question. “Why wouldn’t I be?”
Jayce passed the notebook to Viktor suddenly, making him jump a little. “Can you look through my new invention?” Jayce asked ever so quietly. He was a little bit scared of the new Viktor, mainly because the old Viktor would never come back, but he didn’t know how he’d react to his ‘stupid inventions.’ Viktor nodded and opened the book, he was carefully examining all pages, even though he was only supposed to go through one. Every page that Viktor turned made Jayce more scared, Jayce believed Viktor would call his ideas stupid and idiotic. Viktor hummed after every page, turning every page with care, licking his tongue before turning each page. His calm and collected expression was making Jayce more anxious, today really hasn’t been a good day.
After what felt like 4 years, Viktor placed down the book on the nearby table. He looked at Jayce, he was unable to tell what Viktor was thinking, he was prepared for Viktor telling him his inventions were dense and foolish-
“I think your so called memory core is a brilliant idea Mr Talis.”
Jayce gazed up at Viktor with hope, he liked his idea, that’s a first. He chuckled to himself.
“No need to be so formal V, it’s Jayce.”
“Ahem- right sorry, please refer to me as Viktor.”
Jayce has been calling Viktor ‘V’ ever since he could remember. He literally forgot Viktors full name once, as much as that hurt Jayce, he had to oblige. He wanted to make a good first impression on the new Viktor. “Of course, sorry Viktor.”
After an awkward silence of the two of them standing in the room, not saying a word, not even staring at each other, Jayce broke the silence.
“So, you see potential in my memory core..?” He asked with hope. Viktor nodded, his expression still neutral. “If we were to somehow be able to invent a security system within the core, it could better protect the memories that are stored within. There are many cons of this, but implanting ways of protecting the memory core, I believe you’ve gotten yourself a ground breaking invention Mr Tal- Ahem- Jayce.”
His accent meant the world to Jayce, at one point, Jayce started learning Czech to try and get closer to Viktor, that backfired when he accidentally called Viktor ‘hezký’. Jayce took his words into consideration, Viktor was right, he was always right.
“Do you believe there’s a way of getting your memories back? We could examine your brain- we could-“
“That’s not ethical and far beyond possible Jayce.”
“Everyone said the same thing about magic, now hextech is a huge part of Piltover and Zaun.” He sighed, he admitted the examining his brain part was a little extreme, Jayce will find a way of getting Viktors memories back.
“Besides, you know what a brilliant scientist once said to me? ‘When you’re going to change the world, don’t ask for permission.’” Those words never left his brain. Those exact words made Jayce the person who he is today, Viktor was right back then, and he was right, right now. Jayce turned to Viktor, staring into his sunshine eyes. “We can never build it though, we need a permit from the council, which is impossible..”
Viktor looked at him and giggled. “As a scientist, it’s alright to take risks. What is that permit going to do? Nothing.”
“But- if the council find out i’m building an invention without their knowledge they’re-“
“Pathetic snobs.” Viktor chimed in. Viktor too, even without his memories, had a dislike for the council. He believed they prioritised Piltover over Zaun, which they clearly did. Jayce smiled at Viktors words, somehow they comforted him.
“Would you like help me with this? We can secretly use the lab in the academy during the nights if you want, you don’t have to accept of course.” Jayce blurted out. Jayce hated asking for stuff, it made him guilty knowing someone was going out of their way to please him, something he hated. But he needed help with his invention, especially if he wants to keep this private, and only the smart mind of Viktor would accomplish just that, with or without his memories.
“I would gladly help you Jayce, as your assistant it’s my job to help make your life easier.” Viktor then brung out his phone, handing his to Jayce. “Put your number on.”
After exchanging phone numbers, Jayce looked around his office, all the cardboard boxes were making him cringe. “Uh, why did you bring so many cardboard boxes?” Viktor looked around, also noticing them. “Ah, yes, the boxes seem to contain my notes.”
“All of them?!”
“Well no, one box does contain my medication.” He said whilst pointing to the most smallest box Jayce has ever seen. “There is barely any space to put all your notes V- Viktor.” Viktor looked around the office and saw an empty corner, the corner looked so abandoned that he saw some paint coming off the wall, he then pointed to the corner, showing Jayce.
“I’ll put the boxes there for now, if that’s ok.” He then began to pick up a box, even though he was struggling a little, he managed to put it in the corner. Jayce, seeing this, decided to help and carry most of the boxes to help Viktor. After all the boxes were shoved into the small corner, the two of them sat down on Jayces very large desk. No man needed a desk as large as Jayces.
Jayce couldn’t stop staring at Viktor. He looked so different, his hair was neat, gel was noticeable, something the old Viktor never had time for, his clothes were properly ironed, there was no wrinkles on them and his face.. his cheekbones weren’t as noticeable, he looked healthier.
”Sorry for staring V, you just look so… different.” Jayce whispered.
”Viktor, and obviously i’m not going to be the same person, I don’t even remember you Mr Ta- Jayce.” Ouch. That hurt way more than it should’ve. His brutal honestly was something Jayce hated, but it did come in handy.
“I know, but everyone missed you, let’s see.. Caitlyn, she was in shambles when you left, Vi barely knew you but she was still sad. One of my students, Ekko, he reminds me of you. Jinx.. is there I guess? Your Zaunite friends, Silco and Vander. The council are… fuck the council. Uh.. Oh right! My mam! My mam adored you, to this day she can’t stop talking about you.”
Those words made Viktor guilty. Why did Viktor have to feel guilty? It wasn’t his fault, but he did. He then chuckled slightly. “Well i’m glad everyone thinks so highly of me.” Jayce chuckled in return. His chuckle barely a whisper, he was still processing all of this. “By the way, you’re not my assistant.”
Viktor looked hurt, but he did understand, seeing an old friend who he didn’t even remember must of made Jayce feel angry. “I understand-“
“You’re my partner, no matter how much you’ve forgotten, you will always be my partner, my best friend. My biggest weakness “
Viktor faintly smiled, relived Jayce didn’t turn him away, he didn’t want to admit it but he was very flattered by Jayces words, even though he only met the guy. “Oh- thank you Jayce.”
“No problem.”
The awkward silence came back. The clock in the room was ticking more loudly than usual, Viktors fingers were tapping the table, he wanted to leave, but he didn’t know what to say. He looked at Jayce, Jayce was in his own little world, Viktor snapped his fingers to bring him back to reality.
“Ah- sorry, lost in thought. Got to grade my students papers soon, not looking forward to that.” He groaned. He loved being a professor, but the grading was something he hated. Viktor gave him a look of shame. “You’re a professor Jayce, your students look up to you, you can’t slack around.”
Even his attitude to learning was there. “My gosh you sound the exact same, I’m obviously going to grade them.”
He chuckled. “Good, i’m sorry Jayce i’ve got to leave you, I have an introduction meeting to attend to.” Viktor then grabbed his cane and began to stand up, Jayce doing the same, he as disappointed Viktor had to leave him. “Oh, It’s literal bullshit it’s just Heimerdinger explaining how amazing himself and the academy is.”
“I think I can handle that, i’ve handled worse, I’ll be back afterwards, we can begin on the memory core, see you later Jayce.” Jayce wanted to hug him so tightly, instead he watched Viktors figure merge with the background, till he was no where to be seen. Jayce then leaned on his desk, so many things happened within the span of exactly 24 minutes and 45 seconds, Jayce needed to process. He gets a new assistant, his new assistant is his long awaited Viktor, however Viktor somehow forgot all his memories. Jayce felt like he was in some fanfiction story, however, he felt at ease.
Viktor was home.