deercountry | april catch

Entry tags:

april catch - all

Who: viktor and others, open to all with some closed prompts
What: some late march/early april logs, including some tdm stuff. i'm happy to attach something else on if anyone's interest in doing something specific
When: late march through april
Where: various

content warning; terminal illness, arcane season 1 spoilers, likely game typical beast gore/body horror, potentially ableism mentioned, claustrophobic imagery

open prompts.

fishers of dreams - the lighthouse, early april (tdm)

a. while awake

[if you've been roped into this lighthouse business too you may enter to find a man already there. he seems vaguely disgruntled by the business, offers vague greetings but otherwise sticks to scribbling in his notebook. it looks like schematics and formulae, but anyone with an eye for either might notice they tend to trail off and start in odd bursts.

viktor will offer to cook when evening falls (or whatever seems to be the right mealtime in this place) so maybe that is a better time to strike up conversation. the smell coming from the kitchen is heavy on whatever spices the place stocks, promising pain to anyone who doesn't have the stomach for that sort of thing. worse if he finds the rotgut liquor tucked away, which he will pull out and offer despite smelling more like turpentine than anything edible.

these tricks of the eye though, flashes of people vaguely recognizable, he chalks it up more hallucinations. last month was mushrooms, so this? irritating, far more distracting, but it followed the pattern.

it isn't until later in all this he'll track whoever is with him down.] Did you see someone else come through? There, just up the stairs.

b. nightmare

[trying to reach the odd lighthouses is fruitless, the shadows converge and when the dark clears the area seems more closed in than before. it shouldn't be, he was just outside on the shore, yet now the dark sky seems to hang too low, lower still, suffocating.]

What now? This is another illusion of sorts, is it not? One this place is so fond of. [viktor sounds more irritated than anything, maybe defensive since the grip his has on his crutch is white-knuckle tight. in the distance seems to be a lighthouse, though the light is far and the area is so stifling, promising a tunnel that will close and snuff out the light entirely.

it's ridiculous of course, the walls are not that close, certainly not enough for this suffocating grip on the lungs and throat. there's no real explanation, less so when a few steps forward and the ground begins to dot with great metal cables, the distinct, sickly sweet smell of chemicals in the air. there are pools between them where the ocean should have been, this time shallow spills of what could be gasoline or something similar, slick rainbow puddles, oily and difficult to walk through without slipping or sinking.]

(ooc; for this one please, feel free to add your own character's nightmare in any flavor at any point!)

odds and ends - willful machine, early april

[viktor can be found around the vendors often enough, especially those specializing in scrap metal, tools or small machinery. for the most part he doesn't stick out, except for the fact often his massive omen often accompanies him, some sort of huge pink salamander/axolotl that he'll lean against or ask rather politely to help carry larger purchases.

he doesn't seem to notice or care about any attention, though the creature will blink curiously around. feel free to approach or find him haggling rather intently for such a stick of a man, accent thickening when it gets heated enough. maybe you want the same scrap? or are looking for something and he's standing nearby enough to notice a lost look and offers assistance?]

[one might also find him about by the sound of a nasty coughing fit. he stands with his back curled, a rag to his mouth as a makeshift handkerchief. it's a wet cough that shakes his entire frame, and when it's over his sniffs and clears his throat, straightening.

the cloth is stained in a pale color that catches the perpetual moonlight of april. paleblood, that he regards for a moment before folding the cloth in on itself with a small frown.]

closed prompts.

jinx - willful machine, late march

[viktor doesn't stay by the lamp exactly. he would usually but he hardly sees the point when this person he's meeting knows him by sight as far as he can tell. it leaves him feeling comfortable to wander within eyeshot mostly of the lantern, strolling down the canal docks to find a place to stand and watch the boats cut slowly through the water.

he likes it here, he thinks, in this district. the noise and foot traffic, the winding canals and dirty water, the boats bobbing to and fro - it wouldn't be a bad place to set up. a lab that will double as his home because he doesn't see the point in separating the two any longer, even if he can practically hear heimendinger's tutting about his work-life balance in his ear. it will be closer to the vendors, less of a hike to acquire what he'll need to start fresh. first a new brace for his leg and back, then some basic experiments into lunar energy to get a feel for it.

his lungs flare and burn, minor enough he manages to swallow it down without reaching for the rag in his pocket. he makes a note of the severity and timing, adds it to his growing mental list that seems to indicate his illness does indeed remain but is diminished. promising, if he's being optimistic, but at the moment he feels only a sense of irritation that now he doesn't know the timeline of his own life. one he might be shortening drastically with this ridiculous stunt.

a sigh and viktor goes back to watching the boats, trying to clear his head. he considers trying to message vi and ask her opinion of this but... no, he doubts he'll get anything. he's not sure if he disgusts her as a class traitor or amuses her in truth. better to just see for himself what he's gotten himself into like a fool.]

allen - willful machine, early april

[the 'grand tour' doesn't amount to much yet, the lab area just a large, empty space dotted with a few tables and a couple of desks, not even a chalkboard he's been keeping an eye out for or something that could do the same. one of the desks at least is littered with junk, at the moment tools and the starts of a knee brace, a table nearby with all the scrap he's managed to grab that could be useful in the future. one corner has a cot, maybe he'll clear out whatever other small rooms the place has later for a bedroom proper. maybe not.

viktor seems satisfied with it as he gestures around, and rio has commandeered one of the tables for her own to lie across.] A solid start, I think. I like this area, this eh... Willful Machine, that is.

[he'll never admit part of it is the boats. everyone's allowed a sort of childish interest, right? they're soothing, even if they lack the motors that fascinated him.] Have a seat, if you'd like. How have you been since the tombs?

wildcard.

[as i said, feel free to ask for anything else, including other tdm prompts, i am more interested in seeing the worlds built by others for the archway prompts so i didn't include any here. my plurk is

dichotomy or you can dm me here!]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

That I can believe. In fact I am more concerned you put your own needs to the side in order to be stalwart for those around you. [viktor says a little too simply for what is kind of a personal thing to bring up about someone- it's just an observation, potentially a fact potentially an unneeded concern, so he sees little reason in dressing it up as anything else.] But... thank you, for your patience. I hope you're aware the same is true for you, should you need it.

[comfort food is an easier discussion by far, one that gets a soft snort.] You tried it, that counts. You do not have much of an appetite though, I notice. Is it the food here?

[habit? being used to whatever weird foods the sixth had and still adjusting? part of viktor can't help a pang of worry it's a sign of illness, though crushes that easily underfoot until there's actual evidence to back it up.

the temple kiss gets a hand at pal's jaw again, the calculating press of fingers like he's learning the shape of it with a small smile.] Ah, the party is on then. I could probably make some if needed, I don't know the recipe off hand but it can't be that difficult. [he made a bomb on a pirate ship once so like. fireworks are just that only for fun right.]

I don't do that. [he does that.] I— hmm. Thank you; I know.

[Well, now he has to think about whether or not he does that— and if it ultimately matters if he does, if he's doing just fine in the end. But that one he can recognize as a thought that could easily spiral into remarkably poor self-care, so - alright. He's pretty sure he doesn't do that, but he'll evaluate.

Comfort food, then. Hmm!] I've never had much of an appetite; Camilla usually has to bother me to clear a plate. Who knows, maybe it's the food back on the Sixth; you haven't pitted me against these allegedly very spicy foods of yours, yet...

[He'll steam out of his ears for real, probably, but maybe the secret to getting an appetite is being traumatized by spicy food. Who can say. He makes a face, thinking of his rowdy friends and how many of them might do something utterly stupid with fireworks, hmm-]

Can you make small ones? Just in case; I can't carry the guilt of half a dozen people singing off their eyebrows at this party, and that's being generous.

[viktor quirks a brow, more curious than trying to imply he does indeed do that. he imagines he'll see for himself first hand soon, with their lives now thoroughly intertwined. he strokes his thumb over pal's jaw a final time before letting go, hands to his clunky knee brace to unfasten it as he speaks,]

I will start small, eh... baby steps, they say. Purely because I like you, anyone else would be thrown into it headfirst. [he remarks about future spicy meals, because he is at least a little bit an asshole that way. the brace comes off, plunked to the side so he can rub his knee then turn properly to face pal.]

I can, though I can also make sure the larger ones are only handled by us anyway. Maybe I'll figure out how they make... what are they? I saw them in Piltover, the sticks you light the end of and they spark like small fireworks. They seemed safe enough.

[Hmm, yes, he's never done that thing ever. He shrugs, like— they're both going to have to see, actually.]

I'm flattered; here I thought you might throw me in headfirst because you like me. I seem to recall you suggesting I cook for the Ninth, which is outright torture.

[Terrifying. Maybe spicy food was going to be affectionate torture, who can say. Maybe it still will be. He manages to wait until Viktor turns to face him before reaching for both of his hands to thread their fingers together; what better way to handle his errant fidgeting than with hand holding, after all.]

Paul— the friend in question— says he knows a thing or two about handling explosives, so I'll trust him with the larger ones, too. But only him. [no offense @ other friends, but whew] And- pocket-sized fireworks? I'm intrigued.

Oh did you think I wasn't serious? I still want you to do that. It is being a good host, no? [his tone is stage innocence, up until the little quirk to the corner of his mouth. hey, he'll help with the cooking, he'll even do the bulk of it.

kind of hard to keep that up when pal's taking his hands. he's hesitant for only one moment before letting his legs drape over pal's lap, getting perilously close to cuddling, shock and horror. it lets him get a little closer though besides, which is a nice perk, considering the fireworks situation with a hum.]

That is good- really I am more concerned about attracting monsters than anything. With those at least, if we're talking firecrackers and cherry bombs then someone might lose a finger. [so... maybe not those.] Oh yes, those are examples. Little things you light and throw a short distances away rather than set off into the sky. Very popular with teenagers and delinquents.

So it is proof. I had a feeling. [Proof that being liked and being heckled are overlapping items, indeed. Palamedes affects a sigh, very put-upon, but that's all; Viktor is lucky his legs are a decent distraction from further embarrassing cooking objections.]

I could put down a few wards. [Hm,] Not as involved as the one you saw, back then; I'm not going to bleed out of every pore in the middle of a party.

[Imagine, so inconvenient. And, like, yes - these are blood wards he's talking about, too, but far less problematic to set up. Teens and delinquents, though - good news, that's all of his friends.]

'Cherry bombs' sounds... fun? Adorably fun, for an explosive. Could I request those, specifically?

Edited (god) 2022-04-24 07:14 (UTC)

It is part of your new hobby. Cooking was one of them, was it not? [yup, nailed it, getting a little picked on means he cares. genuinely though, most people get polite and a touch careful instead.

he tilts his head, torn between wanting to see more wards and the bleeding business. ah well, blood magic. complicated as always.] Will you let me watch you put them up? I didn't get a good look last time.

[and he lets go for a moment, raises his hand to make a little circle with his thumb and forefinger about cherry sized as a visual aid.] They are small, like this, with a short fuse attached. So... like a little fruit. [and back goes the hand holding.] Of course you may, this is part of my showing you new things, yes? Those should be simple enough to make regardless.

Call me a perfectionist, but I like to keep my side projects in the background until I know they're view-worthy. [He tuts, like, and his cooking is not view-worthy, right now? But the affectionate teasing definitely gets him in a good way, ultimately, so he rewards it with another temple kiss. The sass... is cute, actually. Continue.]

You can watch, sure. I mean, they'll be just outside, so I'll show you where not to step.

[This party is going to have a real serious boundary line, ahem. Palamedes nods, and even manages to resist lighting up in fireworks-based delight for a whole few seconds while Viktor explains. He wiggles his fingers in the hand-hold and squeezes Viktor's hands, amused.]

You're indulging me and I won't say no. The next party— or lack thereof— has to be your idea.

Bah, the experimental phase has it's own merits. [but he's ultimately weak and the temple kiss gets,] I'll take the lead so you do not need to worry your friends will go home unfed. I truly do not know how I became the expert cook out of far too many people I know, it is truly a sad state of affairs all around.

[but wards! ah, that's exciting. he's wanted to get a better look at them, how they're made and how they function for a while. the wiggling of pal's fingers, ever moving even now, has him smiling helplessly, pulling one of his hands up to kiss his wrist.

just because he can, which still strikes him.] I don't do parties, in fact generally I hate them, so likely on the 'lack thereof' side of the equation. But you needn't worry about indulging, consider me indulged as we speak.

[a short pause then he decides to clarify,] This, I mean. It is nice. I suppose I should ask about boundaries, including whether I shouldn't simply eh... 'cuddle up' whenever I so feel like it.

Very generous of you, to be sure; I'll make it worth your while. [ahem,] In the meantime, I'll become the expert sandwich-maker. Sandwichatier?

[No, that's nothing. The wrist kiss makes him soft, and he lets go of Viktor's other hand to wind that arm around his shoulders - speaking of cuddling up.]

He hates parties but he'll still have one for me— you really do like me. [A little shoulder shake, for emphasis.] This is nice. I doubt there will ever be a time I don't want to be close to you, barring situations like— I don't know, exploding, so: you're fine.

[And he'll try not to explode, for extra fineness. He trusts Viktor more than just about everyone else to know which situations are not appropriate for distracting affection - namely, while working, so really, all other cuddling up is free game. That does remind him of Allen and the other key, though-]

My turn: are you comfortable with people knowing about us? I am. And on my honor, I can behave in the lab, probably. [ha-] No; I will.

You do have a distinct talent for putting jam on bread. [amused, fond, the usual spiel.

a settles into what now truly is a cuddle, resisting the urge to snort at himself for how the simple action of it makes him melt a little. this is nice, he can agree with that wholeheartedly, taking pal's free hand in both of his to examine it more closely, idly.]

You will be there so the party will at least somewhat be bearable. [just simple fact- also it's not a 'please the sponsors' party which really does make a huge difference, as it turns out.]

I do not mind at all, you may tell who you like. I'll likely at least inform Allen. [his expression goes a touch warm with it, that pal is happy to be open about it. it doesn't surprise him but he is used to piltover where everything is infinitely complicated in such matters, always an agenda to consider.

all that does make him glance up though, not embarrassed but not entirely sure how to ask. bluntly, he decides.] Hm, forgive the bluntness but things of a sexual nature, is that something you're interested in pursuing in time? I think most prefer ah- hm, 'going slow' on these fronts, when they're new to it.

[If being a sandwich master gets him this far, he'll take it. He hums, glad to settle into the warmth of an earnest cuddle, briefly pressing his lips into Viktor's hair in what is half a kiss and half another affectionate squeeze. Not that he's in the habit of airing all of his personal business ASAP all over town, but he likes the feeling of knowing he can; there are people he'd like to know, particularly because he already wanted them to meet Viktor...

And lo, a fireworks party is inevitable, so that works out nicely.]

They'll find out at the party, if not before. You can invite Allen, if you like; I'd like to meet him sometime.

[Anyway, all thoughts of other friends aside with this blunt question on the table. He huffs, amused, and leans back from squishing his face into Viktor's hair. The abrupt topic change has him turning a little pink, but he still has an answer, without embarrassment-]

I like how blunt you are; it's a perk. And yes, I'm interested. I can't give you an arbitrary length of time— [And why would he, that's silly. He shifts his hand to fiddle with Viktor's hair as he speaks, twirling a lock of it the way he's seen Viktor do so many times. Hmm, indeed:] But yes, very. How slow do you like to go?

Oh- yes, I will then. He could use the levity, I think. [so serious for a teenager, which given the situation he can't blame but still, viktor is more sentimental than he ever wants to admit and has this crazy thought that kids should get to be kids once and a while.

'they'll find out at the party,' there's something about that that has his lips quirking. even more so when pal's huffing into his hair, making viktor turn to see if he can catch- ah, there's the hint of pink. he tries not to look too outwardly pleased. sue him, it's cute.]

Good, I hate dancing around topics if it can be helped. [he closes his eyes a moment as he considers, pal's hand at his hair soothing besides. ] I've only ever done eh, done trysts? One night stands, things like that. No feelings involved, so in truth I'm not sure. From what I gather it is... respectful? To take time reaching that point. I am not sure why, though.

Could he? Definitely ask if he'd like to see some things explode, then. [Serious teens... That's definitely part of the motivation behind this party, Palamedes would concede. It may have originated from the combined ideas that he should get to play with fireworks and that his traumatized teen friends should have more ongoing distractions, so - yes. Invite this kid.

He continues to toy with Viktor's hair, considering. Being direct is very attractive, mmhm, yes indeed - but ah, they're both still—a work in progress, for this thing too.]

Tropes? [a little grin,] We'll figure it out. I'm not worried about any time lapse, or alleged disrespect; you and I are the important part. I've read enough novels to know that that's not how it has to go, after all.

[So: screw the rules, like always. Palamedes is just as willing to go through a chaste Victorian courtship as any other kind, he has no time limit in mind. It feels, mm, faintly wishy-washy to qué será, será this point though, so he adds:]

Although, since it bears saying out loud: I am attracted to you, and you are very handsome. Here's some ammunition: I nearly walked head-on into a lamppost the other day while I was thinking about your eyes. You could undo me in a heartbeat and I would say thank you.

[So like, it's on the table, absolutely.]

He takes too much on his shoulders, I find many here are too young for the responsibility they believe lands squarely on them. [so fireworks, that should help. or at least be the kind of stupid, loud nonsense a teenager should get into for a night rather than beast slaying or whatever other drama.]

Ah yes, is going slow too dull for romance novels? [he cracks open his eyes, amused still.] Will our heist heroes take it slow, I wonder? You know perhaps we should have realized we were dancing around something when we spent an entire evening out at the bar coming up with a romantic heist story. After just committing a heist.

[putting them both on blast for that now that he's thinking of it, a helpless chuckle. it seems impossibly dense now that he puts it that way, though he's rather glad with how things ultimately unfolded.

pal's lamppost bit has the chuckle turning to a proper bark of a laugh, covering his mouth to smother it.] Unbelievable, you cannot say such lovely things about being undone in a heartbeat in the same breath as walking into a lamppost.

Since it bears saying out loud, as you say, I would have gladly picked you up at a bar during the days I did such things. [he shifts a little, weight on his good knee so he can lean over pal, tipping his chin up to get a better look at him.] You have lovely eyes yourself, especially when you smile. If I had managed to coax a smile out of you it would have been a sure thing to ask you somewhere more private.

Well, it happens. [Mr. Master Warden at 13 can't speak to this point, although he supposes it's different when he went out of his way to choose the responsibilities on purpose. Still. Allen can come to this party and relax with some, ah, explosives.

And wow, putting them so on blast... Palamedes makes a face, haplessly amused. Fair point, fair point—]

I kept that napkin, you know, with the notes? It's utter nonsense. Total gibberish. I'd be embarrassed for us if I hadn't had such a good time.

[So maybe sometimes he's in a lovely words state of mind and sometimes he's bonking into every proverbial lamppost; these things happen. He raises an eyebrow at the idea of picking him up at a bar - the hardest part would have been finding him at one, surely - and lets his hand fall from Viktor's shoulder to his waist, then his hip, then the small of his back, curling a loose grip into the back of his shirt.]

Really? Just for a smile? [Hmm, that's a nice thought, one that merits thinking about in greater detail—] Huh— hold on.

[He holds up a finger, wait, and tilts his head in Viktor's grip to take his glasses off. Those he leaves sitting on the arm of the little couch, looking up at Viktor with the full force of lovely gray eyes. This close, he can still see him - lucky, or he'd feel ridiculous having to put the specs back on immediately, ahem.

And ah, he would very much like to kiss him, but he's also very much enjoying this new concept of Viktor hovering there and observing him, so - dilemma.]

How's this? Am I more or less winsome? Keep in mind that the chances of me hitting a lamppost have now exponentially multiplied.

Oh gods, you'll have to show me later, when I've mentally prepared myself. [he should have known the napkin lurked somewhere, somehow he imagined it just a lost prop of the night. something to lean over, so obviously close now, still all hushed idea exchange like everything viktor's ever wanted in the many stilted conversations he had over the years.]

It's a good smile. [viktor shrugs one shoulder like what can you do, head tilting when pal starts moving.

ah, his glasses, and that does offer a new view. viktor tilts his own head a little as he regards him, still a little shocked this man wasn't snatched up one way or another down the line. he shifts pal's head as if getting a better look, even if a flush is creeping up despite himself. maybe he has a few lampposts to look out for, proverbially of course.

he does end up being the weaker one, cupping pal's jaw and kissing him, a little more like the kind of kiss someone at a bar would get- deeper, heated around the edges, hinting.]

Mm, I'm not sure I could decide. The glasses aren't a bad look either, but you are- very lovely. [and distracting, apparently. what else is new though.] You know the honest truth is it wouldn't have been your eyes or smile alone. You would have opened your mouth and I would have been hopelessly charmed, I'm sure.

It's something to behold. The basics are easy enough to eke out, but the rest is— balderdash. [the shame of it all!! ah, but he nods,] Later.

[Mm, and for a quiet moment with barely any movement, this sure is charged. Palamedes doesn't look away, lips quirking just a little when Viktor moves his head around - that's real dedication to the bit. It's sweet, like Viktor's blush, and at the same time it's teetering on the edge of something more; something that tips directly into that kiss, heated and definitely going to leave him a little breathless.

Well, if Viktor kissed him like that all the time, they would never get anything else done. Palamedes listens to him speak, and the compliments are nice, to be sure, but before he says another word he shakes his head slightly, like nope, come back here— sliding a hand up to the back of Viktor's neck and pulling him in for another deep kiss. He still kisses like he has all the time in the world, unhurried and indulgent, but there's a spark of open wanting in there, as if to back up without words all the actual words he's already said.

Give him a moment, when he pulls away; the shape of Viktor's mouth and the weight of him leaning over Palamedes like this have to settle back down in his thoughts to, like, the words that were said. Yes.]

If I'm understanding this correctly, you're saying we'd have wound up right here, anyway. I doubt I'd have been able to resist if someone like you wanted to sneak me away somewhere. [Hm! He presses up with another kiss, more chaste, against the corner of Viktor's mouth.] I think this is my new favorite thought experiment.

Later. [he agrees, something to laugh at when he doesn't have a bit of a focus on pal's lips or the shape of his jaw under viktor's fingers.

viktor braces himself with a hand on pal's shoulder, not quite used to kisses that don't have a rushed quality to them, done between stripping off layers and tangled limbs. that the heated edge is still there but unhurried, indulgent even, is nicer than he would have thought. it gives all the wanting a sincere edge he barely knows what to do with besides answer in kind.]

I might have even taken you back to my apartment properly, which was very rare, I'll tell you. I had an old couch like this, so perhaps we really would be right where we are now. [he punctuates the words with a kiss, then trails a few more down pal's jaw, resting against his neck for a moment with a soft chuckle.] I'd definitely leave a few marks up your neck for you to remember me by, because I would have wanted you to.

[and he'd never see him again, which is sort of a bummer on the whole sexy pick in a bar scenario so it doesn't get mentioned. he is infinitely glad they met here, where he has no real reasons to remain unattached.]

[Oh, the thought experiment continues to improve. Palamedes laughs lightly - the old couch, a constant across worlds, very funny - and tilts his head to accommodate the track of Viktor's mouth.]

Well, I bruise easily, so I think I'd remember you for a while, [he says, murmured near his ear. He turns that last part over again in his mind, 'I would have wanted you to,' and for the scenario in another life where they meet as strangers somehow in a bar, it's rife with Viktor's charming ego, but here, in actual reality— well! There's something achingly tender about it, almost bittersweet; Palamedes doesn't care to think of the Trench sea's fickle nature any more than he has to, but in this context... hmm.

It's sweet. He tugs idly at the back of Viktor's shirt so he can get his fingers under it, to slide around his waist and relish the warmth of skin on skin.]

If I'd met you on the Sixth, I'd wager I could get through seeing you give one presentation to the exam board before tempting you away to a quiet spot in the Archives, of which there are remarkably few. [A little huff, like, the Sixth is too small for errant makeouts? Good god. It's that or a bunk in a public dormitory.] That version of events has— potential.

[But not as much; the considerable lack of bars will do that.]

Undoubtedly we'd have to argue about your proofs, of course, [this is in his sexy Sixth fantasy,] but very heatedly.

[He turns his head to kiss the spot just under Viktor's ear, where he can reach, and can't help but nearly lose the plot of the bit in a low chuckle before he even manages to say it:] I might even offer to revise your paper.

Hopefully for more than a few bruises. [he pulls his head back to regard pal fondly, running a thumb over the area of his neck in question- maybe later he could make that a reality. for the moment he likes this back and forth too much to get properly distracted.

his brace here is made of leather and some metal framework, higher on his back and not nearly as sturdy or secure as the one from home. it's been fine so far thankfully, he thinks the new blood has strengthened him in some ways, enough sometimes he feels he could go back to a simple cane on good days and spare himself the annoyance of the crutch.

a thought for later, because pal's hands on him make him press a lingering kiss again, encouraging the warmth of his palms.]

So we'd have to be very quiet and stealthy, I do enjoy a challenge. [amused, especially with the stark contrast of their previous worlds. well, the sixth was a little more like the academy at least, just smaller and he hopes more bearable as a whole for pal's sake.] Would my irritation with red tape and bureaucracy be enough to sway you?

[maybe finding creative ways to call his colleagues rude things without getting in trouble for it, that was purely a piltover skill to be fair. he dips his head, smiling a little into pal's shoulder as he murmurs and kisses below his ear.] Now I'm tempted to write a paper here just to see the Master Warden in action.

I remember everything, [which is about 90% true, more than enough to murmur against Viktor's lips before they kiss again, hands sliding ever higher up his back. He doesn't fuss at the brace mostly for vague concern that he will break some part of it poking around blindly, and besides, there's more than enough skin uncovered to keep his hands busy. His fingertips find the base of Viktor's spine, following it up until he bumps into brace. Hm, and now it's time to do that a few more times, in the interest of being thorough.]

You'd make a good case, [he says, and then,] Stealthier than our previous heist, to be sure, although I suppose if we were caught...

[Well. Viktor would not be pretending to be tousled and in the middle of it, in the sexy archives scenario. He hums, pressing another kiss to that spot with renewed delight. Yes, encourage his ego, that's the stuff.]

I'll warn you in advance, because I like you: I am merciless.

You can touch the brace. [he informs in a space between kissing, simply because he knows people are often unsure how to approach it or if they're welcome to. truthfully he'd rather pal keep his hands on skin, tracing like he is and making viktor press back into the touch, even if it pulls them a little farther apart.

it does give him a good view though, which is enough of a plus he'll allow it for the moment.] I could try to cover for you while you snuck away. We would not want the Master Warden looking like he's causing trouble in the stacks, would we?

[something about that scenario is so incredibly fumbling students it really charms him, though he supposes gossip in an enclosed community must spread like wildfire.] Do the Sixth love their gossip as much as Piltover did? If we were caught at the Academy it would be quite entertaining to our peers. Plenty of tutting and sly looks.

[well, again not entirely true, being from the undercity gave any rumors about him a nasty edge but he's still going to keep things actually fun for this, so that fact gets ignored. he has to grin when pal says that, finally leaning in again for a kiss like a reward for his mercilessness.] Good, I find that terribly attractive too.

[Oh, lovely - he slides his hands back up to give the brace a little tap, a cheeky acknowledgement of that permission, before he resumes his indulgent exploration of skin. His concern about the brace is... largely surrounding Viktor's comfort levels, considering he's seen the one for his knee and it does look faintly gnarly, but: brace tune-ups are a topic for another time. Viktor says he can touch it, he'll touch it— eventually, when he's finished touching him elsewhere.]

My mother used to call it "terrifying the wildlife" any time someone did something unexpected— though I wasn't ever caught doing this in the stacks.

[If only, badum tsh.]

Sixth gossip is usually about whose experiments are going sideways. We'd get a gentle reminder about deadlines, if they bothered at all.

[Better than tutting and looks, which seems Third, yet again. He drinks in the kiss like they're in the stacks trying not to get caught right now, all eager with an edge of daring. Bold, for here on the tiny couch. He definitely takes it as a reward for his mercilessness, and he's more than happy to keep coasting on the good mood of this silly bit. That, and the easy pleasure of hearing that things about him are attractive, ooh, Viktor—]

Do you? Wait until I find a new red pen.

[ok that makes him laugh, a short thing cut off quickly.] It's enrichment, even a pack of academics need it from time to time. Though perhaps we could just not be caught and spare them this supposed reign of terror- oh-

[as nice as this is the position is starting to bother him, ignored for long enough the twinge in his knee makes him heft a sigh and shift to sit back down beside pal with an apologetic glance.] Apologies, a very delightful position but not one I can hold long, I'm afraid.

[it doesn't bother him all that much, still pressed close, rubbing the ache of his knee but leaning in for another kiss regardless, one that ends with just a moment of pressing their foreheads together before pulling back.]

If you do not make me wish to throttle you I will be deeply disappointed. [what can he say, having someone he actually respects challenge his work is thrilling. weird nerd.] You know you are only the second person I've ever worked with in any capacity that didn't drive me insane? It's impressive, really.

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