boyofprogress | closed rp for [recursiveimpulse]

"Oh?" He sits up a little; Viktor's medical operations are so interesting, from a technology standpoint. It's fascinating, what medicine and tech can come together to do. "I knew they helped support your spine, but I don't think I knew they needed adjusting.

Is it because they get loose, or is it more to do with what your body needs changing?" The questions have an earnest curiosity behind them. Not trying to pry or pity, but wanting to learn more about a subject he's interested in.

It's that earnestness precisely that's why Viktor has decided to open up - especially as his body declines, and he will have to trust Jayce with more and more of the truth.

"A little of both. Movement shifts them over time, but...." He sighs a little, his smile faltering. "...But I have declined more, recently. They will...probably have to add more braces soon."

It's not something he talks about. Not with anyone, and that much is obvious by the way he keeps looking at Jayce.

But...he would LIKE for someone to know. At least a little understanding, before....

Well.

While he can get it.

He'd seen the bolts along Viktor's spine. The two at the top that currently sit empty, but he assumed had been added during the initial surgery just in case. Easier to do everything at once, probably.

"If you wanted to," he offers, a little nervous that it might be shoved aside but wanting to show support. "I could come with you to the next appointment? I could learn how the bolts fasten and tighten. That way, if you needed something adjusted and I'm around, I could lend a hand? Just for a quick fix, anyway."

The offer is almost startling - and that much is evident in the way that Viktor's eyes widen a bit, his brows pinching...but then he smiles again, tiny and timid.

"You...would do that? Really?"

It's a very kind thing to offer, and even though he's asking, he already knows it's sincere.

It's Jayce.

"I really would. For you, but also for my own peace of mind, honestly. Knowing how it works, the mechanics of your braces -- leg and back. If something comes loose or is out of place, and I'm here, then I can help out.

Especially for your back, where it's a little trickier to reach. Besides," he adds. "After going with my mom to her appointments, medical tech has become an interest of mine. I like seeing how it all works."

"...Well. If you are interested, then...sure. Yes. I have an appointment in three days, you can follow along."

He's framing it in a relaxed way, making it sound like he's the afterthought here - but there's no hiding the way his expression calms, the warmth in his smile. He feels...like someone cares, about the stuff he's kept to himself for too long now.

It's nice.

Oh. That smile. Jayce feels both a warmth and a tightness in his chest that makes him realize he'd do just about anything to see that smile all the time. Maybe he has been, without realizing it. Little jokes and jabs to amuse his partner.

But this feels different. This feels... heavier, somehow. More. He puts it aside for the moment to mull over later, when the freckle at the corner of Viktor's mouth isn't distracting him.

"You might have to give me a crash course in terminology, but I'd be happy to. We could grab something to eat, after." Not a date, exactly, but... something.

There's...SOMETHING in the air, here. Viktor is inclined to just write it off, but it hangs about him like a mosquito, needling him just enough to remind him of its presence.

So he ignores it harder.

"I would like that. There's a cafe I like near the clinic, I usually go after my appointments to reward myself for putting up with having the bolts tightened."

It's less intense than it was that first night, certainly, but it's still almost tangible though just beyond Jayce's reach. He can think about it later, when he's not in the middle of a conversation.

"What do you treat yourself to? That seems deserving of an exceptionally nice treat."

"Ehhhhh. Usually some complicated spiced coffee drink and a pastry. Their bakery is incredible."

The small talk almost feels too easy, given the new cane, the new MADE FOR HIM cane in his hand still making his head spin a little.

"They have a delicious ham and brie sandwich I'm partial to."

"Spiced coffee," Jayce hums thoughtfully. "I usually get something sweet, but I could be adventurous. I could try something new. And the sandwich sounds perfect."

It warms something in him, to see Viktor using the cane he made. That it fits, that it can help. How wonderful.

"Ah, it's sweetened a little, too. But perhaps not as much as you are used to."

He smiles at Jayce - kind of soft and bemused. The other man asks so much about him, and not out of some performative pity. He's INTERESTED in what Viktor has to say.

It's nice.

"Well I trust your recommendations," Jayce says with a smile and a wink. He'd genuinely enjoyed the sweet milk, and he loves the give and take that they have. Trading pieces of themselves, learning a little more each day they spend together.

"Do you want to get straight back into work, or would you want to take a quick wall? Just down the hall and back, so I can see if I need to make any adjustments on your cane while we're close to all my equipment."

Edited 2025-09-14 07:58 (UTC)

Corny. But cute, in a way that makes Viktor laugh in spite of himself.

He hums at the question before nodding a little, opting to embrace the idea that Jayce is genuinely wanting to know more about all this. "Yes, we could take a walk. Now that I know what you are watching, I can answer any questions you have been trying to hold back about my braces."

A sly smile, accompanied by glittering gold eyes.

Jayce gives a nervous laugh and winces a little, rubbing the back of his neck in embarrassment. "Sorry, I didn't think I was being that obvious."

And oh, those eyes. If Viktor looked at him with those eyes and that sweet smile, he'd do just about anything he asked.

closed rp for [recursiveimpulse]

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