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Jayce's flight back to Noxus is on the 26th at 8 in the morning, and all Viktor can do is hope for snow in their sleep. He'll even settle for rain at this point — anything to keep Jayce from leaving so soon.
Viktor hasn't seen Jayce in what feels like forever, and maybe he doesn't want to be the first one to admit that he misses his partner and hates this long-distance setup they have going on. But, work is work and Viktor can't allow his selfishness to get in the way of the progress they're making. Jayce is doing so well too, checking on their new branch and leading the new team there — it's just, perhaps Viktor has been so used to his partner's presence that an entire year of having to work separately feels foreign.
Viktor thought he'd be able to adjust in a few months' time. It's just a temporary setup, he tells himself, yet it doesn't alleviate every wishful sigh he makes while he reports for work. Of course, he can't verbalize such feelings when Jayce is doing his best while also far away from home. Plus, it looks like he's having the time of his life in a new country anyway, and Viktor doesn't want to take that away just because he misses his partner.
So Viktor takes every opportunity to hold Jayce tightly while he can. On the 25th, he finds himself falling asleep on Jayce's bare chest, his ear pressed over his lover's heart. Jayce's arm wraps around his waist, the distance between them non-existent — and Viktor thinks they deserve that because it would be less than 12 hours before that zero turns into thousands of miles once more.
Jayce has already packed for his early morning flight, and it's 9 in the evening now. Viktor can't help but count every passing second that flies by too quickly as he lets his finger retrace its familiar steps on Jayce's face. Jayce sleeps deeply and peacefully, and the fact that he was practically knocked out the moment his head hit the pillow is a testament to his fatigue.
"You work so hard, Jayce," Viktor mumbles as he traces the scar on Jayce's cheek with a feather-light touch, fingers grazing the line of his new beard. Viktor wants to ask Jayce to stay, but even when his lover is unconscious, he finds his words stuck in his throat.
So, Viktor resigns himself to savoring Jayce's comforting warmth and the familiar scent of his spicy cologne — bottling the sensations up in his mind — before all he has left of his lover is the shape of his body on their bed and the memory of his weight in Viktor's arms.
The last time Piltover had snow during the holiday season was decades ago — probably even before either Jayce or Viktor were even conceived. It was momentary — just several hours of powder white falling softly from the sky. From what he heard from Professor Heimerdinger, it had been magical and beautiful — the beauty of every fleeting thing.
Still, Viktor finds himself hoping that come morning, snow will be pouring outside his window. The news forecast will report that all flights outside Piltover are suspended until further notice, and Viktor won't have to voice out his desire for Jayce to stay just another day at home.
"Good morning, Piltover!" the newscaster's jolly voice booms at 5 in the morning. "It is a clear and sunny morning today, perfect for—"
Viktor switches off the television.
No snow. Not even a chance of rain. How can the world be so cruel when that's all he's ever asked for?
Viktor is only suspended in disbelief during their breakfast, even as Jayce bathes and finally stands at the exit of their apartment, ready to leave home. Ready to leave Viktor.
"I'm really sorry, Vik," Jayce says with an apologetic kiss to the corner of Viktor's mouth. He looks like a massive dog that has just been rejected by its owner. If Jayce had ears, they would've been pressed down to the top of his head, a whine at the back of his throat. "They need me to oversee the installation of the Hexgates to make sure we meet our January deadline," he adds with an exhausted sigh.
This year has been very demanding for them, especially with the added pressure from their investors. Viktor understands.
"I know, Jayce," Viktor says as he cups Jayce's cheek with a wobbly smile. "All I want is for you to return to me safely, whenever and wherever that may be."
Viktor's own heart aches because he knows deep down that's not all that he wants.
"Always," Jayce promises as they share a quick and fleeting kiss on the lips. It's gone too soon — Viktor hasn't even memorized the taste of mint on Jayce's mouth yet. When Jayce turns around, his hand on the doorknob, Viktor's hand shoots forward to grab his lover by the elbow. It's a foolish moment of bravery brought upon by his body betraying his mind at the last second.
"Viktor?" Jayce says, turning around in surprise.
Viktor's mouth opens, his jaw shaking in preparation to form the words he's longed to say since his lover returned. However, his voice betrays him by silencing him completely. He definitely looks like a fish out of water now, and he schools whatever reaction he has before looking down at his bare feet. He lets Jayce slip through his fingers, his grip loosening as he feels his lover pull away. He leans on his cane for support, fearing that he might just fall to his knees — and that wouldn't be a pleasant experience for his heart nor his leg.
"St-Safe travels," Viktor says after swallowing down what he actually wants to say.
He can't bear to watch Jayce go for the hundredth time.
A minute passes, Jayce pulling out his phone to look at something, before he drops his bags and unceremoniously carries Viktor back to their bedroom. Of course, Viktor glances up quickly as he lets out a yelp of surprise, his arms immediately wrapping around Jayce's neck.
"You will miss your flight!" Viktor exclaims, his cheeks ruddy at how easily Jayce lifted him like he weighed nothing.
"My flight got cancelled," Jayce reveals as Viktor gapes at him. "Uhh, something about the pilot assigned to our plane not wanting to report to work 'cause he wants to stay home with his partner."
"That is completely ridiculous!" Viktor exclaims, throwing one hand in the air as his other holds onto his cane tightly. "I find it hard to believe that there are no other pilots who are willing to man the aircraft in his stead."
Jayce only shrugs. "I don't know, baby. That's what they sent me in the email."
"What email? Show me."
Jayce hums in thought before smiling. "I accidentally deleted it. Sorry."
"How do you accidentally—" Viktor pinches the bridge of his nose, his brows furrowing as he lowers his head. He only hopes Jayce can't see how wide his grin is that it threatens to rip the skin of his lips. "You are incorrigible, Jayce Talis."
Viktor looks up and sees the lines of stress ease on Jayce's face, his hazel eyes soft as he memorizes his lover's features. Viktor can't help it — he lets out a giddy laugh before pressing a kiss on Jayce's cheek, the man's fetching new beard scratching Viktor's lips.
Viktor places a soft kiss like fresh snow on Jayce's mouth — cold from the air conditioning unit they've got blasting in their home. Still, it doesn't take away the fact that the moment is just as special and magical.
"Thank you, Jayce," Viktor whispers as Jayce lays him down on their bed.
There may not have been a miracle of snow or rain — nor an intervention from a higher power — but Viktor realizes they never needed it in the first place. After all, they've always been capable of creating miracles on their own.