defenderoftomorrow | [ Open Rp post

To avoid the fire hazard of a rug of body hair, I presumed.

[It is a nice sight, Jayce so well groomed. Viktor wouldn't mind the opposite, though. Jayce would look quite nice all rugged and grown out. Maybe another time, hopefully without being trapped down in a ravine.]

It should be to our mutual taste. Part you and part myself. I prefer mid-range weaponry. You seem to like being in close and really overwhelming the beasts. We could arrange something for both.

A correct assumption. It did not happen to me, thankfully, but Axel, one of my dad's workers, lost his beard to that once.

[ He would be pleased to know that Viktor likes him like this; Jayce likes to take care of his appearance and to look good for his partner. Of course, he would also be delighted with rubbing his beard against Viktor's cheek or letting the man scratch his chin if he had more facial hair. Maybe in the future, hopefully a ravine-free one.

He's not that surprised that Viktor wants him included in the creation of their Jaeger, and it makes Jayce smile. This also means that the man truly wants to pilot one with him no matter what. ]

Fighting the Jaeger at close range minimized the collateral damage; that's why I prefer it. [ It's riskier for the pilots, and it can hurt more, but it's safer for the general population. Viktor lost his parents during an attack, and Jayce was really close to losing his mom because of debris falling on her; they both understand why using missiles and artillery isn't always the best option. ]

Sounds good. We can probably design a retractable sword or an axe to go with the shield, or maybe even a big hammer. All at the same time would be ideal, but we would need more arms for that.

[ That part is simply said as a joke.
Or is it…? ]

A third arm?

[Viktor perks up at the idea, before quirking a little smile,]

Like your kaiju savior had. Yes, yes, I think that's a fitting idea. We wouldn't have that level of power available for a long distance laser, unless...

[He'll reach for a separate note pad and flip to an empty page, beginning to doodle out their battery inside a Jaeger. Then, another outline to a third arm on the back. It could definitely be anchored high enough to focus a beam at a safe distance,]

... we drew power from the shield battery? Mid range, like I said. We could likely duel purpose the fuel source!

Ehm, yes, I kind of like him. Yes.

[ Jayce says almost shyly because Viktor caught on to his not-so-subtle suggestion quite fast. He felt a little silly, but Viktor seemed to find it a good idea, and that's encouraging. In fact, it's really intriguing to see his partner come up with ideas of his own, and he looks at the new doodle with keen interest. ]

That would do it! But we will need to test that the shield's capacities don't get reduced when the laser is on. I don't know if we would be able to keep them both operating at 100% at once.

[ They will also need to train their reflexes more than what's expected of them if they are going to have more than two arms. Jayce looks excited at the prospect; there's so much they need to test! And they don't even have their Jaeger yet. ]

I know that Heimerdinger has his own team of yordle mechanics working on his design, and they are surprisingly fast at building all sorts of things. They're extremely energetic if they had sugar too. With their assistance, this could be ready relatively fast.

[Viktor seems well recovered from his dour mood from earlier, but that's really no wonder. He's feeling the distinct relief of letting so much weight off his shoulders. Not just of the secrets he was keeping, but of the feelings he had repressed.

Now, he's focused on new projects- what could make him more pleased than that?]

We'll have to do some tests, but I would estimate you are correct. It is likely a one or the other case. If the laser is a midrange weapon, we could design a quick release shut off that redirects that energy immediately to the shield. I believe we should have plenty of time to react to swapping use of a laser for that of the shield. No different than changing between weapons- perhaps even more efficient, if the cutting of one can quickly power the other.

[he's really yapping as he writes his notations out]

[ To see Viktor so lively is a gift, and Jayce hopes that the more they talk about these things and share their views, the more comfortable Viktor will be with opening up to him. They can share the load of their troubles between them. As for the feelings, now that they can be sincere about them, Jayce will also take any opportunity he gets to show his partner how much he already adores him. Viktor talking about the mechanical details is making things too Jayce, and he can't help but stare again like a lovesick puppy. The man always looks so vibrant when there's a project that scratches his brain just the right way, making him come up with all sorts of genius ideas. Jayce wants to kiss him so bad.

But he won't! Because he then wouldn't get to hear Viktor going on and on, and he quite likes hearing the way his accent thickens when his friend's so excited. Later, then. ]

If we can do it, that could give us the upper hand in most fights. Training will be key to making this work, not just engineering. I think you might be more qualified than me to operate the laser, but while it's on, I could control the rest of the arms to block or contain the possible damage received. Then there's the matter of the laser's kickback, if there's any.

[ Having their feet firmly planted on the ground to ensure they won't be falling on their asses the moment the laser is active will be an important thing to avoid. both to survive and to not hear Vi laughing at them and Caitlyn looking in disappointment. ]

Oh! We also need to think of the heat generated by the laser, it might damage the arm which means an extra cooling system for it should be in order. We also have to study if the atmospheric conditions will affect it and could scatter and diffuse it...

[ Jayce realizes that he's yapping too and pauses, then laughs about it. It's not unlike their first days, meeting in Jayce's academy room at the oddest hours of the night to work on their project. This is one of Jayce's favorite things ever to do with Viktor. ]

Okay, how about we write all our ideas down, then we sort out what's most important -or actually possible- to build first? And tomorrow we go to talk with Heimerdinger and the mechanics team to see what's feasible. If we don't get back to our room too late, I could shower and then give you that message for Orianna.

[The yapping, the getting overly enthused about their potential inventions, the experiments they need to line up: it really is one of the best things. Between them, there is always hope and motivation. Work to be done, that will be a pleasure to do. Even if it is difficult, it would be worth it, because it is something they would be striving for together.

All that sweetness abounds, yet Viktor goes a spicier route,]

And will there be any time, between all that, to have you in my bed? Or are you just playing the gentleman-? In no rush at all.

[He really must tease this, because he's go so much restless energy, now that such tension between them has broken. They should put that to good use, shouldn't they?]

[ They should face the fact and realize this is their version of aggressively flirting. Feeding each other's brains, what's sexier than that? Nothing, to Jayce. Except maybe that mole on Viktor's inner thigh and his voice when it gets all low and husky.

Viktor can almost imagine the gears inside Jayce's brain pause as he does a mental '...ah?' at the question. Then he is smiling and leaning in to peck at Vitkor's lips.]

No rush at all, is there? I like being a gentleman for you, you deserve it.

[ Too many people rush into relationships these days, and for a good reason. Everyone could die from a Kaiju attack at any moment, no one wants to waste time because they don't have it. Jayce gets it. Now that he's found Viktor, it does feel like a waste of time not to live in the moment. But maybe there's something he should mention to Viktor still. Jayce gets uncharacteristically shy all of a sudden, fidgeting with the pen in his hands and not fully looking at Viktor in the face. ]

I'd also love to be in your bed again, as soon as possible, too. Lat time was incredible. But, uhm. You know, I never fully uhm...all the day, with another man...or anyone, really.

Edited 2025-04-06 23:20 (UTC)

I don't really like things to be too gentle.

[politeness isn't really the way of the Undercity and Viktor is used to fighting for what he wants. The struggle and push applies as much to his ambitions as his desires. If Jayce treats him like he's some delicate maiden, it'll definitely turn Viktor off... so fair warning to the man.

But then- oh, the shyness on Jayce's part. That confession. Maybe it is Viktor who needs to be the gentleman to his partner, not be so crass and rough. Their stools are sat very close and he can lean in more towards Jayce. Hook a hand over top one of Jayce's thighs, pulling so the man might swivel in his seat towards Viktor. He wants his hands on both of Jayce's legs, his thumbs digging into the man's inner thighs suggestively. Massaging in place. Viktor has an intense look, as usual, that husky and quiet tone carrying through,]

Really now, Jayce... too busy for it? I would understand that. You are a quick learner, I would be eager to teach you.

I know. [ That warning is clear as glass, and since that wasn't what Jayce meant, he's also quick to explain his previous statement. He knows that things are different in the Undercity, but he has the best intentions at heart and only wants to do right by Viktor. ]

I said 'like a gentleman', not gentle. Being a gentleman means being respectful of your needs. If what you like is the kind of sex that leaves us covered in bite marks and a little sore the next morning, I'm more than happy with it. In fact, I'd enjoy it very much, too.

[ Or he thinks so. So far, Jayce has always had a good time with Viktor being assertive and bold; it gets his heart racing and the fire in his belly to grow steadily. Just like now, when Viktor makes him turn to fully face him, hands going to his thighs and making Jayce suck in a breath. ]

Yeah, I... with the world ending and everything, my focus was on finding a way to develop the shields. [ He stands a little bit straighter, his gaze growing darker and flickering from Viktor's hands to his mouth until they finally meet the other man's eyes. Viktor telling him what to do, what the man likes best? That's the kind of orders Jayce would love to follow.] No time like the present to learn, right? Please.

Edited 2025-04-07 20:57 (UTC)

That is just how I like it.

[Spoken simple and direct. No point in hiding that, Jayce is in his head moving forward, so... shamelessness it is. Good communication is still important between drifts, after all. Some pilots end up oddly quiet with one another beyond the drift. Nothing to talk about. It is something he hopes never happens to Jayce and him... he'd miss the man's yapping and his getting flustered from Viktor's teasing,

Viktor's hands drag just an inch further up Jayce's thighs, just a little motion of spreading him open. Viktor leaning his slim weight down into his wrists and looking upward to Jayce,]

I prefer to be the dominant partner, Jayce, regardless of position... Do you only fancy yourself a top or bottom-? Would you want to try both ways? [switch life forever, so long as Viktor gets to call the shots, he's happy]

I had a feeling. [ Jayce's answer is quick, and it comes alongside a conspiratorial, pleased smile.

He's been in Viktor's mind, it's true, and while these are exactly the sort of thoughts and emotions that he tried really hard not to show him, Jayce had always known that the man likes to be in control. This makes a lot of sense for Viktor and is wickedly attractive if you ask Jayce. Certain people are so quick to assume that those with disabilities can't be just as assertive or confident as everyone else; it's disappointing.

But oh gods, the drifting...let's hope that the next time Jayce can keep at least some of his most embarrassing fantasies to himself. Even if they're an item now, all is very new, and he doesn't want to humiliate himself too much in front of his new lover.

All those worries flee from his mind when Viktor's hand trails up his legs and Jayce spreads them open even further than Viktor's gentle prodding required. He's too eager for more contact. His Adam's apple bobbles up and down when he visibly swallows, and then he leans in, chin tilted, silently asking for a kiss. For anything. ]

I don't know for sure, not yet. But I've never been one to limit myself or others, and any scientist worth their salt would do extensive testing of all possibilities, right?

[ Talking nerdy to Viktor, let's hope the other man likes it. ]

[Of course Viktor likes it. He leans in to Jayce and presses the bridge of his nose to the other man's. Very deliberately keeping out of reach from a kiss, if only just barely. Such a tease, with his voice low and hushed, his breath hot and close enough to be felt on Jayce's lips as he speaks.]

If you keep an open mind, you'll learn all the quicker.

[His hands massage the man's thighs in place, not pushing further, but not backing off in the slightest,]

The only trouble I anticipate... will be deciding what to test out first.

I'll do my best, but we don't have to be quick with anything. I want you to teach me everything thoroughly.

[ Viktor is going to make Jayce work for it, isn't he? Well, he's not about to stay there like a dummy and not touch his partner back if the opportunity is there. Being this close makes it very easy for Jayce to put his arms around Viktor's shoulders, mindful about his muscles' weight, of course, almost to make sure he's not going away anytime soon. ]

Are you going to kiss me, or do I have to beg for it?

[ The tone of voice implies that Jayce would if needed. He has pride when it matters, but he never lets it get in the way of a good time. ]

You need to wait for it.

[Viktor corrects, turning his face and instead planting a kiss to Jayce's arm as it wraps around him. He rests his head there, comfortable against the pillowy muscle and enjoying the other man's scent.]

If I kiss you again here, that will be it. I'll need to be all over you. That's a threat.

[he smirks softly to say, teasing in the unspoken way that it's also a promise,]

Save it for the room. Our room.

[ Logically, Jayce knows Viktor is right. This is no place to make out; people could walk in on them, he's still too hot to the touch because of the forge, and if they start, none would like to stop. ]

Right... [ Logic is unfair, and Viktor kissing and resting on his arm instead is very cute, but it also makes Jayce's face fall. He looks like a puppy who just got their favorite ball taken away, and that's definitely a pout on the face of a grown-ass man. ] You drive a hard bargain. Delayed gratification sucks, V.

[ But of course, he really looks forward to it. Viktor all over him? Yes, please. Anyway, any day. Thinking of their assigned room as something that's just for them both is sweet, and it does cheer him up a bit. ]

I suppose we better finish writing down all the important details and possible questions. [ He leans back a little because otherwise the temptation to kiss Viktor properly would be too much. ]

[Viktor will roll his eyes at the kicked puppy dog look. It is Jayce who runs the tougher bargain, giving him a look like that. Making certain this is just as difficult to resist for Viktor. That's fair, but of course it does make for further tension. Seems they'll never escape that building up between moments they can really get their hands on each other...]

I suppose we can do all that later, [he mirrors Jayce's words, before giving a nip of teeth to the spot on Jayce's arm he kissed. Viktor separates after that, leaving a little trail of teeth indents behind to mark his territory,]

It has been a long day. Finish your meal and we'll return together. [Jayce is nearly done, anyways. The plans, more thinking, that can be saved for fresher minds. Less distracted minds.]

[ The puppy look and pout are the only leverage Jayce has against Viktor's cruel display of common sense and self-restraint. Jayce isn't even aware that he's doing it; he just knows that sometimes his face gets funny reactions from people, so that works well enough for him. He would be way too powerful if he could use this on purpose.

There's so much he wants to do with Viktor, not just the (fantastic) sex. He wants to be free to show the man adoration in any form it takes, to fall asleep next to him, to discuss ideas and theories pressed against each other...and he feels he wants to do that for the rest of his life, however short or long it ends up being.

Viktor's answer makes his lips split into a smile, and the following nip to his arm brings out a quick, little laugh out of Jayce, both out of surprise and because that pinprick of pain felt pleasant in its own way. Jayce stares at the teeth marks in his arm before reaching out for one of Viktor's hands, bringing it up to his mouth, and kissing the palm while looking up at him from under thick, dark eyelashes. Take that, love. He can be charming, too, when trying! ]

I'll be ready in a moment.

[ He's not about to waste more time here, and while still trying not to be too brutish about it, he grabs what's left of the sandwich and stuffs it whole into his mouth. He miraculously doesn't choke; it seems like Jayce and the gag reflex are passing only acquaintances at best. ]

N'ow that thif is don let me jsjut put a shirt on and whe can leaffe.

Mmh, must you?

[Viktor teases in return, gathering his cane and standing himself upright. He'll wait politely, being a gentlemen, for Jayce to get his business in order so they can leave the forge. No rushing, Viktor will remain quietly watching the man go about any necessary tasks, including getting a shirt on.

He can quietly fantasize about how Jayce will need to wear turtle necks around the Shatterdome from hereon. The man is always cold, so it isn't like those aren't in his wardrobe already. Will anybody notice, if he starts wearing them more frequently?

Or will he just wear all the marks Viktor plans to leave on him openly-? A fun thought, a prideful one. He taps his cane when they're ready to leave together, eager to scurry along back to their room.]

Alas, the rest of the Shatterdome isn't as warm and comfortable as my forge, so a shirt is in order.

[ 'Warm and comfortable,' the man says, instead of 'sweltering hot in ways only someone allergic to cold would find comforting.'

Jayce puts on a shirt pretty fast (and then a jumper and his jacket). Viktor will have to wait until he's back in the bedroom after she has her shower to enjoy the view some more. Jayce makes sure to put any dangerous tools in his place, and with much more care, he gathers all the blueprints, sketches, and notebooks to put them in his leather satchel bag to make sure no one will find those.

After that, he joins Viktor's side again, and they are led to their room. Jayce finally bothers to answer one of Caitlyn's texts on the way there, assuring her he's fine; he just needed to think about a few things and work in the forge. The text he gets next is one that makes Jayce glance at Viktor. ]

So... Caitlyn knows about our test results and wants me to pass on her congratulations to you. Vi, who has once again 'accidentally' broken her phone, also asks when we will have a Jaeger ready and hopes that we don't give it a 'lame-ass name, like you always do'.

[ This is golden coming from someone who calls their Jaeger 'Cupcake,' but Jayce learned long ago not to try to question anything about Vi. ]

[They are truly of one mind on this one, because Viktor will just point out exactly what Jayce is thinking,]

How rich, when they already ignored the typical two part naming scheme. What do they expect a Jaegar of ours to be called? Big Robot-?

[Viktor would name it that out of spite, to be honest...]

[ Jayce can't help but grin at that because he might be too polite sometimes to say what he thinks when it's not a kind thought, but he can count on Viktor to say things as they are. ]

I know it's an inside joke between them, but every time I heard one of the marshals say, 'Deploy Cupcake,' in the most serious tone possible, I felt like laughing. I can only imagine a huge one, the size of a Kaiju, with pink frosting on top. Please don't tell Vi that; I like having all my arms attached.

[ He laughs at Viktor's idea, already imagining that his partner would name the Jaeger something like that just to fuck with people. ]

I mean, that's an accurate name. But they're probably thinking that we might go for something bombastic and nerdy like 'The Herald of Tomorrow' or 'Lord of the Machines,' which, frankly, is not as bad as other Jaeger names.

[ And since they're walking past the hangar, Jayce points out towards the direction of the Ionian pilots and mutters, 'Coyote Tango.' To him, that's one of the stupidest names he's ever heard, even for a Mark I Jaeger. At least Caitlyn and Vi use only one name. They didn't name their Jaeger 'Cupcake Fox' or another random thing. ]

Yes, yes, I can imagine it now. In the history books, the two Jaegers which brought salvation to Runeterra: The Defender of Tomorrow and... Cupcake!

["The Defender of Tomorrow" doesn't sound half bad, for how exaggerated the difference between names was meant to sound.

No, no, a bit pretentious. Pompous, maybe, especially if they ever fail at anything. Viktor wobbles his head back and forth,]

I do like Herald, it is an elegant title. And we're engineers, so... Machine Herald-? How does that ring?

[ Jayce lets out a laugh that turns into a small snort at the end, and he immediately brings a hand up to his mouth to stifle it. Oops. Viktor didn't hear that embarrassing sound, did he? He's still grinning when he speaks, amusement badly hidden by his hand. ]

You can't deny it wouldn't be memorable, in a way. Even if it makes the Jaegers sound like a duo of morning cartoon characters.

[ He knows that the girls had to deal with plenty of jokes at the expense of the name, but Jayce also knows that they are not to be messed with. These days, the only ones who still make some fun of them are Vi's sister and Ekko, but they all have known each other since childhood. ]

I like Defender of Tomorrow, but it also feels like when they called the Titanic the 'unsinkable ship.' It's tempting fate too much. Now, Machine Herald...it has a nice ring to it. Kind of regal, too. Yes, let's go with that name.

[The snort makes Viktor smile softly, nudging Jayce cutely to say he caught that. Adorable, honestly, especially from a man big as Jayce. Viktor generally just starts coughing if he's laughing, maybe if his lungs were better he would also snort...]

Then it is settled. Machine Herald. I like that. It sounds like it has... purpose.

[Viktor smiles to himself to consider that. Purpose is all he really chases after, motivated to clearly by his want to do well by others. To help save this world. A fine purpose, no better one out there to have. And Jayce shares that with him.

While he knows it's usually Jayce's thing, Viktor reaches a hand out and places it to rest on the swoop of Jayce's back. Just walking besides his partner like that on their way back to their room, it has a simple affection Viktor feels like he's stretching his wings into,]

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