Scientifically Speaking It's Love
Jayce has thought of himself as a man of science for a long time. Experiments, equations, research, trial and error, notes. Proven methods to get to a conclusion. So why was he so stumped? He couldn't concentrate no matter how hard he tried. However he noticed a pattern. It only seemed to happen when Viktor was close to him. So being a man of science, Jayce decided to do a series of experiments.
He started out small. He would talk to Viktor more often after work, ask him questions to get to know him better, try to get Viktor to talk to him during work so he could see if he was as distracting to Viktor as Viktor was to him. Does he have the same effect?
At first it seemed like the answer was no. But then they would brush shoulders when they passed each other, or hands when they would reach for something. He would notice Viktor pull away and avert his eyes. Jayce's heart rate would spike. He noted that.
Then there were the compliments. Viktor made it clear from the moment they met that he was impressed be Jayce's research. But when he would say those words of amazement right next to Jayce, Viktor's breath tickling his neck or ear, Jayce would feel his heartbeat spike and his cheeks flush. He noted that.
Viktor's little glances, his smirks and smiles, they certainly had the desired effect. Wait... when did Jayce start desiring that effect? He never desired it before, but Viktor, Viktor was special for some reason. However it was still to early to determine the result.
For every gesture Viktor would do that would make Jayce's heart skip a beat, Jayce would do the same and observe Viktor's own reactions. It took a bit to notice because Viktor seemed to be very good at keeping his emotions at bay, but there were the little signs. Like how he would glance away when he would see Jayce looking back, or how he would scratch his neck when Jayce would compliment him or his work.
They started staying late more often, which of course also meant that Jayce had more time to observe. And now was the time to make his move.
"Viktor would you like to get dinner sometime?" Jayce noticed how Viktor's hand faltered for a moment as he was pointing something on the board.
"A dinner? Wouldn't it be safer to discuss ideas here?" Viktor's voice sounded somehow unsure. Like he was expecting something but was also fearful of expecting too much.
"No, not for work. Just you know, to talk and bond. Maybe we can go for drinks if you'd prefer?" Jayce's heart beat faster and faster with every word he spoke. He could only hope that Viktor would accept or if not that he wouldn't think Jayce was overstepping. Maybe Viktor wanted to keep the relationship strictly professional. He forgot to think about that factor!
Moments passed like hours and the dim light cased by the lamps and the Hex-crystals was the only thing illuminating the two. Jayce gulped, waiting anxiously for Viktor's answer.
When Viktor chuckled Jayce perked up, "Sure. Actually I was hoping you would ask sooner."
Jayce's brows shot up, heat spreading across his face and neck, "You were?"
"I was. You're a... interesting man Jayce. I would love to get to know you better." Viktor flashed him a smirk and wink before walking towards him. Jayce backed up until he felt the table behind him, Viktor still walking towards him. When Viktor reached with his hand Jayce thought he would touch him but instead he reached for a notebook behind him, "See you tomorrow Jayce."
Jayce watched as Viktor walked out of their office, door closing behind him as they shared one final look. When he was alone Jayce placed a hand over his heart, feeling the rapid thud in his chest. He's finally able to come to a solid conclusion.
He and Viktor shared the same romantic feelings. And that revelation was almost enough to make him fly again.