viktor leans in to press their foreheads together. even if jayce hasn't picked up on the gesture being a zaunite sign of affection, he surely has figured out it's one of viktor's. " happy birthday, jayce. " thank you for being born to meet him. for fighting your way here, and for choosing every leap of faith that's taken them here. choosing life. choosing magic. choosing their partnership. " how would you like to celebrate? "
his mother has always said to give himself a day of relaxation when his birthday hit. he always ignore that before science doesn't wait and neither should he. it's been years and he's still falling into the same rhythm, however he wasn't nearly as young as he used to be and exhaustion is creeping much faster than it used to. but... maybe one day wouldn't hurt. he had the idea of staying away from the lab for just today but even then, there's a sort of comfort surrounded by your inventions and reminiscing on all that you have succeeded and failed upon. this time, he isn't alone. viktor is with him and his chest warms with the company. speaking of viktor, even with his own hand encapsulating a mug of his own coffee, it's hard to ignore his closeness and the drink soon forgotten. it's almost surprising, which it shouldn't have, feeling his forehead press right up against his. it's something he feels should be used to, but he never does. normally, one would close their eyes, but instead he looks at viktor like he is gold under his fingertips. something hopeful and extremely beautiful; he has half the temptation to gently stroke his cheek. he does. " thank you, v. you really didn't have to say anything... " except, he's thankful he has. cheeks are flushed, bringing @toaugment closer as he grabs his hand to idly play with his fingers.
" celebrate... hm, i haven't really thought about that. " lips twist in a sort of thought, humming softly. " hey, we still have that ionian wine, don't we? " drinking isn't typically allowed in the lab ever since the last incident, but since no experiments were active and instead laid dormant, then maybe they can indulge. but i was still quite early on the day, they should find other ways to pass the time. this whole thing feels a lot more romantic than he expected, but something else to add is a sudden blurt of: " i love you! " eyes are wide and cheeks are flushed a little darker than before. he's embarrassed but not enough to regret those words. he can worry about the councils reprimands tomorrow, but right now — " let's go out for lunch. that sounds good, right? i know the perfect place! "
