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Viktor woke up in the middle of the night, hearing the sound of thunder in the distance. He feels around beside him, checking if Jayce was beside him. He sighs as he feels the familiar warmth of his partner’s chest. Sinking back down under the covers until he hears more thunder, but it sounds closer this time. Nothing to worry about, it isn’t very close, Viktor thinks. He sighs shakily and pulls the sheets over himself more just in case.
Viktor falls into a fitful sleep, until he’s woken up just a little while later by a flash of lightning and the crack-a-boom of the thunder. He gets out of bed and looks outside: rain is pouring down and he can see lightning in the distance and the thunder continues. He gets back into the bed and whispers, “Jayce… Jayce…” He shakes the man next to him a little, but no response. Damn him and his ability to sleep well. The lightning strikes again and he shakes Jayce a little harder, “Please wake up.”
“Viktor…?” Jayce asks, sleep dripping from his words. He notices the worried expression on Viktor’s face and gets up, “Viktor, what’s wrong?” They both hear the thunder this time and Jayce sees his partner flinch at the sound. “The thunder…” Viktor replies and bows his head. “It’s a childish fear, but I’ve never been able to get over it.” Jayce pulls his partner into a hug, “That’s okay, you have me to keep you safe. I promise.” Viktor in turn, puts his arms around Jayce, thankful for his warmth.
“Sorry for waking you,” Viktor says. “No no, don’t apologize. I’m always here if you need me,” Jayce replies and kisses the top of Viktor's head. “Why don’t we make some tea, huh?” he offers. Viktor only nods as the rain pours and thunder cracks. They enter the kitchen and Jayce says, “Go sit on the couch, I’ll bring you your tea, Vikya.” He shakes his head and replies, “I’d like to help, to get my mind off of this a little bit.” Jayce smiles and obliges, letting Viktor pick out their tea and boil the water. They soon hear the whistling of the tea kettle on the stove.
"Allow me." Jayce pours the water into two mugs, puts the tea bags in as well, and hands one to Viktor. They sit down on the couch together and the smaller man huddles close to his partner. “Thank you,” Jayce hears from beside him. “You’re welcome, Vitya.” They sip their tea in silence for a while, and Viktor feels a warm hand on the back of his neck, playing with the hair there. It’s a reassuring touch. The sound of thunder continues to echo and Viktor flinches every once in a while.
“I like the rain, but I hate thunderstorms,” he finally says. “The constant pitter-patter of rain was a comfort, but hearing the thunder scares me for no good reason.” He sets his mug down on the table. “Maybe you’re just scared. There’s nothing wrong with having fears,” Jayce reassures him.
“But I work in a lab where there are very dangerous materials. Yet I’m scared of a little thunder?” Viktor says irritably. “Everyone’s scared of something, Vitya," Jayce says softly. "Thunder just happens to be yours. Would you like to know one of my fears?” he offers, continuing to play with the hair at the back of his partner’s neck. Viktor nods in response.
“Well, I’m scared of spiders actually,” he says. “Really?” Viktor asks and quirks his brow. “Yes,” Jayce replies and shudders slightly, “They just creep me out with their spindly legs and beady eyes. It may be dumb but, it’s just something I’ve always been scared of." He shrugs, then chuckles, "‘For no good reason,’”
“I guess you’re right. Everyone does have their fears.” He sighs and rests his head on Jayce’s shoulder. “I can’t believe you’re scared of spiders. Jayce Talis, the man who came up with the idea of Hextech. Afraid of spiders.” He chuckles a little. “Well, I’m glad I could cheer you up, even if it was somewhat at the expense of myself,” Jayce says with a small smile.
“You’ve been a great help. Thank you, Jayce,” Viktor says with a slight smile. “We can go back to sleep now, if you want.” Jayce replies, “Sure, if you think you can fall asleep,” and lightning flashes right on cue. Viktor nods, “I think I can do it, as long as you’re there.” Jayce smiles and says, “Come on then.”
They climb back into bed and Jayce wraps his arms tightly around Viktor. “Good night Viktor,” he says and kisses the top of his hair. “Good night, Jayce.”