I genuinely am at a lost as to what I should do. I can't leave the house, if I do I'll be supervised like a child. I cannot talk to Jayce without him mentioning the Piltover merchant and how he's going to end us.
I feel ... trapped in a sense.

It's rather depressing but the best I could do with the limited floral around the cottage. Wasn't able to stay out very long either, I was ... urged inside. At least I got some fresh air.

Viktor's eye twitches, annoyed. He doesn't say a word as he walks past Jayce to open the front door.

As much as he'd like to point out that Jayce's logic is flawed, that of the two of them Jayce is the one the man will recognize, Viktor holds his tongue.

"I know, I can see how much this weighs on you Jayce, the unknown. But you cannot let that worry consume every aspect of how you and those around you live," Viktor sighs once more, shoulders slumping. "I'll pick some flowers around the house, I won't go beyond. Alright?"

"It's not about the flowers Jayce. I need the fresh air. It feels like I'm suffocating in here— in this house," he admits, hugging himself.

"What is important is you keeping me in this house against my will. I know Pilities have no problem forcing their will on others, especially those of Zaun, but I thought you were better than that Jayce," he knows the words will sting but Jayce needs to understand.

Viktor stands there, eyeing Jayce.

"It's flowers Jayce, I go the opposite direction of town to get them."

He sighs, "Defend myself against what Jayce? A man who doesn't know who we are or where we live? You speak of him like he's an assassin."

Rage bubbles up in Viktor in an instant. As quickly as Jayce grabs his arm Viktor swats it away with a slap. He backs up, breathing heavy.

"Jayce I understand your worries, truly I do. I know things could change if we are found but please, do not keep me here against my will."

"Jayce, I feel if I stay in this house any longer I am going to say things that needn't be said so please," he pleads, manuvearing around Jayce and reaching for the door.

Viktor's voice is calm, measured, "They brighten up the place Jayce, you've said so yourself. Plus I'd like to go for a walk, get some fresh air."

There is silence for a moment.

Viktor doesn't speak until he is at their front door, actively opening it, "I am just going to pick some flowers for the vase in the dining room. I'll be back in a half hour max."

We're as safe as we can be stuck in this house. It appears I cannot leave so that's ... great.

I ... don't know what to do. I understand Jayce's worry, that man could ruin what we have here if we are discovered. But that is a big if. He didn't recognize me and never saw Jayce.
Jayce is acting like he already knows and is out to get us. It's paranoia— irrational.

Blitz can tell I'm upset, he's been pawing at me like this whenever I think too hard about the conversation earlier.

"That's assuming he would even try and attack. And that's assuming he even knows who we are!"

Viktor's breathing is heavy, face red— this conversation will go nowhere.

"You know what, fine. Do what you want. I will be in the study with Blitz. Do not bother us."

Viktor's frustration evaporates into concern, fear.

"Jayce," 𝘠𝘰𝘶'𝘳𝘦 𝘴𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘦, "the man is a merchant. Why would we need to defend ourselves from him? You could easily overpower him with your hands."

"Excuse me?!" Viktor snaps, voice low and furious, "What makes you think you have any sa-"

What he sees in Jayce's hand when he peers over Jayce's side causes him to freeze.

"Jayce ... why do you have that?"

Viktor is quiet for several seconds. Jayce isn't being completely rational right now and Viktor knows there is no sense in arguing.

He huffs.

"Alright fine Jayce, I'll stay in today. But in the future do not tell me what I can and cannot do."

Viktor scoffs.

"How are you certain he knows who we are Jayce? You're speaking in absolutes. How would he know who I am? You were the public face of Hextech."

"Dimitri does not visit unannounced Jayce, he always lets us know beforehand."

Viktor studies his partner for a moment. When he speaks his voice is low, neutral.

"So are we to stay couped up in our house until this man that is not anywhere near us leaves town?"

Viktor sighs, brows furrowing.

"Jayce, why would that man come over here? We are a 20 minute walk from the town. He's staying with Dimitri."

Viktor stops a few feet from Jayce, ignoring how his view of the sink is purposefully blocked.

"I was hoping to go on a walk, will you accompany me?"

Viktor enters their kitchen and sees Jayce cleaning what he assumes are dishes in the sink. He walks up to Jayce slowly, cane tapping on the hard wood floor.

"Jayce?"

Hmm, interesting.
I can't say I have been afflicted with this, eh, baby fever you speak of. At least not in any recent years.

I do not mind babies but I have never desired to create one myself if that's what this refers to.

I am a tad late answering this one but Dimtiri was there with us. I would have never agreed to meet someone I do not know without a mutual party present.

Though even with that in place I find I am regretting that meeting 😅

Jayce has been ... quiet since we got home. He won't speak and has been frantically moving around the house like he's looking for something.

That man, Dimitri's friend, must have really spooked him. I am confident he doesn't know who I am and he did not see Jayce so we are safe.

Viktor can see the panic taking over Jayce. There is little he can do right now other than get them away from this situation.

Grabbing Jayce's hand he guides them toward the cashier. Luckily the store owner is there and allows them to leave out the back, though a tad confused.

"I- I do not know. I've never said your last name to Dimitri. Only your first."

Seeing the worry etched on Jayce's face Viktor holds both of his hands.

"Hey, it's alright. Let's go home okay? I'll tell Dimitri later that you weren't feeling well."

Viktor's eyes widen, mouth dropping. 𝘋𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘑𝘢𝘯𝘯𝘢 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘨𝘰𝘰𝘥. His eyes dart in thought.

"Thankfully I don't think he knows who I am," he mutters.

Viktor's eyes find Jayce, his brows furrow. Jayce looks ... unnerved. Viktor hasn't seen an expression like that on Jayce in a long time.

"I um— I apologize but I must check on something real quick, if you'll excuse me."