Chapter Text
"There's something about the look in your eyes, something I noticed when the light was just right. It reminded me twice that I was alive."-Echo, by Incubus
I sighed and glanced at my watch. I had been waiting for maybe ten or so minutes, and this line had barely moved. I rarely complain about waiting, however, I was aching to take a seat, but if I got out of line, I would just wait more. I just stayed, standing, firmly gripping my crutch, waiting for time to pass. I listened to the calm chatter around me, and mugs clinking, humming to some song that was playing in the coffee shop. Something by The Cure, I think it was Just Like Heaven, maybe?
A few minutes or so goes by, and I’m almost there, almost to the front, stuck behind a…very indecisive man. A handsome one at that, but indecisive nonetheless. He turned to me, his golden eyes almost glowing from the sun beaming through the windows.
“If you want, you can cut in front of me, I’m still looking,” He said. He looked oddly familiar. I knew I had seen him before, I just couldn’t remember where…
“Oh, uh, thank you.” I said, awkwardly, attempting a sheepish smile. He was quite attractive. But I didn’t have time for that. I got in front, and ordered my usual, black coffee. Some call it boring. I just enjoy the bitter taste.
I go sit down at a booth, pulling out my computer. I had assignments to plan for my students, meetings to schedule, etc. Soon, my name is called, and I get up to get it. Instead, the familiar man brings it over to me.
“Viktor, right?” He asks. “Just wanted to make it easier for you.”
Maybe he was just being sweet. or maybe it was pity. I couldn’t tell.
“Yes, that’s me. Thank you, I appreciate the consideration,” I say, offering up a small smile. “And, er, what’s your name?” I ask, taking a sip of my coffee.
“Jayce. Jayce Talis.” He said, smiling.
I nearly spit out my coffee.
I stared at him, wide-eyed, setting down my cup. “Oh my god, you mean you’re that Jayce Talis? From The Forge?”
He grins, showing the gap between his two front teeth. “Yup, that’s me.”
I wasn’t like a fanboy or anything, but most people knew who The Forge were.
“Wow, that’s…awesome, really,” I said, letting out a small chuckle of my own.
“Yeah, it is, I guess,” Jayce laughed, rubbing the back of his neck.
"Do you come here often?" I asked, knowing the answer. Almost every time I was here, I had noticed him. He had always seemed familiar, I just hadn't known who he was until now.
"Yeah, usually twice a week. How about you?" Jayce asked.
"Eh, maybe once every few weeks, usually to work on something," I said, taking a sip of my coffee.
"Yeah? What do you do for work, if you don't mind me asking?"
"Not at all," I say, setting down my drink. "I teach biochemistry at the Academy."
I watch as his gold eyes light up. "Really? The Academy?" He asked, looking surprised, mirroring my expression when he'd said who he was.
"Eh, it's not that special," I say, giving a small shrug.
"Don't sell yourself short, Viktor," he said, shaking his head.
"Alright, alright."
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After a while, Jayce had gotten a text, and had to leave. I was left alone with my work. I was almost missing his presence. Almost.
Get a grip, Viktor
I had to send some emails to students about late essays, and had to reply to a few messages as well. I sipped on my coffee.
After I finished up, I packed away my computer, and threw my empty to-go coffee cup away, walking out to the bustling streets. There were times that I had felt out of place, being originally from Zaun. This was one of them. Everyone here was dressed like they had some place to be, and they were all very talkative.
But I didn't have wealth, or fancy outfits, or fancy cars. I couldn't afford to host galas and parties every other week. I wasn't necessarily poor, actually, I'm quite comfortable with my finances, which comes with the privilege of being a professor at the Academy.
But, there were a few times that I felt less-than. Whether it was because of my origins, or my disability, there were people who looked down on me.
It's more a reflection on them than it is me, I've always told myself.
But I have my doubts.
I sigh.
I walk out of the coffee shop, leaning on my crutch. My apartment wasn't very far. I walked down the street, avoiding curious stares and judgemental looks. I get to the apartment complex and I go into the elevator, pressing the 3rd floor button.
And then I wait for a minute or so, alone with my thoughts.
I step out of the elevator, and go to my apartment, unlocking and opening the door, closing it behind me.
My phone buzzes in my pocket. After I had set my computer bag down, I checked to see what it was. A text from my friend, Sky. I've known her since I was a child.
Sky: u stil on 4 lunch tday?
Despite being one of the smartest people I knew, she always had typos and abbreviated anything and everything. And, I almost forgot, we had lunch plans, thank God she reminded me. I glanced at the time. 11:12 am. I had to be there by 12:30, so I had a bit of time. I texted her back.
Me: Yep, cya in a bit.
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I met up with Sky at this popular sandwich shop. We talked a bit, caught up on personal events and such. She was an assistant at the Academy, so we saw each other often. We talked about work, life, etc.
“You'll never believe who I saw this morning,” I said, sipping my water.
“Who?” Sky asked, raising an eyebrow.
“Jayce Talis.”
I watched as her eyes widened and her jaw dropped. “You cannot be serious right now.”
“Oh, I'm very serious.”
“So, did you like, talk to him or something?” She asked.
My lips curled into a small smile, thinking about the earlier conversation. “Yeah, actually, we talked for like, 20 minutes.”
“You're being for real right now? You had a full conversation with the actual Jayce Talis? You're being deadass?”
I chuckled, setting down my water. “Yes, I'm being completely serious, Sky.”
“Did you like, I don't know, get his number or something?”
I felt butterflies in my stomach, like a schoolgirl. Which was ridiculous. I mean, come on, I’m 32, not 12. I shook my head. I should have gotten it, but I never took the chance.
“So you talk to this guy for like, what, 20 minutes, and you don't even get his number? Really, Vik?” she said, letting out a sigh.
“Yep. But I'm just a random stranger, he doesn't really know me, he'll just probably forget who I am tomorrow morning.”
“Yeah. Maybe you're right. But who knows. You might have a chance, a slim one, but a chance.”
"Whatever you say, Sky," I hummed, taking a bite out of my sandwich. Maybe I do have a chance.
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