Viktor quietly thanks the driver before they head off. It's not a long walk, but long enough to feel like they're really in the woods. It's peaceful, beautiful. Viktor's shoulders relax, and he realizes all at once that he was stressing himself out with his project, and that he neglected to eat enough today.
"It's lovely, Xander," he says with a hint of adoration in his tone. For the scene or for Xander, who could say (both). He awkwardly moves to sit on the blanket and lifts his hands to take the basket from Xander and set it down. He then offers a hand to Xander for getting down on the ground.
"I just realized that I am quite hungry," he admits sheepishly.
He helped to ease him down, handed the basket off, and then took Viktor's hand so he could settle beside him on the blanket.
"When did you eat last?" He asked, worry creasing his brow. He knew too well how easy it was to lose oneself in a project and forget to eat for... a day or two. Listen.
He pulled the wine and glasses out first and set them aside so he could start arranging the food. A handful of finger sandwiches — cucumber and cream cheese, various cold cuts and cheese, and a vegetarian option because, oops, he realized he hadn't asked Viktor of any preferences — and a charcuterie board crafted at the winery that Astarion's crew had been kind enough to have prepped for him, full of various crackers, fruit, cheese, nuts and meats. "I hope you are not allergic to anything."
"Ah..." Viktor's brow also creases as he tries to remember. He'd fallen asleep at his desk last night and didn't want to bother with leaving the shop to get breakfast this morning. So...
"I had a late dinner at the Inn yesterday..."
Thus, his eyes light up as Xander takes out the spread of food, especially the cheese board.
"Thankfully not." Viktor has enough health problems, so he's glad he can eat whatever he wants, and he does. "This looks delicious." He tentatively takes a piece of cheese.
It took everything in him not to go into doctor mode. But Xander managed to keep himself in check save to ask: "have you been drinking enough water, at least?"
While they talked, Xander grabbed a small plate from the bottom of the basket and filled it with various cheeses and meats, and a few random sandwiches, setting it in front of Viktor insistently. Eat.
"I had a feeling," he would have done the same if he wasn't fully aware of how dehydration could affect cognitive functions, and thus be more of a hindrance toward his studies. "Perhaps I will invite you for water breaks together."
He does feel an appropriate amount of shame, at least.
"Mmm..." Viktor thinks for a moment. Now that he's actually paying attention to his body's signals, he's realizing that he is very thirsty as well, and that's probably part of why he doesn't feel well. Go figure!
"Let us start right now, before the wine, then."
He puts his plate down to grab a wine glass, and swirls his fingertips around its opening. Fresh water begins to swirl around inside the glass, condensing rapidly from the air. After a minute, the glass is full, and he hands it to Xander with a smile, then gets to work on the second.
Xander had seen magic at work plenty of times, but it was still a rarity. Here, in Caldera, people used it so freely, unhindered and unburdened. Dangerous but... fascinating.
He took the glass, trusting Viktor enough to take a sip. "That is a convenient talent. And yet you still do not hydrate enough?" He teased. "I jest. I understand how easily it is to get lost in a task."
Viktor shakes his head with a small, self-conscious laugh.
"Yes, when I get absorbed in a project... I simply forget everything else. I barely notice the time passing until I can't see my work and realize it has gotten dark and I've neglected to turn any lights on."
He finishes filling his own glass and takes a sip, which he intends to be dainty and polite, but he's so thirsty that he ends up draining half the glass immediately.
"Now that I am working on something that is so similar to Hextech, my intense focus on it seems to have returned."
Xander took a few sips of his own glass, pulling it back to swirl the liquid gently. Amazing how crisp and cool it was. Magic really was a wonder.
He popped a grape into his mouth and chewed, humming as he swallowed. "Luckily, you have me and a handful of others around that can make sure you don't overdo it. I would hate to see overwork yourself and take time from your projects. I know that can be... anxiety inducing."
Viktor watches closely as Xander swirls the glass and eats a grape.
Rapt. Lord help him.
"Yes, I am lucky to have people who remind me to care for myself, and help me when I am unable to do so." Barcus, Ferin, Lioriley, Skan. All who help him in their own ways.
He hums nervously, then, looking down at his plate. His stomach is full of butterflies.
"I fear your masterful plan may be backfiring, a little. It seems I am nervous around you, which is making it difficult to eat." He looks up again and smiles, shy and apologetic.
"No, no, I-- well." Viktor exhales through his nose, frustrated with himself for being so flustered that he can't seem to piece a sentence together.
"I am a little nauseous, but it is nothing of concern. I have felt this way before, and I know it is a sign of..." Attraction. "Well, you should be... Flattered."
He clears his throat. He senses that his nerves may be coming from a sense of anticipation, of uncertainty about where this date will go. He wonders if making some part of that more clear may calm him a little.
For whatever it was worth, Xander found his fluttering endearing. It also made him feel less silly about the way his own cheeks were flush with heat every time the man looked at him.
"If you like." He scooted closer until they were practically hip to hip, leaving just enough room to move around without hitting each other if they reached for something.
Speaking of, Xander plucked a strawberry from a bowl. "How's that?" The seating arrangement, he meant. But it was asked while offering a strawberry to Viktor's lips.
It's good that Xander likes it, because Viktor feels like a complete mess. He's trying to muddle through bravely, though, rather than dissolve into a puddle of anxious apologies for being so bad at this.
So he places his hand on the blanket behind Xander, the better to lean toward him.
Viktor's eyes widen slightly as he looks at the strawberry, almost cross-eyed.
"Good," he breathes, very quietly. His eyes meet Xander's again, now unblinking as he bites into the berry.
He held it steady by the stem, balancing himself on his free hand, fingertips gingerly brushing against the side of Viktor's hand where it rested on the blanket behind him.
Without thinking, his own lips parted slightly as Viktor bit down into the fruit, like he was anticipating the taste of it himself. Or maybe he was imagining his own lips on his (it was the latter). The intense attraction he felt toward the man would have been alarming, if it was not so obvious how similar they were in so many regards. Like attracted like and all that. It was difficult not to be attracted to someone in that case.
He watches Xander's face intently, gaze moving to his lips as they part. He chews carefully, once, twice, swallows. There's a small droplet of juice on his own lip that he doesn't bother to wipe away.
"Would you like a taste?" He asks, leaning a little closer. He's still extremely nervous, but desire burns in him, too bright and hot to ignore.
His first instinct was to wipe the juice from Viktor's lips with his thumb. Before he could even set the strawberry down and lift his hand again to do so, the man was asking if he wanted a taste. Thank the Father he wasn't dense or he might not catch what he meant.
Xander exhaled a breathy laugh, set the berry stem down and set his now free hand against Viktor's cheek. "It would be my pleasure." and leaned in to gently set his lips against the other man's.
As their lips meet, Viktor exhales a slow breath through his nose, finding some sense of calm in the warm certainty of the act. This- this is what he'd been subconsciously anticipating. And wanting.
As his anxiety settles a little, the desire has more space to flare up. His own free hand clasps gently behind Xander's ear and keeps him close. He deepens the kiss, parting his lips slightly, offering a taste as he promised.
He could taste it — the tang of the strawberry juice on his lips, but also whatever taste would be distinctly Viktor. His tongue slipped from between his lips to brush against Viktor's; curious but still a little tentative, not wanting to push too far too soon, even if he was fairly certain the other man would not mind with how he so openly offered the affection.
It was picturesque, the way the sun filtered through the trees, casting down god rays upon the clearing they had settled in. The breeze was light, the flowers and grass swaying gently around them. Xander hummed into the other man's mouth and leaned in a little more, fingers sliding back to card through his hair and settle against the back of his skull.
Xander's taste and smell fill Viktor's senses, over and above the passive scent of wildflowers and grass. The rustle of breeze through bushes and trees is as soft as the warm air against his face. Xander's thick beard tickles him a little-- coarse, but well-groomed enough not to be unpleasant, almost soft.
Viktor exhales a soft hum as their mouths lock further together, his tongue just as tentative as it finds the other man's, the brush of it stoking a bit of heat in his gut.
He always requires an intellectual and emotional connection before he feels comfortable doing anything like this. And while he had that with Rolan, the tiefling had been the one to push things forward physically, a bit too fast for Viktor's taste. Alternately, here he feels in control of what's happening, like he can be the one to drive it forward or pull back. That sense of agency makes it easier for Viktor to tell what he wants. He wants Xander- a little urgently, but mostly deeply, tenderly. He likes the doctor a lot- his kindness, his intellect, his gentle caring nature- and he wants to let him know how he feels through this action, this deep kiss.
So his tongue presses in, more certain, exploring Xander's mouth more fully before he breaks the kiss gently. He lingers there, their foreheads touching, and looks into Xander's eyes.
It had been... a long time since Xander had any sort of romantic connection to someone. His arrangement with Celene was open and easy — she encouraged him to go and find someone he liked and enjoy himself, for once. But his studies and the children demanded he not take much time for himself. Here, in Caldera, a whole new world had opened up... literally. What luck he found Viktor first. Or, rather, Viktor found him.
His eyelids fluttered, open just enough to peer back at him. Cheeks warm with a flush of nervousness and excitement in equal measure.
"I should hope so." He teased and stole another soft, lingering kiss, speaking again when he pulled back. "I am quite fond of you, too. And I had not anticipated I would be so lucky to kiss you this soon."
That flushed expression on Xander's face is lovely and adorable. Viktor smiles faintly, his flesh thumb caressing the doctor's cheekbone. His smile grows as Xander steals one more kiss.
"I suppose I grew a little impatient," he murmurs, apologetic but playful. "I think eating may come more easily now." Now that the big scary part is 'out of the way', so to speak. Well, the body painting is also scary, but that part is optional and he's keeping it out of his mind for the moment. However, he makes no move to go back to eating, instead savouring this closeness.
"I'm glad to hear that." He murmured, lingering close still, forehead to forehead, and closing his eyes. He waited for a few seconds more before leaning back, hand dropping down to grab a piece of cheese and offer it to Viktor.
"Our driver will wait as long as necessary, so if we feel the need to cuddle after we have our fill, we have plenty of time." Was that a hint? Yes, a very blatant one.
Viktor gives a little space, but as Xander holds up the piece of cheese, he simply lets his mouth fall open slightly. Yes, you can keep feeding him.
"Ah, this is good." It feels odd, having a driver, someone waiting on them, but perhaps this experience will teach him to order carriages for himself more often. At least for long trips like quests and such.
"So, you have heard about Jayce... Who are the important people in your life?"
He only recently found out that his best friend in Caldera has children back home, so he's making the effort to ask about this sort of thing sooner.
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"It's lovely, Xander," he says with a hint of adoration in his tone. For the scene or for Xander, who could say (both). He awkwardly moves to sit on the blanket and lifts his hands to take the basket from Xander and set it down. He then offers a hand to Xander for getting down on the ground.
"I just realized that I am quite hungry," he admits sheepishly.
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"When did you eat last?" He asked, worry creasing his brow. He knew too well how easy it was to lose oneself in a project and forget to eat for... a day or two. Listen.
He pulled the wine and glasses out first and set them aside so he could start arranging the food. A handful of finger sandwiches — cucumber and cream cheese, various cold cuts and cheese, and a vegetarian option because, oops, he realized he hadn't asked Viktor of any preferences — and a charcuterie board crafted at the winery that Astarion's crew had been kind enough to have prepped for him, full of various crackers, fruit, cheese, nuts and meats. "I hope you are not allergic to anything."
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"I had a late dinner at the Inn yesterday..."
Thus, his eyes light up as Xander takes out the spread of food, especially the cheese board.
"Thankfully not." Viktor has enough health problems, so he's glad he can eat whatever he wants, and he does. "This looks delicious." He tentatively takes a piece of cheese.
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While they talked, Xander grabbed a small plate from the bottom of the basket and filled it with various cheeses and meats, and a few random sandwiches, setting it in front of Viktor insistently. Eat.
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"I... Have mostly had coffee," he admits reluctantly. Oopsie doodle. It's a wonder he's conscious right now.
To his credit, he dutifully takes the plate and begins to nibble on it.
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"I had a feeling," he would have done the same if he wasn't fully aware of how dehydration could affect cognitive functions, and thus be more of a hindrance toward his studies. "Perhaps I will invite you for water breaks together."
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"Mmm..." Viktor thinks for a moment. Now that he's actually paying attention to his body's signals, he's realizing that he is very thirsty as well, and that's probably part of why he doesn't feel well. Go figure!
"Let us start right now, before the wine, then."
He puts his plate down to grab a wine glass, and swirls his fingertips around its opening. Fresh water begins to swirl around inside the glass, condensing rapidly from the air. After a minute, the glass is full, and he hands it to Xander with a smile, then gets to work on the second.
Thanks for the useful party trick, Lioriley.
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He took the glass, trusting Viktor enough to take a sip. "That is a convenient talent. And yet you still do not hydrate enough?" He teased. "I jest. I understand how easily it is to get lost in a task."
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"Yes, when I get absorbed in a project... I simply forget everything else. I barely notice the time passing until I can't see my work and realize it has gotten dark and I've neglected to turn any lights on."
He finishes filling his own glass and takes a sip, which he intends to be dainty and polite, but he's so thirsty that he ends up draining half the glass immediately.
"Now that I am working on something that is so similar to Hextech, my intense focus on it seems to have returned."
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He popped a grape into his mouth and chewed, humming as he swallowed. "Luckily, you have me and a handful of others around that can make sure you don't overdo it. I would hate to see overwork yourself and take time from your projects. I know that can be... anxiety inducing."
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Rapt. Lord help him.
"Yes, I am lucky to have people who remind me to care for myself, and help me when I am unable to do so." Barcus, Ferin, Lioriley, Skan. All who help him in their own ways.
He hums nervously, then, looking down at his plate. His stomach is full of butterflies.
"I fear your masterful plan may be backfiring, a little. It seems I am nervous around you, which is making it difficult to eat." He looks up again and smiles, shy and apologetic.
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"Nervous?" He asked, curious, "that sounds like valuable data. Should I be flattered... or concerned? You aren't feeling nauseous, are you?"
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"I am a little nauseous, but it is nothing of concern. I have felt this way before, and I know it is a sign of..."
Attraction."Well, you should be... Flattered."He clears his throat. He senses that his nerves may be coming from a sense of anticipation, of uncertainty about where this date will go. He wonders if making some part of that more clear may calm him a little.
"Would you... Come closer?"
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"If you like." He scooted closer until they were practically hip to hip, leaving just enough room to move around without hitting each other if they reached for something.
Speaking of, Xander plucked a strawberry from a bowl. "How's that?" The seating arrangement, he meant. But it was asked while offering a strawberry to Viktor's lips.
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So he places his hand on the blanket behind Xander, the better to lean toward him.
Viktor's eyes widen slightly as he looks at the strawberry, almost cross-eyed.
"Good," he breathes, very quietly. His eyes meet Xander's again, now unblinking as he bites into the berry.
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Without thinking, his own lips parted slightly as Viktor bit down into the fruit, like he was anticipating the taste of it himself. Or maybe he was imagining his own lips on his (it was the latter). The intense attraction he felt toward the man would have been alarming, if it was not so obvious how similar they were in so many regards. Like attracted like and all that. It was difficult not to be attracted to someone in that case.
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"Would you like a taste?" He asks, leaning a little closer. He's still extremely nervous, but desire burns in him, too bright and hot to ignore.
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Xander exhaled a breathy laugh, set the berry stem down and set his now free hand against Viktor's cheek. "It would be my pleasure." and leaned in to gently set his lips against the other man's.
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As his anxiety settles a little, the desire has more space to flare up. His own free hand clasps gently behind Xander's ear and keeps him close. He deepens the kiss, parting his lips slightly, offering a taste as he promised.
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It was picturesque, the way the sun filtered through the trees, casting down god rays upon the clearing they had settled in. The breeze was light, the flowers and grass swaying gently around them. Xander hummed into the other man's mouth and leaned in a little more, fingers sliding back to card through his hair and settle against the back of his skull.
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Viktor exhales a soft hum as their mouths lock further together, his tongue just as tentative as it finds the other man's, the brush of it stoking a bit of heat in his gut.
He always requires an intellectual and emotional connection before he feels comfortable doing anything like this. And while he had that with Rolan, the tiefling had been the one to push things forward physically, a bit too fast for Viktor's taste. Alternately, here he feels in control of what's happening, like he can be the one to drive it forward or pull back. That sense of agency makes it easier for Viktor to tell what he wants. He wants Xander- a little urgently, but mostly deeply, tenderly. He likes the doctor a lot- his kindness, his intellect, his gentle caring nature- and he wants to let him know how he feels through this action, this deep kiss.
So his tongue presses in, more certain, exploring Xander's mouth more fully before he breaks the kiss gently. He lingers there, their foreheads touching, and looks into Xander's eyes.
"I am quite fond of you."
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His eyelids fluttered, open just enough to peer back at him. Cheeks warm with a flush of nervousness and excitement in equal measure.
"I should hope so." He teased and stole another soft, lingering kiss, speaking again when he pulled back. "I am quite fond of you, too. And I had not anticipated I would be so lucky to kiss you this soon."
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"I suppose I grew a little impatient," he murmurs, apologetic but playful. "I think eating may come more easily now." Now that the big scary part is 'out of the way', so to speak. Well, the body painting is also scary, but that part is optional and he's keeping it out of his mind for the moment. However, he makes no move to go back to eating, instead savouring this closeness.
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"Our driver will wait as long as necessary, so if we feel the need to cuddle after we have our fill, we have plenty of time." Was that a hint? Yes, a very blatant one.
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"Ah, this is good." It feels odd, having a driver, someone waiting on them, but perhaps this experience will teach him to order carriages for himself more often. At least for long trips like quests and such.
"So, you have heard about Jayce... Who are the important people in your life?"
He only recently found out that his best friend in Caldera has children back home, so he's making the effort to ask about this sort of thing sooner.
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