Chapter Text
It has been one year now, since Jayce first left his village. Now he is twenty-six years old.
If you had told his twenty-five year old self that he would live to see twenty-six, he would have laughed in your face. He probably would have laughed in your face at age 16 as well. And that doesn't even include the absolute wild ride he has been on over the past year. Needless to say, he never expected to live this long.
He can hardly believe everything he has been through himself. The confusion, the betrayal, the fighting, the love, the companionship, the danger, the thrill.
But, somehow, some way, he has made it.
He is awoken on the morning of his twenty-sixth birthday by Viktor pressing gentle kisses to his face, wrapped in Viktor’s arms. As he slowly opens his eyes, he wraps his own arms around Viktor to pull him in close. He grumbles out, voice still full of sleep.
“Gmorning V.”
Viktor chuckles softly next to him.
“Good morning, my little lamb. Happy birthday.”
Jayce hums.
“Thanks Vik.”
“Not a morning person even on your birthday are you?”
Jayce laughs.
“If it’s my birthday, I should be allowed to sleep in as long as I want!”
“Perhaps. But if you sleep in, I’m not going to be able to give you your present!”
Almost comedically, Jayce shoots upright, eyes wide and a grin on his face. Viktor cackles loud.
“That’s what gets you to wake up properly?”
Jayce only grins wider, playfully shrugging his shoulders.
“What can I say? I’m easy to please.”
The two share a bout of laughter for some time, holding each other close and exchanging soft pecks as hands wander lovingly down arms and backs and around each other’s waists. They don’t let themselves get too carried away though.
“Cmon, let us go get breakfast. I’m sure the rest of the coven is eager to wish you a happy birthday.”
Jayce agrees, and the two get themselves dressed before heading to the dining hall. Just before they go through the doors, Viktor steps behind Jayce, raising his hands to cover Jayce’s eyes.
“Are you ready for your surprise?”
Jayce huffs a laugh.
“Surprise? What mischief has everyone been up to?”
“Oh, you know. The usual.”
“Okay okay. I’m ready.”
Viktor carefully guides Jayce through the doors, and gives a countdown before uncovering his eyes. Jayce takes a second to adjust to the light, and is greeted with a large crowd crying out-
“HAPPY BIRTHDAY JAYCE!”
Jayce gasps in delight, and his jaw only drops further when he sees who has gathered for the celebration.
Not only is essentially the entire coven present, but Caitlyn, Mel, and-
“MAMA!”
He runs towards his mother, crashing into her with the biggest hug he can muster without knocking her off of her feet. She giggles with a small ‘oof’ from the impact, wrapping her arms around him to embrace him tight. Jayce buries his head into her shoulder to hide the initial tears, and only once he has settled does he pull away.
“Mama, how did you- I didn’t- you- I-”
She giggles.
“Please remember to breathe, Jayce.”
Jayce takes her advice and takes a few breaths so he doesn’t pass out before speaking again.
“You’re really here. I’ve missed you so much. I didn’t think…”
Viktor comes over and rests a hand on Jayce’s shoulder.
“When Vi went to collect Caitlyn, your mother insisted on coming along as well. Vi could hardly refuse.”
Vi huffs in pretend annoyance.
“Yeah, well, when she threatens to never make her cupcakes again if she isn’t allowed to follow, you hardly have a choice.”
Jayce howls, doubled over with his laughter. His laughter is so infectious, and almost everyone joins in. Even Vi, albeit embarrassed.
Once the laughter has settled down, people disperse to start eating breakfast; pancakes were made as a special treat for the celebration, Jayce’s favourite. Jayce eats with delight surrounded by his closest loved ones, making sure to catch up with everyone individually.
“So mama, Cait, how’s the village doing?”
Caitlyn hums.
“Really well, actually. It has been really peaceful and relaxed. Everyone has used the time to grow closer together and be more supportive of each other.”
“Oh yes! I couldn’t agree more. And the village asks after you and Viktor regularly. They all send their best wishes for you both.”
Jayce smiles warmly at his mother’s words.
“Thanks mama, that’s really good to know. I’m glad the village has had the time it needs to heal.”
“Aren’t we all!”
Jayce hums.
“What about both of you? Have you both been managing alright with everything?”
Ximena waves him off.
“I hardly have anything to manage my darling. You worry about me far too much! Miss Caitlyn on the other hand!”
Ximena gives Caitlyn a look, and she hides behind her hand, slightly embarrassed.
“Sprout?”
She finishes her mouthful before speaking.
“Your mother is right in the sense that I have had quite a bit to deal with. But I am managing okay. I… I don’t manage as well as perhaps my mother used to, but-”
“Cait, you stress too much. Cassandra would be so proud of the young woman you’ve become. You have to know that.”
Jayce reaches a hand out and Caitlyn takes it, squeezing it in reassurance.
“I know, Jayce. Thank you. I do know that. And it’s like I said, I’ve been managing quite well. Vi has actually been a really great source of support for me.”
Vi grins, nicking a piece of pancake off of Caitlyn’s plate.
“Anything for my cupcake.”
“Good for you two. Glad everything is well.”
Jayce smiles at the happy couple, and leaves them to it whilst he catches up with some others. He heads over to another nearby table.
“Mel!”
“Jayce!”
They share a steady embrace, before Mel pulls back.
“Happy birthday Jayce. You don’t look a day over twenty!”
Jayce chuckles, sitting down next to her.
“And you look exquisite as per usual. How have things been with you?”
Mel hums.
“All is well. Rictus’ coven has settled and are now embracing more human-friendly practices, and have settled down massively since their conflict with your coven. They have caused no trouble. I’ve been able to continue my travels to better understand my own powers and abilities, and have been able to become more sure of myself.”
Jayce nods eagerly.
“Wow… that sounds incredible Mel. I’m really happy for you!”
“Why thank you. And what about you? You’ve been here one year now, correct? How are you finding things?”
Jayce looks around and catches sight of Viktor, fully engaged in an animated conversation with his mother. He smiles and lets out a content sigh.
“It’s… perfect.”
Mel giggles.
“You’re completely smitten with him aren’t you.”
Jayce smiles bashfully, a hand scratching at the back of his neck.
“I suppose it’s obvious huh?”
“As obvious as anything.”
Jayce grins, and turns to Isha who is sat opposite Mel.
“And how are you doing, you little trouble maker?”
Isha grins, and signs to him.
Great! Mel thinks I might have some connection to magic!
“Oh? Really?”
Mel nods.
“Indeed. It is dormant, but I can feel a stirring of power within her. It might not show itself for quite some time though.”
Isha nods.
Yeah I know. But I hope my magic looks like yours!
Mel smiles, and lifts her hand, releasing a glittering golden trail from her fingertip that sways over to Isha and boops her nose with a little puff of shimmering glitter. She giggles and Jayce smiles at the exchange.
“You might have an apprentice on your hands.”
“That I just might.”
Jayce smiles, and rises from his seat, looking over the dining hall. He was about to return to his own table, until he noticed Margot sat alone in the corner, nursing a hot drink. He frowns, and makes his way over to her, taking a seat opposite her.
“Hey!”
She seems startled by the fact he approached, not looking at him.
“Hi.”
A moment of silence.
“I saw you here alone. Are you okay?”
She hums dismissively.
“I’m fine. Just not my scene.”
Jayce tilts his head.
“Not big on crowds?”
She scoffs.
“Not big on people who don’t like me.”
Jayce’s eyebrows furrow in confusion.
“Now who said that?”
She looks at him incredulously. Jayce raises his hands in a placating gesture.
“Look, we may not have always seen eye to eye, but I don’t hate you or anything. We’re both members of the same coven aren’t we? That makes us family. And family looks out for each other. Don’t feel pressured to join in if you’d rather be on your own, but I assure you no one here hates you.”
She shrugs, and makes a noise of acknowledgement, but doesn’t say anymore. Jayce is about to get up and leave her be, but she suddenly says-
“Wait.”
She turns and rummages around in her pocket, before pulling out a small purple box, with a blue bow on top.
“Happy day of birth.”
Jayce smiles, and opens the gift, and inside is a small bracelet dotted with a number of scarlet gemstones.
“It’s from all of the coven. It’s a symbol of our acceptance of you as part of us. We… didn’t exactly welcome you with open arms at first. So, we wanted to show you that we have changed with this gift.”
Jayce’s mouth opens in quiet surprise and admiration of such a sweet thought behind the meaningful present, and carefully places the bracelet on his right wrist. It fits perfectly.
“That… that’s so kind. Thank you, Margot.”
“Well don’t thank- huh?”
Before Margot can finish the thought, Jayce has stood up and wrapped Margot in a hug. Margot hesitates, but gently wraps her arms around Jayce in return.
“Don’t mention it, kid.”
Jayce pulls back, smiling at her.
“It means a lot to me, of course I’m going to mention it. Don’t forget what I said yeah? No one here hates you. You’re as welcomed in these celebrations as anyone.”
She nods, and Jayce turns to leave her be, but not before just managing to catch a small smile on her face.
He returns to where Viktor and his mother are, and sits back down with them.
“So, what’s the plan?”
Viktor turns to him.
“Well, it is your birthday, Jayce. The plan is whatever you’d like it to be.”
Ximena hums.
“I agree. Although I would love to see these gardens that you are so fond of. You mention them in every letter you have sent me!”
“Well, let me go show you the gardens then!”
Jayce, Ximena, and Viktor then head to the gardens, and Jayce takes her to the fountain.
“There’s so many flowers, not that I could name them all, but I’m sure you could mama. And the fountain is such a beautiful touch. I love it. It's such a nice place to come and think when I need to clear my head. I just knew you’d love it!”
Ximena giggles, listening to Jayce happy ramblings. She takes a seat on the edge of the fountain, running her hand through the water.
“This is certainly stunning, although words won’t do its beauty justice. Thank you for showing me this, Jayce. And thank you Viktor for allowing me to visit.”
Viktor hums.
“Of course. I’m glad you can share in its charm as well.”
They exchange a smile, and Ximena nods.
“Alright, well I will return to the crowd. Some of the coven were interested in human birthday games like musical chairs. Don’t feel any rush to rejoin us, I’ll make sure there is a slice of cake for you Jayce!”
Jayce chuckles.
“Thanks mama.”
She heads back into the castle, and Viktor and Jayce remain by the side of the fountain for a while, Jayce’s head resting on Viktor’s shoulder.
“Now might be a good time to give you your birthday present.”
Jayce perks up at that.
“Sure, I’d love to see it!”
Viktor smiles, but Jayce can see a hint of nerves behind it. He reaches out to squeeze Viktor’s shoulder, and places a kiss on his cheek.
“Don’t worry V. I’m sure I’m going to love it, whatever it is.”
“Oh, I have no doubt about that, my little lamb.”
He rummages through his own pocket and pulls out a small cream box, tied neatly and precisely with a golden silk bow. Jayce takes the box carefully.
“The box is very fancy!”
Viktor huffs a laugh.
“Wait until you see what’s inside then.”
Jayce raises an eyebrow, and carefully undoes the bow to open the box. Inside is a simple golden chain. Jayce pulls the chain out of the box, and notices the pendant attached with a simple engraving.
V+J
In the centre of a heart.
“Oh, Viktor… it’s beautiful.”
“Would you like me to put it on you?”
Jayce nods, and turns around. Viktor brings the chain up around his neck. It resembles a choker more than anything else, and Jayce cannot avoid the shiver that runs down his spine when Viktor clicks it into place. Viktor places his hands on both of Jayce’s shoulders, and leans forward to whisper in his ear.
“Now, you can have a permanent reminder that shows anyone who sees you that you are taken.”
Jayce feels his face heat, and turns around to press a passionate kiss to Viktor’s lips, tongues intertwining with one another. Jayce doesn’t stop until his lungs scream at him to pull away for air, and the kiss has left both of them breathless.
“I’m yours, Viktor. And you’re mine.”
“Yes, my little lamb. I’m yours as much as you are mine.”
They lean back in to share another kiss, now more tame with the confirmation of them being equals, belonging to each other rather than one owning the other. That confirmation warming both of their hearts and calming both of their nerves.
Once they pull apart, Viktor rests his forehead against Jayce’s, and the two remain that way for some time, exchanging breaths and getting lost in each other’s eyes.
“I love you, Jayce. For the rest of time. I will always love you.”
Jayce smiles, leaning in to press a peck to Viktor’s lips.
“I love you too, Viktor. Always.”
Jayce isn’t sure how much time passes in that moment between them, simply holding one another and being close. But as he notices the sun begin to set, he realises they should probably head back inside. He tells Viktor as much, who laughs in agreement.
As they head back towards the castle, Jayce can’t help but reflect on the past year. He never would have thought he would have ended up here, married to the ‘vampire king’, a member of his coven and considered family by the other vampires. He never thought he would have been rejected by his village, and then have that relationship heal over time.
He managed to succeed in what he set out to do. He helped make sure no one else died in the exchange between his village and the coven. But he has gained so much more than he ever dreamed he would. He gained a love, a family, and a life beyond being a tool for some other grand purpose. He is his own person now.
And, as they return to the dining hall, and he looks around and sees all of his loved ones around him, he cannot wait to continue to be his own person, whatever the future may bring.