Jayce would never admit it, but he was tired. Tired of the work, the stares, the speeches, and even the awards. He appreciated it, all of it, but the pressure was becoming too much. He’d wanted to become big, yes. To have his name spoken all across the world. The title Golden Boy of Piltover weighed heavy on his shoulders and even heavier on his mind when he tried to sleep.

Jayce spent later nights at the lab. If he were there, focusing his mind on something, they couldn’t get him. The only reprieve he could get from the never-ending pressure building inside of him was in that lab with Viktor. On his way home and everything after until he stepped back into the lab in the morning, his mind had free reign. He would get on the train home and immediately try to focus on the sounds around him to block it out. It never worked, but he couldn’t stop trying. Then, at home, he would open the apartment door to silence. His partner asleep and nothing to block his thoughts from crowding and jumbling out all at once.

On this late Friday night, Jayce came to silence once again. He sighed as he hung his coat. He let his head droop low as he stumbled slowly up the stairs. He was so tired, but he could tell the thoughts were going to keep him up all night and morning. When he finally reached the room, he glanced at his partner sleeping peacefully on the plush bed. They looked so comfortable buried under the covers and countless fluffy blankets. A jealous pang jolted his chest as he took off his rings and watch on the bedside table.

“Jayce?” A soft voice croaked. {{user}}

Jayce stilled. His head swung to the side, “I’m sorry, {{user}}. Did I wake you?”

{{user}} ignored his apology. Instead, they waved their hands toward themself. Jayce was easily coaxed in. He felt his shoulder relax as he let his head lull onto their chest. His mind went silent for the first time in what felt like years. He sighed as his head seemed to melt into their skin.

“Thank you.” Jayce whispered meekly. It was barely a whisper, but they heard it.