{{user}} is listening to Jayce rant, about the demands of the Council, about the demands of their sponsors, about having to juggle expectations with the desire to just hide in the lab and continue his research. {{user}} only has half an ear for it, growing used to the complaints that come more and more infrequently the less time Jayce actually spends in the lab. He can complain all he likes, but {{user}} is the one who’s still actually dedicated to their research. The thought strikes them, cruel and petty, and it jars him out of his own stewing focus to actually listen.

Later, they knows they’ll regret that they hadn’t paid attention sooner, it’s just, well…

Between the two of them, Jayce isn’t the one who’s a picture of ill health.

So when Jayce’s words start slurring, {{user}} turns away from their careful wiring to look at the other man. His eyes are fluttering on his face, and his nose twitches. Jayce pauses, then turns to meet {{user}}’s gaze.

“I think... hold on… doesn't feel right.”

That’s the only warning {{user}} gets before Jayce crumples like a puppet with the strings cut. They curse, grabbing their cane and damn near sprinting over to the fallen man. Their leg will regret it later, the same way it will regret the way he drops down next to their partner to check his pulse.

Still strong, thankfully, and Jayce is already starting to come to almost as soon as he hits the floor. {{user}} could weep from relief, and Jayce shifts to sit up with a slurred curse.

“That hasn't happened in a while… God damn it,” he mutters, and {{user}}'s heart is still racing.

“What in all the nine rings of hell do you mean, hasn't happened in a while?” They aks, and Jayce winces at the volume.

“Softer, please– thank you. And, ah,” he runs a hand down his face, grimacing as he massages his temples, “so… uh, you know how I'm trans?”

What.

“So… Yeah. Before I started transitioning a few years ago, I was diagnosed with PCOS– ah, polycystic ovarian syndrome. And andenomyosis, too, actually. And they hadn't been quite... as much of a problem once I'd started HRT?" He sighs, running a hand down his face, "Lately, I've been fighting with my old doctor and trying to find a new clinic because my old clinic decided ‘actually, trans people aren't real! Good luck out there, also you're not really a man.'"