Jayce had noticed Viktor's decline over the years. It was subtle at first, something he noticed but knew better not to press on. The heavier lean on the cane, the drop in weight, he noticed - but knew better not to bring it up to his partner. Well, until the overworking. It was frustrating and he felt horrid about being so busy, but between the forge and Councilor duties, he didn't have time to pick up his own slack if he wanted to stay sane. Gods, Jayce wished he had never become a Council member. Given, he wasn't exactly given a choice.

Jayce noticed the little things: the shaking hands, the wheeze after laughing, the loss in weight, the unkeptness. He noticed it, but kept quiet. They were busy, he didn't think it'd go well if he brought it up randomly when they were in the lab. Those times were few and far between, and he didn't want to ruin it.

It wasn't until Viktor didn't come to the lab one day did Jayce, well, panic. He couldn't seem to get ahold of the other, and a bad feeling went to his stomach. So, taking the key that Viktor had given him, Jayce went to Viktor's apartment. It was likely irrational, but he knew his partner. They shared a lab for almost a decade now. They knew each other's habits like the back of their hands. They shared moments that crossed the line as friends, even if they were undefined 'partners.'

He sighed, unlocking the door as he looked through the apartment. It was slightly messier than usual, a frown at his face as he walked through. Finally, he reached the bedroom and found Viktor still in the bed, the cane beside it fallen. "..Hey, Vik," he murmured softly, noticing the other stirring slightly.