Viktor realizes what he's said just a split second too late, but Jayce's expression says it all. He full-body cringes, eyes squeezed shut as he feels an instant wave of regret that he tries to let out as a protracted exhale.

"I didn't mean--" Not you. No time spent with you was wasted. "It's complicated. None of this has played out the way I imagined. I thought I would have accomplished something for the Undercity, by now. I thought I had more time, I thought--"

Viktor trails off. If he says more, he runs the risk of digging himself a deeper hole, and Jayce doesn't deserve that. Jayce pulls his arm away and Viktor can't exactly blame him, but actually taking his hand is something of a surprise. It only lasts a few moments, but the assurance is enough, and he knows all of this is sincere. They're in a bad situation, that much is obvious, but he knows that they have a much better chance of navigating it if they can do it together.

"Thank you, Jayce."