They make it back to the apartment and it takes Viktor a huge amount of willpower not to collapse on the bed. The only thing that stops him is the fact that they’re so filthy, but even then, he’s sorely tempted. Viktor compromises by slumping into the kitchen chair and sitting motionless for a good long moment. He’ll let Jayce be the one to move around the apartment taking care of things until he absolutely has to get up.
He pulls out his handkerchief and coughs again. Not the response he wants to give, but it’s not exactly something he can help, either.
“No, I’m okay.” If anything, it will occupy his mind, to do this slowly and methodically.
“When I was small, it was always one thing or another. A chem-spill or a factory accident. A mine collapse.” Viktor doesn’t really know why he says it. Partly because he’s aware Jayce desperately wants to know more about him, partly because Viktor wants to remind him that he’s accustomed to this, one way or another. “But it’s been a long time. I think I’ve forgotten what it’s like, to know that after the first day or two, all you’ll find are bodies.”
no subject
He pulls out his handkerchief and coughs again. Not the response he wants to give, but it’s not exactly something he can help, either.
“No, I’m okay.” If anything, it will occupy his mind, to do this slowly and methodically.
“When I was small, it was always one thing or another. A chem-spill or a factory accident. A mine collapse.” Viktor doesn’t really know why he says it. Partly because he’s aware Jayce desperately wants to know more about him, partly because Viktor wants to remind him that he’s accustomed to this, one way or another. “But it’s been a long time. I think I’ve forgotten what it’s like, to know that after the first day or two, all you’ll find are bodies.”