[ Next to him, Jayce gives the tiniest of starts, drawing Viktor's attention. He expects something, a defense or retaliation, and he parts his lips to counter—but nothing. There's a haunted sort of look around Talis' eyes, like he's focused on something distant and painful. Viktor's heart skips a beat at the thought that he might have truly insulted him, but then Jayce is back to the present, though he swims to the surface a bit slowly.

Viktor should say something, but he doesn't know what it would be in his place to say. He introduced himself to a stranger this morning, and just because they share a passion for invention doesn't mean that he's gotten any closer to Jayce in the hours since then. ]

Good. That makes two of us.

[ Handing the journal back, Viktor stretches his legs out in front of him and absentmindedly kneads at the side of both thighs. ] I see you've already finished the shoes, but is there anything else you need in order to get started?