[The last thing Viktor expects after all that emptiness, all the grief, and all that suffering is joke. The break in tension is so pure and brilliant. He wheezes out a laugh, cracks a smile despite everything.

Viktor sounds so happy,]

Haah, it's you, really you. You're back... [that's Jayce, humorous despite everything, despite all the worst things. Viktor wants to squeeze him, but he's afraid of his own strength and the man's own, fragile state of being. Just holds on, for now, keeps him still and secure, stops any of his dizzy struggling from tearing or pinching the tubing connecting them. That's all still necessary, until Viktor can check and the double-check Jayce is stable.]

I, I did everything I could. I understand now- I understand. How you... couldn't let me go. [they are just the same, Viktor isn't going to think critically on their codependency. All he can think about is how grateful he is and how proud of himself this makes him.

Finally. He saved someone's life.]