Because I wouldn’t want to be around me, if I was you!

[He doesn’t mean to raise his voice, but he says it so suddenly it surprises even him. It’s all Jayce’s fault, after all. Viktor had warned him the Hexcore was dangerous, and Jayce is the one who not only failed to destroy it, but made it a part of Viktor’s body. How could he blame Viktor for what he did, when Jayce is the reason any of it happened?]

You wanted to help people, and I couldn’t let you go— I was so desperate to not lose you I— I corrupted your dream. [Viktor’s beautiful dream. The commune. The plants. It all could have worked, if they had done things just a little differently. If Jayce hadn’t insisted they follow the Council’s orders for seven years, and instead they jumped right to doing something actually useful and meaningful to people. No fucking around with Hexgates or lasers. Just plants. Peaceful living. It could have worked.]

How could I blame you when I don’t know how you can even stand to look at me?

[Viktor touches his leg so gently, and Jayce finally drags his eyes up to Viktor’s own. He laughs once, humorlessly. Everything feels like a cruel joke.]

What a pair. You think you’re selfish for wanting to be around me, and I thought I was selfish for wanting the same.