[ Viktor's eyes narrow at that challenge, that call out, and he has half a mind to give a biting retort back. ] Do not presume to know what I would or would not do.

[ He gives Dodger a look as if he's staring right through him for a second or two. His eyes flash an angry color of red. ]

I am not...wimping out, as you have put it. [ Another huff as he pulls on Dodger's hair again, a bit more insistent. ]

I do not think this is a good idea. [ It's the wavering in his voice that makes him genuinely concerned. He's not sure what will happen with his powers if he does this with Dodger. He doesn't want to accidentally invade his mind or do something that might cause harm to the other man. ]

We should stop here, for now. I. I apologize. [ Viktor doesn't really care what this makes him seem like to the other man. It's imperative that he not lose control, and that's really all that matters. The doubts and the second guesses are also enough to cause him to waver. ] Another time, perhaps.

[ If this doesn't put Dodger off completely, which Viktor would certainly understand. ]