"That is true. Had our positions been reversed, he likely would have watched and laughed," Viktor mutters bitterly. The thought does make him feel less guilty, though.

"He is not worth thinking about or discussing further, so let us endeavour not to do so again unless it is truly necessary."

In other words: Jax is a waste of oxygen, in all ways. There are better things Viktor's limited lung capacity can be used for, such as expressing his love for Skan, for example. He leans more against the Gryphon, allowing himself to finally relax some.

He allows for silence and breathes for some long, stretching moments, reflecting on what's been said already. His mind returns to Skan's declaration that he protects his family, no matter what. That is the take home message, here.

"You are my family too," he admits quietly. "Well... Actually, the word I had begun to associate with you, and with Xander as well, is partner."

He takes a moment to try to fathom how to explain that word's meaning to someone else.

"Jayce and I were partners. Brothers, colleagues, friends... But more than that, we were dedicated to the same ambitions. We fuelled each other's successes, and picked each other up after failures. With Jayce, things were possible that I could have never done alone, and vice versa. We saved one another. He was the most important person in my life, and while no one can replace him... I have come to think of you and Xander in a similar way. Of course, each of these partnerships is fully unique, but they all mean a great deal to me, in ways I can never fully quantify or even put into words properly."

He looks away, feeling oddly wistful.

"I can only hope that... That I am not burdensome to you, and that I have helped you even half as much as you have helped me."