[ for a moment that seemingly stretches on and on, into minutes into hours into infinity, it is only octavian's hand in his hair that keeps him anchored — there is a certain irony in octavian believing him stronger than the grief, all the while viktor feels that very grief pulling him under the waves, threatening to drown him in the hopelessness of it all.

quietly, with a twist to his mouth, he says, ] Those who shine the brightest burn the fastest. Professor Heimerdinger said that to me when he found out I was dying.

[ because of course he'd been so back home, too; it's not an aldrip development. he tilts his head, to try and look at octavian even as he presses his head against his hand. ]

You say that, and yet... that is what waits for me. I will die here, and if I go home, I will die there, too. Only to be brought back, just like here. [ he looks down, then. ] It is different to remain when you yourself have chosen it, than to have it all chosen for you.