[ that quiet little laugh, as it turns out, is on its own enough to fill viktor's heart, like it isn't blood cells and oxygen and a number of other things in the veins that circulate the blood through his heart but something else entirely; like he's woken up from death and instead of needing air or water or food, that little laugh alone is enough to sustain this new body of his.

a romantic thought, that, if untrue; octavian kisses the backs of his hands softly before letting go, and viktor stares at him, transfixed, before saying, ]

I was unable to knowingly miss you while I was dead, but I believe whatever part of me remained in this simulation, waiting to be brought back... I believe that part wanted nothing more than to be here with you.

[ read: yes, he's going to eat, and sit here waiting for octavian to finish cooking. he would argue against sleep, but, hm, he also doesn't want to argue with octavian about anything... so perhaps, perhaps.

for now, though, he will sit right here and wait. ]