[Viktor let the matter drop without objection; they'd had countless brief arguments over the years, always over one minor equation or detail--and they had always fizzled out just as quickly. Even that was familiar, and he found himself relaxing slightly at the touch to his leg. Something he wouldn't allow from anyone else, certainly.]

...

[There were so many things he wanted to ask about--had Viktor told him about the Shimmer he was planning to experiment with, had it cone to anything at all, how long did he really have left--but none of it quite got any further than scattered thoughts. Did he even want to know? Did he want to ask, seeing how tired Jayce looked now compared to when Viktor had last seen him?]

My condition has neither improved nor worsened since I arrived; Aqua is the only one that knows anything about it. I have been going to the hospital once a month--just to be sure everything is unchanged.

If...it would help set your mind at ease, you could come with me next time.