[Once that spiraling begins, Viktor nudges his shoulder (just a smidge) into Bruno's.]

Drink your tea before it goes cold.

[He waits half a second, and then savors a sip of his own.]

I'm grateful we met. Not just for the earlier assistance.

[The barest of nods in the direction of his cane, still the same one Bruno helped him construct. It's in a little better shape than before- he's managed to find nails and more reinforcements to keep it together. But the pieces of wood that show are from the same frame he had taken from Bruno's space.

He opens his mouth, intending to say more, closes it like he thinks better of it, and then decides against that too. It needs to be said.]

I feel... in no small measure, at peace when with you. Had I found nearly anyone else's home here, I doubt I would have stepped inside, no matter the favor they had done.

[He's keeping his expression level, worried that anything too expressive could come off as emotionally vulnerable.]