[viktor's smile softens a little- yes, maybe allen gets it. he doesn't know all of allen's life by a long shot but there are things he recognizes in allen that he can make basic guesses about based off his own experience.

it's not terribly hard to tell when someone truly knew what it was to be hungry, after all.

he lowers the heat a little, stirring slowly.] ... thank you, Allen. In truth it's been a touch terrifying of an experience, though very much worth it. I suppose having something you feel you could not bear to lose will always be frightening, one way or another.