It gives us a reason to keep moving forward. [viktor agrees, and thinks of his somewhat recent turn to focusing solely on survival over legacy. because he has people he wants to keep moving forward with, afraid to lose them or be lost.]

I suppose it would be easier to never care so deeply you could be hurt, but I do not think that is a way I ever wish to live again. [he turns off the stove, still stirring but taking the jam off the heat as he regards allen curiously.]

Why do you ask? I did not take you as one for romantic stories. [a touch amused, given he wouldn't have thought the same of himself and here he is, having told one.]