[allen's reaction is a bit of a surprise, though it doesn't take too terribly long to have a basic understanding that this might not be something allen is used to. wasn't viktor himself touched when jayce said 'our hextech dream,' insisted on their status as partners when he easily could have denied it all?

he doubts it's entirely the same but he thinks it could be born from something similar, and at the very least he is very glad he made the offer. he couldn't even call it on a whim, he always planned for as much. allen deserved unlimited access to their research, that wouldn't exist without him.

he pats allen's shoulder once- jayce always did something similar, and viktor found it effective in conveying what could not be said.] Hm, come over sometime later this week then and I'll have the key for you. You're welcome to eh... 'crash' here as well, if you'd like, should you need to.

[he considers asking where allen is staying exactly as he closes the door behind them, slotting in the key. unfortunately as he's pulling it out his lungs burn, forcing him to grab for one of the rags he keeps in his pocket to begin hacking into it.

unpleasantly wet coughs at that, making rio trot close to help support him. when he pulls back to breathe there's pale, shimmering blood in the moonlight staining the rag, the faint smell of milk coming from it. if anyone didn't know better you'd think his drink just came back up.]