[Even at his best, Victor would never be able to match James's physical strength. And it's not like he can pretend that being near James is helping. The man keeps him more centered and it's easier to snap away from the odd sensory experiences the virus is giving him. Some of his usual mood is even coming back and his lips twist into a smile]

I should know better. The fearless adventurer won't let the terrifying vision take risks alone.

[His expression warms but he has enough sense to not kiss James, however much he would like to at the moment. Victor still stubbornly tries to get some control of things by guiding them around to pick up what he needs at his office and leaving a scrawled note that he'll be working from home.

And he starts babbling again. Whether this is a symptom or him trying to focus his mind away from the symptoms, who even knows]

What do you think about the word 'partners'? I think it's a lot more fitting than 'boyfriend'. We're not just dating or sleeping together. We're a team, we fit together. I think it's a good word.