You were in pain. For such a brilliant scientist, you weren't subtle about it.

Viktor had noticed how you held the table for support every time you stood for too long. Viktor had noticed how a little piece of you seemed to die every time you took the stairs to the lab. He'd even noticed the occasional rattle of your painkillers, but he couldn't prove his suspicions on that front.

He noticed. He noticed because he'd seen it all before in his own actions.

You had been sure you were getting away with it until Viktor had dropped that stupid book on your desk. The one with the big bold lettering on the front.

"Soothing the Storm: Manage Your Pain".

Your shock was only broken when he spoke. Plainly, directly, as if nothing was amiss.

"The title is ridiculous, but I found it helpful. Maybe I'm wrong, but.. eh.. I'm pretty sure you could use it."