It was immediate to see the difference in this new (old?) version of Viktoria. She was far more carefree and lighthearted almost and James couldn't help but smile at it. If she could overcome what had been done to her, perhaps it mean there was hope for him as well. True neither would ever be the same. It was like throwing a rock into a still pond. Even if the surface calmed again, the rock would forever be part of the pond.
He returned her hug, unable to keep the smile off of his face. If he was being honest, he preferred this Viktoria. After the hug he moved over with her and sat down on the blanket, laying his assault rifle within easy reach as he looked over the spread. Everything looked rather delicious and he was eager to try it.
His dark eyes looked up at her when her question was asked and he shrugged. "Fairly pleasant," he returned honestly. "Didn't run into anything unpleasant." Which was always a plus given the times they lived in. "You look incredible by the way," he complimented