[Every second Vash lingers in their pseudo-embrace without reciprocation just seems to wound him further. Even if he knows he doesn't deserve better, it still smarts. Even holding his hand feels wrong after awhile. He sets it down just as gentle as he picked it up, returning to wrapping his arms around himself.
He can take a hint.
His shoulders do droop with the faintest hint of relief when Livio accepts his apology. It's a step. One he doesn't deserve, but a step nonetheless. For the first time, he tries to smile. It's small, wobbles at the edges and fades completely as grief takes him, but for a second it was there.
He nods along with Livio's words. He can at least get behind shouldering a burden with someone, even if he thinks he should take the lion's share. That, he knows they'll never agree to, though.]
Liv- ah, I mean... Livio's got a point. Better if we all try to take ownership, yeah?
[In his heart, he knows he should say more. But above anything, he's exhausted. The last few days, weeks if the others are to be believed, lay heavy on his shoulders. He's done his best to be strong and not favor his own wounds when he's hurt so many other people, but it's getting harder the more time that passes. And, more than anything? Trying to pretend to be okay with the distance, however earned, is beginning to wear on him.]
Look, I should... probably get some rest. And I'm sure the good doctor's gonna come around with more needles soon enough. You two should probably head out. Don't want either of you to get uncomfortable.
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He can take a hint.
His shoulders do droop with the faintest hint of relief when Livio accepts his apology. It's a step. One he doesn't deserve, but a step nonetheless. For the first time, he tries to smile. It's small, wobbles at the edges and fades completely as grief takes him, but for a second it was there.
He nods along with Livio's words. He can at least get behind shouldering a burden with someone, even if he thinks he should take the lion's share. That, he knows they'll never agree to, though.]
Liv- ah, I mean... Livio's got a point. Better if we all try to take ownership, yeah?
[In his heart, he knows he should say more. But above anything, he's exhausted. The last few days, weeks if the others are to be believed, lay heavy on his shoulders. He's done his best to be strong and not favor his own wounds when he's hurt so many other people, but it's getting harder the more time that passes. And, more than anything? Trying to pretend to be okay with the distance, however earned, is beginning to wear on him.]
Look, I should... probably get some rest. And I'm sure the good doctor's gonna come around with more needles soon enough. You two should probably head out. Don't want either of you to get uncomfortable.