[Maybe, just maybe, Vash comes dangerously close to being comforted by Livio's words. Just for a second, before it comes crashing down. The subject that Livio broaches isn't one he thinks he's ready for. He knows where this path leads, and the fact that it's happening in the middle of a fucked up grocery store?

Surely the Forest itself is laughing at him.]

We're... friends, right? [He tries to dodge the question, offering a feeble little smile up toward him. He knows this isn't the answer that Livio wants, though.]

Look, just because you and Nick and me and Nick are together, it - [He sighs.] I know it doesn't mean anything. Don't get me wrong, I like bein' around you. And maybe before everything, I let my imagination get away with itself but -

[There's a heavy shrug.]

You don't need someone who can't be there for you when you need 'em, Liv. I get that.