( Embarrassment flares. So too does a deep ache. Vash toes the front of his boot through the snow, head ducked. )

Hiyori.

( A vague whine, almost childish. It's maybe the teensiest bit of an act, considering how Vash is. ) He's not even here, and my heart's fine. ( It's not, it's maybe in a billion little peices. But it's been that way since he was much, much younger. ) I got lucky, getting to spend time with him outside of our world. I don't think it's going to happen again. And I have to be okay with that. I wouldn't want him here anyway, he cares so much about people back home it wouldn't be fair.

( Wolfwood did everything for Hopeland. Vash has to tell himself he got it back. Otherwise what would be the point? )

And besides, I'm good.. It's better to have something for a little while than never, right?