( The play-pretend fades, Vash left to blink down at the top of her head. If his eyes are a little wet then he can't really be blamed for that, he thinks. When was the last time he was hugged like this? It feels nice. And she's so kind. )

I don't think I know how to keep things.

( It's out of his mouth, quiet and helpless, more child-like than his whine from moments before. His arms come up, to hug her back, something shuddering in the tips of his fingers. The worst thing is he doesn't think he'll ever know how to. Even if his life didn't kill Wolfwood, even if the other man survived it all despite everything, time would come for him in a way it does not for Vash. )

I don't know how to get any of it to change. ( But what good is questioning it? What could he do? He has to survive. ) I am okay though, Hiyori. I really am. I have to be. You really don't have to worry.