[Honestly, more often than not, Vash wasn't sure what he needed, either. He'd long since settled into a life of doing everything but trying to figure out what was in his own head. It was just easier that way.

He shook his head gently, glancing around them, though he didn't shake him off. It helped, at least a little, the weight of his hands helping keep his thoughts grounded.]

But where did they go? Did you see what happened? [His face twisted almost imperceptibly, the corner of his mouth twitching. His voice was softer when he continued, and he deliberately didn't look up at him.] I...I don't think I would have been great company, Livio. Past few months've been...kinda hard...

[But then he looked up at him again with a watery smile, his eyes closing almost immediately to keep the tears back and because, for some reason, it made it easier to talk without his voice cracking around the pain when they were.]

Maybe sometime soon, though, yeah? I didn't get to meet them properly, last time. Things were...things were too much. They might not even recognize me now, anyway, right? Had a lot more blond hair back then.

[His little laugh probably wasn't fooling anyone.]