Something was wrong. Before Vash could respond to Wolfwood's words, there was something wrong with Wolfwood's heart that demanded his attention -- it was beating too fast, far too fast. Fast like it had been in the throes of too many of those awful vials he'd poisoned himself with.

Vash froze, terror and uncertainty warring within him. It was just fear, wasn't it? Sorrow and stress? His own heart was pounding too, surely... But then Wolfwood swayed, his voice tight as he fell against Vash's shoulder, his heart beating too fast, his breathing not right and it was happening again, it was happening again, there wasn't any blood this time but he was listening to Wolfwood's heart fail again, god, please, not again. Not again.

He clutched Wolfwood to him in a crushing embrace, as though he could stop what was happening by holding Wolfwood close enough, like his heart could do the work for two if he just wanted it enough. It was happening again, and his mental scream must have carried for miles -- not again, please. Please. Take me, not him. Please. Electricity cracked under his skin, surging into readiness. He couldn't do a damn thing for a racing heartbeat and tight lungs -- his medical knowledge began and ended with wound care -- but the moment that strong heart stopped, the instant those great lungs seized, and he would pour every bit of energy he had into the other man. Maybe it wouldn't be enough. Maybe he'd just kill them both.

That was better than sitting here, again, and watching Wolfwood die.

Not again. Not again, please. Please, I'm sorry, not again!