[Vash almost draws back as he sees Pure Vanilla leaning forward. He can accept some amount of kindness and mercy. He was a fool to think that the man would condemn him, when it's clear he's so much better than that. He's unfairly good in ways Vash could never be. Pure as he is, he doesn't deserve to debase himself by touching the marred bone and metal of Vash's arm.

The only reason Vash remains still at all is simply not wanting to upset the man any further.]

Is it really that easy? [The question is more rhetorical than anything. He poses it into the empty air, then breathes out a sigh.] I still have to kill now. I can't... feed like other people. I can't even - [He does manage a small laugh here. He's not judging Pure Vanilla at all. He thinks it's admirable, if a bit silly, that he's found a way around his needs.] Headbutt someone and call it good.

[He sobers at the mention of that other self. Sure, he can see some line of logic there. But he was far more inclined to agree with those that had railed against his efforts. It was... cruel. An easy way out, rather than fighting to help anyone.

He shakes his head.]

I don't know what that - other me was thinking. [Which, speaking of...] You're not what I was expecting, y'know? Kinda thought there'd be someone a little more... imposing.

Not someone - [The words catch in his throat for a brief moment.] - just a little bit like me.

["But so much better," he barely resists adding.]