[ Oh. He reaches out again to take one of Vash's hands. Squeezes it gently, folds his fingers with his, and rubs a thumb over his knuckles in a soft pet. ]

I understand.

[ And he does. He gets it. ]

I won't offer forgiveness, because you're right. I am not a part of that, I had no friends or family there. I cannot offer you it, but I hope you offer it to yourself. But... I can offer you understanding. I know the feeling of guilt that eats away at you, the idea of all those lives you feel are on your hands. I know what it is like to have nightmares of them blaming you, of failing lives you wanted so badly to protect.

[ He shakes his head a little, tightens his hold just a little. ]