( there was a number of reasons why heather had opted to view the best in people, knowing full well that the hearts of men were volatile. a combination of perhaps being naive due to age, of having already gone through the worst imaginable-

but really if vincent and chrollo had truly been paying attention, they weren't the only ones who cared for and worried about heather. it was through those bonds she made here that she felt safe. that she wasn't as angry at claudia or him anymore because of it.

as they continued on, she listened to him closely, even if that rebellious defiance felt like creeping out. it was then that she suddenly felt a closeness to him-

he was truly concerned for her wasn't he? she was sure he wouldn't admit that it went far beyond her role in his cult, in his beloved religion, but she felt it. )

Well...I'm sorry for making you worry. I didn't expect you to suddenly care about me given our history. I'll try....to be more careful with people.

( that's the best he'll get out of her. )

Of course I have, and I hope you've been taking advantage too. This isn't just a unique opportunity for me, you know? You...you can live like a normal person here too in between things.