[Sano watches Heisuke's face closely, his heart lifting at the sight of that smile, however hesitant it is, but then it fades so quickly. But Sano watches and he listens, like he always does when it really matters. It's clear that Heisuke has a lot weighing on him, even more than Sano actually knew about.

But don't they all have things hanging over them? Things they'd not always like to talk about or think about. It sucks, but that's a part of life. They just have to figure out how to deal with it all. And since Heisuke has chosen to be this honest with Sano, there's no way he'd show the other man away. Besides, from Sano's viewpoint, this worry of Heisuke's isn't some big, tragic stumbling block in their friendship. It's just a part of his life.

So he gets up and retrieves the two cups of tea (now cold, unfortunately) and sets one down in front of Heisuke before settling back down beside him this time.]

Sounds like it was a pride issue more than anything. Some people are like that, though. And I get it. Pride's an important thing. But it can be a real stupid thing, too.

[He sips some of his tea and makes a face, setting the cup down without a word.]

'Cause if you're gonna choose pride over a friend, then you're the biggest fool out there. But what I don't get is why would you wanna choose anything superficial over a friend. If it's money or power or your own damn pride, none of that's gonna be there with you to share a stupid joke or a drink. None of that's gonna watch your back unconditionally. None of that's actually fulfilling. You know?

[Sano drapes his arm around Heisuke's shoulders, tugging him close.]

Now, if you think me an' Shinpachi are gonna give a shit 'cause you're apparently loaded, then say it right now. Otherwise, you gotta know that we like you 'cause we like you. That's it.