Vash blinked back his tears and took several deep breaths. He recognized Knives' exasperated behavior as well, and despite the situation, his pride was still offended by it. He wouldn't cry now.

"Fine." he answered finally, in a voice still angry. "If you want me to stop, then tell me what the hell that was!" Vash needed to know the answer before he could figure out what needed to be done. No, that was an excuse, he knew. Before coming to this City, he had spent so long thinking how to stop Knives without killing him, with no answer. He had dared to hope that they wouldn't face each other again, not here, for the lives of humanity.