Strangely, it was that little bit of selfishness that made things a bit easier for Heiji. He could take Kazuha's ire or anything else that came his way; what would have been intolerable was Snake giving up on him.

"Me, either," he said quietly. His face was still flushed, but he reached out to take Snake's hand. "I love you, too. So... don't wander off in that wasteland, 'cause I still have to hear all about you!"