[i]"Heh... Okay, May... I'm sure that trio would love to meet you."[/i] [b]Damien remarked cynically, giving Lance a very solemn stare.[/b] [i]"But I think you ought to know that not all things end happily. But, Belle is a different case. I owe her, and unfortunately, I can't remove my debt unless she is alive. I'll tell you this, May... I have a blurred line, one where I can barely tell the good guys from the bad... You ought to let me handle Belle and Salem..."[/i] [b]Vanille had long since stopped doodling and was staring intently at the duo, Damien throwing her a metal smile.[/b] [i]"Is my mom going to be okay?"[/i] [b]Damien thought for a moment before shaking his head.[/b] [i]"Nope. Never. You'd be wise to remember that. But, that's a good thing. Okay people suck... I think she's gonna be more than just okay."[/i] [b]Vanille nodded somberly, as if trying to convince herself that Damien was right.[/b] [i]"Besides, Lance, I think you owe it to Vanille."[/i] [b]Lance didn't really owe Vanille anything... But Damien wanted Vanille to feel a little more secure between the two.[/b]