[ There's a definitive set of things Ryo could say. Moreover, there's a definitive set of things that Ryo could choose not to say. What Ryo opts to, as he hoists himself up with more control than he's likely to be given credit for, is not exactly neutral. It might be the lack of sleep, but more likely there something else there. As much as he hadn't wanted to feed him a reaction, logic tends to skew sideways where Akira was concerned. ]

I'm aware of where I'm needed, [ he starts, the words low and cold. There's something more to the set of his expression than what should be, the veneer stripped to its rawest components. ] And I'm aware of what I can and can't do. [ He smooths down his coat, his hand dipping back beneath the heavy material to rest toward his hip. Beneath the bulk, he's lean — but, it's deceptive. He's taken more than any average human could bear. He pins the entirety of his attention on him, heavy. ] I don't care about your perceptions of me. [ He know he can't deal with someone like Kira alone. He's not an idiot. ] But, that's the last thing I'd ever allow to happen.

[ He lifts his chin. ] I don't need to remind him of that.

[ He's more than aware, Kira, believe him. He might be just a human, but it doesn't mean he's absolutely powerless, just like the rest of them. ]