Kratos barely registered the Key Crest finally popping free from his hand, far too occupied with, despite his best efforts, turning over each of the doctor's words in his mind. It was no surprise that the doctor would try to exploit their relationship - familial bonds were easy targets - but somehow, he had found himself unprepared for the blow. Normally, he could anticipate what might be used against him and steel himself. This time, though, he'd known quite well what would be coming, and it still hadn't taken much at all for the doctor to worm his way under his skin and dent his carefully constructed shield of indifferent resignation.

The obvious conclusion was that he still cared too much--but wasn't that how a father was meant to be? Funny how he never consciously tried to mold himself into a parent, yet always seemed to so naturally act like one anyway...ridiculous.

"You might as well just make the most of your current opportunity." --in other words, "use me instead". It was humiliating to have to even suggest that, but Kratos said it without a hint of shame, even though the chances of the doctor honoring his unspoken request were slim to none, and all he'd done was probably amuse the man. He would leave no possibility untouched, not when it came to Lloyd.