"...uh." Kikyo's question jerked Kougaiji out of his half sleep for a moment. Fuck. What had he said? He'd have to correct the mistake with something. Right now.

But he couldn't think of anything. Not with every breath bringing in a new world of pain.

Then John started to stumble, and he tried to see the man somewhere outside the spot of the flashlight. "John? How're you doin'?" Neither of them seemed too good, but obviously they'd survive.

He turned his gaze back at Kikyo, crimson eyes not quite pleading, that was still too much for his foolish pride, but searching at least. Kougaiji might have been gullible to stupid heights, occasionally blind as well, but he knew what complete lack of empathy looked like. Kikyo didn't quite have that scent about him. "Please, before he breaks himself."