Jack rolled his eyes. "Look, buddy- I know you don't think to highly of me, but can we cap the attitude? I'm not in the mood right now. I appreciate the wound wrapping and the concern for Kou, but today hasn't been my day." It took him a good deal of swallowing his pride to say 'appreciate', but he had forced it out.

"If you wanna play protector and hero to Kou, I have no problems there. Hell, I'll even tell him that you personally saved him from an unknown fate worst than death if that floats your boat. I'm just saying that I would be a much happier camper if you'd keep the snide remarks to yourself."

That said, he tried once more to climb to his feet and make an exit, though it hurt so much to even THINK of standing...