[He breathes, but it's hard. It hurts - his heart hurts, because he'd been so scared. He jerks slightly at the touch to his back but doesn't pull away. It's hard to vocalize what he's feeling, the terror that had gripped him - but the fear of losing Joshua was too much.]

I t... told you... the last time I transformed I killed p... people. Because I couldn't control it. I w... was afraid I'd turn into that form again if I transformed. A... at least I kept my u... usual form, but I...

[He turns, hugging Joshua around the shoulders and sniffling.]

I can't lose you.

[His breath hitches and he sobs again, all of the adrenaline and fear draining out of him. He feels helpless to his emotions at the moment, everything raw and ragged and tender. He was so scared...]

I want... to protect you. I - I know you can fight, but...

[He presses a hand to the back of the other's head, taking in big gulps of air as he tries to keep going.]

You... you shouldn't have to...

[Ryu breaks down into tears again, pressing in close. He'll feel bad about getting tears and snot on Joshua later. Right now... all of the pain and the guilt and the fear is rushing back into him and he doesn't know what to do other than cry.]

['Why do mortals always do this?' He still hasn't found the answer. He still doesn't know why they hurt people. But he knows, at least, why they protect each other.]