[It's a vicious cycle, and he somehow knew it always would be. But... he was tired of having to watch Kaneki suffer from the sidelines. Pretending he didn't know what the other had to go through--it wasn't necessary any longer. He shifts where he stands, so he's pressing an arm against the others', his food having long gone cold; his appetite not quite there, any longer.]

...I know you do, bud. And you have, for a long time. And you still do, here. Warning me about what people to avoid and showin' me around. You're always protectin' me, even if ya don't realise exactly how much. ...But you know, sometimes I want to return the favour.

Here, it's a bit easier. What with how I can't really stay hurt. But back home, all I've got is my brains and sheer will. If you're not there then... [He shifts. No, he's there, he knows it. What ifs aren't important, but for peace of mind...] Then shouldn't I do what I can so that what happened to you doesn't happen to anyone else?

I am safe.

I'm here, right next to you. At a nature park, eating awful food. Falling in the lake off a kayak with a beautiful blonde lady--

Gotta admit. ...This is pretty safe as it gets, Kaneki. ...Here, at least. You... shouldn't worry so much. You'll go grey. [Haha.]