Zechs' inner ire was rising again, as the men around him spoke as if he was a child. It only emphasized the feeling of frustration within him - the feeling of inadequacy and helplessness. In his mind, he was effectively shut in and made even more vulnerable. If he refused, he would have to leave. And that would mean not only being homeless - could he even return to his Earth? - but also leaving Tyki. Not only that, but he still doubted Tyki yet wanted him any longer.

His hands clenched onto the fabric of his pants as this rage and irritation filled him. However, that hair's breath of control he managed to gain earlier kept him from lashing out. He was intelligent to know it would do him no good. However, Zechs didn't want to be treated like some stupid, foolish, helpless child. His instinct now was to walk away. And he was doing everything within his power to keep himself from doing so.

Tightly, trying to convince himself he could at least make sure Tyki was well before he left them all, should they really view him so useless, Zechs said to Rufus, "Very well." His voice was drenched in bitterness.

Looking inward, face twisted in that indefinable expression, he said lowly, "I would ask what you would expect of me, President, Detective, but it is clear. I shall remain a toothless hound at your disposal. It is obvious my use has run out elsewhere."

For without the edge of the ZERO ... They didn't understand. It was the only advantage he could have.