'And so Sleeping Beauty awakens,' Ryan thought after casting a glance in blonde woman's direction. She seemed well rested, but he didn't resent her for that. At least not until she opened her mouth. "Thanks, Captain Obvious," he replied dryly, currently not caring that she may not even catch the reference. Then again, it was kind of self-explanatory. He didn't know where it originated from either and it didn't really matter.

Sophie didn't accept the canteen and he figured it was the right thing to do. Even if it meant she'd go thirsty, but damn it. He wasn't here to accompany her on stay at resort. Zofies had asked him to bring her back, not make her comfortable. So, he had already went up and beyond in that aspect. Right as she directed their half-conversation back to cut, Ryan swallowed last bite of his fruit and abruptly stood up.

"I know, okay?" his tone was irritated as he stared down at the girl and motioned slightly with hand towards cracked mirror, then moved over to the window. Carefully, he peaked outside, making sure the curtain hid him. The street looked empty and nearly as eerie as it had in darkness. Perhaps those zombie-freaks were nocturnal and they'd not have to worry about moving around in daylight. Fool's hope probably. He tugged harshly on his earring, as if it could help to vent some of his frustration with the whole situation.

Ryan paced around the room, thoughts rushing through his mind. They will fix him. They have to. Right? Only they may be unable to. Zombifying hadn't been a problem in his world, after all. No, there had to be some kind of anti-mutation and immunity boosting crap in their arsenal that could help him. He could again be their guinea pig for testing it. If they thought he was worth saving, that is. Although they had invested a good deal in him, and he had already proven to be worthy 'employee', Zofies might decide he wasn't worth the trouble in the long run.

His left hand was clenching and unclenching by his side, as if he tried to crush his anxiety and thoughts in his fists. He couldn't stand this feeling of being trapped animal. Or rather, a rat sent into maze and now standing in crossroads, knowing instinctively that any of the paths before it held a nasty end. That the only true choice he had was to pick the less painful way to go down. But that was the essential truth of the whole situation.

Ryan caught her expression and stopped with a scowl, icy eyes boring into her hazel ones. He didn't need her pity, dammit. And it even looked genuine, for Pete's sake. But it could be a good act, too, attempt to make him soften up. Women are sneaky like that. His scowl deepened and the man turned around, settling down at the back wall and staring at the window. Bringing her back will give him some bonus points in their books, that he knew. It left a bitter taste in his mouth again.

Once, he had promised himself he'd be a free man, truly free... No debts, no gang relations, no one to order him to do things he didn't want to do, no responsibilities. Well, fine, he wouldn't mind some responsibilities (wouldn't mind a family). But none of that mattered. What did matter was that the promise had faded out slowly, his life sinking lower until he had no choice but to turn to Zofies to pull him up to the surface. And still the water was filling his mouth and lungs. He wasn't even a pawn in the Corporation's eyes. A mere speck of dust with no choices, no will. Damn it. Damn them. Damn him.

Not for first time Ryan wished he could conjure an Ace up his sleeve and use it to 'repay' Zofies somehow, break free. His eyes drifted towards Sophie again, expression now not so angry as thoughtful. Maybe there was a way... But first he had to survive. And, unfortunately, that seemed to leave only one of the pathways. However, if he was careful, he might be able to find a hidden passage in its walls.