I'm sure you're also capable of protecting yourself, but you shouldn't have to. [Like he'd said before, Cloud's priority and responsibility should be himself.

The question gets a sigh out of him, gently biting at the scar on his lip out of habit before speaking up.] I just...Don't want to stand idly by and watch the same thing happen to someone else. I won't speak for you, but i'll definitely speak up if you need me to.

[Because no one had been there to speak up for him when he'd needed it, it's the least he can offer for Cloud.]