[Well, at least it isn't fear of Atem hurting him. That's a relief. But..."good enough"? Just what kind of standard is Ryou holding himself to?]
Ryou, our bond isn't made of glass. It's not the kind of brittle thing that will snap because of one choice. Even if I thought that you going to Yugi's for help was a mistake -- and I don't -- I've hurt you before, and you've forgiven me.
[His arms tighten around Ryou. Remember that time he made a bad call, and the healing from it was horrible? Atem does.]
We're both starting out at level one, remember? Neither of us had any idea what we were doing when we decided to be together, but you trusted me with your heart anyway. I don't want you to be "good enough" -- I want you to be you.
[Ryou's head gets petted, here. Atem starts petting his hair, between his ears, slow and soothing.]
And, if "good enough" means making every decision with my wellbeing in mind, then I don't want that at all! It's no good to work so hard carrying others that you don't have any strength left for yourself. Especially when you're someone I care about.
[They can get to how he's doing in a bit. Reassurance and reminders that neither of them is perfect first.]
no subject
[Well, at least it isn't fear of Atem hurting him. That's a relief. But..."good enough"? Just what kind of standard is Ryou holding himself to?]
Ryou, our bond isn't made of glass. It's not the kind of brittle thing that will snap because of one choice. Even if I thought that you going to Yugi's for help was a mistake -- and I don't -- I've hurt you before, and you've forgiven me.
[His arms tighten around Ryou. Remember that time he made a bad call, and the healing from it was horrible? Atem does.]
We're both starting out at level one, remember? Neither of us had any idea what we were doing when we decided to be together, but you trusted me with your heart anyway. I don't want you to be "good enough" -- I want you to be you.
[Ryou's head gets petted, here. Atem starts petting his hair, between his ears, slow and soothing.]
And, if "good enough" means making every decision with my wellbeing in mind, then I don't want that at all! It's no good to work so hard carrying others that you don't have any strength left for yourself. Especially when you're someone I care about.
[They can get to how he's doing in a bit. Reassurance and reminders that neither of them is perfect first.]