[Ryou isn't sure how to explain that good things in his life rarely last for a long time. He isn't equipped to explain that he does feel like all of his bonds are made of glass...and how that flawed logic is in fact making everything worse.]

You're right.

[Despite the intrusive thoughts screaming at him that's he's doing everything wrong, he says that. Because it's true.]

Neither of us have to be perfect--we can't be. I don't ever expect you to be perfect, so...perhaps expecting myself to be isn't being fair.

[It doesn't need to be fair to be right in Ryou's mind. He's always held everyone else to a different standard than he held himself. But again, it's not something he can explain easily, nor does he want to slip into that conversation.

Ryou relaxes into Atem's touch, trying to bite back the low noise in the back of his throat that betrays how nice it feels...and failing spectacularly. It's weirder coming from his day form, he feels. But he can't help it.

Mildly, he thinks about the last thing Atem said. About not working so hard that you don't have strength for you. Part of him wants to gently remind Atem that he should follow his own advice...but it's not right to do so. Not now. He's given that advice many times as it is...it's only fair to hear it back in return, and to accept it for what it is.

So he smiles, and settles a hand loosely around Atem's hip. A show of comfort, but also to bring himself closer.]

H-hahaha.

...I-I'm going to take you out next month. We're getting out...and we're doing something fun. And then maybe we can arrange something with our friends--a game night perhaps? Something different. Something good. Those are the things that truly heal.