[The tendrils are unexpected, but not unwelcome. Maybe it says something about Ryou's lack of creativity, but he's never really put much thought into the usage of tendrils in such a way. He's still mildly incapacitated by his own weakness right now, but it's okay.

It's alright because Atem's holding him so thoroughly, so completely that it's like he's been tied up in him. He likes having the extra limbs wound around his body, and maybe if he wasn't so tired, he would do more than kiss Atem with greater fervor than before. This is right. If anyone was going to tie him up so thoroughly, he'd rather it was Atem more than anyone else.

When the kiss breaks he's breathless, eyes half-closed and flushed to the tips of his ears. Oh...that wasn't...well, he didn't mean to get lost in it. And he does try to pull himself back, but the hand holding his chin, the thumb passing along his lip?

It's almost like Ryou had done something terribly right, and now Atem was messing with him a little.]

Mmm, never.

From now on, from this day forward, be yourself. Don't let me stand in the way of who you are, Atem. I'll stay by your side, and if you need me to do something, just ask...okay?

No pretending. And certainly no letting people think we don't like each other. Neither one of us want that.

[Though in the end, if that's what Atem needed, Ryou would do it. He'd do as he's asked if it helps, even if it hurts.]