[The clatter is satisfying.

Fuck that machine and everyone on it.

As he climbs onto the bed beside Ryou:]

Not your problem.

[Tendrils come out, to slide around Ryou's waist like an extra hand, to wind around one of his knees.]

You can't figure out being a shade for them. They've got to do that themselves. Just like you do.

[You can't meet anyone else's win condition for them, he remembers. That had been good advice.

When Ryou's hand comes away from his neck, Atem looks at it, sizes up how badly it's bleeding.]

Lie back. I'll clean the bite.