I love you, too.

[Atem lets out a contented sigh, one unique to this form -- the sound of an animal settling into a comfortable spot.

...it's almost tempting to just stay like this.

Almost. But no -- Atem cares about Ryou too much to let this lie.]

...which is why I wanted to ask. Now that it's been a while...

[His mouth presses shut, and his ears flatten, then go forward. How does he put this?]

...are you happy with the decision we made, to go to tier 3?

[He's going to pet the back of Ryou's head, as he talks.]

It was hard for you...I could tell. It was my idea...I didn't make you follow me, but I wanted to...

[Again, how to put it?]

...if what you wanted was to be strong, I wanted to open the door to that, for you.

But, if this way of being strong isn't what you want...[pet, pet]...that's okay, too.

[And, he remembers what Hinata said. He's got to be completely honest, here:]

The only thing I regret, from all of that...was that it was so painful for you.