[Ryou sighs in frustration, then tugs some towels from their towel rack. They might be arguing, but he's not a complete asshole. Even though what Atem is saying is pissing him off, because he can't find the right words to defend himself.

The least he can do is try and help Atem dry his legs off while they argue, and while Ryou's eyes continue to glow, along with his halo. It's not blinding, but it probably is irritating, especially when Ryou kneels so he can do this better.

Though if, in the end, Atem doesn't want his help drying his legs off, Ryou will stop, but this is just how he is.

Even when he's being told off...he continues the behavior, apparently.]

I don't want you to decide that. I don't want you to have to deal with it! I know...I know that my unhappiness matters to you but I'm trying to keep you from letting me become your weakness! Clearly I'm not doing that right, because I can't do anything right! But that's fine, don't worry, next time I'll be sure to tell you that dying fucked me up, Atem, because I'm not allowed to keep that to myself or anything. I'm not allowed to have a single thought to myself, even after I give so much of myself to you.

I go to parties I don't want to attend because then I can make sure I'm protecting you! I do it because I want to and because I want you to know you're never going to be alone!!

[Ryou's lion tail curls forward and he stops whatever he's doing, his wings going limp behind him.]

I wish you'd never seen what you saw. I wanted you to think I was strong...I didn't want to be faced with the fact that I'm nothing but an albatross around your neck, and that I weaken you by being who I am...!!