...Atem can't be angry, either. It had been a mistake, Atem feels, for Horatio to say nothing about the impending attack -- but Horatio hasn't made any mistakes in how he's handled Atem and Ryou in the aftermath. He's been one of their friends they could count on most, and Atem loves him like a brother.
He's long been forgiven.
There is a moment of alarm, tamped down before it makes it to Atem's face, when Ryou sounds like he's about to backslide -- but, Ryou finishes, and the subtle lines of Atem's shoulders and wings relax.]
I can be the most important piece of your puzzle without being the only one. And, if I'm taken out...if there are enough other, strong ones, then it'll hold together, even without me. That's a kind of strength I want, for you. It's what I want for myself, too...since you're also my most treasured person.
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...Atem can't be angry, either. It had been a mistake, Atem feels, for Horatio to say nothing about the impending attack -- but Horatio hasn't made any mistakes in how he's handled Atem and Ryou in the aftermath. He's been one of their friends they could count on most, and Atem loves him like a brother.
He's long been forgiven.
There is a moment of alarm, tamped down before it makes it to Atem's face, when Ryou sounds like he's about to backslide -- but, Ryou finishes, and the subtle lines of Atem's shoulders and wings relax.]
I can be the most important piece of your puzzle without being the only one. And, if I'm taken out...if there are enough other, strong ones, then it'll hold together, even without me. That's a kind of strength I want, for you. It's what I want for myself, too...since you're also my most treasured person.
[...
...
...
He notices the change. An eyebrow goes up!]
...did you pierce your ears...?