[It's very kind of Atem to offer him support like this. It makes him feel warm and happy but...there is something about it that he feels he has to clarify...juts so it doesn't get too weird.

When Atem pulls back, Ryou takes the opportunity to settle himself more comfortably on his lap, arms crossed across his bat legs, looking up at him with no small amount of fondness.]

I'm glad that you feel that way, but...you know, sometimes I might still want your personal opinion. There's a good time and a bad time for it, but if I ask....you can feel comfortable knowing I value your words, I hope.

Such as...if I were to ask you what kind of piercing you'd like to see on me. I wouldn't be asking because I wanted you to tell me what to do, but because I like it when we agree.

[He pauses, then sighs, his head bowing forward and his snakes hiding back in his hair.]

It sounds bad...doesn't it? No matter what way I say it...I just don't want you to treat me as if all my decisions are perfect. They aren't, clearly.