[Atem starts to stroke the back of Ryou's head, petting his hair. He doesn't touch the collar.]
Being able to ground you, when it helps, is something I like. I want to be able to do that for you. But, if it's easier for you to give up, then it's also easier for me to take over, so...
...I can't do that when it keeps you from being yourself. I want you to be who you are...and I want you to be confident in your own decisions, even if I don't agree. I'm sorry, that I acted in a way that made you feel like you couldn't be that person...I'll do my best not to act that way again, now that I understand that it's easy for me to do that if I'm not doing well, and that it's not good for you. That'll make it easier not to give up, right?
Remember -- I started liking you when who you were didn't have anything to do with me. So...when you're free to be that person again...I'll definitely still like you!
no subject
Being able to ground you, when it helps, is something I like. I want to be able to do that for you. But, if it's easier for you to give up, then it's also easier for me to take over, so...
...I can't do that when it keeps you from being yourself. I want you to be who you are...and I want you to be confident in your own decisions, even if I don't agree. I'm sorry, that I acted in a way that made you feel like you couldn't be that person...I'll do my best not to act that way again, now that I understand that it's easy for me to do that if I'm not doing well, and that it's not good for you. That'll make it easier not to give up, right?
Remember -- I started liking you when who you were didn't have anything to do with me. So...when you're free to be that person again...I'll definitely still like you!