[The only thing stopping Ryou from instinctively wrapping himself around Atem completely at this point is the space economy they currently have going on with the sofa and the coffin-table, but he very much wishes he could. It's less about wanting to close the gap between then and more the fact that Atem is managing to say the exact things that would comfort him in this situation.

Being assured that he, as he is, would be loved by Atem, and that in fact, even with all his flaws, Atem had fallen for him in the first place...it's almost too much to think about.

So, he simply nuzzles Atem's shoulder more. It's a comfort to do so.]

I know...I can't expect you to take the reins for me indefinitely, or even frequently. I'm the only person who can be in charge of me.

Your narrator told me that what we're doing right now is weakening us, as a team. I thought it was just because I was a useless burden, but it's more than that. We have to work together more cohesively--not try and cover up each other's shortcomings and overcompensate for them.

[A hand reaches up, to scratch behind one of Atem's ears. It's as much for Ryou as it is for Atem, honestly. He wants to do this. To touch. To be close. To know that Atem isn't going to leave him again, even if the mere anxiety of it is nonsensical at this point.]

I'll be better. For you and for me.