[Ryou's shoulders slump noticeably when Atem says they should walk back anything besides utility for the collar. It's...not what he wanted, ever.]

So...we shouldn't play the games we do anymore with it...? Never?

[He doesn't want to walk back that kind of trust--but if Atem thinks it's better, even when they're alone and flirting, then...he'll respect it.]

I've really screwed it up, haven't I? H-hahaha...

[His hand stays in place, even after Atem's head-shake. But now he's not scratching so much as gently stroking the inside of the ear with his thumb. Gently. It's as much for him as it would be for Atem.]

U-understood though. I know...it's like you said. You fell in love with who I am. I'll be me. But maybe not the me that's a shade for a little longer. I won't let Mana make me a nephilim again, but...I'm not ready to go back to shade yet.

[He'll keep being selfish a little longer about that. Even if changing back hurts him badly, he isn't ready.]