[Strap in, bud. Ryou's not going to move for a while. He needed this. All of the kind words, the hugging...honestly just the comfort. So he stays this way for what feels like an eternity, but really, it was about a minute.

Then he speaks again, although he doesn't release Atem quite yet.]

In the nine months I've been here, I don't think I've ever felt this...secure. Or cared about. I think I owe you more than cake, Atem.

[He finally pulls away, if only to pull his sleeve across his face and wipe away the tears. There's a different flush of gray to his cheeks, but that could just be from crying. Which...he is still doing. But it's not sadness that has him doing so.]

I don't know if I can ever repay you, actually. H-heh. But I can promise that...I'll always try to support you like you support me.