...I understand why you'd be afraid of that. It's my fault that you're concerned at all, because you've seen me do it. You know what my shade instincts make me feel.
[Ryou brings Atem's hand to his lips, presses a kiss gently to the backs of his fingers...then stares at him with resolute, brightly glowing eyes and continues.]
They won't touch me, ever again. They're wrong, to think that them being angry means they can ever lay a hand on me without retribution. I've been angry with others before, but unless something has stolen my ability to control myself...I've rarely attacked someone.
Even Beat, back in Felfri...when I found out how he felt, and that he'd betray me if it served E+L, I just threatened, never struck. If I can control myself that well...then everyone else can do me the courtesy.
And if they can't...
[Here, his eyes half-lid.]
They'll regret trying to hurt me. I'm not giving them the opportunity, Atem.
I've withstood enough. This might be for the Fog, to balance things out. But it's for me too. To show every person who thought to speak to me about Felfri like it was a pleasure cruise.
[To the ones who belittled him for having a thought and feeling, and then proceeded to decide that his feelings didn't matter because clearly, he hadn't met some moral bar by being neutral. Or the ones that decided he was weak for being tortured.
The ones who wouldn't even let him be kind to others, without reminding him that their suffering would always be worse, and that he shouldn't dare to ever try and act as an authority on his own monster type.
Finally, Ryou lets their hands lower, but he uses it as leverage to tug Atem closer, if Atem allows it.]
I know that you've given up a great deal in the pursuit of protecting me. I haven't made it easy...and whether that was on purpose or not...it's not relevant. I won't let myself be hurt, ever again, not if I can fight.
[It's a surprisingly idealistic take, coming from Ryou. But pragmatism hasn't served him well here.]
You shouldn't make a wall in front of me, Atem. I know that you're more important than I could ever be, and I love you for it, but if I can be your proper equal in this, then I'll try with all my heart.
[...He tried. Stumbled a little at the finish line, but it's heartfelt.]
no subject
[Ryou brings Atem's hand to his lips, presses a kiss gently to the backs of his fingers...then stares at him with resolute, brightly glowing eyes and continues.]
They won't touch me, ever again. They're wrong, to think that them being angry means they can ever lay a hand on me without retribution. I've been angry with others before, but unless something has stolen my ability to control myself...I've rarely attacked someone.
Even Beat, back in Felfri...when I found out how he felt, and that he'd betray me if it served E+L, I just threatened, never struck. If I can control myself that well...then everyone else can do me the courtesy.
And if they can't...
[Here, his eyes half-lid.]
They'll regret trying to hurt me. I'm not giving them the opportunity, Atem.
I've withstood enough. This might be for the Fog, to balance things out. But it's for me too. To show every person who thought to speak to me about Felfri like it was a pleasure cruise.
[To the ones who belittled him for having a thought and feeling, and then proceeded to decide that his feelings didn't matter because clearly, he hadn't met some moral bar by being neutral. Or the ones that decided he was weak for being tortured.
The ones who wouldn't even let him be kind to others, without reminding him that their suffering would always be worse, and that he shouldn't dare to ever try and act as an authority on his own monster type.
Finally, Ryou lets their hands lower, but he uses it as leverage to tug Atem closer, if Atem allows it.]
I know that you've given up a great deal in the pursuit of protecting me. I haven't made it easy...and whether that was on purpose or not...it's not relevant. I won't let myself be hurt, ever again, not if I can fight.
[It's a surprisingly idealistic take, coming from Ryou. But pragmatism hasn't served him well here.]
You shouldn't make a wall in front of me, Atem. I know that you're more important than I could ever be, and I love you for it, but if I can be your proper equal in this, then I'll try with all my heart.
[...He tried. Stumbled a little at the finish line, but it's heartfelt.]