[There is a flinch, but it's not away. Instead, it's towards. Atem won't get any pushback when he wraps his arms around Ryou. In fact, Ryou turns the hand that had been at his chest, instead curling his fingers against Atem's. He can feel the dried, almost mummified skin beneath his claws and it reminds him that during the fog, sometimes skin like this was just Atem's reality.

He wants to ask if it hurts, like it hurt Ryou. But that's not a question for now. The only thing that matters is being close. He brings up his other arm, loosely wrapping it around Atem's waist because he's still worn out. Not going any higher, sorry.]

I could have done better. You took care of me, in your own way. Even if it wasn't painless...it was you trying. I can't keep being upset about it, that's just not fair...

[He still feels awful, but he presses his cheek against Atem's. If Atem can feel it through his furred bat-face, it's probably not quite as full and soft as it usually is. He's solid, but his skin is still dry and uncomfortable.]

I'm happy to be back here with you. Even if I was such an ungrateful jerk just now.

[He closes his eyes, swallowing hard. Nope. Not gonna cry. He's not. This has been the worst day of his life, but he is not going to cry.

...much.]

I'll make it up to you.