[Ryou's eyes half-close, illuminating a light dusting of darker gray on his cheeks because...he never, ever expected this. Ryslig was hell, and he probably deserved it, but what he didn't deserve was Atem. Every single one of their friends would probably give him the most owlish looks if they knew, because Ryou Bakura? Atem could probably have done better.

(none of his friends would think that. maybe)

...Ryou drops that line of thought because it's sad, and he refuses to be sad around his boyfriend. He should be happy. Grateful! Don't be stupid...instead, he shakes his head a little, because as a child, Atem really did have some big ideas in his head.]

You were just as sure of yourself at that age as you are now, I think. It was cute...even when you thought I was misleading you about not being a magician.

[He pauses, trying to sort out if he wants to say this or not. It seems...cruel to say it. But it's the truth.]

...I think I would have liked it if that could happen. I wish that I could go with you, somehow. It would have been nice, I think, to become friends, see the ducks, and spend time together. As children, or otherwise. It was nice getting to know you as a child, though perhaps you were far more sociable than me.

[He edges around the meat of his answer, talking about ducks, being children, all of that. But what he was really most focused on was the thought that he would have liked to be at Atem's side. If they go home, past the Sea of Stars meant to prevent them from going back, then...in the end, Atem would be gone forever, and Ryou would be left with the memories of something he could never have.]

Y-you know...I would have...liked learning magic and serving a purpose for you. I'm not magic, not really. But just if I could. H-haha.

[He leans in a bit, kissing the corner of Atem's mouth, because he wants to be affectionate, not overbearing.

"I would have liked being yours."

Those are the words in his heart that he doesn't wish to speak.]