[He allows the touch. There's a lot about this that Atem's not sure about. But he knows he does want to have this conversation while both his hands are wrapped around Ryou's big paw-hand, so that's precisely what he does.]
What are you expecting from me, Ryou? That I'll just let people hurt my friends, and not get angry? Sit on the sidelines and do nothing, when there's something I could have done to help? You're all far too precious to me for me not to fight for you! It's fine if they don't realize I'm doing it -- that's how it's always been!
[That's his job, as spirit of the puzzle. As pharaoh. It's up to him to fight the battles other people can't, against unbelievably strong opponents -- high schoolers built like mountains, chaos-gods, scary A-level monsters....it's always been this way, always been up to him. He knows that now.]
I'm trying to start fewer fights. I want this to be a deterrent, so I don't have to avenge trespasses against the souls of my friends. Everyone suffers so much already, and other monsters are difficult opponents...
I know...that I can't achieve anyone else's win condition for them. I know I can't take their problems from them and make them mine.
But I can make being here easier. I don't intend to break! And, if it's hard...then, it's not so bad, because you're here. We help put each other back together, remember? I'm relying on you -- you've helped me so much, maybe more than you know.
[He looks up at Ryou with all three forward-facing eyes, holding his hand.]
I need you. You're...my favorite person in the world.
[Maybe not most important -- Yugi will always hold that spot, the lion's share of being a part of Atem's heart. They're in different categories, a completely different kind of bond. Partner and beloved are different.]
no subject
[He allows the touch. There's a lot about this that Atem's not sure about. But he knows he does want to have this conversation while both his hands are wrapped around Ryou's big paw-hand, so that's precisely what he does.]
What are you expecting from me, Ryou? That I'll just let people hurt my friends, and not get angry? Sit on the sidelines and do nothing, when there's something I could have done to help? You're all far too precious to me for me not to fight for you! It's fine if they don't realize I'm doing it -- that's how it's always been!
[That's his job, as spirit of the puzzle. As pharaoh. It's up to him to fight the battles other people can't, against unbelievably strong opponents -- high schoolers built like mountains, chaos-gods, scary A-level monsters....it's always been this way, always been up to him. He knows that now.]
I'm trying to start fewer fights. I want this to be a deterrent, so I don't have to avenge trespasses against the souls of my friends. Everyone suffers so much already, and other monsters are difficult opponents...
I know...that I can't achieve anyone else's win condition for them. I know I can't take their problems from them and make them mine.
But I can make being here easier. I don't intend to break! And, if it's hard...then, it's not so bad, because you're here. We help put each other back together, remember? I'm relying on you -- you've helped me so much, maybe more than you know.
[He looks up at Ryou with all three forward-facing eyes, holding his hand.]
I need you. You're...my favorite person in the world.
[Maybe not most important -- Yugi will always hold that spot, the lion's share of being a part of Atem's heart. They're in different categories, a completely different kind of bond. Partner and beloved are different.]