[Ryou's taken aback by that. He expected Atem to coddle him, maybe pat him on the head (metaphorically speaking) over his wishes. But...it doesn't feel condescending?
It's genuine. He wants Ryou to do good. He knows Ryou will do good.
It makes the patch of fur between his shoulders bristle up again, but not because he's aggravated. If that were the case, then his tail wouldn't be wagging, would it?
This...is this what it feels like to be believed in? Ryou would never say it out loud, because it's his self-esteem that's the issue, but he never really feels believed in to that degree. October took a harsh toll on his confidence, because he'd clearly not been trusted. But here Atem was, encouraging him, saying he'd trust him to make the right choices and find his own strength.
...His tail is wagging more rapidly now. When Ryou finally gets hold of his senses, he leans in close to nuzzle Atem's cheek before quietly pulling him into a tight hug. It's warm, loving...and ultimately very emotional, though that's not quite as clear until Ryou speaks, his voice wavering.]
You don't h-have to do things alone either...o-okay? I'm still...I'm not okay with what you did, Atem. But if you can believe in me, then who am I to do any different?
[He's not going to say "I forgive you" unless Atem wants to hear it, because it would sound disingenuous even if he didn't mean it to. But he...does forgive him. He can't do anything else, he loves the bastard.]
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It's genuine. He wants Ryou to do good. He knows Ryou will do good.
It makes the patch of fur between his shoulders bristle up again, but not because he's aggravated. If that were the case, then his tail wouldn't be wagging, would it?
This...is this what it feels like to be believed in? Ryou would never say it out loud, because it's his self-esteem that's the issue, but he never really feels believed in to that degree. October took a harsh toll on his confidence, because he'd clearly not been trusted. But here Atem was, encouraging him, saying he'd trust him to make the right choices and find his own strength.
...His tail is wagging more rapidly now. When Ryou finally gets hold of his senses, he leans in close to nuzzle Atem's cheek before quietly pulling him into a tight hug. It's warm, loving...and ultimately very emotional, though that's not quite as clear until Ryou speaks, his voice wavering.]
You don't h-have to do things alone either...o-okay? I'm still...I'm not okay with what you did, Atem. But if you can believe in me, then who am I to do any different?
[He's not going to say "I forgive you" unless Atem wants to hear it, because it would sound disingenuous even if he didn't mean it to. But he...does forgive him. He can't do anything else, he loves the bastard.]