[There's pain in those red eyes, Ryou doesn't need to take it to know. But he almost wants to. Had they not made the promise to ask for permission to use their powers on each other...Ryou would have taken on Atem's mental pain, even though he knows that part of his abilities remains impermanent.

That's not what's most important though. A possibility shouldn't get in the way of what he can do without asking. So, he walks closer. Once he's near enough, he doesn't sit next to Atem at all. Instead, he kneels in front of him, taking hold of both of Atem's hands in his own.]

You're not.

[Said gently, patiently.]

You're home, with me. No one else but us. There's nothing to be afraid of, Atem. Look down, you'll see.

[The pads of his thumbs softly trace circles across the back of Atem's hands. No blood, no real pain source, except what's hurting him in his head.]

You're safe here. No one will harm you so long as I breathe.

[N...not entirely true, but if it helps, Ryou can put himself aside. He still does that...he's just quieter about it, and doesn't do it as often.]