[His chin brushes over the top of Ryou's snout and head, pressing in, wanting solid touch instead of anything lighter. Ryou's mood has picked up, but Atem's is still uncertain.]

I wish I could protect you from everything -- all of the bad things that happen here. But, that's not how this place works...

...so, I need you to do everything you can to protect yourself. Okay? For when I can't get there, or don't know about it in time...even in times like that, my wish won't change!

When things get bad again...can you protect "you" for me?