[Ryou watches the snakes, he watches Atem's face...and it's got him stressed. He doesn't know what to do, he can't...just take Atem's hand in his own, it'll hurt, but he needs to feel like he can comfort him...tell him it's okay and not sound hollow and ineffectual about it. It won't be okay, of course, but things always seem easier to tolerate when you have someone close to you, and now that their feelings are out in the open...Ryou can't psych himself out of doing something that blows his whole emotional state concerning Atem wide open.

A single shadow tendril extends from behind him, snaking forward and wrapping itself around one of Atem's wrists. It's...not quite solid, but it isn't painful either. It just is.]

Hey.

[Ryou's tired gaze sharpens, focusing on Atem and nothing else, and there's determination written on his face beyond the pain.]

L-listen. I'm okay with what you just said. B-but...this whole scenario can wait. Whoever it is, it's just not as important to me to figure it out as it is to be here with you.

Please, Atem. I'm not the only one who's been hurt. You need to recover too. I know you. I knew from the second you asked who did this that you've been trying to work out how to pay it back, because that's how you've always been. If someone hurt Yugi, or Jounouchi...you were there to settle the score...

[He winces once again as the pain flares, but he ignores it. He won't stray from this. Not until he's done. Atem will hear him.]

You have a lot going on already. Don't take more on...please. Not on my account. Not this time.