[Atem's mind is always going. It doesn't stop noticing things, doesn't stop putting pieces together, doesn't stop making plans and drawing conclusions and thinking about eventualities -- even if he's not actively chasing an outcome he wants, the game analysis wheels are turning. Any missed detail might be what lets a parasite into his mind again, or something worse. Things change so fast...they go badly so fast...

But he's not thinking about that when Ryou pulls him into a kiss. It's actually the quietest his brain's been in a minute, because the input he's getting is all emotional, all Ryou, filling up his senses and sending calming chemicals through his brain. Even a murderghost has cortisol and oxytocin when he's a murder snake, and Ryou's changing the ratio of one to the other very effectively. Ryou might physically feel Atem relax. The snakes do, too, drifting over Ryou's cheeks and forehead, slower and less tense. He's reassured, too.

When they break apart, he keeps his face close.]

That's what I want.

...

...

But, I also like the idea of not just letting our friends tease us...I don't think we should tell them! I think it'd be very funny to insist we were just friends...

[A blink-and-you'll-miss-it kiss on Ryou's mouth.]

That there's nothing going on at all!

[Another kiss!]

Heh heh heh! Even if they don't believe us, or figure it out right away...it's what they get...

[Kiss #3!]

...for meddling.