[Ion wasn't, and had never been, particularly opposed to public displays of affection, and the expression of it through physical contact. What was a hug between friends, after all? That didn't mean, however, that he was particularly used to it. Ion was, after all, the Fon Master. Even those closest to him tended to keep a respectful distance, whether or not he particularly wanted it.

It startled him when Jonouchi so boldly drew him into a hug. But it...it was nice. After a second, he relaxed. To be so quickly and unconditionally accepted...to be equal to another. Not to be considered above or less-than-human, as he had been at times.

Ion couldn't explain exactly how it made him feel. Not in words that he knew, anyway. But it was a comfort and a distraction, and he wasn't sure whether it inspired tears or a smile. In any case...Jonouchi was a good person. And unlike Luke, it looked like he didn't have nearly as much trouble expressing it. For this, Ion was glad. People wouldn't put him down like the redhead so often was by comparison.]

Well...hm...

[Ion thinks of Anise--then Luke, Tear, Asch. He smiles despite himself, though it's completely without humor. Not that he could look very humorous in this state, regardless.]

I think they should be okay...I mean, they know how to handle themselves.

[And they aren't as useless as I am he finds himself thinking.]

I'm just unsure of how to proceed now. What do you think? What would you rather do?

[It wasn't like Ion was going to be sleeping anytime soon, after all. Not with his bed looking like a life support machine.]