The World Overflow

[justonezero]

Nsfw threads marked accordingly.

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[deto]

No. [ he squeezes yoshi’s hand, tone soft but firm. if his boyfriend felt like he couldn’t tell deto, then… ] It’s my fault. But I did promise to do better - after that. I’m still trying to do better.

[ and then again, like a promise: ]

I can do better.

[justonezero]

...Mm. And... I really am happy, that you want to protect me.

[He feels treasured, even if not wanting to make a fuss wins out more often.]

[deto]

N-not protect, exactly. I know you’re not helpless.

[ treasure for sure ]

[justonezero]

But you're always trying to make sure no one hurts me? That's pretty much the same thing.

[deto]

I think ‘defend’ is a better word. Maybe.

[justonezero]

Is there a big difference between the two?

[deto]

Defend is more… I’m on your side. And protect makes it seem like I’m your big brother or something.

[justonezero]

I guess...?

[They feel synonymous to him...]

[deto]

[ lamely trying to explain something that doesn’t matter: ]

It just… doesn’t feel like we’re even with protect. You’re my partner for life, you know?

[justonezero]

Eh- but couldn't we be protecting each other?

[deto]

We could - we do. And you’ve definitely, literally saved my life more than once.

[ but the word doesn’t fit right… ]

[justonezero]

...But you still don't like the word?

[deto]

Do you like that word?

[justonezero]

Hmm... I guess I don't mind it either way?

It just surprised me that you had a strong reaction to it.

[deto]

[ hm. he leads yoshi around the corner as he thinks ]

Because of the game… probably? It kinda changed my perception on things. I’m not as strong or capable by myself, but I learned what it meant to fight with everyone by my side. At the same time, well, the game felt like it was trying to protect us from the reality of life. There’s probably more to it, but I haven’t thought about it too deeply.

[justonezero]

[Following without a second thought!]

I guess, but... a lot of the people who died in that world never came back in any form. The only people who did are the ones whose bodies in the real world had survived.

Harald's precious world didn't protect us from anything. The dead couldn't come back, and instead all of us were thrust into danger... some even being lost for good because of it.

...I think Harald's world was a lot scarier than the real one in all kinds of ways.

[deto]

Fuck yeah, it was. [ yoshi’s absolutely right, of course ] But all of that… I dunno, I don’t want to fail at protecting what’s important to me like he did. And I also don’t want to assume that my protection is… needed? Eh, I’m making this overly complicated. It’s stupid.

I’ll always be on your side, no matter what word we use to describe it. I’ll treasure and support you.

[justonezero]

...Mm. And I'll do the same - so, if anything happens that I can help, I'll come running.

[Figuratively. But maybe literally if he manages to get his strength up and maintain it??]

[deto]

[ bun… your stamina… ]

Speaking of running, how’s the walking so far?

[justonezero]

[...]

[deto]

Sorry, we’re almost there. Can you hang in there, or do you want a break?

[justonezero]

I'm okay for now! I can make it!

[deto]

[ c-cute… bun is trying…! deto gives his hand an encouraging squeeze ]

We just need more dates outside.

[justonezero]

[Nodding!]

Getting ready to out isn't so bad if it means I get to hang out with you.

[deto]

[ up ahead there’s a signboard for a cafe with a cutesy doodle of tapioca tea, the tapioca balls smiling merrily. from the unassuming storefront, old and wooden and overshadowed by the modern buildings around it, it doesn’t look much like a cafe if not for the sign

deto nods ahead ]

That’s our first stop. Since we talked about trying it together.