[It unfolds something tight in Koby's chest to see Zoro eating -- it'd be silly to be worried, genuinely afraid, because that would mean admitting that he could've been genuinely hurt. Everything that keeps Koby sane lately is because of his firm belief that nothing can irrevocably happen to them, Zoro, Nami, Sanji, Shanks. They'll be all right. They have to be.
It helps him stay out of the water, stay human, even when the temptation to follow the river to the ocean and disappear forever yanks at his chest. Koby's only recently had real friends, and he's still wrapping his mind about how much scarier it is when you aren't just trying to keep yourself alive. He can't let himself imagine a world without any of them, can't let the possibility even cross his mind. Zoro's okay. He's fine. He's fine...
Sniffing, plopping down cross-legged on the bed, Koby ignores the ever-present tears welling up in his eyes, the tightness in his throat. He doesn't protest, though -- he doesn't have that in him, the ability to deny any genuine requests from someone he cares about.] I'm always pale. Don't be stupid, you know what I mean. [Another sniff, then he grabs one of the bonier bits, leaving the thicker, bloodier meat for Zoro.] Are all of you this bad at being taken care of? The bickering must be impossible.
[A pause, a couple nibbles at the fish bones. Then, thicker, softer:] You -- please don't push yourself for a little while, okay? Just a couple days. I'll bring food every day, if you promise to please take it easy.
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Date: 2024-02-28 03:15 am (UTC)It helps him stay out of the water, stay human, even when the temptation to follow the river to the ocean and disappear forever yanks at his chest. Koby's only recently had real friends, and he's still wrapping his mind about how much scarier it is when you aren't just trying to keep yourself alive. He can't let himself imagine a world without any of them, can't let the possibility even cross his mind. Zoro's okay. He's fine. He's fine...
Sniffing, plopping down cross-legged on the bed, Koby ignores the ever-present tears welling up in his eyes, the tightness in his throat. He doesn't protest, though -- he doesn't have that in him, the ability to deny any genuine requests from someone he cares about.] I'm always pale. Don't be stupid, you know what I mean. [Another sniff, then he grabs one of the bonier bits, leaving the thicker, bloodier meat for Zoro.] Are all of you this bad at being taken care of? The bickering must be impossible.
[A pause, a couple nibbles at the fish bones. Then, thicker, softer:] You -- please don't push yourself for a little while, okay? Just a couple days. I'll bring food every day, if you promise to please take it easy.