He literally never would have thought such a thing, possibly couldn't have. So much of his identity-- and so many of his issues-- have become tied up in what he can do or provide, in service, in contribution. If he's not doing something with a concrete result, he's somehow failing.
But he hasn't always thought that way. While all citizens of the World Government are encouraged to find something to contribute to the greater human good, it's not a requirement. And Gov understands that sometimes there are obstacles to 'productive' citizenship. He was taught as a kid that it was contribution enough to take care of himself, to be healthy and happy and present in his community.
And as with many of the happy, comfortable, secure citizens of Gov, Devero wanted to contribute. He's always wanted to give back, to utilize his unique gifts, to do his part. Valdana just took that innate conscientiousness and twisted it, as she twisted so many other things about him to suit her own whims.
To be told, so simply and so straightforward, that not only is it enough to just be, but that just being himself has a tangible value to the community of this train, is... is...
Is like the pure light of the moon shining into a dark, restless sea.
Devero turns on the ledge and pulls Koumyou bodily up into his lap, wrapping both arms around the priest and hiding his face against that brilliant platinum hair. He's at a loss for words, trapped between automatic self-deprecating denial and a fragile, transgressive desire to allow himself to see himself the way Koumyou does. But with how tight his arms are and how he curls his whole body around Koumyou's, there's no mistaking that the priest's words are reaching him.
cw abuse trauma
But he hasn't always thought that way. While all citizens of the World Government are encouraged to find something to contribute to the greater human good, it's not a requirement. And Gov understands that sometimes there are obstacles to 'productive' citizenship. He was taught as a kid that it was contribution enough to take care of himself, to be healthy and happy and present in his community.
And as with many of the happy, comfortable, secure citizens of Gov, Devero wanted to contribute. He's always wanted to give back, to utilize his unique gifts, to do his part. Valdana just took that innate conscientiousness and twisted it, as she twisted so many other things about him to suit her own whims.
To be told, so simply and so straightforward, that not only is it enough to just be, but that just being himself has a tangible value to the community of this train, is... is...
Is like the pure light of the moon shining into a dark, restless sea.
Devero turns on the ledge and pulls Koumyou bodily up into his lap, wrapping both arms around the priest and hiding his face against that brilliant platinum hair. He's at a loss for words, trapped between automatic self-deprecating denial and a fragile, transgressive desire to allow himself to see himself the way Koumyou does. But with how tight his arms are and how he curls his whole body around Koumyou's, there's no mistaking that the priest's words are reaching him.