Archive of Our Own ^beta

III loves Yuma. He knows this. Everyone around him knows this. It's not a secret that he caught feelings for Yuma.

And most of the time, that love is a tame, fluffy thing, like a cute little show terrier. III would love nothing more than to just spend time with Yuma, sleeping over at his house and hanging out with his friends (maybe their shared friend circle now, it's so nice to have real friends finally) and dueling each other with no stakes attached.

But then Yuma gets into danger, and that love hardens, becomes something harsh and sharp. It isn't enough for III to just protect Yuma, oh no. He has to make sure Yuma will always be safe no matter what. He has to be the sword and shield, the loyal knight and guard dog who can chase off the danger so that Yuma can be safe and keep his innocence.

So what if it means trying to put a sword in Mr. Heartland in reaction to him threatening Yuma? So what if it means laying down his own life to hold off the Barians without a second thought? So what if his desire to protect can become downright cruel, kindness taking a backseat to the need to do what it takes to keep his loved one safe?

III swore he would be Yuma's sword and shield, and he has no intention to break that promise, even if it means getting his own hands dirty to do it.