#Izuru fluff

[seireiteihellbutterfly]

Headcanons: Zanpakuto Inconveniences

Sure, everyone’s zanpakuto looks badass when they’re fighting, but realistically, shouldn’t they all have drawbacks?

Jushiro Ukitake: Sogyo no Kotowari

The twin blades constantly argue with themselves, causing Ukitake to have split-second mood swings as he tries to mediate between the conflicting personalities. This often leads to awkward situations where he's caught agreeing and disagreeing with himself. And let’s not forget that rope with the charms. How many times has he tripped over that?

Byakuya Kuchiki:  Senbonzakura

Its thousands of tiny blades can get stuck in Byakuya's clothes at the most inconvenient times, making it look like he's covered in cherry blossom confetti and struggling to pull petals out from under his collar after fights. When he tries to pull them out, they leave little rips in his clothes, much to his ire. 

Ichigo Kurosaki: Zangetsu 

is a bit of a rebellious dramatic zanpakuto. It occasionally refuses to manifest because it doesn’t feel ‘fashionable’ enough or claims Ichigo has been neglecting it. This results in awkward sessions where Ichigo has to find a place to sit down and have a heart to heart with his zanpakuto, reassuring it that he most definitely does not think Senbonzakura is cooler. 

Renji Abarai: Zabimaru 

Zabimaru's extended segmented form occasionally gets tangled in Renji's own clothes, causing him to trip over the coiling snake-like segments while attempting flashy combat moves, resulting in moments of unintentional slapstick. “Now how many times have we talked about this? If I go left, then you go right!”

Shinji Hirako: Sakanade

Occasionally messes with Shinji's perception of reality for the heck of it. Hell, like owner, like zanpakuto. This leads to him walking into doors, stepping into the wrong rooms, and even accidentally complimenting his enemies in the midst of battle due to the distorted vision. It made him accidentally flirt with Hiyori and she whacked him into next week with her sandal. 

Rose Otoribashi: Kinshara

It’s musical abilities sometimes backfire on Rose. Instead of intimidating enemies with his zanpakuto's melodies, it plays embarrassing tunes at the worst times, making Rose wish he could mute his sword.

Examples of Kinshara’s embarrassing playlist include “The Gummy Bear song”, “Baby Shark”, “Low” by Flo Rida, and “Baby Got Back” by Sir Mix-a-lot. 

Izuru Kira: Wabisuke

Wabisuke has the unfortunate ability to double the weight of whatever it touches. It has a tendency to sneak up onto women who are on measuring scales and make them heavier than they are. Kira shakes his head in shame whenever he catches Wabisuke in the act. “You realize this isn’t helping our image?”

Shuhei Hisagi:  Kazeshini

Kazeshini occasionally pranks Hisagi by creating small gusts of wind, causing playful havoc by ruffling Hisagi's hair at the most inappropriate moments, such as during serious conversations or formal meetings. Additionally, Kazeshini has a habit of whispering sarcastic comments or witty remarks into Hisagi's ear when he's trying to maintain a stoic demeanor, leading to amusing situations where Hisagi struggles to keep a straight face while dealing with its antics.

[brittscafe]

Hi! Britt!! Um I can't remember if I sent this in already, but could you write the lieutenants and what pet names they'd use for their significant other?

awww this is such a cute idea! <3

Renji: Anything and everything. Renji likes to embarrass or make you flustered in public so he comes up with the most embarrassing pet names known to man. Sugar plum, sweet bee, honey bun, etc. He uses babe and baby most often though.

Izuru: Angel. He loves seeing the way you stop in your tracks or get giddy about the pet name. He'll swing an arm around your waist, press a kiss to your cheek and then whisper the pet name into your ear.

Ikkaku: Darling. Only when you two are in private or during imitate moments. When you tell your friends or other people in your squad that Ikkaku calls you darling, they literally burst out laughing. They just find it so hard to believe that a fight-loving man like him could ever use such a pet name.

Chojiro: Sweetheart. I think that he would use this because it's so sweet and kind. He doesn't mind calling you sweetheart in fact of others or he would pull you closer when you're walking in the soul society, gently whispering the pet name in your ear.

Shuhei: Princess. OMGGGGG, sorry I'm blushing. I imagine that when the word princess slips out from Shuhei's mouth, both of you are blushing. Shuhei's blushing more than you and he slaps his hand over his mouth the first time he says it. When he finds out that you like the pet name, he doesn't stop saying it in every sentence. He also will say baby on occasion ;)

Rangiku: Anything and everything to boost your ego. She loves seeing the way your face lights up when she calls you honey, my love, or sweetie.

Momo: Honey. She finds you as sweet as honey and doesn't mind when others hear her call you honey. She's proud and wants everyone to know that you are hers.

Nanao: I think that she doesn't like to use pet names, but she'll whisper one once in awhile. She'll grab onto your wrist, catching your attention and whisper the simple word baby into your ear.

[ts4ritsa]

༊*·˚ falling in love with an ultimate jack-of-all-trades

ft. makoto naegi, byakuya togami, hajime hinata, & izuru kamukura from danganronpa * ˚ ✦

tags / cw ✎ male!reader, requested, for background reader is the ultimate jack-of-all-trades, was a normal student who earned title by learning many skills but faced bullying from peers — resulting in insecurity and a need to prove worthiness

MAKOTO NAEGI ✰

out of all the exceptional scholars makoto had researched before coming to hope’s peak academy, none of them stood out as much as you did. he had read that you were recently once a regular guy just like him — though steadily you had paved your way to excellence. it was honestly relieving to makoto, because all his other classmates had such… striking, demanding talents, so he felt very out of place among them. not that he was trying to drag you down to his level! but knowing that you had a similar background comforted him in a way. when he got to meet you, you both found yourselves getting along like it was the most natural thing ever. he felt at ease in your humble presence. as for developing feelings — well, how could he not? your connection had no bounds and your personalities went well with each other

makoto would always be willing to listen, still never forcing you to open up about your complicated past. he’s completely understanding once he learns of it. though not as severely as you, he is aware of what the feeling of being undervalued and criticized for not having “actual” remarkable talent does to a person. offers you quiet solace along with words of affirmation. he’ll even try to make a few lighthearted comments in an attempt to cheer you up. makoto would go the extra mile for you, and he hopes that you know that, always.

BYAKUYA TOGAMI ✰

when byakuya first met you, he instantly considered you someone important to have near. compared to mostly everyone else, your talent was so flexible and widespread that you were prepared for any situation that needed attention. he had not much to say to you, but you could tell that he did not mind your company. he even respected your skill, though wouldn’t directly say so if anyone asked. as time passed and feelings blossomed, his resolve and composure around you gradually softened until he finally let you in. though still holding on to his firmness, he directly approached you of his sentiment and… it went off from there

in regards of your past, byakuya does make an effort to comfort you, though not verbally as it is definitely not his specialty that way. he’s honestly surprised and offended that other students and even staff could criticize someone who would undeniably go further than they ever could. he’d try to not let it torment you so much now, after all he only wants the best for his man. byakuya only states that letting the past get to you is something he recommends you avoid, after all everything has already been said and done. instead, it’s better to focus on better tomorrows.

HAJIME HINATA ✰

hajime, like with the rest of his classmates, treated you friendly and with respect upon meeting you. he even complimented you on your talent, saying it must be a very convenient skill and that he wishes he had something like that. hajime appreciated having you around and it was fairly easy for you two to form a bond. he notices your intense desire to help others — even at the expense of your own well-being. well, he finds it admirable that you’re so considerate, but on occasion he checks up on you to make sure you’re not wearing yourself out. you’ll find that he does it more often when you even find yourselves in a relationship. he can’t help but worry about his boyfriend, you know? he fell for you for so many reasons, so he doesn’t want to see you crumble.

one day due to curiosity about the roots of your habits, he couldn’t help but ask you if it had anything to do with your past. oh boy… well, at least you both are familiar with that taunting feeling, despite the differences in circumstance. he finds it easy to understand where you’re coming from, and even if he can’t exactly find the right words, he’ll let you know that you’re not alone while holding you close, if you’ll let him.

IZURU KAMUKURA ✰

izuru had known about you, he knew practically everything involving his classmates — on an academic and observational level, to be precise. so, he knew that your past shaped parts of your behavior. he wouldn’t mention that to you, he had nothing to say of it, especially when he saw you trying to please other. if you looked at him you probably wouldn’t be able to tell but he just came off as… bothered.

so how did he fall for you? well the pull was always there, he just wasn’t aware. you definitely would have had to be the one who initiated things. he was more confronted with the attraction then — and while it surprised him, he couldn’t bring himself to deny what he felt for you. what an unforeseen turn of events, he’d think.

©2024 ts4ritsa | req by @beawesome04

[ultraviolet-psyche]

bright – komahina drabble

AO3 Upload

-

Nagito wakes to the sight of heterochromatic eyes; one green, one red. He’s never seen so much hope in another’s eyes before. It reminds him of the one he–

Wait.

That is the one he loves.

Well, partially, but no matter; his presence is enough.

He doesn't know what's going on, or where he is, or why Hajime and Izuru now occupy the same body, but he’s hardly concerned. Hajime is smiling, extending his hand like Nagito had done for him. If Hajime is smiling, then surely, hope will triumph.

Nagito gives him his hand, his trust and his heart.

[nissaaan]

My Confession...

Listen to this hoe I suppose while you read.. If You find this...

(Pls ignore how tabs don't work and any spelling mishaps..) Also I understand large parts of the community strongly believe that Nagito and Hajime are sworn enemies.. But we love a good enemies (because of misunderstanding and mischaracterization) to friends (somewhat) to lovers (to dead af).

NOT CLAIMING I know anything about these hoes, I interpret as I interpret.. I watched play throughs n stuff but I fear people will judge me for "mischaracterizing them" but this is the best I got <3 !!

Word count: Unholy 2,706 words !?

Warning: Cursing (IDK) !!?!? Homosexuality??(I am gay, do NOT come for me.)

NO PROOF READING SORRY ;-;

_-_-_

The scorching rays of the sun reflected along my skin as I sat on the beach. My feet deep in the sand, arms behind me maintaining my weight as I stared over the horizon of the large body of water. This is so stupid, I thought, submerging my body in the sand below me as I lay down. The sand was warm against my back, and the sun against my bare chest felt overstimulated and too hot.. 

“Oh.. Hello Hajime.” I heard from behind me, an all-to-recognizable voice echoed in my head. As I turned my head, I realized my hypothesis was correct. 

“Oh.. Hello Nagito.” I muttered, observing anxiously as the Hopes Peak Academy definition of Luck began to approach me. I could hear the way the sand molded under his feet as the steps were left behind, clearly leaving a trail towards me and where I laid. 

I sat up as Nagito sat down next to me, sitting in the pose I had been before he showed up. Surprisingly, he didn't even fret about the sand getting into his clothes or shoes… I wonder why. I mean, considering Nagito always complained about the smallest inconveniences, claiming they made him unlucky and hopeless, his position in the sand now contradicts his character. 

“You.. Aren't going to change..?” I mutter, observing Nagito turn his head towards me and give me a sly smirk. That cocky smirk he always flashed me during class trials. God it just pissed me off.

“Wow Hajime, just a few days into knowing each other and me shirtless is all you can think about.. How cruel. I thought I knew you better..” He muttered, then turned his head to stare off into the distance. He seemed almost as if he were looking for something..? “Not reacting to my comments anymore. Jeez, am I that boring Hajime..,” Nagito huffed. 

“What.. were you looking at just now?” I asked, lightly tapping my index finger on my forearm. Nagito's head turns, an almost caught off guard stared placed onto me. 

His gaze caught me off guard and I scratched at my arm for a second. “My bad.. It seemed as if you were looking for something across the line of the horizon.” I feel his gaze on me intently, almost as if observing my every move. This gaze is familiar however, almost as if he always stares at me like this. During trials, when he's quiet, he stares at me almost as if he is looking into my mind and body. My soul even. That or even just at breakfast occasionally,  his eyes lingered onto my plate or even my.. body language? Or even when he was all tied up, he had that annoying smirk almost as if he was always 3 steps ahead of me in this game, eyeing me up as I held out the plate of his food for him. It severely pissed me off.

“You're deep in thought right now. Does the view across the oceans horizon make you overthink..? How hopeless.. Despite being in such deep thought, you continue to talk to me as if normal. How lucky can one person be?” He exclaimed, immediately sending me back to the thought process that flows through my mind when he opens up that mouth of his. God damn it he is so annoying sometimes. He is so unbelievably articulate and annoying.

“What? Are you thinking about how annoying I am right now? You can be honest, you know?” His eyes, something about them glimmered in the sunset. There was no shine, yet there was something leading him to continue to sit and talk to me, right? He turned his head and rambled the same self-degrading he always had.

A few minutes into observing him, it's almost as if I found a response. “You know, despite being so.. outward, you're always so concise with the way you speak and hold yourself. You have your crazy moments.. But you always lead me to discovering the truth.. As if you already knew before.” I mutter, rolling the hem of my sleeve under my finger tips. “You say stupid things.. A lot, yet you're always concise and seem to hold yourself well.. That being said, I don't get how others can truly and wholeheartedly doubt you.”

There was a change in the way he looked at me at that moment. As much as the caught off guard look remained, it seemed as if something in his gaze changed. It's as if this was the truth he had been looking for in some way.

“Wow, being praised by an Ultimate like yourself, how did I ever get so lucky? I guess this talent truly isn't as worthless as I imagined.” His arms tightly hugged his forearms, crossed against his figure.

“I'm no ultimate.. If anything, I’m the ultimate amnesia patient because I truly can't remember my ultimate. May as well call me Ultimate-less..” I sigh, shifting my body so I could lay my head on my arms supported by my knees. I continued to stare into the sunset as Nagito next to me chuckled.

There was something surreal about the scenery and moment that just happened. It wasn't usual to have a chat with Nagito where he wasn't going crazy over the little details of a case which meant more than one could recognize. Again with being 3 steps ahead. 

“I’m sure you're much more than that, Hajime.. There is something about your core and Character that leads me to believe there is much more to you than the talent you may possess. Despite your talent, you have come this far without knowing what it is. Your talent didn't drive you to where you are now. It's the hope that's filled up inside of you. “ He smiled, staring off into the sunset. “You try your best to see the wellness in everyone knowing it could be impossible at the same time. That being said, you don't doubt intuition and you're almost never wrong. It's admirable, truly.”

The way Nagito praised me was nearly unsettling; I could feel myself shiver despite it being scorching hot out. “Nagito.. I have a question..?”

“And you’re aiming to ask a lowlife nobody like me.. If it drives you closer to hope, who am I to refuse?” He chuckles, almost obnoxiously at this point. 

“What..? Man, you really are annoying.” I sighed, hiding my head in my arms and legs. 

“Well Hajime..?” 

“What do you really.. Think about, “ before I could finishmy thought, almost asking for a psycho analysis from this psychotic weirdo beside me, I hesitate..

“Think about what? The killing game?” Nagito asked, making me turn my head in somewhat surprise. It usually feels like this maniac is always reading my mind, so when he doesn’t know what exactly I’m thinking.. Catches me off guard.

Casually, I turn my head and sigh. “Yeah.. What do you really think about this killing game?” My breath hitches as I finish my question, and he turns his head, as if noticing in an instant. 

“I think this game is an amazing opportunity.” And just like that, he doesnt 100% surprise me with his outrageous opinions. “Well you’re being awfully quiet..” He chuckles, turning back, catching me glimpsing at him. “You’re paying close attention to me, per usual.. However, you’re staring a lot more than usual. What's going on Hajime?”

“You think I’m easy to read when in actuality you’re wrong, I just wanted to know what you thought of the game, after all..” I redirected the conversation. “ You didn’t entirely answer my question, I expected more detail from you, Nagito.”

“It’s nothing you haven't heard before Hajime,but if you like the sound of my voice that much, who am I to refuse you.” His head tilted down as he stared blankly into the sand. “In all honesty, this game is a bit much.. In a normal circumstance, you’d never imagine Hope's Peak Academy to conspire to be a killing game where we are sent to an island to kill each other. With its ranking and status, you’d expect a different outcome.. However, that being said, this special occasion truly drives out the deepest and most buried conveyance of hope. At some point throughout this game we’re trapped in, the deepest and truest hope within us all is what will bring us together to outpower Monokuma’s forced despair.”

“ So you’re fine here..? You’re ready to accept the situation we’re in at face value?” 

“It’s more than face value Hajime, and you know that. It’s almost as if.. This killing game is testing our hope and faith. No matter what, we’ll all convene and express to Monokuma that Hope always outweighs despair, no matter how forced things are here on this island.” His hair shined under the setting light and his face appeared more pink due to the hue of the sky. The scene in front of me isn't one you can easily replace. It honestly makes me want.. To stay here in this moment forever. If it could only be this way forever.

With a huff, I look up to the sky.”How can you be so hopeful for an outcome you desire when we’re stuck in a shitty situation like this.. Somebody is bound to be murdered soon, right Nagito? So why.. Do you have so much faith?”

“Shouldn’t I be asking you about that, Hajime? You’re the one who will always choose to doubt so you can believe rather than doubt off of pure intuition. You have faith in the students around us knowing one of us could be dead tomorrow morning.” Nagito proposed. “ Not to mention, the reason I have faith is because of my luck.. When looking at my talent, it’s seen as some low leveled talent compared to the rest of you. However, with my talent, much bad has to conspire in order for hope and luck to shine through. I mean getting that lottery ticket and it being the winning one despite being kidnapped.. There is always going to be despair, but my luck has seemed to benefit both me and others. I think.. My hope is what’s helped me live this long, despite my medical conditions.”

“ I see.. Well, hopefully that talent of yours pulls through.. Despite it sounding bad, we do depend on you if that's the case..” “Please never be afraid to depend on me, use me as you see fit Hajime, I don’t mind.. Especially if it's you.” He smirked out the last bit, it barely being audible. “Well, thanks for talking with me for a bit.. Is there anything else you wanted to ask..?”

“If I’m being honest, I was wondering what you really thought about me. Do you.. Really think I’m that amazing despite not knowing my talent..?” “Without your talent you’ve come this far.. Also, my talent can barely be considered a talent, so don’t compare your talent to my low-level ability to manage by.” With a minor huff in relief, I watch him as he talks about me, seeming as if he forgets I’m even here. “In all honesty, when I’m around you, hearing the way you hold yourself in arguments or the tone you use with your friends, and the care and sincerity behind your voice when you talk with the others.. It’s refreshing to see someone so hopeful. Out of everyone on the island, I’ve been so drawn to you because you’re the hope on this island. I mean you lead us to the truth in class discussions, you always manage to maintain friendship with everybody, it’s as if you’re the force pulling us all together. I admire it.” His pale eyes glimmered as he praised me, his gaze once again shifting onto me and my figure.I must admit, he’d caught me feeling mildly flustered because… I’ve never felt the sincerity and honesty coming from another person in the form of a compliment.

“Jeez Nagito, you act as if you’re in love with me.” His eyes slightly widened, and I noticed in his expression that there was some reaction to what I had said.”What.. Was that too far..?”

“No.. You’re not too far off, but I wouldn’t phrase it like that, considering the differences between you and I.” He mutters and I freeze, eyes locked on him as he anxiously speaks.. For once. Differences between you and I? “I would phrase it as that from the bottom of my heart, I’m truly in love.. With the hope that sleeps and lingers inside you. I know it's there, and it’ll awaken into a beautiful state, and all it takes is motivation..” His cheeks flush as he verbally admits it. This isn't a.. Confession, is it..?

Almost as if thinking aloud, Nagito chuckles. “It’s not.. A confession or anything. I don't think I could live knowing someone such as yourself considers the deep feelings of what I feel for you, especially in a romantic sense. In all actuality, I don’t know what it means.. to love or beloved..”

“It’s nice, at least from the right person..” I smiled. “Despite you saying you don’t know how to express the love you feel, for some reason, everything you do makes me want to get to know more about you. It makes me crave your sight, even. It’s like I want you to focus on what I’m doing and contribute. I want you to be able to see that side of me, and rely on it even.” “Wow Hajime, you make it sound like you’re the one in love with me.”

“I can’t phrase it like that.. It’s too direct. I just want to get to know you better. That’s all Nagito.” 

“And If I said that I wanted to get to know you better, what would that really mean for us..?”

“Exactly that, Nagito, we can get to learn more about each other over the span of however long we’re trapped here.. And I promise not to completely shut you out and outcast you.” We both laugh, and Nagito inches a bit closer to me.

“ You know.. I’d like that.. As long as you’re fine with being next to trash like me and won't get too sick of me.”

“Trust me, I am way past my limit of being sick of you..” I tease him and he huffs in despair..

“I knew it, you-”

“I’m just joking, you’re so caught up in your self-loathing you failed to interpret my sarcasm as actual sarcasm..” I smile, setting myself back into the position I was in before. 

“I think..this scenery is becoming a bit too surreal..” Nagito muttered, standing up from the sand and waiting for me to stand up with him. As I prop myself back to my feet, Nagito leads me away from the beach and down back towards the cottages. Along the way, we ran into some of the others, and I had received some extremely strange looks as the others noticed Nagito and I standing a little closer than usual. Almost as if on cue, Kazuichi questions me on what's going on with Nagito, and warns me not to catch myself going too deep “in hopes to..” God, I can’t even remember.

However, That all being said and done, I walked Nagito to his cottage and he paused before entering.. “There is still some time before 10 PM, did you want to do anything else Hajime..?” He smiles at me, walking towards his doorway.

“Honestly, I’d like to enjoy the moment of peace before disaster strikes.. Want to go get something to eat..?” I ask, resting my hands in my pockets. 

“Sure I would like that.. If you insist on hanging out with a nobody like-”

“I’m sure,now let's go. Maybe we could pick up some bagels on the way back.” His face nearly lit up to the sound of bagels.

“How could I ever resist something as hopeful as bagels.. And you too.”

“Shut up and let's go..” I smiled, leading him towards the restaurant.

It's still really hard to imagine that there will be a day that Nagito and I completely understand each other, but until that day comes, I’m ready to try.

_____

NISSAN UPLOADING IN THE BIG 2025!? Happy late new years and uh, ignore my stale ass writing. I haven't written like this is so unbelievably long and I just wanna come back... Well watch as I disappear off of tumblr for a while longer after this.

How does one use tags again?

[hollowfyshunsuikubo]

The Midnight Flame

A/N: More soulmate au i literally love this concept sm Izuru is one of my favourite Bleach characters, and I’ve been playing around with writing this in my spare time. This one is set pre-tybw but post fullbringer arc. I used the soul tug concept for this one, where the first touch between soulmates loosens the tug completely. Though, if your soulmate is having a hard time in any way, it can cause you pain. Only a little angst in this one >:) reader is both depressed and enraged so good luck. Once again, not Beta read

Izuru Kira x gn!reader Word count: 6.4k Warnings: angst, nsfw smut, bad language AU: Soulmates

Morning. The sunlight through the windows, the feel of a blanket covering only his legs. Morning. The arrival of another day, going to waste. Sitting up, Kira looks at his hands. Hardened from years of being a shinigami. He inspected them, turning them over, holding them up to the light that caused him to squint, searching for something that was both never and always there.

A hand reached up to grab one of his, followed by the interlocking of fingers. His heart jumped as he looked to the right, hoping, praying, needing- 

And there was nothing. He was alone in his bed, as always. It got cold at night, but it was warm in the mornings. With a sigh, he got out of bed, and got ready for the day. His captain was… interesting, to say the least. A music man. He was so different from Gin, like fire and water. Gin was unpredictable, he came and went as he pleased, often leaving some form of destruction in his wake. He raged through the Gotei 13, laughing as he did. His betrayal burned, and left its scars. Third degrees ran up over Kira’s arms, his torso, his legs. It felt like the fire of it was behind his eyes. When he thought of Gin, he thought of fire, he thought of how it felt to be burning without any water to douse the flames. Captain Otorobashi was different. He was like water. He filled the spaces he entered with ease, and even when he left, droplets of his kind words or generous music remained. He flowed with what needed to be done, and he left no space untouched. Captain Otorobashi was a calming presence, one that soothed the burns that covered Kira day after day, and finally put out the fires that had enveloped his skin. 

But with water came caution. Fire, at least, was direct with its deadliness. Water lulled you into a false sense of security, then drowned you as soon as you got too comfortable. Water could fill your lungs and take away your ability to scream, to speak. Water filled up any and all spaced, and could very well kill any and all within them. Kira had been burned before, and even if the flames had been cooled with sweet water, there was no telling if he’d drown. 

Morning. Kira walked out of his room and greeted his squadmates. Morning. Morning. Morning. Each day was the same. Morning meetings with his Captain, who would be strumming on a guitar or reading one of those manga he enjoyed. Then training, then requests, then paperwork until sundown, then to bed. Each day is more repetitive than the last, no change in scenery, no chance to unwind at the end of the night with something other than a bottle of sake and his right hand. The same hand he thought they had grabbed, whoever they were. He would love to change his days with the feeling of someone beside him, lounging in his bed when he went back to his room, smiling and waiting for him. He would love to wake up beside someone, kisses turning into wandering hands, wandering hands that turned into being late and disheveled for his morning meeting with Captain Otorobashi. He would love to finally see his soulmate. 

As he approached his Captain's office, he focused in on his heart. He felt the same familiar tug, that ever present feeling of being pulled somewhere. In a moment of hesitation, Kira paused in front of his Captains office. A lump rose in his throat, choking him as he wondered where his other half was.

–

“This could have been an afternoon job,” You groan as Shuhei drops a large stack of files on your desk. He shakes his head and tosses you a pen.

“This could be an afternoon job, but it might take all day, so it’s an all day job for you.” Shuhei was never one to beat around the bush with you. It was like talking to a printer. The same words, over and over again, hell-bent on forcing you to forget the incessant tugging you constantly felt in your heart, and the fact that you often found yourself staring out the window, hoping that your obviously internally tortured soulmate was at least doing okay. It was a painful tug, one that made your heart ache. Some days, it was so bad you couldn’t work, which brought no end of shame to Captain Muguruma and Lieutenant Hisagi. It’s not like you liked it either, as you’ve tried saying so many times. But neither of them are too impressed with you.

Recently, it’s like you’re being punished for things you can't readily control. Cramps had you taken out, despite the fact you were more than willing to throw yourself into whatever training was being offered by Captain Muguruma. Anything was better than missing another day because of some stupid pain. You were denied. You threw a plate in response. 

After that, during a particularly bad day, after an apparently horrendous captains meeting, the tugging on your heart had wrenched so bad it caused you to vomit, while also praying your soulmate wasn’t a captain, least of all your captain, since some of the tugs in your heart seemed to line up with his foul moods. You didn't really think it was though. What kind of soulmate literally throws you into your room and slams the door, leaving you to choke?

Whoever your soulmate was, they were causing no end to the grief you were going through. The paperwork on your desk was looking extremely flammable. Fire seemed to be the only way you were going to calm down, since you burned with rage over just how standoffish, stubborn, and stoic your squadmates were. You were fed up. But you still took the work that you correctly deemed an afternoon job, and first thing in the morning, started your pity paperwork with a scowl.

One day, you’d meet your soulmate and be able to quell the furious tugging on your heart that sometimes left you incapacitated. One day you’d be able to sit down and do pity paperwork so fast, Captain Muguruma would have no choice but to sing your praises.

One day, you'd be appreciated for the fact that you still work hard, despite the challenges you face. 

–

The nights were almost worse than the mornings. Sweat dripped down his face as he hunched over himself, holding his dick in his hand, stroking, squeezing slightly every now and then, his eyes fluttering. So often his heart hurt at night, and so often did he engage in guilty pleasures he should be saving for his soulmate. It brought him no end of guilt. He threw his head back as he began to move faster, his cock bobbing in his hands as he chased his release. He was filled with images he couldn’t even see clearly- hints of skin, another's hand, another's mouth, another's hole-

Kira gasped and groaned as he spilled over his fist, slowing his stroke to nothing. His mind was a mess, and once again, the clarity that came after hit him like a brick. 

What was he doing? He could be making good use of his time, getting sleep, resting his mind, being awake enough to maybe search for his soulmate, and yet. He was awake so late, hand on his cock, a weak and pale imitation of someone who would bring him joy that surpassed an orgasm beyond belief. Face burning in shame- that fire again -he cleaned off his hand before laying down. Fire was what burned him in the first place. That traitor, the man he trusted most, the man who, like a flame, had swept across him and teased him, teased him, about who the other half of his soul was. Who showed him what it was to be strong like the flame and burn so brightly even the sun would be jealous. 

He found a simple answer while reliving such a betrayal. He was afraid of having what he wanted. He was afraid of the fire of whoever matched his soul because of the burns that would follow. It was the reason he only kept Shuhei close, the reason he stayed an arms length away from everyone else, including his captain. His captain, who, like water, would soothe his burns, put out his flame, and carry him to safety if he wished. Yet water killed too, just slower. Kira lay on his back, a hand behind his head, and focused on the tug in his heart. He wondered if everyone had to go searching for that tug. Maybe his soulmate just had a simple life, without much fear or stress. Maybe his soulmate's heart was a closed book, better at hiding its anger and fear than he was. 

The last thought hurt his heart. He had gone through so much- he only wished that his soulmate was alright, and that whenever they searched for their connection, their tug, that they were not angry with what they found.

–

If it were possible to be enraged at a person you’d never met, seen, spoken to, or even knew at all, you decided you were rightfully pissed at your soulmate, whoever the bastard was. Your chest felt like it was being torn open, and you hid in the gardens of your squad. You were on a late night patrol, and things were going fine.

Until.

Until whoever your soulmate was decided to have a miserable time of things. You gagged as you curled up into a ball, hiding behind a large tree. You wouldn’t be seen like this. You hated it. If you could’ve made any wish at that moment, it would be to close off the connection between your souls, if even for two minutes, just so you could at least run to your room to have privacy. With what little strength you had, You attempted to stand. Tears pricked your eyes from the sheer pain, and you felt your dinner threaten to come up.

Then a hand grasped your arm.

“You look like shit,” Shuhei said bluntly. “Why are you still out here? Go home.” With a glaring side eye, you wrenched your arm out of his grasp, stumbling back a little. He must’ve heard the gagging, or just his damned sixth sense that told him where you were at all times. He must truly despise you to keep tabs on you like this. To always know when to send you home just so he can dock your pay, save the division a little more money. It made you want to howl. It made you want to feel blood between your teeth and your zanpakuto clenched so tightly in your hands that the sheer force of your grip left bruises.

“Fuck off. I’m fine.” You spat in response. The aching in your chest only got worse. Shuhei didn’t move.

–

He was at a crossroads. He could pick you up and haul you back to your room in the barracks and force you to stay in, he could stay with you and attempt to help you ride out the waves of this pain that seemed to cause you physical harm, or he could… leave. Shuhei could listen and leave. Listen and leave, easy as that. Something not even Muguruma did. He just grunted and sent you away. Left all the work to him, and let Mashiro annoy the shit out of him while he was working…

He couldn’t leave you. You were his subordinate, and you were in pain. It seemed like you were made of pain. It hurt him, but not as much as it hurt you. You were a diligent person, and you tried so hard. Yet there was always something wrong, things you couldn’t control. Because of the pain, you turned into a being of hate. A cornered, starving dog, snarling at everyone. Sure, you joked sometimes, but your anger was a fire that scorched others. Shuhei wasn’t sure if it burned the Squad or you more. 

Crossroads. He watched as you attempted to stand up straight, a hand grasping the left side of your shihakusho like you were going to rip it off. Your left hand grasping at yourself as if you could tear your soulmate bond out of your chest. In a moment of forgetfulness, Shuehi reached for you, but that flash of anger in your eyes made him stop and lower his hand. For the first time in a long time, he didn’t know how to help. He couldn’t leave you, he couldn’t help you, and he couldn’t even show you that your anger was misplaced but not misunderstood. He couldn’t even be a good Lieutenant. He was grasping at nothing. So he stood tall, and just watched. He swallowed words and swallowed pity, and watched. He watched as you finally were able to stand, using the tree you were hiding behind as your crutch. He watched as you glared at him. And he listened as you spoke.

“Did you not hear me, Lieutenant? I’m fine. Fuck off.” Your voice burned with anger. He couldn’t help you, not without flames rising up his skin. But he’d been burned before. Captain Muguruma was made of fire. He burned away all the residual droplets that Tosen has left behind. Fire was a warm, comforting, protective thing when it needed to be. Just as water was not only calm and welcoming, but also a killer. Everything needed moderation. Shuhei knew that fire and water were both needed. You were burning in flames of pain, anger, and your own misery without any water to douse you in. Shuhei swallowed and finally, he spoke.

“You’re not fine. You’re hurting again and-” How like you to cut him off, riling like a dog about to strike.

“Lieutenant Hisagi,” His heart ached. Gone were the days you’d laugh and joke together, calling each other by first names. Another reminder of what had been washed away as the years had gone by. “I know you may not like me right now, but for the love of God, let me do my job.” It felt like a slap to the face. Not like you? You were his friend. Sure, you may not have been his anchor like Momo or Kira, but he still saw you as a friend. You’d begun pulling away. You’d begun to suffer alone after Tosen betrayed the Gotei, and you’d suffered more as your soulmate had begun to pull so hard your heart couldn’t take it. And you had the audacity to say that he was the one that didn’t like you. You-

“Listen,” His voice is sharp, like glass, hoping to slice your skin to make you bleed out your self-loathing. “Shut up. I am your Lieutenant. I am your superior. I am telling you to go home. I am giving you a goddamn order. Are you insubordinate?” He felt cruel. But he was at his wits end with you. There wasn’t anything he could do, and you refused to accept help, or even let him listen. You had shut yourself off and withdrew to the point where he halfway considered putting you on a watch. Yet you persisted, the pain that haunts your every waking moment, something you are determined to not let define you. It hurts him.

People had to focus to feel that tug. Everyone was a master of emotions. The fact you felt it like someone had tied a raging hollow to your heart and soul meant whoever your soulmate was was hiding a great deal of inner pain. Or they didn’t have a good grasp on their emotions. Either way, Shuhei didn’t know how to help. He could feel his tug, pulsing away, but it never hurt. Not like yours. But seeing you, an old friend, in enough pain that you are sick and weakened because of it made him despise your soulmate. It made him want to grab the offender by the throat and throttle them until they go ahold of themselves. A fire burned in your eyes as you turned his words over in your head. Shuhei kept a stern face on, despite the fact he’d directly threatened you. You wouldn’t know it, but he felt remorse for what he had to do.

–

You wanted to hit Shuhei. He looked every part the asshole as you thought he was. He’s been picking things up from Captain Muguruma, that’s for sure. Both of them are pricks. Cold, reserved, and uncaring. You could scream. You could leap forward and rip Shuhei to shreds. But instead, you glare and turn away, managing your pain for just long enough to walk to your room in the barracks, and slam the door. Someone will complain in the morning about the noise, but you don't care. You burn with fury. You lay in your bed, your anger getting the best of you for some time, until all you can do is think.

You fucked up, yet again. Every single time the burning pain from the tug in your heart gets too much, you lash out. It’s becoming the thing that is ruining your life, but only because you keep letting it. If only you could make it stop, but with what time? Finding one's soulmate took time, and time was something you didn’t have the luxury of. There were articles to edit, training to be done, rounds and commissions to complete. You couldn’t follow the tug of your heart without negativity following you as you returned. It was a cruel thing. Just like you and Shuhei have been to each other for some time now. It felt like another betrayal each time you and Shuhei butted heads. He seemed insistent on you not overworking yourself, while also sending you home whenever you showed a wince of pain. But you wanted to work. You wanted to keep doing what you loved in vain hopes the tug in your heart would lessen and finally be something you had to search for.

The night was long. Nights were always worse than the days. But you closed your eyes and ignored how the tugging in your heart, the tugging in your very soul, clogged your throat and made you choke on your own misery. Hatred pooled in your heart, but not for you soulmate. It made you sick.

–

“Someone’s in pain?” Kira blinked as Shuhei lamented. His close friend wasn’t doing well. Bags under his eyes, slouched shoulders, messier hair. It was like he’d been working overtime again. 

“And they won’t listen. All I do is tell them ‘take care of yourself. Go home and rest. Take your time’ and all they do is get angry!” Shuhei ranted. He took another swig of sake and glared at nothing. Kira was getting concerned. “If I ever meet their soulmate, I’m gonna use Kazeshini and slice ‘em up.” 

Kira was very uncomfortable with that notion, mainly because he’d be an accessory to murder if it happened, and whoever this person in pain was would have to live without the other half of their soul permanently. He had another sip of sake for himself, feeling sullen. He glanced at his friend again.

“How bad is it? Surely it can’t be that bad-”

“Now you even sound like them! Fucks sakes… throwing up because your tug is hurting that bad and still saying you can fight a hollow isn’t a good thing. I’m going to put them on leave just so they can find their stupid soulmate and so I can get a piece of ‘em and give them a piece of my mind… ugh.”

Kira ignored how Shuhei had interrupted him. He listened quietly, and thought about this person. They sounded strong, but tortured by pain they didn’t ask to have. He felt his own heart ache in solidarity. He wished his soulmate wasn’t in pain. Selfishly, Kira wished he could abandon everything just for a day so he could find his soulmate. Maybe then his hand would stop being his only comfort in the night hours. To finally hold them in his arms and be able to feel their skin against his as he kissed their forehead and apologized for taking so long. Shuhei had another long drink, and Kira saw this as an opportunity. He’d been feeling so restless lately, maybe a change of scenery would be a good thing.

“Why don’t I come in and help for a bit? I’m sure Captain Muguruma would understand, what with how chaotic Mashiro is, and all the work you’re putting in for the Communication…” He trailed off, anxious to hear what his friend would say. Shuhei was about to take another drink, then paused halfway. He lowered the bottle and stared at it, his expression forlorn.

“...maybe I’ll take ‘em to the printing room. That’ll raise their spirits. I’m just worried about ‘em… they’re still my friend, you know? Seeing them in pain, and hearing them accuse me of not liking them… it’s hard.” 

Kira had no idea what Shuhei was on about, but concluded it must be about the person he was ranting about before. Overall, he took it as an agreement. Kira had another sip of his own sake as Shuhei starts to bawl, the bartender looking at them oddly. Shuhei started saying a name, which seemed odd to Kira, but he concluded it as the person's name. Placing a hand over his heart as he begins to drink all of his sake, Kira hopes his soulmate is alright, and not suffering in pain like Shuhei’s other friend is. He shook his head as Shuhei howled in misery, and Lieutenant Iba had to restrain him.

–

You stared at the printing press. Your mind churned, trying to find the reason behind Shuhei's current niceness. It felt like a trap. You inspected every inch of it, making sure nothing was faulty. It had been a long time since Shuhei had let you in here, mainly because of your work not being up to standard because of your pain, but today was special it seemed. One of his Lieutenant friends had come in to save the day and help out, much to Captain Muguruma’s mixed chagrin and relief. A blonde boy, who reminded you a lot of water. Smooth, quiet, seemingly weightless. Something different to the fire that had burned in your blood. 

You caught Shuhei staring again and you frowned. Standing up straight, you walk over to him.

“You’re looking good, mostly. The text blocks need a little upgrading, though. The wood down the far end is looking a little shabby too. It might be time for a more modern upgrade, but other than that, everything is good. I’m surprised the platen is still going too…” You speak normally for the first time in weeks. It isn’t a complaint. It isn’t filled with suppressed rage. It isn’t said sarcastically. It’s a normal conversation. Shuhei nods and rubs the back of his neck.

“...It might be time for an upgrade, yeah…” He mutters. You can see the thoughts running through his head. For the first time in a while, you see Shuhei, and not Lieutenant Hisagi. You pause for a moment, just watching him.

You know what he’s thinking. You can see the flash of Tosen behind his eyes, thoughts of the man who was a good captain, but in reality a traitor to everything you loved. It was painful. You recalled a time when you sat with Tosen in the garden. You were new to the Soul Society then, a recently graduated Soul Reaper. You’d had a terrible day, and were sitting in the garden, trying to make sense of things. Tosen had come up to you and invited you to join him on a walk. You honestly thought he was going to berate you.

But the man had talked about nonsense for a solid hour. The weather. Ink cartridges. What wood felt best when you had to take a nap on a desk. The feeling of different winds depending on what direction they came from. Never did you think a blind man would be able to talk for so long about the things you either thought weren’t worthy of talking about, or the things you’d never thought of before. For a solid hour, he spoke, you sometimes asking questions. Before you knew it, your mood had improved. Tosen had somehow managed to make you feel better by utterly confusing you. 

It was something you didn’t forget. It’s the reason why you had lashed out so aggressively when he left, your soulmate's tug becoming the source of all your pain once you’d killed as many hollows as possible. A man who had stepped out of his comfort zone to comfort a young shinigami, became almost like a father to you, one of the three greatest traitors in history. It made you scream. It was like he’d thrown you into water to drown, and when you coughed up your lungs, you set things on fire, just to feel the warmth Tosen has once provided to you.

You and Shuhei stood in silence for so long, the air became thick. When he finally looked back at you, a flash of guilt crossed his face. He cleared his throat.

“A new printing press. It’s a good idea. We’d have more time to do other things and we’d be able to…” He trailed off. So you finished his sentence for him, a flicker of your flame reigniting in your chest, hot and furious.

“Move on from the past.”

You two locked eyes. His jaw set and your eyes blazed. For a moment, it seemed like you were both going to draw your zanpakuto and fight, just to feel something other than the rage that followed a betrayal of a man you both admired and respected. A man you both knew as your calm ocean.

Then the door burst open and that blond friend of his walked in. Your tug jumped, but you ignored it. You and Shuhei snapped out of it and turned to the blonde man, who walked in. “Apologies. I’m Lieutenant Kira.” He said to you. You nodded your head in response. He was just being polite. You introduced yourself as well, making sure to be polite. You dodn’t miss how his eyes widened slightly. You frowned a little. Shuhei must’ve ran his mouth again… speaking of Shuhei, he butted in.

“Kira, what’s happening? Is everything alright?” The black haired man asked, concerned. Kira shook his head.

“Captain Muguruma is about to dissect Lieutenant Mashiro. Half the Squad is holding him back.” 

You held back a laugh, putting a hand over your mouth. Kira looked at you, his eyebrows drawing together in confusion for a moment before Shuhei started running out of the room.

“Stay here! That little-”

His voice faded as he ran, leaving you and Kira alone. The room was silent again, until you burst out into laughter.

The sound was beautiful to Kira. To him, it was like water falling over stones, so merry and carefree. To you, your laugh felt like a warm flame, not angry or harmful, but merry and calming. It felt like freedom. You kept on smiling even after you were done.

“One of these days, Captain Muguruma is going to kill Mashiro.” You said dryly, chuckling a little more at your own thought. “But only if Shuhei doesn’t get to her first.” Kira chuckled to himself.

“They’re like oil and water…” He said in a tone of false sorrow. He shook his head and then glanced at you. His heart was racing, and his tug felt painful for the first time. It was like time froze as Kira realized his tug was hurting. It felt like someone was ripping his heart out of his chest whenever he looked at you. He stepped away a little, not knowing what to do. 

You looked at Kira again, and for the first time in a long time, you felt light. Like all your burdens had been burned away until only the embers remained. Something you usually only felt in the dead of night, an emotion of calmness and serenity you’d dubbed the ‘midnight flame’. A soft, burning sensation that soothed rather than harmed. You saw something turning behind Kira’s eyes, and the tenseness of his neck.

You recalled how Shuhei had said Kira was a bit antisocial. You’d heard of him before Tosen and the others had betrayed the Soul Society. You hadn’t met, though, due to your own schedule and the fact that Shuhei needed to be babysat while drinking, which wasn’t your favourite thing to do. Out of respect for him, you collected yourself and stepped away a little as well, looking away. Your chest felt so light. For the first time in a long time, it’s like you’re able to breathe without feeling the heavy burden of your soulmates tug. You went to speak again, maybe to break the silence, when Kira fell to his knees.

You paused for a minute, wondering if you should laugh or not. You opted to crouch down where you are and looked at Kira.

“...are you alright?” He glanced at you, his eyes filled with tears. He quickly looked away, clenching his fists over his knees as he tried to focus on anything but the pain. The tug in his chest was too much, this blistering hurt that burns him. You reached out to him, but he exhaled sharply before you could touch him. Your brow creased, and your own tug began to hurt again. An endless cycle for you, one that you couldn’t escape. Your face hardened. ‘I’ll get Lieutenant Hisagi.” A simple decision. You stood quickly and walked out of the room, searching for Shuhei.

You followed the sounds of commotion to see Shuhei and Mashiro having an argument. You were about to step in to ask when he’ll be done, when an errant hand grabed you by the neck and marched you back inside.

“Stay out of it.”

If you had to describe Captain Muguruma, you would call him a blaze. He was a wild-looking man, with the strength of a hundred regular shinigami, and an outrageous sense of style that had inspired Shuhei to get tattoos on his face, of all places. He set you down inside and checked over his shoulder to see if Mashiro was dead yet. Finding the little green girl still alive, he looked back at you.

“Whatever it is, you come to me. I’m your Captain now, not Hisagi.” Muguruma spoke with an annoyed tone in his voice, as if this was the last thing he wanted to be dealing with. You recalled every time he barked at you to speed up, or told you to go home and get over it. He was perhaps the worst person who could’ve caught you when you needed help. You swallowed and put on a smile.

“I was just looking to see if it had ended yet.”

“Well, it hasn’t, so get back inside. I heard he left you at the… printing thing.”

“...the printing press?”

“That. Whatever it is, just stay there.”

“We need a more modern one.” “Lieutenant Hisagi is in charge of that. He’ll come to me when he wants one and I’ll give him the funds.” “Well I want to talk to him about what options we have.”

“From what I hear, you’ve been banned from the Communication work until your pain isn’t such a hindrance.”

You fell silent. Muguruma stared down at you with his arms crossed, radiating pure annoyance. You weren’t going to be getting any help from anyone, it looked like. Without another word, you turned away, walking back to the printing room, and a distressed Kira. Your body burned with anger at Muguruma. He only became captain because there was nobody else to take the spot, and because the Soul Society had been desperate for experienced captains. Otherwise, he’d still be rotting in the mortal realm, living his pathetic life, probably getting more piercings. 

Muguruma watched you. He didn’t understand what he was doing wrong. He was being truthful, wasn’t he? He knew you were hindered by something that could be sorted. Why didn’t you take your numerous enforced days off to find the cause of your issue and stop it? Why didn’t you thank him for at least noticing you weren’t doing okay? He looked down at the ground as he scowled. You’re probably just emotional and in pain again. He’d have to give you more space, leave you alone. Your anger was helping nobody. At least when he got angry he had time for it… 

You entered the printing room again, your eyes trained on Kira. He looked a little better. He met your gaze for a moment, and you sighed.

“Lieutenant Kira is busy with Lieutenant Mashiro.” You announced. You walked forward and held out your hand, a gesture that seemed fine for time being. “Let’s get you somewhere that doesn’t house a machine.”

When he took your hand, his face pale and his palm slightly sweaty, it was like a thousand midnight doves erupt from the touch alone.

Such a feeling of fullness filled you. A flurry of soft wings enveloping your entire being, a eruption of a waterfall inside your soul that quenched all anger and pain that led you to salvation. No longer did you crave, no longer did your tug pull at your very being. Water rushed into every part of your soul, filling it with such a lightness you could've sworn at the moment it felt like you were suspended in a great sea, but no risk of drowning was present. 

For Izuru, he felt warmth after the loss of such a crippling pain. Such a hearth bloomed inside him he knew that he would never feel cold during his lonely midnight again. A flame so enveloping inside his being, something so warm and right to fight for, he likened it to a Phoenix. Reborn from the ashes, no longer suffering under cool water. The water in his lung was burned away, and with it, his passion ignited. Such a small thing he felt, something he'd never felt before. Passion. What was it? The kindle burned in his chest, a fire that would never go out. He felt free.

The two of you stared at each other, before Izuru slowly stood, your hands still clasped together, your souls both finally free of searching, of tugging. He was mesmerised by you. You thought of everything you'd been through. 

Fire and water were opposites, and yet no matter which element your soul reflected now, you had to make your peace. 

“...I was in insurmountable pain for a very long time.” You said. A boldness ripped through you. Yet your next words- ”You should make it up to me.” -were stolen from your throat at Izuru, not quite understanding what he was doing in his new passionate delirium, pulled you forward and swept you into a tight hug. On instinct, you responded in kind.

All was silent for a few moments, before Izuru spoke again. His voice was shaky from his nervousness, but his newfound passion simmer underneath it all. He damned himself for being so shy, but this time, he was going to push himself to show you comfort. 

“Never again.” His throat was hoarse. Hands once used for worry and work found their new purpose grasping you close to him. “No more pain.”

No more pain. How you'd longed for that for so long. How you'd longed for midnight under the moon where you didn't feel as if you'd lose your soul to such agony within it. How you'd longed to take it out on him, to scream and yell for the pain he'd unwittingly caused. And yet. Such a cool flow of water filled you, such a rush of comfort from his words washed over you, so much so you couldn't be mad anymore. How could you? How could you be so angry at the person whose first words to you was “never again”?

Izuru finally felt a flash of discomfort from the sudden hug he initiated. He stepped back but slid his hands to your ribs. You suppressed the urge to jump. You had ticklish ribs. He looked into your eyes before looking away, so red in the face he could barely talk anymore. 

For a moment, all was still. Then, in a moment of weakness you'd never felt, a tender kind you wished to explore during softer, quieter midnights, you began to speak.

“...you're-”

With a bang, the door to the printing press room slammed open. 

“I'm sick and tired of leaving you be, and ignoring the pain of someone who's one of my best seated officers-” Muguruma was yelling, but stopped. You turned your head and scowled.

That insufferable prick. 

Your souls, two lost souls now joined in what would blossom into such a pure love ordained by the universe itself, were still fire and water. You two balanced each other. As Izuru found out less than ten seconds later, after you gently pulled away from him, you would need plenty of water to cool down after you had a shouting match with Captain Muguruma. It was such a sight to see that even Shuhei and Mashiro stopped fighting to come and investigate the source of your yelling. To be fair, nobody had ever seen you explode like this. Shuhei and Izuru locked eyes, and as Izuru dissolved into embarrassment, wishing he could hide away, Shuhei felt himself grinning for his friend. 

It did nag in the back of Shuhei's mind on how on earth shy, quiet, water-like Kira was soulmates with the embodiment of sheer rage and hellfire. 

“Opposites attract,” He murmured to himself. Mashiro giggled.

“Maybe Captain Muguruma is soulmates with me if that's the case.” 

“...you're out of you goddamn mind if you think-”

Two fights broke out in the printing press room, both of which Izuru wanted to run and hide from. Yet he couldn't take his eyes off of your form, how you gestured as you and Muguruma argued loudly. He wondered if he should get you a glass of water for your throat. You were certainly yelling loud enough…

Then you drew your sword just as Muguruma did and he decided to leave it be for now. 

At the very least, Izuru could provide you with water during the midnights you would steal in the future, soft kisses that were stolen in the dark, and gentle sighs turned into moans when he finally felt such a flame burn away his gentle water in his soul. Seeing you spent and satisfied brought him more satisfaction and joy than anything else. Afterwards, he always brought you a big glass.

[katyon2020]

Just remembered Extra Life on ao3 so have a quick Kamunami sketch.

[eggs-can-draw]

Mmmmmmmmmmm Komaeda anon has me thinking about Kamukura!Naegi soooooo here he be

[giggly-squiggily]

Ooo candy heart!! Izuru kamukura x reader with ❤️ you smile at me- i think i am in love? Just picturing it sound so cute!!!

Oo, Kamukura! I haven't thought about our long haired alter ego in a hot minute! I've gotcha covered, anon! :D

I love you: "You smiled at me! I think I'm in love!"

“Did you just smile at me?” You gasped, eyes wide. “Oh my god, I think I’m in love.”

“You’re imagining things.” Kamukura told you flatly, red eyes piercing as they slid your way. 

Still, you were undeterred. The fact was- stone faced, flat eyed Izuru Kamukura just smiled at you! That was a victory in itself. “Do it again.”

“What?” He blinked, scowling in confusion.

“Smile! For me.” You leaned forward some so you could peek past his hair, finding only a cold look in return. “Come on, you know you want to.”

“I really don’t.”

“Sure you do! Everyone loves to smile!” You pushed up your cheeks with two fingers, gesturing for him to do the same. Instead, he only glared. “Man, looks like I’m gonna have to break out the big guns!”

“The big…” He trailed off as you closed the distance, sitting before him with wiggling fingers. “Don’t.”

“Why? Is it because you’re…ticklish!” You grabbed his waist, squeezing rapidly. “Tickle tickle tickle tickle…tickle..eh.” There was no squirming, no laughing. He hadn’t reacted in the slightest. “Huh…I was sure you were ticklish here at one point.”

“Told you.” He shrugged, eyeing you curiously. Without warning, he poked your sides, making you squeak and curl up. “So you’re ticklish.”

“Wait! Whahahahhait, hohohohohld ohohohohon!” You broke into giggles as he continued poking and prodding your torso, each touch effective in making you squeal. Seems the ultimate tickler wasn’t lost in his wide range of talents. “Kahhahahhamahhahahahakuhuhuhuhura!”

“What?” He asked, rolling you on your back in his lap as he carried on tickling your sides and stomach. “What do you want?”

“Stahhahahhahp!”

“Stop….?”

“Tihiihiihihckling meheheheheehhehe!”

“Keep tickling you? Okay.” Even his teases sounded flat. Somehow that made them funnier. It wasn’t long before you were hiccuping between giggles, cheeks a bright red and eyes glistening with mirthful tears. Only then did he finally stop. “Huh. You’re all red.”

“Ehhehehee…heheheehe…yohohohu are tehehherrible!” You groaned, leaning back in his lap to look at him upside down. “Youhuhur lucky I lohohove you, you big jerk.”

His flat expression seemed to frown. It was only then you realized he was finally- finally smiling.

 “Heh. Love you too, dork.”

Candy Heart Prompts Are Officially CLOSED!

[leonwrites4u]

I kinda died for a bit

Taking requests is a bit atm but if you guys don't have a problem with it, it like to post small things I write. They won't be requests but things I've written just cause. They'll consist of oc backstory, angsty stuff, and sometimes even fics of which ever fandoms I'm in. I'll write about different ships and I'll open my inbox and most likely take 3 requests per month once I'm back in the swing of things.

Just like, or comment to let me know if this is something youd like to see

[lakes-writting-rambles]

Komahina oneshot #1

words: 587

Sonia said hajime loves me, but I'm not convinced.  Hajime Hinata only hangs out with me because he thinks I'm a threat. He said that himself  Kazuichi, Fuyuhiko and Sonia only hangout with me out of pity. It doesn't bother me, I get to spend time with ultimates and that's more than I deserve. But still a part of me wishes that they mean it when they say they actually like spending time with me. Even if I know that there's no way that's true, I'll check if Sonia was actually telling me the truth.  Hajime Hinata could never love me. I could never be his hope. This is probably just a lie, tho Sonia probably wouldn't do that...  Oh, Hajime's cabin. I should knock... I'm scared... he'll hate me even more than he already does. There's no turning back now. I knock. No response. "Oh..."  This is quite disappointing but I'm kinda relieved. I was just gonna ruin everything either way. I lay my head on the door. "Humm.... Nagito?" "Huh-?" I turn around rapidly and see hajime there. "O-oh Hajime I'm so sorry, I'll just go haha" "Wait no Nagito stay. I need to say something" I try walking away. He grabs my pulse. "Nagito stop. I need to talk to you" My eyes are teary. I can bearly hold them back, but I need to manage it... for him. "What do you need Hajime? Are you lonely? I can keep you company if you need but don't lie to me" "Huh? Nagito what do you mean by that?" "Look, I know you hate me, and you don't trust me. That's fair. I don't care. But if you need I'll be here for you. Simple as that." "Nagito I don't hate you, where did you get that idea?" "Just... please listen, okay? I know you hate me but... I can't help but want you to like me... ever since we met you've shown me kindness and I just couldn't help but fall in love with you." "..." "I know I probably ruined our friendship but after what Sonia said I couldn't help but want to get it out of my chest haha..." I better get going, I'll just disturb him if I stay or say anything  "Nagito... I don't hate you, i- I like you too okay?" "What?" No no no it's just a prank right? Him and Sonia are just playing with me. I almost got them killed, it's fair they're doing this. I turn my head around. "Yeah Nagito, you wanna hear it? I. Love. You." "H-haj-" "Don't. You had your turn so now let me speak. I love your voice, I love your hair, I love your personality, I love you nagito. I don't know what Sonia told you but, here, I got you a gift. I planned to give them to you tomorrow and well, confess..." The matching rings...  "Now... Nagito, if you'd like to... would you be my boyfriend?"  He hands me one of the rings as he says that. "You really shouldn't waste your love on me..."  "I'm not wasting anything. I'm just confessing to the man I love." I hug him. "Woah nagito-"  "I'm sorry... I just..." "Hey, it's okay..." The hug was all there was to that moment, nothing else mattered.  After some time i separate the hug. I grab the ring hajime offered earlier and slide it in my finger. "I probably ruined everything you had planned but... it it counts, I'd love to be your boyfriend." 

[seireiteihellbutterfly]

Picking flowers in a field with Izuru, then making flower crowns. Fluff with a little spice and fem reader, if you please ;]

Flower Crowns with Izuru

Springtime in the Seireitei is always beautiful, the warm breeze flowing across your faces as both you rest in a beautiful field of wildflowers. It's rare that neither of you had to work and moments like this were precious.

"No, like this Izzy," you giggle as you show him how to weave the flower stems so that they remain braided together. His long dextrous fingers, so clever when it came to certain things, were fumbling over the blooms.

"You make it look so easy Y/n," he chuckles with a tinge of embarrassment. "I guess I'm just not good at this."

"We all have our weaknesses," you tease and show him your completed flower crown, drawing a look of warm appreciation in his blue eyes.

"My king," you say endearingly, placing the crown delicately on his head, cherishing the way he blushes.

"My queen," he replies tenderly, drawing you against him, making your heart skip a beat. "I've missed you."

He brushes your noses together before pushing your hair away from your face. His lips brush delicately against yours, a sweet invitation, and you melt into his affections.

His hands begin to undo your shihakushō, making you blush. He grasps your chin to gaze into your pretty eyes.

"There's no one around. Let me admire you, my sweet blossom."

The scent of wildflowers covers both of you as he takes his time, letting you know how much he loves you.

divider by @/ saradika Yes, in my head, Izuru would be called Izzy lol idk why

[brittscafe]

Spin the bottle

Who knew playing a game would lead to this?

Includes: Shuhei, Renji, Ikkaku, and Izuru.

Shuhei: You both got roped into playing the stupid game, not thinking a thing about it...until the bottle lands right between you and Shuhei. His entire face flusters up and he keeps his gaze on the ground, not daring to look up at you.

“Well, what are you waiting for?” Ikkaku asks, a smirk forming along his face. You glare over at Ikkaku and his eyes are full of interest. You let out a tiny sigh and scoot over to Shuhei.

“We don’t have to,” Shuhei whispers, pouting.

“Do you want to?” you mumble out and his eyes widen. He runs his tongue over his bottom lip and slightly nods his head. You smile warmly at him and cup his face, pulling you towards him.

You gently place your lips on top of his and they soon melt together. The kiss is soft and delicate, almost like you’re afraid to break each other. Shuhei’s fingers brush through your hair and push it back.

Shuhei slowly pulls away from your lips and gazes down at them.

“I was expecting more,” Ikkaku pouts out and Shuhei rolls his eyes with annoyance, letting out a tiny scoff.

Renji: This had to be the stupidest thing Renji could come up with. Playing spin the bottle and now...the bottle was facing both of you. Renji and you glance up at each other, cheeks burning.

“You’re kidding me,” Renji scoffs out, standing up and walking over to you. He sits down on the ground in front of you and you roll your eyes with annoyance.

“Maybe you shouldn’t have suggested it you absolute total-” you ramble on until Renji presses his lips on yours. Your eyes widen and you grunt in response.

His hands dig into your waist and you close your eyes, leaning into the kiss further. Renji carefully pushes his tongue through your lips and you whimper into his mouth.

Your hand comes to the nape of his neck and you swirl your tongue with his. Your lungs beg for a breath and you pull away from Renji’s lips.

You glance up into his eyes and he squeezes your waist. “Fool,” you whisper, finishing out your sentence.

Ikkaku: Bored. Ikkaku was bored and he wanted to play a game, but now he wished he never said anything. All other squad members are staring at the two of you as you both stare at the bottle with opened jaws.

“Ikkaku I-” you start to speak, but he quickly interrupts you.

“Shut up,” he scoffs out, grabbing onto your jaw and pulling your face to his. He hovers above your lips for a moment and your chest pounds heavily. For a split second, fear flashes in Ikkaku’s eyes before he gently presses his lips against yours.

You lean into the kiss as his soft lips taste yours with such softness. His thumb grazes your jawline and you grip onto his uniform, steadying yourself. Ikkaku pulls away from you and starts to lean down to kiss you again.

“That, was, um....much more nicer than I expected,” you clear your throat and Ikkaku’s cheeks flash a bright red.

“Whatever,” he hisses out, backing away from him and gazing down at the ground.

Izuru: Rangiku convinced both of you to join the group of people playing spin the bottle. Soon enough, the bottle lands between the two of you and Izuru’s breath shudders.

Your eyes meet and you stare at each other with wide eyes and dropped jaws. 

“Oh come on you, too! Just kiss,” Rangiku demands with a sly smirk across her face. She leans forward on the palms on her hands, eager to see this play out.

“Just do it, Izuru,” you demand through gritted teeth. Izuru gulps and tugs on your soul reaper uniform, pressing his lips on yours.

Unfortunately, he pulls a little too hard and sends you toppling onto him. A grunt  escapes your lips as you land on top of Izuru, pressing your palms to the ground to hold yourself up.

Izuru chuckles out lightly against your lips and you quickly pull away from him. You gaze at each other for a minute, before you push yourself off of Izuru and he sits up.

“Oh my gosh! Do it again!” Rangiku cheers out, clapping her hands together. Izuru and you both glance back at Rangiku and burst out into a fit of laughter.

[hajihiko]

PHEW finally more KoFi doodles!

Izuru and Uncomfy for Brae

Sick Soud refusing to take a break for dapperghost

Hajime and Souda fluff for Jack

Someone with sparklers for .... Darling ?

Rantaro and Ishimaru for Stratalysis

Think that's all for now! Lmk if I forgot yours!

[batw1nggg]

do you have fic recs for danganronpa. I liked theoretical friction of lucky stars that was a banger

i only read komahina/kamukoma so you are only getting komahina/kamukoma recs BUT ! here are my favs

warm steel and cold hands is a postgame komahina fic, long time fav for me. definitely a quite wacky premise but the smut scenes are all skippable if youre not interested and its actually a really fluffy and cozy read. takes a far more wholesome approach then theoretical friction

i cant take you anywhere is a non despair komahina slowburn where they go on a road trip its suuper cute and fluffy. many shenanigans

defy you stars is a postgame komahina fic that id highly recommend if you liked theoretical friction, theyve defo got that same weird situationship going on. fluff and angst and also a shakespeare motif. if i had to choose a favorite fic out of everything ive read from any fandom it would have to be this one hands down it made me cry 3 times while reading

out for blood is a cute komahina werewolf vampire au. i read it every halloween

star stitches is a really good little kamukoma oneshot that makes me ill

unveiling is the first part of the hallowed be thy name series, despair era kamukoma. i havent read the series in a while because its on the darker side from my memory, but i do remember it having super good characterization (notably for izuru) and capturing the tragedy era feel perfectly. the best despair kamukoma slowburn ive read its got romantic arson and everything. you need to be logged in to read it if the link doesnt work

izuru kamukura’s cuddly toy is a classic nondespair kamukoma fic. as you can tell by the title it definitely took a more lighthearted approach lol. very cute and sweet if youre not into the constant feeling of impending doom that despair era gives. complete opposite end of the kamukoma characterization spectrum

[thebusytypewriter]

hello hello congrats on the followers!! for the event could i request a long kamukura x reader fic where he’s basically baby duck imprinted on reader? i imagine that after being locked in a cell and mistreated by hopes peak even an iota of basic human kindness has him clinging

YIPPEE I've been brainrotting about this one for AGES I'm so sorry for the wait anon!! I'm also sorry that you were probably expecting fluff with this and while there is some, uhhhh........... angstnohappyendOKAYENJOYBYE--

No, I’m not falling for you

So please have mercy on me

The night of the Tragedy—the first one—you were there. That was something Izuru Kamukura didn’t expect.

You weren’t exactly there, not in the classroom where it all went down; things would’ve been much different if you were. No, you were some Reserve Course student who’d found their way just outside of the Main Course gates past curfew.

In fact, it was well past that point, nearly midnight by then. Enoshima had yet to return from her place in the security office, Ikusaba likely with her. This left Kamukura alone outside to ponder what had just transpired.

The gruesome deaths of the thirteen Ultimate students replayed over and over within his perfect memory, everything from gunshot to impaling to chainsaw. He’d expected each and every one of them to turn away from Enoshima’s “motives,” since innocent lives logically outweighed petty hearsay, no matter how damaging it would be.

Such intense emotion on their faces when first attacks were made… He couldn’t understand it.

Wind whistled past his stony face as he strolled, the force tossing around his hair in every direction. Even if he had the capacity to care about it, he wouldn’t. There were far more pressing things to worry about.

The sound of rubber soles on stone alerted him to an approaching individual, so Kamukura swiftly moved behind one of the few trees lining the outer wall and watched.

You were far out of dress code for a Reserve Course student, but he figured that you didn’t care with it being after hours. A large hoodie covered you, engulfing your upper half in the softest fabric he’d ever seen, and your yoga pants were just as large and cozy-looking. The only thing that indicated you as part of the Reserve Course was the student ID faintly peeking out from under your collar.

He could see the bags under your eyes from his place a dozen feet away, and the slouch in your walk alerted his health-related talents of your likely insomnia.

“Hello?” you called out, almost timidly, not too soft to go unheard but not too loud to alert any remaining security. “I was just out for a walk when I, um, heard you. I know it’s late, I just want to make sure you’re okay. It’s not a good idea to leave Main Course grounds after dark, okay?”

Kamukura faintly wondered if you’d ever had a chance of being an Ultimate regarding empathy or safety. It would suit you.

“I go here,” you continued, “so don’t worry, I just want to help.”

His nail lightly scratched at the tree’s bark in contemplation. Two abnormal events in the same night… Perhaps he couldn’t let that go.

Letting his definitive steps announce his presence, Kamukura stepped out and into the dull light of the street lamps. He said nothing and simply blinked at you.

You inhaled sharply, clearly startled as you caught sight of him. There was only a brief moment of panic in your eyes before it switched over to concern, your gaze locking on something just below his own, slightly to his right. “Oh my god, are you okay?”

Ah. In the excitement of your arrival, he’d forgotten about the bullet graze wound across his cheek. He raised a hand and felt around the area, unsurprised to find it mostly still wet with blood. “And why would you be concerned about me? You’ll get nothing in return.”

“Nothing in…?” Your brow pinched further, now from both concern and confusion. “Dude, you’re bleeding. Like a lot. Like you might need stitches.”

“No. I’ll apply some disinfectant shortly, and it’ll heal just fine. You should be more concerned with your own safety, being out this late at night, instead of fussing over a stranger.”

“I-I’m not fussing,” you argued, cheeks now puffing out in your annoyance.

You reminded him of a chipmunk.

Cute.

Something in him halted at the thought before reassuring himself that it was simply fact. There were no opinions within him. You were being kind to him, that was all. It was… unfamiliar.

Unfamiliar, but not unwelcome.

“Oh!” Your voice pulled him from his thoughts. “How rude of me. I didn’t even introduce myself.” With a statement of your name—something he already knew from observing your student ID—you extended a hand while asking for his own.

In a handful of milliseconds, he considered what to tell you. He could tell you nothing and walk away, leaving you out of the insanity but leaving this odd new itch behind. He could tell you Kamukura, but there were far too many things attached to that name on Hope’s Peak campus. You were Reserve Course, not stupid. 

“Call me Izuru,” he stated. “For your safety, I’ll leave it at that.”

Your eyebrows shot up to your hairline. “Ah… okay? Nice to meet you then, Izuru.”

“You as well.”

“Aaaand your reason for being out here…?”

“Nightly walk.” It wasn’t necessarily a lie, but you didn’t need to know that. “I was in the process of returning to my quarters when you appeared. I am in no danger, I assure you.”

You nodded, hesitant but understanding. “Gotcha. Well… just be careful, okay? There are some real weirdos out here at night.”

The irony of your statement almost made him laugh. Almost. “I understand, thank you. Would you like an escort back to the Reserve Course dormitory?”

“Oh, uh, no thanks. Pepper spray’s got my back.”

“If you insist. Good night, then.” Kamukura gave the slightest of bows before turning to reenter the Main Course grounds and rendezvous with Enoshima. Your return of the phrase met his ears, but he continued on.

He tried not to feel your gaze boring into his back as he did so.

He tried not to look back when he heard your footsteps retreat.

Izuru Kamukura failed for the first and second time that night.

‘Cause it’s not romantic, I swear

I’m not gasping for air

After moving from one underground bunker to another, Kamukura quickly found himself to be once again bored out of his mind. The only thing that kept his attention, that lingered in his mind, was you.

He’d never seen your face among the rioters from newsfeed alone, leading him to the conclusion that you were abstaining from it all. You were safe, presumably. Given how kind you were to him when you met, he decided that you deserved it—the safety from Despair. Someone like you needed to be protected.

And yet, he still thought about what it would be like for you to stay in that bunker with him. Kamukura wasn’t alone there, of course not; among its occupants was Enoshima, Ikusaba, Mitarai, and the nurse that was dragged in—Tsumiki. Of these, Enoshima was the only one who engaged in conversation with him, as one-sided as it was, and as annoying as she was.

Despite himself, despite his programming, Kamukura missed you.

He knew that Enoshima had noticed his change of demeanor after that night. He knew that she’d look into what happened, badgering him until she inevitably gave up.

What he didn’t know was how invested she’d be in the situation.

In the midst of his purusing old documents within the bunker, he was met with the sound of Enoshima’s delighted hum growing closer… then farther. It was odd. There weren’t many rooms in the bunker, and there were even fewer rooms that Junko Enoshima herself would enter. If they were dirty, she sent Ikusaba in. If they were hazardous, she sent Tsumiki in.

So where was she going?

Damn it, his interest was piqued.

Cautiously and quietly, Kamukura followed the Ultimate Despair down a corridor he’d never seen her traverse before. She hummed the whole way, a slight bounce in her step, before stopping at a closed iron door. It had a small square window at head level, but that seemed to be the only way one could see in or out of the room. Enoshima slid the massive bar lock out of place and pushed her way inside, letting the door close behind her.

He stalked up to the solid barrier and peered through the window, careful not to let more of himself show than what was unavoidable. As Kamukura’s gaze settled on the pigtailed frame he’d watched enter, her voice met his ears.

“Just checkin’ on ya, sweetheart! Can’t have you dying on me just yet, right? You just got here!”

Then, a second voice followed hers, one that made his blood run cold.

“I-I think you’ve got the wrong person,” you stammered, teeth audibly clacking together in the cold concrete room. “I don’t know who you are, I don’t know why you brought me here, I haven’t done anything wrong—”

“Of course not, silly!” Enoshima strode forward in faux contemplation, manicured hands clasped behind her back. “Consider this a… witness care program. We take care of our witnesses!”

With the Despair’s movement, Kamukura was able to get a full view of you. You were still in your pajamas, just a tank top and fuzzy pants, implying that you’d been abducted either in your room or within the dorm in general. Your feet were bare and pale—borderline blue—against the gray floor. (He understood then why you were shivering.) From that angle, he was able to notice your hands wrenched behind your back as you sat by a pole, and he deduced that Enoshima—or maybe Ikusaba—had tied you to said pole to restrict movement. How cliche.

“Witness care?” You blinked, fluorescent light sparkling in your eyes. “So you’re protecting me then?”

“Well, aren’t you just a little ray of hope?” Enoshima reached out and pitched your cheek with enthusiasm. “Cutie pie! I could just eat you up!” Her grin dropped abruptly, and Kamukura saw a few little beads of blood spring up on your skin where she held you. “…And then I would immediately vomit. Your gross little rainbows and sparkles make me sick, y’hear me? What the hell does a god like Kamukura see in a worthless Reserve Course chump?”

Your brow furrowed. “I’m sorry, who’s… Kamukura? Like, the founder of Hope’s Peak?”

“No, silly,” she snorted. “Mr. Tall, Dark, and Handsome. The one you met a few days ago. What exactly did he say his name was?”

He watched your mouth open to answer, then slowly close as you appeared to connect the dots she’d presented. Your response came out quiet and disbelieving. “…Izuru.”

Enoshima’s free hand flew up in mocking celebration. “Give the kid a prize! This might come as a shock to you—who am I kidding, it so will—but the Izuru Kamukura you talked to is a lab experiment gone horrifically right. He’s a god among men, the Ultimate Hope. And that makes it all the more confusing as to why he’s chosen to latch onto you of all people. Kinda silly if you ask me.”

Much to his odd delight, all traces of fear left your face at the statement, and you snarled at her. “Well if you admire him so much, then why does it sound to me like you’re doubting his judgment? I’ll be sure to let him know when I see him next. Whose word will he believe—mine or yours?”

Enoshima’s hand ripped away as she recoiled. “Ugh! God, you’d get along really well with the know-it-all detective in my class. Keep holding your head up like that, and you’re ten times more likely to get smacked by a bat. It’s just statistics!”

The twitch of your brow betrayed your returning terror.

“Anyway,” she drew out, “I wouldn’t get comfy, m’kay? Even though you’re here as a present for my beloved Kamukura, I still have an agenda. Maybe look up the phrase ‘take care of’ in the dictionary! Oh, wait, you can’t do that here. Hm! Your problem, not mine.”

Kamukura ducked out of the window just as Enoshima turned, forgoing the remainder of the conversation to preserve his assumed innocence. In his brisk return down the hallway, he felt an odd tingling sensation rising from the midst of his throat all the way to his skull. It reminded him of an ant colony, one that disturbed the neutrality within him.

He then noticed how tense his brow had been the entire time. How clenched his fists were. How much he itched to burst through the door and rescue your kind self from Despair incarnate.

Some Ultimate Psychologist within him ticked off some boxes and raised a finger to share the new discovery, but he ignored it.

He had to.

The Ultimate Hope did not get attached.

I want you to be here, but please don’t come near

‘Cause even though I’m pretty sure my head’s exploding

I’m not ready for hand holding

Kamukura was attached.

Within the couple of weeks between his discovery of your presence—when he was sure that Enoshima and Ikusaba weren’t in the bunker, and Mitarai and Tsumiki were stationed in the former’s workspace—he often found himself visiting you.

The first time he made an appearance and explained what he could, he’d been expecting your immediate response.

“So you’ll let me go?”

He shook his head. “As much as I am of the mind that you should be given your freedom, there is a strong chance Enoshima may just hunt you down again and kill you. A far from ideal outcome, wouldn’t you agree?”

You did, and he was relieved.

…What?

Ah, yes. That was the recurring problem around you; Kamukura found himself feeling things. At first, he was convinced that he could become desensitized by visiting you more. It only made things worse. He got to know you then, all your hobbies and quirks and everything that made you unique in his eyes.

Not to mention your kindness. God, all the harsh interactions with immoral scientist after immoral scientist made him realize how truly important you were.

You invaded all of his waking thoughts, and Kamukura expected that he was doing a good job at hiding it.

He was created to have perfect judgment.

It’s not love, I swear

“Oh, Kamukura darling! I have a surprise for you!”

He let himself sigh as he turned from his absentminded file browsing to meet Enoshima’s wide grin. “I have no interest in your presents.” Not to mention he already knew to whom she was referring.

The grin flipped on a dime to a childish pout. “You don’t have to be so mean about it! And here I thought you’d actually like this one.”

“If you’re going to pester me about this surprise regardless, then I suppose I have little choice. Get on with it.”

Enoshima immediately perked up again, much like a dog whose master said the word ‘treat’ aloud. (What a hellish dog the Ultimate Despair would make, Kamukura thought to himself. He’d have to tell you that one later.) “Okie dokie! You’re gonna love it.”

“Doubtful. I am incapable of love.”

Incapability, the Ultimate Dictionary part of him said, is another word for inability, which is the lack of ability to do something. Denial is an unwillingness to accept that something is true.

He stubbornly shoved the thought away and followed behind the bouncing girl.

Love clouds even the most objectively perfect judgment.

They continued on to a section of the bunker that Kamukura was slightly less familiar with, as it was usually occupied by the other inhabitants, and he wasn’t one to socialize with them. (He wasn’t one to socialize with Enoshima, either, but she forced it upon him.) At some time, he’d heard the sounds of panic and stress echoing from that same direction, but it was her business, not his. It appeared that it was about to be his business, though.

Enoshima led him into an offshoot of the main hallway, her deranged humming increasing as they moved. It was never a good sign when she was so pleased.

The distorted music he’d listened to her perfect met his ears, laced with the edited screams of Ultimate students. Why was she playing the Despair-inducing video? Was there a “guest” he wasn’t aware of?

…Wait.

There would be.

If he wasn’t already aware of them.

“You’ve been so pressed over the battle of Hope and Despair, and I wanted to help you along—” Enoshima pushed a door open, and the sounds became clearer— “so you get to see Despair in action!”

A dim concrete room greeted the two of them, bathed only in the flashing lights and red glow of her video. In the center, a single chair sat askew with what appeared to be leather straps dangling from its arms and legs. The quick inspection with his Ultimate Analyst talent revealed a lack of tears in the leather outside of the usual signs of torture—fraying and scuffing. The occupant didn’t escape their containment, but they were released.

Speaking of, Kamukura’s gaze fell upon a figure settled on the floor, head pressed against their knees. It was reminiscent of a traditional Japanese deep bow—zarei, that is—but they were tense, shaking. Their hands dug into their hair and pulled against their scalp in this panicked manner, and that wasn’t even the part that set him off.

This figure, the victim of Junko Enoshima’s Despair-inducing video, was you.

“Turn it off.”

“Eh?”

His fist closed around Enoshima’s throat and tugged her close in an instant, dragging a garbled noise of surprise from her. “Turn the video off, or I will do it myself.”

Her eyes were wide at this new display, one he himself was quite unsure about, and she burst out in startled laughter. “Woooow! Okay, Mr. Assertive! It’s done the job anyway. This was mostly just for theatrics and funsies, to give a little pizzazz to your present—Hey, are you even listening?”

Kamukura was not. Oh, how he thought about bashing in her head at that moment. It would be quick and effortless on his part, ultimately ridding the world of her sick plan. But Enoshima wasn’t his priority; he was already crossing the floor toward your crumpled form, an uncharacteristically-loud heartbeat pounding in his ears. Odds of your being unharmed were slim, to say the least, and only dropping every second you didn’t move, but he called upon his Ultimate Luck to combat them.

Pristine black dress pants rubbed against the concrete as he settled on his knees next to you. Kamukura’s hand hovered over your back while he debated on the best course of action. What would he do if you were lost? Could he bring himself to hand you over to Enoshima, or would he go directly against her to repair a broken mind? Was it even possible for him to do such a thing?

Might still be in shock, he reminded himself. It was entirely possible that Enoshima had been bluffing. You were fine.

You had to be.

He let his hand run over your spine once. Twice. You remained, head pressed to your knees, though you shuddered at the touch.

Just ahead, the Despair-inducing video clicked off. Finally. He shot a glare at Enoshima and, by virtue of her sudden appearance, Ikusaba. Additionally, Tsumiki appeared to be peeking in from the doorway, and her twisted smile did nothing to calm his anxieties.

…Anxieties? The Ultimate Psychologist in his head once again raised a finger to say I told you so, but he ignored it.

Kamukura called for you, quietly at first. When he received no answer, he tried again, louder.

Something finally spilled from your lips, unintelligible and hushed. He wondered for a moment if what he felt at the sound was hope, but it quickly snapped away as your garbled noises continued and then transitioned into an objectively worse sound.

You were laughing.

No, you were crying.

It was both. You were hysterical.

Finally, finally, you sat up, and the “no signal” screen previously playing that maddening video kept your face under an eerie red light. The color illuminated the teartracks down your cheeks, and his heart clenched. Your gaze met his, and it sank.

Those kind eyes, the ones that made him feel warm, feel anything… were hazy and unfocused. The smile that set off the butterflies in his stomach, however few they were, twisted with insanity.

Tainted.

She’d broken you.

You. The one good thing in this spiraling world.

Kamukura cupped your cheek as you giggled something about his expression. He didn’t care to listen. He ran through the possible ways of repairing your mind and found that the list was both shorter and less possible than he’d initially thought. Human beings are fragile creatures, he reminded himself. You can’t hold one too tightly, or else it’ll hurt more when they break.

Perhaps this wasn’t what Enoshima had meant by seeing her work in action, but it got the point across.

His tears fell alongside yours.

It might be closer to Despair . . .