#infinity darkness leon

[harpsinfinity]

okay you convinced me with the hairpins

Please repost cause..... it's Leon with hairpins c'mon

First art for ask yaayyy, on every question already make some general sketches 🥂

And we all know that he's fav colour pink cause he just a girl, even if he thinks it's only jokes. All 50 people who decide answer know truth 😔💝

[kornish-rex]

Claire and Leon's motorcycle date 🏍

[faysslut]

Muy pronto *wink wink* ;P

[ethicallyethan]

leon kennedy texting headcanons

11 pm thought dump

leon re2 (og) – all caps on accident [phone is too old and cant type in lowercase, then he gets so used to it that he cotinues to text in all caps on a newer phone]

leon re2 (remake) - types normally, has autocapitalization on ALWAYS. will unintentionally keyboard smash because his thumbs are too big for the keyboard

leon re4 (og) - prefers calling, doesnt usually have time to text

leon re4 (remake) - doesn't text , won't call , probably broke phone by sitting on it

leon infin darkness - texts with autocapitalization and occasionally correct punctuation , will use "👍" to say yes when possible . adjusted to texting but still prefers calling

leon re6 - normal, punctuated and grammatically correct messages. convo is 90% "Can't talk now." and 10% genuine conversation

leon vendetta - only like 8 people have his number and its DEF not you 😭

leon death island - sending you vine links that dont work anymore with "🤣🤣🤣." no actual conversation happening , his excuse being "we know each other in person so why do we have to talk through the phone." he will fall for using your temu codes

[scariusaquarius]

rehab. 3.

Avenger! Bucky Barnes x Winter Soldier! Fem! Reader

Summary: While on a mission to find any more possible super soldiers that were a part of the Winter Soldier program, Steve and Bucky make a discovery in an abandoned HYDRA base that was cleared out a few years prior to their mission. They discover the Reader, a long-forgotten soldier that was still asleep within a functioning cryostasis pod; still awaiting orders. While Bucky isn't happy about it, he is put up to the challenge of helping to rehabilitate the soldier in Wakanda where she may be able to become a person again.

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A/n: I had someone on Ao3 ask me about how often this will get updated and my answer is that I don't know. My IRL can be pretty unpredictable and I do deal with depression on a daily basis. I'm going to do my best to update this while still working on my Leon Kennedy fic, Unlikely Salvation! Please do bear with me as I try to figure out where I want this story to go!

This is an au where Bucky joined the avengers but still rehabilitated in Wakanda (sometime before Infinity War [canon divergent cause NOPE]). I am NOT fluent in Russian, so I did use google translate cause I couldn't find a good translator that I trusted. If anything is wrong, PLEASE let me know!! Also, I tried to list as many warnings as possible so you know what the story will contain as chapters are posted. Stay safe!

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Genre: Slowburn, Enemies to Lovers/Friends to Lovers, Angst, Hurt/Comfort, Fluff, Humor, Drama, Dark Content Rated: Explicit Warning: Angst, Dark Content: Graphic Depictions of Sexual Assault, Blood and Gore, Mentions of Manipulation, Kidnapping, Canon-Typical Violence, Body Horror, Nonconsensual Body Modification/Scarring, Emotional and Physical Abuse, Mentions of Murder, Mentions of Suicidal Thoughts/Ideation, Graphic Depictions of Human Remains, Mentions of Sexual Coercion/Manipulation, Death, Misuse of Drugs/Forced Drugging, Self-Harm (Graphic Depictions and Mentions), Nightmares

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Author: ScariusAquarius

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rehab masterlist. chapter 1 / chapter 2

The lab was hustling with scientists, the Wakandan sunrise filtering through the enormous windows with an intensity that made Bucky eyes hurt as he stood by the cryostasis pod where the Winter Soldier would soon be housed.

The whole trek to the lab had been uneventful: not once did the soldier fight back. It seemed that the failure to complete her mysterious mission had caused her to shut down, and Bucky was tense as she was strapped down with multiple magnetic cuffs like the ones he and Steve used back in the quinjet.

Even with the super soldier serum coursing through her veins and whatever other enhancements she might naturally have or that HYDRA might have given her would prove useless. She was strapped down nice and tight.

There was a machine hovering over her knee, the tissue and bone beneath crunching and grinding as it was fusing back together, her expression unchanging despite her kneecap and patella being exposed. The air was beginning to smell of singed flesh and hair, and Bucky felt slightly nauseous.

Bucky hated knowing how much damage his arm could inflict; how unforgiving his grip was and how hard it was to regulate the strength at times so he would break yet another glass just by holding it and trying to take a drink.

And it had been so easy to crush her flesh like it was nothing.

"Howard? Howard, oh god...oh god, Anthony...!"

Bucky clenched his jaw, swallowing harshly as Maria Stark's voice whispered to him, and he was broken out of his trance by Shuri announcing.

"Once we are finished with her knee, I would like to begin deconstructing her mind. If efforts are fruitless, I would like for you to activate her again if possible. We might be able to figure out what her previous orders were and her intentions, history, anything that would prove useful to the eradication of HYDRA."

Steve frowned, asking as T'Challa simply stayed quiet, observing the Winter Soldier as she sat complacent and quiet; seemingly not hearing a word that they were saying.

"Are you sure that's a good idea? What if it doesn't work?"

Shuri replied confidently, flicking her eyes over to Steve before gesturing towards Bucky with a nod of her head.

"We will have to reset completely and start over. Sergeant Barnes' rehabilitation was easy due to the flaws within his programming that HYDRA was unable to remedy. However, we do not know what improvements have been made to HYDRA's algorithm since then. It will be challenging to separate the core person that this woman was before her programming, but not impossible."

T'Challa then asked, raising an eyebrow at Shuri as she shined a light into the Winter Soldier's eyes, taking down notes and recording her vitals.

"What if you are unable to separate the identity from the programming?"

Shuri sighed deeply, shrugging.

"She will have to be built from the ground up. This woman will be like a completely clean slate down to a new name if we are unable to figure out who she was before. I am already running the best biometric identification programs within our arsenal to figure out who she could have been. I would assume that Stark is also doing so?"

Steve nodded, replying as he watched the soldier closely as her eyes inconspicuously flicked to a scientist that readying a syringe.

"Yes, he's also got Nat looking through the database that we downloaded and coursing through any previous databanks we obtained from previous HYDRA raids."

Shuri then turned to Bucky, making him quirk an eyebrow up slightly as she regarded him with a raised brow.

"What is your take on this, Sergeant Barnes?"

All eyes were on him, and Bucky sighed slightly he stared down the soldier, watching the way her brow began to tense slightly the closer the scientist got. The second the syringe touched her skin, the soldier began to freak out.

Due to the cuffs restricting her movement, she resorted to smacking her back against the chair over and over, hissing and yelling loudly as the scientist jolted and stumbled back. T'Challa immediately shoved her down, Shuri exclaiming profanities as she snatched the syringe from the scientist and shoved it into the soldier's neck.

The soldier hissed and yanked her neck away, breaking the needle, and Shuri groaned, gesturing with her hands wildly.

"Really? Now I'm going to have to dig that out. You make things harder for yourself!"

Okoye quipped, her spear pointing towards the soldier as Steve and Bucky stood tensed and ready should the Soldier somehow get out of her binds.

"How primitive! She is like a wild animal!"

The sedative began to kick in, the woman's bucking gradually stopping, and she went limp within the chair, head rolling to the side as her eyes rolled into the back of her skull. Bucky's heart was racing slightly with adrenaline, and Steve observed.

"Seems like she knew what the syringe meant."

T'Challa frowned deeply, leaning back and brushing his hands off slightly as he glanced back at Steve.

"An important but grave detail: she must be remembering...or perhaps, it is a recent memory."

Shuri plucked the broken needle from the soldier's neck, humming.

"I will take it as a good sign that there is at least someone beneath the rubble. I promise you, Mr. Rogers, that I will do my best to find her."

Steve nodded before clapping Bucky on the shoulder.

"You going to be alright?"

Bucky glanced over at Steve, muttering truthfully.

"I don't want to do this, but I'm only doing it for you. I'm worried that she is going to somehow lead HYDRA to me and it's gonna be a shit-show all over again."

Steve was firm, declaring quietly.

"You know I wouldn't let that happen. I'd have to miss that big head of yours again."

"You're a goddamn punk, you know that?"

Bucky couldn't keep the smile from gracing the corners of his lips, and Steve smiled at him softly before hugging him firmly and backing away.

"Alright, I'm going to leave you to it. I'll check in periodically; let you all know what we find on our side of the world."

T'Challa hummed, walking towards Steve.

"I will accompany you. I would like to discuss some things before your departure."

Steve nodded, and the two men walked out of Shuri's lab. Bucky turned back around, making a slight face as Shuri cut away pieces of the woman's clothing, revealing a black and tight-fitting compression camisole.

There were numerous scars and marks all over her body, some jagged and unforgiving while others were clean and precise. Shuri hummed softly, muttering as her fingers grazed a jagged scar that ran beneath the woman's neck.

"The things this woman must have been through...HYDRA is truly despicable."

Bucky couldn't speak. Hell, he couldn't even think outside of the boiling hatred and rage that was beginning to consume him at the sight of the gruesome scars that covered her upper body. Bucky could only assume that it got worse beneath her uncut clothing, and he had to bite his tongue as hard as he could.

Whip scars, burn marks, mutilated flesh that never regenerated, her body was a canvas; a horrendous painting that HYDRA had taken delight in decorating. This was more than just punishment, it was a warning.

A warning that disobedience will not be tolerated.

How many times did they slash her throat for the scar to become so prominent? How many times did they burn her skin to the point that the serum couldn't work to regenerate? How often did they beat and prod and jab and shoot and stab at her until she was too weak to fight back?

In a morbid way, Bucky took it as a sign that despite her being activated and still dangerous, her history of resistance let HYDRA know that the person that used to be there still existed.

There was someone still underneath the rubble, as Shuri had put it, and Bucky hoped that Shuri could pull her out.

But even so, would it help? Would it be right to let this woman have to live with the memories and nightmares of what had happened to her? Was it right to subject her mind to the torture of HYDRA even after being rescued?

Was it right to try despite knowing how traumatized and desolated the woman was going to be once she was free? Hell, there were times were Bucky could still smell the scent of the cologne his Handler wore when punishing Bucky, and now Bucky couldn't stand to smell the scent without being pushed into a panic.

"Don't worry, White Wolf. I am going to do what I can to help this woman."

"That's not what I'm worried about."

His voice was choked, cracking slightly as he rushed to respond, and Shuri tilted her head at him, asking Bucky with a curious gaze.

"Then what is it that plagues you?"

"I just...is it right to do this when she's gonna have to live with the memories and the nightmares?"

Bucky felt ashamed by the frown that crossed Shuri's face, but was slightly relieved to know that the disappointment that flashed within her eyes was not directed at him.

"I understand the concern, and I understand that it will not be easy for her...but that is why you are here. You have survived HYDRA and are free of the programming they worked hard to instill within your mind. With living proof that persistence yields peace, I truly think that she may become a person again...it will just take time and a lot of work."

Bucky nodded, and Shuri was quiet for a moment before she murmured.

"While it may not seem fair to save her...it is truly a tragedy to deny her the chance that HYDRA never gave her."

The words left a profoundly bitter taste within Bucky's mouth, and he could distinctly taste copper from him biting into his cheek too hard. Shaking his head, Bucky looked away from the woman as Shuri began to assess her further.

"Reactivating her will come with a risk. I would only be able to activate her, but I don't have the knowledge to deactivate, if that's even possible. When I was activated...the longer I was out of cryostasis and hadn't been wiped, the easier it was to resist the programming. I don't know if it will be the same for her."

"As I said: reactivation will allow us the ability to communicate with her. She has not been wiped, it would seem, so it is possible that this woman knows something."

Shuri grabbed a butterfly needle and a vial, putting on gloves and tying a tourniquet around the woman's arm so that she could find a vein. Once she found it, Shuri inserted the butterfly needle, taping it to the soldier's skin.

"I am now going to collect bloodwork to run DNA diagnostics and input the data into the biometric identification program to see if we may be able to identify her this way. I'm also going to do some testing to see what serum she might have been injected with to trace it back to the creator."

Bucky nodded and sat back, watching and listening intently as Shuri described what she was doing and what the programs did on a deeper, intellectual manner. While Bucky was listening and trying to absorb the information, he couldn't stop glancing over at the scars that lined the woman's body.

Horrific couldn't even describe it. It made him sick to his stomach. If Shuri noticed that Bucky was slightly distracted, she gracefully didn't comment on it. Instead, Shuri tried to distract him the best that she could while the machine she was operating was taking a scan of the woman's brain.

After a moment, Shuri hummed, a perplexed look on her face as she sauntered around the hologram of the woman's brain, tendrils of red seeming to pulse all over the organ, and Shuri's brows furrowed as she thought to herself. Bucky asked with an intrigued look on his face.

"What is that?"

"This is a digital recreation of the woman's brain as well as the areas most affected by HYDRA's programming."

Shuri looked proud as she began to move the hologram around, zooming in and out of different areas and lobes before breaking it down into layers.

"Thanks to the work that I did for you, I was able to develop an AI that was capable of identifying HYDRA's programming, as well as detect the intensity and depth that it runs. It gives possible solutions and suggestions on what to work on first...and tells me when something activates the program."

Shuri's voice seemed to lower slightly, side-eyeing him for a moment before she looked back at the hologram, but Bucky didn't notice. Bucky was floored, in awe at the ingenuity of the AI that he couldn't help but to whistle lowly.

"That's incredible, Shuri."

"Please, compared to her, you were like a walk in the park."

Shuri waved him off before she hummed, pointing to a area that was largely red within the hologram.

"However, unlike your programming, her programming is much more complex. There are multiple layers where the programming intertwines with core pieces and memories, which will make unraveling the ties difficult. There might be parts of her that will not be salvageable."

Bucky pursed his lips slightly, shaking his head as he replied gently.

"Like you said: from the ground and up if needed."

Shuri smiled widely at Bucky, her eyes crinkling as she teased gently, pointing at him.

"See, now you are beginning to understand."

Bucky rolled his eyes before he asked as Shuri began to work, a screen popping up and flashing slightly.

"So, what is that?"

"If we are going to salvage as much as we can of the core person she was before she became a Winter Soldier, we will have to analyze every piece of her psyche. Unfortunately, I cannot do much with HYDRA's program basically firewalling me. It is like they added some sort of encryption to her so that any attempt of undoing their work would be unsuccessful or too risky."

Bucky tilted his head, becoming slightly confused as he pointed to the red parts of the woman's brain.

"Is that why those areas are red like that?"

"Yes. If you look closely, it is almost as though these red areas are wrapping around the parts that are otherwise untouched by HYDRA's program. If we can get past the encryptions, we might be able to get through."

Bucky nodded along, crossing his arms before he glanced down at the woman, asking apprehensively.

"Are you going to make me activate her?"

"For now, no. I do not think that it will be necessary. All I need to do is bypass the encryptions, break them down, and then I will begin to root out the memories with the most significance to her."

Shuri spared Bucky a glance, relaying to him honestly.

"If possible, I would like to keep you from doing so because of the mental repercussions activating her will have. I will entrust the process to Okoye if activation is the only option we have left."

Bucky shook his head, murmuring to Shuri as he glanced down at the woman again as her face scrunched slightly.

"No, I'll do it...let's just hope that I don't have to."

Shuri became quiet, staring Bucky down for a moment before she turned away and suggested.

"Perhaps you should see the Captain off. Breaking through the encryption will take time, and I can tell that you are starting to become brain-dead listening to me."

Bucky chuckled before bowing his head slightly, shaking his head.

"I'd rather not upset your brother by leaving you with her by yourself."

Shuri made a face at him, the expression reminding him of Steve pre-serum.

"Do you think I am not capable of defending myself? This is my territory, white boy."

Bucky raised his hands in surrender, wincing slightly.

"I'm sorry, your highness, but I've been on the receiving end of your brother's foot."

Shuri barked out a laugh, and Okoye made her presence known by snorting while a couple of the Dora Milaje stood by the entrance to Shuri's lab.

"At least he knows what he would be up against. Do not worry, Sergeant Barnes, I will stand watch. The Captain is about to make his departure."

Bucky nodded before expressing his gratitude, nodding gently to Shuri.

"Thank you. I'll be back shortly."

Bucky turned and left quickly, his steps quick and urgent as he arrived outside. However, the quinjet was already flying away, making Bucky purse his lips. T'Challa's voice greeted him, making the man look over at the King as he spoke.

"You just missed him."

"He's always running off on me somehow, so I'm not entirely surprised."

T'Challa chuckled slightly, before he glanced over at Bucky.

"How are you feeling about all of this?"

Bucky glanced over at T'Challa, regarding him with an exhausted look before he turned back front, watching Steve leave again.

"I'm worried, honestly. There's so many things that could go wrong. What if HYDRA is trying to find me and was using her to do it? HYDRA must know that the Avengers have been raiding the old facilities that aren't in use anymore, so why not leave her to be found and taken in?"

T'Challa hummed, clasping his hands together as he replied.

"Let them try. They will not make it very far."

Bucky pursed his lips slightly before he murmured.

"It's...strange, honestly...seeing this from an outside perspective. I knew that this was serious, but I wasn't aware of how bad it actually was. Standing on the other side of the glass...it's almost poignant."

T'Challa nodded, replying with a hum.

"When my father was killed and I was under the assumption that it was you in Vienna, a deep hatred rooted within me for HYDRA. While I understand now that it was Zemo's schemes...that hatred for HYDRA has never wavered. Even now when knowing the dangers that lie beyond those doors, I still hope for peace."

Bucky was quiet, listening intently to T'Challa's words as the king spoke, his brown eyes downcast as he continued.

"Nobody deserves to be subjected to such horrific torture."

Bucky wasn't sure on how to respond. Instead, the man just nodded and took a moment to breathe before he settled, glancing over at T'Challa.

"You're right, and if we have to start from scratch, then I'm willing to help how I can...both with rehabilitating her and eradicating HYDRA once and for all."

T'Challa nodded quietly before turning to walk back towards the lab, suggesting over his shoulder.

"You should get some rest...and maybe put that on ice."

At the mention of the wound on his temple, it began to pulse, and Bucky just sighed.

"I'll sleep it off...and thank you for listening."

T'Challa didn't respond, but a smile graced the king's lips as he disappeared through the doors. Bucky's shoulders sagged slightly, and he rubbed his temple gently, wincing when he pressed down to hard.

He had to admit: that woman could give a mean right-hook.

-

STORY NOTES: Bucky, T'Challa, Steve, and Shuri are all within her lab with the Winter Soldier. So far, the Winter Soldier has made no move. Shuri is using a machine that heals and reconstructs the soldier's knee, and Bucky is perturbed by the damage he had inflicted. He reflects on the hardship it took to regulate the strength of his grip in his metal arm; reminiscing about the difficulty of clutching a glass of water.

Shuri then tells the group that she would like to begin deconstructing the Winter Soldier's mind to get an understanding of her intentions, and suggests activating the Winter Soldier again should Shuri's efforts fail. Steve is apprehensive, and Shuri voices that if neither efforts are successful, then she will have to completely reboot the Winter Soldier.

Shuri elaborates that she is currently attempting to figure out the identity of the Winter Soldier, and makes a remark that she hopes Tony Stark is also doing the same. Steve comments that Natasha Romanoff, the Black Widow, is also combing through the databank Bucky had downloaded, as well as previously recovered databanks.

When a scientist attempts to inject a sedative into her, the Winter Soldier begins to resist; causing a scene and consequently breaking the needle of the sedative within her neck. Steve observed that the woman understood what the syringe meant, and T'Challa points out that it might be a sign that she is remembering.

Before Steve's departure, Bucky voices his fear that HYDRA is using her to get to him, and Steve reassures Bucky that he won't let HYDRA get their hands on him again. Steve exits with T'Challa, and Bucky and Shuri are left alone within the lab. Shuri begins to remove a bit of the woman's clothing, and more scars are revealed.

Bucky becomes upset by the sight of the scars, understanding what they meant, and Bucky begins to become apprehensive about saving the woman. Shuri reassures Bucky that what they are doing is right. Later, Shuri shows Bucky a digital rendition of the Winter Soldier's brain and explains what she is going to do in order to save the woman's core identity.

Shuri comments that Bucky should see Steve off, and though Bucky tries to get to Steve before he leaves, he is unsuccessful. Instead, he meets with T'Challa. They begin to converse with each other, Bucky revealing his concerns, and T'Challa reassures him that HYDRA would not make it far into Wakanda if they attempted to retrieve him. Bucky makes a final thought on the woman and reflects on her strength. End scene.

TAGLIST: @vicmc624 @tilldeathripsusapart

[connorsui]

Hello! I have a request. Can you write headcanons for Leon from re4r or infinity darkness with a fem!reader who really has a low pain threshold. I have been struggling with this problem for a long time, but it does not work. The problem here is not even that it hurts me VERY much from the slightest injury, but that when I get hit I immediately start crying. And I can't control it! There is no way at all! Thank you in advance💘

p.s. Sorry, I wrote through a translator, English is not my native language😬

Aweeee, hello, my luv! I'll be happy to give you that headcanon list 🩷🩷

That has to be difficult to go through with such a low pain threshold-- I do hope I did you justice with ur request 😭🎀

《 ♡ A Healing Touch ♡ 》

Genre/ warnings: Hurt/Comfort, Fluff, Mention of injury, Emotional vulnerability

Synopsis: Being tough isn't always about physical strength. For you, even the smallest of injuries bring an overwhelming wave of pain, and with it, tears you can’t hold back. But in the midst of a world full of terror and violence, Leon Kennedy becomes your safe haven, offering gentle words and a comforting touch when the pain becomes too much to bear.

|| Headcanons ||

♡ Tender Care

The first time Leon sees you cry after a minor injury, he’s a bit taken aback. You’re in the middle of a mission, and a simple scrape from a piece of debris has you on the verge of tears. He doesn’t judge you; instead, he’s quick to rush to your side, worry etched on his face as he softly asks, “Are you okay?”

♡ Gentle Reassurance

Leon quickly picks up on your low pain threshold and the fact that you cry as a natural reaction to getting hurt. He never makes you feel embarrassed about it. Instead, he adopts a habit of gently wiping away your tears, his voice low and soothing as he whispers, “It’s okay. You’re okay. I’m right here.”

♡ Protective Embrace

His protective instincts kick in whenever you’re hurt, no matter how small the injury is. Even if it’s just a paper cut, Leon is immediately concerned, carefully inspecting the wound while murmuring soft reassurances like, “I’ve got you. It’s just a little cut, but we’ll patch it up together.”

♡ Comfort in Knowing

Over time, Leon becomes more attuned to your needs. He always carries extra bandages and pain relievers just in case. He even takes the time to learn what comforts you the most when the pain becomes too much, whether it’s a warm embrace, quiet words of comfort, or just sitting with you until the tears subside.

♡ Heartfelt Moments

Whenever you’re hurt, Leon’s voice takes on an even softer tone. He’ll cradle your face in his hands, looking directly into your eyes as he says, “You don’t have to be strong for me. It’s okay to cry. I’m here to make it better.” His touch is always feather-light, never doing anything that might add to your pain.

♡ After the Storm

After the tears have dried and the pain starts to fade, Leon stays close, offering a warm smile and a gentle kiss on your forehead. He’ll often tease you lightly, trying to make you smile: “You’re stronger than you think, you know that?” But there’s always a sincere undertone in his words, as he truly admires your resilience.

♡ Unspoken Understanding

Eventually, you don’t even need to explain. The moment Leon sees your eyes well up with tears, he’s already by your side, comforting you without a word. He’ll simply hold you close, letting you cry it out until the pain eases, his presence alone a balm to your sensitive soul.

♡ Reassuring Touch

On days when you feel embarrassed or frustrated by your low pain threshold, Leon is there to remind you that it’s nothing to be ashamed of. “You’re human, just like the rest of us. Pain is real, and it’s okay to feel it,” he tells you, his voice firm yet tender.

♡ Always by Your Side

Leon makes it clear that no matter what happens, he’ll always be there to support you. Whether it’s a major injury or just a stubbed toe, he’s there to offer comfort, his presence a steady source of reassurance. “I’ll take care of you, no matter what. We’re in this together,” he promises, and you know he means it with every fiber of his being.

Leon is the perfect man I swear to yall

[thenukacolachallenge]

some fun facts about Luis and André Peña(his VA) Part Two: Electric Boogaloo

okay so i did one of these that was just from the Nick Apostolides streams(minus the Separate Ways DLC stream(s), THOUGH I DO WANNA WATCH THAT), but now i'm going through other videos of streams and finding out even more stuff that i wanna talk about lol sooooo... PART TWO BABEY

this all is from Twitch Streamer Peralt's charity stream for JDRF UK, in which André is a guest on! it's a fun watch, i recommend the whole video tbh, André gives out a lot of useful life and acting advice and the vibe is just lots of fun. but, these posts are primarily for stuff related to Luis, which is what i'll be cataloguing!

NOW WITH TIMESTAMPS BY REQUEST!

-André considers the role of Luis to be more than just voice acting, more of just full-on acting, since he also did his motion capture, which i find very interesting. i always love hearing the BTS processes of things i enjoy and that's such a cool fact. i'm sure most people know that he did mocap for Luis already, but I like that André doesn't consider his performance as Luis very different from a regular acting role. (timestamp)

-André took the more cheerful aspects of Luis from his own personality. He mentions that he's a relatively happy person himself, but that happiness comes from knowing darkness, and that was just something that he kind of naturally transferred over to Luis, considering Luis's backstory itself is so dark. One of the first things that drew me to Luis in this game was his goofy behavior in a terrifying situation, so i'm thankful for it! (timestamp)

-André also gives a lot of interesting BTS with pointing out the differences in acting mocap vs stage vs onscreen acting. it's not related to Luis per se outside of his relation to André, but it is SUPER fascinating, and you can tell André is really passionate about acting and it makes me appreciate his performance all the more. I can't wait to see him in new roles! (timestamp)

-When asked if there was anything from OG Luis that André took with him as character inspiration/canonicity/whatever else, he mentioned that he tried to take mostly the essence of Rino Romano's voice and mannerisms, and tried to emulate all of that without it being in "bad taste"(in reference to OG Luis being kind of gross toward women), and kind of added more quirkiness as more of his own spin on it. personally i think he did a great job; Luis is still very much a flirt, but he comes across as less of a creep and more just a harmless flirty goofball, which i think threads the needle really well for him as a character! (timestamp)

-(not related to Luis, but André is very adamant that the S in Leon S. Kennedy stands for Sancho, not Scott, which makes me giggle) (timestamp)

-André picked up smoking(again) for the role of Luis! it was also how he practiced Luis's lighter trick(which he clarifies is referred to as 'lighter juggling'); every time he'd have a cig, he made it so he had to do the tricks before he could light it. One of the tricks is called "the Infinity", where you flip the lighter through your fingers in a continuous motion, and there's one where you toss the lighter in the air, and close it as you catch it. He was a smoker growing up, he had stopped, he picked up the habit again for Luis, and then threw his cigs out the second he finished his final scene as Luis. He also clarifies NOT to smoke; he is able to start and stop smoking fairly easily, but that is not the case for most people. As a former smoker myself, i agree: if you dont already smoke, don't pick it up! don't pick up vaping either please!!! (timestamp)

-not related to Luis, but André talks a bit with Peralt(the streamer) about self-defense, martial arts, and alcohol. He tells a story about how he got jumped in a bar by a drunk guy and how his background in self-defense helped there, and talks about the effects of excess alcohol consumption. i keep repeating this, but the stream is a really good one, and i highly recommend watching it yourself! (timestamp)

-Someone asked what André thinks about the Luis and Leon shipping, and I really like his answer. He starts off by clarifying that everyone is allowed to have their headcanons, and there's nothing wrong with shipping in general, and to ship whatever you like. However, for André himself, he used the model of how he and his brother interact for how Luis interacts with Leon. He likes to goad his brother, who he describes as "a hothead" and "like Leon", and so he transferred a lot of that energy into Luis goading and teasing Leon. He played Luis as realizing that he and Leon are stuck together, and he knows Leon won't do anything to really harm Luis, so he put a lot of energy into basically razzing him like one would a sibling. He also finished by once again clarifying that people are allowed to do whatever they want in their own headcanon lol. (some people do get really upset about that stuff!) (timestamp)

-as a quick aside to the above conversation, André mentions that Luis cares SO MUCH about Ashley. When it comes to Leon, Luis is, in André's own words, "a dick to him". Ashley, to Luis, is "pure" - the one thing in the entire scenario that has no business being in this place. With Leon, Luis knows from his uptight demeanor, that he's been through hell before - this guy is stuck with him, in hell, for better or worse. But Ashley is innocent, dragged into this to be a pawn of Saddler's. So he's most concerned with Ashley's safety overall, and André tried to really push that concern and care in his performance. i think it really shows, especially in the scene after the cabin standoff, where Ashley coughs up blood and Luis immediately realizes that she's been infected, and he has to save her. (timestamp)

-During Luis' scene in the vanilla game with Ada(not Separate Ways scenes, although i think this scene is in the dlc too?), André confirms that Luis telling Ada "you should be telling me what a good job i did" is just him trying to make up an excuse of sorts for not having the Amber on him. Small detail, but one i like! (timestamp)

-André once more affirms that Luis is a cat person! He also specifically states, again, that he'd probably start off as not a pet person, but he'd probably get adopted by a stray cat, who he'd leave out food for but eventually let into his home, and that'd begin his love for cats. He also mentions that actors have to think about things like this, to flesh out their characters, which makes me wonder what other headcanons he has for Luis! (tbf tho, i've been wondering this since i watched André's unboxing of the Luis jacket he got commissioned for cosplay, and he mentioned that Luis loves spice) (timestamp)

-in the end, the stream raised a bit shy of 1k for the charity JDRF, which is super awesome!!!! i am several months late but congrats to Peralt's community for making that happen!!!

that was all i managed to find out about Luis specifically, but if i missed anything, feel free to add on in a comment! sometimes it's hard to hear with so many people talking and so much going on, but i'm enjoying learning about Luis outside of the game itself like this :D i'm planning on watching André's streams, the rest of Nick's streams, Nicole Tompkins'(Jill Valentine's VA) streams with André as a guest, and anymore i can find, so if i mind out more stuff about Luis from these vids, yall can expect more of these hahaha!

[beefromanoff]

Going Under Ch. 35

summary: too much to summarize. just read. read and be happy :)

characters: Bucky Barnes x OC

soundtrack: beyond - Leon Bridges

warnings: fluff, pop star fantasy x love story, set in an AU where the Avengers reunite after Civil War, pre-infinity war, slight angst, hurt/comfort, lonely reader/OC.

author’s note: the long awaited final chapter for this lovely story. as my first fanfic and something I've been writing for over a year, it will always hold a special place in my heart. thank you to everyone who has read and loved it along with me. I hope you love the ending and get all the warm fuzzies.

special thank you to @charmedbysarge and @wasalreadyhere for the love and reviews and making me feel special. ily ily ily. you are the reason I love writing this so much.

let me know what you think and please please please feel free to check out my two other stories! masterlist <3

XO, ENJOY

“Okay, we’re at cruising altitude. Friday, engage autopilot.” Nat let go of the controls and leaned back in her seat. 

“Roger that, Agent Romanoff.” 

“So,” She kicked her feet up on an empty seat beside Steve. “Barnes gets a happy ending after all.” 

“I guess so.” Steve grinned, folding his arms. 

“If he doesn’t self-destruct again.” 

“I think it’s different this time…I mean, with Gianna it’s always been different. But this go ‘round…he knows it.” 

Nat cocked her head. “Different with Gianna how? Because he’s actually showing human emotions for once?”

Chuckling, Steve rubbed the back of his neck. “That too. I just mean when he had relationships, before…it wasn’t like this. He was actually quite the ladies’ man, you know.” 

“So I’ve heard. I still don’t know if you’re just trying to pull one over on me.” She smirked. 

“It’s true, I witnessed it.” He held his hands up innocently. “He was charming and handsome and he knew it. It was almost a game for him.” 

“So he had a little Stark in him?”

“No, not like that. It was a game, but it wasn’t malicious. He was respectful, he genuinely just loved women. I swore he said he was in love with a different girl every week. He would meet them, decide they were the most magnificent girl he’d ever met, and make it his personal mission to make them fall in love with him. Then when they inevitably did, and they always did…he’d end up enamored with another girl.” Steve laughed, remembering. “But the bastard was so charming that no one ever got mad at him. They’d just keep pining after him, hoping he’d come back. I swear he had two dozen women seeing him off when he left for the war.” 

“Damn, ladies’ man indeed.” Nat whistled. 

“But with Gianna…I don’t know. It’s like she’s the first person to be in on it with him. With all the girls back then, it’s like they were someone or something he wanted. With Gianna, it just seems like she’s past his walls, inside him somehow.”

“Gross.” 

“Nat,” Steve rolled his eyes. 

“Sorry. I’m being serious. I promise.” 

“I mean it, it just feels different. I mean, he couldn’t take his eyes off of her today, but that’s not what I’m talking about. When he looked at her, it’s like they were having a whole conversation right in front of us. It’s the first time I’ve felt like I’m on the outside looking in when it comes to Bucky, and you know what?” He looked up at Natasha. “It’s about damn time.”

_____________

The set was abuzz with activity, crew members hustling to and fro, adjusting lights and setting up cameras. The backdrop was a meticulously recreated Hydra base, dark and menacing. It felt almost surreal to Bucky, standing there and reliving some of his darkest memories.

Except this time, he was in control. 

Sebastian Stan stood beside his stunt double, both of them listening intently as Bucky explained the intricacies of the upcoming scene. His voice was steady, authoritative, as he described the tactical maneuvers and the emotional turmoil that should be conveyed.

"You have to remember," Bucky was saying, "this isn't just about the physical fight. It's about the mental battle. Hydra isn't just an enemy; it's a nightmare that's hard to shake off. Every move you make, every punch you throw, it’s like fighting your own demons. You’re not just trying to punch your way out of this base, you’re trying to punch your way out of your own mind, too."

Sebastian nodded, absorbing every word. "Got it. It’s more than just a fight scene. It’s personal."

Out of the corner of his eye, Bucky saw a familiar flash of blonde hair step onto the set. Gianna’s eyes immediately found Bucky, and she couldn't help but smile. He looked so composed, so in control. Yet, a part of her couldn't help but worry about the emotional toll this might be taking on him. It was jarring, even for her, seeing this dark hellhole recreated.

Bucky's face lit up when he saw her. "Gianna!" he called out, waving her over.

She made her way through the maze of equipment, her presence like a ray of sunshine cutting through the dark set. As she reached him, she handed him a cup of coffee from the two in her hands. "Thought you could use a pick-me-up."

Bucky took the cup gratefully, his fingers brushing hers. "You read my mind."

Gianna glanced around the set, her eyes lingering on the menacing chair and restraints in the center. She leaned in, lowering her voice. "Are you okay? I mean, really okay?"

Bucky looked into her eyes, his expression softening. "I am. It’s different now. I’m telling my story on my terms. I’m out, I’m safe, we’ve been working through this in therapy. This doesn’t have power over me anymore."

She nodded, though the concern in her eyes remained. "I just worry. Seeing all this... it just makes me worry for you. I don’t want it to bring back bad things."

Bucky smiled, a genuine, reassuring smile. "I know. But trust me, this is good. It’s like it’s own kind of therapy, in some kind of fucked up way. And besides, I get to see the look on their faces when they get it right."

Gianna laughed softly. "Alright, as long as you're sure."

Bucky squeezed her hand. "I’m sure. And having you here helps. A lot."

Sebastian, who had been respectfully silent as he stood a few feet away, finally spoke up. "He’s pretty good at this consulting thing. Might have a place in Hollywood if saving the world ever gets old.”

“That’s a thought that hadn’t crossed my mind,” Gianna laughed, going over to hug him. “You look…terrifying.” 

“You don’t like the hair?” He joked, turning so she could see the full attire. He was clad in all black tactical gear, black and blue bruises painted on his face. Even the metal arm was uncanny. It was slightly unnerving. 

“I like the hair.” She rolled her eyes.

The director called for a break, allowing Bucky and Gianna a moment of peace. They found a quiet corner on the set, sitting down on a couple of crates.

"How’s your day been?" Bucky asked, taking a sip of his coffee.

"Busy," Gianna replied. "But good. I’m headed to the studio after this, I’ll be out late so don’t rush home. I can grab food on my way back, if you want.” She sipped her coffee, looking around thoughtfully. “You’re really doing it, Buck. You’re facing your past head-on."

Bucky nodded. "Yeah. And it feels... liberating. For so long, I let my past define me. I spent so much time afraid of people finding out about my past. Now, I’m taking control of my story and how it’s told. It feels…good."

Gianna smiled, her heart swelling with pride. "I’m so proud of you."

Bucky leaned in, kissing her softly. "Thank you. For everything."

___________

The studio was a hive of creative energy. Soundboards, guitars, and sheet music were scattered around, creating an organized chaos that only artists could appreciate. Gianna sat at the grand piano, her fingers dancing lazily over the keys as she hummed a new melody. Even several hours in, she looked content and radiant.

Her producer, Jack, was sitting in the control room, going through her latest recordings. He shook his head with a mix of admiration and exasperation. "Gianna, I’ve got to hand it to you, these songs are incredible."

Gianna grinned, looking up from the piano. "Thanks, Jack. I’ve been feeling really inspired lately."

Jack chuckled, walking into the recording area with a stack of lyric sheets in hand. "I can tell. But we’ve got a bit of a problem here."

"What’s that?" she asked, though her smile never faltered.

Jack spread out the lyric sheets on the piano. "You’ve written enough love songs to fill the next three years of your career. We’re going to have a hell of a time picking the track list for the album."

Gianna laughed sheepishly. "I guess I got carried away."

Jack raised an eyebrow. "Carried away? Gianna, you’ve written over thirty songs, and they’re all about the same guy."

"What can I say? He’s my muse." She grinned, toying with the piano again.

Jack sighed, though he couldn’t hide his smile. "Clearly. But we need to be realistic here. We can’t release all of these songs. There’s a limit to these things."

Gianna pretended to think hard, tapping her chin. "Well, I suppose there’s only one solution then."

Jack gave her a wary look. "And what might that be?"

She leaned back, a mischievous glint in her eye. "We’ll just have to do a double album."

Jack groaned, though he was clearly amused. "A double album, huh? You do realize the logistics of that, right? Double the recording time, double the production work, double the promotion?"

Gianna shrugged, still smiling. "Forget the promotion. If it’s good music, and it is, people will listen. Besides, who doesn’t love a good love song?"

Jack shook his head, laughing. "You’re impossible, you know that?"

"That’s why you love me," she teased.

"True," Jack admitted. "But seriously, Gianna, these songs are something special. It’s clear they come from a place of deep emotion. You’ve really poured your heart into this."

Gianna’s expression softened. "I have. I don’t think I could stop writing if I tried. It’s like these love songs are just oozing out of me."

“Okay, that’s a gross visual.” Jack shook his head, his tone more serious. "Well, if we’re going to do this, we’re going to make this album something truly special. It’s your best work yet."

Gianna beamed. “You really think so?” 

“Don’t let it go to your head.” He patted her shoulder. "Let’s get back to work. We’ve got a lot to do if we’re going to make this double album happen."

_____________

Bucky and Gianna were sprawled out on the floor of her luxurious penthouse, surrounded by half-empty takeout boxes. The soft glow of the setting sun filtered through the massive windows, casting a warm, golden light over them. They were relaxed, content, and completely at ease in each other's company. The past two months of their rekindled romance had felt all too natural, both of them slipping into their new routine like it was second nature.

Bucky picked up a spring roll, taking a bite as he leaned back against the couch. "You know, I think I could get used to this."

Gianna laughed, her eyes sparkling. "What, Chinese food and sunsets?"

"That, and spending my evenings with you," he replied, giving her a warm smile.

“You say that every night.” She rolled her eyes, elbowing him in the side.

“I’ll stop saying it when it stops being true.” Blue eyes locked on hers.

She blushed slightly, looking down at her food. "Well, I’m glad you’re here. It’s nice to have someone to share this with. Thai food and the evening." She winked.

Bucky nodded, his gaze turning towards the window. "Speaking of sharing, have you noticed anything different about Steve and Nat lately?"

Gianna raised an eyebrow, a knowing smile creeping across her face. "You mean besides the fact that they’re clearly still pretending they’re not madly in love with each other?"

Bucky chuckled. "Exactly. Do you think they’ll ever stop pretending?"

Gianna shrugged, taking a sip of her drink. "Who knows? They’re both pretty stubborn. They could probably keep this going for decades."

Bucky nodded in agreement. "Yeah, you’re probably right. To be honest, though, I only care about one relationship at this particular moment." He tilted Gianna’s chin up, kissing her softly, slowly. 

“Suddenly, so do I.” Gianna breathed, lips still inches from his.

"Sorry, you were about to tell me something. Don’t let me distract you." he said, giving her a playful wink.

“We can talk about it later,” She leaned in, eyes focused on his mouth. 

“No, no,” Bucky stroked her hair behind her ear. “I want to hear it. We have plenty of time to…not talk later.” 

Gianna grinned. "True. Okay, well you know recording has been going well. Like, incredibly well.” 

Bucky raised an eyebrow. "I wouldn’t expect anything else where you’re involved."

Gianna set her takeout box aside, sitting up a bit straighter. "Well,  you know, the customary thing to happen after an album release is…a tour."

"A tour, huh?” His eyes crinkled in the corners with his smile. “Suddenly I’m having deja vu.” 

"I was wondering... would you be interested in taking another security contract?" She bit her lip, eyes bright. 

Bucky pretended to think about it. “What’s the pay like?” 

“Bucky Barnes!” Gianna smacked him in the arm. 

A slow smile spread across Bucky’s face. "Are you asking me to be your bodyguard again?"

Gianna grinned, her heart racing. "Something like that. What do you say?"

Bucky leaned in, cupping her face in his hands. "I say yes. Hell yes. Fuck yes. A thousand times yes."

She laughed, a sound filled with pure joy. "Really? You don’t mind to go back on the road? I mean, it’ll be fun, but it’s also a lot of work. Well, you remember…it’ll be a long time away from home and–"

He nodded, cutting her off. "Gianna. I’m not away from home when I’m with you. Wherever you go, I’ll be right there with you."

Gianna threw her arms around his neck, hugging him tightly. "Thank you, Bucky. You have no idea how much this means to me."

He held her close, his heart swelling with happiness. "I think I do. And I can’t wait to see the world with you."

They sat for a moment, embracing each other in the midst of scattered takeout boxes and golden sun spilling in through the window. 

“One more thing,” Bucky leaned back, looking at her. “I think we need to stay in the same room.” His eyes flicked to her lips and back up. “You know, with the heightened security risk…” 

“Is that your professional opinion?” She tilted her head, angling her lips closer to his. 

“It is my very professional opinion.” 

“Then I guess we’ll have to share a room.”

Gianna fell into a fit of giggles as Bucky pulled her onto his lap, tangling his hand in her hair as he kissed her. 

___________

Eight Months Later

The red carpet was buzzing with excitement as fans and reporters gathered for the premiere of the Winter Soldier movie. The entire team had turned out to support him, creating quite the stir among the attendees and press alike. Bright lights and camera flashes created a dazzling, albeit somewhat overwhelming, atmosphere as the stars made their way down the carpet, stopping for interviews along the way. Some members of the team, a la Natasha and Tony, looked right at home. They smiled and posed for the cameras, soaking up every second of their walk down the carpet. Others, like Wanda and Steve, did their part but didn’t linger. 

Gianna was radiant, her eyes sparkling with excitement and pride as she stood next to Bucky. She wore a stunning floor length silver gown, dripping in crystals, her smile infectious as she spoke to a reporter.

"Gianna! You’re back in New York for the premiere. How does it feel to be here supporting Sergeant Barnes tonight?" the reporter asked.

"Oh, it's incredible! We've been away on tour for a few months now, and it's been amazing, but being back in New York for this special occasion is just... wow. I'm so proud of Bucky. This movie is such a big deal, and getting to be here to support him means absolutely everything to me," Gianna gushed, her voice filled with genuine pride.

"Your tour has been a huge success, to say the least. How have you managed to balance everything with the tour and now coming back for the premiere?" the reporter inquired.

Gianna laughed. "It’s been a bit of a whirlwind, to be honest. But having Bucky with me on tour has made it so much easier. He's my rock. And now, getting to switch roles and be here for him, it feels really special. Plus, it’s a nice break from the road, even if it’s just for a week. We knew in advance when the premiere would fall and scheduled the tour dates around it."

"You mentioned switching roles. How does it feel to be the one supporting him for a change?" the reporter asked, leaning in with interest.

"It feels amazing. Bucky has always been there for me, whether it was at my concerts or during tough times. So being able to stand by his side and cheer him on for something he's worked so hard on is really fulfilling. He’s been through so much, and seeing him share his story with the world is just... I'm getting emotional thinking about it," Gianna admitted, her eyes glistening.

"His story is definitely one that needed to be told. How do you feel about the portrayal of his life and journey in the movie?" the reporter continued.

"I think it’s powerful. The film does a great job of showing his strength, his resilience, and the incredible person he is. I won’t lie, it was difficult to watch in the advanced screenings. This film doesn’t pull any punches, which is something that was very important to Bucky. He didn’t want to tell a watered down version of the story, although it was tempting both for viewers and himself. But it’s not just about the battles he's fought, but the person he's become. I think the world is going to see the Bucky we all know and love, and that’s really special," Gianna replied warmly, gesturing to the team members scattered through the crowd.

"It sounds like you're his biggest fan," the reporter noted with a smile.

"Oh, I definitely am. He’s my hero, in every sense of the word," Gianna said, eyes flicking to Bucky giving an interview a few feet away. Their eyes met, and he instantly let his shoulders down, tension evaporating knowing she was so close.

The reporter wrapped up the interview, thanking her for her time before moving on to the next celebrity on the red carpet. Steve Rogers, looking as composed as ever in his crisp navy suit, was next in line for an interview. The correspondent approached him with enthusiasm.

"Captain Rogers! It's a pleasure to see you here tonight. This is a big night for Sergeant Barnes and everyone involved in the film. How are you feeling about it all?" the reporter asked.

Steve smiled warmly. "I’m incredibly proud of Bucky. He’s been through so much and has come out stronger on the other side. This film is a testament to his resilience and strength, and I think the world is finally going to see the hero he truly is."

"How has it been seeing Bucky’s journey portrayed on the big screen?" the reporter inquired.

"It’s been a mix of emotions, to be honest. Seeing some of the toughest parts of his past was hard, but it was also inspiring to see how far he’s come. The film does a great job of showing the darkest moments of his life and still ending on a hopeful note. I'm excited for people to see that," Steve explained, his voice filled with pride.

"You’ve always been a close friend and supporter of Bucky. What do you hope audiences take away from this film?" the reporter asked.

"I hope they see that no matter what you go through, you can find your way back. It's a story of hope, resilience, and redemption. Bucky is a true hero, and I think this film will show people that anyone can overcome their past and find peace," Steve said, his smile meeting his eyes.

"Thank you, Steve. It's clear how much you care about Bucky," the reporter said with a smile.

"Always," Steve replied, his gaze drifting to where Bucky and Gianna stood, surrounded by well-wishers.

Next up was Sebastian Stan, the actor who had the daunting task of portraying Bucky in the film. He looked confident and practiced as he stepped up for his interview.

"Sebastian! This is such a big night for you. How did you prepare for such a serious and intense role?" the reporter asked.

Sebastian took a deep breath before answering. "It was definitely a challenge, but one I was honored to take on. I spent a lot of time talking to Bucky and understanding his experiences. He was very generous with his time and guidance, we spent a lot of time on set and even more time talking over whiskey. Gianna was also a huge help. She shared so much insight into who he is now and how he's healed. It was important to me to get it right, not just for Bucky, but for everyone who’s gone through something traumatic in their life and had to overcome it."

"That sounds like quite the journey. What was the most challenging part of playing Bucky?" the reporter continued.

"I think the hardest part was portraying the depth of his trauma while also showing his strength and resilience. Bucky's been through so much, but he’s come out the other side stronger. It was important to show that balance – the pain and the healing. And having Bucky and Gianna's guidance really helped make that possible," Sebastian explained, his voice sincere.

"How do you feel about the film's reception so far?"

"I’m thrilled. The response has been amazing, and I’m just grateful that people are connecting with Bucky's story. It’s an important one, and I hope it resonates with everyone who sees it.”

"Thank you, Sebastian. It’s clear you put a lot of heart into this role," the reporter nodded in gratitude.

"Thank you. It’s been an honor to bring Bucky’s story to life," Sebastian replied with a smile.

A few moments later, Bucky was pulled aside for his own interview. He stood tall and composed, fighting the urge to bolt for the nearest exit in the midst of this crowd.

"Sergeant Barnes! This is such a big night for you. How are you feeling?" A petite brunette reporter asked.

"Honestly, it's a mix of excitement and nerves. It's surreal to see this story up on the big screen, but I'm really proud of how it turned out. I never thought it would be something I was comfortable with sharing, especially on this scale, but I think the right team handled it and I couldn’t be more honored. And having Gianna and all my friends here makes it even more special," Bucky said, his smile genuine.

"Speaking of Gianna, she had nothing but praise for you. How has it been having her support throughout this process?" 

"It's been incredible. She's my biggest supporter, and having her by my side means…everything to me. This is her world, and I don’t think I could navigate it without her. She's been my rock through everything, and now getting to share this moment with her is just... I can't put it into words," Bucky replied, glancing at Gianna with a tender look.

"The movie delves into some pretty intense parts of your life. How did you feel revisiting those memories during the making of the film?" the reporter asked with careful tact. 

"It was tough at times, but it was also therapeutic in a way. It was a chance to face those demons and show that they don’t define me. The film is about more than just the bad things that happened to me and to so many others; it's about overcoming and finding peace. And I think that's an important message," Bucky explained, his voice steady as he recited the words he and Gianna had practiced numerous times in hotel rooms and on the tour bus.

"You’ve come a long way, Bucky. What do you hope people take away from this film?" the reporter asked, clearly moved by his words.

"I hope they see that no matter what you go through, you can come out the other side stronger. It's about resilience, about finding your way back to yourself. And I hope it inspires people to keep fighting, no matter what," Bucky said, his words filled with conviction.

"That’s a powerful message. Thank you for sharing your story with the world, Bucky," the reporter said, concluding the interview.

"Thank you for having me. I hope everyone enjoys the film," Bucky replied with a warm smile.

With that, Bucky rejoined Gianna, slipping his arm around her waist as they made their way into the theater. The support and love between them were palpable, and it was clear that no matter what challenges they faced, they would always stand by each other’s side.

___________

"Global Pop Sensation Gianna Cruz Shocks the World by Taking the Stage in Amsterdam with a Diamond on Her Left Hand"

Entertainment Tonight

Gianna Cruz, the global pop sensation, left fans in awe last night during her electrifying performance in Amsterdam. As she took the stage for the encore, a dazzling diamond ring on her left hand caught the light, sparking a frenzy of speculation and excitement among her adoring fans.

The Amsterdam show marked the seventh month of Gianna's highly successful world tour, which has seen sold-out venues across the globe. However, it’s not just her music making headlines – it’s her love life too. Just two months ago, Gianna and her long-time boyfriend, James "Bucky" Barnes, made their first official public appearance as a couple at the star-studded premiere of his biographical movie. Their notoriously low-key relationship has since captured the hearts of fans and media alike since they were first spotted together on Gianna’s previous tour.

Since rumors of their relationship sparked nearly two years ago, Gianna and Bucky have been frequently spotted enjoying simple, everyday moments together. Whether it’s grabbing coffee in casual attire or exploring new cities on tour, the couple's love story has become the epitome of modern celebrity romance. Interestingly, this isn’t the first time they've been photographed in such a manner. Nearly two years ago, during Gianna’s last tour, the couple was first spotted together in a similar coffee shop setting, igniting the initial buzz about their budding relationship.

Despite the public's curiosity, Gianna has yet to make any official statements about her engagement. However, Pepper Potts, a representative for both Gianna’s record label and the Avengers, confirmed the happy news with a succinct but heartfelt statement: "They are both very happy."

Fans of Gianna Cruz and Bucky Barnes couldn’t be more thrilled to see their favorite couple take this next step in their journey together. As Gianna’s tour continues to wow audiences worldwide, it seems love is also in the air, making this tour one for the history books.

_________

One Year Following the Engagement

Gianna sat in the dressing room of the charming, sunlit chapel, her heart fluttering with anticipation. She wore a delicate silk robe, her hair pinned up in preparation for the intricate style it would soon take. Her longtime makeup artist and friend, Kate, carefully applied Gianna's makeup, her hands steady and precise as ever.

Kate paused for a moment, dipping a brush into a soft pink blush. "Can I tell you a secret?" she asked, her voice gentle and warm.

Gianna glanced at her reflection in the mirror, meeting Kate's eyes. "Of course," she said with a curious smile.

Kate leaned in slightly, as if sharing a cherished memory. "I knew this day would come from the second Bucky joined the tour," she confessed. 

Gianna's smile widened, a blush of her own coloring her cheeks. "Really?"

Kate nodded, her hands continuing their work. "Absolutely. There was something about the way he looked at you, the way you both just... fit. It was like watching two pieces of a puzzle come together."

Gianna felt a rush of emotions, her eyes misting up. "You were right," she said softly. "He's... everything."

Kate smiled, her expression tender. "You deserve every bit of happiness, Gianna. Today is just the beginning."

As Kate finished the final touches, Gianna felt a profound sense of gratitude and love. She reached out and squeezed Kate's hand. "Thank you, Kate. For everything."

Kate squeezed back, her eyes shining. "It's my honor, Gianna. Now, let's set you again, make sure you don’t cry off all this makeup."

Gianna laughed softly, closing her eyes as Kate sprayed her face. The day had finally arrived, and she was ready to walk down the aisle to the man who had captured her heart from the very beginning. They’d chosen a small destination wedding, following the private nature of their relationship. Since neither of them had relationships with their surviving family members, it just made sense. Their closest friends had flown out to Italy the week before for several nights of relaxation, reminiscing, and catching up. Gianna’s tour had concluded the month prior, and since then, she and Bucky had been hunkered down in New York, recovering from the chaos of the past year. 

Now, with Natasha and Wanda off on a mission to mix a batch of “strong but safe” mimosas, Steve and Sam somewhere in a different wing of the villa with Bucky, and the rest of their friends turned family enjoying a day in the small nearby town until the festivities; she couldn’t imagine her heart feeling any more full. 

“Here you go, G.” Natasha slid back into the room, holding a crystal flute out to Gianna. 

“To Ms. Gianna Cruz, for the very last time.” Wanda smiled, holding her own glass up. 

“To Ms. Gianna Cruz.” 

_________

The reception was set in the lush garden of the Italian villa, with twinkling fairy lights strung overhead, casting a warm glow over the long banquet table where guests were gathered. The air was filled with the scent of blooming flowers and delicious Italian cuisine, and the soft murmur of laughter and conversation created a cozy, intimate atmosphere.

At the head of the table, Gianna and Bucky sat side by side, their hands intertwined, beaming at their friends–their family–who had come to celebrate their special day. The evening was perfect, and as the sun began to set, casting a golden hue over the villa, Steve stood up, tapping his glass to get everyone's attention.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Steve began,  "if I could have your attention for a moment, I'd like to say a few words."

The table quieted, turning their attention to Steve, who smiled at the couple before him. "I've had the privilege of knowing Bucky for most of my life. We've been through a lot together—more than most people could ever imagine. And through all those years, I've seen him at his best and his worst."

Steve paused, his eyes glancing around the table, taking in the faces of their closest friends. "There were times when I wasn't sure we'd ever get Bucky back. So much was taken from him, from all of us, and there were moments when it seemed like the man I knew was lost forever. Even when we finally, finally got him back…I didn’t think he’d ever be whole again."

He turned to Gianna, his expression softening. "But then you came along, Gianna. You brought a light and warmth into his life that none of us ever thought we'd see again. You showed him that it was okay to live, to love, and to be happy."

A few guests dabbed at their eyes, even Sam, though he’d deny it if anyone brought it up. "I remember the first time I saw the two of you together," Steve continued, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "There was something different about Bucky. He was... lighter. He laughed more, smiled more. He was becoming himself again, and it was all because of you, Gianna."

Steve chuckled softly, shaking his head. "I still can't believe Bucky, the guy who didn’t know what Spotify was until last year, fell for a pop star. But then again, who wouldn't? You're so talented, Gianna, but more than that… you’re kind, genuine, and you have this amazing ability to make everyone around you feel special. You brought out the best in Bucky, and for that, I'll always be grateful. As for you, Buck, don’t do anything stupid to mess this up. Again.” A chorus of laughter sounded around the table as Bucky grinned, hanging his head in mock shame.

He raised his glass, looking at Bucky and Gianna with a mixture of pride and affection. "To Bucky and Gianna. May your life together be filled with as much love and happiness as you've brought to each other. And may you continue to bring out the best in one another, every single day."

The guests raised their glasses, echoing Steve's toast. "To Bucky and Gianna!"

As Steve sat down, Bucky stood, squeezing Gianna’s hand. "Thank you, Steve," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "And thank you, everyone, for being here to celebrate with us.” He raised his glass again. “To family."

The guests cheered, and the reception continued with laughter, way too much pasta, and the clinking of glasses as toast after toast was made. Gianna and Bucky were surrounded by love, and as they looked around at their small crowd, they knew this was just the beginning.

They dined, drank, and danced. After several hours, the table had been abandoned with suit jackets thrown over the back of seats and heels forgotten beneath chairs. The music and laughter floated off the patio and into the twinkling night sky.

As the reception continued, the energy in the garden reached a peak. The music slowed to a gentle tune, signaling the traditional bouquet and garter toss. Gianna stood at one end of the garden, bouquet in hand, while Bucky, grinning from ear to ear, stood at the other, holding the garter. Bucky’s tie was loose, his top few buttons undone and sleeves rolled up. Gianna’s bare feet sat on the cobblestones.

"Alright, ladies!" Gianna called out, turning her back to the small crowd of female guests, Natasha, Kate, Wanda, Madison, and Pepper. "Let's see who’s next!"

The women gathered behind her, laughing and jostling playfully, while the men formed a similar group behind Bucky, ready for the garter toss.

"On three!" Gianna shouted, her voice full of anticipation. "One... Two... Three!"

She tossed the bouquet high into the air, its arc lit beautifully by the string lights overhead. At the same time, Bucky launched the garter with a perfect aim. Both items flew through the air, and just as they began their descent, something strange happened.

As if choreographed, the crowd of guests simultaneously stepped back, leaving only Steve and Nat standing alone in the center. Steve's eyes widened in surprise, and Nat's expression shifted from curiosity to amusement.

"What the—?" Steve started, glancing around at the now grinning guests.

Nat flipped a playful finger in the direction of Gianna and Bucky, who were laughing hysterically. Before either Steve or Nat could react further, the bouquet landed squarely in Nat's hands, and the garter fell into Steve's outstretched hand.

The garden erupted in cheers and applause. "Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!" the crowd chanted, clapping and whistling.

Steve's face turned a deep shade of crimson, and he scratched the back of his neck awkwardly. Nat, on the other hand, couldn't help but smirk at the orchestrated setup. She rolled her eyes playfully, holding the bouquet up as if it were a trophy.

Bucky, catching the eye of his old friend, gave Steve a conspiratorial wink. "About time, don't you think?"

Nat laughed, shaking her head, and then turned to Steve. "Well, Captain, looks like the universe is trying to tell us something."

Steve chuckled, his embarrassment giving way to a warm smile. "I guess so."

The crowd's cheering grew louder, urging them on. Nat handed the bouquet to Wanda and then grabbed Steve by the collar, pulling him in for a dramatic kiss. The guests roared with approval, clapping and hooting as the couple shared a passionate moment.

Gianna and Bucky beamed, grinning so hard their cheeks hurt. "Best idea ever," Gianna whispered to Bucky.

"Absolutely," he agreed, wrapping his arm around her waist. "Here’s to more happy endings."

As Steve and Nat finally broke their kiss, they turned to their friends, blushing but smiling. The night continued with even more celebration, the love and joy in the air palpable as the wedding festivities carried on, cementing memories that would last a lifetime.

_________

First Look at Intimate Italian Wedding Between Gianna Cruz and Bucky Barnes

People Magazine

Photos of the picturesque wedding in Tuscany have emerged, showcasing the happy couple surrounded by star-studded group of close friends.

Gianna Cruz-Barnes' World Tour Smashes Grossing Records

Billboard

Gianna Cruz-Barnes’ world tour has shattered grossing records in every city, proving her global appeal as a pop sensation.

‘The Winter Soldier’ James ‘Bucky’ Barnes Biopic Sweeps the Oscars

Variety

"The Winter Soldier," the biopic chronicling the life of Bucky Barnes, wins big at the Oscars with accolades for Best Picture, Best Leading Actor, and Best Screenplay, among others.

Surprise Again! Gianna Cruz Announces Birth of Their First Child

Entertainment Tonight

Gianna Cruz-Barnes and husband Bucky Barnes welcome their first child, just shy of their first wedding anniversary. Fans await news of the baby's name after Gianna shares an adorable snapshot.

Rare Public Appearance of the Cruz-Barnes Trio

New York Times

Gianna and Bucky Barnes, along with their daughter, attend the Stark Foundation ribbon-cutting ceremony alongside Captain Steve Rogers and Natasha Romanoff.

Baby Watch? Cruz-Barnes Clan Spotted in Brooklyn

TMZ

Gianna Cruz sports an adorable baby bump while Bucky Barnes holds their nearly three-year-old daughter, Ava, during a casual outing in Brooklyn.

Gianna Cruz Celebrates Five-Year Anniversary of Her Iconic Album

Rolling Stone

Gianna Cruz reflects on the impact of her record-breaking album, "Blooming" as fans celebrate its five-year anniversary with a special re-release. The extended edition of the album will feature acoustic versions of fan favorite songs, as well as a few never before heard tracks that follow the titling theme of springtime coming after a long winter. 

Gianna Cruz Launches Philanthropic Initiative with the Stark Foundation

Forbes

Gianna Cruz partners with the Stark Foundation to launch a philanthropic initiative aimed at supporting orphans, children in foster care, and underprivileged communities worldwide.

Gianna Cruz and Bucky Barnes Celebrate Their Tenth Anniversary

People Magazine

Gianna Cruz and Bucky Barnes mark a decade of love and partnership by returning to Tuscany for a private celebration surrounded by friends and family.

___________

July 4th

The Compound was alive with the spirited buzz of laughter and playful chatter. It looked like a scene out of a wholesome, all-American movie. The aroma of barbecue wafted through the air, mingling with the joyful squeals of children running around the lawn near the dock. Tables adorned with red, white, and blue decorations were set with an array of way too many food dishes, while a large banner proclaimed, "Happy Birthday, Cap!" in bold letters.

Under the shade of a sprawling oak tree, a group of adults gathered around a grill, flipping burgers and hot dogs. Tony, with his arm draped affectionately around Pepper, was engrossed in a lively discussion with Sam and his girlfriend. Nearby, Wanda and Peter playfully chased after a giggling group of children, their faces lit up with delight.

At the heart of the celebration, Gianna and Bucky watched over their two children, Ava Kate and James Grant. Ava was the spitting image of her mother with her blond curly hair and green eyes, but sported her father’s mischievous grin. She was engaged in a game of tag with Tony and Pepper's daughter, Morgan. James had his father's piercing blue eyes and dark hair, but Gianna’s contagious smile. He toddled around with a toy version of the famous Captain America’s shield, occasionally throwing curious glances at the older children.

As the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting a warm glow over the gathering, Steve and Bucky found a quiet moment together at the end of the dock. They watched fondly as Ava and Morgan giggled together with three other girls, their laughter still the most beautiful sound either man had ever heard.

Steve turned to Bucky, a soft smile playing on his lips. "Can you believe this, Buck?" he murmured, his eyes scanning the scene before them.

Bucky followed his gaze, his expression tender. "Never in a million years," he replied quietly. "I never thought we'd have all this."

“Even before the war, I never thought you’d settle down.” he teased, nudging Bucky playfully with his elbow.

“Yeah, well, you never were a good betting man.” Bucky grinned, sipping his beer. 

“That is true.” Steve chuckled softly. "That’s one bet I’m glad I would have lost. We are painfully outnumbered by girls, though." 

Bucky chuckled, shaking his head. "You got that right. But I hear Nat's still pushing for more," he added, his voice filled with affection as he glanced over at Natasha, who was engrossed in conversation with Gianna.

Steve's gaze softened as he watched Natasha, his lifelong friend and now wife, watching their adopted daughters. "Can't say no to her," he replied with a fond smile.

Bucky nodded knowingly. "Wouldn't want to," he admitted, his eyes returning to Gianna.

The two friends stood in companionable silence for a moment, soaking in the scene of their friends and children playing out before them.

"Hey, dads!" Gianna called out, waving them over with a warm smile. "Come join us for cake!"

Steve and Bucky exchanged a knowing glance before heading over to join their wives and friends. As they approached the group, the crowd of children was shushed to a controlled level. Natasha and Gianna stood side by side, their voices blending in harmony as they led the group in singing "Happy Birthday" to Steve.

Amidst the laughter and cheers that followed, Steve caught Bucky's eye once more, a silent acknowledgment passing between them. They had found their place in the world, surrounded by family and friends who loved them unconditionally. And as Steve blew out the candles on his cake, he made a silent wish, knowing that his heart was already full.

“Uncle Steve, will you tell us another story about my dad?” Ava’s small voice accompanied a tug on his shirt. Steve raised an eyebrow at her. 

“You want to hear another story?” 

“Yes!” She beamed, her teeth still stained blue from the cake. 

“Alright, alright.” He pretended to sigh, pulling her onto his lap. “Which one do you want to hear?” 

“Tell the one about the fair when Uncle Bucky threw up!” Steve’s oldest daughter chimed in, her russian accent thick but fading with her time in America. A chorus of cheers sounded from the kids around the table, eagerly plopping to sit on the dock at his feet. 

“Fine.” Steve grinned, winking at Bucky. “That’s my favorite one anyways.” 

[witerh]

Мasterlist

• over time the list will be updated and all my work will also be published later, but here will be links to my works from AO3.

[ pointer ] — !fem. reader/teacher re4rleon!

• plot: the reader forgets to bring the essay to class and the teacher leaves the reader after class so that the reader writes the essay in front of him.

• tags: nsfw, praise kink, relationship between student and teacher, undressing, whispering in the ear, seduction, hint of bdsm, fingering, teasing.

[ baby fever ] — !fem. reader/husband re6leon!

• plot: after a difficult mission and arrival home leon admits that he wants to conceive a child, to which you don't refuse him this, because you yourself have long wanted this.

• tags: nsfw, teasing, fondling, vaginal fingering, rough sex, animal names, creampie, possible pregnancy.

[report] — !fem. reader/classmate re2rleon!

• plot: the reader communicates too much with the bully in class, for which you both go to the library to report.

• tags: nsfw, school, students, teasing, vaginal jerking, fingering, praise, shame.

[seduction on the plane] — !fem. reader/husband re4rleon!

• plot: sleepy kisses led you both to the restroom, making a small mess.

• tags: nsfw, sleepy kisses, tenderness, comfort, sex in the restroom, using condoms, creampie, caring for partner.

[nsfw alphabet] — !fem. reader/boyfriend re4rleon | boyfriend re infinity darkness leon | husband re6leon

• plot: headcanons of leon's version in different nsfw situations.

[cage] — !fem. reader/husband re6leon/lover re6chris!

• plot: the reader was at the event with her husband’s company, but it turns out that your lover was also there, who had already told leon about everything.

• tags: nsfw, teasing, roughness, threesome, bareback, oral sex, forced, fingering, blowjob, double penetration.

[ugly art to satisfy the itch] — !fem. reader/priest re island of death leon!

• plot: the reader's car broke down on the way to another city for a new job and the reader had to hitchhike, but this was an unusual driver.

• tags: nsfw, rape, coercion, rudeness, tears, hair grabbing, car sex, bareback, creampie, psychological trauma, dead pigeon: don't eat, prayer.

[need each other] — !fem. reader/boyfriend re4rleon!

• plot: leon had been on a mission for a long time and the reader missed him not only mentally, but also out of necessity.

• tags: nsfw, handjob over video call, praise, animal names, orgasm, embarrassment, fingering, vaginal fingering, consolation, caresses.

[cat hugs are the best cure for fatigue] — !fem. reader/boyfriend re2rleon! (in progress)

• plot: Leon was very tired from the heavy workload at his new job and the reader decides to give you both a little day off at a cat cafe. (events take place without the zombie apocalypse outbreak)

• tags: sfw, tenderness, caring for each other, love, tender kisses, cats.

[time for business — time for fun] — !fem. reader/boyfriend re: infinity darkness leon! (in progress)

• plot: while watching a movie in your bedroom the power went out. you, in search of answers, begin to wander the corridors of the White House and look for your bodyguard and part-time boyfriend.

• tags: nsfw, comfort, mild fear, fear of getting caught, kissing, teasing, fingering, whispering, on the table, sex on the table in the president's office, creampie, consolation after orgasm.

[mythicamagic]

i just saw this tagging game on my dash so: a song for every letter of your url

I used songs I vibe to a lot lolol

------

M - Moondust by Jaymes Young

Y - Young and Beautiful by Lana Del Rey

T - Talk to me by Le Monde

H - Hunger by Florence and the Machine

I - Infinity by Jaymes Young

C - Closer by Kings of Leon

A - Arabella by Arctic Monkeys

M - Moment's Silence (Common Tongue) by Hozier

A - After Dark by Mr. Kitty

G - Gold Eyes by Nym

I - I am not a Robot by Marina and the Diamonds

C - Call Out My Name by The Weeknd

Tagging: @pixeryx @@deadlyglacier @revangerang @all-my-cuffs-have-buttons @chierafied @frost-guardian @jafndaegur @drosselmeyerwrites

[ancuiri]

leon idea: leon getting booped on the nose very gently or maybe someone is caressing his cheek and he is leaning into it

•͙┄✩̣̣̣̣̣ͯ i dunno how to do backgrounds for this arts

He was booped on the nose but with lips and I'm not sure if it was gently

Guys, maybe you wanna lil ask-event with Leon and An?? Maybe for me it's gonna be more motivation to draw more often 🍽️

[fateinthestars]

Star-Crossed Myth FanFiction, Fanart & Reviews Masterlist

(Dates to the left are the date the post linked was posted, in Day/Month/Year format)

GOD x MC FICS

Oneshots Series' (Multiple Pairings)

24/12/2023 Star Crossed Myth Advent Calendar 2023 20,507 words total (Rating: T. 2 flash fictions for each God with MC, written for December 2023)

25/05/2024 Fluffy Days with The Gods 26,038 words total (26 fluffy ficlets for each God with MC written for the Fluffbruary2024 event, T rated)

25/05/2024 Fluffy Days with The Gods - Mature Edition 2,920 words total (3 fluffy ficlets written for the Fluffbruary2024 event, M rated (MC/Aigonorus, MC/Huedhaut, MC/Partheno))

25/12/2024 Star Crossed Myth Advent Calendar 2024 38,723 words total (Rating: T. 2 oneshots for each God with MC, plus a special surprise for day 25. Written for December 2024)

Huedhaut x MC

20/10/2023 In Sickness and In Health (1,321 words) Huedhaut has a vision and suggests MC takes some time off work. (Rating: T, Genre: Comfort) (This was just a very self-indulgent thing I wrote for myself I decided to share)

02/03/2024 Love Eternal (8,665 words) When the strain put on Huedhaut's body due to only having stars in one of his eyes finally becomes too much, the other Zodiac Gods realise that there is a way to save him - but that way is for MC to be a Goddess. Can they find a way to make sure she can ascend as herself, even if it means doing so without the help of the King? (Rating: T, Genre: Angst, Angst with A Happy Ending. Sequel to Hue's Promise of Infinity story. Also contains Leon/Karno)

Past Karno x MC / Potential Future Huedhaut x MC

15/01/2024 Peace come at a Cost (Four Chapters totalling 35,046 words) Karno knew that his body had been pushed too far. In his dying moments after defeating the Dark King, he voices a wish. Huedhaut is there to support MC in her time of grief, for after all no one is better placed than him to know how she feels. But can this new chapter help resolve the complicated web of a past that MC knows nothing about and bring them closer together, or will it draw them further apart? Especially when the king has spotted the potential for a new game. (Rating: T, Genre: Angst, Grief, Moving on, Lifechanging decisions, Angst with a hopeful ending. Also contains Aigonorus/Tauxolouve. Warnings: Major Character Death)

Karno x MC

Series: Heavenly Thoughts

26/11/2023 Hard Work (10,525 words) When MC loses her job at the Planetarium and doesn't want the others interfering because she believes it to be the right decision, Karno ends up stuck between his want to only grant things that she wants him to do and the possibility of losing her: The under realm is active once more. (Rating: T, Genre: Angst, Hurt/Comfort, Angst with Hopeful Ending)

28/01/2024 Heavens on His Mind (11,646 words) Now that MC is a Goddess and Karno is recovered from the recent attack from the Under-Realm, they find themselves thrown into a situation of the King's making: Karno's powers aren't working and MC finds herself working for the Wishes department. But is Karno's lack of powers to do with recent events or caused by something else? And if he has no powers, was staying in the Heavens the right call after all? (Sequel to Hard Work, Rating: T, Genre: Angst)

Tauxolouve x MC

26/10/2023 Arrow Through the Heart (4,175) What if MC had only handed Tauxolouve his ankle bracelet back? (Rating: M, Genre: Heavy Angst. Warnings: Hit & Run) (Request)

Tauxolouve x MC x Huedhaut

Series: Arrows of Fate

18/10/2023 Future Reflected (13,491 words) Tauxolouve feels a lot more settled after recent events, but when an incident results in him kissing Huedhaut he finds that his closest friend has a death. Is there a way to prevent this fate? And just what does it have to do with his and MC's relationship?(Rating: T, Genre: Hurt/Comfort, Angst with a Happy Ending)

13/11/2023 Dungeons & Demigods (27,978 words) When a rebel group of Gods attack the Departments, Tauxolouve finds himself taken hostage and in a lot of trouble. Can the Zodiac Gods fix the situation? And how will Huedhaut and MC deal with their beloved being in peril? Especially when the other had made this sacrifice for Huedhaut's sake? (Sequel to Future Reflected, Rating: M, Genre: Angst, Hurt/Comfort, Injury Recovery, Angst with a happy ending. Warnings: Hostage/Kidnapping situation, Graphically described violence, some sexual themes)

Zyglavis x MC

05/10/2023 Pranks & Problems (18,395 words) Ichthys appears to be having a usual fun morning, but when he takes a turn is his mortality catching up with him or is it something more sinister? And if the latter: Was it even meant for him? (Rating: M, Genre: Angst, Hurt/Comfort. Warnings: Partheno being a creep, some described violence.)

25/09/2023 (backdated) Shadows (9,944 words) When Zyglavis’ Wife’s name appears on the Punishments list things once again become dangerous for the Gods. And just what does this have to do with Zyglavis shadow? (Also contains Hue/Clotho, Rating: M, Genre: Angst and Feels) (Note: First fic I wrote for this fandom ^^;;)

11/01/2024 Brush With Disaster (3,041 words) When MC comes home to find her apartment has been robbed, a specific missing item means she asks for Ichthys' help to get it back, but have they stumbled into something far more dangerous than it first appeared? (Rating: T, Genre: Angst, Hurt/Comfort. Warnings: Robbery, Off-Screen murder mention, Implied Attempted Murder)

GOD x READER FICS

Huedhaut x Reader

29/03/2024 Sarcastic Smiles (2,961 words) You wake up one morning to find you are in a bedroom you thought only existed in your favourite otome game, only to find you are now inhibiting the character you have been controlling in said game. How will Huedhaut react to his Main Character no longer being the human he fell in love with, but still with knowledge of their relationship? (Rating: T, Genre: Isekai (reader from our world suddenly in MC's body)) (request)

Tauxolouve x Goddess!Reader

Series: The Party Planner Goddess

16/11/2023 Three Weeks (4,694 words) You are a Goddess in the Heavens working as a party planner. One day you literally run into Tauxolouve and things seem to blossom from there. But are Teorus and Shinobu actually right? Will it all end in tears? (Rating T, Genre: Angst, Hurt no Comfort, Angst with an Unhappy Ending. Also contains Teorus/MC (Shinobu)) (Request)

07/01/2024 Three Months (7,966 words) Three months have passed since the emergency Wishes were dealing with led to you meeting Tauxolouve in the market place. Since breaking up with him two months ago, Tauxolouve's abilities have diminished severely and Huedhaut has had enough. He pleads with you to at least check in on the other.(Rating: T, Genre: Angst, Angst with a Happy Ending, Mending Relationships, Getting back Together. Happy Ending Sequel to Three Weeks. Also contains Teorus/MC (Shinobu)) (Request)

23/03/2024 Three Dates (6,510 words) Snippets of three dates that you and Tauxolouve take in the months following the events of Three Months. (Rating: T, Genre: Romance, Fluff. Sequel to Three Months) (Request)

30/07/2024 Three Gifts (1,860 words) Whilst Gods do not need sleep, it is still possible to feel rather drained from work. Luckily Tauxolouve is there to make sure you are taken care of. (Ratng: T, Genre: Romance, Fluff. Sequel to Three Dates) (Request)

----------------------------------------

Series: Prince Tauxolouve

07/04/2024 The Reborn Prince and the Ascended Goldfish (16,832 words) The King of the Heavens refused to give Tauxolouve a home in the Heavens, but on the night of Tauxolouve's death he realises he had made a mistake and intervenes to raise his soul to that of a full God and raise him as his son. Thousands of years later, you are a human whose business has failed due to issues beyond your control and when the King of the Heavens offers to raise you to a Goddess to start a new life, you take it. The King offers you a place in Punishments, but Tauxolouve (who is Minister of Wishes) reveals that both departments are actually a God short right now. However, The King immediately warns you away from Tauxolouve, and you soon find yourself wrapped up in secrecy in order to avoid the King's disapproval. All on top of discovering your divine powers and getting used to your powers and the other Zodiac Gods. (Rating: T, Genre: Alternate Timeline, Angst, Angst with a Happy Ending) (Request)

20/06/2024 Rifts (28,522 words) Five years have passed since you became a Goddess and formed a relationship with Prince Tauxolouve. Along the way you both had to overcome many trials - not least when six of your colleagues were exiled with a mark of sin - but it turns out your biggest trial is just around the corner. As Heaven’s Rift descends and the prospect of your partner eventually being King becoming a reality, there would have been a lot on your mind regardless, even without the revelation about Tauxolouve’s mother. However, it is not just the rules of the Heavens and where you would go from here you have to contend with, but the threat of the under-realm gathering strength once more. Will your love see you safely through this latest event? Will the heavens give you their blessing? And even if you can stay together - can you save the Heavens before it crumbles at the hands of the Dark King? A new era is about to begin, but what that future holds lays squarely on yours and (soon to be) King Tauxolouve’s shoulders. (Rating: T, Genre: Alternate Timeline, Angst, Angst with a Happy Ending) (Request)

-----------------------------------------

06/05/2024 Protective Flames and Lurking Shadows (5,136 words) You are the younger sister of Zyglavis and Krioff - two members of the Department of Punishments in the Heavens. After growing close to Tauxolouve, the other asks you out. Due to your love of your family you decide to seek their permission first - so what happens when Zyglavis says no?(Rating: T, Genre: Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Forbidden Love, Family Drama, Family Feels) (Request)

Fae King!Tauxolouve x Fairy!Reader

03/11/2024 Will Fairy Magic Thrive or Turn to Dust? (Six Chapters totalling 55,364 words) You were just a normal fairy from a small hamlet, but on the evening of your twenty-first birthday everything was about to change: Unbeknownst to you, your family had arranged for you to be the current Fae King's Fiancée. Whisked away to a tower over the mountains and through a dangerous forest, can you come to terms with your destiny of being King Tauxolouve's Fae Queen? Is there some way you can find happiness from this arrangement you never even wanted? And did he even want it to work himself? (Rating: T, Genre: Alternate Universe, Strangers to Lovers, Slow Burn, Angst, Angst with a Happy Ending, Hurt/Comfort, Chronic Illness, Injury Recovery, Arranged Marriage)(Request)

Human!Tauxolouve x Goddess!Reader

04/03/2024 Wish of Fate (8,224 words) You are the Goddess of Sagittarius, heading to work to grant wishes as per usual, but with a feeling that something is about to happen. Tauxolouve is a receptionist at an Orphanage and his wishes to help the kids often reach the Heavens. When he finally wishes for himself - he asks to know what happened to his own parents. Who would have thought one innocent wish would cause such chaos? But then again, who would have foreseen that you would go to such lengths to see it granted? (Rating: T, Genre: Angst, Angst with a Happy Ending, Alternate Timeline. Also contains past Huedhaut/Clotho) (Request)

Sorcerer!Tauxolouve x Goddess!Reader

29/08/2024 Two Kinds of Magic (8,891 words) You are the Goddess of Sagittarius and part of the Department of Wishes. When an attack from rebel gods in the heavens gets to a dangerous climax, you use the last of your strength to teleport yourself to Earth. There you meet a sorcerer, and your whole world changes. But with the heads of department having information about your saviour from the king, can you and Tauxolouve overcome adversity from both the heavens who do not think he should exist, and the humans that had pushed him into living alone in the forest? (Rating: T, Genre: Alternate Timeline, Hurt/Comfort, Forbidden Romance, Angst, Angst with a Happy Ending. Mentioned past Huedhaut/Clotho) (Request)

Tauxolouve x Reader

07/09/2024 Romantic Melody (1,784) You are a singer who has a small but loyal following and are happy performing in local cafes, pubs, and clubs when the opportunity arises. However, your stutter sometimes gets in your way when talking to people afterwards. Tauxolouve, your boyfriend for the past year, always seems to be there in order to keep you together, but you begin to wonder whether that is just because he feels bad that you can't always speak your mind as easily as you would like. (Rating: T, Genre: Comfort)(Request)

Zyglavis x Reader

28/07/2024 Forgotten Past (32,696 words) You thought you were just a normal human woman going about your normal life, who just unfortunately did not remember anything before your mid to late twenties. However, when you become a target of an attack from the underrealm, you find yourself thrown into a world you never knew existed, with a brother you never knew you had, and the start of a rather fraught journey with your saviour, the head of the Department of Punishments: But has he promised to protect you out of an obligation to the heavens, or is there something more between you? (Rating: M, Genre: Angst, Angst with a Happy Ending, Hurt/Comfort, Injury Recovery, Found Family, Amnesia Recovery. Also contains background Tauxolouve/MC/Huedhaut with a little foreground Tauxolouve/Huedhaut. Warnings: At least implied graphically described violence, some sexual themes)

GOD x GOD FICS

Ichthys x Dui

13/08/2024 Prank Punishment (3,856 words) When Dui accidentally sets a prank of Ichthys' off, both feel they are better off staying out of each others' way for a while for vastly different reasons. (Rating: T, Genre: Angst, Angst with a Happy Ending, Getting Together).

Ichthys x Huedhaut

Series: Logic and Emotion

17/04/2024 Wish to Ransom (6,889 words) The Revelry Fest is fast approaching and Huedhaut is once more in charge of screening the Wishes. This month would be tiring enough for him but as it turns out a rebel faction want to use the ceremony to plunge the Heavens into chaos, and they know the best way to threaten the departments is to take the one who would be in the most danger... (Rating: M, Genre: Angst, Hurt/Comfort, Injury Recovery, Angst with a happy ending, Getting Together, Also contains brief mention of Scorpio/MC. Warnings: Hostage/Kidnapping situation, some graphically described violence.)

01/05/2024 Fishy Future (18,023 words) Over a month after Huedhaut and Ichthys started seeing each other, the others finally work out something they had been up to and why. However, the fun is interrupted when Riki escapes and takes it upon himself to pay them back for ruining the rebel group's plans... Can the others stop Riki and stop Huedhaut from dying? With the powers of the under-realm on Riki's side, things may not be that simple. Plus: Riki was initially reported by Nasir, can Tauxolouve make sure nothing happens to his family or will by going to his aid actually put them, himself, and maybe the whole of the Heavens in danger? (Sequel to Wish to Ransom. Rating: M, Genre: Angst, Hurt/Comfort, Injury Recovery, Angst with a happy ending. Warnings: Attempted murder and mind control.)

Karno x Huedhaut

05/09/24 Chains (10,970 words) Years after being kidnapped, Huedhaut finally has some hope that maybe not all is lost after all, but have the departments found him too late? Meanwhile, during the time that has passed, Karno has grown to realise there is something he really must tell the other. And that something means that he must help the God of Aquarius no matter the cost to himself. (Rating: M, Genre: Hurt/Comfort, Sickfic, Getting Together, Angst, Angst with a Happy Ending. Warnings: Some violence, kidnapping.)

Leon x Karno

18/03/2024 Pride for Two (2,292 words) When Huedhaut has a troubling vision regarding Karno, can Leon get through to the other and help his Vice Minister? (Rating: M, Genre: Angst, Angst with a Happy Ending, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Getting Together. WARNING: Suicidal thoughts and issues of self-loathing and self-worth)

07/07/2024 Rhythmic Realisations (2,757 words) When Leon sees Zyglavis and Karno dancing together at an official ball in the heavens, he starts to feel things internally that he cannot place. However, there is one thing to bear in mind: Karno was summoned by the King the previous week. Still, why does seeing his Vice Minister so close to the Minister of Punishments physically hurt? (Rating: T, Genre: Angst, Realisation of Feelings, Angst with a Happy Ending, Getting Together)

Scorpio x Zyglavis

10/05/2024 False Negatives (1,845 words) When Scorpio accidentally reads Zyglavis' mind and finds that the other stops himself from even thinking what he was going to about his Vice Minister, he begins to worry that he's somehow disappointed the other. (Rating: T, Genre: Angst, Angst with a Happy ending, Love Confessions, Getting Together)

FANART

Ichthys and Huedhaut

Tauxolouve wearing the 8th Doctor's (Doctor Who) costume

Aigonorus

Zyglavis

Ichthys (custom outfit)

Huedhaut (custom outfit - Halloween costume)

Tauxolouve (custom outfit - Christmas)

Star-Crossed Myth Custom Content for The Sims 3 & The Sims 4

The Zodiac Gods' Mansion for the Sims 3

The Zodiac Gods' Mansion for the Sims 4

Star-Crosssed Myth Reviews/Character Rambling Stuff

Warning: Spoilers.

All 12 Main Stories

All 12 Sequel Stories

All 7 Musings on Love Stories

All 12 Promise of Infinity Stories

To the Victor goes the Spoils: Huedhaut vs Teorus & Zyglavis vs Ichthys

To the Victor goes the Spoils: Aigonorus vs Dui

To the Victor goes the Spoils: Leon vs Karno & Scorpio vs Krioff

Heavenly Pleasures: Wishes & Heavenly Pleasures: Punishments (Warning: Mature post)

A Divine Autumn with the Gods: Wishes & A Divine Autumn with the Gods: Punishments (Warning: Mature post)

Decadent Kisses on a Devilish Night: Wishes & Decadent Kisses on a Devilish Night: Punishments

Sweet & Spicy: Private Lessons from the Gods

An Autumn of Longing: Wishes & An Autumn of Longing: Punishments

Your First Anniversary: The Gift of Love

Your First Anniversary: A Special Day for Two

Signs of Love on a Holy Night: Wishes & Signs of Love on a Holy Night: Punishments

12 Loves Light up a Holy Night: Wishes & 12 Loves Light up a Holy Night: Punishments

Captivated by 12 Temptations on a Holy Night

His Divine Succor

Whispers of Love from the Stars

Cupid's Lovestruck Valentine (Leon, Scorpio, Dui, Huedhaut Ichthys) + A Sweet Mission With You: Teorus

Secret Blessings from the Gods: Punishments & Secret Blessings from the Gods: Wishes

White Day Treats for a Crimson Lipped Goddess

The Gods' Secret Fantasies: Sweet/Sexy/Bitter/Dramatic (Warning: Mature post)

Pressuring the Gods: His True Feelings

A Divine Trip for Two: Wishes & A Divine Trip for Two: Punishments

[giggly-squiggily]

Candy Heart Valentine Event Masterlist (M-Z)

Here is the second half of my Candy Heart Event Prompts from 2k22/2k23!

Updated: 3/6/23

Full Masterlist

Moriarty The Patriot

“I didn’t know you were ticklish?” (Lee!Albert, Lers!William, Louis) “Oh? Is someone ticklish?” (Lee!Sherlock, Ler!William) “What’s so funny?” (Lee!Watson, Ler!Sherlock) “What happens if I do this?” (Lee!William, Ler!Sherlock) “When’s the last time you smiled?” + “What happens if I do this?” (Lee!Fred, Ler!Moran) “Why are you trying to hide?” + “When’s the last time you smiled?” (Lee!Louis, Lers!William, Albert)

My Hero Academia

"Hey, do you like raspberries?" (Lee!Hawks, Ler!Dabi) “I could do this all day” (Lee!Midoriya, Ler!Todoroki) “I’m gonna get you!” + “Hey, do you like raspberries?” + “Come over here and make me!” (Switches!Hawks, Dabi) "I just want a hug!" (Lee!Bakugou, ler!Todoroki) "I just want a hug!" (Lee!Todoroki, Ler!Midoriya) “I just want a hug!” + “Your laugh is adorable” (Lee!Kaminari, Ler!Kirishima)"Is this a bad spot?" (Lee!Midoriya, lers!Shinsou, Todoroki) “Is this a bad spot?” (Lee!Dabi, Ler!Twice) “Not there? What about here?” (Lee!Kaminari, Ler!Jirou) “Not there? What about here?” (Lee!Todoroki, Ler!Shinsou) “Oh? Is someone ticklish?” (Lee!Hawks, Ler!Twice) “Oh? Is someone ticklish?” (Lee!Shigaraki, Ler!Spinner) “Oh that is IT! Come here!” (Lee!Hawks, Ler!Tokoyami, Dark Shadow) “Oh that is IT! Come here!” (Lee!Todoroki, Ler!Midoriya) “What are you doing?-Try to guess!” (Lee!Todoroki, Ler!Midoriya) "What happens if I do this?" (Lee!Midoriya, Ler!Denki) "What happens if I do this? (Lee!Midoriya, Ler!Shinsou) “When’s the last time you smiled?” (Lee!Shinsou, Ler!Aizawa) "Why are you trying to hide?" (Lee!Bakugou, Ler!Kirishima) “Why are you trying to hide? (Aoyama x Platonic!Reader)

Pokemon

“Come over here and make me!” + “Oh? Is someone ticklish?” (Cilan x Reader) “Come over here and make me!” (Lee!Blue(M), Ler!Red) "Do you want me to tickle you?" (Volo x Reader) “Don’t stop? If you say so!” (Lee!Steven, Ler!Wallace) "Hey, do you like raspberries?" (Lee!Maxie, Ler!Archie) “Hey, do you like raspberries?” (Lee!Grusha, Ler!Rika) “Is this a bad spot? (Switches!Grusha, Rika) "I just want a hug!" (Lee!Maxie, Ler!Archie) “I just want a hug!” (Dr. Clavell x Platonic!Reader) “I’m gonna get you!” (Cilan x Reader) “I’m gonna get you!” (Lee!Maxie, Ler!Archie) “I thought you said you could beat me!” (Lee!Ash, Ler!Leon) “No way! I didn’t know you were ticklish!” (Lee!Silver, Ler!Kris) "Oh? Is someone ticklish?" (Raihan x Platonic!Reader) “Oh? Is someone ticklish?” (Lee!Julianna/Violet, Ler!Rika) “When’s the last time you smiled?” (Hau x Reader x Gladion) “Where are those giggles I love so much?” (Lee!Archie, Ler!Maxie) “You like being tickled, don’t you?” (Lee!Maxie, Ler!Archie)

Sk8 The Infinity

“Come over here and make me!” (Lee!Cherry, Ler!Joe) “Hey could you…you know?” (Lee!Langa, Ler!Reki) “Hey, do you like raspberries?” (Lee!Miya, Ler!Reki) “I didn’t know you were ticklish here!” (Lee!Reki, Ler!Langa) “No way! I didn’t know you were ticklish!” (Lee!Joe, Ler!Cherry) “When’s the last time you smiled?” + “Hey, could you…you know?” (Lee!Miya, Ler!Joe) “You're so ticklish, aren’t you?” (Lee!Langa, Ler!Reki) “You know, I missed this.” (Lee!Cherry, Ler!Joe)

Spy x Family

“Is this a bad spot?” (Lee!Loid, Ler!Yor) “No way! I didn’t know you were ticklish!” (Lee!Damien, Ler!Anya) “Oh? Is someone ticklish?” (Lee!Loid, Ler!Yor) “Oh? Is someone ticklish?” + “Hey, do you like raspberries?” (Forger Family x Platonic!Reader) “Oh? Is someone ticklish?” + “Why are you trying to hide?” + “Hey, do you like raspberries?” (Loid x Platonic!Reader) “Your laugh is adorable.” (Lee!Loid, Lers!Anya, Yor)

Toilet Bound Hanako Kun

“I’m gonna get you! (Lee!Yashiro, Ler!Hanako) “You’re so ticklish, aren’t you?” (Lee!Kou, Ler!Mitsuba)

Tokyo Revenges

“No way! I didn’t know you were ticklish!” + “What happens if I do this?” (Lee!Takemichi, Ler!Draken”) “Hey could you…you know? (Lee!Mikey, Ler!Draken) “Oh? Is someone ticklish?” (Lee!Baji, Ler!Draken) "Oh that is IT! Come here!" (Lee!Mikey, Lers!Draken, Takemichi) "What's so funny?" + "Oh? Is someone ticklish?" (Lee!Takemichi, Ler!Mikey) “What’s so funny?” (Lee!Mikey, Ler!Draken) "When's the last time you smiled?" (Lee!Takemichi, ler!Mikey) "Why are you trying to hide?" (Lee!Mitsuya, Ler!Baji) "Why are you trying to hide?" (Lee!Chifuyu, Ler!Baji) “Why would you say that about yourself?” (Mitsuya x Reader) "Your laugh is adorable." (Lees!Angry, Baji, Lers!Smiley, Mikey) "Your laugh is adorable" (Lee!Mitsuya, Ler!Draken)

Various Fandoms

Candy Heart Treat Box (Various Reader Insert Dabbles)

[aparticularbandit]

Of An Endless Infinity: Technical Memory (IV)

Summary: What does it mean to be the Ultimate Hope?

Is it only hope on the big scale?  That the world is not so dark and depressing and destructive as the villain in front of you says it is?  That you can win, even when everything else says that you can’t?  That maybe it is better to live your life, even afraid, than it is to keep yourself sequestered away, alone?

Does it not also mean hope on the small scale?

Or: Makoto sacrifices himself in the hope that the other survivors might be able to help Junko. It remains to be seen whether this will actually succeed.

Chapter Rating: T. Fic Rating: M for Danganronpa reasons.

This chapter comes with mood music. I would suggest listening to it while you read.

TW for implications/references to sexual assault.

AO3

previous chapter | next chapter

MEMORY UNLOCKED.

CONTINUE?

YES | NO

Memory #??? Found.

Password: ************

Memory #??? Unlocked.

Memory Downloading….

Between The Tragedies.

“Will you leave a mark?”

Kyoko blinks twice.  “Huh?”  She glances up, unsure that she’s heard Junko correctly, unsure that she even knows what that means.  What, like a scar?

Junko just points to the spot where the line of her jaw meets the slope of her neck.  “Right here,” she says a little more clearly.  “Can you leave a mark?”

Oh.

“You mean a hickey.”

“Yeah.  Duh.”  Junko rolls her eyes.  “But that sounds so crude.  So impersonal.  A mark sounds like….”  She laughs lightly.  “Well, like you’re leaving a mark.”  Her eyes light up, lip curling with merriment.  “You could bite me instead, but that doesn’t seem like your style.”

Kyoko ignores that comment and stares at the soft stretch of skin beneath Junko’s bright red fingernail.  “I’ve never done that before.”  Her gaze flicks back up to meet Junko’s.  “I’m not sure I know how.”

“Oh, it’s easy!”  Junko flashes her a bright grin and then leans close, breath hot against Kyoko’s skin.  “I can show you.”

~

MEMORY UNLOCKED.

CONTINUE?

YES | NO

Memory #??? Found.

Password: ************

Memory #??? Unlocked.

Memory Downloading….

After The Tragedy.

“Junko isn’t on the list.”

If Kyoko were anyone else, if she allowed her emotions to get the best of her, she would move to her father’s the headmaster’s desk, slam both of her hands on it, and then lean forward in as intimidating a manner as she can.  She would argue her case with a clear sense of blatant logic.  Not that she believes he’ll listen to that.

No, the headmaster believes that each of the Ultimates he has already chosen are those who can survive this Tragedy, even if they’re attacked, even if they’re somehow torn out of their safe building; the Ultimate Soldier, Martial Artist, and Baseball Star to defend them if the worst should happen (Leon can throw a grenade just as well as he can a baseball); the Ultimate Pop Idol, Writing Prodigy, and Fanfic Creator to inspire the world (Toko can fight about the legitimacy of fanfic all she wants, but after the world is destroyed, anything goes); the Ultimate Moral Compass, Biker Gang Leader, and Affluent Progeny to lead them once he was gone (as if they wouldn’t argue every step of the way); the Ultimate Gambler, Luck, and Clairvoyant to help direct them when they can’t figure out what to do next (risk everything, apparently, and hope that luck saves them); the Ultimate Detective to root out the worst among them (to find Ultimate Despair); the Ultimate Programmer for obvious reasons; the Ultimate Swimmer for less obvious ones.  It would be easy to argue the use of the Ultimate Fashionista; someone has to know something about clothes.

But Kyoko doesn’t go that route.

She doesn’t use herself as bait, either.

“Mukuro won’t agree if Junko doesn’t go with her.”

The headmaster clasps his hands together on his desk and sighs.  “We don’t have enough dorms.  Are you suggesting I leave one of your other classmates out?  Or perhaps she and Mukuro should share a room?”

Kyoko doesn’t even hesitate.

“She can share with me.”

~

MEMORY UNLOCKED.

CONTINUE?

YES | NO

Memory #??? Found.

Password: ************

Memory #??? Unlocked.

Memory Downloading….

Between The Tragedies.

“Show me?” Kyoko echoes, eyes widening.  She searches Junko’s blue-grey eyes, the calm just before the storm, and notes the sparkle like rainfall within them, the grin on her lips.  Her heart pounds.  “You didn’t ask just so you could leave a mark on me, did you?”

She knows the answer to that question, but she has to ask.

She needs to hear it.

But Junko’s grin disappears, which means she doesn’t really know the answer at all, and she plops back flat on the bed, arms crossed beneath her head.  “You’re no fun, Kyokyo!” she whines.  Then she pushes herself back up, presses a sloppy kiss on Kyoko’s cheek, and collapses again.  Her eyes darken as she stares up at the ceiling, the sparkle within them now lightning instead of gentle rain.  “That’s an added benefit,” she admits.  “Mostly I just want people to know that…that I’m taken.”  Her lips press together.  She searches the ceiling as though counting the popcorn bits, then sighs.  “I have another one of those stupid interviews tomorrow, and….”

“All of the boyfriend questions, right.  You’ve mentioned that,” Kyoko murmurs when Junko’s voice trails off.  She reaches over and gently tugs strands of Junko’s soft pink hair through her gloved fingertips.  “Won’t leaving a mark make it worse?”

Junko snorts.  “It’ll make the creeps leave me alone.”  Her eyes grow even darker.  “Most of them, anyway.”

~

MEMORY UNLOCKED.

CONTINUE?

YES | NO

Memory #??? Found.

Password: ************

Memory #??? Unlocked.

Memory Downloading….

The Tragedy.

“What’s…what’s Ultimate Despair?”

~

MEMORY UNLOCKED.

CONTINUE?

YES | NO

Memory #??? Found.

Password: ************

Memory #??? Unlocked.

Memory Downloading….

Between The Tragedies.

“What’s the big case you’re working on?”  Junko flops onto her stomach, legs up in the air, feet kicking every now and again.

There’s a movie playing in the background, but the movie isn’t important.  It’s just background noise.  They’re supposed to be working on their homework, but it’s clear that Junko’s been half invested in the movie and half doodling on the paper she’s supposed to be writing her essay on.  More doodling than paying attention.  (Sometimes she says a line before one of the characters does, which warms Kyoko to her.  It makes her smile – a soft, small thing.)

Not that Kyoko can really say anything.  She’s been sitting with her homework out, unable to focus on it, focusing instead on the mystery of Izuru Kamukura and the Tragedy of Hope’s Peak Academy.  She doesn’t believe he’s the culprit.  That’s too easy.  Besides, Yasuke Matsuda was involved; he’d hidden bodies of the Steering Committee members, even if he likely hadn’t murdered them outright, which means he was working with someone (or protecting them).  If only she’d been able to contact him—

“Client confidentiality,” Kyoko answers, even though technically speaking she doesn’t have a client anymore.

Junko rolls her eyes and sticks out her tongue.  “Boo.”  She glances over her shoulder.  “If you told me, I could help you!  We could be partners!  Wouldn’t that be great?”  She winks.

No.

It would not be great.

The last time I had a partner—

Kyoko avoids the question (it’s a joke, so she’s not sure it counts as avoidance) and instead asks, “You were friends with Matsuda, right?”

“Yeah, sure.  He was my best friend before he, you know, ghosted me.”  Junko raises an eyebrow.  “Why do you ask?”  Then she scoots closer.  “Is he part of your big case?”

“What can you tell me about—”

“He is, isn’t he?”  Junko grins, bright and loud and full of nothing but herself, full of everything that makes her beautiful.  “What do you want to know?”

~

MEMORY UNLOCKED.

CONTINUE?

YES | NO

Memory #??? Found.

Password: ************

Memory #??? Unlocked.

Memory Downloading….

After The Tragedy.

“They said we can’t go outside.”  Junko rests her head against Kyoko’s chest and stares up at the ceiling.  “Something about air pollution.  You really think it’s that bad?”

Kyoko brushes her fingers gingerly through Junko’s hair.  It’s just as much a soothing motion for her as it is for Junko; she listens to her gentle hum and calms.  “I don’t know.”

Junko curls on her side and props herself up on one elbow.  “Do you think we’re going to die here?”

She smells like blue raspberries.

“I don’t know,” Kyoko repeats, softer this time, fingers pulled away, to themselves.  All day, her mind has been whirring over the mystery of Ultimate Despair.  Who they are.  Where they came from.  How they whipped up the Reserve Course Students into such a frenzy.  What their ultimate goal is. How Izuru Kamukura might be involved, if he even is involved, although something tells her that’s half of a red herring.

Yasuke Matsuda is dead.  She’s certain of that.  Mukuro still won’t say anything about him.  And Junko—

“You know, if we do die locked in this old school building,” Junko says, glancing up at Kyoko fondly, “I’m glad I was with you.  It’ll be the best way to die.”

“You won’t die.”

Not again, not again, not again.

This isn’t like Yui, this isn’t a challenge mailed in a black envelope with all of the means and the location of the murder written in some fancy script like this is some sort of game, this isn’t another moment where someone she love falls because she didn’t pay enough attention.

She couldn’t save Yui.

She will save—

“How can you say that?  You said you didn’t know—”

Kyoko leans down.  Kisses her.  Tilts Junko’s head back.  Meets her eyes.  “You won’t die.”

~

MEMORY UNLOCKED.

CONTINUE?

YES | NO

Memory #??? Found.

Password: ************

Memory #??? Unlocked.

Memory Downloading….

Between The Tragedies.

“I thought we weren’t telling anyone,” Kyoko murmurs, uncertain.

“Oh, I won’t mention you.”  Junko reaches up and boops her nose lightly.  “I won’t say anything about it at all!  They’ll just….”  Her expression falters.  “They’ll know that someone….”  She sighs, leans up, and brushes her hair back over one shoulder.  “It’s like how Matsuda used to go with me to events, when I was just starting out.  Like my own personal bouncer.”  She giggles, then grows somber.  “We had to stop when I got big; he didn’t want all that attention, and we weren’t, you know, ever actually together, but like.”  The sigh – full of longing – escapes through her lips.  “Guys left me alone.  I miss that.”

For not the first time, a strong sense of hatred for a boy she has never met rushes through Kyoko.  Junko needed you, she thinks, and you just left her.  How could you do that?

But she can’t – won’t – say any of that.

Instead, Kyoko’s brow furrows, and she returns to the primary topic at hand.  “If you show me,” she says, still uncertain, “where would you leave your mark?”

Junko draws one of Kyoko’s gloved hands to her, pushes back the edge of her sleeve, and places her fingers on the inside of her wrist, just over her mottled blue vein.  “Here.  Where the only one who would ever see it is you.”  She glances up at her through her thick lashes.  “Or did you have somewhere else in mind?”

“No.”  Kyoko’s heart beats once, hard, in her chest.  She licks her lips, swallows.  “Show me.”

~

MEMORY UNLOCKED.

CONTINUE?

YES | NO

Memory #??? Found.

Password: ************

Memory #??? Unlocked.

Memory Downloading….

Between The Tragedies.

“Hey.”  Junko grabs Kyoko’s tie and pulls her towards her.  “Your tie’s a little sloppy, Ms. Ultimate Detective.”

Kyoko scans around them.  There’s no one she can see.  That’s the good thing about the campus: between the new building and the courtyard and the dorms and the stores, there are a lot of places they can hide from prying eyes.  She relaxes, lips curving into the gentlest of smiles.  “Will you fix it for me, Ms. Enoshima?”

Junko hums.  Her fingers walk up Kyoko’s tie.  “I suppose,” she murmurs, tightening it deftly, “but you’ll owe me a favor.”

“What sort of favor?”

“I believe you know exactly what sort.”  Junko bats her eyes at her.  Then she tugs on Kyoko’s tie again, drawing her into a kiss.  She brushes her nose against hers as they part, breath hot on Kyoko’s lips.  “Meet me at mine after class?”

After Junko leaves, Kyoko finds out they weren’t as alone as they thought.

When Mukuro beats her near senseless, she doesn’t say a word.

~

MEMORY UNLOCKED.

CONTINUE?

YES | NO

Memory #??? Found.

Password: ************

Memory #??? Unlocked.

Memory Downloading….

After The Tragedy.

“You were just using me for research?”

Junko throws Kyoko’s notebook at her, but Kyoko dodges it deftly.  For all that her girlfriend does just fine in their phys. ed class, her aim is absolutely atrocious.  Still – her eyes are red-rimmed, tears pooling but not spilling over.

“I told you never to read my—”

“Because you were just using me,” Junko asserts, voice raw and choked.  She crosses her arms, holds herself together, but doesn’t go anywhere.  “I should have listened to Mukie,” she spits out.  “She always said you were a bad egg.”

Kyoko hesitates.  Part of her wants to walk over to her girlfriend, to try and comfort her, but she’s never been very good at physical comfort.  Besides, she isn’t sure that’s what Junko wants.  So instead, she sits on their shared mattress and asks, “Do you know why I wear my gloves?”

Junko glares at her.  Sniffs once.  “No.  Because your hands are all scarred from burns or something.  No.”

“When my hands were healing, they helped me from scratching the skin off.  My doctors thought the additional pressure would help, too, and that they would keep my burns from getting hurt while they were still healing.  I have nerve damage, so everything is still sensitive to everything.  Sometimes it hurts to touch anything, although I’ve grown used to that.”  Kyoko lets out a huff of a laugh. “And the scars are extremely ugly.  I didn’t want to deal with any pitying looks, and I didn’t want people to ask about them.  They’re not there for them.  They’re there for me.”

As a reminder of what happens when she fails.

As a reminder of who bears the consequences.

(As a reminder that it isn’t her.)

“Why are you telling me this?” Junko asks, gaze softening, arms still crossed. “It doesn’t change anything.”

“The other benefit of wearing gloves is much more specific to my Talent.”  Kyoko hesitates again, then forces herself to continue.  “I’m a detective; wearing gloves means that I never leave my fingerprints on anything and so cannot contaminate any evidence by touching it.”  She presses her lips together.  Hesitates a third time.  Then she slowly takes both gloves off.

“Kyoko—”

Kyoko holds her hands in the air, stares at them, presents them to her girlfriend.  “When I’m with you….”  She shakes her head.  “I can’t say it.  Even in my head, it sounds cheesy.  Worse than those romance movies you pretend to like.”

“Pretend to like?” Junko echoes as she finally sits next to her, as she takes Kyoko’s hands careful in her own.

Kyoko meets her eyes.  “I can tell when you get bored, Junko.  You stop paying attention within the first fifteen minutes.  Sometimes you quote lines before the actors can say them.”

“Because I love them.”  Junko runs her fingers along Kyoko’s scars, gentle and soft, but it doesn’t matter; her touch is still sharp along her sensitive skin, sharp and sometimes numb.  “Say it anyway.”

Kyoko takes a deep breath, removes one of her hands from Junko’s, and lifts it to cup her face.  It’s softer than she’d imagined it would be.  She rubs her thumb along her skin, and Junko leans into her touch.  “I want to leave my fingerprints all over you.”

Junko hums, curves, kisses the palm of her hand.  “Then why don’t you?  It’s not like I’d mind.”  She laughs, a choked sound.  “It might be nice to be contaminated by someone like you, for once.”

When Kyoko kisses her, she feels the tears trickle down Junko’s cheeks, tastes the salt of them, and thinks—

404: Memory Not Found.

Rebooting.

3.

2.

1.

….

404: Memory Not Found.

Rebooting.

3.

2.

1.

….

404: Memory Not Found.

Rebooting.

3.

2.

~

MEMORY UNLOCKED.

CONTINUE?

YES | NO

Memory #??? Found.

Password: ************

Memory #??? Unlocked.

Memory Downloading….

Between The Tragedies.

Junko sucks at her skin like drawing poison from her veins.

~

MEMORY UNLOCKED.

CONTINUE?

YES | NO

Memory #??? Found.

Password: ************

Memory #??? Unlocked.

Memory Downloading….

Between The Tragedies.

“You need to see someone, Kyokyo.”  Junko runs her fingers light along the blackening bruise at Kyoko’s ribs.  When they brush against one rib, Kyoko flinches in pain.  “I don’t think Mukie broke anything, but she might have cracked a rib, or you could have some real bad internal bleeding that might come back to bite you later – and not the kind of bite you like.”

Kyoko pulls her shirt back down.  “I don’t like being bit.”

“Oh, right.  That’s me.”  Junko traces her fingers along Kyoko’s face, thumb soft along her already swelling eye.

Kyoko flinches again and grits her teeth.  “I don’t want staff to get involved.”

Junko grins.  “I know just the person!”  She ignores the raise of Kyoko’s brows, the flinch – again – and the way Kyoko’s lip curls.  “Mikan Tsumiki – she’s from Class 77-B – she’s the Ultimate Nurse!  Has a whole thing in her dorm for students who get a bit fucked up.”  She takes Kyoko’s hand in hers, gives it a gentle squeeze.  “She’ll take real good care of you.  And she won’t say anything at all!”  On an impulse, she kisses the tip of Kyoko’s nose.  “Just tell her I sent you.”

“You spend time with upperclassmen?”

“Ultimate Fashionista.”  Junko rolls her eyes.  “Half of them have my clothes, another half want to be me, another half hate me, another half hate how much they want to be me, another half of them think they have a chance….”  She ticks off each half on a finger.  “Which is a lot of halfs, but not nearly enough because they all overlap.”  She sighs, rolls her eyes.  “Even the Reserve Course students love me.  It’s honestly kind of obnoxious.  If you ask Sayaka, she probably has the same problem.”

Kyoko situates her shirt back in place, smoothing its wrinkles, and doesn’t say that whatever problem Sayaka has with popularity it isn’t on the same scale as Junko.  “And which one is Tsumiki?”

Junko shrugs.  “A lot of them.  Mostly, she’s in love with me.  It has its uses.”  She flicks something off her thumb.  “If you tell her I sent you, she’ll take care of you, even if she’s never seen you before in her life.”  Her hands gently touch Kyoko’s shoulders but don’t squeeze.  “So you should.  See her, I mean.”  Her lips curve, impish.  “But stay with me a while first?  I can’t kiss it and make it better, but a girl sure can try.”

~

MEMORY UNLOCKED.

CONTINUE?

YES | NO

Memory #??? Found.

Password: ************

Memory #??? Unlocked.

Memory Downloading….

After The Tragedy.

“I’m not going to help you teach everyone the Time Warp.”

“Why not?”

“I hate that movie.”

“I’ll help you get everyone through a Lord of the Rings marathon.”

“….”

“The extended version.”

“…do I have to do the Time Warp?”

“Kyokyo, that’s half the fun!”

~

MEMORY UNLOCKED.

CONTINUE?

YES | NO

Memory #??? Found.

Password: ************

Memory #??? Unlocked.

Memory Downloading….

After The Tragedy.

“Ultimate Despair?  Here?  With us?”

Junko’s voice takes on a shrill that Kyoko has never heard before, not even when they first found out about the Tragedy.

(They were all quiet then, eyes focused unbelieving on television screens filled with death and destruction they’d imagined but never really thought could actually happen.  There’d been no time to be shrill, only a vague sense of slowly increasing panic.

But all of that has passed now.)

((It will never pass.))

Kyoko nods solemnly.  She takes Junko’s hands in her own.  “I don’t know who, but I think the mastermind…I think somehow….”  Her brow furrows, and her voice trails off.  She’s not sure how to put it into words, not sure she can.  The footsteps of the Shinigami are never wrong, but she doesn’t feel as though she is in danger, which doesn’t make sense.

How can she explain that?

Junko searches her eyes, trying to understand anyway.  “Could you maybe be wrong?”

“No.”  Kyoko shakes her head.  “My intuition is never wrong.”

“Okay.”

Junko’s gaze drops.  Her hands fidget in her lap, fingers tapping together.  She takes a deep breath, slowly lets it exhale.

Something is wrong.  Junko is never anxious like this.  Something is wrong.  And for a moment, Kyoko thinks this might be it, that she might leave, that somehow more than reading her notebook, this certainty that Ultimate Despair is with them when they’re supposed to be safe, like she’s some sort of conspiracy theorist, is what will break them.

Then Junko says, slow, quiet, “Kyoko, there’s…there’s something I need to tell you.”

That feeling grows, and Kyoko can’t stop the thought – something is wrong something is wrong something is wrong she feels sick she’s going to be sick this can’t happen again something is WRONG – because it isn’t her intuition that’s causing Junko’s discomfort, it’s something else.

But Kyoko’s eyes don’t widen.  Her heart skips a beat, and she can’t breathe, but she pretends that she can because she doesn’t want to make whatever this is worse.  (Don’t assume the worst, don’t assume the worst, she can’t be, she isn’t, she won’t be—)  Instead, she listens.  Waits.  Ready for whatever Junko is about to say.

(She’s not ready, she’s not ready, she’s not—)

Then Kyoko reaches across and gently takes Junko’s hand in her own.

Junko focuses on their hands and nearly smiles.  “You took your gloves off for me, so I’ll…I’ll take mine off for you.”  She turns her hand beneath Kyoko’s, and when she interlaces their fingers, Kyoko gives her hand a gentle squeeze.  Then she takes another breath and says, “Hope’s Peak says that my Talent is Fashionista, but that’s wrong.”  She keeps her gaze on their hands, swallows.  “I’m actually….”  She tugs her lower lip between her teeth, nibbles on it, and then glances up.  “I’m the Ultimate Analyst.  And I think…I think if you’re certain that Ultimate Despair is here with us, then…then working together....”

Kyoko wants to push.

She doesn’t push.

Junko’s expression grows the most serious that Kyoko has ever seen it, her eyes hardening.  “I think we’ll be able to root them out.  We can save everyone.”

~

MEMORY UNLOCKED.

CONTINUE?

YES | NO

~

MEMORY UNLOCKED.

CONTINUE?

YES | NO

Memory #??? Found.

Password: ************

Memory #??? Unlocked.

Memory Downloading….

Between The Tragedies.

Kyoko circles the singular bruise Junko left with the pad of her middle finger.  Purple, just like so much of the rest of her, but with a ruddy red undertone.  She smiles.  Fond.

“I-I-I’m sorry!”

The dorm door before her bursts open, showing one of the other Ultimates, an upperclassman Kyoko’s never met: a girl with long, uneven, unkempt hair the color of a fading bruise.  Her eyes are squeezed shut, hands squeezed together tight near her neck, tears at the corners of her eyes, anxiety wafting off of her in waves.  “I-I-I wasn’t trying to make you wait!”

Kyoko’s smile fades.  “I wasn’t waiting that long.”

“M-M-Mikan Tsumiki!” the girl says by way of introduction as she opens her eyes – a lavender shade, darker than Kyoko’s own.  “Um!”

Kyoko searches those eyes, finds nothing wanting, and says, “Kyoko Kirigiri.  Junko – Junko Enoshima – said you could help me?”

(As though there is any other Junko at Hope’s Peak Academy; as though there is anyone else she could mean when she says Junko.)

At the mention of Junko’s name, Mikan’s entire demeanor changes.  “Y-yes!”  She smiles like a lighthouse, a soft blush spreading like freckles across the bridge of her nose, and her tightly clenched hands finally relax, fingertips just touching each other.  “C-c-come in!”

404: Memory Not Found.

Reboot?

~

MEMORY UNLOCKED.

CONTINUE?

YES | NO

Memory #??? Found.

Password: ************

Memory #??? Unlocked.

Memory Downloading….

After The Tragedy.

“You try so hard, Kyoko.  I think you should rest.  Just for a little bit.  You can afford to rest, can’t you?”

“….”

“I’m worried about you, Kyokyo.  You’re going to kill yourself if you keep this up.”

“….”

“You can’t protect everyone, Kyoko.”

“….”

“Our most loyal knight.  Dedicated to her cause.  The great defender of those of us still left.”

“….”

“I love you, you know.”

“….”

“When you’re out there, trying to track down Ultimate Despair, remember that, okay?  Remember that I love you.”

“….”

“Got it memorized?”

“Junko, even Hifumi acknowledges that game series is hopelessly convoluted.  Why would you—”

“It’s better than Rocky, right?”

“No.  They’re both bad.”

“Fine.  Fine.  Let me say it this way, then: Don’t go where I can’t follow.”

~

MEMORY UNLOCKED.

CONTINUE?

YES | NO

Memory #??? Found.

Password: ************

Memory #??? Unlocked.

Memory Downloading….

After The Tragedy.

Outside, the sky bleeds.

She needs a few minutes outside every day, now that they’re allowed out, and she stares up at that open wound like it’ll pour life into her mouth, like the pitch black clouds will drip anything other than toxic sludge.

There isn’t much to enjoy outside anymore, but Kyoko likes the way the feeble breeze pushes through Junko’s hair, pushing it back like the memories of better days.

Most of the time, they’re quiet.  The outside world demands that now.  There are no birds, no squirrels, no racing cats or barking dogs.  Everything is devoid of life.  Just them – and sometimes, just out of reach, the other surviving classmates.  Some chosen to stay in the old building, her father’s the headmaster’s hope for a brighter future when all of this is finished.

(It will never be finished.)

“What do you think I should do?” Junko asks into the silence, voice quieter than a hush but cracking through the silence all the same.

Kyoko squeezes her hand into a fist.  She stares down at her leather glove, hears the creak as the leather tightens, as it releases.  “If you don’t stay,” she whispers, “you’ll die.”

Junko snorts, the softest of laughs.  “Sometimes, I don’t think death is such a bad thing.  Everyone’s so scared of it.  But I’m sure it tastes so sweet.”

The feeble breeze carries the faintest scent of lilacs back to her.

“I’m not sure I want to be locked inside for the rest of my life,” Junko murmurs, staring out at the broken world around them.  “All the windows covered.  Barricaded.  Unable to see the world heal.”

And blue raspberries, sometimes.

When she says it, Junko doesn’t look back.  Can’t, maybe.  “But if you want me to stay…I’ll stay.”

Kyoko breathes in air that tastes of ash and fire and breath.

(At least this time, it doesn’t taste of snow.)

“Stay.”

~

MEMORY UNLOCKED.

CONTINUE?

YES | NO

Memory #??? Found.

Password: ************

Memory #??? Unlocked.

Memory Downloading….

Between The Tragedies.

Kyoko runs a finger through the thin sheer of saliva left on her wrist, tracing the edges of what is now swollen, what is now bright red, what is already beginning to purple.

“Your favorite color, isn’t it?” Junko asks as she runs her fingers through Kyoko’s hair.  She pulls a few strands out – three – and begins to braid them together.

Kyoko flinches.  “What are you—”  She turns from the mark, looks away from it, up at Junko.  Her heart beats rapidly, panicky, uncomfortably, that side left unbraided meant like a shield around her, like a promise meant to be kept, but not by her.

At her clear discomfort, Junko pauses.  Those three strands of Kyoko’s hair stretch between her fingers.  “Is something wrong?”  She blinks twice.  “I just thought having another braid on this side….  It would frame your face really nicely.  I always wondered why you only had the one.”  She searches Kyoko’s eyes, cautious, wary.  “Should I stop?”

It’s been years.

Yui isn’t coming back.

She knows that.

She knows—

“No.”  Kyoko shakes her head and turns back to the mark on her wrist.  “Don’t stop.”

~

MEMORY UNLOCKED.

CONTINUE?

YES | NO

Memory #??? Found.

Password: ************

Memory #??? Unlocked.

Memory Downloading….

After The Tragedy.

“You can, you know.”  Junko burrows against Kyoko’s collar bone, brushes her nose along her skin.  (It tingles, more where her lashes flutter just so.)  “If you…if you want.”

Kyoko takes a sharp breath.  It’s impossible to not react to the gentle nuzzling against her; she’s sensitive there, and Junko knows it.  “Can what?”

Junko doesn’t immediately answer, instead peppering kisses up her neck, along her jaw.  “Don’t play coy, Kyokyo, when I know what you’re thinking, and don’t make me say it!  It’s crude.”

“Like you don’t enjoy saying crude things.”

“I don’t when it’s us,” Junko says between kisses.  “I don’t like being crude about us.”

“What’s—” Kyoko pauses, gasps, threads her hand through Junko’s hair (and it’s still so soft against her burned hands, like the softest velvet, like the tip of a feather, like the inside of a cat’s ear; that hasn’t changed, no matter how long they’ve been locked in here), and tugs just enough to make her stop.  “What’s crude?”

Junko pulls back and searches Kyoko’s face with an equal expression of confusion.  “You….”  Her eyes widen.  “You really don’t know what I mean.”

Kyoko gives a small shake of her head.  “No.”

“You’re hopeless,” Junko mutters.  She won’t meet Kyoko’s eyes as she tucks her hair back out of her face.  It takes a moment before she finally says, voice soft, “Ruin me,” as though that explains it.  “I know that’s not what people want to call it anymore because ruining implies that I’m no good anymore afterwards and my value as a human being is not defined by whether or not I’m a—”

“Sex.”  Kyoko gets it all at once and cuts off Junko’s rambling with her own uncertainty.  “You mean sex.”

But Junko still won’t meet her eyes.  “Yeah, sure, that, although it sounds super crude to say it like that.  You’re supposed to use phrases like…like ruin or make love or…or something.”  She continues to thread her fingers through her own hair.  “But if…if you want me, or if you…if you want me to take care of you, then—”

“No.”  Kyoko doesn’t hesitate, and the word is out of her mouth before she even thinks of the possible effect it might have on Junko.  “No.  I don’t want that.  I’ve never wanted that.  I don’t ever want that.  Ever.  I—”

“Great, thanks, I got it.”  Junko turns away from her and slumps against their shared mattress.  “My girlfriend is so disgusted by the idea of having sex with me that she has to say she never ever ever wants that.  Multiple times.  Like I wouldn’t get it the first time.”  She curls up on her side, as far away from Kyoko as she can get.  “Best answer ever, Kyokyo.  Such tact.  Very wow.”

“It’s not you.”  Kyoko gently curls against Junko’s back, wraps an arm gingerly around her, and then rests her chin tentatively on her shoulder.  When Junko doesn’t push her away, she kisses her cheek.  “I love you.”

Junko still doesn’t turn to face her.  “But you don’t want to have sex with me.”

“No.”  Kyoko considers this for a moment, considers her words, chooses them carefully, and then says, “I’ve never wanted to have sex with anyone.  It’s not like when I wasn’t sure if I was interested in your or not, and it seemed best to try it out; I’m sure that’s something I don’t want to do.  Not with you.  Not with anyone.  Ever.”  She pauses, then asks, “Is that important to you?”

Junko stills.  “No.”  She curls closer into herself, and when she speaks again, it’s so quiet that Kyoko can barely hear her.  “I just didn’t know never was a choice someone could make.”

“I see no reason why it couldn’t be.”

When Junko draws into an even tighter ball and doesn’t say anything more, Kyoko hesitantly asks, “Junko…the creepy guys you mentioned.  They never—”

Junko laughs – a harsh, barking sound like broken glass.  “They never got that far, no.”  She takes Kyoko’s hand in hers, focuses on it, rubs her thumb back and forth along the scarred skin.  “I just always thought…that was part of the plan.  Didn’t matter if I was interested or not.  I’m curious sometimes because everyone is so obsessed with it, but….”  Her voice trails off.  “You’re so gentle with me.  No one has ever been this gentle with me before.  And I thought….”

Kyoko waits for Junko to continue, but she doesn’t.  She can guess at what she intended to say, at what she isn’t saying, and so she asks, gentle, “Is it something you want?”

“No.”

“Is it something you want me to want?”

Junko laughs at that.  “No.  Honestly, I think I’m kind of relieved.  Like – I didn’t hate the idea, you know, and if that’s what you wanted, then….”  Her voice trails off again, and she turns in Kyoko’s grasp so that she can face her, so she can look up at her with an aching fondness.  “You’re an interesting person, Kyoko Kirigiri.”  She reaches up, brushes strands of hair back out of Kyoko’s face, then leans up and kisses her, gentle.  Always, always gentle.  When she parts, she nearly smiles.  “And I love you, too.”

~

MEMORY UNLOCKED.

CONTINUE?

YES | NO

Memory #??? Found.

Password: ************

Memory #??? Unlocked.

Memory Downloading….

Between The Tragedies.

Junko pulls out a ribbon of lilac so soft that it might as well be white and ties it at the top of Kyoko’s braid.  “There.”  She kisses her forehead, waits for Kyoko to say something, and then, when she doesn’t, lets her gaze drop to the mark she’s left on Kyoko’s wrist.  “Do you not like it?”

“No, I….”  Kyoko’s lips press together, voice caught in her throat.  “Why me?”  She can’t stop the words from slipping out, no matter how she wants to keep them locked behind her lips, no matter how long she’s been able to do so before.  Her finger traces the mark again.  “You could have chosen anyone.  Why me?”

Out of the corner of her eye, Junko smiles, fond, but does not meet Kyoko’s eyes.  “Because I need you, Kyokyo.  No one else will do.”  She tucks more strands of Kyoko’s hair back behind her ear.  “Besides, love’s not like that.  You know that, right?  It’s not like you consciously chose me or anything, either.  Right?  Sometimes stuff like this…it just happens.  And you take advantage of it for as long as you can.”

~

MEMORY UNLOCKED.

CONTINUE?

YES | NO

Memory #001 Found.

Password: ************

Incorrect Password.

Attempt #1 of 5 Before Permanent Lock.

Try Again?

~

MEMORY UNLOCKED.

CONTINUE?

YES | NO

Memory #??? Found.

Password: ************

Memory #??? Unlocked.

Memory Downloading….

Between The Tragedies.

Without a second thought, Kyoko leans up and presses her mouth against the spot Junko indicated.

(If she could drag everything bad out of her kicking and screaming, she would.)

Junko’s breath hitches.  Catches.  Off guard.  Stutters as she draws it back in.  Then she angles her head, stretching the skin of her neck, and lets out the softest, softest whine.

Kyoko considers.  Then she tugs Junko’s soft skin between her teeth.  (Junko likes being bit.  She’d said that, hadn’t she?)

The whine drops octaves, and her breath grows ragged.

(If she could devour her whole, she would.)

Junko finds Kyoko’s hand.  Squeezes.  Tight.

“Thank you,” she whispers between breaths.  “Thank you.”

~

MEMORY UNLOCKED.

CONTINUE?

YES | NO

Memory #??? Found.

Password: ************

Memory #??? Unlocked.

Memory Downloading….

Near The End.

“…Kyoko?”

That voice so fragile and small, the flute of birds’ bones beneath clipped wings.

“When they…when Ultimate Despair comes for me....”

Waiting.  Not interrupting.  Not saying a thing.

Ache and fire burning in the back of her throat.

“Promise me.  Promise me you’ll come find me.”

404: Memory Not Found.

Reboot?

~

MEMORY UNLOCKED.

CONTINUE?

YES | NO

Memory #??? Found.

Password: ************

Memory #??? Unlocked.

Memory Downloading….

Between The Tragedies.

When Kyoko finishes, she brushes her nose against the tender spot, presses a softer kiss just where it reddens.

“My love,” she whispers.  “My precious.”

(Take advantage of it for as long as you can.)

[dizzyscabiosa]

People You'd Like to Get to Know Better

Thank you @folkbreeze for tagging me!!

Last Song: Lovers Rock by TV Girl 🙏 fall is TV Girl season

Favorite Color: green, like a dark forest green

Currently Watching: kinda busy atm but I started baby on netflix recently

Last Movie: man I don't watch movies that often either so it was probably Barbie

Currently Reading: In a reading slump rn but King Of Wrath by Ana Huang is next 🤭

Sweet/Spicy/Savory: Spicy or Savory fs

Last Thing I Googled: infinity book tower in prague, it's so pretty 😭

Current Obsession: no idea honestly (it's Leon Kennedy)

Currently Working On: My little story lp 🤭 also education yayy saur fun, but that's it really.

Tagging @rhdweauni0 @peekuh @madfeary @aurorangen @pessimistic-trait (feel free to ignore!!)

[beoneofus]

the blue hour... a lost boys playlist

sex on fire - kings of leon

do I wanna know - arctic monkeys

after dark - mr kitty

spit in my face - thxsomch

softcore - the neighbourhood

little dark age - mgmt

feel better - penelope scott

dead girls - penelope scott

the perfect girl - mareux

space song - beachhousevideozone

black out days - phantogram

rhinestone eyes - gorillaz

summertime sadness - lana del rey

infinity - jaymes young

middle of the night - elley duhe

runaway - aurora

babydoll - ari abdul

a playlist dedicated to the blue hour people who can't help but love certain four vampires.