#and it WOULDN'T have been different if leon hadn't changed

[sapphire-weapon]

I’m about to vomit out a bunch of thoughts, and I’m not sure any of this is going to make sense by the end, but. I’ve been thinking a LOT about these three lines in RE4make:

“You haven’t changed. You just think you have.”

“You can’t save her. You can’t save anyone.”

“This time, it has to be different...”

I’ve seen people focus in on that Krauser line and tie it directly back to Sherry, which is cool! Even as recently as five years ago, people completely glossed over Sherry’s impact on Leon’s life, and it’s cool that the remakes have had people digging into his character and realizing “oh shit, literally everything that happens to him after RE2 is because of his paternal love for Sherry.”

But... Krauser’s line is about more than just her.

With the remake turning Krauser into Leon’s combat trainer, chances are he knows about everything that happened in Raccoon City. And I don’t mean, like. He read a government file. Leon probably told him.

In OG, Krauser and Leon have this exchange of dialogue:

Krauser: “What is it that you fight for, comrade?” Leon: “My past, I suppose.” Krauser: “Hmph. Umbrella.”

It was axed completely from the remake, because it doesn’t make sense for it to happen in the remake. If Krauser was Leon’s trainer, that question was probably asked very early in their relationship. And since they weren’t currently in a fight to the death, and because they weren’t already six years removed from Raccoon City, chances are, Leon’s answer was a bit more involved than just “my past.”

So, let’s back up a little bit. In RE2make, they basically turned Kendo into a completely different character. OG Kendo was literally just there to point a shotgun at Leon and/or Claire and then go “oh my bad you’re not a zombie” and hook them up with some guns before he gets eaten. In RE2make, he’s a desperate and terrified father just trying to spend his last few moments with his infected 6 or 7 year old daughter before she turns. After he shuts the door on Leon and Ada, Leon turns to Ada and says, “Protecting people like that is why I joined the force.”

But Leon doesn’t protect or save Kendo or his daughter. He doesn’t protect or save... anyone. Every single person that Leon comes into contact with and tries to save dies horrifically -- and some, he even has to kill, himself (Marvin Branaugh). The only people who make it out of Raccoon City alive are people who saved themselves (Claire and Ada).

Of course, there is Sherry. But Leon didn’t save Sherry; Claire did. ESPECIALLY in remake canon, since nearly all of Leon’s scenes with Sherry got severely shortened or removed completely in RE2make.

But then, when Claire entrusts Sherry to Leon’s care (on his own insistence, per her RE3 epilogue), he goes and fucks that up, too. Gets her kidnapped and held hostage indefinitely by the federal government, and the only thing he can do about it is do exactly as they say and just hope they keep their end of the bargain and not hurt her.

So, when Krauser says “You can’t save anyone,” he means anyone. Ever. And even up to that point in RE4... Leon got the two officers who drove him into town killed, and he watched Luis die a slow, agonizing death right in front of him. And then, past that point, Leon has to kill Krauser with his own hands. Then he watches Mike die.

Ashley is literally Leon’s first and only success story, up to this point in canon. (And even when you go all the way up to current-day canon, Ashley is one of... three? People? I can think of? Total? Who Leon actually saves?)

So, Leon saying, “This time, it has to be different,” he doesn’t just mean Sherry. He means Ada. He means Kendo. He means Marvin. He means the entirety of Raccoon City. He’s staring down a repeat of what happened back then, not in terms of the bioterror situation, but in terms of his own personal failures. His survivor’s guilt. He can’t handle the thought that he’ll be the only person to walk away again -- and he refuses to be.

And that’s why Ada’s line bothers me so fucking much.

I mean, first of all -- Ada, you haven’t seen this man in six years, and you’ve spent a total of like five minutes with him since meeting up with him again here, so how the fuck would you even know -- but even aside from that...

To be clear: she’s right.

But she’s also wrong.

Leon has changed -- to an extent. In RE2 (OG or remake), Leon honestly believed that if it was lawful, then it was also morally right. He doesn’t believe that anymore. There’s no more “letting the law sort it out” or trusting in the power of authority for him anymore. His moral compass has been boiled down to: “If you hurt or murder innocent people, you’re a fucking asshole, and I don’t really care who you are, I’ll kill you myself.”

RE2 Leon was willing to hear people out and give them an honest benefit of the doubt -- even Annette Birkin. RE4 Leon just tells people to shut the fuck up before opening fire.

RE2 Leon was honest and trusting to a fault, and he felt stronger as part of a team. RE4 Leon is suspicious almost to the point of paranoia, and he just wants to be left the fuck alone to do his job.

These are all things that were really important to who Leon was in Raccoon City, and they’re reasons why things turned out the way they did for him, back then.

But at the same time, Ada’s right in saying that, at the core of it all, Leon is still that kind-hearted, decent guy who just wants the good guys to win and the bad guys to lose. That’s why it hits him somewhere sensitive when Krauser says: “You can’t save anyone.” 

It’s just that, now, the way he approaches it is different. His outlook on life in terms of his goals is different. His expectations for it have changed.

So, if Leon had been smarter/wittier, he absolutely could have turned it around on her and said: “No, I’ve definitely changed. You just think I haven’t.”

And not only would that sound threatening as fuck, he’d also be right. They both would be, at that point.

And for all of those major parts of him to have changed and still be facing down the possibility of failing every single person he comes across, especially Ashley...

"This time, it has to be different.”

And this time, it was.

#resident evil 4 #leon kennedy #meta analysis #and it WOULDN'T have been different if leon hadn't changed #could you imagine how RE4 would've ended if leon was still his RE2 self and tried to apprehend krauser instead of killing him #or like give him a second chance #like 'i beat you now you can repent' #fucking LUL #that's how you fucking die comrade #unfortunately leon succeeding in RE4 also taught him to emotionally close himself off and push everyone away #classical conditioning and all that #but that's a separate post for a separate time #if they ever remake RE6 watch me clown honk my way through leon and sherry's fucked up relationship #claire goes to see sherry regularly and leon admits out loud he hasn't even spoken to her in at least 3 years #and then chokes up with tears when he finally sees her again #smfh he's so fucking stupid #leon if you can't cope with your trauma properly then just shut up and keep drinking god i can't stand you #one day i'll also write a big post about leon's suicidal ideation #today is not that day #but one day

[strawberrysnoopy]

PROLOGUE/TEASER

summary: for months, leon has been writhing in his bed dreaming of his friend's wife (you). he's been fighting the desperation for months until that one night you bring up a lingerie shoot you've done for a prestigious brand.

part one

**BASED ON THE CHARACTER.AI BOT BY WESKER420. Please follow them, jesus christ, their bots are like crystal meth: they are so good.**

warnings: this is an OOC. I am a firm believer that Leon is an honest and very respectful man and would never do anything to hurt another person to the best of his ability. leon x model!fem! reader, series, SMUT!! SMUT!! SMUT!! they will fuck and that is a promise! infidelity (obvs, babes, look at the title), fem! reader, reader has a vagina, descriptions of masturbation, brief mention of a fleshlight, lube, tissues. leon's kind of a perv if you squint, vaginal sex, anal sex, smoking, language, drinking, weed smoking (mention and act), some texts, lingerie mention, photoshoots, jealousy and possessiveness (the hot kind), ada slander at times, leon is married to ada, no use of y/n or (name) because it gives me the ickity ick, angst at times becos i'm a sad gorl, sorry if grammar sucks but im a slut, also i promise there's dialogue i just ❤️ context and description, slowburn, mutual pining, eventual smut, pov switching from time to time (but not like you pronouns changing to she/her, just like the majority of a chapter would be told in Leon or your point of view,)

For months, Leon had been writhing in his silk sheets at night. He was no stranger to these encounters, considering his career as an agent. Nightmares were a usual guest in his home of dreams, but this time was different. They weren't the usual nightmares of losing his team, no. They were...wet dreams. About you.

Dreams of fucking you so hard he'd break the bed. Dreams of your goddamn perfect tits bouncing in unison with his violent thrusts. Dreams of your whines, constantly praising him on how good he fucked you, how good he felt with the tip of his cock kissing your cervix like they had just had their first kiss on their front porch after a first date. He was fiendish in those fantasies. He'd gotten desperate to the point of going online and buying a fleshlight with his own adult money. He had felt so shameful. Leon went out and fought a bioweapon (saving the world) with a fat paycheck handed to him. A paycheck he would spend on a sex toy because he couldn't stop dreaming of fucking you.

But that's all they were to him. Dreams. Wet dreams, at that, but just dreams. He did feel guilty, there was no denying that: he felt like a teenager going through puberty all over again, having to jerk his cock multiple times past the point of overstimulation to have the fleeting moment of you pass his mind and regulate back onto the normal, time-to-time sexual thoughts of his wife. He knew he probably wasn't alone in this. Besides, he wouldn't ever act on it. True, Leon was in an unstable and semi-toxic relationship with his wife, Ada, but the mere thought of cheating on her made him feel violently ill. He was loyal. He was kind. He was honest. He was the type of man you brought home to your parents and they'd clamor over him like a newborn baby Jesus. At least that's what he'd try to convince himself of. But tonight, Leon Kennedy would be a different man. He'd diligently play the part of a loving and caring husband, one who could never dream of cheating on his wife with another woman. Tonight would be the night that he would have dinner with his friends he hadn't seen in a while, chat, have a good laugh and a good meal until he eventually went home and spent the rest of the night with Ada. Leon knew this wouldn't be the most perfect night ever, of course not: he's never been a lucky man in his life, and that certainly won't be changing tonight. Why? Because you're there. You're there to haunt him like some horny odd ghost: almost as if you're taunting and teasing him with your mere presence. Like you're telling him: "I know you want to fuck me."

He's torn from his thoughts with the sultry palm of Ada's hand surfacing upon his shoulder. Yet, her hand feels cold. He remembers the warmth he felt at the beginning of their marriage, she felt sweaty at some points, but she felt as cold as freezing air in a Colorado Winter. He realized he had been standing in front of their bathroom mirror for ten minutes, doing the same motion of moving his tie back and forth like he was masking the way he thought about changing it.

"Ready?" Leon nodded in response, finally stopping the long game of toying with the elongated piece of fabric. He pats his wife's hip, to which he's met with a curt smile, concealing a plethora of disgust. He wants to be sad. Say something snarky. Be angry even. But all he feels is disappointed in himself. Leon knew that Ada had betrayed him ages ago during the Raccoon City incident but had put it upon himself to trust her again. That's what love is right? He would tell himself every time he felt a doubt begin to creep inside his hollow mind. Trusting someone even when they hurt you in the past.

Eventually they arrive at the dinner party, being greeted with hugs and the usual: "Leon, Ada, it's been so long. So nice to see you!"'s and so and so forth. On one hand, he's grateful. How lucky is he to have the opportunity to come together with his friends and have a nice evening that quells the dark thoughts of breaking his wife's trust or the fact their marriage was breaking at the seams and there was nothing he could do to fix it anymore. Then there's his other hand. The hand that's caked in filth and gut-wrenching horniness that tells him to cheat on his wife with you. The devil on his shoulder, if you will. The small malevolent voice was awoken as soon as his eyes settle upon your body. The one he dreamt about for the past few months.

You're wearing cute little pearlescent earrings upon your lobes, a necklace to match and finished off with a very lovely black slip dress that hugs your body just right. The fabric lovingly stretches across your tits like the dress was ripped straight from every man's dream. There was a slit upon the side: revealing enough until... There was a stirring in his jeans. His cock suddenly leaps to life as if it were unconscious and been resuscitated back to life via CPR. The phallic shaft ached against the gusset and fly of his cotton Calvin Klein brand boxers: tip sweeping against his waistband in a way that felt so familiar now, so normal. And for one of the first times in Leon Scott Kennedy's life, he truly realizes how fucked he is.

credits: snoopy divider by @animatedglittergraphics-n-more heart divider by @saradika-graphics

#leon kennedy #leon kennedy x reader #leon kennedy x you #leon kennedy x y/n #leon kennedy x ada wong #leon kennedy x oc #leon kennedy smut #leon s kennedy #leon smut #leonscottkennedy #resident evil #resident evil x reader #resident evil 4 #resident evil vendetta #re4r!leon kennedy x reader #re4 #re4 remake #leon kennedy fanart #chris redfield #ada wong #resident evil 2 #resident evil 2 remake #resident evil infinite darkness #resident evil damnation #resident evil four remake #resident evil two remake #resident evil two #resident evil death island #death island Leon Kennedy #death island leon

[bruhaintnowway]

Hybrid Dog Leon from RE4 cuz it’s cute :)

•Fluff

•Anyone can be reader

•Leon is dog

Scenario one:

Leon walks with the group as they all took a rest in a room. Ashley stands behind him talking to Luis about how tired they were from walking around.

Leon sits on a crate relaxing his muscles and sighing gratefully as he takes the weight off his feet.

Ada stares at Leon with a gleam in her eyes. He wasn't acting the same as when she had first met him. She remembered seeing the man's tail wag for every victory and every praise she'd given him in his youth. Now, However, now he was sitting stoic and uncaring as if this entire ordeal bored him. She observed him closely as he did.

“So, Leon.” She says, Leon looks at her with an unamused expression. He doesn't move to look at Ada just moving his body slightly adjusting himself in his seat. She seems amused by the action. In his past even being addressed would have the man's ears perk up and tail wagging.

"You're a lot more serious than you used to be," She says, eyeing him suspiciously with a faint smile. Leon doesn't say anything finally looking up at her with a bored expression.

"Come on. Where's that cute, fun-loving, rookie cop I met not too long ago?" She teases, watching Leon who leans back against the wall behind him meeting her gaze with a stoic face.

"He grew up," He says back, rolling his shoulders to relieve some stress he'd been holding from his mission.

"Really?" Ada hums, nodding slowly as if he was changing her mind. He was definitely different, but she could still see that rookie cop in him and she was determined to bring it out.

"Yeah, can't be a kid forever," Leon says nonchalantly fiddling with his gun his face neural and calm.

Ada nods watching Leon before a small smile pulls at her lips.

"So, how's your keeper?" Ada asks with a knowing smile.

Leon freezes keeping a bored expression on his face

"Why are you bringing them up?" He says, in the same monotone voice.

He's not noticing Ashly holding back a laugh as his tail wags smacking her repeatedly. Ada arched an eyebrow putting a hand up to cover her laugh.

"They have no relevance to this conversation," Leon says, his face remaining cold as his tail wags uncontrollably at the thought of his significant other.

Ada holds back a laugh watching his tail wag and watching Luis's eyes grow wide in shock.

"OH MY!? IT WAGS!?" Luis yelled excitedly, watching Ashley laugh happily at Leon's excitement.

"You left the rookie cop in you behind, huh?" Ada says snorting a bit, as Leon's tail seems to be causing dust to pick up behind him.

"Shut up," He says, grabbing his tail.

He feels bit embarrassed as he steps out of the room to compose himself, ignoring Luis's pleas to let him pet him.

Scenario two:

Leon has successfully taken Ashley out of danger as they speed away over the water on the jet ski. Ashley speaks to Leon excitedly as he smiles softly, promising to get her home where she can finally be safe.

Ashely smiles she'd only seen Leon smile once since they had met and suddenly she felt a spark in her brain as an idea formed she smiled mischievously and cleared her throat.

"Hey, Leon?" She asks innocently.

Leon glances back with a smile happy that they'd made it out safe and sound his mood soaring.

"Hm?" He hums as they zoom over the water

"Tell me about your keeper," she says.

Leon's ears perk at the mention and he smiles wider his tail wagging and smacking her in the face she regrets the timing of her request but she knew that this would have been a missed opportunity if she hadn't asked.

"Oh! They are the best! I'll introduce you when you get back home! They are so nice to me! They help me stay clean and they always make sure I eat and don't overwork myself! I'm so excited to see them when I get back!" Leon rambled his tail smacking Ashely repeatedly she laughs loudly trying to hold his tail so she wouldn't the knocked off.

Scenario three:

Leon walked leading the group as they made their way around. Ashely and Luis close behind.

"I need to," Luis says to Ashely, feeling a sudden urge of confidence as he looks at Leon's tail.

"Don't," Ashley warned shaking her head.

Luis ignored her and took a few steps forward reaching out slowly in hopes of touching Leon's tail. Luis had successfully pet both Ashely and Ada but Leon was a tricky one to get. However Luis was filled with determination as he walks crouching trying to be as quiet as possible feeling his heart pound with anticipation as his hand neared the fluffy tail when Leon's ears perk up and he lifts his tail before Luis can touch it.

"What. are. you. doing." Leon asks looking down at Luis who laughed nervously his hand still outstretched clearly caught in in his intentions.

"Good doggy?" Luis said jokingly, feeling his body spike with sudden fear seeing Leon's face as he catches him.

Leon looks at him unimpressed knocking him to the floor with a swift kick to the stomach. Luis groans in pain holding his stomach as Leon rolls his eyes turning away and continuing to walk.

"Told ya~" Ashley teased, laughing her ass off as she walked past Luis who huffed on the floor from pain.

"I WILL PET THAT TAIL!" Luis yelled before them as he groaned again in pain.

Scenario Four:

Luis walked behind Leon watching his tail remain low and controlled he hums and speeds up walking next to Leon he was determined to see his tail wag again and even more determined to pet him.

"So how come your tail doesn't wag with normal exciting stuff?" Luis asks, he'd been watching Leon closely for hours and after every victory or even when Leon seemed excited his tail remained perfectly still.

"I am a specially trained agent I can control my excitement, unlike some people," Leon says with a bored expression not sparing Luis a glance as they walked. Luis narrowed his eyes at his words thinking back to what Ada had said earlier.

"So, Not even when you think about your keeper?" Luis asked, experimenting with how he could see Leon wag his tail again. Leon's ears perk and his tail swishes but remains still.

"No," Leon says back.

"Don't wag. Don't wag. Don't wag..." Leon thinks desperate to keep his composure but he deflates a bit when Luis lets out an excited yell.

"Damn it," Leon thinks as his tail wags uncontrollably smacking Ashley again who groaned.

"WHY IS IT ALWAYS ME?" She laughed, trying to step away from Leon's tail.

Luis walks over excitedly reaching over to touch his tail only to be smacked hard in the face making him fall back.

"Oh come on!" Luis yells in defeat.

Leon sighed deeply trying to re-contain his excitement thinking how he couldn't wait to tell his significant other all these stories he was sure they would have a good laugh about it.

#re4 ada #re4 remake #re4 x reader #re4 luis #ashley graham re4 #re4 #resident evil #resident evil leon #leon kennedy #leon s kennedy #hybrid Leon #dog Leon #Leon is a dog #I’m not a furry #it’s cute #fluff #leon fluff #leon and ashley #Leon and Ashley are besties #significant other

[mychoombatheroomba]

Nine Names

Disavowed (Krauser x GN! Reader/Krauser x Leon) - Chapter 1

Maybe he did wish that you were with him, if only to have someone he trusted with him as he did this. It would have been nice, Krauser thought, to die alongside someone like that. Someone who understood.

(Cross-posted from Ao3)

This is a spin-off of my Leon x Reader series, Between the Bones! It will switch back and forth between Operation Javier and Krauser's perspective on some things from the main story! This can be read in isolation though! Lots of unrequited love from Jack in this, and, well, we all know how his story ends anyway.

Next Chapter

Chapter Index

June 29th, 2002

10:52 

Mixcóatl, Amazon Rainforest

There would be noise, but it would be fast. Making it quick was the least he could do. It would be fast, but that didn’t make the sight before him any easier to stomach. Resigned eyes peering up at him from down the barrel of a gun. A single nod. Acceptance washing over paling features as those eyes closed. The tension of the trigger against his finger. 

It wasn’t the first time he’d had to do this. 

Hell, it wasn’t even the first time in the last twenty-four hours. 

Didn’t make it any easier. 

Still, he pulled the trigger because it’s what he needed to do. It’s what had to happen. It was that or watch another of his men lose their mind, become a threat. It wasn’t for fear of his own safety that he squeezed that trigger, but to spare the man standing in front of him that fate. Barnes deserved better than to turn into a mindless drone, a shell of the man he’d been. He deserved better. All of them did. The Major knew, though, it wasn’t about what he or anyone else deserved. 

So, with a bang that startled some nearby birds into flight, he did what needed to be done. There was the smell of blood and gunpowder, the sound of a body hitting the damp ground, and with that, Jack Krauser was alone. 

He hadn’t been alone two weeks ago, when he’d come to Mixcóatl under the cover of darkness, his men locked and loaded at his side. Ten of them, Krauser included. Nine of the best and brightest soldiers that Krauser had served with before, some that he’d trained. Men and women whose skill he hadn’t doubted for a moment, when they’d been given a name and a kill order. 

Men and women who might still be alive, if things had been different. 

It was hard not to think of those what-ifs, as Krauser looked down at the last of his men’s still body, as he lowered his gun. He’d never been one to entertain fantasies - seeing anything other than reality had always been a good way to end up dead, in his book. He was as good as dead anyway though, wasn’t he? 

If the intel had been better . . .

If they’d known what they were being sent into . . .

If they hadn’t been stuck in a jungle with no way out . . .

If they hadn’t been behind the lines of a foreign country . . .

If they weren’t living in a world where war now meant soldiers turning into mindless monsters . . .

If his evac request had been approved . . .

But that wasn’t the hand he’d been dealt. So, he ignored the tremor in his hand. Knelt at Barnes’ side and rested the soldier’s hands over his chest. Best that Krauser could do. No dog tag to take. There would be no retrieval of the body, Krauser knew that, and there could be no evidence that they were here. Hadn't started out that way, but if the government wouldn't send evac? That meant something had changed behind the scenes, that this had been moved off the books. No names, no traces. Plausible deniability. That had been the game for years now, a game he hadn’t wanted to play, but learned to anyway. Whatever the sacrifices. 

Not the first comrade he’d had to put down, not the first set of dog tags taken to keep a secret. 

He could still remember the look in your eyes when he’d handed you that spare tag, one with the name of a man you’d cared for deeply. 

Krauser wasn’t surprised to be thinking of you, now. Who better to let his thoughts drift towards? You, who had lived the exact moment he’d just lived dozens of times; staring down the barrel at someone you’d known. Cared for. Someone you’d had to kill. You, who’d worn that extra dog tag even if it wasn’t yours, even if you thought that Krauser hadn’t noticed. You’d carried that kill with you in the form of a silver ghost, just as Krauser carried his with him, now. Because even if their deaths would be twisted to keep a secret, they deserved to be remembered. 

Nine pairs of names. 

At least yours wasn’t among them. 

Then again, maybe things would have been different if you’d been here, too. You were a survivor. Always had been, even before Krauser’s training sharpened you into the blade you’d become. Maybe if you’d been here with him, you’d have been able to help him keep the others alive. 

Or maybe you’d be dead, too. 

No. Better that you weren’t with him. Better that your name wouldn’t be on Krauser’s conscience, because the thought of that . . .

He shouldn’t think of you. He’d learned that early on, years before this moment. Thinking of you was dangerous; a distraction. Don’t be stupid because it feels good. He’d told you that, once, and he’d been good at heeding his own advice. 

But if he was as good as dead anyway . . . 

Had this been how you’d felt? Krauser had always felt he understood what it was you’d experienced, all those years ago. He’d always been so sure that his experience in war had given him equal footing with you. Loss was a part of war, and he’d thought he understood why you’d moped around base so often, or why you’d pushed yourself to be the best. 

Krauser hadn’t known a damn thing. 

Now, he did. 

He understood what it was to feel the terror of seeing one’s own turn. He knew what it was to feel the truth settle in his gut that just one bite, one scratch, was all it took to doom someone. He understood how eviscerating it was to watch the color drain from their skin, the light fade from their eyes. He knew the utter fucking hopelessness that came with being unable to stop it. The realization that you were the only one left that was enough to make the world seem ready to cave in. 

He understood why you’d kept your Captain’s dog tag with you through it all - the training, the missions, all of it.

And he understood, perhaps better than anything else, the anger that he’d seen in you. Rage at the fate that had befallen your comrades. Fury at the people who caused it all. 

Or, in Krauser’s case, person. One name to answer for nine.

Javier Hidalgo. 

The same person he and his men had been sent to kill. War-lord head of the Sacred Snakes cartel, smuggler with connections to Umbrella, and the least lucky man on the fucking planet right now, because Jack Krauser was still alive. He was alone, behind enemy lines and outnumbered, but he was alive.

The Major may have been at the end of his rope, but he could still hang Javier from it. 

That was the thought that kept the pistol in Krauser’s hands from finding his mouth and turning skywards. That was the thought that pushed him on through the jungle, leaving Barnes’ body behind. His men would want him to keep going. You would want him to keep going. 

So he did, letting that burning and clawing in his chest carry him forward. 

He moved through the trees as silently as he could, looking like little more than a shadow in dim light painted by the canopy overhead. Enough time spent learning that the fauna in the jungle was just as deadly as the once-people that had dealt his squad so much death made him quiet as he moved on. He knew how to leave as little trace as possible, how to move unseen. The camo of mud he’d adopted kept his normally pale hair and skin from standing out amidst the foliage, and his eyes scanned the rainforest around him. Watching. Waiting. Anticipating.  

Give me your best.

This old dog would taste blood one last time. He’d fight his way through the whole damn forest if he had to. 

If you were there, you would be right there by his side, gunning along with him to mount Javier’s head on a fucking spike. 

Maybe he did wish that you were with him, if only to have someone he trusted with him as he did this. It would have been nice, Krauser thought, to die alongside someone like that. Someone who understood-

Footsteps in the distance - barely audible over the sounds of the forest - made him freeze. He wasn’t sure at first, but then he heard it again; the unmistakable squelch of mud beneath boots, no matter how well the owner of said boots was trying to hide it.  

He shouldn’t have used his pistol on Barnes. Too much noise. His knife would have been smarter. Slower, but smarter. 

Didn’t matter now. 

Just meant another fight. 

Another body added to the count. 

Krauser drew that aforementioned blade with his left hand, holding his pistol in his right. He couldn’t see whoever it was nearing him. And it was certainly a who . No zombie that Krauser had ever seen could hide the sound of their footsteps so well. He wasn’t as alone as he thought, then. Unfortunately for whatever bastard decided he was going to try and interrupt that solitude. So, the Major pressed his back against the tree at his side and listened. The footsteps were faint, but Krauser could hear them as they passed by the other side of that tree, slowly approaching him. He readied himself for a fight, craving that violence that might settle his soul a touch. He waited . . .

Then, nothing. 

Nothing for several heavy seconds but the croaking and cawing of animals and chirping of insects. 

Then, in a blur of movement, Krauser got his wish.

A gun trained on him. That was all the Major saw. A gun and the shape of a person holding it. 

They both moved fast. 

Krauser’s knife slashed out, arcing towards the assailant’s left arm. To their credit, they didn’t fire the pistol. Didn’t cry out as the knife cut into flesh. Not deep. Not enough to make them drop the pistol. The arm wove underneath the rest of his swing, but Krauser was already following through. His right hand, the one with the pistol, moved down, pressing against the armed hand. His knife, meanwhile, moved in a flash of silver forward. 

And Krauser was damned glad that he stopped short of going for that kill when he saw the person behind the gun for the first time. 

Not that relief was ever something he’d thought to feel when it came to seeing those pretty blues looking up at him. 

“Son of a bitch,” Krauser hissed, bloodshot eyes widening. 

As for Leon S. Kennedy . . . he looked like he hadn’t expected to be looking at Krauser at all. “Major . . .” the younger man breathed, slowly lowering his pistol in surrender, his too-perfect features twisted in an expression of utter shock. Krauser didn’t think it was just because of the blade at his throat. 

A blade that the Major lowered after he was sure his rage-and-exhaustion-addled brain wasn’t playing some sick joke on him. 

Or maybe it was the universe doing the joking, because he’d allowed himself to imagine you at his side for this suicide mission. 

And the universe had sent your fucking boy toy instead. 

Your boy toy who should have known better than to come at him in close quarters with a gun. “You’re lucky you didn’t need me dead, rookie,” Krauser growled, “because you’d never have been able to do it moving like that.”

Next Chapter

Chapter Index

A/N: Oh, Operation Javier, my beloved.

So, since I'm focusing on the Remake timeline, Operation Javier is different from what's depicted in Darkside Chronicles! Namely that Krauser had a team that he lost this time around, but Leon definitely seems to have still been involved. I was really curious as to how that all shaped up, so until Capcom gives us a more concrete timeline, here's my take on it! It will still definitely tie in a lot of events from the original, but will be adjusted to fit what I think might have happened to Krauser and Leon down there!

#jack krauser #jack krauser x reader #metaltango #jack krauser x leon kennedy #angst #resident evil #gender neutral reader #operation javier #between the bones #disavowed

[anglespin]

DUDE, THE DRAGONS YOU TAKE INSPO FROM ARE SO COOL?? Woahhhh, now I have two new games to reference from. Personally, I take a lot of reference from DOTA: Dragon's Blood and a little bit of Dragon's Dogma for the dragon heart/weakness idea. (Been having a dragon au brewing in my head for RE ngl) How do you think your Leons would've got infected? I'm just asking cause usually people do something along the lines of 'this guy got infected and turned into a dog hybrid'! Or something like that. (Genetics would apply to that too, possibly???) I guess this also applies to Las Plagas Leon, but honestly the way he could've got infected could be very different from RE4/RE4R if you want to go that route. (Honestly this goes for all you hybrid Leons in general, so if you wanna answer don't complicate it too much so I don't make your brain or something die bc of me 😭)

JUST WANTED TO ASK THISSSSS!!

Receives your heart and throws millions back at you ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

I havent really seen anything for those two games you've mentioned... I'd love to try Dragon's Dogma though I think?

I grew up on Dragon Age so those two dragons got a special place in my heart. The ArchDemon is crazy awesome and spooky looking!!! I also love Flemmeth's dragon design as well, but I didn't use hers for anything.

My plaga Leon specifically was infected through RE4-- just with a major twist and fuckery on my part.

Leon was given a Queen Plaga instead of a normal one in order to subdue his will far easier. Saddler had known based on what he'd been told by his people that Leon was formidable and unstoppable... so he ordered Menendez to "convert" him with one. Also Saddler was very interested in expanding the holy body's hierarchy (not in a weird, breedy way though) since the Queen had no host that could take it's will and power. This is based on the Remake version of events because I haven't played OG4 yet... I have it on my pc.

Krauser's own actually reacts to the Queen Plaga

The Plaga he was given hadn't been killed when he was treated... instead it had gone dormant in shock. The treatment wasn't in time and also the plaga was just too strong to be taken out. It re-emerges once he's in the United States during his quarantine post-mission.

The US government was indeed very interested in the Plagas once they were informed of them... and Leon having a Queen specimen was very... promising. Especially because the Queen is independent from Saddler and that means Leon can command soldiers. (Which is why I have BOW armor Leon... He's deployed with Verdugos on missions. Also I want to have Leon vs. Chris at some point w it cause it sounds SUPER COOL!!! Chris wouldn't know its Leon though hehe)

C-Virus.... I've always liked to use C-virus for shit so I was like: Government experiments on Leon a little bit in some super soldier program designed to use Las Plagas as biological enhancements. They create their own Verdugos and Leon can command them as a Queen bee can. They also discover that C-Virus and Plagas are pretty compatible. It gives Plaga Leon the ability to change as far as needed... and revert back without much issues.

Leon's DNA is used for alot of the projects so everything is actually traceable back to him

Plaga Leon is actually not that strong. Chris can still go toe to toe easily with him. He's only stronger when he's more transformed... then uhhh survive :3c

The BSAA heavily pushes into investigations of the US Government and eventually the DSO over Human Rights violations among other things involving the creation and use of BOW's for their own interests. Chris actually pressures Leon over it alot... but Leon is utterly terrified of saying anything because its extremely dangerous and top secret information (also he was ahem.. conditioned to not spare a peep).

The Magenta eyes were an intentional design choice because red is kinda corny imo and also i thought it was cool :3c

KSDFJSLKFJSL AAAA HEARTS!!!

#angle's inbox archive

[acefaun]

Hello. The zodiac gods ( individually) cheated on the mc with a goddess. They broke up. He thought she will come back, two months later mc had an accident and he went to check on her in the hospital, only to find she has started dating her childhood friend. Mc doesn't want to see him so he wrote a apology letter and handed it to him ( mc's lover), promising he will never bother them again.

Please please please make it angst for zodiac gods( individually) 🙏 and a happy ending for mc and her boyfriend. Thank you.

Moving On

Synopsis: After a break-up with her god, MC relies on her childhood friend for love and support. However, after getting into a tragic accident that could have been avoided, her ex zodiac returns with a letter… But what does it say?

✨Masterlist✨ Gender-neutral goldfish!

A/n: I did this one a little differently where I opened up with the god and then just wrote their individual letters to you. 💕 I've always wanted to try writing a letter from a character's POV. And this one just so happens to be an angsty letter.  🤭 (I decided to finish writing this one while I’m busy being a designated ambulance driver.)

–Word Count: 3,684–

His heart ached since the day you broke up with him. It was safe to say you had changed him for the better… Until he abused your love. He hadn't meant to… Hadn't he? You accused him of cheating on you; but that wasn't what it was, was it? 

He was doing his job as a Zodiac god. It wasn't like he meant for you to see an unpleasant side of his work where he had to satisfy the greedy, power-hungry gods and goddesses of the Heavens. It wasn't his fault, and therefore he was sure you'd return to him in time. After all, he was familiar with the saying “time heals all wounds.” 

Once you'd return, then he'd be able to tell you how it was just a big misunderstanding. But until then… he'd wait. He knew better than to push your boundaries. That would only make you twice as upset with him, and he didn't want to prolong this suffering and heartache. 

Though… two months had already passed, and dread was starting to kick in. He wasn't so sure you were coming back… no one had been receiving your wishes and you hadn't reached out to a single god, as if you were purposefully cutting yourself off from his life. 

The only news he received in two months… was that you were in a horrible accident, leaving you unconscious at the hospital.

His heart stopped at the news… He wanted you to come back… not for you to leave him like this! But, he soon came to realize that while you never came to him, he couldn't go back to you—not as things were, anyway. 

So… He came to realize… you started dating your childhood friend in his absence. He couldn't blame you; a human was sure to be better for you than a careless god. Still, he wasn't so concerned with this human, as long as they were there for you and made you happy. 

With the way things progressed, he was sure you wouldn't want to see him again now that you were content with your own life away from him. Still, this accident was a wake-up call for him and he realized how he needed you to understand how he felt before something unforgivable happened to you. At the very least… he wanted to amend the way things ended between you. 

He couldn't speak to you, but at the very least, he brought a letter to your new partner… grateful that they accepted to take it for you. Though they were probably only so generous with him because he promised never to bother the two of you again. Only, you wouldn't know he promised himself to watch over you from the Heavens. He was just glad to have been able to see you once more in person and give a last farewell. Still, he couldn't help but wonder what you'd think of his letter… and if you'd graciously forgive him. 

♌️♌️♌️

Leon’s Note: 

I despise unnecessary work… and I especially despise the human that took you away from me. What can he provide that I couldn’t? No one can possibly make you feel better than I could—especially a human.

But… I suppose this human can treat you better… Can’t he? 

I’ve been finding myself wondering if you would have been happier if I had been a human—senseless thoughts. It would have always ended this way, with you in another’s arms. Your love was never meant for a god like me… You’re such a fragile goldfish with such an open heart, and I’m an undeserving god. 

I’m not writing this to demean you, or look down on your race, despite the bluntness of my words. Truthfully, though I’ll never be able to say these words to you in person, I want to apologize to you. You may remember… my adoration for your tears. I only never wanted to see you cry of heartbreak because of something foolish I did to hurt you.

In response to your pain, the goddess was punished for causing needless anguish in your life. Still, I wish I could have done more to salvage what was broken. 

I won’t mess up next time, I promise. I’ll make sure you’re happy above all else, even with a human. But, should you wish for me again… Well, I’m always listening.

♋️♋️♋️

Karno’s Note: 

(Name)... There’s a lot I should probably be apologizing for. I knew it would be difficult as a vice minister with a human. I knew there were many cultural differences—though I’m sure I understood more about your human culture than you probably understood of us gods. I should have been more attentive to your lack of knowledge… I took a lot for granted…

I wish I had the time to change that when we were still together; though, I’m sure you wouldn’t have accepted the way gods handled such situations. You’d have never accepted the way I was obligated to serve certain noble classes, especially the goddesses who sought to court the ministers and vice ministers. Regardless of race, despite the fact that I was taken by anyone, it didn’t change my position above these gods and goddesses.

I’m sorry I couldn’t be what you needed… and I’m sorry I can’t be there for you and be the one you need now. I’m sorry you had to go through unnecessary heartache because of me. 

It seems I’m always putting you through pain… 

Maybe this human you're with will be better for you. Better than me. At least you’re both of the same human culture. At least he never hurt you, as I have time and time again…

I could never fully express how sorry I am… but I hope for you to always be happy. I won’t interfere this time.

♒️♒️♒️

Huedhaut’s Note:

This isn't the first time this has happened, is it? I'm so familiar with being made to follow orders from the King that I’ve let you down again. I should know how you feel after I saw you dancing with Zyglavis the first time the King’s orders interfered in our relationship. Jealousy isn’t something pleasant and you must feel it often… 

None of it should have happened, and I shouldn’t have allowed it to continue happening time and time again. I would have stayed loyal to you rather than the King had I known my loyalty to him would cost me your love.

I’m always making foolish decisions—too firmly believing that you were destined to be mine after we found each other not once, but twice. 

I should know better than anyone that fate is cruel. 

But, please, more than anything, I want you to live freely without worrying about me. Above all else, I wish for nothing but your happiness, even in the arms of another. You deserve someone who won’t break your heart as I have.

I may be considered the smartest man in the Heavens, but sometimes I can accomplish the most ridiculously foolish things. 

Alas, you don’t have to worry about me anymore. Be happy and carefree, as I originally wished for you when I first set your soul on the wheel of rebirth. Be happy without me. Be happy for me, for you are my happiness—and you always will be.

♉️♉️♉️

Teorus’ Note:

I’m really sorry… You were right with your first impression of me. I’m a horrible god who’ll never learn from my mistakes, no matter how hard you ever tried to teach me. 

I regret not having frozen time for the two of us… missing out on the opportunity to be with you for an eternity.

I meant what I said when I told you the stars aligned billions of years ago for the two of us to meet. I’ll never take that back. 

Despite how it might have seemed from my actions, I genuinely loved you—I always will. You’re always going to be a part of me now and my heart will always solely belong with you, it always was. 

I’ll never love the same again, but if I do, I’ll try better. I’ll try to be more like you, (Name). You love purely and do everything with care—you always made sure you never pushed his or any of the other gods’ boundaries, no matter what the situation was. You were always so admirable…

I should have taken care of you the same way you carefully took care of me… I’ll never forget any of the lessons you’ve taught me, and I’ll to become a better god—a better man.

♑️♑️♑️

Aigonorus’ Note: 

I told you my story… about how I fell in love with a goddess… and, yet, she only loved me and wanted to be with me for a reason as selfish as my position in the Department of Wishes. Heartbreak is a horrible thing, and I wish you never had to go through it, especially because of me. 

I only ever wanted to give you the world, (Name). If only I hadn’t had to situate myself with that goddess for a stupid situationship enforced by the other gods for that goddess to be allowed to work in the palace. Just for making me ruin my relationship with you, I don’t think she deserves to work in the palace.

I’m not trying to make an excuse for my actions. I should have told you before any of it even started. I… would have told you… If only I didn’t hesitate… You wouldn’t have found out the wrong way at the wrong time. 

I understand that it’s too late, but I can’t help but wish for your forgiveness anyway. If only to fix when I didn’t mean to break… Still, as long as you’re happy, I’m okay with whatever you choose. I hope you never have to experience that kind of pain again.

♐️♐️♐️

Tauxolouve’s Note: 

(Name), I have to first say that I don’t blame you for anything that’s happened; rather, I blame myself for not making better of the situation I was in. I don’t deserve your forgiveness, nor do I want it. I hurt you and you found someone better, simple as that. 

Still, I never felt like I was stuck between two worlds more than when I had to choose my position as a Zodiac god over my relationship with you. It only turned out to be a costly exchange…

I needed to maintain my position to keep seeing you, but it turned out to be my desperation that led to you hating me. The irony is cruel.

Still, as long as you’re prioritizing what you need to be happy, I’ll support you. Even if you wish to never see me again or even think of me, I’ll support your decision. If you want me in your life as a friend, I’ll accept that role too. I just want you to be happy and live the life you deserve; that’s all I ever wanted for you. Just remember, I’ll always be here to grant your wishes. 

♎️♎️♎️

Zyglavis’ Note: 

I know I should have seen this coming… However, ruefully, I should accept this punishment. I always put work above everything, I always prioritized my punishments. Above all, I was never heavy-handed enough to do what needed to be done the first time, always foolishly hoping that things would be mended on their own. 

This time, I ruined everything. Yet again my world crumbles around me and I’m left isolated from both man and god; and again… I was the cruel minister of punishments that you’ve always seen me as. 

I only hope you didn’t mistake my actions as a punishment to you. You were never deserving of such pain; you were perfect as you were. I ruined something entirely pure…

But I suspect this may be better for you in the long run. You found a human who can take care of you and make you happy; one who isn’t a minister that has to constantly take work over precious time I could have spent with you. This human can be there where I was not, so please, I encourage this new relationship you’ve made. 

As you’ve joked in the past, I may be a worrywart and a stick in the mud… But I will watch over you and punish any who bring you harm.

I recognize that I brought you harm, and I don’t wish for forgiveness. I deserve the pain that was inflicted upon me and remains to haunt me from all those centuries ago. 

Almost losing the Earth to darkness because of a mistake I made… and then doing the same thing again but to you… I deserve this punishment. I need to learn and grow, above all else. I can only thank you for teaching me valuable lessons in our time together. I hope to learn more as I carry you in my heart. 

♏️♏️♏️

Scorpio’s Note:  

First of all… I can’t believe you left me for a human. It makes my blood boil… Should that bastard ever do you wrong in any way, I’m going to take care of them swiftly. 

But… I understand why you left me, I won’t blame you for it and I’m not mad at you. I was too loyal to the King. Listening to this order and that order, doing things you’d never approve of… And they were all things I second guessed… because I knew you wouldn’t approve of what I was doing for that filthy trickster. Guess I was right… since everything ended in an instant the minute you caught me and found out everything.

I never felt such intense emotions before. My chest ached and I felt like my heart was shattering in my chest as I watched your heart break and crumble in front of my eyes… I didn’t know loss could hurt so hard; I never had anyone to lose before you. I hate it. Still, I had to convince myself that you weren’t lost—not in the way humans use the word… not yet. So I needed to take this opportunity to tell you how I felt before anything worse happened—like really losing you… I needed to tell you how much I still love you…

But I know I never deserved your love. I never understood why you would give it to someone like me, someone who didn’t know what love was until you showed up. Despite your efforts to teach me, I still failed to provide what a lover should… My loyalty should have been to you, not that lousy King.

I’m sorry, (Name). So, I won’t bother you anymore. Don’t worry about me. Focus on that human who knows love and will be able to give you what you deserve and who deserves your love in return. 

♊️♊️♊️

Dui’s Note: 

Ever since you left, I keep thinking… I always thought it would have been Shadow to be the one to scare you away. I thought you’d leave because of my split personality, not because of something I was forced to do.

I’m sorry for hurting you like that… You probably had no idea how much pain I was in to see you cry and run from him—of course, I wouldn’t have deserved that much consideration when you were in more than enough pain because of me. Shadow emerged not long after, nearly getting us in trouble by attacking the goddess who caused all this. But I didn’t have the heart to go after you once we’d calmed down.

If anything, I’m just happy you were able to find someone else. In fact, I’m glad this person used to be your childhood friend; that makes me all the happier for you. If it makes it easier for you… I’ll stay away and you can forget about me. I just what you to have the best.

—sCRibbLeD WriTiNG— (Shadow Dui’s Note:)

I’M SORRY~

I didn’t mean for any of this to happen! I didn’t want you to leave me. You’re the only one who truly accepted and loved me. Even Dui resents me for existing because you’re gone. 

I can’t make it without you, my only love—mOrE SCribBLeS— I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. I just… want you to smile again. I want to banish the image of you crying from my memory. Please, please, be happy. Be the happiest… Just… smile again… please…

♓️♓️♓️

Ichthys’ Note:

I want you to live a life you won’t regret, first and foremost. I love your smile and always want you to wear one. I want you to laugh, it’s one of my favorite sounds… 

Though… I regret that I’ll never be able to experience any of these things again. I envy the one who’ll be privileged enough to be by your side all the time.

But I know you loved my smile too… I find it hard to do that without you by my side. I never smiled for that goddess, never did anything to please her. She wasn’t the one I loved and I’m sorry I had to do that to you. It wasn’t a bad joke, I swear! It was just that I owed the King and my parents a lot; that included acting like a ‘proper Zodiac god’ and treating noble goddesses with respect. 

But now, all I can do is bask in the regret of losing you. I’ll try not to mope. I promise I’ll still pull pranks on the other gods. I’ll still laugh and smile for you… only you. I’ll keep living because you always wanted me to. Hopefully… you can live happily too… and maybe come to forgive me some day. 

♍️♍️♍️

Partheno’s Note:  

I knew dating you would come with trials—I’m not saying you were difficult to be with, rather, the opposite way around. I was a demon and I’d done horrible things to you; it was only a matter of if and when he made another wrong move that you’d forsake me. It was only sooner than I had time to prepare for…

I was still a Zodiac god, after all, and I was still sought after by goddesses… Of course, fate would be so cruel as to allow you to catch me with a goddess pinning me to my own bed. I know you probably don’t want to recall the sight, but you have to understand that I couldn’t fight back then; I couldn’t do anything that seemingly a demon would do. You understand, don’t you? That these goddesses would be willing to cry wolf if I didn’t give them what they wanted.

It was cruel… but it was all for you, didn’t you realize? In pleasing the gods, I was able to stay in the Heavens and keep you… But either way, my efforts brought me down. Those goddesses used me… You left me…

I’m not asking for pity or forgiveness. I’d support you no matter what you chose, even it was to be without me. 

But I knew you wanted a better life for me than what I was living as a demon, I’ll continue to try and make a better life as a god for you. I’ll do everything… anything for you. Though… if that human ever does anything to you, I’ll gladly revert to a demon and end the pathetic thing’s life. But don’t worry, it’s only a contingency plan. 

As long as you take care of yourself and do what makes you happy, I’ll gladly leave you be if it’s your wish. So, as long as you know… my heart is always for you, whether you choose to forgive me or not.

♈️♈️♈️

Krioff’s Note:  

I kind of understand what happened… You left because I was forced to please some worthless goddess… But didn’t you understand that I’d have put you in that goddess's palace in a heartbeat? Or… did you think I’d truly be seeing someone behind your back?

Well, that’s beside the point. You’re with someone else now—a human. You have other things to focus on and I don’t want your forgiveness anyway. If I’m to be alone, I want to suffer for what I’ve done to you. I deserve the same heartbreak I unintentionally bestowed upon you. You… who is entirely undeserving of pain. 

I’m used to getting hurt. I’ll take all the pain and suffering the world could give me if only for you to be pain-free and happy. You deserve nothing less. In fact, anyone who hurts you only deserves the worst, that includes me. 

If you’re trying to look for a positive outcome of this like I am… At least now, you’ll never have to deal with my dad again. No god or goddess deserves such an encounter…

But as long as you smile and are able to live your best life, this is okay.

#star crossed myth #my asks #zodiac gods #department of punishments #department of wishes #scm leon #scm karno #scm huedhaut #scm teorus #scm tauxolouve #scm aigonorus #scm zyglavis #scm scorpio #scm dui #scm ichthys #scm partheno #scm krioff #star crossed myth fanfic #fanfiction #scm fanfic

[acidh2otoby]

Cats?

Leon Kennedy x Male!Reader

No warnings, this is a nice happy story 👍

You had gone on a couple dates with Leon Kennedy after Chris Redfield introduced you to him. You immediately thought he was attractive and wanted to get to know him, but you didn't exactly expect to hear him ask you out since it's not every day you find another gay man.

This date was gonna be a little different. No, you two hadn't made it official yet but you were hoping that tonight was the night that changed. Leon had mentioned a date night at your house. You didn't mind, you actually thought it was a great idea until you got home and was greeted by your black cat, Loki.

You didn't know if Leon liked cats or not. Was he allergic? Oh god, what if he hates cats?

When the date night came around, you were nervous but managed to clean up a little. Loki had managed to vomit up a storm in your living room while you were sleeping the night prior.

"I told you not to eat the lady bugs!" You semi-yelled at Loki as he watched you scrub the puke off the floor.

Once that had been taken care of, you grab some movies that you owned and put them on a specific shelf so you knew where they were. You didn't know if the date would be a movie night or a 'late night talk' night.

A knock on your door made you jump a little before you rushed to the door. Even though you knew Leon would be coming over, you always still double check and looked through the peephole. There stood Leon, one hand in his pocket and the other behind his back. He looked a little nervous, it was really cute to you.

You smiled and unlocked the door before opening it, the look of nervousness Leon had seemed to vanish almost entirely once he saw you.

"Hey, come in." You greeted, you still weren't sure if you could trust your neighbors in your sexuality so you played it safe and made sure that any romantic interaction would be inside.

Leon stepped inside and handed you a small bouquet of flowers. "I, uh, saw them at the store and thought I should get you one." Leon said, a nervous smile on his face.

How the hell is this man so hot and cute at the same time?

"Thank you, that's very nice of you." You said, gently taking the bouquet from his hands. His shoulders seem to relax a bit as you smelled the flowers.

You told Leon to make himself at home while you put the flowers in a vase, totally forgetting the reason you were nervous until...

"Oh, hi?" You heard Leon say faintly from the kitchen.

Who was he talking to? It's just you and him... And your cat!

You quickly finished up before trying to calmly walk into the living room to see Loki sniffing Leon's hand.

Leon was kneeled down on the floor as he held his hand out in front of Loki. You weren't concerned about your cat hurting Leon since he was very friendly and sociable, but you didn't know how Leon felt about cats.

"His name is Loki." You said, hoping you wouldn't have to put your cat in another room until Leon left.

"Loki? Like the Norse God of mischief?" Leon asked, turning to you with a slight smirk.

"Yeah... I'm a mythology nerd." You admitted, rubbing the back of your neck in embarrassment.

Leon chuckled a little before he turned back to Loki and gently started petting his head. The cat started purring loudly, like he normally does. You sat on the couch beside the void and watched the interaction. A smile grew on Leon's face, which made you mentally sigh in relief.

"Is he always this friendly?" Leon asked, rubbing Loki's ears.

"Yeah, he's the best cat I've had. He's got a big heart that's full of love for everyone." You said, petting Loki's torso a little.

Loki rolled over so his stomach was showing. Leon moved his hand to pet his belly before you grabbed his hand.

"Careful, he doesn't like belly rubs, but he loves chest rubs." You said, guiding Leon's hand to Loki's chest area.

Leon did as told while Loki continued to purr. The night continued, and you eventually picked Loki up off the couch and put him in your lap so Leon could sit on the couch. But, Loki left you to sit with Leon not too long after.

You were glad that Leon liked cats and you were also glad that Loki liked your now official boyfriend. Once Leon moved in with you, he bought Loki some toys and learned what craziness zoomies and cat nip can cause.

#gay #leon kennedy #male reader #cats

[noonmutter]

Return

DWC November 2022 Day 6: Home/Unnatural

"I tried to warn you. Multiple times. But you're a grown man, in theory."

"'Ow was I sposed t' know 'ow long it'd been? Time passes funny in there! You know it does!"

"And yet, somehow, I've never spent so much time in the Dream as to have your questionably problematic problem."

"Your biological clock is gnome-manufactured; mine is a sundial from a farm."

"I really don't think anyone's going to mind, Leon."

"I mean... as alterations go, it coulda been worse, I guess? I mean, look at Malfurion, right?"

"Malfurion Stormrage is one of the greatest druids the Night Elves have ever produced, if not the greatest on Azeroth, and you would do well not to make fun of him."

"Okay but 'e totally does look a bit ridiculous if y' think about it too long."

"...Fine, yes. I'll grant you that much. Regardless, it's nothing to be dramatic about. If you hadn't made such a fuss about it in the first place, half the grove wouldn't even have noticed to begin with."

"Vember, 'alf th' grove doesn't notice what month it is."

"That's hardly relevant."

"Th' other 'alf is asleep."

"Leon. It's fine. Go home."

"I'm goin', I'm goin!"

"And give my best to your lovely fiancé, who's been terribly patient with you this whole time!"

"Long as y' give yer beau my blessin's in return, y' brat."

"I love you too, little brother."

As with most things, Vember was right about that parting shot; Valarin had been so very, very patient about his time away from home. The cabin visits had done well to stave off the...not completely unjustified fears his elven love harbored, but they weren't enough to chase away the almost tangible need to see one another. Engagement had a way of making that need so much stronger.

Leon had been looking forward to going home for good, because of course he had, but there was still a sense of sadness when he looked back at the barrow he'd shared with his adoptive sister for the last handful of years. She'd been as much a mentor as anyone else in the Dreamgrove, if not more so, because she was family and she knew him well enough to cut through his bullshit better than anyone else there. She was the only one, besides perhaps his feral shan'do Bollad, who could get him to admit he'd grown adept as a druid. He wasn't sure about Bollad because Bollad hadn't tried.

Walking the Dream was... an experience. No matter how many times he did it, no matter how easily it came to him now, there was always a brief sense of disconnection followed immediately by immersion. He felt both more and less real, though he knew the Dream was more. Though it was the place where Druids went to gain insight, to grow, to cement their place in the great balance, he understood immediately how it could be so easy to lose one's place entirely there. How easily one could forget how to wake up, and believe that they had always been as they were in the Dream. How that existence wasn't an unhappy one, for the dreamer.

Leon had brushed up against that twice in his time with the Dreamweavers. The first time, he almost fell straight into it like a warm blanket. The shock of it had been enough to crank his vigilance up to eleven, and he'd done much better in the following months. Visiting his friends and lovers by way of their dreams was great fun, but it was also good practice.

The second time, he had to actively fight it, and the effort was comparable to trying to take off his own skin in one piece without a knife. When he'd emerged he was...different.

Emotionally, of course; that was to be expected. But also there'd been a slight change. He really didn't know what to call it--unnatural was inaccurate, since nothing was more natural than the Dream, but it wasn't correct, either.

As he approached the cabin in Bradensbrook for the last time, trying to figure out who would be waiting for him there, he thought for a moment he was being followed. It took him several increasingly unsettled stops and checks before he thought to look down, and realized the problem.

The clicking noise on the cobbles was coming from him. He could only laugh a slightly nervous, embarrassed little laugh and move on.

He'd explain the talons when they asked about them. Not before.

( @daily-writing-challenge @valarin-sunstorm @vembermarlon )

#leon #drood nerd bros #my writing #dwc #oops he birded too hard

[worldly-diversity]

@lionfated ○ 𝕝𝕖𝕠𝕟 𝕒𝕤𝕜𝕖𝕕 𝕤𝕠𝕣𝕒 ○

          ⤷  『  ❝ you gotta stop pretending to be someone else. ❞  』

"I'm not—" It's the first thing that comes out of his mouth, instinctive and automatic, and he blows out a big breath as he tilts his head back over the edge of the couch to look at Leon as the other seems to be all but pacing a hole into his floor.

Poor floor…

"Look, I'm trying okay?" He muttered, pouting slightly and kicking off his shoes so he could curl up on the couch more comfortably, shifting in his seat to better be able to see the other from his perch as well.

"It's not that easy. Can you imagine me just dropping everything out of the blue? They'd think Xehanort possessed me or something." Which, quite frankly, he wouldn't be surprised if that was the conclusion they jumped to. Sora's public veneer was growing more different from the way he felt and conducted himself in private that by now the difference was staggering.

He'd stopped crying and raging a while ago, for which he's silently grateful as he'd been on the verge of breaking character in front of Donald and Goofy, or worse yet in front of Yen Sid and he'd have been in for no end of trouble then. No sad faces… No angry faces either, of course. Not that that counted for anyone but him clearly, considering how often Donald got jumped up. You'd think someone had shoved something up— Ahem. Anyway, better not derail…

"I can't change things now, and I didn't know better a few years ago when I might've still had the chance. It's… not fine, but it is what it is, I guess." He glanced up at Leon again, resting over the back edge of the couch now as if trying to get closer to the man who had become such a reliable and beloved anchor to him.

"It was the same for you, right?" He ventures after a small pause. Leon hadn't yet told him much of what life had been like for him before the worlds had gone and tangled themselves up in each other the way they had. Still, Sora loved the stories, even if it wasn't all good cheer and fun times. He figures one day maybe he'll be talking about his own adventures to some bright eyed and hopeful youngster and they'd feel the same way he did now.

It really was a cycle, huh?

"I can be myself here, that's enough for me." He finally offers in resolution. He can't change his attitude towards everyone else right now, he's doing all he can already to the edge of utter exhaustion to regain whatever it is Yen Sid thinks he's lost (it had better not be his innocence because that was impossible to recover—) and he's barely got energy left over for everything else he's got to deal with beside that.

Such as keeping up his veneer of joviality and good sportsmanship in front of his companions and friends.

He still desperately wished he could pull Riku aside and have a few hours to talk about how they both felt and how things were going, maybe reveal the truth to him even if knowing his cheerfulness was an illusion would likely hurt Riku some… It'd still be better to know the truth, just like he'd want Riku to tell him if something were wrong on his end too.

It's all he wants really, to clear the air and go home, but the way things are now it's already a miracle he can escape to Leon under the guise of extra training. At least here he can catch up on some much needed sleep and talk to his mentor about the things that are bothering him without needing to fear judgement or corrective measures of any kind.

"Hey Leon…" After a moment he glances up again, biting at his lower lip with an air of insecurity he didn't display all that often anymore. "Do you… Do you think I'll ever be able to go home?"

#lionfated #universe • final fantasy #inquiry • final fantasy #interactions • sora #answered #please ask before continuing #i do not take any responsibility for the depth of feelings incurred as a consequence of reading this post— #you said angst i give you angst xDD

[sapphire-weapon]

just utterly blown away by the way that the understanding of canon in Resident Evil fandom is shaped solely by a handful of weebs who think that they are the ultimate gatekeepers of knowledge just because they can read Japanese

and that their position/status is upheld by a bunch of other weebs who also think that the ability to read Japanese automatically makes those guys an authority

how many years did we accept "Leon was STRATCOM" without question because of these fucking narcissistic weeaboos

and there's no way to correct them in a meaningful way because the entire fandom has already decided that they're Objectively Correct, despite their claims being unsupported or even outright contradicted by the actual games

I shouldn't be so upset by this, because it's not like RE fandom is suddenly trash when it never was before. it was always garbage, but.

ultimately this is why it bothers me so much:

ljrp/dwrp was my primary way of contributing to RE fandom for over a decade. to think I wouldn't be able to do it these days because there's objectively incorrect information on Leon's wiki that can't be changed is genuinely upsetting for me.

if I hadn't been able to RP Leon in lj/dwrp games in the late aughts, I wouldn't have met @godtier or @theggning or @feelboss. There are more, too, that aren't even on tumblr for me to @ but who are still an active part of my life. I met ALL of them between 2007-2009, and they are still around today!! I'm a different person today because of them -- because I RPed Leon back in the day.

and I'm not about to RP a character based off of someone else's fucking headcanon.

it's just very personal for me idk

[redactar]

If Leon hadn't been swept up into his government job, would he have stayed a cop? Or did/does he have different aspirations? How does he feel about his place in life? Does he wish things had been easier?

@punkunlimited // send raive hc questions

I think, if he hadnt been swept up into the military, I think he would have... searched out the position anyway because it would have been the only way to do something about what had happened. He would have wanted to still do something, and being a cop wouldn't cut it. But... I don't know how he would have gone about that. Like it's different if Raccoon City would not have been the center of an outbreak, then Leon would have gone on to become part of the police unit, likely ended up in S.T.A.R.S... and maybe ended up angry and disillusioned with a lot of things anyway.

He didn't have any other real aspirations aside from being a cop. He thought maybe he would get into music, somehow, but he could never really get over the stage fright.

He is very unhappy with his lot in life and is just waiting for retirement. Because that's the only out he sees at this point. And he will get it, even if it's only a technical retirement and he still ends up doing some kind of behind the scenes work.

Who wouldn't wish things were easier? Nothing has really worked out for him. He's an excellent agent and that's it. He feels he has nothing really to show for his life though because at the end of the day, nothing has changed. What was the point of it all, really? Sometimes, at his worst, he wishes he'd have been selfish and never drove into the city at all.

#hc #call connected (ask) #punkunlimited

[legaciestold]

sein island incident (aftermath) may 11th, 2011 21:35 (local time) somewhere in russia clear skies, warm, eerily calm night @everythingheard (leon)

claire has little memory of the fishing boat which scoops her out of the ocean, miles away from any island and them not marking their location to aid any authorities in finding where she'd come from.

where moria's body had to be.

she remembers pain. intense and horrific as her body reacted to being moved. that's really the biggest thing she has sensation of before she's lost in the stories of her memories again. she has no idea that it's days before the fisherman get back to any form of civilization that has means to help her beyond managing to get some fluids in her. she remembers, mildly, saying her name when prompted and has no idea that her name given to authorities once they do get to the mainland is what propels such quick action as it trickles through systems and reaches the bsaa and dso alerts. she remembers the pain again, transports, the shaking of a helicopter and then bright lights. barry. she remembers barry. she remembers moria.. she remembers telling him what she'd seen.. what she believed. moria was dead and she remembers doctors telling him they had to take her. she remembers words like critical condition and surgery and remembers grabbing the arm of the doctor with all her remaining strength and warning him a virus was coursing through her.

claire has no idea about the eight days that follow this moment.

about chris getting there and being held back by barry from attempting to charge into the intensive care unit and disrupt their work on her. she has no idea about becca being called in to help analyze her blood and form some kind vaccine for the virus in her. she has no idea they place in her a medically induced coma for days both because they want to prevent the virus from triggering until they can cure it and because she's in such bad shape that it's the best way to let her body start to recover before she can be capable of enduring the shock of her awakening. she has no idea that leon gets there at some point during that time, only told she's missing after he'd completed his mission so he wouldn't get distracted and him searching for any leads he could find in the region they suspected her taken to until word comes she's in transit to a hospital because holy fuck somehow they'd both managed to be hours away from each other and in two very different shitty situations independently. claire is hard pressed to be thankful to the government for many things but she will be thankful later that they hadn't told him when he was on the ground in that war. she wouldn't be the reason he gets taken out because he was distracted. in a twisted way, she's thankful he was in that war though. because it meant he was close to her the whole time, as if the universe couldn't allow them to be so far apart when both their lives were threatened. it meant some part of her sensed his presence at her bedside in that week she was unconscious.

it's on that eighth day, with the moon high in the sky and chris finally having given in for a few hours of shut eye that finds claire suddenly stirring. they'd taken her off the medications which kept her under hours before yet she hadn't awakened yet, them saying it'd happen when her body was ready to. her body is healing quicker than most and rebecca had mused that it was entirely possible it was the byproduct of the antibodies in her blood from before reacting with the new ones and the fact they hadn't cured the virus until a day and a half ago. it means her recovery won't be as long but it doesn't change that claire still looks like she'd been hit by a train. pain radiates through her though she doesn't feel as weak as she had before. her eyes blink open in confusion, monitors starting to beep as her awareness comes to the forefront and she gasps at the way her body hurts.

"what's-- where--" she begins but her voice is dry and her mind isn't catching up to reality just yet. she tries to move, begins trying to claw at the medical equipment attached to her and nearly pulls out her iv in an attempt to get away.

was she back on the island? was she back in the vampire castle?

no no.

she couldn't let them experiment on her. not again.

the reaction is visceral and uncontrolled, memories from prismya flooding back to her because the room and the lights were so much like that lab and she doesn't know what's happening. she struggles painfully because her body is raging against such movements; though her actions aren't in a fearful way as much as a need to survive way. to get out of danger. whatever danger she's in. claire feels hands on her though, hears a voice though the words aren't clear to her in her haze. yet it makes her freeze her attempts.

w a r m t h .

"leon."

her blue-gray eyes refocus, meet his and she breathes out his name as if it's some kind of prayer. as if she hadn't expected to be able to say it again, as if she hadn't expected to see him again. she sinks forward then both in relief and because her body can't keep her sitting up any longer, her face falling into his chest as the monitors start to calm.

"we gotta... stop meeting like this. at least... we... graduated from castles." claire wheezes her words out as reality starts to form around her.

#everythingheard #v; bprd: biohazard timeline #muse; claire redfield

[sjsmith56]

Starting From Scratch - Part 19, From There to Here, Bucky Barnes One Shots

Summary: Bucky arrives in Italy via cargo ship then makes his way to a ferry terminal on the east coast, determined to get across to Eastern Europe. An encounter with an understanding stranger results in him telling the man more than he should. When the man is revealed to be a con artist Bucky is left reeling, most of his cash gone. Another opportunity presents itself which he accepts, feeling he has no choice.

Length: 8.7K

Characters: Bucky Barnes, Leon Meier, Jovan Sakič, assorted Roma.

Warnings: misplaced trust, being cheated, violence causing injury, fear of discovery.

Author’s notes: In other one shots in this collection, Bucky’s trust in people was rewarded with help and understanding. Despite all of his skills it seemed plausible that a skilled con artist could fool Bucky, taking advantage of his need for help and naïveté. It should have ended there but the story line involving him help a Roma family seemed to come out of nowhere and it set the stage for other one shots in the collection.

Leu: Romanian currency.

Kuna: Croatian currency before Euro was adopted in 2022.

Mudak: Russian for shithead.

<<Part 18

🚅 ⛴️

It had been several days since Bucky Barnes crossed the Atlantic as a paying passenger on a cargo ship. So far, cutting his hair and keeping his face shaved had been enough to make him look different from the images being shared in the media. Those images, taken mostly from the battle with Steve at the Triskelion showed him in his Winter Soldier gear, complete with the longer hair, and unshaven face. His new look, combined with the German passport showing him with shorter hair and no beard had resulted in no issues while travelling. Since disembarking at Civitavecchia Bucky travelled across Italy, starting with buying a train ticket to Rome from the port. With the help of an older American couple who he helped with their luggage on the train to Rome he learned about the ferries that left the port of Ancona, on the coast of the Adriatic Sea, bound for Croatia, settling on taking a ferry to Split. He hadn't decided where exactly he was going after that, but the Eastern European countries seemed to be the best fit for him. As he talked more to the older couple, they told him he could easily afford to live in Serbia or Romania but with the latter now a member of the European Union there would be more opportunities for employment for a German citizen. In their opinion it was also a much safer country, with less unrest. Considering that he apparently knew the Romanian language just by looking at some pictures they shared from their phones, and understanding the signage, Bucky decided that country would be his destination. He just had to get there.

Once he arrived in Rome, he inquired at the ticket office about the next train to Ancona and asked if he could purchase his ferry ticket through them. The fastest trains took about three and a half hours, with several scheduled per day. He had just missed the most recent one with the next one set to leave in three hours. Smiling kindly at the ticket agent he paid cash for his train ticket then was directed to where he could wait with his luggage. Normally they wouldn't sell him a ferry ticket but because he had no phone the agent did it for him, putting it on her credit card. He gave her extra cash for the favour. Before he left the window the agent warned him about pickpockets, con artists, and not to leave his luggage unattended. Taking the warning seriously Bucky took his luggage with him into the bathroom, using the facilities then making sure his notebooks, money and passport were in the backpack. He also packed a change of clothing into it, rolling the clothes up so they would fit. Looking at the other passports that were in the backpack he decided to get rid of them and tore them up into little pieces, flushing them down the toilet. Heading back down into the waiting area he watched the boards constantly to see when his train would arrive from the coast, wanting to be ready to board for the return trip.

As the waiting area began to fill up with more passengers arriving, he had to accept that he would be sitting close to other people. It was a little unnerving for him at first as crowds made him uncomfortable but eventually the announcement was made that boarding could begin and the gate to the track was opened. Standing in line with the others he showed his ticket and was directed to where his car was. After showing his ticket once more he boarded and was told that his larger bag had to be left in a common area along with everyone else's luggage. He was allowed to bring his backpack with him and put it under his seat.

His anxiety level began to rise when the train didn't leave at its scheduled time due to small problem involving local police. For a moment he wondered if somehow they found the pieces of the discarded passports, then his anxiety was relieved when he saw several polizia escorting a man and woman on the train platform. The couple were handcuffed and looked miserable.

"Pickpockets," said the man next to him, in accented English that seemed familiar to Bucky. "That's usually who gets arrested at the train station."

Smiling slightly at the man and nodding his head Bucky looked out the window, glad when the train began moving. He had chosen a window seat with the window on his left, thinking that it would keep his left arm hidden from scrutiny. A few minutes after leaving the station the man looked at Bucky.

"American?"

"German but I lived there a long time," said Bucky. "You?"

"Swiss," said the man. Bucky stiffened, remembering that Arnim Zola was Swiss. "I'm heading to Croatia for business. Had to go to Rome first. You on business or just travelling?"

Why was this man asking so many questions? "Just travelling," said Bucky. "Thinking of moving, finding work elsewhere."

The man nodded. "Romania is a good place but you'll have to register as a non-resident," he said. "It's just a formality. If I were you I would get a place to live right away. Once you show you have a residence it's easier to get work. The other countries around it have more strict requirements."

Bucky nodded and smiled wanly. "Thank you, I'll keep that in mind," he said, then he turned to look out the window, hoping that signalled he didn't want to talk anymore.

It must have because the other man didn't say anything more until they were almost at Ancona, and then it was just a comment about almost being there. Grabbing his luggage he was about to get off when the Swiss man spoke again.

"If you're taking the ferry to Split so am I," he said. "We can share a taxi, my treat, as I can claim it as a business expense. It's not a very pedestrian friendly walk." Bucky looked at him, unable to make a decision as his anxiety began to overwhelm him. The man must have sensed it. "It's okay. You just seemed anxious about this part. My name is Leon Meier."

He showed Bucky his passport just to show that he was on the level. Swallowing noticeably Bucky nodded and he waited with Meier until the rush of departing passengers had lessened. They came out to the front of the station where a line of taxis waited. After putting his larger bag in the trunk Bucky got into the back seat with Meier, clutching his backpack. Meier asked for the port and the driver began the drive down the busy roadway. Nothing was said by either man. The Swiss businessman paid the driver when they got there, receiving a receipt for his expense record. After seeing where Bucky's cabin was Meier asked Bucky to meet for a meal in the café.

"You don't have to, but I'm guessing you haven't eaten all day," he said. "I could hear your stomach groaning."

"Sorry," said Bucky. "I'm not a good traveller."

"Hmm," replied Meier. "I think you have other issues as well, if you'll forgive my bluntness." Right away Bucky's sense of unease increased, and the Swiss man had to explain. "I'm sorry. You seem to have anxiety issues which are none of my business, but it does make you stand out. When you get to the other side, you'll have to be less conspicuous. Join me for a meal and I'll explain. Please."

Bucky agreed and entered his cabin as Meier went on to his. Twenty minutes later they met in the café and Bucky bought a couple of sandwiches and a coffee. Meier bought his food and sat at the table across from him. After listening to several of the people around them he looked at Bucky and took a significant breath.

"I know who you are," he said in Spanish. "I'm assuming you understand me. If you do, just nod your head. You don't have to speak." Bucky slowly nodded his head. "Good, what name are you travelling under?"

"Jakob," replied Bucky. Meier looked again with raised eyebrows. "Schmidt."

"I assume your German is flawless?" Bucky nodded his head again. "I'm not turning you in. How do I say this? I was related to Arnim Zola." Instantly, Bucky tensed as if he was ready to bolt. Meier shook his head and put his hands out to calm the super soldier down. "I'm not one of them. Zola was a disgrace to our family. He collaborated with a madman and brought such dishonour on the family name that we had to change it. When that organization fell, someone, I don't know who, delivered a box of files to my father, Zola's nephew. They must have thought we were sympathizers, but it made us sick to see what he did, to you especially. That's how I recognized you as it showed you during the war, after they found you. It was smart that you cut your hair and shaved as most of the images being shown of you are from more recently."

He stopped speaking, as if he was making sure no one else was listening. Then he took a bite of his food and drank some of his coffee, encouraging Bucky to do the same. When he spoke again it was with a lower voice.

"My father turned the files over to Interpol," he said. "So, they now have images of you from when you were younger. You will have to grow your hair a little bit and maybe return to a partially shaven look. I don't know which look would be better but the further east you can go the better for you as you are less known in those countries. Romania is probably best and with it being on the coast of the Black Sea would allow you more opportunities to escape if you are found."

Bucky slowly ate his meal, still reeling at the man's disclosure. "I'm not him. I fought it all the time."

A grim look appeared on Meier's face and he nodded sympathetically. "I know that. My great uncle could never understand why you always needed to undergo constant treatment to remove your memories and condition you to be their man. Even that wasn't enough as you were still reluctant to be what they wanted. There was a quote from Abraham Erskine about why Steve Rogers was his choice to receive the serum that made him Captain America. Basically, it said the serum made the good man better, but made the bad man worse."

"I still killed for them," interrupted Bucky, his face full of guilt.

Meier nodded then spoke intensely to him. "They had to go to extreme lengths to make you, Jakob. Lengths that would have killed a lesser man. Tell me truthfully, have you received help from people?"

"Yes," he admitted.

"Did they know your true identity?" Bucky nodded. "Then accept that they saw the good man within you, the good man that forms your soul. When I revealed I knew who you were you froze, but at no time did you become aggressive. The other one, who I won't even dignify with a name, would have lashed out, removed me from existence, even in the presence of all these witnesses. He would have removed them next, gone on a rampage to cover his tracks. He is not you."

"He's still there," said Bucky. "He can be brought out with a series of words and I'm helpless if anyone says them."

"Yeah, I read about them," stated Meier, sounding almost defeated. "You need to be deprogrammed for those and I don't know who you can trust to do that for you. Truthfully, there are many organizations that would take you in, but they would make you do what my great uncle did. Your skills are coveted by many."

The Swiss man looked almost sick as he said the last part, as it verified what Bucky feared. There might not be any way to remove the Winter Soldier programming from his mind. Suddenly, he wasn't hungry anymore and he pushed the last part of his sandwich away. Neither man said anything for some time then Meier leaned close.

"Your friend, with the shield," he began, not wanting to say his name out loud in case anyone caught on to their conversation. "Can you contact him?"

Bucky took a deep breath before speaking. "He told me to run and get somewhere safe. I almost killed him and I'm not sure I won't attack him again because my mission to kill him wasn't completed. It's still there, a whisper that I have to go back and finish the job."

"That's unfortunate," replied Meier. "He is probably the one man who can ensure your safety. You know, your passport name, Schmidt, was probably used to signify that you were a child of Johann Schmidt, the madman my great uncle collaborated with. The serum you were given was likely made from his blood. Schmidt is a good name, it means blacksmith, a decent, honest occupation. It won't raise eyebrows wherever you end up, unlike my great uncle's name. Stay low, try not to become involved in any incidents. If you have to work, then do something involving manual labour. You're a big man and I suspect you will find some release in a physical job. Your anxiety ... are you having nightmares?"

"Often," replied Bucky. "More memories are returning, mostly in bits and pieces. I write them down, in case I lose them."

"You have suffered, Jakob," said Meier. "What you went through has probably damaged your brain and brain injuries can take years to heal. There are foods that can help, food rich in anti-oxidants, like fish or fresh fruits and vegetables. If you go to a library and look up anti-oxidants you can find out more. The better your nutrition is the quicker your brain will heal. What will take longer to heal is the damage done to your soul. In your day they ascribed it to men who couldn't handle the horrors of war, calling it battle fatigue, or shell shock. It had implications of cowardice attached to it."

His face was distasteful as he said that last part and for a moment Bucky felt shame, as he remembered times during the war when he wanted it all to stop but never said anything out of loyalty to his unit, and to Steve. Certain that Meier looked upon him as inferior, Bucky began to rise but the man put his hand out.

"No, please stay," insisted Meier. "It is seen as more complex in these modern times. They call it post traumatic stress disorder, PTSD for short. You can find resources in a library on it. It is how your mind has been affected by all the trauma you suffered and you suffered more than just about anyone, Jakob. There are going to be times the whispers will tell you lies, that you are worthless, damaged beyond repair, broken for all time. You must do your best not to listen to those lies."

Meier stopped speaking, suddenly rubbing his face with his hands. When he pulled his hands away Bucky was shocked to see tears glistening in the man's eyes. He stood up to leave and Bucky stood up with him, puzzled by the emotions the man was showing. People around them were noticing and whispering about the two men. Grabbing Bucky's arm Meier pulled him outside. There were several people out on the open deck, smoking cigarettes, taking in the air, or having a walk before retiring for the night long journey. In a spot where there was no one in earshot Meier looked intently at Bucky. This time he spoke in English.

"Don't give up. Don't let my great uncle win. Fight for your life, Jakob. Perhaps, someday, you can come in from the cold, and be seen as a man again. When Zola was arrested by the Americans in World War II they froze the family's assets, all of them. He then began working for SHIELD to undermine that organization and build HYDRA up within them. At the time we didn't know it. Then he stole the family's money, all of it. We had to start from scratch, is the expression, I think. That is when my father changed our family name. When you escaped, and the Romanoff woman released the files and they found mention of Zola's family they came looking for us, thinking we had access to his secrets. HYDRA, the CIA, reporters, con artists ... trying to take what we had built again from us. Once more, I'm trying to save my family from the shame of having the same DNA as that monster."

"Turn me in," said Bucky. "I'll tell them everything I know. You shouldn't have to suffer because of what he did."

"I cannot do that. Not if I want to look at myself in the mirror ever again."

Meier looked out over the water, breathing heavily. Then he approached the railing and looked down at the dark water many feet below. For a moment Bucky thought the man would throw himself over and he put his hand out, touching Meier's arm, making him flinch a little in the process.

"I know where the HYDRA safe houses are," he said solemnly. "You can have the list. They're full of money and weapons. I don't need a lot to live on and you're right about me working manual labour. It would help give me a physical release."

"No, I can't take that list," argued Meier. "You've suffered so much. The money rightfully belongs to you for all that they made you do."

"I insist," said Bucky. "Wait here and I'll get the list."

Bucky ran to the stairwell then down to the cabins level. He entered his cabin, picked up his backpack and opened the front pouch where the list was. Folding it, he placed it inside his jacket and ran back up to the open deck. Meier was still at the railing, still looking despondent as the ship sliced through the open water. Bucky offered him the sheets.

"Here," he said. "Take it. Watch the places for a while as there may still be people there. There may be cameras watching so you'll have to avoid them or disable them. Everything is usually in a hidden safe but if you have the right tools, you can easily open it."

"God bless you," said Meier, emotionally. "You are a good man, Jakob, or should I say James."

"Bucky," he replied, putting his hand out. "My friends called me Bucky."

"Bucky, then," replied Meier. "You have saved our family from our shame." He shook Bucky's hand before reaching in his pocket and pulling a card out of his wallet. "This is my business card. If you ever find yourself in trouble, please call me and I will do what I can to help. You have my word." He looked at his watch. "Well, this has been quite the day. Thank you again. Remember my advice."

Bucky put the card in his wallet and together the two men went down the stairwell again, each to their own cabin, although they had to shift to allow a woman to pass them in the narrow hallway. As Bucky lay on the firm bed in his cabin, he felt good about what he had done. He slept well, not having any dreams that he could remember.

In the morning he was awakened by the ship's intercom announcing that docking was imminent. Quickly dressing he put his jeans on and patted his back pocket, feeling for his wallet. It wasn't there and he looked in his jacket pocket for it. It wasn't there either. Quickly, he searched his luggage for it, finding his passport and remaining bundles of Euros in the backpack. Then he searched the room, unsuccessfully, and began to panic.

As he tried to recall the last time he handled his wallet a sick feeling began building in his stomach. The last time he saw his wallet was when he put Leon Meier's business card in it and put it back into his jean's back pocket. As he replayed their return to their own cabins he suddenly remembered the moment when the woman squeezed past them and Meier slipped his hand behind Bucky to keep him from hitting the wall.

"No," he whispered.

Leaving his luggage briefly he ran to Meier's room and found the door open, a steward already in there cleaning and changing the bedding. Running back to his room he grabbed his luggage and went down to the gangway where people were already leaving. Searching everywhere to find Meier he heard a beep and turned around to see a smiling Meier in a car driven by the woman in the hallway. Even though the vehicle was a considerable distance away he could see the smirk on the couple's faces as Meier saluted him and the car drove off the ramp. He should have chased them but there were too many people about to do it safely.

The words of the ticket agent in Rome suddenly echoed in his mind, warning him about pickpockets and con artists. Yet Meier had known who he really was. How was that possible, unless ... with a sick feeling Bucky realized that Meier had probably found out about Zola and himself on the internet then guessed successfully who he was by close observation. By playing on his fears to make him release more information about himself, Meier exploited him for even more information. Quickly checking his backpack again Bucky confirmed that he still had some cash, enough for a train ticket to somewhere, and perhaps to pay for some food. The other bundles that were in there had been tampered with, the money replaced with coloured paper. Only the top few and bottom bills were actual currency. The woman must have broken in before he got the list for Meier, likely when they were still eating, and taken most of his money.

With a sigh he gathered his luggage and headed towards the exit from the port. He asked a guard if there was public transit to the train station. With a grin the guard told him it was only a few minutes' walk away. Putting his small backpack on his front and his large backpack on his back Bucky headed in the direction indicated. It was busy there and he had to wait in line at the ticket office. They didn't have routes to Romania, but they could take him to Zagreb, further in Croatia, where he could catch a direct train to Bucharest. Purchasing the cheapest ticket, he was pleased that he wouldn't have to wait long for it, although it would be a long seven-hour trip. Going over his diminishing cash reserves he bought an energy bar at a kiosk in the station and drank water from the tap in the washroom. It would have to do.

When the call to board was made, he found himself behind a large family, a mother, two teenage boys and three small children. They were loud, slow, and began to make him anxious. Still, being brought up with manners, he said nothing to the family. When he saw his seat was in the midst of them, he almost changed his mind about taking the train, but it was the only train of the day from Split to Zagreb. With a sigh he took his seat and tried his best to ignore the antics of the young children. He even managed to doze off at one point, which was a miracle that didn't last when one of the younger ones suddenly flopped onto his lap. Sitting upright in a panic he looked all around then saw the small girl looking up at him with a shy smile.

"I'm sorry," the mother said, in heavily accented English. "Lena, leave him alone. He was sleeping. Oh, I knew I shouldn't have tried to take them all without my husband."

"It's alright," replied Bucky. "No harm done."

The harried mother had an insulated case and opened it up, distributing food to her brood. She offered Bucky food, wrapped in plastic.

"Please," she said. "Share with us."

He tried to turn it down, but she wouldn't take no for an answer, so he accepted it, unwrapping it, and biting slowly into it. It was basic fare, a hollowed-out bread roll, filled with a formed meat, onions and a red sauce. It was also delicious, and Bucky found it hard not to wolf it down.

"Thank you," he said, as he wiped his mouth with his hand. "I was hungrier than I thought. I didn't eat since last night, except for an energy bar I was going to eat later."

"A big man like you must eat," she chastised him lightly. "You go home to your family?"

"No," he answered. "Trying to find work. I don't how I'll manage to get to Bucharest. I was robbed."

Her face dropped. "No, a pickpocket?"

"Yes, and cheated by a con man," he admitted. He shook his head. "He fooled me."

One of the teenagers said something to her in a language that seemed familiar but he only understood a few words. She answered him a little sharply then patted his cheek, as if to apologize.

"You come with us when we get to Zagreb," she said. "My brother has a ... place to eat food."

"A restaurant," said Bucky, to which she nodded.

"Yes, a restaurant," she said. "You work few days, make some money. We help each other."

"I don't understand, how do I help you?" he asked.

She looked at the older teenager. "She wants you to take care of something," said the boy, in better English. "You're a big man, with big muscles. There are people who want money from my uncle. That's why we're going there, to help get the money. She wants you to show the people they can't push our family around."

He shrugged, embarrassed at having to ask a stranger to defend their family. Bucky leaned back into his seat, looking at the family. Noticing their clothes and mannerisms he had an idea of who they were.

"You're Roma, aren't you?" he asked the boy, who nodded.

"We're refugees but managed to get to Italy until my uncle said that people would kill him unless he paid them protection money. The only way we can pay them is to go back to the family business, which we left Croatia to avoid. Now we're going back because my uncle has ordered it. He's the head of the family."

"If I help you, I can't kill anyone," he said. "I will not do that."

The mother looked at her son who told her in the Roma language what Bucky said.

"Okay," she agreed. "You hurt bad men?"

"I can hurt them, but if they're mafia they'll keep coming for you," said Bucky.

The boy translated and she looked afraid for a moment. Then she nodded her head in agreement.

"Okay, I'll help you," said Bucky. "You pay me cash and you tell no one, ever, that you saw me."

He leaned back, breathing heavily, and closed his eyes. Everything in him was saying not to do this, not to get involved as it could signal his presence in Europe. But Meier had already figured that out so it might be a matter of time anyways before someone came looking for him. Right now, he needed money to get to Romania, and to do that he needed to work. If he could intimidate these people who were extorting money from the uncle into stopping, then he would get something for his efforts.

When the train arrived in Zagreb he helped pick up one of the smaller children, carrying her in his arms, even though he had his suitcase and backpack to take care of. Each of the teenagers handled the rest of the luggage and the mother had a small sleeping child in her arms as well. There was an older man at the train station waiting for the family and the woman explained who Bucky was. At first the man was upset but she said more and he eventually agreed. Taking the young child from Bucky's arms he led them on a twenty minute walk to an apartment over a restaurant, which was open. As the others went upstairs to the apartment with his bags she took Bucky into the restaurant. It was busy and the smells coming out of the kitchen were aromatic enough to set his stomach growling. An older man in the kitchen saw her come in and frowned at Bucky. Meeting her in the doorway he argued with her and once again Bucky had to witness the woman convince the man that he could help them. Coming over to Bucky he looked up at him and felt his shoulders and arms, noticing his left arm was much firmer than his right.

"You a soldier?" he asked.

"I was," answered Bucky.

"Why do you help?"

"I need the money," he replied. "I was robbed by a con man and I need to get to Romania. I also don't like bullies ... khuligany."

It was the Russian word for bullies and he hoped it was close enough to Croatian as they shared many similar words. The man thought for a moment then nodded and pointed at a chair. Yelling at someone in the kitchen he brought food out for Bucky.

"You eat and when they come in you tell them to leave," he said.

"You know it may take several times before they leave you alone?" asked Bucky.

"Yah, I know," he said, resigned. "I feed you and give you a place to sleep. If you help, I give you 1000 Leu."

"That won't go very far," said Bucky, knowing it was worth about $220 in US dollars. "How much did they want?"

"2,000 kuna, about 265 Euros just for the first payment," he spat. "I don't have it, not even half. So to pay them I'm forced to make my family into criminals again, a life we hoped to leave behind. Please, help us and I will pay you what I can."

Bucky sighed. "Alright, but you can't tell anyone about me," he said. "I'm trying not to draw attention."

The man smirked. "You're too big not to. My name is Nicolae. You?"

"Jakob."

"I hope you can do what my sister said you could," he stated. "Otherwise, they'll kill us all."

Bucky dug into the food. It was tasty and satisfied him. When he was finished he asked to use the restroom and the woman, Milena, showed him a room in the back. It wasn't the cleanest but he had been in worse. When he came out Milena put her hand out to him and nodded to the front. Looking out through the pass through Bucky saw there were three big men, talking menacingly to Nicolae. He could understand the gist of it. They wanted the money or would force Milena and the two teenagers into being pickpockets until the debt was paid.

"Is there a back door?" he asked Milena.

She showed him and he went out that way then came around to the front, stepping quietly behind the three men. When one of the men moved to grab Nicolae Bucky tapped him on the shoulder and downed him with one shot. The other two men turned around but never had a chance as Bucky took them both down within seconds, lifting the third one over his head and tossing him out the door into the street. Picking the other two up he dragged them outside, dropping them into the street then stood outside the doorway watching them. As they came to and stood up, he addressed them in Russian.

"These people are my friends. They are under my protection and do not need yours. Leave them alone."

They pulled out guns and Bucky attacked them again, quickly disabling them and knocking them to the ground. In front of their snarling faces he crushed their guns in his prosthetic hand, still gloved. After he destroyed the third gun he addressed them again in Russian.

"If you come here again I will do this to your bodies." Then he smiled, remembering a line. "I can do this all day."

Slowly they got up and left but they weren't happy. Bucky went back inside the restaurant and looked at Nicolae.

"They'll be back," he said. "Probably tonight, with reinforcements. What time do you close?"

"Nine, ten o'clock," he said. "Depends on how many customers."

"Lock the back door," said Bucky. "If you can close by nine turn off all the lights in the restaurant and go up to your apartment. Leave me inside. If you don't want your furniture broken, you should move it all to one side, but I can't promise there won't be damage."

Nicolae nodded and Bucky pulled a bar stool just outside the door and sat on it, watching the neighbourhood. At about 8:45 Nicolae said he was closing and that they had moved the furniture. Bucky moved the stool and himself back inside. He hesitated for second.

"You're sure you don't need help?"

"Yes, I work better alone and if I don't have to worry about anyone who could get hurt," said Bucky. "I know what I'm doing. Just go upstairs and watch out for your family."

With a shake of his head the other man left, leaving Bucky inside the restaurant. He sat in the darkness, enjoying the quiet, as he calmed himself to hear any sounds outside that did not sound natural. About half an hour after his vigil started, he heard the sound of a car pulling up down the street then slowly advancing towards his location. It stopped about twenty feet before the door of the restaurant and Bucky positioned himself near the door but still in the shadows. He could hear the sounds of several footsteps outside, attempting to be stealthy. Looking out the window he saw the shadowy outlines of several men, more than three. There were whispered instructions between them then they carefully broke a window in the door in order to open it. Two men stepped inside, each with a gun that appeared to have a silencer on. They took a firing position as they kneeled before waving the others inside. When the fifth man entered Bucky took action grasping one of the guns and using it to hit the man across the nose, sending him to his knees in pain. Using the gun, he shot two of the others in their knees then advanced on the other two so fast they likely didn't see him coming. Wrapping his metal arm around the neck of one of the men he kept him in between his body and the other man who would have shot but Bucky moved so fast he couldn't take the shot. Once the man in his arm passed out Bucky pushed him into the second man then choked him into submission. By then the first man, whose nose had been broken was standing and trying to find Bucky in the dark. A touch of the gun to his ear alerted him and he raised his hand offering his gun to Bucky.

"Take your men back to your car and return to your boss," said Bucky, in Russian. "Tell him these people are under my protection and I will not allow him to extort money from them again."

"You don't know who you're dealing with," replied the man, also in Russian. "They won't stop."

"Then I won't stop sending his men back broken and injured," stated Bucky. "These people do not have the money and they don't want to be criminals."

"What are they giving you to fight for them?" sneered the man. "Come to work for us. You can be a rich man with your skills."

"I will not be used by men like you any more. The more men you send the more men will be sent back broken."

With an exaggerated sigh the man grunted and as the two unconscious ones came around, he ordered them to carry the shot ones out to the car. Then he stood in the doorway looking at Bucky's hulking shadow inside the restaurant.

"This isn't over, mudak," he threatened. "You've just made it worse for these people."

"You don't know who you're dealing with," replied Bucky. "If you did you would leave this city. Next time I will come to your house and bring it down."

The other man spat onto the floor then turned and Bucky quickly gathered the guns, sticking them into his waistband. This was going to be tricky but it had to be done. He watched out the window as the car was started and turned around to return to the mob's headquarters. Stepping out into the night he began to run after them, making sure to stay in the dark shadows, not giving away his position. After about ten minutes of easy running for him he saw the vehicle pull up to a garage and one of the men get out to open a sliding door. The vehicle drove inside and the door was closed. Approaching it in silence Bucky looked for any guards outside. Not finding any he used a building next to the garage to get up to the roof and found a vent where he could hear everything.

As he expected the conversation was entirely in Russian, indicating these weren't local mobsters, who wouldn't have asked for so much and stuck more to the drug trade and smuggling. Bucky felt shame for his part in bringing the Russian mob into this country, remembering several hits he made taking out key people in the Croatian mafia who were also connected to the government of the time. In his mind Bucky felt partly responsible for these criminals who were terrorizing the Roma minority in this neighbourhood. It was one of the reasons he accepted the job, hoping to make some sort of amends to these people who just wanted to be left alone. Shaking his head to clear it of the negative thoughts Bucky could tell the boss man was not happy about five of his men being sent back, after the original three came crawling back earlier. He was angry at how one man seemed to have the ability to counteract his men. As Bucky feared, the boss man was considering sending his whole force against the restaurant, meaning he had to do something now, before it escalated further.

Quietly moving to the perimeter of the building he looked for the electrical connection to the grid, finding the cluster of wires that powered the building. He flexed his left hand then reached over and pulled the wires apart. A small buzz flowed up his arm from the small amount of electricity that the titanium in his arm allowed to be conducted. It wasn't enough to hurt him, but he could feel it. As the yells from inside indicated the lights going out Bucky jumped to the ground, pulled out two of the guns and burst through a window, firing at anything that moved.

In the chaos he picked out the one man who was backing away from the firing, pulling two men to cover him. Like a whirling dervish Bucky went through all of his men, ignoring any bullets that grazed or hit him. In this mode he could withstand a lot of injuries without impacting his performance. Years of being sent to take out powerful men with many bodyguards made his actions routine and as natural as breathing. Finally, it was just him facing the boss with his two bodyguards almost vibrating in their terror.

"Soldat," said the boss man, swallowing nervously.

"I'm not him anymore," said Bucky in English. "I have no master, and will never have another forcing me to their will. What I do now I do of my own free will. You know what I can do to you?" The boss man nodded his head. "I will say this once. Leave the Roma alone, all of them. They are under my protection. Let the other bosses in this town know. If I hear of any action taken against them I will find you and send you all to hell. Do you understand?"

"Yes," stammered the boss. "The Roma will not be bothered."

To emphasize his threat Bucky removed his left glove and extended his hand into a beam of a streetlight that came from outside, making the titanium shine. Then he took one of the guns out of his waistband and crushed it in his hand, driving home the power he still held and the terror he could still wield.

"I am Baba Yaga, a ghost, a demon, and I will know if you go back on your word. Do not anger me."

Turning away, he waited for the sound of a gun being aimed at his back but instead he heard the sound of guns being put back into their holsters and he knew he could leave without having to take a life. Pulling the sliding door open he stepped out into the night and began walking towards the restaurant. A sound from the shadows beside him drew his attention and he swung towards it with a gun aimed at a shape.

"It's us," said the voice of one of the teenagers. "Let us help you back, Jakob."

Both boys came out and Bucky nodded, beginning to feel the several bullet wounds that had managed to hit but not kill him. Gently, the boys positioned themselves on either side of him and wrapped their arms around his waist, walking him towards the restaurant. When they got there, they went to the stairs up to the apartment and Bucky looked up, seeing Nicolae and Milena looking anxiously at him.

"We'll look after you," said Nicolae, gesturing to come up. "Please."

With the boy's help he managed to get up the stairs, collapsing at the top and everything went fuzzy as he struggled to stay conscious. As he felt the blackness coming on he accepted that maybe this time he had done something right for the right reasons.

〰️🔹〰️

"Jakob."

It was a whispered child's voice, then he felt a small soft hand on his cheek, and he opened his eyes to see the little girl, Lena. Her face was close to his, close enough for him to feel her breath on him.

"Lena," he whispered. "Are you being a naughty girl?"

She giggled then was pulled away by Milena, exasperated at her daughter for bothering him. Bucky blinked his eyes and took stock of his situation. It was day, he was in a bed, and he had no clothes on. With a start he realized his arm and shoulder were exposed and he tried to sit up to cover himself.

"Don't, you have many stitches," said Milena. "It's alright, Jakob. You safe."

Bucky swallowed hard and looked up, expecting to see fear and revulsion on her face but all he saw was her smile, and the smile of her little girl, Lena.

"What happened?" he asked. "I remember the boys helping me walk."

"They bring you home," said Milena. "You pass out. We take care of you. Six bullets I take out and sew you up. You dream bad things, cry out. So much pain in you, Jakob."

Her eyes glistened and for a moment Bucky wanted to cry, afraid at what she had seen and heard.

"What are you going to do to me?" he asked, sure that they would turn him in.

She looked puzzled then she sat on the edge of the bed, and gently put her hand on his.

"We help you get to Romania," she said. "Nicolae is um ... making a ride for you to Bucharest. Other Roma have a place for you to live and work. We take care of you, Jakob."

"Why? Why would you help me?"

A man's cough interrupted them, and Bucky saw a strange man standing in the doorway with Nicolae. His first instinct was to cover his arm up, but the man waved his hand to indicate it wasn't necessary. Milena stood up and left the room with Lena, leaving the man and Nicolae alone with Bucky. A chair was brought in from the hallway and placed beside the bed for the strange man to sit in. He looked over Bucky as if he were assessing him.

"You're the one they've been looking for in the States," said the man in English with a definite New Jersey accent. "The Winter Soldier, a killer, a demon, a ghost, but all I see before me is a man who stuck his neck out for a family he just met and turned it into a crusade to protect an ethnic minority in a place that doesn't really care if they live or die. So that leaves me to ask why? Why would you help them?"

"At first, it was just to make enough money to get me to Romania," said Bucky, realizing that this man required the truth to be spoken. "I need a quiet place where I can try to get my memories back, memories that HYDRA ripped from my brain and tore apart into little pieces. Milena fed me on the train. She asked if I could help them with a problem. Nicolae fed me in his restaurant, and we negotiated a price. I told them I wouldn't kill because I can't do that anymore. But for them I would hurt those who would hurt them."

"Yet, when you got to that Russian criminal who pulls the strings here you changed it from this family to all the Roma in this town." The man's eyes were burning into Bucky's. "Milena said you were the victim of a pickpocket and conman. It's possible they were Roma so why would you protect our community? Why?"

For several moments Bucky thought of how he would answer, not sure even he knew why he did that.

"I let my guard down to that con man and that's on me," he said sincerely. "I wanted to believe his words so badly that I let him convince me. But I don't like bullies and a woman with many children having to take a train back into a place they left as refugees in order to help their family ... it just sparked something in me. That maybe, with what I know, I could help and make it possible for them to return to the life they want, not the life they used to have.  In my own life I did things, terrible things, that allowed people like the Russian mob to have power.  It's not my life anymore."

"What is the life you want, Jakob Schmidt?" asked the man. "If you succeed in getting your memories and your life back?"

"What we all want," replied Bucky. "A job that pays the bills, a family so that I'm not lonely, a life with meaning, not death and destruction."

That seemed to satisfy the man and he looked up at Nicolae, speaking in their language, then coming to an agreement. He looked back at Bucky.

"You're from Brooklyn," he said. "I recognize your accent. You lived in a diverse neighbourhood?"

Bucky smirked. "If you mean did we have immigrants from all over there, yeah. During the Depression we had to rely on each other. That much I remember."

"It's been decided to make you part of our family, adopt you," he said. "Nicolae will be your father. It's just a formality and the words have already been spoken. What it means is that we will use our people to get you to Bucharest, where another family will find you a place to live. Don't expect anything grand but it will be warm, private, and yours. They'll find you work. It will be manual labour but I think you're good with that. You have callouses on your right hand so I expect you're used to working hard. No one will speak of you to outsiders and will not discuss your unique features. We will do this for as long as possible as word will eventually get out that you're in Europe. The Russians know you're around and we expect they will come looking for you but the word is already out that Roma are off limits to the mafia. So you did something good there. Do you accept?"

Bucky put his hand out and the man spit into his first, signalling that this was as close to a blood oath as one could get. Even in Bucky's day the act scored the seriousness of the agreement. Bringing his hand closer Bucky did the same then the two men shook.

For several days Bucky recuperated in the apartment above the restaurant. Milena and Lena were his constant companions although the teenage boys visited several times, bringing him English language newspapers so he had something to read. He never asked if they were bought or stolen, not wanting to insult them.

When the day came for him to leave Nicolae paid him double what they had negotiated, as it appeared the entire Roma community in Zagreb wanted to show their appreciation for his assistance in removing the Russian mob from the city. He wasn't so sure they were gone but at least they weren't bothering Nicolae and his family. A car, driven by the man who came to see him, was brought to take him to another location and he stood outside the restaurant that morning with his new family. Remembering what he could of Eastern European customs he accepted the kisses on the mouth from Nicolae and the boys, knowing it was considered normal. Milena looked to her brother and received a nod before hugging him. The other daughters also hugged him, then he saw little Lena looking up at him with her sweet smile. Picking her up he smiled at her.

"Goodbye little angel," he said, receiving a wet kiss on the cheek in return.

In the car once they were out on the road he was surprised when the strange man offered his hand again. "I'm Jovan Sakić. Back in New Jersey I'm called John. My immediate family immigrated to the States before World War II and did very well there. I came back during the troubles to help the extended family, and stayed."

"Why are you telling me this?" asked Bucky.

"Because, James Barnes, there are many people looking for you and I want you to know that you can trust me to keep your existence as quiet as possible. Since it's going to be a long drive to Bucharest, I want you to tell me everything you remember about your life and when you get to the part about the conman and the pickpocket I want all the details. You're family now and we take care of our own."

From the despair and hopelessness, he felt after realizing he had been robbed, Bucky found it hard to accept the kindness he had already received from this outcast community. To be accepted so readily was going to take some getting used to. But at least he knew that there would be a place for him, a place where hopefully he would have the time and space to get back that which had been taken from him. Taking a deep breath, he started telling Jovan about his life.

Part 20>>

Series Masterlist

If you liked this one shot please like, comment or reblog.

#bucky barnes #bucky barnes fanfiction #buckyontherun #Bucky in Europe #Bucky in hiding #Bucky fighting mafia #bucky barnes oneshot

[gaycey-sketchit]

(Gary anon) The fact Iris never really interacted with Lance at all is certainly a choice by the writers. (I'm sure for the most part they had pre-planned Journeys' plots and are prepared in case of anything that could disrupt workflow, but an earthquake is not the same as a world-wide health scare. But strangely, it feels like it may have been more than just that this time)

.

(Re-send Part 2) I'm grateful that he saw return, with new captures, is back out traveling the world, new drive, still an overachiever, retains his battle prowess and caught a legendary. Just wished he was utilized different, considering Journeys' initial premise. (My main concern is Gary being made a joke again; to potentially make Goh look like he "surpassed" him. When story-wise, he really hasn't earned it? Goh getting to close to Mew is fine, not if Gary is made blatantly helpless again)

(Part 3) I wouldn't be surprised if some of the choices made in Journeys has definitely made some concerned about the S/V anime. (There doesn't seem to be much info on Ash yet. Based in the datamine, most sync pairs coming up are returning ones) It's Dragonite last chance to get a Master Class victory. I have a feeling Charizard will strike it down.

(Part 4) (Some are expecting Ash to maybe reignite Cynthia's passion for battles. There's also her in-game quotes when you battle. I'm guessing she'll have a similar reason to Leon for wanting to possibly quit) Heh, it was either that or Frontier Brain, like some were hoping for. We hadn't had a Battle Frontier since Gen 4, so I think that may be why they went with that.

(Part 5) (Saw the dub, Gary kinda sounded meaner than he did in the original. Maybe it's the sarcastic tone, but it feels like that for most of his lines. Tokio's voice, hmm. And this seems to be the first time that an Arcanine got a dub change. It's usually keeps its Japanese voice. The website I mentioned a while ago: Blissey Husband has it up under "Ultimate Journeys". You have endure wait times between pages though)

Yeah, it would've been nice to at least have the two dragon-type trainer champions interact a little bit.

Yeah, Journeys has had... a bit of a difficult run, huh. The pandemic's affected so much.

True, true. Grateful as I am to see him again at all and to see him accomplishing great things like fighting legendaries without it ending in trauma, they could've done something so much more... fun with him than the route things ended up going. I don't know.

That's the worry, yeah. Goh's great, I love him, but I'd have a hard time buying him really surpassing someone who has so many more years of experience on him. Hoping Journeys can handle that situation well enough to stick the landing despite the... issues there have been.

I have to say, I'm a little nervous myself. After SM and JN both went against the usual formula in their own ways, you have to wonder if they'll keep doing that with SV and if so, how. Hoping for the best however things play out.

I can totally see her battle against Ash reigniting her passion, yeah!

That makes sense.

I've seen it too at this point and... yeah. I don't think Gary's sounded that abrasive since Indigo League, damn. Honestly not the biggest fan of that particular episode's dubbing, the dialogue felt... off. Feels like they tried a little too hard to stay close to the original dialogue and the result was kind of stilted. The dialogue usually flows better than that, I don't know what happened.

#Andrew answers #Gary anon

[eternalstargazer]

SatoGou Week 2021

Day 6) Partner / "The only way that we can live is if we grow. The only way that we can grow is if we change." - C. Joybell C.

“People think a soul mate is your perfect fit, and that’s what everyone wants. But a true soul mate is a mirror, the person who shows you everything that is holding you back, the person who brings you to your own attention so you can change your life.” - Elizabeth Gilbert

Ever since Ash and Goh became partners, they've been growing, changing and living lives they didn't foresee before their fateful encounter.

Before meeting Ash, Goh was reaching for a future where Mew would be his first pokémon. That was his dream. The path to Mew started and ended with Mew... that is, until Ash put the thought into his head that Scorbunny wanted to be his partner. Although Goh still wasn't ready to give up on his goal of making Mew his first pokémon, Ash played a role in helping Goh consider other possible futures.

Little did Goh know at the time, he would've been holding himself back in so many ways had he not changed his mind. Part of his growth as an individual comes from the pokémon he's caught and come to care for, play with, and battle alongside. He's living a much fuller life now, and it's partially thanks to Ash bringing to his attention here that Scorbunny wanted to join Goh.

All of this helped Goh prepare in ways that he wouldn't have been able to in order to try out for Project Mew. All of this helped Goh feel a little less socially isolated as his heart was touched with kindness. All of this helped begin the healing process that would allow Goh to trust others again.

A journey without Ash and Scorbunny would've led Goh down a much different road in life.

Before meeting Goh, Ash hadn't yet figured out what was next for him in life. The Champion of Alola was back in Pallet Town living life without any real direction. After meeting Goh, their combined insights on the legendary pokémon Lugia led Professor Cerise to ask them to become research fellows at his newly opened institute. Ash and Goh held two very different perspectives on pokémon; one based more on emotion and feeling, the other on analysis and data collection, and the professor saw the value in both perspectives.

This in itself was a change for Ash that allowed for growth and a chance to experience a different side of life, but it wasn't until Goh researched the World Coronation Series and explained to him how he could battle Leon that his growth as a trainer and person would continue in new ways. Ash had no idea how he could reach his dream of battling Leon and his tendency to fantasize about it rather than learn how to go about it was holding him back on making his dream a possible reality... until Goh stepped in and explained how the ranks work and how to reach Leon.

It was Goh that helped Ash change his mindset from dreaming about something to taking action, and it's because of Goh that Ash started growing again by competing in the WCS.

A journey without Goh may have meant no WCS for Ash and he would've been that much further behind in his goal of becoming a Pokémon Master.

Ash and Goh are partners in more than one sense. They owe each other so much yet they've given each other even more. They celebrate both the big things and the little things in life because they know life is worth celebrating, especially when they're together.

And they'll never stop looking out for each other because of how much they mean to each other...

... or how much they want the journey they're on together to go on forever.

#firstfriendshipping #journeyshipping #fatedencountershipping #gouacheshipping #gousato #satogoh #satogou #ash x goh #ash x gou #satogouweek #satogouweek2021 #pokemon journeys

[thatgoblin]

RE Cul De Sac 1A

Welcome to the Neighborhood

Pairings: Leon x Chris

Summary: Leon finally is out from under the government's thumb and is trying to find his place with his new found freedom. A call from an old friend lets him know that he has a place if he doesn't want to stay in D.C. anymore. It just so happens to be with the mostly retired BSAA captain.

Warnings: None

Leon had never felt so exhausted before. Usually he was good with catching a few winks of sleep on the plane between missions and home, but he had passed out completely on the plane to the non-descript city that held his new life. Thankfully he was left alone even with the soft snores drifting around the cabin.

Ears back and eyes narrowed as his tail flicked around to warn anyone who may cross him, he trudged through the airport towards baggage claim. All of his stuff from his apartment had already been packed up and shipped, leaving him with just a few personal supplies and clothes as he finished up his leave of absence paperwork.

He hadn't quit the DOS, but he managed to secure a good few months of leave that would let him actually rest and have a life. With new people in charge, it was easy to get his leave approved as well as a change of address. Hell, Claire had said she'd get Chris and the others to put in a good word for him at the BSAA if it meant he'd stay off of active duty for a while.

While he appreciated the offer, he was going to take his time off first. It was an elusive animal and now that he had it in his hands, he didn't want to lose it.

Once at the carousel of bags, Leon grabbed his before pulling out his phone.

'Message when you get out front. We'll pull up to the curb to get you.'

Tucking his phone away, Leon headed out to the front. The airport itself wasn't actually that big, at least compared to others he'd travelled to. It was a straight shot from the gates to the baggage claim and then the pick up lanes outside. In fact it was a relief to be so simple. No trams or stairs to take, no one to pass because they're going slower than everyone else. It took him just five minutes to get from his gate to the front and that was when he stopped for his suitcase.

Standing at the curb, he took his phone out again and shot a quick text to Claire.

'I'm outside.'

The late September air felt so different from the muggy oceanside air in D.C. It was soft and had a slight breeze. Not scorching hot but not biting cold. It was that transition time where it was perfect to have the windows open all day and night before autumn truly hit.

A red truck pulled Leon from his thoughts as it stopped in front of him. Before he could even register who was in it, the passenger side door flew open and Claire jumped up to squeeze him.

"You made it!" She cried, grinning before letting go. Leon had no time to react as she grabbed his luggage to throw in the back seat of the cab then climbed in after it.

"Hey," Chris said, smiling at him and waving from behind the wheel.

"Hey," he replied, climbing into the truck. Once the door closed, Chris pulled away from the sidewalk.

"How was your flight?" Claire asked, leaning forward between the front seats onto the console. Her tail was wagging briskly, thumping against the seats as her ears were perked and ready to listen.

"It was okay. Slept through most of it," he said. "Just finished up paperwork at the office the night before and only got a few hours of sleep."

"Well, now you'll be able to catch up on your cat naps!" Claire said with a giggle.

"If I weren't so tired, I would give a sassy come back," Leon said with a snort as he shook his head.

"Ignore her," Chris said. "She's had 3 cups of coffee and has cleaned my house at least twice in the last 12 hours. Jill has kicked her out for the day because she's tried of Claire trying to rearrange the dishware in the kitchen."

"I just wanted to have things perfect for when you got here," Claire said with a heavy sigh. "Besides, Chris' house needed it. We even decorated it a bit better too. Now it actually looks like a home and not some squatters place. I swear Chris, sometimes I wonder if you like anything outside of work."

"You're one to talk," Chris said. "If it wasn't for Jill, your place would look like a frat house."

"No it wouldn't and you know that," Claire grumbled. "You're just mad that I have better taste than you."

"Oh no, whatever will I do?" He said, rolling his eyes as he pulled onto the highway.

"Probably have Piers invade and turn it into a military museum if you're not careful," Claire said with a snort.

"You talk too much," Chris huffed.

"And what's wrong with that?" Claire asked, narrowing her eyes.

"I don't know, but maybe the fact that Leon just got in the truck and he's already nodded off despite you chattering," Chris said with a smirk.

Looking at Leon, Claire say the cat boy had indeed nodded off. His face rested against his fist, propped up by his elbow on the window sill.

"Poor guy," Claire said, softening her voice to let her friend rest. "Probably hasn't had a decent night of sleep in a while."

"I'd say it's been a lot longer than just a while," Chris said, his own voice lowering.

The drive home wasn't that long, 20 minutes in the late morning traffic. Claire had settled down, letting Leon rest. Planning to do a few things together could wait. She had been so caught up in her excitement of having her friend move in next door that she forgot the hell he'd exited just a few weeks ago.

It had been rushed for sure, making time and space to get his things there before he did, then trying to figure out what to put in storage and what to put in his room. Leon had sold most of his furniture, really only bringing a few large items like his own TV and bed. His dishes and such were either sold or given away as well, making the move a bit easier.

He was given the guest room in Chris' house, a Dutch Colonial that had been the first house in the Cul de Sac, Albert Wesker's home was a recent addition next door to it.

That was how Chris found out about the older home next to him. Albert had talked about how there were bids to tear the house down because it was so old, built in the 30's and wasn't care of very well after the original owners passed away. The others had purchased the spots of land shortly afterwards before the Home Owners Associate could swoop in and try to put restrictions on what they could build. While theirs were built from the ground up, Chris took his as a project.

It was nearly three months of renovations, which was pretty quick considering how much work had been done, before he could move in completely. It took about the same time for the others' homes to be built.

"Should we wake him up?" Chris asked as he pulled into the driveway of his house.

"I mean, we can't let him sleep in the truck all day," Claire said.

Chris rolled his eyes at his sister who shrugged. Reaching over, he shook Leon a bit by the shoulder.

"Hey, we're home," he said.

The blond tabby opened his eyes before taking a deep breath and stretching.

"Cool." Opening the door, he stepped out and waited for Clair to hand him his luggage. Before she could, Chris was out and had it in his hands. "I can carry my own things," he called after the shepherd.

"Well, it's your first day home," Chris said, turning back to give the other a smile. "Better get used to having someone around for help."

"Does he always do that?" Leon asked, looking back at Claire.

"Basically my whole life," she said with a nod. The two followed the older man into the house, Leon taking in his surroundings the whole time. Inside, he was given a quick tour as there were only a few rooms on the first floor. The second floor was the bedrooms with a bathroom and shower, then the basement for storage.

Leon's room was across the hall from Chris', which was a small comfort of sorts for him.

"I'll go ahead and let you get settled in. I'm sure Claire will let you get some rest before barging in and dragging you off somewhere," Chris said, setting his bags on the bed.

"I was going to let him have the rest of the day to chill out," Claire said, crossing her arms. "Tomorrow is a different story though."

Leon raised a brow at the two, wondering if it had been such a good idea to move in with the Redfield siblings being so close in proximity.

"I'm going to pass out now. I'll try to be awake by dinner," Leon said.

"If you're not, that's okay. Let me know if you need anything," Chris said with a soft smile and a nod.

"Thanks," Leon said, getting enough of a breath in before Claire was wrapping herself around him again but tighter. "Jesus-"

"I'm glad you're here!" She cried into his chest, pulling back to smile up at him.

"Glad I'm here too," he said, a smile tugging at his lips. It was what she wanted to hear and while Leon himself wasn't certain if he was or not, time would only tell.

Master List of Drabbles

Tag List: @abysswhiskey11 @interviewedchicken @lonely-af-fangirl @girl-obsessed-with-things @mmmm----15 @depressedthebluefox @whimsywispsblog @singingsiren98 @parkerschurros @chrissyreid @bohica160 @death-is-beautiful @mittensdun @ravenrune @bsaa-bitch

#resident evil fanfiction #resident evil #fanfiction #chris redfield #claire redfield #leon kennedy #chris redfield x leon kennedy