Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Creeck.

Creeck.

Creeck.   

Kazuichi Soda’s, the « Ultimate Mecanic », wrench cannot stop creaking while he’s clamping some bolts. He should oil it, but he is way to focused on his task to do so.

He’s putting up something.

That’s the only thing he’s good for anyway. His only use. The only thing of interest that cames from him, for the others, is his talent… So, if he’s not capable of that anymore…

He has much work to do, as we count on him, everywhere. To spread a desolation more grim and significant. For blue sky to never appear again.

For Despair to be absolute…

Himself, as well as his « companions » - if you can only call them this way – have a mission to spread despair on the world. Everyone is affiliated with a task : some are cooking poisonned meals, others provoked wars, and finally, some are training unlucky ones to death, if they dare to come in view. Kazuichi is doing the only thing he is only capable of.

He’s making something.

While the Towa are building without pause his Monokumas, a creation he can truly be proud of, he still have to build weapons… Bigger, more prominent, more dangerous. The Monokumas were only the beginning, after all. A fine one…

But that will never be enough, for a useless guy like him.

So, he let his tools guide him.

First, his fantastical machine didn’t look like anything. Only scraps without logic nor purposes, with bolts everywhere, and some bits of metals with random shapes.

This made him feel so much despair. No plan, no idea, no direction, only his signature ineptitude… A feeling as exhilarating as despairing. A dream, linked to a nightmare.

She was absolutely right. No one would want a trash like him. He’s not even capable of building a machine. Not even capable to live up to his « Ultimate Talent », his only talent.

Then, the pieces started to make sense. One after another, they created a form. A long one, animal-like, and deeply lethal. Kazuichi could not stop a laugh from escaping his mouth. This kind of machine, what an abhorrence, what a mistake…

So much Despair.

Even if his title of « Ultimate Mecanic » didn’t have any meaning anymore, in a world where Hope’s Peak is destroyed, in this world where the sky is a bleeding red and the screams are permanent in the streets, he cannot help but to cling on to it anyway. He knows that, if he isn’t capable of doing this simple thing…

The others will not hesitate to eliminate him.

He’ll live another day, however. His vulgar and awful creation is finished. He already knows it’s up to the task ; everything was put together to make it a murderous machine, the most it can be. So, he cannot help but feeling proud of himself.

He steps back a bit to admire his work… And frowns his elbows. He wasn’t aware of the final form of the creature. It is… special, to say the least.

He’s wincing.

-What the actual fuck did I do…

-Mecanic.

Kazuichi turns around, and grumbles, recognizing the newcomer.

-What the fuck do you want from me.

-Our Despair is asking for new informations of your whereabouts. I honor you of my presence in person to assure myself you are indeed working, and not giving in to the sin of sloth.

The towering Gundham Tanaka, « Ultimate Breeder », cross his arms while glaring harshly at Kazuichi. Just behind him, his gigantic snake slither between his legs and position his head just above him, making him even more menacing.

His eyes glow an unnatural shade of red, making Kazuichi shivers. He was already creepy before, but now, he is downright terrifying. And let’s not forget his snake, dressed to perfection, that can kill in one precise bite.

He’s way more dangerous with his animals than you will ever be with your automatons, even if you put it your soul…

-Look for yourself, then ! See what I’ve been building all this time !

The mecanic takes a step back, opening arms and sneering.

-My glorious Monobeast !

Gundham, visibly intrigued, comes forward to take a look at the machine… And opens his eyes wide. Kazuichi was expecting to be praised for his well-done work…

But the Supreme Overlord of Despair turns around in his direction, furiously, enraged, showing fangs he doesn’t have, like a rabid dog. He yells :

-What is the meaning of this villainy !

The mecanic wince again.

-What ?! Why the hell are you never happy ! What did I do this time !

What did I do wrong !

-This creature of iron and steel that you named « Monobeast »… This monstrous mecanical mistake…

He turns around to face it, opening his arms dramatically :

-Would you care to explain why it steals the apparence of the mortal shell my proud general chose ?!

Kazuichi blinks, and comes closer to look better at his creation. His look steals the one of Gundham’s creature ?! What can he be possibly talking about… However, the mecanic is quick to change his mind.

Yes, he saw his Monobeast was particular, without knowing why. But now, as he looks at Gundham’s giant snake… Comparing it to his own construct…

Indeed, he just created a perfect copy of the animal, a mecanical snake, near identical to the one Gundham controls, the one in flesh and blood.

-Shit, that was it… He whispers, confused.

-I demand an explanation, fiend ! How dare you rob my perfect creature of his appereance, without thinking to consult me first !

Angrier by the minute too, Kazuichi faces his opponent and screams :

-Well, I don’t have one ! There ? Happy ?!

This answer, what a surprise, does not in fact satisfy the animal caretaker. Even after all that happened, he truly care about his generals. His trusted companions, loyal cerberuses, powerful sphinxes, and phenixes flying in the red sky. Even when he fall into a deep despair, his love for animals never left him.

However, his hatred to humanity appeared, more powerful and visceral that it could ever been.

So seeing this mecanical doll, this carbon copy of his faithful companion… This is too much. His basilisk do not deserve a fate such as this.

His magnificent companion does not deserve such an amazing tribute, this marvelous machine… ? No, Gundham cannot accept it. If he’s not under the best impressions, the basilisk will give up on him.

Just like… like…

-Kazuichi Soda, The Supreme Lord of Despair commands you to destroy this eyesore immediatly ! He yells.

-What ?! I spent the entire week building it, there’s absolutely no fucking way I’m doing this ! We need this weapon, and you already know it, you Overlord of my Ass !

-I do not care, nor will I tolerate this blasphemy !

-And how the hell is this blasphemy, I did a war machine of your snake ! It’s actually kinda cool, even for a stuck-up like you !

-My basilick is more powerful than your machines could ever dream to be ! Only he deserves to be recognised as the most gigantic and menacing reptile that ever graced this new world !

-I never said he could not, you dumbass !

Of course your creatures are betters than my creations !

-And yet, you build this abomination, while having the only goal of making a fool out of me !

I HAVE to be the greatest breeder of this land, I cannot lose him too !

-Making a fool out of you ?! For fuck’s sake, Gundham, you should be honored !

-HONORED ?! Retorts Gundham.

Without thinking, Kazuichi leans his head forward and screams :

-Yeah, you and your snake stayed in my head the whole fucking week without me even realising it !

Both of them cut the conversation, and step back a bit. Kazuichi blinks and looks at his hands. What did he just say… ? It was out… so naturally…

Like an echo of the past, that finally managed to escape…

-… Fuck, what the hell am I even saying…

-I… I do not know, fiend…

Gundham steps back even more, crossing his arms and averting his gaze. Immediatly, as if on cue, his snake wraps arond him, as to confort him. Kazuichi was thinking about him ? What is this feeling, deep inside his cursed self… Has he really know something like this one day… ?

However, as fast as these feelings came, they desappeared in the darkness of despair. The animal caretaker then speaks, with a cold and empty voice :

-But do not say stupidity like this ever again.

His head turns away.

-I grace you this time with my forgiveness, and will not make you pay.

-Thank you, your higness. Says Kazuichi with poison in his words.

-However, this creature better proves to be useful in our quest. If not, I will not hesitate to watch it burn in the Fires of Pandemonium !

-Yeah, yeah, whatever.

The mecanic looks away. Despite his better judgement, he cannot stop thinking about what he said. Those memories, so, so sweet memories, tries their best to surface back… A friendship, a warmth, a companionship… and something more, that were slowly beginning to appear…

They jump stray back into the mind of the mecanic, forcefully pushed by his tortured spirit.

Gundham begins to go away. His face is unreadable. However, just before disappearing from the room… He leans toward Kazuichi’s ear, a hand on his shoulder, to whisper him faintly, tenderly, even :

-Mecanic. This era is long past us. There is nothing left for us in this world. Cease thinking about what could’ve been, and what we were.

-Gundham…

-Bury those memories, those feelings. Mourn them, as they are nothing more but unecessary suffering. You and me, we cannot love anymore.

Without adding anything, the breeder leaves, disappearing before his snake. Kazuichi stares at the door for a moment, and then turns back to his creation. His gigantic Monobest. His marvelous Monobeast…

He crosses his arms, and sits right next to the snake’s head. The more he looks at it, the more it looks like Gundham’s creature… But how is that even possible… He did not think, nor had a plan… All of this was unconscious…

He is so useless that he couldn’t refrain from thinking about Gundham…

He sighs, and looks again at his Monobeast. However, after only several seconds, his gaze is lost in emptiness.

Gundham’s words keeps resonating within him. For a moment there, he almost saw him again… Gundham. The real Gundham, before the world was destroyed and he fell into despair. A sweet, caring, protective person. So deeply selfless despite an intimidating role. Someone that disappeared… That was the first to disappear…

Those memories… Could that be what’s hanting him ? What influenced his creation ? Or, it could be something else…

… His former feelings… ?

But he knows Gundham never loved him.

No one ever loved him.

Nor himself, nor his own family, nor his friends. So, to think Gundham would…

He knows that it’s just a stupid disillusion.

And judging by his reaction, he was actually deeply irritated by this regard. He was annoyed to think someone thought of him while not being actively terrified of him.

She was right.

She is right.

Kazuichi is nothing but trash.

Good to be used, before being thrown out and forgotten.

With dark and empty eyes, drained of any spark, Kazuichi picks up his tools again to move away. It was only the first Monobeast.

To make despair swallow the entire world, they needed much more than this. He has one mission, his only and last mission, before he can finally rest in hell.

He does not have the luxury to think about irrelevant feelings. He does not have the luxury to lose himself in fallen memories. He does not have the luxury to think about Gundham. About « what could’ve been ». About all those dreams that would never come true.

He only has one thing to do.

Erase them.

The despair it brings him, that is the only thing he must feel.

Chapter Text

The moment Gundham wakes up, he feels his heart beats. But it’s not beating normally. It’s beating like it wants to escape from his torso by any means possible.

His eyes widen. He has to get up, but his heart is beating so fast it’s actually painful… He breaths slower, a hand over him…

-Be still… my heart…

But it’s no use. His heart simple refuses to calm down, or even just slowing a little. He’s breathing as hard and he can, to no avail. He has a theory on why it’s happening and why his organ is freaking out, but frankly, he would much prefer a solution. The realisation slowly creeps into his mind…

He’s going to live an entire day with a heart ready to explode.

Great !

Let’s hope it’ll end after a good night’s sleep. Otherwise, he will definitely have to go to Mikan for help. Maybe he’s having a heart attack ? No, it’s not it. Thankfully.

He gets up, without stopping his deep breathing.

By the Hellish gods, he’s praying it’s not a heart attack.

After agonizing and painfuls minutes to prepare himself, Gundham finally manages to get out of his room. He feels sick, burning, and his mind is hazy. How can he possibly beats this day… If his theory is correct, he cannot talk to it with anybody, even his dear Dark Queen… And let’s not forget his loyals Devas, which are just like conscious being to him, and are therefore in the « anybody » ! From his scarf, the Devas, however, are watching their master, worried.

Maybe he shouldn’t have promised to do so…

So, he walks in the corridors to get to his class. Praying every hellish beasts he knows to not encounter anyone, as his hand stays right over his heart, making sure it’s still here and it did not jump over to the floor. It’s beating so fast, it’s definitely going out at any time…

He finally arrives at his destination. He’s not the first one ; Mahiru, Nekomaru and of course Chiaki are already here. He’s also seeing Sonia, which makes him exhale slowly. Maybe he’s be able to calm himself by talking to her.

Seeing him, she waves her arms, while he do the same with his hands, before going to sit down. At the very same second, his Devas jump over to the desk, and Sonia slaps one hand in front of her friend, right behind the Devas.

-So ! Tell me, tell me !

-Tsk…

Curses ! Obviously she was going to ask how the last day went ! Such an unique event, which she helped and participated in for so long… Right, he should have think about it more, and sooner ! But how could he, with a heart ready to explode into a billion pieces !

Oh anyway, now’s not the time to think about that. Quick, Gundham, think about this, make a plan !

-And what are you talking about, Dark Queen ?

… A less stupid plan !

-Gundham, do not take me for an idiot ! Says Sonia while rolling her eyes. Tell me what Kazuichi said ! I absolutely need to know !

Her eyes starts to shine. Gundham blushes a bit, hiding himself in his scarf. He knows he can’t escape : after all, it’s been a month since Sonia started encouraging him to declare to Kazuichi in prevision of this day…

Which is the last day…

And it also seems like the origin of his current turmoils.

-Well… Dark Queen…

No, he cannot says it, he promised Kazuichi to keep it a secret ! However, he doubt his answer is going to please his dear ally… And his Devas, who stares at him intensely…

-Sup !

Gundham looks over the newcomer.

-Tamer of Automatons… He whispers.

The pink one turns his head and sees Gundham. At the very second their gazes meet…

Both of them blushes deeply, and divert their heads at the same time.

Sonia, seeing this reaction, smiles and laugh a little, happy, as the Devas lets some chirping of joy.

-Oh, there is my answer !

-Ks…

-Congratulations, Gundham ! I am truly happy for you two ! I knew everything was going to be fine, you were scared for nothing !

-Chip ! Chip ! Adds the Devas.

Gundham turns his head the other way, running from the gaze of his best friend. Since the mechanic does not yet assume his bisexuality, he agreed on keeping their relation a secret a while. Well, he’s not the most discreet person, but at least he’s trying.

However, Gundham does not refrain to look at Kazuichi while he’s sitting down. Just a little turning eye, to make sure he’s well, to see him, the one that succeded in winning over his heart with ease…

Gigantic mistake.

-T… Tamer of… A… Au… Automatons…

-Yeah… ?

He was looking at Gundham nervously, with so much apprehension, but mainly, with stars in his eyes… This glance, Kazuichi takes it only when he sees Gundham, or his mecanical creations… How much this sight is lovely for Gundham…

He wants nothing more than Kazuichi looking at him this way, with this much adoration, even more… He would give anything to make it happen… But if he wants even the slightest chance of it working, he has to be brave.

-My heart… bears for you intense, dangerous, uncontrollable, but pure feelings…

-Yes… ?

The worry in the eyes of his secret love made the heart of the Supreme Overlord aches. But he has to be brave, no matter the cost. He has to do it. Now , or never.

-Tamer of Automatons… I would like to… to appease my heart… To begin a relationship with your being.

Kazuichi’s gaze at this instant… So much love, so much hope, so much life… Such a magnificent sight… That the breeder never saw before… A gaze reserved for him, him and him alone… His heart was beating faster that it ever did before… And those eyes, those sublime eyes…

-HM !

Choking a little, Gundham hides his red face inside his savior scarf. He feels so hot, all of a sudden… He’s feeling like he’s going to burn, that every piece of his being is going to be consumed…

Without forgetting his heart, wanted to escape even more furiously than before.

-Gundham ?! Are you okay ?! Asks Sonia.

Gundham sighs deeply. His heart is beating so fast… He has to breath, he absolutely needs to breath… Thankfully, he does not see Kazuichi looking at him with worry… The poor Sonia, and his Devas, asks questions without stopping, but the Ultimate Breeder is way more focused on his « survival ».

The professor finally enters the room, and begins his lessons, forcing Sonia to back up at her desk. But Gundham does not even hear them. There is only one thing in his mind, consuming his spirit. His hand stays on his torso, preventing him from writing everything.

It’s going to be a long, long day…

The lesson passes slowly, same for the next one. Poor Gundham feels his heart beating so much it’s going to explode, and breathing does not help whatsoever. Is he really going to stay like this longer ? It’s a nightmare… He wants it to stop so much, but it just won’t…

The midday pause finally comes. Maybe eat will clarify his mind. He gets up, following Sonia to the dining all, but she stops right at the door.

-Is there something troubling you, Dark Queen ?

-Oh no, not at all ! I am just waiting for Kazuichi !

-Ah, yes, obviously.

The princess smiles. Even if her and Kazuichi had a… rocky start, to say the least, they actually made up some time ago. However, the three of us don’t eat together regularly. Sonia must feel like celebrating the event with the both of them…

Gundham curses her as much as he thanks her.

Kazuichi appears this instant, along with Fuyuhiko. The two were talking peacefully, but the princess interrupts them with a happy :

-Ah ! Hello, Kazuichi ! Hello Fuyuhiko !

-Hey Sonia ! Says Kazuichi.

-Sup.

-Greetings.

Gundham and Kazuichi looks at eachother for a second, before turning away. Seeing them, Fuyuhiko sighs deeply, and goes away, really not wanting to stay with those idiots.

-I’m going to eat with Peko, bye !

-See you later ! Answers Sonia.

She goes toward a table, leaving the young couple alone for a moment. After an ankward silence, and a tension so thick you can cut it with a knife, Gundham asks :

-… Did you have a good slumber ?

-Yeah, well I mean… Hardly. Answers the pink one.

-I have to admit this is the same for me, it seems some pretentious god cursed me with a new affliction.

-Ah ? And uh… What kind ? Of affliction ?

Gundham hesitates a little to talk about it. But maybe freeing himself will help him, and it’ll calm down his heart. He hides behind his scarf and whispers, with a voice so thin and weak :

-My mind was plagued with thoughts of you, my paramour.

-UH ?!

Kazuichi jumps and hides in his beanie, failing to hides his reddening face.

-Raaaah, don’t say stuff like that out loud, dumbass ! And without warning me ! Really ?!

-M… My apologies… Mumbles Gundham.

-I should invest in a freaking scarf to hide my face like you, if you keep saying crazy stuff like that !

The breeder says nothing. He never was too keen on human interactions, so he’s thinking, rightfully so, that he did indeed said something wrong…

But Kazuichi interrupts him in his thoughts.

-Even if it’s like… So nice to hear…

-What did you say ?! Exclaims Gundham.

-Hey, boys ! Are you coming ? Calls the princess, just a bit further away.

The duo jumps, silently nod their heads, and rejoin Sonia without making her wait any more. They sits up, and begins getting their meal, their gaze kinda shy. Which the princess notice immediatly : she was always capable to read them like an open book.

-Oh my, you are making such awful faces ! She tells them.

-Well, morning classes are not my thing. Mumbles Kazuichi.

-Did you stay awake all night to build machines again ? Asks the princess inocently.

-Er… Not really…

Gundham shakes his head. No… Not really, no… He did not spent the night working, building, deconstructing and reconstructing again some stuff, he did not even get a new one.

They kissed for the first time right after.

Neither Gundham nor Kazuichi knew how to do it, which made the results… Questionnable. But the breeder could not care less. He was so close, after all this time pining, praying, dreaming, this was finally happening…

It was the first of a long, very long series. They were overwhelmed with joy, uncapable of releasing the other. Every kisses were cut by laughter, or a small incantation recited by Gundham to make sure his lover was not going to be consumed by his cursed body.

Then, the kisses became deeper, changing into cuddles, one in the arms of the other, for long hours. Talking about sweet nothings, like if their existence had finally found meaning.

Then, they kissed again. And again. And again. And then…

Gundham chokes on his water, keeping it from flying everything only thanks to the powers of the hellishs gods.

-Gundham ?! Screams Sonia.

-Hey, are you okay ?! Adds Kazuichi.

-Fret not, I am… alright… Gundham lets out between two cough.

His hamsters goes around his face, worried. But Gundham reassures them by petting their little round bodies. He whispers, finally having breathed again :

-Do not trouble yourselves, my generals.

-You sure you’re okay ? Insist Kazuichi.

No, of course not, he’s going to throw up.

-Do not worry, a Supreme Overlord would never be beaten by something so trivial as a cough ! Fuahahahaha ! He says anyway.

The laugh seems to appease Sonia and Kazuichi. The meal goes on more calmy, even if, if he was going to be honest… Gundham is just a good liar.

Impossible to tell the others that, one again, his heart would not stop beating faster. It’s a nightmare, make this day finally ends, what a mess. Gundham did not know that leaving his heart’s defenses weakened would lead to such dire consequences…

When will this pain end…

The rest of the day goes by painfully. Gundham answers questions and talks just alright, but the second the others have their back at him, he breathe hard, a hand right over his torso. He can’t bear this anymore, how the gods are cruel, to inflict this upon him, on such a long period of time…

Thankfully, it finally ends. As the trio walks toward the dorms, before the strict Kioytaka sees them, Sonia stops in front of the men’s corridors.

-I have to leave you here, Kyoko is waiting for me on the other side ! She claims.

-I wish you a very pleasant evening, Dark Queen. Smiles Gundham.

-Bye bye Sonia ! Adds Kazuichi.

-Chip ! Chip ! The Devas finishes.

The princess bid them farewell, and goes away, disappearing behind a door.

The young couple stays silent for a moment, in a relatively ankward mood. Then, Kazuichi raise his hand, to quietly take Gundham’s. The breeder jumps a bit, before turning to see Kazuichi. The pink one scratches his neck, embarassed.

-We uh… Can we go to your room ?

The Supreme Overlord of Ice blushes deeply, before nodding his head, incapable of saying a word. If he’s not having a heart attack before the end of the day, it’s a miracle…

They arrive in Gundham’s room shortly after. His hamsters jumps from his scarf to go play in the numerous wheels and tubes scattered everywhere. Barely avoiding to trips on one of them, but without letting go of his boyfriend’s hand, he says :

-You kinda should tidy this mess.

-Certainly not… We are true equals, my Four Dark Devas of Destruction and I, and as such, they deserve much more than a simple cage for lair !

-Heh, yeah sorry you’re right. Not gonna change you after all ! Smiles the mecanic.

Both of them looks at eachother for a second.

-I love ya, Gundham.

Gundham slaps his hand on his heart, and begins to breath heratically, closing his eyes. Which obviously worries the hell out of his lover.

-Crap ! Gundham are you okay ?! What’s happening ?! Hey ! He calls.

Kazuichi grabs him and sits him down on his bed. The Devas jumps immediately on Gundham, chirping worried cries. The breeder, weakly, only manages to let out a :

-I…

-Really, you’re so weird today, what’s gotten into you ! You’re creeping the hell out of me ! Are you sick ?! Unwell ?! Tell me, for fucks sake !

After a small hesitation, Gundham sighs. There is only one way to make Kazuichi understand. He takes his hand shyly, to put it right over his heart. Firstly, the mecanic blushes :

-Wait wait wait waitwaitwait what ?!

But quickly…

-… Wait a sec, is that you’re freaking heart that’s beating like this ?!

Gundham nods shyly, breathing just as hard as before.

-It would seems… That your effect on my cursed self is greater that I envisioned…

-IT’S MY FAULT ?! Screams the mecanic.

Gundham nods again, slower.

-No matter how much time passes, my mind simply does not allow me to see another vision… That the moment we shared together, our embrace from last night. My heart makes me feel it again and again, causing both him and I to suffer greatly, as we cannot relax ourselves. As for my breathing, no matter how much I try, my powers are not strong enough to fight my loving organ…

Kazuichi shakes his head.

-Wait, wait… So, you can’t stop thinking about yesterday, and that’s why you’re such a mess ?!

Red as a tomato, Gundham hides behind his scarf before nodding. Kazuichi blushes immediatly… And the Devas, understanting that Kazuichi is at fault for the state their emperor is in, show him their fangs in anger.

-Hey !

-Stay tranquil, my Devas, everything is alright. Whispers their master.

Gundham laugh a bit, seeing them so worked up. They eventually calm themselves, but still looks at Kazuichi with rage in their eyes. Gundham must add :

-The curse he inflicts upon my being is nothing, compared to the joy he brings me. A joy a demon like me, coming from hell, could never even dream to feel.

Immediate reaction from the mechanic : hiding in his beanie while whimpering a long complaint.

-Raaaah, you’re gonna make me blush again !

He laughs nervously, as his boyfriend does the same, but with a soft warmths. However, after a short amont of time, the pink one says :

-But uh… To be fair…

He takes tenderly Gundham’s hand, to place it over his own heart. Gundham jums a little, and open his eyes wide. He cannot believe… He cannot believe what he feels beneath his fingers.

-How is that possible ?! My affliction is…

-Yeah ! Me too ! Smiles Kazuichi.

The young couple looks at eachother. Their hearts beating so fast in the other’s hand. So fast they could explode, and quit their torso at rapid speed.

And they burst into laughing.

Taking their hands, they starts to cuddle the other while laughing. They really make a great duo ! They are only young lovers a bit stupid, and most importantly, they are not used at all to feel so much joy. Their heart is really making sure they understand.

Over time, they will learn to live with it. Getting used to their kissed, their hugs, their cuddles. They want it more than anything. More than anything, they want to stay with the other.

However, as they are waiting for this time… They just spent the most strange, the most intense and the moste memorable day of their days together.