#watchtowerindistress

[watchtowerindistress]

for the love of ... bob? - jake seresin x reader (1/2)

Summary: Being Jake's (best) friend - sorry, Javy - proved to have its ups and downs but there was something about having him in your corner you couldn't resist. Jake and you just clicked on a deeper level. That's why you didn't get it when the Southern boy was acting so weird.-

Word count: 3.6k

Warnings: Language, Jake being an idiot (what else is new?), Jealous! + Soft!Jake, fluff

Author’s note: Just something fun I wanted to write. I kinda hate myself for not writing for Bradley first, since I love the guy. You know, Jake's fics I love to read, yet I couldn't stand him while watching Maverick. Go figure.

I haven't watched the film enough to distinguish the traits of the characters, so I can't guarantee for accuracy for the side characters. I can only include a handful of people - that's why I don't have people like Reuben in there since their character traits aren't included in the fandom page.

Tagging: @mellowstatesmanhandsempath @ravenmoore14 @blackmagicwoman @silenthappyplace @mrsevans90 @dempy @yourgirlypop (blank blogs can't be tagged)

Read me on AO3

“So, tell us all the details. Preferably, the humiliating kind,” Natasha asked with a curious air.

You smiled. “What about?”

“Hangman, of course.”

The Dagger Squad was the perfect company to be around, you decided. Jake, your childhood best friend, who you haven’t seen in years, offered The Hard Deck as the place for you to wait until he arrived. Video calls didn’t hold up to the real thing. Especially, with you two being very busy people and you finally getting out of New York to spend some quality time together.

“I need to get the embarrassing goods, at least before Hangman shows up. I mean, we have the perfect person to interrogate. In the rare instances, when he talks about something other than himself, Hangman keeps mentioning you,” she mused.

“Nat-” Bob interjected, who was sitting next to her in a booth while the rest of their squad were scattered in the bar.

Natasha turned her head. “Aren’t you a little bit curious about the depraved mind of Jake Seresin?”

“Not really.”

You snorted at their torn convictions when Mickey and Javy arrived at their table with bottles of beer.

“What did we miss?” Javy asked.

Natasha’s stubborn gaze didn’t stray from yours for many seconds. “I’m trying to crack Y/N.” Her eyes met Javy’s over her shoulder. “Tell Rooster he needs to stall him until I get to the good bits.”

You looked around speculatively. “Is this some sort of initiation or baptism by fire Jake should’ve warned me about?”

Javy offered a small reprieve. “Don’t mind her. She just wants to pick your brain. How long are you going to stay?”

“About a week. Enough time for Jake to show me around San Diego.”

Mickey took a gulp from his drink. “Good luck with that.”

Warm breath against your neck sent shivers down your spine when someone whispered into your ear, “Did I just hear my name?”

Your body jolted at hearing the unexpected voice. “Oh my God.” You turned and found a cheeky Jake standing behind you. “You little f- Don’t startle me like that!” Clambering out of the booth, you jumped into his arms, while giggling from the shock. “Hey, you,” you said, holding on tightly.

“Hey, yourself. Someone’s gotta keep you on your toes, darlin’.”

“You’re such a jerk,” you whispered into his neck.

Jake swayed you lightly. “You love when I’m a jerk.”

Leaning back, you pressed your fingers an inch apart. “Just a tad.” You hesitated. “Like about 10%.”

Jake rolled his eyes. “Oh please. Talk about 75%. It’s part of my charm,” he murmured, stroking your lower back.

“Is this what you tell everyone here?” You teased, pointing to his colleagues behind you.

Javy’s scoff was joined by the others.

You looked back to see their reactions. “You know, I’m starting to really like your group of friends.” While turning back, you narrowed your eyes when you saw Jake glowering at the Dagger Squad before his expression turned into an innocent one.

“I’m starting to question your taste in people,” he said.

Someone snickered next to him. “That’s funny, … Hangman.”

Realizing that another person joined their company, you turned towards the man who looked vaguely familiar from the pictures Jake had sent you. Not to mention, you remembered Natasha’s remark from earlier that Jake would show up with someone else.

“Rooster, right?” You stepped away from Jake’s embrace and shook Bradley’s hand in greeting. Jake merely sighed and crossed his arms.

“Bradley’s fine.” He faced the rest of the group. “By the way, am I the only one that felt really awkward just standing here, watching those two?”

Mumbles echoed all around. “No, you’re not.” Still slightly by the display of the too-long-hug.

A sigh left Jake, who placed an arm around your shoulder. “Don’t listen to the others. And the words of the chicken shouldn’t be trusted. I hope those knuckleheads treated you right.”

You shrugged. “It was fun. I was this close to reveal your darkest secrets for a slice of a good ol’ fashioned apple pie made by … Phoenix, was it?”

“There’ll be no revealing. And no pie,” Jake interjected before pointing at Natasha. “You’ve already been in the company of Phoenix and the goon squad for less than an hour and Nat already found out your weakness for sweets,” he whispered against your neck. “At least you didn’t have to be subjected to the likes of Rooster here.” A shiver coursed through his body. “I shudder at the thought of you having to listen to him at first. He’ll probably want to talk about his caterpillar of a moustache.”

A languid smirk drew on Bradley’s lips as he stroked his mentioned facial hair. “Very funny. You jealous?”

You tilted your head at their teasing. “You have some weird fixation on Bradley’s facial hair. Didn’t you talk on the phone about-”

Abruptly, Jake took you by the hand and dragged you to the bar counter. “Let’s get some food into you. Your blood sugar’s getting awfully low. Someone’s getting tired already.”

“You’re being such a grump, Jake.”

Jake leaned against the counter. “I’m not. I’m just making sure you’re getting some nachos into you, darlin’.”

“You need to be nicer. We both know you’re more of a sweetheart than this.”

He rolled his eyes. “I have a reputation to uphold. And don’t let yourself be bribed by the others.” Jake turned to Penny. “A basket of nachos for this one, Penny?” You rolled your eyes at seeing Jake point at the top of your head.

There was something about Penny’s playful glance that warmed you upon first meeting. The woman nudged her head at Jake. “Be careful with this one.”

With mischief in your eyes, you stole a glance at him. “I know. This one … has been trouble for as long as I can remember.”

“Hey!” Jake uttered in mock outrage before he did introductions. “Penny, that’s Y/N. She’s my friend,” he said, placing his hand on your back.

“And here I thought I was your best friend.”

Jake hushed any further confessions, whispering, “But don’t tell Javy.”

You turned to Penny with a smile. “See? He’s such a big softie.”

Penny smirked. “I’m starting to. Where are you from?”

“Moved around a lot as a kid. Dad’s an Air Force pilot.” You waved towards him. “We grew up together in Texas. But I live in New York.”

Penny’s eyes lit up at the mention. “I’ll get you some cheese dip.”

“Thanks.”

Jake watched Penny wander off with a speculative gaze. “Someone’s making friends quickly.”

“It’s okay. I’ll teach you my ways,” you said only half-teasingly and stroked Jake’s arm. Your hand lingered on his muscles. Wait, were they flexing? “Woah, what happened to your arm, dude?”

Jake’s voice turned concerned. “Why? What’s wrong?”

There was something akin to awe in your voice. “Your bicep feels like it’s going to rip through your shirt.”

His shoulders were shaking when he chuckled. There was something about Jake turning his head to hide his blushing cheeks that stunned you even to this day. “You’re such a smartass.”

“I’m serious. Someone’s really working out, huh?” You mumbled to yourself, “This could make a girl feel weak in the knees.”

“Okay, you need food,” Jake said with a resolute mindset, before calling over your shoulder, “Thanks, Penny.”

He pushed the basket towards your elbow. “Get some chips into you.” Jake just watched you munch on your crispy snack. “Speaking of food, you want to join me and the group to some Barbecue this weekend?”

You barely lifted your head. “Barbecue? Special occasion?”

“Rooster’s uncle Maverick is celebrating his birthday-”

“Woah, hold your horses, Jake.”

You raised your hands. Either to stop Jake from continuing or to restart your own brain. “Come again? Maverick?” Your hands hovered over your mouth, as you mumbled, “You’re inviting me to Maverick’s birthday barbecue party? I don’t feel prepared for this.”

Jake groaned. “Oh great, I forgot your dad is such a Maverick fanboy. Of course.” He closed his eyes in a mixture of misery and defeat.

“Jake,” you breathed in deeply and covered his shoulders with your hands, mindful of not dropping nacho dust on his shirt. “Jake,” you began again, “I’ve never told you this, but this is the first time when I realized how absolutely invaluable you are to me as a best friend.”

“I’m seriously regretting telling you this.”

You nibbled on your lip. “I think I scared Jake off with my … how do I say it … domineering admiration for Maverick. I’m getting the feeling he’s embarrassed of me. You have no idea how quickly he dashed the moment we arrived here.”

Natasha appeared nonchalant at your worries while she took a bite from her noodle salad on her paper plate. “Not possible. I’ve only met you yesterday and can affirm that man couldn’t be closer to you. Hangman was probably held up by something. Or he’s just elevating his testosterone level with Rooster again. You met the birthday kid already?”

“Nope.” At the mention, your hands tightened around the food container.

A soothing smile tugged on Natasha’s lips. “Deep breaths. You can’t miss him.” She pointed outside to the backyard. “He’s the guy at the grill, in the sunglasses and Hawaiian shirt. If he has a mustache, you’ve gone too far.”

“Got it.” You exhaled quietly and reminded yourself under your breath, “No mustache, Hawaiian shirt.”

“You’ll survive, don’t worry.” Natasha looked behind her. “Rooster, take her with you. She wants to meet the birthday man in question.”

“Sure.” Bradley stepped forward and offered his arm.

Your body acted on pure instinct.

“Holding my hand, alright, that’s fine.”

You only mouthed in gratitude, “Thank you.”

They walked a few steps onto the lawn when Bradley looked around. “Where’s your boyfriend?”

“Nat told me he was probably wrestling in the mud with you to assert his dominance.” You cleared your throat when you realized something. “And not my boyfriend.”

“Whatever you say. Just making sure where you two stand if he sees us standing together, holding hands.”

“Jake Seresin is not my dad,” you said absentmindedly when a dark-haired man caught your eye. Your throat felt dry. “Is that him?”

“As everyone keeps telling me.” Bradley approached the man standing behind the grill. “I found someone who wants to send their birthday wishes, Mav.”

Maverick revealed a crooked smirk. “Is that so?” You could feel his curious gaze through his sunglasses. “You’re a new face.”

“Um, yeah. I’m Jake’s friend.”

“Hangman has friends?”

“I know it’s a first for everybody,” you admitted. Knowing that Bradley and Jake were at least on speaking terms, and with Jake inviting you to Maverick’s barbecue party, you elaborated, “He needs some time to let people get close.”

Bradley gasped. “You don’t say.”

You focused on Maverick. “A few days ago, Jake invited me to your birthday. Hope that’s okay. I brought you peach cobbler as a present.”

At the mention, Bradley’s head whipped around. “Jesus, why didn’t you just go with that?”

Maverick moved his glasses until they laid atop his head and his eyes were uncovered. “You had me at cobbler.” He rubbed his hands against his jeans. “Bradley, you mind taking over the grill for a bit?”

“Fine. Get me a beer along the way?”

“Sure.” Maverick faced you again when he led you towards the table filled with food. “I didn’t catch your name?”

Just being in Maverick’s company felt surreal. You tried to restrain yourself from appearing too much like a crazy person.

“Um, Y/N … L/N. You’re Maverick?” Nervously, you stroked a curl of hair behind your ear. Even saying that name while standing right in front of him felt out of this world.

“Pete’s just fine.” His expression turned inquisitive. “Did Hangman tell you stories or did I miss something?”

You swallowed thickly. “My dad’s a big fan of yours. He’s a pilot in the Air Force. Told me stories ever since I was a kid. Your flight maneuvers have been legendary.”

He smiled at the devotion in your voice. “Still are.” You adored that playful glint in his eyes still shining through.

“Definitely. You probably get this all the time.”

“Want a beer?” After seeing you nod, he gave you a bottle. “Sometimes. Although, that kind of reverie I’m not used to.”

To calm your nerves, you downed some alcohol. “Really? Okay, I’ll try to control myself. However, Iceman’s skills were far-” Your eyes widened at your blabbing mouth before you covered it. “I’m sorry, too much liquid courage.”

Pete—even thinking that name felt strange—released guffaws of laughter at your gaffe. “Hey, it’s still my birthday!”

“I know, I’m sorry. Happy birthday, Ma-Pete.”

~ Jake POV ~

“Hey, Hangboy, I need to have a word with you,” Jake heard Natasha’s hard voice a few feet away from them as he hung out with the boys. Despite that, the concept of strength in numbers didn’t make him feel safe, judging by her vehemence.

He swallowed at the dark glare in Nat’s eyes. “Vernacular?”

Natasha didn’t appreciate the humor and crossed her arms, letting uncomfortable silence fester around them.

Jake pressed his lips together. “Bad timing?”

“Someone ever say you’re a bad friend?”

Without hesitation, he replied dryly, “You. Every morning when I show up to work.”

“I had to send Bradley in Y/N’s direction because she was nervous about meeting Maverick.”

He groaned at the thought, throwing his head back. “Oh, poor Y/N. Being forced onto the company of that dull-stache? Sounds horrible.” Jake checked his surroundings, hoping to pick them up.

There was something about Natasha’s innocent eyes, with murder in her eyes, that unsettled him deeply.

“You make me want to punch you in the gut. And you know I grew up with brothers. I know how to make it look like an accident.”

Jake dropped the drink he was holding on a nearby table. “I have a plan.”

Natasha tilted her head in fascination. “Wow, your brain can actually do that? Could’ve fooled me. What does that even look like?”

He drew nearer at the sound of her challenge. “It’s called giving each other space. Did I miss something or why are you so gung-ho when it comes to Y/N? Do we need to have a talk?”

“Five minutes in her company and I already know how she’s too good for you.”

Something bitter settled in his stomach at the mere mention. As if he didn’t already know. He smiled tensely. “Thanks for the reminder, Phoenix. Do I need to save her from Rooster?”

Natasha waved a hand. “Not to worry. Y/N is having fun with Bob.”

His mind went blank, trying to process her words. Jake pursed his lips, feeling confused. “Wait—w—why—what are you saying? Bob? Bob with the glasses? Or is there another Bob I should know?”

Natasha hummed, analyzing his reaction. She chose to unnerve him further by chuckling maniacally. “Cake stand. Have fun.” And with that she left.

Jake whipped his head around and narrowed his eyes. The food area instantly caught his eye. Y/N stood with Bob and was laughing uproariously. It felt X-Files-strange to watch that anomaly. Y/N arched her back and patted Bob’s shoulder, with a plate of cake slice in her hand.

Feeling perturbed by the macabre reality, Jake imagined Y/N being into Bob of all people. He frowned at that scenario, whispering, “Bob?”

~ Y/N POV ~

You held your stomach. Your cheeks were hurting from uncontrollable laughter, as you were trying to breathe. “Oh my God, Bob, that’s so-”

Jake inched closer with a small smile on his face. “What’s so funny?” He draped his arm over Y/N’s shoulder and reached for her dessert plate, either so she wouldn’t drop it or to have a taste himself. Without looking at him, you placed it into his hands.

You took a deep breath to calm yourself. “Why didn’t you tell me that Bob is so funny?”

Jake swallowed before coughing. “You learn something new every day. Still waters, huh?”

Bob smiled awkwardly.

Upon seeing his reaction, you spoke up, “I always hated that saying. Bob’s an absolute sweetheart.” To reinforce your point to him, you rubbed Bob’s shoulder.

Bob adjusted his glasses while blushing. “I try my best, ma’am.”

“Bob!” You chuckled in mock outrage, swatting lightly against his chest.

He nodded with a small smile. “Yes, Y/N, affirmative.”

“We’re getting to know each other. I just found out that Bob’s from Montana and his momma used to be a Grizzlies mascot. Personally, I’m more of a Saints girl, but to each their own.”

Jake groaned, with his mouth full. “I’m eating here,” he muttered indignantly. Jake swallowed his food. “What did I ever do to you? The last time we did this, we had the Cowboys/Saints-gate.”

You leaned your head back against Jake’s chest, patting his cheek consolingly. “He’s such a big baby.”

Bob pressed his lips together. “Uh, I think I hear my name. I need to say hello to Maverick real quick.”

You reached out with your arm. “Oh, do put your feelers out if the birthday guy is still fine with me after I was blabbing my mouth about g-loc and Iceman’s record stats.”

“He’s probably fine.”

“But still!” You called out against his back as he left.

It was turning out to be a quiet evening, you realized, rubbing your feet.

Jake stepped into the living room, drying his moist hair with a towel. He leaned his shoulder against the doorway, watching you. “Would you look at that.”

You were transfixed on the film playing on Jake’s TV while you snuggled deeper under the towel on the couch. “What’s up?”

Jake decided to join you on the couch and put your feet on his lap. He spread his legs comfortably. Unconsciously, warming your heels. “You know, feels like old times. You sitting on my couch, taking all the blankets.”

You covered your eyes, with a groan, and leaned your head back. “You make me sound like a mooch. I offered to go to a hotel.”

“Hey, that’s not what I meant.” Jake chuckled. You felt the warmth of his hand when he reached for yours. Before you could blink, Jake stared deeply into your eyes and interlaced your fingers together. With a smile, he whispered, “I missed this. Feels like old times.”

With blushing cheeks, you felt your skin tingling at sitting so close to him. It was moments like these that made you question the nature of your friendship. You swallowed at seeing Jake’s sage-green eyes sparkle. His soft smile was making it hard to breathe.

You whispered, “Me too.”

“You know what else I miss? And what I can’t stop thinking about?”

You swallowed thickly, licking your lips. Feeling uncertain by his thought process, you slowly asked, “Which is what?”

Jake inched closer. “How I used to do this.” He tilted his head, rubbing his wet hair into the crook of your neck.

“You jerk!” You giggled from his attack. It made him seem more like a dog than a human when he was content in brushing his wet hair against your skin.

He grumbled lowly, as his warm breath puffed against your skin. “But this feels really nice. I could stay like this forever,” he said with a hum.

Your phone emitted a notification sound. “You’re an idiot.” Slapping against his forehead to push him away, deep chuckles followed you while your focus switched to your phone.

“You hungry? I could whip up some chicken teriyaki for us? I think I got some sauce in the cabinet. I know how much you love your teriyaki.” He groaned while standing up.

Giggles left your mouth when you read the incoming messages.

Jake turned his head. “Your girlfriends miss you already?”

You bit your lip. “No, it’s Bob just being sweet.”

Blinking slowly, Jake tried to process the words you just uttered. He cleared his throat. Jake’s voice turned slightly high-pitched. “Come again?” He coughed, placing his hands on his waist. “Are we talking about the same Bob? Bob Bob?”

You hummed in agreement without looking up.

He mumbled, “Didn’t know you guys already exchanged numbers. That’s quick, … right?”

With a curious gaze, you looked up. “What do you mean?”

Jake paused. “What do you mean?” He licked his lips, backtracking a bit. “With, you know, Bob … being a total sweetheart.”

You smiled fondly at the memory of the barbecue. “Well, he is. I really loved talking to him.”

With grumbling breaths, Jake puffed his chest. “Really?”

You shrugged your shoulders. “Yep, it was fun.”

“As you keep mentioning,” Jake murmured.

“I did some thinking,” you spoke, “and I was wondering, how would you feel about doing karaoke night with your squad?”

At first, Jake had a look of appreciation which took a turn to disappointment. “But karaoke night is our thing,” he said, pointing between them.

“I know, but this could be like a bonding thing. You’d get to know them, I’d get to know them and we could have fun together. Win-win!”

He sighed deeply, letting his shoulders drop. “You’re far too invested in this.”

“I don’t want them to remember me as the friend who didn’t want to bother with them.”

Jake’s voice turned into a soothing murmur. “They wouldn’t dare think that.”

With a whisper, you enunciated, “Not if we do karaoke night. It’s going to be fun, I promise.”

#watchtowerindistress #steph writes #jake seresin x reader #jake seresin x you #jake seresin x y/n #for the love of bob #jake seresin x fem!reader #jake seresin fic #jake seresin fanfiction #jake hangman seresin #top gun maverick fic #hangman x reader

[anastasianeedstoread]

Billy Russo x pregnancy/fatherhood fics and headcanons 👩‍❤️‍💋‍👨🤰🏻👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

These moodboards are my homage to all of the dad!Billy fics/headcanons I've read over short period of time and they made me feel so warm and hopeful and I couldn't get the imagery of Billy being a dad out of my mind (surprise/planned pregnancy, girl/twins dad, anxious/protective dad) so I decided to put it all in one place and also save the fics for rereading. Yes, two moodboards are same but I can't choose the background out of two so🤷🏻‍♀️

Thank you to all of you amazing writers for sharing your talents and making my days better every time I read your blogs❣️

"I hope it's a boy" by @watchtowerindistress

Pregnancy Headcanons by @amhrosina

"Mangos" by @playbucky

"Discipline" @don-daygamerz

Dad!Billy headcanons one two and three by @the-cult-of-russo

If you'd like me to remove your fics from the post, please let me know.

#Ben Barnes #ben barnes #billy russo #billy russo imagine #billy russo x female reader #billy russo x reader #bin bons #billy russo fluff #billy russo the punisher #billy russo moodboard #billy russo x you #ben barnes imagine #ben barnes x y/n #general kirigan #the darkling #the punisher fluff

[websterss]

𝐃𝐑𝐔𝐈𝐆

𝐎𝐍𝐄𝐒𝐇𝐎𝐓𝐒: ‣

​𝐖𝐑𝐈𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐑𝐄𝐂𝐒:

‣

𝐉𝐎𝐀𝐐𝐔Í𝐍 𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐑𝐄𝐒

𝐎𝐍𝐄𝐒𝐇𝐎𝐓𝐒: ‣

​𝐖𝐑𝐈𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐑𝐄𝐂𝐒:

‣

𝐋𝐎𝐊𝐈 𝐋𝐀𝐔𝐅𝐄𝐘𝐒𝐎𝐍

𝐎𝐍𝐄𝐒𝐇𝐎𝐓𝐒:

‣

​𝐖𝐑𝐈𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐑𝐄𝐂𝐒:

‣

𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐒𝐏𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐎𝐑

𝐎𝐍𝐄𝐒𝐇𝐎𝐓𝐒: ‣

​𝐖𝐑𝐈𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐑𝐄𝐂𝐒:

‣

𝐒𝐄𝐑𝐆𝐄𝐈 𝐊𝐑𝐀𝐕𝐈𝐍𝐎𝐅𝐅

𝐎𝐍𝐄𝐒𝐇𝐎𝐓𝐒: ‣ How to Hunt A Hunter @watchtowerindistress​

​𝐖𝐑𝐈𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐑𝐄𝐂𝐒:

‣

‣ 𝐁𝐀𝐂𝐊 𝐓𝐎: 𝐅𝐈𝐂 𝐑𝐄𝐂𝐒

#druig #druig imagines #druig x fem!reader #druig x reader #druig imagine #joaquin torres #joaquin torres imagine #joaquin torres imagines #joaquin torres oneshot #joaquin torres x reader #joaquin torres x fem!reader #loki laufeyson #loki laufesyon x reader #loki laufeyson imagines #loki layfeyson imagine #loki laufeyson x fem!reader #marc spector #marc spector imagines #marc spector imagine #marc spector x reader #marc spector x fem!reader #marc spector oneshot #sergei kravinoff #sergei kravinoff x reader #sergei kravinoff x fem!reader #sergei kravinoff imagines #sergei kravinoff imagine

[lieutenantwilliamrusso]

I would recommend you this short series https://www.tumblr.com/watchtowerindistress/189757275576/if-youd-just-wanted-me-masterlist It’s dark billy russo. Also you could check the author’s other works, I enjoyed all of her fics, but this one is my favourite

Thank u sweet angel you have saved the day <3

#billy russo x reader #sweet anon

[emotangerine]

Stuck With Me

2

Pairing : Dark!Billy Russo x Reader

Chapter summary : An escape attempt leads to some emotions bursting

Chapter Warning(s) : swearing, self-injury

You’d Just Wanted Me’ by @watchtowerindistress​

I haven’t watched the whole show I’m only at the beginning of season 1 so forgive me if I got some details wrong. <3

Words : 1,8k

***

The clinking of dishes slowly woke Y/N up. Her eyes softly fluttering open, she let out a soft sigh but it immediately turned into a shriek as she saw the face of Billy only centimeters away from hers.

She tried to crawl to the left side of the bed but was harshly stopped by the tugging of the handcuff on her right wrist.

"Get the fuck away from me." she yelled and shoved at his shoulder.

He quickly backed off with his hands in the air.

"Ok ok, calm down darling." he said in soothing voice.

"Just wanted to give you something to eat." he continued.

"Get the fuck out." Y/N said in a threatening voice while glaring at him.

Billy slowly began to walk to the door while whispering "alright, alright."

After he was gone Y/N sat up on the bed and looked onto the bedside table. A plate was sat there with some pancakes and a coffee. With an angry look she glared at the the food.

'As if she would eat something he made, who does he think he-'

'growl'

"For fuck's sake." she mumbled and grabbed a pancake and the coffee.

She took several bites of the pancake and drank some coffee afterwards.

Just how she liked it.

Some minutes after she was finished she slowly felt how the urge to go to the toilet got bigger.

***

Suddenly the door clicked open and Billy stepped through it.

Y/N was on alert immediately and curled her legs to her body and glared at Billy.

"What, no 'get away from me?'." he joked with a light smirk.

"Fuck off." she mumbled and looked down to her hands which were suddenly very interesting.

Billy sighed.

"Look, you just need to listen to me."

Y/N didn't budge.

"Listen, I'll take you to the bathroom where you can wash up and change into some clothes, alright?" he asked softly with his eyebrows raised.

Y/N thought for some seconds and slowly nodded.

"Ok, I'll release the handcuff, don't run." he said with a slightly threatening voice.

He uncuffed the handcuff from the bedpost and gripped it tightly.

Y/N slowly got up from the bed and stood before him. She looked up at him and glared.

"No funny ideas are we clear?" he asked with threat in his voice.

Y/N took a deep breath and nodded slowly.

With a quick "good" he dragged her out of the bedroom to the main living area. She saw that he had unpacked all her things from the box. She searched for her phone and saw it on the kitchen counter. Before she had more time to look at it though she was already dragged into the bathroom.

"There, you can shower and I'll grab you some clothes." he said and walked out of the bathroom.

Y/N was quick to move and searched for a weapon, anything to defend herself with. She found a cleaning spray bottle and was quick to grab it. She readied herself in front of the door. A soft knock was heard and she pulled open the door.

"I got your-" but Billy couldn't finish his sentence when Y/N sprayed the cleaner into his eyes.

"FUCK!" Billy screamed and rubbed at his eyes. Y/N quickly shoved him out of the way. She was quick to snatch her phone while running to the main door which she quickly found out was locked. She cursed and searched for Karen's contact. She heard an angered grunt behind her while she was impatiently waiting for Karen to pick up. Finally she did and Y/N immediately screamed into the phone.

"Karen, hel-" but the phone was snatched out of her hand and a rough palm closed itself around her mouth.

"Y/N? What's wro-" Billy ended the call. He threw the phone on the ground and was about to stomp on it when he stopped himself. No he still had to look through her messages if she told anyone. Instead he looked up at a fearful Y/N and was quick to snatch her wrists and bend them behind her back. He then pushed her against a wall face first and brought his mouth next to her ear.

"Can you explain to me what the fuck you were just trying to do?!" he screamed and Y/N flinched a little.

"Obviously trying to get away from you psycho!" she yelled and struggled. He pulled her wrists tighter and pushed her more harshly against the wall.

"You can't even fucking listen!" he yelled and harshly turned her around so her back was pressed to wall. He grabbed her wrists tightly and pulled them above her head.

"Just let me go, Billy!" she yelled back and struggled again.

Billy breathed heavily and closed his eyes for some seconds to calm down.

"Fuck this." he whispererd and yanked her into the bedroom again. He pushed her onto the bed roughly and this time, chained both her hands to the bedpost.

"If you pull that shit one more time then I'll-" but he stopped as he saw her scared face.

'Calm down, calm down.' he thought to himself.

"Just... don't do it again, please." he said softly and was about to walk out of the room when Y/N stopped him.

"Billy." she said.

He turned around and loosened his hand on the door handle.

"Why are you doing this, keeping me here?" she asked trying to stay calm. Aggressiveness wasn't the key to the problem here.

Billy was still for some seconds and looked intensively at her.

"Because I need you." he began.

"I can't risk you leaving me." he said.

"Why?"

"I love you." he only answered.

Y/N felt the anger coming up again but took a deep breath to calm herself.

"You don't treat someone you love like this." she said frustrated.

"You think I don't know that?" Billy said angered.

"Then fucking think about this again!" she screamed her emotions bursting.

"I already hate myself for doing this but I just can't fucking live without you!" he yelled back and punched the door.

"Why did you do it?" Y/N asked.

"What?" Billy asked and looked at her.

"Why did you kill Frank's family?"

"I had to." was his simple answer.

"Fuck off I want an answer." she said.

"I did it so I could make it in the world." he answered.

"Was it worth it?" she asked her voice evident with anger again.

He said nothing.

"Was it fucking worth it?" she asked again, this time louder.

He only looked at her and stepped out of the room.

When he was in the living area Billy let out a heavy breath. He was slowly panicking but he was trying to calm down.

‘She'll understand soon. Just give her time.’

He smoothed his hair out and tugged his tie tight again, before knocking on Y/N's door.

"I'm going to work." he said simply through the door and left shortly after.

***

"I still need to pee." she said to no one and looked around the room. She sighed as she saw a bucket next to her bed. Billy must have put it there when she was sleeping.

"Fucking amazing." she sighed and sat down to do her business.

Half an hour later she was beginning to grow bored. She started playing with her fingers.

"Wait." she stopped and grabbed her thumb.

"I have no idea if this'll work but better then nothing." she said to herself. She looked for something to bite on and decided on the blanket.

She grabbed her thumb once again and readied herself.

'Ok ok people in movies do that, Billy has probably endured worse, I can do this.' she thought and grabbed her thumb even tighter and closed her eyes.

But she was starting to panic.

'Fuck, this'll hurt so fucking much.' she thought and her breaths grew faster.

'Ok count.'

'1'

another heavy breath.

'2'

tears of fear starting forming in her eyes.

'3'

She pushed her thumb down.

It made a sickening scrunch.

Y/N started screaming loudly through the fabric of the blanket. The tears finally trailed down and Y/N bend in pain.

She fucking broke her thumb.

She felt vomit rising up and threw up to the side of the bed. She breathed fast and the tears just wouldn't stop.

'Ok you need to calm down.' she told herself and tried to slow her breathing.

When she was slightly calmed down she started sliding her hand out of the cuff.

She screamed again when the cuff scrapped against her broken bone.

But she finally got her hand out.

She looked at her other hand and sighed deeply trying to ignore the immense pain on her thumb.

She wouldn't break her other thumb.

Before she could escape she would probably black out because of the pain.

She looked around the room and spotted a bobby pin on her bedside table. She grabbed it with her index and middle finger and stuck it in the keyhole of the cuffs. She began pulling around until it finally clicked. She was free. 

She pulled the handcuff of her wrist and was quick to dash to the bathroom where she grabbed a first aid kit and made herself a makeshift splint with a bandage and some wooden sticks.

 She ran out of the door and carefully slid in her coat and grabbed a baseball hat and a medical mask. She just needed to get to the police. Which was several blocks away.

She made a dash down the stairs and ran out of the building. She hid her hands in her pockets and ran to the direction of the police station. After some streets she slowed down.

Fuck, she completely forgot she had to go past Anvil's building to get to the police.

She could do this. She just needed to act normal and hide in a crowd.

She took a deep breath and started walking.

***

tags : @aunicornmademedoit​

A/N : for the person who send me the ask that I ripped this story off, I asked the author and their fine with me taking inspiration :)

reviews and critiques are always welcome :)

#billy russo #billy russo x reader #billy russo imagine #the punisher #the punisher x reader #ben barnes imagine #ben barnes x reader #ben barnes

[sj-ficrecs]

1,000+ followers fic rec!

Recently noticed at some point a little while ago I passed 1,000 followers on this page! In honor of that here’s another fic rec of some good ones I’ve been reading lately. As usual, no specific order. 

PREVIOUS FIC RECS HERE!

(Hopefully this shows up in tags bc my last one didn’t & tumblr wouldn’t fix it) 

Thanks to @whimsicalrogers for this divider I’m using below :)

Bucky x reader:

3B by @softlybarnes Bucky x reader

“Bucky is used to being alone, so is the girl living in apartment 3B. He keeps to his routine, to crossing off amends. But mutual loneliness forges an unlikely friendship. Alone and reclusive, sweet and incredibly strange, with deep secrets and regrets, 3B has more to reveal than meets the eye.”

(un)cool by @belowva rockstar!Bucky x reader

“in the summer of 1973, after covering the howling commandos’ concert for a night, you - a young and inexperienced music journalist - accidentally end up following the up and coming band from new york city across the country. between shows, parties, backstage nonsense, interviews and failed attempts at writing a cover story for rolling stone magazine, you end up developing a love/hate relationship with their brooding, but devilishly handsome, guitarist james “call me bucky” barnes. (based on “almost famous”)”

Your Song by @summergrls​  Rockstar!Bucky x reader

“it’s not summer without you. or, that’s what your favorite rockstar always says. it’s all happening.”

Last Love by @wicked-mind Modern!Bucky x reader

“Based on the quote “He may be your first love but I intend to be your last” by Klaus Mikaelson.”

Remember Me by @wicked-mind​ Modern!Bucky x reader

“Y/N and Bucky were the unlikely match when it came to love, but they were inseparable since they met. After a fight, Y/N left to be a trauma surgeon in the military and returns without her memories. How will Bucky remind Y/N how she is the fire in his bones?”

Cake by @tellmealovestory (Part of the Something More universe) Modern!Bucky x reader

“The wedding plans continue as you and Bucky try to decide on a cake flavor.”

My Eyes by @invisibleanonymousmonsters Bucky x reader, past Steve x reader

“Steve is a good man, America’s golden boy, a hero. He’s Captain America for christ’s sake! So it’s normal to want what he has… right? Bucky knows he doesn’t deserve her. He doesn’t even deserve the second chance at life he’s been given. But Bucky can never let him know. Steve can never find out that his friend is in love with his best girl.”

The Mess by @sanguineterrain​ Bucky x Avenger!reader

“A wild night in Vegas changes everything between you and Bucky. Suddenly, all eyes are on you and you’re left wondering just how much can change between you and a man whose guts you hate (and who also hates yours).”

The Devil Has Lilith by @write-orflight Bucky x reader, soulmate AU

“They say your soulmate is supposed to be the one person you love unconditionally. So why did they make yours so insufferable?”

College!Bucky series / Couldn’t Be Me by @drunken-imagines College!Bucky x reader

Bucky is a known fuck boy trying to win over reader

Best of Friends by @anna-phora Modern!Bucky x reader

“When your best friend steals marries Bucky’s best friend, the two of you are left with only one solution: to become best friends yourselves.”

Back to You by @celestialbarnes Modern!ex-Bucky x reader

“desperate to find a place to stay after your boyfriend cheated on you, you end up crashing at bucky’s apartment, the problem is he’s the ex that you never really got over and he’s got a new girl who doesn’t like you very much.”

It’s Been a Long, Long Time by @luminnara Alpha!Bucky x Omega!Reader

“When HYDRA had their prized asset, the Winter Soldier, they did something no one ever thought was possible: they gave super soldier serum to an omega. With the sole purpose of tending to him during his ruts, she spends decades living in HYDRA facilities, denied her humanity and her life. Now, years later, Bucky Barnes has his mind and his own life back…and the last thing he ever expects is to see a familiar omega again. Bucky/OC, a little angsty but mostly smutty/fluffy/romantic!“

Friends Don’t by @watchtowerindistress Bucky x reader

“Reader is in a friends-with-benefits relationship with Bucky Barnes. Rule #1: no feelings - so don’t get attached (written by Bucky). Rule #2: don’t ever stay over (written by (Y/N)). After a fateful mission, one of them is going to break all the rules.”

Just a Touch by @buckychrist Bucky x reader

“Your powers? Controlling any feeling a human can have, from emotions to pain, with a simple brush of your fingertips. Your mission? The traumatized soldier with sad stricken eyes and scream filled nightmares.”

Under Pastel Skies by @redgillan Modern!Bucky x Artist!reader

“Bucky doesn’t need anyone, especially not a sugar baby. He isn’t that desperate… but she smiles so sweetly and she’s endearingly awkward, and he’s so lonely. She’s an artist, a painter, the type of person who always puts others before herself. Throwing caution to the wind Bucky offers her a place to live, a place where she can finally paint whatever her heart desires. He doesn’t need much in return; a friend, a muse.”

A Long Ways Away by @ai-unknown Bucky x reader

“Connection, reconnection, and a small miscommunication. Bucky will travel however far, if it means making you smile.”

No Rest for the Wicked by @abovethesmokestacks Trucker!Bucky x reader

Based upon this ask: “i have the absolute weirdest urge today to get railed by trucker!bucky in a motel in like southern florida🤨 and it’s late too, maybe 3-4 am. the place is kinda seedy & it’s rlly humid and hot outside & the ac barely works so we’d both be sweating a lot but it makes it hotter”

Meanwhile in Louisiana by @multifandomwriter Bucky x reader

“You are Sam’s best friend and you meet Bucky when Sam organizes a party down at the docks.”

A Tender Heart by @river-soul Alpha!Bucky x Omega!reader

“You’ve been sweet on Bucky since you started working at the compound six months ago. Normally quiet and mild mannered, an unexpected fight with a coworker brings Bucky into your orbit.”

Steve x reader:

Jane Doe by @justkending Modern!Steve x reader

“They weren’t next door neighbors, but they did live in the same apartment complex. However, they were on completely different sides of the complex. Steve always sees her across the way doing her daily routines and way about life on her balcony from his own. Something about her has him checking in on her from across the way when he can… She’s intriguing and has a way about her life that he finds calming and captivating. He wants to know more about who she is, but there’s no non-creepy way of approaching a neighbor that doesn’t know you exist. Is there?”

#bucky x reader #bucky fanfic #Bucky Barnes #bucky barnes x reader #bucky x you #bucky x y/n #bucky barnes fanfiction #bucky barnes fic #bucky barnes imagine #bucky barnes x you #bucky barnes x y/n #modern!bucky #steve rogers x you #steve rogers x reader #steve rogers #steve x reader #steve x you #steve rogers x y/n #bucky x female reader #college!bucky #rockstar!bucky #alpha!bucky #omega reader #abo #reading #fic recs #fanfic recs #fanfic recommendation #modern!steve #soulmate au

[watchtowerindistress]

for the love of ... bob? - jake seresin x reader (2/2)

Summary: Being Jake's (best) friend - sorry, Javy - proved to have its ups and downs but there was something about having him in your corner you couldn't resist. Jake and you just clicked on a deeper level. That's why you didn't get it when the Southern boy was acting so weird.

Word count: 6.9k

Warnings: Jealous! + Soft!Jake, fluff, language, kinda angsty, kinda mean!Jake

Author’s note: I haven't seen Anyone but You (I just get the icky when I see two blondes on screen), so I took Glen's sentiment that he's not the best singer 🤷🏻‍♀️ Is it obvious yet that I really like Lewis/Bob? 😏 Who knew that I would write a Jake story and have Bob's name mentioned soooooo many times to get Jake to freak out? This chapter made me realize ... maybe I'm not good with painting a scene when I feel more comfortable just writing the banter/dialogue because at times I'm just more "clinical" when it comes to narration and I just want to get to the point. 😅

No words can describe how much everyone's reactions moved me. Especially how so many people reblogged this fic. Keep on doing what you're doing, guys! 😘

Chapter Summary: Y/N is an absolute mastermind, but Natasha is one too. Bob is an absolute sweetheart (nothing new to see here).

Tagging: @mellowstatesmanhandsempath @ravenmoore14 @blackmagicwoman @silenthappyplace @mrsevans90 @dempy @arcxnxm @hookslove1592 @djs8891

Read me on AO3

~Jake POV~

“Special delivery for Floyd.”

Maverick showed up in the break room. And, without further ado, dropped a Tupperware container on the table where Bob was sitting. Bob looked up curiously. “Huh, okay…”

Jake was sitting with the rest of the Dagger Squad on base, when his mouth hovered over his sandwich, about to take a bite.

“Y/N dropped it off at Penny’s,” Captain Mitchell explained.

At the mention of your name, Jake frowned before turning his head to inspect what Maverick just delivered.

“Oh, Bob is climbing the racks of popular guys around here,” Natasha teased. “Let me see.” She reached for the piece of paper taped on the cover.

Despite Bob’s efforts to stop her, Natasha’s actions were too swift. He observed Jake with uncertainty.

Natasha narrated the post-it, “Just a small piece of Montana so you can feel more at home, Bob. Only meant for sharing when the others have done something nice for you,” she paused. “Woah, this can be tough for some people. P.S. I’ll be your Huckleberry. Y/N. That’s cute. And then there’s some sort of smiley face.”

Bob snorted before revealing the insides of the Tupperware. The smell of dessert reached their nostrils. It left a speechless Bob behind. He smiled fondly. “Oh, … it’s Huckleberry Buckle.”

The rest of the crew groaned in delight.

“Bob, my friend,” Bradley leaned down, to drape his arm over his shoulder, “you do know that I held the door open for you this morning.”

Bob chuckled. “Just dig in, y’all. If you want some, just grab a plate and a fork.”

This was the signal for most of the Dagger Squad to spring into action.

“Don’t be animals. One for plates and one for forks,” Javy reminded them.

With sentimental eyes, Jake took another glance at the freshly baked dessert. He cleared his throat. “That’s Y/N for you. Baking stuff is Y/N’s love language,” he explained before watching Bob out of the corner of his eye while everyone dug in.

Bob took his ringing phone from out of his pocket. “Hey, yes, I—we just got it. You just made everyone’s day, I think.”

The Dagger Squad echoed with their mouths full, “We love you, Y/N! Love—love you!”

Jake intensely watched Bob while he munched on the pastry, desperately wanting to know what you two were talking about.

“You want me to—really? Did you mention that to-” Bob’s gaze met Jake’s. Once he already found him already staring at him, Bob meekly averted his eyes. “Um, yeah, sure. Hangman, it’s for you,” he said, giving him the phone.

Jake put a smile on his face when he spoke with a gravelly voice. “Hello, stranger.”

He heard you on the other end exhale. “Has anyone ever told you that you got a really sultry voice?”

Jake inhaled deeply and instantly regretted it. Choking on a crumb, Jake coughed to clear his throat. He felt his skin heat up, either your words or the chocking hazard was getting to him. “Uhm, okay?” He phrased as a question. “Not under these circumstances, no.” For good measure, he took a huge gulp of water.

“Have you asked them yet? You know, the karaoke thing?”

“No?”

Jake could basically feel you vibrating through the phone.

“Well, are you gonna? Time is of the essence.”

“Why are you so adamant to get it done this quickly?” He asked, taking another bite.

You stammered, “I need to—I just do. Aren’t we best friends?”

Jake laughed at your faltering attempt to get your way. “Of course, we are.”

“Then it’s your responsibility to make me get to know your colleagues, no questions asked. Maybe I could make you look good, huh?” Now your insistence for this event kinda made more sense.

He exhaled, “Guys, want to do karaoke night with Y/N?”

The Dagger Squad made whoops of agreement.

“You heard that? You really know how to work the crowd, don’t you?”

“What can I say? I have to make use of my strengths.”

Jake shook his head. “I can tell.”

“Now I know why we never did karaoke together,” Natasha mused before knocking back a drink of tequila.

“What?” Jake was still smiling widely when he stepped off stage.

“That was horrendous to watch. And I’m not even talking about what we were just forced to listen to.”

He rolled his eyes at her dig. “Come on, you’re just being mean. Y/N, hey, tell them.” Jake widened his arms, expecting you to snuggle up to his chest.

As if reading his mind, you stepped into his arms. Almost like you were keeping him in suspense, you licked your lips and patted his chest consolingly. “You looked really handsome up there on stage.”

“See?” Jake looked around to challenge his witnesses before realization hit him. He followed you as you stepped away from him. “Wait, what?”

Any disappointed feelings evaporated within him when Jake sat next to you on the couch which oversaw the karaoke stage and spoke softly, “You having fun?”

You leaned against his side, feeling content with just doing your familiar tradition. “You know I do. Thanks for being such a good sport about this.”

“You mean for me being such a horrible singer?”

“You’re tolerable,” you said soothingly and stroked the back of his neck.

“Gee, thanks.”

You nudged your head against his shoulder. “Kidding. You have a great shower voice.”

With a frowning face, Jake stared at you.

You paused in thought. “That sounded weird, didn’t it?”

“Already forgotten.”

“You’re such a sweetheart.” You briefly leaned your head back into the crook of his neck.

The expression which bordered between mischief and intimacy on Jake’s face was only meant for you to see. “Careful, darlin’. With words like that, you’re starting to make all the girls here jealous.”

“I’m good, thanks,” Natasha interjected, jolting you from your thoughts. “Don’t know if you guys are disgusting or just too adorable together.”

You chuckled, hiding your face behind your hair.

Jake leaned his arm against the back of the couch you were sitting on and said with a teasing voice, “Oh, Phoenix, is there something you want to tell?”

A mysterious smile lingered on Natasha’s lips. “I don’t know. Is there something you want to tell?”

Jake remained silent when he narrowed his eyes. “Nope.”

“Pity,” Natasha retorted.

“This tension is getting way too thick for me.” You decided and braced yourself to stand up. “Bob’s song choice is calling my name.”

At the mention of his name, Jake turned his head in an almost comical way. “Wait, Bob?”

You turned halfway around. “Definitely. I think I’m feeling ‘Take Me Home, Country Roads’, you know?”

Natasha gave her vote of confidence. “Don’t let Bob fool you. He’s great. As long as you don’t get into a duet with Rooster.” Her eyes widened at that specific scenario. “I’m serious. I can’t take one more ‘Great Balls of Fire’ today.”

“Thanks for the warning.”

Jake stood up, hiding his hands in the pockets of his jeans. “We’re singing together, right?”

“Of course we are, buddy. It’s tradition,” you said, patting his cheek before leaving again.

Jake sat back down with a sigh, mouthing, “Buddy?” to himself.

“You must have really scared her off with your karaoke performance, … buddy,” Natasha teased next to him.

“You know what?” Jake brooded over his next retort. “Why don’t you have fun with your next Britney song, huh?”

“Thanks. If I play my cards right, I could convince Y/N to join me. I bet she likes Toxic, huh?”

“Everyone does.” Knowing that you wouldn’t mind that one bit.

~ Jake POV ~

“Another plane, another train. Another bottle in the brain. Another girl, another fight. Another drive all night,” You rapped without having care in the world while you mimicked guitar sounds. With your arm slung over his shoulder, Jake carried your body inside.

“You know, I got neighbors, right? I don’t know if they’d appreciate you hollering to the Beastie Boys.”

As if the thought just hit you, you rasped, “I could do it while whisper-yelling. You know, show them some taste.”

Jake shook his head at your antics. “You and your 90’s songs.”

“That was actually late 80’s.”

Jake only chuckled at your musical knowledge shining through. “Someone’s not drunk, huh? Do I need to carry you to bed?”

“Oh, Mr. Lieutenant Seresin-” You leaned back with a smirk, inspecting Jake thoroughly. That gaze alone, and that rank drop, sent a surprising shiver down his spine.

-“You know, I’m not that kinda girl.”

“Oh my God,” he whispered. “Only you would try to flirt in your affectionate state.”

“I’m always flirting with you.”

That reminder unsettled Jake, especially since that sort of affection seemed unusual to other people. For some reason, he didn’t want to lose that. Jake swallowed, frowning. “Yeah, that … that’s what we do. We’re just really, uh…”

“Really secure in our friendship,” you added, holding onto his arms.

His eyes lit up, feeling grateful for your words and warm from your touch. “Exactly. We are.”

You smirked. “How secure do you feel with Javy?”

“Hey, that’s very different. I’m very comfortable with ‘touching guys’, but we’re not in the flirty stage.”

You pursed your lips, imagining that specific scenario. “So, you’re saying you could get there with him one day.”

He didn’t have to ponder about that. “Nope. There’s never been the need for that.”

“Oh, you’re saying I’m special, sweetheart?” Your hold shifted into a tight hug.

“Don’t fish for compliments. You know you are,” Jake whispered quietly, like he was sharing something only for you to know.

“Oh, that’s nice,” you muttered. Snuggling deeper into his strong shoulders while enjoying his warmth. “Damn, your shoulders are really something else, huh? Did I already say that?”

Jake’s shoulders shook with laughter. “It’s fine.”

Like a gentle and exploring piano player, your fingers danced around his shoulder. “You must get them compliments all the time from everyone else.”

“I don’t care about everyone else,” Jake paused.

“Sorry for objectifying you. You’re a real nice guy.”

“First, I don’t mind you objectifying me. Second, don’t you dare call me nice.”

“Oh, you’re just a sweetheart and I don’t get why you don’t let others see that.” Jake felt his body vibrate when you nestled deeper into his neck. Maybe it was easier for Jake to admit stuff if he didn’t have to look at you.

That thought process was eviscerated when you leaned back to stare into his eyes. You stroked his cheeks with deep consideration. “You know, sometimes I keep thinking you deserve so much more than the small scraps of brief flings you’re setting for yourself.”

Almost allured, Jake leaned his face into your palm. Before he caught himself with that infuriating smile. “Oh, you’re thinking about me having sex. Is there something you want to tell me?”

He could feel your disappointment deeply in his core when you sighed heavily. “Jake, you really know how to kill the mood.”

Jake smiled proudly. “Thanks. I really worked hard on that skill.”

With wide eyes, your whole stance changed. “I changed my mind. Can you take me to bed, in a purely platonic way?”

“Only because you asked nicely.”

“Oh, proof that Jake Seresin is secretly a gentleman.” As soon as he offered his smile, you squeezed his dimples, like he was a little kid.

Jake shook his head. “Okay, I think it’s time for bed.”

“And the great Hangman takes aim. Will he be able to defeat the local competition or forfeit his winning streak?”

Jake sighed at hearing Rooster commenting with high anticipation on their pool game at their usual hangout. His arm, holding the cue, hesitated on the pool table. “Rooster, if I have to listen to your droning voice any longer-”

Rooster leaned over the cushion, whispering teasingly, “Why? Am I getting inside your head?”

Jake scoffed at the insinuation. “You think you can get to me with mind games? I invented those.” He pulled his arm back. The moment he saw you enter, a fond smile tugged at the corner of his lips when he saw you laugh with Natasha and -

-pat Bob’s arm?

Jake pushed the cue forward. And watched in apprehension as it slipped away from the ball. “Fuck me,” he grumbled. He couldn’t look away from the unfolding car accident of his play as the ball slithered frustratingly to the middle of the table.

Rooster snorts morphed into boisterous laughter. “Outstanding performance. At least something is getting to you. Are you sure you’re as good as you claim to be?”

Jake whipped his head around. “You know, why don’t you play one of your piano sessions?”

“That would be kind of hard to do since-” Rooster leaned forward with his cue stick. “-you know, I’m beating you.”

Jake cleared his throat, rubbing the back of his neck. He felt his eyes wander surreptitiously to the pair sitting at the bar. Jake made grumbling noises when Penny covered his view as his fingers tightened around the cue stick.

“Ace, you need a special invitation or are you considering to surrender already?” Jake heard the annoying voice behind him. It took everything inside him to not give up and wander where he really wanted to go.

“You’re a hilarious bird.”

Jake lined up his shot.

~ Y/N POV ~

“Okay, what did I miss?”

When you turned your head, Jake sauntered next to you. It took you another glance until you noticed something amiss. “Woah, what happened? You look really hot,” you said, inspecting Jake’s forehead with the back of your hand.

Jake smirked. “Well, thank you. I try my best.”

You rolled your eyes at Jake’s antics to view everything as a compliment. “No, you dork. I mean, you’re like really sweaty. Did you overdo it with the testosterone match?”

“I think I did it just right,” Jake sputtered.

“Who won?”

His green eyes twinkled at the spoken challenge, making your heart flutter. “Who do you think?”

It took you less than a few seconds to look towards Bradley, who swaggered behind Jake. “Who won?”

Jake opened his mouth to gasp at your cheekiness not to trust his word. “I won! What are you asking him for?”

“Barely,” Bradley mouthed, making you giggle. “Totally. I was absolutely … destroyed.” His eyes turned serious when Jake’s gaze found his. “I need some beer to recharge,” he said, moving away.

With a conspiring demeanor, Natasha leaned forward to whisper into your ears. “Oh please, let me tell him.”

Jake’s head moved in her direction. “Oh, you’re here too. Tell me what?”

She placed her hands on your shoulders, slightly shaking your body with her utter enjoyment. “Someone’s gotten herself a date,” Natasha trilled with a sing-song voice.

The glower on Jake’s face sent shivers through your body. You felt uncertain at seeing his reaction. You tried to tell yourself that Jake was just being an overprotective friend. His gaze alternated between yours and Natasha’s before it finally landed on Bob’s.

A wide-eyed Bob swallowed his cup of water. “Not me. I mean, not that Y/N isn’t … you know-” You felt touched that Bob tried to rectify his statement by not wanting to hurt your feelings when he truly looked at you. “You’re really pretty. A guy would be lucky to have you.”

You inwardly gushed at Bob’s gentlemanly ways and felt utterly compelled to give him a hug. Instead, you held him by the shoulder. “Oh Bob, you’re such a sweetheart. You just earned yourself a dance. Pick a song.” With an energetic jump, you moved from your stool and went towards the jukebox.

“I didn’t want to make things weird for the team,” Bob whispered with wide eyes.

There was something akin to respect shining in Jake’s eyes when he nodded once before staring calmly at Natasha. He tried really hard not to reveal his candid emotions on his face. Jake promised to himself, he wouldn’t clench his jaw or cross his arms. He felt like a twitching fool when he was about to cross his arms. Instead, he was forced to let his arms glide downwards before he stroked his abdominal muscles. In the end, he awkwardly hid his hands in the back pockets of his pants.

Natasha smiled mysteriously. “Don’t worry, I’m a great matchmaker. She’s in the safest hands.”

“Phoenix,” Jake started, before he inwardly winced. He crossed his arms and spoke slowly, “what are you doing?”

She shrugged. “Just listening. Y/N mentioned something when we were talking.”

He couldn’t help tilting his head in intrigue. “What exactly?”

“That’s for me to know and you to butt out.” Natasha’s expression softened when she tried to soften the blow. “All in good time. I have a plan. It’s gonna sound weird, but you seem like someone who likes having their best friend close. This is me ensuring to make San Diego as appealing as possible to her. I’m just saying—if she wants to stay,” she said, shrugging her shoulders.

“By giving her a date? You’re right, it doesn’t make any sense.”

“Best-case scenario: She’s gonna have the time of her life with the potential to meet the love of her life while getting a meal out of the date.” Natasha lifted the palms of her hands like a scale to weigh the chances. “Worst case: death by boredom. And next thing you know, Y/N is gonna seek comfort from her best friend after realizing that all naval aviators are douchebags.”

Jake groaned at the thought. “Ugh, great. It’s a damn naval aviator?”

She tilted her head in fascination. “Short question: does she have a thing for aviators? There was a fangirl moment when I mentioned Mav.”

He winced before murmuring, “It’s a statistics thing. Don’t mention Iceman around her.”

Natasha nodded. “Noted.”

“You’re way too involved in this.” Jake pressed his lips together, hoping to see her ultimate endgame. “What’s in it for you?”

“Not everything’s an agenda.” Natasha brushed by him, moving away.

Jake narrowed his eyes with deep suspicion. “And that’s not really an answer.”

~ Y/N POV ~

You could feel your heart beating nervously in your chest. Even your stomach was being all fluttery when you looked into the bathroom mirror while putting mascara on your eyelashes. You heard shuffling behind you before you met green eyes in the reflection.

Your voice echoed in the bathroom. “Jake, you’re hovering like a mother hen.” You didn’t bother turning around since you needed to focus on the task at hand, in order not to go crazy with anxiety. His rare controlling persona wasn’t helping matters.

Jake leaned his shoulder against the door jamb. “I’m just curious, that’s all. You’ve never met the guy. Assuming it’s a man, I don’t want to presume.” He waved his arms around. “I wouldn’t put it past Phoenix to put you on a blind date with a girl.”

You pursed your lips while mentioning casually, “Nat did mention that most of the aviators on the force were duds.”

Jake grimaced. “Going to ignore that,” he mumbled under his breath.

You wiped some mascara remnants from your eyelid. “Your sex not being dating material or me hypothetically dating the same team?”

Jake shook his head, clearing his throat. “So, where are you two lovebirds meeting tonight? Romantic restaurant, picnic by the waterfront?”

The annoyed growl leaving your mouth surprised you. Normally, you weren’t an irrational person who was prone for aggravation. His hovering presence distracted you in an inefficient way. “Seresin, you’re starting to cramp me in this bathroom.” You puzzled yourself more than him when you shoved him through the door. “All answers will be given in the living room after I had some breathing room.”

As soon as the door was closed, it felt like you could breathe again. You exhaled a heavy breath. “Oh my God,” you whispered.

“I heard that!” Jake protested behind the door.

“Good!”

Jake released the breath he was holding. He was sitting on the couch, drumming his fingers on his thigh. He mindlessly watched ‘The Real Housewives of New Jersey’ on his TV, needing something to run in the background while he was waiting for you to come out. Every time he heard noises coming from the bathroom, Jake craned his head, unable to tamp down his curiosity.

The moment the door closed again, he felt nervous energy coming off of him. And he didn’t truly understand why. Jake heard your shuffling feet in the distance before you finally came out. It felt like the breath had been knocked out of his body.

There was something about a Y/N in a sundress and ballet flats that made him feel very weird. You swung around to show off the full effect of your date attire.

“So, what’s the verdict? Does it meet the expectations of Jake Seresin at least?”

“Um-” Jake cleared his throat before he averted his gaze. “-it looks good.”

“Oh, if the dress looks good… Lucky me, huh?”

“Whoever you’re meeting tonight, they’re the lucky ones.”

“Oh.” You rushed forward, hugging Jake sideways in gratitude. “I like when sweet and charming Jake comes out. He’s such a gentleman.”

“I’m going to assert plausible deniability, in case you decide to reveal my secrets.” Jake shared a small smile with you, reminding himself to at least appear like he was fine with the thought of you going out with another naval aviator.

“I wouldn’t. Not for a good trade at least.”

Jake pointed at you as a reminder. “No apple pie.”

You threw your head back, groaning loudly. “How about a strudel?”

“Not even that.”

“Fine.” She leaned back against the couch before whispering quietly, – like you had to remind yourself - “I need to get going.”

He looked up. “You want me to drive you?”

“That’d be weird, wouldn’t it?”

Jake had to keep trying. “To pick you up then.”

A small part of him would remember fondly how he made you chuckle. “Even weirder flex. I’ll be fine.”

The goodbye kiss on his cheek made him sigh before he nodded with a resolved air. “Text me when you need a getaway car.”

You laughed airily. “Alright.”

It was an hour later when he was already lying in bed and mindlessly scrolling through social media on his phone when he received a text from you.

Don’t need a getaway car.

Nodding dazedly to himself, Jake whispered, “That’s just … great.”

Jake was proving to be an utterly, frustrating man. It had been fifteen minutes since you said good morning that Jake had uttered a word. Only the sound of awkward breakfast crunching could be heard.

You sighed when you saw Jake eye you inscrutably again. He truly thought he was being covert. “Okay, when are we going to break the tension?”

“What tension? There’s no tension.” Jake kept munching on his cornflakes. Like he didn’t have a care in the world. Granted, Jake was the kind to keep on eating food, even when he wasn’t feeling well. “It’s a wonderful morning. I’m having breakfast.” Jake scarfed down a mouthful. “There’s nothing out of the ordinary whatsoever.” To prove his point, he offered a close-lipped smile.

You narrowed your eyes in speculation. Talking gibberish was very unlike him. “You want to know how last night went.”

“I don’t want to know.”

“You don’t want to know,” you repeated slowly and in strong incredulity.

“Yep, no interest.” Jake paused in thought. “Unless you want to talk about your date.”

“I’m not going to force you into a conversation if you couldn’t care less.”

“I do care,” Jake rushed with his reply before his voice turned casual again. “I mean a meager amount.”

“Is this like a guy thing?” You sniffed, taking on a low manly voice for effect. “I don’t mind talking about my latest conquest but I’d rather die than talk about it in a meaningful way.”

“First, I hope that wasn’t an impression of me.”

Your face took on a blank expression before you crossed your arms. Waiting for Jake to continue with his list.

“Second, I don’t mind talking about your … dates, as long as it’s not, you know-” He winced. “-sexual.”

“Jesus, that was a first date. And besides, I don’t know if that’s sexist or something else, that you’re allowed to talk about that stuff, but not me?”

“I don’t know why we’re going the feminist route, but with you it’s just different,” he mumbled before shrugging.

“Why?”

“Because you’re my best friend,” Jake responded fervently. “And none of these guys deserve you.” His voice turned quiet, becoming serious all of a sudden. “You deserve someone better.”

Disappointment filled your body at Jake’s perspective. Recounting all the times in your head when you would tell him how he deserved someone who could challenge him, yet appreciate the things about him which made him such a decent and caring guy. It was a pity that Jake would rather wallow in his self-loathing, while pretending to be the most egotistical guy that ever existed than to be vulnerable for once.

Your shoulders deflated when you realized that maybe he would never be ready to have a meaningful relationship—or any relationship at all that progressed over the 3-day mark—and you swore that a small part of you died right there on the kitchen floor. Feeling more hopeless than ever.

Before you could fully understand the reason why this bothered you so much, Jake’s concerned expression pulled you out of the deepest parts of yourself.

“What? What’d I say?”

You shook your head. Never feeling this gloomy before. “You know, for someone who claims to be so smart, you’re just so dang stupid.” Every single word felt like it was torn painfully from between your lips.

“What?”

You just felt too tired to make Jake understand. It felt easier to just turn your body away. Despite how much you hated appearing this careless towards him. “I got to go. I’ll see you later, Jake.”

~ Jake POV ~

“Well, someone’s in a bad mood.” Natasha teased him. Despite them having to endure the same punishment by being forced to do push-ups next to each other, Natasha still seemed to be in a formidable mood.

Jake turned his head. Not caring particularly that he sent her a dark glower.

“Don’t hang your head, Hangman. I doubt you could’ve evaded Mav’s hit on your best day.”

“Shut up,” he grumbled. Inwardly, he winced. His ma would have his hide if she heard him talking like that to anyone.

“What? No comeback? I wonder what else could be bothering you,” she mused to herself.

Natasha didn’t fool him one bit. Jake wondered if she had it out for him and that was why she focused so hard on Y/N.

“What do you think, Bob?” She decided to thrust the knife even deeper.

Even at the mention of his name, Jake swore his forehead garnered the first droplets of sweat.

Bob chose to focus on his push-ups before grunting, “I’m not getting in the middle of this.”

“You’re way too nice.”

Jake clenched his jaw. “Yes, someone’s a real goody two-shoes.”

Bob turned his head, looking bewildered. “What did I do?”

“Oh, just sweet and perfect Bob who can do nothing wrong.”

Heavy footsteps came closer. “Why do I hear chattering and see no push-ups over here?” Maverick’s voice came over their heads.

“Understood, Sir,” Bob automatically replied.

Jake kept his mouth closed. As much as it pained him.

After the completion of their punishment and he had taken a shower, Jake hurried after Natasha in the rec room. “I need to talk to you.”

Natasha tilted her head. “I thought we already did.”

“Who was the date?”

She exhaled in exasperation, glaring at him. “You’re so predictable, Hangman,” she said, turning around to leave.

“Wait, wait. I’m sorry-”

Natasha stopped in her tracks. She swivelled her head, frowning. “An apology? You just bought yourself two minutes of my time. Go on.”

“Was it Bob?”

Natasha breathed out slowly, pausing in thought. “…You have a weird fixation on Bob. I wonder why that is.”

Jake cleared his throat and crossed his arms. “I don’t-”

“Just kidding. I know why that is. And no. I asked, but he refused.” She shook her head, revealing that this bothered her more than she wanted to admit. “Honorable little fucker,” Natasha grumbled. She chose to clarify instead. “He wouldn’t have minded to date Y/N, but, you know- Didn’t he tell you this already?”

Bob did mention that. But Jake couldn’t help thinking that he might have changed his mind. He averted his gaze, feeling slightly depraved that he considered Floyd doing that. “Maybe. But still.”

Natasha raised an eyebrow in disbelief. “What does it matter who the lucky fella was? What are you gonna do? Scare the hell out of them?”

It was indeed bad when someone like Phoenix could predict his future plans. “If it’s someone who doesn’t deserve her, then yes.”

She hummed. “If you know her so well, then tell me, what kind of person do you think Y/N deserves?”

Jake spread his arms. It felt strange how a list of things ran through his head and how they just rolled off his tongue. “Someone nice. Someone who just gets her and adores her little quirks. Just a gentleman.” He counted the amount of traits with his fingers. “Funny, maybe a bit sensitive or vulnerable. Good-looking, but that’s not as high up on her list as the inner qualities.”

Natasha remained quiet. Her brown eyes were staring at him with a profound expression. “Very insightful. Interesting qualities you just listed off. Anyone you know that could fulfil those strengths?”

At the mere mention, he felt like he was put in the spotlight. Either she wanted him to say ‘Bob’ – since those characteristics could cover him easily—or maybe utter his own name. The more he thought about it, the more he realized how much he wanted to be with you. And wanted to be a part of you.

Jake carefully glanced at Natasha. Not trusting her look of consideration, he narrowed his eyes. He spoke slowly. “I’m not sure.”

“Pity. I could be persuaded into making something happen, if you know what I mean.”

Jake licked his lips, knowing exactly what she was trying to get him to admit. He pressed his lips together.

“But … you would actually need to say the words.” She waited patiently before sighing. “My patience knows its limits though. So, if you got nothing to say, then…” Natasha pointed behind her to threaten her departure. She nodded to herself once before saying, “Okay.” And walked towards the exit.

Jake opened his mouth, as he watched her walk away. He didn’t understand where his courage was coming from when the words left his mouth. “Natasha, would you squeeze me in as Y/N’s date?” He knew how he’d usually call her ‘Phoenix’ or in very rare instances ‘Nat’ so he figured that she caught him in a vulnerable mood for a change.

She dramatically turned around and pursed her lips. “Depends. Will you also apologize to Bob for being an absolute dick?” She paused. “Again?”

Jake sighed. “Listen, I don’t-”

“It’s called being a decent human being. It’s the least you could do. Not to mention-” Natasha tapped her chin mockingly. “-I can’t imagine how Y/N would feel if she found out that someone was being this rude to sweet Bob. I mean, what do you think? How would she feel about that?”

He revealed a tight smile at the slight warning. There was no need to hit below the belt. He would have done it anyway if Natasha said he was being a jerk. “Fine, I got your point. I’ll apologize,” he grunted lowly.

She smiled cheerily. “Now, that wasn’t so hard, was it?”

You felt bad about ignoring Jake, you thought, while you waited in the midst of the amusement park of Belmont Park. Ever since this morning, things had been weird between you. Or Jake was just being his stubborn and obstinate self.

You had been baffled since Natasha sent you a message that the date location had changed. The more you looked around, you realized that you would’ve loved to spend time with Jake at this place. You exhaled with disappointment. Jake would absolutely force you on the roller-coaster, but then feel bad once your stomach was upset by buying you a funnel cake.

Deciding that your bond with Jake was far too important than to leave everything hanging like that, you yearned to clear the air. Pulling out your phone, you scrolled through your contacts until your thumb pressed against the name.

The sound of a cell ringing in the distance made you turn your body in uncertainty. You frowned once you saw Jake advancing with hesitation, waving an arm in greeting.

“Hey, you.”

You hung up your phone, trying to grasp his presence. “What are you doing here? Did you want to ride the Giant Dipper, or something?”

Jake smiled awkwardly. “I wouldn’t actually mind that. Depends if my best friend would be up for it too?” You tried to prepare yourself against his puppy dog eyes as he stepped closer. The movement made you take notice of his suave appearance. You swore you could feel your knees weakening when you saw him wearing his jeans and a pressed white dress shirt.

Jake rubbed his hands against the fabric of his pants.

Not wanting to hurt him, you spoke slowly. “That’s hard to say. I’m kind of on a date. Just waiting, I guess.”

“Yeah, I know. Natasha told me.”

You felt befuddled by his explanation. “Why … would she do that?”

“I asked her to?” Jake phrased the statement into a cautious question.

You pursed your lips as you tried to understand why she would do that in the first place. “Did you bribe her?”

Jake blushed at a memory when he explained with a gravelly voice, “I think I paid her off by giving her the satisfaction in seeing me grovel.”

“How did that look like?” You said, feeling fascinated by the concept of a begging Jake. Even that word didn’t seem to fit him.

“You don’t want to know, trust me.” Jake grew silent before something akin to hope lit up his eyes. “Why did you want to call me?”

You cleared your throat. “Why are you here?”

Teasingly, Jake pointed at you. “I asked you first.”

You sighed. “I wanted to clear the air.” Still, you were not above getting one small dig in. “Unlike some people, I wanted to be the grown-up one here.”

Jake narrowed his eyes. “Now someone’s just being cheeky.” He exhaled, willing to admit any wrongdoings. “I’m sorry for being a dick.”

“Why were you?” You spoke softly. Just because he was your close friend didn’t mean that Jake would get special treatment.

Jake stepped closer until you were only a foot apart. “Because I have a talent for it. Because it’s easier to just pretend. Because of you going out … with a naval aviator just pissed me off. Because I-” He breathed in, like he was preparing for you to hit him. “-I really, really like you.”

You blushed, not yet trusting if he meant it or if this was just some strange prank he wanted to pull off. “You like me,” you repeated, unable not to tease him just a little bit. “And here I thought most of the time I was your annoying best friend.”

“I think you’re confusing yourself with Javy.”

You cocked your head playfully. “Oh? Do you really, really like him too?”

He pursed his lips, like he needed to entertain that thought first. “He’s just alright, I guess. I mean, I more than like you. It’s like obnoxious.”

Wow, and here you thought, Jake could prove to be an adult for once. So, unless he decided to brandish a real love confession that didn’t sound like the most aggravating nuisance, you could do the same.

“Oh my God, you’re like a big kid, huh? Using those big boy words.”

His eyes were burning with sage fire. “You’re just so infuriating at times.”

You raised an eyebrow. “Says the great Jake?”

“That’s what I mean! You’re driving me absolute insane. You’re making friends with everyone you meet.” Jake counted at his fingers. “Maverick, Bob!-”

You furrowed your eyebrows. “What’s Bob got to do with this?”

“He’s like-” Jake grimaced. “-And you’re-” He waved towards you, very eloquently describing the issue at hand.

“I think somewhere was a compliment. Let me just reiterate: you think Bob’s a great, wonderful guy and I’m just-”

“Perfect,” he uttered with a hoarse voice.

You inhaled deeply, stammering nervously. “You can’t just say stuff like that.”

“It’s still the truth.”

“What if you’re only saying all of this because you can’t stand the idea of me getting with a naval aviator?” You voiced your inner worries, absolutely needing him to be truthful.

Jake opened his mouth several times before admitting, “Partly true. But the truth is, Nat made me realize I was just being too chicken to fully admit that I … I can’t imagine not spending the day with you. You make me think about you all the time. Even when I’m out with the guys and I keep thinking ‘Oh wow, Y/N would love to try out that drink’ or ‘As much as you’re a talker during Sunday Night Football-”

“Not always,” you mumbled quietly.

“-you still make it fun.”

You pressed your lips together, feeling very nervous and emotional by his words.

“Maybe I just didn’t realize I was in love with you until the concept truly hit me, that you might be into a … nice guy like Bob.”

Despite his familiar self-loathing, you couldn’t help reminding him with a small smile, “You’re a nice guy too, Jake.”

“Only with you.”

Jake’s confession made your heart palpitate in your chest nervously.

“So,” Jake started, “what do you feel for me?”

You hummed to yourself before confessing, “Ditto.”

Jake huffed loudly. “Oh my God. Of course, you’d be aggravating about it.”

“I’m just saying, maybe I really, really like you too.”

He shook his head, trying to suppress a smile. As much as you could tell what he wanted to hear from you.

In the end, you chose to take a chance. “Let’s just say, there are more times when I realized over the years how I’m in love with you than the amount of times when I can’t stand you. The second is pretty close though.”

You couldn’t have been prepared for Jake’s wide and blinding smile.

“Ditto.”

You rolled your eyes, while revealing a small smile on your lips. You decided to put him out of his misery when you admitted, “Nat was my date.”

“Wa-wait, what?”

You shrugged your shoulders. “She said that she had a specific guy in mind, but he wasn’t ready yet. I just thought it was someone who was still out on a mission. So, we hung out last night.”

Jake still remained confused. “And did what?”

“Nosy,” you mumbled. “Karaoke and stuff like that.”

“Why didn’t you tell me?” He inquired with wide eyes.

“I wanted to, but you decided to be a jerk about it.”

Jake narrowed his eyes, shaking his head. “Nat ‘Fucking Mastermind’ Trace.”

“What?”

“Nothing.” Jake looked at your surroundings, hiding his hands in the pockets of his jeans. “Do you want to go on a date?”

You smirked. “Like a platonic one?”

“Nope, like a real one. You know, the romantic kind. I promise to make it a bit fun, unique and unforgettable.”

“That’s a big promise.”

Jake smirked arrogantly. “I’m aware. It also perfectly describes me.”

You groaned loudly. “And here we go. I want Nice Guy Jake though and not the obnoxious one.”

He was walking alongside you, nodding. “I’ll tell him to take an off-day.”

“What is it about you and Bob though? He’s just a really stand-up guy. Really funny.”

“So am I.”

“Sometimes. Let’s just say, we just get each other. You know, cut from the same cloth.”

Jake hummed. At least he was no longer being a caveman when it came to Bob. “Okay,” he said, laying his arm over your shoulder.

“I mean, he was just helping me rent an apartment in the city,” you explained, gauging his reaction.

“What?”

“Yes, he offered to put in a good word and Nat sent me a few listings.”

It seemed like the rare event of a speechless Jake took place. “Huh, that’s-”

“As I live and breathe, a speechless Jake Seresin was just seen out and about.” You glanced at him through your eyelashes. “I think you were about to say that’s a real stand-up guy thing to do, huh?”

Jake sighed, not wanting to admit reluctant respect before mumbling something under his breath which sounded close to, “Damn it, now I really got to apologize.”

You turned your head. “What?”

“Nothing.”

“It’s okay. There’s still time for you to deal with your big boy emotions,” you replied before you chose to do something new. By taking his hand and interlacing your fingers together. “And here I thought, judging from your letters, you had more of a rivalry thing going with Bradley.”

“I know, right? I thought I would feel threatened by Rooster of all people. But Bob?”

“Let’s just say, in another life Bob would’ve swept me off my feet,” you retorted, patting him against his chest.

His blank expression could be described as something where he tried to imagine that so-called horror reality. “… Don’t even joke about that.”

#watchtowerindistress #steph writes #jake seresin x reader #jake seresin x you #jake seresin x y/n #for the love of bob #jake seresin x fem!reader #jake seresin fic #jake seresin fanfiction #jake hangman seresin #top gun maverick fic #hangman x reader

[watchtowerindistress]

(how) to hunt a hunter - sergei kravinoff x fem!reader

Summary: Kraven the Hunter was a myth equal to the Boogeyman. So the prestigious offer to hunt the legendary hunter sounded insane yet like a blast. Who were you as a Black Widow to say ‘no’ to that?

Word count: 4.5k

Warnings: blood, violence, sexual tension, language, consumption of alcohol

Author’s note: Don’t judge me for inserting another Black Widow character again. 🤣 I thought it’d be fun to not go the typical route of Sergei hunting you, but you hunting him. Seriously, what is up with this trope, guys? I’m getting out of my hiatus which is rough and I want to just create something fun and not like a full-blown series. I apologize, I’m better with witty dialogue than fighting scenes, I’m terribly sorry. 😅

If you followed my we all have our secrets series, there’s a character who gets a slightly more prominent role in this one-shot than the mere mention. You know, I’m getting Morbius vibes from the trailer, but I guess it’s going be fun? 🤷🏻‍♀️

Read me on AO3

You wiped the damp layer off the mirror and winced at what you saw.

Your battered reflection was staring back at you. You shook your head and even that movement of your wet hair stroking the side of your neck irritated the scrapes and bruises even further.

Needing to breathe through the pain, you exhaled through your mouth, leaning forward on your elbows against the edges of the wash basin. 

Wrath was burning in your eyes when you glared at your reflection. The broken blood vessel of your eye was a sore reminder of the absolute failure of a mission.

The blue eyes of Sergei Kravinoff shone on the display of your laptop to reveal your target. You hummed before gazing through the binoculars on the roof of the hotel you to keep track of the infamous Kraven.

Killing him would certainly be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Who could even say that about themselves?

Your phone alerted you to a new call coming in. Almost casually you took it without glancing at the screen. Your eyes were glued to the outside surroundings.

“Kind of in the middle of something,” you said with a bored voice.

“So it was you who took the assignment?”

You sighed. Your wrist almost dropped the field glass at hearing Talia’s voice.

“Did I take it away from you?”

A mirthful chuckle reverberated through the loud speaker. “No, I’m not that desperate to face the Hunter.”

Your eyes glanced sideways at that tidbit of information. “Is that fear? Didn’t know that the infamous White Widow was afraid of anything.”

“Not fear. Just a boring survival instinct.”

A pause lingered in the air.

“What is it for you? The prestige? Something fun?”

“Maybe I like a challenge.” 

Talia’s voice turned severe to warn you of the danger. “Trust me on this. This man is no joke. He’s going to enjoy tearing you apart.”

“You sound like you’re talking from experience.”

Talia exhaled. “I knew his father. That family isn’t something to be trifled with. But no, if I want to rupture my lung, I’d rather do it on my own terms. But I also know I can’t stop you if you set your mind to something. All I can offer you are my contacts on sight, wherever you are.”

“No, thank you.” You chuckled. “And don’t pretend like you don’t even know where I am.”

“What can I say? I can’t reveal all my secrets. Stubborn to a fault,” Talia grumbled under her breath. “But I didn’t tell you the whole truth. About Kraven. He’s more animal than man. An absolute savage, mark my words, dushka.” [darling]

“Warning accepted. And to answer your question. It’s a challenge. That’s why I’m doing it.”

“He’d be more than just a challenge.”

“I’m counting on it.”

The unpredictability of this target revealed itself soon enough when Kravinoff didn’t seem to have a single pattern. It was confounding. People had patterns to orient themselves in their daily lives.

You didn’t understand it.

So, the fact that he entered a hotel bar raised your suspicions even more. It wasn’t your ideal preference with the amount of exit strategies the location offered. With wary eyes, you strolled towards the bar, instantly recognizing the broad shoulders clothed in a white dress shirt.

You sighed. This was truly bad. But it wouldn’t be the first time your cover was blown before the job could even start. A curious glance towards the amount of glasses behind the barkeeper made you smirk though.

Kravinoff slightly turned his head the closer you got before you finally sat on the stool, without any space separating you two. If the target was aware of the oncoming hit, then it didn’t matter keeping up pretences.

He pulled the amber-filled tumbler to his lips. “You want to have a drink before we get started? It’s on me.” If the file didn’t give it away before, the accent certainly revealed his Russian heritage.

“Sure. I love to celebrate.” You pointed a finger in the air and motioned for the barkeeper with a “I’ll have what he’s having, neat. Keep the bottle.”

Kravinoff snorted, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. “That’s funny. Already certain of your victory?”

You watched the barkeeper pour two fingers into your glass before he wandered away. “Just enjoying myself during work.” You sipped a bit and instantly hummed from the smoky taste in your mouth.

Kravinoff raised an eyebrow. “You like?”

You shrugged. “You seem to have taste when it comes to certain refreshments.”

The man grunted at your sarcastic dig which satisfied you if you couldn’t use the moment of surprise to your advantage.

Kravinoff twirled his glass between his fingers. “Who sent you?” he inquired throatily.

“What? No foreplay?”

He slowly turned in his seat until his legs were spread and he was facing you head-on. His eyes were burning with intensity. In any other situation you would have deemed him beautiful in a gruff way. Kravinoff remained sullen and quiet, waiting for you to speak.

You rolled your eyes, knocking back your drink. “You’re no fun. Perhaps I intend to play with my prey before I have to kill it.”

His mouth twisted into a sinister smirk. “You think I’m your prey?” The last word sounded like he tasted something nasty on his tongue. 

“Don’t insult me, pet.”

You furrowed your brows at the mention of that so-called term of endearment.

Kravinoff lazily laced his fingers together. “So, what are you? Regular mercenary? HYDRA agent? Talon?”

“Widow.”

Kravinoff tilted his head at that one word in intrigue. “Hmm. It’s an honor-”

Something akin to pride or satisfaction lingered in your stomach.

“-to kill you.”

You clenched your jaw at the self-assurance in his voice. “Well, in that case…” You dared to steal Kravinoff’s drink, just to one-up him for that arrogance of his.

“… give it your best shot, sweetheart.”

Before he could even attack you, you hit his larynx with the side of your hand.

Kravinoff omitted a pained grunt, shielding his throat. He jumped from his chair.

You broke his tumbler on the counter, slashing Kravinoff’s neck.

With an animalistic growl and burning eyes, he seized your neck, smashing your face against the counter. Something like a creak resounded underneath you with the force.

A whimper left your lips. You felt something sharp on your temple.

In one swift move, Kravinoff slid your head along the counter. Something wet trickled down the side of your face. You hissed at the sensation of glass shards against your skin.

You kneed the back of his knee, managing to subdue him and jump him until your legs wound around his neck, making him groan with your choking move.

Your balance shifted as Kravinoff tried to shake you off by grabbing your hips. Trying to take him by surprise and to throw him off his game, you jabbed your fingers into his eyeballs.

With a snarl, he rushed forward against the counter. You groaned in pain at the hardwood.

God, you were starting to hate this assignment.

You were starting to get used to Kravinoff’s burning eyes branding holes into you instead.

“Stop choking me.” There was something horrifying yet fascinating about his ocean blue eyes switching into amber-colored ones. The kind that hypnotized you and rendered you frozen.

“Kinda defeats the purpose of killing you,” you hissed as a retort. Although it certainly delighted you at seeing Kravinoff’s face getting red.

Almost in keeping you at suspense, he slowly yanked out a hunting knife from behind his back and making you grimace in return. There was something about his eyes that revealed what he wasn’t saying.

Seeing no way out of this without getting utterly mutilated by this hunter, you stretched out your arm behind you and grabbed a broken glass. You would learn to fight another day.

Kravinoff winced and eyed his shin darkly.

Without losing any time for him to fight back in retaliation, you pushed against his chest with your feet, making him fall back.

Knowing that the moment he would look up, you had already run.

“I heard you had an eventful day yesterday.”

The humorous statement drew a weary sigh from your lips. Your fingers clenched around the steering wheel at the mere reminder of the mission. Although you didn’t need it since there was nothing that could make you forget with every glance in the mirror or every movement of your muscles.

You inhaled deeply. “You know, it’s funny, when you were dead, the phone remained silent. Now I can’t get rid off you.”

“Allegedly dead. And don’t pretend. You crave our little talks.”

“You here to gloat?”

“Only when it’s warranted. I thought I told you he was dangerous. That’s on you—underestimating a man like him.”

You scoffed in derision. A man like him. “You’re probably right. At least I survived. Who else can say that?”

Your speaker phone remained silent.

You held your breath. “What’s wrong?”

“Kraven has a tendency to kill the people he sets his mind to. So the fact that you’re still alive worries me. He didn’t mention his death list, did he?”

Something moved uncomfortably in your stomach at the concept of an assassin following a list. You licked your lips, remembering how his eyes turned golden. A supernatural hunter trying to kill you wasn’t on your to-do list.

You parked your car in the garage of your safe house before you sped up the stairs.

“No, although there wasn’t a lot of time for talking, if you know what I mean.” You felt the civil conversation at the beginning would make the White Widow only insinuate how you had let your guard down, but you would disagree.

“I’m just saying, Kraven can find anyone, so you better be on your guard.”

A groan left your lips when you inspected the lock on your door, letting your head fall forward. “This isn’t happening,” you muttered in disbelief under your breath. “Got to run,” you called out.

“Don’t die,” Talia sang as a goodbye and half a reminder before hanging up.

You rolled your eyes. “Yes, thanks for the warning,” you grumbled to yourself before you inhaled through your nose in preparation. With your gun placed at the back of your belt and your Widow Bites switched on. Silently, you opened the door and pointed your wrist to the floor. Nothing, so far.

“I’m curious, how would you like to die?” you hollered through the apartment. “Any preferences? I should have asked the last time.” You studiously searched every room, knowing he was in here somewhere.

“How considerate,” Kraven’s sarcastic reply came closer than expected. “Not here to kill you.”

You scoffed loudly. “Yes, right. I’ll believe that when I see it,” you whispered.

Finally, you found him. With his back turned towards you and his arms behind his back, taking in his surroundings. You didn’t trust it one bit that someone like him would be vulnerable like that. Kraven’s figure in the kitchen almost made it seem to small with his dominating presence taking up all of the space. You reluctantly applauded that gall of his for invading your space like that and to make a surprise attack like that.

“You changed your shirt,” you observed quietly, taking in his casual shirt, despite there not being anything casual about him. “The other one too bloody for you?”

Humor was laced in his voice as he slowly turned around, sending you a daring glance. “Observant little spider. Just want to talk.”

The guffawing sound coming out of your throat awkwardly switched to a cough. “Sorry, that—I don’t know where that came from.”

“I’m curious what other sounds I can elicit from those lips.”

You furrowed your eyebrows at the blatant flirting. If that could be considered flirting since it felt more like a hit from a sledgehammer. Very direct and hard to get away from. Typical Russian.

You clenched your hand behind your back. Talia couldn’t fault you for staying on your guard. “And I’m wondering about your noises when I do this-”

You pointed your wrist at him, watching in satisfaction at the electric jolt shooting through his chest. Kraven groaned in pain before sending you a dark glare at your own insolence.

“I was trying to have a normal conversation. You know, trying something new. You make this really hard though.”

You frowned at his ability to talk or even standing upright as you sauntered over to a close cabinet. With calm movements, you attached a silencer to your gun, not needing any more unwanted guests.

“I’m not really interested in talking after our last conversation, you know-”

Your wind was knocked out of you when something pushed into you, making you crash to the floor. You gasped when the back of your head bumped against the wooden floor. Shaking your head, you sent him a thunderous expression. “Now that’s my kind of conversation,” you hissed before you swung your thighs around his neck, squeezing with all your might.

Kraven grunted, closing his eyes. With sudden movements, he stood up and the next thing you knew was that he had pushed you against the wall, making you groan from the sudden impact.

Between your legs, you felt him puff out in breaths, “You know, not that I’m complaining, but I think I’m starting to get used to that.”

His flirty tone of voice made you look down in reluctance to discover him humming contently between your thighs. Spite made you squeeze even tighter and punch against his shoulders with your elbows.

“Stop with your pointy elbows,” Kraven hissed in warning.

“Stop invading my safe house, Kraven svolotsch!” [scumbag]

Your eyes widened when Kraven moved backwards and threw you onto your back as you both fell to the floor. He seemed to have a thing for knocking the wind out of you.

“What did you just call me?” he exhaled next to you.

“You heard me,” you whispered in return, trying to catch your breath.

“You know, I do love our conversations,” Kraven murmured reverently.

“What do you want?” you finally asked in disappointment.

“Now, you want to talk?”

“Now I want you out,” you exhaled tiredly.

“You wound me, pet.”

“Stop calling me that.”

Kraven sighed, slowly sitting up. “Who paid you?”

You opened your eyes, uncertain about his intentions. “Then you’ll kill me?”

Kraven raised his eyebrows, almost like he couldn’t believe you even uttering those words to him. “One less Spider in this world would be a pity. Tell me their name and I’ll reimburse you for your troubles. This, I promise you.”

You inhaled deeply, not knowing if Kraven was the kind to keep his oaths. “Or what?”

“These people are going to kill you if you don't deliver, unless you’re interested in a third run?” Kraven raised his eyebrows in challenge. Probably for some reason sharing the same opinion as you.

“Maybe I haven’t decided yet,” you teased as you leaned on your arm while your hand reached for his thigh which sustained the injury during your last altercation.

Kraven narrowed his eyes with his tilting head in consideration. “Uh, what are you doing?” he whispered hoarsely.

You clenched your jaw. Something wasn’t right, you thought, as you let your fingernails stubbornly search for the cut on his leg.

Kraven swallowed before he cleared his throat. “Why are you stroking my leg? Is this some sort of Soviet seduction technique I didn’t know about?”

There wasn’t an injury. Your heart was racing in your chest at the implication of it.

“What are you?”

Silence enveloped you two. Kraven stared at you in contemplation. “Tit for tat, Spider.”

“Fine.” You rolled your eyes and stood up to stretch your legs. “I don’t know their name. It didn’t matter. He only called himself the Benefactor.”

“Mysterious,” Kraven grumbled behind you.

“Drink?”

“Without poison, if it’s possible.”

You turned your body to reveal the fakest smile you could muster for him. “Only for you, sweetheart.”

“Oh, you treat me too well,” Kraven purred while cocking his head. “So, how does he contact you?”

“Encrypted connection via messaging server.” You offered a shot of vodka for him to take.

“Tell him to meet.” Pushing the brown locks away from his face, he threw back his drink.

“Well,…” You mulled over his offer. “…there’s only one choice to make. How do you feel about dying?” you inquired, putting the glass to your lips.

You tapped your fingers against arm, waiting for the stop of the descent of the cargo elevator. All the while ignoring the stares of two other henchmen standing next to you.

Someone cleared their throat. “Are you like the real deal?”

You pursed your lips at the awkwardness of it all, being in the lair of the so-called Benefactor and being surrounded by fanboys. It was strange. Usually, you were used to people being terrified of your past. Like they couldn’t fathom the possibility of an assassin walking among them. Or that they’d rather didn’t see you being part of society.

“No, I just like dressing up,” you replied dryly, sending them a smirk over your shoulder. “You want me to turn on my batons?”

“Can we take a selfie?”

You considered that for a few seconds before shrugging. “Sure. You want to get the body bag too?”

“Is there really a body in there?”

“What can I say? Needed something large in size to fit the dude.”

Both seemed speechless for a second and made up their minds. “Neat. Come on, huddle together.”

You tilted your head, making a peace sign with your fingers before the camera made the sound of a snapshot. “Nice.”

“Thanks so much.”

You cleared your throat. “My pleasure. Until next time, fellas.” Your fingers made a saluting sign before the doors opened to signal your destination. “Got to deliver something,” you muttered before you wandered down the hallways of the complex.

You had to hand it to those villains. They certainly had the extravagant taste for the finer things in life such as a hidden lair for your base of operations. You turned the corner when the HQ became visible down a set of stairs. Judging by the set of computers and a few people strolling around, tending to their tasks.

In the center of the base a man stood. There was something about him that compelled your vigilance. You trusted your deepest instincts that told you that you were dealing with the Benefactor of all people.

You did a double-take towards the set of stairs, mumbling to yourself, “Huh, that’s a lot of stairs.”

Almost like your voice carried over to him, the man turned around, staring right at you. “Welcome. It’s an honor to be in the presence of a Black Widow.”

Your body tensed before you took a deep breath while carrying the body bag down the stairs, being mindful of every thunk as you descended.

“If you say so.” Your curious gaze met his. There was something about him that felt familiar. The man appeared in his late 60’s and wore an aviator jacket with the lapel lined with fur. “Have we met before?”

The Benefactor cleared his throat. “I don’t think so. Is that the package?”

You narrowed your eyes at the dismissal. “Depends. Are you the Benefactor?”

He smirked when he lowered his head. “Sometimes.”

You placed your hands on your waist, dropping the body bag fully to the floor. “Very cloak and dagger,” you mused. “And to answer to your question: no. I just carry my accessories in there. Really practical if you know what I mean.”

The staring between the Benefactor and you lingered far longer than you expected it would.

Then he smiled widely.

“You’re funny.”

“I haven’t been called that before,” you surmised before you dragged the bag closer to him and pulled down the zipper until it ended around his middle.

The Benefactor hummed curiously and leaned forward until he could really see him. “Hmmm, he looks really fresh,” he replied as an observation.

What?

“I’m sorry?”

“The injuries on his face, I mean. There were stories about him, you know. Is it true that he can regenerate?”

Was he trying to mount him on a wall, or something? Or what was it about this talk of admiration?

Your gaze wandered around in scepticism at this strange diversion. “What kind of supervillain are you?” you asked with a hoarse voice.

The Benefactor chuckled under his breath. “I wouldn’t call myself super, not yet. But I have plans.”

“Hmm, don’t we all.”

He clapped his hands together, like you had just rejuvenated his spirits. “How hard was it to kill him?”

You stared at him calmly, knowing what was about to happen. “I think you know the answer to that,” you whispered ominously.

“Yes, I think I do.” Something glimmered in his eyes which gave you the incentive to turn on your Batons with their red glare.

Kraven’s eyes opened.

Ever so dramatic, you thought, as you inwardly rolled your eyes.

You didn’t gave away any warning before you doused the whole facility into complete darkness. There were gasps around you from the sudden blackout. Instead you turned off your Batons and switched over to your blades.

Something growled in the dark before you saw those golden eyes, like some sort of harbinger.

“You wanted me. Now here I am,” Kraven hissed menacingly.

“There’s no need for violence. I just wanted to see what would happen.”

“Okay,” you exhaled loudly. “Now watch this happen,” you promised sinisterly and threw the first blade.

Someone shrieked in shock when the knife pierced their leg. “Oh my—Goddammit!”

“Finish this, Kraven. I’m starving.”

You heard something powering up. With every second passing, a mechanical sound echoed in the air before something set into place. You turned your head just when night vision goggles jerkily snapped in your direction.

You suppressed a shiver and opted for the (more) silent tactic, swinging the baton around before shooting electricity through it at the last second.

Someone grunted before they fell to the floor.

“We don’t have all day, by the way. What’s taking so long?” you hollered and jerked back when the thrusters of an exo-suit flew past. “What the hell?”

“I know what I’m doing,” Kraven exhaled, hovering in the air, somewhere near the ceiling. “You deal with your henchmen and I’ll take care of this one.”

The alarm deafened your ears before red lights pulsed rhythmically into the dark, giving you the opportunity to watch—wait a second—the Vulture pressing Kraven against the wall.

“Are you sure?”

“Is this concern I’m hearing?” Kraven growled inhumanly before wrestling against like a rabid animal, tearing with all his might against one of the wings.

“If you want to fight the Vulture, be my guest.” You turned your head and watched in suspension as a new group of henchmen ran inside.

“Oh hey, fanboys!” you called out, waving a hand in greeting at the familiar faces.

They looked uncertainly at each other before one whispered to the other, “I don’t want to fight the Black Widow.”

“If it’s any consolation, if Kraven hadn’t taken so long, we would’ve been out of here already, so…” You twirled your batons in the air. “I’m not really giving you a choice, fellas.”

~Kraven POV~

Kraven was done with this bird man. He didn't mind heights, but this Vulture was messing with his good nature. The thruster’s engine made spluttering noises the longer his fingers viciously tore at it.

“This is all just a big misunderstanding.”

Kraven sneered at the pilot. “Tell that to me a few days ago when you tried to have me killed. Sending a Widow after me? Seems pretty clear to me,” he hissed with venom in his voice.

“Let go of the wing and we’ll talk.”

“The time for conversations is over, ptashka.” Feeling the itching in his fingers, he yanked out his hunting knife, ready to strike and not caring that they would fall several meters to the ground. [birdie]

“Okay, fine.”

Kraven frowned in anger when he was instead pushed, making him land on all fours.

Vulture’s landing was a bit inept, with the wing's engine sputtering. His arms were raised.

“Cease fire for now?”

“I haven’t decided yet,” Kraven exhaled unevenly, feeling wrath still bubbling under the surface, sending you an expression of aggravation over his shoulder. Hoping you would understand not to cross Vulture for now without speaking.

“Can’t make any promises for her though,” Kraven mentioned casually while pointing towards you, like he was discussing the weather.

Thankfully, you fastened your batons at your back again.

“It was an invitation,” Vulture explained vaguely. “A test if you will. To join our circle.”

“Recruitment?” Kraven was getting bored already - this wasn’t really tickling his fancy. He raised an eyebrow with a sneer. “Not interested in joining anyone’s club. I have my own agenda to follow. I'm not bending towards anyone’s rules.”

“We respect your … hunts if you will.”

“We?”

“A collection of people who have been wronged. Like-minded people such as yourself. We could use someone like you who loves the thrill of the hunt. Because that’s what you do, right? You absolutely live for it. To hunt your prey until it grows tired.”

Kraven hummed noncommittally. Not sure yet of this secret club. But this bird man certainly could appeal to his baser nature. “I’ve reached a decision.”

Vulture tilted his head in fascination, but didn’t reveal his eyes behind those goggles.

“I won’t kill you … yet. For drawing me out like that. But you have aggravated me with your little games by making me neglect my work.” With every sentence, Kraven took a step forward, needing to drive home that he could kill them for their impertinence. “So, I’m going to take off and then I’ll debate with myself if I should drop by in the future. Be thankful if I don’t.”

He turned away, knowing with absolute clarity that they wouldn’t be stopped.

“Not even curious?” Vulture called from behind him, trying to dangle one last temptation.

“Too busy.”

“Even for a spider?”

Kraven clenched his jaw in agitation as he stopped in his tracks. And there went wrath all over again. His gaze met yours.

And there he thought he wouldn’t have to kill anyone.

Kraven turned his body, unable to stop the clenching of his fists. “Come again?”

“Oh, not this one,” he said, waving a hand at you. “I wouldn’t dare cross a potential asset.”

“Not interested,” you negated with absolute certainty.

Vulture shook his head. “Not interested … too busy.” With careful movements he took off his night vision goggles. “I thought it could interest you to hunt a certain … Spiderman.”

Tagging: @mellowstatesmanhandsempath​ @ravenmoore14​ @blackmagicwoman

#steph writes #watchtowerindistress #kraven the hunter x reader #kraven x reader #sergei kravinoff x reader #sergei kravinoff x you #aaron taylor johnson x reader #kraven x you #kraven the hunter x y/n #sergei kravinoff x y/n #kraven the hunter x you

[watchtowerindistress]

overcome that little challenge - raymond smith x fem!reader

A/N: Don’t look at me like that. I fell down the Charlie Hunnam rabbit hole and this character fascinated me the most. Please be gentle - this is my first time writing for Raymond. I’m really nervous about getting this man of a OCD-mess right.

To be honest, I wanted to work on a Teen Wolf story I had in mind, but then I watched this film called ‘The Gentlemen’ and now that’s currently out of the window with Charlie taking all the space in my brain.

This is my first time using the c-word in a sexual way. I’m so excited!

Summary: Reader works for Roderick 'The Spider' Dollison, one of Mickey Pearson’s partners, while being in a secret relationship with Raymond. How will Raymond react once he sees someone flirting with you?

Pairing: Raymond Smith x fem!reader

Warning: language, sexual harassment (to a degree), mention of smut, consumption of alcohol, angry!raymond, jealous!raymond, possessive!smut

Words: 4.4k

Read on AO3

Your arms were crossed over your chest while you were listening to another waitress who was interested in shortening her hours. Both of you were standing near the bar counter, yet still keeping everything happening in the nightclub in your eyesight.

Your body stood askew when Isabella approached you. “Y/N, I’m sorry? You have a visitor.”

You slowly turned your body until you were facing the other waitress. “Visitor?”

“You know, the gorgeous one with all his fancy clothing?” After seeing your curious stare, Isabella continued her explanation, “Could make you shut up with a single glance? You know, Rigid Ray?”

A smirk tugged at the corner of your lips. “I got it the first time.” You shook your head. “Just wanted to see what else you would describe him as.”

You turned your head to look for him when Raymond’s figure came into view.

The blond-haired consigliere wore his thick coat while standing underneath the atmospheric red-and-blue club lights. Raymond’s suit and tie were visible under the unbuttoned coat. His hands were in his pockets when he sent you a blank stare that you would almost classify as boredom.

You suppressed a smirk, knowing how much he abhorred seeking the Spider’s presence by stepping into the nightclub with all the sensory overload it offered. Raymond already blinked uneasily several times ever since he entered.

Isabella leaned forward in a conspiratorial whisper. “How is he like, by the way?”

You turned your head once you detected the curiosity in her voice. “You’ve met him, haven’t you?”

“Yes, but the lad’s still an enigma. How can you stand it when he’s staring at you like that? Just so unnerving, that’s all.”

“That’s why I can take it. Now get back to work, love.” You softly touched her shoulder on parting. “I can’t have people thinking I’m a nice superior.”

The woman shook her head while chuckling and moved away.

It didn’t take long until you slowly moved towards Raymond.

Still rooted to the spot, Raymond waited patiently for you to finally arrive.

With a smile on your lips, you gazed at him with a crooked head and befuddled eyes. “Mr. Smith.”

“Ms. Y/L/N.” Raymond nodded in greeting.

After looking over his shoulder, you teased with a murmur, “And without your lap dogs this time.” Your eyes sparkled when you gazed at him. “Should I feel special?”

“I need to talk to your boss.”

Your mouth twisted at hearing those words. “That’s not how this works. You call ahead. Not to mention, I’m the one who decides if my boss has the time in his social calendar. This is a privilege. Do not take it for granted.”

Inhaling deeply, he gazed at you with narrowed eyes.

Someone was fuming. Why did that delight you so much though? Maybe it was the idea of ruffling this man’s feathers.

Raymond blinked, inhaling deeply. “It’s been a long day. I don’t have time for games.”

You spread your arms to appease him. “Not a game. Roderick’s talking to someone at the moment.”

Raymond frowned as a slightly unsettled emotion took over his features. “…Roderick?”

“Don’t tell him I said that.”

“I’m willing to keep your secret if you could squeeze me in,” Raymond whispered softly.

Gazing over his shoulder towards the railing to see Big Stanley step out of Roderick’s office, you sent Raymond a teasing glance. With your lips pursed, you mockingly sighed, “Could be a tight fit.” You felt secretly delighted at seeing Raymond’s expression.

He clenched his jaw before blinking furiously.

You lifted your tablet to your eyes with a sigh and tweaked Roderick’s calendar a bit. “Then I reckon it’s your luck that Spider is done with his meeting with Big Stan.”

You offered your hands in a teasing gesture of a servant. “Would you like me to take your coat?”

Raymond gazed at you with a blank stare.

Almost like reading his mind, you assured him with a lilting voice, “I won’t leave any creases, love.”

Raymond sighed before debating with himself. “All right.”

A playful smile was on your lips. “Wonderful.”

His mouth twisted while he abandoned his coat with tense movements and humming noises, like this offering was hard enough for him already. “I’ll come back for it,” he said with a dark promise.

“I’m sure you will,” you whispered in return.

Raymond left your presence to advance the stairs.

Staring after him, you subconsciously stroked the dark clothing before calling after him, “Don’t threaten me with a good time.”

Except for the fiddling of his glasses, Raymond didn’t appear to hear what you were saying before he stepped inside your boss’ office.

You only raised your eyebrows before you exhaled. You turned towards the bar and sat on the barstool.

Kylie, the woman taking care of the drinks for the evening, sent you a sympathetic smile. “Oh, someone has got their Ray face on.”

You placed the device next to you on the counter. “Oh, really? What does that look like?”

Kylie pursed her lips. “You know. Sometimes you look tired, like you just went ten rounds. Other times you look pleased. Although you always have that twinkle in your eye.”

“Pour me a red one, would you, dear?” You casually pointed a finger in the air. “It’s just fun teasing him sometimes.”

She placed a glass of red wine in front of you, “Here you go. Anything else?”

You handed her your device. “For safekeeping.” You noticed her placing it behind the counter, away from prying eyes. “I’ve got a free slot. So, if anyone needs me…?” You shrugged before taking a sip.

Kylie nudged with her jaw behind you. “The new one could use some backup for the poker game, you know?”

You exhaled and took a hearty gulp as a refreshment. “That’s okay.” Smirking cheekily, you draped Raymond’s coat over the counter. “In exchange. Be a dear and let Raymond know that nothing was indeed creased? Verbatim, though.”

Taking your glass of wine, you almost spilled the drink with an arching motion. You merely sent her a mischievous smirk. “Oops.” You chuckled. You seemed to have a waggish sense of humour tonight. “I’ll see how our little hummingbird is faring.”

You wandered through the hallways until you saw the open door to the poker room. A man stood guard outside, just to be sure. You nodded your head in greeting. If working for the Spider taught you anything, then it was that a safety precaution was never wasted. Roderick’s world often lured in people who didn’t know any bounds or decency.

“Hello, boys.”

Your eyes met Laurie, the new waitress once you finally entered the room. “You all right, love?”

Laurie nodded with a strained smile while holding a bottle of Whiskey to her chest as a shield.

You beckoned her to grant you the bottle with two fingers. “Come on. Why don’t you let me lend you a hand?”

“I think we scared her off, ain’t that, right, lads?” One man of the small group chuckled uproariously until the others joined in.

Laurie stepped towards you with careful steps, either because of the prospect of dropping a prize-y bottle or because of her high heels.

You took the bottle and leaned forward to whisper in Laurie's ear. “Just watch what I’m doing and don’t let them get to you. They’re little boys, nothing more.”

Laurie nodded in understanding.

Your eyes wandered downwards to Laurie’s legs. “Next time, wear some shoes which are comfortable. Didn’t the other girls tell you? One-inch heels are more than appropriate.”

For the first time Laurie smiled. “Okay, I’ll keep that in mind.”

With a smile, you turned back to your guests. “I hope our new girl didn’t leave you thirsty.”

Licking his lips, the dark-haired leader of the group with the moustache observed your legs with lecherous eyes.

The man’s obvious lewdness made you feel naked underneath the over-the-waist dress you wore.

God, what was his name again? Something like Trevor or Tony?

As your own form of petty revenge, you called him Tiny Tony in your head. Speaking of Tiny Tony...

“I’m getting thirsty by merely looking at you. Makes me want to reach out and grab-” He reached out a hand, like he wanted to squeeze your bum.

Out of reflex, you slapped his hand away until it dropped on the poker table. The men chortled at the obvious rejection.

Before retaliation could occur, you chose mischief instead. “The only thing you should grab are your cards, mate.” Without peeking at his card, you tilted your head. Loud enough for the others to hear, you whispered into his ear, “If they are any good though.”

As soon as you heard the others chuckle, you smirked. “Gentlemen … We are here for tonight’s refreshments and hope we can entertain you for the evening.”

“Oh, really?” The eyes of Tiny Tony darkened.

“How about this one for entertainment?” The second player with the blond hair muttered while his eyes lingered on Laurie.

You poured the guests their drinks. “Sorry to disappoint. We’re only here to keep the drinks pouring and you men comfortable.”

Laurie followed your example and poured in the same amount for Blondie’s drink.

“But having this one sit on my lap would make me very comfortable,” Blondie jeered.

“Don’t beg, it’s unbecoming. Not that kind of club.”

“It’s a pity. Spider could get in more of a clientele that way,” Tiny Tony retorted.

You resorted to the diplomatic route. “There are rules after all.” You remembered that the servers weren’t supposed to be like private dancers. Touching was allowed but under no circumstances were the girls supposed to lose their clothes.

“The Lodge doesn’t need more customers by surrendering to the basic carnal need of human nature. We already offer the temptation. It’s more like … foreplay, the prelude to want more. It's a tease. The stage before you lure someone into a relationship. Imagine us as the best friend of your sibling. Exhilarating, but forbidden in a way. And if we catch you doing something you shouldn’t, we’re going to cut something off.” You raised an eyebrow, like that thought secretly delighted you.

Tiny Tony exhaled a groan. “You’re like the woman of my dreams,” he said, letting his hand linger on your waist.

You allowed the touch as long as he wouldn’t touch your skin.

“What about a loophole and you give me your number, sexy?”

You inwardly rolled your eyes at the pet name. “Then I would tell you to keep on dreaming and give you the number for the pizza place for your lonely nights.”

Moustache Boy grunted. “You’re breaking my heart here. What did I ever do to you, huh? Do I have competition? Anyone special in your life? Someone warming your bed?” He gazed at your cleavage and licked his lips.

Strangely, this filled your body with revulsion, unlike the other things he said or did. Your voice took on a pitying quality to dissuade him for good. “Not really. Besides, honey, your idea of three minutes of shagging are not going to be worth my time.”

You lightly smacked his cheek in a condescending manner. When only silence rang in the room, you were surprised by the lack of laughter from his band of friends, since they loved taking the piss out of each other and wouldn’t miss an opportunity. You only felt Tony's hand tighten around your waist.

There was a tingling sensation in the air that stunned you. Your face met Laurie’s dazed expression looking at something over your shoulder.

Only one person could render someone speechless.

You sighed before you slowly turned your head. A mixture between dread and apprehension swelled in your stomach. The first thing you saw was the blank expression on Raymond’s face as he was standing by the door, with his coat slung over his arm. Only his eyes revealed his true emotions as they darkened. Dark-blue eyes lingered on the hand at your waist.

You quickly regained your composure. “Mr. Smith, I wasn’t aware that your interests lay with parlour games.”

They didn’t. Raymond usually swung by - if swinging by was something he was known for as such a strait-laced man - and instantly left as soon as the business was done.

“It’s Raymond.”

Tiny Tony instantly let go of your waist once he acknowledged the familiarity between you and cleared his throat. “Didn’t know you two know each other.”

The name of Mickey Pearson could open doors who was notorious for his connections in the business world and criminal underworld. But the mere persona of his consigliere certainly could fill the hearts with anxiety.

You scrutinized Raymond with confused eyes. Deliberately ignoring Raymond’s suggestion since this had been the first time he offered his first name in public, you revealed, “Mr. Smith is on business with Mr. Dollison.”

Your hand clasped your wrist over your stomach when you eyed his coat as a hint. “I see Kylie was kind enough to return your coat.”

You tilted your head with narrowed eyes. “Is there anything else?”

Raymond clenched his jaw. He scratched his bearded jaw in consideration.

Swallowing thickly, you felt your stomach clench. You hated how much his groomed beard affected you. Damn him for being a beautiful bastard.

“Indeed, there is. Let’s talk outside.” Raymond said as a finite statement, leaving no room for discussion.

You inwardly sighed. “Fine.” Your eyes met Laurie’s. “You can take a short break.”

She only nodded and walked towards the door. Raymond stepped out of the way to grant her space.

You followed behind her when Raymond lifted his finger. “Excuse me for one moment.”

Standing near the wall, you watched in bafflement as Raymond walked towards the man whose hands lingered on you.

Raymond placed his hand on the table to cage him in. Using his full height to his advantage, he leaned forward until there was no way he could be avoided. From afar, you could see him whispering something in his ear.

Since the man was already uncomfortable by the inability to escape, he was squirming in his chair with every hushed word being uttered.

Raymond swiftly turned around while adjusting his tie with an amicable smile. This rarity made you feel slightly unsettled since he tended to be more of a serious chap. “With that out of the way...”

Raymond swaggered to the doorjamb, but unlike with Laurie, he stayed rooted to the spot while you were forced to squeeze past him. The tall man made it impossible not to brush against his broad chest before he finally closed the door behind you.

You gestured to the dimly lit hallway, remembering that Raymond wanted to have that talk. The lingering bass of the seductive music echoed in the air. “Shall we?” You leaned against the wall, waiting for Raymond to go ahead.

He followed your example at the wall opposite of you, letting the red lights flood over his features in a mysterious way when he stared at you quietly.

“Your meeting was successful, I take it?”

“We’ve come to an understanding,” Raymond replied vaguely.

You arched an eyebrow. “Fine, keep your secrets. Spider’s going to tell me later on anyway.”

“That kind of tight bond between you two?”

“You mean, like between you and your boss?” You retorted before shrugging your shoulders. “I’d say so.” His vague answers made you blink. If you didn’t know any better, you’d say Raymond was looking for an excuse to spend some time with you.

“Anything else, or were you trying for small talk?”

“The last time we talked, you told me I was a cold-hearted bastard,” Raymond mumbled.

The memory a few nights ago made your body tense in apprehension. You had to remind yourself where you were. At last, you put on a pleasant smile.

“Barely even remember why I said it though,” you replied with a deadpan voice. It was one of those statements one would utter to not let it show how much something was getting to you.

Raymond hummed under his breath. He tried to gauge your inner emotions by gazing into your eyes in contemplation. Raymond bowed his head, like he pulled off his invisible hat in kudos while glancing at you through his eyelashes. Fully realizing when he was silently asked to leave.

“Do pay your boss our deepest respect for accommodating us on such short notice.”

You merely nodded. While Raymond quietly departed, you focused on a spot over his shoulder.

A restless sigh left you. Your knee bounced nervously while you were reclining on the couch. You hated yourself for even harbouring the thought of swallowing your pride before him.

“No, no, no. I’m not going to do that.” You shook your head and glanced over to the phone laying on your coffee table. Despite the current black screen, the reminder of the text message still rang in your mind, taunting you.

Finally, you threw back your head in frustration with a groan. “Fine,” you grumbled under your breath. “This is a bad idea,” you added to your self-talk before you snatched your car keys.

“Is this your idea of a joke?” The growl left you as soon as you stormed Raymond’s home after unlocking the door. During your search for him, you found him in the sitting room. You lifted your phone in demonstration.

Raymond lazily lifted his head from the book he was reading. Gone was the uptight look and he was wearing his comfortable clothes reserved for when he was at home. He abandoned his suit and tie and changed into his cardigan.

“Hello to you, too, Y/N. What a surprise.” Raymond stared at you and tilted his head in that arrogant manner that always drove you mad.

“You shameless bastard.”

Snapping his book shut, Raymond placed it on the corner table next to the couch he was sitting on. Patiently, he folded his hands and said, “Those are brazen words, you know? It’s moments like these that make me wonder if you secretly share British roots after all.”

Raymond’s distraction tactics wouldn’t deter you. After you clenched your jaw, you looked down at the screen of your phone to read his message.

“Let’s talk about this. You know how hard it is for me to sleep without you.”

You looked up again. “Tell me again, what is there to talk about? I thought you needed ‘space’?” You used air quotes for the last word while Raymond’s steadfast gaze started to unnerve you. “I thought you couldn’t take it for me to take over so much of your bachelor home.”

Raymond calmly stared up at you with an open expression. “You want a drink?”

You narrowed your eyes at that. “What’s your game?”

Was Raymond trying to get you drunk to lower your defences? He wasn’t the nefarious type, maybe he aimed to give you a reason not to drive back home while you still had one too many?

“I just want to have a chat, love.” Raymond stood up and sent you a short glance before wandering away to a cupboard offering his prized bottles of alcohol. “Single Malt all right with you?”

You shook your head. Your stomach was getting heated with disappointment. “You know what? I can’t do this.”

The familiar intimacy was slowly getting to you. And Raymond’s cold demeanour in the past few weeks wasn’t good for you. Even while working for Roderick, his silent treatment rang through the back of your mind like the ghost of a distraction.

With every intention to leave, you turned away. You were tired of Raymond’s idea of fighting consisted of torturing you with silence and a look of disappointment and anger.

“Where the fuck are you going?”

Raymond’s thundering voice made you shiver and freeze in place in the kitchen. Raymond never got loud, he was all quiet and simmering anger.

You slowly turned around in astonishment, asking slowly, “What did you say?”

“You heard me, love.” Sarcasm lingered in his voice when Raymond used the term of endearment. His mouth was twisted into a snarl as he followed you with stalking steps. Raymond glared at you darkly behind his glasses. “What? Is someone scared of a little confrontation?”

Your fingertips were tingling at the taunt when you tilted your head. “Says you?”

Raymond crossed his arms over his chest. “What were you doing in that poker room?”

“My job. You know how this world works.”

Stepping even closer in your personal space, he grunted, “Oh yes, you two looked rather friendly from where I was standing. Makes me wonder how far you would have let him take it.”

You shook your head until the ends of your hair shook with the vigorous motion. “You’re such an asshole.”

Raymond’s eyes glazed with fire. “No, I’m a man who doesn’t appreciate someone else touching my woman.” His voice turned barely into a threatening whisper. “And I’m not very fond of the way in which you’re talking to me.”

You didn’t know what was getting into you as a delightful shiver wrecked your body once you saw anger on Raymond’s face and not the tight control. You weren’t one of those people who got turned on by their partner getting angry - on the contrary, it felt touching that you were able to tickle a part of him that stayed hidden.

“Oh really? I’m not one of your minions you can command.” Fascination glinted in your eyes when you whispered, “Now I’m truly curious what you’re going to do next.”

Raymond inched closer until you could feel his warm breath on your lips. His gaze was drawn to your mouth before he stared back into your eyes.

“Shut your mouth before I fill it for you.”

With every second passing, your breathing was turning heavy. Your mouth was agape, but no sounds came out. While your eyes were closed, you tightened your legs around Raymond’s waist while he pounded into you relentlessly.

Raymond’s body was on top of you, and you could only take what he was dishing out. His hand held your wrists in a tight vice, making it impossible for you to even reach for him while he was relentlessly punishing you with his thrusts.

“Someone’s greedy for my cock, aren’t you? You think you deserve it? You think you deserve to cum?”

The taunting words made your cunt drip. You moaned loudly when your thighs slung higher until Raymond’s member slid even deeper inside you with every push.

You craned your neck until your lips inched closer to his ear when you whispered, “You know I can make it feel good for you.” The muscles of your cunt tightened around his hard flesh.

You felt his groan deep inside you, making you shiver from the sensation.

“Such a greedy little cunt.” Raymond shook his head. Logic went back to his ocean-blue eyes. “Not like this.”

His warm breath flittered over your lips when he taunted, “I think you need to atone for your misdeeds.”

With a sweeping motion, Raymond pulled you in the air. A shriek of surprise exhaled from your lips.

Raymond was sitting in the middle of his bed while he dropped you into his lap. Grunting with exertion, Raymond slid back inside.

You exhaled heavily, like you called him home. Your fingers stroked the hair at the back of his head which was getting slippery from sweat.

Raymond pushed his glasses back until he could finally scrutinize you with appreciation again. His gaze swept downwards before his eyes met the entrance where his penis slid into you.

Raymond’s hand tightened around your hips, controlling your movements with every thrust upwards. And rhythmically pulling your hips with every sensual stroke. Pushing himself deeper until you two were melded together.

A delicious shiver ran through your body when Raymond’s eyes darkened in warning when you rubbed yourself against him until your clit brushed the coarse hair at his crotch.

“Not like this, darling.”

His hands stiffened before he spanked your bottom.

Your squeal shifted into an encouraging moan.

To torture you even more, Raymond gyrated his hips, putting your climax further out of reach. “You’re not in control of this tonight. I decide when you cum.”

Not above begging, you implored deeply, “Please, I’ll be good.”

A sigh left your lips when Raymond pressed his palm against your belly to feel his shaft thrusting deep. He tipped his head back to gaze into your eyes and whispered under his breath, “Oh really? You’re going to do as I say?”

You nodded. Only a whimper left your lips that turned into a drawn-out groan when Raymond thrust upwards.

“Oh my God, yes.” You leaned forward until Raymond was safely snuggling between your breasts.

“I hate when you’re in that poker room,” he mumbled before he shook his head to clear his mind. “I should punish you for letting him touch you. Tell me something … am I now someone who’s warming your bed?”

You exhaled heavy breaths and threw your head back as a warm sensation started in your belly. “What did you say to him?”

“Told him he’d lose his hand the next time he would try to touch you again,” Raymond admitted with a murmur against your skin.

You bit your lip and felt your clit tingle at the possessive tone in his voice.

Raymond stared at you, like he could feel the sensation by some shared link you two shared. “I bet you’d like that, wouldn’t you?”

You felt your eyes glint when the warm sensation grew stronger with every stroke. You leaned forward until you could whisper into his ear, “You know I’m all yours.”

Raymond’s chest rumbled with a groan before he quickened his strokes, using the pad of his thumb to stroke circles against your clit until your head was swimming with a thundering pulse.

You leaned your head back. “Oh my God, right there.”

The bed made thumping noises against the wall with Raymond’s vigorous thrusts until your hands clenched around his shoulders. Your muscles spasmed until your whole body squirmed. You were still shaking when Raymond grunted loudly.

He shoved his hips deeper until something warm spurted inside your deep walls. Raymond breathed heavily against your neck before he sighed. His fingers stroked your skin delicately, like he had to remind himself that you were in his arms. “All mine.”

 Tagging: @mellowstatesmanhandsempath @ravenmoore14  @darkravenqueen98​

#steph writes #watchtowerindistress #raymond smith #raymond smith x reader #raymond smith x you #raymond smith imagines #raymond smith imagine #the gentlemen #charlie hunnam #charlie hunnam x reader #raymond smith x fem!reader #raymond smith x female reader #raymond smith x y/n #raymond smith fanfiction

[watchtowerindistress]

for the love of ... bob? - masterlist

Summary: Being Jake's (best) friend - sorry, Javy - proved to have its ups and downs but there was something about having him in your corner you couldn't resist. Jake and you just clicked on a deeper level. That's why you didn't get it when the Southern boy was acting so weird.

Warning: fluff, language

one

two

Tagging: #watchtowerindistress #fortheloveofbob

#watchtowerindistress #jake seresin x reader #series masterlist #jake seresin x you #jake seresin #hangman top gun #hangman seresin #for the love of bob

[watchtowerindistress]

Jake "Hangman" Seresin - Masterlist

Series

for the love of ... bob? 🌻

Being Jake’s (best) friend - sorry, Javy - proved to have its ups and downs but there was something about having him in your corner you couldn’t resist. Jake and you just clicked on a deeper level. That’s why you didn’t get it when the Southern boy was acting so weird.

🌻 ~ fluff

#watchtowerindistress #masterlist #jake seresin #jake seresin x reader #jake seresin x you #hangman seresin #jake seresin x fem!reader #top gun hangman #jake hangman seresin #hangman top gun

[watchtowerindistress]

Sergei Kravinoff/Kraven the Hunter | Masterlist

Kraven the Hunter

One-shots

(how) to hunt a hunter 💉

💉 ~ graphic violence

#watchtowerindistress #masterlist #kraven the hunter #sergei kravinoff #kraven the hunter x reader #kraven the hunter x you #kraven x you #sergei kravinoff x reader #sergei kravinoff x you

[watchtowerindistress]

... like i’m falling for you? (2/2) - arthur pendragon - guinevere!reader

A/N: Not sure if I liked how I ended this, but anyway...

Summary: Imagine meeting Arthur for the first time who is claiming you already as the love of his life aka his future wife.

Arthur Pendragon - the most infuriating man in all of Camelot who knew of his effect on women. As if you didn't already knew how his abdominal muscles looked. The destined King tended to take his shirt off in your presence any chance he could get after all.

Pairing: Arthur Pendragon x fem!reader (Lady Guinevere, no body description)

Warning: flirting, romantic!arthur, the sexualisation of Arthur’s upper body?, mentioned death, hinted suicide, language

Words: 3.6k

Read on AO3 | Get tagged

Today was a wonderful day, you thought. The birds were singing, only a mild breeze went through the air. Nothing in the world could dampen your mood; you surmised while inhaling a deep breath.

A fond smile still lingered on your lips when the air filled with joyful laughter. With the twist of your head, you discovered a band of children rushing towards you and being all adorable with their tripping feet.

Your eyes widened in surprise when their running feet came to a stop in front of you. “Well, hello there.”

With their hands hidden behind their backs, the children adorably glanced up at you with expectation in their bright eyes. A young girl among the group swayed coyly on her feet before smiling mysteriously. “We have a present for you, Lady Guin.”

You pressed your lips together before they could shift into a crooked smirk, knowing how hard it was for them to pronounce your name properly. You placed your hands on your hips in a playful manner. “I didn’t know it was my namesake day.”

The young girl scurried on her tiptoes towards you. Waiting for you to bow down until her mouth was inches from your ear. Her hand covered the shell of your ear, like she intended to reveal a secret only meant for your ears to hear. “It’s a surprise.”

You were now utterly curious by the mystery presented to you. You certainly didn’t imagine your day to go like this when you woke up in the morning, yet here you were. “By whom?”

The children giggled in anticipation.

A young boy nudged the girl with his elbow who chewed on her lip. She lowered her head before offering a flower crown made of daisies in the palms of her hand.

You raised your eyebrows and provided your hands out of reflex. “Oh my. Is that for me?” It was probably the mere presence of those children that made you feel touched by the gesture, not to mention the higher and unfamiliar pitch in your voice.

The children nodded their heads in agreement. If you weren’t affected already, the action of the boys certainly did it. When they revealed bouquets of flowers behind their backs as a present.

You felt almost speechless and in awe of their actions.

What was the meaning of this?

“They’re so beautiful.” You bent down slightly, waiting for the girl to adorn your head with the flower crown. “How do I look?”

The bright-eyed young girl gushed, “So beautiful.”

“So, tell me truth, what’s the occasion?” You held the flowers to your chest and tried to discern which youngling was the most inclined to divulge the truth. Your gaze met the lass, knowing there was a hidden reverence behind those glistening eyes.

“It’s a secret, we’re not supposed to tell,” the lass whispered.

The secrecy behind it all only enhanced the suspicion you felt. A certain someone wouldn’t be above luring in children to do his bidding.

That sounded way more nefarious in your head.

You shrugged your shoulders. “All right. But if I guessed it on my own, you wouldn’t have broken your promise, right?”

She swayed coyly. “Perhaps.”

“Let me guess: it’s someone tall, blond and with the most hideous face you’ve ever seen?”

The boys chuckled, clearly appreciating your jesting.

Indignation remained in the girl’s voice when she replied, “He’s not ugly.”

Your suspicions were fully confirmed now. Although the romantic idea of Arthur acquiring the help of young children to bestow you with flowers certainly didn’t seem that far-fetched.

“Uh ... why am I not surprised, Arthur?” you muttered under your breath.

“Did you have a wonderful day, my love?”

You heard Arthur in the distance as he tried to catch up with you while you wandered along the shoreline. You didn’t know what to make of his out of breath words and his content disposition. No matter what you did - how mean or how much you resisted the future king - Arthur almost appeared mesmerized by you. 

His voice still took you by surprise as he came from behind you to walk alongside you. Arthur placed his hands behind his back in a nonchalant manner.

“As if you don’t already know.”

Arthur pouted his lips. “Whatever are you talking about?”

“Oh, someone’s playing coy?” Turning around, you walked backwards while staring at Arthur with a smirk on your lips. “That’s not like you, Pendragon.”

Arthur chuckled, with his gaze briefly meeting the ground, almost shyly in a way.

It really wasn’t like him. The rare moment of vulnerability took you aback. Arthur always flaunted his arrogance and confidence in the faces of his fellows. Months ago, when all of this started you wouldn’t have thought that Arthur was even the right fit for king, but now things had changed, you saw him grow and transform into the person he was meant to be.

Arthur stroked the back of his neck and whispered with a raspy voice, “Did you like them?”

You deliberately turned your body until your back was facing Arthur again. “Oh, the children were very nice. Adorable, really.”

An innate part of you could sense Arthur rolling his eyes behind you at your evasive techniques. “You’re hilarious.”

“Thank you,” you teased, “Still, no one told me you were secretly a romantic.”

Arthur smirked and shook his head. “Only for the people that matter.”

You pressed your hand to your chest teasingly, as if you tried to wilfully stop your heart from jumping out of your chest. “Aww, what a gentleman. How have you not killed women with your charm already? You are truly a menace for society.”

“Well, would you believe me if I told you the others pale in comparison to you?”

After a pregnant pause, you groaned in frustration while rolling your eyes. “That was so gaudy.”

Arthur huffed loudly. “I know. I regretted it as soon as I said it.”

This was truly one of the most beautiful landmarks of what this country had to offer, you thought in bliss, when you bathed in the lake. Close by, the splashing sounds of the waterfall calmed your mind at your back.

Your eyes followed your hand as it slid in circles under the water. You collected the fresh water in your palms. A sigh left your lips when you cleaned your face.

Your body tensed at hearing footsteps in the distance. Swimming backwards to shroud your body behind the stream, you waited with bated breath for the incoming person.

A frustrated exhale left you as soon as you saw who intruded on your alone-time.

Walking with an idle swagger along the shore that only he was capable of, Arthur pulled his arm behind his back. The moment when he pulled up his chemise, his dumbfounded eyes caught your clothes neatly folded on the ground.

Your voice yanked Arthur out of his thoughts, “This lake is already occupied.”

Arthur’s eyes lit up when they met your concealed face above the water level.

You sighed when Arthur let go of his chemise and his hands dropped to his waist again until you could no longer see his abdominal muscles on bare display.

Disappointment filled you once you no longer could appreciate his body which soon turned into exasperation as soon as that realization hit you.

Arthur’s slow smirk did unimaginable things to your body. “Well, hello, Lady Guinevere. What a nice coincidence to find you here.” He glanced at you from under his eyelashes. “Mind if I join you, love?”

You swam forward, but still aimed to keep your breasts submerged. Inwardly thanking the Lady of the Lake for letting the water have a dark mixture of green and blue, you became fully aware that you portrayed an uncanny resemblance to a Syren. “Go find your own lake.”

Arthur’s mocking glare made your stomach swoop deliciously. “You’re not the boss of me. Besides, this is one of the few that has a waterfall. Perhaps I like the view.”

You narrowed your eyes, not knowing if Arthur meant the waterfall or you since he gazed unwaveringly at you while saying it.

“I was here first.”

Arthur placed his hands on his hips. “And I intend to become the next King of England, so I could just command you to play nice with me.”

You exhaled heavily. “That didn’t work when your father commanded me to and it’s not going to work now. You would force a fair maiden such as myself to indulge your whim?”

Arthur muttered under his breath, “You’re neither a damsel nor fair.”

With a strained voice, you retorted, “I’m going to kill you if your gaze wanders where it shouldn’t.”

A bright smile flashed on Arthur’s lips. “Lovely. What bliss to frolic with you nakedly in the water,” he mused and continued pulling up his light chemise.

You inhaled deeply while your gaze felt drawn to his bare rippling stomach.

Arthur’s movements paused. Looking up into his ocean eyes, a small smirk tugged at the corners of his mouth once he caught you in the act.

Arthur lifted a finger and twirled it in a casual manner. “Turn around, love. I’m a shy fella.”

You shook your head but acquiesced to his request before you muttered under your breath. “You haven’t been shy a day in your life.”

“What was that, my Lady?” Arthur called out from behind you.

“I said, whatever your Lordship commands.”

Arthur chuckled. You heard splashing sounds before the ripples of water reached your body. “Rest assured, your maidenhood remains intact for now.”

You turned your head with a crooked smirk on your lips. The naked chest of Arthur caught your eye as he swam towards you with relaxed strokes. The muscles on his arms and shoulders straining were a menace of a distraction.

Arthur licked his lips, noticing your reaction. “Am I making you nervous, my Lady?” he whispered.

“I bet you’d like that, wouldn’t you?”

“What do you take me for?” Arthur tilted his head. “Ruffling your feathers? Yes. Making you uncomfortable? No.”

You stroked backwards, trying to regain some control by gaining some distance. “How about you stay on your side of the lake, and I’ll stay on mine, your Highness?”

“What’s with the decorum? Besides, if I’m not wrong, all this land is my own, so I shall decide to spend it here if I please.”

“Shall I remind you that it’s not yours yet?”

Teasingly swimming closer, Arthur whispered mockingly, “Blasphemy.”

“You consider yourself a God now?”

Arthur shrugged his shoulders. “If the shoe fits. I don’t know if you noticed, but I consider my physique rather godlike, at least.”

You rolled your eyes. Sometimes Arthur needed to be taken down a peg. “Keep telling yourself that.”

Arthur reached for his chest, with a groaning sound. “Why do you keep insisting on hurting my feelings, my love?”

“Someone’s got to keep you on your toes.”

“Yes, because imagine what would happen if you do let your guard down for once.”

Arthur’s statement got a bit too close for comfort. You narrowed your eyes. “Don’t pretend that you know me. The last time we met we were children.”

Arthur stretched out his arms in the water. “Well, then, don’t presume that you know me, love. Why do you hate me so?” He brushed the water from his face and beard. “Quite the feat, I must admit. To carry so much revulsion for just one person.”

“I wouldn’t call it revulsion. More like annoyance.”

“All right. Why can’t you stand me? It’s really starting to bother me, you know?”

“And we wouldn’t want that, would we? I reckon there have been a few people who you’ve wronged over the years.”

You circled each other in the water, trying to outdo the other like the two of you were always known to do.

Arthur smirked. “Now what makes you say that?”

You shrugged your shoulders. “Just a hunch.”

“I’m not the same as I used to be as a lad.”

“Be that as it may, it’s hard to differentiate with the precedent you set. In the end, it’s more telling how you behaved as a young boy and how you turned out to be.”

Arthur tilted his head, exhaling. “You really can’t forget the thing I did with your hair, can’t you?”

You frowned. “I’m not talking about that.” You tried to swim away.

Arthur let out a guffawing sound. You heard the splashing water behind you.

“Oh, come on. It’s been years. I’m sorry, okay? I was horrible as a child. How can I acquit myself?”

Finally hiding behind the curtain of the waterfall, you faced Arthur again, once you were barely visible. “Why? How far are you willing to go?”

“Do you want me to get down on my knees, or something? To beg?” Arthur followed you and slid through the waterfall.

Your eyes lit up at the imaginary picture Arthur painted in your mind. “Oh, a begging Arthur... Now that could be interesting.”

Sexual tension thickened in the air the longer his dark gaze lingered on you. “Anyone ever tell you; you have the disposition of a sadist?”

“Posh words for someone who decisively hates everything aristocratic.”

Arthur scoffed in indignation. “I read. Besides, I don’t hate you.”

You raised your eyebrows. “You’d call me upper class?”

“You wouldn’t? I mean, despite everything, you enjoyed the advantages of being a noble woman.”

With a glowering face, you replied tersely, “You mean before or after your uncle decided to kill my father?” It was too hard to look at him, you realized when you shook your head. With a heavy breath, you continued, “He was a great man, you know?”

Arthur lowered his head until his hair fell on his forehead. “I remember him,” he whispered under his breath.

“Oh, you do? That’s surprising.” There was no malicious intent behind your words. Merely the truth of your time at Camelot felt like ages ago. And the memory of your father was waning piece by piece.

“What happened to him?”

“Not a whole lot to tell, really. I fled Camelot at the behest of my parents, told me it was no longer safe. They instructed Bedivere to keep me safe as we fled through the gates. Promised me they would soon follow as soon as they could. A few days later, I hear of my father’s death. A hunting accident. And before I knew it, one of Bedivere’s spies … brought me the dagger of my father. That’s all I have left of our legacy.”

“What happened to your mother?”

You gazed into the depths of the lake. “Her mind couldn’t take it. It’s like this idea of this great love. Makes it unbearable for you to live in a world where it’s gone,” your voice became a whisper, like you were uttering a secret.

“Made it unbearable for her when she … took a bath and didn’t surface again.” You looked up at Arthur again, with a deep breath leaving you.

“You know, it’s strange, how two lives can be so different, yet share so many similarities?” you stated once you realized how much Arthur’s and your pasts interwove.

“I’m sorry.”

You blinked at hearing Arthur's sincere apology. “Don’t be. Life is tough. I learned that the hard way. If those things hadn’t happened to me, I never would have known. Do you sometimes imagine what it could’ve been like if you had become the heir you were meant to be? To prosper into something great?”

“I would have turned into the arrogant prick you have always seen me as.”

You chuckled thickly. “Would have been interesting though. Court would have been fun.”

“Careful, love. You almost sound nostalgic, yearning even.” Arthur crossed the distance.

It felt like you two were in your own little world, with the sound of the waterfall drowning out the outside world.

“And we can’t have that, can we?" You brushed your hair away before swallowing thickly.

Arthur’s body was glinting from the play of lights from the water, making him look as tempting as a Syren.

“What are you so afraid of? Is Bedivere having your hide the moment you step out of line and lose propriety?” he whispered in fascination.

“Put my hide out of your mouth,” you teased darkly.

Arthur’s eyes glinted at the threat in your voice. “Why don’t you make me?”

You hummed, wading through the water. “I bet you’d like that, wouldn’t you?” You stopped in front of Arthur before glancing up at him.

A bashful smirk tugged at his lips. “You know me so well.”

Tilting your head back, you hummed an alluring sound. “And what would you suggest I do?”

Arthur’s eyes brightened with enthrallment. He pursed his lips. “I could think of something.” Arthur rubbed his mouth, giving off what he was truly feeling.

You chuckled at his enticing ways while rolling your eyes. “Why am I not surprised, Pendragon?”

“Let me put it this way, I wouldn’t be opposed to you showing your appreciation this way.”

“Appreciation, huh?”

“I think I would die a very happy man indeed,” Arthur whispered quietly.

“I bet you would.” Pressing your lips together, you brushed your fingertips in exploration along his smooth pectoral muscles and neck.

Arthur’s body tensed at the intimate touch that turned into a shiver.

Stroking his bearded jaw, you watched Arthur close his eyes in bliss and start to breathe heavily. You leaned forward and supported your hands on his shoulders, letting your breath ghost over Arthur’s lips. Once you looked up again, his eyes remained closed. You bit your lip while scooping water and letting the cold liquid slosh over his head and face.

Arthur exhaled a gasping breath. He wiped the droplets from his face. “You cheeky little-”

You chuckled and covered your face to shield your teasing, feeling curious about the next word. “Little – what? Wanker? Bastard?”

Arthur bowed his head with a smirk. “Vixen. That’s cruel, you know? Hurting a poor chap’s feelings like that.”

“Oh, really? Do lead me into the direction of this poor chap.” You smiled at the reminder of a familiar conversation.

In return, Arthur beamed in adoration. He tilted his head and let a few strands of his hair dangle over his forehead. “Do you enjoy toying with me so?”

You pursed your lips in thought, shrugging.  “What can I say? It has become one of my favourite pastimes.”

“Still, I believe a part of you secretly enjoys when you receive all of my devotion.” With an intense gaze, Arthur stared at you without uttering a sound. His stare slightly flustered you. Only Arthur was able to render you speechless – only at times – with a mere look.

You saw it coming, maybe because of your instincts or because of the look in Arthur’s eyes. You could just tell.

His gaze alternated between your eyes and your lips. His gaze alone made your heart beat thunderously in your chest. Your skin grew hotter with every passing second.

It felt like eternity before Arthur leaned forward with a soft smile.

A part of you considered what it would feel like to be kissed by Arthur Pendragon of all people and to kiss him in return. When the Lady of the Lake and the prophecy of Merlin have been on your mind for so many years, you couldn’t help imagining how it would feel like. You imagined it would be passionate, sensual, maybe even fun. Yet, nothing could have prepared you for the reality. How soft Arthur’s lips were. How his hand would frame your jaw. The warmth of his body as it shrouded you from everything around you, keeping you safe and warm.

You absolutely hated how clichéd you sounded. How you had turned into one of those damsels you promised yourself never to turn into.

Your body went still at the intimate touch before you opened your mouth with a gasp.

Arthur groaned at your exhaling sounds. His lips chased after yours, needing to be closer. As soon as you gave your unspoken consent, his tongue explored the inside of your mouth.

You stroked the nape of Arthur’s neck, needing to feel him. Despite you being naked Arthur remained respectful.

He could’ve yielded to his baser impulses and unashamedly clung his naked chest to yours, but instead chose to merely lean forward with his lips and hands covering your skin. With merely a whisper apart. Calling Arthur a gentleman in your head sounded almost ludicrous yet the concept strangely fitted him.

Arthur’s wet tongue danced with yours, with a curious passion that made your stomach clench. A wistful moan left your lips. Tightening his grip, Arthur breathed in deeply.

You gingerly stroked Arthur's beard, feeling the hair brushing against your neck, tickling you.

Shivers wrecked your body before you giggled.

Arthur nestled his face into your neck. His lips brushed against your skin, humming to himself. “You taste good.”

“And your beard tickles.”

Arthur chuckled. “And for a second I wondered about the cause of your jest. My ego can only take so much bruising from you.” His warm breath tingled against your skin, as he pressed lazy kisses on your throat, nuzzling your pulse point.

Your arm lingered on his shoulder before quietly muttering, “I think we need to get out of the water.”

Arthur dropped his forehead in the crook of your neck, exhaling puffs of air against your throat. “And here we just started getting to know each other.”

You observed your fingers on Arthur’s shoulder. “My skin is getting wizened.”

He lifted his head and sent you an appraising gaze. “All right. But no more avoiding me. I’ll save you a seat during dinner.” With a smouldering gaze, he winked.

“Is that supposed to be a threat?”

“No, my love, just a promise.”

Tagging: @mellowstatesmanhandsempath @ravenmoore14 @lelapine @nefri-black @affabletimelady @normatural​ 

#steph writes #watchtowerindistress #king arthur: legend of the sword #king arthur imagines #charlie hunnam #charlie hunnam imagine #arthur x guinevere

[watchtowerindistress]

are you falling for me...? (1/2) - arthur pendragon x guinevere!reader

A/N: Another one! Damn, Arthur is such a banter machine. Excuse the few times when I didn’t use time-appropriate wording. I don’t know when I’m going to post the second part since inspiration has been hindered by my schedule. Still working on the draft outline.

Summary: Imagine meeting Arthur for the first time who is claiming you already as the love of his life aka his future wife. 

Arthur Pendragon - the most infuriating man in all of Camelot who knew of his effect on women. As if you didn't already knew how his abdominal muscles looked. The destined King tended to take his shirt off in your presence any chance he could get after all.

Pairing: Arthur Pendragon x fem!reader (Lady Guinevere, no body description)

Warning: puns, sexual undertones, mention of smut, language, blood

Words: 3.2k

Read on AO3 | Get tagged

“So, what’s the plan?”

Arthur and Bedivere rode on horseback side-by-side through the forest.

“We need to acquire the help of someone who can hide in the shadows. Manipulate the minds of people. A fighter and a spy.”

Arthur turned his head in fascination at the vague description. “You’re not talking about the mage then?” He chuckled. “I’m guessing you have someone in mind already?”

“Indeed. This could prove to be quite difficult though. If they don’t kill us first.”

Arthur turned his head sharply at the ominous warning. He smiled wryly. “How wonderful. And here I thought I would die while inside of a beautiful woman and not surrounded by trees.”

“Quiet,” his friend muttered strictly.

Arthur snorted. “Don’t be a prude, Bedivere.”

“Stop talking and halt your horse.”

Arthur grunted loudly. An arrow whizzed in front of his horse’s feet. With a stunned reaction, Arthur’s eyes went downwards before he pulled the reins. The horse whinnied in reaction and her legs jumped in the air. Arthur tried soothing the horse by stroking the skin and quietly muttering, “Easy, girl. Steady.”

Arthur turned his head towards Bedivere with cynicism in his eyes. “Is this person really your friend?”

“I never said anything about friends. More like friend of a friend.”

Arthur didn’t like the nonchalant tone in his voice since Bedivere wasn’t known for it. “You’re not exactly instilling a lot of confidence, my friend.”

Bedivere raised his voice when he called out into the greenery. “We mean you no harm.”

In demonstration, Bedivere lifted his hand and carefully stepped off his horse. With his expressive eyes, Bedivere indicated for Arthur to do the same. “We just want to talk.”

Arthur sighed before he followed suit. “I hope you know what you’re doing,” he uttered into a whisper that soon shifted into a hiss. “I’m not getting shot with an arrow for you.”

“Please ignore my companion. We need your help,” Bedivere continued, as if he hadn’t heard him.

Arthur only heard the rustling sound once a hooded archer jumped down from one of the tree’s branches. They tilted their head before pointing a nocked arrow towards Arthur.

He snarled at the threat they displayed and didn’t appreciate the insult. “Tell your friend to stop threatening me with the pointy sticks.”

“You’re the one posing a threat with the sword,” he explained. Bedivere sent him a nonplussed expression. “What? I’m only carrying my daggers.”

The archer’s eyes lingered on Excalibur which he was carrying at his waist. The hood shrouded their features in darkness, he could merely detect a dark-green paint underneath their eyes and along the cheeks.

Yet, he couldn’t help being a brazen bastard when he smirked. “Are you impressed with my giant weapon?”

His hooded opponent exhaled an aggravated groan. Arthur frowned when the sound stirred something in his breeches.

They unsheathed their hidden blade. Stepping closer, they pointed the sharp end towards Arthur’s face.

Not liking where this was going, Arthur nervously reached for his sword and clenched his jaw. He tilted his head back and the corners of his mouth twisted into a snarl.

“In your dreams,” a female voice answered.

Arthur frowned as soon as he realized that he was facing a woman. He tilted his head to gaze under the hood and discerned soft lips.

It still confused him that his manhood twitched at the anticipation of being threatened with a sword by a woman.

“Why are you wearing men’s pants?” he blurted out.

You furrowed your eyebrows and dropped the hood of your cloak with your free hand, revealing the green camouflage around the eyes and your braided hair over your shoulder.

Arthur’s hand loosened from his sheath before he opened his mouth, feeling utterly speechless.

“I’m pointing a very sharp blade to your face. Are these really the last words you want to utter before you die? Perhaps you’d prefer those pointy sticks instead?”

Bedivere, ever the diplomat, raised his palms while standing between them. “No one’s killing anyone today.” When he didn’t see you revert back from your threatening stance, he continued, “You really intend to kill the next King of England before can even fulfil his destiny?”

You slightly lowered your blade in astonishment. “You’re Arthur?”

“Have we met before, love?” Arthur felt fascinated by this creature and his face lit up.

You exhaled before glancing at Bedivere in heavy disappointment. “Are you sure that I can’t just kill him? I would do us all a favour.”

Arthur narrowed his eyes. His arms tensed at his waist. “What did I ever do to hurt you? We just met.”

Frowning in confusion, you turned back to Bedivere. You placed the blade back into the sheath at your waist. “Why are you here?”

“We need your help, Lady Guinevere.”

You sighed wearily. “Did Merlin send you?”

Bedivere quietly nodded.

“Well, great. Not like I have a choice, do I?” You turned to Arthur, feeling confused by his silence. “Anything else you have to say?”

Arthur looked up, knowing he had been staring at your body in great appreciation. He swallowed thickly. His Adam’s apple bobbed with the motion. “… You have really … beautiful eyes. You know … the green paint makes them really, you know, … shine.”

Arthur could feel Bedivere look at him in a mixture of shock and puzzlement.

The mission went as expected. The fact that Arthur was the one who planned it shouldn’t have surprised you. Especially that he was forced to improvise when him and his rebel friends were confronted with a few Blacklegs.

You merely sighed and nocked an arrow into your bow and let it loose. The hand holding his sword was penetrated before a pained roar echoed on the streets. Apparently, Bedivere wasn’t wrong in utilizing you as a backup to save Arthur’s hide.

You stepped into the cave. After seeing the mage by the fireplace who stirred a green-ish paste with a mortar and pestle, you muttered sarcastically over the woman’s shoulder, “Smells delightful.”

“Not all things to cure your ailments taste like rainbows.”

You whispered, “Of course you’d know what a rainbow tastes like. What’s it for?” You watched her work while cowering on the ground.

“Arthur,” she muttered back. “This way his shoulder won’t get infected.”

“Ah, that mace came out of nowhere,” you explained almost defensively that you weren’t able to fully keep Arthur safe.

“Do you mind bringing it to him at the lake?”

Her gaze remained on the mash without facing you.

You narrowed your eyes and stood upright again. “I’m not a healer.”

“But you still know how to bandage a wound, don’t you?”

Mistrust rose in you. The mage was always known in taking care of the future King.

“Got something better to do?”

“Actually, yes. I’m awfully cold, I think I’d rather stay by the fire. Keep myself warm,” the mage answered innocently.

“I know what you’re doing, mage, and I don’t appreciate it,” you hissed darkly.

The mage lifted the mortar like a small present over your shoulder. “Wonderful. Love the initiative.”

You heaved a sigh while you strolled along the riverbank. The exhaling breath turned heavier as soon as you saw Arthur sitting in the distance.

His back was turned towards you. A huge gulp was taken from the bottle of alcohol before he shoved it back into the sand with circular motions.

“Keep some of that.” You notified your presence.

At the sound of your voice behind him, Arthur turned his body in surprise.

The blond man wrestled the bottle out of the sand and gave it away willingly. He smirked lecherously. “When did I get so lucky to have you take care of me?”

“Or unlucky. I have a blade to ward off any unwanted hands, you know.”

“I wouldn’t say ‘unwanted’, princess,” Arthur mumbled with a gravelly voice.

You exhaled at hearing his constant flirting. “Take off your undergarment.”

Arthur sent you a surprised smirk. “Well, hello. You’re a bit fast for me. What happened to foreplay?”

“My King,” you hissed mockingly. “Take off your chemise or I’ll do it for you.”

Arthur chuckled. “You’re making me blush, Princess. You know I’m all yours-”

With harsh movements of your wrist, you wrestled with Arthur’s clothing.

“Uh - God damn it - you - not so rough.” Arthur exhaled as soon as he was freed from his undergarment and his upper body was naked to your eyes.

The moment it was bare, and the wound was visible, you realized that it would have sufficed to pull it at his shoulder a bit. Either you wanted to ogle him or torture him with your rugged manner. And imagining the first option was far too frightening to imagine.

Wet hair clung to Arthur’s forehead. The carnal image was a pure distraction.

“You have a terrible bedside manner,” he grumbled.

“Then I guess you need to be careful not to get hurt again.” Wetting the linen clothing with the water of the lake, you cleaned his wound until a nasty cut remained. You dipped the material back in the water to get rid of the spare blood.

Arthur whispered softly, “Oh, are you falling for me, my love? Careful, your true feelings are showing.”

You reciprocated Arthur’s gaze without blinking. You cleared your throat. Absentmindedly, you doused the linen clothing with alcohol. Without warning, you pushed the garment mercilessly against Arthur’s bloodied skin.

A pained groan left his lips before Arthur closed his eyes. “Damn you, woman. Let me.” He pressed the linen against his skin himself unless he wanted to get tortured further.

“Judging by the scars on your body, I’d imagine you knew a lot about pain already.”

Arthur gazed back at you. “I knew you’ve been admiring my body after all.” He smirked and wiggled his eyebrows suggestively.

You revealed the mortar with the green paste. “Whatever helps you sleep better at night.”

“Truth be told, you could me help with-” His nose wrinkled once the smell hit him. “What the hell’s that?”

“Courtesy of our mage.” Two fingers smeared with the spread before you rubbed it on his injured shoulder. “It’s supposed to activate the healing process, save it from infection. It would be a shame for the born King to die from a mere infection, wouldn’t it?”

You began wrapping the bandages around his shoulder.

Arthur chuckled before he licked his lips. His gaze met yours over his shoulder. “So, what did I ever do to hurt your feelings, huh? Did we shag and I ignored you the day after?”

Arthur’s casual mention made you wrap the bandage tighter around his shoulder.

He hissed in pain and glared at you.

You chose to ignore his stare while continuing to focus on wrapping Arthur’s shoulder. “I don’t know. Maybe I just abhor the fact of having no control over my own fate.”

“And what would you do if you had control, my Lady?”

“Stop calling me that,” you growled.

“Why is a lady hiding in the forest in the first place?”

“Same as you. So your uncle doesn’t kill me.” Without realizing it, your fingers tightened a knot into the wrap.

“You still haven’t answered my question. How do we know each other?”

“To be honest, you already know the answer to that.”

“Come on, put this poor chap out of his misery.”

You playfully inspected your surroundings. “Oh, do point me towards this poor lad.” You shook your head, sighing. “We met when we were children. I resided at court with my family and with yours.”

“Wait a second.” Arthur turned his head in recognition. His eyes lit up with a newfound appreciation. “Lady Gwen? You were the one with the hair!”

That description made you frown. It felt like you hadn’t escaped your past when Arthur used to tease you like the prince he was, kept pulling on your hair when you were both children. Having enough of his mocking, you pushed him back until Arthur dropped into the water.

With a huff, you stood up and started walking briskly away from the male nuisance. There was a reason why you preferred the solitude of the forest.

Light-hearted chuckles remained in the distance while Arthur stared at you in admiration. “Still as feisty as I remember.”

You sighed when the sounds of the flutes and string instruments echoed in the cave. The deeper you wandered inside; the music became clearer.

You stroked the hair behind your ear.

For some reason, Goosefat Bill considered it a good idea to have a night of singing and dancing to build up morale among the crew. You still didn’t like it that you had to dress up for the occasion and abandon your chemise and leather pants you wore while in hiding.

You exhaled deeply when you entered the cave. Many groups of people stood around the campfire while others danced in pairs.

Arthur sat on a wooden chair near the cave walls and sipped at a jug of beer. The moment he saw you, he did a double take once he began to recognize you with the unfamiliar clothes.

With his eyes shining, Arthur called out merrily, “Princess. Almost didn’t recognize you with a dress. Tell me, what happened to your trousers, my Lady?”

The gall of the conceited prince.

You stepped closer towards him until you were standing next to him. Seeing him staring up at you with his head thrown back to fully gaze at you.

“How is your shoulder?”

“Wonderful. Unless you want to tend to it, then I’m feeling utterly miserable.” Arthur pouted his lips.

He placed his hand on his hip as he slowly stood up like a jungle cat. With lazy movements that made your stomach stir with wanton emotions, he inched closer to you until your hips almost brushed together.

“Thanks for the inquiry. You do care after all. There’s no need to hide your feelings from me, you know? You can just admit how much you secretly want to see me naked and have a tumble under the sheets.”

You cleared your throat before the sound turned into an exhale. “In your dreams, Pendragon.”

“Oh, it wouldn’t be proper to tell you what kind of dreams I’m having of you.”

You turned your head in fascination. “You care about propriety, since when?”

“Oh, you naughty princess. Someone wants me to talk dirty to her after all.” Full lips shifted into an indecent smirk. Arthur tipped his head forward until his hair hovered over his eyes before he stroked it back.

You sighed. “As if you could handle that.”

A ruthless idea formed in your head when you eyed his beer.

You teasingly took the pitcher from his hands. Taking a huge gulp from his alcoholic drink while sending him a molten gaze.

Arthur swallowed before he replied with a raspy voice, “You don’t know what I could take.”

You hummed. You pushed the now almost empty jug against Arthur’s chest which he cradled with his hand without averting his gaze from you.

“Well, I’m going to have just the minimum of fun and dance with the mage.”

Without missing a beat, Arthur stepped forward. A move that even stunned you. “May I be of assistance, my Lady?”

“Oh, manners. Maybe there’s hope for you yet.” You patted his chest, including his prominent pectoral muscles, just for the fun of it. The touch turned into indulgent and distracted stroking for a few seconds too long before you reminded yourself to swiftly turn around to walk away.

But you still heard the taunting voice of Goosefat Bill. “Admiring your work, Arthur.”

“Sod off, Bill,” Arthur grumbled angrily.

“Put him out of his misery. It’s distracting him,” the mage whispered.

You held her hand while twirling around her with the practised steps. One thing your upbringing taught you was to adapt. After a while you got used to the fun, casual dances.

“Oh, please. He can take it. Besides, he’s a man. Everything distracts them.”

The mage tilted her head and watched you with a blank, brown-eyed gaze. “You intend to ignore your fate with him as well?”

“I’m not Queen material, mage. And I can’t even stand Arthur most of the time.”

“I don’t believe that for a second. Arthur loves to ruffle your feathers and a part of you wants to-”

“Hit him over the back of his head? Tease him right back after all these years?” You continued for her.

“You mean as a shield to hide yourself behind? How is that working out for you?”

You stared blankly at her. “I don’t appreciate your matchmaking, mage.”

“You’re forcing me to it if I want to see that fate becoming real.”

“Perhaps Merlin was wrong,” you stated anxiously. Knowing that Arthur was your future rattled you on a whole different level.

The mage raised unimpressed eyebrows. “You dare to utter such blasphemy? And what about the Lady of the Lake? Is she wrong, as well?”

The air turned tense with silence. It only got worse, the longer it prevailed.

You clenched your jaw at the reminder of what the future was holding-

“Are you ladies having fun without me?” Arthur swooped in with his typical swagger. “You mind if I cut in?”

You opened your mouth when the mage’s answer stopped you in your tracks.

“No minding here.”

Without another word, she glided away like an elegant dancer, stunning you for a second at the audacity as you stared after her.

Arthur’s lips twitched with the widening of his eyes in astonishment at the mage’s gesture. “I knew I liked her for a reason,” he mentioned before turning back to you, offering the palm of his hand. “Dance with me, Lady Guinevere.”

You sighed, finally surrendering to your fate. “Who am I to spoil the evening?” You rhetorically asked before placing your hand in his.

Arthur smiled and bowed almost mockingly low.

As soon as he stood upright again, you teased him right back by saying, “I hope you know your steps, Arthur.”

The moment you lifted your arm, not only did Arthur interlace your fingers together, but he also pressed your folded hands to his chest.

Damn you, Arthur Pendragon. You and your heartbreak eyes and your cheeky ways.

Arthur’s unaccustomed tendencies kept you on your toes when you were forced to step closer until you stood inches away from him. And Arthur’s breath ghosted over your forehead.

“You’re not moving. You’re supposed to move,” you mumbled under your breath.

Like he was uttering a secret just between you, Arthur whispered, “Maybe I like it this way. Just standing here like this. Having you so close to me. With you not fighting me at every turn.”

You swallowed. “I am going to fight you if you don’t move.”

Hesitation warred in Arthur’s expression. “All right.”

Before you could truly process what was happening, Arthur started slow dancing with you with swaying motions and making you chuckle.

He was caressing the soft skin of your hand with his thumb while the other, stroked a curl of your hair away with admiring eyes. “See? I knew I could make you smile.”

Arthur lifted your palm to his lips to nuzzle it with his lips. His bearded jaw left tingles right to your stomach.

There was only one thought rushing through your mind while staring into those bright eyes.

Dear God, you were in trouble.

Tagging: @mellowstatesmanhandsempath @ravenmoore14​ @lelapine​

#watchtowerindistress #steph writes #king arthur: legend of the sword #king arthur imagines #charlie hunnam #charlie hunnam imagine #arthur x guinevere

[watchtowerindistress]

are you falling for me...? - arthur pendragon x fem!reader (lady guinevere)

Summary:

Imagine meeting Arthur for the first time who is claiming you already as the love of his life aka his future wife.

Arthur Pendragon - the most infuriating man in all of Camelot who knew of his effect on women. As if you didn't already knew how his abdominal muscles looked. The destined King tended to take his shirt off in your presence any chance he could get after all.

Warning: mention of smut, language, blood, sexual tension

one | two

#watchtowerindistress #king arthur x reader #arthur pendragon #series masterlist #arthur pendragon x y/n #arthur pendragon x reader #arthur x guinevere

[watchtowerindistress]

we are not our demons (6/24) - bruce wayne x batmom

Author’s note: For Vicki Vale's character, I used the comic version of her who has red hair. I was a bit reluctant about using her as a character because I don't really like her and how she was depicted in Batman (1989), lol. But I needed a Gothamite reporter who was a bit more familiar. [Read more at the end.]

Beta-read by Heidi and gnomewithalaptop

Warning: language

Words: 3.9k

Please reblog/leave a comment.

Series Masterlist | Want to be tagged? | Read on AO3

Hurts like heaven, lost in the sound

Buzzcut season like you’re still around

Can’t unmiss you and I need you now

-i’m so tired… by Lauv & Troye Sivan-

“I’m sorry, Miss Vale, but my private life is called private for a reason.”

A jolt ran through her body when Bruce’s distinctive voice filled the other room. It felt like hearing a ghost. Ellie’s heart jumped wildly in her chest from the unexpected noise. Almost absentmindedly, her eyes caught the brown liquid she had spilled on the table.

She hissed under her breath when the heat stung her fingertips. “Damn it.” Ellie placed the cup of coffee back on the hard surface and shook her hand to get rid of the twinging ache before taking the mug in the hand still intact.

The warmth of the morning brew gave off a distracting sensation on the palms of her hands. Clasping the cup safely in her hands, she slowly padded on naked feet into the living-room, with her wet hair falling in tendrils to her shoulders from her morning shower.

Feeling her towel droop from her chest, Ellie anxiously readjusted the fabric covering her up before fixating her stare on the screen.

Her eyebrows furrowed in confusion. It seemed that Bruce finally succumbed and delivered the first video proof that he was indeed alive by agreeing to a TV interview.

Vicki Vale tilted her head curiously. Her long, straight ginger hair fell over her shoulder. “Of course. That’s perfectly understandable, Bruce—may I call you Bruce?”

Narrowing his eyes by an inch, Bruce’s whole aura changed as his body stilled. His whole demeanor felt so surreal to Ellie. Displaying the typical smirk usually reserved for the media, Bruce curved his lips, blinking slowly.

“Mr. Wayne is fine, Miss Vale.”

Vicki’s body shook with amused chuckles, not seeming to take offense to this declaration. Her blue eyes wandered to her notepad.

“Anyway,” Vicki’s eyes sparked with mischief, “Mr. Wayne, would you care to reveal if there are any new upcoming projects Wayne Enterprises is pursuing? Or even some joint venture with another company? I seem to remember your firm’s successful endeavor with Booster Gold International in the past.”

Bruce’s hands stretched on his lap before he folded them together. Ellie nibbled on her lower lip as soon as his dexterous fingers caught her eye. She felt the heat rise in her body from the memories hitting her all at once.

How his calloused hands had slid over her hips in his quest to explore her body. Ellie’s fingers brushed over her overheated neck when his knuckles came into view and how he used those strong digits to lightly thwack her⎼

“That’s true.”

Ellie swallowed thickly when Bruce’s voice yanked her out of her carnal musings.

“Booster Gold and I both share our interests in creating technology to improve our society.” A one-sided smirk tugged on his lips. “But I’m sorry to disappoint—the answer is no. Trust me, I know how much the people of Gotham love those partner projects. At the moment, I am working on a secret undertaking—more of a passion project—which will hopefully offer support to a lot of people. It’s not that news-worthy, to be honest.”

Vicki smiled, despite the vague news Bruce just delivered. “Well, I, for one, can’t wait to find out what you have planned. Now, onto the next question: did you have the chance to see Oliver Queen’s latest interview?”

Bruce raised an eyebrow in amusement. “No. I hate to admit it, but I do not follow every billionaire, in spite of everyone seeming to think we’re all best friends.”

The redhead pursed her lips as she tried to wrap her head around that tidbit of information. “Wait, you’re saying that you aren’t aware of what he told the press this morning?”

Bruce narrowed his eyes suspiciously, letting his hand rub his mouth. “Something tells me I’m not going to like it, whatever it is,” he grumbled with his gravelly voice. Ellie took a swig of coffee to quench her sudden thirst.

Vicki’s eyes sharpened as she focused on something just out of frame behind the camera. “Joey, can we roll that clip?” She twirled a finger in the air and an unfamiliar video footage filled the entire screen.

Ellie folded her arms, tilting her head with a knitted brow.

The words ‘Oliver Queen breaks silence’ and ‘For the third time in six years, Oliver Queen has been accused of being a vigilante’ were highlighted on the lower half of the display.

There was something about the concept of billionaires that would remain an unreachable enigma. Just like Bruce.

Ellie could detect the emblem of the news station 'Gotham City News' in the right corner of the screen while Oliver remained the main focus. The high quality of the video revealed Oliver holding the organized press statement in some conference room.

Queen’s vaguely familiar scruffy face met the reporters head-on.

“Okay, first things first: I’m not the Green Arrow,” Queen said, leaning forward against the podium which held several microphones, effectively cutting off the onslaught of questions from all sides.

Queen offered his infamous playboy smile. Despite the onslaught of cameras flashing, Oliver’s expression remained composed, added with the suit and tie being perfectly in place.

“Number two: photos can be doctored. They could’ve put anyone’s head on that body. Like…” The foyer of his company filled with a sudden silence as he paused, the reporters all round him waiting expectantly, before—“Bruce Wayne. Has Bruce Wayne left Gotham to hang out in Star City recently?” His blue-eyed gaze turned to a few reporters on his left.

“No, he hasn’t. Not to mention, that concept of being accused as a vigilante is just ridiculous to me. I mean, you wouldn’t ask Bruce Wayne if he’s Batman, right?”

Ellie’s mouth opened in shock and felt her hand tense near her head. Oliver Queen totally just did that. Her mind was still reeling from what she had just witnessed. Judging by Oliver’s vehement denial and insistence to condemn Bruce, Ellie was convinced that the businessman was in fact the Green Arrow. Who… apparently knew Batman’s identity.

And he’d just unveiled him to the world.

“Oh shit,” Ellie whispered quietly to herself.

Did they feel some sort of loathing for each other? Why did Oliver just decide to name-drop him out of the blue?

They cut back to Bruce and Vicki, with the camera focusing on the man’s reaction. Any other person might have missed it, but Ellie could have sworn Bruce’s eyes darkened.

Then his public persona took over and he was all smirks and charm again. “Are you asking if I’m Batman?” An amused smile made his lips quirk.

With a few chuckles leaving her lips, Vicki shook her head. “No, of course not. Just wondering why Mr. Queen chose to use your name as an example.” Her eyes sparkled, but there was something cold hidden underneath those perfect lashes.

“Miss Vale, I have stopped trying to understand why Oliver Queen does anything since he tried to make a Viking funeral out of my bed back in boarding school. Don’t presume there’s any bad blood between Ollie and me. Ollie’s just Ollie. Still, it doesn’t change the fact that he changed the subject quite admirably.”

Bruce would be really amazing at poker, Ellie thought, as he sent a bemused smirk at Vicki without revealing his true feelings. “And no, I’m not Batman, Miss Vale,” he said, looking directly into the camera.

Ellie blew the air through her mouth and rubbed her hands on her yoga pants. For their get-together, she’d chosen to wear simple, casual clothes, including a soft burgundy long-sleeve t-shirt to complete the impression of a serene night. Her fingers hovered over her face as a reflex before she remembered she wasn’t wearing her glasses. No matter, her fidgety nature couldn’t be helped now.

With slow steps, she inched closer to the door, feeling her heart beat wildly in her chest, before looking through the peephole.

Just as she had expected, the hazel-brown eyes of Bruce roamed the hallway, giving her the opportunity to watch his side profile. His hair had a few more gray strands at the sides and was slightly tousled, giving him a casual look. Not to mention he was wearing a black Henley and jeans and not his usual business look.

“You want to let me in, or not?”

His teasing words breached the closed door and shook her out of her stupor. Ellie cleared her throat. “Yes, sure. Wait a second.”

She struggled with her lock at the door jamb until she could finally wrestle the door open. Seeing him again after all this time unsettled her. Ellie knew that it was just yesterday when she encountered him, yet it still felt like ages ago. Like seeing him for the first time and getting the breath knocked out of her chest all over again, just from him standing so close to her.

Ellie opened the door further, leaning against the hard edge.

“Hey,” Bruce whispered as he slightly ducked his head. He gazed into her eyes through his eyelashes before stepping into her apartment.

Ellie was glancing over her shoulder at him after he entered her home. “Hey, Bruce,” she breathed. The door slid shut behind her.

He in turn had his hands in his pockets as he assessed his surroundings.

Ellie snorted, prompting him to turn in surprise. “There’s a fire escape, just so you know,” she said, “just in case, this conversation is enticing you to jump out the window after all.”

Bruce chuckled with her before his gaze flicked toward the exit. “Good to know.”

“Oh!” Ellie stuck her finger in the air when she remembered and rushed into the kitchen.

“What’s wrong?” Bruce called from the living room.

“It’s nothing. I just made something to eat,” Ellie said with a raised voice, hoping that her words would reach him while filling the thick risotto in two bowls.

“You didn’t have to. You could have told me, and I would have taken a wine bottle from the cellar.”

Ellie chuckled low, carrying the food into the living room. “Oh please, and risk Alfred’s disgruntled mutterings about taking all the vintage tastes away?”

Bruce tilted his head with narrowed eyes. “That’s a really uncanny impersonation.”

“Thank you. Besides,” Ellie strode back into the kitchen and came back with two glasses and a red wine bottle. “I got wine,” she said, waving the empty glasses with a flourish.

“Well, you’re definitely prepared,” Bruce mentioned with a rumbling noise, taking notice of the already opened bottle.

Ellie glanced at everything through Bruce’s eyes and pursed her lips with heat blossoming in her cheeks. A self-deprecating chuckle left her lips as she explained, “I swear, I’m not trying to get you drunk. I just thought…” Ellie helplessly shrugged her shoulders, but her worries were soon appeased when Bruce’s warm hand lingered on her arm soothingly.

“It’s okay. I get it.”

Ellie cleared her throat. “Take a seat,” she said, taking one herself and waving a hand towards the couch cushion beside her.

He did just that, stapling his hands in front of himself while he leaned forward with his upper body.

“Let me.” Bruce took the bottle and poured the Pinot Noir into two glasses. “So, what did you make?”

“Mushroom Risotto.”

Bruce raised his eyebrows, his wine glass ceasing near his lips before he took a sip. “That’s not a small snack you just prepare.”

Ellie shrugged. “What can I say? I wanted to try it out sometime.” She offered Bruce a spoon while taking a bite of her own.

Ellie used the opportunity to let the taste distract her from this loaded energy and how close Bruce was sitting next to her. His heat felt invigorating to her senses and made her mind feel all hazy simultaneously. Ellie’s skin was on fire from their sheer proximity, and she could only wiggle in her seat.

After humming to himself, Bruce nodded. “It’s pretty good.”

“Thanks. I stuck to the recipe. You know, for someone who lets his butler prepare all of his meals, you have a lot more cooking insight than I would’ve expected. It’s astounding.”

Bruce arched an ironic eyebrow. “Not all of my meals,” he protested. “Besides, when you grow up rich and under Alfred’s guidance, you tend to pick up a few things along the way.”

Ellie felt herself chuckle at his confession. At least Bruce could admit the rich privilege and make jokes about it. It almost felt normal again, to be with him. Like the old days. Then Bruce’s eyes darkened, the smile fading from his lips.

Ellie leaned forward and touched his upper thigh in comfort. Knitting her eyebrows together, she felt a spark of concern when she asked, “What’s wrong, Bruce?” She took a sip of her wine.

His hazel-brown eyes met his lap and a fond smile played on his lips. Like a distant memory. “It was actually my mother who taught me that,” he said gruffly.

“You never talk about them.” Ellie’s words sounded pointless to even utter out loud. And almost unnecessary to state who ‘them’ were. After glancing down, a jolt raced through her body and Ellie reminded herself to let go, and she brushed a strand of her hair behind her ear instead.

Bruce folded his hands tightly. “I rarely think about them,” he said. His upper body slumped forward until a wayward curl fell into his forehead.

That single strand did things to her, rendering her immobile. Her fingers tingled with the compulsion to stroke it back, press her lips against that brow-creased forehead—she cut herself off, letting her hair fall like a curtain over her eyes. Taking away his allure from her sight all at once.

A barely visible smile hid in the corners of his mouth. “I can’t believe I’d nearly forgotten that memory.”

Curiosity etched itself into her features as she leaned forward on the couch. She whispered her next words carefully, afraid of breaking their fragile connection. “What do you remember?”

“I barely remember anything about her.” Deep aching longing echoed from that statement. “It’s funny how that was one of the few memories I still have of her. Mom just showed me how to do the perfect Eggs Benedict. I mean, I doubt I was much help, but…”

Surprised chuckles left Ellie’s mouth. “I’m sure she still appreciated your interest in learning something new.”

Bruce’s lips twisted into a wry smile. “Nah, during that time, my interests lay firmly with researching the Wayne family history.”

Her eyebrows arched at this small reveal of Bruce as a kid. “How come I’m not surprised by that? Who knew that you were a little geek even then?”

Bruce sent her a blank expression with the tilt of his head. “Says you.”

“Hey, easy there, buster!” She pointed at Bruce in faux accusation, her other three fingers still gripping the stem of her wine glass. “I meant it as a compliment.”

A playful smile spread across his lips before he took a hearty gulp of his drink. Ellie couldn’t help but keep her gaze fixed on the bobbing of his Adam’s apple. Like it was some sort of fascinating display of masculinity she just couldn’t ignore.

His eyes wandered to her right hand, and Ellie’s muscles tightened in her stomach when she noticed the purple bruises around her wrist.

An unspoken question shone in Bruce’s eyes which prompted Ellie to soothe his worries before he decided to get all growly on her. “Oh, that’s nothing. You don’t have to worry about me, Bruce.”

His eyes darkened and, sure enough, when he next spoke, Bruce’s voice was almost an octave lower. “Did someone hurt you?”

Of course, he would make that assumption—with those finger-shaped contusions. “Bruce. Look at me. Listen to my words. I’m fine. No one jumped me in an alley or anything. So, you can drop any additional threats you have that may or may not be aimed towards the criminals of Gotham.”

Bruce pursed his lips like he was still not satisfied with her answer but dropped it. “Okay, fine.”

“So… uh,” Ellie bit on her lower lip, “are we going to address the bat-shaped elephant in the room?” There was a part of her that just couldn’t stand this small-talk and beating around the bush any longer. Needing something for her hands to do, she lifted the wine glass to her mouth.

The sudden reminder of Bruce’s reason for being here hit them out of nowhere. He clenched his jaw and tightened his hands into fists on his knees. Now that he was here, Ellie had no idea how to start. Prior to their second reunion, she hadn’t been able to help but let possible conversation scenarios ring through her head.

Despite the resigned expression on Bruce’s face, he answered, “And here I was hoping we could avoid that for a few more minutes. I’m sorry about what happened. That I lied to you.”

The glass lingered at Ellie’s lips. If she was being honest with herself, she hadn’t expected an actual apology from him. If anything, Bruce didn’t seem the kind of guy who would ever utter the words ‘I’m sorry’ to anyone.

“Wow,” she said. “That’s—I didn’t actually think you were going to apologize.” Ellie shook her head, Strange’s face, Bruce’s face, half hidden by shadows and Damian’s pain, flashing across her mind in a sequence. “It’s not your fault for what happened. I just never wanted Damian to get hurt.”

A perplexed expression crossed his face and Bruce snorted. “I guess I shouldn’t be surprised that you have a soft spot for him.”

Ellie turned towards him as a curious sensation grew inside her. “How’s he been?”

Bruce arched his eyebrows with uncertainty and exhaled a heavy breath. “Damian’s been like… Damian. Maybe a bit more impatient than usual.”

“Listen, I understand why you didn’t tell me. But I want you to know that I would never reveal your secret to anyone. You wanted to be certain you could trust me. Maybe I was more hurt that you didn’t.”

Bruce pinched his brows. “I never wanted you to feel that way. Believe me, it wasn’t like that. I was afraid of how you would react.” A bittersweet smile played on his lips. “I’d like to believe I would’ve confided in you eventually.”

Bruce rubbed his fingers together when another thought crossed his mind. “Or you might have discovered the Batcave all on your own, and I’d have found myself explaining everything myself later on.”

Ellie rolled her eyes. “Why? Is security that lax at your place?”

He groaned, rubbing a hand down his face. “No, Alfred would’ve just shown you the entrance.”

Ellie tilted her head to one side. “Well, he kind of did, so…”

“So.” Bruce paused. “Everything okay between us?”

Slowly nodding her head, Ellie decided she felt too tired to continue holding a grudge. Her body could only contain so much bitterness. With a small smile on her face she assured him, “We’re good. So, I don’t know how to phrase this because I don’t know if I have the right to even ask, but…”

His eyebrows pinched with confusion. Perhaps a part of him was concerned she would ask him to stop this vigilante business.

As if Ellie would ever harbor such thoughts.

“What do you want to know?”

Ellie’s mouth opened before she finally uttered out loud the second reason for Bruce’s presence.

“I was wondering if it’d be okay to come over from time to time. For the boys. I know I sort of forfeited those privileges when I broke up with you, but—”

“Of course.”

A long breath whooshed out of her like a deflated balloon at Bruce’s rapid-fire response. “Really?” Ellie cocked her head to the side in surprise, her eyes widening involuntarily as the relief really hit her.

“I just don’t want to waste any more time being away from them. I miss those guys. I know it’s a weird thing to ask for.”

Bruce let out a deep chuckle. “It’s only weird that you’d willingly want to spend time with Damian.”

“You keep on complaining about your own flesh and blood, but my instinct tells me that a small part of you at least likes your son. You’re more similar than you know.”

One corner of Bruce’s lips twitched in humor. He lifted his hand in the air and pressed his thumb and index finger close together without them brushing. “Well. Maybe a very small part.”

Ellie shook her head and found herself gazing at Bruce’s sparkling eyes. Electricity danced between them and heated her up even though her body felt like it was already burning up. Chills raced up and down her arms despite the comfortable warmth in her apartment.

A vibrating sound coming from the front pocket of his pants jolted her from her thoughts and made her lean back against the couch cushions.

“Dammit. Just a second,” Bruce grunted as he pulled his phone out of his trousers.

Ellie felt the sensation of the leather couch at her neck and just waved a hand to give him the chance to pick up the call. Her lazy hand brought the glass of wine to her mouth and let the smooth and sweet liquid sink to her stomach like warm molasses.

Bruce’s long legs were next to her when he stood up and took a short glance at the display. “What now?” He muttered to himself with an annoyed voice.

He held his phone to his ear after accepting the call. “Something the matter, Queen?” he muttered sardonically. Bruce comically narrowed his eyes, his lips pursing.

Despite the low speaker function, a low angry voice filled the living room. “What do you mean by ‘what’s the matter’? How about you and your little stunt this morning, that’s what?”

Bruce’s furrowed brow revealed the agitation he was feeling. “Huh, that’s fascinating. Since you basically insinuated that I was Batman to the world!”

“Jesus, I only changed the subject by implying it.”

“Uh-huh, I merely sent you back the courtesy you had given me. Especially when you didn’t even give me a heads-up. You blindsided me with your little stunt. If you’d just told me, my PR team could have given it their own spin. But this?”

“I couldn’t control that the pictures got leaked the night before. God, you just had to make everything worse with your interview, didn’t you?”

Bruce turned around until he was facing Ellie again. For her sake, he rolled his eyes. “Well, I’m so sorry, Queen. Was it my fault that you got caught on fucking camera while wearing your Robin Hood costume? No, I don’t think so. To be honest, I can’t recall ever being implied to be the Batman or even to have incriminating footage against me. Makes me believe you’re doing something wrong in Star City. Being accused three times? That’s harsh.”

Oliver’s guttural voice increased in volume. “I can’t believe you. You undid everything I tried to save in one press statement.”

“You’re welcome,” Bruce muttered before hanging up.

A teasing smile played on Ellie’s lips, and she could totally understand the source of Bruce’s anger.

Bruce tilted his head, a tired expression taking over his face. “I swear, that guy…”

Ellie arched a daring eyebrow. “Did you just out Oliver Queen in front of me?”

Bruce rolled his eyes. “Oh please, Rhodes, give me some credit. You’ve known his alter ego since this morning. Queen wasn’t even subtle about it.”

Tagging: @mellowstatesmanhandsempath @ravenmoore14 @alwayshave-faith @ikranfuad @daydreaming-gemini @bluegalaxyprime @liadamerondjarin @steph21369 @andrewswifes-blog​

A/N: I had to add more details to that Arrow scene from Season 6 (when I was still watching that show before I couldn't take it and thankfully didn't see that series getting worse) to make it more obvious that Oliver totally insinuated Bruce was Batman, lol.

#steph writes #watchtowerindistress #we are not our demons #batfleck #batfleck x reader #bruce wayne x reader #bruce wayne x you #bruce wayne imagine #bruce wayne imagines #batman x reader #batman x you #batman imagines #batman imagine #bruce wayne x oc #bruce wayne fic #bruce wayne #bruce wayne fanfiction #batfleck x oc #batman x oc #bruce wayne x batmom