#'i know u said twice that this was just friendship for you but 😭 i just kinda kept hoping somewhere in the back of my mind' | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

keiossance · 3 years ago

Text

...Okay

*cracks knuckles, neck, arms, you know what every body part just to make sure*

Brace yourself love, cause Imma bout to crash you some-no ENORMOUS WAVES of comments 😎🍸

First of all,

I like that the introduction of your story sets off in a mundane morning between the two. My heart was giddy throughout the duration that I was reading it and I kid you not when I tell you I was smiling all the way through it, silently and internally screaming while stabbing the air even cause that's how I let it out sometimes XD.

I'm actually surprised that you put Jenny there. Never know much about her but it's a nice (once again, I do truly believe that this is canonically how this two couples interact: fuck the people watching, we love each other! go on, keep working *continues to be affectionate to one another in the middle if the office*) headcanon to think about. She's the only one who can break Jason Hudson's walls (and prolly *cough*b e l l*cough* too *coughs*in another universe *coughs twice*)

I'm happy you gave character for Adler's Bestie Baddie (not gonna let this nickname of his go, nope) and also showed how their friendship works together based on their personality cause honestly, that's how I see this two :>. Although the game said him and Adler are bestie baddies for life, they just didn't show it much in the game yk so yeah, thank you for this.

I also like seeing this kind of Bell that is not post 1981-Solovetsky in-depth. We usually always make fics of Bell during 1981 or 1984 but specifically during the time when Stitch was the new Perseus leader of the Collective because there's a lot of elements that you can pick up from the storyline of the game and then add things to it so that it would relate. So having a 1984 Bell before the storm era is something great to delve into and new to read at 😊

Love how you also threw there a little 'Frank x Bell' there. It just goes to show that if Bell did ever live and was taken under the care of Frank Woods and Alex Mason, Frank would most likely have a high possibility of falling head over heels to her and do whatever it takes to make her feel that whatever she emotionally feels is true and valid. I mean like he said, base on how I understood his personality in the game:

"They're clowns and stupid fucks for not falling head over heels for you, the light of my life 🥰"

And YES

I LOVE

😳 L O O H U U V U H 😳 YOUR SOFT DOM! ADLER

YEAH ROUGH AND INTIMIDATING DOM ADLER! IS COOL BUT HAVE YOU HEARD ABOUT SOFT ADLER! ?? 😫💖💖 My guy may have a tough exterior but he is probably the soft interior type of Dom (cause that's how I see Adler as well 😭💞)

I also loved how you made that 'scene' so sensual even if it wasn't too explicit nor detailed, you really got me feeling things yk..

Like butterflies in my stomach and other things ykyk..🥰💞💞

Plus I also love how you pointed out the canon fact that Russell Adler looks like Robert Redford since even before Bruce Thomas could give his thoughts on how to form Russell's character, the game devs had already made a rough draft of how our war criminal husband would look like, which is a combination of Robert Brad Pitt Redford.

And last but not the VERY V E E E E E E E R R Y least,

How Dare

You

Make

Cry

Like That?

I thought it was going to be this sappy thing where Bell's pregnant which I thought was the meaning of the Golden Band (read it the first time with the meaning of the word 'bond' then you had these tag cause I tend to get easily excited whenever I see you post so 😣💓💓) and then it's going to be this AU where Russell's going to try his best to stay alive to be the best dad he can't be at his first or his going to die idk I'm sorry

But now that's been clarified as I was reading halfway through,

I KID YOU NOT ONCE MORE

YOU HAD ME IN TEARS BABE 😭

Like when he was at the part where he was being all clingy and asking her on a date, I was going teary eyed.

BUT THEN

When they were on the date, there were only a few people left in the restaurant, and the Russian singer began to sing:

MY HEART WAS ACHING WITH JOY AND MY TEARS JUST BE FLOWING CAUSE I JUST KNEW MY GUY WAS ALREADY FRICKIN KNEELING AND READY TO BE THE DESERVING HUSBAND HE IS FOR BELL THIS TIME AND I'M A SUCKER FOR MARRIAGE AND ENGAGEMENTS AND LOVE AND AHDVSSJJX XJSDKJD 😫😭😭😭😭😭💖

I've said what I wanna say, so lemme just end it with these:

BONUS:

The Golden Band(Adler x Bell!Reader)(Oneshot)

Word Count: 11.2k

Summary: Adler is beginning to notice that Bell has a growing fixation on certain objects and actions.

A married couple. A doting mother to her child. The pauses towards jewelry stores when they pass them.

And all he can think is: Shit.

Warnings/Tags: Mature Warning, 1983, Established!Adler x Bell, Hints of Woods x Bell, Implied Sexual Content, Some Sexual Content, Past!Brainwashing, Post!Solovetsky, Pre!1984 Events, Fluff

A/N: This was supposed to be 3k or 6k at most. This is a bad habit. Enjoy!

Russian Translation:

My love- моя любовь(moya lyubov)

Handsome—красивый (krasivyy)

Beautiful—красивая (krasivaya)

Russell—Рассел (Rassel)

My Russell- мой Рассел (moy)

My dear Russell-голубушка, рассел (galoobooshka Rassel)

Sweetheart- лапушкаka (lapooshka)

My Sweetheart- моя лапушкаka (moya lapooshka)

Baby- крошка (kroshka)

Shit-дерьмо (der’mo)

Good morning-доброе утро (dobroye utro)

Thank you-Спасибо (spasibo)

Adler awoke to his ringing alarm with a grunt, the sound grinding his ears and making you give a disgruntled closed mouth groan beside him. You turned to face him as he turned it off, blinking his eyes blearily and automatically wrapping an arm around your waist as you laid your head on his shoulder near his neck and a hand to his chest, your breath slowly coming out from deep sleep. The curtains of their room still hid the darkness of the upcoming morning, that and it is still the hour of dawn as Adler laid on his back, rubbing your waist that was covered by his shirt from last night. Adler leaned his head atop yours, glancing at your form with eyes still in the sleepy haze and soft as they roved at how his turtleneck seemed to swallow you and how your hair was up and awry with an affectionate tired smile.

You always seemed to enjoy his turtleneck, as evidenced by last night. He inhaled you deeply just as you sighed, the breath hitting his neck and him giving you a small peck to your temple before checking the time again with a squint of his eyes and sighing at what he saw. He shifted under you slightly, you releasing another petulant sound from the back of your throat even when he grazed a kiss to your ear and hand lowering to rub at your bare thighs from under the covers.

“Time to get up, sweetheart,” he said, voice thick with sleep and feeling dry even with clearing his throat and giving you another but firmer kiss to the side of your head with your disheveled hair. You frowned with a sleepy whine, nuzzling against his neck and wrapping your arms around him and getting half on top of him which made him chuckle good naturedly as he rubbed your bare skin of your leg. Bell always hates the morning. “We can’t be late,” he said and giving your thigh a squeeze before slowly shifting out from under you and the air immediately attacking him after sitting up and the warmth from you disappeared. “I’ll set the coffee up while you get a few more minutes.”

Once he finished up with the coffee, you eventually went down the stairs, your hair still up and your eyes squinting everywhere like an upset cat with his shirt reaching the top of your upper thighs and leaving little to the imagination. He passed you your mug how you liked it when you reached the kitchen counter, you grabbing it with a mumbled “Спасибо” in thanks, the spasibo sounding slurred. You taking a sip, a lazy smile on your lips and eyes brightening like they always do when he does your coffee right. He doesn’t know why, the way you like it is simple although high blood sugar inducing. He’s not one who forgets.

You leaned up to give him a kiss, but due to you still awakening you missed and got the corner of his lips on his scarred side instead, his lips quirked all the same.

Cute.

“доброе утро,” you greeted, before moving onto cook both of them a quick breakfast like always, him giving the greeting back and calling you lapooshka, ‘sweetheart’ in your mother tongue just how you like it as you hummed. Giving him his plate before settling next to him with your own as he gave his thanks while putting a hand to your bare knee, the other to his utensils and his eyes to the newspaper to read anything he’s missed while they quietly ate.

After they finished and went to get dressed, you called his name from their bathroom as he was about to put on his tie, his shirt still not fully buttoned as he went to check on you. Only to see you in your underwear while scrutinizing yourself in the mirror. His eyes roved down, him moving to lean against the doorframe as he stared in appreciation gleaming in his eyes.

“Called for me?”

“Yes, I called for you. Look what happened,” you pointed at the slope of your neck, his eyes going towards it before seeing what you meant as you put a hand to your face. “How am I supposed to hide that? I don’t think I have a collar high enough to do it. . .”

Adler shrugged, eyes canvassing the other marks left on your body due to him.

“You can always wear a turtleneck.” You shot him an unamused look which just made his lips upturn to a smirk. “Don’t know why you’re looking at me like that. You’re not the only one who has to deal with it.” Your eyes wandered to his neck where his collar was still open, eyes widening in realization with a small ‘oh’ and a hint of a smile that he caught. Him coming towards you and trapping you against the sink with your chest to his as you asked what he was doing hands to his chest, his lips grazing your own as he answered. “Nothing. Just find it funny you’re here complaining while I’m planning to wear mine like a badge of honor.”

You shook your head, laughing when he did a light kiss to the mark and putting your hands from his chest to behind his neck.

“You can be such an ass.”

You did a light squeal when he put you atop the sink, hands on your thighs once more and doing an appreciative squeeze.

“Only the special kind for you, sweetheart,” he toned lowly to your ear as you shivered before he gave you a kiss to your lips, tasting you and you doing the same before you pulled back to lay your forehead against his, eyes staring at him with a humored gleam.

“Who’s making who late now?”

He huffed at you, before letting you go after a nip to your sassy mouth. Eventually the both of you getting dressed and Adler telling you to just use one of your turtlenecks, he can find an excuse for you that you’ve been feeling cold lately if anyone says anything to the more casual wear when it comes to Langley. The both of you left and arrived in Langley, separating to their separate floors with a hand squeeze and than they were off. At least until lunch.

Adler focused on his work, going through files and possible evidence of what Perseus—which they have figured out is more an organization than a man—might be planning next and where. Except he noticed his mood was a bit lighter than usual as he smoked his cigarette and scanned words and events. Still feeling the focus and need to catch the fuckers, but his shoulders feel less tense. It’s something he began to take note of after he and Bell got together after wise time apart after Solovetsky, but he feels the power you have over him stronger today for some reason.

At the thought of your pouting face due to the hickey on your neck, he smirked around his cigarette and it still remained even after exhaling the smoke.

Others noted the change around him as of late, but no one dared to ask. At least the ones here. Except for the one.

“You’re looking chipper this morning,” called out Hudson as he stood in the open door frame of Adler’s office. Adler doing a distracted hum, putting out his cigarette and motioned for Hudson to come in for whatever he wants. Because it sure isn’t about his mood. The man just isn’t like that, which Adler can respect. Always straight to the point and focused on the mission more than a hawk in a hunt for it’s chosen quarry. Hudson closed the door, but stayed standing as he stood in front of his desk and handing him a file that Adler took easily. “Some of our team had discovered a string of operations that Perseus had planned in our side of the yard so to speak,” Hudson nodded at the files, crossing his arms as Adler’s lips pressed together, seeing the cities that are clearly of the United States as he flipped through the papers. “The string, as one can imagine, leads us back to Europe. Where some of our agents that are in NATO are already starting to set up there.”

“You said had,” Adler noted, putting down the file and glancing up at the man with his trusted aviators. “Does that mean those operations already happened or we were able to find future ones?”

Hudson released a heavy sigh Adler felt his light mood slowly start to fade.

Hudson began to explain the string found in different facilities from training facilities to some prison transports were ones that already occurred. And they could not find information of more that could happen in their soil, but they’re currently working on it when Adler questioned him. As well as answering on where does this leave Adler since Hudson brought this up.

“Due to all this, and the NATO team needing a guiding hand since Perseus’s main focus seems to be there, I’m planning on sending you to Europe.” Adler tipped his head forward in a semblance of a nod, figuring as much. Hudson’s expression seemed to shift as his gaze focused down on him as he stood, dropping his arms down to his sides. “Bell is staying here.”

Adler cocked a careful brow over his aviators, leaning back against his chair.

“Didn’t expect her to.” He never expects you to follow him everywhere. However, he does trust your skill set particularly. “But I expect you’re leaving her here for a reason?”

“She’s important in decoding the next possible string of operations Perseus has planned,” Hudson explained, tone neutral yet Adler couldn’t help but let his lips twitch. Of course Hudson praises you outside your hearing. Odd how if it’s just decoding that he needs you here though. He can spot Hudson’s eyes narrow at his humor behind his dark shades but continues. “Not only the ones here, but also for the ones in Europe and I’m planning to send her to the ones in the States once she unearths their plans.”

Adler hummed, seeing the need for you to stay.

“Someone sounds confident.” Hudson didn’t give much a reaction besides a mild curl of the lip at Adler’s pleased amusement. Adler than straightened, leaning forward on the desk and looking at the file once more. “Leaving her here and having me leave to a shitty safehouse. Should I be concerned about the distance?” He knows that his decision back than has been respected, eventually anyways with Hudson and his crabby attitude while Black’s was more cool silence with equally cool words. The change is evidenced by Hudson actually giving you credit, but never to your face. You look at Adler like he grew a second head each time he tells you when it’s just them Hudson actually gave you a compliment, face doubtful. At Hudson’s lack of reaction besides giving him an unamused look, Adler continued. “When’s my flight exactly?”

“A month.” At Adler’s eyes darting to his in question at the length, Hudson gave him a careful look. “It will give enough time for you to finish up what you have here for the time being since you just arrived a few days ago. And it’s enough time for Bell to decode the operation.”

So he hasn’t given it to Bell yet? But that’s not what he focused on. Hudson is acting oddly, Adler observed with a slight crinkle to his brow as he looked up at the man.

“I’m gathering it’s going to be a long operation.”

He didn’t say it like a question. Hudson nodded.

“You’re going to be in Europe for awhile. We need your eyes back up there.” It’s not surprising and Adler wants to go as quickly as possible to stop Perseus but he can recognize what Hudson’s trying to do. And it’s off putting to say the least. Hudson spotted Adler’s scrutiny, releasing a small huff out his nose. “I’m not blind, Adler. I, as well as everyone else here, can see how you and Bell have this. . .magnetizing bond,” the man settled with a motion of his hand as Adler stared. “But you and I both understand what’s at stake, Russ. I’ll give you what you need till than.”

Hudson hit his head and thinks the sky is purple. That’s the only explanation for the man’s rare kindness. Despite the man eventually accepting Bell, and even a harder time accepting him and Bell��together, the man still won’t what someone might call their biggest fan in being a couple.

Once Hudson motioned for him to come with him to hand Bell the files, with his planned lunch break with you near either way, they walked through the halls and elevator till they were in your department. Only to see you not at your desk and talking to a woman who had a kind smile on her face, a bag in her hands as you did a motion to the elevators they just came out of. Adler heard Hudson’s breath hitch next to him.

“Jenny?”

The woman turned her face away from yours, the both of you now facing the two men as the others in the office openly stared with a mix of grins and smiles on their faces.

The woman’s smile, if possible, brightened more and lit up her face.

“Jason!” She went straight towards the shocked man, giving him a hug which he reciprocated after the shock going away at seeing his wife here. Adler stepped aside, instead focusing on you and his mood lightening once more, stepping to your side as you gave him an acknowledging soft glance before focusing back on the pair as he did the same, Hudson questioning on Jenny’s appearance at his work. “Oh please! I wanted to surprise you. Here,” the woman handed him the bag she had, which Hudson opened, seemed too at a loss to think to take this to a more private setting for once and revealed quite an expensive watch as the man could only stare. The woman wrung her hands nervously, a smile on her face. “You like it? I saw you staring at it once and I just felt it would be perfect for today of all days.”

He heard Bell murmur something about the woman saying to you about being Hudson’s wife, which he confirmed as he stood next to you, brushing his arm against yours as you leaned against a desk. You whispering to him once more you didn’t expect such a woman for someone like Hudson, which Adler chuckle good naturedly and about to reply only for Hudson to seem to snap out of his stupor and stare at his wife before grabbing her waist and giving her a kiss. The office whooped at that, seeing someone like Hudson like that a rarity and even Adler showed his surprise as his brows rose as you gasped softly next to him.

Hudson pulled away from the kiss, giving everyone a heated glare as his wife’s head leaned against his chest, his hand to her neck to hold her there.

“What’s got all of you gawking?” He asked sharply. “Get back to work! Now!”

No one had to be told twice, heads bowing and scurrying to their desks. You and Adler still stared though, as Hudson gave his thanks to his wife with a small peck to the forehead and her eyes glimmering lovingly up at him as she told him ‘Happy Anniversary.’

Well, that explains it. No wonder Hudson is acting nice.

Seeing that Hudson was distracted, Adler turned towards you to ask what you would want to eat for lunch only for you to have a dazed look in your eye as you stared at Hudson and his wife. Lost in thought.

“So even Hudson can look like that. . .”

Adler glanced at the couple before turning towards you, giving a light shrug and putting an arm behind you on the desk you were leaning against.

“That man has a heart. Just buried under the need to be an ass as well as having a stick up his own.”

You pulled your lips between your teeth, distracted.

“They just—they look real happy. You should’ve seen Mrs. Hudson when she came in here. Wanting someone to guide her to his office. Even saying he probably won’t like her in here but she didn’t want to wait anymore.”

Adler turned his gaze to you, giving a hum in acknowledgment at your words as he stared down at you. Something tugging on his mind and gut about you acting strangely.

“It is their Anniversary.”

You repeated the word in a low quiet murmur, to yourself as you bowed your head to look at the ground and played with the collar of your turtleneck. And than he saw it, his mind stopping as he stiffened as if ice poured over him, noticing the interesting way your lips pulled into a hopeful ardor smile and how your eyes had a look where you were seeing something that wasn’t here.

The empty space of his ring finger that’s been bare for years burned.

✯ ✯ ✯ ✯ ✯ ✯ ✯ ✯ ✯ ✯ ✯ ✯ ✯ ✯ ✯ ✯

Adler did his best to ignore what he saw that day, because he does not know how to tell Bell it’s something that he’s done and now it’s gone. But incidents kept occurring, incidents he now noticed that he realizes there were past ones, where he would see that interesting unique look you had when a hint of commitment is being shown. Or of a future that actually doesn’t involve both of them constantly leaving in missions, which he will have to do in a few weeks time.

He hasn’t told you yet, even when Hudson gave you the files you need to decode that day, too distracted and trying to find a way to have a talk with you. Because this is integral to talk about.

But than you would make stray comments when they watched T.V. for once, about couples in whatever show and movie on. Like The Great Gasby, as you leaned on his shoulder on the couch with his arm around you with a blanket over both of them.

“I just don’t understand why Daisy just leaves Gatsby like that,” you grumble on his shoulder, mad at the woman who basically had a hand in Gatsby’s ruin. “She clearly loved him but she chose to be with that horrible дерьмо like Tom instead.”

Adler thought of the plot, staring at how Gatsby’s played by Robert Redford(he remembers the first time you saw the actor, you got excited and called him Adler’s twin. He doesn’t see it. You called him the better twin either way.) floated in the reddening pool. He put a hand to your head, fingers caressing your hair.

“She chose what she wished. Some people are just set in their ways. Even love can’t change that.”

Adler looked down at you, only to see your eyes swim with pity at the screen and making Adler’s mouth quietly shut at what he wanted to bring up.

“That’s so sad,” you say with sympathy before turning your head to look directly at him with a smile. “Good thing you weren’t quite set in yours, right?” You pecked his cheek and Adler did his best to not let his growing guilt show by keeping his face carefully neutral.

Another time was when they both got out of work, two of you gathering groceries only for your attention to be grabbed as they walked through the aisles with his tease fresh to you about to not make your solyanka dish too sour this time but your eyes turned distracted towards a crying child at the end of the aisle. The mother, he imagines, kneeled in front of the kid. Telling him sweet words they can get something later and if he would want ice cream instead after they finish here. The child, wet with tears and snot, did a loud sniffle with a hand to his face before nodding slightly. The mother breaking out into a smile, the child doing a shaky one as well before grabbing his mother’s outstretched hand and continued their shopping.

Adler stared at the two a moment longer, before glancing down at you. And you had that look to you again, as you leaned against the shopping cart with a hand holding your head. A distant yet wistful look, one that looked eerily similar to how you looked at him back than—before he wisened up and finally was able to confess.

“Kids sure can get rowdy at that age,” he decided to comment, grabbing an item from the shelves as if to look at it but his eyes were on you under his glasses. “But also easy to please. Reminds me of someone.”

You blinked, shooting him a look of offense with no heat. It made him smirk at you with a cocked brow.

“Ass,” you called, trying to hold back a smile and failing before looking at the item in his hand and asking if he wanted pickles. Adler putting it back with a shake of his head that maybe they can have a barbecue one day to buy it. You accepted the excuse easily, moving the cart but you had that look again before you glanced at him with a small smile. “That implies you’re good with kids, doesn’t it?”

He tilted his head. Guess it does.

“Not exactly, sweetheart. Kids can be hard to handle. Even for me.”

You snorted, raising an eyebrow at him in disbelief as they moved to another aisle and passed others.

“America’s Monster defeated by a child’s teary face and toys being thrown at him? What would people think?” He put a hand under your chin, making you momentarily stop with the cart as he gave you a gentle but silencing kiss. You looked at him oddly when he pulled back. “What was that?”

He shot you a ghost of a smile, teasing.

“Can’t exactly hear what people may think if the one who knows is too busy with her mouth doing other things.”

He really wants you to drop it.

You thankfully fell for the bait with a loud gasp in mock anger, smacking his shoulder with a call of his name that you use in your accent but you were open in a way where he wants to make sure you always keep it. After everything. Especially after everything.

The pit in his stomach only rose.

Growing after comments that seem innocent enough but Adler knows how little meaningless comments can actually be anything but. With purpose and thought, no matter how slight. Sometimes it’s not even comments, it’s how you would have that stare that looked faraway, looking like as if you were biting the inside of your cheek as you did so. A look in your eyes when they passed by a jewelry store and you looking a little too long. It looked too much like before.

But, like you, he seems to be following a similar pattern on how he acted before.

He still hasn’t told you about the mission he’ll be leaving for. It’s been two weeks done and gone.

The pit that was rising in his stomach dropped suddenly, when you answered a phone call to their landline. Your face instantly brightening to an excited grin.

“Frank!”

✯ ✯ ✯ ✯ ✯ ✯ ✯ ✯ ✯ ✯ ✯ ✯ ✯ ✯ ✯ ✯

You felt like your grin was too wide on your cheeks, but you didn’t care.

Frank’s call revealed that he’s back down here for awhile, him being gone for a long period of time and wants to play catch up with you and Russell. After you asked if Alex could join like old times, Frank asked you in mock offense if he’s just fucking chopped liver. You denying it with a laugh as Russell listened in, his face neutral as Frank answered through the receiver that Alex just wants to spend time with his family which you understood. You were trying to think on what day and time they can all meet up before Russell casually took the phone from you, greeting Frank cooly before saying they should call up Sims to see too so they can all get together. Something that made you bounce more in excitement when the plans were forming.

Russell rose a brow at you but stayed silent next to you as they sat in the bustling but quieting diner in downtown that had leaves from fall sporadically in the streets, managing to get the table as lunch rush was slowing down as they waited for Frank and Sims.

“Someone’s excited,” he commented.

You turned your smile towards him, Adler could’ve been blinded if he wasn’t careful, even with his shades. But you couldn’t help it! It’s been so long since they’ve seen Frank!

“Of course I am! How long has it been? Six or seven months? It’s hard to get us all together like this.” You sighed, leaning against your seat as you felt Russell’s arm behind you on the booth shift so you could sit more comfortably with his hand grazing your shoulder. “Shame though that Alex couldn’t make it. It’d be like a whole reunion—well, except Park. But it’d be a CIA reunion if he could’ve came.”

Russell shrugged lightly next to you, idly watching behind his shades the waitresses and waiters come and go as well as some of the lingering customers in the other tables.

“He’s got a lot in his hands. Besides, of course he’ll choose his family immediately when he comes back. He already spends enough of his time in missions,” Russell said, before shaking his head. “It’s a lot to balance. Especially in our kind of work. It’s amazing he can do it at all.”

You frowned, glancing at Russell before looking away.

“Right. . .”

Hearing your pensive tone, Russell turned a questioning look towards you. He sighed, moving to check his watch as he muttered that Sims should’ve came by now.

You looked around the diner, before practically jumping out your seat as you spotted who came into the restaurant and walking towards the booth—or rather, sauntering.

“Frank!” You would’ve knocked the man over from your hug if the man was smaller, but all he did was do a surprised grunt and a hearty chuckle as he slowly returned the hug around your shoulders.

“Damn Bell,” he said to your ear before he pulled back just as you did, his hands on your shoulders as he did an amused grin underneath his scruffily trimmed beard. Your hands were still on his shoulders that were covered with a dark gray jacket and underneath having a blue and white plaid shirt with jeans to match the outfit and black boots. “If I didn’t know any better, you were aiming to do a pinning move on me.”

You laughed, stepping back as Russell stepped over—him standing up soon after you got out your seat and watching the interaction with an unreadable look on his face besides an amused arch of the brow at Frank’s words.

Frank’s eyes focused on Russell, his grin settling into more of a coy smirk as he stepped forward

“If ain’t Russell fuckin Adler.” He reached a hand that Russell took firmly and with a twitch of scarred lips. “Still got those glasses glued to your face. When you gonna get that looked at?”

“Around the same time you get that bush for a beard looked at,” Russell retorted easily, making Frank snort and you lightly laugh.

The three of you settled back into the booth, interestingly Russell wishing to you to take the inside instead of him. You just give him a questioning glance, Russell only giving you an answering stare before you went in and Russell put his arm behind you again with his hand brushing against the curve of your neck and shoulder. The three of you began to talk about the past few months with only a comment from Frank that he’s surprised Sims didn’t make it before him with Russell checking his watch again with a frown before you stated that he probably got stuck in traffic or something. The three of you ordered only drinks, wishing to wait for Sims until they ordered as they lightly conversed about the work you and Russell were doing with Perseus. From your coding and Russell’s watchful reading until they get deployed for another mission.

You took note that Russell wanted to move on from them towards Frank, sitting across in the middle as he loudly scoffed and leaned back against his seat, arms spread wide with ankle atop his knee.

“Same old, same old with me. Sticking bullets in heads that need a little metal in their brains to stop being little shits.”

“I don’t think that helps them stop being shits, though,” you say, grinning as Russell started to play with a piece of your hair by your neck and Frank snorted again with a matching grin of his own as he leaned forward against the table.

“Ain’t that the truth. Still stink up the place too somehow with their fellow rats that just love to fuck everyone and everything around them.”

Russell turned his eyes towards Frank.

“Heard you were dealing with cartels in Nicaragua. A growing name keeps coming up there.” Frank met Russell’s gaze and away from your own as Russell took a sip of his drink, twirling a strand of your hair lazily, before continuing, “Menendez. Thought that was handled before?”

Frank shrugged.

“It’s his son.” Russell hummed in attention but Frank continued with another half shrug. “Hopefully he doesn’t do something stupid like his old man. He’s lucky to be even fuckin’ alive. But I wasn’t there for that—they may be trying to rise back again but there’s plenty of others that are on top that are making too much of a mess.”

Russell nodded as you listened, before he checked his watch with the hand that was playing with your hair before sighing and looking between the two of you.

“I’m gonna call Sims. He’s taking too long.” He gave your shoulder a squeeze before sliding out the booth with a subtle nod to Frank and stepped out the diner, already dialing on the large clunky phone he took out his pocket and standing outside the diner.

“Weird how Sims is taking a bit,” you comment with a concerned frown. You hope he’s alright. His flight landed earlier based on the earlier call so it’s not that.

You stared at Russell’s back, favorite tan jacket facing you as he stood out in the sidewalk with the phone.

“I’m sure he’s fine. Maybe he can’t make it.” Your frowned deepened at that as you turned back to Frank who took a sip of his beer, knowing Russell would want to see his best friend. Frank lowered the bottle, putting his attention towards you. “How are you, Bell?”

Your lips turned up into a half smile.

“Thought you already asked me that.”

Frank waved his hand flippantly.

“That was work shit. I ain’t here to keep talking about stuff I live through every day. How are you?”

You chuckled at his words but felt the warmth behind them. Despite Frank’s at times vulgar words and brash attitude, he cares deeply for the ones he chooses. You always appreciated that about him.

“I’m fine,” you say, leaning in against the table with crossed arms. “I like it when it’s quiet and just in one place for once that’s longer than just a week.”

“Ain’t that the truth.” Frank looked over at you, gaze traveling from your content face to the strand Russell was playing with out from its style to your hands before looking up again with a teasing grin rising on his lips. “And how are you and Robert Redford’s twin over there? Only about amount of time till you actually can hear church bells and everybody gets to throw rice at you saps.”

Your expression turned strained as you looked away, quickly trying to hide it by raising a hand to lean on your head with fingers hiding your mouth as you looked back at the entrance of the diner to see Russell begin to pace some as he spoke on the phone.

Frank noticed, his brows furrowing.

“Hey,” he called with his gravel voice as you looked back at him, frowning under his beard at your somber expression. “Hey, what’s wrong? You guys fighting or something? He sure didn’t act like it. . .” Frank muttered lowly to himself with a glance towards the entrance as you shook your head and sighed, dropping your head against your hands. He looked back at you, leaning forward against the table as he gripped his beer. “Okay, than what? He better be treating you right, Bell. Especially after everything.”

Frank’s tone had a hint of danger mixed with protectiveness which you didn’t blink at. Frank and Alex were pissed when they found out about what happened to you—they already were protective before but those two seemed to have increased it after that. They were bewildered like everyone else when you and Russell decided to tell everyone about you two, that you both got together. You guys aren’t exactly a rom com couple. But they, like everyone else, saw you guys loved each other despite what happened before.

“It’s just. . .” You sighed, as you closed your eyes and continued holding your head. “. . . I don’t think Russell wants to marry me.”

“He doesn’t want to what?! Why?”

“I just don’t think he doesn’t want to marry.” You lifted your head slightly, looking at Frank’s bewildered and irritated scowl. “He’s. . . been acting weird. I’ve been throwing hints for awhile and I think he’s noticed.”

“Like what kind of hints?”

You released a breath, lifting your head as you leaned it back against the seat.

“Just—you know, how certain married couples look. Certain scenes in movies. Random families with kids or even me pausing to look at a jewelry store.” Your gaze looked at Frank’s sobered expression, his brows furrowed as he looked down at the table . “He knows. He tries to change the subject or distract me and thinks I don’t notice. I just. . .don’t even try to bring it up. I can understand why he wouldn’t want to.”

Frank’s gaze darted towards yours.

“Why he—why he wouldn’t want to? Why wouldn’t he want to. . .?! Nothing’s wrong with you, Bell—“

“That’s not it,” you cut off softly. “I know it’s not me. I just. . . think he doesn’t want to do that again.”

Frank’s expression soured once more, his eyes moving towards the entrance to find Russell again only to mutter a curse. You followed his gaze to see that Russell wasn’t there. Something must’ve happened. Russell would’ve told you though.

Maybe he just started pacing for longer steps?

You frowned, thinking that odd only to blink when Frank stood and motioned his head and hand for you to take to rise out your seat.

“Come on,” he says at your confused look, a sharp grin growing on his lips that spelled trouble but promised fun. “He ditched us so let’s ditch back. There’s an arcade right across from here. We’ll be able to see when he comes back if we play by the windows.”

You had a small smile on your face as you looked up at Frank, who’s brows arched as he looked down at you, patiently waiting for you to take his hand.

You took it, his grin widening and helping you get up as you had a teasing gleam in your eyes.

“Thought I was the nerd?”

“You are. This is for you, not me.” You let go as the two of you left the diner, throwing him an unbelieving look as Frank’s brows furrowed. “What? It is.”

“Uh huh. So you’re saying I’m gonna beat you in Enduro and Boxing?”

Frank scoffed loudly, mixing with a laugh as they crossed the street towards the arcade. You looking and scanning the sidewalk to see Russell wasn’t anywhere. Maybe he’s talking in the car.

“Already shit talking, Bell? We didn’t even start yet.”

“Well, it is because I’m better at it than you aren’t I? Naturally nerds are more advanced than a regular old man like you.”

“Hey!” Frank opened the door for you but did it violently after you said those words, looking offended as your grin widened, amused. You walking in and Frank going back to your side with a mock glare. “Take that back. I still got it. I’m so going to kick your ass.”

You threw him an arrogant look.

“We’ll see. Maybe they’ll have mannequins in the back to take out your anger after your loss.”

“Oh, shut the fuck up and play me.”

The both of you went to a game by the window to look out into the street, choosing the race car game as Frank took out quarters and the played as you focused while Frank kept his narrowed eyes on the screen with a very concentrated look on his face that made you laugh. Your shoulders feeling lighter although Frank’s shoulder would try to push against you to distract you and you lose your grip as he cursed as he was losing which made you laugh more as you taunted him. And you won, obviously. To Frank’s displeasure based on his low mutters that these machines make you need glasses anyways.

The two of you were in the sitting area by the doors, able to see if Russell comes by. At the thought of Russell, your relaxed expression turned sad acceptance again. You felt Frank’s stare on you.

“Why do you think he won’t want to, Bell? Cause he already did it? ” You stayed silent, staring at your shoes as you nodded. Frank tsked, his elbows on his knees as he tried to catch your eyes. “Listen, I don’t know what he’s thinking if that’s the case. Divorced, single, widowed or whatever the fuck—anyone who’s got their head screwed on straight would marry you, Bell.”

The words were meant as a comfort. But it just made your heart pang as you moved your eyes to the side to meet Frank’s deep sincere blue with a sad smile.

“Thank you, Frank,” putting a hand to his broad tense shoulder and him letting you as he searched your eyes, before he frowned at what he saw. “You always know what to say. But I only want Russell to marry me. Not anyone. And I don’t think he will. Which is fine, I get it. He got really hurt last time. . . It’ll . . . It’ll bring back memories that I won’t want him to go through.” You than stood, facing an unreadable Frank who appeared tense. “I’m going to use the bathroom real quick. I’ll be right back.”

You turned away quickly before Frank could see your watery eyes, stuffing clenching hands in your pockets and heading towards the restroom at the back.

You know you probably won’t get it.

But, like always, you want.

✯ ✯ ✯ ✯ ✯ ✯ ✯ ✯ ✯ ✯ ✯ ✯ ✯ ✯ ✯ ✯

Adler hung up with Sims with a deep sigh, taking off his glasses and rubbing his face as he stood by a light pole.

His words of advise echoing in America’s Monster’s head after explaining he could meet them later another day since he had car trouble, and hearing Adler’s concerns about you and your wants over the phone and his own feelings in the matter.

“Shit, Russ. We aren’t getting any younger you know. I know. . . your situation with your other lady but. . .you can’t let your happiness go like that, man. I’ve seen you two—you guys are the real deal. Bell knows you like I do—maybe even more. And I’m not talking about how you are in the sheets cause fuck that image.” Adler laughed at that, Sims chuckling over the phone before his friend continued. “Thing is, you guys get each other. She doesn’t care about the shit you’ve done and I know you don’t care about her shit neither. You’re happy man. You know you are. So what’s the issue?”

Adler doesn’t know. He can’t even say it’s an issue. There isn’t an issue.

Sims is right. Bell is amazing.

You understand him better than anyone else. Only dating for a year out the window because their situation was unique. His inner demons he would rather keep hidden but you would soothe with acceptance and care. Which isn’t surprising, you’ve experienced them before.

Is that the issue? That he’s hurt you before and just feels guilt for forcing you to be stuck with him?

But that’s not it. Because you want it.

And you deserve to want it—to get everything you want. Adler will do anything to make sure you get anything you wish.

You deserve every caress and every kiss and every gift and everything the world could offer.

Hell, he would kill for you.

He’s reached a point where, in dark mind and thoughts, he’ll do whatever it took to make sure you’re happy and alive and by his side. He would sacrifice teammates if necessary.

Fucked up. But he’s always known he isn’t a saint.

You knew that too.

You’ve always known.

Before MK—Ultra, during or after—you never judged him for it. You had an understanding with him—able to seehim and not just talk air when you say you understood. You’re the only one that could.

The other side of the coin—matching in intensity but different backgrounds and purposes. Until you chose that day and he did too. On those cliffs.

Adler moved a hand over to where he knew the scar was on his right shoulder before he clenched his jaw, lifting his head and putting his shades back on. He began walking to where he saw Woods and Bell go to earlier when he walked back around the corner in the direction of the arcade.

Adler is going to make another one.

However, just as he walked in through the doors of the arcade room—he saw Woods stand up with a scowl on his face and no Bell only for the man to grab him by the collar roughly as Adler’s eyes narrowed behind his shades.

“Tell me right now what the fuck you’re thinking?” Woods voice was quiet but each word was enunciated with force as he tightened the hold on his collar. “Do you have any idea how you’re hurting, Bell?”

Adler shamefully winced but stared at Woods calmly.

“What exactly did she say?”

“That you’re a blind wallowing motherfucker who don’t know what’s up or down and how to work a ring.” Charming. Seems you told him and I didn’t do quite a good job like I thought. “What do you think she said? What the fuck you’re doing? Twiddling your fingers until you croak?”

Adler met Wood’s angered stare, jaw ticking as he put a hand to push Wood’s hand away. He didn’t budge and seemed to glare harder.

“Woods,” he began quietly, “you know how it was for me before with—“

Woods shook him once with the collar, teeth clenched as Adler had to cut himself from the movement—hand atop Woods tightening in warning as his gaze sharpened.

“That bitch ain’t Bell so I’m not hearing it. I don’t know what’s wrong with you or what you’re doing besides chasing Perseus like a dog to a fuckin bone!” Others were glancing in their direction now but Woods didn’t seem to care as Adler met his stare, Woods eyes narrowing before widening before turning into slits as he growled. “Adler, that woman looks at you like you created this shitty earth. And if you aren’t treating her the same, you might find that she gets stolen away to someone who might.”

Adler’s own eyes narrowed dangerously, a suspicion correctly made as he successfully pushed Woods hand away.

“I knew it. You always were more protective of Bell compared to Mason. And he’s the one that went through brainwashing and could understand her best.”

“Don’t,” Woods says lowly. “Not a good idea to mention that. Might punch you again. And I don’t see what makes you so worked up,” Woods crossed his arms. “Anyone knows no ring means free game,” he added with a point to his hand.

“Than that just means an extra reason to give it to her.”

Woods brows furrowed before he blinked in realization, dropping his arms to his sides as he observed Adler and the truth in his words. Adler’s countenance the epitome of serious.

“Huh,” Woods blinked again, scratching the back of his head. “So Sims woke you up from this stupid haze you put yourself in?” Adler confirmed with a nod and Woods scoffed, sounding similar to a laugh as he sat back down in the seating. The others in the arcade going back to their games. “And here I was thinking to myself you would die before you would even think to pop the question.”

Adler’s lips twitched before they settled.

“Does Bell know?”

“Man what? What kind of brother you think I am?” Adler pointed out he heavily implied someone would take Bell right from underneath him and Woods guffawed, waving his hand at him. “Get out of here! I ain’t got what you guys do. As long as you’re serious about the ring thing. Right?” Woods asked imploringly with a look up towards him.

Adler knows what he has to do.

And it’s to be by your side.

Adler nodded. Woods giving a slow nod of his own as he stared at the ground. He decided to break the tension as he prepped a cigarette in his lips.

“Wouldn’t you die first? You’re older than me.”

Woods threw him a truly befuddled look.

“What are you saying?” He than sharply grinned, as if he knew a secret joke. “No one can kill me.”

Adler rolled his eyes at the false equivalency before he focused on you as you exited the bathroom.

You deserve the world, Bell. And I’m going to give it.

✯ ✯ ✯ ✯ ✯ ✯ ✯ ✯ ✯ ✯ ✯ ✯ ✯ ✯ ✯ ✯

You don’t know what happened, but something changed after that day in the diner. You know something happened based on Russell’s wrinkled collar but there wasn’t any injuries in any of the two men.

Russell explained to you what happened with Sims, but the three of you ate dinner together. While the four of them was able to reconvene together the next day—conversations easily flowing with Russell’s hand either around your shoulders or touching your knee under the table, your hand atop of his and squeezing with him squeezing back, while throwing a soft smirk or glance your way under his shades before focusing back into the conversation.

Russell also explained to you, in their house with a regretful mien as he kneeled in one knee in front of you as you sat on the couch, that he’ll be away for a mission in two weeks. A long one. You let out a sigh at the news, but smiled lovingly at the man and kissed his scarred cheek than his lips. Thinking to yourself this explained more of his odd behavior as you spoke to him. That it was part of the job after all. And that means you won’t let him out of your sight.

He relaxed as he stared up at you as he squeezed your knee, half-smiling before something seemed to change. Your eyes blinking as the air shifted as Russell had one of his dark promising smirks, eyes burning as he shifted. Settling more as fully kneeled, but between your legs that with his hand on your knee grazing upwards, your stomach doing flips and warmth rising as Russell’s eyes didn’t leave yours. When he spoke, it was his low husky timbre that would always make your toes curl because you knew what it would mean.

“Don’t worry, лапушкаka.” His Russian, masterful as always, dripped with sin even though lapooshka merely meant sweetheart. He tugged you closer to the edge of the couch with his hand on your belt loop, your excitement growing when your lower half hit abdomen and stayed, his hand on your thigh not leaving as it squeezed in appreciation when you gasped at the movement, his smirk widening. “I won’t let you out of my sight either. I think you can handle it. Hope you don’t mind my watch beginning now.”

You certainly didn’t mind.

You didn’t mind his languid yet purposeful touches on loosening your clothing. Didn’t mind how his stubble slightly scratched you as he would kiss or graze his lips when he’d tease, your nerves tingling along with the apex between your thighs. You certainly didn’t mind when you keened and mewled, his head lowered in between your naked legs as if a man starved and fingers working efficiently. Russell didn’t seem to mind when you automatically bucked your hips towards him, hand gripping his hair. Only humming ,pleased, that made you moan from the small vibration, his hands moving at your backside and pressing, as if he wishes for you to do it again. You think he would mind if you somehow suffocated him.

Only for him to notice your hesitance, face raising a tad and your eyes dilating, glazed, at his disheveled appearance with a upturn of wet lips that he licked purposefully with his eyes up at you.

“Ride me like a stallion, sweetheart,” he said, his breath on you and making you wriggle your legs over his shoulders. His gaze gleaming as he pressed his lips to your inner thigh, eyes still on you as you could only stare. “Go ahead. I want you too.” He put your hand back on his head that you dropped, a final glance towards you with an arched brow as said once more, “Ride,” and continued his attack.

Needless to say, you didn’t mind doing as he asked.

After, when you were spent and content as you laid on a relaxed yet thoughtful Russell on the couch, you moved your head for your chin to lay on his chest.

“What’s gotten into you?”

Russell peered down at you, your inquisitive expression with an imploring smile making his own lips turn up.Transferring his hold around your waist to graze your cheek.

“Can’t have sudden bouts of energy to please you, Bell?”

You snorted at his own attack of his age as you shook your head at him. Only to close your eyes when he pressed your previously heated temple, staying there for a moment with his hand on the nape of your neck before pulling away, blue eyes lidded.

“Like I said, I don’t want you out of my sight. So I’m going to savor it—savor you,” he emphasized with a teasing glint that made you blush and lightly smack his chest which he chuckled at as he went on, sobering. “Sorry how I’ve been acting. It won’t happen again. You have my word.”

That should’ve been your first hint.

But you just continued, the days going on by like normal whether at work or at home. You almost done with the codes Hudson assigned you but the back of your mind wondering what caused the change. Russell seeming to notice you were upset when he would dismiss your hints before, so the apology must’ve been about that.

For when you weren’t at work or lunch or them hanging around Woods and Sims, Russell seemed restless and wanted you near.

It was three days before Russell will have to leave, you done with the code, and you probably wouldn’t see him till sometime next year for December is around the corner, that Russell told you to get ready for an outing tonight for dinner, eyes on you as you still laid atop of him in their bed in the morning. He looked excited and you were too.

You enjoyed when he took you out to eat in the nice restaurants and dress up for them. It happened every so often, but especially when right before they had to leave for a mission. Whether it was a mission together or separated, they made sure to create a nice good memory before they had to do their job’s.

The sex is nice too, you think with a blush as you get dressed up in a slitted dress that appealed to you, doing wonders for your shape and prepping your hair and face. Russell can get pretty handsy when you dress up, constantly needing to have his hands on you. Which he normally does, but the touches are methodical and purposeful to get you worked up. Sometimes, even before they practically rip their clothes off each other, he would touch you when they were out and sitting in the restaurant for anyone to notice if they really looked with eyes staying on you and Russell’s table. You’re no better though. You can tease at times too when Russell wore his suits or his long sleeved buttoned shirts that would hug his figure, but not as much as him. I just hope he doesn’t accidentally rip this dress like that other time. I really like this one.

You were almost done in your master bathroom. Russell getting ready in the guest bathroom downstairs to make it quicker to the 7 PM reservation got for the restaurant.

When you were done, you looked over yourself one more time. Checking if your hair is out of place anywhere and your makeup in order.

“Bell?” Russell called from downstairs. “You ready?”

“Almost!” You called back, checking the mirror once more before leaving and going downstairs.

Russell turned to you when you reached the bottom half of the stairs, taking a long look at you like you did him. He was wearing a light tan two piece suit that complimented his hair, with shiny brown brogue shoes to match alongside a rust colored tie for once. He rarely wears them and prefers to keep the first two buttons of his long sleeved shirts unbuttoned so he can feel like he’s breathing. Not that he doesn’t appreciate the ties, he’s just always had a preference. You weren’t complaining though, the suit hugging him nicely and accentuating all the parts you love about him as your eyes roved up to meet his.

You noted he was clean shaven as well, no stubble in sight and did you have your own personal appreciation when he looked like that. Your pleasure going upwards along with fluster when you spotted Russell’s soft eyes like you were the only woman in the world yet glinting in passionate admiration, looking half tempted to not go anywhere after all.

“Well, don’t you clean up nice.” You tease, Russian mixed with American thick as your eyes moved downward and up once more, catching how Russell’s eyes gleamed in smug amusement at your unsubtle checking out. You placed a hand to his chest, feeling the soft material of his suit you imagine hastily releasing him from it later as you stared up at him through your lashes. “Hello, красивый.” You complimented, for he was indeed handsome.

The handsomest man in the world, you think.

Russell smiled at your words, hand going to your hip.

“Hello, красивая.” He complimented back as your smile widened, your cheeks warm. “I can say the same to you. Let me see,” he put a hand to yours, raising it as you twirled around him with a giggle as he hummed, pleased, before bringing you in for a kiss to your temple. “You’re so perfect,” he said to your temple, the content clear in his low voice, before motioning the crook of his arm for you to grab which you did as they walked out of the house and towards the car. “Hope you’re ready for some Italian, wine, and being waited and foot, Bell. This is going to be a nice night.”

You wondered what he meant, for his tone wasn’t low in frustration but holding a twinge of nervousness yet anticipating hopefulness. Which is rare in of itself. Russell is rarely if ever nervous.

You glanced at him but he motioned for you to take the seat when he opened the car door, you doing so. The two of you drove to the restaurant and sat at the table, a private little corner yet able to see the shows they had here. Russell ordered the wine as you stared at the show they had, an Italian singer accompanied by a band. You were surprised at the wine as well, for Russell usually gets his bourbon, whiskey or scotch no matter where he is. You couldn’t help but raise a brow at him when the server poured the wine and after they ordered.

“Aren’t you feeling fancy? You’re going all out.”

Russell did a small half shrug, sipping his wine as he looked over at you over the glass.

“Only the best for you, Bell.”

You don’t know how him drinking wine has to do with you, but you decipher it’s because he’s partaking with you so you just let it go as you smiled curiously at him. Their food eventually out as they ate and spoke about this or that, you feeling quite light and it was these moments where you don’t mind accepting you won’t get married. Or even have a family. The quiet moments between you two is what you treasure the most, it’s what made you fall. Before. Back in the safehouse two years ago.

They got dessert just as the Italian singer left, being replaced with a male singer and a pianist you distantly noted as slowly patrons left the restaurant for it was nearing closing time. Only four other tables were filled but were also finishing up and were far enough distance away to not disturb one another as well as not see. Russell and you kept speaking, you noting a gleam in his eyes as he smiled attentively towards you. Your hand under his maneuvered to squeeze at him, raising a brow when you lowered your utensil from your mouth after the bite of the dessert.

“You alright?” You couldn’t but question, a slight tease in your tone but curiosity rising into a need to know. He’s been acting quite odd the past few days. “You seem distracted the last few days.”

Russell’s eyes focused on you, his lips raising a little higher as he squeezed his hand on yours, shifting his knee to touch yours under the table. The other patrons outside of one shuffling away outside. Seems they and the other table were the only one’s left.

“I will be.”

You were about to question him on what he means when the last show of the night started. The piano beginning a slow melodic yet somber tune that sounded familiar to you, your eyes going towards it in curious attention. Russell in the corner of your eye looking at you intimately and you noted he shifted but all you focused on was the show. Because the man than began to sing.

“Мне говорят: она маленького роста,

They say to me: “She is of small stature.”

Мне говорят: «одет она слишком просто,

They say to me: “She has simple clothes.”

Мне говорят: «поверь что этот лапушкаka

They say to me:” Believe, this sweetheart

Тебе не пара совсем не пара.”

Is no match for you at all.

The piano began to pick up its pace, but it stayed true with the melodic timbre the song was aiming at for this rendition. Pleasing to your ears and hearing the smooth Russian speak about a love song you knew—you felt like you knew. A distant memory unlocked with pleasant words, lengthened in a rhythm as you could only listen, entranced.

“А она мне нравится, нравится, нравится!

But I like her, like her, like her

И для меня на свете друга лучше нет.

And there is no one better in the world as her.

А она мне нравится, нравится, нравится,

But I like her, like her, like her

И это всё, что я могу сказать в ответ. “

And it's all what I can say in reply.

You couldn’t believe this. A Russian singer in a restaurant, Italian or otherwise? Here? In America? Proudly singing like this when the Red Scare is still occurring and high? It’s a risk to be glared and spat on. You would have to be careful speaking Russian in public spaces, lest you be judged or raise tension no matter what Adler says to not mind them. But it would be best if she spoke lowly in Russian to his ear than anything else. And yet, the one’s on stage didn’t falter—not when the place was so empty. It made your Russian pride sing for once, shame and guilt of what you did before and you don’t remember much—you are still proud of where you’re from.

You turned your excited face towards Russell, gripping the table edge as you leaned in.

“Russell, do you hear this—“

Your breath got caught in your throat, the music in the background seeming to dull, your grip loosening and eyes widening at the sight before you.

Or rather, under you.

Russell’s eyes glittered in soft amusement, as he bent one knee with his elbow atop it as he stared up at you. The low light and candlelight on their table giving him an equally soft glow against his clean face, shadows flickering as the candle moves.

“I love you, Bell,” he began, quiet yet strong where you could hear him. All you could hear was his voice as you stared. “I’ve said it before, rare as it is, but I mean it when I say it. I won’t ever hurt you. Not again. Not ever. But,” he sighed, his gaze lowering for a moment before raising back up towards yours. “I’ve seemed to make that mistake anyways. You want a wedding—a family. Things I’ve already tried but life decided it wanted me to get shit on. It was hard. And when I threw my old ring to the ocean, I decided never again. Civilian life isn’t for me, can’t be for someone like me. I’ve never been a saint.” He threw you a wry smile. “But than, you came along. Not the best love story—no pop songs about this type of insanity will come. Still. You understood me. Accepted everything. And I know you see everything. You didn’t run. Somehow, I got landed with someone just as willing to do crazy shit like me.”

He chuckled here and you couldn’t help do one too, smiling down at it with a press of the lips before it quickly parted with his next few words. Russell sobering.

“Honestly, I’m surprised you even came back after your time with MI6. Much less want to see my face. Even though I wanted to see yours, something more than an update over the phone about you overseas. Just a glimpse so I can see myself.” You didn’t know this. Russell said he wanted you sooner when you went back to the CIA and touched upon their quiet feelings. He really wanted to see you. Russell took a steady inhale, lips quirked up at you as he moved a hand to his inner jacket pocket. “I thought a lot. About all this. About my own feelings of marriage. About you—us. How I’m being ridiculous and I won’t ever find someone as perfect as you, моя лапушкаka. Who actually gives a damn about me.”

You spotted the box and suddenly you felt like every cliche as tears gathered in your eyes, hand going to your chest and your open mouth as Russell opened it. The ring a beautiful jewel of diamonds but you didn’t care about that, you looked back up at Russell whose head was tilted at you, clear love in his eyes that made your hammering heart in your chest pound against your ribs and warmth going down your cheeks.

“I won’t hurt you,” he vowed. “No one will. Not when you’re with me. I’ve never been a good man so anyone who does just that signed their death. I love you, Bell, “ he repeated from before and than his head straightened as his lips did an interesting thing that made it look like he had a boyish smile. ““Согласна ли ты выйти за меня замуж, лапушкаka?”

Will you marry me, sweetheart?

You more stumbled than got out of your chair, on your knees with him as you threw a hug around Russell with a blubbering joyous sob. Not knowing what to say and stuck on what to say due to your short breaths as you nuzzled Russell’s neck. You felt his chest rumble with a chuckle, arms going around your waist.

“You’re ruining your dress and makeup,” he lightly reprimanded, you letting out a choked laugh as your hold on his neck tightened. He shifted, pressing a kiss to your temple. “I’m going to take this as a yes, Bell, if you don’t speak up. Is it a yes?”

You pulled back your teary face, lightly smacking his chest that only made his curved lips widen.

“Ass. Of course it’s a yes!”

Russell threw you an affectionate smirk, hand going up your face to thumb away some tears which you helped on your other side as you sniffled. He put the hand holding the box between you two, grabbing your left hand and slowly sliding in the ring to where it belonged. Where it belonged. You threw your arms around him again before giving him a sloppy yet intimate kiss that he easily gave back, his arms around you a comfort before you pulled back. Your eyes watery and half lidded as you stared up at him, hand to his scarred cheek and lips brushing his.

“Я люблю вас, мой голубушка красивый, рассел,” you say lovingly. “Я тоже не хороший человек. I won’t let anyone touch you, моя любовь, рассел.”

I love you, my dear handsome Russell. I’m not a good person either. My love.

Russell took your hand for the both of you to stand, and you noticed the waiters were looking at them in support along with the show people. They must’ve stopped playing a few minutes ago.

Russell kissed your knuckles, clear blue eyes teasing.

“The handsomest?” His lips brushed yours as he said it, almost caressing the ring on your finger.

You would’ve smacked him again but you just tugged him down by the neck and give him an answering kiss that steadily grew passionate. You pulling away with a slow amorous smile, ringed hand on his smooth cheek as his eyes burned.

“The handsomest.”

Needless to say, when they went back home and Russell’s gentle teasing and kisses and loving with you doing the same, he didn’t mind you weren’t wearing underwear at all under your dress. Didn’t mind at all.

▞ ▚

▛

Will you marry me, sweetheart? -“Согласна ли ты выйти за меня замуж, лапушкаka?”(Ty vyydesh' za menya zamuzhI love you-Я люблю вас)

I love you-Я люблю вас(YA lyublyu vas)

I'm not a good person either-Я тоже не хороший человек(YA tozhe ne khoroshiy chelovek)

Thank you to @salvija who helps me out with the Russian! 💗

What can I say? I love Soft!Dom!Adler. It's a weakness of mine. Also, I'm a sucker for Woods. I did like him first before I fell head over heels with Adler.

Also, I know Hudson loves his wife and kids a lot. He does. He's the type that has to be hard and glaring all the time in his work because he has to, can't be soft and can't lose face or have anyone disrespect him. But, you manage to catch him outside of work and get through those glares he loves to give everyone, you might see a softie. Might. Only to those he really loves.

I don't know. Might make a Bell x Hudson fic. That scene in my other story has had me thinking. Expect that at some point as well as a literal Enemies to Lovers fic when it comes to those two—and even a true one with Adler x Bell.

Anyways! Hope ya'll enjoyed!

Tell me if you wish to be tagged for my future works or to not be tagged.

Tags: @tr1ppylady @parkeepingparker @weirdoartist21 @mayaibnlaahad @salvija @kylezkie4adler @asaltryefl @stupid-stinky @aurora-windu @zombiequeennxx @writer-of-various @holy-crap-i-am-russell-adler @zulema117-blog @kylezkie4adler @darlingor @smokeywhalee @quizzyisdone

#you doing long ass fics #got me making some long ass comments #which I do not mind really #cause I L O V E making long ass comments to your works #cause you're too good #too amazing #too BIG BRAIN 🙇‍♀️#thank you for this fic once again 🥰🍸

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pitynostars · 2 years ago

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part 2 because i hit chara limit somehow

spirk moment<3

the scene w kate being converted is legit like. horrible ):

i once again reiterate the hologram does the heavy lifting to solve problems.... its even inserted itself into tegan's ocular nerve?

??????? HELLO ?? in an ep about cybermen this feels a bit of an odd choice for the doctor to do without asking them ??

"have you not figure it out yet? obvious isnt it" stomping w my hooves patronising dr my beloathed

ace calling thirteen professor >>>>>>>>>>>>

is "i'd only just signed the lease" the only nod to unit being disbanded we got this whole ep ????????

"YES, i WOULD like to go in the TARDIS" tegan ily

"wheres ryan?" [doesnt listen to the answer] oh yes the power of friendship 🙄

TINKER/13 MY BELOVED<3 i wish we got more of her

"hows ur family btw? send them my love" i will simply assume she is referring to karvanista here too<3

its actually incredible how quickly my enjoyment of this ep sinks aslkjfdgf.......

wait so the plan is. blow up the volcano to kill the daleks, send vinder home, move teh cyberplanet to 2022 to metal-freeze the volcanoes (which like...let me not go into the science of that bc i'll go insane)

i think instead of 13 being like oh do xyz then you'll b free to the qurunx she cld have just saved it then had the qurunx choose to do xyz to destroy the planet themself like idk. then she cld have gone out SORT of saving someone /:

wait how does the master get back to his tardis??[skips back a bit] ... no ok he just walks out of russia and somehow time travels in himself from 1916 to the cyberplanet in 2022??? hello ???????? looks like he teleports but like ??????????? what? ig he must have set one up when he left it there???

INVENTED ACTING

"your body is failing because of what you put it through"... ok but like literally YOU went thru that twice doc??????????? what did he go thru ?? he didnt change idgi ???????????

random laser beam death is so stupid i hte it so much<3 u literally cld hafve just said o its fucked from the forced regen or something i just //:

WHY IS THE QURUNX STILL SHOOTING LASER BEAMS WHEN THE MASTERS DOWN IDGI

i say this every time i see this but idk why the cyberplanet being destroyed just looks like star wars

yaz carrying the doc "she's fine she's fine" ):

"extended fam" is cute but like why nto just call them all the fam 😭 puts so much distance between them for no reason 😭

yaz just drops everyone else back home MAYBE THE DOCTOR WANTED TO SAY BYE???? MAYBE THEY WANTED TO SAY BYE?? DID U CONSIDER THT 😠

"you know what this means?" HOW COULD SHE YOU NEVER EXPLAIN ANYTHING

"one last trip? where would you choose?" has anyone made the parallel to a christmas carol here because i'm frothing at the mouth

"i dont want it to end" it literallyyy doesnt have to

also seeing 13 have genuine feelings is so weird. u can tell its whittaker in this scene it really takes me out 😭

her speech did make me feel something other than confusion this time tho

mandip gill inventing acting... the little breath she takes after "lets not say goodbye"

perfect moment for a custard cream callback i say it aGAIN

the HAND GLOWING LAKSJFKGSLDF im sorry its just taking me out of it every time its so distracting... we saw tennant and capaldi hold it off without ONE GLOWING HAND for longer u didnt need that

they could have framed this companion support group around sj or someone like why GRAHAM

"are you okay? is she okay?" WHAT ABOUT YAZ. 😭😠

"one last sunrise ... " k im emo again

the shot of her leaving the tardis is sooo 🥺🥺😭😭

ok now someone said the editor switched the last lines around i can see where she was originally supposed to go damn aslkfdgjklfg.......

13'S THEME MY BELOVED<3

honestly i love "tag you're it" but i kinda wish they'd just left it at "...one last sunrise" and have her go really quietly but wiht a big smile

the difference in cinematography the moment DT appears is SOOOO funny.... chibnall era close ups my beloathed i'jm so glad you're gone<3

rewatching PotD properly let's gooo

"is there anyone out there" "yes." This was hot

"what am I doing, I've got a date to get to" is Dan talking ABT Diane ???

The idea of doing an EP about just the cyber TLs would be so interesting imo ajdkkfdjks... Like they're not converted humans but that's their whole deal usually so like....

"don't get shot" *Dan gets shot* prime comedy

"don't lose my sonic" patronising 13 i hate u

Did anyone else expect Dan to turn evil here the way he hesitated over the controls? XD

The alien shows them what they want right ???? Why does the doctor see a random kid?

"I'm the doctor I'm going to protect you" "the doctor lies" lmao

Ive seen people say like. The train CGI the painting CGI is rlly bad but honestly I can never notice but I don't rlly have eyes for that sort of thing

Ace and Tegan Skype friends <3 the ending should have been like this w all the companions where they're all just swapping adventure stories rather than the support group thing

"should we pick u up again in 24hrs" so Dan is on and off the TARDIS at this point ??? Having dates ??? Assuming w Diane but the only person we see him w in the rest of te EP is Graham so I mean....

"Yaz u and I can see where the cyber masters took that child" so... Yaz saw it as a kid too? Did I mishear the line ABT it looking how u want

"it's not my life" hmm I buy that BC we saw his life before of pretending to b the museum guide and helping out at the food bank and stuff he's a community guyTM sure hate that this is so weirdly rushed less i guess "I can attack it now because I've been with you" I buy less lmao... He's had no growth at all??? Also the way it's framed like he's talking to the doc is so odd when he spent more time w Yaz (unless they've been travelling for more than 3 years ???)

The doctor saying "homes important" just makes me HOWL tho ngl

"I'll b kipping on mum and dads sofa tonight" .... Where have u been sleeping all the other 24 hr breaks youve appaz been dropped off for ???

"not one for goodbyes" idk I buy that w 13 we saw the whole "one happy one sad" the hug goodbye for Ryan and graham

...so why can't 13 tell yaz about this traitor dalek??

also the concept of a dalek realising theyve strayed from their og mission does actually kind of slap but we did just see daleks v daleks in revolution so i'm glad this wasnt the main plot again

sacha dhawans acting<3<3

the scene where he looks in the tsarina (?)'s eyes and he's like "are my eyes not full of certainty" and u see him reflected in her eyes.... SICK. have they mentioned the master is kind of hypnotic yet in this era before this?

where are the dhawan telling the tsar to take a holiday vs donna telling caecilius and family to take a holiday in pompeii parallels.

are they saying dhawan master replaced rasputin nd made an alt universe with this cyberplanet in the sky? or is there some historical note about there being something in the sky at that time (?)

i love that the doctor and yaz both barely react to the hahahahahhaha tardis there's no like. wtf. moment they just head straight in.

i think it would have been sweet for 13 to stroke one of its panels and be like "oh shes not mine." nodding to that theyre telepathic!! but we seem to have forgotten that this era 😔.... i feel this generally in this era the relationship between the doctor and the tardis has been lacking actually like apart from ghost monument and spyfall we barely see them interact... i know its not always a Thing but man i loved 11 & the tardis' relationship so much i'd love to see a writer feature it more again 🥺

ive seen some people claiming yaz reads gallifreyan off the screen in the tardis. that would be cool but 100% you can recognise readings u can tell what data/readings are without labels necessarily like i can go into a car and look at a speedo and i dont need numbers on it to know what the readings mean yk?? either way it does speak a lot to teh familiarity she's got with the tardis and i <3<3 ... yaz and the tardis' growth is fun to think about. do you think she was grumpy that yaz was hanging out with the other tardis on earth in revolution ? XD

DOCTOR: Ah, there's a rudimentary cloaking shield in operation. Soon fix that. The Cybermen have tethered that child into this planet. It was registering as an energy source.

YASMIN: How is that child an energy source?

DOCTOR: Wait, there's more layers to the shield. Oh, not just cloaking. It's a consciousness shield! A creature trying to evade capture, hiding behind a visual projection shield, and this one shows us what we instinctively want to protect, as a defence.

Help me out here. Are they saying that the Qurunx also set up the cloaking ??? or that the cybermen cloaked it and it also put up the consciousness shield? ? or was it all the cybermen?? why would it need both?

also the idea of it showing what you want to protect -- do yaz and the doctor and dan ALL just happen to see a child in this situation then ??

"is this planet your doing?" doctor you literally saw the cybermen kidnap the qurunx to bring here 😭😭😭... YOU FOLLOWED THEM HERE

just once i'd like the "your master awaits" to be subverted/mirrored with "your doctor awaits" ...... the "this country needs a doctor" line is hot but its not the SAME.

"have you got any idea whats going on in outspace in 1916 rn" "strangely enuf. no" this line always gets me aklsjflk i love kate

"I'm Yaz. The only one here who doesn't really know what's going on" sorry babe that's your whole character

MANDIP INVENTING ACTING

i am once again asking ok these paintings got "defaced" so its not an alt timeline??????????? they never fixed this in the end right ??????? sweats. so rasputin was teh master alll along historically (?)... and he jst put himself in paintings in modern day ?? but then the dr says "some people think you're rasputin" ?????

"this is the day youre erased from existence forever" .... how does turning into her erase her from existence 😭

dhawan inventing acting

i still dont understand why this "give her a gun" moment is in there.

wait what happens to vinder in the end??? his ships broken

"you'll feel safer with me in the building" LMAO

"she really doens't want us back in there" and then yaz just drops her home w no goodbye to the doctor coolcoolcoolcoool

ok but why did the master clone ashad specifically what difference does he make over like. any cyberman/cyberleader??

love the russian doll cyberman lmaoooo... reminds me of that arc thing from doomsday/aog... TIME LORD TECH

if i had a penny for every time the doctor is forced into one of their enemies only for it to be purely for transport i'd have 2 pennies which isn't a lot but its a bit funny it happens twice

i love the rasputin moment but i dont rlly get the lead in ngl 😭 hes just like k time for my dance number mid speech. which i suppose like. in character XD

sacha dhawan in thirteens outfit.... i'm bisexual<3 i need to get my ears pierced

"Don't… don't… don't worry. You'll get used to me. Everyone will. I still need a companion to ask and… bask in my brilliance. Come on, Yaz. Let's go on an adventure! Don't make me ask twice. I'd hate to have to bring you down to size." /

"Come on, Yaz! Let's save a civilisation! Let's correct history! Rescue a sick animal! These yours? Oh, bless. Ow! What was that? Some sort of dirty protest? Unless you want to be consigned down a black hole for eternity, you'd better behave! I am the Doctor, and you will obey me." snapping in yaz's face "I AM THE DOCTOR NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

-> this would have hit soo different if this actually was the doctor i would HAVE LOVEDDDD it. first time watching i honetsly thought this was still the doctor and the tardis was reacting like that bc the regeneration was so unnatural (like the way she reacted to jack in utopia) but no 😔

mandip inventing acting<3

"very 80s" "thanks!" LMAO

"gold star and a sticker" u r sick

the random news drone on top of a random 2 planets is so.... ??? i feel like a lot of this was cut somehow aslkfjklgds..

also where's the awkward cut scene of yaz standing around while the master's in the wardrobe picking his outfit aksfjgdlkf

[plays the recorder on a burning mushroom planet] king shit

"quite the strength of character this incarnation" "DOCTOR 6: Our predicament! This is supposed to be handed over. You can't ruin it for the next one. / DOCTOR 5: And you were doing so well." i hateee these bits so much its SO patronising

"i dont do robes" lmao

why is whittaker in the reversed robe/the robe they used for time here hm

the hologram i do like as an idea tbf especially as we've seen the basic version w 9 and 11 and whatnot so her developing it to be more ai is rlly fun ... especially after she saw how handy having three of her in diff places was in flux lmaoooo

"it should only activate under the gravest circumstances. Like if I'm no longer around. Now, that would be disastrous. But I will have very subtly inserted a sonically triggered nano-implant under your skin and passed it off as static electricity. f I remember to do that. I must remember to do that." -- so either 13 has only just finished the hologram ai before this ep OR she KNOWS shes about to walk into some Real ShitTM and takes precautions akjfgldf.....

"HOLO-DOCTOR: Whoa! The emotional receptors on the AI are a bit oversensitive. Apparently, you're annoyed with me? Apparently, I should apologise for something?" this is so fucking funny because it comes across literally just like thirteen was she is always this fucking mean and patronising and borderline manipulative lmao its so askjdfglkdf......... blame it on the emotional receptors being oversensitive sure 🙄

i reiterate my point that most of the things/wins we get are done by the hologram dr, yaz is STILL asking the doc for validation even when shes a hologram 😔

"can't hurt the feelings of a hologram" SHE JUST TOLD U SHE WAS AI. watching this after measure of a man is like. HELLO.

"yeah well i didnt" [tosses bag] I LOVE TEGAN

they cld have mentioned nyssa in this rant tho fr

"i'll distract the cybermen" "how are you gonna do that" [cuts to screaming] hELP ASKFJDGLF... THE COMEDY IN THIS EP IS SO

the shot of ace falling into the console room is so fun actually <3

dhawan hood up<3<3

vinder no idea who the doctor is or their history w the doctor or yaz in this ep is. q funny to me.

"YASMIN: I'm sorry. / MASTER: Are you? Truly?/ YASMIN: Came back, didn't I? / MASTER: We could have fun, you know? I am fun. Different type of fun, but fun. We could travel. You'll see. "

i am once again saying i wish we got dhawan!doctor fr with this vibe

the touch of the ai mirroring the companions emotions is cute but i do still kinda wish we'd got whittaker to do these scenes fully

god i want ace and bill to meet actually

"the joy is to watch them fly" 😭😭😭

"former bus driver" is such a funny thing for graham to think when introducing himself

"wanna see how i dealt with them in 1963?" i'm kissing you on the lips

kate sacrificing herself is so<3<3 redgraves acting here is sooooo

jasfkdj tegan slipping on the ladder... is this a ryan reference or is that purely for plot convenienceTM

if the daleks plan is to destroy the planet through volcanoes then who do the cybermen have left to convert .....😭

wait the tardis in this shot LOOKS SO BAD i never notice cgi and whatnot idc but like LITERALLY THATS OBVIOUSLY A BOX WITH THE BACKGROUND PAINTED IN 😭

jo martin my beloved<3 god i wish she got more to do

vinder shooting the master is sooo<3 king

yazs speech about friendship and love got me actually.

i reiterate its the hologram telling yaz what to do this isnt her win wholly and that frustrates me so much 😭...

also how do the daleks and cybermen and master and vinder SEE ruths hologram when the doctor didnt plant the ai in them ?????? the whole static thing was the flag hello ??

"dont let me go back to being me" pleaseeee

"where there's hope..." YOU DIDNT FINISH THAT. THERES WHAT.

#text tag #dw spoilers #dw; power of the doctor

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