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magicalqueennightmare · 24 days ago

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Second Favorite Walker

John Walker x Reader

When John gets visitation with his son, he gladly becomes your second favorite Walker

No real warnings, little talk of broken ribs, gunshot wound

When John first joined the “New Avengers” he was still on not so good terms with Olivia. However he still made sure his child support was paid. You and Yelena seemed to make it your personal mission that Valentina double it.

While all of you understood it didn’t make up for the fact that he hadn’t physically been there when he asked you why you’d gone to bat for him and gotten Yelena to you’d replied “It’ll make her life a little easier not having to worry about a bill coming up out of left field”

She slowly started to reach out to him. With a text, a photo. He cherished any information on Eli he could get. He knew he was the problem. Olivia was an amazing mother and she’d done the right thing by putting their child first and he respected her for it.

One night he couldn’t sleep so he ended up heading to the kitchen of the watchtower. He wasn’t too surprised when he got to the end of the long hallway to see the light already on. When he made it to the entryway you were getting a bottle of water out of the fridge and poking at the cookies Yelena had made. “They’re pretty good” he spoke and you jumped, spinning around to face him “Christ have mercy Walker! Why is everyone in this place so damn quiet?” he grinned “Says the one who snuck up on me six times in one week”

You grabbed a cookie and closed the fridge before leaning against the counter to face him “What’s got you up?” you asked and he crossed his arms “Could ask you the same” you grinned “My brother called because my nephew wanted to talk to me” you kept your family a secret for the most part but the inhabitants of the watch tower knew them. John had seen you with your nephew. You were pretty damn good with him. The kid seemed like he adored you.

“Ok, I’m stressed because I have a meeting with my lawyer, Olivia and her lawyer” you raised an eyebrow “About what? Shit, nevermind that’s such an overstep! I’m sorry” he smiled “It’s fine sweetheart. It’s a talk about visitation” your eyes widened “Really? That’s amazing John”

He nodded slowly “I live here though. Do you think everyone would be up to a kid being here?” you nodded “Yeah! Even given our backgrounds I’d say most of us are actually pretty good with kids for the most part. I mean Bob and Ava may be a little awkward and Alexei may try to outfit him in one of those god awful track suits but beyond that I don’t see how it would be an issue”

He laughed “Fair enough. Ok” you pushed off the counter, patting his shoulder on the way by “It’ll be ok. You’re his dad John. You can do this”

The first visitation John had with Eli, Olivia came to the watchtower as well which you would have been surprised if she hadn’t. You rounded everyone up in the common room so she could meet who would be around her son and threatened them all to be on their best behavior. John was trying to fix his mistakes, the least all of you could do was help him.

When the elevator dinged, you cut your eyes across to Bucky who shrugged as the doors slid open. John stepped off first then Olivia stepped off behind him, Eli was walking next to her, holding onto her leg. He was holding John’s hand too but the little guy seemed nervous.

You shook your head when Alexei started to stand. No, if Olivia approached then you’d stand but no one was crowding them. John waved a hand towards all of you “Olivia this is the team” Bucky stood up first, mainly because they’d met before. Then Alexei, Yelena, Ava, Bob then you. When you shook Olivia’s hand she smiled “John said you have a nephew a few years older than Eli that you’re pretty good with?” you cut your eyes at John before shrugging “Yeah”

She laughed “So if he needs any back up…” you laughed “I always help my team. No matter what” Eli looked up at you and when he smiled you couldn’t help but smile back. He was the perfect mixture of John and Olivia. You could easily pick out what features he’d gotten from her and what features from John. “My goodness he is cute! He get that from you Olivia?” you asked and she winked at you “I like you”

She nodded to John “I’ll be at the sheridan with my sister. If you have an emergency, call me” “I will. Thanks Liv”

Olivia picked Eli up, pressed a kiss to his cheek then passed him to John’s waiting arms. She waved at everyone “Nice to meet you all” then walked onto the elevator. You nodded to John “Well we’ll all get out of your hair so you can spend time with little guy. If you need anything, holler ok?” “Thank you” he replied and you nodded “Of course” and started to round everyone up, offering to buy Thai food to get them moving faster.

The first couple visitations John kind of just spent alone with Eli. If Valentina even dared to try to send a mission with his name on it you would be in her office in a heartbeat. After you threw a knife at her once, taking a little off the top of her hair, she’d decided against trying that again and started paying more attention to John’s visitation schedule.

You knew Eli needed to get used to his dad again before he could get used to any of you. It was a few visitations in when John had gone to pick Eli up and when they got back you and Yelena were in the kitchen making cookies. You had a disney soundtrack of all things playing because you’d been working on catching Yelena, Ava and Bob up on the movies they’d missed in their childhood. It just so happened that John and Eli walked off the elevator in the middle of you singing “I just can’t wait to be king”

The matching looks of amusement on John’s and the three year old’s face was priceless. You skidded to a stop and grinned “Hey fellas. Want chocolate chip?” John looked at Eli who nodded “Might as well” you squatted down to be eye level with Eli “Come on little dude” he looked at his dad for the ok and when John nodded he ran into your arms. You lifted him onto the counter and handed him a cookie.

John laughed as “Be a man” came on and Yelena joined you in a duet. He moved to stand with Eli, grabbing a cookie himself. You were now putting on a show that you had an audience and Eli was enjoying it. He was giggling watching you and Yelena do the arm motions and all.

When the song was finished you both bowed. John shook his head “Multi talented indeed ladies”

However when John asked Eli if he wanted to go to John’s floor or go get dinner Eli looked at you and Yelena and spoke in a small voice “Can they come?” you raised both eyebrows, looking at Yelena who smirked “I’m sorry little Walker. I have to go with Bob but she can come if it’s ok with your daddy” you knew your eyes were wide and you made a mental note to hit Yelena a little harder in training.

John looked back at you “You don’t have to” you shrugged “I had no plans. I mean I don’t want to intrude” he shook his head “It’s fine. We were just gonna go get food from the place on the corner” you nodded “Let me change out of clothes that have flour all over them” you dramatically slapped your shirt, causing a cloud of flour to flutter through the air and Eli laughed again. John saw the way your eyes lit up every time you made Eli laugh and it made his heart flip. “Sounds good”

You headed for the elevator and looked back “Five minutes fellas and we’ll be ready to go”

You were curled up on the couch, reading a book when John walked in, picked up your legs and sat down, letting your legs rest in his lap. You barely looked up before saying “What exactly are you asking me for here?” you and him were friends. It had happened without you ever even realizing it so you knew him well enough to know when he needed something.

His large hand rested on your ankle “It’s not for me” you nodded, leaning to reach your bookmark and slid it into place before giving him your full attention “Spill it” he rolled his bottom lip between his teeth “Eli wants to have a disney movie night.. With you too” you grinned “Really? Oh I’m down”

You swung your legs off his lap and stood up. “Where are you going?” he asked and you laughed “Shopping! If I’m Disney movie nighting with him, I’m doing like I did for my nephew when he was that age. We’ll need themed snacks, oh he needs a stuffed simba! Spaghetti and meatballs with Lady and the tramp for dinner” you headed for the elevator and John hopped up off the couch “Wait! I’ll come with you”

You laughed “Hurry up then dammit! I gotta get ready for my favorite Walker” John couldn’t help but grin because you meant it. You were honest to god excited at the prospect of having a movie night with him and Eli for Eli’s sake.

______________________

John’s floor looked like some crazed Disney employee got a hold of it. Truly it was you with one of Valentina’s issued cards. You were a flurry of activity, trying to make everything as close to perfect as possible, even ordering Italian from a nearby place to make sure there were perfect meatballs for the spaghetti and meatballs along with Lady and the tramp.

When Olivia stepped off the elevator with Eli her eyes widened, a grin on her face “John, did you do this?” he laughed “Um I put stuff where I was told?” she laughed “She’s pretty good at the whole kid thing” he looked around as you came out from the living room and froze “Oh, hey Olivia. I um I was just sitting up for little guy” about that time Eli popped around his mom and grinned when he saw you, giggling your name and because you were in a pair of stitch footie pajamas.

“Love you mama” he told her then ran to you. She watched you and him, heading for the living room where it looked like you had an entire theater set up “Isn’t she a former assassin?” she whispered to John who winced “She got into the work because her brother was in trouble but yes” Olivia nodded “I’m impressed. Eli likes her, alot John” “She likes Eli. Tells me all the time she protects me for him” Olivia laughed “Well have fun. I’ll see you on monday”

______________________

You were sitting in the floor of John’s living room, Eli was next to you while the aristocats played. He laughed when you started to sing along with one of the songs “Daddy doesn’t know songs” you winked at him “Don’t worry, we’ll teach him yet”

He was holding the stuffed simba you’d gotten him and the two of you were curled up on the cushions you’d formed a fort with. John was sitting on Eli’s other side and you looked over at him and he was watching you and Eli with a soft smile. “Isn’t that right?” he nodded “Yeah, guess I’ll let you add songs to my playlist?” The mental image of John working out while “Be a man” cranked out made you burst out laughing which in turn made Eli start laughing which made John himself start laughing.

_____________________

Sometime in the evening Eli started getting sleepy but asked you to stay. You looked at John and mouthed “I can’t leave” he nodded because he understood not being able to say no. Now however he had a dilemma. You and Eli were both asleep in the pillow fort. It was the most adorable thing he’d ever seen. Eli’s head was resting on the stuffed simba while you were cuddling with the stuffed dalmation you’d bought. You had your leg curled around the opening of the fort so if Eli started to move you’d feel him as if even in sleep your instinct was to protect his son and that warmed his heart then and there.

He snapped a photo and sent it to Olivia because he was unsure what to do here. She texted back “Neither of their necks are cramped. Curl on the floor next to them and get some sleep” so he did just that.

The next morning he woke up to the smell of pancakes. You’d woke up sometime before him and ended up retrieving a big stack of pancakes. Now Eli was tearing into a few. When he sat up, rubbing at his eyes you were sitting near him with a grin “Morning. We saved you some pancakes”

Eli looked up with a smile “They’re good” you laughed “I made them myself” he raised an eyebrow “Well Eli said they’re good so I’ll give them a try”

You were half asleep when you heard a knock at the door of your quarters. You pushed yourself out of bed and shuffled across the floor “Yeah, what is it?” you opened the door and there stood John with Eli on his shoulder “He’s warm”

You nodded slowly and held your door open further “Come in” he walked in to the couch “He woke up fussy so when I touched his head he felt really warm. His temp said one hundred point eight” you nodded “Low grade. Did Olivia say if he’d been feeling bad?” he shook his head. You walked over and sat down next to him. Eli whined lightly so you touched his head “Hey bud. How ya feeling” he stuck his bottom lip out and god he reminded you of John in that instinct “My tummy hurts”

“Probably has a bug. Common in kids. My nephew got them a lot. I’ll run to the Walgreens for some children's motrin and something for his stomach. You call Olivia” John shook his head “I can’t ask you to go out at one in the morning” you raised an eyebrow “I can take care of myself John” he stared you down so you sighed “Eli, wanna stay with me so daddy can go get you meds and call mommy?”

He nodded weakly so you sat down on the couch, shifting him around so his head was laying on your stomach, “Go on, I’ll keep him calm” “Are you sure you’re ok?” John asked and you nodded “I can handle a fussy three year old”

John pressed a kiss to Eli’s head and headed for the door. You shook your head and looked down at Eli “Tummy? Anything else?” he shook his head so you nodded “Let’s get comfy. Daddy will be back soon”

He leaned his head over on you “You’re nice” you smiled, rubbing his back through his pjs “Thank you. I try”

______________________

John walked back in to your quarters and you were still on the couch but Eli was now fully laying against your stomach and your eyes were closed while you lightly hummed something. Eli seemed to be asleep. He’d called Olivia and she assured him he’d done nothing wrong. A stomach bug was going around daycare and she’d told him to get the same meds you had.

You were pretty amazing with Eli. You were pretty amazing in general. Your eyes slowly opened, a smile slipping onto your face “His fever broke” you whispered and he nodded “I got meds” you smiled “Wanna just put him down in my bed? Don’t risk jostling him?” he shrugged and stepped over to pick up Eli.

Once Eli was curled up in your bed fast asleep the two of you stepped back out into the living room, leaving the door cracked. You smiled “You can sleep in there with him. I’ll take the couch” “Thank you honey. I didn’t know who else to go to” you smiled “No problem John. I’m here for you and him” he felt his heart flip and tried to ignore it, tried to ignore how the feelings he’d had for you were growing stronger and stronger daily.

“I appreciate it more than I could ever say” he told you and you smiled, leaning up to press a kiss to his cheek “Remember that when I end up sick. I can still contract stomach bugs” you laughed lightly when his eyes widened “Kidding, mostly” then nodded to the couch “Night John” “Night darlin”

John knew it was inevitable that Eli’s visits would end up overlapping with a mission. He didn’t expect Eli to downright pout over your absence. It was adorable. “Daddy, where is she?” he asked and John laughed “She’s at work bud”

“Oh, is she ok?” “Yeah Bucky is with her and Lena” Eli nodded, fidgeting with his Simba “She’s ok?” John nodded, pulling him into a hug “I promise. She’s ok” he hadn’t realized Eli had grown that attached to you but then again you were bonding with him nearly every time he was at the watchtower and it was never a purposeful thing you just always ended up making plans that included him or popping up with “Hey! Look what I got for Eli! Or “Hey! Eli would like this, right?”

He’d long since accepted that he had feelings for you. Why wouldn’t he? Beautiful, sweet when you wanted to be, hell on wheels when you didn’t. You were protective to a fault, a bit on the wild side and genuinely cared about the most important person in the world to him, Eli. He’d give damn near anything to have the nerve to tell you but things were going so good with your friendship and Eli liked you so much he didn’t want to screw stuff up.

____________________

You were exhausted by the time you got back to the watchtower. Everyone was. Bucky went ahead and sent a text to John, warning him to keep Eli on his floor until everyone was cleaned up. All of you had blood, soot and other things on your suits.

You had to force yourself into the shower and back out. You were on the verge of just collapsing into bed when a text came through from John Eli wants to see you There was your second wind. If the kid wanted you, the kid got you.

You slipped your feet into the soft slippers you wore around and got onto the elevator. The moment you stepped foot off onto John’s floor you heard Eli call your name and thank god John caught him right before he slammed into your sore ribs. You smiled and squatted to hug him, biting down hard on your cheek so he didn’t see you were in pain “Hey bud, your dad said you were worried so I figured I’d show you I am here and in one piece” he hugged you tight and you caught John’s eye over his head. He gave you a small smile which you returned. “See? She’s ok but she’s sleepy bud”

“She can sleep here” Eli argued and you laughed “I would but you know what? I don’t have my favorite blanket. Gotta have it” he nodded “Ok”

He headed back to his toys and you watched him for a second before John said “You ok?” you shrugged “Bruised ribs. Thanks for the save” he gently touched your side “Sorry i wasn’t there” you shook your head, turning to face him “Don’t. Bucky had my back. I’m ok. You’re doing what you need to be. Ok?” he nodded “Ok sweetheart” you grinned “Now, take care of my little man. I’m going to crash” you leaned up to press a kiss to his cheek “Give that to Eli for me at bedtime if I’m not back by then”

“Yes ma’am” he whispered, trying to act like his face didn’t feel like it was on fire where your lips had touched, even in such an innocent manner.

He couldn’t feel that way about you. You were everything good, he was just now getting his life halfway back right. What if he screwed you up? And yet when you looked back at him with a smile he knew he was already gone. He was yours.

“Where is she at?” it threw John off when Olivia downright asked where you were at drop off. He cut his eyes down at Eli then mouthed “Mission” she nodded then tapped Eli’s shoulder “Go on bud, I wanna talk to daddy”

Eli hugged her then ran off to play. He watched him for a moment then turned back to her “Everything ok?” she nodded “You do know if something happens to her now our little boy is gonna be heartbroken right?” he raised an eyebrow and she laughed “John, I love you but to be so intelligent you’re an idiot”

“Gee, thanks Liv” he laughed and she smiled “He loves her John. He sees her almost like another parent, a best friend at least. He talks about her almost as much as he talks about you. I know you two aren’t together but she’s good for him, could be good for you too”

He smiled slightly “I care about her but I’m not screwing up any more women I care about” she patted his shoulder “The past is the past John. Let’s face the future” she stepped further into the living room area “Bye baby! Be good for daddy”

John watched her walk onto the elevator then walked into the living room with Eli. “Hey bud. What are we doing today?” Eli looked up and shook his head. The moment he opened his mouth John was not surprised when he asked for you. “She’s at work bud” he sat down on the floor next to him and he nodded, crawling over onto his leg “She’s ok?” that was Eli’s routine if he didn’t see you time he got to the watchtower. He wanted to make sure you were ok. “Yeah, how about I ask if she wants to go to the zoo with us tomorrow if she’s back. Ok?” Eli smiled big “We can see lions!”

____________________

You were sore and a bit tired. Honestly if anyone else would have asked you to do anything you would be in bed but John asked you if you wanted to go to the zoo with him and Eli. That was why you were up, dressed and ready to go.

You were in the kitchen, filling your water bottle when you heard your name. You turned in enough time to catch Eli, spinning him around “What is up little dude?” he laughed, throwing his arms around you “You’re back!” you laughed “Of course! I always come back to my favorite Walker man”

John walked in the room after him and grinned at you. You winked at him “And your dad comes in as my second favorite Walker man” John shrugged “Second place isn’t all that bad”

Eli grinned “Ready to go?” you nodded “Let’s fill your water bottle and daddy’s then we’ll go. Ok?” “Yes ma’am”

He hopped down out of your arms and John smiled at you “You’re sure you’re up for this?” you nodded “If I get tired you can carry me and him both easily after all” he burst out laughing “Fair enough”

___________________

John snapped a photo of you and Eli in front of the lions while you and him were naming the entire enclosure after Disney characters. You cut your eyes at him when you heard the click “I better look good” “You always look good honey” he replied and you seemed to get almost flustered but recovered quickly enough when Eli tugged you to the next exhibit.

Eli was walking holding onto one of your hands and one of John’s. You had a broad smile on your face and seemed to not get aggravated no matter how many questions Eli had about animals, even fishing your phone out to get google to assist when needed, citing “I’m not as smart as your dad” to which he’d told Eli “Don’t listen to her, she’s smarter than daddy”

Eli shrugged “She can bake and knows songs” and that put a proud smile on your face when you looked up at John and playfully stuck your tongue out “See? I have my strong suits”

_______________________

By the time the three of you got back to the watchtower Eli was fast asleep on John’s shoulder. “You need help getting him settled?” you asked and he shook his head “I got it sweetheart. Thanks for today, I know you were tired” you shrugged, running a gentle hand down Eli’s back “For him? I’ll drag my ass up and go” you looked up at John then, his bright blue eyes looking at you like you were something amazing and felt your heart flip. It didn’t mean anything, him spending time with you. It was just because Eli had bonded to you. You had to keep telling your traitorous heart that because at times? It felt like you were so close to being what you wished you were to John but you weren’t going to risk making Eli lose someone.

“You’re not bad company either John. Good night” he smiled “Night darlin”

Everything came to a head between you and John on a mission. You caught a bullet meant for him. It wasn’t serious, a through and through to your upper arm. With Valentina’s medical staff you would be fine in a week or so. Of course that meant getting out in one piece.

The bullet burned when it ripped through your arm but John turned and took out the shooter, snatching you into his chest where no matter how he turned he could shield you both. “We gotta find an extraction point” he muttered, pushing you ahead of him. One minute you were running down corridors, the next he was tugging you into a closet.

“What the hell?” you whispered and he glared at you “The halls are overran. We gotta get backup now” you nodded as he repeated that order over the com, letting Bucky know you two were secure. “Twenty tops” Bucky’s voice came.

The small area was deathly quiet, your ears straining for noise, knowing John had the advantage on that. He shook his head “It’s clear for now” you nodded, leaning against the wall as you dug into your utility belt for roll gauze until you could do better for your arm.

When he realized what you were doing he snatched it away “Let me” you were taken back by John being so gruff with you. You thought you and him were eons past that. “Fine” you bit back, letting him grip your arm as he wrapped the gauze. “Why did you do that?” he muttered and you raised your eyes to his “Save your life? You were taking on three combatants. It was take the bullet or you get shot”

“And if you would’ve died?” he asked, voice low and eyes fixed on your arm as he tied a small knot in the gauze to keep it in place. “It would’ve been ok. Valentina would’ve paid out to my brother. At least Eli would still have his father”

He shook his head “And you think your brother would want money over you? That Eli wouldn’t notice you were gone?” he leaned down to be eye to eye with you “That it wouldn’t torture me every day to know I was the reason you were gone?”

“It wouldn’t have been like with Lemar John” you whispered and he nodded “I know. Lemar was my best friend but I’m half in love with you” you froze, eyes wide “What?” and he shrugged “it’s out there. I am. You’re an amazing person. You’re sweet when it’s called for, hell when it’s not. You got into being an assassin for your brother. You take care of people. My son adores you. You’re beautiful even when you’re bleeding and angry at me. You don’t have to feel the same but please don’t ever think you’re not important to us. You have so many people you would crush if you didn’t come home”

You weren’t sure what to say. What words would be sufficient so instead you reached up to grip the front of his suit and pulled him down to you. The moment your lips crashed against his, he caged your body between his and the wall. He took control of the kiss, it went from borderline desperate to passionate, claiming and clamoring for you. You whined lightly into his mouth when his fingers dug into your hips gently.

When the need for air pushed you two away you smiled up at him “So, I feel the same if that wasn’t apparent” he laughed “I was hoping that wasn’t an easy let down”

“Yeah well that was sweet except for the nasty kissing sounds but we need to go. The hallway is now clear” Yelena’s voice came through the coms and you buried your face in John’s neck laughing “You heard her my second favorite Walker, let’s go” “Let’s be real, he’s everyone’s second favorite Walker. Hurry up” Yelena barked over the com and John shook his head but you could see the grin pulling at his lips before he pressed another quick kiss to your lips and the two of you moved into the hallway to head out to meet the rest of the team.

“So, I somehow have made friends with Olivia again, have my son in my life and you love me?” you were laying across John’s chest, half asleep but he was wide awake and bless him wouldn’t stop talking. You groaned and leaned up “Yes John! You’re a lucky bastard that got a second chance. You have become a damn good father. You and Olivia are rockstars at co-parenting. Eli is the best kid ever and I love you more than I ever would’ve thought possible. Now can you please go to sleep? We gotta fly out to Georgia in the morning”

He grinned “Yeah honey. I love you” you smiled, pressing a kiss to his lips “I love you too John”

Still Second Favorite

#john walker x reader #john walker x you #john walker x y/n #john walker fanfic #john walker imagine #mcu john walker #john walker positive post #thunderbolts x reader #thunderbolts fanfic

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endofthelinegang · 2 months ago

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the things we do say

𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ john walker x fem!reader

𝐬𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ trapped between fury and longing, you and John Walker collide in a moment that’s been simmering for months—raw, reckless, and impossible to ignore. When a knock at the door threatens to shatter what little you have left, he finally says the one thing he’s been choking on: he wants you.

𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ none besides bad words

part 1

Your head turns instinctively when the knock comes seeing the doorknob attempt to turn. It’s tentative, like whoever’s out there isn’t sure they should be. The sound hits the room like a crack splitting concrete. But John’s hand moves faster than your thoughts. His palm wraps around your wrist, not rough, not quite gentle either—just enough to stop you mid-step. His grip isn’t cruel, but it burns all the same. A silent command. A barrier. A plea.

“Don’t,” he grits out, jaw clenched so tight it’s a wonder his teeth don’t break. “Don’t answer that door.” He pulls you just a bit closer.

Your breath catches. You look down at where he’s touching you, at the way his fingers curl into the space just beneath your pulse like he can feel your heartbeat and is trying to sync his with it. His hand is warm, steady, trembling slightly.

And then—he raises his voice.

“Not happening!” he barks, loud enough to rattle your damn walls. “Go home.” He never stops looking at you. His voice rings out, raw with fury and something unspoken underneath—fear, maybe. Desperation. The sharp tone of someone who’s spent too much of his life giving orders on battlefields and not enough time learning how to ask for things softly.

There’s silence on the other side of the door. Then a scuffle. A muttered, “What the hell is his problem?” and the sound of boots retreating. The elevator dings and the world outside goes quiet again. But inside? Inside, you feel like a wire about to snap.

You rip your wrist free like his touch burns, you eyes are huge, you aren’t actually mad about what he just did. Truly you didn’t wanna go that bad, but the tension between you and John made you wanna run out the door. “You don’t get to do that!” you explode, the fury tearing out of you before you can stop it. “You don’t get to slam the fucking door on my life!”

John doesn’t move. His whole body is locked in place, a storm barely contained in flesh and bone. “I’m not letting you walk out that door and chase after someone who wouldn’t last five seconds trying to protect you.”

“That’s not your call!” you shout, pushing past him—but he steps in front of you again, intercepting like he can’t help himself. He puts his hands up, he doesn’t wanna fight you but he can’t let you do that.

Your chest heaves, face flushed with frustration. “You don’t get to control me just because you can’t figure your shit out, John!”

His hands then hover at his sides. Not touching. Not retreating. Shaking, “I’m not trying to control you.” He is so much quieter than usual, his eyes are gentle, and his face is almost saddened.

“Bullshit!” you snap. “You just scared off someone who might actually give a damn about me!” You felt like you could cry from all of the stress this was giving you. But worst of all you couldn’t stop finding him attractive, and in all honesty you couldn’t help but find this situation kind of hot.

He barks out a laugh—low, bitter, disbelieving. “You think that guy gives a damn about you? You think he even knows what to do with someone like you? You were gonna walk out that door in a dress that should be illegal, and he wasn’t even man enough to come to the door himself.”

Your eyes flash. “You think yelling through the door and manhandling me makes you the better option?”

“I think stopping you was the first fucking thing I’ve done right in months.” The words hang there, heavy.

You stare at him—hard. “Why now? Why tonight? You’ve had every chance to say something. To be something. And every single time, you’ve looked at me like I was just another goddamn mistake you didn’t wanna make.”

He swallows hard, like the truth is a blade in his throat. “I didn’t say anything,” he says slowly, “because I thought if I touched you…I’d never stop. Because I didn’t want to drag you down with me. Because I am a mistake. And you—you’re the only good fucking thing in my life that doesn’t come with a kill count.”

You shake your head, biting the inside of your cheek to keep from breaking apart. “You’re not broken because of what happened to you. You’re broken because you keep pretending it didn’t.”

That hits him. Hard. He flinches like you physically struck him, and for a second—just a second—his mask cracks. His eyes drop. His throat works silently. You see it all: the guilt, the grief, the sheer goddamn weight of it pressing on his shoulders.

And you’re still angry. But more than that—you’re exhausted. From waiting. From wanting. From wondering if he’d ever come for you like this.

“Say it,” you whisper, your voice suddenly too fragile for all the rage burning beneath it. “If you’re gonna blow this whole thing up, you better have the guts to be honest.”

He looks at you. Really looks at you. And something behind his eyes caves.

“I want you,” he breathes, like the words choke him. “It’s always been you. And I didn’t say it because it scared the hell out of me. Because when I’m near you, it’s the only time I feel human again, and I didn’t think I deserved that.”

Your eyes sting. “And now?” you whisper.

He steps forward. Hesitant. Reverent. “Now I’m standing in your living room begging you not to walk out that door. Not because I’m angry. Not because I’m jealous. But because I’m fucking in love with you, and I don’t know what to do with it.” The silence that follows is thunderous.

He reaches for you again, hand trembling like he thinks you might disappear if he touches you wrong. But this time, you don’t pull away. You let him close the distance. The kiss that follows is messy. Desperate. Not pretty, not perfect. It’s all teeth and breath and months of unsaid things bleeding into each other. He kisses you like he’s starving. Like he’s been drowning without you and finally found the surface again.

You kiss him like you hate him for waiting this long. And then—then you pull back. Just far enough to breathe. “I’m still mad at you,” you whisper, your voice shaking.

“I know.” His hands hold you like you’re the sail of a tipping ship.

“I don’t forgive you yet.” You couldn’t help but let a tear fall.

“You don’t have to,” he murmurs, brushing his forehead against yours, voice wrecked and tender. “You can hate me all you want tomorrow. Just…stay tonight. Please.”

You hesitate.

Then:

“…Fine.”

His shoulders sag like you just handed him the sun.

“But don’t think this means I’m swooning,” you add sharply. “And don’t think for one second I’m gonna forget how fucking dare you that was.”

That smirk—half pain, half awe—tugs at his mouth. “Wouldn’t dream of it.”

You shove past him toward the bedroom. “You’re lucky you’re hot.”

He watches you go. Watches every step like it might vanish if he blinks. His hands stay curled into fists at his sides—not to stop you again, not this time. But to remind himself how close he came to losing you. And how hard he’s going to fight tomorrow, not to let it happen again.

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