#the punisher au

[e-dubbc11]

Summer Sleepover request 😊

How about a tiny reader drabble based on

'Can I kill him now?'

with Brock and Frank, whatever way around takes your fancy!

Thank you! 😘

Stef!! Thank you so so much for sending in this ask and participating in my summer sleepover! I hope you like what I ended up doing. It was fun to write! ♥️

Can I Buy You a Drink?

Photos are not mine. They are courtesy of Pinterest/Google.

Pairing: Brock Rumlow x F! Reader with Bartender! Frank Castle

Warnings: Couple of sexual references, maybe a swear word or two, SHIELD agent being a creep, fluff, drinking.

Word Count: 1.9K-ish

Summary: Reader works in a bar with Frank that he owns and manages. A very handsome SHIELD agent and the rest of his team come in for a drink after a long training session at Anvil.

As always, thank you for reading!  I appreciate it so much and comments, reblogs are welcome and encouraged. Don’t be shy to tell me your favorite part. 💕💕 💕

The strong scent of citrus floated past your nose as you removed all of the glasses from the dishwasher. Frank was on the other side of you cutting up fresh limes, prepping for the Friday after work crowd that usually poured into the bar around three o’clock.

The beer glasses went into the freezer and the remaining glassware was placed on the shelves although most of your clientele stuck to beer. The Watering Hole wasn’t exactly an upscale place with its old neon signs, dim lighting, and dated décor but it was a fun place to work.

It was small and didn’t require a lot of staff or actual bartending skills which was good for you because you didn’t have any, you just needed a job. And even though it was a small place, it brought in a decent amount of money.

The tips you made, Frank let you keep all of them. He was a great boss, owned the bar, and he looked out for you. The bar was your second job and with the money you brought home, you were able to live comfortably and get back on your feet after a bad breakup with an ex who left you with nothing. You promised yourself you wouldn’t make that mistake again.

“Bill said he was sending some people over after their training today. He said they were just looking for a place to grab a couple beers. They’re in town from D.C.” Said Frank.

A look of disgust washed over your face.

“Ugh, they’re not politicians, are they Frank? Because I don’t know that I wanna deal with that tonight.” You replied.

Draping a dish towel over his shoulder, Frank chuckled as he continued to cut up limes and said, “Nah, they’re not politicians, sweetheart. Bill said they’re from a group called SHIELD.”

“Ooooh, well that sounds very clandestine, doesn’t it?” You asked, biting back a smile. “Did Billy say around what time they would be in?”

A few of your regulars were already there but as soon as the words escaped your lips, the door opened and in walked a bunch of men and a few women with their suit jackets off, ties undone, and looking pretty worn out from their training day at Anvil with Billy.

Frank glanced at you with raised eyebrows, moved closer to you, and said, “This must be them, go get ‘em kid. Bat those pretty eyes at ‘em and bring us some money, yeah? I’d do it but I don’t have pretty eyes.”

That made you laugh and when you did, you caught the eye of one of the men in the pack with dark brown hair and amber colored eyes. His dress shirt was unbuttoned and his tie was balled up in his hand. He was very handsome but had a scowl on his face, lips pressed together in a straight line and a furrowed brow.

You were a little shy when it came to larger crowds of people but you sucked it up and walked over, ready to make some money.

“Afternoon everyone! Thank you for coming in today, I’m y/n. What can I get for you?” You paused for a minute and then asked, “Oh, I’m assuming Billy told you what the deal is here? Yeah? Beer and liquor only. Cash tips, you got it?!”

“Yes ma’am.” Said the handsome man. He also had a raspy voice which was incredibly sexy.

Dammit.

You walked back to the bar after taking their order. While prepping their drinks, you glanced over again at your crush and you heard one of them say to him, “She’s hot, huh Rumlow?! I’ll give her a good tip.” He said as he hi-fived one of the other guys in the group.

“You’re such a pig, Rollins.” Said one of the women.

Frank was helping you when he said, “He’s got his eye on you, doesn’t he.”

“Which one?” You asked.

“Well, all of them actually but the older guy with the dark hair. He hasn’t taken his eyes off you since he walked in here, ya know.” Said Frank.

“He can’t be that old, Frank. Have you seen him? He’s in really good shape. And I ain’t no spring chicken either.” You said.

“Watchful eye, sweetheart. Watchful eye. You know I’m ready if you need backup.” Frank said with a smirk.

It did get a little rowdy at times but you could handle it for the most part. Frank was great backup though. He had a reputation around town. They called him “The Punisher” because of what he would do to out of control patrons and he made sure they never caused trouble in his bar again. Frank didn’t need to hire any bouncers; he was his own.

Watching from behind the bar, you noticed that this group could drink. It was round after round of beer and shots with the exception of the one they called Rumlow.

He was drinking but not nearly as much as the others and none of them were drinking more than the one named Rollins.

You and Frank were talking and cleaning when Rumlow started walking toward the bar.

“Lemme know if you need the bat, yeah?” Said Frank with a sly grin.

Shaking your head, you glared at him. He knew you could handle yourself. You couldn’t work for an ex-marine and NOT know a thing or two on how to take care of business.

Your heart started to beat faster as Rumlow approached the bar. Warmth spread across your cheeks and you glanced down at the floor so he wouldn’t see you blushing. He hadn’t even spoken to you yet and he had your stomach in knots.

Rollins was making a lot of drunken noises so Rumlow had to speak loudly for you to hear him.

“Hey, sorry about Jack. We all had a long day. I’m Brock, by the way.” He said, extending his hand for you to shake.

Slowly reaching forward, you took his hand to shake it. His thick fingers wrapped around your hand and you could feel the calluses on his palm as you couldn’t help but gaze into his golden colored eyes.

The warmth from his hand traveled quickly up your arm and spread across your chest and you felt yourself struggling to figure out how to respond.

You were finally able to arrange the words you wanted to say in your head before they fell out of your mouth.

“It’s ok, we all need to blow off steam after a long day. It’s nice to meet you, Brock.” You said with a shy smile. “Can I get you another beer?”

“Thank you, sweetheart. That would be great.” He replied.

You were sure he wasn’t aware of the face he was making, but Frank’s eyes were narrowed and he had pressed his lips together in a straight line as his eyes were fixated on Brock, not knowing exactly what his intentions were.

Frank knew how hard you worked every day to be able to provide for yourself. The last thing he wanted was some guy showing up and taking advantage of how sweet and kind you were, giving men more chances than they deserved like the last guy that broke your heart.

He just wanted to see you with someone nice for a change which is why he was carefully checking out Brock.

After pouring a beer for Brock, you told Frank you needed a bathroom break and you’d be back in a minute. You encountered Rollins in the hallway after emerging from the bathroom.

“H-hey! Th-there she is! I-I was j-just coming to tell youuuuu that I could use another beeeeeer.” He said sloppily.

“You might have reached your limit there, big guy.” You tried to say with a smile.

Rollins had stepped in front of you, not letting you pass by him.

“Excuse me, Jack. I have to get back to work.” You said with a trembling voice.

With the strong scent of beer and liquor on his breath, he had pinned you against the wall with his lower body and growled into your ear, “I don’t have any cash, pretty girl but you can take your tip from my tip if ya know what I mean.”

Jack was tall and heavy so it was difficult to try and push him off of you. His words chilled you to the bone, you were frozen in place, and couldn’t reach the knife in your back pocket.

“Let me go, Jack.” You said, coldly.

Jack continued to press into you with his crotch while you frantically kept looking down the hallway for someone to help. He was just too strong for you.

Just as you started to panic slightly, you heard a deep booming voice coming from the other end of the hallway.

“HEY!! Take your hands off of her, Rollins!” Shouted Frank.

Frank distracted Jack just long enough for you to push him away and retrieve your knife from your back pocket all in one swift motion.

Holding the knife down by his crotch, you whispered with a devilish grin on your face, “Don’t make any sudden movements, Jack. You wouldn’t want me to cut it off now, would ya?”

Brock appeared at the end of the hallway and stood next to Frank. They looked at each other, thoroughly impressed with your knife wielding skills and they both gave you a nod of approval before Frank walked toward you, grabbed Jack by the collar, and asked “Can I kill him now?”

Brock answered with bitterness in his tone before you could.

“Let me do it. It should be me.” Brock then turned to you and calmly asked, “You alright, doll? Did he hurt ya?”

Frank, still holding Jack’s shirt collar, repeated Brock’s question, “Yeah, did he hurt ya?”

“I’m fine, guys. I’m fine…really, I am.” You stumbled to get the words out.

Frank turned toward Brock and while looking at you, said, “I’ll let your team take care of him but lemme just say, if you break her heart, I’ll break your neck, got it?”

“Frank!” You interrupted and couldn’t help but smile.

Brock chuckled, “I got it…I promise, Castle.”

“Good…because they don’t call me the Punisher for nothin’.” Said Frank.

Slightly embarrassed, you rolled your eyes and replied, “Oh my god, ok, ok can you guys just get him outta my sight? My stomach is starting to turn.”

Frank tossed Jack to the rest of the SHIELD team and walked back behind the bar. Brock slowly inched closer to you, his eyes locked on yours before he leaned in and planted a gentle kiss on your cheek.

His lips were warm and soft against your skin and you felt a slight tingle in your core as you closed your eyes and pictured his lips being somewhere else.

Maybe you were getting ahead of yourself.

Before your mind could wander any further, he asked, “Can I buy you a drink?”

Frank had a strict rule about no drinking on the job. So with sad puppy dog eyes, you looked over at him, and silently begged for him to let you break the rules this one time.

Folding your hands together, you mouthed the word “Please?!!”

He rolled his eyes and began to pour two beers.

“Alright, kid. I’ll let you break the rules just this once, yeah?” He said, holding up one finger.

Biting back a sweet smile, you replied, “Yes! Thank you, Frank! You won’t regret it.”

Already seeing how smitten Brock was with you and the smile stretched across your lips, Frank gave Brock a nod and replied, “Just…this…once.”

Tag List: @munsonownsmyass @gijos @k-marzolf @nekoannie-chan @nutmeg17

Others that might enjoy: @fluffyprettykitty @jvanilly @randomlittleimp

If I tagged you and you didn’t want to be, just let me know and I’ll never do it again. As always, thank you again for reading!

[celestialspecial]

A tiny Christmas gift for you ,blurb from a billy fic I’m working on:

He grinned, a beautiful sight. Masterpieces were created from less. Painters and Poets had to subsist off of less.

It was intoxicating. Feeling forbidden and warm at the same time. Then you saw it.

The ghost of a dimple.

Blink and you might miss it stuff. It brought a youthful boyish type charm to his face. The creases by his eyes softened the harsh darkness of his iris’. Another round of banter and he chuckled again. The dimple appeared again. So subtle.

You want to taste it, kiss it until the tips of his ears turned pink, face flushed and breathless.

You also wanted his fist around your throat, fingers tangled in your tresses with tears streaking your cheeks as bodies were pushed to every limit of what you both could take.

Wanted everything he had to give. The way you could imagine both scenarios so vividly was both exciting and terrifying.

[marvelmusing]

Warnings [18+]: fem!reader, thigh grinding, fingering, threesome kinda, husband!Billy and wife!reader

A/N: just a little idea I had, not extensively proofread, for this little drabble I was picturing bodyguard!Frank and his boss CEO!Billy

-

Blinking tiredly, you wander down the corridor in search of your husband, pulling the soft fabric of your bathrobe tighter around your body.

“Billy? You coming to bed yet?”

His suit jacket has been abandoned somewhere, the sleeves of his shirt rolled up to reveal his forearms as he rests them on his knees, leaning forward to examine the papers strewn over the coffee table in front of him.

He shakes his head.

“Not yet, honey. Still gotta finish a few things off still.”

With a frustrated sigh, he threads a hand through his dark locks, ruffling the usually picture perfect style.

“Can I stay with you?” you ask.

He doesn’t respond verbally. He simply nods and scoops up a pile of papers to clear the spot beside him on the couch. Instantly you move over to him, straddling his thigh instead of occupying the spot by his side.

“Hi Frank,” you mumble against your husband’s shoulder.

The bodyguard gives you a slow nod of acknowledgment from where he’s standing at the side of the room.

“Mrs Russo, ma’am.”

The bathrobe you’re wearing protects most of your modesty, as the hem of your silk camisole slides up your thighs. Going without panties means there’s a wonderful prickle of friction as you drag yourself over your husband’s thigh.

When he hears you sigh, Billy places his hand on the small of your back, his warm palm providing a gentle pressure to encourage you.

He presses a kiss to your neck and you shiver.

“Sorry for keeping you up, baby.”

“It’s okay. I know what I signed up for, and I’m proud of you.”

The feeling of Billy smiling against your neck sends a thrum of warmth into your chest. He presses a more lingering kiss to your pulse point. His lips work softly whilst the scrape of his facial hair has you inhaling sharply.

He grins as your breathing becomes heavy and you realise you’ve been grinding yourself down over his thigh, a heady buzz of pleasure overtaking your body with each roll of your hips.

There’s a small ding from Billy’s laptop and his grin fades as he reads over the words. Absentmindedly, his hand trails over your breast, squeezing lightly as he continues to read.

Tilting your head aside, you watch your husband as his dark eyes scour over the screen, a muscle in his jaw flexing. His expression darkens as he slips his hand between your thighs.

When he slides a finger into your wet pussy, you gasp and the corner of his mouth lifts as he circles his thumb casually over your clit. A small moan catches in your throat as he curls his finger inside you.

Occasionally, when he becomes too absorbed by whatever he’s reading, his motions slow to a maddening pace. With your fingers grasping at the thick fabric of his expensive shirt, practically drooling over the fabric as you lean heavily against him, you know Billy is aware of the state you’re in.

Rocking your hips forward, you attempt to get his finger deeper inside you, to nudge against the spot that has you clenching tightly around his digit. Panting frantically against his ear, you become more and more desperate with each passing moment.

Whimpering, your body is clawing at every scrap of pleasure that tingles over your clit and thrums up your spine. A hazy cloud of need fogs over your mind as you chase your pleasure.

Then Billy pulls his finger out and a near sob heaves at your shoulders as you cling to him.

“Frankie. C’mere,” he says.

His hands settle on your waist, giving your hips a squeeze before he trails his hands over your bare thighs. He nods to the space beside you on the couch and you feel the furniture shift as Frank sits down.

“Take care of my wife, would you? I gotta close this deal.”

Billy presses a kiss to your cheek before you’re being passed over to Frank, settling yourself down onto one of his firm thighs. His hands are wider than Billy’s, his fingers thicker as he reaches for your clit.

As soon as he circles the pad of his finger over your sensitive bud, you buck your hips forward with a force that surprises you.

Frank smiles down at you.

“There we go, atta girl. He got you close, didn’t he?”

Nodding mindlessly, you accept Frank’s firm touches as your husband stands with his phone to his ear. Billy threads a hand through your hair as the dial tone rings, then he pulls your head back, tilting your face up for him to kiss you hungrily.

When he pulls away you’re breathless, toes curling with pleasure as Frank mouths over your bare neck. Glancing up at Billy drives the remaining air from your lungs.

His cheeks are flushed prettily and his lips are cherry red as he uses the finger that had been inside you to wipe away the gloss of your saliva from his lower lip.

He keeps his eyes fixed on yours as Frank lowers the straps of your camisole and begins to suck on your nipples. Whoever he’s calling appears to answer at this moment, as he says into the phone,

“Billy Russo.”

Eyes fluttering closed, you breathe out a soft moan, freezing when a finger is pressed against your lips. As you open your mouth, Billy slides his finger over your tongue and you begin to suck on the digit with a satisfied hum.

Billy grins wickedly down at you as he continues his conversation over the phone. His tone is firm and you clench hard around Frank’s finger whenever your husband’s frustration leaks into his voice.

Frank’s teeth scrape over your sensitive nipples and you writhe at the onslaught of sensation. Being filled from both ends has you dripping over Frank’s thigh, making a mess of his trousers. The slick sound of your arousal against his finger has a burning blush flooding over your skin.

Billy watches you with darkened eyes as you trace your tongue down the length of his finger. When you close your eyes to avoid his gaze, he removes his finger and grasps tightly onto your face, squeezing your cheeks together to force you to hold his gaze.

All the while, Billy talks sternly to whoever is on the other side of his call. Every time his tone shifts into something curt and commanding you clench around Frank’s thick finger and whimper at the rush of pleasure it gives you.

Tears prickle in your eyes as heavy gasps heave at your chest. Frank presses down harder on your clit and a moan catches in your throat. Billy tightens his hold on your face and a burning rush of humiliation warms your cheeks as he raises a brow in warning.

Eyes fluttering closed, you clench tightly around Frank’s finger, griping fiercely onto the front of his shirt as you near your climax.

“Billy,” you whisper in a near broken plea for permission, curling one of your hands around his wrist for support.

He nods and you fall apart.

[hb-writes]

My Boss or My...Billy?

Summary: Lenny (OC) takes on a temporary role at Anvil and Billy steps in when he sees her struggling with some of the other employees.

Characters: Lenny Falconio (OC) & Billy Russo.

Request (from 💜 anon): Hello! For June requests how about, “They hate me.” & “I will prove you wrong. Just watch.” For The Punisher pretty please 💜

Content Warnings: Allusion to sexist/ agist behavior. Some language.

Life As We Know It (The Punisher) Masterlist

Please take a moment to tell me what y'all think! Reviews and comments are always appreciated. 😌❤️

Billy leaned in through the open doorway and watched as Lenny shifted her gaze back and forth between her computer screen and a spiral notebook on her desk. Back and forth, back and forth her gaze shifted between the two maybe four times without noting Billy’s presence in the room.

“How’s it going?” 

Lenny was mumbling something under her breath when he finally said it and she immediately froze, her shoulders quickly and discreetly rolling to release the bit of tension gathered there before she glanced up. Her facial expression shifted as her gaze did and she ran a hand through her hair before forcing a smile.

“Good,” she answered as her eyes slipped back to the infernal computer, her fingers itching to reach for the mouse and minimize the screen while Billy was still on the other side of the room. “Um, but yeah, it’s great,” she added as she turned back to him, subconsciously nodding her head as if she was trying to convince both Billy and herself that, yes, that was the truth. Things were going great.

Fantastic. 

Absolutely fucking perfect. 

Lenny reached for the iced coffee that had melted hours ago, sweating a ring of condensation onto a napkin. 

“You need something?” she asked as she took a sip. 

Billy let out a soft snort as he pushed off the door frame, striding across the small office in a few short seconds, not quite sure what he was snorting at—her attempt to pull one over on him or the fact that she was sipping on an iced coffee at this time of day in December. 

Billy pulled his eyes from Lenny to look around the room. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d been in that room. It was Paul’s office and his office manager had always brought things to him. Billy had never had any need to end up there.  

Not that he really had a need to be there now. 

Billy could’ve gone home. He’d finished his work for the day over an hour before, but couldn’t bring himself to leave, not with the light from Lenny’s office still shining in the hall. Knowing she was still working, Billy had lingered, taking care of little tasks while he found himself wondering how Lenny was faring in the little windowless room down the hall. 

She was only covering the position for him temporarily, helping out while the regular guy was on medical leave. It had been Maria’s idea, and because Lenny hadn’t immediately said no to passing her time between semesters earning a little cash, they had gone ahead with it. But they were less than a week in and Billy could already tell Lenny wasn’t loving it.

He didn’t love it either, didn’t like the distance and the weird pretense that was coming into their dynamic now, some sort of power shifting between them that had never been there before. 

“Just wanted to check in,” he offered. 

“How often did you check in on Paul?” she asked, her eyes back to shifting between the notebook and the computer screen as her tone shifted. “And don’t you dare tell me it’s different.” 

Billy smirked, a distinct part of him glad for the sharpness of her tone, all that newly instituted boss-employee pretense slipping away for a moment. He raised both hands in surrender even though he was well-poised to explain how it was different for a multitude of reasons, not the least of which being that Billy cared about Lenny. Not that Billy didn’t care about his employees but Lenny was the sister of his best friends. Lenny was family. And sure, she was smart and Billy knew well-enough that she could hold her own, but she was a college kid on winter break in an office full of male veterans.

Paul was ex-military and had been with the company for years. 

It was different.

“And whatever reason you’re currently thinking makes it different is probably sexist and ageist and—what?” she asked, slamming her pen down.

“Nothing,” Billy said as he eased himself into the seat across the desk from her. “You’re just right is all.” 

Lenny smiled to herself a little, picking up her pen and reengaging in the work. 

“Are any of your other co-workers being ageist…or sexist?” he asked. “Or is it just me violating the HR code of conduct?”

Billy would have liked to believe his men weren’t those things, but even he could be flawed in that way, well-intentioned or not. He wasn’t blind to the fact that it was a bit of a boy’s club. He knew on some afternoons, the place took on an attitude akin to a college frat house, especially when there was a girl around. 

Lenny didn’t pull her eyes from the notebook as she started writing out something. Billy shifted in his seat, leaning forward. 

“No one’s giving you a hard time?” He knew a few of the men had historically given Paul a hard time about getting timecards in on time, and that had been before they tried to get everyone on board with the new system. 

It wasn’t easy getting the guys to adopt anything new, and Paul hadn’t been walking around in heels and skirts and dresses trying to do it, either. 

Billy had told her it wasn’t necessary. She could dress as casually as she usually did, but she’d only countered by saying that he wore suits and she was a reflection of his company, a reflection of him, so he’d let it go. 

“Are you asking as my boss or my…” she asked, her pen stilling even as she kept her head down. “My boss or just as Billy?” 

“They’re not two separate people, Len,” he answered. “Just tell me what’s up.” 

Lenny sighed, leaning back in the chair as she rubbed her hands over her tired face. “I think they hate me,” she groaned, heaving an even larger sigh. “This whole new timesheet thing…they—”

“They don’t hate you,” he answered. 

Lenny scoffed. “Yeah? Did they tell you that? Because I’m now the face of this new system and—”

“Who’s giving you a hard time?” 

Lenny stilled, her complaints shriveling up as her mouth went dry. Billy had asked the question in a calm, steady voice. It almost sounded casual, but she knew it was a dangerous question. 

“Tell me who’s giving you a hard time and I’ll take care of it.” 

Lenny shook her head. “It’s not a big deal, Billy.” 

“It’s affecting you and it’s affecting the payroll, so whatever it is, whoever it is, I’m gonna squash it.” 

Billy held her gaze and something about how settled he seemed, something about that determination made her stomach flip. 

Lenny glanced at the screen again. Billy was probably right. At least half of the guys hadn’t submitted on time. She had reminded them all before they left for the day, but that had only earned her a few more time sheets and a handful of comments she’d rather not repeat. 

“What…well…” she started, “How…how would you typically handle something like this? Hypothetically speaking?” she asked.

“Not hypothetically speaking,” Billy said, slipping his phone out of his pocket. “I’ll call for a mandatory staff meeting tomorrow at zero-four hundred and we’ll address it.”

Lenny gulped, every part of her recoiling at the mere thought of the hour. “I don’t think that’s necessary and it’s already too late anyway. You can’t...” 

Lenny’s words fell away as her computer chirped, announcing an incoming email from Anvil’s CEO.

“They’re not following orders, disregarding the chain of command,” he answered. “It’s absolutely necessary. If they can’t follow orders on this one simple thing, how can I trust them in the field?”

Lenny shook her head. She didn’t have an answer for him. Not in regards to that. Or in regards to anything with the business, really, but she couldn’t help but feel dread as her mind cataloged more than a few ways that it might go sideways, creating more trouble than it was worth.

She’d get the work done whether his guys were pleasant and cooperative or not. It might be late, it might be a pain in the ass, but Lenny thought that might be better than sitting through this meeting. 

Billy watched Lenny rub her hand over the back of her neck. “What is it?” He asked. “You don’t trust me?” 

Lenny seemed to contemplate his question, considering her answer carefully as he shifted back in his chair, casually crossing a leg over his knee. 

“I just…I don’t know if it’s the best way to go about this. You’re going to make them hate me even more than they already do.” She set her elbows onto the desk as she said it, leaning her head down to rub at her temples.

Billy shook his head as he sat up straighter. “Listen. Just follow my lead tomorrow. They might hate me when we’re through, but I’ll make sure the rest of your time here is nothing short of pleasant. Just need you to trust me on this, alright? Can you do that?” 

Lenny’s stomach continued to whirl and she continued rubbing her temples, keeping her eyes closed to avoid his gaze. To avoid answering the question.

He let it go for a moment, watching the clock as he gave her thirty seconds or so to consider it before prompting her. “Elena?” 

Lenny opened her eyes at that, glaring at him as she turned her gaze up to him. “What, William?” 

Billy let out a soft laugh, the smirk going so far as to reach his eyes as she continued glaring at him. “Alright, seriously,” he said, schooling his face into something more solemn. “Do you trust me?”

Lenny took a slow breath. “As my Boss or…” she stumbled over it again, the instinctive ‘my’ on the tip of her tongue. “Or as Billy?” 

Billy raised an eyebrow. “I already told you they’re the same guy. C’mon, Len. Quit avoiding the question. Do you trust me or not?” 

Lenny rolled her eyes. “Yes, I trust you, but—”

“Nope,” he said, shaking his head as he stood up from his chair. “No buts. You said you trust me and we’re leaving it at that.” He nodded toward the computer. “Shut all that down for the night. Am I putting you in a car back to Bayside or are you staying with me tonight?” 

Lenny clicked through her screens, saving her work, not even bothering to pull her eyes away. 

“What kind of question is that? My asshole boss just scheduled a mandatory meeting for zero-four hundred that isn’t even going to do anything and…” Lenny glanced up, surprised he’d let her go on for that long uninterrupted, but he was just standing there, leaning against the open doorway with arms crossed over his chest, a soft smirk on his face. 

“Was all that supposed to mean I should call a cab?" He fished his phone out of his pocket. "You don't want to stay in the asshole boss who came up with the greatest solution to our problem’s guest room?” 

Lenny shut down the computer and gathered her things before striding across the room, rolling her eyes and heaving an exasperated sigh. 

“Of course I'm staying over,” she said as she pushed his phone down. "Thank you," she added, truly grateful for the option. Grateful for both options. She knew he really would have paid for a car to take her home, too. Billy wouldn’t leave her to take the subway across the boroughs at this time of night, no matter what the cost. But seeing as it would take her over an hour to get home, and another to get back in the morning, the offer of his guest room was far better. “But no, boss, I don’t think this is even close to the greatest solution to my problem,” she said, mocking him a bit.  

“Alright, fine,” he said as he guided her out of the room, walking them both towards his office at the end of the hall so he could grab his things. “But come the end of that meeting—”

“Come the end of that meeting, they’ll be throwing tomatoes at both of us,” she interrupted as Billy stepped into his office, leaving her to stand by the threshold, her bag slung over her shoulder and her arms crossed over her chest  “And don’t even make a joke about Oscar the grouch. I walked right into it, I know, but—just don’t, alright?” 

Billy chuckled, conceding her that even as the jest had been poised on the tip of his tongue. 

“Alright, but only if you admit I’m right about this meeting.” 

Lenny scrunched her brow and constricted her face as if she’d bitten down on something sour…maybe the mere idea of admitting out loud that Billy was right about something was sour enough to do that. 

"No," she decided as he finished gathering his things. “I will do no such thing.”

Billy snorted as they both moved into the hall. A silence settled between them as they took to the stairs, both of them thinking about the meeting just a few hours away. He was locking the front door, Lenny gently hopping from one foot to the other to combat the sudden chill when Billy offered what he thought was a final word on the matter.  

“I know you don’t believe me, Len, but I will prove you wrong on this,” he said. “Just watch. And when I do..." He pointed a finger at her. "Then you’ll be singing this asshole boss’s praises.” 

Lenny scoffed. “You prove me wrong and I’ll sing whatever you want, Billy boy.” 

“Deal.” 

Lenny’s eyes widened at the hand Billy held out to her and she let out a nervous giggle. She had mostly been joking about the singing bit, but Billy’s lingering hand told her that he was taking her at her word. She cautiously slid her hand from her pocket, the chilled air biting for only a moment before she fit her palm against his. 

“Fine,” she huffed, “but when this all goes to shit tomorrow morning, you’ll be singing whatever I want.” 

Billy gave her hand a firm shake before stepping away, whistling a tune it only took her a few moments to recognize. 

She hadn't heard it in years, but she knew it was something from Sesame Street—one of Oscar the Grouch’s songs. 

Lenny pushed her tongue into the side of her mouth as she slowly trailed after him to the car, fighting the urge to comment.

“Asshole,” she muttered when she couldn't hold it in any longer.

It was barely above a whisper, but Billy looked back at her with a self-satisfied smirk plastered on his face as he held the passenger side door open for her. He kept whistling as she slipped into the front seat, Lenny unable to stop herself from singing along in her head.

"If you're happiest whenever you're complaining, then you're a grouch like me."

Life As We Know It (The Punisher) Masterlist

[ellooo0ooo]

Siren!Billy Russo🧜‍♀️ w/ short comic

Based on this post, written by @becauseicantthinkwritings (really sorry;;;) with @marvelmusing's moodboard

I missed some things a little too late for me, and I'm embarrassed about it lol sorry afkhask

Some obstacles must be overcome so it took a while to finish akfjlaksjfl

Also @imagine-a-fictional-boyfriend here it is!

[depressedbagpipe]

"Blackbird to Robin, do you copy?" (Billy Russo x ofc)

Chapter six

Words: 5151 Warnings: mentions of the previous attack (check the last chapter for reference), mentions of PTSD, death, guns, explosions (and the aftermath i guess). poor grammar choices. change of pov, foul language, dana wants some soup. A/N: yeah, it's been a long time coming. i accidentally fell into a burning ring of fire depressive episode ft a massive writer's block but thank you for your patience and love. had to add some billy into it, too. hope you guys like it (mind you i haven't written anything in like two months so sorry for the poor grammar choices) Taglist: @badasseddy, @noortsshift, @britishbassett

Series Masterlist Previous chapter

Chapter six

I felt the thick thud of my skull before I could even register I was in pain. My skin felt warm and sticky, and although my entire head was throbbing, it especially felt like a needle was constantly poking my temple. Even with closed eyes, the ache seemed to grow every second. My entire body hurt, too, and I heavily debated whether I wanted to open my eyes, too afraid of what would wait for me on the other side. 

Muffled voices and footsteps screamed from the other side of the door, the sound too distant and distorted to fully comprehend what they said, and for an instant, I panicked.

And then, like a slap across the face, a flash of black flooded my vision, and Billy’s eyes were suddenly all I could see. The throbbing in my head grew stronger and unforgiving, and dizziness overcame me. Memory was coming back in flames, and each was more painful than the last. 

Billy. The attack. Billy’s apartment. The café. Billy’s car. My apartment. Billy’s black suits. The MET. Owen. Billy. 

Billy.

The name tasted weird on my tongue. There was bitterness in it, and fear, but also comfort and power. The mix was strangely addictive, and it weirded me out even more after realizing he was the first thing on my mind after having just woken up. 

I groaned, and although the sound was distant in my ears, mixed with the slight ringing that filled the silence around me, it was apparently loud enough for the door to burst open wide. I winced at the sudden noise, but the surprise was quickly replaced by relief when the man himself crouched next to me, unannounced. My eyes were still closed, but his scent was unmistakable. The warmth that followed, although unmistakable as well, was surprising.

‘Good night, Dana,’ he whispered. His voice was uncommonly soft, and the usual sharp edge he wore like a suit was gone. I wondered if, for a second, I had imagined it, because it seemed so foreign to him. But I couldn’t deny that I liked it.  

I believed he would have shouted, screamed, yelled at me and my irresponsibility. I thought he would just give me an earful, repeating the same speech like a mantra about safety and trusting strangers. How mad he would have looked, with his eyes sending daggers into my heart and venomous words into my brain. He would’ve repeated over and over how he had been right, and how I had been wrong, and how stupid and reckless I had been and almost had gotten myself killed because of it. 

But when I opened my eyes, I found none of that. Gone was his anger and fury. Instead, I was met with a rather compassionate face, with deep lines of worry around his eyes, and his usually-tamed hair falling flat on his head, with strands gracelessly tousled and unkempt. 

My fingers twitched slightly as if wanting to reach and fix it for him on their own. But either it hurt too much to move or I was too much a coward to do anything. So, instead, I just lay there, with eyes half-closed, a killing headache, and a nervous heart. 

‘Hi.’ My throat was hoarse and it hurt to speak. My voice sounded weak, and I fought the urge to grimace at that. I knew I was weak, and yet, I hated that. Especially in front of him.

‘You gave me –us, quite a scare the other day,’ he coughed lowly, his eyes moving across my face. His pupils seemed to mix with the irises entirely, and the darkness around us created two pools of somber black that were now analyzing every single aspect of my face. I had never felt so naked, yet so alive.

His little slip-up didn’t go unnoticed, but I was too tired to even press him on it. All I could do at the time was frown, and even the movement sent another hard thud to my head. To my dismay, Billy noticed that, and brought his warm palm against my forehead and softly rested it on the skin, careful and caring. Two things I never thought Billy Russo could be.

‘The other day?’ I asked finally after registering his words.

‘At the park.’

I sat there, looking at him. For a second I thought this illusion of Billy would fade, and the anger would come back, but it didn’t. I waited, staring at him, trying not to dwell too much on the way his hand felt on me, and kept waiting, but he didn’t move. It was only then that I spoke for him.

‘The attack.’

He nodded gravely, and I could have sworn a small sigh escaped his lips. ‘Yeah. The attack.’

I frowned again. ‘The other day?’

He took his hand off, and the sudden coolness of the air made me miss his contact, even though it felt refreshing. His existence was a complete contradiction in my head.

‘Yeah,’ yet he didn’t look me in the eye this time. His hands suddenly occupied themselves by pouring water into an empty glass on the bedside table. Recognizing the round shape of the object, I finally realized I was in my bed, back at my apartment, safe and sound.

He carefully brought it to my lips and tilted my head forward, helping me. His hand cradled the back of my head, and with one touch I was hooked. If he felt any affected by it, he didn’t show it. I almost wished he did.

The cold water soothed my aching throat, if only a little, and even though I was still tired, I couldn’t help but ask.

‘How long have I been out?’

‘Three days.’

‘What?’ the shock moved my body upwards involuntarily, but pain flashed in my eyes and my back collided with the mattress rather harshly. 

Billy helped me down again, adjusting my bed covers over me as he rechecked my head.

‘You’re fine, Dana. Just… go to sleep, alright? We’ll talk when you recover,’ he said, standing up again.

‘I thought you said I was fine,’ I couldn’t help myself. He didn’t answer, but instead rolled his eyes. He started walking away toward the door, and suddenly, the prospect of staying alone became unbearable.

‘Wait,’ I called him.

Billy was already walking out when he stopped.

‘What do you need?’

It was so casual, the way he said it. So domestic. So natural. It was scary to think that, behind all that hair gel and money, there was a man. A person. A person I now needed beside me, if only to sleep. I knew that as soon as I closed my eyes, nightmares would plague my dreams. They had been haunting me ever since I closed my eyes three days ago, but my brain refused to wake up. Now I knew they were memories. And I was desperate to make them stop.

‘Could you… stay with me? At least, until I fall asleep?’

He seemed shocked at the question, and before he could refuse, I spoke again.

‘I don’t want to be alone right now, please.’

I winced again, both at the pain and at my own embarrassment. My voice felt as weak as the rest of my body, but I hated being powerless even more in front of Billy. I didn’t know what opinion he had of me, and I didn’t know if I’d ever know, but for some reason, I didn’t want him to think of me as weak. I hadn’t known him for long, but at that moment, in that state, I just wanted, needed, a break. I needed Billy to look at me and not see the desperate and frightened girl I felt at the moment. For once, I wanted to be strong, and I had just blown that away by asking him to stay with me. 

But, thank God, Billy sighed and closed the door, leaving the two of us in the dark. His movements were measured and precise as he walked toward me and to the side of my bed, taking off his shoes and placing them by the foot of the table. He didn’t look at me and I didn’t look at him as I scooted over to make room for him. Even though the space wasn’t that big, once he lay down, we both managed to fit next to one another without touching. I almost wish we did. 

The silence was deafening. I tried to control my breathing and not move too much, knowing the second I did I’d brush Billy’s arm. My blinds had been rolled down and very little light was coming from the outside, and the thought of not being able to see Billy, despite feeling his warmth next to me, was somewhat bizarre. A battle was raging on my insides, and unfortunately, the pain in my head was the deus ex machina saving the day. Everything still hurt too much: my head, my back, my pride. And yet, Billy made no noise beside me. I wondered whether he had fallen asleep, for it sure felt like hours.

‘Billy?’

Silence.

‘Yeah?’ he finally answered.

His voice was smooth, and I instantly knew he hadn’t been asleep either. This was as awkward for him as it was for me, but he still made the effort. I appreciated that.

‘Why didn’t you take me to the hospital?’

It was probably the stupidest thing to ask, but I felt the urge to keep him talking. At least his voice was something familiar. At least his voice was anchoring me to reality, instead of letting my mind wander and losing itself again.

‘It would’ve been dangerous.’

‘What if I had died?’

‘You’re not dying on me, Dana Jones.’

‘How can you be so sure of it, Billy Russo?’

‘Because they’d have to get through me first. I’m not planning on dying any time soon.’

His words weren’t romantic by any means. They were harsh around the edges, full of implications, just like him. But I liked the way he said them. And I could always blame the raging headache for such nonsense in the morning.

I scooted an inch closer, still without making contact. I rolled on my side, facing him, even though I couldn’t see him. I even heard his faint breaths, a bit rushed and erratic. What was he nervous about?

‘Thank you.’

He took a few seconds to answer again.

‘Don’t mention it.’

‘And thank you for saving my life.’

‘Go to sleep, Dana, you need it.’

‘Alright.’

Silence. It really was awkward, to say the least. Both of us were awake, sharing a bed, and yet, no one talked. It felt like hours, although they definitely were a few minutes. My breathing slowed, and my eyes kept drooping despite my intent of having them open. I couldn’t tell whether Billy was awake or not. And just when I thought he had fallen asleep, he spoke. 

‘Goodnight, Dana.’

My lips twitched slightly, and I answered.

‘Goodnight, Billy.’

…

Waking up with a killer headache wasn’t anything new to me. Many times before I had woken up with the remainder of a hungover, with mismatched pajamas and sweaty sheets. Other times, it was a flu, or a migraine, or a simple cold. I wasn’t a sleepwalker by any means, but every night brought an adventure with it. I never knew when, where, or how I’d wake up.

That day I woke up hot, cold, and alone. Again, not my first rodeo. But after realizing the events of the previous night, I couldn’t help the wave of disappointment that flooded my senses. The other side of the bed felt oddly empty, and Billy’s scent still lingered on the pillow. It was the only clue I had that whatever had happened was real. My head still hurt, and my stomach was grumbling like crazy, and despite not having enough strength to leave my bed, I did so with a groan. 

The floor was cold under my feet, even though I was wearing pink fluffy socks that definitely did not belong to me at all. I looked around my room with a frown, but everything seemed in place. Taking a quick look at the mirror next to the door, I noticed I was wearing a new set of pink pajamas, matching the socks, as well as a clean bandage across my head and arms. It was quite a spectacle, really, but my hunger got the best of me and with a final sigh, I opened the door and walked out, knowing with every single step that life was about to get a thousand times more dangerous.

Surprisingly, I found Karen sitting by the kitchen, with a mug in her hand and bags under her eyes. Her face lit up as soon as she saw me walk in.

‘Oh, Dana, thank God you’re awake!’ she almost dropped the mug on the counter and stood in front of me. 

With tentative arms, she hugged me, and the warmth that came with it had me closing my eyes in enjoyment. It had been too long since somebody had even embraced me like that.

‘Hi,’ I said rather shy. 

We were the only ones in my apartment, and I felt grateful for that. I didn’t know what I would have said had Billy been there. 

‘How are you feeling?’ her voice was low and soft, a total contrast to Billy’s. She showed genuine care, and maybe it was the concern in her eyes or the worry in her words, but all of a sudden, tears filled my eyes and fell on their own accord.

Karen quickly hugged me even harder, rubbing my back comfortingly as I sobbed into her shoulder.

I didn’t even know what I was crying about. The attack, the shock, the way my life had crumbled in a matter of seconds since Billy showed up at the stairs of my school. The tension, the pain, the fear, all of it was now going down the drain as I let it catch up to me. I lost complete track of time; I just allowed myself to stand there and break down, and Karen’s soothing presence only encouraged me further. God knew how long had it been since I had a good cry, and now it felt like the dam had broken and all the pent-up emotion was exploding in every direction, leaving me more and more empty the longer it went. 

But it felt good. I rarely allowed myself to be vulnerable, much less in front of other people. And part of me knew that the downfall was inevitable, so I was glad I was home at least. I certainly wished the situation was different, but my sanity appreciated it nonetheless.

Only after my eyes ran out of tears I dared look up. Karen’s eyes were equally reddish but cupped my face into her hands and looked me in the eye.

‘Are you feeling better?’ she asked.

‘Yeah.’

She smiled. ‘Great.’ She led me to the couch and sat me down, checking my bandages. ‘How’s your head? Does it hurt?’

I shook my head, even though it hurt after crying so much. ‘I’ll be fine. I could use a shower, though. And food.’

She smiled. ‘That’s good. Go take a shower and I’ll make you some soup. Can you stand on your own?’

I nodded. ‘I’m just tired.’

‘Understandable. Go, I’ll be here when you get out. And, Dana,’ she stopped me as soon as I turned around to leave. ‘I’m glad you’re okay.’

I smiled, genuinely. ‘Thank you. For everything.’

She smirked and nodded at me, and I left.

I didn’t want to make the situation any more awkward, and that’s why as soon as Karen resumed to her own devices, I sprinted to the bathroom, quickly hiding there and locking the door behind me. Against better judgment, I stared at my reflection in the mirror, and couldn’t help but to grimace at the view. Not only was my hair sticking up in weird shapes and places, but I still had heavy dark circles under my eyes, my lips were chapped and dry, and the skin looked like it needed some more melanin to be deemed healthy. Shaking my head I got in the shower and didn’t leave until my fingers were pruney and begging to be dry once more. 

I rinsed my skin once, twice, until it burned. Every time I closed my eyes, memories haunted me. Flashes of red and orange danced before my eyes, followed by deafening noise and terrified yells. New York attacks were nothing new, and I had seen my fair share of violence and injustice before. But this time, I had been caught in the crossfire. It had been entirely my fault, for ignoring Billy’s orders despite promising otherwise. I knew I had always had a target on my back, but, for the first time, it felt real. As selfish as it sounds, I had been directly affected by the chaos that usually ran rampant but silent in the city. And that only angered me. Because today I had been the victim, and I had survived, but deep in my gut I knew innocent people hadn’t. And that it hadn’t been the first time, and it definitely wouldn’t be the last.

At some point during my little stream of consciousness, I heard the front door open. I didn’t need to listen further to know it was Billy. I could recognize his footsteps from a mile away. 

With a deep breath I finally got out of the shower and dressed, and, with tentative steps, I exited the bathroom. The warm water had slightly relaxed my tense muscles, and I truly felt better after laying in bed for so long, but mentally I wasn’t ready to face Billy. I wasn’t scared of him, but I didn’t want to have a reason to. 

What I wasn’t expecting was to find Billy, Frank, and Karen talking in hushed voices, with Karen close to Billy’s face and an angry frown on her face. 

‘Don’t stop on my account,’ I said, reading the room. The tension could be cut with a knife, but I was still too tired and hungry to care.

Their heads twisted in my direction, and their sudden attention had me almost trembling in my place.

Frank stood there with virtually no expression on his face, as he usually did. Karen looked relieved, although something close to resentment emanated from her eyes. And then there was Billy.

It was the first time I had truly seen him since before the attack, and, to my surprise, didn’t look any better than I did. His hair, although freshly washed, wasn’t combed in the meticulous way he usually wore it. His clothes, too, were clean, yet he hadn’t bothered to properly tuck his shirt into his pants, and the laces of his shoes were undone. His expensive blazer lay forgotten by the entrance. And his eyes… they were tired. The creases around them were more prominent, and for the first time, he looked older. I knew he was older than me, but with his cocky attitude and his perfectly-kept appearance, I always forgot. Now, he looked his age, somewhere in his thirties, and it felt like a ton of bricks just hit me in the face at the realization. 

When our eyes met, I shied away. I still felt embarrassed about the night before, and I doubted he’d go easy on me after I could stand on my own. I really didn’t want him to be right about Owen, and I didn’t want him to remember me laying frail and cold in my bed. I had the strong urge to disappear, but it was time for me to face the consequences, wherever those led. 

‘Hey.’

‘Hi,’ Billy answered. His voice left a tingling sensation in the back of my neck.

‘Are you okay, kid?’ Frank suddenly spoke. His voice, too, was smooth, contrasting greatly with his appearance. He was dressed in his usual dark attire, yet his bulletproof vest and the grip of a gun on his waist were new additions. 

I nodded carefully, not even assessing his question. I was in no way okay, but I still had my guard up around them. I wanted to be okay. I was tired of not being fine.

‘Alright, you need to eat,’ Karen interrupted the moment bringing her hands together and led me to the kitchen, where a steaming bowl of soup was waiting for me at the small table. She slid two pills together with a glass of water as I sat down. ‘For the pain. Eat, and we’ll talk later.’

She gently patted my forehead, probably searching for a fever, but her hands were soft and I appreciated it nonetheless. It had been so long since anybody had taken care of me, that I didn’t mind it was a woman I had only seen a couple of times. I still didn’t face Billy, although I could feel his burning gaze on me, but thankfully Karen caught his attention and resumed their previous conversation, as I did my best to swallow and ignore the details they spilled on the other side of the room. 

My eyes closed for a few seconds as I took a big breath, hoping to find enough strength to face whatever was to come as soon as I was done eating. I looked at the clock on the wall by the entrance, and it surprised me to see it was noon. I wasn’t sure what I was expecting to find, but I welcomed the time. I still had at least half a day to get my shit together, instead of wasting another one drowning in my own misery. But that’d come later. I just wanted to eat the damn soup.

…

I wished the soup would have been endless, because now I was sitting on the couch, with the other three adults looking down at me with varying expressions and hidden emotions. It was silent for a while until Billy spoke.

‘Tell us all you remember,’ he said. Gone was the softness, and his tone reminded me of the same one he had used when we first met, back in the interrogation room at Anvil’s headquarters.

‘Well… I was with Owen…’ I stopped and cringed. I wasn’t looking at him, but Billy suddenly stood straighter when I mentioned his name. ‘And he insisted on getting an ice cream after the museum. So we were at Central Park, and… that’s when everything went to shit, I guess.’

Frank’s face was unreadable, and Karen softly nodded. ‘Alright, no brain damage. That’s good,’ she sounded quite relieved.

‘What did you last see before…’ Billy paused for a second as if it physically pained him to talk. I found it hard to believe that he actually cared about me, but I had seen weirder. ‘Before everything went to shit?’

I took a few seconds as well. ‘I mean… Everything’s kinda blurry. Not like there’s anything wrong with me, it’s just… I mean I was terrified. And things were happening so fast and… I don’t know,’ I tripped over my words.

To my surprise, Frank nodded. ‘We get it. We’ve dealt with these situations way too many times to count,’ he looked at Billy, who shared the same expression. ‘Listen, kid, things are not going to get easier from now on. PTSD is no joke, and if you ever need to talk, we know some good people that can help. Trust me, I know what I’m talking about,’ he even cracked a smile. 

It was reassuring to say the least, that these hunks of men struggled just as much, if not more, as I did. But those flashes were all I could see at the time, and it terrified me to think they’d stick with me forever. 

‘I really don’t wanna talk about it right now,’ I said, hoping to just stop their conversation. ‘I mean, I appreciate it, don’t get me wrong. But… I just want to deal with all this when I’m ready. I’m still not sure about why things are the way they are so yeah, I guess I just need time.’ 

The three of them nodded at me. I could tell there were still a thousand things they wanted to say.

‘I do, however, have questions. I don’t wanna deal with my feelings until I know who’s making me feel like this,’ I said, with a lot more confidence than I had. ‘So what actually happened? How did you find me?’

Billy’s POV – Three days earlier

‘Shit.’ 

That was the last thing I heard from the earpiece before the explosion went off. People were running and screaming all around me, making their way out of the park, as far away as they could. My legs moved involuntarily to the source of the noise, despite better judgment. Dana was there, and that’s all I cared about.

‘Robin?’ I asked, but the static on the other side answered for me.

I picked up my pace, running as fast as I could. From the periphery of my eye, I caught many police cars, as well as my own company’s vans, trespassing into the park, followed by ambulances and paramedics. It didn’t take me long to reach the Great Lawn, my breath stuck in my throat at the sight. It had been almost destroyed, the entire green field. Burnt corpses lay around, their bodies completely unrecognizable. FBI agents were already running after the surviving men, getting lost in the immensity of the park and the echoes of their gunshots.

I looked around in a panic, trying to find Dana. Many trees were burning around me, some of them on the ground after the blast.

‘Dana!’ I yelled, raising my voice over the many sirens that blared around.

I ran along the nearest path, simply guessing Dana and Owen’s possible route from the museum. Maybe fate was on my side, after all, because only a few feet away I found Dana’s body, laying on the ground, dangerously close to a fallen and scorched tree.

I immediately kneeled beside her, pulling her up into my lap, looking over her only to find not a single scratch on her clothes. Only the side of her head was bleeding slightly and seemed to be unconscious because of it, but her heart was still beating strong and steady. Some branches had fallen on her arms as well, but nothing else seemed to be out of place.

I didn’t even have time to sigh in relief. I held her close, feeling the dread of losing her wash over me as I lifted her in my arms. 

‘Blackbird, it’s Raven,’ Frank suddenly spoke in my other ear. ‘You there?’

‘Yeah,’ I struggled a bit with Dana’s weight, taking her up in my arms and running across the park, avoiding both people and debris as I followed the direction of Anvil’s medical aid. 

‘Is she okay?’ Frank asked as I approached one of the medics by the small ambulance, dropping her carefully on the stretcher. He quickly looked over her, assessing the damage to her side, and quickly cleaning it and putting some bandage over it.

‘I hope so,’ I noticed my hands were trembling, but I couldn’t dwell too much on it. 

I only cared that Dana was alright. 

Time seemed to go too slowly. Distant gunshots and explosions still resounded behind my back, but I didn’t care anymore. The cops could handle that one. My only concern was the unconscious girl in front of me.

‘She’ll be okay,’ the medic finalized. ‘Just a hit to the head, nothing too serious. She’ll probably be out for a day or so, the shock could have gotten to her. If she doesn’t wake up by the third day, take her to the hospital, they’ll know what to do. She’ll struggle with headaches and sensory overload, most probably, and make sure she has two of these once a day, preferably with a full stomach. Sorry, Mr. Russo, I gotta help the others,’ the young medic said quickly, and after dropping the bottle of pills in my hand, he ran to the next victim.

I could only sigh in relief, quickly taking Dana back in my arms and walking towards my car, making my best to avert the inquiring press and curious bystanders who had reached the park. Dana’s head lolled to the side and into my chest, revealing the earpiece, still connected. I tried my best to ignore the weight of her head in my chest, and the warmth that came with it and spread through me as I finally spotted my car. There wasn’t anybody around, thankfully, and with some difficulty, I placed her in the backseat and drove to her apartment before the police closed the surrounding streets. 

Dissociating was my best chance, for I quickly reached her apartment complex, and after a quick scan of the area, I grabbed Dana and took her upstairs. It was my bad luck that had me coming face to face with Dana’s neighbor. 

‘Mrs. Bardot! What a pleasure!’ I greeted her with a whisper. 

She naturally seemed alarmed at the sight. An unconscious girl being carried by a man.

‘What have you done to her?’ she took big strides to where I stood.

I shook my head reassuringly. ‘Fret no, Mrs. Bardot, she’s asleep. We accidentally had too much to drink earlier on and she’s a bit of a lightweight,’ I lied. 

Mrs. Bardot looked unconvinced, and I knew what I had to do. ‘My little sleeping beauty,’ I added, pressing a kiss on her temple. It came out with a lot more emotion than I originally intended, but the weirdest part was that I didn’t feel like I was lying. Not this time.

Dana didn’t stir, and although that preoccupied me, I didn’t let Mrs. Bardot see that. She quickly smiled at the gesture and offered to help me open the door.

‘You two make such a lovely couple. Take care of her, Billy, she deserves it,’ she said as I walked into the apartment. She glared at me for a second before bidding me a good night, and closed the door, effectively leaving Dana and me back in the silence of her apartment. 

With a final sigh, I walked to Dana’s room and placed her on the bed. I even took a second to look at her, finding myself wishing the circumstances were different. I fought the strong impulse of tucking her hair behind her ear but reached her nevertheless to take the earpiece off.

My fingers still trembled slightly when I reached for my phone, quickly pressing the ‘call’ button.

‘Karen? I need your help.’

Next chapter

General Taglist: @angiewhoohooo, @azaleaniath, @mishaandthebrits, @celestialcharles, @idohknow

[cow-tag]

Weeennniiieeerrrrrrr

aka i gave in to the voices

aka casey battlenexus fic beginning

//////////////////////////////////

Casey was screaming, desperately struggling against the strange beings grabbing hold of him. Angel was running towards him, smashing her bat against the forms blocking him from view. Casey was yelling at her, pleading for her to get back. She didn’t listen, eventually splintering the bat against the head of a.. thing. Whatever the hell was taking her brother. 

Stabbing, kicking, slashing with her now splintered bat, she manages to make it to Casey. She takes out one of the creatures holding him, giving him enough room to escape from the other. Quickly, they hug, and Casey grabs her hand and runs to the edge of the roof. 

Angel stumbles for a moment, almost tripping to the pavement below. Casey releases her and leaps, landing with a thud on the building parallel to the one she was standing on. “Angel! Jump!” He shouts, holding his arms out. She hesistates, eyeing the gap. Yells came from behind her, in a language she could barely understand. She turns, seeing more creatures fall to the roof from the sky. She steps toward it for a moment, before turning and sprinting to the edge. 

Angel was never one for sports, she didn’t have the endurance her brother had. But she was always good at the long jumps. And the moment of weightlessness was familiar, similar to when she would jump five steps to the floor in their apartment. like how she would jump down from the wall surrounding her school, how she felt just before falling into the foam pit at a trampoline park. She always loved that feeling, it felt like she was flying. But, as he father always said, what goes up must come down. And Angel had a severe lack of roof below her feet. 

That blissful feeling morphed into terror as she realized her jump was too short. 

The brick wall was coming forward too fast, and she could barely register the yell her brother made out. 

Suddenly, there was a grip on her wrist, and she swears she heard her shoulder pop. She looks up to see her brother, feet on the side of the building. One hand gripped her wrist tight, swinging her to the roof. The other held to the slight edge of the building roof. He swung her up with a grunt, ensuring she had a proper grip on the same ledge he was hanging off of before shoving her up. She rolled onto the gravel, before scrambling over to help tug her brother up. Once they were both safely on the roof, the pair panted desperately. Casey let out an exasperated laugh, running his hand through his hair and removing his bandana. He held it out to Angel, and she took it wordlessly and tied her hair behind her head. “Christ, I thought you were good at long jumpin’, kid!” Angel laughs breathlessly, starting a reply. The words died in her throat as something was tossed next to them. 

The blood drained from her brother’s face, and he threw her to the side before kicking it as hard as he could. A light flashed from the puck-shaped object, before exploding mid-air. “A FUCKUNG GRENADE?” Angel gasped, gaping at her brother. How was he not as surprised? Who the fuck were these guys? “Fuck. Angel, do you know how to duck and roll?” Casey turned to his sister quickly, leading her to the fire escape. “I- I learned the basics in gymnastics, but that was years ago and-“

“Whatever! Can you do it now?” Casey yelled, tugging her down the steps. 

“Yes! Yes I can?” Angel replied, half gasping. 

“Good.” 

That was all the warning she got before Casey tossed her the remaining fifteen feet to the ground. She rolled best she could, but something cracked in her shoulder. “Jesus! A little warning next time?!” She turned to face her brother, but there wasn’t anybody next to her. She looked around, spotting him kicking off the ladder. “CASEY! WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING?!” She yelled, running to the wall. “GO HOME! TELL DAD I’LL BE BACK WHEN I CAN!” Casey yelled back, cracking the rusted ladder against the wall until a pole popped off. He gripped it tightly, and ran back up to the roof. 

“CASEY! WHAT THE FUCK? YOU CANT- SHIT!” 

Angel ran through the doors of the building, rushing up the stairs to the roof. She held her shoulder tightly, something was definitely broken. 

By the time she reached the roof, Casey had beaten most of the things surrounding him. When had he gotten so good at fighting? “CASEY!” Angel yelled, Casey whipping his head towards her. “ANGEL! I TOLD YOU TO GO HOME!” He shouted, smashing the rusted pole against a couple heads. “I COULDN’T JUST LEAVE YOU HERE!” Angel yelled back desperately. Casey moved to reply, but froze before he could reply. “CASEY? CASEY!” Angel screamed as she watched her older brother go limp. 

She ran to him, only to be blocked by a large.. thing. It was the first time she got a good look at one of them, they were tall and blue. It was like looking Into the bottom of the ocean, only to have it stare back at you. “GIVE ME BACK MY BROTHER, YOU FUCKWAD!” She attempted to push past the alien, punching and slapping whatever she could. The being just placed a hand on her head, and gently pushed her away. 

“Go home, little one. We wish not to hurt you, we have all we need.” The alien’s voice was deep, deep enough for Angel to feel it vibrate within her chest, Tears spilled from her eyes as she unsuccessfully attempted to swing at them. “NO! GIVE ME MY BROTHER BACK! YOU DON’T NEED HIM! I DO! GIVE HIM BACK!” Angel screamed as loud as she could, watching her brother’s limp body tossed over the shoulder of an alien not too different from the one in front of her. 

The alien gave her a sympathetic look, before scooping her up and walking to the fire escape. She screamed and writhed, scratching and punching at them. “I understand this is hard, but your brother is needed for far larger things. Mother specifically asked for him.” Angel didn’t listen, she just screamed her throat raw and struggled to release herself from the aliens grip. They jumped down from the fire escape, setting her down on the ground where she sobbed. She continued to attempt to fight the alien, her screams dying down to a pathetic mumble. The alien gave her one last sad look, before leaping up to the roof. That was the last Angel saw of anything supernatural, and the last time she saw her brother. 

*************************

It’s been exactly 729 Days since that night, and Angel still hasn’t stopped looking into those.. things that took her brother. She still remembered the look that the alien gave her before they leapt away, even after almost two years. 

She pushed the cart through the baking aisle, leaning on the handle and scanning the shelves for cake mix. Her eyes land on the box, and she reaches to grab it. Another person grabs it before her, before realizing it and looking over to hand back the box. Angel gaped at the girl in front of her. She had fiery red hair, of which fell to just below her chin. She had bangs, of which sat just above sapphire eyes. Pale freckles dotted her skin, and she apologized with a warm smile. Angel felt her face heat up, realizing that not only was she pretty, she seemed to be strong too. Her arm was well toned, and one could only assume the rest of her was the same beneath the long skirt and flowy blouse she wore. Angel attempted to stammer out a response, eliciting a giggle out of the girl. She was so obviously much older than Angel, in fact. She looked to be around C- around four years older than herself. 

“Hello? I said you can have the box if you want!” Angel shook herself out of the trance, taking the box and whispering a quiet ‘thank you.’ 

“Hold on.. Is your name Angel by any chance?” 

Angel looked up in shock at that, before hesitantly nodding her head. The girl gasped and grinned, looking proud of herself. “I knew it! You’re Casey’s little sister, right? Casey Jones?” Angel nodded mutely at that. Who was this lady? 

“Oh my goodness, I just realized how random that sounded. I’m April! April O’Neil! I went to highschool with your brother, tutored him a little bit!” The thoughts clicked together in Angel’s head, and she made a sound of understanding. Damn, Casey was not wrong when he said his tutor was gorgeous. “I.. think I remember him saying something about you? I definitely remember him gushing about his tutor and how pretty she was, so he must have been talking about you.” April laughed, grabbing a box of cake mix from the shelf. “Yeah, that sounds like him. How is he doing? Haven’t heard from him since we graduated and we went our separate ways.” 

Angel froze for a second, then suddenly took Interest in the ingredients in a vegan chocolate cake mix. She inhaled sharply, before breathing out heavily. Just like her therapist said. “He’s.. He’s missing. Has been for almost two years. Tomorrow’s the anniversary. Actually, that's why i‘m here. Was gonna make some dulce de lèche. It was uhm-“ she cleared her throat. “It’s his favorite thing our Mamá used to make.” 

April didn’t say anything for a second. “He’s.. missing?” 

“Yeah. The police hadn’t been able to track his location, he was announced dead last year. But I know he’s not. That asshole is too stubborn to die.” Angel sighed, tossing the box of white cake mix into the cart. “Sorry for making this depressing. Should probably get going. It was nice to meet you.” Angel started to push the cart away, when a hand on her shoulder made her jump. 

“Do you.. know what happened? How he went missing?” April said, voice shaky. Angel turned, expecting to see wavering blue eyes to match the tremble in her voice. Instead. She was met with determination and passion. “I.. yeah. I was there. But you wouldn’t believe me if I told you.” 

“Try me.”

[rachlovesactors]

Ahhhhhhhh!!!!!! ONE OF MY FAVORITE FICS EVER!!!! 😍😍😍😍🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤

Teeth

The Masterlist

Werepanther!Billy Russo x Female Reader

Warnings: Predator/Prey vibes, Serial killers, stalking, smut, minors DNI, Soulmate trope, protector vibes, anxiety, angst. Specific warnings come before each part.

Part 1: Something in the Woods

Part 2: Predator or Protector?

Part 3: A Safe Place to Rest Your Head

Part 4: Jealousy, Unexpected

Part 5: Guarded

Part 6: Double Helix

Part 7: Restraint

Part 8: It's just bad luck

Part 9: A step in the right direction

Part 10: I'm waiting for you

Part 11: Enjoying the show?

Part 12: Strawberry lipstick state of mind

Part 13: Till there's no space in between

Part 14: The force of attraction

Part 15: Visibility

Part 16: Desperation

Part 17: Shelter

Part 18: Whatever you're comfortable with

Part 19: Can I kiss you?

Part 20: Descent into madness

Part 21: More feararum

Part 22: Denial?

Part 23:

[aridatinas-art]

something something ... Stanford "Why didn't Rudolf just kill the other reindeer?" Pines and Fiddleford "I create death-mechas when my feelings get hurt" McGucket

[celestialspecial]

Blood Rush

Warnings: Mentions of Blood/ 18+ themes

The pounding beat of the music seemed to reverberate down to the earths mantle. An intense light show swam across the crowd lighting them up in vivid reds and blues, purple tones intermingling on the dance floor.

The entire club was packed to the gills, heat, sweat, and sounds drowned together in one large overwhelming assortment. The entire establishment felt like it was shaking down to its foundation from the pounding bass.

So many warm bodies all in one place. Billy let his eyes close as he leaned over the side of the railing looking down at the crowd. If he focused he could pick out conversations going on all around him.

He didn’t need to strain, no, to their human ears they had to yell. His pale hands gripped the metal pole tighter as he sniffed into the heavy air. Filled with so many different fragrances. Perfumes, sweat, the stench of sex even emanated from a few of the private vip booths.

A lilting soft scent wafted over his nostrils. It was airy, sweet but not overpowering. Whatever it was had his mouth watering. It was blood. But not just any. 

He let his sixth sense drift outwards, hoping to pinpoint exactly where the smell was coming from. Ignoring the ache in his stomach, hungering for whatever delicious morsel was unknowingly going to become his next meal.

The next song started and the strobe lights flickered over the packed interior. He could feel the pulse from the DJ booth, the whole floor felt like it was moving as people jumped up and down.

In his earlier days this place would’ve drove him mad. The bursting colors, unconfined smells, the droning music. And the thirst for blood. He would’ve gone mad.

Now it was the only place he could zone out. Far removed from reality. The one place he could fade into the background and pretend. Pretend he wasn’t what he was.

You could feel the buzz start to wear off as you downed your next glass of water, the sweat streaking across your forehead. You brushed at the strands stuck to your face in a futile attempt to cool down.

You could see some of your girl friends still out on the dance floor, the vodka had in fact, helped them dance better. You couldn’t help but laugh at the ridiculous penis headbands two of the them wore.

Then Cassie in her short white dress with a ridiculously large sash starting “Same Dick Forever.” The micro veil now very askew on her head. 

“…and three waters please.” You smiled at the bartender. You were doing your best to be the mom friend by drinking less but you knew there was no way to get the group back to their respective apartments if you had to drag them.

Another surge of that intoxicating scent rose up from beneath him, this time a little stronger. It had Billy, craning his neck this way and that searching for its source. 

Outlined in his enhanced periphery he could see another two or so vamps sniffing into the air as well. Red eyes threading through the crowd greedily. 

I don’t think so.

This catch was his. If only he could find them.

“Awwww is this for me?!” Izzy slurred taking the water from your hand. You watched half of it spill onto the dance floor as she regained her balance from holding the cup.

“Yes. Waters all around! Drink up!” Passing the other cups out to your friends and watching them sip something non-alcoholic. 

You couldn’t help but giggle, smacking a palm to your forehead as Cassie took a long swig then made a face, realizing it was actually just water. 

“What gives?!” 

“It’s 3 am, and I promised your fiancé I’d have you home. In one piece.” You emphasized the last part, knowing that would get Cassie to relent. 

“Ughhhhh fine.” But she was smiling, her eyes still significantly glazed. 

“Alright, bathroom break then one more dance until our Uber is here.” You corralled them off to the side as you whipped out your phone, scanning the latest price increase from Uber and Lyft.

It was more than you wanted to pay but you needed to go home, and there were so many people leaving the clubs right now. 

After hitting confirm you could feel it. A cold pin prick crawling up your spine. A quick glance around and you realized no one was touching you, but it felt like it.

All you could see were groups of people dancing as magenta light poured over the establishment in waves. No one. 

Izzy said something to Meg and Cassie chuckled but it was all muffled to you. A loud pounding in your ears, your heart rate kicking up a notch. 

What the-?

Then you looked up to the balcony where the vip booths and other dancing patrons occupied. A man was staring down at you.

Black eyes and raven hair. Pale skin that absorbed whatever new flash of color the strobe lights were sending out. He didn’t blink as you continued to stare at him.

He was handsome. Not the usual handsome you liked, but a cold almost threatening kind. Jaw set on edge and slicked back hair, almost too uniform to be in a club.

The discomfort in your chest growing with each second neither of you looked away. You swallowed thickly, pushing your sweat drenched hair aside, praying a cool wind from one of the fans would wipe away the cold sweat gathering on your skin.

His nostrils flared and you stumbled backwards, knocking into Izzy and the rest of her untouched water toppled to the floor.

“Hey! What gives?” 

“We need to leave now.” 

“Why?” Cassie asked, sobering slightly at the hint of panic in your voice.

“There’s a man up there watching us.” You turned to point but he was gone. You brows drew together. “What the fuck?”

“Oooooookay. How many shots did you do while getting us waters?” Cassie giggled, nudging you with her shoulder.

“None I swear, I just-“ a small beep from your phone rang out, “driver is now arriving. Ok guys, we gotta get out of here.”

It was no small task getting the rest of the bachelorette party out, more like herding cats, but you did it as quickly as possible sparing a few extra glances over your shoulder in the process. 

Billy had pushed away from the railing and was descending the curved stairs down to the first floor. The second he’d spied the girl below he knew it had been her he’d smelled.

Was he planning to kill her? Suck the blood from her body like he originally intended? Why did he feel like that was no longer an option?

Her wide eyes had pinned him to the spot, and an arousal grew within him, the feeling he got when a hot meal was within reach and something else. Something that brought him pause.

The other vamps hadn’t located the exact scent yet so he needed to move before they noticed him gone. There was something delectable about whatever blood ran through that girls veins.

Untainted, pure. Not pure in the traditional sense of white dresses and sacrifices to volcanos, but something deeper. Bloodlines dating back centuries could give off smells unlike anything else.

Reaching out Billy could practically hear her thrumming pulse calling to him through the darkened club. He licked his lips imagining sinking his fangs into that soft skin, her scent overwhelming him.

Drinking deep, that lifeblood coating his tongue. There were so many vital arteries he could choose from. He ached to bite into her thigh, tasting the sweat on her skin in the process.

A roiling in his stomach set him on edge, only this time it wasn’t from hunger.

Some bouncer pushed past him, shouldering Billy to the side and for the first time since he was turned, Billy stumbled. 

Catching the wall only at the last moment. Placing a steadying hand on the bricks to his side, leaning against the cool stone.

A hand shot to his forehead as he felt a shooting pain streak across his vision.

What in hells name?

The Uber pulled up as best it could to the crowded sidewalk. A Prius, way smaller than the picture had looked on the screen of your phone. 

Izzy tripped on the curb sliding into the backseat followed closely by a hiccuping Meg. Cassie grabbed the passenger’s side door before stopping.

“Wait, there’s not enough room.” She squinted into the vehicle. You licked your lips, begging your brain to think of another plan. 

“Sorry ladies, my cup holder doesn’t go up in the back. Damn things stuck, supposed to get it looked at next week.”

The man gestured to  the back seat where sure enough the cup holder had dropped into where a middle seat should be.

“We can wait for another one.” Cassie suggested, hand beginning to loosen on the door handle. 

It was late and if you waited any longer it’d be $300 for any type of transport and be over an hour wait.

“You guys go. I’ll get the next one.” You didn’t want to, but you were the only one sober enough to use the app and the streets were busy enough while you waited for your ride.

“Are you sure?” She looked hesitant, Izzy was already passed out asleep in the backseat. 

“Yes, go. Tell Dan he’s welcome.” You tried to smile reassuringly but it felt forced.

Cassie noted the struggle in your voice but before she could push back, you opened the door and gently nudged her inside. 

“Text me when you get home!” She shouted through the lowered window as the car pulled away.

Shit.

Your fingers felt stiff as you tried desperately to find another rideshare, hell you’d pay through the nose for a cab at this point.

Then you felt it again. That icy sensation tingling along your spine and up your neck.

Whirling around all you could see was throngs of people rushing past into cabs, or onto the next bar that was open. 

A swirling mass of coats, hats, vibrant clothes in the hustle and bustle and then a flash of white. A pale face. A familiar face.

The man who’d been looking down at you from the club. People moved in and out, obscuring your vision of him but there he stood. 

You willed your feet to move, but your body betrayed you in every sense of the word. Run. Move. Anything. 

He was moving towards you now, each movement fluid and calculated. Why hadn’t you just shoved yourself into that damn car with your friends?

What had possessed you to just…not get in?

Somehow the neurons in your body started firing again and you were able to turn tail and run. Bolting as fast as you could down the sidewalk. Weaving in and out of groups of people.

Where the hell were you going? It didn’t matter, you just needed to move. To get out of there as fast as possible. Your sneakers splashing through a puddle as you rounded a corner. 

A small convenience stores lights called to you from just a little ways away. You could get in there and call for help. Call the police. 

Your arm began reaching out even before you could realistically grab the door handle. Fingers stretching, so close!

Then a hand shot out, grasping your wrist and tugging you into the dark alley to the side. You tripped over your own feet, tumbling to the ground, skirt catching on the rusted edge of a dumpster.

The vice remained on  your arm, but now laughter accompanied it.

“Well aren’t you a sweet little thing?” A large hulking man hovered over you, bald, with a stained shirt, beady eyes that seemed to glint red in the moonlight. He smelled sour, a thumping in your chest increased.

As if he could hear the uptick in your heart rate he chuckled to himself. Sniffing the air, bear paw of a hand holding you tightly.

“You smell delicious.” You shuddered understanding the implications, tugging your wrist even though it was futile. 

“Let me go!” You screamed even though you were sure no one could hear you. 

“Not a chance precious.” He grinned, an evil look danced across his face, mouth parting and then you could see two glimmering white fangs. Elongating before your very eyes.

Then you knew this was it. It was over. You wouldn’t get to see Cassie get married, see Izzy get her graduate degree, you’d never buy your own house or settle down yourself.

Your eyes squeezed shut waiting for the end. But then you heard a shout and suddenly your wrist was freed and the man before you was rolling across the pavement. 

His own attacker on top of him, the sounds of a scuffle and tearing flesh.

You crawled off to the side, your fingers felt numb against the cold pavement. You could hear the brawl happening to the side of you but you tried to ignore it.

Instead attempting to lift your body up, willing your knees to stop shaking so you could stand. So you could run.

A shout rang out, bouncing off the enclosed space and the bald man stumbled back a few paces. A huge hand grasping the side of his neck where blood was shooting out in spurts.

That ice water chill shot through your veins once more, the dark haired man stood back facing you, panting. His shoulders rising and falling underneath his stained hoodie.

The other man, no- vampire, pulled back eyes darting to yours.

Narrowed as if second thinking his retreat but the snarl that came from your protector-reassured the idea that leaving was the best idea.

The words froze in your mouth, was thank you enough? Could you even form a coherent thought right now? Heart still racing.

The dark haired man looked back at you and the shudder that ran through your body nearly knocked you back to the ground.

Blood soaked the front of his sweatshirt and smeared along his mouth. A mouth that held two sharp canines, equally covered in red.

His eyes looked wild, scratches marred his clothing from the fight. A lump in your throat tightened watching the drop of blood drip from his mouth into a puddle at his feet.

You felt along the wall to your side, desperate to stabilize yourself and begin running again.

You weren't sure how, maybe he could read thoughts, you'd never met a vampire before. But he was on you in less than a blink.

His hands gripped your biceps, pushing your back into the wall behind you. His eyes were so black you couldn’t see the pupil, but when the light caught on them from a passing cars headlights you swore they were red.

Your body was frozen to the spot, limp in his grasp.

“Why do you smell so goddamn good?” He pressed his face into the crook of your neck, snarling against the heated skin. 

His scruff scraping against you, his tongue darting out to lick a long stripe up the column of your throat.

The noise that escaped your mouth must have pleased him, because you could feel him muffle a sound of amusement against you.

Billy had been a vampire for so long now, years of practice controlling his hunger and urges but this girl seemed to unravel all that. 

If he’d been newly turned he would’ve torn into her throat without a second thought. Allowing the hot blood to flow unencumbered into his mouth. 

It took almost all his control to not just bite and drink all that he could. Pulling back, his once slicked back hair now falling into his face. 

Framing his pale skin and dark blood red eyes, fangs protruding as he huffed a laugh at her expression. He must’ve been quite a sight. Torn from the pages of horror comics.

Her heart was thundering in her chest, those gorgeous eyes wide and beautiful full lips parted in fear but, hell, what would they look like parted in ecstasy?

Billy could feel his pants becoming tighter just at the thought. No. He needed a taste. Something to whet his appetite, nothing lethal. 

His thumbs rubbed at the exposed skin on her arms where he held her firmly in place. 

“Please let me go.” She stammered, it was soft, pleading. It tugged at a long forgotten part of him that remained from his time as a human.

It almost worked.

“No I can’t do that. Not yet.” 

Leaning in Billy kissed the side of your neck. Sucking a long slow spot where your shoulder met in a delicate crease. Another delicately placed kiss to the clavicle, working his way up to nip at your ear.

Your treasonous body relaxed into his grasp, turning to soft putty under those strong hands that still held you in place. 

His eyes fell shut, smothering a groan against your skin as he could smell your own arousal dampening between your legs.

Why was this girl making things so much harder for him?

Some vampires chased their prey, claiming the fear and adrenaline pumping through their victims bodies was the closest they could get to a high they had experienced as humans.

Billy disagreed. Pleasure tasted so much sweeter than fear. That metallic tang was pleasant when you were a newbie. A fresh kill that had you feeling dangerous and all powerful.

But desire? Lust? There was no comparison. It trumped all other emotions flooding the system when he fed. It made him feel truly alive and lulled his generous donors into a blissful relaxed state.

In a swift movement, he had your hands pinned overhead. Holding them tight against the brick wall. He was so close to you now, his breath scattered the few stray strands of hair that had fallen over your shoulder.

A strong muscled leg inched between your own, spreading them apart millimeter by millimeter. You bit your bottom lip so hard it drew blood. 

Dark eyes immediately darted to your face, sniffing the air once. All while keeping both your hands pinned with his inhuman strength, the other hand drifting to capture your chin.

Holding it in place before sucking your bottom lip into his mouth. You cursed yourself as shockwaves of pleasure soared through your bloodstream. Both of you moaning at the sudden sensations.

“Are you going to kill me?”

The man before you pulled back at that. Eyes that had been fixed on your lips now lazily drifting over the rest of your face before making contact with your own. 

His thumb grazed your lip that was now swollen from where he’d sucked the rivulet of blood free. 

“No.” He paused, as if to say something else but then thought better of it. At that you felt your body relax, sinking against his raised leg. 

His knee rose further up, pressing into you firmly enough you gasped at the contact. He bounced it higher, your sneakers scraping desperate for purchase onto the ground, but they no longer made contact . 

“That doesn’t mean I’m not going to have some fun with you.” 

[marvelmusing]

In The Dark

Masterlist

Pairing: Dark Elf!Billy Russo x Fem!Reader

Summary: During your exploration of the Stygian Caves, you fall into a cavern, losing consciousness. When you wake, you find yourself lying on silken sheets with a pair of pitch black eyes watching you.

My Masterlist

Part One

You wake in a strange bed, in a strange room, and are startled to find a pair of dark eyes watching you.

Part Two

Billy introduces you to his world, and the two of you grow closer together.

Part Three

You wake up in Billy’s arms with blurred memories of the night before. Though one moment remains vivid - Billy’s lips against yours, promising to give you what you need in the morning. Well it’s morning.

[123passwort]

Ok, you not lied. They kissed. Finally. But only as last minute cover up and then NOTHING MORE 😱😫.

AGHHH i'm going crazy over here waiting that Frank will man up and really kiss her 🤯😵. Hell, what else does he need to get over his doubts and to let down his guard?

stakeout

pairing: frank castle x fem!reader

summary: going on a stakeout with frank doesn't go anything like you thought it would.

warnings: swearing, angst, mentions of guns, a lil steam ;)

word count: 9k

a/n: fun fact: I originally started writing this specific idea as a standalone fic months ago & then when i started doing this series, i knew it would be perfect for it, & i've been excited to finish it & share it with y'all ever since. grab a snack & a drink, get comfy, bc this is almost 30 pages of yearning & pining for our favorite soft bad boy frankie. thank you so much to my darling angel @spoodermain for being my wonderful beta reader & offering your genius feedback that really made this part shine. as always, feedback is welcomed/appreciated!

[previous chapter]

How you had managed to talk Frank into letting you join a stakeout with him, you still weren’t sure, but it was nothing like you thought it would be. The entire three hour drive upstate was nearly composed of pure silence, only interrupted by trivial questions on your behalf, and answers in the form of monosyllables and grunts on his. The two of you had been sitting in his truck for almost six hours now, parked off on the side of a dirt road a good distance away from what looked like an abandoned warehouse that you hadn’t seen anyone enter or leave from.

You were going absolutely fucking stir crazy.

“Why can't we just go in?”

Frank let out a deep exhale through his nose, glancing over at you out of the corner of his eye in pure annoyance before returning his attentive gaze back to the warehouse.

In his defense, you had asked this question at least five times already.

Letting out an impatient sigh of your own, you turned your body slightly in the passenger seat to face him while gesturing loosely to the warehouse with your hand.

“Frank, we haven't seen anyone in hours. We could go in, take a look around, and probably be back before anyone even-”

“Hey hey, no. Ain’t no we. Alright, you’re stayin’ your ass right here. And I already told you why. It’s too out in the open. I got no way of knowin’ if there’s anyone in there watchin’, and I can’t tell if they got some kind of security system ‘round the place-”

“So call Billy. See if he knows-”

“Bill ain’t the head of security for the entire goddamn world.”

Frank’s snappy quips and his irritated tone had you throwing your hands up in exasperation, and you dramatically sank back into the passenger seat of his truck, glaring out your window as you crossed your arms over your chest.

“Fine. Then I guess we’ll just keep sitting here in fucking silence and you can keep brooding.”

Frank let out another heavy exhale from deep within his chest, and you could practically feel his intense stare against the side of your face.

“Look, I know this ain’t the most excitin’ thing, and you can’t sit still to save your goddamn life, but this is how we do this smart, and it’s how I keep you safe, alright? I ain’t takin’ any risks with you. I know patience ain’t your strong suit, but I need ya to try for just a little longer, alright? We don’t see any movement in the next hour, we’ll call it, and try again tomorrow. See if we can come up with another plan. Yeah?”

“Fine.”

Frank let out a tiny chuckle at your bratty response, and all of a sudden you felt something land in your lap. You glanced downwards as a crease formed between your brows, seeing an extra large version of your favorite candy bar. When your eyes flickered over towards Frank in curiosity, you noticed that he was already eyeing you with an amused smile. He shook his head slowly, returning his line of sight to the warehouse with another soft chuckle.

“Eat that and quit poutin’.”

A light scoff left your lips when you picked up the candybar and tore open the wrapper, suddenly noticing the way that you had been ignoring your body’s alerts of hunger. 

“I’m not pouting.”

“Whatever ya say, sweetheart. Just remember, you asked to come along.”

“And you let me.”

Out of the corner of your eye, you watched as Frank shook his head again in response to the pure sass dripping from your voice, and you caught the way the edge of his mouth tugged higher upwards into a wider grin.

“Thought this would be the one time you were quiet for some reason.”

Letting out a dramatic scoff of bewilderment, you reached out to smack your palm against his broad shoulder, which only caused laughter to bellow from deep within Frank’s chest. You doubt he even felt your feeble smack through the black denim layer of his jacket. Rolling your eyes playfully, you looked away with a tiny victorious grin after noticing the way his eyes crinkled when he laughed like that. 

He looked so carefree; like that usual heaviness he carried around wasn’t weighing him down, just for that small moment. Frank had such a beautiful smile, and it made you feel like the luckiest person in the world every time you got to witness it. 

Taking a small bite of your candybar, you muttered under your breath, making him snicker.

“Asshole.”

»»———　　———««

Forty five minutes later, a police car silently pulled up behind Frank’s truck, and your heart started to hammer wildly in your chest. The flashing of bright red and blue was almost blinding in the opaque darkness surrounding the empty dirt road he had pulled onto. The truck was parked far enough away from the property that the flashing lights shouldn’t have alerted anyone that could be inside, but the explanation as to why the two of you were here in the first place was a whole other problem.

Especially considering that you were technically “missing”.

“Shit.”

Frank hissed quietly as he stared at the patrol car in the side view mirror, his full lips settling into a hard line as he reached underneath his seat to retrieve a pistol that was hidden. Your eyes immediately widened as the silver metal became illuminated by the faint moonlight, and you glanced frantically between Frank’s stoic face and the cop car in the rearview mirror.

“What are you doing?”

Frank hastily brought his index finger to his lips when you whisper-yelled at him.

“Preparin’ for a problem.”

Frank’s eyes remained narrowed on the reflection in the side view mirror as he pulled the hammer back on the pistol, the sound of it cocking in place only fueling the speed of your tumultuous heart rate.

“Put it away!”

Scrunching up his dark brows, Frank turned his head slightly to stare at you incredulously as if you had just said the most ridiculous statement in the history of the English language. 

“What?”

“Frank-”

“You got a better goddamn idea?”

Great. You’re not even supposed to be here, and now you’re about to either go to prison or die in a shootout.

Your eyes frantically searched around Frank’s truck for something that could help the two of you out. As Frank rested the gun against his chest with a firm grip on the handle and his index finger pressed along the barrel, an idea suddenly popped into your head that made your stomach flip.

“Put it away.”

Frank turned his head and stared at you curiously when he heard the firm tone of your voice, but his confusion quickly morphed into pure annoyance. He scoffed, opening his mouth to protest before you turned in your seat to face him.

“You asked if I had a better idea and I do.”

Frank stared you down for what felt like an eternity. His features were set in a harsher version of their normal broody appearance, and the hardness in his eyes sent a shiver down your spine. A muscle feathered in his jaw as he ground his teeth, stealing one last glance at the side view mirror before stashing the pistol back underneath the seat, grumbling a string of curses under his breath.

“Now what? What’s this grand fuckin’ plan of yours, huh?”

Out of the corner of your eye, you could see the door to the patrol car swing open. Quickly dashing across the truck bench, you ungracefully climbed onto Frank’s lap. His entire body immediately went rigid, and he looked absolutely stunned as he stared into your eyes. 

“What-”

Before he could finish his sentence, you grabbed onto the back of his neck and leaned in to firmly press your lips against his. Frank stilled completely beneath you for a good thirty seconds, and you could feel the tension practically radiating from his body. You started to worry that maybe you should have at least given him a snippet of your plan before-oh.

Oh.

A warmth suddenly spread across your thighs and it took a second for your brain to register that it was from Frank’s hands. They experimentally roamed up the expanse of your thighs until they slowly climbed up your hips, settling on your waist in a firm but delicate grip. All the previous anxiety that was buzzing in your veins seemed to be drowned out by the sensation of the tender pace of his lips finally responding to your chaste kiss.

God, his lips were as soft as they looked, and so warm. There was a bitterness to the way he tasted from the copious amounts of freshly brewed black coffee he had consumed, but it was cut through by lingering sweet mint from the gum he had spat out earlier. 

The gentleness of his touch and his uncertain kiss was surprising for someone who was so rough in so many other aspects of their life. You couldn’t help but grab a small fistful of the collar of his gray henley while you melted into his strong chest, your fingernails lightly scratching at the back of his neck with your other hand, holding him as close as physically possible. A low groan sounded quietly in the back of Frank’s throat when you dragged your nails against his skin, and it traveled straight to your-

Tap. Tap. Tap.

Jumping at the sudden intrusion of noise, you turned your head to see a young officer staring between you and Frank awkwardly, the end of his flashlight hovering over the glass of the driver’s side window. When the window was slowly rolled down, the seriousness of the previous situation broke through the haze of lust you had found yourself in, and you suddenly remembered why you were in Frank’s lap in the first place. Before you could scramble out an explanation, Frank’s rough voice cut through the timid silence and startled you.

“What?”

The young officer jumped backwards immediately from the way Frank practically barked at him, and you turned your head to stare at him in surprise. His chest was rising and falling quickly, his thick brows were knit together in pure frustration, and you could see that familiar flame of rage burning in his eyes.

He looked pissed.

Looking back at the officer, you let out a nervous laugh as you pressed your palm flat against Frank’s chest in an attempt to calm him, flashing the young man a soft smile.

“I’m sorry, is…is there a problem?”

He gulped as his eyes flickered from Frank’s unwavering hardened glare to you, nodding slowly as he uncomfortably gestured behind himself with his thumb.

“I…sorry to uh…interrupt. It’s just…well…this is private property. You’re…technically trespassing.”

Hearing the aggravated grunt that sounded from Frank as he opened his mouth to speak, you quickly covered his mouth with your small palm and let out another nervous laugh, trying to keep the officer’s attention on you.

“I’m very sorry, that’s um…that’s my fault. It’s…it’s our first night with a babysitter so, we got a little…carried away. I’m sure you can understand?”

There was a hopeful tone to your voice as your lips parted into the most convincing charming smile you could muster at the moment, hoping he would take the bait so that you and Frank could leave without a scene being caused. When the young man’s lips parted into a light smile, you felt a sense of ease wash over you. 

“Of course, I can definitely…understand.”

But that ease was short lived when you caught where his line of sight went, and felt Frank’s grip on your waist tighten possessively.

As the young officer spoke those words, he made the mistake of letting his eyes wander over your chest in a shameless way, and you panicked when you felt Frank lean forward, reaching with one hand underneath his seat while also shielding your chest from the man’s prying eyes with his large body.

“The fuck are you lookin’ at?”

The officer instantly took another large step back, holding his hands up in surrender and mumbling a string of apologies as Frank started going off on him, reaching for the handle to the door. You quickly grabbed his jaw in your hand and forced him to look at you, staring into his furious glare with wide eyes as you whispered frantically through gritted teeth.

“Frank, stop it.”

Glancing back over at the young man, you let out a soft laugh as you waved your shaky hand dismissively. 

“I’m really sorry, we’ll just…leave. We’ll leave. Have a good night.”

Quickly rolling up the window, you scurried back into the passenger seat and swiftly put your seatbelt on. When Frank didn’t move an inch, you turned your head to look at him, seeing a twisted up concoction of anger and confusion on his features. You hysterically gestured towards the steering wheel as you gawked at him.

“What are you doing? Drive!”

Frank’s jaw hardened as he let out a heavy grunt, turning the keys in the ignition and flashing the officer one final death glare before peeling off onto the dirt road in the opposite direction. Once the patrol car was out of sight, you let out a deep breath of relief and held your face in your trembling hands as you tried to calm your nerves.

Your mind was racing with all the worst possible case scenarios. What if that officer was with the Defenders of Freedom too? Is that why he was on that road? Did he get Frank’s license plate? Is he telling the others that the two of you found their base of operations? What would-

“That was good quick thinkin’.”

Frank’s gravely voice cutting through the silence made you realize that neither of you had spoken in the past ten minutes. Turning your head to look over at him, your brows knit together in puzzlement.

“What?”

Frank’s eyes darted over to you timidly, only for a moment, before settling back on the road in front of him.

“Your…plan.”

His voice sounded somewhat strained, and you noticed his features were blanketed in an expression you couldn’t fully make out from the faint glow of the street lights. He almost looked…shy?

Shy was not a word you would ever normally use to describe Frank Castle.

There was suddenly a feeling of heat nipping at the tops of your cheeks, and you were swiftly aware of the lingering sensation of your lips tingling from the kiss. 

Is that why he couldn’t hardly look at you?

“Public displays of affection make people very uncomfortable.”

Frank arched one of his thick brows as his eyes flickered back over towards you once again, his full lips pursing slightly as he nodded.

“Yeah…I s’pose they do.”

There was a layer of questioning in his tone, and you leaned back in your seat as you looked anywhere but at him while clearing your throat.

“It usually makes people look away, or want to get as far away from it as soon as possible.”

A quiet grunt of agreeance sounded in the back of Frank’s throat.

“That’s…smart.”

An uncomfortable silence settled between you and Frank, and the small unoccupied space in the middle of the truck bed suddenly felt like an ocean separating the two of you. Tension hung thick and heavy in the miniscule space of the cab like an awkward fog that you couldn’t have even sliced through with the sharpened hunter’s knife on Frank’s hip.

For the next half hour, the quiet thrum of the truck engine was the only sound disrupting the tense silence.

»»———　　———««

Stepping past Frank’s large frame into the motel room he had rented for the night, your eyes immediately landed on the bed in the middle of the room.

The bed.

The one. 

Single. 

Bed.

Glancing over your shoulder at Frank, he caught where your gaze had gone, and there was a sheepish expression on his face.

“Last room they had.”

Doing your best to appear nonchalant about the situation, you gave a slight nod of your head in understanding as you surveyed the room. The dingy wallpaper was beyond faded and peeling where the torn edges pulled away from the top of the wall. What had once probably been a tasteful shade of tan looked more like a muted shade of gold. The queen size bed in the middle of the room was covered in a multi-shade paisley quilt that the word ‘ugly’ couldn’t even begin to describe, and contrasted sharply with the hunter green carpet beneath your feet.

“You didn’t make a reservation?”

The joke you attempted to make to lighten the mood fell flat as Frank eyed you with an unreadable expression, dropping his black duffle bag onto the floor with a slight thud.

“Wasn’t expectin’ company. It ain’t the Ritz, but-”

“Frank, it’s fine. I was joking.”

“Right.”

The uncomfortable silence and awkward tension were absolutely killing you. 

Things had never been this weird with Frank, and you didn’t know what to do with yourself. So you did the one thing you always did when you didn’t want to deal with an unpleasant situation.

You ran away from it.

“I’m gonna take a shower.”

About halfway through rushing towards the bathroom, you abruptly halted in your steps when you realized that you couldn’t shower because you didn’t have anything. You had slept at Frank’s last night, and you couldn’t go by your place this morning since it was an active crime scene. 

You had no clothes. No toothbrush. No nothing.

“Shit.”

“You alright?”

There was a cautious tone to Frank’s deep voice, but it was clearly laced with concern when it nestled in your ears. You turned around to face him, your lips pulled into a tight expression that was supposed to resemble a smile, but probably looked more like a grimace.

“I just realized I don’t have anything.”

Frank cocked his head to the side slightly while he looked over at you, curiosity and confusion swirling around in his deep brown eyes.

“We couldn’t stop by my place this morning…and we left kinda in a hurry…so…”

All of a sudden you could see realization dawning on Frank’s face. His features softened considerably, and he quickly glanced at the small analog clock on the nightstand by the bed. It was late, and you were nearly in the middle of nowhere in some small town upstate about twenty miles from the location Frank had been given. There was nothing around the motel except a rundown gas station and a little twenty-four hour diner.

Frank turned his attention back to you, and his dark eyes wandered over you for a second before he met your gaze again. There was an apologetic expression on his features as he reached down to grab his duffle bag, walking over to set it down on the edge of the bed while he unzipped it and started to rustle through it.

“Here, I got some stuff you can borrow-”

“It’s okay. I can just-”

“Ain’t a big deal. I got extras of some things. Can’t promise anythin’ will fit or smell pretty.”

Frank glanced up to flash you a tiny smile as he held out a small pile of things towards you. As you reached out to take the items from him, your fingers lightly brushed against his, and you felt a spark shock through your system. Looking up at him, your lips tugged into a tight timid smile while you nodded.

“Thanks, Frank.”

Without waiting for a response, you dashed into the small bathroom for some privacy, hoping you’d be able to get yourself the fuck together.

Any attempt you were going to make to try to push that kiss from earlier out of your head was completely ruined when you began to lather his body wash in your hands to rub it into your wet skin, being careful to avoid getting any suds in your hurt hand, and comb it through your hair, since Frank was apparently a two in one kind of guy. Even though the temperature of the water was a degree short of scalding, the areas of your body that had been caressed by Frank’s large hands burned hotter.

He had touched you, really touched you, beyond the point of just trying to sell your distraction. He didn’t have to kiss you back the way he had. He could’ve just let his lips stay modestly pressed to yours until the officer walked up.

But Frank seemed to have lost himself in the kiss just as much as you had. 

So why was he acting so strange now? If he wanted that kiss as much as you did, why was he acting more reserved with you now than he ever had before? Was his perceived passion blown out of proportion by your greedy and selfish imagination? 

Or did he simply regret it?

The whirlwind of questions and convoluted doubt only got worse when you slipped his clothes on. 

His clothes.

Frank had given you a long sleeve black t-shirt that was ridiculously soft and comfortable. You had recalled seeing him wear it on several occasions. While it fit him snugly, the sleeves hung comically off your hands, and the bottom of it reached the middle of your thighs. Your eyes had momentarily widened seeing that he had given you a pair of his black briefs, but they fit you somewhat better than the sweatpants he had offered. 

It felt strangely intimate to be in Frank’s clothes. Granted, wearing someone else’s underwear is kind of intimate, but it also made you feel…comforted in an odd way. You were completely doused head to toe in the familiar scent of Frank, and that made you feel safe in a way that you had only ever felt with him.

When you stepped out of the steamy bathroom, Frank was sitting on the edge of the bed with his phone in his hand, staring down at it intently. He perked up when he heard the bathroom door creak open, and his eyes instantly snapped over to look over at you. His dark brown eyes roamed slowly over the sight of you in his clothes, and when he finally met your gaze, there was a look there you hadn’t seen before.

But it made your knees weak.

Trying to dispel the thick layer of tension in the air, you cleared your throat as you slowly walked over towards him and handed the pair of sweatpants back with a soft smile on your lips.

“I gave them my best shot.”

Frank’s eyes softened slightly and he let out a light chuckle, taking the sweats from you to place into his own lap.

“Everythin’ else work alright?”

“Yeah…yeah, um…thank you.”

“Sure. We’ll find a store first thing in the mornin’, get ya some stuff. How’s the hand?”

Frank held one of his large hands out towards you expectantly, and without even thinking, you placed your injured one on top of his.

“It’s fine. I wrapped it.”

He pushed back the sleeve past your wrist to inspect your handiwork, delicately turning your wrist from left to right to examine the placement and tightness of the layers of gauze covering your wounded palm and fingers. He made a subtle expression of pride, his dark eyes flickering up to meet yours with a nod of approval. 

“Not bad.”

“I had a good teacher.”

Frank looked up at you with slightly raised brows, and then a quirk of a smile curled at the edge of his lips when it clicked that you had learned by watching him tend to your hand last night. 

“S’pose you did.”

When Frank let go of your hand and rose from the bed, he moved to step around you, and you watched him toe off his boots by the door before starting to rummage through his duffle bag again. He had ditched his black denim jacket, and it looked like his shirt was straining against the expanse of his large back. When your eyes wandered upwards, your breath caught in your throat seeing a faint pink vertical line on the back of his neck.

The one you had left with your nails.

A surge of heat instantly spread across the tops of your cheeks, and between your thighs, as the phantom touch of Frank’s firm grasp on your waist burned once again on your skin. You had fantasized so many times about sitting on Frank’s lap and kissing him like that, but your imagination could never compare to the real thing. Your lips started to tingle again at the memory of his warm and soft lips responding eagerly to your kiss, and your ears rang loudly with the echo of his low groan that had sounded in his throat. 

You were all of a sudden painfully aware of the fact that you were getting wet in Frank’s underwear. 

You had never been so affected just from kissing someone before. Not even when you made out with a boy for the first time. Or…any boy you made out with for that matter.

Hell, Steven couldn’t even get you that worked up with his hand in your panties and detailed fucking instructions.

But Frank…Frank just drove you absolutely fucking wild.

“What happens now?”

Frank turned his head to look at you over his broad shoulder when your soft voice cut through the stillness. You could hear the faint desperation in your own voice, and you knew it heard it too. Frank never missed anything. There was a hesitancy to his features, and irresolution swimming around in his eyes, like he wasn’t sure what exactly you were referring to. 

What happens with the investigation?

What happens tomorrow?

What happens next with us, Frank?

Frank carefully turned around to face you fully, and while his face appeared neutral, there was something glowing in his eyes.

“With what?”

His words were laced with pure curiosity, but there was a coveted challenge concealed within them. You didn’t have the courage to ask the question you really wanted the answer to, and you had a feeling Frank wouldn’t answer it unless he was prompted. Even then, there was a good chance he would avoid it. A sobering thought washed over you that you might not be prepared for that answer anyway, so you decided to play it safe.

“Well…we can’t go back there, right?”

Frank’s lips pursed into a somewhat thin line. He almost looked like he was disappointed by your choice of question. His pensive eyes studied you silently for a moment before clutching that same pair of sweatpants he had offered you in his large hand and stalking off towards the bathroom.

“I’ll figure somethin’ out.”

When the door to the bathroom firmly shut, you flopped back onto the stiff mattress with a heavy sigh and closed your eyes. 

It was going to be a very long night.

These sleepovers with Frank were not going the way you had fantasized about previously at all.

»»———　　———««

Ten minutes later, Frank quietly emerged from the bathroom, and your eyes doubled in size as your jaw nearly became fully unhinged. The dark gray pair of sweatpants that he had offered you were slung dangerously low on his hips, and a delicious white sliver of the waistband of his briefs were peeking out above them. His cropped dark hair was tousled in damp curls, and droplets of warm water cascaded down the expanse of his lean and toned figure. Frank’s skin looked so smooth, like an exemplary chiseled piece of artwork carved into tan marble; a Greek god perfectly immortalized in impenetrable stone.

Your rapacious eyes were particularly interested in a droplet that was leisurely making its way down one of his deep cut v-lines, only to become absorbed by the fabric of his sweats. While you were marveling at the view of the unveiled Adonis before you, a sight abruptly caught your attention.

There was a faint pink scar above his right hip.

In an instant, you were no longer staring at him through cherry tinted lenses of desire, but with a slight pang of sadness cutting through your chest. There were numerous scars marked on Frank’s body. Some were faded, nearly blending in with his normal flesh tone, while some were opaque, a clear striking contrast of pain endured in comparison to the untainted color of skin that had never known affliction. Some were deep indentations nestled in his skin, almost to the bone, while others casually crested above the sea level of undisrupted ripples of flesh. 

“I was a Marine.”

Frank’s deep voice cutting through the silence of the motel room swiftly redirected your line of sight to his face. He had a gray tank top in his large hands, and he subtly seemed to be wringing it with a twinge of nervousness. There was an unrestrained expression of aversion in his eyes, as if he didn’t know whether to hide the evidence of an unforgiving past, or allow you to consume this rare moment of vulnerability completely.

For a moment your eyes dropped to the chain around his neck. 

The gold wedding band.

You hadn’t seen a glimpse of it since that night at the bar, when you’d caught sight of him in your guest bathroom with a few of his shirt buttons undone. You still didn’t know if it was his or if it had belonged to his wife, or what happened to her, but it was hard to look at now.

You didn’t like seeing him look so uncomfortable, so you did your best to put him at ease with a tender smile on your lips as you looked up at him in genuine understanding and grace.

“That…actually makes a lot of sense.”

Frank glanced down at the shirt in his hands for a moment, an apparition of a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth as a dry and short chuckle escaped his mouth.

“I’ll try not to take offense to that.”

The elusive, light-hearted tone of his voice made you wonder if you could try to dismantle at least one of the many walls that he seemed to have up within him. You didn’t want to pry too much, but you’d had so many questions about Frank for months, and it seemed like he was finally giving you a rare window to get a few answers.

“Is…is that where those came from?”

“Most of ‘em.”

Frank kept his gaze averted downwards on the shirt in his hand as he spoke in a hushed tone, like his admissions couldn’t be uttered above a certain decibel level. It almost appeared as though it was easier for him to be vulnerable with you if he didn’t have to look at you. 

Was he nervous to see your reaction to his rare divulgence? Or was there something lurking in the shadows of history that he couldn’t face?

Was he thinking about your lips as much as you were thinking about his?

You had to focus. You weren’t sure how grand or miniscule this window of opportunity was with Frank. This moment could be just as magnificently fleeting as a shooting star escaping across the cosmos, and if you blinked at the wrong second, you would miss it. 

This could be your one chance to finally break through those meticulously crafted barriers of his. To unravel the chains of mystery that seemed to weigh him down, and finally erase that invisible line separating him from everyone else that he never seemed to let you cross. 

But, you couldn’t push too hard. If your curiosity was too intrusive, he’d immediately shut down. If you misstepped over the delicate minefield of his own temper, you risked an explosion. It had to be the most graceful balancing act you’d ever done.

You had to treat this like the most important story of your entire career. Carefully pose the questions as innocent conversation, instead of an interrogation, and give him the space to answer as generally or as detailed as he wanted to.

Billy’s advice seemed to echo in your ears at that moment.

You gotta let him come to you.

“How long were you in the Marines?”

“Did four tours.”

When you didn’t speak for a moment, Frank finally lifted his head to meet your gaze. There was a twinkle of amusement shining in his warm brown eyes at your evident confusion, and he let out a light chuckle as a crooked smile tugged across his lips.

“All in all, little over ten years.”

A faint blush layered over the tops of your cheeks at your own ignorance. Normally when you interviewed someone, you had the benefit of being able to research them beforehand. With Frank, you were having to make up everything as you go with the extremely limited knowledge you had of him, and of his experience. You knew virtually nothing about the Marines, or the military in general, but seemed to be feeling generous in offering explanations.

“Did you enjoy it?”

“I was good at it.”

“That’s not what I asked.”

Frank glanced around the motel room for a moment, seemingly lost in his own thoughts while pondering the question that lingered between you. After a beat of silence, he sat down on the edge of the bed with a heavy exhale, just a few inches away from where you had been sitting cross-legged on the middle of the mattress, and turned his head to the left to look at you. 

“Did you always wanna be a journalist?”

Frank’s question took you by surprise. He didn’t often ask you personal questions about yourself, but you decided if you answered his questions honestly, maybe he would do the same.

“I’ve always been nosey.”

The corner of Frank’s full lips quirked up into a knowing smile, and you couldn’t help but let out a huff of air through your nose in a quiet snort.

“That don’t surprise me.”

Giving Frank a playful roll of your eyes in response to his comment, you lightly shrugged your shoulders, looking up at him with a faint smile on your lips.

“I’ve always liked story-telling. I’ve never really had the imagination to come up with my own, but I like other people’s stories, and I’ve always enjoyed writing. I thought a club would look good on my college applications, and I wasn’t very athletic or talented in anything else, so I decided to join my high school’s paper. That’s where I really fell in love with investigative journalism, which I realize sounds ridiculous given I was reporting high school ‘news’ but-”

“It ain’t ridiculous if it was important to ya.”

The sincerity in Frank’s tone coupled with the depth of his alluring gaze almost made you forget what you were talking about. It also made you suddenly aware of the fact that every time you downplayed yourself, Frank was quick to cut off your self-deprecation with a genuine sentiment. For a second, all you could do was stare into his eyes, until you decided to bare your soul in front of him.

“It was the first time I really felt like I was good at something. Like I…I had a purpose. I had something that was…mine. I could do something meaningful…something that mattered. It could be something I was proud of.”

Frank stayed silent while he soaked up the candor of your confession, like he was taking the time to commit every piece of it to memory. Sometimes you felt like he could see right through you when he stared into your eyes, and you felt incredibly small under his undivided attention. His head dipped slightly between his broad shoulders when he turned his head to stare down at his clasped hands for a moment.

“I never knew what the hell I wanted to do. I was a…bit of a troublemaker when I was a kid. My parents…they were older, ya’know? Couldn’t really do nothin’ to control me. I knew that, and took advantage of it. I was a real…”

“Asshole?”

Frank’s lips parted into a crooked smile, glancing at you out of the corner of his eye.

“I was gonna say prick. But…yeah. I was a little asshole.”

“Well thank God you grew out of that.”

Frank dropped his head slightly to stare back down at his hands again with a light chuckle. Your eyes followed his gaze, and you noticed a few scars covering his knuckles, resembling jagged designs carved into a tree trunk.

“I enlisted when I was eighteen. Thought…what the hell, ya’know? Was never any good at school or anythin’ like that…and I didn’t wanna get stuck at some…shit job. Thought it was my ticket out, ya’know? Get to travel, play with guns and tanks, that kinda shit.”

The light smile that had been on the edge of Frank’s mouth dissipated slowly, and his thick brows slowly drew closer in together while he rubbed his right thumb over the back of his left hand.

“Bein’ a Marine…it was the first time in my life I felt like I was worth a damn. Like I was really doin’ somethin’, ya’know? Somethin’ good…somethin’ important. I was good at it, damn good at it. Felt like I…like I finally found-”

“A purpose.”

Frank’s eyes flickered up to meet yours, and there seemed to be a shared expression of understanding between the two of you. You knew exactly what he meant, and he could see that reflected in your eyes.

“A purpose.”

He repeated those two words in a more quiet and contemplative voice, like he was repeating them more to himself than to you.

“So, how do you go from being a Marine to a bodyguard for a high maintenance journalist?”

“Just that goddamn lucky, I s’pose.”

The edges of Frank’s mouth twisted up into a sardonic smirk when he turned his head to look at you, and you were about to retort with a smartass comment of your own when you noticed something you hadn’t seen before.

Without even thinking, your hand reached out to trace a circular shaped scar on Frank’s left temple with your index finger. He didn’t go rigid when you touched him this time, not like he had in the truck. The smirk swiftly vanished along with the playful crinkles beside his eyes, and his full lips parted slightly while he stared at you intently as you lightly traced your finger over the mark. 

It was indented slightly, and you could feel the faint dip beneath your fingertip. The edges of it were tinted more of a blush shade, making it obvious this wound had been made more recently than some of the others adorning his skin. It almost looked like a bullet hole…and that idea had your stomach twisting into tight knots.

“What’s this one from?”

All of a sudden, Frank’s large hand wrapped around your wrist to push your hand away at the exact same time he turned he pulled his hand away from your delicate caress. His lips were now pressed in a line and that familiar hardness was back in his gaze. 

And just like that, whatever moment you two were having was clearly over. 

Frank suddenly stood from the edge of the bed and silently pulled his tank top over his head, slipping his large arms through the sleeve holes and covering his body with the dark gray fabric.

“We should call it a night.”

Frank’s voice was flat, and you felt a surge of frustration burn in your bloodstream. Every time you felt like you were getting somewhere with him, he pulled back. It was like you were constantly trying to carefully navigate your way up an unclimbable mountain, and as soon as the peak came into view, you lost your footing and fell to the bottom. 

He grabbed one of the pillows from the bed and tossed it onto the floor, and a crease of confusion settled in the middle of your forehead.

“What are you doing?”

“I’ll take the floor. You can have the bed.”

You looked down at the queen size bed you were sitting on top of, a bed of which you barely took up any space, and then looked back over at Frank, who was in the middle of making a pallet on the floor.

“Frank, you don’t have to sleep on the floor. This bed is big enough for both of us.”

“Slept in worse conditions.”

You pinched at the bridge of your nose in pure irritation at both the insensitive implications behind his remark and his unrelenting stubbornness.

“So you’ve told me, several times. Thank you, by the way, for telling me that you think sharing a bed with me is worse than whatever the hell your setup was in the military. You really know how to sweep a girl off her feet, Castle. I had no idea you were such a poet.”

Frank’s face twisted up in puzzlement and aggravation at the tone of sarcasm dripping from your clipped words.

“That ain’t what I-”

“I don’t want to hear a single complaint in the morning when you’re stiff and sore from choosing to sleep on the fucking floor.”

As you vexingly tugged back the thin and somewhat stiff quilt on top of the bed, you slid beneath it, the scratchiness of the cheap sheets against your bare legs only souring your mood even further. While you turned onto your side away from Frank and harshly smacked your hand against the button to turn off the lamp on the nightstand, he stared down at you with furrowed dark brows and a heavy frown in complete exasperation and perplexity.

“Oh for fucks-why is it always a goddamn argument with you?”

“Why are you always such an ass?”

“I’m an ass for tryin’ to be a gentleman and make sure you’re comfortable?”

Dragging your palms down your face with an irritated groan, you furiously sat up in the bed to look over at Frank with an exacerbated expression while the two of you raised your voices at each other in yet another argument.

“How are you making me uncomfortable if I’m offering, Frank? This bed is big, so big that you wouldn’t even have to breathe the same air as me. We could even put pillows down the middle just to make sure that we don’t accidentally touch in the middle of the night, because God fucking forbid-”

“Oh Jesus fuckin’ Christ, fine.”

Frank ripped the pillow off the ground and angrily tossed it onto the bed, tugging the covers back from the other side of the mattress to slip underneath angrily. He turned his head to glare at you as he harshly gestured towards himself in the bed.

“There? Happy? You gonna stop fuckin’ givin’ me shit, now?”

Returning Frank’s fuming glare with one of your own, the two of you seemed to be locked in an angry staring contest until you conceded and turned over again, dragging the unpleasant quilt up to your chin. You grit your teeth as you squeezed your eyes shut, letting out an aggravated exhale through your nose. 

As hot as your blood felt in your veins, there was also a nauseating feeling of disappointment settling in your stomach.

Frank wasn’t thinking about your lips. He wasn’t thinking about your kiss at all. If he was, it was him wishing it didn’t happen.

Maybe that was part of the reason he wanted to sleep on the floor and seemed so pissed off at you. He didn’t want to be near you. He was mad that you kissed him without his permission. 

You’d made him uncomfortable.

On the other side of the bed, Frank stared at the back of your head in the dim amber light of the room coming from the other bedside lamp. Turning his head to stare straight ahead blankly at the wall in front of him, he closed his eyes for a moment and let out a slow and heavy exhale as he grumbled a string of curses under his breath. 

After a few terse minutes of deafening silence, you could feel Frank shifting underneath the sheets, and his gravelly voice filtered in through the dense quiet.

“Look, I wasn’t tryin’ to hurt your feelin’s-”

“You didn’t-”

“Yes, I did. I wasn’t implyin’ that sharin’ a bed with you was such a bad thing, alright? I only meant I slept in worse places than on a floor, s’all.”

Frank genuinely sounded apologetic, and you felt a rush of guilt wash over you from the way you had twisted his words, jumped to conclusions, and reacted poorly. He let out another heavy sigh before speaking again.

“I just…wanted you to feel comfortable.”

The hushed tone of his voice made it sound like he was entrusting you with his deepest secret. Swallowing down your pride, you turned on your side to face Frank, looking over at him silently for a moment before letting out a soft sigh.

“Frank, you’ve never made me uncomfortable.”

He was laying on his back, his head slightly propped up against the headboard, but his face was turned towards you. He seemed to be searching your eyes for any thread of faultiness in your words that he could unravel. 

“I…I’m sorry I called you an ass.”

“You’re sorry for tellin’ me the truth?”

Frank arched one of his dark brows, and you could detect a faint smirk on the edge of his lips, even in the dim light of the room. You rolled your eyes as you laughed quietly.

“Can you just let me just apologize to you for making an ass of myself?”

Frank eyed you for a moment with a sly tug at the corner of his mouth.

“Aren’t good reporters s’posed to reserve their conclusions ‘bout somethin’ ‘til they got all the evidence?”

The low, hushed tone Frank spoke in to not disrupt the quiet peace that settled between the two of you made his voice sound sultry. That twinkle of amusement was shining in his eyes again, and you fought the grin that threatened to take over your lips.

Playful Frank was your favorite Frank.

“Are you implying that I’m not a good reporter, Mr. Castle?”

A low chuckle rumbled in Frank’s throat as he moved his right arm behind his head, closing his eyes while he turned his head to face upwards with a faint smirk on his lips.

“Considerin’ you’re trigger happy, and there’s ‘bout three guns within your reach, no. Absolutely not.”

“I am not-”

“Did you not just jump all over my ass a second ago over a misunderstandin’?”

Frank opened his eyes to look over at you, his thick dark brows raised slightly while that faint smirk remained subtly on his full lips.

Narrowing your eyes playfully, you poked your tongue against the inside of your cheek and lightly shrugged your shoulders beneath the quilt.

“Well, you gave me the conclusion that you were an ass the first day I met you, and you’ve only reinforced it since then. You also did just admit on record that you’ve been an ass since you were a kid, so.”

Another chuckle sounded from Frank as a grunt of agreeance sounded in his throat.

“I reckon you’re right ‘bout that.”

A few moments of tranquil quiet passed by between the two of you, but you were buzzing with questions on the inside. However, something he said abruptly clicked in your brain, and your eyes widened as you looked over at him.

“Frank?”

“Yeah?”

“Are there really three guns in this room?”

“Three on your side.”

Blinking a few times in dumbfoundment, your brows knit together as you stared over at him incredulously.

“What…what do you mean ‘three on my side’? How many are on your side?”

“Two, and a knife.”

“Jesus Christ, Rambo. Anything else?”

Frank let out a deep and amused chuckle at that, placing his left hand on his chest as he shifted slightly on his back to get comfortable.

“In the truck, yeah.”

“What? There’s more?”

“Go to bed.”

There was no firmness in Frank’s voice, just complete entertainment. You glanced around the dimly lit motel room cautiously, wondering where he might have placed them.

“Where are they?”

“Don’t worry ‘bout it.”

Letting out a scoff, you turned your head to look at him in minor annoyance.

“What if someone tries to break in?”

“I’ll handle it.”

You narrowed your eyes at the mirthy smirk curling on the edge of his mouth.

“What if…five people break in?”

“Highly unlikely, but both guns on my side got a clip that hold 12 rounds. You done?”

An exasperated huff left your lips as you turned to lay on your back and crossed your arms over your chest.

“Isn’t it proper safety protocol to let someone know where loaded firearms are stashed?”

“They ain’t loaded.”

“You just said-”

“The ones on my side are loaded. The ones on your side ain’t.”

“Why the hell not?”

“You said it yourself. You’re nosey, and you never even held a gun before.”

You opened your mouth to retort, but to your irritation, Frank had a point. Not that you would admit that out loud to him. 

A few minutes of silence passed by before you spoke up again.

“You could always teach me.”

Frank opened his eyes and turned his head slightly to look at you, staring at you in a mixture of interest and confusion.

“Teach you what?”

You turned back onto your side to face him and lightly shrugged your shoulders.

“How to shoot.”

It was Frank’s time to stare at you in dumbfoundment. He arched one of his thick brows while he eyed you.

“You wanna learn how to shoot?”

“I mean…people are only trying to kill me.”

Frank didn’t return the playful smile that you flashed him, and it quickly fell from your lips. This was not going to be something he was going to agree to easily. You were really going to have to fight for this one. You had to show him that you were serious.

“If you hadn’t shown up last night, those men were going to kill me, Frank. I don’t ever want to feel that helpless ever again.”

The devout honesty in your voice was unmistakable, and Frank let out a deep exhale as he turned his head to look up towards the ceiling and closed his eyes again.

“Let’s deal with this shit first, then we’ll talk.”

There was a tiny surge of victory that coursed through you at that. It wasn’t technically a yes, but it also wasn’t a flat out no. You just needed to keep proving to him that this was something you were serious about.

You wanted to bring up the kiss, but you weren’t sure how to approach it. You didn’t want to ruin the peace your playful banter had brought about with Frank, but you couldn’t leave it alone. 

Why was he so goddamn hard to read?

Why was he still being so hot and cold with you?

Even if he was still your bodyguard, the two of you were way past the point of professionalism.

“Frank?”

“Hm?”

“I…I’m sorry…if I made you uncomfortable.”

The thin material of the pillowcase rustled loudly in the quiet as Frank turned his head to look at you inquisitively, like he had no idea what you were talking about.

“Earlier…when I…kissed you.”

There wasn’t a desert on any continent as dry as your mouth right now, and your heart was pounding so relentlessly against the sturdy ivory of your ribcage, you swore he could hear it a few inches away.

The cloudy ignorance seemed to dissipate from between his brows, and his features migrated to an expression of recognition. For a moment he didn’t say anything, and it made you realize you found his silence far more unnerving than his unwanted answers.

“You didn’t.”

There was such a confidence behind those two words that it nearly knocked the breath out of your lungs. Those two little words held so many portals of possibilities.

You didn’t; it just caught me off guard.

You didn’t; everything is fine between us.

You didn’t; I wanted to taste you.

Staring over at Frank, words seemed to completely vanish from your brain. You didn’t know what to say. You had no idea how to respond to that. The intensity of his piercing gaze sent a slight shiver tumbling down your spine despite the blazing warmth you could feel radiating from his body a few inches away from you.

The amber glow from the bedside lamp lit up his eyes like the golden hour of sunlight shining through a glass of whiskey. You wanted to get lost in him again. You wanted to take your rightful place on the throne of his lap, tangle your fingers in his hair like a crown, and let him rule over the kingdom inside your body.

“Frank.”

Was the delicate whisper of his name a desperate plea, or an enticing invitation? 

It didn’t matter. All that mattered was that he answered it.

For a moment, his mesmerizing stare dropped to your lips, and you swore you saw him start to lean in-

But then at the last second, he cleared his throat and turned over onto his side away from you, moving as close to the edge of the bed on his side as he could get. Frank’s voice was rough when it reached your ears, no trace of the warm and playful tone he had used just minutes ago.

“Get some sleep.”

That hopeful ember of desire that he had ignited in you had been completely snuffed out by his own hand before the flame could even catch, and the ambient light in the motel went out along with it leaving you in dumbfoundment and darkness.

tags: @twoshields @day-dreaming-goddess @messymissy @itwasthereaminuteago @strawberry1042 @queenofthenoobs @wanda2themax @xcastawayherosx @ferns-fics @stevenknightmarc @ponyosmom35 @babygal-babygal @wellwwhynot @oldermenaremyreligion @combustiblemeow @tired-night-owl @fairykiss32 @danzer8705 @calkissed @fxckahs-blog @lemon-world1 @yeah3459 @collaps3r @polskiperson @imperihoe @v4leoftears @harperdoodle @spideyvibez @joalslibrary @cherry-berry-ollie @annalism @sorrowfulfragmentation @kdogreads @sumo-b98

[hb-writes]

It's Fine. I'm Fine.

Summary: Lenny has a fight with her boyfriend and ends up at Billy's door, but he's not home and she's without her key. Though Lenny insists she's fine by the time Billy arrives, he knows better.

Characters: Billy Russo & Lenny Falconio (OC)

Request (from 💜 anon): “Stay there. I’m on my way.” & “I could really use a hug right now.” For The Punisher or Twilight, you choose, pretty please 💜

Content Warnings: mentions of an argument with a partner. I feel like I should also note this series will eventually be a Billy x Lenny story and there's a bit of an age gap (~6/7 years) between Billy and Len in this AU.

Life As We Know It (The Punisher) Masterlist

Please take a moment to tell me what y'all think! Reviews and comments are always appreciated. 😌❤️

Anvil's second in command continued talking as Billy pulled his eyes away from the computer screen they were sharing. He glanced down at the cellphone buzzing beside him, a familiar smiling face taking up the screen. 

It was late—he had come back to the office to debrief the latest job and to do a quick run through on the strategy for tomorrow’s event, but that would have to wait now. He waved Wilkens out of the office as he swiped to accept the call. 

“Hey, Len,” Billy said, shifting the phone to his ear as Wilkens closed the door behind him. “Everything alright?”

“Are you home?”

“Not yet,” he said. “Everything alright?” 

Lenny hadn’t answered his question the first time around, and a silence stretched on in the wake of his second iteration. A subtle tension prickled through Billy’s limbs as he waited on her to answer, but if Lenny noticed, she didn’t pick up on it, too caught up in her own prickling limbs and anxious thoughts. She had no intention of speaking more than she needed to, not quite sure how to put words to all of it as she swallowed the lump settled in her throat and nodded her head. 

“Len?”

“Yeah?” she mumbled, as if she’d been lost and Billy’s voice had brought her back, as if he had tugged on some kind of tether. 

Lenny had already known Billy wasn’t home. She’d already tried the bell before calling his cell, but it was wishful thinking that somehow he was home and simply hadn’t heard her, wishful thinking that there was nothing more than a locked door and a few rooms between them now. 

“C’mon. Talk to me,” Billy said. He wouldn’t tell her she was making him nervous, making him want to pull up the app in his phone that could pinpoint her location in seconds, the app he knew she’d be pissed to learn about. “What’s going on?” 

“I…um…I…don’t have my key,” Lenny sputtered out. “I…my…we—” 

Her voice broke on the truth and she pulled the phone away from her mouth, trying to muffle the sound as she reminded herself that it was Friday night and that Billy was probably out on a date. A date that she was now interrupting.

“Where are you?” he asked. “The apartment?”

Lenny nodded again, barely conscious of the fact that she needed to actually say something. A quiet affirmation came from her mouth, barely audible on the other end of the call. Billy was already on his way out of his office, already halfway to where his car was parked out in the lot.   

“Alright, stay there. I’m on my way. Five minutes.”

Seven minutes. 

That’s how long it usually took Billy to drive home from the office at this time of night, but that was when he abided by the overabundance of red lights and the stop signs, the things he ignored entirely now as he thought of Lenny alone on his doorstep. 

Lenny could handle herself when it came down to it—Billy knew that, but there was something in her voice, something in her not being able to talk to him that had him worried. Lenny wasn’t acting her usual self. 

If she was, maybe he wouldn’t have felt so worried, so keen on propelling himself in her direction as quickly as he could. Maybe. 

But maybe not. 

Whether she was fine or not, whether she was in a relatively safe neighborhood or not, Billy didn’t love the idea of Lenny standing around outside his apartment by herself so late. It wasn’t an altogether unprecedented event, Lenny showing up at his place without her key. He could no longer count on his two hands the amount of times she’d forgotten it since he first gave it to her. 

People like Lenny were the reason people left spare keys lying around, but Billy didn’t believe in the concept of leaving a spare key under the mat. The security professional in him wouldn’t allow for it. 

He idly wondered what she’d done in the time when he was overseas, and then he thought better of dwelling—he didn’t want to know how she’d managed it, though he couldn’t imagine she’d been going all the way back to her sister’s place to pick up the other spare key he’d left with Maria.

As Billy pulled into the parking spot just in front of his apartment, he watched Lenny wipe at her eyes and take a deep breath. 

“Hey,” Billy called up the steps, taking them two at a time until he met her at the top. “Everything alright? What—”

“I’m fine,” Lenny said, her voice stronger now, back to usual. “I’m sorry I called you like that. Sam and I…we had a…disagreement and I left my stuff and—”

“C’mon, we’ll go—” Billy started, taking a step back toward his car, no hesitation given to taking the ride across the city to her boyfriend’s place to pick up anything she needed. 

“No, Bill, wait. It’s fine,” Lenny insisted, reaching out to stop him, stilling Billy there on the top step with her hand around his arm. “I’ll take care of it tomorrow. Let things cool off and I’ll go get my stuff in the morning. Really, it’s fine. I’m fine. You don’t need to do anything.” 

Billy nodded. She seemed fine, suddenly a bit chipper sounding, the only evidence of her panicked call five minutes earlier was the reddened, puffy skin around her glassy eyes. 

“You really expect me to let—”

“Let it go?” she started. “Yeah, I do. It was a…just a misunderstanding. And I started it, so just…forget it, alright? I don’t want you to do anything.” 

“Alright, alright.” Billy held up his hands in a mocking forfeit. “You don’t even want me to…unlock the door?” 

“Well, that—yeah,” Lenny scoffed, “but you don’t need to…you can go back to your...I didn’t mean to interrupt your…Friday evening.”

“Nah, it’s alright.” Billy sighed. “I was at the office, but I’m done for the night,” he said as he fit his key into the lock and reached inside to flick on the lights, allowing her to step inside first.

“You want something to eat?” he asked. “A drink?” 

Billy felt like he could use one after the rush that was the last ten minutes, even if she seemed fine now as she lowered herself into a seat at the counter.  

Lenny shook her head. Her fight with her boyfriend meant she’d missed out on dinner, but she couldn’t imagine she had the stomach for anything just now.  

Billy went to the fridge to pull out a beer for himself. “You sure?” 

Lenny nodded, wrapping her arms tight around herself as Billy withdrew from the fridge.

“And you’re sure there’s nothing I can do?” Billy set a water bottle across from her and popped the cap off his beer, taking a sip. “It’s no problem. I can have one of my guys—”

“No!” she interrupted, shaking her head. “No. I don’t want you or Frank or one of your guys or anyone anywhere near him. It’s fi—it was nothing. Just a stupid fight.”

“I see.” Billy nodded, taking another sip. “You want to talk about it?” 

Lenny gulped, taking a deep breath before shaking her head. “It’s fine. I’m alright,” she offered, “just an idiot who walked out with nothing other than my phone.”

“Well, it’s a good job you had that, at least. Otherwise you’d have had to send up the bat signal or something.” 

Lenny snorted, rolling her eyes at that though she was grateful for him making excuses for her stupidity, her carelessness. It was nothing more than luck on her part that her metro card, credit card and ID were safely tucked in the card case affixed to the back of her phone. 

“I don’t think it was that serious. It’s fine,” she finally said, reaching out for the water bottle and unscrewing the top.

Billy fixed her with his gaze while Lenny focused on reading the label on the water bottle—some fancy brand that probably cost more per bottle than the beer did. Billy took another sip of his drink before setting his bottle down on the counter. 

“Well, I’m glad you’re fine and that you don’t need anything, but I could really use a hug right now,” he said, moving around the corner to stand next to her. “Scared the shit out of me calling like that.” 

Tears pricked at Lenny’s eyes as Billy’s words washed over her.

“Billy, I’m fine,” she said, her words quiet once again, barely making their way out.

“I know, I know,” he mumbled, fitting an arm around her shoulder and pulling her into his side. “This hug’s for me, remember?” 

Billy pressed a kiss into Lenny’s hairline, readying to let her go before she shifted, wrapping her arms around him and burying her face in his chest.

—

Life As We Know It (The Punisher) Masterlist

[konkeez]

what if....

[depressedbagpipe]

"Blackbird to Robin, do you copy?" (Billy Russo x ofc)

Chapter five

Words: 3780 Warnings: owen being a creepy dude, bad writing, foul language, me not understanding how radio frequency works, ice cream??? art ignorance but not in a cute way, ACTUAL VIOLENCE AND SH00TINGS (pls read at your own risk), death and blood, explosion, me not knowing how explosions work A/N: i have never been to nyc so I'm fully relying on the met's webpage and google maps for the central park descriptions. also, sorry for the long wait, and please, AGAIN, this chapter may contain sensitive topics so please, if you don't feel comfortable enough, skip to the end. also mind you, i have never written/experienced any of this before, so let's pretend this is the best writing you've every seen. Taglist: @badasseddy, @noortsshift, @britishbassett

Series Masterlist Previous chapter <> Next chapter

Chapter five

‘Remind me how this is a good idea again?’

‘We gotta monitor everybody you come in contact with. So it’s either this or I just show up on your date and start talking to you both.’

‘Alright, alright, I get it,’ I groaned, pulling together my coat to muffle the noise. ‘Safest bet.’

‘Safest bet,’ Billy confirmed.

‘And you’re sure the mic’s hidden? And the com?’ I asked, unconsciously bringing my hand to my ear, pushing the ear com even deeper, afraid anybody could see the tiny device poking out.

I could feel Billy rolling his eyes. ‘We’ve checked a million times, Dana, everything will be fine. Do you remember our cues?’

‘Right ear, three times. One cough, and a rub on the nose,’ I recited, my eyes fixed on the white building.

‘Good girl.’

Billy was sitting down on a bench on the other side of the street, with my back to him. Thankfully, he couldn’t see my face, or else he would’ve noticed the way my skin flared up at his words.

‘What’s up with the names, anyway,’ I asked, looking around, looking for Owen. But Owen wasn’t there yet.

‘They’re cool,’ Billy replied after taking a sip of his coffee.

‘They’re lame.’

‘Well, they were our code names during the war. Maybe you’d like to complain to the Marines about it .’

‘But why birds? You guys were in the sea, you should’ve been fish,’ I sauntered.

‘Dana.’

‘Would’ve made life so much funnier. Like, “Cod, this is salmon speaking.” Have you seen Spongebob Squarepants?’

‘Dana.’

‘Literally the Fish News Anchor.’

‘Dana!’

‘What?’

‘Owen’s here.’

‘Oh shit.’

‘You sound excited.’

‘I am.’

‘Liar.’

‘Well, I’d be if you weren’t here but you can’t always get what you want,’ I waved at Owen, who made his way toward me with an excited grin on his face. My mouth was still hidden in my scarf, having the cold weather as an excuse.

‘Be careful, Robin.’

‘I’ll be, Blackbird.’

…

‘It is quite a beautiful piece, isn’t it?’

‘What do you know about modern art, Owen?’ I chuckled at him.

He was staring at the figure of what appeared to be an iron stick on white cardboard. Even the sculpture had no name, and the author was anonymous, leading me to think it had only been a joke on the museum's behalf. Owen was staring at it with a concentrated look on his face, his eyes squinted behind his rectangular-framed glasses. He was scratching his chin in deep thought, nodding his head occasionally, as if the sculpture was talking to him. 

‘Not much, but I wanted to impress you.’

‘What a pity, he can’t even make light conversation without making a fool of himself,’ Billy’s voice suddenly said in my ear. 

I laughed, despite wanting to scold him. ‘Don’t be mean.’

‘What?’ Owen looked at me again, confusion on his face. 

I widened my eyes. ‘To yourself, I mean. I don’t know much about modern sculpture either, I quite prefer impressionist paintings,’ I looked back at the iron stick, hoping Owen would fall for the quick comeback.

‘Yeah, impressionism’s cool. I like the, eh, brushes,’ he said, following after me as I moved on to another piece.

‘Brushes?’ I laughed.

‘Okay, I just told you I don’t know much about art,’ he threw his hands in the air. ‘I mean, I could have done that,’ he pointed at the painting on the wall, a few splashes of paint right in the middle.

I scoffed. ‘Yeah, but you didn’t,’ I said, enjoying the frown on his face.

‘Oh, c’mon! Even a toddler could’ve done that!’ a few people shushed him when he raised his voice.

I smiled at them in embarrassment. Billy wouldn’t have brought the attention to him like that. Why was I even thinking about Billy was out of the question.

‘That’s the point, isn’t it? It’s up to us to decide what the art is about. That’s what makes it beautiful,’ I said, almost wistful.

Those weren’t my words; they were Amelia’s. Amelia Jones, the woman who had sacrificed her life for me for twenty years without expecting anything in return. 

‘That’s bullshit,’ Owen scoffed.

‘Well, get your own painting exhibited at the MET and then we’ll talk.’

I was suddenly annoyed by him, his words leaving a stinging sensation in my heart. 

‘He’s an idiot,’ Billy’s voice was low. 

It made me shiver ever so slightly. I didn’t respond.

‘Alright, I’m sorry, I just, I guess I never really knew how to appreciate the finer arts,’ Owen suddenly spoke behind me. 

I turned around, lifting an eyebrow at him.

‘What did you do at school then?’ I tried to laugh it off, but every heartbeat only sent me further away from him. 

He shrugged. ‘Chasing pretty girls like you.’

‘Oh, for fuck’s sake, Dana, don’t fall for that,’ Billy groaned in my ear. 

I had to stifle the laugh. It was a bit much even for me.

‘You tell every girl that?’ I asked Owen, much more interested now that I had Billy’s constant commentary just to myself.

‘Just the ones I like,’ Owen winked at me.

‘Anything else up your sleeve?’ I asked again.

‘I hope not,’ Billy grumbled.

‘Many things. But I’m not gonna show all my cards just yet,’ Owen grabbed my hand as he led me down the hallway, completely ignoring the rest of the exhibition.

I didn’t like the way his skin felt on mine. It was clammy and cold, and it did nothing to prevent the icy shiver that ran up my arm. Owen must have noticed, because he smirked smugly while he kept his gaze up front.

‘Why not?’ I was desperate to release my hand from his grip, the nervousness growing by the second, but I held my front and followed him regardless.

‘How am I supposed to keep you around?’ Owen replied nonchalantly. 

‘I just know in his head it sounded so good,’ Billy noted.

I snorted. 

‘You wanna keep me around?’ I smirked at Owen, already knowing how he was going to respond.

‘Definitely,’ he tightened his grip on my hand.

I tried so hard not to wince, not out of pain, but out of discomfort. Under any other circumstance I would have laughed and gone along with his awful jokes and made excuses to continue into a second date, but every single time I tried to think about a possible future in which Owen was something more than a classmate, Billy’s head popped into my head. 

I barely noticed Owen leading me to the exit.

‘Wait, we’re leaving already?’ I frowned, looking back to the big sign next to the doors where the words ‘European Paintings’ shone as if someone was holding a light directly from above for me to follow the path to them. Grabbing our coats from the coat check, he didn’t spare a second glance at me. He drew his arm over my shoulders, and even the weight felt weird and unfamiliar.

Owen pulled me closer to him, making me stumble slightly as I stopped for a few seconds while I looked back, not ready to leave the museum, and slightly altered at his rash behavior.

‘Yeah, I think I much rather get that ice cream now.’

We passed over the big doors and into the street. A huge cloud passed over the sun as we went down the stairs onto the main street, and the smirk he sent my way suddenly turned dark. 

…

Even the ice cream tasted wrong.

‘I don’t think this is the best idea, considering the temperature,’ I reckoned, looking up at the sky, where the clouds had turned almost pitch-black.

Owen followed my gaze and shrugged, unbothered. ‘I don’t see why you can’t have ice cream in February,’ he gave a big lick to his vanilla cone, fixing his eyes on me as he did so.

I had to stop myself from physically gagging, what I knew was his attempt at flirting going all the way south. The alarms had been blaring in my head ever since we left the museum, and I didn’t know how much louder they could possibly get until I paid attention to them, or they broke on their own accord, whichever came first.

‘Well, at least it won’t melt in my hands,’ I said, using the little spoon to grab a bit of my chocolate one, anything to give me an excuse to not look at him. I winced at the cold that met my teeth. ‘Ouch.’

‘What was that?’

‘Too cold.’

‘Well, I can’t control the weather,’ he took me forcefully by my hand.

I let him lead me away, noticing how he very straightforwardly walked across the gates to Central Park. I sighed slightly in relief, for at least people were walking around with their families and friends, infusing life into the biggest park in Manhattan. I knew that, no matter how much Owen wanted to, we wouldn’t fully be alone, and it would also give Billy plenty of space to hide.

Speaking of, I hadn’t caught sight of him when we left the museum, silently praying that he would be around, no matter how infuriating his presence was. Even though I didn’t want to admit it, his company had been rubbing on me, and the weird feeling his absence left was too powerful for me to ignore. 

‘Turn back,’ Billy finally spoke in my ear.

He sounded a bit out of breath, and distant. Whatever connection we had over the ear coms, it wasn’t very strong now.

‘Why?’ I asked.

‘I don’t have powers, Dana, although that would be really cool. There is weirder stuff flying around, that’s for sure,’ Owen laughed. I had almost forgotten about whatever he said, but, once again, Owen didn’t notice the little shenanigan I was playing at.

‘There’s too much interference with the trees. Don’t let him take you to a second location,’ Billy answered pretty much at the same time.

The first thing that popped into my head was that maybe that interference could be nice. It certainly would allow me not to have Billy’s constant nagging in my ear every time Owen put his foot in his mouth. The second thing that popped into my head basically yelled at me to listen to him, and my own anxiety, and run far away from Owen, for good.

It didn’t take a genius to know what I did next. 

I only retrieved my hand from Owen’s grip when he abruptly released it. I took fast bites of my ice cream, for some reason feeling I should have both hands empty for whatever came next with him around.

‘Why don’t we sit over there?’ Owen motioned to a bench under a big oak tree, a couple of feet away from where we stood.

I frowned. ‘Sure.’

Owen tried to grab my hand once again, but I swiftly occupied it with my ice cream, if only to give me another reason not to touch him. The flavor still tasted salty on my lips, and it only seemed to grow colder the more we walked.

The bench was a bit away from the main paths of the park, but still within clear distance. I discreetly looked around, trying to find the familiar shadow that has haunted me for days, but Billy was nowhere in sight. To say that I was concerned would have been a misunderstanding. Where the hell was he?

Owen promptly sat down and patted the seat next to his. I sighed and sat down, keeping a bit of a distance from him.

‘I certainly hope it doesn’t rain,’ Owen said, causally raising his arm and putting it back behind me on the headrest.

Looking at his hand, which rested in mid-air dangerously close to my shoulder, I suppressed a shiver and faced him once again.

‘You sure this is the best place for a date? I really think it’s gonna downpour any minute,’ I said looking up at the sky.

‘Nah, it’ll be fine, babe,’ Owen inched closer. ‘Have I told you that you look beautiful today?’

The pet name left me too stunned to speak. I didn’t like how it rolled off his tongue. I didn’t like how he directed at me. 

‘No.’

‘Well, you do,’ his fingers braced my shoulder. Thankfully, the thick coat I was wearing didn’t allow the contact. 

‘Honestly, Owen, I really think I should get going,’ I started, trying to stand up.

To my surprise, Owen’s hand gripped my arm tightly and forcefully sat me down again, pressing his body closer to mine.

‘No, wait, please, I… Look, Dana, I really like you. And I told you, we work well together, and I would love it if we could be something more.’

His eyes. Something hard gripped its edges and made his gaze somewhat menacing. Though he was trying to be welcoming, his grip didn’t falter. 

It was the last warning I needed. ‘Owen… I don’t think I want that.’

He widened his eyes. ‘What?’

‘I’m sorry. You’re great, but I don’t think we should be together. We’re too different.’

He immediately got defensive. ‘Why? Because I don’t like staring at random points on a paper for hours? We don’t always have to go to museums.’

‘I know, but I still don’t think it’s a good idea. Besides, you’ve seen how little time I got. Between the master’s, and my job, and…’ I stopped myself before I could add anything else. ‘My life, in general, Owen, I’m not fit right now for a relationship. I’d much rather have you as a friend, and a classmate if you’ll have it.’

He didn’t say anything. He only kept looking at me. I was about to ask him whether he was fine or not, but then my phone rang. The tension didn’t leave my shoulders even after slowly taking it from my pockets and bringing it to my ear, without checking the caller first.

‘Hello?’

‘Are you fucking stupid?’ Billy almost barked.

‘Wow, hello to you too,’ I tried to laugh dismissively if only to stop Owen from listening to Billy’s near-shouts.

‘Where are you?’

‘Central Park.’

Owen tensed beside me.

‘I know that. Which part exactly?’

‘Nearby the Great Lawn. Why?’

I didn’t like the desperation in his tone.

‘Get out of there immediately.’

‘Why?’ I still couldn’t fight the annoyance that came with his order.

‘For fuck’s sake, Dana, just listen to me for once!’

‘Not until you tell me why? I’m tired of being thrown around like a fucking puppet!’ this time I stood up, walking a bit away from Owen. I turned my back to him as I stopped, staring into the distance, noticing the many families that were picking up their things. Small droplets fell on my hair mere seconds after. ‘Is it because of the rain?’

‘No, Dana, just get out of there. Go back to the MET and cross the street, we’ll meet there.’

‘You’re kind of freaking me out,’ I tried to laugh it off as my heart sped up.

I turn around to face Owen, only to find I was alone at the park. Owen had left.

‘Holy fucking shit, are you kidding me?’

‘What’s wrong?’ even Billy sounded anxious.

‘He’s gone.’

‘Owen?’

‘Yeah.’

‘Dana, get the fuck out of there.’

‘You bet,’ I said as I started walking back towards the MET, much to my own disappointment. I really didn’t want to be following Billy’s words, but I had nowhere to go anymore. ‘Fucking dick, you turn him down and he dips… Who the fuck does that?’

‘Hurry up.’

‘Shut up, Billy.’

‘Blackbird,’ he corrected.

‘Whatever. I’m coming, I’ll see you at the MET.’

I hang up before he could protest against it. A wave of emotions flooded my brain as I thought about the day, the initial anxiety that had kept mounting up since I woke up seemingly crashing down on me. I was angry at Owen for abandoning me, yet I was glad I didn’t have to pretend to enjoy his company anymore. Finishing the last bits of my ice cream and throwing it into a nearby trashcan, my walk didn’t last long, for a fast stream of screaming people made its way across the lawn in every single direction.

‘What?’ I muttered, looking around until my eyes caught what had had the people run for their lives.

Three figures, dressed in black from head to toe, were walking around with big riffles in their arms. Their heads were covered with ski masks, and their bodies were clad with all sorts of other weapons, just as deadly as the guns they held. They started shooting at everything that moved, the firing echoing violently in the air. 

I was suddenly paralyzed. I saw people fall to their knees as the bullets made contact with them, yet the shooters didn’t stop. They kept walking forward, using the lawn as their private hunting spot. More men came from the other side of the trees, making more people run and crash as they tried to flee the warzone. I managed to hide behind a tree, too scared to move or run. Parents were grabbing their kids in their arms, leaving their belongings behind as they all ran, trying to get away.

‘Ro..?’ Billy’s static voice was weak in my ear, either because of the interference or because of my own fear.

‘Ro… Black… py?’ he tried again.

‘Blackbird?’ I cried, pushing the earpiece even deeper, praying to whatever god he could hear me.

‘Blackbird to Robin, do you copy?’ he finally came clear, his voice in ragged breaths. I knew he was running, the possibility of running toward me both relieving and frightening.

‘Robin to Blackbird, please, help me.’

‘Where are you?’

‘Great Lawn.’

‘Shit. Can you run?’

‘I don’t want them to see me.’

‘How many are there?’ his voice sounded clearer.

‘I count six.’

‘Damnit.’

‘Blackbird?’

‘Yeah?’

‘I’m scared.’

‘I know. I’m gonna get you out of there.’

I dared peek behind my hiding spot. Even though the tree wasn’t thick enough, it still gave me enough coverage to look back at the carnage without being seen. Dead bodies littered the ground, red covering the once-green field. I felt physically sick to my stomach, and it took everything in me not to throw up right there on the spot. 

‘Almost there,’ Billy panted in my ear. ‘I’ve got my men ready, too.’

The quick movement of one of the men immediately got my attention. 

‘Robin?’

I don’t know at which point the tears started to fall, but my blurry vision was making everything worse. The man held something small over his head, but I quickly realized what it was.

‘He’s got a grenade. Shit.’

It all happened too fast. One second I was deliberately running away from my life, following the screams of people and the police sirens that had invaded the dead silence between the trees. My lungs were burning, gasping for air and begging to stop, but I forced my legs to keep going. One minute I was running, and the next I was on the ground, heat flooding my body as my head collapsed on the ground. My eyes closed on their own accord, and the ringing in my ears was the only thing I heard for a few minutes.

Everything around me was silent, although I knew it was anything but. Through my peripheral vision, I caught blurry movement, running in every direction. Blue and red lights littered the place, and the air smelled of ash and sulfur. I somehow managed to lie on my back, staring at the dark sky, where the rain had only intensified during the attack. 

‘Dana!’ a distant voice called my name, but I couldn’t answer back. 

The smoke that had circled the area was heavy on my lungs, and my erratic heartbeat only thumped louder in my ears even as I tried to get up. I felt weak and beaten down, and the side of my head felt hot and heavy. One look at my fingers after gently touching it showed the red blood that trickled down my cheek. I winced in pain, feeling returning to my body and making me realize how every movement hurt. 

‘Dana!’

Two strong hands pulled me up. I knew it was Billy, but my gaze was still so out of focus that I could only distinguish him thanks to his black robes. The urge to throw up was even bigger now, the image of the men imprinted on my brain forever. I caught sight of Billy’s gun on his hip when he gripped me by my arms.

‘Are you okay?’ his voice sounded muffled and distant.

His fingers touched the side of my head and I winced once again. I still couldn’t talk, out of shock or pain, but Billy, thankfully, quickly caught on to that.

‘We need to leave. Can you walk?’ he asked, but before I could answer, he shook his head. ‘Nevermind.’

The wind was knocked out of my lungs when he hurriedly hoisted me up into his arms, dodging the many officers and workers that were now rushing to aid the injured. Crying and yelling filled my ears. My vision was still a bit blurry, going in and out of focus, but I caught sight of the many broken people, standing around in shock with tears in their eyes.

‘Don’t look at them, look at me,’ Billy whispered in my ear.

This time I shivered. It would have been ironic, really, after spending the entire afternoon with his nasty comments in my ear. Only this time, his breath tickled the back of my neck, and the way he pressed his nose to the helix of my ear brought a warmth to my body much different from the one that the grenade had caused. And this was a warmth I wouldn’t mind experiencing every day of my life.

He occasionally glanced down at me, his eyes wrinkling at the sides with worry. It would have been a cute sight, if black spots weren’t dancing around my eyes. With every step he took, it became harder to keep them open.

‘Hold on a bit longer, Dana, we’re almost there,’ he continued. 

‘I can’t,’ it hurt to speak. I coughed at the hoarseness of my throat.

Billy’s frown became even deeper, and he secured his grip on my legs. I unconsciously rested my head on his chest, his fast heartbeat making me frown too. But it was warm, and I was too tired.

‘Billy…’

‘It’s okay. I got you.’

And then, everything went black.

Next chapter

[rachlovesactors]

My weekly reblog of this AMAZINGLY FANTASTIC VAMPIRE!BILLY FANFIC THAT I ADORE WITH MY WHOLE HEART. so you know, like, read it.

(Once Bitten) Twice Shy

Chapter Seventeen

Plot summary : Desperate to get away from your controlling family, you take a job in New York as a wealthy vampire's blood source. A million dollars awaits if you can make it through a year, but life with Billy Russo is not going to be as simple as you think.

Pairing : Billy Russo x Reader

Story Rating : R  Chapter Rating : PG

Warnings : [This is a fic for 18+ only, minors DNI] Nothing too warning worthy, just some really creepy vibes at the end. All chapters will contain mentions of blood. Please check the warnings on each chapter if you choose to follow this story. 

Word Count : 4.5k

A/N : happy fic-friday!

CHAPTER ONE | CHAPTER TWO | CHAPTER THREE | CHAPTER FOUR | CHAPTER FIVE | CHAPTER SIX | CHAPTER SEVEN | CHAPTER EIGHT | CHAPTER NINE | CHAPTER TEN | CHAPTER ELEVEN | CHAPTER TWELVE | CHAPTER THIRTEEN | CHAPTER FOURTEEN | CHAPTER FIFTEEN | CHAPTER SIXTEEN

MASTER LIST

Chapter Seventeen

You sat in silence, too paralysed by fear to think rationally. There were things you knew you should be doing, like looking out of the window and trying to figure out where you were and, perhaps more importantly, where you were going. But, really, what did it matter? You’d always known that it would come down to this, that you’d end up his prisoner and, now, you knew for certain that no one was going to save you.

Your eyes drifted to the rear window, not looking at him, not even acknowledging his existence. 

The streets of New York all looked the same at night; all bright lights and crowds of people. The only thing you could tell was that you didn’t seem to be leaving the city. Somehow that made things worse, knowing that you were still so close to Billy but you might as well have been a million miles away. 

And, suddenly, despite your situation, Billy was all you could think about. He was probably at Josie’s by now, he’d probably realised that you were gone and that he’d never see you again. He was probably so angry.

“You’ll soon get tired of giving me the silent treatment,” he stated with a confidence that made you sick to your stomach, “but I’m not going to rush you. I have patience and we have the rest of forever.”

Forcing a breath, you tried everything you could to keep a blank face and not give into the scared helplessness that was filling you. Your gaze remained focused on the window and the streets you’d been so excited to explore only a few weeks ago. 

A sense of claustrophobia took hold the moment the limo turned into an underground parking structure, darkness filling the car and making you feel more trapped than ever. Then the car stopped.

You didn’t move, didn’t even tear your eyes away from the window.

Until he reached for you.

His cold hand on yours caused you to flinch and pull away, only to find fingers tightly gripping your good wrist.

“You’re going to behave for me,” he told you, the slightest hint of annoyance seeping into his tone.

“Or what?”

You weren’t sure what came over you in that moment but you were just as surprised by your sudden snap as he was.

“Do I have to remind you what will happen to your family?” He asked, leaning closer, gripping tighter. “Or maybe I should remind you what I’m capable of...”

“You don’t scare me anymore, Mr Drake,” you answered back, his name spat from your mouth like venom despite knowing you were only making things worse. 

“Please, you should call me Justin since you’re going to be my wife,” he offered with a smile that made you feel ill. “And you should be scared of what could happen if you try to refuse me again.”

“Am I supposed to care what happens to my parents after they sold me to you?”

You didn’t expect the laugh that followed, a sound that caused the dread in your stomach to continue to build.

“And what about Irene? You still care about her, right?”

The sound of your sister’s name on his lips was almost enough to cause your heart to stop. It was a lie, it had to be. She’d been gone for years, no one knew where she was or how to find her.

“You’re lying.” You decided to call his bluff.

He let go of your arm to reach into his pocket and pull out his phone. A moment later you felt bile rise in the back of your throat at the picture he showed you. It had been years since you’d seen her, but there was no mistaking that it was your older sister. The sickening feeling only continued to increase as he started to swipe through pictures; pictures of a family, of two young children and a telltale bump on her belly.

“If you’d prefer I could take what’s owed me from her instead, along with your nephews and your unborn niece.” He put the phone away, no longer needing it to threaten you. He’d made his point.

“You’re a monster.”

He laughed again.

“Oh, darling, you have no idea.” He leaned to open the door and then gave a wave of his hand, indicating that he wanted you to move. “It’s up to you whether we do this the easy way or the hard way.”

For a few seconds you remained completely still, defiant.

Then you moved.

What choice did you have? You knew he could bend you to his will if he wanted to, you knew he could hurt you and those closest to you. More than that, you knew that you were completely alone. No one was going to look for you. No one was coming to your rescue.

“Good choice,” you heard him mutter as he followed you out of the limo.

You bristled at the touch of his hand against your lower back, guiding you towards the elevator but you moved regardless, knowing better than to think you could outrun a vampire in the gloomy parking lot.

The elevator doors slid shut, trapping you with him and his driver, watching as he swiped a key card for the penthouse floor. Your heart lurched along with the elevator and, despite wanting to remain steely and unphased by the situation, you found yourself pulling your arms across your chest.

It was only then that you realised your suitcase was nowhere to be seen. Try as you might, you couldn’t remember what had happened to it. It had been with you when you left Josie’s but then you’d walked into Krista and -

And after that, everything was hazy.

“Where are my things?” You asked. “I had a suitcase.”

“Gone. You don’t need it,” he answered.

Your chest tightened, squeezing out a breath. Your eyes fixed forward, unblinking, not wanting to show him how upset you were. You weren’t bothered about your things, about your purse or phone, but your heart was breaking over the stuffed beagle that meant so much to you, the last little piece of Billy that you had.

“I want it,” you demanded defiantly. 

“Why?” He asked, a hint of annoyance in his voice.

“Because it’s mine. If you want me to stay here and not cause problems, then you need to find it.” You glared at him as he spoke, as if there was really anything you could do to hurt him. 

He seemed disinterested but shrugged before giving his driver a glance. The man nodded, understanding his orders without a word even passing between them. Though, by now, you knew it was probably too late. You’d probably never see Bill the Beagle again.

As he led you into the penthouse suite, his driver disappeared back into the elevator, but you weren’t so naive as to think that you were alone with him. He’d have his goons somewhere near, in case he needed them. If you wanted to even think about trying to get away from him again, you were going to have to bide your time.

Your stomach dropped when you were led into a bedroom. You lingered in the doorway, leaving as much space between you and him as you could and, of course, he noticed.

“There’s no need to be shy,” he told you, barely holding back a smirk.

“I’m not being shy,” you answered back. 

His gaze darkened.

“I can’t say that I like this new attitude you seem to have developed. I can see now why William Russo had to resort to physical means to keep you in line,” he stated, gesturing at your broken arm.

“You don’t know anything about Billy,” you snapped through gritted teeth.

“Oh, Billy is it?” He asked, looking at you like he could look right through you, like he could tell every little thought in your head, and he didn’t like what he saw. “Got close to him, did you?”

You felt your cheeks start to burn while your hands clenched to fists at your side, and he noticed it all.

“More than that?” He asked, though he didn’t need to hear an answer. “You’re lucky I’m not a jealous man, otherwise I might have taken it out on poor dear Billy. But, then, why should I be jealous of a vampire who likes to play with his food?” 

“You know nothing about it or him.”

“Oh, I know plenty,” he answered back. “Enough to know that he’ll have a new girl in his employ, bleeding for him by the end of the week and probably in his bed just as quick, just like he replaced your friend Krista...”

You shook your head, insolent, even though some part of you wondered if he was right. Perhaps Lissa had already put out an advertisement for your replacement.

But you weren’t given time to linger on the thought. He closed the distance between you, his cold fingers grasping your chin, turning your head one way and then the other as he inspected your neck.

“Did he bite you?” He asked and you stayed silent, so he resorted to threats. “Do I have to strip you and check for myself?”

The threat was enough to break you. “No. He didn’t bite me.”

“Good. Now get changed out of those clothes, so we can have supper and discuss our future together.” A wave of his hand led your gaze to an outfit that had been set out for you on the bed.

----------------

“Why didn’t she tell me?” Billy asked as if he thought Karen might have some magic answer to explain everything that was going on.

She’d explained about Madani, about the questions the Homeland agent had about Billy, as well as the warning that she’d offered outside the hospital. But she only knew what you had shared with her and the little that Madani had been willing to say, and it wasn’t a lot. 

And it certainly wasn’t enough for Billy.

“I don’t know, I guess because she didn’t believe it, she didn’t think it was worth worrying you with it,” Karen offered, lifting her glass and taking a slow drink.

Billy and Frank had asked around, hoping someone had seen you while Karen called Madani, but the most they got was from a drunk who thought you might have gotten into a limousine with friends. By the time they sat to wait for the Homeland agent, Billy was crawling out of his skin.

“And you’re sure she didn’t believe it?” He asked, again trying to get an answer that he knew Karen couldn’t possibly know.

“Well, she saw Krista, didn’t she?” Frank offered. “Hard to think you killed someone who’s still walkin’ around.”

“But, what if -” he started and stopped as Karen dared to reach across the table, placing a hand on his arm.

“Billy, she didn’t leave because she thought you’d done something wrong,” she offered.

“No, she left because I’m like... this...”

Frank bristled at his side but didn’t say anything, though Karen could tell just how much effort it took for him to bite his tongue. She’d seen them have that argument before, and she’d been the one left to console Frank afterwards.

“We’ll find her, Billy,” Karen tried again, pulling back her hand.

“I just -” he started but stopped the moment he noticed a woman in a suit approaching them, eyeing him with very obvious suspicion.

Karen’s eyes followed Billy’s, and she quickly stood up.

“Agent Madani.”

“Ms Page,” she greeted Karen before uncomfortably eyeing Billy and Frank.

“Something’s happened and we need your help,” Karen tried to explain, waving a hand, trying to get Madani to sit. 

Between the three of them, they explained what had happened as far as they knew, up to the point where they found your suitcase on the sidewalk. An uncomfortable silence fell while Madani took it all in.

“How can you be sure she didn’t just abandon it?” Madani asked, glancing at the case.

“She wouldn’t do that,” Billy answered, his hand resting on the stuffed beagle. “Why would she leave her phone and purse?”

Madani looked at him for a few moments, saying nothing.

“And how do I know that any of this is true?” She finally asked. “How do I know that this isn’t some elaborate ruse? How do I know she isn’t dead somewhere and all of this is to stop me from asking questions later on?”

“I didn’t kill her. I haven’t killed anyone. I -” Billy started to snap.

“Bill,” Frank warned, silencing him.

“You’ve got a badge, right?” Karen asked. “The store across the street has got a security camera pointed at the street, you can take a look at the last hour and see if we’re telling the truth or not.”

Frank struggled to fight back a grin, nudging Karen with his elbow, impressed with her. Madani on the other hand, seemed a little less enthusiastic. 

“It’s not that simple, I’d need a warrant, and -”

“We don’t have time -” Karen started.

“Fuck this,” Billy muttered, getting to his feet.

Frank followed suit. “What’re you doin’, Bill?” 

“I’m going to get the security footage myself,” he answered.

“Hey, if you think I’m going to sit back while you commit a crime -” Madani was on her feet a second later.

“The more time we waste, the harder it’s going to be to find her,” Billy snapped. “And I’m not going to lose her. You can either help or you can stay out of my way, but I’m warning you, Agent Madani, I’m not someone you want as an enemy.”

Without another word, he started towards the door, Madani and Frank following after while Karen opted to hang back with your suitcase.

Billy made his way across the street, not caring if he was followed; he was determined to find out what happened, with or without help. With the way he was feeling, he’d tear the store owner apart if he even tried to get in his way. And Frank seemed to realise that. It was why he didn’t let Billy get more than a few feet ahead of him.

And Madani followed because she was almost hoping that he’d do something to prove her right about him.

“How we doin’ this then?” Frank asked just outside the little corner store, stopping Billy in his tracks. 

“That’s up to Agent Madani,” Billy answered, glaring at the Homeland agent.

For a few seconds she looked at the two vampires, hating that she was being put on the spot but realising that there was nothing that she could do to stop them from looking at the footage one way or another.

“Fine, wait here,” she answered, as she moved to step past Billy.

“What? If you think I’m -” Billy was silenced by Frank’s hand on his shoulder.

Madani waited for a beat before entering the store alone.

The bell over the door chimed, signalling her arrival to the young guy behind the counter who looked up from his phone for a split-second before dropping his gaze again. Madani strode towards the counter, reaching into her jacket for her badge and ID. For a few seconds she didn’t say anything, instead she listened to the faint sounds coming from the assistant's phone.

‘If vampire’s keep taking all the wealth and making it so honest, hard working humans can’t find a decent job that pays a decent wage -”

She cleared her throat, having heard all she needed to. Anti-vampire sentiment was still widespread and there were plenty of online commentators willing to try to make a quick buck from it, and in this situation, it was something she could use to her advantage.

“Agent Madani, Homeland Security,” she stated. The kid looked ready to shit himself at the sight of her badge. “I’m going to need to see the CCTV footage from the front of the store for the last couple of hours.”

“I -” for a moment he struggled to find the words, “- I think I’d need to ask my boss.”

“Is he here right now?”

“No, he lives in Jersey...”

Madani let out a sigh, letting the kid see her frustration.

“Listen, I’ll level with you, I’m tracking a dangerous vampire,” she told him and saw a flicker of anger on his face. “I think they’ve hurt a lot of people, a lot of young women about your age...”

“Fucking bloodsuckers,” he muttered.

“If I could see that footage, I might be able to catch him and, if I do...” she shrugged, “well, there’d be nothing to stop you from posting the whole thing online. I hear you can make a lot of money with stuff like this.”

Madani could practically see dollar signs lighting up behind his eyes. At any other time it might have bothered her just how easily influenced the kid was, but time was of the essence and she needed to know if Russo was lying to her. 

“Yeah, okay,” the kid relented, “it’s in the back here.” 

He gave a quick glance around the store, making sure it was still empty before showing her into the backroom. The set up was hardly state of the art, but it was easy enough to use - in fact, she’d used several similar systems in the past, so it didn’t take her long to scrub through the video and find the exact moment that you left Josie’s. The picture quality wasn’t brilliant and the poor lighting on the street didn’t help, but you were easy enough to spot with your suitcase.

Madani watched as someone deliberately stepped into your path before taking you by the arm and leading you towards a waiting limousine. She managed to get half of the licence plate of the limo and snapped a quick photo of the blurry figure with her phone while the kid’s back was turned, then she stood.

“Is it on there?” He asked.

“No,” she answered, forcing another sigh, “looks like the bastard managed to slip by just out of range of the camera.”

His disappointment was palpable.

“But that isn’t to say that he won’t come back,” Madani offered, “so it’d be best if you didn’t mention this to anyone, otherwise you might spook him and... well, I wouldn’t want to see you charged with obstruction after you’ve been so helpful.” 

He nodded and she didn’t waste any time in making her excuses to get out of there.

Billy was pacing by the time she stepped back outside, both men seemed to be engaged in a heated debate about something, and it looked as though Russo was on the losing end of it.

“All I’m sayin’ is -”

“What did you find out?” Billy asked, ignoring Frank and quickly refocusing all of his attention on Madani.

“I’m not sure,” Madani stated, pulling out her phone, “she left the bar and someone met her outside before leading her to a limousine. There wasn’t a struggle but... something didn’t seem right...”

“You think someone was compellin’ her?” Frank asked.

“Maybe. I can’t be sure. I got a partial plate and I’m going to call in some favours to run it, see if I can figure out who owns the limo and where it went,” Madani explained before holding up her phone to the men, showing the blurry image she’d captured. “But, while we wait, we should try to figure out who this is.”

“Fuck,” Billy grit out almost instantly.

“Goddamnit,” Frank let out a second later.

“Well, that was quicker than expected. Care to fill me in?” Madani asked.

“I knew I should’ve killed her,” Billy muttered, forcing an uneven breath, struggling to stay in control of himself.

“It’s Krista Dumont, alive and well, and still pissin’ everyone off,” Frank answered, though his gaze stayed on Billy. “You went lookin’ for her, right, Bill? Know where she might be now?”

“Yeah, I know where she lives,” Billy answered, his attention quickly turning to Madani. “You wanted to know what happened to my previous employees, right? Well, you’re about to find out.”

Without another word, he started moving back towards where he’d left his car. Frank and Madani quickly followed after, the latter on her phone calling in those favours to try and track down the limo.

----------------

You were finally left alone to change, though you spent at least five minutes searching the room, looking for anything that might help you escape. As much as you’d felt resigned to this eventuality, just being around him again had panic and dread gnawing at your insides. You had to get away.

The first thing you did was check the windows, despite already knowing that you were too high up to even consider it an option. In fact, the penthouse suite was so high up that the people on the street below seemed like ants.

Next thing you checked was the room’s phone by lifting it to your ear. No dial tone. No cord connecting it to the wall. If you could get a cord from one of the other phones in the suite, you might be able to call for help. You filled away the thought for later. 

Then you checked the drawers and the wardrobe, feeling sick to your stomach when you found several outfits that were obviously for you. They looked like the sort of clothes your mother would have picked for you and not at all like the outfits you’d enjoyed wearing over the last six months. Even the dress he’d laid out on the bed for you felt uncomfortably conservative - though you supposed you should be glad he wanted you to dress that way.

Shaking your head you tried to force the thought away and concentrate on finding things that might be helpful. 

Wooden hangers could perhaps be turned into weapons but... well, that was a line you didn’t want to think about crossing until you really had to.

“Dinner is here,” you heard his voice from behind the door. “Unless you want me to come in there and dress you myself, I suggest you hurry up.” 

As much as you wanted to be stubborn, as much as you wanted to cause him as much trouble as possible, the sorry fact of the matter was that you were scared. And you had every reason to be scared. So, you gave up your search and quickly changed into the clothes that he had left for you and stepped out into the suite.

The main room was lit by lamps, creating a romantic glow that made you feel sick.

Instead of looking at him and the table, you glanced around the room, taking note of where the phone was and how close the door was. But your host seemed to realise what you were doing.

“Sit,” he ordered, pulling out a chair at the table.

You made a point of walking around him and taking a different seat.

“You’re starting to test my patience,” he remarked, taking his own seat. 

“Already?” You remarked off-handedly, reminding him of the comment he’d made not two hours ago in the limo.

“Did Billy Russo let you talk back like this?”

“He never gave me a reason to,” you answered without hesitation, despite knowing it wasn’t strictly true.

He gave a grunt of irritation before uncovering your food. You looked down at the plate, your lips curling at the sight; tuna steak and salad. While he started to eat, you simply stared down at the plate. Even though you knew you’d never see him again, let alone bleed for him, the thought of eating anything from his list of prohibited foods. It took Justin Drake  a minute to realise that you weren’t eating, and then came the frustrated sigh.

“Are you going to fight me on everything?” He asked.

“I don’t eat tuna.”

“Since when?”

“Since I decided I don’t like it.”

“Then eat the salad,” he snapped.

You took small consolation in the fact that you were already getting to him, showing him that you were going to be far more trouble than you were worth but, again, you knew better than to push too far too soon. He could hurt you. He would hurt you if he felt like it. 

Reluctantly, you began to pick at the salad with your fork, silently wondering if you’d be able to sneak any of the cutlery away from the table.

You ate in silence, neither speaking until you were both done. He’d poured you a glass of wine, but it had been left mostly untouched and, thankfully, he hadn’t thought to order dessert.

“Tomorrow we’ll be travelling home,” he informed you. “The wedding is being arranged as we speak and, by this time next week, you’ll be my wife, so you should rid yourself of any childish notions of escaping or denying me.”

“I won’t marry you.”

“Yes you will.”

“Why? Why any of this? Why me?” You asked, anger quickly starting to bubble over. “I’ll never stop fighting you, I’ll never be yours. How is any of this worth it to you?”

He just laughed at that, sitting back in his chair and lifting his wine glass to his lips, taking a slow drink before even thinking to answer you.

“Because it’s fate.”

“What?” Had you heard him correctly? Had he called it fate?

“It was never about the money - that was just to keep your parents in line - it’s always been about you, my sweet girl.” He continued to smile as your skin started to crawl. “I knew I had to have you the first time I set eyes on you.”

Your stomach continued to churn and tie itself in knots as you thought how long ago that must have been.

“Why?” You dared to ask even though you were terrified of how he might answer.

“You look just like your great-great-great-grandmother.” He paused as if he was expecting you to say something but the shock had rendered you silent. “She was like you, she refused me what should have been mine, and she paid the price.”

It felt like your blood had turned to ice in your veins, not sure exactly what he was telling you, but not wanting to ask for clarification either. You remained silent, wondering how long he’d been tormenting your family like this and if you were the first to find yourself in this situation with him. 

“I always regretted it, once she was gone I mean. I should have handled things differently, but I was young back then, barely past my first century...” he sounded almost wistful, like he was recounting a fond memory. “But then I found you. And I won’t make the same mistake twice. You will bend to my will. You will be my wife in every sense of the word and, when you’ve finally accepted your place at my side, I will give you the greatest gift imaginable.”

You didn’t have to ask to know what he was implying.

“No,” your head shook. “I don’t want to be a vampire.”

“My sweet girl, what makes you think you have a choice?”

End Note : ... I'm not even sorry about ending it like that, I'm having too much fun getting things ready for the final confrontation. I think that there's probably only two more chapters left of this one now (depending on how carried away I get with the next part), so I hope you all enjoy what I've got planned. Also I'm sorry I picked that name for the bad guy...

As ever, thank you so much for reading/liking/reblogging/screaming at me in the comments! Have a great weekend!!

Let me know if you'd like to be tagged in future chapters! If tagging doesn't work for some reason (aka Tumblr being dumb) I post most Fridays around 7:30 gmt.

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