pairing: bob reynolds x thunderbolt!gn!reader
summary: you’re benched with a broken ankle, stuck in the tower while the rest of the team is out on a mission. the only one left behind with you is bob. what starts as awkward company and bob acting like your nurse slowly turns into something deeper, safe, and comforting.
word count: 5.8k
warning(s): light thunderbolts* spoilers, angst, fluff, brief nightmare , implied trauma, mentions of the void and past trauma related to him, injury (broken ankle), mutual pining, emotional vulnerability, awkwardness, reader likes to read (lol)
a/n: finally wrote for my sweet boy! yelena fic is prob coming next... i really hope you enjoy :) and if you do, please feel free to like, comment, or reblog! <3 also, requests are open!
chihiro - billie eilish
you hated it. sitting on the sofa, wrapped up in a blanket, leg propped up on a pillow. you felt guilty for feeling so comfy. you felt lazy. like you were wasting time.
you had broken your ankle, and found yourself in a boot, unable to walk. so of course, you were forced to sit out of a mission.
bob, who was used to staying back, was clearly excited to have some company for once. he didn't admit to it, but it was obvious. the tower always felt so cold and lonely to him when the team was gone. he always tried to distract himself with books and chores, but none of it compared to having you there with him.
now, he seemed to be glued to your side, staying near you on the couch. still shy, still quiet, still careful not to hover too obviously. he didn’t say much, only asked how your pain was doing or what you needed. every now and then he'd glance over at you, like he was checking to make sure you were still okay. he was acting a little like your nurse. it was sweet.
"do you, uh… need some water or anything?" he looked at you for only a second, before directing his gaze back to the tv. his voice was quiet and hesitant.
you looked up for your book and smiled. "no, i'm fine. thank you though, bobby."
bobby.
he originally hated the nickname when walker called him that. but when you started using it… he grew to love it. maybe he just didn't like walker.
he didn’t respond, and just gave a tiny nod, the corner of his mouth twitching like he was trying not to smile.
you adjusted your blanket again and looked back down at the book in your lap. it was your favorite, one you'd read a million times. but this time, you found yourself rereading the same lines over in your head… your thoughts kept wandering. to your ankle. to the mission the others were on. and to him. quiet, careful, sweet bob, sitting beside you like your own personal shadow.
he watched you like you were something fragile. something important. it made you feel… safe. which was ironic, considering the darkness that everyone knew was hidden inside him.
the void.
he sat there, still as ever, arms folded loosely in his lap. he glanced over at the book that seemed to be stealing all of your attention.
his voice was quiet again, cracking a little at the end. “what book, uhm— what book are you reading?”
you looked up and closed it gently, turning it to show him the cover. “it’s my favorite.”
he blinked, leaning in a little. “really?”
you nodded, watching the way he scanned the cover. he seemed interested in it. he was interested in it because you liked it.
"do you wanna borrow it?" you asked, not sure if he would want to.
his eyes lifted from the cover to your face, surprised.
"are you sure? i don't want to take it if you're reading it…" he rubbed the back of his neck shyly.
"i've read it a dozen times. take it. i think you'd like it." you smiled as he finally accepted it, holding it in his lap like it was something precious.
you don’t remember much after that. you must’ve dozed off, giving into the sense of comfort and safety you were feeling.
what you do remember is the nightmare you had. it was painful, full of the memories and wounds that had been reopened when you went into the void about a year before.
when you blinked awake, you were sitting up, sweating and panicked. the room was dimmer now. it had likely only been a few hours.
and bob was still there. he was already leaning forward, not crowding you, just close enough that you could see the worry in his face.
"you okay?" he asked gently, scanning your face for any answers.
you swallowed hard, finally catching your breath. you wanted to say yes. you wanted to pretend it was nothing.
“nightmare?” he asked before you could speak, "i get those too."
you nodded slowly. “yeah. probably the painkillers.” you let out a half-hearted chuckle.
he hesitated for a second, then reached out, lightly brushing your hand where it lay on your lap.
“can i…?”
you didn’t know what exactly he was offering but you nodded anyway. he carefully took your hand in both of his. his palms were warm. steady.
"sometimes just knowing you're not alone can help." he smiled softly.
for a moment, comfortable silence stretched between you. then he gave a small, awkward laugh, pulling away slightly.
“sorry. i’m... probably making this worse, huh?”
you shook your head, managing a tired smile. “no, it’s… nice. thanks, bobby.”
he looked down at your hands, squeezing gently. “nightmares suck.”
“yeah,” you whispered, “but having you here is making it a little less… bad.” you giggled quietly.
he glanced up, eyes soft. “i’m glad i could help.”
you took a deep breath, letting the tension ease out of your shoulders. your eye caught sight of the book, sitting behind him on the couch.
“so,” you gestured to it, trying to lighten the mood, “have you started reading it?"
he looked surprised, then grinned sheepishly, letting go of your hands to grab it. “i, uh, already finished it." he held it out to you.
you blinked in shock, taking it, "finished it?" you opened the book, flipping through the pages.
bob had left pieces of post-its on almost every page, full of handwritten notes. you stared at them in a stunned silence for a second, then let out a soft laugh. “you annotated it?” you asked, shocked... but touched.
he looked flustered, cheeks turning just a little pink. “i—yeah. sorry, i should’ve asked first. i just… i kept thinking about how you loved it so much, and i wanted to understand why… i wanted to remember what stood out. i’ll take them out if—”
“no,” you interrupted, clutching the book a little closer. “don’t. i think i love it even more now.”
he blinked, clearly surprised by your reaction. then smiled, just barely.
for the first time in a while, you both felt comfortable and safe. with each other.
thanks so much for reading <3 as always, requests are open
summary- You and Bob finally spend some time together one morning, but you find yourself rushing to defend him when he gets overwhelmed and people aren’t kind to him.
word count- 1,691
tags- THUNDERBOLTS* SPOILERS, fluff, pining, just a little language, hand holding, stranger being rude to bob :(
notes- the thunderbolts live in the watchtower (previously the avengers towers) because that’s what the post credit scene made it seem like and if I’m wrong I don’t care because I love the idea of them all being roomies :)
Although things hadn’t gone as expected, they are plenty of perks that come with being the New Avengers. The group hangs out together in the Watchtower all the time, none of you have to hide in the shadows anymore, and all the other accompanying “hero” perks. Helping the city by reversing the Void damage thrust the Thunderbolts into the spotlight, which typically just meant being waved to on the streets, and a lot of being told “your money’s no good here” with a big smile when you go out to eat.
Although the group fights a lot, there’s an unspoken understanding that you’re a real team now. More and more often the bickering is playful rather than actually malicious. At risk of sounding sentimental, real bonds are being made. Of course none of you would ever admit that out loud. Except maybe Alexei.
Bob’s enjoying his new life, too. Probably. You assume. He’s still a quiet guy, and sometimes he opts to stay in and read when you all go out for lunch or something. He’s still working through a lot, but everyone else is too, so you know to give him space. It’s clear to all of you that he’s slowly getting a bit more comfortable here with every passing day.
One cold morning, while everyone is sleeping in, you hear rustling and muttering in the other room. You throw on a robe and silently walk into the other room to investigate. Bob’s on the ground picking a bunch of papers up, and he whips his head around when he hears your footsteps.
“Sorry, I accidentally knocked all of Bucky’s things over. I’ve got it”, he says as you sit down next to him and help anyway. For a split second your fingers brush, but he pulls away, almost instinctively. You’d noticed that physical touch in general didn’t seem to bother him that much, but little soft moments like that make him nervous.
He’s gotten a bit of a handle on accidentally showing people memories they didn’t want to see, but maybe he’s nervous that he’d do it again without meaning to.
“Hey, have you had anything to eat yet?”, you say quietly, trying not to wake anyone else up. He shakes his head.
“Do you want to get something? There’s a coffee place I go to a lot. They have little pastries and stuff, too, if any of that sounds appetizing...”
He thinks about it for a second, and then smiles and nods. “Yeah. Okay.”
Inside the coffee shop, it’s cozy and warm. You take off your large sweater, and your phone falls out of the pocket and onto the floor, and both you and Bob reach down for it at the same time. Your hands brush again and he nervously pulls away again. You lean in a little closer and speak quietly. “Bob if you’re worried about-”
“No no, I’m not- it’s not that. That’s under control. I’m just… it’s nothing”. He’s clearly having trouble expressing himself, and he doesn’t seem to want to, so you shake your head and smile politely.
“Hey man, don’t worry about it.” You get a smile in return, which is always nice to see. Bob has a nice smile. It’s so sweet and warm… you can’t deny it any longer. Bob is really cute.
He felt the same way about you, but he’s way too scared to tell you something like that. He’s already jittery enough every time your hands touch…
He really likes being around you. He’s just too shy to ask you to spend time with him, so he’s thrilled that you asked him.
You start to order your usual drink, and Bob gets in the line next to you. The girl taking your order remembers you from the last time you were there, so you talk to her for a little. She’s really sweet! The guy taking Bob’s order is not.
You go to the station with the straws and napkins, and you quietly watch Bob try to order. You realize you didn’t really ask him if he was ready to order, and now he’s at the front of this line trying to figure out what he wants. Bob’s starting to stammer a little and this barista guy is cutting him no slack.
“I’m sorry I don’t know what I’m going to get, I’m thinking…”
“Sounds like something you should’ve figured out before you got to the front of the line”, he says, scoffing a little.
“Yeah you’re right, it was just really fast and-” Bob looks down and shuffles his feet a bit.
“You know there’s people behind you.”
“I know, I’m sorry, I’m just… um…” Bob trails off, and you can tell that the idea of holding up the line and making all these people wait for him is only making this worse. He’s nervously laughing to try to keep it light, but you can also see him fiddling with the ends of his sleeves while squinting to read the small writing on the menu. You feel your heart break a little just watching him.
“Dude if you seriously can’t figure it out maybe you could get out of line”
Just as Bob is about to step away, you decide you’re not going to watch this anymore and you step up next to him.
“Hey do you know who the hell you’re talking to?”, you say in a hushed, almost professional tone with your arms crossed. “You’re talking to someone who helped save everyone here like a month ago.”
The guy’s eyes widen with realization. “I am so sorry, I forgot, you’re those guys. I was out of town but I saw you on the news-”
“Yeah that’s us. But that doesn’t even matter, you shouldn’t be treating any of your customers like this. Do you do this to everyone? Does your manager know that? Sorry not everyone can read that crazy small print on your menu-”
You continue for a little while, and Bob takes a tiny step backwards so he can be out of your way. This is a side to you that Bob hadn’t really seen. Sure, you bicker with Walker and Ava all the time, and he’s seen how well you can fight of course, (you even had to briefly fight him that one time), but in your everyday lives, you’re always so kind and patient with him. You’re nice to people who come up to you on the street and ask for a picture, and you’re nice to strangers who are rude to you, and you’re nice to the Thunderbolts most of the time, so it’s weird for Bob to see you actually go off on someone like that… and it’s all to defend him?? Strangely, it’s one of the sweetest things someone’s done for him in a while.
“- and you’re lucky I’m speaking quietly. I could be a whole lot louder and I could make a big scene but for your sake I’ll-” but you stop talking when you hear Bob clear his throat.
“I think I know what I want to order now”
“Go ahead”, you say with a little smile as you step out of the way. Bob tells his order to the terrified young man who keeps looking at you like he’s expecting you to lunge at him.
Another barista, who doesn’t realize what just happened, recognizes the two of you and walks up to let you know that it’s all on the house. It’s hard for you and Bob to keep from giggling just a little bit.
After you get your drinks and the muffin Bob ordered, you step back outside and start walking down the street together, enjoying your food and drinks.
“Thanks. You really didn’t have to do all that. I wasn’t ready, I should’ve been ready before I got up there.”
“No, no don’t worry about that. That’s my fault, I didn’t give you any time to read the menu and figure out what you wanted. Besides, that guy was just rude. That’ll teach him to mess with the New Avengers, am I right?” and Bob chuckles quietly.
“Yeah, I don’t really know if I deserve any credit for helping save everyone when I kinda caused all of that in the first place…”
“Hey, you know that’s not your fault”, you say in a softer tone. “You didn’t do any of that on purpose”
“Yeah I know.”
A car then loudly backfires, startling both of you. Bob stops walking and grabs your hand. When he sees that it’s fine and nothing’s wrong, he’s a little embarrassed.
“Sorry I didn’t…” Bob smiles at you awkwardly and trails off. He’s about to let go when you shake your head and gently squeeze his hand. “I’m always a bit jumpy, too, don’t worry about it.”
The two of you continue walking, and you notice that he’s not letting go of your hand, now that he knows you’re fine with it. Maybe he would’ve done that a while ago if he knew you wouldn’t mind…
You walk in very comfortable silence all the way back to the tower, refusing to let go of one another’s hands. Bob feels like he can’t. Like if he let go it might never happen again. He does decide to break the silence, though.
“Y/n, I had a good time” he says as he takes another big sip of his iced coffee. “Thanks for asking me to go out with you. Well, not like go out with you but you know like, coffee and this walk and stuff”.
“Well thank you for joining me. We should do this more”, you say, smiling warmly at him. Just then, you reach the tower. Walker’s heading out, and Bucky’s right behind him. The two of you immediately let go of each other’s hands, but Walker looks at you both a little funny. “Hey guys…”
“Hey”, you say in unison, acting natural as you walk into the elevator and start to laugh a little once the doors close.
“No Bucky I swear they were holding hands. It was so weird”
A/N: it came to me in a dream. and i’m serious about that. and (spoilers) hangman is an orange cat like you cannot convince me otherwise.
Pairings: Dagger Squad x GN!Reader
Jake “Hangman” Seresin
Tabby (Cat)
jake is most definitely a sassy orange tabby with a soft spot for back scratches. he’s hot and cold but the second you so much as touch him, he’s purring like it’s nobody’s business. until he decides he’s had enough and suddenly you’re rough-housing instead of napping. the most chaotic dagger imo. always on edge and very sweet when it counts. and he’s also definitely one of those elusive indoor-outdoor cats who comes (mostly around mealtime) and goes as he pleases. but the cuddles get real serious real fast. he’ll be laid up on your stomach talking philosophy in the blink of an eye. who even brought up organized religion? he could listen to you talk all night, the soft hum against his temple as it lulls him to sleep.
Bradley “Rooster” Bradshaw
Great Dane (Dog)
gorgeous, loyal, empathetic, codependent, and huge. seriously, built for beauty pageants but the most fun-loving and silly man you could ask for. and always attached to you at the hip. incredibly needy and so so majestic to look at. who’s complaining. very good at reading people and forms his opinions very quickly (first impressions matter with this one). literally so energetic like you already went on a run and did a workout and you still wanna do a sunset hike? what can he say, he’s gotta stretch those long legs somehow!!! humongous but still a lap dog somehow. if you sit for one second, he’s on you like velcro. matter of fact, you don’t even have to be sitting, he’s stuck to you anywhere anytime.
Javy “Coyote” Machado
Belgian Malinois (Dog)
despite the low hanging fruit of his callsign, i genuinely believe this man is a malinois. learned the book so fast that he’s always pushing himself to some perfect, impossible standard. you always remind him that it’s okay to back down and take a breather. oh, and when he does is he the most caring and precious baby ever. will seek you out like a heat seeking missile. good at it too. he knows when you need space, but can also tell when you’re totally bluffing and just need a tight hug. hopeless romantic and i stand by that. has such high standards, but he feels really lucky to have found someone so perfect. someone who puts in effort to know him so well. while he’s had his heart broken before, he’s willing to put his full trust in you (especially when you kiss him gently on the forehead and tell him he’s enough)
Natasha “Phoenix” Trace
Black Cat
100% the black cat of the group. especially those ones where when the sun hits, their fur is really a nice warm brown. yeah. very protective of the people she loves, and never forgets a face. gets that really distinct look in her eye that lets you know she’s riled up. loves to stow away with a nice deck of cards, content to play solitaire forever. but if you happen to stumble upon her solo game, she won’t mind teaching you a little. often found lurking around corners, waiting to jump out and scare you. you’ve learned to look before entering every room. has her moments (specifically when she gets really delirious before a meal/before bed where she’ll lose control of her train of thought and just start yapping away). pretends not to like being touched, but leans in closer every time you rub her shoulders or slip your arm around her. always thought she preferred being alone until she met you.
Reuben “Payback” Fitch
Burmese Cat
absolutely stunning and incredibly loud. catch him laughing, clapping, singing, sometimes even just shouting with excitement. you can’t get him to stop. he’s just so enthusiastic. loves to be held. just wrap your arms around him. and then stay like that. perfect! warning: will whine if you let go, so just… don’t, and you’ve got a cuddle buddy for life. will spend his time off following you around the house, watching you do your little tasks, opting for the passenger seat when you run errands (guilty pleasure: grabbing things from the top shelf for you even if you’re tall enough). also so beautiful even thought his skincare routine is basically just moisturizer (and you even had to convince him to try that). can and will rant on and on about you to just about anyone. you are a household name simply because of how often he gushes about you to your neighbors, friends, cashiers, pets, etc.
Robert “Bob” Floyd
Scottish Fold (Cat)
okay this one was very hard (and possibly controversial) but to me, bob is most definitely a cute little scottish fold. just a sweet boy with an angel face, like ur kidding. can be very cheeky at times. loves to make you laugh always, making silly comments under his breath (to you) or pulling funny faces for your eyes only. knows exactly how to brighten up your day. imo the best texter on the squad. he’s so attentive and quick with it. will ask clarifying questions if lost or confused when it comes to your relationship, but gets bouts of confidence that draw out his true feelings for you. he knows exactly when he’s found the one when you don’t tease him for stuttering every once in a while or for getting a little too blushy whenever you look at him. yeah, you’re definitely his person.
Mickey “Fanboy” Garcia
Golden Retriever (Dog)
literally the most extroverted, selfless, loving dagger by far. tries to learn as much about you as possible so he can never get it wrong. always brings you little goodies and trinkets simply because he had been thinking of you. loves a little play fighting (aka any chance to get underneath you… who said that). if you grab his hand, he is never letting go. not to drive, not to grab something off a shelf, not even to finish putting on his shirt. hold his hand and you’re simply attached now. usually the last to be clued into a joke, but always the one to laugh the loudest. quickest way to his heart is a little snack and a kiss on the cheek. if you suggest a sweet treat, he’s already grabbing the keys and his wallet (and your hand, duh). has a lot of energy, but also adores the quiet moments: laughing along to your favorite show, walking on the beach, or simply just existing beside you.
Hi! I have this idea of reader trying to get Bob to watch a horror movie and him being kind of hesitant because maybe he's scared or horror just isn't his thing idk. But eventually reader convinces him and it ends up being cute and funny.
movie night :)
bob x reader
summary- Bob doesn't really want to watch a scary movie, but he'll do anything if it means spending the evening with you
tags- thunderbolts* spoilers, sort of established relationship, holding hands, kiss, thunder/lightning, Void mention
word count- 1176
notes- yayyy i love getting requests, plz keep sending them in you guys
Bob feels sort of silly about how much this movie is getting to him. It's not really the kind of thing he usually watches, but of course he'd watch anything that you want to watch. Yeah, he almost didn't, but he eventually agreed to this. He will take any and every opportunity to spend some time with you.
The two of you have gone out a bunch of times... or at least, Bob is pretty sure that's what happened. It's not always clear what really counts as "going out", but you've gotten plenty of meals together, seen a few different movies and plays, and Bob almost always tags along when you go to the grocery store. He loves hanging out with you, no matter what you're doing. You have a really comforting presence to him.
This afternoon in particular, it's pouring rain, and it has been all day. The tower isn't filled with that same lovely natural lighting it usually is, but it's still beautiful in a way. You lit a few candles to add to the very important vibe. Bucky is convinced you're going to forget to blow them out and burn the place down.
The group is just taking a lazy day, and everyone's hanging out in their own rooms, except for you and Bob in the living room. You were doing a jigsaw puzzle to pass the time when you suggested watching a scary movie.
Bob was sort of hesitant at first and you practically had to beg him. "Oh come on, please," you had said, trying to pout to look extra sad, but you couldn't stop giggling at how ridiculous you knew you looked in that moment.
Bob kept shaking his head and softly laughing, too. "Nuh uh. I really don't do scary movies". He was trying to make it sound less cowardly than it was, but he was definitely worried that the movie would be too much for him.
"Come on, Bob," you said in almost a singsong kind of way, "It's dark and scary and stormy out... It's the perfect time for this kind of thing."
The idea of curling up under a big blanket with you in the dark was definitely enticing, but he still wasn't sure.
"Hey, hey. I'm just messing around," you tell him, smiling and gesturing at the puzzle, "I really don't mind if this isn't your thing. We can keep doing this." You were always so nice to him. You got him to do things that were out of his comfort zone, but you never forced him to do anything if he really didn't want to. You'd always just tell him it was fine with that warm, comforting smile. You could probably convince him to do anything when you looked at him like that, even if you weren't trying to...
"You know what? Sure."
"Yay!!"
Now you're sitting on the couch together and watching some obscure horror movie he'd never ever heard of. You told him it wasn't that scary, and now Bob's wondering what you do consider scary because goodness-
Bob is so on edge, and the conditions outside aren't helping. Since you originally sat down to watch the movie, day has turned into night, and so the only light in the room is coming from the tv screen and the candles. The weather is somehow getting even worse, with huge cracks of lightning lighting up the dark sky every minute or so, and then you both jump at the ensuing thunder every. single. time.
You subtly glance over at Bob. He really is such a sweetheart. The man is bulletproof. You watched him tear Bucky's vibranium arm off and then proceed to turn into a vicious physical manifestation of darkness that engulfed New York City. Now, he's wrapped up in a blanket, grimacing at all the cheesy fake blood and gore on screen. Occasionally, he jumps and sends his popcorn flying up just a little, almost comically.
He's a cool guy and he wasn't kidding: these kinds of movies are really not his thing.
He catches you looking at him, and he turns hesitantly to meet your gaze. "What is it?"
"Nothing, it's just... I... hope you've had as good a day today as I have, hanging out with you."
Bob practically glows when he hears you say that, but he wants to play it cool. He tries to look back and forth between you and the movie, trying to show you that he cares about this thing you care about.
"Thanks. I really did have a good day. To be honest, I like ... I like doing stuff with you," he says with a shy smile.
Before you can say anything in response to his sweet words, there's another loud sound from the movie, and Bob instinctively reaches for your hand. Neither of you make any move to pull away from the small embrace.
"Hey Bob," you say, playfully smirking at him, "Are you scared?"
It's barely even a question. Of course he is.
"Well I guess it is a little much, I mean I uh- I like the story I guess, and I know it's all fake but it is freaking me out a little..." he starts to ramble, but you gently squeeze his hand and that's enough to pull him back into the moment. He trails off and you lean a little closer.
Looking right into his eyes, you quietly suggest, "Well maybe don't look at the movie anymore."
Bob notices your eyes fall down to his lips, and he knows what you're thinking. He leans just a tiny bit closer and stops so that, if he had somehow misread this, you'd have the opportunity to cut him off right then and there. Of course, he didn't and you don't.
Right as your lips are about to touch, the loud thunder startles you both and you stop short. He expects you to pull away and move on, like how the characters always seem to do in every cliche movie he's ever seen, (not unlike the one you're watching now), but of course that's silly. You just laugh quietly and lean back in to give him a proper kiss.
After that, you lean on Bob's shoulder and, in spite of the awful loud screaming and tense music blaring from the tv, you both fall asleep. You may have missed the last 20 minutes of the movie, but you got what you wanted tonight. You got to play into the fun, creepy vibe of the evening, you got Bob to spend an hour and a half with you, and you got a kiss. Bob's happy, too, because it is now abundantly clear what the nature of your relationship is.
Bucky was right; you absolutely did forget about all those candles you lit. He ends up walking around the tower and blowing them out himself. When he finds you and Bob on the couch, fast asleep in each other's arms, he just smiles to himself, turns the tv off, and goes right to bed.
Bob meeting reader at a bookstore where they reach out for the same book and the conversation goes from there! :) The rest can be up to you!
Take your time and thank you!
(This is adorable)
something new
bob x reader
tags- thunderbolts spoilers*, occurs months after events of thunderbolts, bookstore meet cute, kiss on cheek oooo, the thunderbolts are a nervous wreck (and kinda nosy)
word count- 1513
notes- past few days have been crazy so that’s why posting has been scarce
The bookstore’s such a nice break from the loud chaotic streets Bob just walked along to get there. It’s warm and peaceful inside, and some songs that Bob recognizes are playing softly over the speakers. He could stay here for hours.
Bob walks up and down the rows, occasionally pulling out a book and sitting on the carpeted floor to read the description and maybe a chapter or two.
He’s made it to the back of the store, in the furthest corner from most of the other customers, when a book with a light blue cover and an intricate little design catches his eye. He reaches for it, but so does someone else.
He looks up to apologize and he ends up just saying nothing for a few seconds. This stranger, whose hand he’s still touching by the way, is gorgeous.
He pulls his hand away. “Sorry”
You just smile back at him. “Don’t worry about it.”
There’s another beat of silence.
Bob doesn't know exactly what to do. Why are neither of us walking away or anything? Why are we both just standing here? What am I supposed to say? I have to say something-
Luckily you break the silence for you both.
“You take it,” you say, gesturing to the book.
“Oh, uh thank you. I’m... just looking around and checking stuff out, you know,” he tells you. He's trying to sound casual, as if his heartrate isn't starting to pick up just a little.
You try for that energy, too. “Yeah, yeah same.”
You look at him for a moment. This guy’s really cute, what with his soft oversized sweater and dark curls. It's weird, though. He’s really familiar...
"I feel like I know you. Maybe I've seen you around town?" you suggest.
Bob knows it’s pretty likely that you recognize him from that day Valentina introduced the group as the New Avengers, and all the ensuing press coverage, but he doesn't want to talk about any of that right now. He just wants to talk to you about something normal.
"No, probably not. I don't get out very much," Bob tells you, and then immediately worried that that sounded too cold.
It's true, he really doesn't leave the tower much unless he's with the team. They all tell Bob to go out and do something fun while they're off on some mission he can't go on, but he always insists he loves hanging out at home- which he really does. It's nice. However, today felt different for some reason. He really felt like getting out there and trying something new. Now he's really glad that he did.
“Hm. Maybe I was wrong,” you say, “but I’m meeting you now. What’s your name?”
“Bob” he answers, extending his hand with a little smile.
You introduce yourself and then take his hand in yours. “Well, it’s nice to meet you, Bob.”
Bob feels the energy shift just slightly. He doesn’t know how so - and he doesn’t know why - but something’s different.
This is where conversations with strangers are supposed to end. But he can’t. Your words and actions seem so... intentional. The way your hand gently held his for a second longer than you typically would for a handshake. The way you’re looking at him, with so much care ... you're making it impossible for Bob to walk away.
He tries to keep the conversation going - super casually.
"It's really nice outside-"
"Bob do you want to grab something to eat?" you say, pointing at the little cafe on the other side of the store, effectively cutting him off.
His eyes widen just a little and you try not to smile. You clearly caught him off guard with that one, but you knew what he was doing; he was trying, but he wasn't about to make a real move.
"Yes. I would like that."
The two of you sat in there, happily snacking and chatting and getting to know each other for a long time. You talked about your friends, your favorite movies, your favorite books, what books you both think should’ve never been adapted to movies, your favorite places to shop, and on and on- You’re there for two hours before Bob decides he’d like to check out a thrift shop you'd mentioned.
You go and mostly just walk around the store looking at stuff, but Bob does end up buying a few things.
"What do you think of this sweater?" he says, throwing it on over his clothes. You reach out and touch the material, and it's the closest you and Bob have stood the whole night.
"I think it looks really nice on you. It's soft."
You look up and meet his eyes, and just then your phone starts loudly ringing. "Sorry, I've gotta take this."
You step outside for a moment, and Bob realizes he never took his phone off silent after leaving the bookstore.
He really should’ve done that earlier. 8 missed calls. 22 new messages.
He only has to read the last four texts in the group chat to understand that the Thunderbolts got home, didn't see him, and now they’re getting frantic.
yelena- bob im so serious where did you go
bucky- If you’re out doing something fun, don’t stop on our account. Just let us know you’re alright
john- you’re freaking us out. yelena’s about to search the entire city
john- call us
bob- sorry guys, I’m good don’t worry
yelena- oh thank god
john- WHERE WERE YOU
bob- i met someone and we’re out right now and my phone was on silent. I’ll be home soon
ava- ooooo you met someone??
yelena- WHAT
john- you’ve been ignoring us for 3 hours because you’re on a date?
john- but seriously congrats buddy
bob- it’s not a date
yelena- are you sure??
You come back and he puts his phone back in his pocket without responding to Yelena.
“Sorry I had to answer that. I was talk to someone from work about something we have to do tomorrow.”
Bob smiles, “Ah, don’t worry about it.”
Since you have work in the morning and Bob has 5 people waiting for him to get home, you decide to call it a night.
You’re walking along the city streets and taking in all the sights and sounds of the night. You notice the Watchtower in the distance and stop walking. “It really is pretty when it’s all lit up like that,” you say.
Bob decides now is probably the time to tell you the truth.
"It’s funny, that’s- that’s actually where I live. Those "new Avengers" are my friends. I didn't want to bring it up because ... it’s all so complicated, and I didn't want that to be the only thing we talked about. I should've mentioned it earlier, though."
He looks at you, waiting for some kind of exaggerated response (or for you to not believe him at all) but he’s just met with a sweet smile.
"I know," you say. "I figured it out a little while ago. I realized I'd seen you on the news… Plus, when you were telling stories about your friends, you kept referring to them by their names."
"Oh, well I'm sure that was a big clue," he says, laughing a little. He's glad you know - and he's especially glad that it doesn't seem to matter or change dynamic at all.
“I was more interested in hearing about you, Bob,” you tell him, taking a step closer to him. He’s looking at you like he’s trying to figure out if this is real. If you’re really standing in front of him and speaking to him so sweetly.
“Uh, I had a good time today. Would you want to do something again?” he asks, praying he didn’t misread this and this could be something that actually happens again.
"I thought you’d never ask. I’d love to. Can I have your phone?" you say, and proceed to add yourself to his contacts, with a little ":)" next to your name.
A minute or so later, you successfully hail a cab to share. You reach the tower, and as Bob is about to get out, you stop him and quickly kiss him on the cheek.
“Thank you for a nice day. I had a good time.”
Bob nods and steps out, and the cab drives further and further from sight, but he’s still just standing there. Totally shocked.
He gets in the elevator and savors the quiet moment. It’s warm and the only sound is the faint hum of the elevator lifting him up to floor the Thunderbolts are on.
He knows that when he steps out of that elevator, they’re going to say "you scared us to death!" and "please do not ignore your phone like that again", and then they’ll have a thousand questions about you. He’ll have to tell them that they were right: it is good to get out and do something new every once in a while; sometimes you meet really cool people.
