redify x reader - gun range date
warnings: gun range setting, mentions of firearms and loud gunshots, romantic tension, protective/possessive undertones but in a gentle way
—
you’re standing just inside the entrance of the gun range, the heavy door swinging shut behind you with a dull thud. the air smells like metal and oil, sharp and sterile, and the muted cracks of gunfire echo rhythmically from somewhere deeper inside. fluorescent lights hum overhead. he’s beside you, hands in his pockets, watching your reaction more than the room itself.
“you okay?” he asks, casual, but his eyes are scanning your face carefully.
“i didn’t think it would be this loud,” you admit, glancing toward the lanes.
he gives a small nod, stepping closer without making a big deal of it. “it’s not that bad once you get used to it. and i’m right here.”
there’s something steady about the way he says it. not dramatic. just certain.
when you get to your lane, he moves with quiet confidence, talking to the instructor, handling the paperwork, making sure everything’s set up before you even have to ask. you lean back against the counter, pretending you’re not watching the way he focuses.
he notices anyway.
“don’t look at me like that,” he mutters, sliding the safety glasses toward you.
“like what?”
“like you’re deciding if this was a good idea.”
“i am deciding.”
he huffs a soft laugh. “you’ll survive.”
once you’re both geared up, he stands behind you, not touching at first. just close. close enough that you’re aware of him. the heat from his body seeps through the thin fabric of your top. his voice drops slightly when he starts explaining.
“okay. feet shoulder-width apart. don’t lock your knees.”
you adjust awkwardly and he steps in, hands settling at your hips to shift you gently into place. his fingers press firm but controlled, thumbs sliding just enough to guide you.
“like this,” he says, leaning in closer so you can hear him through the ear protection.
your breath catches for half a second. you hope he doesn’t notice.
he does.
his hands move from your hips to your arms, lifting them slightly, adjusting your stance. his chest brushes your back now, solid and steady. he reaches around you to help position your grip, his fingers wrapping over yours.
“don’t tense up,” he murmurs near your ear. “just breathe.”
the first shot surprises you anyway. even prepared, your shoulders jump and your grip falters. before you can react, his arms tighten around you, steadying.
“hey,” he says, low and calm. “i’ve got you.”
you swallow, nodding once, trying again. this time you focus on the sound of your own breathing instead of the noise around you. his thumb presses lightly over your knuckles, grounding you.
“there you go,” he says after the second shot, glancing at the target. “that’s good.”
“you’re lying.”
“i don’t lie about stuff like this.”
there’s no teasing in his voice. just quiet approval.
after a few rounds, you lower the gun, flexing your fingers. he steps back just enough to give you space, but his hand lingers at your waist for a second longer than necessary before dropping.
“so?” he asks. “still think i brought you here to scare you?”
you shake your head. “no.”
he studies you for a moment, something softer settling in his expression. “i brought you because you said you’d never done it before.”
“and?”
“and i like being the first to show you things.”
it’s not possessive. not aggressive. just honest.
the words sit between you heavier than the gunshots echoing downrange.
you hold his gaze for a second too long. “you don’t have to turn everything into a moment.”
“wasn’t trying to,” he replies, but he doesn’t look away.
when you both step out into the evening air, the sky is dim and cooling, the parking lot quiet compared to inside. the world feels slower out here. you’re still a little wired from the adrenaline.
he reaches for your hand without asking this time. his fingers lace through yours naturally, thumb brushing once over your knuckles.
“you did good,” he says, softer now.
“you only liked it because you got to stand that close.”
he gives you a sideways look. “that was a bonus.”
you try to roll your eyes, but you’re smiling.
he opens the car door for you, then pauses before you get in, leaning one arm against the frame so you’re kind of boxed in, but not trapped. just close again.
“next time,” he says quietly, “we can do something calmer.”
“like what?”
he thinks for a second. “doesn’t matter. i just wanted you with me.”
there’s no dramatic confession attached. no big grin. just that steady tone again.
and you knew this wasn’t gonna be the last date.
—
staweenie is back :0