Summary: after a night wrapped in the sheets, you text your older friends with benefits, hoping he’ll come back
Pairing: re9!Leon x bratty!reader
WC/Tags: 369 / fwb, flirty texts, post sex texts
A/N: for ‘Softlys Locket’ this is barely edited oops
You left your watch.
You’d been contemplating on what to text Leon for nearly forty-five minutes after he had left, and that’s what you settle on? You groan, shoving your face into your pillow.
You are still naked, the sheets wrapped around your chest as you replayed the night you had spent with Leon. It had been…long. He’d started you with his mouth, lapping at your cunt until you were nearly dripping down your thighs, tugging at his hair with a white knuckle grip. Then he’d pressed in with his fingers, slow and deep, coaxing raw groans from you that as you look back make your ears pink with embarrassment. Leon had fucked you six was to Sunday, and you’re still recovering, still trying to gather your bearings nearly an hour after he had left.
He had wanted to say, but he had an early shift and you were anything if not understanding. doesn’t mean you don’t miss him though.
It’s alright, I’ll get it tomorrow. how you feeling?
His text reads how he speaks, short and to the point. You don’t take offense.
I’m a little sore. You fuck good for an old man
Your fingers hover over the keys, chewing at your lip as you contemplate sending this type of response. It’s a little bratty, a little jabbing considering how good he had made you feel earlier. Hitting send, you drop your phone onto your pillow and stretch, feeling the delish burn between your thighs.
oh yeah?
your phone buzzes not even two minutes later, and you can nearly hear the smug tone in Leon’s message. He has a tendency to be a tease, so you know he’s expecting some sass.
The phone buzzes again.
But old man? Little girl I just fucked your brains out and I could’ve kept going. I’m not old.
You read his text, feeling heat instantly food you. A grin pulls to your mouth and you put your hands over your face, trying to smother your reaction. You pull yourself from bed, turning on your shower and while it heats, you reach for your phone, another text lighting up your screen.
Stay naked. I’m on my way back, and I’m staying over.
Summary: After accidentally running into Bucky at your university library, you start to study together, and he starts to fall in love
Pairing: TFatWS!Bucky x college!reader
WC/Tags: 1,440/strangers to lovers, l bombs, slight age gap(?) post-blip
A/N: for my Softlys Locket series this is so fluffy I could cry, ao3 link below
Bucky, in the years following the Blip, is a mixture of quiet strength and careful tenderness.
He’s broad and solid in a way that’s unassuming yet undeniably reassuring. When you walk beside him, his long strides make it easy to fall behind, but he always slows down without a word, ensuring you don’t feel rushed. You’ve come to notice it, how he watches out for you without ever drawing attention to it. He’s the type of person who doesn’t ask for much, who doesn’t even want to be a burden, but you can tell when his concern for you runs deeper than he lets on.
You first met Bucky in the library, of all places. You were in the middle of a late-night study session, searching for a rare botany book you needed for your class on medicinal plants. It was close to closing time, and the library was almost empty. That’s when you saw him—tall and quiet, with a soft, thoughtful look on his face as he shelved books. You asked him about the one you were looking for, and without hesitation, he led you to the correct aisle. The way his hand brushed yours as he handed you the book, and the way his eyes met yours, something flickered between you both. There was a spark, quiet, but apparent. You couldn’t quite put your finger on it, but you felt it.
In the time that followed, Bucky would appear at the library now and then, volunteering when he had time. And each time he did, you would find yourself falling for him in the quietest, most unexpected way. You spent hours talking about plants and healing, about life after everything changed. You learned he was still healing too, still trying to figure out what he wanted, where he fit in this world. But he never talked much about himself. He never burdened you with the things he carried. He just let his silence speak for him.
You were a botany student at the local university, your late nights filled with research and exhaustion. Your eyes would burn after hours of studying, your shoulders aching from hunching over books. You’d grab a coffee from the campus café, but it never quite hit the spot, never quite kept you awake enough for the next round of assignments.
Bucky always seemed to know when you were at your limit. He’d catch you on those nights, your eyes barely open as you scanned through pages of textbooks. He’d show up at the library or the café, a warm drink or a snack in hand, offering them without saying much, just a soft, reassuring smile as he pushed the coffee toward you. “Thought you might need it,” he’d mumble, looking away before you could catch him staring at you.
He was gentle in a way that made your heart ache. He’d quietly sit next to you in the library, watching you as you worked, his presence somehow grounding you. If you dozed off at your desk after too many hours, he’d always make sure to gently wake you, or even offer to walk you back to your dorm so you didn’t have to brave the dark campus alone. He wasn’t loud or overbearing; instead, he let his actions speak for him.
Bucky, despite everything he’d been through, never made you feel like you were a distraction, even if you were certain you were. He didn’t want to burden you with his past or the emotional scars from the Blip. But you knew, somehow, he was healing in his own way, slowly, quietly, with each step he took toward you.
It wasn’t just the late-night coffees or the soft glances. Bucky had this way of slipping into your life, unnoticed at first, but before you knew it, you couldn’t imagine life without him in it. There were moments when he’d brush your arm as you passed each other on campus, or when you’d find him waiting by his motorcycle, his gaze soft and distant, like he was contemplating something heavy. And when he looked at you, it wasn’t just the silent concern, it was something deeper, something warmer.
Bucky was quiet, never expecting you to stay, always second-guessing whether he deserved someone like you. But you knew. You knew he was starting to believe in the possibility of it, of someone staying, even after everything.
His affection was subtle but real. A gentle hand on your back when you walked beside him. A small smile that would tug at the corner of his lips when you made him laugh. It was a soft, slow burn, but you could feel it, growing with every passing day.
You were tired from studying, but being near Bucky made it feel like everything was worth it. Even on those long nights when the world felt like too much, Bucky would be there, quietly checking in on you, making sure you were okay. He may have been healing, but so were you. Together, you were finding pieces of yourselves you thought you had lost.
“You’re like a fantasy.” He says one evening, his shoulders hunched as he watches you read. You blink, and slowly look at him with a quizzical expression.
“I- what?” You laugh lightly, more air then sound and his hair sweeps over his eyes. He brushes it back, templing his hands and looking forward instead of at you.
“I don’t want to spend my energy anymore on things that don’t work,” he says softly. “I’m… afraid of getting better. Afraid of it getting too good, because nothing stays like that forever. But then you…you’re this, bliss. This one dream that hasn’t lost its appeal.”
You gape at him, the book infront of you forgotten. He snorts quietly, looking at you sideways. “Don’t look so shell shocked.”
“I just, where did that come from?” You ask, closing the cover and turning, your knees brushing his thigh beneath the table.
Bucky inhales deeply, his shoulders lifting. “I think I-“ he pauses, licking his lips. “I don’t think. I know.”
“You know what?” You ask, leaning closer to hear him better. Bucky shifts, facing you fully, his eyes soft but filled with a storm. He takes a breath like he’s been preparing for weeks.
“I know that I’m in love with you,” he says, the words tumbling out before he can second-guess them. “I’ve tried to ignore it, but I can’t. Not anymore.”
You freeze, caught off guard. The room seems to quiet around you as his words sink in. You blink, unsure of how to respond. “Bucky…” you start, but your words falter when you see the sincerity in his eyes. “I didn’t know you felt that way.”
“I didn’t want to make things complicated,” Bucky continues, his voice barely above a whisper, like he’s letting out a secret he’s been holding for far too long. “But I can’t stand not saying it. I care about you more than I’ve ever cared about anyone. And it scares the hell out of me, but I had to say it. I’m sorry if I—”
Before he can say more, you reach out, your hand gently cupping his face. Your thumb brushes over his cheek, and the touch seems to break something inside him. His breath catches, and the tension that’s held between you both finally seems to unravel.
“I’ve been falling for you too,” you admit, your voice steady but soft. “I just didn’t know if you’d feel the same.”
Bucky’s eyes search yours, as though looking for reassurance, before a slow smile spreads across his face. “I wish you had told me sooner,” he murmurs.
“I didn’t want to ruin it,” you reply, your voice thick. His gaze softens, and before you can say another word, he leans in, closing the space between you. His lips brush yours, tentative, slow, like he’s waiting for you to pull away. But you don’t. You let him kiss you, feeling him, the weeks of doubt, all dissipating in the warmth of his touch.
When the kiss deepens, the world outside of you fades completely. All that matters is Bucky, his hand on the back of your neck, pulling you closer. He’s gentle, patient, as if he’s finally letting himself love you the way he’s always wanted to.
When you pull away, breathless, your forehead rests against his. “Oh Bucky,” you whisper, your hand gently brushing through his hair. “You were worth the wait.”
Bucky lets out a soft, contented sigh, his eyes never leaving yours. “I’m glad we’re here,” he murmurs, a smile tugging at his lips. “I really am.”
Summary: You have yet to make your mark at Clinton Church, so when a scarred man with blonde hair comes looking for solace, you offer it- and offer it again when he comes back with the devil of Hell’s Kitchen in tow.
Pairing: DDBAS2!Dex x nun!reader
WC/Tags: 4,564 / Catholic themes, innocent type of reader, tension, swearing, scene recreation, religious guilt
A/N: i couldn’t find the priests name so i named him after the actor that played him lolz. I rewrote that one church scene for my ‘Softlys Locket’ series. Ao3 link below!
“He’s been standing there for…a while.”
You lean your neck out from behind the church wall, looking at the man that Father Bartley is speaking of. He’s too far away, standing right infront of the tabernacle for you to pick out any defining characteristics other than his height.
“Have you spoken to him yet?” you ask, and Father shakes his head.
“I was about to.”
You put a hand on his arm. “Let me.”
You’d only been at Clinton Church a few months, and had been less than successful at making your mark amongst its parishioners. Maybe this was your calling.
Father Bartley raises a brow but nods. “Of course. I’ll be in the rectory.”
You smile, watching as he retreats before you turn your gaze back on the visit. Stepping from behind the wall, you clear your throat and walk towards him.
“Can I help you?”
The man doesn't turn around immediately. A few slow, deliberate seconds pass before he finally shifts his weight and faces you. His eyes are sharp. Calm. Like a predator assessing prey. You swallow before coming to a halt.
“I'm looking for someone,” he says, and he’d flipping something between his fingers. “Think her name is sister Maggie..?”
You smile and nod. “Yes, she belongs to this parish. Unfortunately, she’s on sabbatical in Rome right now. Is there…something I can help you with?”
“Rome,” He says it like a curse. The knife stops flipping. He stares past you, jaw tightening slightly before he looks back at your face, and eyeing your clothing. “I need absolution.”
You blink, feeling your smile falter because you cannot help with this. “Oh, I’m sorry I- can’t help in that department. However, Father Bartley is here, and he would be more than-”
“Pray with me.” The man interrupts you, and walks forward, moving into the first row of pews. You pause, unsure of your next move and before you realize it, you’re walking towards him, sliding in the pew beside him.
“I- sure,” you say softly, folding your hands in your lap. “Let’s pray.”
“You don’t have to kneel.” He stays seated, hands resting on his thighs. Not folded, and you watch the muscles under his skin flex. “I didn’t come for ritual.”
“Then what did you come for?” You ask, keeping your voice light. You don’t want him to think you’re judging him, that isn’t your job.
“I came to find God.” A pause. “But I think I found something else first.” His eyes lock onto yours, dark and searching. “Do you believe in second chances?”
You consider this before nodding. “Yes. Jesus is all about second chances.”
“I’ve betrayed people,” he murmurs lowly. “I’ve betrayed myself. Done things you can’t even dream of, sister.”
You nod, exhaling slowly. “Isn’t it fortunate that God is forgiving?”
“Funny,” he replies, and the pew creaks as he shifts. “Most people start running when I tell them that,” A dry chuckle escapes him. “But you're still sitting here. I think maybe God sent me to the right church today after all.”
“I truly do hope so,” you hum. You tell him your name, and that if he wants to pray, kneeling might be the best option.
“Dex, ”A muscle in his jaw ticks before he sighs. “Sure.”
Together, you both move to your knees on the bench rest, and you make the sign of the cross over yourself. Dex mimics you and you shut your eyes.
“Heavenly Father, I pray that you take respite on Dex’s heart,” you say in a hushed tone. “His burden is heavy. Remind him that during this trying time, you are helping him carry it.”
It’s quiet for a beat, and you let it linger, allowing Dex a chance to speak if he wishes. After a pregnant pause, he says. “Do you think God listens to guys like me?”
You feel your eyes widen, blinking at him. “I- yes. Of course. He listens to all of us, loves all of us.”
Dex gives a short laugh. “That’s where you’re wrong, sister.”
“What makes you say that?”
“God doesn't listen to men with blood on their hands. I've done things that would make devils proud,” He stares at the stained glass above, rolling his eyes. “not all devils. But…You really think a prayer from me means anything?”
“I do.” You say gently, shifting to face him better. “God is forgiving, and just. And he loves better than any of us ever could. He loves us all.”
“God does not love me.” Dex’s voice is so tight you jump, and he lets out a dry laugh. “You’re jumpy.”
You let out a slow breath before meeting his eyes with a smile. “And you’re avoiding.”
Dex scoffs, and your eyes track a cut long along his left cheek that disappears from view when he turns.
“How can I expect god to love me,” He mutters. “If no one else does?”
“That isn’t true,” you reply instantly, and you take his hand in yours. He goes still as deer in headlights but you don’t pull away. You hold his hand and give a light squeeze. “I love you. I love all of God’s children. And you, Dex, are one of them.”
“You don’t know me.” He gives a rough exhale. His thumb brushes over your knuckles, once. Testing. Hesitant. Like he hasn't been touched kindly in years - maybe ever - and isn't sure how to respond.
“I don’t have to know you to know that God loves you, and would want me to do the same,” you smile, and pat his hand with your other. “I pray that this gives you some peace.”
You go to remove your hand from his grasp but he holds on, his grip tightening. A sense of panic runs down your spine, and your eyes bounce from his face to your joined fingers.
“Dex..?” you blink at him, and his nostrils flare.
“Just-“ his voice cracks and he shifts, moving closer. “just a little longer.”
He takes your hand, and slowly pulls it upwards to his face. When he breathes out it’s shaky, his eyes shutting with a flutter. You feel your own eyes grow and with shaking movements, you uncurl your fingers, and touch the side of his face. Dex sighs, tilting his neck to press his cheek into your palm.
He takes another breath, one that rattles. His lashes brush your skin as he blinks, and then his hand comes up to cover yours on his face, pressing it there tighter. “You’re warm.”
“As are you.” Your voice is thin, strained, and you stare at him for several moments.
Dex pulls your wrist back and opens his eyes. He gives you a crooked smile, and then stands from the bench, towering over you so that you have to strain your neck.
“Thank you, sister,” he says in a deep voice. “I think I found the absolution I was looking for.”
You’re speechless, unsure of what to say, so you nod, watching as Dex steps from around the pew, and slowly walks from the church, his boots thumping on the tiles.
You stay kneeling for several minutes, staring at the hand that had touched his face. Something had stirred within you, something you had long given up during your time at the covenant.
Desire.
That night, you pray the rosary feverishly. You ask God for forgiveness, that you hadn’t meant to have such unpure thoughts, and when you make the sign of the cross over yourself and blow out your candles, you feel just a little bit better.
-
“Recognize this place, you piece of shit?”
Your eyes widen at the curse word, and Father Bartley raises a finger to his lips, signaling you to stay quiet.
You had been in the back office of the church when the front doors had slammed open, and father had held out a palm, telling you to be still. Now you both lean against the office door, listening to two men speak inside the sanctuary.
Someone pants heavily, and your brows knit.
“Father someone might be hurt.” You whisper and he hushes you again.
“We should be safe here, for now.” says a male voice.
There’s a chuckle, a raspy one, and then another man says “safe? What’s the even mean? You know what happens if she dies?”
His speech sounds…slurred. Tired, maybe injured
“Fisk takes the city, turns it upside down and shakes it, til he finds us, and kills us.”
“Me,” insists the second voice. “Til he kills me.”
“Us,” corrects the first man. “I was there. That was more than enough for Fisk.”
“We need to help them.” you insist, and Father nods.
“Stay here,” he says, and you shake your head. “Sister, it isn’t safe.”
“I want to help.” you insist.
“There’s a nurse, she can patch you up,” says the first man, and the other one sighs.
“Nurses, doctors…lawyers, vigilantes, assassins,” he rants in a slurred voice. “killing people, saving people…acting like it makes a difference. like it matters. It’s not about them, it’s about you. About me, just people.”
You look at Father and then you’re pulling the door, opening it and running into the sanctuary. You pause at the pews, drinking in the scene.
“The…the devil of Hell’s Kitchen,” you whisper softly. He turns, Daredevil, his red covered eyes seeming to gloss over you. You look at the man beside him as father runs up behind you and you feel your skin prick. “Dex?”
“Jesus Christ,” Dex’s head rolls to the side as he looks at you, his face draining of color. “Sister? What the hell are you doing here?”
One of his hands press’s to his bleeding side where red soaks through and his eyes dart between Father Bartley and Daredevil in panic.
“Sister get me some bandages.” Father says and you nod, moving to find the first aid kit.
“You can't be involved with this shit,” Dex rasps at you. “Father, make her leave.”
“I’m sorry to interrupt, this church will always, provide shelter, to both of you,” Father says in a shaky tone. “But, I think they know you’re here.”
You yank the first aid kit out as a loud flooding comes from the front doors, making you halt. Clutching the first aid kit harder, you run back to the pews and daredevil is shouldering Dex, helping him walk to the back room as Father directs them.
“Hide them here.” he tells you, and you nod as he pulls the doors shut. You turn, watching as Daredevil lowers him to the floor. You step forward and drop to your knees beside Dex, and there’s blood already leaking to the floor.
“Sister... get out of here.” Dex grits his teeth, breathing ragged. “This isn’t your fight.”
“Hello Dex,” you say softly. He smiles and it’s bloody. “I see you made a friend.”
Daredevil scoffs and Dex hums in pain. “The opposite, really,” He reaches up, gripping your wrist as you start to unwrap bandages. Your eyes flick to his and he grits his teeth. “Go. Both of you, need to go.”
You give a short, clipped shake of your head. “I’m going to get the bleeding to stop.”
Dex looks up, past you and his eyes are on Daredevil. He grunts, shifting with a wince.
“I killed your friend, Foggy,” he groans. “and I didn’t think twice. It’s who I am.”
Daredevil exhales, and you can feel anxiety bubble in your chest.
“Save your breath.” You whisper, leaning over him to wrap a bandage. It’s shotty work at best but you have to try.
“Let me die,” Dex tells the other man, nodding at you. “Take her with you, and let me.”
“No,” you snap as Daredevil exhales. You sinch the bandage and Dex’s eyes close.
“I can’t save us both,” Daredevil says. “I’m sorry, I tried.”
He bends at the waist and takes you by the arm. You pull away, fighting him but his grip is strong. “No! We have to help him.”
“Don’t worry ‘bout me sister.” Dex is panting, barely conscious, his face is pale.
“I won’t leave you.” Your voice cracks as you shove away from Daredevil, and drop to your knees again, your skirts stained in the blood. The devil of Hell’s Kitchen watches for a moment before he turns and runs out the door, and you set your jaw. You glance at your work before giving him a weak smile. “You’re going to be okay.”
“You’re a terrible liar.” Dex chuckles weakly, his fingers twitching toward your face before falling back limp. “I’m not okay. But… you trying to save me, that’s… nice.”
A wet cough rattles him and blood spills over his lips. He blinks slowly, eyes unfocused now.
“Dex?” you whisper, and you feel at his neck. His pulse is weak but there, still ticking.
His eyes flutter and he mumbles something. You take his hand, squeezing. “It’s okay. You’re going to be okay,” opening his fingers, you press his palm to your upper chest. “ You feel my heartbeat? It’s strong, like yours. You are strong.”
“...your heart…” he gives a shaky breath. “So loud.”
His fingers twitch against your chest, cold and clammy. You nod. “Yes. Your heart is strong too.”
Tears prick at your eyes and you let out a sob.
You’d never seen death like this before. It’s so dark yet colorful, cold in its grasp. Dex coughs and you shake your head, not willing to believe this will be his fate.
“Don’t cry.” he whispers in a gravely voice.
You close your eyes, and pray softly. “Heavenly Father please, please help me. Help Dex. His body is broken but his heart, lord. His heart can change. It can be good. Give him a chance.”
The doors to the rectory bang open and Daredevil runs in, moving so quickly you nearly tumble backwards. He bends, grabbing Dex and grunting as he hauls him up.
“We need to hide him,” he gasps, and Dex’s head lulls on his shoulder. You scramble to your feet, rushing from the room.
“This way, the back alley to my apartment isn’t too far,” you explain over your shoulder. “He’ll be safe there.”
The three of you move quickly, the city air thick with smog as you run in the alley way. Your hands are trembling as you unlock the door to your building, and you’ve never been so happy to be on the first floor. Shoving open your front door, Daredevil hauls Dex inside, nearly falling onto your couch. You had never thought your apartment was huge, but with them both inside it feels tiny.
Dex groans and you push your door shut, leaning against it. Daredevil is breathing hard, and he glances up at you.
“I’ll come back with a nurse,” he murmurs. “She’ll get him patched up. But do not trust him.”
You frown. “I- we met before. He’s come to the church.”
The corner of Daredevil’s mouth twitches as he stands. “I bet he has.”
You open the door for him, peering out before widening the opening and he steps through. He glances at Dex before his face moves back to yours.
“Be careful sister,” he murmurs. “Only open this door for me or Father Bartley. Understood?”
“Y-yes.” You reply, and he nods. You watch him go and then you shut the door again, your eyes moving to Dex.
His eyes are closed, and so much of his skin is covered by blood and wounds it makes your stomach twist. You move into your kitchen, filling a cup with water and you kneel before him.
“Dex,” you murmur softly. His eyes flutter, and when they open they’re hazy. “Drink this, you need to replenish your fluids.”
“...thanks.” He lifts the cup with shaky hands, sipping slowly. Water drips down his chin. “I don’t deserve you doin’ this for me.” His voice is weak, tattered. “Shoulda left me in that church.”
“I already told you,” you murmur. “I’m not leaving you.” He hands you back the cup and you place it by the floor. “I’m going to try and clean you up, okay?”
You don’t wait for his response, rising and only returning when you’ve gathered a wet cloth and clean clothing. With slow movements, you begin to wash away the blood on his brow.
Dex watches you in silence, and you tilt his face, polishing his jaw.
“Your hands are soft,” he says matter of factly. You aren’t sure if you’re supposed to answer so you don’t. The wash cloth is mostly red, so you stand and grab a new one.
His face mostly clean, you help him sit up, and gingerly cut the material of his shirt. He tugs off his leather holster, throwing it to the ground and it makes you jump. He drops several knives, clattering to the floor, some of them muffled by the space carpet and when he’s shirtless, your eyes widen. You look away as he pulls on the clean shirt, your cheeks warm and when he leans back he gives a loud huff.
There’s smears of blood on his arms and hands, and you take his wrist, turning it over so it’s palm up before cleaning his skin.
“I killed a man yesterday.” his eyes are open but they’re gazing up, staring at your ceiling. “You shouldn’t be touching me. I’m poison.”
“You are not poison,” you reply, turning his hand back over and stroking the cloth over his fingers. “You’ve just made some mistakes.”
He chuckles once, shakes his head. “You can’t keep that up, sister.”
“Keep up what?”
“Keepin’ this up. Pretending I’m not a monster,” He flexes his fingers, watching the blood wash away. “People like me? We don't get second chances. Not from God, not from nobody. You're wasting your time on me.”
“God forgives all,” you reply with a quiet voice. “You’ll see.”
Dex stares at you, his eyes hard and his mouth set in a thin line. You prickle under his gaze, shifting before clearing your throat. “I’ll um, get you some food. You must be hungry.”
He leans back against the couch, wincing as his wound pulls and watches you move to the kitchen. You heat him up a bowl of pasta, sprinkling Parmesan atop it before bringing it out to him.
“My apologies,” you laugh. “I don’t have much so, I hope you like noodles.”
Dex hums and takes the bowl, leaning it against his leg but he struggles, his fingers not cooperating.
Your brows knit as you bend, grabbing the fork. “Here, let me. You’ve lost a lot of blood.”
You twirl the fork, blowing on it before raising it to his mouth. He parts his lips, accepting the forkful. Chews slowly. Swallows hard.
“So um,” you twirl another fork full. “The mask. The knives…you want to explain that?”
“I kill people. For money.” he pauses as he chews, avoiding your eyes. He shrugs one shoulder, the movement careful around his injury. “I’m a mercenary, sister.”
“Like a superhero?”
“Far from it,” he replies thinly. “They call me Bullseye.”
“Why Bullseye?”
“Bullseye 'cause I never miss. Knives, guns, whatever weapon you hand me - it finds its mark.”
You blink at him. “Really?”
“Really.”
You smile. “So almost like a super power,” you hold the fork to his mouth. “You’ll have to show me sometime.”
“You’d hate it. Watching me work,” He eats the bite, chewing thoughtfully. “I am no hero. I don’t save people. Mostly just end ‘em.”
“Maybe you could,” you shrug a shoulder and he gives you an annoyed look. “Maybe one day you will.”
“Doubtful.”
You place the bowl in your lap. “I’m sorry. I’m bad at small talk. I just know you shouldn’t sleep right now. Not until Daredevil comes back with the nurse.”
“Small talk's shit anyway,” He shifts, wincing. “You're weird. Most people woulda called the cops on me by now. Or screamed. You didn't do either.”
You nod slowly, looking down at the bowl. “I guess. But I’m not afraid of you.”
Dex is quiet and you look up. His eyes are closed and panic kicks at you.
“Dex,” you whisper, leaning forward. “Please, please stay awake. They’ll be back soon.”
His eyes blink and he exhales. “M’awake...”
You shake your head and repeat. “They’ll be back soon.”
Dex’s head rolls to the side, and he looks at you for a few moments before he closes his eyes again, and lays his head back.
“You got pretty eyes, sister.”
You blink at him slowly, and even with his eyes closed, he smiles, wide and unabashed.
The pounding knock on your door makes you jump and Dex shoots up, breathing hard out his nose, his fists already clenched.
“See? Its him,” you say gently, putting a hand on his shoulder and easing him to lay back down. “With the nurse.”
Dex grunts in pain as you make your way to the door, pressing your ear to the wood.
“Sister,” Daredevil murmurs. “we’re here.”
You open it wide, allowing him to come inside. A slim blonde walks in with him, and she looks anything but pleased.
“Thank God.” you whisper. Dex sits up, and he sighs when he sees her.
“Hello Karen.”
She whirls and glares at Daredevil. “Really? Him?“
“Careful.” you say gently, moving to him, and helping him sit up. Karen watches in disbelief and she shakes her head furiously.
“No,” she hisses. “A nun? You’ve got a nun helping you?”
“I-I’m called to help all of Gods children.” You whisper but your voice is weak.
“You- have no idea who he is,” Karen snaps, and she turns to Daredevil. “we need to talk.”
She practically pulls him from the room, and you watch with shaking breath. Dex breathes out slowly through his nose.
“You seem to upset her.” You murmur and kneel beside him.
Dex gives a little shrug, and then his eyes move to your face. “Did you pray for me, sister? After I left the church that day?”
“I did,” you whisper. “I prayed you’d find peace. Some solace.”
Dex nods once. “That’s nice.”
You twist your lips, scooting forward. “Let’s- let’s pray again.”
He raises a wounded brow at you and you smile, hoping it offers comfort.
“I’ll lead.” you offer, and you extend your hand to his. His fingers twitch when you touch him, then his palm flips, and you slide your hand against his. Dex sighs, letting his head fall back with shut eyes and you close your eyes as well, bowing your head.
“Heavenly Father-” you begin, but there’s a feminine scoff and you open your eyes, looking over your shoulder and Karen is glaring at you. Well not you.
At Dex.
“Are you kidding me?” She spits. “You have her, praying for you?”
Dex squeezes your hand, and he lifts his chin.
“Yeah.” He says it like it’s simple. Karen makes a face like she smells something foul.
“She’s innocent,” she mutters, and you don’t like how she talks about you like you’re not there. “Leave her alone.”
“Karen-” Daredevil tries but Dex sits up, grinding his teeth.
“She’s a grown fucking woman,” he snaps. “I didn’t make her do a damn thing.”
“She has nothing to do with this-” Daredevil tries and Karen rolls her eyes.
“Yet we’re in her house for him.”
“He’s my friend.” You interrupt. They all look at you slowly, and you swallow. “And I…um, I make my own decisions.”
Karen’s glare softens just slightly, and she studies you. Daredevil nods at you appreciatively while Dex watches with quiet intensity.
Then she sighs dramatically and grabs her medical bag off the floor. She kneels by his other side, and Dex looks away as she removes the bandage. His jaw tightens as he braces himself, and you pat his hand. “It’s going to be okay.”
Karen balls up the used gauze and throws it to the floor before opening a new packet. Dex studies your face, a small smile tugging at his mouth.
Karen cleans the wound, and Dex breathes through his nose.
“You’re lucky this isn’t worse,” she mutters, dabbing antiseptic on it. He hisses. Daredevil leans against the wall watching with folded arms while you stay close to Dex’s side, offering silent support.
When she finishes, Karen pats his side a little too hard, and Dex grunts. You frown but stay quiet, knowing she’s already testy.
“He’ll be fine,” she mutters. “We can move him.”
Your eyes go between the three of them. “Move…him?”
“Yeah,” Karen says, already packing her supplies. “He isn’t safe here. Fisk's men are everywhere.”
Daredevil nods in agreement, pushing off the wall. Dex looks at you but he doesn’t argue.
“Oh, right.” You say quietly, standing and dusting off your skirt. You move out of the way, and Karen brushes past you.
“Mind if I use your bathroom?” She asks, but she’s already moving down the hall.
Daredevils nostrils flare, and you can feel Dex’s eyes on you as you stare at your fingers.
“I’ll- give you two a moment?” Daredevil says but he forms it like a question. He moves down the hall, after Karen and you feel a nervous energy settle behind your ribs.
Dex waits until their footsteps fade, then he exhales.
“Sister.”
He says your name softly, almost sadly, and you look at him. He smiles, and are you crazy or is the scar on his cheek becoming more and more endearing?
“Thank you,” he says sleepily. “For all your help.”
“Of course,” you whisper. “It’s my calling.”
He gives a little shrug. “Is it though?”
“Well,” you stammer, looking down the hallway and back to him. “Um, yes.”
He tries to sit up but grunts in pain and you move to his side, grabbing his bicep with one hand and bracing the other against his spine. He exhales hard, and glances at you, eyes bouncing over your face.
“You’re a good person,” he murmurs. “My exact opposite.”
“I’m sure that’s not true.” you reply and give him a small smile. “I have my own complexities.”
Dex studies you again, and then he leans forward, painfully slow, and presses a kiss to your cheek.
It’s soft. Chaste. And over just as fast.
His voice is soft, breath brushing your cheek as he says. “I’d probably be very fond of them.”
Before you can react, Karen comes back down the hall with Daredevil behind her. You move back, letting them help him up, watching as he leans the majority of his weight onto the man with the horns, and you tighten your fingers in your palm to stop from reaching out. At the door, Daredevil nods to you.
“Thank you, sister.”
You give him a weak smile. “May God be with you tonight.”
Dex gives you one last long look, his eyes finding yours and doesn’t let go, like you’re the only thing worth seeing in the room before Daredevil pulls him out the door. Karen follows, tossing a ‘take care’ over her shoulder before shutting the door behind them.
You stand frozen for several seconds. Your apartment is too quiet now. The air feels heavy with the absence, and then you raise a hand with trembling fingers to your cheek, to the place his mouth had touched.
x
Ao3 link
Ben poindexter taglist: @laufeydottirs-writings @viviannagiorgini
Summary: Getting back with an ex is never easy, but Ellie has never had an issue slipping under your radar.
Pairing: gf!ellie x gf!reader
WC/Tags: 1,002 / no apocalypse au, exes to lovers, wlw fluff, wlw blurb, Ellie being a sap, Joel adopted Ellie, based in texas
A/N: for my Softlys Locket series, ao3 link below
Getting back with an ex is anything but easy. It’s especially hard when that ex travels for work, and you go weeks without seeing one another. It gives you time to mull over the past, wonder what they’re doing, consider if you had made the right call.
You think you had, but you’re never sure when it comes to Ellie.
The plastic coffee cup is warm in your hands but thin, so it nearly crushes in your grip when you see her. You have to hold back your big smile, chewing at the inside of your cheek and you give a little wave when her eyes finally connect with yours.
You pop up from your seat, rounding the table and smashing your torso against Ellie’s so hard she nearly topples over.
“Babe!” Ellie laughs and her arms snake around you. “Easy.”
“You’re back,” you squeal. “And I no longer have to act like I didn’t miss you.”
Ellie stumbles back a step from the force of your hug, but she’s laughing, bright and loud, the kind that makes her eyes crinkle at the corners. Her arms are around you like steel bands, squeezing tight enough to lift your feet slightly off the ground.
“Missed me?” She pulls back just enough to smirk down at you, one eyebrow arched in playful disbelief. “You? Miss ‘I’m totally fine’ who texted me three times while I was gone?”
Her thumbs brush over your cheeks before she dips in and kisses you, quick, firm, then another right after because she can’t help herself.
“How was your trip?” You giggle, your stomach filled with butterflies.
She shrugs and you grab her backpack as you walk hand in hand from the airport cafe. Ellie pulls a rolly suitcase behind her, and she blinks when you step into the Texas sun.
“Good, easy. You know Joel,” she hums. “Easy going so long as I listen.”
You hum with acknowledgement, knowing that even though the weeks are long, Ellie helping Joel out on the road has added a fat addition to your income.
Popping open your hood, Ellie puts her suitcase inside and you sling the backpack beside it.
“Hope you’re hungry,” you tell her as you get in the passenger seat. “Dina’s making burgers.”
Ellie’s face lights up at the mention of food, real food, not gas station taquitos or whatever sketchy roadside diner Joel dragged her into this time.
“Dina’s cooking?” She buckles in fast, shooting you a grin. Your third roommate had a knack for being the best cook. “Hell yes. I’ve been dreaming about a burger with actual lettuce for weeks.”
She leans over and kisses your cheek as you start the car, then rolls down the window to let in that big Texas wind, sun hot on her face after days of travel dust and diesel fumes.
The radio kicks on with some pop song she knows by heart, and she immediately starts humming off-key, one hand resting lazily on your thigh as you drive back toward home and greasy, edible comfort.
You give her a sideways glance but she catches you, and your cheeks pinken.
“What?” She laughs, and you shake your head.
“Nothing.”
She laughs out your name, leaning closer. She points out an alcove in the road. “Pull over.”
“Huh?” You question but she insists, so you turn the wheel and pull over. “What?”
The car rolls to a stop on the shoulder, dust kicking up slightly from the gravel. Ellie unbuckles fast, and before you can even turn off the engine, she’s twisting in her seat.
One second you’re looking at her confused, and the next her hands are framing your face and she’s kissing you—deep, hungry, like she hadn’t kissed anyone in years.
Her lips are warm from sun and coffee breath and her, all of it overwhelming as her tongue brushes yours. One hand slides into your hair while the other grips your jaw with nibble fingers.
No warning. Just pure Ellie: impulsive affection turned up to eleven.
“El’s,” you breathe as your noses bump. “W-what was that?”
“I know we’re still figuring out where we uh, stand?” She replies. “But I know. I want you. I thought I’d be bitter about how we ended things but I’m not…are you?”
You consider her question, the months between when you hadn’t spoken. When the loneliness had wrapped you up and threatened to swallow you whole. When all you had done was fight, so you had broken her heart.
You’re surprised she’s forgiven you so quickly.
“I thought you’d be bitter too,” you murmur. “You have every right to be.”
She gives a little shake of her head. “If you blamed it all on me, maybe. But I’m just…bittersweet. That I messed up so bad that you had to end things.”
“It wasn’t just you,” you reply and kiss her cheek. “It was a joint effort.”
Ellie exhales shakily, her eyes, those sharp, usually smug blue eyes, suddenly soft and glassy. She blinks fast, and you kiss her cheek again and it unravels her a little more. Her hands find yours this time, lacing your fingers together on the divider between you.
“A joint effort,” she repeats thoughtfully, like she was turning the words over in her mind for weeks while riding shotgun with Joel through empty highways.
Then she leans in again, but slower this time, and kisses you softly: no urgency now. A long press of lips that says I missed you without saying anything at all.
When she pulls back an inch, her nose nuzzles yours once… twice… before resting your foreheads together under the Texas sun pouring through the windshield. You smile at her, a little breathless, and she gives you a side ways grin.
“Come on,” you murmur, turning in your seat. “Dina’s waiting.”
Ellie shrugs and cups the side of your face again, turning your mouth to hers. “She can wait a little longer for us. God knows I have, for you.”
My newest series, ‘Softlys Locket’ is coming 5/11, inspired by Madison Beers newest album. Unlike my previous series, I do not have a specific post schedule. I’ll be posting the masterlist tomorrow, some have release dates and others are TBD. I’ve been working on this for the past few weeks and hopefully they all will be finished soon! Each song will be a different fic/blurb with a different character, but most will be TLOU and the MCU. I’m thrilled to share my newest collection with you, and if you want to be added to the tag list drop me a comment. Can’t wait to see what y’all think of this one, comments & reblog are appreciated☁️
Masterlist for ‘Softlys Locket’ Each song is about a different character, a different length, and different fandom. I’ll also have them listed in their main individual master lists, this is just a master list for the series. Let me know if you’d like to be tagged when they drop. There is no schedule but I don’t plan on dragging it out so stay tuned🔓
locket theme - Wanda x reader TBD
yes baby - S4!Dean x hunter!reader
angel wings - DBF!Joel Miller x neighbor!reader
for the night - re9!Leon x bratty!reader
bad enough - TBD
healthy habit - DDS3!Dex X anxious!reader
you’re still everything - postCW!Bucky x gf!reader
bittersweet - Ellie x reader
complexity - DDS3!Dex - nun!reader
make you mine - DDS3!Dex x reader TBD
nothing at all - TFatWS!Bucky x college!reader
lovergirl - re2!Leon x gf!reader
free - re9!Leon x reader
somehow i got lucky - DDS3!Dex x waitress!reader
locket theme extended - husband!joel x wife!reader
