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♫ Act Up - Rich Brian
Fem!Reader in a dress :) Thunderbolts* era but no spoilers for the plot of the actual film, just John being John!
"There's no fucking way." "Nope. Absolutely not."
Walker and you protested in unison as Valentina just smiled. Not a nice one, mind, more of a menacing one. The patented 'Valentina Is Doing Something Borderline Illegal' smile.
"It's a job and I need it doing. I know you don't get along, but you are both the only ones suited for the job that I have at my disposal."
"What about the rest of them?" you questioned, gesturing to the empty room behind you in reference to the whole team.
"Unfortunately, these people are well aware of Bucky so he's the most unviable of the lot of you, and I can't risk Miss Belova. I have Ava and Alexei booked for a mission already so that leaves you two." Valentina's reply was nonchalant, shrugging as she turned to the elevator.
"Bob?" you questioned, and she turned to you incredulously.
"You're joking, aren't you? Dear god, you aren't. I'm not replacing Walker with Bob. End of."
"I meant me," you mumbled, shrugging and following her as John tried to reason with her. She just ignored him entirely.
"Listen, I just need it done. Put your differences aside or don't. Either way, I expect you there tomorrow evening. I've left packages on your beds, wear them. Toodles!"
She left you with John in the quiet communal area. You heard him sigh and it infuriated you. Everything he did infuriated you, but his over dramatic reaction stirred some unhealthy rage in you.
"Look, I'm not happy about it either. Let's just get it over with and then you don't have to be around me this close ever again."
For a moment, John stopped and just stared at you. How little you know, he thought to himself. John wasn't about to deny to himself that he thinks you're pretty. More than once he'd definitely been checking you out in the training room. His eyes narrowed as though he was about to speak, about to say something horrible no doubt. For the first time, he gave up.
"Whatever," his voice was tired. "I'm going to bed."
John left you without a goodnight, and without closure on what he was about to say. You would be lying if you said it didn't make you curious. John Walker never gave in, even if he was dead wrong. He would still fight his corner, and that made you wonder as to why he wasn't now. Still, you brushed it off and got yourself to bed, too.
Reaching your door, you discarded the package and had not a single care to open it. Normally, you would wonder, but you were too exhausted to bother. You read the card on top, noticing it was an invite to a party. You surmised there was an outfit in there for you, and your head spun. The last thing you wanted to do was dress up for a party, let alone attend one anyway. Trying to shake the feeling, you just focused on relaxing for the night before settling.
When John reached his room, he closed the door a little heavier than normal. Leaning back against it, his head rested there for a moment and he let out a bigger sigh. Pushing himself off, he caught sight of his own present from Val and decided to open it. Inside was a suit and shirt. The jacket and pants were red, with a black shirt and tie to match. Set atop was a set of cufflinks in the shape of stars.
"Hah," Walker laughed out to himself. "She knows style."
It was at that point his mind wandered to what you might be wearing tomorrow, but he quickly shook that off by convincing himself he didn't really care.
Morning had arrived a lot quicker than you had intended, and you woke with a heavy head. After breakfast, you'd normally work out in the gym. Today you wanted to avoid John as much as possible and he was in there every single morning without fail. Instead, you milled around your room doing nothing, until the time came to open Val's gift.
"Motherfucker," you huffed out as you pulled the dress out of the box and held it up.
It was a sleek black gown, backless with a slit up the leg. It would leave a lot more skin out than you liked, but realistically if you went and argued with Val it would do absolutely no good. The front had a low neckline too, and on anyone else you'd think it was beautiful. You weren't sure about what you would look like wearing it. Accompanying it, was some jewelry; a silver necklace that hung low, an expensive looking bracelet adorned with stars, and earrings to match.
Glancing at the clock, you saw it was already 3pm. Deciding to get ready early, you took a very long shower and styled your hair, opting to leave it down instead of pinning it up. Slipping into the dress and accessories, you looked yourself over in the mirror. Admittedly, you didn't look half bad despite how uncomfortable you felt. It took a lot to leave your room, something you hadn't managed to do yet.
Debating just disappearing for a while, you almost didn't hear the knock at your door. Unlocking it and opening it, there stood Ava looking bored. She wasn't looking at you when she first started talking.
"John's in the common room waiting for you, if you're ready to- FUCK ME."
Now she was looking at you. Like, really looking at you. She shamelessly looked you up and down with a smirk.
"Gonna assume I look alright then?" you mused, and she nodded a little too enthusiastically.
"Alright? You look stunning, even I'm inclined to kiss you now."
You scoffed and pushed her lightly, but she put her hands on your shoulders and smiled kindly.
"In all seriousness, you look incredible. This is so different for you, Val definitely knows what she's doing in the fashion department. You're gonna kill tonight, I know it."
"Thanks Ava," you pulled her in for a hug, appreciating her pep talk. "Lotta love for you."
"No sweat. Besides, don't keep John too long. Your groom awaits."
"I take back what I said."
Ava took your arm and led you up to the common room, where John was stood idly at the table, leaning on it. You couldn't deny how good he looked in that suit; he looked so handsome. Wait, what the fuck am I saying? you thought, trying to push that thought out of your brain. But, the longer you looked the more it affirmed it. John hadn't noticed you yet, or he was just ignoring you. Either way, it was something in which you were very thankful for.
Maybe it's just my nerves. Walker isn't that good looking.
You lied to yourself wholeheartedly, but refused to believe this was actually how you felt right now. You were feeling a lot of emotions, but attraction to John Walker was the last one you wanted to experience.
Right?
You were pulled from your thoughts by a small scream, which was Yelena finally having seen you.
"Oh my god, look at you!" she jeered, which snapped everyone's heads over to you.
Now you felt really embarrassed. Ava shot Yelena a look and she quickly calmed herself down, sensing your emotions as she saw Ava's arm gently resting on your back. Yelena took your hands and gave you a hug, whispering a good luck in your ear and emphasizing how nice you looked before leaving you be and disappearing to her room. You put on a nervous smile, trying to hide how much discomfort you were in.
"Go kill it, doll. You look beautiful," was Bucky's answer. Short and sweet and accompanied by a kiss on the forehead. He already knew how this kind of stuff made you feel, he'd been like a sibling to you since you arrived here, just like Ava. There was no hiding anything from either one of them.
"And if you need me, you know you can call me," Bucky tagged on the end.
Now John looked up, realising there was some commotion around him. His eyes widened at you, not managing to hide his shock.
She looks incredible.
John's hands got clammy and he felt a warmth in his heart. He noticed the way the dress hugged your body in all the right places, and how it sat so perfectly on you. Matched with your hairstyle and makeup, you looked like a Greek goddess. It was then that John saw the bracelet, the stars that matched his own, and it clicked what kind of mission this was no doubt going to be.
Saying goodbye to Ava and Bucky, you made your way over to John after catching him staring at you.
"Hi there," you said, your nerves very clear in your voice. "Suit's real nice, seems like Val had us both read."
Suits real nice... for god's sake. That was an understatement, he looked incredible. The whole thing fit him so well, Val had really outdone herself.
He nodded. "Yeah, it's pretty nice. You look great."
It was a blunt statement, but it seemed to calm you at least a little. You knew he was saying out of necessity, more because you just had to get along and carry this thing out. The car had pulled up outside, and you made your way there with John in tow.
"I hate this stuff. Strange people, strange men," you cringed, a shiver running down your spine. "Makes me feel awful."
"I'll be there, I've got you. I know you didn't want to be here with me, you'd probably have preferred Bucky. I get that, but I mean it, okay? No one's going to harm you." His sincerity caught you off guard, and you found yourself smiling to yourself.
The car ride was quiet until you spoke up.
"You know what we're doing here?" You'd calmed a little now, thankful for the darkness of the back of the car. "I read the card, but it didn't say much other than the invite. Something about getting intel from a guy called Antoni in here?"
John cleared his throat to answer, clearly lost somewhere in his thoughts. "I would assume that, yeah. From what little Mel gave me, I think he knows we are coming. It seems like a formal kind of party, given our matching accessories I'd say we have to remain close."
Your brows furrowed, but when he held his cuff up you realised they matched your bracelet. Sighing, you let out a small chuckle. John liked that, seeing you relax for the first time tonight felt nice to him.
"Val," you huffed out, shaking your head. He nodded, allowing a small smile to grace his face. He looked softer when he smiled and in this suit, the slick back hair and the way the red fit him just...
Stop, you told yourself. That's literally Walker.
Gratefully, you arrived at the venue, Nothing fancy at the door, save for a man taking invitations. John was the first to leave the car, and as you gathered yourself, he had made his way around to your side and opened it for you. A strangely gentleman-like gesture from him, as he held his hand out for you to take as you exited the car.
"Thank you," you murmured, and he smiled at you.
As you got to the door, you pulled yourself off to the side and away from Walker. He frowned, wondering if he'd done something wrong. A common feeling for him, he was very used to it. But all he had done was walk beside you.
"Hey," he caught your arm, the touch sending a jolt through you. John hated your expression, you looked fearful. "Did I do something?"
"No, not at all, it's not you," you protested, making sure he knew this wasn't about him. "I just feel really uncomfortable. I hate these kind of missions, and I hate this clothing."
John understandingly nodded, hearing you out. "If it makes you feel a little better, you look incredible."
Your eyes widened, not expecting such a compliment. John held your hand, rubbing gentle circles over the back of your skin. You thought that the only nice thing you'd get all night was the quick hand remark you'd gotten in the tower before you left. But here he was, being soft and it burned through you.
"I'm just nervous, I guess," you mumbled out, trying to laugh it off. John was wise enough to see right through it.
"Which is normal," he reasoned. "Can I help you at all?"
You shrugged unsure, and John looked at you with care. "Then trust me, okay?"
There it was, the soft John voice that you'd never heard before. John was usually loud and brash, it came with part and parcel with who he was. The overzealous confidence that normally dripped from him was gone, and here in this moment he was being as tender as he could with you.
You breathed out, nodding. You knew you both needed to look convincingly together for this to work. "Okay."
"Atta girl," John said, and you could have caved then and there. Pet names were not much your thing, but the feeling that shot through you was undeniable. It was like it altered your brain chemistry, like that's all you wanted him to ever call you. John released your hand from his, and placed one on your back, bare skin burning like it was on fire. His hands were rough, and it took all of your willpower to pull your mind from the way they felt. He smelled so good, too, now he was closer to you. His cologne was enticing, and so manly.
When did John Walker get so hot?
"Come on," he leaned in close to you. "Let's go inside, I've got you, okay?"
Why he was being so nice, you had no idea. Even in your worst moments, he'd only offered an awkward cuddle, so you wondered what had changed in him. Or rather, what had changed between you. Because the emotions you were currently going through certainly surprised you.
Entering the building without a hitch, you were both greeted by a tall, suave looking man who had introduced himself as Antoni. He pulled you both through the party and into a quieter backroom where you could talk.
The vibe didn't sit right with you, but then again this man was practically a criminal. He had intel that you all needed, and morally it wasn't out of any of your leagues to get it from the worst places. You weren't the original Avengers, after all. You're the Thunderbolts, with very questionable stages of integrity and mental stability. Which said a lot in and of itself.
"Please," his thick Italian drawl came out. "You and the lovely lady have a seat."
John pulled your seat out for you as you smiled at him and he took place next to you. His close proximity sent waves through you, and you were having a hard time focusing on the conversation as his fingers danced over your skin. As the talking carried on, you could feel John looking at you, heat rising in your cheeks. He was very good at pretending, this act was going well for him.
"And this pretty thing, dangerous I can imagine," Antoni smirked, placing a hand on your uncovered thigh. You stiffened, and John felt it. His eyes narrowed, but he didn't say anything just yet, despite the anger pooling in him. Why was he feeling so defensive? You weren't his, it was just an act, but it burned in him how this stranger was so touchy with you.
You gave Antoni a gracious smile, not showing your discomfort outwardly. You'd never made light of the fact you don't do well with physical touch, particularly men you didn't know. Something John had remembered, and made sure to look out for on this mission.
"Bella ragazza," Antoni breathed out, his hand trailing higher up your leg as the other reached up to stroke your face. The back of his hand trailed down your cheek, and it took everything you had not to flinch away. You didn't speak Italian, but John did.
Beautiful girl, he gritted his teeth. She's not your beautiful girl.
John had enough, he could feel you radiating panic, and it broke in him. He reached around you, taking the man's wrist in his hand and shooting him a pissed off look. You took a sharp breath in, and Antoni smiled, looking at John's arm and your face.
"Ahh, I see," came Antoni's voice, as he stopped touching you. "Apologies, sir."
"Not me you should be apologising to, Antoni," John's voice was in low octaves, he sounded almost feral. He still hadn't let go of the Italian's wrist, keeping lock on it tight. "Think you owe my lady an apology."
'My lady', that should not be doing to you what it it did. The drawl, the way he said it so possessively; John Walker was getting right under your skin. And you weren't going to do a damn thing about it.
"Apologies," Antoni conceded, sitting back once more. "I meant no offense."
It was a strained conversation, drawn out and borderline aggressive, but by the end you had managed to get the exact information Val needed from you. As Antoni and his men left the room, it left you and Walker alone in the room. You breathed a sigh of relief and he looked over to you. In the dim light, his features looked even more striking.
"Fuck," you muttered, taking a sharp intake of air, hoping to calm your nerves. John was in front of you almost immediately, with the most concern you'd ever seen on the super soldiers face. He knelt down before you, placing his hands on your knees for support.
"Are you okay? I know you said that stuff makes you really upset. If we didn't need that intel..." John's voice trailed off but you stopped him, a soft smile on your face.
"John, hey. It's okay. Thank you even remembering I said that." You went quiet, placing one of your hands over his, the other remaining in your lap. "Thank you for defending me."
He shrugged it off with a small huff, as though he hadn't just defended your honor in front of a few Italian criminals. That could have turned bad, but he did it for you. That wasn't a light gesture as far as you were concerned.
"What did he mean by that? When he said 'I see?'" you asked, and John was puled from his thoughts seemingly.
"Oh," he replied, smiling and taking your wrist in his fingers. He was so gentle with you, like you might break. He played with your bracelet before pulling his links round. "Think he noticed these and it seems like he assumed we were a couple. Probably got real scared after I said you were my lady."
You let out your own small huff of agreement. "Yeah."
John's eyes were looking at you so soft, so warm. He'd never looked at you before, not like this. The only time he looked at you with passion was when you had your fights. But now, John was struck. He didn't what the fuck he was doing and he didn't care.
"Why don't we escape to the tower and get out of these?" John asked, holding out his hand for you as you both stood.
Nodding in agreement enthusiastically, you took his hand. "God yes, get me into my regular clothes."
John smirked, seeing a chance to test the waters a little. If he was any wiser, he would assume he'd been drinking. But here he was, sober as shit and making heart eyes at you. John held your hips and moved you back, your skin hitting the wall as he leaned above you. His voice was quiet against your ear.
"For what it's worth, my lady, you look divine."
That sent shivers down your spine, and he chuckled. "Don't think I didn't spot how tense you got when I called you that. Did you like it?"
His question required an answer, but you were too busy lost in his eyes. Before your brain could react, or come up with the right words, your lips found his own in a bruising kiss. Maybe it was the heat of the moment or the environment, but it had you both acting silly. John's hands stayed on the fabric of your dress, remembering your flinching at skin on skin. He pulled back for a moment to speak.
"Trust me, princess?" he asked you, and you nodded, hazy eyed and breathless.
John wasted no time in going back to kiss you again, this time his hand slipping down to your thighs. He ghosted where Antoni's hand once was, and the guttural sound that came from him was almost animalistic. He traced your skin, his rough hands making sure the remnants of the Italians touch were forgotten. You let out a breathy moan, and he smiled into your neck.
"There we go, pretty girl. You have no idea how good you look tonight, or what this dress has been doing to me."
You let out a gasp, not expecting any of this from Walker. He hated you not even a week ago, and here he was in your arms like you'd been lovers for years. He'd made you a mess, your whole mind filled with thoughts of him ever since this afternoon.
"John," you took a sharp intake of breath. You felt him smile against your skin, clearly enjoying himself.
"The way you say my name like that, oh honey I could listen to that forever."
My mouth was agape, this whole side of hm was completely brand new. And you'd be lying if you said it didn't make you feel good. The last place you thought you would be tonight was in a backroom of a shady party, kissing John Walker like you needed him for air.
Once you both pulled back for air, John's hands rested on your skin, grazing gently up and down your back. You leaned into his chest, desperate to hear his heartbeat. His embrace was strong and firm.
"John?" you looked up, and that right there could have killed him. Your soft voice, staring at him sweetly through your lashes. The blatant refusal to step out of his arms; it was so right for him. "What does bella regazza actually mean? I don't speak Italian."
John smile down to you, cupping your face in his hand. For a moment he said nothing, just taking you in. The super soldier held your chin between his thumb and forefinger, staring into your eyes with his blue ones. Those eyes... they would be the death of you.
"Beautiful girl," he replied, and your breath hitched. John smirked at that. "You like that too, hmm? Learnin' a lot about you, aren't we?"
You felt your cheeks heat, knowing full well he could probably hear how fast your heart began to beat. Your mouth turned upwards into a small smile as you spoke.
"So, when Antoni said that, you got - you got jealous?"
It was John's turn to look embarrassed now, feeling the heat rising in his own cheeks.
"I'm a little territorial, sure. But the way he was acting, and the way he treated you was what got me. That was just the icing on the cake. Knowing how scared it must have made you feel, I couldn't just sit there."
Your heart was already beating at a fast rate, but hearing him talk to you like this and tell you how much he cared was something else. John spoke again, his voice cutting through the air that surrounded you both, drowning out the faint hum of music from the other room.
"You're my beautiful girl."
Your lips parted, and you nodded. What did you have to lose? Together, you could be a powerful couple, you could support each other in all the right places. Or, it could be a disaster. You were itching to find out.
"John, can we go home?" you asked, and he was quick to nod. "I want out of this dress and into your bed." John raised his eyebrows and smirked. "For cuddles, you-"
John pulled you close to him, into another bruising kiss. His hands held your sides, squeezing gently. When he pulled back, he looked at you like you were the brightest star in the sky.
"I'd like that. Come on, princess. Let's get you home."
The night was spent in good company, unexpected company but not bad. You ate, talked and held each other. Sure, someone was going to talk in the morning when you emerged from the same room, and it would be your luck it's Bucky. But you didn't care. All you cared about was John.
You slept together, soundly. John's arms held you all night, his low snores actually comforting you. Occasionally, he'd readjust and pull you over to him, burying his face into your hair. His warmth and his arms made you sure of one thing; from this day on, you were a goner.
Entirely his. His beautiful girl.
For the first night in a while, you slept without waking once.
For the first night in a while, John had no nightmares at all.
Both of you slept that night with the knowledge that this could be a beautiful thing.