Wrong Date
Charles Leclerc x Reader
You sigh, adjusting the hem of your dress as you step into the dimly lit, extravagant restaurant. The chandeliers overhead sparkle like tiny galaxies, a stark contrast to the storm brewing inside you. This was a mistake. You didn’t even want to be here, but your friends had practically shoved you into a taxi, insisting that “love comes when you least expect it.”
So here you are, waiting for some guy named Marc—or was it Alan? Honestly, you barely remembered.
The host leads you to a table near the window, where a man is already seated, scrolling through his phone. His light brown hair is slightly tousled, and when he looks up, his green eyes catch the candlelight. He’s handsome—annoyingly so.
“You’re early,” you say, trying to hide your nerves.
He blinks at you, clearly caught off guard. Then, after a beat, he smiles. “I guess I am.”
His accent is smooth, French… no, something else? You don’t dwell on it. You just want to get this evening over with.
“So,” you begin, forcing a polite smile, “what do you do?”
He tilts his head, amused. “You really don’t know?”
You frown. “Should I?”
For a second, he just stares at you, then laughs—a warm, genuine sound that surprises you. “I suppose not. I’m Charles. And you?”
You tell him your name, and he repeats it, letting it roll off his tongue. You don’t want to admit that it sounds nice when he says it.
The conversation is awkward at first. He seems charming, but you feel like you have nothing in common. He talks about traveling, fast cars, and competition. You’re more into books, museums, and quiet evenings.
“I don’t get the appeal of racing,” you confess, sipping your wine. “Driving in circles for hours? Sounds exhausting.”
He nearly chokes on his drink, eyes wide with disbelief. “You’ve never watched Formula 1?”
You shake your head. “Not interested.”
For some reason, that makes him grin. “You might be the first person I’ve met who says that.”
“Glad to be unique,” you say dryly.
But then something shifts. Maybe it’s the way he listens when you talk about your favorite authors, or the way his eyes light up when he describes the thrill of racing. You start teasing him about his job, and he teases you right back, challenging your every assumption. Before you know it, you’re both laughing, the initial awkwardness melting away.
The waiter arrives with dessert, and that’s when your phone buzzes. A message from your friend: “Where are you? Marc says he’s been waiting for 30 minutes!”
Your breath catches. You look at Charles, then at the text.
He raises an eyebrow. “What?”
You hesitate before showing him the message. He reads it, and instead of looking offended, he bursts into laughter.
“Wrong date?” he guesses.
“Wrong date,” you confirm, covering your face in embarrassment.
For a second, there’s silence. Then he leans forward, a smirk playing on his lips.
“Well,” he says, “if it makes you feel better… I’m really glad you sat at the wrong table.”
And somehow, you realize—you are too.
i'm in love with an idiot
Peter Parker x Reader
You’ve been through a lot as Spider-woman—villains, heartbreak, and the constant balancing act of being a hero. But this? This is a new one. One minute you were swinging through your city, hot on the trail of a rogue scientist tinkering with dimensional technology, and the next, a kaleidoscope of colors swirled around you. When the dizzying vortex spat you out, the New York skyline looked just familiar enough to make you think you were still home—until you saw him.
Peter Parker. Spider-Man.
You’ve heard of him in passing through multiverse murmurs, but standing face-to-face with him? You hadn’t expected that. Not today.
“You’re… me?” he asks, his voice laced with incredulity but carrying a lightness that makes you feel like maybe, just maybe, this strange twist of fate won’t be so bad.
“No,” you correct him with a wry smile. “I’m better.”
The two of you bond quicker than you expected, drawn together by shared experiences that no one else could fully understand. Swinging side-by-side through the city, you find yourself surprised by how easily he makes you laugh—his dry humor, his dorky jokes, the way he apologizes to pigeons when he narrowly avoids colliding with them mid-swing.
But it’s not just the humor that gets to you. It’s his heart.
One evening, as the sun dips below the skyline, the two of you perch on the edge of a skyscraper, sharing takeout Chinese food straight out of the cartons. Peter listens intently as you talk about your universe—the sacrifices you’ve made, the people you’ve lost.
“You carry so much,” he says softly, his brown eyes locking onto yours. “But you don’t have to carry it alone. Not here, not with me.”
His words linger in the air between you, heavy with something unspoken. You want to say something back, something meaningful, but the way he’s looking at you makes your breath catch in your throat.
Before you can think better of it, you lean closer. So does he.
The kiss is tentative at first, his lips brushing yours as if asking permission. But when you deepen it, his hand comes up to cradle your face, and it feels like the world itself pauses for just a moment. You’re no longer Spider-woman from another universe, no longer a stranger in his world. You’re just… you. And he’s Peter.
When you finally pull back, the city stretches out below you, its lights twinkling like a thousand tiny stars. Peter grins, his usual confidence returning.
“Well,” he says, his tone teasing, “I guess interdimensional travel isn’t all bad.”
You laugh, shaking your head. “Not bad at all.”
As the night stretches on, you know this can’t last forever. Eventually, you’ll have to find a way back to your universe. But for now, with Peter by your side, the weight of your world feels just a little lighter.
Peter Parker x Reader
You lean against the rooftop, the city lights shimmering below like a thousand stars caught in the web of concrete. The wind ruffles your hair, but you're not bothered by it. Not when you're so focused on the one person who’s been messing with your mind lately—Spider-Man.
He's perched on the edge of the building, eyes scanning the streets below, looking for trouble. But the moment you step into his line of sight, everything shifts. He straightens up, his posture alert, but there's a flicker in his eyes, a challenge, maybe even a glint of something else. He knows who you are, and you know him. You've crossed paths more times than you'd care to admit—fighting, teasing, bickering.
And yet, there's always that tension. You can feel it in the air, like the charged buzz before a thunderstorm.
“So, what are we doing tonight, Webhead?” you call out, deliberately leaning closer as you speak, making sure he notices the sway of your voice. You see the way his jaw tightens, how his body stiffens, and it's almost enough to make you smirk. Almost.
“You know,” he says, voice low and steady, but you can catch the edge of something more, “I’m getting kind of tired of you showing up just to cause chaos.” He flips himself into a crouch, ready for anything.
“Cause chaos?” You raise an eyebrow, your lips curling into a playful smile. “I’m just here to have a little fun. You should try it sometime.” Your eyes meet his, and there's an almost teasing energy in your stare, the same electric current that always seems to pass between you two.
His eyes narrow. “Are you flirting with me or starting a fight?”
You let out a soft laugh, a laugh that dances between confidence and something far more dangerous. “Why not both?” You take a step closer, watching the way his breath catches. You know he’s trying to keep his cool, but the way his gaze flickers down to your lips gives him away. You’ve seen that look before. He’s not entirely immune.
There’s a beat of silence between you, the kind that teases at something deeper. Something almost… dangerous. You both know you're enemies. You've fought on opposite sides countless times. But there’s something about this game you play. It's like a constant tug-of-war between attraction and animosity.
Spider-Man lunges toward you with a speed you barely manage to sidestep. The playful tension slips into something more intense, more urgent. He spins around, keeping his distance, but you can feel his presence pressing in on you.
“Don’t pretend like you didn’t want that,” you tease, taking a slow step forward, daring him to make the next move.
His lips twitch, like he’s about to say something—maybe even flirt back—but then he stops himself. It’s almost as if he’s wrestling with his own reaction, weighing the consequences of letting this thing between you two slip into something more. Something… personal.
But then, in a flash of motion, he’s gone. No fight. No words. Just the whisper of his webbing as it disappears into the night.
You stand there for a moment, watching the empty space where he used to be. A soft laugh escapes your lips.
This isn’t over. You both know it.
And deep down, you both know it never will be.
Valentine
Timothée Chalamet x Reader
You’ve always been the type to sidestep romance. Flowers made you sneeze, chocolate was too sweet, and the idea of grand declarations sent shivers up your spine—not the good kind. For years, you prided yourself on being untouchable, untethered. Love was for people in books or movies, not for you.
Then Timothée happened.
You’re not sure when he started slipping past your walls. Maybe it was the way he laughed, quick and bright, like he couldn’t help it. Or maybe it was the way he tilted his head when you spoke, like he was peeling back the layers of your every word. Whatever it was, it was infuriatingly effective.
And now it’s Valentine’s Day, and you’re sitting across from him in a tiny Parisian café that feels plucked from a dream. He picked it, of course, because he’s Timothée and he knows how to set a scene. There’s a faint drizzle outside, blurring the lights into a soft halo around the windows, and he’s looking at you like you’re the most fascinating thing he’s ever seen.
“You’re so pretty,” he says, almost absentmindedly, like it’s a fact he just remembered.
Your brain stutters. Pretty? You don’t know how to respond to that. “Uh, thanks?” you manage, your voice an octave higher than usual. “You’re, um, pretty too. Can I say that? Is that weird?”
Timothée laughs, low and warm, and it feels like the room tilts just a little. “It’s not weird,” he says, leaning forward, his chin resting on his hand. “But it’s kind of adorable that you’re overthinking it.”
You want to roll your eyes, to deflect, but he’s looking at you with such unguarded affection that it’s hard to hide. You fiddle with the edge of your napkin instead, trying to focus on anything other than the intensity of his gaze.
“This is weird for me,” you blurt out, surprising even yourself. “Like, I’ve rejected affection for years, and now I have it, and—damn it—it’s kind of weird.”
Timothée’s expression softens, and his hand reaches across the table to cover yours. “Weird’s okay,” he says. “Weird’s honest. I like honest.”
Your heart stumbles, then takes off at a sprint. He’s too much—too kind, too perceptive, too everything, and you’re terrified of what that means. But then his thumb brushes over your knuckles, grounding you, and you realize that maybe it doesn’t have to be terrifying. Maybe it can just be good.
The waiter arrives with dessert, breaking the moment, and you’re grateful for the distraction. It’s a shared plate of macarons in delicate pastel hues, and Timothée immediately pops a pink one into his mouth, humming in approval.
“Try the lavender one,” he says, holding it out to you with an encouraging smile.
You hesitate, then lean forward to take a bite. It’s soft and sweet, just like this moment, and for the first time in a long time, you let yourself enjoy it.
Timothée grins, his lips dusted with sugar. “See? Not so bad, right?”
You nod, a small smile tugging at your lips. “Yeah. Not so bad.”
And as the rain taps gently against the window and Timothée starts rambling about the best macaron flavors, you think that maybe, just maybe, love isn’t as scary as you thought.
I can't read your mind
Carlos Sainz x Reader
The low hum of the Madrid evening wraps around you like a gentle embrace, broken only by the murmur of distant voices and the occasional clink of glasses. You stand on the balcony of a sleek penthouse, your sequined gown catching the moonlight as if it were meant to. Tonight had been a triumph—the premiere of your latest film—but your thoughts are tangled, a script with too many subplots to follow.
Behind you, the sound of approaching footsteps pulls you from your reverie. You turn to see Carlos Sainz, his tailored suit catching the light as effortlessly as his smile catches your breath. His hands are tucked casually in his pockets, and his eyes, dark and mischievous, carry that infuriating glint that always seems to find your weak spot.
“You’ve been hiding out here,” he says, his voice teasing as he leans on the railing beside you.
“I needed air,” you reply, keeping your tone even, neutral.
This isn’t the first time you’ve crossed paths. For months, it’s been the same: fleeting encounters at festivals, galas, yacht parties in Monaco. There’s always been a pull between you, something unspoken but electric. Tonight, though, it feels like the air between you has shifted.
“You’re quiet,” he observes, tilting his head. “Not like you.”
You grip the railing, searching for the right words. “Do you ever feel like… you can’t figure someone out? Like no matter what they say, their actions keep contradicting their words?”
His brow lifts, intrigued. “Sometimes. But I usually don’t waste time trying to figure people out. They show you who they are, one way or another.”
You let out a soft laugh, tinged with frustration. “That’s easy for you to say. You live life in the fast lane. No time to overthink.”
“And you?” he counters, his voice dipping lower. “You’re always overthinking, aren’t you?"
The way he looks at you makes your heart skip. You glance away, but the weight of his gaze lingers. Finally, you admit what’s been gnawing at you.
“I just… I don’t get you, Carlos. One minute, you’re charming and attentive, and the next, you’re distant. You say you want to keep things casual, but then you look at me like this.”
He doesn’t respond right away, and the silence makes your pulse quicken. Then, he takes a step closer, his presence radiating warmth.
“I didn’t think someone like you would slow down for someone like me,” he says, his voice barely above a whisper.
You blink, startled by his candor. “Why not?”
“You’re a star. Everyone wants a piece of you. I didn’t want to add to that. But now…” He pauses, his fingers brushing yours on the railing. “Now, I’m starting to think I’ve been wrong.”
Your breath catches. In his eyes, you see something raw, unguarded—a glimpse of the man behind the charm.
“Maybe I don’t want casual,” he continues, his voice softer now. “Maybe I’m just scared you don’t want anything more.”
The honesty in his words cracks something open in you. You’ve been holding back, too, afraid to show him just how much he’s gotten under your skin.
“I don’t need you to read my mind, Carlos,” you say, your hand turning to intertwine with his. “I just need you to be honest with me.”
His smile, the one that always weakens your knees, softens into something real. “That, I can do.”
The city lights shimmer below as he leans in, his lips brushing yours. The kiss is unhurried, sincere, and it drowns out the doubts that had clouded your mind. In that moment, the world falls away, leaving only the quiet truth of what you’ve both been searching for all along.
Are they… together?
Timothee Chalamet x Reader
You’re on set, the lights dimmed, and the sound of the director’s voice fades into the background as you and Timothée exchange glances. It’s been like this for a while now: secret smiles between takes, shared quiet moments while everyone else is distracted. No one knows about the two of you. It’s been a little slice of happiness you’ve kept to yourselves, hidden behind the scenes.
The crew is setting up for the next shot, and Timothée steps closer to you. He brushes his hand against yours as if it’s the most natural thing in the world, though it’s not. You feel the warmth of his touch, the softness of his fingers against yours, and your heart skips a beat. You look up to meet his eyes, and for a moment, everything else disappears. His gaze is soft, full of affection, but it’s the playful twinkle that gives away the secret he’s been keeping.
With a mischievous grin, Timothée leans in and, in one swift motion, plants a quick kiss on your cheek, just as someone in the crew calls for a break. You both freeze, caught in the moment, and for a split second, you wonder if anyone saw. But before you can think too much about it, Timothée smirks, clearly enjoying the little game he’s playing.
You laugh, shaking your head as you turn away, but your heart is racing. He’s not done yet. You feel his breath close to your ear as he whispers, "I can’t help myself," before sneaking a kiss to the corner of your lips.
Then, without warning, someone — maybe a crew member, maybe a fellow actor — snaps a photo. You don’t realize it at first, but that’s the moment everything changes.
The next day, you’re scrolling through social media during a lunch break, and there it is: a candid photo of the two of you, Timothée’s lips grazing your cheek, your smile barely caught in the moment. It’s simple, sweet, and it’s been shared thousands of times. The caption? Just a question: "Are they… together?"
The comments flood in, fans piecing the puzzle together, speculating, debating. A wave of excitement and curiosity sweeps across the internet. Your heart sinks and rises in equal measure.
Timothée finds you a few minutes later, eyes full of mischief, a grin playing on his lips. "So… I guess we’re not secret anymore?"
You roll your eyes but can’t help the blush that creeps up your neck. "I guess not."
a lovely night
Timothee Chalamet x Reader
You’re standing at the edge of a wooden pier, the ocean stretching out in front of you, its surface rippling with the silver sheen of twilight. The sky is a painter’s dream—swirling blues and purples and soft pink streaks that refuse to settle. You wouldn’t have chosen to be here, not with him, but here you are.
“Nice view,” Timothée says, his hands shoved deep into his pockets. He’s not looking at you, but you can hear the smirk in his voice. That ever-present air of confidence, or maybe it’s just boredom. Hard to tell.
“It’d be nicer without the commentary,” you shoot back.
He lets out a short laugh, tilting his head toward you. His curly hair catches the fading light, and for a split second, you think it makes him look... well, annoying, actually. Of course he’d find a way to be effortlessly attractive when you’re trying to stay irritated.
“So why are we here again?” you ask, crossing your arms as the sea breeze teases at the hem of your dress.
“You tell me. You’re the one who wanted to walk instead of staying at the party.”
“Yeah, because parties with you are unbearable.”
“And this is better?” He gestures at the empty pier, the lazy waves, the distant hum of the city behind you both.
You roll your eyes, but you don’t leave.
For a while, the two of you stand in silence. The night starts to creep in, the stars blinking awake. Somewhere out there, a couple would be leaning into each other, whispering something soft, something that matters. But here? Here it’s just you and Timothée, stuck in a conversation neither of you wants to admit feels inevitable.
“It’s funny, isn’t it?” he says suddenly.
“What’s funny?”
“This. Us. Standing here like this. It’s almost…” He pauses, as if searching for the right word. “Romantic.”
You laugh—sharp and incredulous. “Romantic? Don’t flatter yourself.”
“I’m serious!” He turns to you, grinning now. That ridiculous, lopsided grin you’ve seen a thousand times. “It’s the perfect setting, isn’t it? Moonlight, the ocean, you in that dress”
“Stop.”
“Why? Does it bother you?”
“No, it’s just… You’re ridiculous.”
“Yeah, well, so are you.”
The wind picks up, and for a moment, the air between you feels charged. Like maybe there’s something unspoken here, something you’d both rather not acknowledge. But then he shifts, breaking the spell.
“You know,” he says, “if this were a movie, this would be the part where we kiss.”
“Good thing it’s not a movie.”
He chuckles softly, and the sound feels warmer than it should. “Good thing,” he repeats.
And yet, as the night deepens and the stars sharpen their glow, neither of you makes a move to leave. Maybe it’s the view. Or maybe, despite everything, there’s something about wasting a lovely night with someone who isn’t supposed to matter.
love, love, love
Carlos Sainz x Reader
The soft hum of your favorite song played in the background as you and Carlos sat cross-legged on the living room floor, surrounded by a sea of wedding magazines, swatches of fabric, and color samples. It was late evening, and the golden glow of candles you both lit gave the room a warm, almost magical, ambiance.
“Are you sure about this color?” Carlos asked, holding up a swatch of burgundy velvet between his fingers, his brow furrowed in concentration. You couldn’t help but smile at the sight of him taking the smallest details so seriously, his usual calm demeanor tinged with just a hint of nervous energy.
“It’s perfect,” you reassured him, scooting closer to examine the fabric. “It’ll look stunning with the ivory table settings.”
Carlos leaned back, running a hand through his chestnut hair. “I just want everything to be perfect for you.” His words were soft, sincere, and they made your heart swell.
“You mean us,” you corrected with a teasing smile, brushing his hand lightly. He caught your fingers mid-motion, lacing them with his.
“Right, us,” he said, a playful grin spreading across his face. “Although I think you’re doing most of the hard work here. I just follow orders.”
You laughed, nudging him gently. “Hardly! You’ve vetoed, what, three cake flavors already?”
“Okay, the pistachio one was just wrong,” he replied, laughing as well. His laughter echoed in the room, and you realized, not for the first time, how his joy had the power to lift the heaviest of days.
As the evening wore on, you both found yourselves lying on the plush rug, your head resting on his shoulder. He was scrolling through photos on his phone, showing you venue options while sneaking in snapshots of your happiest moments together—road trips, cozy mornings, stolen moments from race weekends.
“Do you remember this?” he asked, showing you a picture of the two of you on a small boat in the middle of Lake Como. The sun had set behind you, casting a fiery glow over the water.
“Of course,” you replied, tracing the screen with your finger. “You were steering us straight into another boat.”
Carlos chuckled, pressing a kiss to the top of your head. “Best near-crash of my life.”
You closed your eyes, letting his voice and the memory wash over you. “We’ve had so many beautiful moments together, haven’t we?”
“And we’re about to have the most beautiful one yet,” he whispered, his voice full of conviction. “When I see you walking down that aisle… that’s going to be a moment I’ll never forget.”
Your throat tightened, and you tilted your head up to meet his gaze. His brown eyes held a softness, a depth that made you feel like the luckiest person in the world.
“You’re going to cry, aren’t you?” you teased, your voice breaking the emotion with a lightness that had become second nature between you two.
“I’m not making any promises,” he replied, grinning. “But if I do, you can’t hold it against me. Deal?”
“Deal,” you murmured, leaning up to kiss him softly, your fingers brushing against his jawline. In that moment, surrounded by the chaos of wedding planning and the comfort of his arms, you realized you didn’t need perfection. You just needed him.
And that was the most beautiful detail of all.
𝓔𝓿𝓮𝓻𝔂𝓫𝓸𝓭𝔂 𝓴𝓷𝓸𝔀𝓼 𝓽𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓘'𝓶 𝓪 𝓰𝓸𝓸𝓭 𝓰𝓲𝓻𝓵, 𝓸𝓯𝓯𝓲𝓬𝓮𝓻
Leon Kennedy x Reader
The flashing red and blue lights make everything feel like a dream—one of those slow, dizzy ones where the world tilts under your feet. The pavement is too cold beneath you, the night air sharp against your bare arms, but you can’t find it in yourself to care. Not when he’s looking at you like that.
Leon S. Kennedy.
It’s almost unfair that someone so good-looking is also the one snapping the handcuffs around your wrists.
“You’re drunk,” he states, his voice annoyingly even.
You blink up at him through heavy lashes, lips curling into a slow, practiced smile. “Nooo,” you drawl, “I’m just…happy.”
He exhales sharply. Not quite a sigh, but close. He looks good like this, under the glow of the police cruiser’s lights, jaw tight, grip firm as he helps—no, drags—you to your feet.
“Come on.” His voice is firm, but there’s no real anger in it. “You’re going downtown.”
You let yourself lean into him, just a little, your head tilting as you peer up at him. “Do you have a girl, officer?” you purr, eyes flicking to his hands. “I don’t see a ring on your finger.”
Leon stills for a fraction of a second—so quick you almost miss it. But you don’t. You notice everything.
“That’s none of your business,” he replies, guiding you toward the car.
You press closer, the scent of his leather jacket filling your senses. “I’m a good girl, Officer Kennedy.” Your voice is syrupy sweet, laced with false innocence. “I wouldn’t do a thing like that.”
Leon huffs out a laugh, more exasperation than amusement, but you swear you see the corner of his lips twitch. “Yeah? A good girl wouldn’t be getting arrested right now.”
“Arrested?” You feign a gasp, placing a hand against your chest like he just accused you of something awful. “But I’m too pretty for jail.”
“Then maybe,” he says, finally pushing you into the backseat of the cruiser, “you should stop breaking the law.”
The door shuts, locking you in. The night is cold without him close, and you watch as he walks around to the front, slipping into the driver’s seat.
You smirk to yourself, resting your head against the seat.
This night just got way more interesting.
sweetheart
Dante Sparda x Reader
You’ve never met someone as insufferable as Dante Sparda. With his smug grin, devil-may-care attitude, and a penchant for turning everything into a joke, he’s the embodiment of everything you hate. A cocky show-off who acts like the world owes him a favor just because he’s good with a sword.
And you? You’re just someone who doesn’t have time for his nonsense.
The mission was simple enough. Something about a demon nest hidden in the abandoned catacombs beneath the city. Dante, for reasons you’d never understand, insisted on tagging along. You told him no. He came anyway.
“Y’know, you really shouldn’t go into places like this alone,” he says as the two of you step into the cold, damp tunnels. He walks beside you, his oversized sword slung casually over his shoulder, a revolver holstered at his side. His red coat sways with every step, and you find yourself gritting your teeth at how effortlessly he makes it all look.
“Shouldn’t you be off somewhere preening in front of a mirror?” you snap, your voice echoing in the gloom. “Or maybe finding someone else to bother?”
He chuckles, that infuriating sound that somehow manages to sound both genuine and mocking. “Ouch. Right in the ego. You know, if you keep being this mean to me, I might start thinking you don’t like me.”
“Good,” you reply, not missing a beat. “Maybe you’ll take the hint and leave me alone.”
“Not a chance, sweetheart.”
Sweetheart. You hate that nickname. You hate how he says it, like it’s some kind of inside joke you’re not in on. You shoot him a glare, and he winks in response.
It doesn’t take long before the first wave of demons descends. You’re faster than him—quicker to draw your weapon and strike. Your blade cuts through the air with precision, dispatching the lesser demons with practiced ease.
Dante, of course, makes a show of it. He leaps into the fray like it’s a performance, spinning his sword in wide, exaggerated arcs. His guns bark loudly as he fires off a few rounds, each shot landing perfectly.
“Having fun yet?” he calls out, grinning at you over his shoulder.
You don’t answer, focusing instead on taking down the last of the creatures. When the fight is over, you stand amidst the carnage, breathing heavily. Dante, of course, looks like he just walked out of a salon. Not a hair out of place.
“You’re welcome,” he says, sheathing his sword with a flourish.
“For what?” you ask, wiping blood from your blade. “Showing off? Or getting in my way?”
“For making this whole thing more entertaining.” He leans casually against the wall, crossing his arms. “Admit it—you’d be bored without me.”
You don’t bother responding.
The deeper you go into the catacombs, the more the tension between you builds. It’s not just the danger of the place or the oppressive atmosphere—it’s him. Always there, always pushing your buttons.
“So,” he says after a while, breaking the silence, “why do you hate me so much?”
You roll your eyes. “Do you really want me to list all the reasons? We’ll be here all night.”
“Try me.”
You sigh, exasperated. “You’re arrogant, annoying, and you never take anything seriously.”
“Anything else?”
“You flirt with everything that moves.”
He smirks. “What can I say? I’ve got good taste.”
You stop walking, turning to face him. “This isn’t a game, Dante. People’s lives are at stake. If you’re not going to take this seriously, then just leave.”
For a moment, something shifts in his expression. The grin falters, and you catch a glimpse of something deeper—a flicker of understanding, maybe even regret.
Then it’s gone, replaced by that infuriating smirk. “Relax, sweetheart. I’ve got your back.”
“I don’t need you to have my back,” you snap. “I don’t need you, period.”
“Keep telling yourself that,” he says, brushing past you. “But don’t be too surprised when I’m the one saving your ass later.”
You glare at his back as he walks ahead, his red coat disappearing into the shadows. You hate him. You really do.
But somehow, against all logic, you know he’s right.