Man's Best Friend [John Wick x Male Reader]

Chapter 13 - The Red Dahlia

[Trigger warning: graphic depictions of self(?) harm]

You were reluctant to part ways with John on the way to the hotel. You'd both stepped into a closed off alleyway and taken off your vests and balaclavas, shoving the accessories into the duffle bag you'd stuffed behind a dumpster before the mission.

You held out your hand and John carefully placed his gun in your open palm, reaching for his combat knife. You stopped him.

"Hold onto that, Johnny. Gloves."

John slowly took off the leather gloves and you found yourself transfixed by the appearance of his long, pale, scarred fingers. You shook yourself out of your daze and placed his gloves in a little plastic bag, removing yours and placing them in the bag using a handkerchief wrapped around your fingers. You zipped it closed without touching the plastic directly and disposed of it in the dumpster next to you. You took your belt off and shoved it in the duffel, lovingly placing the glock 43 next to it.

"I didn't know that you shipped the grenade and glock in too," John commented. You smiled slyly.

"Last minute decision, Johnny. Ended up saving our asses though," you zipped up the duffel. "See you in a bit. I'll be back as soon as Cain takes this shit."

John nodded. "Is that his real name?"

"Nah probably an alias. You know what, I think we need code names."

John snorted. "God you're such a child. I'm fine with Baba Yaga. What would you want to be called?"

You hummed, considering. "I quite like Vidar."

He shoved your chest playfully, keeping his hand on your torso as he spoke. "Your so pretentious. Vengeance? Really?"

His dark eyes locked with yours. "It suits you."

You smirked to hide the lurch in your chest caused by his intense gaze. You hoped he didn't feel your heart speed up under his palm. "Thanks. Go to the hotel. I'll meet you there. Remember to take the hair tie off before you get in a cab."

He nodded resolutely and looked down at his hand on your chest, hastily stepping back as if he hadn't realized he'd been touching you for an inordinate amount of time.

"Be careful," he said shyly, shoving the offending hand in his pants pocket.

You smiled at him, overcome with a rare, pure affection. "I will be. Don't worry."

~~~

Cain emerged from behind the red container in all his bald glory, eyeing you up and down. He whistled.

"Damn. Coming here directly after your galavanting. You've got balls."

You sighed, handing him the duffel. "Necessity drives most of my actions, unfortunately. How much do I owe you when I get back?"

Cain stared at you, a small smile on his face. "No need. You did me a solid. Antonin was a pain in my ass. Would have preferred he died but you seem like the honorable sort."

"I have no idea who Antonin is," you lied, convincingly.

He raised a brow. "Sure. Sure. Play dumb, I don't care. Since you probably won't take a total freebie, I'll give you half off."

You nodded at that, relenting, albeit reluctantly. "Your loss then."

He grinned openly. "Great. I'll get your shit shipped safely. They're calling you the Red Dahlia, you know?"

You snorted and he chuckled along with you.

"Yeah we're not criminals 'cause we're especially imaginative, you know," he quipped.