Multifandom X Reader Stories

I'm Not A Hero (Gale Hawthrone)

You had tried to stay out of sight, away from the others, but it seemed someone had found you anyway.

"You shouldn't be alone out here."

You turned at the sound of Gale's voice, and there he was, leaning against the doorway of the carriage, arms crossed, eyes narrowed as if assessing whether you were okay. His dark hair was slightly disheveled, and there was a tension in his posture, as if he was ready to spring into action at the first sign of trouble.

"I'm fine," you muttered, looking back out the window, hoping he wouldn't notice the way your hands were trembling.

He wasn't convinced. "You're not. I can tell."

Gale had a way of seeing through you that made it impossible to hide how you were feeling, even if you wanted to. You didn't want to add to his worries—he already had so much on his shoulders. Being a rebel, trying to protect his family, you... it was too much.

"I just needed some air," you said softly.

"Then let me stay with you." His tone wasn't demanding, but firm, as though he wouldn't take no for an answer. He walked closer, standing just behind you now, close enough that you could feel the warmth of his presence. It was comforting in a way that surprised you.

"I can handle it, Gale," you whispered, though part of you wasn't so sure.

"I know you can. But you shouldn't have to." His voice was low, and there was something in it that made your heart skip a beat. Protective, almost possessive, but in a way that made you feel safe, not suffocated.

You glanced sideways at him, studying his face. His jaw was clenched, his brow furrowed as if the weight of the world was pressing down on him. Gale had always been like that—strong, steady, but always carrying more than he should. And here he was again, looking after you like you were the only thing that mattered.

"Why do you do this?" you asked quietly, before you could stop yourself.

His eyes flicked to yours, surprised. "What do you mean?"

"Look out for me. Protect me. Like you're responsible for everything."

He hesitated for a moment, his gaze searching yours, as if he didn't know how to answer. Then he shrugged, but there was no real indifference in the gesture. "It's just who I am. I care about you."

Your heart thudded in your chest at those words, but you forced yourself to stay calm. "I care about you too, Gale."

A silence fell between you, thick with unspoken words. You turned back to the window, trying to focus on anything but the way he was standing so close. But then you felt it—a light touch on your arm. His hand, calloused and warm, had gently rested on yours, grounding you.

"You don't have to go through this alone," he said softly, his voice gentler than you'd ever heard it. "Not while I'm here."

You swallowed hard, the weight of his words sinking into your chest. You didn't know how to respond, didn't know how to put into words the way you felt. Because the truth was, you didn't want to be alone. Not when it came to him.

But before you could find your voice, the train jolted, and Gale instinctively moved, stepping in front of you as if shielding you from some unseen threat. His body was tense, alert, ready to defend you from whatever danger he imagined.

It was over in a second, the train settling back into its steady pace, but Gale stayed where he was, his broad frame still protectively in front of yours.

"Gale, it's fine," you murmured, touched by his instinct to keep you safe.

But he didn't step away. His eyes remained fixed on you, intense and filled with something you couldn't quite read.

"Maybe," he said, his voice low, "but I'm not taking any chances."

You felt your breath catch in your throat. There it was again—his need to protect you, to make sure you were okay. But why? Did he even know why?

Neither of you said anything for a moment, the silence stretching between you, thick with something unsaid, something just out of reach.

Finally, you shook your head with a soft smile, trying to ease the tension. "You don't always have to be the hero, you know."

Gale's lips twitched, but he didn't smile. His eyes softened though, just a little. "I'm not a hero," he said quietly. "I just... I just don't want to lose you."

Your heart lurched at his words, and for a moment, you thought maybe he felt the same way you did. Maybe you weren't the only one with feelings too big to hide.

But you didn't say anything. Neither did he. Because maybe, right now, the only thing that mattered was that he was here, and you weren't alone.

And as the train sped on toward the Capitol, toward the unknown, you found comfort in that. You found comfort in him.