#John Wick x Santino d'Antonio

[bluelolblue]

Soooo if this picture of Ricky was Santino, tell me what you think would be happening here. Why does he look so angsty? Who's with him in the car, is John there or Ares or anyone? Can be as long or short as you want. Have a beautiful day, amica!

(Also I love this format for an ask, feel free to send me a photo and ask me to make up a story about it ^_^)

Image Source

Aayy hii! :)

Oh I LOVE that picture so much, he looks so hot AHHH! And I was actually looking at that pic today, thinking if I should put it as my pfp! What a coincidence lmaoo!!

A really fun question! Thank you sooo much!! I appreciate it a lot! :D

You're writing little fics for my asks, and I love them so much! You're so kind to me, so I decided to write a mini fic for this! 💙💙

This was really fun to write, one picture can definitely be a good inspiration! <3

ﾟ*☆*ﾟﾟ*☆*ﾟﾟ*☆*ﾟﾟ*☆*ﾟ

Weapon that everyone wants

John and Ares waited outside of the convergence room, where Santino was having a conversation with some clans from Germany. A business talk, Santino asked for a little bit more of territory than he was allowed to have because these representatives claim to be more powerful than him. Which in his eyes is not true. And it isn't.

They are just more cocky than they seem.

They asked for more weapons and some of his men in exchange. Even mentioning some of his best bodyguards, Ares and John. How dare they ask from them?

"I'm sorry. I won't give my best people." Santino said with a fake, restrained smile. "Then I'm afraid we don't have the deal." One of them said, having a bit more thick German accent. "You asked for weapons, too. I have grenade launchers-" Santino started but was cut off by another.

"Mr. D'Antonio. Your best weapon is John Wick. How did you even manage to get Mr. Wick? He worked for the Tarasovs, didn't he?"

Ah, so they wanted that weapon. Not actual weapons?

"He did. Let's just say he changed his mind after a while." Santino replied, trying not to show just how annoyed he was getting. Their looks. How they mocked him with those smiles and eye rolls of arrogance.

The one that asked him hummed in response, fidgeting with a pen he was holding. "A bigger territory for you, Mr. D'Antonio... for the Camorra, isn't necessary. Not now." They were ready to end the meeting, but Santino wasn't done, yet.

"It is necessary. We can have both clans work together again." Now, Santino seemed more nervous. Shit. He let them hear it in his voice. "Then give us your people. Give us John Wick."

He is absolutely not doing that. "No." Santino sighed, slightly shaking his head, "I won't do that." He glared at them. "Don't you have enough men?" He asked, fixing his tie out of habit. "We do." Another simply answered. "Then how about something else?" Santino suggested. However, they didn't want to listen.

"We're sorry. We don't have enough time for this." They literally stood up to leave, and Santino knew he couldn't do much. "Oh and Mr. D'Antonio, we hope everything stays well with your people. Especially with Wick."

Santino didn't like the sound of that. Didn't like anything about it. The fucking disrespect.

The fact they shaked hands and tapped his shoulder to disrespect him even more. Oh, it made Santino's blood boil.

John and Ares watched and nodded at them when they walked out of the room, Santino walked out last, and they both could see how he was not pleased at all.

'No?' Ares signed with an empathic expression. Santino looked at them both and just shaked his head "no".

"We're done here." Santino said, putting on his jacket that John gave him. John had a bad feeling, these people were up to no good, and he knows that. John was ready to grab his gun, but Santino called for him.

As they walked towards the car, Santino had already made few calls and was cursing in Italian, which was nothing new to Ares and John. "We're going back to New York this evening. They can't be trusted." Santino said as he got to the back seat.

Ares is the one driving one of his big cars, John next to her, looking at Santino on the rearview mirror. "What did they want?" John asked softly, the car started.

Santino sighed and rubbed his eyes before answering, "Something I can't give them." And John nodded.

During the whole car ride, Santino was quiet and looked pissed off, looking through the window, however making eye contact from time to time with John through the rearview mirror.

John had a worried look in his eyes, and Santino definitely knew that look. He looks at him like that every time something like this happens. One part of Santino wanted John to be next to him so he could calm him down. He's gonna be this moody the whole day, and he doesn't like that about himself.

John is the only one who manages to calm him down.

It didn't take them long to realize they are being followed with another car. "Cazzo. Are they seriously following us?" That made him even more angrier.

What was even their point? Just out of spite? Probably.

John already had a grip on his gun, "Do we stop and take care of them?" John asked, looking back. "Please do." Santino said. It would be nice to watch them die to a weapon they want.

Ares smiled at him through the rearview mirror in agreement. They need to blow some steam off.

Stopping the car next to an alley, John and Ares already got outside and started shooting. Santino watched them. Watched the way John put bullets in their heads like it was nothing. He could watch him in action every day.

And he does. Every chance he gets, he does.

Surprisingly, this was only one squad that was sent after them. Well, they were sent to their deaths.

"Good job." Santino told them as they returned. "Just one squad." John said, "And amateurs. This didn't take long." Yeah, it was done quickly. "I could tell." Santino looked a bit less pissed off, and John was glad.

"I'm not giving them my best weapon." Santino said quietly as John walked by. "That's what they wanted?" John whispered. "Yeah." Santino replied, fixing John's tie that got loosened.

"I wouldn't work for anyone else." John said, giving him a small smile. "That's what I want to hear." Santino was ready to pull his tie, to get him closer.

But got interrupted with Ares clearing her throat. 'Seriously?' She signed and rolled her eyes. Santino huffed a chuckle, letting go of John's tie. "Don't look if you don't like it." He also just wanted to see her reaction. "I like you, too. Don't worry." Santino laughed a little, patting her shoulder.

The rest of the car ride seemed to finally be a bit more relaxed. Yet, Santino seemed to be lost in his thoughts, again. He looked worried at some point. John wondered if it was still about this meeting today or something else. Or both.

Santino doesn't seem to catch a break.

[mrssimply]

Santino destroying everything, the furniture, having a mental breakdown- I think he'd love to go to those "Rage Rooms", like he needs to get his anger, anxiety and everything out somewhere. I have this silly scenario where John and Santino go there and John is actually stunned by how Santino is going wild lmao. John's like "Oh, okay... take it all out, you really need it." Do you think Santino could use that before he destroys anything else lmfaoo?

Sorry I took so long to reply!!!! But here I go!

Thank you again for the ask, as always!

That one really had me laughing, imagining John hearing about rage rooms and going "should bring Santino next time he has a crisis".

But the thing is:

I don't think Santino would wait until they got to the rage room to start destroying things, and if they got here as a preventive measure, I think his pride wouldn't allow him to let it out.

What's the point of destroying things that are meant to be destroyed? During his tantrums, I think he would go for random things, but not only: things that matters, things he'll regret having broken after he's calmed down. Things he would clumsily try to mend in the morning, especially if it's things that are important to John, or souvenirs from their time together. Maybe fixing those things would be sort of a post rage ritual, and John would help.

The thing he breaks the most is himself: punching walls, upturning bookshelves or tables, throwing chairs, tearing the curtains down, well, it's exhausting and takes a lot on his body. During all that he wouldn't feel the bruises, the back strain, the muscles cramps. He ends up bloody: bruised knuckles, cuts on his arms, his forehead.

So the first thing John does after the tantrums is fixing Santino and while he does, Santino finally speaks about what's really bothering him, what's making him anxious and act out.

On a lighter note, I think the rest of the household would be very into this idea of a rage room and try to build one into the mansion. Then they task John to lead Santino into the room when he gets like that. But John is like "I don't think it's gonna work, when he gets like that it's generally I did something so I doubt he's gonna let me lead him into the room". And he's right, of course he is.

So they leave pamphlets about yoga, sophrology, meditation and anger management seminars on his desk. during good days, Santino smirks about it and acts as if he doesn't get the not so sublte nudges. But the next time, he tries to manage his outburst another way and gets out of the house , gets down to the beach and swims into the sea for an hour until his body is screaming at him to stop and his mind is finally silent.

John is waiting for him on the beach, hands in his pockets, a towel around his shoulders and a snack and water in a small basket. Later he massage Santino's cramping muscles and tries to make Santino talk about the thing that set him off. It's not alway a successfull endeavour, but they get better at it as time goes.

[thewhumpcaretaker]

Vampire AU time >:]

I was thinking about vampire Santino and hunter John AU for some time and I have written the idea down and will write it one day :]. Like, vampire leader or lord Santino and John is supposed to hunt him down but Santino is just a really hot vampire that knows how to seduce and use his tongue. Really, so many possibilities with this, but I'm curious about your opinion! How do you see that AU with them? Like, whatever you think would fit them in this AU :P

Ooooo more vampire AU content!! I love to see it.

I can definitely see Santino seducing and transforming John! John is disillusioned by his life. So many years of loneliness and killing have broken him down. He is tired of seeing death conquer all. He longs for immortality. Santino promises him a life reinvigorated by bloodlust. Something to want and to strive for. The sky will look different. Colors will be more vivid. He’ll truly desire something again…blood. And, as it turns out, Santino. So John agrees, and Santino turns him.

John is uncommonly strong as a vampire. He becomes Santino’s secret weapon.

Sometimes he has regrets and moral struggles. He strives to eat only bad people - especially people who want to hurt Santino. He worries that he’ll lose control and hurt someone if he gets too hungry. But Santino believes in him and teaches him to trust himself.

They definitely feed on each other for fun. It feels…very good. Sometimes, when he’s feeling especially romantic, Santino bites into the scars on John’s neck from the day when he first turned him, and John relives the ecstasy he felt in that moment.

Santino is even more adorable as a vampire. Imagine that goofy lil smile, but with fangs.

[johnwickcaretaker]

💙🖤John x Santino Masterlist🖤💙

⋆.˚ ●.⭒˚ OOC Post ⋆.˚ ● .⭒˚

Miscellaneous drabble, headcanons, prompt lists, etc. related to John Wick x Santino D'Antonio, with a focus on whump, angst, and hurt/comfort. Special thanks to @bluelolblue for many of these asks!

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A/B/O

Cooking and Favorite Foods

Hurt/Comfort Headcanons

"Hold My Hand" - Ficlet

Hurt/Comfort Prompts

John is Kidnapped

John is Severely Hurt

Santino has a Nightmare - Ficlet

Santino has a Panic Attack

Santino is Exhausted

Santino is Overworked and Smoking

Santino is Severely Hurt

Santino is Sick

Santino Passes Out - Ficlet

Vampire AU

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[ricinbach]

DULCE PERICULUM | CHAPTER II - MIRRORS

through me you pass into eternal pain.

(John Wick x Reader)

The music had stopped.

The ivory keys released themselves in a slow, relentless surrender. Along followed the black, the low vibrations succumbing into the sudden drift in the air. The crackles in the fireplace were resistant, burning through the sickeningly calm atmosphere with their fiery glint, the warmth echoing across the stone confinements.

An almost-composed symphony of the world’s fanciest crystal hitting the polished mahogany and marble followed suit, the amber liquids within shaky yet no drops escaped. Fingers rested on the rim of the thin Baccarat awaiting what was to come, sensing the change.

Heads began turning around ever-so-slowly, fingertips all around the vast lounge letting go of silverware against the fine china, books hitting the dark leather couches. Some gasps, audible yet subdued, emanated from the edge of the room. Breaths were held as eyes with enlarged irises only focused on one particular focal point.

Like they were meant to be.

It was as if the universe was playing along with his gravitating effect as he walked into the room. Feet light as feathers in the leather soles, yet have run miles too far to count. The pitch-black suit, one-of-a-kind and classy as ever, was tailored solely for him and his edges, his broad shoulders, and long limbs. It matched the raven mane that framed his face, all slicked back which adorned his sharp features, his neatly trimmed dark beard contrasting the fair skin and the hollows of his high cheekbones.

All this time, all these years, and you still did not fully understand just how he managed to do it. How he held the aura of recluse, of determination, of discipline and power, exuded without much evident effort from of his end. It had to be the countless years of witnessing the deepest, darkest secrets this world had to offer. It had to be the deep pain he had been put under in another life, the sacrifices he had to make and the bullets he had to take.

It all had to mean something. Every sliver of blood, sweat and tears had to mean something. At least, that was the way you had been taughtYou would have reckoned the Russians did not care that much of philosophical meaning anyway, as long as contracts were being fulfilled. They had been always the practical ones, straight to the kill.

As long as the teachings of the Russians helped you tonight and onward, it was nothing you could not live with.

Taking a couple steps into the small entryway through the curtains, he overlooked the room briefly and his pitch black eyes met yours.

Like they have been searching for them to begin with, though with which combinations of complicated emotions, you were not sure this time around.

It has been a while, John.

In any room he would ever step in, his eyes would somehow latch onto your being. Like they would always search for you, a part of you, in any corner and crevice. No matter how many years had passed, how many bodies were in between, how many memories forgotten - but never lost.

It had always made a jolt of unknown emotional origin ran through you.

That was then.

The thrill was short-lasting as your body grasped back into reality with the briefly clouded thoughts of the business you had to conduct slowly coming back to the forefront of your mind.

Now, it was someone else the dark orbs searched for. Someone you kept hearing whispers about. It did not take long for rumors to get transported overseas, echoing throughout the pink and emerald green marble walls of the Rome Continental. Hushed in low voices over a couple of martinis, in passing, throughout the circles of assassins. It seemed like nothing ever stayed a secret in your world, not for too long anyway.

All you knew was if your secrets were slipping out the lips of dangerous strangers, all they did was to put a target on your back.

“She is not one of us.”

Someone who did not belong to this world of deep and dark secrets, of constantly defending for your life, of running from one bullet to another punch in the face. Someone who undoubtedly had been pure, unscathed and unscarred. Caring and giving, taking good care of John when he needed it the most, in his lowest moments. Concealed moments and emotions that only came out of hiding in her presence.

Someone who brought the rare good in him, hidden deep in the pits of darkness, death and fear, a small yet mighty shining star in the night sky. The softness that is under the stone cold exterior. A side of him that not many lucky people got to bear witness.

A side you had memorized to the core back in the day, staying alive in the crevices of your deepest memories. That had once been your sole reality, the center of your universe, pulling you back from the darkness and into the light in the most forgiving way.

All gazes followed him for a brief moment as his polished leather soles hit the hardwood, a gentle but commanding series of thuds dissipating in the luxuriously silk carpet in his stride as he approached the bar, towards you.

As if he was trying to cross the rift that had parted you, the arrogant waves of salty ocean water separated you both away from the shore and led you astray. His steps appeared calculated, but what was not when it came to him?

“Didn’t have to do much this time, did I?”

Snapping out of your thoughts, your gaze focused on Winston yet again, a knowing smile stretching your lips to match his. Elbow gently leaning against the counter as he watched the scene unfold, always analyzing and protecting his establishment. Checking his watch, he straightened up and began buttoning his suit jacket all the while looking at you, as if he wanted to gauge if you would hold up alright in his absence. A soft, smiling nod from you would do the trick.

As John made his way over in what seemed like an eternity, and took a seat on the leather stool next to you, life at the Continental lounge resumed - the soft keys of the piano started echoing across the walls, crystals were twinkled and drinks were sipped. Like a giant shark, paving his wave through the vast ocean of activity, cutting through the surroundings with habitual ease. An ease that was brought by being the one and only. The menace of the ocean. Cannot be tamed, cannot be controlled.

Except only by one special person he would burn the world for, rumor had it.

Winston excused himself, as he made his way towards the inviting booths towards the back of the lounge, a parting nod, however subtle, towards the impeccably dressed assassin seated right next to you and a sliver of an approving smile. His presence as the owner of the whole joint made itself known, this time a more respected aura than one fueled by fear, as a white gloved waiter immediately placed a refill of his favorite Chianti on the marble table.

Speaking of drinks, just as John sad situated himself at the edge of his seat, yet another glass of a freshly made Negroni clinked in front of you - and him, a whiskey, neat. The bartenders at the Continental knew every assassin that spent hours on the bar over the years, after all. There were worse places to be regulars at.

His dark eyes still gleamed the same when they met yours. The same neutral curve of his lips and veined fingers as he reached for the crystal in front of him. A slight lean of his torso over the counter, balancing himself to face the point of his attention for the time being.

But there was one difference, albeit minor to many but a noticeable one. The faint smell of oud and neroli from expensive cologne exuded from his body, getting mixed up with the aroma of liquor around.

The John Wick preying on his enemies would not have a scent linger on him, to never leave a trace nearby. He would let nothing give away from his already designed scheme, each movement and thought brushed over hundreds of times before the moment.

If John Wick wanted you to know he was there - you would know. That was one of the qualities that made him, that many could not master.

No, this time, he was vulnerable. An off-duty Wick, one of the rarest occurrences of all. This time around, he wanted to be known, his presence to be felt, to be acknowledged and discovered. Perhaps, to be indulged. The question was, by whom?

It was a question you had already learned the answer to prior.

“Welcome back.”

And his voice still had the familiar, warm tint laced with it as he took a sip out of his drink and spoke to you. Words spoken genuinely, as was the story told by his eyes warming up to your sight sitting in front of him yet again.

“It’s good to be back.”

The pianist continued his gentle tango with the ivory keys, adorning the background of the conversation. The Negroni hit you a bit harder this round in his presence, the bitter liquid making its’ way through your throat strangely calming - thankful for the bartender for the refill as it gradually became evident of just how nervous he made you, no matter how many times you had told yourself you would not get nervous.

“How is everything at the Rome Continental?”

A small smile erupted on your lips with a nod, and a murmur of “good”. This had to be hard for him too, you had thought. Maybe just as hard as it had been for you, yet you tried to conceal it the best you could. Tried your hardest not to think of who was waiting at home for him.

Tried not to think of who was waiting at home for you, just for a finite, slow sliver of a second as your past caught up to you, managing to sit right in front of you.

“We would love to have you over sometime, whether business or pleasure.

Oh, how you wished you could talk more, ask more, know more about him and his life - but the floors had ears and the walls had eyes. Too much was at risk for being thrown around in casual conversation between two old friends at the lounge, surrounded by people who lied and coerced for a living.

John, in return, let out a smile in thanks - whatever intrusive or questioning thoughts he was thinking in his mind, you had no way of telling from his stance. It had always been the toughest battle to read his true emotions, a battle you sometimes won in glory but most of the time succumbed to the opposition.

This was one of the latter times.

“I come with good news this time, John.”

His head tilted, clearly intrigued in the next words to follow out of your mouth, he appeared to not be overly enthusiastic, concealing maybe his true feelings. As he had every right to. You never knew what could go awry in deals made in the lounge, over a couple of drinks. It was always something he excelled at - preparing yourself for each and all possibility, let it be good or catastrophic.

“Santino agreed to help with the task.”

In his world, everything came with a price. That was lesson one.

Just as you finished your words with a slight smile on the corner of your lips, without breaking eye contact with John for too long, your nimble fingers placed the crystal on the mahogany counter and instead reached for the black purse in front of you to pull out an object of interest.

“But there is only one task.”

A ray of light through the chandeliers hit the bronze marker in an angle as it shone while being slowly slid across the polished bar by your red fingernails to barely touch the large hand as it made it’s destination. His body covering the line of sight out of any potentially interested guests - this was a sight meant for just the both of you.

The faint gleam of the marker reflected in his dark irises as an almost inaudible sigh left his lips, gaze slowly directing to catch yours. Your head tilted as it awaited for a response for a couple of moments, eyes glued into his in a desperate attempt to read the reflections with a reassuring smile adorning your features. His fingers brushed over it in passing as he grabbed his drink and sipped whatever was left in it with year’s ease, in a single go.

Within you, you knew there was a time in your lives where he would do anything for you. Maybe, just maybe, he still would. Or maybe, he would do anything for the one on his mind and his future - not the one in his past.

John Wick was not a man to delve in the past.

“Tell Santino I will take it.”

[fics-not-tragedies]

January 2024 Music Prompts - Spotify Wrapped edition

♪ Hello again! Yes, I'm finally back, at last. Let's start new year with something great: music prompts ♪🎵🎶

♪ Since getting your Spotify Wrapped is such a huge event every year (at least for me, who listens to the same 5 artists and even tho I still get surprised, lol), I decided to surprise you with a little prompt event.

♪ I've chosen 15 songs from my 2023 Wrapped playlist and a lyric (or few) for each one of them that just has THE vibe (y'know):

1. Own My Mind ♫ Måneskin I'm prayin' at your altar if you know what I mean.

2. Dinner & Diatribes ♫ Hozier I’d suffer hell if you'd tell me/What you'd do to me tonight.

3. Kiwi ♫ Harry Styles She worked her way through a cheap pack of cigarettes/Hard liquor mixed with a bit of intellect.

4. Electricity ♫ Arctic Monkeys Tell me something I don’t already know/Like how'd you get your kisses to fill me with electricity?

5. Francesca ♫ Hozier Though I know my heart would break/I'd tell them, "Put me back in it".

6. Honey (Are You Coming?) ♫ Måneskin I'm gonna show you how this Italian amor/It's gonna love you harder than ever before/You will like it.

7. Don't Blame Me ♫ Taylor Swift I would fall from grace/Just to touch your face.

8. For Your Love ♫ Måneskin I wanna be the first man you look at tonight/I wanna be stuck in your head and make you go wild.

9. Stuck ♫ Thirty Seconds to Mars I've been lost in your eyes all afternoon/The more I drift, the closer I get to you.

10. Mammamia ♫ Måneskin They ask me why I'm so hot, 'cause I'm italiano.

11. Nobody ♫ Hozier I'd be appalled if I saw you ever try to be a saint/I wouldn't fall for someone I thought couldn't misbehave/But I want you to know that I've had no love like your love.

12. I Can See You ♫ Taylor Swift But what would you do if I went to touch you now?/What would you do if they never found us out?/What would you do if we never made a sound?

13. Baby Said ♫ Måneskin Baby said, "Let me taste your silhouette/You can talk between my legs"/Uh-uh, uh, uh, know you really want to.

14. Cuff It ♫ Beyonce I wanna go higher, can I sit on top of you?

15. I Wanna Be Your Dog ♫ John McCrea So messed up, I want you here/In my room, I want you here/Now we're gonna be face-to-face/And I'll lay right down in my favorite place.

♪ You can now start making request for the following list of characters:

1. Keanu Reeves along with his following characters/movies:

John Wick & the John Wick movies franchise,

Constantine & the movie,

Johnny Utah & Point Break,

Jonathan Harker & Bram Stoker’s Dracula,

Neo & The Matrix,

dr Julian Mercer,

Jack Traven & Speed;

2. Riccardo Scamarcio along with:

Santino D’Antonio;

3. Andrew Hozier Byrne;

4. Tom Hiddleston along with his following characters/movies:

Sir Thomas Sharpe & Crimson Peak,

Loki & Avengers/Thor,

Adam & Only Lovers Left Alive,

dr Robert Laing & High Rise,

Jonathan Pine & The Night Manager;

5. Henry Cavill along with his following characters/movies:

Geralt of Rivia & The Witcher,

Walter Marshall & Nomis,

Capt. Syverson & Sand Castle,

Napoleon Solo & The Man from U.N.C.L.E.,

August Walker & MI: Fallout,

6. Alexander Skarsgård along with his following characters/movies:

Eric Northman & True Blood,

Leo Beiler & Mute,

Gadi Becker & The Little Drummer Girl,

sergeant Brad “Iceman” Colbert & Generation Kill,

7. Peaky Blinders franchise along with the following characters:

Thomas ‘Tommy’ Shelby,

Alfie Solomons,

8. Supernatural franchise along with the following characters:

Dean Winchester,

Sam Winchester,

9. The X Files franchise along with the following characters:

Dana Scully,

Fox Mulder,

10. Kiefer Sutherland along with his following characters/movies:

Jack Bauer & 24,

president Tom Kirkman & Designated Survivor,

David & The Lost Boys.

Please send in a number with the song/lyric you fancy + a character from those listed above, first come - first serve, as always.

If there are any questions don’t be afraid to ask them, I’m always all ears for y’all!

♪ LET'S CELEBRATE THE BEGINNING OF 2024 ✨

[simp4aegon]

DESPARATION

DESPERATION WILL BRING THE BOOGEY MAN TO A YOUNG LUSTFUL BOSS NAMED ANASTAZIA CISZARNOVA, THE HEIRESS AND THE DEVIL.

John Wick had never felt so powerless before. He had been an assassin for over 30 years, notorious for his efficient kills and unparalleled skills. But here he was, a 50-year-old man, caged by a 20-year-old boss who had saved him from certain death.

"I can't keep doing this," John muttered to himself as he adjusted his tie in front of the mirror. "I'm not her toy."

He knew that he had no choice. Life under Anastazia's rule was better than being hunted by the High Table's assassins. He still remembered the day he had come to her with his plead, to lift his punishment after killing her fiancé, Santino D'Antonio. He had hoped that he could convince her to understand his intentions, and Anastazia had surprised him by offering to save his life.

Now, John found himself indulging Anastazia's every whim, fulfilling her lustful desires and gifting her with anything she wanted. He had accepted his fate and hoped that one day, he could find a way out.

But as Anastazia went into labor, John realized the extent of his powerlessness. He didn't even have the freedom to leave her side as she writhed in agony, screaming his name.

"Please, please make it stop," Anastazia begged as John held her hand.

"Shh, it's going to be okay," John whispered, trying to calm her down.

As the hours dragged on, John couldn't help but feel trapped. He was no longer the Boogeyman, the feared assassin who could take down entire armies. He was just a man, at the mercy of a woman who saw him as nothing more than a tool.

Finally, Anastazia gave birth to a healthy baby boy, and John felt a wave of relief wash over him. But even as he held his child in his arms, he knew that he was still under Anastazia's power.

"I'm tired, John," Anastazia whispered, her purple eyes filled with exhaustion. "Take our son to the nursery. I need some rest."

John nodded, carefully cradling the baby as he walked out of the room. As he watched his son sleep, he felt a newfound determination. He knew that he would do anything to protect his family, even if it meant going against Anastazia's wishes.

For the first time in a long time, John felt hope. He had a reason to fight, a reason to escape his cage. And as he looked down at his son, he vowed to do whatever it takes to give him a better life.

[tumbleweeddesktop]

"How did you know abt cronuts?"

So you see there's this one john wick x santino omegaverse mpreg fic-

[kimhargreeves]

Love is War-Caine x Reader (John Wick Chapter 4)

Summary: You've remained a friend to John Wick throughout years, that hasn't changed since he's been excommunicado. Now finding you in Osaka and a few more allies he asks for your help again, which leads you to reunite with an old friend.

(Watched John Wick 4 a few days ago and I am surprised no one has written on this character! Donnie Yen is such a badass playing blind characters. So I wrote this myself. Sorry in advance since I suck at writing a fighting scene, and because this is short.)

The day Santino D'Antonio was shot was officially the day John Wick's life changed. The man had to rest, looking over his shoulders every second to be aware of anyone trying to kill him. The people who continued to remain by his side would be punished.

I was one of them when The High Table came over to my place. They punished me well but I embraced the pain and moved on with my life, and so I went to Japan.

Continuing with my work and wanting to be far from my previous life in the United States.

"Shimazu, my friend. This sushi is delicious as always!" I smiled looking at the tall man.

The man smiled a little and poured some sake for himself. "I believe you've had enough drinks for the night, (Y/N)."

I pouted at the man, he's asking like such a dad. I've known the man for years and met him way back along with his daughter, both of them welcomed me with open arms when I arrived. In exchange for their help I would offer my help and the yakuza.

I exchanged my guns for a katana.

"The night is still young. Besides, I want a bit of fun, the other night I almost got my ass beaten if it weren't for your men arriving."

"Still reckless as ever. I have someone you might want to see." I hummed looking at the man and I heard light footsteps.

I rose from my spot suddenly sobering myself up when I saw another man with us. It was none other than John Wick. "…J-John."

We saw John standing by a cherry blossom tree close to us.

I know it wasn't the time but I did the first thing that came to my mind, which was to hug him tight. I always considered John as an older brother, so seeing him back again was so refreshing. I felt his hand on my back patting me. I looked up at him and smiled.

Shimazu had a straight face when he looked at John Wick. I decided to stay silent but remained by John's side as I heard both men exchange words, Shimazu agreed on helping John, as soon as he did his daughter came by.

She warned us about a group about to Osaka's continental. We looked at John and told him to hide himself while we went out to fight. I grabbed my katana and followed Shimazu closely and started to walk further into the hotel. I watched more of his men grabbing their weapons and getting ready.

We see people hurriedly leaving the hotel after Akira told everyone to evacuate. I remain to Shimazu's side when we come face to face with a man I wasn't expecting to see. Caine.

I felt my body freeze when I saw him standing by the enemy.

Sharp as ever I see. He's wearing a suit and as usual with his cane guiding him. It's been a while since he gave his vision up, that's the consequences for working in this profession.

He is an old friend of John and I. So, he's leading a group of men then, the men working to the Marquis. I stay silent listening to both me exchange words. I glanced around when I saw men pointing their bow and arrows at the enemy.

"John Wick isn't here. So, as my master said give your weapons up." I declared glaring at the group in front of us.

I noticed Caine had tilted his head a bit. He wasn't expecting me to be here. It has been quite a while since we last saw each other.

Despite the warnings, a quick fight ensued when the enemy refused to give their weapons up, since they were determined to find John Wick in the hotel. I raised my katana and quickly slashed down one of the men, quickly I ran forward to attack another one and was able to penetrate the blade through two men in suits.

I harshly pulled the blade back and wiped the blood with my sleeve and I saw Shimazu give me a sign to follow a group of men who entered further into the hotel to look for John. I ran faster and began to avoid being shot and kicked the gun away from a man's hand when he was ready to shoot me.

I raised my leg up and kicked the man's head down and quickly turn around when I heard another one rushing towards me. I easily slashed the man's throat and watched him fall to the bloody floor.

"Have to hurry over to John and get him out of here." I ran faster through the empty halls and made it to the glass room where every antique is displayed.

As soon as I arrived I saw men on the floor and I huffed sliding down the floor and I froze my movements when I saw Caine was in the room. I have to be very quiet. I looked over my shoulder and saw John was hidden nearby.

Quietly I began to stand up and tried not to step on the shards of glass. "There's no use in hiding, (Y/N). Why are you helping a man like John Wick?" Caine spoke knowing I was in the room but not knowing where exactly.

"And why are you working against us?" I spoke seeing Caine standing still and looking at my direction.

"They'll harm my daughter if I don't do this. If it were between You and John and my daughter. I would choose my daughter. You won't be getting in my way."

"Wasn't planning on your trying to stop me. Last time I checked I bear your ass on a fight, you quite liked being under me." I tease standing up straight and raising my katana.

I saw John giving me an odd look but quietly began to crawl over to a gun. I gave him a nod while he continued.

Caine and I rushed over to one another and I huffed dodging his attacks and falling back when he almost hit me. I'll try my best not to slice him up, I'll only hit him with the side of my katana.

"Hmph!" The sound of my katana hit against his cane made a loud sound and I had to grab my weapon with both hands when I began to lose a bit of strength when my hands began to shake. I yelled and tried to kick him back but he was quicker and he hit my stomach hard and made me fall back to the floor.

I let out a cry when I felt glass enter my skin. "You always liked to talk a lot, but I was the one who did most of the action." I blushed when I saw a stupid smirk across his face.

I moved my legs and did my best to make him fall but he easily dodged my moves and hit my leg with his cane making me hiss and he stepped over to stand over my chest and pressed his shoe against me.

A loud movement was heard behind us and we heard John loading up his gun, Cane quickly took his out and both began to try and shoot each other. I struggled to breathe and before I had the chance to strike him again he grabbed me making stand up as he held me close.

"I would suggest you stop this, John. You would want me to harm her would you?"

I angrily looked back at Cain. "You bastard. How dare you use me as a human shield?!" I ask unimpressed with his work.

Caine only fell silent when I asked him and saw a annoyed expression on his face.

"And after everything we had?" I laugh bitterly which wasn't a good thing since he tossed me aside, I tripped over my own feet and ending up falling on one of the art glass in the room.

I groaned trying to stand up and tried to ignore the shards of glass on my palms. I continued to hear John and Caine trying to shoot each other and fight.

"I know our line of work is dangerous, but what kind of a sick bastard with threaten you with that?!" I shout at him.

I find it hard to imagine how he must have felt to have his little girl at risk. His daughter is so hard studying intelligent girl, I had the pleasure of knowing her many times before, I've known the girl ever since she was born, helped Caine in raising her in a way when his wife passed away.

It was her or her daughter. The bright and nice woman chose to give her daughter life. Caine was distraught and needed some peace, so that's when I took action and offered to help him raise his girl.

Both men continued to fight and John was the first one out. I watched him run out of the room so the people here in Osaka wouldn't be harmed because of him. I started to chase after him but I felt a hand hold onto arm tightly before I had the chance to leave.

I looked back and looked at Caine. I couldn't quite read his expression but behind those dark glasses he seemed worried. "They know what happened… They threatened my daughter, myself and you as well. If I don't kill them they will kill us..they are going to kill you too."

He wasn't harming me. His grip on me loosened up and I didn't do anything to provoke him. My expression turned to sadness, why must something always happen to us.

I huff trying to laugh, "I'm flattered to know that you still care about me.", He continued to frown. He was always a serious type, especially with work.

"What if we were to work together? We can stop this and kill the man-"

"That won't do, haven't I made myself clear?!" He said raising his voice.

Caine remained now silent until he let go of me and I saw a smirk across his face again. "I see you haven't changed.."

I fought back at laughing at him for saying that. "No matter what happens, I'll continue to worry about you. Hand me over John Wick and this will all be over."

"I'm sorry but I can't. I promised from the start that my loyalty to him would remain." I slowly started to back away now afraid if Caine would harm me because of my answer.

My loyalty to John Wick.

Too afraid to stick around I turned around and quickly began to follow to where I saw John run off. I was all bloodied up and hurt but I continued to run and made it at the train station. And got inside when I noticed John sitting by himself. I smiled when I saw the man also bloodied up and bruised.

I sat right by his side and we continued to not say anything on what happened back there. I felt extremely tired and so was John, I glanced over to him when I felt his stare on me.

"Did you seriously date him?" John asked after a moment of silence, out of everything that happened that's the first thing he asks??

I sighed leaning back on the seat and crossed my arms over my chest, "Was that such a big surprise for you? I thought it would be obvious, at the amount of times the three of us would reunite."

John must've not remembered of the time we invited him over for dinner but he decided to stay with Helen instead. I didn't blame him.

"Sorry. I just didn't expect the reveal." He muttered holding onto his injured shoulder. I glanced back at him and smiled.

I'll continue to fight by his side, but this'll all be a mess later on. We have to figure this one out and take revenge for those who have tried to kill John. I don't want any of this to happen, but I swear if someone were to harm him, Caine or his daughter, I'll be the person to kill the Marquis even if it means that I could die trying.

[savingcrxws]

masterpost

THE BEAR

carmen berzatto

EYES ON FIRE | carmy x ex!reader, exes to lovers

mikey berzatto

chef luca

JOHN WICK

john wick

santino d'antonio

vincent de gramont

OUTER BANKS

jj maybank

rafe cameron

pope heyward

MARVEL

peter parker

loki

thor

steven grant | marc spector | jake lockely | moon knight system

kang the conqueror

THE SANDMAN

dream of the endless

the corinthian

death of the endless

desire of the endless

[bluelolblue]

just a heads up but if you are having at all a rough time mental health wise…maybe put off finishing burning of Rome until you are in a bit better place…sorry

BSHAHAH TOO LATE I ALREADY READ MOST OF IT BUT THANK YOU

And I got to the last chapter and I- 😃

FELT MY HEART, SOUL EVERYTHING BREAK I WAS LITERALLY SHAKING IRL 💔💔💔

EMOTIONAL DAMAGE EVERYONE BUT I MEAN IT :D

@mrssimply knows bc yeah I already texted being a little sobbing puddle: WHYYYY NOOOO WHY WOULD YOU DO THATTT NOOOOO WHYYYY 😭😭😭😭

Okay I kinda manged to calm down now but yeah! Thank you... BUT IM JUST THAT FAST AND GOT SLAPPED

But I highly recommend reading it (you will cry tho, im serious, warning for that) ‼️‼️‼️

Yeah bring tissues because YOU WILL NEED THEM, I know from experience :D👍

[mrssimply]

A Show of Loyalty - part II.

Friends, I promised, so here it is, the second part of me filling a prompt twice in the same story. This time I promise, it's only fun times and rainbows.

And huh... I changed the rating 😈

[s1eep-o]

savior; chapter three.

warnings: violence, drinking, ??? (lmk if there is more)

pairing: bodyguardd!john wick x mafiadaughter!oc

(found this nice photo of keanu on pinterest and decided to add it)

i awoke in a feeling of soft blankets and the sounds of rain hitting the window along with the distant boom of thunder. sitting up in my bed i look up at the clock and notice that its already noon, outside the window it is dark and gloomy. i heard light footsteps down the hall and as it neared my door it came to a stop, ''ms. romano? are you awake?'' maria calls out. i walk towards the door and open it, ''hey maria'' i say to the small lady with a smile. ''your father and mr.wick are waiting for you downstairs.'' she replies. ''i'll be down in a second.''

walking through the corridor and into the dining room i notice another man sitting with john and my father, ''arabella darling, it is good to see you up and well.'' father says standing up and walking over to give a hug, ''thank you dad, who is this?'' i ask letting go of my father and gesturing to the man sitting across from john. ''a business associate, meet santino d'antonio!'' he looked up at me and gave a small smile that i kindly returned. ''it is a pleasure to meet you, mr. d'antonio.'' i greet as a take a seat next to john noticing the small glance he gave. “actually i’m going to head to the kitchen to get a drink, would you guys like anything?” i ask standing from my chair “no thank you.” santino replied along with a shake of the head from dad. “i’ll go with you.” john speaks up as he stands from his chair as well.

“who is that?” i ask as we finally reach the kitchen. “he is a dangerous man arabella, that’s what i know.” he says taking a seat at one of the stools at the island. i take a seat next to him and hand him a mug of coffee, black of course. “so.. i’m sorry you had to see me like that.” i mutter looking away. “it’s okay, i understand.” he replies, sipping on his coffee. did i hear that correctly? the babayaga understands what i am going through? there’s a first for everything i guess.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

“so what’s the plan for today?” i ask, “i think your father wants you to attend santinos party with him tonight.” he replies, looking up from his book. “seriously. after what happened yesterday? that man has no sense.” i sigh, continuing to watch the movie on the tv from the comfort of my bed. i glanced back to john who was reading his book, wait- “is that little women you’re reading?” i giggle. he glares at me, “it’s a good book, alright?” he protested. “whatever you say babayaga.”

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

“i know the party is very last minute, but santino insisted on us joining,” he uttered “it’s going to be a long drive so get comfortable.” i just nodded in response, shuffling around to get comfortable and shut my eyes.

“sweetie, wake up.” someone whispers as they softly shake me. “we're here hun.'' my dad says. i groan as i lift my head of johns shoulder and rub my eyes. the driver comes around and opens the door and i get out, ''wow, this place is nice.. '' i say as john walks to my side. ''it's some old manor, a family heirloom i think.'' he replies and i hum in response. we walk through the enterance and there are a lot of people, dancing, talking, eating, and just standing there. ''ah, i didn't think you guys would make it!'' santino spoke, ''come along now dear, i'm sure you're hungry after the long trip.'' he greets., handing me a drink.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

''do you want to go home?'' i hear from my stool at the bar where i was picking at my food with a hard buzz from the drinks i took. ''good lord, yes please!'' i plead as i look up at john. ''i can call someone to come pick us up.'' john commented. ''john, have i mentioned how good you look in that suit?'' i whisper, ''arabella it's the same suit i wear everyday.'' he replies before he takes his phone out and turns away to call someone to pick us up. i turn back to my drink when someone grabs my waist and covers my mouth, ''shh, he's on the phone. wouldn't want to interupt do we?'' the persons voice whispered in my ear. then it went black.

fluttering my eyes open i notice i'm in a bed, but it's not mine. ''john? dad?.. hello?'' i blurted out, oh my god.. this is too much what is happening.. ugh my head... i shouldn't have drank so much..i thought when i started to hear the door rattle and laid back and acted asleep, ''wake up'' the voice said sternly. i sat up in the bed shakily, with my eyes closed shut. wait. that voice.. then my eyes flew open ''santino?!'' i ask, shocked. how did i not recognize the voice last night? oh my... wheres john? will he come get me?? ''i know what you're thinking oh wheres my bodyguard he'll come save me! yeah, not happening princess.'' he mimicks in a high pitched voice followed by deep chuckles.

''why are you doing this santino..'' i ask shakily. ''sweetheart, do you have any idea what kind of business you are in?'' he asks ''it's all about the money.'' he laughs. god this man is evil. ''why me?'' i mutter. ''your father would do anything for you, meaning i just say a number and it's all mine!'' he grins, ''well call him! tell him to hurry and get me out of here.'' i strain, my head pounding. ''it's not going to be that easy. he must give up the babayaga as well.''

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

''where is she john?!'' he shouts. ''arturo- wait let me explain!'' john responds, ''no john, tell me where my daughter is!''he cried out. ''you have to believe me on this on mr.romano, santino has you dau-'' *ring ring* they both look at eachother, arturo goes to put it on speaker. *mr. romano! it is so good to talk to you. i have something to discuss with you, you see.. you have probably noticed young, sweet arabella isn't there to join you, that is because she is here with me! say hi to your papa bella!* he purred. *dad! please send john to get me this man is crazy!* she cries out followed by a slap *tsk tsk, you are making the wrong choices sweetheart! now arturo, i want you to send me the money, if you don't.. well i'll let you find out* he chuckles. *beep* ''oh my god....,'' arturo whispered ''johnathan, please. if it's the last thing you do.. save my daughter.''

authors note: i am so sorry for the long wait but it took me a while to firgure out what i wanted to do with this story, if anyone has any suggestions for the next chapter please let me know! there still may be some mistakes, hopefully you enjoyed this chapter, if you do feel free to reblog. have an amazing rest of you day/night. xoxo, s1eep-o.

[thewhumpcaretaker]

Henloooo :D

I think I read that one of your favorite prompts is whump character passing out... SO >:)

Santino passing out, for whatever reason, it could be from an injury, panic attack- anything. What do you think? What happened that he passed out? And was John there when it happened or he found him? What does John do in that situation?

Again, I'm making them suffer 😞 (but they still get comfort in return so it's okay)

I’ve been soooo exited to answer this prompt!!! It’s really sweet that you found a topic I like and asked about that. I could talk about passing out all day haha! 🖤

There are so many possibilities with this, but I decided to write about one that’s a favorite for both of us I think: Santino working himself to exhaustion. He passes out because he’s sleepless and dehydrated. Poor Santino!!!!! But John will help him, don’t worry!

TW: not eating or drinking, passing out

●・○・●・○・●

Santino had been worrying John all day. For three days, in fact. Ever since an arms deal overseas had gone bad, Santino had been focused on recovering a large shipment of Camorra assets being held in Germany. He paced on the phone all day and sat working plans and contracts at his desk all night, one hand occasionally ruffling his hair or smacking at his face to try to stay awake. The bags under his eyes, so prominent even under ordinary circumstances, were now puffy and dark. When John caressed his cheek, he sighed miserably and leaned into the touch, but quickly shook himself and told John he couldn’t be distracting him right now.

When he was asked what he wanted, he said coffee, and then, “go away.” John had managed to feed him a couple of times, but it wasn’t enough. He looked visibly weak, and trembled constantly. Something had to give. John was inwardly frenzied in anticipation of that. Outwardly though, his desperation to do something expressed itself as an incredible stillness. He became a statue frozen at Santino’s door, speaking only to turn people away if anyone tried to bother him.

In the late afternoon of that day, as rain came down on the windows of Santino’s study, someone approached the door who could not be turned away. A direct representative from Germany, “sent to speak with Mr. D’Antonio personally, and to no one else.”

Santino admitted him, and that meeting turned into another, held in the conference room, to review his demands with other Camorra members. John walked with him on the way, watching him buzz with nerves. He couldn’t speak to him, couldn’t even touch him in front of everyone, but he could see that their physical proximity meant something to Santino and that he walked close to him. He caught Santino’s eyes lingering on his hand, no doubt wishing they could hold hands as they walked. He must be getting really worn down by this point.

But there was nothing he could do for Santino while the meeting went forward, so he wandered away to the kitchens and got some food for himself. He had neglected to do that as well over the past day, and it felt good to finally sit down for a meal. But it couldn’t last for long. After a few minutes, a guard rushed into the kitchen. “Mr. D’Antonio isn’t well. Please come immediately.”

Adrenaline slammed into him and sent him running down the hall. Santino was already stumbling out of the room saying to another guard, “No, I’m fine, I’m fine, let’s just continue.” But he looked deathly pale and he was supporting himself against the wall, breathing heavily.

John’s voice cut through the commotion, calm but extremely firm. “There is a matter requiring his urgent attention. Santino, please come with me. Now.”

“…John…” Santino looked reluctant, but he couldn’t fight his need for rest and for John any longer. He took an unsteady step towards him, away from the wall. 

Seeing what was about to happen, the guards hurried to form a half circle around them, sheltering them from the eyes of the crime bosses gathered around the conference room doorway. Meanwhile, John reached out to catch his lover just before his knees buckled. He cradled one hand under Santino’s head to prevent it from hitting the tile and lifted him into his arms in a single motion. He felt almost dizzy himself with sympathy, and in his crazed protectiveness, Santino seemed to weigh nothing.

“Wait, what do we tell them?”

John stormed passed the other guards. “I don’t care. Get his sister here to handle it. Now get out of my way and call a doctor.”

He carried Santino straight to his bedroom and set his limp body onto the bed, elevating his legs on some pillows. He was already coming around.

“John? …What did you do?”

“I got you out of there. You need to lay down.”

“No, I can’t, it’s not working out! And if it doesn’t work out, we’ll lose the whole shipment! My family will be so furious with me, I have to make this work - “ He was completely breaking down so John sat down on the edge of the bed and pulled him into his arms. He gave in and hugged him back, tightly, clinging on for a long time.

“It doesn’t matter. You’re what matters. Please rest, okay? For me?”

Santino laughed weakly. “Do I have a choice?”

“I don’t think you’re well enough to go back out there. I’m sorry. Go to sleep. I’m getting a doctor here soon.”

Santino just looked off into the corner and huffed. “What a mess. I can’t believe I started collapsing in front of everyone.”

“All that matters is that you’re okay. And that you rest now.”

He opened his mouth to argue, but his eyelids were already drooping and he wanted so badly to just lay next to John and be held. For the rest of the day, after getting IV fluids to rehydrate him, Santino cuddled against John’s chest while the rain played softly on the windows. He let everything slip away and smiled in his sleep.

[nirrahbrii]

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[ricinbach]

dulce periculum | chapter i - smoke

through me you pass into the city of woe.

It was one of those nights where it seemed like the amber liquid in the crystal glass never ceased to end, regardless of how many sips were taken.

The gentle hum of jazz and light fingers on the delicate piano delighted the atmosphere, nicely complementing the woody bourbon aftertaste and the cigar smoke in the low air. The comfort of the plush, intricate leather against tailored suits and the crackle of blue, orange and red flames.

Hints of cutlery touching the gold-engraved china, of crystal hitting mahogany a little too harshly. Of concealed weapons hitting a little too close against the body. Of the smallest pitter patters of raindrops against tempered glass behind the dark crimson velvet curtains.

It was calm - a state of luxurious peace and quiet. The curtains shielding the light from the outside hustle and bustle of the giant city, a city without borders. Where anything and everything was allowed as far as imagination went. Guidelines to be followed, self-inflicted or enforced, yet almost exclusively broken all the time.

But here, within the limits of this building, there were rules.

Important, life-changing yet very simple, very few ones. Unspoken ones. Not a single table, writing or guidebook could be found anywhere on the premises. There was no need.

Rules every habitant, temporary or permanent, had to obey - which was not considerably hard to begin with. It could be baffling how many chose not to and succumbed to their weaker halves, no matter how many times they have been instilled in their brains or how severe the consequences had been in the previous cases of mischief.

Everybody knew. Everybody in this life of danger, sin and animalistic brutality knew yet how every action had a consequence. Every mistake had a price tag on it - a hefty gold coin or the unfriendly end of a sharp blade. Every kill usually came with some sort of chaos in the aftermath, sometimes in the silent cries of weeping widows, sometimes in the echoing sounds of even more bullets.

Thankfully, everybody behaved that night.

For now.

It was a prize to be earned these days to have a single night of peace and quiet. To have a drink in solitude, accompanied by the soothing music and the grumbling maze of your thoughts, bitter liquids making their way down your throat as they warmed you up.

The pianist would transition into a low and slow sonata as a delicate finger trailed around the thin, crystal Negroni glass while more calloused ones made themselves gently known on your covered back - a hovering touch, one that aims not to disturb but to awaken, to calm, to reassure. A touch that knew just how fast you and your senses could react upon intrusion and discomfort.

It’s just me.

Familiar hints of fresh air, linen and slightest musk calmed your senses as your sleep-deprived eyes stared at the soft bar light reflecting and simmering against the amber of your drink, its orange aroma reminding you of home. The owner of the lingering touch on your back making their way to the leather-bound stool on your right, a gentle smile on the corners of the lips. A smile many could miss, could mistake as a sarcastic or condescending little smirk. A genuine smile that not many could be on the receiving end of.

“Oh, dear.”

Eyes turning to the side following your body that merely adjusted to face the blue eyes, you kept leaning against your elbows on the mahogany with a quizzical expression on your face - but not without a soft curl of your lips.

It felt good to be in his presence, after all.

“I have never seen much good come out of a Negroni night for you, Miss.”

A chuckle escapes your lips, not the happiest one nor the saddest but one that is genuine at the generalized observation over your life patterns. What made your throat constrict, however, was not the uneasiness from the man or the alcohol as you took another sip in a hurry - but just how spot-on he was.

The vermouth running down you was not the answer to your prayer for comfort and for him to be wrong just once - but it brought fire.

Fire, so bright and so, so warm. Yellow and blue, orange and red, murderous yet cathartic.

Fire that engulfed the card as it darkened on your palm.

“Always the optimist, Winston.”

It was his turn to chuckle as he retracted the hand and laid his thin glasses down on the polished bar counter, his blue shirt complementing the designer navy suit that he always seemed to favor. A finger gently lifting to hint the bartender for another one of his classic drink.

Classy, yet subtle. Like all that made him, him.

A comfortable silence ensued as you took yet another sip, the ribbed needles of thoughts swarming through your mind, winning over the previous state of peace and quiet once they reminded of just why you were there while a part of yourself found solace with the comforting familiarity of the moment.

Winston. A safe spot in a not-so-safe city. Irresistible drinks and understanding silences that in fact, revealed everything.

“Trouble in paradise?” he asked gently as he cut through the void, eyes not leaving your bloodshot ones, his Martini glass tilted in preparation for his sip. It was a question that meant no harm but made your jaw clench regardless, your tired but able body tense under the Armani.

In a world that let you survive often times by lying, it would not save you then. Behind those wondering, knowing eyes, he could read you like an open book - wasting all of those years of practicing the stoic poker face, the one that came out right before the kills or the big lies. It worked on most, hell, it worked on all of them before the big kills that brought you the sweet, green cash. The big lies that saved your life undercover. The situations that no one could survive unless they played their cards right.

Didn’t work on him either, apparently.

“Trouble would be all gone if you could help me out with one thing.”

To that, he would tilt his head curiously, setting the glass on the coaster with such grace, deviousness with a hint of worry shining in his eyes.

“You can ask John Wick to come join me for some bourbon.”