bakerstreet | Guard your heart

Guard your heart

the bodyguard shipping meme

You're a pop star, or a royal, or maybe even the last of your kind who will bring about the Earth's redemption. Whatever the case may be, you're in a position that may be a bit dicey if you attract the wrong kind of attention.

And you're a bodyguard, a soldier, a knight - a protector. Somehow, you've been roped into protecting this person. You'll be rewarded, of course. The work may be cut out for you, but just do your job, keep your head down, and it'll go smooth.

Except for when the two of you break the bounds of professionalism and feelings begin to flourish. Being in such close quarters may get you to see the other in a different light, and saving someone's life just may be the ultimate form of intimacy.

Could this be the real danger? To feel so strongly for the one you've sworn to protect...are you compromised?

How to Play

1. Comment with your character and preferences, being sure to put if you want to play the guard, the guarded, or either. Also, you may want to put if you prefer fluffy, angsty, or smutty interaction - or have no preference.
2. Comment to others.
3. There are no prompts, because there are so many potential options there could be a hundred. Feel free to play anything: the beginnings of the relationship, just meeting, getting used to each other/not getting along at first, the obligatory first time, a threat on the protected's life and how their protector responds, how the feelings between the two have changed the protection, etc. Your only limit is you.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[In need of a bodyguard!]

[Needs bodyguarding.]

[Guarded.]

[ooc: fancy being the bodyguard for this guy even though he thinks he can handle it all by himself?]

[Of course! Would you like me to start or do you have some idea of a situation to put them in?]

[you can start if you'd like. I'm up for any situation :D]

The fight didn't quite go as planned. It never does. Alfred had tried to stay away. He had tried to let the young man do this on his own, but in the end, he still ended up doing what he's always done when Bruce gets in over his head.

He had been fine sitting back, wait in, watching, Bruce's loyal shadow. The young man could handle a few low level thugs. What he can't handle is the heavily armed professional hitmen. The thugs had been a lure and Alfred's heart froze solid.

He isn't afraid of much. He's afraid of this. Of one day losing Bruce to this. The young man is his life. He has nothing else. But he doesn't fight with the protectiveness of a father... Alfred knows what it is he feels and he dreads the Young Master ever knowing.

So he buries it deeper and goes on in. Bruce Wayne won't kill. Alfred Pennyworth will. Gladly. He'll pull the trigger and think nothing of the body he leaves behind, so long as Bruce walks out of this mess alive.

Bruce had thought he had everything under control. That was until the fight started leaning very much towards his enemies. The thugs were a piece of cake, however, since Bruce offered them a few well-earned punches and kicks to the guts. They were soon downed with his slight frame and quick speed. Alfred's dodging practice during sparring practice had helped with that. A lot. Right now, he was outmatched by two new enemies who had appeared almost out of the shadows.

Hitmen.

He had bargained on facing such worthy foes and tried his best to dodge the bullets, which now brushed past his body at a dangerous distance. One almost grazed his face, causing a thin line of blood to open by his right eye. Not good.

"I'm not afraid of you!"

Bruce yelled, whilst ducking behind the nearest garbage bin. The streets were littered with them, so he was grateful to use it as a shield. Unless the bullets passed through metal then he would have to re-think his strategy. The hitmen were perched high up with their sniper rifles trained on young master Bruce. Backup. They had to be.

Edited 2018-12-05 18:37 (UTC)

Fool boy!! Alfred was going to have to have a heart to heart with Bruce about his taunting attackers. He just gave those snipers somewhere to aim. He can only be glad that Gothem trash cans are made of firm stuff.

But them having a target means him having a target. He can follow the trajectory of the bullets back to the nest. From there, it's just a matter of getting there. He swears he's getting too old to be running up steps. Back in the day, he would have gotten up there with no sound at all. Now days, there's just the slightest tap of Italian leather against fire escape.

Alfred doesn't wait to get fully up. He knows where the target is and shoots. His pistol sounds very different from the shots from the rifles. One shot. Two shots. The rifles go silent and backlit against the city, Bruce gets to see the sight of one very pissed off Alfred Pennyworth dangling a man over the edge of a building by the collar.

Then he talks. "I got these two. You can handle the rest." But unlike the young Wayne heir, the police aren't going to get the snipers breathing.

Bruce swallowed hard. His mouth was dry as if he had swallowed a load of cotton wool. This wasn't going as planned at all since Alfred had now become involved in the fight. He was supposed to have done this by himself! A couple of thugs and guys with guns. So what? He was a martial artist now; a man. A man who could protect Gotham from the scum now dangling at the edge of the high building they were on.

"I had this-"

He huffed out in frustration before pulling himself together once more. He was angry with himself for getting sloppy. He had to be better than this. Maybe he could get behind the snipers and take them out from behind? It was the only way without being shot from in front. He made a quick dash to a nearby ladder and scooted up it fast, before diving into shadow once more. He just needed to get behind the marksmen at the edge of the building.

He could argue with Bruce. That no. No he hadn't had this at all. If he had, Alfred would have never stepped in. But there's no time for that. It's also not the place for it. Last thing they need is to had an arguement while there are still people trying their best to kill them.

After though...After, Alfred is going to make sure that the young man was better prepared. Not because he hates going out and doing this. He would do anything for Bruce. He's already literally died for him once. He would do it again without hesitation to keep the young man safe. But since Bruce and safety aren't really the best of friends, Alfred will always be there, ready to step in and make sure the young man he adores is alive another day to complain about the butler's meddling.

His awareness of his young charge lets he know where the man is. He knows he's a fool himself. He doesn't mind. If it helps Bruce, he'll make himself a target. Which means moving himself and the dangling man into direct line of sight. Alfred seems not to care that he's using the sniper as a human shield. It's all part of his training, still there from days long long ago.

He just has to wait. Wait for Bruce to get into position and then...drop the body. Drop it and pretend that the sound of someone falling to their deaths doesn't still excite him a little. Which is the only reason why he wishes this to be over quickly. He hates for Bruce to see him like this, to see him so brutal. He likes being the Butler and not the SAS operative.

Bruce could feel his blood racing through his tired veins. His body felt like giving up but he knew he couldn't. Not now. Alfed had them by their necks and it was up to Bruce to deliver the finishing blow. He had already made a few mistakes and he hoped they would be his last tonight, as he sneaked forwards, keeping his eye out for any movement. He didn't fancy having his head blown off tonight or having a cold blade ripping through his vital organs.

Letting out a silent breath, Bruce crept closer towards his targets. He could see a silhouette in front of him. One of the attackers with a sniper rifle clutched between his hands. Damn, he had to do this. He didn't want Alfred to get hurt! Frowning, he got even closer before springing the trap. Bruce launched forwards knocking the sniper to the ground, then offering him a brutal kick to the guts, before punching him twice in the head.

He had to act fast, as he knew there were others. Bruce managed to kick the limp body off the top of the building, seeing it fall like a rag doll to hit the ground with a dull thud. One down. Or was it two? Damn, he couldn't tell! It was pitch black and all he had was his wits and Alfred's guidance. Where was Alfred? He was with the other guy wasn't he?

He hears another body drop and hopes to god it's not Bruce. He can only pray that a third Wayne hasn't just been taken from him. That he boy he loves so fiercely isn't laying as a broken pile on the street below.

He has to believe. Believe in Bruce and the training they've done.

But one less sniper means he can dispatch his. It's easy enough. He knows Bruce abhors guns, but two shots still ring out into the night. Double tap to the head, exicution style. Blood on his dark suit, across his face and one last body over the side of the building.

The gun goes back into it's holster and he's headed back towards where Bruce was seen last. It's pitch black, but he hopes Bruce can recognize his voice. That what's moving in the dark is Bruce and not more thugs.

"That's the last of them, love. Not me best work. Was a bit sloppy in the end, but needs must."

Bruce recognised Alfred's deep gravelly voice through the thick black darkness and felt his heart begin to beat back into it's normal rhythm. It was touch and go as to whether he could floor any of the assassins, yet he pulled through. It was the training along with Alfred's help.

"Alfred? Are you ok? You're not hurt, are you?"

He was always concerned with the butler's health at anytime, especially after a fight. There had been a lot of those recently, ever since he had found out about the Court of Owls. Bruce would never forgive himself if anything had happened to his old friend.

He picks his way through the darkness to return to Bruce's side. He can hear the concern in the other's voice. Not for the first time does Alfred want to squeeze him tight. Hold him and tell him it's fine. He's fine. He knows holding might become more and he knows how wrong that is.

He's supposed to protect the boy. Help him grow. Support him down whatever path he chose. He's not supposed to feel for Thomas' son the same things he felt for Thomas. He just can only hope Bruce never learns, never suspects. He's happy just to
be able to servee Bruce.

Yet his care is in his tone. "I'm right as rain, lad. Not a scratch on me. It's not me blood, promise. Real question is if you're all right." He can't really see in the dark to know if Bruce is hurt or not.

"That and we should get ourselves gone right quick. Doubt the police will be here this soon, but don't want to get caught here with our trousers down, now would we."

"I'm fine, Alfred. None of those guys even knew I was there."

Bruce was proud of that fact. He used his ninja stealth skills and training that Alfred had taught him over the years to pull off the moves he wanted. Yet, he was treading dangerously close to the fire when he was taking out the snipers. Either of them could have taken a head shot at him and it would have been game over.

"We thrashed those guys. Most of it was all you but we made a good team."

He offered Alfred a smile and looked around at the night's sky. They had better get back to the mansion, since Bruce didn't want to get in trouble with the GCPD. Jim Gordon was his friend.

He can hear the pride in Bruce's voice and he wants to tell the boy not to get too cocky, but he's earned it. He's been training hard and stealth is one of his best skills. Alfred's lost count of the number of times he's nearly jumped out of his skin because Bruce once again managed to creep up on him.

"Maybe it was, but only cause you took care of the first wave by your lonesome." Credit where credit due. If it wasn't for the snipers, Alfred would have stayed in the wings tonight. And honestly, he's glad that Bruce isn't angry at him for killing both of his.

Cautiously, he places an arm about Bruce's shoulders. "I've got a car waiting for us down the block a ways. We head home and get washed up from this, yeah?"

Bruce felt the familiar arm resting on his shoulder, as he looked across to Alfred offering him a firm nod. He pulled off his cowl and breathed in some cool night air. It felt good to finally feel air on his face after being stuck inside the rubber mask for fighting. Alfred had made it especially for him and he treasured it but sometimes it just felt a bit claustrophobic.

"Yeah, sounds like a good idea."

Bruce wondered what training they would do next to prepare for their next fight. No more slip-ups though. Falling through sky lights or slipping off the edge of buildings. Bruce wanted to get faster and stronger but he needed Alfred there as a guide, a mentor.

"Maybe we could have another few sparring sessions back at the manor."

Gently, he guides Bruce back to where he's stashed the car. It's nice to be able to see him better. The city is still dark but lighter than where they were. He can make Bruce out better now. He can look him over and confirm for himself that the boy is safe and whole.

He politely gets the door for Bruce, as he's done a million times before. Like he's not wearing someone else's blood and smelling like gunpowder. Like Bruce isn't holding his mask and eager to already push himself harder. He wants to tell the young man he needs to rest. He needs to recover from this. But in the end, he knows he'll cave in eventually.

"If you'd like that, Master B. I was hoping to at least change into something less red and maybe get you something to eat, but if you need a few more spars to tucker you out, I'll be happy to. Now, be sure to buckle up."

Bruce stepped into the car, still looking around, wary, just to make sure they weren't being followed. His eyes were everywhere now that he wasn't just a kid who sat at home anymore; he was a vigilante now. Sitting down in the back seat he relaxed a little and fingered the home-made mask in between his hands for a few moments. It was this that kept the whole world from knowing that the masked vigilante was Bruce Wayne.

"Red was never really my colour, Alfred. I prefer black."

Of course. Bruce was grateful that Mr. Fox had made the bullet-proof armour and had made it all black. Very useful for stealth. He slid his seat belt over his midriff and looked forward to a sparring session with Alfred.

"Who says anything about it tuckering me out? I'm not ready to call it a day yet."

He takes his position in front as driver. He's certain the day will come too soon that Bruce will be in this seat, when he'll demand Alfred stay behind. He knows when that day comes, he'll not give in as easily as he gives in to everything else Bruce wants or needs.

"That you do. I'm starting to think I need to plan an intervention on your closet, sir. One doesn't need that many black roll-necks." It's a light ribbing, one that keeps his mind off the other reasons for the black.

He breathes a small sigh and drives away. He's chosen the least obvious of the Wayne garage's many many vehicles. Took care to mask the plate. He's not taking the direct route back. If someone tries to follow, they'll get lost somewhere in Gotham. Another thing he'll have to teach Bruce one day.

"I say. Master B, you know relaxing never hurt no one, right?" It's hypocritical and he knows it. He's sure he's only fully relaxed once in all the time that Bruce has known him, and look at where that got them both. "I love you more than anything, lad, which is why I'm telling you that part of getting stronger is resting." It's something he rarely says anymore. It feels awkward to express such a feeling when he knows the lad doesn't understand the full connotation of those words from him. And if he does, it's still wrong to feel them.

"But if you're dead set on burning the midnight oil, I won't stop you." No. He'll be right there beside him. "I will warn you though. We spar tonight, might not be good for you. Too keyed up to do it safely." Like with the car, one day he knows Bruce will be better than him, but he'll always have the killing instinct that Bruce lacks. He never wants to be put into a position where he hurts Bruce again because he can't stop being what he is.

Bruce will be in the seat faster than Alfred will want to realise once he grows up, which was fast happening right now, and will eventually take the wheel. He was edging on seventeen now and will soon want to become more of the man like his father before him. The boy was rapidly becoming independent and stronger, ready to take on the wrath of Gotham's underworld.

"Thanks, Alfred. I appreciate your concern but I've got it covered. Are you challenging me? Because I'll gladly kick your ass if you want me to."

He smiled playfully, full knowing that he would more likely be floored by the ex-Marine. Yet, Bruce could boast if he wanted, since they were good friends and friends were allowed to have fun.

He knows that. He sees it every single day. He sees how much Bruce has grown. He can't help but want to cling to whatever he can of what was before, but he knows that the boy is his own man. He wishes he could tell Bruce how much he loved him, how proud of him he was. He can't. He can only stand and support Bruce. Support him and wait for that day when he's no longer needed.

He chuckles just softly. This is why he adores Bruce so much. That never say die attitude. It's charming when he's being playful and not serious about it. That stubbornness is both frustrating and attractive.

"I'm sure you can try. But when I put you on your back, you'll change that tune, Master B. And after, I'll still draw you your bath, as I don't think you'll be able to move for a bit. I'll even put in bubbles."

[ Probably the guarded one. Maybe he's visiting your realm with a diplomatic delegation? ]

[The guarded one.]

[[Could be either really.]]

[bodyguard-for-hire || either a freelancing job or on loan from the Moriarty]

[ the bodyguard. more likely to be obsessed/loyal until death than any fluffy love feelings, but it's workable. open to cross-canon aus. ]

Guard your heart

Darcy Lewis | Thor/MCU | OTA

Lord Henry “Monty” Montague, Viscount of Disley | A Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue

Laurent of Vere | Captive Prince

Alfred Pennyworth | Gotham | OTA

no subject

no subject

no subject

Let me know if this works for you

Re: works for me!

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

Jotun!Loki | MCU (AU) | ota

Queen Camina | Persian mythology OC | ota

River Tam | Firefly

Sebastian "Basher" Moran || Sherlock Holmes (modern)

alucard. hellsing.

Noctis Lucis Caelum | Final Fantasy XV

Laslow | Fire Emblem Fates | ota

Kyle Reese | Terminator

felicia hardy | ps4 spider-man

Jyn Erso | Rogue One | OTA