Javier Escuella X Female Reader
Summary: your father borrowed money from Leopold Strauss but can't pay his debts, so he has to make another deal with the outlaws. When he offers you up to them to give him time to get some money together, you end up caught with the Van der Linde gang and falling for a certain outlaw.
Word Count: 4900
Javier had no idea how he was roped into going with Micah to collect a debt for Strauss, this wasn't the usual job he would do and it definitely wasn't his first choice of partner. They rode in silence, not having anything to talk about, as they approached a little homestead.
"I'm taking the lead, alright greaser?" Micah announced as they dismounted their horses.
"Whatever you say" Javier rolled his eyes as they walked up to the little home.
- - - - -
You were at home with your father, as usual. You were cleaning up some broken glass, was used to be a whiskey bottle, as he did who knows what in another room. An impatient knock on the front door made you sigh, stopping your chore.
"Y/n! Get that will ya?" your father called from somewhere in the house, even from here you could hear the slur in his voice.
You didn't respond, you only sighed and walked over to the door, honestly confused about who would even be knocking. Opening the door, you couldn't help but feel a little anxious when you saw the two men.
The man standing more in front, the one you assumed knocked on the door so roughly, had blonde shoulder length hair and an untrimmed horseshoe moustache and side-whiskers. You instantly knew that something wasn't right about him, you didn't like the way he was looking at you.
To the side of him was a slimmer man with dark hair, tied back neatly, he clearly had more care for his appearance than the other man. He had neater facial hair, a moustache that was shaved in the middle. You thought it was a little strange but it was also endearing, he was attractive, you couldn't deny that.
"Can I help you?" you asked as politely as you could, hoping that your nerves didn't show too much.
"You don't look like a Mr L/n" the blonde looked you up and down, making you want to curl in on yourself.
"Uh...he's my father. What do you need him for?" you asked, your gaze flickering between the two men.
"It's business, wouldn't want to worry your pretty little head about it" the blonde assured you, making you cringe at his condescending tone. His friend seemed to dislike how he was talking to you as well because he stepped forward and finally spoke.
"He just owes us some money. If he gives us it, nobody has to get hurt" the dark haired man told you, sounding more understanding than the other man.
"Money?...right, uh, I'll get him for you" you nodded as if you knew what they were talking about. You weren't stupid, you connected the dots, your father had borrowed money from some questionable people. "Dad!" you called, looking back into the house over your shoulder.
"What is it?" your father asked as walked into the room, instantly freezing them he saw the two men in the doorway.
"We're here for the money you borrowed from Leopold Strauss" the blonde told him, pushing past you and into the house before you would question any of them.
"And...how can I trust you work with him?" your father asked, stepping backwards as the blonde approached him and the other men stepped into the house.
"We're associates of his. Micah Bell, and this one is Javier Escuella" the blonde introduced them, finally giving you a name to put to their faces.
"I...uh..." your father stuttered, clearly not knowing what to say.
"Who's Leopold Strauss?" you asked.
"Nobody" your father told your sternly, as if that would send these two men away.
"A coward and a parasite, but also our resident loan shark" Micah informed you with a slight sneer.
"Loan shark? Why are you getting loans from fellers like these?" you asked in disbelief, you knew that your father was losing grip of everything but this was too far, especially since he didn't even tell you.
"Y/n. Enough" your father snapped but it didn't make you flinch, it was hard to be afraid of him when you had two criminals in your home.
"Yeah miss, let the men talk" Micah mocked. Javier couldn't help but give you a sympathetic glance, even if you weren't looking at him.
"Look. We just want the money. Give it us and we'll leave" Javier sighed, tired of the job already and just wanting to leave.
"I...I haven't got your money. I-I can get it though!" your father told him, quickly trying to defend himself.
"Well, we need it now" Micah told him as he walked up to him.
"But I don't have it" your father backed up until his back hit the wall behind him.
"You gotta have something valuable around here" Micah hummed as he glanced around the room, still approaching the smaller man.
"I don't!" your father insisted.
"Then I'll just have to beat it outta ya" Micah threatened as he grabbed him by the collar, slamming him back against the wall.
"Stop!" you shouted and moved to hurry towards them. You knew that you wouldn't be able to pull Micah off of your father without getting hurt but you had to at least try.
However, before you could even move from where you were standing, Javier reached out and grabbed hold of you to keep you away from them. He wrapped an arm around your waist and the other around your arms, making sure to just restrain you but not hurt you.
"Please, I-" your father began to beg but was interrupted by Micah punching him in the face.
You gasped, feeling the tears brim in your eyes, but you could only watch since the man holding you back was so much stronger than you. Now, it wasn't like your father didn't deserve a beating, but you still didn't want to see it.
"C'mon, you gotta have something" Micah threw another punch.
"I don't!" your father repeated but only received another punch.
"Stop lyin'" Micah spat.
"Alright! Alright! Just please stop" your father caved in, making you frown.
"What do ya have to offer me?" Micah asked as he threw your father to the ground, him landing with a thud.
Your father looked around, thinking about what he had to offer but you knew that he had nothing, he had lost it all in poker games or other debts he had to pay off. He had nothing to offer them and you knew it.
"H-her..." your father whispered, hanging his head and staring at the ground. You completely froze at his words, surely you had to be hearing things.
"What was that?" Micah asked, crouching down beside the man.
"You...you can take her, just until I get the money" your father offered. You shook your head, refusing to believe that this was really happening.
"Now...this is interesting" Micah smirked, making your stomach turn.
"Dad?..." you asked, feeling a tear roll down your cheek, but he didn't speak, he wouldn't even look at you.
"Fucking look her in the eye and say that again" Micah forced your father onto his knees and made him look up at you.
"...you can have her until I get the money" your father repeated, looking straight at you just like he was told too.
"Please don't do this" you pleaded with him.
Javier could feel himself getting angry at the two men in front of him. He came here to collect money, this wasn't part of the deal.
"Alright. I'll be back to collect the cash though, then you can have your precious daughter back" Micah agreed to the offer.
"Micah. This isn't-" Javier began to argue but was cut off.
"Shut it, greaser. It's only temporary, ain't that right?" Micah kicked your father, prompting his nod of agreement.
"Get off of me" you spat as you pulled out of Javier's grasp, him letting you go as you stepped away from them both. "Please" you looked at the two unfamiliar men, pleading with them to just take some mercy.
"Business is business, sweetheart" Micah shrugged as he walked over to you.
"I'll get the money, I swear. You'll be alright" your father assured you but you didn't believe him for a second.
"Sure you will" you spat at the man, who was still on his knees, as Micah grabbed your arm and started pulling you towards the door.
"We don't do this shit!" Javier snapped, clearly not happy about the way this whole things went.
"You might not but I sure do. If you want to stay here and beat something else out of him, then fine" Micah shrugged before pulling you out the door.
"Mierda" Javier cursed to himself. "You're a sick bastard" he looked down at you father with a disgusted expression before following you and Micah out of the house, not wanting to leave you both alone for two long.
"You wanna ride with me, sweetheart?" Micah asked with a sickening smirk as he wrapped an arm around your waist and pulled you against his chest. You weren't even crying now, in too much disbelief and disgust to do so. You just grimaced and pushed against Micah's chest, wanting to get him away from you.
"Get off of her" Javier suddenly pulled Micah off of you and placed himself between you both. "Dutch ain't gonna like this and you know it" he warned the other man.
"Oh lighten up, Escuella" Micah rolled his eyes.
"Come on, chica. You can ride with me" Javier turned to you, his gaze and voice softening slightly. You just nodded. You didn't want to go with either of them at all but you could still see that Javier was the better option out of the two.
Javier helped you up onto his horse before mounting it himself, Micah mounted his horse with a huff, and the three of you rode away. You could only watch as you home faded into the distance.
You weren't sure how long you rode for, being too busy trying to organise your thoughts, but you eventually arrived at their camp. As you approached the hitching posts you could already see other men and women walking around and going about their day, your nerves were returning and fast.
Micah and Javier dismounted their horses. Javier reached up and helped you down, releasing your waist as soon as your feet where on the floor. He just placed a hand on your shoulder as they both guided you through the camp, walking you towards a tent in the middle of the camp, the largest of the tents.
"Dutch, you got a minute?" Micah asked as you approached a dark haired man.
"Sure...who's this?" Dutch asked, his gaze settling on you as the three of you came to stand in front of him.
"The daughter of one of Strauss' friends" Micah told him.
"And what is she doing here?" Dutch's brow furrowed in confusion.
"Her father offered her up as payment" Micah shrugged.
"Until he gets the money" Javier explained but you finally snapped.
"Are you all that stupid?" you scoffed, making the three men look at you. "He ain't ever going to get the money. He's a gambler and a drunk. We were losing the house already. Whenever you go to collect, he'll probably be gone" you told them.
"Nah, he won't leave his daughter to-" Micah shook his head but you couldn't listen to him any longer.
"'course he will! If he wouldn't leave me here, he wouldn't have given me over in the first place" you pointed out.
"What were you two thinking? This isn't how we work" Dutch looked between the two men, more surprised that Javier had allowed this.
"Micah didn't give me much choice" Javier shot the blonde a glare.
"Mr Bell, we will speak about his later. Get outta here" Dutch snapped slightly and Micah muttered something as he walked away.
"What's your name, miss?" Dutch asked, focusing his attention on you, but you didn't speak. "I swear to you that this isn't how we usually operate. We aren't going to hurt you, I promise. What's your name?" he assured you but you didn't know what to believe.
"Y/n L/n" you told him your name.
"Welcome to our camp, miss L/n. Javier will introduce you to the women" Dutch nodded at you both before walking away, followed by an older man.
"Just this way-" Javier placed his hand on your arm.
"Don't touch me" you pulled away from him but Javier didn't argue.
"Alright, I deserve that. Just know that the rest of us aren't like Micah. Nobody's going to hurt you or touch you. You have my word" Javier promised you.
"I'm sure you'll understand that your word doesn't mean much to me" you crossed your arms over your chest.
"That's fair" Javier nodded in understanding.
Javier did take you to see the women and introduced you to them, explaining why you were here. Mary-Beth and Tilly seemed sympathetic and apologetic, they seemed kind. Karen seemed disgusted and gave Javier an ear full, even as he defended himself, you couldn't deny that it made you smile a little bit. The eldest, Miss Grimshaw, seemed furious and had headed straight for Dutch, you assumed to shout at him. Maybe Javier was right and not everyone here was like Micah.
The women seemed nice and Javier eventually left you with them, letting you sit and talk to them. They had comforted you, told you that they were sorry about what had happened. They then started to tell you about the rest of the gang.
- - - - -
It was later that night, once everyone was sleeping that you wandered through the camp. You headed for the cliff on the outskirts, needing somewhere to get away from it all, and you sat down, looking over the edge. You hadn't even noticed the tears silently rolling down your cheeks, now that you finally had the time to process what just happened.
"How are you holding up?" a familiar voice asked, catching you by surprise.
"How do you think?" you sniffed, wiping away the tears, you didn't want them to see you cry.
"I'm sorry...I really am. I want you to know that I would have never accepted your father's offer, Micah just doesn't leave much room to argue" Javier apologised as he sat down beside you.
"Doesn't matter. I'm still here" you shrugged.
"It's late, nobody's around...why don't you just leave?" Javier asked, sounding genuinely curious.
"Where would I go? My father's probably already packing the few belongings he has and running with his tail between his legs. We lost the house. I have nowhere to go. So I'm stuck here" you informed him.
"...I'm sorry" Javier apologised again.
"So what now? He won't give you the money...what happens to me then?" you asked.
"I...I'm not sure. I'm sure Dutch would let you stay here if you had nowhere else to go" Javier assured you.
"Is that supposed to be reassuring?" you asked, looking at him for the first time since he joined you.
"I don't know" Javier confessed. "You have no reason to trust me but if you ever need a friend...come find me" he offered but you didn't say anything, you just nodded.
Javier gave you a small smile before standing and leaving you to your thoughts.
- - - - -
It had been a couple of weeks since you arrived at the Van der Linde camp. You were good friends with the women now, they had been very comforting and supportive. You and learnt about the other members of the gang, both from what the women told you and your own experiences. You had learnt that they weren't all bad.
Hosea was kind and comforting, offering you advice and apologies. You could tell that he was a father figure for many members of the gang. Arthur was kind, a little quiet but kind, always willing to help out other members of the gang, including you. You had met Sadie, who had made threats against Micah and your father when she heard your story. You liked her. The Irishman, Sean, he was amusing. Loud and bubbly, a bit of a flirt but not in a way that made you uncomfortable. You still didn't know the others well but you were starting to become fond of them.
Micah had tried his luck at getting close to you once or twice but he was always interrupted, by Javier of all people. Whenever he saw Micah getting too close, he was by your side in an instant. The time that Micah had something to drink and got a little grabby and handsy, Javier came to your defence wielding a knife. He shooed the other man after before turning to you and making sure you were alright. Perhaps Javier was being truthful about not all of them being like Micah, he certainly wasn't anything like the other man.
You had also learnt of Javier's passion for music, he could often be found sitting at the campfire and strumming on his guitar. You found his music relaxing, comforting even. As the days went by, you found yourself often sitting by the campfire just to listen to his playing. It helped clear your head, stopped you feeling so bad about the situation you found yourself in. It was nice. He was nice.
- - - - -
Just like most nights, you found yourself sitting on the outskirts of the camp by the edge of the cliff. And like he sometimes did, Javier decided to join you. He didn't accompany you every night, understanding that you needed some space to breath, your whole life had been turned upside down. But occasionally he would join you, usually only offering a smoke, a drink, and silent company. His company was always welcome, you found, you always accepted the drink but never the cigarette, though it got more tempting with every passing day.
"How long have you been here now?" Javier asked as he sat down beside you.
"Two weeks" you sighed.
"How's the camp treating you? I hope Micah isn't bothering you too much" he asked.
"He hasn't bothered me since you threatened to gut him" you told him, making him chuckle. "The rest have been kind...it's not quite what I expected from a gang of outlaws, if I'm being honest" you confessed.
"I don't blame you. But Dutch is a fair leader, he takes in those who need it. We aren't as ruthless as say...the O'Driscolls" Javier told you.
"O'Driscolls?" you asked, looking at him properly.
"A rival gang led by Colm O'Driscoll. They aren't as kind" he explained briefly, deciding not to worry you about men like them.
"Well I guess I'm lucky it was you that picked me up" you gave him a small smile.
"So you're not mad at me anymore?" Javier asked, hoping that you would be able to forgive him eventually.
"I would apologise for having a bad opinion of you but...you did take me from my home" you reminded him, meaning for it to be a little playful.
"I really am sorry about that" Javier apologised quietly.
"I know...it was Micah that accepted the offer, not you. And if I should blame anyone, it should be my father who made the deal in the first place" you sighed. As much as you might have wanted to blame the gang, you couldn't. This was your father's fault.
"...do you think he will bring the money?" Javier asked.
"No" you answered simply and without hesitation.
"You sound pretty sure about that" Javier commented, a little surprised by your certainty.
"After my mother passed...my father turned to the bottle. He can't hold his liquor and when he drinks he gets mean. Then he picked up gambling and lost a lot of money, eventually all of our money. We were losing the house and the farm but he couldn't stop drinking or throwing our cash away, I didn't know he borrowed money from Herr Strauss but I shouldn't be surprised" you explained, for some reason feeling able to talk to Javier, to open up to him.
"Lo siento...about your mother and everything else" Javier apologised again, sincerely sympathetic.
"It's fine...I mean, it's not but it's not your fault" you shrugged. "I knew he was getting worse, getting desperate but...but I never expected him to just...give me away. He didn't know who you were, all he knew was that you were a gang of outlaws and he just handed me over" you sniffed and wipe away a tear, silently cursing yourself for crying.
Javier's heart just ached for you. Not being able to just sit and not comfort you, he wrapped an arm around you and was pleasantly surprised when you willingly lent into him. "I'm sorry" you apologised as you cried into his shoulder.
"You don't need to apologise" Javier assured you as he rested his chin on top of your head.
The two of you sat in silence like that for a moment, and you found yourself surprisingly comfortable.
If two weeks ago somebody told you that you would be living with a gang of outlaws and crying into one of their shoulder's, seeking comfort from somebody who has probably killed more people that you can count, you would have called them crazy. You knew that Javier was a criminal but you didn't fear him like you maybe should, he was kind to you, sweet even.
"Your father made a huge mistake, I have no idea how he could've just handed you over like that, offered you up to us. I've only known you for about two weeks but I'd already fight for you" Javier told you, keeping you in his embrace.
"You don't mean that. You don't even know me" you shook your head but didn't pull away from him.
"I don't know you well but I know you enough to know that you're a good person, that you're strong willed. You came into this camp of criminals and called us, including our leader, stupid. Not many women would've done that" Javier reminded you, making you laugh softly.
"Well...you all were stupid, thinking a coward like my father would get the money for you" you defended yourself, making him chuckle quietly. "I'm still adjusting but...a part of me is glad that you came along and picked me up" you admitted.
"You are?" Javier asked, looking down at you, his eyes widening slightly.
"Yeah...I was spending most of my time looking after my father who would throw me into the arms of outlaws the first chance he gets, and we had about a month before we went homeless. At least I'm free now, there are people here who actually show me respect. I'd even consider some of them friends already" you explained.
"So, you'll be staying?" Javier asked, hoping that he didn't sound to eager.
"Yeah...yeah, I think I'll stay if you all allow me" you nodded.
"I'm sure Dutch would allow it and I'd like you to stay" Javier confessed.
"You would?" you asked as you lifted your head from his shoulder and looked up at him.
"I would" Javier smiled softly as he tucked a strand of hair behind your ear.
"I didn't realise outlaws could be so charming...I might've had you all wrong" you teased, unable to stop the smile from growing on your face.
"Well, I like to think that I'm an especially charming outlaw" Javier joked, making you laugh and that made him smile again. He was glad that he could cheer you up. "Tienes una hermosa sonrisa" his voice was softer now, endearing and you wished you had understood what he said. All you knew was that you definitely liked hearing him speak in Spanish.
"I don't speak Spanish" you told him, your gaze scanning his face for some sort of clue to what he had said.
"I said that you have a beautiful smile" Javier told you, his thumb stroking along your jaw.
"Oh...well, thank you" you hung your head slightly to hide your smile and the blush he had caused. "Perhaps you could teach me some Spanish sometime" you suggested, meeting his gaze once again.
"I'd like that" Javier nodded and smiled.
"So would I" you returned his smile.
"Do you want to head back to the camp or sit here for a little longer?" Javier asked, knowing that he would prefer to just stay here with you.
"I think I'd like to stay here a little longer" you hummed as you lent into his side again.
"Whatever you want, mi querida" Javier smiled and pressed a kiss to the top of your head as he held you against him once again. The two of you sat in silence, enjoying the peace and each other's company.
- - - - -
The gang was having a little party. Dutch was playing music from his gramophone, people where dancing, drinking and laughing. You were sitting at a table in the camp, just watching the rest of the gang and smiling slightly. It felt like you were seeing another side of the outlaws you now lived with, you quickly realised that they weren't the monsters that you thought they would be but now you were seeing the lighthearted and fun side of them.
Your attention turned away from the gang when you heard somebody approaching, your whole body tensing when you saw Micah walking towards you.
"Went by your little farm this mornin'" Micah told you.
"You did?" you asked, trying your best to sound uninterested. You knew what he was going to tell you but you weren't sure if you wanted to hear it.
"Yeah but ya daddy weren't there. Place was empty, don't think anyone's been there for a little while" Micah smirked, he was enjoying this.
"I told you he wouldn't get the money" you reminded him.
"He really did run off and leave you with us. That can't feel good" Micah hummed, stepping closer to you.
"Suppose not but I'm not really surprised" you shrugged, just wanting him to leave.
"Guess you're gonna be sticking around, you better start earning your keep" he looked you up and down like he did when he first came to your home.
"I earn my keep, I do just as many chores as the other women" you told him, watching him carefully now.
"Hmm...I was thinking you could pay for your place in another way" Micah's smirk grew as he placed a hand on the table behind you, leaning towards you.
"Micah, leave her alone" Javier snapped as he walked towards you both.
"Damn, to her rescue again? Almost forgot you were sweet on her" Micah mocked him as he pulled away from you. You were just glad to have him out of your face.
"Just get out of here, Micah" Javier shook his head, not wanting to argue with him. Micah just chuckled before walking away. "Ignore him" he advised, turning his attention back to you.
"I do" you assured him.
"What was he talking to you about?" Javier asked.
"He went by my father's farm. He's gone, ran off like I said he would" you sighed, looking down at your lap.
"I'm sorry" Javier apologised, making you smile a little bit. He apologised a lot for things that weren't his fault but you understood that he was just being sympathetic.
"I knew that's what would happen. I'm not surprised" you shrugged.
"It must still hurt" Javier frowned, wishing that you wouldn't keep pretending that you were alright. But you just sighed and nodded. "Well, at least you know. Now you can move on, start fresh" he tried to look on the bright side.
"I suppose you're right" you smiled, at least now you didn't have to think about the small possibility that your father would get the money together.
"Would you like to dance?" Javier asked as he held his hand out to you. He wanted to take your mind off of it.
"Sure" you laughed fondly as you placed your hand in his.
Javier gently pulled you to your feet before guiding you over to where some of the others were dancing. You placed your hands on his shoulders as his hands settled on your waist, the two of you starting to move to the music.
"Sorry that I'm not much of a dancer" you blushed lightly, not having much experience with dancing.
"You aren't that bad, don't worry" Javier chuckled quietly.
"Are you sure? The life of a farm girl doesn't offer much time for dancing...or much else if I'm being honest" you confessed.
"Well, you aren't a farm girl anymore. You're one of us" Javier reminded you.
"Yeah...I am" you smiled honestly, liking the sound of being one of them. "Thank you for being so kind, you've made this easier for me" you wrapped you arms around his neck, beginning to play with the ends of his hair.
"I'm sorry for everything that happened but...I am glad that we found you" Javier admitted as he slipped a hand around to the bottom of your back and pulled your closer, your chest touching his.
"Honestly...so am I" you told him, making him smile.
Javier kept one hand on the small of your back, holding you against him, as he raised his other hand to cup your jaw. His thumb brushed against your cheek as he scanned your face for any objections, he found none.
Not wanting to scare you, he lent in slowly. You stopped playing with his hair, your hands coming to rest on the back of his head and neck. Your eyes fluttered shut as Javier's lips brushed against yours and he took this to be you welcoming his advances. Then, his lips were on yours properly for a gentle kiss that you instantly returned.
Only a few weeks ago you wouldn't have believed anyone who said that you would be living with a gang of outlaws. Now, here you were. Feeling at home in the camp and kissing one of their men, quickly falling for Javier Escuella.
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