Jack Lowden As River Cartwright Slow Horses – S01E01 – Failure’s Contagious

Jack Lowden as River Cartwright Slow Horses – S01E01 – Failure’s Contagious

Von Dutch

Summary: River confronts Spider after the Stanstead fiasco.

Adult language

No warnings

River/Spider (ish)

452 words

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James was, let the record show, simply minding his business and heading down the hall of the pub to the toilets when River grabbed his shoulder from behind with a grip like a vice. James turned around as casually as possible under the circumstances.

"Are you stalking me? That's an HR violation. I'm not sure you need another black mark on your record right now." River stared daggers at him.

“We need to talk.” James didn’t bring up the obvious, which was that River had his number.

"I didn't think I'd see you out tonight." If James had crashed Stanstead he probably would have jumped off a bridge and ended it all, not crashed the after party too, but that was Cartwright for you. Never knew when to give up.

"You gave me the wrong instructions. Blue shirt, white tee not white shirt, blue tee."

"Are you sure? Anyone could get that mixed up."

"Not me."

James arched an eyebrow. "Everyone makes mistakes." Not me, River's expression said.

"You have to talk to Taverner. Clear this up." River's hand was still crushing his shoulder.

"I don't have to do anything."

"There'll be a debriefing." He insisted. "They'll interview you." The very thought of trying to explain the realities of the situation in a way Cartwright would understand made him feel weary. Like talking to a small child asking repeatedly why the sky is blue.

"I realize you were hoping to be Diana's protégé. It must be disappointing to be suddenly on the outs."

"Does Taverner realize you two are on a first name basis?"

"Do you realize that she's going to exile you to Siberia and you're never again going to get to get the chance to come in your pants while you salute and call her ma'am?"

"Fuck, you really just can't stand that I'm better than you, can you?"

"Did you hear that I'm getting my own office?"

River snarled and pushed him roughly up against the wall and if James felt his cock twitch, well, that was alright. There was nothing like the thrill of victory. James snaked his hand down between them.

“Not here, you psycho”, River hissed, “anyone could see.”

“Would that be so bad? It's okay to admit how you really feel about me. If anything, I'm the one who should be worried about his image, being seen with you.”

All 14 stone of River pinned him to the wall. A strong hand tight on his jaw, stubble scraping raw against his chin and cheek. James' lips parted. And then just as suddenly, River pushed himself away and stalked off without a word or a backwards glance.

"You're a sore loser, Cartwright!" he called after him as he adjusted himself.