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writingonleaves · 21 days ago

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wrap your arms around me, baby boy - will smith

pairing: will smith x original female character

warnings: swearing, probably the most dialogue in a piece i've ever had, mention of marijuana , boston college (as a boston university alum this is a valid warning❤️), niche massachusetts references, fluff fluff fluff

inspired by + title: paper rings by taylor swift

word count: 5.5k

author's note: hi!! tried not to overthink this one too much because i've been in a writing rut lately and this turned out longer than i expected. i also usually try not to write about the kids or anyone younger than me but i feel like this song fit our fave lexington shark boy and i had fun exploring a college relationship like this. this is for @wyattjohnston and @comphy-and-cozy's eras tour fic challenge!! i hope you all enjoy it and lmk what you think!

october 2023

“I think I’m gonna marry you one day.”

Danielle Layden doesn’t even look up from her notes, unimpressed. “Sure, dude.”

“I’m serious,” She sighs, before putting her pen down and looking up at Will Smith, who’s continuing like he’s just asking her about the homework, which he did about three minutes prior. “You don’t think so?

She blinks, making sure that the professor isn’t in the lecture hall yet. “Will, I met you, like, three weeks ago, while you and your friends were high off your asses, mind you, and you don’t know how to write a proposal.”

“You have something against marijuana and bad writers?”

She rolls her eyes as he laughs. “We have a quiz in 5 minutes. Don’t you have something better to do?”

“Well, seat partner, I don’t think I do,” he says smugly.

“We are not seat partners,” she drawls out, taking a sip from the coffee that he brought her when he came in, toothy smile making her unable to be 100% annoyed with him. She doesn’t wanna overthink about the fact that it’s her exact order too, because he shouldn’t know that.

“I think we are,” he sings. “Are you coming to the game later?”

“What game?”

Will snorts. “Yeah, nice try. I know you stalked me on the internet after we met. I also talk about hockey all the time.”

“I don’t know what hockey is. Explain it to me again?”

“Smartass,” he mutters as a smile seeps through Danielle’s lips. “So are you coming?”

“Should I?”

“I think so.”

The professor claps his hands and he’s still looking at her, waiting for an answer. She just shrugs. She’ll leave him on his toes.

The next week, as Danielle’s been learning to expect now, Will slips in the seat right next to her, sliding over her coffee.

“How do you know my order?”

At the same time, he asks. “What did you think of the game?”

She blinks. “What if I didn’t go?”

“Dani,” he deadpans. “I know you went. I saw you in the crowd.”

“You saw me in the sold out crowd?” She eyes him warily. “I highly doubt it.”

“Evie told me where you guys were sitting beforehand.”

“Evie doesn’t know what she’s talking about.”

“What did you think of the game?” He repeats with insistence.

She bites her lip. “You got a goal.”

“I did.”

“It was fun.”

He lights up like a puppy and she can’t help but melt. “Yeah?”

“Yeah,” she nudges his shoulder. “You’re pretty good at this hockey thing. Better than you are at writing proposals.”

He chuckles, running a nervous hand through his hair. “I’m glad you had fun.”

“I’m glad you didn’t lose.”

“Doesn’t happen very often.”

“Cocky,” Danielle observes.

“Just like you are about writing proposals.”

She switches the subject. “How do you know what my coffee order is?”

“You told me.”

She tilts her head to the side. “When?”

“The night we met.”

“When you were high off your ass?”

“Quiet down,” he scolds playfully. “I am an athlete, you know? Gotta keep up that pristine image.”

She lets out a bark of laughter. “Pristine image? Okay, dude.”

“Hey, actually, before Langley comes in, I wanted to ask you something.”

That gets her attention, as she turns fully towards him. “What’s up?”

“Okay, so, you can say no,” Will starts, which, hilarious way to begin. She tries to hide her amused smile as he continues. “Would you mind looking over my midterm paper? I know you have all your own stuff to do so I totally get it. It’s just, it’s obvious you’re the best writer in this class and I’d really appreciate a second set of eyes like yours.”

A few seconds of silence pass by before Danielle smiles genuinely. “You don’t have to beg, Will. I’ll look over your paper. You only talk to me though. You don’t know that I’m the best writer in this class.”

“I think I do.”

“Flattery will get you nowhere,” she deadpans.

He smirks, sliding his phone over. “Put in your number and we’ll find a time?”

She types her number in and texts herself, “I think you just wanna find an excuse to spend more time with me.”

“Busted. I did say I’m gonna marry you one day.”

“Let’s see what you get on your midterm first.”

november 2023

“Hey”

Danielle looks up from her books at the familiar voice, a bit disjointed because she’s not sitting in Fulton Hall but instead at the library. She takes her headphones out and tilts her head to the side at Will and two other guys right next to him. “Hi.”

“Do you mind?”

She starts clearing her stuff from the table, “As long as you’re not annoying.” She puts on a warm smile. “Hi. I’m Danielle. Or Dani. Whatever works.”

“I’m Ryan, and this is Gabe.” Ryan grins.

She narrows her eyes a bit, gaze lingering on Gabe. “You look familiar. Have we been in a class together?”

“Maybe? What are you taking?”

“You’re in my Psych class,” she concludes.

“With Petrovich?”

“The very one.”

Gabe lights up. It’s kinda adorable. “Where do you sit?”

“Don’t,” she says as Will chuckles, which causes one side of her lips to quirk up. “I’m not having a repeat with what’s happening with Will here.”

“Hey now,” Will says as his two friends laugh at him. “Leno’s the one from Amherst, by the way.”

Danielle lights up. “Oh! Will’s talked about you. I’m from Ludlow.”

“Really?” She nods as Ryan leans back in his seat. “I went to Pope Francis.”

“Of course you did,” she deadpans. “That’s almost as bad as St. Sebastian’s.”

Before she can think about if it’s too mean, Ryan has burst out into laughter. “You know what? Smitty should marry you. You’re funny.”

She whips her head towards Will, who looks smug. “Are you telling everyone that?”

“No,” he drawls out.

“Yes,” Gabe says with a giggle. “I mean, you are the reason Will did well on his paper.”

“I know,” she says wryly.

“So why wouldn’t he marry you?”

She ignores them and tilts her head to the side at Will. “You know, I didn’t think you’d lure your side pieces into this nonsense.”

“They’ve been here from the start!”

“Side pieces?”

She blinks, before, “Oh! You guys were also high the night we met. You were the friends. It was kinda dark so I didn’t really see your faces.”

“If Coach ever hears you, we’re banned from the team,” Will says.

“I don’t really have plans to get to know your coach, so you’re in luck.”

“Do you like hockey?” Gabe asks.

Danielle clicks her pen. “What’s hockey?”

“Don’t,” Will warns as she giggles. “She always does this.”

“What?” Ryan smirks. “Bust your ass?”

“I mean, good,” Gabe adds. “You need it, Smitty.”

She nudges Ryan in the shoulder and blows Gabe an air kiss. “I like you two. Dunno why you hang out with Will though, so that’s a character flaw.”

“Can you help me with Psych homework?” Gabe asks with a hopeful tilt.

“Of course.”

Will narrows his eyes playfully. “Get your own seat partner, Gabo.”

“As fun as this has been, unless you all are doing homework and can quiet down-”

“Can we join?” Will asks, playful facade fading into a genuine one. “We can leave, but we also did come to do homework.”

She puts an earbud back in. “Be my guest.”

By the end of her time in the library, she’s gotten a cookie from Ryan (“413 have to stick together, baby”), Gabe’s phone number so they can study for Psychology together and smiles from Will that has her stomach feeling unsettled. As she’s walking back to her dorm, she gets a text from her roommate Tracy. There’s a hockey game this weekend. Does Danielle wanna come?

She gives Tracy’s text a thumbs up.

december 2023

“Happy last class,” Will says, sitting down next to her.

She reaches out automatically for the coffee he slides over with a smile. “I have something for you.”

“For me?” He teases, but he’s visibly taken aback.

“Yeah,” she reaches into her bag to feel around for the crochet eagle. Once she finds it, she pulls it out carefully and places it in his hands.

His eyes soften. “You made this?”

She shrugs. “Yeah. I love crocheting and, I don’t know, it seemed fitting.”

“Thank you,” he says sincerely, clipping it onto one of the zippers on his backpack. She swallows, a frog suddenly appearing in her throat. “I’ll carry it with me everywhere.”

“When do you leave for Sweden?”

“Leaving BC the 13th, so gotta take all my finals early.”

She hums. “That’s soon.”

“It is,” he drums his fingers on the table. “It feels like this semester has flown by.”

“Yeah,” she says somewhat wistfully. A curl falls onto Will’s forehead and she has to dig her nails into her hands to prevent her from reaching up and fixing it.

He shakes his head a bit at himself, as if trying to motivate himself to do something. “Listen, I, uh, you can totally say no, because I know I kinda forced you to be my friend in the first place. And I’ve been wanting to ask you this for weeks now, maybe months, but I was thinking maybe when I come back next semester we could hang out?”

She teases him. “Hang out? Should we invite Gabe and Ryan along? Maybe Jacob? I met him the other day, you know. He threw you under the bus.”

“No,” he presses and Danielle hides her giggle at his minor petulance. “Just us two. On a date. Dinner and all. The whole nine yards.”

Danielle is full out grinning now. “See, that wasn’t so hard, was it?”

“You’re impossible,” Will deadpans.

“Yes,” she says, resting her chin on the palm of her hand. “I’d love to go on a date with you.”

“Yeah?”

“On one condition.”

“Anything.”

“I pay. I owe you for all the coffees this semester.”

He snorts. “Yeah, that’s not happening.”

“You said anything.”

“Dani.”

“Fine,” she pushes a finger into his chest. “You’re also deciding where we go though. I’m too indecisive for that.”

“Of course,” he grins, a slight blush painting his cheeks. “I’ll text you when I’m back on campus?”

“I’ll be waiting.”

january 2024

“It seems weird not seeing you Friday mornings anymore.”

Danielle chuckles as she opens the door to let Will inside. He steps to the side as she slips on her boots. “Not Mondays and Wednesdays?”

“Well, yes. But there was something nice about seeing you to end my week.”

She rolls her eyes. “Laying it down thick right at the start, huh?”

“Well, I would’ve brought flowers to really drive it home, but I remember you mentioning you didn’t like them.”

“You have a scarily good memory,” she remarks, grabbing her bag before they walk out of her dorm, Will’s hand hovering over her lower back. “Where are we going?”

“This restaurant called Seasons 52. It’s a 30 minute walk but we could also drive since I have my car. But it’s also nice out and I know you like walking everywhere-”

She halts in the hallway, causing Will to crash into her. “Will, that’s…a nice restaurant.”

“Is that okay? Too much?” His eyes widen in uncertainty. “I’ve been there with family for special events and stuff and it’s pretty good and I figured that-”

“It’s okay,” she assures him. “It is. I just, you didn’t have to do all that.”

Will shrugs as they wait for the elevator. “It’s not a big deal. You deserve all the stops. Wouldn’t wanna put that outfit to waste either.”

She snorts looking down at the nice brown sweater and jeans she put on. “This is nothing. You look very sharp. Different from the sweats you usually wear.”

“Hey!” He protests as she laughs. “Remember when you saw me in a suit before the game?”

“Yeah. I think I have those pictures on my phone still.”

He rolls his eyes at the memory of him seeing Danielle right before a game as she just snapped pictures of him with a smirk. “You know, the boys gave me crap about that for days.”

“Mission accomplished then.” She nudges his hip with hers right as the elevator doors open. “I know I texted you this already, but congrats on the Gold. My mom was confused why hockey was on the TV and it wasn’t the Bruins. My brother was pumped though. He’s been trying to convince me to get into hockey for years.”

He blinks. “You watched?”

“I tried to. Saw the gold medal match in full though. Landon loved Ryan’s celebration. What a bitch.”

“Landon’s your brother?”

“Yes he is.”

“Hockey fan?”

“Yeah. He went to BU.”

“Lame,” Will says without thinking.

She laughs. “I tell him that all the time.”

“Just the one brother?”

“Nah. Two younger sisters too. He’s the oldest. He loves it.”

“Your sisters must love you.”

Danielle takes her hair out of her jacket as they start walking. “Why do you think so?”

“I have an older sister. Grace. She’s awesome. Also at BC actually. So I know what it’s like to have an older sister to look up to.”

“I do love them,” she admits. “I think I’m the lucky one to have them though.”

For January, it is surprisingly warm as they make their way to the restaurant. Will has a grin plastered on his face the whole time as he just lets Danielle playfully rag on him. At some point, she grabs his hand and their hands stay connected and Will feels like he just scored a hattrick. Dinner is yummy and romantic and so fun because everything about Danielle Layden is fun. Will snags the check, ignoring her look in the process.

As they’re walking back to campus, Danielle has tucked herself into Will’s side. She pokes him playfully. “Do you still think we’re getting married?”

Will cackles. “You’re never gonna let me live that down, huh?”

“No,” she says softly, biting her lip.

He looks at her momentarily, brushing a piece of hair behind her ear. “Good.”

Right in front of her dorm building, she kisses him. He smiles into her lips as he pulls her closer.

february 2024

Danielle has a big paper due next week. She doesn’t have time for this.

She checks her phone again to skip the song and rolls her eyes at the dozens of messages from Will the whole morning. Thank God she’s been on Do Not Disturb.

She may not know the ins and outs of hockey like her new boyfriend, but she knows what it’s like to lose. So she knows that he was really upset when BC lost in the first Beanpot game against BU. Hell, she was there in the stands. She knows the guys on the ice were one hundred times more upset than the fans in the stands representing the eagle.

But ghosting her and then ditching her on a pre-planned date they had the next day is uncalled for. Judging from the sheer amount of texts and missed phone calls the last 24 hours, she knows Will knows he fucked up. But she’s not doing this. She’s not taking this crap from anyone, much less a boy.

Two hours later, once she’s knocked out a good chunk of her paper, she leaves the library in search of some dinner outside of the dining hall to treat herself. It’s just her luck that as she’s walking past Conte with her headphones in, she sees some of the team in the distance walking towards her. Will is one of them.

She sees the moment he recognizes her and then stubbornly puts her head down. She hears him call her name, but she just brushes roughly past him, shoulders knocking together. If he wants to explain herself, he’s gonna have to do more than that.

When she’s just changed into her pajamas later that night, her phone rings. It’s Will again. She decides to answer.”

“What do you want?”

“Come outside.”

She rolls her eyes. “I don’t-”

“Please?”

She hears the plea in her voice. “Fine.” She hangs up, grabs her keys and jacket, and runs down the stairs.

As soon as she walks outside, she sees Will standing to the side, hands shoved in his pockets. “Hi,” he says.

“You ready to talk now?”

He flinches. “I deserved that.”

She crossed her arms, “Well?”

“I’m really, really sorry for ghosting you the last few days,” he rushes out quickly but tone dripped in sincerity and vulnerability. “I-it was really shitty of me to just avoid you and not respond to you at all, especially when I know you were just worried about me. I owed you more than that. I owe you more than that. I shouldn’t have let my emotions get to me like that. I’m sorry.”

She sighs. “Will, I get that losing a game like that sucks. I’m not really mad that you’re mad about it. I’m pissed that you didn’t talk to me, even if it was to tell me to leave you alone.”

“I’m really-”

She puts her hand up. “I’m not done yet.” He shuts his mouth and nods at her to continue. “I know I’m still trying to understand your world and how I fit into that, but getting ignored like I was the last few days sucked. We just started dating. It felt like a slap in the face. I don’t care if you don’t wanna talk to me, just tell me you don’t wanna talk to me instead of leaving me in the dark. If that happens again-”

“It won’t,” he says firmly. “It won’t. And it’s not my world that you have to fit into or whatever. It’s not about me. It’s never about me. It’ll never be about me. I fucked up, Dani. I’m really sorry. It won’t happen again.”

She looks at him for a moment, before jabbing a finger into his chest. “Apology accepted. Just talk to me next time, okay?”

“I will, I promise,” he says, letting out a sigh of relief. “God, I’m such an idiot. It’s not like you’d ever judge me.”

“For what? The loss?”

“..Yeah?”

She rolls her eyes, taking her hands in his. “I judge you. I do it all the time, actually. Never, ever for that, though.” She squeezes his hands. “It just wasn’t you guys’ night. You’re a good hockey player, Will, but that’s not why I’m with you”

He chuckles wryly, leaning his forehead against hers. “I need to buy you a ring.”

“Easy, tiger,” she warns with a grin. “If you want me to completely forgive you, you owe me coffee for the next three months.”

“That easy?”

“No,” she admits. “But it’s a start.”

He places a quick kiss on her lips. “Anything. Anything you want.”

april 2024

The second the clock runs out, Danielle puts her head in her hands. There are murmurs of disappointment and cursing heard from attendants of the Frozen Four watch party her friend hosted, but all Danielle can do is bite her lip in sadness for Will and the other guys. She ses Ryan visibly sobbing and that’s her limit, as she walks into the kitchen to grab a glass of water to take a breather. She fingers through her phone to the text chain with Will, sending a red heart and “always proud of you” before putting her phone back in her pocket.

She squeezes her eyes shut. God, they were so close. They worked so hard. Will’s worked so hard. But that’s just how it goes sometimes.

As she’s helping clean up, she can’t help but think of the implications of the loss. She hasn’t been shy with Will after learning more about how big of a deal he is in the hockey world and how there’s a chance he may not come back next year. Initially it terrified her — getting into a relationship with someone who might not even be on the East Coast in a few months — and it still does somewhat, but he’s been so open and honest about it and Danielle has never been the kind of girl to not do something because she’s afraid.

But that night, in her dorm, as she sees Will send a text back with just a heart, she’s afraid. They’ve only been dating for four months. And he’s become one of the best parts of her life. She has always wanted him to do what’s best for himself and his career — she has no part in that decision and doesn’t want to have a part — but if that means leaving BC, what does the future of them look like?

The next morning, Danielle is up early and playing with her phone in bed mindlessly, waiting for the text from Will that he’s back and settled in his dorm. She knows the team had a flight scheduled to land early this morning and even before last night’s result, she was always going to see him.

Once she gets a text from Will, she’s bolting out the door, grabbing a small of groceries she had gotten the night before, knowing that him and Gabe’s fridge is emptier than usual and maybe a simple breakfast of a nice omelette and a smoothie will cheer them up.

The door swings open before she can even text Will to let her in. She barely sees his face before he pulls her into a tight hug. She squeezes him, swaying them side to side, as students going in and out of the building step sideways to avoid them.

“I’m sorry, dude.”

He somehow musters out a watery chuckle at the nickname that’s somehow become a petname between them. He mutters into her shoulder. “I fucking hate losing.”

She continues rubbing his back. “I know.”

“We were so close.”

“I know,” she pulls away and reaches up to run a hand through his hair. He practically collapses into himself, pulling her into another hug, resting his chin on top. “I’m proud of you regardless,” she says into his chest softly. “All of you. You worked so hard.”

“I love you,” he mutters and Danielle’s stomach flips. He first said it the day before he left for St. Paul when they were having a movie night at her place, snuggled up in her bed as he whispered it into her hair, but it still makes her throat close up with adoration.

(She hasn’t said it back yet, but he hasn’t pressured her at all. She’s almost amazed at how much he doesn’t seem to be.)

“Come on,” she says. “Let’s go inside.”

He automatically reaches for the bag around her shoulders with a furrowed brow. “What’s in here?”

“Groceries. I figured you and Gabe hadn’t eaten yet so I thought I’d whip up an omelette or something.”

He steps into the empty elevator and kisses her for the first time since he left. “God, you’re an angel.”

“No, I think ahead,” she corrects. “I’m sorry I wasn’t there in person.”

“Don’t be,” he says. “I feel your support everywhere all the time.”

“You do?”

“With every call and text,” he assures. “Thanks for coming. I’m probably not going to be the best company today.”

“Will,” she taps his chin so he’ll look at her when she says her next statement. “There is nowhere else I would’ve been today, no matter the result.” He just pulls her closer to his side in response.

When she gets to Will and Gabe’s suite, she immediately scurries around the kitchen as Will hovers. Usually she would shoo him away and make him wait elsewhere, but she knows he doesn’t wanna be alone right now. As she’s plating the second omelette, Gabe wanders out and she shoots him a small smile, stomach dropping at the bags under his eyes that mirror Will’s. She gestures at him to sit and slides over a plate and a glass of the green smoothie she made before giving him a hug.

“Smitty’s lucky to have you,” Gabe says inbetween forkfuls.

Danielle chuckles as she fixes herself a plate. “I’m just as lucky to have him. Where’s Ryan? I can fix him a plate if he wants.”

“Stop,” Will says with a look.

“What? I can!”

“I know,” he says fondly. “But you don’t need to.”

She gives him a deadpan look. “Well, is he coming?”

Will sighs. “He said he might stop by in a bit.”

“I’ll leave him some of the smoothie then.” She catches Will’s smile as she starts digging into her omelette, talking with Gabe about anything except the loss.

After breakfast, she and Will venture to his room, where they lay in his bed and he puts on Brooklyn 99. As she’s laying on his chest and he’s twirling her hair around his finger, she can tell his head is everywhere but in this room. She lets him be like that for three episodes before she reaches for the remote to pause it.

She turns to him. “What’s going through your mind?”

He shrugs. “Probably everything you think.” They sit in silence for a minute or two, before he pipes up again. “You can ask me.”

“I’m not gonna do that.”

“Why not?”

“Because the answer is yours to decide, and I know you’re gonna ask for my opinion but I don’t want you to be influenced by it,” she smoothes over his furrowed brows with her thumbs. “Everything coming up next has been a thing long before we met. Even if I had an opinion about it, it shouldn’t be taken into account.”

“So you think I should leave BC and sign?”

“I think you should seriously weigh the pros and cons of both, which I already know you’re doing.”

He sighs with a wry smile. “You were born to be a lawyer.”

She tilts her head to the side. “Do you want to talk about it now? Because we can.”

“Later, maybe.”

She hums. “Okay.”

“But I want to let you know that no matter what I decide, that how I feel about you is the same.” She raises an eyebrow but he’s so lost in his thoughts and what he wants to say that he misses it as he barrels on, determined. “Whatever decision I make, I still want this to keep going. Which is maybe unfair to ask you because there’s a chance I’d be all the way across the country. But I really care about you and-”

“Will,” she interrupts him, holding a hand up. “You’re getting so ahead of yourself. Make your decision first, and then we can talk about us, okay?”

“I don’t want you to think I’m just leaving you.”

“Huh? You’re not. I know you’re not. This is your career, dude. I’m never, ever going to hold that against you.” She presses a quick kiss on his lips to try to assure him. “I knew what I was getting into, okay? And I’m still here, aren’t I? We can talk about the logistics of it all later more in depth, if we even need to get to that point, but don’t worry yourself in a tizzy about the ‘us’ part of it so much, okay?”

He blinks. “I got you something.”

Deciding to go along with the sudden change of topic, she humors him. “What did you get me?”

He reaches over her to his bedside and she just lets him, exaggeratingly spitting out his hair that touches her mouth. He just rolls his eyes before retrieving a small white bag.

She softens as he places it in her hands. “What’s this?”

He smiles, pressing a kiss to her temple. “You didn’t think I’d forget about your birthday, did you? I’m sorry I missed it.”

“You were competing for a national championship,” she responds automatically. “I didn’t-you didn’t have to get anything for me.”

He scoffs softly. “Bullshit,” he nods at the bag. “Open it.”

Biting her lip she carefully opens the bag, to see that there’s a ring box there. “Oh my God. Are you asking me to marry you?”

He rolls his eyes as she giggles. “You’re the worst.”

She pops open the box and it is a ring. She picks it up gently inbetween her fingers. A dainty leaf ring with light teal stones. It’s perfect. It matches with the rings she already wears. She slips it on and suddenly wants to cry. “I love it.”

“I’m glad.”

She shoves the bag and box to the side before hugging him properly. “You didn’t have to, but thank you.”

“Happy birthday. Belated.”

As she looks down at the ring, she takes a deep breath. They’re going to be just fine.

may 2024

As Ryan parks his car in front of Will’s childhood home in Lexington, Danielle suddenly feels like her feet are glued to the floor of his car.

Ryan, noticing his friend’s girlfriend’s hesitation, nudges her shoulder gently. She’s quickly become one of his friends now, especially considering that he’s going to be staying at BC for at least another year. “Hey,” he says softly. “You good?”

“I’m great,” she responds automatically, reaching to the back seat to grab the box holding his present.

“It’s okay if you’re not,” he says.

“It’s Will’s day,” she says firmly. “How I feel doesn’t matter.”

He clicks his tongue. “I’d disagree. And he would too. You can be happy for him and also sad that he’s moving to the other side of the country, you know?”

She looks over to him and swallows at the look on his face. The unspoken “I am” lingers in the air and she sighs. A small smile appears on her face as they exchange a look, as she leans forward to place a quick friendly kiss on his cheek. “Thanks for driving.”

“Anytime.”

The first person she recognizes as they filter into the home is Grace, who beams at the sight of them both. She wraps Ryan in a hug first, squeezing him tight before pushing him away to hug Danielle.

“Oh, it’s so good to see you. How were finals?”

“A bit tough, I won’t lie.”

“You get used to it,” Grace says sympathetically, taking the box out of the younger girl’s hands. “He’s somewhere out back, surrounded by a bunch of people probably.”

Danielle nods and Grace must notice her lingering because the blonde offers her a reassuring smile. “He’s been talking about you all day.”

“That’s nice of him,” she comments softly.

Grace gives her a knowing smile before lighting pushing her towards the direction of the back porch. “Go. He’ll be excited to see you.”

The second she walks outside, she smiles at all the teal balloons decorating the home and how wonderful the weather is to celebrate Will officially signing with San Jose. He made the decision a few weeks ago but waited until now to make it official and Danielle couldn't be any prouder.

It seems like when her eyes land on him, he’s already looking back, eyes bright and a big smile on his face as he gestures for her to come to him.

“Hi,” she says, leaning into his side for a hug.

He instinctively kisses the top of her head. “Hi. This is Aidan, Nico and Max from the St. Sebs days. Boys, this is-”

“Dani,” Aidan says with a knowing smile. “Nice to meet you. Smitty hasn’t shut up about you since you guys met.”

“Unsurprising,” Danielle drawls out. “He’s kinda obsessed with me.”

The guys all laugh and Daniele giggles along with them. She looks up at Will, who’s beaming. She fights the urge to kiss him in front of all his friends, but he beats her to it, leaning down to kiss her sweetly. She laughs into his lips when his friends start chirping him goodheartedly. She hears Ryan saying that he’s used to seeing this shit all the time and that it’s frankly the cutest thing ever and Danielle is assured that Ryan’s a real one.

“Congrats,” she murmurs to Will, his friends now distracted. “I love you.”

(Danielle cracked a few weeks ago, when she finished her last final and Will took her out on a surprise date into the city. They were walking along the Charles River in the sunset and she felt like she just had to tell him she loved him at that moment. The smile from him after she said it is an image she’ll always have in her memory)

“Thanks, babe,” he says. He interlaces their hands together. “You ready to meet everyone?”

“Do I really have a choice?”

Will chuckles. “Come on. We’ll start with the cousins. They’re easy.”

She follows him as his thumb brushes against the ring.

#k writes #hockey fic #hockey fanfic #hockey fiction #hockey rpf #will smith hockey #will smith #will smith fic #will smith imagine #will smith x oc #will smith x original character #will smith x original female character #nhl #san jose sharks #nhl fic #nhl fanfic #nhl fanfiction #nhl imagine #hockey imagine

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yournaothings · 4 months ago

Text

Living the Dream

Prologue: I Can't Save the World if I'm Not Happy Anymore

The atmosphere in the house that once was filled with positivity now was replaced by the suffocating negativity Dream always fought against. This late at night no one would be any wiser of what misery Dream was facing all on his own after yet another intense and frustrating battle against his brother. The same old thing they have been through countless times, yet there was no progress made on either of them. No one truly won during their fights. They simply would get the upper hand while the other team would slink away to lick their wounds. Every fight, every battle, every time Dream would stand before Nightmare, begging him to stop this nonsense. It all ended the same way.

Nightmare refused to give up his chaos.

Dream refused to give up on saving his brother and the Multiverse.

Nightmare was never going to come back, Dream finally caved in and believed the words the King of Negativity spat at him every time they fought one another. There wasn't anything more Dream could do. He tried everything. In the end, Dream finally realized that he was fighting a battle that he'd never win. That thought alone opened the idea to a more devastating thought; if he couldn't save his brother, what makes him think he could save the Multiverse? He was the Guardian of Positivity, yet he couldn't save anyone.

That's not true, you've saved millions-

Millions that are still fighting against their demons to this day. He didn't save them, he made their lives worse.

They're safe, making a new life, making new friends. They are healing, and that takes time.

What about Nightmare?

Time will tell, he will come around eventually.

And, if he doesn't?

. . . .

Dream heaved a heavy sigh as he gently pulled his crown from his skull and held it firmly in his hands. The gold caught what little light from the moon that flooded into his bedroom. It made the metal sparkle beautifully. It made Dream sick to his stomach; he didn't deserve to wear the crown that symbolized peace and hope. Releasing one hand, he ran his phalanges over the warm metal, feeling the smooth surface one last time before he released yet another heavy sigh and placed it gently on his bed beside his weapon and cape. Everything that was used to fight the negativity, to fight his brother. A flash of yellow and gold that brought hope and relief to the victim's tormented souls.

The items laid innocently on his bed, staring at him, judging him.

To continue to wield such items would make him a liar.

He was no Guardian.

He was no hero.

He wasn't one when it was just him and Nighty, and he wasn't one now.

Nightmare was right. It was time to give up the facade and move on.

No amount of positivity would convince him to stop and pick up his weapon once more. He wasn't fit for the job any longer. With a heavy soul, Dream turned away from the few items he abandoned on the bed and walked away. He didn't stop to look back, not once as he opened a portal and stepped through, leaving the room, the house as empty as he felt deep inside his soul. . . .

—--->

Chapter One: A New Life

The AU Dream entered was an interesting one, he had to admit. He wasn't sure if he's ever been to one like this before; honestly, he would have remembered if he had with how unique this was! An AU where humans and monsters got along so well, there were monster and human children running around- hybrids. Yes, hybrid children, and many were already in their mid-twenties!

With his hands stuffed deep inside of his jacket pockets, Dream excitedly watches all the citizens as they walk by, his eyes brightening from all of the positive aura surrounding him. Everyone was so happy and enjoying the cool weather of fall; the leaves were turning such pretty colors that dangled over the sidewalks- the public park was even more breathtaking! Dream wished he had found this place a lot earlier in his journeys, he felt so refreshed and energetic!

It didn't take long for him to decide that he would make this AU his new home. He didn't have Ink around to tell him about this AU, but he could already tell this was a good AU, a positive one. An AU where Nightmare wouldn't dare go because of all of the positivity.

Dream was safe here.

Checking everything off his mental to-do list, Dream was quick to find a home; he wanted his own house, but he was offered a nice apartment complex. It wasn’t grand or anything, not that he expected something like that. His old home was a simple one bedroom home, so this was perfect.

As he followed the real estate agent into the home, he was quick to map everything out. As soon as he walked in, to the right was the kitchen; wide space and plenty of room to cook. A little further in and to the left was the small hallway leading to the bathroom and bedroom. Heading past both the kitchen and that hallway was the living room. Thankfully, the apartment was furnished with cozy furniture so he wouldn’t have to worry about sleeping on the floor tonight.

His attention was caught by the sliding door on the opposite side of the entrance to the living room; it lead out onto a patio where there were pots of plants growing and a cute outdoor chair sitting in the corner of the patio. It overlooked the backyard that connected the rest of the community of apartments, where there were children running and playing with each other.

“It’s a lovely place.” Dream commented with a satisfied sigh. The agent smiled happily. “I’m glad you like it. Everything has been dealt with, so I will leave you to acquaint yourself with your new home.” Dream bid them goodbye before turning back to watch the children laugh and play together. This place was so peaceful; Dream wondered how he hadn’t felt such positivity before this. What a wonderful place he could have escaped to with the other Stars.

A sad smile overtook the joyous one as he thought about his friends. He wondered if they were worried about him, if they even knew he was gone yet. Was Blue and Ink looking for him? Did Core!Frisk know where he was? They always seemed to know where to find him.

Did Nightmare know he was gone? Was he happy? Or was he angry that Dream was missing?

The positive guardian shook his head, dismissing such troubling thoughts before heading back into his new home. There was much to do to make this his own; he didn’t have much money, so priorities first!

Such a silly thing, Dream laughed to himself as he made his way to the grocery store to buy some food. He didn’t really need it, he felt so full already from the AU’s positivity. But, sustenance wouldn’t hurt to have. He has been spoiled after all; Blue always brought such wonderful treats with him when they all hung out together. Perhaps this AU would have something similar?

He was correct, this AU had plenty of delicious treats and more! Dream felt a little ashamed for spending just about all of his money on such treats, but he felt that he deserved them. Ink and Blue always said he should think more of himself, “Take better care of yourself!” They would tell him. And he did! At least he tried to. Saving the Multiverse always came first. Now that he didn’t have that responsibility, he could relax a little and get what he wanted.

As he was walking home, he came to a stop in front of a small marketplace that he had overlooked on his way to the grocery store. Celestial Market It looked like a family owned little market- before Dream realized what he was doing, he stepped inside, the bell above the door chiming to let the owner know someone had entered.

“Welcome to the Celestial Market!”

The melodic voice of an older woman called from behind the counter, drawing Dream to walk in until he could see her. She faced away from him as she restocked the shelves behind the cashier counter with the individual pastries. All of them homemade, with cute little stickers with the marketplace’s name, logo, and a short description of the pastry.

Her brown (and gray) hair was tied back in a loose ponytail, yet her long, wavy hair ended at her mid-back. She stepped down from the stepstool she had been using to reach the top of the shelf and she turned to face her customer with a bright yet tired smile.

“Oh, hello! You must be new here, I haven’t seen you before.” She said with surprise, but was happy to see a new face. Dream felt himself match her own lovely smile as he nodded and introduced himself. “You’re correct, I just moved in today. My name is Dream, it’s nice to meet you.” He balanced his bag of goodies in one arm before offering his free hand in greeting.

The woman laughed softly, happy to shake his hand in greeting and introducing herself. “My name is Maria, it’s nice to meet you as well, Dream.” She released his hand and reached up to tuck a few strands of hair behind her ear. “What can I do for you, Dream? I can’t imagine you came in here to look for something.” She said, amused as she gestured to his bag of goodies.

Dream blushed, embarrassed. “Y-You’re right, I just happened to look over and saw this place. It’s easy to miss, I’m afraid.” Maria nodded, agreeing with Dream. “It is, but I have plenty of returning customers. Why don’t you have a look around. Everything here is homemade.” Dream wasn’t sure if he would purchase anything today- “I’m afraid I don’t have any money to purchase any of your goods today.” He told her, honestly.

“That’s alright, Dream.” Her soothing voice calmed his worries as she reached behind her and snatched up a little pastry she had been stocking the shelves with and handed him one. “This one is on the house, so you know what you’re missing.” She teased him with a wink. Dream’s blush darkened as he gently took the neatly wrapped pastry from her. “Y-You didn’t have to-” She waved off his worry with her hand. “Don’t worry about it, Dream. Like I said, it’s on the house.”

Tucking away the pastry, Dream glanced around, noticing how there was a lack of employees here. “Do you work alone?” He asked, starting to get worried that she was running a business all by herself. “Oh,” Maria huffed as she continued to stock her shelves. “I have my two kids help out in the mornings when it gets busy. He works at the tattoo parlor just down the street in the afternoon, and my step-daughter works at the university’s cafe during the evenings.”

“But,” Dream started slow as he wondered if the marketplace’s business wasn’t busy while her children were gone. “That leaves you all alone.” Her silence was enough of an answer. “I um,” He continued, that blush returning; he looked away, embarrassed. “If you don’t have anyone else… I am in need of a job.” Which was true. He needed the money to pay for his new home and food- ah, let’s not forget new clothes as well.

Maria laughed softly behind her hand, finding Dream’s behavior sweet. “I can offer you a job, Dream. The help will be nice. However, I’m afraid I can’t pay you for a full time job, will that be alright?” Her concern was met with his surprised enthusiasm, his golden eyes lighting up with excitement as they met her soft brown ones. “Oh! That will be fine, Maria! I will accept whatever is offered to me!” Maria laughed with such joy that it physically brightened Dream’s aura. “We’ll get you started tomorrow morning, when the kids are here. They can watch the store while I have you fill out some forms, then we’ll go from there.” Dream nodded, agreeing to these demands.

Thanking her once more for the pastry and job opportunity, Dream hurried home with his goodies.

—

Maria sighed as she finished closing up her shop and turned to walk down the street. As much as she wanted to go home and relax, she wasn’t finished with her errands for the day. The sun would set in an hour, yet she had one more place to visit. In her arms were some pastries and another “Get well soon” card.

As happy as this city was, there were still plenty of awful things happening. The hospital was always a reminder of that. Maria knew her children were already there visiting their sick friend; Norah Wendall. She had fallen ill recently, and after a few days in the hospital she had fallen into a coma. It has already been a few months since she had fallen under the coma, but there was no sign of her waking up soon. All they could do was to visit her and hope she would awake soon.

The doctor who was in charge of her stated that he was doing everything he could to help her remain comfortable. “She is still with us; have faith. She will return when she is ready.”

Felix, Norah’s step brother, did not like the doctor and swore there was something wrong with him. With their mother having passed away years ago, Maria was all the two had as a parental figure. She did her best to guide Felix during such a hard time.

The hospital staff greeted Maria happily as she entered. She returned each greeting with one of her own before stepping into the elevator. Norah was on the third floor, the elevator ride didn’t take long at all to get there. However, having to walk down a few halls to the room took her a little longer. Once she entered, she was happy to see Norah laying in her bed, sound asleep, looking peaceful.

On the sofa sat Felix and Maria’s step-daughter, Lily. She smiled lovingly to the two; Lily and Felix had been dating well before Norah fell ill, and both spoke how they would marry after Norah awoke. Maria couldn’t have been happier with the two, they were just perfect for each other.

Maria set her gifts on the bedside table before leaning down to press a soft, loving kiss to Norah’s forehead. “Hello, my sweet girl.” She greeted Norah, squeezing her hand, hoping the young woman would squeeze back. After a moment, Maria’s smile fell a little and tears filled her eyes. She glanced away from Norah to face the children; Felix looked away, his expression contorted in his pain. Lily frowned and turned her attention to her fiance, trying to comfort him. On another chair sat Kai, her son; he stood and walked over to comfort his mother.

“It’s alright, mom. We just need to give her a little more time, okay?” Kai tried to comfort his mother, who nodded. “Of course, love.” She replied before Kai led her to sit on the sofa beside his sister, then returned to his own seat.

The room fell silent for a few minutes before Maria asked Felix how he was doing. The small talk helped him from falling into a depressive state. Their soft voices filled the room; if Maria didn’t know any better, it would seem like Norah was only taking a nap and would soon awake to join their conversation.

One day. She thought to herself with a hopeful smile. One day soon.

—

Dream returned to the marketplace early in the morning, just as he was instructed. He wore jeans and a baggy sweater, with his bodysuit underneath. It was a chilly morning, even though the weather didn’t affect him like it did for others, he still felt comfortable wearing appropriate clothing.

Seven in the morning, Dream was happy to be able to meet Maria’s children! As he entered the store, he saw the young woman behind the counter, preparing the cash register for the day. She glanced up in surprise; “Oh, we’re not open yet, sir.”

“Yes,” Dream began with a smile. “Your mother- um, I mean the owner told me to come in early to fill out paperwork for a job.” The young woman gasped softly, “Oh!” She gestured towards the back where the office was. “Right, mom told us about you. She’s in the office right now.” Dream thanked her before making his way into the back and knocked on the office door- it was open, and he could see Maria going through some paperwork.

“Good morning, Dream.” She greeted with a tired smile and waved him inside. “Come on in, I’ve got everything set up for you.” He nodded and did as he was told. He sat at the desk and waited as Maria began to hand him a few pages and pen, explaining to him what she needed from him.

As he began to fill out the pages, he paused and frowned. “Um, Maria?” She raised her gaze from her own work, and met Dream’s worried gaze. “There’s a slight problem. I um, see… I’m not from this.. AU…?” He didn’t have an Identification card fit for this AU, nor did he have some of these other… identification requirements the paper was asking for.

“Oh, I see.” She paused as she thought about this dilemma. “That’s alright, dear. I’ll help you out with that, just go ahead and fill everything else out and we’ll finish that part later.” Dream nodded and turned back to the paperwork. He felt bad for needing the help to get silly ID cards so he could work legally. He never had that problem back in the Omega Timeline.

“Don’t worry about it, Dream.” Maria’s voice startled him from his thoughts. It was then when he realized that he had drifted off into his worrisome thoughts. She offered him a sweet, kind smile. “There are many monsters who travel to different Alternate Universes. You’re not the first, so we’re prepared to help in any way.”

This surprised Dream; it shouldn’t have. He wondered if that was one of the reasons why this AU was so accepting of monsters. He would have to ask later.

Maria worked on getting his information typed into the system before she wrote down a few notes. “The office isn’t open yet, but once they are, I’ll call in a request for someone to meet with you for new ID cards. They’ll help you out, I promise.” Maria assured Dream. “In the meantime, why don’t you go meet the kids? They’re curious about you, I told them you’ll be starting.”

With a nod, Dream thanked Maria and exited the office to find both the young woman and her brother at the cash register. As he drew closer, he saw they were watching a video on the young woman’s phone. Upon seeing Dream walk up, she closed the app and locked her phone, her attention turned to him. She looked at him for a moment. “So, you’re a skeleton?”

Her brother rolled his eyes and nudged her with his elbow. “Lily, come on. Don’t be rude.” Lily snickered and apologized. Dream chuckled and waved away her brother’s worries. “It’s alright, I knew she was having fun. My name is Dream, by the way. I’ll be helping your mother out with the shop.”

“Kai,” The brother was quick to introduce, he held out his hand for Dream to accept in greeting. “This is my sister, Lily. She acts like a little brat, but she is unfortunately the older sibling.” Lily stuck her tongue out at her brother, playfully smacking his arm. “I do not act like a brat.” “You do too-” “Do not!”

Dream laughed as they started a small argument. Kai was the first to break it and push Lily away. “Anyway, Dream. Why don’t I show you around the shop, show you what needs to be done and where everything goes.” With a nod, Dream followed Kai into the back.

The morning went by quickly, and before Dream knew it, he was leaving the shop with Kai leading the way to the local Social Security Office. After that, he was led to the DMV where he got a new ID card. He was offered to study for and take the driver’s test, but he said he had no interest in driving. Once he had everything he needed, Kai returned him to the shop before leaving for his other job.

Lily had already left, but had left some takeaway food for both her mother and Dream. Maria finished up the paperwork while they ate, having closed the shop for an hour so they could have a break.

“Your children are lovely, Maria.” Dream commented after he finished his meal. “They are, aren’t they?” Maria said softly, her voice some and endearing. He could feel the love she held for her two children. “I was really surprised, you know. I was worried she would hate her brother when she found out he wasn’t all human.” Dream was surprised to hear this, “Kai is a hybrid? But, I don’t sense anything different-” He also didn’t do a soul check when he had met him.

“His father was a water monster.” Maria admitted with a sad smile. “We married before monsters were truly accepted among this community. When the humans found out we had a child together, they rioted. My husband was accidentally killed. Kai never got to know his father, he only heard stories and had pictures of him.” Dream deflated at such a saddening story. “I’m so sorry to hear that, Maria.” She smiled sadly at him. “It’s alright, Dream. It’s in the past. I was a single parent to Kai for several years until I met Lily’s father. Kai was ten years old while Lily just turned thirteen. Both her father and Lily accepted us into their lives. By then, monsters were starting to mingle with humans.”

“It took years, but humans and monsters finally came together. They accepted each other and found friendship and love. I would wish for that to have happened years ago, but there were so many good memories I hold dear that I wouldn’t want to trade for the world. Kai means everything to me, then and now. The same goes for Lily. I do miss Kai’s father, but I was glad to have met Lily’s.”

“Oh,” Dream bit his tongue, not sure if he should ask about Lily’s father. “Is your… Lily’s father is not around any longer?” Maria’s smile was sad as she glanced away. “No, he’s not. He passed away a few years ago. It was from natural causes, I’m afraid. Lily took it hard, she was very close with her father.”

“It must have been so hard for you all.” Dream commented, saddened. “Are you looking for another?” Maria laughed as she sent Dream a teasing smile. “No, I’m not. Are you offering, young man?” Dream lit up so bright with his blush, he sputtered and tripped over his words. “N-No! O-Of course not! I-I was merely c-curious!” His stumbling had her laughing once more. “You’re so easily flustered, Dream. I’m only joking with you.” She chuckled before answering honestly; “I’m happy being single. I’ve accomplished so much in my life, and I’ve loved two wonderful men. It’s time to just focus on me.”

Maria’s eyes and smile softened as she got lost in her thoughts. “I am happy where I am. Besides, I’ll be too busy to go mingling with Lily about to get married.” Dream’s eyes brightened, his smile growing. “Oh? That’s wonderful news! That must be why she is so happy!”

“Yes,” Maria laughed softly. “Her fiance is a wonderful young man. It’s funny; Felix’s mother was a sorceress. She traveled to this AU, and when she found out she was pregnant, she remained to give Felix a normal life. She also passed away in the last ten years.”

Maria made a strange face, her soul twisting in unease for just a few short moments, Dream barely caught onto her worry before she continued.

“Lily’s mother also was a sorceress. But, as far as I’m aware, they always remained in this AU. Lily and her father moved here from another city. They had only been here for a month before I met her father.”

“Did Lily’s mother pass away as well?” Dream wondered, Maria shrugged. “They never really talked about her. Lily’s father always told me that her mother left to protect them. I don’t know from what, but I think they assumed she was deceased.”

“If monsters and humans were not on good terms, it wouldn’t surprise me if she fought to the death. Monsters and mages always found it difficult to get along.” Dream explained, wondering if that’s what happened. Maria hummed and nodded in agreement. She glanced down at her phone to see their break time was up.

“Are you ready?” She asked with a grin. Dream smiled in return, he jumped out of his seat with plenty of energy. “I am ready.” She laughed and led the way out of the office, closing and locking in after Dream exited, before going to open the shop back up. The rest of the day went by smoothly, with the customers coming in and meeting their newest citizen.

It wasn’t long before the city was buzzing with the newest handsome skeleton monster that worked at the Celestial Market. Business picked up once again thanks to him; everyone wanted to know more about the strange monster who showed up out of nowhere one day. While this helped business, it had everyone feeling more exhausted by the end of the work days.

Dream ate up the positivity that came with everyone coming to greet him; but answering all their questions was getting exhausting. Where did he come from? It’s too complicated to explain right now. What did he do before this? Ah, he’d rather not talk about it.

Maria was helpful and shooed the customers away from him so he could finish his stocking. On her days off, Lily would stay and scare away the overwhelming customers, having no problem yelling at them on their way out.

Two weeks had already passed by since Dream moved in, he was enjoying his time at the marketplace, which he learned was named after Maria’s late husband’s last name; Celeste. It was a cute name for the shop. Dream found it a little funny how he worked in a shop named Celestial, seeing that he had once been a part of the Star Sanses.

Stars, he missed Blue and Ink.

He missed his brother, too.

Dream shook those thoughts from his mind as he stood up from his chair on the patio. It was getting late, even though he didn’t have to work the next day, he should try and get some sleep. Well, he didn’t really need to sleep, but he has gotten used to being able to sleep properly now that he was no longer in charge of defending the multiverse-

Ah, I shouldn’t think about it. I’ll only worry more.

With a heavy sigh, Dream walked into his home, locking the sliding door and went about his way getting ready for bed.

#yournaothings #living the dream #dream sans x named reader #dream sans #undertale #undertale au #runaway dream au #runaway dream au inspired!#original characters

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