#will x reader

It was only your second date when you brought it up. He'd been unconsciously checking his emails when you teasingly asked if there was somewhere he'd rather be.

You'd said it so lightly, grinning as you watched him shake himself, not realising that he was internally answering your question. No. There absolutely wasn't anywhere he'd rather be.

That was how quickly things shifted for him. He hadn't expected it but he'd secretly been wanting someone to come along and wrangle him. Someone to pull him out of work and force him into a balance. That was you, with your bright eyes and unwavering charm. You turned his world upside down and he was so grateful.

You're everything to him. His biggest supporter at every turn. You love how passionate he is. Seeing him work so hard to get what he wants is one of the things that first attracted you to him. Especially when it became abundantly clear that what he wanted was you.

He was besotted with you from the start, everyone could see it. Especially when he started researching engagement rings a few months in, just for when the time came.

When you'd first discussed having kids, Will's heart had been in his throat. You were so perfect, everything he could ever want or need, that if you had told him that it wasn't something you wanted, he'd consider giving that dream up. He really would have. But your eyes had lit up, and you'd talked so animatedly about wanting to be a good mum that he'd fallen in love with you all over again. He couldn't wait to raise some little hellions with you.

You'd started trying shortly after the wedding, nothing too serious, just no more late-night condom runs.

You hadn't expected anything to happen as quickly as it did. Three months after you'd gotten married, to the day, you'd taken that fateful test. Will was abroad for a video, you were a few days late and honestly, just a bit bored at home. If you'd actually thought sincerely that you were pregnant, you would have waited two days for Will to be there with you. But those two lines had taken you by surprise.

You wait until he's home to tell him. Draping a little, homemade 'Welcome Home' banner across the kitchen island, a small gift bag sitting on top.

He's already grinning when he walks through the door, so excited to be back home with you. He's bowled over when he sees you waiting in the kitchen with his surprise, telling you that you're adorable as he kisses you and hugs you tight. When he spots the gift bag he starts laughing.

"What are you doing woman? I've been gone a week."

You just shrug, biting your lip as he peeks into the bag and sees the test.

"No!" He gasps, a grin instantly beginning to spread across his lips as it sinks in. "Really? Please don't tell me this is a joke because my heart won't handle it. Are you really? Oh my god. Are you?"

He's a shocked and excited mess as he wraps his arms around you and doesn't let go until you've told him several times that you aren't joking. You're pregnant and he's going to be a dad.

From that moment on, he takes the title very seriously. He comes to all of your appointments. He reads every book he can get his hands on. He listens to every podcast. He asks for advice from his dad friends, as covertly as he can, i.e. not at all. You can't even blame him when he accidentally lets it slip to yet another person, just too excited to keep it to himself and desperate to do a good job when the time comes.

When it's safe to start telling people, on purpose, you've both had plenty of time to think about it. You both like to keep your private life to yourselves, as much as is possible with his career, so a big announcement doesn't feel right. Instead, you settle on an idea he had in the middle of the night; a video trying pregnancy cravings with James.

You hadn't told him yet and weren't showing so much that you couldn't cover it with a baggy shirt. So when you rock up to the shoot, you tell him you're just popping in early to meet Will for lunch. You watch from behind the camera as plate after plate of unhinged combinations get put in front of the duo. It's James' nightmare, all the mixtures of flavours and textures and he's crashed out so many times by the time the last plate is placed on the table.

"I can't do any more." James complains, turning his nose up at the blueberries covered in cinnamon sugar.

"Come on, last one." Will says, popping one in his mouth, a grin tugging on his lips as he swallows. "This one is special, viewers. It's actually one of my lovely wife's."

It takes a second for James to register what he's said, still toying with the fruit. Then he thinks Will's joking.

"Don't mess with me like that." He chuckles, then when Will doesn't say anything and just grins as he pops another berry into his mouth, he looks back and forth between us desperately. "Fuck off... No, actually, fuck off. You're joking."

Will just breathes a laugh and reaches into his wallet for a copy of the latest sonogram, softly saying, "No mate. You're actually unc for real now."

And then they're hugging and James runs behind the camera to hug you too. You show him your bump and he freaks out even more, as if it finally hits him. Then, after the shoot, when you ask him to be godfather, he breaks down completely.

Will can't believe his luck.

He loves seeing you pregnant. He already doted on you but there's something about seeing you carrying his child that has him on his knees for you. He'll tease you as you get bigger, jumping up when you sit down on the sofa, only when he knows it will make you laugh. But he can't get enough of you. When a heatwave strikes and he sees you walk into the kitchen in a bikini top and linen trousers, hot and swollen, he wishes he could get you pregnant again right now.

By the time you go into labour, Will is an expert on everything you could possibly need. Timing your contractions, he's already on it. Want your shoulders rubbing, he's researched pressure points. The drive to the hospital, he's already timed it. Three times. He's packed everything you could want. He's made a playlist of your favourite songs. He's on top of all the correspondence with your family. He thinks he's got it sussed; being the best birth partner. That is until he hears your baby cry.

It's as though the second your son is born, every ounce of self-control drains from Will. He's sobbing. Quietly of course, because you've literally just given birth and you don't need him to be a babbling mess. But he can't help it when he sees that tiny little boy get placed on your chest. He's perfect. You're perfect. This is his dream, actually coming true before his eyes.

He knew that his heart would grow when his child came into the world but he hadn't realised that his love for you would double as well. You are the most incredible woman. He's trying his best to tell you but the words are coming out watery. Fat teardrops fall from his cheekbones and his shirt is ruined from the way he keeps wiping his face. Every time he manages to pull himself together, he remembers that his baby is in the world now and you brought him here, and he's a mess again.

It warms your heart and makes you laugh in equal measure, muttering conspiratorially to your son, "Told you daddy's a huge softie."

When you ask if he wants to hold him, he nods but stares up at the ceiling as he tries to dry his eyes. He shakes out his wrists, trying to pull himself together.

"Not having my boy think I'm not the happiest man on Earth right now."

You try and explain that the baby won't hold a grudge but Will doesn't listen, too focused on meeting his child.

Then, when he takes the baby in his arms, it's like a switch is flipped and he can't stop smiling.

"Hiya mate." he whispers, tears welling but not falling as he beams down at the little bundle.

Will is an absolute goner for his little boy. Any chance for skin-to-skin and he's doing it. You can't remember the last time he wore a shirt around the house. Any chance Will can be with his boy, he will be. Even volunteering for every night shift, wanting to have these moments with the baby even though they're hard and you're both so tired.

You catch him in the middle of the night, hand dangled into the crib and lying on his little belly, whispering to his sleeping son. "Me and your mam love you so much, do you know that? Even when you're screaming your head off."

You tuck in behind him, hand wrapping around his stomach and joining in. "We really do, little fella."

It's not the only time you catch him talking to the baby. He's always chatting away to him, walking him through making coffee in the morning, going through every item he's packing up for your trip around the block, showing him his outfit and telling him, "I wore this shirt on my second date with your mam."

He's heartbroken when he has to go back to work and leave his favourite people. You two wave him off in the morning, and he replays the imagine in his head over and over. He checks the baby monitor on his phone constantly when he knows it's nap time. It's a default and he doesn't even notice that whenever there's a quiet moment, he finds himself tapping on the app.

You had just made it home from work, a shift at the post office which in itself was hard enough, shuffling through letters from young men, many of whom you wondered if they were even still alive, if the letters were just memories of them at this point.  Ruby was doing better. She ventured out, she was working again. Small steps but you would take it. The nights were hard. She never got closure. Never got that part of Henry she desperately needed.

You walked in the door, hanging your coat on the hook. You could hear her pittering around in the kitchen. “Ruby?” you called softly and she hummed your name in response. You were about to walk in there when there was a light but firm knock at the door. You weren’t exactly expecting anyone. “Ruby? Was someone coming over?” you asked as she walked around the corner, drying her hands on a kitchen towel. “No”

You cautiously opened the door and there stood the single most handsome man you’d ever laid your eyes on. He was around your age, short dark blonde hair, the bluest eyes. The posture he held, mixed with the dogtags around his neck told you he was a soldier. “Excuse me ma’am, are you Ms. Ruby Bennet?” you shook your head, looking back at your sister. “That would be my sister”

He dropped his gaze, reaching into the pocket of the bag that was thrown over his shoulder, he pulled out a stack of letters, carefully going through them until he got to the right one. He finally raised his eyes, focusing on Ruby. “I don’t want to open old wounds but, Henry Ferguson gave me this before he died”

You bit back your gasp when Ruby stepped forward, gingerly taking the letter from the soldier. She held it close to her chest. “Were you.. Were you with him?” he nodded, “His wounds were too bad, he didn’t last till the medics got there. I’m sorry”

Ruby started crying and the soldier looked so damn sad, full of guilt for being alive no doubt, you’d seen it too much since men started coming home. That mixed with him favoring his shoulder told you he’d been injured. “What’s your name, soldier?” you asked and he looked at you, “William, Will…Will Hart ma’am”

You nodded, waving a hand inside “Come inside Will, please” he looked to Ruby who nodded, “Please” he hesitantly stepped inside. Ruby was already opening the letter from Henry. Her hand covered her mouth. You watched her carefully, your heart pounding in your ears but you saw something happen in her eyes. She wasn’t going back to that broken woman, it was like Henry was at her side, whispering those words into her ear. 

You blinked back tears, looking at Will. “Thank you” he nodded, “It’s the least I could, I made it home” you rolled your bottom lip between your teeth, looking between him and Ruby. “I um.. I work at the post office. I could help you get letters out, if you’d like”

“You don’t have to do that” you looked at Ruby again and shook your head “Yeah, I do” you turned and told Will your name, extending your hand. He smiled slightly, “Yes ma’am. I appreciate the help then”

Over the next few weeks you helped Will to track down girlfriends, parents, numerous loved ones. He didn’t want acknowledgement, he wanted these men to be able to say their final goodbyes. 

You sat next to him in your small office. A stack of letters was between you. You’d offered to help him write the small notes to include which simply read “His final words deserved to be read”

You looked at him, the way he concentrated on the task, the way so many men wouldn’t have worried about something like this considering he made it home. “Did you have one of these written?” he nodded, hand stopping mid motion, “Had two. One for my ma. One for my sweetheart”

Your heart dropped because whether you wanted to admit it or not you’d started developing some sort of feelings for him. He was kind and protective and so damn handsome. He actually listened when you spoke, made you look forward to going to work. “How’s she feel about you doing this?”

He shrugged “My ma found it to be a good idea”  “And your sweetheart?” you asked softly. He raised his eyes to look at you and your heart dropped further because you saw the hurt in his eyes, “Considering she was pregnant when I got back and I had been gone for a few years, I don’t think she has much say on what I do. Turned out she was planning on marrying him, I just happened to get hurt and sent home a week before it”

“Oh Will” you wanted to hug him but didn’t know if that was too much. He shrugged, “Better men had worse fates” you shook your head, reaching a hand out to lay it on his arm, “Worst fates, yeah. Better men? I seriously doubt that”

Will found himself being almost disappointed that the letters were all mailed out. He’d enjoyed spending the time with you, you’d given up your breaks, your lunches. You were amazing really. 

Ruby told him later, how you’d been there not only for her but for Henry’s family as well. Shouldering things that weren’t your responsibility just to help those around you. How you’d held her at Henry’s services, the nights you’d gone without sleep. The way you helped other families. You were strong in a way that had so little to do with physical strength. You were sweet, a smile from you would have his heart realizing that it was still in fact beating. You were caring, you brought him ointments for his shoulder even when he never would’ve asked. You were so damn pretty too.

The day the last letter went out, he finally worked up the nerve to ask if you wanted to get a meal with him. “As a thank you for everything you’ve done for me” you stared at him for a moment, the sweetest of smiles on your face “Ok”

As it turned out, Will’s hometown was only about twenty minutes away from you. One meal turned into multiples a week, a couple nights of him stopping in with you and Ruby, you going over to his place every now and then, as it turned out he was a pretty decent cook,  and even the rare occurrence of him just stopping by to ask if you’d like to go for a walk.

“You’re falling for him” Ruby whispered, you and her were in the kitchen finishing up food while Will set the small table. You ducked your head, hoping she didn’t read the expression in your eyes. You knew you couldn’t fall for Will. He'd gone through too much, especially with that horrid ex of his but it was hard. He was such a sweetheart, he was a hard working man. He’d gotten a job as soon as he could,, fixed up the place he left him that apparently “hadn’t been good enough” for his ex but you found lovely. You’d fallen asleep at his place before and had woken up covered with a blanket and a pillow under your head.

“There’s no shame in it” she added about the time Will walked into the room, looking between the two of you. “Shame in what?” you smiled, “Nothing” he raised an eyebrow but nodded. “Ok then”

______________________

Dinner was done and cleaned up, Will caught your hand, leaned in to whisper “Wanna take a walk?” you cut your eyes up and Ruby was watching, she nodded with a wink.

You smiled “Of course Will, let me grab my coat” he watched you, holding the door open for you. You looked back at Ruby once before you stepped out. 

____________________

Will was being quiet, walking close like he wanted to slip his arm around you. You cut your eyes over at him and smiled “What’s wrong?” he hummed in response “What do you mean?”

You stopped walking and turned to face him, "Something is wrong” he sighed softly, nodding. “Promise not to stop being friends with me if this goes bad?” you laughed nervously, “I’d never stop being friends with you Will. You helped my sister heal, you’re the best man I have ever known”

He nodded, scrubbing a hand down his face. "I swore i'd never fall again, but this don't even feel like falling" your heart flipped in your chest, “What?” he stepped closer, reaching a hand out to gently cup your chin. You leaned into the touch and he smiled. “You, sweetheart. I show up to just deliver a letter and meet the most amazing woman, you healed something so deep inside me and now I can’t imagine life without you and honestly, I’ve fallen for you”

The longer your silence went, the more worried Will became, until you grinned, “Thank god”

He allowed himself a smile. “Why’s that” “Because I feel the same” 

His thumb traced a soft circle onto your jaw, “Can I kiss you?” you laughed softly, “You better!” the moment his lips touched yours, you stepped closer, your arms slipping up around his neck, head tilting to deepen the kiss. He groaned low in his throat, his free arm slipping around your waist to drag your body flush against his.

When the need for air pushed the two of you apart, he pressed another softer kiss to your lips before just wrapping you up in a hug, tucking his face into the bend of your neck. “You’re really mine?” he asked soft enough you almost missed it. You nodded, kissing the side of his neck, “All yours”

He made a sound between a sigh and a groan before kissing your neck then leaned up again, eyes locking onto yours. “I’m all yours too” you grinned, “Good to know handsome” and pulled him into another kiss. 

It's just juice, that's what I'm telling myself. Just juice, I only spilled some juice on the counter, it's not like I spilled it on carpet because that would have been a bitch to clean up and would have been awful- not that it couldn't have been fixed, that would also have been fine, probably-

I stop scrubbing at the counter with paper towels, forcing myself to take a breath. No need to spiral, it's just juice. Just breathe.

My hands tingle, like they're tempted. My wrists tingle like they're even more tempted, and I realise a moment too late that my fingers have curled into a fist and my perfectly manicured nails are digging into the soft flesh of my palm.

"Hey."

Nico's voice is alarmingly close, and I jump a foot in the air. "Fucking hell- Neeks, where did you come from?"

He doesn't respond, his hands moving to my waist and gently moving me out the way of the counter. He cleans up the rest of the juice, quick and easy, and dumps the soggy tissue in the bin.

Turning back to me, he holds out his hands. "Give."

My head falls forward, and I set my hands in his. Silently, Nico examines the harsh indents of my nails in my palms, and pushes up the sleeves of my jumper to examine my arms. With a hum, he brings my knuckles up and presses a kiss to each hand.

"Head up," he murmurs, not gentle but not harsh, just... firm. Caring in his own way. "No shame, c'mon."

Finally I lift my head up, and my eyes meet his. "There you are," he whispers, tugging me closer and wrapping me in a hug. "They're okay, just a small juice crisis."

It takes me a moment to realise he's not talking to me, hearing Will's footsteps coming up behind me. A second pair of arms weave their way around both me and Nico.

"All good?" He hum, pressing a kiss to the back of my head.

"...just a small crisis," I mutter, pulling back to take a breath and look behind me. "With some light... bad decisions."

Nico shakes his head. "No, some mismanagement of emotions. C'mon, babe, don't make me spew the same bullshit Will used to tell me all the time, it's cringe."

I laugh, and Will sputters in protest. "It's not bullshit, it's helpful! I got an internet diploma in therapy from the internet for you!"

"Whatever." Nico rolls his eyes, and leans in to peck my cheek. "No drastic reactions to spilled juice. Too much? Call for one of us before you start losing your mind over it."

Coming from anyone else, it would sound mean and dismissive, but... coming from Nico, it hides a genuine concern. I give him a a small smile, nodding my head.

"Fine. Next juice crisis, I'll ask for help."

Will pecks a kiss to my ear from behind. "Yes, you will. You still need juice?"

He doesn't wait for a response, reaching for the glass I'd gotten out before the whole juice spilling, and pouring me an actual glass of juice. "Voila."

"Thanks," I smile, taking a sip as Will hands the glass over. "But if we say 'juice' one more time, it's gonna stop sounding like a word."

He leaned his head back against the window of the bus, trying to get comfortable despite his shoulder throbbing. He just needed to get home. He’d figure it out from there. There wasn't much else he could do anyways. The war was winding down and it was over for him.

You were cleaning your apartment, not like it really got that dirty but you liked the routine. You liked having something to keep you steady. Too long had passed since any mail had made it to your hands from Will.  With every day that passed and your mailbox was empty, your heart shattered just a little more. Was he dead? Had every nightmare that haunted you over the last couple years finally come true? You couldn’t imagine life without him, true you’d been living it but you’d told yourself daily the war would be over, he would be home. You read his letters before bed, slept in his shirts, sprayed his cologne on the pillows, left his coffee mug on the counter, anything to still feel close to him.

If he was gone, the rest of your life would be spent simply clinging to remainders of the love you once had, waiting for your next life, your chance to find him again and to do it right, to not lose him.

You had just got through putting laundry away when you heard a knock at the door. You had no idea who it could be. You saw Will’s mother on Sundays. “Just a minute!” you called, hurrying across the floor. You felt your stomach tie into knots. What if it was a soldier telling you the news? 

You opened the door and nearly fainted. There he stood, a sling on his arm but alive and whole. “Will?” you took a step forward, with every intention to hug him, kiss him but he flinched and you froze. “What’s wrong?” your voice was barely a whisper. He couldn’t meet your eyes, “I just..” he shook his head and your heart fell but you understood. He’d been gone for years, had seen horrors and was now injured it had to be a lot.

“It’s ok, you’re home. It’s all going to be ok” 

You stepped back to let him inside, a part of him felt like a wild animal being approached with caution but he understood. He didn’t know how to handle what was going on inside his own head. His eyes flickered around the apartment, photos of you and him still in the same places, his belongings where he’d left them, his chipped coffee mug you’d gotten him when the two of you first moved in together sitting on the counter next to your own. 

“You never forgot me” he didn’t mean to say it outloud, didn’t honestly want you thinking he doubted you but the astonishment he felt was a little too hard to hide. Too many stories, too many betrayals. You nodded, eyes wet with tears you tried to hide from him, “You’re the love of my life Will. If something happened to you, I’d have spent the rest of this life clinging to reminders of you, waiting for the next one and the chance to do it right, to not lose you”

That made him ache, made him wish he could bring himself to touch you, to hold you but he couldn’t quite yet. He did meet your eyes finally, “I’ve never stopped loving you and never will” you smiled softly “Are you hungry? I’ll get some dinner ready handsome” he nodded, watching you move around the apartment. You walked into the bedroom and came back out after a moment before waving your hand back towards it “I laid out some different clothes, fresh towels if you’d like to shower. I could help if you need it with your shoulder I assume” 

He shook his head “Docs taught me how to handle it” your shoulders fell but you kept that gentle smile “Of course love. I’ll get food ready”

You laid there staring up at the ceiling, begging sleep to take you before the tears did. You felt so selfish. He was here, he was home and alive. So what if he didn’t want to sleep in the bed with you? You could walk to the door of the bedroom and see him on the couch.

You didn’t want him hearing you cry yourself to sleep again, he was so close yet still so far away your heart was cracking right down the middle. You would be fine, you could do this for Will. So what if he barely touched you? He was in the house. 

So what if you had to bite back a sigh when the two of you did brush against each other in passing because you missed his touch so much. You would do this. You would go through anything for that man.

____________

Will lay on the couch, listening to the light sobs coming from the bedroom and hating that he didn’t know how to comfort you anymore. He was trying so hard to get back to you still. You had been amazing, gentle words, not touching unless he did. He wanted nothing more than to just bury himself in the love he knew was still very much alive between the two of you but had no idea how.

It started small. You would find a note from Will that he’d left before work, something small like “I love you” or “See you tonight” . You cherished each one because it was him reaching out to you.

Then he would slip his arm around you in the kitchen, just a small gesture while you were doing something, dip his head down to rest his chin on your shoulder and stand there for a moment. Something that seemed so small but meant so much. 

Finally after weeks you were half asleep and the door cracked open a little while before the bed dipped behind you and he pulled you back into his arms, your back flush against his chest and you had to stifle the whimper in your arm. “Why’d you wait?” he asked softly. “I would’ve wanted forever Will” you answered and closed your eyes, just enjoying his touch.

Will laid there, his arms around you and closed his eyes.  War changed him so much, had taken so much but he was taking it back. He wasn’t letting war take him from you any longer. You were being so patient, waiting and being there. He was fighting and would continue fighting for you. 

You were so warm in his embrace, a warmth he had been missing for far too long. He could feel it seep into his body and felt his muscles relax as far as his mind would allow. He heard you let out a shuddered breath before you relaxed in his arms and knowing you were breathing easier made him feel both guilty for not being able to do this sooner and relieved because it just reinforced knowing that he still had the effect on you of being your comfort. 

____________

You woke up and your heart nearly burst out of your chest when you realized Will was still wrapped around you, his breath warm on your neck. You could feel when he started to wake up, his hand that had slipped under the old shirt of his that you were wearing started to trail over your stomach, tracing little shapes. “I slept so good” he murmured low and you smiled. You’d also slept better than you had in years, after so long of showing up to work exhausted from nightmares you’d never tell him about because you didn’t want him feeling more guilty. 

“Can we stay here a little while?” you asked softly and he hummed “Of course, wanna move back closer?” he still knew you so well. You scooted back a little and his arms tightened. His hands wandered a bit, gentle like he was just trying to make sure you were real. You closed your eyes to enjoy every little brush of his fingers.

When the alarm rang you didn’t want to get up, didn’t want to leave the bed and break the moment. “You shower first” he murmured and didn’t kiss your neck but nudged it with his nose before getting up.

____________

You walked into the kitchen and Will was standing at the window drinking coffee and he reached a hand out. You honestly could’ve cried. He pulled you into his arms, tucking you against his chest and the two of you stood there silently. You felt your body relax even further.

Before the two of you left to go your separate ways for work he leaned down to press his forehead to yours, “I love you” you swallowed hard, he was still fighting to get home to you and god you loved him so much for it. “I love you too Will” you whispered, seeing just a ghost of a smile on his face and your knees nearly buckled. 

That started Will back sleeping in the bed with you. He would hold you every night, tell you he loved you before work. You didn’t push for more. You adored every bit of progress he made.

Will felt you move the first time and his eyes flew open, he looked down and you were clinging to him in your sleep, sobbing. “Baby, baby wake up” he shook you gently and you jolted, eyes wide. “Will?” he nodded, “Are you ok?” you nodded but you were still sniffling and shaking “Can I just stay close? Please?” he nodded “Of course” he knew it was a nightmare, guessed it was about him but wasn’t going to ask, you’d share when you wanted to, for now he was here. He would keep you safe from whatever was lurking in the darkness, that much he could do. 

You walked into the kitchen after a shower, looking for coffee. He held out a hand and you smiled, expecting to get pulled against his chest and held until the pot was made but one of his hands gently fell to your hip, the other to your chin. His lips barely brushed against your lips like he was remembering how to do this but the moment you shuddered at the touch he smiled just barely and pulled you back into another kiss, this one similar to the one you shared the day he left. 

You gasped so sweetly, an almost silent moan breaking in your throat. You’d been craving this for years. He sighed when you started to kiss him back, the more sure he became, the more sure you became. He deepened the kiss, nudging you back until you were stopped by the counter “Missed you, missed this so much” he groaned when the two of you separated for air. 

“Missed you too” you barely got it out before he was pulling you into another kiss. You pulled back just enough to speak with your lips against his “Nothing more has to happen Will. you know that right?” his nose brushed against yours “I know honey and I love you so much for that” 

The kisses got hungrier, needier, like every touch was bringing back the way you felt for each other before the war tarnished it. “Need you, please” he muttered, hands already hovering on the buttons of your shirt. You smiled “Bedroom handsome” 

____________ 

You laid there, your fingers caressing the gunshot that had brought Will home to you. Your bare body was across his, your lips trailing across scars on his chest while his fingers traced shapes on your body. He pulled you into a kiss, tongue tangling with you before he pulled away, staring at you with so much love your heart ached “You wanna marry me?”

 You froze, shock slamming into you. “You really mean it? I don’t want you to feel like you need to” he huffed out a quiet laugh and you could feel your cheeks warm, it was the closest to himself he’d sounded like since he got home.”I want” you let out a soft sob, lips finding his “My husband” “My wife”

——————————————

You had always been there.

That’s what everyone said. Like it was the most obvious thing in the world. If Will was around, you were too. If you were laughing, Will was probably the reason. Childhood had tied you together in a way that made you two inseparable. scraped knees patched up side by side, late-night talks under blankets, shared snacks, shared secrets… shared everything.

And somehow, without either of you noticing when it started, that “everything” had quietly turned into something more.

——————————————

“Dude, just tell her already.”

Will groaned, dragging a hand down his face as his friends circled him like vultures sensing weakness.

“I’m serious,” Hannah added, nudging his shoulder. “You look at her like she hung the moon.”

“I do not,” Will shot back immediately. too fast, too defensive… They both burst out laughing.

“Yeah, you do.”

Will glanced across the room. You were there, talking animatedly, your hands moving as you told some story. He didn’t even realize he was smiling until Daryl elbowed him.

“See?! That! That right there!”

He looked away quickly. “Okay, fine. Maybe I do. But it’s not that easy.”

“Why not?”

Will hesitated, then mumbled, “Because… what if it changes things?”

For once, his friends didn’t joke. “Man,” Hannah said, softer, “things already changed. You’re just the last one admitting it.”

He tried. He really did.

——————————————

The first time he tried to confess was after a movie night. You were both walking home, the night quiet, your shoulders brushing occasionally.

“Hey, I was thinking-”

“Wait!” you suddenly said, grabbing his arm. “I have to tell you something!”

Will blinked. “Oh- yeah, okay.”

You launched into a story about something that had happened earlier, completely squashing whatever courage he’d built up. By the time you were done, the moment was gone.

“Anyway,” you said, smiling, “what were you gonna say?”

Will hesitated… then shook his head. “Nothing. It wasn’t important.”

——————————————

The second time was even worse.

You were sitting on the bleachers after practice, the sky streaked pink and orange. No one else around. No interruptions… Will sat down beside you, heart already racing.

“Hey,” he said.

“Hey,” you smiled, handing him your water bottle like it was second nature.

He took it, fingers brushing yours for just a second too long. “So I was thinking maybe we could-”

“WAIT.”

He froze immediately.

“I forgot to tell you! Hannah is throwing this thing on Friday, and she specifically said you have to come, or she’s going to drag you there herself.”

Will blinked. “…That’s what you interrupted me for?”

“Yes!” you said, completely serious. “This is important.”

He stared at you for a second… then let out a helpless laugh, dropping his head into his hands.

“What?” you nudged him. “Why are you laughing?”

“Nothing,” he muttered. “Just… yeah. I’ll be there.”

“Good,” you grinned.

And again… The moment was gone.

——————————————

By the third time, his friends were done with his crap.

“You’re actually hopeless,” Daryl said, pacing in front of him.

“I’m trying!” Will argued. “it’s work in progress! Just… give me a little more time!”

“You’re clearly not trying hard enough,” Hannah shot back. “At this point, I’m convinced the universe is stepping in because you’re taking too long.”

Will groaned. “It’s not funny.”

“It’s a little funny,” Daryl said.

Hannah crossed her arms. “Okay, new plan. You are telling her today. No excuses.”

“What? Today?!” Will’s eyes widened.

“Yes, today,” she said firmly. “And if you don’t, I will.”

“You wouldn’t.”

“Try me.”

Will stared at her for a long moment… then sighed. “Fine. Today.”

——————————————

He found you just as you were about to leave.

“Hey,” he said quickly.

You turned, lighting up immediately. “Will! Perfect timing-!”

“Nope,” he cut in, grabbing your hand before he could lose his nerve. “You’re not doing that again.”

You blinked. “Doing what?”

“Interrupting me,” he said, breath shaky. “Because I actually need to say something this time.”

Something in his tone made you pause… “Okay…” you said slowly. “Go ahead.”

Every instinct in his body told him to panic, to back out, to laugh it off like he always did.

But he didn’t.

“I like you.”

The words landed between you, heavier than he expected. You stared at him.

“I mean-! no! that sounded dumb,” he rushed on, nerves taking over. “I really like you. And I think I have for a while, I just didn’t want to mess things up because you’re my best friend and-“

“Will.”

He stopped talking and straightened his back. Then your expression had softened in a way he’d never seen before.

“…yeah?” he said quietly.

“You talk too much when you’re nervous.”

“I- yeah, I know.”

You took a small step closer, And then, before he could overthink it again, you kissed him.

Will froze for half a second, brain completely short-circuiting, before he kissed you back, like it was the most natural thing in the world.

When you pulled away, both of you were a little breathless.

“You idiot,” you murmured, smiling.

His eyebrows shot up. “Excuse me?”

“I like you too,” you said. “I was literally waiting for you to figure it out.”

“…You were?”

“Yes!” you laughed. “Do you know how obvious you are?”

He blinked. “Says the girl who interrupts every single confession attempt I’ve made.”

You gasped. “Wait- those were confessions?!”

“YES.”

You covered your face, groaning. “Oh my gosh, I ruined everything.”

“No,” he said quickly, laughing now, relief flooding through him. “You didn’t ruin anything.”

You peeked at him through your fingers. “You sure?”

“Yeah,” he said, gently pulling your hands down. “I got the ending I wanted.”

There was a pause… comfortable, familiar… but different.

“So,” Will said after a second, rubbing the back of his neck, “can I try this again properly?”

You raised an eyebrow. “Go for it.”

He took your hoof in his.

“Will you go on a date with me?”

You pretended to think for a moment, tapping your chin.

“Hm… I don’t know…”

Will groaned. “Don’t start…”

“I’d love to,” you cut in, laughing.

He shook his head, smiling like he couldn’t quite believe this was real. “You’re impossible.”

“And you love me,” you shot back.

He paused, Then, softly said, “Yeah,” he said. “I really do.”

Your heart skipped, but you just squeezed his hoof, leaning into him like you always had. Only now, everything felt new.