Danny Walker (Pearl Harbor) x fem!reader - Set in a modern AU
You live in a Navy port town and Danny (24) meets you (23) in the local bookstore where you work.
Danny keeps flirting with you but you never seem to understand. You genuinely think he's just being nice, which is unfortunate considering you really like him.
“…You know I flirt with you, right?”
The first time Danny Walker walked into the bookstore, you barely looked up.
Not because he wasn't attractive.
Unfortunately, he was.
Tall. Broad shoulders. Easy grin. The kind of face that made people forgive him for things before he'd even done them.
You just happened to be trying to shelve an entire cart of new arrivals before closing.
So when he appeared at the counter carrying a military history book and a coffee he definitely wasn't supposed to have inside, you only offered your standard customer-service smile.
"Find everything okay?"
"Actually," he said, setting the book down, "I found something way better than what I came in for."
You glanced around.
"Oh. Did someone help you find the section?"
For a moment, he simply stared.
Then he laughed.
A loud, surprised laugh.
"No."
You smiled politely.
"Oh."
And that should have been the end of it.
Instead, he came back two days later.
Then three days after that.
Then the next week.
Then twice in the same week.
Then every week.
Then so often that your coworkers started recognizing him.
"Your boyfriend's here."
You looked up from sorting returns.
Danny was entering through the front doors.
"Navy guy?" you asked.
"Yeah."
"He's not my boyfriend."
"Sure."
"He isn't."
"Whatever helps you sleep at night."
You rolled your eyes.
People were ridiculous.
Danny was just friendly.
Very friendly.
To everyone.
Probably.
The thing was, Danny never seemed bothered by your complete inability to understand what he was doing.
In fact, he appeared to find it hilarious.
"Morning, sweetheart."
You smiled.
"Morning."
His eyebrows lifted.
That was it.
No reaction.
No realization.
Nothing.
He handed over a stack of books.
"You work tomorrow?"
"Yep."
"Good."
"Why?"
"So I can see you."
You blinked.
"That's nice."
Danny closed his eyes.
Actually closed them.
Like he was praying for patience.
"What?"
"Nothing."
"You made a face."
"I make lots of faces."
"Okay."
He stared.
You stared back.
Then you handed him his receipt.
"Have a good day."
Danny walked directly into the display by the door.
His friends found this situation incredibly entertaining.
Especially his best friend, Rafe.
"She doesn't know?"
Danny groaned.
"No."
"At all?"
"No."
Rafe laughed so hard beer came out his nose.
Danny considered leaving him there.
"Brother, she might be the only woman on Earth who doesn't know you're flirting."
"I'm aware."
"How?"
"I don't know."
"What exactly have you said to her?"
Danny began counting on his fingers.
"Told her she's beautiful."
Rafe nodded.
"Reasonable."
"Told her her smile makes my day better."
"Okay."
"Told her I specifically rearranged my schedule so I'd be free when she got off work."
Rafe blinked.
"What?"
"Told her she's my favorite reason to visit downtown."
"What did she say?"
Danny looked toward the ceiling.
"She thanked me for supporting local businesses."
Rafe nearly fell out of his chair.
Meanwhile, you were having your own conversations.
Mostly with your coworker Emma.
"That Navy guy likes you."
You nearly dropped a stack of novels.
"Danny?"
"Yes."
"No."
"Absolutely yes."
"He's just nice."
Emma stared.
"Sweetheart."
"What?"
"He literally waits for your shifts."
"So?"
"He only comes in when you're here."
"Maybe he likes books."
Emma made a noise that sounded physically painful.
Months passed.
Danny became part of your routine.
Your favorite part, if you were honest.
Though you'd never admit that aloud.
He'd stop by after training.
Or before.
Or during lunch.
Sometimes he'd buy books.
Sometimes he'd wander around pretending to browse while talking to you.
Sometimes he'd bring coffee.
Always your favorite order.
Always without asking.
Which should have told you something.
But somehow didn't.
"You remembered."
He handed over your drink.
"You've ordered the same thing every Wednesday for six months."
You smiled.
"That's sweet."
His expression softened.
Dangerously.
"Yeah?"
"Yeah."
His gaze lingered.
Long enough that your stomach did an odd little flip.
"You have no idea what you do to me."
You laughed awkwardly.
"What?"
"Nothing."
Danny fell first.
Hard.
Hopelessly.
The kind of love that sneaks up and then completely wrecks you.
He loved your laugh.
Your kindness.
The way you remembered customers' names.
The way you got excited about books.
The way you rambled when you were passionate about something.
The way you looked at him like he was important.
Even when you apparently didn't realize he was trying to date you.
Which honestly made him love you more.
Because there wasn't anything manipulative about your attention.
You genuinely liked him.
He knew that.
You just didn't seem to understand why he kept showing up.
One rainy afternoon, the bookstore lost power.
The entire building went dark.
Customers groaned.
Employees scrambled.
You were standing on a ladder trying to reach emergency supplies when the ladder slipped.
You yelped.
Then suddenly strong hands caught your waist.
The ladder clattered away.
Your heart nearly stopped.
Danny.
Of course it was Danny.
He'd come in ten minutes earlier.
He still had one arm around your waist.
The other braced against the shelf behind you.
You realized with startling clarity how close he was.
Very close.
"Oh."
His eyes flicked down to your mouth.
Then back up.
"Oh," he echoed.
Neither of you moved.
Your pulse hammered.
Something strange and warm spread through your chest.
Danny swallowed.
Slowly.
Carefully.
"You okay?"
"Yeah."
His hand remained on your waist.
"Good."
Neither of you stepped away.
Until your manager appeared.
"Everything alright?"
You practically launched yourself backward.
Danny looked like he wanted the floor to swallow him.
That night you couldn't stop thinking about him.
The way he'd looked at you.
The way his hand felt.
The way your stomach kept doing strange things.
It bothered you enough that you texted Emma.
Do friends usually stare at each other like they're about to kiss?
The response came instantly.
Emma:
OH MY GOD.
You:
What?
Emma:
OH MY GOD.
That wasn't helpful.
A week later, Danny finally snapped.
Not angrily.
Not dramatically.
Just exhausted.
Because he was standing at the counter.
You were smiling at him.
And somehow you'd just thanked him for being such a good friend.
Friend.
Friend.
Friend.
Danny laughed.
A slightly hysterical laugh.
You frowned.
"What?"
He rubbed his face.
Then looked at you.
Really looked at you.
"...You know I flirt with you, right?"
Silence.
The entire world seemed to stop.
You blinked.
Once.
Twice.
"What?"
Danny stared.
"You know I flirt with you."
"No you don't."
His jaw dropped.
"Yes I do."
"When?"
"When?"
He pointed at himself.
Then at you.
"All the time."
"No."
"Sweetheart."
Your eyes widened.
His eyes widened.
The bookstore around you suddenly felt very small.
Danny stepped closer.
"I bring you coffee."
"Because you're nice."
"I remember your schedule."
"Because you're observant."
"I call you beautiful."
You froze.
"...You do?"
Danny looked moments away from screaming.
"Yes."
"Oh."
"OH?"
You replayed approximately eight months of interactions.
Every conversation.
Every smile.
Every lingering look.
Every excuse to visit.
Every coffee.
Every compliment.
Every single thing.
The realization hit like a freight train.
"Oh my God."
"Thank you."
"Oh my God."
"Yes."
"Oh my God."
Danny laughed.
This time genuinely.
Because your face was turning red.
Rapidly.
"You're serious."
"Very."
"You've been flirting with me this entire time?"
"Yes."
"And trying to ask me out?"
"Repeatedly."
"Oh."
He folded his arms.
"Well?"
Your heart felt like it might explode.
Because suddenly everything made sense.
And the worst part?
You liked him.
So much.
Had liked him for months.
Possibly since the beginning.
You just genuinely hadn't realized.
Danny's expression softened.
"Sweetheart?"
You looked up.
He looked nervous now.
Actually nervous.
Which seemed impossible.
"I really like you."
Your stomach flipped.
"I really like you too."
For a second he simply stared.
Like he wasn't sure he'd heard correctly.
Then he laughed.
A beautiful, relieved laugh.
"You're kidding."
"No."
"You like me?"
"Yes."
"Since when?"
You considered it.
"Probably around the fourth visit."
Danny covered his face.
"Unbelievable."
Their first date happened two days later.
Mostly because Danny refused to wait any longer.
"You wasted eight months."
"I didn't know!"
"You thought I just liked bookstores?"
"Apparently."
"You are so lucky you're cute."
Dating Danny turned out to be surprisingly easy.
He was affectionate.
Patient.
Protective without being overbearing.
The same man who spent months flirting without success somehow remained completely smitten once he actually had you.
Six months later, everyone in town knew.
Especially because Danny looked at you like you hung the moon.
And because he still visited the bookstore constantly.
Now with a legitimate excuse.
One afternoon, Emma watched him wrap an arm around your waist while you organized displays.
She shook her head.
"What?"
She pointed at Danny.
"That man spent nearly a year trying to ask you out."
You laughed.
"I know."
Danny kissed the side of your head.
"I still haven't recovered."
"You survived."
"Barely."
You leaned into him.
He smiled immediately.
Like it was instinct.
Like loving you had become second nature.
Maybe it always had been.
And as he pressed another kiss against your temple, holding you close among shelves and stories and the bookstore where everything started, you decided some people were worth taking a little longer to understand.
The Hawaiian sun was entirely different from the sun back home. It didn’t just warm you; it practically wrapped its arms around you, smelling of salt water, hibiscus, and the faint, ever-present scent of aviation fuel from the nearby base.
You sat on the edge of a weathered wooden picnic table, swinging your legs and trying not to look too impatiently at the airfield. You had been in Oahu for exactly three days, using up every last bit of your saved pennies and vacation time to visit Danny. Two years of long-distance letters, brief long-distance phone calls that crackled with static, and aching loneliness had all led to this week.
"Hey. Beautiful."
You turned so fast your sundress whipped around your knees.
Danny was walking toward you, wiping his grease-stained hands on a rag. He had his flight suit stripped down to his waist, the white undershirt highlighting the deep tan he’d picked up since being stationed at Wheeler Field. His dark hair was a messy, windswept mop, and his lopsided, boyish smile was intact. The exact smile that had made you fall head over heels for him two years ago.
"You're late, Lieutenant Walker," you teased, though you were already sliding off the table to meet him halfway.
"Blame the P-40, darlin'. The carburetor was giving me hell," Danny said, his soft Southern drawl wrapping around you like a familiar blanket. He dropped the rag and caught you by the waist, lifting you right off your feet.
You laughed, burying your face into his shoulder. He smelled like grease, sweat, and the crisp outdoor air, and to you, it was better than any expensive perfume. When he set you down, he didn't let go. His thumbs brushed over your cheekbones, his hazel eyes scanning your face as if he still couldn't quite believe you were actually here, in the flesh.
"I missed you so much," he murmured, leaning down to press a soft, lingering kiss to your lips.
"I missed you more," you replied against his mouth. "Are you finally off duty?"
"Fresh out of chores," Danny grinned, giving your waist a gentle squeeze. "And I’ve got a surprise for you. Go get your cardigan. We're going for a ride."
Danny’s surprise involved a borrowed, slightly beat-up Willys Jeep and a winding drive away from the base, up into the lush, green hills overlooking the ocean. The wind whipped your hair into a wild nest, but you couldn't care less. You looked over at Danny, who was navigating the dirt road with one hand on the wheel, humming a faint big band tune under his breath. He looked incredibly handsome, having quickly changed into a clean button-down shirt.
Eventually, the Jeep sputtered to a halt near a cliffside clearing. Below you, the Pacific Ocean stretched out like a massive sheet of crushed blue velvet, reflecting the brilliant pinks and oranges of the approaching sunset.
"Danny, it’s beautiful," you breathed, stepping out of the Jeep.
"Not as beautiful as you," he said automatically. It was a line Rafe probably would have delivered with a smooth, practiced wink, but Danny said it with such earnest, blushing sincerity that it made your heart ache.
He walked over to the back of the Jeep and pulled out a small wicker basket. "Brought some sandwiches from the mess hall. They ain't fancy, but the view makes up for it."
You sat together on a wool blanket spread over the grass, watching the sun dip lower. For an hour, it felt like the rest of the world—the looming threat of war, the strictly structured military life, the distance that usually separated you—simply vanished. It was just you and Danny, laughing about his latest mishaps with Rafe, talking about home, and holding hands so tightly your fingers turned white.
As the sky turned a deep, bruised purple, a quiet fell over the two of you. Danny had gone unusually silent, his thumb tracing rhythmic circles on the back of your hand. He kept clearing his throat, staring out at the horizon as if he were trying to memorize a flight plan.
"Danny? You okay? You're awfully quiet," you noted, nudging his shoulder with yours.
He swallowed hard, turning to face you fully. He shifted so he was kneeling on the blanket in front of you. The sudden seriousness in his eyes made your breath hitch.
"I’ve been thinking a lot," Danny began, his voice a little rougher than usual. "About the last two years. Every time I get up in the air, when everything else is loud and fast, the only thing that keeps me steady is knowing I've got your letters waiting for me on the ground. Knowing I've got you."
"Danny..." Your heart began to hammer against your ribs.
"I know things are uncertain right now," he continued, reaching into his pocket with a slightly trembling hand. "The world's going crazy, and being an army pilot... it means I don't always get to promise tomorrow. But I want to. I want to promise you all my tomorrows."
He pulled out a small, velvet box. When he snapped it open, a simple, elegant gold ring with a modest, sparkling diamond caught the last rays of the Hawaiian sun.
"Two years ain't enough," Danny whispered, his eyes shining with a mixture of nerves and absolute devotion. "I want a lifetime. Will you marry me, darlin'?"
The tears you had been trying to hold back finally spilled over. You didn't even look at the ring; you just looked at him—your sweet, brave, goofy Danny, who loved you with everything he had.
"Yes! Oh my god, Danny, yes!"
A massive, relieved grin broke across his face. His hands were shaking a little as he took your left hand, sliding the ring onto your finger. It fit perfectly. Before he could even stand up, you threw your arms around his neck, sending both of you tumbling backward onto the blanket.
Danny laughed, a bright, booming sound, wrapping his arms securely around your back and rolling so he was holding you close against his chest. He kissed you thoroughly, tasting of salt and pure happiness, while the stars began to blink awake over the Pacific.
"I love you," he murmured into your hair, holding you like you were the most precious thing in the entire world. "We're gonna be alright. No matter what comes next, you and me."
And looking up at the sky, wrapped in his arms with the gold ring catching the starlight, you believed him.
Summary: Danny lives, but now he has to make some choices.
Warnings: 18+ Near Character Death, Language, Period Accurate Diction, Semi-Graphic description of injuries, Evelyn isn't pregnant but still has her heart set on Rafe and Danny and Danny has his heart set on her and reader
Author's Note: I had to guys, I just had to and I'm honestly thinking about doing a whole ass multi chapter story revolving around the movie. It's an itch in my brain and it's not getting out. Again... Darn you Josh Hartnett
Word Count: 1.9k
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The sun is bright in the blue sky by the time the plane lands on the asphalt and comes to a stop. You feel your breath hitch in your throat as your heart pounds. It’s been months since you’ve seen Danny and you feel like you haven’t been able to breathe normally since. Evelyn moves from beside you, nails shortened by her nervous biting. What’s going to happen now that Rafe and Danny are back? If they are back? Did Danny change his mind after he’s been away and wants Evelyn or is he still keeping his word and coming back to you?
“I feel like I’m going to faint,” her words are hushed as she tries to poke her head through the crowd of people and you try not to make a snarky comment. You and her were best friends, practically sisters, but she had broken your trust in a way you never thought she would. Since then, your relationship with the nurse has never been the same.
“Don’t be dramatic.” Despite your harsh words and harsh exterior, inside you are panicking. What if he died? Then what? What if he chooses her?
“I love him, you know? I love both of them so much.” If there was one thing you loved about Evelyn it’s that she’s a romantic like you, but not as much when she’s talking about the person who you’ve dreamt about for months on end.
“I love him too. More than you can know.” You grab her hand and lead her through the group of people toward the front as the door to the plane drops open. Doolittle comes out first and you watch as his wife rushes towards him, gripping onto him as others slowly start to trickle out. Most you’ve met before, Gooz, Red, Earl, Rafe. Rafe. At the sight of him, Evelyn bolts forward, running straight into his arms and your heart beats a little faster. Maybe it’s the sun beating down on you or maybe it’s the fact that you have yet to see his face, but you feel sick to your stomach.
Slowly walking towards the plane, you wait in high hopes as the remaining men come out, but still no Danny. Your heart sinks. Oh Danny, you stupid boy. Tears begin to swell in your eyes as your brain jumps to the worst possible situation. Evelyn takes note too, her hand reaching up to her mouth to hold back sobs, gaining Rafe’s attention. Noticing that Danny is nowhere to be seen, Rafe gently removes Evelyn from his arms and makes his way back to the plane. “Danny get your ass out here.”
“Boy s-s-sure knows how to make an entrance,” Red mutters, walking towards the group of people with a solemn look on his face, wishing Betty was amongst the crowd.
A boot steps onto the stairs from the shadow and into the light, causing your heart to drop for the second time. “Danny,” you whisper softly, wiping the tears from your eyes as you rush past the group and up the stairs of the plane, grabbing onto him and pushing him back into the shadow causing him to let out a groan of pain. “I thought I lost you.”
Danny lets out a choked sob as he wraps one arm around you and buries his face in your hair, inhaling your scent. God he’s missed you. You’re the only thing he could think about for those months. The way your skin lights up in the sun. The way your eyes twinkle from the lights. The way the wind moves your hair. Everything about you is what kept him going, even when he crashed. “You can’t get rid of me that easily,” he chuckles as you pull away, looking over him as realization crashes over you.
“Oh my God, what happened? We need to get you to a hospital,” you wince as you look over the extent of his injuries. His arm is in a sling, his leg has a long metal brace on it, and he has a big bandage over his neck.
“Wasn’t one of my better landings. The Chinese took good care of me and got me to this point,” he takes a step forward, pulling you back into him as he bumps his nose against yours. “They got me back to you.” He places a feather soft kiss to your lips before pulling back. “You’re as beautiful as the day I left you.”
“Don’t ever leave me again,” you comment, taking his good side and hoisting his arm over your shoulders, helping him down the stairs as people cheer.
“I don’t plan on it.”
“Danny!” Evelyn rushes to his other side, being careful to avoid hurting him further and a lump forms in your throat. The moment you and him just shared was intimate, loving. There should be no confusion about who he chose, but still, there’s always that probability.
“Evelyn. It’s good to see you,” he wears a smile on his face but he knows that the only woman he’ll ever love is the one on his good side.
“Yeah,” she pushes a piece of hair behind her ear, “you too.”
“Alright, let’s get Danny some proper treatment. Those Chinese nurses did a temp job, but he needs some actual medical care.” Rafe steps in, aware of your thankful gaze before the four of you walk off and get some medical help.
-----------
The hospital room is warm with a slight breeze coming in from the window as Danny lays on the bed, arm and leg in a proper cast. The tension in the room is visibly thick with you and Evelyn sitting on either side of Rafe, no one dares talking as the doctor and nurses work to make Danny comfortable.
Turning to the three of you, the doctor gestures for all to step out of the room before eyeing you and Evelyn in confusion. “Which one of you is the wife?”
“Neither of them are, sir. Whatever you need to say, you can say to all three of us,” Rafe comments as the doctor shrugs his shoulders in response.
“Captain Walker’s injuries were very severe. The doctors overseas did a good job of stitching his neck, but with the extent of his injuries to his arm and leg, he will have to be under watch for several months with several more months of physical training. We speculate that he will never be medically cleared to fly again.” Rafe’s head hangs in pity for Danny, but you see the look of relief that comes across Evelyn’s features and you feel the same way. “It was an act of God that he survived how he did. He should feel very blessed, but the pain is going to be tough. We will monitor it and give pain medicine as needed, but there is only so much we can do.”
“We understand,” you chime in, fingers picking at your cuticles. “Thank you Doctor.” He nods before walking away, leaving the three of you in the hall. “Now what?”
“We gotta be there for him. He’s not going to take this news well.” Evelyn nods along with Rafe’s words as a nurse steps out of the room and faces them.
“Is one of you Evelyn?” Evelyn’s eyes widen as she nods her head, stepping forward.
“Yes, that’s me.”
“He’s asked to speak with you.” The nurse holds open the door for Evelyn to go inside and sit down at his side, taking his hand. You can’t deny the feeling of hurt that encompasses you and Rafe notices. Taking your hand in his, he gives you a series of light squeezes
“He loves you. Don’t worry.”
“How do you know he won’t choose her?” The question is genuine and Rafe looks to you with exasperation.
“All he talked about was coming back home to you. Even in the thick of it, when we were surrounded by Japs, he kept praying to whoever to let him come home to you. I don’t think he once mentioned her.” Rafe gestures to where Danny lays and Evelyn sits, crying into her hands. “Believe me, he fucked up big time kissing my girl when he was going steady with you, but you’re the one he wants. The one he’s always wanted.” You let out a sigh of relief, giving his hand a reaffirming squeeze before letting go and letting your heart slowly mend. It’s true that Danny did kiss Evelyn while the two of you were seeing each other, but he had assured you that it was a one time deal and it would never happen again as long as he lives. She, on the other hand, made him her everything.
Evelyn storms out of the room and faces you, tears rolling down her face. “If you ever hurt him…” It’s an empty threat and you know it. Evelyn couldn’t harm a fly, much less one of her former closest friends. Seeking solace in Rafe, she buries her head into his chest as he wraps his arms around her, still not sure what to make of the entire situation. Taking that as a cue, you walk into the room, closing the door behind you and making your way to his bedside.
“Hey there,” his voice is raspy and you instinctively reach for the cup of water, bringing the straw to his lips for him to drink.
“Hey to you too. The doctor said you’ll be here for some months. Said your injuries were more severe than you let on.” He nods his head, pushing away the water and laying his brown eyes on yours.
“Did they say if I can fly again?” Hanging your head, you reach for his hand and grasp it into yours.
“I’m sorry honey, but probably not. The army won’t clear you after something like this. They said it’s a miracle you’re even alive.” Danny smirks and internally feels relief. Yes, he wants to continue and work for the war effort, but he also just wants to leave the world behind and move to a small house with you to live out a domesticated life.
“You’re the only thing that kept me going. When I was out there,” he pauses, looking away and trying to bat the tears away. He does not want to look weak, not when he’s already looking weak as is. “When I was out there, I thought I was going to die. I was bleeding profusely, losing consciousness by the second and the only thing I could think of was you. You’re my world, (Y/N), and I couldn’t bear the thought of leaving you the way I thought Rafe left me. And I’m sorry that I kissed Evelyn. We were both mourning and needing comfort and she was the only one that could understand, not that it doesn’t excuse it. But I love you and I will make it up to you for the rest of my life if I have to.”
Your heart is hammering in your chest and butterflies erupt in your stomach. He chose me. It’s me who he wants. “Danny, what are you trying to say?”
Mustering the strength, Danny brings your hand up to his lips, kissing your soft knuckles. “What I'm trying to say is, will you marry me?”
“Oh Danny!” You surge forward, pressing your lips against his as tears roll down your cheeks. Breaking away from the kiss, you rest your forehead against his, his breath and your breath mingling together. “Yes, a thousand times, yes!”
“Yes?”
“Yes!” Your lips connect with his again and for the first time in a while, you feel that everything is just right.
people who had an interest: @phoenixhalliwell @waywardtigersandwich
Request from avahartnett on Wattpad wanted angst. Danny gets jealous when the reader is spending time with Rafe.
"Y/n, where have you been. I've worried for hours!" My boyfriend Danny asked stomping outside the airplane hanger bay. Removing my headset I could see he was angry and worried about me all at the same time. Danny and I had met through his pilot training since they let me handle the training simulations we had the recruits practice weekly. "Danny, calm down I just went on a quick flight with Rafe is all." He scoffed mumbling something under his breath. "You're hanging with him again!"
Tilting my head to the side I roll my eyes not wanting to have this conversation again. This isn't the first time he had gotten annoyed I was with his childhood best friend. Rafe and I have been spending quite a lot of time but it's a suprise that I'm going to show Danny on our anniversary in a few weeks. "Danny I don't want to have this conversation again m." He throws his hands up raising his voice as the wind blows my hair in front of my eyes. "Well I think I should know if my girlfriend is cheating on me with my best friend!"
"Danny, there's nothing going on between me and Rafe-" He cuts me off stepping up closer to me tears in his eyes that breaks my heart. "How am I supposed to believe that if I rarely see you without him on your arm. I mean what does he have that I don't-" Running forward I pressed my lips to his cutting him off. His arms slowly wrapped around my waist pressing me against his chest. Slowly breaking our kiss I run my fingers through his hair. "I choose you, Danny Walker. It's only you." He mirrors my smile kissing me slowly.
You (23) meet Danny Walker (24) at a bar while he's not on active duty and you're studying at university.
The university semester had been chewing you up for weeks.
Between assignments, exams, and a part-time job that paid just enough to keep your apartment's lights on, you were running on caffeine and stubbornness.
So when your roommate dragged you out to a local bar on a Friday night, you agreed mostly because you needed an excuse to stop staring at textbooks.
The place was crowded but comfortable—warm lighting, old rock music playing through speakers, people laughing over drinks.
You were halfway through your first cocktail when someone accidentally bumped your elbow.
"Oh, damn—sorry."
The deep voice made you glance up.
Tall.
Broad shoulders.
Criminally attractive.
Dark hair that looked like he'd run a hand through it one too many times.
And a smile that appeared the second your eyes met.
"You're good," you said, steadying your glass.
"Didn't spill anything?"
You checked.
"Nope."
"Good." He grinned. "I'd hate to be responsible for alcohol abuse."
You laughed before you could stop yourself.
Okay, he's funny.
The stranger extended a hand.
"Danny."
You took it.
His grip was warm.
"(Y/N)."
"Nice to meet you, (Y/N)."
Something about the way he said your name made your stomach do a weird little flip.
You quickly ignored it.
"So," Danny said, leaning against the bar, "what are you drinking?"
You held up your glass.
"Something fruity and probably embarrassing."
"Perfect."
"Perfect?"
"Absolutely. Anyone who orders drinks based on taste instead of trying to look cool gets points."
"You saying I don't look cool?"
"I'm saying you look too smart to care."
You narrowed your eyes.
"That sounded suspiciously like a compliment."
"It was."
The smile he gave you was shameless.
You immediately looked away.
Which only made him chuckle.
One drink turned into two.
Then three hours somehow disappeared.
Danny was easy to talk to.
Ridiculously easy.
He listened when you spoke.
Actually listened.
When you talked about university, he asked questions.
When you ranted about professors, he laughed.
When you admitted you weren't completely sure what you wanted to do after graduation, he didn't judge.
"You're twenty-three," he said.
"You make it sound like I have plenty of time."
"You do."
"Easy for you to say."
He shrugged.
"I didn't have my life figured out at twenty-three either."
"You do now?"
"No."
You laughed.
"At least you're honest."
"Always."
For a second, something softer crossed his face.
A quiet sincerity.
The kind that made your chest tighten.
Eventually curiosity got the better of you.
"So what do you do?"
Danny took a sip of his beer.
"I'm in the Navy."
"Oh."
That explained a few things.
The posture.
The confidence.
The broad shoulders.
Your eyes narrowed.
"Wait."
"What?"
"You've been sitting here for three hours and forgot to mention you're military?"
His grin returned.
"You never asked."
"You absolutely did that on purpose."
"Maybe."
You rolled your eyes.
He looked far too pleased with himself.
"Are you stationed nearby?"
"Not at the moment."
"So you're on leave?"
"Something like that."
There was a slight hesitation in his voice.
Not enough to feel suspicious.
Just enough to suggest there was more to the story.
You didn't push.
Near midnight, your roommate finally texted.
ARE YOU COMING HOME OR ARE YOU MARRYING THE HOT GUY?
You nearly choked.
Danny noticed immediately.
"What happened?"
You turned your phone around.
He read the message.
Then laughed so hard he nearly spilled his drink.
"Oh, she's funny."
"She's evil."
"She's not wrong."
Heat rushed into your face.
"Danny."
"What?"
His smile softened.
A little less teasing.
A little more genuine.
"You've been staring at me all night."
Your jaw dropped.
"I have not."
"You have."
"You have!"
"That's true."
The admission caught you off guard.
Danny looked completely unashamed.
Completely sincere.
And somehow that was worse.
The noise of the bar seemed to fade for a moment.
Neither of you looked away.
"Can I ask you something?" he said quietly.
"Okay."
"Would it be incredibly cliché if I asked for your number?"
You smiled.
"Depends."
"On?"
"Whether you plan on texting me."
His eyes sparkled.
"Oh, definitely."
You handed him your phone.
"Then I guess it's not cliché."
Danny entered his contact information before giving it back.
A second later your phone buzzed.
Danny Walker
Try not to miss me too much before our first date.
You laughed.
Looking up, you found him already watching you.
That same warm smile.
The one that made you feel like maybe this wasn't just a random night at a bar.
Maybe it was the beginning of something.
Something worth staying up for.
Something worth waiting for.
And judging by the look in Danny Walker's eyes—
he was thinking exactly the same thing.
The following Thursday arrived much faster than you expected.
You spent an embarrassing amount of time standing in front of your closet, changing outfits, then changing back into the first one.
Your roommate offered absolutely no help.
"You like him."
"I barely know him."
"You spent forty minutes deciding what to wear."
"That's called being prepared."
"That's called having a crush."
You threw a pillow at her.
At exactly six-thirty, your phone buzzed.
Danny: I'm outside.
Your stomach immediately flipped.
Traitor.
You took one last look in the mirror before heading downstairs.
The moment you stepped out of your apartment building, you spotted him.
And for a second, you forgot how to walk.
Danny was leaning against his truck, hands tucked into the pockets of a dark jacket.
The second he saw you, his entire face lit up.
Like he'd been waiting all day.
Then you noticed what he was holding.
Flowers.
Not generic grocery-store flowers.
Not a random bouquet.
Your favorite flowers.
The exact ones you'd loved since childhood.
You stopped short.
"Danny..."
His smile softened.
"You like them?"
You stared at the bouquet.
"How did you know these were my favorite?"
A slightly guilty expression crossed his face.
"You mentioned them."
"No, I didn't."
"You did."
"When?"
"At the bar."
You blinked.
"Danny, we talked about a hundred different things."
"Yeah."
"And you remembered that?"
He looked confused.
"As opposed to... not remembering?"
Your heart did something alarming.
"Most people don't memorize random details."
His gaze stayed on yours.
"Maybe most people aren't trying to impress you."
The butterflies in your stomach multiplied.
Rapidly.
You accepted the flowers before your face could get any hotter.
"They're beautiful."
His grin returned.
"Good."
The date itself was surprisingly simple.
Dinner at a small restaurant by the waterfront.
A long walk afterward.
No fancy reservations.
No over-the-top gestures.
Just conversation.
Hours of it.
You talked about everything.
Movies.
Music.
Travel.
Family.
The classes you hated.
The professors you secretly liked.
Danny told stories that made you laugh so hard your stomach hurt.
You discovered he had an annoyingly good memory.
And an even more annoying ability to make you smile without trying.
At some point during the walk, your hands brushed.
Neither of you moved away.
A few minutes later, his fingers hooked around yours naturally.
Like they'd always belonged there.
You looked down at your joined hands.
Then up at him.
Danny glanced over.
"You okay?"
"Yeah."
His thumb brushed across your knuckles.
"Good."
The simple gesture made your chest ache in the best possible way.
By the time he walked you home, it was almost midnight.
The city had gone quiet.
Streetlights cast golden pools across the sidewalk.
You found yourself slowing down as your apartment building came into view.
Because reaching home meant the date was ending.
And you weren't ready for that.
Apparently neither was Danny.
He walked you all the way to your apartment door.
Neither of you made a move to leave.
An awkward silence settled between you.
Not uncomfortable.
Just...
Hopeful.
You looked down at the flowers still tucked under your arm.
Then back at him.
"Tonight was really nice."
His smile appeared immediately.
"Yeah?"
"Yeah."
"I had a good time too."
Your heart was beating entirely too fast.
Danny stepped a little closer.
Close enough that you could smell his cologne.
Close enough that you could feel the warmth radiating from him.
For a moment, neither of you spoke.
His eyes dropped briefly to your lips.
Then returned to your eyes.
The question was obvious.
Even without words.
Your breath caught.
"You can kiss me, you know."
A surprised laugh escaped him.
"Was I being that obvious?"
"Painfully."
"Good."
The word came out softer than you expected.
Then his hand gently cupped your cheek.
And suddenly every nervous thought vanished.
Danny leaned in.
Slowly.
Giving you every opportunity to stop him.
You didn't.
The kiss was warm.
Gentle.
Nothing rushed.
Nothing demanding.
Just soft lips and the feeling of his hand against your skin.
The kind of first kiss that made the rest of the world disappear.
When he finally pulled back, neither of you moved very far.
Foreheads almost touching.
Both smiling like idiots.
"Wow," you whispered.
Danny laughed quietly.
"Yeah."
"You've been wanting to do that all night, haven't you?"
"Since before dinner."
You couldn't help laughing.
"At least you're honest."
"Always."
His thumb brushed across your cheek.
The look in his eyes made your pulse skip.
"Can I see you again?"
You smiled.
"Are you asking for a second date immediately after the first one?"
"I'm being efficient."
"Danny."
"(Y/N)."
You shook your head, still smiling.
"Yes."
His grin was instant.
Bright.
Boyish.
Dangerous.
"Good."
Then he stole one more quick kiss.
Just because he could.
And as he walked away a few minutes later, you found yourself standing in the doorway smiling after him like a complete fool.
