#ws2 fluff

[cattyb2]

premonitions | will smith

Pairing: will smith x reader!gf, platonic mack x reader

Prompt: you’ve always had that sixth sense before something terrible happens. and needless to say, when that feeling tells you to lock the hotel door? you listen

Warnings: attempted break in, also Eky is mentioned still on the sharks… sue me

One incident? Luck. Twice? Maybe a coincidence. But Will Smith has lost track of how many times you’ve single handedly saved him, a teammate, or especially Macklin from something going wrong.

He made a few jokes in the beginning, as did Mack of course. But every time you felt that sickening feeling crawl up your spine, every time you went weirdly pale, every time your breath hitched and your eyes went wide, Will has listened. And every time, you’ve been exactly right.

Macklin likes to joke that you’re a witch, which of course you immediately threw your slice of apple at him as he said it.

“Not the scary kind!” He amended as Will gave him a ‘did you really just call my girlfriend a witch’ look.

“You’re lucky I like you.” You chirp back to the younger player, as Will gives your side a squeeze.

—

Really, Will doesn’t know how these things keep happening, but they do.

First it was Macklin in the summer, he was walking down to the dock, the wood squeaking under his bare feet. He was rambling about something, Will couldn’t really remember because he was entirely too focused on you.

The breeze through your hair, the deep brown color of your bikini against your skin, the smell of pine wafting off you from your body wash that Will tells you smells like Christmas.

But then he noticed the switch, noticed your skin grow goosebumps, the slight shiver that racked through you. At first he thought you were cold, even with the warm sun beating down on the July day. But then it was the paleness of your skin, and the shaking of your fingers. And then.

“Mack.” You say, all teasing and lightness dropped from your tone. But Macklin wasn’t paying attention, which was not out of the ordinary. “Macklin.” You say again, voice stern. Yet, his best friend still didn’t stop walking. “MACK.” You finally yell, your hand going up to Mack’s t-shirt. You tightened your fist around the fabric and yanked him backwards. His body crashing into you, which then crashed into Will.

“What the fuck!” Mack yelped more out of suprise than anything. And the very next second the board Mack was just about to step on cracks, the old wood falling into the lake, and three of you stare at the spot that definitely would have made Macklin fall through if he stepped on it.

Not that the boys weren’t convinced, but the second time made them agree never to question you at all. What you say goes now. So, at dinner with the team, Will and Mack both agreed to listen to you.

A dish was getting passed around, but as soon as you saw it you questioned it. Then that all too familiar feeling crept in, and you whispered quietly to Will not to eat it. He looked from you to the food, and he nodded. Macklin agreed too with no hesitation, and once again, you were proven to be correct. Half of the team got food poisoning.

“You’re basically magical.” Mack told you while you and Will were dropping him off that night. And you shrug your shoulders, trying not to get freaked out by whatever it is that makes you feel these things.

—

Will has been on the road for three days. Which isn’t long by hockey standards, but you’re definitely missing him being around. So when Mack plans for you to surprise Will in the hotel after their game, you jumped on the opportunity.

Mack:

It’s room 130

You:

Okay, I’m just up the street

Mack:

Hurry up

You:

Oh my bad, I’ll make sure to tell my driver that. I’m sure he’ll listen

Mack:

Wow, you must really be missing Will

You:

And you’re implying what exactly?

Mack:

Nothing. Just try to hurry

By the time you make it there, Macklin is already waiting half in the hallway half in the room. You roll your eyes with a smirk at his impatience as he ushers you in.

“My god woman you’re so slow.”

“It’s been three minutes since you texted me last!” You whisper exclaim, not wanting Will to hear your voice over the shower.

As you throw your bag on the bed Macklin looks at you, before hugging you quickly in greeting before the shower shuts off.

You instantly sit on the foot of the bed Will is going to be sleeping in and as Will opens the door he sees Macklin standing there.

“Dude, what are you doing?” Will asks, walking out of the bathroom but not yet seeing you. He’s got a Boston shirt on, and a pair of black sharks shorts. This golden hair is damp, wet curls stuck to the back of his neck.

“Nothing. Move.” Mack says, getting defensive.

“You’ve been weird all-“ But then Will stops, stops because he turns to see you, sitting on his bed, a goofy smile on your face.

“2 goals tonight? That’s pretty impressive.” You say, a sultry little tone in your voice. You make sure to keep it in check because you know Macklin will complain otherwise.

But Will doesn’t say anything, doesn’t say anything until his arms are around you, picking you up and spinning you around a few times.

“What the hell are you doing here?” He asks, your feet back on the ground as his hands move to your face.

“I missed-“ But you’re cut off by the press of his lips. Like he couldn’t even wait for you to get your sentence out.

“Oh my god.” He says with a laugh.

“Your best friend did some planning.” You say with a small shrug. And at that Will turns to Mack, who’s standing sheepishly by the door like he’s trying to give you guys privacy in the smaller hotel room.

“You did this?” Will asks, and Mack also gives a small shrug.

“You’ve been a mope since we left, plus she’s been no better.”

You and Will both laugh, and Will goes back to you, pressing his forehead against yours and planting small kisses to your face.

“I dreamed about you the last couple nights, so this better be real.” He says.

“It’s real.” You whisper.

“I figured. If it was a dream Macklin would not be here.” He says, and you let out a laugh, your shoulders shaking in his arms.

“Hey, I brought her here!” Macklin says, but you see the bright smile on his mouth.

“Thank you man, really.” Will says, before pulling you into him once again. The smell of him washes over you, some musky woodsy calming smell, reminding you as well that this is real. You lean up on your tip toes to kiss him once more, before you fall into the familiar pattern of your boyfriend and his best friend.

—

A few hours later the three of you are still up, still laughing together and eating the room service Will called for.

You’re leaning into Will’s chest, his thighs and legs bracketing you, and you couldn’t lie that his size compared to you makes you blush.

Macklin was retelling some story from the game, and Will chimes in every once in a while to add something Mack forgot.

Everything was good. Everything was happy and safe and warm, until it wasn’t.

You think you fake it for a second, but then the feeling hits again. That cold, bone chilling feeling that slithers up your neck. You freeze against Will, your heartbeat picking up as your eyes scan the room.

“Baby?” Will says, a bit concerned, and Mack immediately shuts up as he notices what’s happening. “What’s wrong?” He asks, but you stay still, color draining from your face as you wait for the sense, that weird voice to tell you what is happening.

And then it hits.

You fly off the bed, yelling at them to stay there as you race to the door, using your shaking fingers to use the chain to lock the door shut.

“Y/N.” Will says, getting up with Macklin directly beside him.

“Don’t.” You say, and then you hear it.

Three soft knocks on the door. The three of you freeze.

“This is maintenance, we have to check on your bathroom. The room beside yours flooded.”

“Y/N.” Will says, taking a step forward.

“Stay away from the door.” You say, your voice comes out in more of a whisper than anything.

The knocks happen again, and Will steps forward again. But not for the door, instead for you. But he freezes again as the knocks are now pounds. Angry. Loud. Violent.

“Will Smith!” The voice bellows outside the door. And instantly you shove your back against Will’s chest, like you’re ready to protect him if this man gets through.

“Macklin!” Will calls, and Mack flies towards the phone. Dialing quickly for the desk before holding it to his ear. The pounding sounds again, even louder and more aggressive this time. And Will like he’s now realizing where you’ve placed yourself, says “Absolutely not.” And shoves your body behind his.

“Yeah, room 130. Someone is banging on the door trying to get in.” Mack says quickly, the pounding continuing, the yelling of Will and Mack’s names making your hands shake violently. Mack steps in front of you both, the three of you in a single file line. You shoved behind Will, because he will always protect you, and the two of you behind Macklin, because Macklin wouldn’t let anything or anybody hurt the people he loves.

But that’s when it happens, the beeping of a hotel key being swiped, and the door opens a half an inch. You swear, one hand gripping Will’s shirt, one hand reaching around to grip Macklin’s.

“They have a fucking key!” Mack says urgently into the phone, his left arm coming around to shove both you and Will farther against his back.

But the door doesn’t budge past that half an inch, because you locked it. Because somehow, something told you to do it. And as the gold metal lock holds strong, you know deep down you were able to protect them, just like they protect you.

“Will.” You mumble, and he tightens you further into his back.

“It’s going to be okay, I won’t let anything happen to you.”

Your chest rises and falls fast, and you squeeze your eyes shut as you shove your head as deep into his muscled back as you could get it.

But then finally, after what feels like hours, you can hear the yelling of security, what sounds like a scuffle outside the door, and the confirmation from Macklin that security has taken someone away.

There’s a knock on the door, and you go wide eyed until you hear the voice of a man, he states his name, how he works for the hotel, and tells whoever is on the phone to confirm this information with the front desk. Mack relays it, and he hangs up with a thank you as he goes to unlock the door for the security guard.

You hold out a breath you don’t remember holding. And as Macklin talks to the man, Will whips around to you, holding your face in his hands as he tells you over and over that you’re safe, that everything is okay now.

“Breathe, baby.” He soothes, unable to stop touching you, like he’s got to prove to himself you’re safe. “You’re doing so good, just like that.” He says as you following his breathing.

And once everything has calmed down, and Tyler Toffoli has checked in on you guys, the three of you sit on the same bed. You can tell they want to say something, anything about how you basically flew for the door, but both of them know it’s not the time.

Will only keeps his arms around you, keeps you pressed into him as he takes a deep breath in and out.

“I thought he was going to get you.” You say, and you meet Will’s worried eyes. “I didn’t want him to hurt you. Either of you.”

“He didn’t, because of you.” Will says, kissing your temple for a long moment. “But this doesn’t mean that once we get out of this fucking hotel that I’m not going to lecture you about trying to stay in front of me.” Will says, and you roll your eyes with a small smile.

“That’s just what you do when you love someone.” You say.

But you and Will both think back to it, think about how Mack was the one to step in front of you both. How Mack reached his arm around to hold onto both of you as the man tried to breach the door.

“He wouldn’t have gotten to you.” Mack says. “You either.” He says looking at his best friend.

“Yeah?” Will says, still anxious, still on edge, but giving Mack his normal teasing tone and face.

“I’m Macklin Celebrini.” Mack says, with a wave of his hands. “I would have figured something out.”

And even though you can tell behind the jokes that Macklin is serious, that if it came down to it he would have thrown himself in the line of fire for you and Will, you both decide that something more light hearted is in store.

“You mean like how you got into a fight early because someone hit Eky?” You question, eyebrow raising.

And that seems do to the trick, because next thing you know Macklin has jumped into the detailed story, and you lay back against Will, his thumbs rub small circles into your skin. Like he needs to remind you he’s here.

“I love you.” He says into your ear.

“I love you more.” You whisper back, careful not to interrupt Mack as he’s deep in acting out what occurred on the ice.

“Not fucking possible.” He says back, his hand brushing your hair back as he kisses your temple again. Settling you deeper into him as you both give your focus back to Mack.

[angeltees]

Miss Yn Smith is actually Mrs Yn Smith? wsh2

Will Smith publicly loved many things in life; home alone, hockey, “people watching”. But off screen, he loved more. It wasn’t like he was planning on keeping his family a secret, he just had no reason to expose his children to the limelight—not that you cared. Plus, it’s not like the fans didn’t know of your existence. For years you were a blurry face in the background, a head leaned on his sister’s shoulder in her tiktoks, the woman everyone assumed was one of his cousins because you “had the same last name.” But then a fan invaded your privacy, and suddenly the whole world realized they never really knew Will Smith.

pairing dad!will smith x fem!reader Mrs Smith masterlist

bedzzystar X

fans reactions X

Texts Will x Macklin

[cattyb2]

image | will smith

Pairing: will smith x reader!gf

Prompt: will can take a lot, a shove into the boards, a puck to the body, even the sharks chirping him. but, what he can’t take is someone disrespecting you, especially over things he loves that you have

requested!

Fancy lights, yelling reporters, and cameras flashing isn’t exactly your favorite way to spend an evening. However, how could you complain when you have your boyfriend at your side? Especially when you have him at your side looking like he does. His suit fits him perfectly, his golden hair falling in its normal curls, and the warmth of hockey worn hands on your back, keeping you pulled into him as you enter the ballroom of the charity event.

You smooth your hand over the front of your dress for the fifth time since you arrived.

“Are you okay?” Will asks quietly, ducking his head close enough that his lips almost brush your ear.

“Yeah.” You say, glancing up at him with a smile. “I’m good.”

His gaze drops over your face like he is checking anyway.

“You look beautiful.”

You roll your eyes, mostly because if you do not, you will smile too hard. “You already said that.” You chide, following him to the bar.

“Let me say it a thousand times more.” He says, as you nudge him with your elbow. He grins, then takes your hand as a photographer starts motioning for both of you to smile for the camera.

It doesn’t take long for a reporter to wrap up with Misa and float over to Will. You recognize him from past events, and as he starts asking Will questions you slowly sneak out of your boyfriend’s grasp.

He looks at you, eyes crinkling for a second before you just wink at him. Trying to silently tell him to answer the questions and come find you when he’s done. And even though you can tell he’s a little stiff, he gives a silent quick nod before laughing along with the reporter.

This is how the night starts. Will finding you easily again talking to Misa at the bar, a glass of red wine in your grasp as the younger player talks to you about also hating these events. Will barely has a minute to open his mouth, barely has a minute to ogle you for the millionth time tonight before a reporter wants to hear from him and Macklin.

“Go on, I’ll be okay.” You reassure him, a guilty look falling over his expression.

“I’m sorry baby.” He says, but Misa looks to him with a small head nod towards Macklin and the reporter. A silent, I’ve got her, to Will.

“Go, before poor Mack perishes over there.” You joke, taking a small sip out of your wine glass, your dark lipstick staining the rim. In that moment Will wants that lipstick staining his flushed skin instead, but he snaps out of it, kisses you for a second too long to be casual, and makes his way to Macklin, not really caring at all if the color transferred to his mouth.

—

As you and Misa continue your conversation at the bar, you begin to feel it. The weird warmth when you can tell someone is staring. Not a stare of recognition, but a stare of judgment. You know why immediately. Your tattoos are visible tonight in your black dress, not all of them, but enough. The ones along your legs, the one wrapping softly around your arm and going to your collar bone. You love them, and Will loves them, too. He traces them absentmindedly while you are curled up on the couch, he kisses them all constantly, he makes sure they’re covered in sunscreen when you’re outside. They are a part of you, sometimes you forget they are even there until someone points them out.

So you did not think about them when you had originally walked into the ballroom tonight. But you’re thinking about them now, you’re thinking about them as you watch your boyfriend joke and laugh with his best friend in front of a camera, you’re thinking about them even as Will spares you the tiniest glances and flirtatious smiles, you’re thinking about them as you can tell someone is staring at them.

Then someone steps up beside you, and at first, you think nothing of it. But it’s the way she just stands a little too close, the way Misa can instantly tell you’re distracted.

The woman has a small recorder in one hand, and a press badge hangs from a lanyard.

“You’re Will Smith’s girlfriend, right?” She asks you, not seeming to mind that she’s interrupting a conversation.

“Yes.” You say politely before turning your attention back to Misa.

The woman smiles, but it does not reach her eyes. “I thought so.” She says, her eyes glancing down at your legs. Then your arm, then near your collarbone. “Those are real?”

You blink, the question catching you off guard for a second. “My tattoos?”

“Yes.” She says with a disapproving tilt of her head. “It’s an interesting choice for tonight.”

Your fingers tighten around your glass, Misa stands up straighter, the need to defend you clouding his eyes.

You could ignore it, in fact you should ignore it. You know how this goes. It takes one reaction, one flash of discomfort, and suddenly the story is not about what someone said to you. It is about how you respond.

So you keep your voice even, you hold your hand out secretly to Misa, as if telling him to not say anything.

“They’re part of me.” You joke, motioning to your skin. “So yes, I find it hard not to bring them.”

The reporter gives tiny laugh, but not joyfully, instead in a mocking and condescending way.

“That’s one way to put it.”

Your gaze instantly tracks Will, he is in a conversation, though his body has shifted slightly in your direction. Like some part of him can feel you looking for him.

The reporter follows your gaze, as Misa gives you one look before following your eye sight as well. He knows in that moment what he needs to do, and he excuses himself as he tries not to look in a hurry to reach Will.

“He’s very young.” She says, snapping you out of your trance.

“I don’t think I understand.” You say, trying your hardest not to take a big swig of wine out of anxiety.

“Will.” She says, like you’ve very obviously missed the point. “He’s young, has a clean image, big future. And there are a lot of people who are very invested in what that future looks like.”

Your stomach dips, and you say nothing.

“I don’t mean to be rude.” She starts, a snake like smile pulling at her lips like she knows her words will hit a mark.

“Yet I get the sense you will be anyway.” You say, a piece of your control slipping.

“Do you really think you’re what Will needs?” she asks. “I mean, no offense, but with the tattoos and the whole look, don’t you worry you might, taint that?”

The word hits like a slap to the face. Taint. Your lungs constrict, but she keeps going, because people like that always do when they sense they have hit a mark.

“It’s just that he’s got this, wholesome thing going for him. And you must know how people talk, you don’t want to be the reason sponsors start asking questions.”

Your mouth opens, but nothing comes out, and suddenly your eyes are darting to Will, who’s listening to what Misa is explaining. Your eyes beg him to see you, beg him to understand, they scream help me.

“Oh, dear. Don’t look like that, I was only-“

“Don’t.”

The voice is low, calm, but carrying a sense of authority.

Will.

“What did you just say to her?” He asks.

“Will, I think there’s been a misunderstanding.” The reporter says, lifting her hands slightly even with the recorder still tucked in one palm.

“No.” His voice stays even. “I don’t think there has.”

You stare at him, your heart beating wildly as a few people nearby have started to notice something is going on.

“I was only making a light comment. It wasn’t serious.” She tries to defend herself.

“If it was so light you shouldn’t have a problem saying it again.”

The reporter’s face tightens, and your breath catches. You know Misa must have told him the basics, but here he is, unmoving and unflinching as he uses a tone you’ve only heard from him a few times. You know he must have caught some of it on his way over as well, and he takes a step forward, not aggressively, but protectively. His hand finds its home on your back, his thumb moving against you like he is reminding you he is there.

“Let me be very clear.” He says. “She doesn’t taint anything.” He spits the word out with anger. The reporter opens her mouth, probably to try to defend herself, but Will doesn’t let her speak. “She is not a problem for my image. She is not something I need to hide or be ashamed of. She is the person I love. She is kind, and smart, and stronger than anyone in this room. And those tattoos you decided to insult? They are a part of her, which means I love them too.”

“Will, I think you’re taking this very personally-“ she starts, but Will cuts her off.

“I am.” He says immediately. “You were cruel to my girlfriend, I am taking it personally.” He says as he turns slightly, angling himself so he’s standing just ahead of you. “And for the record,” He continues, “the idea that she is below me because she has tattoos says a lot more about you than it does about her.”

The reporter’s mouth snaps shut as she looks between the two of you, her pride shrinking with the fact that people are definitely watching now.

“I apologize if she felt-“

Will scoffs immediately. “You don’t apologize for how she felt, you apologize for what you said.”

But then someone else steps in, one of the event organizers, you presume.

“Is there an issue here?” She asks, looking between the three of you.

“Yes.” Will says. “She is making inappropriate comments about my girlfriend.”

Your ears start to buzz, you don’t hear the next words, only watch as the reporter is escorted from the event.

“Baby.” Hsays, his voice softer now as it breaks through the mist around your brain. “Follow me.”

You don’t say anything as you press your lips together and give him a small nod, and Will does not ask twice. He keeps your hand in his and guides you through the ballroom. He does not rush you, but his eyes appear to say, not now, to anyone who looks at him.

The second you are alone, you sigh and Will’s arms are around you immediately. You step into him without a second thought, burying your face into his chest.

“I’m sorry.” You whisper.

“Do not apologize.” He says sternly but not angrily. His fingers circling comfortably on your hot skin.

“I froze.”

“So?”

“I just stood there.” You say, embarrassed you didn’t have the fight in you to standup for yourself.

“You were shocked because someone was being cruel.” His hand moves over your back slowly. “That’s not something you have to apologize for.”

Your fingers curl into his jacket and he pulls back just enough to move his hands. His thumb brushes your wrist, right over the start of one of your tattoos.

“She doesn’t know you, baby.” He says. “She had no right to make you feel small.”

You look down at your arm, at the ink you loved this morning, at the skin that suddenly feels too visible. Will notices and he shifts, lowering his head and pressing a kiss to the tattoo on your wrist. Your breath catches as he follows it all the way up your arm with soft kisses, all the way to your collarbone.

“You are not below me.” He says against your skin. “You are not bad for me, honestly you are way out of my league.”

“Will.” You say softly, your slightly watery eyes locking with his.

He cups your face with both hands. “I need you to hear me baby.” He says. “I don’t care about what people think is perfect. You’re perfect, and we’re perfect together. That’s all I want, that’s all I care about. And I swear to God, if anyone ever tries to make you feel like that again, I’m throwing that glass of wine at them.”

You smile through unshed tears, pulling at his suit collar to bring his lips down to yours.

Then the hallway door opens, and you both break away from each other only slightly and turn.

Macklin steps out, scanning the hallway with concern written all over his face. Behind him is Misa, who looks equally as concerned.

“Hey.” Macklin says carefully to you. “You okay?”

“Yeah. I’m okay.” You say to him, before turning your gaze to Misa. “Thank you.”

“I should have said something sooner-“

“You did the right thing man.” Will says, cutting off his self doubt.

Macklin shifts awkwardly, then gestures back towards the ballroom. “Also, not to make this weird, but half the guys are pretending not to hover by the doors.”

Will sighs, before his eyes turn back to you. A silent question in them.

“Let’s go.” You say, motioning back towards the ballroom as you pull your hair forward, the waves covering your collar bone.

“Don’t cover them.” He says softly, almost pleading. And you watch the emotion floods eyes. He brings his hands up, pulling your hair behind your shoulders as his eyes light up with joy at the art of black ink that is fully on display once again. “I love you. I love you so much.” He says, not caring about his best friend or his teammate still behind him, even as they start to make a silent exit back into the ballroom.

“Kiss me, Smith.” You say, a smirk on your face. You know your lips taste of the red wine you were drinking earlier, and Will groans into them as his lips find yours.

“I love you.” He whispers, taking his lips off yours and kissing under your ear. Then he repeats it, kissing your cheek, your temple, your nose, your forehead, then back to your lips. “And for the record,” he murmurs, “I love your tattoos.”

“Someone is going to catch us.” You joke trying to ignore the feeling of melting under his touch and words, and squirming slightly at how ticklish his lips feel against your flushed skin.

“Let them.” Will says, clearly not bothered by anything. And as his lips continue to move around your skin, everything around you melts away. You’re not just the girlfriend of a famous hockey player, you’re you. And not only is that your favorite version of yourself, but it’s Will’s as well.

[cattyb2]

unpack your heart | will smith

Pairing: will smith x celebrini sister!reader

Prompt: being a children’s therapist has been your dream since being a child, and you’re proud to be living out that dream in San Jose. however, the hard days sometimes take hold. this time, they take hold when your family comes to visit, and they push you into the arms of a certain brother’s best friend you’ve been trying not to admit you have feelings for

requested!

It was a normal session to start, the 10 year old girl becoming a normal weekly appointment for you. You scatter out the coloring books and markers, and a few things that she can do with her hands because you’ve learned that helps her.

After all, it’s your job to know these types of things. To be able to read the emotions kids aren’t saying, to see the fear and the problems these children have and to help them learn how to cope, how to work past them, how to be happy and carefree.

You’ve been doing it all your life. You knew this is what you wanted from the moment you saw your siblings struggling with things, and wanted nothing more than to fix it. You’re the eldest child after all, and the Celebrini life never gave you one moment to slow down. But you worked, you studied and crammed. Between driving your siblings to the rink, or a sports practice, you found time to do your homework. Sure, most of the time you filled out your study packets with gloves on because you were always in the rink, but you still did it.

And now? Now you’re in sunny San Jose, now you’re lucky enough to live close to your little brother. And secretly, you’re even luckier to know his best friend.

But the Friday afternoon was about to take a turn you didn’t expect. Your parents and siblings flew in this morning, and you know they spent most of the day with Mack and Will. And everyone is going to eat dinner at their place tonight. It was all planned, times set, food picked out. But sometimes in this field, plans don’t matter.

Not as the 10 year old sits in front of you, and admits the one thing you’ve feared was happening. But you’ve trained, you know how to handle it. So as the session wraps up, you explain the next steps.

Living with grandparents whom you have already called, calling people whose job it is to make sure this little girl stays in a safe home.

As she cries, you do everything in your power to help her. You remind her how much she loves her grandparents, but she tells you that’s not in her normal environment. You give her the tools to express herself in drawings and writing. And she takes full advantage. So as you wait for the grandparents who cried on the phone when you called, you go to your desk and open up your computer to text Mack and Will.

The groupchat already had a few missed texts in it, as you were supposed to leave your office at 5pm, and it’s now 6pm.

4:58pm

Mackerel: Everyone got here, Aiden is already annoying. Have you left yet?

Mackerel: It’s past 5, you alive?

Will: Hey, just checking. Are you okay?

After those texts went unanswered, you read a few more frantic ones.

Mackerel: Okay I get you’re older or whatever, but I’m starting to worry

Will: You can call me if something’s going on

You try to ignore the hit of emotion while reading Will’s texts. Because he knows exactly how to get to you. Mack doesn’t know it, but after hard days of the office, Will calls you on your drive home. He understands you can’t tell him details, but he’s there. He lets you sit in silence if that’s what you need. He talks about anything and everything if that’s what you ask for. And somewhere along the lines Will, who started just as your little brothers best friend, turned into something more.

You: Sorry, work got hectic. I just have to wait for a pick up. Start without me, I’m really sorry

Mackerel: Don’t apologize

Will: Are you alright?

Will: Are they alright?

You: I’ll text you when I’m leaving here

You send the message just as a knock sounds on your office door. And you let the child’s grandparents in, watching the young girl cry into her grandpa’s arms.

“Thank you.” The grandmother says to you, resting a warm hand on your arm. “God, thank you.” She says again, and you only nod.

Being a therapist means learning the time and place to show your own emotions, and right now you shove them behind that wall. Showing empathy and understanding, but making sure the need to cry stays locked up tight.

You go over procedures, and as another half an hour passed you wave goodbye to the girl as she walks hand in hand out of your office with her grandparents.

“Thank you for believing me.” She says quietly, and you whisper a quick, of course, as she leaves.

You shut the door behind you, and cover your mouth immediately as you hold your eyes closed. As good as it feels to help the children you see, the pain of them being so young and handling things so difficult breaks you.

And this case was no different. This case was one of the worst you’ve seen in a while.

Mackerel: Keep us updated. We don’t care about dinner or anything

Will: We just care about you, I can come and get you if you need

You: I’m leaving in five minutes. I’ll be there soon

Mackerel: Are you okay?

Will: Can you drive?

You: Leaving now. Be there soon

You know they are probably pulling at their hair as you avoid most of their questions. But you can’t fall apart right now, and you repeat that as you get into your car, throwing it in reverse and then driving out of the parking lot.

Only when you hit the streets, and your office is so far behind you that you can no longer see it in your rear view mirror do you let the emotions get you. Tears flood your vision, and you furiously wipe them away, knowing your makeup is running with them.

But you don’t care. You don’t care because it’s your family you’re walking into. Your family, and Will. Will, who has seen you like this before. Will who has never balked, only helped piece you back together, although he always tells you that you’re not broken.

So as you pull into the driveway of the place Mack and Will share, you close your eyes.

“You’ve got this.” You whisper, nodding your head like that will help you believe this. You pull the visor down, and get a load of what you look like for the first time.

It’s not good.

But that’s okay. You can’t focus on the makeup running, or your puffy eyes. You can’t focus on the sweater that feels like it’s suffocating you, or the boots that are squeezing your calves. You just need to get in the house, and then everything will be okay.

So that’s what you do. And as you open the door, the smell of garlic and herbs hit you all at once. The house is warm, but not temperature wise. Instead it’s warm with laughter and love. Just like it always is when your family comes to visit.

But as you shut the front door, setting your purse and keys down, you turn around for the first time and see them all. Aiden stands to your left next to Mack, both of them stopping mid food preparation. Your mother and father are sitting on the couches, but they both sit up as they take you in. Charlie and RJ freezing as well from where they sit around your parents. But it’s Will that you look at the longest. Will, who is by the dining room table with a handful of forks he’s setting out. Will, who takes one roaming sweep of you and knows that you’re a second away from falling apart. Will, who your brothers be damned, is the only person you want right now.

“What happened?” Aiden asks, the brotherly instinct taking over his body. The urge to help you, to protect you.

“Y/N.” Mack says, turning towards you but not coming close. Knowing he needs to let you make the first move.

The entire first level of the house seems to still. Everyone waiting for you. Your parents, brows heavy with concern slowly standing, as if they are preparing to run to you. Charlie and RJ both wide eyed taking in the person they run to when they are upset. Aiden and Mack, who are ready to pick you up should you falter. But it’s Will you continue to look at.

And he does the one thing that gives you enough confirmation to know that he wants to help you. That he’ll drop everything and everyone in order to hold you.

Will sets the forks down, staying by the table, and opens his arms. His head nodding slowly as if silently telling you, ‘come here’.

It doesn’t take more than that for a hopeless sob to escape your lips and for you and Will to take a few steps towards each other before you crash into his body.

Your brothers are wide eyed as you breeze past them, and Will doesn’t dare stagger as you throw yourself into his waiting arms.

They wrap instantly around you, and with how much muscle he’s been putting on, he all but covers your body with his. Your forehead presses into his chest, your hands on his back gripping his sweatshirt tight. And the first real sob breaks out.

“I’ve got you.” He whispers into your hair, one hand planted protectively on the back of your head, the other thrown around your shaking body.

And hearing his words, knowing you’re in his arms only makes you cry harder.

“You’re safe, you’re okay. They are safe now. You did that. You’re here with me.” He continues to soothe, and nobody moves as they watch Will hold you. Watch him as he talks you down from deep sobs, as he, so slowly you could almost miss it, rocks your body side to side.

“I’m sorry.” You say, but that’s instantly stopped.

“Don’t be sorry. You’ve done nothing to be sorry for.” Will says.

At the same time your mom makes a pained noise, and Mack shakes his head even though you can’t see it.

“Dinner, and everyone-“

“Hey.” Will says, and you instantly listen. “The only thing anyone in this room is concerned for is you.”

Mack watches this from across the room. Watching as Will rests his cheek against the top of your head. Watches as you both melt into each other. And as Mack stands there with his arms crossed, it’s not in anger. Because he’s known for some time that you both like each other. What the man was not aware of however, was just how instinctive it was.

You moved right past them all, and Will caught you because he knew that’s what he needed to do.

Aiden’s eyes move to Mack’s, as if silently asking him if this was normal. And Mack shrugs with a yes, moving back to watch the two in front of him.

Will manages to help calm your breathing, but the tears still slip down your cheeks.

“This is so embarrassing.” You say to him, but Will is quick to reassure you.

“No it’s not, sweetheart.” The nickname slipping out, but not one member of the Celebrini family thought it was strange. “You see sad and impossible things all day long. You are allowed to grieve them.”

“But my family.” You say, like said family isn’t seeing and hearing all of this.

“They love you.” Will says for you. “So let them…. let me.” He finishes, pulling you back just enough that he can wipe the tears from your cheeks.

You nod as you look up to him, and he wishes he could erase the pain he sees in your normally vibrant green eyes. Will looks down at you, but not in pity. Instead with that you can only assume is love.

And you almost tell him something you’d regret doing in front of your entire family, but you’re saved by the bell. But in this case, the bell being your itchy sweater and boots that you need to kick off.

“What’s wrong?” Will asks, noting the change in your body.

“I need… I just need to get out of this.”

And Will nods, looking over your shoulder before saying, “Come with me, you can borrow something of mine.”

“Thank you.” You say, your voice breaking slightly as you step out of his hold.

But Will doesn’t let you go far, not as he holds his hand out to you. But before you take it you turn your gaze to Mack, and the gentleness you see there shocks you.

“Go.” Your brother says, motioning for you to go with his best friend.

So you just nod, slipping your hand into Will’s as he carefully leads you up the stairs and into his room.

He makes sure to keep you close, as if it would pain him to be apart from you right now.

He helps you sit on the edge of his bed, turning towards his closet and grabbing some clean clothes out of the drawers.

“These will be huge, but we’ll make them work.” He tells you as he hands you a pair of sweatpants and a tshirt. “Do you want socks?”

And you nod a yes as he reaches for those as well.

But it’s his next moves that surprises you the most so far this evening. Will leans down in front of you, hands going to the zippers on the sides of your boots.

“What are you doing?” You ask him, and he answers without stopping his actions.

“I’m helping you with your boots.”

“Will you don’t have to.”

“I know, but I guess it’s a good thing I want to then.”

“You want to take boots off my feet as I embarrass myself in front of you and my entire family down there?”

Your question causes him to pause, and his eyes meet yours as he responds.

“I want to take your boots off because I think you give so much love and support to these kids, that you keep none of it for yourself. So yes sweetheart, I want to take off your boots. Because I want you to feel just a sliver of love and warmth I know you give them.”

You don’t say anything to his confession, because you currently have no words that are fit to give as a response. So you just nod, letting new tears fall at how attentive and kind he is.

“Hey hey, what’s going on?” Will asks, noticing your new tears. “Tell me what’s going on in that beautiful head of yours.”

“I don’t deserve this.”

“I don’t know why on earth you think that.” Will says, and even with him being kind you could tell he was genuinely shocked at your words.

“Because if I deserve this, I think I’ll let myself believe I deserve you.”

“Who says you don’t deserve me?” He asks, your boots now abandoned on the floor, but he’s still kneeling in front of you.

“Me.” You finally whisper, and Will’s heart seizes at your words, but also at the truth written all over your face. He sees that you genuinely believe the words you speak.

“You truly believe you don’t deserve me?”

Your answering nod was enough to want to make Will laugh in disbelief.

“Y/N.” He says, and he notes how much the nickname causes you to relax. “You’ve got it backwards, because I’ve spent every day since I met you wondering how the hell I deserve you.”

“Will-“

“No listen to me for a second.” He says firmly, but not rudely. “I get to watch you care for children, and protect them and help them. And I know you’re strong enough to do the same for yourself, but if you’ll let me, I want to do that for you too.”

You lean forward, a wave of emotion hitting you that is different from the one swallowing you when you walked through the front door. And as you look into his blue eyes, you see the truth he’s telling you.

“I’ll let you change, come down whenever you’re ready.” Will says, standing up, and planting a kiss on your forehead. Your eyes close, and you focus on how good it feels to have his lips on your skin.

“Thank you.” You whisper.

He turns around for a moment, smiling at you. “Always.” He says, before closing the bedroom door gently behind him.

—

Will wasn’t nervous to walk back downstairs, in fact he’s kind of on top of the world right now. But he pushes that aside because he wants to know you’re okay more than anything.

The kitchen goes quiet as he reenters it, and he is met with the stares of the Celebrini family.

No one speaks for a second, and Will half expects Mack to be the first person to say something. But instead, it’s RJ. The youngest Celebrini clears his throat before breaking the silence.

“Are you guys always like that?”

“Basically.” Mack answers for Will, rubbing at his face.

“We are not-“ Will starts, but Macklin shoots him a look.

“Are you guys dating now? RJ asks again, and Will looks around before answering.

The question was enough to peak your families interest, but Will looks to his best friend first before answering. And like he owes Mack an explanation, he starts word vomiting his truth.

“Look, I haven’t really told her for a fact yet. But yes, I like her, and yes I’d be so lucky if she even gives me the chance.” Will admits, and Rick and Robyn try to hide little smiles at his words. “But I’m not going to push anything on her, especially not tonight. Tonight she needs her family.”

“And you.” Aiden pipes up, shrugging as Will looks at him in confusion. “Clearly she needs you. I don’t think I’ve ever seen her so comfortable with anyone before.”

Nobody responds right away, and you freeze on the stairs when you hear their voices, not wanting them to know you just heard their tail end of the conversation.

But Mack and Will still don’t really look away from each other. And Will is waiting for a yell, a shove, a threat on how Will shouldn’t be in love with his best friend’s sister, how she’s off limits. But Mack doesn’t do any of that. Instead, a calm wave washes over him.

“You’re my best friend.” Mack starts, and Will prepares himself for a lecture.

“I know.”

“And that’s my sister.”

“I know.” Will confirms again. “And maybe it’s messed up, but I can’t help the way I feel Mack. I’ve tried to shove it down for years, but I can’t.” Will confesses.

From the kitchen, Macklin’s eyes shine only slightly.

“Mack… I love her.” Will says, and the whole house seems to freeze once more. Like everyone and everything is waiting for what Macklin has to say.

But your brother doesn’t get the chance to say anything, not as you finally make your presence known. You descend the final steps and stand there in front of everyone.

Will watches you the way he always does, because to him nothing else matters as much.

So with your misty eyes, and your slightly shaky hands, you do something you have only ever imagined.

You walk towards Will, step up to your tippy toes, and pull his face to yours.

While the kiss is gentle, it’s telling. It’s every time both of you almost told the other, it’s for everytime Will has carried your sleeping body from the couch to the bed. It’s everytime you’ve come to a game and screamed with excitement for them. It’s every time Will has brought lunch to your office, or just sat with you on the worst of days. It’s for the love you have, and the love you never thought you’d be able to show.

So as you guys finally pull away, remembering where you are, you both smile so widely at each other.

“Well now I’ve lost my appetite.” RJ complains.

“Oh hush.” Your mother scolds him.

“I love you too, Will.” You whisper while you rest your forehead against his.

And suddenly, the world seems a bit brighter than it did an hour before hand.

[cattyb2]

play ball part 2 | will smith

Pairing: will smith x reader!wife

Prompt: it’s officially Father’s Day, which means you can finally tell your husband the secret you’ve been keeping for two weeks

thank you to all the people who have commented and asked for a part two, here it is! part one

You wake up before most of your house does, which when you have a young child is a very rare occurrence.

And as you stare at the ceiling of your bedroom, you smile, because it’s finally the day. The day you can tell Will. His side of the bed is cool, and you know he’s been in the kitchen for a little while. He kissed your cheek telling you to go back to sleep as he carefully got out of bed.

And this morning, this sunny and warm morning, this is yours.

You throw your hair up and out of your face, slipping on a pair of socks before your feet have to touch on the cold hardwood floors. Then you make your way over to the closet, hidden in a box with a new pair of shoes is the navy blue box. It’s been hidden and wrapped for just about a week now.

You smile, rubbing your thumb over the ribbon you tied around it with shaky hands. You thought about doing some big reveal, but you opted to do it privately, giving you and Will the option to tell your son together.

So, as you make your way down the stairs, careful to go slowly and not wake up your son, you see Will in the kitchen.

He’s leaning against the counter top, shirtless with light grey sweatpants on. He sets down his mug when he sees you appear, setting down his phone as well. His blue eyes roam up and down your frame. You watch as he takes in the black socks bunching a bit by your ankles, and the old BU shirt you are wearing which makes him smirk.

“Well.” He says, looking exactly like he did all those years ago when you met him outside of Boston College. “Good morning to me.”

You let out a snort, blushing slightly, walking up to him and kissing him softly.

“Happy Father’s Day.” You say, the box still hidden behind your back.

“Thank you.” He says, kissing you again. “You look pretty good in that shirt.” He says, and you playfully roll your eyes at Will’s enthusiasm.

“You say that every time I wear anything of yours.” You joke.

“Because it’s true.” He says back with a little shrug, and that’s when he really notices your arm behind your back, how it’s been planted there since walking down. “Alright.” He says, leaning back and crossing his arms over his chest. “What are you hiding?” He asks you, motioning to your back.

You stop moving a bit, giving him a small smile before bringing the box around your body and holding it out to him.

“Your gift.” You say with a shrug of your shoulders, trying your hardest to act nonchalant.

“You didn’t have to get me anything, baby.” He whispers, and you shrug again. “You’ve already given me everything I could ever want.”

The words hit you like an arrow. Your entire body floods with warmth, and damn your early pregnancy hormones because you’re about to burst into tears at those words.

“Just open it.” You whisper, and you can tell that Will drops the teasing act at the softness of your tone. He can see this is serious, see the anticipation in your eyes. So he nods, planting a quick thank you kiss to your temple before unraveling the ribbon.

He rips off the navy wrapping paper, and he sets the box down on the counter top so he can open it without dropping whatever is inside. And as Will finally opens it, you stop breathing.

You watch his eyes as he takes in the contents of the box. Of the sonogram pictures given to you by the doctor, of the onesie that reads, ROOKIE OF THE YEAR, and of the little card that you wrote, officially a father of two, surprise!

Will stops breathing, his shoulders lock, his eyes go wide. It takes him only a moment to realize what he’s seeing. And as his gaze flicks to you, he swears he could black out.

“Baby.” He starts, his shaking hand reaching for the pictures. “You’re pregnant?” He says, voice cracking on the last word.

You nod your head, wiping away a tear that falls from your eye.

“Yeah, I’m pregnant.” You confirm, and you watch as Will grips the counter top like his knees are about to give out.

“We’re having another baby?” He asks, fully turned to you now. And his eyes are flooded with unshed tears, and even though you know he knows, you confirm again with a small nod.

And that nod is what is Will’s undoing. His face crumples, and he rushes to you so fast. Pulling you into his arms as he squeezes you tightly. He plants kisses all over your face, and he’s sniffling as tears are falling down his cheeks.

“Oh my god. I can’t believe this.” He says through a laugh and more tears. “I can’t fucking believe this.”

Your hands go up to his face, keeping it still for a second so you can really look at him. But you aren’t able to get any words out before he’s kissing you on your lips. His hands going to your cheek, your neck. And then he’s pulling away, laughing in happiness as he looks down to your stomach.

“I love you so much.” Will says to you, kissing you again before resting a shaking hand on your stomach. “And I love you too.” He whispers, his voice cracking with emotion. He drops to his knees, kissing your stomach through his tattered old BU hockey shirt. The same shirt that he saw you wearing after your first time staying over. The same shirt that he saw you wearing as he texted Mack saying I’m going to marry her.

Your hands immediately run through his golden curls, and you shake with happy tears.

“How long have you known?” He asks, blue eyes gazing up to yours.

“Two weeks. I wanted to save it for your surprise.” You say, another wet laugh coming out of you. Will stands back up and pulls you back into him. Your feet are off the ground as he slowly spins you around the kitchen. Whispering I love yous and I’m so happy into your ear.

“And here I thought I was going crazy wondering why you suddenly stopped the coffee.” He jokes, and you laugh as he wipes your tears away with his thumb.

“I’m surprised that didn’t give it away.” You joke, and Will agrees with you. His skin is warm beneath your cheek, and his heartbeat is fast.

“We’re having another baby,” he murmurs against your hair.

“Yeah.” You whisper.

“Our son’s going to be a big brother.” He says as he pulls back just enough to look at you. “Does he know?”

“No.” You say, placing your hands on his chest. “I wanted to tell him together.” Will’s eyes fill again at your words. “He’s our son, and this is our baby. It seemed right to do it together.” You say, and Will exhales, shakily as he kisses you.

Then from upstairs, your son’s door creaks, and both of you freeze.

“Mommy?” His tiny voice comes from the hallway upstairs.

“We’re down here, bug!” You call, and Will releases you from his grip as your son makes his way slowly down to you both.

“Happy Daddy day.” He says as he appears on the stairs, walking down then slowly as he hangs onto the railing. His truck pajamas are a bit twisted, and his hair is standing up at odd angles. Will crouches down and scoops him into his arms. Your son snuggles into Will’s chest, and you can see your husband physically restraining himself from breaking into tears.

“Thank you buddy.” He says, kissing his forehead as he continues to hold him.

“Are you sad?” Your son asks, noting the red eyes and wet cheeks of his dad. His small hand coming up to poke Will’s damp cheek.

“Not at all, bud. I’m happy.” He says, and your son looks over to you like he doesn’t quite believe it.

“Why?” He asks, and Will looks at you, then to your stomach. You nod your head, coming over to stand with Will and your son.

“We have something to tell you.” You whisper to him, and as you adjust the sock on his foot he lights up.

“Is Uncle Mack coming over?” He asks, and you and Will both chuckle before Will responds with a probably.

“Not at this moment, bud.” Will says finally. And you give Will a face as if telling him to say it. “You know how sometimes we talk about families getting bigger?” Will asks, and your son nods. Will opens up his mouth to continue but his lips shake. And his eyes shed fresh tears as he looks away for a second.

“Bug.” You start, brushing your son’s curls away from his eyes as Will silently tells you to say it. “Mommy and Daddy are having another baby. You’re going to be a big brother.” You say, and you both watch as the lightbulb appears above your son’s head. He gasps loudly causing you both to laugh.

“Where is it?” He asks, and Will response only seems to confuse him. “Why’s it in there?” He asks, pointing to your stomach.

“That’s where baby’s are in the beginning.” You say.

“Yeah, bud. You were in there too.” Will says, and your son looks shocked.

He giggles into his little closed fist before saying, “No I wasn’t!”

Will laughs at his response, and your son quickly goes into asking more questions.

“Can it sleep in my room?” He asks, looking between the two of you. You chuckle, and Will holds your son with one hand and continues wiping away your happy tears with his other.

“Maybe eventually.” You say, and for now that answer seems to be enough.

“I’m going to be a big brother!” He states, clapping his hands together before Will sets him down. “I’m going to be just like Uncle Mackie!” He states, and it causes a teasing groan from your husband. “Does he know you have a baby in there?” Your son asks, and you instantly freeze, which of course Will catches.

He eyes you for a second, before making a shocked face.

“Does Uncle Mack know?” He asks, his tone accusatory but smirking all the while.

“By accident.” You say with a wince. “He figured it out yesterday. I was rubbing my hand and-“ but Will cuts you off.

“And that’s exactly what you used to do when you were pregnant with him.” Will says, and you nod.

“I’m sorry.” You say, and Will just shakes his head.

“You have nothing to be sorry for. I just can’t believe I didn’t notice. The lack of coffee, the lack of meals recently.” He says, like it all makes sense now. “That’s why you gagged when I opened that bag of cheesy chips!”

“Oh god, baby. Those smelled so horrible.” You joke before Will pulls you back into him.

“I love you so much.” He whispers in your ear, and you beam up at him.

“I love you too, Happy Father’s Day.” You whisper.

“The best one yet I think.” He counters as he bends down and kisses your forehead, then your cheek, then your mouth. He kisses you softly, and his fingers tighten just slightly at your waist. “You’re making me cry a lot today,” he whispers.

“You’re very loving today.” You say jokingly, and Will snorts at your tease.

“I am.” He nods seriously. “I am for you guys, always for you guys.”

And as you press a kiss to his shoulder, Will wraps both arms around you and holds you there, the ultrasound picture catching the early morning light. It doesn’t take long for your peace to be interrupted by the doorbell, and before either of you could untangle yourselves to get to it, Macklin’s familiar voice fills the house.

“Hey family, I’m here!” He shouts, and your son sprints towards the front door giggling all the way.

“Uncle Mackie, Uncle Mackie guess what!” He shouts, and you groan as you plant your forehead into Will’s bare chest.

“Oh I bet I know.” You hear Mack say with a chuckle, and he rounds the corner to see you both. The red eyes, the damp cheeks, and the way you guys are both curled into each other.

Mack smiles, emotion hitting him hard in the chest.

“Congratulations Smitty.” He says, and your husband makes what almost sounds like a pained sigh, unlatching his arm from you and going to hug his best friend. They hug for a long moment, Mack’s eyes catching yours over your husband’s shoulder.

Mack smiles at you, then his eyes glance down to the navy blue box and its contents. Will pulls away from his best friend, wiping at his eyes again before laughing as your son starts asking for pancakes. But Mack’s eyes stay locked into the pictures, and his eyes turn glossy as well.

“You alright, man?” Will asks, noticing the change in emotion.

“Yeah.” Mack says, “I’m just real happy for you guys.”

And as Will makes pancakes, and Mack sets the table, you smile and catch your son who’s morning energy has him running around the kitchen.

You pull him up from the ground, and he giggles and giggles as you pull him into your chest. He calms down for a second, resting his head on your shoulder.

“I love you, Mommy.” He says, quietly enough that the moment is just for you.

“I love you more, bug.” You whisper.

“I’m going to be the best big brother ever.” He says more to himself than anything, and you bite your lip to hide the swell of emotion.

And as the pancakes flip, as Mack gets your son set at the table, and as you watch your husband bask in the news, in his family, in the life he always secretly dreamed for himself, you feel so damn lucky.

[cattyb2]

rings upon rings | will smith

Pairing: will smith x reader!gf

Prompt: Will and Mack go ring shopping, needless to say the two are in way over their heads, until Will finds the perfect one

requested!

The first thing Will realizes is that engagement ring shopping is significantly harder than everyone had told him. When he talked to married team members, his dad, and your dad, they didn’t make this part seem like so nerve racking. But, this part was everything, this ring will be on your finger for the rest of your lives, and that stress is what prompts Will’s hands to shake when he and Mack walk through the glass door.

“Why are there so many?” he mutters, standing frozen in the middle of the jewelry store, he’s sure he looks like a deer in headlights.

“You’re telling me. I thought it was just, ring, and then, done.” Mack mutters, his hands shoved in his pockets as he takes in the glistening displays.

“Wow, how romantic, Mack.” Will says, the need to joke with his best friend second nature to him, but right now he does it more out of anxiety than anything.

“I can see that.” Mack says, rolling his eyes.

“No, like, there’s so many shapes. Oval, princess, cushion, what the hell even is a cushion cut?”

Macklin loses it at that, laughing loud enough that the woman behind the counter glances over with a polite, practiced smile. Will can tell she was giving them some space, but he’s sure that the confused look on his face and Mack’s laughter was enough for her to feel the need to step in.

“You’re so screwed,” Macklin says, rubbing his face with one hand. “Have you never asked Y/N what she likes? There’s been no, ‘look at this’ moment?”

Will bristles immediately, feeling a little embarrassed. “I didn’t want to ask, that basically ruins the surprise. I just-” Will exhales, dragging a hand through his hair. “I want it to be perfect. She deserves the perfect ring.”

That shuts Macklin up for a second, the best friend feeling a bit bad for teasing him. Because this isn’t just Will being clueless, this is Will being, well, Will. Doing something with all his heart, because for you he’s all in.

—

There’s a memory that keeps looping in Will’s head as he stares at the glass cases. It’s of you, which isn’t surprising because you are constantly on his mind. No matter what he’s doing, playing, at practice, driving, his brain always lingers over to you. But he remembers how you were curled up on his couch one day. Your body framed in one of his hoodies, sleeves swallowing your hands. Will has never, and will never say it to you because he knows you’ll tease him endlessly, but he secretly loves how large his clothes are on you. He always tries to get you to wear his things around the house, not that you’ve ever complained about it. But this time it had been one of those late nights after a game, he’d come home wired, still buzzing from adrenaline, and you’d been half asleep but waiting for him anyway.

“You scored,” you mumbled, voice soft, eyes barely open, but you smiled. And Will knew this is what he wanted to come home to every single night.

“Yeah,” he’d said, dropping his bag, already smiling. Your hair was a bit crazy, obviously tousled around from having it resting on the couch for a while. Your makeup was a bit smeared under your eyes, but you looked gorgeous.

“Course you did,” you teased faintly, reaching for him. He climbed onto the couch, pulling you into him, pressing his face into your hair like it grounded him. The smell of your rosemary shampoo filling his nose. And as you settled into him, you just fit there, like you always had.

“What would you have done if I didn’t?” he asked you once he felt your body relax.

You hummed, not needing a second to think before you said, “Still would’ve been proud of you. Always proud of you, Willy.” You finally said, giggling a little at the nickname.

But that moment was one of Will’s favorites, it was simple, domestic, and that’s what was so special about it. It’s like loving you had never required effort, and that’s when it started, that semi terrifying certainty that he needed to marry you, and he needed it more than anything.

—

“Okay,” Macklin says now, snapping Will out of it. “Strategy. What do you know about her ring taste?”

Will leans on the counter, eyes scanning rows of wedding bands and engagement rings, thinking.

“She likes more simple stuff,” he says slowly. “But not boring simple. Like, meaningful simple.”

Macklin squints, his hand back to rubbing his face. “That’s literally the least helpful description I’ve ever heard.”

“I’m trying, man!” Will expresses, before his eyes catch with the woman on the other side of the counter.

She approaches them, warm smile firmly in place. Her hands had a slight shake to them, and Will couldn’t help but look to the ring settled on her finger. I wonder if her husband lost it like I am, Will thinks.

“Can I help you boys find anything?”

“An engagement ring.” Will says, his spine straightening like it does during a post game interview.

Her smile softens, just a little. “Of course. Do you have anything in mind?”

Will shakes his head slightly in a no. But her voice is soothing, and for the first time since he and Mac walked through the door he doesn’t feel out of place.

“He doesn’t know what shapes are.” Macklin says, immediately pointing at Will in a can you believe this guy way.

Will glares at him. “You’re supposed to be helping.”

“I am helping. I’m giving her context.” Mack supplies.

The associate laughs softly, clearly amused with the two. “That’s okay. We can figure it out together.” She says cheerfully, sliding open the glass cases. She starts pulling out trays, diamonds catching the light, different settings, bands, metals.

Will stares like he’s in a museum, he doesn’t make any movements as five trays full of rings are set in front of him.

“Okay, I kinda get the hype now.” Mack says, leaning in to inspect them all.

“Right?” Will whispers back.

The best friends jump slightly when the associate slides a ring closer.

“This one’s an oval cut,” she explains, setting her glasses on her nose as she hands the ring to Will.

—

Another memory hits him without warning.

You in his kitchen, standing on your tippy toes trying to reach something on the top shelf.

“Babe,” he’d said from the doorway, watching you struggle.

“I’ve got it,” you insisted, fingers barely brushing the edge of the box.

He walked over anyway, reaching past you easily, grabbing it.

“You’re annoying,” you said, but you were smiling.

“You love it,” he shot back.

You turned, poking his chest. “I love you. Big difference.”

But he’d caught your hand, pulling you closer. “Same thing.”

You rolled your eyes, but you leaned into him, letting him wrap his arms around you. It wasn’t about you not being able to reach, but instead it was about him wanting to be the one who did.

—

“Try picturing it on her hand,” Macklin says, pulling Will back to the present.

He nods, focusing on the sparkling ring, but he knew instantly that it wasn’t right.

“That one feels, too much.” Will expresses, handing the ring back to the woman.

Macklin tilts his head, brows furrowing at Will’s words. “Too much how?”

“I don’t know. She wouldn’t wear something that flashy every day. She’d feel weird about it.”

“Okay,” Macklin nods. “So not that.”

They move on to another one, and another one.

“What about this one? It’s got like… sparkle but also chill vibes.” Mack says, and Will is actually surprised by him. He thought by now his best friend would get bored, or get annoyed that Will was taking so long. But instead Macklin starts getting way too into it.

“Sparkle but chill vibes is not a real category.” Will says, dead panning at Mack.

“It should be.”

The woman is definitely holding back laughter now, but instead of growing irritated like Will was worried about, she smiles. Putting each ring that Will, or Mack, shakes their heads at back.

—

There’s another moment Will can’t shake. A random afternoon, nothing out of the ordinary. You’d been sitting cross legged on the floor, going through old photos on your phone.

“Look at this,” you said, turning your screen toward him. It was a picture of the two of you early on in your relationship, you mid laugh, and Will staring at you like there was nobody else on the planet.

“You look at me like I hung the moon,” you teased.

“Maybe you did.”

You went quiet for a second, something softer settling over your expression.

“Will-“

He leaned over, pressing a quick kiss to your temple. “What?”

“Nothing,” you said, but you were smiling in that way that made his chest ache. That’s the night that he texted Macklin, the text short and to the point.

I need your help.

—

“Wait,” Will says suddenly, pointing, and his heart stops in his chest when he sees it. Macklin follows his gaze, looking towards the square ring sitting in the display case.

It was perfect. Square diamond, thin band made up of tiny diamonds. Nothing too over the top, but it catches the light in a way that feels right, it feels like yours.

“Can I see that one?” Will asks, and he grows less nervous. The associate places it gently in his hand, and as he turns it slightly, watching it sparkle Will was certain for the first time today.

It looked like it belonged to you, like it was made for you. Your laugh, your stubbornness, the way you tuck your hands into his hoodie sleeves, the way you always look at him like he’s more than just some hockey player.

“She’d love this,” he says quietly. “This is it.”

Macklin studies his face, then nods once. “Yeah. I think that’s the one Smit.”

“Really?”

“Yeah,” Macklin says grinning. “Also, if you’re wrong, let it me known that that’s on you, not me.”

Will huffs out a laugh, eyes rolling in his best friends direction. “Good to know where your loyalty lies.”

“Hey, I got you here. That’s already above and beyond.”

—

Later, when they’re leaving the store, the small box tucked safely in Will’s jacket pocket, Macklin nudges him.

“So, how are you gonna do it?” Mack asks, eyes brows raised in waiting.

Will smiles, softer now, and Mack almost teases him for how in love he looks. “I don’t know,” Will admits. “Something, us.”

“Wow. Deep,” Macklin says.

Will bumps his shoulder. “Shut up.” But he’s already picturing it. Maybe something quiet, maybe something simple. Just the two of you. Because that’s always been enough.

—

That night, you’re curled up beside him again, head resting on his shoulder, half watching something on TV.

“Why are you smiling like that?” you ask, glancing up at him.

“Like what?”

“Like you know something I don’t.”

Will looks down at you, heart doing that stupid, overwhelming thing it always does.

“Just thinking about you,” he says.

You narrow your eyes playfully. “Suspicious.”

He laughs, pulling you closer, pressing a kiss to your hair. And as you settle back into him, completely unaware of the future sitting quietly in his pocket earlier that day, Will thinks, not for the first time, that he got this impossibly right.

[cattyb2]

coffee damage | will smith

Pairing: reader x will smith

Prompt: who knew that a coffee spill was the beginning of the rest of your life?

requested!

Surprise surprise, you’re late.

The pick up counter at the coffee shop right around the corner from your job is packed. And not the normal packed, it’s a summer day, type of packed. People are shoulder to shoulder, squeezing through others while the door remains constantly open with the amount of people entering and exiting.

You take a step back, only to be met with someone taking a step forward at the same time. You collide with a tall man, and you collide hard.

“Oh shit!” You exclaim, as you both freeze in place. Your once white shirt is now light brown, sticky drops of your coffee landing on your only clean acceptable pair of work pants. The man in front of you looks horrified, his bright eyes going wide, and a large smile dropping off of his face. He’s tall, so tall that you have to move your head up a bit to see him. He’s wearing a zip up with what looks like a small shark emblem in the corner, his hat is backwards, and his eyes move from your ruined shirt, up to your eyes, and back to your shirt.

“Oh my god.” He says, immediately setting down his very full cup on the counter. “I am so sorry.” He reaches for napkins and starts moving as if he’s about to try to help you clean up, until he realizes he can’t pat dry some random women’s chest in the middle of a coffee shop. “That is, wow. I’m so sorry that was completely my fault.” He says again.

You fight the urge to laugh, not only are you running ten minutes behind, but the presentation you’re supposed to be giving in 30 minutes you’ll now have to give with a brown shirt instead of a white one.

“It’s okay.” You say, moving so you can stand in a not so crowded spot of the shop while you take the napkins in his hand to start dabbing yourself dry.

“I’m Will,” He says quickly, cringing a bit as you clean the spill. “Sorry. That’s probably the least important thing to you right now. I’m such an idiot.” He says.

You fight a smile, because what else can you do? “Nice to meet you, Will the idiot.”

His laugh is consuming, and as soon as he does, your focus snaps to him, to the sparkle in his eyes and the way he looks like pure sunlight.

“Can I please buy you another coffee? Or pay for this to be cleaned? Or literally anything to make this better?” He asks.

“I would normally fully take you up on that, however I have a meeting in…now,” You check your watch. “20 minutes, so I really have to go.” You say with a small smile.

“No.” He says, like that news is the worst possible thing for him to hear.

“Yeah, unfortunately.” You joke, trying to make the mood lighter. But you watch as he unzips his zip up swestshirt from his frame, and he hands it over to you. “What are you doing?” You ask him, staring at the offering in front of you.

“Fixing my crime.” He says sheepishly. “Please, I feel horrible and I can’t let you go into a meeting with that.” He says pointing to his alleged crime.

“It will be fine Will, really.” You say softly, but his hand does not retract. If anything he shoves it out more. So, against your better judgment you take the zip up. The smell hits you instantly as you put it on, clean laundry, and something woodsy and warm hitting your nose.

“It is clean, I just wore it here.” He rambles, and for some reason it makes you smile. He’s nervous, nervous and apologetic. “Plus, it looks better on you anyway.” He says, before freezing like he can’t believe those words just came out of his mouth.

You smile wider now, laughing a bit as you hold out your hand. “Give me your phone, Will.” He pauses, almost like he can’t believe you’re being so nice after this. You notice his eyebrows shoot up so you continue. “So I can text you to give this back to you.” You state, and he snaps out of it to hand you his phone. You put your contact information in, but add under your name, coffee victim. He looks at the contact and laughs as he locks his phone and puts it back in his pocket.

“I am so sorry, Y/N.” He says again as you walk towards the doors.

“Have a good day, Will.”

—

Needless to say your coworkers, and managers, had a lot to say about your appearance. They all begged to see the ‘crime’ and as you unzipped the sweatshirt before your presentation everyone thought this was the funniest thing they’ve seen in a while. It wasn’t until someone said, “who’s Smith?” That you actually started to piece together who it was that spilled coffee all over you.

The sharks logo on the sweatshirt, the name on the back. Of course, are you dumb? It’s the hockey team, the San Jose Sharks.

Your phone buzzes in your pocket before you could look him up.

Will: Hi, this is Will, you know the guy who threw coffee at you this morning. Did the zip up do its job?

You smile and let out a small laugh at the question, before quickly replying.

Y/N: Barely, but now I’m getting questions over why I’m wearing an apparently famous hockey players clothing

Will: Sorry about that, I owe you a lot. Especially a new coffee

Y/N: That’s a little dangerous coming from you, don’t you think?

Will: It will go directly from the barista’s hand to yours, I wouldn’t even look at it

You laugh out loud in your office, and type back.

Y/N: Are you normally like this before noon?

Will: Normally I wait until after practice

Y/N: Ah, the San Jose Sharks practice? Are you perhaps famous, Will Smith?

There was silence for a second, and you wonder if your teasing isn’t coming across as teasing. But that thought was snuffed out as soon as the three dots appeared once again.

Will: I am slightly recognizable in specific buildings. But don’t google me, I’d rather you know me as the panicked coffee guy instead

—

For the next week, you’re glued to your phone. You and Will text non stop, and at some insane hours of the day. You chalk it up to him being awake because of hockey or traveling.

Y/N: How can I return the zip up you sacrificed for me?

Will: How about dinner? Tonight?

You stop, look away, and then look back. He can’t possibly be asking you out, you shake your head and type back.

Y/N: Sure, just let me know where you are and I can meet you in the parking lot or something.

You send it before cringing slightly.

Y/N: That sounded slightly like a drug deal

Will: I wanted to ask you out normally before asking you to come to drug deals, but I guess you beat me to the punch

Y/N: You want to ask me out?

Will: I did ask you out

Will: But yes. Y/N, would you like to go on a date tonight?

You stop in your tracks, your heels stopping against the floor in the break room, and you can’t help the smile that blooms over your entire face. But then it drops, as you remember the girls night you have planned it your best friends.

“Fuck,” you whisper silently to yourself.

Y/N: Tomorrow night? I’m sorry, my best friend just went through this break up and all of us are coming together for a wine night. Plus I’m in charge of the wine which means I have to track down our favorite kind

Y/N: I swear I’m not blowing you off

You stare at the two text messages, embarrassment flooding your body. But his response makes your smile return.

Will: Tomorrow night then. I’ll pick you up. Sorry to hear about your friend, but a wine night sounds dangerous

Y/N: As dangerous as a coffee shop?

Will: No, significantly less

—

Will texts you when he’s on his way, telling you to wear ‘comfortable couch clothes’, and bring a sweatshirt. You respond with a fun and flirty message, just like you guys have been doing this entire time. And it doesn’t take long for a car to pull up outside your small house, and for Will to step out of it. His gaze goes up and down your frame, and for a second you think you’re not dressed correctly.

Your linen pants are blowing lightly in the breeze, and your top is casual enough to be a normal house shirt, but still nice enough to look like you put effort in, which you are trying to hide the fact that you did. Your hair is done in soft waves, your makeup also so light but noticeable if you’re standing close, and your strappy sandals giving you a few extra inches of height. You don’t miss Will noticing every detail about you, and you smile as you take him in as well.

“You look,” He starts as you walk towards him, his sweatshirt clean and thrown over your arm. “Just, wow.”

“Thank you.” You joke, as he opens the passenger door for you.

Once he gets in and starts driving, you both fall into a comfortable conversation, the same teasing words you’ve been giving over text, but this time with the ability to see how bright his eyes get every time he asks you something about yourself. You don’t even realize where you are until he puts the car in park.

“Here’s my plan.” He says, turning towards you. “Pick up pizza, and then a quiet spot, very low key.” He explains almost like he’s nervous you’ll hate it.

“That sounds perfect.” You say with a smile as he takes you into the small pizza joint. You both negotiate a pizza order, which isn’t hard because you find that you like the exact same things.

It wasn’t until youre back in the car, the smell of a pizza filling it and making your stomach rumble that you spot the bottle in the backseat. A bottle that looks suspiciously like the bottle of your best friend and your favorite wine. The same wine that took you hours to track down last night. The same wine you remember complaining to Will that he hasn’t lived until he’s tried it.

“You found it?” You ask him, not believing what you’re seeing.

“You said it was your favorite.” He says with a small shrug, like this wasn’t one of the best things someone has done for you.

“Will that’s expensive, and like impossible to track down.”

“You’re worth it.” He says, a little shy. But your smile blooms again, and you realize you might be in way over your head when it comes to him.

“Thank you.” You whisper, like you couldn’t trust your voice to say it any louder.

—

You didn’t realize how much Will had brought until he was carrying it up a small hill just outside San Jose.

“Let me-“ You start to say, but each time he shoots you down. Once you got to a certain spot half under a tree half under the open sky, Will sets up shop. He throws a blanket big enough for five people down in the grass, and lays out the pizza boxes, the wine, and other drinks and snacks he somehow managed to carry.

You guys talk for hours. The sun keeps slowly slipping down the sky, birds chirp, and it wasn’t until the slight chill swept through the air and the crickets started to sound that you knew you’ve been here for hours. But you had no intention of leaving, and neither does Will.

He asks you about your job, your friends, your family at first. But you can’t help but find yourself going into detail about everything, about where you grew up and how the move to San Jose was terrifying at first. He tells you about growing up with hockey and continuing his life with it. He tells you about college, about getting drafted, about the Sharks and about Macklin.

“He did what!?” You exclaim, leaning over in laughter as Will retells it.

“He did pay for it, but still I drove around with this giant crack in my windshield. And every day when I would go to pick him up he’d smile at it.” Will says with laughter. You guys are closer now, the pizza long since eaten, and the wine bottle half empty. He leans on his elbow, his body angled to face you while the rest of him is laying down on the blanket. You’re the same, only as the hours continue to pass you swear the closer you guys are getting to each other.

“He sounds fun.” You say, smiling at Will.

“He’s my best friend, I can’t image doing all this without him.” You watch him as he says it, you note the soft smile on his lips, and the way the sun casts everything in a pink orange glow. “He’d really like you, you know.” Will says after a moment of silence.

“Macklin?” You question, but you know that’s who he means.

Will nods, and he looks at you with a warm intensity. “You guys are similar, so for my sake I might keep you hidden for a while.” He jokes, but his eyes are soft, and they glance to your bare arms as a rush of wind causes goosebumps to rise on your arms. “Here.” He says, reaching behind him to give you his sweatshirt.

“I did bring my own, you know.” You state, but you grab for the one outstretched in front of you.

“I know. But I think I like the look of you in mine more.” He states, and as your fingers brush you let them linger. “Plus, this way you’ll have to see me again to return it.”

You laugh loudly, throwing your head back. “That’s your grand plan? Every date to give me something so I’ll see you again?”

Will doesn’t respond as you slide the sweatshirt over your head, he only watches and commits the look of you in his sweatshirt into his memory. This time it isn’t the San Jose Sharks that you are representing. But instead a black sweatshirt with RED BULL printed on the front. You watch him as he takes it in, watch as the blush returns to his cheeks, and as his fingers gently brush a thick strand of your curls out from under the sweatshirt collar. His fingers stay there, planted right under your ear, and you know he can hear the gasp exit your mouth at the movement.

“I’m trying so hard to be respectful.” He whispers, his eyes moving between your eyes and your lips. And in that moment, you have never wanted more than for him to follow through on something.

“What does it look like when you’re not?” You ask him, leaning slightly closer, and there’s a twinkle in his eyes as he responds.

“Like this.” And he leans in. His hand planting firmly but softly behind your ear as he closes the gap between you two. You on instinct move into his space, your body molding into his as your own hands move to touch him. The kiss starts out gentle, but it deepens as you let out a noise that’s swallowed by his mouth. He pulls away gently, smiling at you, and you know your face is revealing just how much you enjoyed that.

“What?” He asks with a small laugh.

“Nothing.” You nearly whisper, moving your hands up to slowly brush a curl out of his face.

“That doesn’t look like nothing.” He says, moving slightly into your touch as your fingers do not let up.

“It’s just,” You start, watching him watch you. “That was a really good kiss.” You say, and you laugh as his cheeks go pink again.

“Yeah?” He questions, and you nod. “Good, because I’ve been thinking about doing that for a while.”

“A while?” You question, and he nods.

“I think since you zipped up my hoodie that had my name on the back.” He admits, and you lean in then to kiss him again. Like the small confession was the nail in the coffin. Will Smith is sweeping you off your feet.

It wasn’t long until he was laying down on his back, pulling you in so your head is resting on his chest as you both stare at the stars. One arm tucked against your waist, holding you steadily into his warmth. The other running softly through your hair as you guys continue to talk.

“There.” He says, pointing to the sky.

“I see the Big Dipper.” You say, your eyes scanning the stars. “But I’m still not seeing the small one.”

He takes your hand gently, moving it so he is using your finger to point to it for you. His warm hand engulfs yours, and you can’t escape the flutter in your stomach at the feeling. He traces your finger in the air, and you finally see it. The Small Dipper.

“I thought you were an athlete, not an astronomer.” You joke, and Will laughs as he lowers both of your hands, bringing your palm over to rest on his chest. You could feel his heartbeat, a bit fast, but also strong and steady.

“I think I could stay here for a very long time.” You whisper, your eyes still scanning the stars above.

“Under the stars? Or with me?” He asks softly, and you can tell his gaze has found its way to you.

“Both.” You say with complete honesty.

“Yeah, me too.” He says, planting a kiss into your hair.

[cattyb2]

never again | will smith

Pairing: will smith x reader!gf, platonic mack x reader

Prompt: the house is packed as your boyfriend’s family is visiting. and when you and mack go to the store, you never expected it to end up the way it does. as you and mack are caught in an armed robbery, all you can do is think of the man you love

Warnings: detailed descriptions of: armed robbery, blood, gunshot wound, hospital —— please heed the warnings!

Will loves when his family is in town, but he especially loves nights like this. Grace, him and his mom move fluently around the kitchen. His best friend and girlfriend sitting on the chairs at the island, fitting into his family likes you guys have been here all along.

“Oh shoot.” Colleen says from the fridge, and everyone’s attention turns to her.

“What’s wrong?” Grace asks, and Colleen groans.

“I forgot to pick up more butter.”

“I can go.” You say, standing up and grabbing your phone off the island counter.

“Just give me ten minutes baby, I’ll come with you.” Will says, stirring something a bit faster than before.

“I can go to the store by myself.” You joke, but Will is still stirring fast.

“I’ll go with her.” Mack says standing up and heading over to his shoes.

“Keep cooking, we’ll be right back.” You say, kissing Will’s cheek and putting your shoes on.

Will watches as you grab your keys off the hook, and you wink at him as you and Mack leave the house, the cool November air of San Jose hitting you both as you get into the car, and make your way to the store.

—

“Now what is that!” You exclaim with a laugh, as you notice Macklin throwing another random item into the basket.

“Since when do you control me?” He asks in a teasing manner.

“Since you left your wallet at home.” You say with a dead pan stare.

“Yeah, okay that’s fair.” He says with his usual gummy smile. But you see his eyes catch on something behind you. And you turn to see the cooler packed full of Red Bull.

“Go on then!” You say, and Macklin smiles gratefully. “Meet me at the front!” You call as you both split up in two different directions.

“Have I ever told you that you’re the best?”

“Not nearly enough!” You say back, laughing as you make your way up to the front. You’re excited to get back to the house, the smell of whatever Colleen was cooking is calling your name.

But before you could make it to the registers, something strange catches your eye. A man is walking around, hood up and skiddish. Suddenly, you regret not sticking with Macklin.

And at that moment too many things happen all at once. Mack rounds the corner, about two aisles separating you guys from each other. Then the man starts yelling, and before you know it shots are fired into the air as people scream and hit the ground.

You and Mack both duck, and the man screams for everyone to get down. You look around, a woman with her child tucked tightly to her, an elderly couple shaking on the floor, random men and women all scattered around the checkouts. And then your eyes flash back to Macklin, “don’t move” Mack mouths to you. And you nod your head so slightly, like you are too afraid to move it half an inch.

Then, the silence was broken.

WILL SMITH, your phone announces into the store. His contact picture pops up, and your eyes go to it as it’s on the floor near you. But you’re too paralyzed to make a move to stop it, because the man has already heard it. His sights already set on you.

“Who the hell was that?” The man asks, approaching where you’re kneeling on the ground. You get a good look at him as he does. He’s frantic, his hand shaking as it holds the gun. His eyes look wired, and then, as they flick to Macklin, they light with recognition.

“Holy shit.” The man says, and you feel the blood drain from you. He recognizes Mack, recognizes the name that called your phone. “You’re that kid.” He says, waving the gun around in hopeless abandon, but his words seem.. angry.

“Hey, man, it’s okay. Nobody’s doing anything.” Mack says as he raises both hands slowly.

“You’re that fucking hockey kid! You know I bet against you, you made me lose a lot of fucking money!”

“Mack.” You whimper before you can stop yourself, and that makes the man’s gaze snap to you.

“Don’t look at her. Look at me.” Mack’s voice goes sharper.

“You want me to spare her?” The man asks, and Macklin says yes instantly. “Then give me your fucking wallet, kid.”

“I don’t have it with me.” Mack says, and you can see how hard he’s forcing himself to remain steady.

“Bullshit.” The man calls, his gun aimed directly at Macklin.

“I don’t.” Mack’s hands stay up, but his eyes keep flicking to you. “I left it behind, I swear.”

“What about you?” The man demands. “You’re with him, you’ve got money.” And you watch as the gun swings toward you and your entire body locks.

“Okay, okay.” You say, your voice shaking as you slowly reach for your pocket. Mack moves half an inch, so little that you almost miss it, but the man doesn’t.

“Don’t!” The man screams, and it causes Mack to freeze.

“Okay!” Mack says, voice trembling now. “Okay. Just… just don’t point that at her.”

Your fingers fumble, and you stare at the weapon still pointed at you. And for a moment, your life flashes before your eyes. You see Will on the ice, in the kitchen on a lazy morning, you see Mack next to you at the kitchen island while he sneaks chocolate chips away from his best friend. You see the blonde shine of Grace’s hair, and feel how she’s always loved you from the second you guys met.

And then, you see movement behind the man. And your eyes widen as two men go to tackle the robber down. It all moves so fast, fast enough to make the gun jerk, fast enough that pain registers before the deafening shot rings out through the grocery store.

Then Mack screams your name, and there’s so much pain in his voice that you focus on that. For a second, your not really sure how you got onto your back, or why Mack leans above you, why he’s screaming, why his hands are pressing against you.

“No, no, no, no!” He’s pleading, voice breaking. “Stay with me. Stay with me. Look at me. Hey, look at me.”

And you try, try to focus but his face swims above you. He looks pale, and younger than you’ve ever seen him.

“Mack?” You breathe out with a question, but the pain rips through you then. And you cry on the floor of the grocery store.

“I’m here.” His says as his hands press harder against your abdomen. “I’m right here. You’re okay, I’m not leaving you, you’re going to be okay.” His voice is cracking, tears dropping down from his eyes and landing around you.

“I want Will.” You croak out, and Macklin nods. Nods but doesn’t take his eyes away from you as you can hear the sirens approaching.

“I’m going to call him, I’m going to call him as soon as they get you stabilized okay? You’ll see him very soon, I promise.” Mack says, and despite his tears, despite the pain, despite the tunnel vision starting in your eyes, you believe Mack. Because Mack wouldn’t lie to you, so you nod in agreement.

“I love him.” You whisper to Mack, but you don’t hear his reply as your eyes start to shut.

“No, no, Y/N!” Mack says, one of his bloody hands coming up to cup your face. “You’ve got to stay awake, stay awake for Will, please.” He begs you, but your eyes shut completely, and as you go limp in his arms, Macklin screams.

—

Colleen wipes her hands on the towel as Will’s phone misses another call.

“Will.” She says to her son, who is just finishing up on his portion of the meal. “You missed another call.” She says, and he starts washing his hands, but then her phone rings.

She pulls it from her back pocket, the unknown number displayed across the screen. But for some reason she feels the need to answer it.

“Hello?” She asks, and the person on the other end of the line makes her heart stop.

“Is this Colleen Smith?”

“Yes this is.” She says, and the eyes of her husband, son and daughter fly to her.

“I’m calling from the San Jose Medical Hospital-“ The voice says, and Colleen gasps as the nurse relays the information to her.

Robbery. Gunshot. Surgery.

Her eyes fill with tears as Will and Grace are begging her for some information.

“We need to go now.” Colleen says quickly to her family, still remaining on the phone as the nurse continues to fill her in.

“Mom what’s going on?” Will asks her, and she bites back a cry as she responds.

“There was a robbery at the store. Honey… Y/N’s in surgery.”

Will’s lips part, and for half a second he just stares. Then his knees buckle, but his dad catches him under the arms before he fully drops.

“No.” Will gasps. “No. Mom, no.”

“Get your shoes on, let’s go.” She says, and the Smith family rushes towards the door.

“Macklin!” Will exclaims. “Macklin was with her.”

“Was there a boy with her? Macklin Celebrini?” Colleen asks, and when she tells him that Mack is unharmed, Will squeezes his eyes shut, a sound coming out of him that is half relief and half agony.

But he doesn’t dwell on much else as his family rushes towards the hospital. As Will rushes to you.

—

The ER is just as horrible as Will thinks. The smell crawls through his senses, the lights seem too bright, and as he runs towards the direction that the front desk attendant told him, he sees his best friend.

Macklin Celebrini sits in a chair in a small private waiting room, a shirt on his body that is definitely not his, but it’s his hands that cause Will to choke.

Mack’s hands are shaking so violently, and Will stares at the red staining them. It’s in his nail beds, in the cracks of his skin. Like he tried to scrub it, but it wouldn’t all come off.

And like Mack could sense that he was no longer alone, he looks up. And his face crumples the second he sees Will.

Will crosses the room in three strides, and for one second, Mack flinches like he expects Will to smack him. Instead, Will grabs his best friend and pulls him into his arms.

Will and Mack completely break and the feeling of the other.

“I’m sorry.” Macklin sobs into Will. “I’m so sorry, Will. I was right there. I was right there and I couldn’t-“

Will grips the back of his shirt so tightly his knuckles go white.

“It’s not your fault Macklin, it’s not your fault.” He sobs, so relieved that his best friend is okay, but so terrified at the same time. His family is still behind them both, the three crying silently and trying to give the pair a moment.

“It should have been me.” Mack says, his voice so crackling and wet.

“Don’t say that. Don’t you dare say that.” Will says, pulling him in tighter if that’s even possible.

“I should have protected her.”

“Look at me.” Will says, pulling back a bit to look in the red bloodshot eyes of Mack. “I need you, Macklin. I need you to tell me what happened, and I need you to not fall apart on me because if you fall apart, I’m gonna fall apart.” Will says, like they both aren’t already falling apart. “Do it for her.” Will whispers, and Mack nods quickly, wiping at his face with the heel of his hand, leaving a faint red smear against his cheek.

Will sees it, and his stomach turns. Blood. Your blood.

They all sit down as Mack tells them exactly what happened, exactly how he split up to grab Red Bull because he knows Will loves them.

It cracks his heart in two, and as he listens to Macklin, Will looks toward the double doors.

Surgery. You’re in surgery. Somewhere in this hospital you’re cold, alone, and in pain. And Will can’t breathe.

A nurse comes to update them after what feels like hours, when Will sees her he shoots up so fast he knocks the chair back. The loud scrape causing Macklin to jump.

“She’s still in surgery.” The nurse relays. “But she’s tough, she’s a real fighter.”

“Yeah.” Will says, new tears falling. “Yeah she is.”

He listens as the nurse gives them more information, but he can’t get himself to rip his eyes away from Mack’s hands. Colleen managed to grab some wipes from the nurses desk, and she’s been carefully working on cleaning your dried blood from them.

“I need air.” Will finally says, standing and walking towards the doors.

“Will-“ Grace says, but their father grabs her arm softly, probably whispering something about letting him go.

He makes it out the automatic doors, moving towards the side of the hospital that is not facing the parking lot. He closes his eyes for one moment before he hurls over, puking in the bushes.

His stomach rolls, his throat burning as he thinks he’s done only to realize he’s not. But when he’s sure now that his stomach is completely empty he spits a few times, too scared and too tired to be embarrassed by it.

He walks towards a bench, biting his lip to stop the tears from leaving his eyes as he tilts his head back. The San Jose sky is clear tonight, the stars shining brightly down on him. And he almost laughs at the irony of it. How many times have you laid in the backyard staring at the stars? How many times have you pointed to them, telling Will which constellation is which? And yet here they are, shining bright, but you aren’t here to see them.

Will initially wants to scream at them, almost begging for clouds instead. But then he pictures your face, how happy you are when you’re able to lay under them. So he cries, he looks up and sobs.

“Please.” He begs, and he doesn’t feel any ounce of embarrassment for begging the stars. “Please don’t take her from me.” He says, voice cracking. He keeps staring up, like maybe they’ll answer him, like they can promise him that you’ll be okay. “She’s everything to me, please.” He whispers, putting his head in his hands and sobbing.

He doesn’t notice someone coming towards him until they are almost next to him, and without looking he can tell it’s Macklin. He sits down on the bench, and Will turns into him, holding tightly onto the fabric of the shirt the hospital must have given him.

“I can’t lose her Macklin.” He sobs. “I can’t I can’t I can’t.”

“You’re not going to.” Mack says, voice shaking but firm at the same time. “She’s stubborn as hell. She’s gonna wake up and be pissed about them cutting your sweatshirt off of her.”

Will snorts, nodding his head. And he and Mack stay on that bench for a long time.

—

The doctor comes to the waiting room at 1:17am. Will knows that because he’s been staring at the clock, watching the minutes tick by for a few hours since him and Mack came back inside.

Everyone stands up, anxiously waiting as the doctor confirms what Will has been hoping to hear.

“She made it through the surgery.” The man says, and Colleen sobs, covering her mouth, Grace cries into their father, and Will and Mack both grip the arms of their chairs, processing the words.

“She lost a lot of blood, but she’s stable. You guys have a real fighter, you should all be proud.” He says with a smile, and Will runs his hands through his hair in relief.

“Can we see her?” He asks, not realizing when he moved towards the doctor a few steps.

“Yes, but we need calm and quiet in the room.”

“Of course.” Colleen says, and everyone swallows their fears and emotions as they walk into the room.

Will stops in the doorway as he sees you, wires and tubes hooked up to you in various places, but all he can look at is the rise and fall of your chest. Like seeing that is finally what he needed to tell himself that you’re alive.

He rushes to your side, the nurse kindly stepping out of his way. He sits down in the chair positioned right next to your bed, and he so gently, so carefully grabs your hand.

“I’m here, baby.” He whispers, eyes so glossy that his vision shakes. “I’m with you. And you’re okay, you made it.” He kisses your knuckles softly, your skin cool to the touch. “You’re so strong, you’re the strongest person I know.”

Someone behind Will whimpers, but he doesn’t care enough to turn around and see who. All he’s focused on is you, and for the next few hours, he doesn’t dare tear his gaze away from your body. He refuses water, a sweatshirt, food. Will Smith barely breathes until your fingers twitch in his, and he sees your eyes slowly open.

—

To say you have no clue what happened is an understatement. But as your eyes adjust to the dimmed hospital lights the memories come flooding back.

The grocery store. The man. The gun. Macklin. The urge to see Will one last time.

Voices sound to your right, but they sound muffled. Like you’re underwater. But there’s that familiar feeling, that feeling of home. And as you look to your right, you understand why.

Will sits there, eyes wide as his mouth moves. And then finally you can hear it.

“Hey, hey. Don’t move baby. You’re safe, I’m here.” He keeps uttering like a broken record.

A few nurses come in, and Mack has to pull Will back while they adjust the machines around you. But he stays locked in on your eyes, and they find his, glossy and wide, and you make an attempt to reach for him.

One of the nurses steps aside, softly reminding Will to be careful, but letting him reach for you back.

His hand takes yours, his other going to your face and resting on your cheek.

“Will?” You ask, and Will has never heard a more perfect voice in all of this life.

“I’m here. I’m right here with you.” He says, and you cry with him.

“I love you.” You say, because that’s the first thing you want him to know. The most important thing to get off of your chest.

Will laughs, sniffling as he plants the softest kiss to your lips.

“I love you more, beautiful girl.” He says.

And as Mack and his family stand behind him, as he lets you get reacquainted with your surroundings, Will Smith promises to thank the stars every night for the rest of his life for giving you back to him.