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smolbeandrabbles · 4 years

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How Deep Is Your Love - Danny Rayburn x Reader (Bloodline)

GIF CREDIT: X

@mandy23b @wltz-bby @happyskywhale #mendotagsquad.

Danny + 91 - “Tell me you need me.” Requested by Anon 💙

Author’s Note: Danny is the final posted as tradition states! Here we are, 16/16! It’s taken a significantly shorter period of time than last year and would have taken even shorter if I’d have just posted them one after the other. So, your request “He needs some reassurance after a day with his family.” might have been calling for some sweetness and angst... I accidentally gave you spice instead... Ooops... 😬😬😬

I hope it’s still enjoyable - and even more I hope this last one was worth the wait!

Disclaimer: Bloodline characters not mine / gif not mine (credit as appropriate) / lyrics not mine.

Premise: After another particularly hard day with his family, Danny is in need of a little R&R. However, his idea and yours might not be exactly the same...

Words: 3896

Warnings: Sexual Pre-Amble / Sexual Connotations / Dirty Dancing / Swearing

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I want you to breathe me Let me be your air Let me roam your body freely No inhibition, no fear Open up my eyes and Tell me who I am Let me in on all your secrets No inhibition, no sin How deep is your love? Is it like the ocean? What devotion? Are you? How deep is your love? Is it like nirvana? Hit me harder, again How deep is your love? Is it like the ocean? Pull me closer, again So tell me how deep is your love, can it go deeper?

---

Danny didn’t look particularly happy as he closed his room door on the day. That might also have been understatement of the year, aside from the fact that Danny never looked particularly cheerful when he was in the Keys – not really. Maybe he’d smile and feign joy, but you’d been together a long time – you knew him better than that. You were only meant to be down here for a couple of days, and it was the first time you’d driven down from Miami since he’d decided to settle back here and get his life back in order, but the second you saw him you knew you’d be staying far longer. If there was one thing you hated it was to see Danny unhappy – he had enough of that as it was, without someone making him upset. You already knew that being around his family was always hard for him, although usually he got to come back to Miami for respite. Now he was with them 24/7, and you weren’t sure that you could stand for it. And he was working late too; you also weren’t sure that was fair on him, but then Danny would only argue that he needed the money. For Nolan, Danny would do anything - he’d already proven that. You’d been sitting cross legged in the middle of his bed for a little while, watching the sun sink below the horizon line and waiting for him to return to you – tonight, dinner in hand. “How was work?” You didn’t dare ask how he was; that was fairly obvious. “Yeah.” He blew out a breath and joined you, “It’s a job.” You reached out and took his hand in yours, “Danny,” but your sentence faltered, because you could think of nothing good to say, and didn’t want to start an argument about his family right now. He nodded gently, completely getting it and slipped his hand from yours to touch your cheek, “Thank you.” “For what?” “Being here.” He gave a heavy shrug, “Hell, I don’t know what I’d do without you.” “Nor me you…” Your voice was quiet, and you kissed his wrist, and then his palm before you let him go. You ate dinner in relative silence, but he did spend a little bit of time here and there updating you on his day, before Danny asked you about yours. You hadn’t done a lot, having seen him off – with more kisses than you could handle – early this morning with the wish of a good day. How you’d pulled him close and held him there in front of them all. You’d already seen the way the Rayburn’s looked at you like you were too good for him, that was before he’d come here – back when Danny was doing well for himself. It was even more important to you now that they understand just how much you cared for him - about the fact that you were his and you weren’t about to leave. You’d then subsequently spent some time on the beach and gone shopping in town. You loved the Keys islands, the little towns with quaint shopping districts. It was by no means quiet, full of spring breakers – who appeared to be frequenting a ton of venues that had all day parties going on, possibly all week. You raised your eyebrow; it’d been way too long since you’d done something like that – but you did like occupying dancefloors – and at least a little part of you wished to get back on one. But really your day hadn’t been that interesting. “Your cooking is – as ever, incredible!” Finally there was a smile at the compliment. “Thank you. You’re far to kind.” “Are you kidding? This is so good!” “It’s good comfort food, yeah!” You finished your plate and leant across to kiss him – lips grazed to his gently, soft and sweet – Danny set his food to one side and pulled you to him. You knew then how much he needed this, “Danny…” “It’s okay, you don’t have to say anything…” But you felt like you did, you could only imagine what he’d been through today. “Baby tell me. Please tell me.” You whispered the words softly against his skin between kisses, and eventually Danny gave in and told you about his day. “--And yeah, well…You know my family…” You couldn’t help your frustrated sigh, and – considering you called it like you saw it – your exclamation of “Fuck your family!” You weren’t in a good mood, despite high spirits, just because of the situation – his depiction of what was going on here just made you more livid. And more importantly, you realised it wasn’t helping him – you leapt from the bed and tugged his hand. “What?” Danny tilted his head – wanting nothing more right now than to cuddle up in bed with you. “Come on.” “What?! Where?” “I want to get you out of this fucking house!” “Well, where are we gonna go darlin’!?” But Danny wasn’t so reluctant, and curiosity got the better of him to rise from where he was sitting and allow you to pull him from the room – you kept your hand in his and tugged him down the stairs and outside, all the way to his truck. You pressed your back against it, and he pinned you there; wonder still in his blue eyes as he traced them from your eyes to your lips and back. You bit your lip gently in invitation for him to taste you again, and Danny did so. “You’ll see, when we get there…” *** You figured you were smiling by the time you got to the end of the drive; Danny already with his arm and head out of the window, enjoying the cooling night air as the breeze swept in from the ocean. You liked driving his truck too – that was just a nice bonus right now. Neither of you were really dressed for where you were taking him, but you honestly weren’t sure you cared. It was what you were going to do there that was important. First you had to scope out a good one, and seen as you’d been observing them all day, you knew which you were going to pick – backing out onto the shore line with pretty strings of coloured lights and an outdoor dancefloor on decked levels. Strangely sophisticated for spring break dive bars – and you’d been to your fair share of them. Not that the clientele were wearing anything sophisticated; in fact, when you pulled into the parking lot it looked like most of them were coming off the beach – bikini tops and short shorts. You looked down at yourself; huh! maybe you’d scratch that, you were dressed perfectly. Perhaps you were a little more covered than a fair few. Turning back to Danny, he was surveying the scenery with curious interest, a bemused sort of smile on his face. “You’re about to tell me we’ve arrived aren’t ya?” “Mmhmmm.” You leant across to kiss his cheek, before hopping out of the car, “Come on babe! Let’s go!” “Oh geeez.” He slid from his seat, still starring at the hordes of already drunk twenty-somethings (and probably teens with their plethora of fake IDs) dragging their friends towards your location of choice. Danny slipped his hand into yours as you walked, “A bar? A dance bar? On spring break? With no cash?” You rolled your eyes at his tone; “Shut it! I’ve got money and it’s totally NOT about the drinking!” He raised an eyebrow and looked to you; “With a bunch of ‘breakers half our age-!?” “Excuse you-! Half your age maybe!!” That made him cackle; “Already, yeah, that’s probably true…” Although as you pulled him towards the entrance, he already spotted those more around your age – maybe not his age. But still older. Not that he hadn’t kicked around with kids the age of most of the attendees before today – Danny would just rather not tell you that. Once in, you pulled him straight to the dancefloor; but Danny didn’t go unwillingly, gripping your hand a little tighter as you pulled him through the crowd. He wasn’t about to lose you – especially not to those he could already see turning their heads to your presence. That never surprised him, it happened in Miami enough, it was dead certain to happen down here. You were just shy (but still on the right side!) of a good age gap apart – and been together long enough now that it really didn’t matter. That of course wouldn’t stop others from thinking they were in with a shot. You had but one goal tonight; finding a good space and turning back to him – pulling him closer. Love on him; even if that meant getting kicked out of here for dancing a little too dirty. Heck Danny always deserved it, tonight he just needed it a little more. The track didn’t matter as long as you had the rhythm to the beat correct, although this was hardly about dancing. Keeping him close was barely a challenge either; it wasn’t like Danny didn’t want you all over him. Holding his body this close to yours, with his arms around you, the way you used the beat of the music to grind yourself smoothly against him in ways that caused Danny’s blue eyes to illuminate and that beautiful little smirk to appear on his face. Your attention was all his, and you didn’t take your eyes off him – the look you were giving Danny under no illusion as to how badly you wanted him – as if you’d die if he wasn’t here with you right now. You let his eyes leave yours as often as he wanted, catching those sneaky little glances he was throwing around the floor and bar area; and how that smirk, and his confidence would grow. Your goal was to make everyone else on this dancefloor jealous – hell, to make everyone that had shown up here tonight jealous; of either of you, you didn’t care. And when Danny’s eyes eventually fell back on yours, you couldn’t help but mirror his smirk. Oh, he was loving this – and you already thought that alone was lifting his spirit. If the dancing wasn’t a little dirty to begin with it only became more so. The heat between you was obvious; but you’d both always been that way around each other – tonight Danny was completely irresistible, you didn’t even have to over-act that. But he knew it; and as much as it being your aim, you knew you needed to keep that ego in check to make sure he didn’t do something dumb. Danny was partial to the occasional bar fight and drug misuse. You weren’t about to let it happen. Especially after a hard day with his family, he’d just spiral. When that happened you always feared you wouldn’t get him back. Still, this wasn’t the night to dwell on such things. And you took your mind back to the point – eyes leaving his own, look just short of shy, with an obviously seductive lip bite as you traced his body. You wanted to tease him. You wanted him to tease you – you wanted to wind each other up to that point of no return; insanity, where all you could think about was each other and nothing else in the world mattered. In your opinion, in times like this, nothing else did. You let your hands wander – running them over his chest and back; up under his unbuttoned overshirt but not quite grazing his skin until you got to his arms. The continual press of your body into his became increasingly needy – invitations for Danny to touch you wherever and however he wanted. He accepted your invitation with haste, hands tangled in your hair despite the endless string of teasing almost-kisses that never happened, down your back to trace the curvature of your spine, his other hand ghosting under your shirt, across your stomach and ribs (which you couldn’t help but groan in anticipation at), until he was simultaneously cupping both your breast and your ass. Your eyes fluttered closed, as his fingers worked their way under your bikini and you sighed again. A gorgeous one at that, which had Danny chuckling. Usually you’d have slapped him for even daring to get this frisky with you – especially in public – but tonight not one complaint would pass your lips. In fact, tonight it just made you grind harder against him and continue those little sighs into his ear. “You like that, darlin?” “Yes…” Your voice was blissful, “Danny, yes…” “That’s my girl…” By now his voice was lust filled and husky, and enough to drive you wild. There was just something about when he talked to you like that… You moved your hands down to his hips, swaying your body to the control of his. He was intoxicating; you were under his spell. It was like Danny was a drug, the best hit you’d ever get but he just kept giving you more, and you wanted everyone on this beach to know it. With those gorgeously blissful little whiney sighs and moans in his ear, Danny was on his own kind of high. Every thought from earlier today long gone at hearing you at this point of near ecstasy. The contact was so close – you were nearly one, but you wanted more – it wasn’t enough to just feel him against you like this, in the middle of a dancefloor with an energy like this. Where every other couple out here were maybe several years younger than you, but still wanted the same thing. You were pretty sure everyone out here was looking to take someone home – or a hotel room – tonight. But they weren’t nearly as caught up in each other as you were; not just because you’d been together a while, but because they were all taken by you both too. Pushing one of your legs between Danny’s allowed you to further tangle your bodies. He had a little bit of height on you, his body was bent anyway – and although he was regarding you with curiosity Danny was still smirking. You moved yourself up his body; a trail of ghosted kisses – lips barely millimetres from his skin, with the occasional brush against it, if at all. You could taste sweat and sea salt, and you could breathe him in. All you wanted to do was breathe him. He might act like he’d complain at these, but you could hear those little sighs you were enticing through him – and the groans that tried to keep themselves in his chest. By the time you were back to his lips you were gently grinding up on his thigh. Danny Rayburn wasn’t about to stop you either – removing his hand from your shirt (eliciting another desperate whine) he ran it teasingly to join his other at your ass, grasping you to him – the friction between you heightened as he deliberately increased the pressure. You didn’t care – if it was going to be sex on the dancefloor, then Danny could damn well take you now; this was tame compared to what you could be doing to him. And your mind was racing. Your sighs were no longer gentle and your body vibrated against Danny’s as you continued to ride his thigh – hands shooting up to loop around his neck, tangling your fingers in his hair. Perhaps it made you look needy and desperate for him. You had, just like Danny, caught those gawking at you opened mouthed and those quite obviously jealous, and offered them nothing more than a smirk of your own. Hell yeah they should be jealous; of you for getting to hold a man like this in your arms. Despite the way you were portraying yourself however, it didn’t stop you from being the tease you usually were. Danny could run his hands all over you, wherever the hell he damn well wanted, but you weren’t letting his lips touch yours. Oh, you would let him try to kiss you, and every almost kiss you gave him resulted in an equal and opposite reaction. You weren’t allowed to place your lips to his. Danny chased you, and in the same way you’d ghosted his skin, he traced your shoulders and up to your jawline, hand in your hair to aid in exposing the column of your neck to him. Then the kisses were real, harsh, and his teeth grazed over your throat to pull a louder groan from you. This, more than any other night, was the perfect one to be in tune with each other’s bodies. The absence of his lips on yours was making you both whine though: that strange begging for more, and yet denying your partner everything. It wouldn’t be long until you let him take you over completely and all you’d be able to taste was him – your every sense would be dominated by Danny Rayburn. And you ached for that moment; as if he wasn’t already guiding your hips as you continued to grind up against him. It felt so good; because it just was? Because it was a little sinful? Because it was so public? You weren’t sure – perhaps even a little of all of that. The dig of his nails into your hips and the next movement caused friction that had you gasping a little too loud, followed by a moan and shudder that could only mean one thing. Danny immediately chuckled – he knew exactly what he was doing to you, he barely needed that vocalisation, but it was good affirmation. He kissed your neck again before tracing his lips to your ear. “That’s my good girl…” “Danny-” Your voice was breathy, arms locked a little tighter around his neck, very nearly clinging to him now, “Danny… baby…” “Baby girl…” He kissed your jawline again, and then finally held you to him as he kissed you. It was a fierce kiss and your hands couldn’t scrabble for enough of his shirt. You wanted it off; you wanted him to push your shorts down and take you right here, right now – you wanted the world to know that you were his. And Danny deserved nothing less than such a public display of affection. You could feel his smirk against your lips, the swell of your own against his hungry kisses. How erratic the push of your hips into his leg were – but how out of rhythm your body suddenly became, void of all thought but his lips on yours. About where else on your body you may want them… Releasing you from his string of hot kisses, Danny pulled you flush to him. Enjoying your warm shaky breaths against his ear as he held you close in his arms, kissing the shell of your own ear. “Tell me you need me.” It was a shiver inducing growl, and he followed it up with a nip to your ear lobe, before repeating it slower. Voice lust laced. “I need you…” You sighed, eyes fluttering closed, wrapping him tight in your embrace, feeling as much of his body against yours as was possible; “Danny, I need you.” You sounded so desperate for him; you were and you wanted to. He loved it, and you could feel that within him. Exactly what he craved to hear. Despite what Danny was saying, the way he was saying it, and the way you were telling him what he wanted, there was an underlying reason for both. His unspoken uncertainly and insecurity; that only his family could cause, and you would blame them for for the rest of your life. Danny needed to know that at least SOMEONE out there needed him. Even if it was just one person – but he was glad more than anything that that person was you. And Danny knew you meant it, no matter whether you were sighing it against his ear in breathless ecstasy, or you were taking his hands and saying it with a sunshine smile as clear as day, you meant every word and you always would. Because you really DID need him. You loved him. There was no way you could live without him. It wasn’t ‘tell me you need me to fuck you’ but ‘tell me you need me, because no one else does’.

*** Eventually even being lorded with so much attention, neither you nor Danny could take the sexual energy currently running through both of you. It was do something about it here – and maybe get charged with public indecency – or go somewhere else. It was dirty dancing sure; but you were both one small step away from touching each other in places you really shouldn’t be. Danny moved away first, curiosity in his eyes as he tipped his head; smile a little lopsided, maybe even a little innocent. Not that you should believe that for a second. You smiled back with an encouraging nod, before pressing your lips to his. He brought you a little closer again; lips leaving yours to favour your jawline and cheek, before kissing your ear – signature smirk back in place. Danny stepped back, taking your hands in his, and he pulled you from the dancefloor. You held his hand tight as Danny pulled you through the crowd – seemingly everyone swivelled with you to watch you leave, and for the first time you felt like you were getting away with him. You finally got to be the one to steal him away, even though he was leading you. He kept you close as you headed towards his truck, both knowing that it probably wouldn’t be going anywhere any time soon. You were tangled together before Danny had you pushed up against it again, and this time you let him take what he wanted; you couldn’t get enough of him. Every gentle needy sigh against his lips, those you let escape into the night air as he pushed your shorts from your hips and laid you back in his truck bed. Your fingers tangled in his hair as his trail of kisses ran lower on your body to match the wander of his hands – before he desperately came back to your lips again. Danny was certainly not going to waste the opportunity to kiss you now you weren’t going to tease him. But there was no haste, this wasn’t a quick fix no matter how long it might actually be allowed to last. You unbuttoned his slacks, winding your legs around his. ”Danny…” You whispered it; your breathing heavy – heart on overdrive. All that ran through you was unbridled joy and you pulled him closer, catching him safely back in your arms. His hands held you to him, as close as Danny could get until you were one once more. Neither of you need say a word; you could feel his heart beat in the exact same way as yours. All that mattered was him, all that had ever mattered to you was him. You smiled gently, and realised you were crying; tears of nothing but pure happiness. And you bit your lips together despite the cries of elation you wished to release. They could hold on, for just a moment longer. This was more important. ”I need you… I’ve always needed you.”

---

All 16 done! Thank you everyone for being a part of this years request month! Time for me to start thinking about what I might ask for next May... Holiday fics will also probably happen again this year in December! 😁

#Danny Rayburn #Ben Mendelsohn #Bloodline #Danny Rayburn x Reader #Danny Rayburn x You #I actually thought this was waaaay longer than it was!#I was surprised it didn't hit 4000 #But I really like it #TW flashing #flashing TW #Linzi Writes #Linzi Writes Requests #100 Sentence Challenge #Liliana #(Aw - c'mon you all knew it)#178

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smolbeandrabbles · 5 years

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Sway Pt.9 - Danny Rayburn x Reader (Bloodline)

Part 1 / Part 2 / Part 3 / Part 4 / Part 5 / Part 6 / Part 7 / Part 8 / Here / Part 10 Author’s Note: This was originally the ending. So really THIS is the ‘Finale’ and pt.10 is ‘Epilogue’... At this point I’m running out of anything to say about this series other than I can’t believe we’re here... That mugshot though... Ammirite?! 😏😏 Disclaimer: Slight plot point changes from the show. And uh, I guess the police might keep evidence for a good long period of time? But screw it - for Reader this stuff was important. Actually holding my hands up about my own story here. When ‘Sway’ was MUCH MUCH shorter, Readers relationship with Marco was going to be heavily explored, and I started that plot point in pt.2 - but never really drove it anywhere until THIS part. (again, some of this was written in January). Because it’s SO important I’m not changing it. And as we know reader has been to the Keys a bunch of times this is still plausible, only I haven’t really explored his nick-name for her or their friendship... It all kinda develops here! Premise: You receive a call that wreaks your life... In trying to piece it all together you receive a letter that makes little sense... And a tape that might just save everything... Words: 8213

Warnings: major character death / swearing / death/injury detail / Angst

In advance... I am so sorry...

Hello summer, goodbye to my heart Blue skies and blue eyes, a hell of a way to start Letting him go would be the hardest part Hello summer, goodbye to my heart Yeah, he packed his bags, filled his tank with gas Man, it went by so fast Too good to last, yeah, just like that It was goodbye summer, you tore me apart Blue eyes and blue skies fade into the dark Letting go is the hardest part... Letting him go will be the hardest part Goodbye summer, hello to my broken heart ---

You were chilling on your balcony with your mom and your two best friends. You had a glass in your hand of sparkling juice, acting fancy when they were all allowed wine and you obviously were not. It was a great day, just so beautiful.... you wished it wasn’t just them hanging with you. Your phone rang, landline not mobile, so even though he was in your head he hadn’t quite reached your phone yet. “Oh, Geeez! I better get that! Hang on!” “If it’s that freakin’ man tell him to get his ASS back to Miami You’re PREGNANT!!” “Amanda geez! Shut up!” You laughed, placing your glass on your table you crossed to the phone. “Hello?” “Hello. Is this F/N M/N Ervin?” You raised an eyebrow, who the heck would ever call you by your full name? If it wasn’t Danny and his sarcastic ass, which it wasn’t. “This is she?” “M’am... Does a Daniel Robert Rayburn live with you?” Well, that was relative, Danny had around 5 different addresses and he was currently living in the Keys. “I guess when he’s in Miami he does....” You trailed, and got suddenly worried “... Wait. Who is this? This seems kinda official...?” “This is Islamorada police department m’am.” “... What did he do?!” It was your first thought “Is he in trouble?!” Danny had been in trouble many a time for stupid things but he never ever gave your name or address. Especially in Miami. But you guessed he wasn’t in Miami anymore. Danny’s voice suddenly resounded in your head – The Key’s wasn’t done with him – what kind of trouble had he got himself into down there? You’d thought sending Nolan cash was weird – but it was Danny and it didn’t have you worried until now. “M’am...” his tone of voice scared you suddenly, “M’am... we regret to inform you...” “No... No... No,No,No,No,No....” you started before he’d even got the words out; “... Daniel Rayburn’s body was found...” “NO!!” It wasn’t anything like you’d ever thought... it was worse. So much worse. Your knees gave out and you slid down the kitchen wall; weak. He was trying to calm you down, he was trying to tell you something else... but... your world had stopped.

You were sobbing uncontrollably and had no idea what to do, let alone how to stop yourself. Your scream had not gone unnoticed by your friends and your mom, who all ran in. They all looked confused, concerned, they were all talking to you, but, you couldn’t hear them either. Your ears were ringing, echoing... and you had a horrible feeling that all the echoes were Danny... that just made you cry even more...

Your mom took the phone; “Hello?... No... This is her mother...” and then quietly whilst your friends wound their arms around you, in the knowledge that whatever it was you needed comforting; “...oh. Oh my god. What happened?” You realised that you had cradled your stomach, the bump was small but it was showing... This baby... and Nolan... that was all you had left. Just like that Danny was gone; your lover, your EVERYTHING was gone. The life you’d been trying to plan out the future you had dreamed about, GONE. In 10 seconds.

And John Rayburn didn’t even have the guts to call you from his own police department.

***

2 Weeks Later…

“Y/N...?” Your moms voice barely registered... “Y/N... honey...” you twisted towards her... propping yourself up on your elbow. You were wearing sleep shorts and one of Danny’s shirts. But not just one of Danny’s shirts – because, hell, that’s all you’d been wearing these days - But one of his chefs’ whites. D.Rayburn embroidered not just across the pocket... but across your heart.

You mom sat at the end of your bed. You were a mess and you knew it. You had barely slept, barely eaten, you left the bed if you so happened to be hungry, if you needed coffee or fresh air... and every so often you changed your shirt. You wanted to be surrounded by him. Because if he couldn’t hold you then at least his shirts damn well could. “Hmmm?” “Darling... don’t you think you should...” she stopped, even your parents were finding this difficult. They both loved Danny. They loved you together. But even they could not fathom how utterly devastated you were. You hadn’t done anything in days. You couldn’t listen to music, you couldn’t read, or write, or work or... you just lay here. And every thought of Danny made you cry, only now you couldn’t cry anymore. You were done. You were completely numb; empty and broken. You rolled onto your back; “Mama... I don’t... I don’t want to do anything....” “I know...” she took your hand “Baby I know... but... it’s not just you...” she placed a hand on your stomach “I know he’s gone... baby... I know... but if you want any part of him to remain yours, you need to take care of this baby...” “Devan...” tears ran down your face again “...Danny named... our baby... Devan...” you sobbed between words. And this time your mom cried too; “Devan??” She almost laughed “that’s so Danny...” then she began cried again “Please... baby please... no more tears... I don’t want to see you crying any more darling, please...” You rubbed your eyes “I can’t stop... momma... I will never see him again... He’s gone...”

Ever since Islamorada had called you, you’d been here. Your friends, and his, had sent you a bunch of messages that you couldn’t bring yourself to face – even though you thought you should be surrounding yourself with support right now, you didn’t want any of it. You wanted to be alone. You’d made the effort once, in 2 weeks and you’d seen Nolan. But with the both of you just in tears it wasn’t exactly the best of social interactions. You couldn’t face that apartment alone; you couldn’t be in that bed without Danny knowing he wasn’t coming back. Everywhere you looked you knew you would see just another memory of him. You didn’t want any of that, as much as you DID want it. You would drown in your sorrow and memory there; or you would drown in something else. And you knew enough to know that it was a road you couldn’t go down. Not with Devan. Your unborn baby was counting on you to get through this – but right now, you weren’t sure if you could.

The next time you ventured out of your room for coffee your father was at least glad to see you were wearing a different variation on your Danny shirt fascination. You poured yourself half a coffee, then stopped, tipping it out and pouring yourself a large glass of water instead. You opened the cupboard and started gathering together anything that made you think of healthy; of real actually good food. Because Danny had always got exasperated at you eating anything else – ever since that first trip shopping he’d basically been in charge of your kitchen supplies. And he’d end up on long rants about what was good for what – meaning you better believe the second you’d told him you were pregnant he was calling you every time he thought of something else you should or shouldn’t be eating… You pulled out of your back pocket a prenatal pill packet and swept your hair back into a ponytail. “...You doing okay?” You turned to him; pouring out cereal, switching milk for yoghurt, you threw on a bunch of seeds and berries and sat on the kitchen counter. “No... but...Mom’s right about my baby...” Your dad crossed to you; “That man would have given you the stars...” “He did...” you said through a mouthful of cereal “...He always did...” You father took a breath; “... Y/N...I would have let him give you the world. So now... I want to give you a piece of his.” You took another spoonful and swallowed thoughtfully; “You what?” He smiled, placing some papers on the counter “... I would have done this so much sooner, if he’d let me. And I would do anything to get you to smile again Estrellita... And he... He would want me to...” You raised another spoonful to your mouth and swallowed before bringing the papers closer. Then you froze; “You- Oh my god! You-!” Printed at the top of the page was an address you knew all too well. Viva Caputa. “It’s in your name. Not mine.” You held the piece of paper close to your chest, looking up at him with the spark in your eyes he wanted to see so badly; “... How?!” “As you can imagine. It was an expensive piece of real estate. He owed a lot of money. The loan was huge... That restaurant has one hell of tag attached. But you think that mattered to me? All I’m asking is you go out there, and you put Danny Rayburn back on the map.” You looked back at the paper “It’s all mine?” “Yours.” You pressed your hands together in front of your lips “...I need to go back...” He tilted his head; “Yeah?” “Before I do this...” You nodded to yourself decisively. “Danny said the Keys wasn’t done with him... I don’t think it’s done with me either...”

***

You wandered into the police station stoic, calm almost. But you weren’t sure if that was just because you were numb to it all. Or whilst you were here you had to be numb to it all. You approached the front desk; “Miss Y/N Ervin. I was told I could pick up the articles of Mr. Daniel Rayburn.” “Yes, M’am... what relation are you?” “I’m not. I’m his girlfriend.” You noticed the person hesitate as you didn’t use ‘was’. “... He lives with me... I’m the one that was called when you found him. So, if it really matters that I’m not related to him you better find me someone to talk to...” You had it up to here with anyone so much as mentioning Danny in passing, so if they told you you couldn’t collect his things you were likely to end up arrested yourself. “Hermannaaaa!” You turned to Marco’s almost joyous tone; “Mi hermanita! What can I do for you?” “I just... needed to collect his things... Marco, then I’ll go...” “Ay! Say no more!” He turned to the desk “Get all the paper work for Danny Rayburn ready I’ll deal with her.” “But, Sir, she’s not-” “Do I make myself clear?” His voice turned authoritative and the man behind the desk replied weakly as Marco steered you out of the reception area; “You’re really showing you know!? Kids are going to look good on you!” He beamed, for once you were actually glad of a little positivity. “Do we know if it will be Daniel or Daniella yet?” He weaved you down a corridor into the evidence room. “Devan. Actually. And no, I don’t want to know.” “Devan? Danny’s choice?” “It’s what he gave me... I can hardly change it now.” “No, I would think... Coffee? Can you have coffee? Water?” “Actually coffee would be great...” “Atta girl...!” He sat you down and approached a different counter; “Can you collect all the cleared evidence relating to the Wayne Lowry case that belonged to Danny Rayburn please?” “Of course... Is there anything that didn’t clear?” “... Well I’d hope not... Check into it...” Marco turned back to you “I’ll be right back Hermana!” And off he went again; leaving you alone with your thoughts before he came back with two cups of coffee. “It’s super-hot and not that great but it’s still coffee...” He sat with you to wait for evidence, “As far as I know all his stuff is clear. No-one’s come to claim it as yet... I wasn’t sure if you’d even want to come. But, I guess material is better than nothing.” “Is his truck here?” “The Chevy? Likely in impound; I’ll take you ‘round. Did you drive down?” “Nah. With the full intention of driving back.” “Oh. Then, by all means we’ll get the truck. Uh... now, you can’t have weapons... and you can’t have illegals, obviously...” You put your head in your hands; “God I knew it couldn’t be good.” “We’ll deal with them, Y/N... I promise.” “I appreciate it Marco. I do... I just...” You were at a loss for words again, so just sat in silence and sipped your coffee. You were glad of something hot running through your system at least. Finally the lady behind the desk came back with a box. “Marco, here’s his cleared evidence.... There are a couple of uncleared pieces, if you want the paperwork...?” “Yeah, lemmie take a look.” You had the feeling Marco would likely just hand it all over. There was always something about him that you really liked, Meg didn’t know what she was missing. He motioned you to follow him into another room and pulled the chair out for you; “Let’s get this done, sweetie, then you can get on your way home. I wouldn’t want to stay here longer than I had to either...” He took the lid off the box and surveyed the contents for a minute “... Huh! His bag must be in a locker.” He fished out some keys secured with yellow tape “It’s cleared, though. Let’s see... those look like car keys... wallet... photographs... oh- I see.... phone?” He produced the flip phone that looked like it had seen better days. You’d always cracked up at it. Who was using a flip phone in 2015?! “.... I mean there’s cigarettes and a lighter in here! You’re not a smoker right?” “The red lighter?” “Significant?” “I’m not sure that even matters to me anymore, it’s him...” Marco nodded, and you knew he knew he didn’t quite understand. “... Y/N... I’m sorry to bring it up, but... Do you know what happened?” “...I’d rather not think about...” “But they told you the story right? About Lowry? And how they found him but how he actually-“ You nodded vigorously to get him to stop; “God, geez... I’m sorry... that was over the line I... I’ve just upset you I know...” You took a deep breath to stop any more tears from forming “Why do you say... story, like that?” “I’m asking if you believe it. You knew him, Y/N. Even John said nothing he said surprised you. Maybe you knew Danny better than anyone. I’m wondering if you’re buying what they are selling.” “You think it wasn’t Lowry?” You tilted your head confused “I mean, the end result is the same. Story or no.” “When you last talked to him... He didn’t... say anything, or..?” “You know he came back? He got all the way back to Miami before he turned back around and two days later, he was gone. That’s what I know.” You didn’t really mean to snap at him, but it hurt to remember that you’d held Danny in your arms back in Miami and thought he was finally home. Marco walked you around the back of the station to the car compound. The old black Chevy sat alone; worn but still good. You couldn’t help but smile – exactly like the man who drove it. “I’ll go open this locker...” He handed you the box “This is yours now, Y/N. I know you’ll take good care of it...” He jogged back, clearly intent on not holding up your drive back to Miami. You turned back to the truck, fishing the key out of the box you unlocked the passenger door. Placing the box gently onto the passenger seat you studied it for a moment and thought about maybe belting it in. “Here! I’ve even signed out your restricted stuff..!” He handed you a plastic wallet of paper; “They look like pay checks, and a bunch of stuff they found in the glove box... some USB... I guess they found something on there but, tough. Oh, and, that phone won’t mean a thing without this...” The smaller bag between his fingers contained none other than a SIM card. “I figured, his voice mail would be somewhere you’d want to go... From time to time...” “Marco, I... don’t know what to say...” “I don’t want you to say anything Hermanita... I already know you’re thankful... You just need to say you’ve collected everything at the front desk and I can set you free... I’m assuming you don’t want to see John?” “No. I don’t want to see any of that family... it’s just... No...” Why would you? You didn’t think they deserved him – and yet for the last few days of his life they got to have him, and you didn’t. “What did he say to you when he got back to Miami?” “He didn’t. He wouldn’t... and now you’ve said... That’s what worries me.” “Shoot, I’m sorry.” “Whatever... I just don’t think seeing any of them is a good idea...” “This seems like a dumb question... I’m not even sure it’d make you feel better... but, do you want to see-” you knew where Marco’s line of questioning was going and you cut him off, with a sad smile; “I know how I want to remember him Marco. I can’t see him. Not like that.” He placed a clipboard in your hands; “This is it. From front desk… Just let me check there’s no more…” He rubbed your shoulder “I am, truly sorry Y/N… You were good together. If there was anyone Danny was trying his best for… gonna change for… it was you.” * You were leaning against the car signing off the final paperwork when Marco came back outside, final check complete. You wanted to get out of here, but a lot was weighing on your mind. “Can I see it.” “What?” “The case file. I want to see what you’re doing. Is there anything I could be helping with? Do my answers to your questions… help?” It wasn’t a police interview he was conducting, but everything you said about Danny, it could help them uncover what had really happened. And to you, there was nothing more important. His eyes shifted, and he looked a little uncomfortable before he lowered his voice “Guess I can show you the room. But I didn’t show you or tell you anything. We have to be quick and quiet.” You nodded, you were down with that.

Marco pushed you gently ahead of him into the room when he’d checked it was all clear. Your eyes wandered the board; falling immediately on the mugshot photograph. “Sorry—?!” You blinked twice “is that really a mugshot?!” “Direct from Miami.” “I don’t know whether to laugh or ask for a copy...” You ran your fingers over the glossy photograph, it made you hurt but…You had to admit to yourself it was gorgeous… You still weren’t sure if it’d hit you that he was really gone yet… But you knew you missed him. God, did you miss him. “You’re calling him Daniel?” “Mmm. Official stuff.” You took a breath “And you’re sure he drowned.” “Positive...” You sat back on one of the desks, pressing your fingers to your lips “I can’t take it Marco...” He walked over slowly, to sit next to you and give you time “... it’s so...” you couldn’t even find the word in your vocabulary “... The idea he was murdered was bad enough.” You were surprised at the strength in your sentence and opted to continue “... But at least... If he was shot, or if they’d done something quick... heck, explosions can be quick right?” That was the cover, after all. “...It would have been over... you know, he would have died and that was it... but...” you shook your head “In the final moments of his life... and what I have to live with knowing... is that in the final moments of his life, Danny suffered. He had to fight for breaths he couldn’t take... As if he hadn’t suffered and fought his ENTIRE life. That isn’t how it was meant to end for him. It shouldn’t have to end that way for anyone. What did he think about?? Was he scared...? Did he think about me? His kids? Did he beg for it not to end like that?! Didn’t Danny go through enough?!”

Marco knew there was nothing for him to say. Nothing he could say would have the effect you wanted to. Every question was rhetorical. The only person that could answer them, as you had just thoroughly explained, was gone. You looked to him, face and eyes serious. Although you looked numb, hollow. “I’ll do it.” “What?” “Help your investigation. Answer questions. Do anything...” you swallowed the lump in your throat “The monster that murdered the best thing I’ve ever had in my life needs to be caught. Needs justice. Marco, if I don’t help you, I will regret it for the rest of my life...”

He sat the tape recorder in front of you; “... I’m not pressing play. Yet. I want you to know I can stop this any time you want me too... you don’t have to answer anything you don’t want to. There is no pressure and anytime you want to walk away, just say so...” You nodded “I’m ready, Marco...” He clicked it into place; “Okay... Marco Diaz interviewing Y/N Ervin with regards to the Case of Mr.Daniel Rayburn...” his eyes flicked to yours; “Ms.Ervin, when was the last time you saw Danny?” You knotted your fingers together, and took a deep breath “... Two days before his death. He caught the first bus back from Miami to the Keys... that’s around 5am...” “So, Danny did in fact go back to Miami?” “He was in Miami barely four hours... I must have picked him up around 1:30...” “And he came back to the Keys?” “He said he had unfinished business...” “Did he tell you what that was?” “No.” And you weren’t all that sure you’d have wanted to ask, either. “Did he tell you what he was doing down here in the Keys?” “Apart from working for his parents? No.” He nodded, Marco had a decision to make but he wasn’t about to drag you down that road; “Can you confirm how long you were in a relationship with Mr.Rayburn for...” “Oh... Wow.. uh, nearly... 4 years I guess.” 3 and a half…? Did it matter? It was too short. FAR too short. “Continuously?” You wondered where this was heading “...Yeah.” “Could you explain why he would text Chelsea O’Bannon that he was heading back up to Miami and not you?” Your face possibly said it all, was Marco insinuating Danny was having an affair...? Or... was that a genuine question? Marco leant over the tape “For the record Ms.Ervin looks visibly confused.” “Oh-! I’m sorry!” You shook your head, police investigation. Right. “No. But... are you sure?” “Yes?” “To clarify. Danny didn’t text. Not even me. Why text when he could talk? And boy could Danny talk... He even sent me emails rather than texting I’ve never seen him text anyone.” Marco stared at you hard for a minute “So, you’re saying it’s out of character?” “Very. If Danny was coming back to Miami, he would have told me no exceptions. Even if it was through text. He knows I wanted him back more than anything. No way he wouldn’t tell me. Not even to surprise me.” Then you tipped your head “Moreover if he wasn’t going to tell me I don’t see why he’d tell anyone else.” “He was borrowing her car.” “He’d call. Danny never text.” You were adamant. “Okay... so when is the last time you heard from Danny?” You thought “He called me... between 9-10am? When he got back to the Keys.” He reached for his pen but you shook your head indicating he shouldn’t write that down. “Then he used to call me around the time he’d done his work and I’d finished mine. So, he would have called me the night he got back between 7-8pm...” “And that’s the last you heard?” “Yeah...” “Because the only other point we have between Danny disappearing off the face of the planet and his body being found is that text. Concrete. John said he called and said he was attending the Pier dedication, and he was dressed for it, but he didn’t turn up... You’re essentially telling me he didn’t send the text. Did he call you every night?” You shook your head “... No... sometimes he was super busy or I was, nightly wasn’t normal and it didn’t bother me... it couldn’t have, or he would have called... surely his body...?” “Time Of Death is a lot harder to determine when you burn it...” You looked to the table “You’re telling me any time between him calling me and him being found he could have...?” You lowered your head onto the cool wood “I shoulda called him...” Marco paused the tape “This isn’t your fault... Y/N...” “Oh my god... That’s nearly 2 days!!!” “Y/N sweetheart... we don’t have to do this...” He opened his file to realign his papers causing you to raise your head; you caught a glimpse of a photograph and reached for it. He was quicker, slamming his hand over the top; “No.” “Marco!” “I am not letting you do that to yourself, Y/N, no way in hell! I would never forgive myself!!” “He-” “If you don’t want to see him, you do not want to see those. Trust me, it’s worse.” He took the folder off the table from under your hand and sat on it. “... look I don’t know what’s going on. But do you see what I mean, this story is suspicious at best... Lowry and his crew are dangerous Y/N... I’d rather not get you involved...” He pressed play again “This is Officer Marco Diaz terminating the interview.” Then stop. “... if I need anything else I’ll call. But by the look on your face, and for the sake of your baby I’m not putting you through anymore...” You placed your hand over his “When you know... you’ll tell me?” “Absolutely... you’re gonna be the first person I call. I promise you. Not his family. YOU.”

He walked you back to the Chevy and accepted your hug graciously; “Go on. Get off to Miami. Get home.” “Thank you...For everything…” He shook his head “It’s my job. And for you, it’s nothing. I should be thanking you, Y/N, you might just have given me a break…” You didn’t know if you were smiling in thanks, or in some strange sadistic wish for revenge; “I hope so. Finish it Marco. I know you can.” *** You pulled the Chevy smoothly into the lot next to yours. Finally. His stuff was back home, where it belonged. You stopped by your box to collect your mail on the way up and balanced it on top of Danny’s things. Unlocking your front door you placed the box on your kitchen counter. You touched it gently with your fingertips... Nope. You couldn’t do it. Not yet. You picked your mail up off the top and began to flick through it, bills and the like... Then you stopped suddenly and almost dropped everything; The written envelope was small, inflexible. But it was Danny’s writing. You put the rest of them down and turned it over. It was plain, simply addressed to you. The post mark said it was from the Keys. Posted no sooner than the day before he died. You hesitated for a moment; why was Danny writing to you? He’d seen you not even a couple of days before that. Possibly hours before this letter was posted. What? You couldn’t put it down, though. Looking to your window for a minute you looked back down at the rest of the mail. And noticed something else; Attn: Mr.N Rayburn, C/o: Miss. Y/N Ervin. It was heavy looking, and held a legal watermark in the top corner. “Danny what have you done...” You flipped over the card and delicately prized then envelope open. The card inside was accompanied by a few pieces of folded up paper. Upon opening they looked carefully written. Not rushed. On Rayburn House headed note paper and clipped together with another note; “This is what I went for...” You remembered him writing, about 4 sheets, double spaced, but he’d never read it to you. It had taken him a lot of time and rewrites and you were sure even then he wasn’t completely happy with it because it had to be perfect. He’d clearly copied it out for you... but why? You opened the note card, looking suspiciously like something you’d get from a gas station. His writing was tiny, he’d crammed as much as he could onto all three sides of blank 3x5. And he’d been in a hurry, every so often words blurred slightly where his left hand had smudged the ink as he wrote. ‘Dearest Y/N, I’m sorry. I’m sorry that you are going to have to read this. And I’m sorry I couldn’t tell you. Not to your face, not this. Because I had to go back. And if I’d have said any of this to you, you never would have let me out of your apartment. I think I’m in a lot of trouble here, and I don’t know what the state of things will be when you read this. I hope better. I fear maybe not. I can’t drag you into this so if you’re thinking of reaching for those car keys don’t you dare. I can’t screw this up for you, for Nolan, for our child. If I get back to Miami I swear to you I will never come back here, but please understand right now I have to be. I left to give that speech and I never did. I should have. You know the majority; I would never keep that from you. But you need to know it all to know why I went back, because they need to know it too... Hopefully this arrives before my legal documents, so I can quickly explain why I filed them. Maybe that’s why I came back? I’m just glad I got to see you again. Contained in that legal file, for you at least until Nolan is old enough, is my Will. Yes. I know. It is that bad. And I’ll write this a lot I know, but I’m sorry...’ You looked to the other envelope - a Will?! Danny had written a Will?! What the HELL was going on in the Keys?! You remembered the official story that you had to hear through your mom, (thankfully she spared both your best friends and your father from “the truth”) oddly enough she didn’t exactly sound convinced that Danny (the Danny she knew at least) would be capable of any of that. Come to think of it even Marco had imposed the idea on you that it was a spun story... too convenient... it all fit too well... You turned back to the card and read on; ‘What you may hear, I want you to know is true. I got in with the wrong people and drugs have been involved. But, and this may sound crazy, If what you hear comes from John. Please. Please. I beg you not to believe it. I’m going to tell you the truth right now; if ANYTHING is out of place with what I write I want you to know, this isn’t what killed me.’ You stopped, did he know? Did he know when he went back to the keys he was going to die?!? ‘I would urge you not to believe anything my family tells you. But you’re a smart girl, and I think you already knew that. When I get back to Miami I will tell you everything, I promise. Every question you ask I will answer. But I can’t even tell you this over the phone… I just had to write it. I hope you understand. Please don’t ask me when you next call. Please, wait for me to be home. I love you, and the last thing I want is to hurt you and my kids. Danny x’ You were confused. So did he think he was going to die or not!? And why didn’t he just TELL you!? Because now he was dead and this note card only told you half a story. It seemed to at least half corroborate the one you’d been told by the police department though – drugs and those in the running of such things who had caught up to him after something had gone wrong? Yet, something told you Danny was trying to tell you if anything happened to him. That wouldn’t be it. You opened the second envelope and unfolded it. The thick sheets of paper didn’t hold a lot of information. Danny’s life was heartbreakingly short to give out. But you smiled, Nolan was the name on the envelope – he was the oldest, it would all go to him first. And he’d be old enough for it not to be care of you for very much longer either. But this was a solid place, a solid address. You carried Ervin as your last name; which meant if there were any problems… Well, no it meant there wouldn’t be any problems. But underneath Nolan’s name was written and any subsequent children. You touched a hand to your stomach. Danny’s Will was for his kids. Absolutely it was, everything he’d worked for was always for Nolan… He would have given anything to yours too. You put the letter down and walked to your calendar making a note to ring the lawyers and Nolan. Maybe it was time to take control of your life and everything that had happened over this past month. There was no better reason than Danny’s children… ***

3 Weeks Later...

It was odd for you how numb you seemed to get about the whole situation. How you expected yourself to be sad, still, but really felt nothing…? Or nothing you expected yourself to be feeling. Half of that might have been that you had something to work on now. And it was hard work, walking back into that restaurant was tough enough. But now you were helping your dad clear the building and redraw from scratch. With numerous sources and photographs - including Danny's own refurbishment plans. Because you didn't want one single part to look any different when anyone walked in. That meant you had drafted in people who knew Danny and knew the restaurant best to help, and the best days were when Jason and Javi dropped in…

You got up, you headed out, you worked hard, you got tired, you came home. That was your schedule... With the every-so-often check up on 'Devan'... Which you hated. Because all you had left was Danny's children. Nolan was a law unto himself, but if anything happened to your baby now...

You shook that thought away. Maybe you were just bitter. If the Rayburns had held any kind of memorial service for him you certainly hadn't been invited. And you would have found it a little more than ironic if they did. Yeah right, as if they were going to miss him like anyone in Miami did. Nolan wanted answers that you couldn’t give him, so he took off down to the Keys. You were certain from reading Danny's letter alone that he would never get any. But you weren't going to stop him leaving - because yeah, you guessed, the Rayburns were his family too.

You hadn't touched the Keys to Danny's apartment just yet - but you knew there was no way it was going anywhere. Besides, that might finally give Nolan a place of his own. And everything of Danny's that had never quite made it to yours was still stored there... Driving Danny's truck around made things easier from time to time. But even that you'd parked for a bit because you wanted to focus on anything that was remotely positive and not drown yourself in your own sorrow again. You'd only just got out of that one. Marco kept base with you - which was sweet of him. Every so often he'd send you a case update, or call just to see how you and the baby were doing. You liked that, he wanted to tell you a bunch of things about Danny that he'd just "remembered" too. And the fact that you always laughed, rather than cried, over his stories at least made you feel like you were healing.

Today you had decided to take some time for yourself for a stroll down the promenade with the sun, the sea and your music. You were not about to waste a glorious day like this stuck inside. You were returning home with a smile on your face, and possibly minor sunburn, humming along to about the most summer-y songs you could think of when the porter for your building stopped you; "OH! Y/N!" You stopped and turned back "Hey! What's up!" "Package arrive for you..." "Oh! Awesome..!" He placed the large box on the table; "...It uh... Just that it’s from the Keys..." You raised an eyebrow, true, after Danny's letter and all the legal documentation that kept turning up (that you'd also expertly been dealing with) you'd asked him to keep an eye on everything that came from anywhere Danny related. But who from the Keys would want to send you anything? Marco - perhaps? Was he sending more evidence he'd cleared? "Oh... Well that's okay... I'll sign for it..." He nodded and handed the document over for you to clear the parcel. "Thanks!" "It’s okay! I told you I'd keep a look out!" You laughed, "That you did..." Walking to the lifts you studied the address label. Strange. It wasn't Marco’s writing. In fact it wasn't writing you recognised at all. And the return address was a generic Keys zip code... Who or what could this possibly be?

You erred on the side of caution whilst opening it and were presented with folded plain letter paper. You unfolded it carefully, the writing was the same as on the box - definitely not someone you knew by the tone of the letter.

‘Miss F/N Ervin, Danny wanted you to have these. There is one addressed specifically to you. Of that, I do not know the content. The other two should be self-explanatory. I have followed his instruction.’ What!? It wasn't even signed. You looked back into the box and removed the bubblewrap.

"...Danny... What are you doing now..." You lifted out the contents. All three of them were cassette tapes. You turned them over. Case #573459-83 was imprinted on all of them. You raised an eyebrow "Oh, I get the feeling these aren't playlists...." You set them down and checked the box again but you hadn't missed anything. Danny had sent you a bunch of tapes - or had got someone to send you a bunch of tapes - but he hadn't included anything himself? You turned the boxes over until you found the one with the tiny sticker in the corner that held your name in Danny's writing. How the hell were you supposed to listen to it though? It wasn't like you owned a cassette player? It wasn't like your mysterious benefactor had sent one either. Was he expecting you to buy one? You picked it up; if you had to have it transcribed or copied across onto something else then someone else could listen to it, and it was clearly meant for your ears only... You stared hard at it for 5 minutes like it would miraculously give you the answer. But thinking on Danny gave it to you. His truck. His truck had a cassette tape player in it!! You remembered that because you'd specifically laughed at him that night after his fathers funeral for getting at you for creating a playlist on your ipod when he hadn't created you one when he had a player in his truck, if he was so adamant they had to be on tape. And he'd asked when the hell you thought he'd had time.

You opened your kitchen draw and grabbed the keys. Time for you to take a drive... * In fact, you drove as far out of Miami as you could to a little spot you knew where you and this tape could be alone. Because you didn't know the content, you knew that driving with it on was dangerous. You held it in your hands for a long time working up the nerve to even put it in the player. You guessed he would be talking on it. And you'd last heard his voice over the phone what seemed like years ago. You weren’t exactly sure how hearing him would make you feel. On Marco’s offer you'd called his voice mail, but it wasn't a great long rambling thing like yours. 3 words didn't feel like enough. it wasn't enough. You felt like this could be too much. Eventually you placed it into the cassette player - why were your hands shaking, why were you getting so worked up over this!? You took a deep breath, and pressed play. There was static for a few seconds, and then you jumped; "Y/N." That was enough to send a shiver through you. You let out a noise that made you cover your mouth. SHUT UP! DON'T BE SUCH A CHILD! "God. I really hope you never hear this." Danny don't.... don't say this... "If you do... Darlin'... If you're listening right now I am so sorry. I'm so sorry that after so long it didn't work out." Danny don't you DARE. "Sweetheart, I wish I was there. You know I wish I was. You know I was an idiot for wanting to go back. And you let me, and then you let me come back again. I want you to know it was never your fault. So I don't want you to ever think that..." Bit late for that kind of apology... You sat back and crossing your arms you placed them against your forehead and took another deep breath; looking from the player to the sea in front of you. "...I screwed up. Badly. And if you're listening then REAL badly. I do know this. I have protected you, our baby, Nolan... the best that I possibly could have. So I don't want you to worry about that. OK? If there was one thing I did right it was that." He cleared his throat "Okay. Let me confess everything, right now. Everything I did wrong so you know why this is happening to YOU... You know I needed money right? Of course you did you offered help enough. But I was too damn stubborn to accept your help. So, I got in syphoning fuel here... Then... Then I decided I could do more and started running drugs for those guys." You rolled your eyes with a heavy sigh; that idiot. He'd probably started taking them too, you were sure that your apartment wouldn't ever have been a one-time thing. "Only, you know, I ran them through the Inn..." Your eyes widened at that; So, he'd tried to plot the perfect revenge? If Danny went down, the family went down too? "John told me the DEA were investigating... But... Whatever, right? Only - cuz they knew what I was doing - my siblings moved all the drugs. Well, now that just gets me in trouble with the people I'm working for, don't it?" He fell silent for a minute and shuffled around "So you may have noticed I'm recording this on a case tape." Wait, why was he switching gears!? "...Well, it’s the case tape for my case. Cuz I'm sick of it, Y/N. I'm sick of all the lies. So I'm erasing all the bullshit my mom put into the heads of my siblings so they could lie and protect my dad and tell everyone that instead of beating the shit out of me, heck, all my injuries happened in a car accident. My God I just..." You almost paused the tape for a minute. HANG ON. Sally!?! Sally did this!? SALLY did all this!?! What the hell - you'd just let Nolan go to these people!?!? What had you done!?! "...Whatever. The point is, my well thought out plan hasn't exactly worked out. SO John, bigger man as ever, stuck me on a bus back to Miami… John, what a fucking saint he is… Guess he wants me dead, you won’t believe what happened at little Motel… Geez, why worry you with that? You’re gonna be worried enough…” There he was again, putting ideas in your head about who… or what had actually killed him. And although he was trying to reassure you and his kids were safe; you weren’t sure it was the drugs gangs he was really warning you about. It made you instantly wonder what might have been on those last two tapes. Danny had a way of talking that made you think it was the undertones he was hinting at you should really be listening to…“...Only he decided to put the idea in my head that the people I'm working for might have people up in Miami too. Well, that puts you in danger don't it? SO there is no FREAKIN' way I could have stayed. I needed to come back down here and fix this. So that's what I'm doing. Or hope I've done. But, Gezz, Baby if you're listening to this... I'm sorry it didn't work out that way... But I swear to God, you, the kids, everyone from Miami is safe... Because I'm not there. Ironically. I hope I get to destroy this thing. I hope I get to see you again. I hope that I get to tell you all this to your face on your balcony back in Miami and we can laugh about it, and you can call me a fucking idiot. Because I am. And I never have to see the Keys again..." You didn't like his wishful thinking, or him calling himself an idiot. Even if he was. This was the tape that essentially was him telling you he wasn't coming back. You didn't want him to end with him thinking of himself as anything less than perfect. Danny didn't deserve his lasting memory to be him dragging himself down. He was a better person than that - he always deserved better than he thought of himself. Than really ANYONE thought of him. "Y/N - I love you. I love you so much." There was a significant pause in the tape, you'd heard his voice crack, so you knew at the time of recording Danny was desperately trying to hold it together and not cry until he finished this. He had to be strong and finish this for you. Which is why you couldn't cry until you had finished listening to him. But it was coming.... "... I have never loved anybody the way I love you. I'm sorry I never got down on one knee, I'm sorry I never got to marry you..." God, now he was just making himself sad, he couldn't hide the deep shaky breath he took "...I'm sorry I never got to see Devan grow up." DANNY NO. You couldn't help it. You let out an uncontrollable sob and the first tear rolled down your cheek; it wasn’t alone for long "I'm so sorry Y/N.... But God, Baby Girl, you are the best thing I ever had. And I am the damned luckiest guy on the planet to have got to know you, to hold you, to love you for this long... Please just always remember, I'm here. I'm always going to be here. And I love you. I love being the better person you created. The relationship you share with Nolan. Every single time you looked out for me, or defended me, or just... Were real. Called me out. Kept me grounded..." Then he let himself laugh, which made you laugh through your tears "Thank you for loving me." There was another few seconds of static before the tape clicked. And you were left with silence and your tears. You leant forward on the steering wheel and let everything you'd been trying to keep bottled up inside you - become almost numb to - flood itself out. Danny why? Why did he have to end it like that? Why did he have to leave you with something so devastatingly beautiful...? Why did you already know that there was never going to be any getting over Danny Rayburn? You gasped suddenly and placed your hands to your stomach. For one second you were shocked out of crying; and then only cried more as it happened again. These tears may well have been happy ones – at nearly 19 weeks your baby had just chosen the perfect moment to move for the very first time.

--- As usual I write Danny these really beautiful monologues that I can hear E-V-E-R-Y word of... and I just...

@stcphstrange - One? Do we really only have ONE more part!? Oh god I’m so sorry...! I’m so so so sorry!!! @happyskywhale

Gosh... Danny, baby, I’m so sorry... #DannyMoodBoard for Pt.9... I want to use soooo many gifs now I need to stop myself... One to go... I can do this *takes a deep breath*

#Danny Rayburn #Danny Rayburn x You #danny rayburn x reader #bloodline #Ben Mendelsohn #oh god... No... Not just one to go...#Danny HELP ME why is this happening!!!?#danny x reader #Sway #Linzi Writes #FINALE!!!#Basically!#Liliana #33

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smolbeandrabbles · 5 years

Text

Sway Pt.8 - Danny Rayburn x Reader (Bloodline)

Part 1 / Part 2 / Part 3 / Part 4 / Part 5 / Part 6 / Part 7 / Here / Part 9 / Part 10

Author’s Note: I wrote some of this way back in January. When this series was going to be 3 or 5 parts... Which is why it took so long to edit, because ‘Sway’ is not that story anymore... And after you read this there’s two left. And I... I just... I’m going to cry so hard when I write that final line, and post that final part...! Disclaimer: I stretched the timeline a little to have Danny down in the Keys a little while longer before Robert dies... None of the Bloodline characters are mine. But she is. And I love her so much. Stole all the dialogue from Danny/Nolan at the bus station from S.2 Ep.10 Also, quote above from S.1 Ep.4 Premise: In the aftermath of the restaurant Danny makes the decision to head back to the Keys.... You follow him down to attend Robert’s funeral, but not for the reasons you might think...

Words: 9133

Warnings: Swearing /

I just gotta see him with the sun shining on him in the water Chrome aviators on his eyes I wanna hear those waves come crashing in I wanna feel that sand and that wind I wanna go everywhere he's been, hold him again

---

She said I know, I know, it don't seem real, She closed her eyes, but the tears flowed through, She said don't hate me, for lovin' you

Oh I could not reassure her, I couldn't say what I had planned, Couldn't put three words together, So I just, took her hand

--- God, I'm down here on my knees, Cause it's the last place left to fall, Beggin' for another chance, If there's any chance at all, That you might still be listenin', Lovin' and forgivin' guys like me I've spent my whole life gettin' it all wrong, And I sure could use your help cause from now on...

Cause' it going to take a miracle, After all I've done to really make her see, That I wanna be a stay man, I wanna be a great man, I wanna be the kind of man that she sees in her dreams, God, I wanna be your man, And I wanna be her man God, I only hope she still believes, In the man I wanna be --- Miami, AM

You had tried everything to keep him here. Even getting angry; following him around your apartment as he packed his things. He was too good for his family, which is why you never understood why he wanted so badly to run back to the Keys. “What are you looking for? Their respect? Their admiration? Danny, their love? They will NEVER give you that. And I don’t know why you can’t see that you are too damn good for your family and they don’t deserve your tryin’!!” You regretted it almost immediately at the hurt look on his face. “They are my family...” He was as right as he was wrong. The only one who even remotely treated him like family was John. You liked John, but he was one man... Danny had a network of ‘family’ here. “...You HAVE a family.” You touched a hand to your forehead “I’m sorry I shouldn’t have said that... I just... I don’t want you to leave... to go back to them!” He placed his hands on your shoulders, firm but gentle; “Y/N. I can’t stay.”

You drove Danny over to his apartment that morning in order for him to pick up a few things. He offered to let you help him, but you couldn’t face that without crying again. Nothing you said worked; he was determined about going and even more determined about staying. Instead, you had picked up Nolan to also say goodbye, and you were now standing outside Bayfront Park metro and bus station waiting for him. You were quiet, because you weren’t sure exactly what to say. Nolan wasn’t too keen on seeing his father leave for the Keys either. It wouldn’t be too bad, perhaps, if you were heading to the party yourself. You couldn’t for two reasons; one was work, and that wasn’t just an excuse you were making, you were about to close a huge deal and Rich only trusted you with it. You couldn’t just walk away for a long weekend; and for the Rayburns?!

The second was if you left, if you went to the Keys... If Danny was really adamant about staying until his life got back on track, then you weren’t so sure even your parents would be able to drag you away from him and back to Miami. They would just have to represent you for a little while. At least you knew they would help see Danny settled.

He arrived, backpack slung over his shoulder, and crossed to you both. Slipping his hands into yours he kissed your cheek in greeting. You put on a brave face and in that moment, you never wanted to let his hands go. “So, this is it, you’re just running away?” You weren’t sure that was particularly helpful, and your look let Nolan know it. Danny clearly didn’t know how to react, searching around as if anyone in Miami had the answer he himself wanted “…Going back home?” To stop you from joining the 2v1 argument Danny at least found something to say; “The guys that I owe money too… They’re not gonna stop ‘til I pay them back.” He could tell by the way you held his hand tighter that you were dying to say it, all over again. “…Didn’t… uh… Didn’t you get insurance money?” “Nah…” This was only followed by another silence “The cops said it was arson. So, you don’t get paid for that.” Nolan got quiet and looked to the ground. Danny sighed, and for a second rummaged in his pocket; before holding out a key “The key to my apartment… When I get myself set up, and I get on my feet I’m gonna start sending you money, okay? Take it.” It was strange for Nolan to look reluctant to do even that, but you thought it was sweet. It still gave Nolan somewhere to go – not that your place would ever not be an option for him. Money for Nolan… That’s what this was really about… You knew that now, every decision Danny made, it was for Nolan. “Okay… Well…” He turned to the bus, “This is me… Rayburn Express…” with your hand still in his he turned back to you; “…You’ll be coming down right? Your parents will be at the party...?” You hated to bite your lip and shake your head but you had to, “Not this weekend... they will, I can’t... Of course, when everything is settled down. I’ll make a weekend or week of it...” He nodded, noticing the way you weren’t quite meeting his eyes, he was surprised your mascara wasn’t already running... “Good luck with the deal, you’ll get it. 100%!” Your smile was sad, and your lip quivered “Yeah.”

Danny was decisive, he didn’t want to drag out how much this was hurting you any longer. Pulling you into his arms he rubbed your back; “It’s gonna be okay... I’ll be back before you realise I’m gone...” at your choked breath he realised it was a bad choice of words “We’ve made it through worse... Darlin’ it’ll be okay...” he took your face in his hands and made you look back into his eyes. “I love you...” He kissed your forehead “Don’t ever forget that...” then your lips. However long that goodbye kiss was, it didn’t last nearly long enough. He let you go and turned to Nolan. “Listen…” The silence was back. He was struggling… you were struggling… Nolan was struggling. “What?” “…. Just… Just take good care of yourself, okay?” He reached out and took Nolan’s cigarette from him, as if to make a point, then looked back to you “And take care of her... she’s pretty tough. But she’ll need it...” “Yeah.” Nolan nodded, and Danny realised he was just as sad as you “I will...” Mercifully his bus was called... Danny’s hand left yours only when he could stretch his arm any further. He continued to walk backwards a few paces. And it was the first time you thought Danny might cry about this. “I love you. Both of you!” You felt that was harder for him to say than anything else ever hand been. And he turned to board the bus, gave one last look and wave back and then he was gone. And you couldn’t take it. You turned away, leaning on Nolan’s shoulder for support, your eyes stung with tears you had been desperately holding back. Nolan watched Danny walk up the bus to take his seat and placed his hand over yours. The bus revved into life, making you turn back. Danny took a deep breath and turned to wave to you both waving him off, with possibly the saddest smile you’d ever seen anyone give. He knew he’d be crying too before he hit Miami’s outskirts. As the bus rolled off you dropped your hand and really began crying. It felt like your heart was breaking all over again, and you weren’t sure if it was because of Danny or for him. Nolan pulled you close and enveloped you in his arms. And you realised that he was crying too.

“I’m gonna miss him... Y/N... I’m gonna miss him too...”

***

Islamorada, Rayburn House, AM

You weren’t sure how you felt about the context of the situation you were seeing Danny again in. Seeing him was going to be the best thing that had happened in months... but at his father’s funeral? With what you knew? Your parents weren’t sure you’d want to go, but you’d skipped out the first weekend on pretences of work. And that if he stayed… you would stay. This time it would be different... You hoped. Your black dress was appropriately modest for the situation, yet airy enough for the hot summer sunshine. Your parents hadn’t said you were coming, but were staying at Rayburn House. It would only be one night, but you knew how much it would hurt. Even driving down the driveway was enough to have tears sting at your eyes. At least you could pretend it was about the funeral, you supposed. The gathering was larger than you had anticipated, but allowed you to blend for a minute and take in being back here. You stuck close to your parents as they made the rounds, people you’d recognised from trips up here during the past 3 years… You’d already seen John spot you and try to inconspicuously point your presence out. From what you had heard from your parents (amidst howling with laughter) they had every reason to believe you and Danny had split. WRONG! You smirked into your glass, and then you spotted him. Not in black, no less. His off-white shirt and black jeans marked him out against everyone… That was just like him… Danny was talking with two people you didn’t really recognise, had he ever actually made an attempt to introduce you to anyone here? If he had you’d probably have thought about relocating to the Keys... But as he circulated you couldn’t help but steal glances at him, until finally he looked at you. He blinked hard and then you saw that smile, and he successfully stole your heart again. You smiled back, but remained with your parents... Outwardly Danny always oozed confidence, but you knew this wasn’t easy for him... At one point you found yourself sitting alone trying to take it in. Trying to process what you were here for… Tapping your foot lazily against the porch and liking to be lost in your own thoughts. You didn’t expect any of the Rayburns to come to you – that’s what your parents were here for… "Y/N!!" You were almost surprised to see the call come from John's daughter. "Janey! Hey!!" You embraced her tight as she sat with you "What's goin' on!!" "Oh, the usual...! I'm glad you're here!" "... Oh, really?" "Yeah, for Danny... Unless... Did you guys really...?" "Really what?" You wanted someone to confirm your suspicions "Did you really break up...?? I thought you were good together... I really liked you together." You couldn’t help but feel glad she said it, but you laughed "Nooo... We did not, in fact, break up. The party I heard about. Thought it was hilarious, typically Danny..." you giggled to yourself "Seems like everyone else wanted it to happen..." you looked across at her "You good at keeping secrets?" "Awww...! I can't tell anyone!?" but she grinned, happy to hear the news "Well. Okay, maybe your DAD can know. Is he any good at keeping secrets!?" She snorted "No. He's a detective." "Eh. True..." "Are you staying...?" Her tone was hopeful. You had to disappoint her by shaking your head, "I can't. Or I would sweetie... Obviously I would..." You nodded forwards, both of you watching Danny do more rounds with people. The two friends you had spotted him with before never far away. You were glad he had more than just his family here... Heck, whoever they were were probably more family than his family... "... Will he go back to Miami?" Now she sounded disappointed "I don't know... I guess it depends how long it takes him to decide he's back on his feet..." you sat back "I want him back in Miami. You don't sound like you do." "I think he's really cool." That statement almost surprised you "If he goes back you have to promise to visit more often!!" You sighed "Oh, no! That means coming down here to this awful view!!" She laughed at your obvious sarcasm, but you tapped her "You're an adult. You'll have to visit us in Miami too, okay? That's my condition to your condition!" She beamed at your offer "Okay. That sounds great to me!" “Do me another favour too…” You smiled across to her “Tell him he’s cool. Tell him often, he’ll like that!” She was called back to her parents, but took your hands in hers “I will! Don’t be a stranger!!! Stay longer!!” “Next time! I promise!” * The service was appropriate... You held your moms’ hand tight and respected John’s speech. You’d always respected John, in three years you hadn’t been back frequently, but he always made time to see you when you did; John respected you. Other members of his family were less than accepting and you just wanted to steer clear of that. You weren’t here for negativity, after all. After the ceremony was over your parents went back to their rounds, but you shook your head as you watched Danny walk off alone. It was more important you speak to him... They let you go, understanding, and you slowly wandered after him, this time with a glass of water... You waited patiently for someone else you didn’t recognise to finish their conversation with him before you cut into his thoughts; He looked up as he walked over, conversation with Danny finished, upon seeing you he looked back to Danny and then to you; “Oh my goodness! I’m sorry dear!” “No, no!” You laughed as the older man apologised for taking Danny’s time “You go on!” “Oh no!” He smiled “I’m sure he’d much rather talk to you!” You shook your head “Oh, I dunno...” you walked slowly towards Danny, watching his body language closely. Perhaps now wasn’t the time to tell him what you had really come here for. “Hey...” He was smiling before he turned to the sound of your voice “It’s been a while, baby girl!” You nearly rolled your eyes “I’d say sorry but... I don’t think I’d mean it...” “Naw, it’s okay... You staying?” He looked back to the waves lapping at the shoreline, taking a sip of beer. “Just tonight...” “Just tonight??” “I have to go back… One car...” you sighed gently “I miss you.” “I know. I miss you too. You should come visit properly...” You laughed, clearly asking him to come back and stay was still off the table, “You could come back to Miami and visit too, you know.” “Nah, I work here now... I can’t just leave...” “Can’t blame me for trying...” You walked forward until you were in the water, staring out at the vast ocean... “No but I mean it, come down! I’ll take you out... Hey, we could even go down to the other islands for a few days. It’d be good!” You turned back to him “Okay. Sure.” “Soon-ish! Don’t use ALL your holiday up on me...” He joined you “Or you can. I’m not gonna complain...” “Bet not!” You folded your arms “How are you doing?” “Fine...” You took comfort in the fact he met your eyes and it was genuine. “Yeah! I mean, it’s a job, a house and money... I guess that’s important...” “Is it a life?” “It’s... living?” He searches for the word “I mean, I’m living?” Danny wouldn’t count this as a life until he had what he had in Miami, but even you weren’t sure he could replicate that here. Without you didn’t really matter... Without Nolan, though...? That’s what the money was really about. And you’d checked with the bank. Zero activity. Danny sending cash made you uneasy, but if he banked any checks it would only get swallowed up by all the loans he owed. That damn restaurant... The only problem with pouring his heart and soul into the one thing he was really good at was that it went up in literal flames and then his life went up with it. You had tried nearly everything to keep that man in Miami. But he wouldn’t let you help him, and he refused to stay. You couldn’t help but laugh, “I guess I would rather you were alive...!” “Huh! That’s good to know! I’ll keep that in mind!” He reached for his shoulder instinctively and you had to look away. It made you think back; how you thought it was just a tick, because he did it all the time. When you learned the truth about what it really was... Well, what kind of person got angry at someone at their own funeral? You took a breath, wanting nothing more than to take his hand to stop him. It wasn’t easy for you to think of even now. He got quiet after that, both of you standing staring out at the ocean. The silence was comfortable, for once, but it wasn’t Danny... "You know..." he almost laughed "He tried to pay me to leave..." You opened your mouth, well it shouldn't surprise you that Robert would do such a thing. You let your question of "why didn't you!?" go. Deciding the answer Danny would give couldn't possibly be satisfactory. Opting instead for; "Could I pay you to come back!?" You received a half smile. "I don't want your money... I'm getting paid well enough here..." "yeah... It’s how you're getting paid..." "so, Nolan’s getting it?" "uh huh." you nodded, but if he wasn't, you wouldn't see Nolan suffering and Danny knew that too. "Alright..." he was satisfied with that, perching himself back on the edge of the boat. Eventually you had to turn back to him; “I’m Sorry...” “Hmm??” “I’m so sorry...” You pulled him into an embrace “I’m so, so, so sorry...” He wound his arms around you and you were finally with him once more. It’s been months since you had this... “I miss you...” Was all you heard him mumble into your shoulder “I wish you were here...”

When you left him to go back to his thoughts, as clearly Danny had many, you wandered back to the gathering only to be caught by John. Who by the looks of him had just been watching you; "How long are you really prepared to wait for him...? Are you gonna wait forever...?" You smiled, looking out to the Ocean "John, you're implying that I am waiting for something. I'm not." He mulled your answer over with interest "Really." it wasn't a question, but you nodded anyway "I’ll wait for him however long it takes... All I want is him to come home." "... People here want the same thing for different reasons..." "Do you?" John inclined his head "I've already put him on a bus once... I'm trying to do what's best for everyone..." "Is it best for Danny, though?" you looked across at him "... He didn't leave Miami and come here because it was his only option. It wasn't. He came here for help - from his family. Hell, he came here FOR a family... Why are you the only person who treats him like... A person?" "Mom treats him well... Meg’s not bad..." you looked like you didn't believe him. So he sighed "We were always extremely close... Danny always came to me for help... It’s what he does..." "So you really are the big brother. I always thought that." "Yeah. I guess... But listen, Y/N... You don't have to worry about Danny, alright. You don't even have to think about it anymore." He waved a hand "and I understand ending it… I do." You laughed "I didn't end it!" He tilted his head “HE ended it?!” You raised an eyebrow to John, because you knew he knew better than to even ask that “I’ll let you think what you think. Just don’t make it the talk of the town.” He gave you a knowing smile, letting you know he’d caught on “Alright. I won’t.”

“Danny...” He turned to face your father. A little confused as, when looking around, he realised you weren’t there. What could this be about? He hoped Jack wasn’t also about to try to tempt him back to Miami. “Jack!” He gave a smile “It’s good to see you!” He stepped forward, clasping Danny’s hand and giving him an pat on the back “Likewise, Mr.Rayburn. It’s always my honour!” Jack nodded to the old black Chevy truck “Is she yours?” “Oh! Yes Sir. Well, she was dad’s... I fixed her up.” Well. He wouldn’t give Kevin any credit, at least. “Amazing! Looks nearly brand new... ’57 Chevy pickup…” Jack whistled “You don’t see many in working condition! Well done!” Danny nodded in thanks, “of course! The classic ones always run the best, and longest...” Jack began to walk around the truck, studying it thoroughly “Guess it’s the same for classic relationships...” His eyes flicked to Danny’s and Danny wasn’t sure if there was supposed to be hidden meaning in that... “Guess so...” He trod carefully, walking around the car too; “I’ll have to remember that if I ever get to be in a classic relationship.” “Aren’t you? Maybe it’s a little modern classic...” This was odd. They both began circling the car, slow steps... cautious. Danny could feel his heart beat quicken; was this a test?? “How did you get the car running again...?” “Oh! I changed the carb, changed the battery, ignition, cap, rotor… Name it I probably did it!” Jack nodded along, taking it in; “So you made a modern classic...?” Danny stopped for a second letting his visible confusion show on his face; was Jack Ervin using the car as an analogy? “... She could run forever on that...” He had to be. “I’d hope so... It’d mean... never getting a new... car?” Her father gave a different kind of nod, like he was glad Danny was finally catching on. He put his hands on the hood “What are your intentions Mr. Rayburn?” That wasn’t about a car; “Do you intend to go the distance?” Danny stared at his reflection in the hood and bit his lip; “I... am not sure she’s ready to run that many miles... yet....” He tipped his head, not raising his eyes “... I’m not sure I will be driving forever either. Or, if I am the kind of person to take that trip. And for her... I would have to be...” He looked up slowly as Jack folded his arms, but the smile on his face couldn’t be bigger; “I think you underestimate yourself.” Danny put his hands in his pockets and almost guiltily mumbled “So does she...” Jack nearly laughed; “I like you Danny. A lot. And it would be my honour to give you that. So... just... think on it... I think she’d take a drive anywhere, as long as it was with you...” He grinned “I think it’d be a long trip...” he patted the hood again; “Just maybe not in this... not enough seats!” With that Jack gave a mysterious smile and walked back towards the house. Danny didn’t have the chance to give sincere thanks at Jack’s faith in him because the situation became even more confusing. He scrunched his face What?? Then his eyes widened and he looked back at Jack’s disappearing frame oh...! OH!

You had been studying the photographs for a while when Danny came back inside. And he approached you slowly as you looked from one to the other, not wanting to startle you. “God. Don’t look at those!” You laughed “You were blonde! I just can’t believe that!” “Why!?” “Nolan. His hair is dark…” You tapped the photo, “God, he looks JUST like you… That’s adorable…” Though, Meg and John both had dark hair. It wasn’t an exclusively blonde family… “Yeah… He gets that from his mom.” “What!? Eve’s hair is blonde too!” “Not naturally.” “Coulda fooled me.” You tilted your head “And baby John? My goodness… What a cutiepie! You were two good looking young men. Bet you got ALL the girls.” He rolled his eyes “Aw, nah! Not John, not you too!” You laughed “Danny – Calm down! There’s only room for one Rayburn brother in my life…” You shuffled through some of the other photos on the table and paused. “Yeah…” Danny looked over your shoulder “…That’s Sarah…” You picked it up, you could have guessed from the necklace… Then just as quick you put it back and shuffled it under the others, looking back to him; “Why put it out?” “She WAS his favourite.” “…But for you?” He leant on the table next to you, brushing his fingers against yours; “Seeing her doesn’t bother me. She was probably my favourite too… Which is why I took her out in the first place…” He sighed “He bothered me… I still get like…” he waved a hand over his head “…Flashbacks- God, No… Let’s…. Let’s not talk about this…” “I’m sorry…” “What?” “I brought it up. I shouldn’t have… My fault…” You looked back to the photos “It’s not your fault. He did what he did. No ‘you’ about it…” He ran his fingers over your arm; “I mean, I’m ok now, right?” Far from it. You thought, but didn’t say it aloud. “No good worryin’ about things you can’t change, Darlin’…”

* Islamorada, Beach, PM-Late "Meet me up the beach a little way later..." "Why are we being all hush-hush about this..." it amused you to say the least "You know my family..." "Eh. John keeps asking me dumb questions." "That's because you keep answering them!!" “Well I had to put him straight.” “AWWW-! And I was starting to have fun!” He smiled; “So, you up for it? Wait until it gets dark, mm’kay?” “Wow. You make me feel like I’m about 15 sneaking out of my parents house!” He gave a shrug “Well that’s what I’m gonna do. Everyone is going for drinks downtown, though, if you wanna do that!” “No!” You shook you head “That does not sound like my idea of a good time.” “Great!” He watched the way his family were currently watching the two of you, you were just trying to ignore it “…After dark! See you then…” He nudged your shoulder gently as he left you, making you shake your head after him. Honestly!

You sat on the steps of your cabin until you saw him appear a little way down the beach. It was dark, but the porchlights illuminated a silhouette that could only be Danny. Three years was a long time to look at the same person; and you knew exactly how he walked. You turned back to tell your parents that you would be back later; because Danny was taking you on a date. Which, you guessed it would be, and collected your things, walking quickly across the beach to him. “And I thought you’d be here before me…?” He took your hand in his before you’d even had a chance to say hello. “Well, I wanted to make sure it was worth sneaking out!” You gave a wink “Where are we going?” He gave a mysterious smile; “Just up here, Darlin’…! It’ll be great. The sky is clear – it’ll be perfect!” “…Why? What are you planning?” “Mmm! You’ll see…!” He pulled you closer so that he could drape his arm around your shoulders, letting you link your fingers with his. "Janey likes you. Like, really likes you." "Oh! Is there a problem with that!" "No...! It's good to see somebody around here likes you!! She doesn't want you to leave!" That had him laughing. "No! Don't laugh this is serious!" He was making you laugh too, "She even had me making conditions about us visiting the Keys more if you come back to Miami." "And what did you say to that?" "Yeah sure, if she comes to see us!!" "Fair trade." "…Really is conditional on you coming back..!" You tilted your head "Also, you didn't get this from me. But she thinks you're cool." "What's wrong with that!? That's sweet! Have I ever been cool before!?" "Exactly!" You snorted, "Wait until I tell Nolan someone thinks you're cool." "He's not gonna believe you!" "I dunno... I think he thinks you’re cool, he's just too cool to say it..." You squeezed him tighter as you cuddled him "I think you're pretty cool too..." He pushed your arm "Aw, stop it! I'm gonna go as red as you usually do!" "Danny! That is not helping!" You could already feel the heat in your cheeks... He laughed "Ah, I don't say it to help...!" Eventually you came upon his truck. And you realised he’d set it up to provide you with a romantic interlude. He could tell by the look on your face that was at least OK; “Look, I didn’t have much time – I just… I wanted some time alone…” You looked to him, your smile as brilliant as ever “It’s perfect!” He sat you down in the truck bed that he’d tried to make as comfortable as possible and pointed back to the sky. As he’d parked his car on the beach and there was very little artificial lighting around, the stars shone brightly allowing him to pick out several constellations. Star gazing. Danny had brought you here to star gaze. He was truly worth more than words. He uncapped a bottle and held it out to you, but you politely declined; “Oh no, I…” “WAIT. You’re not drinking!? What the hell!?” “Uh, did you know that-!” You had some baffling facts up your sleeve from your mom… “God! Stop!” He covered his ears “Drinking is the only thing that gets me through being here!” He was joking, maybe. But, what other excuses did he have to give for you to tell him to get back to Miami? You laughed, but he picked up another bottle; “Drinking alone… Now THAT’S just sad…” “You’re not alone…” You pulled his body closer to yours, laying your head on his shoulder and running a hand over his chest. He hummed, taking a sip and putting an arm around your shoulders, laying you both back amongst the blankets; “Can’t you just pretend?” “You’re gonna waste a bottle on me?” “…I’ll drink it, you just gotta toast with me…” He tapped the other bottle against your shoulder… You took it; “Well, if you insist…” You studied the bottle, shame, it was a good beer. “I do…” He kissed your forehead gently as you clinked your bottles “Cheers!” “Here’s to us!” You said both in unison. Neither of you expecting to say the other thing. Leaving you both laughing awkwardly. But you smiled, more than glad to accept his phrasing over yours. “Here’s to us…”

*** Your parents had packed the car and were saying goodbye to the family when you made your way outside. It was harder to leave him than to watch him leave you. You reluctantly placed your bag in the car, when you realised that Danny wasn’t even among them. Scanning the group twice to make certain, John detached himself and approached you; “He’s out back...” “Oh. Well then, I better go say goodbye.” “You know you don’t have to do that...” “No, John, that’s the problem. I do.” You hugged him tight; “I hope to see you around Y/N...” “If he stays, you will....” You let him go with a sad smile, “If you’ll excuse me...” Skipping past him and walking back through the house, you opened the back door, finding Danny lost in thought raking the beach. You stood at the top of the steps leaning against the rail to watch him for a minute; “Danny!” He turned instantly at the sound of your voice and dropped everything to run across the sand to you. “Uh Uh! Cigarette out!!” He raised an eyebrow, you’d never had a problem with him smoking before. But, he did as you asked, glancing you up and down as he ascended the steps slowly; “You’re... Really leavin’?” “Afraid so...” “Aw, c’mon, stay...!” “No...I...” “I have a room, you don’t even need to rent a place, I got a car... I’ll drive you to the airport!” “Dan-” “A week! Take a week! Just a week!” “DANNY!” You cut in “I can’t. And you know how bad I want to stay. But I just can’t...” “You’ll come back? Right? And soon? Sooner than it’s taken you to come here now?” “As soon as I get back, I’ll look into it... but I’ve gotta be careful about how often I’m away... remember.” “Why?” “Well, Nolan ought to see one of us.” He groaned just a little “When do you next see him?” “Friday?” Usually he insisted you tutor him in Spanish. He placed a hand to his forehead; “God I’m such a fucking bad father...” That hurt you, hurt way more than it should; “Danny! No! Don’t say that!” “God, Y/N, but it’s true!” “Nolan wouldn’t want to hear you say that either!” “You know sometimes I think that kid would have had it easier if I’d have stayed out of his life...” You gasped and put a hand to your mouth; “Danny...” You felt a sharp pain in your heart and your eyes started to well up... “Sorry I just... it’s so hard... being here when you’re both up there... and if I ever got you... I just... I don’t know what I’d do...” Then you sobbed and it startled him, and you did it again. “Y/N? Hey...! Baby... Hey... Shhh... Baby girl what’s wrong?!” “I’m sorry...” “What? No, no! It’s all me! Baby I’m sorry..!” “I’m sorry!!” You repeated as he took your hands. You were scared about him leaving you before, now you felt it was almost certain... “I’m sorry!” You sobbed harder, and it was tearing him apart. He’d been the one saying all that stupid shit, what were you sorry for...? “D-Danny...” Your voice wavered “I’m pregnant.” It took him a minute to register if he’d heard you right. And when he realised you were looking back at him, defeated and waiting for him to say something, he realised that he had. He opened his mouth, but his thoughts went blank and nothing came out... and he felt himself go weak, his hands left yours as he slumped to his knees. “No... N-No...” Danny closed his eyes... He could barely provide enough money to support one kid let alone two, what the hell had he gotten you into?! You took a shaky breath, you couldn’t look at him, you couldn’t let him go... Your hands clasped gently around his wrists. Your tears were still running as you stared out to sea, wishing it would come and swallow you up. “I’m keeping it. Whatever you decide to do... and you can leave... if you want to leave, you can...” You trailed off. Because you were not the only one crying. “...Danny...” You whispered it. He still wasn’t looking at you, but his shoulders were shaking, and you could hear him trying to hold the tears in. You let his wrists go gently and tried to remember when last, if ever, you had seen Danny cry... As you let him go, he knelt up. Winding his arms around you and pulling you into him, he placed his head gently against your stomach but didn’t stop crying. You ran your hands through his hair gently. “Danny, I’m sorry...” He shook his head “Stop it...” He pulled you tighter to him “Don’t ever be sorry....” He took a deep breath and let out a groan; “You’re sure...?” “Yes...” You reached into your pocket. You’d had your mom persuade someone to take a scan for you, but you wanted to prove it to him none the less. You held out the tiny ultrasound scan and let him take it. He laughed, almost shakily, running his fingers over it. He took your hand again, before he stood, looking back at you and placing his hands gently on your stomach; “How long?” “Have I known...? About a month...” You brushed the tears from your eyes “I thought maybe before you went, but I wasn’t sure...” “How far are you?” “Two, two and a half? I’ll start showing soon... But I didn’t want to tell you over the phone or... I had to tell YOU.” He nodded, looking back to the picture “Can I keep this?” “Do you want to?” “Baby, of course I....” He thought about what he’d just said “...God, I really just...” he sighed “Screwed up. Again… And I… I’m never gonna leave you. Please don’t think that I-” he shook his head “look, this time, THIS time I might actually get this right!” “Woah, woah… don’t worry about money! I don’t need you worrying about anything more than Nolan right now!” You stopped his train of thought right there, he was going to do something stupid if he thought about trying to get money together to raise two kids. You could do this one just fine yourself... not alone... just, yourself. “You’re still going to stay?” You we’re hopeful this could change his mind... “I have to...” His voice was soft, “maybe I can take some time off and come back. You know you can always come relocate here too... don’t you?” Maybe you could, but, anything to get him home... He studied the scan again. “Do you know what it is yet?” “No!” You laughed “Danny it’s waaay too early for that!” “Aw, c’mon! How am I meant to help you! I can’t even come up with a name yet?” “... Oh! You’ll be lucky if I let you name my child Mr.Rayburn!” You turned at the sound of your dad calling you though the house; “Already?!?” You sighed, “Coming dad!” You looked back to Danny, who pocketed the scan carefully and took your hand again “Don’t be gone too long. I don’t think I can take being away from you again...” “Well, will you at least walk me to the car?” “What kind of gentleman would I be if I didn’t?” He held out his arm for you to loop yours through “Let’s take the long way ‘round, so I can keep you to myself just a little longer...” You were only too happy to oblige a long slow walk around the back of the house. But even now smart-mouthed quick-witted Danny was quiet ... thoughtful. Content to be in your presence but with his own thoughts, until the glint of gold around your neck caught his eye... He reached out, catching the fine gold chain between his fingers. He pulled until the tiny “D” at the end revealed itself from under your clothing. “You’re still wearing this?!” “Still?” You had to pull yourself closer to him as he inspected the charm, “I don’t think I’ve ever taken it off.” It might not have cost him a lot, heck it might even have been a joke, but it’s sentimental value to you could not have been understated. Beyond the initial, everything from the weight, to length of the chain meant he knew you and the jewellery you wore. He’d thought about it. Yes, Danny had... You’d never been willing to buy into anything the Rayburn’s had ever told you about him and you knew you never would. From the second you’d walked into his apartment you felt you’d known this man better than they ever would. Danny all but let you go as you rounded the front of the house. Noticing how ‘protective big brother’ John studied you both carefully as he walked you to the car your parents were now in. You were surprised your dad wasn’t jokingly tapping his watch from inside. You turned back to Danny as you got to the door. “Promise me, you’ll come back.” “If you promise me you’ll stay here longer than ONE NIGHT I will promise you anything...” “Okay, well, I’ll look into it when I get home... and I promise...” “Call me. When you get back, I want to know everything. Tell Nolan, he’ll like it.” You weren’t convinced how Nolan would react to having a much younger half-sibling... but you trusted Danny’s judgement, Nolan was a good kid. “I will. Tell him...” you opened the door “And, call you. I’ll call you.” “Yeah well, there was a time I had to be VERY persuasive about that!” “What like 3 years ago? Danny c’mon!” “Oh, I’m not saying I’m not glad!” You laughed “Whatever you say! I’ll call, I promise. Take care, okay? You know I worry!” “Hell, I know...” You hopped into the car, allowing your parents to shout their goodbyes back at him; “See you around Danny!” “Have a good trip back Jack! Maria!” you rolled your eyes and belted yourself in; “I’ll see you soon.” “Sure! We’ll figure it out...” “Yeah... Goodbye Danny!” He closed the door for you “I miss you already.” And he was quite serious, backing away from the car with a sad smile and a wave as your dad started the engine. Your dad put the car in drive and wound down all the windows so you could wave and say goodbye as you accelerated down the drive way. “You okay?” He watched you through the mirror. For a moment you had a smile on your face, but then you shook your head and you felt yourself well up again, you bit your lip... Damn, you thought you missed him before... The Rayburn clan headed inside, but not Danny. His mind was racing as he watched your parents car roll away. He wanted to watch until he couldn’t see it anymore. But he was thinking a million different things about the baby. How could he not see you through all of that? The next 8 or so months were crucial and he was all but stuck here, but he couldn’t tell you that. He couldn’t head back to Miami, he had too much going on here that he needed to do... He took a deep breath again... And then he started running. “Dios Mio!” Your father slowed the car and you wondered what he was doing until you heard it over the sound of the slowing engine “Hey!! Heyyy!! Wait a minute!!!” Your mom started laughing and you turned around in your seat. “Stop the car!! Wait!!!” You knew if you were still crying it was happy tears, as you unbelted yourself and couldn’t scramble to open the door fast enough. You were just about out as he caught up, slowing his sprint he grabbed you into a hug, tight to him, he lifted you from the ground and spun you gently, you were once again lost in his embrace. One arm strong and protective around you he stooped just a little and kissed you. And you realised that it was your first kiss in months as you wound your arms around his neck. It was a long kiss, worth it, but not nearly long enough. When he finally let your lips go, he breathed out; “Devan.” “Devan?” “Our baby. Devan... with an a.” “Devan?” You repeated, happier; “I like that...”

*** Miami, Your Apartment, Early AM

It was late. Extremely late. So late it was also extremely early. Your phone buzzed on the night stand, you were curious enough, and hadn’t been sleeping too well. You picked it up and squinted; Danny??? Then sat bolt upright DANNY!!!

You slid your finger across the screen to answer; “Babe!” Your voice probably couldn’t have sounded happier, which was weird because you were actually worried that he was calling you at this time. “What’s up? What’s wrong?” You decided it would probably be the latter. Danny called you almost every day, but it was always at a reasonable time... “Hey... Y/N... I uh.... This is gonna sound crazy... I’m… about a half hour or so out from Miami... I was just wondering if you could pick me up?” You couldn’t answer him fast enough “Yes! Oh my god! Of course, are you coming home!?” You threw the phone on loud speaker and began pulling clothes out of your dresser. “Kinda. I mean, John has... essentially sent me back...” He didn’t exactly sound happy about it “... But uh... Yeah, I’ll be coming to the bus stop. So, I’ll be home.” You didn’t care, selfishly, if he was happy or not. You couldn’t get ready fast enough. “Okay, okay... Baby, I’ll be there. See you soon! I can’t wait to see you!” His laugh was soft “I can’t wait to see you either...”

You were waiting at the bus stop in loose fitting jeans and a t-shirt, cropped leather jacket around your shoulders to keep the chill off. He stepped off that bus and your heart leapt. He smiled as soon as he saw you and his slow walk turned to a run. He gathered you in his arms; he was back, Danny was finally back where he really belonged. You gathered fistfuls of his shirt as you attempted to pull him closer to you. You needed this, you needed him. Back here. “How are you?” He mumbled into your neck, swaying you gently in his arms. “I’m okay. Things are going well! How are you?” “Yeah. It’s... Good to be back...” You weren’t sure if he was just making it sound genuine, but you would take what you could get. Pulling away from you and holding your shoulders, he studied your face, you couldn’t keep your smile at bay. You had feared you would cry with joy, you were glad to see that hadn’t happened. His hands slid to your stomach; “How’s our baby?” You laughed, loving that he said our, “Devan is fine. All the scans are going well... Healthy... No problems...” you placed your hands over his; “You just need to be here now..!” He smiled at that “Devan, is that what we’re really going for?” “Your idea... Plus it doesn’t have a gender yet, and, I don’t really want to find out...” “Okay...” He knelt down “Devan it is...” He placed his forehead gently to your stomach; “Can you feel anything yet?” “They say 16 to 22 weeks until you can feel the movements, later for kicks... I mean, it’s moving as normal...” “When is your next scan?” You knew he would ask. Danny wanted to model himself as a present father. He wanted to see his second child grow... “You can just go... y’know. I’ll book one tomorrow morning for this week... then you can ‘meet’ Devan for yourself...”

He piled into your car with his bag. He groaned; "Man I hate that bus ride..." "Why didn't you drive back?" "In that Chevy? Yeah I'd be lucky if it could run the full 4 hours..." He wasn't telling you something. You knew that. But you couldn't ask. He stretched and yawned; "No way I could sleep... I need a shower... Damn... It's gonna be good to be home." "Home?" You couldn't help but smile at that; "Yeah, baby, you are home..."

It might have been pretty early, but when Danny pulled you into that shower you couldn't refuse. There wasn't anything sexual about it, he just wanted to feel something. He needed your affection; after everything in the Keys, Danny just needed you... Letting the hot water run over his body he held you so close, nothing could possibly be too close. He ran his fingers gently over every part of you he could reach, committing you to memory, to his heart... savouring every little piece of you. Feeling the beat of your heart on his skin. But it wasn't just you anymore, you were carrying his unborn child. And Danny thought he'd loved you before. He traced your jaw line, your neck and your shoulders with his lips. But he wasn't the only one whose hands were wandering; you traced his chest, lingering over his heart for just a moment. You could fall asleep to that heartbeat, God you'd missed this. You'd missed him... Up over his arms, across his shoulders; your fingers dancing lightly but no less significantly over his left, Up his neck and into his hair, he pushed his face against yours and you claimed his lips. Resting his forehead against yours, he continued to let the water wash over him; "I love you..." You thought you caught it, faintly murmured. You closed your eyes and whispered; "Say it again..." "I love you..." And it was like hearing him say those words for the very first time.

***

He was restless. He'd been here for four hours, and he already wanted to leave. There was no denying it to yourself. Sure, he held you close to him, you tucked safely into the curve he was making with his body. He ran his hands continuously over your stomach and he tried to get comfortable. But that was the problem. He continued to try to get comfortable. There were a million things going on in his head and you could almost hear his mind racing at a million miles an hour.

You must have eventually drifted off in his arms, because when you awoke it was almost daybreak. The sky was pale and watery. Danny was standing by the window, looking out over Miami as the sun bled into the sky and illuminated the glassy high-rises. You hated that you knew. Gathering your hands to your chest you entwined your fingers with the fine gold chain. Your heart ached. Because you knew. You had to let Danny go, again.

You watched him for way too long, letting these feelings roll around until you felt sick. If you forced him to stay here... He would never be happy. Not until he finished whatever he started. If you let him go... Then you didn't know what you would be letting him walk into. And with his baby on the way, that scared you. Eventually you sat up. "You want to leave... don't you..." He took a breath; when he turned back to you his eyes were guilty. "I don't know if I'm not through with the Keys... Or the Keys is not through with me..." You stood, and crossed to him; "You NEED to go back." You took him in your arms... "Danny. You will never be happy here. With me... with Nolan... with our baby... if you don't finish whatever it is that’s weighing on your mind." "...Y/N..." "I don't… WANT… you to leave. But I can't keep you here if you are going to be like this... I can't make you stay..." "John sent me back." His voice almost wavered as he left your eyes, tapping his fingers gently against your arm. "I don't CARE what your little brother did. Danny. I care about you..." You pulled back from him, "I want you back here more than anything... But I want you to want that too..." You walked back to pick up your clothes, and his, before turning back to him; "Get your things... I'll drive you back to the bus station." You smiled, "Maybe then I'll get my Danny back..."

You walked hand in hand towards the bus. Danny almost laughed that the dress you had chosen to wear today was the same one you had worn when you'd first walked into his restaurant a little over 3 years ago. He turned, studying you, looking at how truly beautiful you were in the Miami sunrise. Was he really about to leave you all over again? He said the first thing he could think of; "Thank you."

It was so unbelievably sincere that your breath caught in your throat. You pulled him to you by the collar of his shirt; "You listen to me, Danny Rayburn. You get back to the Keys. You do what you gotta do. And you COME BACK to me. We will make things work up here, but I don't want to hear another excuse for you leavin' ever coming out of your mouth. You hear me?" You pulled him into a kiss, deep, exquisite. Savouring the taste of him on your tongue. "You come back to me." It was his turn to pull you into a kiss, each more passionate than the last. He let you go, breathless. You were always good at that. Taking his breath away. Flawless, no matter what. And that initial around your neck. You had always been his, and Danny realised, you would always be his... You would wait for him forever, and yet he quickly comprehended he didn't want to wait that long.

"I promise you. Darlin'. A few more days, and this will all be over... I'll be back in Miami before you know it." He winked "You're the best thing that’s ever happened to me... And you are never gonna realise how much I love you..." You smiled; "Maybe so. But God, Danny Rayburn... If you loved me half as much as I love you, you never would have left. Which is why you gotta go back..." You took his hands in yours and pushed them to your stomach "We will be waiting for you to get off that bus again." "I know..." He kissed you once more, "Alright Baby Girl..." He addressed your non-existent bump "Devan-! I'll see you real soon..." He smiled this time as he stepped backward towards the bus; "Y/N! Don't you dare ever go changin' on me Darlin'!!" You laughed "I won't. Don't you either...!" That made him laugh; "Unfortunately for you... I think I'm gettin' a little too old to change!" He winked, turning to hand over his ticket he stepped onto the bus, then stopped and ran back, gathering you into his arms he gave you one last kiss. And for the first time in your life you knew what they meant by fireworks, a million sparks went off in your head as he tipped your body, making that kiss last as long as he could "Y/N... I love you!" You smiled, hugging him close "Go! Get that bus! Hurry back... Daniel Rayburn. I can't live without you...!" "I know..." He kissed your forehead, then jogged back to the bus, apologetically. You smiled, walking down the side of the bus to where he decided to take a seat. He settled down in the window and took a deep breath, looking across to you. You kissed the tips of your fingers, and stretched your hand to touch the glass. He smiled, kissing the tips of his own, and pressing them to match yours against it. "I love you..." you mouthed it, as the bus started its engine. He shook his head, laughing; "Love you more..." He winked as you stepped back. You waved him off as it started rolling away, and this time, he looked at least a little happy as he waved back to you. This time, he'd promised to come back. And you held Danny at his word. You smiled, continuing to watch the bus until it rolled out of sight. You brushed the single tear from your cheek. And laughed. What was a few more days now? Compared to what you had been through?

Next time you held Danny in your arms back here in Miami. He would be home. And it would be forever.

---

TELL ME. TELL ME IF YOU SAW THIS COMING OR YOU WERE SURPRISED!?! I NEED TO KNOW. NOW!!!!!

I mean if for any reason you look up the songs / lyrics before you read I suppose ‘It Takes A Man’ by Chris Young told you but...

@stcphstrange - Oh God... Tell me there’s more than 2 parts left...!! I’ma cry! 😭 @happyskywhale

The whole “Devan” thing is not something I can easily explain. I’m sorry if you don’t like it...

Danny’s emotions @ All points in this fic.

#Danny Rayburn #Ben Mendelsohn #danny rayburn x reader #Danny Rayburn x You #Bloodline #Sway #Linzi Writes #so many feelings #Welcome Chris Young to the lyrics I'm using list #Please add your name #I JUST WANT DANNY TO BE HAPPY BUT IVE ONLY GOT TWO PARTS AND NOW I'M IN SHOW TERRITORY #WHY AM I DOING THIS TO MYSELF!??!#26 #Liliana

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smolbeandrabbles · 5 years

Text

Sway Pt.7 - Danny Rayburn x Reader (Bloodline)

HAPPY 50th BIRTHDAY BEN MENDELSOHN! AND THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING!

It’s only appropriate for me to post this particular fic today...

Part 1 / Part 2 / Part 3 / Part 4 / Part 5 / Part 6 / Here / Part 8 / Part 9 / Part 10

Authors Note: ...I uhm... Hope that cover doesn’t look TOO much like a wedding... Despite the jokes in this...! I edited it several times! Having said that I did get to use another Dirty Dancing 2 image - THAT THIS ENTIRE FIC STARTED BASED ON WAY BACK WHEN!!! So I’m happy about that! I also had to take advantage of Danny in a suit! So... I essentially wanted to write this, then cut it, then wrote it to take Sway to 10 parts... and it’s ended up really long!

Gosh darn, I just read this back to edit and... There’s a few super significant paragraphs in here I forgot I ever wrote...

Disclaimer: As ever, I only own my OCs!

Premise: As Danny’s departure for the Rayburn’s 45th Anniversary looms, you reminisce on Anniversaries of your own... However, deep down, you know you’re only wasting precious time...

Word Count: 8991

Warnings: DUI / Swearing / Sexual Amble (!!!) / Another load of people talking trash about Danny. Oh god, and I promised we’d get LESS angsty didn’t I?!

I believe, things happen for a reason Even though you might not see it at the time Cause now I know Every plan that came unravelled Every crooked path I travelled in my life Led me here to your side

Could it have been easier? Yeah A little smoother ride? Maybe so But lying here with you, would I change one thing ‘bout that road? No --- Looking at you looking out the window right now, Those eyes, that dress, that smile, that laugh If I could hit pause I would somehow But it don’t work like that --- There’s nothing I wouldn’t try If I thought it would change your mind And I know as soon as you walk out that door… Pain’s a comin’, tears are runnin’ Yeah that’s kind of the way I’m feelin’ Trying to stop your leaving…

Present Day - Your Apartment, Late

You were standing on your balcony, tapping your fingers against a glass of water and watching the sun sink down over your favourite skyline. Another day gone, and you were fast running out of time… The Rayburn’s 45th Anniversary was in just 2 weeks… If you couldn’t stop Danny from leaving… You shook your head, not wanting to think on it, and let out a groan. He joined you, winding his arms around your waist, kissing your cheek and nuzzling his face into your neck; his hum was content… The Anniversary though, only made you think of your parents. You and Danny were fast approaching your 3 year mark. Which made you crack a smile, remembering your Dad’s jest in the middle of his toast. So much had changed over the past year… You entwined your fingers with Danny’s as you placed your hands on his; resting your head against him. AT LEAST during that time, you and him had been something consistent… ***

Previously… You realised, staring at the pile on your kitchen counter, that you might need more help than you thought. And certainly wouldn't be able to get all this in your car at once...

You must have been staring at it for a good few minutes because you heard your balcony door slide across, and were greeted with a call of: "Need any help!?" Danny had gone out for one last cigarette before he put in a couple of hours in the restaurant ahead of tonight. The party would take all day to set up, so you'd offered to go down early to help your parents and friends. "No, no baby that's okay I...!" He threw his smoke down and hurried over, you sighed; "You need to get down to the restaurant." He hummed "Yeah, maybe, but you know I'm never late... C'mon, there's a lot here..." He stacked a few boxes, and held his hand out for what you were already carrying, you held it behind you defensively. "Uh uh! No! You don't get to see this yet!!" He laughed; "Why not!?” Mostly because whatever him, Javi, and Javi’s cousin had decided to dress Danny in remained a mystery - turns out Javi called in a fashion industry favour - and you wanted to be just as mysterious. But you also liked the way Danny would study every inch of you if you ever wore something he'd never seen before. You'd rather he saw this on than off... Well. Maybe off. Later. “Because...!” You didn't need a reason That only made him laugh harder “Don't tell me!! This wedding anniversary is going to turn into an actual wedding...” That made you gasp for effect, but laugh, "Will you stop...!!!" He joked about this way too often. But you only left him shaking his head as he collected the boxes and opened the door for you, "Which car?" "911..." "You’re NOT gonna fit all this in that car!” "It'll fit!” “Nah! We'll put some in mine and I'll follow you down.” “You don’t have to do that...” “I know I don't...” He leant across to catch your lips “But I'd sure like to...”

You managed to squeeze nearly everything into your car’s limited two-seater space, but Danny still insisted that he help you out. So, now he was following you down the seaway. When you pulled up Danny stayed in his car and just stared. "What?" You opened his car door “It's on a yacht!?” You looked back, it could probably be classed as a liner. Looking like a classier version of somewhere you might have a high school prom. “Yes.” “... Don't tell me your dad bought this.” “Noooo... His friend is letting us borrow it.” Danny shook his head. “His friend!?” *

“Where's papa!?” You embraced your mom “Oh. Called to some project. It’s okay... Men will only get in the way!!” You raised an eyebrow, there were plenty of males around helping! Also... “Oh! Danny!! You sweetheart! You didn't have to!” “What? No, my pleasure...” He put the boxes on the table your mother indicated and joined you, “See you later…!” “Yeah have a good day...” You embraced him He looked around “Well, I know you will...” Kissing your cheek he turned to accept your mom's hug, "Don't go day drinking too much!!" He walked backwards back towards the gangplank with a cheeky wink; only making your mom laugh. “God, I like him...” “I know.” “And so does your father…” She turned to you with a suggestive look. “Yeah, I know!' That much was obvious. Even though Danny was your boyfriend your dad treated him like the son he never had.

***

Everything was ready and set up; except you. Still trying to get those finishing touches looking just right... You sighed, for some reason the place cards on this particular table just weren't playing ball. Your mother called you from across the deck, "Y/N!!!! Are you still not dressed!?" "Mama!! This just isn't working!!" She shook her head "Too much like me for your own good!" She took your arms and steered you away from the table: "Oh yeah... Because I certainly got the perfectionist thing from you with my work in progress..." It was the way she had described Danny as being like your father when she’d first met him. "Danny is a fine man. I'll deal with the table..." She pulled you down a deck and headed towards a large suite of rooms, “Absolutely he is fine..." You tried to hide your smirk, "Do you know what he's wearing?" "No..." "Has he seen your dress?" "No. Mama. I wasn't about to ruin the main event!" She laughed and ushered you into a dressing room; "Now get changed!! People will be arriving soon!!"

You shook your head as she closed the door behind you. You took a quick shower and dried your hair... You already knew it was going up tonight... You took care with your makeup. Going for a little of that classic movie star flawlessness from all those old films your parents loved to watch. Approaching your dress you ran the fabric through your fingers, white into powder blue; halter neck with a cut taken straight out of the 50s. Sporadic clusters of Swarovski crystals covered the skirt and the ribbon that tied it coloured the same blue the dress bled into. You studied it in the mirror for a second and twirled. The only thing that disappointed you was that the cut was modest; whilst the chain was visible the ‘D’ wasn't... You sat and began on your hair, when there was a knock at the door, you beckoned them in and heard your mother gasp. "Oh... My baby is so grown up...!!" She approached you, and taking the straighteners from you she helped finish your look. "I can't wait to see his face." “Mom, this is your anniversary..." "I know I just..." She hummed, sliding pins into your hair "... You remind me so much of us..." You couldn’t stop the smile; but it felt strange, that your mom would compare you and Danny to her own relationship with your father. In your eyes the two were completely different… Maybe she saw something you couldn’t see… But that also meant, as Danny has teased so many times, she saw real longevity in this. For once, you were starting to believe that too. She finished with a pretty hair slide from another one of your favourite designers, leaving some of your hair to frame your face. "You are so perfect..." You almost beamed, but then pulled at the chain again: "Just this... You can't see it... " "Come here... We'll see if we can't make a change..." She took the fine chain in her fingers and uncoupled it, looping it around your neck again she pulled it to make more of a choker and linked the ends back together through the ring to hold it in place, "There... " "Why didn't I think of that!?!" She chuckled "Thinking too much! As always…" she presented you with a box, "But, I also want you to wear this..." You hesitated, looking to her, and opened it with a gasp; "Mama. No..! It's too much!! I can't!!" You knew the bracelet well. The amount of times your mom had worn it for dance competitions... It was the first thing your father had ever saved up and brought her. It held the same significance to your parents as your necklace did for your own relationship. "You can, and we want you too..." ***

Amanda and Evelyn were the first two people you really greeted with enthusiasm. You did, however, have to raise your eyebrows at Amanda’s outfit – never passing up the chance to take someone home (and her relationship with Javi more of a… *cough* summer fling *cough*) her dress was skin tight and verging on inappropriate. That was just like Amanda, though. Evie had gone full on floor length ballgown – never missing the opportunity to dress up. You were thankful they were here, to take your mind off waiting in anticipation for Danny to show. Suddenly there was a buzz around you, and Amanda had to catch someone to explain what was going on. “OH. Someone pulled up with a Zegna Maserati. God, Y/N, I thought your dad was the only one outside of Italy with a car like that!?” “Isn’t it his!?” “No. Different number plate – Your dad came in the Lambo anyway…” What-!? It MUST have been your fathers. “So who are they!?” “You mean the man who looks like YSL dressed him personally?” They jerked their thumb over their shoulder “Talking to your dad…” Now this you had to see. “…If he’s single…” Evie suggested, but you laughed; “I’ll put a word in…” You walked through the crowd, aware they were both following behind you, just as intent on finding out who was the new celebrity. “-Wait!?---Is that--!?” You hushed them in the event this was a mirage. Your dad tapped his arm and he turned. The air left the deck; for both of you. His blue eyes fell on yours and he swallowed hard. You felt like you couldn’t breathe. You could just about make out the look on your father’s face, but everything else melted. You bit your lip shyly, and made your way across the floor to him. The crowd parting for the daughter of the couple they were all here for. You noticed your friends hung back in order to let you have this moment. How many people here knew about you and Danny? It was clear none of them knew who he was – but the fact that putting him in a suit and a fancy car made them all want to know him was very telling of Miami high society. You swept your gaze over him and realised you’d be thanking Javi for a very long time. The suit was fitted; taking every advantage of Danny’s height and body shape – they had obviously tailored. It looked black and simple until you got closer; his jacket gave him smooth lines, the silk iridescence of his collar was bordered in a deep, rich navy which translated into the lining, shining ever so slightly against his shirt in the lighting. The shirt was crisp and bright white – but the stitching black in contrast - the fabric of high quality, to let you know if for any reason you might want to rip through those buttons, it wouldn’t be happening easily. As both of you were having difficultly finding words, your dad stepped in. Introducing you like Danny was a friend and potential suitor; “Mr. Daniel Rayburn, allow me to introduce you to my daughter, Miss. Y/N Ervin.” Danny at least managed a laugh; “It is a pleasure. Although I do believe I’ve seen you around…” “…I was just about to comment it’s lucky I’m not single Mr.Rayburn… Though I’m not sure looking at you tonight that would stop me…” He held out his hand, as if for you to shake and you realised that your dad had not only leant him the car; he was wearing a Cartier watch. And your breath caught again as you pulled his hand towards you. “…Oh my god! DAD!!” Your dad laughed, Danny only looked a little confused, “…You gave him…!?!” The bracelet that your mother had given to you was clearly all part of the plan. Stupidly it hit you that Danny probably hadn’t even gone to the Restaurant today; the cufflinks that he was sporting matched the bracelet perfectly. They had always been your parent’s lucky combination… The fact you and Danny were now wearing them at their 35th wedding anniversary was no mere coincidence. As Danny turned your wrist in his, the significance hit him also. “Oh…” He turned to your father; “…I…” Jack Ervin just laughed, harder than before; Danny at a loss for words was a rare event. Which meant it was much more than just obvious how grateful he was. “Think nothing of it.” You took the opportunity of Danny’s attempt to express his gratitude to study Javi’s fine work closer. The bow-tie had the same gleaming effect running through it that his suit jacket did; but his belt… His belt held the unmistakable Zegna ‘Z’. Was this a big Ervin-Viva Caputa colab that you had missed out on!?! With that expensive glass of champagne in his hand, he certainly looked the part. And everyone on that boat knew it. And he was here, talking to you! “Okay. What the HELL did Javier even do?!” That got their attention back on you, but Danny only held his hands up innocently “I dunno! Ask him!” You then rounded on your father; “You let him DRIVE the Maserati!?” Your father looked like he was about to cry laughing “YES.” “Danny!!! Danny!! Dios Mio just LOOK at you!!” Your mother had swept through the crowd almost as easily as you. Her red dress exquisitely beautiful and looking like something a Flamenco dancer would wear, she embraced her favourite Rayburn and looked him over. She turned to you, because nothing got past her, and gave you an approving nod and wink. Before turning back to him, taking his face in her hands; “How is my boy?!” He laughed and pink dusted his cheeks, “I’m… I’m good! Yeah!” He took her hands in his; “How are you? Oh my gosh – Yeah! Happy Anniversary! Both of you! Congratulations!” “Oh-! It’s nothing! It’ll go quick!” She beamed, but your father made sure to at least thank Danny. Before your mother took your hand and placed it in Danny’s “Enough from us!! This should be a celebration of everyone in our family!” She gave a wink to Danny, who gave another slightly embarrassed laugh “You look like the most important man in the room. This is good! It suits you! Muy muy guapo!” Then she took your fathers hand and dragged him away from you both.

Danny blinked a few times and turned to you, still watching them leave… And it took you a while to pull your eyes back to him, although you knew you weren’t the only one staring; Tonight his intense blue eyes were softer, they matched his demeanour rather than his sharp suit; “I can’t breathe you look SO good.” “I feel it…” He ran a hand over his chest, “But I can’t say it’s me…” You laughed “…I’d rather be on this boat with you in a T-Shirt over this too… I know what’s you. I love you because you are you.” “Still…” He scanned the party, “I think I’ve managed to make an impression on them… And you…” He tipped his expensive glass and whistled “A significant portion of people want to BE me. For once…” he couldn’t help laughing; “You are, as always, stunning…” “Stop…” You murmured it, pushing gently against him, which made him laugh again; “No way… Not tonight… I’m lucky to get to show you off…” “You!?” You shook your head as he wound his arm around you and pulled you in so that he could kiss your forehead “…Baby, no, tonight I get to show you off! I am the Lucky one.” Without your parents here you suddenly remembered the exactly reason you’d thought about inviting him in the first place. “AH!” You made him jump at your suddenly exclamation and the way you held his shoulders “…I asked you here to meet my friends; right!?” “Well, it’s not like I haven’t…” “Yeah, but…” You made a face that said not really “…And you do NOT have to answer all their questions…! In fact, please DON’T.” “Oh, What kinda conversation is this gonna be?” He raised an eyebrow suggestively; but that just made you agree with him. “Yeah. It’s gonna be exactly that.” You turned to Amanda and Evie, and then almost found yourself with a smug smirk at the way they were both staring at Danny. Caught up in that thought, it was him who waved to them both; making them give each other the same look and him stifle a laugh. “Do I have to fend these two off?” “…Hey. I saw you first.” You nudged him into quiet agreement as they came over at your beckon. “I know we’ve done drinks… Kinda… But, Amanda, Evie – Danny. Danny, my two best friends.” Then you added a warning; they all had great ammunition on you the other party could use, “The three of you collude on anything – Not kidding, you’re going overboard…!”

They loved him, it wasn’t surprising to you that they did. Considering that you were pretty sure they also both wanted to date him. It was the impression you’d got that very first time. The impression didn’t change now. Your friends might have been from this world and have long strings of high-class toy boys. But they found it refreshing that Danny was a down to Earth, Southern working boy from the Keys. And older. The more he talked, the more impressive the looks they kept giving you were. He’d passed the best friends test; you knew he would. The two most important people on this ship to you loved him. And your parents loved him… More importantly than that, Danny had done all that hard work himself. Showed what the Rayburn’s really knew…

You introduced him to many members of your family. Danny even managed to stumble through some basic – if not broken, but incredibly polite – Spanish to your fathers’ mother. She had her husband and son to look out for her, so she’d never really had to learn English. Which means every time she turned to you to pay Danny another compliment, making you go bright red and laugh, she completely lost him. Which was great, because every time she did you could see him desperately wanting to ask you what she said. From your father’s father Danny figured where you’d both got your business head from. A retired self-made business man, and extremely proud of his son’s success – and that his son had surpassed him. Although, he had that American patriarchal air that demanded respect from everyone. In a different way from his own father, Danny noted quickly – he could see exactly where Jack had learned to be a man. All at once he was grateful for your family – at the acceptance he seemed to be receiving even from those on the extended side… Maybe he’d finally get the family he always wanted… Dinner was a little different and overly formal. Walking around a party hand in hand with you, and a glass of something strong to calm his nerves, worked on Danny like a charm. But here, sitting in a suit and surrounded by topical conversation of those living the high-life he had very little opinion on ,or stomach for, made Danny look uncomfortable. You noticed it straight away, so you moved your chair closer to his and spent a lot of time with your hand resting comfortingly on his thigh. When he could, his hand would find yours and you could almost feel the nerves. Every so often you’d whisper comforting phrases to him or give him context – because he would be expected to talk. He seemed to position himself as a say little but say something that sounds profound. And it was expertly done; although there was a little shake to his voice from time to time. You knew that would bother him – but he was so far out of his comfort zone now you couldn’t help but be proud. Of course, as ever your father and mother were on hand to help out and you would pick up pieces of his sentences to elaborate on. When they asked about his family, he got into his element because no word of that was stretched truth; he came from this – even if it was different in the Keys. Eventually though, he got back into his nervous ticks and the two of you drifted from the main table conversation into your own world; he held your hand even tighter and he tried not to look like he was getting the I need a cigarette jitters… You kept him steady until most of the table began to disperse. To which he breathed a sigh of relief and you gathered him gently in your arms. He wouldn’t have to suffer much longer… You hoped.

** Later that evening, as you still hadn’t left the table (Danny needed that quiet…), further family members began to wonder exactly who your man was. That left you sitting with Danny and your aunts. Your father was an only child, but your mother came from a family of 4 sisters. She was the youngest. They were all fussing over him and asking questions; at first they were the right kinds of questions, where he grew up, what he did before Miami, where he lived now, what he was doing now… and then they weren’t… where did he attend college… what car did he drive… what was his job… what was his salary..? At the point he said he was the chef, and not the owner/manager – although really Danny was both – and then they broke into the salary question Danny cleared his throat, you could tell that made him uncomfortable… And you didn’t like that… Putting your hand on his knee again you pulled him back to you; “Baby… Do you mind getting me a drink?” He looked more than grateful; kissing your cheek gently, “Sure thing, I’ll be back…!” He took his leave politely and wandered off. You took a breath – and turned back to the table. They were also watching him walk away with some interest. Although as soon as he was out of earshot they all turned to look at you, and the conversation continued. In Spanish. “Isn’t he too old for you!?” That first shot hurt, but it didn’t hit as hard at the others; “There is no way he makes enough for you to both live comfortably on.” “…And he’s living in downtown…” “He must have borrowed that suit…” “Agreed, he looks so awkward in it… He can’t be from here…” “-And the car!” “Y/N, really… He didn’t even get a college degree?” You could hardly believe what you were hearing. SURELY, SURELY your family could not be as bad as the Rayburns!?! In fact, this was WORSE. Because the Rayburns didn’t say it out loud. “You can do better… Look at the men around here…! What about the men you work with!?” What hurt even more is that they actually tried to make themselves sound sympathetic towards you; like Danny was just a mistake you’d made. No – your mistake was clearly thinking this was a good idea, and forcing Danny to be here with you in the first place. You stood in one movement. Attempting to swallow the lump in your throat. “You’re right. I can do better. And so can he!” You left, but you didn’t get very far before you got upset and started crying. Unfortunately for you, Danny was just strolling back to your table. When he saw you, his face became instantly worried and he attempted to catch your arm; “Y/N… What’s wrong!?” But you didn’t want to make a scene here… It was your parents anniversary after all. You shook your head and ran quickly for the stairs to the lower level rooms. He wasn’t the only one to notice that you were clearly upset. As he called after you, Amanda and Evelyn rushed to him. “What happened?!” “…I dunno… She…!” He hesitated… Putting the glass he was holding down, he followed you “Y/N! Wait!” You locked yourself in one of the bathrooms and sat down. Just a few deep breaths. Just a few deep breaths… that’s all it would take. Hot tears stung your eyes as you tried your best not to ruin your makeup by having them stream all over your face. You were angry, at them for saying those things. At everyone else here for clearly thinking it – you’d seen the way some of them were looking at him like he wasn’t good enough for you… - At yourself, for not standing up for the man you loved SO much. You wanted to yell at all of them. Danny didn’t have to be here. He’d be having a better time anywhere else in the world right now than being in that suit on this ship. But he was here for YOU. He was dressed up for YOU. They weren’t worthy of his time or his presence here… Hell, they didn’t deserve to be in the same room as him. Danny loved you dearly, he had a better heart and mind than half those people on deck… His family couldn’t see that either; you didn’t know why you’d expected Miami socialites to be any different. You heard a knock at the door; “Y/N… C’mon… What’s wrong…” Now he sounded visibly upset, which didn’t help you. You found yourself holding back sobs. “…Baby…” his voice was soft “…Baby, I’m here… C’mon…” You heard other hushed voices, and he replied to them. They were both female. Of course Amanda and Evelyn would be just as concerned. He knocked again; “Y/N… Darlin’… Open the door… Let me in… Or… Let them in… I don’t know, just… Baby please don’t cry…” Saying that made you actually sob. And you heard the noise he made. “…Y/N… Please… I’m right here… Sweetheart… I’m here…” Only now you continued to sob. You heard a fourth set of footsteps and the hushed voices fell silent for a minute… Three sets of footsteps disappeared… Then there was another knock. “Danny? Girls? What happened?” “We don’t know… Y/N got upset and ran down here… Danny followed her, we wanted to support her too…” Danny moved away from the door and bit his lip, “She’s cryin’…” Jack noticed that Danny looked like he was about to tear up too… “Okay… Go back to the party all of you… It’ll be alright… I’ll get her out…” The two girls left, looking to him sympathetically. Danny was reluctant, but followed. Jack placed a hand on his shoulder; “Danny… I’m sorry…” “For what?” “...I know this isn’t easy for you…” “I’m not doing this for me, I’m doing it for her.” Jack nodded “I know. And you have no idea how much I appreciate all you do for her… I’m very proud that you are with my daughter…” “…Thank you?” Danny wasn’t exactly sure how he was supposed to react. Jack just smiled, like he understood how Danny was feeling; “Whatever they say… Hers will always be the only opinion that matters.” “I agree…” Danny said it softly, but then smiled “I… Kinda think that yours matters too…” Jack laughed. “You’re too good. Mr.Rayburn. Too good. Wait at the top of the stairs, I’ll have her back to you in 5…” With that, Danny headed back to the top deck, and your father tapped on the bathroom door. “Y/N.” Oh, great. Way to ruin your parents party by having your dad find you crying in a bathroom… “Open the door. I’m the only one here…” You reached up and unlocked it. He slid it open, shaking his head. It hurt him to see you like this as much as it did Danny and your friends. He shut the door behind him and locked it, sitting next to you he took you in his arms and handed you his pocket handkerchief. “Estrella… What’s wrong? What happened? Who said it?” “Who said what…?” You dabbed at your cheeks to stop your tears ruining any more of your makeup than they already had. “I’ve been watching all night, to know that you have been watching all night. I’ve seen the way they look at him too…” You didn’t answer, still sniffing away… “…You know. Your mothers’ sisters never liked me either. Hated me in fact. I was a nothing too. I could dance, great, but how was that going to make a good living?” He knew exactly what had happened. You wondered if your father was protecting Danny just as much as you were. He chuckled; “Better believe that all changed when I was able to get them into places like this…” He shook his head “…Why they act so high and mighty I don’t know… They’re not exactly from the echelons of Miami either…” He rubbed your arm affectionately. “Your mom’s father however… Now of course no man was ever good enough for his youngest… But… All he cared about was how I was going to treat her… He knew there was more value in love than money. Still, Jorge decided that maybe I ought to earn something if I wanted to raise a family…” “…You built the business… for mom?” He shrugged “For mom and you… When you came along. The point is, I value what her father values…” You raised an eyebrow; “So… He’s not good enough for me?” He laughed; “No one will ever be good enough for you, until one is. And… he IS.” He brushed some of your hair back into place; “I believe I’m right if I make the statement Danny is the best thing that ever happened to you…” “He is…” You didn’t hesitate. You knew that. Like fact. “Then, he is more than good enough for you. And I will let those hateful bitches know that myself.” You choked on something between a sniff and a laugh; “Papa. I probably wouldn’t say that to their faces!” “Watch me.” He smiled; “For the record. Danny is better than ¾ of the people out there.” “They’re your friends.” Weren’t they? People your parents liked? “…They’re friends we have to make. The society in which we live. We all know who the real friends are…” He fumbled around in his pocket; “…The whos-who… Probably not to be associated with after tonight…” “Because of how they are treating Danny!?” “…Something like that…” He twirled what looked like a pen, and held it out to you “I don’t want anyone I know, or invited tonight, to cause anything to happen between the two of you. You are happy. The happiest I’ve ever seen you, and I’ll be damned if I let some high-and-mighty socialite ruin that… For either of you.” You laughed, realising he was holding out liquid eyeliner, you took it with a grateful smile; “I thought you might be crying over something else, tonight… So… I thought I’d keep it just in case. You don’t look too bad. Touch it up, but hurry now, your man is waiting…” You dried your eyes one final time before he helped you stand up. You embraced him; “Gracias Papa!” “It’s nothing… Not for my little girl…” He exited the bathroom and then turned back “He looks good in YSL don’t you think?” You turned to the mirror, yeah; a little bit of a touch up and you’d be fine. “…He looks a bit awkward. He was carrying it well, then when we all sat he looked uncomfortable… Now he’s standing again he’ll…” You looked to your fathers face; “What?! I have to admit that! He’d rather be in a T-shirt, or chefs whites c’mon daddy…!” “…You noticed what he’s wearing didn’t you.” “He’s wearing your watch…” You let the eyeliner glide smoothly as you began touching up “…He’s wearing the cufflinks that match this bracelet, don’t think I don’t know what you and mom are up to…” you smiled. “…Yes. Mr. Daniel Rayburn looks fantastic. He really does. But it’s not him, and he knows it’s not him.” “…And so do you, so, tell him to be comfortable... He looks awkward because he’s trying to make that suit look natural. He is wearing it, it is not wearing him.” “Then YOU tell him that. He respects you.” “But he loves YOU. We both know he didn’t turn up to this party for your mother and I… He came because you didn’t want to turn up with anyone else…” When you reached the top of the stairs, Danny was indeed waiting for you, and you weren’t even on the top step before he’d gathered you in his arms again; “Are you Ok?” “Yeah… God, I’m sorry… I just…” You shook your head, “I know… This isn’t you… And you want to be anywhere else right now… I’m sorry I made you come here… and wear a suit and…” He shook his head, and his smile was brilliant. “Baby girl… I am here… with YOU… You look amazing, and I am proud to look at least half decent next to you… Darlin’… When you are here, make no mistake, there is no place on Earth I would rather be than right here with you in my arms…” “But they-” “I know. I’ve only been used to it my entire life…” He shrugged, and rolled his eyes “What is one more night.” “Tonight wasn’t meant to be one more night, though, it was meant to be your night off…” “Tonight is very much a night on…” He guided you through the crowd, his hand respectfully around your waist “…Overtime…! Tomorrow, we will have a lazy day… on the couch… watch movies… I might even consider ordering take out… God, what am I saying…!” You wrapped your arms around him as you continued to walk… Funny thing was, you knew that would be a better day than you would ever have hanging out with half the people here tonight. Guests had begun to gather around the bottom of the stairs with drinks. You guessed your parents were about to make their big toast… You both collected your own drinks and found Amanda and Evie. Both glad you were okay, even more glad you were back in Danny’s arms.

“…I want to give a toast to the best thing that ever happened to us over the past 35 – married – years… Our daughter-” oh God! You placed one hand to your forehead – Here we go! You weren’t surprised that Danny led the cheer on that one. Your father continued his speech, making increasingly embarrassing anecdotal comments about your first steps, first words, your first car and teaching you how to drive (the red tape mark and the boat thankfully remained buried and your Rayburn boys were sworn to absolute silence), college degree, graduation, first job… promotion… Everything part of a world Danny wasn’t from. But Danny, seeing the look on his face, was living all of those moments with your father… He couldn’t be prouder of the person Jack was talking about, even though he wasn’t a part of any of it. He couldn’t be any prouder of you. That he got to experience you. “But I didn’t want to make a toast just to our daughter, on an anniversary, right!?” Your father laughed and left a pause for emphasis; “I also wanted to make a toast to the best thing to ever happen in her life…” You felt Danny hold his breath as you looked to him; your father was really toasting him!? “So…” Your father raised his glass with a wink; “Mr.Danny Rayburn… I want to thank you for putting that smile back on me daughters face, I’m grateful for the way she talks about you… For you bringing her down to Earth, because you did that when she needed it most…” He laughed “I… Just hope I get to make many more of these!” You and Danny shared a significant look; doubtless your dad was thinking about Wedding speeches already. Your dad took a sip of his drink through the applause, with Amanda and Evelyn pushing Danny’s shoulders with a bit of pride of their own (they’d seen this through from the beginning, after all), and just when you thought he might switch subjects, he continued; “…I ALSO want to say a big thank you to Danny and his incredible team at Viva Caputa! Thank you for the catering tonight!” Another round of applause went up and you turned, quick; “What!?” Danny raised his glass to your father; you smacked his arm “WHAT?! Why didn’t you TELL ME!” “Mmmm… Mmmm…!” Danny shook his head like that one was remaining a secret. “Oh my god! I can’t believe it!” He laughed, murmuring; “It’s Ok… The guys have a well-deserved day off…” Danny had his arms around you for the duration of your parents’ speeches and toasts, every so often he would brush his fingers against your side gently, calming… Like he was never going to let you go... In a room full of people like this, you belonged here with him.

Your parents took centre stage and held each other. Barely a breath was taken over the hushed crowd as they recognised the stance instantly. The way your heart skipped as the music swelled. They were about to perform the dance that had won them state… AND nationals, and had put your parents on the map. Everyone in the dance world knew them because of these very moves. It was your favourite; because of the story it told. Every time they performed it they added a slightly different element, because it was about them. About their relationship; and of course, in 35 years plus of performing this that relationship had grown and changed…

Danny nudged you, making you look at him; “What?” “We should…” he tilted his head to the dancefloor, you looked back to your parents, the next graceful turn they made. It was all so natural to them… Look at the way they looked at each other… Was that how you looked at Danny when you were in his arms like that? “No… This is them… It’s all them…” “Trust me… We should…” “Danny..?!” He took your hand, with confidence and pulled you out. He was crazy, this was THE dance, this was your parents dance. If you were going to go onto the dancefloor at all, it wouldn’t be this early! You did trust him, though, implicitly. You took a breath and watched him pick up the next bar of music, the way he moved. Then you realised, he wasn’t just matching the music… He was matching your dads’ movements. OH MY GOD--!? No way, your parents--- Did your parents teach HIM this!? He held out his hand, and you took it, instinctively. You knew this dance off by heart, you couldn’t believe that your parents would be this sneaky… But your heart… You couldn’t have loved any of them any more than you did right then…

*** You approached him again. You'd been trying to help your parents usher people off the ship or get them home safe. This left Danny to his thoughts... Something you weren't always sure was good... He hadn't touched his shoulder all evening, which was a good start. But it also wasn't like you hadn't noticed him sneaking his painkillers every so often either. "Darlin'..." He turned back to you from looking at the city lights, as you wound your arms around him, he had a cigarette in his hand and you were glad he was unwinding... He'd lost his tie; his top shirt buttons were undone and all at once you knew he was more comfortable. "You ready to go?" "Mmmhn?" He looked around at the remaining guests. "It's not over yet?" You shrugged "It is for me..." He looked to his half-finished glass and gave his own shrug, placing it on the nearest table he took your hand in his; "Better say goodbye to your parents. Is there anything we need to take back?" "Don't think so... We can always head down tomorrow... It’s not like this liner is GOING anywhere..."

Danny called your dad over; "Thanks, again, it’s been great." "Come now, Danny, it’s always my pleasure. I'm glad you came." He nodded to you "She's even more so... It'll be smaller next year!" He made the promise like Danny's presence would be concrete. You liked that. Your dad embraced you. "Estrellita... You have yourself one hell of a man... You are lucky." "I know papa..." "With any luck, one day you'll get your own one of these... Then you can learn from my mistakes..." "Oh. Y’know... Only around 34 years to go... Then..." He looked to Danny, then continued in Spanish "Don't let this one go...!" "I don't intend to..."

Your mother hurried over upon realising you were both leaving "Oh...!!! No!! Not my favourite daughter and her other half!" "Mom I'm your only daughter!" "Yes, well, I'm more concerned over our Danny here...! You won't stay?" “If she calls it I'm following her, M'am!" Maria was obviously disappointed as she embraced him "You really outdid yourself tonight Danny, in every capacity. You should be really proud of yourself." "Ah! It was nothing...!" His smile was shy and you could swear that red was crossing his cheeks for once. "No. It was everything!!" She smiled, then turned to you, as your dad also embraced Danny tight. "My darling girl... My sisters they..." "Mama I know..." She gave you a look that let you know there was possibly a world of hell coming "... You will look after him?" "Always." "He will certainly look after you." She smiled "... I could not have wished for better for you..." Honestly what was with your parents!? It was like he had gotten down on one knee already. They were almost definitely hoping for it. Geez... They were probably planning it all in their heads already. But you were sure neither of you were ready for that. "Oh!" Danny held out the Maserati keys "Better give these back..." Your dad didn't hold his hand out, rather backed away; "What? It's not like anyone else will be driving her tonight." Danny froze and looked at him like he was insane "No! Jack-! I can’t-!" Your father winked, patting him on the shoulder "Go on. Take her out. You deserve it!"

Danny stared hard at the car as he unlocked it; "Is this a good idea?" "How many have you had?!" "Like... More than should be allowed, but I'm lucid, is this legal?!" You noticed that someone, somewhere had changed the number plates back to your dads. "...Either my dad has a city agreement..." it wouldn’t surprise you "Or its going to be one of those legal for rich people fines..." Danny raised a questioning eyebrow, but now wasn't the time to get into those details. You both entered the sleek, stylish Maserati and he turned the key in the ignition. Making the "oh." sound that turned him into another boy-with-a-toy at the hum of the engine. You could hardly believe your dad was about to let him take you on a thrill ride in THIS car. "You ever actually driven a supercar before!?" He noticed the way you checked your belt more than once. "...Yeah, I drove this down here didn't I?" "Carefully, like your life depended on it, I bet!!" "My life DOES depend on it.” He looked to the dashboard "Sorry this can go HOW fast!?" "Don't you DARE!" "Oh God! How many of these are there, 100?" He put the car in gear and laughed nervously, checking around he reversed smoothly out of the parking space "...There'll be 99 after tonight!" "Don't say that!" Your voice practically pitched, and he took a deep breath. "I made a promise to get her back in one piece. I have a feeling your dad didn't mean the car...." You were watching him very carefully. Although he looked a little jumpy, and his eyes held all the excitement he wasn’t allowing to show on his face, he was checking and double checking every road and mirror as he pulled out of the Marina. He tapped the screen and the SatNav flickered into life; "Ah ha..." "Daniel. Eyes on the road..." He rolled his eyes "Back to Daniel, am I?" He took your hand "Darling." He emphasised the G like he was trying to be sophisticated "Would you please zoom out the navigation system so I can see the appropriate stretch of road." You were staring at him like he was crazy "I certainly will... On one condition." "Which is?" He leant over towards you, but kept his eyes on the road "Drive with two hands, and STOP talking like that." Danny laughed hard; "I’m trying to be the kind of man that owns one of these.” "Then you missed the point! My dad just wants you to be YOU." "And what do you want…?" He glanced at the screen to watch the road that headed up the coast line and onto the interstate, where he would really let this car fly... You smiled across at him "...Well. I know who I fell in love with. That's all I ever asked for.” "...I don't think he exists anymore..." "Hmm!?" "... You already made him a better man..." He paid attention to his mirrors again and blatantly didn't look at you "...So he just hopes you’re still in love with him." You shook your head, what was with Danny tonight? Did it had something to do with your dumb crying episode, which you were now SO over. "You tell him not to worry...." You looked out to sea, dark, the waves every so often lit by street lamps "...I'm not sure I've ever loved anyone more than I do him..."

You continued to stare out of the window as he brought the car up to the increasing speed limit – affording him to look back to you. Every moment he spent with you he tried to savour, if only life had a pause button he knew he’d find himself pressing it often. He’d always thought this was way too good to last… But he was also quick to realise that he could probably put you through anything, not that he would want to, but your versatility would allow him to – AND let him find you still holding onto his hand at the end of it all. Somehow this was working out for him; you, Nolan, the restaurant. Suddenly he stopped looking for all the things that could go wrong – and was starting to allow himself to enjoy everything that was going right… You wound the window down as the engine revved at the gaining speed, allowing the cool evening air that rushed past you to fill the car. Danny continued to carefully push the car into the next set of numbers – when they started to turn red at the top end of the speedometer he held his hand out for yours. “I’m scared of what you’re about to do…” He laughed, “You just gotta trust me.” You took his hand in answer and the next thing you knew the car was more than flying as he broke into triple figures. You found yourself getting that shot of adrenalin as the world passed you by in a blur, flashes of colour every so often melding into the dark of the evening. “Oh My God!!” You couldn’t help but let out something akin to a scream, which only made him laugh harder as he continued to let the speed climb. Even with just one hand on the wheel; he managed to hold the car steady. And even with his hand in yours his eyes were focused on nothing but the road.

He took it back down in notches, almost letting the car coast until the dash started to read something more sensible. Both of you were near breathless and he let your hand go; looking across to you. “Guess there’s still 100 of these!” You put a hand to your heart; “I think my heart is going at the number of miles an hour you were just at.” He chuckled; “That was good fun!” “Don’t be getting ideas.” “Aw, and here I was thinking about taking the Porsche out…” “Hands off the 911 Mr!!” “MMM… Careful…” He produced the keys from his pocket; spinning the keychain around his index finger; “Wait WHAT!?” “You forgot about it. I didn’t.” “Danny you are NOT driving that car.” He looked across to you almost disbelieving; “C’mon! What is one more joyride?” You tipped your head; thinking that phrase was a double entendre “Take me home and I’ll consider it.” “Hm.” He acted like it was a hard choice “Ok… Home…” He looked to the time on the illuminated clock; “Yeah… let’s… go home…” Then he looked across to you like he was about to say something impressive; “Our home.”

* The Anniversary the year after had been a smaller affair with closer friends and family. As had happened with your surprise birthday party (you still weren’t forgiving anyone for that!) and Nolan’s birthday, Danny had closed down his restaurant for the evening. That also meant your parents got to invite his whole team (And Nolan, but that was given.) – especially after the efforts for their 35th. “Well, Danny… Team… You’ve all outdone yourselves once again!” Danny wasn’t one to be shy, but this time when he smiled to your dad’s compliment, he looked to the table… “Aw… It was nothin’…” He laughed “We’re happy to. You guys have given me the best time of my life. Honestly, I can’t thank you enough!” He had his arm over the back of your chair, barely moving from touching you or being that close all evening… You loved and trusted this whole group. None of them were judgemental. With time, and it wouldn’t be much longer, Danny would love them all too and accept that he was somewhere he finally belonged. It wasn’t a class, or a title, not even a name… But friends and family, real family. Sometimes family didn’t have to be blood relatives, after all. “To Y/N, and Danny. Thank you for everything, and I truly mean everything, over the past 2 and a half years….” Then he laughed again “2 and a half! Wait until it’s 35!”

Present Day – Your Apartment, PM

Even with the AC on nearly as high as it would go, with Danny all over you it was still SO hot in your apartment. Not that in the literal heat of the moment you particularly cared but hell… It was making your short breaths even shorter. Wrapped up in your white sheets on one such Sunday morning was where you found yourself today. “Danny… it’s… too hot…” You were breathless as much as you were laughing as he kept kissing you. The man was nothing if not persistent. Your bedroom window was open, as was the balcony door and you still had the AC cranked and you were still falling victim to the Miami sun. “Baby girl, trust me, there is NOTHING as hot as you…” Aw Geez… How the hell was this not affecting him too? Was he just so used to working out in it at the Keys? Or in a hot kitchen day-in-day-out in the middle of summer? Both. You guessed. Your office was air conditioned, your car was air conditioned... You only had to face the heat on the short walk from one to the other or when you wanted to face it on a beach. This was neither of those things. You laughed again as he kissed the base of your neck; “Alright, quit it!” “Nah…” He bit your collar bone harder than he perhaps meant to, judging by the resulting gasp from you. “…You need to know…” He kissed up your neck and then your jaw line to your lips; “…You’re so fucking hot.” “Yeah, that’d be the weather…!” You giggled again. “Or you?” “Mmm…” He gave you a playful smirk; “Well, hell, I know exactly how I make you feel…” There was no better feeling than being one with Danny. Now in a different way to how you were one and the same on the dance floor, but it gave you the same sensation none the less. Tangled up with him like this, even with it being too damn hot, made you feel like there was no place on Earth worth being than here. Oh-! “…That was…” “What?” You said it under your breath, but Danny Rayburn thought he caught on anyway… His blue eyes were alert, bright and intelligent and cool as the Miami water. “Sorry. Did you just say, sexy?”

Your problem now was… How many more times were you going to get to do this? Fast running out of lazy days where you could just DO this. I mean, in his parent’s house in the Keys!?!? Was Danny thinking straight?? Did he really know what he was doing…? Did he honestly think it was best for everyone for him to be heading there…?

@stcphstrange - I read a good portion of these paragraphs whilst editing and immediately thought of you... ☺❤😚

I use these GIFs you keep seeing because when I see them I think of the way I think of him looking at Reader... And I have a lot of feelings...!

*AFTER EDIT - 8/6/19* OKAY. So, those of you that have read this before now... I’m so so sorry you’re likely to miss this. But. The gorgeous Amanda (my Amanda, not readers Amanda... but if she wants to date Javi that’s fine by me!) presented me with this GIF of Mr.Mendelsohn. and HOLY SHIT If it isn’t Danny (and what he’s WEARING!) in this part!!!

#Danny Rayburn #danny rayburn x reader #Danny Rayburn x You #Bloodline #Ben Mendelsohn #Linzi Writes #Happy Birthday Mendo!#I have a three fic contribution to Mendelweek!#12 #Liliana #That Golden Globes Suit STILL gets me #I didn't even see the pics before I described what Danny was wearing I SWEAR #UGH-! Killer! Have Mercy!

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smolbeandrabbles · 5 years

Text

Sway Pt.5 - Danny Rayburn x Reader (Bloodline)

Part 1 / Part 2 / Part 3 / Part 4 / Here / Part 6 / Part 7 / Part 8 / Part 9 / Part 10

Author’s Note: This is it! The infamous chapter I wrote twice!! To make up for it, I’ve added in a bunch of stuff that wasn’t there before like more Jase/Javi/Danny banter. I actually LOVE their dynamic... Yeaaah I wrote a scene based on another scene because I couldn’t HELP it. The gifs will prove that! Valentine’s Day doesn’t even necessarily have to be the setting for any of the following to happen... Only, it was near Valentine’s Day at the time and it all made a lot of sense in my head. So, celebrate Valentine’s Day a month late, why don’t you? (haha...) + Bonus. I made a Gerry reference. 😉

Disclaimer: As started before, I own nada by my OCs. I took some lyrical liberties with ‘Slow Dance in a Parking Lot’ by Jordan Davis. Sue me! Please don’t actually sue me. I finished Bloodline and it actually hurts, so, I’m going to be “stealing” a bunch of ideas/lines... Here is the very first scene stealing moment, though.

Premise: The Premise is Valentine’s Day, need I say more? I tried not to be horribly Cliche...

Word Count: 7748

Warnings: Drinking, Sexual Pre-Amble (a-la-pt-4). The knowledge this will never be as good as the version I actually deleted? I had a breakdown in the middle of my living room over that, it deserves a warning

…And I don't care what song comes next I'm falling right here, don't want a safety net. In a slow dance with you Spinning you around by the restaurant sign Moving our feet over the painted white lines Getting close to you Making the most of whatever we got Even if it's just a slow dance in a parking lot

----

I want to wear his initial On a chain round my neck, chain round my neck Not because he owns me, But 'cause he really knows me Which is more than they can say

Danny couldn’t believe that another month had flown by. As he flicked the calendars in the restaurant to February. You’d been dating since the previous summer. And things were getting serious. He couldn’t remember the last time that he had been in a relationship this long. But, he was glad for it. Jason whistled as he turned over the calendar in the kitchen; “Busiest day of the year ahead Danny! You gonna leave us in the lurch!?” Danny turned to him, confused “What?” “Valentine’s Day! C’mon man, what are you doing with Y/N!!” He turned back to the calendar, eyes wide, oh. God! “…I wasn’t going to go anywhere… I was gonna come… here… Oh my God!” “Danny!!!” Jason couldn’t believe it “Did you forget about Valentine’s Day!?” “When was the last time I ever did anything on Valentines!?” He turned to Jason “It’s always been just another day…! Crap! She’s gonna kill me!” “Probably!” Jason laughed Javier poked his head through the kitchen window at the commotion; “What is up!?” “Danny forgot Valentine’s Day.” “WHAT!?” Javier laughed “NO! Danny! THE most important day for any girl in a relationship!?” “Stop it! Both of you! What am I gonna do! I can’t leave you all – you’re right, it’s traditionally one of the busiest days of the year…! God, can I really bring her here again??”

Whilst he mulled this over in his head, half in panic, Javier disappeared from the window, and then waltzed through the kitchen doors. The grin on his face obvious with what he was going to do; “…How are you gonna approach that one?” “He’s got 14 days…” Jason folded his arms, just as intent on hearing Danny’s plan – that he had about 5 seconds to come up with… Danny put his head in his hands “I’m just gonna have to owe her big time…” He thought on it “No, maybe… Maybe I can make this right… I’ll go a little off menu… Something she’ll really like. Then in a few weeks when it isn’t so busy I’ll take her out…” “It’s almost booked up!” Javier turned to the book to check it out, and became concerned with how busy he would be that night; “I’ll find somewhere for her! It’s my place!” “…Well, You got two weeks!” Jason pointed back to the calendar he had just changed. “Don’t forget the gift! Girls love gifts!” Danny made a noise like they weren’t making it any easier, which they weren’t. Javier almost tutted “Can you imagine? Poor, poor Y/N... She'll be expecting a long-" "Loooong!" Jason chimed in, with an eyebrow wiggle "Romantic night...!" "So romantic!" Jason put his hand over his heart as Javi put an arm around him and continued; "Michelin star restaurant, Miami skyline view, Danny's money paying... The works Valentines... As only she deserves. But picture this instead..." He held his hands out emphasising the two words of the restaurant name; "Viva Caputa. Again! And two measly hours of her boyfriend’s time." Danny looked like he was on the verge of anger at their teasing, and Javier narrowly missed the towel that was thrown his way. "You two are SO not getting paid this month!" "What!! DANNY!!" "OH! NO!!" But he cracked a smile and laughed anyway "You fuckin' deserve it! Overtime. Neither of you are getting on dates either!" "Oh! Just another romantic evening with Danny Rayburn - lucky us!!" Javier laughed at Jason's statement as he left the kitchen: "We’ll be Danny's dates! We’ll actually see more of him than she will..!" "Javi, don't you have tables to wait!?" "I'm going!" He called back as the doors swung closed behind him. "Good cuz I don't pay you to stand and chat!" "You just said you weren't paying us." Danny gave Jason a warning look "You can get back to work and all!" Jason beamed; "I love you too Danny!"

* You rolled your car to a stop outside his restaurant later that day; “Hey!” “Hi.” He hopped in, unsure how to broach the subject “…So…Uh… I was thinking…” “Yeah? Go on…” “…Valentine’s Day’s coming up.” You looked across to him, you knew that… Of course you knew that. You just hadn’t expected Danny of all people to be talking to you about it. He didn’t seem like the type to be taking you on a Valentine’s date. And you had to be honest, that was fine with you… You weren’t sure you’d mind not doing anything. “Yes?” “…Well… It’s… one of the busiest days in the business… And I can’t leave those guys all alone in there…” “And that’s fine…” “SO I was wondering…” he bit his lip “…If you wanted to… or you wouldn’t mind, coming down to my restaurant.” Before you had chance to reply he continued quickly “I’ll do something off menu, it’ll be exclusive. I know you… So… I think I can get that right… I just, I’m sorry. I’ll have to make it up to you…” You smiled, Danny Rayburn was so full of surprises; “Ok. Fine, I’ll come down to your restaurant “…On one condition.” He looked across to you, suddenly nervous about what you might say, and swallowed hard “…Anything.” “…Don’t buy me anything. Please? We’re not doing gifts it’s too… cliché… We’re not… No. Please, don’t buy me anything… I don’t need anything either…” “What!? So you’re not going to get me anything!?” He faked hurt, his mouth open “No! Shut up! That’s not what I said, I said – you can’t buy me anything! I just won’t get you something either then it’s fair!” He took out his mobile to call back to the restaurant. "Are you sure!? This is your last chance before they pick up! All I can promise is a good table and me for a couple of hours, not even the whole evening - You can back out!" If you weren't with him you didn't want to be out on Valentine’s Day at all. You couldn't believe when it would be so busy he'd even take a few hours out for you... "Danny I don’t care!" You forgot the rest of your sentence, and paid for it. He gasped in pretend shock "You don't care!?...AND I’m not good enough for a gift!?” He laughed, turning his attention back to his mobile as you heard Javier pick up; “Unbelievable!” * You studied yourself in the mirror. Was red too much of a Valentine’s Day colour? Were you about to become the cliché you’d sworn you weren’t!? You had to be honest with yourself you weren’t even sure you’d be wearing red, if it wasn’t for the fact that you had gone out and brought this dress specifically for tonight. It was the same cut as the one you had worn the first time you had frequented his restaurant. And the split up the side showed off your Miami tan. You had gone all out tonight to look flawless. Not for yourself. But for him. Your hair and makeup was perfect, your heels just the right height, and you felt good. The final touch, as ever, was your favourite perfume… You wondered if Danny would remember it from before… Gathering your things together you walked confidently down to your car, loving the sound of your heels striking the floor. You turned up your music loud as you made your way to his restaurant. You weren’t sure about the alcohol involved in tonight for you to be driving… You’d either have to take it slow, or take a cab. It didn’t matter; you could simply collect your car tomorrow… No-one would mind you leaving it overnight. When you arrived in the parking lot you weren’t surprised to see it packed. Luckily for you, dating the man who owned the place had its privileges. Tonight it really paid off; as only the staff parking spaces were free. You knew Danny had a car but, he didn’t have it with him tonight… You rolled your own neatly into his parking space and took a deep breath. Time for your big entrance. When you rounded the corner to the front of the restaurant they were queuing out of the door. Surely this wasn’t people who had reservations!? It was crazy; even for Valentine’s day you’d never seen Danny’s this busy. You smiled to yourself, quite proud – he was going to do well tonight. You walked past the line, which continued inside, where Javier caught you;

“Amorcita! Come, come! Right this way!” “I don’t think I’ve ever seen it this busy!” “Trust me… neither have we…” He took your hand and led you; “You look stunning… By the way. Danny doesn’t know what he’s missing by not taking you out!” “When it’s this busy, you best be glad he’s here…!” You followed Javier to a table in the back of the room, where it was quieter. Danny had clearly carefully chosen this spot… “You better like this table! You will not believe the number of times I have had to set it and re-set it!” You could imagine, it was for you - Even perfection would not be good enough for Danny tonight. You smiled gently as Javier sat you so you faced the kitchen; “Now you can at least look at your man whilst he’s working… Though how dare he, when you look this good?” You laughed “Well, Javi, let’s face the facts… We’re both going to be in agony waiting…” He smiled; “I’ll let him know you are here. Trust me, I’ve never seen a man more excited about creating off the menu pieces… He’s been looking forward to this for two weeks… Can I get you your usual drink?” “Oh. No. Javi… That’s okay… I don’t want to get too… drunk?... Tonight… I’m driving.” “Oh… Well, you know, I’m sure Danny’s got something in mind that goes with EVERYTHING he’s made…” He checked his watch; “You think he’d come say Hi…” “He’s busy Javi… But please do let him know I’m here…” He nodded, and left to remind Danny EXACTLY what time it was.

* Javier made sure all of his tables were happy before he made his way back over to you. “SO, whilst Danny is busy. I’m going to be your date!” You laughed; “Why?” “Sorry… Why…?! Because you are the most beautiful girl in the room. And everyone knows it.” You had to admit, whilst you had been sitting here alone, with your thoughts, nearly everyone in the room had been staring at you, glancing over and whispering about the mystery girl who had shown up here dressed to perfection without a date. Who was the guy? And when would he be showing up? It had only made you smirk to yourself. You wondered how they would react when they realised it was Danny? That man sure deserved to show you off tonight; what was wrong with being the eye-candy on his arm just this once? You wanted to prove that he could get the girl – and you had dressed up for him. Not for anyone else. Still, you were flattered by Javi’s compliment “Thank you…” He placed a bottle of your favourite coloured wine on the table, and by the label clearly an expensive one; “Danny says nothing less than the top shelf will do tonight. So he’s really treating you. As I knew he would…” Javier smiled “You’re really good news for him… You know?” “…SO many people tell me that, like’s he’s bad news.” “He’s had his ups and downs. Especially in his love life. They are quite some stories…” He lent on his hand; “But the way he talks about you… man… it’s something else…” You were determined not to blush, so you expertly changed the subject “What about you? Shouldn’t you be out with someone special tonight?” “ME! You’re the best I got. I’m single.” “Single!? NO!” You pulled out your mobile “Are you serious?!” He nodded and then got suspicious as you typed something into it “…Why?” “…Because, honey, do I know the girl for you…” “OH, really?! Matchmaking?” “Yes really… And you’ve already kinda met her….” If you could do a little matchmaking in Danny’s restaurant, why not? After all, it was your interaction with Danny here that had got you together. He raised an eyebrow, and took a breath “Is it the crazy one?” “Define crazy…?” You grinned, knowing both your friends had been flirting with him “Y’know the… order everything off the menu, drunk on Friday night, don’t ask me any questions, staring at me a lot, type crazy one.” “…Would you have a problem if it was…?” He chewed his lip for a moment and then smiled; “I dunno… I think I could go for a little crazy.” You laughed, and wrote her number down on a napkin; “Her name is Amanda, and she’s very dear to me. Be nice.” “What are you doing?! You have got to be kidding? I have to wait two days for you to call my number and you’re just giving yours out to Javi?!” Danny shook his head and folded his arms as he stopped at your table. He had changed out of his chefs’ whites into a black button-up shirt, his attempt to look smart for your date. It worked, in a Danny kind of way. “No…” You looked at him innocently “…I was simply doing a little matchmaking…” “Is that so…” He smiled and leant in to kiss your cheek. He turned to Javi, who stood to take his leave “When you’re ready, my good man, Jason knows how it goes…” “Alright! I’m on it!”

Danny slid into the seat that Javier had just vacated and blew out a breath; “You look… I just… Words… honestly fail me…” You smiled “Well… I just wanted to look good for you.” “For me!? Darlin’, you needn’t have you always look good. Tonight you look…” He made a motion to indicate he couldn’t find the right word. “And everyone is quite rightly staring at you…” “At you…” You leant on your hand, “…I like that…” “Oh. Really…” He reached for the bottle Javier had placed on the table and poured you a sensible glass full “Yeah. It’s about time people knew I was yours…” He chuckled, “Alright… Sweetheart… Well, you’ve clearly made one hell of a point…” He placed his hands together “…Now in advance, I apologise that I can’t stay. But I sure as hell want to make these hours count…” “Baby that’s ok…” “And when I leave, I don’t expect you to stay… It’s going to be a long night. And I’ll be here helping them out until closing. So…” He took a sip of wine, and made a face like he was pleased with his choice “…Please, feel free to leave at any time.” “No… No… That’s ok… I want to stay… I have my car… You can just come back to mine tonight…” He smirked suddenly and leant towards you; “Oh? Is that where this is heading…? A little cliché for Valentine’s Day don’t you think…?” You suddenly realised what you had said; “Danny no! I didn’t mean it like that-!” “No need to be shy about it Y/N… It’s just you and me…” His eyes flicked to the cut of your dress. You were still determined not to blush, lowering your voice to a whisper; “Stop it! You can’t talk like that! Not here!” “Why not? It’s my restaurant… My rules… No-one cares… Why, baby? Don’t you want me?” You had to look away from his intense stare… But you bit your lip… Wondering if that was where your night might end… You ran your finger lazily around the rim of your glass whilst he took another sip of his “I didn’t say I didn’t want you…” You looked back into his eyes, pouring some sugar of your own; “I just said you can’t talk that way here…” He was right. He knew you. Every off-menu dish he’d created was something you’d talked endlessly about or a variation of something off his menu you truly loved. You realised that every time he’d seen you eat he’d studied you – to the letter. Everything went well together, and everything paired with the wine he’d selected. You were beyond flattered. He continued to flirt with you through the entire meal and you felt like the only girl in the world. Even though your aim had been quite the opposite. He was way too good to you for the man his family made him out to be. “…Oh. Yeah. Just one thing…” He shuffled around in his seat and began rummaging in his pocket it got you curious “…I… Kinda broke your rule…” You could swear your heart was about stop beating and instinctively put your hand over it in relief. You opened your mouth as he placed the box on the table, It was small, black and wrapped intricately with silver ribbon. By its size and shape that he wasn’t about to get down on one knee in the middle of his own restaurant, especially after the previous conversations you’d had here. He followed your train of thought; “Geez! Don’t die on me! Give me SOME credit! I am in NO way sickeningly cliché enough to propose to you in front of my whole restaurant... on Valentine’s Day. Besides I’d never live it down!” He was right, Javier and Jason would never let him hear the end of it. Then he laughed, like he couldn’t resist it “Maybe I’ll do it when we’re alone later!” Still, the joke didn’t ruin the way you felt and you almost had to stop yourself from crying; “Oh! Danny!” “Now it’s not much… But I wanted you to have something…” He slid the box towards you; “You can’t open it until I’m gone… though, ok?” “…You didn’t have to.” “I know. You made that clear. But I wanted to…” He smiled, and poured himself another glass. He looked around the restaurant. It was in a lull period, before the next sitting, and he was glad he’d get to sit with you for a little while longer, at least until you had finished.

When the restaurant started to get busy again, you knew he had to take his leave. “I’m sorry I can’t stay longer.” “No. No… Baby, go do your job…” He stood and rounded the table to kiss you again. It didn’t last nearly long enough; “I promise not to make you wait too long…” But you didn’t mind. You could at least watch him working. “Thank you, for coming here!” “I love coming here!” “I know but… I wish I could have taken you out…” “You’ll get the chance.” You winked “I get to see the guys too…” “True…” He smiled “…See you later. And honestly… Go… Don’t sit here on my account!” Although, he knew you’d wait there forever if you had to. On his way back to the kitchen he was stopped by another long-term patron. You loved to see Danny laughing, but as he did so he nodded and looked across to you. You couldn’t help but smile until it hurt. This was what you wanted. You wanted them to realise what he had. The man Danny Rayburn really was. And that look of adoration on his face, that was for you… And it wasn’t the only time he was stopped...

* “How you doing? Can I get you anything else? Another drink…? Coffee?” Javier came over to clear away the plates; “Was it good?” “Incredible.” “I told you he was excited…” “I’ll uh... Take you up on coffee, Javi, that would be great. Put in a shot of Bailey’s too.” “Well, that sounds like an idea…” “Oh. And, the check.” “The check-!? Danny will NOT let you pay.” Javier looked taken aback by the very idea. “Javi, He can’t do that again. Let me.” “…Amorcita… I don’t know… Half this stuff was off menu I don’t know if I can…” “Just do your best… Please… Let me pay.” He still seemed hesitant “Look. If I drink any more… Those can go on the house, just… Let me pay. Let me pay all of you, too, with all the hard work you guys do? You deserve it.” “Okay… But this was all your idea…” “Thank you…” You handed him your card and he went off to get your coffee too. When he came back you had pulled the box closer to you; “Here you are… And your coffee… Call me if you need anything else…” “I won’t hesitate… Thank you Javi…” You scribbled out your signature and pulled delicately at the silver ribbon until it unravelled. You were curious… It wasn’t anything so cliché as chocolates or flowers by the size of the box… What would Danny break your one rule in favour of? You lifted the lid gently and had to smile, touching your hand to your chest. The fine gold chain winked in the gentle restaurant candle light as you lifted it delicately from the box, it ran smooth through your fingers as you studied it. Sitting on the end, however was the exact answer to your question. Small, plain, but with symbolism that could not be understated, was a delicate cursive initial. D, for Danny.

The next time the restaurant buzz died to quiet you realised how late it must be getting. As you looked up from your phone you witnessed Jason leave the kitchen. If Danny was letting his staff go, it must have been near the end of the night. Jase caught your eye and wandered over; “Y/N! Have you had a good evening.” “Letting Danny go for a couple of hours was very kind of you Jason… Yeah. I’ve had a great time… I guess it isn’t over yet!” “No, but, should be soon. The kitchen is winding down, Danny said he can take care of the dessert now. Which, for Danny is a big thing. You know he hates baking right? Says it’s all about Chemistry… but cooking… That’s about feel!” He rolled his eyes and you hated to laugh at the way he imitated Danny, but that was exactly something he would say “…Like he doesn’t know what Chemistry is. When he has you…!” He grinned, “I dunno. Anyway, if Danny can handle it, we’re almost done. He won’t keep you waiting much longer.” “How you spending the rest of your evening? You got someone special?” “Yeah, my girl’s pretty understanding. I’ll take her out properly tomorrow… But I’m sure there’s enough evening left to make something of it. Make sure you do to, when he’s finished, alright?” “I will. Now get on to your girl!” He smiled “See you soon Y/N!” He walked away, but then turned and call back down the restaurant “It looks good on you! By the way!” You realised he was talking about the necklace, and you looked down. Its length allowed it to be more visible the deeper the cut of whatever you were wearing. You guessed that was the point, people were more likely to stare at you if you were wearing something that showed your skin. So, it was best to show them that you were already taken. At least, that’s probably how Danny’s feelings went – you didn’t think he was so insecure. He just as likely wasn’t one to put up with another guy putting his eyes on you.

Your phone eventually buzzed and you couldn’t help but laugh out loud at the text; Are you at Dannys!? Maybe… 😉 Did you give me NUMBER to the waiter we had?! And If I did? C’mon. Amanda, you were so into him… I can’t believe you!! Have fun – you’re welcome! At that moment, you heard laughing and the kitchen doors swung open again to more staff leaving. Including Javi, now out of uniform, who interestingly had his phone in his hand. He waved to you, but Danny caught him; “OY! Who said anything about you leaving your tables aren’t all clear!” “What!? C’mon Danny! There’s one left!” “If all your tables aren’t done, you don’t go!” “But she’s…” Danny gave him a significant warning look, making Javi sigh and wander over to you. You nodded to his phone; “Anything I should be interested in.” He grinned “Yeah, matchmaking service… We’re heading out for drinks.” “Wow. You move fast! I thought she had a date.” “It clearly went well…” He gave a wink and then looked to the table. Every other table was neatly cleared and stacked, awaiting usage tomorrow. You were the only one left down this end of the restaurant “So, Danny won’t let me go unless my tables are clear… So… I guess I’m not drinking until you leave…” You got up slowly; “No, let me help you – don’t want you to miss a date I basically initiated…!” You smiled, content to help him carry things back to the kitchen, still chatting excitedly about his plans. Danny sighed; “She can have some of your pay check for that!” “Aw – c’mon! It’s clear now!” How many times was Danny going to threaten to take away his pay check this month?! “Yeah, alright! Off you go!” Danny turned to you; “Sit down Darlin’, at least I can watch you from here now…” He gave a wink as you sat yourself at the bar, Javi came back around and could not resist wrapping his arms around you and kissing your cheek; “Goodnight Amorcita!” Danny shook his head “…Don’t bother coming back tomorrow!” He yelled after Javi, who laughed “You don’t mean that! You love me really!” That had you and Danny laughing; “Good luck on your date! Let me know how it goes!” He waved to you “I will Y/N!” Turning back to Danny you realised the kitchen was now empty besides him. And the two tables left were finishing up their drinks and paying their tabs. Danny was essentially just clearing away; “Give me half an hour sweetheart and I’ll be done…” “What’s thirty minutes more?” You shrugged. You loved watching him work, you were a little disappointed you’d missed out. Still, watching him clear away meant you were one minute closer to having him in your arms again. *

Finally he waltzed out of his kitchen, bag over his shoulder. He didn’t come to you immediately, instead walking to the back of the restaurant, checking everything was clear and ready for tomorrow and flicking off lights as he made his way back to you. “OK… We can go…” He took your hand in his as he helped you off the bar stool and you wrapped your arm around his. He liked that. You could tell by his smile. Once outside it wasn’t as cold as you would think, even for February. He kept your hand in his as he locked the door; “So, you like it?” You noticed him look across to the necklace, now flashing in the streetlights. “Like it? Danny… I love it…” You got the feeling now it was on, you would never take it off. “Really?” He smiled; “Good… It looks better on you… I’m almost proud of myself. Bet you’re glad I broke that rule.” “…Yeah. This once…” He pocketed his keys, and walked you to your car. You felt alright for driving, thank goodness. You hadn’t had too much to drink and you had eaten enough. You were just about to pull your keys from your bag when he stopped. You weren’t paying attention, so you were pulled back by his arm. You were about to voice your question when he looked at you; sincerely. “Dance with me.” “…What?” “I didn’t get to take you out properly… Dance with me…” You looked around; here? In the middle of the restaurant parking lot? Was he serious? “Danny, there’s no music? Without music?” He shook his head “We don’t need music. You should know that.” When you still didn’t respond he sighed, letting you go he put his bag down, and held his hand out to you, taking up what you recognised to be an awkward version of a Waltz stance. You took a breath, and smiling, you put your hand in his. He placed his other hand gently on your waist and pulled you closer to him. Placing your other hand on his shoulder you laced your fingers together, and he began to sway you. “You’re crazy… you know that?” “And yet, you’re the one dancing with me…” He smiled, as you relaxed into his arms, resting your head against his chest as he continued to rock you. Bringing your hand in, he placed it against his heart; and you quickly realised that you were dancing to the rhythm of his heartbeat. He kissed your hair, and then your forehead, brushing his cheek against yours to get just that little bit closer to you. The way he enveloped your body with his was protective; and you felt safer now than you had ever felt in anyone else’s arms. The only sound was the cars that occasionally drove passed on their way back from Valentine’s Dates of their own. You wondered how many passengers in them looked over and saw the two of you, moving in a circle under the yellow glow of the floodlit parking lot – and thought you were insane. But you couldn’t have cared less… You were lost in his motion, in the way he held you - as strong as it was delicate – his attempt to show you he would hold you forever but that he would never break you… Any part of you. And you knew that included your heart. You thought it was dangerous for him to make that promise; but you badly wanted it to be true. Your rhythm came to a gentle stop, but he continued to let you get lost in his embrace. Your fingers tangling themselves in the fabric of his shirt, telling Danny you wouldn’t let him go either… You looked up to him; and his blue eyes glowed in the wake of the lighting. He kissed your forehead, the bridge and tip of your nose and finally your lips. You wound your arms around his shoulders and let the kiss linger as long as he would allow. Full of further unspeakable promises. He broke it, finally and chuckled; “Let’s go home…”

* “UGH!” Danny collapsed on your couch. Now changed into a grey vest top and shorts he ran his hands over his face and through his hair; “That was HELL! Never let me do something like that again!!!” He tipped his head back, making you laugh; “Well. There’s always next year.” “Oh GOD! I’ve only just gone though this year! Remind me to take the day off!” “I wouldn’t let you do that to them!” He made a sound that was painful; “God. I need a drink…” “What a great idea… I like your train of thought…” You wandered over to one of your cupboards and pulled down a bottle and two tumblers. He raised an eyebrow in curiosity; “Is that… whisky? Girl, I like the way you think.” “… I think you’ll find Woodford Reserve brands itself as Kentucky Bourbon…” You looked across to him “Is it a two or three fingers type night?” He laughed; “Three, at LEAST!” You poured him a generous two and a half, and poured nothing more than a dribble for you. A night cap. That was all you wanted. You put the bottle away and handed him the glass. You loved the way Woodford tasted. It wasn’t sweet, it had a savoury quality but by God did it have a burn, it was that that made it your favourite. You took a sip, he studied his glass and then looked back to you; “What? No ice?!” You pointed to your fridge “You have legs!” He puffed his cheeks and narrowed his eyes but he clearly wasn’t about to get up; “Cheers…!” He swirled it before taking a sip, you watched the way he rolled the liquid over his tongue before swallowing, and the breath he let out as it burned; “Oh-! That is good!” You nodded your agreement as he sat back. Now he really allowed himself to study you, he already knew what you were wearing was gorgeous. The deep-V neckline, now complete with his very own initial. The split up the side showed your beautifully tanned legs, giving him just enough but leaving him wanting so much more… it hugged your figure well too. He hadn’t forgotten your little conversation back at his restaurant… Now he was just wondering if you would act on it, or not. “You are so, damn, beautiful…” His voice was quiet, and it edged on sinful promise. You took another sip and looked back to him, then wished you hadn’t at the look on his face. The look in his eyes. Your heart began to pound in your chest. “…Don’t look at me like that…” “Baby…” He shook his head, running is fingers over his lips in a way that sent shivers over your skin; “Why not…” “Because I…” You had to look away, look to your balcony, then to your wall…To anything but his eyes – you couldn’t hold that stare. You noted how deep the breaths you were taking were… Your stomach and your heart and your HEAD were all in agreement on this one. It was Valentine’s Day, why not act on this…? Eventually your eyes had to wander back to his. He was leaning back casually on your couch, and had you locked in his intense gaze. He tapped his finger against the side of the whisky glass that he was holding casually by the rim – he was waiting on you and you knew it. He read you too well, and Danny was always hard for you to resist…

You realised that you too were tapping your glass, but for a different reason; the nerves were building up inside of you… You somehow tore your gaze away from him again. And it fell to your glass; gripping it so tight your knuckles were white… If you were going to do this, then it was your house. And your rules. Decisively you tipped the glass back to finish it and set it down. Walking over to him, slow, confident, with purpose. You would make him wait for you… brushing your hair back you gave him a look to let him know that you were going to be in control here. He ran his eyes back up you again, and by the time they reached your eyes they were dark blue. You sank yourself down onto his lap, straddling him. Locking your legs with his, your feet barely touched the floor as he was sat so far back. You ran your tongue over your lips and took his glass from him, taking one sip for yourself you placed it on the table beside you. He gave an almost defiant whine; you pulled him to you by his top; “My house… My rules…” He seemed to agree with this as you pulled him into a kiss; tasting like whisky that lingered on his tongue he ran his hands up your smooth thighs, hitching your dress just a little higher as you wound your arms around his shoulders to deepen the kiss…. You were now locked in a completely different form of dance…. He hummed gently in approval at the way you ground your hips into his. Continuing to run his fingers over every inch of skin he could get his hands on; he kept his voice low, almost a whisper as he kissed your neck; "You know, now would be a perfect time to start a playlist..." You almost laughed, digging your nails gently into his biceps; and catching his lips with your again; "That would just make it something else..." He squinted slightly; "Darlin'... We've always been about something else..." He ran his hands through your hair, kissing your beautifully tanned skin over and over "...That is why we work so well..." You accepted his kisses with kisses of your own, but he certainly wasn't affording you breathing space; and soon he had you breathless again. Not only that, but he had the situation back under his control. Kissing you wherever he wanted, he offered resistance and held you back from kissing him - that made you whine in discontent - which is exactly what he was looking for; by the smirk on his face. "...That's it baby girl..." His voice, seductive, was back to giving you that shiver; only this time it ran through him too... So he let you kiss him... running his hands back down your body they lingered for a second at the ties on your dress, before he thought better of it. You felt him shift under you, and then he swept you up. You gasped, leaving his lips and gripping his shoulders tight. He cleared his throat, as he began to walk you towards your bedroom; "Mmmh.... There isn't nearly enough room here to do everything I want to do to you tonight..." He let his husky whisper linger for a moment, with a sinful wink. Trouble was, whatever that promise was... You couldn't wait.

** You woke up without him, and you weren’t sure you liked that. Looking around for any signs of where he might be you were disappointed not to find any. Surely, he wouldn’t have gone off to work already? Considering how late it was last night!? And if he did, wouldn’t he have left a note? You hopped out of bed, pulling on a shirt and shorts of your own and wandered out into the corridor. You almost breathed a sigh of relief when you heard sounds emanating from your kitchen and echoing down to your bedroom. Guess it was finally time you took him up on breakfast… You shuffled down the hall and stood watching him for a minute. He was adsorbed in everything he was doing, moving from one thing to another – he hummed to himself. “Mornin’…” “Good morning Sunshine…” He turned to smile at you “…How are you?” You suppressed a yawn; “Good. Yeah… You’re making me breakfast?!” “Figured that you couldn’t say no to this…” He teased… but then made a face “Actually, I’m trying to make you breakfast… uh, note to Y/N… Please actually stock ingredients!” “Uh, note to Danny, you don’t live here. I will have in this house what I damn well like!” He shook his head “You’re lucky I can make what I’m making! Nothing in your cupboards constitutes a balanced meal, I’m shocked you’re still alive!” “…Well I usually spend all my time at work! When do I get the chance to eat here? Let alone cook.” “That’s no good for you either. And you have an extremely sweet tooth, I’m worried.” You shrugged “It doesn’t bother me!” “No clearly…” he opened another cupboard and lamented “…C’mon… You’re killing me here!” “Well, I didn’t ever expect my boyfriend to be a chef..!” “Well, your boyfriend thinks he needs to take you grocery shopping…” You leant on your counter with a smile; “So… Do it!” He turned to you “…OK… I will… If it gets you eating better, I will.” You shook your head at him, until he pointed to the breakfast bar; “Now sit! I’ll be done in a minute.” “Don’t you want me to help?” “No, Darlin’, this is for you. Sit.” He insisted. Finally you understood what Danny meant as he set everything out for you. Everything was simple, and most of it was leaning towards the sweet side of breakfast. You stared at the pancakes for a minute; “Are there sprinkles in the pancakes?” “Yeaaaah...” You scoffed; “Alright, international house of pancakes...” He narrowed his eyes at you and tapped you with his fork “I’m just trying to make things interesting! And with your limited amount of ingredients I worked with what I had...!” You pointed to the sauce “Syrup?” He looked like he was about to give up on you entirely “... Caramel. Easy to make butter, cream, sugar. Surprised you had those to be honest.” “Ah. You’re being very resourceful...” You clearly weren’t awake yet, pointing out to yourself that there was actually already a syrup bottle on the table. “God, please let me take you shopping...” ��What today?” He hummed tilting his head one way and then the other “if that’s what you wanna do, Darlin’...” “I kinda don’t wanna do anything… But… I feel like you’re only gonna complain at me if we don’t…” He didn’t quite nod his agreement, but he took your hand in his and rested it on your knee “…If we do… Then at least I can cook for you more often.” “Are you really THAT worried?” “Yeah. I really am.” And you had to smile, because not only was he being sweet – he was also being serious.

What Danny really admired about you was the way you ate. As a chef that was important to him, and it was important you liked what he made you. But the way you thought about every bite you took impressed him. He couldn’t help but love you more as he watched you eat; “What?” “…You… You just… Amaze me, sometimes…” But he pointed to your plate with his fork “Just, less sugar. Next time. Please?” You got this innocent but defiant look on your face as you tilted your head “…Well, I can’t get ALL my sugar from you…” He laughed, and then leant towards you to brush sugar from your lips with his own. It was a good move, and was rewarded by you pulling his shirt to bring his body closer to yours. He deepened his kiss and all that did was threaten for you to take it back to the bedroom. You pulled away, savouring the taste of his lips on yours for just a moment longer; “Hmmm…” He agreed satisfied “I guess you’re right.”

*** Later that morning you found yourself on a short road-trip; because he was serious about taking you grocery shopping and apparently no other day would do. But now he was driving you, humming along to the radio. It was another nice day, and he had the windows down and his shades on. He looked hot, you had to admit, he was just something else and you were damn proud that he was sitting here beside you. You couldn’t resist texting Amanda, knowing you wanted all the gossip from her night with Javier. It wasn’t like they didn’t ask for every excruciating detail of every date Danny ever took you on. You always remained mysterious about it; Danny showed too much of himself to you and all of it was for you to keep. Not to tell anyone else. Did you wake up with a 10? I didn’t wake up with anybody Amanda! I’m shocked! What happened!? I’m taking it slow. How’s your 10? Well, he’s at least a 12. But yeah, I woke up with him 😉 Ugh. You are beyond lucky. I know. I knnnnow x You were laughing, which got Danny curious. “What?” he nudged your arm when you shook your head “What’s so funny!?” “Nothin’! I’m just…” you waved your hands “Complimenting my awesome boyfriend.” “OH!” He smirked; “IS he now!?” “Well he better damn well think he is too.” “He, uh, I guess he thinks he could be. I mean… He has you.” He let you take his hand in yours; “Well… He takes good care of me… Which is what matters. As he’s proving right now.” “Yeah well. Someone’s gotta do it!” He laughed “Of course I’m happy to do it…!” “Well anything to stop him complaining.” You could tell he was rolling his eyes behind his shades; “Eh….!! I’m not sure he’ll ever do that.” “Shame…” You shook your head “I love him anyway…” “He wants you to know…” he laced your fingers together and looked across to you “He loves you too.”

* You were both tangled up together on your balcony in the late afternoon sun, having the best of lazy days. Your head against his chest as he stroked his hand absentmindedly through your hair… You knew you could stay like this forever… Hell, maybe after your next move you would get that wish. “Danny…” “Hmm?” He blew out smoke in answer, taking another drag of his cigarette as you shuffled around, producing a box tied up in blue ribbon. “I’m actually kinda glad you broke your promise, Because… Now I get to give you this…” He shook his head, “You didn’t have to get ME anything…” Although his eyes flicked to the necklace you were still wearing proudly… He rested his cigarette in the ash tray and took the box from you, “Are you sure?” “Yes!” “…Seriously you didn’t have to.” “I wanted to, too. Anyway, this one is important…” He looked to the box, pulling the blue ribbon slowly he met your eyes again. Would this be as important to you as that necklace was to him? he wondered. You sighed; “Danny! Just open the damn thing the suspense is killing me!” He gave it his full attention as he lifted the lid gently. Then looked a little confused as he was presented with a set of keys; “Are these… The keys to your apartment…?” He lifted them from the box and studied them with careful interest. “…You’re giving me the keys to your apartment?” “No…” You were careful with your choice of words, “Well. No, yeah that’s what they are, but that’s not what I’m asking.” He turned his attention to you out of curiosity… You took a deep breath. Only your parents had keys to this apartment besides you. But, you’d already made up your mind on this one. Danny wasn’t just someone you were seeing, he was the man you wanted to spend the rest of your life with. And it wasn’t Valentine’s Day, or whisky or heck even sugar talking. This was pure and simple; it was the way you felt and you had to let him know it. You looked at him with nothing but adoration; “Danny… I’m asking, please, and in the most real… honest, wholehearted way I can… For you to move in with me.”

@stcphstrange - Protect this one with your life! It’s been through a lot!!

#Danny Rayburn #Danny Rayburn x Reader #Bloodline #Ben Mendelsohn #danny rayburn x you #Linzi Writes #Linzi Queues Things #Sway #5 #Liliana #Valentines Fic!

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smolbeandrabbles · 5 years

Text

Sway Pt.4 - Danny Rayburn x Reader (Bloodline)

Part 1 / Part 2 / Part 3 / Here / Part 5 / Part 6 / Part 7 / Part 8 / Part 9 / Part 10

Author’s Note: Hello! As Promised! This was also meant to be Part 3 so this is NOT the Part 4 that I had to write twice!! I had a hard time finding lyrics I liked for this one... Then had a day where nothing but great lyrics came up on shuffle (oh the dilemma!) ... The reason that there is all the back and forth over her/you wearing stripes is because in my head every time I see your character she’s wearing stripes in some form. I’m really just calling myself out!

Disclaimer: I own nothing but “You” and my OCs. I don’t know how to drive a boat, or if the yacht I’m describing needs a crew (probably does)... Let me live a little in my fantasy land - Thank You! This all takes place in a single day, so no time markers this part.

Premise: A yachting trip out of Miami leads to you finally learning about Danny’s past...

Word Count: 8303 (see why it needed to be split?)

Warnings: Sexual Pre-Amble/Things get steamy... I can’t write smut, so this is as good as I give! Danny’s backstory is pretty prominent (nearly 1000 words of this)... Sarah’s death, his injury... everything...

And I ain’t been the same again, since you rolled in out of the blue, And I’ll never forget it, that moment when… I could feel the tide start turnin’, There was something different ‘bout the current, You were moving in so fast, I was frozen there in your path, Knew you were the one when I saw ya, Loved the way the sun looked on ya, So baby ‘til it breaks let’s take it all the way, Cuz lovin’ you is catching the perfect wave…

----

You're crashin' into me like waves on the coast Every time we talk, you move in close I don't want you stop, I don't want you to stop tonight We've got the last two glasses on a straw hut bar… String of white lights making your eyes shine tonight…

Your skin is begging to be kissed by a little more than the sun You take my hand in yours, you lean in and Your lips taste like sangria

Only thing I wanna do tonight, Is Drink you like a Spanish wine, Let you let this head of mine, Keep spinnin’ Spinnin’ around

You had arranged to meet Danny down by Miami waterfront this morning. He was taking an unusually large amount of days off for you and you weren’t sure if that was a good influence or not. Only, sometimes when you turned up at the restaurant Javi and Jason jokingly begged you to take Danny on another date somewhere so they would have a break from him. Sometimes these jokes resulted in Danny laughing… sometimes the boys both ended up with bruises. Today you were going to take him out on the water – you figured if he wasn’t going to take you out from Rayburn House any time soon, that you would simply take him out on a boat yourself.

You were checking your watch just as he strolled into view, bag over his shoulder, you’d asked him to come prepared – it looked like he’d heeded that... And right on time! He looked at you for a second, then a clever little smirk crossed his face as he pointed to your shirt of choice; “Sorry?? Almost didn’t recognise you without stripes!” “Oh shut up!!” Though he had you laughing. “See! I took it to heart!” He pointed at himself “I’m not wearing a shirt over a shirt! Just a T-shirt! Are you satisfied?” You folded your arms and leant back to give him the same up and down look he was always giving you – with a smirk “Not until it’s on the floor of my yacht. No.” “Oh.” And his face almost conveyed shock. “Well if that’s how you want it.” You feigned innocence, “What do you mean? We’re going swimming right!? Time to put your money where your mouth is ‘strongest swimmer in the Keys’.” You winked, turning back down the pier you walked passed him, but looked him up and down again as you brushed your arm against his “But… I guess I could go for a bit of that.”

He started off down the pier to the smaller boats making you clear your throat “What are you..?” He pointed “You said boat!” “Yeah I did. You’re going the wrong way.” He looked to the yachts, all gleaming bright white in the Miami sun, all owned by millionaires. “You can’t be serious!” “I am.” “Your family owns one of these?!” “Two of these. My dad is in negotiation for like a liner type party boat... he doesn’t know if he’ll get it. The smaller one is pretty neat, then there’s the bigger one. Kinda modest, all the amenities. Doesn’t need a whole lot of crew to run.” He was still staring at the yachts in disbelief; “So, you in, Rayburn?” “Y-Yeah!” He hopped back up onto the jetty and you walked him a few rows down and then down another pier. On any given day people would be lounging around on here looking like they were on a modelling shoot or a music video. It only ever made you roll your eyes.

Eventually you stopped and Danny had a hard time taking it all in; “You sure this doesn’t need a crew?!” “Sometimes it would have one. Is that what you really want?!” “No. Not particularly I just ...” He made a sweeping gesture, “is it big enough?!” You walked across the gangplank “Yeah... possibly...” The several people who were finishing prepping the boat hopped across, greeting you in Spanish. After a quick conversation they took their leave ready to unmoor the boat at your discretion. Danny followed you across. “Welcome aboard Mr.Rayburn.” You took the stairs, keys in hand “Get settled in.” “Where we going?” “Not too far out, within a safe swimming zone...” You knew the perfect spot of clear water that still gave a spectacular view of the city. “Hey... Y/N! I was just thinking... there’s a marina up a little I think can take this boat.” “Yeah??” You inserted the key into the ignition “What about it?” “Well... there’s actually a restaurant there I’d love to take you too...” You smiled and turned the key as he ascended to join you. Now on the boat Danny could get an idea of the true scale... How much bigger could your Dad want to go? Having said that, scanning around, there were boats in the marina that still dwarfed this one. You gave the signal and the boat was unmoored, grinning you waved and yelled down; “Gracias Ignacio!” “De Nada Y/N!! Enjoy your trip!”

“You know what you’re doing right.” “Why, you wanna drive?” “My family own a boat!” “I know. It’s like the first thing my dad said.” So you let him help you guide her out onto open water and then you were cruising. “If you get a map and mark up your marina we’ll work it out, otherwise I got no plans.” “Can you get dressed up for this?” You raised an eyebrow at him curiously “Can you?” “…I was plannin’ on taking you somewhere when we got back, but if we can get out of Miami why not... y’know.” “I’ll have to check the wardrobe downstairs. I’m sure there’s something appropriate.” “Wardrobe?!” “Babe. Yeah, there’s a bedroom... look at this thing!” “So you weren’t kidding?” You smirked “Nope! But lemme get somewhere quiet first...” “That doesn’t sound like we’ll be in a bedroom” “Just once? Aw, Danny you sure know how to show a girl a good time” “And you should know not to say that to me Y/N” You couldn’t help but smirk behind your shades again as that edge to his voice came back. “Pretty sure that’s why I say it.” “So you’re telling me you like being a blushing mess? That can easily be arranged...” He walked up behind you, he got close, close enough for you to feel his body heat, he swept your hair to one side and then placed his hands on your waist; his grip was firm as his kissed you neck. At first you laughed, but as he put more pressure on your hips and grazed his teeth against your skin it turned into a sigh. “You probably shouldn’t do that when I’m driving.” If you lost focus you weren’t sure you had the nautical skills to get yourself back on track... and you weren’t too sure what Danny’s were yet.

***

Finally you found it, slowing the boat down to a complete and gentle stop. “Voila!” He was sitting with his head tipped back, sunning himself but he swivelled to look back at Miami; “Okay. This is pretty good!” “Only pretty good.” You set about dropping the anchor “Look at the water!!” He removed his shades and leant over the railing, met by such a beautiful deep blue and nearly crystal clear. The sand dunes here were a little higher making for a shallower stretch of water. To not bank the boat also meant you knew what you were doing.

“Gorgeous.” He smiled turning back to you “You’ve outdone yourself.” “Guess I like to try... for you...” You sat down and wound your arms around him, resting your head against his chest. He wound an arm around your shoulders and kissed your forehead gently. “‘Bout time I really thanked you for that...” “You do thank me for that... you just don’t realise you’re doing it...” You inhaled deeply, taking him in again. You thought back to that very first shirt and then tried to think of the countless others you’d stolen from him - it made you giggle and then sigh; “Can’t we just stay here forever?? Just take Nolan and go...” “Your parents would miss you too much... and with the restaurant I...” He tipped his head “... maybe one day. It’s not like I couldn’t see myself doing it...”

***

You spent a lot of time sunning yourselves up on the top deck, the only sound that of the sea and only motion the rock of the boat. Danny was plenty happy with this until you stole his Raybans. Then started laughing hysterically; "Oh that’s clever! Rayburn Raybans!" The look on his face remained less than impressed but didn't deter your laughter.

As the heat of the day really set in you both escaped onto the shaded lower level of the boat. You uncorked a bottle of wine and talked. Turned out that it didn't really matter how much time Danny and you spent together, you could talk about literally anything. Sometimes you thought that was because you just liked listening to his voice. Danny loved telling stories; you weren't sure he loved talking, and he wasn't the type of person that loved the sound of his own voice but he had so many stories... And each story he told could make you feel so much. His voice was cool and soothing and sometimes he poured sugar and could give you just the right look to almost drive you crazy...

Today you were just as into telling stories as he was; you were telling him about your first foray into dancing because of watching your parents, and how long it had taken you to find just the right piece of music, when you remembered something. "OH! Hang on a minute...!" You realised you'd stopped mid-story but this was suddenly so much more important. You ran back with your ipod and speakers, plugging it in you turned back to him, taking a breath at your admittance "I - Urhm- God this sounds so stupid now I think on it... I uh, haha... I... I kinda might have made us a playlist..." This piqued his interest "You made me a playlist?" You nodded enthusiastically, encouraged by his response. He laughed "No one has ever made me a playlist before..." He waved his hand at your modern technology "Aren't playlists supposed to be on mixtapes?" "...Yeah, when my parents were making them!" You folded your arms "Aw! C'mon Danny you're not THAT old." "Ow!" He gave you a look "No, c'mon, it's gotta be on tape!" "Does it matter what it's on!?... Will you let me play it?" "Go ahead" he nodded "Please do! I'm, kinda honored!" "Despite the fact it isn't on tape?" You teased, scrolling to shuffle it. "...Well, I'm equally scared..." The first song started playing, making him tilt his head "This sounds very Little Havana dance music to me..." You shrugged "It might kinda also be my dance fantasy playlist..." He put his glass down "You think about that?" You had him laughing again as he stood "You fantasise about dancing with me?" "I think you just like hearing me say it..." You let him take you in his arms and find a rhythm to the music "...When I watched my parents out on that dancefloor I used to always wonder when I would find someone who would know me that well... Who would command that floor with me; two halves of the same whole...With you, it’s different. But... I think I finally found him." You gave him your best teasing smile "So, if you think I don't fantasise about the way you choose to hold me when we dance.... Then you're missing out on what I'm thinking."

****

"You ever think about swimming out here?" "No, I’m wearing a bikini for NO reason, Danny." He turned from looking at the clear water and eyed you up and down "No. You're wearing shorts and a man’s shirt." "It's called OVERSIZED and it’s a fashion trend, it’s not a man’s shirt!" He laughed and turned back to the water; “You're just jealous it's not yours." You could tell by the way his shoulders tensed and his stance changed that you'd hit a nerve. This time he turned back slowly. However, as he did so you were shimmying your shorts off of your hips and unbuttoning your shirt. You looked back up at him and the way his jaw tightened and couldn't help but smirk. He shook his head; "Damn. Okay... now I need to cool off..." He stepped up onto the edge of the boat. "You're going in in a shirt!?" You looked him up and down "Like that!?" "Yeah. You coming or what?" With that he took a step backwards and disappeared from view. You rolled your eyes, dropped the shirt and slid your shades from your hair before crossing to the side of the boat. You tested the water temperature and, satisfied, took the step up and jumped in. Compared to the heat of the sun, once submerged the water was refreshing against your skin... You swam up to meet Danny who was waiting for you by the surface. "Quicker than expected. Maybe you'll give me a run for my money..." "Still gotta prove you're the strongest swimmer in the Keys." "Don't worry Darlin', I can do just that." He winked pushing himself back to the boat he wriggled out of his now soaked shirt and swam back to you. "Take a deep breath." "Why?" "Just... Do it..." He took his own and disappeared below the surface, did he want you to follow him or..? You gasped and almost swallowed salt water as he ran his hands up your legs, over your thighs; "DANNY!" He didn't stop, continuing his travel up your body, hips, stomach, pressing kisses there also... over your ribs and higher. GEEZ! What the heck is he--!? He resurfaced and you could have slapped him. “Saying my name is NOT taking a deep breath." "I could kill you Danny Rayburn." "You either want me to touch you or you don't?" He smirked playfully "You're just so full of mixed signals Y/N... Now take that breath." He kissed you once quickly, salt on his lips, making your protest useless as he sank again. This time you took one, and were glad you did as he promptly pulled you under. Within seconds you were back in his arms as he tangled your body with his. You had to lock your arms around him, now completely dependent on his swimming ability. You realised he was showing off, but you weren't sure this was exactly the way you'd had in mind. Then he kissed you, and it wasn't just a kiss. He ran his hands back over your body, pulling you even closer to him. He rolled you through the water to keep you closer to the surface but he didn't break the kiss; instead continuing to deepen it. You ran your fingers into his hair; knowing you were completely at his mercy. He untangled your legs from his, allowing you to keep buoyancy as he pulled you closer to him, almost so you were sitting on his lap underwater. You ran your hands back down his arms and across his chest. It made sense that Danny was a strong swimmer; the muscles under your fingertips were all toned for it. For a man now into his 40s, apart from his salt and pepper hair, there was nothing about Danny that made you believe he was that old for a second. He had a good 10 plus years on you, but damn when he was doing this it didn't feel like it.

You were beginning to get lightheaded, and it wasn't just the feel of your boyfriend. You pushed back against him releasing air bubbles. His reaction was so quick it could have been nothing more than instinct; pushing you towards the surface he didn't break until he made sure you had. "You okay!?" Panic edged his voice as he watched you take on air; "Yeah... Yeah I..." you laughed "You have the physique of a strong swimmer... I'll give you that much..!" He kissed you again, gentle, soft... and you looked at him, the way the sun broke over the water and hit his eyes... Today they really showed up his cute freckles and gave him an almost innocence, to couple with those ocean blue eyes and the grin he was now giving you as he gathered you back in his arms; "So... I win!?"

He took you hand and you swam back to the boat back under the waves. You allowed him to drag you along, watching the way he swam. The tide was changing, and over this particular area it was even more shallow - the water warm. Still, he swam so skilfully that he didn't stir up sand. He pulled you back up to the surface. Twisting you so your back was to the boat, he swam underneath you; this time with warning. He pulled your legs over his shoulders and pushed up until he hit the surface. You were just about high enough to pull yourself up onto the side, but he held you steady until you sat. Droplets fell from your hair into the water as you swept it back off your face with your shades. He was staring up at you, making no attempt to exit. "What?" "You are so damn gorgeous... I just don't know what to tell ya..." He pushed himself out of the water and hoisted himself up next to you. You handed him his damp shirt. "Sure you don't want this?" He, too, pushed his wet hair out of his face. You laughed "It’s NOT a man’s shirt..." You kissed his shoulder gently as he pulled it over his head with a laugh; "But that’s what you do right? You collect men’s shirts." "What do you think one-night stands are for? I was gonna add yours to my collection... It's a testament to you that you got it back..." "Only for you to steal about 4 more?" "I love your shirts, where do you get them?" "Aw nah, if I told you that you'd go buy 'em and I would outlive my usefulness." You looked down at the water again, at the way he swung his legs lazily over the side of the boat. But you smiled; "They wouldn't smell like you if you didn't wear 'em..." He leant back, laughing "Uh huh! That’s it!" You grinned "Somethin' like that, baby, yeah!" He shook his head, twisting so he straddled the side, hands on hips "But you don't want this one?" "You need to wear a shirt. Ok, or Ima die!!" He laughed even harder and took your face between his hands; "Oh! Baby girl! Where the hell did you come from!?" He kissed your forehead, then your lips, before he stood; "Lunch?" You nodded; "As If I could ever refuse?" You caught his lips again before he wandered to the kitchen; He laughed; "Okay, gorgeous. Try not to miss me too much." You pouted; "Awww... I miss you already!"

You had a book open on your chest, glass of wine on the table next to you. You were lying lengthways across the seats - simultaneously sunbathing and drying off from swimming. You were still in your bikini but to ward off the chill from the breeze that would every so often catch you, you’d put your oversized shirt back on. You’d started to read but your eyes began to get heavy, so you’d decided to give it a miss for a minute and rest your eyes instead. Danny had been busy preparing lunch... and marvelling a little at the kitchen on a boat like this. But when he walked back out onto the sun-drenched deck, he couldn’t help but push the thought of lunch to the back of his mind.

You were still wet from swimming and that was only soaking into the shirt you were wearing, leaving even less to his imagination than usual... He took a gulp of wine and crossed to you, placing his glass on the table next to yours. The sound of his glass hitting the surface didn’t stir you... He knelt on the seat and pulled you towards him by your legs, running his hands from your ankles, he brushed away the salt that was stuck to them. As he kissed from your ankle to follow the trace of his fingers you hummed, shifting your body slightly to get more comfortable. When he got to your inner thigh he figured you were teasing him by not responding more than you were holding back. He shifted himself, placing his hands either side of your head so you were pinned under him, legs on either side of his. You let out a content sigh, closing your book you threw it onto the table, expertly missing both glasses, you reached up and removed your shades, opening your eyes to stare into his.

“You’re blocking my sunlight, you know?” He narrowed his eyes but said nothing, opting instead to lower his body further and beginning to kiss your neck. The next hum you gave reverberated into his body as you crossed your legs behind his, winding your arms around his shoulders you pushed your body up and were met with a sound of approval; you laughed. “I didn’t say I wasn’t enjoying the view!” “That’s what I thought!” He growled against your skin. You tasted like the sea, like sunshine. Like everything he’d ever wanted. You were a warm safe place... Even though he knew you’d said the same about him... He felt like he could wrap all his secrets up in you, too... And like he might have finally found the one person who wouldn’t leave... Who wouldn’t let HIM leave.

He reached for the buttons on your shirt at the same time you started running your hands under his. “Should we take this inside?” You quizzed him as he relieved himself of his shirt, his eyes left yours and he traced the opening of your button down, it was much more obvious with you dressed like this of your body’s reactions to him... and your hips were pinned down by his. He wasn’t that sure he wanted to move this anywhere. He undid the final buttons and your shirt found a new home on the floor, he laid you back and his hands went for the straps of your bikini. And then he was decisive; “No.”

*** You opened the wardrobe and scanned quickly through the clothes. “Aw, crap.” “What?!” Danny’s voice echoed from the bathroom “I must have taken all my stuff off the boat!! This is all my parents...” You leant against the wardrobe door “... I mean it’s not a total loss my mom has some nice things...” He exited the bathroom running his hands through his still wet hair from the shower you had shared. “Only as long as it isn’t nautical stripes again...” You had to laugh “Just for that comment I’m going to make sure it-“ You had to stop and stare at him for a minute. “What?” He looked around the room and then back to you. Dressed in smart dark blue jeans, and a white and faded navy striped shirt (top buttons undone, of course) with a black jacket Danny looked the smartest you had ever seen him. And your heart was telling you exactly how that made you feel; “Oh my god...” you breathed “... When you said you were going to take me out you really meant it...” “Yeah. What did you THINK I meant?!” You shrugged unconvincingly and turned back to the wardrobe. You’d have to go classic black... there was nothing else for it. It was cut a bit like a sundress, but had teardrop shaped diamanté’s around the neck line. “Belt. I need to belt it... I think...” You threw off your cover up, not even caring that Danny was still there after today, the unmade bed now told that story, and pulled the dress over your head. As expected, it was a little too big for you. “Tell me you have a belt.” “Yeah, one! What are you...” “You have a skinny waist so it’ll have a good amount of notches!” “I’ll do you one better. It doesn’t even have notches.” He smirked “But you have to come get it.” You narrowed your eyes at him; “What, like your belt buckle is ever going to be a challenge for me?” You opened a second draw and pulled another belt out. Then approached Danny. His face almost read disappointed. “Don’t get too excited...” You ran your hands around his waist band to his belt buckle as you whispered it seductively, you released the buckle with a click, realising that his belt was a slide system. You pulled it from his dark jeans whilst never taking your eyes off his. Looping it over your shoulder you unravelled your dads; “It’s Zegna. Ermenegildo Zegna… Italian men’s fashion boutique, also does the suits for Tom Ford, Gucci and YSL if you must know…” You flashed the name on the belt at him before passing it through his belt loops and pulling it tight to fasten it; “Now you can look like you own this boat.” You stepped away from him and he released a breath you hadn’t realised he’d been holding. “...And you can get off your luxury yacht straight into you Zegna Maserati, to match your flashy belt, of which only 100 were made…” You cracked a smile “Not that my dad would let you borrow it or anything, but you could always ask!” Danny didn’t miss a beat – “So your dad is into cars huh?” “Small house, MASSIVE garage.” You agreed, knowing full well Danny had seen a host of them sitting on the driveway before now. “Explains yours.” “Uh. I’d like to take credit for my own car thanks! But yeah, guess he’s the influence. It wasn’t HIS money though.” “I would NEVER imply that!” He tilted his head; “Why are you telling me so much about Zegna anyways!?” You winked, pulling his jacket straight and smoothing his shirt; “Context is everything.”

You passed his belt high around your waist and pulled it tight to pull the dress in, looping it in a neat knot on the other side of the buckle. “There. Better.” You looked him over; “Oh Yeah. You look like new Miami money...” You pulled a box out of the same draw and opened it... selecting some of your mother’s earrings and a statement piece necklace. You were content to leave your watch and bracelets are they were. Finer pieces suited you, you turned back to him; “So, do you think I look worthy of your new Miami money?” He raised an eyebrow “You look beautiful… As long as the suggestion isn’t that I bought you?” “Baby, I would never—!” You crossed to him, picking up your bag on the way, thankful you always carried make up for touch ups. You kissed him gently “Tonight though... all eyes are gonna be on you!” *** He took your hand as you hopped off the boat; “So?” “So…?” You questioned his question. If he was asking about the location, then a marina was a marina. It was a small dock, old wood, but pretty… strings of lights welcomed boats and bathed the water in a soft glow. He asked the expected question. “What do you think?” “…It’s pretty… but it’s all boats, wood and water… Where are you actually taking me?” He smiled and linked your arm with his. “It’s only a short walk…” He took it slow, and explained how he’d found this place completely on accident when he was exploring ideas for his own. According to him, it was the only restaurant he actually trusted himself to take you to without complaining about anything. Anything had a wide scope, so you wondered if he meant sometimes he wouldn’t complain about the food but something else. He left that avenue unexplored. You pondered aloud if it had inspired anything from his own; he explained that the location was waterfront, so he’d got as close as he possibly could. He described, in detail, that when creating his own menu he’d taken a lot of time experimenting, which is why his menu looked normal until you took a close look. This place had a lot of classic items, but its fair share of the weird and wonderful. He’d simply tested flavours and combined them. You wondered what that meant your evening was to consist of. He stated that it wasn’t the only restaurant he’d been to that had inspired either of those things, but you knew him, so you’d be able to pick up on the influence right away.

When you arrived, the restaurant was decorated in the same strings of lights and it spilled out onto the small waterfront. Danny was “old-romantic” enough to have asked for an outside table and like a true gentleman, helped you into your seat before sitting himself. You studied the other clientele carefully. Everyone was at the very least smartly dressed. Some even a little overdressed, if you and Danny were anything to go by. Your dad’s boat was the biggest in the marina so… They weren’t coming from the Miami heights. Or, they’d driven? You hadn’t scanned the cars in the parking lot. You were glad you’d borrowed one of your mom’s dresses. You were about to open the menu when Danny held his hand out for it; “What? You have one?” “Yeah. Alright…” He retrieved his hand and studied his own meticulously. But that got you curious; “What?” “It doesn’t matter.” “No really!” He shook his head, but you could tell by the smile that appeared on his face that wasn’t the end of the conversation. You opened yours and almost immediately on first scan you could see elements that had been copied over to Viva Caputa. But, for a restaurant that didn’t seem all that big, the menu was far more extensive. And some of the prices were almost eye watering. Ah, the price of waterfront real estate. Even this far out of Miami. “You are NOT paying this.” “Shut up and let me take you on a date.” Danny waved away your protest “Its-” “I WANT to spend my money on you. That should be the end of the conversation…” And so it was. Until the waiter turned up. Danny took a deep breath, in a way that made you look up at him. He looked across to you; that same smile on his face. “Do you trust me?” You looked to the menu and shut it in answer; “Yes.” “Okay…” He cleared his throat “Let’s do this- you sure!?” You nodded; he was about to order for both of you, but he didn’t want to look like he was controlling. He ordered four different dishes, two that were classic, two that almost made you want to scan the menu again – but felt that would defeat the point of you trusting him. Then flicking through the drinks menu he ordered a wine. The waiter was hesitant for a moment. “Trust me man, I’m a chef. It sounds odd, it’ll go perfect…” He winked across to you; “You better get your drink in. I think I’m complimenting flavours.” With that you were allowed to order your signature. The waiter disappeared and Danny looked more than just a little smug; “The kitchen will get it. Don’t worry.” “Are you going to do this with dessert too?” “God – that’s your forte…” He traced his lips with his fingers; “Maybe. I’ll see how well this goes down.” “I’m sure it’ll be fine. You told me you knew me.” “…I know what you don’t like, yeah, I skipped all of that. It’s a shame, you’re missing out.” “You told me I had great taste!” You folded your arms defiantly; surely he would admit he HAD said that when editing his menu and listing his target markets qualities. “Yeah…” he smirked “In men!”

When the dishes arrived Danny was quick to point out exactly what he’d done; “Look! I’ve got all your food groups covered! Meat, Fish, Vegetarian, Pasta… That sauce is dairy based… and you’ve even got fruit here look. Can I have done any better? No or No?” “…You are crazy.” “Not a God damn sweet in sight. Good natural sugar!” He sat back and watched your face “You’ll ruin it with dessert but I want to say I tried my hardest.” “I’m impressed. But it’s gotta taste good.” “It will taste better than good.” He nodded to the wine, “Now I get to pour this!” He hadn’t actually let you have any before your main courses arrived. You were fine with your drink; with his promise that it would be complimented by what he had chosen you’d only taken slow sips. He had stuck to water. Danny was clearly eager to make a great impression. He held his hand out for your plate; “See, now I’ll balance it right and you can tell me what you think…” He moved his chair so he was sitting next to you, rather than opposite. And in accordance with what you had seen from an actual food group chart he began the process of mixing the dishes on your plate appropriately. He set it in front of you, and then poured your glass of wine. “Your choice if you mix them up or not. But, you should probably get a feel for each flavour first.” You almost burst out laughing at how serious he sounded. “What?!” “Oh god. You’re going to remind me of every time Jason mimics you…” “Oh does he now?!” “Cooking is all about FEEL! Jason! FEEL!” You did you best impression of Jason impersonating Danny. “God, I’m sorry… He just… Loves you way too much.” At least Danny saw the funny side of it, plating up for himself “Oh yeah, I BET that’s why he does it…” You picked up your fork, but you weren’t exactly sure where to start, and you wanted to follow Danny’s lead. “… What’s wrong sweetheart?” He picked up his own and looked across to you “You think I know where to begin!?” “The choice is yours.” “You should know how bad I am at decisions. Amanda and Evelyn should have…” you suddenly realised that Danny hadn’t actually met your two best friends properly yet. They’d been present a couple of times you’d been out for drinks but… “…They didn’t though. God, I need to introduce you to my friends… OH! There’s my parent’s Anniversary party…!” “Oh God…” His eyes widened and shifted to the table “Suit and Tie - Danny Rayburn! YES!” “Don’t ruin tonight, please God no!” You laughed at the look on his face, “Okay.. Lemmie help you…” He pulled your plate towards himself and loaded his fork. “Is this too much?” “…For me or the fact that you’re gonna…” Wasn’t that supposed to be romantic? Did Danny think he was being over the top? “Oh my god, don’t you start overthinking!” “Okay…” You took his fork from him and thought the bite over. “OH-!” You covered your mouth for a second “Oh my God!” “No no no, hold on a sec, now you gotta have some of that.” He pointed to your wine glass “It’s not complete without that…” You gave yourself a second to mull over the flavours you were experiencing, swallowing you reached for your glass and took a sip. And suddenly eating became something a little bit more than sensory. He clapped his hands together at the look on your face and you were surprise he didn’t pat himself on the back right then and there. “Oh my god! She likes it!” He announced to no one in particular. “What-!? Oh my god-!? How!?!” “I may be the artist. It doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate the hell out of other people’s art.” He looked as impressed with your reaction as his own analogy. “So, I made a good choice?” “Incredible.” “Better than my place?” “Oh-! NO! You can’t!” “I don’t mind you telling me yes…! It just makes me work a bit harder. This is like the level I’m going for. Only that mix is what I’m trying to put into one dish, rather than separate ones…” He gave you a smile as you nodded to his explanation with a smile of your own. You knew where he was coming from. He liked having you on the same page. His was an acquired wavelength, he liked that you could be in tune with that.

You cleared your plate more than once and he was more than just appreciative at that. There wasn’t even all that much that he had the waiter box up. You’d been through a few glasses of wine too, and were getting a little bit of a kick. You weren’t sure you could go for dessert – but Danny wasn’t having any of your excuses. “You’re only gonna complain if I don’t get you any…” He took the menu gratefully and took your hand; “Look, listen to this… you don’t even have to go heavy…” “You going to confine me to food groups again?” “No… Baby girl… This is all you… How about this…” He listed off a few different things and you tried to pick a couple that sounded like they would go together in the same way he had done so expertly for your main course. But also that didn’t sound heavy on top of what you had already eaten… He nodded along to your suggestions and you came up with a couple together. But, that wasn’t too hard. He was right, you had an incredibly sweet tooth.

Even here Danny was expertly trying to mix your choices, and by the time you’d both finished you felt like you could probably happily slip into a food coma. “That’s it. I’m not going to eat another bite for the next week!!” “She says… Coffee?” “Ugh. Go on.” “…Keep it light…” he took your wrist to check your watch; “We gotta get you back home too, remember! It’s probably an hour straight shot to Miami. Water shouldn’t be too rough, if we stick costal we’ll make it home with pretty good light on our side. But I can drive, it’ll be fine.” It was nearly 10:30pm… You didn’t care all that much. He ordered coffee and the check. Stopping you from taking it from him; “Can’t we please split it?” “NO.” “Please…” “Nope…” He pulled out his wallet and his card “Danny…!!” “Not even that voice is going to work on me today. Finish your coffee!” He handed it back to the waiter quickly, ignoring your whines of protest. He wouldn’t even let you help with the tip, flowing his signature across the bottom of the receipt to complete the transaction. “You make me feel terrible.” “You better not after that meal. How often do I take you out Y/N? Be honest. I make money! Is it cuz I said the restaurant doesn’t pay all the bills?! Consider it a thank you, in fact I noticed your clients are bring their own people around… and your dad… Well, that’s another story. We’re doing so well I’m considering extensions, refits… and… Well, y’know that’s another conversation for another time…” He put his card back into his wallet and turning to observe you finishing your coffee, took a different line of conversation “…About this Anniversary party?” “Wedding Anniversary. Yup.” “Do you really want ME to go? You don’t want to do what we usually do..?” He was referring to your slightly strange arrangement of if one of you didn’t want to go to a party or engagement the other was going to you would simply be allowed to take someone else as your plus one. Danny didn’t often try to take female ‘friends’, but he was cool with you taking guys from work. He figured it made sense for you to take people who ‘fit the description’ to your upper-class parties (those you couldn’t miss). He went to all sorts of strange sounding events that it often didn’t sound like he wanted to get you involved in. The arrangement suited you both, and you knew nothing would ever happen between the two of you and the third person-of-choice. “Not to this one. I want it to be you. It HAS to be you.” “…Suit and tie?” “Black tie, actually.” He made a choking sound “Geez… Okay… I’ll see what I can do…” His mind thought back to your earlier conversation, his voice questioning “context is everything?” “If you wanna rock a Zegna suit... be my guest!” You tipped your glass to him, impressed “But yeah that’s the kind of eyerolling discussions you need to be prepared for!” “Can’t wait.” He dripped his usual sarcasm. You chose to ignore it. “My parents will want you there… And I want you to meet my friends and family… I love you… And this is… the first real serious… thing I think I’ve ever had…! And, that party will be the perfect place.”

He took your hand and helped you stand, linking your arm back through his he walked you back to the boat, pondering the situation; “How many years?” “Huh?” “How many years have they been together? It sounds like it’s more than just a little party. Black tie?” “…35.” “Oh my god.” “I know. Met young, danced together young, married young. Literal life partners…” “And you want that?” “…I guess I want… Similar?” You shrugged and gave him your best smile “Kinda depends on what he wants too, doesn’t it?”

*** He looked uncomfortable as he leant over the side of the boat, staring at the marina lights flickering across the surface of the dark water. You approached his side slowly, your voice gentle; “…Are you ok?” He didn’t answer, but realised in doing so he might be giving the wrong impression of his evening. His evening with you had been great. But this…

“Is it your shoulder again?” It’s something you’d never asked him about. But you’d noticed for a long time. If Danny ever looked in pain he would always reach for his left shoulder. On the few occasions you’d been in his apartment you’d also noticed he had a substantial amount of painkillers and at least one of those bottles had made its way onto one of your bathroom shelves. He glanced across to you, and his face voiced the question he couldn’t. You waved your hands as if to say you meant nothing by it, “It’s just something I’ve observed over time…” you turned so your back was against the railing “…Personally though, if it’s as bad as you make it look… you should probably have it looked at…” He almost laughed, “No… No! The last thing I need is all that being dragged up again…” He took a deep breath and turned side on to you. He studied your face carefully, but he already knew it, how much he trusted you… So he knew he could tell you this. Hell, he HAD to tell you this.

“I never told you about my little sister right? Not – Not Meg… Sarah…” You realised this was a lot more serious than you had thought, turning your full attention on him, you shook your head slowly. “Well… Mom and Dad were fighting. Like a LOT. We’re talking daily screaming matches. We were lucky it never got any worse. I mean I was always one for getting out of dodge anyway, but let me tell you, that would have cemented it. Anyway, Sarah hears one such argument, she probably shouldn’t have but mom asked me to take her somewhere. And I mean, I’m just a kid what do I know, I thought the best place was as far away from that house as possible…” He bit his lip and gave a shrug; “And we had a boat, not the one we have now, a different one. There was one rule, don’t take Sarah out on the boat without an adult. See, John was right there on the pier and he shoulda come with me, but he didn’t. And I was way more focused on leaving that house than anything else… And… Sarah… She had this…” He stopped, and looked back to the water, you moved closer to him. This was hard, this was so hard for him and you knew it couldn’t have ended well. For one, Sarah wasn’t ever mentioned… He swallowed hard and his voice almost broke over his next sentence. He continued to stare at the swirling depths as the waves lapped against the side of the boat “…gorgeous little seahorse necklace, and she loved it. Absolutely LOVED it, guess a thing like that is everything to a kid that age.” He laughed, but it wasn’t genuine; “…I mean, I dunno what I was gonna do with her, go swimming maybe? Anyways – we get to a reef and she drops it, doesn’t she. Necklace, gone, and it’s disappearing through that water quicker than I can stop her going after it.”

You covered your mouth with your hand. You knew exactly what he was about to say. “So she’s gone, and I didn’t react quick enough to going after her. We’re both under the water now and the necklace disappears through a crack in the reef; but she’s a kid right? She just will not let it go – and how – how in the world she got stuck I will never know; her hands were tiny. But her arm gets stuck, and I’m a strong swimmer, I wasn’t particularly athletic ever, but I could take licks from John and Kevin pretty good, right? Pulling her arm out should have been easy. I should have had this. But see, I didn’t. Cuz I was running out of air. So I had to leave her… SO I’m panicking, I get back to her as quickly as possible, she’s unconscious. Finally I get her arm out, I get back to the boat. No necklace, by the way. I turn that thing around and bam – I’m heading back home. I didn’t know CPR, hell, if I did maybe I could have done something…” He tapped the railing with his fingers, affording another pause. “Now I’m almost home, and I’m screaming for someone ANYONE to come help me. God, someone must know CPR right? John was smart! My Parents… Well you know what, maybe this would get them over fighting… Geez…” He placed his hands against his forehead and took a breath out “I get to the pier, I’m still yelling for someone. Apparently the house is deserted.” He snorted “Like that ever happens? Kevin, Meg, John?! Where the hell were they!? Anyway, my Dad… Sarah’s his favourite, because of COURSE she is… comes out. And, damn if I knew my dad… I guess he tried to help but I was too scared to find out. I mean… I guess she was dead at that point…” He fell silent again, and you realised that his injury didn’t come from helping his sister. “…The next thing I know, he is screaming at me. We’re not even talking angry, Y/N, I’ve never seen anyone…” He went quiet again “…He chases me through the house. And God, yeah, I guess John was there… I mean I’m quick, but I couldn’t outrun that. And screaming that it was an accident didn’t help anything either… He catches me and pins me down and that’s the least of my problems, cuz then Daddy dearest…” He bit his lips together, you knew what he was about to say and you wanted to, but you couldn’t stop Danny now; “…Proceeds to beat the shit out of me. And that is nowhere near an exaggeration.” He leant back “And this…” indicating to his shoulder “…This is a constant reminder. As if I didn’t have that day permanently ingrained into my head as it is… And then things were never the same…” He looked back to you, story he was willing to tell clearly over, and if it was possible his face fell. You didn’t realise you were crying until your tears started to run over your fingers. He didn’t have time to react to you throwing your arms around him – you didn’t sob, you kept your crying silent but you buried your head in his shoulder. You didn’t even know how to say you were sorry.

Eventually he moved in your arms, sniffing like he was crying because you were crying he mumbled into your shoulder; “…We should get back to Miami…” “You’re not going ANYWHERE.” You held him strong “We’re staying here. We’ll head back tomorrow…” you ran your hands over his shoulders tenderly, now you’d just have to make sure you were extra careful about this. He moved his hands to touch your shoulder too; “…What does that quote even say?” Running his finger across the scripture on your left shoulder, significant or ironic you weren’t sure, but you were sure he wanted to change the subject. You pulled back from your embrace; “You’re really NOT a church on Sunday type, are you?” You gave a half smile “…I used to be. I kinda got disillusioned more than once…. I guess I go occasionally. That quote struck a chord. So much so I guess I wanted it permanently on my skin…” He tipped his head; “That doesn’t tell me what it says…” “Depends on which bible you’re reading from. But, for me… Psalm 23:4 - ‘Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me’…” You watched him run it through his head, trying to process it “…And what…what is it you’re… walking through?” You gave a secretive shrug life, maybe? “…I was working through some stuff… It doesn’t necessarily have to be about me, always.” “So, who?” You gave him a significant look and he followed what you were thinking. Now? Him. “Baby… Context is everything…”

---

*For which the Thou, is you. Of course.

@stcphstrange - Hope you had fun with nearly 15,000 words! 😘

#Danny Rayburn #danny rayburn x reader #danny rayburn x you #Ben Mendelsohn #Bloodline #Sway #Linzi Writes #2 gifs!!#Danny x Reader #4 #Liliana

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smolbeandrabbles · 5 years

Text

Sway Pt.3 - Danny Rayburn x Reader (Bloodline)

Part 1 / Part 2 / Here / Part 4 / Part 5 / Part 6 / Part 7 / Part 8 / Part 9 / Part 10

Author’s Note: This is more... set up... than anything. This was only meant to be the start of Part 3, then I had to split Part 3 into Part 3 & 4... So they’re meant to be read together... Really. Uh, The car picture is literally cuz I needed another picture, having said that your car does get an unprecedented amount of attention in this chapter. ALSO, did anyone else realize that I’ve written 2 parts to this supposed romance, but haven’t written a kiss yet!?! Let’s change that!

Disclaimer: I own nothing but “You” (Well, not you!) and my OCs. I know nothing about restaurants. Jason can now do a bit of everything because I said so. Whilst your age is never really stated I have ‘you’ at late 20s/early 30s in my head... Probably as many years between you and Danny as there is between you and Nolan (?) You’ll notice sometimes the restaurant is closed at odd times... I think Danny would sometimes choose to have half days, or days when it was open in the evening only, etc...

Premise: You get a surprise introduction to Nolan Rayburn... Danny takes you for a lunch date... I finally write an actual kiss scene! That’s it, that’s the part

Word Count: 6613

Warnings: None? The usual Rayburn family drama... Casual swearing? Sex is mentioned fleetingly?

Someday we're gonna blink twice Say it happens like that How much money we saved up For the time that we gave up Well, it'll all just be math

I know I'm only human Don't know how many sunsets I got left And I don't wanna ruin This moment by wondering what comes next I just want to love you Like it's all I'm living for Hold you close, enjoy you more And spend a little less time keeping score

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So can I dance with you And take a chance with you Maybe start a running through the rain romance with you Baby, catch our own little winning streak, you and me

Wednesday, 12:30pm - Viva Caputa, Miami

Javier whistled as the sleek silver Porsche rolled into the Viva Caputa parking lot; "Oy! Danny!! We’ve got company. And by company I mean biggggg spending company…!" Javi could hear Danny laugh from the kitchen "What!?" "I mean someone just pulled up in a Porsche 911…!" Javier continued cleaning glasses, lunch today wasn't slow it was just everyone in his section seemed content. The front door opened and he looked up. She was in a casual blue and white shirt with short, but not a shade off modest, shorts. Her sandals had a small wedge heel and the bag slung over her shoulder was designer. “Amorcita!” Though true Javier had only seen her once, he felt like he knew enough about her from Danny’s constant chatter to address her so informally. It was rare Danny's love affair ever looked anything less than immaculate and even casual today was no exception. She smiled at him and leant across the counter “Hi... Is Danny in?” He whistled. “Did you just ask for Danny!? You're lucky lunch time isn't that busy today... Lemmie check!” he turned “Hey! Danny! It's been a hot-hot minute but I guess you were right! She is asking for you!” This was clearly a conversation you had missed as Danny poked his head curiously out of the kitchen window; “Y/N...! Y/N, Y/N, Y/N... Just give me two seconds...” You sat down at the bar “Am I missing something?” “No... But I am. Are you seeing each other now!?” Javier looked from the bar to the kitchen, eyebrow raised You tilted your head with a mysterious little smile “And what if we are?” “Well DAMN!” Javier put his hands on his hips “Like a serious thing? Not like a Danny thing?” “No... Like... A serious thing.” Not that you knew what a ‘Danny Thing’ was… “I thought so... The second he came in that Saturday talking about you I knew it was either going to never happen or be a serious thing. It was the WAY he talked. I've never seen Danny like that about anyone... It was nice to see...” That at least made you proud of yourself. “I’m Javier. I think you knew that… You’re clearly Y/N… It’s good to meet you… again.” You returned his greeting as he looked expectantly out of the door, and then craned around the bar you were sitting at with a huff; “What’s up?” “So, this Porsche 911 pulls up in our lot, I just want to see who's spending all the money here today. At least that’s what we’ll be hoping for.” “Oh!” You laughed “Well, you’re talking to her.” He stared at you for a good ten seconds before blinking fast; “Sorry!? What!?” He shook his head “How!?” You sighed, “Because… My last name is Ervin? I guess?” “Ervin!? Ervin! – Only a name you see on nearly every street in Miami. With the way you speak Spanish!?” “Well, it’s my dad’s mom who is Argentine. His dad is American.” “…His name is Jack.” Javier was clearly brushed up on the lofty heights of the Prime Movers in Miami real estate. “No… To blend in with his Miami high rise living his name is Jack, Jack is an adaption of John which in Spanish is Juan.” You smiled “His birth name. My mom is half-American half-Puerto-Rican. Maria Velez. Very Hispanic.” “…How come the Harrison part?” It was Danny that voiced the question, joining Javier behind the bar. “J. Harrison? He’s one of my dad’s best friends and essentially helped him build the business – his first investor. He’s responsible for the property development part. We were just going to be real estate.” “...So... not really by himself.” Danny folded his arms and his smile proved his point. “Okay, Smart-ass. But Jorge was never actually a part of the business. My dad put his name in in honour of him. So. Actually. By himself!” “EY! Like Danny and this place!” Javi jogged his friends’ shoulder “Yeah, hardly of calibre Javi, but a guy can dream!” Danny turned to you “Shouldn’t you be at work?” “I was accounting and auditing for my dad this morning. I’m heading to work after this I just wanted to stop by and say Hi. I haven’t seen you since… Last Monday.” “Hah. You’re lucky I got back alive from the Keys after that!” You leant on your elbows and smirked; “So I’m causing you trouble now?” “Well. Darlin’.” He too leant across the bar “You’re the kinda trouble I could get into.” You had a sneaking suspicion those were song lyrics. In which Javier almost burst out laughing; “God! Will you two get a room!” **

Saturday, 9pm - Your Apartment, Uptown Miami

Thinking back to the previous Monday night almost had you in stitches. And as you recounted the scene to Amanda and Evelyn one night over glasses of wine at your apartment it all came flooding back. Amanda still lamenting, but secretly proud, that you were now indeed confirmed to be dating Danny Rayburn and Evelyn finding it hilarious that you had broken your one golden rule, but she did add ‘on a good choice.’ It had been eventful, politely so but you knew the undertones of that politeness were far from nice. Every question fielded to you and Danny were accusations, harsh, like you should both feel guilty about what you had. Even though, your parents were always quick to jump in to field them right back, you were thankful for their 12 years of experience.

John was the nicest, he wanted to know more about you, considering he’d heard a lot. It was strange, almost like he was the oldest instead of Danny, you got the feeling he was really testing if you fit well for his brother. By his tone of voice, you assumed he’d concluded you’d passed the test. His family were also the best thing about the evening. His two kids, Ben and Janey, literally wanted to know everything. But every line of questioning from them was innocent, everyone else on that table had an agenda. By no means were you treated as harshly as Danny was; which is why you started answering for him. You got the feeling they were niggling at him to make some kind of mistake. Or, for him to say something you might not like, but no one was perfect. It irked you that they would treat him like this.

When you weren’t the centre of attention and you could really focus on him, it was like the noise was completely drowned out. You were half paying attention to the conversation and followed all the cues, laughing in the right places and saying all the right filler words... But you were looking at each other more than at who was speaking. You watched his reaction to everything that was said. He could tell you a lot of things he didn’t like about his family, but his body language would have said it all for you. He was always studying you, you knew that. You weren’t sure why, you looked like you came from the same place - you guessed you just didn’t end up in the same place. There was an unspoken reason why... You would leave it to Danny to choose when would be the most appropriate time for that. At more than one point he caught your legs between his, pulling your feet to rest up on his knees he ran his fingers nonchalantly across your skin; it relaxed you, and it felt good to have that physical contact with him again.

He’d answered a bunch of your parents questions the night before, and he’d seemed to have a genuinely good time. Heck, he’d even dressed up for the occasion and brought your mom flowers and your dad a good bottle of wine from the house. It was enough. You’d all been sat there talking way into the night and you couldn’t help but think your parents might actually adore him. They told him a lot of stories about you that got almost too personal, sending you into more fits of embarrassment that had you covering your face and him laughing and taking your hands again.

Tonight, Danny was asking questions of your parents. They were good, well thought out questions you felt he’d likely been preparing nearly all day. But none of them were anything less than respectful and your parents enjoyed answering them. Keen to turn all of Danny’s talking points into conversation - and successfully - you knew then that they indeed adored him. Danny didn’t come from nothing but he had built from nothing, as they had. Your father had admiration for that and had already began to make plans concerning frequenting the restaurant. Clients of your father’s there? Danny could be no more grateful. When dinner was over and the three of you were leaving, Danny caught you by the door again, this time with a real goodnight kiss. “I’ll likely be heading off earlier than you tomorrow. So have a safe trip back.” “Yeah, and you!” You embraced him tight to you, trying to get the feeling of last night one more time. “I’ll call you, when I get back and we’ll go out...” He pondered, “doesn’t have to be a restaurant... maybe I’ll take you a little out of Miami one weekend...” “A weekend getaway? I could go for that...” “Believe you me, me too. And my staff will be more than grateful for another weekend without me!” He grinned “It’ll be good for all of us.” “Okay! I look forward to your call.” “Aw, well. I look forward to making it...” *** It wasn’t more than a few weeks later that you were sitting at home, legs swinging from a bar stool, studying some work documents on your laptop - with Danny. He had a day off, and had finally made the trip across town (in his own car no less!) to your apartment. You could only remember him being here once before. And you remembered bringing him up here. The way he had eyed everything with more than just a little hesitation. How he’d stood by your front door for at least 5 minutes taking everything in. You understood that, you were finally introducing him to your world. Corporate city girl in her uptown Miami high-rise apartment, college degree, good job and parent’s money. Although, you yourself tried to make a good honest living on your own back, and not through your parents… It wasn’t always easy; your friends were nearly all from this fantasy land because those were the circles your family moved in. Which is why you liked places like Little Havana, and why you loved being with Danny… and his friends… who brought you back down to Earth. But you already understood that he had many years on you and all that experience… and yet his apartment was barely a third of the size of yours.

He was sat across from you drawing up some other plans for his restaurant. You’d heard him mention expanding before, but you weren’t sure how serious he was. Suddenly something in one of your work documents made you look at him; “Danny.” “Yes…” His eyes met yours, clearly grateful for conversation. “Are you Danny or Daniel?” His look said Danny… Obviously, so you clarified. “No, I mean. On your birth certificate. Were you born Danny or Daniel?” “…Daniel…” The suspicion in his voice let you know he wondered where this was going. “Daniel Rayburn… That still suits you…” “No it doesn’t.” He was dismissive. “I LIKE Daniel.” He narrowed his eyes at you, “I love Danny too! I just don’t know what is wrong with it.” He pondered this for a minute “No one has never really called me Daniel before, not even when I was in trouble… It’s strange to me…” “Daniel. It’s nice.” You tried it out again. His expression changed and you knew he was trying desperately hard not to smile; “…Well… I like the way you say it…” You looked back to your laptop with a giggle “Alright. Smooth talker… Daniel what? Daniel… Rayburn… What is your middle name?” He hesitated and his face fell… He bit his lips together and you knew that he wasn’t going to be forthcoming with the information. You guessed that could mean one thing; he was the eldest son. If his family was as super traditional as you guessed they were, then that would mean his middle name was his father’s name. And from what you knew about his relationship with his father, he would rather forget it. “What’s your middle name?” His question threw you off, but you still told him no hesitation. “… Y/N… M/N… Ervin.” He nodded, but it wasn’t in satisfaction – he was asking just because you had, you supposed. “…It’s your dad’s name. Isn’t it?” Part of you didn’t mean to say it out loud, but you had. “Daniel Robert Rayburn.” He sounded bitter as he looked to the table. You took a breath, determined to get that smile you loved so much back; “So…. Danny.” He looked back to you, to that look in your eyes that said the conversation was over. Period. “Yeah. So, Danny... but who knows...” and he smiled that beyond adorable crooked smile he had “...Maybe I’ll let Daniel stick.”

***

Friday, 3pm - Viva Caputa, Miami “So what do you think?” Danny had his hand poised over the piece of paper, permanent marker held purposefully in his left hand. “You need to stop asking me about your restaurant.” “I just… the menu needs sprucing up and YOU’RE the business woman!” “You’re the chef!” “Yeah so…!” He waved his hand at the dishes he’d just made you try “…Make some executive decisions, I’ve DONE my work!” “Well, shouldn’t it be based on what you like…!” He sighed and put his head in his hands “Yeah, I like it all. That’s why I made it. You’re the customer, which ones.” “All is off the table then?” “Y/N! I asked you because I expect you to be able to tell me which ones are best, you can certainly tell me when you don’t like it!” “Well, I like all of these.” “If you HAD to!” “I’m not even sure I’m your optimal audience.” You weren’t sure if you liked the next look he gave you or not, he took a sharp inhale of breath; “I don’t know. Young professional, 30-something, brunch-time, female. Good group of friends. Good family life. GREAT social life.” He pointed his pen at you “BETTER sex life.” “My god.” You almost turned away from him at that. “Actually has a decent set of taste buds – will you just CHOSE!” “Are all these young professionals also in a relationship?” “…Oh…” he folded his arms and leant back against the kitchen counter “Is that what this is!?” he raised an eyebrow expectantly. “Don’t you DARE Daniel Rayburn!” “Oh god! Now I’m in trouble!” He sent his eyes heavenwards “Daniel… Honestly…” “Damn right you’re in trouble…” You smiled and turned back to the set of meticulously thought out dishes in front of you… He knew you weren’t good at deciding, so you weren’t even sure why he wanted you to do this. You were also big on sweet things… and Danny wasn’t really that kind of cook. “…Okay… Let me think about this from a menu planning stand point…” “Finally she’s talking my language…” “What are we taking off?” “Anything similar or isn’t selling well.” “What in this establishment doesn’t sell well!?” “Oh there’s a few things I can cut in favour of these.” “What if these don’t sell well.” “Guess I’ll have to fire my consultant.” He smiled across at you. You stared at each of them hard in turn and Danny tapped the pen against the paper again in anticipation. “Okay. These.” You pointed four out and then looked to him to see if he agreed with your decision. His smile was teasing and he still hadn’t put pen to paper yet; “Are you sure?” “DANNY!” “I mean are you reaaaaally sure?” “STOP IT!” He laughed, and began writing; “Geez, when this restaurant goes under I’m going to look right back to this moment…” You smacked his arm as he continued laughing and began writing out menu descriptions “…Fancy my consultant killing my business…” “Girlfriend.” You pouted; “Well.” He lent across the counter and leant on his hands “I’m starting to think she’s a little more than that…” “Danny…” You could felt yourself heat up again as he stared at you, and that crooked little smirk happened across his face “Don’t worry Y/N I’m not about to get down on one knee or anything!” That only made your cheeks flush more. He shook his head and closed the gap between the two of you with a sweet kiss; “Dammit you look so good when you get all flustered.” “Well you can only thank yourself!” Your eyes were still wide at the thought of Danny EVER proposing to anyone, let alone you. “I do on multiple occasions, you just don’t always hear it.” He winked, looking proud of himself, before he kissed you gently again. And then you both heard the restaurant door open – which you thought was odd because no one was due in until Danny started up for dinner tonight.

“DAD!” “SHIT.” Danny pulled away from you suddenly and a look crossed his face you didn’t quite understand; “Shit. I forgot. Shit. God…” He started towards the doors quickly, then at the last second he turned back “Stay here!” This all happened very fast and left you blinking and trying to get a grip on what was going on… DAD!? You waited a few seconds, before curiosity got the better of you and you’d deal with Danny’s potential anger later. Hopping off the stool you padded over to the kitchen window – the door was of course just out of sight – which is where they were both talking; “…So I figured you’d be here…” “Yeah, I… I’m sorry I forgot. It won’t happen again.” “Yeah, I’m sure mom would love that.” “You didn’t TELL her?!” “No. I came straight here… I tried calling though.” “Dammit. My phone’s in my locker.” “You don’t open for hours. What are you doing here?” “Putting together new menu pieces… actually.” “Why? What’s wrong with the menu?” You looked to the kitchen door… deeply curious. That was not the voice of some little kid either. You walked over to the kitchen door and pushed it open gently. Maybe you could be inconspicuous about this… You nearly rounded the corner to the main restaurant when you realised Danny was facing away from you. Stopping just short, you poked your head around the corner. He was a lot older than just a kid, possibly a high school teenager. Black hair, piercings, jewellery, black jeans and over-shirt over shirt (Well. He probably got that from his father.) – Danny had a son? Why had Danny never told you this?! Was it an age gap thing?! You got caught up in your own worries just watching this kids’ interactions with Danny. “…You’ve got keys to the apartment; just go back I’ll finish up here and come back. If you’ve got home work...” “Well, I could just wait in the car… It’s a bit of a trek, Dad.” “…Yeah okay… Sure… I’ll have to get my car keys… It’ll take me about 10-20 max. I’m sorry, I should have been there… I really should have…” “It’s okay… It happens, I knew you’d probably be here when you didn’t answer the phone and…” The teen trailed off as he realised you were standing there… His eyes went wide and his mouth made the OH! that didn’t actually come out. Danny turned to see what he was looking at and for once, for once in his life he actually looked scared – it was a flicker and it came and it went but he looked scared – then stoic, then his kid started up; “Oh-! Oh-! I uh-! I- I can leave--!” “NO! NO!” Danny was on it, quick as a shot “NO! Nolan! You’re not going anywhere! It’s okay! It’s not--! I just--! Give me a second here to explain! I just---!” he put his hands on Nolan’s shoulders “Just, please, just wait a second…!” He turned back to you, now looking between them. You were making a lot of guesses about what young Danny would have looked like based on this teen. No doubt he was Danny’s son. He looked back to Nolan “Just. Wait here. Please.” “O-Okay…” Danny kept his hands on him for a few more seconds and once he was assured Nolan wasn’t going anywhere, he crossed back to you – grabbing your arm he pulled you back around the corner forcefully; “WHAT DID I JUST SAY!” No doubt he was angry, because he’s SCARED! you realised, he wasn’t shouting at you either “You told me to stay where I was.” You pointed behind you “That’s hardly the point Danny! Why didn’t you TELL me!” “Because you’re going to do EXACTLY what everyone else does!” “…” you dropped your accusational stance and almost took a step back “…Oh…my…You think I’m going to LEAVE!?” You kept your voice to the same whispering level he was at. “… Well, yeah, at this point I kinda expect it.” “Well then none of those girls was any good for you!” Upon realising you had actually taken a step back you took one forward again and took his face in your hands “Danny I DON’T care!” “You’re saying that NOW.” “No. I’m gonna mean it, I’m not saying it’s not going to take time…” You leant so you could just about see around the corner… Danny followed your lean. Nolan had seated himself nervously at one of the tables, tapping his foot and biting his lips together. See, he even had his father’s nervous habits. “…What happened?” “Y/N…That is a long story I don’t want to drag you into.” “Tough. I’m in it… His name is Nolan?” “Yes.” “Well, I’ll say this is a bit of a shock for both of us…” “Probably.” You flicked your eyes back to him; “And you’re scared we’re both about to walk out that front door.” “That’s my life.” You hated the way he said it; guilt flooded his voice & his eyes like every bad thing that had ever happened to him was his fault. “…I mean I knew you had something… All those moving boxes in your apartment told a story… I’m just not sure this is what I expected.” You pushed your head gently against Danny’s chest and wound your arms around him; as if to prove you weren’t going anywhere “…We can talk about this later… But…Danny…” You waited for him to wind his arms around you too, still watching his kid; before turning back to you at the sound of his name. You leant up, and brushed your lips against his; “…That’s going to stop being your life. Right now.” You untangled yourself from him and walked back out into the restaurant with purpose; “Y/N!!! Wait--!” He placed his hands over his face; he couldn’t watch! Oh God! What had he done!? You approached the table with confidence and a smile. Although, by the time he looked up you were pretty much at it; “Hi...! Nolan, right?” He looked at you with shifty eyes, never quite actually looking at you... “Yeah...” It was a start. “I'm Y/N... It’s nice to meet you!” You held out your hand, whether he decided to take it was up to him but you were determined to make all the right moves. He was a teenager, and like you, he'd clearly just met someone he didn't know about nor was intended to be met (at least for the time being). He took it, but he still wasn’t looking at you. “Do you mind if I..?” though, you weren't sure what you were going to do if he said No. He nodded, so you took a seat opposite him. Things were quiet for a minute, to his left was a pile of school text books, which piqued your interest. But you would leave that for a moment. You folded your hands in front of you “I'm sure this is about as strange for you as it is for me...” You gave a shrug, “Maybe it’s better to be thrown into it. Though…” You gave a warm smile; “Ah. The days of high school.” He squinted at you like he wasn’t sure of your game plan. “I can’t wait to leave.” “Trust me, we all say that until we do…!” God knows you’d wanted to leave school, only to give anything to be back once real work started… You looked back to his books; “Music? Aha! You inherited the creative gene! That’s good!” He still seemed confused by your voice, because you sounded genuinely interested in him. “…Yeah – My mom is a singer… so…” “Really!?” “Yeah, she has an album…” Danny…! Danny!! “That’s really cool!” You didn’t care if he appreciated your enthusiasm or not, but nothing about it was fake. You wanted to know as much about Danny’s son as you could… and that was really cool. “Do you play? Does she…?” “She does… I don’t, yet… Guess I could learn.” Then he tilted his head “Do you?” You laughed; “I was not really blessed with too much creativity. I mean I tried, back in high school… I have more of a… business logic!” “Oh?” He made the same face Danny made when his brain started piecing the picture together. But that tone let you know you weren’t what he expected. Maybe that was your age… or the way you looked? Kevin had already made comment enough to make you think Danny was into younger women… Maybe he was also into a certain type of woman? Didn’t you exactly fit the bill? “Yeah. Consultancy…” You gave a shrug like you were talking about boring adult stuff and leant into the conversation “Do you cook too?” “Oh. No, we don’t learn that.” “Guess you don’t need school to teach you!” He looked a little unconvinced of that… So, you nodded back to his books; “Spanish though… Are you forced to take that or did you choose to?” His eyes widened. Ah-ha! Wasn’t expecting the language change up. “OK – I didn’t understand half of what you just said but you’re-!” “Quarter Argentinian, Quarter Puerto Rican. Yeah! Interesting Mix!” You smiled “You’ll understand in no time!” “Showing off, are we?” “He’s taking Spanish. I figure I’d make myself useful..!” You winked, welcoming Danny to the conversation. Nolan looked across to his dad; “So, are you dating-dating?” Danny nodded “Yeah…” “And where did you meet her?” “Uh… on a dancefloor… In Little Havana.” The teen rolled his eyes like that was typical, then looked to you; “Well I’m sorry.” You tilted your head as a question; why? He grinned, then laughed “That you’re dating my dad!” That made you burst into laughter too, and Danny just sighed; “OH yeah. You two will get on just fine!” ***

Tuesday, 1:30pm - Downtown Miami

Three days after you’d been introduced to Nolan you got a single word email. “Lunch?” You raised an eyebrow. Couldn’t he have text you that? After you told him that’d be nice he gave you a time and place and you drove down to the little cafe. “A lunch date Mr.Rayburn? I’m honoured.” “And not in my restaurant!” He was leaning with one arm over the back of his chair “Are you impressed?” It was a bright sunny day, and he had seated you outside. “Surprised!” You smiled, pulling out a chair you sat opposite him. You received an up and down look to your figure-hugging pencil skirt, high heels and shirt; “Stripes?! Again? You do know other patterns exist in this world Y/N?” He tapped out his cigarette “... not that you don’t look great! Of course you do!” “Are you calling me out?” “Why? Is that your wardrobe?” “Yeah Alright Mr.Button-Up-Shirt-Over-Shirt. You don’t see me complaining.” Well, that is what he was wearing. He laughed “Ha… Yeah… Well that’s… Ok.” He smiled “Never say anything about a girls fashion sense… huh?” You winked “Something like that.”

Placing your bag over the back of your chair you flicked through the menu “The email was a nice touch… Very 1999. Couldn’t you have just text me?” He rolled his eyes at your jab, but was confident he was about to get another; “Aw. Naw. I don’t text. It’d take me 45 minutes!” He waved the flip phone in your face, making you laugh “Yeah. I still can’t believe I’m calling something from the middle ages! Get on the level Danny!” You indicated to your smartphone. “Well we aren’t all wealthy heiresses driving Porches!” “Please!” You folded your arms “I hope my parents leave me with nothing! They deserve to spend it all! …And your family isn’t exactly broke.” He snorted “HA! As if I’m seeing a penny of that…!” He leant around the table to study your outfit again, taking the opportunity of the waiter taking your order to change the subject “…Anyway… What is it that you do to get dressed up like that?” You leant on your hand and smiled, “Manage a team. It’s consultancy… Mostly financial, not always. My dad asks me to do a bunch of his financials, for example. Sometimes it’s just advice.” “Oh. Business consultancy, I see.” You could see the small smug smirk at how he’d called you his consultant back at his restaurant and you actually were one. “Yeah. And I got this without help, CV and interview like everyone else… Could have worked for my dad. Decided against it.” “Sure the name didn’t hurt.” “Maybe. But the point is – I still got it the old fashioned way…” “Didn’t fancy going more science based? Like your mom?” “No. Too much of a business head apparently. And creativity. No kind of logical sense… And I panic too much! I’d be no good at that.” “Does she work at Mercy?” “Occasionally now. She used to. No, she’s at a drug rehabilitation clinic. And she’s GOOD at her job. You should hear some of those stories.” You figured they’d rival Danny’s “…From time to time she helps my dad when it gets real busy…” You gave a shrug, that was your family “…So, anyway, why invite me for lunch!?” “I just wanted to apologise.” “For what? You’re buying me lunch to apologise?” “For Nolan.” Then he re-clarified “Well not FOR Nolan... for not telling you about Nolan.” “Don’t worry. I get it. I’m glad I met him, he’s a nice kid.” You were quick to wave off his apology. “You think?” “Yeah.” His question was pointless, you knew Danny knew that. The three of you had spent hours talking before the restaurant opened, and then when Danny had to start work you stayed to talk to Nolan, including starting some basic Spanish tutelage. You thought maybe he might like you a little too… But he was a teen, so goodness knows what was going on in his head really. “How often do you see him?” “Uh... well... when I can.” “You don’t have an arrangement?” “I’m not very good at that. The only reason he turned up Friday is cuz I forgot about picking him up, see? I’ve had pretty bad arguments with his mom... like not speaking for two years arguments ... there’s no arrangement, I’d screw it up.” “Well. If ever you decide otherwise. I think it’d be pretty cool to see him again and hang out.” He laughed at your enthusiasm, but marvelled at your insistence, you genuinely wanted to get to know his kid...Hell, not even his family really knew Nolan existed... If only he could guarantee they’d all react like you. He already knew how his parents felt, and that was enough for him not to try. With you though, he would – and he had a feeling from what Nolan had already told him, that his son was more than willing to try with you too.

*** You had a spare few minutes between clients and would be passing near enough past Viva Caputa as it was, so you decided to pay Danny a quick visit. Since you’d been taking clientele there – you trusted Danny and his team with your literal livelihood – and your parents had also swung by a couple of times, you’d got to know the team pretty well. Javier always insisted on dragging you into his section, when Nolan wasn’t working… Because occasionally Nolan would pop up at the restaurant, and you took this opportunity to get to know him better. Jason was like Danny’s right hand man in the kitchen and when Danny was with you, Jason kept everything running straight. He was vastly upgraded from being the pâtissier he was supposed to be, but flat out refused to be called the sous chef. Often accompanied by the phrase C’mon Dan! I’m not good enough to be your right-hand man and you know it! When you pulled up today, Jason and Danny were in the lot already on smoke break. You rolled your eyes – that could have been a good thing, however, as that meant you wouldn’t have to go inside because Javi would keep you talking for hours… “Hey Darlin’! Lunch on us again!” Jason joked, stepping forward to hug you; “G’damn would you look at this?! How much did that set you back!?” He studied your car “No. I’m between clients; this is a whistle stop visit. But when I’m drivin’ by there is no way I CAN’T pull up to see you guys... And more than I’m willing to admit! It’s just so I can pull up at clients and look like I make that much…” He raised an eyebrow like he wasn’t believing your explanation for either thing; “Yeah yeah... I know what you’re really here for!” He grinned and turned back to Danny, who was leaning against the wall watching you “…I mean I don’t begrudge you that. But I saw him first!” “Oh! Is THAT how it is!?” You smacked the top of Jason’s arm playfully “What? Do I have to fight you for him now?” “Oh! No! Only for his affection!” Jason winked “I mean, you can have him to be honest, I’m not sure I could stand much more than I already get!” He said it loud enough for Danny to chuckle; “Alright asshole! Back in the kitchen!” “Awww! Danny!!! C’mon!” Danny indicated to his cigarette “You’re done. Back in! Before it becomes chaos!” Jason took one last drag before laughing and stubbing it out, turning back to you “Or I’ll trade Danny for your car…” he squinted at the vanity plate “Ervin 911? Were the other 910 taken!?” He snickered to himself, making you roll your eyes. He knew it was a 911, so the joke was pointless; “Well my dad has every version going. Ervin 1, Ervin II – Roman Numerals – and even E-R-V-1-N… Think I should have joined a police academy really…” He laughed at your joke this time, “Alright! Good one…!” then looked back over his shoulder at Danny, who was looking a little impatient, tapping his foot against the wall; “…It’s good to see you, if only for a fleeting moment! Don’t be a stranger!” “Never!” You hugged him back, “Say Hi to Javier! But not right away or I’ll never get to my next meeting on time.” “Or you’ll just NEVER get there… Danny would be ok with you sticking around though. Distracting his staff!” You faked shock; “I do not!” “Yeah, we get told off for it too!” “Jason!” He pointed back at Danny’s call as if to prove his point, then walked back towards the doors, adding before he headed inside; “…Danny, the kitchen IS always Chaos!” “…Organised Chaos!” Danny called after him and you heard Jason’s laugh “Is that what you call it!” He stepped away from the wall, cigarette in hand “You couldn’t have timed this any better! Do you really only have five minutes?” You checked your watch “Could stretch it to 8…? I guess… I’m not too far away. But I do like to be prompt!” He gave a small shrug and put the cigarette to his lips “Can’t say I don’t try to make you stay. No, it’s good of you to come see us!” “I love seeing you guys. They are GREAT guys.” “I got very lucky with all of them… Absolutely…” He looked to the ground for a minute, thoughtful “I mean… I got lucky with you too…” “Danny…” “No honestly…!” He stopped you, “You have no idea.” You folded your arms and bit your lip, almost bashful. That just made him smile. “You’re doing it again… You keep hiding yourself from me. I don’t know why… We’re not in the Keys anymore.” You let yourself smile but looked to the floor, twisting your fingers together as you unlocked your arms; “The Key’s was YOU.” “Baby girl…” He made your shiver as he said it, “The Keys was my family. I’d much rather be up here with you and you know it. Besides, if your parents were makin’ the case… I think I’m pretty good.” “Good? My parents LOVE you. I’ve never seen them like this over a guy before…” He laughed “Never thought I’d hear that from anyone… let alone the daughter of one of the wealthiest men in Miami.” You hushed him, whether it was true or not your father never acted that way. He refused to. He might have had a plethora of vehicles… buildings he owned… investments he’d made in a million different kinds of things… But your parents lived in a humble house in a good neighbourhood. And you had always asked them NOT to give you money. Because you wanted people like Danny in your life, and if you had been any different, you dreaded to think what you would be missing out on. “…My background doesn’t matter. ALL I want is you… And I don’t want anything else to matter but that.” He dropped his cigarette and put it out with one swift movement of his foot. You had to go, he knew that. But you still stood for a few moments more in silence. So he became decisive and grabbed your hand, pulling you into him he placed his lips on yours and wound his arms around you. He tasted like smoke and cooking spices. You took a breath, he smelt like cooking, like home, and a billion memories of both your childhood with your mom and your time spent with him; each one of them good… But the undertone of that was his cologne - Danny didn’t bother with that often, he wasn’t that kind of man – left over on his skin probably from your last date night. Everything about him when he kissed you screamed summer night; as the sunset and the day just started to cool off. You could see it in your head vividly, because that was the exact scenario you wanted to be in with him every moment he had his lips on yours. He left you slowly, letting the kiss linger, his intense eyes burned into yours “…Ace that meeting.” He left you breathless. Every. Single. Time. Your voice mimicked that of the first time you’d called him soft and almost timid and that was all him; “…I will now…”

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@stcphstrange - Just gonna tag you in all of these now 😊😉

#danny rayburn x reader #Bloodline #Danny Rayburn #Ben Mendelsohn #Danny Rayburn x You #Danny x Reader #Sway #Linzi Writes #Getting myself a new tag to keep all my writing together...!#Are we going to end all parts with a GIF now? Yeaaaaahhhhh #Liliana #3

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