Danny left Carlos' apartment and went straight to his old hanging grounds. The gym, the LGBTQ center where he once volunteered, his favorite club. He ran into a lot of people he wanted to know that he was alive. The reactions were always some variation of the same theme, shock and joy. It was awkward, and it made Danny feel so many emotions. He felt guilt, because people thought he was dead and had grieved for him. He felt dishonest, because he had let them think he was dead for so long. He felt nervous that someone would think he was a snitch. He felt guilt because he killed a woman, and her family, her children, may have taken comfort in thinking he was dead. He felt joy and was humbled by the number of people who were brought to tears by his return. Most of all he felt loved, more loved than he ever knew he was by anyone other than Brittany and Brooke. People loved him and they missed him, and Danny never thought he meant anything in this world to anyone but Brittany and Brooke. It made him reflect on his life. He was lucky. Most people who grew up believing they were nothing, who did things in the dark to survive, they don't know all the people they have impacted in the world. He wishes people could know, especially those like him. He always thought nobody would ever miss him, that a trick could murder him and nobody would look for him, at least until he met his Tink. She was enough. Brooke was enough. Now he's learned the lesson that he knows Brittany and maybe even Brooke have learned in all of this. They have always been worthy of more, and more is within their reach.
Danny was happy that he went to settle things with Carlos first, because he would be lying if he said that he didn't dread the thought of seeing the man and so many old feelings coming to life again. Danny still loved Carlos but he always knew that loving Carlos wouldn't work out for him. He never meant to fall in love with the man with the tan skin and mischievous smile. It was trouble in a world like theirs, a world filled with so much machismo and misogyny. Danny was the only openly gay man that he knew of in that world, and he dared to be openly gay because everyone knew he had the heart of a lion. He was no stereotype. Men feared Danny. Danny may not have killed anyone before he killed Marisa in a hail of bullets but he had beaten the hell out of men who were even bigger than he was and sometimes two or more of them at a time. It's why Miguel had bribed the man to work for him. Once Danny had decided he would never be unable to defend himself he became a fierce fighting machine and he made sure that Brittany became one too. Miguel Martinez had sized Danny up once Danny had taken Brittany under his wing. He would study the man every time he had a chance because any man in Brittany and Brooke's lives were a threat to his control over them. His observations taught him one very important thing, Danny was a dangerous man. Once he had seen how Danny had beaten 3 men his size who were attempting to gay bash him. Danny had lured the men into following him alone, heckling him as he left the bar near his home and drawing them away from the man he had been entertaining. He lured them into an alley between his building and the next one and immediately took off his jacket waiting for the fight that was sure to come. Then Miguel proceeded to watch from Brooke's window as a young Danny beat those three men to a pulp with a brutality and hatred that he knew came from a life of pain and intolerance. What Miguel didn't know was that the only thing that kept Danny from possibly killing them was the thought of leaving Brittany alone in this world again. What Danny didn't know was that the only thing that kept Miguel away from Brittany and Brooke for all of those years was the possibility that he might one day experience that same rage, even if it were sure to cost the young man his life. Miguel knew that any man who beat three men the way that he saw Danny beat those men would surely kill someone if they crossed the wrong line with him. Miguel knew that Brittany was that line and so Miguel wisely suppressed his urges when it came to her. Still, Brooke was his, and he wouldn't step away from her as easily. He simply kept his enemy close, and waited for the right time to take Brooke's peace again.
Miguel knew that he could easily have Danny killed and face no consequences for doing so. Danny was a nobody, but to have someone who can be as brutal as Miguel had seen under his thumb, willing to do anything he says in order to keep Brittany and Brooke safe, that was far better than any protection money could buy. Brooke and Brittany's safety depended on how well Danny protected Miguel, and because Danny loved Brittany more than anything that meant that Danny would do anything to keep him safe. It was that simple, and so he would use Danny until he no longer needed him, and then he would take the two women he loved from him and kill him if he had to when he was done with him.
That was the plan at least, but that didn't work out so well for Miguel in the end.
So Danny would never allow himself near that world again. He was coerced into that world, and he always knew he would eventually either kill someone in it or die in it. He did both. He killed Marisa and he flatlined. He lives with her death and his own. He wants better and it cost him Carlos, but it's not the only thing that cost him Carlos. Carlos is cunning, and even during that reunion Danny could see it. Carlos was honest for the most part, but he was playing the same game that Danny was, feeling one another out for information. Carlos had told Danny that the Martinezes stopped to help someone who was having car trouble. Danny was almost sure that Carlos would have learned that it was Brittany and Brooke within hours of the Martinezes going missing and yet he never told Danny that. Carlos had asked about Brittany having family knowing that civilians could have never pulled off the extraction that got Brooke out of Florida, nor would Brittany be likely to have friends with a private plane. Danny knew that Juan had spread the word that Brittany may be in Vegas to meet her father. Even if Miguel kept that information to himself Juan had the gossip mill working hard to spread that rumor so that Miguel could act quickly without thinking in order to keep Brooke out of another man's arms. Someone like Carlos would have known that. Finally, Carlos had stayed behind like Brittany told him to in the casino for one reason and one reason only, if he were there and he was told to kill them he would, because Carlos won't risk his life for anyone. This is why Danny knew Carlos loved him, because he risked his life to make that call. It's also why Danny knew Carlos didn't love him enough and hadn't changed, because if he did he would have gotten in that car with the Martinezes just so Brittany and Brooke had someone to cover their back right in the car with the Martinezes. Carlos would never allow himself to be a link back to the betrayal of the Martinez men. Danny could understand, but he couldn't love a man that would allow the people he loved the most in the world to be in danger and not help as much as possible. Staying out of the way was the best he could offer in terms of keeping the people his lover loved the most in this world safe. Danny would have risked anything to help someone that his lover held dear to his heart. He can't blame the man for listening to Brittany when she told him to stay in the casino, he didn't know what was going on after all. Still, Danny got him to admit that whatever was about to happen to them was bad and he knew it, and Danny couldn't ignore that Carlos was along for the ride until he got permission to hide in the shadows.
Nope, no matter what he felt he had to let it go, although he did have to fight the urge to sleep with the man one last time. It has been months since he's had the company of a man in that way, and on top of that Carlos was always a temptation to him. It's how he fell in bed with him the first time, Carlos quietly flirting with the man for months until Danny couldn't fight it anymore. They snuck away and gave into their passions one evening after having drinks together at a bar and their relationship blossomed quickly. They loved each other but both men knew it would only go so far. Carlos may not have always stayed in the closet, but he would always be a survivor no matter the cost.
Now, as Danny wakes up and starts the first day of the rest of his life he showered and called downstairs to order breakfast. He relaxed in his room after eating and took a deep breath before he dialed the number Nurse Anderson had left for him. Once again it was early in the morning. Danny was quite aware that Blaine's shift started at 7a.m. unless his schedule had changed. He didn't want to leave a message, preferring to speak directly to the man. Once the voice he had been longing to hear answered the phone Danny turned on the charm.
"Hello?"
"Hello Blaine?"
"Yes?"
"This is your favorite patient Benny. How are you doing gorgeous?"
"Benny, it's so good to hear from you!" Blaine answered with a smile. "How are you?"
"Much better Blaine, much better. Hope it's not too early, I wanted to catch you before your shift started."
"So you still remember my shift?" Blaine smiled "No it's fine, I'm driving into work now."
"How could I forget? It was the best part of my day when you were around." Danny flirted "Listen, I won't keep you long, just was hoping to keep a promise to this really handsome nurse that treated me so well during my hospitalization. I'm hoping I can come down this evening and take you out for a few drinks after work, maybe a bite to eat. Whatever you're up for, we can see where the night takes us."
"I would love that Benny. "
"Listen sweetheart, sorry to ask you out at the last minute but there's a lot I would love to talk to you about and this is the first chance I've gotten to make it back down there to see you. Trust me, I really have been wanting to see you. You stay on my mind." Danny flirted.
Blaine smiled, "I've been wondering how you've been too, Benny."
That made Danny smile as well.
"Well how about I pick you up at 7 sharp, take you wherever you want to go? I'll even come upstairs and pick you up like a gentleman if you wish so that you can feel safe and your co workers can see who you're leaving with." Danny said.
"You'll never find parking. I'll meet you downstairs. Besides, I'm going to spend all day talking about this phone call anyway. They will know."
"You never know what I'm capable of pulling off when I'm inspired by a handsome man. I will pay for parking if you want me to."
"Ok Benny, surprise me."
"Will do, Nurse Anderson."
"Ugh, I wish I would have worn something nice today. Most days I just drive home in my scrubs. I do keep some casual clothes in my car just in case I want to meet up with friends after work."
"That's what you're doing here Blaine, meeting up with a friend. Besides, I can't imagine anything that you wouldn't look nice in. I kinda think you're adorable in those scrubs."
"That's why I took the job" Blaine joked.
"Well Nurse Anderson, I'm so looking forward to seeing you this evening. Meanwhile, you have a wonderful day at work. See you at 7 sharp handsome."
"See you at 7, smooth talker." Blaine replied with a smile before the men hung up.
Next Danny made his way to the storage unit Brittany had used to store his and Brooke's things. He was to meet the movers along with a couple of Juan's men to oversee loading up their things into a truck. Juan simply wanted his men to check in and make sure nobody had a poor reaction to Danny returning. He knew he would be meeting up with Carlos and people from his old life. Juan didn't anticipate a problem, but that didn't mean he would not be prepared for one. So he sent his men to be there as Danny sorted things out and to then see that he was escorted to a private plane Juan would arrange to take Danny down to Chattahoochee. The drive from Miami to Chattahoochee would be nearly 8 hours if the traffic was good. Danny would only be in Miami for 3 days. When Brittany had talked to Santana about Danny wishing he could see Blaine on this trip but thinking that it might not be possible because of the distance Santana got on the phone and told Juan about the situation. He did not hesitate to offer transportation for Danny and a hotel accommodation for the night in Chattahoochee so that he could enjoy his date with Blaine. He also told him that he'd have a car rental waiting for Danny when they landed. Danny was overwhelmed by the gesture. He would never ask anyone for any favors. He was awestruck at the turn his life had taken. He would be flying on a private plane that someone arranged just for him. He would stay in a nice hotel and then be flown back the next morning. Danny felt so much gratitude and appreciation for the turn his life had taken, all because he took a bullet to his head while trying to do the right thing. He used to think that nothing good comes from sticking your neck out for someone else. How ironic it was that everything good that's ever happened in his life was because he stuck his neck out for someone else.
Danny was happy to see that everything had been packed in a very organized manner. Hopefully that would make the job easier. Danny would simply make sure nothing was left behind. Brittany had already confirmed for him that she found all of his hidden items in his former apartment and everything else was left in storage. She jokingly said she had blown all of his savings in Vegas when she thought that he was gone but he wasn't surprised to find that she hadn't even cashed the certified check the bank had given her. Brittany simply kept everything in the Tinkerbell backpack that Danny had cherished all of those years, along with the photos of the two of them she didn't have the heart to look at when she thought that she had lost Danny. When he was released from the hospital Brittany had brought the bag down to Brooke's and tossed it to her best friend with a smile.
"You kept this old thing, really Danny boy?"
"It once belonged to this cute kid I knew, before she grew up to be a pain in my ass."
"Nice try, but seems to me like that kid is the best thing that ever happened to you."
"True," Danny smiled. "She's only a pain in my ass because she knows it."
"Don't worry Danny boy, your secret is safe. You're the best thing that ever happened to her as well."
Danny smiled at the memory, at the joy in his Tink's eyes at having him back. He was glad to be back. Now he's glad to be starting over fresh. He was happy the clean out was moving fast. He just wanted to grab some clothes most of all, something nice to wear on his date with Nurse Anderson. He didn't want to unpack much, he still didn't know where he would be settling down, didn't know which of Erik's offers would sound most appealing. All he knew is that each moment that's gone by since he sat with Juan and Erik to go over his options has made him feel like a kid waiting for Christmas morning. Danny can't remember feeling this excited since he had gone to New York to see Brittany graduate from college. This time Brittany wasn't all of his dreams come true. This time he dared to dream just for himself. These dreams were for him, maybe for the first time in his life, even if he hopes that the people he loves most in the world can benefit from them.
Danny is not a man who can take it easy, and even though Juan gave orders for the men to do the heavy lifting Danny could not help but load boxes as well and so clearing out the units went very quickly. By one in the afternoon the truck was loaded and on its way up to New York City. Danny had gone back to his hotel room to shower, have a light snack and nap before getting ready for his date with Nurse Anderson.
Blaine was on a cloud all day. He can't say that he hadn't thought about what had become of Benny in the past few months. While the mysterious man was under his care he and Benny chatted quite a bit. Well, he chatted and Benny would look into his eyes and listen with interest. That is why he suspected that Benny understood him, that Benny even wanted to respond to him. He could see the glint in the man's eyes, the way he seemed to be holding back a smile or a laugh, but how his eyes would dance when Blaine would speak. How they would light up when Blaine would walk into the room and they were alone, flirting in silence, connecting. How Benny would allow a slight smile sometimes and it felt like they were communicating in their own language. Blaine was good with all of his patients, they loved him and Blaine would often connect with those who were there for an extended period of time on a personal level. He would chat and they would tell him about their families, their kids, their spouses. He saw it as therapy for those that he treated, talking to them about home, helping them keep their spirits up, helping them fight to make it home again. He loved when they got better, loved the smiles on their faces and their loved ones faces when they would be discharged. He cried when they would lose a patient, not all of the time, but always he felt the sadness, even if they weren't one of his own. Then there was Benny, and he couldn't understand why as the days went on he came to look forward to their silent interactions. The man just seemed so appreciative to have someone speak to him, play a song on the radio for him, turn the tv to sports for him or put on a good movie for him. Someone to say goodnight to him. He could see it in his eyes. In his line of work the eyes mean everything. He could see the ones who are fighting. He can see the ones who were tired of fighting. He could see the fear and the hope. He could see the life draining from someone or coming back. Benny had these piercing grey eyes. They were clear and they had a story behind them. Benny had lived, and Benny still wanted to live. Blaine had become intrigued with those beautiful grey eyes, and he wondered who tried to steal the light from them by putting a bullet in his head. He hoped to learn that night, to learn about the mystery man he had helped treat. He wasn't expecting anything other than a nice time. Maybe secretly he was hoping it could turn into more.
At 3 pm sharp the car pulled up to drive Danny to the airport. Juan wanted to make sure the man had the best of everything. He wasn't using his usual men, though. The longer people took to connect the dots between the Pierces and the Lopezes the better for Juan. He wasn't exactly hiding it, but he doesn't like the air of suspicion surrounding anything he does. So he doesn't care if people know about Santana and Brittany, but the longer it takes the further that connection is away from what happened to The Martinezes.
Danny sat in the back of the luxury car as two of Juan's guys drove him to the small airport. Once there the driver left and one of the men escorted Danny onto the airplane. He had informed Danny that he was instructed to be there to care for any of Danny's needs. If he wanted a driver for the evening he would be Danny's driver. If he needed errands run he would run them. He would make sure that Danny's accommodations were suitable and if Danny had an issue the man would handle it. He would be staying down the hall from Danny for the evening and available to Danny at any hour. Really, Juan wanted someone there in case Danny felt ill. Danny was a lot better but he wasn't 100%. Juan wanted him to have someone there to tend to the man if all of this travel and running around got to him somehow. Still, Juan knew that Danny would not take well to having someone around just in case the excitement was too much, so to give him a personal assistant seemed like the better choice. Juan didn't care what they called the man, as long as Danny had someone there for him.
The plane ride was an experience. Danny had been on private flights with The Martinezes but this one was all about his wants and needs. He ate and relaxed and chatted with his assistant before slipping off to sleep. Next thing he knew they were about to land and he was escorted off to the waiting car while his personal assistant drove them to the hotel.
The hotel room was gorgeous. It's not like a town like Chattahoochee has a ton of luxury properties. It's pretty off the grid which was why the Feds dropped Danny down there. Still, Juan managed to find and arrange for the best the town had to offer. Danny was more than thankful.
Danny, however, would never accept a cash gift, and so he was also thankful to have his savings at a time like this. He was ready to have some fun, some time away to truly feel young and alive. He was alive, and he was ready to celebrate life. He had informed his assistant for the evening that he would be driving himself on this date and so he had the night off. The young man handed over the keys and gave Danny a knowing smile before heading back to his own room.
Danny checked himself out in the mirror, dressed in all black, he combed his hair to cover the wound in his head. He's been letting it grow longer than he wore it before he was shot, but Brittany said he looks good with the slightly longer hair. He sprayed on his favorite cologne and grabbed his black jacket before heading out to the car.
It had been a while since Danny had driven. He slowly began to feel his freedom coming back to him as he watched the scenery pass him by. He stopped and purchased a nice bottle of wine as a gift for the man and left it in the car before driving to the hospital and parking in a visitor's spot. Danny debated if he should go upstairs but decided against it even though Blaine had indicated that he wouldn't mind. Whatever was going to happen between them was their business and he wouldn't want to bring it under scrutiny just yet. Friends love to cross the line and ask you what your intentions are with someone when you've just met them and your intentions are only to get to know them better. Furthermore, he wasn't only Blaine's patient. Walking into the place where his recovery outside of DEA custody began would surely stir the staff up and they would spend at least 30 minutes with him speaking to the staff about his recovery. No, he'd text Blaine to let him know where he was and what he was driving and they would take it from there.
Danny couldn't help but smile when the nurse exited the building and greeted him with the biggest smile when he saw him. Danny was leaning on the hood of the car, arms folded and legs crossed with the bottle of wine tied with a red bow in his hand. He was looking very fit and handsome as his nurse approached him wearing a pair of casual black slacks and loafers with a black shirt and white vest, a red and white bow tie completing his look.
"My, my, my, Nurse Anderson, you are a sight for sore eyes."
"Benny, so good to see you. You look amazing!"
"I don't clean up too bad for a guy with a hole in his head, huh?"
"No you don't, Benny." Blaine answered as Danny opened his arms and the men greeted one another with a friendly hug.
"Brought this for you to enjoy another time, maybe relaxing at home after a long day at work."
"Thank you Benny, that was very kind of you."
"My pleasure. So handsome, what's on the agenda this evening. I'm up for whatever floats your boat." Danny smiled.
"Well I would love a little dinner I'm starved."
"Well we can't have that, Nurse Anderson. You deserve a wonderful meal after fighting the good fight at work today. Name the place and we're there."
"Do you like Thai food? There's a restaurant not too far from here that I've been wanting to try."
"That sounds just fine. Should we take my car and I can bring you back to yours at the end of the night or whatever you like I'm willing to do. We can even call a car service if you don't want some strange man escorting you around town." Danny smiled.
"I feel comfortable going with you Benny. Besides, I'm not ashamed to admit how I've spent all afternoon telling my coworkers how I can't wait to see you. They know who I'm with. They're probably spying on this interaction as we speak."
Danny laughed. "That's great. I want you to feel comfortable and let me show you a great time. So now that we have the logistics sorted out shall we get going?" Danny asked, walking around and opening the passenger door for the man. Blaine hopped in and Danny made his way back to the driver's seat.
"Lead the way, Nurse Anderson."
Danny and Blaine chatted as Blaine led Danny to the Thai restaurant that he had been wanting to try. The men sat and as they waited for their orders and they began to get to know one another. Danny had decided long ago that the first real opportunity he had to talk to Blaine he would tell him everything he needed to know. Danny did not like to deceive people, especially people that he was interested in romantically. He didn't like wasting anyone's time, not even his own. As they chatted lightheartedly Danny took the opportunity to speak about his past.
"Blaine, there's something I want to tell you about my past."
"Yes Benny?" Blaine answered, a little nervous.
"It's a lot so I want to just say it and give you a chance to digest it all. Then you can decide if you want to move forward with this friendship we're developing here or if you simply want to go our separate ways. I wouldn't think any less of you if you decided to do just that."
"Okay" Blaine said, waiting for Danny to begin speaking.
"I'll give you the short version first but if you have questions I will answer them as honestly as I can. Biggest thing I want to clear up is my name is Danny, not Benny. I couldn't tell you my real name in the hospital because of the same reason I had a bullet in my head. I thought those same people may still be a threat to me. I knew that if I ever had the chance to reach out to you that would be the first thing I wanted to tell you. I don't like to lie, and even if you didn't really know me I already felt like I was hiding so much of who I am just by hiding my name from you. My name is Daniel Mitchell. I moved to Orlando after running away from an abusive step father. He and my mother didn't agree with me being a gay man and so my mom allowed him to try and beat it out of me. It didn't work. I lived on the streets or survived by living night to night from one place or the next until I ended up getting molested by who I thought was just a kind old man. It changed me. I trusted no one and depended on no one. After that I stole and occasionally sold my body to make ends meet. I felt bitter and lonely until the best thing that ever happened to me happened in the most unexpected way. I was 19 when I met the most important person in my life. Because of her I had a purpose and a family. Because of her my life changed for the better."
Blaine shook his head in silent acknowledgement, encouraging Danny to continue.
"That is the person I told you I needed to get back to. She thought I was dead and I knew that had to be killing her. I had to get back. I had to know that she would be okay. I officially met her on her 12th birthday. She lived in my building, her mom had some issues, she was being groomed by someone who would give her a little free food here and there. I knew what was about to happen to her. It had happened to me just a few short years earlier. I couldn't let it happen. She is just pure innocence and joy, and even though she's an adult now if you ever meet her you will instantly see it for yourself. After I got her out of the hands of that predator she and I were inseparable. She practically moved in with me and I did everything for her that her mother couldn't do. Eventually being at home became dangerous for her again. Her mother was in the grips of a very dangerous man, and so I had to send my Tink away. It broke my heart. I promised to look after her mother, and eventually the very dangerous man that had a hold of her said that if I became his personal bodyguard he would leave both of them alone. I said yes. I needed to protect them but I also needed to make money. I didn't want a life of selling my body and getting denied jobs because of my record. I took the only option I had at the time."
Blaine reached across and touched Danny's hand in support which caused Danny to squeeze it and smile.
"So I went to work for Miguel Martinez. You may know the name. Martinez crime family out of Orlando and Miami. Manuel Martinez's wife was shot and killed by his lover. I rushed into the room and shot her assassin. Somehow I ended up shot. I survived, she didn't. The details are blurry. Bullets were flying everywhere."
Blaine looked at the man in awe.
"I didn't know if anyone would blame me for Manuel's wife dying. She was a good friend to me. I cared about her very much. I was in love with another guard, a man who was in the closet. That's the man who I didn't want to know that I was alive. He could have been a danger to me if anyone blamed me and he knew I was alive. He could have led them right to me even if he didn't mean to. Turns out that while I was away a lot happened. Apparently the Martinezes have disappeared. Apparently my friend's father committed suicide. Nobody blames me for what happened in that room that day. I wasn't even the guard on duty there, I ran there when I heard the shooting to protect the man that I loved. I'm glad that I could be there for him. I'm even more glad to make it out alive, but I went to see him and I told him I don't want any part of my old life. He and I are over. I'm looking forward to something new."
Blaine shook his head in understanding.
"I know it's a lot to take in, and we don't even have to talk about it any more tonight. I just wanted you to know who I am. I am a man with a dark past and a bright future. I have some opportunities that have been offered to me, legitimate opportunities to use my training to finally make a real living despite my past. I'm a trained martial arts expert. I'm also trained to use firearms. I worked hard with my therapists and my Tink to get my strength and stamina back. Now I'll be working as a guard again very soon, I'll be interviewing with a few places and honestly I don't know what state I'll end up working in but I plan on taking the best opportunity presented to me to make a life for myself. Everybody has a past Blaine, and I'm not ashamed of mine. I'm a survivor and I've done far more good things in my life than bad things. If you plan on judging me by my past I'm putting it out there now so that neither one of us wastes our time. We can have a nice meal and I can thank you for being a great nurse to me, for giving me something to look forward to every day and for helping me reunite with my family and then we can go our separate ways, or we can have a great time and maybe decide to remain friends and get to know one another better, which I would like very much."
Blaine just sat there for a moment and let the words soak in.
"Wow, that's a lot."
"Yes it is."
"So you're not in danger?"
"Not even a little bit."
"And it's ok that people know who you are and where you are?"
"If it wasn't I wouldn't be here telling a stranger the things that I just told you. Still, my life is my life, and I wouldn't want a bunch of people consuming the details of my life just for the wow factor. I'm a pretty private guy by nature, and I respect the privacy of others as well," Danny said as a way to let the man know that he expected him to treat the things he learned that day respectfully and that he would do the same with Blaine's private matters should he choose to share any.
"Some of this is very confusing."
"That's understandable."
"Well, it's very nice to meet you Daniel Mitchell."
Danny smiled. "My friends call me Danny. If you plan on sticking around a while you can call me Danny, too."
"Ok, Danny." Blaine smiled, reaching over to touch his hand.
Once the food came the conversation had reverted back to comfortable first date conversation. Danny had learned that Blaine was from a small town in Ohio. He loved to sing and he moved to Florida after he and his high school sweetheart got work singing on a cruise ship. His ex loved it, Blaine, not so much. He never did get his sea legs and being at sea for more than a couple of days would freak him out. He quit, his boyfriend didn't. He didn't want him to. Told him if he loved it he should do it and they would make it work. They didn't. The distance had come between them and so finally he went back to school and studied to become a nurse as the man he loved sang and traveled for weeks at a time. Last he heard he was dating a much older man. He had moved on. So has Blaine, even if he hasn't met anyone serious yet. He's hoping that changes soon.
The men laughed and enjoyed dinner. The conversation flowed really well. They come from such different places, but they still seem to have such an ease with one another. After dinner neither man wanted the night to end. Blaine had to work the next day but he also knew that Danny would be leaving the next day and they didn't know when they would see one another again, and so Blaine didn't let it end. He took Danny to a karaoke bar and they had a few drinks. Blaine kept it non alcoholic because he had to work the next day and he never wanted to get sloppy on a first date, especially a first date with someone he liked. Sure, Danny was a big guy who used to work for drug dealers who ended up with a hole in his head but underneath all of that he was kind of gentle. Tender. It came through even though he seemingly didn't want the world to see it. Blaine saw it though. Something about him felt like a big kid that needed to be held. Something about him made Blaine want to hold him. Not in a sexual way, not yet, although he surely felt the urge. Something about Danny felt like he didn't have a lot of comfort in his life. It felt like he always felt the need to be the strong one. He had taken a bullet for his last lover. Something about Danny felt like it was his turn. It felt like it was time someone held Danny and gave him a place to rest. Blaine didn't know if he would be that person or if he even wanted to be that person, but he felt honored that he could see that person. He thinks whoever gets that side of Danny will be a very lucky man.
"I heard you sing the entire time I was in the hospital. I've been waiting to hear a full song from you. So you gonna show me what you've got?" Danny asked with a smile.
"Are you going to come up there with me?"
"If I make this place sit through my singing somebody in here is going to put another bullet in my head." Danny joked.
"I'm a nurse, I'll save you." Blaine joked. "Come on big fella, that's what karaoke is all about."
"Ugh, you have me wrapped around your little finger when you call me big fella. I'll sing whatever you want, but after you pick one just for you to sing. I want to hear you. I missed that voice."
"You've got it." Blaine smiled. He put his name on the list and when the time came for him to sing he launched into a classic. He sang Tom Jones' "It's not unusual" and then he came over to sing in front of Danny for a moment during the song. Danny stood up and danced with the man, and it made Blaine smile. They only danced for a few seconds but it let Blaine know that Danny wasn't afraid to have a little fun. Afterwards Danny sat and watched as Blaine entertained the crowd. He was truly impressed.
When Blaine returned to the table Danny had a fresh drink waiting for him.
"Bravo! Here you go champ, you earned it." Danny said, handing the man the cool drink.
"Thanks," Blaine smiled.
"That was wonderful. A man in a bowtie that sings Tom Jones. Gotta love it."
"Who doesn't love Tom Jones?" Blaine smiled.
"Nobody I would trust," Danny answered seriously and Blaine had to smile.
"So what do you want to sing, Danny?"
"Anything but 'Danny boy', that song is one I only do with Tink."
"I love the way your eyes twinkle when you speak about her. There's a heart of gold in there isn't there Danny?"
"Hmm, you have to stick around and decide that for yourself handsome." Danny replied with that charming smile.
"Well I'm here now. Let's choose a song."
"I've got a song in mind." Danny smiled, as he went to add their name to the list. "Try and keep up with me grasshopper."
Blaine couldn't help but smile. When it was their turn to go up and Danny stepped up to the mic like a pro as the music started playing, Blaine's smile grew wider at the fun tune that the man had chosen.
I got a feeling
that tonight's gonna be a good night
that tonight's gonna be a good night
that tonight's gonna be a good good night
Blaine began dancing as Danny's grey eyes twinkled mischievously. Blaine couldn't help but smile at the man as he winked at him while singing into the mic. Blaine knew exactly when his turn would come and he danced around and added his voice in where required, singing all of Fergie's parts.
I know that we'll have a ball
if we get down and go out and just lose it all
I feel stressed out I wanna let it go
let's go way out spaced out and losing all control
Danny jumped back in and he and Blaine were jumping around, dancing and singing.
Fill up my cup
mazel tov
look at him dancing
just take it off
let's paint the town
we'll shut it down
let's burn the roof
and then we'll do it again
The two finished the song and the crowd applauded. At the end of the song the men were all smiles. Danny bowed dramatically at the end and was pleased to feel Blaine take his hand and lead him back to their table.
"You're not as bad of a performer as you claim to be, Danny Mitchell," Blaine smiled.
"Getting tomatoes thrown at us on the first date would have been a deal breaker I'm sure." Danny replied.
"I don't know, I think I would have forgiven you for it. You're adorable when you're out there giving it your all."
"Are you flirting with me Nurse Anderson?"
"Totally," Blaine said, smiling.
"Would you like another drink or is it getting too late? It's almost 11 and I know you have to work in the morning. Sorry I sprung this on you without any warning, I mainly just wanted to see you in person and explain everything to you. Do you want to call it a night?"
"Do I want to? No. Should I? Yes. Will I? No." Blaine answered.
"You won't?"
"No, not after I saw those moves you just showed me up there. Not before we go someplace where I can dance with you."
Danny smiled. "Nurse Anderson, please lead the way." Danny said as he grabbed his jacket and they headed towards the door.
Blaine and Danny drove for about 20 minutes before arriving at a small club. It wasn't very crowded but the crowd seemed lively. Once again when inside Blaine reached for Danny's hand and pulled him along, greeting familiar faces briefly and introducing Danny before making a beeline to the dance floor. One of his favorite songs was playing, and he immediately began bouncing to the music, his joy infectious, as Danny quickly fell in step with him. For a big guy Blaine was impressed with how the man moved, and the two danced and danced, Danny not worried about any lingering effects from his gunshot wound, not allowing it to creep into his mind, not worrying about anything showing up that would reveal any lingering weaknesses. He didn't care. He just didn't care on this night, the night before he would return to New York and find out how he's going to begin his life, the night before he's presented with options, so many good options, for the first time in his life. Blaine saw the joy in him, even if he didn't know why, even if it would take years to understand, what exactly that joy was.
The two danced for two hours, stopping only once for a drink, Danny opting not to drink anything alcoholic either, wanting to remember everything, wanting to be present in this moment, just him and his favorite nurse.
It was 1:30 in the morning, and Danny couldn't understand how Blaine wasn't tired. He couldn't understand how he wasn't tired himself, and as much as he hated the thought of the night ending he didn't want to be the cause of the nurse being in any way irresponsible. His job was important, his patients depended on him, Danny wanted the man to be sharp.
"As much as I hate the thought of it I think I better take you to your car, or home if you would like, I can send a driver to pick you up in the morning to get you to work."
"You're right, we should be calling it a night. I'm a nurse, I've pulled doubles, I'm used to functioning on just a few hours of sleep. I will be fine. It was totally worth it."
Danny smiled, "Is there anything else you'd like before we leave?"
"No, we better go." Blaine answered almost sadly.
The pair went out to the car and Danny opened the door to let Blaine in before walking to the other side and letting himself in.
"Want to stop for something greasy to eat before I drop you off. It's tradition when I go out to grab something to eat and end the night properly."
Blaine smiled. "I know a diner not far from here, we can grab some burgers to go."
"Sounds nice, and then should I take you to your car or home. As I said before I can arrange for someone to take you to work in the morning."
"I hope I'm not being too forward here, but maybe you can take me yourself if you don't have to leave too early." Blaine answered.
"No, my travel plans are quite flexible as to when I leave. I would be honored to pick you up in the morning."
"That would be great."
The men arrived at the diner and placed their orders to go. As they returned to the car and buckled up for the ride Blaine took a deep breath before he spoke.
"I had a great time, Danny."
"Me too Blaine, thanks for accepting at such short notice."
"I hate to see it end."
"This is just the beginning." Danny smiled.
"This night is too perfect to end."
"So what were you thinking, handsome? Don't get shy on me now." Danny smiled.
"I was thinking," Blaine paused, "that it didn't have to end yet. I'm not talking sex, but I wouldn't mind going back to your room and enjoying this meal together, and maybe crashing there until it was time for me to go back to work."
Danny smiled, "Handsome and brilliant. That makes perfect sense Blaine, and I promise to be a perfect gentleman."
"You've been nothing short of a gentleman since I've met you, Danny."
"What can I say, I'm a sucker for a man in a bow tie." Danny smiled.
Danny drove Blaine back to his room, where they ate and chatted briefly before Danny gave Blaine one of his tee shirts and a pair of shorts to sleep in. Danny thought it was adorable how huge the clothing looked on him, the string on the shorts tied so tightly so they didn't fall down. They both laughed at the sight as Danny bid Blaine a goodnight, leaving the bed for Blaine to have while he opted to pull out the sleeper sofa in the room and make the bed for himself. In the morning he hated to wake the man, but at 5:30 he woke him so that he could shower and change back into his clothes, Danny showering afterwards and then walking him back to the car where they started the ride to work, stopping briefly at Blaine's favorite coffee shop and paying for his breakfast for the morning and then driving him to the hospital. Once there the two men smiled at one another before either of them moved.
"Thanks for a great time, Danny."
"Is it ok if I call you?"
"I'd really be offended if you didn't," Blaine smiled.
"Don't forget your wine," Danny said, presenting him once again with the gift he'd given him when they met the evening before. Blaine accepted it and smiled.
"I'll make sure to lock this away in my car. Maybe I can save it until the next time we meet. It will give us something to look forward to."
"I already have something to look forward to," Danny smiled. "Thank you Blaine, for one of the best nights of my life."
Blaine simply smiled as Danny exited the car and walked around to let Blaine out. Once he was out Danny held open his arms for a hug and Blaine embraced the man. Danny didn't want to linger too long, especially not outside of the man's job and so he broke the hug and the two smiled briefly at one another, still holding one another by the waist. Blaine stared into grey eyes before tilting his chin slightly.
"I have to know." Blaine said softly.
"What?"
"What your lips feel like. It will drive me crazy if I have to wait until the next time you find your way back to this town."
Danny simply smiled before bringing their lips softly together. It wasn't passionate. It wasn't yearning. It was sweet. It gave both men butterflies and it was nothing like Danny ever felt before.
It felt like hope.