A/N: Thanks so much to all my loyal readers! Sorry about the wait! Hope you enjoy :D Oh and if you want updates about my stories (or the occasional sneak peek!) follow me on Twitter roralee.

Mia shivered as they strode out into the cool, summer night. Slipping off his jacket, Danny draped it over her shoulders as he waited for the valet.

"Thanks," she sighed as the car pulled up.

Danny led Mia over to the passenger door, tipping the valet after he effortlessly caught the tossed keys. He opened the car door for her, and she smiled her thanks as she stepped into the car.

"That was fun," Mia commented as they pulled out of the hotel. She leaned back against the seat and closed her eyes.

After a few rounds of guitar hero – during which Matt had been dubbed the supreme winner, to the great consternation of Jesse – they had all relaxed against the squashy couch. Light conversation flowed easily, and Mia had soon felt her eyes growing heavy. Danny, seeing this, had made their farewells while Mia waved sleepily at the band.

"And it was nice of them to ask us to hang out with them the next time they're in town," she added drowsily.

"Mmhmm," Danny replied blandly. "I suppose I can't blame them for wanting to spend more time with you." Receiving no response, he glanced over at her, and smiled softly to see her dozing lightly. He reached out and tenderly brushed a wisp of hair out of her face before turning back to the road.

They arrived at the gate of her house a while later, and Danny gently nudged her awake. She blinked dazedly for a moment before reorienting herself and waved tiredly at Jamie, who inclined his head respectfully to her and opened the gates for them. By the time they pulled in front of her house, Mia was fully awake and more than a little embarrassed at having fallen asleep.

Grinning sheepishly, Mia looked over at Danny who looked distracted. "Is everything okay?"

"Yes. No. I just," he shook his head, and seemingly changing his mind, settled for asking instead, "Is your father going to be upset that I'm bringing you home so late?"

The black digits on his dashboard flashed 2:03.

While her father probably wouldn't be pleased, she doubted he'd be mad. She didn't have an official curfew – something she had a strong suspicion that was about to change. "No. I don't think so. Is that all you were worried about?" she prodded.

Danny nodded and turned off the engine. He walked around the car and opened her door, and she thanked him. They walked up the stairs and Mia paused uncertainly. She leaned forward and hugged him, and as she pulled away, said softly, "Thank you, Danny. Tonight was perfect."

She reached to open the door, when Danny seized her free hand and spun her into his arms. His lips brushed against hers, delicately at first, and then more insistently and passionately.

Breaking the kiss, he smiled down at her, "I really like you Mia." He moved forward to kiss her again, and she reluctantly stepped away from him.

"I'm sorry, but I think we need to talk before anything else happens," she said.

Danny stilled, but dipped his head in agreement. "No, you're right. Mia, I know haven't done everything exactly right," he began earnestly, "but now that I know we're on the same page, I swear I'll do it all. I'll go and ask your father and brothers for permission, and make this a formal courtship, and introduce you to my…"

"Danny," Mia interrupted him. "Danny, wait."

She took a deep breath, "Danny, I like you too. But I made a promise to my father." Pausing, she stared up at him, before continuing, "I told him that I'd respect his wishes, and we'd just be friends until the end of the summer."

"The end of the summer?" he repeated hopefully.

Mia nodded. "If we still want this at the end of the summer, he'll let us."

Breaking into a wide grin, Danny let out a sigh of relief. "Thank god. I thought you were going to say he's forbidding you from seeing me."

"You're okay with this? With waiting three whole months?" Mia asked hesitantly.

"Mia," he cradled her face in his hands. "Mia, ever since you walked into my eighteenth birthday party in that gorgeous green dress, I haven't been able to think of anyone else. I never dreamed you – or your father – would ever let me date you. Of course, I'll wait for you. I've waited two years, and I'll wait as many more as I have to if it means in the end that I get you."

She gazed at him in disbelief. "Danny. I… You're unbelievable."

"I'm nothing compared to you," he said, pulling her into a tight embrace.

Grudgingly, she broke the hug a few moments later. "I should probably go in."

He nodded unwillingly. "Yeah, you're probably right."

"Good night Danny," she unlocked the door, and stepped inside.

"Good night Mia," he whispered sweetly, and she smiled softly and shut the door behind her.

Danny stood there a moment longer, and then –a silly grin on his face – he strolled back to his car, whistling contentedly all the while .

**

Michael Corleone was not the in habit of spying on his children. But when Jamie had called him asking for permission to let Danny into the compound, Michael had found himself marching over to the front door to ensure nothing untoward happened to his daughter.

The two of them had strolled up the stairs of the front porch and Michael had been relieved – but definitely not pleased – to see Mia hug him and move to head inside. That had been short lived, however. When he saw Danny yank his little girl in for a kiss, Michael had almost thrown open the door. But, in the end rationality won over and he resisted the urge to beat the crap out of the kid.

Of course, when Danny went in for a second kiss, that rationality – and him – almost went out the door. Almost, but he had seen Mia push him away and so he restrained himself.

Again.

Words passed between the two of them and Michael breathed a deep sigh of relief when Mia finally parted from Danny. He watched the front door expectantly, and waited for her to recognize his presence when she finally entered.

**

Mia closed the door behind her and then collapsed heavily against it. "Oh my god," she whispered to herself. She took a breath to calm herself and stood up. Grinning, in what she was sure was an idiotic fashion, she strode toward the staircase and hesitated on the first stair.

She pivoted slowly to her left and nearly jumped out of her skin as her father stepped out of the shadows.

"Jesus Christ," she muttered, "you scared the crap out of me."

"A little late, isn't it?" he remarked mildly.

"Sorry daddy, I'll try to get home earlier next time."

"You'll do more than try."

"Okay," she moved to go up the stairs, and then stopped again. "Were you spying on me?"

Michael raised an eyebrow, but Mia refused to cowed. She asked him again, more adamantly this time, "Were you?"

"And if I was?"

"I'd be pissed," she replied evenly.

"That's unfortunate."

"Daddy," she snapped.

"Don't use that tone of voice with me," he said sharply.

"Then don't avoid the question," she answered tightly.

Silence descended and Mia could almost feel the moments ticking by.

"I'm sorry for being rude," she muttered.

"Apology accepted. You should go to bed and get some sleep," he ordered, "You can tell me about your night tomorrow."

Mia blinked as he walked away, effectively ending any further argument. She sighed resignedly to herself and made her way up the stairs.

A/N: Read and review? Please? :D