A/N: Two chapters back to back almost?! You betcha! This one is genuinely a breather. Just some silly and cute moments. I hope you enjoy!

March, 1972

One Year & One Month Prior

The Karaoke Bar

Song recommendation: "American Pie" by Don McLean

American Pie

MARIA

-.-

The nightclub reeked of cigarette smoke and alcohol. Normally, I don't go out and do this. I prefer more friendly things, such as a movie or going on a hike. But Leland, Danny, and Julie suggested that we all let loose. I'm not totally against it. I just turned twenty-one so it's not like I'm doing anything bad. But my friends knew that and took slight advantage of it. Leland and Julie were mooching off Danny and I since we're both of age. Connie has had a few drinks but wasn't severely drunk. Sonny wasn't drunk at all, sticking to soda and water. He's religious and believes we shouldn't drink until we're drunk. But, he doesn't judge us. Instead he still hangs out, makes sure we get home safe, and simply enjoys the music and vibes. Ana was back home with our ma. Danny and I were only two months into our relationship. We met around four months ago when Leland threw a little party and invited everyone. I was hanging out with Connie and Julie when Leland came up to me. He walked up to me and leaned into my ear.

"Hey, I have a buddy who's interested in you." He said with a raised tone, trying to talk over the music.

"I'm not interested." I shrugged before taking a sip of the red wine in the plastic cup I had.

Leland shook his head, "He's persistent." He gestured over to a young man around our age. The man wore a grey V-neck shirt, off-white pants, a little necklace, and boots. He made eye contact with me as he took a sip of his own drink. I turned back to Leland who was also staring at him. "His name is Danny, I have a mutual class with him. He's super chill. I'd go for it."

Julie overheard, "Come on, Maria! Let loose a little, it's what you really need." She's right. I had a huge test recently which I stressed heavily about. Not to mention Ana writes to me about how ma is doing. Her depression is really bad. Ana had to start working weekdays too despite still being in high school. It's been super stressful recently. It doesn't hurt to drink a little bit more and flirt with some guy, right? Just as long as it stays casual.

It didn't stay casual at all. Danny and I ended up flirting, chit chatting, and getting to know each other. Next thing I knew, I was meeting him the following Friday night for a movie date, which was "Tales from the Crypt."

But going back to this club, I was sitting at a little table with Sonny and Connie. Sonny was sipping his soda as him and Connie shared a plate of loaded nachos. Connie had her own alcoholic drink but was casually sipping it. Julie and Leland were on the floor, dancing their hearts away. Julie wrapped her arms around Leland's neck as she pulled him close, grinding up against him. Leland smirked and placed his hands on Julie's hips, bringing her closer against his body.

Oh, okay then!

I looked away from the two who were both not sober at all. Leland wore a striped button up shirt (which had a few undone thanks to Julie), brown flared pants, a belt, and brown short platform shoes. He towered over Julie even more thanks to the few extra inches from the heel. Julie wore a two piece outfit. One piece consisted of a sleeveless halter top while the other was a pair of flares pants too. All over the pieces was a bunch of flowers in the shades of yellow, brown, and orange. She topped it off with gold earrings, matching gold bracelets, and a pair of brown leather go-go boots. Julie was our fashionista of the group. She came from around Los Angeles so it makes sense she's up to date with the latest fashion trends. She's given me a makeover. I wasn't a fan of the heavy makeup or super tight shirts she let me borrow. But the little blow out she gave me was pretty. Julie and I are close but not best friends. Julie is also a little jealous of Connie.

Apparently, Julie had a boyfriend back in high school who broke up with her since they wanted to go to separate colleges. Julie thought it was silly, that they can call and write letters, keep the relationship going from afar. The guy blew up on her and admitted he was cheating on her for the last few months of their relationship - that the college he's going to is with the girl he cheated on her with. That she gave him more than what Julie could. The guy was a real fucking prick before that though. He would constantly put Julie's hopes and dreams of being a fashion designer and model down - telling her the industry is massive and there's no way she would accomplish what she desired. Connie, on the other hand, likes both men and women. Bisexual, I think she called it? I don't know. From where I lived in Texas and with my strict family, we never heard or even used those terms. I'm not judging Connie, though. It's just something I still need to learn and understand is a thing. But Connie had a girlfriend back in high school and they also broke up. But instead of being on bad terms, they remain friends and hope they can work it out again in the future. She's not out to her family - as they're strict Baptist type Christians - but had no problem telling our friend group. She was hesitant to tell Sonny, since he's a Christian and faithful man, but Sonny was fine with it. He said that it's Connie's life and she can do whatever she desires - as long as she and others are safe. Connie became close friends with Sonny after that. But the reason why Julie is jealous is that she just wanted to stay in touch with her ex-boyfriend. But he completely crushed, stomped on, and threw her away to the wolves. She's jealous of what she wasn't allowed to have.

"Look at those two." Connie chuckled who sat next to me. Connie was my closest friend. We met in the cafeteria, bonding over how good the breakfast bagels were. Such a weird thing to meet over. But we've been glued at the hip since. Plus, she lives down the hall in our dorm. Next year, we plan to hopefully be roommates. If that's not allowed, then maybe rent a small apartment and invite Julie to stay with us. Connie wore an orange turtle neck with a plaid knee-length skirt and brown loafers. She was originally from a farm in Illinois - growing up taking care of horses, pigs, and cows. Helping her ma with their garden too. She's super sweet and shy at times. But recently - since opening herself up about her sexuality - she's been more bold, blunt, and had a sarcastic edge to her. "They should just make out already."

"I wouldn't be surprised if they already have." Sonny shrugged. I shook my head as my fingers traced over the engraved initials in the wooden table. JS. I don't know who this JS person is but I hope they had a good time here. Sonny grabbed a tortilla chip loaded with cheese, salsa, beef, and sour cream. He popped the heavy - and on the verge of collapsing - loaded nacho chip into his mouth before sitting back in their chair. Sonny wore a black long sleeved turtle neck, brown pleated pants, and nice dress shoes. He looked like the smartest and classiest person amongst our group.

"Sonny, do you know something we don't?" Connie asked with a sly smirk.

"Other than Leland admitting he has a crush on Julie? No. But we already knew that. "Sonny took a sip of his drink before his eyes widened - a sudden memory coming back to him, "Mm! However, he did mention that Ana is pretty too."

"What?!" I said a little loudly. I looked back over at Leland who was still dancing with Julie, his hands still planted on her waist. "Ain't no way. Leland is like a brother to me - probably to Ana too." Leland and I actually went to school together. He moved to our hometown from Arlington. We met during junior year in Ms. Jones' cooking class. We were assigned to bake muffins together during our first week of school. He somehow burnt them. We've been close friends since. It just so happened he was applying to the University of Texas too. "There's no way he likes Ana!"

"Yep." Sonny nodded, "He told me him and Ana have hung out when she comes to visit. Something about feelings developing with time."

"So then why is he about to suck Julie's face off?" Connie asked. We all looked back at the pair. Leland had a huge grin on his face as Julie was singing the lyrics back to him.

Sonny ate another chip before saying, "I think Leland needs to realize who or what he wants. I also think Julie needs to heal from her ex before getting Leland's hopes up." After Sonny said that, my vision went black. I froze in sight as a pair of hands covered my eyes, regretting seeing who it was blinding me. Connie began to give little giggles as I heard Sonny munch on yet another chip. At this point, the large plate was meant for him.

"Guess whoooo!" The voice sang out. I knew it was Danny based on his voice. I placed one hand on top of his wrist, feeling the usual watch he wears.

I decided to play along, "Hmmm... is it Santa?"

Connie smirked, "Is it because you wanna have his heavy sack?"

"WOAH!" Danny yelled.

"WAY TOO MUCH INFORMATION!" Sonny exclaimed.

"Connie, come on." I chuckled before gently pulling Danny's hands away from my face. I looked upwards and saw exactly who I suspected. My recent boyfriend of two months (at that point) was staring down at me. His hair was pulled back in a low bun, his face having just a little bit of scruff, wearing a simple white button up, worn out denim jeans, and his brown boots. His shirt was buttoned a little bit more than Leland's, showing me most of his chest and upper stomach. God, what a man. I blushed lightly as his hands slid down to my shoulders.

"Miss me, darlin'?" Danny asked before flashing me a quick wink.

"Yeah, I was starting to worry about you." I admitted. Danny said he was gonna use the bathroom but didn't come back for thirty minutes. His sage and cedarwood cologne filled the air around me, along with the slight scent of the two beers he had earlier tonight. He was a little tipsy but nothing compared to Julie and Leland over on the dance floor. "I was starting to think you fell in."

"Ain't nothing to worry about, I'm not going anywhere." Danny reassured me with a tiny shrug. A blush spread across my cheeks as he leaned down and kissed my forehead. Danny and I haven't had our first kiss yet. Despite rushing into our relationship status, we're trying to keep it slow. It's hard for Danny since his main love language is physical touch. He's always wanting to hold my hand, kiss my cheek or forehead, hug me, or even just run his fingers through my hair. Since he loves it, I do the same back. Hug him, kiss his cheek, hold onto his hand or arm, and more. "I got you a surprise."

"Is it the sa-"

"Connie, next time you speak I'll shove a nacho in your mouth." Sonny cut the red haired girl off from what she was saying. I knew what she was gonna reference again. Danny and I chuckled at the two before Danny pulled out the empty seat beside me. He reached into his pocket and held something in his hand.

"So, we're coming up on our three month anniversary within the next week." Danny reminded me. I smiled wide and nodded. Danny reached for my hand and I gladly let him hold it, his thumb rubbing gently across my knuckles. Despite the alcohol smell on his breath, he looked like he was being genuine with me. "The past five months knowing you and almost three months being your boyfriend has been a pleasure. I was just wondering if... you'd marry me?"

My eyes widened in shock before I saw a playful smirk on his face. He opened the palm of his hand to reveal a plastic spider ring that must've been still in a claw machine towards the back of the club - next to the bathrooms. I pulled my hand away from his grasp before balling it into a fist, gently punching his shoulder. Danny grabbed his shoulder and let out a dramatic groan, pretending to be in pain. I rolled my eyes at him before gently picking up the orange plastic spider rings.

"You asshole!" I exclaimed, "You really had me thinking you were serious."

"What? Would that be a bad thing?" Danny asked.

I shook my head, "In the long run? No. But maybe in a few years - not now."

"Which reminds me," Danny smiled softly, "my parents are coming down next week. Do you wanna-"

That's when Leland rushed over, stumbling, dragging an equally drunken Julie over to us. They were giggling as Leland stopped right in front of Danny and I. He let go of Julie's wrist as he placed his hand on Danny's shoulder - trying to get his attention.

"YOOOO! Dan-man!" Leland slurred out, "They have a karaoke machine! Let's go fuck it up."

Danny smiled and shook his head, "Nah man. But you can go on ahead."

Leland frowned, "Don't be a party pooper."

"Leland, you're severely drunk. I think you need to relax and-"

"Pleease?" Leland whined.

"Le-"

"PLEEEEEEEEASE?!" Leland whined out louder. A thin line formed on Danny's lips as he looked down at the wooden table. He grabbed the shot that he had ordered earlier, prior to his bathroom adventures, and quickly downed it. He winced from the taste before letting out a huge sigh and standing up. Leland gasped happily and shot both arms up in the air, proclaiming victory over the situation. Leland was getting his way.

"If I fuck up, none of you point it out. Got it?" Danny said and pointed at everyone. Julie giggled as she took his seat, sitting beside me instead. She grabbed the little shot glass and poured whatever remaining droplets he didn't down. Damn, the girl was desperate to get drunk. Sonny nodded as Connie just smiled wide and shook her head.

"Break a leg!" I yelled out as the pair started to walk away. Danny turned and looked at me over his shoulder, continuing to walk backwards, into the crowd of people.

"You're lucky I lo- tolerate you." Danny smirked. He winked again and I gave him a little dramatic gasp before touching my chest, acting moved from this action. The two young men went through the crowd of people before making their way up to a little stage. They talked to a random man and sorted through a book of songs before Leland insisted on one. I could see Danny mouth "I barely know this" before Leland started to whine. Danny quickly gave in and agreed on the song. When the current song stops, the man comes over the microphone and speaks loudly.

"Ladies and gentlemen, please give it up for Leland and Danny singing 'American Pie!'" He announced before handing Danny the microphone and Leland a second one. The melody of the song began to play as Leland let out a series of drunken giggles before raising the microphone to his lips. A little screech echoed through the room as the microphone briefly malfunctioned. Connie flinched in the process.

Leland began to sing, his voice not the best and slurring over the lyrics;

"A long long time ago,

I can still remember how
That music used to make me smile.
And I knew if I had my chance,
That I could make those people dance,
And maybe they'd be happy for a while.

But February made me shiver,
With every paper I'd deliver.
Bad news on the doorstep,

I couldn't take one more step."

Danny let out a little sigh. He didn't seem like the stage performer type. But he was doing this to satisfy his drunk friend. He sang the next part;

"I can't remember if I cried

When I read about his widowed bride.
Something touched me deep inside,
The day the music died.
So...

Bye, bye Miss American Pie.
Drove my Chevy to the levee but the levee was dry.
And them good ole boys were drinking whiskey and rye,
Singin' this'll be the day that I die.
This'll be the day that I die."

Danny's singing voice was low and gravely. Yet somehow smooth? He seemed a little shy compared to Leland who was waving at us and other people in the crowd. Julie waved back at Leland and blew him a kiss, he caught it and pretended to place it in his pocket for later. Danny seemed a bit uncomfortable on the stage. He has an amazing voice! But then again, he was literally begged and dragged onto that stage. The music began to pick up and right on beat, Leland kicked his leg up and held the microphone closer - fully giving into his side of the performance.

"Did you write the book of love
And do you have faith in God above
If the Bible tells you so?
Now, do you believe in rock and roll?
Can music save your mortal soul?
And can you teach me how to dance real slow?"

At the end of the verse, Leland slowly thrusted his hips forward. This caused Danny to break, laughing loudly at Leland. Julie whistled loudly as Sonny, Connie, and I chuckled at his drunken antics. Danny began to loosen up as he faced towards Leland, singing the next verse to him;

"Well, I know that you're in love with him
'Cause I saw you dancin' in the gym.
You both kicked off your shoes.
Man, I dig those rhythm and blues!"

At the end of that one, Danny threw his hand back and purposely made his voice higher, trying to hit the high note of the original song. I let out a loud cheer as did Sonny. By now, the entire club was focused on them. Some people dancing, some people laughing at the two men, and some even dancing. The song continued on with Leland and Danny singing and even dancing along. Leland jumping and singing the lyrics as Danny tapped his foot and swayed his hips. Hell, at one point Leland grabbed Danny's hand and twirled him around. The long song continued on as each man took a turn with each verse - sharing the chorus amongst each other and the crowd. By now, the song had slowed back down to the tempo it started at, the crowd and men calming down a bit. But Leland had one more idea before the song ended;

"Everyone, come on!" He yelled into the microphone as he put his arm up in the air, slowly waving it back and forth. Danny smiled wide and did the same, fully coming out of his shell at the point. He was such a good singer. Leland... could've used more work - but the confidence is there! Soon enough, everyone around put their arm in the air and slowly waved it back and forth - including Sonny, Julie, and Connie.

Everyone sang in unison;

"Bye, bye Miss American Pie.

Drove my Chevy to the levee but the levee was dry.
And them good ole boys were drinking whiskey and rye,
Singin' this'll be the day that I die.
This'll be the day that I die.

They were singing;
Bye, bye Miss American Pie.
Drove my Chevy to the levee but the levee was dry.
Them good ole boys were drinking whiskey and rye,
Singin' this'll be the day that I die!"

The two men and the entire crowd finished the song together. Everyone erupted into loud claps and whistles as Leland and Danny both bowed. Leland wrapped his arm around Danny's neck, pulling him into a close hug. Danny stumbled a bit before gently patting Leland's back. The two men hopped off stage and walked over to our group. Sonny gave both men a double thumbs up as Connie continued to clap loudly with a large smile. Julie jumped up and ran over to Leland, throwing her arms around his neck and into a tight hug - which he immediately accepted back.

I stood up and walked over to Danny. He was a bit out of breath, his face slightly red and covered with little beads of sweat. He put one hand on the back of my head and pulled me close, his lips connecting with my forehead once again as his eyes closed. He let the gentle kiss linger before pulling away and smiling down at me.

"What'ya think?" He asked.

I smiled, "I think you have a hidden talent. Since when could you sing?"

Danny shrugged, "Since third grade when I was forced to take choir until seventh grade."

I smiled softly, "I like your singing."

"Noted." Danny smiled back before looking around. He noticed a lot of people were still staring and smiling at him - which mainly included a lot of girls around our age. I felt a tiny ping of jealousy and self consciousness as they smiled at Danny and gave me a judgmental look. Danny noticed and looked back at me, "Hey, you wanna get out of here? Maybe go for a drive or something?"

"Can you drive?" I asked, "Just because... you know... you've been drinking."

Danny nodded, "I'm in a better condition than those two." He gestured over to Julie and Leland who were about to down another shot. I'm surprised the bartender hasn't cut them off yet. I nodded before grabbing the purse I brought with me, my arm linking around Danny. Without telling our friends, we quietly left. Sonny agreed to be the designated driver at the start of the night. So, we didn't have to fully worry about them. Sonny for the win! Danny walked me out to his truck and opened the passenger side door for me. I gladly hopped in as he shut the door behind me. As he drove off from the bar, I looked up at the moon as soft rock filled the air, and my fingertips fiddling with the orange spider ring he gave me.

I didn't know where he was taking me but I knew one thing for sure; I was falling deeply for Danny Gaines.