#danny markowitz

[4everdweeb]

4everdweeb’s reading list

may edition ଘ(੭ˊᵕˋ)੭* ੈ✩‧₊˚

since i read so many fics this months i decided i’ll compile them all here! i wanna make it a monthly thing and maybe do some themed ones or smth in the future!! also shoutout to all these amazing writers i enjoyed all of there fics this month🤍

CW: some fic are 18+ smut

dividers by @cursed-carmine

STRANGER THINGS ⋆༺𓆩☠︎︎𓆪༻⋆

eddie

teen pregnancy eddie munson pt 1 — @keeryhours

lessons in art history — @gracieheartspedro

boo? — @eagerbby

stormy — @hiddndaydreams

the plug — @belokhvostikova

twice a day — @eddiesvixen

gasoline — @chelseeebe

forbidden fruit of desire — @frombeyondthegravez a reread and one of my favs🩰

amorem — @eddiesxangel

when she was bad — @elegantpaperoperatormaker

valentine — @for-your-modesty-dude

stevie doesnt know — @vingtetunmars

orange peel skin — @hellfire--cult

grease and glances — @bower-quinn

the nanny — @eddiesxangel

take me to the lakes series — ^

the needle, and the damage done series — @keeryhours

wanna be yours — @eddiemunsonsbabygirl

she fuckin’ hates me — @littlexdeaths

run, alice, run — ^

scotty doesn’t know — ^

celebrity skin — @cacoetheswriting

it’s a recipe for disaster series — @littlexdeaths

special delivery — @rebelfell

made for lovin’ you — ^

baby moon — @eddiesxangel

this summer is the apocalypse series — @rebelfell

gym!eddie — ^

ˋ°•*⁀➷ pt 2

celebrity skin — @cacoetheswriting

steve

he’s and idiot — @mild-lust

shoots and scoops — @munsonify

save room for us — @maroon-cardigan

ain’t it fun — ^

christmas affairs — ^

the prophecy — @munsonsmixtapes

not a fair fight — @pascallftv

strange love — @littlexdeaths

lost love — @nicolewritesthings

hell hath no fury like a buckley — @wonderlandwalker

ˋ°•*⁀➷ pt 2

the shape of family — @skeltnwrites

steddie

the slut, the prince, the freak — @maroon-cardigan

why pick one? — @catherinnn

billy

friendly competition — @buckysgrace

lazy sunday morning with your man — @shes-an-odd-bird

are you drunk enough to fall in love — ^

keep it down, baby girl — ^

you — ^

favourite thing you love to do — @billys-pretty-babe

robin

fever pitch — @littlexdeaths

gareth

slumber party crazy — @the-witty-pen-name

corroded coffin fest spring break series — @the-unforgivenn rlly cute one

COD — GHOST ᡕᠵ᠊ᡃ່࡚ࠢ࠘ ⸝່ࠡࠣ᠊߯᠆ࠣ࠘ᡁࠣ࠘᠊᠊ࠢ࠘𐡏

made with love — @munsonsmixtapes

ˋ°•*⁀➷ pt 2

when you need me the most — ^

not just a neighbour — @the-witty-pen-name

WARFARE ̸̇̎/̸̄̿̅̎̎̅͆ ͆͆͆͆̔̿͞ ͆̅̿̄͞ ̿ ̄̇̿̚ ̎ ̎͆

sam

coming home to you — @keeryhours

GLADIATOR II +==[:::::::::::::::::::::>

emperor geta

both arms cradle you now — @keeryhours 🥹🥹

FRED HECHINGER ˚ʚ♡ɞ˚

danny markowitz

first time — @punkrockmlchael

i didn’t realize how many i read until now... LOL on to june!

[hail-dondus]

Sweet, Sweet Fred. Happy Birthday Freddo. Your smile, your joy, your kindness, your hard work, your enthusiasm, brings a smile to my face every day. So proud of you and everything you’ve achieved in just 25 years of life - can’t wait to see what the future holds for you 💛

[keeryhours]

keeryhours record store

Welcome to the record store!

The bakery is still open, but we can enjoy some music too, right??

Pick a song from our catalogue OR request your own, and pick a producer! I will interpret the song however I see it unless you include special requests in your song submission (which you are absolutely welcome to do, be as detailed or vague as you want)!

Your song submission could be as simple as:

Could I request The Hills with Steve Harrington?

or more detailed:

Could I request older with Eddie Munson, smut with an age gap romance?

You can even get more detailed than that if you have a story idea to go along with your song! And you do NOT have to pick a song off the list, feel free to request your own!

disclaimer: this is just because i’ve been feeling extremely inspired by music lately, and i thought i’d put together some songs i feel inspired by. as stated, i’m happy to check out special requests too :) this is just something casual i leave up, just for fun and i may not get to your request depending on what i feel inspired by and how many requests there are!

Upcoming tracks

Check out the requests playlist on spotify!

[qyukko]

My most recent assignment is just an excuse to draw my dear fred

[idkwhatthisiseither]

MASTERLIST

This list contains various fred hechinger (Jason hochberg, simon kalivoda, danny markowitz, ect) characters and Joseph quinn characters (Eddie munson, soon to be more)

Fred hechinger characters

JASON HOCHBERG

Looking amongst the stars

Can't Keep My Hands To Myself (smut)

Prank war

The New Nurse

In a Flash

DANNY MARKOWITZ

Always Enough

Lazy Sunday Mornings

Wanted To Try Something (smut)

Crochet lessons

SIMON KALIVODA

Don't Cover Up a Canvas I Love So Much

Be the Jack to my Sally

The Perfect Gift

QUINN MOSSBACHER

When the Sea Met the Stars series

You're on holiday with your family, you snuck away to the beach for a peaceful moment to watch the stars in Hawaii, what you didn't expect was to see a guy around your age sitting on the beach as well, watching the ocean.

When the sea met the stars

When the sea met the stars- Chapter 2

When the sea met the stars- Chapter 3

When the sea met the stars- Chapter 4

When the sea met the stars- Final Chapter

DMITRI KRAVINOFF

Just Like Old Times

EMPEROR CARACALLA

The Emperors Favourite

Joseph quinn characters

EDDIE MUNSON

Dungeons and Treats

Uncle Eddie series- Eddie Munson x female!singlemother! Reader

Since getting pregnant as a late teenager, it's just been you and your daughter, Heather, living together trying to make things work so your daughter can have a better life in the future. That is until ‘uncle eddie’ shows up...

Part 1- Where did this dragon come from

Part 2- Saturdays at Eddie's

Part 3- Heather's Halloween

Part 4- Eddie's hellfire helper

Part 5- A show and a longing

Part 6- Does This Count as a Christmas Miracle?

Part 7- Gang, We Need a Plan

Part 8- It's Finally Time

Part 9- It's Date Night

Part 10- Date Night Two, Electric Boogaloo

Part 11- Third Times a Charm

Part 12- Happy Birthday Heather!

Bonus part- Bringin Up Old Memories

JOHNNY STORM

Can You Just Take Care of Yourself?

Hello Space Boy!

Notes: I'm also going to try and do a taglist as well, so if you'd like to be tagged in any of the characters, comment below, which characters/ series you would like to be tagged in

[punkrockmlchael]

Roses Are Red

Masterlist | Fred Hechinger Characters Masterlist

Fem!Reader x Daniel Markowitz

Warnings: Fluff, Fem!Reader, Lovey Dovey Valentine's Day Shit, Flowers, Reader works at a Bakery, Reader and Danny are Roommates, I guess Friends to Lovers? If you squint

Word Count: 1000

this was written for @fredhechingerfrenzy for the valentine's day mini pop-up event! prompt i chose was "flowers" and really i just wanted an excuse to write some danny fluff so enjoy! also huge thank you to @romantic-genocide + @fortunatelyhauntedblackcherry + @smallratboy for reading this over! <3

Valentine's Day was just another stupid day. A stupid Hallmark holiday that thrived off of consumerism and emotions. It made those in relationships more annoying and those single more sad. There was no in between—people either loved the holiday or hated it. And unfortunately for your-single-and-never-able-to-find-love-self, you hated it.

You hated everything about February 14th, and working at a bakery just made the shitty holiday drag on. Tons of people came in during the morning rush, looking for the best treat to get the love of their life! And during that rush, you stood behind the counter with a fake smile on your face giving opinions on baked goods while wanting to scream in the walk-in cooler at the top of your lungs. The day dragged on with more customers needing something sweet for their lover, more heart shaped donuts that needed that annoyingly bright pink frosting and heart shaped sprinkles added to them and more couples snuggling up to each other in the booths, sharing sweet treats and sweeter words.

When the clock finally struck five, you were the first one to grab your personal belongings and the extra donuts before sprinting to you car to get home and spend time with your best friend, Danny. The two of you had been best friends since childhood and both sucked at the whole romance and relationships thing. This holiday in particular was one that made you both just want to order some pizza, watch horror movies and fall asleep on the couch together while ranting about your past love attempts… and that was exactly what you had planned to do when you got home.

On the way to your car, your phone buzzed with a message from Danny.

Dans!: hey gorg, i hope work went well! i ordered us some pizza and cheesy bread, should be here when you get home! :) also happy shitty hallmark holiday that makes people spend way to much on chocolates and teddy bears. i grabbed some wine from the store, and that new horror movie you've been wanting to watch is now streaming! i'll see you and your pretty face home soon, okay? <3

You smiled at his text, your face flushing red at it and his words. Danny was always a flirt, a natural one who didn't know how to use those skills when he needed it, but he always meant well. Always. It's just that sometimes his words got you a bit more flustered than you wanted to admit.

You: hey! work was ok, i guess. i was able to snag some of your favorite donuts, though! you know… the custard filled ones with chocolate frosting!! just that today they're shaped like little hearts… gross. anyways, i'll be home soon, okay? can't wait to just have some pizza, wine and sit back to watch a movie with you

You texted him back quickly, before starting your short trip back to your shared apartment.

During the entire drive your heart was pounding with anticipation, nervousness and excitement. For some reason, these chill and fun nights alone with Danny always made you smile uncontrollably and your heart flutter with longing and desire.

The nights when you would be seated beside each other on the couch, thighs touching or legs tangled over each other as you shared that handmade quilt his grandma had made for him. The nights when your hands would brush against each other, the feeling of skin on skin electric as you both took the time to pull away. The nights when you just wished he would lean in and finally close the distance and kiss you like there was no tomorrow, finally confessing all of the feelings and emotions that you both held so deep and hidden from the other. The nights when the lingering looks you shared as you both went off to your respected bedrooms meant more, and you were in turn making your way to his room with him or he was making his way to your room with you. The nights when you wished you were waking up beside him the next morning.

You fumbled with your keys, struggling to unlock the front door of your apartment with a sigh. The day just could not end soon enough. After pushing the door open and stepping inside, you were met with the scent of pizza and also freshly baked cookies. Of course, Danny always got those little break and bake sugar cookies every time he went to the store.

"Hey! How was work?" Danny asked, carefully retrieving some items from your hands.

"It was work," you sighed, smiling at him. "How was your day?"

"Oh, the same old. Visited grandma, ran to the store, you know. All of the fun things I usually do in my spare time. Pizza is on the counter, wine is poured in glasses. Why don't you go change and I'll start the movie?"

"You're the best, truly." You smiled, retreating to your bedroom to change. When you opened the door, you were instantly caught off guard as a vase of various colored roses sat on your dresser. The red, pink and white roses were arranged perfectly in a vase, a small card with your name on it sitting in front.

You picked the card up carefully, opening it before reading the contents inside. Danny's messy and slanted handwriting sat there, staring back at you.

"I know it's nothing huge, but you deserve something nice on Valentine's Day. I saw these flowers and thought of you—they're so pretty, like you. I hope you enjoy them and they make you smile and make your day brighter. Because that's what you do to me."

You closed the card, holding it close to your chest as a smile formed on your face. You shuffled back to the kitchen, watching Danny make you both plates of food from the doorway.

Maybe Valentine's Day wasn't so bad after all, at least, not with Danny by your side.

daniel markowitz taglist: wanna join? click the form here! ; @janis01127 ; @keeryhours ; @iitsmandii ; @bumblebeeswrite ; @prettycalla ; @alexa0813 ; @samslvrgirl ; @enchantedmoonlight13 ; @yearsbecomingcool ; @fallout-girl219 ; @kawaii1kitten ; @delusionalbri ; @pridenpestilence ; @starr612 ; @totally-not-your-babe ; @sweetpeapod ; @mrprettywhenhecries ; @ch3eseking94 ; @allylovesrooney ; @super-unpredictable98 ; @qyukko ; @justlooking6789

[bumblebeeswrite]

"if we were dating i'd take you to all the best places.." "what's stopping you?" "excuse me."

maybe?? with our boy—

BEST FRIENDS | DANIEL MARKOWITZ

summary: danny has always been your best friend.

cw: fluff, anxiety, sexual joke at the end, kissing

The chipped mug warmed your hands, a small comfort against the hollowness that had taken root in your chest. Rain lashed against the windowpane of Danny’s small apartment, mirroring the storm brewing inside you. Another one bites the dust, you thought with a bitter laugh that didn't quite reach your eyes. Mark had been… well, Mark had been Mark. Charming on the surface, but ultimately shallow and unwilling to truly see you. The breakup had been messy, punctuated by his bewildered protests that you were “overreacting” to his blatant flirtation with the waitress.

Danny had been your rock through it all, as he always was. He’d answered your tearful call at midnight without a hint of annoyance, offering his couch and a steady supply of bad television and even worse jokes. Now, a few days later, the initial rawness had faded, leaving behind a dull ache and a weariness that settled deep in your bones.

“Rough day?” Danny’s voice was soft, pulling you from your thoughts. He settled onto the worn armchair opposite the couch, a half-eaten sandwich in his hand.

You managed a weak smile. “You could say that. I just… I don’t get it, Danny. What is wrong with me? Why does this keep happening?” The question hung in the air, heavy with years of accumulated disappointment.

Danny set his sandwich down on the small table beside him, his gaze serious. “There’s absolutely nothing wrong with you. You’re… you’re amazing.” He stumbled slightly over the last word, a faint blush dusting his cheeks.

You scoffed, the sound devoid of humor. “Amazing at picking the wrong guys, apparently.”

He leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees. “Look, those guys… they were idiots. They didn’t see what was right in front of them.” His eyes met yours, and there was a sincerity in them that made your heart flutter despite yourself.

A comfortable silence settled between you, interrupted only by the drumming of the rain. You watched Danny, the way the lamplight caught the slight wave in his blonde hair, the familiar curve of his lips when he was deep in thought. You’d known Danny since forever, practically. You’d navigated awkward teenage dances, celebrated small victories, and weathered countless heartbreaks – mostly yours – by each other’s sides. He was a constant, a safe harbor in the often-turbulent waters of your life.

“You know,” Danny said after a while, his voice low, “if we were dating, I’d take you to all the best places.”

Your eyebrows shot up, a genuine flicker of surprise breaking through the gloom. “Oh yeah? Like where?”

A small, hopeful smile touched his lips. “Well, first, there’s this little Italian place downtown, Marco’s. They make the most incredible pasta carbonara you’ve ever tasted. And then, there’s that overlook on Route 17, the one where you can see the whole coastline? The sunsets there are unreal.” He was warming to the subject, his eyes sparkling with an enthusiasm you hadn’t seen in a while. “And we’d have to go to that quirky little bookstore with the hidden café, the one with the mismatched chairs and the owner who always recommends the weirdest books. You’d love it.”

He continued, painting a picture with his words of cozy dinners, breathtaking views, and hidden gems. You found yourself smiling, a genuine smile this time, as you imagined these outings. They sounded… nice. Simple, thoughtful, real. Everything your recent relationships hadn’t been.

As his voice trailed off, a playful challenge bubbled up within you. “So, what’s stopping you?”

Danny’s eyes widened, a look of utter surprise washing over his face. He blinked a few times, as if he hadn’t quite processed your words. “Excuse me?”

You leaned back against the cushions, a newfound boldness stirring within you. “You said, ‘if we were dating, I’d take you to all the best places.’ Well, we’re not not dating. So, what’s stopping you from taking me?”

The silence that followed was thick with unspoken words and years of suppressed feelings. Danny’s gaze was intense, searching yours, as if trying to decipher if you were serious. You held his gaze, a nervous flutter in your stomach but a determined glint in your eyes.

He swallowed hard, his Adam’s apple bobbing. “Are… are you serious?”

You nodded slowly. “Yeah, Danny. I think I am.”

A slow smile spread across his face, chasing away the surprise and replacing it with a warmth that made your chest ache in a completely different way. “Wow.” He ran a hand through his hair, a nervous energy suddenly radiating from him. “Wow. Okay.”

He stood up abruptly, pacing the small living room. “Okay, best places. Right. Well, we should definitely start with Marco’s. I can make a reservation for tonight. Or tomorrow? Tonight? Yeah, tonight. Tonight’s good.” He was rambling slightly, a charmingly flustered look on his face.

You chuckled, the sound light and genuine. “Tonight sounds perfect.”

He stopped pacing and looked at you, his smile widening. “Perfect. So… this is a date?”

“I think,” you said, meeting his gaze steadily, “this is a date.”

The air crackled with a new kind of energy, a shift in the dynamic you’d shared for so long. It was exhilarating and terrifying all at once. You’d always felt comfortable with Danny, safe. But this… this was different. This was stepping into uncharted territory, a territory you’d secretly longed to explore for years.

Over the next few weeks, Danny made good on his promise. He took you to Marco’s, where the carbonara was indeed heavenly and the conversation flowed easily. You stood hand-in-hand at the Route 17 overlook, the setting sun painting the sky in vibrant hues, a comfortable warmth spreading through you as Danny’s fingers intertwined with yours. You spent an afternoon lost in the quirky bookstore, discovering hidden literary treasures and sharing slices of surprisingly delicious lemon cake in the hidden café.

Each outing was a revelation. You saw Danny in a new light, not just as your steadfast friend, but as someone who saw you, truly saw you, with a depth and appreciation that had been missing in your past relationships. He noticed the small things – the way your eyes lit up when you talked about your passion for photography, the way you hummed along to the radio in the car, the way you always ordered your coffee with an extra shot of espresso. He listened intently, his gaze unwavering, making you feel like the most important person in the world.

There were moments of awkwardness, of course. The tentative brush of hands, the lingering gazes that held unspoken questions, the nervous laughter that filled the spaces between words. But beneath it all was a genuine connection, a foundation of years of friendship that made navigating these new waters feel less daunting.

One rainy Saturday, you found yourselves back at Danny’s apartment, curled up on the couch watching an old movie. The rain pattered softly against the window, a soothing soundtrack to the comfortable silence that had settled between you. Your head rested on Danny’s shoulder, his arm draped loosely around you.

“You know,” you said softly, breaking the silence, “you were right. These are the best places.”

Danny’s fingers tightened gently on your arm. “They’re only the best because I’m sharing them with you, sweets.”

You lifted your head to look at him, your heart swelling with a warmth that had nothing to do with the blankets draped around you. His eyes were soft, filled with a tenderness that made your breath catch in your throat.

“Danny,” you began, unsure of what you wanted to say but knowing you needed to say something.

He leaned in, his forehead resting against yours. “I’ve wanted to do this for so long,” he whispered, his voice husky.

And then he kissed you.

It wasn’t a dramatic, movie-worthy kiss, but it was perfect. It was soft and hesitant at first, then grew in confidence, a silent acknowledgment of years of unspoken feelings finally finding their voice. When you pulled apart, a breathless smile touched both your lips.

“So,” you said, your voice a little shaky, “what’s next on the ‘best places’ tour?”

Danny’s smile widened, a genuine, heart-melting smile that made your stomach flip. “Well,” he said, his eyes sparkling with mischief, “there’s this one place… it’s kind of private.”

He leaned in again, and you knew, with a certainty that settled deep in your soul, that this was just the beginning of finding all the best places, together. The rain outside had stopped, and a sliver of sunlight peeked through the clouds, painting the small apartment in a warm, hopeful glow. For the first time in a long time, you felt a sense of peace, a sense of belonging. You were finally where you were meant to be.

[medievalharlot]

Tea Stains 彡 Daniel Markowitz x f!reader

Find my masterlist here!

Pairing: Daniel Markowitz x f!reader

Synopsis: Everything seems to be going wrong today, until you bump into a blue eyed boy with blonde hair

Wordcount: 2,1k

Tags: Meet cute, fluff, a bit of jealous!Danny

A/N: This one is for you Roz. I love Danny so much and my hands were itching to write something for him. Big old thanks to @glassbxttless for beta-reading this for me <3! English is a hard language :(

It was quite embarassing to tell people you were following adult math classes at your age. Really, you had tried your best in highschool but it never really stuck. You were really smart when it came to english, geography, social studies and history. Math, algebra and calculus was never your thing. The numbers just did not make sense to you. How could X possibly be anything but a letter? You had passed your math finals on a whim each time and somehow graduated with a fairly decent grade. Never in a million years did you think you would willingly follow another math class. And yet, you were going to have to follow a few more over the course of four weeks. You needed at least a certain level of math for your new job. It was an offer you couldn’t refuse. You’d have your own office, a car paid for by your company and there would be a generous christmas gift each year. The CEO told you she would hire you if it weren’t for your math grade, so she suggested an adult math class to help you along.

Somehow you had managed to run late to the first class. You had tried to be on time but your cat had spilled coffee on your shirt and then as soon as you left, you had realized you had left your apartment door unlocked so you had to go back. It didn’t help that your bus was late as well. “You check your watch, trying to hurry. According to Google Maps it was a four minute walk and you only had two minutes left to get there on time. Great.

In an attempt to cut the walk short from four to two minutes, you started to jog a little. You must have looked like a fool with your totebag slipping over your shoulder and your cup of tea in your hand. Before you had headed out this morning, you had managed to brew a cup of coffee to take with you— in hindsight, it might not have been the best idea. You were nearly there, just a few more steps.

Stumbling around with lukewarm tea in your hands while trying to get your keys into your, bag you turned the corner, walking straight into somebody. Your tea splashes onto your shirt and onto the floor, your bag along with your stuff fell as well.

“Shit, I’m sorry.” You mumble as you drop to the floor to pick up your stuff. Silently, you cursed whatever deity was out to get you. You seemed to be down on your luck today. When you looked up you were met with the kindest blue eyes you had ever seen. “Are you alright? Sorry I am in a bit of a hurry.” You ask him when you realise you were the one that bumped into him.

He quickly got to his knees as well, helping you with your stuff. “I’m fine.” He said while clumisly shoving things back into your arms. “Yeah, I’m fine. Are you? We made quite a crash. I should’ve been watching where I was going.” An awkward chuckle left his lips.

“No it’s alright I wasn’t paying attention either.” When you finally got all of your stuff back into your bag, you stood up straight, that is when you notice the tea the stain on his shirt. “Oh my god I am so sorry.” You had seemed to forget you were in a hurry as you searched for a tissue.

The guy looked down at his shirt, it was like he didn’t even realise you had spilled tea on his shirt. “Oh! No it’s fine really!” He assured you. “You’re in a hurry right? Please I wouldn’t want you to be late. The shirt will be fine.” He nodded.

“You sure?”

“Yeah, it was an accident. It’s fine.” He told you one more time. You sighed and looked at him one more time before bidding him farewell. Those blue eyes lured you in for a moment, then you realised you were already late and that you had to get going. Quickly you walked into the building and made your way to the room where this math class was supposed to be at.

Danny knew he should have left early. He did, but he had managed to get lost on his way from the parking lot to the community hall. Just his luck. And then he bumped into you. God, he was such an idiot! You caught him by surpise, making him stumble over his words as he tried to apologize. He had expected you to start yelling at him for colliding with you. But you didn’t. You just flashed him a friendly smile. It made him not even mind the tea stain on his shirt. When you hurried past him he completely forgat where he was heading for a moment, staring at the back of your head wondering how it would feel to twirl your hair in his fingers.

When he finally snapped out of his thoughts, he realised you went into the same building he was supposed to be at. What a coincidence! He never thought you would also be in the same class as he was. You seemed smart, what would you need adult math classes for?

Daniel was kind of glad to see your face in the row of people. Awkwardly, he stepped into the classroom. “Sorry for being late, I had a hard time finding the place.” He chuckled. “I am Daniel Markowitz.”

“It’s alright, please sit.” The teacher smiled as they turned back to the board. Daniel quickly made his way to the only free seat, next to you.

Your face lit up when you noticed that the guy you bumped into, Daniel was his name, walked up to you. When he sat down you leaned in. “Hi Daniel.” You whispered. It felt like you were back in highschool again, you offered your name in return.

Daniel turned his head to you, careful not to alert the teacher. “Long time no see.” And he punctuated the sentence with your name, like he was testing out the feeling of it rolling from his tongue. How easy it was for him to say.

You looked at his shirt and smirked. “Love what you did with your shirt.” With nod you pointed at the stain on his shirt. “So creative, such a free soul.” You spoke with a playfull tone.

He smirked in return, playing along. “Oh well you know, sometimes I just run into people on purpose to let the universe create it’s art on my shirt.” While looking at his nails he faked a certain poshness. “Not everyone gets my creative spirit.”

“Oh so that’s why you ran into me, totally on purpose.” You laughed softly. Usually you had a hard time connecting with people, with Daniel it just seemed come so naturally.

“Totally.” He grinned back at you. Neither one of you was actually paying attention to what the teacher was saying.

Each class the two of you got closer. You just seemed to get along great. He made you feel seen as you tried your best to understand the equations. It felt nice to share the struggle of not being able to do basic math with somebody. Somewhere along the line, Daniel had told you to call him, Danny. You thought it was such a cute name, fitting for a lovely guy like him.

Danny was always so nice to you. He offered to drive you home when it was raining once. Turns out, you live on the complete opposite of town. When you offered to pay for his gas he declined, said it was fine. On the ride home he was smiling like a crazy person while your perfume still lingered in his old car.

You truly were so vibrant and kind. Just one of your smiles or the sound of your laughter could brighten up his day. He was hesitant about taking an adult math class at first, scared that people would call him stupid. Danny had no degrees, he was messy and chaotic and he wasn’t really good at anything. Never once did you make him feel stupid, rather you motivated him to do his best.

Today was the day, he finally got the guts to ask you out. Nothing special, maybe a coffee after class or a movie at his home when his parents are gone. He wanted to take it slow, with Allie he went in head first and that ended not so great. With you he wanted to make it work, he know he could make it work. You had not mentioned a boyfriend so far, so he just assumed you were single.

Danny really put effort into himself today. Trimmed his beard properly for once and actually dressed in something other than his old jeans and his blue knit vest. He knew you liked the vest, but he wanted to show you he cared. His world came crashing down when he saw you talking to a man next to his car. You laughed at him, a beautiful smile curling onto your lips. You were smiling at this random guy and not at him. Daniel never saw himself as a jealous person, but he could feel the envy sting. Was this guy your boyfriend? He was taller than him, and his car definitely looked better than Danny’s. Daniel did not stand a chance if he was your type.

Just as he was about to approach the two of you, you hugged the other guy goodbye before he got in his car again. When you turned to him you acted like nothing happened. With a friendly smile you waved him hello, like you always did. Of course it wasn’t your fault Danny had gotten his hopes up, he couldn’t help but feel insecure.

“Everything alright?” You ask him, giving him a quick look up and down. He looked cleaner and he smelled wonderful. As soon as he had gotten closer, you could smell the cologne on his collar. “Where you going? You look all fancy?” You asked, secretly hoping it wasn’t for a date.

“Oh uh-” Danny was caught off guard by your question. “It’s uh- for a birthday. After class. I have a birthday.” He lied. it was an obvious lie but he didn’t plan on telling you he was going to ask you out. The words would never leave his lips. It was stupid of him to think a girl like you was single. You were so awesome, so pretty, like finally smelling the flowers of spring after a cold and wet winter. And Daniel? He was just stupid, plain, old, boring Danny.

“Oh, that’s a shame.” You said as the both of you went inside. You were holding your books against your chest, your heart was pounding in your ears and you feared it might leap out of your throat. Honestly, it truly felt like you were back in highschool again. “I was gonna ask you if you wanted to go out sometime, maybe later today. But it’s okay if you’re busy! We can always do something another time-”

“You want to ask me out?” Daniel was baffled. Wasn’t that guy your boyfriend? “Who was that guy then?”

“Oh, him?” Daniel knitted his brows in confusion as you brushed it off. “That was my cousin.” You chuckled softly. “He was nice enough to give me ride after I helped him paint his apartment. Did you think that nuts-for-brains was my boyfriend?”

“No! Yes. Maybe?” Danny stumbled over his words, trying to come to a coherent sentence. “You never actually mentioned a boyfriend, but you are so pretty that I would not be surprised if you had boys lining up for you.” Together you sat down in the back of the classroom.

“Well.” You unpacked your laptop after opening your book. “They’re all going to have to wait in line then, because the guy I want is already sitting next to me.” With a gentle look on your face, you turn to look at Danny.

“About that birthday, that was a lie.” He grinned awkwardly. “I actually wanted to ask you out, but because I thought your cousin was your boyfriend-”

“Ask me out.”

“What?”

“I said, ask me out.” There was a playful tone in your voice.

Danny picked up on the playful nature of your suggestion. “Alright then, would find it in your heart to go for coffee with me after we conquer this math class.”

You reached for his hand to hold it under the table. “Yes, sweet Danny. I would love too.”