Zoe stepped out of her room, surprised to see Dani sitting on the couch by herself. She was sure Ash was over earlier in the day and the apartment still smelled like ham. As a matter of fact, that was the whole reason she left her room in the first place, to steal some of Ash’s food. But instead, she left the food covered and instead grabbed a couple of Coronas from the fridge. She sat next to Dani, handing her one and taking a swig of her own. “What happened to Ash?” @daniharperdominant
Title: Easter
Character(s): Danielle Panabaker and Grant Gustin @theflashgrant
Setting: Los Angeles California, March 27th
Content Rating: PG
Summary: Grant and Danielle spend Easter Sunday with her parents and sister. It’s more or less an eyeopener for them about family and marriage.
Grant was enjoying his time in Los Angeles, not getting the chance to spend time there as often while filming. He especially didn't get a chance to come here with Danielle often so that she was with him and they were in her place with Kay while her parents were visiting, Grant felt relaxed and content about what they were doing. It was Easter Sunday and Grant was excited to spend the day with Danielle's family, even if he was missing his own. He knew them taking the trip there would be a hassle, especially for only a day so he hoped that he'd get to see his family soon. Stirring from sleep, Grant nuzzled his face in the crook of Danielle's neck as they laid there, pressing a light kiss to her skin before speaking. "Morning baby. Happy Easter," he whispered, closing his eyes and snuggling into his fiancé.
Danielle had a very interesting conundrum in her hands. On one, she ended up enjoying completely laying in bed and trying to sleep in on an actual Sunday and didn’t want to move; and on the other, she wanted to get on with her day, spend some time with her family, and just be content with life. For now, she ended up doing the former, shifting her weight in the bed that she now shared with her fiance, and licked her lips once she felt his lips upon her neck. The brunette hummed her appreciation for him, moving again in order to wrap an arm around Grant’s frame. “Good morning”, she whispered out, finally realizing that they weren’t exactly alone in their home in Los Angeles like their home in Vancouver, and a massive pout appeared on her lips. “If we’re really quiet, they’ll think we’re still asleep and won’t bother us.”
Grant smiled as Danielle turned around so that she was facing him, Grant wrapping his arms around her to keep her close. Smiling tiredly, Grant kissed her forehead and let out a sigh. "I think we're good for now. It's still kinda early," he whispered, looking over at the clock on the nightstand which said it was a little after eight. "You should spend as much time with your family as possible though since we didn't really get to yesterday because of the party and we're gonna have to leave later tonight," he said, wanting her to bond with them since he knew Danielle didn't get to often. "I have to be downstairs by 8:30 though. I have something coming here."
Danielle finally opened her eyes now, rubbing them with the back of her hand and then falling back down further into their covers. His time frame gave them a little bit more leeway to work with, considering that it wouldn’t be for another thirty minutes, but she did give him a look of confusion. “Are you expecting something”, she wondered out, tone of voice completely groggy due to just waking up, and a smile just appearing on her lips now. “What are you expecting? Is the Easter Bunny coming?” Her nose scrunched gently, teasing him for a moment before letting out a soft sigh. Though grateful that he thought of her spending time with her family, wanting her to spend as much as she could, Danielle definitely didn’t mind just being lazy for now.
Grant grinned as Danielle spoke. "Duh, the Easter Bunny loves me," he teased, running a hand through his hair. "I wouldn't be surprised if my mom sent something to both of us at our place in Vancouver though," he chuckled. "But nah. Just a few things for you and your family. Couldn't really go out and get them without coming off as suspicious so I got them sent here," he said, cupping her cheek and stroking it with his thumb gently. "But staying right here until I hear them sounds good to me," he whispered, leaning in to press a kiss to Danielle's lips. Lacing their fingers together, Grant ran his thumb over her engagement ring, smiling widely as he stared at her. "Do you want to ask your family if they want to come to the party on Friday?"
Danielle brought up a hand right after Grant and brushed her fingers against his hair. The urge to just do so had been completely strong and it was just an overwhelming desire to be connected to him as such. Affection came easy to her now that he was around and even then she felt like it could never be enough to sedate her. Her nose scrunched up again, so completely joyous in nature at this point because of his teasing, and nodded her head. Grant was too good to her, that much she knew, and there was no other way to repay him other than to return the kiss for him completely. With their hands together, Danielle pulled his towards her and kissed his knuckles. “It wouldn’t hurt”, she whispered out to him now. “I know it’d be a long shot considering they’re on the east coast after this too; but we should ask both of our families if they want to come.” But now, she turned her head towards the clock and sighed, hearing the rustling downstairs flooding into her bedroom. Her finger now brushed against her lips to tell him to be quiet, hoping to get more time.
Grant nodded as Danielle said it was a long shot that her family would come, knowing it'd be the same for his since it was a Friday night but he knew inviting them was still the right choice. "If they don't come then we can still do a family thing like we planned so that our families could meet. It'd probably be better if they met alone anyway without all of our friends there. Then it'll be super hectic. But either way, I just want as many people we love celebrating with us as possible," he smiled. When they heard noises downstairs, Grant smirked as Danielle signaled for him to be quiet. "Your whole family consists of early risers. No wonder you wake up so early," he said, shaking his head. "I know a way to keep quiet..." He trailed off, leaning forward to lay against Danielle while kissing her sweetly.
Danielle agreed. Having both families together would be too hectic for them both enough as it is. Having them there with their friends as well could probably cause chaos on their little apartment that they had. So she hummed her approval quietly--or as quietly as she could in order to get herself situated against and underneath her fiance--and shrugged her shoulders up. “I’m sorry”, she whispered out to him before tilting her head to return the kiss. And still, she moved along with him, but tried not to make a sound or a peep at this point. Just as she was about to turn her lips into a smile during the kiss, there was a knock on the door that would have jolted anyone awake at this point. “Mom made breakfast and it’s so good so if you don’t come down, it’s all going to be gone”, her sister’s voice rang out from behind the door and Danielle only pulled away to rest her head against the headboard. “For a minute, I thought we were going to have a fire.”'
Grant hummed softly against Danielle's lips, nibbling on her bottom lip as they continued to kiss. As he was about to deepen it, he heard a knock on the door which caused him to groan. Hearing Kay talk about breakfast made him snap out of his trance, rubbing his face with his hands and swallowing hard. "That's what it seems like," he muttered, shaking his head. "We're forever cockblocked here," he chuckled, slowly getting out of bed. "What do you think I should wear?" He asked, trying to remember what clothes he brought and what they would be doing. "Are we gonna be going anywhere or just chilling here? I don't really know what your family does on Easter."
Danielle pouted and shook her head, amusement surely written on her face but still annoyance at her sister’s persistence. Breakfast seemed like a good idea, but a part of her wanted to just stay and punish for the rudeness that had occurred. Now it justed futile to stay in bed and with Grant already moving, she threw the covers off of her frame and started off towards to getting ready herself. She never really packed if she was coming to Los Angeles--clothes already still in her closet already here from years of buying new items--and picked out a pair of jeans and a blouse. “It’s warm out”, she offered out to her fiance and bent over his frame to pull out a pair of jeans and a white t-shirt for him. Easter Sunday at the Panabaker house would always be spent with breakfast and a big dinner, and maybe when they were little a church service, but now with everyone out of the house, breakfast and then a dinner would be what they spend together. “We usually play it by ear here”, she whispered out to him and pressed a small kiss to his ear. “Ready to go?”
Grant nodded as Danielle said it was warm out. "Yeah, the weather is beautiful here. We could always go for a walk on the beach or something if your family is into that," he said, smiling softly. As Danielle picked out an outfit for him, Grant smiled and started getting dressed. "Thanks babe," he said, listening as she said they would play it by ear. "Works for me. We usually don't do anything either," he shrugged, running a hand through his hair to try and make it presentable. "Yeah, let's do it," he said, smiling as she kissed his ear. Wrapping an arm around Danielle as they started heading downstairs, Grant smiled as he was greeted by Donna right away. "Morning Donna. Happy Easter," he said, smiling as she held her arms out which caused him to return the hug. Hearing a knock on the door, Grant looked at his watch and knew that was for him. "One second," he said, excusing himself as he answered the door. Signing off on the three bouquets of flowers he got for Danielle's family as well as an edible arrangement, Grant took the box they were in and brought it into the kitchen, greeting Danielle's father and Kay who were sitting at the table. "I wanted to get you guys something for Easter. These are for you," he said to Donna, getting her the bouquet of white roses. Getting Kay a mixed arrangement of flowers, Grant handed them to her next. "Didn't want to leave you out," he teased. Pulling out the two dozen of red roses he got for Danielle, Grant handed them to her with a smile. "The edible arrangement is for everyone but I think that Harold should get most of it. Only fair," he said happily while shrugging.
Danielle finished getting ready herself and ended up being as presentable as she could. Following in her fiance’s footsteps until she was pulled into his arms, she pressed her lips to Grant’s cheek and then walked down first. Her mother was the first to greet them and there was something about being hugged by her mother that melted all troubles away. “Hi mom”, she whispered out before letting her go to hug Grant and moved towards her father and sister. “Daddy”, she said as she pressed her lips to her father’s forehead and sat down beside him. “Garfield’s in a real pickle today”, she heard him speak out to her and she let out a scoff and then the doorbell rang. Eyebrows furrowing, she turned back to her family and then suddenly, there were flowers in front of her face and she smiled so completely wide. “So I get chocolate”, her father spoke out and patted Grant on the back. “Good on you, son.” But Danielle let out a laugh and moved towards her fiance then after her sister and mother thanked him as well, pressing her lips to his cheek in order to show her gratitude. “Thank you, booboo”, she told him quietly, but Kay’s voice broke her out of her thoughts and her left hand had been taken by her sister. “Such a pretty ring”, Kay spoke out. “So where’s mine? Brother in law has to get his sister in law one too.” Danielle’s eyes widened, her smile growing, and she pressed her nose against Grant’s cheek at this point to hide her amusement.
Grant smiled as Harold called him son, feeling good about the fact that both of Danielle's parents were so happy for them. It made him realize that his father still never got back to him when wanting to tell him the news which bummed him out. Trying not to think about it, Grant nodded as Danielle thanked him, watching as Kay came over to admire Danielle's ring. Leaning against the kitchen counter, Grant smiled smugly. "I know how to pick a ring out, right?" He said, winking at her. When Kay asked where hers was, Grant laughed. "Yeah, real funny. Flowers is as far as I go, sis," he teased, wrapping an arm around Danielle to hold her close. "Coffee, Grant?" Donna asked, causing him to nod. "That'd be great, thank you. Danielle gets up way too early for my liking," he teased.
Danielle let out a noise of surprise when she was pulled towards Grant, but wrapped her arms around his waist in order to steady herself. “Stop, I do not”, the brunette whined out playfully before burying her head against his chest. She was so enamored at this point, her family completely welcoming Grant into their own had brought her complete joy. So she moved along, putting all of the flowers in vases as best as she could, and placed them in various places along the home she bought for her and her sister. Off in the distance, she could hear her mother and her father going about the chocolate and who would eat what piece, which ended up amusing her greatly before she stole two pieces of chocolate covered pineapple for both Grant and herself. “This might be the only piece of the bouquet that we may get ever”, she whispered out before stealing a sip of the coffee her mother offered him earlier. Danielle moved quickly at this point, now more at ease at everything in order to fix herself and Grant a couple of plates for breakfast and her parents calling Grant to sit down.
Grant giggled at Danielle's adorableness, keeping her close as she buried her face in his chest. Running a hand through her hair gently, Grant watched as she started putting the flowers around, sticking his hands in his pockets and observing as she did. Hearing her parents talk about the edible arrangement made him chuckle and when she managed to get a piece for them, Grant leaned forward and took a bite of it. "Good thing you saved me a piece then. Things are getting intense in there," he chuckled, taking another bite. When he heard them say breakfast was ready, Grant squeezed Danielle's shoulder gently before making his way to the kitchen table, sitting next to Danielle and taking another sip of his coffee. "It looks great, thank you," he said to Donna as the plate was placed in front of him.
Danielle widened her eyes at her fiance when he said things would get intense, regretting not telling him the little tidbit of her family. Desserts and anything sweet never lasted long in the Panabaker household--that can be attested to anything her mother generally baked or any pastries that she bought for family gatherings. “In this household, when it comes to desserts. It’s eat or be left out”, she told him gravely, and then made moves in order to get her own coffee and food. For a while, she sat in silence, watching everything and everyone around her while she ate, and bit down on a piece of bacon. Her mother’s next words would cause her to drop it. “So are you guys thinking about children right away? How does that work with your jobs”, Donna let out so casually and Danielle’s eyes completely widened in surprise. “What”, she asked of her mother quietly, turning her head to her father who just hid his smile behind the newspaper in his hands.
Grant was eating his eggs, taking a piece of bacon and putting it in his mouth when suddenly Danielle's mother brought up children. Nearly choking on his food, Grant cleared his throat and swallowed hard, taking a sip of coffee as a distraction. Looking over at Danielle who seemed just as shocked, Grant had no idea what to say and could tell Danielle didn't either which made him feel even more awkward. "Um..." He said awkwardly, running a hand through his hair. "I think we're just um, you know...enjoying the engagement. Then planning the wedding, getting married. I think kids won't be until after all that. Right?" He said, turning to Danielle.
Danielle widened her eyes at her mother and agreed with Grant. Surely, she’d be okay with children and they spoke about it before, but she didn’t actually think they’d have some so completely soon. “You’re not getting any younger, Danielle”, Donna spoke out and instantly Danielle felt a million times smaller than she was. Her age shouldn’t have been a factor in this, but her mother had old Southern values and her father was just completely quiet in this. “A woman loses half her eggs by the time she’s twenty-five”, her mother continued out and when the older woman turned her attention towards her younger sister, Danielle reached out for Grant’s hand underneath the table for comfort. “I have a job and obligations, Mom”, she replied out. “It’s not like we’re in a space ready to have children yet. Like Grant said, we’re just taking this as we go.” But that was when her father interjected. “It’s unlike you to not have some sort of five year plan, Danielle”, Harold mused out taking more bacon than he actually really should and turned towards Grant. “She has some sort of five year plan when it comes to this, right?”
Grant furrowed his brows as Donna said Danielle wasn't getting any younger. Sure she was almost thirty but to Grant that wasn't old at all and he knew tons of people who would have kids in their thirties with zero complications. He didn't want to talk back to Danielle's mother but he also didn't want Danielle to feel pressured into something, especially something serious like this that involved both of them. As her father mentioned a five year plan, Grant swallowed hard at the thought, never planning things that far in advance. "Um...that's not really my style. I mean there's no need to figure things out that far in advance. Anything can happen. Plus to have kids right now would be extremely stressful. Filming the show takes up a lot of our time and right now I want to just focus on that. There's no need to rush it and Danielle is still young. My parents had me and my siblings in their thirties and it was fine. I just want her to be ready and comfortable with it when she wants to be," he said, squeezing her hand gently under the table.
Danielle squeezed back Grant’s hand in gratitude. Planning was great, that was just how she was when she was growing up. Organization became her way of dealing and coping--even now she sometimes claims she keeps her life to a schedule. Everything was easier that way. But some things didn’t have to follow a plan and she thanked Grant quietly every single day for opening her eyes to it. The added stress of just keeping her life and dictating it towards a schedule didn’t do her any good either. “We’re going to be fine”, she started out when her parents looked at her in confusion. “If it makes you feel better, we’ve talked about it. Not going to happen for another few years, but we did talk about it.” The brunette emphasised her words, trying to get the subject dropped; but it was Kay that managed to save them. “Mom, Dad. Maybe you should just focus on getting a puppy. I’m sure Grant and Danielle have more on their plate to think about--like a prenup”, the younger one let out; and now suddenly, Danielle wasn’t that hungry anymore and pushed her plate out in front of her.
Grant felt stressed just thinking about Danielle's parents wanting them to have kids right away. He wanted to go at their own pace without anybody trying to encourage them to go faster, not wanting to rush it. They had so much going on already and he was confused why her parents weren't seeing that. "Yeah I mean it'll happen eventually. When the time is right. We're just too busy right now. I mean I am personally, filming long hours pretty much everyday and even when we're on hiatus, I'll be doing a movie and stuff so I'm keeping busy. Don't really want to bring a child until the world until I know I can really commit and be a good dad," he said, clearing his throat. As Kay changed the subject, Grant's eyes widened as she mentioned a prenup, not expecting that whatsoever. "Um...why would we get a prenup? Marrying Danielle means I'm going to share everything with her. We pretty much already do anyway."
Danielle brought the hand that was laced with Grant’s into her lap, cradling it in both hands and rubbing it with both thumbs. A lot of what was spoken had been pre-wedding talk and although she would have loved to have it just disappear, she knew it was right to talk about it. She just didn’t know if it was in a familial setting. “Guys”, the brunette started out, but her father put down his newspaper and started to speak. “Listen, guys”, Harold started out. “Grant’s a good man, that I don’t doubt. I also don’t doubt the love that you have for one another. Your sister is right, for now. This is protecting the both of you, should anything happen that’s out of your control.” Danielle made a point to open her mouth to speak, that her father didn’t know that for sure, and held onto Grant’s hand even more so; but was only interrupted by her mother. “I would hope to think that that isn’t a deal breaker for you both, is it? Don’t you want what’s best for each other?” And of course Danielle wanted what was best for Grant--always had been and always will be--but this wasn’t the time and the place to have this conversation. “Um”, Danielle started out now and started her actions again, moving her thumbs against Grant’s hand in order to gain some comfort. “How about we table anything wedding talk for now and we decide on what we’re doing, hm?”
Grant was more confused as the conversation went on, wondering how Danielle felt about this. Of course this was stuff they should be talking about alone without anybody else's input but it didn't seem like she was in any rush to agree with him and now he was wondering if she wanted a prenup herself. Grant never even thought about it, figuring it wouldn't be necessary since Danielle was the one for him and even if something went wrong, he would never sue her for anything of the sort. Staying quiet with thoughts running through his mind, Grant pursed his lips and listened as Danielle suggested figuring out what they were going to do. As Donna suggested taking a walk on the beach, Grant cleared his throat and leaned back in his seat, just going with the flow at this point. "Thanks for breakfast," he said, excusing himself to clear his plate and wash some of the dishes to help out.
Danielle ‘s eyes kept glued to Grant’s frame as he walked away from her, pressing her lips together to listen to everyone else at this point. She’d never felt so small in that moment for so long, and it didn’t matter to her that she just honestly said something to all of them to make it stop, seeming it rude. All that mattered to her was the comfortability and the pace that they were going in their relationship. No one but she and Grant should be making these decisions. So she stood up now when everyone just started leaving the table and going to do their own things, moving towards the kitchen sink to put her plate there to wash. “Can we talk”, she whispered out to her fiance. “Like in private? I want to apologize for them. I had no idea it would be twenty questions when we woke up this morning.”
Grant stayed quiet at the sink while people brought the dirty dishes to it, Grant insisting on washing them each time one of them tried to object. When Danielle came over to him, Grant listened as she spoke, shaking her head when mentioning she wanted to apologize. "It's not your fault, don't worry about it," he whispered, finishing off the last dish. "They shouldn't have done that to you either," he said quietly, glad it was only them in the kitchen. Grabbing a paper towel to dry his hands off, Grant threw it up before leaning against the counter and pulling Danielle against him. "I think we just need to be prepared for our parents wanting to be involved, wanting to guide us through it but we need to stand our ground and say that it's our decision. We'll figure it out," he smiled slightly, leaning in to kiss her forehead. "I'm gonna grab a hat from upstairs before we head to the beach," he said, pulling away from her slightly and making his way upstairs.
Danielle was thankful, just so utterly thankful for being able to see everything that she couldn’t when it came to family. She was glad that they wanted to help out, but it was just her and Grant’s decision that they needed to work at. Everything was still completely new. They’ve only been engaged for a little more than a week. It wasn’t like she was some girl planning her wedding since the age of five. There had to be other consideration into this. “You’re right”, she whispered out, closing her eyes and leaning against him when he pulled her in. His lips on her forehead calmed her, the notion of affection greatly soothing her. But Malibu would be the closest beach that they were at that’d be okay for the both of them and she nodded her head to agree. “I need to change”, Danielle whined out now, stopping only at a hallway closet and pulling out sunscreen—just in case. Quickly, she rooted through a drawer and found an old bathing suit, a t-shirt that Grant left behind one trip, and a pair of shorts. All of that she threw on quickly and started her way back downstairs to join the others.
Grant realized that he needed to change too if they happened to go in the water, knowing the weather was warm enough if they at least wanted to put their feet in. Walking into the bedroom he shared with Danielle while there, Grant ran a hand through his hair before grabbing his Clippers hat to put on backwards. "I don't have a bathing suit with me. Too bad we can't skinny dip," he teased his fiancé, going into his bag to get a pair of sports shorts that he would wear instead. "I don't have flip flops either. Totally not prepared for this," he chuckled, putting on his sneakers just to have something on his feet. Grabbing his phone, Grant smiled as he saw a text from his mother telling him to call her later with Danielle so she could wish them a Happy Easter. Still not hearing from his dad, Grant sighed and put his phone in his pocket before heading downstairs to join Danielle's family.
Danielle only caught the glimpse of the hand that went through Grant’s hair and blinked rapidly, letting out a small pout that disappeared as soon as it came. Coupled that with his words and she let out a shush, gently hitting him in the torso in order to get him to stop. “We can’t do that anyway”, she wandered off to speak, pressing her lips thin to hide the smirk that had fallen on her lips. As much as she thoroughly enjoyed the idea, doing so again in such a public area might not have been a good idea. “I promise you. Once we get to the beach, we’ll get you a pair of flip flops at the shops there or something.” For a moment, she caught a glimpse of his phone and raised an eyebrow at this reaction to it; but offered out a hand to lace with his. “What’s going on”, she whispered out now, as quietly as she possibly could. “Did you miss a call or something?”
Grant smirked as Danielle spoke, knowing she was right. "Promise me when we get a house together it'll have a big pool that we can skinny dip in whenever we want," he murmured, wrapping his arms around her waist. Nodding when she said he could get flip flops at one of the shops by the beach, Grant knew that would be better to walk around on the sand and by the water. Grabbing Danielle's hand, Grant pursed his lips and shook his head. "No, no. I'm good. My mom wants us to call her later though so she can say Happy Easter," he said, smiling softly. Following Danielle's family out the door, Grant walked out with Danielle and got into the car, sitting in between her and Kay which made him smirk. "Right in between my two girls, how lucky am I?" He teased, lifting his arms and putting them around each of them.
Danielle only gave him a smirk to his request on a promise, thinking back on the offer more so than not. Granted when she brought up the fact of moving into a new house, they decided on looking more so into the future, but the thought of Grant actually bringing it up again warmed her completely. However, when her fiance started to speak out the phone call, the notion of calling his family on a holiday together with him, her lips started to quirk upward and she beamed at him. “Yeah, we can facetime your mom when we’re alone at the beach or something. Let her get a good view”, she whispered out before getting to the car. Danielle situated herself in the passenger side of the car, left hand on Grant’s thigh, and turned her head to listen to her sister go on about work and her various coworkers. “There’s just something about watching baby otters being born”, the younger Panabaker let out and pointed towards them both. “I’m holding you both on going to the zoo Monday morning to see them if that’s alright with you both.”
Grant heard Kay laugh as he spoke, causing him to look over at her. "I like this snapback look on you, Gustin," she said, watching her put her hand on his chest. "Thanks, so does Danielle. Right babe?" He said, winking at her. As Kay started going on and on about her job at the zoo, Grant was always intrigued by the different animals she would get to interact with. "Definitely. I want to see them again like last time. Dani missed out on that one," he said, rubbing his face with his hand. When they got to the beach, Grant got out of the car after Danielle, holding her hand as they started walking down towards the pier. "It's so nice out," he said, squeezing her hand gently. "I wish I had my sunglasses, I can barely see out here," he said, holding his free hand out to try and block the sun out of his eyes.
Danielle nodded her head when Grant and Kay had acknowledged her, wagging her eyebrows and throwing them both a smirk to agree in that aspect. Grant, with a backwards hat and a wry smile on his face had been her complete downfall--and she cursed her luck by being in a car with her family right now. Her father had a sly smirk on his face as well as her mother, but they didn’t say much on the drive towards the beach. Upon arriving, the family found a spot on the beach that they agreed and Grant’s complaint had warranted her enough to drag him to the nearest store on the beach. “Come on”, she laughed with him, lightness and a bounce to her feet as she ducked into the store quietly. There weren’t as many people there as she thought, but she was able sneak around and look for a few things. “You’re going to kill us with that aesthetic”, she mumbled out to him, pulling her credit card out of her shirt and bathing suit in order to hold.
Grant smiled and walked into the store with Danielle, finding a pair of flip flops and some sunglasses that he could use while they were out there since it was so sunny. Watching Danielle walk around and find a few things to buy made him chuckle, shaking his head as she came towards him. "You just can't help yourself, can you?" He teased, wrapping an arm around her to keep her close. Smirking when she mentioned his aesthetic, Grant rolled his eyes playfully. "Maybe I do it on purpose," he said, nudging her playfully. Once everything was paid for, Grant changed out of his sneakers and put the flip flops on, putting his sunglasses on and running his sneakers to the car. "Okay, I'm all good," he said, jogging to join Danielle's family.
Danielle , once everything was paid for and had gotten back to her family, did just about what came natural to her. She had a thing when it came to every single time she took a trip to the beach. Wanting nothing more than to just dip her toes in the water, she dropped her card and phone with her mother and started her way towards the edge of water. With the breeze blowing in, her hair ended up in her face and in her mouth, but her eyes kept right onto her fiance and her family’s. “Okay, water’s completely cold”, Danielle yelled back at them, feeling like she was a child again, but the laughter that radiated from her now couldn’t be contained.
Grant figured they would start walking by the water but when Danielle ran towards the ocean, Grant chuckled and shook his head. "She does this every time we go to the beach," he said, smirking when Danielle's father said she did it when she was younger too. Crossing his arms over his chest, Grant was curious what the water temperature was and knew Danielle would say so once going in it. Laughing as she said it was cold, Grant slowly started walking towards the water to meet her. "Don't push me in then," he teased, holding his arms out for her when she came closer. "So how is working going for you two?" Donna asked, Grant holding onto Danielle as they started to walk. "Pretty good. Crazy we're almost done with the season. Only have two more episodes to shoot."
Danielle shook her head no when Grant spoke, walking into his arms and wrapping hers around his waist. “I wouldn’t dare”, she mused out to him quietly and walked along with her parents. This was nice, a small quiet family gathering that allowed them to relax and able to just connect with the nature around them. Even then, she leaned further into her fiance’s arms and listened to all of the conversation around her. It was easy, slow enough to be able to interject once or twice, but her eyes behind her sunglasses were distracted by the rising and falling of the waves on her bare feet. “Hm”, she let out when she caught the back end of the conversation, hearing about two more episodes being shot before they’d be off of work--well, she’d be off of work. “It’s been a whirlwind”, Danielle reiterated Grant, continuing on with the conversation before her mother asked what about their hiatus plans. “When do your vacations actually end,” Donna asked of them both with Kay and her father right behind them.
Grant nodded in agreement as Danielle spoke. It had been a crazy season but he had a blast as always. "It's been fun but I'm ready to have some time off," he said, wrapping an arm around Danielle's waist as they started walking. "Well we have like two months off. But I'm gonna be doing a movie at some point during it. Haven't gotten the details yet, just trying to finish up the season first," he said, clearing his throat. "You know what we should do? We should all go camping," Harold spoke, Grant making a face. He had never been one to go camping but Danielle had brought it up to him before and now that her father was saying it, he knew he'd have to give it a shot. Staying quiet, Grant swallowed hard and looked at his feet. "What's the matter, Grant? Not a camper?" Her father said, causing him to chuckle nervously. "Uh no, not really. Never did that when I was a kid."
Danielle turned her head back to her father when he spoke, the process of camping getting to her and smiling wide. Giddy with anticipation, she turned her attention back to Grant to see him hesitant, her own shoulders shrugging now with a half smile on her face. No one would think it of her, but camping and hiking had been one of her favorite past times and spending time with her parents with her fiance sounded great like they’d be right now. Rubbing Grant’s back, Danielle tried to soothe his worries and shifted her weight to hold him closer towards her. “Camping with the Panabakers includes an RV and a camp ground that has wi-fi, don’t worry”, she teased him before turning her attention back to her father. “Plus, cooking from Mama and Daddy’s stories about his travels.”
Grant listened as Danielle said their camping included an RV and wifi, causing him to chuckle. "I'll give it a shot. Sounds like fun. Don't really need the wifi though. In fact it'd be better if there wasn't wifi because then I'd have a reason not to use my phone. I'm on it too much as is. I'll probably leave it home if we go. The most important person will be with me anyway," he said, smiling at Danielle. "We should definitely try to make it happen while we're on hiatus. First time for everything, right?" He said, smiling at Danielle's parents. As they continued walking, Grant started swinging their laced hands in between them, smirking as Kay hooked her arm around his on his other side.
Danielle nodded her head with a half smile at Grant, grateful that he would say such a thing for her. Of course, being in tune with outside and nature had been what happened when she was younger--and she definitely was glad that they’d have a chance to actually show her fiance what a vacation with them would look like. “You won’t regret it”, Kay started out once they were alone, her parents walking hand in hand in front of them now and they behind. Arms were swinging and she still had her toes dipped in the water while her sister started regaling Grant with stories about past family vacations. She was mostly quiet, content with how everything was at the moment, and kept her full attention on the man she gave her heart to. “Speaking of your phone, though. We should definitely give your parents a call before it’s too late”, Danielle spoke now, standing on her toes to whisper it in his ear.
Grant smiled and nodded as Kay said he wouldn't regret going camping with them. He knew it'd be fun and a new experience so he was excited, hoping it would work out. As they continued walking, Grant was enjoying the breeze and the beautiful weather, smiling at Danielle's parents who were in front of them. "I'm glad you have parents who are still in love after all these years. I never got to witness that with mine and it's nice to know that it can happen," he said, smiling slightly at her. When she said they should call his parents before it was too late, Grant pursed his lips and nodded. "Yeah, we can call my mom," he said, deliberately not mentioning his father who he still hadn't heard from. Standing on top of a few rocks at the end of the beach once they reached it, Grant took out his phone and FaceTimed his mother, waiting for her to answer.
Danielle made a face--a look between a grimace and a forlorn smile--when Grant spoke about her parents. They were walking hand in hand as they were, but it looked more at ease and relaxed than anything. “Fun fact, it’s both awesome and gross”, she teased out of him, but wrapped her arms around him now that they were alone finally. Above them up a few steps would be her sister and her parents, but they settled on a few rocks and her head turned into the phone in order to get a view in. The ringing was loud enough for her to hear, and it wasn’t until she heard something on the other end of the screen that she started waving rapidly. “Hello? Oh, can they hear me? Tina? I don’t think they can hear me.” Her voice ended up trailing off at her words, pouting for a moment at the phone itself.
Grant waited for his mother to connect the call, smiling once he saw her on the screen. It was choppy but he had a feeling it would be since they were outside and on a beach. "Hey mom," he greeted, watching as Danielle tried to get her attention. "Maybe not, the connection is probably crappy," he said while shrugging. Once it was clear, Grant tried again, waving at his mom and seeing his sister in the background. "Oh hey Gracie," he smiled, happy to see his family even if it was through a screen. "I miss you guys," he said, though he didn't get a response and heard his mom talking to Danielle instead. "Show me the ring, Danielle. Did my son do good? I'm so happy for you guys!" She exclaimed, Grant chuckled softly. "Oh you miss me too? Good," he said sarcastically.
Danielle pouted for a few more moments before the screen went dark and Gracie’s face popped up. It disappeared and a laugh escaped the brunette when she was bombarded with questions about the proposal and ring. The brunette did as she was told and held up her left hand for the screen, showing her future mother-in-law and sister-in-law the piece of jewelry before hitting her fiance’s arm gently. “Stop that”, she scoffed quietly and then turned back to Tina and Gracie. “Happy Easter, you guys! Grant did an amazing job at making me speechless last week. You both should be proud of the romantic that he is.” A finger brushed against his jawline now, her attention off of the phone and then back towards his face while doing so. “I love him so much.”
Grant smirked as Danielle scolded him, happy that his sister and mother were so happy for them. Watching as she held her hand up, Grant ran a hand up and down her back gently as they focused on the screen. "Grant? Romantic? Ew," Gracie said, causing Grant to roll his eyes. "You're jealous," he teased, licking his lips. Kissing the side of Danielle's head as she spoke, Grant looked back over at the screen. "You guys need to come visit so we can celebrate. I really miss you guys," he said sadly, wishing he was with them. "We'll try, honey. Otherwise you guys are done soon, right? Come down here, we'll make you feel right at home," Tina said to both of them, causing him to smile. "I know you will. We'll see if we can make it work. Tell everybody else I say Happy Easter, okay?" He said, knowing they had to start walking back. "Love you both. We'll talk more later."
Danielle scrunched her nose at Gracie’s teasing through the screen, listening in on the conversation that Grant had with his mother. Nodding her head to agree that they should visit them once more, she only stopped when the offer was repeated to them. Virginia bought up fond memories for her--well, mostly--and there wasn’t anything in the world that wouldn’t keep her away. “Bye”, she spoke out quietly before the call was hung up, but she made no motion to move from her spot. Her family would have to walk back this way to get to the car anyway; and it was just nice to be able to spend this little bit with him on the rocks. “Your mom seems so happy”, Danielle whispered out to Grant now, lips pressed against his jawline and nose to his cheek. “Seeing you with her is adorable.”
Grant waved to his mother and sister before ending the call, smiling softly. When Danielle said his mom seemed happy, Grant grinned and nodded. "Yeah, she is. That's all I want for her. Sometimes it still sucks, that my parents are apart and stuff but at least they're on good terms and they're both happier now," he shrugged, closing his eyes to the kiss to his jawline. "I'm really lucky, she's amazing. I'm glad we're so close. I miss her a lot when I don't see her for a while. It's killing me that I haven't seen her since January," he sighed. Not wanting to get sad about it, Grant started looking for a distraction. "Wanna walk around for a little more?"
Danielle sighed quietly to herself. Sure she knew that Grant missed his mother dearly and there was a part of her that wanted to say that they should have been in Virginia at this point, but maybe that wouldn’t have been too ideal. No, there was a part of her that was more mischievous when it came to her loved ones--and maybe booking just a flight to Norfolk after filming for a weekend wouldn’t be so bad. For a moment, she moved and broke away from him, climbing up on the rocks and shrugged her shoulders. Her parents and sister were already back with them and walking back now just seemed so tedious. So, Danielle had a thought and wrapped her arms around her fiance’s neck since she was actually tall enough to do so on the rocks, and jumped enough to wrap her legs around his waist from behind. “Better”, she started out to speak, shifting to be more comfortable. “Now you can walk us both back to the car and Mom and I can start dinner, come on.”
Grant furrowed his brows as Danielle pulled away from him without saying anything. Suddenly she jumped onto his back, causing him to chuckle and held on tight so she could get situated. Once she was sitting on her shoulders, Grant held onto her hands tightly so that she wouldn't fall, beginning to walk so they could meet her parents and sister. "Okay, of course. How's the view from up there?" He teased, looking up at her with a grin on his face. Admiring the view and the beautiful sunset, Grant felt content and relaxed. The only thing missing was his own family but being there with his second family was a great alternative. Once they got back to the car, Grant helped Danielle off of him carefully before getting in, staying quiet for the ride home. "I'll be right back," Grant said as they got inside, carrying his shoes and making his way up to the bedroom they shared to call his father.
Danielle stole Grant’s hat first and put it on her head to be comfortable. She had it just like he had worn before, backwards against her head, and gave it back when they were at her parents. “It’s amazing”, she started out, complete awe to her tone of voice. “I can see everything. Is this what it feels like to be this tall?” As they walked, her hands were laced with his for balance; but there was a part of her that just felt complete when they were connected like that. Her mother laughed at the sight and her father managed to help her off by holding out his hand to her and she was the person to sit in the middle this time around. Once they were home, Danielle immediately went into cooking mode with her mother and sister, washing and preparing both a chicken and ham for tonight’s dinner while her father stayed glued to the television watching something that was on tv. “Men”, Donna let out and Danielle and Kay started giggling at their mother and her antics.
Grant placed his sunglasses in his bag and sat on the edge of the bed to talk to his father. It bummed him out that his father still hadn't reached out to him ever since Grant left him a message, saying he was engaged to Danielle. Figuring he needed to try and approach him again to see what was going on, Grant pressed his father's name and waited for him to answer, which he did right away. "Dad?" Grant questioned, waiting for an explanation. "Hi son. Happy Easter." He said, Grant rolling his eyes. "Really? You haven't answered my call in almost a week," he muttered. "Especially when I told you great news," he said, pursing his lips. "Good news? Oh, that you're engaged? Well I get busy, son. You know that. At least I answered now right?" He said, causing Grant to frown. Was his father really not going to congratulate him? "So what? That's it? No congrats? No I'm happy for you guys? Nothing?" He asked, waiting for his father to speak. After a few moments of silence, Grant heard his father saying that he thinks Grant rushed it and that it wasn't a smart decision. "You guys haven't been dating for long, Grant. I know I said I would be more accepting of you guys, at Christmas and what not, but I still don't think you should be getting this serious so soon. Are you sure you guys even want the same things in life?" He said, Grant too upset to even indulge in what his father was saying. "Forget it. Goodbye dad," he muttered, hanging up before his father could even answer him. Shoving his phone in his pocket, Grant sighed and rubbed his face with his hands, shocked in the worst way at how his father was reacting to this. Realizing it had been a while that he was up there, Grant knew he had to face Danielle's family so he went downstairs and sat down with Harold in the living room. "Everything alright, son?" He said which just made him think about his father even more, realizing that Danielle's father was more accepting than his father clearly ever would be. "Yeah. I'm good. Thanks," he replied quietly.
Danielle looked up from her spot in the kitchen and towards the living room, eyes now kept right on her dad and Grant talking. At least they were content with each other to warrant a conversation, which she found had greatly warmed her completely. Being able to integrate into someone’s family had been something that she never took for granted and seeing hers accept Grant with open arms had made her so happy. Blessed as she was and as lost in thought, she did manage to turn her attention away from them in order to finish plating the Easter dinner that they’d be having—chicken and ham with all of the trimmings—and set the table with each dish. She only acted as her mother’s sous chef, admiring just how much the older woman had cooked, and looked forward to the cheesecake in the fridge that had been chilling since last night. “Soon”, she muttered out to herself and brought a bottle of wine to the table—which Kay had ended up nursing all through cooking. Her younger sister gave her a sly smirk, but she still continued on her way to get everything presented and ready. Once that was done, it was time to get to dinner and she only went around to the living room to call her dad and fiancé to the table. “We’re ready for you guys now”, she whispered out, tilting her head towards the television and let one hand lay on Grant’s shoulder. She rubbed it gently, thinking that he had taken a quick nap when they were cooking dinner instead, and found it odd. However, Danielle didn’t say much about it, just tried leading them both to the dining room table.
Grant hadn't been focused on the TV at all, trying to keep up with conversation whenever Harold would say something, though Grant wouldn't initiate it. He was lost in his own thoughts, still shocked by the lack of support from his father, especially when his mom couldn't have been happier for them. He knew that his dad still needed to warm up to Danielle but he thought after Christmas they were in a good place and yet it was months later and he still didn't seem enthused. Not even realizing he had drifted off to sleep, Grant swallowed hard as he heard Danielle's voice, taking his hat off and rubbing his face with his hand. Nodding in response, Grant slowly got up and followed her family into the kitchen, sitting where he was supposed to and waiting there quietly.
Danielle had dinner come as she expected it, licking her lips and setting herself besides her fiance on one side of the table. The other had her sister and her parents had each end; but it was more quiet than most. Her head bowed as a prayer was said by her father, licking her lips afterwards and passing around whatever was on the table for everyone to eat. The brunette moved accordingly, handing Grant each dish she was passed in order for her to grab some as well; but there was a part of her that lingered on something. Surely she prided herself on being in tune with the people around her, and there was something coming from Grant that wasn’t his vibrant self this morning. “What’s up, honey? Are you tired”, she whispered out to him as everyone else had been lost in their own conversation about the dinner.
Grant closed his eyes as Danielle's father started doing a prayer, trying to think about all the things he had to be grateful for, even if his father was making it difficult to think about anything other than what he had said. Once the dinner started, Grant swallowed hard, not feeling hungry in the slightest but knowing he had to try or else someone would make a comment on it. Eating slowly, Grant listened as Danielle asked him if he was tired, shrugging in response. "A little. I'm fine though," he added quietly, clearing his throat and moving his food around his plate. After a few minutes, he was snapped out of his thoughts when he heard Donna speak. "Do you not like it, Grant? Or are you not feeling well?" She questioned him, Grant dropping his fork slightly. "No I do, it's good. I just um...I don't know. Maybe still full from breakfast," he lied, looking down at his plate. "Don't worry, it won't go to waste. If anything, I'll just eat it later or tomorrow or something."
Danielle gave Grant an apologetic smile when her mother started commenting on his lack of appetite, knowing that might just be caused from a full breakfast as he said or something else entirely. It’s been a rough day, knowing that her parents rounded on them earlier this morning and now are doing the same thing tonight. If anything, it was more or less tempting to just be finished with dinner already and go upstairs for a quick nap away from anything else. “If you’re sure”, her mother started out again and everything went back as normal as it possibly could be until it came time to dinner. “Why don’t you save Grant and I like, six pieces of the cheesecake”, Danielle offered out to her family and yawned quietly. “I’m kind of full from dinner and I want to take a nap if that’s alright with everyone.” Her tone of voice was soft, inviting in the mentions of them both running upstairs to actually rest. Maybe it’d do them good if they were able to just speak candidly alone.
Grant nodded as Donna spoke again, trying his best to eat a few bites regardless, not wanting her family to think he didn't like their meal or wasn't appreciative of it. Grant was hesitant to even tell Danielle about his dad and there was no way he was going to tell her parents that his father wasn't so keen on the idea of them being engaged. When dinner was over, Grant rubbed his hands on his thighs and leaned back in his seat, wondering what to do next. Listening as Danielle said she wanted to take a nap, looking over at him and telling her parents to save them cheesecake, Grant looked at them and then back at his fiancé, clearing off the table a little bit to help clean up before slowly making his way upstairs with Danielle.
Danielle , once the table had been cleared and everything washed, went upstairs to the bedroom she had in her West Hollywood home and closed the door. At least she and Grant would be alone for now and they’d be able to have some sort of privacy between them for this conversation. Something was wrong, there had to be because he’d exhibit all of these things when something was on his mind--and that was only because of habit and what she was used to him doing. “Baby”, she whispered out then and brought her hands to cup his face, demanding his attention. “What’s going on in that head of yours right now? What’s happening?”
Grant knew that at this point Danielle could sense something was wrong and he'd have to tell her what was going on. A part of him wanted to, so that he could confide in her about it and seek comfort but he also knew this would upset her and he didn't want that, especially on a holiday being spent with her family. Running a hand through his hair, Grant sighed and sat on the edge of the bed, swallowing down the lump in his throat as Danielle asked what was going on. Looking down at his hands, Grant took a deep breath before speaking. "I called my Dad when we got back from the beach, since I hadn't heard from him. Not since last week. When I texted him and left him a voicemail, telling him we were engaged," he said quietly. "When I called, all he said was 'Happy Easter'. He didn't even bring up us being engaged. I called him out on it and we started fighting because," he trailed off, shaking his head. "He thinks I rushed it, that it's not smart to be engaged right now," he said sadly.
Danielle furrowed her brow. A part of her was just now realizing that not everyone might be on board with their news and celebration, but she didn’t realize it’d be someone so pivotal to them. Of course, she looked up to their parents in order to gain wisdom and advice, since they’ve been through this many a time before; but it was more than just weird for Danielle to experience Grant’s words right now. If anything, the brunette thought that his dad and herself were on very good terms. She didn’t think it’d be possible now to revert back to it. “Wow”, she started out on her words, sitting down besides Grant on her bed at this point. “What’s he going to do when he realizes it’s not going to be such a long engagement then?” She mumbled her words, disappointment to her tone as well, and leaned her head against him. She moved, setting her head in his lap and pressed her lips thin. Her hand laid on his knee and her attention was focused on the wall opposite them at this point. Grant had been engaged before, but why was this just any different from the others? “Does he not like me”, Danielle whispered out to her fiance at this point. “Everyone else is happy for us. Is that the reason? Why doesn’t he like me?”
Grant listened as Danielle spoke, reacting to the news which just made him feel worse. He knew they didn't want a long engagement and he couldn't imagine how his father would feel once they were married if he was already reacting this way. Rubbing his face with his hands, Grant sighed and watched as Danielle laid in his lap, reaching down to start running his hands through her hair gently. Swallowing hard as she spoke, Grant felt his chest clench, not wanting Danielle to feel this way. "He does. He likes you," he whispered, trying to give her some comfort. "I just...I don't know. He's just seen me get hurt a lot in the past. And he's harder about it than my mom is. And well you know how he was...around Christmas and who he wanted me with instead," he muttered. "There's no reason not to like you and he knows that. He just doesn't know you well and thinks that that means you're going to hurt me and it's not true."
Danielle closed her eyes to his touch, but knowing then it might not be enough at this point. Grant’s family had been important to her the day she met them, and that included his dad. Surely, she knew that Tom was just more or less protecting his middle child the best way he knew how, and that meant being wary of the people in his life; but she was good, wasn’t she? She cared for Grant so deeply and so much that it all consumed her entire being. To have Tom question her intentions and that love had been so disheartening--but it only fueled her to express it more. Danielle moved now, off of his lap and locked eyes with Grant, placing her left hand on his cheek and demanding his attention. “I love you, okay? Me. And as much as I say I chose you, you chose me too--and I’ll prove it to anyone that I’m good for you.” Her tone of voice was strong, empowering, and firmly rooted in truth. There wasn’t anything she wouldn’t do for this man in her presence.
Grant smiled softly as Danielle said she loved him and would prove to anyone she was good for him. "I know you do and you don't have to prove anything. If my dad doesn't see it, that's his problem," he said, not wanting this to stress Danielle out. "You don't have to do anything different. Just be yourself. It's more than enough for me and the rest of my family who adore you and who are extremely happy for us. He'll come around and if he doesn't, whatever," he said, trying not to let it bother him as much anymore, even if he knew he'd fail miserably at that. "Besides, at least you have two supportive parents who are happy for you and us. You don't have to focus on my dad who doesn't," he said quietly, pursing his lips as he got up from the bed.
Danielle looked onward towards Grant and nodded her head. What he had told her would be the best course of action for them. They needed to be able to take this head on and even though Tom would be one of the most important people in their lives, they needed to be able to pull forward. That’s the best bet in proving that she’d be the one to stick around for the long haul. “He’s going to be my dad too”, she whispered out then, pressing her lips to his cheek in order to gain some sort of affection and soothe him with his words; but pouted when he got up and moved away from her and their bed. “Let’s just give him the weekend, let the news of it sink in further for him, and we focus on the dinner next week with our friends.” Her tone of voice had been hopeful. Maybe it’d be best to be as such at this point.
Grant couldn't help but smile when Danielle said his dad would be hers too. They would all be a family at some point which is why he hated that his father was acting this way. "I know," he whispered, leaning his forehead against hers. "And I know that eventually he'll consider you a daughter. He's just...being stubborn right now," he said, wishing there was something he could do to change his father's mind. Nodding as she said to just give him some more time, Grant shrugged and rubbed the back of his neck, knowing there wasn't anything else they could do. "Yeah, you're right. I'd rather focus on the people who are accepting us right now and I want to have a good dinner this week with them," he said, smiling slightly. "Do you really want to take a nap? Because I'm all for that and I know when I wake up I'll be ready to have a bunch of cheesecake."
Danielle closed her eyes when their foreheads connected, smiling wide with each passing moment and brushed her nose against his. Time would be their friend right now and Grant’s frustration was much her own as well; but there’s nothing that can be done about it. When he agreed to focusing on just the dinner and the people surrounding them for the moment, she couldn’t help but let out a soft giggle of appreciation. There had been so many people surrounding them that supported them and the dinner would just be a small thank you for it. “I love you so much”, she whispered out before pulling her forehead away from him and pressed her lips to his nose. It was then that Danielle lifted her arms to stretch, stifling a small yawn and tried fighting off sleep. “I would most approve of a nap”, the brunette whispered out to her fiance, opening her arms wide for him. “If you eat all of my cheesecake, I’d cry. That’s the best part of Mom’s Easter dinner.”
Grant closed his eyes as Danielle kissed his nose. "I love you too. More than anything," he whispered, chuckling as she yawned and agreed on the nap sentiment, knowing it would both do them some good. Crawling into her arms as she held them out, Grant got comfortable against her, laying down and placing his head against her shoulder. "Don't worry, I won't eat all of it. I'll share some," he teased, kissing her neck sweetly. Letting out a yawn himself, Grant closed his eyes and let himself drift off into sleep, hoping the thoughts regarding his father wouldn't bother him too much when he woke up. He had no idea how much time had gone by when he woke up due to his stomach growling, knowing he would be hungry since he barely touched Easter dinner. Nuzzling his face against Danielle's chest, he sighed softly before speaking. "Babe," he whispered, slowly trying to wake her up. "I'm hungry."
Danielle wrapped her whole body around Grant at this point, eyes closing once she felt so comfortable against him. Once she did, she ended up letting out a soft hum at the kiss to her neck and snuggled back deep into the bed. It didn’t take long for her to sleep, content with just life now that she had her fiance (and a really good body pillow) against her. Sleep came easy and it wasn’t until Grant spoke out again that she’d stir in her notions. Her eyes checked the time--ten at night--and shifted her weight against him to stretch her limbs. “Okay”, she whispered out quietly. “But we’re going to have to be quiet. I think everyone’s in the room already.” Still, true to form, she turned around and caught his lips with hers in a small, lingering kiss.
Grant rubbed his eyes and pulled away slightly, seeing that it was already ten at night. "Crap, we slept for a long time," he mumbled, running his hand through his hair. "I'll be quiet, promise," he whispered, smiling against her lips as she kissed him. Wrapping an arm around her, Grant led the way out of the bedroom and down the stairs, walking into the kitchen quietly and taking a seat at the stool. Luckily there was still a lot of cheesecake leftover and Grant was feeling good, not wanting to let what his father said ruin his appetite again. Taking a slice, Grant grabbed a fork and started eating it, humming in approval. "Good stuff. Your mom makes it, right?" He asked, licking his lips as Danielle took a seat next to him. "I'm going to have to work out a lot before the Clippers game tomorrow," he chuckled.
Danielle followed Grant downstairs to the kitchen and pulled the cheesecake out of the fridge. It was her mother’s recipe, one of her favorite spring and summer desserts she’d make, and craved it during the warmer months of the year. It was a cheesecake that was layered in chocolate chip cookies like a sandwich--and tasted absolutely amazing. She nodded her head after taking her own piece and a bite out of her food, humming appreciatively with each one. “If only we can have much more. Sweets don’t last long with Panabakers”, she offered out to her fiance at this point, moving to reach for a can of whipped cream from the fridge and place it in between them. Her legs carried her to sit beside him, hand now going to rub his stomach gently. “Can I watch”, Danielle asked, whispering her words and letting out a soft hum of approval.
Grant chuckled and nodded. "Not with my family either," he said, still working on his first piece. "But we gotta be good since we're still filming," he said, watching her put some whipped cream in between them which he couldn't resist. "And this is totally me being good," he teased, putting some whipped cream on the rest of his piece. When Danielle asked if she could watch him work out, Grant smirked. "Sure you can. You can even help me. Ten push ups per kiss," he grinned, winking at her as he finished off the piece of cheesecake. "That was good," he whispered. "Maybe we can bring some home," he said, wrapping an arm around Danielle to keep her close. "Have you noticed that every holiday we spend together, something ends up happening to make it dramatic?" He chuckled, shaking his head.
Danielle nodded her head to agree with Grant, of course. They never really got the chance to indulge on sweets generally and when she did, she relished in them. So when her piece was honestly done, she snuck another one, not saying anything but realizing they had plans to go to the gym anyway. She’ll make peace with the stairmaster for about an hour tomorrow. “Our home is going to be loaded with sugar”, she whispered out then, spritzing just another little bit of whipped cream on her piece. “Our kids are gonna be coming out of the womb hyped up on dessert.” Danielle spoke out before she could think about what she said, but she brushed it off and kept quiet about it before eating once again. Snuggling back into her fiance’s frame, she laid her head on his shoulder and shifted half of her cheesecake over to Grant. “You know”, she mused out, smile on her lips. “Do you think that’s our new family tradition then?”
Grant kept Danielle close, smiling as she spoke. "Yeah, that's true. We both love dessert," he said, thinking about the fact that Danielle brought up future children with him so nonchalantly. Even if it was a while away, it was something to look forward to and knew when the time came, it would be amazing. Kissing the top of her head, Grant nuzzled his nose against her hair, chuckling as she said it was a tradition. "I don't know. I don't think having drama every holiday is a good family tradition. I'd like to have one holiday where everything just goes smoothly," he sighed softly. "What's the next holiday anyway? Fourth of July? That should be a drama free zone," he teased, wrapping his arms around his fiance's waist. "It was still a nice day with you though. And your family, which is soon going to be my family. I can't wait to marry you," he whispered, leaning up to kiss her sweetly.
Danielle laughed, shaking her head while doing so. “Friday is a holiday if you think about it. It’s April Fool’s Day”, she whispered out, eyes going wide in order to tease him. “Hopefully with the amount of people we have around, there isn’t going to be much drama about that.” She wasn’t one for pranks, but at least there would be some fun and joyous occasion on something like that. But he was right in that aspect. It was so good for them today to have some down time, and even then the smile on his face had warmed her. It didn’t matter that they had so many things against them now--with his dad and their future uncertain with paperwork and other things. No, all that mattered was the love that they had for each other, and that wasn’t going to change any time soon. “I love you”, she whispered out with ease, returning the kiss he had given her with gusto. The brunette moved with him, gently nipping at his bottom lip when she pulled away from him, noses brushing against his. Danielle lingered, eyes fluttering open now, and she tilted her head back towards the stairs. “It’s getting late, come on.”
[Blaine had been playing some of his Beatles albums for the majority of the afternoon, and he managed to time Kurt's entrance just as "I Wanna Hold Your Hand" began to play. He jumped up and made his way to the door, grinning when he saw Kurt.] Let me be your man?
[He'd gave his word on hurrying home, sure, and it really was all he wanted to do after a long day; But streetside vendors proved that his priorities sort of sucked. With all his attention thrown into protectively cradling the little painted egg in his hands, Kurt startled a little, staring at Blaine before breaking into a smile.] Aren't you? [He placed one hand gingerly into Blaine's.]
