Honey Drip // Danny Wagner

Part II // Chapter VI

I know it's been a little bit of a wild ride, so thank you for sticking it out. Writing this chapter truly felt like coming home. Thank you to all of you who read & reblog! I always say it because I mean it, reading your tags & comments always makes my day.

—

I really was nervous to see Danny. Every minute felt like an eternity, every second just leading up to the evening. I felt desperate, aching, wanting and needing to touch him, kiss him, just love him. It had been too easy how things had gone with Ryan–I figured I wouldn't get another chance like that ever again–and it made me realize how I'd over-complicated things with Danny. But I knew couldn't fault entirely myself alone–Danny had over-complicated things too, except he'd inadvertently done that in an effort to make things simpler.

At least that's what I had to tell myself. Whatever the motivation behind his plan, I didn't want to be on a break anymore. I didn't want that to happen again. He'd always said none of them would leave, that he would never go anywhere, but all of my fears from years prior had turned into reality. I didn't think he understood that, or maybe he didn't remember the promises he'd made.

I waited. I waited all morning and all afternoon and then, finally, got a text from him to meet all of them at one of our most-loved diners, a place we used to frequent together after their shows, one of the only places open late enough to accommodate all of us.

My face fell as I read the text. He didn't want to see me one-on-one. I shook that away, telling myself maybe all of them really did want to see me and it wasn't just a diversion. I had to believe that too.

-

"So when can I expect the new album?" I asked, directing it mostly to Josh, who I heard through the grapevine was being the most meticulous and stubborn out of all of them on the final touches. It really was good to see them all–the short time apart had felt so much heavier and longer, and I was already looking forward to a bonfire with them. A party. Anything.

My glances still kept landing on Danny though. He just had to have his hair up, loose strands framing his angular, dark face. It was one more thing to titillate me, one more thing to make me feel completely haywire. I'd figured–and hoped–that no one else had gotten to play with that hair, kiss his face, feel his skin in their time away. I was determined to never let that happen again.

"Soon, soon," Josh said, holding his hand up at me, dipping his head down to take a bite of his sandwich. "No rushing!"

"I'm not rushing, it just feels like you guys have been so busy for so long," I replied, looking at Danny again. He looked amazing even as he, without a drop of grace, tore into his burger, mayonnaise sticking to his upper lip before Sam silently gestured at his own face and Danny dabbed it away.

That was who I fell in love with–sloppy but careful, overly polite, sweet, kind, gentle, hungry and complicated Danny.

"Touring, more touring, the album," Jake chimed in, hunching down lower in the booth like he was about to tell me a secret. "It's good. Josh is just being a little bitch."

"Watch it, Jake," Josh shot back, eyes flaring with good-natured mischief, a threat backed by nothing.

"Back to Detroit next week," Sam remarked, leaning back and placing one hand over his abdomen. "Then finish everything up in Nashville."

Josh glanced to Danny, then at me. "You should come visit us."

I smiled a little, reaching out to tug his ear. "Maybe I will. I miss you too much these days."

"We miss you too," Josh assured me, grabbing my hand and holding it underneath the table. "We'll fly you out. Not first class, but–"

"Yes, first class!" Jake interrupted, setting down his drink defiantly.