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Danny's bones were waterlogged with fatigue, the setting sun reflecting his waning vigor. Repressing the wails from his joints, he stepped into the quaint diner, dim eyes skimming over the patrons. He said he would be here for Sonny's birthday and, despite being an hour late, he is nothing if not a man of his word. A familiar laughter grappled with the stubborn ringing in his head, directing him toward his friends— Leland throwing fries into Sonny's mouth as the girls commentated and giggled beside them.
Julie was the first to notice him, she always was. Her smile beamed through the drizzly thoughts, making him forget about the ache that plagued his body for just a moment. Catching his approaching figure, Sonny turned towards the mechanic, his greeting interrupted by a fry being flung at his cheek. Before he could reach over to the tray of shared scraps to return the favour, a calloused hand grabbed onto his shoulder.
"Happy birthday, man."
Swallowing a groan, Danny bent down to place a small box in front of the birthday boy. Sonny picked up the box, running his slender fingers over the worn leather. His eyebrows pulled together as he carefully opened his gift. He mentioned seeing it in a thrift shop weeks ago, something he said he would save up for. If you looked closely, there were a few scuffs, but, to Sonny, the imperfections were proof of love— proof that someone cared. Now, he was the one who felt loved; this gift meant Danny cared. Tenderness soared into Sonny's heart, made speechless by the small action.
“Issa watch,” Danny stated with a huff. Vaguely gesturing to the box in Sonny's hand, he studied the boy's face. The glazed look in Sonny's eyes made him nervous— was it too much? The eyes of his friends burnt into his figure as his heartbeat competed with the patter of rain on the window. He revealed the cards he tended to hold close to his chest, and it was making him self-conscious. Concealing his over-powering emotions, he let out a joke, “...so you remember to leave that damn library before midnight.”
Sonny finally looked up at Danny, choking out a watery laugh at his attempt to humour. It was only then he realised there were tears lining Sonny's eyes; the gift touching him deep in his soul. Sonny brought his hand to his chest in faux-offense.
“You’re talking to me about time-keeping?" With a glimmer in his eye, he rallied back. "It took you so long we thought you bit the dust on the way here, old man."
Rolling his eyes, Danny's tongue pushed against his cheek as he tried to suppress his rising smirk. “Alright, alright... Cut me some slack. I needed to fix the newbie's mistake before the boss found out."
"'Sides," The back of his hand gently whacked Sonny's temple in an attempt at annoyance before pointing at the gift. "I get paid for my time, smartass.”
"Knowledge is wealth," Connie nonchalantly commented to herself, drawing the attention of the group. The gift exchange became old news as the group fell into heated debate over money and knowledge, light jabs thrown across the table. Ceasing the opportunity, Sonny wormed his way from the table and turned towards Danny. Wrapping his arm over his shoulder in a hug, cheek to cheek, Sonny spoke low so only Danny could hear him.
"Thanks, man. I appreciate you."
Not the gift. Not the act. You.
Heat danced across Danny's cheeks as he took in Sonny's words, voice full of sincerity. Pulling away, he dragged his hand across his stubble as if it scrubbed the discomfort away. Avoiding eye-contact with the birthday boy, he gave a simple nod and met the eyes of Julie, sparkling with amusement. She loved it when he got like this. His walls melted into softness when he was tired, emotions clear on his face. Few people witnessed this side of him; it warmed her soul to see.
As Sonny rejoined the conversation, Danny made his way to his girl. Arm finding home on the headrest behind her, he greeted her with a short kiss that made her beam. But as he got settled, a low groan fell from his lips, causing concern to overcast Julie's sparkle. She wanted to kick herself for not having seen it the moment he walked in.
"Long day?" Julie murmured, brushing a fallen strand of hair behind his ear before rubbing circles into his jaw with her thumb.
Danny closed his eyes, head falling heavy in her hands. He sat with the question for a moment, working out how to answer without worrying her. With a low hum, a gentle smile tugged at the corner of his lips.
"Summin like that..."
The cracking in his voice exposed his subdued anguish. He couldn't help but dream they were alone; he'd been thinking about it all day. It was as if they were in bed falling asleep to the music of the rain, a soft thunder blending into the rumble of his stomach that brought him back to the diner. Pressing a kiss to Julie's palm, he opened his eyes to see Julie pushing a burger towards him. It was a sad reminder of what Danny missed, cold and soggy, and yet it was as if she presented a hot homemade meal for him. He ate in silence, Julie's slender fingers knotting into the hair at his nape, coercing appreciative sounds from him.
They didn't stay for much longer. The sky was now dark, telling everyone the day was over, so the group said their goodbyes as the couple got ready to leave. Danny pushed himself up with a sharp inhale, his knees creaking at the sudden movement. Subconsciously, he kneaded the crook in his neck as he toyed in his back pocket for his keys, only to have them stolen from his grasp. Julie twirled them around her finger as a mischievous grin crept over her face, making her way to the diner door. Danny knew what she was trying to do.
"M'fine to drive, sweetie."
He tried to give her a reassuring smile, but it fell into a grimace as he stepped out of the diner. The cool air of the night made him stiff and Julie knew it. Her eyes roamed over him, noticing how he favoured his right leg. Ignoring his plea, she jumped into the driver's seat. There was no way he was driving home.
It was a quiet drive. A gentle rhythm that almost lulled Danny into a slumber. Julie enjoyed seeing him like this— as if the weight had finally lifted from his shoulders. With a gentle shake, she coaxed him from his slumber, hesitant to break his moment of peace. If she could, she would carry him inside like he'd done for her many times before.
Danny made a beeline for his bed, the hills of softness calling for him. After lazily stripping off his shirt and jeans, he collapsed onto the mattress, not even attempting to hide the moan of relief that flooded the room. Julie's footsteps echoed in the hallway as she readied for bed. Once she entered the bedroom, she knelt next to him on the bed, hand hovering over his back.
"You need to tell me when you're hurting," Her whisper held a slither of hurt. "I want to help you."
Danny knew she was right but, in his mind, there was nothing she could do to fix it. She couldn't control the weather. She couldn't control his work load. But to Julie, she could ease the pain and make it easier to live with. He tensed as her hand rubbed soft circles across his back, but soon relaxed as her fingertips pushed deeper into his throbbing muscles. The stress of the day melted away as her warmth seeped into his skin like she possessed magic that could cure any ailment. His furrowed brows smoothed out as sleep crept upon him, a tender kiss placed between his shoulder blades as rumbling snores vibrated through the room. He was loved. He was cared for.