“No, no, it’s okay,” Danny reassured him, his voice gentle. “I mean it. It’s important to talk about these things.” Danny thought back to his own parents and the sacrifices they’d made for him. The countless hours spent driving him to practices, the late-night homework sessions, the way they had pushed him to strive for his dreams, never letting anything discourage him. He appreciated everything they had done, but there was always an undercurrent of pressure—a fear of disappointing them, of not living up to their expectations. Regardless, he’d been lucky.
“I might not have understood what you went through at first, but I get it a little bit better now,” he admitted, shifting his posture to show he was fully engaged in their conversation. It felt liberating to share those thoughts, to build a bridge of understanding. For what seemed like the first time, Danny felt that he could step away from the expectations placed upon him, if only in small moments like this—to really listen and connect with someone.
“That sounds magical.” There was something about Kavi’s passion for storytelling that resonated deep within him, and he found himself leaning in, captivated. “Magical, huh?” Danny echoed. “I’ll have to write a ballad just for us. Something deep and soulful that captures the adventures of a … filmmaker and a pop star.”[/color] He leaned in slightly, lowering his voice as if sharing a secret. Tone sobering slightly. “I want to write something authentic, you know? And if you’re willing to trust me with your vision, I can promise to return the favor with my voice.”
“I don’t know if fireworks in a treehouse is a good idea but I’ll see what I can arrange on such short notice.” Danny’s eyes widened in flabbergastness, “you’re right, you’re right!” he laughed, “whatever’s next best!”
His eye’s widened in awe as Kavi nearly made it in. Danny hesitantly chuckled, shaking his head in mock disappointment at his own throw. “Looks like we’re off to a stellar start.” He couldn’t keep the teasing lightness from his voice, and Kavi’s ‘not’ laughter was infectious. The way Kavi barely stifled his own laughter, his shoulders shaking slightly, made Danny’s heart flutter with a mix of amusement and something more tender. “Okay, okay, practice shots aside,” Danny said, making a serious face that utterly clashed with the amusement dancing in his eyes. “Let me show you how it’s done.” He picked up another beanbag, squaring his shoulders and pretending to focus with exaggerated intensity, but there was a playful grin threatening to break through.
With a determined huff, Danny took his shot, releasing the beanbag with a flourish. It soared through the air and hit the board, a satisfying thunk filling the space. Danny spun around, hands on his hips triumphantly. “Almost in! A breeze could knock it in!” he squealed, exaggerating.
@Caticorn | Kavi | 
