Danny was excited. Christmas was coming up, but more than that, he had made plans to watch holiday movies with Chase. Virtually of course…

Danny sets up his laptop on the couch. He grabs a cozy blanket and settles in, and waits for Chase to join the video call. Danny is excited to see Chase’s handsome face pop up on the screen. It made Danny wish he could actually see him in person…

After saying their hellos, the decide on which movie to watch. After much deliberation, they settled on, “Home Alone.” They synchronized their movie streams and hit play. 

Throughout the movie, Danny and Chase shared laughs and commentary. They talked about their own childhood Christmases, and they talked about the devices Kevin used to keep the burglars out. Between both of their experiences with technology, Danny being an Oscorp intern and Chase having scientist parents, they both had a lot to say on the subject.

After the movie was over, a tension lingered in the air. Chase was the one to break the silence. [color=00746b]“Danny, there’s something I’ve been meaning to talk to you about,”[/color] Chase began.

Danny’s heart skipped a beat, sensing the seriousness of Chase’s tone. [color=pink]“What is it, Chase? You can tell me anything.”[/color]

Chase hesitated for a moment before continuing, [color=00746b]“I’ve been thinking a lot about us lately, about our relationship and the distance between us. And… I don’t know if I can keep doing this.”[/color]

Danny’s stomach dropped as Chase’s words sank in. [color=pink]“You mean… us? Our relationship?”[/color] he asked, he tried to keep calm… and failing miserably.

Chase nodded solemnly. [color=00746b]“Yeah. It’s just… the distance, Danny. It’s been harder than I thought, and I don’t want either of us to keep feeling this way.”[/color]

Danny a pang of anxiety. He knew something like this would happen. He had feared this conversation for months. [color=pink]“I understand, Chase. It’s been tough on me too. A lot has been happening, and you don’t know how badly I want to have you next to me…”[/color]

Chase sighed. [color=00746b]“Same here. I don’t want to lose you, Danny. You mean the world to me, but I don’t know if I can keep pretending everything is okay when it’s not.”[/color]

Danny’s heart ached at Chase’s words, but he knew deep down that Chase was right. [color=pink]“I don’t want to lose you either, Chase. But maybe… maybe it’s time we take a step back and figure things out,”[/color] he suggested.

Chase nodded in agreement. [color=00746b]“Yeah, maybe you’re right. We both need some time to think about what we want and what’s best for us.”[/color]

[color=pink]“Thank you for being honest with me, Chase. And… whatever happens, I’ll always cherish the memories we’ve shared.”[/color]

Chase offered a sad smile in return. [color=00746b]“Me too, Danny. Me too.”[/color]

After saying their goodbyes, Danny closed the laptop. He had hoped the virtual night would bring them closer together, but instead it may have just tore them apart.

He sat there in silence, trying to process his feelings. That wouldn’t last too long. There was a knock on the door. Danny grumbled in frustration. Who could possibly be coming over now.

He opened the door, and saw a young girl standing there. She looked a lot like a 12 year old girl version of Danny. Blonde hair, blue eyes, dressed in pink. She even wore glasses. [color=ec008c]“Hiii!” [/color]She said in a cheery tone. [color=ec008c]“I’m Danielle. Er… Dani. With an I… I’m your cousin. I ran away from home. You mind if I stay here with you guys for a little bit!”[/color]

She didn’t even wait for a response, and just skipped inside. Danny stood there scratching his head. [color=pink]“Uh, hi Dani.”[/color] Danny replied, still trying to process the situation. [color=pink]“I didn’t even know I had a cousin. What’s going on? Why did you run away from home?”[/color]

Dani shrugged nonchalantly. [color=ec008c]“Oh, you know, just wanted to shake things up a bit. My parents are always so uptight, and I needed a change of scenery. Plus, I heard you were the cool cousin, so I figured I’d come crash at your place for a while.”[/color]

Danny couldn’t help but chuckle at Dani’s boldness. [color=pink]“Well, you definitely caught me by surprise, that’s for sure. But I’m not sure if it’s a good idea for you to stay here without your parents’ permission…”[/color]

But before Danny could finish his sentence, Dani was already making herself at home, plopping down on the couch and grabbing the remote. [color=ec008c]“Relax, Danny-boy. I won’t be any trouble, I promise. Besides, I can’t go back home now. I need a break from all the drama.”[/color]

Danny sighed, realizing that arguing with Dani would be futile. [color=pink]“Fine, you can stay for now. But don’t get too comfortable. I’m sure my mom and Caty are going to have something to say about this. And please, don’t touch anything.”[/color]

Dani grinned mischievously. [color=ec008c]“Don’t worry, I’ll be on my best behavior. How about we watch a movie? I heard ‘Elf’ is playing on TV tonight. It’s a classic! Ooh, you got any food?”[/color]

Despite his initial reluctance, Danny couldn’t help but smile at Dani’s enthusiasm. Maybe having his eccentric cousin around wouldn’t be so bad after all.