Some things were becoming clear from this conversation. She and Danny definitely shared mutual feelings. Marissa knew this already, but Danny hadn’t. Now, it was common knowledge. Both of them had very different views on relationships. Danny wanted commitment and Marissa wanted freedom. Those were two things that didn’t really mix. Both of them were interested in finding some kind of relationship compromise, though, even if that seemed a little unrealistic.

It helped to hear that if/when this didn’t work, he thought she wouldn’t be entirely to blame. As one of her best friends, Danny always supported her. He teased her, of course, but it was never anything mean-spirited. He and Rose placed bets on how long her flings would last, but she’d do the same thing if she were them.

Plus, Danny just started kissing people. As much as Marissa wanted to actually try being with him, she was not interested in limiting this phase he was going through. He was discovering a lot about himself, and he’d have even more opportunities to explore all of this over the summer. If his pureblood social things were anything like the ones Aunt Cosette described from her teenage years, Danny was going to have a lot more fun this year.

They continued to hold hands while they talked, which succeeded in making her want to derail the conversation with way more interesting activities. This was Important, though, and they needed to talk about it. But one kiss wouldn’t hurt – focus, Marissa!

“So we don’t want to try anything serious right now, because the distance sounds like too much,” she agreed, “But… maybe we can find a happy medium between casual and serious?” The red head really liked the sound of that. Neither of them wanted the other to become something they weren’t to make this relationship work. “I’m all for that. I just, uh – we should figure out what that means.” Before I start kissing you again.