Damn Danny

Meet: Danny Holly

But a wolf in sheep's clothing is more than a warning

˗ˏˋ ♛ ´ˎ˗

Harvey had been expecting a kick about the wine, he knew that Danny Holly wasn’t going to be able to resist the first blow he could manage, but who could? He just let it all roll off of his back with a genuine laugh; eyebrow raised in his opponent’s direction. “If you’re basing my family’s financial earnings over my cleaning out the absolute fucking horde in my Dad’s wine cellar, then might I direct you to Internal Revenue Code, Subtitle B, Chapter 12, Section 2503 labelled, ‘Gift Tax,’  and know that one less bottle of shitty bottle of wine regifted to a wastoid like you might actually be a real nice, ‘Merry Christmas,’ to the accountant this year.” Harvey winked. Point Hargrove? He’d count it as one. 

“My Christmas spirit left the building the minute I crossed the Holly threshold, but thanks for asking. And you might not need a bottle to make a hit - hey, maybe you’re not even going to throw the first punch - but we both know this whole… Second act thing? Isn’t gonna last for you, Holly. Once a renegade, always a renegade. I’m just wondering when we should all start placing our bets on the break down. Only a matter of time until this starts cracking, right?” 

💰

“Well well well, someone’s been doing his reading. Congratulations. I knew fifth grade was a hard one for you.” Danny mused, the smirk on his face remaining even as Harvey rambled about his alleged Gift Tax. “I could say the same about your invite tonight. All one big tax write-off for Charitable Donations.” It was never totally beyond Danny to go for below the belt shots when he’d been bested, but he’d be dead in the ground before admitting defeat. No instead he kept the butter smooth demeanor up, tilting his head as Harvey made suggestions about not being able to keep up his act. “Hargrove I’m hurt really. That you think all of this is an act. Feels like you don’t know me at all. Have we not done this dance since we were kids and still you assume the worst?” He offered, stopping one of the wait staff that was about to pass by and grabbing a napkin from his tray to wipe down the bottle as though he couldn’t stand the thought of keeping his hands on something so common. 

❤️‍🔥

Elaine has thought long and hard about what her life would look like had her father found Danny to be a better match for her than Harvey. Because when it came down to it, the choice he seemed to resent her for had never been her own at all. Not that she really understood the real reason it bothered him so much. Harvey had always been soft and sensitive where Elaine was cold and calculated, her and Danny had that in common. Maybe she wouldn’t have broken him so easily, maybe it would have worked, maybe she wouldn’t wake up every morning with a pit of guilt in the form of Harvey and a Lux-shaped hole in her chest. Maybe she never would have uncovered the part of herself that she so desperately wanted to hide. 

“Much better than the two-hundred foot eyesore your family runs, thanks so much for asking,” how lucky for both of them their fathers weren’t in earshot, “If you’re going to stand here and bother me could you at least make yourself useful and get me a drink?” 

💰

“You know I’ve heard light houses called plenty of things in the time since we’ve owned it and an eyesore was never one of them. In fact I do believe their very nature is to warn mariners of dangerous shallows and help guide vessels safely into and out of harbors. And we just so happened to turn this one into a place of history that’s somehow even managed to attract some of the nobodies you call friends.” Danny added, smug as ever, tilting his head as though suddenly deep in thought. “But yes a drink I suppose I can do. However if you want the good shit you’re going to have to follow me down into the cellar. Otherwise I’m afraid your options are what David likes to serve the common folk of Cherry. Not sure why he doesn’t just go ahead and have The Pit cater at this point. It’s about the same quality.”

.

Miserable? Really? Sure, he’d felt it to a certain degree, but he’d been offering everyone fake smiles and nods. He’d been letting them chat if they needed to boast about their latest accomplishment. He’d been playing the role of the second Holly – the obscure one that only the biggest Holly fans knew – well… But, he would have to admit – if even just to himself – that Danny was the one having to really play it up. The one having to act like he wasn’t just having a good time, but having the best time of his entire life! Because these damn gatherings were in their blood and god knew they’d follow Danny like the plague. Yes, at least Donny would have the option to escape them one day. Taking the flute of champagne from his brother, he swirled it around – a habit from every wine glass that had been thrust into them before he was even a legal adult, much less legally allowed to drink. “Thanks,” he offered, that same smile and nod that everyone else had received. He shook his head, ever so slightly, in expected-but-disappointing amusement. “The Cuban ones, I’m guessing?” If they were the Cuban ones? It would be more than just a long fucking night.

💰

Danny had to admit he was just the slightest bit surprised when his brother didn’t totally flinch under his gaze. Perhaps it’s because that’s how he’d felt under David’s the entire night and was struggling to see himself as a separate entity. Even still he wanted to let himself believe that it meant there was some sort of hope. He watched as the younger boy swirled the champagne in the glass, wanting to chuckle at the foolishness of it but he sustained. Be kind. “No problem.” He assured him as he took a sip from his own glass instead. Uncertain there was enough alcohol in the entire home to give him the kind of buzz he’d need to survive the evening. 

“Of course the Cuban ones. As if David would smoke anything less.” He added, eyes scanning the room again as though any moment David Holly would show up from just the mention. “We’re in for a long one. Hargrove and the Archers also appear to be overly chummy so I wouldn’t be surprised if it meant we’re not locked in for a night of their children as well. If it’s not one thing with him it’s another you know.” Danny started, the reality of his night sinking in as he tilted his glass back and took another long pull from it. “And if they stay the odds of the rest of their little rag tag gang hanging out is that much greater. Which means we my brother are going to be in charge of keeping a group of mouth breathers entertained far longer than planned. Any ideas?” 

☼

One second Rory was admiring the decorations, and the next she was stumbling backwards, like she’d bounced off a brick wall. “No harm done,” she was quick to assure Danny. A giggle escaped her lips as he settled the antlers in her curls, bubbly as the champagne flowing at the bar across the room. “Why thank you! I’ll have to wear these at all the Cherry parties, so you guys don’t lose me in the crowd.” It wouldn’t exactly do her much good when she lost them though, which was inevitable. At some point she always ended up balancing on her tippy toes, straining her neck to see where all of her friends wandered off to. “You enjoying the party so far?” 

💰

There was just something about Rory that lightened Danny’s already hardened from the evening mood. And he appreciated it about her. The fact that she was a nice little reminder that not everyone in Cherry was a complete waste of time. Partially because she reminded him of her cousin, but he imagined some of that was her own gentle demeanor. “I mean no offense but it kinda seems like you’ve already become lost in the crowd. I feel like I haven’t seen Zahra around all night. I’d almost forgotten you two aren’t actually attached by the hip.” The brunette teased as he took a step back to admire his work. “I’d use the word enjoying very lightly, but I suppose it’s not the worst holiday party the Holly’s have ever thrown. Least not yet. How about yourself? You having a good time tonight? Feel like that’s more important from the hosts perspective.” 

  .·͙*̩̩͙˚̩̥̩̥*̩̩̥͙                  *̩̩̥͙˚̩̥̩̥*̩̩͙‧͙ . 

         ✧                 ✧

“Believe it or not, Danny Holly, but we don’t all yearn to cater to your every move. I know that can be majorly world moving, but just try to, like, breathe through the shock, okay?” Libby rolled her eyes, her smile hardly there beneath the snark… but how could she help herself? She was Libby, after all. 

It’s not like it had any real weight between them. If there had been any real distaste in his company she wouldn’t have made the room for him to settle in the chair beside her, and she wouldn’t have given him the time of day. She would have hissed, and pawed until her left her alone, and she would have stewed in the misery of loneliness afterward… Danny was a welcome distraction. One of the few that she could actually speak to without feeling the itch in her nerves that usually tickled at her self control centers.

She hadn’t been planning on coming to ‘The Holly Jolly Holiday Party,’ this year…  Maybe ever again, if there was a chance that she was going to run headfirst into Glenda. Leo had promised she wouldn’t be there, though; he had begged and pleaded for her to come along with them, and as stubborn as Libby was, she just couldn’t seem to get herself to say no. And she trusted Leo! She felt safe - that wasn’t the problem.

It was the fact that the nostalgia was sort of eating her alive. Wasn’t it just, like, a few years ago that she could pretend that she, and Luca, and Sabrina were all living a semi-happy life? Wasn’t it just a few years ago that she could have smiled, and laughed, and had enough to pretend that she wasn’t totally hating every second? 

God - how time changed. 

“And if I knew you were joining me? I probably would have picked a better hiding spot,” Libby sighed through the dizzying wave of anxiety that nearly shook a tremor through her; tapping fingers worked through the spike in adrenaline. “Unless you don’t need a break from…” Libby waved a hand toward the party. “All this?” 

“Like, no offense, but this party is totally soul crushing.” 

💰

Danny’s jaw had dropped but more out of mock disbelief than anything. Playing into her teasing the way he assumed she’d want him too. In typical Danny fashion, letting just about everything be a game. “I’m doing my best Libs but you can’t just drop bombs like this on me during the holiday party of all times.” He said dramatically as he placed his hand over his chest. 

 Libby had always been felt like a breath of fresh air in the face of the majority of the gang. Sure she had that side of her that could be equally as snarky as he was, but the moments where he really felt like he needed to connect with someone? She’d always been there. When Harvey and Elaine grew of age to take off making out in hidden corners, Libby and Danny would find their own to sit and bond over the hellfire that was their lives. A bond that at this point had him feeling like he knew her at least a little better than the average bear. Which had him all the more surprised that she’d even decided to show up that evening. 

“Oh no. Soul crushing is exactly the word I’d use to describe it. I used to believe I knew why people would want to come to something like this. To pretend, at least for a minute that they were living a life of luxury or grandeur. But the longer we’ve gone on hosting the more I’m left believing it’s to utilize the mistletoe David has hung as an excuse to cheat on their spouse under the ruse that it’s all in good fun because they’re drunk on spiked eggnog and champagne.” 

❤️‍🔥

Play nice, play nice, play nice. It was the chant on constant replay in her head whenever she was at an event like this, and especially when Danny was being… Danny. At least she could always count on him for consistency. She was counting the minutes until this thing was over, though if you included the extra hour it took to separate Augustus, Harvard, and David when they’d had a few drinks in them there was practically an eternity to go. It made her wonder if her, Harvey, and, Danny would act the same one day… or if the resentment that rested inside all of them would last a lifetime. “Well of course I couldn’t wear my best around you! It’s impossible to get your stench out.” 

💰

There was just something about Elaine. Like when he looked at her it was as if looking through a glass window into the past. All he could see was the three of them. She, Harvey, and himself shoved in a room expected to get along simply because an adult had told them too. He saw the first girl he’d ever developed any kind of real feelings for. And the first and only person to have ever truly broken his heart. Not that she was truly aware of any of this. Nor would she ever be if he could help it. But it made the teasing that much easier. “You know I have heard that success is an acquired scent. Takes some time to really get used to it. I wouldn’t expect you to be there just yet considering the company you choose to keep. But nevertheless how is that farm your family runs doing? I imagine things are probably a little dry this time of year.”

It felt impossible. Being everything that David Holly wanted him to be, and the kind of person he wanted to be all at the same time. How the hell was he supposed to do it? Maintain his air of confidence and authority, while wanting to turn a new leaf. Wanting to make some sort of amends with his brother. To show the rest of their friend group that he was more than just some sickly spoiled rich boy. Which partially meant proving to himself that there was more to him than just all that. But what better time to attempt to spread some holiday cheer than the holidays? At least that’s what he was telling himself as he caught sight of his brother across the hall. Unable to stop himself from thinking that he looked just the slightest bit pathetic in comparison considering they were supposed to be putting on a show. Envied the way that he’d probably get away with it too. Without David picking apart absolutely every minute of his night and how he’d spent it. But those kind of thoughts weren’t helpful. In fact that they were exactly the kind he was trying to avoid as he approached his brother, stealing two flutes of champagne off a tray before shoving one into the younger Holly’s hand. “If you’re as miserable now as you look figured you could use one of these.” He offered, in a way that was a halfwitted attempt at not being a total asshole. Taking a long sip as his eyes scanned the room like a hawk, looking out for anyone who might make a comment. “David whipped out the cigars which means we’re in for a long fucking night.” 

@damndannyholly​

Being forced into social situations with Danny Holly < Fighting hell demons, pulling teeth, having awkward conversations with his Dad, etc. 

It was an inevitable truth of his life, and it had been since he was in diapers. ‘The Holly’s are like family.’ ‘The Holly’s are our people.’ Blah, blah, blah. Harvard II could put it any way that he liked, but there was no string of words in the English language that was going to mend the rift that had been born between Harvey and Danny. They were like natural born enemies: fire and ice, and all of the bad shit that came betwixt the chaos. Still, being natural born enemies didn’t excuse you from the social calling of being the Warring Prince’s of Cherry Proper. 

“Sup, Holly?” You always greet the host. “Brought this for your mom,” You always bring a gift - in Harvey’s case, the cheapest bottle of wine from his Dad’s cellar. He knew it wasn’t going to end up in Helena’s hands anyway. “Think you can handle passing that along, or should I be worried you’re going to try and turn it against me first?” Cherry Proper customs didn’t usually involve insulting the hosts… But then again, Harvey had never exactly been traditional. 

“I just don’t think my reputation could handle another blow from Prince Holly.” 

God he wished he’d had a count down. Some kind of warning that let him know when this part of the night was going to happen. He knew it was inevitable but he’d secretly been dreading the when. As if Harvey’s ginormous 6′5 ass walking towards him wasn’t warning enough. It meant pulling together his A game as soon as possible. A conversation with Harvey was like going to war. It always had been and he was certain by now that it always would be. Like going to war with a self proclaimed god. A fellow Atlas carrying the weight of the H.A.H on his back and yet never could they seem to quite see eye too eye. 

“Hargrove.” He said simply in response. His eyes never wavering as they met the other mans gaze. Even as the wine bottle was handed over, the eye contact remained. His hands taking the bottle, only bothering to glance down at it with judgement written all over his face. “I don’t know I’m not quite use to handling something so cheap. I didn’t realize the Hargroves had, had such a difficult year. You should have let my family know. We love doing Charity around the holidays.” He teased, offering the other boy a grin that to any on looker would make it seem like he was being perfectly civil. 

Don’t do it. Don’t do it. Don’t... And yet despite his wishes, on came the antler’s as Mrs. Filbertson pushed them onto his head. And who was he to tell her no? A woman as sweet as she’d always been to him, but he could have hoped. His eyes scanning the room to the best of his ability to make sure that no one who mattered saw what was happening. Someone spotting a softer side of him? Not an option. Which meant that almost as soon as they’d come on, they were coming back off once the old woman was out of sight. His frustration almost palpable as he swallowed hard and reminded him there were only a few more hours to maintain. Parties didn’t last forever. He’d done this a million times and he’d be doing them a million times more. A sort of unhelpful mantra he’d been saying to himself as he caught himself walking directly into Rory. His focus returning, momentarily about to tell her to watch where the fuck she was going when he realized who she was. Rory Jackson was not the kind of person you want to be caught cussing out at a Christmas party of all places. So instead he reminded himself to take a breath before speaking. “I’m so sorry about that, but you are actually the perfect person I could have run into.” He said, a quick witty idea coming to mind as he glanced down at the antler’s that were still in his hand. “You see I was just given these and I was thinking who here needs these so much more than I do and...Here.” He started as he placed the pair of glowing antlers on her head. “Now you’ll be impossible to miss. Makes you a little bit taller.” 

Danny wasn’t sure how much more mingling he could take. He’d made his rounds the way he’d been instructed. Offered a variety of tours around different parts of the mansion, shared about 100 times what part he was currently playing in the H.A.H, and at least 20 times had to remind the citizens of Cherry not to call him Daniel. It was a silly pet peeve, but a pet peeve nevertheless. And when he’d finally had enough, when he didn’t think he could take one more handshake, or fake grin, he made his way towards the backyard where he knew they would most likely be. Which of course he wasn’t wrong. The majority of people his age seemed to have spread out amongst the yard. Some sitting on the swing set where he and his brother used to play in the rare moments they ever did get along, some sitting by the pool, but alas the one who caught his interest was the one spending her time sitting beside the pool house that he’d spent hours turning into a small clubhouse that hadn’t been used in years. His approach slow as he stuffed in his hands in his pockets to appear somehow less interested than he was as he moved to sit down beside her. “You my dear, could not have picked a further table away from the drinks. Which means if I’m going to grab us one, I’m going to have to cross all the way back across the backyard to grab them and come back. Why would you do this to me?” 

Ah another Christmas Holiday celebration at the Holly Mansion. An event, Danny knew the expectations of all too well and acting like a grinch, though desirable, was completely out of the question. Unfortunately this was made more challenging by almost the entirety of their small town being in attendance, including the majority of the infamous gang that he was so often considered to be a part of. Which wasn’t to say that he wasn’t. Sure there were a few of them he found, mildly tolerable. But that sure as hell wasn’t the case for the majority of them. The thought of having to interact plastering a small sneer on his face that was just as quickly cleared away with one firm glare from David Holly himself. A smile replacing itself where said sneer had once been. Everything was fine. Evidence erased. But it did mean that he was in desperate need to busy himself with someone tolerable if he was going to keep out from his fathers gaze for the remainder of the evening, and while he wasn’t sure he would totally put Elaine in that category, she was a better option than anyone else he’d managed to make eye contact with so far. He waited for a brief moment for his fathers attention to turn from him before he made his move to approach her. “I’m impressed with the charity you’ve done this year Archer. The thrifted look is a good one for you.”