Real World Closure: Danny And Paul Finally Reunited On Homecoming

Danny expressed his wish for "some group kind of closure" with ex-boyfriend Paul shortly right after reliving some of their most memorable Real World: New Orleans moments and starting up about their life immediately after leaving the MTV show. And throughout this week's Homecoming episode, Danny reunited with the former captain in the In the air Rangers, and so they had a non-confrontational discussion given their complex past. Yet did the duo achieve an amicable resolution?


Before Danny and Paul's sitdown, Danny had revealed the two broke up right after seven or eight years; he admitted he'd had an overwhelming fear of ending their romance as the relationship was contained on a pedestal," plus a deep worry of disappointing gay America. Yet, as Danny told Jamie and Julie, something ultimately broke his "weird sense of obligation" to live with Paul.


"Long story short, that motherf*cker began dating our mutual best friend in back of my back," Danny instructed them visibly surprised duo. "We have literally not spoken or seen each other since 2006."


Danny admitted Paul tried to reconnect by way of the years, although Danny resisted those offers. Yet this unique experience felt like the suitable time for Danny to finally close this chapter and invite Paul to speak face-to-face -- the backdrop of their early dating days, surrounded by the same people and familiar MTV cameras in a familiar city.


Danny texted Paul, and Paul answered that he would visit the next day. Unlike Paul's past trips to NOLA on Real World, this installment featured Paul's face unedited (the "Incoming Message" clips were not blurred either, yet the series protected Paul's identity in the early 2000s). Julie initially greeted Paul, and then Danny embraced him with a warm welcome. Danny remarked that Paul appeared different physically (more of a "conservative dresser" back in Y2K times), while Paul stated Danny looked the same.


They proceeded to speak privately without any of the roommates, and Danny cut right to the chase. He asked why Paul determined to come, and Paul explained that he required to be able to see that Danny was "good." Danny responded that Paul had ample possibility -- years -- to talk. Danny also insisted Paul would habitually "sweep things under the rug." Then, Danny addressed the infidelity.


whenever a really close friend of yours and your spouse both betray you, it really rocks your complete faith in people," he mentioned as Paul listened intently. "I spent years having nightmares and flashbacks about everything that went down because it broken my trust in people overall in huge, huge ways. It turned my world upside down."


Danny did not aspire to revisit this time in his life; yet, he did tell Paul he had PTSD as he recounted the pressures that came with being out and also "owning" Paul's safety.


"Being in the military and being with you was like wearing the rainbow flag on your forehead," Paul stated, while Danny mentioned he imagined they were trying to force two worlds with each other that "made life dangerous." The notoriety that came with being on The Real World accelerated Danny's anxiety soon after they went out in public any time filming wrapped.


Paul commended his ex for being brave enough to put himself out there as a gay man for the world to be able to see throughout that time and why, in present-day, the decision to appear on TV like this could be "nothing." Danny addressed the topic he had previously raised with his roommates: the need to live in the relationship to prevent letting people down. Paul understood Danny's sentiment and stated he was not expecting forgiveness for his past behavior. Although, Paul wanted to "take ownership" of how he treated Danny. Yet Danny had already forgiven Paul for himself.


"That took years; it wasn't all in vain," Danny added, while Paul claimed Danny was a "major part" of his life.


Danny thanked Paul for making a task to be able to see him in person and expressed how it made Danny's participation in this unique reunion more meaningful. Danny concluded that it was a unexpected nevertheless pleasant "some categorize kind of closure." Paul departed soon following the conversation -- and the males hugged goodbye.


"I wish Paul nothing yet positive will, although it is nice that I can right now know -- at least in my mind -- that we've closed that chapter entirely," Danny concluded in a confessional.


What did you think of Danny and Paul's Homecoming reunion? Give your thoughts in the comments, and keep watching The Real World Homecoming: New Orleans streaming on Paramount+, with new episodes dropping every Wednesday.