This is my entry to the Grey Ghost Holiday Contest. Not sure if it counts, but you can't say I didn't try! ;
Grey Ghost Holidays
Twas a week before Christmas
And a cold winter's day
Where young Danny sat thinking
Of Miss Valerie Grey
'What can I get her?'
The boy helplessly pondered
Never noticing the girl
As upon him she wandered
The target was so tempting
Valerie couldn't resist
So she scooped up a snowball
And… well, you get the gist
A battle pursued the unjust attack
Waging for three hours straight
It ended when Valerie noticed the time
"Ohmigosh, is it really that late?!"
Spotting the clouds gathered above
Dan suggested she come home with him
Reluctant to part, Val quickly agreed
And they left as the sky began to dim
Snow was falling before they arrived
At a house that was most brightly lit
Removing her coat, Val asked for a phone
"I should call dad before he throws a fit"
Assuring Damon that she was alright
Val decided to wait the storm out
Her father consented and Valerie hung up
Just as Danny let out a loud shout
Fearing the worse, to the kitchen she fled
Where Val found a most bizarre sight
Danny was armed with a mop and a scowl
With a fudge creature, locked in a fight
Danny sighed to the girl when his foe was no more
"Mom mistook ecto samples for cream…"
"Are you alright?" Val asked, trying not to laugh
For the Fentons made one wacky team
"Fine." Dismissed Danny, pointing out two mugs.
"I made cocoa, to help warm us up."
Brightening at the chocolate drink bring offered
Valerie eagerly reached for a cup.
She froze when another hand rested on hers
And glanced up to see Danny bright red
"Sorry." He muttered, snatching the other mug
Before to the living room he fled
Her stomach atwitter, the ghost hunter followed
Joining her classmate in front of the tree
Sipping their drinks, neither teens said a word
Before Val's question broke the serenity.
"Where is your family?" She asked, looking around
As if half-expecting them to randomly appear
"Last minute shopping." Was Danny's reply
"And a side trip, to see some reindeer."
Fighting a smile, Valerie chose not to ask
And glanced around the living room instead
She was amused at the house's normalcy
Given the Fenton's career of hunting the dead.
Turning back to her host, Val smiled gently
When she found him in deep thought yet again
'He's so cute when he's stuck' She told herself fondly
As she wondered what could have once been
There was no denying her feeling for Danny
Were more then a friend's really should be
But Valerie was afraid that if she acted again
Ghosts would attack her crush mercilessly
Val shivered at the thought of dragging the boy
Into the lifestyle she'd chosen to live
Danny needed someone less risky to love him
Someone who to accept all that he had to give
"Cold?" Danny asked when the felt the girl shake
Concern written all over his face
Before she could deny, Danny pulled her in close
Causing Valerie's heart to race
But Valerie couldn't push herself away from him
In spite of the voice yelling inside of her head
Resting against his shoulder, the girl listened close
As Danny sighed to himself, then said;
"I never used to like Christmas, you know
Thanks to my parents and their fight
But last year I learned a lesson
So now I'm trying to do this right.
"I want to make sure this Christmas
That my loved ones know I care
After everything I've put them through
It's the least I can do to make things fair.
"Almost everyone else was easy
But I don't know what to impart
One girl who's really special
And who holds a place in my heart."
Danny hugged Valerie close as he said this
And she watched him with wide eyes
As he gazed sadly at the Christmas Tree
Breaking through Val's hunter guise.
"I know she doesn't feel for me
The same way as I feel for her
But I can't help but love her all the same
And hope that some day she'll concur."
Her pulse quickening, Val swallowed
And pulled out of Danny's embrace
Biting her lip, she selected her words
Before gently stating her case.
"Maybe she does feel the same."
Valerie started in a very careful way.
"But there's something she's involved in
That makes it too dangerous to stay."
"I don't care." Danny insisted with a frown
"Since she's worth all the trouble she may bring."
"But she might." Valerie said stubbornly
"Which is why she won't do or say a thing."
"And maybe I already knew this
And I accept the choice she's made.
But I hope she'd tolerate my worries
Before a more grave price gets paid"
"She can take care of herself!" Val said stiffly
Not liking what Danny had implied
"I know." The boy said with a caring look
"I just wish she didn't have to try."
Val sulked a little at this comment
And was about to put Danny in his place
When the boy suddenly reached out
And gently touched her face.
"You say you don't want me to get hurt.
But maybe I can say the same for you
You're still very human, Valerie
No matter what you can do."
Her protests dying on her tongue
Valerie looked up into Danny's gaze
And felt herself lean into his touch
Contrasting the hunter no ghost could faze
Danny's breath brushed against her lips
And Valerie's resolve started to crack
But just as she began to close her eyes
A voice called out "WE'RE BACK!"
Jumping apart, the teens vividly blushed
As the Fentons sauntered in
Maddie and Jazz hauling presents
As Jack ate from a fudge tin
"What have you kids been up to?"
Maddie asked, her voice knowing and sly
"Nothing!" Danny growled out with a blush
As Valerie felt herself die.
Just my luck… Val thought bitterly
Unable to meet anyone's eyes.
Seeing this, Danny grinned sheepishly
"Maybe we should say our goodbyes…?"
Sighing slightly, Valerie complied to this
In a rather curt, impatient tone
"Merry Christmas to all
Now will you all leave us alone?!"