The Ugly Duckling

The usual disclaimer and my thanks to Ally82 (aka Fonzfan82) for her Beta work.

Chapter One

Hanging up her apricot colored robe, Velma stepped tentatively into the steaming hot water. She hoped the citrus scented bubble bath would relax weary muscles to a point of letting her get some sleep. It had been four long months since Daphne had left Mystery Inc.; less than a week had passed before Shaggy also made his departure, leaving Fred and her alone in the lonely cavernous building. She had not had a solid nights sleep since.

Her right hand raised to cover her face with a wash cloth, bubbles rode the gentle waves, spreading their scent, as she sank deeper. Fred had left too—not physically but he had retreated into himself, shutting everyone and everything out. Only in the past month had he attempted to escape the self-imposed prison.

Four months of crying herself to sleep had taken its toll; she felt the heated bath working its magic, relieving the tensions that had hampered her sleep. She and Fred had found it easy to avoid each other as they dragged their way through day after day.

Avoidance. Now that was something she was good at. She had been avoiding her inner needs, desires and dreams for so long it had become second nature. Even the departed Shaggy had never glimpsed the dragons that ate at her heart and soul.

"Hello, Velma." The deep voice resonated throughout the room, startling her. She jerked upright, the was cloth dropping into the disturbed bubbles. Bubbles and water splashed over the edge of the tub.

"Who...my glasses! I can't see a thing without my glasses!" Only a dark shapeless form stood beside the tub.

"You don't need your glasses to know who I am." The voice of the phantom was familiar but she couldn't place it. Fred would never do anything like this she was sure of that. How could anyone enter her bath—with her in the tub? The realization of her vulnerable position resulted in a towel being jerked from the towel rod, draped hurriedly over exposed breasts.

"Get Out!" Velma screamed.

"Beware the dragon, Velma."

"Are you okay, Velms? What's wrong?" Fred burst into the heated room, eyes searching before coming to a rest on a terrified, towel draped Velma.

"Oh, Freddie! Did you see him?" Before he could answer, Velma had jumped out of the tub, splashing water, wrapping her arms around his waist. The towel was wet, trapped between their bodies.

"Him? Him, who?" Concern filled his voice as a freshly bathed, and still wet, Velma filled his arms.

"The man in my bath! You had to have seen him!" He would have to check for bruising at least and broken ribs at worst.

"I've not seen any one and whoever entered would have to pass me. I can assure you, I saw no one, man or otherwise."

"I believe you, Freddie. But that means...if you didn't see him..."

"You don't believe in ghosts, Velma. Would you like to do a little exploring to reassure yourself?"

His hands seemed to do a bit of exploring on their own. The fact that his hands rested on bare skin made her step back, holding the towel in place. "Maybe you should leave before you get a real eye full."

"Too late for that, Velms." At his nod she turned her head to observe the misty reflection in the mirror.

Bare skin under his hands was bad enough but only a thin heart shaped mound of bubbles tried to hide her bottom. As she watched, several bubbles burst and the released water ran down shapely legs. A rather speedy adjustment of the towel corrected the view but tightened the towel over her breasts, giving evidence that she had been enjoying being comforted in his arms.

"Take care of those bubbles, Velms. I'll make up some hot chocolate and we can talk about this."

She wasn't at all sure what he meant by 'this'...the invasion of an unknown phantom or the scene reflected in the mirror. "Okay, the chocolate sounds good." she replied demurely.

Fred left, leaving Velma leaning against the closed door. A sly smile played at the edge of her mouth; she had always had a crush on Fred, maybe with Daphne out of the picture...

Time to select something to wear for their talk and bed later...something light, airy and did she dare, sexy? The question was did she want to be seduced? The answer was yes, but for the right reasons. It had to be because he wanted to, not as a rebound from Daphne.

Fred had never been a good cook if it didn't include a BBQ. But the cup of chocolate was exceptionally good. She sipped the hot liquid, selecting a seat a discrete distance away from Fred. But not too far.

Daphne had shared some fashion suggestions, mostly ignored; tonight she selected a gown the color of a ripe peach, delicate rose colored lace covered the bodice emphasizing the swell of her breasts. It ended mid thigh with more lace; matching underpants (even more lace) and her robe completed her outfit. She only hoped Fred appreciated the thought involved in her choice of attire. 'Jinkies! Why did love have to be so hard?'

"Tell me what happened, Velma." He stretched his arm on the back of the sofa, making her ask herself if the action was an unspoken invitation and if so, should she accept?

Between sips of hot chocolate, she told him everything that had happened, including the phantom's warning about the dragon. At the end of her narration she looked at Fred from lowered eyelashes.

"So, do you think I'm crazy?"

"No, Velma, you're not crazy. I think you've been under a lot of stress since Daph and Shag left. Stress can cause someone to see many things."

"Freddie! It was real, there was a phantom in my bathroom! It wasn't stress and you've been under the same stress. How are you doing with Daphne's leaving?" For the first time she noticed just how much weight he had lost.

"Fine, now." He attempted to change the subject. "How's the chocolate?"

"Delicious, in fact I'd like some more if there is any left."

Later, he took her hand, insisting on searching each room, ending in front of her bedroom door. He didn't let go of her hand, squeezing her fingers gently.

"Freddie, are you over Daphne, did you love her?"

He sighed, "I guess I loved her in my own way, Velma, but yes, I'm okay. I hope she and Shaggy are happy together."

"I've been thinking, Freddie. If the phantom wasn't a ghost, and I don't believe in ghosts, there can be only one logical explanation. I know who it was."

She stepped closer, "What was his name, Freddie?"

TBC