Straightjacket Feeling

One-Shot

Disclaimer: I don't own Danny Phantom, or the song Straightjacket Feeling by All-American Rejects.

--

I thought he had been strong. He was strong.

(Was, being the keyword in this situation--)

He was not one to breakdown so easily, not the kind of person to let his weaknesses get to him and get hurt.

Back me down from backing up

Hold your breath now, it's stacking up

Etched with marks, but I can deal

And you're the problem, and now you can't deal

Try this one, straightjacket feeling

So maybe I won't be alone

It was raining, just a light misting that made the fresh cut grass damp and everything look shiny and brilliant. I looked towards the solemn, sad faces of the people surrounding me and wondered how the world would be able to deal without Danny Fenton.

Of course, the city of Amity Park would always be protected.

Phantom was still here, still saving the city time and time again.

In fact, I could spot his agonized green eyes from where I was sitting, as he floated high above everyone at the burial ceremony, never taking his eyes off the dark wooden casket as they lowered it into the ground, inch by inch, forever.

Take back now, my life you're stealing

Yesterday was over, today I'm fine without you

Runaway this time without you

And all I ever thought you'd be

That face is tearing holes in me again

Danny had never gotten the chance to tell his parents about the crucial fact that he was Phantom. If he really wanted, he could always go to them and tell them the truth.

But would they believe him?

No. No one would.

And the inhabitants of Amity Park were completely clueless about everything. They actually thought that Phantom had killed Danny. When the whole accident happened, and the ambulance had shown up at the scene, it sure did look that way. Phantom was just standing there, staring speechless at his other half, while Danny lay on the ground, limp and lifeless.

I could see why everyone thought Phantom was a murderer.

But they didn't know the truth, like I did.

Trust you is just one defense

Off a list of others, you don't make sense

Beg me, time and time again

To take you back now but you can't win

Take back now, my life you're stealing

Yesterday was over, today I'm fine without you

Runaway this time without you

And all I ever thought you'd be

That face is tearing holes in me again

For some people, like Tucker, Jazz, and I, Danny Fenton would always be alive in Phantom. Danny is Phantom. Phantom is Danny.

But for the rest of the devastated city, and all the people who despised Phantom, it was far too late. Mr. and Mrs. Fenton wanted to run Phantom out of town, for allegedly killing their only son.

I wanted to scream, wanted to shake them, and make them see that they were working against their own son, the very person they were trying to get vengeance for.

I could not make anyone see the truth, and I felt helpless.

I could only imagine what Phantom felt like.

But today I'm fine without you

Runaway this time without you

And all the things you put me through

I'm holding on by letting go of you

None of this was fair.

I stood up like everyone else, and followed the crowd toward the line of parked cars.

I was confused, angry, and miserable. I was confused and angry as to how Phantom could let this happen. Of course, it wasn't his fault.

It had just so happened that Danny had been caught during his weakest state - human form. He had been injured, dazed, and helpless…

…so the other ghost took advantage of his unfortunate state, and then…

Of course, I wouldn't be standing in a dreary cemetery after Danny's funeral if the hero had won this time.

I saw Phantom swoop down as everyone cleared out of the area, with only me watching his every move. He glanced at me shortly before sitting down the first row of white lawn chairs, putting his head in his hands.

I walked over to him quickly, sitting down beside him without hesitation.

We sat in silence for several moments, before his muffled voice reached my ears, "It shouldn't have ended up like this. This is all wrong."

I could barely speak now, because the tears were falling fast, and they were threatening to smother me.

And when that memory slips away

There will be a better view from here

And only lonesome you remains

And just the thought of you I fear, it falls away

"I know, Danny…I know."

I put my arms around my shoulders and I knew that he was crying too, as he wrapped his arms around my waist in return.

"What am I going to do?" He asked, his voice rising on the edge of panic.

"…I don't know…I really don't know."

I didn't even have the heart to lie to him.

I didn't know what would happen next. For all I knew, Phantom would be run out of town forever and the presence of him and Danny Fenton would disappear altogether.

Or maybe not. Maybe the opposite would happen.

And I decided take advantage of what could be my last moments with Danny.

Phantom and I just sat in front of Danny's headstone, only wondering what could happen next.

Yesterday was over, today I'm fine without you

Runaway this time without you

And all I ever thought you'd be

That face is tearing holes in me

But today I'm fine without you

Runaway this time without you

And all the things you put me through

I'm holding on by letting go of you

--

I really hope this made sense.

Basically, "Phantom" got disconnected from Danny, so now he's just full ghost.

Sad.

Review!