Disclaimer: Danny Phantom was created by Butch Hartman. I use the characters names only to write my story.

"Danny are you sure that's safe?" questioned five year old Samantha Manson.

"C'mon Sam don't be such a chicken. I'm climbing a tree not building a rocket." remarked six year old Danny Fenton.

"Yeah but that's old man Lancer's tree. If he catches you his face gets all red and he chases you like your dad chases imaginary people."

"Yeah but he never catches you. He runs out of breath just before you reach the park, besides the view up here is worth the risk. See for yourself," beckoned Danny.

She hesitated, what if they were caught? But she let go of her doubts when he extended his hand to her. After all, there was, only one week left till Mrs. Crow's second grade started. Might as well have some fun after spending her most of her summer with her parents learning how to be proper. Ugh! Even now she still didn't get the point of point of beauty pageants and didn't want to either. Up the wide thick cherry tree she went. Occasionally slipping on lose bar, but never once thinking of giving up and going back down. Finally, after 2 ½ minutes of struggling, Danny pulled her up onto the branch hovering over wild daises

"Wow!" exclaimed Sam.

"Told ya." teased Danny. And he didn't lie. Surrounding them was a brilliant dance of city lights merging with the soft colors of sunset that were embracing the just appearing stars of a summer night. The grass smelled of fresh earth, and somewhere off musicians played a tune composed just for the evening.

"It's so beautiful," whispered Sam.

"Yeah, it's really something." mused Danny. Just as the last rays of sunlight touched the horizon he glanced over to his best friend and noticed for the first time the way her eyes sparkled under the warm evening sun. Like a hypnotist with a swinging pendulum he found himself to be under her spell. Falling into eyes that were secretive and mysterious, innocent yet all-knowing, exquisite and…

"Danny!"

"Huh?"

"Are you ok? You kinda spaced out and I've called your name three times."

"Yeah I was just thinking."

"About what?"

"About y-"

"Hey you kids get out of my tree!" roared a cranky middle aged voice.

"Lancer!" cried the two kids. In a mad rush they dropped to the ground and took off running. Down the hill they dashed with all the speed two elementary school kids could have. Just behind them a blue shirted tormenter was catching up with frayed thinning hair and heavy breathing. Only two more blocks until Fenton works and safety form Mr. Lancer.

"Ahh!" Sam tripped over an upward piece of side walk and fell, scraping her knee.

"Sam!"

"Danny, help me."

Lancer came across the corner Breathing hard and breaking a sweat. "You won't get away this time kids."

"Hold on Sam. I'm coming." Danny rushed to Sam's side and put her on his back, desperately trying to beat Lancer. Just when all hope seemed lost, Mr. Lancer tripped over his shoelaces and landed face first into a pile of manure on Mr. Foleys lawn. "Sense and Sensibility." He cried. Danny and Sam peeked through the window, giggling at Mr. Lancer rotten luck.

"Wow. I've never been so scared in my life." Said Sam. "I thought I was a goner."

"Hey don't sweat it." replied Danny. "You know I'll always protect you no matter what."

"Sam can you pass me the ghost gauntlets?"

"Danny I don't know about his. Skulker could be home and this could seriously backfire."

"C'mon Sam have a little faith in me. Besides you know if anything happens I'll protect you no matter what."

Sam smiled. "Yeah, I know."