Thank you The Blue Rose Prince for letting me use the give Danny a staff with a red orb for the holidays idea! WARNING: Religious views mentioned, by the holiday being Christmas.
Star and I were wandering around the halls to our lockers and she was mindlessly talking about Paulina's next over-the-top party. Of course I drifted away in thought after that spoiled Latina was brought up. I had other things to think about anyway- like what to give Danny for Christmas. No matter what, I couldn't think of anything that his two friends wouldn't already have got him. Interrupting my friend's gossip I asked, "Star, what do you think Danny wants for Christmas? Other than just freaky ghost stuff..." Not exactly freaky, but I can't let Star know that I think that.
She groaned in annoyance when his name was mentioned before she decided to answer. "That dweeb?" She questioned, giving me an eye roll. "I heard he went to that dumb goth circus with Bat Girl. Get him something from that or something." She suggested in a grumble. She meant for it to be a blow off on my question but actually, it was a good idea.
"Thanks Star! I gotta go!" I yelled out, before running out of the school building without bothering to stop by my locker or give her a proper goodbye. I was too busy searching for any store that would carry that kind of stuff. Eventually I found such a store and it was stocked to the brim. Just... Not stocked to the brim with non-creepy stuff.
None of this stuff seemed like Danny would like it. T-shirts weren't that special and I wasn't going to give him any freaky voodoo doll. The toy guillotines and Freakshow bobbleheads were out of the question, but I did stop and look at the small grim-reaper statuette that was the two time tightrope walker.
I was about to give up and leave until something caught my eye. It was a replica of that ringmaster's one staff. The one with bats on it, and it was pretty cheap. I tapped on the red orb at the end just to feel it was hard. It was just a regular red marble, but it still looked pretty close to the actual staff.
Danny will be so happy. I thought with a smile, before heading to the register. If I had to be in this room for two more minutes with posters of death all around me, I would destroy the store myself.
LINE BREAK
The next day, after third hour, I walked to Danny's locker with present in hand. Manson and Foley were with them and I just wanted to groan or bang my head against a locker. Manson hated my guts and I didn't even know why, though I think she might be jealous or think I still like Danny. But, I could stand Manson. It was Foley that I couldn't stand. He was always hitting on me or Star and it got very annoying.
Danny didn't seem to notice my frustration- either that or he didn't care about it. "Hey Fenton." I said with a small smile, trying to seem calmer. "Here. For Christmas." I said shortly, handing him the wrapped present and blushing a little bit.
He took the present and smiled a little bit. "Thanks Val." He responded, looking at me and blushing back. "I didn't know you were getting me something… If I knew I wouldn't gotten you something too." He stammered out, a little embarrassed.
I kept my smile. "Don't worry about it." I told him to try and calm him down a little bit. "You can just pay me back on my birthday. Anyway, merry Christmas." I said, giving him a slight peck on the cheek before turning around. "Later Danny." I could practically feel the stares in the back of my head and I felt compelled to add on, "Manson. Foley." Then I left, trying to avoid thinking about how mine and Danny's conversations have gotten so short and awkward. It's all Phantom's fault… I thought to myself. Maybe after I beat him me and Fenton can hook up again…
LINE BREAK
After Valerie had left, Danny just kept staring at the present while Sam was attempting not to gag after seeing Valerie kiss Danny on the cheek. Tucker was silent and just waiting to see how the events would play out, half expecting the present to be some sort of ectogun or death threat to Danny. Danny, however, was fairly oblivious to his friend's reactions. "I wonder what it is…" He muttered, shaking the large box a little bit.
Tucker tried to hold in a laugh. "Then open it. It is your present." He pointed out. Danny took his advice and tore open the wrapping paper to see a long cardboard box. Puzzled, Danny opened the box only to jump back and let out a small scream.
He quickly jumped behind Tucker and his friends looked at what was in the box, confused why he was acting that way. Upon seeing the gift, the red staff, Sam laughed a little and picked it up. "It's just a replica Danny." She tried to tell him.
Danny comedically continued hiding behind the Tucker, crossing his fingers. "Well, I'm sorry that I'm avoiding a replica of something that was used to brainwash me!" He snapped out, looking at the staff like it was going to kill anyone in its path.
Tucker tried to calm down his friend, stepping away from Danny. "Woah, dude! Calm down, it's not like she knew about the freaky brainwashing!" He pointed out, stepping next to Sam. "Just calm down… Okay? Good, good Danny…"
Danny scowled. "Don't talk to me like I'm a dog." He spat out, moody. He grabbed the staff and quickly shoved it away into his locker, being careful to avoid looking at the red marble, and he slammed the locker door shut. "A present's a present though… It's not like I can just throw it away." He muttered. But Mom and Dad can call it poison and throw it in the dumpster.
Edit: 6/17/14
