It was another case wrapped up for Mystery Incorporated. Fred's trap caught the bad guy, the police arrived on scene, Velma unmasked him while explaining his evil plan, he cursed those meddling kids, and Scooby exclaimed his own name to no one in particular. Same as it ever was. But this particular night was different. Shorty after police left the scene, Velma snuck off to the creepy old house's basement so she could have a smoke. Logically, she knew that smoking was bad for her health and that she should quit. But occasionally, Velma was willing to suspend logic and reason in order to do what felt right at the time. Besides, after having to deal with Shaggy & Scooby for over an hour, she needed to relax. However, what she discovered when arriving at the basement had surprised even her. It was Daphne sitting in the corner of the room, crying. Velma was taken aback. She had always known Daphne to be the most optimistic, bubbly person in her little social group. In fact, truth be told, she found her kind of annoying. Velma prided herself as being an educated person and had dismissed Daphne as somewhat of an airhead. Though this could've just been an extension of Velma's hostile relationship with Daphne's boyfriend, Fred. Or just plain old internalized misogyny. Either way, it had never occurred to her that Daphne was capable of crying.
"Hey, um, you okay Daph?" Daphne looked up from her hands to a slightly awkward Velma. She felt weird being nice to anyone, let alone Daphne. In addition to being educated, Velma prided herself in being what one would consider "a bitch". Daphne gave a weak smile,
"Yeah, just having some relationship troubles. I'm not sure you would understand." Velma's first instinct was to be insulted by the insinuation but she could tell Daphne needed help so she let it slide.
She shrugged, "I can give it my best shot." Besides, Velma fucking hated Fred and was hoping to hear Daphne finally say something bad about him. Even though she didn't much care for Daphne, seeing her with Fred always got under her skin for reasons she couldn't quite pin down.
"Fine," Daphne sighed, "It's just that Fred's been so on edge lately and I don't know what to do. I don't know if you've heard but he's been fighting with his dad again." Daphne whispered that last part for some reason. "I was helping him set the trap and I tied a knot the wrong way, and he just started yelling. I've never seen him so mad. He went on about how I'm always fucking up and can't do anything right." She started crying again. "And you know what? It's true. I guess that's why you guys call me 'Danger-Prone Daphne'" Velma suddenly felt very mad, both at herself for teasing Daphne all these years and at Fred. She didn't know she could possibly hate him even more.
"That's not true, Daph. You're the most valuable member of Mystery Inc. You're intelligent, funny, and just a wonderful person with the biggest heart. I know I'm mean at times but I've always wished I could be you. You seem like you have everything figured out. If Fred or anyone else can't appreciate you for who you are then that's their problem." Daphne was taken aback. She had never heard Velma compliment her, or anyone, like that before. Truth be told, it shocked Velma too. She had no idea where this sudden protective streak came from.
Daphne smiled, "Thanks Velma, that means a lot coming from you."
"Yeah, well...don't get use to it. Can't be seen dishing out compliments or Shaggy might want one too." This joke caused Daphne to snort-laugh which made Velma blush slightly. The two sat there in slightly awkward silence for awhile until the cellar door suddenly opened. It was Shaggy and Scooby.
"You were right, Scoob! They are down here! Like, you may have a little bloodhound in you after all, ole buddy ole pal!" "Reah! Reah! Roodround! Ree hee hee hee!"
Velma was a little annoyed to have their alone time interrupted but Daphne didn't seem to mind. "Why were you two looking for us?" she asked.
"Like, Fred wanted to drive us all down to the Malt Shop! It's free ice cream night!"
Daphne got up and dashed out the cellar with her usual childlike enthusiasm, "Oh boy, ice cream! Coming Fred!" Velma sat there a little blindsided. She didn't even notice that Shaggy and Scooby were leaving too.
"Like, you coming or what, Velms?"
"Um, yeah. Sure. Whatever, I guess." Velma replied while trying to maintain her usual demeanor. As she followed the rest of the gang to the van, she couldn't help but feel a little uneasy. Something about her conversation with Daphne was gnawing at her. Deep down, she knew why but her mind refused to come to terms with it. Finally, she couldn't push it back anymore. "Jinkies!" Velma silently cursed to herself.
"I'm in love with Daphne Blake."
