Well, I'm back!! I wrote another one…. Heh, I think this actually turned out decent!!! I based this off of an amazing story written by Sui Megami. Her story is called "Ageless" and you should really go check it out!!! I think it's awesome, and if you know me, you'll recognize that as some of my highest praise. So, without further adieu, I'll shut up and let you read this.

Disclaimer: Only in my wildest dreams... And sometimes, not even then.

Always

He'd always been there, quietly standing just out of sight. He'd been there for longer than almost everyone could remember. Good old Danny Fenton, always there.

Of course, by now everyone knew his secret. To tell the truth, most of them had figured out when the boy was 40. Well…. Supposed to be 40. He hadn't aged a day since he was 25. The people of Amity Park had finally opened their eyes, and the truth blinded them.

So everyone was used to Danny. There were a few who were afraid of him, or belittled him, but they were ignored by the general public. People tried to help him, sending him little gifts in thanks. He always thanked everybody profusely, and the people felt proud that they had aided their superhero in a small way.

No one helped him more than Sam, though. She'd been quietly slipping him money and support for years, helping to keep him on his feet. She loved him, everyone could see that, but they never did get together. He had to protect her, after all, and not letting the ghosts figure out that he cared was the best way. He understood, and she understood, and they didn't care that everybody else was mystified.

Everyone understood the change that came about the day that Sam died. After that day, no one saw Danny Fenton anymore. All they saw was Danny Phantom, who showed up just long enough to fight away the ghosts who threatened the town.

Everyone knew that Danny Fenton had, in a sense, killed himself the day Sam Manson died.

And everyone understood.

And everyone mourned.

Fini

I hope everyone got that Danny's death was metaphorical… I tried to show that it was, but I don't think it was very clear…. Anyway, I hope everyone liked it!!! I'd like to thank Sui Megami for letting me post this and for beta-ing it for me. Oh, and I would love it if some of you would click that lovely little button. I don't think 5 reviews out of over 400 hits is a good ratio... That's the stats for one of my other stories... But you don't have to review if you truly don't want to!!!!

Hope everybody had a good time this holiday season.

Nona