Reasons to Accept Chapter 2: The Aftermath, a danny phantom fanfic

REASONS TO ACCEPT

Summary: Vlad and Danny are quite enjoying the rekindling of their relationship, now they just have to deal with everyone else's reactions to it. The bond between these two hybrids will be tested as it never has been before. SEQUEL TO REASONS TO OBJECT M/M Pompous Pep!

Warnings: Uncontrollable moments of fluff(they're gonna come out), slash/dude on dude/yaoi(whatever you want to call it)

Disclaimer: I do not own Danny Phantom and it's characters in any way, shape, or form. They are the property of Butch Hartman and Nickelodeon/Viacom.

As I said before, this story picks up right after the last chapter of Reasons to Object and it will be updated every other week.

Alright, on with the fic!

CHAPTER TWO - The Aftermath

One full day has passed since Daniel Fenton "came out" to his parents and subsequently revealed his boyfriend to be one Vladimir Masters.

Twenty four hours spent obsessing over how well they would take the news that their son and college best friend were in a committed relationship.

1, 440 minutes spent running over the worse-case possible scenarios.

86,400 seconds of neurosis that were only punctuated by one aforementioned boyfriend's rather effective . . . er, distractions.

Anyway, that evening, the ghost hero finds himself teleporting into Fenton Works with rather little fanfare. After revealing his phantom half to his parents, his ghost signature had been added to the security system. His arrivals no longer set the entire house off into a flurry of sirens and lights. In fact, the house is oddly silent as Danny fully materializes. Nevertheless, the hero treads cautiously about his childhood home.

The lean body transforms seamlessly from ghost to human as Danny enters the living room(a.k.a. the setting for the most awkward conversation of his life, well at least to date). Finding no one there, he follows the scent of roasting meat into the kitchen and finds his mother preparing dinner. The small television on the counter fills the silence left over from the running faucet as Maddie washes something in the sink.

"Hi Mom."

Looking up from her task of washing potatoes, the auburn-haired woman smiles.

"Danny, I didn't hear you come in. Did you phase through the wall?"

"Actually, I teleported. I can only do short distances at the moment, but I think I'm getting pretty good at it. I'm trying to work up to transporting long distances. The furthest I've done is from my apartment to Vlad's place."

At the man's name, the welcoming smile on Maddie's face falls a bit.

"That's good, sweetie. In any case, you're just in time. Help me peel these potatoes, would you?"

"Um, okay."

Deciding to ignore his mother's odd behavior, Danny simply picks up a knife and sits down at the table. His fingers start to remove the brown skin from the root vegetables as Maddie checks on the roast in the oven. Meanwhile, the local news stories of the day fill the weighted silence as the obvious subject of conversation hangs awkwardly between mother and son.

" . . . and Mayor Vlad Masters is making his rounds today. Present for the groundbreaking ceremony for the recently-renovated science and technology wing at the community college that his company, DALV industries has graciously donated."

At the mention of the man on both of their minds, for very different reasons, both Maddie and Danny perk up. The television screen shifts over to a clip featuring part of the mayor's speech.

"DALV industries is dedicated to providing the next generation of engineers and technology developers with the education and resources that will work to improve all of our futures. And we also believe that investing in the next generation is the most secure method in which to ensure a prosperous economy, not just for our town, but for our entire nation. As CEO of this company, as well as mayor of Amity Park, I hope you all share my enthusiasm."

As the screen switches back to the anchor, a look of pride is on Danny's face. The expression doesn't go unnoticed by his mother, however before either of them can make a comment a new segment of the news program starts.

"Speaking of Vlad Masters, there has been news that there may be an addition to his own life. For more on this, we go to our entertainment news reporter Marilyn Sanchez."

"Thank you Steve. A few months ago, Vlad Masters made headlines with his abrupt cancellation of his wedding to Charlotte Howard, the new CEO of the Howard Group. Both parties have remained rather tightlipped on the subject and expertly avoid the topic whenever it is brought up in interviews. However, there are rumors that Vlad has been spending quite some time in his Madison-area mansion and those close to the mayor have noticed an improved temperament. He has even been reported indulging in rather personal phone conversations and his personal assistant has been reported purchasing bouquets of red roses. Could Mr. Masters be wooing a new romantic interest? Well, whoever this mystery woman may be, rest assured that you will hear it from us first."

This time, Danny blushes a bit at the story. The hybrid suddenly finds the pile of potato skins very interesting.

"I told Vlad that people would notice," mumbles the phantom hero, mostly to himself, as he starts chopping the potatoes into chunks. "I don't even like roses that much, but he insists on buying them."

At the words, Maddie is a bit unsure how to respond, or even if she should. Her mothering instincts are conflicting with her better judgment, a constant battle familiar to all mothers. After all, her son had told her he was dating Vlad Masters- a much older(presumably more experienced) billionaire that had a penchant for Ecto-experimentation. Now, Maddie Fenton has always prided herself on the fact that she usually respects both of her children's decisions, but it is still a hard fact to wrap her head around. Needing to change the subject on her mind, the woman clears her throat to get her son's attention.

"Danny, are you done with those potatoes?"

"Huh? Oh, yeah. Here you go."

As the hero hands his mother the peeled and chopped vegetables, sky-blue eyes notice the discomfort on the her face.

"So, Mom, are we ever going actually to talk about this? Me and Vlad, I mean."

Maddie lets out a deep sigh as she adds the cubed potatoes to a pot of rolling water on the stove. Once she's done, she washes her hands and turns to look at her son.

"Danny, your father and I have thought very hard and long about this . . . development," begins Maddie. "And I know that you have the right to date whomever you want, but I can't say that I approve of your relationship with Vlad. The two of you have such an age difference and he's a very public figure, not to mention your situation."

"Mom, Vlad is fully aware of my ghost abilities and my career as Danny Phantom," Danny replies, catching on to her implication. "Believe it or not, he's the reason that I'm even remotely good at it. "

"How so?" questions Maddie with a raised eyebrow.

"Well, he is the mayor of Amity Park, the office affords him with some rather useful information. Not to mention, being obscenely rich does give him access to certain resources. You know, when you think about it, he's kinda like Batman. He does have a really cool car and he is kind of-"

"Danny."

"Sorry," apologizes the man with a sheepish grin. Taking a moment to regain himself, he becomes serious. "Mom, I know it may be a lot to ask, but I really don't want you or Dad to hate Vlad. You don't have to point out Vlad's qualities as I am well acquainted with all of them, including the no-so-good ones. However, I can honestly say that he is a good man. Maybe not in the conventional sense, but he is still a man with strong principles. And even if it's hidden under layers of sarcasm, he always states what he really thinks. Which, admittedly, I don't exactly appreciate all the time. If you give him enough time, Vlad can infuriate, amuse, and arouse you all in the same conversation."

Listening to her son go on about Vlad, Maddie finds herself a bit confused. The woman has known Vlad Masters for over twenty years, they had been friends in college, but it's almost like Danny is talking about a completely different person. Thinking over all she knows about the elusive billionaire, or at least what she thought she knew about him, Maddie's mind blanks- until one subject pops up. The one question that the woman could only bring up when she and her son are alone.

"I didn't want to bring this up in front of your father, Danny, but I have to ask. What about the feelings that Vlad had for me? Are you really comfortable dating a man that was . . . obsessed with your own mother?"

Danny's expression falls a bit at the question, but his mother is surprised to find him still smiling.

"At first, I wasn't okay with it at all. It was one of the main issues in our relationship. There was a time when I would find myself worrying that I am only a substitute. Or like Jazz would say, I was only some weird placeholder for all of Vlad's unreciprocated feelings for you. But Vlad, since the very start of our relationship, has done everything to prove how much he cares about me. It's actually embarrassing how over the top he has been, but that's just who Vlad is."

Seeing the disbelieving look on his mother's face, Danny's smile returns.

"I mean, think about it, Mom, when was the last time that Vlad even attempted to flirt with you?"

At the sudden question, Maddie thinks it over. Violet eyes widen in surprise as she comes to a realization.

" . . . It has been a while."

"Not to mention he's warmed up to Dad, too. They even hang out together occasionally."

"Well, that is true," admits the auburn-haired woman. "They did go to that Packers game a few weeks ago."

"Mom, Vlad's changed. Well, not really, that's not the best word for it. It's more like he's finally being himself. He isn't as guarded as he used to be. He's happy, I guess."

Thinking over Vlad has become more open in recent months, Danny gets a fond look in his eyes. Sky-blue orbs gaze absentmindedly around the kitchen as they remember a particularly-amusing time that Vlad actually cooked for him. Long story short, they had spent the night laughing over cold-cut sandwiches.

"Danny," begins Maddie, regaining her son's attention. "Your father and I have raised you and Jazz to have a good sense of judgment and to be accepting of all people. So, if you really think that Vlad has some redeeming qualities, for you, I will give your relationship a chance."

"Thank you, Mom. That's all I'm asking."

Once the two, equally-stubborn Fentons have reached their agreement, an easy silence settles between the two. The awkwardness from earlier is no longer hanging in the air. After a few moments, Danny gets up and starts to wash the dishes in the sink as his mother starts to mash the now-soft potatoes in the pot.

"Danny?"

"Yeah?"

"You and Vlad, have you- I mean, are the two of you . . . intimate?"

Raising an eyebrow incredulously, a smirk forms on the Danny's face. The twenty-four year old pauses in his task to turn around and face his mother.

"Mom, do you really want to know?"

A moment of silence passes between the two.

"I think that roast is done now. I'm going to go check on it."

As she goes to do just that, Danny chuckles.

"Mom, I think that it's important for you and Dad to know that Vlad is in love with me. I know with complete certainty that I'm not just some passing affair for him. So, you guys don't have to worry about him breaking my heart or anything."

"How can you be so sure about that, Danny? No matter how intense your feeling for each other may be, they can still change."

"Vlad has a very unique way of showing the intensity of his affections."

Violet eyes miss the small grin that tugs at her son's lips as she takes a deep breath to ask her next question.

"But Danny, are you in love him?"

"Yes," answers the phantom with no hesitation. Noticing his mother's surprise at the quick response, Danny smiles. "What can I say, the old fruit loop just grows on you."

At the comment, Maddie has a small smile on her face. After all, she had to explain her attraction to Jack Fenton to her parents once using a very similar phrase. Looking to her son, she suddenly remembers another question that has been on the back burner of her mind.

"Danny, there's something about all this that just doesn't add up."

"What is it?"

"You said before that you and Vlad have been dating for five years now. However, wasn't he was engaged to Charlotte Howard only eight months ago?"

"Well, um, actually, there's a really funny story behind that one."

Looking to his mother, the ghost hero finds a disbelieving expression on the woman's face. The same one she gave him when he was a kid and blamed the theft of his favorite cookies on Jazz . . . or a ghost(an excuse that only ever worked on Jack Fenton, for the record).

"Well, maybe not 'haha' funny," answers the ghost lamely, as he washes the last dish in the sink.

==A FEW HOURS LATER==

Teleporting into the study of Vladimir Masters, Danny unceremoniously lands on the couch occupying one side of the room. The large chamber is lined with full bookcases and the walnut color of the hardwood floor is brought out by the flickering light of the roaring fire. The phantom closes his eyes and simply enjoys the calm presence of the man on the other side of the room. Danny's hand idly rubs his full belly, care of his mother's "stick-to-your-ribs" home-cooking. As a deep sigh escapes from the younger's lips, Vlad looks up from his reading with the hint of a smile.

"Something wrong, Daniel?"

"I just finished talking to my mom, and well, let's just say that my 'Canadian elopement plan' is starting to look a whole lot better."

Putting the book in his hands down, the man focuses all of his attention on the young man before him.

"Easier at first, but as I said before, it would only make your parents more upset. I know Maddie and Jack would want to be at your wedding, even if you are being married to me."

"You know, I hate that you're always right."

"No, you don't."

Choosing not to give the man the satisfaction of being right one again, Danny keeps talking.

"I have to go make my rounds and hopefully let out some stress," replies the hero as he transforms into his ghost form. Arching his back in a stretch, he unknowingly captures the man's attention. "There have been some weird ghosts around that I kinda want to check out."

"Don't do anything rash, Little Badger."

"I won't."

Approaching the large chair that the billionaire is currently sitting in, Danny leans in to offer the man a parting kiss-one that is taken without hesitation. In fact, the kiss is deepened as large hands start sneaking their way along the hero's body. A soft, apologetic smile appears on Danny's face as he pulls back. Although, judging by the smoldering look in the elder's cobalt eyes, he stopped just in time.

"Not now, Vlad, but we'll definitely continue this later. Wait up for me?" asks the phantom as his fingers play with the hair at the nape of Vlad's neck.

"With an offer like that, how could I not?"

Giving his one-time arch nemesis a parting kiss, Danny removes himself from the older man's arms and flies off into the night.

==MORNING==

As Vlad wakes the next morning, his hands immediately start to caress the expanse of soft skin within their reach. When a familiar mumble is heard against his chest the man smirks.

"Good morning."

"G'mornin', Vlad."

Danny had come back rather late the previous night and immediately crawled into the bed the two ghosts occasionally share. Assuming that the hero's activities had finally caught up to him, Vlad had said nothing about it and left Danny to his rest. Besides waking up with a sleepy Danny on his chest is always a welcome sight in the billionaire's mind. The mop of sleep-tousled, raven hair feeling particularly soft as Vlad contently ponders this. However, when the hero eventually rolls off of him and a hiss of pain escapes Danny's lips, cobalt blue eyes focus instantly.

"Are you alright, Daniel?"

"Yeah, I, uh, just slept wrong, that's all. I'll walk it off."

Instantly suspicious of this excuse, the seasoned poltician doesn't let it show. Instead, Vlad's eyes sharpen their gaze on Danny.

"I never asked, Daniel, how was your patrol last night? You came home rather late."

Remembering the rather well-orchestrated ghost ambush, a cringe goes through the ghost hero's mind. However, after quite some time in the presence of a certain CEO, he has learned to school his emotions . . . somewhat.

"It was fine. Nothing to write home about."

"Ah, I see," states Vlad, gets out of bed with a flourish of the high-thread count sheets. "Come then. I'll take you to work."

"You will?" asks Danny, his eyebrow raised in well-justified surprise.

"I have to go into the office today and the planetarium is along the way. You can't teleport yourself to work everyday, Daniel. It hardly gives rise to punctuality, now does it?"

"As long I get there on time, does it matter when I get there? Or how?"

"Not the point, Little Badger."

"Alright, give me a minute."

"Take all the time you need."

Waiting for Vlad to turn around, Danny slowly slides out of bed and trudges to the bathroom. The spectral superhero barely makes it there without falling, the limp in his step hindering his usual pace. He quickly looks back over his shoulder, relieved to see Vlad still not facing him. However, perhaps too busy concentrating on keeping his balance, Danny doesn't notice the reflection of Vlad's red eyes narrowing dangerously from the mirror next to the man's closet.

TO BE CONTINUED . . .

So, looks like Danny has some 'splainin' to do . . .

Also, I apologize for the slight lateness of this chapter and any mistakes there might be in this chapter. This was going to be A LOT longer, but I think it made more sense to cut it here.

NEXT CHAPTER - We find out what happened that night as well as Vlad's reaction to it. Oh, and Vlad has a little talk with Maddie.

Thanks for reading!

- RENKA

BTW . . .

My illustrated novel has been converted to Kindle format and is avaliable for purchase. So, if you want to buy it or simply read the first chapter go here:

beachednovel weebly com (just put periods where the gaps are)

(BTW, The images have been omitted for formatting purposes)