Just a little quirky story surrounding Danny's name…I like reading into names; traditional names really do seem to say a lot about people, it's neat how they can really fit a person.
What's in a Name?
"Daniel," as a name, is very versatile, I think. I mean, you have 'Dan,' which is fitting for an adult buddy-type guy. You have 'Danny,' which I go by and it's nice for the lover-boy type, as Jazz would joke, bleh. And then there's 'Daniel,' which is good for a proud, strong man, like a general or something…Not quite my motto.
Like I said, it's versatile as a name. How does it apply to me? Well, Dan is the name of my most dangerous enemy (and I refuse to be called by it) and Danny is what my loved one's call me. 'Daniel,' on the other hand? No one I ever liked ever called me Daniel…Obviously, I'm mostly talking about Vlad, but it does go beyond that. Some of my more distant relatives go from 'Danny' to 'Daniel' based on how annoyed they are with me. I know how welcome I am in a conversation based on which one they call me, it's that reliable. It's funny though, for as many people who call me 'Daniel' it isn't technically my name.
…
I think one of the first things Vlad figured out about me was that I really don't care much for being called 'Daniel.' So naturally, that's what he always calls me…unless he's asking for help. Then it's 'Danny' all the way, and "my boy," when he really wants to tick me off.
It came up one time over Super Bowl. Vlad had invited himself over so, well, that was the end my plans for the day. Like I was going let him be in my home without me around, I never know if he's just there to tease or if he means business.
Anyway, for some reason, and maybe it was because my dad was in the room, Vlad kept exaggerating the name like he gets some kind of satisfaction outdoing my dad in the enunciation department.
"Daniel," This, "Daniel," that! Ugh, so he came just to mess with me. Well, fine.
"It's Danny," I'd say, "I prefer Danny, Vlad." "Don't call me Daniel." "Oh, to HECK Vlad, stop calling me Daniel!" I'd hiss, too quiet for Dad to hear.
"It's your name, Daniel," Vlad would say. "Why does it bother you?"
That reminded me… "Actually, Vladimir, it's not…" He cocked an eyebrow at that. "Hold on, I'll prove it to you," I said, getting up and heading up the stairs. "Hey Dad? Is that old filing cabinet still in your closet?"
My dad took a break from his game-time snacks to respond, "Yeah, Danny-boy, but what do you need from the-"
"Thanks, Dad," I said, and ran up the stairs and into my parents' room.
Yep, it was still in there blocked behind a wall of orange and blue. First drawer, second file…Danny, there it was. I pulled out the file and riffled through the papers until I found the one I was looking for. With a satisfied smile, I brought the piece of paper down stairs.
Vlad gave me a mildly cautious look, obviously unsure about what I was up to or why I was smiling so much. My dad gave me a similar glace, but his was followed by a smile.
"Anyone score?" I asked casually.
"Obviously not," Vlad stated, "you would have heard your father shouting if someone had."
"Wasn't asking you, Vladimir," I retorted, my tone completely lost on Dad, who was far too occupied with contemplating the next set of snacks we were going to have. "I just wanted to show you this…" I held the piece of paper in front of him.
He paused for a moment. "This is your birth certificate? Why are you showing me this?"
"Because," I said, pointing to a specific line.
"Name: Danny Fenton," Vlad read aloud. "I don't-oh, your name is actually just, 'Danny?' Legally speaking, you're just, Danny?"
I smiled, "Yep. So quit it with the 'Daniel' stuff, that's just not my name."
'Game, set, match.' I though. 'I win this one, Vlad.'
Vlad looked up at me, "Your father filed the paperwork, didn't he?"
I gagged on my own ego, "Gah-well, maybe…" Dang it.
Then the satisfied smirk on Vlad's face churned my stomach. "Well, that just figures, doesn't it, Daniel."
I think we need to start a Danny vs. Vlad score board. Tell me, who's winning so far?
A neat detail I caught from the show; whenever Vlad pleads with Danny he goes from 'Daniel' to 'Danny.' (Mostly when they had to face off with Vortex) And it doesn't even seem manipulative, just automatic.
This blot bunny inspired by my mom, who's name is Cathy…and nothing else. People always ask, "Is that short for anything?" Nope! haha.
R&R!
-wbBg.
