Disclaimer: I do not own Danny Phantom or any of the elements of the show.
Omg, is this a chapter?
Why yes, it is :D
There was a hiatus there technically. A lot of life getting intense. And life comes first. More details on my profile :)
But now, I am back to writing!
Chapter Six – Solace and Sorrow
Naomi watched Danny walk up the stairs and Jazz run after him in stunned silence. They…they were fighting over me…Why? What…what happened to make them explode like this? Reluctantly, she turned and headed back out into the night, forgoing her umbrella this time. Walking slowly and sadly back to her house, tears streamed down her cheeks the whole time. Did I make things like this? Did…did I break up these friendships when I said yes to Danny? Is this all my fault?
When she arrived home, she collapsed on the front stoop, not caring that water soaked her dress and made it stick to her legs. She covered her face with her hands, sobbing. Guilt welled up inside her when she thought about how good of friends Danny and Tucker had been. It has to be my fault…Danny said they were fighting about me…and they really were fighting, not just arguing. Tucker wasn't holding back and I don't think Danny was by much…They really could and would have hurt each other…over me…why?
"There must be something quite dreadful occurring to bring such a stubborn and daring young lady to tears." Naomi jerked her hands away from her face, looking up at the voice. Vlad stood there, leaning over her. She realized that sometime during her sob-fest, it had stopped raining.
"What are you doing here?"
"I'm picking up Patricia for our date." Right, I almost forgot about that… Naomi shifted her body to the side, making room on the porch.
"Go on, I'm out of the way now…" She said softly, looking to the side. The surprise of Vlad standing over her was fading and she could feel the guilt and tears returning. Despite the fact that she'd shifted, Vlad remained staring down at her.
"What is the matter, Naomi?"
"Why do you care?"
"Well, if you are out here crying, your mother will be upset…"
"Oh, well, I'd just hate to ruin your night…you know, because it so totally doesn't make me gag to think of you two going out," she said, her tone practically dripping with sarcasm.
"Perhaps my motives are somewhat selfishly motivated, yet here I stand awaiting an answer."
"Go buy a cat and leave me alone." Naomi just wanted him to disappear before she started to cry again. She hated people seeing her cry and Vlad was the worst person she could think of to watch her do so.
"I was told you were going on a date with Daniel. Did he prove to be as insensitive and forgetful as his oaf of a father?"
"No, I…it's complicated…"
"I thrive on 'complicated'. Start from the beginning, my dear." She frowned deeply but before she could think twice about it, Naomi found the story tumbling from her lips; from the Box Ghost destroying her comic books to when Danny had kicked her out. While she ranted, Vlad sat down on the stoop beside her and she was surprised that he actually seemed to be listening. "…and now I feel guilty for breaking up their friendship and I just don't know what to do anymore."
"Hm." Naomi sighed deeply. It had felt good to share her frustrations but she was already regretting the decision.
"Why did I even bother, if that's all you can say." Hooray, I'm an idiot again tonight…
"Well, being a teenager is certainly complicated, isn't it?" Naomi did a slow, sarcastic clap.
"Wow, impressive insight, Vladimir. I think I figured that one out, thanks though." Vlad sighed and stood up.
"Everyone falls prey to envy from time to time. And jealousy can override all other emotions, until the truth is no longer clear. Only by being forced to face the truth can one break envy's spell…especially when he's right in reach but invisible to one's eye." Vlad seemed to be looking at a spot about a foot above her shoulder for a moment before focusing on her face.
"So…you're saying that I have to force them to see the truth?"
"I'm saying that jealously is not easily beaten. You must force it into the light before someone can recognize the threat." Vlad turned and walked into her house.
"Great, cryptic messages from Mr. Wisconsin…" She sighed. But, it did give me an idea…
Danny stared at his ceiling, ignoring Jazz as she knocked on the door for the fourth time since he'd locked it. He sighed deeply, lying on his back still dressed for his date. I just sent her away…she looked so…crushed…
"Danny?! Are you okay?" Jazz called.
"Yes. Go away, Jazz!" He yelled back. After a moment, he heard Jazz sigh and walk off. Finally! She was getting on my nerves…and she can't help. I fought with Tucker…why did I do that? Why did I fight him?! I could've hurt him… Danny rolled on his side to look out the window. The rain had stopped and he sighed again. I hope Naomi got home okay…I just…I couldn't even look at her. It hurt, like a wound…what am I going to do? He lay flat again on his bed and drifted in his thoughts, recalling the argument and the fight vividly.
After a few moments, his phone rang and he dived across his room for it. Maybe it's Tuck…I know we can figure something out… He looked at the caller id and sighed when he saw it was Sam. Reluctantly, he flipped it open.
"Yeah Sam?"
"Daniel Fenton, how dare you hang up on me! We were talking and I don't care how damn important your date is to you, that is no cause to be rude and…wait, aren't you on your date now? Is Naomi late or something?"
"…no. I…I sent her home."
"Ah, so that brain of yours finally developed some common sense. Good. Maybe there's hope for you yet." Sam sounded smug and it made Danny angry all over again.
"No, Sam. I didn't send her home because of you."
"Well then…why?"
"Tucker came over. That's why I hung up on you before; he was at the door soaking wet. And he also decided Naomi and I shouldn't date. Because the two of you seem to think that you get final say in my life. Well, guess what? You don't. Neither of you has the right to tell me what to do or who to be with. And since you're pissed at me and Tucker took a swing at me, I think we'd all better take a break from hanging out." Danny ranted into the phone, so pissed in that one moment that he couldn't see straight.
"Wait, Tucker hit you?" Sam asked but Danny was already hanging up the phone. He held it in his hand for a moment, breathing heavily. That kinda felt better… The phone rang again and he chucked it towards his closet, and flopped face-down on his bed. Maybe this is a dream…at least it probably won't get any worse tomorrow…
After trying to sleep for several tense minutes, he sat back up and transformed into his ghost form. That's not going to work…so I'll just go beat the crap out of ghosts until I feel better. I wonder where the Box Ghost is right now… He flew through his wall and into the night.
How did he know I was there, watching the girl? The ghostly stalker floated above the Cohen home as the girl went inside. He must have some experience with spectral beings. But that shall be of no concern to me. The girl's attempts to thwart my plans will result in naught. No one can overcome Envy…
So…yeah :P Took me awhile to be happy with this one.
More soon I hope!
I'd love a review if you're actually still reading :P
