Okay, these next few chapters are gonna to be super long. I'll try to contain myself.
Danny PoV
Morning came earlier than usual. The sky was blue and the sun washed over the large bed lazily. I could hear birds again and the soft blowing of the wind. The bed I was lying in molded to my body, the rest of me in Vlad's protective hug. He was already awake of course, smiling down at me easily as I tried to fully wake my brain. I was perfectly content to remain in this world of warmth, bliss, and Vlad.
Eventually though, I manged to open my eyes fully and give Vlad a lazy smile of my own before pressing back into his chest. We laid there together for a long time, he stroked my hair softly and I closed my eyes, almost falling back to sleep before his voice brought me back to reality.
"I'm supposed to be at the office in an hour." he said gently, kissing my forehead apologetically when I looked up.
"You're Vlad Masters. What are they gonna do? Start without you?" I mumbled, not wanting him to leave.
He laughed.
"True, there's nothing they can really do if I am late, but it just wouldn't be good business."
I sighed, savoring this feeling for the last few seconds I had it.
"It's not like your never going to wake up like this again." he laughed lightly, instantly perking up my mood.
"Alright, alright." I mumbled, rolling over lethargically and sitting up, stretching high to the ceiling.
I caught Vlad eying me hungrily and smirked.
"I thought you had to go to work, Vlad." I teased.
"Not for another hour." he muttered as he reached out and pulled me back to him, wasting no time in reducing me to a pile of goo with those obscenely amazing lips.
XxX
I munched on the last bits of my cereal, sitting in the cozy kitchen from yesterday while Vlad searched through his brief case hurriedly. The window was thrown open, letting the bright morning sun pour in.
We'd spent just a little too much time in the bed, and now Vlad was probably going to be about five minuets late. Oops.
"Ah, here it it." he sighed in relief, holding up a boring looking piece of paper and setting it gently back in the case, shutting it tight.
I down the last of the milk in my bowl and wiped my mouth with a napkin.
"Looks boring." I commented as I put my dishes in the sink.
"Of course it does. It's business."
I changed into my ghost form easily, enjoying the cool rings pass over me like a small breeze. It had been quite a few days since I'd been able to access my ghost form and I kinda missed it. I follow Vlad out the door and into the hall, flying lazily in the air like a piece of paper, my ghostly tail stretching behind me.
When we got to the door Vlad stopped and gave his full attention to me.
"Try not to get into trouble, hmm?" he gave me a look.
"Hey, half the time trouble finds me." I held my hands up defensively.
He grabbed my hands, pulling me down close to him and intertwining our fingers.
"And the other half of the time is spent being a perfectly innocent teenager, yes?" he raised an eyebrow, staring into my eyes with amusement.
"Exactly." I laughed, my ghostly tail gently coiling itself around his body.
He cupped my chin, pulling me in closer for a kiss. I felt the familiar electric pass between us. Smiling slightly, He drew me in closer, pressing my body against his, his other hand resting at the small of my back. I moved my lips against his softly, already playing with that addicting ponytail. I could of stayed there for hours, but his watch beeped urgently. He ignored if for a few more minutes though, enjoying the moment. Finally, he gently pulled away, smiling.
"I'll be home around six." he reminded me.
I nodded, not likely to forget that, and he opened the door. The anticipation of finally seeing my friends and sister almost exploded out of me as the sun poured into the front entrance. I know that I was going to Amity through the ghost zone, but the open air and freed ghost powers proved too much. I flew out into the air at high speeds, flying high and preforming dizzying loops, then letting myself drop like a rock to the earth, laughing at the freedom of it. God, I missed flying.
Just before I crashed to the ground and twisted in the air and flew in a circle around Vlad, who was watching me with amusement.
"Bye Vlad!" I called, diving into the ground as soon as he waved.
I sped through his lab at 112 mph and burst through the open portal, not pausing a second as I made my way back home through the sea of green.
Home...
I smiled and flew faster, following Vlad's directions perfectly. Th original plan was for him to lead me to my families portal, but we ran short on time and I insisted on directions. I could handle it.
In no time at all I saw the familiar Fenton portal ahead, just as Vlad said. I forced myself to slow down, breathing heavily as I peered into the swirling circle, knowing my family was on the other side. A twist in my stomach marred my happiness slightly when I remembered they were all miserable and probably searching desperately for me.
Just one more week mom and dad, and then I'll be home. But a sudden thought struck me. Was I being selfish by staying with Vlad for another week? I shook off the thought, deciding to worry about it later. At least I could make Sam, Tucker, and Jazz happy. After all, it was just a small week. Taking a deep breath, I plunged invisibly through the portal, entering an immaculate and very empty lab.
"Wow..." I breathed, dropping my invisibility. "They must be pretty upset if the lab is clean and empty."
Frowning and feeling guilty, I cloaked myself once more and phased up through the ceiling, closing my eyes and pretending to hear the usual loud booms and yells in my house. I tried to ignore the utter silence that met me.
My guilt worsened, but I knew I'd be home soon so I did my best to shake it off. One more week wouldn't kill them. Thinking of Sam and Tucker, I flew forward, feeling my excitement slowly return as I neared Tuckers house. It was about 9:00 in the morning and I know for a fact that Tucker won't wake up on his own during weekends until at least noon.
This was gonna be fun.
I silently slipped into his room, hovering invisibly over his drooling, sleeping self. He was muttering in his sleep as usual and I couldn't help but grin widely at him, so happy to see him. It was then that I realized how much I missed everyone here.
Shaking off the sudden bout of emotion, I returned to the task of waking Tucker eagerly. I took a deep deep breath...
"TUCKER!" I yelled at the top of my lungs, knowing his parents slept as soundly as he does and would never hear me from their room downstairs.
"WHA!" he screamed, jumping five feet in the air and falling of the bed with a thump.
I couldn't help but crack up laughing. The look on his face was priceless! I rolled in the air, clutching my stomach and becoming visible as he dragged himself back up to the bed, a scowl of irritation on his face.
"What the heck was that for Danny!" he glared as my laughed slowly died and I stared at him with a grin, waiting.
His glared suddenly turned to one of abrupt shock and he stared at me as though seeing me for the first time.
"DANNY!"
I was clobbered in a hug and thrown to the floor as Tucker squeezed the life out of me, a million and five questions pouring out of his mouth.
"Dude, how did you escape? Does Vlad know your gone? Are you hurt? What did he do to you up there?"
"Tucker!" I yelled exasperatedly from the ground, halting his questions as he sheepishly got up.
"Sorry." he grinned.
"Call Sam and Jazz and I'll explain everything. I don't wanna say it three times."
"Wait, why don't you just go straight to your family?" he asked, his face of smiles turning to one of suspicion.
"I'll explain when Sam and Jazz get here, just make sure Jazz doesn't tell my parents I'm back." I said, not saying a thing till they were all here.
Tucker watched me for a moment more but relented, his shoulders sagging with a sigh.
"Alright." he said, picking up something square with about ten thousand buttons on it. He pressed one randomly and I heard it ringing.
"Hey Sam, it's me Tucker."
I heard the sound of growling on he other line and Tucker balanced. I snickered as I floated up and sat on his bed. Tucker cast a playful glare at me, obviously blaming me for Sam's grumpy mood.
"Sam, Danny's here." He said simply, cutting off her ranting.
"WHAT!"
Wow, Tuck must be deaf now. I winced, his arm practicality throwing the phone across the room at Sam's loud exclamation.
"Jeez Sam, that was my ear." he mumbled, rubbing it with his finger.
I heard some quieter, but just as frantic sounds.
"No he's here. Come over and he says he'll tell us whats up. Call Jazz will ya? But make sure she doesn't let Danny's parents know he's back."
Sam's voice sounded suspicious, but I couldn't make out what she was saying.
"He won't tell me. Just get over here with Jazz quick."
He hung up the phone with a beep and turned to look at me, mouthing the word "wow."
"Chickened out at calling Jazz?" I smirked.
"Dude. You live with your sister. You know how much she would freak." He jumped onto the bed, sitting across from me.
"True, true." I reflected fondly, smiling.
Tucker watched me suspiciously.
"You don't look hurt." He said slowly.
"Cause I'm not." I rolled my eyes, but he continued to look suspicious, "Seriously, Tuck, I'm fine."
"Uh-huh. Do you want anything to eat? He hasn't been starving you, has he?"
"Funny story about that, actually,-"
Tucker's eyes were beginning to widen in shock, misunderstanding me. But the sudden slam of the front door downstairs made us both jump.
"Did they fly here? You just hung up with them two minuets ago!" I exclaimed, not prepared as they burst into his room.
"DANNY!" they screamed, throwing themselves at me and causing us to crash to the floor.
"I can't believe you're here! Mom and dad have been so worried about you! How did you escape? Did Vlad hurt you?"
"We went to his mansion but we didn't get a chance to find you. He totally had us pinned right when we walked in the door! You did kick his butt, right? Cause I swear I'm gonna go back there and-"
"GUYS! Guys! Clam down, I'm fine! Let me explain!" I gasped from the floor, drowning in female. Vlad was much more comfy.
Hastily, they stood up, looking not a bit embarrassed. I gasped when I could breathe again and they helped me stand. Clambering back to the bed, I sat down on it and took a deep breath.
They started pelting me with questions again and I forced my resolve to harden. I know I was going to lie to them, but it was for the best. They...they wouldn't understand me and Vlad. They'd think I'm crazy or brainwashed or something and they'd blame Vlad. It may be lies I tell them, but it's for the best. At least for right now. Maybe when we're all much much older I'll tell them the truth. Maybe.
"Hello? Earth to Danny?" Sam snapped, her fingers jolting me out of my thoughts.
"What? Oh, right! So um...what'd you guys wanna know?" I shrugged.
"How did you escape?" Sam breathed, apparently having asked that three times now.
"I didn't. Vlad let me go." I said lightly. They all looked half retarded for a moment as they gapped openly.
"What!?" the loud shout was in unison, making me cringe.
"Vlad...let me go." I shrugged, launching into an better explanation at their questioning stares.
"I'll start from the beginning," I sat up straighter and they all crowded into Tuckers small bed. I found myself feeling like one of those storytellers you see in second grade. I had a second more to reflect that we would all fit much better on Vlad's bed before I began.
"So Vlad busts in at two in the morning over a week ago, hits me in the head, and drags me off to his mansion in Wisconsin. Naturally, when I woke up in a luxurious room, I realized what had happened and pitched a fit, totally obliterating the room."
"Nice." Tucker grinned.
"Did you have your ghost powers?" Sam asked inquiringly.
"At first, yeah. Vlad just set up a ghost/human shield around my room, so I could still use my powers and stuff. I just couldn't leave that room. Later he let me out around the castle, but some weird bracelet thing repressed my powers." Shrugging nonchalantly, I continued.
"Anyways, Vlad wasn't too pleased with the destroyed room. He told me to clean it and disappeared for five days."
"Wait, huh?" Tucker looked confused.
"He just told you to clean it? No threats? And then he left you alone for five days?" Jazz looked dumbfounded.
"Pretty much." I nodded. "I was still pissed beyond belief so, of course, I didn't clean it. Some servant ghost kept sending up all these five star meals but I didn't eat any of that either."
"So, what did you eat?" Sam raised an eyebrow.
"Nothing." I winced.
"Nothing!?" Sam looked shocked.
"Dude. It's Vlad's job to starve you, not yourself."
"Hey, I was worried it was poisoned or something. Give me a break." I said defensively.
"So what happened next?" Jazz asked eagerly.
"Well, when Vlad came back and found out that I hadn't been eating he was really pissed. More than he was when I destroyed my room." I said.
"Your room?" Sam looked confused.
"I-I mean my room in his house, the one I used, his room, but my room." I was so horrible at covering up that stupid slip. Already Sam was looking at me kinda funny. My friends and sister were always so touchy about Vlad. I had to watch how I said things or they'd take it suspiciously.
"He was angrier when you didn't eat? Not when you destroyed his stuff?" Jazz looked confused too.
"Yeah." I replied slowly, wondering what kind of psychology was behind that.
"That means he cares more about your well being than his material items. I'm not sure thats a good thing though..." she dropped off in thought.
Oh yeah Jazz, it's a very good thing. Trust me.
"Yep. It's weird alright. But Vlad's a fruitloop, so what can you expect?" I brushed it off and continued on with my story.
"After that he made me eat on the deal that I got to call you, Sam." I would never tell them that Vlad fed me. I nodded to her and they all nodded back. Apparently Sam had told them of our call. "And the next day we hung out and-"
"Whoa-whoa-whoa-whoa! Back up dude. You 'hung out' with Vlad?" Tucker looked appalled.
"Yeah." I said nonchalantly.
They stared at me in shock, not saying anything. I took this as I could go on and I did, although a little hesitantly.
"Turns out Vlad can cook. He made us breakfast in this awesome outside kitchen thing and we just talked. It was...different."
Jazz made an odd sound between a hysterical laugh and a choke.
"He taught me how to swim too." I threw in.
"He taught you how to swim?" Sam's mouth dropped.
"Yeah, he's a pretty good teacher." and here is where I should have shut up, but stupid me got wrapped up in trying to show them Vlad's nicer colors. I probably sounded like a love struck teen (which I was, but they didn't have to know that). However, they wouldn't guess love, they'd think I was brainwashed. Very very brainwashed.
"I mean, he's really not such a bad guy once you get to know him. He's actually really relateable, being the only other half ghost and stuff. It wasn't that difficult to strike up a conversation. He got lost in his own mansion once, had to buy a map for the place." I laughed, "And did you know he likes slasher flicks? I know it's totally morbid, but it fits him perfectly. We watched Dead Teacher VIII together.-Don't pay to see it when it comes out, it's like all the other ones.- Oh my gosh, I can't believe I almost forgot! He plays violin guys, and he's awesome at it! He's got, like, three of 'em. And-what?"
I finally noticed their expressions. It was a mixture between horror, shock, and slight queasiness.
"Dude." Tucker said weakly, "What are you, in love?"
Oh, you have no idea.
I tried to force down the blush that flared across my face, but failed miserably. Instead I glared at Tucker and stubbornly replied "No."
"He brainwashed you." Sam said painfully, looking miserable.
"What? No he didn't!" I groaned exasperatedly, "I was afraid you guys would think that. He hasn't done anything, I swear!"
"Danny, were you even hearing yourself?" Sam asked quietly, looking at me as though I was a dead person. Well...completely dead person.
"Yes, I was." I closed my eyes and pressed my fingers to my temples. "Look, I just had some time to actually talk with Vlad instead of fight, and once you get past the bitter lonely fruitloop part, he's just a normal person like you and me." I said with a sense of finality.
"Except he's half ghost." Tucker displayed his knack for talking without thinking, his tone sounding as though this was a fault.
"I'm half ghost." I spat out, looking angrily at him. Tucker cringed, realizing his mistake. Jazz was watching me strangely.
"I'm not brainwashed, okay?" I said sternly, waiting till they all nodded yes hesitantly. Then I dropped the bomb.
"But I'm going back."
There was silence. Dead, thick silence. Then the house exploded.
"YOUR WHAT!"
How Tucker's parents slept through the din I'll never know. They all three started screaming things at once. I caught the word 'brainwashed' several times again, along with 'crazy' and 'no'. I heard a lot about my family missing me too.
"Guys." I said at a normal voice, staring at the wall behind them. They either didn't hear me or ignored me.
"GUYS!" I roared, my voice echoing like a thunderous god. Side effect of the ghostly wail. I can scream really loud.
They all immediately fell silent, looking at me in awe. I took a deep breath.
"I..." and here's where the lying begins. I felt miserable doing it, but it had to be done. "I'm going back for a week and then I'll come home. I think...I can change Vlad. He'd already a lot different, at least he is to me. I think if I try a bit longer, he won't be so crazy about revenge. I'm not saying I'm gonna pull some saint crap, but I think I can help him be less of a fruitloop, ya' know? Another week won't kill mom and dad, and it'll help in the long run, I know it will. Just give me a chance." God, I'm so damn selfish.
They stared at me, concerned and deep in their own thoughts.
"You do know the saying, you can't teach an old dog new tricks, right?" Sam said hesitantly.
"This is different Sam."
"If...if you really think you can make a difference dude, I guess it's your choice. You just better come back in a week. No evil apprentice stuff." Tucker warned.
"I promise." I smiled weakly, glad for his support.
Jazz continued to stare at me. I could tell she was thinking something big and that worried me.
"Your getting very attached to him, Danny."
I froze up in fear for a second, like when mom or dad has a ghost invention around me and it goes off. Sam and Tucker looked at me as though seeing me in a new light. I squirmed uncomfortably.
"I'm just helping out where I can. If this makes him try to kill dad less then I don't see a problem with it." I said, sounding resolved.
She nodded slowly, looking concerned.
"Only if you talk to us every night." she said.
"What, call you?" but what if I was busy with Vlad?
"I don't care how, just get in touch with one of us every night, just so we know your okay." she shook a finger at me. Sam and Tucker nodded in hasty agreement.
"Alright, alright. I'll borrow a laptop and IM Tucker or something. It's easier."
There was a silence between us. My friends and sister looked wrapped up in their thoughts, their expressions down.
"Anyways..." I dragged the attention to a different subject, "There is a really big problem living with Vlad."
"What?" Tucker and Sam asked eagerly, looking for me to finally say something bad about the guy.
I transformed into my human half, letting the chilly rings pass over me like water, calling back my black hair and blue eyes. As my appearance completed, Sam and Tucker gasped in disgust and shock.
"The man worships church clothes." I said, deadpanned.
"Dude." Tucker sympathized weakly, looking sadly at the black dress pants, belt, and long-sleeved, button up blouse. I had the top two buttons undone, giving me some air.
"Yep. Finally ran out of pajamas." I said woefully, looking down at my outfit as though it were a tragedy, which it totally was.
"Ouch." Sam snickered.
"You look like a mini-Vlad." Jazz commented.
"Hilarious." My tone flat.
"You know he hates it when I cuss?" I suddenly remembered, thankful for the convenient distraction. I didn't need Sam or Tucker pondering Jazz's comment.
"Really? You'd think a baddie like him wouldn't care to hear a few cuss words." Sam looked thoughtful.
"Well he does use baked goods to express his anger." Tucker reasoned.
"True."
"What does he do when you cuss?" Jazz asked innocently.
"He gets mad. So I cuss more." I smirked darkly, earning laughs from Sam and Tucker. Jazz smiled a little, but then her smile dropped, her eyes cast downward with an expression of subdued horror and disbelief. I felt apprehensive suddenly.
"Danny what's that on your neck?" she asked as innocently as she could, her strained voice cracking slightly.
My stomach flopped, sending waves of horror throughout my body. The scene with Vlad erotically biting my neck all last night slammed into me, full force, and I froze up.
"Uh..."
"It...it looks like a-"
"Cat bite!" I yelled wildly, hastily buttoning up my shirt, hoping to god that would be enough to cover the hickey. Or was it hickeys?
"Vlad's got a new cat!" I grinned, sounding way too strained in my ears.
But Sam and Tucker's looks of suspicion quickly evaporated at the news and they started rolling with laughter. Jazz, unfortunately, still stared at me, her horror melting into an expressionless mask.
"Yeah," I giggled a little hysterically, but no one noticed. Relief washed through me. "He got a white one and named it Maddie." I made a face.
"Ew! Seriously!" Sam rolled.
"Yup." I waited till their laughter subsided a bit, trying to decide weather Jazz's expressionless face was a good thing or a bad thing.
"So, you guys wanna go blow a bunch of Vlad's money at the mall?"I asked, digging into my pocket and pulling out a wad of hundreds.
They all (even Jazz) stared at the money in shock, a look of elation coming to their faces.
"Vlad gave you all that money!" Tucker sounded about ready to pee his pants.
"Well..." I smirked slyly. "He gave me access to his house and you wouldn't believe how much cash he's got hidden in random little places. Soooo I guess he sorta gave it to me." I threw it in the air and caught it.
"Alright Robin Hood! Way to steal from the rich and give to the poor!" Sam punched the air.
"I didn't steal it." I said hastily.
"Yeah, and I hate technology." Tucker rolled his eyes and then stopped, "Ugh, I have a bad taste in my mouth now. Hold on while I go brush my teeth."
We all laughed and Tucker ambled out of the room, scraping his tongue. I jumped off the bed and stood with my hand on my hips.
"Well, Vlad gets home by six. Wanna go kill time at the mall?"
We spent about six hours at the mall, buying tons of things none of us needed and causing usual teen trouble. The first thing I did was buy a new outfit. It was still a little fancy from my usual t-shirt and jeans, but those weren't an option right now. I caught Jazz staring at me again when I came out wearing a black and green stripped scarf covering my neck, but I just told them it went with the black jacket.
Tucker spent almost two hours in the tech store, so Jazz, Sam, and I left to check out the music department. Dumpty Humptys' new CD was out and I bought it, along with a CD full of violin solos. I wonder if Vlad could play any of these?
Just as we caught back up with Tucker, Jazz got lost in a book store. We decided to retrieve her from the great beyond at lunch. We were passing the shoe department when we spied a new store that was just recently in. One that made all of us drop our jaws.
The words "Danny Phantom's Ghostly Goods" flashed in bright green. The inside of the store was black, lit up by ghost shaped white lights. We all three automatically walked in. It was like the twilight zone for me. I saw my ghost face everywhere, in battle stance, waving, smiling, shooting, and on one embarrassing postcard, in my boxers.
"Hey Danny, Maybe you could give one of these to Skulker and he can hang this on his wall." Tucker laughed, throwing a life sized Danny Phantom doll at me, knocking me to the floor.
"Tucker!"
Sam laughed.
"This place is too weird."
"I agree Danny. Who would want your mug on a shirt? My face however..."
"That's not a bad idea Tucker," Sam started, Tuckers face lighting up in surprise for a moment, "If Danny wore your face on his shirt during ghost fights, maybe the ghosts would stop coming to Amity out of disgust."
"Oh ha ha." Tucker frowned.
I picked up a plain black shirt with the design Sam had made for my suit brightly embellished in the front. Silver rings lined the edges of the shirt like the red lines of my old t-shirt.
"Hey Sam, your DP design is famous." I commented lightly, showing her the shirt.
"Shame no one knows it was me." She said in a voice that plainly stated she didn't care.
"Tucker and I know." I pointed out, and she smiled lightly.
"You should get it."
"Huh?" I looked back her in confusion as I started to place it back on the rack.
"Come on, it's only 15 bucks. Think of how ironic it would be for you to wear it." she laughed. "We'd totally have an awesome private joke."
I fingered the wad up twenties in my hand and shrugged. If I was gonna blow Vlad's money I might as well do it throughly.
"Alright." I gave in, quickly paying for it and then rushing to a bathroom to put it on at Sam's insistence.
It was a little tight, the stretchy material clinging to my chest, but I didn't mind. It matched the scarf and jacket perfectly though. I thought I looked pretty good, all things considered.
"Your parents will kill you if they ever see you wearing that." Tucker grinned.
"I know. I'm thinking about getting them some for Christmas."
They laughed.
We wandered all across the mall, passing shops and tons of people. At first I was worried someone would notice me, but the crowds were so big that people weren't really paying attention. Once guy looked like he recognized me, but I simply lost myself in the crowd and turned invisible before he could say anything. He wandered off, muttering about seeing things.
A little past noon we extracted Jazz from the bookstore. She hadn't even noticed we left. She did notice my new shirt though. Of course, we had to tell her about the new store downstairs, and once she saw it she was in a fit of giggles.
"I can't believe you have your own store." she shook her head.
"Yeah. I just feel bad for the guy's business when everybody starts hating me again." I sighed. The citizens of Amity Park are so bi polar.
"Well, maybe they won't." Jazz said half heartedly.
"Right. You keep thinking that." I rolled my eyes.
The food court presented us with a very large selection of different eateries. Sam promptly made her way to Vegetarian Quizine once we all agreed to meet at a table under a group of plants. The line at Vegetarian Quizine was very small. Tucker ran head long for The Carnivores Niche, his mouth already drooling. Me and Jazz decided to stand in the relatively small line of Clubway together, something I should have avoided.
"So, Danny," Her voice sounded too carefree. "What do you do at Vlad's"
My defenses shot up, leaving me with a nervous tingle in my brain.
"Oh, you know." I shrugged, equally too carefree. "Annoy the crap out of each other. The usual."
"Hmm." she nodded, not quite believing me.
"When did he get a cat?"
"Uh...a while ago. I let cujo out of his ghost portal and he found her hiding under a fancy couch. They fought and I tried to pull the cat away before cujo turned her into a ghost cat. And uh...the cat bit me." I had to admit, the lie wasn't half bad. Shame I'm such a crappy liar though.
But Jazz seemed to take it, although still looking a tad suspicious.
"And Vlad let you come here, right? Does he know your coming back?"
"Yep."
"He trusts you?"
This felt like a trick question. You know, the kind chicks ask when they have a double meaning in it.
"Uh...yes?"
By the look on her face, that was not what she wanted to hear.
"Next!" A grumpy woman behind the counter glared at us. I quickly thanked any higher power for the save and ran up to the counter.
Jazz continued to give me various looks. Once she'd be suspicious, then she'd be disbelieving, then she'd switch to contemplative, and back to suspicious. It was starting to get ridiculous, and my annoyance overred my worry.
"Jazz, I don't know what your thinking about, but I'll bet that it's wrong. I'm just staying at Vlad's to try and turn him into less of a fruitloop. Don't you think a little trust is needed to accomplish that? There's no weird evil brainwashing thing going on, I swear. I'm perfectly okay."
She was hesitant, but looked like she was starting to relent her suspicions.
"Come on Jazz. Trust me." I looked at her imploringly and she sighed as she gave in.
"Alright little brother. I trust you. I know you won't get yourself into anything you can't handle." she smiled, looking relieved, and placing a hand on my shoulder.
I walked over to Sam and Tucker, never seeing her bite her lip in nervous concern.
After lunch we headed roamed the mall a bit more, enjoying the time we had together. Jazz seemed fine, much to my happiness, and the rest of the day passed without incident. Only one other thing happened as we made our way back to Tuckers house that evening. I got smacked in the face by a flier with my face on it, a reward and desperate "Have you seen this boy?" in bright red at the top. My guilt festered and I stuck the flier in the trash, not saying a word to Sam, Tucker, or Jazz.
"Man, what a day." Tucker collapsed onto his bed, dropping his many bags of newly acquired items on the floor.
I floated the rest of the way through the floor, turning back into my human self. It was much easier to avoid parental detection as a ghost.
"Your telling me." Sam relaxed in Tuck's computer chair, sighing.
I looked out the window at the setting sun, the clock beeped six.
"It's late. I should head back to Vlad's." I announced. They gave me mournful stares and tried to convince me to stay for about the millionth time that day.
"But it's starting to get dark. Maybe you should stay here for the night and head to Wisconsin tomorrow."
"Yeah, it's a long flight to Vlad's mansion. Aren't you tired?" Sam implored.
"I can get to Vlad's in ten minutes." I said, a little apologetic as I transformed back into my ghost half.
Their faces sunk but Jazz looked confused.
"How?"
"The portal. His entrance is about ten minutes from ours." I shrugged.
"I didn't know..." she trailed off, thinking again.
It was six o' five.
"I gotta go guys." I rose into the air, my ghostly tail melting into existence.
They sighed heavily, and I felt like crap for leaving them. After many hugs and "be careful"'s and "don't turn evil"'s, I floated out of the house, speeding towards the Fenton portal.
I didn't slow down as I flew through the house, noticing the RV parked in the next lot and not wanting to see my depressed parents. Their ghost equipment barely detected me as I shot into the lab and dove into the portal, pretending I hadn't seen my mom and dad hugging each other tightly, bags under their red eyes. I pushed the guilt away.
Just one week.
I increased my speed, suddenly wanting to be in Vlad's waiting arms. It had been a long day. Ghouls and ghosts zipped by, along with many purple doors. I was a stream of lightening, turning sharply and dodging annoying attacks that occasionally came from ghosts I didn't recognize, most likely protecting their territory.
Finally, Vlad's portal came into view. I couldn't help but smirk at the large football covering it, pushing it aside hastily and flying in. I was greeted by a very dark Lab so I flew up through the floor, wandering the halls for all of two seconds before Vlad's hand reached out and grabbed my arm, pulling me out of the air and into him.
"Your late." he smirked.
"Only a little." I argued.
"Hm. Too much." he kissed me gently and I wrapped my arms around him, a smile playing on my lips.
We broke apart and I felt to the ground as I transformed, landing smoothly on my feet. Vlad raised an eye brow at my attire and that quickly reminded me.
"You are in so much trouble." I frowned, poking a finger at his chest.
"Me? What did I do?" he asked, surprised at my sudden change of mood.
I glared sourly as I pulled the black and green stripped scarf away, revealing two very prominent love bites. Vlad blinked and then roared with laughter.
"It's not funny!" I yelled, a smile tugging at my lips. I loved his laugh.
"Of course it is!" Vlad gasped, leaning against the wall for support and still cracking up.
"What did you do?" he grinned, wiping a tear away.
"I told them your cat did it." I smirked evilly. Ha. Payback.
He scowled.
"Touche."
He looked down at my shirt, eying it appraisingly. Although I have a feeling he was staring at the tight fit of the shirt, not quite the shirt itself.
"Nice shirt."
"There's a new store in the mall dedicated to my ghost half. It's ridiculous. Sam convinced me to buy it cause she's into irony."
"Well then she'd love us." he muttered, "And what is the owner of that store going to do when Amity decides to hate you again?"
"I dunno. Probably go out of business." I shrugged, not really caring. I totally didn't give that owner permission to my rights and he was ripping money off me. Granted, if I had given permission my secret wouldn't be so secret any more, but whatever. Oh, and speaking of money.
"By the way..." I tapped my fingertips together, looking at the wall. Vlad's eyes narrowed.
"What?" he asked, the whole what-did-you-do question in his tone.
"Uh, well I kinda borrowed some money from your vase upstairs." I half winced, half grinned, shrugging.
He stared at me, expressionless. Was he angry?
"Uh...here's what's left." I dropped three dimes and two pennies in his hand.
He stared at it.
"You spent 2,000 dollars in one day?" he asked flatly. My eyes widened in shock.
"Two thousand dollars!" I yelped, gapping.
"You didn't even count it?" he looked at me dumbfounded.
"Well that was a lot of twenties and I'm not that good at math..."
"Daniel!"
"Whaaaat?"
He put his fingers to his forehead, shaking his head with a chuckle.
"I can't believe you didn't even count it..." He laughed, turning and walking toward the stairs. I ran after him.
"So...are you mad?" I asked hesitantly.
"Mad? Of course not. 2,000 dollars is pocket change my dear boy. I'm just a little surprised you took it without asking." he looked down at me with a smug grin. "I'm so proud of you."
"I didn't steal it!" I said hotly.
"Whatever helps you sleep at night, Danny."
I scowled and trailed after him. We entered the smaller kitchen, the darkness outside shielded by the bright curtains. I guess Vlad wasn't in the mood to cook because he sat down at the table and motioned for me to do the same. The same ghost from before phased through the door, the one that totally ignored me when I was strapped like a prisoner to a chair after my starvation episode.
She looked horrendously bored, placing the plates before us without a care. Vlad and I both said thank you at the same time though, and that made her snap her head in out direction, surprise on her wrinkly face. Before I could comment she floated back through the door. Shrugging, I turned to my food.
"What did your friends and sister say?" Vlad asked gently.
Oh, I'd forgotten about that.
"Well, they weren't really happy about me coming back. In fact, they were horrified. But I managed to convince them I wasn't brainwashed and so they won't come barging through the door, as long as I IM them every night."
"IM?"
"Jeez, Vlad, your so old." I rolled my eyes and Vlad flicked me in the head. "Instant Messaging. It's basically chatting over the Internet. You've got accounts to keep track of all the people in your address book and stuff."
"That sounds like a telephone." he blinked, confused.
"It kinda is, just with typing."
"Then why don't you just call them? It sounds much easier."
"No way. IM-ing is totally easier."
We stared at each other, neither willing to relent. After about three straight minutes of the stalemate we agreed to disagree, placing this under the things-I-don't-understand-about-fruitloops/young people category.
"Do you have a laptop I can use?" I asked.
"I have several."
"Awesome."
We ate our food in silence for a while, utensils clinking. Eventually I worked up the nerve to tell him about something that could be potentially disastrous. I set my fork down softly, suddenly loosing my appetite.
"I think Jazz knows." I said quietly, out of the blue.
Vlad choked on his drink, quickly covering his mouth with a napkin, looking down at me in budding horror.
"She's the one who caught this-" I pointed to the love bite "-and even though I managed to pass it off as a cat, she acted really suspicious all day." I stared at the wall ahead of me.
Vlad was silent, watching me.
"I think she's more...refusing to believe it, ya' know? All she has are suspicions so I don't think she really believes it. I got her to drop it at lunch, but I don't know if it worked or not though." My voice started to strain, visions of Jazz finding out and never letting me see Vlad again making my heart clench. I wouldn't let her.
Vlad slowly stood from his chair, dinner forgotten.
"I'm so sorry." I shook my head, still staring at the wall. "If she finds out it'll be all my fault and I'll never be able to come here again and-"
"Shhh." Vlad whispered gently, his hands sliding over my shoulder and hugging me firmly.
I took a deep breath, inhaling his unique scent.
"She's just suspicious, she won't find out. Jasmine is always suspicious," I could hear the eye-roll in his voice, "And this is probably such a radical idea to her that she won't consider it true till it's proven right in front of her face, like that's going to happen." I nodded mutely. "And even if by some crazy chance she does find out, it won't be your fault." he nipped at my neck lightly, making me flinch toward him. "I'm the one who bit you." he was smirking proudly.
I felt myself turn intangible and he pulled me through the chair, pressing my back up against him.
"You need to relax, Danny." he whispered, hands trailing over my chest and face, lips touching my skin.
"Yeah..." I mumbled, leaning into him.
"Do you trust me?" he asked.
I turned around and kissed him full on the lips, my smaller hands trailing up his face and brushing his ear. His hands jumped to my waist, pulling me closer.
"Does that answer your question?" I asked, smiling and raising an eyebrow up at him.
Vlad grinned, transforming into Plasmius at the same time I changed to Phantom. I'm not quite sure how we managed to get to Vlad's room with our lips locked, but we did. I expected Vlad to drop us onto his soft mattress, but was surprised when we landed in his grandiose bathroom, the thick red rug under my bare feet tickling.
"Vlad?" I asked, breaking away slightly.
"Shh." He put a finger to my lips, changing back to human and I followed suit.
The scarf snaked off and he dropped it to the floor. Pulling me closer, he returned his lips to mine, gently slipping off the black jacket. It landed on the floor with a quiet thump. His fingers danced tantalizingly up my shirt, feeling the skin. He removed the shirt the old fashioned way this time, slipping it over my head. It wasn't that hard to guess Vlad's intentions when he turned the water to the massive jacuzzi on, frothy bubbles and pristine water tumbling out of the four spouts. I felt my heart rate accelerate, but said nothing, trusting Vlad.
He looked at me a little hesitantly for a second, but then started to unbutton his jacket. After a pause, my pale fingers met his and I finished the job, pulling the jacket off and starting on the vest underneath, a blush spreading across my face.
"Do you have to wear so many friggin layers?" I mumbled, beginning on the blouse.
He smirked, pulling it through him intangibly. I smiled up at him.
"See why T-shirts are so much better?"
"Nonsense." Vlad scoffed, his hands traveling smoothly up my bare back and pulling me closer. My heart rate accelerated rapidly when he stared unbuttoning my pants slowly, testing to make sure I was okay with this.
The zipper echoed over the gushing water in my ears and my nerves danced when he dipped his fingers past the hem line, tugging the pants down a bit. I didn't protest and Vlad wasted no time in phasing them completely through me. I forgot about them as they dropped to the floor, my face absolutely flaming and heart pumping while Vlad easily phased his own pants through him, leaving us both nude and barely an inch from each other.
I think I was shaking a bit, cause Vlad's gentle guiding hand held my arms reassuringly and we slipped into the pool, hot steaming water covering us up to our wastes. Pink, aroma filled bubbles were pilled high, looking like small mountains in some places. Vlad took my hand and led me to one end of the jacuzzi, sitting down on a bench and beckoning me to sit on his lap. Hesitantly, I complied, all my heightened scenes exploding when I felt his hard member beneath me, the feel of our nude bodies together making a sudden wave of desire wash over me.
Vlad placed his hands on my shoulders, slowly staring to kneed and massage the tense muscles. His fingers dug in all the right spots, making me gasp in surprise, relaxation seeping through me. It felt so good; I scooted farther back in his lap, my legs wrapping around his in the water as his fingers rolled every knot out of my back, from top to bottom. Eventually the movement turned smoother and sneakily slipped to my chest. Vlad leaned me against him, the steam of the hot water and massage making me tired.
I stretched like a cat, arching my back against him and inadvertently pushing against his sensitive spot. He tensed very slightly and his hands tightened.
"Your teasing me Daniel." He groaned, hands under the water struggling to remain above my navel. I grinned.
I don't know what caused it. Maybe it was the thrill of breaking some code to society or maybe it was the overpowering waves of desire that hit me each time Vlad's hands went just a little lower. I felt liberated again, ready to do anything to my hearts content with him. I wanted to tease him, to push him over the edge. I wanted him to go lower and not stop. The feel of our nude bodies was electrifying, making me crave more. To hell with logic.
"Am I?" I grinned cattily, seeing Vlad raise an eyebrow for a moment and then grin back.
"Yes, and it's quite rude." his tongue trailed up my neck, teeth biting down and sudden fangs almost breaking flesh.
I gasped, arching my back again and pressing into Vlad again. He groaned heavily, the hands on my chest grasping as he pushed back slightly. I took a sharp intake of breathe, feeling my arousal harden further. His hands started sinking lower and lower, and with a rush of fire I knew he wasn't going to stop this time. I fell against him, gasping when his fingertips lightly brushed my most sensitive area, making me flinch.
"Teasing's...rude." I gasped as he just barely began feathering his fingers up and down my arousal.
"It it now?" he whispered hotly in my ear.
I moaned when he took me fully into his hand, slowly pumping up and down. My hands gripped his waist behind me and I gasped for breathe, my heart pumping madly. His masterful ministrations smoothly and fluidly turned me into a pile of goo, my eyes lidding as lust began taking over like a hot fog in my head.
"Does it feel good, Daniel?" he whispered a little dangerously.
I nodded immediately, squirming when his grip tightened gently, going up and down. His free hand tipped my heavily breathing face back and he overtook my lips, his pace quickened. My hips started to automatically move against his hand as the fire increased..
I squirmed against him again, my legs twisting around his. The feel of flesh on flesh everywhere, so inmate, was overpowering.
"Vlad..." I gasped through the kiss, my stomach tightening and his hand ever increasing pace.
God, it felt amazing! I couldn't contain myself, groaning as release finally came and I arched my back against Vlad, hands tightening on his hips. Vlad grinned and emitted the sexiest laugh I've ever heard. I wanted more!
Trembling from the rush, and managed to twist myself around, wasting no time in pressing our heavy arousals together and eliciting a moan from both Vlad and myself. His hands possessed my hips strongly, grinding me against him. My arms gripped his back, nails digging into flesh. Vlad sucked on my neck and I pressed myself against him harder, moaning.
I wasn't really aware of my actions, only the intense ecstasy roaring through my veins. My hands gripped his loose hair slightly and then my nails dragged down Vlad's chest, his groan as my fingertips ran over his hard arousal waking something animalistic within me. I grinned, relishing the sound of his voice. I was just about ready to really hear him make some noise, when he suddenly stopped me, gripping my wrist tightly and not letting me move my hand.
I raised an eyebrow, my fuzzy brain not cooperating very well. What was he doing?
"Daniel stop." he groaned, sounding like he wanted to kick himself.
"Why?" I whispered with a tantalizingly smile, reaching my restrained fingers to brush his hardened member. He tensed and took a sharp intake of breath, moving my hand up and out of reach.
"Because if you don't stop now I'm not going to later and I don't think your ready for that." he said quickly, obviously not wanting to say that.
But voicing his thoughts seemed to have hardened his resolve, much to my disappointment. He took a deep breath, sitting up straight and placing his hands on my hips with a sense of finality. The fog in my head slowly started to clear as I realized he was sticking with his choice, the haze remaining for a last few seconds to blurt out, "Yes I am."
Vlad chuckled weakly, pulling me just a bit closer.
"You tell me that when your head is clear and I promise, I won't hesitate."
I blinked, probably smiling like an idiot as the thought of how very attractive he is ran through my head. Vlad smirked tiredly, ruffling my slightly moist hair. After a moment he gently leaned me against his chest, himself leaning back against the edge of the jacuzzi.
I sighed quietly, a very content smile sitting on my face. His muscled chest was warm and the water lightly kissed our skin. We sat in silence for a very long time, savoring the peaceful moment. Steam floated in the air above us and time stretched on, unmeasured. Vlad traced lazy designs in my back, eventually moving to simply rub my wet skin up and down, up and down. It was like the perfect metronome, gently lulling me into a blissful state akin to sleep.
"Danny?" his voice cut through the daze, making my lidded eyes flicker as I slowly came back to awareness.
"Hmm?" I replied, not moving from the complete comfort that was Vlad.
Unfortunately, he had other plans, and those plans became openly known when he suddenly lifted me clean out of the water, making me squeak embarrassingly as the cold air bit my skin. He laughed slightly, moving out of the water and onto that deep red carpet.
Water dripped, slipping off our bodies constantly. I lost my balance slightly as my feet touched the red fuzz. Vlad immediately caught me, a matching towel already in his hand.
"My bad." I mumbled, shaking my head in an attempt to clear it.
Vlad said nothing, smiling softly, and ran the soft towel over my body, completely drying me off. A slight blush rose when he went over my more private parts, but I restrained myself. A large yawn unexpectedly came over me once the towel left and I wished for nothing but the soft confines of a bed. Preferably Vlad's.
Once he finished drying his own self, we left the bathroom, making our way to Vlad's enormous bed. I jumped in with a smile, reaching out to Vlad expectantly through half asleep eyes. He slipped in, smiling gently and taking me into his arms in a firm hug, a million emotions running between us.
The pillows were as heavenly as ever, but I curled up against Vlad's chest again and closed my eyes, sleep taking over almost instantly.
Hey! They made it past sucking face! *applause*