"It was amazing to be back in Danny's arms after all this time. I could have stayed with him forever, except there were other matters..." - Michelle Durante

Together, they lay in Danny's bed, relaxing in each other's arms. Their eyes never left each other, not saying much at all. Fatigue began to set in again, not nearly as intense as it was before. She roved over his body, touching every surface, convincing the tiniest part of her mind that it wasn't a dream.

Her fingers absentmindedly traced over his scars. Claw marks, burn marks, deep cuts from blades, some lined with tiny dots to signify the skin was once stitched together. Being a ghost hybrid came with the benefit of quicker healing, although not every wound disappeared entirely. His body riddled with reminders of countless battles from the past four years. She knew the story behind every single one like the back of her hand.

And then, there were new ones.

She propped herself up on her elbow up to observe them. These were circular, the edges rough almost shaped like a saw blade. They were peppered all over his chest and stomach, some on his neck and upper arms. They seemed to have been freshly healed; the scar tissue still puckered and lightly tinged green. Her innards did a flip when she realized what they were from.

Danny noticed what she was looking at. "Yeah- that thing did a lot of damage, didn't it?" he sighed.

Michelle frowned a little. "It killed you," she glanced down at her naked body, her hand lightly brushing across the scar on her stomach. "God- just one spike nearly killed me. But you, you got so much…"

Danny didn't respond right away. He pursed his lips, his eyes glancing down at the scars. "The strangest thing is, I don't remember dying. As soon as I got hit, everything went dark. I couldn't feel, no pain or anything. I couldn't hear or see. It was like…everything around me just vanished. All at once."

"That's how I felt too," Michelle responded. "Well…before they managed to pull me back."

Silence fell between them, as if both were unsure what to say next. Their gazes briefly met, and then Danny's attention fixated on something else. Her left hand. He slid his own hand underneath hers to pick it up, observing the faintly glittering ring on her finger. Michelle had nearly forgotten about it; and Danny's frown was replaced with a wide smile.

"You found it." He said, a glimmer of excitement in his tone.

"Oh, yeah," Michelle said, looking at it. "I stopped by your house last night, and they showed it to me. They weren't sure if it was a promise ring or an engagement ring."

Danny chuckled once, entwining his fingers with hers. "It's an engagement ring, actually. I…wanted to ask you after graduation."

Michelle's cheeks burned as if flames licked at her face. "What-really?"

"Of course," he replied, certainty written on his face. "I knew with the whole long distance thing would be hard for us, but…I figured, why not? If we were planning to stick through it all, why not take it a step further?"

Michelle blinked, unable to find words to respond. His words ran through her mind, and emotion welled up in her chest just as when Jack and Maddie presented her the ring before. Her vision blurred, and quick tears streamed from her eyes. She immediately wiped them away, taking a shuddering breath.

"Are you okay?" Danny asked, looking concerned. "I didn't upset you, did I?"

"No," Michelle croaked, swallowing. "It's just-" she paused to swallow. "You were planning to do all of this, and your life was ripped away so suddenly…" her shoulders trembled as she tried not to cry. "Danny, losing you was absolute hell. Not for just me, but everyone."

"I know," Danny murmured, releasing her hand to pull her into a hug. "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry…"

Michelle returned the hug, burying her face in the crook of his neck. "It wasn't your fault…" she mumbled, leaning back. "But, I want to ask you something."

"What is it?"

"If you've been here all this time, why didn't you come back immediately after you died?" she inquired.

Danny blinked, and averted her gaze. He let out a long, sorrowful sigh. "It's not that simple," he began. "When I first arrived here, I woke up and I had no idea where I was, who I was, what was going on."

Michelle's brow furrowed. "So, you had amnesia?"

"Essentially," Danny responded. "I flew around aimlessly, looking around for anyone that could help. Naturally, no one wanted anything to do with me," he chuckled without humor. "Except a certain few. They told me where I was, and explained that amnesia was a common side effect with new ghosts, and that my memory may or may not return."

"After a while, I began to remember bits and pieces. My name, my hometown, my friends and my family," he paused for a moment. "And then that night. I began to connect the dots on how I got here in the first place. I'd realized I was truly dead. I didn't know how much time had passed up until that moment, but I wanted to know how everyone was doing…I thought about finding my way back to the portal, see my parents, Jazz, Sam and Tucker, and you."

"And why didn't you?" Michelle inquired.

"My better intuition told me not to," he sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "I felt like…I don't know, everyone would take it the wrong way if I showed up suddenly after being dead for who knows how long. Like, I ran away from my responsibilities. I didn't want that."

Michelle only listened, not having a response.

"Instead, I opted to send a message," Danny continued. "It had to be inconspicuous, and I decided I wanted only you to find it," as Michelle opened her mouth, he explained quickly, "I couldn't risk telling my family, or Sam and Tucker either. The more people know, the harder it is to stay under the radar."

"Danny-"

"Wait, let me finish," he said, holding up a finger. "Believe me, as much as I want to come back, I can't bring myself to do it. I would just cause more pain."

"But you don't know that," Michelle argued. "People might be happy!"

"It's a pretty strong might," Danny sighed. "Even if they were happy, I wouldn't be able to live in the human world. I couldn't just pick my life back up where I left off. There's a reason why the Ghost Zone and Earth are separate."

Michelle's heart sank lower and lower with each word, resting painfully in the pit of her stomach. "But why did you go through all that trouble just to get me here?" she asked quietly.

"I…" he cast his gaze downward, looking genuinely sad, before looking into her eyes once again. "I just wanted to see you. I wanted to make sure you were alright after what happened. I just…missed you."

"Well, I'm here now," Michelle said, reaching out to cup his cheek in her palm. As she smoothed her thumb over his skin, another question came to mind. "Wait, why didn't you ask ClockWork to help you?"

Danny chuckled again. "I tried, he said he wasn't going to keep handing me time medallions like they were freebies, since my last time journey ended in a near disaster," He rolled his eyes. "He told me he can't keep compromising the timeline with my recklessness, or something like that. Death isn't something that can be easily fixed…"

Michelle huffed. "This sucks."

"I know," Danny agreed. "But…there's nothing we can really do about it."

Michelle pursed her lips, folding her arms over her chest, a million thoughts currently whirling through her head. "Then…I'll stay here."

Danny's gaze hardened. "No." he said immediately.

"Well, why not?" Michelle said defensively.

"Because you're still human, you still have a life to live. College and a career," he hesitated, looking very reluctant. "You… could go on and start a family of your own."

Michelle stared at him incredulously. "What? No."

"Michelle," Danny said sadly. "We can't-"

"Don't you dare say that," Michelle hissed, standing right off the bed. She clenched her fists, scowling at him. "I came all this way. We love each other, we just made love for Chrissake! Now you're telling me that I need to find someone else?!"

Danny winced, as if her words stung. "I don't like it any more than you do, except there's no possible way we could make this work out seamlessly. I don't want to hold you back from living your life just to be with me, here."

"Then I'll visit instead!" Michelle exclaimed. "I'll fly back to Amity Park from Texas every weekend if I have to-"

She was interrupted when Danny stood up in such speed to grip her shoulders. His gaze bore deeply into hers. "Michelle, please. Just listen to me." He said calmly, a faint tone of pleading.

"No, Danny, you listen," she said, putting her finger up at him. "I love you. I don't care what barriers I have to cross, I still want you in my life. And this?" she pointed at the ring. "If you wanted to marry me, then why would you tell me this now? Why aren't you fighting harder?"

Danny looked pained. He glanced at the ring, and back to her. "I do want to be with you, Michelle. It's just...Ghosts and humans…being in a relationship," he murmured as he sat on the edge of the bed, running his hand through his hair. "It's unheard of. Hell, I don't even know how it would work…"

"Why does that even matter?" asked Michelle, emotion heavy in her voice. She bent down to his level, taking his face in between her palms. "We could make it work. We have the resources to be together. Even if it means seeing each other, like, once a year. Knowing that you're here is a hell of a lot better than thinking every trace of you was gone forever."

Danny stared at her, internal struggle reflected in his eyes. He broke his gaze for a moment, as if he was contemplating what she was saying. Michelle waited a long moment, silent, waiting for a response. He gazed down at the floor and finally said, "God. I'm so selfish…"

Michelle was about to ask what he meant, when he sighed deeply. "Alright, you win. We can try to do this."

Michelle smiled, placing her hand underneath his chin. "It will be just fine." She reassured him, pulling herself onto his lap.

Danny huffed, rolling his eyes as he wrapped his arms around her. He looked thoughtful, his eyes darting back and forth across the room. He finally responded with, "You know, maybe you're right." a smile lit up his face.

"The way I see it, it's not going to be much different than if we were in college," Michelle pointed out. "But instead of different states, it's different dimensions..." She trailed off, realizing how odd that sounded.

Danny must have noticed this, as he laughed at her remark. "I don't think video chats would work through otherworldly barriers," he then sighed. "How would you even come anyway? My parents' portal is the only working one we know of. They'd notice you sooner or later."

Michelle bit her lip, not thinking about that. As oblivious as Jack and Maddie are, sneaking past through the premises wasn't always an option. She'd end up setting off an anti-ghost alarm or weapon at some point or another.

Before she could say anything, her stomach growled rather loudly, sending a sharp hunger pain through her system. She clutched at her midsection, thinking that carnival food she had was now felt like eons ago. She didn't know how many hours had passed since then.

"Oh, yeah, you're hungry," Danny got up, setting Michelle to her feet as he did. He went around the other end of the bed to pull his shorts back on. "Come on, let's eat."

Twenty minutes later, Michelle was sitting in the tiny kitchen, across from Danny at a small table. A warm bowl of stew was placed in front of her, the savory smell wafting through her nostrils. She grabbed a spoon and immediately dug in.

Though still piping hot, the stew slid down her throat, immediately quenching the scratching emptiness. She continued shoveling food into her mouth; pieces of steak and cooked vegetables creating a medley of flavors against her tongue before swallowing them.

With just a little left, she gulped the rest down, her lips only leaving the bowl once every last piece was gone. She placed the bowl down, to see Danny staring at her with faint amusement.

"What?" She said, wiping her mouth off. "I was hungry."

"Clearly," his voice rumbled with laughter. "When was the last time you ate?"

"Before I came here, whenever that was," she rubbed her head in thought. "I was with Sam and Tucker, we went to the carnival and he and I loaded up on all the greasy goods."

Danny gave a short laugh. "Of course...how are they, anyway?"

"They're alright. They miss you, obviously," Michelle sighed. "But we've been hanging out a lot. Kinda filling the void you left behind, I guess." She shrugged.

Danny frowned, looking down at his bowl. "Ah." He quietly mumbled.

Michelle could feel his sadness well up inside. The longing for his best friends, his family, his old life. She reached across to place her hand over his. "You can come back..."

Danny looked up at her, and shook his head. "I can't-"

"You don't have to make a big announcement, you can just come back to see the ones you love," She pointed out. "You know they wouldn't tell a soul."

Danny did not answer. He gripped his spoon hard and his free hand balling into a first; the tendons straining through the skin on his wrists. His brow furrowed in thought, appearing both confused and worried at once. His lips moved, parting as if he were going to speak. It took a few good minutes before sound came out. "I…don't know."

"Danny," Michelle said curtly, causing his attention to snap back to her. "Stop worrying. You're one of the biggest celebrities in the world, you think they would be angry if you returned?"

"There is a possibility, like I said earlier," Danny sighed. "So many people looked up to me, it may create…mixed feelings."

"But there's also a possibility that they'll be excited!" exclaimed Michelle. "Danny, stop looking at things so negatively. You're working yourself up over practically nothing."

Danny took a shuddering breath, placing the spoon down. "Alright…but not right away. I want to prepare myself first."

Michelle smiled, relief flooding through her body. "Good enough for me."

Danny's mouth twitched. "You're very persuasive, you know that?"

Michelle rolled her eyes and laughed. "I know, but admit it, you're happy."

"Worried a bit, sure," Danny responded. "But definitely happy."

They'd spent another hour or so together, when Michelle realized with a jolt she'd been in the Ghost Zone for much longer than she intended. As much as she didn't want to leave, she knew she had to, knowing her mother had probably sent out a search party for her by now.

The two exited Danny's little house, as he closed the floating door behind them. He turned to face her, his face betraying sorrow for her departure. "I'll escort you to the portal, is that okay?" He asked.

Michelle nodded, taking his hand in her own, entwining their fingers. "Of course, I'd love that." She replied. Internally, her heart hammered painfully.

Danny gave her a small smile, despite his eyes conveying a different emotion. He squeezed her hand and floated onward. She matched his speed, keeping side by side. They flew through the abyss, passing many familiar islands. Ghosts occasionally crossed their path, not really stopping to bother them, which Michelle was glad for. The journey back felt a lot shorter than her first trek; it only seemed like an hour or so before the familiar sight of the Fenton portal came into view.

They halted just a few feet before the swirling mass. Danny turned his attention to it; silent longing plain in his eyes. He closed them briefly to turn away, facing her once again.

"I guess this is where we part ways." He mumbled.

Michelle nodded, her stomach twisting in the thought of having to leave him behind. "I'll be back, ya know? I'll stop by before I leave for college."

"College," he repeated, a long gust of air escaping his lips. "Man…"

Michelle gave him a small, sad smile. Her arms encircled his neck for a final time, running her fingers through his hair. "Can I still try to convince you to come through with me?"

Danny's throat rumbled with a chuckle. "I'm half tempted to, honestly. But…like I said before, I want to prepare myself. I'm not ready yet."

"Well, I tried," Michelle replied, trying to keep the humor going even though she felt her heart sink. "I'm just hoping that's soon."

"We'll see." he took her hands in his own, removing them from his neck and holding them tightly. Their gazes met, and he leaned in. She met him halfway, his cold lips pressed against hers. He released her hands to pull her closer, his arms firm against her lower back.

Just as soon as their kiss began, Danny leaned back, slightly out of breath yet still held on to her. "God, I missed that," he glanced at the portal once again. "I should…probably let you go."

His arms reluctantly left her waist, although she didn't move just yet. She bit her lip, looking back and forth between Danny and the portal. After a moment of silence, she sighed, "I love you, Danny."

"I love you too, Misha." Danny responded, reaching out to caress her cheek briefly. "I'll see you soon."

Michelle nodded, brushing against his hand briefly. "Soon. I promise." She backed up toward the portal, allowing Danny's hand to slip away although kept her focus on him. Behind her, she heard the hum of the swirling energy grow steadily louder. Her body passed through slowly, as her vision became obscured for a brief moment. The Ghost Zone disappeared, and she was facing the other side of the portal.

She was now back in the Fenton basement.

As her feet touched the tiled ground, an eruption of vibrations buzzed from her pocket. Startled by it, she fumbled and grabbed her phone. Surprisingly it hadn't died; however there was an influx of notifications on her screen.

"Shit." She grumbled, scrolling through them. Most of them were from her mom; urgent texts, missed phone calls, and voicemails. Some were from Natalie, others were from Sam and Tucker. Even Maddie and Jack left a handful.

She turned her attention toward the time. It was 2:30 am, and it'd been well over a day since she was in the Ghost Zone.

Amelia was not going to be happy.