The True Test
Disclaimer: I do not own Danny Phantom
So, there will be a part where you'll probably think I'm being ridiculous with something Sam can do, but it's good foreshadow to the next chapter which will have a twist. But trust me it will all make sense by the end of the next chapter.
Enjoy.
December, day before break
"You are the sole survivor man." Tucker says.
"So you admit to being with Val? Good to know." Danny says.
"Yeah, I admit it. I know it was a ploy, and a good one too." Tucker says. Danny can tell he wants to say more, to try and spare his friend the hell he's going to go through, but he stops, knowing that at the moment, the friendship is on a delicate thread. To this, Danny is thankful for. Everyone in school is antsy with winter break starting at three.
"Three classes to go till break." Tucker says in a happy tone.
"Can't come quicker." Danny chuckles.
"No kidding right?" Tucker laughs as they walk into the class.
"I'm at a loss of how to approach your brother. He knows, and that's what has always made the number one man most difficult, but he's a tad bit more difficult." Sam says in agitation.
"Hmm…I really don't know, mostly he approaches them. I know he's still locked onto you because he hasn't brought home any girls at all this year. Something will hit you." Danielle says before she takes off for her next class. Sam and Valerie walk into class, Valerie flashes Tucker a smile. Sam makes a face of both disgust and mockery.
"Oh don't look at me like that." Valerie says, elbowing Sam in the ribs. Once class starts the teacher stands up.
"Now I know you're all looking forward to the break, but being senior's means having more responsibility. So, I'm assigning you a partner project for over the break. I will pair you up based on grades in the class and how well you seem to work together. So to begin the pairing…" Miss Cloon starts to prattle off names.
"Daniel Fenton, you will be paired with…Samantha Manson. You two please come up here to the board and select the subject you'll be working on." Miss Cloon says. Sam and Danny, since they sat next to each other, get up and go to the board.
"Alright, so I'm thinking either WW2 or space exploration. You?" Sam says as she skims over the board.
"Why for each one?" Danny asks.
"Do you want me to do a book report before the project? Which one do you like more and feel most capable in doing?" Sam asks.
"What if it's not either of those?" Danny asks.
"Fine, which one do you want to do?" Sam asks seriously. Danny looks at her oddly, not expecting her to ask for his honest opinion given her overall attitude.
"Giving you shit Sam. Space exploration." Danny chuckles.
"Why do you have to be such a pain in the ass about it?" Sam asks before she circles the subject and puts their initials on the bubble.
"I expected as much from you Mister Fenton." Miss Cloon says with a smile as they take their seats. Soon enough the other students are paired up and choose their project.
"Alright, make sure you have your partner's contact information to schedule out your time accordingly. Class will be dismissed in a couple of minutes. Have a nice break." Miss Cloon says.
"Well, I guess I'll need your number." Sam says coolly as she takes out her phone and gets to the contacts.
"Here you are." Sam says as she hands him the phone. He enters in the information and then hands her back her phone along with his own at the same page. After she enters in her information and then hands him back his phone. The bell rings dismissing the class. The day drags on and soon enough school is let out for winter break.
Danielle comes racing up to Sam.
"What's up?" Sam asks.
"Your parent's limo is out front, along with two others." Danielle pants. Sam blanches and then scowls as she walks outside and low and behold, Danielle is correct.
"Oh this can't be good." Tucker mutters.
"No shit." Danny replies quietly as they follow out into the snow.
"Samantha dear! Please do hurry up! Remember, we planned to vacation with our friends this break." Her mother shouts loudly as she stands outside in her big white fur coat and hat.
"You know, something came up, a school project." Sam chirps back trying not to be too annoyed with her mother. A group of people gather in as she draws closer to her vehicle and then notices it's not there.
"Where's my car?" Sam asks her mother.
"We had Amelia drive it back. A bag is waiting for you at home dear, with new clothes and swim suits for our trip to the Bahamas." Her mother beams. No doubt, all the clothes are pastels and revealing to attract the attention of every male they'd be with.
"You must not have heard me earlier. I have a school project I can't get out of." Sam says. Her father pulls out his checkbook.
"How much do you think…?" He asks Sam.
"It's a partner project. I have to do at least half of the work or I'll fail the project, and it counts for a quarter of my grade." Sam argues. The group has grown and Danny gets a tad closer, watching her face to see if there will be a point, like the last time, when she'll signal for help.
"Dear, we can by your diploma so you can have time for more…productive and important things in life." Her father states snobbishly.
"Besides Miss Manson, none of this education will matter when you're a stay at home woman." One of the men states as he looks her over.
"The teacher won't give in like that and neither will the school you know. I want to do the project. I'm genuinely interested in it." Sam argues.
"Who is your partner for the project? Maybe we could pay him to say that you did the work. Then you could join us." Sam's mother asks. Sam looks to Danny in the same way she had a couple months ago.
"That would be me, I think we met once." Danny says. Her mother's lip stiffens and her nose scrunches in disdain.
"Oh, it's you. Well, then, tell us your price so that we can be done with it and be on our way. Our plane leaves in two hours." She says, nudging her husband to get the check ready.
"You can keep your money. I'm not going to be miserable through my break doing all the project while she gets to relax on the beach. I second her opinion for her wanting to do the work. After all, misery loves company." Danny says. Danielle remains silent even though internally she's jumping up and down. Sam's parents are less than enthused. Her father writes the check and forces it into his hands to which he lets ecto-energy charge up and incinerate the check in his hand.
"What the hell?" Her mother gasps.
"Oh, did I forget to mention I'm not completely human? So Sam, my car wasn't towed or removed by a maid, we can get to my place and start the study session from hell?" Danny asks.
"Ok." Sam says almost too fast as they start for his car; her mother reaches out to grab Danny when her hand phases through him.
"What are you?" She asks.
"Half human, half ghost. In short, don't play in a ghost lab and press button you shouldn't, it can have…mixed results." Danny chuckles.
"Yeah, my brother, Tuck and I found out the hard way huh?" Danielle giggles as her eyes flash green. Too stunned to react, Danny, Danielle and Sam all get into the car and drive to his home.
"Making amends for the last time?" Sam asks once they leave the campus.
"Yup. You're welcome." Danny replies.
"Thanks, now, to call the maid and have her send me photos of said new clothes to see if there are any I might like, and to donate the rest to charity." Sam says as she dials one of the maids.
"Hey bro, you might want to let mom know." Danielle says.
"Driving, you call and let mom know." Danny says. Danielle nods and texts their mom. Sam watches her phone as pictures get sent and Danny refrains best he can from laughing at her facial expression.
"Is there anything there that isn't pink, frilly and not lingerie?" Sam groans.
"Now that's a first. Since when does a mother buy her daughter lingerie?" Danny laughs.
"It's not, but it might as well be considering its mesh. Oh look, there are some shirts for under it, also pink. Hmm, might keep two of the swim suits since their purple and black. Danielle, what do you think?" Sam asks as she shows Danielle.
"Yes, keep them." Danielle near demands.
"Ok. And the parade of pink, frills and lace continue. Holy shit, I am not a dress up doll. Is that hair dye and…oh god!" Sam says in disgust and pink cheeked.
"Do I want to know?" Danny asks.
"I would rather not share." Sam mutters in embarrassment.
"I want to know but I'm afraid at the same time." Danielle says as they park in the driveway.
"I have a feeling you'll both think of the most awkward thing in the world if I don't say. She bought not only hair dye, bleach blonde, but also eyebrow and…pubic hair dye. And a wax kit and pulse light thing for permanent removal." Sam says her face growing redder.
"What the fuck?" Danny and Danielle say.
"Yeah, the note with the dyes says 'because all of the men would like you blonde and with little hair', which is, well, awkward in a word." Sam mutters before they get out of the car.
"I'm just in shock." Danny says.
"I'd like to say I am, but in all honesty, I'm not. Is that sad?" Sam asks.
"Just a bit." Danny replies as they walk into his home.
"Our sister will be home tomorrow. How often do you think you'll be over Sam?" Danielle asks.
"No clue. And now the mother beast is calling." Sam says as Maddie enters the room. She scowls only slightly as Sam answers the phone and walks to a corner opposite of the room.
"That was rude. No child should call their parent that." Maddie says.
"Mom, her 'mother' is trying to marry her off to some wealthy jerks because they want a better standing in society even though they're already filthy rich. Her mother gave her an entire body hair dye set because the other men would prefer her to be blonde other than the natural ebony she is." Danielle says.
"What?" Maddie asks in shock as she edges a bit closer to Sam along with the other two.
"They're not dangerous mutants, they had an accident in the lab. They didn't threaten you. No I'm not joining you. I don't care what Arnold, Reggie, Maxwell and Derek say, and yes you can tell those arrogant pricks that. Oh, I'm on speaker. I don't care. I don't care if I don't make proper wife material by your standards, by my standards you have no right to tell me that I'm not good enough for you because I don't look like one of the whores you've slept with. How do I know, I have close sources that remain anonymous. Yes mother, I saw the packages…no, I didn't see the green contacts and refuse to wear them. I don't care if my purple eyes are 'freaky' I was born this way you arrogant son of a whore…fuck off." Sam growls before hanging up only for the phone to ring again.
"What?" Sam snarls as she turns around and leans against the wall, not caring that they were watching. Her eyes go wide before they narrow with anger.
"You told them that? You have no business telling them that…That's why all of them are… So, the only reason any of those assholes want to marry me is because I'm chaste, I'm untouched and they want to…I see…well, what if by the time you get back that's changed?...Oh, you think so…try me…oh, don't I? After all, I left with a guy…wanna bet? Bye, have fun in the Bahamas, don't call me, I might be busy." Sam says as she hangs up and proceeds to block the number.
"What did you just drag me into?" Danny asks.
"If my parents ask, or accuse, you of taking my virginity, roll with it and be as arrogant as you can be." Sam says.
"Why?" Danny asks trying not to turn a shade or two of how she just announces it in front of his sister and mother.
"Because that seems to be the only reason at least eighty percent of the men they've talked to want to even marry me. They want to be the first to enlighten me of sex, so to counter that I need someone to lie for me and say they beat them to it. You seem like a likely candidate for that with your expertise in that area mister, quote unquote 'super stud'." Sam replies sharply.
"Excuse me while I go die from laughter." Danielle says as tears threaten to fall from her eyes and her face turns red from restraining her laughter.
"Would you like to stay for the break?" Maddie asks.
"I'll think on that offer. Right now, I just need a quiet place to think before I do something crazy or sadistic." Sam mutters.
"Wanna go and actually work on the school project?" Danny manages to say.
"Yes." Sam says adamantly.
"What would you like for dinner?" Maddie asks.
"Sam's vegetarian. Can you work with that?" Danny asks.
"Yes, I can work with that." Maddie says with a smile as Sam ascends the stairs.
"All those brains, looks and charm and the only dreams her parents have for her is to be arm candy for a rich boy who will undoubtedly cheat on her. Please son, for all that is good, fall for this one and get her out of that nut house." Maddie says.
"Mother!" Danny replies in shock as Danielle breaks into another violent fit of laughter. Maddie smiles sweetly before she walks into the kitchen. Danny walks up the stairs to his room where he finds Sam on his bed, boots and coat off, book in lap as she reads and highlights important details for the project, with the outline on his pillow for what is needed. He watches her quietly for a moment as she is either unaware of him there or could care less.
It's no wonder she's like the way she is, her parents have been anything but supportive of her and have only wanted her to be a carbon copy of them. Sam's phone rings again. She looks at the caller ID and smiles a little.
"Hey grandma, sorry I didn't come home." Sam says as she answers.
"Oh that's alright darling, I…you have me on speakerphone don't you? Anyway, where was I? Oh yes, I don't mind you not coming home, I understand completely." A woman's voice gentle lilts through the speaker.
"Yeah, sorry, I'm doing homework and really need to be hands-free." Sam says.
"Well, what I'm saying is that you can stay as long as you like or need. I know you're legally an adult, but that doesn't mean you're not my granddaughter. You're beautiful and charming just the way you are, blast what all those so called men say." The woman says.
"Thanks grandma. Do you want me to come home to celebrate the holidays?" Sam asks.
"If you so choose, I don't mind either way. It's almost as if we don't celebrate anymore ever since your parents started this confound idea of arranging a marriage for you." The woman says.
"So what is it those other guys were saying?" Sam asks as Danny quietly enters his room. Sam looks to him and smiles a little before her grandma replies.
"Oh my goodness you would not believe the list of things they want you to do to just your appearance. They want you to enlarge your breasts and your glutes and to get rid of the fat in your belly and to dye your hair blonde, every hair, and to tan twice a week for four weeks and to wear blue contacts or green contacts and to get your lips plumped up and to do a nose job and to shave your chin down and oh my goodness if it weren't for my health being in trouble I would've strangled those young men." Her grandmother rants.
"So, basically, they wanted her to be a Barbie doll?" Danny says.
"Yes, might I ask who you are?" her grandmother asks.
"Daniel Fenton, but most people just call me Dan or Danny. I don't care either way. I'm Sam's history project partner." Danny says.
"Ah, alright. Well, my name is Elaine." She replies.
"Nice to verbally meet you." Danny replies.
"Likewise. And then they went into your manners and how you spoke, they would like less of it or when you do they would like you to always smile and sound cuter. They want you to agree with everything they say. And then they got into more personal details. But I refuse to discuss that garbage. And what did your parents do? They simply nodded and said we agree. Can you believe that my son, born of two strong willed and outspoken people would be such a jellyfish?" Elaine growls.
"Well, it's because I wasn't the first child they conceived." Sam shrugs.
"Regardless of that, you are the first born child. The only child. They shouldn't just be trying to get rid of you and submit you to these men who will have you as a trophy and then sleep with other women. That's just completely heinous." Elaine snips.
"I know, but, don't worry, I have a plan. Mother said that the only reason a good amount of those men show any interest is because I'm well chaste. So, I threatened to take care of that problem." Sam says.
"They'll make you go to a doctor. They'll know you lied." Elaine warns.
"I recently went to that kind of appointment, and you know they won't just do another one of those appointments without good cause. I would love to see my parents explain why they insist on why I should get another one." Sam says.
"You do have a valid point. I would like to think you get that quick wit from me. Your friend is being awfully quiet." Elaine points out.
"Because I'm in shock that one of her relatives has a brain and a backbone. This alone proves that that quality must skip a generation." Danny says.
"Yes. I've almost raised Sam since she was seven. From what I heard from my son, you stepped up and whisked her away from them. I thank you for it, because I know something dreadful and despicable would've happened on that cruise." Elaine says.
"Not a problem. I do that kind of thing on a day to day basis." Danny says.
"Oh yes, he did mention the 'demon powers'. I suspect otherwise." Elaine says.
"A lab accident turned me into a half ghost hybrid." Danny says.
"I may decide to stop by over the break in case I get lonely. Don't worry yourself none dearie, I have some of my old bowling buddies to gab with. You have fun over your vacation." Elaine says.
"Danny, I need some help down here!" Maddie calls.
"Coming." Danny calls back before he leaves the room.
"My goodness he sounds handsome." Elaine says.
"As the devil he is grandma. Black hair, lightly tanned skin, ice blue eyes, not a bad bod either, and he knows it and he's the top school player." Sam says.
"He sounds like trouble but makes you feel good about it. That man will be a tricky one dearie. And if you do fall for him and he for you, elope as fast as you can!" Elaine cackles.
"Grandma!" Sam squeals.
"I'm teasing. Again, have fun over your vacation, live a little, heck, follow through on that threat." She laughs.
"You're despicable. Now I know where I get it from." Sam snorts.
"I have taught you well young grasshopper." Elaine chuckles.
"Night grandma, I love you." Sam says.
"I love you too oobla." Elaine replies before she and Sam hang up the phone.
"Your grandmother sounds like she was a rebel when she was young." Danny chuckles from the doorway making Sam jump.
"Yeah, she was. That was how she met my grandfather. It's a funny story that she could tell way better than I could." Sam says.
"If there's one thing I know, it's that the elderly usually have a ton of funny and interesting stories, but no one has the time to listen to them. It's kind of sad really." Danny says.
"Yeah." Sam replies.
"What's oobla mean?" Danny asks.
"When I was little I had a hard time expressing myself through words. My grandma tried teaching me the word hoopla, but all I could say was oobla, so a nickname was born." Sam says fondly.
"Ah, makes sense." Danny replies before he takes out his own books and gets to work. It's quiet between the two as they work, the only noise in the room is the gentle breathing from both of them and hiss of the highlighter to the paper and a scritching of the pencil to the paper with their notes. Danny looks up at her and takes a moment to fully observe her. Her breathing is slow and shallow, her chest rising and falling so subtly it looks as though she's not breathing at all. Her hair covers some of her face, save for the area where she pulled a lock behind her ear. Pale of course, but never sickly, haunting would be a more accurate word for her looks. Thick black, long eyelashes frame her lilac eyes. An angular face, sharp and soft somehow blended together into perfect harmony with high cheekbones and a narrow chin all made to look somehow plush and flawless. Heart shaped in a way.
He absorbed how she looked from each angle of her face to the angles, curves and delicacy of her hands. Even her feet, for she had taken off her boots, were small and delicate looking. Everything about her screamed delicate and fragile, like too much sun would make her combust or short bouts of extraneous physical activity would cause her to break and yet she was a fighter, independent and extremely stubborn. She was designed almost perfectly to lull a man into a false sense of security with this woman, forget how she was and get comfortable with her in the room, but then she would break you like a twig and make you feel like it was your fault. Nature is cruel and twisted, Danny concludes mentally before he continues his note taking.
"Danny, Sam, dinner!" Maddie calls from the kitchen. Sam blinks a couple of times before she rubs her eyes and stands from his bed, stretching a little. Pops go through her body before she looks to him.
"Hey, your mom said dinner's ready." Sam says, poking his arm. He looks up and then stands, towering her by almost a foot in height. As they walk down the stairs Danny takes notice as to how quiet her steps are. The house would have to be dead quiet for her to even be heard in the slightest. They take their plates and Sam thanks Maddie for making her meal meat free. They take a set around the table and start to eat.
"So Jasmine should be home tomorrow." Maddie says.
"Cool, I wonder how Yale's treating her." Danielle smiles.
"Knowing Jazz, probably fine." Jack chuckles before taking note of the new member at the table.
"I don't think I've met you before little miss." Jack chuckles. Sam looks up at Jack across the table and almost immediately sees where Danny's height comes from.
"Oh, sorry. I'm Samantha Manson. Just call me Sam. Nice to meet you Mister Fenton." Sam says politely.
"Oh please, call me Jack. Dare I ask why you're here?" Jack asks shooting his son a look.
"Chill dad, she's my history project buddy. She might be staying for the break." Danny says calmly.
"Why? Doesn't your family want to celebrate Christmas?" Jack asks.
"My parents are vacationing with some of their friends in the Bahamas. I chose not to go, despite their insisting. And, my family doesn't celebrate Christmas." Sam says, taking a bite of her food before noticing the stares at her.
"What holiday does your family celebrate?" Danielle asks, thoroughly confused.
"Hanukkah, and since it's only a week long and it started four days ago…yeah. We haven't celebrated since I was sixteen." Sam says shyly, dropping her eyes to the table.
"So that's why you asked your grandmother if she wanted you to go home." Danny says.
"Yeah, but even she said no because we haven't celebrated in a while. I used to like this time of year, but not so much anymore." Sam says before she takes a bite of food.
"I'm sorry if I offended you." Jack says, making Sam laugh a little.
"No harm done, you didn't know and it's not something I share. But now you know. I also have no problems with you guys celebrating Christmas. Go ahead, I'll even help." Sam smiles.
"Why didn't you go with your parents if you don't mind my asking?" Jack asks.
"My parents and I don't exactly see eye-to-eye. They want me to get married by the end of next year, and I want to continue on with my education." Sam states.
"Her family is super rich dad." Danielle says.
"Oh, that explains it a little more." Jack says.
"Please tell me one of the suitors isn't Vlad Masters." Maddie says with horror in her eyes.
"No, no one by that name. Why, bad news?" Sam asks.
"I could prattle off a list of what's bad about him, but in short, yes. Very bad news." Maddie says. Sam looks at Maddie for a moment, her eyes change color briefly before she speaks again.
"He's an evil halfa isn't he? Has a thing for you? Bent on ruling the world and getting you, and probably an heir I assume?" Sam asks. Silence fills the room before Danny breaks it.
"Ok, if you don't mind my being blunt with you, how did you know that, only a few select people know that? Not even Val knows that much." Danny says.
"If I tell you, you won't believe me. Only my grandmother believes me." Sam murmurs.
"Sam, there are two halfas and two ghost hunters at the table." Danny points out.
(A/N): This was the part I was mentioning up at the beginning where you might think I'm being ridiculous. Again, next chapter, it will all make sense.
On with the story!
"Ok, simply put, I can read minds. I don't know how and I don't know why, but I've been able to since I was five." Sam says.
"Does that explain why your eyes turn yellow at times?" Danny asks, making Sam go wide eyed.
"It's that noticeable?" Sam asks.
"It wasn't until now." Danny lies. He had noticed every time her eyes changed, be it infrequent, but he noticed.
"Do you know the secret behind me then?" Danielle asks.
"Yes. That your Danny's clone, not sister, and that there was a huge paper trail and false information you and a few agencies had to make. But who would want to clone Danny and why?" Sam asks.
"Vlad Masters." The table replies.
"Ah, that makes sense now." Sam replies. The doorbell rings and Danielle runs to the door.
"Hey Elaine, I don't need to ask what brings you here, that would be silly." Danielle greets as she lets the elderly woman in.
"Grandma, I didn't expect you. You know, you should call before you do this." Sam teases.
"I know dearie, but I felt it necessary to bring up your bag for your stay." Elaine says.
"Thanks." Sam smiles as Jack, Maddie and Danny all file in.
"You must be Danielle's parents. She's a charming young lady, full of vim and vigor." Elaine chuckles.
"Yes. I'm Maddie and this is my husband Jack, and our son Daniel." Maddie says.
"I talked to your son earlier, when I called Sam. Nice to meet you all in person." Elaine says.
"Likewise." Danny smiles back before they head back to the kitchen.
"I know why you're here." Sam smiles.
"Yes, and you're right. He's dastardly with his looks. Looks like a saint but defines sin." Elaine says.
"In a nut shell." Sam smiles.
"Elaine, if you don't mind my asking, why aren't you with her parents?" Jack asks.
"I didn't want to go." Elaine states.
"Reason enough. Well, we just started dinner, you're welcome to stay." Jack offers.
"Thank you, I think I will." Elaine chirps as she lets the driver know to leave once the servant returns.
"Where would you like your bag Miss Manson?" Amelia asks.
"Upstairs, first room on the right." Sam says. Jack watches for a moment.
"Your that rich?" Jack asks.
"Yeah, but I don't like to flaunt it." Sam says nervously. Amelia comes back down the stairs.
"Thank you, get home and stay warm." Sam says sweetly.
"Good night Sam." Amelia smiles as she walks outside. Elaine rolls into the kitchen and smiles.
"Thank you for having me." Elaine says.
"Not a problem." Maddie smiles as she dishes up something for Elaine. She takes the food graciously and they all talk amorously. Danny can see where Sam gets her people skills and her humor. They finished their dinner and moved to the living room. Another hour passes before Elaine decides to depart.
"It was a pleasure meeting you all. Have a lovely night." Elaine says as she gets into her limo.
"Your grandmother is hilarious." Maddie says.
"And wise." Jack says.
"Yeah. Anyway, we should probably get back to the project." Danny says.
"Good idea." Sam agrees as they climb the stairs.
"Fair warning, you'll probably hear the great Santa debate while you're here." Danny warns.
"Do I want to know?" Sam asks.
"You'll find out." Danny laughs.
3 days later
The family is gathered around the television. Jazz is now aware of the situation for why Sam is at her home. She also can see a difference in her brother, and is astounded with what Danielle tells her about how different Danny is. A movie plays in the DVD player and as they watch the movie, Sam rests her head on Danny's shoulder.
"Want to go out tomorrow?" Danny whispers. Sam smiles and nods while mentally she smirks.
You haven't won yet Sam, I can figure you out fast, Danny thinks.
You have no clue what I can do, and you won't, until I break you, Sam thinks simultaneously.
The beginning of Danny's fall is at hand. And, come on, we all know what the great Santa debate is, i have to include it somewhere in the next chapter. Anyway, the next chapter will be a twist and a half, so prepare yourselves. Until next Saturday - I know, I'm evil with cliff hangers - please R&R.