Scars

Written on 29th of September, 2013.

The check-up was today.

And Danny hated it.

"Vlad, I don't think this is a good idea," he reasoned, wriggling out of Vlad's hold. The elder shook his head.

"Nonsense. Checking your health periodically isn't a bad idea as you put it. Besides, we're almost done." Vlad said matter-of-factly.

"Now, come. Discard your shirt so we can begin."

"No!"

That made the billionaire frown. "Why not?"

"Because... because..." he tried to think of an excuse, "you're invading my personal space!"

"Daniel, I just want to check your skin." The elder deadpanned. "And furthermore, I'm also a male. You don't need to feel shy."

"I'm not shy!" He exclaimed, face red. "I just... I just..."

"Yes?" Vlad prompted, gripping the bottom of Danny's shirt.

"Don't! Vlad!" The younger halfa swatted the elder's hands away, yanking his shirt down. He glared at Vlad.

"Stop being such a child. I just want to see if you're well or not." Danny's glare hardened.

"You're just a paranoid fruitloop! This isn't necessary. I'm fine. I feel perfectly fine." Vlad crossed his arms and wore a stern look.

Danny knew that look. There was no way out of this.

"I believe the correct word for that is concerned. Regardless, we need to be sure. So, take it off." When Danny only looked at him adamantly, Vlad sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose.

"You leave me no other choice." The billionaire put his hands on Danny's shoulders and turned his shirt intangible.

Feeling the cold air directly on his skin, he screamed.

"Ah! VLAD!"

Said half-ghost didn't reply, instead he stared at Danny's back stoically.

"Daniel... why didn't you tell me?" Vlad asked slowly, fingers grazing lightly on the scars.

"Because this will happen. Because you're paranoid." Danny replied quietly, defeated.

"I have every right to be. You are my responsibility now." Danny stretched his hand down to reach his shirt, but the elder stopped him.

"Don't feel ashamed, little badger." He cupped the younger's cheek. Danny instinctively lowered his head down. Vlad took a small container from the station, unscrewed the lid and took a handful of clear cream.

Danny said nothing as the billionaire applied the cool cream on his back, his arms, and his torso. Vlad had no doubt that his legs were also covered in scars.

"If a fight gets too rough, you need to tell me. You are still young. You only need to focus on your grades and having fun with your friends. You aren't supposed to protect hundreds of people from a life-threatening situation on a daily basis." Vlad said, his eyes shining with concern.

"You said that a hundred times now. I know, Vlad, but who else will hunt down ghosts in my town?"

"I can personally make Amity Park off limits to ghosts. I can convince your parents to lock their ghost portal. You are associated with a powerful figure, Daniel. I have influence on all places."

"I don't need your help." The younger man muttered. Unfortunately, the elder heard it.

"Yes you do. You don't have to shoulder all of this alone. There are plenty of people who will gladly help you, if you just let them."

"No. If something happens to them, I will never forgive myself." He said forlornly.

"Then how do you think your friends think of you? How do I think of you? If your extracurricular activity doesn't stop soon, one day you will not come back alive. Think, Daniel. I would do anything to save you from that fate, as I know your friends are too. Training isn't enough because it still takes too much of your time. I'm desperate to help you, Daniel!" The elder nearly shouted, exasperated.

Danny gaped openly.

He never saw that much emotion coming from Vlad.

"But I-" he was cut off before he could finish his protest.

"I'm not having any of it. You will sit down and enjoy your teenage years like you should. I will take care of the rest." He made his statement final, leaving no room for argument.

The dark-haired halfa sighed and closed his eyes, his small smile went unnoticed.

Finally, he was done playing the hero all the time. After all, a hero still needed another hero.

AUTHOR'S NOTE: Yep, Danny shouldn't even have all this responsibility to begin with.

And, September is almost done!