Danny was feeling an odd , bitter taste in his mouth, like when his mom accidentaly mixed ectoplasm with his cheese omelette and could feel his stomach dropping. Vlad had no right to barge into his life, take a metaphorical bulldozer and just reconstruct to his heart's content. And now the fruitloop was looking awfully smug and self-centered, which meant Danny had to either increase his own confidence or make cheeky remarks.
It's kind of how his relationship with Vlad goes, unstoppable force vs immovable object. Every person in Danny's life had a special place in it. His lovable goofball of a dad and his kind, fierce mother were his protectors who also had to be defended from seedy ghosts by Phantom. His brilliant older sister was his advisor, his well of knowledge, but rest assured Danny was always there to comfort her and encourage her dreams.
Sam and Tuck were his best friends since kindergarden. The ultra-recyclo-vegetarian and self proclaimed techno-geek were his most loyal supporters, in good times and the bad they stayed together. His relationship with Vlad was...a complicated one. On one hand he admired the fruitloop and felt a sort a sort of kinship with him on the other hand he wished he would remain in his cold castle forever and stop trying to mess up his family. And oh no, V-man was monologuing...
"Check and mate, Daniel. You shouldn't bother trying to stop me child, after all my army is unbeatable, my resources unquenchable..."
A little self-centered, aren't ya cheesehead? Danny thought then stopped his little tirate.
"Gee Vlad, you spend so much time trying to anihilate my dad, one would think you're obsessed with him"
"Only with his demise, my boy. Only with his demise"
"Not your boy" Danny said through gritted teeth.
"Not yet, little badger" Vlad told him, smugly while pinching his cheek in an avancular gesture.
" Now hop off the bed, Daniel and let's put on a show, hmmm?"
"Whatever" Danny grumbled.
They went out of Danny's room and by the stairs, Jack was waiting for them. He hugged them both warmly in a suffocating embrace than said
"Look what a spiffing friendship bracelet your uncle has gifted me, Danny-boy!" Jack said, showing the 'gift' to Danny who still felt like throwing up.
"That's wonderful dad" Danny lied faintly.
Maddie announced everyone that dinner was ready and reluctantly made an extra portion for Vlad, out of politeness. At the dinner table the atmosphere was so tense you could cut it with a knife. Danny was staring at Vlad, ignoring his food, Vlad was masterfully appearing as innocent as possible, Maddie was clutching her knife like a lifeline, Jazz was feeling slightly uncomftable and Jack was eating like a horse, unaware of the tention.
Suddenly Vlad stared back at Danny, raised a brow then signaled with his head. It was obvious Vlad wanted Danny to say a few words to his parents when the teenager would rather have a vituperative conversation with Vlad instead.
"Uh, mom, dad can i ask you something?"
"Of course, sweetheart" Maddie answered.
"Can I...stay at uncle Vlad's this summer vacation?"
Everyone, except Vlad, looked shocked.
"I don't know, honey. Wisconsin is a long way from home. What if you feel unwell and what about your summer homework?"
"Not to worry dear Madeline, I have the best medics at my disposition at my masion and i shall of course, tutor Daniel myself in all the subjects he's struggling with"
"I don't know..." Maddie started to say
"Come on Maddie, Danny will spend quality time with Vladdie, what's not to like?" Jack asked, looking as if Danny said that he wanted to become a ghost hunter himself.
"Just make sure you visit us from time to time, son, we, we'll miss you" he continued, blowing his nose on a white neckerchief.
"Not to worry Jack, Daniel and I will keep in touch" Vlad soothed the distressed dad in a false, sugary tone.
Eventually Maddie accepted. Before being on his way with Vlad, he asked if he could say goodbye to everyone, and Vlad relented with "Very well, little badger"
After packing his bags he hugged his mother, father and sister and just before letting go of Jazz he tried to wisper about the bracelet ("Jazz, dad's in d...") but was interrupted by Vlad who shook his head amused and threw Danny a threatening look promising a world of pain for Jack if he snitched.
"Danny? What was that about dad? Jazz wispered back.
"Nothing" Danny said then looked at his shoes, feeling dejected.
Vlad put a hand on his back and guided him outside.
"That was an impressive performance, little badger. We might make an accomplished liar out of you yet"
"Leave me alone!" Danny said with tears of frustration in his eyes.
"Now don't be so glum, dear boy. Our home is waiting for us" Plasmius said than took Danny's exponentially smaller hand into his before lifting him up and flying into the night.
They reached Wisconsin in the blink of an eye , Vlad opened the door, inviting Danny to step in.
"You know V-man, just because you have me pushed into a corner doesn't mean i won't fight back" Danny announced him, his eyes turning green.
"I was counting on you not losing your fighting spirit Daniel, it is a refeshing sight" Vlad mused.
"However choose your battles wisely, little badger"