Moneytrees here delivering yet another chapter! I uh, kinda surprised myself with this chapter. Like the content within is the first time I've ever written something like that. Plus you might not see it, and if so you might think it wasn't a big deal but it was to me lol! Enjoy! Oh I haven't said this yet but
Disclaimer: I do not own Danny Phantom.
Chapter 4: Furthest thing from perfect
It's been a week since the day Danny faced off with the five ghosts at Nasty Burger. Making a full recovery, Walker announced that Grimera was docile, merely sitting in the prison Clockwork made. This might have eased Danny's mind but he didn't let his guard down knowing she'd make her move at anytime. Walker said that her voice had ceased to echo in the ghosts who still had reason minds. Walker locked down that half of the ghost zone. His men having maximum security over that area. Danny didn't take any chances though keeping Vlad's ear buds in at all times. On the other side of things, Paulina was taking Danny's secret pretty well.
Paulina wasn't hanging with them in school per say but she did treat the three with a newfound respect. She found herself being around Danny the most though. Now knowing who he was she found him quite interesting. Danny didn't mind this, getting to know Paulina in return. Rumors had been flying around that the two had been dating. Some said they hit it off during the summer while others said after Danny defended her from Dash she was all over him. Both of them lies but they didn't seem to care.
"Dudeeeee!" Tucker shouted from across the hall. Danny was walking with Sam talking about the Goth's new club she joined that was about Gothic cultures. They stopped and waited as Tucker ran up to them. "Star's throwing a party tonight, Paulina invited all three of us. She said she really wanted us to be there! Translation she really wants you there!" Tucker said pointing at Danny, who grinned and shook his head.
"You know I don't do parties, so tell her I impolitely decline." Sam said, Danny put his hands in his coat pockets and chuckled.
"I guess we could slide through, see what's going on." Danny said, Sam rolled her eyes and walked on.
"Just be careful and watch each others backs I don't trust Paulina just yet." Sam said as she continued on to her next class.
"There's gonna be drinks there too!" Tucker said giggling like a fan girl, Danny shook his head at his friend for his enthusiasm.
"Glad I'll be driving, cause you're definitely aren't too smart when it comes to that side of life." Danny said, the two shared a laugh, it subsided when Paulina, Star and three other cheerleaders rounded the corner.
"There's your girl" Tucker teased, Danny waved him off as he continued. "And there goes mine." Tucker said with a gaze filled with love. Danny's eyes widened not prepared for that one.
"Who?"
"Star of course, you getting Paulina gave me the hope that I needed to get Star." Tucker said Danny palmed his face not believing Tucker's words.
"Uh Tuck, Paulina only likes me because I'm her 'ghost boy'. Not to mention the only reason Star tolerates us is because of Paulina." Danny tried to explain to his best friend, Tuck wasn't having it.
"That's true to some degree, but that doesn't take away from the fact that she hasn't made a move on you. Come on dude she's always tried to get Phantom to go on a date with her or something. Why hasn't she tried to get you to do that now? And also, I'll be using Paulina to my advantage. That's how I'm going to get Star." Tucker said, Danny was about to combat what he said but Paulina and her friends stopped in front of them. "Hey there ladies, hope all of you are having a good day." Tucker said seductively, Paulina like all her friends rolled their eyes. Danny snickered at this, but Tucker didn't seem to mind.
"Hello Danny, did Tucker tell you about the party?" Paulina asked, Danny stuffed his hands in his pants pockets and nodded.
"Yeah I told him, he said he'd think about it." Tucker said preventing Danny to speak, Paulina frowned at his reply.
"Aww really? I really wanted you to be there." She said putting her hands in the middle of her waist. She gave Danny a pleading look, one that he couldn't resist even if he said he wasn't going. Danny bumped his arm against Tucker who started laughing.
"Don't listen to him, I'll be there, of course if it's alright with the host of the party." Danny said making Paulina smile before turning to Star.
"Of course you can come, if Paulina thinks you two are cool then you're more than welcomed." She said, Danny mentally snorted, 'How could Tucker like her' he thought then realized. 'The same reason I liked Paulina freshman year'
"You girls can go ahead I'll catch up in a few." Paulina said, giggles and whispers went on in the crowd as they looked at Danny. Who rolled his eyes as they went on. "Do you have to go on patrol tonight or something?" She asked, Danny nodded.
"I do but I'll be able to make it though. That was just Tuck poking fun." Danny said as the bell rung, Tucker snickered once more before Paulina's gaze descended upon him.
"Hey hook me up with Star, I'd owe you big time." Tucker asked, Paulina gave a look of light disgust.
"Tucker no offense but you know you're not her type." Paulina told him, Tucker was unfazed.
"Hey at least slide my name in a few conversations or something." Tucker spoke, Paulina groaned and put her hands on her hips.
"Okay, it's starts at ten by the way, I already texted you the address." Paulina said before walking off, Tucker lightly pushed Danny.
"See told you dude she wants you to go, and I'm so in there with Star." Tucker said fist pumping, Danny laughed, only his friend.
~Line Break~
Danny was with Skulker doing patrols in Amity Park. The remaining ghosts with their sanity divided the hero's workload of patrolling amongst themselves. Shifts consisted of two hours, two ghosts in each shift. Walker insisted his men do it, but Clockwork dismissed the idea knowing his men would be the first to be changed. So ghosts with stronger minds took over. With only five minutes left until him and Skulker would be relieved of duty.
"So ghost child, what's going tonight for you to be in such a good mood?" Skulker asked, Danny couldn't deny that because it showed. It was just that he finally had some time to actually enjoy high school.
"Oh nothing, just finally get to catch up on some sleep as all." Danny lied with a smile, Skulker didn't buy it but didn't press it either. They were on a rooftop when Technus and Kitty appeared. Danny hadn't seen the other half of Johnny in awhile and remembered the handicap match he was in against him. He knew it affected her that he was being controlled. He wondered if she was mad at him at all. He thought that would be ludicrous but it wouldn't have surprised him if she was.
"Alright you two we'll take it from here." Technus said, Skulker checked his watch and grunted.
"I'll assist you two, I don't have anything better to do anyways." Skulker said staying, Danny on the contrary was already in the air.
"Alrighty guys happy patrolling!" Danny called out as he headed home. When he got home he powered down behind his car before going up the steps to his house. He took out his keys and opened the door. He greeted his mother who was cooking.
"Hey sweetie, Tucker's in the living room waiting for you." Maddie Fenton informed him, Danny went there and saw his friend already dressed and ready.
"Come on dude, I'm ready to go!" Tucker exclaimed, Danny shook his head as he ran up the stairs Tucker right behind him. Danny shedded his coat and shirt and grabbed a towel. He went to the bathroom and hopped in the shower. Tucker meanwhile was on Danny's bed wiping off his shoes. Tucker had on a tan turtle neck, light blue jeans and red shoes that went with his red hat. After fifteen minutes passed Danny hopped out and brushed his teeth. He slipped on some black boxers and went back in his room. He threw on a dark gray shirt and a blue jean jacket then some dark brown jeans and some dark gray shoes. Tucker stood in front of him both the teens checking for flaws. Tucker then gave him a thumbs up with his index finger pointing at him. "Looking good man!" Danny held out his fist for a fist bump which Tucker gladly bumped with his own.
"You're fresh too Tuck, let's go." Danny said as they left his room. They went downstairs and told his mom he was staying over Tuck's tonight. They got in his corvette and ignited the engine.
"Whoo listen to that baby purr!" Tucker exclaimed clearly excited, Danny chuckled as he backed out of the driveway and sped off to Star's house. It didn't take long for them to get there, Tucker checked his PDA. "10:48, you know we gotta be fashionably late." Tucker said, both of them didn't want to be on time anyway. When they pulled up, the house was big. They saw others parking in the grass beside it, so Danny decided to park there as well. When they got out they gave themselves one last look over. Once done they walked toward the house. They could hear the music from where they were. Butterflies started to appear in Danny's stomach as they approached the door. When they opened it a gust of alcohol, dancing, sweat, drugs, fights and sex hit the two in their faces.
"Wow, this is intense!" Danny yelled over the music, the lights were off with different color beams of light shining in different places. They squeezed through the crowd making their way to the kitchen. Once there Tucker's eyes went wide when he saw the variety of alcohol on the table. Danny grabbed his shoulder before he could attack. "Tuck go easy on the drinks okay? Remember you have to go back to your parents house." Danny forewarned the afro teen, Tucker replied a 'I know' before diving in the liquor. Shaking his head, he jumped when he felt an arm snake around his waist.
"Glad you made it" Paulina's voice registered in his mind as he looked over his shoulder to see the brunette look at him seductively. He took note of the white styrofoam cup in her hand.
"Yeah, appreciate the invite." Danny said coolly, he couldn't help but notice Paulina's pink dress that was made of some type of cotton material. It clung to her curves perfectly, it felt soft, causing Danny to bite his lower lip. Paulina licked her lips looking him in his eyes.
"Whoa you two, let's enjoy the party a little before you pounce on each other." Tucker interrupted, causing both of them to blush. Danny rubbed the back of his head before he felt a cup being pushed in his mouth.
"Drink some of this." Paulina said, Danny gulped some of the contents of the cup. He remembered why he didn't drink cause it was disgusting. However he did swallow, letting the liquid burn his throat.
"Wow that's strong stuff." Danny said clearing his throat, Paulina giggled keeping eye contact with him. Danny broke it to find Tuck but found the teen in the crowd dancing with girls he didn't know.
"I wanna dance Danny..." Paulina somewhat begged, Danny smiled and obliged her letting her hold his hand, leading him to what seemed like the living room. The bass kicked as a moderate paced song sounded. Danny then realized he wasn't in no form or fashion a dancer of any sort. He tried to come up with an excuse to tell Paulina until everything vanished when she pushed her butt against his pelvis. She started to slowly sway with the beat and Danny followed her lead. She placed Danny's hands on her hips and began to pick up the pace.
"IF YOU COMING WITH ME, REALLY COMING WITH ME! YOU GO GET SOME GIRLS AND BRING EM TO ME!" The song boomed, was that Usher? Danny didn't know at the moment as Paulina bent down. Danny was enjoying the hell out of himself before he was snatched from his dance.
"Yo Fenturd! Who invited you?!" Dash's voice sounded, Danny growled ready to knock this guy into next week. But stopped not wanting to cause a scene. Danny turned around to see Dash and Kwan towering over him.
"Hey back off! I don't have time for you Dash!" Danny shouted over the music, Paulina wrapped her arms around Danny's waist and gave Dash and sour look.
"Oh my gosh Dash! If you don't leave us alone I'm telling Star to kick you out!" Paulina yelled, that was when a tipsy Tucker stood in the middle of both of them. He looked both Kwan and Dash in their eyes bucking up.
"Yo you punks got beef?" Tucker said somewhat clearly, Danny rolled his eyes putting a hand on Tucker's shoulder. Who shook it off while stabbing a finger into Dash's chest. "Na dude I'm tired of these guys thinking they run shit!" Tucker said drunkenly fed up, Dash jumped at Tucker who didn't flinch.
"You gotta death wish or something four eyes?!" Dash threatened getting in Tucker's face. Tucker pressed his forehead against his snarling back.
"Don't tempt me you big marshmallow, I'd wack your silly ass from here to the ghost zone-"
"OOOKAY Tucker you've had too much to drink already and we just got here!" Danny shouted pulling Tucker back. Dash and Kwan shot them puzzled expressions.
"Ghost zo-"
"He's drunk but seriously get lost Dash." Danny said pushing both Paulina and Tucker away.
"Hey get back here geeks!" Dash shouted after them, but the crowd was already shifting to where they were standing. Danny turned back to his friends to see Tucker missing again.
"Where's Tucker at this time?!" Danny asked, but dismissed the thought when Paulina pressed her lips against his. Her lips soft and tasting a sweet strawberry flavor as they lip locked. Liquor on her breath he knew this wasn't right. Danny broke the kiss and pushed her back. "Paulina..." Danny said looking her in her eyes, Paulina pouted under his gaze knowing the reason he stopped the kiss.
"Danny I told you I didn't care about who you really were." She defended getting back close to him, their faces inches apart. Danny searched her eyes for her intent.
"You're drunk" Danny concluded, earning a glare from Paulina who wasn't that drunk a little tipsy maybe.
"Danny..." Paulina breathed as she turned around and placed her ass back against his front. Danny grunted as she caught his member off guard.
"Whooooo! Go Paulina!" Star's voice could be heard, she walked by and placed a cup in Danny's hand. "You need to loosen up Danny, drink some of this shouldn't be that strong." Star said not giving the teen time enough to reject. Danny just followed Paulina as the music bumped. Danny took a sip, maybe this will help him from waking the guy downstairs. Danny hissed, he knew that this was hard liquor this wasn't white for sure. The party raged on, the half ghost having to admit this was the best time in his life. An hour into it, things weren't letting up. Danny was with Tucker whose neck was covered in hickeys and lipstick. Paulina was sitting in Danny's lap, they sat on the lounge chairs in Star's backyard by the pool. Danny had an arm around Paulina's waist starting to feel the full of effects of the alcohol.
"Enjoying yourself Tucker?" Danny asked with a smile on his face. Tucker laid back in the chair staring at the stars.
"Dude I'm having the best time of my life right now..." Tucker said eyes bulging, Danny couldn't help but laugh, Paulina giggling as well.
"Have you been able to talk to Star?" Paulina asked, wondering if the guy was even still remotely interested in her. Tucker sat up and gave her a look.
"Star? Are you serious? I'm the mack in there, I'll be the talk of the school when we get back next week!" Tucker exclaimed, then he saw the way her and Danny were hugged up together. "Or maybe you two are... I wonder what people will start saying now? I mean you two were on the dance floor the whole time! Lip locking and grinding! Everyone was watching!" Danny then realized Tucker was right and deadpanned.
"Oh yeah, more rumours and stares..." Danny said, Paulina gave him a seductive grin before pressing her lips against his again. "But I guess it's well worth it." Danny said after Paulina pulled back.
"Ohhh Tucker, where are you?" A girl asked from the back entrance along with four others who were giggling. Tucker stood up and dusted himself off, giving the two a confident look before chucking the duce.
"Well my ambiance is calling, Danny shoot me a text when you're ready to bounce." Tucker said before departing with the ladies. Danny smiled and shook his head.
"Tucker's so drunk right now." Danny said laughing, he locked eyes with Paulina who had a mellow but at the same time seductive expression she wore almost the whole night. She twisted her body so that she was straddling him. Danny couldn't lie and say that he didn't enjoy it but he didn't want to be one of those guys taking advantage of the drunk girls. He was pretty tipsy himself but he knew now he could handle his liquor fairly well. Paulina grinded against his pelvis as if her treasure was begging for him. Danny snarled primally as she put his hands on her ass. Danny, about to mentally combust gripped it hard. Paulina purred burying her face in Danny's neck. She started kissing it followed by a few nibbles. Danny bit his lip as she put a hand over his crouch.
"SHIT! THE FEDS!" Someone yelled from inside the house. The music stopped and everything turned to chaos. The people in the pool jumped out and jumped the fence. Danny stood up, carrying Paulina bridal style. He frantically looked around inside the house for Tucker. He opened the slide door and saw everyone scattering.
"Man fuck the police!" Tucker shouted from across the house. Danny groaned as he carried Paulina to where he was.
"Tuck the drunk we've got to go now!" Danny said, Tucker looked at his best friend and shook his head. Putting his arms around two girls that was of his flock.
"These lovely ladies here are going to give me a lift home isn't that right ladies?" Tuck said as the girls nodded holding onto Tucker as if he was gold. Danny rolled his eyes and gave a nod to his friend.
"Alright be careful Tuck and don't do anything I wouldn't do!" Danny said as he carried Paulina toward the side exit where the cars were parked. "Did you drive here?"
"No the plan was to stay the night and help clean up." Paulina said a little upset her and Danny were interrupted. Danny didn't pay any attention to it seeing the red and blue lights flashing. He unlocked his door and placed Paulina in the passenger side. He got in the driver seat and his car roared to life. Wishing he didn't drive so he could just go ghost and fly out of here. He put his vette in reverse then drive before spinning out of the lot. Cars were getting stopped left and right, but since there was so many Danny slid right past two cars trying to dodge the cops. Once on the street Danny hit the gas and within seconds they were off the scene. Danny sighed in relief as he turned a corner.
"That was close." Danny said, he glanced at Paulina to see her with her arms crossed and pouting. "What's wrong?"
"You! That's what!" Paulina exclaimed, Danny was confused, what did he do?
"I'm sorry did you just say me?" Danny asked assuming he must've heard wrong, Paulina narrowed her eyes at him.
"Yes! You acted as if you didn't want to be with me!" Paulina shouted, Danny was definitely baffled now. Were they not just entangled in each other less than five minutes ago?
"Paulina I'm sorry but I can't say that I follow." Danny said still confused as ever, Paulina huffed.
"Danny you're not that clueless, the whole time you were guarded. You still think I want you just because you're the ghost boy." Paulina clarified, Danny however didn't blink focussing on the road.
"And I am correct in that matter." Danny said blankly, Paulina growled at him.
"How many times do I have to tell you Danny?!" Paulina spoke, Danny kept a cool head.
"It's not just something you take, it's given... What I mean by that is you can't make me like you on that level. Tonight I had fun, we shared plenty of moments. Not saying that I don't want to like you on that level again Paulina. I just can't ignore the past, I can't be played the fool and if you do like me then you'll understand and wait for me to come around." Danny spoke, Paulina stared at him mixed feelings swarming in her gut. She wanted to beat him up, but at the same time kiss and hug him. She just hated the way he made her feel. Why had she wanted him in the first place? Was it because she knew he was Phantom?
"I understand..." She said quietly, Danny shot her a glance and he saw her frown. He felt bad, he leaned over a placed a kiss on her cheek.
"I'm sorry Paulina, just give me some time alright?" Danny reassured her, she met his gaze and tried to give a small smile.
"It's alright Danny maybe it was just one too many drinks. I mean I don't have anyone to blame but myself right?" Danny shook his head as they pulled in her driveway.
"Paulina, don't beat yourself up about it. You're making it bigger than what it is." Danny said parking his car.
"Or maybe it is that big to me!" Paulina shot back, Danny exhaled deeply looking her in the eyes.
"Paulina tell me-" Danny then transformed into Phantom. "If I wasn't this, would you even look my way? Let alone a second glance." His green eyes illuminating Paulina's face. She shrunk in her seat looking away from him.
"N-no" Paulina stuttered looking away, Danny got in her personal space. Blood rushed to her cheeks as Danny kept his intense stare.
"Look me in my eyes and say that." Danny demanded, Paulina then violently pushed him back.
"OKAY! You're right! It's because you're a hero Danny! Because you care for the same people that treat you like shit. A selfless individual that puts others before himself. When I found out you were the ghost boy my interest in you grew! How could someone like you, freshman year bullied and treated like trash be the hero of Amity Park!? I know our past isn't the best, but you have to understand me and where I'm coming from! I'm not little miss Perfect that everybody makes me out to be!" Paulina ranted, Danny was taken back, never would he have thought that Paulina would open up to him. The two rings appeared around his midsection his ghost side evaporating. He placed a hand on Paulina's thigh, the girl watching him with misty eyes.
"I know Paulina everybody has baggage with them. We've got to take things slow, jumping my bones isn't going to persuade me any faster." Danny said taking in her look and thinking quite the opposite. Only no, if he was going to do this he was going to do it right. Valerie and Sam being rushed and failed attempts so if he wanted something real he knew what he had to do. Paulina had potential, he was still searching for her intent. But after all she just said he had a feeling she was legit and honest. "If you wait for me and let me get to know you. I promise you I'll be all yours..." Danny swore giving her a peck on the lips. Paulina gave a teary smile, she reached for him and gave him a tight hug.
"Will you stay with me tonight?" Paulina asked, Danny pulled back quickly and gave Paulina a look.
"Um Paulina what did I say about jumping my bones?" Danny spoke raising an eyebrow, Paulina rolled her eyes.
"Noooo estupido, so we can talk that's all." She said, Danny leaned back and gave her a sideways look, unsure if she was telling the truth. Paulina groaned and unbuckled his seat belt. "If I try anything you can just fly away or something." she said as she opened her door.
"What about you're Dad! Paulina!" Danny shouted after her as she went up to her door.
"He's gone again in Columbia with his business partners." Paulina replied as Danny got out of the car. 'Hmph Paulina's Dad sure is absent all the time. Busy man I guess.' Danny thought as he followed her to the door locking his car door. She opened the door and walked in, Danny familiar with the layout followed her up the stairs and into her room. Danny took off his jacket, getting a good look at Paulina in the light. She truly was one beautiful girl, he had to admit.
"You have a guest room or something? If not I don't mind sleeping on the floor." Danny said placing his jacket on her dresser. Paulina was taking off her ear rings turning to face him.
"There's room for two in the bed." Paulina said, Danny paled at this, he snapped out of it and started putting his jacket back on. Confused Paulina watched as he grabbed his keys and went to the door. She beat him to it however blocking his exit. "Where are you going?!" Danny pointed toward the door.
"Oh you just said if you tried anything I could leave." Danny explained putting a hand on the door knob. Paulina stood her ground looking him in the eyes.
"But I didn't try anything!" Paulina defended, Danny gave her a look before phasing through her and the door. She shivered as Danny's ghost body went through her. She huffed as she opened the door to see him go downstairs. "Danny please!"
"Paulina I don't do these sorts of things with every girl." Danny said as he got down stairs, turning around to face her.
"I don't do that with every guy either Danny, I don't know what you've heard but I'm a virgin!" Paulina shouted, Danny shook his head.
"I didn't say you did that with every guy Paulina and I believe you're a virgin." Danny said about to leave, Paulina went downstairs to where he was.
"Danny please, I just-" Paulina urged, Danny looked back at her. Her shoulders sagged in defeat as she exhaled. "I just hate being alone..." Paulina confessed, Danny saw that she wasn't joking about this. Putting two and two together that this is what she was talking about when she said she wanted to talk. He sighed before taking off his jacket once again.
"Okay okay I'll stay..." Danny said, they went back to her room. Paulina in her bathroom changing into her pajamas. Danny decided to keep his shirt and pants on. Not wanting to get comfortable until bed. Paulina came out in a light pink silhouette. "How much pink do you have?"
"I like pink..." Was her rebuttal, she sat on the opposite side of her bed. "That's what's you're wearing to sleep in?" Paulina asked, Danny looked at himself.
"Uh no, I sleep with nothing but my boxers. Which might be a slight problem." Danny said causing both of them to blush.
"My... My Madre died when I was very young. When I was six actually, she had really played a big part in my life. Papi was always out like he is now so all I really had was my mother. She always told me to not let anyone walk over me. She came from a very poor background. Daddy knew this so he did everything in his power to make sure she didn't want for anything, he didn't want her to look back... She died in a car crash, Daddy was distraught about it. I didn't know what to feel, to me it just didn't seem real." Hot tears pouring from Paulina's eyes at this point. Danny got closer and an arm around her pulling her close.
"From then on Daddy took on an even heavier workload. Trying to run from her death, I had to stay with my aunt until high school until he thought me old enough to stay home alone. My aunt told me not to blame myself for why he was never around. I think that it's because I look like her is the reason why he doesn't want to be around. Nowadays he just transfers money to my account to suffice for him not being there." 'Maybe this is why Paulina acts like she does, with her mother not being around.' Danny thought, he looked deeply in her teary eyes and saw loneliness.
Acting snobby and perfect is just a cover up of what she truly feels. Picking on people and hurting they're feelings is just her taking it out on them. "This is why I carry myself the way I do. My so called friends are fake. They just like me because I'm a pretty face and have money. I cried myself to sleep for a very long time. I still do from time to time, so that picture you have of me of being perfect throw it out the window cause that's only the tip of the iceberg..." Paulina finished looking away, Danny enlaced his fingers with hers.
"Well I'm the furthest thing from perfect too just like everyone I know..." Danny said getting up and taking off his shirt and pants. He got back on the bed to see Paulina staring at him, mascara running. "You have me Paulina whenever you need me, or just want someone to talk to or some company just call." Danny said looking her in the eyes, she gave a watery smile before jumping on him for a tight hug.
"Thanks Danny I really needed that..." Paulina whispered, Danny returned the hug and a smile of his own. He threw the cover over them and sighed.
"I'm sorry Paulina..." He spoke quietly, after a few moments he felt his chest moisten from her tears.
"Don't be..."