A/N: HAPPY NEW YEAR! Thank you all for enjoying this story and I hope 2018 is good to you all. Sorry it's been a while since I last updated, I was a little stuck in how I wanted to move the plot forward. But it all worked out! Oh, and for those of you asking what happened to sam and tucker, that's the Macguffin. Google it. Enjoy this extra long chapter and thanks for waiting :)

Chapter Eight: Confusing Feelings pt. 3

"Why do you hide it?"

"Hide what?"

"The fact that you're actually a martial arts master?"

She can see him start to sweat, instantly reminded why Lancer refers to him as an enigma. Any other sixteen year old boy would be boasting about it, showing off. Danny just hides away his talents and freaks out when people find out. He could have avoided years of bullying if he defended himself. He's always been a shy boy but this is ridiculous, if he had that much strength hidden away he could have easily toppled Dash. But, then again, he's more of a protector than an attacker. He's definitely demonstrated that fact. He clears his throat.

"I'm not hiding it...I just don't feel like telling anybody. It's...better for me...if people don't know"

He stuffs his hands in his hoodie pockets, an unreadable look in his eyes as he gazes out the window. It's as if he closed off a part of himself, hiding something he doesn't want her, or anyone really, to see. It feels like he's putting distance between them, even though they're sitting side by side. She's not sure why but it stings a bit, that he wouldn't trust her. Then again, they've never been close friends. Maybe it's time to change that.

"...C'mon"

"Where are we going now?"

"I just need one more thing before we leave"

They make their way towards the home goods store. Searching the isles they make it to the fragrances, she browses the shelves till she finds what she's looking for. She smiles nostalgically as she reaches for it.

"A candle?"

"Not just any candle, it's marigold meadow scented. It's for my grandmother, this was her favorite when she was alive"

He looks at her in surprise, she can see the apology in his eyes before he speaks.

"It's fine, she passed on peacefully."

"Then...why the candle?"

"To put on her shrine for the day of the dead."

She walks off towards the register, leaving Danny rooted to the spot. She can feel the curiosity rolling off him as he trails behind her. She pays for the candle and they make their way to the exit. Just before they reach the mall doors he speaks up, a serious look in his eyes.

"What is the day of the dead exactly?"

"Hm? Oh, it's a Mexican holiday where once a year, your ancestors can come visit the land of the living and check up on their families. So to allow them to do that, we honor them with a shrine of objects to help them out in the afterlife. Practical things or things they simply enjoyed when they were alive, as long as the object has emotional value to the deceased."

He looks at her with equal parts confusion and curiosity. However there's something else just below the surface, she can't quite place it. He asks more questions, genuinely interested in learning about her culture. She happily complies, hoping that by sharing this he will open up to her more. She tells him about the celebration, the traditions, and the significance of the shrine. She's never seen him this attentive before, it's a bit unsettling.

"So, basically the ghosts of your family members come visit you while you're all partying for two days? They're not...you know...?"

She gives him with an unimpressed deadpan look. Of course the son of two ghost hunters would jump to that conclusion.

"Tell me, have you ever noticed an increase in ghost attacks on November 1st and 2nd in the past years?"

"...uhh...no?"

"Then no, they're not vengeful spirits out to destroy man kind and create mass chaos"

He laughs nervously, rubbing his neck. She sighs, a smile playing on her lips at his embarrassment.

"Those are the people that were able to move on, the ones who found peace. They're not tethered to this plane of existence, that's why we have a shrine for them, so they can cross over, and even though we can't interact with them, at least they know we remember them and still love them."

He looks thoughtful for a moment. Then understanding shines in his eyes. He starts mumbling.

"So that's why I can see them but nobody else can"

"What?"

"NOTHING!"

She raises a perfectly plucked eyebrow at his very hasty response. There's something fishy going on with him, but she has no clue what it could possibly be. She narrows her eyes at him as he shrinks in on himself. He coughs nervously and scratches the back of his head, asking where they're going now that they've left the mall, also starting up a whole conversation on the convenience of malls.

She huffs, he always was a master at changing the subject, ever since she met him. He's a real mystery, this boy. One moment he's all skittish and frightened, the next he's like a tiger closing in on its prey. She makes a note to keep a close eye on him from now on. Whatever it is that's going on with him she hopes it's not dangerous. Maybe she's over reacting, his parents are ghost hunters after all. It makes sense he would know self defense.

"We're here"

"The park? Really?"

"Of course! After an eventful day of shopping how better to end it with a relaxing walk though the park? Besides I know of a secret spot perfect for relaxing."

She grabs his arm and pulls him along. They walk through the maze like park and turn down a hidden path. She discovered this little spot while running from a ghost attack a few months ago. A little hidden pocket of peace, since not many people know about it. As they're walking she can feel his arm relaxing, he doesn't tense up as much when she touches him anymore. She'll count that as progress to them becoming better friends.

"Here we are!"

As they emerge from the dense foliage, the orange glow of the setting sun hits them full force. Blinking away the sun spots, the view is breathtaking. A lush green meadow stippled with wild flowers stretches as far as the eye can see. A small pond off to one side, glistening in the afternoon sun. Even a few rabbits can be seen scurrying about among the untouched blades of grass.

After taking it all in she notices he doesn't have a reaction like she hoped. Maybe he doesn't like it. However as she finishes that thought he turns to her and says that he's been here before. She is very surprised by this, the pathway to get here is so hidden, even if you're actively looking for it, it's difficult to find. She only found it by accident and that's because she took a tumble down the hill and landed in the middle of the path.

"How did you find this place?"

"Oh, uh...I was wandering around one day...and just happened to find it"

"Why do you always do that?"

"...Do what?"

"Lie"

"What? N-no way! I don't lie-"

"That's a lie too."

She looks him straight in the eyes. It's obvious that nobody except his friends have ever called him out on it, given his stunned expression. The emotions in his eyes fluctuates from surprise to fear almost instantly. She's not really sure what to make of it, what could he be hiding that has him so on edge all the time?

"You don't have to tell me if you don't want to, and I won't ask either. That's your business and none of mine. I just don't like being lied to. I would rather you said you didn't want to talk about it."

He looks at her with such a sad expression, guilty, resigned. It almost hurts her physically. A look that says he wishes he could tell her, but something won't let him. At that moment he looked like a man carrying the world on his shoulders. What ever it is he's keeping hidden is chipping away at him from the inside out. She feels her heart squeeze with concern, wishing she could help him. He turns away from her slightly.

"It's not that I want to lie...It's just...I don't...I can't..."

He clenches his fists. Suddenly anger and frustration fill his eyes, rage so strong she's momentarily terrified, even though he's not looking at her directly. She observes him, all of him. In that single change in emotion he looks like a different person. He looks like someone who's seen things no boy his age should have to see. Someone who's screaming but can't be heard. Someone who's suffering is never acknowledged. Then she gasps. A single tear rolls down his face.

"Danny!?"

He swipes at it, only for another to take its place. Soon enough he's crying silently, his shoes becoming very interesting at the moment. She can tell he's embarrassed, but whatever else triggered this is much more pressing. Whatever he's feeling has him rooted to the spot. She drops her bags on the grass and pulls him into as tight a hug as she can. Rubbing comforting circles into his back, whispering calming words. She's never seen him look so defeated before, hell this is the first time she's seen him cry. His body trembles with suppressed sobs.

"It's ok Danny, I'm here. I won't tell anyone, I promise"

It seems she said the right thing, because moments later he wraps his arms around her and clings to her for dear life. As soon as he did though, a tiny sob escaped, and that was it. He let it all out, everything he's been holding back, he cried as if he's never cried before. It hurt her very soul to hear, the wails of a boy broken beyond repair. She couldn't help it, the tears just flowed freely without her consent.

They cried and hugged till the sun went down. It wasn't until an owl hooted that they realize how long they spent there. She wonders when they sat down, she didn't even remember moving under a tree. They part slightly, she looks up at him, making sure he's ok. He gives her a tired smile, one that expresses more than just gratitude. She smiles in return, unable to help herself. He's the first to snort, then she giggles, as though a switch has been flipped Danny dissolved into laughter. She's never heard such a genuine sound, she laughs along with him, she's so relieved he's ok.

He grabs her shoulders, cutting her laughter short. Bringing her in for one final embrace, she reddens a bit but happily accepts.

"Thank you Paulina, you have no idea how much I needed that"

"Y-you're welcome, I'm just glad you're ok...you are ok right?"

He flashes a dazzling smile, the kind that makes her knees weak. It makes her heart dance.

"Better than ok, and you know what, for the first time in a long time, I actually feel happy."

She's not sure how to respond. She's stunned, for him to let himself go like this in front of her, is something she never thought would happen. He's only ever this expressive around Manson and Foley. The only two people in school he trusts. That must mean he trusts her too!

"That's what friends are for!"

"Thanks...you know what, I like this new Paulina way better"

"Oh, so you're saying I was garbage before?"

"NO! Wait, that's not what-"

"Relax Danny I'm just messing with you. We better get going, it's almost curfew and I do not want to get grounded for the weekend."

"I'll walk you home!"

His fast response startled her a bit but she hoped he would say that. She agrees and they make their way to the park exit. However, upon reaching the gates they are filled with dread. The park closed while they were still inside. Gates shut and padlocked they look at each other, then sigh.

"That's just great, I am not sleeping on a bench tonight!"

"You don't have to"

"Wha-AAAAT!?"

He scoops her up bridal style and makes a run for the gates. She instinctively wraps her arms around his neck, what is he doing?! She's terrified, but at the same time, feels very safe in his arms. Reminds her of the times Phantom has carried her. He's approaching he gates fast, she closes her eyes. Then weightlessness takes over. Cracking an eye open, she sees they're soaring over the gate!?

As they make it over the points of the spiked fence, he pivots in mid air and flips forward. Her stomach is doing somersaults, but it's over in an instant as they land on the other side. He stands from his crouched position, looking down at her all sheepish.

"...heh heh...tada?"

"Whatever, just put me down before my Nasty fries make a second appearance."

He gently sets her down, she wobbles a bit but after a few deep breaths she feels much better. However, before she says anything, he takes her hand and starts walking. He smiles and tells her that if she wants to make it before curfew she better hurry. She's pleasantly surprised, she was always the one to initiate contact. It's nice to know he's not afraid to touch her.

They walk in a comfortable silence. The last of the sun's rays dimming into dusk. The moon is out and the stars look like they're shining brighter than ever. She glances at him discreetly, she never noticed how grown up he looked. The moonlight accentuating his sharp features. Wait, are those freckles? A giggle escapes her unbidden.

"What?"

"Nothing, I just never noticed you had freckles"

"O-oh...yeah...um"

"It's ok, I think they're cute"

She can't really tell but it looks like he's blushing. She smiles, that makes him look cute too. They finally make it to her front door. He lets go of her hand and they face each other.

"Um...well, uhh"

"Yeah...um"

"...thanks"

"For what?"

"Everything..."

He hesitates, it looks like he wants to say more. His arms twitching slightly, he awkwardly pats her shoulder and turns to walk down the steps. No way, she is not letting him go home with that. She calls to him, as he turns around she jumps off the steps, hugging him tight. He stiffens momentarily, then relaxes and hugs her back. When they part, she smiles and ruffles his hair.

"Good night Danny"

And she dashed into her house. Closing the door she covers her face in embarrassment, but the smile on her face is so strong her cheeks hurt. She peeks out the window and watches him, his smile is brighter than the full moon, he turns to walk home. She even notices a little bounce in his step. She's so happy he's happy. However a cough shatters the moment.

Spinning around she comes face to face with her parents. Her mother's smile is dazzling, while her father is frowning hard enough to curdle milk. They speak simultaneously.

"Who was that boy?"

"WHO WAS THAT BOY!?"

"My friend Danny, remember? He took me to prom freshman year?"

They seem to recall, then launch into an FBI style interrogation. She slips away saying she's tired and locks herself in her room. Danny's just a friend, why are parents always thinking you're dating every member of the opposite sex they see you with? She gets ready for bed, and as she is peeling back the covers her phone vibrates.

[Fenton: Hey, just got home, and didn't get grounded! Thanks again for everything, I really needed that. Good night :)

She smiles into her pillow, face feeling slightly hot. He might as well be made of sugar, he's so sweet. She sends a quick reply, wishing him a good night too. Putting her phone to charge and turning off the light she snuggles deep into her bed and sighs contently, deciding that this was the best date of her life.

Exactly ten seconds tick by before her eyes snap open. DATE!? Since when was this a date!? She sits up, they're just friends hanging out, not going out. They're JUST friends! No...that's not what her heart is saying. No way, this isn't possible. Suddenly feeling sick she dashes to the bathroom and splashes water on her face. After a few deep breaths she looks in the mirror. Looks deep into her own eyes, thinking about everything she's ever known and felt about him. Recalling every memory she has, everything he's said and done. Realization dawns on her.

"I'm in love with Danny Fenton...?"

BOOM SON! Drama bomb! Told y'all this chapter was worth the wait. Now we get serious. To answer some questions, Phantom planet did not happen because it's dumb. And Vlad is most definitely still mayor, there will be future fun with him don't worry. Till next time! Thank you for reading and please review!