AN: Chapter four is finally up for you guys. I really struggled with this one, so I hope it was worth the wait. I tried to answer a few questions, and I even brought in someone new to the fic. I really have been writing this off the top of my head, so I hope I can keep this up.


Warnings: Language and sexual situations.

Time Changes Everything

Chapter Four

Posted July 25th


Her heart was going into overdrive as she ran down the sidewalk. She was too afraid to look back, afraid of what she might find if she did. Chocolate brown hair trailed behind her as she increased her speed. Blood ran steadily down her left arm, but that was the least of her problems. Deep inside, she knew that running was futile, but the human instinct refused to let the young woman give up. The temperature around her steadily began to drop, bringing cold terror upon her along with it.

"NO!" she yelled in denial as he seemed to materialize in front of her. His pale face was mostly hidden under the rim of his black hat. Blood stains were smeared on his hands and face; her blood.

"Stay away from me! Please, leave me alone," she begged angrily to the figure in front of her.

He slowly raised his head, finally revealing his undaunted gaze.

As soon as their eyes locked, she could feel herself falling, slowly falling to the pavement below. A strange sensation of euphoria coursed through her and the last thing she remembered was gold swirling hypnotically around black pupils.

Jack narrowed his eyes as the woman lost consciousness, feeling slight disappointment. He was hoping this one would be different. But her body responded the same way as the other female he encountered. 'No matter. I will find what I'm looking for, that I am sure. In the meanwhile, I will continue to grow stronger as I search for her. The one who will show me the gateway.'

Jack stared darkly at the attractive female. His eyes devouring her petite figure and smooth skin. "It would be a crime to let such beauty go to waste," he said to himself. Knowing that she wouldn't wake for another three hours, he decided on taking her with him. Somewhere where they could get very acquainted.


"Wow, that pasta was to die for," Valerie moaned blissfully as they made their way out of the restaurant. It was the first time in months that she was able to enjoy a meal with someone (without having to leave to fight ghosts.) And dammit, it felt great.

Unbeknownst to her, Danny was having the exact thoughts. "Was that the reason you were picking off my plate?" he asked teasingly, bumping his shoulder softly against her bare one. "Ooh, don't go there, Danny. If I recall, it was you eating off my plate," she retorted with a smile.

Danny paused in his step as he pretended to think back to their dinner. Valerie, stopping in front of him, only placed her left hand on a curved hip, waiting for his response. After closing his eyes in mock concentration for a second, the blue orbs finally stretched open in realization, "Oh! That was me, huh?" Looking at the woman in front of him with a half smile, he gently brushed a few wisps of hair out of her amused filled eyes. "I guess I just can't help myself when it comes to you."

Valerie fought against the oncoming shudder that went through her body, but she couldn't quite stop it. And by the way Danny's gaze darkened considerably, she had a feeling he noticed it too.

"How about I take you home, we both have work tomorrow, and it's already going on ten," he suggested quietly. He knew if she continued to look at him like that, he would kiss her then and there.

She could only nod in agreement, and Danny led them toward his car.

They finally reached her apartment and Danny walked Valerie up to her door. The drive back had been mostly silent as they both thought quietly about the other. "I really had a wonderful time, Danny," Valerie finally said, as she turned the lock with her key.

"So did I. I'm really glad you didn't give up on me, Val. We'll have to do this again, sometime soon," Danny told her with a smile. She licked her lips in nervousness, and his eyes honed in on her mouth. She was opening her mouth to reply when he closed his lips over hers.

Valerie was about to agree with him and instead, found herself being kissed senselessly. His warm frame pressed against hers, and she found herself against the door of her apartment. At that moment, she was hit with a hard case of déjà vu. His lips tugged slightly on her fuller ones before pulling away, only to repeat the process. His mouth seemed to devour hers as his lips took control. He ran his hands slowly up her sides, leaving a blazing trail of want inside her. Valerie fumbled behind her for the door knob before finally grasping it and pushing open the door. Lips still locked together, they stumbled in the apartment, tugging on hair and clothes. The up-due she had worn for tonight was now a tangled heap around her shoulders, thanks to Danny's large hands.

Valerie's closed eyes opened when she felt her back lying against the large couch in her livingroom. She ran her dark hands up and around Danny's neck before they disappeared into his black hair. His hot tongue seemed to brand her as it rolled over her throat and up to her earlobe. A loud moan broke free and she gasped, pulling his face up for another kiss. This time she took control, slowing the kiss down to a painful drawl. She licked his lips teasingly between kisses, sucking on them sensually and lazily. When tongues met, they both moaned, pressing bodies tightly against each other. Valerie's hands fumbled with the buttons on his shirt, wanting desperately to feel his bare skin against hers.

Danny's brain seemed to be in a haze, and that haze was Valerie Gray. His body always had a mind of it's own when it concerned her. He moaned again when her hands finally reached his bare chest. He discarded the unbuttoned shirt before placing open-mouth kisses right above her breast. The woman under him gasped softly and squirmed beneath him as she tried to move her legs. Danny lifted his lower body slightly, allowing Valerie to place the long limbs around his flanks.

The red dress she still wore was now hiked up over her hips, and he pulled back briefly to stare at the matching lace undergarment. He tugged the dress upwards and maneuvered it over her head and arms. As his heartbeat accelerated, Danny could only stare at the woman in mind-numbing desire. The strapless bra matched the underwear and dress, and her breast threatened to spill over at any moment as she lay beneath him. Smooth brown skin covered a shapely figure; soft, but toned from years of fighting. When he looked into her green eyes, dark with lust, a certain part of him began to stiffen. Her lips were swollen and bruised from their prolonged kissing, and it only made him harder. Anxious to go further, he quietly asked her to lead them to her bedroom.


Vlad Masters frowned as looked at the screen in front of him. It was showing the fight between Valerie and the ghost Jack. Even on screen, Vlad could see there was something odd about that one. For instance, he wasn't as transparent as the average ghost that escaped from the ghost zone. He also tended to fight on his feet instead of relying on flight as the normal ghosts did. He raised his eyebrows in surprised as his little ghost hunter retreat from the oncoming ghost. 'Unusual indeed.' He planned on finding out whom the ghost was and where he came from, slightly surprised at the immediate dislike he had for the paranormal being. Indifference was the usual feeling he had for ghosts, except for the halfa Danny.

His thoughts came to an abrupt halt when the half-ghost himself appeared on scene. "Well, well, well. You just can't stay away from her, can you, Danny?" he asked himself aloud.

He knew Valerie had been avoiding the halfa, how couldn't he when he reviewed all of her battles? He was very much against it at the beginning, hell, it was the whole purpose of her being his hunter. But, nevertheless, he understood her dilemma as the boy started aging into a man. So he decided to bide his time and continue to support her and act as a friend and father figure to her. And though he would never admit it, genuine feelings began to grow and bloom for the young woman. How could they not, when he, himself had never owned a family of his own?

Vlad watched the remaining footage with a blank expression. And even when his ghost huntress was kissed by Phantom toward the end, he didn't bat an eye.


The bed was large and covered with soft satin pillows; her dark skin clashing beautifully against the green silk sheets. After removing pants, socks and shoes, he resumed his position over her smaller frame, raking his gaze down her topless form.

As Danny's left arm supported his weight, he used his right hand to explore the soft and yielding body beneath his. He started at the top of her head, running a hand through her hair and pushing some of it behind the shell of her ear. He trailed a finger over her lips, and bit back a groan when she nipped at the digit with her teeth. His hand continued down her throat, and paused at the fluttering pulse point before continuing down toward her breast. Danny swirled his finger around the subtle skin, watching as a faint red flush followed his path. He laid his hand flat in the valley between her breast, slowly running his hand down the length of her body. It gave him deep pleasure, the way her frame trembled from his touch.

Valerie tried her best to keep the moans to a minimum, but it was getting harder with every second he caressed her. When his touch grazed her there, another sound of gratification escaped her throat. His touch continued down to her thighs, slightly squeezing before going down to her legs. Even the spot behind her knees weren't safe from his torturous fingers.

His hand crept back up toward her thighs and she sighed in pleasure as he slowly pulled down the laced underwear.

"You're so beautiful, Valerie. You don't know how long I've dreamed about touching you like this." Danny watched as her eyes skimmed his body and face.

"No, Daniel. You're beautiful," she told him quietly, caressing his shoulders with her hands as she stared into his blue eyes.

Danny watched as her eyes darken to a molten green when he slipped a finger inside her. She was damp, and very hot as he slowly stroked her with his fingers. Her thighs trembled around his arm, altering from opening and clamping shut around the appendage. He brought his lips down to her breast, taking his time as he tortured her with his mouth and hand.

Valerie shut her eyes tightly as she felt a slow winding taking place inside of her. His pace increased steadily as her body shuddered from his ministrations; it wouldn't be long before . . .

A sharp cry left her lips when she felt herself begin to plunge over that blissful edge.

Valerie stared at Danny with a heavy lidded gaze, a gaze that informed him that they had a long night ahead of them.


She stretched lazily, arching her back as the sun made its way through her apartment window. The silk sheets collapsing at her waist, she sat up to extend her arms above her head. As the cool air hit her skin, she was reminded of her current state of undress.

A deep sigh had her turning to the left.

His blue eyes seemed to drink in her naked form -full lips, bedroom-green eyes, and dark tousled hair - Damn, he wanted to take her again.

Reading the look in his eyes, Valerie hopped out of bed, dragging the sheets with her, "Oh, doesn't even think about it, Danny. I'm pretty sure we're both late for work. And I have to shower and make breakfast . . ." Her voice trailed off as Danny rose from the bed, appearing oblivious to his naked state.

Valerie took one look at his advancing form and fled the bedroom with a high-pitched laugh, sheets and all.

He gave her a five-second head start before going after her.


"I hope Danny realizes that I do have to be back at work in an hour," the young woman complained as she checked her watch for the second time. The café was busy, packed with people who were there on their lunch break. She nodded to the waitress who offered more coffee before glancing out the window. It was gorgeous outside, blue sky scattered with white fluffy clouds. The irony was, the weatherman had predicted rain and thunderstorms. With a dry chuckle she turned away, just in time to see Danny plunk down across from her.

"Afternoon, sis," he said brightly, after giving his order to the waitress as she poured him a cup of coffee.

Jazz raised her eyebrows at his enthusiasm. "What's got you in such a good mood? It wouldn't happen to have anything to do with Valerie Gray, would it?" She smiled when her brother choked on the hot coffee he was drinking.

"Where would you get something like that, Jazz?" he asked as he used the napkin to clean up the mess he had made.

"Sam gave me a call, yesterday. She told me about the Nasty Burger scene, Danny. Do you really think this is a good idea?" she asked, referring to Valerie being a ghost hunter. Danny told her about the woman years ago, when she found out he was in love with her. It seemed her brother was destined to live a hard life.

Danny groaned loudly, really not wanting to have this conversation right now. "Look, Jazz. I know what I'm doing, okay? Don't worry about it." She gave her brother an unbelieving stare, "There's a difference from 'knowing what you're doing' and 'knowing what you want', Danny. It sounds like you're getting the two confused." He was opening his mouth to retort when she raised her hand.

"Just listen for a sec, all right? I know you have serious feeling for this girl, and you do deserve some type of happiness after everything you've down for this town. But what you're doing is not fair to Valerie. If you guys are to be involved, deep feelings are sure to develop between the two of you. And that's dangerous considering the animosity she feels towards Phantom," she added quietly, being sure no one could over hear her. "If you're willing to risk everything for her, then tell her everything, Danny. You have to come clean before you guys get too serious. Or do something crazy, like sleeping together," she finished, waiting for Danny's response.

When he refused to meet her eyes, Jazz felt a deep pit at the bottom of her stomach. "Oh, Danny. Please tell me you didn't," she begged, though inside her, she already knew the answer.

"I hadn't planned on-we didn't-I just," after stammering and fumbling over his words, Danny finally sighed in defeat. "Shit! What can I say, Jazz? I fucked up big time, okay?"

Ignoring his crude language, Jazz reached over and brushed a stray hair out of his blue eyes, "It's okay, Danny. You'll figure something out. You always do." For a moment they were both quiet, thinking about the situation Danny had put himself (and inadvertently Valerie) in.

"Danny?" Danny tore his gaze from the cooling coffee, the brown substance reminding him of Valerie's skin. "Yea, Jazz?"

"You did use protection, didn't you?" she asked intently, praying silently to herself.

"Do you really think I'm that stupid, Jazz?" he asked feeling like a teenager all over again.

"Please tell me that's a 'yes'. That does means 'yes', right," she persisted, raising a finely arched brow.

"Jazz!"


AN: Come on down, Jazz! This is my favorite chapter that I've written so far, and it really helped me decide on where I want to take this fic. Originally, I was going to go into detail concerning the intimate scene with Danny and Valerie (what can I say, I'm a smut queen ). But it's only the fourth chapter, and you guys can afford to wait for the real juicy stuff ;;