Note: I'm back with another chapter! The last one of 2021 so see you next year. XD. Granted, there's only like two weeks left in the year, so not as scary as it sounds. Still, it's been a long year. I didn't end up finishing Face to Face. Hopefully, 2022 will be my year for that.
Also, this won't be the last piece of writing I'll post before New Years. I'm doing Holiday Truce so look out for that. Honestly, I was going to wait to post this chapter but the truce story is kinda kicking my butt. I need some serotonin to get the brain working, guys. So... kind words, please. Love you guys.
Oh, and a final note. The last scene of the chapter was inspired by this comic ( dp-marvel94. tumblr post/ 647467053002997760 / its-time-please-do-marvel-that-sounds ) made by itsallrightmeow on Tumblr. See! It took me eight months but I did end up making that a scene in Face to Face!
I think I actually did ace the history quiz. Fenton thought, confidently as he was walking to his last class. He didn't press out with the thought enough for Phantom to hear it, all the way across town. But if he had, his ghost would have been proud to hear he did well on the quiz too.
Getting to see his other half, even for a few minutes at lunch, really had helped in that regard. The boy yawned. That tiredness that he'd felt since going through the ghost catcher had been giving him problems today. It wasn't nearly as bad as the first few days after. Now that he knew what it was, that he felt off because part of him was missing, it was more manageable but still… lunch was better with Phantom, even if the ghost couldn't eat. And he could feel it; his other self was happier getting to see their friends as well.
Fenton turned the corner and walked into his Spanish class. He took his seat in the back and...there was Wes, giving him a weird look. The black-haired boy raised a questioning eyebrow and the basketball player looked away. Human Danny rolled his eyes at the exchange. At least Wes wasn't still telling everyone that he had a secret twin, not that anyone had actually listened, much less believed that. He really shouldn't have gotten as worked up about that as he had. His heart clinched, a little guilty at that thought, at remembering how he'd acted that day, yelling at Tucker, pushing away his ghost. The boy shook his head. That was in the past, He'd already forgiven himself and he was doing better.
Fenton pushed the thought away as the bell rang and he started pulling out his homework to turn in. He turned his attention to the lesson and tried to focus. And he wasn't doing too bad. They were just starting to learn about verb conjugation. It wasn't….that confusing. Ugh. This would be a lot easier if he had all of his mind right now.
It was almost like Phantom came running at the thought. The human could feel his eyes starting to glow, his other half's presence almost tangible in his head. Neither tried to say anything but Fenton could already feel that he could focus better. The lesson just… made more sense, somehow. And Danny felt more present. He jotted down the notes and got started on the book work the teacher assigned. This was so much better!
That was, until about fifteen minutes later, when Phantom slipped away. The human Danny should almost feel the ghost scrambling for purchase. But…. Fenton blinked, feeling suddenly lonely and isolated in his mind. His head was swimming and he yawned. The boy rubbed his eyes. What...what was that? He frowned down at the paper, trying to put his thoughts in order. That was… so…. They couldn't do that for more than fifteen minutes or so. Human Danny sighed. That was disappointing. Still….. They were going to get through it and they'd be fine. This would pass.
Fenton turned his attention back to the book. He finished about three-fourths of the questions and looked at the clock. Twenty minutes left in class. Twenty minutes left and he could go home and get a snack because he was starving and finish his homework and have some time for Mario Cart before dinner. Just a few more minutes and he could finally, finally be in the same room as his ghost half. It was draining, being so far apart. He took a relieved breath. But he could go home soon. He just really freaking wanted to be on the couch beside Phantom now, laughing about something stupid on TV, with their legs half draped over each other. He wanted to joke around with Phantom and to give him a hug, and- The boy blinked. The heck… that was sounding kinda clingy. That was weird. But… he bit his lip. Was it? He and Phantom weren't supposed to be separate. His mind and soul wasn't supposed to be split between two bodies. He, all of him, was supposed to be together. Was it really that weird that he wanted to be with his ghost half?
Fenton went back to the homework, comforting himself with the thought that it wasn't weird. He finished the book work and got out the book he was supposed to be reading for English. Maybe he could finish the chapter in the ten minutes they had left in class.
And… his old friend, distraction, was back. Seven minutes. He wondered what Sam and Tucker were doing. Maybe they'd all have time to get on Doomed together tonight. It's not like he had a ton of homework today. Five minutes. He looked at the calendar at the front of the room with the days in Spanish. It was Thursday, wasn't it? One more day 'til the weekend. Maybe he could ask if Sam and Tucker could come over. They could try that sitting on the ceiling thing again. Two minutes. He put away the book. One minute. The teacher was reminding them that there would be a quiz on Monday. Oh joy.
The bell rang and all the students rushed out of their seats. Fenton went to his locker where he talked with Sam and Tucker for a few minutes, agreeing to meet to play Doomed at 8 that night. The group parted and Human Danny went home.
As soon as he came through the door, he smiled. There was Phantom on the couch. The ghost brightened at seeing him. The human walked forward, giving him a fist pump and a hug.
Homework. Dinner. Doomed. It was all nice. Phantom told his human what happened with the ectopus earlier. He told him about Mom and Dad's reaction to Plasmius, about their friend from college, and the update about the ghost catcher. And… there was something he was forgetting. The ghost tapped his chin in thought. Then he shrugged. It must not be important if he didn't remember it.
The evening passed, the night, the school day. And it was Friday afternoon. Ghost Danny was eagerly waiting in the living room. Fenton should be home soon, hopefully with Sam and Tucker. It was Friday after all, so no homework! They could hang out for a few hours, try the ceiling thing, and-
The door opened and Phantom grinned. There was Fenton and…. His smile fell. "Where's Sam and Tuck?"
"They had family stuff. Couldn't come over tonight." Human Danny put down his bag, approaching the couch.
The ghost nodded, disappointed. "Oh. I was really looking forward to seeing them, though."
"They said they can come over tomorrow." Human Danny offered encouragingly, sitting down.
That made Phantom perk up. "Really?! That's great." He sat up and leaned to the side to give his other self a short hug. "It's great seeing you, by the way. I miss you when you're at school." He said softly, as if it was an embarrassing secret.
"Yeah?" The human questioned. "Me too."
The ghost wasn't surprised by the words but he was comforted. It was a weird feeling, missing yourself but it was better to know it was shared.
The hug broke apart and the pair settled onto the couch, their legs half draped over each other. They turned on the TV and started a running commentary of jokes and banter about whatever show was on. It was more fun than watching in silence. And… both boys smirked with the same thought. Might as well banter with yourself while you can.
Maybe an hour later, Jazz came through the front door, home from whatever after school club meeting had occupied her. Just minutes later, both parents came up from the basement. They smiled, offering the typical after school greetings.
"Your friends aren't coming over tonight, are they?" Mom asked, noticing the other teens' absence.
Both Dannys shook their heads. "Not tonight." Phantom said.
"But they both said they could tomorrow. Would that be okay?" Fenton asked, with pleading eyes.
"Of course." The woman ruffled his black hair. "Although… we were planning on having your first power training session in the lab tomorrow." She frowned.
Ghost Danny widened his eyes, excited by the news. "Really?!" Training his powers?! A chance to see what he could really do?! He was itching to fly, to stretch his proverbial muscles. But…. there was a flicker of nervousness at Mom's frown, her tone. "We can still invite them over, right? Sam and Tucker would love to be here for that."
For just a moment, Mom looked unsure. Then Dad interjected. "Come on, Mads. Let's let his friends come. It'll be a blast."
"Not literally!" Phantom held up his hands. "I'll be careful, I swear!"
The woman's face softened and the ghost lowered his arms. "I'm not worried about that sweetie." She reached forward, ruffling the white hair. "Your friends can come over. It should be a good time."
"Yes!" Both boys gave the same celebratory exclamation, the same fist pump, the same inflection.
That earned a snort from Jazz while Mom wore a fond look. "How does pizza for dinner sound?"
Fenton's eyes lit up. "Yeah! Can we get cheesy garlic bread?"
Both adults nodded. There was a brief debate once Mom pulled out a pad of paper to write down the order. She walked into the kitchen to make the call.
Dad's content smile grew into a grin as he looked over his kids. "And we're all here. How does Fenton Family Game Night sound?"
The teens looked at each other. Phantom's nose threatened to wrinkle. There was the temptation to complain. Board games? Really? But…
Fenton shrugged. "We're not doing anything else." His expression turned mischievous. "Beating all of you in Aggravation will be fun."
Jazz rolled her eyes. "In your dreams." She looked at the adult. "Sounds fun Dad."
The man beamed. "You kids pick out what we'll be playing." He waved the teens off and turned back to the kitchen to talk to the other adult.
The siblings stood (and floated) in front of the open closet, perusing the board games.
Fenton pulled out one. "Monopoly?"
Jazz shook her head vigorously. "No. This family has had enough drama in the past week. We don't need to add to it."
The statement was light and jovial with a hint of teasing but Phantom still frowned slightly at the box. "Right. Not a good idea." Yeah, playing the notorious family ruiner wasn't the best idea.
"Oh." Jazz pulled out another box, excitedly. "We could play Life."
Phantom raised an eyebrow. "As a ghost, I'm opposed to that game."
His sister just stared at him for a moment. Then Fenton elbowed him and started laughing. Understanding flashed across her face. "Oh my god."
"What? It's discriminatory." The ghost shrugged, flighting back a grin. "How am I supposed to play Life?"
His human was still cackling. Jazz rolled her eyes and shoved another box in his hands. "What about this?"
Fenton's laughter quieted as he held up the game. "Candyland?" Now it was his turn to roll his eyes. "What are we five?"
Phantom took the game from him. "Why do we even still have this?"
"It was your favorite when you were little. And Mom's nostalgic." Jazz said, like it was obvious.
"Still not playing it. Okay, I already suggested Aggravation." Human Danny grabbed a purple box with a picture of a colorful game board and marbles on the front. "So we're playing this one." There was no debate in his voice and of course, Phantom agreed wholeheartedly.
Jazz turned to look back over the games again. After thoughtful consideration, she pulled out a red and green box. "Then I'm picking Apples to Apples."
"Fine with me." Fenton shrugged as his sister stacked her chosen game with the one still in his hands.
Decisions made, the three put the rejected games back in the closet. Phantom closed the door and the three went to the kitchen to wait for the food.
"My turn again." Phantom rubbed his hands together eagerly, before pulling a green card from the pile. After eating, the family had decided to play Jazz's choice, Apples to Apples, first. The ghost turned the card over, giving it a quick read. Then he placed it down on the table. "So the word is Vicious. Also means ferocious, savage, or violent." He read the synonyms. "Show me what you've got."
The other four family members turned attention to their card. Fenton frowned down at his options. Crying, Pluto, E.T, Boy Scouts, Pickles. No good options here. He contemplated…. Pluto? No. What would be the funniest pick here? He held back a snort at a suddenly funny thought. Phantom didn't seem to have noticed as he presented his card, faced down.
Jazz and Dad handed their cards over all well. There was a long pause, as Mom continued to thoughtfully puzzle over her cards. Ghost Danny held out a hand. "I need your card, Mom."
The woman sighed, seeming to make a decision. "This one then." She handed it over.
Phantom didn't look as he shuffled the cards, face down so he couldn't tell who had given him which card. He turned them over. "Alright. So we have Vikings." He tilted his head contemplatively. "Doing the Dishes." He rolled his eyes. "Martha Stewart?" His brow wrinkled in confusion. "And E.T?" He snorted.
The rest of the family did an amiable job of keeping straight faces as he laid out the options. "So…" Ghost Danny continued. "Martha Stewart is out." Dad looked vaguely disappointed as he turned over the card. "Doing the Dishes…. Ehh." He shrugged, wrinkling his nose as he turned over the card. "Vikings…. Okay. I can kinda see that…." Jazz perked up at that. "But…." Phantom held out a hand. "How is E.T. vicious?" He blinked, just looking completely lost.
Fenton's neutral expression slipped into a grin. "What they didn't tell you in the movie was, E.T wasn't left behind by accident."
"Danny!" Jazz started. "You can't argue for your card."
The boy ignored her. "He was so vicious, such a ferocious fighter, they left him on purpose. He was supposed to destroy the humans. But E.T was really pissed at being ditched on such a backwater planet."
"That's not true." His sister argued. "What about Vikings?" She pointed. "Pillaging villages?"
"E.T was supposed to pillage." Fenton interjected. "But he wanted to go home." He gave a sinister grin. "So he called. He acted all innocent and nice but he was going to get his revenge."
"But Vikings were actually real!" Jazz interrupted. "They invaded England. With their longships and axes and swords!"
Phantom laughed at the competing teens and his human continued. "The ship answered his call. And those poor, naive aliens didn't know what they were in for." Fenton shook his head sadly. "E.T. was all nice and grateful. Thank...you...save...me." He croaked out, voice gravelly. "But when they got home, he showed his true colors." Human Danny held up a finger. "Will... have… re...venge." He rasped.
The ghost guffawed at the impression, chest shaking with his laughter.
"It's not that funny." Jazz argued. "Come on! You can't do this!" She held up her hands.
"Re...venge. Left...me…. Have… revenge." Fenton vowed, barely suppressing his own laughter. "So he...he just strolled out of this ship, laser gun in one hand and held up his other hand and…." With a theatrical pause, he held up a finger, curling it into a crescent. "E.T…. burn….home." Human Danny rasped.
Phantom lost it. He leaned back, laughing hysterically. The chair tilted and creaked.
"Danny! Careful." Mom called out.
There was a bang as the chair fell over. Phantom would have fallen too, except he was floating. He ended up half laying down in the air with his arms around his stomach. He wiped a tear from his eye. "Al...All...right you win." He made a semi-circle in the air, effortlessly floating forward and up until he was floating on his stomach. "E.T…." A snort. "E.T's vicious." He held the green card out and threw it at Fenton, ghostly tail lashing behind him as both Dannys laughed themselves silly.
"Come on! That's not fair." Jazz raised her hands, arguing. "You can't argue for your own card!"
"Now Jazz." Mom had a hand over her mouth, trying to hold back a laugh. "There's no rule against that."
"Yeah." Fenton elbowed her, giggles calming. "You should have argued better."
His sister rolled her eyes. "But… you keep picking each other's cards!"
"Hey, it's not my fault he just gets my sense of humor." Phantom shrugged.
"You have the exact same sense of humor!" Jazz put both hands on her head. "Because you're the same person!"
Both Dannys gave identical shrugs and mischievous grins. "Yeah? So?"
Their sister facepalmed. Both the adults laughed at the antics. "You really shouldn't play as individuals then." Jazz muttered.
"Sweetie, I think it's too late for that in this game." Mom chuckled. "Next time?"
Fenton and Phantom look at each other before the human voiced agreement. "Sure. Next time."
Their sister was only marginally satisfied. The game night continued.
Human Danny ended up winning, being the first to get ten cards. This was much to his and Phantom's joy and Jazz's chagrin.
"So…" Fenton heavily dropped the box on the table, once all the Apples to Apples cards had been put away. "Aggravation next." He grinned. "Me and Phantom want green."
As Jazz had argued before, the boys agreed to play together. Their sister nodded, satisfied, and confidently chose yellow. With Mom as blue and Dad as orange, the game began.
"Phantom, you roll this time." Fenton handed the dice over and crossed his fingers. "Come on. We need a one or a six."
The ghost wore the same pleading look. This was their fourth roll and they still couldn't seem to get out of home base. Phantom rolled, dropping the dice on the table. The piece bounced and….. Fell off. Human Danny groaned while Ghost Danny ducked under the table to get the dice.
"It's a six!" Phantom exclaimed excitedly. He floated back up and with a grin, went to move his first marble.
"Can't do that, Danno." Dad chuckled. "You gotta roll again if it rolls off the table."
"But...it's a six!" Fenton argued with pleading eyes.
"Roll again." Mom instructed, gently.
"But-"
"Just roll again." Jazz elbowed the human version of her brother.
"Fine." Fenton grumbled, taking the dice. He gave it a shake and…. He groaned, dramatically dropping his head onto the table.
"It's a three!" Phantom complained loudly.
"That's too bad." Jazz said with little compassion. "My turn." She took the dice, rolled, and… "Yes! Another six!" She moved another piece out and rolled again. Both Dannys groaned.
Dad and Mom went before it was the Dannys turn again. "Finally!" Phantom let out an exaggerated sigh. A one. They could finally move a piece out of base.
The game continued for several rounds. The Dannys moved out a second piece. Dad ended up stuck in the shortcut. Mom was moving quickly across the board and Jazz rolled another six.
The red-head teen tapped her chin. "So. I can move one out of base." She motioned with her finger. "I can move that one. One. Two. Three. Four. Five. Six." She counted the spaces, stopping over one of Dad's marbles. The man's eyes widened slightly; he looked nervous. "Or, this one." She pointed at her other yellow marble. "One. Two. Three." There was a slow deliberateness to the counting, the corner of her lip turning up mischievously. "Four. Five. Six." Her finger hovered over a green marble.
Fenton's eyes widened. He waved his hands. "No. No. Don't."
Jazz paused theatrically. "Should I move this one…" She pointed to the marble near Dad's piece. "Or this one?"
"That one!" Phantom pointed enthusiastically. "Take Dad's!"
"Really, son?" The man put a hand over his heart dramatically. "You'd betray your old man like that, Danny-boy?"
"Or… you could just move that one?" Fenton suggested hopefully, pointing to Jazz's starting base.
The girl's eyes flickered between the two marbles. She smiled wickedly. "Eh… I don't think so." With deliberate slowness, she moved her marble.
Ghost Danny reached a hand out. "Jazz!" He whined.
His sister didn't respond, lifting his green marble up and placing hers down. She gently placed it back in his base and gave him a smug smile.
Fenton crossed his arms and grumbled. Both adults laughed.
A few more turns. The Dannys were able to get back at Jazz a few turns later, sending one of her pieces back to base.
"Danny!" The other teen looked incredibly offended.
Both boys just laughed.
Then it was Dad's turn. "Sorry, son." He smiled sheepishly; the man had only one move as he moved his singular marble to Dannys' and sent him home.
Mom, Danny, Jazz, then Dad again. Round and round in repeating turns. Marbles were moved out of base, around the board, and towards home. The Dannys had one in home, Mom and Dad two, and Jazz three.
Fenton crossed his fingers. He was so close. Just three more spaces and his second piece would be home safe. He bit his lip. Mom was pretty close to him but…. It should be fine.
On Mom's turn, she rolled, a look of concentration on her face as if she was trying to will a specific number. The dice landed and…. Human Danny's eyes widened. No. No. NO! It was four, the exact number she'd need to take his piece.
Phantom looked up, fixing pleading eyes on her. "Please! I'm so close."
Her eyes roamed over the pieces, thinking, searching. Then she moved her blue piece, the one near his. "Sorry, sweetie." She didn't sound all that apologetic, despite the words, but at least, there was none of the malicious glee that Jazz exhibited at taking his pieces.
Phantom flopped his head down on the table, groaning. Fenton just stared, in annoyance. "What? Is this bully Danny night?"
Jazz snorted. "We've got to keep you in your place, after the stunt you pulled with Apples to Apples."
"It's not my fault he's got the same sense of humor." Both Dannys emphasized.
Mom laughed, handing over the dice. "Your turn, Danny."
Fenton rolled a six, managing to get a piece out of base. He rolled again that turn, moving the same piece up three spaces. And the next turn, he managed to steal the marble Mom had just used to send him back to base.
The woman rolled her eyes. "That's fair, I suppose."
More pieces were stolen. But mercy was also given. The next time Mom had a chance to take one of the Dannys' pieces, she moved a different marble. Though, maybe mercy was the wrong word; she did take Jazz's piece. Soon, Mom had three marbles in home and her fourth was quickly approaching as well. Jazz also had three and after quickly getting out and using the shortcut, was in the same place as her mom.
"Come on! A four!" Jazz rolled frantically, needing exact numbers to get in home and win the game. "No!" She groaned as she saw it was a five instead.
Dad was next. "Get her!" "Come on!" The kids crossed their fingers, eagerly hoping he'd be able to get Mom's last piece. He rolled and…
"No!" Everyone but Mom exclaimed.
The woman looked smug. She rolled and… "Rats." The number wasn't high enough to get in home.
The Dannys turn came. "Come on! Come on!" They needed a three to take out Jazz. Both blew on the dice, scooting closer in their chairs. They coordinated, moving so the dice was clasped between Fenton's right hand and Phantom's left. They awkwardly shook the closed fists and….
"NO!" Both groaned.
Jazz took the dice, smugly. "So close." She pinched her thumb and pointer finger together. "But no dice."
"Hey! Puns are our thing." Human Danny complained.
His sister rolled her eyes and rolled the dice. "Again! I needed a four!" She moaned as she again rolled the wrong number.
Dad's turn. Another chance to stop Mom from winning. "Come on! Come on!" "You can do it!" "This time!" The teens leaned forward, encouraging the man as he rolled. More groans at another wrong number.
Mom tilted her head, giving a teasing smile as she took the dice. "So close, hon." She patted her husband's shoulder.
All the other players were still leaning forward. Fenton was at the edge of his seat, ripe with tense. But for once not because of anxiety, but in excitement, in eagerness. There was an anticipation mounting with every move as they got down to the line. Who would win? Mom or Jazz? And could they stop either of them?
"Not a six. Not a six. Not a six." Fenton and Phantom chanted, as Mom rolled the dice.
"Oh, stop that." She waved them off mildly.
Jazz joined in, grinning. "Not a six. Not a six." The chant just grew louder.
The woman rolled and… "Yes!" She put her hand up. "A six!" Mom smiled smugly as she put her last piece into home. "I win."
Both Dannys groaned, throwing up hands. "Seriously! No!"
Mom laughed, handing over the dice. "Come on. Let's see who comes in second."
The family did so, Fenton and Phantom taking great joy in every attempt to sabotage Jazz and Dad. In the end, Jazz came second and Dad third. The Dannys were dead (ha!) last. But that wasn't so bad.
Fenton smiled, heart just about bursting as they enjoyed celebratory ice cream after putting away the games. Dad was recounting his "E.T burn home" story, with Phantom correcting him on the specifics of the telling. The ghost was comfortable enough to float horizontal in the air, like he was floating in a pool. His long ghost tail trailed behind him and curled around the legs of Fenton's chair, as if he was some kind of serpent and not someone who just a month and a half ago had been completely human. Jazz was arguing that, really he should have chosen Vikings, leading to her and Mom talking about said warriors and whether or not vicious would really be an accurate description. And Fenton... he was ecstatic, at seeing his other half so comfortable, at eating ice cream and just being with his family. This… if all family games nights went like this, he'd gladly do it again.
Eventually, everyone packed up and went to bed. Both Dannys went up to their bedroom, Fenton preparing to sleep. The two chatted, still excited after the games, and the ice cream on human Danny's part.
"E.T burn home." Phantom was doing the impression again.
Fenton rolled his eyes. This was going to turn into one of those family inside jokes, wasn't it? "It's really not that funny."
"Yes it is." The ghost giggled.
Another eye roll as the human slipped on his pajamas. He left to brush his teeth and came back to Phantom still talking at a mile a minute. "Man, that was so great. I haven't laughed like that in so long. And Jazz's face! She got so mad!" He cackled.
Fenton snorted, remembering her reaction to that story. She hated it when he bent the rules but he didn't care. Tormenting his sister was too good.
"And we won!" The ghost continued, eagerly holding up his hand for a high five.
Human Danny raised a brow teasingly. "I think you mean I won."
Phantom stuck out his tongue. "Nah hu. We won." He emphasized.
"No, It was definitely just me." Fenton grinned. The ghost crossed his arms, apparently grumby, and the human laughed. "Alright. We won."
"See. That wasn't so hard." Phantom waggled a finger, as if he was chastising a wayward child.
Human Danny furrowed his brow, giving his counterpart a strange look. Then his lips stretched into a mischievous. "Wasn't so hard?!" He practically leapt at Phantom, knocking both of them into the bed and falling into it. "Wasn't so hard?!" Fenton furiously rapped his knuckles against the white-haired head.
"Fenton!" His ghost shrieked through his giggles, trying to pull away from the nuggie.
But human Danny held fast, laughing with one arm around his counterpart. Phantom's ghostly tail waggled excitedly. He flickered intangible, trying to escape.
"No, you don't." Fenton became intangible with him and the attempt was dashed. "Ya poltergeist."
Phantom returned both of them to tangibility. Then as revenge, he bent and stretched to nuggie his human's head. Both laughed for a long moment, squirming and trying to get away from each other. But the attempts lacked conviction. Being side by side, sharing the moment felt too good to cut it short.
Then there was a knock on the door. "Danny?" Mom asked. "Can I come in?"
The giggles stopped but both Dannys were still grinning. Eyes met and Fenton smirked. Phantom raised a brow, before his eyes widened, nodding. No more words were needed, just a mischievous grin shared. The ghost soundlessly rose from the bed and phased through the closed closet door.
"Come in." Human Danny finally called, trying to keep the humor out of his voice.
The woman opened the door. "Almost ready for bed?" She questioned, at seeing him on the bed. "I was going to check on you." Her eyes flickered around the room. "Where's Phantom?"
Fenton shrugged, appearing casual. "Hey, Mom?" He asked. "Do you remember when I was little and would ask you to check for ghosts in the closet?"
The woman furrowed her brow. "Yes? I remember that, sweetie."
Human Danny fought to keep his face neutral. "Can you check for me?"
Mom gave him a skeptical look but turned to the closet anyway. With a look back, she opened the door. It creaked and she looked down. "Oh. I think I might have found something." She squatted down.
Phantom looked up at her, from where he was seated with his knees pulled to his chest. "I think there's someone in my bed." He whispered, conspiratory.
She rolled her eyes. "Is there now?" A hand ruffled his white hair, a new fondness entering her voice. "I think it's just you."
Phantom put a hand over his core and opened his mouth, acting as if this was the most surprising thing he'd ever heard. "Really? No way." He flew fluidly past her, floating beside Fenton. The ghost leaned into him, wrapping one arm around his human. "This guy?" He pointed. "I don't see the resemblance."
Fenton gave him a teasing look. "It's the hair, isn't it?"
"Yes!" He rolled his eyes. "I mean...you're supposed to have bedhead after you go to sleep, not before."
"Hey!" The human complained, mock offended. "Why'd you gotta do me dirty like that? Watch out or Mom's gonna be insisting on brushing my hair."
Phantom elbowed him. "I'll brush yours if you brush mine?"
Mom laughed, interrupting the nonsensical banter. "You two are so adorable."
Both mouths snapped shut and twin questioning, skeptical looks pinned her. "What?" Fenton breathed.
The woman smiled, coming to sit on Phantom's left. She wrapped an arm around the ghost, her hand resting on the human boy's shoulder. "I'm serious. My adorable little boy."
"Mom! I'm fourteen!" Both Dannys protested, completely in sync.
Mom rolled her eyes, good naturedly. "My little man, then."
Twin exacerbated groans sounds but still, the pair of teens didn't shy away from the affection.
The woman let out another laugh. "Thank you for tonight. I know no teenager wants to spend a Friday night playing board games with their parents." The Dannys rolled their eyes at the statement but Mom continued. "But it means a lot to me." She pulled them closer, tightening the half-hug. "I love seeing you so happy."
Fenton felt his heart squeeze, a warmth filling it. The previous prickliness and aversion to affection dissolved. "Yeah. We haven't laughed like that in a while."
"I know." Mom said. There was just a hint of heaviness to the statement, a somber understanding. "I love both of you so much." She smiled. "Like I said, you two are so cute." Fenton wanted to roll his eyes at the statement but… "I love seeing you happy together." Her eyes met Fenton's and then Phantom's. "I know you're the same person. You're both Danny, obviously. But the way you just… go together..." She trailed off, unsure. There was a pause as her brow furrowed in deep thought. Then…. "Things seem to be… better between you two than they were earlier."
The human Danny swallowed, his heart suddenly lodged in his throat.
Phantom took a breath. Then he answered. "They are."
Mom met the green eyes, and then then blue. And Fenton could almost see the dozens of questions behind them. But the doubt, the uncertainty there…. Human Danny wasn't sure whether she was unsure of what questions she even needed to ask or if she doubted that she should ask at all. Fenton looked away, biting his lip. His stomach flopped. And… at once, he desperately hoped that she wouldn't ask. And he hoped she would.
Instead, Mom pulled him closer. "Sleep well, sweetie."
Fenton let out a breath. "Thanks, Mom. 'Night."
The woman stood, giving the pair one last smile before closing the door. And human Danny didn't know whether he felt relieved… or disappointed.