Disclaimer: I do not own Danny Phantom.
AN: A very belated birthday present. A 250 word dribble.
Always Remember the Longer You Live...*
"Ow."
"What's wrong, Whelp? You seem distracted today."
"Maybe you should stop shooting at me, then," Danny said irritably.
Skulker smirked, "Just keeping you on your toes. So, what did you want to speak to me about?"
"I'm looking for a present to cheer up my mom. I thought maybe you might have some ideas. You know, as one hunter to another."
"I could rid her of your presence," the ghost offered.
Danny gave him a side-long look. Skulker's sense of humor took some getting used to. "Or yours."
Skulker chuckled appreciatively. "What's bothering your dam?"
Danny rubbed the back of his neck, "She's celebrating her birthday on Friday. She's turning fifty."
"What is a birthday?"
"The anniversary of a human's birth," Danny explained. "Didn't you celebrate birthdays?"
"No," Skulker answered, "the real-world species of my origin did not mark such occasions."
Not for the first time Danny wondered about Skulker's origin.
"This is significant to humans?" the hunter asked.
"You honor your deathday," Danny pointed out.
"I am proud to say that I have had many of those!" he boasted. "Why should this make her sad?"
"I guess she's worried about getting old," Danny rubbed the back of his neck. "As we age, our bodies don't work as well. It's sort of a reminder that our time is limited."
Ah!" said Skulker brightening joyfully, "She is one year closer to death. Perhaps she will become a ghost. That is truly a reason to celebrate!"
"You're not helping," Danny growled.
AN:
* From an old Irish Music Hall song "Look at the Coffin" or "Isn't it Grand Boys?" The full phrase is Always remember the longer you live, the sooner you'll bloody well die.