A/N: Wasn't planning on leaving an author's note this time either but had a couple notes I needed to let y'all know about. So, for those reading this that have come from my other none-DP stories just some notes. I will be finishing my Teen Titans fic Torture, and my Casper fic Body Snatcher soon. For all those who are specifically DP readers I am going to be re-writing Love Me Do because it's bad and needs a reno. I started that in 2017 and it just needs a massive gut and rewrite like I did for Torture and War. Anyway, that's all thanks for reading and reviewing if you feel up for it.
P.S. I was feeling a little whimsical when I wrote this so, uhm, yeah it's a little….musically inclined. Lmk what you thought of the songs I selected.
Unworthy
Part II
I was the one you always dreamed of
You were the one I tried to draw
How dare you say it's nothing to me
Baby, you're the only light I ever saw
I'll make the most of all the sadness
You'll be a bitch because you can
You try to hit me, just to hurt me
So you leave me feeling dirty
'Cause you can't understand
We're goin' down
And you can see it too
We're goin' down
And you know that we're doomed
My dear
We're slow dancing in a burnin' room
Numb Arrival
It's a very strange feeling swirling in his chest, the admission of love Daniel had just made while simultaneously rejecting it. They are holding each other now, the rain continuing to fall in big succulent drops around them. Vlad could both feel and hear that Danny was still crying softly and a heavy sigh escaped the older halfa as he debated on the right course of action.
We have to talk. It's the only way to help Daniel navigate through his feelings. I'm good at talking, but talking about this type of thing isn't easy. But when has either of our lives been easy. He needs guidance and I need to be here for him. I'll take him home with me. We can get warm and I can try to help, hopefully Daniel will let me.
"Daniel-" Vlad starts tentatively, "I think it would be best if you come home with me tonight. We need to talk." when there was no response Vlad realized Danny had gone quiet and so Vlad leaned back, looking down to find Danny had passed out.
Another heavy sigh left his lips though he smirked gently down at the young man before taking him up in an arm and grabbing the edge of his cape. He teleported and came to rest above his house, looking down in the early morning darkness and floated down and phased through the roof.
Still carrying Danny in his arms he moved into the house and came to his room where laid Danny on the couch in front of the fireplace. Vlad then shifted to his human form and looked at the young man laying comatose on the couch.
"What am I going to do with you." he rubbed at the back of his neck before noticing how dirty both Danny and his own clothes were and so headed for the bathroom to draw a bath.
It didn't take long and he added some oils and salts to the water before he removed his ruined suit and tossed it into the laundry bin in the bathroom. He continued to ponder over the situation as he returned to Danny and began to remove his wet and soiled clothes.
Should I just let this go? I've gotten rather good at letting things go. But...it was one thing to let go of my pointless plans for revenge, to let go of my love for a woman who could never love me back. But to let go of someone who...actually loves me...I'd be a fool. But to force this when the person who loves me doesn't even want to...I suppose that really would make me the bad guy.
Once Danny was sans his clothes, Vlad scooped him up and carried him into the bathroom where he carefully stepped into his massive bathtub and sank down. He rested Danny on his front so the young man's head would stay above the water and began to run a rag over both himself and Danny.
The heat of the water was soothing and the smells of the oils filled the air as Vlad continued to think on what the best course of action was.
I want to be with him. I love him. The last two years have been heaven. But Daniel doesn't….want anything to do with it. He doesn't want to love me. The only way to figure this out is to talk about it. But what if I don't like the answers we come up with? What if there are no answers? Would I be able to let him leave, let it go, move on with my life and go back to how I used to be?
Vlad closed his eyes and laid his head back, a free hand grabbing one of the many remotes on a small silver tray on the rim of tiles around the sunken tub.
He turned on the radio, which was built into the wall near the sink and turned down the volume, a soothing guitar filling the air.
A voice sang softly and Vlad tried to relax and think of an answer, wishing desperately that there was a way to keep the happiness he found without having to compromise Daniel's feelings.
'Now that we are over as the loving kind, we'll be dreaming ways to keep the good alive. Only when we want is not a compromise, I'll be pouring tears into your drying eyes. Friends, lovers, or nothing. There can only be one. Friends, lovers, or nothing. There'll never be an in between.'
Vlad's eyes cracked open as he looked at the radio with a tired gaze, "Seriously?" he mused with quiet annoyance.
'So give it up. You whisper "Come on over" 'Cause you're two drinks in, but in the morning I will say good-bye again. Think we'll never fall into the jealous game, the streets will flood with blood of those who felt the same-'
"For God's sake." Vlad sighed as he raised a hand to his face and rubbed wet fingers at his eyes.
"Vlad?" came a groggy call of his name and the man glanced down to see Danny was awake and shifting around, "Why am I...in a tub?" and his pale blue eyes looked up to see he was in fact in the tub with Vlad.
"Your little outburst was a bit more draining than we thought. You passed out so I brought you back here. You were filthy and so was I, I drew a bath and have been resting alongside you."
"Oh." was all Danny said and so Vlad handed him a washrag and said, "You can finish up if you like. I was about to get out now that all the mud is off us."
"Oh, okay, thanks." Danny shifted so Vlad could stand and remove himself from the tub, leaving Danny to do whatever remaining washing there was of his body.
"There are clean clothes in the linen closet, help yourself. I'll be in the bedroom." and Vlad grabbed a towel off a nearby hook and exited, shutting the door a little behind him. He went to his dresser, drying off as he did before searching for a pair of loose black pajama pants and a plain white t-shirt.
Vlad had left the bathroom door cracked in case Danny needed something and could hear the soft sound of the music and Danny washing in the water. He sat down in the center of the couch and with tired eyes watched as the fire before him glowed softly in the dark room.
His mind had gone silent, unable to really come up with any solution to the problem of Daniel and himself. A sort of numb acceptance came that he would have to say good-bye at some point because the chances of Daniel conceding to his feelings was highly unlikely.
The gentle music met his ears, a different song playing and Vlad brought the heels of his hands to his eyes and pressed in, rubbing gently.
'Oh half of my heart's got a grip on the situation, half of my heart takes time. Half of my heart's got a right mind to tell you, that I can't keep loving you. Oh, with half of my heart, I was made to believe I'd never love somebody else. I made a plan, stay the man who can only love himself. Lonely was the song I sang, 'till the day you came, showing me another way and all that my love can bring.'
"That radio is toast-" Vlad muttered only to stop when he realized the music was suddenly being turned up.
Daniel must like the song, "I guess I'll keep it then." Vlad said with a soft sigh of defeat.
He continued to sit slumped on the couch, tired eyes watching the fire, mind quiet as the song eventually ended and another started, though Vlad chose to ignore the lyrics. He once again closed his eyes, enjoying the melodic guitar that slid through under the singer whose voice reminded Vlad of an older Daniel.
A small satisfied smile came to his lips and he sighed, Alright, I'll keep this station. I'll pretend it's Daniel singing. I like that idea, Daniel singing. It's a rather soothing thought.
'No, I'm not the man I used to be lately. See, you met me at an interesting time and if my past is any sign of your future, you should be warned before I let you inside. Hold on to whatever you find, baby. Hold on to whatever will get you through. Hold on to whatever you find, baby, I don't trust myself with lovin' you. I will beg my way into your garden. Then I'll break my way out when it rains. Just to get back to the place where I started so I can want you back all over again.'
"Vlad?" came a soft voice and he opened his eyes to see Daniel standing near him, a too big black t-shirt falling off one shoulder and a pair of loose black pajama pants hanging low on his narrow hips.
"There is a guest room down the hall, you can rest there and we can talk in the morning." Danny moved forward then and stood right next to Vlad's knees, looking down at the man with gentle yet uncertain eyes.
"Daniel, what's wrong? Are you alright?" Vlad asked only to watch as Danny held out a hand to him and the man cautiously raised his own, Danny sliding his fingers through Vlad's as he said softly, "Can I stay here...with you?" He asked tentatively.
Vlad was shocked by the question but answered with certainty, "If...that is what you want, Little Badger. You are always welcome to rest with me. That will never change." Vlad said and Danny gave a soft smile as he once again moved, though this time he came to slowly straddle Vlad's hips and take the other man's hand.
"Daniel?" Vlad whispered, all too aware that this moment was very reminiscent of their first night together.
Danny looked down at him, their eyes meeting and the look on the young man's face made Vlad freeze. There, in open view, etched across Daniel's face was soft warm eyes, adoring and gentle, a faint blush and a small accepting smile.
Vlade felt his heart give a strange pulse as his lips parted and Danny leaned in, pressing his forehead to Vlad's as he whispered out, "I love you."
Vlad's heart sputtered, his stomach clenching in a strange mixture of anxiety and excitement, "Daniel-"
"Shhh, not right now. We can talk about it later. Right now, I just want to let go. I don't want to fight this right now, I want to feel it. So just-"
"Alright." Vlad whispered as he lifted a hand to cup Danny's cheek before raising his chin and pressing his mouth to Daniel's.
The music played on softly, the same singer crooning out into the silent room, shadows resting in the corners and the fire splashing the colors of warmth and passion on the walls around them. Hands slid up under an overly large shirt and a moan sounded out into the silence.
Fingers caressed, tongues molded together and the two hearts in the room calmed as the usual urgency to join and reach a euphoric end wasn't there.
'Young and full of running, tell me where's that taking me? Just a great figure eight or a tiny infinity. Love is really nothing, but a dream that keeps waking me. For all of my trying, we still end up dying. How can it be?'
A black shirt hits the floor, and burning hands slide down youthfully scarred skin. Shaking fingers pull at long strands of white hair to free it from a thin black ring of elastic. It's a slow and delicate moment, poignant in its silence as neither of them have been so careful before.
'Don't say a word, just come over and lie here with me. 'Cause I'm just about to set fire to everything I see. I want you so bad I'll go back on the things I believe. There I just said it, I'm scared you'll forget about me.'
Pants eventually join the shirts on the floor, and skin meets skin as hands roam, fingers ghosting over old wounds which tell stories that neither of them know about. Danny pressed his fingers through Vlad's hair, as Vlad's lips kissed gently at his chest and warm hands cup his backside.
'So young and full of running, all the way to the edge of desire. Steady my breathing, silently screaming, I have to have you now, wired and I'm tired. Think I'll sleep in my clothes on the floor. Maybe this mattress will spin on its axis and find me on yours.'
Vlad leans, gently pressing Danny down onto the sofa as he comes to lay on top, "Slowly." Danny breaths as his knees spread and Vlad kisses at his throat, hands gripping at hips gently, the desperation to cling to the moment is gone for now. Fears of needing to remember this sliding from the older man's mind, and so for once, his fingers don't leave marks.
'Don't say a word, just come over and lie here with me. 'Cause I'm just about to set fire to everything I see. I want you so bad I'll go back on the things I believe. There I just said it, I'm scared you'll forget about me-'
Vlad presses in slowly, taking his time, wanting to feel this moment but also listening to how Daniel sighs in contentment when Vlad reaches his end. As they touch each other, as their mouths share breath, the music plays on and the once burning pleasure that cut them so deeply dulls to something much more meaningful. With the rush of it gone, they finally get to experience it. A different connection that both had been longing for and yet were too scared to reach for.
An hour passes in this state of suspended existence, with slow rhythms and soft panted breaths, hands sliding over sweaty skin and bodies shaking from the extended intimacy. When the end comes, instead of an abrupt shoot to the top, with mere seconds of flashing pleasure they reach together an end that sings out sweetly over minutes, pulsing through their exhausted bodies and filling every inch with such wondrous pleasure it's intoxicating.
They rest against each other, their skin shining in the light of the fire but neither moves away and arms wrap around shoulders, chests breathing heavily together as hair sticks to foreheads and then a blanket is pulled down from the back of the couch and the music fades away as peaceful rest finally comes.
Good Morning
Vlad wakes up to the sound of static and an overly perky voice, "Good morning, Madison! This is your early bird radio host, Mandy Canon. We've a beautiful blue sky this morning with a chance of showers later tonight. Stay tuned for our morning debriefing and the Daily Drive with your favorite co-host David Yoder. For now, let's hear a great song to start the day with! Stay tuned!"
'It's a beautiful day and I can't stop myself from smilin' If we're drinkin', then I'm buyin' And I know there's no denyin' It's a beautiful day, the sun is up, the music's playin-'
"I am definitely getting rid of that blasted thing-" Vlad sighs only to shift and realize there is a body in front of him on the couch.
Wide blue eyes glanced down to see in front of him, still sleeping, was a very relaxed Daniel, "He...he stayed." Vlad said in shock.
A groan came from the youth below him and as pale blue eyes opened they met Vlad and a small smile came to his face, "Mornin' Fruitloop." and Danny leaned up and placed a soft kiss on Vlad's jaw, "What's for breakfast?"
"You stayed." he breathed.
Danny smirked, "Yeah, I guess I did. By the way, what radio station is that? It plays great music."
"Oh? Well, I'm not sure, but if you like the radio I suppose I'll have to keep it." Vlad said.
"Mm, definitely keep it." and Danny wrapped his arms around Vlad's neck and pulled the man down, "I need a shower, food and coffee. Think you can help with that?"
"Yes. I have all three." Vlad said with certainty.
"Thank god. You just saved my life." Danny teased and Vlad smiled for a moment before he said with confusion, "Daniel...uhm….I'm not complaining at all...but...we are cuddling."
Danny suddenly burst out laughing, "Yeah, we are."
"And that's….okay?" Vlad asked with confusion.
"I guess so." and Danny pressed their lips together and after two years, finally gave Vlad a good morning kiss.
Vlad was quick to reciprocate, wrapping arms around Danny tightly and kissing Danny back with determination.
"Ack, morning breath! No!" Danny laughed before he rolled away and stood up, stretching and turning to Vlad, "Gunna go start the shower! Hurry up old man, I want food!"
The rest of the morning was a daze for Vlad. They showered, Danny talking animatedly as they did about the day ahead of him. He was excited for his mechanical sciences class because they were going to be working on mini models of the moon rovers.
They got dressed, though Danny had to borrow a fresh t-shirt and track pants from Vlad as his clothes from yesterday had not been cleaned. Danny continued to ramble on and on as they made their way downstairs to the kitchen.
Vlade went about making a quick and easy breakfast as Danny made coffee, still talking non-stop as Vlad listened without comment or protest.
"And then I think if the mechanics of it work, I might try entering it into the big science exposition at the end of the year!" he said around a mouthful of eggs, Vlad's face growing concerned as he realized since they woke up Danny had not stopped talking for even a second to breathe.
"Daniel?" Vlad asked and Danny looked up as he slid a piece of bacon into his mouth, "Hm? Oh, what's up, Fruitloop?"
"Are you...sure….you're feeling alright?" Danny made a weird face before he glanced around himself and then said, "Yeah? Why?"
"Oh nothing, just...that...nothing never mind. I was just...oh, Daniel, doesn't your first class start in-"
"Damn, fifteen minutes, I still gotta stop at my dorm, gotta go Fruitloop! Thanks for breakfast!" and Danny slid from his stool and rounded the island in the kitchen, giving Vlad a peck on the cheek before he took off, "See you later!"
Vlad was left sitting in the quiet of his kitchen, half eaten breakfast in front of him as he stared after Danny in utter confusion.
Staying with Me
Vlad spent the rest of the day with a very confused and worrisome feeling in his chest. That wasn't the Daniel he knew. Well, it was. It was the Daniel he had known before college, when he was in high school with his little friends. Outgoing, happy and talkative. Sharing all his thoughts, sharing his interests and what things he was looking forward to.
The past two years Daniel had been so quiet and reserved, more of a shell than an actual person. His visits consisted of not talking at all and simply getting straight to the nitty gritty and little else. Daniel had said originally he had just come to Vlad's to talk, their first night together coming about because Daniel had been drunk, lonely and...well-
Vlad leaned forward, a hand coming to his forehead as he looked at the paperwork on the desk before him but didn't actually read it.
Vlad remembered everything about that night, from the minute Daniel arrived to the moment he woke up alone and realized Daniel had essentially used him for sex. It had been so unexpected and so out of character, and yet, now that Vlad knew the whole story it did make a little more sense why his arrival had gone from talking to something so much more dangerous. He had been living on the edge of his misery for so long it wouldn't have been hard for his mind to justify his actions.
"Daniel, what has gotten into you?"
"Nothing yet, but you could fix that-"
"Daniel! Don't imply such vulgar-"
"Huh uh, no talking, I don't want to change my mind. Let's just see what happens-"
"You're drunk."
"I am, and I really don't want to think….or feel….or care...so, Mr. Masters, wanna give me a hand?"
"Daniel-" Vlad whispered as the young man started to undo the buttons of his white shirt. He had almost gotten them all undone before Vlad grabbed Danny's wrists and looked up at him, "You will stop-"
"I will not." Danny parotted in the same tone and then pressed his hands to Vlad's bare chest, starting to message and rub gently before he leaned in and pressed his lips to Vlad's. It was a forced thing that wasn't good in the slightest. However, it caught Vlad's attention and as Danny pulled away and stared at him Vlad met his eyes and winced a little before he grabbed Danny's head, "Damn you-" he whispered before he pulled Daniel down to kiss him again.
Vlad shivered, remembering the night that started it all, how susceptible he had been to such lurid yet irrational advances. Letting it happen because he wanted it too, though at the time he should have resisted more. Still, it had been worth it, because this morning he had woken up with Daniel next to him, smiling up at him, kissing him….cuddling.
God, why am I overthinking this! I am finally getting everything I wanted from him, he's...accepted it. So why do I feel like...I've got to be careful. I shouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth. I know I am overthinking this but...he was so different this morning. I was so happy, but it put me on edge. I feel like it was a trick or some kind of ploy. I have a choice to make. Either I play along and feel out this new personality Daniel had decided to present, or I question him and figure out what is really going on...of course that is...if he comes back.
Vlad had not even thought about that. Danny had left in a rush this morning and they had not talked about the events of yesterday, last night or this morning. In fact, Danny had focused so intensely on what he would be doing today he had not given Vlad a single moment to discuss any of the important things they needed to.
Was he….was he stalling? Was he avoiding...was he...buttering me up so I wouldn't stop him from leaving? Was it all a hoax? A lie to get out of the house this morning without discussing anything?
Vlad gritted his teeth as his anger boiled and he felt his fangs grow in his mouth.
Stop! You can't automatically assume the worst just because Daniel was acting strange. You told yourself you would stop doing that! You can't even begin to let your walls down and try to build new relationships with people if you always assume they have an ulterior motive. Daniel wouldn't...he would know not to do something like that to me...he knows I would be angry if he did...he knows me.
Vlad forced his paranoid anger down, forced his fangs away, running a tongue across his teeth to make sure his human canines were present before he stacked his papers in an orderly fashion and placed them in his briefcase. He'd been at work all day, with not a word from his ghostly counterpart and honestly all day he had done nothing but think of last night.
Vlad left his office, bid good evening to his secretary and headed for the elevator. As he entered the small space his mind wandered back to the night before. How they had spent over an hour on that couch, how they'd not said a word and yet spoke volumes about their feelings. Danny had chosen last night to let go of his denial, had accepted his feelings for Vlad and had allowed himself to experience those feelings to the fullest.
Danny said he didn't want to be in love with Vlad, yet he had allowed himself to experience it. Which meant, what happened last night as they had silently expressed their love for each other was real. Now, the main question on Vlad's mind was if Daniel would continue to accept it or if the light of day would once again wash away his resolve.
If he refuses his love again...refuses me again...I don't know if I can handle that. I don't want to be the bad guy anymore, but after last night...I don't know if I can let go.
The door to the main floor opened and he stepped out into the lobby, nodding to the security guard as he left and headed for the parking garage across the street.
He made it to his car without issue and slid into the front seat. He put the key in the ignition and started the car only to stop, look at the radio and feel his mind once again drift back to last night.
Daniel was moaning below him, a hand in his hair and one on his cheek beckoning Vlad down before he kissed him, only to suck on his lower lip for a moment before Vlad hummed and gave a dangerously sudden thrust of his hips.
Vlad put his face in his hands, anger and fear swirling, his deep seated desire to control his environment and those around him trying to surface, it was how he had learned to protect himself. A survival mechanism stemming from rejection and years of pain.
Daniel won't commit...but I could….I could make him.
And Vlad shook his head, "Stop it! Don't think that way! You're done with plots and plans and evil things! You are good, decent...you care about others...you...you will not try to make Daniel do anything-"
But you want him, he loves you...don't let him let go...don't let him leave you...don't let him do anything but say yes…
"Shut up." Vlad hissed, his internal struggle feeling like a true battle of good versus evil. He wanted Daniel to stay and commit to him, he didn't want to be so full of uncertainty, he wanted to know what was going on, wanted to know what Daniel wanted! He didn't want to float through another year of will-he-won't-he.
Anger swelled again and he slammed his hands on the steering wheel, "TELL ME WHAT YOU WANT FROM ME, DANIEL!"
Vlad was gasping from the sudden outburst just as his phone rang and he groaned in annoyance. Digging his cell out from the inner pocket of his suit, he answered without even looking at who was calling, "Vlad Masters." he said, angry and tired eyes staring at his dashboard.
"Hi, uh, Vlad?"
"Daniel?" Vlad gasped as he sat up straight as a board and felt his heart clench.
"Hey...yeah...it's me. I mean, you know that. I uh, can you... help me with something?"
Vlad paused, silence following for several seconds as Vlad's mind raced with the possibilities of what this call was about, what Daniel could possibly want or need from him.
"Uh...Vlad?"
"What do you need?" Vlad asked softly, resigning himself to once again hope for a resolution to all of this.
"Can you come to my dorm?"
Vlad's eyes popped open again, looking around the parking garage and trying to remember what side of it he would need to leave on to get to Daniel's dorm, "I'll be right there, twenty minutes-"
"Uh, any chance you could get here a little faster?"
"Daniel...is something wrong?"
"Just get here, please?" and Vlad heard the desperation in his voice and Vlad's eyes narrowed with resolve "I'll be right there."
The tires of his car squealed as he sped through the garage and excited on the North side, pressing the gas and driving much too fast through the city to reach the far end of campus where Danny's dorm was.
He made it in ten minutes, pulling into a parking space and quickly getting out of his car. His eyes scanned the ground floor of the hall and saw Danny standing outside of it, with a very small pile of different sized boxes around him. Vlad started to walk over and Danny looked up, a relieved smile coming to his face, he started to take a step in Vlad's direction when he was stopped by a yell.
"Hey! There you are, you little freak-" Vlad's eyes jumped from Danny to a rather large and forbidding young man who was approaching Danny quickly.
"Dude, will you just back the hell off! I didn't do anything to you!" Danny said as he turned and looked at the young man who was approaching him. Vlad picked up his pace, his teeth clenching at the obvious tone of aggression in the young man's voice.
"Oh yeah? Well you make me uncomfortable. You offend me! No, you disgust me." the kid said as he took Danny by the front of his shirt and yanked him closer.
"I swear to god, dude. I am not in the mood, you throw a punch all bets are off!" Danny yelled back as his hands clenched.
Vlad was less than ten feet away, beelining for the pair and trying to get there before anything could happen.
"Your kind disgust me! I outta lay you out right here." the brute warned.
"Try it!" Danny challenged and the other guy pulled back a fist just as Vlad arrived and pulled them apart.
"Remove your hands from him this instant! Daniel, what is going on?" Vlad asked, looking to Danny who was glaring at the large boy across from him.
Danny seemed to debate for a second before he sighed and shook his head, "Nothing. Let's just get out of here before someone calls the cops. I don't want anymore trouble." And Danny turned to pick up some boxes and the other kid turned to look at Vlad.
"You his dad?" he asked with derision, his assuming eyes looking Vlad up and down.
Vlad took a moment to size the formidable youth up as well. While he was big and reminded Vlad of a less evolved Jack Fenton, he didn't appear to be very light on his feet. His movements were slow and ape like and the confusion on his face showed a lack of intelligence that Vlad found disturbing. A thick brow, round face and tiny eyes peered back at him and Vlad realized while this young man most likely was the top dog in whatever backwater small town he came from, college had most likely been a huge culture shock for him.
Vlad crossed his arms, "What if I am? Is that a problem?" Vlad asked with a rather sharp warning in his voice.
"No, just thought you should know your son's a fag. A damn fairy." And Vlad saw Danny stiffen, hunched over the boxes he picked up. Vlad saw it coming before it happened, Danny dropping the boxes and lunging at the kid. Vlad was quick to wrap arms around him and stop a punch that would have most definitely broken the young man's jaw if not killed him instantly.
"You ignorant, uneducated, white trash asshole!" Danny fumed, "let me hit him!" Danny yelled, "then we'll see who's the damned fairy you intolerant pizza faced thug!"
Vlad yanked Danny back and said softly into his ear, "You want to have blood on your hands? Because hitting a normal human with your normal strength would most likely kill him. Your call, Little Badger."
Danny stilled then, glaring daggers at the youth before him but finally seeming to come to his senses.
Vlad let him go and Danny turned away, returning to the boxes he dropped and picking them up, "Let's get out of here." Danny said softly as he started to walk away.
Vlad gave the young man a glare, "As for you, I suggest you educate yourself. And stay the hell away from Daniel. Lest you want ever bone in your pathetic body broken." The man hissed before he too went and retrieved the rest of the boxes and headed for his car.
The kid said nothing else and with a huff went back inside the dorm building.
Vlad was silent as he walked behind Danny, the pair loading the few boxes he had into the trunk of Vlad's car.
As they got in and shut the door they sat in silence, Vlad not even making a move to start the engine.
Danny sat slid down in the seat, arms crossed and half lidded yet angry eyes staring out the window.
"Daniel...what was that about? What happened?" Vlad asked as he glanced over at his companion.
"It doesn't matter. It's all bullshit anyway. Just a freaking homophobe spreading trash talk and acting like he knows everything. Damn asshole."
Vlad eyed him a moment, sizing up Danny's mood and deciding that since Daniel had not snapped on him yet he would try one more time to get answers.
"How did he even know that you've been with a man?" Vlad asked.
Danny didn't say anything at first, turning his head further away from Vlad as he sunk down a little lower in his seat.
"Daniel?" Vlad pressed softly.
Danny finally let out a sigh, turning his face long enough to dig into his pocket and pull out his cell phone. He unlocked it before handing it over to Vlad.
The older man took it and slowly glanced down at the screen, "I was sitting on my bed, Bill was in the top bunk. He looked over the edge to ask me something and saw what I was looking at."
Vlad's lips parted, as the pictures on the phone were all of him. Well, not him as a whole but of his chest, stomach, thighs, hands and arms. He scrolled down a little further before he realized they had all been taken while he was sleeping.
At the end of the pictures there was a password protected folder that simply said "him" and Vlad sighed, "Password, Daniel. Now."
Danny didn't need Vlad to specify what he meant and said begrudgingly, "Fruitloop10."
Vlad rolled his eyes and entered the password, only for his eyes to bulge when he realized all of these pictures were of his sleeping face.
In some he was snoring, some he was drooling, some had his hair all over and in a tangled mess and there was one where it even looked like Vlad was about to wake up.
"I don't understand, Daniel what is this-"
"When I would get up to leave after we spent time together I'd take a few pictures of you."
Vlad glanced at him, "Why?"
" I don't know. I would tell myself it was the last time, that I wouldn't do it again. I wanted to have a way to remember-" and Danny trailed off for a moment before he shook his head in a rather self-demeaning fashion, "Stupid-" he whispered before he finished with, "I kept coming back so I kept taking more pictures."
Vlad didn't know what to say, he was puzzled beyond reason but Danny was quick to keep talking though his words were careful and measured, coming slowly as he thought carefully about what he was saying.
"I was trying to decide what to do. I didn't know if I wanted to...make things permanent with you or not. I was just looking at the pictures….I don't know. Anyway, Bill saw them and...well he freaked the heck out. I planned to just leave and let him cool off but he got up in my face, threatened to hurt me, burn all my stuff. I mean, this guy was like a 1960's type of homophobe. Seriously probably thinks it's a disease he can catch if he touches me. Been living with the guy for two years and never even knew. So I packed up the most important stuff I had and left. Called you. Just wanted to get out of there before things got too bad."
Vlad looked down at the pictures, and after a moment he smiled a little and Danny added as an afterthought, "Don't worry. He didn't see the face pics, just the ones of your...of you...I always cropped your head off in case I lost my phone. The face pics were always password protected. Last thing either of us needs is a scandal." Danny intoned with sarcasm and Vlad shook his head solemnly, "Daniel, you're over eighteen. Yes, you're young and I am old but, well, it might look bad to some but really we've done nothing wrong. We are both consenting adults." Vlad offered.
"Tell that to my family and friends. Any of them ever find out and they'd go nuclear. And don't even pretend the media wouldn't twist it into some disgusting pedophile story about how my parents college buddy groomed me from a young age or some bullshit. Not even you could recover from that. You know damn well we can't tell anyone. Not for a long time." And his voice sounded tired and a little resentful.
Vlad looked at Danny but the young man refused to look at him, merely holding out his hand for his phone which Vlad gave back to him.
He started the car and the pair drove back to his house in silence.
The Choice
To say the car ride home was intense was an understatement. Neither of them spoke and when they pulled into the garage Vlad went to the trunk and started to unpack Danny's boxes.
Danny helped and the pair took them into the house. Vlad hesitated at the stairs and Danny looked back at him, "Do you...want your own room? I have plenty. I can't imagine after tonight you would want to-"
"It's fine, Vlad. Let's just throw these in a closet or something. Just because that guy was a stupid prick doesn't mean I'm suddenly not going to want to sleep with you."
Vlad gave a soft smile and followed Danny up the stairs. They deposited the boxes into the closet of Vlad's bedroom and then stood quietly together for a moment.
"Any chance I can take another bath...uh...on my own. I need to think about somethings." Danny asked reluctantly, scratching at his arm.
"Certainly Little Badger, the remote for the radio is on the tray near the tub."
"Thanks… oh any chance you'd make dinner? I haven't eat since breakfast and my stomach is-" a loud grumble came from Danny's belly and Vlad scoffed in amusement, "Duly noted. I'll make some sandwiches."
"Cool. See you in a bit." Danny turned and headed for the bathroom, glancing over his shoulder as he disappeared from sight, closing the door behind him.
Vlad spent the next half hour in the kitchen, making some panini's on his sandwich press. Scooping some potato salad and chips onto the plates. He loaded them on a tray and poured some fresh iced tea into glasses. When it was all ready he traveled back to his room, tray in hand, and set it down on a small dining table in the corner.
He leaned back in the chair and waited, having nothing much else to do until Danny came out of the bathroom and wondered what was going to happen next. They had a lot to discuss and he wasn't so sure after the incident with….Bill? That the young man would want to continue down this road. No doubt Daniel had never had to face any kind of discrimination aside from those who were scared of his ghostly persona and were unsure whether Danny Phantom was friend or foe.
This kind of discrimination was different and could create within the young man a sort twisted anxiety and make him question his own sexuality. Then again, Daniel had proven to be most resilient in the face of adversary and often was able to rise above the negative views of others.
Vlad could only wait to see what Daniel would say when he emerged from the bathroom and hope for the best. Ten minutes later the door opened and Danny walked out with nothing but his jeans on and a towel draped around his neck.
"Whoa, thanks." Danny said as he sat down at the small table across from Vlad and the man nodded, "You're welcome." Vlad said and the pair dug in. They ate in silence for a while before Danny swallowed and said softly, "If you want to talk or ask questions you might as well do it now. I have to be up early for a test so I can't stay up too much longer." and it was a very matter-of-fact statement and Vlad sat frozen, mid bite of his sandwich, dark blue eyes staring at Danny who continued to eat unphased.
"Very well." Vlad said softly, setting his panini down and coming to rest his elbows on the table as he cupped his hands together and rested his mouth against his thumbs. He studied Danny for several seconds before he cleared his throat and asked in a no-nonsense tone, "Are you staying here or no?"
Danny continued to eat slowly as he replied, "Still not sure, but for the time being, with your okay, I'd like too until I can figure out if the college will let me move dorms."
He's being honest, and that's all I can ask for. But if he wants to be so blunt then so can I.
"Why?" Vlad asked with a rather sharp tone of his own.
"I don't know if I want to give up my independence. I like being able to come and go as I please without having to answer to anyone. But, I think I've made a decision regarding us."
That caught Vlad's attention and his eyes focused sharply on Daniel, his hands tightening around each other as he waited, "Very well, go on." and Vlad realized that this moment was more akin to a business meeting than two lovers talking and so he hardened himself for the outcome. As successful as Vlad was, even he could lose an acquisition and while Daniel was much more than just a business deal to him, if this is what made Daniel comfortable enough to talk, then he would oblige.
Danny continued to eat, eyes on his plate as he picked up a chip and put it in his mouth, his tone remaining honest, calm and blunt as he said, "The facts are these. I am in love with you even though I never wanted to be. I didn't plan this. I never saw it coming. I also never really had an idea of where this thing between you and me was actually going. You created the need for me to figure that out the minute you threw my shirt into the fire and demanded more from me. I wasn't ready for that. But because you did that it started a chain reaction of events that has brought us to this moment. I am in love with you. I want to spend time with you and have sex with you...a lot of sex. But...I also want to talk with you, get to know you more and have some semblance of a real and established relation with you."
Vlad remained still as stone, liking everything he was hearing so far but not willing to show just how desperate he was to rush to Daniel's side and scoop the young man up into his arms. He would not count his chickens before they hatched and he would not show his emotions until he knew every detail of what Daniel was thinking.
"That being said, while living with you would save money, I am not sure I am ready for that."
"It's been two years, Daniel." Vlad said calmly, though his irritation showed in his eyes.
"And I've dated exactly two people in my twenty years of living. Sam and you. You always talk about how I jump headlong into situations without thinking...well I'm not doing that this time. I want to be sure before I make a move, calculate all the variables and honestly Vlad, I learned that from you." and Danny finally looked up, just enough to glance out from under his bangs and meet the man's hard eyes.
"So, you wish to continue our relations but you still do not wish to stay the night. Grand for you but it leaves me wanting and feeling like nothing but a useful toy." Vlad clarified to which Danny was ready with a response.
"I will make you an offer. I will stay overnight every other day."
"I want weekends." Vlad pushed.
"Every other weekend and I will include one major holiday, just you and me."
Vlad's brow raised as he stared at the young man and considered the offer before he said quickly, "Christmas."
"Thanksgiving." Daniel countered.
"Only if I get New years." Vlad said as he leaned back and crossed his arms.
"Fine, but Easter I'm with mom and dad and the Fourth of July I am hanging with my friends."
"Done. Now as for summer vacation-" Vlad said with a smirk, rather enjoying this little game.
"I'll give spring break but Summer I'm with my family and friends." Danny said with resolve.
Vlad smirked, "How about you keep spring break for your own drunken escapades with your little friends and give me half of summer, I'll even throw in a two week intership with my space and science department at Cape Canaveral."
Danny hesitated only for a moment before he held out his hand across the table and Vlad went to take it but stopped half way and said with warning, "I want a secondary meeting after you graduate to renegotiate our terms."
"Only if our relationship is still going well. If I want out you let me go and in return I won't be a dick and kick your ass if we break up."
"Done." and they shook over their dinner and Vlad pulled out his cell phone, "What are you doing?" Danny asked.
"I am going to send an email to the chairman of the school about your little friend Bill. We should have you in a new dorm by the end of the week and Billy will be attending his first class on tolerance and keeping his uneducated opinions to himself."
Danny stared at him a moment before he smiled, his eyes showing a hidden affection as he watched Vlad type on his phone furiously.
They finished dinner and then headed to bed, "Are you going to get the rest of your clothes?" Vlad had asked casually as they crawled into bed together and Danny smirked, "Oh yeah. I figure Phantom can pay Bill a little visit tomorrow night. I'll grab the rest of my stuff then."
"You are rather wicked when you wish to be." Vlad mused as he reached out arms and pulled Danny closer to him.
"Mm, well, as with most things, I learned from the best."
"Hmph, flattery won't get you out of cuddling with me." Vlad mused.
"I had to try. Night, Vlad. Thanks for everything."
"Night, Daniel. Sleep well."
"I...love you."
"I love you too."
The pair fell asleep, unaware of the bright future that waited for them in the many years to come.
The End
A/N: Sorry there isn't any smut, but it didn't feel right in this particular part and I don't tend to write it unless I feel it appropriate to the plot. It's a weak ending but honestly this was my plan, I didn't want some big grandiose ending, I wanted to keep it really simple. Hope you enjoyed it anyway. Thanks for reading!