It was just a snippet of gossip - an overheard throwaway phrase that slipped into his ear as he walked. Two girls his age had advised each other on love, and came to a conclusion
If you love two people, then choose the one who loves you most - the one who shows they care about you. Actions speak louder than words.
And that, for whatever reason, made his thoughts start to turn.
Who loves you most?
There were only a few people in his life who he'd say he loved, and only a few he's estimate would love him back, if given the chance. Danny mulled the question over as he pulled his locker open, pushing a roughly worn backpack into the small space. He waved off Tucker, accepting the pencil shoved into his jacket without complaint.
Of course it would be Sam, right?
Everyone said they were lovebirds - teased mercilessly. It was hard to think of her in this sense without also recalling kisses used as a disguise, and the fluttering feeling of attraction. Her moral compass pointed without wavering, and Sam was always quick to speak up and charge toward 'Justice'. She always captured his attention - demanded it, really. Quick to stand her ground and demand the world move.
And that… made him hesitate.
As much as his heart flopped around when her eyes met his, he couldn't help the feeling of apprehension that curled up at the thought of really dating her. Sam was… really headstrong. Not that he minded surefootedness in opinion, of course, but she always seemed to hold this idea of him that he wasn't sure was actually him. Little comments here and there, like she liked the idea of him, and not the actual-him, with all his flaws and insecurity.
You're Brave, Strong, I believe in you!
Did she really? Or was she cheering on who she hoped he'd be. A hero that he emulated and failed to truly be.
Danny picked up his books, kicking the metal door shut and slouching toward his last class of the day.
Valerie was a close second.
She was… beautiful, in a dangerous kind of way. Like a brightly patterned fish, or a poisonous frog. Jewel-bright and tempting to behold, with deadly precision just below her surface. She battled ghosts, fought for other people - they were very alike.
She had such a strong sense of justice, and the way she tried to protect him in human form was incredibly flattering. Again, his heart twisted up in knots thinking about her, equal sides eager, excited, and wary.
They both might see things in black and white most of the time, but Val was so much harder to reason with. Where Sam stormed around her problems with quick wit and stormy snaps, Val pushed right down the middle, blades and guns flashing.
Like Sam, Valerie tended to see just a part of him. Human or Ghost. In need of protecting or in need of Destroying. Nowadays, he couldn't even figure out if she was fighting for fun, or if she still thought it was necessary.
The fierce grin in her voice when she claimed it was a duty didn't really clarify things.
Actions speak louder than words, right?
Danny sighed, slipping into his seat and glancing up at the whiteboard. Quiz today, great.
He pulled open his textbook, turning to the page directed, and quickly scanning for keywords. At least he could try to study before the test. Unfortunately, it seemed like his brain was caught on other things, and he couldn't stop turning over the idea of love in his head.
Actions speak louder than words…
But.. there was… someone...who had been loyally by his side.
Someone who stepped in to take a blow for him. Who had faced phobias and horrors and literally your worst fear just to buy him a few moment's time. .
Who swallowed poison for him.
Granted, it was only poisonous for ghosts, but there was a lot of symbolism for literally eating a poison so it couldn't hurt him.
Someone who had stayed up ungodly to spend more time with him.
Someone who wanted to become a ghost, to be on the same level as him.
A test was slipped onto his desk. He'd forgotten to grab a pencil.
Danny glanced sideways out of the corner of his eyes, hand creeping down to draw out the mechanical pencil out from his jacket pocket. Tucker was already hunched over, the tip of his tongue pinched between teeth as he scribbled answers furiously.
The wish hadn't been explained as such, but all he could think about was "I was tired of being left behind."
Danny tapped his finger on the test, rolling the pencil between his fingers and examining the bright red- his favorite color.
…..Then choose the one who loves you most