Danny Phantom (c) Butch Hartman

Story (c) Me

Danny stared at himself in the mirror. He was normally dressed- the outside morning light began to shine through the window. It was a family reunion in Arkansas.

Of course, one that wasn't originally planned. This came about after Danny had revealed himself to be half ghost and Danny Phantom. They had heard the story from his mom of how he got his powers; and now it was time for the party. Danny could hear outside cars pulling in and almost some voices somewhere else in the house.

He and his family had arrived early so Danny could prepare for the party. But as he stayed in the bathroom, door locked, he only could stare in the mirror and think about what was going to happen. All the looks and stares he would receive; this probably wouldn't happen the next reunion, but still...

Knowing he was going to go out there and talk to them was painful to think about. A nervous lump swelled in his gut. His body was slightly stiff from anxiety. His parents had tried to be empathetic about his situation and told him they'd already explained some things to the family to ease pressure on him. But either way, he felt nauseous from nervousness. Soon, there was a knock at the door, startling him and making him look towards it in bewilderment. Was a family member trying-

"Danny?" Oh, his father's voice. Danny took in a breath.

"Yeah?"

"Are you coming out anytime soon? Grandma and Grandpa are trying to distract the family for your sake."

"Oh, tell 'em I said thank you so very much. Ugh, Dad...how'm I gonna do this? I've never been so nervous in my life; and I've fought the most terrifying ghosts in existence." he said. There was a pause, then Jack said something.

"Can I come in?"

"Sure. Let me unlock the door." he said. He walked up and opened the door. The minute Jack came in Danny locked the door again and breathed in relief no one had seen him. His father raised an eyebrow.

"Isn't locking the door a bit much?"

Danny shrugged. Sweat dripped down his forehead. "I dunno. Dad...what if...what if they don't like this?"

"They all flew in for this. I'm pretty sure if they didn't like it they wouldn't bother."

"What if I'm stared at all the time I'm out?"

"And your mother and I aren't already stared at for wearing jumpsuits all the time?"

"What if..."

"What if?"

Danny paused. He wasn't sure what to question exactly- but it felt like there was still a 'what if' he didn't know how to ask. Jack sighed and put an arm around his son.

"Son. I know how you feel, that pressured anxiety of embarrassment. But sitting here and worrying won't solve anything. We have to cast aside 'what if' and just roll with it." Jack said, giving a tight grip around the boy. His son still said nothing. Jack smiled a little. "If I walked out with you, would that make you feel better?" he asked. Danny was quiet for a moment, then nodded meekly.

Jack unlocked the bathroom door. Sharing one more look, the two went out. Jack didn't take his arm away from Danny, providing some comfort for the boy. Danny looked down as they entered the living room, avoiding eyes he knew were at him. He heard some 'hello's and he returned them quietly.

He wasn't sure what to do now- but as his younger cousin ran up, the littleun's excitement obvious, she ran right under Danny to meet his eyes. "Danny! Danny!" she cried happily. Danny smiled lightly.

"Hello, Elle."

"Danny! Can you turn into the ghostie?" she pleaded. Danny blushed awkwardly at that request that everyone heard. There were some calls of agreement to the request. The boy wasn't sure how to react or what to do, but his dad shook his lightly to encourage him. Danny looked up at his father, who gave him a proud grin. Then Danny pulled his head up to finally meet the curious- but not dubious- eyes of his family.

He managed to smile a little. "Goin' Ghost!" he cried, then allowed the rings to form and split, changing him into Danny Phantom.

While Danny's parents had seen him multiple times transform now, it was the first time that he ever transformed in front of the entire family. There was silence for a few minutes, then his cousin gave a squeal of excitement and hugged him. There were cheers and claps in the back. His glowing green eyes grew a little less worried and the lump in his gut seemed to fade.

Elle put her arms up. "Danny! Can you fly me around a little? PLEASE? I know you've done it with your girlfriend Sam. Please?"

"Elle!" his aunt's voice chided. She looked at her ghostly nephew. "Sorry, Danny, if you don't-"

"No, no, it's fine," Danny said, "I've done it many times before. I'll be happy to if it's okay with you." he offered. His aunt shook her head.

"Thank you very much, Danny, but the family just wants to chat together for a bit. Elle, he can fly you later."

"Aww!" the little girl moaned. Danny chuckled lightly.

"After Elle, I wanna be flied around, too!" Another cousin of the same age of Elle said. Danny laughed.

"Sure, no problem. But later, okay guys?"

"Okay."

"So, Danny..." One of Danny's uncles started. "What sorta powers do you have?"

"Better yet, let's see 'em in the backyard!" his aunt exclaimed excitedly. There were approving and curious murmurs, and Danny finally managed to truly smile. This wasn't as bad as he thought.