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~CWA


CHAPTER FOUR


Danny Fenton

I haven't forgotten Tadashi and I's argument, but considering he has yet to say anything to me today, I'm pretty chill. Of course it helps that Tadashi's lab is a bit separate from the others and my music kind of drains out almost everything. The music even helps with Fred, who after ten minutes of trying to get my attention and failing finally left me alone to bother Wasabi and Honey Lemon about a possible serum that could turn him into a giant fire breathing lizard. As much as I hate to say it, I have to agree with Honey Lemon on the fact that such a serum isn't possible. It's science, I guess, but not exactly possible with what we have available to us now.

But now, after working a good portion of the day on the portal, I'm finally free to do something else for a while. I'm thinking maybe lunch. I think Wasabi mentioned a cafe nearby- Lucky Cat or something like that. I think I'll go there soon to at least try it out. I mean, it sounds pretty cool considering, from what I've overheard in others' conversations, it's a pretty decent place and pretty college-friendly as far as prices and hours go. A few people mentioned it has a Beat Poetry night as well. After looking it up on my phone, I found that it is really close by and everything that they've said is true. Movie night on the first Friday of every month for kids (and another one for the first Saturday for teenagers/college students/adults), holiday events that's pretty diverse. Decent pricing. I really do have to go there some time.

Though I'm a man on mission first, before I tend to my stomach's hunger. I need to find the Dimensional Theory Club and according to what I heard, the one to talk to is Christine who hangs in the courtyard, has many piercings and a butterfly tattoo. She really shouldn't be that hard to find. My eyes scan the courtyard, taking in the fact that there is a lot more people than I expected that are out and about. Then again it is about lunch time. Maybe I should have thought this out better. My odds of finding her in the crowd are slim to none, even less so considering the fact she's probably gone to lunch.

Just as I think of giving up, I spot her. Standing in the shade underneath one of the trees a bit away from everyone else, there's a girl who fits the description. Piercings in her eyebrows, lining her ears, even her nose and lip are pierced from what I can see. Long blonde hair covers a good portion of her features, but I can still see the butterfly tattoo on her neck. Though I'm hesitant to approach her from the cigarette in her fingers and the way she locks eyes with me and cocks her eyebrow. But her aura conveys nothing but happiness and friendliness. Goes to show you can't judge anyone from how they look. Hell, even I look tough and mean when I'm really not mean at all.

There's three other people with her and judging from the way they're exchanging notebooks and frantic conversation, I must have found the rest of the Dimensional Theory Club too. One's a girl who reminds me a bit of a 1970s hippie with long red hair, freckles everywhere, a more slender, petite frame hidden by flowing clothes and her legs are covered with a soft stubble- not that that bothers me. Her aura gives off a more flirtatious attitude and free spirit. The other is male with darker skin and his hair sticking out from a dark brown beanie. He looks a bit… extravagant. Long sweater that goes to his knees. Bright yellow pants. Fashionable. I suppose. His aura is more persevered and soft, suggesting that's he's probably more introverted and quiet. The final person is a Chinese girl in an off white (or light gray) dress with a blue shirt underneath to cover anything the low neckline of the dress would reveal and a matching bow around the waist. Her aura is a bit more demanding, independent and in charge, but like the redhead, there's a flirtatious attitude in her aura.

Christine, or who I assume is Christine, never breaks eye contact with me as I make my way toward the group. I can feel her eyes glancing me over before she cracks a smile and gives me a nod of greeting as I reach them.

"Hey," her voice is a bit deep and monotone, "You're one of the newbies in the science lab, right?"

I resit the urge to rub my neck and instead stick my hand out for a handshake. Almost like as if a switch has gone off in her head, her face brightens up instantly as she takes my hand in her free one, shaking it eagerly as I introduce myself,

"Yeah. Danny Fenton, nice to meet you. You're Christine Bachmeier? Leader of the Dimension Theory Club?"

She snorts as she takes her hand away, shaking her head in amusement,

"Leader sounds a bit dramatic, I just take care of those two knuckleheads," she jabs a thumb toward the other two people with us, "But yeah. That's me. And that's Jamie, Ai and Diego."

Each of them give me a small nod or in Jamie's case a friendly wave. Ai is eying me a bit with a small smirk on her lips. I shift a bit under her gaze, a tad uncomfortable with how she's practically undressing me with her eyes. She doesn't stop until Jamie elbows her, but even then she looks at me through the corner of her eyes, batting her eyelashes. I shift a bit more and try to not look her in the eyes. I have a feeling if I make eye contact with her, I'm just going to get sucked in with no escape. Like a fly in a spider's web. She is a rather attractive woman after all.

Christine continues to speak though, as if she's oblivious to what's happening around her. Or perhaps she's ignoring it. Either way, the muffled, covered up chuckle from Diego as she rambles on does go noticed by me. Obviously she tends to babble a lot then if he finds it funny.

"-And before you ask, yeah, this is the entire club. We're not exactly that popular since dimensional theories isn't really the thing a lot of people go for, especially at a college like this when there's so many more physical things you can invest your time into, but I don't think they really understand just how much dimensional theories can really open doors. I mean really, before you can invent anything, you have theories and you do research. We're only in the theory stage, but the fact that one day we, or people who are interested in dimensional theories, could invent a dimensional portal? Pretty amazing I think."

The more she speaks, the more a small German accent comes and goes, fading in and out as she talks. In a way, her rambling reminds me of Jazs. It's filled with so much passion, such a pure love for the subject. Looks like I found my people. A small devious grin spreads on my face. I have a feeling this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

"-I have to admit though, you seem pretty cool. Nice look. Nice smile. Ai seems to think so too, but if she makes a move you don't like, don't worry, she'll back off. She's cool like that-"

She goes to say more but it's Diego who speaks up this time, his voice a bit off from laughing as he cuts her off,

"Christine. You're babbling again. Don't scare him off like you did the last one."

"Not my fault that she apparently thought I was scary," Christine huffs, "….I'm not scary, am I? Danny what do you think?"

I grin a bit at her,

"You're absolutely terrifying."

Obviously I'm kidding. It's clear that they all know that as they grin at my answer. Except for Christine. She pouts at me briefly, feigning hurt before she busts into a large carefree grin. Putting her arm around my shoulders, she pulls me into a sort of two-person-huddle.

"You know what, Danny boy? I like you. You're funny."

"-And he's cute too," Ai pitches in, a sly smile on her face, causing me to blush slightly as I laugh a bit nervously.

"She doesn't bite," Jamie chimes, "….Much."

Her comment causes Ai to nudge her a bit harshly, a mildly irritated look on her face. In a way, they all remind me of my old friends, though I know they are their own people. But I totally know in my heart that these guys are going to by my gang. My group. My friends. I just really hope it

Just don't mess it up Fenton…..


….I messed it up. Or rather Tadashi messed it all up for me. It was all going well until I spotted Tadashi and made a face at him. Next thing I know, he and I are arguing over the exist of ghosts (again) and… Well…. The club wasn't exactly 'pleased' about our argument. Not that they agreed or disagreed with either one of us, but the fact that I was arguing so passionately (and Ai noticed my glowing green eyes which kind of creeped everyone out, but thankfully Tadashi didn't notice in the heat of our argument)…. Well let's just say that apparently Jamie really hates extreme controversies/fights and for such a peaceful looking person, she has a killer grip. My ear hurts just thinking about it. The rest of them were pretty put off by the whole encounter (it doesn't help that Tadashi is usually known around campus as a good guy apparently) and I have a feeling I won't be hearing back from any of them (aside from Ai, who didn't even hesitate to still write her number on her my hand with a suggestive wink- I don't think I've ever been so flustered in my life).

I let out a small frustrated sigh. I really wanted in and they all seemed like such nice people. We all seemed to click until Tadashi ruined it all. I guess I did have some part in it, but I just can't help defending myself when he just seems so… infuriating. I clench my fists at my sides as I walk down the street toward the cafe for lunch. Maybe visiting this place that I've been meaning to will make me feel better.

The Lucky Cat Cafe sign is pretty cute when I first spot it. I can't help but think that Ellie would like this place. Whenever she and Jazz visit, if they ever visit, I already know that I'm going to have to bring Ellie here. She adores cats. Dogs. Any animal really. Which I guess can cause some minor problems when she befriends any ghostly creature, some of which don't even vaguely resemble any sort of living creature I've seen. Cujo is still her favorite though and I don't blame her. The dog is the ghost of a guard dog after all so it'll protect her as well as be fun company for her. Probably a pet for life (afterlife?).

Shaking my head slightly, trying to shake off any lingering anger I have, I enter the cafe. It's a bit smaller than I thought it would be, but pretty cute. It doesn't seem too busy, which is a good thing I suppose. There's a small staircase in the back which suggests that the owner probably lives up there. A rather smart set up actually. Pretty cool. I look around for a moment, but jump slightly when I feel something rub against my leg. It's a cat. A rather fat, happy looking cat that's purring up a storm. Pretty cute.

I can't help but give the cat a small smile as I kneel down to pet it. I always have liked cats a bit better than dogs. Not to mention that, unlike most living dogs, cats don't seem to mind the whole undead thing. A lot of animals seem to pick up on the fact that I'm partly undead, or undead, and it tends to make them aggressive or scared of me. Animals like dogs and canine-related animals don't really like me. Cats, certain breeds of birds (such as ravens, crows, and owls), certain breeds of lizards, and bats tend to like me more than the average person though. Most even go as far as doing whatever I say to them (if I speak in Ghost Speak). I guess it's true that certain animals really are connected to the spirit world. I make a mental note to do more research on that later. It'd make for some interesting theories and (safe) experiments.

"Mochi! You know you can't just haress customers anymore! Some people have allergies, you know!"

I'm not sure what amuses me more. The fact that the woman who comes waltzing over speaking in a higher, excited pitch tone of voice is speaking as if the cat understands her, or the fact that this 'Mochi' appears to care less what this woman says as he (or she) continues to purr against me and look up at me with big, pleading eyes. After a second of hesitation, I pick up the rather heavy cat and it instantly just collapses into a loving puddle in my arms causing me to laugh a bit before looking back up at the woman.

She blinks a bit in confusion at me and Mochi, eying Mochi with a bit of a weird expression, before she snaps out of it and gives me a warm smile,

"Hello! You must be new here, I don't think I've seen you around. I'm Cass, owner of this fine establishment and I can't apologize enough for the cat. He doesn't seem to understand boundaries, but he's normally not so friendly with strangers."

"Danny," I introduce myself as I hand the cat to her, despite the cat's minor protests at the exchange, "And it's fine, really. I really love cats anyway so…"

I shrug a bit as I smile at her, a bit uncertain as to what to say. She seems pretty nice. A friendly aura, though a bit stressed. Something in her face seems a bit familiar, but I can't really place it. She's a bit older, but still rather young as she tries to contain the cat in her arms. Apparently Mochi really wants to come back to me. Guess I made a new friend. Even if Cass seems pretty stressed and unsure how to handle Mochi's strange new attachment to me. After a second, Mochi finally just gives up and jumps free of Cass' arms in favor of heading up the stairs. Strange cat. I like it.

Cass huffs a bit, shaking her head before looking back at me,

"I'm still pretty sorry about that…. Danny huh? You look like my nephew's age, any chance you go to SFIT? He goes there, such a genius really, and so is my other nephew though he's only about fourteen and he's about to graduate high school and everything!"

She lets out a small excited 'scream' as she goes on to talk about her nephews, who are apparently geniuses. For a brief moment, I wonder who her nephew is at the college, maybe it's someone I know? But it's such a huge college that I doubt it. Though the fourteen year old nephew sounds pretty impressive- he really must be a genius if he's already about to graduate high school. She speaks with such a prideful tone that I can't help but smile a bit in nostalgia. Something about her tone in voice reminds me of Mom and how she would speak about me after she found out I was Phantom (which happened during the Battle, possibly just before it started). She, and Dad for that matter, were so proud that I was a hero. That I took charge and lead everyone during the Battle. They, even with me being half ghost, were so damn proud. Blinking the tears away, I try to refocus myself back on the conversation at hand.

"Uh yeah," I gulp a bit, trying to regain myself, as I give her a shaky smile, "I'm a student at SFIT."

She looks like she's about to give me another long-winded, excited speech about SFIT and her nephews but stops short as she locks eyes with me. She seems to notice the look in my eyes and her expression softens as she calms herself down. Giving me a soft smile, she gestures for me to take a seat near the counter,

"Come on, you look like you need a Wake Me Up Special- that's pretty popular with the college students, by the way, and I can see why because this is a drink that will keep you up for days, no joke! And it's on the house this time."

"Are you sure," I hesitantly speak up, "Because I will gladly pay-"

"-Not gonna happen," she quickly dismisses the idea as I sit down, "You're a new customer after all."

I let out a small sigh, knowing that arguing with her isn't going to get me anywhere. I watch half-heartily as she fixes the drink, humming a bit to herself as she practically dances behind the counter. For someone whose a bit on the older side, probably early forties, she seems pretty young a heart. It's… refreshing. With someone like her owning the place, I can see why so many people are coming here.

"So," Cass says as she hands me the drink, "Want to tell me your troubles? You look pretty out there and I may not be a bartender, but I listen."

She makes a funny face and gestures her hands dramatically in a way that causes me to laugh a bit, shaking my shoulders with each laugh. I don't just tell my troubles to a complete stranger. I don't tell anyone all of my troubles at all. But her aura is so maternal in a way it's hard to not see her as a parent figure. A trusting figure.

"It's… It's just there's a kid at the college who seems to have it out for me. Every chance he gets, he argues with me about my beliefs and my project. It's rough… I can't help but defend myself. Not like 'explain myself to him', more like the 'I'm not just going to let him talk bad about me' way. After all, if I just sat back and let him talk all over me, degrading me, then what example am I setting for my daughter?"

The last sentence wasn't meant to come out, but it just slips out as if it's the most natural thing in the world. So much for no one knowing about Ellie. Ah well. It's pretty clear from Cass' expression that she harbors no ill intent or judgment as she just nods with a sort of whimsical expression on her face.

"How old is she?"

Her voice is soft, as if she's reminiscing on something. Ten to one it's the nephews she spoke about. For an aunt to be that attached, it's likely that's she's very close to them. Possibly even had a part in raising them. So it's likely that she's just remembering when her nephews were that age. Or maybe she has kids of her own, who knows? Either way I know that there's no turning back on this discussion. I've been aching to tell someone about Ellie, to be the proud father I am and brag about her. And this may be the only chance I get to really talk about her.

After taking a sip of the drink, which is just as strong as the name implies because it has awaken the dead (get it?), I set the drink down and reach into my pocket to dig out my wallet. After a second, I'm able to show her the picture of Ellie that's tapped onto my wallet. It shows her just before I left for San Fransokyo. She's grinning up at the camera with twinkling eyes, her long raven hair pulled back into two frilly ponytails.

"She just turned two," I explain, my voice laced with excitement and pride, "Cute as a button. She has the biggest imagination and just loves playing games. She loves to pretend she's a warrior princess, if you can believe it. Has the cutest fake sword and princess dress too, just looks absolutely adorable on her. And she's starting to show an interest in the stuff in like astronomy. We used to go out and watch the stars late at night and I'd tell her the constellations. She doesn't speak very well yet and she's a bit slow developing for someone her age, but she's trying her best and I can't be prouder. I left her with my sister in New York while I'm here studying to get a degree. I hope that if I can make it, I'll be able to provide a better life for her. She deserves the best and I just want to be able to give her that."

Cass gives me a smile, her eyes twinkling. It's clear from the way I say I left her with my sister that the mother isn't involved and I'm glad that Cass shows no signs of asking about the mother. It was hard enough when Sam and I tried to raise Ellie despite us being broken up already. Then it just got harder from there when we dated other people and then… Well… She's not here anymore so it doesn't matter. My hands shake a bit at the memories, but I'm able to manage to keep smiling at Cass as I show off Ellie's picture.

"With a father like you, I'm sure she already has the best."

It's spoken with such a genuine tone that I can't help but look a bit startled. Not to mention how the comment humbles me as I grin a bit more sheepishly, pulling back slightly suddenly a bit more cautious of my over enthusiastic behavior. She laughs at the small faint blush that I can feel on my cheeks,

"Don't get so flustered! There's no shame in being a good parent! I mean, I may not be the best example for my boys all the time, but I do try my best. Though I still think I should have picked up that book on parenting..."

She trails off slightly, musing a bit to herself.

"I have a book on parenting," I offer, "I can always bring it by if you want."

She crinkles her nose at the suggestion before waving it off,

"Nah! My nephews will be fine and I… I have to get back to work, I've been talking too much and without my nephews here to help at the moment, I'm a bit overwhelmed so I better go..."

She trails off again, eying the other customers in the cafe with a slightly stressed out expression. Personally, I just can't believe she has to handle all of this on her own when her nephews aren't here to help out. As she runs off to take care of a spill that another customer's had, I can't stop myself from calling out to her.

"If you ever need any help, just let me know!"

"Thanks, I'll take it under advisement!"

Something tells me that she's still going to try to do it all herself. For a moment, I just sit there, musing to myself before I finally just inwardly curse. I quickly gulp down the rest of the drink, barely savoring the taste. Then, I stand and quickly head toward Cass to give her a hand.

Damn my heroic streak.