Warning: Okay, people, I have a big warning to put in here. I'm giving away a spoiler, but it's important. Danny and Sam are going to have make-up sex and it's a little graphic. * get's uncomfortable * I looked at this particular scene every which way and I CAN NOT figure out a way to censor it without leaving out particularity vital information. It's not a lemon but it's close. There is no intercourse and the details are as limited as I can get it, but it's still riskier than I would have liked it. I am REALLY sorry about this, guys. After you read it, I hope you will understand why I couldn't edit it out.
Additional Warning: As always, adult content, mpreg, and language.
Disclaimer: I don't own Danny Phantom.
Chapter Two: Fight and Flight
The call was so impossibly strong. The delusions came in the middle of the afternoon when I kept imagining things about Sam. My girls were playing with their grandparents while I was playing with Jacky and Jamie. I'd spend the entire day with my family and leave here in the morning. And despite Sam's warnings, my girls would go with me.
Tucker was sitting on the couch, watching our every moment. He really was the Danny and Sam police. Every time I had a vision, he'd interrupt it. I was sitting on the floor with Jacky on my lap. "Uc'le Danny," he kept repeating, showing me things he'd drawn or made since I left. Jacky was so big now. I hardly recognized either of them. Jamie was sitting on Sam's lap and she was holding him to her chest, rocking him gently. He was chatting with Sam, too, but most of the conversation was about me.
"That's real pretty, Jacky," I said softly. Sam was right. I was so surprised by their tranquility. Sure, they were both high energy boys but Jacky was sitting still in my lap, talking in a calm voice. He flipped the pages in his coloring book or drawing pad with care. Jamie has always been the more timid one but even he was full of energy. However, sitting on Sam's lap, it was like he was a different boy. It was like they were both different boys.
"I did what you asked," Jacky said, looking up at me. "I don't upset Grandma and Paw-Paw anymore."
"That's a good boy," I said, rubbing his hair. "What about Mommy? Has she visited any with you?"
"Not really," Jacky said, looking down at his fists in his lap. "We usually leave Mommy be." His voice was childish and he struggled with a lot of the words he spoke but I could make them out. I was impressed. Megan still talks like she did four months ago.
"Is she being nice to you," I asked, squeezing him in a hug.
Jacky giggled. "Yeah. She gets us things if we ask. She sat with us once."
"She did," I cooed, smiling. "What did you guys do?"
"She sat with us," Jacky repeated. I nodded, chuckling softly.
"Baby steps," I said, kissing his hair.
I looked over at Jamie and Sam was still rocking him gently. I could feel the delusions kicking up again. Jamie vanished from between Sam's legs and she came to her knees, crawling towards me. Come on, Fenton, it's not real! She slid her hand down my chest and I looked down, shuddering. Jacky was gone now, too, along with everyone in the room. We were in an empty room with white walls now. Sam's hand slid down to my crotch and her eyes displayed exuberated passion. Snap out of it!
Now would be helpful for Tucker to snap me out of it but no! He doesn't do it until I start to act on those impulses. In echoes, I heard Tucker's voice: I don't want you not to make up. I don't want you to act excessively. You two will get back together slowly; controlled.
Get me out of this fucking fantasy, Tucker, I shot back. I shuddered as Sam swung herself over me. Sam would never do the things fantasy Sam loved to do but then again, my imagination is more warped than Sam is.
"Don't you miss me," Sam whispered into my ear. It was like watching a porno featuring my fantasies. Sam wasn't wearing her normal clothing; she was in a short one piece leather dress with fishnet stockings and tall boots. I'm glad Sam can't read minds.
I'm glad I can, Tucker's voice echoed through my head. This is pretty hot.
If you don't snap me out of it, I'm going to tell Valerie that you were watching!
Ha, Tucker retorted and I knew my ship had sunk. Like you'd tell Valerie—or anyone for that matter—what you're fantasizing right now.
Tucker Martin Foley, right now, I ordered.
Fantasy Sam pushed me and I fell on my back. Sam came around my head, squatting down. "If this won't work, maybe this will." The white walls transformed into a stripper's stage. Lord, help me.
This is looking interesting.
Get the hell out of my head!
Are you kidding, Tucker laughed. I don't have to pay for admission this way.
Tucker, I exclaimed. Sam spun around the pole in a new outfit. Tucker let out a whistle as I sat up in a sitting position. Sam leaned up against the pole in a three piece outfit with a scarf and a pair of high heels.
It's time for you to leave now, Tucker, I said, my eyes wide. She looked great.
I think I'll stick around, Tucker added cockily.
Sam twirled herself around the pole, stepping towards me. I was on the stage, sitting in a large armchair. She walked around the chair, touching me from behind. Her hands slid down my shoulders until she was wrapped around my neck. Her hands slid back up my shoulders, me feeling everything.
She allowed her fingers to trail as she walked in front of me. Her hands rested on my chest as she climbed on top of me. She began to dance on me, rubbing my shoulders. I thanked God, if he's out there, that Sam will never have to know I fantasied about this.
Sam stood up and went back to the pole. She grabbed the bar and twirled around the stage. I shuddered as she removed the scarf around her neck. She pulled it off slowly and tossed it at me. I could smell her scent on the scarf.
In an instant, we were back to sitting on the floor with my nephews. I looked to Sam as she looked to me. I saw her visibly swallow. I refrained from touching her but her skin was calling out to me. I looked back to Jacky, ignoring the call of magnetism.
"Sam," Tucker's voice cut through me. I looked up to see Sam rectifying herself. She nearly gave into it. Wait, she's having fantasies, too?
I don't want to see hers, Tucker added. I've seen enough.
But you'll watch Sam giving me a strip tease, I retorted.
It wasn't Sam, Tucker shrugged. Plus, it was a girl! A smoking hot girl who wasn't my sister.
If Valerie knew what you did, I grumbled.
Who's going to tell, Tucker taunted. Not me. Definitely not me.
(04)
Mom fixed lunch and we all sat down to eat. Jacky was showing me he was graduated to solids and I congratulated him. It was still a soft diet but he wasn't only drinking formula. Megan was showing Mom and Dad her favorite foods. Megan loved my parents. Lilly was eating her lunch and enjoying herself. I was pushing mine around.
I was so conflicted. My girls would be hurt if I left. Sam would be hurt if I left. My parents would be hurt if I left. Why was I leaving? I know, I want to allow Sam to decide for herself but obviously this was hurting her as bad if not worse than me staying. She thought she was happy. Isn't that enough? But then I thought about mine and Vlad's relationship. I thought I was happy with Vlad. Was that enough? Thinking back, after Dan, it was the worst time of my life.
I love Sam. I think she loves me. However, I don't want her to be forced to do anything. As far as I know, Sam may have been fighting to be free since that night in Elemerton. I know I didn't feel the magnetism until in the woods after Megan's birth but that doesn't mean it didn't exist. I didn't go into magnetism with Vlad until the day after I found out I was pregnant but I know for a fact I was feeling it since that night in the car on the way to Saint Louis.
But there's more than that. Everywhere I go, I find a nest of ghosts. That can't be a coincidence. We have bands of ghosts out there, outside of Amity Park, and they are creating havoc. I have to isolate the incident again. I have to clean out the nests.
I looked to Megan, shoving a fistful of potatoes in her mouth. I smiled sadly. I have to do what's right for my girls. My girls want to see their mother. My girls miss their Uncle Tucker and Aunt Jazz. My girls miss their grandparents. My girls are staying and I am going.
I got nauseas and darted from the table, up the stairs and into the bathroom. I vomited into the toilet, heaving up everything I've eaten.
"Danny," Sam asked, horrified. My family gathered around the bathroom door as I tried to get my stomach to stop doing summersaults.
I stood up, my left hand clutching the sink basin. "I-I'm okay."
"Are you sick," Mom asked, rushing into the bathroom. She felt my forehead as I tried to stop my head from spinning. "Are you okay?"
"Bleak reality," I gasped. I wiped my mouth and turned on the water spigot. I washed my mouth out.
"What are you talking about, honey," Mom Number Three asked.
I looked back to the door and only Jazz wasn't crowded around the room. I can't imagine Jazz being in a hurry to see someone barf. That's the last thing a pregnant person wants to see any more of.
"I have to go," I said, wrapping my arms around my side. "I have a job out there that I have to do. I'm not out there sightseeing." I sucked in a small breath. "And it's too dangerous for Lilly and Megan."
A look of understanding came to Sam's eyes but I didn't see the joy I thought I'd see there. I saw heartbreak. Sam backed into the crowd, her eyes huge. She darted from the bathroom and a moment later, a door slammed.
"What's wrong with her," I asked, looking to Tucker. "I thought she'd be… happy about this?"
"What's joyous about the realization that you're losing your soul mate," Tucker added sharply. He glared at me. "You are so pompous that you are willing to leave your children to break the two of you up?"
"Do you think I want this," I declared. "Sam," I called, stepping into the crowd. I went into the hallway and went straight into my room. However, as soon as I opened the door, something came hurling towards me. I caught the small bedside lamp easily. "Sam, honey."
"Get the hell out," Sam declared. "I see you for the man you are now. Just go the hell away." She turned from me, not a tear in sight. I closed the door, walking to my side of the bed. "Just leave, Danny. I was wrong about you. You're not the man I thought you were!"
"Please, listen to me," I said, my voice breaking. I sat down on my side, touching her hand. I picked it up, pulling her hand to my chest and holding it with both of mine. "Sam, this isn't about us anymore. I think I've made my mind up. I want you. I can't live without you." Sam turned towards me, tears building in her eyes. "This is the hardest thing I've ever had to do. But… I know what I have to do now. Everything happens for a reason, Sam. I had to screw up so I would leave. I have to leave so I can protect the rest of the world." I pulled her hand to my lips, kissing it. "I want you to look after my girls, Sam. After myself, you're the only one I trust with them. I have to clean up this mess and then we will work on us. Okay?"
"You're giving this up," Sam asked, looking into my eyes.
"Not entirely," I was honest with her. "I'll be honest with you. I'm hoping the time apart will open your eyes but by the time I come home, if you're still in love with me, I'm all yours."
"So you're not leaving because of me anymore," Sam asked. "I'm a second note."
"Right," I nodded. "If it wasn't for these nests I'm finding, I'd stay. It's going to break my heart if you're not in love with me anymore."
"That'll never happen," Sam smiled at me. She wrapped her arms around me and I hugged her. Sam finally hiccupped and I heard soft whimpers. "I love you, Danny."
"I love you so much, Sam," I said, closing my eyes. No sparks, no warmth, no craziness. It was just Sam and I. Sam pulled back, capturing my lips in hers. She grabbed my shirt, pulling it up. I broke the kiss. "I'm leaving, Sam. Are you sure?"
"That's why I'm doing this," Sam said, kissing me deeply. She pulled my shirt off, tossing it to the floor. "I don't know when I'll get my next opportunity." She went back to kissing me.
(04)
Sam and I came back downstairs, hand in hand. Mom stood up, arms crossed. "Please tell me Tucker was mistaken in his observation!"
I was so not wrong, Tucker smirked. Look at that smile. She's never been happier.
"No, he wasn't wrong," I said softly. I cast my gaze down. "I'll be gone for a while. Sam wanted… to say goodbye."
"Did you use protection," Mom Number Two asked.
"We always do," I said, keeping my head down.
"It's not like it's the first time," Mom Number Two said softly. I looked up to see my mom shooting daggers at Tucker's mom.
"That is beyond the point," Mom retorted. "They are too young to be sexually active!"
"I agree," she said, "but it's not like we can erase the past. They've already done it before!"
"I'm not really concerned about the sex," Mom Number Three remarked. "Alice is right. They've done it before and they used protection. I just want to say that you had it for no reason because he's not going anywhere."
Mom released a sigh. "Yes, he is."
"Excuse me," Mom Number Three retorted. "He so is not!"
"I can't stop him," Mom sighed, defeated.
"He is your son and underage," Mom Number Three began.
"And that is irreverent," Mom replied. "Marcie, you have not been here, honey. You don't know what Danny is like anymore. He isn't that little boy who did everything we asked. He's a grown man who does what he wants when he wants despite our preference."
Mom Number Three looked at her incredulously. "Are you listening to yourself? This is your son. If he doesn't obey the rules, you give him consequences."
Mom threw her hands up in the air. "What more could I do to him? I've grounded him, I've threatened to spank him, I've taken his cell phone away. You're his mother too. I give you permission to try. Go ahead. Maybe your Texan ways can do something my Ohioan ways didn't teach me."
"You're not leaving, young man," Mom Number Three remarked.
"I have to go," I said softly. I sat down, Sam practically on my lap. Our hands were still intertwined. Today was for us. I wouldn't start alienating her until tomorrow. We've already had sex. It'd be stupid to start it this soon.
"You're not allowed to," she added firmly.
This is exactly why she had to leave. She's stubborn as all get out! "I'm leaving, with or without your permission."
"You don't pull that language with me, young man," she said firmly. "There are two things you always respect: your parents and your elders."
"Obligations and duties come before respect and honor," I said honestly. "I respect you and I do not want to disobey. However, I have obligations. Lives depend on me. I am leaving—I am leaving my children to obligate this. I can't sacrifice anything else."
Mom finally lowered her gaze. "You're really going to leave them with Sam."
"It's too dangerous," I answered her. I sucked in a breath of air, Sam tightening her grip on my arm and wrist. "I've discovered some pretty big operations. I don't want my children in the middle of this. I don't want to leave them but it's the responsible thing to do. I'm a father first. I will not endanger my children because I'm selfish."
"That is responsible, Marcie," Mom Number Two replied.
"Brit is responsible," Mom Number Three retorted in Two's direction. "That doesn't mean I don't expect for her to do what I tell her."
"I agree with Maddie," Dad added. "You're not going to stop him. There are two things you don't mess with when it comes to Danny: his family and his job. For him to be leaving the girls," I squeezed Sam's hand, "we don't stand a chance."
"He's still a boy! He is just seventeen! He cannot be out there, unaccounted for!"
"Marcie," Dad Number Two sighed, "we either let him go or he goes out the window. What would you rather him do?"
"He goes out the window, we go after him," Mom Number Three redirected.
"What do you think we've been doing the last forty-five days," Mom declared. "Once he's gone, he's gone!"
"I know you're all worried about me," I said softly, "but I have to do this. There are nests out there. If I don't clean them up, the ghost exposure is going to come a lot sooner than it's supposed to."
"But sweetheart, the nests aren't just in this area. We can do a better job together, don't you agree," Mom asked me.
"I thought you said you couldn't stop him," Mom Number Three retorted.
"I can't stop him but I may have a chance to change his mind," Mom shot quietly.
I let out a small laugh. "No, I don't agree. I work better alone. I don't have to worry about anyone's safety but my own. And I have my ways of getting around, Mom. I'm not only in Illinois."
"I know you don't stay in Illinois. But this must be wider spread. If it's happening in such a large area, then it bound to be happening all over the world."
"I'll clean up what I can," I stated instead. I don't want to tell her I am going worldwide. She may wonder how I'm traveling and she might come to a conclusion I don't want her to come to. I don't want her thinking I'm out there hitchhiking.
"If you are out there alone, who's watching your back," Mom Number Three asked sternly.
Careful, everyone. The Calloway's have no idea I've died. No one called them. I took a soft breath, praying no one would screw up. "I'll be fine," I said softly. "I can look out for myself."
"Besides," Mom Number Two released a big breath, "there's no guarantee anyone can protect him. He wasn't alone last time." I cringed.
Mom let out a loud, deliberate cough. All eyes were on the Calloway's.
"What," Brit asked, her eyes scanning ours. "What did that mean?" Not even Brit was told. That was slick maneuvering. Samuels passed the word along by mouth and only a few individuals knew about my death. It wasn't just Mom's attempt to tell Mom Number Three when she was ready. I'm the distributor. It was the first time a successor perished before his predecessor.
"Nothing," Mom said, stiffly.
"Alice, what did you mean by that," Mom Number Three demanded.
"You never told them," Mom Number Two accused. Dad Number Two's jaw was dropped in surprise.
"I wanted to give myself time," Mom said, her eyes shaking. "Then he was back and I didn't have to tell anyone. There was no point in upsetting her."
"What are you talking about," Mom demanded.
"Don't freak," I began, already knowing it was hopeless. Everyone in the room, and I do mean everyone, huffed as if to say 'Marcie Calloway not freaking?'. It was a lost cause and I knew it. "Two months ago on August twenty-seventh—," I cringed, "I mean July twenty-seventh, we were searching for Megan. Sam and I hadn't told Megan about our engagement and when she found out, she got upset. Megan has a dormant transport power but it's not dormant when she's upset; she teleported to Vlad's island. Vlad has a ghost shield on his island and we couldn't find her signature because of it. When we figured out she could have transported, our ground significantly decreased. Vlad and I went to the island, expecting no trouble. There were ghosts there hunting Megan, though, and there were a lot of them. Megan had taken shelter but if she came out to me, the ghosts would have found her.
"We fought the ghosts as long as we could but it was a losing battle." I paused for a moment. I was going to leave Lilly out of this but I need to explain how Megan and Vlad wasn't killed too. Okay, I've got it. "A ghost formed a pole out of ectoplasm and was trying to impale me on it. I saw it in time and rolled out of the way. When I came to my feet, though, a ghost stabbed me in the back." A loud gasp of surprise. "Surprised, I didn't have time to avoid his second attempt. He impaled me with the pole. Lilly, who had stolen away on the plane and I had no idea was there, saw the attack and it awoke a very powerful, unknown power. She obliterated all the ghosts in the area."
"What happened to you," Mom Number Three demanded.
"That's what they're talking about. The wound was fatal. I died."
"What," Dad Number Three declared.
"If it weren't for this thing right here," I replied, bringing out the Reality Gauntlet, "I would still be dead. I didn't cross over and the Reality Gauntlet can revive unfinished business ghosts."
"Y-you di-died," Brit asked, swallowing. She turned green.
"For five days," I nodded. I chuckled humorlessly. "This body is brand new. It's not seventeen anymore."
"What does that mean," Mom Number Three exclaimed.
"Tucker dissolved the body that was in the casket," Mom Number Two answered. "He had an autopsy and was embalmed."
"Huh," I declared. "I didn't know I had an autopsy."
"Yeah," Sam nodded. "We tried to have it dismissed but it's the law."
I guess all the ectoplasm in your body vanished, Tucker replied. The report came back that you were healthy before your death. Not a thing wrong with you except for that giant hole through your stomach.
When did you get the report back, I asked.
A couple weeks ago, Tucker chuckled. You should have heard what Mom said. She threw the report on the table and said 'now he's missing for an entirely different reason!'. He laughed.
I shook my head, chuckling.
"What," Mom asked.
"Have you got the report back," I asked.
"Yeah," Mom replied. "Healthy as a horse. No illnesses. No old injuries. Just a cut in the back and a hole in your stomach. Seventeen years old."
"I'm really sorry, Mom," I said, looking down. "I never meant for this to happen. I wished I could take it back."
"Take what back," Mom Number Three asked.
"Having the affair with Vlad," I sighed. "I wished I was strong enough to stay away that night. I know I'm needed out there but if I had no idea it was out there, then I wouldn't be responsible for it." Well, that isn't exactly true but I wouldn't have known about it and wouldn't worry about it.
"Who is Vlad," Dad Number Three asked. "I've heard you mention him before. And what do you mean affair?"
Mom told them Vlad was their former friend and I told them about our history and relationship.
"That's what you and Brit knew," Dad Number Three said, his eyes hollow. "You told Brit, didn't you?"
"We went to Mom and Dad's college reunion and I started having these weird dreams. I wanted to tell someone so I told Brit. When I got home after Christmas, I called Brit to wish her a Merry Christmas and she asked me how it went with Vlad. I was in a bad place and I told her that it wasn't just a dream. She begged me to tell someone but I was… afraid. Vlad had tons of money and I knew about that island out in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. I didn't want to chance him kidnapping me. I didn't tell anyone else except for the clinic until I told Sam and Tucker after our breakup."
"Why didn't you tell us," Mom Number Three demanded of Brit.
"I wanted to," Brit said, looking down.
"I swore her to the sister code," I added.
"That's not the reason I didn't tell anyone," Brit released a breath. "Danny trusted me, Mom. He told me something that he himself wasn't even sure about. At least he was talking to me, though. If I betrayed him and he cut me off, who did he have then? I had to make a choice and maybe I was wrong, but at least I could be there for him in the only way I knew how."
"So you chose your brother's trust over his health," Mom Number Three accused. "Brittany, I would rather have him safe and mad at me than have him hurt and trusting."
"You don't know everything," Tucker replied. "I chose the same thing. We all did. We still do. There will be a next time. If we betray each other to stop one evil, who's going to be there for when the next one comes along?"
"Do you keep secrets from each other," Dad Number Three asked.
"Not anymore," Sam answered. "Right now, trust is the most important thing we have. We didn't tell Brit about Danny's death because we wanted to be able to tell Mrs. Calloway in person but then Danny was revived and we had no real reason to tell anyone else. That's the only secret we've kept from Brit. But Jazz, Danny, Tuck, Val, Danielle and I are an open book. We've seen what lies do to us. We've learned that lesson the hard way."
"Unfortunately, I'm still learning," I sighed. "I didn't tell Sam I was still having dreams about Vlad. I told her I was fine."
"That doesn't mean I didn't know, though," Sam replied. She rubbed my arm, kissing its big muscle. "I just didn't see you acting on those impulses. I thought you could control them."
I released a breath, looking down. "So did I."
Sam kissed that spot again. "Don't beat yourself up over it. It wasn't your fault."
"Just because you forgive me—maybe—doesn't mean it wasn't my fault," I replied. I looked into her eyes. "I knew what I was doing. No one forced me. I can't deny blame here. I won't deny it."
"Okay," Sam rolled her eyes. "So I forgive you. Let it go."
"I promise you," I said as I leaned into her, "when I come back, if you're still forgiving, I'll put it behind me. It'll be just like after the tour. This is a test. Whatever we choose, it'll erase everything. We'll either be engaged or best friends."
"What tour," Mom asked.
"When I get back," I added, aggravated. So many questions! Sam chuckled, giving me an Eskimo kiss.
"It's something that happened during the first timeline. You, Mr. Fenton and Danny went on a tour," Sam replied. She kissed my cheek. "You can tell her that."
"I was just aggravated," I heaved a sigh. "I've been moody lately. The girls have been bugging me to death about coming home."
"Remind me to give them a cookie," Mom added seriously. We chuckled.
"Forget the cookie," Sam laughed. "Lilly will get a bushel of apples and I'll get Megan a Vlad plushy!"
"It was the Masters' Blasters who had the dolls and Vlad had the umbrellas," I reminded her in a grumble.
"Still, I'll give her something she wants." Sam laughed. "That's my girls."
"When do you plan to leave," Brit asked me.
"In the morning," I answered. "I'll get a good night's rest and eat breakfast here. Then I'll take off."
"Good," Mom sighed. "At least I can hold onto you for a few more hours."
"I won't sneak out," I said, looking to Dad Number Two. I was referencing his comment about me going out a window. "I've never run away from home. Each time, I walked out the door. I'll do it again here." I looked to Mom Number Three, "With or without your blessing."
"It's going to be without," Mom Number Three replied. "I can't give you my blessing. If I try everything possible, then I know I did all I could. If anything happens, I'll at least have that reassurance."
"I told Mom and it still holds. If I die, I'll not cross over and it will take me a few days to have the energy to be seen, but once I'm visible, I'll come back to life."
"What if someone steals the Reality Gauntlet," Mom asked. "How will you come back to life if someone takes the Reality Gauntlet?"
I released a breath. If I die, my party is no longer obligated to me. Whoever kills me, conquers my kingdom. The only reason I didn't lose it when I died was because Lilly obliterated my assassins. Lilly was the future Queen of the Ghost Zone but nothing had been done before I was revived. According to Record Keeper, Vlad was once again the King—this time, solely him—because Lilly was too young to rule. As soon as I came back to life, though, Lilly relinquished her authority, dropping Vlad. I don't think he even knew.
"This could be an issue," I said, releasing a breath. I twisted my arm, bringing it out in the open. "You are right, if we don't have the gauntlet, then we have no way to revive me. If I die, then there's no way I can protect it." Heaving a sigh, I reluctantly pulled the Gauntlet off my arm. "I'm trusting you, Mom. Keep this safe." I handed it to her.
"What about me," Dad asked with a pout. "Can't I be trusted with it?"
"It's nothing personal, Dad," I said, smirking. I looked at him seriously. "You can mess with it. Anyone can. But if anything happens to it, Mom's directly responsible. The same way Clockwork gave this to us and we assumed responsibility. It will fall back to me if anything happens and I'll take responsibility but I trust Mom to keep it safe. That's why it's in her hands." I looked to Mom. "You're responsible for the safety of that, Mom. If you give it to anyone you don't trust, it's on you. If you misjudge someone's character, it's still on you but it'll also be on me. That means I misjudged your character."
"This is the only thing that can save you in a worst case scenario," Mom said, clutching it to her chest. "They'll take it out of my dead hands."
"Are you really sure about this, Danny," Sam asked me, pulling on my arm. I looked to her at my side. "What if you need it?"
"Well, what if I have it and I can't protect it," I asked, putting my head on hers. I breathed in her scent, making a note in my mind. The magnetism was running wild in me; I could feel, smell and I bet I could taste. "I think I'd rather be safe than sorry. There's not a lot I can be sorry about without it. With it, there's a lot I should be worried about."
"Did you have it when you died," Mom Number Three asked.
"Yeah," I nodded. I shook my head, still disbelieving. "They nearly buried me with it."
"Why didn't you use it," she demanded. "It could have saved your life!"
"They were already targeting my girls," I said, looking to her. "While the Reality Gauntlet might have drawn them away from Megan," I hope they don't pick up on my slip. "I could have given them something to complete their task. They didn't know I had the gauntlet. They were trying to stop me. What would they have done if they knew I had it? I probably would have been the target, not the wall to destroy to get to the target."
"Your girls come first," she nodded, knowing what I was getting at. I'd die a thousand deaths to protect those I love. I'm not afraid of dying. I'm terrified of losing those around me.
My children, though, are a completely different story. I'd kill for my girls.
"Always," I said, holding my head high. "There isn't anything I wouldn't do for them." I released a big breath, "Which is going to make tomorrow so much worse."
"You don't have to go," Mom said softly. "We can take care of the nests together. You don't have to leave your girls, Danny."
"Yes, I do," I said, holding my head down. "They won't want me to go but this will have to be something I have to deny them. This is a part of my job. You've said it a million times before Mom and my reply is always the same. It applies here. We all have a job to do, even though the most important job, taking care of our children, is the one we'd rather do."
"Yes, it is," Mom sighed. "I honestly never thought you'd see it this way when you had kids yourself. I was wrong."
"God," I exclaimed softly, closing my eyes, "three years ago, I would have never seen it this way. When this first began, I protected Sam and Tucker to the point that I would have to protect myself if I tried to protect them one more time." We chuckled. "I was just like you. Despite what was happening, I had people I had to protect. I convinced Sam and Tucker I was going to be okay when I was certain I wasn't going to be. I laid everything on the line to protect my family; it was all or nothing. I turned my back on everything I ever believed in just because I lost Lilly. I was just as you imagined I'd be. Then I saw the bigger picture. We are eighteen people in a vast planet of six billion people. We are the ones who can stop this. We may have the Division, but we are the ones who are going to save the planet. We've done it before; we'll do it again."
"But how do you look at Sam, for instance, and say her sacrifice is worth two hundred strangers."
"We would all mourn Sam," I said, casting my gaze to the floor. "There would be hundreds of others who would feel her loss. The impact of her death would be huge. Magnify that by two hundred."
"Millions," Dad Number Three breathed.
"Exactly," I said, looking up painfully. "I never want to see anyone to die." I sucked in a breath. "I never want anyone to die for anyone else—a stranger or a thousand. But we're stronger together. If I tried to stop the war all by myself, I'd lose. If I have all of you, plus, then we have a chance."
"But you're going out there alone now," Mom Number Three accused.
"I have my reasons," I said softly. "Besides, this isn't the war. This is small stuff. This is the Gulf War. When those portals open, that's going to be the Iraq war."
"Just remember, they're all important," Joseph remarked. "One may be bigger, but the smallest one could be even more significant."
"I'd imagine it is," I nodded. "What I do now will reflect on the war. If I do nothing, it'll be a lot worse. If I go out there and do what I can, it will show."
"Just be careful," Mom Number Two begged. "We have the Reality Gauntlet but I don't want to use it unless we have to."
I laughed, "Believe me. I'm not looking forward to becoming an unfinished business ghost again either. That sucked!"
"Just be careful," my mom said firmly. "I don't ever want to be in that situation again."
I looked to Mom seriously. "I'll be careful. I'll do what I have to. I have two girls who depend on me, too."
"That's right," Dad nodded. "So, when are you going to tell them?"
"Tomorrow," I said. "I don't want them to lose any sleep."
The room fell into silence but it was eerie. I don't think anyone was looking forward to tomorrow.
(04)
That evening, after dinner, Sam was giving the girls a bath and I decided to restock on supplies. Our moms were cleaning up the kitchen while I was outside with my tent deployed. I wouldn't take this tent again. It was just me now; I wouldn't need all this space. I had my head in the back of Megan's cubby, digging out wrappers and trash. How many times did I have to tell Dom not to give Megan sweets before bed? I threw the small baggie out and backed out of the cubby. Lilly's in the next row was a lot cleaner but she had kicked her shoes off in the back. I was wondering where that pair went? I tossed them over my shoulder.
"Hey," I heard my cousin remark. I jumped a tiny bit. "Oops."
"No problem," I laughed, backing out. I couldn't see her but I knew she must be silently laughing. "I'm not used to people sneaking up on me. I can't feel a halfa unless I've had sex with them."
Dani chuckled softly. "Well, you don't have to worry about me. You'll never have to feel me."
"I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing," I remarked. I rectified myself, looking to her finally. "What's going on?"
"Just wanted to talk if you have a minute," she said softly.
"Sure," I replied. "If you can follow me while I clean up. God bless Dom and Gage but neither is much of a housekeeper."
"I can follow you around," Dani nodded. She chuckled. "Like a little puppy."
"Just don't be like Cujo," I groaned. "He's following me."
"Now," Dani asked, looking around our feet.
"No," I smirked. "I lost him in Montana. He'll probably be back in a few days. He explores in some places and then catches up."
"At least you'll have a friend," Dani remarked. She smirked. "He could come in handy, too."
"He could but he won't," I laughed. "The last thing he did for me was attack Walker when the King was released."
Dani laughed. "Don't forget that he guarded the portal while you were on that world tour."
"He did that for you," I smiled softly. "I just benefited." I picked up the bag and the shoes.
I moved into the living room, tossing the objects where they belonged. "I was wondering if you needed any help," Dani spoke softly. "I-I mean, I know why you're doing this, Danny. It's dangerous. You may need to go ghost. I can help."
I looked up at her from the couch, pulling a sock out. "You are helping, Dani. I need someone here, looking after my town. The Army can't stop everyone."
"I think I'd be more help out there with you, though," Dani said softly.
"Danielle," I sighed, "I have my team out there. I can rely on them. No one will be here that can take care of my town like I can if we both leave. You know I would love to have you by my side. I can't imagine what we could accomplish with both of us out there. But I need you here, Dani. I need you to take care of the team for me. I need you watching out for my girls."
"What if you need help, though. I'm the only other eleven. Vlad and Blue are gone. Who's going to watch your back?"
I pointed my hand to the wall of the basement. "That is a permanent portal, Dani. Big ghosts can come into this world using that thing at any time. I need someone who can take care of it like I could. There's not a lot of strong ghosts out there. The challenge comes from their numbers. This isn't like the attack that killed me. This isn't like the attack that night when I decided to erase Mom and Dad's powers. Those kind of ghosts are here, Dani. I need you to work with my army and the team to protect the town from those threats. I can take care of the small fry."
"Then let me go out there and you can stay with your kids," Dani said, her eyes glistening in tears. I furrowed my brow in confusion. "This is so hard on you, Danny. I don't want you to get hurt."
"Is that why you're doing this," I asked softly. I sat down on the couch and patted the inflated cushion. Dani sat down and I wrapped my arms around her. "You don't need to feel guilty, Dani. I have to do this. This is my responsibility. I know what I'm doing."
Dani sobbed in my shoulder. "But your girls," she cried, "you love them. You've sacrificed everything for them. Why do you have to sacrifice one more thing?"
"You sacrifice, too, Danielle," I said, kissing her hair. I rubbed it with my hand. "We all make sacrifice for the cause. I'm not the only one."
Dani sat up. "Okay. Then let me help you unpack this tent."
"Now you're talking," I smirked. "I could use your help getting the satellite dish off. I don't want to use a ladder." I gave her a smile. Dani laughed loudly, wiping her eyes, going outside.
(04)
We got Lilly and Megan down for bed right after eight. Team Phantom was sitting in the living room, our parents having a discussion downstairs. I imagine Mom and Dad are looking for a way to keep me safe. I needed the alone time with my team, so whatever they're doing, I'm grateful.
"Okay," I said softly. "I got a visit from Samuels last night." The attitude in the room turned to shock. "Turns out, he's not as gullible as I thought he was. He knows a lot more than we ever told him." Joseph was here so I couldn't tell them the entire truth but I could let them figure it out on their own. "He gave me a laptop for my school work. If you want to get a hold of me, that's the way. I'll be doing my work so I'll be online sometime or another."
"You have a website," Tucker added. "Why don't you just give us your new contact information?"
"For a few reasons, Tuck. The main reason I want to use the computer from school is because they can monitor that. We won't be discussing anything private over it."
"Exactly," Valerie objected. "Which is why you should give us your personal email."
"I want it this way," I said softly. "I need the cover online. I don't reply to the emails or the website requests. I just read them and go. We all know that ghosts aren't all stuck in the middle ages. There are a lot of ghosts out there like Technus. The less info I put out there, the less trouble I may get into."
"You, stay out of trouble," Brit laughed. "Hilarious."
I shot Brit a playful glare. "I didn't say I'd stay out of trouble. I said I'd get into less trouble. I give myself three days before I'm in a bad situation."
"What are we looking at, Danny," Joseph asked me.
"A lot of ghosts," I sighed. "I came across a nest last night that was feeding in a small city. Usually, they all feed on the same thing. Last night, they fed on love and then they started feeding on fear. God only knows what else they were going to feed on."
"How organized are these nests," Jazz asked.
"As far as I can tell, not that organized. They work more like a team than they do an organization. I can't identify one leader in them. It's usually whoever's feeding at the time."
"Do you think it's getting cleaned up at all," Dani asked me. "I mean, is it making a difference?"
"Yeah," I nodded. "That's one less nest. These people are being terrorized. That nest last night would take people from the bar and they'd wake up with no memory. A few nights ago, I cleaned up a mess where a ghost had given a human power and she'd lure them into her property and he'd feed on their misery. Removing any of these nests is making a difference."
"Are you preventing any more from coming out, though," Sam asked. "It doesn't do any good if you don't stop how they're getting out. That isn't Amity Park. You're roaming."
"I can't figure out how they're getting out," I sighed. "I need to find out how they are escaping. When I get back on the road, I'll do some investigating."
"We need to come up with a distress signal," Valerie said softly. "We need to have a way for you to get a hold of us in case of an emergency," she added with her hand up as I was about to object.
"I'm not telling you where I am," I pointed out. "What good would that do?"
"We'll give you a beacon," Joseph replied. "They use them in floatation devices. You don't have to tell us where you are, just take the beacon. If you need help, you pull the rope and an alarm goes off here. We'll fly to you and if it's too late, revive you."
"Okay," I nodded. "And you guys use the GEBS. If there is any trouble and you need me immediately, broadcast it. I have the alert still so I will see it. I'll be here."
"Okay," Sam nodded. "I think that's everything."
"Not everything," Tucker added, looking over his shoulder. "Mom and Dad are doing something."
"Right," I nodded. "Besides, that's not everything. I need to make sure you guys are okay." I looked at my team. "I need to make sure you're prepared to go months, maybe even years, without me. I'll be back for the birth," I added, looking to Jazz. "I may not stay afterward, but I will be here for that day." Jazz nodded as I turned to Danielle. "I want you to look after the town, stay safe, take care of the team and work with the boys." Dani groaned. "Listen to me. Baby steps. Jacky told me you watched them. Keep that up. When Mom's busy, make them a sandwich. Sit down and color with them. Please, Dani. I've seen the future, baby girl. I know this will be the time you have the most regrets. Stop it while they're few. While they're young."
"Okay," Dani said softly. "I won't make any guarantees but I will try."
"That's all that matters," I said, nodding to her. "Tuck, look after everyone for me. Make sure everyone stays in high spirits. I need that boy who can make a sad-faced clown laugh." He smirked sadly. "Sam," I said, taking her hand in mine. "I want you to find out what you want in life. I want you to ask yourself what's really important and be honest with yourself. Look after our girls. No matter what happens between us, they're our girls. I was wrong to take them and not consider you. I hope you forgive me."
"Maybe one of these days," Sam gave me a lopsided grin. "I want you to do the same thing, Danny. Ask yourself what do you want. And ask yourself what do you think I want. Be honest."
I nodded. "Brit," I said softly. "I want you to look after the Division for me. You are number three now. You won't be the distributor but they may start treating you as such. Make sure my agents get what they need. Can you do this for me?"
"Yeah," Brit nodded.
"Thank you," I nodded. "Val. Please, look out for Tucker. Make sure he takes breaks and help him unwind a little bit. Look out for Dani as well. I know you two could make a great pair."
"You got it," Val nodded.
"Joseph," I said, looking to him. "First and foremost, look out for Jazz. Keep her stress-free and make sure she doesn't overdo it. Look out for the team. I trust you to keep them safe in battles. Make sure Tucker gets a relief every once and a while. If he says he's the only one to do it, say it's Danny's orders, would ya?" I chuckled softly. "You're the oldest, Joseph. You're also the mediator. Look after my parents as well. Try to keep Mom's mind off the worse. If she's watching the news a little too eagerly, get her to go out for a while. Could you do that for me?"
"You know I will," Joseph replied. "You can count on me."
"I know I can," I nodded. "Just make sure Jazz stays safe. She's the most vulnerable."
"Nothing will happen to my girl," Joseph nodded. Jazz leaned into Joseph.
"I think that covers everything now," I said. I looked back towards the kitchen. "Except for whatever our parents are doing."
We eased into silence, waiting for whatever Mom and Dad had planned for us. We were all with our significant other except for Dani and Brit. They were reclining together, talking softly. I wanted to wrap my arm around Sam but I fought the urge. It wasn't right to lead her on like this. I'm still trying to find out if this is how she really feels, she likes me but wouldn't have forgiven me as many times as she has or if she's simply being forced into a relationship with her best friend who she has no real feelings for.
You are an idiot, I heard Tucker's voice in my head. I've been telling you since eighth grade that she liked you. You can't say it was magnetism then.
So what if she liked me in middle school, I retorted. I liked Paulina during our Freshman year but I outgrew her. Sam may have got over that crush before you two got ecto-acne.
You don't see her, Tucker said, his voice generous. He wasn't snappy or over dramatic. His voice was firm, telling me that he's being frank with me. You don't see how she is when you're not here. She's a tough girl, Danny. She will never admit to being weak. But I saw that girl implode when she realized you weren't coming back.
What do you mean, I asked. I gave in and snaked my arm behind her back. Sam settled down next to me, her head lying on my chest.
The first few days after you left, she was so strong. I couldn't believe she was so strong. She took control. We did our patrols, we stayed at headquarters and we continued our lives. She kept us together. I could touch her then. I'd hold her and she'd shove me like she normally does. Even her mind refused to see the threat. I checked her mind and there was no signs of a breakdown. She was keeping us together until you figured it out and came home.
Then it happened. Mom Number Two asked us about you right around the time school was starting up. I felt that first fracture. Sam was reminded it had been a few days. She held it together, though, but not without fractures. She was coming apart and I was preparing to be there for her. The next morning, she was a mess. She wasn't in control anymore and I prepared to step in her place. But when I put my hands on her… God, Danny, I've never seen a more violent reaction. I can't even explain it. I backed away, promising her I wouldn't touch her and that we'd find you.
Right away, we started planning that trap for you. We thought we'd get you and you'd come home. I never imagined you wouldn't fight back. I didn't plan for a non-hostile Danny. If you had fought us, I could have justified hog tying you and dragging you back. You weren't fighting back, though. I couldn't bring myself to complete the operation. I was the leader then, so I recalled us. We're still trying to find a way to get you back but we'll probably drop it. I just need to protect Sam. She's my best friend, Danny. I won't allow her to get hurt.
You're doing what you're supposed to, Tuck, I said, swallowing hard. Sam took it hard. I shook the thought from my mind. Magnetism is supposed to make it impossible to walk away.
I'll do anything to protect her, Danny. If that means turning against you to do it, then I'm sorry. You're in the wrong here, Danny. I don't support people who aren't doing the right thing.
I want you to be by her side. When I come back, we'll go back to being what we're supposed to be. Whether that's friends or something more has yet to be determined but it will be final. Once I'm done, neither of us will be able to deny what's there.
If you break her in the process, though, I'll never forgive you. If you destroy Sam, I will never let you get away with this.
I'm not going to hurt her, Tucker. I've been here…
Don't fucking say you've been here, Tucker cut in. I stared at him in shock before coming to my senses. Don't give them any clues we're having a conversation—especially Sam. I saw you when you and Vlad broke up. I was there, damnit. I may have not been there when you were still tittering on the yo-yo but I saw you after we met Danielle. You struggled. You had a lot of troubles. But you have never done anything like Sam has. If you had, I would have been losing my mind with worry. Sam wasn't in some unhealthy relationship. She was involved with someone who loved her more than life itself and gave her life meaning. You have taken that from her! She is breaking, Danny. You can't see it because she hides it so well but the minute you leave, I will be supporting her but I can't touch her!
I tightened my grip on Sam, knowing what I had to do. It would be tricky but I had to do this for Sam.
"Something wrong," Sam asked me, looking in my direction. She pulled my free arm over her breasts and secured it to her chest. I hugged her as Sam snuggled into my arms. "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine," I said, kissing her head. "I'm just taking in as much of you as I can."
"Same here," Sam said. She breathed in deeply through her nose. I clenched my fingers against her skirt, wrinkling the fabric.
I looked to Tucker but he just shook his head. I looked away.
We stayed like that for another thirty minutes before our parents returned. Mom sat across from me on the coffee table. She held out a small oval-shaped object. It fit snugly in my palm. "This is a communicator. It doesn't have any tracking systems in it. It is simply a way for us to stay in contact. When I call you, I expect you to answer. Is that understood?"
"Yes, ma'am," I replied. She handed me something that looked like a glow stick.
"This is a tracking system. It cannot be located though without snapping it. It will glow green when activated. You snap this thing, I'm on my way. I'll go anywhere you are and I will be there as soon as I can. Okay?"
"You won't use it to find me just because," I asked.
"It doesn't work like that," Mom replied. "This is solely for emergencies only. Once this thing is snapped, our system will alert us to wherever you are. I don't care if you are on Pluto…" she cracked a smile. "Well, obviously I do care. You can't breathe on Pluto."
I laughed. "I love you, Mom."
"I love you, too, Danny," Mom replied. "But we're not done. We are preparing you to the best of our abilities." She took an egg shaped object, diamond black in color. "This is the power egg. It will power down any ghost in a thirty-yard area. If you are in over your head and you need an edge, this will give it to you."
"Thanks," I said, looking away. Edge? Yeah right! It just lowers the playing field.
"Okay," Mom said. "One more thing." She turned to Dad and he handed her a tiny gun. "This is the best your father and I could come up with. It will help you specifically in the 'I have a giant ectoplasm beam heading in my direction' category." I chuckled. "This gun has a wide range. You shoot it and it will shoot a cross at your enemy. Anything, and I do mean anything, made of ectoplasm will dissolve upon impact. Don't recommend pointing this in Danielle or Blue's direction."
"Wait," I asked, confused. "Aren't ghosts made of ectoplasm?"
"It's a possibility," Mom said grimly. "But if you're life is in jeopardy, I don't care. You're more important to me. It will not work for all weapons. Invincible's Ectoranium, for instance, wouldn't dissolve in this beam. However, energy blasts will be turned to goop."
"That brings back not-so-pleasant memories," Dani added.
"Tell me about it," I said, uncomfortable. I dumped the inventions on the table gently. "Okay, last resort. I can see its usefulness. I wished I had this when I died last month."
"That's why we constructed it," Mom said softly. She kissed me on the cheek. "You're leaving in the morning, right? After breakfast?"
"Yes," I nodded. "I won't be leaving until around eight in the morning. I'm going to get a good night's rest and eat a good meal."
"Good," Mom nodded. "Do not leave here without seeing us in the morning. We will have the last of your supplies collected."
"More inventions," I asked.
"Not new or rarely used," Mom shook her head. "This will be coming out of the weapons vault. You know how to use all these."
"Okay," I nodded. I unwrapped my left arm from Sam's side and pulled her to her feet with my right hand. "We'll be upstairs if you need us. The door next to our bedroom."
"You're not sleeping in your bedroom," Mom asked.
"No," I said, tightening my grip on Sam's hand. She squeezed my hand right back.
"But you've already had sex today," Tucker replied.
"We won't be making love," I said but Sam gave me a look. "May not."
"Will be," Sam said firmly. "I'm not letting go of you until I have to."
I pulled her hand to my mouth. "You're giving us a bad name. We don't usually make love this often."
"And you usually don't leave for long periods of time," Sam retorted.
"Wait a minute," Dad cut in. "Why did Tucker know when you said the bedroom next to yours that you'd be having sex?"
"That's our love shack," Sam said, casting her gaze to the floor. Her cheeks burned.
"You have a bedroom just for sex," Mom said, crossing her arms.
"Well, we can't do it in front of the girls," I defended the choice. "Like I said, we don't really have sex a whole lot. It's occasional, not frequent."
"Sam," Mom said, stepping towards us. She took Sam's free hand in her own. "I know you want to spend a lot of time with Danny, but don't do it with intercourse. Trust me, honey. You can get just as much satisfaction with cuddling."
"I know," Sam nodded. "It's not just about wanting to spend time with him." Sam stepped towards me, allowing me to wrap her in my arms. "I want to be close to him. It's magical when we make love. I want that magic tonight."
My cheeks burned now. Mom nodded softly. "Just, use protection. I don't want you pregnant with Danny not here."
"It's not time," Sam said, wrapping one arm around one of mine. She kissed my arm.
"We'll be careful," I said, my gaze on Sam. I slipped my arm under her knees in an instant, picking her up. Sam gave a little squeal as I surprised her but she relaxed, wrapping her arm around my neck. She laid her other arm over her stomach, propping her hand on my chest.
Mom chuckled. "Have some fun, kids. Not too much, though."
"Night, guys," I said. I started for the stairs.
Once in our love shack, I laid Sam down on the bed, moving on top of her. My lips captured hers just as Sam wrapped her hands around my head, pulling me in deeper. I positioned myself to lie on top of Sam, straddling her. Sam used me as leverage to sit up higher in the bed. We kissed and I sucked in as much of her taste as I could. I could taste the fluoride of her toothpaste and the minty fragrance of her mouthwash. I felt her feathery skin against mine, the touch of her tongue as she ran it over mine. I felt her clothing wrinkle from my weight and her skirt pull up from where she lifted herself higher in the bed.
Lilacs and lavender filled my senses from her hair. The soft, musky smell of the rarely used bed beneath us. Every sense was sharp and clear, and it was all because of her. I could feel her pulse quickening and feel her breathing beneath me; the feel of her soft fingers running through my hair. I ran one of my hands through Sam's hair, feeling the silky texture.
(04)
"Are you feeling," Sam asked, her breathing rapid. She kissed me again, slipping her tongue in my mouth. Her taste grew stronger. I tentatively slipped mine in her mouth, forcing her tongue back into her mouth first. Sam sucked my tongue, using hers to encourage mine to explore. I wondered if we French kissed often. I think I've put my tongue in her mouth a few times but I cannot ever remember Sam French kissing me. Sam's tongue touched the bottom of mine, forcing my appendage to go to the roof of her mouth. She ran her tongue over mine, tightening her lips over it.
I pulled my tongue out of her mouth, breaking the kiss momentarily. "Yeah," I said, breathing hard. Just touching her, kissing her, was going to have me coming in no time. I trailed kissed down her neck. "I… love… what… you're… doing."
"It's the first time you've felt me," Sam said, her breathing causing her words to raise and fall in frequency. "This isn't the first time I've done this."
"I… was… wondering," I said. My lips touched her shoulder. I moved the strap of her shirt, kissing where her short-sleeve covered. I allowed it to cover, going down her bare arm.
"Y-you… couldn't feel me," Sam said, quivering. I lifted her arm, kissing the inside of her arm. I kissed all over her body, causing Sam to quiver beneath me. I loved the feeling. I was doing this to her. I thought hearing her scream was pleasuring… that's nothing compared to feeling her shake beneath me. Sam's breathing came in sharp and she released it in a moan.
"I feel you now," I whispered as I ran my hand down her side. She shook and I smiled. I pulled her shirt up, exposing her bra. Sam removed her shirt, throwing it to the floor. "This is about you. You don't have to do a thing."
"I'm going to let you pamper me," Sam said, wrapping her arms around my neck. I was going to pull out all the stops. I was going to preform every trick I knew and make up some completely new. And I was going to do something that made me nervous. I'd do that at the end of the night.
"I'm going to do more than pamper you," I said, kissing her. "We are going to horse around all night."
"Good," Sam smiled. I gripped Sam's hips, turned us intangible and flipped us over. Sam let out that beautiful little squeal again as she wasn't prepared for it. I kissed the small of her back as I positioned myself at the foot of the bed. "What are you doing?"
"Just relax," I said, removing one of her boots. I started to undress her from the bottom as Sam removed her own bra. We discarded her clothing on the floor.
(04)
I licked my finger and very gently rubbed my finger over her hole. I saw her visibly jump just from the thought of me sticking my finger up her butt. "Danny?"
"Just give it a try," I said gently. "I promise you, I won't push you too fast. And if you don't want to go any further, we'll stop."
"It felt wet," Sam said, her breathing rapid. "Do you have lube?"
"I'll wet my finger," I said. "Don't worry, this is where I'm an expert." Of course, I've never been on the giving side of this practice. I've wanted to.
"I don't think Vlad allowed you to do anal," Sam retorted.
"No," I chuckled, "but that doesn't mean I haven't done it before." I blushed.
"You played with yourself," Sam asked, looking over her shoulder. "Why didn't you tell me? I could have experimented some."
(04)
"You'll get your chance tonight," I said, smiling nervously. I couldn't believe I was going to do this. I was excited, though. I wasn't excited just because of the anal, but about trying anal with Sam. Anything with Sam was exciting to me. I spread her cheeks with one hand and just put the pad of my index finger on her hole. Sam vibrated again and I knew she was scared. "Are you up for it?"
"I-I don't know," Sam said softly. "I mean, doesn't it hurt?"
"Not if you do it right," I said. I kissed the small of her back again, trying to get her to ease up. "When I got it the right way, it was quite enjoyable."
"Well, if you liked it," Sam said, her voice shaking. I pressed in just a little bit, giving her a feel of it. She tensed up and it excited me. I kissed her back again and she relaxed. I pulled my finger out. "Okay," Sam said, breathing deeply. "I could get used to that." She turned to look at me again. "But how are you going to continue to lubricate?"
I went to lick my finger again when she spun around quickly, grabbing my hand. "Oh, no you don't! I want to kiss you again tonight." I laughed. "Run to the store and get a thing of lube, Danny."
I laughed. "Okay." I kissed her head as I stood up. "I guess that would work too."
"Yeah. I wash but I'm not that comfortable."
"I'll be back," I smirked as I powered up. I flew to the store down the road, getting a few things.
(04)
We messed around all night. We didn't get a wink of sleep. Memories from my surprise still filled my head as I lay on the bed with her, holding her. I sucked her last night. I didn't cum in her but I let her feel how it felt and experimented myself. I wanted to do it as much as she was curious. I sucked her until she was about to cum, finished her with my finger, and then sucked her dry. I consider that safe oral sex. We'd never do it frequently. I only did it the once. We were both exhausted as the sun was starting to come up but we felt great. Now we were just curled up in each other.
Sam has barely let me go all night and the longer I held her, the harder it was to stick to my commitment. I loved her so much and the thought of her waking up from magnetism scared the hell out of me. However, I wasn't going to be like Vlad. I wouldn't stubbornly hold onto something I didn't really have. If she still wanted me when I got back, I'd be the happiest man alive but if this isn't how she feels or if she's had enough and this isn't worth the pain, then I don't want her. I don't ever want her to feel trapped. I mean, I'll always want her but I don't want her to get hurt. I love her too much to put her through the hell I went through with Vlad.
"Danny," Sam said softly. I kissed her hair. "I know you haven't thought of this."
"What," I asked. I ran my hand down her shoulder.
"You're still breastfeeding Megan," Sam said, turning towards me. "You won't be here for daily feedings. We need to wean her."
I cast my gaze down. She was right. I hadn't thought of that. "She's already started on solids," I said, nodding softly. "I can express a couple gallons of milk and you guys can wean her."
"Are you sure you want to do this now," Sam asked. She was sitting between my legs so she turned herself so that she was facing me, not just looking in my direction. She wrapped her arms around my hips, gently resting her fists behind my back. "You could take a few weeks and gently wean her."
This was so difficult. "I need to go, Sam. I've wasted enough time here. Lord only knows the damage they've inflicted."
"You can't do it all," Sam said. She pulled herself to her knees and kissed me deeply. Her hands wrapped around my neck and I put my hands on her hips. So many senses were running through my body that it wasn't even funny. I didn't want to go but I had to. I couldn't do it all but what I could get done was important.
I broke the kiss. "I'm going to miss you, Sam."
"I hope so," Sam smiled softly. "I want you to think of me every minute of every day."
"I will," I nodded. I rested my head on her forehead.
Sam pushed me back against the headboard and I knew we'd get one more quickie. God, I've never known us to have so much sex in our time together. Sam really was taking in as much of me as she could. I wasn't complaining, though. I was taking in as much of her as I could, too.
(04)
Sam did not want to leave that room. I didn't really want to either but breakfast was done and I was wanting… well, planning to leave in fifteen minutes. I still had to express my milk so I'd be leaving later than planned. I just couldn't bring myself to leave Sam alone. Not even for a second.
Dom and Gage walked the girls down the steps and into the kitchen. I haven't told the girls yet but I've told Dom and Gage that they'll be staying. The males of my party will be going with me but Dom and Gage are Lilly and Megan's servants. They'll be with my girls as long as they agree to the work. Dom lifted Megan into her high chair as Gage pulled out Lilly's chair with the booster seat in it.
The time was weighing heavily on Sam. She secured her hand in mine and her chair was practically on top of my chair. I could see Tucker's disapproving glare shoot right at me. He wasn't happy. I was hurting Sam and he always takes that personally. This is what I want him to do, though. I want him to protect Sam… even if it's from me.
We ate breakfast in silence, no one speaking once. My party fed my girls as we finished eating. Once we were finished, I knew it was time to talk to the girls. My chest tightened and it was very hard to breathe. I was going to leave my girls. I was going to miss Megan's first birthday and so many milestones. I was going to miss so many things that Lilly would do. All because I had a job to do and it was too dangerous for them to be there.
I do believe this is the hardest thing I'll ever have to do. I can't imagine anything, shy of burying my daughter, that will be more difficult than walking away from the love of my life and my two baby girls.
I stood up and walked between the girls. I knelt down to be level with the high chair and Lilly in her booster chair. "I have to talk to you, girls," I said, my voice cracked and painful. I cleared my throat, trying not to break down. I'm doing this for my girls. They will have a better future if I do everything I can. This is for Lilly's grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Those children I saw in my dream. I am doing this for my descendants. I grew up in a great world; I want them to have what I had—shy a freaking crisis at fourteen.
"Daddy," Lilly asked, cocking her head to the side. "What is it?"
"Okay, Mama," Megan asked.
"Everything is going to be fine," I said, taking Megan's hand and kissing it. I rubbed Lilly's hair between my fingers. "You know that we've been traveling a lot. You know Daddy," I looked to Megan, "or Mama," for once, I didn't need to fight not to roll my eyes, "has been dealing with high numbers of ghosts. I need to take care of this, but I don't want you girls to get hurt because of it."
"What," Lilly strangled out, getting it first.
"You're going to be staying here," I said, swallowing hard.
"Mama," Megan cried.
"Shh," I soothed. "It's okay. I'll be back and you can tell me all about it." I fought not to cry. I didn't want to scare them. I turned to Lilly. "Mommy's going to take good care of you." My voice broke and I thought I'd lose it. "You're going to be okay."
"No, Daddy," Lilly objected. She turned to Sam. "Can't you do something?"
"He's determined," Sam said, lowering herself to Lilly's position. "You know how he is."
"Dada," Megan cried. "Now Mama!"
"Oh, sweetheart," I said, my voice breaking. "You know we both love you. Daddy had to do what he had to do the same way I have to do what I have to do." I turned to Megan, tears in my eyes. She was only ten months old. It wasn't right. I turned to Lilly. She was only two. It wasn't fair.
"Don't go, Daddy," Lilly cried. "Please."
I wanted to say screw it. I wanted to say their needs now came first but I couldn't. It was the same thing if I didn't give them their vaccinations because it hurt. This pain would prevent something bigger in the future. This is a pinprick compared to what's to come.
"I'm sorry, girls," I said, my voice breaking. "I want to make sure you have a future to grow up in. I can't ignore this. If I don't try to change the things I can when I can, you will pay the price. This is going to hurt, I know it will, but it will keep you safe later in life. Maybe your granddaughter won't have to know the world she knew in that dream. Maybe she won't have to hide who she is, constantly in fear. It's up to us now, girls. You will make these decisions yourselves one day."
"We can protect Estelle," Lilly said, nodding. "Okay, Daddy." She climbed out of her booster seat and I picked her up. I was shocked, though. I didn't think she would know what I was talking about. Well, she has the dreams just like I do. "I'm going to miss you, though."
"I'm going to miss you both so much," I said, kissing her. I held her, trying not to break down. This is for my girls. I wouldn't be doing this if this wasn't for my girls.
"Mama," Megan asked. I passed Lilly to Sam, who held her tight. "It's not me, right?"
"Of course it's you," I said with a small smile. Tears burned at my eyes. "I'm doing all this for you, not because of you." I pulled her out, kissing her. I choked, shedding a few tears. My beautiful baby. She's gone through so much. They both have. "You know that Vlad didn't leave because of you. Daddy left because of a situation he put himself in. He made the mistake and he had to pay for it."
"But… since I born, no one happy," Megan said, her eyes filling with tears.
"Are you kidding me," I asked, shedding more tears. "Your birth brought so much happiness, Megan. So much. I love you so much, baby. I don't want to leave but I know if I don't, you will pay for this later in life. I will never foot you with the bill of this mistake."
"I love you, Mama," Megan cried. I swung with her in my arms, trying to hold onto the little bit of strength I had left.
"I love you so much, Megan," I said, rocking her.
I held her for a long time, just trying to calm her down. Finally, once she stopped crying, Sam and I took the girls upstairs. I had Megan lying between my legs as Sam had Lilly lying on her lap. We were both stroking their hair as I removed my shirt and pulled out the milk expresser. The girls were falling asleep as I began to express my milk.
(04)
It was after noon before everything was in order for me to leave. I had expressed enough milk to wean Megan off of it and completely switch to formula. Tucker held Megan while Sam held Lilly as everyone was preparing to see me off. Mom gave me a simple-looking backpack.
"Everything is inside this pack," Mom said. "Even the items I gave you last night. If you need us, don't hesitate to call. We'll be on our way."
"Thanks," I said, giving her a hug. I went through everyone, saying goodbye. As I got to Sam, Tucker and my girls, I got choked up again. I took Lilly first, kissing her and hugging her tight. "Be a good girl. Look out for your sister and take care of Mommy. I love you."
"I love you, too, Daddy," Lilly sniffled. I kissed her again and passed her to Sam.
"I love you, Sam. Forever," I said. I leaned in, kissing her for probably the last time. I reluctantly pulled away and I felt magnetism sack me in the gut. It felt me pulling away.
"I'll be waiting," Sam said, her voice soft.
I pulled Megan to me, kissing her as well. "Behave for Sam and grow, baby. I want you to be a big girl."
"Love you, Mama. If you see Dada, tell him I love him, too," Megan replied.
"I won't see Daddy," I said, giving her an Eskimo kiss. She giggled a little bit but I could tell this was devastating to her. "Be a good girl. Be my big girl."
I pulled Tucker in for a hug. "Take care of them, Tucker. I'm counting on you to look after my girls: Sam, Lilly and Megan."
"You've got it," Tucker replied, smacking my back. "Look out for yourself and come home soon. She'll still be yours, no matter how long you stay gone."
I passed Megan back to Tucker. "No," Megan cried. She started to sob. "Mama!"
I sobbed. "I love you, Megan. I love you, Lilly. Be good girls." I couldn't stay. The longer I stayed, the harder it'd be to go. I rubbed Megan's hair, trying to control my emotions. I walked out of the door, not looking back. The sounds of my girls sobbing broke my heart and I don't think it will ever heal.
AN: I hope my warning was enough about that sex scene. I could not see how to lower the impact. Danny was doing things he'd never done before so I had to put in there his anxieties. This isn't the first time Sam and Danny have French kissed, as explained, but it was the first time Danny had ever felt it. His thoughts were all over the place. I'm sorry if I made anyone uncomfortable. I'd really hate to boost this rating to M for a brief moment of activity I can't really censor out. I think it's clean (enough). Lol.
Okay, my reviewers have spoken. They are on Sam's side here. Lol. I am too. Danny is too, now. He's still terrified that Sam's in magnetism, though, so he can't give it up entirely. I hope you guys can see this from Danny's point of view. (He's the one telling the story, after all. If I haven't made it clear enough, then it's on me :P)
Okay, I think that's all. Leave a review, send me a PM, whatever floats your boat! Thanks for reading! Update next Wednesday! And I promise, no more risky behavior. That will be the only time it will come close to an M rating (although, I'm afraid it SHOULD be rated M).
(Four)