Happy Birthday Kas!
At 12 pages this is the longest chapter I've written in this story. It was only meant to be 3-4 pages but then...it got away from me. Multiple times.
Who You Gonna Call?
:: (Pre Iambic Prose) (Human Ghost Hunter Danny AU) (Half-Ghost Andrew AU)
"I'm telling you, there's something weird about that kid!" Danny Fenton didn't care if his friends thought he was crazy he just knew there was something strange about Andrew Riter. It was the same sixth sense his parents had whenever there was a ghost attack, and considering Danny had been trained as a ghost hunter since birth he wasn't willing to let the warning feeling go.
"Dude, for the last time, the only weird thing about Andrew Riter is that he transferred in with perfect grades and is always reading," Tucker sighed, starting to worry if his friend was getting a bit too obsessive. He had enough adventures with Danny and his ghost hunting career.
"Seriously, he's like another Jazz," Sam spoke up, feet on her desk as she doodled in her notebook, Danny shooting her an irritated look. "What? It's not like you can argue against it." Deciding to stay silent Danny huffed, going back to staring at the new student at the other end of the class, silently reading his book as the teacher slept at her desk. "If you keep this up you're just gonna make even more people call you crazy-"
"I am not crazy!" Danny snapped, eyes narrowed as if he had been challenged. "I know I'm right! There's something strange about that kid and I'm gonna find out what it is!" Tucker only shook his head while Sam rolled her eyes, muttering under her breath.
"Strange says the ghost hunter."
As soon as class was dismissed Danny followed after Andrew from a distance, glad he had a free period. While his friends waved him off and warned him to be careful he only nodded, following after the teen who looked to be heading towards the library. He supposed that meant he had a free period as well.
"Alright, Andrew Riter, let's see just what you're plotting..." Creeping past book shelves he settled down a few feet away, watching as Andrew sat at a table, books spread out around him as he began working on homework. Or maybe an evil plot- Okay, even for Danny he had to admit that was pushing it.
"You are very terrible at being sneaky, you know." Blinking at the words Danny gulped, slowly peeking out from behind the shelf to see that Andrew was giving him a small smile, looking amused. "Is there a reason you're stalking me?"
"I wouldn't say it was stalking so much as observing and...wow, that sounds just as creepy, huh?" Danny asked, Andrew only chuckling. Deciding that since he was already caught he had nothing to lose he walked over to the table, sitting in a chair across from him. "I'm going to come right out and say it, you're hiding something." Seeing Andrew raise an eyebrow Danny narrowed his eyes. "I don't know what you're hiding, but it's something."
"Well, when you think about it isn't everyone hiding a secret?" Andrew asked, Danny opening his mouth only to close it again. He made an irritated grumble and crossed his arms. The teen did have a point. "It would make sense for you to be suspicious of me, however. I am a new student, and judging from what I've seen this school doesn't often get transfers."
"Not really," Danny shrugged, studying the teen. He looked like any other fifteen-year-old, with messy black hair similar to Danny's and bright green eyes that were watching him with amusement. "We all sort of grew up together, or at least attended the same schools. So to see someone here that no one knows? Well, just be prepared for the rumor mill to start up and try not to listen to anyone for the next few weeks."
"First you yourself are suspicious of me and now you're giving me warning?" Andrew asked, amused smile on his face. "I don't think I quite know what to make of you."
"I'm wily like that," Danny agreed, Andrew chuckling. "So, you've pretty much admitted you're hiding something, and I get that everyone has secrets but...I don't know...yours feels...dangerous?" Danny half-asked, studying Andrew's calm expression. "I just feel like it's the kind that could get you and others hurt...and while I don't like everyone in this school they're still my classmates."
"I understand, you just want to protect the people you care about," Andrew smiled, Danny blinking at the quick flash of heavy weight and pain in the other's eyes. It was so fast he had almost missed it but... "If you believe nothing else I say at least believe that I mean no harm, to you or anyone."
"...I believe you." And he did. Danny didn't always have an explanation for the things he did but he did know a good person when he saw one, and Andrew, while secretive and a mystery, was at least telling the truth when he said he didn't mean harm. "I'm Danny by the way, Danny Fenton."
"Pleasure to meet you, Danny. I'm Andrew, Andrew Riter." Sharing a grin the moment was interrupted by a sudden bout of screaming, both looking startled before Danny cursed and jumped up. "I'm guessing by your reaction this is a common occurrence?"
"Common? Not really," Danny nervously chuckled, grabbing his backpack and digging around for a high-tech gun that had Andrew's eyes widening. "You heard this was the most haunted town on Earth, right?" Danny asked, slipping a pair of green goggles down from his forehead to cover his eyes as he looked towards the doors.
"GHOST!" At the scream Andrew looked startled.
"Welcome to Amity Park," Danny smiled weakly, running off towards where he had heard the screams coming from, gun held at his side like he had been taught and bag on his shoulders. He and his sister had been allowed by the school to carry their ghost hunting equipment since their family was one of the few who studied the creatures. Skidding out into the hallways he looked around quickly, hearing the screaming coming from the gym.
Running faster his sister joined his side, staff held out and orange goggles over her own eyes. "I see the hero-complex took hold of you again, huh?" Blushing Danny stuck his tongue out at his sister, who only laughed. "Come on little brother, let's deal with this before Mom and Dad come rushing in."
"Oh god last time was a disaster," Danny groaned, skidding into the gym. "I'll distract it, you get the other students and teachers out of here." Jazz nodded, not wasting any time arguing as she immediately called for the others' attention, directing them out of the gym. "Hey! Creepy shadow lady! Don't you want more of a challenge?!"
"I don't know about a challenge," the ghost purred softly, "But you certainly smell delicious." Danny frowned before aiming his gun and letting off a blast, cursing as the ghost dodged it. This one was quicker than most, which meant it would be more difficult to weaken her.
"State your classification!" Danny demanded, gun aimed at her again. This time he wouldn't let himself miss. "As decreed by the Guys-in-White each ghost has a codename and classification number! State yours and tell me why you're attacking these students or I will open fire!"
"You? You're nothing but a child," the ghost hissed, suddenly appearing in front of him, Danny not even flinching as the bright eyes bore into him. "The name is Spectra, heard of me?"
"The creepy shadow bastard who sucks out emotions, yeah, I've heard of you," Danny scowled, aiming his gun at her face again, Spectra only grinning. "This school and town is protected by the Fenton Family and an off-branch of the Guys-in-White. By attacking this school you've declared yourself an enemy of both." Here Danny's eyes narrowed, "And while the Guys-in-White show mercy on occasion the Fentons don't."
With that he let off a blast, Spectra cursing as it clipped her shoulder when she darted away. Danny only kept his neutral expression, darting for cover as he saw the ecto-blasts coming towards him. Flinching as one just barely singed his shoulder he disappeared behind the bleachers, checking to see that all the students had left.
"Come out, little hunter," Spectra purred, flying around the ceiling. "My my so much negativity I sense from you. The fear that you won't make your parents proud, the fear that you'll fail, and the utter terror of ghosts." Danny flinched as Spectra appeared in front of him. Instead of showing his fear he fired again, allowing himself a grin as he nailed her in the chest.
"Fentons don't show fear. Our mission is to rid the world of ghosts. Spectra, classification number 358872, you are hereby under ban by the town of Amity Park and will be withheld as such." Firing one last time he cursed as Spectra withstood the hit and grabbed him by his shoulders, flying him up the ceiling.
"Let's see how well you aim after falling a few dozen feet." Dropping the teen Danny yelped, wondering how he was going to get out of this one before he felt himself roughly caught. Blinking his eyes open he saw he was hovering a few inches off the ground, someone breathing from behind him. "You! Why are you helping a ghost hunter?!"
"Because he's only trying to defend the people he cares for, that doesn't warrant his own death." Feeling his feet touch the ground Danny immediately launched into action, firing a blast at a distracted Spectra and pulling out a Fenton Thermos, turning it on and capturing her. In one smooth motion he turned around and aimed his weapon at the newcomer, look of surprise escaping him. "If it's all the same to you I'd rather not be shot at."
Danny only narrowed his eyes, taking in the sight of the new ghost. He looked to be around his age, at least physically, with messy white hair and glowing blue eyes. He noticed pointed ears, sharp teeth, and a purple hood pulled over his head, jacket unzipped and loose on him. If it wasn't for the ethereal purple glow, gray skin, and other small signs Danny would have thought he was a kid off the street.
"State your classification as given to you by the Guys-in-White." Seeing the ghost give him a confused look Danny blinked, shoulders slightly relaxing as he lowered his gun. "Each ghost is given a classification name and number upon coming in contact with the Guys-in-White, it's how we keep track."
"I've never run into them," the ghost chuckled nervously, scratching the back of his head. "I'm sort of, uh, new around here."
"Amity Park is a ghost-free zone. Even if you're new that should be well known." The ghost only gave a shrug, looking close to fleeing. "You're not allowed to be here."
"Can't you let me go just this once?" he wheedled, looking hopeful. Danny only slipped his gun into a holster at his side before grinning and pulling down his green goggles to hang around his neck.
"No. I can't." Launching straight into hand-to-hand combat he heard the ghost let out a curse in French, moving his arms up to block. A few minutes into the fight and Danny could see that the ghost really was new, he wasn't using any of his powers and seemed to just be scrambling to block and dodge what he could. Skidding apart the two tensed themselves, the ghost giving him a curious look.
"Why are you holding back on me?" Danny blinked at that, looking surprised to realize that yes, he really was holding back on the new ghost. Hearing the bell for the next class ring Danny cursed, starring at the ghost before relaxing his stance. "Does this mean I'm free?"
"Keep out of my sight, and stay away from the other hunters...especially the Fentons," Danny muttered, fists clenching at his sides. "Fentons know no fear and do not show mercy." In a flash the ghost was gone with a troubled expression, Danny cursing as he turned to head towards class, grabbing his fallen backpack on the way. "Way to go, Fenton...you just let a ghost escape."
Sighing he rubbed a hand over his face, looking troubled. It felt like he had known that ghost...but that was impossible, right?
::
"Hey, Danny!" Hearing the already familiar voice Danny paused, pulling himself out of his dejected state to see Andrew stumble through the crowd before running up towards him, panting and trying to catch his breath. "H-Hi." Danny blinked, looking amused as he let out a chuckle.
"Hi, Andrew. Good first day?" Andrew shrugged, falling in step next to Danny as they walked down the school steps.
"It always could have been worst, I suppose," Andrew commented, messily shoving things into his backpack, Danny's lips twitching into another smile. He had taken Andrew to be the neat and pristine type, not someone who shoved things into his bag without care. "The most interesting part of the day however was when a strange teenager accused me of hiding secrets."
"Not my best moment I'll admit," Danny winced, scratching the back of his head. "Sorry about that." Andrew waved him off with a smile, looking as if he was trying to find something to talk about. Deciding to give him a break Danny grinned, "Hey, why don't you join me for something at the Nasty Burger? I promise the food isn't like it sounds, especially their fries."
"I'd like that," Andrew smiled, Danny shocked for a few seconds by just how happy he looked. "Mother won't mind me being late but still, give me a second to call her?"
"Sure, meet me at the end of the street, I have to go tell my friends anyways." The two parted ways, Danny looking through the crowd for his two friends. Spotting them he rushed over, getting their attention. "Hey, just wanted to let you guys I won't be at the movie marathon today."
"Seriously?" Tucker asked, looking surprised. "You love movie night, did you parents call you home or something?"
"No- Although I should drop off the ghost there first," Danny muttered, shaking his head to get back on track. "I promised to take Andrew by the Nasty Burger-"
"Andrew as in 'there's something weird about that kid don't go near him he's a mass murderer' Andrew?" Sam cut in, grin growing. Seeing the grin Danny only shot her an irritated look, huffing.
"I never said he was a mass murderer."
"You never said he was your type either, and yet here we are, you taking him on a date-"
"IT'S NOT A DATE!" Danny shouted, blushing as multiple students turned to look at them, Sam and Tucker looking surprised. "I'm just- I'm just showing him around. That's it." Seeing the look on Sam's face he groaned, rubbing a hand over his face. "Oh please don't start."
"Danny...do you actually like him?" At the question Danny fell silent, hands clenching into his shirt in a moment of panic before he pulled himself together.
"I have to go, he's waiting." In a flash he was off, ignoring his two friends calling after him. He was instead telling himself firmly that no, he did not like Andrew. He just felt a bit guilty for accusing him and was making it up to him. That was all. That...it was just that. "Hey, so, do you mind if we stop by my house real quick first? I have to drop something off."
"I don't mind," Andrew smiled, Danny returning the grin as they walked side-by-side, Danny asking about his classes and mentally remembering which ones they shared together. After a few minutes of ranting about English Andrew switched subjects, "So, do ghosts always attack like that?"
"I was wondering when you would ask about that," Danny half-chuckled, hands going into his pockets as his goggles swung around his neck. "They didn't used to, in fact the local ghost attacks only started increasing about three years ago, around the time the Guys-in-White made a permanent branch in town. After the attacks started a lot more people started believing me and my family about ghosts." Seeing Andrew's look he blushed before continuing.
"I'm, uh, sort of from a long line of ghost hunters, at least on my dad's side. My mom sort of married into the family but she's just as obsessed by all of this stuff. Me and my sister have been trained on how to fight and capture ghosts, that's why the school lets me carry my weapons and stuff." Andrew nodded, watching as Danny tugged at his goggles before moving them to rest on his forehead, bangs being pushed up.
"What are the goggles for, if I may ask?"
"Well see, some ghosts can control humans with hypnotism, we've studied the effects and found out it was through eye contact, that and these goggles are high-tech and have the ability to see a ghost's outline, even when they're invisible or intangible, they can also trace the ectoplasmic signature if they're hiding."
"Wow, that's rather incredible," Andrew blinked, looking at the goggles in surprise, Danny only grinning.
"Thanks. I invented them." At Andrew's look he laughed, scratching the back of his head. "Me and my friend Tucker are major tech geeks, only I hide it better. Besides, it's only ghost hunting equipment I'm really good at, anything else and I'm as clueless as I am about most things." Seeing they were at FentonWorks Danny ran up the steps, motioning for Andrew to follow, who was staring at the Ops Center. "Yeah, we're kind of, uh, ostentatious."
"Five-syllable word, I didn't take you as the type," Andrew commented, immediately blushing at Danny's look. "S-Sorry, I sort of, um, speak without meaning to at times. I've been told I'm rather rude." Danny slowly grinned, pulling Andrew in by his wrist.
"Considering I've been called a jackass by most people then I think we'll get along just fine, Andrew." Heading to the basement Danny opened the door, taking the steps two at a time. "Hey, Mom! Dad! Ghost attack at school today!"
"Really? Which one?" Maddie Fenton looked over at her son, who was reaching into his backpack for the Fenton Thermos. Seeing her son reach her the container she scrolled through and pulled up the ectoplasmic signature that was read on the side. "Oh, Spectra. Was anyone hurt?"
"No, Jazz got everyone out in time," Danny smiled, Maddie looking proud. "She wasn't too hard to defeat so I'm guessing she hasn't fed on any emotions in a while."
"Atta boy, Danny!" Andrew jumped and let out a squeak as he heard a booming voice from behind him, quickly scuttling off the stairs and moving to hide behind Danny, who was snickering in amusement. "No fear and no mercy! That's the Fenton Way!"
"Thanks, Dad," Danny rolled his eyes, still amused that Andrew was clinging to him. He could see why, his dad was rather large and looked like he could destroy you with one hit, even though he was as gentle and kind as a teddy bear. It was his mom that people should really be afraid of. "Hey, me and Andrew are going by the Nasty Burger, okay?"
"Andrew, huh, you must be from that new family that just moved into town," Maddie smiled kindly, Andrew only nodding. "Well, it's nice to meet you, let us know if you have any ghost-related questions and we'll be sure to answer them!" Andrew only nodded again, nervously edging closer to Danny, who was close to bursting out into laughter. Andrew had seemed put together and calm in a school environment but taken out he seemed to be rather skittish. It was adorable- No. No thinking of your new friend as adorable, Danny. That could lead to trouble.
"Alright, I'll be home later," Danny called, grabbing Andrew's hand and dragging him up the stairs when he saw he wasn't moving.
"Oh, Danny!" Pausing at the stairs he looked over at his mom, who was scrolling through the Fenton Thermos data. "It says there was another signature detected today, did you see any other ghosts?" Remembering the new ghost that had saved him Danny blinked, not noticing that Andrew was looking at him in what looked like worry.
"If there were any there I didn't see them," Danny shrugged, pulling Andrew along. "I'll keep my eye out though!" He didn't let go of Andrew's hand until they were back on the sidewalk, the teen only looking interested.
"Why didn't you tell them about the other ghost?" Seeing Danny's confused look Andrew smiled, "I heard it through the grapevine." He supposed the ghost had been seen when he was escaping, it would make sense that other students were talking about it.
"I...was repaying a favor," Danny finally replied, shaking his thoughts off. "So, back to that subject about the new Doctor Who season coming out, how much heartache do you think will be in the first episode?
"Well..." Andrew drew out. "Since Moffat is writing the first episode, and it is Doctor Who...I suspect quite a few fans will be in tears by the end. I'm more curious however as to how Clara will react to this regeneration."
"Like every other companion probably," Danny snorted, "Shocked, scared, and then totally accepting. Her character may have had flaws in season 7 but I have hope for her in season 8."
::
"Trust me. Just eat one fry." Seeing Andrew's dubious look Danny sighed dramatically, holding out the fry. "I promise if you don't like it you can...copy off my homework?"
"My goal is to raise my average, not lower it," Andrew snorted before slapping a hand over his mouth, Danny letting out a loud laugh.
"Oh my god you are a jackass," Danny snickered. "You'll be fun to be around, especially since when I start getting rude I usually get my head dunked in the toilet." Still seeing Andrew looking nervous the teen rolled his eyes. "Eat the fry you nerd."
Letting out a dramatic sigh of defeat that had Danny snickering Andrew did as commanded, eating the fry. When Danny saw his eyes widen in shock he grinned, "Told ya, want another one?"
"Yes." As Andrew filled up on fries Danny sipped at his milkshake, frowning at the taste. Getting up from the table he went to the counter, asked the cashier for a cup of something, and then dumped it into his milkshake, shaking it throughly. Sitting back down Andrew raised an eyebrow, "Dare I ask?"
"Dare dare," Danny grinned, wiping his straw off. "Taste this." Seeing the look he was being given he snorted. "Come on you germophobe, it's just a straw. You'll be fine." Against his better judgment Andrew did as told and took a sip, eyes widening again. "Good, right?"
"Extremely, what did you do to it?" Danny snickered as Andrew discreetly took another sip. "It tastes like coffee."
"There are two things I live off of," Danny explained, "Chocolate and coffee. I figured I would combine the two and see what happened. The result changed my life." Not hearing the two people walking up behind him he watched as Andrew took another sip, "Yeah, you've had enough. Go make your own Mad Scientist concoction." Swiping the drink he took a sip himself, choking when he felt a hand clasp his shoulder from behind out of nowhere. "JeSUS CHRIST YOU TWO!"
"Hi there, Danny," Sam grinned, pushing Danny over and taking a seat beside of him, Tucker doing the same to Andrew, who only looked amused at the two's arrival. "Havin' fun?" So much for them having their movie marathon. Instead they decided to come torture Danny. How fun.
"None of your business," Danny muttered viciously, doing his best to keep Sam from swiping his milkshake. "Touch it I break fingers Sammy, you know this." Sam only raised an eyebrow and gave a pointed look to Andrew, Danny scowling again.
"So, how are you liking it in Amity Park so far?" Tucker asked the teen next to him, who only smiled as he finished another fry.
"Besides the minor ghost attacks it seems to be a very pleasant place to live. The food is also very good." Tucker grinned at that, patting the teen's back.
"You'll fit in just fine here, Andrew." Ready to tell his two friends just where they could shove their agendas he was stopped by noticing his milkshake had disappeared from his clutches. Looking over to Andrew, who was silently sipping it, he raised an eyebrow.
"You make very delicious milkshakes." While Tucker laughed Sam only gave Danny another pointed luck, her friend slowly flipping her off.
"All the boys to the yard indeed." Before Danny could scream he blinked at seeing Andrew shiver out of the corner of his eyes. That was strange, it was spring. So for him to shiver? Maybe he just drank the milkshake too fast.
"I'll be right back," Andrew smiled pleasantly, nudging Tucker out of the booth so he could get out, disappearing towards the bathrooms. As soon as he was gone Danny realized he was trapped between a booth wall and his overeager friends.
"So, Danny..." Sam drawled out, slinging an arm around her friend, "How's your date so far? You did tell him your family was crazy right? It's always important to do that early in the relationship-"
"We are not in a relationship," Danny snapped, refusing to acknowledge the pain in his heart at saying the words. "And he met them when I stopped by my house. He was a little startled but he seemed to like them okay."
"He knows you hunt ghosts and he hasn't run screaming for the hills yet?" Tucker asked, munching on the fries that were left as Danny sighed, knowing he wasn't getting out of any questions.
"No. He...he actually seemed interested in it," Danny muttered, thinking back to their talk on ghosts. "And he was impressed on how I made the Fenton goggles." Feeling Sam settle both hands on his shoulders he looked up in confusion.
"Keep him. Don't let anyone take him for you because he sounds like the best thing to happen to you." Danny swatted Sam away, looking disgruntled.
"One, we're friends. Two, we've only known each for a few hours. Three, I don't even know if he likes guys." Sam held a hand to her ear, Danny giving her a look. "What?"
"I'm waiting for the part where yousay you don't like him." Staying quiet Sam's eyes widened, suddenly looking startled. "Holy shit you actually do like him." Seeing her friend's broken expression she cursed, back-tracking. "No no, that's not a bad thing! It's good that you like someone! Just, um-"
"Just be yourself and if it's meant to be it'll happen," Tucker interrupted, both his friends looking at him. "What? You don't think I can give good advice? That's just rude."
"GHOST!" While Sam and Tucker jumped at the scream Danny was already climbing out of his seat and jumping off of the booth wall, sliding his goggles on and reaching for the gun at his side. Seeing a signature light up through the green-tinted glass he rushed outside, skidding into an alleyway, gun aimed at the source.
"Halt! Amity Park is a ghost free Zone and you are trespassing! Surrender now!" Seeing the ghost turn he cursed at seeing it was one of the animal ones. He hated the animal ones. Shooting off a blast he launched into battle, frowning when another signature, this one a bright purple, lit up on his goggles. Seeing the new ghost from earlier holding up energy-coated hands he blinked, wondering why he was fighting this ghost and helping him.
Not paying attention Danny watched as the snake ghost attacked the teen ghost, fangs inches away from piercing his core before Danny leaped forward, kicking the snake off of him and flipping the dial on his gun into a containment ray. Sucking the ghost into a small storage space that would only last for a few hours, and only hold one ghost, he looked down to the teenage ghost who was groaning and rubbing his head.
"If you're that new at using your powers you shouldn't be running around fighting ghosts," Danny muttered, watching as the ghost pulled his hood back up. There was something familiar about him but... "I thought I told you to keep out of sight."
"I...was worried, I guess," the ghost muttered, scratching the back of his head through the hood fabric. "Oth- Humans, they can't fight against ghosts, or at least, not most of them," he gave Danny a rueful smile. "I figure if I can help...then why shouldn't I?"
"...if you make so much as one wrong move," Danny threatened, the ghost nodding seriously. "I can't believe I'm letting you go again...so much for no mercy," Danny mutter bitterly, noticing a hurt expression cross the ghost's face.
"Pardon me for saying but...I heard you say that earlier, that Fentons show no mercy. Maybe you can think of it as showing no mercy to enemies, and, well...if you believe nothing else I say at least believe that I am not your enemy, to you or any other human."
"If you believe nothing else I say at least believe that I mean no harm, to you or anyone."
Eyes widening in shock Danny watched as the ghost disappeared, gun almost slipping from his fingers. "An- No...no it can't be..." There was just no way, none. It was just...just a coincidence. Right?
"Danny!" Hearing Andrew's voice he turned around, heart plummeting and stomach dropping out from under him as she saw a purple aura around his new friend. The same purple aura as the ghost who had just left. "Are you alright? I heard from Sam and Tucker that there was a ghost attack."
"I..." How was this possible? Andrew was human but he was also a ghost? It just- Fingers tightening around his gun Danny swallowed, realizing that he was looking at someone who could change the way ghosts fought. If they could all turn into convincing humans then...they could destroy Amity, or any other town they wanted! If he could capture Andrew...
"Danny? Hey, you okay?" Andrew asked softly, taking a few steps closer. Danny felt his heart drop again, hand moving to holster his gun. He couldn't do it even if he was forced.
"Y-Yeah, I'm fine," Danny smiled, pulling his goggles up to rest on his forehead, purple aura disappearing from around Andrew. "I just, uh, was just thinking about a few things is all."
"Oh. Well, um, I just came to say that I have to go, Mother called and she wants me home," Andrew explained, rubbing the back of his neck, Danny only barely noticing the light blush on his cheeks. "It was nice spending time with you, maybe...we can do it again sometime?" Hearing the hopeful tone and seeing the light blush Danny blinked, suddenly realizing that he wasn't the only one with developing feelings.
"...I'd like that, Andrew," Danny smiled slowly, waving as Andrew smiled and rushed off. After he was out of sight Danny's smile slowly fell, the teen sighing as he banged his head against the brick wall, ignoring the sharp pain in his head. "Way to go, Fenton. Your first goddamn crush and he's a ghost."
This was just embarrassing.
::
When he arrived home Danny gave the snake ghost to his parents and then dragged himself up to his room, collapsing on his bed as he tried to sort through emotions and facts. "Okay. Andrew is a ghost, or at least, half of a ghost? How is that even- Well, impossible or not it's happened," he grumbled, rolling over only to fall in the floor. Sighing he threw an arm over his eyes.
"Guess I was right about him hiding a dangerous secret," he muttered lifelessly, pulling his goggles over his eyes to hide any tears that might fall. It just wasn't fair, he had finally found someone who seemed to understand him and accept him and actually might just like him back and had to go and be half-ghost. It was like a more twisted version of Romeo and Juliet.
"'O Romeo Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo," Danny muttered dully, goggles starting to fog up. "Why did my perfect guy have to be a ghost..." Falling silent he took a shaky breath, trying to sort his mind out. How was he supposed to get around this? Distance himself from Andrew and stop liking him? Or...or maybe...protect him?
"...oh fuck I'm Juliet..."
::
Danny really wondered how he got into these situations- Oh, right. Ghost hunter. He supposed that was why he was being held against a wall by his throat, air slowly becoming harder and harder to get. Really it hadn't been his fault this time. He had merely stayed up late in the throes of teenage angst and the ridiculous notion of duty to his family. Really, he understood Romeo and Juliet a whole lot better now.
As such he was tired while walking to school and he may have gotten ambushed by a ghost who's obsession was hunting, and really, that was just pathetic. One of the Great and Mighty Fentons and he was goddamn ambushed. He would have been swearing up a storm if it wasn't for the fact that his windpipe was slowly being crushed.
"I hate to damage such a fine specimen but you'll be much more manageable when you're dead. And who knows, if I'm lucky maybe you'll even becoming one of us." Oh hell no! Kicking and struggling with renewed vigor Danny only found his air supply running out faster. Taking what he figured would be his final breath he yelped when he was suddenly released, body hitting the ground as he coughed and gasped for fresh air.
"Don't you dare touch him." Blearily looking up he saw a bright purple aura through his goggles, smile coming to his face. It looked like he wasn't the only one with a hero-complex, or maybe it was just him Andrew was protective over...for some reason that thought didn't disturb him as much as it should have.
Seeing his gun Danny quickly picked it up, turning the dial to capture and carefully moving to stand behind Skulker, who now had his weapons aimed at Andrew. Distracted as he was the hunter ghost didn't even notice Danny was behind him until he spoke up.
"Skulker, classification number 382948! You're trespassing on ghost-free territory and have attacked a sanctified hunter, as such you will be captured and contained until further notice." Pulling the trigger he smirked, capturing the ghost and transferring him into the Fenton Thermos through a port attachment. "So much for being the greatest hunter."
Flinching as he felt cold hands touch his neck he blinked, looking up to see that Andrew was angrily staring at the bruises around his neck, "Bastard. Next time I see him I'm destroying him myself." Looking up to see Danny's expression he flinched, stepping back. "S-Sorry, um, are you going to be okay?"
Pulling his goggles down Danny kept staring, trying to decide on what to do. If he did what he was planning then there was no taking it back...there would be no changing or pretending or lying. "I'll take your silence as a yes," Andrew sighed, floating away before his hand was grabbed. Looking back in surprise he saw Danny gently smiling, looking almost amused.
"You are very terrible at being sneaky, you know." Seeing Andrew's eyes widen as he slowly touched down on the ground Danny only smiled, still holding his hand. "I may be clueless in some things but not everything...these goggles show ghost signatures, remember?" At the words Andrew swallowed, flinching as Danny slowly grasped his hood with both hands, tugging it over his head more. "I thought you looked familiar the first time I saw you...
"I don't know how you got this way but I know what you are...and you know that I'm a ghost hunter." Leaning against Andrew now he noticed the other had wrapped his arms around him, eyes looking sad. "It would never work, right? Doomed from the start. As bad an ending as Romeo and Juliet."
"You're still here, though," Andrew pointed out softly, Danny's hands clutching the fabric more tightly he sighed, Andrew slightly jumping at the feeling of warm breath on his neck. "You've only known me for a day...how do you even know-"
"There's a lot of things I know, and a lot of things I don't," Danny cut him off, eyes looking determined. "I know that I'm a ghost-hunter. I know that you're a ghost. I know that I make great milkshakes." Seeing Andrew's smile he gave his own. "I don't know if this would even work. Or how long it would last, or even if we'll be discovered...but you want to know the thing I know above all else?"
"Dare I ask?"
"Dare dare," Danny chuckled, eyes lighting up as blue gazed into blue. "I know that I have feelings for you. I'm not the type to fall in or out of love in days or weeks or anything but...I just...I feel like I can trust you, like really trust you. We already get along great, and I know you have some form of feelings for me. I don't know if we'll last, or if it's really love or just a high school crush, but...but I know I'm willing to try."
"...how are you getting a C in public speaking?" Andrew quietly asked, Danny letting out a loud laugh as he lightly and quickly pecked the other on the lips, Andrew blushing an interesting green.
"Is that a yes to giving it a shot?" Danny asked, watching as two purple rings of light formed around Andrew, slowly changing him back into his human side. The blush went from green to red and bright blue eyes changed into sparkling green.
"I've only known you for a day but already I know you're more stubborn than most, so...yes, to giving us a try. Not like we have much to lose," Andrew sarcastically muttered, Danny snickering.
"Yeah, only everything."
::
"It's genetic." Danny blinked, looking up from the book he was reading to Andrew who was sitting beside him with his own book. The two were using their free period to read in the quiet library, sitting side by side on one of the beanbag chairs, with the end result being Danny more on Andrew's lap than the chair itself.
"Uh...what?" Andrew sighed, arms wrapping around Danny as he buried his face in the other's neck, the teen looking surprised and starting to blush. Staying where he was he gently maneuvered his arms to where he had them wrapped around Andrew and was lightly playing with his hair. "What's genetic?"
"My...condition, I suppose you could call it," Andrew mumbled, voice hardly more than a whisper. "From my Mother's side. Every year on a child's 13th birthday they receive this...gift, is what she called it. I'm more inclined to label it a curse." Feeling Danny lightly scratch his scalp again he sighed. "I'm not sure how it works, or how it's even possible, but that's the way it's been for generations."
"...thank you for telling me," Danny mumbled, kissing Andrew's cheek and smiling lightly at the blush he saw. "Five." Seeing the look he smirked humorlessly. "If you're a Fenton that's the age where you start training to hunt ghosts. The training is...effective, I guess...but it's also pretty terrifying." Feeling Andrew shift their positions he blinked as he saw the elder had tucked him under his chin, holding him close. Chuckling he snuggled even closer. "I don't hate them for it.
"I mean, it's not their fault, it's just how our family's worked...generations for us too, all the way back to when we hunted witches in Salem." Feeling Andrew try to hold in a laugh he chuckled, "I'm serious, you should hear some of those stories, I'm not sure whether to be horrified half the time or amused."
"We both had pretty fucked up childhoods, huh," Andrew muttered, Danny laughing humorlessly.
"Guess we did...although I have a feeling our teen years are gonna be even more fucked up."
"What would make you assume that?" Andrew asked innocently, "All we're doing is completely disregarding everything our parents have ever taught to us, going behind their backs, and dating shamelessly." Danny's giggle started small before it worked up into a large laugh, Andrew laughing with him.
"If our parents ever find everything out we're dead," Danny laughed, Andrew's own laughter dying down to snickers.
"Well, I am already half-way there." Hearing the dismissal bell the two blinked, quickly standing up and heading to their next class, not even noticing they were holding hands where it had already become second-nature. "Gym class. Why do I have a bad feeling?"
"It's gym, there doesn't need to be an explanation," Danny snorted, lacing his fingers with Andrew's and swinging their hands back and forth, Andrew giving him a small smile. "Am I the only one who made Romeo and Juliet comparisons to my life last night?"
"No, you are not," Andrew grinned, kissing Danny's temple quickly as they walked through the halls. "I imagined myself as Romeo, only less of a dick."
"Hm...I imagined myself as Juliet."
::
"Today...you climb the rope." The groan that was heard throughout the class was in perfect synchronization, the kind that could only be done by truly hopeless students. "Oh stuff it! As long as you attempt to climb the rope I won't fail you. Anderson! You're up first!"
Danny watched in sympathy as a small girl nervously walked up the rope before slowly starting to climb, making odd little squeaks. She managed to get two feet off the ground before she hit the mat with a groan. "Coach I think I'm more of a ground person than anything."
"Get back in line, Anderson," the coach sighed, looking over her clipboard. "Since that was so pathetic, let's try getting Manson up here. Manson! Show us how it's done!" Sam rolled her eyes and moved from Danny's side, giving the coach a two-fingered salute before staring to climb the rope like a pro, making it all the way to the top and ringing the bell. Sliding back down she didn't even look winded as she too her place back in line. "Now that's what I'm talking about! Alright...Foely, why don't you try."
Tucker only held out a note, the coach taking it and snorting, shoving it under her clipboard. "You got lucky. This time." Ignoring Tucker's shudder of fear her eyes landed on Andrew, who immediately stiffened. "You, new kid, you're up."
"Joy upon wondrous joy," Andrew muttered dryly, Danny squeezing his hand as he walked over to the rope, sighing and starting to climb. They watched as he made it ten feet in the air before falling straight down to the mat. The others started to worry about his stillness before he seamlessly and flawlessly started cursing in rapid French, the coach shaking her head.
Watching him stagger to his feet, and swear even more, they saw him limp over to Danny, who patted his back comfortingly as the coach went to torture the next person. "You speak French?" Danny asked quietly, Andrew only blinking as he smiled nervously.
"Heh, oui, mon cher." Danny blinked, grin slowly growing. The other students nearby watched, everyone shocked, even Sam and Tucker, when Danny replied in flawless French of his own, Andrew almost chocking as he stuttered out a reply, Danny answering with a wicked smile. Andrew finally covered his face, which was a bright red, Danny patting his back again. "You will be the end of me."
"Like you said, already halfway there," Danny chuckled, wincing at the coach called his name. "Alright alright." Muttering a rude word in French that had Andrew snickering Danny took to the rope, climbing faster and more precise than even Sam, ringing the bell and, apparently, breaking the school record in time. Fourteen feet from the ground Danny slowly swung himself, tensing his body and bending his knees as he landed on the gym floor instead of the mat, looking as if he had only walked from one end of the room to the other.
"...Why do I even bother anymore," the coach muttered to herself, Danny making a rude gesture behind her back that had the other students giggling. As they watched him walk back to Andrew they saw the other give him a quick kiss to the cheek, Danny grinning and holding his hand.
By lunchtime the whole school was abuzz with news of the new couple.
::
"So guess who's the current power couple of the school?" Danny blinked as he saw Sam sit down across from him and Andrew, the two sharing a look at the question.
"Uh, Dash and Paulina?"
"Nope." Sam looked almost gleeful, Tucker joining her side with his own lunch and digging in, listening to the conversation. "Guess again."
"Star and Kwan?"
"Nope," Sam half-sung, Danny looking serious as he nodded. "Finally have the answer?"
"Yes, and I can't believe I didn't see it earlier." Seeing Sam's prompting he continued. "You and Tucker." The reaction was immediate, Tucker choking on his food and Sam giving Danny a death glare that had him scooting closer to a snickering Andrew. "That was uncalled for and I am so sorry."
"You're lucky I like you," Sam hissed, composing herself again. "No, the new school power couple is..." Trailing off Danny rolled his eyes, taking a sip of his drink. Sam must have been waiting for the moment since she grinned evilly and continued, "You and Andrew."
Danny spent two minutes coughing as he choked on his drink, Andrew patting his back and looking slightly worried. When he was finally able to talk Danny looked half-panicked, "What?! Are you kidding me?! How- Why- What?!" Before Sam could answer Danny jumped as felt someone hug him from behind, sighing as he realized it was his sister. "Hi Jazz, what are you doing in this lunch hour-"
"Is it true you finally got a boyfriend?!" At the question Danny blushed a bright red, Andrew only watching the proceedings with an amused smile. He couldn't believe he had been so against moving to this town. "Is this him? Hi! I'm Jazz, Danny's older sister! If you hurt him know that I know hundreds of types of fighting styles and can kill you with my bare hands!" As she spoke she had a sunny smile. It was enough to have Andrew looking slightly terrified for his life, remembering that this girl was a ghost hunter too.
"Oh my god Jazz!" Danny half-shouted, struggling out of the tight hug. "Will you please stop threatening my boyfriend!" At the word boyfriend Jazz just squealed even more.
"So he really is! I thought it was just a rumor but no! My baby brother finally has someone- Does he know we're ghost hunters?"
"I am quite aware of the fact," Andrew half-smiled, Danny snickering quietly to himself. "Are they any other questions you have?" As answer Jazz scooted her brother over, sitting between the two. Danny made a rude gesture, Sam and Tucker looking like they were thoroughly enjoying themselves.
"Are you an only child?"
"No, I have a half-brother named Randy, he lives with my father in New York." Danny blinked at that, Andrew's eyes flicking towards him and silently telling him he would explain more later.
"Do you believe in ghosts?"
"It's difficult for me to not," Andrew smiled ruefully, Jazz nodding and humming.
"What's your GPA?"
"3.8."
"Wow, he's smart," Sam commented, looking to Danny. "Remember what I said about keeping him? Listen to that advice."
"One last question," Jazz demanded, staring at Andrew with a look that had him slightly nervous. "If it came down to it and there was a ghost that was about to kill Danny and you were the only one in the room what would you do?"
"Jazz-"
"I would rip the ghost apart with my bare hands," Andrew smiled dangerously, eyes glinting with a possessive light. "I wouldn't care that I have no training or weapons such as you two, I would still destroy them."
"Danny, I agree with Sam. Keep him." Blushing Danny grumbled and stabbed his food with a fork, flinching as he suddenly heard Jazz's worried gasp, "What happened to your neck?!" In a second Jazz was holding him still and Sam was jerking his hoodie down, cursing at the bright bruise marks.
"Guys, it's nothing. Just a run-in with a ghost this morning," Danny whined, looking to Andrew for help. The half-ghost shrugged helplessly, not quite sure what to do until he grinned before schooling his expression into concern.
"Danny, you never told me you where hurt!" Andrew worriedly spoke, standing up and moving to stand on Danny's other side, "Those really do look bad...come on, I'll take you to the nurse's office, maybe she has some cream to help heal it." Tugging Danny up he continued fussing, Danny waiting until they were in the hallway to hug him with a large grin.
"My hero."
"Don't thank me just yet, mon cher, I'm still taking you to get your neck looked at." Danny whined as Andrew only tugged him along, looking amused before Danny said something in French. Deciding not to be beaten again he replied, smile wide as he glanced back to see Danny was a bright red and staring at the floor. "Don't flirt with a Frenchmen. You'll lose."
"Noted." As they walked through the halls Danny absently looked at their linked hands, wondering what the future would bring from there on. It wouldn't be easy, not with their lives. But...but maybe they at least had a chance. Things would work themselves out, in time, of course.
After all, it was only the beginning.
If I was inclined I could make a whole story out of this. Really I could.