Chapter 09_Patch it up Doc!

It was a relief when at last the Fenton Works came into view among the darkness. The sole sight seemed enough to energize the standing trio who accelerated (as much as Jazz's wound allowed) to reach their home more quickly. It was true that the building was still in Total Lock Down, but on this side the fingerprint/DNA scan locker was able to disable it. Danny's thumb was enough for the job once they reached the door, so they entered inside.

− Dad, you can put me on the couch, I can wait after everything else is sorted out. − Danny said once in the living room − I'll just need my phone, I'll be fine! − he reassured at the parents' worried glances.

Without him complaining for his own injuries, it was difficult being reminded he was even in worse condition than Jazz in the first place. Though, gently the father obliged and, once sat on the couch, the boy rearranged the blanket and pillows to cover completely the legs and sustain his back upright. Once done, he opened his arms with a smile. − See?

− Are you really fine? You didn't say a thing about your legs since waking up. − the mother worried after discarding both her and Jack's backpacks.

− Really! Don't worry, I certainly won't die just for waiting here half an hour. − Jazz, who was attempting to limp towards the stairs, snickered in response and the boy mock-glared in her direction.

Maddie and Jack exchanged glances too, then the man shrugged and went and scooped up with a startled yelp his daughter to help her upstairs. The woman instead found Danny's cellular on the table and handed it to its owner, while she took the house phone and dialed the Rangers' number.

D ~O¤O~ Jz

Grateful, Danny opened the device and promptly winced at the crazy amount of missed calls and messages it held on the display. They are so gonna kill me... But who should he call first? Tuck who would likely be worried but wouldn't shout at him or Sam who would verbally skin him alive but if he either waited or she was the second called, the retaliation would be worse?

− Sam it is. − the halfa murmured, sighing, and pressed the CALL button. It took just one tone to pick up.

− DANNY! − the shout almost busted an eardrum and he cringed.

− Hey Sam, sorry for making you and Tuck worry. − he responded sheepishly.

− Where are you? Your house was in Total Lock Down last time we checked, six hours ago! − her tone was almost hysterical. Danny cringed, she had been that worried then.

− We've just returned. I forgot my phone on the table before rushing out, sorry. You got Tuck with you? − he asked, hopefully trying to distract the girl.

− Right, Tucker! − she called on the other side of the line − Ignore that buffoon for a second, I've got Danny on the phone!− there was a faint "Really?" in the distance, then sounds of running and a snatched cellular.

− DANNY! How are you man? − the Techno-Geek asked frantically.

− Nothing that a good night rest won't cure. − he reassured his best friend − When Sam said "that buffoon", did she mean the Box Ghost? − he changed subject.

− Yeah, why? − the dark skinned boy replied, confused.

− Can you avoid to hunt him till Monday? He kinda saved our hides after we made a deal. − he revealed.

− Sam, wait! − Tuck called, sensing the halfa's seriousness. − What do you mean? − from the sound he had put the speakerphone.

− It's a really long story, but the short version is: going to save our parents, Jazz and I got stuck with them before a cave then into the Ghost Zone, please don't ask how now, and the Fenton Portal was closed for the T.L.D., so when we met the Box Ghost, he was our only way out. − he explained massaging a temple with his free hand.

− B-but Frostbite, Pandora, Dora or even Clockwork would have been better! − Tucker stuttered.

− Shush, you know that he listens! − Sam scolded. − But he has a point Danny.

− Beggars can't be choosy. − the lamed boy sighed, then lowered his voice in order not to be heard by his mother. − Besides, in our conditions Frostbite was too far to reach, both Pandora and Dora are on holiday and Clockwork... he's always too much of an incognita about what he would do.

− One point each, ball in the center. − the Techno-Geek sighed. − But what condition are we talking about?

Uh, how to be mostly sincere without worrying them too much? − Well, Jazz has a broken leg and I had to be carried around by dad the whole time. I didn't want them to overstrain themselves too much and worsen Jazz's fracture.

− Danny, what are you downplaying? − the Goth asked in a threatening way. Not good.

− ... Both legs are broken. − he relented reluctantly, but hastily added. − But I'm fine really! By tomorrow night I will be able to do back flips with my eyes closed!

− Oh, no, you won't dare Daniel Fenton. − both boys cringed at her tone. − We'll come there in a few minutes, you better be ready.

− No, Sam wait. − he asked her with the command voice he usually used only in battle situation. There was a shift in the atmosphere* and it seemed enough to stop whatever she had been about to do. − Some things came out with my parents, but with how exhausted we are, it's not the right moment for melodrama. I managed to quiet them down with the promise that tomorrow I will explain everything, so... − he trailed in discomfort.

− Oh. Do you need a hand dude? − Tuck asked concerned.

− I don't think so. − he was glad that none of his nervousness was showing in his voice − They seemed to okay with the cryokinesis and... the Map. Okay, maybe for the latter not so much, but it was needed to come back home, so I guess it's okay now. They... had already figured I'm somewhat contaminated since seeing my stitches and Jazz had to confirm it, so I'm more or less halfway, right? − he inwardly cursed himself about how he sounded insecure with the last sentence. At least he had tried to mask it with dry humor.

− Danny, are you really sure? − this time it was Sam's concerned request. − We could back you up.

− I know you will, − he smiled half-sad, half-fondly − but I've already got Jazz, sisters are good for something, aren't they? After all she did a good job in the cave and the Zone, we can end this together. Besides, it won't be right to involve you in mom's scolding. You know how she is. − the boy faintly chuckled.

− That's the reason why we want to help you dude. − Tuck intervened.

− I know, but we're fine guys. I'll call you afterwards with the Phones to let you know how it went, okay? − the halfa reassured.

− Okay, but meanwhile we take over your part of the patrol, is it clear? − Sam warned.

− Only if you promise to me to call me or flight if the situation becomes too much. Broken legs or not I won't let you... − the hero of Amity started to protest, but it was interrupted.

− Yeah, yeah, be "horribly defaced", "permanently crippled"... Man, you don't have to worry, we'll be fine. − Danny smirked when his own words were turned against him by the four-eyed friend.

− I got the point. − the raven haired teen sighed. − Hear you after lunch? It will take a bit with everything.

− Damn straight. And no crazy stunt. − Sam warned again.

− You too. Ah, can you at least try to ask Val not to hunt the Box Ghost? I promised to try. − the raven teen added.

− We'll see what we can do. Rest. − the Goth ordered.

− Yeah, bye. − in the background Tuck answered the farewell and the call ended, making Danny sigh again. Much like that very same morning he rested (against the backseat this time), eyes closed, to wait for his parents to finish what they were doing and maybe, just maybe, rest in his own bed. The shower could wait the following day, even changing clothes or the bandaged for what mattered. He was too tired now that the adrenaline rush had faded.

In the meanwhile upstairs Jazz had already took her bath and dried herself, once her father had left her in the bathroom. She had been careful with the leg all the while and now she was wearing her PJ leaving the injured lower part of the limb uncovered, ready to receive a proper cast. The father had offered to go and retrieve the necessary tools while she washed herself, so a knock was the signal he had returned.

− You can come in! − the young redhead answered, sat on the closed WC, favoring her injured leg higher.

− Okay, here we go. − the man entered and expertly placed everything on the floor and carefully assessed the damage. − It's not the ankle after all. − he commented, while Jazz hid a smile: thanks to Danny she already knew that.

− It's better this way, isn't it? − she instead replied cheerfully.

The man nodded, then proceeded to place the splints on both sides of the calf then wrap it with plaster-bandages, not too tight in order not to block the blood flow. When he was satisfied, he grabbed the hairdryer and dried the cast so it became solid and rigid.

− How do you feel it? − he asked her.

− It seems alright, thanks dad. − she smiled gratefully at her father, who nodded and picked her up once more to put her on her bed.

− Do you want anything to eat? − he asked before going out.

− No, I'm good. But dad... − she began, unsure about what to say. Surprisingly the man silently waited to let her continue. − Are you going to patch up Danny too?

− Yeah, I don't think Mads will like to do it. − he raised an eye ridge. − Why do you ask?

− Can you try not to comment or argue anything about what you see or what he tells you to do or not? − she stayed vague, knowing how her brother usually reacted about his own injures after a fight. − He knows his body better than anyone after all.

− Okay, sure. Shout if you need anything. − Jack nodded his farewell and closed the door.

Tomorrow will be a looong day...

M ~O¤O~ Jk

Maddie felt guilty to have overheard part of his son's conversation on the phone after her own call. However at least she had a vague picture of the situation: it was Sam and Tucker who were involved in the deal with the Box Ghost and, even if he wouldn't admit it even to his friends, he was scared about the outcome of the talk the following day.

She had already guessed that the "powers" he had manifested in their presence since awakening had not all he was hiding, but the fact that the rest he hadn't already explained was enough to make him afraid of their reaction... It was worrying.

− Danny, do you want a sandwich? − the mother quietly asked, seeing that he was resting. He shook his head, eyes still closed.

− Is everything okay with the equipment? − he asked tiredly and maybe a bit sleepy.

− Yes, it is. They will send a couple of Rangers to check if the animals hadn't ravaged anything and we'll go probably tomorrow evening or the day after to pick all up. − she answered, sitting near him, enough to brush her shoulder against his. Reflexively and unconsciously he leaned on her, while she gently caressed his hair. − You know, we have to check your bandages before you go to sleep, don't you?

He sighed resignedly and nodded, glancing at her with bleary blue irises.

− I'm sorry for making you worry. − he murmured.

− Don't think about it now. All you have to do is rest and heal. Are you in pain? Do you want a painkiller? − she softly asked as his eyes slowly dropped. He shook again his head.

− I don't really need them, plus they make me lethargic and confused. It already happened once, it wasn't pretty. − he hummed in slightly discomfort, arms wrapped around his torso.

− When was it? − she asked frowning and thinking. Last time he had been banged enough to need the medication had been...

− Right after Pariah. When neither of you or dad was here, I was a mess. It's not worth the couple of hours without the ache. − he admitted, confirming her guess.

− Okay, Jazz is already tucked in, cast in place and elevated. Danny-o it's you turn. − Jack said less booming than usual, minding the state his son was in and his own exhaustion. Despite his usual energy and Danny's light-feather weight, carrying his son all day had been tiring. The boy sighed and opened with difficulty his eyelids and feebly nodded.

Carefully the man picked up his offspring and Maddie helped him by removing the blanket, revealing the fishing lines still tied around his legs.

− Uh, so that's what they were. − the teen mumbled, just a little surprised.

− Yeah, I did it myself. It was the only solution to stabilize the fractures. − Jack explained and his son nodded numbly, but still slightly smiled. − Mads, while I help Danny-o, you should go, wash and relax, I'll meet you in our room.

− Okay, do a good job. − she agreed and gave her husband a quick peck on the lips, making Danny squirm between them.

− Ew, I'm right here! − the boy protested. − And I can't even react since I'm injured!

− You mister follow your father's instruction if you don't want me mothering you all the day tomorrow. − she chuckled when he made a face. − Now go, see you tomorrow.

After Danny muttered a goodnight, the Fenton males made their way to the upstairs bathroom where Jack untied the knots after placing the seventeen years old on the soft carpet. Carefully the man helped his son remove the fishing lines, the t-shirt, the pants and bandages, leaving him only in his slips. Even if clearly embarrassed, the younger raven haired didn't protest because he really needed help.

...And Jack for the life of him couldn't fathom why his son had this many scars. Sure, he had already seen them in the cave, but there the light had been lesser and all of them hadn't been visible. They were even on his legs! ...Which weren't as swollen as he expected them to be.

The bruise on his abdomen had almost faded all away, like the ones on his shoulder and back, and the burns were by now only whitish marks on the teen's skin. With how pale Danny's complexion was from the beginning, the sight of the bluish fluorescent Ecto-line on it was uncanny.

Danny carefully brushed his fingers on the threads on his side and nodded to himself. − Dad, can you help me remove the stitches? I already had to take them out at least two hours ago. − the boy looked up at his father a bit uncomfortably and a bit sheepishly (but more awake than before), so the image urged Jack's father side to react as Jazz had suggested.

− Sure, should I take off the ones on you back too? − the man asked while retrieving the scissors and, with a care that nobody outside the family would attribute him, cut the 12 stitches on Danny's side.

They didn't seem self-made from the angle of the knots, but from how regular they were and the type used (Dumfourmentel's simple interrupted stitching technique**, he recognized them from the extra classes on medical procedures he had took in case of lab incidents) they seemed professional, like well honed from years of practice. Who had to do them for so long that they seemed to be done by a doctor? Danny had said that Jazz had insisted for two years to make him tell them his secret, furthermore she had asked Jack to follow her brother's request because he knew his body better. So this had to have been a recurrent situation.

− Would you believe that I forgot about them? − his son half-laughed tiredly as the older (half) raven haired moved to look at the healed cut on his back. This old gash had needed 23 stitches.

− Not really. − the scientist murmured, working on the bluish thread. − This one is too long for not having hurt.

Danny sighed. − Yeah, but since now it's healed, it slipped out of my mind. Dad... − he called nervous and the older male hummed in acknowledgement − For the legs... − he hesitated − could you just tie them to something rigid to keep them from moving? I mean, I don't need the plaster. − he clarified, fidgeting.

− But you need it to keep them steady for a long time! − Jack frowned, removing the last stitch.

− I-I know, but... please, trust me dad. − he stuttered, pleading. The man sighed. Was it like the cryokinesis?

− This won't hurt you? − he asked and his son shook his head fervently. − Fine then.

Grateful, the teenager helped his father realize the (more stable) temporary casts, then the older Fenton picked up the younger one (hopefully for the last time of the day) and brought him in his bedroom, laying him on his mattress. Afterwards he helped the boy wear the upper half of his PJ and tucked him under the blanket. After being reassured that everything was okay, Jack was about to head to the door when Danny's voice stopped him.

− Dad... Thanks for not questioning my reasons. − it was almost a whisper, but the Fenton patriarch heard it.

− That's what family does, we look after each other. And being so, you'll stay in this bed until morning! − Jack demanded melodramatically, making the boy chuckle.

− As you order, cap'n. − he mock-saluted, burrowing himself in the covers. The hunter smiled, exiting from the room. He too really needed to sleep in order to be ready the day after.

D ~O¤O~ Jz

Danny sighed deeply as his father's footsteps left and quietly he sneaked out an arm from the cover, to retrieve his Fenton Phone from the nightstand. He settled it in the dark on the channel he commonly used with Jazz and, opening the line, tapped their calling code.

Tap tap ta-tap tap.

It took several moments, but she picked up, albeit a bit sleepily. − Danny? What's the matter?

− We don't have really choice, do we? − now that he could speak freely without worry to be overheard by their parents, he had to ask. He knew he sounded vulnerable and maybe out of character, but he was honestly scared to half-death. Sensing this, his sister sighed.

− Not really, no. But you saw them in the cave, you have nothing to worry, lil' bro. Beside with the Truce and what I told them in Phantom's defense, the most they would do will be grounding us and demand to treat our wound personally. − she tried to lighten the mood. − Hey, maybe they could put on us a GPS too!− she laughed at his groan.

− The worst of this is that I could see this totally happen. − he fondly half-sighed. − Thanks Jazz.

− That's what sisters are for. Go to sleep, lil' bro, you'll need it to heal all the way up. And no Phantom escapades, this night, or I'll sick Sam on you. − she mock-threatened.

− You wouldn't, I saved you from Skulker in the Zone! − he shot back, mockingly outraged.

− Whatever makes you believe to be safer, now go. Good night. − she smiled.

− Good night, see you tomorrow. − Danny turned off the Phone and put it on the nightstand again, staring at the ceiling. He had to organize somehow his speech or he would ruin everything.

He reflected on the course of action for at least half an hour as he listened with his sensitive hearing his parents go to sleep, only exchanging few sentences about what to do the following morning. Their plan made him decide his own, so the halfa nodded to himself as he drifted asleep.

S ~O¤O~ T

− We spy on them?

− We spy on them. I'll send a text to Jazz for her to keep an ON Phone with her during the conversation. And to call us before its start, if we're still asleep.

− Guys, there's no need. − a third voice interrupted the conversation. − I'll do it. We'll watch his back.

* ...I tried to be subtle, but if anyone wonders, Maddie overheard from here.

** They are a technique used in plastic surgery to leave as less scars as possible. Sam had done well her homework. u_ù

A/N. ...Am I still here? °^°! Wow and there's even positive feedback! Thanks to everybody!

I know that this chapter feels like a filler, but it has some hidden topics that will be used in the next one, THE one everyone waits!

So, type ya next weekend with Shivers!

[Invader Johnny you're a bit too pessimist, it's true that the wait could sometimes worsen discussions, but to argue about something so important (and complicated) when tired, hungry and dirty would even be the worst way.

lexi1220 don't worry, it would be lame to interrupt the story before it enters in the main event of the plot!

FowlFanKid13 almost there, it was 10 PM. xD The "where challenge" is pretty simple: beside memorizing when and where the timed portals appear in the Zone, he had peeked in them and memorized where they lead. Hope this satisfies you. =^ w ^=

Ohsochich sorry for the little delay, here's the chapter! =D]