Chapter 10_Even Shivers (can make the difference)
The awakening the morning after was... oddly normal.
All the exhaustion had been washed away by a full night rest and the only complains from their bodies were gurgling stomachs since the night before the hadn't eaten dinner.
However Maddie had foreseen this and after the morning routine (and checking her offsprings in their room, finding them peacefully asleep) she went downstairs and started making a rich breakfast to satiate both her husband's and children's hunger.
Speaking of the devil, Jack appeared in the room while she was cooking the sixth pancake and as a greeting he kissed her affectionately, then sat at the table.
− So, how do you feel Mads? − he asked casually. Too casually, as it was evident his nervousness.
− Terrified that he's terrified. Do you think that he could run away if we react in any way he is afraid of? − her voice slightly trembled as she poured the sweet cream on the hot pan for the seventh pancake after placing the sixth one on a plate.
− Hope there won't be the need. But then again, he's a Fenton, we face problems head on, Danny won't back down till we accept the truth. Nothing less. − the patriarch nodded at his reasoning: he was willing to be as open-minded as he could since clearly the confession was this hard for the boy.
− You know, we have to sign this day on the calendar as one of the rarest in which I agree with dad.
The surprised parents turned their heads to the door and jumped at the sight: Jazz was the one who had talked and while she was fully dressed (sans the casted leg), it was Danny beside her that had startled them. He too was fully dressed and not only he was standing up along his sister but even worse he was supporting her upright.
Before any of them could properly react, the boy smiled sheepishly while accompanying the older teen to her seat, then quickly sat himself too.
It happened so quickly (or they were so stunned that their reflex reaction time had been slowed down) that only at this point they could act like any human being would after seeing their offspring stroll casually with two broken legs.
− Danny, are you nuts?! − Maddie screeched, making said son wince − Your legs are broken and you help your sister walk down the stairs?! − she turned her attention to said girl. − And why didn't you stop him?! You should know better!
− While I would have agreed with you, − Jazz began with a serious tone, unfazed by her mother's rage, − we... didn't exactly walk down the stairs. − she eyed her brother who almost imperceptibly nodded. − In fact he didn't walk at all till you saw him.
− That's impossible! And you couldn't have carried him either because of your leg! − Jack objected.
− That's because I carried her all along. I just didn't use my legs. − Danny finally intervened, then raised a hand to block protests. − Look, I know you had other plans because I heard you last night − had Jazz tensed up a bit at that phase? − but I've prepared a speech and I'd really really want for you to listen to all of it before you ask questions. Technical speeches aren't really my thing, so if I'm interrupted I'll lose what I wanted to say and the outcome will be a disaster. − the younger sibling seemed to hold a grimace. − And I don't want this.
There was so much confidence mixed with pleas in his voice that made the scientists pause and look at each other. In their silent conversation they debated pros and cons and the conclusion was reached just as the seventh pancake started burning.
With a startled yelp Maddie turned the stove off and put the pan in the sink, letting it be filled with tap water till it stopped smoking and frizz.
Averted the danger, the woman breathed deeply, then turned to look at her son and stated resolute. − Deal. But you mister won't. Leave. That. Chair. For. Nothing. In. The. World. − she warned underlining each world with a wavy index and he flinched sheepishly.
− Yeah, sorry. − Danny scratched his head. − I always considered the kitchen as neutral territory, so you in my bedroom while Jazz and I eat breakfast... It would have been too awkward.
− So you really heard us. From your bedroom. − Jack breathed, realizing he hadn't actually joked before.
− That's one of the things I want to talk about. We can have breakfast later since... I'm not really hungry. − as a matter of fact he looked a bit queasy from pent-up worry.
− Then just tea and coffee will do. At least for me and Mads, I think. − Jack proposed and the teens nodded.
Maddie offered the aforementioned beverage to her husband, while the younger occupants of the room refused anything. They were making common front together, at least. She sat beside the man as she eyed her son carefully.
− Just one thing before starting. How are your legs? You said you didn't walk but you still carried Jazz down the stairs yet you seemed sincere even if the sentences are conflicting. − the woman asked stubbornly, still worried about the boy's wellbeing. Recognizing the tone, the younger teen nodded.
− That's actually part of the speech. − Danny took a deep calming breath and started. − Dad, do you remember when in the cave you asked me what else I could do beside the cryokinesis?* − the man frowned, thinking, then nodded, remembering his uneasy squirming. − This is one of those "other" things. I have an absurdly high fast healing ability. The bones are still a bit unsteady, but they are already healed as are all the wound you saw while you were patching me up.
Their look must have been disbelieving because Jazz intervened. − Believe him, I checked, otherwise I wouldn't have allowed him to carry me downstairs. − her tone was firm and sure, so they took her word as a confirmation and nodded for him to continue.
− Speaking of this, I really didn't walk down. My... "contamination" − they saw him grimace as if he wasn't used to utilize that term or didn't like it − had given me the ability of nullifying the gravity pull. That's also how we didn't "go splat" on the purple path in the Ghost Zone. I slowed the descend.
− So technically you could... − Jack trailed, remembering too late the "no-interruption" request.
− I can float. And fly, as a matter of fact, yes. − Danny didn't seem to mind his half-request. − Moreover, in the Zone, do you remember when I peeked out the rock to see if Ember had gone away? − Jack nodded but Maddie eyed him dumbfounded, she hadn't known this. − I said that I was good at not being noticed. That's because I used this.
He raised a forearm and that vanished from sight, making the boy look crippled. The adults gasped and half-scared, half-fascinated Maddie extended a hand forward so her son put his one on hers, making her feel it was still there. − Invisibility. − she breathed.
− Usually on par with it there's also this. − Danny extended his other arm towards his father, who, frowning for the gesture, tried to take it. Key word: tried. Because his fingers passed through the hand of his son as if it hadn't been there. Flabbergasted, the man tried another couple of times to grab the extremity till the boy had pity of him and resumed materiality.
− Intangibility. − Mads concluded. The boy nodded, retrieving both his (now back to normal) limbs.
− This one is actually the reason I have to use the Ecto-line for the stitches. Normal threads fall off because I usually forget to turn them intangible too. − Danny explained uneasily, eliciting a question that had to be answered before it was forgotten.
− So the Ecto-line isn't what keeps you contaminated? − at this point Maddie doubted her hypothesis. Her son snorted.
− I doubt that even with years of stitches I could reach the level I have now... − unconsciously the raven teen leaned back with arms crossed before continuing. − But back to the main topic: my cryokinesis and Ghost Sense are actually a manifestation of what I gained from the ectoplasmic contamination. − he hesitated, was it the definitive reveal? That would have explained the defensive body language. − I have an Ice Core. This explains partially why my body temperature, pulse and blood pressure are lower than a normal human being. − that really explained a lot. Jack had been scared when he had checked him after the rockslide, but if it had been his normal condition to begin with... − It is also the cause of my icing over in the cave. My inner core was being overcharged and the extra energy had to go somewhere since I wasn't conscious to expel it.
− So that's why you said it wasn't a dangerous ability. It's part of what you are now. − Maddie realized and the boy warily looked at her and nodded. Jazz on the other hand was surveying the situation like a hawk as if ready to intervene if things went sour. Mads sighed, they were too much under pressure. After they had already revealed he was contaminated, this "ice core" thing wasn't a big deal, body modifications were a logical consequence she was more or less expecting since the first admission, just... − Okay then. But a simple contamination can't give all of these abilities and an ice core. At No Mercy Hospital each patient had only one of these things. − she pointed out.
− That is the main part of the speech, so I'll try to be as technical as possible. − Danny took a deep breath and stared at the table surface, not to avoid looking at their reaction but seemingly not to be distracted. − When I was contaminated, it hadn't been a skin contact or something like that, but I was imbued by pure raw ectoplasm overcharged by an electrical current. It stuck on my DNA and modified bits of it in order to make my metabolism be able to actively produce ectoplasm through the cells' internal system. Like instead of a protein I produce a molecule of "organic ectoplasm". That's why I could never run out/decontaminate, I have an Ice Core and why I could manifest ectoplasm outside my body like when I opened the portal in the cave.
Danny was still staring at the wooden surface, so he missed the horrified stare his parents were giving him. Jazz instead did and tensed, ready to pounce like an angry tigress, but the adults didn't notice.
− Danny... − Maddie's voice trembled, pained, causing the boy to cringe.
− That must have hurt like hell! Plus the amount of ectoplasm necessary for a total body molecular modification would have been a crazy lot, where did you find that?! Did a ghost do this to you? − Jack worried. After all they were the only ones (sans now Danny himself) who could produce that quantity.
Against all odds, Danny chuckled in response and looked up. − No, that was all my fault to begin with... Twice actually, but that's a story for another time. − he dismissed − Before I want to finish my planned speech if I can. − the adults hesitated, there were still other things missing? The amount of question was almost crushing, but perhaps if they let him finish at his pace, they would be all answered... They nodded numbly for him to continue. − Apart from how it happened three years ago − "The Portal incident?" silent question was shot between the older Fentons with only a side glance − I found myself what ghosts in slang call "halfa". My "human" half DNA is a symbiont/complementary of my acquired ectoplasmic one, so there is a functional system between the two, I'm not just an "ectoplasm generator". ...That's why it can't be "fixed" in the first place, mom. − the woman flinched at that piece of information: this had to be the reason why the topic was so sensitive, not only their worry for Danny "being in danger".
− Anyway, − the boy started speaking again after a few moments of pause, probably to let them assimilate the information − logically if I have two halves and a human look, then the ectoplasmic counterpart has to have a matching appearance too, right?
− Of course, but an ectoplasmic appearance would make you look like... − the huntress realized while speaking and trailed for the implications.
− Like a ghost, yes. − the "halfa" paused, looking at his parents expectantly, warily and clearly (even if almost well hidden) terrified.
To hell with the contamination, ice core and fixing matter, this was the real reason he had been afraid to tell them all of this! For him to sometimes look like a ghost and have ghost-hunters for parents... It would have seemed like asking to a couple of lions to take care of a zebra foal and expect them not to eat it when they noticed!
So, like any guilty, concerned but practical mother would have done, Maddie ignored for a moment the "ghost-like appearance" as anyway her next question would probably obtain an answer even for it.
− Yesterday night before going bed, you said that in the Pariah aftermath the painkillers messed you up. Was it for your new physiology? And... to reduce yourself in that state, what did you do? − the mother asked softly, but with an edge that seriously requested the truth. Even if he was surprised by the question, probably this was a somehow right response because he sadly smiled.
− Yes, it was, and... it happened because I was actively involved in the fight. − Danny grimaced, slightly cringing in advance. Was he dreading her reaction? However Jack anticipated any objection she would have made.
− But I didn't see you! − he boomed and the boy winced for the volume. Ups...
− In fact I believe you kinda cursed me, dad. − Danny seemed to find the event amusing. − Though, when I said specter appearance, a ghost-form, I meant it. If you don't know about the halfa thing, I could pass as a full fledged ghost.
− So we know you as a "ghost". − Maddie statement was more a rhetorical question, because now it was her turn to dread. Who could he be? Her answer came almost just as she saw a mischievous familiar smile.
− Know me? More like you made a truce with me. − he... Phantom-like smirked, still crossing his arms.
− You... You're Phantom? − Jack's mind was reeling, sure, now he recognized the signs: the familiar "echo-y voice" after their first escape in the Zone; the boy's familiarity with the armored ghost hunter's trap; the knowledge about the Zone and the ghosts; the threat to personally hunt down the Box Ghost if he destroyed anything... The actual curse shouted when the ghost-boy had stolen the Ecto-Skeleton to head the charge against Pariah's army and the tyrant himself.
His son had risked his life to save them all and in exchange they had hunted him.
Danny nodded curtly, fear still dancing in his eyes, but he kept his composure, as if any sudden movement could make them trigger happy... which they usually were in fact, even if lesser after the Truce. − I-I could show you if you want. − he offered.
D ~O¤O~ Jz
Danny was officially scared to half-death.
His parents' reaction was so tame in comparison to what he had expected or seen in other two situation he had been found out. However both of them had a mad-man involved who had threatened the Fenton adults in a battle situation. Now...
They were in an aftermath of a day-long journey in both a cave and the Zone, in which they had been hurt, worried and scared for both their children's safety and the impossibility to come back home. Maybe they were just overwhelmed and shocked...
How much would it take them to change idea from the general acceptance they had expressed during the previous day? A heartbeat or seeing the transformation sequence? Or was enough the Fentons' sense of honor to keep them from attacking an ally who had just kept secrets from them?
Another silent conversation started between the married couple, so even if unbidden Danny sought help from his sister. While she was still clumsy in ghost hunting, she was the pillar of Team Phantom in the psychological field: how is it really going? was his silent question.
The girl in response shifted her calculating gaze to her parents and observed the body language: their frame wasn't as tense as before preparing an ambush, but their tiniest shiver indicated fear, rage or guilt. By how their mother was tormenting her own hands and their father was chewing the inner cheek, Jazz would have bet all her money on the last one. The approach Danny had followed had been a good one as the Phantom-bomb had been dropped after a crescendo of scientifically accurate proves and with a hint of humor at certain points to ease the tension. Maybe she could go off in the same direction.
The younger redhead gave her brother the ghost of a smile and almost imperceptibly nodded, before she stated.
− You should totally see his transformation montage, it's really cool. − she bragged, breaking silence. − I admit the first time it's shocking and mind-numbing, but the light-show it's worth it.
− When was the first time you saw it? − Maddie's voice was carefully blank, but the girl could still detect curiosity. Jazz shrugged casually.
− When Spectra went undercover in our school during the depressing Spirit Week. The day before my speech I saw him change to battle Bertrand, then after starting the domino in the hall he saved me from a disintegrator ray. − she said like it wasn't a big deal (tone so casual that it was obvious it was fake and she had been touched by the fact) − Though, he didn't know I knew till two years ago after the CAT. − she ruffled her baby bro hair in an attempt to ease in advance Danny's remind of how they came to the admission. As a matter of fact he showed a strained smile, the hard edge in his eyes the only other hint of inner turmoil.
− After that I couldn't really stop her from joining the Team and at first the times she caught me in the Thermos were more than I could keep the count! − being under-pressure-mode made Danny resume to his usual witty remarks that normally were reserved more to ghosts than humans.
− Shush, I got better! Last time was an honest accident and it was a month ago! − she nudged him playfully, glad to have stirred the conversation away from the "Dan reference".
− So you hunt ghosts. − the woman stated unnecessarily − With Sam and Tucker I presume. − she seemed to keep her upset feelings in check as if to be as less intimidating as possible, Jazz noted. So they were making an effort. That was good.
− Yeah, we call ourselves Team Phantom. Not the most imaginative name I know, but it stuck. − Danny shrugged. − They were with me when the incident happened, so helped me since then.
− I can understand why you didn't tell us in the first place, but... − Jack hesitated in a more than unique display of insecurity and hurt − wouldn't it have made things easier if we had your back from the start? − the halfa had expected this question so he sighed, pulling a bit his hair.
− I would have, but after failing to... "confess" more than ten times in a single day and the opponents becoming more vicious, I guess it was easier to let you think that it was Danny Phantom and not Fenton being thrown on the concrete. − the boy relented and his parents paled considerably.
− You and your hero complex to protect your loved ones in any way you can... − Jazz complained in a murmur, but her brother completely ignored her remark.
− And after Pariah... You were only upset about the theft of the Skeleton made by a "ghost" who could use it without contraindications, how could I tell you that before locking up the Ghost King and passing out I had reached the 4% of charge? − the halfa blurted, then realizing his huge slip, he slammed a hand on his mouth wide eyed. Shoot, too much info!
− FOUR PERCENT?! − the three relatives shouted at the same time. Was there an echo somewhere?
− You could have died! − Maddie added.
− How did you survive?! − Jack said at the same time.
− Why didn't you tell me?! − Jazz demanded in chorus with the other two.
− This is why I never said anything. − Danny gestured to all of them who had the decency to look at least a bit sheepish.
− Well, no wonder you were that banged up when Vlad found you... And you were outside the Ghost Shield. − his mother had calmed down enough to feel guilty again. − But... how did you reach the town limit if you were unconscious? And what happened to the Skeleton? − she asked confused.
− Pl- The Wisconsin Ghost stole it and left Danny there from what he bragged. − Jazz huffed. − But afterwards Danny and I had to destroy the armor once we found it. It was too dangerous.
− Yeah, I agree. − the hunter stood determined, mug in hand and staring at the ceiling to whatever imaginary foe he was "seeing". − It made us almost lose one of our most precious thing after all!
The halfa blinked, confused so much that he almost forgot his wariness. − What do you mean?
Jazz smirked and once again ruffled her brother's hair fondly. − Ah, so tragically clueless.
− What is it supposed to mean? − the boy directed his annoyed confusion to the younger redhead, as the older one stood up too.
− That, while it will take "a bit" more explanation and adjustment, we don't want to lose you Danny. − the woman circled the table while her son stared at her dumbfounded. − Even with a partially changed DNA, you're still our son. Nothing will change that.
Those words made a lump in the raven haired teen throat, who tried to swallow it hard. − Really? Like, you won't wake up tomorrow and try to erase me from existence because I'm a freak of Nature? − the words escaped unleashed without his conscious consent and he himself flinched. Did his nervousness and fear really made him say that?
− What? No, never! − the mother exclaimed, outraged by the thought, clasping one of his shoulders − Why do you even think something like that? − he averted his eyes, ashamed.
− The fear of rejection makes you think the worst. − Danny shook his head. − Sorry mom.
− You don't have to be sorry, son, it's our fault. − Jack rested a hand on the other shoulder, looking apologetic. − Even the Christmas fiasco after all. − Does he recall even it?
− And I had overreacted. But I swear I won't go Grinch anymore, I learned my lesson. − the halfa sighed.
− Speaking of lesson... − Maddie began − Which was the real cause of your last missed curfew?
Lesson? The relief from the acceptance shifted to dread for what was about to follow as his conversation with Jazz through the Phones the previous night was replayed in his mind.
− How much trouble am I in? − he asked in advance and Jack sympathetically squeezed his shoulder.
− It depends, but since you saved us several times in the span of few hours while you were injured, I feel inclined to give a maximum of a month of grounding. − the huntress conceded playfully. A month, while it was an eternity for a teenager, at least it was something.
− It was an over-extended patrol. Usually we go from 8 PM to a quarter to 10 PM, but two days ago I had to chase Johnny 13 for half town. You know, the guy on the motorbike with the big bad scary shadow as henchman... − he added at the parents' perplexed expression. − The stitched gash on my back was from its claws. − reflexively the woman's hand shifted from the shoulder to the back, as if to search for them but obviously finding none.
− Where are they? − the mother asked perplexed.
− Ah, my bad, I forgot to mention yesterday night that I took them off. The wounds were already healed. − her husband intervened sheepishly, removing the hand from Danny's shoulder in order to scratch his head.
− In so little time... it's still unbelievable. − the female scientist murmured before coming to a decision. − Danny, I came to understand that this subject makes you uncomfortable, but can we do a total body scan later? − her tone was curious but cautious, as if she was approaching a wild fox and didn't want to startle it. − Just to know which substances to avoid or use. Like new allergies or that side effect you experienced from the painkillers.
− Oh, and maybe some DNA samples to code it! − the father enthusiastically proposed, making the halfa wince from whatever gory image had flashed into his mind while the two redheads leveled the man with a scorching glare. − What? − Jack asked oblivious − If we can produce this variety of "organic ectoplasm" and integrate it to part of our blood bank, we'll be prepared if Danny-o needs a transfusion! − he explained naïvely.
The not-anymore-hidden-Phantom stared a bit stunned but most of all thoughtfully at the scientist: while his request could have been better formulated, the line of thought was actually very provident. It had happened a couple of times after a big battle where he had been at the verge of blood loss that he had needed a transfusion. They had been lucky that Jazz shared the same blood type with the halfa, but after the transfusion he had a delayed mild hemolytic reaction and had been confined to bed with fever and chest pains. Fortunately the parents at the time had thought it had been just a flu, but the Team had researched (while the ghost-boy was down) and so discovered the real cause: the ectoplasmic solute of the blood solution had been greatly diluted (weakening it) so when it had reacted to the "full human" intruder, it caused only mild adverse effects. Maybe with a mixed infusion and the result of the total body scan...
− We can give it a try. At most you'll need a tube of blood, right? − Danny asked and the father nodded, beaming. − But that is the only piece of me you'll got for now, okay? − he warned.
− No problem Danny-o! I don't want to hurt you so I'll start to make the lab even more ghost-friendly than what we did for the occasional Phan- uh, for when you "visited" us in your ghost-form... − the hunter paused, looking contemplative. − How haven't we ever noticed you were never in the same place with your alter-ego?
Jazz smirked, straightening up. − Well organized deception, of course. We became well practiced at it.
− Very good if you managed to fool us in our very own house. What better place to hid a Phantom in the den of the hunters? − the huntress hummed in appreciation, slowly and fondly stroking the raven hair of her son.
− It hadn't been exactly intentional, you know? − Danny chuckled. − So. Are you ready for the demonstration or... − he trailed, shifting his gaze between the adults. He was feeling more at ease now after clearing the major points, but the last shred of irrational doubt still lingered in his chest, tightening it.
− Sure we are! Do you need more space or any warning? − Jack was almost bouncing where he stood for his usual ghost-related eagerness, making the other occupants of the room smile, amused.
− Just a thing: mind your eyes for the flash. − Danny smirked reaching for his Ice Core to trigger the change. An instant later white rings appeared around his waist and traveled up and down his body, changing his outside appearance from human-like to specter one. The next moment toxic green eyes blinked expectantly at the Fentons who appeared to be slightly dazed.
− Jazz, you were right: the lightshow was worth it! − Jack boomed while rubbing his uncovered eyes. Maddie instead, after hearing her son's warning, had quickly lowered her goggles and the red-tinted lens had shielded her retinas from the blinding light.
− Indeed! And it cooled you down, even if not at the level of "normal" ghosts. − Maddie observed as she kept ruffling the now white hair. Even with the startling start of the transformation she had kept her hand on his head.
So she really trust me... Danny Phantom smiled gratefully and they began chatting about technical mechanics they had discovered during the three years observations while the four settled again around the table to eat breakfast.
At a certain point the halfa had turned back to Danny Fenton to demonstrate the "reverse-lightshow" which had been deemed probably more astounding than the first one, something about it being climactic and a "plot-twist" had they witnessed it without the Speech (which had received a 8.7 AKA a B + for the effort, by the way).
About two hours later, a rather satisfied Jazz excused herself to the toilet so the girl with the help of her mother reached the destination, then she was blissfully left alone.
Well, not really alone...
− So, what do you think? − the teen redhead asked slipping the previously pocket-hidden Fenton Phone in her ear.
− ...Sam, do you think she's asking us? − came a male whisper through the link.
− Genius, she's alone in the bathroom, what do you think? − a growl argued back. − Sorry Jazz, I'm surrounded by morons. Anyway, I think it went well. How was Danny before you sneaked away to talk to us?
− Beaming, but not in the Phantom's-aura-like way. I haven't seen him this relaxed since... − she paused thinking. − For years, probably since before becoming an halfa.
− And Mr. & Mrs. F.? − the male asked timidly.
− Phff, they are hyped up like the day the Portal worked... That technically is even the cause we're here, now that I think about it. − Jazz paused − Oh, I don't know if you had turned off the Phones out of boredom after a while, but we're making new arrangements for the Patrol, so... They want to see you two, so be prepared.
− What?! − the first voice yelped.
− Yeah, I heard it. They didn't seem too upset Tucker, at least we aren't as in trouble as Valerie was when his father discovered her. I just dread if they want to tell our parents. − Sam seemed to shudder.
− We'll see when we discuss the matter all together. I'll try to talk them out of it anyway, at least for you Sam. Your parents are more obnoxious than ours in a ghost-hype. − the redhead conceded. − Anyway, I need to go or they'll notice I'm taking too much.
− Okay, you can turn the Phone off now, we heard what we wanted. Thanks. − the Goth replied.
− You're welcome. Wait for the call then. Jazz out. − the girl turned off the Phone and pocketed it, smiling all the while. Things were looking good.
The fake-flush made Danny smirk and slightly shake his head while his parents were discussing about whatever invention could help the halfa. With friends and a sister like that, he could even take the world (not that he even wanted it anyway).
He would have never though what few shivers could have led him to... but he was glad for it. Sure now probably his half-life would be more simplified on one hand, while on the other more difficult, but Danny Fenton/Phantom would be more than ready to handle it with a bigger Team.
* Question asked in Chapter 5.
A/N. Ta-Dah! The chapter is longer than usual because I wanted to fit all the Speech, hope it hadn't bored you all!
I noted there're many italics parts in this chapter, were they too many? xP
What do you think about how I handled this reveal? Was it butchered or had it actually have a logic line of through? I worked on it for almost two weeks, so much that I had to skip this week "Haunted Drabble" update!
Anyway, theoretically this chapter had to be the last when I planned the story, but reading your reviews, I've got several ideas for the aftermath... I'm still working on them and the prompts that I received for the Drabbles, so probably next weekend there will be no update of "Shivers", I warn you in advance.
So, hope you all had enjoyed the chapter and type ya soon!
[FowlFanKid13 I have the headcanon of the Box Ghost being a warehouse worker, but even your idea works. ;D
Ohsochich sorry for the little delay, I had to double check everything in order to be sure I didn't do a mess... Anyway, enjoy!]