Chapter 13_[Aftermath 2]_ Guess who's coming to brunch
Give or take a month after the banquet had taken place, the sun shone bright on the morning of the Fenton household.
Jack had just finished his morning ritual and was heading to the kitchen to have breakfast when he heard a murmur from his son's room. Nearing the door, which was left half-open, he paused and peeked inside to check if everything was all alright.
There, under an almost literal nest of blankets, black locks stuck out from a bundle rolled in the cloth.
Quietly chuckling at the situation, the man closed the door and went downstairs to grab a bite. No need to wake Danny yet, the Easter Holiday had just begun and the kid really needed all the sleep he could catch.
As he reached the kitchen, the patriarch yawned and rubbed his eyes: he still needed coffee... Uh, had he really walked that slow down the stairs that Danny was already here, rummaging in the fridge, probably in search for the milk, while Maddie was making coffee and Jazz was reading the newspaper? And why Dann-o was doing so in ghost-mode?
− Woah, kiddo, no need to go ghost to beat your old man in the kitchen! − Jack pointed out. Three sets of confused eyes met him and the halfa frowned too.
− What do you mean? I just came back from an early wake-up-call. − the ghost boy closed the refrigerator and pointed with a thumb to the nearby window. − Kitty and Johnny 13 were causing a ruckus outside a florist, so I had to go and talk them out of it.
− Yes, he was about to tell us how he did it. − his wife agreed, looking equally amused, proud and annoyed by his sneaking away at the break of dawn.
− Wait, before that. − the hunter interrupted. − You weren't asleep in your bed right before I came down? − he clarified. The hero of Amity shook his head perplexed. − Then who was up there?
− You mean that there was somebody in my bed? And probably is still there? − the white haired teen tensed, looking at the ceiling.
Jack scratched his head, unsure. − Given that the alarms didn't go off, probably I was just half asleep and I saw things.
− I'll go and check anyway, just in case. − the halfa floated up and vanished into the concrete.
The scientist hummed as he sat at the table near his daughter. − It won't stop to amaze me how domestic phasing through the walls has become in this house.
− I know, right? − the younger redhead agreed with a smile, sipping an old batch of coffee since it looked almost cold.
Dy ~O¤O~ Jz (+...)
Warily and invisibly, Danny peeked from the floor of his bedroom at his bed... and effectively his dad had been right. There was somebody under the covers. And well wrapped in them to boot.
Slowly and silently the halfa fully came into the room and hovered above the furniture, gingerly reaching for the cloth from where black hair was coming from. At a snail's pace he peeled the hem and so met a slight scrunched face, due to the sunlight coming from the window, as if it had disturbed her rest.
− Dani? − the boy whispered disbelieving, then he sighed and landed, returning a visible Fenton a flash later. He sat in a corner near her. − You know that you could have taken one of my PJs, don't you? − he quietly and fondly scolded her, tentatively petting her head and partially waking her.
− Too tired... − she whined in a low mumble, although she slightly leaned in the touch.
Danny smiled and looked around a bit, locating a new backpack and a pair of shoes near it in a corner where the other halfa had dropped them. − Well, at least you had the decency to take off your sneakers... − he hesitated a second before daring to ask. − Do you want to sleep a bit more or do you want breakfast? − he had been out at least three hour before the deceased couple finally made up and the florist opened so Danny could buy some flowers for Kitty on behalf of Johnny, since the halfa was the only one in possess of earthly money and he had convinced the duo that stealing wasn't right.
− Sleeeeeep... − the girl breathed tiredly.
− Okay. I'll warn Jazz then. − he was about to stand when a tiny hand grabbed the hem of his PJ.
− Can you stay? − the plea was more sleepy than before, so probably Dani was really out of it to ask for something normally she would be too embarrassed to request. That made her "original" smile and hum in assent, so he returned to ruffle the other's hair till she fell into deep sleep. Once he was sure of it, he gently untangled himself from her grip, but (still following her appeal) didn't "fully" leave the room because he phased the upper half of his body through the pavement and popped upside down in the kitchen.
− Hey guys. − he called, succeeding in making them jump.
− Danny! Why didn't you come down the stairs? − his older sister demanded.
− More importantly, was your father wrong after all? − bless his mother for being practical.
− Story too long to explain now, but what I can tell you is that I'm not the only Phantom in the house. − he looked into Jazz's eyes purposely and they lit up in understanding.
− Oh, she's back? − the teen redhead asked surprised.
− Yeah, but she's pretty worn out, so she's sleeping in my bed. I'll keep her company till she wakes properly up. − he confirmed, jerking his head backward to point at his room.
− Who are you talking about? − their father intervened, looking lost.
− Ehhh... I'd rather introduce her properly when she wakes up, if that's okay for you. − Danny wavered. He didn't want them to get the wrong idea about her without having met her first. Besides, he had no idea what Dani wanted to tell or not.
Luckily Jazz came to his rescue before they could object. − She's okay. I've already met her sometimes and she's not dangerous if you were worried about it.
The parents looked at each other pensive and then their mother nodded. − Okay... What about your breakfast sweetie?
Danny shrugged, he had wanted only a glass of juice anyway and that could have waited. − I'll wait, it won't be a bother, different metabolism and all, you know. I won't half-die for few hours without food. − he couldn't resist to crack a joke.
− Dannyyyyy! No halfa-jokes! They're too morbid this early in the morning! − Jazz whined, amusing him.
− Yeah, yeah, sorry. − he dismissed, then saluted. − See ya! − he recollected himself from the floor and straightened, making his spine pop satisfactorily. He quietly sighed and looked at the other halfa, still asleep. With a nod to himself, he went to sit in the spot he had occupied few minutes before on the bed and he too rested, leaning against the frame and waiting for the girl to wake up for real.
− To delay breakfast like this... − the mother wondered, still looking at the spot where the halfa had disappeared. − He cares that much about her?
Jazz paused from her reading and reflected. When her lil' bro had said that he wanted to be the one to present her, probably he was on the cautious side of the matter. After all, how could a parent take the discovery that someone had cloned your son several times and the only one left alive was a girl that looked 12-13 years old, but had actually been alive only for about a year or so? Well... she could at least press the closeness between the two halfas in the meanwhile.
− As much as I do for Danny. She's younger than him after all. − she finally decided to say. The mother looked at her surprised and probably caught the seriousness of her gaze.
− As in mental, physical or "dead" age? − the man joined the conversation, tilting slightly his head.
− All of them. − Jazz steadied her gaze on both her parents, now that the hunter had sat down near the woman. − Even if I met her only a couple of times*, I feel almost like Danny about her. And she's in many ways like him, so when they come down, act accordingly. We don't want her to freak out as much as you didn't with lil' bro before he told you about the halfa thing. Is that clear? − she stated stoically.
− Yes, it is. I don't see any problem about this, since she's your friend. − the woman seemed a bit concerned about her behavior.
− Wait, there is one! Danny-o said that she's a phantom, right? − at her father's sudden demand the girl could only nod. − Then how didn't she trigger the ghost-proximity alerts? − he seemed alarmed by the event and the teen couldn't blame him since it was one of the things that kept them safe. − Is she a "Tiny"?
− No, but that thing is set not to go off if the ghost is Danny, isn't it? − she checked and her dad nodded. − That's your answer: their signature is practically identical. The security still works. − she reassured, hoping not to have said too much and hindered Danny's incoming speech.
− Interesting phenomenon: ecto-signatures are like DNA or fingerprints. To be this similar is a case of 1 to 46 billions! There's more possibility of Danny and her to be twins than a coincidence like this! − her father reasoned aloud, almost making her drown in her coffee. A few splutters later, she started laughing hard.
− What's the matter? Are you all right? − her mother fussed, but she dismissed her with a wave, recollecting herself.
− Yes, don't worry. You'll see yourself, I just don't want to spoil the surprise. − she smirked knowingly, but didn't add anything else.
The parents, looking at one another, just shrugged perplexed and went back to the breakfast.
(+Di)
Sensations came to her bit by bit, but the first and most overwhelming one was sense of security that she felt wrapped in: when had been the last time that had happened? Maybe just a third of it when she still believed to be Vlad's daughter... Nah, who was she kidding? This was the first time since she had never allowed herself to completely relax in her visits to her cousin and his friends before. Ghost and hunters were always lurking. But right now... knowing what she did and the actual presence of Danny beside her...
Dani sighed contently and snuggled deeper inside the blankets that smelled like the other halfa.
− Hey sunshine, are you awake yet? − fingers delicately brushed her hair, making her murmur wordlessly. Their owner kept combing her locks till she managed an intelligible response.
− ...Maybe... − she heard him chuckle.
− Then are you hungry? − her stomach answered for her, making the girl whine in embarrassment. − I'll take it as a yes. − there was a smile in his tone as she felt him shift and start to untangle her from the blankets. − Com'on, you need to look at least decent if you want to have brunch.
− What do you mean? − finally Dani opened her eyes when her cousin uncovered her.
− Get a shower and change clothes first, missy. − Danny almost hauled her up in a fireman carry, but at the attempt the pre-teen put her foot down (literally too) and allowed him to only push her into his bathroom.
It was a little room with a shower, a mirrored basin, a stool, a towel on a hanger, a waste bin and a wicker basket. Oddly, there was her backpack too and a change of clothes that were vaguely familiar. − What're these for? − she asked, turning to the door that closed in her face.
− Since I couldn't lend you my or Jazz's... underwear, I hoped you had your own change in the luggage. − Danny trailed, a bit embarrassed and the female halfa couldn't hold a snicker. − But you can use the clothes on the stool!
The girl hummed in acknowledgement, eyeing said clothes. Judging from the style (even if smaller in size) they looked like Danny's... and there was even one of their favorite red jacket from Star Trek!**
− Oh, by the way, you can drop your things in my laundry basket, I'll wash them later. − he commented in an afterthought.
− You sure? − Dani asked uncertain, but started to take off her hoodie anyway. − I don't want to be a burden. − she added as she heard a "tump" against the door.
− You'll be if you keep saying things like that. We're family, you numbskull! − he scolded, but she only smirked unseen in response, as she opened the tap to let the water warm up.
− This "numbskull" of mine is the replica of yours, so watch out what you're saying! − the pre-teen shot back teasingly. The older halfa's reply was an exasperated (if fond) deep sigh. Yup, she won this one. As she discarded her pants, she tested the warmth of the water. Almost there.
− I missed your sass, lil' sis. − the statement stunned her, even if that term of endearment had already been used before (and several times to be honest).
She didn't answer as she took out her still clean underwear from her backpack and left it on the stool with the other clothes.
− I still think "cousin" is better. − she finally mumbled, a bit in denial, but she wouldn't ever admit it.
− While that is still the official title to tell to the outsiders, between us, since we're family, that's bullshish. − he reminded her seriously. That claim, like always, sent a tsunami of warmth through her, making her flush in a whirlpool of emotions.
Danny silently sat on the floor before the bathroom, placidly resting his back against the door, content to listen to the sounds that reassured him that his "secret sister" was still there. as he rested his forearms on his bent knees, he smiled imagining the other's reactions: even if using the term "sister" had become a habit for him (because he always meant it), every single time it would bring up an expression of amazement and astonishment that stabbed his very core on each occasion. It was just... Claiming that type of relationship with her felt right and feed his hidden possessive side that said "mine!"... Maybe it was his ghost side fault... or just a big brother thing. Uh, I'll ask Jazz after this...
− Oh, by the way, − Danny said a while later the other had entered the shower − my parents know you're here.
− WHAT?! − she shrieked, making him wince.
− Well, they just know that there's another "Phantom" in the house in fact, but still. − he amended, attempting to reassure her. − They seemed okay with the idea once they knew you are friendly.
There was a slight pause before she hesitantly asked. − So the rumors about your parents knowing are true after all.
Alarm bells went off into the older halfa head. − Yeah, who told you that?
The answer was laced with mirth. − A snake. It took a free ride with me in order to come back to Amity. I found it at Disney World with a lost look on its muzzle while children took photos with it, thinking it was a prop of either Kaa or Sir Hiss. − she chortled and he followed her. − It really likes you, you know. − she tried to tease out of nowhere.
Even if she couldn't see him, Danny shrugged. − Yeah, I accepted long ago the fact that I have followers beside Frostbite. Is it still with you?
There was a muffled hum that sounded more due to Dani washing her hair than actual hesitance, so he patiently waited.
− No, it wanted to stroll around Amity a bit before joining us and take a nap on you... or me. − she snorted, probably for some drops of water in her nostrils. − It said I felt nice too. − her tone was actually confused. Soon after the shower was turned off.
− It's an halfa thing, I think. Our body temperature is different from the others, either humans or ghosts... − he trailed as his Tiny Sense triggered and, few moments later, a noodle head poked into the bedroom from the window. The ghost of a smile painted Danny's lips as feeble hiss met his ears. Amused by the snake's cheers, the boy offered his left arm to climb onto and the reptilian spirit slithered eager towards him. − Speaking oh the devil...
− Oh, it's already here? − on the other side of the door there was a fluttering sound, probably from the towel he had left her to dry off herself without needing intangibility. That power was really handy, but sometimes the feeling of a fluffy cloth drying your skin was better.
Smoothly the snake climbed up and carefully circled the halfa's torso with its coils*** and rested its snout on the knuckles offered by its perch. − You slept a few hours, it's not that surprising. You could have slept more by the way, I would have waited. − the teen realized that he was motherhenning, but he couldn't really help it.
She didn't respond immediately, but a few minutes later only years of instilled reflexes were able to save his face from kissing the floor.
− I've slept enough, now I'm hungry. − the door opened and he phased though it, tagging along the ghost snake.
The duo turned to look at the girl and, while the limbless full ghost hissed in approval, the half-ghost sprouted a full grin at how her outfit fitted her: she was barefoot under the plain jeans, but, above the gray t-shirt with printed a Californian plate branded "OUTATIME", her figure was framed by a red bomber jacket with a white shoulder strap on the right, a white left cuff and the Starfleet emblem on the left side of the zip which, of course, had been left open.
− You look rad! − Danny stood and circled around her, nodding in approval. − I'm glad I managed to score your size.
− They're just a biiit baggy, but I honestly feel more comfortable like this. Plus they smell nice. − she sniffled the cuff of the jacket, trying to hide her blush.
− I raided my old geek stash since your last visit, I was keeping them for you. − he guided her to the bed and shifted the covers to let her sit on it. She obliged and looked curiously at him as he went back to the bathroom and returned with a comb.
− So they're hand-me-down. − she made a mock-face, so he put on a show of looking offended.
− Hey, before you I was the youngest, I couldn't have occasion to do so! Do you really want to deprive your big brother of these pleasures? − Danny started combing her slightly damp hair, so she just harrumphed petulantly and feinted to ignore him. She was really too adorable. − So, you mentioned Disney World, did you go anywhere else?
That seemed to make her forget her fake-pout, because Dani's face lit up in excitement. − Yeah, I haunted a couple of concerts across America and visited all the main National monuments! ...Oh, wait. − she seemed to have just remembered something and leaned forward, phasing her hand into the nightstand drawer. It came back with a keychain hidden in her fist. − I got a souvenir for you! − she dropped it into his waiting hand and the older halfa gaped in surprise. − I brought it at Cape Canaveral. There's a matching one inside my backpack.
An innocent looking shuttle sat in his palm. A sudden surge of warmth in his chest (which had nothing to do with a core malfunction) made itself notice along with a pang of guilt.
− ...You didn't have to, you usually have too little pocket money... − his voice cracked a little with concern and regret for not being to provide her better.
Either completely oblivious or just ignoring it, Dani just retorted with: − I wanted to! Besides, I had the money I earned in Orlando from a few errands I did for a nice old woman, it wasn't a bother. − she cheerfully gloated.
Feeling his sight glaze over a bit, Danny blinked away the dampness and smiled heartily. − Your own money? Then a thank you is very much in order! − he tackled her in a hug that was instantly reciprocated.
− You're welcome. − the duo would have stayed like that a bit more, but the flicker of the snake's tongue tickled their necks and they reflexively drew back, both chuckling. − Hey, that tickles!
− I think it didn't like being sandwiched between two half-of-bread. − he joked, successfully driving a snort from the girl. After that he prompted her to turn around and so started to comb her hair again. − By the way, apart from the snake, what brings you here? Missed us? − he teased lightly, but his humor dropped when he saw her shoulders drop too.
She sighed. − A bit, to be honest. Seeing the world is great and all, but doing so by yourself gets lonely by the long way. − Dani finally admitted, almost reluctant to expose that "weakness".
Dani already knew where that little reveal would have led and part of her, the wanderlust one, was already regretting the slip. However, the majority of her, the social and affective sides that craved Danny's (and Jazz's) love and attention were squishing that (now) little voice.
− ...You know that you could always stay here if you want, right? − the proposition came again, hesitant, as if not intended to startle her. − The offer will never be finer than now since my parents are okay with Phantom. Heck, they're in good terms even with Frostbite and he's an ice-yeti! − he pressed on, feeling more confident.
− But he's your sort-of-mentor! − she protested, a bit futilely.
− And you're my sort of sister. You outrank him. − Danny replied smugly, making her realize that she had fallen right into his trap. − Moreover, even if you still decide to wander around, the Fenton Works will definitely become your safe port. − he hesitated a bit, making her look at him above her shoulder, so she saw his face turn a bit awkward as he confessed something of his own. − ...I'd like to see you around more too.
The snake seemed to agree with the statement, because he hissed in punctuation and stared at her with its big black eyes. Two against one wasn't fair! Above all if both of them were wearing the kicked-puppy look!
She bit her lip, resolving herself to look forward and away from them. − ...They won't try and dissect me, right?
Dani could almost feel him smile in triumph. − I thought the same before they accepted me after the Speech. − he reassured her, ruffling the top of her head, undoing slightly his earlier work. − If we explain that we're family they'll be more inclined to listen. And even if they don't, we'll reason with them, because I don't want to give up on you, you hear me? − he leaned forward and circled her shoulder in a brief backward hug, staring at her sideways long enough to convey the message and stun her.
It was only when he drew back that Dani finally managed a coherent response. − ...Loud and clear.
And the message wasn't the only loud thing when in the next moment their stomachs growled hungrily, eliciting a chuckle.
− Ready or not, my coming down in the dining room has been decided for me, I suppose. − she tried to use a dry tone to hide her trepidation while Danny did the last brushing.
− So true lil' sis! − he left the comb on his nightstand and tied her hair in a low ponytail, then let her go. As she turned to properly stand up, the girl saw him tilt his head at the snake. − Hey Cindy, usual tactic? − its only response was to phase through his Tardis gray t-shit (which she had noticed only now) that Danny adjusted to make it look more natural.
Both halfa stood, Dani stretching her stiff muscles and eyeing curiously the other too. − How many times did you do that to make it comply so immediately? − she inquired.
− Too many, I think Cindy is the only tiny the others don't know about... − he scratched his head awkwardly. − I don't want either of Sam or Tucker to freak out since the Pandora's Box incident. The horde of cobra scarred them quite bad.
− I can imagine... but Cindy seems so harmless! Wait, why "Cindy"? − she asked as the raven haired tossed her a pair of blue slippers that she put on.
− Cinder Corn Snake. I looked it up after its first visit. − the boy explained, reaching the door. There he stalled, looking at her equally serious and reassuring. − I know that you're worried, but I noticed that in this household most of the time the best way to break a topic is to deliver it casually. ...Like when you met me for the first time, now that I think about it. There will be questions and probably most of them will be technical, but you must not forget that I have your back. − the last statement was probably what reassured her the most.
− I trust you Danny. − she simply said, eliciting a soft smile from the other halfa. − But you first! − she added in a rush and the smile morphed into a chuckle.
− You can stay invisible if you're uncomfortable. − the seventeen-years-old boy offered before opening the door.
− Nonono, I'll just... stay behind you... pretending not to be nervous... − she trailed, stalking him closely as they crossed the doorframe.
Danny snorted, ten perked at a sudden thought, so he whispered: − Just a thing: when they ask, and they will, Vlad is only Plasmius in the story.
− How so? − the girl frowned, as both of them stopped in the hallway.
− They don't know he's an halfa too. Hey, don't give me that look! I'm not protecting him because I like it! − he defended himself at her glare. − Before mom and dad knew, we were on a stalemate: he wouldn't tell them if I didn't. Now I've got leverage on him. This way I can and will wring out of him to leave you alone if necessary. Notwithstanding what mom could do once she'll get to know you better. − he reasoned in a low no-nonsense voice.
− You sound so sure... − Dani commented uncertainly.
− 'Cause I am. Com'on lil' sis, I'll introduce you. − he offered his left elbow as a shield and she laced onto it, as they started to stroll down the stairs.
The female halfa's normally slow heartbeat was doing a likely impression of the "Bumblebee" melody by how tense she was.
As their feet made noise while they descended the stairs, a male voice greeted them from the dining room-kitchen. − Dann-o, you're just in time! Lunch is ready! − Said called boy looked at his "cousin", who nodded almost imperceptibly, so they stepped down the lasts steps.
A woman voice followed suit, the owner still hidden by the wall. − Sweety, how's your friend?
The duo stopped at the open space entrance, Danny still shielding the younger's form with his own body and now the wall on the left.
− She's with me. − he inclined slightly his head in her direction, just to reinforce the statement. − Uh, mom, dad... − he hesitated deliberately, shifting his weight from a foot to another, probably in order to gain their full attention. − It will seem stranger than usual, but I'd like to introduce you my delayed twin sister Danielle.
Dela- what now?! Danny! she mentally indignantly protested, even if there was no way back now. They would discuss about this, afterwards, no doubt! In the meanwhile though, Dani peeked from behind her bro's right biceps to come in sight to a funny scene if it wasn't for what was at stake: both adults were gaping disbelieving, while Jazz was staring at their parents like a predator ready to pounce. − Uh... hi?
* Strictly "Shivers"-canon, because unfortunately the only ones who actually met Dani in the cartoon are Danny, Sam, Tucker and Valerie (not counting Vlad, of course).
** Halfa-joke based on the tendency/head-canon/canon that red-wearing background crewmembers of the Enterprise are the first/the ones to die.
*** This is a fiction story, in fact it's fervently suggested DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME!
The "noodle" here descript was from the start too old to hunt and its muscles were weaker than normal, so normally constrictor snakes tend to tight their hold around living and/or warm objects like limbs or necks, causing the unwelcome side effect of cutting blood circulation and/or strangle the person they are wrapped around.
Thanks for reading this warning.
[Original warning copy pasted, but slightly corrected, from Chapter 4 of Haunted Drabbles (where is told the first encounter with Cindy) because I'm too lazy to write another one xD]
A/N. Happy Danny Phantom first airdate anniversary!
Sorry for the cliffhanger, but this seemed the right place to split the second episode of the Aftermath, but worry not! I'm currently already working on the second part that will be soon delivered... on a special date: the first time Dani appeared on TV! Can anyone guess/remember when? ;P
After Frostbite, it's about time that Dani had a turn too! I hope you liked how I depicted her (read: not too OoC) and in case you were wondering, Danny changed from his PJ to casual clothes (I wanted to let him be a dork/nerd and let him and Dani have a time-travel related t-shirt just to mess with Clockwork xD) while Dani was still asleep.
I noticed that there are not so many Danielle-meets-the-Fenton fics, so I amended here in Shivers context. It seemed the right time too.
Thanks to all that reviewed, followed and fav-ed Shivers, even to those who just silently read my story! You guys are one of my sources of inspiration! \(^◊^)/ *giant hug*
Hope you liked this chapter and type ya soon!
[Glaciaj Flamoj: I'm glad you liked it! If you want another "dose" of tinies, there's the "Twelve Days of Christmas" on Haunted Drabbles from Chapter 14 to 25!
(Just ignore Day 11, I wrote it on a suuuuper bad day and I'm planning to switch it as soon as possible with some other tinies, sorry. ^^')]