Disclaimer: I still don't own Danny Phantom as it's the property of Butch Hartman, Nickelodeon and Viacom International. I am just a loyal fan and nothing more.
CW: Deleted Scenes
Operation Matchmaker:
Takes place one month after the Valentine's Day incident
A bored Dani decides to play matchmaker for our favorite couple. What could go wrong?
March 14th
(3 weeks after Youngblood's Mischief)
It was a rainy March afternoon in the city of Amity Park. It was drizzling outside and most of its citizens chose to spend their day indoors, such as the members of the cities' most unique family.
The Fenton's….
"Man, when is it going to stop?...'Dani loudly complained as she watched the raindrops hit the window.
She liked many other children at this time, was bored staying inside and would much rather play outside, had the weather been better that is.
"What's with the long face Dani-girl?..."Jack, the father of the family, said after returning from the kitchen with a large sandwich in hand.
"It's raining outside and there is nothing on today…'She sighed as gestured the TV she stopped watching a long time ago.
There was nothing on besides kiddie shows and boring political talk shows and the only good stuff was on paper-view and after the last time she watched that R-rated movie over a month ago, her parents found out when they got the bill and banned her from using it under the penalty of a long grounding. So here she was, stuck with nothing to watch and unable to go outside to play due to the rain which meant she was experiencing the one thing she absolutely couldn't stand under ANY circumstances.
She was bored.
"A little boring huh?..."Jack asked, getting a nod from her…. "Eh, I'm sure there's something to do around here, you know we got a pretty cool checkerboard around here, you and I can play a round...though I got to warn you, I'm a shark at it…"Jack suggested with an eager smile on his face.
"Checkers….'Dani said as she considered it. It certainly beat just sitting there and doing nothing, she guessed.
"Alright, I guess that could be fun..."She said as her father grinned widely.
"Alright! I'll get it…"The father shouted excitedly as he went to get the checkerboard.
Dani just waited, happy that at least she had something to do now even if it was something as small as checkers.
Later
Dani was now searching for someone else to play with. It was still raining and all there was to do was either play checkers or die of boredom. She played with "the shark" and beat him and after three rematches, she had three more victories before dad left to brood, leaving the little girl in desire for another playmate.
"I never realized dad could be such a sore loser…'The little girl thought as she recalled their last match about 5 minutes ago after her dad knocked the board away after she said "King me".
Granted, maybe if she didn't milk the gloating dance each time she won, he might not have been in such a sore mood but she was a kid and she was just having a little fun. Now she needed to find another person to play with and since dad was being a party pooper and mom was out doing grocery shopping, which left only her siblings. She went to her sister Jazz's room first. She knocked on the door and awaited a response.
"It's open…"Jazz said from inside.
Dani opened to see her sister with a large amount of books and papers on her desk, a normal occurrence in the Fenton household, especially since her graduation was coming soon.
"Hey Jazz, you want to play some checkers?..."Dani asked as she entered her sister's room.
"Sorry Dani but I got to cram for physics test coming up, why don't you play with Danny…"Jazz said as she continued to read her textbook.
"Alright…"The little ghost girl sighed as she went to search for her big brother.
However after checking his room, the lab and the kitchen, she suddenly remembered that he wasn't home. He had gone to the Ghost Zone to visit some of his ghostly friends.
She regretted not going along with him.
"Darn it…"The bored little ghost girl cursed under her breath as she was now left with nothing to do but wait for the rain to light up but from the looks of it, it didn't look like it would any time soon.
However, before she could think about it, she suddenly heard noise coming from down in the lab.
"Huh?...'She said as she changed into her ghost form and flew down to see what all the ruckus was.
Once there she saw that it was her older brother Danny along with his friend Ember Mclain. She hasn't seen her since they teamed up to pull that awesome prank on Youngblood a few weeks ago.
"Hey Dani…" Her brother greeted upon seeing her.
"Hey kid…'Ember waved.
"Hey guys, what's up?...'Dani asked curiously.
"Oh the usual, had another fight with Skulker but as always, I managed to kick his butt…'Danny said in a monotone voice.
"With a little help from yours truly…"Ember said with a smirk.
"Yeah, how could I forget your sneak attack when you used that fist thingy from your guitar to clobber Skulker…"Danny said with a chuckle.
"I know Skulker is a freak that needs to get some therapy but lately he's been more at it than ever, this is like his fifth attack this week and it's only Tuesday…'Dani said in exasperation.
"I think that's kind of my fault…You see the other night that big oaf tried to make me take him back and as always I refused, I think that's part of the reason why he's being more stubborn lately…'Ember confessed and looked a little guilty at her male friend.
"First off Ember, you're too good for that jerk and he needs to accept that and second, it's not your fault, he's already been after my pelt since day one and he still would hunt me with or without you in the equation…"Danny said, making sure that she knew that she was not responsible for Skulker's actions.
"Mind telling us what he tried to do and how you turned him down…'Dani asked with interest since this was much less boring than checkers.
'Well, it went on like this…"Ember started.
FLASHBACK
Last Sunday
Ember had just exited Kitty's realm. She had spent most of the day going over wedding details with her best friend who had named her the maid of honor. Ember was thrilled by the proposition and she wasted no time helping her best friend plan the wedding of her dreams.
They had spent a grand total of six hours and that was just going over the guest list and tomorrow they were supposed to choose flowers.
"I still can't believe Johnny is inviting the Box Ghost to be one of the groomsmen…'Ember muttered as she rolled her eyes.
Though given how often the biker had gotten into fights with the other denizens of the Ghost Zone, she supposed not many people would have been willing to take up the role unless there was something in it for them.
That was the way of the Ghost Zone in most parts, sad but true.
'Ember!...'A booming and unfortunately familiar voice shouted.
Ember sighed and contemplated teleporting to not deal with this but decided she didn't want to credit Skulker for giving her the monster migraine she always got when she teleported. Reluctantly, she saw the robotic ghost holding up a bouquet of cheap daisies that were being crushed in his fake hand.
She sighed, knowing she wanted no part in this.
"What do you want Skulker? I'm busy…'She said with her arms crossed, wanting to get this over with.
"Just hear me out…'Skulker started and took a deep "breath".
"Look Ember, I know we had a falling out and things had been….unusual lately but please, accept these flowers as a token of my apology and come back to me…"Skulker pleaded, sounding like he was legitimately sorry but Ember knew better.
She was not fooled and she was not impressed at all.
"For the hundredth time I said no Skulker, I broke up with you and that's final!...'Ember said harshly, not even caring for the fake apologetic look on his face and the old flower routine.
He had done that the last time they had broken up but she was wiser now and she would not fall for it when she knew Skulker didn't mean half the stuff he said, he just wanted what he claimed belonged to him.
Ember belonged to no one but herself!
"Ember, I know that you might still be angry but-…'He started but was cut off by the ghostly diva's scream.
"No "but's" Skulker, do you want to know why I dumped you before…Because you were the worst boyfriend ever, you hardly paid any attention to me and every time you asked me to take you back, you made these promises you never intended to keep…That's why I am not taking you back since I know that you don't actually care about me, you just hate the idea that it was me who ended the relationship!...'Ember accused with her eyes red.
"How dare you? Skulker never says a word he doesn't mean!...'He shouted, getting attention from some ghosts floating by.
Ember didn't care.
"Oh really, "I'm sorry honey, I promise I won't be late next time", "Next time I'll do better", "The next time I promise that I won't cut our dates short to go hunt Phantom", "Next time I'll try and be a better boyfriend"…Any of that sound familiar?!...'Ember shouted, feeling greatly agitated.
"Now listen here, I go out of my way to apologize and try and make amends and not only do you-…'He was suddenly slapped hard by Ember who didn't want to hear any more of his bullshit.
"I'll accept your apology when you actually feel "sorry", but not because you just want me to take you back, I already told you that we are done!...'Ember said, wondering why she had ever given him a chance in the first place.
"This is all because of that whelp isn't it!...'Skulker accused.
"His name is "Danny" and I do not need him to reject you, Skulker…Get over yourself…'Ember said.
As predicted Skulker didn't take it well and decided to resort to violence. Ember saw this coming and didn't take long to turn the tables on him, resulting in his suit being in shambles once more.
"Loser…'Ember spat before heading back to her realm and leaving her ex in his pitiful state.
End of Flashback
"That's how it went down more or less…'Ember finished that tale with a bitter taste in her mouth.
"And I thought I had it bad with some of my fans…"Dani said as she recalled some fanboys in her class. They could be so annoying but so far, none had been at the level that Paulina had been or Skulker it seems.
"Like I said, you're too good for him…'Danny said without a moment's hesitation.
'I know…'Ember said earning a chuckle from the white haired ghost boy.
"Say Ember, you want to stay and hang out a bit…'Dani asked suddenly to the ghostly diva who looked surprised.
"Well, I have no big plans for tonight…If it's alright with you?...'Ember asked turning towards Danny.
"Sure, you're welcome any time here Ember…'Danny said with that smile that she secretly loved so much.
"Do you think your parent's will mind…since…you know…"Ember trailed off, feeling a little awkward.
She hasn't been in contact with Danny's parents since she personally met them almost a month ago, explaining the situation that involved Cupid and Paulina. While it had ended on a light note, the truth remained that they were ghost hunters and Ember was a ghost.
Not to mention the parents of the boy that she…liked…quite a lot to be honest.
"Don't worry Ember, you're our friend and my parents know that you're a good guy, you don't have anything to worry about…"Danny reassured her.
"Well, okay…I guess that I could stick around for a bit…'Ember said to the two Phantoms who smiled.
The little ghost girl grinned widely, having a feeling that things will be much less boring this afternoon.
Much, Much less boring.
Once upstairs, the three ghost kids came to see Jack and Maddie who had returned from shopping. After a rather awkward hello, they had decided to go watch some DVD's and Dani was in the kitchen waiting for the popcorn to get ready.
"Don't stand too close to the microwave Dani while it's cooking…"Maddie said from the table while her husband snacked loudly on some fudge.
"Yes, mom…"Dani said as she went to sit on a chair, waiting for the snack to be ready and so she could watch a movie with her brother and his…friend, she supposed .
'So how's everything with that ghostly girlfriend of Danny's?...'Jack asked a little loudly to his youngest child.
"Dad, she's not his girlfriend…yet at least…I don't know why since it's clear that he likes her…'Dani said to her parents.
"I thought that we agreed that we would leave you brother be, after everything he's been through, he doesn't need that kind of teasing while he's still recovering…'Maddie said seriously.
Ever since she learned what had nearly happened a month ago, she had been more protective of her only son and tried to give him as much space as he needed. If he needed time before he was ready for another relationship that had to be respected. Even if such a relationship might surge with that ghost girl, she would have to respect that too. After all, Ember did save her son from that wretched, vile Paulina girl who was thankfully behind bars where she belonged.
"Mom, we weren't teasing…'Dani sighed.
Thankfully the microwave went off, signaling that the popcorn was ready. Wasting no time, she went to get it.
"Hot…Hot…Hot…"She said as she bounced the bag a bit, waiting for it to cool off before opening it.
Once done she poured it in the bowl, though her thoughts were drifting to her older brother and his friend who was with him right now. Ever since last Valentine's day Dani had seen the former villains in a new light. While she was still a child and didn't know much on romance, she liked to think she was good at judging people and she could see that Ember really has changed for the better. She could see that any of her previous badness was gone and all that was left was this cool girl that she could see cared greatly for her brother. The same way Sam had cared for him but Dani suspected it was something a little better, not that it mattered since both seemed to either be oblivious to what was obviously there or maybe they did see it but didn't do anything out of fear or whatever.
She still thought that grownups just made things more complicated than they needed to be.
"Well if they are going to keep at this "We're just friends" thing, they are not fooling anyone..."Dani thought as a mischievous smirk formed on her face.
She had promised her mother that she would restrain on any teasing if she could help it but she wasn't planning on teasing, she just wondered what would happen if she tried playing matchmaker. Before that big adventure last month, she had been considering setting her brother with someone who was worth the effort but now she thinks Ember could be it. Now that she wasn't trying to take over the world and cause them trouble, Dani grew to like her. She was cool and they really seemed to have things in common that time they got back at Youngblood for his stupid pranks. Dani thinks that she really would be good for her big brother, they just needed a little push.
The question now was how to go about it.
As she walked in to the living room carrying the popcorn, she proceeded the watch the movie with the two, feeling like a third wheel the entire time. She knew that the two probably wished they were alone,though they wouldn't admit it.
"There has to be something that I...Wait, that's it..."Dani suddenly had an idea.
It was a little far fetch but she knew that it would be a good start for these two, though she had to be quick, she had to be cunning and she had to be clever. She waited until her big brother had to go on a bathroom break, this was the best time to start part one of operation: matchmaker.
"Hey Ember, can I ask you something?..."Dani asked the ghostly woman.
"Sure, what's up?..."Ember said.
"I was wondering if maybe you wanted to hang out, just us girls, I mean besides today, we haven't spent any time since we royally pranked Youngblood..."Dani said with an innocent smile on her cute little face.
"Sure, what do you have in mind?..."Ember asked.
"I dunno, there's this new movie coming this Friday, it's suppose to be a comedy...how about that?..."Dani suggested.
"Okay, sounds fun..."Ember shrugged.
"Awesome..."Dani said smiling as she had crossed her fingers from behind.
Step one had just been completed.
Now was on toward step two.
Dani waited until the movie was over and for Ember to leave before she turned her attentions toward her older brother who was totally unaware of her plot.
"Oh, big brother..."She said in a syrup sweet voice.
"What do you want?..."Danny said, already suspicious of that cutesy voice. Each time she used it, it was because she wanted something from him, mostly sweets or access to his Dumpy Humpty CD's.
"I was wondering if this Friday you could take me to the movies, there's this new comedy out that day..."Dani explained.
"Oh yeah, the new Dwayne Johnson movie, though if I recall, it's suppose to be PG-13..."Danny pointed out.
"Please..."Dani pleaded, giving him the one thing more powerful that any ghost power imaginable.
The big, puppy dog eyes of an adorable little girl.
He was a goner as was anyone else who came across them.
"Okay, okay...I'll take you right after school..."Danny conceded. Despite being a new addition in the family, his little sister almost always found a way to make things work out in her favor.
"Perfect, I'll meet you at the theater after school..."Dani said happily as she skipped away, giving the illusion of being a happy little girl.
Her brother never saw the smirk adorn her face or knew these thoughts had passed through her young mind.
"Like sucking the box Ghost into the Fenton thermos..."Dani thought mischievously as she patted herself on the back.
Step two was now complete.
A few days later
Friday afternoon
School had just let out and Danny had arrived to the movie theater, wearing a Hoodie and a pair of shades as to not attract attention to himself. He and Dani had agreed to meet here though he couldn't help but notice his little sister was acting weirdly excited this morning. He just chalked it up as hyperactivity from sneaking some of dad's fudge this morning.
"Now where is she?..."Danny wondered as he pulled out his ticket, he had bought online the other day so that he didn't have to wait in line. It was already 3:40 and the movie was to start at 4.
"Is that you Danny?..."A familiar voice called out.
The ghost boy turned around to see Ember behind him, she was wearing sun glasses and had her hair pulled into a hat as to not attract any attention it seemed.
"Ember? What brings you here?..."Danny asked out of curiosity.
"Your little sister invited me to the movies, what are you doing here?..."Ember said though she had a feeling what was happening.
"She invited me too, to the Dwayne Johnson movie that's playing in about 15 minutes. .."Danny said as he was now seeing some blanks being filled.
"That's the same one she invited me too...and so far she hasn't shown up..."Ember sighed, unable to believe this.
"Seems my little sister thought this would be funny, I'm so sorry Ember..."Danny said as he slapped his forehead in exasperation.
He couldn't believe he didn't see this coming, that his sister would try and set him up with his friend. It was certainly something she would do but he had hoped she would have resisted, all things considered. He just couldn't believe that she had practically set them on a date to the movies!
Things were already complicated enough without being thrown into this!
Ember was silent for a moment, while she was annoyed by the brats stunt, she didn't feel angry to be honest. She actually didn't mind the idea of just being alone with Danny to the movies. She had agreed to take his sister to the movie to be nice but she couldn't deny that this was the preferable scenario but the problem was if Danny was okay with it or not.
"Should I...Do I dare..."She thought as she weighed her options.
On the one hand she did want to see this movie and she would be nuts to pass on being alone with Danny if she could get away with it, but she was worried about how he would react to it. After a moment, she decided to go for it.
"You know Danny, the movie is starting soon and I would hate for this ticket to go to waste..."She started, feeling a but awkward but pressed on... "I know your sister was just kidding around but if you don't mind, we would still see the flick..."She finally said.
"Are you sure?...I mean..."Danny paused, unsure how to end this without offending her in some way.
"We're friends...friends go to the movies all the time...besides we're already here and as I said, I paid good money for this ticket and I don't want it to go to waste and...movies are more fun when your out out with a friend, right..."Ember said carefully as she awaited his response.
Danny was silent for a moment as he considered her offer. On the one hand he was mad at his sister for pulling this on them but he couldn't deny that he didn't mind seeing a movie with Ember but that was so...date-ish...It seemed a little fast. However, another part of him had wondered what would have been wrong with that. Ember was a good girl and she was his friend now, he had to get over being so nervous around her one of these days.
He still wasn't sure how exactly he felt about her but he did know that he cared about her. Sighing to himself, he knew what his answer was.
"Sure, I guess since we're already here, it would be pointless to not see the movie..."Danny said as he gave her a smile.
The same one that made Ember weak at the knees though she would go through a second death before she would tell him that.
"Alright, come on...I'll get the popcorn and you get the sodas, alright?..."The ghostly diva suggested.
"Sounds fair..."Danny said as the two entered the theater.
Both told themselves that this was not a real date, it was just two friends trying to make the best out of an awkward situation that one very naughty little girl had gotten them into. Though deep down they couldn't deny that they were enjoying themselves very much as they playfully tossed popcorn at each other and criticized the bad acting in he movie, just having a good time with each other.
As friends and maybe something more deep down.
Unknown to the two teens, a certain little ghost girl was invisible and spying on them from a distance, admiring her handy work.
"Looks like operation: matchmaker is a success. ..for now..."The invisible girl said proudly before leaving, not wanting to risk being caught by them.
She knew that she was in for an earful once her brother was home but for now she was happy with herself. She knew her brother needed time but there was no denying that he had some chemistry with Ember and that soon enough, they would both accept it but until then, Dani would keep a close eye on them and would figure out ways to bring them closer, even if it was a bit at a time.
Another thing was that the little ghost girl had now found a surefire cure to her boredom.
Yep, that definitely ended up being a good day for all three of them in the end.
To be continued-
Next time on CW: Deleted Scenes
A tragic tale of romance part 1
A/N: I want to give a special thanks to Lucian Naruto for helping come up with the idea. You rock LN!
Also Happy New Year!
REPLIES to my loyal and totally awesome reviewers:
Wiseguy2415 and Dreams Come True 996:Sadly there is no cannon explanation as it had been a "mysterious fire".
Guest(1): Thank you for that insightful interpretation, yes, we have all had our share of bullies who prey on those who they feel they are superior to or just know won't fight back. Overall, it doesn't matter why they pick on someone, all that we know is that it doesn't matter because nothing will justify being cruel to another person.
Also, thank you for that suggestion, they are quite creative but I think I will just finish the ones I have left before I even consider adding any more scenes.
Thanks anyway.
Invader Johnny: It's a sad part of life but all we can do is try and overcome and avoid those who are cruel to us and stick by those who are kind to us.
Kimera20: We all weep for her…
Guest(2): That's all right, we all make mistakes…It's no big deal…
Guest(3): I didn't really had any in mind but then I checked and saw that there really was a Star Wars movie that year…so, okay.
Sylveon18mega: Estoy feliz que disfrutaste este cuento hasta ahora pero no creo que voy a anadir Paulina denuevo. Almenos para ahora….
:) Till next time beautiful people, remember to read and review :)