Sorry I'm so late...
Edited 4/07/16
Chapter 6
Shooting Stars
"A man reserves his true and deepest love not for the species of woman in whose company he finds himself electrified and enkindled, but for that one in whose company he may feel tenderly drowsy." ~George Jean Nathan
Valerie's cheek rested in her palm while her other hand twirled her fork, a sad frown gracing her features. At Fenton's approach, she lifted her gaze to meet his, and Fenton's pace faltered. She offered him a small smile, unknowingly lifting the invisible weight off his chest.
The blue-eyed boy returned the smile and slid into his vacated seat. He stared at the table a moment, biting his lower lip as he tried to find the words to say. If Phantom was in his place, he would apologize and turn it into a compliment…but Fenton balked at the idea. He would just as soon move on with the date and pretend the last few minutes never happened.
No, he thought, squaring his shoulders and breathing deep. No more taking the easy way. I have to suck it up, pay attention to her, and prove to my nosey ghost half I'm just as capable of sweeping Valerie off her feet as he is.
After nodding to himself, Fenton lifted his eyes to meet Valerie's and swallowed when he saw her watching him with a raised eyebrow. "Um, I…" What was he supposed to say again? "I'm…I'm sorry about…all that. I just…" He paused, blinking. He twisted a little in his seat, scanning the restaurant.
"Danny?" Valerie asked.
"I…I just…" He licked his lips. It was probably just a draft or something… He shook his head and turned back to Valerie. "I just have a lot on my mind."
Valerie leaned forward, her elbows rested on the table. "Is it something I can help with?" Her eyes narrowed as something crossed her mind, and she too swept her gaze across the restaurant.
Fenton smiled shyly at her, touched by her concern. "Thanks," he said, "but I got this taken care of." He held up his right fist and grabbed the arm's bicep, flashing a goofy grin at her.
The act stole a laugh from Valerie, erasing the dark shadow haunting her eyes. The waiter arrived with their food, and Danny lowered his arms again, smiling at Valerie who shook her head, chuckling. It was amazing how uplifting it felt to make someone laugh. Already Fenton could feel tension leaving his shoulders.
"So you can be charming…"
Fenton jerked, but a cold hand on his knee kept him from banging it against the table again. "Phantom!" he hissed, his voice disguised by the clatter of the waiter setting down their dishes. "Get out of here!"
"Fenton—"
"Go away!"
Having finished his task, the waiter excused himself and left the teenagers to their meal. While Valerie busied herself with her cheeseburger, Fenton latched onto his ghost's wrist, only to have the appendage evaporate through his fingers. A second later, he felt a cold presence settle in the booth beside him. Guessing as to where it was located, Fenton tried to grab Phantom's arm, intending to drag him into the bathroom again, but once more, the ghost turned intangible and his hand passed through empty space.
Fenton spewed a whole list of derogatory names and insults—and just to piss the ghost off further, cuss words—in his head that Phantom would doubtless hear once they remerged, but while they were apart, he had every intention to make the ghost's undead life a living—
"So how good are you actually in a fight, Fenton?"
Blue eyes jerked back to Valerie's face, wide and confused. "Huh?"
Valerie shrugged. "Well, I've seen how Dash bullies you, Danny, how you run away whenever you can…" Her eyes shadowed briefly before she offered Fenton a coy smirk. "I could teach you some defensive moves if you like."
"Um, no, that's okay. I'm actually stronger than I let on."
Phantom's cold elbow drove into Fenton's side, causing the human to jerk in surprise. Fenton returned the action and was satisfied when he heard a soft and disembodied grunt.
The table hid the action from Valerie, who bit her lip and titled her head slightly. "Are you sure?" Her eyelids fell halfway over her eyes. "I am a good teacher…"
Before Fenton could respond, Phantom leaned against his shoulder, capturing Fenton's fist before it could strike him, and whispered hastily into the other boy's ear, "She is offering us a chance to spend more time with her."
A chill raced up Fenton's spine in response to the cold air brushing against his ear. He tore his fist out of Phantom's grasp. "I know how to defend myself, Valerie," he said, almost growled.
Phantom sighed, further tickling the sensitive area of Fenton's neck. Scowling, Fenton shrugged the ghost away from him.
Valerie leaned forward, frowning. "If you know how, then why don't you?"
Fenton opened his mouth to answer, but couldn't think of a response. They should fight back. Why didn't they?
Like a boomerang, Phantom's presence returned against Fenton's arm. "It would make matters worse," he whispered. "Dash would be compelled to prove his worth as your tormenter."
The human shifted, trying to edge away from the ghost's cool breath without being noticeable. "Um…" He glanced at the invisible Phantom. The explanation was sound…he didn't have a better response…but he didn't need his help!
"Just say it, Fenton."
The boy sighed, his shoulders slumping in defeat. "Because it would make it worse. Dash would feel like he had to beat me to a pulp to show he's better."
Valerie shook her head. "But he only attacks you because you let him. If you stood up to him, he would find someone else."
Fenton frowned. "Exactly why I don't fight back," he said, the words jumping to his tongue now. "I'm tough, I can take it. But other kids at school…I would rather Dash target me than some helpless kid."
His girlfriend crossed her arms over her chest and leaned against the back of the booth. "No offence, Fenton, but you're one of those helpless kids at school. You shouldn't have to put up with Dash anymore than they do."
Phantom grabbed his shoulder before Fenton could snap a retort. "Let it go. Valerie cares too much to support your reasoning."
Fenton bit his lip, swallowing the words on his tongue. He disliked letting Valerie win the argument, but he also recognized the face Valerie now wore as the one she used whenever she argued with Danny Phantom, and he knew from experience it meant she wouldn't back down no matter what he said.
"Change the topic to one that will make her smile," Phantom instructed.
A sudden dip in the restaurant's noise level forced the ghost to press closer against Fenton to avoid being overheard. This close, Fenton could feel the muscles of Phantom's chest against his arm, and the human bit his lower lip, willing his blood to circulate normally.
"The goal is to enjoy each other's company," Phantom continued, "and one way to do that is to make each other laugh."
Fenton breathed in deep breaths, trying to cool his blush and dispel his anger. If he wanted this date to turn out right—and prove to Phantom he wasn't a hopeless inconvenience to them both—he needed to at least heed the ghost's advice. But it was hard to think straight when the guy you had been kissing all day was pressed flush against your arm, breathing into your ear.
Think Valerie, Fenton, he thought. She's beautiful and dangerous, and could probably take Phantom out within five seconds flat if she knew he was here…now what were we talking about? Dash? Valerie, Dash, the Red Huntress…
"I bet the Red Huntress could show Dash up."
Phantom squeezed his shoulder as Valerie's eyes widened, thrown by the mention of her alter-ego.
Panicking, Fenton hastened to add, "Uh, I-I mean, have you seen her? She's awesome! Sh-she could take on Dash no problem!" He forced a chuckle. "And getting beaten by a girl would be so humiliating…" Another warning squeeze by Phantom and Fenton's back went rigid. "Uh, n-n-not that girls are weaker than guys! I just meant th-that Dash thinks that, which is ridiculous, of course, b-because my mom's a skilled fighter and Sam always beats me and Tucker at video games and—"
"I get what you mean, Fenton," Valerie interrupted, a soft smile on her face. She set her elbows on the table again as she leaned forward. "You know about the Red Huntress?"
"Y-yeah. I mean, between my parents and the media, I hear a lot about her."
"Then you know she views Danny Phantom as an enemy," she said, voice carefully neutral. "Doesn't that bother you?"
Fenton paused, waiting for Phantom to make a suggestion, but instead, the ghost abandoned his side, and the sudden loss of contact left Fenton feeling oddly alone. The boy licked his lips, gathering his thoughts. "I…I'm not sure…but she does what she feels is right, and that's honorable if you ask me."
A smile blossomed across Valerie's face, proving he had said the right thing. She reached across the table and rested her hand over Fenton's. The boy flushed and dropped his eyes to their hands. He could feel the air around him growing too warm, too thin, too suffocating. He felt sweat break out over his palm, his forehead—
Phantom pressed against his side again and wrapped an arm around his waist, the ghost's cold temperature cooling Fenton's like a breeze of fresh air. Muscles relaxed as Fenton allowed his other's presence to wash over him. Returning his gaze to Valerie, he smiled and asked her for her thoughts on the Red Huntress.
The hand Valerie held in her own as she and Fenton walked to her apartment felt clammy with sweat, and it squeezed hers so lightly it was like it wasn't even there. Sometimes, Danny's grip on her hand would become almost painful, usually when he tripped or was startled by something…both of which happened far more frequently than Valerie would have thought possible.
At first, she had viewed his clumsiness as cute, but now she was starting to wonder if something was wrong. Danny was far from the most coordinated boy, but it had been at least two years since he was this clumsy. And nervous…and jumpy. Like he expected something to jump out of the shadows.
For the third time that night, Valerie's thoughts wondered to the newspaper article from yesterday's edition, where Phantom had been captured flying into Fenton's room. Danny swore he never saw the ghost, but he was the son of two professional ghost hunters and he was the boyfriend of the Red Huntress. He was a prime target for a ghost attack, especially for a ghost as crafty as Phantom. If the so-called protector of Amity Park had his sights set on the Fenton boy, it would explain why Danny jumped every now and then and was almost constantly scanning the empty area around them.
Or the reason wasn't ghost-related at all but rather caused by Valerie.
Guilt she rarely acknowledged bit at her stomach, making her feel ill. She looked at Danny. The boy was walking a pace or two slower than her with his gaze firmly locked on the ground. Occasionally he would glance to the side or at their interlocked hands, but it was only when he felt Valerie's gaze on him that he met her eyes, only to flush a second later and return to staring at his shoes.
Valerie sighed, wishing she had the guts to break the silence between them. It had descended on them some time after they left The Works, and it had only become more and more oppressive the closer they got to Valerie's apartment. She could practically feel the tension radiating off Danny with each step.
It didn't take a genius to know what Danny was so nervous about. Forget ghosts and other paranormal phenomenon. The one Danny was afraid of, the one who had hurt him, was Valerie herself.
Valerie's own eyes lowered in shame. Danny's hurt expression still haunted her. He had looked so…so crushed. She had apologized for laughing at him a second later, of course, but she knew from experience how little apologies meant. She had turned to her friend Starr to ease her conscience and to seek advice. Unfortunately, Starr was a pathological blather-mouth. In the end, Valerie had just made everything ten times worse for Danny.
Ever since then, Danny had been distant and nervous around her. He had canceled their date last Friday without any explanation, and he had avoided her the rest of the week. Honestly, she couldn't blame him, but that didn't mean she would just let their relationship fall apart because of one mistake. She had been trying to think of a way to repair the damage she'd caused when Danny gathered the courage to ask her out again, and a plan had formed in her mind.
The beginning of the date hadn't played out as she had hoped—what with Danny showing up in a turtleneck of all things, ignoring her, tripping over his words, spilling his water and disappearing into the bathroom for an extended period—but it improved after he'd been given the chance to regain his composure in the men's room. He was still mildly distracted, but he actually smiled at her and participated in conversations.
It was the end of the date she was looking the most forward to, however, when they would share a goodnight kiss and she would be presented with the opportunity to rebuild Danny's confidence by showing him how to kiss. There had been potential there when they kissed last time. She knew Danny could become a very skilled. He just needed to practice.
And she would be the one to supply that practice.
The thought brought a smile to Valerie's face as she led Danny inside the apartment complex. In comparison, the boy tensed as soon as they passed the threshold. His eyes darted around the lobby and behind them, as if searching for something. Once again, Valerie's thoughts returned to ghosts terrorizing her boyfriend, but she shook it off a second later. She had ghost detectors and hidden weapons located all around the complex. Only Phantom had ever made it inside undetected before, and she had made sure he learned his lesson about trespassing into her domain.
Valerie's apartment was on the second floor, and Danny's hand tightened around hers as they got closer. She could definitely feel the tension pouring off him now. Hoping to alleviate some of that tension, Valerie sent him an encouraging smile. Danny returned a small smile, although it shook around the edges and faltered once they entered the staircase.
"S-so, how's your dad?" Danny asked.
The sudden break in the silence made Valerie blink. "He's fine…a bit overworked and still urging me to focus more on my grades than on my jobs, but he never complains about living here. He does keep insisting on having a 'guy talk' with you, though." She cast her boyfriend an amused smile.
Danny laughed nervously and used the hand not clamped around Valerie's to rub the back of his neck. "Something tells me he doesn't want to talk about fishing…"
"Oh, I don't know…I have a feeling tadpoles will be mentioned…" Danny flushed, sputtering, and Valerie laughed at his horrified expression. "I'm only teasing you, Fenton. Daddy trusts you more than that."
Danny forced a nervous chuckle. "G-good. I don't think I could survive the resulting heart attack…"
The joke earned another laugh from Valerie. By the time they reached her door, she was relaxed—excited even—while Danny was as tense as ever. Valerie slipped her hand out of Danny's hold and turned to face her boyfriend. He was beat red and couldn't hold her gaze for more than a few seconds, but she would fix that soon.
"Well, it was no picnic on Lookout Hill," she said, "but The Works was certainly interesting."
Danny nodded, shuffling his feet. "Y-yeah…that Onion Ring Tower was pretty neat…"
Silence descended on them again. The uncomfortable kind, where both parties are unsure about what to do. For all her planning, Valerie hadn't considered how she would get Danny to kiss her. She had assumed he would jump right in, to give himself a second chance, but he was hesitating now.
I really must have hurt him, she thought to herself, biting her bottom lip. He looks terrified…maybe I should take the first step, ease him into it.
Before she could act, Danny stepped forward. He lifted his eyes to meet Valerie's. His cheeks were still red, but his gaze was unwavering. This was it then. Valerie released her bottom lip and allowed her eyes to fall to half-mast. She evened out her breathing and tried to calm her racing heart. Danny stepped closer, close enough for her to feel his body heat, and her vision grew hazy as she allowed her eyes to close further.
When she felt Danny's lips, it wasn't where she expected. She opened her eyes, but Danny was already walking—practically running—towards the staircase. Valerie bit her bottom lip and pressed a hand to her cheek, the lingering heat from Danny's kiss tingling beneath her palm.
Fenton stormed out of Valerie's apartment complex so fast he didn't notice the light rain soaking his clothes and hair. He did notice the cold presence that joined him soon after, although he tried to ignore it. He picked up his speed, trying to outpace the ghost. He made it to the street corner before Phantom suddenly appeared directly in front of him. Surprised, Fenton collided with the other boy, but the ghost had been braced and caught him easily.
"What happened?" he demanded
Fenton tore himself away from Phantom, crossed his arms, and scowled at the rain-speckled pavement. "Nothing happened."
"Nothing as in nothing you want to talk about, or as in nothing remarkable?"
"Nothing as in it's none of your business!"
"Oh yes," Phantom said, and Fenton could practically hear the eye roll in his voice. "Let us just forget for one moment that we are the same person and that, technically speaking, the date you shared with Valerie was also supposed to be my date and therefore everything that happened on or after said date is technically my business as well, what, my dear human self, could possibly have happened in the last five minutes that has you so irritated?"
His tone revived the flustered blush on Fenton's face. Scowling, the human shoved past the ghost and marched down the sidewalk. Unfortunately, Phantom fell into step beside the human, silent, but clearly awaiting a response.
It wasn't long before Fenton snapped. "If you had been there you would have seen what happened. You've been sticking your nose into this date ever since you showed up, but when it gets to the really difficult part, you disappear! Where were you?"
"Waiting outside in the rain," Phantom replied. "You know as well as I how dangerous Valerie's building is to a full ghost. I saw no reason to risk detection when you were so adamant about proving your abilities on this date without me." He glanced at Fenton, frowning. "That was the impression I received, anyway. Was I wrong?"
Fenton hugged his arms closer against his chest, glaring at his shoes as he stomped across the wet concrete.
"I don't understand, Fenton," the ghost continued. "That was what you wanted, right? You fought against my presence throughout the majority of the date, so I assumed—"
"I blew it, Phantom!" Fenton spun on the ghost, his heated glare now focused on the shining green eyes before him. The rain had by now soaked his bangs, the dark strands sticking to his forehead. Angrily, he wiped them away. "I ruined everything! The date, the kiss, the—the…the fucking walk to her apartment! If I had just let you overshadow me, the night would have turned out perfect!"
"I still wouldn't have been able to enter her apartment," Phantom said, annoyingly calm in the face of Fenton's anger. "I would have been forced to leave your body, and you would have been disoriented and unable to salvage any part of the kiss." He stepped closer to Fenton. "But I don't believe you ruined anything. Tell me what exactly happened."
"What happened?" Fenton repeated, incredulous. He started pacing in a sharp circle, his hands clawing at his hair. "I-I froze up! I knew what I had to do, but when it came down to it, I-I-I just…"
"What did you do?"
"I kissed her…"
"…But?"
Fenton sighed, ducking his head. "I kissed her on the cheek…"
Phantom fell silent as he digested the information, the only noise between them the soft hiss of water striking the earth. Fenton stared at his ghost half, waiting for a verdict. His eyes caught on the water droplets raining around the ghost boy, how the droplets captured and reflected Phantom's ethereal glow as they sprinkled around him, giving the ghost a sort of misty aura that sparked like it held fireflies trapped inside. Fenton wanted to laugh at his ghost half sparkling of all things, but found himself instead enchanted by the light show.
"Your actions ruined nothing," Phantom said at last, and blue eyes shifted from one light show to another as Fenton returned to staring into Phantom's eyes. "A chaste kiss can be considered romantic as well. It's possible your kiss left a greater impression on Valerie than if you had you attempted something more, uh, passionate."
"Something 'passionate' is what we spent all day practicing for, Phantom. It's the whole reason all of this—" he gestured between them "—happened in the first place. Don't you dare act as if I didn't just let us both down in there." He swiped drenched bangs out of his eyes again, trying to scowl at Phantom, although he suspected he looked more like a pouting, drowned rat. "This was supposed to be our chance to redeem ourselves to her."
Phantom shook his head, the action somehow managing to toss his own wet bangs away from his eyes. "There will be other chances at redemption. This one date doesn't need to be perfect." He tilted his head slightly to the side and touched his busted—now bruised—lip, smiling dryly at Fenton.
Now Fenton knew he was pouting. "Who has a change of heart in just one hour? You're supposed to be mad at me! You're supposed to yell at me for ruining our chances with Valerie and complain about how you should have overshadowed me when you had the chance!"
Phantom chuckled, tempting Fenton to hit him again. The ghost must have noticed where Fenton's thoughts were heading because he stepped out of arms reach. "I apologize, Fenton. It's just impossible to not…it is hard not to notice…" He chuckled again, an undercurrent of embarrassment in the sound. He rubbed the back of his neck and gave Fenton a lopsided smile. "You just look ridiculously cute like this…"
Fenton blinked at him, feeling lost. He opened his mouth to respond, only to find the logical part of his brain had shut down. "Dude," he grumbled at last, "you're really infuriating sometimes."
Phantom closed his eyes, still smiling, and brushed his own white bangs out of his eyes. "I must be, considering how often I annoy you." He reopened his eyes and offered his hand to Fenton. "We should get you out of the rain before you catch a cold."
The human stared at the outstretched hand a moment before frowning at Phantom. "You're acting nice again…" His eyes narrowed in suspicion. "You're up to something…"
The ghost raised an eyebrow. "The two are connected?" he asked, amused. He waved his hand, gesturing for Fenton to take it. "I know my actions tonight haven't inspired trust, but…" He smiled, a secretive glint in his eyes, and now Fenton knew he was planning something. "It's nothing painful, I promise."
Fenton warily eyed the hand. Gloved in white and dripping with rain water, it looked innocent enough, although its owner inspired little confidence…not that he had much choice. It was either take the hand or walk home in the rain…and it was a very long walk home.
Sighing, the living boy stepped within arm's reach. "Fine," he said. "But if you try anything like what you did before, I know where we keep the thermos."
Phantom smirked. "That would involve catching me first." He wrapped an arm around Fenton's shoulders and hooked his other arm beneath his knees, sweeping Fenton off his feet and into the ghost's arms. Instinctively, the human wrapped his own arms around Phantom's neck. Once he realized he was essentially hugging the other boy, he started to loosen his hold and pull back.
"I wouldn't suggest that," Phantom said, his knees bending and his face turned up to the sky. "You will want to hold on."
The ghost leapt straight up, and Fenton swallowed a startled shout. He clutched Phantom's neck and buried his face against the other boy's chest, trying to block the rain from striking his face and the wind from clawing at his hair. He pinched his eyes closed and gasped for breath as Phantom flew faster and faster into the sky, the wind howling like a fierce animal as they cut through the airstream.
Noticing his companion's discomfort, Phantom turned them both intangible, and the water they had accumulated made its second journey to earth while the two boys continued their flight uncontested. With the violent onslaught of wind and rain terminated, the human was able to suck in oxygen unheeded, although his lungs still had to fight for his breath; the air was thinner than usual.
Curious, Fenton permitted one eye to slit open. For a brief moment, he saw the world far—far, like a speck of dust far—below them, and then they were swallowed by darkness. Phantom's half-visible form produced the only form of light, his glow bouncing off dark billows in an eerie display. Fenton closed his eye again and focused on the thrum of Phantom's core beneath his cheek, allowing its gentle vibration to calm his own racing heart.
A few seconds later, Fenton felt a constant breeze strike them as Phantom stilled and returned their tangibility. Believing the ride over, he opened his eyes again, only to have them widen in awe. His blue irises darted right and left as Fenton absorbed new world around them.
Phantom smiled at him. "I take it you like it?" He crisscrossed his legs like he was sitting on a flat surface and then lowered Fenton into his lap, the human's legs dangling freely over the ghost's. He grabbed Fenton's wrists and peeled them away from his neck. He lowered them into Fenton's lap but didn't let go, consequently wrapping his own arms around the other boy's waist.
"It's awesome!" Fenton exclaimed.
He bent forward, peering below them where a blanket of clouds billowed and rolled in response to the gentle breeze in the stratosphere. They glowed a light gray color as they reflected the crescent moon's illumination, a far cry from the angry-looking black clouds underneath. The clouds stretched on for miles, like cotton had replaced land, and Fenton felt an irrational urge to see if they were as soft as they appeared.
Above the boys stretched an endless starry sky. It was free and clear, no clouds, with only the light from the moon polluting the skies and obscuring the stars. As he watched, Fenton saw a star streak across the sky. And then another. And another. Bright fireballs raining across the sky. A large grin split Fenton's lips.
"I had given up on seeing this," he said, caught up in watching the burning meteoroids disappear behind the curved cloudscape. "I mean, I wanted to, but with the clouds and the date with Valerie…" He trailed off and then twisted at the hip to look over his shoulder at Phantom. "Why?"
"Why what?"
"You've been a jerk all day, Phantom," Fenton said, his eyes narrowed. "Why are you suddenly being nice to me? I just ruined the date!
The ghost's lips spread into a mischievous smirk. "I could always drop you if you prefer…"
It could have been Phantom carrying out the threat or his own paranoia getting to him, but the solid form beneath Fenton suddenly didn't feel so solid. Fenton clutched the ghost's suit, his blue eyes large with panic. "Don't you dare!" he hissed.
Phantom laughed until his human half glared at him. Still chuckling, the ghost stroked his thumb across the back of Fenton's hand, as if trying to calm the boy with that small gesture. "I'm not quite sure why, Fenton," he finally answered. "You appeared stressed on our walk to Val's apartment, despite my attempts to ease your discomfort. Then you entered the building and it started raining, and I…" His voice grew soft, slightly mournful. "I remembered you mentioning how you would rather watch the meteor shower than go on the date with Valerie."
Fenton's forehead wrinkled in thought. He vaguely remembered saying that, although it hadn't been a conscious thought until now. If Phantom had given him a choice, he would have jumped on the chance without a second thought. "So this is sort of like your way to make up for being an ass?" he asked.
"Language," Phantom said, exasperated. "But yes, in a way. You know, you have not been the nicest Danny around either, Fenton."
"I didn't overshadow you."
"Nor did I punch you."
"Yeah, well I—"
Phantom sighed, the cold exhale hitting Fenton's neck. "Please, we have been fighting each other all day…"
Fenton looked away, biting his bottom lip. They lapsed into silence as both boys watched meteoroids streak across the sky, each boy naming off constellations in his head. A few meteoroids crossed as they streaked across the sky, creating a brief 'X'. Soon Fenton's eyes grew heavy and he felt himself begin to lean against Phantom. He jerked himself forward again, blinking, but a cold hand on his chest brought him back against the ghost's torso.
"You may as well relax," Phantom said softly.
"I try to avoid doing that around you," Fenton responded, not missing a beat, but allowed himself to rest against his ghost half. "It usually bites me in the butt later."
The other boy chuckled, the sound rumbling deep in his chest and transferring pleasantly through Fenton's back. "I suppose that's true."
"You suppose? It is true!"
"Whether it is true or not, I would rather you were comfortable in my presence, particularly right now. I only wish to enjoy the meteor shower with you."
Fenton turned his head to look at his ghost half, only to have the action bring his cheek into contact with Phantom's. Blushing, he jerked his head away. "Y-yeah, well, you could have merged us back together first."
Phantom hummed, amused, and rested his chin on Fenton's shoulder. "Perhaps…but events like this are better when shared. It wouldn't be the same if we were alone…technically speaking, I mean."
"I guess…" Unsure about how to respond, Fenton returned his focus to the meteor shower.
It really was a beautiful phenomenon…but Phantom had a point. If they were whole and everything was normal, it would just be another meteor shower, one of a dozen they had witnessed. The best memories were ones where they shared the sight with others. With their mom when they were really young, Jazz after she had said she knew their secret, Tucker and Sam after the whole fiasco with Desiree…
Danny had hoped to make another memory with Valerie, but Fenton supposed Phantom's company worked just as well…and vice versa. There was no way they would forget this crazy day any time soon.
Phantom rubbed his thumb in small circles against Fenton's side, an action that was strangely comforting. Without consciously thinking about it, Fenton found himself resting his head against Phantom's, his forehead cushioned by the ghost's white hair. It became harder to focus on the waning meteor shower as his eyes grew heavy.
"We can merge back in the morning," Phantom whispered.
Fenton wanted to object, but couldn't find the energy or motivation to do so. It wasn't that he was physically tired…but the day had been emotionally and mentally draining. It was even harder to stay awake when the stars falling around them had a calming effect on Fenton's mind…like counting sheep. The whole atmosphere had a calming effect on him. Even Phantom's presence was comforting, although he hated to admit it, even to himself.
"I'm still mad at you," Fenton muttered, attempting to appease his pride.
Phantom snorted. "Go to sleep, Fenton."
"Don't tell me…what…what to do." Nevertheless, the boy's eyelids fell over his eyes and his breathing evened out. The last sensation Fenton felt before he fell unconscious was Phantom's core thrumming against his back and the ghost's cooler-than-usual aura enveloping him like a blanket.
Finally! It's over! Whoo-hoo! Can I just say I hate dinner dates? In real life and in fiction. It's so boring...But it's finally over! YES! Moving on now~
...Yeah, it's not the best chapter I've ever written...But I just can't take it anymore...Yeah, I'm a bad authoress...^-^'
I was going to include one more scene, where Phantom tucks Fenton into bed again, but one: like I said, I'm sick of this chapter. Two: already did it in chapter 2. All you really need to know is that Phantom runs away afterwards. I might write it later as a deleted scene and post it to mine and Tangi's blog...
Speaking of, I should mention that. Tangi dragged me into Tumblr and created a Pitch Pearl blog there. Mostly we're posting drabbles, deleted scenes, cast off ideas, and other artists' pictures on there. And also update info (how close we are to updating, who's doing what, ect.). pitch-pearl-chicks . tumblr If you're interested.
It may take me a while to update this again...the end of the semester is approaching, and I have stacks of back homework to work on. And I'm writing a one-shot for a picture Echoheart drew, and I'm co-writing a story with Tangi, and the next chapter is full of action. But the one after that chapter will be super fun ;D
M'kay, I'm trying somethin' new for my con-crit questoins:
1) Do you like the way the story has progressed, or should I have left it as a one-shot?
2) What do think will happen?
3) What do you want to happen?
4) What are you afraid will happen?
5) Is there anything you think I should work on? (description, PxF interactions, Val's charcter, narration, updates, ect.)
6) Are Fenton and Phantom moving too fast? Like, are their feeligns for each other developing too quickly or too slowly?
That's all for this really long AN...Thanks for reading :D