Opening A/N: WE BACK BABY! I've just noticed just how long it takes me to write these chapters. I was under the impression that it took me two hours, maybe even two and a half hours to write out a chapter. BOY WAS I WRONG! It actually takes me around four (if not more) more hours to write a chapter. Well, can't say I'd rather be spending my time doing something else. Anyway, I hope you guys enjoy this chapter of "I Just Want To Be Remembered"!
Chapter Synopsis - After the events of the "Nasty Burger Incident", Danny is exposed once again to the softer side of Ember McLain as the two try to distract themselves from the events earlier that day. As well as meet with the Mayor to discuss making the concert a legal event. How will things go? Read to find out!
"Two quotation marks means speech or emphasis on a word."
'One quotation mark means thought.'
Italics mean heavy emphasis on a word or written/digital text.
Chapter VII: The Aftermath
"Listen, I have more important things to be doing aside from arguing with you in front of a bunch of strangers, so I'm leaving." Danny says, giving Sam one last glare and walking past her before turning to look back at Ember. "You coming, rockstar?"
"Right behind you, babypop." She says, grabbing her guitar and placing it on her back. She bumps Sam's shoulder roughly as she walks past her. "He broke up with you? That has to hurt, but your loss is my gain, goth girl." Ember boasts quietly, a mocking smile on her face.
Standing outside, leaning against one of the trees next to the giant Nasty Burger sign, is Danny. His eyes staring at the sky above him, but those same eyes are unseeing. His mind is miles away as he silently seethes over the altercation.
He can hear the footsteps as Ember approaches, yet his gaze stays locked on the sky. "You okay, babypop?" She asks, softly.
Closing his eyes, he takes a calming breath before answering. "As okay as I can be, I suppose."
"I'm guessing the relationship you had with her was your worst?" Ember questions.
"Considering that it's the only relationship I've had, I would have to say yes." He responds, despondently.
Ember doesn't respond right away, her mind racing to process that particular piece of information. After taking a moment to re-collect herself, she speaks. "Well, why don't we get out of here? I doubt you want to stick around after all of that."
"You don't have to ask me twice." He says, pushing off from the tree and changing into his ghost form.
"And babypop?" She calls out.
"Yeah?" Danny answers, turning to look at her.
He's once again surprised by the feeling of Ember's arms wrapping around him. "Thank you, for defending me back there. I appreciate it." She mumbles into the hug.
Danny can once again feel the gentle, comforting, heat emanating from her flow throughout his body. This time, he doesn't hesitate to hug her back, relishing at the contact and trying to completely ignore the burning in his cheeks. "You're welcome, Ember. You really don't have to thank me though, I wasn't going to let anyone talk to you like that. Especially not Sam, now that I know the truth." He softly responds.
He can feel her arms give him one last squeeze as she releases him and he can feel his lips pull into a smile. Ember snorts in amusement as she looks up at him, "I'm all for trying new things, but let me tell you, red is not your color." She teases.
Feeling the heat in his face increase, as well as a sudden surge of confidence, he rebuttals. "Well, it may not be my color, but it certainly looks good on you."
She stands there for a moment, not quite believing that Danny was flirting with her. The feeling of her own cheeks heating up snaps her out of her shock. "Of course it does, I look good in anything." Ember stutters.
Danny lets out a laugh as he takes to the sky. "Keep up, rockstar!"
"No fair, Phantom!" She shouts, racing to remove her guitar from her back and jump atop it.
The two play an impromptu game of cat and mouse as they fly through the skies above Amity Park, laughing and joking all the while. The sun had begun its descent towards the horizon before the two take the time to stop upon one of the many buildings that litter the city.
They sit on the edge, their legs dangling over the long drop to the pavement below. Danny's eyes closed, a serene smile on his face as he lies back against the roof, his head resting in his hands. Ember's guitar rests on the ground next to her as she copies his position. The early stages of twilight bathing them in a light orange glow. "So Phantom-"
"I thought I told you to call me Danny?" He asks, rhetorically.
He can't see the guitarist roll her eyes, but he can certainly feel the small shove she gives him. "So Danny, did we have anything else to do today? I know we barely started talking about setting everything up before the Goth interrupted us."
"Nah, nothing we can't talk about another day." He responds, opening his eyes to look at her. "I mean, I could text Tucker and see if he's free right now. That way we can go ahead and talk with him about getting everything officially approved."
Ember suddenly looks sheepish at the prospect. "I don't know if that's such a good idea. Especially if earlier was anything to go by."
His eyes gain a teasing glint to them. "What's this? Ember McLain afraid of something as simple as having a conversation?"
His words have the desired effect as her face hardens and her eyes narrow ever so slightly at him, her hair flaring lightly as well. "I'll have you know that I'm not afraid of anything. Especially not your geeky best friend."
Danny laughs at the response. "I'm just kidding, you really don't have to come with me if you don't have to. Though, if I'm being honest it would probably help Tucker see that it isn't such a bad idea."
"How would me being there help? It's not like you can't relay all the plans to him." She says, moving into a sitting position.
"I've already told him that things have changed between you and I, but actually seeing it could help convince him that I'm telling the truth. Plus, getting the Mayor on our side could be a big benefit. Especially if he can vouch for you leading up to the concert." Danny explains.
Ember ponders the words, resting her elbows on her knees and propping her head in her hands. "Damn it." She mutters. "You know, I really don't like it when you're right."
"You should get used to it. I'm the kind of guy that actually thinks before he speaks, so I like to think I'm right most of the time." He replies, jokingly.
"Yeah, yeah, whatever smartass. Just send the Geek a message and see if he's free or not." She grumbles.
Danny does as requested and pulls the phone from his pocket. He notices that he already has a message from Tucker, a response from his previous one.
'That's convenient, but I should probably send a message to mom or dad too, letting them know I'll still be gone for a little while longer.'
Tucker Foley - 13:20: Trust me, you're not the only one happy about the Mayor program being updated. I actually took a nap, a NAP dude! I haven't had time for that in months! But yeah, I should have those phones upgraded either tomorrow or Tuesday. I heard about your fight with Skulker too, I swear that guy doesn't know when to give up.
Danny Fenton - 18:03: Yeah, Skulker has never been the brightest has he? By the way, I know it's kinda late but are you busy right now? If possible I'd like to meet up and go over the official side of getting this concert planned. And thanks again for upgrading those phones for me, I owe you one.
Responding to Tucker and requesting to meet, he moves on to sending a message to his parents.
Danny Fenton - 18:05: Hey dad, just wanted to let you and mom know that I'm probably gonna be out a little while longer. I'm going to try and meet up with Tucker then go on one last patrol before I head home. Love you guys!
"Aww, the little Halfa loves his parents. Isn't that sweet?" Ember's voice comes from right next to his head. It takes everything in him not to jump at the sound.
""Little"? That's rich coming from you. You wear platform boots and your head still doesn't even reach my chin." He remarks.
She lets out a laugh in response. "I'm sorry that we can't all be giants, dipshit."
"Could you imagine Skulker being my size in his natural form? His suit would be gigantic." Danny asks.
"Now that's a terrifying image." Ember responds, an involuntary shudder wracking her body.
"Tell me about it, and you wouldn't even be the one having to fight it!" He laughs as he feels the phone in his hand vibrate.
Tucker Foley - 18:12: I'm not busy right now if you want to meet in the park. I'm actually at my shop right now, so I can spare some time and make the trip across the street. Also, you don't owe me anything. If anything, I still owe you. Remind me again how many times you've saved my skin?
"Looks like you just booked yourself a meeting with the Mayor of Amity Park, Ms. McLain." Danny says, informing Ember of Tucker's answer.
"More like a meeting that you booked. Where are we meeting him?" She asks.
"The park. He rents a shop right across the street from it where he sells software and repairs electronics." He explains.
"Of course he does." She mutters in response. "Well, what are we waiting for, let's get this over with."
Danny stands up as Ember collects her guitar. "It won't be that bad."
"As long as he doesn't start outright insulting me or accusing this of being one big evil scheme, it'll already be better than my meeting with your ex." She says, jumping onto her guitar.
"That's fair." Danny responds as he jumps off the roof and into the air, Ember following close behind.
The park that gives Amity Park half of its name is a large stretch of greenery within the city. A lot of people compare it to Central Park in New York, though that one is significantly larger. The park contains its own lake that many people swim in during the hot summer months.
It also contains a central area that houses a large stone fountain, a long, paved, walking path, and an abundance of trees. Danny and Ember find Tucker sitting at one of the many benches surrounding the fountain.
"Hey Tuck!" Danny calls as he descends from the sky, Ember trailing behind him.
"Hey Dann-" His words cut off as he spots Ember. As soon as Danny is on the ground, and in human form, Tucker grabs him and drags him away from Ember. "Excuse us for a moment." He says.
"Dude, what are you doing?" Danny asks.
"You didn't tell me you were bringing Ember with you!" He hisses out in a whisper.
"Well, yeah? I mean I'm planning a concert for her, why wouldn't I bring her with me?" Danny responds, confused.
"If you would've told me, I could've brought one of my old posters and asked for her to sign it!" Tucker whimpers out a complaint.
"Uh, guys? You know I'm still here, right?" Ember says, staring at the two with a hand on her hip, one eyebrow raised and her eyes shining with mirth. Her guitar now resting on her back.
"Right." Danny says, dragging Tucker back over to her. "Ember, this is Tucker, Mayor of Amity Park and my best friend. Tucker, this is Ember McLain, local rockstar of the Ghost Zone and soon-to-be rockstar in the human world as well."
"Dude, you did not just introduce her like I don't know who she is." Tucker says, incredulous. He looks Ember in the eyes for the first time that evening. "Would it be too much to ask for you to sign one of your posters for me?"
Danny's palm meets his forehead with a SLAP!. "You are so not fanboying right now." He mutters.
"Uh yeah sure, but why exactly would you want a signature from me?" She asks, perplexed.
"Because I like your music? Do I need another reason?" He responds, equally as confused.
Ember looks stunned for a moment. "I thought your whole little ghost hunting group hated me?"
Tucker looks offended. "Hated you? I can't speak for anyone else, but I'll have you know that I don't hate anyone. Sure, I might not trust you yet, but I certainly don't hate you. Besides, your music is awesome!"
The girl across from him chews on her bottom lip in thought. "Thanks gee- Tucker. I really appreciate it. Sure, I'll sign a poster for you."
"No problem Ember, and thank you." He responds with a smile. Slightly surprised that she dropped the "geek" moniker.
"Alright." Danny speaks up. "Let's move on to the official business, shall we?"
Tucker goes on to explain what kind of information he'll need from the two ghosts to make the concert legal. Things such as who all will be performing with Ember, how many people they should expect to show up, etc. It doesn't take long for the duo to realize that they're still a long way off from having anything documented.
"Don't worry about it you two." Tucker says, waving a hand dismissively in front of him. "Just ask me to meet back up with you again when you have all the information we need. Once I have everything documented, it should only take a few days to have everything set up."
"Thanks again, Tuck." Danny says, holding out a fist to his friend.
"No problem, Danny." He responds, hitting the halfa's fist with his own. "And thank you for introducing me to Ember McLain."
"Enough with the fanboying." Ember says, groaning lightly. "It was flattering at first, but now it's just getting creepy."
Rubbing the back of his neck he apologizes. "Sorry, I'll see you guys later, yeah?" He says as he starts making the walk back to his shop.
"Well, I'd say that went well." Danny says, turning to Ember.
"I would have to agree with you on that." She says, stretching before removing her guitar from her back.
Danny's eyes are drawn to her lithe form as she does so, his gaze lingering on the gentle curves of her chest and exposed, toned, stomach. He quickly tears his eyes away as he feels his face begin to heat up.
'Don't be a creep, Fenton!' He admonishes himself.
"So, you're gonna head back to the GZ?" He asks, looking at the nearby fountain.
"Yeah, probably. Once I told Kitty that I was coming to Amity to meet with you, she went crazy asking for details and all that. I told her that we were just planning the concert, but she's still probably gonna go nuts if I don't head back soon." She says.
"Yeah, I get that." Danny nods, a chuckle escaping him. "That girl sure does love her gossip."
"Tell me about it." Ember mutters, walking to stand next to him.
He looks down at her, he can tell by the look on her face that she wants to say something, but is hesitant to do so. "Something on your mind, rockstar?"
She stiffens momentarily before letting out a breath. "Just… Thanks for today." She says. "Aside from what happened at the Nasty Burger, this is the most fun I've had in a while. Outside of kicking your sorry ass anyway."
Danny laughs at the jab. "I may have gotten my ass kicked, but I remember not being the one stuffed in a thermos at the end of those fights."
Ember laughs alongside him, her shoulders shaking gently at the action. "Whatever, babypop. I'll see you tomorrow?" She asks, a hopeful look in her eyes.
"Tomorrow?" Danny asks, momentarily stunned. Not seeing the disappointed look on her face at his words.
He smiles as he regains his bearings, 'She wants to hang out again!'
"Sure, I'd like that." He finally answers. "You wanna meet here around the same time?"
The look of disappointment vanishes and Ember's smile is radiant, her hair's flickering increasing ever so slightly. "Sure." She says, coolly. Trying not to show her excitement, she holds out a fist to him. He bumps it with his own, and the rocker as she boards her guitar once more. He sends her one last wave as her form fades into the distance.
He takes a seat once more on a nearby bench. His mind focused on the events of the day. He can't help but allow a smile to grace his features as he thinks back to his time with Ember. Surprisingly he finds himself agreeing with her last statement. He had to admit as well that today was the most fun he himself had experienced in a long time, and it was all because of her.
Just as he was preparing to leave, blue vapor escapes his mouth once again. 'Of course. It wouldn't be my life if a good day didn't end on a bad note.'
He jumps to his feet, instinctively transforming back into his ghostly persona.
"What are you doing here, child?" A voice asks from the nearby fountain.
Ending A/N: See my opening A/N about my comments on how long it takes me to write these chapters. Lemme tell ya, the time FLIES. Anyway, I once again leave you on a cliffhanger. Do you have any guesses on who exactly the ghost could be? I'll give you a hint: What is a common action people do at fountains?
Anyhow, I hope you've enjoyed this chapter and thank you once again for reading! I hope you guys/gals have a wonderful day! -DraconicAnarkhy
P.S. My brain hurts...