AS YOU CAN SEE! I AM NOT DEAD!

Lmao, yo everyone, Ace here. Back with another story, for my followers, I know right? Been damn near 3,000 years since the last time I uploaded/posted anything here. I haven't stopped writing, for those wondering. I've just been on my AO3 as opposed to here. NSFW content got me by the throat, more than you think.

Anyhoo, I'm here, this time with a Danny Phantom One-shot, if you can believe it. Something I've worked on for quite a while when I had been on my DP binge years back and had wanted to indulge in my Rare Pair of DannyxPaulina. Personally, I've always liked Paulina's character. Yeah, she was the typical bully and, to a lesser extent, bitchy character, but there was something about her character that made her stand out to me.

So, I decided to write a story centered around her, putting her in a different light and different mentality, along with a few other changes that you'll just have to read for yourself.

-X-

Contrary to popular belief, Paulina wasn't as shallow or heartless as most people loved to perceive her most of the time. Having grown up in a poor family that worked hard to get to where it was in terms of their current lifestyle, Paulina was no stranger to labor nor to the concept of hard work. Rather, she has a deep appreciation for it, as it reminds her of where she came from. Unfortunately for her, however, as much as she wanted to embrace living a modest lifestyle, many variables prevented her from enjoying even the simplest of things.

Here's the funny thing about money. Once you start to have enough of it and people start to notice what you have, the circle of friends you find yourself in starts to shift, unwillingly one could add. There, people expect you to hang around certain friends, act a certain way, and maintain a certain status. Basically, becoming something that you're not, in the eyes of some people. Failure to do so would result in you being treated like a social outcast and pariah. If it wasn't for peer pressure being a huge bitch, Paulina would've happily embraced the life of being the odd socialite out, more so if it meant no longer having to deal with Dash and his merry band of idiots… well okay, that's not entirely true, Valerie and Star at times were cool. But she was getting off track here.

The point was that Paulina hated her life as a popular student. She admittedly liked the attention at first but was quick to realize that her adoring 'Fans' were nothing more than drones who only liked her for her looks and beauty. They never bothered to look past that to get to know the real her. Some tried, and she would give them that. But they were either too intimidated by her presence or just had some other agenda in trying to get close to her. It didn't help that her family -Mainly her Papa- constantly spoiled her as well. And while she knew they only meant well, wanting to give her the life they couldn't have when they were younger, it only served to add fuel to the fire that was the life that she didn't want. This was why she had been more than surprised when the chance opportunity to have a normal life -quite literally- stumbled itself right before her.

Okay, she would admit, the first time she saw Fenton, she didn't have much of an opinion regarding him. But then again, what with how many boys had tried to approach her after working past being intimidated, all of them were a dime a dozen at that stage in her life. He DID leave an impact however when he had the world's worst luck at that moment and his pants decided to drop, showing off his boxers in front of her and everyone else. Though, she'd be lying if she said that didn't get a smile and genuine laugh out of her the way it did. Unfortunately, the mood soured when Fenton's friend, Samantha, appeared to drag him away, offering words of comfort while flinging a not-so-subtle jab at her.

Shallow?!

Okay, being perceived as a snobby girl by many was one thing; she could, unfortunately, live with that. But she'd be damned if she'd let some hypocritical puta call her shallow! Then again, she shouldn't have been surprised it came from Sam of all people. That girl was quick to judge someone faster than Dash would shove a nerd into a locker. So it was hilariously ironic how she seemed to hate the idea of being judged herself whenever someone did the same to her. And label her with a title she felt was not deserved. But hey, Rules for Thee, not for Me, she supposed. Still, she'd show her; if she thought this was gonna put her down, she had another thing coming.

-x-

She confesses, that maybe her move with Danny the following day might've been a little messed up, and likely done out of spite, she would admit that now. But truthfully, she DID want to give Fenton- Danny, a chance. He seemed nice enough and from what she could tell, was a lot different from the usual guys, and Dash, that tried to hit on her.

Unfortunately, before she could get a word in, Dash (as usual) had to make himself known to her. Dios Mío could he be any more annoying?!

Then all of a sudden, as if he had been possessed or something, he started acting weirdly and talking about some disgusting facts about how he cleaned his mother's feet every night. Which was oddly sweet and admirable, if he wasn't trying to do the same thing with her in the MIDDLE OF THE DAMN HALLWAY!

Thankfully he walked off, leaving Paulina to, once again, try her luck with Danny as she freed him from his locker. She was about to ask if he was alright as she watched him tumble out of the locker when she noticed something fall out from his backpack. It was the most beautiful necklace she had ever seen in her life. Other jewelry, even those from her Mama's personal collection, couldn't compare to what felt like some otherworldly charm that the amulet possessed. She was about to ask where Danny had acquired something like this, only to be stunned when Danny -in a fit of cute uncontrolled stutters- told her that he had gotten it for her. Normally Paulina considered it a faux pas on the guy's part to get a gift of this luxurious caliber, all in an attempt to woo her. But after taking another look and seeing how dazzling the gem looked, she admitted that she couldn't resist and accepted the item, along with Danny's invitation to go to the school dance with him.

Fenton was honestly proving himself and maybe, just maybe, she might be willing to give this another chance.

The night the dance came about and truth be told Paulina actually felt excited to go. She made sure to go all out for Danny, even wearing the wonderful amulet that he had gotten for her. Maybe it had been her optimism speaking for her, but she hoped that by the end of the night, Fenton would get the chance to know a little bit more about her and she would about him. Who knows? The night was young after all.

When she heard the doorbell ring, her excitement grew, which quickly turned to panic when she realized that her father reached the door before she could. Oh no, she could hear him giving Danny the shovel talk. Luckily she was finished getting ready and made it to the door to rescue her date from the impending wrath of her father. And judging from the grateful look Danny shot her when her father wasn't looking, it was a good thing she did. Hopefully, Papa would come around to the idea of her bringing a boy home and showing them that not all of them are bad at the end of the day.

The walk to the dance had been rather quiet, something that she had come to expect. Even if she tried not to, she always did have that aura of intimidation toward those around her that wasn't an A-Lister popular kid. A trait that she never truly enjoyed having personally. Whether it was someone attempting to ask her out on a date or even just wanting to talk to her normally. Paulina practically lost count of how many times she had dealt with a guy tripping over himself and being reduced to a stuttering mess. Or on the flip side, a girl trying to butter her up with praises and compliments, hoping to move up the social ladder. So she wasn't surprised when Danny decided to keep quiet and just escort her in silence.

That's what she thought at first.

However, to her surprise, he actually made the effort to talk to her. Sure, he was a bit of a stuttering mess at first, but he was still making a solid effort. Once more, she wasn't surprised when he asked her why exactly she agreed to go out with him to the dance. According to him, he had fully expected her to reject him, even after giving her this wonderful necklace. And she supposed that was a valid point, after all, he wasn't the first guy to give her a gift in hopes of going out with her. There had been many other guys who had the same line of thinking as he did.

"Well, I can't really say what made me say yes. I guess, if I had to say, there's just something different about you, is all."

That much at the very least, was true. Fenton did have an odd aura about him, even though he looked like your dime-a-dozen average teen. Plus he was admittedly kinda cute when you got to look at him a little bit better.

Regardless of her answer, Fenton seemed to have taken it in a positive light. Allowing a tiny restrained smile to grace his lips at what he felt was the closest thing to a compliment. Paulina had a small smile as well. Oh yeah, she was definitely starting to enjoy Fenton's… no. she was starting to enjoy Danny's presence more and more.

Maybe this dance wouldn't be so bad after all.

-X-

Or… maybe it would. Because of course life could never give her anything without some shit happening.

The evening started out decently enough. Despite the stares/glares she and Danny received when they arrived at the dance. No doubt due to the sight of the most popular A-Lister of Casper High, walking arm in arms with one of the resident geeks of the school. They were able to enjoy themselves and have a good time. However, she did have to deal with Danny dipping away from her a few times. She quickly understood when he came back and explained that it was due to his parent's chaperoning, and didn't want them doing anything embarrassing.

Querido Dios en el cielo, could she relate to that? If there was one ultimate force in the world in terms of pure embarrassment; it was parents. She could give horror stories for months, of her mama and papa and all the things they used to do when she was younger. So she definitely didn't blame Danny for that.

No, what really soured her evening was when she had a run-in with Manson in the girl's restroom.

Paulina was going to be absolutely blunt. She NEVER liked Sam, and she was sure the feeling was mutual for the goth girl as well. Ever since they locked eyes, that Manson girl saw her as nothing but some bitchy popular girl who liked having guys eating out of the palm of her hand. Which was completely unfair seeing as A) She never did ANYTHING to her as far as she was aware. And B) She never even tried to get to KNOW her first, yet had the nerve to criticize her solely on her status.

Yet another reason why she hated being popular.

But what truly vexed her, was the fact that she somewhat envied her. She knew about Sam's secret, about how her family was secretly rich. A fact that was made known due to her Mama and Sam's Mama knowing and being friends with one another. But unlike her own family, Sam's folks managed to keep their wealth under wraps, allowing Sam to live her life of anonymity in school. Paulina couldn't begin to tell you how lucky the goth girl had it. If she could, she'd do anything to swap places with Sam in a heartbeat. It wasn't as if she WANTED to be popular in the first place.

But noo, here came this edgy grass-munching bitch, walking around on her high horse as if she knew everything. God, she pissed her off so much. How dare she act like she was better than her when she was in the same class as her?! She just has the luxury of people not knowing about her wealth! Something that would change a lot of people's tunes if it ever came to light. A secret she was VERY tempted to spill tomorrow morning.

The reason for her interaction was because apparently, she was trying to get at the amulet that Danny had given her the other day. Claiming that it was actually her grandmother's and Danny had accidentally gotten his hands on it by mistake. Pfft, please, she knew a lie when she heard one. And Manson was definitely talking out of her ass. She didn't know why Sam wanted her necklace but she had no intentions of giving it back. If Danny really didn't mean to give this to her, let him tell her that.

Of course, Sam was refusing to back down, and before she knew it, the two of them found themselves arguing in the middle of the girl's restroom. It had been a long time coming, as all of Paulina's frustration and animosity toward the goth came out in full force. Speaking her mind and saying what she truly thought and felt about the arrogant teen. She knew she shouldn't have allowed Sam to get under her skin, but by that point, she was done with her nonsense. However, the next words… made her snap.

"You think you actually care about Danny?! I bet you only came to this stupid dance because you wanted to get back at me, for the other day! That's why! So when the dance is over, you'll just dump him and move on to the next pathetic sap that falls for your charms. Like the shallow little whore that you are!"

Paulina swore she saw red the instant she heard that. Never before had she been so angry that she wanted to just rip someone's head off. What was worse about her saying all of this, was the fact that a part of Sam said was right. Even though she had thoroughly been enjoying Danny's time here, it still didn't change the fact that she used him to spite Sam—something she regretted and was planning to apologize to Danny for.

But to act like she was just gonna toss him away like trash?! This… This little…!

Paulina didn't know what she did next, all she knew was that she apparently got so mad. She blacked out.

-x-

"...lina… Pau… ina…."

"H-Huh…? What?"

The first thing Paulina registered was a sharp pain pounding against her head as if someone was beating it like a drum. The second thing was not only Danny here, but also, for whatever reason, the two of them were outside on the Casper High football field. What happened that they ended up all the way out here?

"Are you alright?" The Latina looked up at the concerned expression on Danny's face and sighed.

"I'm fine, I have a splitting headache though…" She groaned with a hand to her head as she was helped up to her feet, "Thanks."

"No prob."

There had been a bit of awkward silence between the two of them. Danny shuffled his feet about, looking around until Paulina decided to break the silence.

"Danny, I want you to be honest with me," The boy flinched and looked at her, "Did you really get this amulet for me?"

Paulina saw his expression as if he had been expecting this question, yet hoping she wouldn't ask him. And after a minute of internal debating, he finally came clean with a sigh, "Sorry Paulina," He started. "I… knew it wasn't really mine, but… I saw how happy you looked. So I figured, maybe I could use this little white lie to like maybe ask you to the dance or something."

"I see." Paulina did admit that she felt a little hurt knowing the truth now. But, surprisingly, not as much as she thought it would. With a small laugh, she took it off, "Well, it's not like I'm innocent either." She said as she handed the unknowing ghost jewelry back to Danny.

The halfa blinked in confusion, "Wait, what do you mean?"

"I'll admit," She tucked some hair behind her ear. "A part of me accepted your offer to the dance because I wanted to get back at that gothic puta, Sam."

"Oh." Paulina felt her heart clench at the slightly hurt and disappointed tone that Danny had. God, it was like she kicked a puppy just now.

"But!" Danny's head snapped up in attention, "Another part of me actually wanted to give this- you, a chance."

The Ghost boy looked stunned, "Wait. Really?!"

"Mhm~" She ran a hand through her hair. "Honestly, while you didn't really leave much of an impression at first. I still had to give you props for trying to ask me out. Plus, I did get a bit of a genuine laugh from your pants falling down." She finished with another giggle, making Danny blush while rubbing the back of his neck.

"Yeah, let's… not talk about that," He mumbled.

"But in all seriousness," She smiled warmly at him, "I… wasn't sure what I expecting tonight. But in the short time that we've been together. I realize you're not as bad as I imagined. Even better actually."

"Yeah, I feel the same," He said, smiling at her. "To be honest, I was so nervous about making sure you had a good time. I wasn't sure if you were gonna find the whole thing boring and leave halfway through."

"I guess we were both presumptuous tonight."

The two teens shared a small laugh, finding the air clearing between them beginning to do them some good as they looked towards the school's gymnasium. Where they could hear the music still playing, indicating that the dance was still going on for a little while longer.

"So… I guess this dance is pretty much over and done with, huh?" Danny spoke whilst shoving the amulet into his pocket. "Unless you wanna go back in there for one final dance?"

Paulina snorted out a small laugh, "Are you kidding?" She folded her arms and grinned at him, "After everything that happened tonight. I think I've had my fill of this dance. Besides, I could go for some comfort food," She jabbed her thumb in a random direction. "Wanna hit up the Nasty Burger?"

"Wait, YOU like eating at the Nasty Burger?" Asked an astonished Danny.

She raised an incredulous brow, "Are you kidding? It's like one of my favorite fast food joints to eat at," She told him. "I just try not to eat there so often because it'll absolutely ruin my figure. But right now, honestly, I'd kill for a Double Bacon Cheeseburger-"

"Large Fries with a Chocolate Shake." The two finished in unison before looking at each other surprised. Paulina blinked a few times before smiling softly at him.

"You know, Fenton," She wrapped her arms around his. "I think this might work out after all."

Danny had a slight smile on his face and nodded as the two walked off; Leaving behind the school dance as they looked to end their evening on a much better note.

-X-

And that's pretty much how my first 'date' with Danny ended. May not have been the most ideal. But I found myself enjoying our time in that joint more than anywhere else.

'Cause, the best part about it? I actually got to be myself for once.

Not Paulina Sanchez: The Popular A-List Teen.

Just Paulina: The regular, sometimes goofy, Latin American teen.

But you know, that night… it made me realize something.

I don't HAVE to stick to the status quo, I don't have to see myself as an A-Lister.

I'll just be me. And if people take issue with that, then let them. I never wanted to be seen as popular anyway. They could say what they want, and think whatever they want. But I'm not gonna let them stop me from doing whatever "I" want.

Dash, Kwan, and the others might take some issue with that as well. Ah, let them, I never cared about them anyway. Well… maybe Star and Valerie a little bit, but unless they fix their attitudes as well. They're setting themselves up for downfalls as well, God Forbid.

I'm definitely looking forward to spending more time with Danny, going forward. And who knows…?

-x-

"I might end up learning more things about him than I expected."

A pair of wide teal-colored eyes stared into shocked glowing green as two white rings disappeared. A brief gust of wind blew past the two sole parties standing all alone in an alleyway late one evening.

"P-Paulina I…- this is…"

"Danny… you're… you're a ghost?!"

END

And with that, we've come to a close. Nice to see I still got it when it comes to writing SFW. I very much like how this came out, but the real question is, what do y'all think of it?

Now, there's a possible chance that this story could have a part two in the future. But whether it'll be another one-shot or a full story, remains to be seen. But for now, I hope this was to my fellow DP fans satisfaction.

As always, thank you so much for reading, I hope you enjoyed it. And if you did, then please be kind enough to leave a Fave, Follow, and/or Review. And be sure to check out my other works and give them your support as well.

See you next time ^_^