Author's Note: Hello everyone, and welcome to my first ever fanfic! I've been perusing the Danny Phantom archive for years, but I never had the guts to publish something myself until now.

I've always been a sucker for Daddy Danny stories and when I stumbled across Jet Engine's fanfic "Paternal Instinct", I was inspired.

What if Danny really did have a biological child who died very young?

Well, you're here reading, so I guess you're about to find out with me!

Disclaimer: I don't own Danny Phantom.

3rd Person POV - Current Day

It was a beautiful Sunday afternoon in Amity Park, the ghost capital of the world. The setting sun bathed the town in a golden glow, and puffy white clouds lazily drifted along with the warm spring breeze.

For once, there were no ghosts in sight. There were no explosions wracking the ground or ectoplasmic green blasts colliding with buildings (or the local ghostly hero - Danny Phantom). No screams pierced the air. The only sounds carried by the wind were the normal, everyday noises of traffic, playing children, and singing birds.

Naturally, the aforementioned Danny Phantom was taking advantage of the calm atmosphere. He floated on his back amidst the clouds, hundreds of feet above even the tallest skyscrapers. He had a lot to ponder, after all, and what better time than the present?

It'd been a trying few years. Hell, even the last week was hectic enough to have most people pulling out their hair. But Phantom was smiling from ear to ear.

They knew. They finally knew everything. His ghost-hunting parents knew... and they accepted him! He was the half-ghost hero of Amity Park, Fenton and Phantom, and a single father to his undead, infant son, Eli.

In fact, "Nana Maddie" and "Papa Jack" were babysitting Eli right now.

'Wow, I didn't think I'd ever be able to say that,' Danny thought.

He reflected back on the day everything started coming to light; then the day his parents first met Eli.

Danny's POV - One Week Prior

I had just retrieved my infant son from my lair and stood in the middle of my bedroom. This was it, my parents were finally going to meet him - Eli, my reason for living, my little boy.

My feet felt like iron weights rooted to the floor. Could I really do this? These next few minutes could change everything. If my parents truly accepted their ghostly grandson... could they grow to accept their ghostly son? Their son, who they unknowingly blame for stealing and for kidnapping the mayor?

Even if my parents welcomed Eli with open arms, could I really tell them who I am? Accepting a completely innocent child who had the misfortune of dying far too young is an entirely different situation than accepting a half-ghost abomination known for causing trouble. A freak wh-

"Bbrrrrrrrr."

Eli's babbles and coos broke me from my thoughts.

I looked down at the tiny bundle cradled in my arms. Bright, ectoplasmic green eyes peered back, swirling with curiosity, joy and, ironically, life. Eli's tiny, chubby fingers reached up to try and grasp at my wispy, jet black hair. I presume it fascinates him, being entirely different from the spark of red flame atop his own head.

"I know, bud," I breathed, "I've gotta stop worrying and just go down there."

He tilted his head in response, clearly not understanding, but that was all the reassurance I needed.

I took a deep breath to steel my resolve and opened my bedroom door, walking down the stairs and into the unknown.

3rd Person POV - Current Day

They'd loved him. Danny's parents were immediately head over heels for the little spectre. Sure, their eyes went a little wide when Eli sneezed himself right up through the ceiling, but they loved him all the same.

Their joyous faces were forever engraved in Danny's memory. They'd laughed and played with Eli for hours, and in that moment, he decided he'd tell them about his own ghostly identity. At the time he still wasn't sure when he'd do it, but he knew that he would.

And now, here he was. All of his secrets were laid bare and he couldn't be happier.

The road had been paved with hardship and despair, but Danny couldn't - no, wouldn't imagine a life without Eli.

And to think, his life would have been completely different if it wasn't for that fateful day he met her. The love of his life, Mira...

So... what do you think? Are any of you intrigued?

I wouldn't call myself a good writer, but I'm actually quite happy with how this first chapter came out! I can't promise an update super soon. I'd rather take my time and write something enjoyable to read rather than rush through the story, but I promise I'm working on chapter 2!

If you like it so far, please make sure to favorite, follow, and leave a review!