Green Eyes

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Public Image, Private Friction

Valerie Gray had never hated camera flashes until tonight.

Snap. Flash. Smile. Repeat. Her cheekbones were starting to cramp from how hard she'd been smiling, and she could barely hear herself think over the shutter clicks and murmurs from the crowd.

She posed—one hand on her hip, the other looped through Danny's arm. He looked casual, cool. Danny always looked cool at these things, even when his bowtie was slightly crooked and his hair had the chaos of someone who got ready in five minutes.

Valerie? She looked stunning. At least, that's what the stylist had said.

Pink satin, diamonds, hair pulled into a glossy twist. But standing next to Danny, Tucker, and Sam in the city's latest charity gala, she felt less like a girlfriend and more like a very glamorous fourth wheel.

"Val," Danny said quietly, turning toward her as another round of flashes went off. "You okay?"

She nodded, smile frozen. "Camera's to your left. Don't blink."

Danny squeezed her waist gently, then stepped forward as the trio was called for another photo. Valerie hovered a beat behind, pretending to check her phone. She knew how this would go. Danny, Sam, and Tucker had been Amity Park's golden ghost-fighting trio since high school. She had joined the team later, and even now, with her own reputation and high-tech arsenal, she always felt like an add-on to the headline.

"Danny Fenton, Sam Manson, and Mayor Foley… the heart of Amity Park," a reporter cooed nearby. Valerie rolled her eyes.

Danny eventually pulled her back in for a group photo. He wrapped his arms around all three of them, pulling Valerie into the frame between him and Sam. The camera snapped as their smiles froze mid-pose. Sam didn't exactly flinch, but she stiffened slightly when Danny tugged Valerie closer.

Inside the banquet hall, everything glittered. Velvet chairs. Gold-dipped silverware. Oversized crystal chandeliers. Valerie slid into her assigned seat next to Danny, across from Tucker and Sam. A waiter topped off their glasses with champagne.

"Ooh, this one's mine," Sam said with a smirk. "From my Tuscany vineyard. Try it. It has notes of elderflower and victory."

Valerie took a sip. It was good. Damn it.

Conversation buzzed around the table. Danny launched into a story about the Box Ghost breaking into an Amazon warehouse, complete with dramatic hand gestures and perfectly timed punchlines. Everyone laughed. Valerie offered a tight chuckle and stabbed her salad.

She wasn't jealous. She wasn't. Just… tired. Of being looked over. Of being cropped out of photos. Of being the one holding Danny's arm while the media whispered about Sam.

When the awards portion began, Valerie leaned into Danny's shoulder as Sam was called onstage. Danny kissed her forehead. Warm. Reassuring. Real. But when the speech ended with Sam calling Danny her "best friend and the city's guardian," Valerie clapped with the rest and felt like a prop.

Later, during a quiet lull in the music, she whispered, "Did you water your aloe plant this morning?"

Danny's face dropped. "Crap. I forgot again."

She smiled. "It'll survive. Maybe."

"Can I come over?" he asked, nudging her side. "Your Hulu has no ads."

"What did we say about freeloading?"

"That it's only a problem if I start raiding your fridge, too?"

"Danny."

"Please? Just one episode. Two, max."

Valerie rolled her eyes, but her smile returned for real this time. "Fine. But you're making the popcorn."

The night wound down. Photos were taken, speeches given, and applause served in waves. Sam's acceptance speech for her environmental work made headlines before the event was even over.

Valerie stood at Danny's side, hand in his, watching the cameras catch his profile as Sam leaned in for a photo-op. Danny smiled, but his eyes drifted to Valerie's more than once. He wasn't unaware. Just unsure how to fix it.

Later, when the lights dimmed and coats were gathered, Danny offered her his arm again. "Ready to blow this popsicle stand?"

She took it. "You better fly us out. I am not ruining these heels."

Outside, wind tousled their hair as they lifted into the sky. Valerie nestled closer into his side as they soared, champagne warmth fading into a pleasant buzz.

The city sparkled below. But it was Danny's quiet, low laugh that she focused on. "You looked beautiful tonight."

"You did okay," she teased.

He grinned. "I'm serious. You were the best part of this whole night."

Valerie rested her head on his shoulder. "You just want my Hulu password."

Danny laughed. He didn't deny it.

But as they flew off toward her apartment, a few camera lenses below still lingered on the sky—capturing one last frame.

Without her in it.

They landed softly on Valerie's balcony. He helped her out of her heels, and they both laughed as she nearly tripped over one of her potted plants.

Inside, the mood shifted. The city noise faded. Her apartment glowed with soft amber light from a few candles she'd forgotten she left burning. Danny slipped off his jacket, then helped her with her necklace, his fingers brushing the back of her neck in that slow, familiar way.

She turned to face him. His tie was already loose. His eyes searched hers, quietly asking.

Valerie nodded.

His lips met hers, gentle at first, then deeper, warmer. She sighed into the kiss as his hands traced her waist, pulling her closer. Her hands slid up to his shoulders, then into his hair.

They stumbled toward her bedroom, laughing softly between kisses. It wasn't rushed, or frantic. It was slow and sure, a release of tension, a rediscovery.

Clothes fell away. Her dress slid off like liquid. His shirt joined it in a heap.

The sheets were cool. His skin was warm. They moved together like they knew the rhythm by heart.

Later, tangled in the soft aftermath, he brushed a curl from her cheek and whispered, "Still thinking about that Hulu password."

She laughed, curling into him. "We'll talk about it in the morning."

Outside, the city buzzed. But inside, they finally rested.