Danny Phantom Porn Story: His and Hers Chapter 21

Clueless
Sam

He was completely clueless. The class ringit was a nice idea. Kind of awesome, actually, in a sort of old-school way that was just so right. But what was he thinking, giving it to me to hold for him? Twice? It wasnt meant for me. It was never meant for me, never would be meant for me, and yet, there I was, holding his ring in my hand. I mean, seriously. Of all people in the world for him to ask to hold onto such a thing for him, he asked me? How is it possible that Danny could be so clueless?

But Im getting ahead of myself.

It didnt start with the ring. It started with an instant message with a girl. And not just any girl, either. Not someone shallow but ultimately harmless, like Paulina, but someone real. Really dangerous. Valerie was a ghost hunter, for cryin out loud. A ghost hunter who hated Danny Phantom. How could Danny possibly think dating her was good idea?

And the fact that he totally blew me off to take that instant message from her didnt exactly warm me to the concept, either.

The next morning, when Tucker and I saw him outside the school, he looked like he hadnt slept all night. Tucker noticed, too. Long night?

Of flirting with disaster? I couldnt help but add.

He rolled his eyes at me. You should really give her a chance, Sam. I know she wants to waste Danny Phantom, but did you know that shes a ninth-degree black belt? That her favorite fruit is kumquat, because its a funny word?

Kumquats? Was he kidding me with this? No, Danny. I didnt. Because I never really get past the waste Danny Phantom part!

He waved away my concerns with a huff of air. Shell figure out Danny Phantom is one of the good guys, and everything will be fine. Youll see. Just… give her a chance, okay?

Yeah, like that would happen. Undaunted, he brushed past me and Tucker and went inside, and we followed behind him. When we got to our lockers, Tuck and I stopped, but Danny kept going. I opened my locker quickly, shoving the books I didnt need inside and grabbing the ones I did need for the first couple of periods and cramming them into my backpack. On impulse, I also grabbed a pair of high-powered binoculars Id left in my locker from all those stake-outs wed done last week when Jazz was trying to help Danny with his ghost hunting and he was trying in vain to show her the ropes. Between Technuss attack at the mall a couple days ago, Valeries inexplicable attack at her own dads workplace while we were on a field trip, and Dannys even more inexplicable decision to get closer to her afterwards, I figured they might be handy to have around.

Backpack on my back and binoculars hand, I slammed my locker shut, then poked my head around the corner to see where Danny had gotten off toas if I didnt know.

Sure enough, he was in the next hallway, talking with her. Was there another girl with you? he was asking as Starr walked away from them, looking as disgusted as I felt. I hadnt noticed.

Oh, spare me.

Valerie was charmed, however. Pretty cheesy, Neil Armstrong. You got lunch plans?

Ill have to check my schedule, but I think Im open. The real question is, do you have dinner plans?

I turned to Tucker with an incredulous look. Is he nuts?

Tucker grinned, unconcerned. Aw, dont worry, Sam. This is the puppy love stuff. Hell come to his senses in no time. Just watch.

I looked down at the binoculars in my hands, then gave him a tight smile. Oh, I was planning to.

Their first date was to a greasy spoon at the end of town, the kind of place we never hung out at together because they didnt serve anything that wasnt cooked in lard. It was also the kind of place that would have made Paulina laugh in his face had he ever tried to take her there. Valerie herself wouldve turned up her nose and sniffed in disdain at such a diner six months ago. Her dads bankruptcy had changed her, though. While part of that change had been the whole burning grudge against Danny Phantom, whom she believed had caused all her woes, I had to admit that not all of the changes had been bad. As Tucker and I watched from a distance with my binoculars, I was surprised to see that she not only seemed okay with sharing a plate of greasy fries at a seedy diner, but that she seemed to be enjoying it. Especially when the power flickered off and a waiter brought candles to the table. It figured.

Their second date was a baseball game. They were sitting behind home plate, courtesy of Valeries dad and Axion labs. Tucker and I were sitting between first and second on the other side of the stadium. She seemed to be enjoying that, as well, especially when, of all things, they were the winning seats for two tickets to a carnival that had just come to town. Id almost missed the announcement because Tucker was making a racket fidgeting with his PDA, but when I looked up from chewing him out, there were Dannys and Valeries faces on the giant scoreboard. With a heart around them.

The carnival was their third date, and Tucker and I watched from a hill overlooking the fairgrounds. Again, a fairly cheap date, especially given the free tickets, but Valerie seemed completely happy. Not a sign of the stuck-up A-Lister she used to be, nor the angry ghost-hunter she still was. Just she and Danny, having what looked like a really good time. To top it all off, they were riding the ferris wheel when another freak power outage stalled it just as they were coming over the top.

Through the binoculars, I watched her rest her head on his shoulder. Oh, yeah, of course thats where the ferris wheel stops. Heh. Why wouldnt it? Another hiss of static in my ear aggravated me further, and I took down the binoculars to glare at Tucker as he shook his PDA. Can you turn that thing down?

He looked even more annoyed than I was. No! Ever since that fight with Technus, this thing goes static-y at the weirdest times. He held the PDA up to show me, not that I cared.

Until the static resolved into an image of Technuss face and the white noise turned into the sound of him laughing.

Tuckers eyes widened. Oh, no! He looked from the PDA to the fairgrounds. And now we know why. Its picking up Technus! Something in his new upgrade is making my PDA all wonky.

Pieces started fitting together. Like at the mall! And the lab! And the ferris wheel! I indicated the fairgrounds with a wave of my hand. Hes pushing Danny and Valerie together!

Id hoped Tucker would be as alarmed as I was, but instead, he started laughing.

I gave him a hard look. If youre done, we have to tell Danny.

You wanna tell Danny that Technus is playing matchmaker? How do you think hes gonna react to that?

Im thinking hell be a little concerned!

Tucker snorted and shook his head. Hes gonna laugh his ass off.

I hate it when Tuckers right. When we saw Danny before school the next morning and told him what wed discovered, he not only laughed, he laughed so hard he almost hurt himself.

Or, at least, I was gonna hurt him if he didnt stop soon. Are you done yet?

No. He fell back against a tree trunk and laughed a while longer before finally making an attempt to catch his breath. Okay, now Im done. He looked at me, the amusement still plain in his eyes. Youre telling me that Technus is trying to hook me up? Come on! Technus hates emotions!

And, hello! I rolled my eyes, resisting the urge to smack him. Hes using yours against you!

Tucker finally backed me up. Dimmed lights? Stalled ferris wheels? Do you think the universe wants you two to be together?

This stopped him as he considered his response. Well, maybe… but… I dont know… I might.

That hit me harder than I ever would have expected, so much so that I actually gasped. I dont know why it hit me so hard. Its not like it was big news. Hed been talking about nothing but Valerie for days, had taken her out three times, and was obviously completely smitten. But something about hearing him make such a simple declaration was like a punch to the gut. He wants to be with her, Sam. Not you.

It was another gaspthis one not mine, but coming from behind the bushes surrounding usthat cut through my inner turmoil, shoving it aside as I reflexively shifted into high alert. A furtive glance in the direction of the sound confirmed my suspicionsValerie was listening. How much did she hear? Does she know were talking about Technus? Does she even know who Technus is, and if so, does she wonder why I would think a ghost would take any interest in her and Danny…?

Tucker, oblivious to Valeries presence, was continuing the conversation with Danny. Uh… really? Because Tech

Uh, tech…nically… I cut him off before he could give away what we were really talking about, hoping that she hadnt heard any more than Dannys last statement. Fishing for something to say to both throw her off and end the discussion about Technus, I started rambling. Because… we just want you to be happy! If you like her, well just have to make space for her at our table.

I could feel my eye twitch at that last one, but Danny didnt seem to notice, instead accepting my sudden turnaround at face value. And speaking of Valerie, Im supposed to meet her before class.

As soon as he left, Valerie came out from behind the bush, looking at me with something like wonder in her eyes. Did you mean that?

Um… That was a good question. Did I mean that? Danny liked her. Really, honestly liked her. Not her looks or the idea of her, like his crush on Paulina. He liked her. And the way she was looking at me, waiting for my answer like it really mattered to her, made me realize how much she really liked him, too. Yeah, there was the whole hating Danny Phantom issueand that was huge, dont get me wrong. But Danny Fenton she truly, genuinely cared about, enough that she cared if his friends accepted her. This was no Paulina, using him for her own purposes. And it wasnt even the Valerie of six months ago, who thought we were all beneath her High Exaltedness. This was someone who liked Danny for who he was.

And she made him happy.

There was only one question left, then. What would I do with that? Would I continue to pine for someone I was never going to have, trailing after him with binoculars while he made a life with someone elseValerie or some other girl down the roadlike some pathetic stalker? Or would I let go and be his friend?

Id told him I just wanted him to be happy. Did I mean that, or was that just a hollow platitude from a jealous, possessive, lovelorn hanger-on?

Thats what Id sunk to the last few days. It wasnt fear for his safety from Valerie the Ghost Hunter that had motivated my spying on him, as real as that fear was. It was my fear of losing him to Valerie the pretty, intelligent, and interesting girl that had me lurking in the shadows with a pair of binoculars. And that was not the kind of person I wanted to be.

Uh… I tried to clear my throat of the huge lump that had formed there, forcing myself to smile at Valerie as I tried to keep my voice bright. Yeah. Sure. If Danny likes you, and you like Danny, then the least we can do is give you a chance.

I figured shed be pleased with that answer, but I never expected the response I got. She practically threw herself at me, enveloping me in a grateful hug so tight I could barely breathe. I muttered something under my breath about human contact crushing goth indifference as if, by merely invoking the word, I could begin to feel anything even approaching indifference about Danny being with someone who wasnt me. In truth, what I really felt was just… crushed.

When she finally let go so she could go look for Danny, I closed my eyes against the hollowness shed left in her wake, like shed just plucked something from inside of me and made off with it. Only when I felt Tuckers arm snake around my shoulders with a bracing squeeze did I open them, although I couldnt bring myself to look at him, keeping my eyes focused on my boots instead.

Im not sure how long we stood like that, neither of us speaking, but the whine of turbine engines from the other side of the school snapped me out of my self-pity and I now I did look up at Tucker. Was that?

It sounded like Valeries sled!

Another roar of jet engines, followed by shouting that sounded like Valeries voice confirmed it, and Tucker and I took off at a dead run toward the source of the commotion. We could hear more shoutingDanny this time, I thoughtand then the unmistakable sound of ecto-weapons firing. When we finally made it around to the front of the school, we stopped short, trying to make sense of the scene before us. As expected, there was Valerie on her sled, but instead of her gun trained on Danny Phantom, like wed assumed it would be, it was Danny Fenton standing in the crosshairs.

What the? What is she doing? Tucker got out while my mind flipped through options. Tucker had his backpack, which meant he probably had a Fenton Thermos, but Valerie was a human, so that wouldnt help. If he had any other weapons on him, though, then maybe

My train of thought was cut off when a milk carton hurtled in from across the street, hitting Valerie in the head and knocking her gun off-target. A small breath of relief escaped methen was quickly sucked back in when I saw who Dannys rescuer was.

Valerie.

But… she… wait. What? Tucker echoed my own confusion. If thats Valerie, then who…?

While the sled and its rider hovered over Danny, Valerie was standing in the street in her regular clothes, a tree branch in her hand and the most furious expression Id ever seen on her face. Which was saying something, since she wasnt exactly Miss Even Tempered. With a shrieking martial arts cry, she leaped at… whoever it was who had her suit and sled. Using the stick like a bo staff, she slammed it down on Suit Person, knocking herhimitoff the sled and the ecto-rifle from its hands. Then, sticking the landing like she was Mary Lou Retton, Valeries expression turned from anger to worry. Danny! Run!

Suit Person crashed to the ground at Dannys feet, dazed, but not down for the count. Danny looked up at Valerie, protesting, but she repeated her plea. Just run!

His jaw clenching in all-too-familiar determination, Dannys answer was more to himself than to Valerie. Oh, Im running. Running to get help! Then, turning on his heel, he fled past Tucker and me and ducked around the corner of the school, most likely to find a place to go ghost.

When we looked back toward Valerie and the suit, we saw them running at each other. This time, Valerie used the stick to vault herself feet-first towards her adversary. She caught him/her/it under the chin so hard we could hear the crack and, as he or she went flying backwards again, Valerie planted the stick back on the ground, flipping around it in another Olympics-level maneuver before landing nimbly on her feet.

I blinked, impressed in spite of myself. Whoa.

Tucker looked like his jaw was going to fall off the rest of his face. She is a ninth-degree black belt. Hed better not forget their anniversary.

Grimacing at the reminder that this incredibly lithe and skilled fighter was Dannys probably-soon-to-be girlfriend, I looked at Tuck. Do you have anything in your backpack we can use to help her? I dont care how good she is, shes not gonna hold out long against that suit and sled.

He shook his head. I got nothing but a Thermos. Unless thats a ghost He froze, and we stared at each other, before crying out in unison, Technus!

Not that knowing who was probably in the suit was much help. As soon as he got back to his feet, he had the ecto-rifle cocked and began shooting at Valerie who, even without her suit, managed to hold her own. She raced across the school yard, then jumped up onto one of the picnic tables, sliding across it to the opposite end. Her weight and momentum tipped it upwards, forming a shield between her and Technus as she landed on the other side. It was a good trick, but not nearly good enough. One blast of pink ectoplasm, and the top half of the table was gone, splintered into tiny chunks of wood, leaving Valerie only half a table to block Technuss attack. Another blast from the ecto-rifle took even more of it, then Valerie jumped up and over what was left, flinging something at her attacker.

What are those? I asked Tucker as whatever shed thrown stuck into the torso of the suit. Some kind of darts?

No, they look like… keys, he said, his voice full of admiration for her ability to turn anything at hand, from a milk carton to a stick to her house keys, into a weapon. I had to admit, I was just as impressed.

Valerie landed with a grunt. Great. Now Im doomed and I cant get into my house.

That was when Technus finally succeeded in nailing her with the ecto-rifle. A pink blast hit her square in the chest, knocking her backwards to land face down in the grass.

I pulled Tucker towards me by his shirt. Weve gotta help her! If that is Technus in there, then maybe the Thermos will work even through the suit. Reaching around behind him, I yanked open his backpack, searching for his Fenton Thermos.

Fortunately, I didnt need to test my theory, because Danny appeared, flying at the suit like a missile toward its target. He hit dead center, grabbing Technus around the waist and flying with him up and over the buildings across the street before shoving him into a clock tower a few blocks away. It was hard to see what was happening at that distance, but a flash of pink light indicated that Technus was firing back at Danny.

Meanwhile, Valeries sled, which had been lying, forgotten, on the sidewalk since Valerie first knocked Technus off of it, fired up its jets and roared off down the street, presumably to rescue its rider. There were more pink flashes, followed by some green onesDannys ghost rayand then the sled and rider flew back into view, glowing bright green and moving erratically. With a massive burst of smoke and green flame, the sleds jets exploded in the air right above us, sending huge chunks of metal to rain down on me, Tucker, and Valerie, forcing us to run for cover. Valerie dove behind a trash can by the schools front steps, and Tucker and I fled in opposite directions when the bulk of Valeries sled crashed down between us. I ended up on the other side of the steps from Valerie, and Tucker found cover across the street.

When it was safe to poke my head out and see what was going on, Technus and Danny were both on the ground, Danny on his feet, and Technus on his knees clambering for the ecto-rifle lying on the ground beside him. He successfully grabbed it and made it back to his feet, but before he could even bring it to bear, Danny let loose with one of the most massive blasts of ectoplasm Id ever seen from him. It hit the suits gun arm, taking it completely off, rifle and all. Another blast took out the suits left leg, and it toppled over onto the street with a loud crash.

Wheres Technus? I wondered. With the arm and leg missing, the suit looked more like a defective robot than a battle suit a person would wear. Thats when it hit me. Technus wasnt in the suit. He was controlling it, the way he controlled all technology. Even if I had managed to get the Fenton Thermos out of Tuckers backpack, it wouldnt have done any good. But if he wasnt in the suit, where was he?

Danny, using the empty, animated piece of equipment as an excuse to vent all his fury at what he had to recognize now was Technuss manipulations over him and Valerie, pulled back for another blow. His face a mask of rage, he sent another powerful blast of ectoplasm from his hands. Say good-bye, punk!

The final burst hit the suit in the chest, blowing a huge hole all the way through the middle of it. Over the noise from the battle, I could hear Valerie across the stairs from me, gasping as her suit fell to the ground once more, this time for good. Danny stood over it, a victorious smile on his face, but it was only there for a moment before, inexplicably, his expression turned to one of alarm and with a panicked cry, he flew straight up into the air.

The reason for his odd behavior became obvious a second or two later when the suit exploded in a cloud of pink ectoplasm and smoke, sending pieces of it flying in all directions and forcing me back into the cover of the stairs.

When I thought it would be safe to risk a look out again, Valerie was in the street, cradling the torso of her suit to her own chest. Danny landed near me, and she looked up at him, a sort of tired and sad look in her eyes. His own eyes widened in horror, and I frowned, trying to figure out what he was thinking, when the school bell rang.

Uh… I gotta go, he told Valerie, then flew off.

She watched him leave, a protective hand on her destroyed suit. He was trying to do that to me. That could have been me!

Thats when I finally understood what had just passed between her and Danny. She thought hed tried to kill her. Up until then, their battles had always been a sort of cat-and-mouse thing, exhilarating and maybe even fun for both of them, but Danny had never gone after her full-throttle, even in the beginning, back when he couldn’t stand her. I dont think she really realized until that moment just how powerful he could be when he was actually trying to do some damage. And if she hated him before, what would she think now that she believed he was capable of taking her out? Would this scare her into surrender?

Knowing Valerie, I kind of doubted it. More likely, shed up her training, go after him with more and more force until

I couldnt let myself finish that thought. The better Valerie gotand having seen how good she was without the suit, I had no doubt she could eventually become even more deadly than Id ever feared with itthe more dangerous to Danny shed become. And if she were dating Danny Fenton, spending a lot of time with him, how long before he would slip up and reveal his secret? And whennot if, but whenhe did, would her feelings for Danny Fenton override her hatred of Danny Phantom? Or would she be so angry at what I could only assume shed see as a betrayal that shed count Danny Fenton as her enemy, too. A vulnerable enemy. An enemy who wasnt just a ghost and therefore could be

I swallowed the lump of fear forming in my throat. What if I ran interference? Could I somehow convince her that Danny Phantom hadnt been out to hurt her, that hed known it wasnt her in that suit when hed taken it down? Would she believe me? Would she wonder how I could be so sure, and would that help her begin to put the pieces together?

Crawling out of my hiding place behind the stairs, I tried to think of what I could say to her, how I could help Danny, but I never got the chance. The battle and explosion had drawn attention, and people were starting to crowd around the school asking a lot of questions, and Tucker appeared at my side. Come on, he whispered, tugging at my arm. We need to go find Danny. Principal Ishyama is gonna be looking for him.

I frowned. Why would she be looking for Danny?

Tucker jerked his head toward Valerie, who was looking up at the door to the school. Following her gaze, my eyes widened as they lit upon what she was looking at. The security camera! It must have taped the whole battle!

And it started with that suit attacking Danny. Hes gonna need to think up a pretty good explanation for a robotic suit going after him like that.

Nodding, I let Tucker lead me away to go look for Danny and warn him. What to do about Valerie and what she thought of Danny Phantom would have to wait.

So, Technus mustve been behind the attack during the tour, Tucker theorized when the three of us met after school in Dannys bedroom to figure out what had happened. Which means hes probably trying to crack the code and get into the main computer in space! He threw up his arms for dramatic effect.

Which he can use to control every computer in the world, I finished. That would explain where he was, too. If he was trying to hack into the main computer, hed have to do it through the hub in Axion Labs.

Tucker cocked his head at me. You only know that because I told you that. He then turned to Danny, who was sitting silent on his bed, his chin in his hands. You okay?

Danny sighed. You shouldve seen Valeries face. Im sure she thinks I was trying to waste her.

Exactly what I was afraid of. I jumped up from my seat in a show of support. But you werent.

He gave me a morose look. It doesnt matter. If I wanna ask Valerie out, Im gonna have to never tell her Im Danny Phantom.

And there it was. An even more direct declaration of his intent. Whatever had happened today, whatever fallout there would be from Valerie now believing Danny Phantom had tried to kill her… none of that changed anything. He wanted to be with her, and that was that.

But first… He got up off the bed, that same determined look I saw that morning on his face. Were gonna get rid of that virus called Technus once and for all.

He marched straight toward the door of his room… and right into his father. Danny! Word on the street is, you got yourself a girlfriend!

Danny look horrified, and even the petty part of me that didnt want to make any of this easy for him winced in sympathy at the panic in his eyes as his dad nudged him with his elbow and grabbed him around the shoulders. Squeezing Danny to him, Mr. Fenton looked at me and Tucker. Uh… can you two leave so I can have a totally awkward father/son chat?

Sympathy only went so far. No way Tuck and I were gonna hang around for anything this brutal. Gone and gone, we said together, making our escape.

Once outside, Tuck and I headed towards his house where wed wait for Danny to call us as soon as he got free of his dad. If Technus is in the Megacomputer hub at Axion, I said as we walked, were not gonna be able to get in there with Danny to help him. But we can keep watch. Remember what happened the last time he had to sneak into Axion Labs.

When Tucker didnt answer, I realized he was no longer beside me. Turning around, I saw that he had stopped walking and was giving me a look I couldnt quite read. It wont last, you know.

Not if Danny can get him out of there quickly

He arched an eyebrow at me. Im not talking about Technus, and you know it. He took a step toward me, and put his hand on my shoulder. How do you think its gonna work if he has to completely shut her out of half his life? It cant. Eventually, one of them will get sick of it and itll be over.

Heartening words, but ultimately it didnt matter. We should try and help convince her Danny Phantom knew she wasnt in the suit. That hed never hurt her.

Tuckers eyes widened in surprise. Why?

Because its true. And because if she keeps up this vendetta against him while dating him at the same time, somethings gonna have to give.

Exactly my point!

I shook my head. That something will be Danny. Shes a smart girl, Tuck. Shell figure it out eventually, and… as much as I believe she really likes him, Im not so sure she likes him more than she hates Danny Phantom. I dont trust what she might do if she found out.

He considered this. Honestly? I think wed have better luck convincing Danny to give up on dating her than we would of convincing her to give up her grudge. Shes not exactly… flexible.

Thats why this whole thing worries me.

Wed only been at Tuckers about an hour when Danny showed up, ready to go after Technus. On our way to Axion Labs, he told us about the talk with his dad.

And thats where the ring came in.

He said I could give Valerie his old college class ring. How cool is that?

Tucker didnt think it was cool at all, but I did. Cheesy and old-fashioned, yes, but it seemed just right for Danny, who was pretty cheesy and a bit old-fashioned himself, especially for a kid with ghost powers and a basement full of high-tech, futuristic ghost-hunting inventions.

But it was also yet another nail in the coffin of any illusions I had about him ever giving me such a thing, and Id be lying if I said it didnt sting. As Tucker mocked him, he turned to me, probably looking for some support, but my face must have been an open wound, because he frowned at me as if trying to figure out what I was thinking, and I turned quickly away, mortified.

That was when he did something that completely floored me. After handing me a pair of Fenton Phones so that Tucker and I could keep in touch with him while he went in after Technus, he stopped, digging back into his pocket. Oh! And, uh… hold this.

And he handed me the ring. Me. The ring he was going to give another girl.

I blinked, totally taken off guard, and Tucker gaped after him as he headed off toward the lab. He really is clueless, isnt he?

Ignoring Tucker, I held up the ring for a closer look. It was gold with a green stoneodd, that, since Mr. Fenton graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and their school colors were red and white. But the green wasnt like an emerald or a normal school color. It was more like ectoplasm, so it actually seemed quite fitting, both for Mr. Fenton and Danny. It looked like it had something engraved inside the band, too, so I squinted to examine it more closely, figuring it was something about ghosts or maybe his name or even Mrs. Fentons name, since hed probably given it to her when theyd first started dating.

As it turns out, it was a name, but not Jack or Maddie like Id expected. The name engraved in the ring was Wes. Who the heck is Wes?

Now I was curious. If a ring were going to be engraved, shouldnt it be engraved with the name of the person it was meant for? But maybe Mr. Fenton had bought it used. He did seem a bit tight with a dollar at times, not that I had a good basis of comparison, considering the way my own parents threw money around like it was confetti at a Times Square ticker-tape parade. But since I could think of no other logical reason this particular name would be engraved inside a ring Danny was going to give to a girl, it was as good a theory as any.

Tucker didnt care about the engraving. He was still kind of dumbfounded that Danny would give it to me to hold for him until he could give it to the girl it was actually meant for. Seriously, hes like the King of Clueless. If we were gonna give him one of those radio code names, itd be Clueless One. He stopped, grinning. Hey, I like that. Hell be Clueless One, you can be Goth One, and Ill be Stud One.

I snorted. Stud One? Try Geek One. But Ill give you Goth One. And Clueless One is right on the money.

He gave me an appraising look. You know, you really should tell him.

I turned away, refusing to dignify that with a response.

Im serious, Sam. He really is that clueless. No matter how obvious it is to pretty much everyone else on the planet, hes never ever gonna figure it out for himself. Youre gonna have to tell him.

I scowled. To what end? I wanted to ask him. To force Danny to say to my face what I already knew? That he liked Valerie, not me, and that wed never be more than just friends? To make everything awkward and weird for no reason? What would that accomplish? I wanted to ask, but that would have given Tucker the impression we were actually having this conversation, so I simply told him, Give it a rest, Tucker. And to forestall any further discussion on the subject, I clicked on the speaker on my Fenton Phone. Clueless One, this is Goth One. Over.

It was a minute before Danny answered. Goth One, this is Clueless One. He paused for a beat as the code name hit him. Why am I Clueless One?

Tell him! Tucker shouted, the microphone of his own Fenton Phone on just to make sure Danny didnt miss it.

Shut it! I growled, smacking him upside the head.

Fortunately for me, the topic changed abruptly when Danny apparently found the right lab. Im in, he reported to us. And from the looks of the computer, Technus is still in there.

A sound like a door slamming echoed through the Fenton Phones on Dannys end, and a familiar female voice cried out, You!

Oh, darn it, Danny replied.

Tucker and I exchanged looks as we heard Valeries dad shouting in the background. Get away from that!

I flipped off my microphone. Tuck, can you do anything to help him? Access the security system or something?

No! Tucker shook his PDA, frustrated. Technus is controlling the security system and everything else in the lab. I cant hack into anything!

We heard Danny try to explain that there was an evil ghost trying to get into the computer satellite, but clearly the Grays werent buying it, blaming Danny instead.

See why I need to hunt these ghosts?came Valeries voice over Dannys Fenton Phone. They think they can do whatever they want. But somebody has to stop them!

Im not sure exactly what happened at that point, but it definitely wasnt good. We could hear a lot of noise, like a weapon firing.

Tucker, do something! I cried out, panicking, but no matter how many buttons he pushed, his PDA was useless. We heard what sounded like Mr. Gray calling out Valeries name over the din, and a lot of crackling like electricity. Completely helpless, we waited for somethinganythingto give us a clue what was happening in there.

We got it when the roof of the building opened up, revealing an enormous satellite dish, which glowed white for a few seconds before shooting a green and blue blast of… something into the night sky.

Tuckers PDA hissed with that same static wed been hearing all week, and Tucker looked at the screen. Uh-oh. Babys got a headache.

A moment later, the static cleared, and we could hear Technuss mad cackling. Its over, child! You cant stop me now!

Well see about that! came Dannys voice in responsethe first thing hed said since all that noise had startedand Tucker and I breathed twin sighs of relief.

There was more noise over his Fenton Phone, this time sounding like rocket engines, and then we saw a streak of light coming out of the roof of the building and shooting up into the sky. Thats him! Tucker cried out, pointing. Hes using the X-23 Booster Rocket! Hes gonna

Screams of terror from Danny cut Tucker off, but then the screams became howls of delight. Hey! Im an astronaut!

I might have taken a moment to appreciate the fact that Danny was at that very moment fulfilling one of his lifelong dreams, but something black and red shot out of Axions roof and blew past us in a rush of wind, bringing Tuckers and my attention back down to Earth. My mouth dropped open in shock as I realized whator, rather, whoit was. Uh, Danny?

I looked at Tucker, and his eyes were as wide as mine. Shes not going to follow him, is she? That sled cant possibly have enough power to launch her into space! And that suit would never hold up in a vacuum!

I blinked as the streak of pink light flared in the distance. I dont know about that suit, but her sled seems to be doing just fine. I clicked on my microphone again. Danny, come in. Stay alert. You have company.

Company? What kind of company? A yelp of surprise indicated that hed found the answer all on his own.

I sighed, resigned. Its your girlfriend.

Shes not my girlfriend until I give her the ring.

Tucker rolled his eyes. What is this, 1955?

Ignoring Tuckers mocking, I kept my eyes on the night sky, but they were too far up for me to see anything, and either Dannys Fenton Phones had cut out or No. Theyd cut out. Looking back down at Tucker, I indicated his PDA with a nod of my head. Hows Baby doing? Can you get any indication of whats going on up there?

Tucker shook his head. Im still just getting Technus. He held it up to show me the static, and I could hear Technuss annoying laugh through the speakers.

An idea hit me. Well, as soon as Danny gets away from Valerie, hell take care of Technus, right? And then your PDA will be fine. Thats how well know.

The next few minutes were a lot like the end of the Apollo 13 movie, where the world waited out the radio silence to find out if the three astronauts had survived re-entry. I chewed on my lip, afraid to take my eyes off the static-y, hissing screen. After what seemed like hours, the laughter abruptly cut off, then the static on the screen cleared and Tuckers main menu reappeared. Tucker grinned. Looks like Danny got him.

I nodded, but my own smile of relief faded as my eyes looked skyward once more. Lets just hope Valerie doesnt get Danny.

A streak of red not long afterwards announced Valeries return to Earth and Axion Labs but, if anything, my fears ramped up a notch when there was no sign of Danny. Beside myself with panic, I was about to go into Axion Labs and find Valerie and shake her until she told me what had happened, battle suit and mad martial arts skills be damned, but my cell phone jingled the distinctive ring that Id assigned to Danny, and I answered it, gulping in air like Id been underwater for a week. Danny? Are you?

Im fine, he replied, but his voice was flat. Almost… defeated. I used the jet pack to blow up the satellite, then hitched an invisible ride back on Valeries sled and bugged out once we got close enough to the ground for me to fly under my own power. Im… Where am I, anyway? He paused. Okay, Im over by the park.

What happened? How did she?

Not now, kay? I just… Im tired. I need to go home and get some sleep. Ill fill you in before school tomorrow.

We got the full story about what had happened with Technusand with Valeriebefore school as promised, including the conversation he overheard between her and her dad about how she was even considering giving up ghost hunting. So it came as no surprise when he hit us with the rest after school. Did you bring my ring with you, by any chance, Sam? I… I kinda was hoping to give it to Valerie today.

Tucker blinked at him, but Id been waiting for it all day. If Valerie thinking Danny Phantom had tried to kill her in front of the school yesterday hadnt dissuaded him, I held no illusions that a little space battle would, especially in light of what hed overheard her tell her dad. In fact, Id spent all day gearing myself up for the inevitable, so when he asked for the ring, I was able to produce it and drop it into his hand with something bordering on acceptance. Here you go.

Tucker was still leery. You sure about this?

Well, she said shed give up ghost hunting. For me. He didnt miss it when Tucker and I exchanged skeptical glances, neither of us convinced it was really gonna happen that way, so he tried a more direct tact. Besides, I like her, and she likes me back. Isnt it supposed to be that simple?

As if. Tucker and I couldnt help but roll our eyes this time, saying together like wed rehearsed it, Clueless.

Danny never got a chance to reply, however, because Valerie chose that moment to show up. Coming up behind him, she put her hand on his shoulder. Danny?

He turned to face her, his pleasure at seeing her evident in his face. Wow. He laughed that sort of nervous laugh of his as he stood up to face her. I-Im glad youre here. I…wanted to ask you something.

Actually, me first.

That was our cue, I realized, but I couldnt quite get myself to move until well after Tucker had already left. Finally I managed to get to my feet and follow Tucker to where he was waitingand eavesdroppingbehind some nearby bushes.

Danny… Valerie began as I ducked in next to Tucker. Ive had a lot of fun these last few days, but… my lifes way too complicated right now for us to be anything other than… She paused again, looking down. Friends.

My eyes widened as I turned to Tucker. What was she doing? She liked him, I know she did, so why would she say she just wanted to be friends?

Danny, obviously, hadnt been expecting it either. Just friends? But… but… I thought…

I thought, too. But theres something important I have to do, and I dont want you to get hurt because of it.

I almost choked on the irony. Did she really just pull the sorriest superhero clich known to mankind, the I-must-remain-alone-to-protect-those-I-love bit… on Danny? Over a stupid grudge she has against his own alter-ego?

Even Tucker was speechless as he just shook his head in disbelief.

Valerie smiled at Danny, trying to smooth over the hurt with some false cheer. Besides, its not like you were gonna give me some lame class ring, right? And she kissed him on the cheek.

I decided on the spot I was going to kill her. I didnt care that she had no idea about the ring and how much she was twisting the knife shed already plunged into his heart. I didnt care that she could kick my ass into the next century even without that new suit of hers. I didnt even care that this meant all my worries were put to rest. Shed just hurt Danny, in the most painful way possible, and I was going to kill her. With my bare hands.

Only seeing Dannys reaction stopped me. He tried to blow it all off like he hadnt just planned to do exactly that, but as soon as she walked away, he opened his hand and looked down at the ring in his palm, and my heart broke for him, evaporating away whatever anger I was feeling towards her. What he needed was not a protector, as much as I wanted to be one for him.

He needed a friend.

I slipped out from behind the bushes as he went back to the able and sat down, cradling his head in his hands. I wanted to tell him I was sorry, which I truly was. Even the small, petty part of me that wanted to be happy they werent together could take no joy in anything that caused him pain. I wanted to tell him that he deserved better, which he did. I wanted to tell him that she would regret it, which I believed she would. She was going to look back and realize what she almost had and how shed thrown it away for a grudge, and she was going to be kicking herself harder than I ever could. I knew it would happen like I knew my own name because I knew better than anyone what shed willingly given up.

But as I walked up behind him and slipped my hand onto his shoulder, he looked up at me, and I didnt say any of that. The words were just too small to fill everything he was feeling and everything I was feeling for him. Instead, I gave him an encouraging smile, hoping my friendship was enough.

I think it was, because he held out his hand to me. Can you hang onto this?

It was his dads class ring.

I blinked at him. For the second time in as many days, he was giving me that damned ring. What was he thinking? Because as much as I tried to convince myself that Id been successful at hiding my feelings for him, I knew it wasnt true. A hundred times a day I caught myself looking at him or smiling at him or grinding my teeth over him. Surely he must have noticed something. Even Tucker had said that everyone on the planet knew I had a crush on him. Was he purposely trying to torture me? He couldnt possibly have missed what everyone else seemed to know, could he?

Yes, he could.

Softening my surprise into another smile, I held out my hand to my best friend and let him drop the ring into my waiting palm. It wasnt meant for me. It was never meant for me, never would be meant for me, but for Danny, my friend, I would hang onto it for as long as he wanted. Then, realizing he needed to be alone, I closed my fist around the ring for a moment, and couldnt help but smile and sigh at the irony that completely escaped him as I tossed it into the air and caught it once more. Clueless.