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Love and War

“…So now you’re pretending to be a guy to hide from your parents?” Tucker clarified.

“Pretty much,” I admitted, sighing.

“…This is so messed up…”

I had to agree with that one, glancing down at my boy-ified reflection. After Tucker had passed out, I pulled him into the room and laid him on the couch before rushing back to the bathroom to correct my mistake. When Tucker woke up ten minutes later, I tried to convince him he’s been dreaming, but didn’t have any luck, so was forced to come clean about everything.

“Wait, do you have anything to do with the other Sam?” Tucker asked suspiciously.

…Well, almost everything.

“Other Sam?” I asked with a nervous laugh, “What other Sam?”

“The one Danny took to the masquerade.” Tucker said dryly, suspicion making his eyes narrow. “I thought it was weird how you two kinda looked alike!”

“You noticed?” I said, my eyebrow kicking up. After all, Danny hadn’t…

“Well, actually Liz did,” Tucker admitted, “She pointed it out, and Valerie and I saw it when we really started looking.”

“Was Danny there?” I asked anxiously.

“It was after he went off looking for you.” Tucker said, “So it is you then!” Tucker’s triumphant grin faded into a confused look. “Wait, I don’t get it, why would you…?” I blushed, sensing where Tucker was going with the question.

“Well, I’ve gotten to know Danny since I moved in here.” I said, not meeting Tucker’s eyes, “And… well… I guess I kinda like him. A lot.” Tucker gaped at me for a moment before he started laughing hysterically.

“Oh, man!” Tucker laughed, “This is too good to be true! You and Danny really are perfect for one another!” I felt my face fill with color at that.

“Tucker!” I growled, “Not so loud! You’re going to get me into trouble!”

“S-sorry…” Tucker snickered, “it’s just… Oh, man!”

“Uh…” I shook my head in disgust. Though a part of me was actually glad that unlike Jazz, Tucker accepted my feelings for Danny, and even supported them. More then a little curious, I had to ask; “What makes you say that, anyways?”

“You’re both really uncomfortable talking about your feelings for one.” Tucker said, “And I know for a fact that Danny’s completely gaga over you…”

“Really?” I asked, smiling slightly and blushing, happy to hear this bit of news “He said that?”

“Well, he didn’t say those words exactly,” Tucker admitted, “But he does talk about you all the time, whether I wanna hear it or not. He says you’re the coolest girl he’s ever met.”

“He said that?” I said, smiling brightly at Tucker, “Really?”

“Yep,” Tucker nodded, “Actually, he had a whole list of reasons he liked you. He says you’re pretty, nice, smart, fun…” I blushed,

“Why are you telling me this, anyways?” I asked.

“Retaliation,” Tucker responded, “He talked my ear off about you, so now I get to take revenge.” I laughed.

“You’re a cruel, cruel friend, Tuck,” I chuckled lightly.

“Hey, a guy’s gotta get revenge somehow!” Tucker said defensively, “And how else am I supposed to hold my own against a guy who fights gho-!” Tucker cut himself off, paling slightly, “…Going to his ultra rich guardian’s place! Vlad’s really persistent, you know…”

“I can imagine,” I said with a dry look. “There’s no reason to pretend anymore, Tucker, I’ve figured it all out.” Tucker gaped at me.

“You have?” He asked, shock clear in his voice. I was a little insulted. Did he really think I was blind or something?

“Well, it’s kind of obvious,” I said pointedly, “Especially if you live with the guy.” Tucker laughed nervously.

“Obvious?” He squeaked out, “What’s obvious?”

“Only that Danny’s a ghost hunter trying to capture Phantom,” I said with a slight glare.

“Look, I swear he wanted to tell you but… wait… WHAT?” Tucker’s jaw dropped and he stared at me as if I’d just sprouted a second head.

“What you didn’t think I could tell?” I sighed, “The late nights, the fighting skills, the ghost hunting equipment… and every time he disappears on me, Phantom shows up only a few seconds later!” I frowned at Tucker, “What’s the big deal, anyways? I mean, does Danny blame Phantom for his parent’s going missing or something?” I waited a few seconds for Tucker to answer, but his shocked expression never faded, and I was starting to get a little worried. “Uh, Tucker? Are you okay?”

“You…” Tucker said at last, his tone slow and his eyes wide, “You think Danny…”

“Don’t cover for him,” I said, annoyance working it’s way into my voice, “I mean, why else would the ghosts target him more then any other student? It can’t be just because of his parents, or else they’d be going after Jazz, too,” I crossed my arms, giving Tucker a pointed look. I wasn’t as stupid as they obviously thought I was… “Well? Are you going to answer me, or do I have to ask Danny when he gets home?” I was planning on questioning him anyways, but I wanted to hear Tucker’s version first.

“…You think Danny…?” Tucker said again, before he reacted in a way I never would’ve dreamed of.

He started to laugh.

It started out small chuckles, but soon he was rolling on the ground, rolling with laugher and crying as he gripped his ribs.

‘What the hell?’ I thought, confused. Either Tucker was a really good actor, or my guess was WAY off…

“You okay, Tucker?” I asked in concern, eyeing the guy warily.

“Hehe… D-Danny… Phantom… Hunter… HAHAHAHA!”

“…I’ll take that as a no,” I sighed glaring at the boy and blushing slightly.

‘Maybe I was wrong… maybe Danny was just a normal high school kid…’

‘Knock, knock, knock!’

“Sam are you in there? It’s an emergency!” I blinked in surprise as Megan’s voice floated through the door, and seeing that Tucker was still otherwise detained, I stood up and opened the door to see what she wanted.

And froze at the sight that greeted me.

Megan stood there, supporting a beaten and bloody Danny who seemed to lack the ability to meet my eyes.

“Danny?” I said, my eyes going wide. “What-?”

“Can we come in before you start quizzing him?” Megan asked irritably, “He’s kind of in bad shade here, you know.” I glared at her, my eyes narrowing as I turned back to my roommate.

‘And maybe Tucker just won a spot on American Idol,’ I thought dryly as I pursed my lips and opened the door wider to allow them to pass, ‘Something’s going on here, and Danny’s definitely the center of it!’

---

“Are you gonna stop glaring at me any time soon, Sam?” Megan asked as she shot me an annoyed look. “I wasn’t the one who did this, and I’m not leaving until I know he’s okay.”

‘Yeah, and his bank account number,’ I thought sourly. Out loud, though, I said nothing, my glare never relenting.

“I’ll call you with an update,” I told her, “You’re going to get into trouble if you miss curfew.”

“Tina’s got it covered.” Megan responded airily. “She was with me when we found Danny lying around half dead. She went back for help, but Danny said he didn’t want to go to the hospital so I brought him here. By the way, she wanted the phone number to your dorm. Apparently there’s something she needs to tell you about the detectives.”

“Detectives?” I repeated blankly, “What detectives?”

“The ones hired by your parents to find you,” Megan said, raising an eyebrow at me. “What, did you forget you’re a runaway?”

“No!” I said sharply, my glare intensifying.

‘…Yes…’

“Anyways, what about them?” I asked irritably.

“Ask Tina,” Megan told me airily. “She’s the one keeping track of all that,”

“Fine,” I sighed sullenly, jotting the number for my and Danny’s phone on the back of a paper that was lying nearby and handing it to Megan. She took it, read the digits and flipped it over.

“…What’s this?”

“What’s-?” I froze, my face paling.

I’d accidentally written the number on the back of Danny’s picture of me from detention.

“That’s mine!” I said, making a grab for the paper. Megan held it out of my grasp.

“This isn’t how you draw, Sam,” She said, glaring slightly.

“It was given to me, okay?”

“And who would give you a picture of you?” her blue eyes narrowed suspiciously at the question and my scowl became more fierce.

“Give it back, Megan,” I growled in warning. Rolling her eyes dramatically, Megan handed the paper back. I sighed in relief once it was back in my possession, putting it in my English book for safe keeping until I could hide it somewhere else before turning back to write out my number again on another (clean) piece of paper.

“He’s a good artist,” Megan said casually as she folded the paper up and slipped it in her jeans pocket.

“Who?” I asked.

“Danny,” Megan said as if it were obvious, “He’s the one who drew that, isn’t he?” I glared at her.

“And if he is?” I said evenly.

“What’s the matter, Sam?” Megan smirked, “Scared of a little competition?”

“This isn’t a game, Megan,” I snapped, “I really like Danny, and I won’t let you use him.”

“And what makes you think I don’t like him too?” Megan asked, “He’s a cute guy.”

“The fact that that’s all you care about, for one,” I said dryly, “You don’t know a thing about him!”

“At least I haven’t lied to his face,” Megan countered. “You on the other hand have deceived him not only as his roommate, but also as his girlfriend.” I scowled.

“And what makes you think I wasn’t planning on telling him, huh?” I asked, jumping to my feet.

“You don’t have the courage.” Megan said confidently, not even flinching from my glare. “Not when you know that it means you’ll lose him like that. I mean, can you honestly see Danny wanting to date someone who lied to him about everything he liked about them?”

“You think I lied to get Danny to like me?” I asked, my jaw dropping.

“You lied to become his roommate,” Megan reminded me evenly, “You lied to him as his date. Do you honestly expect him to believe anything you told him is true after that?” I blanched.

As much as I hated to admit it, Megan had a point there…

‘All the more reason to end this now,’ I thought to myself, ‘The longer it drags on, the more lies. The more lies, the more right she becomes…’ But what is that didn’t work? What is he still hated me for tricking him like that?

“Danny’s fine,” Tucker announced to us as he came into the room, “He’s going to bed now, and I suggest you ladies do the same.” I scowled a little at the ‘ladies’ remark, especially when Megan sent a pointed look my way before standing and sauntering to the door.

“Tell Danny I’ll see him around,” She called out tauntingly as she closed the door behind her. Our eyes met one last time before the door shut, and the meaning behind that glint was obvious to me.

‘This means war…’

---

“You’re overreacting, Sam,” Tina told me as she finished off her drink, “I mean, why would Megan be interested in Danny is she knows how much you like him? It’s probably just harmless flirting.”

“I’m telling you, she more or less challenged me!” I snapped back, glaring at the table of the Nasty Burger.

I’d just ended work for the day and was hanging out as Samantha for once, catching a bite with Tina while she filled me in on everything that had happened since I’d been gone. I told her about my little clash with Megan last night, hoping for a little sympathy, but Tina was reluctant to choose a side.

‘I guess it’s a little unfair to ask her to make that choice…’ I decided reluctantly. Sighing, I changed the subject to more neutral grounds.

“Anyways, Megan mentioned that you wanted to talk to me about something about the detectives?” I said questioningly, raising an eyebrow at her. Tina looked confused.

“I do?” She asked, bewildered.

“Yeah,” I said, frowning at this reaction, “Megan said you asked for my phone-!” I stopped, groaning.

‘Of course.’ I thought sourly, ‘It’s not just my phone number now, is it?’ Next time I got a hold of Megan…

“Never mind,” I sighed, standing up. “I’ve gotta get back to the school. See you around, Tina,”

“Sam?” Tina called, making me stop and turn back to her questioningly. “…Be careful. About this whole Phantom thing I mean. Something about it feels really weird, and I don’t like it.” I smiled a little at her worry over my safety.

“Relax, Tina,” I assured her, “I’ll be fine. Phantom won’t hurt me.”

“Phantom’s not the one I’m worried about…” Tina muttered.

“I can look after myself, Tina,” I reminded my friend.

‘And Phantom will look out for me, too,’ I added in my head as I left. I blinked when the object in my skirt pocket started to vibrate softly before rolling my eyes. ‘Speak of the devil…’

Glancing around, I walked of casually to a nearby alleyway, which was secluded from the bustling crowd of shoppers. I stopped in the middle of the alley, slipping my hand into the pocket to grasp the device.

“You can come out now,” I called, turning to smile knowingly at a spot behind me. Seconds later, Phantom appeared floating in that spot, eyeing me curiously.

“How did you know I was here?” he asked. I took my hand out, revealing the small, rectangular contraption I’d been concealing. It had a small screen with Phantom’s picture on it, and it was still buzzing softly in my grasp.

“It’s some kind of ghost detection device I think,” I explained.

“That’s the Fenton Finder 2.0!” Phantom declared, looking alarmed, “How did you get that?”

‘I snagged it from my roommate who thinks I’m a boy,’ I answered dryly in my head.

“Uh, Internet?” Phantom gave me a doubtful look at that pitiful answer. “Wanna tell me why you were following me?”

“What makes you think I was-?” a dry look from me cut the ghost off, and he sighed in defeat. “…I was just making sure you were okay. There’s a threat on you life now, ever since your date with m- Fenton.”

“Danny’s not a danger to me,” I defended my crush sharply, “Look, even if he’s tried to hunt you or whatever, he’s a really nice guy.”

“I never said he- Wait, what?” Phantom blinked, looking shocked, “What makes you think Fenton’s a ghost hunter.”

“Hmm, let’s review, shall we?” I said dryly, “Point One; All of Danny’s family hunts ghosts, with the exception of Jazz. Point Two; Danny has an arsenal in his room to take out an army of ghosts. Point Three; Every time Danny takes off on me, a ghost appears a few seconds later… well, except for the Vlad thing, but that was obvious.” I crossed my arms, giving Phantom a dry look. “I’m not stupid, you know,”

“I never said you were,” Phantom said quickly.

“So you’re not even going to deny it?” I pressed. Phantom hesitated for a moment.

“No,” He said after a while, “I won’t. Fenton is a ghost hunter… but he’s never tried to hunt me.”

“Really?” I said, relief washing over me. Phantom caught this and smirked playfully.

“What, were you worried for me?” He teased. I blushed slightly.

“So what if I was?” I countered, glaring at him mockingly. Phantom laughed, and I relaxed a little at the sound. That’s when I was seized by a sudden courage that made me step forward and grab Phantom’s hand. “You know what? Let’s go somewhere!”

“What?” Phantom said, startled.

“Let’s go somewhere!” I repeated, “Just hang out, you know? We could catch a movie, then head down to that carnival they’re having!”

“I dunno, Sam,” Phantom said doubtfully. “I mean, I am kinda… well…” He eyed a nearby Wanted Poster bearing his resemblance, and I winced.

‘Good point…’ I thought to myself.

“I’ve got a friend who’s really into fashion,” I told him, “She can fix you up so no one can recognize you.” Phantom frowned suspiciously.

“Uh, what’s this friend’s name?” He asked warily.

“Lisa,” I answered, “Why?” The ghost relaxed.

“No reason,” He replied before sighing and giving me a defeated grin, “What the heck, I’ve got nothing better to do,”

“That’s the spirit!” I said, dragging him away again. “Come on, we need to get to Wendy so Lisa can-!” I screeched, gripping frantically when Phantom suddenly swept me against him with one arm, shooting into the air. Blushing, I turned to glare at the ghost, “You wanna give me a little warning next time?”

“Sorry,” Phantom said, though it didn’t sound as heartfelt as it could’ve been.

‘Jerk…’ I thought, rolling my eyes before glowering at the ghost.

“Hey, Sam?” Phantom said, frowning at me curiously.

“Hm?” I grunted, stubbornly refusing to come out of my sulking.

“When did you ever go into Fenton’s room, anyways?” I blinked at the question.

‘…Crap.’

Description
Love and War

“…So now you’re pretending to be a guy to hide from your parents?” Tucker clarified.

“Pretty much,” I admitted, sighing.

“…This is so messed up…”

I had to agree with that one, glancing down at my boy-ified reflection. After Tucker had passed out, I pulled him into the room and laid him on the couch before rushing back to the bathroom to correct my mistake. When Tucker woke up ten minutes later, I tried to convince him he’s been dreaming, but didn’t have any luck, so was forced to come clean about everything.

“Wait, do you have anything to do with the other Sam?” Tucker asked suspiciously.

…Well, almost everything.

“Other Sam?” I asked with a nervous laugh, “What other Sam?”

“The one Danny took to the masquerade.” Tucker said dryly, suspicion making his eyes narrow. “I thought it was weird how you two kinda looked alike!”

“You noticed?” I said, my eyebrow kicking up. After all, Danny hadn’t…

“Well, actually Liz did,” Tucker admitted, “She pointed it out, and Valerie and I saw it when we really started looking.”

“Was Danny there?” I asked anxiously.

“It was after he went off looking for you.” Tucker said, “So it is you then!” Tucker’s triumphant grin faded into a confused look. “Wait, I don’t get it, why would you…?” I blushed, sensing where Tucker was going with the question.

“Well, I’ve gotten to know Danny since I moved in here.” I said, not meeting Tucker’s eyes, “And… well… I guess I kinda like him. A lot.” Tucker gaped at me for a moment before he started laughing hysterically.

“Oh, man!” Tucker laughed, “This is too good to be true! You and Danny really are perfect for one another!” I felt my face fill with color at that.

“Tucker!” I growled, “Not so loud! You’re going to get me into trouble!”

“S-sorry…” Tucker snickered, “it’s just… Oh, man!”

“Uh…” I shook my head in disgust. Though a part of me was actually glad that unlike Jazz, Tucker accepted my feelings for Danny, and even supported them. More then a little curious, I had to ask; “What makes you say that, anyways?”

“You’re both really uncomfortable talking about your feelings for one.” Tucker said, “And I know for a fact that Danny’s completely gaga over you…”

“Really?” I asked, smiling slightly and blushing, happy to hear this bit of news “He said that?”

“Well, he didn’t say those words exactly,” Tucker admitted, “But he does talk about you all the time, whether I wanna hear it or not. He says you’re the coolest girl he’s ever met.”

“He said that?” I said, smiling brightly at Tucker, “Really?”

“Yep,” Tucker nodded, “Actually, he had a whole list of reasons he liked you. He says you’re pretty, nice, smart, fun…” I blushed,

“Why are you telling me this, anyways?” I asked.

“Retaliation,” Tucker responded, “He talked my ear off about you, so now I get to take revenge.” I laughed.

“You’re a cruel, cruel friend, Tuck,” I chuckled lightly.

“Hey, a guy’s gotta get revenge somehow!” Tucker said defensively, “And how else am I supposed to hold my own against a guy who fights gho-!” Tucker cut himself off, paling slightly, “…Going to his ultra rich guardian’s place! Vlad’s really persistent, you know…”

“I can imagine,” I said with a dry look. “There’s no reason to pretend anymore, Tucker, I’ve figured it all out.” Tucker gaped at me.

“You have?” He asked, shock clear in his voice. I was a little insulted. Did he really think I was blind or something?

“Well, it’s kind of obvious,” I said pointedly, “Especially if you live with the guy.” Tucker laughed nervously.

“Obvious?” He squeaked out, “What’s obvious?”

“Only that Danny’s a ghost hunter trying to capture Phantom,” I said with a slight glare.

“Look, I swear he wanted to tell you but… wait… WHAT?” Tucker’s jaw dropped and he stared at me as if I’d just sprouted a second head.

“What you didn’t think I could tell?” I sighed, “The late nights, the fighting skills, the ghost hunting equipment… and every time he disappears on me, Phantom shows up only a few seconds later!” I frowned at Tucker, “What’s the big deal, anyways? I mean, does Danny blame Phantom for his parent’s going missing or something?” I waited a few seconds for Tucker to answer, but his shocked expression never faded, and I was starting to get a little worried. “Uh, Tucker? Are you okay?”

“You…” Tucker said at last, his tone slow and his eyes wide, “You think Danny…”

“Don’t cover for him,” I said, annoyance working it’s way into my voice, “I mean, why else would the ghosts target him more then any other student? It can’t be just because of his parents, or else they’d be going after Jazz, too,” I crossed my arms, giving Tucker a pointed look. I wasn’t as stupid as they obviously thought I was… “Well? Are you going to answer me, or do I have to ask Danny when he gets home?” I was planning on questioning him anyways, but I wanted to hear Tucker’s version first.

“…You think Danny…?” Tucker said again, before he reacted in a way I never would’ve dreamed of.

He started to laugh.

It started out small chuckles, but soon he was rolling on the ground, rolling with laugher and crying as he gripped his ribs.

‘What the hell?’ I thought, confused. Either Tucker was a really good actor, or my guess was WAY off…

“You okay, Tucker?” I asked in concern, eyeing the guy warily.

“Hehe… D-Danny… Phantom… Hunter… HAHAHAHA!”

“…I’ll take that as a no,” I sighed glaring at the boy and blushing slightly.

‘Maybe I was wrong… maybe Danny was just a normal high school kid…’

‘Knock, knock, knock!’

“Sam are you in there? It’s an emergency!” I blinked in surprise as Megan’s voice floated through the door, and seeing that Tucker was still otherwise detained, I stood up and opened the door to see what she wanted.

And froze at the sight that greeted me.

Megan stood there, supporting a beaten and bloody Danny who seemed to lack the ability to meet my eyes.

“Danny?” I said, my eyes going wide. “What-?”

“Can we come in before you start quizzing him?” Megan asked irritably, “He’s kind of in bad shade here, you know.” I glared at her, my eyes narrowing as I turned back to my roommate.

‘And maybe Tucker just won a spot on American Idol,’ I thought dryly as I pursed my lips and opened the door wider to allow them to pass, ‘Something’s going on here, and Danny’s definitely the center of it!’

---

“Are you gonna stop glaring at me any time soon, Sam?” Megan asked as she shot me an annoyed look. “I wasn’t the one who did this, and I’m not leaving until I know he’s okay.”

‘Yeah, and his bank account number,’ I thought sourly. Out loud, though, I said nothing, my glare never relenting.

“I’ll call you with an update,” I told her, “You’re going to get into trouble if you miss curfew.”

“Tina’s got it covered.” Megan responded airily. “She was with me when we found Danny lying around half dead. She went back for help, but Danny said he didn’t want to go to the hospital so I brought him here. By the way, she wanted the phone number to your dorm. Apparently there’s something she needs to tell you about the detectives.”

“Detectives?” I repeated blankly, “What detectives?”

“The ones hired by your parents to find you,” Megan said, raising an eyebrow at me. “What, did you forget you’re a runaway?”

“No!” I said sharply, my glare intensifying.

‘…Yes…’

“Anyways, what about them?” I asked irritably.

“Ask Tina,” Megan told me airily. “She’s the one keeping track of all that,”

“Fine,” I sighed sullenly, jotting the number for my and Danny’s phone on the back of a paper that was lying nearby and handing it to Megan. She took it, read the digits and flipped it over.

“…What’s this?”

“What’s-?” I froze, my face paling.

I’d accidentally written the number on the back of Danny’s picture of me from detention.

“That’s mine!” I said, making a grab for the paper. Megan held it out of my grasp.

“This isn’t how you draw, Sam,” She said, glaring slightly.

“It was given to me, okay?”

“And who would give you a picture of you?” her blue eyes narrowed suspiciously at the question and my scowl became more fierce.

“Give it back, Megan,” I growled in warning. Rolling her eyes dramatically, Megan handed the paper back. I sighed in relief once it was back in my possession, putting it in my English book for safe keeping until I could hide it somewhere else before turning back to write out my number again on another (clean) piece of paper.

“He’s a good artist,” Megan said casually as she folded the paper up and slipped it in her jeans pocket.

“Who?” I asked.

“Danny,” Megan said as if it were obvious, “He’s the one who drew that, isn’t he?” I glared at her.

“And if he is?” I said evenly.

“What’s the matter, Sam?” Megan smirked, “Scared of a little competition?”

“This isn’t a game, Megan,” I snapped, “I really like Danny, and I won’t let you use him.”

“And what makes you think I don’t like him too?” Megan asked, “He’s a cute guy.”

“The fact that that’s all you care about, for one,” I said dryly, “You don’t know a thing about him!”

“At least I haven’t lied to his face,” Megan countered. “You on the other hand have deceived him not only as his roommate, but also as his girlfriend.” I scowled.

“And what makes you think I wasn’t planning on telling him, huh?” I asked, jumping to my feet.

“You don’t have the courage.” Megan said confidently, not even flinching from my glare. “Not when you know that it means you’ll lose him like that. I mean, can you honestly see Danny wanting to date someone who lied to him about everything he liked about them?”

“You think I lied to get Danny to like me?” I asked, my jaw dropping.

“You lied to become his roommate,” Megan reminded me evenly, “You lied to him as his date. Do you honestly expect him to believe anything you told him is true after that?” I blanched.

As much as I hated to admit it, Megan had a point there…

‘All the more reason to end this now,’ I thought to myself, ‘The longer it drags on, the more lies. The more lies, the more right she becomes…’ But what is that didn’t work? What is he still hated me for tricking him like that?

“Danny’s fine,” Tucker announced to us as he came into the room, “He’s going to bed now, and I suggest you ladies do the same.” I scowled a little at the ‘ladies’ remark, especially when Megan sent a pointed look my way before standing and sauntering to the door.

“Tell Danny I’ll see him around,” She called out tauntingly as she closed the door behind her. Our eyes met one last time before the door shut, and the meaning behind that glint was obvious to me.

‘This means war…’

---

“You’re overreacting, Sam,” Tina told me as she finished off her drink, “I mean, why would Megan be interested in Danny is she knows how much you like him? It’s probably just harmless flirting.”

“I’m telling you, she more or less challenged me!” I snapped back, glaring at the table of the Nasty Burger.

I’d just ended work for the day and was hanging out as Samantha for once, catching a bite with Tina while she filled me in on everything that had happened since I’d been gone. I told her about my little clash with Megan last night, hoping for a little sympathy, but Tina was reluctant to choose a side.

‘I guess it’s a little unfair to ask her to make that choice…’ I decided reluctantly. Sighing, I changed the subject to more neutral grounds.

“Anyways, Megan mentioned that you wanted to talk to me about something about the detectives?” I said questioningly, raising an eyebrow at her. Tina looked confused.

“I do?” She asked, bewildered.

“Yeah,” I said, frowning at this reaction, “Megan said you asked for my phone-!” I stopped, groaning.

‘Of course.’ I thought sourly, ‘It’s not just my phone number now, is it?’ Next time I got a hold of Megan…

“Never mind,” I sighed, standing up. “I’ve gotta get back to the school. See you around, Tina,”

“Sam?” Tina called, making me stop and turn back to her questioningly. “…Be careful. About this whole Phantom thing I mean. Something about it feels really weird, and I don’t like it.” I smiled a little at her worry over my safety.

“Relax, Tina,” I assured her, “I’ll be fine. Phantom won’t hurt me.”

“Phantom’s not the one I’m worried about…” Tina muttered.

“I can look after myself, Tina,” I reminded my friend.

‘And Phantom will look out for me, too,’ I added in my head as I left. I blinked when the object in my skirt pocket started to vibrate softly before rolling my eyes. ‘Speak of the devil…’

Glancing around, I walked of casually to a nearby alleyway, which was secluded from the bustling crowd of shoppers. I stopped in the middle of the alley, slipping my hand into the pocket to grasp the device.

“You can come out now,” I called, turning to smile knowingly at a spot behind me. Seconds later, Phantom appeared floating in that spot, eyeing me curiously.

“How did you know I was here?” he asked. I took my hand out, revealing the small, rectangular contraption I’d been concealing. It had a small screen with Phantom’s picture on it, and it was still buzzing softly in my grasp.

“It’s some kind of ghost detection device I think,” I explained.

“That’s the Fenton Finder 2.0!” Phantom declared, looking alarmed, “How did you get that?”

‘I snagged it from my roommate who thinks I’m a boy,’ I answered dryly in my head.

“Uh, Internet?” Phantom gave me a doubtful look at that pitiful answer. “Wanna tell me why you were following me?”

“What makes you think I was-?” a dry look from me cut the ghost off, and he sighed in defeat. “…I was just making sure you were okay. There’s a threat on you life now, ever since your date with m- Fenton.”

“Danny’s not a danger to me,” I defended my crush sharply, “Look, even if he’s tried to hunt you or whatever, he’s a really nice guy.”

“I never said he- Wait, what?” Phantom blinked, looking shocked, “What makes you think Fenton’s a ghost hunter.”

“Hmm, let’s review, shall we?” I said dryly, “Point One; All of Danny’s family hunts ghosts, with the exception of Jazz. Point Two; Danny has an arsenal in his room to take out an army of ghosts. Point Three; Every time Danny takes off on me, a ghost appears a few seconds later… well, except for the Vlad thing, but that was obvious.” I crossed my arms, giving Phantom a dry look. “I’m not stupid, you know,”

“I never said you were,” Phantom said quickly.

“So you’re not even going to deny it?” I pressed. Phantom hesitated for a moment.

“No,” He said after a while, “I won’t. Fenton is a ghost hunter… but he’s never tried to hunt me.”

“Really?” I said, relief washing over me. Phantom caught this and smirked playfully.

“What, were you worried for me?” He teased. I blushed slightly.

“So what if I was?” I countered, glaring at him mockingly. Phantom laughed, and I relaxed a little at the sound. That’s when I was seized by a sudden courage that made me step forward and grab Phantom’s hand. “You know what? Let’s go somewhere!”

“What?” Phantom said, startled.

“Let’s go somewhere!” I repeated, “Just hang out, you know? We could catch a movie, then head down to that carnival they’re having!”

“I dunno, Sam,” Phantom said doubtfully. “I mean, I am kinda… well…” He eyed a nearby Wanted Poster bearing his resemblance, and I winced.

‘Good point…’ I thought to myself.

“I’ve got a friend who’s really into fashion,” I told him, “She can fix you up so no one can recognize you.” Phantom frowned suspiciously.

“Uh, what’s this friend’s name?” He asked warily.

“Lisa,” I answered, “Why?” The ghost relaxed.

“No reason,” He replied before sighing and giving me a defeated grin, “What the heck, I’ve got nothing better to do,”

“That’s the spirit!” I said, dragging him away again. “Come on, we need to get to Wendy so Lisa can-!” I screeched, gripping frantically when Phantom suddenly swept me against him with one arm, shooting into the air. Blushing, I turned to glare at the ghost, “You wanna give me a little warning next time?”

“Sorry,” Phantom said, though it didn’t sound as heartfelt as it could’ve been.

‘Jerk…’ I thought, rolling my eyes before glowering at the ghost.

“Hey, Sam?” Phantom said, frowning at me curiously.

“Hm?” I grunted, stubbornly refusing to come out of my sulking.

“When did you ever go into Fenton’s room, anyways?” I blinked at the question.

‘…Crap.’