Firebreather X Danny Phantom

Chapter 14

                Tuesday, November 15th.

Danny had gotten up early that morning to double check the stitching on his chest. It had healed enough overnight for him to take them out. For the day, Danny had chosen to wear his hoodie for two reasons: it was loose enough to fit comfortably over the raw area and gave him free range of movement without snagging on any scabs. It took no time for him to arrive at school.

Danny pried the double doors open, scanning the area for anyone he knew. Thankfully, the only people around were students he did not know at all. He put his head down and watched the immediate floor as he walked past everyone. Danny slid into his first class as the only student. The teacher said nothing, as she was completely focused on her computer. He sat down and laid on the desk, careful to keep the edge off his chest.

Then Duncan walked in. What Danny and Kenny had bandaged yesterday was gone, beside a piece of medical tape over Duncan's cheek. Duncan said nothing, not even glancing at Danny, and took his seat beside him. The only noise in the room was the clacking of the teacher's keyboard and the clock.

"I'll be right back boys, don't get into trouble." The teacher hurriedly said and rushed out the door. Finally, Danny turned and met Duncan's gaze.

"My mom's out to get you." Duncan muttered.

"Excuse me?"

"She pretty much had a heart attack while waiting for me to wake up. By the time I got up, she had sworn an oath to find who hurt me so badly."

"...You didn't tell her it was me, did you?" Danny winced.

"I told her it was Danny Phantom. I didn't tell her that's also you."

Danny just stared at Duncan. "Really?"

"Yeah, and I was up pretty much all night. My mom was forcing me to do absolutely nothing, so I had time to think about everything that's happened." Duncan paused. "I guess you had your reasons for not telling me when we met. Heck, I didn't tell the girls and Kenny about myself until I had to."

"I was planning on telling you last month, but then the Halloween dance happened. But, we're still friends, right?"

"Still friends." Duncan grinned. Suddenly he gathered his hand into a fist and punched Danny's arm. "That's for yesterday. So, mind answering a few questions?" Duncan asked, his face beginning to light up. The teacher walked back in, arms full of papers, as the starter bell rang.

"I'll answer them during lunch; provided we can all find someplace quiet and secluded enough for it." Danny replied, rubbing his arm.

"What about the rest of the group?"

"I was thinking last night, it's about time they got in on all of this too."

~

Lunch.

Danny finished loading his food tray and went to meet his friends at the table. He was halfway there when his food was launched into his face.

"Check it out! It's a nerd of nutrition!" Troy laughed. Danny wiped mashed potatoes away from his eyes, glaring at the bully.

"I'm gonna be a nerd of mal-nutrition if I never get to eat." Danny grumbled.

"Don't you have anything better to do, Troy?" Duncan appeared at Danny's side.

"Let me think... nope. Nothing better." Troy said with a grin. He quickly put his hand on Danny's chest and gave him a large shove. Danny constricted a scream in his throat as the pressure on the scabs sent shockwaves of pain through his torso.