Would You Love Me, If You Really Knew Me?

Should I, or Should I Not?

Vlad spent no time researching about the mysterious beautiful young girl that caught his attention.

Once in his limo heading in the direction back to his wealthy mansion in Amity, he pulled out the laptop attached to one of the compartments. One that he normally used for business.

The first thing he did was type 'Mysteria' into the internet browser. Normally he had more professional means of research, but there was no way that someone as enchanting, talented, and beautiful as that girl would be difficult to find.

Or so he thought.

'Mysteria Model' brought up some hits, but there were other women. Not the girl he was looking for.

After clicking on various links, he realized that indeed, his little gem will be difficult to find.

"Very well." He closed the laptop lid as his limo arrived at his estate. "Nothing worth attaining is gained easily~" He declared. His lips parting in an evil grin.

................................................

The next day, Danny laid on his bed, face planted on his pillow in despair. His two friends sat beside him on the edge of the bed. Their faces very much in sympathy for the young halfa.

Tucker stared at Danny dead on. "Dude... you're so screwed... Owww!" A comment that had earned him a punch in the arm by the goth sitting next to him.

"Very helpful Tucker..." Danny's muffled voice came from his place in the pillow.

"Well..." His dark skinned friend tried once more. "You don't have to go..."

Danny sighed as he sat up on the edge of his bed, a deep frown. He was struck with guilt. "I have to Tuck. That money would do a lot of good for people who need it the most..."

Sam bit her lip as the other two discussed the predicament, her own conflict playing out in her features. On the one hand, she did not want that creep anywhere near her best friend. Danny, or Mysteria, had every right to reject any unwanted advances. On the other hand, Danny was right, and the activist in her screamed that this would be an incredible gift that could do much good for poor neighborhoods and starving people in Africa. The amount 'Mysteria' earned was far greater than any of the other models of the auction combined.

"Well, in that case, you're definitely screwed. Owww!" Tucker rubbed his arm, now more sore from the second hit. "At least it's only one date. Then you can ditch this Mysteria persona and be done with that crazed old guy, pretending this never happened."

'Pretending this never happened...' Danny's heart constricted a little with his friend's words. Somehow, during that one single evening, he had felt free. Like a part of his soul he had been denying all his life was finally liberated to soar through the sky, feeling a sense of freedom that could not even compare to actual flight. It had felt so natural.

The idea of losing his Mysteria persona felt like being stabbed in the heart with a knife.

His gaze dropped to the floor as he felt a deep sense of loss. A feeling he was not yet ready to face.

Biting his lip nervously, he realised that perhaps, if he was honest with himself, the money for the charity was not the true reason he was committed to going on this date.

Raising his gaze, he looked at his two friends and felt a sudden rush of fear and anxiousness. He had not told either of them how he felt while being Mysteria, nor did he feel ready to do so. They both had been incredibly supportive of him as Phantom, and a part of him knew that they would also be supportive of his feelings about being Mysteria, but he just was not ready.

And maybe he would never be. Because after this one date as Mysteria, that would be the end of the matter. He would go on being Danny Fenton/Danny Phantom and he would secretly bury deep into his heart his feelings about being this girl, of finally being able to free the feminine side he had adamantly denied for so long. And never do anything like this ever again.

His heart filled with a deep gripping sadness and a sense of loss as he fought the tears that threatened to fall, a hollow hole in his breaking heart.

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Just a short chapter before the big date with Vlad. I wanted to include this as I feel it delves a little deeper into Danny's struggle, but it would not fit with the next chapter as I wanted it to be entirely about him and Vlad. :) Hope yall liked! Comment if you get a chance! ^_^

The next update is also going to be a little bit longer than the rest as I am writing it from scratch, and I also have a premonition it is going to need a lot of edits before I feel comfortable uploading it. Lol! Wish me luck!

Thank you all for your incredible support with all the amazing comments! I will continue to try my best with this fic. ^_^