Hello. I know I have other stories to be focusing on but I had to get this out of my head. Aahhh...Baby Steps' next chapter is currently in works. And, the World of Weirdos would be typed out after this. Danny and Dash friendship. No slash.

Bruises

Unprofessional Writer

Late. It was no different as he came late as always. Mr Lancer clicked his tongue disapprovingly as he saw Danny walk into class, his head bowed. Ever since...his accident, he was different. Danny used to be a cheerful, bright student with decent grades. Even if he might not be as smart as his sister, Mr Lancer was sure he had a bright future ahead of him.

And then, the direction changed all of a sudden as if he had changed into a completely different person. He was late, his grades dropped drastically and he was often found sleeping in class. However, the last few months, everything was different. He did not seem like the irresponsible student. He appeared to class injured. He was skinnier than usual and there was a bruise, hidden beneath his sleeves. Some would just brush it off as boys being boys but there was something different.

He looked exhausted, dark bags lined below his eyes.

"I'm sorry, Mr Lancer," Danny's voice rung breaking him out of his trance. It was a very practiced sentence by Danny.

"Sit," Mr Lancer shook his head. Danny looked surprised, he would usually give him detention but Mr Lancer had something else in mind.

After what seemed like ages, Mr Lancer said, "Mr Fenton. We are having a chat after school,"

Danny did not reply, instead he gave him a small nod as he sat down, setting his bag down.

"Today, we aren't going to have any lessons. Free period so you can do your own revision," Mr Lancer said, as he opened Prince and Pauper book. Throughout the period, he noticed Danny's head was down, snoring softly. Sam and Tucker did not bother him much as they exchanged hushed whispers, pointing to Danny's bruise he noticed and a cut. He noticed it now. It was cleverly hidden under his sleeves of the arm without the bruise.

Was something going on at home?

Mr Lancer had met Danny's parents to discuss about his sister's excellent grades and to discuss her future career. Danny's father was a childish and over-cheerful man while his mother was strong and loving. They seemed friendly enough and it was very rare that they were the one hurting him. Perhaps, it was someone else.

Mr Lancer shook his head as he sent glances towards the boy. Something was up.

DPDPDP

"Mr Lancer," A small voice started, Danny peeked through the door to see Mr Lancer, his nose inside a book.

"Come in,"

Without another door, he slowly opened the door. He could feel his steps getting heavier and heavier as he walked over to the chair, his heart pounded on his chest, waiting to be addressed by the overweight teacher.

"Mr Fenton," It wasn't the disapproving tone he had always used, instead there was a hint of worry mixed within as he looked at Danny. Danny shrunk in his chair, avoiding Mr Lancer's gaze.

"Am I in trouble?" Danny managed to force out those words out of his throat as he felt everything caving in on him.

"No," was what Mr Lancer replied.

Danny cocked his head to the side, "Excuse me?"

"Daniel. You are not in trouble. We are having this chat simply because I want to know on your life outside school?" Mr Lancer replied calmly.

"What do you mean? Everything's fine and dandy," Danny chuckled nervously, rubbing the back of his neck.

"Daniel, listen, something's clearly going on. Look at yourself, bruises, cuts, lack of sleep, skipping deadlines?" Mr Lancer started, "Daniel, something's clearly going on at home. It's not healthy,"

"Mr Lancer, I h-handed in my assignment today and… the bruises and cuts are because...I fell," Danny finished lamely, He felt hot under his collar, he twiddled with his fists nervously.

"Daniel, the bruises and cuts looked like someone did them to you. Abuse isn't a game, Daniel," Mr Lancer stated firmly, coming to the point.

Danny didn't reply.

"It need not necessarily be your parents, Daniel. It could be someone else outside," Mr Lancer continued.

Danny's eyes darted from side to side, wishing that he hadn't come to this meeting.

"Is someone abusing you?" Mr Lancer asked, green eyes locked with sapphire. And, Mr Lancer did not expect what happened next.

Danny dashed out of the room, leaving the teacher dumbfounded.

DPDPDP

Danny dashed out of Mr Lancer's office as fast as he could, not wanting to go back ever again. His parents did not abuse him. They were too nice to do that. He did not know how to reply. At that moment, his anxiety had to catch up, Great!

"Danny! You okay?" Danny stopped in tracks to look at his two best friends, Sam and Tucker looking at him worriedly.

Danny stopped, turning to his friends but did not reply.

"Are you okay, dude?" Tucker asked. Danny calmed down.

"I-I'm fine. Just that Mr Lancer asked whether I was abused and instead of replying, I ran," Danny replied, avoiding his friend's concerned gazes.

"Oh my ghost, Danny!" Sam started, "What if he call the CPA?"

"Child Protection Services?" Tucker started, " I know you are going through a hard time since the ghost attacks increased and you are late up at night, trying to contain them but this could cause some considerable amount of trouble,"

"I know, Tuck…" Danny murmured, running his fingers through his hair.

"Let's hope he just doesn't do that," Sam said.

Danny nodded.

DPDPDP

"Danny? You alright?" Danny heard his sister's voice ring outside his room.

"Come in, Jazz," Danny replied nonchalantly, the red-headed girl walked in and sat next to him.

"What happened? Mr Lancer told him you ran away when he asked you whether you were abused at home," Jazz started.

"Lancer told you?" Danny perked up and muttered something incoherent under his breath.

"Yea…" Jazz replied, her eyes locked against Danny.

Danny did not reply, he pursed his lips, frowning slightly.

"Danny?"

"Mhmmm…"

"You okay?"

"I guess," Danny trailed off, avoiding his sister's gaze.

"If you need to talk, I'll be there for you," Jazz replied, ruffling his hair.

"I know but I just need fresh air," Danny replied, standing up.

DPDPDP

Danny was flying through the Amity Park skyline, the ghost activity was exceptionally quiet that day. Danny pursed his lips, he could see the adults streaming out of the bus at the bus stop, eager to return home. The sun's rays faded as the street lamps flickered to life, Danny found himself in the old swing at the park, rocking back and forth slowly, his blue eyes darting from side to side, just to check for any sign of danger nearby.

Sighing softly, he observed the trees, he could spot a few birds cuddled in the nest, he glanced at his watch as he transformed into his ghost form as he flew up to the sky to make his way back to Fenton Work. However, Murphy had other plans. Blue mist slipped out his lips, fogging his view below. He could make out a blue-skinned ghost smirking.

Danny gasped, his arms clenched, lighting up with green energy.

"Daniel…" Vlad started, dark pink energy swirling within his fist.

"Plasmius," Danny spat, his facial features contorted into a look of disgust.

Vlad just smirked, his fists clenched tighter and the next move, he shot at Danny as the white-haired teen was flung back, he landed on a brick wall as he slid down. He sent a blast of his own that slowed Vlad down a bit as Danny got back in the air and delivered a kick towards the older man.

"Tut tut, Little Badger," Vlad started, making a rather disapproving clicking noise," you know it's disrespectful to kick your elders,"

"Like, you deserve it," Danny spat angrily, his eyes glowed intensely, lighting his features eerily.

Vlad was not deterred. Danny headed head first but only to be held by Vlad, his grip tightened around his neck, but not tight enough to choke him. Danny stared straight into Vlad's unnerving red eyes. Danny swallowed hardly, he looked around for a way to escape.

"Sorry, Daniel…," Vlad started, a strange satisfaction lit up his features," Funny, joke-around Vlad is not here,"

Danny gasped, phasing out of the man's grip, Vlad grinned maliciously as Danny started to soar higher, his eyes desperately looking for the neon green sign that he grew familiar too.

"Ahah!" Danny mumbled to himself triumphantly. Danny turned behind to see the man still flying towards him. Using his last burst of energy, Danny zoomed towards his room window, phasing into it and changing back, he sighed in relief, knowing that he was out of bounds.

"Danny...someone's here to see you," The muffled voice of his mother was heard from behind his locked door.

A/N: Ehhh? Is this okay? I would love some critique too but it has to be constructive. I would like to cut swearing and please review :)))))