Danny ran downstairs with a pep in his step. It had been several weeks since Christmas and things could not look better. His relationships had only gotten better. Dwayne was his unofficial little brother and he knew that Jazz would be proud. His friends from school were always welcoming to him. What's more...

"Hey, Dan-o! Breakfast is ready! I hope you like bacon!" his dad called from the kitchen.

Ever since Christmas, his dad had been beyond happy. The two of them had spoken more and worked out their grievances. Sometimes he still feared that he would wake up all alone and realize that this was only a dream.

He ran in and hugged Jack just to make sure that it was actually real. He didn't even mind that he rubbed grease off of the apron and onto his face. His dad had made him breakfast again. It was all really happening.

"I love you Dad."

"I love you too, son."

The two held each other for a little longer and Danny pulled away with a smile. He sat down at the table and Jack plopped down right across from him. Ever since the two had talked, Jack had requested that he come into work a little later so that he could have breakfast with his son.

After it was approved, the two had wasted no time and they had made sure to share breakfast together before Jack left to work every day.

Today was Saturday, and his father still had to work. Even so, that was still okay. They would still talk.

"So, any plans for today?" Jack asked cheerfully.

Danny shrugged, "Just the usual. I'm going to stop by Dwayne's and then the community center. Next, I'm going to go down to the soup kitchen to see if they need any help."

Ever since he had started, Danny had gone back to volunteer every day that he could.

"Would you drop off Anne's recipe box since you're going over there. I've copied down the ones that I want to try."

"Sure thing, Dad."

The rest of the meal went by rather uneventfully. The two talked about mundane topics that weren't really worth mentioning, but Danny's heart still swelled at the interaction. Eventually, the two stood and left the house.

XxoxX

Danny walked up to Dwayne's house and knocked on the door. Mrs. Price opened it and greeted him with a smile, "Danny! It's so nice to see you. Come in. Come in."

Danny entered and was led to the den, where he was surprised to see that Dwayne had not awoken yet. The eight-year-old had set up a little tent made of pillows and sheets right next to the couch. He snoozed with his head barely sticking out of the construct.

Though Danny was surprised because the little boy was not alone. Beside him, swaddled in a group of sheets was Maureen.

Mrs. Price giggled at the adorable sight. It only took minimal effort to convince Mrs. Price to give the girl a chance after the mother found out about her ice powers. Danny kinda felt that Dwayne had been slowly easing her into the idea with his constant use of his powers. Thankfully, her maternal instincts seemed to overwrite any fear she held.

Danny's thoughts were interrupted by a whisper from Mrs. Price, who shot a caring look towards the two kids on the ground, "She came over last night to play with Dwayne. She was so tired that I invited her to stay."

She motioned for him to follow her into the kitchen, as to not wake the two.

"I was coming over to see if Dwayne wanted to hang out, but I think I should come back later," Danny said once they were safely in the next room, "Would you tell him that I stopped by?"

Mrs. Price nodded with a warm smile directed towards the living room.

"Oh! Also. I forgot to mention that my dad wanted to give you your recipes back."

He produced the item in question and she took it with a grateful nod.

Danny then proceeded to sneak to the front and out the door. After a fond farewell, Danny left. Next stop was the community center.

XxoxX

Danny entered the community center gym in time to see Richie and Virgil as they dribbled a basket ball between them. Richie stood up and waved to him.

"Yo, D! What's up! You wanna join? I can always use some help against Sir trips a lot over here."

Virgil sent his friend an annoyed look, "Me? Who's the one who fumbled the last three free throws."

Richie smirked, "Wrong sport, Virge."

Virgil scoffed faux pompously, "I know. I was just using the incorrect terms to emphasize your ineptitude."

Danny waved indulgently with a soft chuckle, "No, I'm good. I'm just passing through into the center. Thanks though."

"Did you come to see my pops?" Virgil asked. The fake argument completely forgotten.

Danny nodded, "Yup. I just needed to talk to him about something."

"He should be up in his office," Virgil said with a pointed finger towards the inner building.

"Thanks," Danny said, "Don't let me interrupt you. I could tell it was an intense battle.

The two waved as he walked away, but he was still able to catch Richie's snarky response.

"It's not really a battle when one of us is so thoroughly getting thrashed."

Danny didn't hear Virgil's retort as the door closed behind him, but he still smiled.

XxoxX

"Danny!"

Danny was stopped on his way through the building when he heard someone call his name. He turned to see Frieda running up to him with Daisy following at a sedate pace.

"We did it! We drafted a new petition that might get the mayor to loosen the separation of the two working classes. Would you sign my petition?"

Danny shrugged and did as he was requested, "So, what exactly did you change about your petition?" he asked curiously.

Frieda opened her mouth to reply, but Daisy interrupted, "Absolutely nothing," she said.

Frieda pouted, but did not deny it, so Danny looked to Daisy for an explanation.

She happily complied, "All she did was change a few words and put in an option for change. She said that she was going to have me for "feminine backup," whatever that means."

Frieda threw her head back with a superior smirk, "Who can resist listening when two pretty girls are talking to them."

Daisy sighed and rubbed the area between her eyes, "Shy kids, bullies, other girls."

Frieda bowled over Daisy's logic with bull headed stubbornness, "Nonsense. You can't campaign without a good face for the whole project."

Daisy sighed, "I think you're missing the whole point of the project. Doesn't it contradict your point of labeling if you use your label as a woman to get what you want?"

Frieda held up her clip board pleadingly, "But I already have three signatures. This could work."

Daisy deadpanned, "Those are from Virgil, Richie, and Danny. They are your friends who support you no matter what crazy scheme you're up to."

Frieda's shoulders slumped at the overwhelming evidence, "Fine. What would you have me do?"

Danny decided to sneak out while the two discussed. To be honest, he kinda lost what was going on halfway through the interaction.

XxoxX

Danny knocked on the door and waited to hear Mr. Hawkins respond before he walked into the room.

"Danny!" he said with a wide smile, "What brings you here today?"

Danny shuffled nervously and stared at his feet, "I just wanted to thank you for everything you've done. I think you fixed me. My dad and I talk regularly. I have many friends. You saved me from my depression and loneliness. I'm so happy to have met you."

Danny was surprised that he was able to keep himself together throughout his whole spiel, but when he looked up to Mr. Hawkins, the man was sporting a huge smile.

"I'm very proud to hear that. You are a strong young man. I know people twice your age that haven't been able to make it through what you have. I wish only the best for you."

Danny gave a watery smile, "Thanks Mr. H."

Robert walked over and put a comforting hand on Danny's shoulder, "I am always happy to help." he gave a soft chuckle, "Though I suppose that means that you don't have any reason to continue our sessions. Just make sure to stay in contact."

Danny nodded happily, "I will be sure to stop in to say hello on occasion. I owe everything to you."

Robert shook his head, "Everything you did was by your own willpower. I just helped give you a little guidance.

Danny nodded gratefully to the man.

XxoxX

Danny walked into the soup kitchen with the intent to work. That would be why he was so surprised when he was stopped by Henry. It was early and before opening hours, so the building was completely empty.

"What's up? Danny asked.

Henry responded with a mysterious smile, "Well, you see, usually all of our volunteers from Christmas leave by now, yet you are still here. In fact, you're the only one left. I wanted to show you something."

Danny followed his friend back into the kitchen, fighting down the idea that he might be in trouble for something. Henry pushed open the swinging doors. He was met with a surprise as he was led further back into the volunteer's lounge.

When they walked through the door, they were met with a cheer of welcome. Danny looked around the room to see the place filled with the regular visitors and volunteers. He was shocked speechless.

Danny was led to the middle of the room with people greeting him with many waves and smiles. Henry led him to the middle of the room where there was a small cake with a single candle.

"Welcome aboard," The older boy said with a friendly clap to Danny's back. The action was unexpected, so he stumbled forward slightly.

He smiled nervously before he blew out the candle. Just as before, the room erupted into a cheer again. Danny let himself be surrounded by the love and acceptance around him.

XxoxX

Danny entered his house with so much elation as the sun set behind him. Today was perfect. He finally found acceptance with not only others but with himself. He would have never believed that he could find happiness at the beginning of last year, but after a year of fighting for it, he was finally satisfied with himself.

His backpack weighed heavily on his shoulders as he took it back to his room. He was exhausted from a long day at the soup kitchen, but just knowing that he was surrounded daily by people who loved and accepted him was enough to get him through his busy schedule.

He plopped down on his back spread eagle onto his bed. In his tired state, he didn't notice that he had never actually taken his backpack off. It remained innocently at his doorway as he fell asleep.

End

A.n. This is mostly a filler chapter to more emphasize the success of Danny's actions and present foreboding for the next arc. I know of at least two people who are looking forward to this.

Anyway, this one was a bit late, so it is less revised than previous. I apologize for any mistakes.

Anyway, have a nice day and be safe.