Nightmares and Fantasies

By: Alin)

Summary: When Sam starts having terrifying nightmares thanks to a new ghost seeking revenge on Danny, it is up to him to stop them. However, through the difficult time for Sam the two become closer than ever before, until they realize they are in love.

Disclaimer: As much as I wish I do, I do not own Danny Phantom :(

Okay, so the first few chapters are going to start off light and fun, just to give you an idea of how I'm imagining the setting of the story, and what my interpretation of the characters are. Soon though, the story will begin to take a darker path, since Sam will eventually begin to have nightmares... Anyways, enjoy the story, and don't forget to review! :D

Chapter 1: An Unfortunate Event

It was an extremely sweltering Monday afternoon at Casper High, where a tall and sweaty African teenager could be seen running with his tanned, toned, and bare-chested best-friend.

"Come on Tucker, one more lap, and we're done!"

"I can't—believe--that you got--me into this-" Tucker panted, unable to talk smoothly by the end of their five-mile run.

"Actually Tuck, it didn't take much persuasion, all I had to say was that hot chicks love fit guys, and you joined," laughed Danny.

"Damn those--beautiful--creatures!" cursed Tuck.

"Yeah, but then what would we do without them," Danny stopped laughing, becoming serious at the terrifying thought of a world with no hot girls.

"Not be in track," Tucker snapped, and then the tense atmosphere dissolved and both boys laughed.

Ever since Danny had joined the school's track team and his best friend Sam had joined the school's varsity soccer team, both had become extremely fit from their hardcore sports, and a slim but not muscular Tucker was feeling left out. Therefore he joined track and, although he was seeing the benefits of it since his body was shaping up and more hot girls were noticing him, he would never admit it since his three hours of running every day were always a living hell.

Five minutes later the boys finally finished their last lap from the five-mile run and went to sit under a tree near the school's soccer field. From there they could see their other best-friend Sam Manson playing in a girl's varsity soccer game. The sixteen-year-old goth was currently playing forward and sprinting up the field with a defender from the other team on her tail.

Even though her hair was windblown from running so much and her knees were a mix of brown and green from falling in the grass, she still looked dazzling in her white jersey, short shorts, and knee-high socks. Pouring ice-cold water over their heads and trying to calm their over-beating heart from their run, the boys watched in fascination as a blonde girl passed the ball to Sam, who quickly did a few difficult tricks to get passed all the defenders, and then kicked powerfully and scored the winning goal. Cheers erupted from the bleachers, and Danny and Tucker hooted from their spot.

Sam heard them and turned around, beaming at them. She began running towards them, since the game was over. However, one sour player from the other team was still fuming about their loss and quickly stuck out her foot to trip Sam. Seeing this to late, Sam's eyes widened as she lost balance and fell on her side. A sickening 'crack' was heard.

"SAM!" yelled Danny. Both boys' eyes had widened, and they were already up and running towards her. Sam had begun to turn pale, and her eyes were closed tight while her breath hitched due to the pain. A crowd had gathered around her, but Danny shoved his way through, his eyes flooding with concern. He quickly knelt down and took in her paling appearance. Then, without another word, he picked her up, and began carrying her, bridal-style, to the school nurse.

Sam had been completely zoned-out, only concentrating on easing the pain in her ankle and different ways of murdering the girl who tripped her. But when she felt the ground disappear below her and two muscular yet incredibly gentle arms holding her instead, her eyes immediately opened in surprise. Violet eyes were met with blue eyes that were staring at her with worry.

"H-hey Danny," Sam stuttered, unable to talk smoothly due to the pain.

"Sam, you've opened your eyes, thank God! You looked like you had passed out, don't scare me like that!" worried Danny.

Sam laughed, then winced. "It's no big deal, Danny just a broken ankle. In this sport, it could have definitely been worse."

Danny's face darkened. "You shouldn't have told me that, Sam. Now I won't let you play soccer again."

"Over my dead body," Sam muttered, but she couldn't help cracking a grin. She was so grateful to have such a caring person like Danny as her best friend, and knew he hadn't really meant that, or else he would have a long talk coming about how he could not control her life.

It was then when she reality hit her: Danny Fenton, her extremely fit and handsome best friend, was holding her bridal-style with no shirt on. When she realized this, she blushed deeply.

Three hours later Sam was sent home with a broken ankle, and with instructions not to play soccer for a whole month. This set off Sam in an extremely bad mood.

"I worked so hard to get into varsity, and now, thanks to that stupid jerk, I'm out for a whole month!" yelled Sam in frustration. Her and Danny had gone to her house afterwards, where her parents worried over her for a solid half hour until Tucker thankfully knocked on the door. Apparently, he and the referee had yelled at the girl who tripped Sam for a solid half hour, until the coach came and kicked her off the team for the year. Sam didn't care much about this, only concentrating on the fact that she was unable to play.

"Relax, Sam. It's only a month, and the soccer season lasts for another three. You still have plenty of time to play soccer, and meanwhile you can start a new hobby," said Danny, who was leaning against the doorframe of Sam's room while she stood (she couldn't pace without having to use her crutches) and ranted on and on about her silly injury.

"Plus you'll get a few more hours of sleep; you always look exhausted since you're juggling school, soccer, and 24-hour ghost hunting," Tucker hastily added, after receiving a glare from Danny to say something as well. "At least you can take soccer off the list for a month."

Sam finally started calming down at their words. "I know you guys, I know you're right, but it's just frustrating when you work so hard for something and then you don't get it," muttered Sam. She had completely relaxed now, and was just depressed about her situation instead.

Noticing that Sam's ranting had stopped and that the room was finally quiet and peaceful, Tucker looked up from his position (he had been sitting on the ground and playing with his PDA).

"Well, it's getting late, I still have to go home and take shower..." Tucker hinted.

Sam looked at her watch and jumped. "Oh my God, it's nine-thirty!" she squealed. "I still have to do my homework and shower!"

"I guess Tucker and I will get going then," concluded Danny. They walked out of her room and down the stairs (which took a while for Sam since she had to use her crutches), and then towards the door, where Sam said goodbye to them.

"I think I'll be driven to school tomorrow," she added. "Walking to school would be hell for me."

"I can fly you to school if you want," Danny offered.

Sam's face brightened. "Really? Thanks, Danny!" she replied, giving him a hug in return. However, her face changed to a look of suspicion as she saw a smug expression on Tucker's face, and interrogated him skeptically.

"What are you all smug about?" she questioned. Tucker's smug smile only got wider.

"Oh, nothing, nothing at all..." he replied airily.

Sam just rolled her eyes at his mysterious behavior and turned to Danny instead.

"Thanks for carrying me to the nurse and staying with me today," she said kindly. "We were lucky that there weren't any ghosts around to interfere with the already messed-up afternoon," she laughed. Danny smiled at this; he couldn't help it since Sam's laughter and smile were so contagious. "No problem," he replied.

He and Tucker then walked out the door, Sam still watching them from old habit. Tucker got into his old truck and Danny turned ghost, while both said in unison:

"Night Sam!"

"Night guys," Sam yelled back, laughter in her voice. She then closed the door, turned around, and sighed; going back up the long row of stairs was going to take forever.

So now that you finished reading the chapter, review, review, review! Feedback is always welcome! Lol