AN: This chapter was Raininglullaby's idea. So, I decided to write it, hoping she would approve of it :D I hope you guys enjoy it as well? I will warn you though: it is INCREDIBLY cheesy. Haha Either way, she wanted this kind of ending so I gave it to her :)
It was nagging him again. He tried to keep himself distracted, really, he did! He did research on latest ghost hunting equipment, wrote down ideas on how to win over the Packers so he could own them, read the newspaper and a few books he had been meaning to for months, but no matter what he did, his thoughts came flying back to a certain remark.
"Maybe it won't be a big deal if he changes his last name to Masters."
Daniel Masters. A pleasant shiver raced up his spine at the name. They never discussed marriage before and Vlad figured it was too early to. They've only been together two years. It didn't seem like Danny had any intention of parting ways with him some day, but Vlad couldn't help but realize it was a possibility. Besides, Danny was young! What 20 year old in their right mind would seriously consider marriage? Even if he was in a serious and committed relationship with Vlad, maybe he didn't want something so permanent.
Still, he couldn't get what Sam said out of his head! It's been a week since the Kitten-Wish-Incident, and everything had returned to normal. Danny still had some habits he developed from being a kitten, such as stretching for one or randomly rolling onto his back when he was playing a game on the floor. He even began to drag his nails like claws down Vlad's back during sex when he reached his climax. Vlad was very fond of that one. Danny was in class right now in the University of Wisconsin. He wouldn't be back until maybe five or six in the evening. It was a little past one in the afternoon so Vlad had a few hours to keep himself occupied until his Little Badger returned. However, the only thing keeping his thoughts occupied was that damn comment…
"Maybe it won't be a big deal if he changes his last name to Masters."
"Fudge buckets!" Vlad slammed his hand on the desk in frustration. He loved Danny! Truly, he did. Being married to the young man sounded blissfully wonderful! He longed to have that. All his life he wanted to be loved, cherished, and happy. He spent so many years bitter and pining after a woman he could not have…then Danny came in and he felt like he was on top of the world. He'd do anything to keep the young man by his side, possibly for … well… forever! Was proposing really such a big deal then? Yes, yes it was. It was probably a step Danny wasn't ready for. He bit his lower lip before succumbing into temptation. It wouldn't hurt to just … glance at the rings, would it?
He ended up going to the most expensive jewelry store he could find. When he walked in, he told himself firmly that he was there to just look. Nothing more. The fact that he walked out of there an hour later with a $15,000 engagement ring made him realize that perhaps he should have been more firm. No matter! He could just … put it in his drawer for a time when he was ready. Sure. That could work. He walked into his study and put it in his drawer and closed it shut. Whether it was one month from now or even 6 years from now, he had the ring to use for a proposal. Now he could get his mind off of it. He decided to fill out some forms for a contract he wanted to ensure would be successful.
Not even ten minutes later, Vlad looked down at his forms. He had written words for the first few spaces he had to fill out. However, the rest of the paper was filled out with a name that was not his. Daniel Masters. Vlad wanted to scream in frustration. What was he, some teenager girl? Disgusted and embarrassed with himself, he ripped up the forms and burned them. He could always just ask for another copy later. Sighing, he pulled out the ring from its hidden spot and looked at it. He even got it engraved. He scowled angrily. This was all Samantha Manson's fault! If she hadn't said anything, he wouldn't be suffering with these ridiculous thoughts right now.
He spent almost an hour looking at the ring before putting it away. Really, what was the worst that could happen? Danny could just reject his proposal but be willing to continue their relationship. But then there was the other possibility. What if Danny felt uncomfortable and would decide he needs space from Vlad for a while? Either one would tear Vlad's heart apart. Sighing, he walked out of his study and seriously thought about going to his office until Danny returned home. He had another few hours before he'd see him again anyway. Instead, he decided to take pity on Desiree and released her into the Ghost Zone. Being trapped in the Fenton Thermos for a full week was punishment enough for her.
He wandered his mansion for a while, stopping into his bedroom to look at the photo album on his desk. Before, he had photos of Maddie and maybe one picture of Jack from their college days (that had Maddie in it) filling up the space. After he got over his obsessive and platonic love of her, pictures of Danny replaced his photos of her. Most pictures were of him and Danny on some date or on a vacation they took together in exotic places. Vlad smiled fondly at them. Danny really filled up his life in more ways than one. He couldn't imagine what life would be like without Danny in it.
At 5:30, Danny walked into the mansion. Vlad could hear Danny running up the stairs to get into their bedroom. Smiling, he welcomed him with open arms as Danny tossed his backpack aside and all but tackled Vlad to hug the man. Danny's greetings were always loving and affectionate and so very special to Vlad. He treasured them.
"Hi Vlad," Danny greeted, leaning up for a kiss.
Vlad met him half way and kissed him, wrapping his arms around the younger halfa and pulling him close. Danny moaned in approval and instantly deepened the kiss. Vlad reluctantly pulled away to smile at him. "Hello, Daniel. How was your day?"
"Boring." He wrinkled his nose. "I barely got through the day. Although, my professor wasn't there for my last class so I went to the library and did all my assignments so I could have a free night with you!" He grinned proudly.
"Is that so? Well then, why don't we go out for dinner tonight?" Vlad suggested, suddenly feeling anxious. He didn't know why. It wasn't as if they have never had dinner in public before. Yet, the idea was starting to make Vlad sweat.
Danny seemed to like the idea. "Sure. Do I have to dress up or is casual okay?"
"Hmm…you do look dashing when you wear your tux…"
Danny rolled his eyes but smiled. "Okay, okay. Do I have to wear a tie, too?"
"Well…" He trailed off suggestively.
"Got it." Shaking his head, he laughed. "What's the occasion?"
Again, anxiety fluttered Vlad's stomach as he lied. "No reason, Little Badger. I just want to spoil you tonight. Is that so wrong?"
"Nah, it's not." He kissed his lover again. "I'll go get changed."
Vlad watched Danny change for a bit before his legs were starting to move on their own accord. They led him to the study room, right in front of the drawer where the ring was. Swallowing dryly, Vlad opened the drawer and gripped the velvet box with the expensive and heavy piece of jewelry. He didn't know how long he stood there, staring at the box before he heard his lover shout for him. Without thinking about it, he slipped the box into his pocket and met Danny to leave together and enter the limo.
When they got to the restaurant, Vlad was incredibly distracted. The small velvet box in his pants pocket felt incredibly heavy and for a second he wondered if it was burning him. Now, he knew it was just his anxiousness acting up and that the actual object wasn't burning him. In front of Danny, he kept his cool and calm demeanor, smiling charmingly as his lover discussed his day. It wouldn't do for Danny to see how nervous he really felt. He had to make a decision. Was he going to propose to Danny or wait for a later time, when they've discussed it so he could have a better feel for where Danny stood on the matter? But would it be more romantic if he just did it out of the blue? He wanted to groan. He had no idea!
Throughout their meal, Danny kept an eye on Vlad. The man was acting suspicious. It was subtle signs that Danny noticed. The man's eyes would gleam with nervousness for a second before it was gone. He tapped his glass with his index finger twice—a nervous twitch that one would not notice if they didn't know Vlad Masters so well. He wondered what Vlad was so nervous about. Danny took another bite of his steak before casually trying to bring up the subject.
"Hey love, are you alright?"
Vlad looked up in surprise. "Of course I am, Daniel. Why do you ask?"
Danny shrugged, trying to appear casual. "Just wondering. You sure there's nothing on your mind?" If he poked and prodded enough, maybe he could get Vlad to reveal to him whatever is bugging him.
Vlad swallowed nervously and actually shifted in his seat uncomfortably. Danny's blue eyes widened in surprise. This was something serious; Vlad never shifted uncomfortably like that. "It's nothing dear." Vlad gave him a winning smile.
Danny raised a brow, clearly not believing him. "You sure?" He reached across the table to take Vlad's free hand in his. He caressed the hand with his thumb. "You can tell me anything." He added, smiling.
Vlad paused. Should he ask now? Or should he wait till after dinner? "You know I love you, Daniel." He started.
Danny looked happy. "Yeah, I love you too." He then looked confused. "Is there something wrong?"
"No, nothing is wrong." Vlad said quickly, watching Danny's shoulder sag in relief.
"Oh, so what's up?"
"I…"
"Maybe it won't be a big deal if he changes his last name to Masters."
He lost his courage. Meekly, he said, "I'll tell you later."
Danny looked disappointed. "Oh. Okay, whenever you're ready then." He squeezed the hand in his affectionately before going back to his meal.
Vlad could feel his face flaming as he tried to eat his meal, no longer hungry. The nervous butterflies swirling in his stomach was making it difficult to swallow. Still, he had to put up an appearance. He finished his meal without complaint, even sparing a compliment at it, which Danny whole heartily agreed.
"Do you want dessert?" Danny asked, looking at the mini dessert menu, his eyes excitedly roaming over the exotic foods they offered.
Should he do it after dessert? Or should he wait until they left the restaurant? Should he skip dessert so he could get it over with? Or would it be more romantic if—Ugh, this was driving him insane! His train of thought was making him feel like he had the right to be called a fruitloop.
"I'm fine, Daniel."
"Oh." Danny looked thoughtful before putting the menu down. "Okay, let's pay the bill and leave."
Vlad was a bit upset with that. Danny always ordered dessert. Why not this time? "Don't you want to try a dessert? I've heard they have a wonderful chocolate devil cake…"
Danny shook his head. "Nah, maybe next time."
Reluctantly, Vlad called over a waitress and paid the bill. They left the restaurant together, hand in hand. Vlad was mentally scolding himself as he walked towards their limo. How could he be such a coward? Danny loved him! Surely he wouldn't freak out if he asked him to spend the rest of eternity with him? Maybe he would… Vlad scowled, blaming Samantha again for his predicament and blaming himself for bringing the ring with him. He was so lost in his thoughts he was startled when he felt hands grip his arms and Danny's face was suddenly right in front of his with a determined look.
"Vlad, what's going on? You're acting weird."
"I'm afraid I don't know what you're talking about." Vlad said quickly, wondering how he could have let his lover notice his state. He immediately made himself appear calm and collected. "Nothing's going on, Daniel. I'm fine, I assure you."
"Well you're not acting fine." Danny said with a slight frown. "Seriously, what's wrong? Just tell me. I won't get mad." He promised.
Vlad stared at Danny. The young man was breathtakingly beautiful. His blue eyes were clear and always had the effect of making Vlad feel like they could see right through him. He had grown a little taller over the years, but was still small. It made him look cute. Danny's ghost half was just as gorgeous as his human half. His spirit was one that Vlad always admired, even his sickening good sense of morals. And Danny never failed in making Vlad feel loved and cherished. Even when they fought, Danny never hinted at wanting to leave Vlad. Danny had more control over Vlad than he probably realized. He could easily make Vlad feel like his heart will burst or feel like the luckiest and happiest man in the universe. He never wanted Danny to be anywhere else but his side.
He grabbed the box in his pocket and curled his hand around it. He stared into those questioning blue eyes before dropping down onto one knee. He watched as those blue eyes widened in surprise and he let out a soft gasp. Well, he couldn't back out now. He took out the velvet box and opened it to Danny, revealing the palladium engagement ring. He hadn't prepared a speech so he figured he would just go with whatever his heart was telling him to say.
"Daniel Fenton, you make me the happiest man on earth. I was once a broken soul chasing unrealistic dreams; filled with bitterness and hate that only left me miserable. It took me too long to realize what truly caused my misery and why love had forsaken me for so many years. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't be the man I am today, worthy of your love. I love you, Danny, and I can't imagine a moment without you. Will you do me the honor and marry me?"
Danny stood there in shock. His whole body had shut down and he could only stare at Vlad with his jaw slack. Vlad proposed to him. The man just asked Danny to spend the rest of his life with his. He tried to say something, but nothing came out. Doubt started to seep into those loving blue eyes and Danny knew he had to say something before he crushed the man's feelings.
"Y-Yes!" he said quickly, grinning goofily down at his lover. "S-sure, I'll marry you."
Vlad shot up from his position and pulled Danny into a fierce and passionate kiss. Danny returned it with equal fervor after getting over his shock. The kiss left them breathless and the second they pulled away, Vlad kissed him again. Danny felt like his lungs were going to burn but didn't care; the kiss felt so good and loving he couldn't resist. Finally, they pulled away, panting heavily. Grinning happily, Vlad took out the ring and slipped it onto Danny's ring finger. Danny took a moment to admire the ring.
"It's nice. Looks classy and not girly." Smiling, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a velvet box, surprising Vlad. "Guess you beat me to it." He grinned at Vlad's confused look. "Remember that thing I was going to buy the day Desiree turned me into a kitten? Well, this was it. It was supposed to be more of a promise ring than an engagement one but I think it can serve as that too."
In a daze, Vlad watched Danny open the ring box to reveal a white-gold plain band. Danny took out the ring and held it out for Vlad to slip onto his finger. Vlad did just that, smiling as he looked at it. "When did you manage to get my ring size?" he asked, impressed.
Danny shrugged. "Lucky guess."
Vlad pulled his fiancé into another kiss. "Well, Little Badger, why don't we go home and … celebrate?" he smirked suggestively, nipping at Danny's bottom lip.
Danny shivered. "Sounds like a great idea."
They made their way back to the limo. Vlad placed his hand on the door and then paused. "You will be taking my last name, won't you?" he asked.
Danny hummed thoughtfully before shrugging. "Sure. Danny Masters. I can get used to it."
Vlad felt an odd rush of arousal surge through him from hearing his fiancé voice it out. "Get in the limo, now." He opened the door.
Knowing that tone, Danny grinned. "As you wish."
END! :D
A/N: Fun fact. I'm 21 years old and married. I got engaged at 18. My husband is 10 years older than I am. We seriously had this issue about getting married because he thought I was too young and wouldn't want to tie the knot with him. Which is why I wrote 'What 20 year old in their right mind would seriously consider marriage?' in the fic. Haha. Well, he's so wonderful, I couldn't help but say yes when he proposed. We waited two years to get married (mostly because I insisted, he wanted to wait till I was a little older but I figured I wasn't going to change my mind so here we are haha. Not that I don't think there's a possibility that it can back fire, but, so far, we're very happy and take every day as it comes. :) ) So it was kind of fun to write this because it kind of plays close to home.
Anyway, enough babbling. I hope you guys enjoyed my fic! Thanks again to Raininglullaby for all your hard work and being such an AWESOME beta and writer! And for the wonderful idea :D And thank you all who take the time to review my fic; much appreciated!