Running to the Enemy's Arms

Chapter 1 - Unexpected Places

After that whole mishap, Dash had decided he needed to 'teach Fenton a lesson'. Mainly so he could mend the damage Danny had done to his reputation. Danny, of course, let Dash beat him up. He claimed that it wasn't a big deal, that Dash wasn't hurting him anyway. But I still think Danny could've stood up for himself. There is no doubt Danny would win in a fight. Danny had some serious guns. All that ghost hunting slash superhero-ing had done a number on his physical fitness. It finally got to the point where Danny couldn't hide it anymore, about a year ago. Everyone was shocked of course, that Danny put on some muscle, but that gossip was gone within a couple of days. Danny was finally ripped enough that Dash wasn't picking on him anymore. Not me, unfortunately, but I was happy Danny was catching a break.

The girls at school had noticed how Danny had grown more toned and defined too. Of course, this only made Sam jealous because Danny picked up on every little flirt sent his way. However, he refused to see the hints Sam was dropping like bombs every three seconds. Sam got so frustrated. Eventually, she couldn't keep it all to herself anymore. She had taken to coming and complaining to me about Danny's cluelessness.

It was almost painful to watch Sam go after Danny with the determination she did. If Sam ever stayed home sick she would call me by the end of the day, usually to ask why Danny hadn't called her yet to see if she was alright. On the rare occasion the three of us got to hang together without being interrupted by ghosts, Sam would have me over half an hour early so I could make sure her outfit looked okay. When Sam was really feeling down, sometimes she would come over and play Doomed.

I constantly reminded her that Danny liked her back and that he just wasn't brave enough to ask her on a date. She took little comfort in the reminder anymore. If actions speak louder than words, his refusal to do anything is going to keep shouting at her that he doesn't. In the meantime, I try my best to keep my friends' spirits up and to go along with whatever they want me to do.

Not that I mind Sam coming to me for that kind of stuff. Sam is a very pretty girl. It's hard to hang out with someone as pretty as her for as long as I have and not notice the fact. I try to stay out of her way though; she only has eyes for Danny. What kind of friend would I be anyway if I tried to get a girl I knew Danny liked? Not to mention that if I did get together with Sam, our friendship might not survive the ordeal. Hey though, you can't stop a guy from dreaming. Sam was gorgeous, even if Danny didn't want to admit it to her face.

I try my best to be there for her when she needs someone to vent to. I know she likes to tease me about some of the stupider things I do. If I really work at it, I can get her to forget about whatever stupid thing Danny had done and laugh a little. I try to go out of my way to be extra stupid when she's around; I love seeing that smile on her face. I kind of wish Sam and Danny would get together so Sam wouldn't be so unhappy all the time. It's one thing to dress in all black; it's another to have an attitude to match. It takes a lot to bring Sam down; she's got a strong personality. She knows what she wants and isn't afraid to get it. Except when it comes to Danny, apparently.

I closed my locker door to find Sam waiting for me with red cheeks on the other side. Time to see what Danny had done this time.

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Sam's P.O.V.

Tucker was so awesome. As soon as he saw I was upset, I could tell all his attention was directed at me. The way he held himself told me that he was going to be there for me when I needed it.

Honestly, without Tucker, I'd probably go insane. I wished that Danny could go two seconds without worrying about what was lurking around the next corner and pay attention to me. Danny wouldn't even have to worry so much about being attacked if he would let us help him in the first place. He frustrates me so much sometimes.