#also haha whoops this accidentally ended up being an autobiographical piece about not knowing how to communicate

[auberginesdonthavelimbs]

Theme: Hope/Hatred

“I know you’re upset, and that’s okay, but I think we can both admit that you aren’t being entirely fair to him.”

Damon was sitting in one of the two unmatched chairs that, together, made up two-thirds of their living room furniture, the only other piece being the cabinet their TV sat on. His daughter had just walked into the room and caught the end of a segment on Danny Phantom (which had become ubiquitous in the week since the Disasteroid event) that he was half-listening to while he stitched some torn clothes. Valerie had taken to opportunity to remind anyone who might be listening that Danny didn’t deserve all the praise he was getting.  

Damon had never actually followed the news about Danny Phantom, and he certainly didn’t have the same relationship with him his daughter had had, both as a ghost hunter (he still felt like he was having a mild heart attack whenever he thought of how much danger she had been in on a regular basis) and as a fellow student. In a way, though, he felt like that allowed him some perspective that his daughter might benefit from. He felt that her feelings toward Danny had more to do with her relationship with him that anything to do with the boy himself.

“I don’t think we can,” she responded, straightening her back like she was about to give a presentation. “In fact, I feel like I’m the only one who’s being fair. So he saved the world, so what? We don’t even know why he did it - Danny lives on Earth, maybe he was just doing it to not lose his home. That doesn’t prove that he cares about anyone, especially not us.” Damon hated the harsh tone in his daughter’s voice, but he didn’t know what he could say to erase it.  

“Valerie …”

“Don’t give me that look. Phantom - Danny - he doesn’t care about us. It’s been a week, and nothing. He ruined our lives and he can’t even manage an apology?”

“He didn’t -” She held up her hand.

“Don’t, dad. We both know that things were better before you lost your job.” He followed her gaze to the shirt and sewing supplies he had put down on his lap. He couldn't truly deny that he missed a time when he would have just gotten a new shirt. But that wasn’t the point.

“He probably just hadn’t had the chance to talk. I’m sure you’ll see him once the reporters give him a break.”

“No, it isn’t that he hasn’t talked to me that’s the problem.” Valerie sounded frustrated, like she was stating the obvious and didn’t understand why Damon was not getting it. “He’s caused plenty of damage, but he hasn’t acknowledged it once. He’s done so many interviews the past seven days, you’d think he could spare a few words for the people he’s hurt. We deserve that much. But no, he’s too busy talking about how he just did what was right and anyone in his position would do the same and how he’s just so perfect and good. God forbid the world’s hero admit he’s ever done anything wrong.”

Valerie was looking at the floor now, and Damon suddenly realized that it was not just anger that he heard in her voice. There was grief there as well. Had she perhaps thought that, with his secret identity revealed, Danny would apologize for what he had done as Phantom? When he didn’t, had Valerie’s hope turned to hatred?

Damon wished for the millionth time that he knew how to talk to his daughter to make her feel better. It seemed far too often that, when he tried to talk to her about her feelings, it always came across like he was just telling her not to be upset, and that just made her more upset and less willing to talk. But maybe if he could get her to see Danny the way he did - perhaps not as a hero, but not as a villain either, maybe that would help.

“Of course he’s done wrong, but who hasn’t? It doesn’t mean he’s not a good person. I don’t fully understand what he did back then at Axion, but I’m sure he didn’t do it on purpose.”

“That doesn’t make it better!” she yelled, throwing her hands in the air. “He did them, and then never thought about them again, because he doesn’t care about anyone but himself, and maybe his stupid girlfriend. And he’s going to keep hurting people because he can’t be bothered to admit his mistakes and learn from them. No matter how many lives he’s saved, if he can’t even do that, he’s not a hero. And I refuse to praise him as one like everyone else.”

Valerie sat down firmly on the other chair and crossed her arms. She was looking away from Damon, but he could see the tension in her face and body and he knew he had said the wrong thing once again.

“You don’t have to.” He sighed, unsure if he could explain without it coming out like an excuse. “I’m sorry if it sounded like I was telling you how to feel or what to think; I didn’t mean to. I was just trying to tell you why I don’t think Danny is as bad as you think he is. But of course, I can’t change your mind - only you can do that, and only if you’re willing.” Valerie’s posture had softened somewhat. She still wasn’t looking at him, but he could tell she wasn’t glaring. If anything, she seemed tired. Damon could not believe that she wanted to be so angry all the time. It must be exhausting.

“Are you willing to change your mind, Valerie?” he asked in a soft voice. Now she looked at him, eyes squinted in suspicion. She was clearly ready to be angry again if need be. Damon continued in the same tone. “If he were to do something, or say something, that showed that he cared, would you be willing to forgive him?” Valerie’s body was tense again.

“It would have to be something pretty dang impressive.” But she suddenly dropped the defensive posture. Perhaps Damon’s sadness at her reply had shown on his face, because she quickly amended, “But, yeah, I guess I might change my mind.” Damon smiled, and the smile he received back from his daughter was the first one he had seen in a week.