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Danny couldn't stop shaking.
Why could he stop shaking?
It was one stupid question he didn't even bother to answer.
So, why was he acting like this? Wasn't he supposed to be the town hero? He fought scarier things on a daily basis. Hell, he beat Pariah Dark in single combat, he shouldn't be afraid of a reporter of all people.
But the way he threw out that question so casually, as if not fully understanding the weight of what he was asking.
He should have just brushed it off. Played it off with a joke like he always does. But no he ran away like a dog with his tail between his legs. He could almost imagine the headlines tomorrow morning "Hero or Zero: Town Hero Really a Sorry Loser Scared of a Simple Question". He's sure everyone would get a laugh out of that.
He huffed, barely noticing the way his breath froze in the chilly night air.
“What’s got you so sulky, brat?”
“Leave me alone, Ember.”
“Ooh, didn’t take you for the brooding type," Ember laughed.
“Just drop it.”
“Seriously, you okay, baby-bop?"
“It’s nothing. It’s stupid," Danny said trying to turn away.
“Doesn’t seem stupid”
“Why do you even care?
“I don’t,” Ember said plopping down next to him on the roof, “But it’s not as fun trying to take over the world if you ain’t chasing me down. And you’re not gonna do that if you’re off here sulking.
Danny let out a weak laugh, “You know most people trying to take over the world will be happy if no one was there to stop them.”
“I’m hurt, baby pop. Don't you know I'm not like other girls?"
“I suppose that's true," Danny said, chuckling slightly.
“That I am. But don’t think I don’t see you dancing around the question."
“Like I said, it was stupid. Don’t worry about it."
“Too late, I'm invested. So stop wasting my time."
Danny was quiet for a moment, before mumbling under his breath.
“Gonna have to speak up, dude,” Ember growled, patience running thin.
“Lance Thunder asked me how I died," Danny half-shouted.
Ember froze for a beat, “The reporter?"
“Yeah..?"
“I’m gonna kill him,” Ember said moving to stand up, only stopping as Danny gripped her arm.
“No don’t,” Danny said with pleading eyes, “He didn’t know, okay?”
“That doesn’t matter, you can’t just ask someone that!"
“It’s not like humans know much about ghost etiquette. Besides, it's fine. I don’t even know why I’m acting like this. I’m ok with it. I’ve come to terms with it. And heck, I'm still at least partially alive, I don’t have it nearly as bad as the rest of you.”
“That doesn’t mean it can’t hurt as much. Especially when some idiot throws it right in your face.”
“I guess."
“You guess." Ember laughed, "Dude, dying tends to be one of the most traumatising events in a ghost’s existence. Just because you half-survived it doesn’t mean the trauma goes away. And just because you’ve come to terms with it, doesn’t mean it still can’t hurt you."
"But it shouldn't," Danny growled, "I'm supposed to be better than that. Stronger than that. The arrogant, goofball Hero that always saves the day with a smile. I'm not supposed to freak out because someone asked me how I-" Danny choked.
“Phantom- Danny, I’ve been dead for a lot longer than you, but even I feel shitty whenever my death is brought up. Hell, I think you’re handling it a whole lot better than I ever have.
“Are you trying to sound like Jazz?"
“Well, maybe Jazz is trying to sound like me."
Danny laughed at that.
“Feeling better?"
“A bit."
“Well does that mean you’re finally up for a fight?"
“Su-,” Danny stopped himself, “Actually no. Do you mind if we reschedule for tomorrow?"
“Sure thing. I’ll let the others know as well,” She said, ruffling his hair.
Danny batted her hands away, before glaring at her, “Please tell me that doesn’t mean you’re gonna team up on me again."
“Guess you’ll just have to wait and see."
“Ember."
“Get your rest, baby bop, you’re gonna need it,” She said, speeding off into the night sky.
Danny just shook his head before taking off after her.