OOM: A brief pit stop

[ami_imperfect]

It had been Sam's suggestion - her insistence, really - that the Fenton family (plus three) stop off at some warm location before returning to Amity Park. Fortunately everyone else had had as much of the Antarctic temperatures as she had, so there were no objections to a brief stop off in Chile on their way home.

Standing on the beach and watching the sunset, Dani still finds it hard to wrap her head around. She associated herself with Amity Park solely because Danny was there (then later because of Vlad because someone had to keep an eye on the fruit loop), but for the past two years "home" had meant Milliways. Eating meals down in the bar, being subjected to sudden wardrobe changes on holidays or for other reasons, training outside...being able to see Enzo whenever she wanted (or as often as his schedule would allow).

They hadn't even returned to Amity Park or begun moving her things out yet, but already Dani finds herself feeling homesick for Milliways.

Comments

[ami_imperfect]

"Mm-hm?" She nods.

Who cares about new friends? The kids at school will probably only want to be her friend since she's a hero/halfa like Danny anyway.

[a1enzo]

Enzo would argue the 'only' point.

He gives a strained little chuckle. "It's my turn now, I guess."

[ami_imperfect]

Dani takes a deep breath, then tries to put on her best brave/smug face. "Well, you'll just have to come visit me at school sometime, then," she says. It's not Enzo's imagination that her voice is slightly shaky.

[a1enzo]

"I guess so." He tries to make a joke of it. "So I can fight off all the other boys."

[ami_imperfect]

She giggles, though it sounds a little forced. "No powers, though, okay? I don't want the both of us getting sent to Mr. Lancer's office."

[a1enzo]

"I'll try," he says doubtfully. "It'll be tough. I mean, every boy in school's gonna be totally in love with you."

(He can do this. He can say it. Just approach it sideways.)

[ami_imperfect]

"So? No boy in school is gonna be you, Enzo. You're my boyfriend."

[a1enzo]

He smiles, and feels a warmth that has nothing to do with the climate, gently burning away his insecurity.

"Sorry. I just... I don't want to lose you. Not ever."

[ami_imperfect]

"I don't want to lose you either," she agrees. "You mean too much to me, Enzo."

[a1enzo]

"You won't. I promise.




I love you, Dani."

[ami_imperfect]

"You..."

Dani stares at Enzo in surprise.

"What did you say?"

[a1enzo]

Oh, man. He said it. He actually...

"I love you, I've been trying to tell you since Valentine's Day but I couldn't, the words wouldn't work, but I totally do, I think I have for ages, you're the most amazing girl ever..."

Okay, so he's still pretty nervous.

[ami_imperfect]

"You...love me?" Forgive her, Enzo; she's trying to keep up. "Like...like Danny and Sam? Or- or Bob and Dot?"

[a1enzo]

He nods emphatically. "I... yeah. I didn't know it at first, but..."

[ami_imperfect]

"I- you... Wow."

You've just rendered your girlfriend speechless, Enzo. Congratulations.

[a1enzo]

"Yeah, that's what I thought, too."

[ami_imperfect]

There's more silence as Dani processes this new development.

"You...you're not just messing with me, are you?"

[a1enzo]

"No! Why would I do that?!"

[ami_imperfect]

"I- I dunno." She shrugs. "I guess...I was just so surprised..."

Dani sighs. "I've always wondered if you felt that way about me. 'Cause I feel the same way about you."

[a1enzo]

Enzo's breath catches.

"You... really?"

[ami_imperfect]

She nods.

"I just...didn't know how you felt. And then everything with Vlad and the asteroid, and telling Jack and Maddie...I thought it was too late to say anything."

[a1enzo]

Enzo utters a tiny laugh. "I was scared of that, too. Not now, I mean, once you're in Amity Park, and I'm back in my world..." He shakes his head. "Remember about Bob getting stuck in the Web? Him and Dot didn't tell each other before that, and then they didn't get to see each other for five years. I couldn't..."

[ami_imperfect]

Yes, let's not follow Bob and Dot's example there.

"Jeez... Now I'm glad we said something!"

[a1enzo]

"Copy-and-paste that!" He laughs. "I was... I think I was too scared to say it before... but I was way too scared not to say it now. Maybe that's why my mouth worked this time."

[ami_imperfect]

"Well, I'm glad it did," Dani grins.