Chapter Text
Danny is raiding the fridge in the middle of the night.
The sound of the door unlocking. Danny turns around, eyes glowing ominously.
The door opens. Maddie gasps, fumbling for the light. Oh, it's just Danny. She relaxes. But...
A long moment of silence. Danny stares, wide eyes flickering to her and then his clone. The clone tenses. Maddie holds her breath. Where to even start...
"Oh no. Not again." Danny shouts, pointing angrily. "Don't listen to what he says. I'm the real Danny!"
The clone, half hiding behind Maddie. "Why would I say that?"
Danny startles at the words, mouth snapping shut. "I... what?"
Maddie intercedes, stepping between the two boys. "Danny, sweetie. I know. I know you're Phantom. And..." She looks between the two near identical boys. "I know he's not you."
Danny pales. "I can... I can explain, Mom. I... I swear-"
"Danny, it's okay." The woman holds out a placating hand. "It's okay. We have... a lot to talk about. I need to wake up your father. Danny, can you get your sister? And..." She looks at the clone, still in a too big lab coat. "Can your brother borrow some clothes?"
Danny stares, uncomprehending. The clone blushes, farther hiding behind his mom.
"Danny?" Maddie asks.
The boy blinks. "Clothes? Get Jazz? But..." His eyes met his clone's. "Brother?" The clone looks away and soon both are staring at the mother. "What's going on?"
"I'll explain. We just need to get your dad and sister." Danny still looks wary and cautious, the clone tense and anxious. Maddie moves, gently pulling the clone closer to Danny and positioning herself so she can put a hand on each of her sons. "Listen to me, both of you. We are a family. We will get through this if we listen to and trust each other. So Danny, please go do as I asked. And you sweetie," She addresses the clone. "Just wait on the couch. I'll get you cleaned up really soon and you can met your dad and sister, okay?"
"Okay, Mom." The clone nods, anxieties eased.
Danny remains unsure but he slowly starts walking to the stairs.
"Danny." His mom's voice gives him pause; he looks back. "I love you and I'm so proud of you." She smiles.
The boy's expression shifts, still worried but he offers a half smile. "I... thanks mom. I'll... go talk to Jazz." He disappears up the stairs.