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Description
The Suave and the Awkward: Great kissers aren't born—you need determination to take the first step, a splice of awkwardness to set the mood, and a willing participant for you to practice on. Pitch Pearl, DPxDF. Kissing scene practice; constructive criticism wanted.

TSaTA
Chapter 3

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"The beginning of love is to let those we love be perfectly themselves and not to twist them to fit our own image. Otherwise, we love only the reflection of ourselves we find in them." ~ Thomas Merton

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"Hey," a voice whispered, "wake up."

As the voice spoke, cold air gusted across Fenton's ear. He shivered and lifted his blanket over his head, smothering himself in a warm cocoon. He snuggled against his pillow, exhaling softly.

"Cute," the voice said, amused, "but that won't stop me from waking you by any means necessary."

The human garbled a sentence even he didn't understand.

"I warned you."

Hands as cold as ice pierced his warm cocoon and settled on the human's stomach. Fenton's eyes snapped open and he sprung forward, his hands automatically latching onto the cold arms that disappeared halfway through his blanket.

Phantom smiled, his eyes crinkling at the sides. "Morning, sunshine." His fingers wiggled against Fenton's belly, and he smirked as the human shivered from the cold. "Sleep well?"

"What? What time…?" Fenton paused. Less than two inches away, glowing green eyes stared into his own. Snow white strands dangled in front of the ghost's face and blended with Fenton's black hair, tickling the human boy's cheeks and forehead. Heat flooded Fenton's face and on odd squeak escaped his lips.

Phantom laughed, but he obediently backed away. As soon as his hands left Fenton's stomach, the human hugged the blankets to himself and concentrated on warming the chill left behind by the ghost. Phantom settled on the bed beside Fenton, his legs crossed.

"It is almost noon," he answered. He cocked his head to the side, thoughtful as he considered Fenton from a different angle. "You know, you talk in your sleep. And snore…and drool. It's quite disgusting."

Fenton grimaced, feeling more than a little sick. "You watched me sleep?"

The ghost snorted through his nose. "You are not that interesting, Fenton. I watched for all of two minutes, and only that long because I was able to engage you in conversation." Phantom's lips lifted in a smirk. "And for the record, no. I do not know what the seven ate the nine, but I'm fairly sure the X had nothing to do with it."

Fenton stared at him, slowly blinking. "…What?"

The ghost laughed."It is unimportant, Fenton, don't stress yourself." The smirk shrank into a small smile. You will stress yourself enough today, I'm sure."

"Stress myself?" Why would…" Fenton blinked and then his eyes widened. He was literally sitting beside himself. His ghost half existed apart from him. Which meant they…

Suddenly the companionable distance between him and the other boy felt about as far apart as a pencil width.

Phantom reacted to Fenton's unease before Fenton could push either one of them off the bed. The ghost floated up and away from the mattress, and the tense set of Fenton's shoulders eased, the boy breathing a little easier.

The ghost boy sighed, crossing his arms over his chest. "We must work on this 'space issue' you have…" His legs blended together to form his ghost tail, which then proceeded to flick back and forth in a thoughtful manner reminiscent of Phantom's expression.

"Yeah," Fenton said as he rolled his eyes. "You do that while I go eat." He threw his blankets aside and flinched when he considered how he must have ended up in bed last night. Did the ghost not understand personal boundaries at all?

"Ah, yes. Your breakfast." Phantom nodded toward their desk. "I brought it up for you to speed things along."

Fenton cringed. He would much rather slow things down, but judging by the smirk Phantom threw his way, the ghost knew his intentions and would make such delaying tactics difficult. "Jerk," he muttered.

"I thought I was being rather helpful."

"That's exactly why you're a jerk."

Phantom chuckled and moved aside, allowing Fenton to walk past him. "I also finished the rest of our homework after you feel asleep last night, so you do not have to worry about completing it."

"…Eager much?" Fenton lowered himself into the chair, sighing. There went another distraction. Granted, working on homework with Phantom had the potential to be just as awkward, but at least they wouldn't have to…touch each other.

Phantom's eyebrows lowered over his eyes. "I am eager to see this through so we can merge back, yes." The ghost floated over to the desk so that he could continue the conversation face-to-face. Fenton grimaced and scooted his soggy bowl of cereal—and his chair—further away from Phantom. Said ghost rolled his eyes. "Fun as your company is, Fenton, I would much rather be kissing Valerie." He spread his arms out on either side. "As I stand right now, I am more likely to receive a kiss from her gun…"

"You're not exactly standing," Fenton said, gesturing with his spoon at the ghost's transparent tail.

The tail separated into two legs again. Phantom dropped onto his feet and leaned his hip against the desk's edge. He crossed his arms over his chest, smirking cockily down at Fenton. "Better?"

Fenton scowled, edging away from his other self. "What would be better is if you'd stop being so…flirty."

"Flirty?" Phantom's brow creased as he considered the word. "Yes, I suppose I am…but I only do it to tease you, Fenton. Your reactions are quite amusing."

"Gee, good to know I am so entertaining..."

"It's better than being boring," Phantom pointed out.

"Yeah, well, layoff a bit. You're creeping me out…"

"I'll try." Fenton lifted a spoon full of brightly colored cereal to his mouth, and the playful smirk Fenton had come to dread spread across Phantom's lips. "You are going to taste like Froot Loops."

Fenton froze, the spoon in his mouth, and even Phantom's smile fell as he realized a second meaning was attached to his words. Fenton chocked a little and then spat the cereal back into the bowl. He pushed it to the side, grimacing. "Lost my appetite…"

"I doubt the Fruitloop actually tastes like Froot Loops," Phantom said, cautious.

"I don't care. I'm not eating them."

Phantom stared at him in disbelief, eyebrows arching up his forehead. "I only meant it as a joke, Fenton. To deprive yourself of breakfast just because of what I said is ridiculous. If anything, I should be the one objecting as I am the one who will be kissing you, and will therefore be exposed to a Froot Loop flavor."

Of course, Phantom just had to bring the kissing thing up. Fenton flushed, scowling at the desktop. "I'm not eating them."

Phantom shook his head, sighing. "You are being silly, but I'm not about to force you." He set his hands on the desk and leaned towards Fenton, once again smirking. "Of course you realize that once you are finished with breakfast, there will be nothing preventing us from practicing."

Fenton leaned away from him, trying to regain the distance between them. He glanced at the bowl. Then glared at the ghost. Silently, he dragged the bowl back toward himself.

Phantom's smirk grew, but he didn't move from his position. "I don't know whether to be pleased or insulted."

"How about you just stop talking?" Fenton suggested.

Phantom sighed. He finally straightened from the desk and then ran a hand through his hair. "Unlike you, Fenton," he said, sounding tired, "I don't require sleep. I have been active all night with absolutely nothing to do. Excuse me, but I am bored."

"You could have flown around the city. You know, patrol…your job."

"I did…but the Phans apparently have some sort of Night Watch Unit…"

It was Fenton's turn to smirk at the ghost, and boy did it feel good. "Afraid of a few little girls, Phantom?" he questioned.

"Hah!" Phantom shouted. "Anybody who stays up past midnight in the mere hopes of catching a glimpse of me is insane, and is therefore neither little nor harmless."

"That's a bit harsh."

"They went all-out last night! They were like…possessed or something…" The ghost shuddered.

"Oh. Well, sucks to be you then."

"You are me."

Fenton's smirk grew. "Not right now, I'm not."

The glare Phantom sent him for that comment made Fenton grin like a Cheshire cat, feeling smug and triumphant for the first time since they separated. If Phantom felt that way every time he 'flirted' with Fenton, it was no wonder the ghost was so impossible to deal with. That feeling was addicting.

"Eat your Froot Loops," Phantom growled.

Fenton snickered, but dutifully returned to his breakfast. At first, Phantom continued to glare at him as he ate, but then the ghost's gaze began to wander and his body soon followed. Relieved as he was not to have the other boy hovering over his shoulder, Fenton felt his unease grow. The ghost made no noise.

I don't trust myself, Fenton thought dryly, and then twisted in his seat so he could keep his eye on Phantom while he ate his cereal. The ghost cast him annoyed glances occasionally, but he otherwise contented himself with staring out the window. Fenton supposed the outside was more interesting than the room Phantom had been confined in all night, and he soon began to focus more on eating his cereal than on watching his ghost half stare out a window.

After a few minutes had passed, Fenton heard Phantom murmur, "I hope this clears up before our date…"

"Hmm?" Fenton lifted the bowl to his lips and slurped the milk.

Phantom pointed at the sky. "The weather report said it would be partly cloudy today," he said, "but only a few patches of sky are visible right now. I am worried the weather might ruin our date with Valerie."

Fenton set the empty bowl aside and licked milk from his lips. He pushed his chair back and walked over to stand beside his ghost half. Like Phantom had said, a large portion of the sky was covered by bulky clouds, but Fenton could see darker clouds on the horizon.

"Maybe it will miss us," he said hopefully.

"Maybe," Phantom said softly.

The ghost shifted on his feet and his cold arm brushed against Fenton's. The sudden icy contact was like a jolt to Fenton's system, causing his lungs to stutter. He jerked away from the other boy and almost tripped in his rush to put more distance between them. Phantom looked at him, an eyebrow slowly arching up his forehead.

Fenton blushed, his breathing fast. "I, uh…i-if we have to cancel our date with Valerie, then there's really no point in…this," he gestured at himself and Phantom, "is there?"

Phantom continued to stare at him, which really didn't help cool Fenton's face. "There is no guarantee the clouds will obstruct our view of the meteor show, Fenton, and even if they do, it is more sensible to practice anyway on the chance Valerie is willing to do something else for our date."

"Yeah, but…" Fenton wracked his brain, trying to find the words he needed to convince his ghost self. "B-but I would rather watch the meteor shower, and, and…"

Phantom's look darkened. "So long as Valerie is there, I am sure we will enjoy whatever date we go on, even if it has nothing to do with outer space."

"Th-then…can't we just go on the date and not practice?"

Phantom crossed his arms over his chest, truly frowning now. "We already went over this, Fenton. When we were one as well as when we were apart. Or have you forgotten how you were about to kiss me yesterday?"

A blush exploded across Fenton's cheeks, darker than the one before it. "Th-that—I wasn't—I…Y-you cheated! You used some sort of mind game on me!"

"I only alluded to you being a coward." The ghost rolled his green eyes. "Your pride did the rest."

"B-but I—you—" Fenton snapped his mouth shut and looked away, scowling. He hated how his ghost half had a counter for everything while he always ended up tongue-tied. It wasn't fair. They were supposed to be the same person, so why did Phantom always get the clever comebacks?

Phantom titled his head to the side, still staring at him, but his gaze had become thoughtful. Scrutinizing. "We are the only ones who will know of this act, and neither one of us will judge the other. You are afraid we will take things too far, and so I have agree to give you control. We have discussed all of this already…why are you still so reluctant?"

Fenton grimaced, but kept his face turned away from his ghost. "You know why."

"Yes, you feel our actions are morally wrong," Phantom said slowly. "But…I don't understand why you feel it's wrong…just like you don't understand my fascination." He released a dry laugh. "One would think we would understand each other better, seeing as how we are the same person."

Fenton's lips quirked into a half-smile. "Jazz used to say you can't truly know yourself until you see yourself through another's eyes."

"She may have the right of it." Phantom leaned his shoulder and his head against the wall, smirking at Fenton as white strands of hair shadowed his eyes. "You realize what that implies, of course."

The smile vanished from Fenton's face. "That…we…"

"That we are separate individuals," Phantom finished for him. "At least for the time being. The sooner you accept our separation, Fenton, the sooner we can finish this and merge back into a complete person again."

He stood up from the wall, his sudden action snapping Fenton's gaze back on him. The ghost held his gaze a few moments before Fenton tore his away in favor of staring out the window.

"I agreed to let you dominate this time," Phantom said as if Fenton were still facing him, "but if you take too long to initiate the kiss, I will do it for you." He strode past Fenton, purposefully brushing his cold arm against Fenton's, and the human had to fist his hands at his sides to stop his kneejerk reaction at the touch.

Fenton rubbed the chill from his arm and glared over his shoulder at his ghost half. Phantom leaned against the Ghost Catcher's pole, lifted his chin and returned Fenton's glare with a cocky smirk. Like he was daring him. Challenging him.

Scowling, Fenton faced the window again. He felt Phantom's eyes on him, but he ignored it the best he could. He knew he had to kiss Phantom if he wanted life to return to normal, he knew the ghost wouldn't merge again until he was satisfied with their kissing prowess, but he didn't want to kiss Phantom. Just the thought made his stomach lurch unpleasantly. It was like kissing a…a twin brother or something.

Images and sensations from their last kiss flashed through Fenton's mind, causing an involuntary shiver to course up his spine.

Okay, he thought with a grimace, kissing Phantom is nothing like kissing a brother…but it should be!

Fenton crossed his arms over his chest, suppressing shivers and memories in equal parts. He could still feel Phantom's gaze on him, and it was making the small hairs on the back of his neck stand on end. The whole situation was surreal. He wanted it to end.

"Everything all right, Fenton?"

"Fine," he spat.

Fenton heard the other boy sigh, the exhale sounding as frustrated as Fenton felt. He waited for Phantom to say something flirtatious or maybe something derogatory to compel him into action, but after a few seconds, Fenton glanced over his shoulder at his silent ghost half. Phantom stared back at him, an eyebrow poised, but otherwise waiting for Fenton to act.

A heated stirring in his veins made Fenton scowl at his ghost half. "Stop that."

The other boy blinked. "I'm not doing anything."

"You are too, now stop it!"

Phantom stared at him a while longer before his lips twitched. "You are losing it, Fenton."

"It's your fault!"

For Fenton, the amused smile that finally lifted Phantom's lips was the opposite of satisfying. "I suppose it is. What are you going to do about it?"

"Me? You're the cause of it!"

"And what exactly is 'it', Fenton?"

"I—it's—gah! You know what it is!"

"Well, I certainly have a good guess as to what 'it' is." Phantom dropped his hands at his sides and sauntered over to Fenton. Fenton's own hands tightened around his biceps and he took a hesitant step back before he held his ground, refusing to be cornered against the wall.

"'It'," Phantom said as he came closer, "is a discomfort in your stomach that makes you feel as if you are about to throw up. 'It' is a poison in your veins that makes you feel uncomfortable in your own skin. 'It' happens every time you look at me or I look at you." He now stood less than half a foot away, infuriatingly casual in stance whereas Fenton felt like a tight spring about to burst. "Am I right?"

"No!"

"No?" The ghost braced his forearm against the wall above Fenton's head, bringing his face so close to Fenton's the human could see the different shades of green in his eyes. It was automatic, instinctual, for Fenton to stumble back a step, which brought him exactly where he didn't want to be; cornered against the wall.

Fenton knew the cold radiating off Phantom was produced by Phantom's core, that the ghost had to release it to keep his core from freezing over, but Fenton's firsthand knowledge of the process couldn't stop the shivers from crawling along his skin. This close to the ghost, the cold enveloped Fenton, encased him in an icy shroud. Phantom's cold aura smothered Fenton as completely as if he was enveloped in the other boy's arms.

"N-no," Fenton repeated, and then cursed himself for stuttering. Phantom's smile grew, prompting Fenton to glower at him. "You said you would let me lead."

"I did," Phantom agreed, "but I am not kissing you right now am I? I am merely…prompting you."

"Then do that over there. Away from me."

"It's not as effective over there." Although the cocky smile and the casual stance remained, Fenton noticed Phantom's eyes narrowed slightly. "Like I said yesterday, Fenton. You can't be shy about this. Be bold; take action."

"I can't—"

"No," Phantom said. "No doubts. Stop thinking about what is right and what is wrong and just do it." The ghost leaned a little closer, and Fenton's hands almost reached out to halt his progress before the human clamped down on the instinct. He didn't want to touch Phantom if he could help it. "I'm not going to wait forever, Fenton."

Fenton swallowed. Phantom's commanding tone made all those symptoms he had just listed erupt into action. Fenton didn't like it, but the ghost refused to move and he couldn't bring himself to move away either. Uncomfortable as those sensations were, they kept Fenton immobile, unable to escape Phantom's gaze.

If I do throw up, Fenton thought fiercely, I'm aiming for his boots.

"Fenton…"

Fenton's heart beat a little faster at the warning in the other boy's tone. He had to kiss Phantom now or the ghost would kiss him. He lost on both accounts, but if he kissed Phantom, he could at least control how far it went. Fenton lowered his gaze to Phantom's lips, and unconsciously licked his own.

This is so messed up! I'm messed up! Oh man… He took a deep breath. Calm down, Fenton. You can do this. Another deep breath. Nobody will ever know. Just get it over. Wait…how do I even start?

It was barely there, barely visible, but Fenton saw Phantom's lips start to turn down, and then he felt the cold aura amplify slightly as the ghost shifted towards him. Phantom was done waiting. He was going to kiss him.

Fenton panicked. He threw his arms around the other boy's neck, and before Phantom could do more than blink, slammed their lips together.

Neither one were prepared for the collision. It hurt, and Fenton knew he had done something wrong. Phantom was tense beneath his hands and against his lips. He had done something wrong.

Phantom's eyes were wide as they stared into Fenton's, but as contact between their lips continued, Phantom's eyes returned to normal sizes. Staring into those eyes, Fenton felt himself begin to relax. Phantom wasn't making a move to deepen the kiss. He wasn't going to steal control. He would still let Fenton determine how far they went.

Fenton's vice grip on Phantom's neck loosened, and in response, the ghost's shoulders relaxed marginally. Fenton felt the other boy's lips soften against his and tried to lessen the almost painful pressure between them. Phantom's right hand, the one not braced against the wall, settled on Fenton's hip, and the human repressed a shudder at the cold touch.

I'm kissing myself, Fenton thought. He screwed his eyes shut, unwilling to stare into those green eyes any longer. This is so wrong. So very, very wrong. He shifted on his feet, causing their lips to slide almost pleasantly against each other. Oh man, oh man, oh man! What do I do now? I should have let Phantom lead—I don't know how to do this! I don't want to do this!

Phantom withdrew from the kiss. The loss of contact was so sudden Fenton followed his lips, taking a half-step forward before regaining control. He stared at his ghost self, blinking repeatedly. "W-what? Did I—"

Phantom shook his head. "You need to stop thinking so hard." The cold hand on Fenton's hip shifted to his back and then proceeded to stroke his spine in a soothing motion. "Do what comes naturally."

The hand at his back was distracting, but Fenton managed a small glare. "This comes naturally for you, not me."

"Hmm." Phantom half-smiled, an odd combination of amusement and curiosity in his expression. "I wonder why that is…"

Fenton blinked and then began to frown.

Before Fenton could think of a response, Phantom laid his forehead against his. The human boy reflexively jerked back, but the hand on his spine kept him firmly in place. Phantom's green eyes stared straight into Fenton's, and Fenton once again noticed the various shades of green in his irises. The dim glow the ghost naturally produced seemed concentrated around the irises, almost seeming to affect the green hues.

"Are you going to stare at me all day?" Phantom asked, and Fenton focused on the boy behind the eyes. "Or are you going to try again?"

Fenton blushed. He had to kiss Phantom again, but this time he had to do it right. But how do I do it right? he wondered. I don't know what—No. No, I can do this.

He took a deep breath and then let it out slowly. The warm air ghosted across Phantom's cold lips, and Fenton saw the ghost's eyes flicker. It was small, barely noticeable. Fenton didn't know if it meant anything or not, but then Phantom's eyelids lowered, and somehow, the atmosphere between them became heavy. Fenton felt his own eyelids grow heavy in response, and he was suddenly very aware of the cold hands on his back and the icy body in front of him.

"Don't think," Phantom whispered, his own cold breath brushing Fenton's lips.

Fenton shivered, experiencing what Phantom had moments ago. Phantom's eyes were still staring into Fenton's, those burning eyes stealing his thoughts more effectively than Phantom's words. Thoughts of how wrong it was to kiss himself were shoved out of his mind as Fenton threaded his fingers through Phantom's white hair and lifted his chin. This time their lips met in a feather light kiss that lasted a few moments, Fenton adjusting to the feel of cold lips pressed against his again.

A stray feeling of trepidation entered his consciousness, but Fenton quickly shoved it away, afraid he'd freeze up if he considered what he was doing. Instead, he opened his mouth and touched the tip of his tongue against Phantom's cold lips, flinching only slightly. The ghost parted them, and, after a second's hesitation, Fenton swept his tongue inside the other boy's mouth.

Phantom straightened from his bent position, and the hand that had been braced against the wall came to rest on Fenton's upper back, enfolding Fenton in a loose hold. A shiver coursed down Fenton's spine as Phantom's tongue trailed along his.

Recalling his experience from last time, Fenton wrapped his tongue around the ghost's and sucked. Phantom inhaled sharply, his fingers convulsing in Fenton's shirt. A chuckle rumbled in Fenton's chest until Phantom's hand drifted to his lower back and pulled Fenton flush against the ghost boy's body. Fenton's breathing faltered for a second, his body tensing. His hesitance allowed Phantom an opening, and before he knew it, the human found himself pinned against the wall with a cold tongue sweeping the roof of his mouth.

Fenton moaned, digging his fingers into Phantom's scalp. Icy fingers found their way beneath his shirt, and Fenton shivered as Phantom traced them along his spinal cord. For a moment, Fenton submitted to Phantom's embrace, surrendering to the sensations the other boy produced. He trailed a hand down Phantom's chest, caressing the muscles he felt beneath the skintight sit. A moan escaped the ghost, his clever tongue faltering.

The sound tickled Fenton's ears, and the boy echoed it without thinking, but then Phantom's tongue retreated into his own mouth as Phantom began to withdraw from the kiss. Fenton made an odd noise in protest and his teeth slid across Phantom's bottom lip as the ghost pulled away.

Fenton blinked his eyes open, feeling slightly disoriented. He saw Phantom staring at him through heavy lidded eyes, a heated stare that Fenton unknowingly returned. Then his thoughts caught up with him and a blush burned his face.

Phantom smiled, but Fenton saw a light dusting of pink on the ghost's own pale cheeks. "And you accused me of having no control."

Sputtering incoherently, Fenton squirmed against Phantom embrace, but Phantom's hold on his waist tightened, holding him firmly in place. Phantom's glowing green eyes burned into Fenton's, aggravating the blush. Unable to escape, Fenton clasped his hands over his face, anything to block out the other's stare.

"There is no reason to feel ashamed," Phantom said. "That was a fine kiss."

Fenton groaned. "Oh man…what did I just do…?"

Phantom sighed, cold air gusting across the back of Fenton's hands. "You kissed me...and you enjoyed it."

Another groan, this time louder.

He couldn't see it, but Fenton sensed Phantom was rolling his eyes at him. "Get over it, Fenton. We are not finished yet."

Fenton jerked his head out of his hands, staring at Phantom with large eyes. "What?"

"We are supposed to practice," Phantom said, and Fenton heard the wicked amusement in his voice, "which means we must kiss multiple times."

"B-b-but—"

Phantom laid his forehead against Fenton's again, and the human's mouth snapped shut. "The more used to this we become, Fenton, the less likely we are to lose control." He stared at Fenton's dismayed expression a moment and then said in a softer voice, "Would you like me to lead this time?"

Fenton opened his mouth, ready to shout a refusal, but the gentle look in Phantom's eyes made him pause. Instead, Fenton said in an equally soft voice, "Why?"

"Aside from the fact that you lost control—" Fenton winced. "—you are uncomfortable in the leading role…and in kissing me in general. I thought it would be easier on you if I was in control of the kiss. This way, you would not have to agonize over your own actions."

"That's…awfully considerate of you…"

Phantom's eyes crinkled as he smiled. "We are in this together, Fenton."

Fenton's own eyes narrowed. "Maybe so, but I don't trust you. You must have some ulterior motive…"

If anything, Fenton's suspicion made Phantom's smile wider. "Only that I don't follow, Fenton." He lifted his chin so that he breathed the next sentence against Fenton's lips. "I lead." A shiver Fenton couldn't suppress traveled along his frame. Close as they were to each other, Phantom felt the boy shiver in his arms and didn't bother to hide his smirk. "I promise to stop as soon as one of us feels we are going too far. Does that satisfy your caution?"

Fenton bit his lip. He was afraid of the sensations Phantom was able to cause in him with seemingly little effort…but the ghost knew what he was doing and even had better control over himself. Plus, like Phantom hinted at to, if things went too far, Fenton could lay the blame at Phantom's feet.

"You…you promise? You'll stop?"

"Yes."

Closing his eyes, Fenton exhaled slowly. "Okay. Okay, fine. You're in charge. But—but if you mess up—"

"—then I will consent to your leadership once more, O' Doubtful One."

Fenton glared at him, unimpressed by his sarcastic tone, and the ghost smiled back. Phantom's eyes half closed and then he brushed his lips against Fenton's. The human boy jolted in his arms, his eyes flying wide open.

"I was right," Phantom said.

Fenton shifted on his feet, looking anywhere but at the ghost. "About?"

Phantom licked his lips, smirking when Fenton's eyes followed the motion. "You taste like Froot Loops."

Description
The Suave and the Awkward: Great kissers aren't born—you need determination to take the first step, a splice of awkwardness to set the mood, and a willing participant for you to practice on. Pitch Pearl, DPxDF. Kissing scene practice; constructive criticism wanted.

TSaTA
Chapter 3

---

"The beginning of love is to let those we love be perfectly themselves and not to twist them to fit our own image. Otherwise, we love only the reflection of ourselves we find in them." ~ Thomas Merton

---

"Hey," a voice whispered, "wake up."

As the voice spoke, cold air gusted across Fenton's ear. He shivered and lifted his blanket over his head, smothering himself in a warm cocoon. He snuggled against his pillow, exhaling softly.

"Cute," the voice said, amused, "but that won't stop me from waking you by any means necessary."

The human garbled a sentence even he didn't understand.

"I warned you."

Hands as cold as ice pierced his warm cocoon and settled on the human's stomach. Fenton's eyes snapped open and he sprung forward, his hands automatically latching onto the cold arms that disappeared halfway through his blanket.

Phantom smiled, his eyes crinkling at the sides. "Morning, sunshine." His fingers wiggled against Fenton's belly, and he smirked as the human shivered from the cold. "Sleep well?"

"What? What time…?" Fenton paused. Less than two inches away, glowing green eyes stared into his own. Snow white strands dangled in front of the ghost's face and blended with Fenton's black hair, tickling the human boy's cheeks and forehead. Heat flooded Fenton's face and on odd squeak escaped his lips.

Phantom laughed, but he obediently backed away. As soon as his hands left Fenton's stomach, the human hugged the blankets to himself and concentrated on warming the chill left behind by the ghost. Phantom settled on the bed beside Fenton, his legs crossed.

"It is almost noon," he answered. He cocked his head to the side, thoughtful as he considered Fenton from a different angle. "You know, you talk in your sleep. And snore…and drool. It's quite disgusting."

Fenton grimaced, feeling more than a little sick. "You watched me sleep?"

The ghost snorted through his nose. "You are not that interesting, Fenton. I watched for all of two minutes, and only that long because I was able to engage you in conversation." Phantom's lips lifted in a smirk. "And for the record, no. I do not know what the seven ate the nine, but I'm fairly sure the X had nothing to do with it."

Fenton stared at him, slowly blinking. "…What?"

The ghost laughed."It is unimportant, Fenton, don't stress yourself." The smirk shrank into a small smile. You will stress yourself enough today, I'm sure."

"Stress myself?" Why would…" Fenton blinked and then his eyes widened. He was literally sitting beside himself. His ghost half existed apart from him. Which meant they…

Suddenly the companionable distance between him and the other boy felt about as far apart as a pencil width.

Phantom reacted to Fenton's unease before Fenton could push either one of them off the bed. The ghost floated up and away from the mattress, and the tense set of Fenton's shoulders eased, the boy breathing a little easier.

The ghost boy sighed, crossing his arms over his chest. "We must work on this 'space issue' you have…" His legs blended together to form his ghost tail, which then proceeded to flick back and forth in a thoughtful manner reminiscent of Phantom's expression.

"Yeah," Fenton said as he rolled his eyes. "You do that while I go eat." He threw his blankets aside and flinched when he considered how he must have ended up in bed last night. Did the ghost not understand personal boundaries at all?

"Ah, yes. Your breakfast." Phantom nodded toward their desk. "I brought it up for you to speed things along."

Fenton cringed. He would much rather slow things down, but judging by the smirk Phantom threw his way, the ghost knew his intentions and would make such delaying tactics difficult. "Jerk," he muttered.

"I thought I was being rather helpful."

"That's exactly why you're a jerk."

Phantom chuckled and moved aside, allowing Fenton to walk past him. "I also finished the rest of our homework after you feel asleep last night, so you do not have to worry about completing it."

"…Eager much?" Fenton lowered himself into the chair, sighing. There went another distraction. Granted, working on homework with Phantom had the potential to be just as awkward, but at least they wouldn't have to…touch each other.

Phantom's eyebrows lowered over his eyes. "I am eager to see this through so we can merge back, yes." The ghost floated over to the desk so that he could continue the conversation face-to-face. Fenton grimaced and scooted his soggy bowl of cereal—and his chair—further away from Phantom. Said ghost rolled his eyes. "Fun as your company is, Fenton, I would much rather be kissing Valerie." He spread his arms out on either side. "As I stand right now, I am more likely to receive a kiss from her gun…"

"You're not exactly standing," Fenton said, gesturing with his spoon at the ghost's transparent tail.

The tail separated into two legs again. Phantom dropped onto his feet and leaned his hip against the desk's edge. He crossed his arms over his chest, smirking cockily down at Fenton. "Better?"

Fenton scowled, edging away from his other self. "What would be better is if you'd stop being so…flirty."

"Flirty?" Phantom's brow creased as he considered the word. "Yes, I suppose I am…but I only do it to tease you, Fenton. Your reactions are quite amusing."

"Gee, good to know I am so entertaining..."

"It's better than being boring," Phantom pointed out.

"Yeah, well, layoff a bit. You're creeping me out…"

"I'll try." Fenton lifted a spoon full of brightly colored cereal to his mouth, and the playful smirk Fenton had come to dread spread across Phantom's lips. "You are going to taste like Froot Loops."

Fenton froze, the spoon in his mouth, and even Phantom's smile fell as he realized a second meaning was attached to his words. Fenton chocked a little and then spat the cereal back into the bowl. He pushed it to the side, grimacing. "Lost my appetite…"

"I doubt the Fruitloop actually tastes like Froot Loops," Phantom said, cautious.

"I don't care. I'm not eating them."

Phantom stared at him in disbelief, eyebrows arching up his forehead. "I only meant it as a joke, Fenton. To deprive yourself of breakfast just because of what I said is ridiculous. If anything, I should be the one objecting as I am the one who will be kissing you, and will therefore be exposed to a Froot Loop flavor."

Of course, Phantom just had to bring the kissing thing up. Fenton flushed, scowling at the desktop. "I'm not eating them."

Phantom shook his head, sighing. "You are being silly, but I'm not about to force you." He set his hands on the desk and leaned towards Fenton, once again smirking. "Of course you realize that once you are finished with breakfast, there will be nothing preventing us from practicing."

Fenton leaned away from him, trying to regain the distance between them. He glanced at the bowl. Then glared at the ghost. Silently, he dragged the bowl back toward himself.

Phantom's smirk grew, but he didn't move from his position. "I don't know whether to be pleased or insulted."

"How about you just stop talking?" Fenton suggested.

Phantom sighed. He finally straightened from the desk and then ran a hand through his hair. "Unlike you, Fenton," he said, sounding tired, "I don't require sleep. I have been active all night with absolutely nothing to do. Excuse me, but I am bored."

"You could have flown around the city. You know, patrol…your job."

"I did…but the Phans apparently have some sort of Night Watch Unit…"

It was Fenton's turn to smirk at the ghost, and boy did it feel good. "Afraid of a few little girls, Phantom?" he questioned.

"Hah!" Phantom shouted. "Anybody who stays up past midnight in the mere hopes of catching a glimpse of me is insane, and is therefore neither little nor harmless."

"That's a bit harsh."

"They went all-out last night! They were like…possessed or something…" The ghost shuddered.

"Oh. Well, sucks to be you then."

"You are me."

Fenton's smirk grew. "Not right now, I'm not."

The glare Phantom sent him for that comment made Fenton grin like a Cheshire cat, feeling smug and triumphant for the first time since they separated. If Phantom felt that way every time he 'flirted' with Fenton, it was no wonder the ghost was so impossible to deal with. That feeling was addicting.

"Eat your Froot Loops," Phantom growled.

Fenton snickered, but dutifully returned to his breakfast. At first, Phantom continued to glare at him as he ate, but then the ghost's gaze began to wander and his body soon followed. Relieved as he was not to have the other boy hovering over his shoulder, Fenton felt his unease grow. The ghost made no noise.

I don't trust myself, Fenton thought dryly, and then twisted in his seat so he could keep his eye on Phantom while he ate his cereal. The ghost cast him annoyed glances occasionally, but he otherwise contented himself with staring out the window. Fenton supposed the outside was more interesting than the room Phantom had been confined in all night, and he soon began to focus more on eating his cereal than on watching his ghost half stare out a window.

After a few minutes had passed, Fenton heard Phantom murmur, "I hope this clears up before our date…"

"Hmm?" Fenton lifted the bowl to his lips and slurped the milk.

Phantom pointed at the sky. "The weather report said it would be partly cloudy today," he said, "but only a few patches of sky are visible right now. I am worried the weather might ruin our date with Valerie."

Fenton set the empty bowl aside and licked milk from his lips. He pushed his chair back and walked over to stand beside his ghost half. Like Phantom had said, a large portion of the sky was covered by bulky clouds, but Fenton could see darker clouds on the horizon.

"Maybe it will miss us," he said hopefully.

"Maybe," Phantom said softly.

The ghost shifted on his feet and his cold arm brushed against Fenton's. The sudden icy contact was like a jolt to Fenton's system, causing his lungs to stutter. He jerked away from the other boy and almost tripped in his rush to put more distance between them. Phantom looked at him, an eyebrow slowly arching up his forehead.

Fenton blushed, his breathing fast. "I, uh…i-if we have to cancel our date with Valerie, then there's really no point in…this," he gestured at himself and Phantom, "is there?"

Phantom continued to stare at him, which really didn't help cool Fenton's face. "There is no guarantee the clouds will obstruct our view of the meteor show, Fenton, and even if they do, it is more sensible to practice anyway on the chance Valerie is willing to do something else for our date."

"Yeah, but…" Fenton wracked his brain, trying to find the words he needed to convince his ghost self. "B-but I would rather watch the meteor shower, and, and…"

Phantom's look darkened. "So long as Valerie is there, I am sure we will enjoy whatever date we go on, even if it has nothing to do with outer space."

"Th-then…can't we just go on the date and not practice?"

Phantom crossed his arms over his chest, truly frowning now. "We already went over this, Fenton. When we were one as well as when we were apart. Or have you forgotten how you were about to kiss me yesterday?"

A blush exploded across Fenton's cheeks, darker than the one before it. "Th-that—I wasn't—I…Y-you cheated! You used some sort of mind game on me!"

"I only alluded to you being a coward." The ghost rolled his green eyes. "Your pride did the rest."

"B-but I—you—" Fenton snapped his mouth shut and looked away, scowling. He hated how his ghost half had a counter for everything while he always ended up tongue-tied. It wasn't fair. They were supposed to be the same person, so why did Phantom always get the clever comebacks?

Phantom titled his head to the side, still staring at him, but his gaze had become thoughtful. Scrutinizing. "We are the only ones who will know of this act, and neither one of us will judge the other. You are afraid we will take things too far, and so I have agree to give you control. We have discussed all of this already…why are you still so reluctant?"

Fenton grimaced, but kept his face turned away from his ghost. "You know why."

"Yes, you feel our actions are morally wrong," Phantom said slowly. "But…I don't understand why you feel it's wrong…just like you don't understand my fascination." He released a dry laugh. "One would think we would understand each other better, seeing as how we are the same person."

Fenton's lips quirked into a half-smile. "Jazz used to say you can't truly know yourself until you see yourself through another's eyes."

"She may have the right of it." Phantom leaned his shoulder and his head against the wall, smirking at Fenton as white strands of hair shadowed his eyes. "You realize what that implies, of course."

The smile vanished from Fenton's face. "That…we…"

"That we are separate individuals," Phantom finished for him. "At least for the time being. The sooner you accept our separation, Fenton, the sooner we can finish this and merge back into a complete person again."

He stood up from the wall, his sudden action snapping Fenton's gaze back on him. The ghost held his gaze a few moments before Fenton tore his away in favor of staring out the window.

"I agreed to let you dominate this time," Phantom said as if Fenton were still facing him, "but if you take too long to initiate the kiss, I will do it for you." He strode past Fenton, purposefully brushing his cold arm against Fenton's, and the human had to fist his hands at his sides to stop his kneejerk reaction at the touch.

Fenton rubbed the chill from his arm and glared over his shoulder at his ghost half. Phantom leaned against the Ghost Catcher's pole, lifted his chin and returned Fenton's glare with a cocky smirk. Like he was daring him. Challenging him.

Scowling, Fenton faced the window again. He felt Phantom's eyes on him, but he ignored it the best he could. He knew he had to kiss Phantom if he wanted life to return to normal, he knew the ghost wouldn't merge again until he was satisfied with their kissing prowess, but he didn't want to kiss Phantom. Just the thought made his stomach lurch unpleasantly. It was like kissing a…a twin brother or something.

Images and sensations from their last kiss flashed through Fenton's mind, causing an involuntary shiver to course up his spine.

Okay, he thought with a grimace, kissing Phantom is nothing like kissing a brother…but it should be!

Fenton crossed his arms over his chest, suppressing shivers and memories in equal parts. He could still feel Phantom's gaze on him, and it was making the small hairs on the back of his neck stand on end. The whole situation was surreal. He wanted it to end.

"Everything all right, Fenton?"

"Fine," he spat.

Fenton heard the other boy sigh, the exhale sounding as frustrated as Fenton felt. He waited for Phantom to say something flirtatious or maybe something derogatory to compel him into action, but after a few seconds, Fenton glanced over his shoulder at his silent ghost half. Phantom stared back at him, an eyebrow poised, but otherwise waiting for Fenton to act.

A heated stirring in his veins made Fenton scowl at his ghost half. "Stop that."

The other boy blinked. "I'm not doing anything."

"You are too, now stop it!"

Phantom stared at him a while longer before his lips twitched. "You are losing it, Fenton."

"It's your fault!"

For Fenton, the amused smile that finally lifted Phantom's lips was the opposite of satisfying. "I suppose it is. What are you going to do about it?"

"Me? You're the cause of it!"

"And what exactly is 'it', Fenton?"

"I—it's—gah! You know what it is!"

"Well, I certainly have a good guess as to what 'it' is." Phantom dropped his hands at his sides and sauntered over to Fenton. Fenton's own hands tightened around his biceps and he took a hesitant step back before he held his ground, refusing to be cornered against the wall.

"'It'," Phantom said as he came closer, "is a discomfort in your stomach that makes you feel as if you are about to throw up. 'It' is a poison in your veins that makes you feel uncomfortable in your own skin. 'It' happens every time you look at me or I look at you." He now stood less than half a foot away, infuriatingly casual in stance whereas Fenton felt like a tight spring about to burst. "Am I right?"

"No!"

"No?" The ghost braced his forearm against the wall above Fenton's head, bringing his face so close to Fenton's the human could see the different shades of green in his eyes. It was automatic, instinctual, for Fenton to stumble back a step, which brought him exactly where he didn't want to be; cornered against the wall.

Fenton knew the cold radiating off Phantom was produced by Phantom's core, that the ghost had to release it to keep his core from freezing over, but Fenton's firsthand knowledge of the process couldn't stop the shivers from crawling along his skin. This close to the ghost, the cold enveloped Fenton, encased him in an icy shroud. Phantom's cold aura smothered Fenton as completely as if he was enveloped in the other boy's arms.

"N-no," Fenton repeated, and then cursed himself for stuttering. Phantom's smile grew, prompting Fenton to glower at him. "You said you would let me lead."

"I did," Phantom agreed, "but I am not kissing you right now am I? I am merely…prompting you."

"Then do that over there. Away from me."

"It's not as effective over there." Although the cocky smile and the casual stance remained, Fenton noticed Phantom's eyes narrowed slightly. "Like I said yesterday, Fenton. You can't be shy about this. Be bold; take action."

"I can't—"

"No," Phantom said. "No doubts. Stop thinking about what is right and what is wrong and just do it." The ghost leaned a little closer, and Fenton's hands almost reached out to halt his progress before the human clamped down on the instinct. He didn't want to touch Phantom if he could help it. "I'm not going to wait forever, Fenton."

Fenton swallowed. Phantom's commanding tone made all those symptoms he had just listed erupt into action. Fenton didn't like it, but the ghost refused to move and he couldn't bring himself to move away either. Uncomfortable as those sensations were, they kept Fenton immobile, unable to escape Phantom's gaze.

If I do throw up, Fenton thought fiercely, I'm aiming for his boots.

"Fenton…"

Fenton's heart beat a little faster at the warning in the other boy's tone. He had to kiss Phantom now or the ghost would kiss him. He lost on both accounts, but if he kissed Phantom, he could at least control how far it went. Fenton lowered his gaze to Phantom's lips, and unconsciously licked his own.

This is so messed up! I'm messed up! Oh man… He took a deep breath. Calm down, Fenton. You can do this. Another deep breath. Nobody will ever know. Just get it over. Wait…how do I even start?

It was barely there, barely visible, but Fenton saw Phantom's lips start to turn down, and then he felt the cold aura amplify slightly as the ghost shifted towards him. Phantom was done waiting. He was going to kiss him.

Fenton panicked. He threw his arms around the other boy's neck, and before Phantom could do more than blink, slammed their lips together.

Neither one were prepared for the collision. It hurt, and Fenton knew he had done something wrong. Phantom was tense beneath his hands and against his lips. He had done something wrong.

Phantom's eyes were wide as they stared into Fenton's, but as contact between their lips continued, Phantom's eyes returned to normal sizes. Staring into those eyes, Fenton felt himself begin to relax. Phantom wasn't making a move to deepen the kiss. He wasn't going to steal control. He would still let Fenton determine how far they went.

Fenton's vice grip on Phantom's neck loosened, and in response, the ghost's shoulders relaxed marginally. Fenton felt the other boy's lips soften against his and tried to lessen the almost painful pressure between them. Phantom's right hand, the one not braced against the wall, settled on Fenton's hip, and the human repressed a shudder at the cold touch.

I'm kissing myself, Fenton thought. He screwed his eyes shut, unwilling to stare into those green eyes any longer. This is so wrong. So very, very wrong. He shifted on his feet, causing their lips to slide almost pleasantly against each other. Oh man, oh man, oh man! What do I do now? I should have let Phantom lead—I don't know how to do this! I don't want to do this!

Phantom withdrew from the kiss. The loss of contact was so sudden Fenton followed his lips, taking a half-step forward before regaining control. He stared at his ghost self, blinking repeatedly. "W-what? Did I—"

Phantom shook his head. "You need to stop thinking so hard." The cold hand on Fenton's hip shifted to his back and then proceeded to stroke his spine in a soothing motion. "Do what comes naturally."

The hand at his back was distracting, but Fenton managed a small glare. "This comes naturally for you, not me."

"Hmm." Phantom half-smiled, an odd combination of amusement and curiosity in his expression. "I wonder why that is…"

Fenton blinked and then began to frown.

Before Fenton could think of a response, Phantom laid his forehead against his. The human boy reflexively jerked back, but the hand on his spine kept him firmly in place. Phantom's green eyes stared straight into Fenton's, and Fenton once again noticed the various shades of green in his irises. The dim glow the ghost naturally produced seemed concentrated around the irises, almost seeming to affect the green hues.

"Are you going to stare at me all day?" Phantom asked, and Fenton focused on the boy behind the eyes. "Or are you going to try again?"

Fenton blushed. He had to kiss Phantom again, but this time he had to do it right. But how do I do it right? he wondered. I don't know what—No. No, I can do this.

He took a deep breath and then let it out slowly. The warm air ghosted across Phantom's cold lips, and Fenton saw the ghost's eyes flicker. It was small, barely noticeable. Fenton didn't know if it meant anything or not, but then Phantom's eyelids lowered, and somehow, the atmosphere between them became heavy. Fenton felt his own eyelids grow heavy in response, and he was suddenly very aware of the cold hands on his back and the icy body in front of him.

"Don't think," Phantom whispered, his own cold breath brushing Fenton's lips.

Fenton shivered, experiencing what Phantom had moments ago. Phantom's eyes were still staring into Fenton's, those burning eyes stealing his thoughts more effectively than Phantom's words. Thoughts of how wrong it was to kiss himself were shoved out of his mind as Fenton threaded his fingers through Phantom's white hair and lifted his chin. This time their lips met in a feather light kiss that lasted a few moments, Fenton adjusting to the feel of cold lips pressed against his again.

A stray feeling of trepidation entered his consciousness, but Fenton quickly shoved it away, afraid he'd freeze up if he considered what he was doing. Instead, he opened his mouth and touched the tip of his tongue against Phantom's cold lips, flinching only slightly. The ghost parted them, and, after a second's hesitation, Fenton swept his tongue inside the other boy's mouth.

Phantom straightened from his bent position, and the hand that had been braced against the wall came to rest on Fenton's upper back, enfolding Fenton in a loose hold. A shiver coursed down Fenton's spine as Phantom's tongue trailed along his.

Recalling his experience from last time, Fenton wrapped his tongue around the ghost's and sucked. Phantom inhaled sharply, his fingers convulsing in Fenton's shirt. A chuckle rumbled in Fenton's chest until Phantom's hand drifted to his lower back and pulled Fenton flush against the ghost boy's body. Fenton's breathing faltered for a second, his body tensing. His hesitance allowed Phantom an opening, and before he knew it, the human found himself pinned against the wall with a cold tongue sweeping the roof of his mouth.

Fenton moaned, digging his fingers into Phantom's scalp. Icy fingers found their way beneath his shirt, and Fenton shivered as Phantom traced them along his spinal cord. For a moment, Fenton submitted to Phantom's embrace, surrendering to the sensations the other boy produced. He trailed a hand down Phantom's chest, caressing the muscles he felt beneath the skintight sit. A moan escaped the ghost, his clever tongue faltering.

The sound tickled Fenton's ears, and the boy echoed it without thinking, but then Phantom's tongue retreated into his own mouth as Phantom began to withdraw from the kiss. Fenton made an odd noise in protest and his teeth slid across Phantom's bottom lip as the ghost pulled away.

Fenton blinked his eyes open, feeling slightly disoriented. He saw Phantom staring at him through heavy lidded eyes, a heated stare that Fenton unknowingly returned. Then his thoughts caught up with him and a blush burned his face.

Phantom smiled, but Fenton saw a light dusting of pink on the ghost's own pale cheeks. "And you accused me of having no control."

Sputtering incoherently, Fenton squirmed against Phantom embrace, but Phantom's hold on his waist tightened, holding him firmly in place. Phantom's glowing green eyes burned into Fenton's, aggravating the blush. Unable to escape, Fenton clasped his hands over his face, anything to block out the other's stare.

"There is no reason to feel ashamed," Phantom said. "That was a fine kiss."

Fenton groaned. "Oh man…what did I just do…?"

Phantom sighed, cold air gusting across the back of Fenton's hands. "You kissed me...and you enjoyed it."

Another groan, this time louder.

He couldn't see it, but Fenton sensed Phantom was rolling his eyes at him. "Get over it, Fenton. We are not finished yet."

Fenton jerked his head out of his hands, staring at Phantom with large eyes. "What?"

"We are supposed to practice," Phantom said, and Fenton heard the wicked amusement in his voice, "which means we must kiss multiple times."

"B-b-but—"

Phantom laid his forehead against Fenton's again, and the human's mouth snapped shut. "The more used to this we become, Fenton, the less likely we are to lose control." He stared at Fenton's dismayed expression a moment and then said in a softer voice, "Would you like me to lead this time?"

Fenton opened his mouth, ready to shout a refusal, but the gentle look in Phantom's eyes made him pause. Instead, Fenton said in an equally soft voice, "Why?"

"Aside from the fact that you lost control—" Fenton winced. "—you are uncomfortable in the leading role…and in kissing me in general. I thought it would be easier on you if I was in control of the kiss. This way, you would not have to agonize over your own actions."

"That's…awfully considerate of you…"

Phantom's eyes crinkled as he smiled. "We are in this together, Fenton."

Fenton's own eyes narrowed. "Maybe so, but I don't trust you. You must have some ulterior motive…"

If anything, Fenton's suspicion made Phantom's smile wider. "Only that I don't follow, Fenton." He lifted his chin so that he breathed the next sentence against Fenton's lips. "I lead." A shiver Fenton couldn't suppress traveled along his frame. Close as they were to each other, Phantom felt the boy shiver in his arms and didn't bother to hide his smirk. "I promise to stop as soon as one of us feels we are going too far. Does that satisfy your caution?"

Fenton bit his lip. He was afraid of the sensations Phantom was able to cause in him with seemingly little effort…but the ghost knew what he was doing and even had better control over himself. Plus, like Phantom hinted at to, if things went too far, Fenton could lay the blame at Phantom's feet.

"You…you promise? You'll stop?"

"Yes."

Closing his eyes, Fenton exhaled slowly. "Okay. Okay, fine. You're in charge. But—but if you mess up—"

"—then I will consent to your leadership once more, O' Doubtful One."

Fenton glared at him, unimpressed by his sarcastic tone, and the ghost smiled back. Phantom's eyes half closed and then he brushed his lips against Fenton's. The human boy jolted in his arms, his eyes flying wide open.

"I was right," Phantom said.

Fenton shifted on his feet, looking anywhere but at the ghost. "About?"

Phantom licked his lips, smirking when Fenton's eyes followed the motion. "You taste like Froot Loops."