“what fucking targets, youre making it sound like we have a hit on them”
Dick, Tim and Duke were all very conspicuously watching Alfred and Danny enter the restaurant from the other side of the road. Duke was using his powers to cover them in the shadows provided by the alley that they were peering out of, binoculars in hand since none of the cameras or tech they had worked when they were nearby.
“Alfred must really want us to keep away from Danny if the signal jammer is this strong.”
Inside the restaurant Danny and Alfred had been seated by the hostess. Alfred had excused himself to the bathroom leaving Danny to focus his attention on the other matter at hand. Danny had felt a pinprick in the back of his head since the gardens, a sixth sense he’d acquired during his training with Pandora and his fights with his rouges. It was hard to fight against invisible enemies if you hadn't trained the innate ghost senses available to you. He sensed curiosity from them and frustration, likely due to the worthless cameras around their necks. They were clearly trying to spy on them and capture it on evidence given the meta between them was attempting to shadow them with his powers.
Hmmm. It would be annoying to have to focus his powers on keeping them in check. Danny turned to where he could feel the three’s presence and turned his eldritch qualities up, his eyes beginning to glow a radioactive green without his irises. The shadows around him lengthened around him and began creeping closer to the alleyway, voices of the restless undead eminating from around them. He saw as the three jumped out of the alley and sent him fearful looks. Hmph serves them right. It had been distracting having them in the back of his mind throughout his entire trip.
“Ah it seems the children have come to watch” Danny turned to see Alfred had come back without him noticing. He sat in the chair in front of him
“Oh do you know them?”
A sigh left him, clearly used to dealing with situations like this for a long time, “Yes they are my grandchildren, they're very nosy. I apologize if they made you uncomfortable.” Oops, guess he traumatized his date’s family, eh if Clockwork hasn’t stopped him it can’t be that bad. “Ah I understand, my own children are also very nosy. Especially my youngest, he never wants to let me do anything without me being close.” He chuckled recalling how Dan moved to gotham after realizing he would be working there, “He may be an adult now but hes still my little boy you know?”
Alfred nodded in understanding, “I understand completely, Bruce may be an adult man with children but I still see him as the small child I raised.” He paused, taking a moment to gather his thoughts. He’d been enjoying the time he’d spent with Danny during their date and he hoped they could continue meeting but something had been nagging since the call this morning. “Danny I know we discussed being completely transparent when questions emerged but I want you to know you don’t have to answer me if you feel uncomfortable” He looked to the younger man who simply smiled and gestured for him to continue. “I am enjoying our time together very much and I’d like to see where this takes us. But ever since this morning I’ve been wondering what the situation is with your children’s mother.”
He watched as Danny looked confused for a second before realization entered his eyes and he started giggling. He was confused before Danny explained himself, leaving him… even more confused and concerned. “Sorry you must be a bit confused, it always slips my mind to mention that I was the one to have the kids, so really I am the mother your wondering about”
Alfred was a bit taken aback considering he hadn't found any indication that Danny was a afab but he could “Ah I see, I guess the right question would be if the father is in the picture then?”
Danny nodded in agreement and tapped his cheek as if contemplating how to best answer his question, “Well there isn't really a father in the picture? I guess Vlad could be considered their father since he did provide the stuff for them and helped me in the process but I don't really count him as their father. Besides if what my sister mentioned is true then he might be my stepfather soon”
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The main chamber of Long Now echoed with the steady clink and swooshing from Cogs knocking against each other as a teal hand shifted them around himself. Clockwork had been staring into his cogs for hours now. Every possibility laid in front of him, he only had to choose one to follow and his dear sisters would set the events to unfold. Glancing at the shadowed figure sitting to his side, smog curling from the opera holder in her hand, he knew which he had to choose. His lair, reacting to his decision, pushed the cog forwards, flickering through the events which would soon unfold before stilling on the image of his son alongside his soon to be companions.
He looked happy.
A tap on his shoulder showed his companion had joined him in front of the scryglass. Setting her hand on his shoulder she smiled, “Worry not old friend I guarantee your son will be safe in my haunt.”
A scoff left his mouth, ”I am not worried. I know how capable my son is, I know this timeline is one of the best for him as well. I am simply unsure that the suitor you have chosen for him is worthy of him.” Grumbling the figure added, ”his fate when around the knight you chose is being obscured, most likely my sister’s doing at your insistence”
“I do admit fate is on my side in this endeavour, but don’t you agree that it will be more exciting to witness their relationship unfold without the use of your little glasses?” a small giggle left her black stained lips “A fresh new experience for Time itself.” Circling around him she tapped his forehead in a teasing manner, “Besides if you really wanted you could accompany your son into my haunt. Isn’t the little warlock you fancy also in my universe? You could have your own whirlwind romance whilst you observe your child.”
Ah.. he hated how well his friend knew him, though the only reason he entertained her teasing was because of how close they were. Anyone else would have perished for lesser insults than her’s. It had been some time since he’d last taken time away from his work. The Observants were still under the impression that he was simply the Master of Time and not Time itself. Truthfully he could conduct his work anywhere in and out of the Realms but he simply hadn’t had a reason. not since pariah at least.
But now? Now he had a reason to live. Hah. For millenia he was content with simply observing his scryglasses, allowing his sisters to direct events as they pleased. He may have been the eldest and held more control over fate than each individually but he never had reason to use his influence. Not until Danny. His son came into his radar as an impossibility, a one in one million chance come true. Had this been predetermined since then? knowing his sisters it was a possibility.
A child with the urge to protect anything and everyone not including himself. A child from a loving family that had created an impossible creature, a snarky mouthy child with a heart of gold destined for more.
At first he had simply observed as he always had. His fights with other realms residents, his interpersonal relationships, and his darkest moments when he felt alone. Being a one in one million existence was too unique for many to relate to. But he was never truly alone. Time was always by his side waiting, observing, silently and invisibly lending a comforting presence whenever the boy was alone. Time saw himself in the boy. His loneliness as the first on the realms creations, his fight to stay in control of his powers, the disillusion in others meant to love him. Everything reminded him of himself before he became apathetic to everything around him.
Unlike himself the boy kept going, kept trying to keep his relationships intact and when it failed he tried again and again, keeping parents that wanted his other half dead close despite the risk they posed. Seeing his determination, how could Time not love him? How could he not meet with his sisters for the first time in millennia and work to give him more opportunities to learn, to grow and thrive?
The first time one of these determined trials led to them meeting he was stressed. Stressed. Time was stressed. He had arranged everything in Long Now to be impeccable, rehearsed his dialogue over and over, and made sure his body language was friendly yet mysterious. Once his the child was in front of him everything else was out the window. The plan had been for him to leave his amulet for the boy's companion to take, acting as though he had been distracted. In the end he hadn’t had to pretend, he had been so enraptured by every word and action his the boy took that he’d forgotten about everything else.
Evidently the boy noticed his help on that occasion and in the following ones as well, as if by meeting him the boy had begun to notice every other instance of his meddling. It culminated in their first meeting alone, for non-emergency issues.
He’d been in a similar position to today, idly watching over the timelines making sure no threat to the realms was brewing, when the boy had come into the chamber. Diving out through one of his unstable portals only those with his lairs permission could portal in couldn’t they? he stood in front of Time.
“Hey Clockwork are you uh- busy with anything right now?”
Shaking his head, Clockwork motioned to a seating area his lair had conjured up, “Nothing of immediate concern. We can talk about whatever is bothering you over there.” Danny had nodded, floating over and settling on a corner of the divan while he settled on the other. He was clearly nervous and embarrassed about the topic he’d come to discuss. he knew danny was coming to visit but had refrained from peaking forward. They sat in silence for some minutes, Danny finding the courage to begin before took a deep breath and started speaking.
“Theres no easy way or less embarrassingway to ask this so fuck it. I started thinking about everything thats happened in my life since I… since I died after Jazz commented how it was amazing how lucky I was to be in one piece after the fight with Pariah. I realized that yeah I was lucky. Too lucky. No matter how hard a challenge was I always found a way to win, and I know thats not normal. Even in myths the heroes were never as lucky as I am, fate was always against them and so was time. So I started to think about everything and one occasion really stood out. It was the first time we met, when you sent us into the future. I realized that your the Master of Time, you told me yourself that you know everything that could happen but you still let us get your medallion and helped us against the observants.”
At this point his speech was getting faster “And then the time with the ecto-acne! You also helped me then and the fact I won against Pariah was crazy on its own and there was a lot of lucky timing then and… and.” At this point he turned to look at Clockwork. The older ghost was looking at him fondly with all the patience in the world. Waiting for the boy to say what they both knew aloud. “And I just wanted to know, are you behind it? Are you the reason I always succeed? Are you the presence I feel in my room? The presence that soothes my pain when the pain flares up? Have you…been taking care of me since my death?”
His only response for a while was a secretive smile, eyes looking at him with a love he hadn’t seen before in an adult. had his parents ever truly loved him? His gaze followed the older ghost as he floated over to the tea set that had appeared sometime during his rambling.
Setting it atop the table in front of him Clockwork finally spoke, “I first learned about you when the portal turned you into a halfa. The possibility of your timeline going down this route was astronomically small, a one in one million chance, yet Fate had decided this was the timeline to follow. Naturally I was curious about you, I wondered why Fate decided your timeline needed this event to occur. So I observed you. And I grew fond of you”
Chuckling Clockwork handed the cup he’d prepared to Danny, a bittersweet smile on his lips, “Did you know that before you I’d never meddled in the flow of the timestream? I always had the power to do so of course but I never had a reason. I was content to simply watch events unfold and only stepped in when Fate demanded it.”
His gaze was too overwhelming, Danny could deduce what Clockwork was trying to tell him, but it was foreign to him. To think an adult had seen all of him, every single one of his actions and still cared to intervene on his behalf with no acknowledgement? He couldn’t comprehend it.
“...Why,,?”
“Hm? Why what Danny?”
“Why did ‘fate’ decide my death needed to occur in this timeline?”
A difficult question with many true answers. Because Fate knew you would be the best King in the Realms. Because it saw your futures and knew how unhappy each left you. Because it knew we needed each other in every timeline but we rarely met. They all were true but staring into the eyes of the child hed come to adore he knew only one way to answer.
“Because of me Danny.”
“....Because of you?”
“Yes. I had grown too lax in my duties, content to simply observe as time passed idly. It wanted to give me a reason to use my powers one more, hoping it would make me take my duties seriously again. I apologize for the trauma your turning left you.”
Pursed lips and an accusing glare turned towards him, “Liar.”
“..Liar?”
“If that was the real reason ‘fate’ chose this timeline as the best to achieve that goal it would’ve left the Dark Dan timeline continue as the main timeline and I would’ve never needed to die.”
“Then what do you suppose is the true reason?”
“It’s because it wanted us to be happy and the only way we could both be happy is if you grew fond of me and I became a halfa. I..I’m probably not happy in the other timelines aren’t I?”
“.......”
“......I’m sorry Danny”
“....” He stared into the dark brown of his tea cup as if a better answer would appear.
None came.
“.....yeah I thought so. I can think of reasons why, but I guess the only thing I want to know is what happens now. We both know we need each other to be happy apparently, but I barely know you.”
Clockwork sagged into the divan, the otherworldly aura he always exuded clashing with his human-like pose, “We have time, no need to rush. For now we can meet more often for tea or whenever you’d like to visit. Well see where we go from there. I admit even I am at the whims of Fate in these cases.” He turned to the young halfa next to him, flashing a reassuring smile, “We can figure out the rest together don’t you think?”
“...yea okay.”
They’d begun to meet more often after that meeting, Danny coming over to vent about schoolwork or his latest fight with his rogues while Clockwork listened and offered advice on the matters. They would spend some of their meetings in silence. Clockwork in the center, scryglass in front of him, with Danny curled into the corner of the divan, homework in his lap as he escaped from the noisy environment of his household.
The first time he noticed the boy drifting off to sleep he had quietly paused time and guided his head onto his shoulder. Once he was certain he was asleep he continued with his work. He even pretended not to notice when Danny woke up and faked going back to sleep in order to avoid his parents for a while longer, burrowing closer to his side at the same time. After that day they started to bond more, the invisible barrier they had set between each other as strictly mentor and student crossed to be more paternal.
Suffice to say after the Fenton’s reaction to the truth Danny let go of any reason to deny that he saw Clockwork as his father.
Tunning back into the present his gaze settled on the projection of his son and himself living in his friend's haunt. Thinking about it, maybe it was time for him to roam amongst humanity for the first time in millenia. Flickers of memories from the old body he’d taken when roaming his friends home universe surfaced at his reminiscing. Sharing a mischievous smirk with his friend who had deduced his train of thought he made up his mind. Now he only had to inform Danny.
The hum of the Infinite Realms was broken by the warbling sound of a portal opening in Long Now, its user silently floating over to where Clockwork was preparing a tray of tea and biscuits for them to enjoy.
Settling into the arm chair Danny greeted the older ghost, “Hey Clocky I got your note! Whats up? Is there a new mission you need me to handle?”
“Hello Daniel, yes in a way I do have a task for you” a mischievous twinkle entered his blood red eyes ‘however this time I will be joining you. As you know the observants have been very adamant that we start planning for your coronation” A scoff from the other side of the table “But in our latest meeting I found a reason to postpone all preparations”
Danny jumped out of his seat, hands slamming on the table with so much force that the tea cups spilled some of their content, “Really!!? I thought the Observants said there was no way!!”
“Well while receiving an update on your latest check up with Frostbite he let me know some interesting news, apparently he noticed that your core was starting to develop into an Ancient Core. Most likely due to our proximity in the past year. We both know you don’t want to take the crown anytime soon so we decided we could use this development to stave off the observants”
Hearing his fathers words Danny was a little confused. Ancient Core? What the heck was that? He hoped Clocky would explain that soon but knowing him he had to wait without interrupting.
“As you know the other Ancients like myself are denizens with a lot of power that have also existed for a long time. What you probably didn’t know is that the title of Ancient is due to the core type a denizen has, for example you are an ice core which gives you the ability to manipulate anything related to its element but in my case I am an Ancient Time Core. Unlike how I am known by others I am not just the ‘Master’ of Time but Time itself. Similarly to Undergrowth who is an Ancient Nature Core.”
“Okay but-” before he could continue further Clockwork simply held a hand up, it was his usual way of asking Danny to be patient and that everything needed to be said for him to understand.
“As I was saying your core is becoming one of these Ancient cores, it doesn’t suprise me since your halfa nature has always allowed you to absorb the powers of other Ancients. However the process to become an Ancient takes a very long time and it would be in-advisable to allow a budding Ancient to take the throne before fully developing. So Frostbite and I went to the Observants to buy you more time to enjoy your life and afterlife before anything is done about the throne.”
Clockwork took a sip from his cup before continuing, he grinned at the impatient look his son gave him, “As I presume you'll want to know I myself am unsure what your core will become, though I am certain it will be a powerful one fit for a future king. As for how long it will take to fully develop” another sip from his cup, at this point Danny’s eye was beginning to twitch “it will be fully developed in 100 years.”
A long pause of silence stretched in the chamber before a loud ‘WHAT’ echoed.
“100 YEARS?? WHAT THE HELL??! What am I supposed to do in the meantime?!”
“Well technically you can do whatever you want, it's up to you what you do in those years. Though do o keep in mind you are still a ‘prince’ of the realms so don’t go too crazy”
At his reply Danny eyed him sceptically, Clockwork was Time itself apparently so he most likely knew what he should be doing but simply refused to give him the information outright. Over the last year he’d learned that Clockwork preferred to allow him to make the choices he wanted even if there was an easier or better way, he said it was a teaching method for his son. That is unless Danny asked him directly, in which case he would give a cryptic answer that would stump Danny just as much. It was annoying to deal with, but at the same time he knew he would hate for Clockwork to tell him everything. Besides, he could rely on the fact that his father would always be there to help him whenever things went wrong, never allowing anything to hurt him critically.
As such Danny skipped all the usual back and forth and asked Clockwork directly, “I COULD do anything but what do you think I should do in the coming years?” He knew he picked the right action when a gleam of pride entered Clockwork’s eyes. it was still weird to see a parent proud of him
“Hmm. I believe you should start your life anew in a different dimension and run a care center for unusual or mythical creatures.” A skeptical look was directed at him “Think about it, you my prince will sooner or later become King, that is inevitable right?” A nod “ While you don’t want to incur the responsibility anytime soon you will rule over our realms which are infinite. As such there are many of your subjects who you are yet to interact with and as you want to be a fair ruler wouldn’t it be best to familiarize yourself with your subjects? The carecenter would allow you to interact with many kinds of your subjects both young and old, while also showing the other denizens that you can be a good ruler, thus making your reign easier for them to accept.”
Thinking it over it did make a lot of sense but a sliver of uncertainty overtook him. He’d only lived with his father for a year and he was already being told to move out? Not just to his own lair but a whole other dimension? He knew Clockwork would only suggest the plan if it was the best option but he felt anxious. What about Jazz? Would he still be able to see her? Or Tucker and Sam? They weren’t as close as before but it was nice having non ghost friends. Or what about Ellie? If she started to destabilize Jazz wouldn’t be able to help her without him there, whatifhislittlesisterdiedforgoodwouldshe-
A tap at his forehead brought him out of his thoughts. When he looked up he noticed Clockwork had sat on his chairs armrest and was pulsing out love-comfort-its-okay from his core. Seeking out his comfort he wrapped himself around his dad, he enjoyed being able to hide himself in Clockworks arms, as if nothing could hurt him in his dad’s embrace.
Clockwork could deduce his son’s worries, patting his back as he rocked them slightly he offered his own form of comfort, “Its all going to be okay love. You will be able to see your friends and family anytime you want. All you need to do is call for me and I will take them to you. As for Ellie, I always keep an eye on her so I can bring her to you if needed.” A mumble came from his chest.
“but…what about you? what if I want to see just you”
Ah his son was so cute. He opened his arms, using his palms to turn Danny’s face towards him, “I apologize little one, I meant to tell you that I would also be joining you in this dimension. I wouldn’t part from your side for any reason.” Clockwork saw a slight tremble of his lips before Danny ducked his face back into his chest mumbling a small ‘okay’.
They floated in the air for the rest of the day. Many revelations had been made and the father-son duo simply curled around each other whilst discussing their plans for moving to their new home. A few calls to family and friends were made announcing their new plans and they received well wishes as well as promises to visit soon once they had settled.
6 months later
When Gotham had first welcomed their new ghostly neighbors many had been unsure what to expect from them. The pair had made their first appearance in Gotham outside their new home. None of the other residents had noticed when the pair had moved into the manor until they were spotted leaving the residence in their car.
Since then they had introduced themselves to high society during a Gala fundraiser for the Gotham Botanical Gardens. What other guests had first noticed was the older gentleman’s looks, he had long platinum hair with alluring blue eyes, with a nice build which accentuated his waist to shoulder ratio, paired with his sculpted face the man drew many eyes on his appearance alone. Curious many had approached him and realized the man had a wealth of knowledge on any given topic. He’d become a popular conversationalist during the events he attended which helped him gain support for the business he’d started in the area near Gotham’s forest. He revealed that they dedicated themselves to the business of running a care center for those with exotic pets while also giving aid to centers such as Zoos or wildlife preserves.
Following in his father’s footsteps Daniel was a hit amongst the younger and older guests with his outgoing but polite personality. Though he was no stranger to confrontations with the younger guests who would try to lord their family's history and wealth over him. Years later they would later find out that the pair were far wealthier and had a long family history of wealth, simply keeping it as private as possible. Like his father, Daniel’s looks brought him a lot of attention as they were captivated by his soft blue eyes and honey blonde hair with sprinkles of platinum.
Their business seemed to be going phenomenally. They had already established a loyal customer base who were overjoyed by the results they provided with pets sent for care or veterinary support. While the staff were a bit odd they clearly cared for the animals and that gave customers a piece of mind. At the same time they had begun to make good relationships with the animal conservationists as well after Daniel discovered the purple back gorilla was actually a male and female pair, thus saving the species.
Certainly everything must be looking up for the pair right?
….right?
*CRASH*
Clockwork sighed as their rambunctious dragon caused yet another accident. When their mother, Ail, had dropped her boy off saying she needed someone to watch over her little one while she competed in the hoard trials Clockwork had thought they'd easily secured a strong ally. He had looked into the future and seen that Ail ultimately won the hoard trials and secured her spot as the dragon's matriarch for the next century. When she returned to pick up her son she was estatic to see him happy, healthy, and well trained (courtesy of dorathea’s lessons) a worry shes faced as some dragons had lost children to the trials. This had led to Ail declaring that she pledged the Dragon races allegiance to the young prince for as long as she ruled (she wasn't aware she and her children would be ruling for more millennia to come)
*FWOOSH* *CRASH* *CRACKLE*
“AIL-SIN HEARTH GET BACK HERE YOUNG MAN, YOU NEED TO BATHE”
Sigh. He’d gotten so used to simply observing as events unfolded to his expected outcome that he forgot he now had to live through them alongside his child. At his side Nuri giggled at his misery. She had come into their care a month ago after his sister's had mentioned it to her. She’d been looking for a place she could retreat to and meet different denizens from other pantheons. Now her, Elias the griffin, Lumi the unicorn, and Sleipnir would join him in the main lounge to watch over the more rambunctious of their guests.
*SPLASH*
Half an hour passed before his son exited the washrooms, clothes soaked thoroughly. Danny walked over to him and hugged his side transferring the ectoplasm onto Clockwork by making himself intangible, likely petty revenge for not helping.
“Hello sweetheart, how is Ail-sin doing”
“He’s being a menace” Danny grumbled into his side whining about his misfortune, “Cujo and Cerberus keep roughhousing and when Ail-sin tries to join he gets thrown into the mud more than the others. This is the fifth time i've given him a bath! I cant even let him stay muddy since itll be harder once the mud dries because of his body temperature. Thankfully he finally tired himself out and I left him in his nest but then-”
Clockwork and his companions simply nodded along as Danny complained to them, his father running his fingers through his hair to soothe him. As the conversation resumed, Danny listened in from his place on his father's lap, while he was upset that he hadn't yet reached his growth spurt he was happy to still fit in his dad's arms.
Tired from the day's work and relaxing to the hum of their conversation it took him a few taps to his side for him to realize he was being called. “Daniel, sweetheart theres someone at the lobby. Could you go check them in?”
“yeah okay” He stood from his spot and floated over to the lobby entrance, rubbing the sleep from his eyes on the way. As he approached the lobby he noticed the distinct smell of ectoplasm coming from the customer. They weren’t a complete ghost or halfa but a heavily liminal person, most likely here from the advertising he and his dad had left around the country which only liminals or ghosts could see.
“Hello! Welcome to MCC Center, my name is Danny. How can I help you?” He flashed his biggest smile towards the newcomer. The first thing he noticed was the guy seemed to be his age if a year older, not unusual for a liminal to be independent even in a city like Gotham. He was also very pretty; shining emerald green eyes, raven black hair, and pretty cupid style shaped lips.
“Hello, Daniel Adonai correct?”
“That's me! Though I prefer Danny, so how can I help you Mr.?”
“Wayne, Damian Wayne. Well Daniel I’ve heard of your feats and was impressed by your achievements.” His eye twitched at the others' disregard for his words. He lamented that a pretty face doesn't always equate to a pretty personality. “When I saw an advertisement saying you run a care center for exotic animals I was a bit disappointed that you would provide a service to encourage people to continue having exotic pets but I digress.”
At this point Danny’s smile was becoming more and more strained. He hated when people looked at the services be and his dad provided and judged them as being complicit in the buying and selling of exotic animals.
In reality they would run background checks on potential customers and if the animal they brought in was being mistreated or was still able to be sent back to their habitat they would work with law enforcement to do so. The only exotic pets they accepted were those that had no possibility of being reintroduced into the wild. They still gave the owner's legal troubles for their purchase (often times there was a legal matter missed in the purchasing process) but ultimately they were doing this for the animals.
This however had to be kept out of the public domain since they would otherwise lose access to potential animals in need out of fear of legal trouble. It was a open secret in high society. Despite trying to take them down for theatening their way of living they were no match for the Adonai family legacy that their identities were based on.
“I have come today for a tour of your facilities. Since Wayne Enterprises is sending funding to keep the center non profit that wouldn't be a problem right?”
His smug smile was very punchable in Danny’s opinion. The guy clearly thought the worst of him and his father which pissed him off greatly, more so for having the gall to think badly about Clocky. With a smile that was more of a grimace Danny nodded and motioned Damian to follow. He decided to send the haunt instructions to cloak the back area and only show the mortal side of the building. Despite his liminality he wouldn't be able to see through the Realms magic.
The tour was unremarkable in his opinion which Wayne seemed to be skeptical about, that was his problem though. If he had wanted a better experience he should've been nicer. As they approached the lobby a crashing sound echoed from the back, he gave Damian a strained smile and told him to wait there while he called someone. Ail-sin must've woken from his nap
As he was asking Dorothea if she could help he noticed Damian was messaging someone on his phone. He hoped the guy would leave them alone but given his attitude they would be seeing each other soon. Great.
Returning to Damians side Danny led him out of their facilities, “Well that ends our tour here! I hope you enjoyed your time here”
Damian shook his hand and nodded, “Yes I will be coming back soon with my father to discuss further collaborations with Wayne Enterprises. Here is our company card, we will be in contact soon.” Dammit
Returning to the back Danny noticed there was a distressed aura coming from Ail-sin, hed probably been so focused on Wayne too notice it before he got closer. When he found Ail-sin he noticed everyone was surrounding him to provide a wall of comfort. When he asked what was wrong Ail-sin projected his thoughts into the space, ‘man prince talk to, scary man. Core cursed by other dragon. Killed many dragon. Friend home killed by man’ while his ability to project was still rusty he understood the message. Vowing to protect Ail-sin from the danerous man calmed the little one's trembling but it did little for the fury Danny felt at the slaughter of one of his Denizen's people. There were two things that were clear to him.
Damian Wayne had a curse on his soul for the slaughter of a large amount of dragons. Billionaires were the worst.
And
The Wayne’s needed to be investigated for their crimes.
Authors Note Below
Around 5.3k words!! This is the longest part 1 ive written and I hope you all enjoy it!
So you guys know how I said no bad fenton parents reveal? Yeah chuck that out to space I completely changed it during the writing for this. Also this is in fact DeadSerious but it will be a slow burn. You can already guess from this first part but Damian is under the assumption that there is something fishy going on with the center (there is but not in the way he thinks) and this will be expanded upon in the next part. Danny on the other hand already has a bias against billionaires and with the information from little guy Ail-sin has had that bias confirmed.
If it wasn’t clear I am going with the Clockwork is Kronos HC and adding my own spin where its only a facet of his existence as Time itself. His ‘sisters’ are the 3 fates which are collectively referred to as Fate. Like Clockwork they primarily exist as a Ancient ghost of Fate but also have their facet as the Fates in greek mythos. The ancients while not related have coexisted for millennia and see themselves as family while most not being related.
Anyways this series will be uploaded on AO3 soon as well and update every 2 weeks (hopefully) since I want to aim for longer parts/chapters
Danny, Ghost Prince of the Infinite Realms, needs something to do while he waits to become of age to become the Ghost King.
Cue some way of Danny becoming a pet sitter for basically almost any mythological creature of the God's and creatures he has some control over.
The creatures he's going to be looking after are going to be:
Cerberus, as the guard dog of the Underworld needs some time to be a "regular dog," as said by Hades
A griffin that is in need of a break from defending the treasure of a king's vault.
Sleipnir, as Odin has some matters to attend to and is trusting the future Ghost King with his trusted companion.
A Phoenix that's taking a little vacation from its world and is wanting to see what other creatures from different Pantheons is like.
A unicorn that's currently waiting for its new home to be made by the Ancient of Nature.
A young dragon that has been dropped off by the parent Dragon's while they do something that's too dangerous for their child.
And Cujo, his favorite size changing Ghost dog.
He takes care of these mythological creatures near a city named Gotham, where the Batfam will learn of him about a month after he was put there by Clockwork.
so im imagining that the " become of age" part of this is very different in human eyes than ghosts because in the ghosts eyes danny is a little baby ghost.
a powerful baby ancient ghost but still a baby.
so in reality danny is older than a baby but to the ancients in charge of his coronation hes a little baby of x years dead (Clockwork and the other ghosts close to Danny find this hilarious)
basically Danny was in Long Now for his weekly visit with his ghost dad (not bad fenton reveal simply fenton parents reacted too violently to the GIW post reveal so now theyre in jail and danny is with Clocky for the foreseeable future) when he was told about the plans for his coronation in.... 100 YEARS?!!??
essentially due to his unique situation as a halfa they had to wait for him to be at least a century old before he could be allowed to be the Ghost King since he hadn't fully become an ancient. He was a prince still in limbo, waiting years before he could become crown prince (learning about what the ghost king is supposed to do, his duties and abilities as an ancient) and then eventually being coronated as the Ghost King.
Clockwork informed him that while he waited he was allowed to do anything he wanted. Danny knowing his dad would know a better solution than just 'anything' asked for his advice on what to do.
Thus the mythical creature care center in Gotham. Clockwork had sold it him gaining experience with the type of creatures he would be ruiling over once he was king, thus learning how to rule fairly over species different from him, and also to learn about how to exude the type of mystical otherworldly air these creatures did as he wouldn't automatically know how to do that since he was a halfa but the position of ancient and king still required him to keep up appearances. ( And if clockwork was also sending him to Gotham as a potential suitor as a favour for his old friend no one needed to know)
I do want to continue this and flesh it out more but i dont know what ship to continue this with for latter parts. lmk thoughts on the ship choice.
As he got closer to the driveway Alfred could see Danny was stood next to the car's passenger door, his face had a small grin with a hint of red dusting his cheeks.
Once he was closer Danny opened the door allowing Alfred to seat himself, greeting him with a small smirk
"Good Morning Alfred, you look stunning"
Once he entered the vehicle Alfred returned his compliment, "Thank you Danny, you look dashing as well" smiling Danny mentioned the role Sam played in pick an outfit and continued the small talk as they left the manor grounds.
Once back on the main road the nagging feeling hed had since their brief call stopped as he remembered what he'd forgotten to mention.
"Ah I wanted to apologize Alfred, I didn't realize I never told you about my children before the call, I usually wait until a few dates to mention them but I guess it'd be best for you to know early on since I know about your kids too. Equal playfield and all that."
He received a small grin in return, "Its alright Danny I realize it's not really first date material, but I thank you for telling me."
The car settled into a comfortable atmosphere as they entered the city. Danny began laying out his idea for their date, a walk at Gotham Botanical Gardens, lunch at a local cafe, a peruse around the Natural History Museum, and dinner at a favorite restaurant of his. He glimpsed at the older mans reaction from the corner of his eye, happy to see he was pleased with his chosen activities.
Pulling into the gardens parking lot Danny stepped out first and moved to the passengers side. Opening the door to let Alfred out, he then guided Alfred towards the entrance. He could feel the subtle hints of emotions from Alfred, thank the ancients for ghost empath skills.
They walked along the path, pointing out different flowers they found interesting. As the sun reached its peak they found a bench to sit at with the refreshments Danny had bought them. They continued their conversation, Danny sharing the knowledge of flower language he'd picked up during one of his missions with Clockwork. It turned for the better as Alfred revealed he'd also been a avid user of flower language when decorating for the manor.
Eyes gleaming Danny turned to Alfred, "Really! I'd noticed the special attention to detail for the flower arrangements during the gala but I thought it was a coincidence since i'd never known anyone else that practiced it!"
Nodding Alfred began to recount to him how prior to her death Martha Wayne she had taught Alfred about her love for flower language. Every Saturday her and Thomas would walk around the city choosing that week's bouquets for the manor, despite having the money to pay someone to arrange them it was a tradition between the two to do it themselves.
By the time Bruce was able to leave the manor he was also included in their little ritual. The sight of the 3 Waynes with arms full of flowers wasn't uncommon in the area and brought a sense of peace to the area. Sadly after their deaths the Waynes were never seen in the area again, only Alfred their lone butler kept up the tradition in the departed Wayne's memory.
With a bittersweet smile Alfred mentioned how he would always ask Bruce if he wanted to join him on those trips to the city but he'd never gone back. Now though the littler Waynes would accompany Alfred when they could. "The first time Master Richard joined me on my errand I felt so much joy. It felt like seeing a young Master Bruce, skipping alongside me to refresh the manors flowers."
Danny smiled along, his core fluttered at the thought of Alfred carrying on a family tradition to honor the dead. While he himself was fine with never receiving a proper funeral or grave, he knew he'd wanted one when he first died but the risk was too high, it was beautiful hearing that the man he was interested treated the dead's memory with respect.
While gotham itself had a lot of ectoplasm from the high emotions and corrupted ecto pools, he'd noticed that Wayne Manor had a higher level of ecto-contamination. He could guess that being remembered and having a physical tether to the world had given the departed Waynes reason to stick around and haunt the manor. though there was still too much ectoplasm to be solely shade adjacent.
With a tight smile Alfred cut his thoughts short, "It might seem a bit silly to do so so long after their deaths but I can't help but cling to the memory of them in the littlest ways. I feel it also remind Master Bruce of the few positive memories he still has of them."
Tuning back in to Alfred, Danny decided to convey the love he'd felt in his brief intrusion of the Wayne haunt, "I don't find it silly at all! It shows how compassionate you are to have taken care of Bruce despite it not being your burden and also going out of your way to keep a tradition alive to honor those no longer around"
He flashed Alfred a dazzling smile, crows feet crinkling at the edges of his eyes," in fact I find it awe inspiring how much you do for your family. I can tell how much they love you. I don't think you've been told how much compassion you have to have done everything you do."
Danny looked towards the gardens trying to avoid Alfreds gaze," you probably wondered why I even wanted to court you or go on a date with you right? Well.. I thank you for giving the opportunity and I wanted you to know that its because of things like what you just told me. I've lived in Gotham for a few years and I always heard about the Wayne family butler from the different shops I frequent."
"At first I found it interesting that we went to so many of the same shops. The more I frequented the more I would get told things about how you would help the small business owners when they were in a pinch with certain items or how you would help the young moms who were a few bucks short on cash, small things that depicted you as this kind individual. I admit it made me intrigued about you but our paths never crossed until that day in the Gala"
Danny turned back to face Alfred, eyes still avoiding his gaze, " I'd never seen you face before and I was immediately stunned by how handsome you were. When Sam told me who you were I connected what I'd heard about you from Bruce in interviews to the person I was seeing and I knew I had to try and date you. It wasnt until later when Sam told me you were the only Wayne butler that I realized you were the same person Id heard about from others. Once I made those realizations I knew I wanted to try and make this work"
Taking Alfreds hands into his own, allowing enough time to withdraw them , he finally looked into Alfreds eyes.
"I heard so much about how you show love and compassion to others, but from experience I know we sometimes want that same love shown to us. So Alfred I will keep trying to make this work, and I hope you take my actions as sincere. You can ask me questions about anything you want to know, I will lay it all down, I just ask you to truly consider me a potential partner. Is that alright?"
oh
oh
He was truly infatuated wasn't he?
He'd know the younger man was sincere in his feelings from the start, when he'd first pleaded for Alfred to give him a chance to date and chased him despite his rejection, but he hadn't envisioned that his feelings went deeper than longing at first sight, or superficial interest from the knowledge his charges spread in interviews.
He'd envisioned the spark of interest fading after their one month trial period, possibly due to how little Alfred could put the time aside to go on dates or how uninterested he would be in the younger man.
But, he was wrong.
Danny was kind. He was a little scatterbrained given how he forgot to mention his own kids prior to today, or how he hadn't considered where to take Alfred on a date before asking as he'd learned from Master Bruce. But the man was truly kind to others, Damian had told him about his efforts in animal and habitat conservation despite having enough money to send others to do the work for him, he'd also shown how he cared for his employees by restructuring Dalvco to be more like Wayne Enterprises and how they treat their workers.
Despite what his family thought he hadn't rushed into the date blindly. Truly it was as if they forgot that before Oracle he had helped Bruce in the early Batman days.
The night before he had done a thorough search into Danny and while there were some peculiar inconsistencies nothing had jumped out to him as a cause for concern.
He was simply a man interested in him for what they'd heard and that was a good enough reason for Alfred to give Danny a chance. But now?
Now, staring into Danny's baby blue eyes, shinning with a emotion that he dared not name love
he knew it was love, the man had basically implied it and wasn't that something to think about?
Alfred was struck with the thought that he wanted to keep this arrangement going past the month they'd decided. It was only the first date but he had never felt this in tune with someone in decades.
He loved his child and grandchildren but he knew that while they would rely on him he couldn't do the same with them. For years his family had needed a rock, a steady unchanging wall of love and care that they could look to in any situation.
But that wasn't the case anymore was it?
His grandchildren had grown up, their relationships were mending however slowly, the vigilante side of things was also thriving. And Alfred? He no longer needed to be that constant wall.
How long was it since he'd told anyone about why he did his flower ritual? Since he'd felt comfortable enough to open up about the late Waynes? It felt like forever
With his mind made up Alfred mirrored Danny's smile, "aright I will consider you a potential partner" Dannys smile widened if that was even possible. Cute "However you must know that my priority will always be the Waynes. I have many duties to them and the manor so I might not have much time to set aside for you. So you must keep that in mind if you'd like to further this relationship. I will admit it has been some time since I've considered or been in a romantic relationship so I hope you will be patient with me. And just as you said you will answer any questions I have, you can also ask me any questions which I will answer truthfully, unless it concerned my charges privacy. Does that sound acceptable?"
Bringing Alfred hands closer to his face Danny pressed a chaste kiss to the back of his hands," that sounds divine, I accept all of your concerns" and with a gaze full of barely restrained affection, blush slightly spread across his cheeks and an impish grin, Danny purred, "shall we continue this date beloved?"
Ah. what a truly enchanting man, had he been entranced by a devil? Alfred swore he would destroy any evidence Miss Barbara might provide his charges with of the small whine he let out when Danyals gaze met his, " that sounds lovely"
Hand in hand they made their way to the exit. Once again showing impeccable manners Danny opened the door for Alfred and they began their journey to their next destination. A, hopefully, uneventful lunch.
in a certain library...
"Uh guys, is there any reason why Alfred would have a signal interrupter on his date?"
From her phone the voice of Dick came in," probably he wanted to keep the date off bat survailance but it is a little strange"
Humming Barbara conceeded, " I guess...if anyone would know how to prevent nosy kids from spying on a date digitally it would be Alfred."
"Exactly! Which is why we must also follow them in person! The tried and true tradition!"
She snorted in response, " you guys sure the 'tried and true tradition' can handled Dick busting you guys with his over reactions?"
Tims voice then chimed in on coms," no worries me and Duke will keep the wiggly noodle in check"
She smiled at his description tapping the coms in response as a customer came up to her counter. She wondered if Alfred was enjoying himself on the date.
" well SAM if you know so much why don't you try it then?!" Sam rolled her eyes at his complaints, still she got off the couch to help.
" You must be really nervous if you've forgotten how to tie a tie, im pretty sure you learned how to do that in highschool for prom." Danny glared at her, more annoyed than angry. Pushing up the knot Sam pat him on the shoulders, " there we go, all ready to sweep your man off his feet"
Dannys glare softened his grin turning mischievous "thanks for the help Sam, ill be sure to give you the role of best woman at the wedding"
They both chuckled at his words, " I better be! Me dragging you to the Gala is the only reason you even met!" Sam nudged his shoulder, "though your little ghost instincts are getting ahead of yourself don't you think? Let this first date happen and then well see about your wedding planning"
Danny flushed in embarrassment shoving her to the side, " leave me alone, I know its too soon but you tell my core that"
Her expression hardened at his words, " be careful or you might develop an obsession with a capital o on him"
Grimacing at her words, Danny looked away, " I know Sam, I know better than anyone how badly a obsession with someone can turn" Danny turned back with a small smile "I just haven't felt this kind of immediate connection before him. I don't want to lose my chance you know?"
She smiled back, she was proud of Danny for thinking more about how his ghost instincts could affect a relationship. It was a reason she'd broken up with him, citing her inability to truly understand his ghost and hero side and him not taking those sides in mind when concerning their relationship. It'd been awkward for a few months, but with the help of Tucker and Jazz they'd realized they were better as friends.
Sam walked toward the door, exiting with a small wave, "well good luck on your date! text us if you need anything" "Thanks!"
Turning to the mirror once more, Danny grinned at his reflection, mouthing 'I got this' before grabbing his jacket and exiting the apartment.
On his way to Wayne Manor Danny called Alfred, letting him know he would be there in less than half an hour. As he was about to tell him about his plans a call from Ellie came in, " sorry Alfred, my daughter is calling ill call you back in a bit" He heard a faint gasp on the other end of the phone before hanging up.
Wait...had... had he not told Alfred about Ellie?! .....Shit...
Answering the phone a shrill cry greeted him, " MOOMM!! HOW COULD YOU NOT TELL ME YOU WERE DATING AGAIN?!!!!" faint cackling could be heard in the background. Great. Dan had also heard the news.
"Hello to you too sweetie, Dan. Technically I haven't started dating yet since we haven't had our first date yet. As for why I didn't tell you. Well.. you do tend to push potential suitors away."
"whaAttt?? nO i dOnt!?" Her tone clearly indicated otherwise. While he loved his daughter, Danny knew she still didn't like the idea of his attention being split from them even more. It'd been harder when she was younger but even as a young adult she still valued the little time they spent together too much to approve of a relationship that would affect that time.
Dante's voice then came through the speakers "settle down squirt. Mom's been single for years now to take care of us, he should find someone to be with if he wants."
Aww his little world ender had matured! "thank you Dan, and sweetie you don't have to worry about me loving you any less or us spending less time together. Even if me and Alfred do start dating seriously I will always put you and Dan first.
"yea yeah I know Mom" Ah she clearly wasn't fully on board yet. Well there was plenty of time to get used to the change.
"how about you guys tell me about you day, it would make me less nervous while I drive?" "okay!! so yesterday me and dan-"
Listening to his childrens antics calmed his nerves a little more, making the drive peaceful. He felt a thought nagging him before dismissing it. It would come to him later if it was important.
When the call from Nightingale had come everyone had been present in the manors dinning table for lunch.
Alfred had just finished serving the meal, moving on to drinks. when the landline in the kitchen had begun ringing.
"ILL GET IT!!" Dick launched himself towards the phone. "Wayne Residence, Richard Grayson speaking, how can I help you?" A pause before his face lit up "Oh hi Danny! Yeah Alfred is here let me get him for you." He put the phone on hold before handing it to his grandfather who had just reached the kitchen.
Nodding his thanks, Alfred took the phone off hold, "Hello Alfred speaking, yes good Afternoon Danny how are you today?"
Dick returned to the dinning table smirking at his familys curious looks. "It was Danny, I think hes calling to let Alfie know hes on his way"
"And you didn't think to listen in??" Steph bemoaned
"hey if you want to be on the receiving end of a disappointed stare be my guest."
After a short while Alfred returned with a tray of side dishes, Bruce and the rest immediately noticed his expression slightly wavering. "Alfred? everything okay?"
Setting the dishes down calmly Afred answered his question, "ah yes Master Bruce, everything is okay simply Danny telling me some unexpected information abruptly. Apparently he has a daughter"
Silence.
"HE HAS A WHAT?!" "Did he not tell you that before Alfred?" "Do you mean Daniella Nightingale-Masters? I believe he also has a son, a Dante Nightingale-Masters" "How old are his kids?" " Dude really dropped a bombshell before the big date"
Silence again.
One of those responses was not like the others. Everyone turned to face Damian who apparently knew more than his family.
'tt' Damian looked away "He has clearly mentioned them before in interviews for his conservation efforts, that you didn't check further is simply oversight"
Tim, connecting the dots cut in "wait you said Nightingale-Masters right?"
Damian nodded
At his confirmation Tim's voice got tighter "Masters like the owner of Dalv.Co? who named Nightingale his heir? That Masters??"
An uneasy feeling settled at the dinner table. Everyone clearly coming to the same conclusion. If Daniel's kids were given the Master's surname was the connection between Nightingale and Masters more than family friends? And if the children were such high profile figures due to relations why did they not show up in Daniel's background check?
Sensing the tension Alfred cut in, "While I appreciate the concern I believe Danny and I can sort this out ourselves. Now if you would all please finish you meals, the food is getting cold"
Temporarily placated, the table resumed their conversation and breakfast was finished. Nothing that couldn't be conveyed by pointed stares and gestures was kept to themselves.
It was then that the landline once again rung, Alfred answering and heading to the coat rack near the entrance. "Danny is here to pick me up, I will be back before dinner, I shall see you all later"
Once the door closed all hell broke loose.
Reigning in the chaos Bruce gave out assignments "Dick head to the cave and inform Barbara about the situation, ask if she can find anymore information on the Nightingale-Masters children. Damian go with him, see if you can help. Everyone elss help me with the clean up and then well head to the cave"
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one again shout out to @chekhovs-slinky for the og prompt
As Danny and Sam entered their shared home the sounds of a action movie reached them signaling the location of their housemate.
"Were home!!!" Sam yelled into the house.
"In the cinema room!!"
They strolled further in until they reached their friend, Tucker was sat on the sofa leaving a gap that Danny flopped himself on to, groaning in embarrassment at his actions from earlier. Patting his back Tucker winced at Dannys behavior "Woah whats up with you dude? Did you mess up or something? I thought you left the shy guy act in your twenties?"
Sams laugh caught Tuckers attention " Oh he did something alright. Get this, I come up to Danny to ask him for my keys and hes totally zoned out! I finally get his attention and he tells me he thinks he has a chance to get a date with the guy hes looking at. Now, who do you think he was talking about?"
"Based on Dannys reaction I'd say Bruce Wayne?" At Tuckers reply Sam makes an X motion over her chest "EH wrong, Danny-boy over here went after Alfred Pennyworth, As in the guy that raised Bruce Wayne, As in the guy Bruces children consider their grandfather, As in the guy who is 35 years older than Danny!!"
"NO WAY WHAT" Tucker looked down at Danny on his lap and started shaking him "DANNY STOP BEING PATHETIC AND TELL ME EVERYTHING"
"Danny cant answer the phone hes dead" came Dannys muffled reply. Tucker rolled his eyes and turned back to Sam, "so what did Alfred say?"
Sitting down Sam started to, dramatically in Dannys humble opinion, regale Tucker with their evening story," im not even joking Tuck he looked like Alfred was the Cinderella to his Prince Charming with the way he ran after him. Me and Brucie looked so lost and we had to have awkward small talk about the charity until Danny came back."
At this point the force of Tuckers laughter was making him a very uncomfortable pillow so Danny rolled over to glare at him. "Danny, dude, you gotta admit its hilarious how desperate you must have looked in front of Wayne. You probably don't even know where your taking Alfred on a date do you." Dannys groan of embarrassment was answer enough for Tucker to lose it once more.
"Don't worry Danny well come up with a plan for you to woo your beau" Sam soothed as she patted his back, Danny simply groaned out of embarrassment. He had the worst friends.
The batcave was a flurry of voices all asking Alfred questions, the man in question simply arching a brow at their unruly behavior.
"Alfred are you really going on a date with that guy?! We don't even know anything about him!!" Dick was seemingly the most distraught at the news, his grandfather?? Dating?
Oracles voice crackled as she spoke through the caves speakers " His name is Daniel Danny Nightingale, 38 years old, he is the co-owner and eventual heir to DalvCo. He has a relatively clean record aside from some speeding and arrests for unruly protests."
Alfred simply sighed in response, "Master Dick, Ms. Barbara, while I understand your worry that is no reason to invade our guests privacy. And yes Master Dick I will be going on a date with Mr. Nightingale, his efforts to pursue me are commendable, and I will be giving him a chance even if it isn't earnest on my behalf."
"So youre just going along with his whims? 'tt' I expected more from you Pennyworth" Damian didn't show it outwardly but he was excited for Alfreds date. He had immediately recognized Nightingale during the gala, not because of his business, but because he was the person to bring back the purple backed gorillas from extinction. Damian had been 6 years old when he first saw a magazine featuring Daniel Nightingale. He had devoured the every word written about Daniel and it sparked the beginning of Damians infatuation with animal conservation beyond that of his families ideas.
Now seeing the opportunity to meet his role model face to face, and possibly even being related to him (if Alfred's account of Nightingale wanting to court with the intent of marriage was correct.) Damian knew what had to be done.
Damian was going to become Gothams cupid and make sure his Grandfather and role model got together.
Laying back on Tuckers legs, Danny tensed as he felt another sneeze attack coming on, halting all conversation.
ACHOO "Bless you" " Bless you" "Thanks, ugh who decided that speaking my name would cause me to sneeze"
Sam rolled her eyes at Dannys whining. "At least you dont get the calling to be summoned like with your royal title" Danny glared at Sam "gee thanks for being so compassionate, Ill be sure to sneeze on you next time"
{inspired by @chekhovs-slinky post on DPxDC community}
Danny and Sam at a Wayne gala and while Sam is busy networking with rich people to convince them to donate to her environmental conservation charities, Danny wanders off to find something interesting to do.
Cue him arriving at the Snack Table where he loiters for a bit until he notices someone approaching. He notices them holding a tray and, not wanting to be in there way, backs away from the table to let them pass by. When he does so he gets his first real look at the man and he. is. stunned. The man is clearly MUCH older than him, probably by more than 20 years, but he wears the age impeccably. His hair is a light salt and pepper look, he has a well groomed mustache, and his suit is so impeccably pressed that he looks more like a guest than the worker he is.
The man leaving back to the kitchens is what breaks Danny out of his stupor. He feels his face flushing and his core calling out for the man's faint ecto-signature that he felt.
As much as Danny wants to march into the kitchens and profess his adoration to the man, he knows it would make a horrible first impression to bother him during his working hours. Instead he simply looks longingly at the doors he entered, hoping to catch a glimpse of him when he exits again.
He must have been there for a while as he feels himself be shaken by someone. Danny turns to a frustrated Sam, "Danny are you finally paying attention?! Ive been trying ask you something for the past 5 minutes!!"
"Sorry Sam I was distracted by-" he cuts himself off as the man he'd been looking out for exits the kitchen once again. He is just as handsome as when Danny first saw him, but instead of heading back to where Danny is, the man walks towards someone else. He seems familiar with them and almost fond, Danny feels his core aching at the possibility of him already having a partner, and lets out a sorry sigh.
"What was that sigh for? And why are you looking at Brucie Wayne and his butler so longingly?"
At Sams words he whips his head around "thats Brucie Wayne?! And thats his butler?! The one who raised him ever since his parents passed?"
"Yeah I believe his name is Alfred something, Brucie makes it a point to mention him during interviews whenever they ask him about his family. He makes it a point to emphasize how much he sees his butler as a father figure. You didn't recognize them?"
Incredibly handsome AND a good father figure? Someone fan him because Danny was about to dramatically swoon to the floor.
"Do you think you can accompany me to talk with him? I feel like I might have a shot." Sam stared at him incredulously "Really? But hes so much older than you?"
Danny simply smirked," Nothing can stop me from shooting my shot with such a Dilf" Sam rolled her eyes and shot him a teasing disgusted look simply putting her hands up,"Whatever, if you want to make him out to be a cradel robber be my guest"
As Danny and Sam approached the cocktail table Brucie and Alfred were at the pair looked away from their conversation realizing that they were about to be joining them for conversation. Alfred quickly turned back to say a few words before turning as if to leave. Seeing this Danny sped up, leaving Sam behind, to catch Alfred before he was out of earshot.
Before he could call out to him Brucie stepped forward as if anticipating him," Hello Mr. Nightingale , you must be Ms. Mansons guest! Is there anything you-" Danny quickly cut him off and side stepped him to catch up to Alfred, "so sorry Mr.Wayne but I was actually wanting to speak with Mr. Alfred issosorry pleasedontbemadatsambye"
"MR.ALFRED" A bit taken aback, Alfred turned to look at the young man that was calling him, "Good Evening Sir, is everything alright?"
Catching up to him Danny simply blushed and rubbed his hands together, "No no everything is gucc-I MEAN great, yeah everything is great. I was just, um, wondering if you might be free for a bit? Unless you're super busy!! Then nevermind. I just-" Danny cut himself off at the small chuckles coming from Alfred, damn even his laugh was hot, Danny was so screwed.
"I do have a bit of time before the next course needs to be served. Shall we step out into the balcony?" Alfred signaled to a set of doors. Danny nodded sheepishly and walked behind Alfred.
"So what was it you wanted to discuss Mr....." Danny whipped his head around and stuck out his hand, "Danny, Danny Nightingale and you Mr....". Alfred took his hand with a charming grin, no seriously someone fan Danny his knees really were going weak," Alfred Pennyworth at your service."
"Well you see, I- I saw you at the end of the table and, I just think you are one of the most handsome people I've ever seen" Putting his hands up in a panicked way Danny continued his rambling "And before you think I'm just interested in your looks I also fell for you after realizing that you were the one to step up and care for Brucie when he was a child. I went through something similar in my adolescence. I believe that shows a lot of your character" Alfred was looking at him with a proud yet still slightly confused expression so Danny knew he had to make his point clear.
"What I'm trying to say is I really like you, and it might seem like its for shallow reasons reasons right now but, would you allow me to court you?" Looking up to gauge Alfreds reaction, he could see that the other man was taken-aback but flattered all the same.
Alfred had expected the young man to be looking for private information about his charges lives or advice on how to woo them, not for him to be the one being propositioned. The young man was probably only a few years younger than Bruce was, and even he could admit that he was beautiful in a uncanny way. Alfred smiled indulgently at the man " Mr. Nightingale while I am flattered you would want to court me, I am a bit too old for you. Surely there are a number of people near your age who you'd rather date? I apologize for wasting your time and rejecting your feelings but I must get back before the next course is done" Alfred bowed in goodbye and started to leave before he felt a hand tugging at his.
Danny had been felt his heart plummet at the rejection, he knew it was a long shot to be accepted immediately and he knew he should accept the rejection and move on . But his core yearned, it protested the resignation and rejection and seemed to want to leap out of his chest as if only to be at Alfreds side forever, even for the short seconds before it and Danny died. His body moved without thinking and desperately tried to stop the retreating figure.
"Please Mister Pennyworth give me a chance to convince you of my feelings sincerity, just one month and if you still don't believe me, I- I'll leave you alone once more, but please I am begging you to give me a chance" Danny held on to the hand with the reverance his intended should be given, future-queen-future-core-mate his core whispered.
Alfred felt himself fluster at the others bold actions, they were still in a secluded hall but he could see Master Bruce and Ms. Manson looking quizzically at the interaction with only his Brucie Wayne persona being tbe reason he didn't run to them demanding an explanation. He looked back down at the mans pleading eyes and felt his face flush, truly what harm would a month do?
"Alright Mr. Nightingale I accept your terms, if you are truly serious about me then you can find us a dinner spot for next Friday, we shall see what happens from there. Now I really must be going, I shall see you then" He left a card in his hand and walked back into the kitchens, leaving a kneeling Danny in the hall.
He did it. HE DID IT. He got a date with the man of his dreams. Turning to the other end of the hallway he beamed at Sam and Brucie before running to them. "Sam Sam!! I did it!! I got a date with him!!"
Both Sam and Brucie looked stunned at his exclamation, Sam because she had thought Danny was referring to Brucie when having a chance, and Bruce because he was flabbergasted that someone had gotten a date with his father butler when he had thought the man wanted to speak with him.
Sam recovered from her shock quicker than Bruce and after seeing Danny, and most likely his core, vibrating in sheer happiness at his success. She sighed fondly and patted his shoulder " Well you got your man to give you a chance, so where are you taking him on a date?"
She could see when the reality of having to choose a date spot that his intended would like while still being true to him hit. Danny slowly turned to her with a pathetic look on his face "Saammm help me I don't know where to take him in Gotham" Sam snorted at his pathetic image and started to drag him away," alright lover boy lets go brainstorm your date somewhere you can whine about it freely" she turned back to Brucie and gave him a small grin " Thank you for the lovely conversation Mr. Wayne but I must get this one back home before his brian melts from thinking too hard"
Bruce watched as the pair left through the manor's doors, did that really just happen?! Did Alfred really agree to go on a date with that man?! Turning his comm online Bruce let out a gruff order " Oracle can you find me everything there is about a Daniel 'Danny' Nighingale and send it to the Batcomputer he seems to-" Bruce cringed at his next words " he seems to have gotten a date with Alfred"
The immediate explosion of noise just made his headache bigger. Truly what had Alfred been thinking.
