Mała Sztuka

1) Friendship expert dpxdc Part 1 Part2 Part3 Part4 Part5

Part6

Part7

2) Trespassing dpxdc

3) Back off or I will bite dpxdc

Part1

Part2

Izuku looked at the crowded corridor with distain before he started to shuffle in the general direction of his classroom. There were at least 50 students there which successfully shrinked normally impressive space into stuffy and smelly obstacle course. Honestly Izuku wasn’t fan of crowds in general so his stay at UA was more unplesant than what he imagined when he was younger and dreamed to be a hero. What would that Izuku say if he could see him? Boy was his life fucked up. From starstruck fun on the Mere mention of his idols to literal spy-true villan. Well he probably would be disappointed. Oh Well. At least Izuku was alive. Which at some point in his life became a difficulty so he counts that as a win. From his thoughts pulled him harsh push to his left shoulder. He stumbled and caught balance using somebody’s shoulder snapping his head towards the source of the shove. Suprisingly he met mismached eyes of one and only Todoroki Shoto. He did get to see him before in the cafateria or other breaks but never from so close. He held his arm at a weird angle and was definetly rushing somewhere. However Izuku was an analysist and he saw something that probably no one else could see. There was red mark poking out of Todoroki long sleeve, mark that was very familiar for Izuku. The way he held himself trying to dissapear. Pulling sleeves as low as he can. Izuku new that he just came back from meeting his father.

Izuku was in General course. Todoroki in prestigious hero course. Every classmate of Izuku dreams only about crossing paths with them. He on the other hand couldn’t care less. He already has their quirks broken down in details. Brodcasted sport festival was very helpfull. But that little secret of Todoroki is distracting. He knows what it means. He covered similar wounds. Bruns on arms were frequent gifts from Bakugou. It was also not the first time Izuku has seen Todoroki in this state. Hurt and scared with this look in his eyes that Izuku knows by heart. He saw it in the mirror for most of his life. The eyes of victim that scream help. He wondered many times whether the teachers here were blind or just pretended not to see. He is more inclined to believe that they know. In his experience adults always knew but it was easier for them to pretend otherwise. Nevertheless, Izuku was here on a very thin ice. Sneaking into the most successful education site as fraud was difficult thank you very much. He needed to create new persona background, documents and slip them into the systems of two schools to pose as a student Who moved and needed to change his school. He was here on important mission. Analysis of Quirks from most Effective and elite heros trained by Nezu himself were pricey. Izuku needed money or more likely somebody Who he knew needed operation and for that, money were essential. Hence he playing school boy in second year of highschool for last Three months. That is Why he let his eyes wander after colorfull hair of Todoroki in the crowd and keept going in his direction.

„It is not my problem. Not my problem. I have much more important goal. Can’t blow it up. It’s too important ” that was his internal monologue in his head through whole English with Yamada sensei slash Present Mic his homeroom teacher. Which was impressive in and on itself because present Mic is LOUD. That was last lesson of that day and Izuku couldn’t bring himself to leave the school just yet. He wandered through the halls holding in hand his everpresent safe kit. Well if you could call that a tube of burn cream that he carries every where since middle school. There were days when he used to actually need it every day. Now it is kinda soothing to him. He feels jumpy when he goes somewhere without it nowadays.

He doesn’t know how long he was wandering his thoughts going to boys and girls with empty eyes, hidden injuries and blind adults. Don’t take him wrong he isn’t good person even opposite to be honest. He did some horrible things to survive, in self defence or out for revenge. He sells quirk analysis to the highest bidder for goddness sake. He works with villans, heros, vigilinates and anything that can pay him money. That’s why he doesn’t consider himself a good person as far from it as possible really. It is too late for him. He is a lost cause, the error that slipped through cracks of society to the bottom. However, sometimes when he meets people with those empty eyes, with no hope, resigned and in pain he cannot turn his back. Izuku isn’t kind but he will be damned if he ever forgets what it feels to be at your lowest and all alone. How much he craved somebodys help, touch even smile back then. Izuku went to hell and crawled back out, all by himself. It left him changed and all wrong. He picked up pieces that society left and put himself together into a cold underdog that he had become. He knows that even one kind soul would mean world to him back then.

That’s why when he comes across those empty eyes he tries to be what he needed. He charges horrendous amounts of money for his work, but those people are exeptions. Izuku keeps detailed History of his services and payments. He never bothers to keep account of those broken ones. He remember many of them. The boy with brainwashing quirk with problem of controlling it, Girl With shape shifting power, guy with poisonus tears, lady with shadow walking, Dabi and many others. Todoroki was like them: hurt, alone and powerless aganist his father.

From his thought startled him another pair of footsteps in front of him. Before him was a sharp turn to left on his right long row of huge windows. The sun was setting and was Lightning the space in warm Orange colors. The footseps were coming from the turn. He kept going forward only to came face to face with Shoto Todoroki himself. He still held himself weirdly and was tense. Quick glance assured Izuku that his wound was still under his uniform. Shoto looked startled to bump into him. They stared at each other for a little while. It was Izuku Who moved first he took few steps forward to close the gap between them lifting his hand still gripping burn cream. He looked in those sad sad eyes of the boy before him and knew that he was doing the right thing.

- Here it Looks like you need it more. - he handed the Medicine to Todoroki, Who appeard to be in some state of shock, and went his way again. For the first time in very long he didn’t feel uneasy without his „med kit” in his pocked.

Okey guys sorry for long wait. I did not in fact abandon this idea. My studies and trainings ate my time😅. Buuut I have summer holidays so more time for fun things. For those Who are still reading and waiting for NEXT parts here it is! And happy News just one more part is left to wrap up this idea! Thank you for comments they are very motivating and enjoy!!!!

Danny should leave Gotham. Forget Damian and do what he swore to do: dissapear. He really should do that.

But he doesn’t want that. He got used to this city he got used to fresh snacks, to books about astrology. He got used to not being alone. Now he needs to let everything go. He will, because he doesn’t really have a choice. Danny needs to run to survive, like his sister asked him to. He needs to run so GIW won’t caught him again and won’t find some passage to Ghost Zone through him or his ectoplasm more likely. So he will. Just…not Right now. Danny decided that he will go to Damian’s family dinner, but just to Make sure he will leave him in good hands. Maybe also to see him last time, say goodbye. With that conviction he meets Damian in there usual meeting spot.

Damian looks nervous, but also pleased. Danny can taste it in air. They chat a little about nothing in particular. But it can’t last forever and Damian points to elphant in the room.

-Manor is a long way from here. We will walk to the car.

Manor. They are going to manor. Not Home not flat a Manor. Danny thinks he missed a very important pice of some puzzle here.

Damian watches him carefully. He probably thought about it a lot. To Make it easier for Danny, he propusefully made them walk first to Make it seem a little more normal. Danny feels warm inside when he realised this. That feeling evaporates when he sees a god damn limousine and Damian who goes stright to it.

The driver doors open and tall man with Broad chest, black eyes and blue eyes goes out. He instantly puts blinding smile on his face when he sees them and starts briskly coming around the car towards them, Danny instinctively takes step back. He realses his mistake a little too late. The man steps falter and Damian beside him tenses. Before the newcomer gets to them Damian introduces him

-Danny this is Richard. - Danny also knew him from Damian stories. Well it is nice to put a face to a name. The man does not hold out his hand for what Danny is thankful. Toutch is not his strong side right now.

-It’s nice to meet you Danny! - Richard is still smiling.

-Hi, nice to meet you too Richard- Danny says akwardly. The man grimances at that.

-Please call me Dick- only Damian calls me by my full name.- Danny stares then stares some more. Well he saw stranger things, he can handle weird nicknames.

- Come on, let’s get in the car.

Danny first thought was fancy. He hadn’t seen such luxiorious car in… Well never. Even Vlad or Sam’s rich cars weren’t that rich. When he lived in Amity he didn’t have very much. He had mad scientists for parents for Ancients sake. Most of the money they got God knows how went for their research anyway. So it was strange. He was looking around when he caught Dicks gaze through the mirror. He smiled at Danny, but it was too late the calculating look in his eyes was overbearing. Danny slided a little lower in his seat and listened to Damian tell him about today’s menu.

When they arrived he expected to be faced with enormous wealth. The manor was impressive but not so ostentious as Vlad’s place. The front doors were huge but tastefully decorated. Danny felt so small standing before them. Dick and Damian were talking for most of the journey, Sometimes trying to include him in conversation but he didn’t really give them much.

-Well Danny you can leave your… sweater here.- Dick suggested. Yeah sweater was generous way to name it. It was some kind of jumper used so much that you couldnt tell for sure what it originally was. Danny used it to cover better clothes he got from Damian. Partially to prevent them from getting dirty and partially from fear that they will caught eye of… fellow street rats. Dick lead them deeper in to the building. They went through hall and two rooms before they reached their destination. Which was enormous room….hall? Ballroom? Danny had no idea. With long table in the middle. On walls were impressive Numbers of paints and the floor had a red carpet on it. Danny was so focused on the interior he almost missed the people gathered there.

- It is a little overwhelming for the first time. Coming here I mean. - that was Tim. Well at least Danny recognised him. He studied another figure that was standing next to Tim. Danny knew him from somewere. He just couldn’t place.

- Hello there Danny I hope the journey was quick. You can call me Bruce. - said the man. His Blue eyes bored into him and even if his voice was welcoming something didn’t sit right in Danny’s Gut. Bruce went for a handshake Danny reciporated algedlly unsure.

-Let’s sit down. Alfred will soon bring first course.- Dick directed the room. Bruce sat at the one head of the table while Damian sat on his right he pulled Danny so he would sit at his left. On Bruce’s other side sat Dick and in front of Danny Tim. Just perfect. The most suspocious one according to Damian. Danny hated his luck.

- So Danny how old are you?- Bruce asked casually.

- Sixteen… Sir - Danny cringed inwardly. How was supposed to adres him? Bruce? No. That is too familiar. What was their surname again? Crap to he might have never asked Damian about it. He sweeped his eyes around the room. Gathered family members tried very hard to look as if they weren’t staring at him while staring at him. Great. He did see that coming.

- Well Damian is a little secretive about you. You know?- Tim piped up. He had that glint in his eyes that Danny really didn’t like.

- Really? He talks about you a lot through- tried to salvage himself Danny. He glanced at Damian Who was fiercely glaring at Tim. It seemed to be wrong thing to say as Bruces eyes narrowed.

- Oh? - he murmured. Shit not good direction they probably Think that he fishes for information. Well if they are that rich they are probably famous. He really should have asked Damian for surname. From total disaster Saved him butler Who carried first dishes and put them on the table.

- hmmm that smells delicious!- said Danny a little to fast for it to be natural. He new he sounded nervous. Well… he needed distraction. However the food really smelled amazing. He reached for his spoon and froze. Right to his plate laid napkin. With a letters printed on it. Very important letters because when read together they created a a very concerning surname. He lifted his head and looked at every single present person. Then back at the napkin that held extremely important name in very elegant cursive: Wayne. The realizacjom dawned at him slowly. He was sitting with one of the most wealthy and known figures in Gotham. Also associated with caped crusader called Batman. A hero known to abide by law and often working with police and government. The same government that wanted him strapped to the lab table. Danny’s breathing picked up. His hands became clammy. Tim was saying something about his T-shirt. Danny was too busy trying to control his panic attack.

- Danny? Everything alright? - asked Damian always vigilant about Danny’s chaneges in mood. Danny looked at him, subtle concern written all over his face. Was it honest? Or was it a trap? Was Damian an spy send to lure him in a trap?

- I..- Started Danny before they all Heard front doors open and a loud greetings shouted from that direction. There was short ruckus as someone wrestled around near the door before a tall, board, blue eyed, black haired Man entered the room. His most specific trait seemed to be white streak of hair on his parting. Danny’s nosestrills flared up as strong smell of death wafted over the room. He couldn’t stop from staring at the newcomer feeling numb. He must be seeing things because he remembers very clearly giving orders to every death-connected member of Infinite Relams to stay the fuck in Infinite Relams under threat of being hunted and tortured by GIW. Fuck he sacrified himself to lock humans out of Ghost Zone deeming himself to life of solitude and forever run in order to save every other resident of that relam.

Danny wakes up slowly. First thing he notices is soft matress. he hadn’t had such comforts in a long time. That is what tells him he is not in GIW’s hands they never bothered with comforts for ghosts. Sterile metal table and cage was sufficient in their opinion. Danny would beg to differ.

He doesn’t move or change his breathing pattern, there is no way to tell weather he stopped breathing at some point… he sometimes does that without conscious decision. There’s nothing he can do about it. He hears quiet shuffling on his left and tries to subtly check in what condition is his body. It is not promising. He is sore his gun wound stings when he breathes, he is weak and tired. There is no way to know How long he was unconscinous. There are two options: Psychopaths with katanas or furry in Bat costiume - Both equally shitty. Or they were one and the same considering Damian attire at the rooftop. What a mix, Danny imagined ridiculously tall man in cheap bat costiume with two fake katanas in his hands. His humour is truly twisted. He is not able to fight, nor run Right now. But he can’t pretend he is asleep forever.

He slowly sits up and looks at the other person in a room. He is tall wears civilian clothes and domino mask on his face. It looks ridiculus if you ask Danny. His black hairs are tangled as if he run his hand through them too many times. When Danny asseses him the man does the same.

- hey there! - his voice is full of fake cheer. Danny looks at him blankly. If it is indeed league there is no need for pretenses. The man comes closer.

- okey not a talker. Guess it runs in the family… heh. You can call me Nightwing

Danny snorted interrupting his charade. He was good, could really pass as akward and meaning no harm. Thalia keeps league at high level it seems.

- yeah, no you can drop the act. I’am not as unwell as to believe THAT.

-What are you…

- seriously Call Thalia or whatever.

Nightwing freezes for a moment before he answers

- Thalia al Ghul is not here. - he says firmly. Danny looks at him with caution. However the longer he thinks the more sure he is that she must be behind it. She wouldn’t leave her precious Damian. There is no way. But before he can voice his doubts there is a loud bang and smaller figure practically runs into the room.

- Danyal you are awake!

Danny looks at him coldly sarcasm slips from his tongue like poison

- I know truly terrible inconvenience. You can finish the job this time.

His twin makes a face as if he ate a Lemon but does not stop until he is close enough that if he tried he could touch Danny. which Danny finds pretty disturbing. He glares at intrusion.

- I will not harm you brother.

- I didn’t know you became a comedian in my absence. -Danny’s voice was full of venom. Seriously can they skip past this charade and get to The point?!

- No one is going to attack you nor contact league of assassins. - a deep voice cut through their conversation. Huge man in bat costiume entered The infirmary. Danny’s eyes instantly snapped to him. Well build with visible muscles and wepons, possibly the biggest threat in the room. His body language was sure and calm however Danny could taste uncertanity in The Air. He had no idea how Batman was connected to league and Damian but he would rather not risk believing anything they say.

- Sorry If I am being a little sceptical with The Hier to The league here. If you don’t want to kill me or hand to The league what do you want?-Danny was not polite by any means, however they seemed to be lying to him so he didn’t feel particualy bad about it.

- Well it seems that being a brat runs in The blood. Get of your high horse and look around you. You are in The presence of Gotham vigilinates believe me when I say that Big Bat here does not harm homless boys. - another teen was leaning on door frame. He was much more nonchalant. Also had black hair around 16 maybe 17 years old. He reeked of fear. Huh weird. Well more information for Danny. They didn’t know about his… condition better to keep it that way.

-And you are…?

-Red Robin. Feeling like having normal conversation?

Danny snorted at that. Well he sure as hell seemed like his best option. The less sugaring it The better. Nightwing wanted to cut in but Danny was faster. He propursefully avoided eye contact with Damian. The other seemed determined to do that.

-Lets go with that. What I am doing here?

- Well we decided that leaving half-dead boy on pavement after he… had an unfortunate accident.- here he glared at Damian- was not a good idea. Especially IF he seemed to be related to Robin.

At that Danny laughed. Full bellied and honest Sound. It eoched around The room weirdly. Didn’t fit in to The situation at all. Danny thought it was hilarious. Those exact words half-dead. Red Robin had no idea what he was talking about. They wouldnt be saving him if they knew. No chance. And that made it so ridiculus.

-Danyal- Danny ignored him and Spoke to the rest of them.

-So if I say that I feel fine and want to go you will let me?- he knew the answer but decided to let them humor them.

-No - that was Batman.

-Yes- that was Red Robin.

-Do you need a moment to discuss this matter?- The bite in his voice suprised even him. Both of them glared at each other. Damian rolled his eyes and Nightwing answered:

- you are in dire need of Medical treatment so we will decide what to do when you are recovered. - nice and diplomatical answer. Beautifully packed „NO”. Oh Well Danny will just leave when he will be able to.

- so what I just recover and then I will go my Merry way. That is a plan. Great. - he played dumb.

-Danyal Grayson said that this matter will be discussed. We are safe here mother is not allowed in gotham.

Danny looked at his twin. Long cold empty stare. Damian stared back head held high, chest puffed out. Danny could feel his nerves. Tangled tastes on his tongue worry, frustration uncertanity and many others he couldn’t deciper anything specific. He finally broke the silence.

- Sure whatever

Danny, Sam and Tucker were standing close to the wall, silently judging people on the Gala. Wayne gala. One of the most prestigious, Well-known and terribly boring event in high society. How did they get there? Enter Rich-ass Sam’s parents and rich-ass fruitloop. The only consolation was them dragging Tucker with them. And The only way to made them behave, apparently. The list of pranks they prepared was impressivly long. But… a deal was a deal. So no pranks. Only them isolating themselves and trash talking in fancy suits other attendants in fancy suits. Fantastic.

-I can bet 10 bucks that this lady in shiny red dress will flirt with Wayne again. - That was Tucker.

- psh too easy that is obvious.- Sam grumbled.

-But she already tried like Three times. I Think it would be a streach. No way she has that little of self respect. You are on.- Danny countered.

-oh poor naive Danny. You lack experience in those matters. Believe me when I say she WILL try again. - And true to Sam’s words the lady tried. Swiftly ignored by organisator of this glorious event. Danny groaned and handed money to Tucker. That was how last two hours had gone by. They already gone thorough all apetizers. After, four attempts to get their hands on alcohol were stopped by staff they give up. They strolled through garden or rather the part that was open, and been to the toilet at least five times. So boredom. Utter boredom.

Danny let his eyes wander through the crowd. He was able to see Vlad persuading some poor businessman into very shady and probably disandventageous deal. Or meeting one on one, where he would just overshadow him and sign the documents. Both were shitty options.

There were times that Danny tried to sabotage Vlad deals but adults tended to ignore warnings from teenagers. So he got fed up with being ignored. Some things are unstoppable. He can fight super-powered king of undead but he can’t talk out an adult from trusting his psycho pseudo-uncle. So no intervention here. He let himself look again, suprisingly he caught eye contact with other teen. Black haired, blue eyed around their age probably slightly older. He started to move towards them.

-carefull some rich kid on the way. -he warned while keeping him in his vision. Both his friends heads snapped too look.

-Dude that is not SOME rich kid that Timothy Drake-Wayne! How could you not recognise him. - Tucker gushed

-Uh, sorry that I don’t know all celebrities. Lately I have been busy fighting ghosts and interdimentional tresspasers if you hadn’t noticed.- Danny hissed back. Sam rolled her eyes, whispering:

- Calm down, just remember that he is adopted son of Bruce Wayne. The one involved in technology.

Danny didn’t get the chance to answer before object of their conversation came to them.

-Hello, Timothy Drake-Wayne, Having fun?

The silence was uncomfortable. Sam got herself together the fastest:

- Of course Mr Drake, amazing event beautifull decorations!

Danny eyed her weirdly. Who could guess she could be such a good lier? He could pick on subtle sarcasm there but only because he knew her. For anyone else she sounded perfectly genuine and honest. He held back a laugh. He loved her so much.

-Tim is fine, I am already Mister in too many places. At the end I am only two years older Lady Samantha. - he answered flashing a smile at her. Huh. That was weird. Danny was not a mood reader but he got a distinct feeling he tried to subtly suck up to them. What a son of multimillionaire could want from them?

-It’s amazing to meet you in person Tim, I am Tucker! I love your work in IT, your new design of pada is fantastic. The outer layer of inside mechanisem is….

Tucker could talk about technology for hours. He knew this particular rant by heart so he let himself focus on Tim. He listened to Tucker and nodded in right places but didn’t seem really interested. However, What he did do was subtly glancing in Danny’s direction quite often. He let his senses wander and focused on newcomer. Tim smelled of expensive perfume, sweat and… suprisingly blood. Quite a lot of blood if Danny was being honest. Apart from that he could taste his determination and growing irritation the longer Tucker spoke. Well not Danny’s problem he can get bored and piss off. He will gladly come back to trash talking other guests now thank you very much.

- So Daniel, I have seen you on few other events but I havent had occasion to talk to you!- that was what brought Danny’s attention back to earth.

-It’s Danny - he corrected out of habit. Sam casted him murderous glare.

-Uh… nice to meet you. - the silence that lasted longer than socialy acceptable was akward. Ancients, Danny hated it so much. He wasn’t really fan of small talk with people he didn’t know. Or generally social interactions but here he is.

- Sooo did you took part in preparations to Gala or is it only your father this time?- Sam tried to save the situation.

- No this time is Bruce and Richard work. So Danny are you involved in your uncle business? Bruce and I had a very interesting conversation about possible deal and wanted to talk a little more about it.

Huh. So this was scouting business. No way Vlad would leave his talks unfinished or without any date to discuss it further. He would also not allow Danny involvement in any way. Not after that one fiasco. So Tim was bullshiting. Well that just rised Danny’s opinion about him from 0 to like 20 on scale 1 to 100. He does not deliberately plan to sabotage Vlad business anymore. But if some guy with heart screwed on comes to him Well…

- Whatever he says I advise to not associate with him. Better to ghost him. if you do actually decide that you must do business with him do not and I can’t stress it enough stay with him one on one in a room. - Danny States calm and even. He Made sure that his eyes were serious and didn’t break eye contact for a moment.

That was a time when Vlad came up to them. Out of breah and slightly dishelved. Obviously he panicked when he saw Tim with them. Danny smirked. Vlad glared.

- Daniel it is time for us to go. Samantha your parents are looking for you and your friend. Mr Drake pardon us we are in a hurry.

-Of course UNCLE.- He smiled inconently.

-bye Tim, Sam, Tucker- he said while looking over his shoulder. His eyes were drilled in Tim’s.

There was something unnerving about Danny’s eyes- Thought Tim.

Cold rain drips from Danny’s jacked, water slushes in his shoes when he walks through dirty streets of Gotham. He is cold. It should be rare experience for him nowdays, since his death actually. However, recently he discovered that if he mistreats his human half, this is what happens. He hadn’t eaten anything for too long and now cold can affect him. He is starting to get used to that feeling, when hunger twists his stomach and chill runs on his skin like snake. Normal humans would be already dead. Unfortunetly he isn’t normal human. It is why he is in this streets anyway. When goverment with your own parents hunt you like an animal you try to be invisible.

There is no better place to dissapear than city as dangerous as Gotham. Here no one will pay attention to some homeless kid when every other week some psycho tries to murder bunch of civilians while a furry in bat costiume fights them off. That is why he and his friends chose this place. He blends in, dissapears. They decided he needs to lay low. He can do that he can be invisible goddamit. Well could be invisible like a week Ago. Right now his physical state isnt really cooperating. Where is super-healing when he needs it.

Right now he turned to his other special abilities. Ones he buried deep, into The back of his head, as deep as sands of The cursed desert he was born on. Right next to The memory of a twin that he loathes with his whole existence. He moves with practise even if his stealth skills are a little rusty. They were trained in him since he was a baby.

He needs to find Food, Danny lived in gotham for three weeks he knows some spots for leftovers, not fresh ones, but enough to sustain him. Sometimes he steals something fresh but lately he has no energy to do so. His gun-wound is still healing even if it should be gone by now. It is not deadly obviously but painful enough to remind him of its existence from time to time.

Danny checked trashcans behind two restaurants before he found one that wasn’t already occupied. He learned hard way to stay away from others who will do everything to eat, even long expired goods. He is not proud of it. However, Danny survived far worse. He died for fucks sake! Some trash Food isnt going to do him.

Danny was just peaking into The containers before he Heard loud bang and angry shouts. It was a little early for big fishes to get out on street. Sun heven’t even set yet. He needs to hurry. As he was to pull out that half eaten sandwich, footsteps Sounded behind him. Before he turned around there was also a heavy thud and loud groan. Immedately, he turned around and came race to face with Nightwing. He was doing so good up until now. He just had to came across one of Batman’s sidekicks.

- Hey there, you alright?

He sounded genuine but was also part of justice league that worked for goverment. So he was a big no no for Danny. That’s why he nodded and sweeped his eyes around to find possible exits. They were in backalley with only one exit which was a source of fight noises.

- Okey kid we need to get out of here. I can see that you prefer to keep your distance but Right now we don’t have time for comforts

Then he catches Danny by his waist and hoists them both on The nearest root. His left side with a wound is on fire, vision goes white for a moment and he stumbles when Nightwing lets him go. Danny doesn’t know what happend after but when he can normally breathe he is alone. On a roof. How The hell is he supposed to get down without his powers or any gear in the matter!? He goes to The edge and observes The fight. It looks like one of The gangs had some sort of a deal and The Bats had a tip that it will take place here. Just Danny’s luck to end up in The middle of a mess. At this point it can’t really get worse. There is no sense in trying to get down now. He will wait until fight is over. There is too much gangsters and people in spandex for Danny’s liking down There. So he sits and waits. Eventually fight dies down. He might have dozed off there a little bit. Light footsteps alerts him of new presence on his roof. Danny stands up when short figure in black yellow and green costiume stops before him. He assumes that it is his lift to the ground but the hero stops suddenly. He watches long enough to make Danny uncomfortable. Then Danny hears words he hoped never to came across again:

-Danyal?

He sharply backs away. No! he thinks. Not him! Not now! He knows that voice. God Dammit! And he thought that his situation couldn’t get worse. He was already starving, wounded, without roof above his head, hunted by goverment and his parents! Why not add an assassin cult to the mix?! Whoever fucks with his fate has twisted kind of humour. Danny heels hit the end of the roof. But the hero is still getting closer.

-Danyal its you. I know it is you. You need to stop…

- Stay away from me! - Danny thinks that he might be screaming. He is not sure. He is terrified, last time they saw each other didnt end well for him. His vision starts to swirl again, his wound stings, he might throw up. Does he even has something to throw up with? Danny is pretty sure he is going to die. Maybe that’s why just in spite for monster of a brother he bends backwards just a little too much. Last Think he hears are Damian’s screams he does not know why he seems so panicked. He probably came here to finish the job so why bother? Or worse he came back to bring Danny back. Doesn’t matter not Right now. He is falling, it reminds him a little bit about flying. God he loved it. He wonders if second death will hurt as much as the first. Will he get to go away? Will he be able to fully die? Or will he gets stuck as a full ghost? It is his last thought before his vision goes black.

Danny was screawed. Really screawed like seriously in crisis. Sitting across Damian’s brother in a coffee shop with Damian to his left and wall to the right in discrete corner of said shop. He couldn’t even jump out of the window because he had no window in his vicinity. And the calculating stare of the boy sitting across him made him seriously consider that option. He couldn’t even blame him for his suspicions. Sixteen year old hanging out with ten year old? Yeah that sounded fishy even for him.

When they met at the door Tim instantly insisted to „hang out”. Danny from the first interaction knew that it was anything but than just hanging out. The piercing gaze of Damian’s brother did not match his friendly voice. And Danny was on the fair share of many such looks: calculating, judging analising. So they sat in the corner, Danny feeling more and more like cornered animal even with Damian at his side.

-Soo you are the mysterious friend of my little brother.

Tim put an emphasis on the words little brother. Danny winced. Yeah protective older brother. That much he concluded from his eyes. Even if the words were spoken in cheery voice; Danny still could read the message. He knew quite a lot about Tim. For a brother that Damian wanted to kill in the past, he talked about him a lot. Tall seventeen year old. Not very buffed but still in better shape than Danny who was half starving for some time now. Blue eyes not so different to Danny’s when he wasn’t using his ghost powers.

-Yeah, that’s me.

Danny tried to sound unbothered but it came out more strained than anything else.

-How did you two meet? I know a little about you but Damian here is a little secretive,

-Well… we met… in the park

Danny stammered eloquently. He figured that if he said that he just started talking to Damian out of blue in the random cafe after eavesdropping on the chatter of group of ten years olds it would sound even more disturbing than just talking in the park. Even if that sound suspicious too…

- oh and how long ago exactly was it? I realized that Damian disappeared quite often not too long ago. I just want to know if he was with you

Tim’s smile seemed to became more and more predatory. Danny didn’t liked it one bit. He started to sweat and his hands started to shake a little so he hid them in pockets of his tattered jeans. Close to his ear Damian tsked.

-stop with the interrogation

-don’t be buzzkill Damian. I am just trying to be friendly

Overly sweet voice made Danny nauseous. It remainded him too much of spectra. He tried to calm down but his breathing was becoming more and more frantic. Did Tim notice? That is the sole situation Danny didn’t want to be in. Too much questions too much attention on him. He was supposed to live like a shadow.

-I am not you are just noisy

Damian’s answer got him out of his head. Danny focused on the situation at hand.

- back to the theme. I don’t know if Damian was gracious to pass you invitation to dinner. I wouldn’t be suprised if didn’t.

Oh Danny was invited too many times. And he was running out of nice ways to decline

- No Damian did invite me… I am just busy…

Tim eyed Danny up and down with pointed look

-i bet you can find time for one meal with us!

-no seriously now is not good time for..

-oh I insist

Tim stare was sharpest than GIW scalpels. Danny was not getting out of this did he? One dinner. He can survive one dinner and then disappear from Gotham for good. They were locked staring contest for a little longer before Danny gave in.

- Guess one dinner won’t hurt

It would. He didn’t say out loud. He glanced at Damian. They cought eyecontact and he knew that’s he saw discomfort in Danny’s eyes. His brows burrowed instantly and he knew that Damian was going to object.

-Tim don’t..

- Excellent. Why don’t you come to Wayne Manor on Saturday at 13:00? We will be delighted!- Tim’s cut him off. Satisfaction written all over his face. Just like Vlad that one time when he stabbed him in his ribs. Thinking about Vlad is not helping right now. Danny’s suddenly very cold and hot at the same time. He needs out right about now. He stands abruptly and hits the table. It rattles dangerously but he doesn’t pay it any thought.

-Great. I mean cool. I will be there but I need to go. Uhm yeah. Go right now

And he bolts out of there as if fright night himself was at his tail. That was as awkward and terrible as he thought it would be. He needs to leave Gotham but like yesterday.

Lately, Damian thinks a lot about strays: dogs, cats, birds, humans.... What is a synonim of someone homeless if not a stray. If you can adopt stray kitten or puppy why not a human? Father did that with Todd and it tured out well... at last to the moment until he died. But Danny is alive and he is not claimed by anyone. Grayson would call it "dibs". On top of that Damian already considers Danny his, and what belongs to him stays his forever that's what Grandfather taught him. He has no idea if its proper thinking for "normal" civilians but he feels that it's right in his situation. Danny is alone, malnourished and without proper roof over his head. Even if he never said it out loud he knows that he is homeless, lack of food, clothes and any kind of supervision from adults indicate that. The fact that he wears almost only old clothes of Drake, that he brought for him, speak volumes about his material situaton. Damian reguraly tries to implement Drakes advice and invites Danny for dinner over and over. He always gets refusal but Damian is many things but surrerending. Apart from that Danny is also just scared. He knows how someone terrified looks like and Danny's persistend controls of his surrourandings speaks volume about his past experiences. There is also the way he moves... like cat that is ready for an atack at every moment...it remainds him greatly of how Waynes move.... like fighters.

Damian is 10 years old knows little about social skills but he can easly recognise a warior and the overcoming fear in Dannys eyes every time he sees someone dressed in white. He will get to the bottom of it but slowly and gradually. Damian is not going to spook away his first and only friend.

In hindsight Tim really shouldn’t have worked himself so much about that friend of Damian. Why you might think? Becouse spying your brother’s friend is an invasion of his privacy? Or just creepy? Or maybe its unfair towards said brother and his friend? No. No Tim problem was much more human shaped. He did plan to be subtle but with DAMIAN. Not with his very annoying and moral older brother. When Dick found him in Bat Cave in his work trance and asked him what he was doing…. Tim just told him, damn his one track focus. It earned him a lecture about privacy, respect and morals….So he was forbidden from any camera videos in areas that Damian met his misterious friend. He felt so frustrated when he tried to explain his worries to Dick and he called him paranoid… which fair he may be sometimes fixated on some cases and a little suspicious of everything too… normal. But Dick was just so happy about the information that Damian had a friend, that he did not think about the fact that other normal 10 year old would never be able to talk with Damian about complicated emotion problems … let alone how to solve them. The time of Damian working on friends mission, Or differently meeting with some stranger, and changing his behaviours at manor lined. SO that someone needed to talk with Damian about his social problems. The only logical way of explaining the „condinience” would be if that person was someone older. Old enough to understand social interactions to the level that allowed them to introduce it to Damian. It painted disturbing picture to Tim. Some Creep manipulating his younger brother. It can lead to a disaster not only for Damian but all the Waynes. What if he will Trust that person and tell them their secret? The talk with Damian only opened his eyes that above all the training the kid had he was still just that: a kid. The only thing that Dick advised him was to go and talk with Damian. Which ok, last time went well but…. he might at least try.

-

Tim did not wanted to believe that it was that easy. Of course he didnt start to snoop about the friend yet…. But just interacted with Damian. First time was really akward but they got past it. Tim still cringes at the memory:

It was after patrol they were changing in to civilian clothes. Tim was battling with his thoughts how to start conversation when Damian started to pull out his equipment for sharpening his katana. And he thoght that it is as good subject as any other.

-how long does it take to sharpen it?

Damian stopped what he was doing and gazed at him warly. They stood in complete silence long enough to be uncomfortable. Tim started to think that it was mistake when Damian broke the silence.

-do you…want to see?

And Tim did want. It turned out that it was great idea. Damian talked for almost an hour about granuality of sandpaper used to sharpen his katana, different kinds of oils and even how to storage it properly. Tim was impressed by detailed knowledge and experienced movements. That was his first full Blown conversation with Damian and it was great.

After that they interacted with each other more and more outside of patrols. They weren’t conversations of utter importance, but Tim got fond of them. More often than not it revolved around things as trivial as favourite books, school, fight techniques Or even hobbies. If Tim was being honest he did not Think that Damian would ever talk about such topics. In the past he often expressed his annoyance at information of this type, but not anymore. Tim suspected that it was the influence of his „friend”. However among those unsuspecting subjects Damian sometimes asked questions that worried Tim.

One of the untold rules of their interactions were that they never talked about the „deep stuff”. Which was why he was so surprised by sudden change of topics during unsuspecting conversation about donating clothes to Damian school, which by the way he was doing things like that now. Without any warning he heard question:

- when you were living in Darke manor were you… lonely?

That was weird question to ask without warning. But… was Damian worried about him? Or was he feeling like he has no one close? But there was also second aspect: From beggining of their interactions they avoided any subjects that Tim was prying for and here Damian was offering it on silver platter. He was not going to waste that chance.

-hmmm… well I was young and alone for most of the time so yes I was

Damian seemed to mull over that information. After short pause he started

- What did you do to feel better?

- I mostly tried to take my mind elsewhere. I cooked, cleaned, studied, went around making photos of Batman in the middle of the night… but I wouldn’t recommend that to anyone. Oh and I read many many books. But you know the best option is to go to people that care for you.

- that seems acceptable.

After that Damian came back to the previous subject. Tim felt a little dumbfounded. He couldn’t shake the impression that he was the one grilled for information in this situation.

Not long after that memorable conversation Damian started going to library very often. Tim was now seriously worried. Did Damian felt lonely? Did he actually think that he has no one. It didn’t seat with Tim right. He doesn’t mean that he was uneasy with Damian trying to help himself… it was more about the fact that he was doing it wrong… he had Dick and Bruce, Alfred, his supposed friend… hell Tim was right here! He thought that their relationship was better. He thought… he doesn’t know what he felt but he was damn upset about it. If Damian does not came to Tim then he will come to him. When he passed library third time that week and Damian was there picking books he decided that it was enough.

When he entered Damian was standing on a small stool picking books from the shelf high above his head. Tim walked to the stack of already picked ones and went through their titles

- I didn’t know you were interested in astrology… or maths and physics

- I am not

Replayed Damian without the beat of hestitation. Tim looked at him as if he grown second head.

-then… why did you choose those books? I can help you find some about katanas or animals

- I appreciate the offer but I do not require your assistance.

Tim stood awkwardly in the middle of the room, while Damian apparently found what he was looking for and got of the stool. He turned around and meet Tim’s unsure eyes. In his hand he held huge brown book with constellations on the cover. Damian studied him for a moment.

- Drake

- Damian IF I can somehow help…

Cut in Tim trying to act as a responsible older brother. Where the hell was dick when he was needed. He was the emotional one. His small breakdown was interrupted by Damian words:

- Timothy I don’t know what inaccurate conclusion you created but whatever you are thinking is wrong

It sounded only a little as an insult. That’s progress but it does not solve his problem.

- Damian if you look for a way to feel better…

Tim trailed off God he was awful at this. He had problems processing his feelings how was he supposed to untangle Damian’s?!

- Ancients Those books are not for me.

Tim stared dumbfounded. Who the hell were ancients and if books weren’t for Damian then…

-they are for Danny

Ok Tim did not know from when did Damian started using nicknames, or who was Danny but he started to have his suspicions. Who did Damian became close lately? To the mysterious friend. It was not difficult from there.

-soooo Danny told you he was lonely?

Tim swears that if some creep is trying to pry on his little brother developing compassion then he is going to make sure he will pay for it very high price. He needs as much information as he can get.

- No he did not. But I observed that…his mood drops whenever we had gone longer without seeing each other…. Your advise seems to help

Huh. Tim did not expect that. However that does not seem that it is not manipulation either. Danny might be playing the victim to ensure that Damian trusts him completely.

- hey Damian how old is Danny?

Damian narrowed his eyes and tensed. Oops Tim just crossed the line.

- I don’t see any reason I should inform you about that.

That was rather cold. Tim is glad that Damian’s katana is away from his hand radious.

- If he is lonely then he could sometimes visit manor. Come for dinner or something. It’s not like our friends don’t visit.

Damian eyes softened a little. Tim counted this as a win.

- I will take that into account.

After that Tim helped Damian carry his books to his room and tried not to worry too much about his suspicions.

-

In Tim’s defense he did not plan this. He was just checking out the coffee shop close to the park when he bumped into them in the doorway. He exited said store when he stumbled into someone. Only after a moment he processed that said someone held in hands the same huge brown book with familiar constalations on the cover. And sure enough when he looked to the left there was standing Damian. The boy who held the book was Laughing and looking at his younger brother. Tim studied him carefully he had piercing blue eyes, hollow cheeks indicating malnutrition and black tangled hair that seemed in serious need of a cut. He was wearing jeans that in the past were probably navy blue but now seemed more gray and brown pulled jumper very similar to what he used to wear few years ago. He was lanky in that unhealthy way that kids from troubled homes were. Tim smiled slyly and caught Damian eyes. He seemed really tense.

Tim wos tired but that’s nothing new. He should have slept at least two hours at night, but what’s done is done. He sits at the kitchen table sipping his third espresso and watching his siblings. When Bruce enters he looks at those present and seems to count. Ha that might be needed Tim thinks. After third attempt of his murder by demon brat that’s expected. Speaking of demons… Tim hasn’t seen Damian outside patrol for quite long. Not that he is complaining not having constant threat to your life around is nice but demon still should be at manor. Maybe Tim missed something when he wos looking into his case for last two weeks…

-Does someone saw Damian in manor lately?

When no one answers the question Tim sits straighter. That’s bad news really bad news.

-he wos at patrol tonight but outside from that no.

Dick answers. Well it’s Sunday at 10:00 in the morning. It’s not impossible for Damian to go out but where? It’s not as he has any friends. Tim snorts to his thoughts. He imagined demon brat talking to other kids „incompetent idiots that’s not how you hold katana!!!”. So no he doubts that possibility. He can see Bruce’s jaw tighten in worry. Ok so they need to find the brat. Before they can get serious about any action they hear front doors open and Alfred greetings

-Good morning Master Damian

And the demon enters kitchen as if nothing wos wrong. As if going out of manor as 10 year old alone wos acceptable. He greets father then Dick and to his suprise him also. And tries to go to the living room but Bruce stops him by putting a hand on his shoulder.

- where were you?

Tim winces it sounds more as a growl than a perfectly civilized question. Bruce parenting skills are shit as always. He knows that it’s out of worry but still….

-I wos on a walk

Damian is perfectly calm. That’s good. Tim is too tired for furious demon right now.

- who give you permission to go out without supervision?

And Damian watches him carefully. Tim can see him taking slow deep breaths. Huh, weird.

-you told me to make friends so I am working on it.

Tim almost spits his coffee. Working on making friends!? He hopes that any children that Damian chased with his katana are unharmed.

- you shouldn’t go out without anyone knowing where you are going. You need permission

-I am not a kid I can take care of myself!

There is the demon that Tim knows.

-it’s not a matter of being a kid or not. I need to know where you are as your guardian I am responsible for your safety

-tyt it’s pretty clear that I can protect myself

-but in this family you don’t need to. We have different rules.

And Tim saw something that he never saw before. Damian hestitated. Took a deep breath and asked like a civilized human being without anger or insults

- then if I inform you where I am going and when I will be back I can go?

Tim can’t believe it. Demon brat is… talking. With words like normal human being. Tim checks his coffee. He really needs to sleep more. Halucinations are bad sign.

-

But sleeping didn’t change the fact that Damian acted weird. After school and patrols he disappeared for „walks”. Tim knew something wos going on. But Bruce let it go. Damian started to inform him where he went and for how long and it actually checked. Dick even checked his location and everything lined up. But that wosnt the end of strange behaviors from Damian. The demon brat often glanced at Tim when they were in the same room. Not stared but glanced trying to be subtle. Well like for assassin training he wosnt so stealthy as he probably thought. Tim expected another attack soon. He started to carry battarangs with him around the house. when he started doing that and Damian caught on he did even weirder shit.

Imagine one evening when they were all in the living room and Damian enters. Of course with his katana that he keeps with himself at all times in the manor becouse Bruce forbidden him outside of hause and procedes to lock eyes with Tim and leaves his weapon near the door. Tim is staring at Damian as if he grew second head and he isn’t the only one.

From that time whenever Damian is in the same room as Tim he leaves his katana close to the door. Tim smells a trap. Whatever the brat is doing it can’t be good. Even if that gesture is kind of reassuring…. Tim is no fool. He will not be swayed by nice words or acknowledgment of his work or even leaving weapons outside of range of Damian’s hand.

One day after patrol, when Tim started to get ready for going to his room. To work of course, becouse the sharp eyes of Alfred didn’t leave him for a moment and distracted him from his case. He realised he is not alone. Damian followed him like shadow. Tim didn’t speed up his walking to not let the demon realize that he knew about his presence. Slowly he closed fingers around his batarang to make sure he will par first blow of katana. They were before Tim’s room when Damian started to speak

- Drake can we talk?

That sounded off. Damian didn’t talk he stabbed. More often Tim than anything else. But he sounded hestitant…. Well he has a weapon and when they enter his room they will be on his ground. He will know environment and hidden weapons there. He will have huge adventage when the fight will barek out.

-Sure why not

Tim let’s them in. He allows Damian to enter first. That way he has his back to Tim it’s safer that way. When the door closes Damian turns around Tim grips batarang in his pocked and waits for the start…. And nothing. Damian stands in the middle of his room locks his eyes with Tim’s and glances at his hand in his pocked. In the well lighted room it’s no mistakening that shape for anything different than a weapon. And then his guest procedes to holds his hands up palms to Tim in universal sign of no violence. Tim is dumbfounded. Damian clears his throat and starts:

- Drake I have been doing some reaserch… and it turned out I wos…. Misinformed. My past actions towards you were caused by my lack of knowledge and I shouldn’t have attacked you. I will not repeat that mistake again. I mean no harm to you…. Anymore

- What? Misinformed?! You stabbed me! Multiple times!

- I am aware Drake And I…

- no if you think that I will buy this story then You are delusional and

- I am sorry Timothy!

Damian cut him off. And Tim shut his mouth and looked at Damian. Really looked. He wos fidgeting and he actually flinched when he raised his voice. He stared at the floor and squized his hand so hard that it must have hurt. Tim stared in shock.

- Holy shit you are serious

Damian raised his gaze at Tim. And nodded. For once he looked as 10 year old boy. God Tim wos a dumbass. Damian WOS 10 years old. And lately he tried to be non-threatening towards Tim. Every weird action linked into a pretty clear picture. it looks like Damian finally realized his actions were wrong and came to Tim…. And Tim shouted at him.

- I ok let’s make things clear you realized you were wrong after what 8 months of leaving under one roof together? And…

Damian started to shrink in on himself and Tim stopped himself shit he wos doing it wrong. He crouched to be at Damian’s eye level and started again.

- No sorry first things first thank you for telling me. I appreciate the gesture. And lack of weapons for last month… It’s good to know you won’t try to kill me anymore. I don’t think I can just forget of what you did but… we can try to work it out. What do you say?

-that sounds reasonable Timothy.

Wow its so weird to agree with the brat… no Damian. Wait did he call him by his name!? While Tim wos trying to organize his thoughts Damian murmured something that caught his attention, that probably wosnt for Tim to hear.

-he wos right…

- It wos draining patrol I won’t take more of your time Drake. Good night

-who wos right?

Tim wosnt going to let that go. Someone talked Damian into doing this and he needs to know who. Dick wos unsuccessful in teaching Damian in basic human interactions. So must be someone outside. Bruce is too much emotionally conspirated, maybe Alfred. If yes then there is no reason to worry. But someone from outside could have hidden goals. It wos dangerous. Damian seemed suprised by his question but did not hestitate.

- My friend

And wosnt that a mistery. Tim needed to check that „friend” no matter what. He could be using Damian or plotting to hurt Wayne’s. But he wosnt going to let his suspicion break just created string of trust with his younger brother. He will check that stranger on his own in a way that Damian won’t realize. For know that wos enough. Damian wos opening the doors to go to his room when Tim added

- what happend to Timothy?

Danny is living on Gotham streets for 4 months. Its perfect hiding place becouse of its aura. Many tradic deaths and general danger on every corner creats ideal barier for all sorts of ghost hunting equipment. Danny wos relucant about Gotham at first but after few failed attempts at finding hiding space, he decided that to hell with that and he will at least try. And thank the ancients that he did because its perfect. No one pays him any attention there is too much homless out there. Even if most kids are staying at Crime Alley seeking Red hood protection. thats one of the reasons why he hestitated at coming to ghotam: vigilinates. They are dangerous, becouse of partnership with goverment…. Who according to Anti-Ecto laws considers him non-sentient and in need of contamination or more often elimination. So yes Danny wos relucant but it turned out fine….. for now. No ghost or human gosthunter found him yet so he counts it as a success. Any other city, forest, mountains or everything else he tried didn’t last longer that a month. He might not be proud of his surviving technics like stealing, laying and dumpster diving but its not like he has a choice…. He is too much alive to be accepted in to infinite relams for good which is dumb if you ask Danny becouse he is at the same time its Crown Prince. But maybe Danny is just too naive or something. He does not care. On the other hand he is too dead to be accepted by humans so he kind of floats in between never to fit properly anywhere. He is surviving, and for about a year he wos completly alone until that one day…

Danny wos sitting on the bench in his favourite park close to lovely Café that had really beatifull cupcakes with blue whipped cream. He liked to pretend that he is a customer there and just waits for his order….that wos never placed…. Well who is he kidding he is just creepy homless kid that stares at people eating sweets from across the street. Pretty pathetic IF you ask Danny but he prefers not to dwell on his mental health thank you very much. So he is staring when a group of kids takes one of the outside tables. And like a serious creep listens in to their conversation. Well its not like he can swich off his super hearing.

The boys are talking about some homework from school. Danny assumes they are classmates becouse of their maching clothes. When to their table comes another one with darker skin and black hairs. The occupants share meanigfull glances and let the newcommer sit. Danny knows that look. It does not indicates anything good. Its the expression that Dash would make whenever he wos about to do something awful to him. Then the guy with blonde hair says

- Damian why don’ t you eat with us?

And then procedes to push the plate with cookies closer to the boy

- I thought I informed you Winser that I do not eat anything made of milk or other animals products. I am vegan.

Answered Damian with monotone voice. He sat incredybly straight and wos so stiff that Danny thought that must hurt.

- But its so good. beside I offered it. wouldnt it be polite of you to at least try?

Wisner insisted. Sly grin on his lips.

- Leave him be Mike he probably has problems with digesting such hard avaible products.

Said boy to the left with massive collection of pimples on his Chin. Danny named him spotty.

- I do not have any „digestive problems” as you put it Jenkin. I simply choose not to.

- of course pardon our lack of knowledge. Its just we worry that your… original diet wos a little lacking… or maybe you ate a little too much chocholate when you where younger. Thats all

And all of the group snickers to spotty „jokes”. Danny Thinks its primitive and disgusting. Racizm is low blow specially after Damians next words:

- I do not understand

And they laught even more. Damian just sits there confused and oblivious to insults vowen in to conversation. And Danny listens and decides that he must tell that boy the truth. He cant turn blind eye to that. He may no longer be a hero but that? He can help with that. Soon bullies get bored of throwing hidden insults at Damian and go away. Damian sits at their table alone staring at the crumbs of cookies. He looks lonely. Danny standard and walks over to him. But before he reaches the table his occupant whirles to face him. His eyes are very green. Not like ectoplasm but close. They are pretty expresive. Danny can see frustration and confusion in them.

-hi there!

Geats cheerfully.

- I don’t have any cash on me right now

Its the first thing Damian says to him. Rude Danny thinks even if he does looks like a beggar with his thorn jeans and dirty jumper, but he has a mission. And he does the one thing that helps him in stressfull, akward or life treathening situations: he turns it into a joke

- Shame but I will make an exeption for you and give you my services for free

- I am not interested

Damian seems irritated now. Danny procedes to ignore him and sits at the table.

- Well as an expert in friendship I can tell you that those guys weren’t your friends. Better keep away from them

- Thats none of your business. Go away

- well maybe not but you should know what they were saying to you….

And then Danny proceded to inform Damian about the hidden insults and racizem comments. Damian tried to say something and even walk away but Danny wos presistent. When he finaly finished Damian exploded

- Leave me you insolent lowborn go find yourself another imbecyle to milk for money! Or I will stab you!

- Wow that same fancy insults there. I havent Heard lowborn yet. Anyway have a good day!

And Danny proceded to turn on his heel and walk away. He left Damian dumbfoned staring at his back. if the boy decided to do something about this then good if not then Danny at least feels like he did everything he could in this situation.

-

Damian wos confused. That homless lowborn wos strange. He wos not familiar with Damian nor his family. But. Damian couldnt stop thinking about what he told him. About his classmates their words and hidden meanings. Damian wos not hier to Demons head and son of Batman without a reason. He had skills, keen mind and wos curious. So he checked, he spent almost all night reading different forums and sites about bulling and racizem. He tried not Think about how much he resembled Drake in the morning. What he found wos…. Not plesant. It turned out he missed a lot of signs of his position at school. It wos unbeconing of someone of his class. He wos glad to be aware of that problem but now he did not know what to do with it. Father and Grayson expected him to make „friends” and up until yesterday he thought he fullfiled their orders thru his classmates but now he realised it wos failure. He did not want father to Discover his mistake. So now he has different problem he does not know exacly what that „friendship” wos supposed to be. Internet wos not really helpfull, there were so many diversive definitions that he wos confused about what wos true. He wos not going to admit to father or Grayson his incompetence. He will find solution himself. He has one idea that just might work. The lowborn named himself expert in friendship. Damian just has to find him and ask. He seemed willing to sell his knowledge.

-

Danny wos a little confused and suprised to see angry boy from two days before him. In his defense Danny did not start this conversation. It wos Damian who came to his bench across the café and demanded his services. Which wos weird in itself even before he asked about the price. But he did remember that he made a joke about services so that checks.

- look I am not…

Started Danny but Damian cut him off.

- you introduced yourself as an expert in friendship so I require your services. I will pay generously.

God now Danny wos going to be arrested for child manipulation and thieft. No that can’t happen. He already is hunted for his halfa status that’s enough.

- Listen I don’t want any money. I joked that day. I saw a kid being bullied and stepped in. Further events does not concern me.

Danny tried to leave but the kid wos presistent.

- Well your knowledge proved usefull. I want more

-kid, Damian I don’t want to get in trouble by using you or something. I am pretty sure there is some paragraph for that. Ask Google, it’s better option. And without me involved

- you think I didn’t do it already?! I am not stupid, but the information there are contradicting itself and I can’t distinguish what is true and what is not!!!!

Danny looks at Damian. He is shaking a little, and his words are colored by desperation. Ancients this is trouble… but he wos in this situation before wosnt he? A boy who does not know basic social skills in foreign dimension…alone and lost. Fuck he can’t leave Damian hanging. He can feel his fear in the air. Damn ghost abilities.

- Fine what’s your problem?

-

Danny has been meeting with Damian for over 2 months now. the kid wos socially awkward but quick witted and genarlly nice company. Well Danny wos alone for so long that his judgement may be clouded by he does not dwell on that. It’s nice having someone around. And Damian talks to him. He missed that. First few meeting wos a little awkward but it got better. Danny tried to be helpful,?first they talked about the school interactions, who even wos a friend. But then they got deeper, it turned out that Damian knew about social interactions little to nothing. They talked about family how it works, what it should be like. It wos ironic considering Danny neglectful parents and dangerous home. But he knew how it should look like. Jazz make sure of that when she wos alive. Then Damian started to open up about his origin. Trainings, mother and weird hierarchy. Well Danny saw a lot wilder shit in the zone. A kid from assassin cult wosnt the most shocking but still fucked up. He thinks that Damian might be even winning his little competition: „who had more screwed childhood” He thinks that his calmness helped Damian to share. Ancients he feels like Jazz…. It is not that bad. Damian brings him snacks, becouse Danny refused any money. And Danny talks to him too. Tells him about the stars, laughs about stories of Sam and Tucker Damian will never know who is he talking about so there is no harm. First time from death of everyone loved he does not feel alone.

-

Damian didnt plan to get close to Danny. It wosnt the plan. But he wos such good listener. Danny wos systematic in his explanation of reactions and habits that are „normal” in society. He wosnt showing horror or acted surprised when he told him about discipline in league or it’s hierarchy. He didn’t even flinch when he conveyed stories of trying to establish his position in manor by attempting to murder Drake. He listened then pointed out how different manor and league functioned and then calmly suggested that he should talk to Timothy. Just like that no screaming or anger. Now he knows why father wos so frustrated with him. According to Danny family doesn’t have strict hierarchy or rules punishable by death. It wos strange to have everything finally explained. He understands so much more. He sees that Grayson tried to explain it to him before. But as much as he is fond of the man he wos unsuccessful in his attempts. But he still has one problem… father told him to make friends. It’s a mission that he is failing right now. And if he is being honest he is not talented in this department. Not that he will admit it to anyone… well apart from Danny. When he asked him what else he should do to accomplish this mission he got quiet and fidgeted for a while and then offered

- well if you want I can be your friend

Damian stopped his walk and stared at him. Did Danny filled all the requirements? He did helped Damian not expecting anything in return which friends are supposed to do according to Danny himself, his presence wos entertaining. They understood each other. Both suspicious of their surroundings and cautious in every situation. They know about each other a lot of useless information like favourite food (Danny loved burgers), colors, hobbies or general interests.

-yes that would be acceptable

Damian saw the happy glint in Danny’s eyes and the way he relaxed. They started to walk again as if it wosnt admission of most importance.

Because in some concepts ghost are territorial and Jason is somehow touched by death, imagine Danny fleating from ghost Hunters (GIW and his parents) for months and stumbles in his chase into Gotham specify in to crime alley. And there is Jason with some other bats preferably Nightwing and Red Robin in crime alley, meeting over some other case. And then Jason looses himself in The Pit and starts to run somewhere. where? To The place where Danny unaware of The fact that he just crossed line of someone else's territory (because Jason isn't dead but only touched by it and it is hard to sense him especialy for such young ghost as Danny) started to get ready to spend night on some rooftop. So Danny exhausted wounded and sleepy gets hammered by Jason who is in The middle of pit attack over something unalive entering HIS territory. Of course with Dick and Tim hot on his tail and Batman on his way. When Jason starts to attack Danny The present bats of course start to defend him. Meanwhile, Danny Has a melt down over fact that he overstepped on someone else's ground and that super Heroes from Gotham are adamant on making The owner of said ground even angrier at him. And he knows how furious he must be because he wos in his shoes more times that he can count. So he does The only sensible thing. He shouts at The bats to stop and pushes himself before Jason. Making sure he doesn't look in The burning green ice of The other creature he bends his knee. Tuning his head to The right and a little up. So his throat is easly accessible to The other Sharp fangs assuming position generally accepted in Infinite relams as non thretening and humbled. Jason then stops his assalut shocking present heros. Danny takes IT as good sign and starts to talk:

Danny: hello The mighty owner of this ground. I am Phantom, traveler who entered your territory by mistake. I understand your Anger and desire to punish me. My mistake brought you fury and inseciurity for that I am sorry. Please forgive to this humble wayfarer if you wish to penalize me I will gladly accept but please don't be harsh as I am only trying to pass and mean no harm.

Danny isn't first to crossing paths with other relams inhabitants and he learned some culture he is not some rude brat and does knows about Proper apologies. He expects beating or some favour, if The owner does not decide to kill him.... Hopefully. He did stupid mistake after all. He blames concusion and that two days old gun wound. Meanwhile Jason is in shock how this kid in matters of some strange pose and few Words brought him back peace. As are The bats obserwing The scene.

Jason: what did you do?

Danny doesn't lift his gaze. Feeling still some fury and concusion

Danny: I.... -and stops and thinks what he is suppoused to do. Beside stepping on his territory. He wracks his head for other offenses while Jason gets agitated by lack of response

Jason: What did you do!!!!!???

Danny is a little confused but he sees bats starting to creep closer and reading their wepons. Danny is tired and irritated at them. Do they want to get him killed that badly?

Danny: STOP right there! We are in The middle of a negotiations!

Then risks a glance to his listener. He windens his eyes identyfying The creature as touched by death. Someone who died and come back often caused by clinical death but there are sometimes complications. When he focus he can feel all the corrupted ectoplasm in front of him.

Danny: I don't know what you mean touched by death. I know I am trespassing and that you are angry. If you decide what price should I pay.... Do you want a favour? Or... To let out your frustration?

Jason stares dumbfounded and then asks:

What?

Danny: for entering your territory...?

Danny gest a little confused

Jason: what did you called me? What price... Who The hell are you?

Scratch that Danny is totally lost.... As his conversationalist apparently. But he did not survive alone on The run for that long without being a little sly himself. Lifting his head he looks at Jason and allows his own eyes to flash green. He hears curses from bat themed heros.

Danny: Lets do IT that way. I will anwser three of your questions and you will forget about my faults. Do we have a deal?

Jason narrows his eyes and makes a decision this kid knows something about him also Has pit inside him and doesn't wanted to RIP his throat... Yet. He will try. Decides and gives his hand to The kid lifting him up.

Jason:Deal, why did you called me touched by death?

Danny: because at some point you died.... And came back. Its not as rare as you might think. Clinical deaths and all. It happens and leaves permanent Mark on you.

He can see The bats getting closer listening. And even trying to sat something before they get cut off

Jason: How do you know that?

Danny: we can feel it. Inhabitants of Infinite relams have ability to sense others Like themself. Its Like six sense. pretty cool right?

Jason: We as you died too. So you too took bath in lazarus pits. How do you Control pit madness? what are Infinite relams and its inhabitants?

Danny: what? I don't know what this madness or pits are... Infinite relams idą dimension where dead lives on. Its a place that Ghost, old gods, magical creatures and other various beeings calls home.

Jason: do who are you?

Danny grins misheviously and takes view steps back. He now stays closer to The edge of The roof. Thanks to The conversation he could asses The situation and gather his power for escape.

Danny: I am afraid that wos fourth question.... Thanks you for your generosity touched by death. I Hope we will never see each other again.

And then he proceed to jump of The roof. He hears The frantic footsteps and vioces. then flies few alleys away from this territory. He hits The ground hard keeping The invisibility on because he is not stupid to think that its Safe here. His wound got worse. He is hungry cold and hurt badly. He hopes he will survive this.