Note: The chapter count is gone since I've stopped trying to predict how long this story is going to be. At this point, I think I'm just going to keep writing it until I'm out of idea. That's what I get for starting without a plan. XD
Jason leaves the apartment and Danny's core aches. His hands tremble now that the danger, the explanations are over. He just watched Jamie melt into ectoplasm. He… he almost lost his twin. Now Jason knows about both of them being ghosts and about his brother being a clone. Jamie lied to the vigilante about his origin. And….
A spike of anxiety lashes from Jamie's cold spark, lodged just below the half ghost's sternum. The quiver of emotions draws the boy out of his own growing fear. He exhales; he needs to keep it together, needs to focus on the tasks Jason gave him, needs to make sure his twin is okay.
Danny's hand rises to rub where he feels his brother's almost-core. "How are you feeling… other than the obvious?"
Scared. Tired. The clone sounds it, his mental voice shaking. Can Jamie sleep?
Danny blinks, surprised by the question. A traitorous part of him wonders if it's an excuse to avoid the questions buzzing at the edge of his mind. But… the fatigue wafts from the younger ghost, lapping at Danny through their bond. Almost dissolving into ectoplasm surely is exhausting.
"Yeah." The half ghost nods. "You can go to sleep."
At least in this there is no fear. After all these weeks, Danny has no doubt Jamie will remain, even if his energy quiets and stills, mind lost to sleep.
The clone's presence settles, the sensation unfortunately like Jamie rolling over in bed to stare at the wall and avoid Danny's gaze. Still, the half ghost offers what privacy he can, even while again having to share a body.
True to his word, Danny sits down to eat dinner. He packs a bag with clothing for both himself and his brother. He tries not to let himself spiral into anxiety.
His twin is there, the half ghost reassures himself. Jamie is still there, still present. His mind and emotions are stronger than ever, in no danger of fading despite the recent destabilization. And yet….
Jamie's cold spark pulses faintly in its familiar spot. And it is just that, a spark. Not quite a core. Perpetually refusing to solidify.
Hum? Danny's mind whirls. Is that the cause of the instability, the unformedness of Jamie's core? And why? Why has it yet to take permanent shape?
At the same time…. The fear holding Jamie's tongue, influencing him to lie to Jason. Again, Jamie started melting after he panicked over telling Jason the truth.
The clone's unformed core, his anxious avoidance of the truth, and his instability… these three things must be related.
Shaking his head, Danny puts the thoughts away. He can worry about that later, try to question his twin once he's awake.
Soon enough, Jason returns. "Are you both ready to go?" Concern still wrinkles his brow ever so slightly.
"Yeah." The half ghost shrugs the bag onto his back. "So, we're going to the BatCave? That's like Batman's headquarters, right?"
"Yes." The vigilante nods. "And actually, we're going to Wayne Manor."
"Wayne Manor… because your adopted dad, Bruce Wayne, is Batman." Danny blinks for a long second, letting the impossibility of that statement take him.
Not that he should be surprised. Despite how sparce Jason had been with his past, the half ghost had learned very early that Damian was the man's brother through adoption. And the tween was nothing if not proud that he was the "only blood son" of the famous prince of Gotham, even if he was at the time annoyed at his father for grounding him. After meeting Jason as Red Hood, Danny had already suspected that the man's family were the other Gotham vigilantes. The pieces weren't exactly hard to put together.
Dismissing the surprise, the half ghost's expression shifts into something touched. "You'll really trust us with everyone's secret identities?"
"Of course." The man steps forward and ruffles Danny's hair. "You're both good kids."
Despite his nerves, the words are comforting, the action pleasantly familial. "Thanks." The half ghost can't help but blush.
Jason says nothing on that, though the hint of humor in his eyes says he saw that blush. Instead, he continues. "I was going to take us on my motorcycle. Are you comfortable with that?"
"Yeah." Danny nods. "I've ridden a motorcycle. Actually…." He offers a playful grin. "I might have stolen one of my rogue's bikes before."
Jason chuckles. "You'll have to tell me that story later. Is Jamie okay with taking the motorcycle too?"
"He should be." The half ghost says. At the man's pointed look, he explains. "Jamie's actually asleep right now." He frowns. "I don't really want to wake him up to ask. Almost…. Uh… that took a lot out of him."
The vigilante's expression softens. "I can see how it would." A flicker of worry again. "But you're sure he won't freak out if he wakes up and we're riding a cycle?"
"Yes, I'm sure." Danny nods. "We've got a lot of experience with this body sharing thing. More than I'd like." Frown deepening. "But Jamie's used to sleeping while I go to work and do my own thing."
"Alright." Jason let out a sigh, apparently accepting the words. "Let's go them."
The man leads the half ghost and spectral passenger downstairs, to where his bike is locked up. He dons a helmet, red in color though fortunately not that of the Red Hood, after offering Danny his own to use.
The ride to Wayne Manor is decently long. Out of Crime Alley, passed the park near Danny's work, and into unfamiliar parts of Gotham. The buildings grow taller and then shorter again, eventually spreading out and leaving the crowded streets behind. Blocks of apartments become suburban neighborhoods, and finally massive, gated lots with mansions.
Just as twilight is darkening into dusk, Jason slows down at one of the gates. The wrought iron bares a W as wide as Danny is tall. An intercom crackles, a metallic click as the gate unlocks and swings open. The vigilante drives forward, coming to a stop soon after at the bottom of a set of stone steps which lead to the wide front doors.
Three figures stand at the bottom of the steps: Damian Wayne, a salt-and-pepper haired man whom Danny assumes is Bruce Wayne, and an older man in a butler's suit.
At Jason's lead, Danny dismounts the bike. "Uh. Hi." He waves shyly.
The middle-aged man offers a warm smile as the two approach. "Hello. You must be Danny." He holds out a hand to shake. "I'm Bruce Wayne."
Danny accepts the hand with some awkwardness. "It's uhh.. nice to meet you, Mr. Wayne."
"Just Bruce is fine." The man shakes Danny's hand, gentle yet confident. "I know you've already met my youngest, Damian."
Danny releases Bruce's hand, turning to look at the younger boy.
Damian scowls, distrust wrinkling his brow. "Where is the other one?"
"Master Damian." The oldest man cuts in, voice ringing with disappointment.
"No, it's fine." Danny tries to wave off the prickliness, addressing the man. "It's fine, mister…."
"Alfred Pennyworth." He gives a slight bow. "The Wayne family butler at your service, Master Danny."
"You don't have to call me that." Danny blushes, again trying to wave off the words. "And…" He turns back to Damian, a nervous flicker of the eyes to his neighbor. "Did Jason not tell you about the uhh… overshadowing?" At the preteens continued hard look… "Jamie is here too." Vaguely, the half ghost motions up and down his own chest. "We're sharing until he's better."
Damian's face softens slightly, a hint of curiosity flickering in his eyes. "And what exactly does that entail?"
"Stop interrogating the kid." Jason finally cuts in, pointing at the now scowling preteen. "And you, old man." He narrows his eyes at the tellingly quiet man. "Don't even start."
"Master Jason is correct." Mr. Pennyworth adds. "Master Danny is our guest. As is Master Jamie, whom we've rudely yet to address." Another slight bow. "Greetings, young sir."
Danny lets a slight smile part his lips at the exchange. "I'm sure he'll be glad to meet you when he wakes up." At the questioning looks… "Jamie's asleep so you know… not aware of what's happening now. I'll see if he wants to talk or anything after he's done."
Mixtures of curiosity and suspicion paint Bruce and Damian's faces at the explanations, belying their desires to press. Wisely, neither say anything.
At the same time, Alfred nods graciously. "I see. We will look forward to your brother's presence once he is rested, then." He steps to the side, motioning to the door. "In the meantime, can I interest you in a cup of hot chocolate?" His lips turn up. "I just finished a batch of cookies as well." More than a hint of humor flicker in his eyes.
"Cookies!" Jason's eyes light up at the word, Damian perking up with a similar look. The man quickly swings his legs back over his bike. "I'm gonna go park this. And I mean it." He points again. "Don't grill Danny while I'm gone." Then, a more playful narrowing of his eyes. "You also better save me some of those cookies, demon brat."
Damian turns up his nose, trying to look offended. Still, the excitement for cookies sparkles in his eyes.
The exchange is enough to make Danny chuckle. He turns back to Mr. Pennyworth just as Jason speeds away. "So you're the Gramps, with the war starting cookies."
Something touched and proud flickers in the butler's eyes. "I suppose I am." He steps towards the door, holding it open. "Shall we?"
Danny follows the other three into the mansion and down winding halls. Bruce points out notable rooms. The family game room, the library, his own office. They pass a massive ballroom, a dozen guest rooms, an indoor pool. The half ghost would be more awed if he hadn't been to Vlad's castle many times before. Still… his eyes widen, taking in all the sights. He's definitely going to need a map.
Soon enough, the group arrives in the kitchen. Danny stops a few steps in front of the door, while Mr. Pennyworth approaches the fridge. The half ghost's eyes flicker around the countertops and appliances, taking in the room. Then… a flicker of nervousness returns. He shifts foot to foot, unsure what to do with himself.
Before the anxiety can build too much, the older man turns to the half ghost with a gentle smile. "Master Danny, you may take a seat while I prepare your hot chocolate."
With a grateful nod, Danny does so, sitting down on a bar stool at the kitchen island.
The butler continues. "Master Bruce, Master Damian, would you like a cup as well?"
"Yes please." Damian agrees, taking his own seat.
"No thank you." At the same time, Bruce refuses. "I would enjoy one of those cookies, though."
Mr. Pennyworth motions to a metal tin on the island. "Of course, Master Bruce."
Bruce lifts the lid, grabbing a powdered sugar covered cookie. "I will be in my office." He turns to the two seated boys. "Don't hesitate to ask if you need something, Danny." He finally takes a bite of the cookie. Letting out a pleased hum, he nods gratefully at the butler before leaving the kitchen.
Damian takes a cookie as well and at the two Waynes' leading, Danny finally takes his own. "Wow." At the first bite, the boy's eyes widen, breathy with awe. "These are incredible, Mr. Pennyworth. Thank you."
"You are very welcome, Master Danny. And really, just Alfred is sufficient."
Danny doesn't say anything on that, finishing his cookie and then taking another. His anxiety is melting away, comforted by the treat and the hospitality even as Damian studies him curiously. Still…. The preteen keeps his peace, enjoying his own snack silently. Soon enough, Alfred presents the two boys with coco. The half ghost sips his, humming pleasedly at the rich taste.
Alfred quickly cleans up, putting the sauce pan in the dishwasher before dismissing himself to set up a guestroom. After his absence, the kitchen is quiet for the next few minutes, just the gentle sound of mugs clinking, of the dish washer churning. Then, two other teenagers arrive.
A shorter boy, black-haired and blue eyed, enters through the door. "Bruce said you would be in here."
Recognition tickles Danny's mind. "Tim. Hi." Tim Drake he knows as a regular at his coffee shop job, caramel macchiato with seven pumps of espresso. And the other…
"Hi Danny. I'm Duke. We talked on the phone last week." The second teen, dark skinned with short cropped hair, introduces himself.
"I remember." The half ghost nods; he had recognized that voice. "It's nice to meet you in person."
"B said something about your brother being hurt." Worry shines in Duke's eyes. "Is he okay?"
"Yeah." A knot forms in his throat at the reminder. "He's okay for now."
"That's good." The meta looks relieved. Then, his brow wrinkles as his eyes search the room. "Is he here too?"
"Todd said not to interrogate him." Damian cuts in, clicking his tongue.
"It's okay. I can answer a few questions." Danny offers. "I guess I'll tell you guys what me and Jamie told Jason…."
The half ghost explains in brief, Jason returning about a minute in. He's a ghost, a former vigilante on the run from his ghost hating parents.
"Oh… and a ghost hunting branch of the US government called the Ghost Investigation Ward." Danny scowls at the words.
Surprise flickers on Jason's face before turning to protective anger.
Before the man can say anything, Tim cuts in. "How didn't we know anything about this?" He whips out his phone, typing intently in a way that achingly reminds Danny of Tucker.
"And your brother?" Duke redirects before questions about the GIW can be bombarded at him. "Who's apparently hurt and still not here?"
"Actually he is here." Danny shrugs. "Just currently overshadowing me, also asleep."
At the confused looks, the halfa continues. Jamie being a clone of him, his twin almost melting this afternoon, the boy acting as a ghostly passenger in Danny's body to keep him stable.
After the explanations, Duke offers the first question. "So that's why you were asking about undocumented metas…"
"Yeah. Jamie wasn't exactly born in the typical way so-"
A pulse of energy just below his sternum, followed by a comfortingly familiar sleepy mutter cuts off Danny's words. His eyes widen, expression suddenly brightening. "You're awake!"
"What?" Tim and Duke both blink at him, confused.
Jason picks up on what's happening more quickly. "Jamie's awake?" He offers a comforting smile. "Welcome back to the land of the living."
Danny snorts at the greeting. He places a hand over where he can feel his twin's forming core, attention turning inward. "Hey, baby bro. We're at Wayne Manor, with Jason." He looks up, eyes falling on each of the other vigilantes. "You remember Damian. That's Tim; you met him that one time you visited me at work. And Duke… I talked to him on the phone about the Meta Human Foundation."
Damian, Tim, and Duke offer their own greetings with various degrees of unsure awkwardness.
A blink of confusion from Jamie. Then… a startled jolt. With a gasp, Danny's body turns intangible and he falls through his seat, his elbow impacting the floor.
"Ow." The boy complains, rubbing his sore funny bone. "Been a while since that happened."
Then his legs shift out of phase. Jamie's voice mutters in his head.
"I can't understand what you're saying." Danny responses, too relieved to be worried.
Another full body shiver of intangibility. Why can't I separate us?
The clone sounds more confused that startled, the pure bewilderment making Danny chuckle. "I think you're getting some wire crossed, buddy. You just want to turn yourself intangible, not all of us."
Another whole-body flicker. Then… a rubber band pulling, like the familiar sensation of making a duplicate. The feeling leaves Danny panting. "Not like that." The half ghost shakes his head. "I don't think you have enough energy to separate, Jamie. Just stay put for now."
No. But… want to. The clone whines, again turning their shared form intangible.
Danny sighs, ready to ask his twin to stop again, when Jason squats down in front of him. "Jamie, you should listen to your brother. We'll keep you safe until you're ready to be on your own again."
The flickering stops, Jamie's attention shifting. Danny feels the clone looking through his eyes. Jason?
"Yeah, we're at Wayne manor with Jason." The half ghost again explains. "Now," He chuckles, raising an eyebrow at his brother. "Are you going to stop trying to un-overshadow me long enough to get off the floor?"
Yes. Jamie says bashfully.
It's okay. Danny presses the words across their bond, a sincere comfort to counter the embarrassment. I'm glad you're awake.
The half ghost pushed himself to his feet, again taking his seat. Then, he notices Duke, Tim, and Damian staring at him. "What?" He blushes.
Tim shakes his head, the corner of his lip turning up. "You weren't kidding about the possession, were you?"
"It's called overshadowing. And nope, no kidding." Danny laughs, trying to dislodge some of the awkwardness.
"And the phase-shifting was Jamie trying to reverse the overshadowing but not having any luck." Duke says. Then, looking almost impressed. "You took the random power bursts surprisingly well."
"Sadly, I'm used to it." Danny shrugs. "My powers were like that first few months, going off all the time. It's definitely better to know why it's happening now." He smiles teasingly. "I can tell the culprit to knock it off."
A flicker of teasing in kind comes from his brother, with the impression of a sound that might be blowing a raspberry.
Danny slicks out his tongue, just as jokingly petulance. "Love you too."
Despite the audience, it feels so good to joke with his brother.
"I assume James is able to speak to you without being heard externally." Damian cuts in, eyebrow raised.
Ew. Jamie complains at the name.
At the same time, Danny's nose wrinkles. "Ew. Don't call him that. It's Jamie. But..." The somewhat mock disgust melts away, replaced with something sincere. "Yes, I can hear him in my head, hence the saying random stuff." Another embarrassed blush. "Sorry. I probably sounded crazy just then."
"No, you didn't." Jason says plainly. "We get it."
"Yeah." Tim adds. "We get it."
"Good. Because it would be annoying to relay everything he says-"
Hey! Not annoying. A grumble from his head-mate.
"Okay, not annoying." Danny put his hands up disarmingly. "You know what I mean, Jamie. I would be a lot to relay everything you say." Not that you want me to say everything, am I right?
A muttering begrudging agreement from his brother.
Danny continues, looking back at the four vigilantes. "And it would be even more confusing if we switched out who used our mouth."
Brows wrinkles in confusion, taking a moment to process before Tim and Duke's expressions morph into surprise. Jason does not look shocked, of course, having already seen the twins cutting each other off out loud. Damian though… appears startlingly unphased.
"Tsk." The pre-teen tisks. "I do not know why you are surprised, Drake, Thomas. It figures in case of possession the possessor can control their vessel."
Tim narrows his eyes at the younger boy. "It's not like we've dealt with possession that many times, let alone it being consensual."
Danny shrugs. "I don't know what to tell you. We're weird."
In a good way? Jamie asks shyly.
Yes, in a good way.
The vigilantes trade looks, partly unsure how to respond to the comment and another part debating what to ask next. At the same time, Danny reaches for another cookie.
Jamie notices, excitedly perking up. Cookie?
The half ghost pauses. Yeah. Want to try one?
A wordless mental nod from his twin. Danny let himself sink deeper inside himself, letting the other ghost rise to the surface.
Now in control, the clone lifts the confection towards his mouth.
"Hey Jamie." Jason takes notice. "You're trying one of Alfee's cookies?"
The younger boy stiffens, curling in on himself slightly at the sudden gazes. Danny hears a brief wonder. How did he notice? But with the change in posture and the green eye light softly bathing their hands, the switch must have been obvious.
Jamie nods. "Yeah. Can't taste it unless Danny lets Jamie take control." Still wary of the studying eyes, the clone takes a bite. In blink though, the unease disappears. "Wow." He chews, covering his mouth with one hand. "These are great."
Jason chuckles. "Told ya. Danny reacted the exact same way."
"Oh…" Jamie blushes, a hint of disappointment.
At the comparison… Danny silently wonders, shielding the words from his brother.
"Everyone goes starry eyed at Alfred's cookies." Tim says, the soothing undertone suggesting that maybe he picked up on the source of that disappointment too. "I'm Tim. It's nice to see you again, Jamie." He smiles, a sincerity in the words. "Danny told us your backstory. I've got a friend who I'm sure would love to meet you. He's a clone too. Do you want to see about meeting?"
"Uh… yeah, sure. Sounds good." Jamie shrugs, finally taking another bite of the cookie. His eyes roll back exaggeratedly, his enjoyment obvious.
Then, he turns to the dark-skinned boy. "And you're Duke. Can… can the Meta Human Foundation really help us?"
"Definitely." Duke nods enthusiastically. "And now that we know everything B will definitely want to help."
"Father cannot resist helping a teenaged vigilante." Damian rolls his eyes. "And with his tendency to adopt youth with black hair and blue eyes, which you both have-"
"Wait." Jamie's eyes widen, startledly interrupting. "No one said anything about adoption! Besides…" He shakes his head. "We don't really have black hair and blue eyes."
"Those eyes might glow green now," The preteen scoffs. "But I am not blind James… Jamie."
The clone pouts, arms crossed his arms. "No, really!"
The raise of Jason's brow says that he knows what Jamie is talking about. At the same time, others look something between confused and dubious.
Danny catches a whiff of frustration, the outline of an idea as Jamie's almost core reaches for his. Wait, what are you… He trails off as the clone triggers their currently shared body to transform. Huh. You can still do that? The half ghost muses curiously
Jamie has no time to respond. In a flash of light, the glowing white-haired form of Danny Phantom floats above the floor.
"What the-." Tim jumps back, startled.
Duke covers his eyes, shouting about the brightness.
"Damn kid." Jason shakes his head. "Warn a guy."
And Damian pulls a knife. "Pit demon!"
Eyes popped wide, Jamie flickers back, hands raised. "Don't!"
"Master Damian." A chastising voice sounds from the door. All eyes turn to find the Waynes' butler standing in the door, one eyebrow raised disappointedly. "Is there a reason you are holding our guests at knife point?"
Damian instantly lowers the knife, looking surprisingly remorseful.
Jamie takes a relieved breath, lowering his arms. "You weren't joking about stabbing." He frowns. "Wasn't very nice to threaten Danny, the first time we meet."
The preteen says nothing, simply scowling in response.
"Master Jamie, I presume." The older man interrupts the tense moment. "Alfred Pennyworth at your service. Are you enjoying the cookies?"
The clone's eyes literally brighten, nodding excitedly. "Yes! They're really good!"
"I am glad to hear it." Alfred smiles gratefully. Then, turning to address the rest of the group. "I believe some of you have nightly activities."
"Oh yeah. We've got a… thing in B's office." Tim points a thumb in the direction.
"They know about us being the Bats." Jason says, eyebrow raised.
"Right." The shorter teen chuckles. "I'm still a little dazed from that light show."
"Yeah." Duke lowers his hand, squinting at the ghost. "You're really bright."
"Oh. Sorry." Jamie blushes.
"Don't worry about it." Their neighbor offers. "Just warn everyone next time?"
Damian clicks his tongue. "That would be wise."
With that, Jason, Tim, and Damian excuse themselves.
"We'll see you in the morning." Jason says, eyes softening. "Tell Alfred if you need me. I'll drop whatever I'm doing for both of you, okay?"
Shyly, Jamie nods. "Okay."
The vigilante ruffles the white hair. "Good night Jamie, Danny."
"Good night." At the second name, Jamie lands on the ground. "Uh Danny? Do you want to…"
Understanding the request, Danny switches places, taking back control of his body. His posture straightens. "It's Danny again. Good night. And thanks Jason, for everything."
The three vigilantes leave for patrol, Duke dismisses himself to go to bed, and the half ghost and clone are left with Alfred.
"I'm going to turn human so… you might want to look away." Danny says.
The butler does so. After the light is passed… "May I show you to your room?"
With a nod, Danny agrees. A few twists and turns down vaguely familiar hallways find the three in front of an unassuming wooden door. Alfred opens it
"There are two beds, should separate sleeping arrangements be necessary. You will find an on-suite bathroom stocked with anything you may need. The closet and drawers also have a wide selection of clothes. Feel free to borrow anything you like. You may also leave your dirty articles outside the door, and I will have them washed for you." He motions to the box on the wall. "You may call me on the intercom should you need anything."
The half ghost gives a nod of understanding, stepping inside the room.
Alfred offers his own comforting nod. "Master Bruce said his waiting to hear back from Justice League Dark contacts but will have an update by the morning. Rest assured, young masters Danny and Jamie, the family is doing everything in its power to help you. All that is required of you is to rest. And try not to worry."
The words provide some comfort. Still… "We'll try." Danny smiles dimly, anxiety creeping.
"Goodnight." The butler offers one last kind smile.
"Goodnight."
With that, the door closes and Danny and Jamie are alone.
Notes:
I've started on the next chapter which will be a conversation between the twins. I need to think about it some more though, figure out exactly how much of Jamie's thought process needs to be revealed to Danny before Bruce's Justice League Dark contact shows up. This story is really making me think for something that was supposed to be a fun little tangent. =D