Danno!

RP blog! SALS Ooc is // or tagged with #ooc post Mun is <16

[doubledeadboy]

Heyo!

I'm Danny, not Daniel! He/him :|]

Gothamite transplant!

I like space, art, and winter.

I do not like electricity and storms!

Trans, meta and ecto rights <33

// Current/general CWs for this blog: death, homelessness, (upper range of fanon-typical) past abuse and domestic violence, past medical experimentation, PTSD/mental illness

Please perceive me as Danny! Mun is dead and gone /silly

No DNI but I block freely! I am not at all interested in seeing or roleplaying batcest, and bringing it to my asks or threads will result in an immediate block. Idc what you do on your own blog though like that's your shit

This danno is NOT canon compliant, this is mainly based off of fanon + my own AU, which I'll reveal more of as time goes on :P

Tags I use:

#ooc post : a post or thread that's fully ooc!

#dead thread! : completed threads!

#cw [thing] / #cw [thing] ment : formula for thread/post-specific content warnings! No brackets in the actual tag

#> [df01] : my cheap and inaccurate speculative bio in the form of the Fentons' files! This tag won't likely contain any explicit gore, but there will be a lot of implied dissection / discussion of organs and ghost anatomy

#the headmates : tag for talking about my plurality, or for other headmates' posts!

#[name] speaking : for if other headmates want to give their names on their posts here!

[beadyeyes]

Heartwarming: he will never be happy

[so-many-ocs]

no dude it's so cool how attached you are to that character who is singled out and ostracized due to the external monstrousness that clashes with their internal spark of humanity. and i love how drawn you are to themes of horror and love, nature versus nurture, otherness, isolation, and the abject. i bet you have normal feelings about your own personhood

[silverpenguin13]

what do you mean most people don't have thoughts speaking as characters.

[catmask]

everybodys got a friend who lives with a rabbit like nervousness justified as a survival mechanic that has yet to be disproved by death physical or metaphorical and so remains untouched and self fulfilling

[thatsbelievable]

[daco-broman]

shit I missed my window, next week I guess

[the-worm-man]

Reblog on Tuesday to let your followers know it’s safe to leave the bog

[gothamghostwhispers]

Danny's sitting on a gargoyle, looking out over the city. It's kind of pretty, in a gloomy way, and there's enough ectoplasm in the air he might just stay in this city that the Realms tossed him out to.

He picks another pebble out of a chip in the old stone beast's head, and tosses it out into the street, startling a bit when he accidentally hits someone with it. "Oh- sorry!"

After a beat, though, the scrappy teen leans forward, squinting. He's pretty sure he's seen that hair before. Or at least something about this person.

"..Hey, weird question for you. Have you ever been to Amity Park?"

-@doubledeadboy

“Ah it’s okay, didnt even hurt”

Artem runs a hand through their hair making sure there’s no dirt in it from the pebble. They picked a poor day to not wear a hat but at least they had all their protective charms on so it didn’t hurt.

The question causes them to tilt their head

“Amity…? Yeah I’ve been there a few times, my little cousin and her family have a place there and I used to visit with my mom back when she was still… around.. anyways why do you ask?”

Artem tries to hastily change the subject not wanting to linger on the topic of death with a random teen, redirecting it back to the teen and why he asked them about Amity Park of all places

[doubledeadboy]

"Oh, neat!"

Danny swung around so that he was hanging from the gargoyle's neck by his arms, and then dropped the few feet to the ground, using a pinch of carefully subtle floating to keep himself from falling over.

"I knew I'd seen you somewhere. I'm from Amity. Just came here recently, actually."

[gothamghostwhispers]

Artem momentarily looks alarmed at the teenagers antics, worried that he’d be hurt if the gargoyle was to break under his weight but then they feel something happening. They aren’t sure how to describe it but something supernatural just happened. Maybe the kid has a guardian spirit?

The teen is on the ground and talking to them again before they get a chance to analyze the feeling further

“Interesting choice, what brought you to Gotham?”

[doubledeadboy]

"Oh, I j- uhh-"

Ohh, he should have thought of an alibi beforehand. He can't exactly say Oh, yeah, I took a wrong turn in ghost land and fell out a portal here.

He shifts back and forth on his feet a bit, which he's sure looks incredibly unsuspicious and not at all like he's trying to think of a story on the spot.

"It was theee, uh, ghosts. I figure Batman could probably beat one in a fight."

[gothamghostwhispers]

Artem gives the kid a look as something about his nerves has them doubting his truthfulness, but then again anxiety is very much a thing so they note it mentally but don’t comment. Besides ghosts would explain what they just felt.

“I don’t know how well versed Batman is dealing with ghosts but I might be able to help”

They rustle into a pocket and their hand goes further than should be possible. They pull out a card that seems blank at first before they shake it three times. The card flickers through three different business cards: one for the goonion where Artem is labeled a freelancing hench called Whispers, one seems to be some kind of villain business card under the name Curse Weaver, before finally settling on the Charm Weaver business card.

The card lists Artem as a magic consultant with specialties in protection magic, divination, rescue, and spell breaking. Theres a phone number and email on the card as well.

[doubledeadboy]

"Uh, neat!"

Danny takes the card, if a bit gingerly- you never know when something given by a specialist in ghost problems is going to burn or otherwise attack you when you're dead. He glances over it absently, not really reading it, though the design is nice. "So, you're, like.. a ghost hunter?"

Ooh, that came out a bit more apprehensive than he'd like. Hopefully they didn't catch it. Judging by how easily they seemed to clock his lie, they definitely did.

He resorts to his next instinct, which is of course saying the first thing that pops into his head. "I bet Batman could beat, like, a weak ghost, but probably not a strong one. That, uh.. the red guy, though, he seems like he has some ghost in him, I bet he could just duke it out with one if he had his heart set on it."

[gothamghostwhispers]

Artem visibly grimaces at being called a hunter, the expression accidentally puts their pointed teeth on full display “no, I wouldn’t say that. I can theoretically exercise a ghost since I have a close bond with my patron-”

At the mention of a patron their wedding ring flashes dramatically “-but at the end of the day unless the ghost is actively trying to hurt people or is otherwise malicious it’s generally best to try and help them, either with moving on or in some traditions making sure they’re fed”

They consider his point on Batman

“If he had enough time to research probably but he seems to not like dealing with magic”

[doubledeadboy]

Danny visibly relaxes when he spots the sharp teeth, shoulders loosening and expression opening a bit at that and at the negative reaction to ghost hunting.

"Oh, you're-" He barely refrains from blurting out a delighted remark along the lines of 'oh, you're weird', hastily redirecting the sentence. "-uh, like, a warlock? That's awesome, most of the ghost hunt- or, uh, dealing-with-ghost-problem people?- I meet are more, like," He waves his hands dramatically and lifts them above his hands like he's playing a boogeyman in a cheap movie, " 'raaaah destroy them all let's vivisect them' types y'know?"

He thought for a minute, pausing to take a breath and process their other comment. "Yeah, you're probably right, he'd just call someone else to deal with them. Would be crazy to see Superman or someone like that possessed."

[gothamghostwhispers]

The casual manner in which the teen brings up vivisection deeply concerns Artem. What has this child seen…

“That seems like an incredibly cruel stance to take on sentient beings… but yes, I am a Warlock. Started out as just a witch through my folk lore and later occult studies but then I fell in love with my wonderful spouse and our marriage counted as a magic pact so now I’m both.”

They smile softly at their ring letting themselves get lost in the memory, their freckles start to glow a light blue as they think back to the joy of that moment, the glowing is cut short when the conversation starts again.

“That sounds like a disaster if the ghost is malicious. I agree that Batman would probably call in an expert of some kind in that case, after all what’s the point of having a big team if you don’t occasionally reach out when someone else’s specialty pops up”

[doubledeadboy]

"Yeaah, that's small towns for ya, I guess."

He shrugs, glancing away for a second before setting himself back on track.

"Oh, congrats! That's gotta be one of the nicest origin stories I've heard. How long have you been married?" He asks, looking at the wedding ring. He doesn't comment on the glowing freckles, though it puts him at ease to be talking with what he assumes is a fellow meta or meta-adjacent person.

[gothamghostwhispers]

Artem decides to not comment on how the size of a town shouldnt affect the morality of its citizens. Both because it’s not their place and because they’re well aware that smaller communities are easily influenced into more extreme views.

“Two years now- our anniversary was in may- though honestly it feels like weve been together much longer then that with everything that’s happened in that time”

The ring radiates a rather intense protective aura, more so then any of the other charms that they’re wearing

[doubledeadboy]

"Wow, you can smell the magic coming off that thing! It's pretty powerful, huh?"

He notes, impressed.

He's quiet for a second, but lingers trying to think of a conversation topic- his core likes the magic coming off this person, it's not ectoplasm but it still feels much nicer to absorb than most of the stale stuff lingering around the city.

"So, youu.. mentioned you have a cousin in Amity? I had- uh, I have some friends there, maybe I know them."

[gothamghostwhispers]

“I suppose it is, it’s a fairies ring that symbolizes a multiple lifetime commitment, a binding promise”

The boy could feel the magic then, interesting. Must have some kind of Sense or Gift, would explain the potential guardian they felt earlier.

“Oh yes! My little cousin Sam, though I suppose she’s getting quite big now”

They pull out their phone to show him most recent picture the two had taken where it’s obvious Sam is taller than Artem.

[doubledeadboy]

"Oh! Sam Manson?"

He looks at the picture and falls quiet for a long second, swallowing a couple times in a stubborn attempt to not cry. Sam is here. His friends are here, in this dimension, but Sam is different. It's not his Sam.

Do not cry in front of the nice magic person. Do not.

"..Yeah. I, uh, I knew her. It-"

He pauses. Presses his hands to his eyes for a second and then shoves it all back down.

"..Sorry, uh, more homesick than I thought, I guess. I know Sam, but it's, uh.. been a while, she looks different than I remember."

[gothamghostwhispers]

Oh poor kiddo… hes trying so hard to not cry…must really be homesick. Where are his parents?

“Yep, my mom and her dad were siblings, and I still live in the Bristol Manson manor with my spouse, my girlfriend, and our various kiddos…. Sam doesnt live with us but she is in town, she works at La Gótica Haven, maybe visiting them could help?”

Artem had some time to kill maybe they could help the kid out, the haven isn’t too far from here

[doubledeadboy]

"Ah, rich person with a manor full of children. Not suspicious at all," he mutters under his breath, mostly just trying to pull himself together with humor.

"She's here? That- I mean, um-"

That idea scares him more than he expected. What if she notices he's different immediately and- or what if she doesn't notice and then he's just lying to her and then she finds him out and hates him-

...He misses his friends so much.

He replies before he can talk himself out of it, though he's sure his nerves are audible in his voice. "..Yeah. That.. sounds nice."

[gothamghostwhispers]

Artem can’t even argue the muttered point, they are a rich person with a manor full of their many many adoptive children. They could probably point out their spouses fae instincts in regards to gathering so many, or how the children adopt one another as siblings more then they actually adopt the kids directly but.. regardless of how they’ve entered their life the amount of children they’ve adopted likely does qualify as suspicious.

“Yeah she moved here to study Journalism, and probably to get away from Aunt Pam and Uncle Jeremy. They’re a bit overbearing sometimes”

As the boy agrees they nod, choosing to not commenting on the internal debate the offer seemed to bring forth

“Shouldnt be too far follow me”

[doubledeadboy]

"Cool. Uh, yeah."

He takes a breath in, and pushes it out, though it doesn't help much with the tangle in his chest. He is.. nervous, and sad, and antsy, and the feeling naming exercise that Jazz taught him is not at all working. So, he's just going to not think about it. Because that works great.

He tucks his hands into his pockets and follows his new probably-not-creepy friend. Of course, Danny being anxious and being, well, Danny, he's running his mouth before he realizes he's even talking.

"Does she ever talk about, uh, a kid named Tucker? D'you know if he's okay? Actually, does she ever talk about me? It, uh, it's been a while, y'know, and I just, feel like I'm gonna be different from what she knows? I don't want to lose her. I just have her and Tuck, y'know, and I really miss them, but I don't know what to really expect."

[gothamghostwhispers]

“Tucker… yeah that name has come up before last I heard he has an internship at Star Labs.”

Listening to the younger boy’s distressed ramble it starts to dawn on them who this kid might be. Outside of Tucker, Sam has one other best friend but Danny is older than this kid.. hes got multiple kids that Sam is the proud godparent of… something is happening…. more multiverse shenanigans? Or perhaps an anons deaging people again… best to confirm the name first they suppose

“I’d tell you what shes told me but I still don’t know your name”

[doubledeadboy]

"Oh! Right, sorry. I forgot. My name's Danie- uh, Danny. Not Daniel, don't call me that."

He's still rambling, though his train of thought gor cut off and started over.

"Star Labs? That's pretty neat! Sounds like they'd make space stuff. I really like space, but I doubt I'd be able to go. It's pretty hard to be selected as an astronaut, and I don't think neurodivergent astronauts are really a thing. Which, I think an autistic astronaut would kick ass, especially if they had time to get adjusted to the schedule, though I don't know how sensory friendly-"

He cuts himself off, hands burrowing as deep as they can go into his pockets. He's noticeably quieter after that.

"-Uh, sorry, I'm rambling. It hapens when I get nervous, I didn't mean to be, uh, rude or anything."

[gothamghostwhispers]

Well. That confirms their suspicions … now to figure out why this Danny is so much younger than the one they know about… though perhaps they should leave the figuring out to their cousin since she would know the young man better and have an easier time puzzling things out…

“No need to be sorry Danny, a good ramble helps make the walk feel shorter, was an interesting ramble anyways. I’ve always loved space even though the stars are mean to me. If Gotham wasn’t so cloudy I’d probably go star gazing every night”

The cafe comes into view

[doubledeadboy]

"Yeah. I love the stars, always have. I want to work at NASA when I'm older if I can. I kinda miss the clear skies in Amity, but I don't really miss, uh.. everything else about Amity."

He's pretty sure he shouldn't trust this person as much as he does, and he doesn't know what to attribute it to other than good vibes. He's almost certain it's not a spell, he'd have noticed, but he's got to keep his guard up anyway.

He looks up at the café. La.. uh, something.. Haven. That's the one Sam is in, right? He pushes down the nerves that are bubbling in his chest, picking up the pace slightly.

"This is the place, right?"

[gothamghostwhispers]

“Yep, this is the place”

Before they open the door they take a moment to reassure the nervous teen. They wonder what exactly is making the kid so nervous but it probably has something to do with whatever brought the boy to Gotham

“I’m sure she’ll be happy to see you Danny, everything’s going to be okay”

With that they open the door and hold it open for Danny

[ @garden0fpoison ]

[garden0fpoison]

The place was... Too Sam, for a lack of another word. She was in the register, usually clients came at more specific hours (when the sun wasn't unbearable for them, even if there was barely any sun in Gotham) but Sam still kept the place open just in case.

She turned to see Artem, about to greet them before she noticed a boy that seemed too familiar to her.

Suddenly she was in the lab again, watching Danny die for the first time without being able to say or do anything to stop it.

She shook her head, she had grown up after all. She could handle this, even if Danny felt different. He didn't feel the same way he usually felt, no bond or anything she could feel from him.

Oh for the Ancient's sake, what happened? Was her friend's luck a constant in all universes?

"Oh hi Artem, good to see you again" Sam was happy to see them again, though her confusion was slightly obvious.

She looked down at Danny, exactly how she remembered him. She leaned down a little, trying not to fumble this.

"Hey Danny, it's-... been a while"

( @doubledeadboy )

[doubledeadboy]

"I- I.. uh, hi."

Danny blinked. Blinked a couple more times. Decidedly did not cry.

He was so relieved to see Sam. Even if she was.. definitely older than the Sam in his dimension. He probably should've expected it.

"..So, I'm not, um.. your Danny, I don't think. I can explain it, it's just- just a whole thing. Are.."

He waved vaguely in Artem's direction, swallowing his emotions. He had shit to deal with, and he didn't want to embarass himself in front of people who didn't technically know him.

"They're, uh.. chill, right? They seem cool."

(@gothamghostwhispers)

[gothamghostwhispers]

Ah, multiversal shenanigans then. They’re a little surprised that he came out and just said it like that. Most people tend to hide when they’re from another world after all.

“I like to think I’m chill, though I think cool might be a bit of a stretch as I’m a bit of a nerd” they joke.

With everyone inside the cafe they release their hold on the door and turn their attention to their confused cousin.

“Hi Sam, good to see you too, I see you noticed Danny. Found him dangling from a gargoyle earlier”

[ @garden0fpoison ]

[garden0fpoison]

She wanted to be surprised, genuinely. She wasn't, unfortunately.

"How surprising, I am astonished" Sam deadpanned with a little bit of sarcasm in his tone, with a teasing smirk.

It was a bit nostalgic, really. She didn't see her friend a lot, mostly seeing his children instead.

"And don't worry Danny, I promise Artem is the nicest person I know. It's not the first time we deal with multiversal things anyways" she shrugged, before signaling the duo to follow her to the coffee bar.

"Do any of you want anything?"

( @doubledeadboy )

[doubledeadboy]

"Uh, just.. water, if that's okay."

Danny glances around the area and then follows her, sitting down at the bar.

"I got lost in the Realms, running from, uh, a lot of shit, I guess. There was a portal that seemed like it led back to Amity or.. somewhere in my world, but it dropped me here. I.. think it's a different dimension. I've kind of just been.. surviving since, but I- I don't think I want to go back if I don't have to."

He let out a huff of air and accepted the cup of water once it was handed to him, taking a sip.

"Thanks. When, uh, Artem-?" He glanced over to make sure the name was right before continuing.

"When Artem told me you were here, I just.. didn't really know where else to go, I guess."

(@gothamghostwhispers)

[gothamghostwhispers]

With the prompt from their cousin they follow deeper into the shop, taking a seat next to Danny

“I’ll take a mocha with oat milk please”

Their cousin probably knows their order pretty well by now with how often they visit but as it’s not polite to assume such so they say the full thing just like always.

The story Danny weaves lines up with what they had expected, though the not wanting to return was not expected at all. Most people who’ve unintentionally world walked are very eager to get back home.

They make sure to nod to Danny to confirm their name, though they do so a little distractedly as they process what’s being said

“Where have you been staying since youve arrived?“

[ @garden0fpoison ]

[garden0fpoison]

Sam practically made the drink without looking, already knowing the recipe by heart and the exact amount of matcha they liked with their usual order.

She handled Danny a glass of water with metal straw that had a small Saturn as a decoration, not commenting and waiting for his response to her cousin's question.

( @doubledeadboy )

[doubledeadboy]

He grinned a bit when he noticed the saturn straw, childishly spinning it around a couple times before taking a long, drawn-out sip to avoid answering Artem's question.

"I have, uh, been staying innn... a few places. Wherever is opportune. A nice crypt. Mayybe a few dumpsters. I'm very good at it."

(@gothamghostwhispers)

[gothamghostwhispers]

Hearing this, Artem makes deliberate prolonged eye contact with Sam while sipping their drink. Attempting to have a silent conversation with their cousin about what they should do about this situation while vaguely wishing they had their daughters ability to communicate telepathically

“That’s…. I’m not going to lie thats concerning Danny, Gotham is a rather dangerous place to be homeless”

[garden0fpoison]

Ah how she wishes she could have mind reading as a power instead of magic right now...

At least Sam didn't need that to understand they were asking for her opinion. Gotham wasn't exactly known to be the safest city to be homeless in, even more considering the usual gang fights.

"Mm, Artem is right. Would you like to have a sleepover in my house? For old time's sake maybe, I have a spare room in my house"

She wasn't sure if Danny would even be ok with one night, was she even actually capable of this?-

( @doubledeadboy )

[doubledeadboy]

Danny had already opened his mouth to defend himself against Artem's concern when not-his-Sam started talking, and he snapped it shut.

He'd been hoping he could dodge staying in a manor, even if it belonged to someone seemingly trustworthy like Artem, but Sam accepting him this easily felt too good to be true somehow.

"I mean, I- you don't even know me, I'm not.. this world's Danny, you know? I can manage. I'm not dead yet."

Despite the turmoil, he couldn't help glancing at Sam, hoping for a laugh at the death joke.

(@gothamghostwhispers)

[gothamghostwhispers]

Artem subtly nods in approval at Sam’s offer and mentally notes that they should offer their assistance later, having a kid live with you full time was a very different experience from taking care of one occasionally. Don’t want to make that kind of offer in front of Danny though cause he seems like the kind of person that would not take up an offer for help if he thought it was inconveniencing someone. The boys current ramble only solidifies this opinion

( @garden0fpoison )

[garden0fpoison]

Sam raised an eyebrow at Danny, sighing as she sat down.

"As funny as the irony of that joke is, Gotham is not exactly safe at night Danny. Not for you nor my Danny"

What could she do to convince him? She needed to think fast-

Sam then got an idea.

"My house is relatively close to an observatory, I could take you there if you want after my shift ends"

( @doubledeadboy )

[doubledeadboy]

That gets his attention easily, and he perked up.

"Wait, there's an observatory here?! How do they see past the cloud cover? It hasn't lifted once, I can't see this being an attractive place for astronomers, unless it's, like.. maybe it'd be popular for environmentalists, if they're dedicated enough, to show how badly concealed the sky is by smog. Or, how frequently it's that polluted. It's lucky for Batman, though, I don't think the Batsignal would work without all the clouds."

He paused to take a breath and a drink of the cool water, and seemed to notice he'd gotten started rambling again.

"..Uh, I mean, that sounds.. really nice. I guess I can stay for one night, if you're really sure it's not too much trouble."

(@gothamghostwhispers)

[gothamghostwhispers]

Artem smiles, happy to know the boy would be safe for the night at least. Though they are rather confident that their cousin can out stubborn the teen later and get him to stay longer

“Clouds are a pretty big issue for them but it’s Wayne funded to they developed some work arounds. I believe they measure different wavelengths of light when theres cloud cover?”

( @garden0fpoison )

[garden0fpoison]

"I'm no expert to be fair, but I guess it's something like that. If there is enough technology for heroes to have a clubhouse in space, I think there could be something done to see stars in Gotham"

Could she bribe him with those glowing stars for the room he could stay in?

"And of course it's no problem Danny, it's not like I had much to do tonight anyways. Adult life is boring" Sam joked, mentally going through a check list to see if she would need to buy something else for Danny to eat.

She wouldn't force him to eat something he didn't like, she wasn't 15 anymore.

( @doubledeadboy )

[doubledeadboy]

Danny snickered, and took another long drink from his water. It'd been hot today, which for him meant a lot of sitting around, nabbing those tiny paper cups of water from the library just rarely enough not to get kicked out, and overall baking. He's pretty sure he would've been willing to kill a man for a glass of cold, fresh water.

"Oh, yeah, having a stable job and inalienable personal autonomy has to suuck. Thanks, though, it'll be nice to relax for a bit."

He falls quiet for a beat, then looks over at her again, curious.

"How old are you? Definitely not sixteen."

(@gothamghostwhispers)

[gothamghostwhispers]

“That’s fair, I certainly wouldn’t want to be a kid again… though stable job isn’t a guarantee…. unless you’re willing to work in crime.”

Artem can feel their Goonion official Hench freelancer business cards burning a metaphorical hole in their pocket. They turn their attention back to same since they were asked a question last but the way it was phrased…

The kid was just 16…

( @garden0fpoison )

[garden0fpoison]

"That, or you need to be like the commissioner and have way too many contacts" she remembered her own contacts she had due to the cafe being neutral ground.

"Huh, I thought you were 12" Sam smirked, though there was no bite to it, more like teasing him.

"I'm 19, you know- the limbo between being an adult but not entirely for my dismay"

( @doubledeadboy )

[doubledeadboy]

"Ahh, like the boss! It does pay the bills, if I could stop getting mugged. And could legally buy property."

Danny nodded solemnly, fiddling with the little Saturn decoration on the straw again. He punches Sam for the comment, though it's with a snicker. He would have phased his hand into her ribs to trigger that deeply uncomfortable chilly feeling, but he was too aware of Artem also being there to use his powers so casually and comfortably.

"Oldddd. Can't imagine."

(@gothamghostwhispers)

[gothamghostwhispers]

Depending on who the boss is they might need those Goonion business cards that were burning a hole in their pocket earlier cause there’s no way they would let the kid go into henching without Goonion support.

As they ponder how to bring this up their train of thought is cut short when Sam of all people was called old??? They are so completely flabbergasted that they spoke at a normal volume, loud enough that for the first time in this conversation their emotional projections would be able to reach Danny and Sam

“What do you mean old?? Shes only 19??”

They cough and get themselves back on track, their voice returning to its previous quiet volume as they decide to just ask outright

“…..whose your boss?”

[ @garden0fpoison ]

[garden0fpoison]

"Can't imagine being a fetus either, space boy" she chuckled, intrigued by this boss.

Well she might need to call her student to investigate later, hopefully it wasn't someone that bad.

With enough luck maybe it was someone she knew but probably she didn't have enough luck to know them.

( @doubledeadboy )

[doubledeadboy]

Danny tilts his head when he registers the bafflement being broadcasted at him, turning to look at Artem. It's kind of like core vibrations, but not quite, there's more magic in this than there is to ghostspeak. He doesn't comment on it, but it's clear he's fascinated.

"Oh, uh, the boss is Val. Sort of a mercenary-assassin type, but they'll do pretty much anything. I've been helping with some of their jobs since they got open heart surgery recently, it's kinda like a paid internship."

(@gothamghostwhispers)

[gothamghostwhispers]

Danny's sitting on a gargoyle, looking out over the city. It's kind of pretty, in a gloomy way, and there's enough ectoplasm in the air he might just stay in this city that the Realms tossed him out to.

He picks another pebble out of a chip in the old stone beast's head, and tosses it out into the street, startling a bit when he accidentally hits someone with it. "Oh- sorry!"

After a beat, though, the scrappy teen leans forward, squinting. He's pretty sure he's seen that hair before. Or at least something about this person.

"..Hey, weird question for you. Have you ever been to Amity Park?"

-@doubledeadboy

“Ah it’s okay, didnt even hurt”

Artem runs a hand through their hair making sure there’s no dirt in it from the pebble. They picked a poor day to not wear a hat but at least they had all their protective charms on so it didn’t hurt.

The question causes them to tilt their head

“Amity…? Yeah I’ve been there a few times, my little cousin and her family have a place there and I used to visit with my mom back when she was still… around.. anyways why do you ask?”

Artem tries to hastily change the subject not wanting to linger on the topic of death with a random teen, redirecting it back to the teen and why he asked them about Amity Park of all places

[doubledeadboy]

"Oh, neat!"

Danny swung around so that he was hanging from the gargoyle's neck by his arms, and then dropped the few feet to the ground, using a pinch of carefully subtle floating to keep himself from falling over.

"I knew I'd seen you somewhere. I'm from Amity. Just came here recently, actually."

[gothamghostwhispers]

Artem momentarily looks alarmed at the teenagers antics, worried that he’d be hurt if the gargoyle was to break under his weight but then they feel something happening. They aren’t sure how to describe it but something supernatural just happened. Maybe the kid has a guardian spirit?

The teen is on the ground and talking to them again before they get a chance to analyze the feeling further

“Interesting choice, what brought you to Gotham?”

[doubledeadboy]

"Oh, I j- uhh-"

Ohh, he should have thought of an alibi beforehand. He can't exactly say Oh, yeah, I took a wrong turn in ghost land and fell out a portal here.

He shifts back and forth on his feet a bit, which he's sure looks incredibly unsuspicious and not at all like he's trying to think of a story on the spot.

"It was theee, uh, ghosts. I figure Batman could probably beat one in a fight."

[gothamghostwhispers]

Artem gives the kid a look as something about his nerves has them doubting his truthfulness, but then again anxiety is very much a thing so they note it mentally but don’t comment. Besides ghosts would explain what they just felt.

“I don’t know how well versed Batman is dealing with ghosts but I might be able to help”

They rustle into a pocket and their hand goes further than should be possible. They pull out a card that seems blank at first before they shake it three times. The card flickers through three different business cards: one for the goonion where Artem is labeled a freelancing hench called Whispers, one seems to be some kind of villain business card under the name Curse Weaver, before finally settling on the Charm Weaver business card.

The card lists Artem as a magic consultant with specialties in protection magic, divination, rescue, and spell breaking. Theres a phone number and email on the card as well.

[doubledeadboy]

"Uh, neat!"

Danny takes the card, if a bit gingerly- you never know when something given by a specialist in ghost problems is going to burn or otherwise attack you when you're dead. He glances over it absently, not really reading it, though the design is nice. "So, you're, like.. a ghost hunter?"

Ooh, that came out a bit more apprehensive than he'd like. Hopefully they didn't catch it. Judging by how easily they seemed to clock his lie, they definitely did.

He resorts to his next instinct, which is of course saying the first thing that pops into his head. "I bet Batman could beat, like, a weak ghost, but probably not a strong one. That, uh.. the red guy, though, he seems like he has some ghost in him, I bet he could just duke it out with one if he had his heart set on it."

[gothamghostwhispers]

Artem visibly grimaces at being called a hunter, the expression accidentally puts their pointed teeth on full display “no, I wouldn’t say that. I can theoretically exercise a ghost since I have a close bond with my patron-”

At the mention of a patron their wedding ring flashes dramatically “-but at the end of the day unless the ghost is actively trying to hurt people or is otherwise malicious it’s generally best to try and help them, either with moving on or in some traditions making sure they’re fed”

They consider his point on Batman

“If he had enough time to research probably but he seems to not like dealing with magic”

[doubledeadboy]

Danny visibly relaxes when he spots the sharp teeth, shoulders loosening and expression opening a bit at that and at the negative reaction to ghost hunting.

"Oh, you're-" He barely refrains from blurting out a delighted remark along the lines of 'oh, you're weird', hastily redirecting the sentence. "-uh, like, a warlock? That's awesome, most of the ghost hunt- or, uh, dealing-with-ghost-problem people?- I meet are more, like," He waves his hands dramatically and lifts them above his hands like he's playing a boogeyman in a cheap movie, " 'raaaah destroy them all let's vivisect them' types y'know?"

He thought for a minute, pausing to take a breath and process their other comment. "Yeah, you're probably right, he'd just call someone else to deal with them. Would be crazy to see Superman or someone like that possessed."

[gothamghostwhispers]

The casual manner in which the teen brings up vivisection deeply concerns Artem. What has this child seen…

“That seems like an incredibly cruel stance to take on sentient beings… but yes, I am a Warlock. Started out as just a witch through my folk lore and later occult studies but then I fell in love with my wonderful spouse and our marriage counted as a magic pact so now I’m both.”

They smile softly at their ring letting themselves get lost in the memory, their freckles start to glow a light blue as they think back to the joy of that moment, the glowing is cut short when the conversation starts again.

“That sounds like a disaster if the ghost is malicious. I agree that Batman would probably call in an expert of some kind in that case, after all what’s the point of having a big team if you don’t occasionally reach out when someone else’s specialty pops up”

[doubledeadboy]

"Yeaah, that's small towns for ya, I guess."

He shrugs, glancing away for a second before setting himself back on track.

"Oh, congrats! That's gotta be one of the nicest origin stories I've heard. How long have you been married?" He asks, looking at the wedding ring. He doesn't comment on the glowing freckles, though it puts him at ease to be talking with what he assumes is a fellow meta or meta-adjacent person.

[gothamghostwhispers]

Artem decides to not comment on how the size of a town shouldnt affect the morality of its citizens. Both because it’s not their place and because they’re well aware that smaller communities are easily influenced into more extreme views.

“Two years now- our anniversary was in may- though honestly it feels like weve been together much longer then that with everything that’s happened in that time”

The ring radiates a rather intense protective aura, more so then any of the other charms that they’re wearing

[doubledeadboy]

"Wow, you can smell the magic coming off that thing! It's pretty powerful, huh?"

He notes, impressed.

He's quiet for a second, but lingers trying to think of a conversation topic- his core likes the magic coming off this person, it's not ectoplasm but it still feels much nicer to absorb than most of the stale stuff lingering around the city.

"So, youu.. mentioned you have a cousin in Amity? I had- uh, I have some friends there, maybe I know them."

[gothamghostwhispers]

“I suppose it is, it’s a fairies ring that symbolizes a multiple lifetime commitment, a binding promise”

The boy could feel the magic then, interesting. Must have some kind of Sense or Gift, would explain the potential guardian they felt earlier.

“Oh yes! My little cousin Sam, though I suppose she’s getting quite big now”

They pull out their phone to show him most recent picture the two had taken where it’s obvious Sam is taller than Artem.

[doubledeadboy]

"Oh! Sam Manson?"

He looks at the picture and falls quiet for a long second, swallowing a couple times in a stubborn attempt to not cry. Sam is here. His friends are here, in this dimension, but Sam is different. It's not his Sam.

Do not cry in front of the nice magic person. Do not.

"..Yeah. I, uh, I knew her. It-"

He pauses. Presses his hands to his eyes for a second and then shoves it all back down.

"..Sorry, uh, more homesick than I thought, I guess. I know Sam, but it's, uh.. been a while, she looks different than I remember."

[gothamghostwhispers]

Oh poor kiddo… hes trying so hard to not cry…must really be homesick. Where are his parents?

“Yep, my mom and her dad were siblings, and I still live in the Bristol Manson manor with my spouse, my girlfriend, and our various kiddos…. Sam doesnt live with us but she is in town, she works at La Gótica Haven, maybe visiting them could help?”

Artem had some time to kill maybe they could help the kid out, the haven isn’t too far from here

[doubledeadboy]

"Ah, rich person with a manor full of children. Not suspicious at all," he mutters under his breath, mostly just trying to pull himself together with humor.

"She's here? That- I mean, um-"

That idea scares him more than he expected. What if she notices he's different immediately and- or what if she doesn't notice and then he's just lying to her and then she finds him out and hates him-

...He misses his friends so much.

He replies before he can talk himself out of it, though he's sure his nerves are audible in his voice. "..Yeah. That.. sounds nice."

[gothamghostwhispers]

Artem can’t even argue the muttered point, they are a rich person with a manor full of their many many adoptive children. They could probably point out their spouses fae instincts in regards to gathering so many, or how the children adopt one another as siblings more then they actually adopt the kids directly but.. regardless of how they’ve entered their life the amount of children they’ve adopted likely does qualify as suspicious.

“Yeah she moved here to study Journalism, and probably to get away from Aunt Pam and Uncle Jeremy. They’re a bit overbearing sometimes”

As the boy agrees they nod, choosing to not commenting on the internal debate the offer seemed to bring forth

“Shouldnt be too far follow me”

[doubledeadboy]

"Cool. Uh, yeah."

He takes a breath in, and pushes it out, though it doesn't help much with the tangle in his chest. He is.. nervous, and sad, and antsy, and the feeling naming exercise that Jazz taught him is not at all working. So, he's just going to not think about it. Because that works great.

He tucks his hands into his pockets and follows his new probably-not-creepy friend. Of course, Danny being anxious and being, well, Danny, he's running his mouth before he realizes he's even talking.

"Does she ever talk about, uh, a kid named Tucker? D'you know if he's okay? Actually, does she ever talk about me? It, uh, it's been a while, y'know, and I just, feel like I'm gonna be different from what she knows? I don't want to lose her. I just have her and Tuck, y'know, and I really miss them, but I don't know what to really expect."

[gothamghostwhispers]

“Tucker… yeah that name has come up before last I heard he has an internship at Star Labs.”

Listening to the younger boy’s distressed ramble it starts to dawn on them who this kid might be. Outside of Tucker, Sam has one other best friend but Danny is older than this kid.. hes got multiple kids that Sam is the proud godparent of… something is happening…. more multiverse shenanigans? Or perhaps an anons deaging people again… best to confirm the name first they suppose

“I’d tell you what shes told me but I still don’t know your name”

[doubledeadboy]

"Oh! Right, sorry. I forgot. My name's Danie- uh, Danny. Not Daniel, don't call me that."

He's still rambling, though his train of thought gor cut off and started over.

"Star Labs? That's pretty neat! Sounds like they'd make space stuff. I really like space, but I doubt I'd be able to go. It's pretty hard to be selected as an astronaut, and I don't think neurodivergent astronauts are really a thing. Which, I think an autistic astronaut would kick ass, especially if they had time to get adjusted to the schedule, though I don't know how sensory friendly-"

He cuts himself off, hands burrowing as deep as they can go into his pockets. He's noticeably quieter after that.

"-Uh, sorry, I'm rambling. It hapens when I get nervous, I didn't mean to be, uh, rude or anything."

[gothamghostwhispers]

Well. That confirms their suspicions … now to figure out why this Danny is so much younger than the one they know about… though perhaps they should leave the figuring out to their cousin since she would know the young man better and have an easier time puzzling things out…

“No need to be sorry Danny, a good ramble helps make the walk feel shorter, was an interesting ramble anyways. I’ve always loved space even though the stars are mean to me. If Gotham wasn’t so cloudy I’d probably go star gazing every night”

The cafe comes into view

[doubledeadboy]

"Yeah. I love the stars, always have. I want to work at NASA when I'm older if I can. I kinda miss the clear skies in Amity, but I don't really miss, uh.. everything else about Amity."

He's pretty sure he shouldn't trust this person as much as he does, and he doesn't know what to attribute it to other than good vibes. He's almost certain it's not a spell, he'd have noticed, but he's got to keep his guard up anyway.

He looks up at the café. La.. uh, something.. Haven. That's the one Sam is in, right? He pushes down the nerves that are bubbling in his chest, picking up the pace slightly.

"This is the place, right?"

[gothamghostwhispers]

“Yep, this is the place”

Before they open the door they take a moment to reassure the nervous teen. They wonder what exactly is making the kid so nervous but it probably has something to do with whatever brought the boy to Gotham

“I’m sure she’ll be happy to see you Danny, everything’s going to be okay”

With that they open the door and hold it open for Danny

[ @garden0fpoison ]

[garden0fpoison]

The place was... Too Sam, for a lack of another word. She was in the register, usually clients came at more specific hours (when the sun wasn't unbearable for them, even if there was barely any sun in Gotham) but Sam still kept the place open just in case.

She turned to see Artem, about to greet them before she noticed a boy that seemed too familiar to her.

Suddenly she was in the lab again, watching Danny die for the first time without being able to say or do anything to stop it.

She shook her head, she had grown up after all. She could handle this, even if Danny felt different. He didn't feel the same way he usually felt, no bond or anything she could feel from him.

Oh for the Ancient's sake, what happened? Was her friend's luck a constant in all universes?

"Oh hi Artem, good to see you again" Sam was happy to see them again, though her confusion was slightly obvious.

She looked down at Danny, exactly how she remembered him. She leaned down a little, trying not to fumble this.

"Hey Danny, it's-... been a while"

( @doubledeadboy )

[doubledeadboy]

"I- I.. uh, hi."

Danny blinked. Blinked a couple more times. Decidedly did not cry.

He was so relieved to see Sam. Even if she was.. definitely older than the Sam in his dimension. He probably should've expected it.

"..So, I'm not, um.. your Danny, I don't think. I can explain it, it's just- just a whole thing. Are.."

He waved vaguely in Artem's direction, swallowing his emotions. He had shit to deal with, and he didn't want to embarass himself in front of people who didn't technically know him.

"They're, uh.. chill, right? They seem cool."

(@gothamghostwhispers)

[gothamghostwhispers]

Ah, multiversal shenanigans then. They’re a little surprised that he came out and just said it like that. Most people tend to hide when they’re from another world after all.

“I like to think I’m chill, though I think cool might be a bit of a stretch as I’m a bit of a nerd” they joke.

With everyone inside the cafe they release their hold on the door and turn their attention to their confused cousin.

“Hi Sam, good to see you too, I see you noticed Danny. Found him dangling from a gargoyle earlier”

[ @garden0fpoison ]

[garden0fpoison]

She wanted to be surprised, genuinely. She wasn't, unfortunately.

"How surprising, I am astonished" Sam deadpanned with a little bit of sarcasm in his tone, with a teasing smirk.

It was a bit nostalgic, really. She didn't see her friend a lot, mostly seeing his children instead.

"And don't worry Danny, I promise Artem is the nicest person I know. It's not the first time we deal with multiversal things anyways" she shrugged, before signaling the duo to follow her to the coffee bar.

"Do any of you want anything?"

( @doubledeadboy )

[doubledeadboy]

"Uh, just.. water, if that's okay."

Danny glances around the area and then follows her, sitting down at the bar.

"I got lost in the Realms, running from, uh, a lot of shit, I guess. There was a portal that seemed like it led back to Amity or.. somewhere in my world, but it dropped me here. I.. think it's a different dimension. I've kind of just been.. surviving since, but I- I don't think I want to go back if I don't have to."

He let out a huff of air and accepted the cup of water once it was handed to him, taking a sip.

"Thanks. When, uh, Artem-?" He glanced over to make sure the name was right before continuing.

"When Artem told me you were here, I just.. didn't really know where else to go, I guess."

(@gothamghostwhispers)

[gothamghostwhispers]

With the prompt from their cousin they follow deeper into the shop, taking a seat next to Danny

“I’ll take a mocha with oat milk please”

Their cousin probably knows their order pretty well by now with how often they visit but as it’s not polite to assume such so they say the full thing just like always.

The story Danny weaves lines up with what they had expected, though the not wanting to return was not expected at all. Most people who’ve unintentionally world walked are very eager to get back home.

They make sure to nod to Danny to confirm their name, though they do so a little distractedly as they process what’s being said

“Where have you been staying since youve arrived?“

[ @garden0fpoison ]

[garden0fpoison]

Sam practically made the drink without looking, already knowing the recipe by heart and the exact amount of matcha they liked with their usual order.

She handled Danny a glass of water with metal straw that had a small Saturn as a decoration, not commenting and waiting for his response to her cousin's question.

( @doubledeadboy )

[doubledeadboy]

He grinned a bit when he noticed the saturn straw, childishly spinning it around a couple times before taking a long, drawn-out sip to avoid answering Artem's question.

"I have, uh, been staying innn... a few places. Wherever is opportune. A nice crypt. Mayybe a few dumpsters. I'm very good at it."

(@gothamghostwhispers)

[gothamghostwhispers]

Hearing this, Artem makes deliberate prolonged eye contact with Sam while sipping their drink. Attempting to have a silent conversation with their cousin about what they should do about this situation while vaguely wishing they had their daughters ability to communicate telepathically

“That’s…. I’m not going to lie thats concerning Danny, Gotham is a rather dangerous place to be homeless”

[garden0fpoison]

Ah how she wishes she could have mind reading as a power instead of magic right now...

At least Sam didn't need that to understand they were asking for her opinion. Gotham wasn't exactly known to be the safest city to be homeless in, even more considering the usual gang fights.

"Mm, Artem is right. Would you like to have a sleepover in my house? For old time's sake maybe, I have a spare room in my house"

She wasn't sure if Danny would even be ok with one night, was she even actually capable of this?-

( @doubledeadboy )

[doubledeadboy]

Danny had already opened his mouth to defend himself against Artem's concern when not-his-Sam started talking, and he snapped it shut.

He'd been hoping he could dodge staying in a manor, even if it belonged to someone seemingly trustworthy like Artem, but Sam accepting him this easily felt too good to be true somehow.

"I mean, I- you don't even know me, I'm not.. this world's Danny, you know? I can manage. I'm not dead yet."

Despite the turmoil, he couldn't help glancing at Sam, hoping for a laugh at the death joke.

(@gothamghostwhispers)

[gothamghostwhispers]

Artem subtly nods in approval at Sam’s offer and mentally notes that they should offer their assistance later, having a kid live with you full time was a very different experience from taking care of one occasionally. Don’t want to make that kind of offer in front of Danny though cause he seems like the kind of person that would not take up an offer for help if he thought it was inconveniencing someone. The boys current ramble only solidifies this opinion

( @garden0fpoison )

[garden0fpoison]

Sam raised an eyebrow at Danny, sighing as she sat down.

"As funny as the irony of that joke is, Gotham is not exactly safe at night Danny. Not for you nor my Danny"

What could she do to convince him? She needed to think fast-

Sam then got an idea.

"My house is relatively close to an observatory, I could take you there if you want after my shift ends"

( @doubledeadboy )

[doubledeadboy]

That gets his attention easily, and he perked up.

"Wait, there's an observatory here?! How do they see past the cloud cover? It hasn't lifted once, I can't see this being an attractive place for astronomers, unless it's, like.. maybe it'd be popular for environmentalists, if they're dedicated enough, to show how badly concealed the sky is by smog. Or, how frequently it's that polluted. It's lucky for Batman, though, I don't think the Batsignal would work without all the clouds."

He paused to take a breath and a drink of the cool water, and seemed to notice he'd gotten started rambling again.

"..Uh, I mean, that sounds.. really nice. I guess I can stay for one night, if you're really sure it's not too much trouble."

(@gothamghostwhispers)

[gothamghostwhispers]

Artem smiles, happy to know the boy would be safe for the night at least. Though they are rather confident that their cousin can out stubborn the teen later and get him to stay longer

“Clouds are a pretty big issue for them but it’s Wayne funded to they developed some work arounds. I believe they measure different wavelengths of light when theres cloud cover?”

( @garden0fpoison )

[garden0fpoison]

"I'm no expert to be fair, but I guess it's something like that. If there is enough technology for heroes to have a clubhouse in space, I think there could be something done to see stars in Gotham"

Could she bribe him with those glowing stars for the room he could stay in?

"And of course it's no problem Danny, it's not like I had much to do tonight anyways. Adult life is boring" Sam joked, mentally going through a check list to see if she would need to buy something else for Danny to eat.

She wouldn't force him to eat something he didn't like, she wasn't 15 anymore.

( @doubledeadboy )

[doubledeadboy]

Danny snickered, and took another long drink from his water. It'd been hot today, which for him meant a lot of sitting around, nabbing those tiny paper cups of water from the library just rarely enough not to get kicked out, and overall baking. He's pretty sure he would've been willing to kill a man for a glass of cold, fresh water.

"Oh, yeah, having a stable job and inalienable personal autonomy has to suuck. Thanks, though, it'll be nice to relax for a bit."

He falls quiet for a beat, then looks over at her again, curious.

"How old are you? Definitely not sixteen."

(@gothamghostwhispers)

[gothamghostwhispers]

“That’s fair, I certainly wouldn’t want to be a kid again… though stable job isn’t a guarantee…. unless you’re willing to work in crime.”

Artem can feel their Goonion official Hench freelancer business cards burning a metaphorical hole in their pocket. They turn their attention back to same since they were asked a question last but the way it was phrased…

The kid was just 16…

( @garden0fpoison )

[garden0fpoison]

"That, or you need to be like the commissioner and have way too many contacts" she remembered her own contacts she had due to the cafe being neutral ground.

"Huh, I thought you were 12" Sam smirked, though there was no bite to it, more like teasing him.

"I'm 19, you know- the limbo between being an adult but not entirely for my dismay"

( @doubledeadboy )

[doubledeadboy]

"Ahh, like the boss! It does pay the bills, if I could stop getting mugged. And could legally buy property."

Danny nodded solemnly, fiddling with the little Saturn decoration on the straw again. He punches Sam for the comment, though it's with a snicker. He would have phased his hand into her ribs to trigger that deeply uncomfortable chilly feeling, but he was too aware of Artem also being there to use his powers so casually and comfortably.

"Oldddd. Can't imagine."

(@gothamghostwhispers)

[gothamghostwhispers]

Danny's sitting on a gargoyle, looking out over the city. It's kind of pretty, in a gloomy way, and there's enough ectoplasm in the air he might just stay in this city that the Realms tossed him out to.

He picks another pebble out of a chip in the old stone beast's head, and tosses it out into the street, startling a bit when he accidentally hits someone with it. "Oh- sorry!"

After a beat, though, the scrappy teen leans forward, squinting. He's pretty sure he's seen that hair before. Or at least something about this person.

"..Hey, weird question for you. Have you ever been to Amity Park?"

-@doubledeadboy

“Ah it’s okay, didnt even hurt”

Artem runs a hand through their hair making sure there’s no dirt in it from the pebble. They picked a poor day to not wear a hat but at least they had all their protective charms on so it didn’t hurt.

The question causes them to tilt their head

“Amity…? Yeah I’ve been there a few times, my little cousin and her family have a place there and I used to visit with my mom back when she was still… around.. anyways why do you ask?”

Artem tries to hastily change the subject not wanting to linger on the topic of death with a random teen, redirecting it back to the teen and why he asked them about Amity Park of all places

[doubledeadboy]

"Oh, neat!"

Danny swung around so that he was hanging from the gargoyle's neck by his arms, and then dropped the few feet to the ground, using a pinch of carefully subtle floating to keep himself from falling over.

"I knew I'd seen you somewhere. I'm from Amity. Just came here recently, actually."

[gothamghostwhispers]

Artem momentarily looks alarmed at the teenagers antics, worried that he’d be hurt if the gargoyle was to break under his weight but then they feel something happening. They aren’t sure how to describe it but something supernatural just happened. Maybe the kid has a guardian spirit?

The teen is on the ground and talking to them again before they get a chance to analyze the feeling further

“Interesting choice, what brought you to Gotham?”

[doubledeadboy]

"Oh, I j- uhh-"

Ohh, he should have thought of an alibi beforehand. He can't exactly say Oh, yeah, I took a wrong turn in ghost land and fell out a portal here.

He shifts back and forth on his feet a bit, which he's sure looks incredibly unsuspicious and not at all like he's trying to think of a story on the spot.

"It was theee, uh, ghosts. I figure Batman could probably beat one in a fight."

[gothamghostwhispers]

Artem gives the kid a look as something about his nerves has them doubting his truthfulness, but then again anxiety is very much a thing so they note it mentally but don’t comment. Besides ghosts would explain what they just felt.

“I don’t know how well versed Batman is dealing with ghosts but I might be able to help”

They rustle into a pocket and their hand goes further than should be possible. They pull out a card that seems blank at first before they shake it three times. The card flickers through three different business cards: one for the goonion where Artem is labeled a freelancing hench called Whispers, one seems to be some kind of villain business card under the name Curse Weaver, before finally settling on the Charm Weaver business card.

The card lists Artem as a magic consultant with specialties in protection magic, divination, rescue, and spell breaking. Theres a phone number and email on the card as well.

[doubledeadboy]

"Uh, neat!"

Danny takes the card, if a bit gingerly- you never know when something given by a specialist in ghost problems is going to burn or otherwise attack you when you're dead. He glances over it absently, not really reading it, though the design is nice. "So, you're, like.. a ghost hunter?"

Ooh, that came out a bit more apprehensive than he'd like. Hopefully they didn't catch it. Judging by how easily they seemed to clock his lie, they definitely did.

He resorts to his next instinct, which is of course saying the first thing that pops into his head. "I bet Batman could beat, like, a weak ghost, but probably not a strong one. That, uh.. the red guy, though, he seems like he has some ghost in him, I bet he could just duke it out with one if he had his heart set on it."

[gothamghostwhispers]

Artem visibly grimaces at being called a hunter, the expression accidentally puts their pointed teeth on full display “no, I wouldn’t say that. I can theoretically exercise a ghost since I have a close bond with my patron-”

At the mention of a patron their wedding ring flashes dramatically “-but at the end of the day unless the ghost is actively trying to hurt people or is otherwise malicious it’s generally best to try and help them, either with moving on or in some traditions making sure they’re fed”

They consider his point on Batman

“If he had enough time to research probably but he seems to not like dealing with magic”

[doubledeadboy]

Danny visibly relaxes when he spots the sharp teeth, shoulders loosening and expression opening a bit at that and at the negative reaction to ghost hunting.

"Oh, you're-" He barely refrains from blurting out a delighted remark along the lines of 'oh, you're weird', hastily redirecting the sentence. "-uh, like, a warlock? That's awesome, most of the ghost hunt- or, uh, dealing-with-ghost-problem people?- I meet are more, like," He waves his hands dramatically and lifts them above his hands like he's playing a boogeyman in a cheap movie, " 'raaaah destroy them all let's vivisect them' types y'know?"

He thought for a minute, pausing to take a breath and process their other comment. "Yeah, you're probably right, he'd just call someone else to deal with them. Would be crazy to see Superman or someone like that possessed."

[gothamghostwhispers]

The casual manner in which the teen brings up vivisection deeply concerns Artem. What has this child seen…

“That seems like an incredibly cruel stance to take on sentient beings… but yes, I am a Warlock. Started out as just a witch through my folk lore and later occult studies but then I fell in love with my wonderful spouse and our marriage counted as a magic pact so now I’m both.”

They smile softly at their ring letting themselves get lost in the memory, their freckles start to glow a light blue as they think back to the joy of that moment, the glowing is cut short when the conversation starts again.

“That sounds like a disaster if the ghost is malicious. I agree that Batman would probably call in an expert of some kind in that case, after all what’s the point of having a big team if you don’t occasionally reach out when someone else’s specialty pops up”

[doubledeadboy]

"Yeaah, that's small towns for ya, I guess."

He shrugs, glancing away for a second before setting himself back on track.

"Oh, congrats! That's gotta be one of the nicest origin stories I've heard. How long have you been married?" He asks, looking at the wedding ring. He doesn't comment on the glowing freckles, though it puts him at ease to be talking with what he assumes is a fellow meta or meta-adjacent person.

[gothamghostwhispers]

Artem decides to not comment on how the size of a town shouldnt affect the morality of its citizens. Both because it’s not their place and because they’re well aware that smaller communities are easily influenced into more extreme views.

“Two years now- our anniversary was in may- though honestly it feels like weve been together much longer then that with everything that’s happened in that time”

The ring radiates a rather intense protective aura, more so then any of the other charms that they’re wearing

[doubledeadboy]

"Wow, you can smell the magic coming off that thing! It's pretty powerful, huh?"

He notes, impressed.

He's quiet for a second, but lingers trying to think of a conversation topic- his core likes the magic coming off this person, it's not ectoplasm but it still feels much nicer to absorb than most of the stale stuff lingering around the city.

"So, youu.. mentioned you have a cousin in Amity? I had- uh, I have some friends there, maybe I know them."

[gothamghostwhispers]

“I suppose it is, it’s a fairies ring that symbolizes a multiple lifetime commitment, a binding promise”

The boy could feel the magic then, interesting. Must have some kind of Sense or Gift, would explain the potential guardian they felt earlier.

“Oh yes! My little cousin Sam, though I suppose she’s getting quite big now”

They pull out their phone to show him most recent picture the two had taken where it’s obvious Sam is taller than Artem.

[doubledeadboy]

"Oh! Sam Manson?"

He looks at the picture and falls quiet for a long second, swallowing a couple times in a stubborn attempt to not cry. Sam is here. His friends are here, in this dimension, but Sam is different. It's not his Sam.

Do not cry in front of the nice magic person. Do not.

"..Yeah. I, uh, I knew her. It-"

He pauses. Presses his hands to his eyes for a second and then shoves it all back down.

"..Sorry, uh, more homesick than I thought, I guess. I know Sam, but it's, uh.. been a while, she looks different than I remember."

[gothamghostwhispers]

Oh poor kiddo… hes trying so hard to not cry…must really be homesick. Where are his parents?

“Yep, my mom and her dad were siblings, and I still live in the Bristol Manson manor with my spouse, my girlfriend, and our various kiddos…. Sam doesnt live with us but she is in town, she works at La Gótica Haven, maybe visiting them could help?”

Artem had some time to kill maybe they could help the kid out, the haven isn’t too far from here

[doubledeadboy]

"Ah, rich person with a manor full of children. Not suspicious at all," he mutters under his breath, mostly just trying to pull himself together with humor.

"She's here? That- I mean, um-"

That idea scares him more than he expected. What if she notices he's different immediately and- or what if she doesn't notice and then he's just lying to her and then she finds him out and hates him-

...He misses his friends so much.

He replies before he can talk himself out of it, though he's sure his nerves are audible in his voice. "..Yeah. That.. sounds nice."

[gothamghostwhispers]

Artem can’t even argue the muttered point, they are a rich person with a manor full of their many many adoptive children. They could probably point out their spouses fae instincts in regards to gathering so many, or how the children adopt one another as siblings more then they actually adopt the kids directly but.. regardless of how they’ve entered their life the amount of children they’ve adopted likely does qualify as suspicious.

“Yeah she moved here to study Journalism, and probably to get away from Aunt Pam and Uncle Jeremy. They’re a bit overbearing sometimes”

As the boy agrees they nod, choosing to not commenting on the internal debate the offer seemed to bring forth

“Shouldnt be too far follow me”

[doubledeadboy]

"Cool. Uh, yeah."

He takes a breath in, and pushes it out, though it doesn't help much with the tangle in his chest. He is.. nervous, and sad, and antsy, and the feeling naming exercise that Jazz taught him is not at all working. So, he's just going to not think about it. Because that works great.

He tucks his hands into his pockets and follows his new probably-not-creepy friend. Of course, Danny being anxious and being, well, Danny, he's running his mouth before he realizes he's even talking.

"Does she ever talk about, uh, a kid named Tucker? D'you know if he's okay? Actually, does she ever talk about me? It, uh, it's been a while, y'know, and I just, feel like I'm gonna be different from what she knows? I don't want to lose her. I just have her and Tuck, y'know, and I really miss them, but I don't know what to really expect."

[gothamghostwhispers]

“Tucker… yeah that name has come up before last I heard he has an internship at Star Labs.”

Listening to the younger boy’s distressed ramble it starts to dawn on them who this kid might be. Outside of Tucker, Sam has one other best friend but Danny is older than this kid.. hes got multiple kids that Sam is the proud godparent of… something is happening…. more multiverse shenanigans? Or perhaps an anons deaging people again… best to confirm the name first they suppose

“I’d tell you what shes told me but I still don’t know your name”

[doubledeadboy]

"Oh! Right, sorry. I forgot. My name's Danie- uh, Danny. Not Daniel, don't call me that."

He's still rambling, though his train of thought gor cut off and started over.

"Star Labs? That's pretty neat! Sounds like they'd make space stuff. I really like space, but I doubt I'd be able to go. It's pretty hard to be selected as an astronaut, and I don't think neurodivergent astronauts are really a thing. Which, I think an autistic astronaut would kick ass, especially if they had time to get adjusted to the schedule, though I don't know how sensory friendly-"

He cuts himself off, hands burrowing as deep as they can go into his pockets. He's noticeably quieter after that.

"-Uh, sorry, I'm rambling. It hapens when I get nervous, I didn't mean to be, uh, rude or anything."

[gothamghostwhispers]

Well. That confirms their suspicions … now to figure out why this Danny is so much younger than the one they know about… though perhaps they should leave the figuring out to their cousin since she would know the young man better and have an easier time puzzling things out…

“No need to be sorry Danny, a good ramble helps make the walk feel shorter, was an interesting ramble anyways. I’ve always loved space even though the stars are mean to me. If Gotham wasn’t so cloudy I’d probably go star gazing every night”

The cafe comes into view

[doubledeadboy]

"Yeah. I love the stars, always have. I want to work at NASA when I'm older if I can. I kinda miss the clear skies in Amity, but I don't really miss, uh.. everything else about Amity."

He's pretty sure he shouldn't trust this person as much as he does, and he doesn't know what to attribute it to other than good vibes. He's almost certain it's not a spell, he'd have noticed, but he's got to keep his guard up anyway.

He looks up at the café. La.. uh, something.. Haven. That's the one Sam is in, right? He pushes down the nerves that are bubbling in his chest, picking up the pace slightly.

"This is the place, right?"

[gothamghostwhispers]

“Yep, this is the place”

Before they open the door they take a moment to reassure the nervous teen. They wonder what exactly is making the kid so nervous but it probably has something to do with whatever brought the boy to Gotham

“I’m sure she’ll be happy to see you Danny, everything’s going to be okay”

With that they open the door and hold it open for Danny

[ @garden0fpoison ]

[garden0fpoison]

The place was... Too Sam, for a lack of another word. She was in the register, usually clients came at more specific hours (when the sun wasn't unbearable for them, even if there was barely any sun in Gotham) but Sam still kept the place open just in case.

She turned to see Artem, about to greet them before she noticed a boy that seemed too familiar to her.

Suddenly she was in the lab again, watching Danny die for the first time without being able to say or do anything to stop it.

She shook her head, she had grown up after all. She could handle this, even if Danny felt different. He didn't feel the same way he usually felt, no bond or anything she could feel from him.

Oh for the Ancient's sake, what happened? Was her friend's luck a constant in all universes?

"Oh hi Artem, good to see you again" Sam was happy to see them again, though her confusion was slightly obvious.

She looked down at Danny, exactly how she remembered him. She leaned down a little, trying not to fumble this.

"Hey Danny, it's-... been a while"

( @doubledeadboy )

[doubledeadboy]

"I- I.. uh, hi."

Danny blinked. Blinked a couple more times. Decidedly did not cry.

He was so relieved to see Sam. Even if she was.. definitely older than the Sam in his dimension. He probably should've expected it.

"..So, I'm not, um.. your Danny, I don't think. I can explain it, it's just- just a whole thing. Are.."

He waved vaguely in Artem's direction, swallowing his emotions. He had shit to deal with, and he didn't want to embarass himself in front of people who didn't technically know him.

"They're, uh.. chill, right? They seem cool."

(@gothamghostwhispers)

[gothamghostwhispers]

Ah, multiversal shenanigans then. They’re a little surprised that he came out and just said it like that. Most people tend to hide when they’re from another world after all.

“I like to think I’m chill, though I think cool might be a bit of a stretch as I’m a bit of a nerd” they joke.

With everyone inside the cafe they release their hold on the door and turn their attention to their confused cousin.

“Hi Sam, good to see you too, I see you noticed Danny. Found him dangling from a gargoyle earlier”

[ @garden0fpoison ]

[garden0fpoison]

She wanted to be surprised, genuinely. She wasn't, unfortunately.

"How surprising, I am astonished" Sam deadpanned with a little bit of sarcasm in his tone, with a teasing smirk.

It was a bit nostalgic, really. She didn't see her friend a lot, mostly seeing his children instead.

"And don't worry Danny, I promise Artem is the nicest person I know. It's not the first time we deal with multiversal things anyways" she shrugged, before signaling the duo to follow her to the coffee bar.

"Do any of you want anything?"

( @doubledeadboy )

[doubledeadboy]

"Uh, just.. water, if that's okay."

Danny glances around the area and then follows her, sitting down at the bar.

"I got lost in the Realms, running from, uh, a lot of shit, I guess. There was a portal that seemed like it led back to Amity or.. somewhere in my world, but it dropped me here. I.. think it's a different dimension. I've kind of just been.. surviving since, but I- I don't think I want to go back if I don't have to."

He let out a huff of air and accepted the cup of water once it was handed to him, taking a sip.

"Thanks. When, uh, Artem-?" He glanced over to make sure the name was right before continuing.

"When Artem told me you were here, I just.. didn't really know where else to go, I guess."

(@gothamghostwhispers)

[gothamghostwhispers]

With the prompt from their cousin they follow deeper into the shop, taking a seat next to Danny

“I’ll take a mocha with oat milk please”

Their cousin probably knows their order pretty well by now with how often they visit but as it’s not polite to assume such so they say the full thing just like always.

The story Danny weaves lines up with what they had expected, though the not wanting to return was not expected at all. Most people who’ve unintentionally world walked are very eager to get back home.

They make sure to nod to Danny to confirm their name, though they do so a little distractedly as they process what’s being said

“Where have you been staying since youve arrived?“

[ @garden0fpoison ]

[garden0fpoison]

Sam practically made the drink without looking, already knowing the recipe by heart and the exact amount of matcha they liked with their usual order.

She handled Danny a glass of water with metal straw that had a small Saturn as a decoration, not commenting and waiting for his response to her cousin's question.

( @doubledeadboy )

[doubledeadboy]

He grinned a bit when he noticed the saturn straw, childishly spinning it around a couple times before taking a long, drawn-out sip to avoid answering Artem's question.

"I have, uh, been staying innn... a few places. Wherever is opportune. A nice crypt. Mayybe a few dumpsters. I'm very good at it."

(@gothamghostwhispers)

[gothamghostwhispers]

Hearing this, Artem makes deliberate prolonged eye contact with Sam while sipping their drink. Attempting to have a silent conversation with their cousin about what they should do about this situation while vaguely wishing they had their daughters ability to communicate telepathically

“That’s…. I’m not going to lie thats concerning Danny, Gotham is a rather dangerous place to be homeless”

[garden0fpoison]

Ah how she wishes she could have mind reading as a power instead of magic right now...

At least Sam didn't need that to understand they were asking for her opinion. Gotham wasn't exactly known to be the safest city to be homeless in, even more considering the usual gang fights.

"Mm, Artem is right. Would you like to have a sleepover in my house? For old time's sake maybe, I have a spare room in my house"

She wasn't sure if Danny would even be ok with one night, was she even actually capable of this?-

( @doubledeadboy )

[doubledeadboy]

Danny had already opened his mouth to defend himself against Artem's concern when not-his-Sam started talking, and he snapped it shut.

He'd been hoping he could dodge staying in a manor, even if it belonged to someone seemingly trustworthy like Artem, but Sam accepting him this easily felt too good to be true somehow.

"I mean, I- you don't even know me, I'm not.. this world's Danny, you know? I can manage. I'm not dead yet."

Despite the turmoil, he couldn't help glancing at Sam, hoping for a laugh at the death joke.

(@gothamghostwhispers)

[gothamghostwhispers]

Artem subtly nods in approval at Sam’s offer and mentally notes that they should offer their assistance later, having a kid live with you full time was a very different experience from taking care of one occasionally. Don’t want to make that kind of offer in front of Danny though cause he seems like the kind of person that would not take up an offer for help if he thought it was inconveniencing someone. The boys current ramble only solidifies this opinion

( @garden0fpoison )

[garden0fpoison]

Sam raised an eyebrow at Danny, sighing as she sat down.

"As funny as the irony of that joke is, Gotham is not exactly safe at night Danny. Not for you nor my Danny"

What could she do to convince him? She needed to think fast-

Sam then got an idea.

"My house is relatively close to an observatory, I could take you there if you want after my shift ends"

( @doubledeadboy )

[doubledeadboy]

That gets his attention easily, and he perked up.

"Wait, there's an observatory here?! How do they see past the cloud cover? It hasn't lifted once, I can't see this being an attractive place for astronomers, unless it's, like.. maybe it'd be popular for environmentalists, if they're dedicated enough, to show how badly concealed the sky is by smog. Or, how frequently it's that polluted. It's lucky for Batman, though, I don't think the Batsignal would work without all the clouds."

He paused to take a breath and a drink of the cool water, and seemed to notice he'd gotten started rambling again.

"..Uh, I mean, that sounds.. really nice. I guess I can stay for one night, if you're really sure it's not too much trouble."

(@gothamghostwhispers)

[gothamghostwhispers]

Artem smiles, happy to know the boy would be safe for the night at least. Though they are rather confident that their cousin can out stubborn the teen later and get him to stay longer

“Clouds are a pretty big issue for them but it’s Wayne funded to they developed some work arounds. I believe they measure different wavelengths of light when theres cloud cover?”

( @garden0fpoison )

[garden0fpoison]

"I'm no expert to be fair, but I guess it's something like that. If there is enough technology for heroes to have a clubhouse in space, I think there could be something done to see stars in Gotham"

Could she bribe him with those glowing stars for the room he could stay in?

"And of course it's no problem Danny, it's not like I had much to do tonight anyways. Adult life is boring" Sam joked, mentally going through a check list to see if she would need to buy something else for Danny to eat.

She wouldn't force him to eat something he didn't like, she wasn't 15 anymore.

( @doubledeadboy )

[doubledeadboy]

Danny snickered, and took another long drink from his water. It'd been hot today, which for him meant a lot of sitting around, nabbing those tiny paper cups of water from the library just rarely enough not to get kicked out, and overall baking. He's pretty sure he would've been willing to kill a man for a glass of cold, fresh water.

"Oh, yeah, having a stable job and inalienable personal autonomy has to suuck. Thanks, though, it'll be nice to relax for a bit."

He falls quiet for a beat, then looks over at her again, curious.

"How old are you? Definitely not sixteen."

(@gothamghostwhispers)

[gothamghostwhispers]

Danny's sitting on a gargoyle, looking out over the city. It's kind of pretty, in a gloomy way, and there's enough ectoplasm in the air he might just stay in this city that the Realms tossed him out to.

He picks another pebble out of a chip in the old stone beast's head, and tosses it out into the street, startling a bit when he accidentally hits someone with it. "Oh- sorry!"

After a beat, though, the scrappy teen leans forward, squinting. He's pretty sure he's seen that hair before. Or at least something about this person.

"..Hey, weird question for you. Have you ever been to Amity Park?"

-@doubledeadboy

“Ah it’s okay, didnt even hurt”

Artem runs a hand through their hair making sure there’s no dirt in it from the pebble. They picked a poor day to not wear a hat but at least they had all their protective charms on so it didn’t hurt.

The question causes them to tilt their head

“Amity…? Yeah I’ve been there a few times, my little cousin and her family have a place there and I used to visit with my mom back when she was still… around.. anyways why do you ask?”

Artem tries to hastily change the subject not wanting to linger on the topic of death with a random teen, redirecting it back to the teen and why he asked them about Amity Park of all places

[doubledeadboy]

"Oh, neat!"

Danny swung around so that he was hanging from the gargoyle's neck by his arms, and then dropped the few feet to the ground, using a pinch of carefully subtle floating to keep himself from falling over.

"I knew I'd seen you somewhere. I'm from Amity. Just came here recently, actually."

[gothamghostwhispers]

Artem momentarily looks alarmed at the teenagers antics, worried that he’d be hurt if the gargoyle was to break under his weight but then they feel something happening. They aren’t sure how to describe it but something supernatural just happened. Maybe the kid has a guardian spirit?

The teen is on the ground and talking to them again before they get a chance to analyze the feeling further

“Interesting choice, what brought you to Gotham?”

[doubledeadboy]

"Oh, I j- uhh-"

Ohh, he should have thought of an alibi beforehand. He can't exactly say Oh, yeah, I took a wrong turn in ghost land and fell out a portal here.

He shifts back and forth on his feet a bit, which he's sure looks incredibly unsuspicious and not at all like he's trying to think of a story on the spot.

"It was theee, uh, ghosts. I figure Batman could probably beat one in a fight."

[gothamghostwhispers]

Artem gives the kid a look as something about his nerves has them doubting his truthfulness, but then again anxiety is very much a thing so they note it mentally but don’t comment. Besides ghosts would explain what they just felt.

“I don’t know how well versed Batman is dealing with ghosts but I might be able to help”

They rustle into a pocket and their hand goes further than should be possible. They pull out a card that seems blank at first before they shake it three times. The card flickers through three different business cards: one for the goonion where Artem is labeled a freelancing hench called Whispers, one seems to be some kind of villain business card under the name Curse Weaver, before finally settling on the Charm Weaver business card.

The card lists Artem as a magic consultant with specialties in protection magic, divination, rescue, and spell breaking. Theres a phone number and email on the card as well.

[doubledeadboy]

"Uh, neat!"

Danny takes the card, if a bit gingerly- you never know when something given by a specialist in ghost problems is going to burn or otherwise attack you when you're dead. He glances over it absently, not really reading it, though the design is nice. "So, you're, like.. a ghost hunter?"

Ooh, that came out a bit more apprehensive than he'd like. Hopefully they didn't catch it. Judging by how easily they seemed to clock his lie, they definitely did.

He resorts to his next instinct, which is of course saying the first thing that pops into his head. "I bet Batman could beat, like, a weak ghost, but probably not a strong one. That, uh.. the red guy, though, he seems like he has some ghost in him, I bet he could just duke it out with one if he had his heart set on it."

[gothamghostwhispers]

Artem visibly grimaces at being called a hunter, the expression accidentally puts their pointed teeth on full display “no, I wouldn’t say that. I can theoretically exercise a ghost since I have a close bond with my patron-”

At the mention of a patron their wedding ring flashes dramatically “-but at the end of the day unless the ghost is actively trying to hurt people or is otherwise malicious it’s generally best to try and help them, either with moving on or in some traditions making sure they’re fed”

They consider his point on Batman

“If he had enough time to research probably but he seems to not like dealing with magic”

[doubledeadboy]

Danny visibly relaxes when he spots the sharp teeth, shoulders loosening and expression opening a bit at that and at the negative reaction to ghost hunting.

"Oh, you're-" He barely refrains from blurting out a delighted remark along the lines of 'oh, you're weird', hastily redirecting the sentence. "-uh, like, a warlock? That's awesome, most of the ghost hunt- or, uh, dealing-with-ghost-problem people?- I meet are more, like," He waves his hands dramatically and lifts them above his hands like he's playing a boogeyman in a cheap movie, " 'raaaah destroy them all let's vivisect them' types y'know?"

He thought for a minute, pausing to take a breath and process their other comment. "Yeah, you're probably right, he'd just call someone else to deal with them. Would be crazy to see Superman or someone like that possessed."

[gothamghostwhispers]

The casual manner in which the teen brings up vivisection deeply concerns Artem. What has this child seen…

“That seems like an incredibly cruel stance to take on sentient beings… but yes, I am a Warlock. Started out as just a witch through my folk lore and later occult studies but then I fell in love with my wonderful spouse and our marriage counted as a magic pact so now I’m both.”

They smile softly at their ring letting themselves get lost in the memory, their freckles start to glow a light blue as they think back to the joy of that moment, the glowing is cut short when the conversation starts again.

“That sounds like a disaster if the ghost is malicious. I agree that Batman would probably call in an expert of some kind in that case, after all what’s the point of having a big team if you don’t occasionally reach out when someone else’s specialty pops up”

[doubledeadboy]

"Yeaah, that's small towns for ya, I guess."

He shrugs, glancing away for a second before setting himself back on track.

"Oh, congrats! That's gotta be one of the nicest origin stories I've heard. How long have you been married?" He asks, looking at the wedding ring. He doesn't comment on the glowing freckles, though it puts him at ease to be talking with what he assumes is a fellow meta or meta-adjacent person.

[gothamghostwhispers]

Artem decides to not comment on how the size of a town shouldnt affect the morality of its citizens. Both because it’s not their place and because they’re well aware that smaller communities are easily influenced into more extreme views.

“Two years now- our anniversary was in may- though honestly it feels like weve been together much longer then that with everything that’s happened in that time”

The ring radiates a rather intense protective aura, more so then any of the other charms that they’re wearing

[doubledeadboy]

"Wow, you can smell the magic coming off that thing! It's pretty powerful, huh?"

He notes, impressed.

He's quiet for a second, but lingers trying to think of a conversation topic- his core likes the magic coming off this person, it's not ectoplasm but it still feels much nicer to absorb than most of the stale stuff lingering around the city.

"So, youu.. mentioned you have a cousin in Amity? I had- uh, I have some friends there, maybe I know them."

[gothamghostwhispers]

“I suppose it is, it’s a fairies ring that symbolizes a multiple lifetime commitment, a binding promise”

The boy could feel the magic then, interesting. Must have some kind of Sense or Gift, would explain the potential guardian they felt earlier.

“Oh yes! My little cousin Sam, though I suppose she’s getting quite big now”

They pull out their phone to show him most recent picture the two had taken where it’s obvious Sam is taller than Artem.

[doubledeadboy]

"Oh! Sam Manson?"

He looks at the picture and falls quiet for a long second, swallowing a couple times in a stubborn attempt to not cry. Sam is here. His friends are here, in this dimension, but Sam is different. It's not his Sam.

Do not cry in front of the nice magic person. Do not.

"..Yeah. I, uh, I knew her. It-"

He pauses. Presses his hands to his eyes for a second and then shoves it all back down.

"..Sorry, uh, more homesick than I thought, I guess. I know Sam, but it's, uh.. been a while, she looks different than I remember."

[gothamghostwhispers]

Oh poor kiddo… hes trying so hard to not cry…must really be homesick. Where are his parents?

“Yep, my mom and her dad were siblings, and I still live in the Bristol Manson manor with my spouse, my girlfriend, and our various kiddos…. Sam doesnt live with us but she is in town, she works at La Gótica Haven, maybe visiting them could help?”

Artem had some time to kill maybe they could help the kid out, the haven isn’t too far from here

[doubledeadboy]

"Ah, rich person with a manor full of children. Not suspicious at all," he mutters under his breath, mostly just trying to pull himself together with humor.

"She's here? That- I mean, um-"

That idea scares him more than he expected. What if she notices he's different immediately and- or what if she doesn't notice and then he's just lying to her and then she finds him out and hates him-

...He misses his friends so much.

He replies before he can talk himself out of it, though he's sure his nerves are audible in his voice. "..Yeah. That.. sounds nice."

[gothamghostwhispers]

Artem can’t even argue the muttered point, they are a rich person with a manor full of their many many adoptive children. They could probably point out their spouses fae instincts in regards to gathering so many, or how the children adopt one another as siblings more then they actually adopt the kids directly but.. regardless of how they’ve entered their life the amount of children they’ve adopted likely does qualify as suspicious.

“Yeah she moved here to study Journalism, and probably to get away from Aunt Pam and Uncle Jeremy. They’re a bit overbearing sometimes”

As the boy agrees they nod, choosing to not commenting on the internal debate the offer seemed to bring forth

“Shouldnt be too far follow me”

[doubledeadboy]

"Cool. Uh, yeah."

He takes a breath in, and pushes it out, though it doesn't help much with the tangle in his chest. He is.. nervous, and sad, and antsy, and the feeling naming exercise that Jazz taught him is not at all working. So, he's just going to not think about it. Because that works great.

He tucks his hands into his pockets and follows his new probably-not-creepy friend. Of course, Danny being anxious and being, well, Danny, he's running his mouth before he realizes he's even talking.

"Does she ever talk about, uh, a kid named Tucker? D'you know if he's okay? Actually, does she ever talk about me? It, uh, it's been a while, y'know, and I just, feel like I'm gonna be different from what she knows? I don't want to lose her. I just have her and Tuck, y'know, and I really miss them, but I don't know what to really expect."

[gothamghostwhispers]

“Tucker… yeah that name has come up before last I heard he has an internship at Star Labs.”

Listening to the younger boy’s distressed ramble it starts to dawn on them who this kid might be. Outside of Tucker, Sam has one other best friend but Danny is older than this kid.. hes got multiple kids that Sam is the proud godparent of… something is happening…. more multiverse shenanigans? Or perhaps an anons deaging people again… best to confirm the name first they suppose

“I’d tell you what shes told me but I still don’t know your name”

[doubledeadboy]

"Oh! Right, sorry. I forgot. My name's Danie- uh, Danny. Not Daniel, don't call me that."

He's still rambling, though his train of thought gor cut off and started over.

"Star Labs? That's pretty neat! Sounds like they'd make space stuff. I really like space, but I doubt I'd be able to go. It's pretty hard to be selected as an astronaut, and I don't think neurodivergent astronauts are really a thing. Which, I think an autistic astronaut would kick ass, especially if they had time to get adjusted to the schedule, though I don't know how sensory friendly-"

He cuts himself off, hands burrowing as deep as they can go into his pockets. He's noticeably quieter after that.

"-Uh, sorry, I'm rambling. It hapens when I get nervous, I didn't mean to be, uh, rude or anything."

[gothamghostwhispers]

Well. That confirms their suspicions … now to figure out why this Danny is so much younger than the one they know about… though perhaps they should leave the figuring out to their cousin since she would know the young man better and have an easier time puzzling things out…

“No need to be sorry Danny, a good ramble helps make the walk feel shorter, was an interesting ramble anyways. I’ve always loved space even though the stars are mean to me. If Gotham wasn’t so cloudy I’d probably go star gazing every night”

The cafe comes into view

[doubledeadboy]

"Yeah. I love the stars, always have. I want to work at NASA when I'm older if I can. I kinda miss the clear skies in Amity, but I don't really miss, uh.. everything else about Amity."

He's pretty sure he shouldn't trust this person as much as he does, and he doesn't know what to attribute it to other than good vibes. He's almost certain it's not a spell, he'd have noticed, but he's got to keep his guard up anyway.

He looks up at the café. La.. uh, something.. Haven. That's the one Sam is in, right? He pushes down the nerves that are bubbling in his chest, picking up the pace slightly.

"This is the place, right?"

[gothamghostwhispers]

“Yep, this is the place”

Before they open the door they take a moment to reassure the nervous teen. They wonder what exactly is making the kid so nervous but it probably has something to do with whatever brought the boy to Gotham

“I’m sure she’ll be happy to see you Danny, everything’s going to be okay”

With that they open the door and hold it open for Danny

[ @garden0fpoison ]

[garden0fpoison]

The place was... Too Sam, for a lack of another word. She was in the register, usually clients came at more specific hours (when the sun wasn't unbearable for them, even if there was barely any sun in Gotham) but Sam still kept the place open just in case.

She turned to see Artem, about to greet them before she noticed a boy that seemed too familiar to her.

Suddenly she was in the lab again, watching Danny die for the first time without being able to say or do anything to stop it.

She shook her head, she had grown up after all. She could handle this, even if Danny felt different. He didn't feel the same way he usually felt, no bond or anything she could feel from him.

Oh for the Ancient's sake, what happened? Was her friend's luck a constant in all universes?

"Oh hi Artem, good to see you again" Sam was happy to see them again, though her confusion was slightly obvious.

She looked down at Danny, exactly how she remembered him. She leaned down a little, trying not to fumble this.

"Hey Danny, it's-... been a while"

( @doubledeadboy )

[doubledeadboy]

"I- I.. uh, hi."

Danny blinked. Blinked a couple more times. Decidedly did not cry.

He was so relieved to see Sam. Even if she was.. definitely older than the Sam in his dimension. He probably should've expected it.

"..So, I'm not, um.. your Danny, I don't think. I can explain it, it's just- just a whole thing. Are.."

He waved vaguely in Artem's direction, swallowing his emotions. He had shit to deal with, and he didn't want to embarass himself in front of people who didn't technically know him.

"They're, uh.. chill, right? They seem cool."

(@gothamghostwhispers)

[gothamghostwhispers]

Ah, multiversal shenanigans then. They’re a little surprised that he came out and just said it like that. Most people tend to hide when they’re from another world after all.

“I like to think I’m chill, though I think cool might be a bit of a stretch as I’m a bit of a nerd” they joke.

With everyone inside the cafe they release their hold on the door and turn their attention to their confused cousin.

“Hi Sam, good to see you too, I see you noticed Danny. Found him dangling from a gargoyle earlier”

[ @garden0fpoison ]

[garden0fpoison]

She wanted to be surprised, genuinely. She wasn't, unfortunately.

"How surprising, I am astonished" Sam deadpanned with a little bit of sarcasm in his tone, with a teasing smirk.

It was a bit nostalgic, really. She didn't see her friend a lot, mostly seeing his children instead.

"And don't worry Danny, I promise Artem is the nicest person I know. It's not the first time we deal with multiversal things anyways" she shrugged, before signaling the duo to follow her to the coffee bar.

"Do any of you want anything?"

( @doubledeadboy )

[doubledeadboy]

"Uh, just.. water, if that's okay."

Danny glances around the area and then follows her, sitting down at the bar.

"I got lost in the Realms, running from, uh, a lot of shit, I guess. There was a portal that seemed like it led back to Amity or.. somewhere in my world, but it dropped me here. I.. think it's a different dimension. I've kind of just been.. surviving since, but I- I don't think I want to go back if I don't have to."

He let out a huff of air and accepted the cup of water once it was handed to him, taking a sip.

"Thanks. When, uh, Artem-?" He glanced over to make sure the name was right before continuing.

"When Artem told me you were here, I just.. didn't really know where else to go, I guess."

(@gothamghostwhispers)

[gothamghostwhispers]

With the prompt from their cousin they follow deeper into the shop, taking a seat next to Danny

“I’ll take a mocha with oat milk please”

Their cousin probably knows their order pretty well by now with how often they visit but as it’s not polite to assume such so they say the full thing just like always.

The story Danny weaves lines up with what they had expected, though the not wanting to return was not expected at all. Most people who’ve unintentionally world walked are very eager to get back home.

They make sure to nod to Danny to confirm their name, though they do so a little distractedly as they process what’s being said

“Where have you been staying since youve arrived?“

[ @garden0fpoison ]

[garden0fpoison]

Sam practically made the drink without looking, already knowing the recipe by heart and the exact amount of matcha they liked with their usual order.

She handled Danny a glass of water with metal straw that had a small Saturn as a decoration, not commenting and waiting for his response to her cousin's question.

( @doubledeadboy )

[doubledeadboy]

He grinned a bit when he noticed the saturn straw, childishly spinning it around a couple times before taking a long, drawn-out sip to avoid answering Artem's question.

"I have, uh, been staying innn... a few places. Wherever is opportune. A nice crypt. Mayybe a few dumpsters. I'm very good at it."

(@gothamghostwhispers)

[gothamghostwhispers]

Hearing this, Artem makes deliberate prolonged eye contact with Sam while sipping their drink. Attempting to have a silent conversation with their cousin about what they should do about this situation while vaguely wishing they had their daughters ability to communicate telepathically

“That’s…. I’m not going to lie thats concerning Danny, Gotham is a rather dangerous place to be homeless”

[garden0fpoison]

Ah how she wishes she could have mind reading as a power instead of magic right now...

At least Sam didn't need that to understand they were asking for her opinion. Gotham wasn't exactly known to be the safest city to be homeless in, even more considering the usual gang fights.

"Mm, Artem is right. Would you like to have a sleepover in my house? For old time's sake maybe, I have a spare room in my house"

She wasn't sure if Danny would even be ok with one night, was she even actually capable of this?-

( @doubledeadboy )

[doubledeadboy]

Danny had already opened his mouth to defend himself against Artem's concern when not-his-Sam started talking, and he snapped it shut.

He'd been hoping he could dodge staying in a manor, even if it belonged to someone seemingly trustworthy like Artem, but Sam accepting him this easily felt too good to be true somehow.

"I mean, I- you don't even know me, I'm not.. this world's Danny, you know? I can manage. I'm not dead yet."

Despite the turmoil, he couldn't help glancing at Sam, hoping for a laugh at the death joke.

(@gothamghostwhispers)

[gothamghostwhispers]

Artem subtly nods in approval at Sam’s offer and mentally notes that they should offer their assistance later, having a kid live with you full time was a very different experience from taking care of one occasionally. Don’t want to make that kind of offer in front of Danny though cause he seems like the kind of person that would not take up an offer for help if he thought it was inconveniencing someone. The boys current ramble only solidifies this opinion

( @garden0fpoison )

[garden0fpoison]

Sam raised an eyebrow at Danny, sighing as she sat down.

"As funny as the irony of that joke is, Gotham is not exactly safe at night Danny. Not for you nor my Danny"

What could she do to convince him? She needed to think fast-

Sam then got an idea.

"My house is relatively close to an observatory, I could take you there if you want after my shift ends"

( @doubledeadboy )

[doubledeadboy]

That gets his attention easily, and he perked up.

"Wait, there's an observatory here?! How do they see past the cloud cover? It hasn't lifted once, I can't see this being an attractive place for astronomers, unless it's, like.. maybe it'd be popular for environmentalists, if they're dedicated enough, to show how badly concealed the sky is by smog. Or, how frequently it's that polluted. It's lucky for Batman, though, I don't think the Batsignal would work without all the clouds."

He paused to take a breath and a drink of the cool water, and seemed to notice he'd gotten started rambling again.

"..Uh, I mean, that sounds.. really nice. I guess I can stay for one night, if you're really sure it's not too much trouble."

(@gothamghostwhispers)

[periodic-counsel]

technically didnt finish before midnight oh well

[gothamghostwhispers]

Danny's sitting on a gargoyle, looking out over the city. It's kind of pretty, in a gloomy way, and there's enough ectoplasm in the air he might just stay in this city that the Realms tossed him out to.

He picks another pebble out of a chip in the old stone beast's head, and tosses it out into the street, startling a bit when he accidentally hits someone with it. "Oh- sorry!"

After a beat, though, the scrappy teen leans forward, squinting. He's pretty sure he's seen that hair before. Or at least something about this person.

"..Hey, weird question for you. Have you ever been to Amity Park?"

-@doubledeadboy

“Ah it’s okay, didnt even hurt”

Artem runs a hand through their hair making sure there’s no dirt in it from the pebble. They picked a poor day to not wear a hat but at least they had all their protective charms on so it didn’t hurt.

The question causes them to tilt their head

“Amity…? Yeah I’ve been there a few times, my little cousin and her family have a place there and I used to visit with my mom back when she was still… around.. anyways why do you ask?”

Artem tries to hastily change the subject not wanting to linger on the topic of death with a random teen, redirecting it back to the teen and why he asked them about Amity Park of all places

[doubledeadboy]

"Oh, neat!"

Danny swung around so that he was hanging from the gargoyle's neck by his arms, and then dropped the few feet to the ground, using a pinch of carefully subtle floating to keep himself from falling over.

"I knew I'd seen you somewhere. I'm from Amity. Just came here recently, actually."

[gothamghostwhispers]

Artem momentarily looks alarmed at the teenagers antics, worried that he’d be hurt if the gargoyle was to break under his weight but then they feel something happening. They aren’t sure how to describe it but something supernatural just happened. Maybe the kid has a guardian spirit?

The teen is on the ground and talking to them again before they get a chance to analyze the feeling further

“Interesting choice, what brought you to Gotham?”

[doubledeadboy]

"Oh, I j- uhh-"

Ohh, he should have thought of an alibi beforehand. He can't exactly say Oh, yeah, I took a wrong turn in ghost land and fell out a portal here.

He shifts back and forth on his feet a bit, which he's sure looks incredibly unsuspicious and not at all like he's trying to think of a story on the spot.

"It was theee, uh, ghosts. I figure Batman could probably beat one in a fight."

[gothamghostwhispers]

Artem gives the kid a look as something about his nerves has them doubting his truthfulness, but then again anxiety is very much a thing so they note it mentally but don’t comment. Besides ghosts would explain what they just felt.

“I don’t know how well versed Batman is dealing with ghosts but I might be able to help”

They rustle into a pocket and their hand goes further than should be possible. They pull out a card that seems blank at first before they shake it three times. The card flickers through three different business cards: one for the goonion where Artem is labeled a freelancing hench called Whispers, one seems to be some kind of villain business card under the name Curse Weaver, before finally settling on the Charm Weaver business card.

The card lists Artem as a magic consultant with specialties in protection magic, divination, rescue, and spell breaking. Theres a phone number and email on the card as well.

[doubledeadboy]

"Uh, neat!"

Danny takes the card, if a bit gingerly- you never know when something given by a specialist in ghost problems is going to burn or otherwise attack you when you're dead. He glances over it absently, not really reading it, though the design is nice. "So, you're, like.. a ghost hunter?"

Ooh, that came out a bit more apprehensive than he'd like. Hopefully they didn't catch it. Judging by how easily they seemed to clock his lie, they definitely did.

He resorts to his next instinct, which is of course saying the first thing that pops into his head. "I bet Batman could beat, like, a weak ghost, but probably not a strong one. That, uh.. the red guy, though, he seems like he has some ghost in him, I bet he could just duke it out with one if he had his heart set on it."

[gothamghostwhispers]

Artem visibly grimaces at being called a hunter, the expression accidentally puts their pointed teeth on full display “no, I wouldn’t say that. I can theoretically exercise a ghost since I have a close bond with my patron-”

At the mention of a patron their wedding ring flashes dramatically “-but at the end of the day unless the ghost is actively trying to hurt people or is otherwise malicious it’s generally best to try and help them, either with moving on or in some traditions making sure they’re fed”

They consider his point on Batman

“If he had enough time to research probably but he seems to not like dealing with magic”

[doubledeadboy]

Danny visibly relaxes when he spots the sharp teeth, shoulders loosening and expression opening a bit at that and at the negative reaction to ghost hunting.

"Oh, you're-" He barely refrains from blurting out a delighted remark along the lines of 'oh, you're weird', hastily redirecting the sentence. "-uh, like, a warlock? That's awesome, most of the ghost hunt- or, uh, dealing-with-ghost-problem people?- I meet are more, like," He waves his hands dramatically and lifts them above his hands like he's playing a boogeyman in a cheap movie, " 'raaaah destroy them all let's vivisect them' types y'know?"

He thought for a minute, pausing to take a breath and process their other comment. "Yeah, you're probably right, he'd just call someone else to deal with them. Would be crazy to see Superman or someone like that possessed."

[gothamghostwhispers]

The casual manner in which the teen brings up vivisection deeply concerns Artem. What has this child seen…

“That seems like an incredibly cruel stance to take on sentient beings… but yes, I am a Warlock. Started out as just a witch through my folk lore and later occult studies but then I fell in love with my wonderful spouse and our marriage counted as a magic pact so now I’m both.”

They smile softly at their ring letting themselves get lost in the memory, their freckles start to glow a light blue as they think back to the joy of that moment, the glowing is cut short when the conversation starts again.

“That sounds like a disaster if the ghost is malicious. I agree that Batman would probably call in an expert of some kind in that case, after all what’s the point of having a big team if you don’t occasionally reach out when someone else’s specialty pops up”

[doubledeadboy]

"Yeaah, that's small towns for ya, I guess."

He shrugs, glancing away for a second before setting himself back on track.

"Oh, congrats! That's gotta be one of the nicest origin stories I've heard. How long have you been married?" He asks, looking at the wedding ring. He doesn't comment on the glowing freckles, though it puts him at ease to be talking with what he assumes is a fellow meta or meta-adjacent person.

[gothamghostwhispers]

Artem decides to not comment on how the size of a town shouldnt affect the morality of its citizens. Both because it’s not their place and because they’re well aware that smaller communities are easily influenced into more extreme views.

“Two years now- our anniversary was in may- though honestly it feels like weve been together much longer then that with everything that’s happened in that time”

The ring radiates a rather intense protective aura, more so then any of the other charms that they’re wearing

[doubledeadboy]

"Wow, you can smell the magic coming off that thing! It's pretty powerful, huh?"

He notes, impressed.

He's quiet for a second, but lingers trying to think of a conversation topic- his core likes the magic coming off this person, it's not ectoplasm but it still feels much nicer to absorb than most of the stale stuff lingering around the city.

"So, youu.. mentioned you have a cousin in Amity? I had- uh, I have some friends there, maybe I know them."

[gothamghostwhispers]

“I suppose it is, it’s a fairies ring that symbolizes a multiple lifetime commitment, a binding promise”

The boy could feel the magic then, interesting. Must have some kind of Sense or Gift, would explain the potential guardian they felt earlier.

“Oh yes! My little cousin Sam, though I suppose she’s getting quite big now”

They pull out their phone to show him most recent picture the two had taken where it’s obvious Sam is taller than Artem.

[doubledeadboy]

"Oh! Sam Manson?"

He looks at the picture and falls quiet for a long second, swallowing a couple times in a stubborn attempt to not cry. Sam is here. His friends are here, in this dimension, but Sam is different. It's not his Sam.

Do not cry in front of the nice magic person. Do not.

"..Yeah. I, uh, I knew her. It-"

He pauses. Presses his hands to his eyes for a second and then shoves it all back down.

"..Sorry, uh, more homesick than I thought, I guess. I know Sam, but it's, uh.. been a while, she looks different than I remember."

[gothamghostwhispers]

Oh poor kiddo… hes trying so hard to not cry…must really be homesick. Where are his parents?

“Yep, my mom and her dad were siblings, and I still live in the Bristol Manson manor with my spouse, my girlfriend, and our various kiddos…. Sam doesnt live with us but she is in town, she works at La Gótica Haven, maybe visiting them could help?”

Artem had some time to kill maybe they could help the kid out, the haven isn’t too far from here

[doubledeadboy]

"Ah, rich person with a manor full of children. Not suspicious at all," he mutters under his breath, mostly just trying to pull himself together with humor.

"She's here? That- I mean, um-"

That idea scares him more than he expected. What if she notices he's different immediately and- or what if she doesn't notice and then he's just lying to her and then she finds him out and hates him-

...He misses his friends so much.

He replies before he can talk himself out of it, though he's sure his nerves are audible in his voice. "..Yeah. That.. sounds nice."

[gothamghostwhispers]

Artem can’t even argue the muttered point, they are a rich person with a manor full of their many many adoptive children. They could probably point out their spouses fae instincts in regards to gathering so many, or how the children adopt one another as siblings more then they actually adopt the kids directly but.. regardless of how they’ve entered their life the amount of children they’ve adopted likely does qualify as suspicious.

“Yeah she moved here to study Journalism, and probably to get away from Aunt Pam and Uncle Jeremy. They’re a bit overbearing sometimes”

As the boy agrees they nod, choosing to not commenting on the internal debate the offer seemed to bring forth

“Shouldnt be too far follow me”

[doubledeadboy]

"Cool. Uh, yeah."

He takes a breath in, and pushes it out, though it doesn't help much with the tangle in his chest. He is.. nervous, and sad, and antsy, and the feeling naming exercise that Jazz taught him is not at all working. So, he's just going to not think about it. Because that works great.

He tucks his hands into his pockets and follows his new probably-not-creepy friend. Of course, Danny being anxious and being, well, Danny, he's running his mouth before he realizes he's even talking.

"Does she ever talk about, uh, a kid named Tucker? D'you know if he's okay? Actually, does she ever talk about me? It, uh, it's been a while, y'know, and I just, feel like I'm gonna be different from what she knows? I don't want to lose her. I just have her and Tuck, y'know, and I really miss them, but I don't know what to really expect."

[gothamghostwhispers]

“Tucker… yeah that name has come up before last I heard he has an internship at Star Labs.”

Listening to the younger boy’s distressed ramble it starts to dawn on them who this kid might be. Outside of Tucker, Sam has one other best friend but Danny is older than this kid.. hes got multiple kids that Sam is the proud godparent of… something is happening…. more multiverse shenanigans? Or perhaps an anons deaging people again… best to confirm the name first they suppose

“I’d tell you what shes told me but I still don’t know your name”

[doubledeadboy]

"Oh! Right, sorry. I forgot. My name's Danie- uh, Danny. Not Daniel, don't call me that."

He's still rambling, though his train of thought gor cut off and started over.

"Star Labs? That's pretty neat! Sounds like they'd make space stuff. I really like space, but I doubt I'd be able to go. It's pretty hard to be selected as an astronaut, and I don't think neurodivergent astronauts are really a thing. Which, I think an autistic astronaut would kick ass, especially if they had time to get adjusted to the schedule, though I don't know how sensory friendly-"

He cuts himself off, hands burrowing as deep as they can go into his pockets. He's noticeably quieter after that.

"-Uh, sorry, I'm rambling. It hapens when I get nervous, I didn't mean to be, uh, rude or anything."

[gothamghostwhispers]

Well. That confirms their suspicions … now to figure out why this Danny is so much younger than the one they know about… though perhaps they should leave the figuring out to their cousin since she would know the young man better and have an easier time puzzling things out…

“No need to be sorry Danny, a good ramble helps make the walk feel shorter, was an interesting ramble anyways. I’ve always loved space even though the stars are mean to me. If Gotham wasn’t so cloudy I’d probably go star gazing every night”

The cafe comes into view

[doubledeadboy]

"Yeah. I love the stars, always have. I want to work at NASA when I'm older if I can. I kinda miss the clear skies in Amity, but I don't really miss, uh.. everything else about Amity."

He's pretty sure he shouldn't trust this person as much as he does, and he doesn't know what to attribute it to other than good vibes. He's almost certain it's not a spell, he'd have noticed, but he's got to keep his guard up anyway.

He looks up at the café. La.. uh, something.. Haven. That's the one Sam is in, right? He pushes down the nerves that are bubbling in his chest, picking up the pace slightly.

"This is the place, right?"

[gothamghostwhispers]

“Yep, this is the place”

Before they open the door they take a moment to reassure the nervous teen. They wonder what exactly is making the kid so nervous but it probably has something to do with whatever brought the boy to Gotham

“I’m sure she’ll be happy to see you Danny, everything’s going to be okay”

With that they open the door and hold it open for Danny

[ @garden0fpoison ]

[garden0fpoison]

The place was... Too Sam, for a lack of another word. She was in the register, usually clients came at more specific hours (when the sun wasn't unbearable for them, even if there was barely any sun in Gotham) but Sam still kept the place open just in case.

She turned to see Artem, about to greet them before she noticed a boy that seemed too familiar to her.

Suddenly she was in the lab again, watching Danny die for the first time without being able to say or do anything to stop it.

She shook her head, she had grown up after all. She could handle this, even if Danny felt different. He didn't feel the same way he usually felt, no bond or anything she could feel from him.

Oh for the Ancient's sake, what happened? Was her friend's luck a constant in all universes?

"Oh hi Artem, good to see you again" Sam was happy to see them again, though her confusion was slightly obvious.

She looked down at Danny, exactly how she remembered him. She leaned down a little, trying not to fumble this.

"Hey Danny, it's-... been a while"

( @doubledeadboy )

[doubledeadboy]

"I- I.. uh, hi."

Danny blinked. Blinked a couple more times. Decidedly did not cry.

He was so relieved to see Sam. Even if she was.. definitely older than the Sam in his dimension. He probably should've expected it.

"..So, I'm not, um.. your Danny, I don't think. I can explain it, it's just- just a whole thing. Are.."

He waved vaguely in Artem's direction, swallowing his emotions. He had shit to deal with, and he didn't want to embarass himself in front of people who didn't technically know him.

"They're, uh.. chill, right? They seem cool."

(@gothamghostwhispers)

[gothamghostwhispers]

Ah, multiversal shenanigans then. They’re a little surprised that he came out and just said it like that. Most people tend to hide when they’re from another world after all.

“I like to think I’m chill, though I think cool might be a bit of a stretch as I’m a bit of a nerd” they joke.

With everyone inside the cafe they release their hold on the door and turn their attention to their confused cousin.

“Hi Sam, good to see you too, I see you noticed Danny. Found him dangling from a gargoyle earlier”

[ @garden0fpoison ]

[garden0fpoison]

She wanted to be surprised, genuinely. She wasn't, unfortunately.

"How surprising, I am astonished" Sam deadpanned with a little bit of sarcasm in his tone, with a teasing smirk.

It was a bit nostalgic, really. She didn't see her friend a lot, mostly seeing his children instead.

"And don't worry Danny, I promise Artem is the nicest person I know. It's not the first time we deal with multiversal things anyways" she shrugged, before signaling the duo to follow her to the coffee bar.

"Do any of you want anything?"

( @doubledeadboy )

[doubledeadboy]

"Uh, just.. water, if that's okay."

Danny glances around the area and then follows her, sitting down at the bar.

"I got lost in the Realms, running from, uh, a lot of shit, I guess. There was a portal that seemed like it led back to Amity or.. somewhere in my world, but it dropped me here. I.. think it's a different dimension. I've kind of just been.. surviving since, but I- I don't think I want to go back if I don't have to."

He let out a huff of air and accepted the cup of water once it was handed to him, taking a sip.

"Thanks. When, uh, Artem-?" He glanced over to make sure the name was right before continuing.

"When Artem told me you were here, I just.. didn't really know where else to go, I guess."

(@gothamghostwhispers)

[gothamghostwhispers]

With the prompt from their cousin they follow deeper into the shop, taking a seat next to Danny

“I’ll take a mocha with oat milk please”

Their cousin probably knows their order pretty well by now with how often they visit but as it’s not polite to assume such so they say the full thing just like always.

The story Danny weaves lines up with what they had expected, though the not wanting to return was not expected at all. Most people who’ve unintentionally world walked are very eager to get back home.

They make sure to nod to Danny to confirm their name, though they do so a little distractedly as they process what’s being said

“Where have you been staying since youve arrived?“

[ @garden0fpoison ]

[garden0fpoison]

Sam practically made the drink without looking, already knowing the recipe by heart and the exact amount of matcha they liked with their usual order.

She handled Danny a glass of water with metal straw that had a small Saturn as a decoration, not commenting and waiting for his response to her cousin's question.

( @doubledeadboy )

[doubledeadboy]

He grinned a bit when he noticed the saturn straw, childishly spinning it around a couple times before taking a long, drawn-out sip to avoid answering Artem's question.

"I have, uh, been staying innn... a few places. Wherever is opportune. A nice crypt. Mayybe a few dumpsters. I'm very good at it."

(@gothamghostwhispers)

[gothamghostwhispers]

Hearing this, Artem makes deliberate prolonged eye contact with Sam while sipping their drink. Attempting to have a silent conversation with their cousin about what they should do about this situation while vaguely wishing they had their daughters ability to communicate telepathically

“That’s…. I’m not going to lie thats concerning Danny, Gotham is a rather dangerous place to be homeless”

[garden0fpoison]

Ah how she wishes she could have mind reading as a power instead of magic right now...

At least Sam didn't need that to understand they were asking for her opinion. Gotham wasn't exactly known to be the safest city to be homeless in, even more considering the usual gang fights.

"Mm, Artem is right. Would you like to have a sleepover in my house? For old time's sake maybe, I have a spare room in my house"

She wasn't sure if Danny would even be ok with one night, was she even actually capable of this?-

( @doubledeadboy )

[doubledeadboy]

Danny had already opened his mouth to defend himself against Artem's concern when not-his-Sam started talking, and he snapped it shut.

He'd been hoping he could dodge staying in a manor, even if it belonged to someone seemingly trustworthy like Artem, but Sam accepting him this easily felt too good to be true somehow.

"I mean, I- you don't even know me, I'm not.. this world's Danny, you know? I can manage. I'm not dead yet."

Despite the turmoil, he couldn't help glancing at Sam, hoping for a laugh at the death joke.

(@gothamghostwhispers)

[gothamghostwhispers]

Danny's sitting on a gargoyle, looking out over the city. It's kind of pretty, in a gloomy way, and there's enough ectoplasm in the air he might just stay in this city that the Realms tossed him out to.

He picks another pebble out of a chip in the old stone beast's head, and tosses it out into the street, startling a bit when he accidentally hits someone with it. "Oh- sorry!"

After a beat, though, the scrappy teen leans forward, squinting. He's pretty sure he's seen that hair before. Or at least something about this person.

"..Hey, weird question for you. Have you ever been to Amity Park?"

-@doubledeadboy

“Ah it’s okay, didnt even hurt”

Artem runs a hand through their hair making sure there’s no dirt in it from the pebble. They picked a poor day to not wear a hat but at least they had all their protective charms on so it didn’t hurt.

The question causes them to tilt their head

“Amity…? Yeah I’ve been there a few times, my little cousin and her family have a place there and I used to visit with my mom back when she was still… around.. anyways why do you ask?”

Artem tries to hastily change the subject not wanting to linger on the topic of death with a random teen, redirecting it back to the teen and why he asked them about Amity Park of all places

[doubledeadboy]

"Oh, neat!"

Danny swung around so that he was hanging from the gargoyle's neck by his arms, and then dropped the few feet to the ground, using a pinch of carefully subtle floating to keep himself from falling over.

"I knew I'd seen you somewhere. I'm from Amity. Just came here recently, actually."

[gothamghostwhispers]

Artem momentarily looks alarmed at the teenagers antics, worried that he’d be hurt if the gargoyle was to break under his weight but then they feel something happening. They aren’t sure how to describe it but something supernatural just happened. Maybe the kid has a guardian spirit?

The teen is on the ground and talking to them again before they get a chance to analyze the feeling further

“Interesting choice, what brought you to Gotham?”

[doubledeadboy]

"Oh, I j- uhh-"

Ohh, he should have thought of an alibi beforehand. He can't exactly say Oh, yeah, I took a wrong turn in ghost land and fell out a portal here.

He shifts back and forth on his feet a bit, which he's sure looks incredibly unsuspicious and not at all like he's trying to think of a story on the spot.

"It was theee, uh, ghosts. I figure Batman could probably beat one in a fight."

[gothamghostwhispers]

Artem gives the kid a look as something about his nerves has them doubting his truthfulness, but then again anxiety is very much a thing so they note it mentally but don’t comment. Besides ghosts would explain what they just felt.

“I don’t know how well versed Batman is dealing with ghosts but I might be able to help”

They rustle into a pocket and their hand goes further than should be possible. They pull out a card that seems blank at first before they shake it three times. The card flickers through three different business cards: one for the goonion where Artem is labeled a freelancing hench called Whispers, one seems to be some kind of villain business card under the name Curse Weaver, before finally settling on the Charm Weaver business card.

The card lists Artem as a magic consultant with specialties in protection magic, divination, rescue, and spell breaking. Theres a phone number and email on the card as well.

[doubledeadboy]

"Uh, neat!"

Danny takes the card, if a bit gingerly- you never know when something given by a specialist in ghost problems is going to burn or otherwise attack you when you're dead. He glances over it absently, not really reading it, though the design is nice. "So, you're, like.. a ghost hunter?"

Ooh, that came out a bit more apprehensive than he'd like. Hopefully they didn't catch it. Judging by how easily they seemed to clock his lie, they definitely did.

He resorts to his next instinct, which is of course saying the first thing that pops into his head. "I bet Batman could beat, like, a weak ghost, but probably not a strong one. That, uh.. the red guy, though, he seems like he has some ghost in him, I bet he could just duke it out with one if he had his heart set on it."

[gothamghostwhispers]

Artem visibly grimaces at being called a hunter, the expression accidentally puts their pointed teeth on full display “no, I wouldn’t say that. I can theoretically exercise a ghost since I have a close bond with my patron-”

At the mention of a patron their wedding ring flashes dramatically “-but at the end of the day unless the ghost is actively trying to hurt people or is otherwise malicious it’s generally best to try and help them, either with moving on or in some traditions making sure they’re fed”

They consider his point on Batman

“If he had enough time to research probably but he seems to not like dealing with magic”

[doubledeadboy]

Danny visibly relaxes when he spots the sharp teeth, shoulders loosening and expression opening a bit at that and at the negative reaction to ghost hunting.

"Oh, you're-" He barely refrains from blurting out a delighted remark along the lines of 'oh, you're weird', hastily redirecting the sentence. "-uh, like, a warlock? That's awesome, most of the ghost hunt- or, uh, dealing-with-ghost-problem people?- I meet are more, like," He waves his hands dramatically and lifts them above his hands like he's playing a boogeyman in a cheap movie, " 'raaaah destroy them all let's vivisect them' types y'know?"

He thought for a minute, pausing to take a breath and process their other comment. "Yeah, you're probably right, he'd just call someone else to deal with them. Would be crazy to see Superman or someone like that possessed."

[gothamghostwhispers]

The casual manner in which the teen brings up vivisection deeply concerns Artem. What has this child seen…

“That seems like an incredibly cruel stance to take on sentient beings… but yes, I am a Warlock. Started out as just a witch through my folk lore and later occult studies but then I fell in love with my wonderful spouse and our marriage counted as a magic pact so now I’m both.”

They smile softly at their ring letting themselves get lost in the memory, their freckles start to glow a light blue as they think back to the joy of that moment, the glowing is cut short when the conversation starts again.

“That sounds like a disaster if the ghost is malicious. I agree that Batman would probably call in an expert of some kind in that case, after all what’s the point of having a big team if you don’t occasionally reach out when someone else’s specialty pops up”

[doubledeadboy]

"Yeaah, that's small towns for ya, I guess."

He shrugs, glancing away for a second before setting himself back on track.

"Oh, congrats! That's gotta be one of the nicest origin stories I've heard. How long have you been married?" He asks, looking at the wedding ring. He doesn't comment on the glowing freckles, though it puts him at ease to be talking with what he assumes is a fellow meta or meta-adjacent person.

[gothamghostwhispers]

Artem decides to not comment on how the size of a town shouldnt affect the morality of its citizens. Both because it’s not their place and because they’re well aware that smaller communities are easily influenced into more extreme views.

“Two years now- our anniversary was in may- though honestly it feels like weve been together much longer then that with everything that’s happened in that time”

The ring radiates a rather intense protective aura, more so then any of the other charms that they’re wearing

[doubledeadboy]

"Wow, you can smell the magic coming off that thing! It's pretty powerful, huh?"

He notes, impressed.

He's quiet for a second, but lingers trying to think of a conversation topic- his core likes the magic coming off this person, it's not ectoplasm but it still feels much nicer to absorb than most of the stale stuff lingering around the city.

"So, youu.. mentioned you have a cousin in Amity? I had- uh, I have some friends there, maybe I know them."

[gothamghostwhispers]

“I suppose it is, it’s a fairies ring that symbolizes a multiple lifetime commitment, a binding promise”

The boy could feel the magic then, interesting. Must have some kind of Sense or Gift, would explain the potential guardian they felt earlier.

“Oh yes! My little cousin Sam, though I suppose she’s getting quite big now”

They pull out their phone to show him most recent picture the two had taken where it’s obvious Sam is taller than Artem.

[doubledeadboy]

"Oh! Sam Manson?"

He looks at the picture and falls quiet for a long second, swallowing a couple times in a stubborn attempt to not cry. Sam is here. His friends are here, in this dimension, but Sam is different. It's not his Sam.

Do not cry in front of the nice magic person. Do not.

"..Yeah. I, uh, I knew her. It-"

He pauses. Presses his hands to his eyes for a second and then shoves it all back down.

"..Sorry, uh, more homesick than I thought, I guess. I know Sam, but it's, uh.. been a while, she looks different than I remember."

[gothamghostwhispers]

Oh poor kiddo… hes trying so hard to not cry…must really be homesick. Where are his parents?

“Yep, my mom and her dad were siblings, and I still live in the Bristol Manson manor with my spouse, my girlfriend, and our various kiddos…. Sam doesnt live with us but she is in town, she works at La Gótica Haven, maybe visiting them could help?”

Artem had some time to kill maybe they could help the kid out, the haven isn’t too far from here

[doubledeadboy]

"Ah, rich person with a manor full of children. Not suspicious at all," he mutters under his breath, mostly just trying to pull himself together with humor.

"She's here? That- I mean, um-"

That idea scares him more than he expected. What if she notices he's different immediately and- or what if she doesn't notice and then he's just lying to her and then she finds him out and hates him-

...He misses his friends so much.

He replies before he can talk himself out of it, though he's sure his nerves are audible in his voice. "..Yeah. That.. sounds nice."

[gothamghostwhispers]

Artem can’t even argue the muttered point, they are a rich person with a manor full of their many many adoptive children. They could probably point out their spouses fae instincts in regards to gathering so many, or how the children adopt one another as siblings more then they actually adopt the kids directly but.. regardless of how they’ve entered their life the amount of children they’ve adopted likely does qualify as suspicious.

“Yeah she moved here to study Journalism, and probably to get away from Aunt Pam and Uncle Jeremy. They’re a bit overbearing sometimes”

As the boy agrees they nod, choosing to not commenting on the internal debate the offer seemed to bring forth

“Shouldnt be too far follow me”

[doubledeadboy]

"Cool. Uh, yeah."

He takes a breath in, and pushes it out, though it doesn't help much with the tangle in his chest. He is.. nervous, and sad, and antsy, and the feeling naming exercise that Jazz taught him is not at all working. So, he's just going to not think about it. Because that works great.

He tucks his hands into his pockets and follows his new probably-not-creepy friend. Of course, Danny being anxious and being, well, Danny, he's running his mouth before he realizes he's even talking.

"Does she ever talk about, uh, a kid named Tucker? D'you know if he's okay? Actually, does she ever talk about me? It, uh, it's been a while, y'know, and I just, feel like I'm gonna be different from what she knows? I don't want to lose her. I just have her and Tuck, y'know, and I really miss them, but I don't know what to really expect."

[gothamghostwhispers]

“Tucker… yeah that name has come up before last I heard he has an internship at Star Labs.”

Listening to the younger boy’s distressed ramble it starts to dawn on them who this kid might be. Outside of Tucker, Sam has one other best friend but Danny is older than this kid.. hes got multiple kids that Sam is the proud godparent of… something is happening…. more multiverse shenanigans? Or perhaps an anons deaging people again… best to confirm the name first they suppose

“I’d tell you what shes told me but I still don’t know your name”

[doubledeadboy]

"Oh! Right, sorry. I forgot. My name's Danie- uh, Danny. Not Daniel, don't call me that."

He's still rambling, though his train of thought gor cut off and started over.

"Star Labs? That's pretty neat! Sounds like they'd make space stuff. I really like space, but I doubt I'd be able to go. It's pretty hard to be selected as an astronaut, and I don't think neurodivergent astronauts are really a thing. Which, I think an autistic astronaut would kick ass, especially if they had time to get adjusted to the schedule, though I don't know how sensory friendly-"

He cuts himself off, hands burrowing as deep as they can go into his pockets. He's noticeably quieter after that.

"-Uh, sorry, I'm rambling. It hapens when I get nervous, I didn't mean to be, uh, rude or anything."

[gothamghostwhispers]

Well. That confirms their suspicions … now to figure out why this Danny is so much younger than the one they know about… though perhaps they should leave the figuring out to their cousin since she would know the young man better and have an easier time puzzling things out…

“No need to be sorry Danny, a good ramble helps make the walk feel shorter, was an interesting ramble anyways. I’ve always loved space even though the stars are mean to me. If Gotham wasn’t so cloudy I’d probably go star gazing every night”

The cafe comes into view

[doubledeadboy]

"Yeah. I love the stars, always have. I want to work at NASA when I'm older if I can. I kinda miss the clear skies in Amity, but I don't really miss, uh.. everything else about Amity."

He's pretty sure he shouldn't trust this person as much as he does, and he doesn't know what to attribute it to other than good vibes. He's almost certain it's not a spell, he'd have noticed, but he's got to keep his guard up anyway.

He looks up at the café. La.. uh, something.. Haven. That's the one Sam is in, right? He pushes down the nerves that are bubbling in his chest, picking up the pace slightly.

"This is the place, right?"

[gothamghostwhispers]

“Yep, this is the place”

Before they open the door they take a moment to reassure the nervous teen. They wonder what exactly is making the kid so nervous but it probably has something to do with whatever brought the boy to Gotham

“I’m sure she’ll be happy to see you Danny, everything’s going to be okay”

With that they open the door and hold it open for Danny

[ @garden0fpoison ]

[garden0fpoison]

The place was... Too Sam, for a lack of another word. She was in the register, usually clients came at more specific hours (when the sun wasn't unbearable for them, even if there was barely any sun in Gotham) but Sam still kept the place open just in case.

She turned to see Artem, about to greet them before she noticed a boy that seemed too familiar to her.

Suddenly she was in the lab again, watching Danny die for the first time without being able to say or do anything to stop it.

She shook her head, she had grown up after all. She could handle this, even if Danny felt different. He didn't feel the same way he usually felt, no bond or anything she could feel from him.

Oh for the Ancient's sake, what happened? Was her friend's luck a constant in all universes?

"Oh hi Artem, good to see you again" Sam was happy to see them again, though her confusion was slightly obvious.

She looked down at Danny, exactly how she remembered him. She leaned down a little, trying not to fumble this.

"Hey Danny, it's-... been a while"

( @doubledeadboy )

[doubledeadboy]

"I- I.. uh, hi."

Danny blinked. Blinked a couple more times. Decidedly did not cry.

He was so relieved to see Sam. Even if she was.. definitely older than the Sam in his dimension. He probably should've expected it.

"..So, I'm not, um.. your Danny, I don't think. I can explain it, it's just- just a whole thing. Are.."

He waved vaguely in Artem's direction, swallowing his emotions. He had shit to deal with, and he didn't want to embarass himself in front of people who didn't technically know him.

"They're, uh.. chill, right? They seem cool."

(@gothamghostwhispers)

[gothamghostwhispers]

Ah, multiversal shenanigans then. They’re a little surprised that he came out and just said it like that. Most people tend to hide when they’re from another world after all.

“I like to think I’m chill, though I think cool might be a bit of a stretch as I’m a bit of a nerd” they joke.

With everyone inside the cafe they release their hold on the door and turn their attention to their confused cousin.

“Hi Sam, good to see you too, I see you noticed Danny. Found him dangling from a gargoyle earlier”

[ @garden0fpoison ]

[garden0fpoison]

She wanted to be surprised, genuinely. She wasn't, unfortunately.

"How surprising, I am astonished" Sam deadpanned with a little bit of sarcasm in his tone, with a teasing smirk.

It was a bit nostalgic, really. She didn't see her friend a lot, mostly seeing his children instead.

"And don't worry Danny, I promise Artem is the nicest person I know. It's not the first time we deal with multiversal things anyways" she shrugged, before signaling the duo to follow her to the coffee bar.

"Do any of you want anything?"

( @doubledeadboy )

[doubledeadboy]

"Uh, just.. water, if that's okay."

Danny glances around the area and then follows her, sitting down at the bar.

"I got lost in the Realms, running from, uh, a lot of shit, I guess. There was a portal that seemed like it led back to Amity or.. somewhere in my world, but it dropped me here. I.. think it's a different dimension. I've kind of just been.. surviving since, but I- I don't think I want to go back if I don't have to."

He let out a huff of air and accepted the cup of water once it was handed to him, taking a sip.

"Thanks. When, uh, Artem-?" He glanced over to make sure the name was right before continuing.

"When Artem told me you were here, I just.. didn't really know where else to go, I guess."

(@gothamghostwhispers)

[gothamghostwhispers]

With the prompt from their cousin they follow deeper into the shop, taking a seat next to Danny

“I’ll take a mocha with oat milk please”

Their cousin probably knows their order pretty well by now with how often they visit but as it’s not polite to assume such so they say the full thing just like always.

The story Danny weaves lines up with what they had expected, though the not wanting to return was not expected at all. Most people who’ve unintentionally world walked are very eager to get back home.

They make sure to nod to Danny to confirm their name, though they do so a little distractedly as they process what’s being said

“Where have you been staying since youve arrived?“

[ @garden0fpoison ]

[garden0fpoison]

Sam practically made the drink without looking, already knowing the recipe by heart and the exact amount of matcha they liked with their usual order.

She handled Danny a glass of water with metal straw that had a small Saturn as a decoration, not commenting and waiting for his response to her cousin's question.

( @doubledeadboy )

[doubledeadboy]

He grinned a bit when he noticed the saturn straw, childishly spinning it around a couple times before taking a long, drawn-out sip to avoid answering Artem's question.

"I have, uh, been staying innn... a few places. Wherever is opportune. A nice crypt. Mayybe a few dumpsters. I'm very good at it."

(@gothamghostwhispers)

[gothamghostwhispers]

Danny's sitting on a gargoyle, looking out over the city. It's kind of pretty, in a gloomy way, and there's enough ectoplasm in the air he might just stay in this city that the Realms tossed him out to.

He picks another pebble out of a chip in the old stone beast's head, and tosses it out into the street, startling a bit when he accidentally hits someone with it. "Oh- sorry!"

After a beat, though, the scrappy teen leans forward, squinting. He's pretty sure he's seen that hair before. Or at least something about this person.

"..Hey, weird question for you. Have you ever been to Amity Park?"

-@doubledeadboy

“Ah it’s okay, didnt even hurt”

Artem runs a hand through their hair making sure there’s no dirt in it from the pebble. They picked a poor day to not wear a hat but at least they had all their protective charms on so it didn’t hurt.

The question causes them to tilt their head

“Amity…? Yeah I’ve been there a few times, my little cousin and her family have a place there and I used to visit with my mom back when she was still… around.. anyways why do you ask?”

Artem tries to hastily change the subject not wanting to linger on the topic of death with a random teen, redirecting it back to the teen and why he asked them about Amity Park of all places

[doubledeadboy]

"Oh, neat!"

Danny swung around so that he was hanging from the gargoyle's neck by his arms, and then dropped the few feet to the ground, using a pinch of carefully subtle floating to keep himself from falling over.

"I knew I'd seen you somewhere. I'm from Amity. Just came here recently, actually."

[gothamghostwhispers]

Artem momentarily looks alarmed at the teenagers antics, worried that he’d be hurt if the gargoyle was to break under his weight but then they feel something happening. They aren’t sure how to describe it but something supernatural just happened. Maybe the kid has a guardian spirit?

The teen is on the ground and talking to them again before they get a chance to analyze the feeling further

“Interesting choice, what brought you to Gotham?”

[doubledeadboy]

"Oh, I j- uhh-"

Ohh, he should have thought of an alibi beforehand. He can't exactly say Oh, yeah, I took a wrong turn in ghost land and fell out a portal here.

He shifts back and forth on his feet a bit, which he's sure looks incredibly unsuspicious and not at all like he's trying to think of a story on the spot.

"It was theee, uh, ghosts. I figure Batman could probably beat one in a fight."

[gothamghostwhispers]

Artem gives the kid a look as something about his nerves has them doubting his truthfulness, but then again anxiety is very much a thing so they note it mentally but don’t comment. Besides ghosts would explain what they just felt.

“I don’t know how well versed Batman is dealing with ghosts but I might be able to help”

They rustle into a pocket and their hand goes further than should be possible. They pull out a card that seems blank at first before they shake it three times. The card flickers through three different business cards: one for the goonion where Artem is labeled a freelancing hench called Whispers, one seems to be some kind of villain business card under the name Curse Weaver, before finally settling on the Charm Weaver business card.

The card lists Artem as a magic consultant with specialties in protection magic, divination, rescue, and spell breaking. Theres a phone number and email on the card as well.

[doubledeadboy]

"Uh, neat!"

Danny takes the card, if a bit gingerly- you never know when something given by a specialist in ghost problems is going to burn or otherwise attack you when you're dead. He glances over it absently, not really reading it, though the design is nice. "So, you're, like.. a ghost hunter?"

Ooh, that came out a bit more apprehensive than he'd like. Hopefully they didn't catch it. Judging by how easily they seemed to clock his lie, they definitely did.

He resorts to his next instinct, which is of course saying the first thing that pops into his head. "I bet Batman could beat, like, a weak ghost, but probably not a strong one. That, uh.. the red guy, though, he seems like he has some ghost in him, I bet he could just duke it out with one if he had his heart set on it."

[gothamghostwhispers]

Artem visibly grimaces at being called a hunter, the expression accidentally puts their pointed teeth on full display “no, I wouldn’t say that. I can theoretically exercise a ghost since I have a close bond with my patron-”

At the mention of a patron their wedding ring flashes dramatically “-but at the end of the day unless the ghost is actively trying to hurt people or is otherwise malicious it’s generally best to try and help them, either with moving on or in some traditions making sure they’re fed”

They consider his point on Batman

“If he had enough time to research probably but he seems to not like dealing with magic”

[doubledeadboy]

Danny visibly relaxes when he spots the sharp teeth, shoulders loosening and expression opening a bit at that and at the negative reaction to ghost hunting.

"Oh, you're-" He barely refrains from blurting out a delighted remark along the lines of 'oh, you're weird', hastily redirecting the sentence. "-uh, like, a warlock? That's awesome, most of the ghost hunt- or, uh, dealing-with-ghost-problem people?- I meet are more, like," He waves his hands dramatically and lifts them above his hands like he's playing a boogeyman in a cheap movie, " 'raaaah destroy them all let's vivisect them' types y'know?"

He thought for a minute, pausing to take a breath and process their other comment. "Yeah, you're probably right, he'd just call someone else to deal with them. Would be crazy to see Superman or someone like that possessed."

[gothamghostwhispers]

The casual manner in which the teen brings up vivisection deeply concerns Artem. What has this child seen…

“That seems like an incredibly cruel stance to take on sentient beings… but yes, I am a Warlock. Started out as just a witch through my folk lore and later occult studies but then I fell in love with my wonderful spouse and our marriage counted as a magic pact so now I’m both.”

They smile softly at their ring letting themselves get lost in the memory, their freckles start to glow a light blue as they think back to the joy of that moment, the glowing is cut short when the conversation starts again.

“That sounds like a disaster if the ghost is malicious. I agree that Batman would probably call in an expert of some kind in that case, after all what’s the point of having a big team if you don’t occasionally reach out when someone else’s specialty pops up”

[doubledeadboy]

"Yeaah, that's small towns for ya, I guess."

He shrugs, glancing away for a second before setting himself back on track.

"Oh, congrats! That's gotta be one of the nicest origin stories I've heard. How long have you been married?" He asks, looking at the wedding ring. He doesn't comment on the glowing freckles, though it puts him at ease to be talking with what he assumes is a fellow meta or meta-adjacent person.

[gothamghostwhispers]

Artem decides to not comment on how the size of a town shouldnt affect the morality of its citizens. Both because it’s not their place and because they’re well aware that smaller communities are easily influenced into more extreme views.

“Two years now- our anniversary was in may- though honestly it feels like weve been together much longer then that with everything that’s happened in that time”

The ring radiates a rather intense protective aura, more so then any of the other charms that they’re wearing

[doubledeadboy]

"Wow, you can smell the magic coming off that thing! It's pretty powerful, huh?"

He notes, impressed.

He's quiet for a second, but lingers trying to think of a conversation topic- his core likes the magic coming off this person, it's not ectoplasm but it still feels much nicer to absorb than most of the stale stuff lingering around the city.

"So, youu.. mentioned you have a cousin in Amity? I had- uh, I have some friends there, maybe I know them."

[gothamghostwhispers]

“I suppose it is, it’s a fairies ring that symbolizes a multiple lifetime commitment, a binding promise”

The boy could feel the magic then, interesting. Must have some kind of Sense or Gift, would explain the potential guardian they felt earlier.

“Oh yes! My little cousin Sam, though I suppose she’s getting quite big now”

They pull out their phone to show him most recent picture the two had taken where it’s obvious Sam is taller than Artem.

[doubledeadboy]

"Oh! Sam Manson?"

He looks at the picture and falls quiet for a long second, swallowing a couple times in a stubborn attempt to not cry. Sam is here. His friends are here, in this dimension, but Sam is different. It's not his Sam.

Do not cry in front of the nice magic person. Do not.

"..Yeah. I, uh, I knew her. It-"

He pauses. Presses his hands to his eyes for a second and then shoves it all back down.

"..Sorry, uh, more homesick than I thought, I guess. I know Sam, but it's, uh.. been a while, she looks different than I remember."

[gothamghostwhispers]

Oh poor kiddo… hes trying so hard to not cry…must really be homesick. Where are his parents?

“Yep, my mom and her dad were siblings, and I still live in the Bristol Manson manor with my spouse, my girlfriend, and our various kiddos…. Sam doesnt live with us but she is in town, she works at La Gótica Haven, maybe visiting them could help?”

Artem had some time to kill maybe they could help the kid out, the haven isn’t too far from here

[doubledeadboy]

"Ah, rich person with a manor full of children. Not suspicious at all," he mutters under his breath, mostly just trying to pull himself together with humor.

"She's here? That- I mean, um-"

That idea scares him more than he expected. What if she notices he's different immediately and- or what if she doesn't notice and then he's just lying to her and then she finds him out and hates him-

...He misses his friends so much.

He replies before he can talk himself out of it, though he's sure his nerves are audible in his voice. "..Yeah. That.. sounds nice."

[gothamghostwhispers]

Artem can’t even argue the muttered point, they are a rich person with a manor full of their many many adoptive children. They could probably point out their spouses fae instincts in regards to gathering so many, or how the children adopt one another as siblings more then they actually adopt the kids directly but.. regardless of how they’ve entered their life the amount of children they’ve adopted likely does qualify as suspicious.

“Yeah she moved here to study Journalism, and probably to get away from Aunt Pam and Uncle Jeremy. They’re a bit overbearing sometimes”

As the boy agrees they nod, choosing to not commenting on the internal debate the offer seemed to bring forth

“Shouldnt be too far follow me”

[doubledeadboy]

"Cool. Uh, yeah."

He takes a breath in, and pushes it out, though it doesn't help much with the tangle in his chest. He is.. nervous, and sad, and antsy, and the feeling naming exercise that Jazz taught him is not at all working. So, he's just going to not think about it. Because that works great.

He tucks his hands into his pockets and follows his new probably-not-creepy friend. Of course, Danny being anxious and being, well, Danny, he's running his mouth before he realizes he's even talking.

"Does she ever talk about, uh, a kid named Tucker? D'you know if he's okay? Actually, does she ever talk about me? It, uh, it's been a while, y'know, and I just, feel like I'm gonna be different from what she knows? I don't want to lose her. I just have her and Tuck, y'know, and I really miss them, but I don't know what to really expect."

[gothamghostwhispers]

“Tucker… yeah that name has come up before last I heard he has an internship at Star Labs.”

Listening to the younger boy’s distressed ramble it starts to dawn on them who this kid might be. Outside of Tucker, Sam has one other best friend but Danny is older than this kid.. hes got multiple kids that Sam is the proud godparent of… something is happening…. more multiverse shenanigans? Or perhaps an anons deaging people again… best to confirm the name first they suppose

“I’d tell you what shes told me but I still don’t know your name”

[doubledeadboy]

"Oh! Right, sorry. I forgot. My name's Danie- uh, Danny. Not Daniel, don't call me that."

He's still rambling, though his train of thought gor cut off and started over.

"Star Labs? That's pretty neat! Sounds like they'd make space stuff. I really like space, but I doubt I'd be able to go. It's pretty hard to be selected as an astronaut, and I don't think neurodivergent astronauts are really a thing. Which, I think an autistic astronaut would kick ass, especially if they had time to get adjusted to the schedule, though I don't know how sensory friendly-"

He cuts himself off, hands burrowing as deep as they can go into his pockets. He's noticeably quieter after that.

"-Uh, sorry, I'm rambling. It hapens when I get nervous, I didn't mean to be, uh, rude or anything."

[gothamghostwhispers]

Well. That confirms their suspicions … now to figure out why this Danny is so much younger than the one they know about… though perhaps they should leave the figuring out to their cousin since she would know the young man better and have an easier time puzzling things out…

“No need to be sorry Danny, a good ramble helps make the walk feel shorter, was an interesting ramble anyways. I’ve always loved space even though the stars are mean to me. If Gotham wasn’t so cloudy I’d probably go star gazing every night”

The cafe comes into view

[doubledeadboy]

"Yeah. I love the stars, always have. I want to work at NASA when I'm older if I can. I kinda miss the clear skies in Amity, but I don't really miss, uh.. everything else about Amity."

He's pretty sure he shouldn't trust this person as much as he does, and he doesn't know what to attribute it to other than good vibes. He's almost certain it's not a spell, he'd have noticed, but he's got to keep his guard up anyway.

He looks up at the café. La.. uh, something.. Haven. That's the one Sam is in, right? He pushes down the nerves that are bubbling in his chest, picking up the pace slightly.

"This is the place, right?"

[gothamghostwhispers]

“Yep, this is the place”

Before they open the door they take a moment to reassure the nervous teen. They wonder what exactly is making the kid so nervous but it probably has something to do with whatever brought the boy to Gotham

“I’m sure she’ll be happy to see you Danny, everything’s going to be okay”

With that they open the door and hold it open for Danny

[ @garden0fpoison ]

[garden0fpoison]

The place was... Too Sam, for a lack of another word. She was in the register, usually clients came at more specific hours (when the sun wasn't unbearable for them, even if there was barely any sun in Gotham) but Sam still kept the place open just in case.

She turned to see Artem, about to greet them before she noticed a boy that seemed too familiar to her.

Suddenly she was in the lab again, watching Danny die for the first time without being able to say or do anything to stop it.

She shook her head, she had grown up after all. She could handle this, even if Danny felt different. He didn't feel the same way he usually felt, no bond or anything she could feel from him.

Oh for the Ancient's sake, what happened? Was her friend's luck a constant in all universes?

"Oh hi Artem, good to see you again" Sam was happy to see them again, though her confusion was slightly obvious.

She looked down at Danny, exactly how she remembered him. She leaned down a little, trying not to fumble this.

"Hey Danny, it's-... been a while"

( @doubledeadboy )

[doubledeadboy]

"I- I.. uh, hi."

Danny blinked. Blinked a couple more times. Decidedly did not cry.

He was so relieved to see Sam. Even if she was.. definitely older than the Sam in his dimension. He probably should've expected it.

"..So, I'm not, um.. your Danny, I don't think. I can explain it, it's just- just a whole thing. Are.."

He waved vaguely in Artem's direction, swallowing his emotions. He had shit to deal with, and he didn't want to embarass himself in front of people who didn't technically know him.

"They're, uh.. chill, right? They seem cool."

(@gothamghostwhispers)

[gothamghostwhispers]

Ah, multiversal shenanigans then. They’re a little surprised that he came out and just said it like that. Most people tend to hide when they’re from another world after all.

“I like to think I’m chill, though I think cool might be a bit of a stretch as I’m a bit of a nerd” they joke.

With everyone inside the cafe they release their hold on the door and turn their attention to their confused cousin.

“Hi Sam, good to see you too, I see you noticed Danny. Found him dangling from a gargoyle earlier”

[ @garden0fpoison ]

[garden0fpoison]

She wanted to be surprised, genuinely. She wasn't, unfortunately.

"How surprising, I am astonished" Sam deadpanned with a little bit of sarcasm in his tone, with a teasing smirk.

It was a bit nostalgic, really. She didn't see her friend a lot, mostly seeing his children instead.

"And don't worry Danny, I promise Artem is the nicest person I know. It's not the first time we deal with multiversal things anyways" she shrugged, before signaling the duo to follow her to the coffee bar.

"Do any of you want anything?"

( @doubledeadboy )

[doubledeadboy]

"Uh, just.. water, if that's okay."

Danny glances around the area and then follows her, sitting down at the bar.

"I got lost in the Realms, running from, uh, a lot of shit, I guess. There was a portal that seemed like it led back to Amity or.. somewhere in my world, but it dropped me here. I.. think it's a different dimension. I've kind of just been.. surviving since, but I- I don't think I want to go back if I don't have to."

He let out a huff of air and accepted the cup of water once it was handed to him, taking a sip.

"Thanks. When, uh, Artem-?" He glanced over to make sure the name was right before continuing.

"When Artem told me you were here, I just.. didn't really know where else to go, I guess."

(@gothamghostwhispers)

[gothamghostwhispers]

Danny's sitting on a gargoyle, looking out over the city. It's kind of pretty, in a gloomy way, and there's enough ectoplasm in the air he might just stay in this city that the Realms tossed him out to.

He picks another pebble out of a chip in the old stone beast's head, and tosses it out into the street, startling a bit when he accidentally hits someone with it. "Oh- sorry!"

After a beat, though, the scrappy teen leans forward, squinting. He's pretty sure he's seen that hair before. Or at least something about this person.

"..Hey, weird question for you. Have you ever been to Amity Park?"

-@doubledeadboy

“Ah it’s okay, didnt even hurt”

Artem runs a hand through their hair making sure there’s no dirt in it from the pebble. They picked a poor day to not wear a hat but at least they had all their protective charms on so it didn’t hurt.

The question causes them to tilt their head

“Amity…? Yeah I’ve been there a few times, my little cousin and her family have a place there and I used to visit with my mom back when she was still… around.. anyways why do you ask?”

Artem tries to hastily change the subject not wanting to linger on the topic of death with a random teen, redirecting it back to the teen and why he asked them about Amity Park of all places

[doubledeadboy]

"Oh, neat!"

Danny swung around so that he was hanging from the gargoyle's neck by his arms, and then dropped the few feet to the ground, using a pinch of carefully subtle floating to keep himself from falling over.

"I knew I'd seen you somewhere. I'm from Amity. Just came here recently, actually."

[gothamghostwhispers]

Artem momentarily looks alarmed at the teenagers antics, worried that he’d be hurt if the gargoyle was to break under his weight but then they feel something happening. They aren’t sure how to describe it but something supernatural just happened. Maybe the kid has a guardian spirit?

The teen is on the ground and talking to them again before they get a chance to analyze the feeling further

“Interesting choice, what brought you to Gotham?”

[doubledeadboy]

"Oh, I j- uhh-"

Ohh, he should have thought of an alibi beforehand. He can't exactly say Oh, yeah, I took a wrong turn in ghost land and fell out a portal here.

He shifts back and forth on his feet a bit, which he's sure looks incredibly unsuspicious and not at all like he's trying to think of a story on the spot.

"It was theee, uh, ghosts. I figure Batman could probably beat one in a fight."

[gothamghostwhispers]

Artem gives the kid a look as something about his nerves has them doubting his truthfulness, but then again anxiety is very much a thing so they note it mentally but don’t comment. Besides ghosts would explain what they just felt.

“I don’t know how well versed Batman is dealing with ghosts but I might be able to help”

They rustle into a pocket and their hand goes further than should be possible. They pull out a card that seems blank at first before they shake it three times. The card flickers through three different business cards: one for the goonion where Artem is labeled a freelancing hench called Whispers, one seems to be some kind of villain business card under the name Curse Weaver, before finally settling on the Charm Weaver business card.

The card lists Artem as a magic consultant with specialties in protection magic, divination, rescue, and spell breaking. Theres a phone number and email on the card as well.

[doubledeadboy]

"Uh, neat!"

Danny takes the card, if a bit gingerly- you never know when something given by a specialist in ghost problems is going to burn or otherwise attack you when you're dead. He glances over it absently, not really reading it, though the design is nice. "So, you're, like.. a ghost hunter?"

Ooh, that came out a bit more apprehensive than he'd like. Hopefully they didn't catch it. Judging by how easily they seemed to clock his lie, they definitely did.

He resorts to his next instinct, which is of course saying the first thing that pops into his head. "I bet Batman could beat, like, a weak ghost, but probably not a strong one. That, uh.. the red guy, though, he seems like he has some ghost in him, I bet he could just duke it out with one if he had his heart set on it."

[gothamghostwhispers]

Artem visibly grimaces at being called a hunter, the expression accidentally puts their pointed teeth on full display “no, I wouldn’t say that. I can theoretically exercise a ghost since I have a close bond with my patron-”

At the mention of a patron their wedding ring flashes dramatically “-but at the end of the day unless the ghost is actively trying to hurt people or is otherwise malicious it’s generally best to try and help them, either with moving on or in some traditions making sure they’re fed”

They consider his point on Batman

“If he had enough time to research probably but he seems to not like dealing with magic”

[doubledeadboy]

Danny visibly relaxes when he spots the sharp teeth, shoulders loosening and expression opening a bit at that and at the negative reaction to ghost hunting.

"Oh, you're-" He barely refrains from blurting out a delighted remark along the lines of 'oh, you're weird', hastily redirecting the sentence. "-uh, like, a warlock? That's awesome, most of the ghost hunt- or, uh, dealing-with-ghost-problem people?- I meet are more, like," He waves his hands dramatically and lifts them above his hands like he's playing a boogeyman in a cheap movie, " 'raaaah destroy them all let's vivisect them' types y'know?"

He thought for a minute, pausing to take a breath and process their other comment. "Yeah, you're probably right, he'd just call someone else to deal with them. Would be crazy to see Superman or someone like that possessed."

[gothamghostwhispers]

The casual manner in which the teen brings up vivisection deeply concerns Artem. What has this child seen…

“That seems like an incredibly cruel stance to take on sentient beings… but yes, I am a Warlock. Started out as just a witch through my folk lore and later occult studies but then I fell in love with my wonderful spouse and our marriage counted as a magic pact so now I’m both.”

They smile softly at their ring letting themselves get lost in the memory, their freckles start to glow a light blue as they think back to the joy of that moment, the glowing is cut short when the conversation starts again.

“That sounds like a disaster if the ghost is malicious. I agree that Batman would probably call in an expert of some kind in that case, after all what’s the point of having a big team if you don’t occasionally reach out when someone else’s specialty pops up”

[doubledeadboy]

"Yeaah, that's small towns for ya, I guess."

He shrugs, glancing away for a second before setting himself back on track.

"Oh, congrats! That's gotta be one of the nicest origin stories I've heard. How long have you been married?" He asks, looking at the wedding ring. He doesn't comment on the glowing freckles, though it puts him at ease to be talking with what he assumes is a fellow meta or meta-adjacent person.

[gothamghostwhispers]

Artem decides to not comment on how the size of a town shouldnt affect the morality of its citizens. Both because it’s not their place and because they’re well aware that smaller communities are easily influenced into more extreme views.

“Two years now- our anniversary was in may- though honestly it feels like weve been together much longer then that with everything that’s happened in that time”

The ring radiates a rather intense protective aura, more so then any of the other charms that they’re wearing

[doubledeadboy]

"Wow, you can smell the magic coming off that thing! It's pretty powerful, huh?"

He notes, impressed.

He's quiet for a second, but lingers trying to think of a conversation topic- his core likes the magic coming off this person, it's not ectoplasm but it still feels much nicer to absorb than most of the stale stuff lingering around the city.

"So, youu.. mentioned you have a cousin in Amity? I had- uh, I have some friends there, maybe I know them."

[gothamghostwhispers]

“I suppose it is, it’s a fairies ring that symbolizes a multiple lifetime commitment, a binding promise”

The boy could feel the magic then, interesting. Must have some kind of Sense or Gift, would explain the potential guardian they felt earlier.

“Oh yes! My little cousin Sam, though I suppose she’s getting quite big now”

They pull out their phone to show him most recent picture the two had taken where it’s obvious Sam is taller than Artem.

[doubledeadboy]

"Oh! Sam Manson?"

He looks at the picture and falls quiet for a long second, swallowing a couple times in a stubborn attempt to not cry. Sam is here. His friends are here, in this dimension, but Sam is different. It's not his Sam.

Do not cry in front of the nice magic person. Do not.

"..Yeah. I, uh, I knew her. It-"

He pauses. Presses his hands to his eyes for a second and then shoves it all back down.

"..Sorry, uh, more homesick than I thought, I guess. I know Sam, but it's, uh.. been a while, she looks different than I remember."

[gothamghostwhispers]

Oh poor kiddo… hes trying so hard to not cry…must really be homesick. Where are his parents?

“Yep, my mom and her dad were siblings, and I still live in the Bristol Manson manor with my spouse, my girlfriend, and our various kiddos…. Sam doesnt live with us but she is in town, she works at La Gótica Haven, maybe visiting them could help?”

Artem had some time to kill maybe they could help the kid out, the haven isn’t too far from here

[doubledeadboy]

"Ah, rich person with a manor full of children. Not suspicious at all," he mutters under his breath, mostly just trying to pull himself together with humor.

"She's here? That- I mean, um-"

That idea scares him more than he expected. What if she notices he's different immediately and- or what if she doesn't notice and then he's just lying to her and then she finds him out and hates him-

...He misses his friends so much.

He replies before he can talk himself out of it, though he's sure his nerves are audible in his voice. "..Yeah. That.. sounds nice."

[gothamghostwhispers]

Artem can’t even argue the muttered point, they are a rich person with a manor full of their many many adoptive children. They could probably point out their spouses fae instincts in regards to gathering so many, or how the children adopt one another as siblings more then they actually adopt the kids directly but.. regardless of how they’ve entered their life the amount of children they’ve adopted likely does qualify as suspicious.

“Yeah she moved here to study Journalism, and probably to get away from Aunt Pam and Uncle Jeremy. They’re a bit overbearing sometimes”

As the boy agrees they nod, choosing to not commenting on the internal debate the offer seemed to bring forth

“Shouldnt be too far follow me”

[doubledeadboy]

"Cool. Uh, yeah."

He takes a breath in, and pushes it out, though it doesn't help much with the tangle in his chest. He is.. nervous, and sad, and antsy, and the feeling naming exercise that Jazz taught him is not at all working. So, he's just going to not think about it. Because that works great.

He tucks his hands into his pockets and follows his new probably-not-creepy friend. Of course, Danny being anxious and being, well, Danny, he's running his mouth before he realizes he's even talking.

"Does she ever talk about, uh, a kid named Tucker? D'you know if he's okay? Actually, does she ever talk about me? It, uh, it's been a while, y'know, and I just, feel like I'm gonna be different from what she knows? I don't want to lose her. I just have her and Tuck, y'know, and I really miss them, but I don't know what to really expect."

[gothamghostwhispers]

“Tucker… yeah that name has come up before last I heard he has an internship at Star Labs.”

Listening to the younger boy’s distressed ramble it starts to dawn on them who this kid might be. Outside of Tucker, Sam has one other best friend but Danny is older than this kid.. hes got multiple kids that Sam is the proud godparent of… something is happening…. more multiverse shenanigans? Or perhaps an anons deaging people again… best to confirm the name first they suppose

“I’d tell you what shes told me but I still don’t know your name”

[doubledeadboy]

"Oh! Right, sorry. I forgot. My name's Danie- uh, Danny. Not Daniel, don't call me that."

He's still rambling, though his train of thought gor cut off and started over.

"Star Labs? That's pretty neat! Sounds like they'd make space stuff. I really like space, but I doubt I'd be able to go. It's pretty hard to be selected as an astronaut, and I don't think neurodivergent astronauts are really a thing. Which, I think an autistic astronaut would kick ass, especially if they had time to get adjusted to the schedule, though I don't know how sensory friendly-"

He cuts himself off, hands burrowing as deep as they can go into his pockets. He's noticeably quieter after that.

"-Uh, sorry, I'm rambling. It hapens when I get nervous, I didn't mean to be, uh, rude or anything."

[gothamghostwhispers]

Well. That confirms their suspicions … now to figure out why this Danny is so much younger than the one they know about… though perhaps they should leave the figuring out to their cousin since she would know the young man better and have an easier time puzzling things out…

“No need to be sorry Danny, a good ramble helps make the walk feel shorter, was an interesting ramble anyways. I’ve always loved space even though the stars are mean to me. If Gotham wasn’t so cloudy I’d probably go star gazing every night”

The cafe comes into view

[doubledeadboy]

"Yeah. I love the stars, always have. I want to work at NASA when I'm older if I can. I kinda miss the clear skies in Amity, but I don't really miss, uh.. everything else about Amity."

He's pretty sure he shouldn't trust this person as much as he does, and he doesn't know what to attribute it to other than good vibes. He's almost certain it's not a spell, he'd have noticed, but he's got to keep his guard up anyway.

He looks up at the café. La.. uh, something.. Haven. That's the one Sam is in, right? He pushes down the nerves that are bubbling in his chest, picking up the pace slightly.

"This is the place, right?"

[gothamghostwhispers]

“Yep, this is the place”

Before they open the door they take a moment to reassure the nervous teen. They wonder what exactly is making the kid so nervous but it probably has something to do with whatever brought the boy to Gotham

“I’m sure she’ll be happy to see you Danny, everything’s going to be okay”

With that they open the door and hold it open for Danny

[ @garden0fpoison ]

[garden0fpoison]

The place was... Too Sam, for a lack of another word. She was in the register, usually clients came at more specific hours (when the sun wasn't unbearable for them, even if there was barely any sun in Gotham) but Sam still kept the place open just in case.

She turned to see Artem, about to greet them before she noticed a boy that seemed too familiar to her.

Suddenly she was in the lab again, watching Danny die for the first time without being able to say or do anything to stop it.

She shook her head, she had grown up after all. She could handle this, even if Danny felt different. He didn't feel the same way he usually felt, no bond or anything she could feel from him.

Oh for the Ancient's sake, what happened? Was her friend's luck a constant in all universes?

"Oh hi Artem, good to see you again" Sam was happy to see them again, though her confusion was slightly obvious.

She looked down at Danny, exactly how she remembered him. She leaned down a little, trying not to fumble this.

"Hey Danny, it's-... been a while"

( @doubledeadboy )

[doubledeadboy]

"I- I.. uh, hi."

Danny blinked. Blinked a couple more times. Decidedly did not cry.

He was so relieved to see Sam. Even if she was.. definitely older than the Sam in his dimension. He probably should've expected it.

"..So, I'm not, um.. your Danny, I don't think. I can explain it, it's just- just a whole thing. Are.."

He waved vaguely in Artem's direction, swallowing his emotions. He had shit to deal with, and he didn't want to embarass himself in front of people who didn't technically know him.

"They're, uh.. chill, right? They seem cool."

(@gothamghostwhispers)

[gothamghostwhispers]

Danny's sitting on a gargoyle, looking out over the city. It's kind of pretty, in a gloomy way, and there's enough ectoplasm in the air he might just stay in this city that the Realms tossed him out to.

He picks another pebble out of a chip in the old stone beast's head, and tosses it out into the street, startling a bit when he accidentally hits someone with it. "Oh- sorry!"

After a beat, though, the scrappy teen leans forward, squinting. He's pretty sure he's seen that hair before. Or at least something about this person.

"..Hey, weird question for you. Have you ever been to Amity Park?"

-@doubledeadboy

“Ah it’s okay, didnt even hurt”

Artem runs a hand through their hair making sure there’s no dirt in it from the pebble. They picked a poor day to not wear a hat but at least they had all their protective charms on so it didn’t hurt.

The question causes them to tilt their head

“Amity…? Yeah I’ve been there a few times, my little cousin and her family have a place there and I used to visit with my mom back when she was still… around.. anyways why do you ask?”

Artem tries to hastily change the subject not wanting to linger on the topic of death with a random teen, redirecting it back to the teen and why he asked them about Amity Park of all places

[doubledeadboy]

"Oh, neat!"

Danny swung around so that he was hanging from the gargoyle's neck by his arms, and then dropped the few feet to the ground, using a pinch of carefully subtle floating to keep himself from falling over.

"I knew I'd seen you somewhere. I'm from Amity. Just came here recently, actually."

[gothamghostwhispers]

Artem momentarily looks alarmed at the teenagers antics, worried that he’d be hurt if the gargoyle was to break under his weight but then they feel something happening. They aren’t sure how to describe it but something supernatural just happened. Maybe the kid has a guardian spirit?

The teen is on the ground and talking to them again before they get a chance to analyze the feeling further

“Interesting choice, what brought you to Gotham?”

[doubledeadboy]

"Oh, I j- uhh-"

Ohh, he should have thought of an alibi beforehand. He can't exactly say Oh, yeah, I took a wrong turn in ghost land and fell out a portal here.

He shifts back and forth on his feet a bit, which he's sure looks incredibly unsuspicious and not at all like he's trying to think of a story on the spot.

"It was theee, uh, ghosts. I figure Batman could probably beat one in a fight."

[gothamghostwhispers]

Artem gives the kid a look as something about his nerves has them doubting his truthfulness, but then again anxiety is very much a thing so they note it mentally but don’t comment. Besides ghosts would explain what they just felt.

“I don’t know how well versed Batman is dealing with ghosts but I might be able to help”

They rustle into a pocket and their hand goes further than should be possible. They pull out a card that seems blank at first before they shake it three times. The card flickers through three different business cards: one for the goonion where Artem is labeled a freelancing hench called Whispers, one seems to be some kind of villain business card under the name Curse Weaver, before finally settling on the Charm Weaver business card.

The card lists Artem as a magic consultant with specialties in protection magic, divination, rescue, and spell breaking. Theres a phone number and email on the card as well.

[doubledeadboy]

"Uh, neat!"

Danny takes the card, if a bit gingerly- you never know when something given by a specialist in ghost problems is going to burn or otherwise attack you when you're dead. He glances over it absently, not really reading it, though the design is nice. "So, you're, like.. a ghost hunter?"

Ooh, that came out a bit more apprehensive than he'd like. Hopefully they didn't catch it. Judging by how easily they seemed to clock his lie, they definitely did.

He resorts to his next instinct, which is of course saying the first thing that pops into his head. "I bet Batman could beat, like, a weak ghost, but probably not a strong one. That, uh.. the red guy, though, he seems like he has some ghost in him, I bet he could just duke it out with one if he had his heart set on it."

[gothamghostwhispers]

Artem visibly grimaces at being called a hunter, the expression accidentally puts their pointed teeth on full display “no, I wouldn’t say that. I can theoretically exercise a ghost since I have a close bond with my patron-”

At the mention of a patron their wedding ring flashes dramatically “-but at the end of the day unless the ghost is actively trying to hurt people or is otherwise malicious it’s generally best to try and help them, either with moving on or in some traditions making sure they’re fed”

They consider his point on Batman

“If he had enough time to research probably but he seems to not like dealing with magic”

[doubledeadboy]

Danny visibly relaxes when he spots the sharp teeth, shoulders loosening and expression opening a bit at that and at the negative reaction to ghost hunting.

"Oh, you're-" He barely refrains from blurting out a delighted remark along the lines of 'oh, you're weird', hastily redirecting the sentence. "-uh, like, a warlock? That's awesome, most of the ghost hunt- or, uh, dealing-with-ghost-problem people?- I meet are more, like," He waves his hands dramatically and lifts them above his hands like he's playing a boogeyman in a cheap movie, " 'raaaah destroy them all let's vivisect them' types y'know?"

He thought for a minute, pausing to take a breath and process their other comment. "Yeah, you're probably right, he'd just call someone else to deal with them. Would be crazy to see Superman or someone like that possessed."

[gothamghostwhispers]

The casual manner in which the teen brings up vivisection deeply concerns Artem. What has this child seen…

“That seems like an incredibly cruel stance to take on sentient beings… but yes, I am a Warlock. Started out as just a witch through my folk lore and later occult studies but then I fell in love with my wonderful spouse and our marriage counted as a magic pact so now I’m both.”

They smile softly at their ring letting themselves get lost in the memory, their freckles start to glow a light blue as they think back to the joy of that moment, the glowing is cut short when the conversation starts again.

“That sounds like a disaster if the ghost is malicious. I agree that Batman would probably call in an expert of some kind in that case, after all what’s the point of having a big team if you don’t occasionally reach out when someone else’s specialty pops up”

[doubledeadboy]

"Yeaah, that's small towns for ya, I guess."

He shrugs, glancing away for a second before setting himself back on track.

"Oh, congrats! That's gotta be one of the nicest origin stories I've heard. How long have you been married?" He asks, looking at the wedding ring. He doesn't comment on the glowing freckles, though it puts him at ease to be talking with what he assumes is a fellow meta or meta-adjacent person.

[gothamghostwhispers]

Artem decides to not comment on how the size of a town shouldnt affect the morality of its citizens. Both because it’s not their place and because they’re well aware that smaller communities are easily influenced into more extreme views.

“Two years now- our anniversary was in may- though honestly it feels like weve been together much longer then that with everything that’s happened in that time”

The ring radiates a rather intense protective aura, more so then any of the other charms that they’re wearing

[doubledeadboy]

"Wow, you can smell the magic coming off that thing! It's pretty powerful, huh?"

He notes, impressed.

He's quiet for a second, but lingers trying to think of a conversation topic- his core likes the magic coming off this person, it's not ectoplasm but it still feels much nicer to absorb than most of the stale stuff lingering around the city.

"So, youu.. mentioned you have a cousin in Amity? I had- uh, I have some friends there, maybe I know them."

[gothamghostwhispers]

“I suppose it is, it’s a fairies ring that symbolizes a multiple lifetime commitment, a binding promise”

The boy could feel the magic then, interesting. Must have some kind of Sense or Gift, would explain the potential guardian they felt earlier.

“Oh yes! My little cousin Sam, though I suppose she’s getting quite big now”

They pull out their phone to show him most recent picture the two had taken where it’s obvious Sam is taller than Artem.

[doubledeadboy]

"Oh! Sam Manson?"

He looks at the picture and falls quiet for a long second, swallowing a couple times in a stubborn attempt to not cry. Sam is here. His friends are here, in this dimension, but Sam is different. It's not his Sam.

Do not cry in front of the nice magic person. Do not.

"..Yeah. I, uh, I knew her. It-"

He pauses. Presses his hands to his eyes for a second and then shoves it all back down.

"..Sorry, uh, more homesick than I thought, I guess. I know Sam, but it's, uh.. been a while, she looks different than I remember."

[gothamghostwhispers]

Oh poor kiddo… hes trying so hard to not cry…must really be homesick. Where are his parents?

“Yep, my mom and her dad were siblings, and I still live in the Bristol Manson manor with my spouse, my girlfriend, and our various kiddos…. Sam doesnt live with us but she is in town, she works at La Gótica Haven, maybe visiting them could help?”

Artem had some time to kill maybe they could help the kid out, the haven isn’t too far from here

[doubledeadboy]

"Ah, rich person with a manor full of children. Not suspicious at all," he mutters under his breath, mostly just trying to pull himself together with humor.

"She's here? That- I mean, um-"

That idea scares him more than he expected. What if she notices he's different immediately and- or what if she doesn't notice and then he's just lying to her and then she finds him out and hates him-

...He misses his friends so much.

He replies before he can talk himself out of it, though he's sure his nerves are audible in his voice. "..Yeah. That.. sounds nice."

[gothamghostwhispers]

Artem can’t even argue the muttered point, they are a rich person with a manor full of their many many adoptive children. They could probably point out their spouses fae instincts in regards to gathering so many, or how the children adopt one another as siblings more then they actually adopt the kids directly but.. regardless of how they’ve entered their life the amount of children they’ve adopted likely does qualify as suspicious.

“Yeah she moved here to study Journalism, and probably to get away from Aunt Pam and Uncle Jeremy. They’re a bit overbearing sometimes”

As the boy agrees they nod, choosing to not commenting on the internal debate the offer seemed to bring forth

“Shouldnt be too far follow me”

[doubledeadboy]

"Cool. Uh, yeah."

He takes a breath in, and pushes it out, though it doesn't help much with the tangle in his chest. He is.. nervous, and sad, and antsy, and the feeling naming exercise that Jazz taught him is not at all working. So, he's just going to not think about it. Because that works great.

He tucks his hands into his pockets and follows his new probably-not-creepy friend. Of course, Danny being anxious and being, well, Danny, he's running his mouth before he realizes he's even talking.

"Does she ever talk about, uh, a kid named Tucker? D'you know if he's okay? Actually, does she ever talk about me? It, uh, it's been a while, y'know, and I just, feel like I'm gonna be different from what she knows? I don't want to lose her. I just have her and Tuck, y'know, and I really miss them, but I don't know what to really expect."

[gothamghostwhispers]

“Tucker… yeah that name has come up before last I heard he has an internship at Star Labs.”

Listening to the younger boy’s distressed ramble it starts to dawn on them who this kid might be. Outside of Tucker, Sam has one other best friend but Danny is older than this kid.. hes got multiple kids that Sam is the proud godparent of… something is happening…. more multiverse shenanigans? Or perhaps an anons deaging people again… best to confirm the name first they suppose

“I’d tell you what shes told me but I still don’t know your name”

[doubledeadboy]

"Oh! Right, sorry. I forgot. My name's Danie- uh, Danny. Not Daniel, don't call me that."

He's still rambling, though his train of thought gor cut off and started over.

"Star Labs? That's pretty neat! Sounds like they'd make space stuff. I really like space, but I doubt I'd be able to go. It's pretty hard to be selected as an astronaut, and I don't think neurodivergent astronauts are really a thing. Which, I think an autistic astronaut would kick ass, especially if they had time to get adjusted to the schedule, though I don't know how sensory friendly-"

He cuts himself off, hands burrowing as deep as they can go into his pockets. He's noticeably quieter after that.

"-Uh, sorry, I'm rambling. It hapens when I get nervous, I didn't mean to be, uh, rude or anything."

[gothamghostwhispers]

Well. That confirms their suspicions … now to figure out why this Danny is so much younger than the one they know about… though perhaps they should leave the figuring out to their cousin since she would know the young man better and have an easier time puzzling things out…

“No need to be sorry Danny, a good ramble helps make the walk feel shorter, was an interesting ramble anyways. I’ve always loved space even though the stars are mean to me. If Gotham wasn’t so cloudy I’d probably go star gazing every night”

The cafe comes into view

[doubledeadboy]

"Yeah. I love the stars, always have. I want to work at NASA when I'm older if I can. I kinda miss the clear skies in Amity, but I don't really miss, uh.. everything else about Amity."

He's pretty sure he shouldn't trust this person as much as he does, and he doesn't know what to attribute it to other than good vibes. He's almost certain it's not a spell, he'd have noticed, but he's got to keep his guard up anyway.

He looks up at the café. La.. uh, something.. Haven. That's the one Sam is in, right? He pushes down the nerves that are bubbling in his chest, picking up the pace slightly.

"This is the place, right?"

[gothamghostwhispers]

Danny's sitting on a gargoyle, looking out over the city. It's kind of pretty, in a gloomy way, and there's enough ectoplasm in the air he might just stay in this city that the Realms tossed him out to.

He picks another pebble out of a chip in the old stone beast's head, and tosses it out into the street, startling a bit when he accidentally hits someone with it. "Oh- sorry!"

After a beat, though, the scrappy teen leans forward, squinting. He's pretty sure he's seen that hair before. Or at least something about this person.

"..Hey, weird question for you. Have you ever been to Amity Park?"

-@doubledeadboy

“Ah it’s okay, didnt even hurt”

Artem runs a hand through their hair making sure there’s no dirt in it from the pebble. They picked a poor day to not wear a hat but at least they had all their protective charms on so it didn’t hurt.

The question causes them to tilt their head

“Amity…? Yeah I’ve been there a few times, my little cousin and her family have a place there and I used to visit with my mom back when she was still… around.. anyways why do you ask?”

Artem tries to hastily change the subject not wanting to linger on the topic of death with a random teen, redirecting it back to the teen and why he asked them about Amity Park of all places

[doubledeadboy]

"Oh, neat!"

Danny swung around so that he was hanging from the gargoyle's neck by his arms, and then dropped the few feet to the ground, using a pinch of carefully subtle floating to keep himself from falling over.

"I knew I'd seen you somewhere. I'm from Amity. Just came here recently, actually."

[gothamghostwhispers]

Artem momentarily looks alarmed at the teenagers antics, worried that he’d be hurt if the gargoyle was to break under his weight but then they feel something happening. They aren’t sure how to describe it but something supernatural just happened. Maybe the kid has a guardian spirit?

The teen is on the ground and talking to them again before they get a chance to analyze the feeling further

“Interesting choice, what brought you to Gotham?”

[doubledeadboy]

"Oh, I j- uhh-"

Ohh, he should have thought of an alibi beforehand. He can't exactly say Oh, yeah, I took a wrong turn in ghost land and fell out a portal here.

He shifts back and forth on his feet a bit, which he's sure looks incredibly unsuspicious and not at all like he's trying to think of a story on the spot.

"It was theee, uh, ghosts. I figure Batman could probably beat one in a fight."

[gothamghostwhispers]

Artem gives the kid a look as something about his nerves has them doubting his truthfulness, but then again anxiety is very much a thing so they note it mentally but don’t comment. Besides ghosts would explain what they just felt.

“I don’t know how well versed Batman is dealing with ghosts but I might be able to help”

They rustle into a pocket and their hand goes further than should be possible. They pull out a card that seems blank at first before they shake it three times. The card flickers through three different business cards: one for the goonion where Artem is labeled a freelancing hench called Whispers, one seems to be some kind of villain business card under the name Curse Weaver, before finally settling on the Charm Weaver business card.

The card lists Artem as a magic consultant with specialties in protection magic, divination, rescue, and spell breaking. Theres a phone number and email on the card as well.

[doubledeadboy]

"Uh, neat!"

Danny takes the card, if a bit gingerly- you never know when something given by a specialist in ghost problems is going to burn or otherwise attack you when you're dead. He glances over it absently, not really reading it, though the design is nice. "So, you're, like.. a ghost hunter?"

Ooh, that came out a bit more apprehensive than he'd like. Hopefully they didn't catch it. Judging by how easily they seemed to clock his lie, they definitely did.

He resorts to his next instinct, which is of course saying the first thing that pops into his head. "I bet Batman could beat, like, a weak ghost, but probably not a strong one. That, uh.. the red guy, though, he seems like he has some ghost in him, I bet he could just duke it out with one if he had his heart set on it."

[gothamghostwhispers]

Artem visibly grimaces at being called a hunter, the expression accidentally puts their pointed teeth on full display “no, I wouldn’t say that. I can theoretically exercise a ghost since I have a close bond with my patron-”

At the mention of a patron their wedding ring flashes dramatically “-but at the end of the day unless the ghost is actively trying to hurt people or is otherwise malicious it’s generally best to try and help them, either with moving on or in some traditions making sure they’re fed”

They consider his point on Batman

“If he had enough time to research probably but he seems to not like dealing with magic”

[doubledeadboy]

Danny visibly relaxes when he spots the sharp teeth, shoulders loosening and expression opening a bit at that and at the negative reaction to ghost hunting.

"Oh, you're-" He barely refrains from blurting out a delighted remark along the lines of 'oh, you're weird', hastily redirecting the sentence. "-uh, like, a warlock? That's awesome, most of the ghost hunt- or, uh, dealing-with-ghost-problem people?- I meet are more, like," He waves his hands dramatically and lifts them above his hands like he's playing a boogeyman in a cheap movie, " 'raaaah destroy them all let's vivisect them' types y'know?"

He thought for a minute, pausing to take a breath and process their other comment. "Yeah, you're probably right, he'd just call someone else to deal with them. Would be crazy to see Superman or someone like that possessed."

[gothamghostwhispers]

The casual manner in which the teen brings up vivisection deeply concerns Artem. What has this child seen…

“That seems like an incredibly cruel stance to take on sentient beings… but yes, I am a Warlock. Started out as just a witch through my folk lore and later occult studies but then I fell in love with my wonderful spouse and our marriage counted as a magic pact so now I’m both.”

They smile softly at their ring letting themselves get lost in the memory, their freckles start to glow a light blue as they think back to the joy of that moment, the glowing is cut short when the conversation starts again.

“That sounds like a disaster if the ghost is malicious. I agree that Batman would probably call in an expert of some kind in that case, after all what’s the point of having a big team if you don’t occasionally reach out when someone else’s specialty pops up”

[doubledeadboy]

"Yeaah, that's small towns for ya, I guess."

He shrugs, glancing away for a second before setting himself back on track.

"Oh, congrats! That's gotta be one of the nicest origin stories I've heard. How long have you been married?" He asks, looking at the wedding ring. He doesn't comment on the glowing freckles, though it puts him at ease to be talking with what he assumes is a fellow meta or meta-adjacent person.

[gothamghostwhispers]

Artem decides to not comment on how the size of a town shouldnt affect the morality of its citizens. Both because it’s not their place and because they’re well aware that smaller communities are easily influenced into more extreme views.

“Two years now- our anniversary was in may- though honestly it feels like weve been together much longer then that with everything that’s happened in that time”

The ring radiates a rather intense protective aura, more so then any of the other charms that they’re wearing

[doubledeadboy]

"Wow, you can smell the magic coming off that thing! It's pretty powerful, huh?"

He notes, impressed.

He's quiet for a second, but lingers trying to think of a conversation topic- his core likes the magic coming off this person, it's not ectoplasm but it still feels much nicer to absorb than most of the stale stuff lingering around the city.

"So, youu.. mentioned you have a cousin in Amity? I had- uh, I have some friends there, maybe I know them."

[gothamghostwhispers]

“I suppose it is, it’s a fairies ring that symbolizes a multiple lifetime commitment, a binding promise”

The boy could feel the magic then, interesting. Must have some kind of Sense or Gift, would explain the potential guardian they felt earlier.

“Oh yes! My little cousin Sam, though I suppose she’s getting quite big now”

They pull out their phone to show him most recent picture the two had taken where it’s obvious Sam is taller than Artem.

[doubledeadboy]

"Oh! Sam Manson?"

He looks at the picture and falls quiet for a long second, swallowing a couple times in a stubborn attempt to not cry. Sam is here. His friends are here, in this dimension, but Sam is different. It's not his Sam.

Do not cry in front of the nice magic person. Do not.

"..Yeah. I, uh, I knew her. It-"

He pauses. Presses his hands to his eyes for a second and then shoves it all back down.

"..Sorry, uh, more homesick than I thought, I guess. I know Sam, but it's, uh.. been a while, she looks different than I remember."

[gothamghostwhispers]

Oh poor kiddo… hes trying so hard to not cry…must really be homesick. Where are his parents?

“Yep, my mom and her dad were siblings, and I still live in the Bristol Manson manor with my spouse, my girlfriend, and our various kiddos…. Sam doesnt live with us but she is in town, she works at La Gótica Haven, maybe visiting them could help?”

Artem had some time to kill maybe they could help the kid out, the haven isn’t too far from here

[doubledeadboy]

"Ah, rich person with a manor full of children. Not suspicious at all," he mutters under his breath, mostly just trying to pull himself together with humor.

"She's here? That- I mean, um-"

That idea scares him more than he expected. What if she notices he's different immediately and- or what if she doesn't notice and then he's just lying to her and then she finds him out and hates him-

...He misses his friends so much.

He replies before he can talk himself out of it, though he's sure his nerves are audible in his voice. "..Yeah. That.. sounds nice."

[gothamghostwhispers]

Artem can’t even argue the muttered point, they are a rich person with a manor full of their many many adoptive children. They could probably point out their spouses fae instincts in regards to gathering so many, or how the children adopt one another as siblings more then they actually adopt the kids directly but.. regardless of how they’ve entered their life the amount of children they’ve adopted likely does qualify as suspicious.

“Yeah she moved here to study Journalism, and probably to get away from Aunt Pam and Uncle Jeremy. They’re a bit overbearing sometimes”

As the boy agrees they nod, choosing to not commenting on the internal debate the offer seemed to bring forth

“Shouldnt be too far follow me”

[doubledeadboy]

"Cool. Uh, yeah."

He takes a breath in, and pushes it out, though it doesn't help much with the tangle in his chest. He is.. nervous, and sad, and antsy, and the feeling naming exercise that Jazz taught him is not at all working. So, he's just going to not think about it. Because that works great.

He tucks his hands into his pockets and follows his new probably-not-creepy friend. Of course, Danny being anxious and being, well, Danny, he's running his mouth before he realizes he's even talking.

"Does she ever talk about, uh, a kid named Tucker? D'you know if he's okay? Actually, does she ever talk about me? It, uh, it's been a while, y'know, and I just, feel like I'm gonna be different from what she knows? I don't want to lose her. I just have her and Tuck, y'know, and I really miss them, but I don't know what to really expect."

[gothamghostwhispers]

“Tucker… yeah that name has come up before last I heard he has an internship at Star Labs.”

Listening to the younger boy’s distressed ramble it starts to dawn on them who this kid might be. Outside of Tucker, Sam has one other best friend but Danny is older than this kid.. hes got multiple kids that Sam is the proud godparent of… something is happening…. more multiverse shenanigans? Or perhaps an anons deaging people again… best to confirm the name first they suppose

“I’d tell you what shes told me but I still don’t know your name”

[doubledeadboy]

"Oh! Right, sorry. I forgot. My name's Danie- uh, Danny. Not Daniel, don't call me that."

He's still rambling, though his train of thought gor cut off and started over.

"Star Labs? That's pretty neat! Sounds like they'd make space stuff. I really like space, but I doubt I'd be able to go. It's pretty hard to be selected as an astronaut, and I don't think neurodivergent astronauts are really a thing. Which, I think an autistic astronaut would kick ass, especially if they had time to get adjusted to the schedule, though I don't know how sensory friendly-"

He cuts himself off, hands burrowing as deep as they can go into his pockets. He's noticeably quieter after that.

"-Uh, sorry, I'm rambling. It hapens when I get nervous, I didn't mean to be, uh, rude or anything."