Found Pt. 3
@leilakeila @unfortunatelyphoenix @unsuretater-simp @rhiannon0-0 @utaubara
Masterpost Part 2 Part 4
Edit: I realized the push-me-backs and pull-me-ups didn't work the way they were, so I went and switched them around
The living room was loud. Dick and Steph were cheering and laughing, Jason was trying to get Barbara to hack security cameras, Duke was watching the chaos, Cass was sitting with Bruce, and Tim...
Tim was pissed, and he didn't know why. Damian and Danny were on a date and it pissed him off. What was making him angry, though? Was it because the others didn't seem to care? Was it because they were encouraging the relationship? Was it the risk of Danny using Damian to get closer to the bats? Was it the risk of Damian using Danny to anger him? Was he...jealous like everyone believed?
He wasnāt jealous, Tim knew that. There wasn't anything to be jealous of. Why would he be jealous that his stalker stopped stalking him? He was just upset Damian was doing this. Dating his stalker. Like, did he not understand how dangerous this is? Danny could be using him, Damian could be using Danny, and no one cared!
"I found them!" Jason exclaimed. "They're at The Silk Roll!" Jason jumped up and connected his laptop to the tv. Dick and Steph cheered. "Yes! Oh my god, I'm so excited!" Steph giggled. "Took you long enough. After this you gotta brush up on your tech skills." Jason flipped her off as the tv showed ctv footage of Danny and Damian at the Waynes table at The Silk Roll. They had food. Danny was laughing, Damian leaning forward. They looked happy. Tim felt....a lot of things.
He bit his tongue. He didnāt need them to give him those looks; pitying, frustrated, holding back laughter as they explained Damian could date whoever he wanted. He knew that. He just couldn't accept that out of all people, he choose Phantom. Danny. His stalker. Notānot his stalker, just...a stalker.
Suddenly laughter filled the room. Phantom. Dannys laughter. Damian was chuckling as well. "So I come home and everything's normal, right? I think its normal. I'm sitting down and Cujo comes up to me with his treat button. He presses it like, four times, then sits there giving me those sad puppy eyes. But I tell him no, I'm sorry, he's had enough treats today." Damian was smiling. "How unbelievably cruel." Danny laughed again, and so did the others. Tim looked away.
"He had like seven that day!" More laughter. "He presses the treat button again, I say no, and then he leaves and comes back with another button. He presses it....and its Johnny saying bitch." Damian laughed. An actual, real laugh. "What?!" "I know!" He looked up, watching Danny giggle and lean forward. "It took me like, a minute to realize what it said. And I told Cujo not to press that. Obviously he pressed it again. And again." Damian laughed again.
"I couldn't even get a word out! He just kept pressing it!" Damian leaned forward too, smiling more than Tim had thought possible. "He knew what it ment," he laughed. "He did! He had to!" Danny exclaimed. "He kept giving me this look, like I'd better give him his treat or else." Damian laughed again. He looked so happy. Danny looked happy. Tim felt slightly sick and he didn't know why. He wanted his brother to be happy, and he wanted Danny to stop committing crimes and be happy. They made each other happy, so he was getting what he wanted; why was he so upset?
"They're so cute!" Steph laughed, "Oh my god, this is great! Look! He's smiling!" Dick jumped onto the couch next to Bruce, who was smiling too. "He's not just smiling; look at how relaxed he is!" Damian wasn't tense, he wasn't looking around for exits or potential threats. His attention was fully on Danny. "Does he still have the button?" Damian asked. Danny chuckled and sighed, taking a sip of his drink. "I keep taking it, but he just goes back to Johnny and he gives him a new one!"
"I was like, 'stop teaching my baby how to swear', and he said 'well stop giving him reasons to swear'." Damian and the others laughed. Tim swallowed, his throat suddenly very dry. He stood and left, not daring to look back. He didn't want to see their faces watching him leave, didn't want to see their pity and frustration, he couldn't understand the burning in his chest every time Damian made Danny laugh. He went to his room and laid in his bed, staring at the ceiling, trying to ignore the muffled laughter from downstairs and the stinging pain in his left arm.
Damian didn't realize how long they'd been there until he glanced at his phone and saw it was almost midnight. They'd been there for four hours, just talking. They'd finished eating long ago, just got drink refills and laughed until his sides hurt. Danny's phone buzzed too, and they both seemed to realize the time. "Shit," Danny muttered, glancing at a pop up. "What's wrong? I'm sorry if you had plans tomorrow. I guess we lost track of time." Danny smiled softly, and Damian's heart did somersaults again. "I'd forgotten Johnnys stupid motor race was tomorrow-well, today. I'm supposed to race him at 8 pm in NightLife."
Damian hummed. "I was supposed to be on night shift tonight and tomorrow...but since no one noticed I wasn't on today, surely they won't notice if I'm not on tomorrow. Would you like company?" Danny lit up. "Of course! Johnny and Kitty would love to meet you, and NightLife is so much fun! It's huge, there's so much to explore, the food is awesome, and time is super weird there so if we take a pull-me-up we can stay for weeks with only a day passing on the surface!" Damian smiled. He could infer what a 'pull-me-up' did, but he hoped it was a food and not a drug.
"I would enjoy that very much. But if we wish to wake up in time for that, we should wrap it up here. What night would you like tonight to be?" Danny blinked, then blushed. "The night? Like, the night we either watch each other sleep or..." Danny flushed pink, looking away. Damian committed the image to memory. He had many moments from tonight to draw and then lock way in a safe underground, only to be seen by him. "I'd...well, it'd be easier to spend the night together if we're going to NightLife tomorrow, right? I'd just make sense!" Damian grinned, lightly kicking Danny. "It would. It would also make sense to spend the night at your apartment, due to my siblings and father surely being invasive." Danny giggled, kicking him back. "Do you need anything from your house? You might want to get a few changes of clothes, if we're gonna take a pull-me-up." Damian hummed, wrapping his foot around Dannys. "I can get clothes in the morning. What is a pull-me-up?" Danny pulled out his phone, quickly swiping. "Oh, it's basically a time stabilizer. NightLife operates at a different speed than up here, waaay faster. You take a pull-me-up to get yourself to NightLifes speed, and when you want to get back to normal you take a push-me-back, which is a time destabilizer. Not that it's actually destabilizing time itself, just the time you've been adjusted to." "Is it a pill?" "Oh, god no!" Danny laughed, "Well, some people take it as a pill, but I usually get it as a donut or some other food. Makes the transition easier." Danny showed him a few photos. One was of a donut, pink frosting and neon blue dough. Another looked to be inside a bakery with a display labeled 'Push-me-back and Pull-me-up' with dozens of different brightly colored pastries. Another was a glittery green drink with what looked like orange boba. Then a short video of Kitty doing a toast, popping a glowing green pill, then leaning back as her whole body fizzed in and out of view before settling. She got up, but moved so quickly Damian would think the video was sped up.
"So the pull-me-up gets you in time with NightLife, while the push-me-back puts you back in time with the mortal world?" Danny nodded. "Yep! Kinda feels weird for like, five minuets, but after that everything feels normal. Same way going back to normal time." He heard the waitress walking up the stairs again, and Damian couldn't force himself away from Danny. She smiled at them. "Another refill?" Damian shook his head. "No, could we get the check please?" Danny jumped in, pulling out a black card with odd green lettering. "We can split the check 50/50. Is that ok?" Damian smiled. "If that's what you want, then yes." She took both their cards, and Damian pulled out cash at the same time Danny did. "How much are you leaving? I'll match it."
"I was going to leave five hundred, what my family usually leaves." Danny nodded and pulled out five hundred dollar bills. Damian smiled, doing the same. When she came back they both had five hundred dollars in front of them, and she beamed. "Thank you, have a good night!" She pocketed the cash and led them downstairs and out the door, waving goodbye. Other late night customers watched them leave, and Damian tried not to think about the amount of witnesses seeing them on a date. He could hear the news articles now, 'Damian Wayne on date with man at The Silk Roll; split the bill', or something else that would give the WE PR team nightmares.
Danny looped his arm through his, much like they'd done when entering. Damian smiled, and together they walked down the near empty street and into an alley. Danny opened a portal, stepping away to shake it, showing his living room. When they stepped inside Danny immediately took off his shoes, sighing. Damian smiled. "I...enjoyed that immensely. I truly mean that. I'd like to go on many more dates with you." Dannys face flushed bright red, and he grinned so wide Damian could see his sharp teeth. "Absolutely! I had so much fun, just talking and laughing and-!" He leaned forward, right into Damians chest, his pupils dilating so much only a ring of blue was visible. "I never want to leave your side."
Damians face burned. Danny was warm, despite the ice core Damian could swear he felt beating through his chest. He wrapped his arms around Dannys waist, trying to calm himself. "I...I can't comprehend the fact your here," he said softly, trying to pull him closer. "That I have you. That right now, your mine." Danny ran his hands up his chest and around his neck, leaning up. Damian held him tighter, leaning closer to Danny. "This is something serious, right?" Danny asked quickly, glancing away. "Like, it feels serious and I really, really want this to be something serious because I'm already thinking about our wedding."
"And I'm sorry if that's weird and I'm sorry about all the ghost stuff you'll probably get dragged into-" Danny took a deep breath, "And I'm super clingy! And I'm literally a stalker, I mean, you knew that, but I'm also stalking you online, I hacked into you private art account on Instagram and I have your work schedule memorized both at WE, the shelter, and as Robin." He took another deep breath. "And I also, like, found out that some girls at the shelter were planning on asking you out so I put glue in their shampoo and-"
Damian rubbed his back with one hand, the other cupping his cheek. He saw some glitter smear on his thumb. "I want to marry you too." Danny blinked, his eyes wide, and Damian leaned down and kissed him. His lipgloss was flavored. It tasted like a sour cherry, making his lips tingle. Damian didn't care, just leaned down more and deepened the kiss, moving slowly, savoring the feeling. Giving time for Danny to kiss back. And he did, slowly, as if he was unsure if he could. Then he leaned up, more eager, and without thinking Damian bit his lip. Danny gasped, soft and sweet, and Damian deepened the kiss more, tasting the inside of his mouth.
He should slow down, he thought as he tangled his fingers in Dannys hair. He's never been this reckless before, much less in a new relationship. But he couldn't stop himself, especially not when Danny kissed back almost desperately. He felt himself getting lightheaded, and remembered that he needed to breathe. He didn't really want to pull away, though. He did slowly, taking a deep breath and opening his eyes. Danny's face was red, the glitter on his cheeks smudged and his lipgloss slightly smeared.
"I want this to be serious," Damian said softly, twisting some of Dannys hair in between his fingers. "I want to be your boyfriend. Would...would you like to be my boyfriend?" Danny laughed, leaning up and kissing him again. "Yes! Oh my god, you asked me! I never thought-" He laughed again, and Damian laughed too. "...Do you want to go upstairs?" Danny glanced away shyly, and Damian kissed his cheek. He wondered if there was glitter on his lips now. "Can we keep kissing? Upstairs?" Oh.
Damian grinned, and relished in the flush of Dannys face. He kept his arm around his waist, leaning down again. "Just kissing?" He teased, thought 'fuck it', and pulled at his belt. Danny laughed, looking away, and Damian felt incredibly proud of the red color going up his ears and down his neck. Damian leaned down and kissed right under his earlobe, muttering, "I'd like to do more, if your comfortable." Danny sighed and leaned back into him, moving his head so Damian could continue kissing up and down his neck.
Damian had to stop himself from doing anything more. "Let's go up," He said, and Danny nodded, his eyes still blown wide. Damian took his hand, leading him up the stairs. He looked back and saw Danny taking off his earrings and hair clips with his other hand. When they got to the second floor Danny quickly tossed his jewelry onto the vanity, and one of the earrings rolled off and onto the floor. Damian smirked, letting him go up the ladder first.
Danny was sitting on the bed, nervously picking at the blanket. The stars shone around him, giving the room a soft glow. Damian had another memory to draw; Danny surrounded by starlight, looking down slightly, his blue eyes gleaming, his makeup smudged and a nearly invisible glittery kiss mark on his neck. Damian swallowed, suddenly feeling very nervous. He had no idea what he was doing. More than kissing? Why would he offer that if he didn't know how to do that? God, their first date, first night together, and he was about to make a fool of himself. Shit.
He took of his jacket and tossed it aside, then unbuttoned his vest and tossed that with the jacket. Alfred will probably kill him for wrinkling his brand new suit, but that was a problem for distant future Damian. Danny watched him, his eyes following his every move as he undid his tie. He kicked off his shoes, then the knot on his tie tightened and he couldn't undo it. Fuck. He just left it and sat next to Danny, kissing him again. Danny shivered, wrapping his hands around his neck and leaning back. Damian pushed him until he was laying down and Damian was leaning over him.
God, he was so beautiful. His hair was splayed under him like a dark halo, his blue eyes looking up at his with want and...lust. The glitter on his face was everywhere; down his neck, under his earlobe where he'd kissed. "Your beautiful," Damian said softly, taking him in. "I don't know how to describe you. Your...angelic. Radiant. Addicting." Damian leaned up, settling between Danny's legs, and unbuckled his belt. Dannys face flushed, and Damian threw his belt aside and reached for Dannys.
"You don't want something, you tell me. You want me to stop, tell me. I say something that upsets you, tell me and I'll never say it again for as long as my spirit exists. You want something...tell me, and I'll give you every part of me. Understood?" Danny nodded, eyes wide. Damian leaned down, lips brushing against his. "I need to hear you speak, beloved." Danny gasped softly. "I understand, I-" He took a deep breath, "I like that. Beloved." Damian smiled, kissing him and planning on never stopping.
Damian woke to a rumbling in his chest and warmth surrounding him. He knew he should wake up, but he was so comfortable, so warm, he went back to sleep. He doesn't know how long he slept for, but he woke just as comfortable. He shifted slightly, and realized his right arm was numb. Damian took a deep breath, opening his eyes and seeing dark hair. He blinked, then remembered. The games. The date. The kissing and the touching and the soundsā
Not exactly the slow burn romance he'd always imagined, but he wouldn't have it any other way. Not when it got him here, wrapped in a blanket with Danny held close to his chest. He felt so relaxed, calm, his neck and back slightly sore but that was ok. But what was the rumbling? It was coming from Danny and him. Damian could feel it in the back of his throat, down his neck and in the center of his chest around his lungs.
Despite the pressure in his lungs he couldn't panic. He felt so calm, so happy, relaxed, Damian just kissed Dannys head and continued to purr. Was it a ghost thing? Maybe. Damian didn't really care. Danny shifted against his chest, snuggling closer to him. Damian pulled him closer, placing his hands flat against his waist and rubbing circles into his hip bones. Danny muttered something, pulling back a little. Damian felt sad at the lack of contact.
Dannys hair was messy, and his makeup was going down his face like...tear tracks? "Are you ok?" He asked quickly, and noticed the bite marks and hickeys on his neck and shoulders. "How do you feel? Are you hurt? I'm sorry, I-I didn't mean to make you cry..." Danny laughed as Damian checked him over, trying not to look too far down. "It's alright! They're not that kind of tears," He blushed and looked away, letting Damian see more of the light bruises on his neck...and the mark on his arm. Right. The soul mark.
Bright purple glittery letters spelled out 'Don't contact me ever again' from the crook of his elbow to the center of his left forearm. He remembered in a flash when he'd seen the mark after taking off Dannys shirt, and his sad face. "I'll...I'll tell you in the morning." He'd said, and Damian had focused on making him feel wanted and loved and beautiful. Now he needed to know. Needed to know who to hurt, why they'd do something so stupid.
"Who did this to you?" He asked softly, taking his hand and extending his arm. Danny looked away, biting his lip. "....Tim." He said softly. "I came to Gotham when I had nothing left in Amity. My parents wanted me dead, my friends left because they couldn't handle the ghost attacks anymore, and my sister-" He took a deep breath, swallowing hard. "She paid for my existence. I thought everyone hated me. Well, everyone there did hate me. I wanted to be loved. I wanted someone, anyone, to care about me."
"Tim rejected me when I was seven. I never knew why. I mean, he never responded to any of my messages. One day I was drawing him stars and planets and the next he told me he never wanted to talk to me ever again. Now I think it was because of all the vigilante stuff." Damian felt slightly sick. Tim. Timothy fucking Drake of all people. "When I had nothing left in Amity I came here, just...hoping maybe if he knew me, he'd love me. I was tired of fake friendships and love out of obligation."
"That's why you never said anything," Damian said softly, "You wanted him to love you, not the bond." Danny nodded, sighing. "Yeah...but he never did! He kinda hates me now, actually." Damian kissed his palm, squeezing his hand. "....I don't have a soulmate either. When I was born my mother painted my entire right arm green. Then, she sent out assassins and informants to find my soulmate. They found them, brought them back to her, and she killed them. And so the mark vanished, as did any and all information about them. I don't know they're name, where they were found, what happened to their family-though I can assume-I don't even know they're gender. Just the way they died."
"You don't have a soulmate," He continued, "And I don't have a soulmate...I say we're perfect for each other." He looked up at Danny and smiled. "We have each other. I will never hesitate, never abandon, and never write in purple glitter ink." Danny laughed, wrapping his hands around his neck and kissing him. Damian kissed back, finding his own lips tasted like cherries and morning breath and worst of all sushi. "We taste disgusting," He laughed, even as Danny continued to kiss him. "You taste great," Danny kissed him again, and Damian let him, rubbing his back and pulling him close.
They kissed softly, warmly, and if Damian died right now he'd only regret not kissing him sooner. Then he remembered he'll probably become a ghost, and decided that if he died right now he'd just keep kissing him. Danny ran his hands under his unbuttoned shirt and across his back, and a small sting made him hiss. "Sorry," He said softly, tracing the sting. "My claws uhhh, kinda ripped your back to shreds...and your shirt, for that matter." He chuckled, kissing his shoulder. "Don't apologize, my teeth did the same to your neck." Danny laughed, and together they sat up and stretched.
Damian took in the sight of him; slightly muscular but mostly lean, nearly unhealthily thin but that just made his hips and...rear, more defined. Damian didn't want him to be unhealthy just for looks, though. He'll have to cook for him, take him out to eat, give him whatever he craves whenever he wants it. There were small spots of glitter, going down his body like water dripping. From his mouth to his neck, down and in between his chest, around each peck. Down the left side of his stomach to his hips, and god there were bite marks there too. He felt slightly bad, but then remembered the sounds he made and felt proud.
In between his legs there were streaks of glitter connecting the bite marks and bruises, and Damian wanted to know if there was glitter on his dick. Was there glitter on his? He kind of hoped so. Danny looked at him too, resting on his elbows with his shirt unbuttoned and looking him up and down. Was Danny thinking about him the same way Damian was? Was he taking in every muscle, every bite mark and bruise, every curveāgod, the blanket wasn't covering him. Danny was definitely looking at his dick.
"What time is it?" He asked, sitting up and leaning over the bed to grab his jacket. Yep, Alfred was definitely going to kill him for these wrinkles. He found his phone in his pocket and saw it was almost ten. "How long will it take us to get to NightLife?" Danny stood and stretched again, and Damian forgot why they were even getting up when they could just have sex again.
"Uhhh, it'll take about thirty minuets? That's to get there, get through the push-me-back, and then get a hotel! Johnny and Kitty's apartment is near Lapa, so it's pretty crowded. We'll head there around six, but before that we can look around and do whatever! Oh! We should take a shower, though. I'd stand first." Damian did, stretching and relishing at the way Danny flushed. Then the floor turned from hardwood to tile, and the walls shifted and melted until the starry ceiling was gone and they were in a bathroom.
It was pretty simple. A bath with a shower next to it, bottles of shampoo sitting on the floor and side of both. There was a door that was cracked open, probably leading to the toilet. There was soap and some face wash on the sink next to a towel, with an electric toothbrush and... "What is this?" He asked, picking up a blue pyramid with a cap on the top. "Oh, it's toothpaste. Stuff in the 'Realms is weird." Danny shrugged. "Do you want to take a shower or a bath?" Damian grinned. "How do you feel about a bath?"
Danny sat on the edge, laughing, and Damian looked everywhere but his face as he turned on the water. "How hot?" Damian leaned against the counter, still smirking. "As hot as you." Danny laughed harder, blushing. "Theres some towels under the sink," He said, looking away. Damian leaned down, a bit seductively he'll admit, and pulled out two large towels. They were both black with yellow shooting stars. There was a star shaped soap on the counter that was still wrapped in a thin star patterned bag, and some silver star stickers on the corners of the mirror.
Damian put them on the opposite edge of the tub and sat next to Danny, leaning into his side. Despite being younger, he was at least three inches taller. Maybe that was due to malnutrition? Danny blushed, smiling. "What activities where you thinking of doing before your race? Do you need to warm up beforehand?" Damian wrapped his arm around his waist, drawing circles on his thigh. The tub was halfway full, and glancing down Damian saw there was holographic shooting star stickers inside the tub too. Cute.
"Oh, theres so much to do! Theres arcades, bowling alleys, farmers markets, roller rinks, you'll love the art galleries! They do short art competitions every day, like chalk art and graffiti. They have flea market pop-up buildings that are like six stories tall, a whole bunch of clubs but you can't drink so we probably won't go to any. Oh! Theres pottery classes, too! I've always wanted to try some of the glassblowing classes, but most ghosts say it'll be a little dangerous with my ice core."
The tub was filled, and Danny poured in some raspberry and violet scented soap that Damian immediately recognized. Danny smelt like this all the time. Was it his favorite? He glanced at the bottle. Blue soap, black bottle, white tag calling it 'Echo Gardens'. Potential gift number one. Damian took off his shirt, knowing his fate was sealed when Alfred saw the state of the back, and settled into the tub with Danny. The water was nice and hot, and Damian immediately pulled Danny close to him. Danny giggled, grabbing a loofah and settling into his chest. The water was already slightly glittery.
Danny took his time scrubbing Damians arms and chest, and he nearly fell asleep again with how relaxing it was. Up and down his arms and across his chest, down his stomach, resting on his abs for a moment before going back up. Once he was done Danny gently led his head down and grabbed a bottle of shampoo or conditioner, Damian didn't really care. But it also smelt like Danny. Like tangy fruit and starlight. His head hit the water and Danny massaged his scalp, his clawed fingers scratching all the right places. That same rumbling purr came from his throat, and Damian swore the water rippled with the sound.
When he raised up he grabbed the loofah and did the same for Danny, holding him close and scrubbing all the glitter and...other liquids away. Up and down his chest, around his arms, going down his chest and hips all the way to his legs. Danny sighed, leaning back completely to lay into his chest. Damian leaned back too, kissing his neck softly. Danny began purring with him, deeper than Damians and nearly twice as strong. He closed his eyes, allowing Damian to take care of him.
Damian sat the loofah in the water and grabbed the bottle of 2-in-1, a scent called 'Raspberry Vanilla' in a similar looking bottle. Potential gift number two. Maybe. Danny would probably appreciate small things, right? Damian lathered the soap in his hair, watching the pink shampoo turn his hair kind of grey. His hair was wet, sticking to his head and the back of his neck. Some strands curled, others laid straight. Damian tilted his head back and gently rinsed his hair. He had some dandruff, he noticed, and small scabs on the back of his head. What happened?
Danny looked so calm and relaxed, soap floating around him like ribbons and tulle. He almost glowed under the soft yellow light, smiling softly and leaning back into his hands. Damian couldn't help himself, leaning down and kissing him. Danny hummed, kissing back. It was kind of awkward since he was bent over completely, but absolutely worth it. Danny laughed, leaning up. "All clean?" Damian hummed, pulling him close and kissing him again. He just couldn't stop. "Sorry," He said softly, pulling away. "Am I doing that too much?" Danny immediately leaned into his chest, crawling onto his lap. He was so beautiful.
"No! I love it!" Danny beamed, kissing him again. Damian felt like a dying man drinking water for the first time. Breathing for the first time. "I never thought anyone would want to kiss me, much less keep on kissing me. I love it. Honestly, when we kiss I never want it to end," He said softly, his lips brushing against his. "It doesn't have to," He said without thinking, "When I die, and when you fully die, we won't need to breath anymore. Won't need to eat, won't even need to sleep. We can just hold each other and kiss, forever and ever and ever. I would like to spend my afterlife with you, our bodies so close that after hundreds of years we become one. I want to be buried with you, and if we can't do that I want our ashes to be mixed together. I want to be with you forever in any way possible."
Danny stared at him, and Damian felt a jolt of panic. For one terrifying moment he thought he'd gone too far, talking about their deaths and ruining the flirty mood with funeral arrangements. Then Danny started crying and his panic increased. "You want to be buried with me? With me??" He sobbed, and Damian wanted to hug him but that was probably unwelcome and god dammit he ruined it. He ruined the best thing to happen to him in years. Fuck. Fuck fuck fuck!
"I'm sorry!" He said quickly, "I'm so, so sorry, my love, beloved, please forgive me, please, pleaseā" Danny kissed him quickly, still crying. "NO! No, this is good! Good tears," He sniffled, "Great tears!" He laughed, crying at the same time and god he looked so beautiful even crying. "You want to spend eternity with me? Doing nothing but kissing me? Of all people?" Damians heart felt like it was going to fall out of his mouth. "Yes! Who else but you?" Danny cried harder, hugging him so tightly Damian felt his claws sink into his shoulders. Damian quickly wrapped him in a hug, considering never letting him go.
"You want to stay with me?" Danny sobbed, his tears sticking to his shoulder. "Forever and ever and ever?" Damian kissed his head, rubbing his back in what he hoped was a soothing motion. "Yes, forever and ever. I will not leave you unless the fabric of reality itself attempts to separate us. And if it does I will rip it and tear it and destroy everything in my way to get back to you." Danny somehow cried even harder, full bodied sobs that made alarm bells ring in his head. "These are still good tears, yes?" Danny nodded, despite his cries. It didn't make him relax.
They sat in the water until it became lukewarm, Dannys sob lessening until he was sniffling. Damian rubbed his back and hips, kissing his raspberry scented hair and ignoring the taste of soap. Danny sniffled, kissing his neck. "...No ones ever wanted me before," He said softly, and Damian kissed his hair. "No ones wanted to be my friend, no one wanted me as their child, no ones wanted to love me-" He choked, and Damian felt his heart break. "I'm not used to being wanted. I've never been wanted before." "I need you," Damian kissed his hair again, "I've never needed anything, anyone, more than I need you." Damian felt his heart, no, his dark core crack open and spill. "I'm honestly a little concerned with how much my mental and emotional functions already depend on having you near me at all times. God, I don't know how I'm going to be Robin without you, much less go to work. I get...this ache in my chest whenever your apart. Even when you lean away, when you lips leave mine, I feel what I'm starting to recognize as my core shake." Danny kissed his neck, leaning back just enough to kiss him. Damian kissed back slowly, tasting tears. He cupped Dannys face and wiped his tears away.
Danny rested his lips against his, breathing slowly. "....Your not lying? Your not going to change your mind?" Damian rested his forehead against Dannys. "No. I will stay with you as long as both my body and soul exist." Danny lunged forward and hugged him, wrapping his arms around his neck and holding him like he was scared he'd vanish. He probably was. Damian squeezed him as tight as he could, hoping maybe the weight and pressure would help, kind of like a weighted blanket.
Danny hummed, a suddenly happy sound that made Damian relax. Danny giggled, almost hysterical, kissing his cheek. "No ones ever said that before! I-" He cut himself off, continuing to laugh. Damian would've been worried if he wasn't so relieved. "Lets go on our second date! Our first weekend getaway!" Danny literally floated off his lap and out of the tub, grabbing a towel and drying Damians hair. His hair was flowing like liquid and made completely out of stars, and Damian laughed. "Our first of many, I hope. I've heard of Vegas weddings, but does the same thing happen in Rio?"
Danny pouted, so cute, and Damian reached up to wipe the remaining tears from his face. "Nooo, thats a myth, unfortunately. But I'd like to invite my friends to our wedding! Ghosts make things crazy!" Damian smiled, grabbing the second towel and drying Dannys hair as best he could. It kind of slipped through his hands like butter. "Add in dozens of vigilantes to the mix and we'll have quite the rowdy reception." Danny giggled. "Imagine your dad on the dance floor," Damian sighed fondly. "He'll be too busy crying to dance."
Danny laughed, floating back, and god he was angelic. He'd compare him to Aphrodite if he wouldn't get killed for it. They toweled themselves off, then Danny knocked on the wall left of the sink and a door appeared. "This'll lead to the wardrobe room!" Damian hummed, wrapping a towel around his waist despite Danny seeing him more than naked. "How does that work?" "Well, did you notice that weird empty space next to the ladder? That's where the door appears! I can faze the space up or down, depending on if I'm too lazy to walk or float down," He laughed, opening the door and continuing to try and dry his hair.
"What to wear, what to wear....gotta look good for our date!" He swooned in the air, and Damian laughed, leaning up for a kiss. It was short and sweet, and then Damian turned back into the bathroom. He quickly used the bathroom and brushed his teeth with a spare toothbrush, then came out to see Danny brushing through his hair.
He was wearing flared jeans that had yellow stars drawn on the bottom and around the pockets. He had three belts, one a simple gold chain, one was a gold chain with moon and star charms, and the last was an actual belt, white with star buckles. His shirt was black and incredibly tight, making Damian blush. There was a hole cut out in the center of his chest, shaped like the north star. He had a white see through jacket with blue stars and swirls.
He turned, smiling, showing he had blue eyeliner and more lipgloss. He wondered if it was the same flavor. Damian smiled as Danny tossed him his jacket and pants. His boxers were inside the pants, and his vest was basically useless without the shirt, so he quickly put the pants and jacket on. God he hoped he had some clothes fit for Rio. Danny stood, putting on large star earrings and grinning. "I'm packed!" He motioned to a duffel bag next to the vanity, galaxy print of course. "What'dya think? I have all these cute clothes but never had a reason to wear them before!" Danny spun, showing his black boots. Damian smiled and kissed him. He tasted like orange and vanilla.
"You look stunning. Perfect for Rio. Have everything you need?" Dannys hair flicked back and forth as he smiled. "Yep! Even remembered extra ecto! Ready to head to your place?" Damian nodded, and Danny ripped open a portal. He slung his bag over his shoulder and shook the portal out, showing it was at the steps to the manor. "Thank you, beloved," He helped Danny through, then walked up the steps and went inside. The foyer was empty, but he could hear voices coming from the right near the dining room.
"I'll have to inform my family we're leaving. Do you wish to come, or wait?" Danny hummed, his arm still looped through his. "I'll come! I kinda want to talk to them." Damian didn't say it, but he hoped Drake wasn't there. He honestly doesn't know what he'd do if he saw him. Maybe try to kill him again? Best not to dwell on it. Damian led him down the halls until the hallway opened into the dinning room. Damian took a deep breath, thought 'oh god dammit, I don't have a shirt on', then walked in.
Richard, Todd, Brown, Cain and Father were sitting and talking about something that ended the moment they walked in. "...Morning, everyone." Richards face lit up, and Brown stifled a gasp. "Hey lovebirds!" Todd called, grin smug. "How was your date?" Danny giggled next to him, his hair still flowing with starlight. "It was wonderful." Damian said cooly, trying not to sound embarrassed. "Tonight at 8 Danny has a...motorcycle race, yes?" He looked to Danny, who nodded. "Yup! Johnny challenged me like, two weeks ago, so we're going to Rio Di Janeiro's Undercity so Damian can watch me kick his ass."
"I'm here to pack. We'll be gone about a week, but due to the time difference in the Undercity we'll only actually be gone about a day or two." Father nodded, smiling so wide it was actually very weird. Brown suddenly cackled, covering her mouth. "Oh my god, your neck!! What happened to your shirt?!" Damians face flushed. "Claws." Danny said simply, flexing his hand. Brown and Todd cackled, while Father just chuckled. "You should see my neck," Danny giggled, and Damians face burned hotter.
"Well Damian you should get packing!" Richard got up, nearly jumping up and down. "Danny, sit! I'll help him pack!" Danny glanced at him, and Damian smiled and nodded. Danny kissed his cheek and went to sit next to Brown. "Richard," He motioned upstairs and Richard quickly followed. The moment they exited the dining room Richard hugged him tightly. "Oh my god!" He whisper-screamed, "You went on a date!" Damian huffed, but hugged him back. "We did a bit more than that, if you couldn't tell." Richard laughed, patting his back and all but skipping up the stairs.
"Tell me everything! Well, don't tell me everything, butālike, did you have fun? Were you using protection?" Damian winced slightly. "Its so weird talking about this with you...but yes, I did enjoy myself. No protection; I'll have to remember that." Richard laughed again, walking down the family wing quickly. "First of all, safe sex is so important. Like, just because he can't get pregnant doesn't mean you can't get sick and stuff. Are there ghost versions of STD's?" Damian thought, then shrugged. "Perhaps. I'll have to ask."
Damian's room was near the end of the wing, but so was Drakes. He hoped he wasn't home. He also hoped he was dead. Damian and Richard quickly entered his room, locking the door. "God I hope I have clothes that fit NightLifes atmosphere." He said quickly, going to his closet and looking through his clothes. "Danny said he has beautiful clothes but never had a reason to wear them before. That means he's going out of his way to look nice specifically for me, and I need to do the same if not more. He said NightLife is full of party blocks, amusement park-like activities such as arcades and roller skating rinks, and many markets and art showings. I need at least two outfits that can get dirty, three date outfits that are breathable, shoes good for walking, maybe swimming trunks?"
He was rambling he knew, pulling out his suitcase and setting it on the bed before going back into the closet. "Breathe, baby bat," Richard laughed, opening the suitcase and following him into the closet. "You'll be fine! Here, you've got walking shoes here, this shirt will go great withā"
Danny felt slightly nervous, but was also still high on euphoria. Damian never wanted to leave his side. Damian wanted to die next to him. Damian wanted to spend his afterlife kissing him for eternity. His core was practically singing at the thought of it, of someone never leaving his side, of someone feeling the same sickness he felt when he was alone, his presence being the only cure.
"Soooo...." Stephanie cackled, smiling so wide Danny was kinda worried about her face. "How was last night??" Danny blushed and sighed, feeling his hair grow in volume. "It was magical," He said softly, trying not to swoon and failing miserably. "He was so sweet, he called me beloved and beautiful!" Danny giggled, and Stephanie 'aww'ed. "Man, I'm just glad he's not gonna die a virgin," Jason laughed, and Bruce shook his head.
"So, what are you guys going to do in the Undercity?" Bruce asked casually, but Danny could tell this was a subtle interrogation. "Well first we're gonna get a hotel. Johnny and Kitty's apartment is in Lapa, so theres no way we'll be able to get a hotel there on such short notice. We'll probably be able to find a good one in Castelo though! That's where I usually stay if I'm visiting. It's also close to a modern arts museum so Damian'll love that! Hopefully, haha....do you think he'll like that?" Danny tried to shake away the cold thoughts creeping into his head. It only partially worked.
"I think he'll love it!" Stephanie beamed, and Danny smiled back. "Is the Undercity different from, uh, mortal world Rio?" Dannys smile widened. "Oh, NightLife is super different! Way, waaay bigger, lots of old and new stuff to do like old 80's discos and modern arcades, I was telling Damian about the pop-up flea markets that are six stories tall! Buildings tend to grow there. It's really cool to watch." Danny kicked his feet, wondering what Damian and Dick were talking about.
"We'll probably spend the week exploring and seeing the sights, eating food, maybe taking some art classes? I also told Damian about some pottery classes and short art competitions but theres also sewing, we can go to the beach, and even though he can't drink we can still go to any of the million parties." God, a whole week of just him and Damian. It already sounded like heaven.
"Technically he can drink," Jason laughed at Bruces glare. "What?! He's old enough to jump off buildings in spandex he's old enough to drink! Besides, the drinking age in Brazil is eighteen." Danny suddenly remembered. "Oh! I donāt know what reminded me but probably numbersāuhh, I have more than enough money to pay for everything, but would Damian want to pay for himself? 'Cause if he does we also have to go to a bank when we get there and it could take a day depending on if its a heist day or a normal day."
Stephanie raised an eyebrow. "A heist day?" Danny nodded. "Yeah, some ghosts make a game out of robbing the bank. It's kinda like tag just with money and cops. Pretty funny to watch, not so funny when you need the bank." They glanced between eachother, and Cass giggled. Danny felt himself panic, his hair deflating.
"I can pay for everything though! I made a lot of money building up the Far Frozen and selling my parents inventions to the Council, so I have more than enough! And it's no problem, really!" Danny felt his foot begin to tap, and the dark thoughts came back. They thought he was using Damian for money, they though NightLife was too dangerous and theyād tell Damian he couldnāt go, theyād convince Damian he was too dangerous to be around, Damian would agree.
"Damian would probably like to split everything with you," Bruce said, and Danny pinched his leg trying not to panic. "Is there a pattern to the heist days?" Danny thought for a moment, tapping his foot. "Uh, not that I've noticed? Oh! But they do happen more on the weekends! Wait, what day is it..?" Danny checked his phone and saw it was Wednesday. "Oh, it'll probably be fine! If not we can just go to a different bank. It'll be fine!" He was talking more to himself now.
"You nervous?" Jason asked, sounding amused but he looked a little worried. Why? Did Danny look nervous? "A little!" Danny laughed. Did he laugh too loud? "I've never, uh, dated someone before! Or been on dates. Or weekend getaways." Danny laughed again. "I'm so excited, though! Damians so sweet, he keeps on kissing me, he said he wants to be buried with meā"
"What?" "āHe calls me beloved and beautiful, he's perfect!" Danny sighed, twisting the rings on his finger. "I just hope he feels the same way about me. He seems to! But, y'know, I worry." He laughed nervously, looking away. "I do that a lot." Bruce cleared his throat. "Damian said whatā" He stopped talking, and Jason and Stephanie looked behind him. Cass gave something a sad look. Danny turned, and saw Tim.
