Thank you for reading and enjoy!
Maybe he could be happy.
"I have places to be so I'll see you around," Before Danny could reply, Jason drove away. Danny sighed, making his way into the manor. He should apologize to Mr. Grayson and prepare for the million questions he knew they would ask. With each agonizing step, his heartbeat quickened. Did Mr. Grayson hate him now? Danny stood in front of the door, not having the courage to knock. Maybe he should turn away. Fly back to Amity Park - but then what? His parents clearly did not want him. The Guys in White would capture and dissect him. He refused to consider Vlad as an option. As for Sam and Tucker, he could never ask them for this. Maybe he could live in the Ghost World or travel like Dani.
"How long do you plan to remain a statue Master Danny?" Danny jumped back in surprise. Even with his enhanced hearing, he did not hear Alfred. How was that possible? "I see Master Jason treated you to desert. Make no habit of it. Junk food is forbidden in this manor for as long as I live." A shiver went down Danny's spine as Alfred gave him the 'Do not dare defy me' glare. Danny had new found respect and fear for the man. Alfred gestured for the boy to enter. "Dinner will be served at 7pm sharp. Tardiness is not accepted." Alfred disappeared into the manor as Danny made his way to the living room. He was not surprised to find it empty. He was stalling. He had enhanced hearing and could easily find Mr. Grayson but did he want to? Yes but no. It was easier to express himself around Jason but with Mr. Grayson it was different. Not only did he claim - was his brother, he was also a bright light. It felt wrong to disappoint the man or to hurt him even the slightest. If Jason had the 'dark' aura then Mr. Grayson had the 'sunshine' aura.
"Are you lost?" Mr. Grayson shifted his weight to his left foot, avoiding Danny's eyes. Being so lost in his thoughts, Danny did not realize he had unconsciously made his way to Mr. Grayson. The man stood awkwardly at the door, dressed in his police officer uniform.
"I.....I-"
"I have to get to work but -"
"I'M SORRY," Danny lowered his head in shame. For a brief moment, the two stood in silence before Mr. Grayson ruffled Danny's hair.
"I never blamed you. Listen I have to go to work and I might not be back for a while so take care. Okay?" Danny's heart dropped. Was Mr. Grayson leaving because of him? Even though he said all those terrible words, he wanted to get to know the man. There was so much he wanted to ask him. "I know this is all new to you but you'll get used to it." Danny didn't lift his head up in fear of the water droplets that threatened him. He deserved this. Why would Mr. Grayson want him after what he pulled? "Trust me." Danny gave a weak nod as the man patted his head. Danny stood at his spot, listening to Mr. Grayson's footsteps. They stopped at Tim's room before going to Damian's. Danny made his way to his room. Maybe the universe hated him. Why else would it give him a brother just to take him away? Mr. Grayson was just a hand away yet Danny could never reach him.
Danny watched the rain droplets hit the window as he waited for time to pass. Was this his new life? He missed being free - not that he ever was. The manor was like a cage. A beautiful cage. Maybe he should explore it. Especially the waterfall under the manor. He wondered if anyone knew. He loved the sound of the water hitting the walls, planning to visit it when he was sure no was around. Danny glanced at the clock, 6:55pm. Remembering Alfred's warning, he made his way to the dining room. Bruce was already at the head of the table, with Tim arriving at the same time as Danny. The two took a seat across from each other as Damian made his way in. As promised, Alfred served the dishes at 7:00 pm sharp. Danny did not need to eat as much as a normal human. After all, he was half dead so he took a little bit of everything. He didn't think they would notice. His parents never did.
Bruce cleared his throat, receiving everyone's attention. "How was everyone's day?" The question felt awkward in Bruce's lips like it did not belong. Damian tsk-ed as Tim paled.
"I swear it was Jason's idea!" Bruce frowned at Tim's comment, taking in a deep breath.
"Pathetic as always Drake," Bruce sent Damian a quick glare before turning to Danny. Danny froze like a deer caught in the headlights.
"f...ine." Danny lowered his gaze to his meal.
"That's good." Danny knew Bruce was done with the small talk. He did not know the man or anyone here for that matter but he could tell when they were trying to act normal. Like this dinner. Clearly this was not the normal they were used to. Danny half expected their normal to be throwing knives at each other with Bruce and Mr. Grayson trying to intervene, Jason cheering from the sidelines and Alfred sighing in disappointment. "Are you listening Danny?" Bruce's voice broke him out of thoughts.
"Sorry. I was distracted."
"Quite alright Master Danny. I was asking if you would like something more to your taste?" Danny was confused, not sure what Alfred meant. "You have not touched your meal Sir." Danny did not expect anyone to notice but they did. Of course they did. It was like he was living with a family of detectives. They caught his every lie, every act, even his smallest habits.
"No. The food's great. I'm just not hungry," Alfred did not look convinced as he left for the kitchen. Danny thought that was the end until Alfred returned with a bowl of soup. He replaced Danny's meal with the soup without a word.
"A young boy such as yourself, must eat to grow." Alfred did not push any further but Danny knew this was not the end.
"I saw your grades Danny and I wanted to know if you would like to start school immediately or have a tutor help you catch up?" Danny almost choked at Bruce's words. His grades were non-existent. Not that anyone could blame him. It was difficult to be the town hero, hide from his ghost hunter parents, be bullied at school, run from the GIW and keep his grades up.
"The tutor would be nice. My grades aren't......."
"Yes. We will have to work on that," Danny knew Bruce wasn't finished. He was selecting his words carefully. Watching Danny's every move like a hawk. "I read your school reports." There it was. The one thing Danny feared. He tried his best to remain calm but he was sure Bruce would see through the cracks. "Skipping, fights, injuries, concussions -"
"I did not have the best high school experience. You can't even imagine how hard being a Fenton can be." And Phantom.
"I have signed you up for therapy -"
"Why?" Danny gripped his spoon. How could Bruce make decisions for him? If anyone needed therapy, it was this family of crazies. What kind of family has knives and guns laying around?
"Danny, it's for your own good. You can't keep your emotions bottled up ins-"
"You are not my father! You can't decide what's best for me -"
"Danny it's just ther-"
"And I don't need it. I am perfectly fine!"
"I lost one son and I'm not going to lose another one the same way! You are going to therapy and that is final!" Bruce left the room. Danny was shocked. Bruce referred to him as his son. Son. But what did he mean by 'lost one son'? Who did he lose?
Danny didn't know if he wanted to find out.
The more time he spent at the manor, the more convinced he became.
These people were not normal.
Yet they belonged together.
Could he find his place?
A/N:
Sorry for the late update. I have been busy with my exams as it's exam season. Honestly can't wait to be done with this semester. Anyways, how is everyone? I hope Good.
When I watch or read something, I always wonder what would happen if the character made a different choice. Does anyone else do that?
Like what if Bruce had sent his sons to therapy?
Anyways,
☠👻☠
Like, comment and be Safe!
.