#Also Danny totally does the 'Can you move the wedding bed?' question just to make sure Tim is Odysseus

[bluerosefox]

So... This was inspired by listening to EPIC (FREAKING LOVE ALL THE ALBUMS, SO GOOD) and by @noxcheshire post of Tim being Odysseus reincarnated and Danny (maybe also reincarnated) being his Penelope (Here) so I had to turn it into a Dead Tired idea.

The song The Challenge is the main one here. (Cause I LOVE that song... along with Would You Fall In Love With Me Again)

So WHAT IF Danny IS the reincarnated Penelope, after becoming the Ghost King Danny's memories of his past life as Penelope returns and remembers how before dying/ or being reincarnated both Penelope and Odysseus promised to find each other in their new lives, no matter who they are, what new form they take, they will find each other.

So Danny/Penelope, just like before waits for their Odysseus to return to them, but also tries to find him in their new life (CW is laughing whenever Danny asks for hints and gets a 'In due time, just wait' answer, ugh Danny wants to smack CW for that)

However just like in his previous life with being in a high position of power, Danny is being pressured to marry/take a spouse (now its not just men/males though so its a huge headache, I head canon Ghosts don't care much for gender preference) mostly by the dang eyeballs that Danny is still trying to find a way to get rid of without upsetting the Infinite Realms dedicate (but slowly healing) balance even if Danny wanted nothing more than to punch all of the suitors out.

So Danny decides to play the long game again.

And waits for their Odysseus return.

Danny's wait is over when they suddenly feel the Realms shift one day, as if welcoming someone familiar home, and the same feeling Danny had when he had been Penelope and saw the storm that was sign of Odysseus coming home, Danny decides its time to bring out The Challenge once again. (CW gifted Danny a few things from his past as Penelope as a coronation gift, like Odysseus's bow (now enchanted to be unbreakable), a painting of when he was Penelope, with Telemchus, and Odysseus, and the Marriage Bed/Olive Tree, AND the Palace Odysseus made that Danny takes to being in over being at Pariah's Keep)

-x-x-

Meanwhile

Tim Drake, aka Red Robin, always had strange dreams as a child.

War, Death, Monsters, Gods, Goddesses.

His dreams were more like nightmares, haunting him and he sometimes woke up in cold sweat.

He hated storms. Hated being in the water for to long. Hated how he felt both tense but also at home when around Greek heroes, as if he was afraid to 'disrespect' them (Cassie was the only one he didn't feel that way around, mostly cause they had been somewhat friends before their heroing since their parents knew each other) but also knew how to appease them should he insult them. He also had a strange hatred for the CoO with a burning passion because he felt like they were mocking real Owls.

The worst part of nightmares that always pop up are of what feels like should be his home is being invaded by unwanted guests (they aren't guests), how they are angry over trying to string a bow and shot an arrow through axes, of the terrible terrible things he hear them saying they were going to do to his loved ones (two names that keep getting muted out).

How it ends in bloodshed with echoing of begging, pleading, mercy, and screams.

However in those nightmares at the end. He also finds himself looking for something in them.

Or rather he always found someone waiting for him at the end of the nightmares. Calling him by the wrong name but it sounds just right coming from them.

The dream always ends with the person asking 'How long has it been?' and before he can answer he wakes up.

So yeah Tim has horrifying nightmares/dreams he could never explain.

And the urge to find someone. To go home to them.

It isn't until he and his friends from Young Justice are hit by a spell from Klarion (who may or may not had a visit from a certain chaos encouraging Time Keeper) and sent to a place called the Infinite Realms in the middle of their fight, that Tim is hit hard with déjà vu when he spots a certain Palace in the distance and overhears some of the 'people?' (they glow and float and some don't even look human?! where are they?) talk about how the 'King' has issued a new 'Challenge' for his 'suitors'.

A Challenge involving a bow, and axes.

And Tim, feels like he knows this all too well and needs to do it.

[flowerfan2]

Gray Skies - Ch. 5

Living with depression doesn't have to mean living without love.

Begins during 10.09.

Chapter 5

The morning after they kiss, Steve can’t stop smiling.  And it seems like Danny can’t either.

The moment Danny’s lips touched Steve’s, it was as if something blossomed inside of him.  He wasn’t even surprised by it, not really, it felt so right to have Danny there against him, brushing softly at his mouth, then pulling back with a look so full of hope it made Steve’s heart soar.

Steve didn’t waste any time before pressing back to kiss Danny again, not wanting him to wonder for a moment about whether Steve was on the same page.  Steve’s eagerness made Danny laugh under his breath, and then they were both chuckling and grinning, arms tangled up and hands clutching at shoulders and t-shirts.

They didn’t go very far, trading daring but fairly chaste kisses for what seemed like hours, then falling asleep wrapped around each other.  But it seemed to Steve like a great chasm had been crossed, a weighty question answered, and he can’t remember the last time he felt so good.

And now it’s the next day, and Steve still feels the high from the night before.  He thinks Danny does too, the way he boosts himself up on the kitchen island and bats his lashes at Steve until Steve swings by and leans in to kiss him, the scent of coffee and toothpaste on Danny’s breath far more enticing than it has any right to be.

Steve knows this won’t fix anything, he knows that being in love doesn’t cure depression.  He knows the high is sure to be followed by a low.  

Still, when a few days later Danny snaps at him that he’ll be in late, telling Steve to leave him alone and go do his job, Steve can’t help but be disappointed.  He sits on the side of the bed for a few minutes, thoughts going every which way, until Danny rolls over and presses his face into Steve’s thigh.

 “Sorry, babe,” Danny mutters. “I’m an ass.”  

 Steve feels a surge of guilt.  He hadn’t meant to make Danny feel worse. If he did, he’s the ass in this particular scenario.

“No, no.  It’s okay, Danno,” Steve says, stroking Danny’s messy hair and leaning his head down to press his forehead against Danny’s.  “We’re good.”

 “I’m sorry,” Danny whispers again, and Steve slides down to wrap his arms around his shoulders.

 “It’s really okay, I get it,” Steve says, holding him tight and pressing a kiss to Danny’s scratchy cheek. “You haven’t had your coffee.”  As if that was the problem.  

 “I’m not gonna blow off the whole day, I promise.  I just need a little more time.”

 “Take the time you need.”

 Danny mock glares at him.  “If you’d let me go back to sleep, I would.”

 Steve snorts.  “Fine.  Want me to come back and pick you up for lunch?”

 “Sure, whatever.”  Danny flops over and wraps himself in the blanket, putting an end to the conversation for better or worse.  

 As he drives to work, Steve can’t stop thinking about whether he’s going in the right direction.  Should he be staying home with Danny instead?  Would he be taking better care of his partner if he stayed in bed with him until Danny was able to get up?  It’s certainly not what Danny said he wanted.  And Danny’s not new to this rodeo.  

 Steve keeps on driving towards the palace, choosing to take Danny at his word.  This time, at least, he’ll trust that Danny knows what he needs. Steve knows his ever-present paternalistic streak can be overwhelming, and he doesn’t want to start off their new relationship stepping over Danny’s wishes.  This doesn’t mean that he won’t check in a few too many times, but he’ll do it on his phone, not from the doorway of the bedroom.

 When he gets to the office he’s greeted by the lilting sound of Kono’s voice.  She’s in town for a Kalakaua cousin’s wedding, someone she used to babysit and who has now grown into a tall, lithe, younger version of Kono.  Kono had emailed him weeks ago about stopping by during her visit, but Steve had totally forgotten about it.  

 Kono doesn’t mind, smiling brightly and launching herself at Steve for a tight hug.  She’s been chatting with Tani and Junior, who are already entranced by her, and reluctantly move away as Kono follows Steve into his office.

 “Where’s Danny?”  Kono asks, after glancing back at the door, clearly having expected him to come in with Steve.

 “Gonna be late today,” Steve says, striving for a nonchalant tone.  “Probably in by lunchtime.”  Kono accepts it, and steps closer, a hand on Steve’s arm, to offer her condolences on Doris.

 Steve’s voice catches in his throat as he thanks her, and he wonders how long it will be before he can have a normal conversation about his mother.  It floors him, over and over, that she’s gone, how it happened. How Steve failed to prevent her death.  He still wakes up sometimes and has to shake himself, not wanting to believe it.

 Steve spaces out for a bit, as Kono talks about her current project and how hard it has been to get funding lately, and then tunes back in when Kono mentions Danny’s name.

 “I brought Danny some of that maple syrup he likes,” Kono says.  “For his famous pancakes, assuming he still eats them - maybe I’ll drop it by his house.”

 Steve panics for a moment, and then clears his throat.  “Yeah, about that.”

 “What, did he finally have to cut pancakes out of his diet?  I know how proud Danny is of his trim figure, but brah, pancakes are special.  I can’t believe he’d deprive Charlie of the Williams tradition.”

 “No, Danny still loves pancakes, that hasn’t changed.  But he, um, he’s not at his house.”

 “He’s not?”  Kono narrows her eyebrows at him.  “Where is he, then?”

 “He’s staying with me.”

 A number of complicated expressions pass over Kono’s face, and she stands up, looking through the glass walls of Steve’s office at Tani and Junior by the computer table and Lou in his office. (Adam, apparently keeping track of Kono’s plans than Steve, has made himself scarce today.)  “Wanna go get some coffee?”

 Steve breathes out a relieved sigh. Kono always knows when he needs to talk. “Thought you’d never ask.”

 They grab their drinks at a kiosk in the shopping center, then head to Ala Moana park.  Kono kicks off her sandals when they get to the beach and keeps going towards the water, so Steve follows suit.  It isn’t until they’ve got their toes in the ocean that their conversation returns to Danny.

 Although, as it turns out, it’s also really about Steve.

 “Danny told me he was keeping a close eye on you, since you’ve been back,” Kono says.  “I hadn’t realized that he was still living at your place.”  She says this with a gentle smile, her face full of concern.

 Steve shifts uncomfortably.  “The situation with my mom was pretty intense, and I was pretty shaken by it.  Danny’s been great.”  He glances at Kono, but she has returned her gaze to the cloudy horizon.  “I think he was worried about me.”

 “I know he was,” she says softly.  “He cares so much about you.” She steps a little deeper into the water, holding her sundress up with her free hand.  “Danny and I have been through some similar things.  We used to talk about it, sometimes, before I left.  When we were working together every day.”

 Kono seems to be having a hard time speaking her mind, which is unusual.  Steve is suddenly paying close attention to her body language, noticing that her shoulders are curving in just a bit, her posture a little less tall.  She shoots Steve a questioning glance, and Steve realizes that she’s trying to figure out how much Steve knows; she doesn’t want to violate Danny’s privacy.  But he’s not really sure what he’s at liberty to say.

 Kono bites her lip, and then seems to decide how to approach the topic.  “I was pretty depressed, after I blew my knee out and had to leave the circuit. Surfing had been my life, you know?”

 “I know,” Steve says.

 “I was so down, it was hard to shake it, even when I found my new career with you and Five-0.  It would hit me again, every once in a while.  Danny always seemed to recognize it.”

 “I get that.  Same with me.  Danny, noticing when I was down, I mean.”

 “That’s why he moved in, right?”

 “Yeah, although… it’s not the only reason he stayed, I don’t think.”

 Kono appraises him, and the years seem to suddenly show in her eyes.  “Danny’s having a rough time too these days?”

 Steve nods, sharply.  “Yeah.”

 “You’re looking out for each other.”

 “Yeah.”

 Kono studies him for another moment, and nods.  “That’s good.”  She stares at Steve until he starts to fidget, and then she smiles.  “Always wondered when you two would get it together.”

 Steve can feel a blush on his cheeks, and he wonders how Kono knows.  It’s only been a few days since they kissed.  Although he’s certain there’s been something there for a lot longer.

 He doesn’t want to deny it, and he doesn’t think it would do any good anyway.  “I’m just lucky he puts up with me.”

 Kono’s got a glint in her eye. “True, very true.”  She turns to walk back up the beach, and Steve hurries to catch up.  When they get back to the road, shoes on and coffee cups dropped in the trash barrel, Kono smiles up at him, all teasing gone.  “I’m so proud of you guys.  It’s been a long time coming.”

 Steve must let some of his worry show on his face, because she embraces him and squeezes tight.  “I know it might seem tough, and I’m probably the last person who should be giving out relationship advice.  But take the happiness when you can, all right?  And hold each other even when you can’t. It’ll be worth it, I promise.”

 Steve lets himself rest against Kono’s slender frame, just for a few seconds, and absorbs her words along with her warmth.  Caring so much about Danny is definitely hard, especially on a day like today, with Danny home instead of at his side.  But when he thinks about how happy Danny was a few days ago, how happy they both were….  Moments like that, he thinks, are definitely worth going through some tough times.  

 “Thanks, Kono,” he whispers, and she presses a kiss to his cheek.  

 “Don’t mention it.”  She pulls back and flashes him a sunny smile. “Now, why don’t you give Danny a call, and see if he minds if an old friend crashes your lunch?”

[aerosmiley219]

CJ and Danny for the meme! (Although, soooo tempted to say CJ and Josh)

ULTIMATESHIP MEME!

Send in two (or more) names and I’ll fill all this out aboutthe ship!

General:

Rate the Ship -  Awful | Ew |  No pics pls | I’m not comfortable | Alright | I like it! | Got Pics? | Let’s do it! | Why is this not getting more attention?! | The OTP to rule all other OTPs

How long will they last? – Forever and ever AMEN

How quickly did/will they fall in love? – He was head over heels on day two and she realized he was the one for her slower than she should have. But then her heart was in it but she was conflicted about  work.  And then she didn’t realize she could have work and a personal life until he reminded her that it was possible and she noticed he was always there.  TL;DR longer than it should have.

How was their first kiss? – SO damn good.  Like… thank god we got to see it because it was even better than I could have imagined.  She walked into the door for god’s sake! *sigh*

Wedding:

Who proposed? – I would love to say it was Danny making a huge gesture but I really think it was just a matter of, hey, we’re moving to California so why not make it legal?  Nothing spectacular, more like it’s a given?  Not romantic, I know…

Who is the best man/men? – Danny’s best friend from college (OC), Josh, his 7 year old nephew because Danny loves family and the kid got a huge kick out of it (OC)

Who is the bride’s maid(s)? – Hogan, Donna, Carol

Who did the most planning? – Danny (but CJ helped. A bit)

Who stressed the most? - CJ

How fancy was the ceremony? – Back of a pickup truck | 2 | 3 | 4 | Normal Church Wedding | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | Kate and William wish they were this big.*People pushed for it to be big and they only got married in a church     because they were raised Catholic (so it’s a technicality, really) but     then they had a reception outside in either wine country or by the beach.

Who was specifically not invited to the wedding? – HOYNES!!  (that’s the only guy who comes to mind?)  Because DUH!

Sex:

Who is on top? – They switch.  It all depends on the time and place and mood, etc.

Who is the one to instigate things? – You probably think I’m going to say Danny but I think CJ does because she realized what an incredible lover he really is and feels the need to make up for lost time. (Actually, I think it’s an even split)

How healthy is their sex life? - Barely touch themselves let alone each other | 2 | 3 | 4 | Once a couple weeks,nothing overboard | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | They are humping each other on the couch right now*It’s extremely healthy (the last option doesn’t make it sound healthy. It makes them sound like nymphomaniacs and that’s not healthy. So HA) And it’s an incredible experience

How kinky are they? - Straight missionary with the lights off | 2 | 3 | 4 | Might try some butt stuff and toys | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | Don’t go into the sex dungeon without a horse’s head *And I’ve got fic to prove it!!! And that’s not to say they don’t enjoy vanilla sex, because they do!

How long do they normally last? – It  all depends.  They can do quickies or 3 hour making love sessions.  I guess, on average, from end to end, I want to say at least 45 minutes?

Do they make sure each person gets an equal amount of orgasms? – Of course.  But then again, sometimes they do for one another and don’t expect anything in return (*cough cough* healthy relationship)

How rough are they in bed? - Softer than a butterfly on the back of a bunny | 2 | 3 | 4 | The bed’s shaking and squeaking every time | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | Their dirty talk is so vulgar it’d make Dwayne Johnson blush. Also, the wall’s so weak it could collapse the next time they do it. *All of the above.  It all depends.

How much cuddling/snuggling do they do? - No touching after sex | 2 | 3 | 4 | A little spooning at night, or on the couch, but not in public | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | They snuggle and kiss more often than a teen couple on their fifth date to a pillow factory.*Again, all of the above (not a cop-out, they’re versatile)

Children:

How many children will they have naturally? - *sigh* 2 (I really didn’t think they’d have kids but I do LOVE the prospect of them having at least one curly redheaded wee one)

How many children will they adopt? – They considered it but then the second one came along so they chose not     to

Who gets stuck with the most diapers? – Stuck? I feel like they’d equally share the duty (LOL! See what I did there?!??) But then I feel like Danny would try to do it more often?

Who is the stricter parent? – CJ (it’s for their own good and she feels sort of bad later but only lets Danny see that side of her)

Who stops the kid(s) from doing dangerous stunts after school? – Danny. Been there, done that, not a fan of the ER.

Who remembers to pack the lunch(es)? – Mostly Danny but CJ does every once in a while (OOH! And  while she’s at it, she makes him one, too. And even writes a love note on  a napkin)

Who is the more loved parent? – Ew.  I don’t like this question.  Not     applicable!  They’re both awesome

Who is more likely to attend the PTA meetings? – They both make a point to show up because education is important

Who cried the most at graduation? – CJ (well, they both do, but mostly her)

Who is more likely to bail the child(ren) out of trouble with the law? – I feel like they’d take a stance on this and let the kid sit in jail overnight.  But, maybe Danny?  Like he’ll be the one to say “okay, but first thing in the morning”

Cooking: 

Who does the most cooking? – Danny.  CJ is learning, though

Who is the most picky in their food choice? – Um, neither?  They’re     both well-traveled and are open to trying new foods

Who does the grocery shopping? –  They make a point to do it as a family

How often do they bake desserts? – Special occasions (holidays, parties, birthdays, first day of school)

Are they more of a meat lover or a salad eater? – Both.

Who is more likely to surprise the other(s) with an anniversary dinner? – Both (again).  They’re busy but they try to do small, spontaneous things for one another whenever they can

Who is more likely to suggest going out? – Danny.  CJ goes out a lot to schmooze folks for work. Then again they both ate out a lot while in DC so I think they like eating in more often than not

Who is more likely to burn the house down accidently while cooking? – CJ. But she’s learning, remember?

Chores: 

Who cleans the room? – They do different rooms.  CJ gets the bedroom, Danny gets the kitchen.

Who is really against chores? – Neither.  Kids need structure!! It’s something they agree on

Who cleans up after the pets? – CJ, but Danny steps in when need be. Until the kids are old enough, then it becomes a chore the kids share

Who is more likely to sweep everything under the rug? – CJ. He knows it’s there so Danny goes behind her and vacuums under it once a month. And she knows he knows so it’s all     good

Who stresses the most when guests are coming over? - CJ

Who found a dollar between the couch cushions while cleaning? - Danny

Misc:

Who takes the longer showers/baths? – CJ. She’s discovered the beauty of quiet, lavender-laden, relaxed baths.  And when they shower together, it’s amazing (although I’m not sure who initiates it more often)

Who takes the dog out for a walk? – Danny.  With the kids.  It’s kind of a bonding thing they do (it started with CJ discovering the beauty of bath time.  Now it’s an at least once a week thing)

How often do they decorate the room/house for the holidays? – Always. Danny started the tradition but CJ’s gotten into it, especially because of the children, and now they do it all the time

What are their goals for the relationship? – Never go to bed angry.  Agree to disagree. Happily ever after

Who is most likely to sleep till noon? – Hmm. I want to say CJ but I feel like it could either way

Who plays the most pranks? – Danny. It starts as a reminder to loosen up but then it just kind of becomes a cute thing she looks forward to (obviously, they’re not mean pranks)

 *Thank you for this!  And, BTW, I’m TOTALLY doing CJ/Josh next!!!*