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strong-with-the-sarcasm · 7 days

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Part 20: I speak in tongues

"I'm not like you, I speak in tongues. It's a different language to those of us, who’ve faced the storm against all odds and found the truth inside." -can u see me in the dark? by Halestorm, I Prevail

Regent Masterlist Part 19 AO3 Mundane Macabre (Main)

When Ellie first began traveling, she’d (rightfully) assumed that she would never stop being surprised by humankind. Humans are curious creatures, capable of both kindness and cruelty in equal measure.

(The Fentons were prime examples of cruelty)

(Cruel towards the living, dead and those who lie in between.)

(Their children suffered, maybe even more than the ghosts they tried to hunt)

With time, Ellie had decided to create her alter ego of Wraith, the quiet being of shadows that was just eerie enough to pass as something other regardless of what form she was in. Wraith was Ellie’s favorite mask to slip on, to hide from the living world as she tried to help where she could.

Ellie Nightingale was a nomadic medium with a preference for punk rock, bleached hair and her leather jacket.

Wraith was the opposite in ways that mattered, was created to help with the violence the halfa was witness to, fists bruised and weapons bloody.

Ellie was not.

Perhaps she’d broken herself into too many pieces, too many identities, for a solid visage to form. Cracked like a mirror, dirty and covered in old marker messages from friends long gone. Messages she’d carry with her no matter what name she went by, or style of hair, leather jacket or denim- halfa or not.

That’s what made her unique.

(Clone.)

(Failure.)

(Danielle.)

(Ellie.)

(Wraith.)

Vlad had been her origin story, her beginning, but he was no longer her master. Slave to no one, daughter of nobody.

But she was a sister to good people.

Sometimes Ellie caught herself thinking ‘what would Danny do?’ when confronted with an extraordinary problem, trying to channel his brilliance despite their distance. He might not consider himself very intelligent, but Danny was the cleverest (and kindest) person she’d ever met. He loved her, his clone made as a violation of his bodily autonomy and by his fruitloop of a godfather.

(Superman had not treated his clone the same.)

(She understood his feelings of violation)

(Kon was a living being and needed support too.)

However, Jazz was her idol.

Many people would’ve written off the woman as a know-it-all golden child, but those in the inner circle knew the truth. Jazz was the first child of the Fentons, who had nobody but herself to teach or to guide her. When Danny was born, Jasmine devoted everything to caring for him, to raising him as their parents should’ve.

(His first words, his first steps)

Jasmine Fenton was a woman who loved fiercely and so, so very deeply that she’s willing to sacrifice her own wellbeing to ensure the happiness of the ones lucky enough to be given her love.

With the rise to Regency and the subsequent downfall of her progenitors, Jasmine Fenton was left to rot in the basement with Danny’s grave, just like the yellow flowers she so fondly left in memorial.

(Ellie would forever grieve the loss of Jasmine Fenton, the mother she so desperately wanted.)

Yet, the Lady Nightingale arose from the grave, ash and blood staining her name, a ghost in an inhuman shell, ready to remake the world should she have to burn it down.

(Jazz carried so few regrets, but they weighed her down like anchors.)

(One day they might drown her in the dark depths.)

(Her template’s younger visage admist the spectral mist spoke volumes.)

(Maybe one day the faces of the elder Fentons would fade away.)

(Ellie could only hope.)

The Regent, despite having staked her territory in the Ridge alongside Phantom, was unofficially claimed as one of the Crime Alley’s own. Defending the working girls, helping kids with homework or getting them away from ner-do-wells, the Regent had not hesitated to reach out a helping hand even after being targeted by those who would break her will.

Black Mask, for instance, had put a bounty on the woman’s head with an eagerness that disgusted many others. People knew what a man like him would do with powerful woman, what enjoyment he’d receive breaking her.

It was also no secret how much the Mask wanted to get his hands on the Red Hood.

The helmeted vigilante had been a frequent pain in the ass ever since his debut some years ago, destroying his black market operations and getting the Big Bat involved. Sionis wanted little more than to rip off the fucker’s head- helmet and all.

However, Sionis had tried his hand at subtly for once- he’d hired freelance to take out Hood’s second-in-command while the guy had his guard down with his girlfriend, a pretty red-haired civilian Sionis wouldn’t mind a turn with. The idea was to throw Hood’s gang leadership into chaos so Black Mask’s men could sweep in. Jason Todd was high in the ranks that his death would do just that.

Figures the guy would survive.

Jason had been seen with his girlfriend in the Ridge only days after the failed assassination attempt, no worse for the wear. Red Hood had come sniffing around his operations, with Regent stalking his men and the Phantom destroying his latest shipment of merchandise. Though, with the under-the-table job he’d hired out for, Hood found nothing linking him to the attempt on his second-in-command.

It was time to change tactics.

The Regent was confirmed to be in a romantic relationship with Hood, if the various Gothamite twitter posts and the sub-reddit r/RedHoodRegent dedicated to commemorating their obvious status, was to be believed.

There wasn’t many problems with targeting the older sword-wielding vigilante; unlike Robin, Regent didn’t have the Big Bat for backup, but did have the Phantom. The ghost-like meta (or actual ghost, Sionis wasn’t sure how much he believed the rumors) was the biggest obstacle between him and Regent. If Mask could distract (or get rid of) Phantom, then his men could sweep in and eliminate Regent when the vigilante inevitably falls to his numbers. Sure, Sionis was sure he would lose quite a few men, but it's Gotham. The numbers can always be recouped later.

Perhaps when Red Hood tries to save his girlfriend, Mask could finally get his hands on him.

Two birds, one stone.

Oh yes, Sionis liked this plan.

He had some calls to make.

A/N: I'm back! This was supposed to be posted on my birthday back in August, but I wasn't in the best headspace for writing or even being on any social media. I have several pieces waiting in the wings to be finished and edited, but I'm back and ready to write again! (Famous last words.)

(To those who guessed Black Mask had something to do with the bomb, kudos.)

Also, for those who might be uncomforable with Sionis' thoughts about Jazz, just remember- he's a bad guy, deranged and over all not the kind of morally upstanding person you want in charge of anything. Things get really dark where it concerns Sionis and what he plans for the future. Just a warning, because those who've read my other works know my penchant for angst.

#dp x dc #dpxdc #dp x dc au #dc x dp crossover #jazz fenton #regent!jazz #hardcover ship #jason todd #anger management ship #jazz x jason #ellie nightingale #black mask #roman sionis

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slutforsilverfoxes · 1 year

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Seeing Red (Part II)

Part I

[A/N: Okay, wow, y'all really liked that first part 🥹 Sorry for the long wait (baby doctor, clinics, all that jazz) but I hope you enjoy!]

—————

Re-questioning the witness hadn’t quite panned out yesterday. Gibbs and DiNozzo had returned with the escort in cuffs, but she was being detained for assaulting a federal officer, not the Lance Corporal’s murder. Ziva had attempted to interrogate Tony about what went down, but received only a muffled, “Don’t wan’ talk ‘bout it,” from behind the ice pack tending to his nose.

That, of course, didn’t deter the rest of you, and the following conversation ensued:

Tim: That five-foot-nothing woman hit you hard enough to break your nose?

Tony: Oh my god, do you think it’s broken? My facial symmetry will be all off.

Ziva: McGee, you are such a male sometimes. Women are not frail beings.

Tony: Is my face still symmetrical? Can someone look? Guys?

You: Y’know, ‘you hit like a girl’ isn’t actually an insult. Wanna see? I can help you match your buddy there.

Tony: Okay, but seriously, am I still pretty? Someone tell me I’m still pretty.

Suffice to say, the case was still ongoing.

Laughing under your breath at the memory, you pour some creamer into your coffee and take a test sip, letting out a discontented grunt at the taste.

“Tough enough to threaten breaking noses but can’t handle a little bitterness?”

Glancing over your shoulder, you pointedly roll your eyes at Gibbs before directing your attention back to your brew and adding more creamer, then a packet of sugar for good measure. “You know what they say: you are what you drink. That’s why you enjoy that bitter swill, and I like my coffee extra sweet,” you respond with a smirk, turning to lean against the kitchenette counter as you stir your coffee and bat your eyelashes in an exaggerated manner.

Gibbs barks out a laugh in response, then crowds into your space until he’s a mere breath away and quietly challenges, “Extra sweet, huh?”

Your lips part instinctively as his proximity to you sucks the air out of the room, and you feel your heart rate skyrocket. It takes every ounce of your willpower to not close the gap between you, to not give in and press your lips against his. Your fingers ghost over the sharp planes of his jaw, and you let out an airy, “Jethro.”

Leaning into your touch, he murmurs, “Yes, Y/N?”

You uncurl your fingers and use the flat of your hand to pat his cheek, and with a teasing lilt to your voice, question, “Wouldn’t you like to know?”

His eyes flash, betraying his true feelings toward your innuendo, before he collects himself and steps away from the warmth of your touch. “Get to work, Y/L/N.”

Your eyes roam across Gibbs’ broad shoulders and make their way downward as he turns on his heel and starts heading back to his desk, passing Ziva and Tony (and Tony’s big ass bandage over the bridge of his nose) on his way. Appraising the silver fox’s solid form, you run your tongue over the ridges of your teeth before quietly declaring, “Yeah, I could take him.”

Snagging the communal coffee pot from beside you, Ziva follows your line of sight and one eyebrow shoots up. An air of amusement to her voice, she asks, “You think you could take Gibbs in a fight?”

“Sure, David,” you murmur, taking a sip to hide your coy smile, “that, too.”

You push off the countertop and strut towards the bullpen, hearing Ziva’s voice behind you. “Where is she taking Gibbs? Tony? Why are you smirking like that?”

__________

It’s been several hours since your last verbal sparring session with Gibbs, you’ve been hot all day since your almost kiss, and your repetitive phone calls (“No, there’s no way Collins was having an affair,” “No, Jack didn’t have any enemies,” “Everybody loved Jack! Who could have done this?”) are really starting to piss you off. Replacing the phone in its cradle, you let out a sigh and rub your temples, speaking aloud to the NCIS agents. “I can’t find anything nefarious related to the Lance Corporal’s joint operation. We’ve got no motive, no suspects, and our only ‘witness’ was hiding in the bathroom. If only she’d gotten our killer with her fists of fury.”

“Oh, shut up,” Tony grumbles, and your joke landing gets you to at least crack a smile.

“What’s the matter, Tony?” McGee fake sympathizes. “You don’t like being the punchline?”

“I’m gonna smack that smile right off your face, McGeek, I swear-”

“I’m gonna smack you all if you don’t do your damn jobs,” Gibbs barks as he rounds the corner.

You meet his steely gaze with a grin. “Tempting.”

He smooths his hand over his face, opens his mouth to respond, and then thinks better of entertaining your comment, instead turning his attention to his agents. “Somebody give me something, people, c’mon!”

“Actually, Boss,” Tim pipes up, “I think I’ve got something.” You all crowd around his desk, focused on his computer screen. “He’s been making anonymous donations to a scholarship fund for about six months. I did some digging, and it’s in honor of a seventeen year old kid named Charlie Stone who died three years ago in a hit and run accident.”

“Our Muhammad Ali in holding,” you chime in, deftly twisting away from Tony’s pinching fingers, “isn’t her last name Stone?”

“Pull up the accident report,” Gibbs orders, and Tim’s fingers fly across the keys as he inputs the information. “Witnesses report seeing a Black Chevy Silverado leaving the scene.” McGee does some more searching, pulling up DMV records for your victim.

You let out a whistle as your eyes scan the list, stopping on the vehicle Collins traded in a few years ago. “Turns out our golden boy wasn’t so golden.”

“I think it’s time we have another chat with Miss Stone.”

__________

You spot a familiar shock of silver hair rounding the corner in your peripheral vision, a triumphant smile on his face that falters at the sight of you perched on DiNozzo’s desk. Throwing your head back in laughter, you lay a hand on Tony’s upper arm, squeezing while you compliment his sense of humor. “I don’t believe you!”

He flashes you a grin and holds up three fingers. “Scout’s honor, Y/L/N. Ask Gibbs!”

“I’m surprised you don’t get hit by suspects more often,” you giggle, delicately brushing your finger down his healing nose, and Tony winces playfully.

“Oh, Tony gets slapped plenty,” McGee supplies giddily. “Being punched is new for him, though.”

With a smirk, you ask, “You like getting smacked around, DiNozzo?”

Leaning closer, he lowers his voice and responds, “Maybe by a pretty- Gibbs!”

A quick glance over your shoulder has you meeting icy blue eyes, and you gasp softly. “You really need to wear a bell or something,” you mutter. “It’s scary how quiet you are.”

“If you two are finished flirting on company time-” You roll your eyes, taking note of the way his own flash in response. “I got a confession. Case closed. You can return to your coven, Y/L/N.”

“Oh, aren’t you just a riot?” you snark back. “I have my own report to write up before I can get out of your graying hair.” You hop off Tony’s desk and head to your temporary setup, settling down with the case file before you.

“Your little comments are growing old.”

“They’re not the only thing,” you huff.

Gibbs slaps the file in his hands down on his desk, the sound causing you to flinch reflexively. “You speak to Fornell like you do to me?”

“You speak to your subordinates like you do to me?”

“I-” He stops short suddenly, keenly aware of three pairs of eyes darting back and forth, eating up your ping-pong match of thinly veiled insults. Clearing his throat, his next words are spoken with an eerie calm. “May I speak with you in private, Y/L/N?”

“Fine,” you answer just as coldly. “Do you have an office or shall I head to the elevator?”

His jaw ticks before he grits out, “Conference room. Now.”

You can feel the heat of his gaze on your back- and roaming lower- as he climbs the stairs behind you. Stopping at the top of the staircase, he turns to his team and says, “At least pretend to be doing work, would ya?”

The door clicks shut and you turn to Gibbs, arms crossed and foot tapping. “What?”

“You-” His tongue darts out to wet his lips and he shakes his head, at a loss for words. Stalking towards you, he forces you to retreat until the backs of your knees meet with the chair behind you and you drop into it. With his hands on the arm rests, he leans forward and growls, “You’re trying to force my hand.”

Looking up at him from beneath your lashes, you smirk and respond, “I would never do something so devious…unless it’s working.”

“You know what your problem is, Y/L/N?”

You take in a deep breath and immediately regret it, Jethro’s scent overwhelming your senses and your brain going fuzzy. Fighting through the daze, you challenge, “Besides you?”

He ignores the bait, slowly lowering into a squat so that he’s at eye level with you. Gibbs tilts his head, and the way his piercing blue eyes are analyzing you has your blood rushing in your veins, heating your skin and the traitor between your thighs. “You’re used to getting what you want. And you act like a brat when you don’t.”

“I am not acting like-” You stop short, averting your gaze. “I’m sorry for being disrespectful in front of your team.”

He tucks two fingers under your chin, guiding you back to look at him. He’s sporting a wolfish grin, and his eyes are ablaze with barely concealed hunger. “What a good girl,” he murmurs, and saliva pools in your mouth at the simple praise. “You just need some discipline.” You tamp down the urge to respond So discipline me, instead letting him lead your dance. If lines were going to be crossed, you’d rather follow in his footsteps than pull him to the other side.

Noting the change in your breathing, he brushes his thumb over your cheek and your eyes flutter closed. “Feeling calmer now?”

You drop your head into a nod, and he follows up with, “Gonna flirt with Tony some more?” This time, you shake your head, and your cheeks grow warm with shame. “Good girl,” Gibbs repeats, and you let out an involuntary little whimper.

Your eyes shoot open at the distinct sound of a door opening, worried that another NCIS agent is about to walk in and catch you in this very interesting predicament. Instead, you find yourself alone in the large conference room, the door swinging on its hinge.

“Bastard.”

[A/N... again: I try to write my fics as if they’re an episode of the show playing out, and figuring out how to write about the cases (and the inevitable plot twist in every ep) is so much fun. I hope you guys enjoy me entertaining my little crime-fiction-loving self :) Thank you for reading 🖤] ___ Tags:

@ilovemark1951

@ash-whimsicalfanfic

@thecubanator2

@ificantbringmydogimnotgoing

@kittenlittle24

@queenofthedreaming1

@instantnoooodles

@doctorwhofan24

#jethro gibbs #jethro gibbs x reader #jethro gibbs x you #jethro gibbs x y/n #jethro gibbs imagine #leroy jethro gibbs #leroy jethro gibbs x reader #leroy jethro gibbs x you #leroy jethro gibbs x y/n #leroy jethro gibbs imagine #ncis #ncis imagine #ncis fanfiction #ncis gibbs #reader request #enemies to lovers #jethro gibbs x female reader #leroy jethro gibbs x female reader

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zayphora · 2 years

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the phantom of broken ridge…🎭

ID: A watercolor of Eve Mcblase. Eve is a trans woman with long black hair and pale skin, wearing a base-shaped mask with stylized eyes on it. She is wearing a vampire-like outfit with a big cape, which she is holding out to the side, a white ruffled shirt, black pants and tall shiny black boots. The background is a dark stage with a spotlight on Eve.

(bonus: she’s sparkly!)

ID: Detail of the above watercolor drawing that shows sparkly glitter on the gold and silver accents of the lighting.

#blaseball #eve mcblase #evelton mcblase ii #broken ridge jazz hands #breckenridge jazz hands #zayphy arts

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dp-marvel94 · 1 year

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(Not) Alone- Chapter 3

Summary: Consumed with worry and scared after watching Dani almost die, Danny begs her to come home with him and meet Jazz. He wants to see her safe and happy and taken care of more than anything. An important reveal also weighs heavy on him – Dani isn’t the only living clone… and the other is him. He needs to tell her the truth; maybe that will convince her to agree to the idea of telling his parents. And she'll stay in Amity Park with him, where he'll never have to worry if she's safe ever again.

Meanwhile, Dani has mixed feelings. Still reeling from the loss of her clone siblings, Danny’s unexpected worry and care make her uncomfortable. And her own guilt… she hurt him and helped get him kidnapped twice. How can he care about a mistake like her? But having clean clothes and a bed is wonderful. And things aren’t as simple as she thinks.

Will Dani accept the help she needs and let herself be loved? Or will she push Danny and Jazz away and run again?

Word Count: 4,831

First-> Previous

Also on AO3 and Fanfiction.net

Note: New chapter!! I'm posting this a little earlier than I'd planned, honestly, because I need the serotonin, ya'll. I was supposed to be seeing BabyMetal right now but Blue Ridge Rock Festival freaking sucks. 😭😭😭

Also, at the end of the chapter, check out @lostrence 's art! I love it so much. 🥰🤗😭

Chapter 3

“Danny!” His little sister’s voice cried, panicked and desperate.

“Danielle!” His eyes wide, reaching towards the sound. “I’m coming! I’m-” A blast from Vlad, knocking him back.

Out of the corner of his eye, the Red Huntress faced off against Plasmius’ duplicate.

“Danny! Help!”

“I’m here! I’m- Omph!” Another shot. The bookshelf fell onto him.

A flurry of movement. Ectoplasm. Electricity. Cursing. Maniacal laughter.

“No!” Danny fought, two copies of Vlad holding him down. “Just let me help her!”

“No. I don’t wanna die. I don’t wanna die. Please!”

Dani was crying. Screaming. Begging. She was just in the other room and she was melting. She was dying. And Danny had what he needed to save her in his pocket. The ecto-dejecto. It would save her. But he couldn’t…. He couldn’t….

Danny thrashed, teeth bared. “Let me go, you bastard!” He kicked. He punched. He bit. “Let me save her!”

The maniac just laughed at him, twin fanged grins glaring down.

“Please! I can’t-” A bubbling gurgle cut off the younger clone’s words.

“Dani!” The ghost boy screamed, the sound shaking the room. A powerful shock wave threw both Plasmius’ back.

Danny flew. “Dani! I’m coming. Hang on!” He burst through the door. “I’m-”

Desperate terror cut off his words, mind barely registering the sight in front of him. Danielle’s arms and legs were half gone, her torso an indistinct green blob. And her head….

A gurgled cry. Green-dripping eyes widened with hope.

In front of her in an instant, the older brother fumbled for the ecto-dejecto. How was he even supposed to use this?! Inject it? But where?

A snap-second decision. Danny jabbed the needle into what was left of Dani’s neck. “Come on! Come on!” He pushed down the plunger. And….

Nothing. “No! Dani! Stay with me!”

The green just moved faster, the clone’s legs and arms disappeared now. Her chest fizzled away, barely more than a head….

“We’ll figure something out! Don’t give up!” Danny reached out, arms desperate. As if… as if he could hold her together.

“It’s… it’s okay.” Dani half-slurred.

“No! No! Stay with me!” The tearful plea, hands cradling her head. “Keep your eyes open. Stay with me!”

“Danny, I’m sorry. I-” The words disappeared, melted with the rest of her.

Green covered the boy’s hands, his suit. His fingers gripped his hair, the strands soaked with ectoplasm. Her ectoplasm.

“No. No. No.” Each word came out shakier, more distraught. An inconsolable sob. “No!”

Danny jerked up in bed, chest heaving. “Dani. No.” A choked, broken cry.

He whipped his tear-stained face, eyes frantically fluttering across the room. Where-

Oh…. The familiar posters and rocket models. The pile of homework on the desk. The window, soft morning light drifting through the gaps in the closed blinds.

His bedroom. This was his bedroom. And….

Danny sighed in relief, the realization hitting him. It was a dream, just a dream. The ecto-dejecto had worked. Dani had risen from that puddle of green. For just a second, that happiness, the joy at seeing her alive echoed in his core.

He smiled shakily. Yes, she was alive. Danielle, his baby sister, was okay. He’d convinced her to come home. She’d eaten with them. Right now, she was asleep in the guestroom, just across the hall from his room.

He needed to check on her. Danny’s feet hit the floor, body overcome with the drive. He had to see that she was alive, breathing, and safe. That she wasn’t still alone on the streets somewhere, cold and hungry. That she was really here, right across the hall. Right next to him, where she belonged.

The boy stood, purposefully walking across the room and opening the door. It was just a few more steps across the hall, another door in between. Danny carefully and quietly pulled that one open too, and-

In his chest, his heart froze. “Dani?” His voice trembled. Maybe she was just invisible…. “Dani?”

No answer came. She….wasn’t in her bed. Dani wasn’t in her bed. His heart pounded, panic rising. Did she leave in the middle of the night?! She had been flighty last night, like she was uncomfortable to be here. No. No. Please. She couldn’t have left without a word. She did the same thing last time though. What was stopping her from-

Stop. Danny reprimanded himself, blowing out a breath. He needed to think logically. She could just be in the bathroom for all he knew. Maybe he could sense her….

The boy closed his eyes, reaching out with his core. At the edge of his perception…. the hint of a familiar signature. Dani! His eyes popped open. Dani was still here.

Danny followed his ghost sense. Down the hallway, stairs, into the living room…

There. On the floor, a pile of blankets and pillows cradled a familiar figure.

Relief washed over the boy, the feeling bringing him to his knees. “You’re still here.” Danny breathed, kneeling beside the girl’s sleeping form.

“Wha?” A tired grumble came from the head buried in its pillow.

Well, she had been sleeping. The boy frowned. “Sorry.” He softly apologized. “Didn’t mean to wake you. Go back to sleep.” He moved to stand.

Instead of doing as he said, Dani dragged up her head, looking at him. Through sleep-narrowed eyes, she grumbled. “Is it morning yet?”

“Yes.” Danny shook his head. “But you don’t need to get up yet. It’s still-”

“I’m up. I’m up.” The girl sat up ignoring his words. She rubbed her eyes, letting out a yawn. Then… she turned her head, side-eyeing him. “Were you watching me sleep?”

“No…?” The word came out as a question. Not because he was unsure of the answer; he hadn’t been watching her sleep! But because of her tone…. Yes, Mainly teasing but with more than a hint of offense.

Danny’s brow furrowed. “I woke up early and went to check on you. And…” He smiled sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck. “I might have freaked a little, when I saw you weren’t in your room. But you’re down here and you’re fine.” He lowered his hand. “Why were you sleeping on the floor anyway?”

Dani crossed her arms. “The bed was too soft.” Mumbling. “It felt like the mattress was gonna eat me.”

“Oh.” His brow furrowed. “You could’ve told me. I would have got you a sleeping bag or something-”

“Why are you like this?” The girl interrupted bluntly.

The boy blinked. “Like what?”

“Why are you so… so…” She huffed, blowing black strands of hair from her face. “So… worried about me all the time?”

For a moment, Danny stiffened, taken aback by the question. The clear annoyance in it….

With a sigh, he shifted position, moving from his knees to sitting cross legged on the carpet. “I guess you are right, I have been worrying about you a lot, especially since yesterday….” The word fell heavily, the memory a pressing weight in his mind. The boy shook it away. “Before that, you were on the streets, alone, for months. And you’re just a kid-”

“I’m not just a kid.” The clone girl cut in, frowning. “I can handle myself.”

“Dani, you’re ten. Maybe twelve, physically at least. You shouldn’t have to handle it yourself.” A sigh. “And that’s not the point I’m trying to-”

“I don’t need your help.” Another interruption, Dani scowled.

Danny’s own core bristled, shoulders tensing. “Danielle. Please just hear me out.” He rubbed his head. Man… he had a new appreciation for Jazz and her ability to put up with an argumentative younger sibling.

“Fine.” His little sister begrudgingly agreed.

“Okay, listen. Even if you don’t actually need help, I’m offering it. You are family.” He emphasized that last word, as much conviction as he was capable. Please. Please let her hear him.

The clone girl did not. “Oh. So you only care because we’re related. Or you feel responsible for me-”

Danny glared, a pale imitation of Jazz’s Disappointed Older Sibling Scowl™.

Still, it had its intended effect. “Sorry.” Dani looked down, effectively cowed.

With a nod, Danny continued. “You are my family. And I care about you.” His eyes wide and earnest. “And yes, I’ve worried about you since that last day I saw you. Since you left at Vlad’s, I had no idea if you were alive or… or dead.” He tripped over the word, throat feeling thick. “You could have destabilized anywhere, and I would have never known what happened to you. I thought… I thought you were dead.” The words stabbed at his core. The memory….

Before he’d explained to his friends and sister about who he was now, he’d told them about the other clones, about how they had all destabilized. And Danielle….

He felt like he’d been stabbed, like his legs would collapse under him…..“No. No. She couldn’t have... she’s not…” The boy shook his head violently. It was unthinkable. “No. She’s…. Danielle’s strong... and she’s smart.”... His chest was heaving. “She’s... she’s smart. She knows not to use her powers, or she’ll melt. She can... she can turn human and she’ll be safe. She’s... she’s safe... she has to be.” Danny was full-on weeping now. Of course, he was. It hadn't... hadn't even occurred to him yet that Danielle might be de-. No. He cut off that cursed thought. She wasn't. She was fine. She was somewhere…

He’d broken down right then, unable to even think that she might have been… been gone. That thought, in the back of his mind…. It tortured him for months. But to his relief, she had found him again, just yesterday. And yet….

“I just…. Less than twelve hours ago… I watched you die.” His nightmare…

The green just moved faster, the clone’s legs and arms disappeared now. Her chest fizzled away, barely more than a head…. “We’ll figure something out! Don’t give up!” Danny reached out, arms desperate. As if… as if he could hold her together.

A violent head-shake. Danny focused his mind back on the moment, his eyes back on her face. “I thought I was going to lose you again.” The words were so quiet, so pained. “But… I didn’t.” He reached, laying his hand atop of hers. He smiled, the feeling all the more bright for his previous grief. “I didn’t. You’re okay. You’re here. You’re safe.”

He wanted to keep this moment, imprint it in his memory. Her eyes, round and wide. Her brow wrinkling in contemplation. She… she would hear him. She would understand….

His own eyes rounded, full of meaning and conviction. “We found each other again.”

Just like that, the moment broke. Dani’s dawning smile fell. “You don’t even know me.” She pulled her hand back, shoulders curling in on herself.

Danny felt like he had been stabbed. “Dani…”

“No.” The girl shifted awkwardly, backing away from him. “We’ve known each other for all of what? Two days total? And that first day, I tried to kill you.”

“Yeah…” The boy blinked, shrugging. “But you helped me in the end.”

“Do you hear yourself?” She frowned, eyes narrowed disbelievingly. “I tried to kill you. I helped Vlad kidnap and hurt you.” She rolled her eyes. “Literally yesterday, I helped you get kidnapped. Again.”

“None of that was your fault. I’ve never blame you-”

“I don’t care if you don’t blame me.” The girl interrupted, glaring. “I do. I blame me. I shouldn’t have been so stupid to fall for Vlad’s lies. Earlier, when he had me on the freaking table, I asked if he was trying to find a way to save me. I thought maybe he changed his mind. Maybe he was going to help me but.. I’m so stupid. I’m a moron.”

Danny shook his head. “No, you’re not-”

“I let you have your piece.” Dani’s voice rose, a sharp edge. “Now you’re going to let me have mine.”

It was Danny’s turn to be cowed. “Okay. Sorry.” He looked down, shoulders falling.

“You don’t know me.” She spat out again. “You don’t know anything about me and what I’ve been through. You don’t know anything about the crap Vlad,” The word was more of a curse than name. “put me through, how he made me feel.”

Each word felt like a stab, each one driving a nail through his core. She couldn’t… she couldn’t really think this, could she?

“You don’t know what it’s like to have nothing, to be nothing. Just a stupid copy of someone else. Just a mistake.”

His heart was breaking, tongue bleeding from how hard he was biting it.

“And for some god-forsaken reason, you feel responsible for me. Taking pity on the stupid, broken little clone girl? Well, I don’t need your pity.”

Danny couldn’t let this go on. “No, that’s not it. I don’t pity you. I… I love you, Dani. I-”

“And another thing!” Her voice rose yet again. “Your audacity! Calling yourself my brother? I have…. I had plenty of brothers. And they’re dead. They’re freaking dead. I’m all that’s left. My family’s all gone. And how dare you…” She seethed, eyes flashing green with fury. “How dare you try to replace them?! You’re not my brother!”

No. This… this felt like being stabbed in the chest. Like a hot poker to his still newly fused core. “No. I’m not trying to… to…” His shoulders shook, tears threatening to rise. “Dani. I swear, I…”

“You’re not my brother!” Danielle yelled again, fist in her lap balling. “You’re just the guy I was cloned from. And Me? I’m just a stupid clone who’s not even supposed to exist. Just a stupid imperfection. A mistake. I’m supposed to be dead! Just like…” Her chest heaved, eyes shining, wet despite her anger. “Just like my brothers.”

“No. No. You’re not. You’re…” The tears burst, words unable to force their way through.

Maybe it was part of him that was still so young, who had been barely out of toddlerhood at their fusion, at his creation. But Danny found himself suddenly crying and he couldn’t stop.

Dani couldn’t…. She couldn’t think all this about herself, and about him. She… she couldn’t. She couldn’t. His heart hurt. His core hurt. Deep in his soul… it hurt. Everything ached.

For the first time in months, his core twisted, body wanting to shrink without his permission. But…

No! No! No. He couldn’t do that! He couldn’t! He couldn’t talk when he was little. And… and he needed to tell Dani that she was wrong. That none of this was her fault. That she wasn’t stupid. That she was one of the strongest, most incredible people he knew. That she was supposed to be here. That…. That she wasn’t alone.

Danny tried, he struggled, he forced the words through his thick throat. “No. You’re not… you’re not supposed to be dead. You’re supposed to be… to be here, with me.”

Danielle just looked more angry. “I’m supposed to be with my clone brothers. They’re supposed to be here! Stop trying to replace Muscles, and Bones, and Daniel, and Tiny. Stop-”

“I’m not! I’m right here!” The boy shouted. “I’m right here! In front of you! You’re not the only clone left. I’m right here.”

That silenced Dani’s rant; she looked like she’d been punched.

If he… if he could get her to understand…. “It’s… It’s me. It’s Tiny. I’m… I’m different. But it’s really-”

“Bull-Shit.” The curse was ice cold, eyes hard and dry of tears. “You’re not him.” This was almost worse than the fiery rage.

“No. It’s… It’s me. I swear.” His eyes wide, full of pleading, desperation. Please, please not another rejection… “Just let me…. Just let me show you.”

“What are you going to fu-”

Her word cut off as Danny transformed. He pulled on his core and shrunk. The half ghost felt his body condense, smaller and smaller. If he was closer to how she remembered him, then maybe, maybe….

The feeling of his limbs shortening, of his spine compressing eased as Danny, as Dami – That was clone-him’s name after all. That’s who he was now, in this moment – stopped. He let out a sigh, settling into his new size. He was all of about five inches now, a comfortable, familiar height.

In front of him, Danielle’s mouth fell open in disbelief, eyes popping wide.

For a long moment, Dami hovered in the air, nervously. His gaze flickered around, from her hand, to her eyes, and back. Silently, without a word, the boy drifted forward, one hand raised palm up in front of him. Dani’s own gaze moved, from him to her own hand, balled in her lap. Again, she just stared down for a long breath but…

Shakily, numbly, she raised her hand in front of her chest.

Danny’s expression softened ever so slightly, a dim hope. As easy as taking another breath, his legs fused into a long, serpentine tail and he darted forward. Hovering over Dani’s hand…

There was no hesitation. He wrapped his arms around her thumb, his long tail wrapping around and between her fingers.

For a long time, Dami just clung to Dani, reveling in the feeling of being held like this again. Of being safe in his sister’s hand. In his chest, the boy’s core purred. The feeling of his tiny body, close to her. The pumping of her blood through her fingers. The distant buzz of her core, so similar to his. This was their special hug and it was perfect. So right and good to be back here.

Then… what he had just done hit Danny.

Shit.

The boy stiffened but he didn’t move, carefully listening. For Dani’s breath hitching? A sniffle? How was she taking this?

Nothing. She didn’t speak, hardly breathed. Her fingers remained stiff, frozen in place. She hadn’t pushed him away at least. But…

Danny cursed himself. He and Jazz had a plan, damnit! After breakfast, they were going to sit Dani down and calmly, logically explain all this to her. Part of him had been happy, excited at the prospect. It was a huge relief to finally have his little sister here. And he was nervous as well. Jazz and Sam and Tucker had… not reacted well to the truth about the fusion. Learning that, in a way, their friend and brother was gone, replaced by someone different but at the same time oh-so similar, was hard. But they had worked through it together. They accepted him and, in the end, they helped him accept himself. Not as solely the original Danny, or as just Damian, the Tiny size-changing clone. Nor as simply the combination of the two. No, he’d accepted himself as more than the sum of his parts, as the culmination of two lives colliding. He was their legacy.

But Danielle… that was different. She was the only person who really knew him as Damian. Months ago, when he’d realized he might never see her again, he’d thought… Dani was the only person who actually loved him.

That wasn’t true. His friends and sister loved him then, and they loved him now. Even the Dami part, now that he’d let them know that part of himself.

But Dani… she was the only one who would actually want Tiny from the start. She needed to know he was still here. That her smallest brother was still very much alive, within reach.

But… Danny wasn’t really Tiny. He was Dami- the clone’s shrinking power and his fire, his love of life and excitement to learn, his love for his precious little sister. But at the same time…. He wasn’t. Tiny had changed so much, in those last few minutes of solo existence; experiencing an entire lifetime in a matter of moments will do that.

And then they’d fused. And he, the person thinking this thought, was not quite either of the people he’d been before. He was his own person.

And so, still in his sister’s hand, Danny fought off the dread, the panic. He clung to hope. That Dani would believe him. She would see. She would give him a chance to show her who he was now.

The hand holding him trembled, shakily drawing closer to Dani’s chest.

The word came, so soft, so tentative, as he was pressed, held close to his sister’s core. “Tiny?”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

As soon as the word parted her lips, Dani started crying.

This… this couldn’t be real. This couldn’t be happening. Tiny, her littlest clone brother, couldn’t be here. He’d… he’d died like the rest. He’d left her, left her behind. And she was alone. All alone. This had to be a dream. But… but…

A sob burst from her throat. Tiny couldn’t be here. But…

The small body, curled in her hand. The tiny core, pulsing against her own. The ectoenergy, swirling underneath her fingers. Different, but so familiar. She’d… she’d recognize it anywhere.

It didn’t make any sense. It was impossible. But…

“Tiny.” She sobbed. Not this time a question but a desperate hope, a plea.

This had to be him. It had to be. (Please, please don’t let this be a trick. She couldn’t…. She couldn’t be alone again. Not if this wasn’t real.)

But the little ghost clung to her fingers all the tighter, the purr of his core loudening. Dani’s own loosened. The seed of hope, planted in her heart, started to bloom.

“It’s… it’s really….” The hiccupping sob stole her words.

Dani held the boy (her brother?!) close, chest heaving. The smaller ghost trembled as well, a rhythmic high-pitched sound following in time. (Was he… was he trying to talk through his tears too?)

The attempts at speaking stopped as both cried, gently rocking. Finally, finally close together. Core to core. Both bawled. But….

But…. it was different from the tears Dani was used to, from the tears that had been trying to overtake her just minutes ago. The girl shook. Her eyes burned. But…

Gradually, gradually… she started purring. The two cores, so close together, buzzed in time. The girl’s chest felt lighter, warmer, freer.

This was real…. The thought rang with certainty. Joy sparked with it. A radiant, enrapturing joy.

Dani smiled through her tears. And so did Tiny.

Some unknowable amount of time later, the sobs quieted. The two siblings stilled, just breathing, content with their embrace. The girl gave a watery smile, peering down tenderly at the little body tucked under her chin.

Then, Tiny wiggled in her fingers.

“Alright, alright.” Dani rolled her eyes, letting him go. This was familiar. Her littlest brother would get tired of being held, squirming like an energetic puppy. He’d dart off to poke around her room or go roll in the grass.

The smaller ghost flew a few feet away from her. Green eyes met hers, a miniscule smile on his face. Then, before her eyes…. He grew.

Dani felt like she had been hit in the head with a bat. White hair, black hazmat suit…. a familiar ghostly form took shape in front of her.

“See?” He wiped away his tears, spreading his arms. “Man… I actually had a plan to tell you. Jazz and me talked it through and everything.”

Dani’s mouth fell open. “You can talk…” (Of all the things to open with. Should she roll her eyes or laugh at herself for that?)

The boy’s brow furrowed. “Of course I can-”

Frantically, almost unthinkingly, the clone girl scrambled forward, almost falling into the taller(?!) boy.

“You can talk! You’re stable!” She slapped her hands on his shoulders, balancing on her knees. “You’re not small anymore! But you just were? And now you’re not.” Her eyes rapidly flickered, searching him. “But your core! I’d recognize how you feel anywhere. You’re him. You’re Tiny but-”

“It’s Damian, actually.” The boy cut in.

Dani blinked, mouth snapping shut. “What?”

“Damian. Or Dami.” He blushed, cheeks turning green. “That’s what I named myself.”

“Damian?” The girl asked, trying out the word. “Dami. Dami.” She grinned. “I love it! I love it! I love it!” (He had a name too! A name like she did!)

He… Dami laughed. “I’m glad you think so.”

“I can’t believe you’re here.” Dani fell forward, arms wrapping around him. She tucked herself under his chin. “You’re… you’re bigger than me.”

“Yep. By a foot at least, I think.” He chuckled. Then, his voice turned more serious, full of tenderness. “I like it… finally being big enough to really hug you.”

Dami’s arms tightened, and Dani clung. “I missed you so much.” The words so soft, her ear pressed to his chest. “I can’t believe you’re here. You’re… you’re alive.” The sound of his core reverberated, that liquid, electric churning. It was music to her ears. “You’re alive.” And farther away, underneath the noise of his core…

Danielle pulled back, staring up at him in awe. “I can… I can hear your heart.” That impossible, rhythmic thumping….

“Yeah.” Dami rubbed the back of his neck. “I should finish telling you about…” He waved up and down his body, vaguely motioning at himself. “All this.” A bright white light flashed around his waist, the rings moving up and down to reveal…

“You’re human.” Dani breathed, reaching. She grabbed. A warm, solid human hand. “You’re actually human. You’re really alive.”

“Yes, I am.” His hand squeezed hers. His blue eyes crinkled, sleep-tousled black hair falling in his eyes.

None of her brothers had a human form. Dani was the only clone who had. “You’re human?! How?!” Excited questions poured out of her mouth. “You’re not small anymore? You can talk? And you’re not melting?! You’re… you’re a real stable half ghost!? But… but…” That excitement bled into distressed confusion. “Did... did Vlad stabilize you? But… you saved me from him. You helped me but….”

Dani’s eyes darted around the room, suddenly processing where they were. The knowledge flooded back to her and the clone girl froze, ripping her hand away. She suddenly felt terrifyingly stupid.

“We’re in Danny’s house.” The girl’s hand gripped her hair. “Jazz called you Danny. You… you told me you were Danny.”

The words hit like lightning, shattering the boy’s relieved expression.

Dani ignored it, the speed of her words increasing. “Did you replace Danny? Does Jazz know? But…” Her hands flailed, mind spinning. (No. No! This couldn’t be another kind of trick! No!) “She called you Danny. She knew you needed to talk to me about something. About this? But-”

“Hey, it’s okay.” Two larger hands suddenly enveloped hers. “I’ll explain.”

Dani’s stomach twisted, an icy fear stabbing her core. “Where’s Danny, if you’re here?”

“I’m right here.” The boy smiled. And somehow… somehow, the nonsensical words, the impossibly honest tone was a balm to her frazzled heart. “It’s complicated.” His arms lowered, bringing her own down, toward her lap. “The short answer…. I am Danny; you were cloned from me. But I’m also your clone brother, Tiny.” He let go, a hand patting his chest. “We, Danny and Tiny, our cores fused.”

“What?” Dani blinked, again feeling like her mind had hit a brick wall.

“Let me tell you everything that happened.”

Note: So I'm going to rant down here. Blue Ridge in the worst run festival I've ever been two. Long, horrible, terrifying story short. I got stuck in the thunderstorm on Thursday (torrential rain, hail, lightning and all) with thousands of other people and waited 3 and a half hours in the dark to be evacuated because they didn't have enough shuttles. Day 2: the festival canceled the shuttles between the parking lots and the venue because of "inclement weather" while it was still sunny where we were. Security told us the show was canceled for the day. Meanwhile, they kept the show going and had the audacity to post about it on their social media. So I missed the Flyleaf reunion set, the band we specifically bought tickets for. And then, they canceled the last two days because of "the weather." Actually though, it was probably because they over-sold the venue by 10,000 people and the police shut them down. And/or most of the staff walked out because of horrible working conditions. No water, no food, no breaks, filthy potta potties; one of the security guards I talked to on Thursday had been working in the hot parking lot since 5 am and it was after 11 pm!! So yeah, I am pissed and hope Blue Ridge gets shut down.

Anyway, I hope you enjoyed the chapter. I'd really appreciate kind words in the comments, guys. 🥺

#Danny Phantom #my fic #(Not) Alone #invisobang 2023 #Invisobang

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