Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Pain. That's all he felt. Just white, hot, searing pain. He hadn't meant for this. Hadn't meant for it to go all wrong. 

But that's just it, isn't it? Life never follows the path you want, just what you need. Though, why did it decide he needed this? This suffering? He would never know.  

The pain continued, for an unbearably long time, closer to an eternity of suffering. Danny muses, despite everything— and then he became aware. 

Aware at what had happened. And how he wishes he wasn't—

.

.

.

———Inside the Fenton compound———

He told his parents. He told them everything. Phantom, The portal, His death and resurrection, his battle with Pariah and what winning against him entails, Everything. 

At first they laughed, saying thing like "You shouldn't joke about that, Dann-o!" "You should run Danny! You're now a target!" Trying to Humour him. 

But then a few moments trickle by, and with his stiffening posture along with his avoidant gaze, a pin drops.

 His mother screamed at him, shaking him, demanding he bring their Danny back. A shuddering sob broke through the disillusioned-parent duo.

"Stop it! Stop crying with his face! IN HIS BODY!" Maddie shrieked. 

"BUT I AM HIM, MOM!" The harsh tone of the reply made her stagger and flinch, but Danny couldn't bring himself to pause nor stop 

"I DIED! CAME BACK! NOTHING ELSE! NO ONE ELSE CAME BACK OTHER THAN ME MOM! AND NO ONE ELSE WILL!" With a shaky exhale, he continued "No one else, mom."

Jack could only blankly stare on, fist balling, but he made no move. "I wanted to tell you both! Even if it meant endangering me! Because you deserve the truth—" He then turned to his dad, with pleading eyes, and continued—

.

.

.

"You both deserve the truth."

.

.

.

Jack may have been foolish mad-genius, but he'd never think of hurting his children, his babies. He wasn't a monster. So when his baby boy revealed this?

That he was the infamous phantom He and Maddie hunted? That he was one of them—ghosts—the beings they hunted? Something broke inside of him. 

And being the coward that he is— he couldn't move. Couldn't move to apologize, couldn't move to comfort his boy, couldn't move to hug him, couldn't move to kneel and beg for forgiveness. All because of the shame and guilt freezing him in place. All. Because. Of. His. Cowardice. 

.

.

.

Despite his massive stature—his cowardice always got the better of him.

.

.

.

"... Dad..? Mom..?" Maddie never wanted it to be this way.

 Not after learning the price of finally opening the Ghost Portal. Not after realizing what happened. The fantasy of Catching ghosts to study them?

Gone.

Replaced by a sickening clarity she wants gone. But why? All because she couldn't stomach what she and jack had inadvertently done? Done to Danny? ... Done to their little boy? What that cursed portal they built with their own hands, did? Pathetic.

 She couldn't help but feel disgusted— disgusted at what she put him—her beautiful baby boy, the one who would always stare before the sea of stars above in awe and wonder— through. 

.

.

.

In all her immaculate genius—she couldn't stomach the idea.

.

.

.

"... Please... Just... Say something..." He cried. Cried in frustration, anger, fear, and hope, hope they would understand.

"PLEASE!!"

 Before he could rage further— two sets of distinctive arms wrapped around him, catching him by surprise. Consolingly rubbing and patting behind him.

"We're sorry... so sorry... Danny." They hugged him impossibly tight. As if in any moment he would disappear, like what any ghost would do.

 They wanted him to stay. Wanted him to exist. Wanted him here. Wanted him to be real. And he is— he will always be real. He will always be here. 

.

.

.

He will always be Danny.

.

.

.

He finally cried. At his full volume. To reassure his parents. To reassure himself. That everything that's happening here is real—That he isn't dreaming. 

He wailed, and his parents allowed him to. They Let him have his moment, not because of anything particular, but because it's their moment too. 

They felt him, so alive, breathing. And despite everything; his slow heartbeat, his slow breathing, his cold touch— he felt warm and so impossibly alive...

.

.

.

.

———In a random Government HQ in Amity park, Illinois———

Amanda waller wasn't a megalomaniac, per se, just prepared and cautious. She had plans, contingencies, and last resorts.

 Last resorts for those pesky supers and metas. And ghosts, Apparently. She got assigned as the director of a small—and annoyingly incompetent— government branch, after her misdeeds were brought to light by some wanna-be Superhero. The GIW.

A whole branch made to handle "ghostly" activity? In the middle of fuckall nowhere, Illinois? How absurd... That was what she thought, until HE came along. Phantom. Another variable. Another leading headache.

Phantom didn't come alone, he had company. Other ghosts of varying tastes in appearance, and varying builds, and also abilities! GREAT! ANOTHER GODDAMN MULTITUDE OF HEADACHES!

 ... Pariah Dark? A... Ghost king?! Oh. Nevermind. Phantom took care of that rising problem. She would thank him if she could, he just saved the world from imminent destruction after all, but she dismisses the idea. 

It would be for naught anyway— She would have no need for that gesture, not now, not ever. Not after learning about what her bugs picked-up on.

 Inconspicuous things, really. So small yet so dangerous and equally destructive. Especially the latter.

She didn't intend the bug to be particularly helpful, just a way to check in on local nuisances— the Fentons.

 But she thanks whatever luck she has or luck deity on her side. Because, now, she had truly struck gold. 

The teenage boy, Danny Fenton, son of the fentons, being her prime target THE Danny phantom? A gold mine indeed. She knows she shouldn't be hasty, but who cares? 

Due to the Anti-ecto Acts being in place, along with Clause 36: "those who Harbor any and all types of ectoplasmic entities and associates with it knowingly and actively are hereby considered active terrorists, forfeit of any rights. If in the scenario where such situation is volatile, a KOS (Kill On Sight) is effective immediately." She can afford this hasty move. So she waited, until the time was ripe and right.

.

.

.

Ripe and right indeed.

.

.

.

———Somewhere in the vast emptiness of the Void - Tower of Time———

A small figure, barely the size of a head, floating using his power, could only sigh. 

The hubris of some truly wears the old being, but Clockwork endures. He always endures.

 Not just for himself, but for the realms. For his not yet coronated king, for his prince— For HIS grandchild. And he cannot afford to be complacent, not if he wants his prince to stay safe.

To prosper. For the prosperity of Danny extends to the realms. To all of creation itself. He will truly become a loving, benevolent king in time. Its the only truth the Omniverse accepts. The only truth that has been accepted by IT, of all things.

But Clockwork sees the path he must take, the path his prince is forced to stride and strut in. And he hurts. He hurts from seeing his prince suffer. 

But his suffering will build him. Clockwork convinces himself, he must convince himself.

 Lest he breaks. Lest his prince breaks. So he steels himself. 

For the pain he has to observe. For the suffering he must ensure. For the abuse he commits. And he is terribly sorry—but it is left unsaid.

.

.

.

———A random RV in the middle of a Squadron of other trucks and heavy duty road rangers - En route to Amity park, Illinois - 4 kilometers away———

Mobilizing this squad was easier than expected, Amanda thought. Of course, the evidence the bug provided helped more than enough to set things in motion. 

Despite the infamy she had gained, she still had some credibility, especially with her higher-ups, who all have witnessed the results of her projects.

Danny Fenton, huh? Poor thing won't know what hit him. 

Her plans are cruel, swift, and efficient. And coupled with the fact his group of misfits and malcontents are bunched up in a closed, small place of terrible Burger? His pain will be quick, if she can help it.

A last thanks for his service of defeating Pariah Dark. Though not the thanks she would've wanted to give, it's all she can manage at this point.

A quick bomb, large enough to ensure the death of his companions, but small enough to not cause too much damage to the surrounding area. She only hopes this vehicle would go faster.

———Terrible Burger, Amity park, Illinois——— 

(Y'all know what's gonna happen here😋)

Sam, Jazz, Tucker, and Ellie all waited for Danny and The parent duo to arrive. Wanting to support and comfort Danny after his confrontation with Jack and Maddie.

 Luckily for them, they don't have to wait long, and the aforementioned trio entered. All teary-eyed, emotional and radiating very obvious acceptance.

The four confidants exhaled a heavy breath, not knowing how long they had it held. Ellie had it the worst, what if something happened to him? What if something happened to her dad Danny?

Jazz was the first to start, noting the state of her parents and their lack of madness, "So... Uhh I take it you still want Danny in your lives, Mom? Dad?" 

Both parents could only give a small anguished smile in reply, still clinging onto Danny as if he were a lifeline. "I'll take that as a definitive Yes." Jazz gave a proud and relieved smile. She motioned for them to join them at their table.

The standing trio quickly but quietly hobbled in, to the chairs.

"So... How do you feel, Danny?" Sam questioned.

"'m fine... Just glad that mom and dad listened..." He flashed a weak smile at her. "But I'm tired, very tired. This whole thing stressed me out. And now that mom and dad accepted me? I feel relieved. This may be the only time I'll ever feel this huge amount of relief, really." Danny could only chuckle, not sure on how to add anymore.

"That's good, relief is good." Ellie tried to reinforce, but sounded more self-comforting than anything.

"And my back hurts, from all the hugging we did back home, mostly because dad has back breaking hugs!" Danny tried to joke, trying to light up the mood. They didn't find it funny, but laughed either way to humour the endearing attempt.

"We love you, Danny," Tucker and Ellie started, elbowing Sam and Jazz to do the same. Both said, Grumbling while rubbing their sides, "we love you, Danny!" 

Danny, feeling ever possibly fulfilled, giddy from all the love flying around, replied "Awww, thanks guys! I Love you all t—"

before he could continue, his vision went white, prominent ringing growing louder.

.

.

.

———Amity Park, Illinois - 70 Meters away from Nasty Burger———

"Perimeter surrounded, Ma'am! Blockade is effective and no civilian groups nor persons observed near the Designated area." The officer Reported back to Amanda, her tone formal and loud.

"Good. Proceed with the bombing." She dismisses the officer away with a wave of her hand.

"Understood, Ma'am." The soldier Marched away, vest swaying. Stopping near the operator, "She said proceed.with the bombing." The only reply she got was a murmured 'okay'

A few seconds trickle by, before a loud BOOM could be heard. Amanda gestured for guards to come with her to inspect the site.

Nearing the site, she steeled herself. Despite witnessing death almost all-year round, she still gets queasy when witnessing such, even when the death is caused by her. 

She didn't know what to expect, but it sure wasn't TH— 

Her mind blanked, along with the officers she had as company. Eyes widening, blood gushing out from all orfices on their head— Their vision darkening for each passing moment, before finally collapsing to the ground. Eyes rolled upwards.

——————

The bomb had forced a new transformation, one he hadn't been able to access until now. Until his life and his family, his FRAID had been threatened. 

The mere sight of the form would make a person mad, sick to their stomach— An oozing mesh of dark, Sparkling flesh. Filled with a mish-mash of celestial bodies and the Impossible infinite expanse of space. Stars, Nebulae, Pulsars, Quasars, Galaxies and Other such space phenomena occuring within it. Spiked tendrils, reminiscent of rose thorns and vines, scatter all over the form. 

The tendrils, as disgusting and wretched they are, pitifully and desperately search for his Family, his Fraid.

The being, taking notice of the wreckage, WAILED. It's wail sounded like a bastardation of a child's cry, fitting, as this being is a child himself. A growing, yearning child.

 Whose only joy of acceptance burned away, the moment it's impossibly black eyes landed upon the members of his FRAID. The marred, burnt and charred bodies of the beings Fraid. Or, what was once a Fraid.

It's gutteral, grief-filled wail carried through everyone, passing by the cruel demons responsible for the deaths of his Fraid, and it spread. And truly far did it spread.

 Beyond Amity. Beyond Illinois. Beyond The United States. Beyond Earth. Beyond the Galaxy. Beyond the Universe. And Beyond the bounds of life— into the infinite realms, and finally— into ITS domain. 

And how did IT respond? IT responded with Rage. With Sadness. And Guilt.

IT hadn't meant for this to happen. Hadn't meant for tragedy to occur, hadn't meant to make IT's successor to suffer. Despite all the power IT holds, IT isn't omniscient, destiny takes it's own path. IT is merely THE PRESENCE behind creation. Behind life. Behind the moniker of GOD. 

Despite IT's so called Omnibenevolence, IT couldn't love enough, enough to stop suffering, Enough to stop conflict. Enough to protect him... So IT did what IT can could— IT called upon the realms. Upon IT's tokens. Tokens that allow IT's presence to influence, to allow IT to exert power upon reality— and demanded.

Demanded that the Throne Of Endless Oblivion be IT's Successor's Guide, His Follower, His Covenant.

Demanded that the Ring of Righteous Fury be IT's Successor's Blade, His Shield, His Army.

Demanded that the Crown Of Forever Flame be IT's Successor's Authority, His Symbol, His Power.

They all responded, power thrumming to life, and glady accepting their Creator's demand. And unexpectedly, fell from the void they call home, into the confines of reality. Where one certain grieving being resided. 

The Throne, now transformed into immaterial essence, enveloped Danny, bonding and marking with the boy's construct, it's soul and more, permanently. Staking it's claim. 

The Ring and Crown, now in their unsuspecting forms of a sleek copper headpiece and a silver ring, tried to contain the raging form of their new Master.

 Despite the power exerted by the two items, errors were evident. The rampant celestial energy radiated by their new Master made such action difficult to continue, but these items kept trying anyway.

An old, grating voice broke through the garbled cries and echoes, "hushhh now, Danny, I'll handle the rest." Finally prevailing when the voice soothed the raging eldritch being from thrashing around anymore. It's form curled upon itself, accepting the mold the items were forcing upon it, folding and sloshing until it all made a noticable humanoid shape.

After the transformation, the Ring and Crown bounded for him, also staking their claims, hiding within the crevices of his soul and construct, placed upon the hand shape and above the head of his soul construct.

The being cracked it's empty eyes open, finally fully aware. 

Danny, the hurting teen, listlessly pulled himself into a sitting position. Dragging Ellie, Maddie, Jazz, Jack, Sam and Tucker closer to him. Who could only mourn the loss, still in disbelief. 

They had all been alive just a moment ago. Lively and jesting. 'How fast that moment passed', he lamented.

"It's Dan all over again..." He whispered, Letting his head fall, finally letting his tears stream quietly.

"Not quite, Danny."

Danny craned his neck to look at the flying dwarf, "Clockwork..." Danny could only make a pained sob in response. "I'm sorry..."

"It is I who should be sorry, Danny." 

"No, you shouldn't. You couldn't have interfered if you're here, apologizing."

"That is correct." Clockwork could only frown, "The timeline cemented it. The death of your family is a fixed point in time. It cannot be changed, nor altered."

Danny let a humourless laugh slip, a laugh so empty it felt cold, "Well, isn't that fucked up? ... Just go, clockwork. Let me be."

"Now, let's not be hasty in losing hopes Danny. I can practically hear your thoughts, from that hazy look." Clockwork warned Danny, "That is a dangerous path you thread."

"What else can I do? Other than follow that path?" Danny said, face contorts into a bitter anger.

"What else can I do, other than finally becoming a worser version than Dan—" Before he could continue, Clockwork told him one Last hope.

"You could live another life. In another world, where you aren't hunted for sport. Where you aren't seen as a threat." Seeing Danny's disinterested face, he continued undeterred, "All while you wait for your fraid to reform. As ghosts that is." That surprised Danny, his face visibly lit up. Good, he can work with that.

"R-really?"

"Of course, little one. While it may take quite some time, they will still reform into ghosts." Clockwork created images of cores forming with his energy, "The suggestion of living another life is just so you don't drive yourself insane while waiting, Danny.'

"What about Ellie?" Danny questioned, "How will she reform?"

"The same as the others, though now, she wouldn't be a halfa." Clockwork explained.

Taking a rough inhale, Danny replied eagerly "Fine, do it. Send me to this other life you plan on sending me to."

"Very well. Sleep well—" With each word spoken by clockwork Danny felt drowsier and drowsier barely noticing the older ghost's fond look, "—my grandson."

.

.

.

———In another world, Metropolis - Random Hospital———

Whines and cries could be heard from the bundle a certain, beautiful black-haired, reporter was holding. "Awwww good morning, little Danny.." Lois Lane-Kent said, in response to the activity the little bundle of joy, Danny, was showing.

"He's cute, isn't he?" Clark Kent said, sitting in the chair next to the hospital bed where Lois is currently laid on.

"Of course, he looks just like you, handsome." Lois cheekily said, reaching for Clarks hand, trying to find warmth.

He softly laughed, "Sure, sure, Of course!" All while pressing a kiss to Lois' hand, making her sigh in content.

Sensing some rather disturbing activity, Danny whined, demanding he be fed, or what his noises implies anyway. 

"Alright, Alright!"

"Needy too. Just like his mother."

Chapter Text

Hiiiiyaaa future readers :) 

Thx for clicking on the fic and taking ur time to read it! (Assuming you actually are gonna read the fic)

The only reason I'm gonna be writing this fic is for training, self indulgence, and trying to train my brain to be actually be productive. Monotony of curriculums are hitting hard and I need something to work with. Despite previous experiences with writing (more like confidence in writing because I have a SUPER hyperactive thought process. Don't get fooled by what I just said though, I'm still dumb as hell, I just mean that I think too many things that don't make sense and I need a medium that allows me to properly form a train of thought that gets supplementary elaborations.), like trying to write a fic at just 13 years old and getting pelted with harsh words, which resulted in me making a prison box for my ideas. Which is bad. I'm trying writing again! It's been a few months since the pelting... And now that I've taken a proper break, I'm now ready to actually write again! ... I'm being sarcastic btw, that experience has been left in the past for a few years now(ahem, 6 years.. but don't get discouraged!) God it's so hard to actually write about the fic now. My thoughts respond to each other which creates things like these ramblings. I COULD edit it out of the doc... But that would deprive you lovely readers of how I am as a person and my personality! Or it just tells you that I'm autistic. Which I doubt I am, cus I know autism and it isn't like that. No one should self diagnose. It's a bad practice in the health and medicine field, which I am currently studying to be apart of. I'm pretty sure I'm just super hyperactive and dumb, like I mentioned. 

But I digress... This fic will have no set update schedule nor set story tone.

**This is the part where I warn you about spoilers**

I have no outline for this fic whatsoever, which is a dumb idea, it can lead to a faster burnout. But what I'm thinking about for the direction of this fic is that Danny, is the following— 

But actually storywise (I should stop getting sidetracked) I'm thinking that first few chapters are diary entries and then we get to exposition of his TL or better yet, this work is a few chapterwise diary until his graduation of highschool and when his pre-college or during college move he gets what sets him apart from Jon? Then we end there and I create a new fic that actually has a proper Reader Viewpoint for our little Danny, the big brother. Again, decisions decisions.

I'm thinking second one, cus like while I love a bit of a meta fic, I want it to have a serious tone. Cus danny here WONT be prim and proper and won't inherit the puppy-clark-personality, or whatever Clarks fannon/cannon personality is. I want him to actually have something, a redemption of sorts cus he will be somewhat power hungry or something like that(which will probably lead to a very obvious villain arc, though probably not viewed by that by his companions), which is born from the time he gets neglected by Lois and Clark when Jon gets his awakening. This will probably take place in young justice universe, but with a screwed up timeline... Cus I need big brother here to exist with a tether and reasons why the synop is what IS. So YOUNG JUSTICE TL with Clark and Lois already spouses and are building a family. And you're probably thinking "how will he get involved with the YJ group?" Simple, plot convenient Clark stupidity that was already written before I even thought of such a way— CONNER!!! 

Not only will our resident ghost king here be the big brother of Jon, but CONNER too. (I wanna write more plot convenience but no can do... I think, idk about future me tho) So Conner will stay big Conner, not small punk Conner from earth 52. I know, I know, wouldn't it be better "if small Conner than big Conner?" It is, but remember— the actual age of conner isn't some random himbo college student, but a baby, a fetus even. His mental age is all over the place with how his temperament is in the series. So he gets little brother treatment :3 (sue me, I know he gets more "mature" later in the series but I'll bite you if you say he don't deserve the best treatment... Especially true because of what m'gann does to him. He basically got nurtured and groomed.. while I don't love that— I can't bring myself to hate m'gann (not publicly atleast, I find her distasteful due to her actions)

• So what will our little halfa have in store for him? He's probably gonna have it BAD BAD, or idk. It'll be angsty since he'll probably relate to Conner with how Clark acts with him, so they'll have sad bonding time.

• How will that tether Danny to Conner and YJ? He'll prolly act as a stabilizer for Conner while the clone works through his inner demons, stability and such, and this will only be during the run time here. Cus when danny gets what he gets he'll probably join Conner in YJ in the expo work I'm thinking of making. But the TL between that and his diary entries with Conner is probably between 2-3 years? 

• thinking of making it Dick Grayson x danny, Wally west x danny, or Artemis Crock x danny! :3 (Had been decided quick, cus of brain melting over trying to imagine a feasible scenario)

• and god— I cannot stress this probable future spoilers cus this is one leading storyline I have for him— he'll firstly join the YJ on an innocent basis, wanting to be like his dad- heroing around(I tried to make it sound like hoeing around cus it's funnier)- but when he learns of something groundbreaking, he slowly starts to get greedier, more wanting. That piece of info corrupts and implodes him. Kinda like what happens with Wanda and the darkhold, but more of like his inferiority complex telling him such compulsory thoughts and none of the magical influence.

• the only reason why he actually spirals like that is that while he did learn this, he doesn't act upon it. Until he gets proof of the pathway it presents. THEN he spirals :3 (I'm so evil ikik god)

• he loves both Jon and Conner very much, despite what both of his parents put him through, thx. He doesn't blame Jon for what his parents do. Matter of fact, he feels like the actual parent of Jon(and Conner *I murmur*). A very very doting and mother bear claim is what I think I'll write.

• with Conner he'll try to not act overbearing but fails miserably as he wants to coddle him with so much love that conner's self hating will just disappear. While Conner will feel uncomfortable at first, he will find it endearing sooner or later, as his walls soften and crumble. (He only feels that way with omc as he will have some sort of rivalry with Jon, albeit somewhat (or not actually cus now that I think of it... Jon will probably stake his claim on his big brother😼) one sided)

• no m'gann x Conner here, no thx... Go away if you hate me for this course of action. I still feel uncomfortable with m'gann despite the runtime of the finale being that and what their happily ever after entails... Shoo, please...

• danny will inherit some part of my thinking, cus like I cannot write a character without it being somewhat ironic. Like how despite being the son of such a powerful being (or being a powerful being himself! Cus I plan to write him as ghost king with a twist, ya dig?), he still feels the need to divulge himself in fantasy to escape. Well the ironic part is me and my thinking cus that sentence doesn't make sense when I write it that way... And I forgot what I was abt to say because of me going off topic. The ironic part of that escapism is that it isn't about the powerlessness because of not being able to inherit power, but because he wants to feel why they want someone to have that type of power. Idk how to put it into words... Let's just say he wants to see it through and live in Jon's eyes and shoes, why does such power bond Clark and lois to Jon more than him who has inherited no power? Like what's the diff? Theyre both ur sons like god...

• even when danny gets what he gets, he won't share instantly with Clark and Lois, they only learn of such through the incident that happens and Jon's large blabber mouth and Conner being forced to speak about it. And they should be devastated of why their son acts that way. But won't immediately apologize because most parents don't, or my parents atleast. They get forced by inevitability of plot...

• and for Danny? I have a lot LOT of plans, evil plans >:) I will take a lot of fanon content and integrate them here. Like cores, his space obession, being the ancient of space blah blah, and protection obsession but with my own twist! He won't get crowned GK yet, even in his past life in his past universe but the prophetic-ish thing I got going on in my head is so alluring to me. Cus even if he isn't crowned yet the ghost zone is already calling him their prince, just without the power that comes with being crowned y'know? But I have an idea for that now :3

•Despite my love for Danny phantom, the world building is heavily lacking 🥹 (mine will be the same and worse tbh, but that's just me loving to hate and not loving to create and be creative *grumbles in low brain power*)

• So yeah, outline thangsss.. I wanna make mpreg a reality so baddd in this fic... Like when our dormant danny gets an awakening another super-magically-made-up-bullshit (it WONT tie into his role as ghost king, just krypto genes...but idk how tho... [very very wise words, I know]) happens and somehow a gene in kryptonians allow male pregnancy when the krypto heritage senses not enough kryptonians exist(don't ask me how this will come to fruition, I'll bullshit it to reality someday). So, primal shets... I wanna traumatize y'all so bad with mpreg but I'm inclined to make it romantic this time. In the case it is Artemis x danny, I'll just make it so that the gene affects partners and influences their DNA to change for our little halfa(women with dicks, goodness... Mpreg really, REALLY wants to exist)... 

•Don't ask why this doesn't happen with Clark (nor Jon, especially Jon, god I'm horrified about that. No shotacon here! Shoo shoo if ur interested in that shit). What I'm thinking is that the gene got activated because the DNA makeup of Danny got diluted enough to activate. Like the whole Krypto gene is a lock and the lock being cut in half allows the dormant gene to seep through. And since he didnt inherit the Clark-krypto side of him, the dormant other krypto-gene just thinks that the perfect plot convenience on why it happens and exists and just inserts itself there ;). 

• To better clarify the words, There are two sides of the Kryptonian gene, Clarks example; where you inherit allat, and the other; basically the omegaverse gene where you don't get the alpha side(I'm categorizing Clarks side as the alpha side..), where he's the prim-picture of a normal boring omegaverse omega— weak, easy to subdue (that's basically what happens in some tacky omegaverse content, they are concerningly written as easy victims), and a bottom. But only one bonus applies, he gets what he gets as a trade! The power that makes him go spiral. (What a worth while trade... Jesus Christ)

• I digress... So many words on a single outline chapter that doesn't give much but actual spoilers.. but yeah, somewhat omega Danny that will not be weakly stereotypical omega. (How do I make a non-stereotypical omega..? I think I'll just make him a power bottom🥹)

Chapter Text

It's been a year since mom and dad gave this book to me. They call it a diary. Told me that diaries are a good way to express thoughts and a way to process emotions and ideas.

This is my first time using it and I'm kinda nervous. I don't know what I should be writing here so I'll start with what's going on currently.

So moms tummy is getting bigger, I asked if she's getting fat and i said that it's okay since I understand that Ma cooks good. Like really reallyyy good. But she just stammered and chewed me out. Like okay mom. But I asked anyway—

——————

"then why is it getting bigger? Tummies don't just get big because they get big, it means you're getting fat from eating too much pie, mom."

The little boy supplied earnestly; genuinely confused on why his mom suggests otherwise.

Shuffling in his seat, the boy took a bite at the food currently laid upon his plate. 'Why does Ma cook so good?! At this point he'll end up just like his mom.'

Lois took great offense to what her son had just said; she still had a great figure despite the baby bulge thank you very much!

She pointed a very mean looking finger at him. He can sense the bad intentions etched upon her french-tips of evil.

"Now listen here you little rascal—" before Lois can say anything else to the cheeky boy—Martha Kent interrupts her with a cough to her fisted hand.

"Now, now, Lois. Let Danny be. It's not his fault they don't teach kids his age about pregnancies." The old woman said with a mirth that Lois can't blame her for, her grandson making little faces when questioning something or someone is quite the delicacy.

The way his brows furrow, right brow raised while his eyes roll to the side, as if trying to roll back in his head to access the needed information he is searching for, and his dimpled smile forming a thin line

"I know, Martha. I was only going to educate him on why my stomach is the way it is. Now, Danny, while I'm happy that you're taking after my inquisitive and confident way of speaking, sometimes it's better to ask people on why, rather than assuming based on what you see happening and answering before them. That will only serve you in bad ways as it makes you think your assumptions are the only ones valid." Lois answered thoughtfully, humming at the way her son frowns.

Probably trying to craft a retort, the only indication of his loss Is when 30 seconds pass and an answer still no where in earshot.

She loves the brilliant boy, truly. But sometimes she wishes he took after Clark rather than her. The world doesn't need another mini-Lois running rampant, as much as she revels in the thought.

"But moommm-" "But what, sweetheart?" "Nevermind..." The boy answered, dejected but properly reflecting on what his mom had said. Continuing to work through his meal. Even when his mouth opens to say something, only for him to close it again after a few seconds.

"Go on, my little Solaris, what were you about to say?" She added cheekily. While Danny  excelled in feeling for people's emotions and intentions, he's quite susceptible to smooth-talking, compliments, and teasing.

The boy flushed, cringing at the pet-name "Mom, ugh, stop that! You know how much I hate being called that..." Lois only chuckled,

"Oh? But it's such a nice name. Y'know, it comes from the Latin word "sol" - Sun, and it means "Of the sun". And I'm quite proud to be the mother of such a bright star." He choked, 'god why is she still going?! I'm already having trouble here mom...'

Ahhh, how she revels in his innocent troubles. Family life is never boring when you have such a kind and earnest child. (Cute too but she'll let him live with his dignity intact)

Barely breathing, red-faced, stuttering and with little dignity left to hold, Danny is barely able to speak without stumbling over his words "what- whatever! M-maybe you're not getting fat, but you're still pregnant, mom. Whatever that means." The poor, flayed boy grumbles. Glaring at his plate, as if he'd burn a hole through the meal. As if the meal was the one to tease him.

"Oh, sweetie, you make it so easy." The woman pauses to chuckle, "Being pregnant, sweetie, is when something little is growing inside moms."

The boy pauses to digest the information, before his face contorts to one of pure horror "You mean like bacteria, mom?! Stop joking about it and go to the doctor! Get it checked!" The boy shrieked, waving his arms around like a panicking duck, distress becoming more pronounced by the second.

Lois and Martha could only think at how 'Cute' and 'Endearing' his actions are, but what he said finally caught up to both ladies.

'Now, what was that about?' Lois turned to Martha with a questioning and confused look, but all she got was an unsure shrug and shared concern.

"Why do you think so, sweetie?" The boy looked mortified and continued his ramble,

"Because something bad can happen from things like those mom! Miss Rebecca from school got sent to hospital and what they call "ER" because she fainted. They told us her condition got worse and something called "lookeymiya" was the reason why." Oh? Lois hadn't heard of that... She'll check if this is a qualm for concern later.

The poor boy now had tears welling at his eyes, indicating that if she doesn't elaborate any soon, he might just cry. "Oh, sweetie! I am so sorry... I didn't mean it like that!" Lois tried to placate danny while the boy was holding back racking sobs.

She shot Martha an apologetic look, to which Martha mouthed 'its fine, just explain what pregnancy means' waving her hand dismissively.

While Lois' heart melts at the reason on why his little boy is crying, she really felt horrible. So she cleared her throat and added in a hushed tone "sweetie, me being pregnant means that someone is growing inside me. A small baby, your baby brother." 'Ah, such an expressive boy' her mind added.

The boy tensed and froze, sobbing ceasing before craning his neck upward, to stare at his mom dumbfounded. "..what?" "Oh sweetie, it means you get to be a big brother." She smiles at the him, god, if only she had a camera to capture the moment.

"I'm gonna be a big brother?" She nods. "A BIG BROTHER?!" He pulls away, repeating the words like a mantra.

Martha only looks knowingly at the two. Glad that this family if hers is finally growing.

——————

Mom explained more to me on why her tummy is getting bigger. Apparently my little brother was also getting bigger. And with that she took my hand and let me feel her tummy.

I felt him. I felt him move. I was gonna cry. I introduced myself to him, hoping that he will hear me even from inside mom, but I don't think he understands. That's okay, I'll help him understand when he comes out.

I'll welcome him with the greatest day every in his life. Ever. He won't forget it. So great that parties won't compare.

He isn't even out yet and I already love him. Mom told me that it was normal, that everything I was feeling was normal. And that I easily accepted him because that's what I should do. Love my little brother, even when he is wrong. Even when he would fight me. Even if he would hate me.

Because I love him. And I don't care if he will love me back, I will always love him.

I'm making song for him. I would like him to find comfort in what I love, so that he won't find it annoying. I think I would cry if he hated music and songs. Even then, I would still sing for him. I believe music and songs are the way to people's hearts.

Like what Orpheus did with Hades and Persephone. His songs captivated even the most stoic of gods. I only hope that even with how human I am that I can still captivate my little brother.

Now what should I name the song..

Chapter Text

Now that I'm planning on delving into some scenes that require an imagery of him(danny), I'll start with who he takes after

He takes after Lois, with some minor details generously spared by Clarks genes (I know damn well Kryptonian genes are hella dominant)

His face and the likes:

He would have somewhat high cheekbones and a soft jawline. His nose will be short but normal sized. His lips are thin enough for the picture perfect frown or scowl, but big enough to be a weapon when he smiles. The cupid bow has prominent ends that seam perfectly.

His eyes will fully take after Lois' sharp lines, but when softened will look like Clarks round eyes. (This fully reflects on how I cannot for the love of me describe mixes of genes jeez.) 

his Lashes will be long, thick and beautiful on both sides, despite his parents having thin lashes (I'm adding a feature of mine cus I don't know how to imagine other people's think lashes without creating a diff image. And also to brag. Yeah... These bitches are long and lush thankyew much very! Like they naturally curly in the general direction they are stationed at. Both upward and downward, with a proper fanning... But no I'm not bragging, just already deciding lashes based on what I can already imagine it as.(Aka my long lashes so that I don't have to expend anymore of my little brain power to imagine more imagination things or whateva) ) 

For his figure I'm thinking like a mix between a gymnast's build to a runners build (Sleek, non muscled form because he's not yet into fighting) Small vers of each one to fit a 5'6 frame by the time he reaches teen-adolescence and will stay that way til adulthood (I always imagine Danny being short. Much easier and uhm... It works better for me?) ofc. Currently 4'5 as he's just 9 yrs old)

For the eyes however... That's a tricky one. I want to make it a shiny gold yellow, because of the dormant gene, but what I'm currently sleeping on is azure blue that fluctuates to rich gold once he awakens? Like it'll stay perma gold once he does awaken (or green, but neon green grates my eyes so I may MAY settle for emerald green or chartreuse, god why is it so hard to imagine things:3)

Hair colour will be black, just plain black currently and after his awakening will still stay black, but with some gold and silver strands accenting his head. Like think of a 1 gold n silver :20 ratio! (He won't be a halfa anymore(ghost n human halfa anyway... But Kryptonian and human halfa yes), just a ghost king. So maybe something else with his features?)

Hairstyle is what you make do, yabadabadoo.

Attitude and how he acts(values and views and such)? Idk, just what I write honestly. If I said a predetermined trait and I don't follow said trait I would burn this fic, honestly. It's better to let the character grow as you write, y'know? That way you can gauge how you are as a creator. But BUT he will still retain his benevolent nature, protection obsession and allat fanon Danny Fenton content.

Chapter Text

Cool title, huh? I learned what fray meant after seeing some guy wave a flag that said "We, The fufuclan, Have joined the fray!" It was kinda weird though... Some of them dressed really revealing while some dressed heavy and bougie... Most of them just wore suits..

ANYWAYS!!! JON ENTERS THE FRAY!!! AFTER WAITING FOR MOM FOR LIKE 15 HOURS WE COULD FINALLY SEE JON!! Or jonathan samuel kent... Pa approved name, unfortunately. I wanted to name him >:(

I would've named him dante, no particular reason. Thought it would sound nice... Danny and Dante! Against the world! Or how it should've been, had it not been for meddling of Pa and Dad.

They're so selfish... :(

I guarantee them that if Jon had a mind (even tho he has one) he would agree with my name choice. Something tells me that he would've found it fitting.

When I first saw him I instantly fell in love. His tiny hands reached for me when I entered the room and I just... Couldn't resist it. Despite mom, dad, ma, pa all being there— he chose me. He reached out to me. If that isn't true love then I don't know what is. (Take that pa and dad! Now we're all tied for Jon points™... They got a point earlier because they get to name him. Though it was unfair! Two adults against one is such a cheap move.)

He whined and groaned a lot, like A LOT. I don't know if it was him in pain or discomfort but mom reassured me that it was fine. He was probably hungry that's why he was acting that way.

I cried. A lot...

—————

"Immediate family members of Lois Lane-Kent?" A nurse exiting his mother's room notified them. Lithe build dwarfed by the hospital door.

"Coming!" All of the Kent's said with degrees of variance, with a younger voice higher pitched and somewhat louder than the rest. His excitement not quite contained

'Finally! I get to see my little brother!' Danny's mind raced with anticipation and apprehension. The little boy fidgety from all the waiting he had to endure.

The whole family, really, was exhausted. Each running on fumes. Who can blame them? Hardly anyone. They stayed awake for the whole duration of Lois' labor, nervous that if they were asleep they might miss something important. The nervousness stemmed from the fact that each one worried for Lois. For Jon. While the labor with Danny had when a lot easier and shorter, it still didn't help with the racing thoughts of each family member.

"Mom!" Danny rushed in while the others shuffled in slowly, as to not disturb both the mother and the newborn.

"Shhh shhhh, Danny, I'm fine." She smiled fondly at the boy, love seeping in through the air. A cute little sniffle brought the boy out of his stupor. 

"Is- Is that?" Danny stuttered out, barely comprehending anything as he drank the sight in front of him. A baby, laid upon Lois' chest cradled closely, full of life. He had a cute small tuft of black hair upon it's small, squishy head.

"Are you fine, love?" Clark took a tentative step towards Lois, "'mmm better love, now that you're all here.." She said while smiling, exhaustion evident in her voice. "Come closer, Solaris, take a good look at your little brother."

"Are you sure mom? I don't want to disturb him..." 

"Don't worry, Bud, let's both give a warm welcome to little Jonathan!" Clark encourages his son, grounding him with a hand to his shoulder. Danny slowly inches towards the hospital bed his mother is on, still unsure about the baby.

A sniffle broke the tension, along with some feeble groans. Danny couldn't help but let his heart melt at baby Jon. Cooing as he settles himself besides his mother, softly and gently caressing the head of the baby.

Jon could only squint his eyes, the sky blue shade prominent, likely inherited from his father—Clark Kent. His features soft, a mix between of the two parents, though, childhood will be the judge of who he takes after but that won't come for a while.

The baby's sight might not work at the moment, but his sense is ever-present. As the small baby feels for his surroundings, he can't help but whine, unable to properly move his arms without much effort, reaching for someone. Unbeknownst to him, that someone is his brother—who can only let his heart melt even more...

'He's reaching for me!!' The older brother of the baby thought, chest fluttering from all the giddy emotions he's currently feeling. He can only handle so much before it cripples him permanently.

Noticing the antics of his smaller son, Clark could only stifle his laugh, gesturing to his parents to ready the camera, urging them to capture the precious moment. He reaches to caress Lois' cheeks, pressing a small kiss to her forehead. "What a scene, huh?" Clark muses.

"I'll say! 15 hours spent trying to push him out and this is how he thanks me? The betrayal... His mother ignored, in favor of his brother. I could only hope that his influence diminishes." Lois jests in goodwill, finding it endearing that the first person Jon actively seeks out is his brother, already sensing the unbreakable bond forming. "Have you no shame, little Solaris?"

Danny indignant from what his mother is insinuating, could barely stammer out a response "W-well, it's not m-my fault he prefers me more! I am the better hugger after all." He huffs while crossing his arms.

Lois chuckles, raising an eye towards Danny "Really now, little Solaris? I doubt it, your hugs aren't memorable. Now come here and show me how your hugs really feel." She wraps her arms around Danny, minding that she doesn't shuffle the baby in her arms.

Jon whines at the motion, not a huge fan since he is currently quite sensitive. Though that displeasure is quickly washes away as Danny grows closer. Though instinctual, he relaxes at the moment. Proximity with his gawking brother clearing helping in easing the little boy. 

The adults could only watch in fascination at the display, the phenomenon clearly baffling them all. Given that it is odd on how Jon is acting, but they'll let it be. 'Probably because of how Danny is a natural magnet—Everyone and everything gravitate to him.' they reason.

They all settle in comfortable silence, enjoying the warm sight. The adults Shuffling closer to the hospital bed, wanting to be included in their little bond-cute.

...

...

...

Unknown from all present family members, a natural instinct is occurring— a Kryptonian child seeking a suitable mother to imprint. And that mother just so happens to be our little Danny. Though currently dormant, the hidden trait is working overtime to finalize the imprint bond process Jon is currently staking, cementing his claim as Jon's instinctual mother.

The rogue process might not be known nor visible, but it sure was evident in it's course. Danny's eyelids slowly feels heavier for each passing moment; the lack of sleep and the taxing bonding weighing heavily and are taking it's toll. Danny tries to fight the fatigue but ultimately fails as he slowly drifts to sleep. Head laid on Lois' shoulder. 

Lois' brushes an unruly strand of hair upon her child's face. The family could only watch as the children drift to sleep, both in tandem. 

——————

And then they proceeded to rip me away from Jon during my sleep, which by the way, RUDE!! I wanted to stay. But they insisted that I get some rest. I begrudgingly slept that night on a warm bed. But I felt bad, you know? Somehow I felt like I NEEDED to have Jon by my side... Uhm, Anyways...

Worst night of sleep EVER. I felt horrible sleeping and I still felt horrible waking up. Just plain horrible. All across the board. But when I got to see Jon again I felt instantly better. I really do get too attached way too quickly, like mom said. Not even a day of familiarizing with Jon and I'm already feral without him. (In their words not mine... I am not feral, thank you very much!)

Still, I had fun just watching Jon sleep. Seeing him breath and in peace gave me a lot of comfort. All the horrible feelings just gets washed away when im around him. I miss him already and he's only just a singular room away.

Probably having the most peaceful nap in his current time in this world... I wanna ask mom and dad to move my bed to his room or mine. So that I can sleep well knowing he is also well.

I feel... Better. To be fair I always felt good, great and the whole lot. But now that Jon is here... I feel like I always have butterflies in my stomach. Like my whole world just got significantly brighter now that he's here. And I won't have it any other way. He's Great, despite not doing much other than sleep, eat, poop, and cry. And he'll always be great, even if he won't be anything like that anymore in the future.

I think it's safe to say that I'm not exaggerating when I say that I will love him no matter what he becomes, no matter who he will be. But, I have this gut feeling that he will grow up to be like dad, in a way. So not much to change there.

He would grow up to be a great person, destined for a lot. I see it. I can feel it. Call it whatever delusion a kid can have, but it is the truth. He will grow to be the best of us.

Chapter Text

Jon, the loveliest baby brother. Joy and wonder mixed into a small, pudgy baby with the most adorable two-toothed gummy smile and the brightest eyes that makes Quasars look dim. 

Really, I couldn't have asked for anyone else to be my brother :) even tho I really can't ask for who I get as a brother directly. But I got him and that's all I could have ever asked for!

And even if that was all I could ask for, he would still give more. Because I didn't expect THAT to happen. Like really, I don't as for gifts and even then I didn't even ask for some. But does it count as his birthday gift for me when all he did was exist and do growing baby stuff? Maybe for others it isn't, but it's a total yes for me.

Mainly cus he can't give or buy or even make gifts! But also because it was too precious to not consider as a gift...

And my new friends came too! I really like them, they aren't mean or anything else! They always try to help others whenever they can, and they even earned Mr. Kroger's respect! Even I have a hard time around him... He always has that mean look that scares me. He isn't mean or anything to me. 

Actually, he's one of the nicer and kinder teachers of the whole school, I just have a hard time with him because he barely shows any emotion other than his apparent impatience, which I doubt is actually impatience. He doesn't rush any of us during his classes or quizzes, and he always helps the students who are falling behind his classes by giving them special assessments and remedial classes! I would've invited him, well I did but he declined, excusing himself because the day of my birthday also is the day of his marriage anniversary and he wanted to celebrate it with his husband. So just Me and my friends along with my family. 

I'm happy, because everything is going great. I'm happy, because Jon is growing now. Growing fast, maybe he would grow bigger than me... I hope not! I hope he stays little a bit longer, or a LOT longer... He's more huggable that way!

...

——————

Kent Farm, Smallville, Kansas

——————

The whole family—excluding a certain Danny—were currently preparing for the occasion. Decorating the farm for the birthday of the aforementioned boy. 

Clark and Lois are tasked in handling the simple decorations—like party balloons and fairy lights that complement the outdoor venue well—while Jonathan and Martha were in charge with making the food.

Although they would've just settled for a simple set-up, like a simple birthday Cake and some homemade dishes to celebrate, Danny had decided to bring some of his friends over and host with them for this year. 

They wanted to look at least presentable and accommodating; hence the idea of sprucing the farm with some decorations and adding more portions and options for the meals. While Danny was quite the charismatic character—he had been a isolated child.

Due to his uncanny ability to judge a person's character, he opted to keep everyone new at an arms length while being a warm and welcoming presence. So the title of being Danny's friend implies that he had put quite a bit of trust and faith in their character as people.

The Kents, ever so helpful wingmen, decided that if Danny liked his current companions, they would do their best to welcome them with open arms. And what could be more welcoming than Food and Parties prepared with both care and love? (And more effort to boot)

After finishing their respective tasks, Lois and Clark then went to the kitchen to help Jonathan and Martha prepare in plating the meals. Each meal had their own portion bowls, each was enough to feed a family of 16. But knowing the ravenous appetite of Clark, each would suffice and none would be leftover after the party.

After hearing the alarm of the cake, Martha headed to the kitchen to begin the decorating the large cake. She had made a 3-layer caramel-ube cake with a Milk chocolate ganache and Strawberry jam puree as the filling. Each had their own half of the circular cake that alternated in-between the top and bottom layers to give the cake more flavor. She had gotten the ube used in the cake from the Philippines, imported by the courtesy of her son, who she requested to buy some after hearing Danny talk about it's earthier nutty and sweeter vanilla-like taste compared to the local taro they had. She had asked Danny where he got the chance to taste it, and had answered quite enthusiastically.

"Oh! One of the friends I'm inviting over to my birthday next week is a new exchange student from the Philippines, and he's super nice! Very friendly and genuine, though that isn't to say he's a pushover. One of the more popular students had made fun of his beliefs and they got slapped! I quickly dragged him away so that he didn't get in trouble, he thanked me by joining me during lunch and sharing some of his dessert. It was some sort of softbread that was super delicious and it even had gooey caramel inside! He told me it was a family recipe. We became friends after a little bit of talking." Past-Danny had explained to her with a rapt tone, clearly excited on the idea of inviting new people to join in celebrating his party. 

But Martha couldn't help but notice—only "A little bit of talking"? And he'd already qualified as friend material? Danny had a high bar for friendship, not that he's picky per se, but that he deathly avoided people who have... Less than savory attitudes.

So to quickly befriend Danny? Martha had to bring her A-game in-order to impress Danny's friends. So, she left no boxes unchecked when she was making the meals, trying to ensure she made no mistakes during the prepping.

Likewise, the same can be said with the aforementioned company that Danny was inviting. The group was composed of 3 people, 4 if Danny was included, and each respective member of the group made sure they looked nice and presentable.

Who wouldn't want to impress your friend's family? Especially if said friend was Danny. They could only hope to impress the family their God sent Angel came from.

Joshua—the friend that Danny had mentioned to Martha—had requested his grandmother to help with baking two large batches of the family's signature ube bread, meant to be given as a gift to Danny. The boy had gushed about loving it when Joshua had shared some of his serving, so why not?

Normally, he would've done it on his own, but the amount of ingredients were too much for him to handle, considering the size of the servings. Grabbing his Home's landline, he decided to try and Call one of the two other friend's Phone landline, Jamie—A teen girl of Caucasian descent— was the first person he could contact.

"Jamie, Can you try calling Brandon? He wasn't answering any of my calls earlier! Danny and his Dad picks us up downtown at 12:30 and it's already 11:57!" —Jamie could practically see a Joshua fuming at the thought of being late, 'culture etiquette' and all that when it comes to festivities. Although it was a bit much, they still had 33 minutes left, and that had left Jamie exasperated.

They had all bonded quite quickly—the group all had similar values and moralities. So they all weren't strangers to basic human decency called 'Respect', but they still had their differences. Jamie was a lenient and slow-paced teen—she was more of an observer, and even when she gives her feedback it would be more low-volume, where you might miss it if you hadn't been paying attention. And she was a bookworm and debate enthusiast, despite her 'Cool Kid' (i.e wannabe gangster) demeanor and attire. (As unconvincing as it was...)

Joshua was different, but not by much when compared to her. He had a burning passion for baking. He was outspoken and loud and he had no problem of letting someone know when they are displeasing in general, not in a rude way though, he just had a strong sense of justice. Definitely learned it from growing up in a household that wears their heart on their sleeve, that and honor is a tangible metric for them. He could be a bit overbearing at times, though.

That and he is still a kid—so he'll probably mellow down when he gets older. He and Jamie had this odd dynamic of a cheeky little brother and a failing-at-nonchallance-easily-annoyed older sister vibe.

Brandon on the other hand, should've been the middle personality, considering her and Joshua, right?

Wrong!

he and Joshua were practically the ironic 'Two sides of the same coin' saying. A self-taught artist and Craftsman—Brandon was of African-american descent, and was born mute, so nothing verbal can be clued from him, but even his non-verbal cues are sparse. Art had been Brandon's main medium to Express his feelings. The complete opposite of what Joshua is. Not to say that Brandon hadn't had any sense of justice, he just didn't wave it around like Joshua.

Despite the difference between the two, Joshua really understood Brandon, and the latter really appreciates the former. He was the emotion and voice that Brandon couldn't express, while Brandon had been the calm Joshua had needed to balance his emotional temperament, and they had bonded over such connection.

Jamie was the only sore thumb sticking out. Being 15 and all and hanging with kids 5 years less her age should be unsettling to her, really. But she hadn't felt outcast when she went with them, rather, she felt more at ease and comfort. She would consider herself the experience of the group, while it lasts anyway, and be the bigger sister every one of them leans on. But more like a bigger bodyguard anyway, Danny took the spot for mother hen, even she folds in his presence, lest she find herself the target of his ire.

He was scary, okay?! For a kid, he sure felt like an adult when giving his disappointed tone and disapproving look. Only God knows how THAT ages... She shivers at the thought.

—"Yeah, yeah, calm down Josh, Brandon's probably panicking on what to wear and the whole works, you know how it is." Jamie said, landline phone placed in-between her head and her shoulder, while she inspects her nails.

"Okay, fine. But can you please atleast check on him? Last I called was 25 minutes ago and— Huh?" Joshua covered the sender end of the landline,

"JOSHUA, YUNG ISA MONG KAIBIGAN NASA LABAS! HINAHANAP KA!"

(Joshua, a friend of yours is looking for you! He's waiting outside!)

"SIGE NAY! TAPUSIN KO LANG ITONG CALL!"

(Okay, Mom! I'll just finish this call!)

"Nevermind, Brandon had just arrived, he was probably on his way to my house. See you there!" Jamie also bid farewell, before ending the call by returning the landline on the phone stand.

All of their houses weren't too far from each other in metropolis, just a good few minutes of walking.

Jamie sighed, not from heavy feelings no, but from the bond that Joshua and Brandon have. They make a good pair, and it makes her feel older than she should be. Why and how? How would she know? Their bond even within the group was prominent, and it made her yearn for a close relationship or a lover. But all the barely-passable-as-bare-minimum boys were taken or not interested, the rest were just douchebags and assholes, so she'll hold off for now.

...

Danny, however, was facing a different problem than longing.

He had wanted to help with the work, but Every adult had declined, insisting that he enjoy his birthday before-celebration time. So now he was stuck at a local metropolis arcade, while he waited for his dad to fetch his friends and then him to celebrate back at Smallville, where his birthday party was being held. What a doozy.

With a dejected sigh, he approached the counter to buy some tokens, thankfully he had enough money to last him a good few minutes of gaming before his inevitable Steed (i.e his dad) arrives. While counting his tokens in peace and deciding what game to spend them on, he was soon interrupted by a small figure bumping into him from behind.

"Oof!" The small kid had fell on his backside without much fanfare.

"Sorry!" Danny quickly spun around, hand held out for the small kid laying supine. "You should really watch where you're going, I almost lost some my tokens because of you." He had said with no malice behind it. The arcade machines had small spaces in-between them, he grimaces at the thought of trying to pick one of the would-be lost tokens at the crevices.

The small boy stared at the hand for a few moments before realizing the situation he was currently in, "O-oh!" He took the hand, dusting himself afterwards. "No no! I should be the one saying sorry big brother! I wasn't watching where I was going and bumped into you!" The small boy had insisted earnestly.

"... Alright..." Danny relented without much resistance, "My name's Danny, what's yours?" The small boy, now named Richard replied in kind, "Richard, but you can call me Dick!" He said while beaming Danny with a kind smile.

Danny had returned the smile, earlier thoughts fading as the atmosphere between the two kids grew friendlier. "So Dick, how are you doing today? Any games in the arcade caught your attention yet?" Danny decided to spend his time with making small talk with Dick rather than play games.

Truthfully, he had no interest in the choices the arcade had presented, the gimmicks of high scores and time limits so rooted in arcade game's mechanics put him off. He'd rather enjoy a game that let's him control the pace of his progression. So it was quite ironic how his dad left him here.

"No, not really.. wandering around! This is the first time I get to join the circus on a trip to metropolis! I usually stay in Gotham with my parents. They're the flying Grayson's! Well, we're the flying Grayson's, but I'm not yet officially part of it. I just join my mom and dad whenever they allow me to." 

"'The flying Grayson's'? I don't know them or anything, but you're apart of a circus? That's really cool! Though, I can't say I like Circuses really well. They have clowns, and clowns creep me a lot." Danny winced at the image of a clown. Dick deflated a little, before bouncing back to his original demeanor, "We're staying for a couple of days before going back to Gotham. So if you want to, you can watch some shows, they're really fun! I promise!" 

"Sorry, Dick, but I don't think I will any time soon. But—" Danny is suddenly interrupted by Clark calling for him.

"Hey bud, how are you doing? You ready to go now? Your guests are waiting in the car." Clark, noticing the extra audience, turned his head towards the small figure. "And I see you made a new friend!" Dick just waved shyly at the hulking man, smiling while doing so. 

"Yes dad, goodbye now, Dick. Hope we meet again!" 

"You too Danny! Goodbye!"

Bidding farewell to each other, both parties went their separate ways.

Exiting the arcade, the father and son duo noticed a fairly distressed couple asking around, "What seems to be the problem?" Clark and Danny had approached them while asking, "Oh, Have you seen a boy running around? About—" The Man had motioned around his legs for the height, "—this tall? Had black combed hair and blue eyes?" 

"I have, would his name be Dick by any chance?" The couple nodded and Danny had motioned inside the arcade, "He's just inside, exploring and looking around." The couple had let out a sigh of relief, "thank you!" The woman had expressed her appreciation, before passing by Danny and Clark to search for their son. The both of them then continued towards the arcade doors, entering the building to continue their search.

Clark had proceeded towards his parked car, with Danny now in tow. The passengers of said car had welcomed Danny with a loud birthday greeting, excluding Brandon, who only patted Danny's back as a happy birthday to Danny and proceeded to hand the boy his birthday gift. An art piece that had consisted of him sitting atop a small hill—staring at the view of the night sky, with bright and colorful contrasts of purples and blues for the backdrop. It had a hazy like quality, almost as if it was a dream. 

Looking at the canvas with awe-struck face, he could barely think at all, as it had captivated him. Some time passed before he could snap out of it and thank the gifter.

"Thanks alot, Brandon! This is super great, and oh— You even put some constellations here!" Danny gushed while pointing out the details the quiet boy had added. Brandon, in all his blank glory, had only given a ghostly twitch of a smile, but Danny and the others had noticed it.

Before Danny can get carried away, Joshua decided to Finally give his gift. He presented Danny with a hefty disposable Tupperware, said Tupperware was already stinking up the car with it's invasive yet tantalizing aroma. "Is this...— Danny had tried to remember the smell, fully drooling now— the amazing bread you shared with me?! Thank you so much, josh! I've been dreaming about it's taste ever since you let me taste some, and it was so painfullll-" Danny was practically crying at the awful experience of cravings.

Joshua had only laughed, flushing at Danny's exaggeration, "Yeah, Yeah! Do you want to eat it now, or do you want to wait until we get to your home?"

"Home! I need to share this with Mom, Pa, and especially Ma! So that they know what they've been missing out on!" 

"The more the merrier I guess!"

"Alright! Tone it down, you guys sound like bees buzzing.." Jamie grumbled, clearly feeling self conscious about her gift. While she knows they won't judge her gift, it was more of a personal matter of her pride than anything. They all had the same theme of homemade gifts. Her's was a crocheted yellow star plush with a goofy face. The Goofy face itself was intentional, the somewhat misshapen body however... Yeah. She was by no means a master of the art of crochet, but Jamie hopes Danny would still appreciate the—in her opinion— ugly thing.

Revealing her gift to the others, she hoped to be spared of any teasing. Her pride was already crumbling as it is, she did not need—admittedly not vicious, but still capable of being such— kids, scarfing her gutted soul.

The first one to react was surprisingly (not really) Joshua, who only cooed with faux mock in his voice, "Awww. big baby finally decided to break her "Cool" shell?" He snickered, poking fun at the cute plush, though he won't admit it's cuteness, especially to the annoying small-time friend group bully, big time gangster wannabe named Jamie. Especially not Her. 

"Shut- shut up! I have half the mind in beating your little butt! It's a shame Mr. Clark is here." She gave the most venomous glare she could muster towards the little gremlin, all while Making sure she doesn't accidentally let any swears slip. He got a good jab, she'll admit that, but the moment the day is over and the weekend ends? She vows that she would tease the little rat until he died of embarrassment. Mark her words, she would make true to her vows.

"Yeah, no, but you wish! No one would hit lovable little young me, or atleast no one who isn't a monster, so I'm not too confident with you." Joshua stuck his tongue out at Jamie, while blowing her a nasty raspberry. "Why you little—!"

Danny however, could only laugh at their antics, all while admiring the lovable plush. It's misshapen body had an endearing quality that appeals to Danny, so he'll give Jamie her well deserved 'benefit of the doubt' "That's enough, guys! And thank you, Jamie, I really love it! I love all your of gifts!" 

"Alright, settle down kids and buckle your seatbelts, we're starting the trip to Smallville." Each of the passengers replied in their own manner, settling down to make themselves comfortable for the 2 hour long drive.

Each of them had been told that they could have a sleepover at the Kent farm, and their parents (more specifically Joshua and Brandon's. Jamie had been given enough teenage autonomy to decide for herself on small matters like this.) had agreed to the request of their respective little ones. They all had packed two sets of clothes, one for sleeping and one for a change when they were sent home.

"Let's go!"

...

..

.

..

...

Parking the car nearby the outskirts of the Kent farm, Clark craned his head to look at the passenger seats behind. Where he was met with a hilarious sight of Danny drooling on the shoulder of the larger figure his son had introduced as Jamie.

A little bit to the right were two boys, leaning on each other. Despite the messiness of their neighbors, both boys had looked like they'd been flying on smooth sailing clouds. The first to rouse to consciousness was the drooling birthday boy himself, as if he woke up from the feeling of Clark's palpable gaze.

"Are we there yet?" Danny groggily murmured, wiping the drool trailing from his mouth. The boy's dad could only chuckle at how his son looks, "Yes, Danny, we're here. Wake your friend's up while I unload their bags."

Unlocking all doors, Clark opened his, exiting the car to circle back to the cargo storage. "Jamie, wake up... Jamie, Jamie!" The girl, despite Danny's efforts, was fast asleep, unmoving—'still like a rock'— Danny's mind supplied. He decided to focus his efforts on actions that count— targeting her weakness! But before that, he decided to wake both Brandon and Joshua first. (Priorities people!)

"Psst, hey! Brandon, Joshua, wake up!" 

"Hmnggh?" Joshua was the first to wake, blinking like a frog to wash the grogginess away. After which, he lightly tapped Brandon on his side. A hum was the only sign that Joshua got that indicated the awareness of the mute boy. "Alright. What was it Danny?" Joshua asked while tidying his messy bed-head.

"Help me with waking Jamie! She's still asleep, even after roughly shaking her."

"Shaking her won't work. She sleeps like she's been knocked out—the big lud." Joshua scrunched his nose at her sleeping figure. Deciding that she was enjoying her sleep too much, he shifted to act. Bringing his hand just right below his chin in a pointing position, he let a drop of saliva land on the tip of the pointed finger.

"Ewww!" Danny's face had contorted into a horrified and disgusted look.

"Oh, would you please stop that?" He said, giving Danny a prominent side-eye, before finally bringing his hand to Jamie's ear, lathering it in the outer part of the space next to the hole.

The victim of this harmless yet disgusting prank let out a shrill scream, violently jerking upwards, where the seatbelt had restrained her from moving any further. Eyelids fluttering, her eyes frantically scanned the people surrounding her before finally landing on Joshua's figure, outstretched pointed hand with something weirdly slimey coating it. Joshua only gave her a dopey looking smile before Danny spilled. 

"It was saliva."

"What?"

"The thing Joshua coated your ear with. It was saliva."

Jamie stared at him blankly for a few seconds, before continuing her screaming "JOSHUA! YOU DISGUSTING DEMON CHILD! GET OVER HERE!" She tried to grab him, but was the world reminded her of her own situation, when she got reality checked by the Seatbelt still restraining her.

Joshua quicky got out of the car, giggling like a gremlin while he dragged Brandon away, the direction they were headed was the farm house. Not wanting to lose the trail of the little prankster, Jamie quickly unbuckled her seatbelt and made a mad dash to the once shrinking figures of both Joshua and Brandon, now steadily growing, as her long legs gave her an advantage over the two. 

"WHEN I CATCH YOU, JOSHUA, OHHHOHO WHEN I CATCH YOU!!!" Don't get fooled by the sweet laughter she lets out, her dark plans are filled with cruelty and evil.

Not wanting to fall behind, Danny hurriedly followed, allowing his dad to carry the luggage in peace.

'What a friendly bunch' Clark had said to no one but himself. He was glad that Danny's friends matches his own energy, lamenting on how it must've been lonely only having winded out adults as company. Now he was grateful that Danny won't be as lonely anymore, when He and Lois are busy with either work or Jon.

Breaking off on the path the others had taken, Danny had followed the fence trail of beige fairy lights.

Arriving at the celebration spot, Danny noted the array of tables closely arranged across the open field, with blankets settled next to the tables and some chairs too.

Spotting Lois sitting by one of the laid out blankets with Jon in her hands, Danny quickly called out to notify both of his arrival. 

"Hi mom!" Waving while approaching the duo, he dropped into a crouch when he was close enough, "And hi to you too, Jon!" He said while cooing, softly squishing his cheeks, which made the baby giggle with joy while he was reaching for him.

Lois allowed Danny to take Jon from her hands, relieved to get a breather after trying to entertain the little on for more than a few hours.

"Hi hon," Lois gave Danny a quick peck on his cheek, "You busy yourself with Jon while I go check on Martha with the cake, okay? The celebration starts in a bit." Excusing herself, she headed to the farm house, "Call for the others, Mom. I'm pretty sure they're in the house!" He shouted, she gave a thumbs up while walking away.

"What'cha been up to, huh?" Danny switched to his baby voice to talk with Jon, which earned him another gleeful giggle from the wide-eyed baby, "Oh yeawh? Your day been long twoo? Don't worry bubba! The birthday starts in 'bwit'." Danny proceeded to pepper Jon with little kisses to his face, chest feeling lighter by the second from all the cute noises his baby brother was making. 

...

..

.

Two more hours had passed, The finishing touches on the decorating of the cake being done meticulously by Martha and Lois, with some help from Danny's friend's Brandon and Joshua. Jamie just stood watch from the kitchen corner, fascinated at how the cake is coming along so well. She didn't want to be a hindrance to their space, she wasn't good at any type of art working. Crocheting and knitting were both lucky breaks, and The group knows how mediocre she had done with her work...

Dusting her hands, she called out to the little helpers and the singular audience, "Alright, I think that's all. Go on, hurry along now kids, Danny's waiting by the fields near the middle most table." Exiting the farm house, they had all bid goodbye to Danny's family. Noting that they all had a great time in their company. Martha soon followed suit, exiting the farm house with the cake and a baby bottle in her hands.

'Jon should be hungry by now.'

.

..

...

The few hours of their amazing play time had passed by too quickly—Danny lamented—as Martha approached the middle most table with a Wonderful cake.

The base was a colourful and vibrant spectrum of deep Violets, Hazy purples, Deep ocean blue, and white dots littering the whole cake. The top was nicely done, thin frosting creatively swirled like a miniature Galaxy. He gawked at it, Jon too, but mainly because he wanted to feel included in the something his older brother was doing. And Danny couldn't help but notice.

Softly Chuckling while he did so, he looked at Jon with the most adoring gaze, endeared at the mimicry of his little brother. Setting Jon down on top of the blanket, he moved away to help Martha rearrange some of the glassware, to be able to make room for the cake. Not before handing Jon his baby bottle filled with warm milk that Martha gave to Danny, so that the baby wouldn't fuss from the loss of contact. It worked, though, only because of the play time from earlier, which had worn Jon out. 

Letting Danny make his finishing touches, like the numbered candles (10) and lighting them up, the rest had surrounded the table where the cake had been placed, Jon still absent as he was busy with his meal. Martha then started to lead the 'Happy Birthday" song, with Clark, Lois, Pa, Jamie and Joshua following, Brandon just clapped with the beat.

🌟

✨

💫

As they sung, the sunset seemed to shine and glow evermore, contrasting with Danny as he had his back to the rays.

His smile, eyes and faint freckles—that had lightly dusted his face—had been highlighted by the Pinkish-Orange sunset. Jonathan, buzzing from how picturesque the view of Danny was from his Point of View, couldn't help but capture more photographs as the song went on. Immortalizing the emotions shown on Danny's face.

🎊

"Happy Birthday to You."

<~>

"Happy Birthday to You~!"

<~>

"Happy Birthday, Dear Danny~!"

<~>

"Happy Birthday, to You."

<~>

"May the Sun Rise with You~"

<~>

"May your Time be Long too~"

<~>

"May your Life be Filled with Joy~"

<~>

"May the World Love you too."

🎉

———

——

—

——

———

Jon didn't know what was happening, but the singing and music had caught his fleeting attention.

What were they doing? 

Trying to sit up—he miserably failed—and fell back down.

He tried again for a few times—fail, fall back down.  Another fail, another time where he fell back down— before finally mustering enough strength to able to do so.

There, where his eyes had landed—was where he was met with the sight of his family— surrounding His mother. the one he always seeks out.

They were smiling at him, all of them were.

He felt their Happiness. He felt their Joy. And most importantly, something he felt from himself—

...

..

.

 He felt left out. 

.

..

...

"Bah!!" He tried to grab the attention of his mother. "BAHHH!!!" He raised his volume as loud as he could... But still, no one had noticed.

Jon huffed, eyes already puffy from the tears threatening to spill...

...

NO! 

He won't give up so easily!

Sniffling, he forced himself into a crawling position, before putting his hands in front of him, his miniscule strength thankfully allowing enough strain to lift himself, or rather his chest, off the ground.

.

.

.

"Engh!"

.

.

.

Motivated by his small victory, he planted both of his feet firmly behind him and into the blanket below, forming a reversed angle, with his hips and backside as the highest point. Before pushing himself off the ground with surprisingly enough strength.

.

.

.

A happy chirrup erupts from Jon after realizing what he was Able to do.

.

.

.

Now standing, swaying side to side, he tried to stabilize himself—and he was actually successful!— Now standing straight, he had willed his Shaking legs to move forward, he himself intent on reaching his Mother.

Step...

Step...

Step..—! Swaying! Stabilize!

...

Great!

Step...

Step..!

Step.!!

Step!!! He was almost there! Just one...

MORE!

STEP!!! He had reached his Mother!

FINALLY!!!

Steadying himself with the length of Danny's pants—he tugged before screaming—

"BAHHH!!!"

———

——

—

——

———

A few seconds before finishing the song, Danny had felt something tug at his leg, before something let out a loud noise—"BAHHH!!!"

He looked down, and to his minds coalescing horror and surprise, it wasn't just something!

IT WAS A CERTAIN SOMEONE!

"JON?!?! Oh my God! How did you get there, baby? Did you..." Before Danny could assume any more, Jon had took a few slow steps backwards and waddled slowly in a circle, before returning to the leg he had tugged, looking back at Danny with the widest, most innocent and expecting sky-blue eyes.

Danny blanked. He blanked for a few seconds.

Snapping out of his stupor, Danny gently liftedJon, to spin with him, all while letting out the most giddy squeal that had Jon joining along.

"You Just walked, Jon!"

The family could only let their mouth fall agape at the small baby, shock breaking them for a good few moments, before they too cheered for Jon. Danny's friends could only sheepishly look on, congratulating the family for their youngest's achievement.

After some of the fanfare, Brandon shook Joshua, grabbing his attention. "Hm?" Joshua turned his head to look at Brandon, who made a blowing motion with his mouth and then pointed at the cake. "Oh! Danny, you still haven't blew the candles out yet to make your wish!"

"R-right!" Turning his body, with Jon set on his hips, he turned face to face with the still-lit '10' candles atop his cake. "Go on Danny, blow and make your wish." All of them urged.

"Alright..." He closed his eyes and released a strong gust of air, extinguishing the candles. He had one wish really. One wish that stays between him, and whatever higher power that exists.

An innocent wish, really, one that had been made by millions of children before him, and one that will be made by millions of children after.

'I wish everyone here lives a long and happy life!'

Opening his eyes, he smiled and continued the celebration— "So, who's ready for some cake!"

A chorus of "I am!"'s and "Me!"'s filled the open space.

...

..

.

———Somewhere yet, Nowhere at all - Beyond the Bounds of Time and Reality———

IT heard IT's Successor's wish.

And IT promises, that in all of IT's infinite power, IT would do IT's best in Granting IT's precious Successor's wish.

IT will Make sure of IT, no matter the cost. 

After all, IT won't be the one who pays such a price.

——————

.

..

...

Chapter Text

Wow. 

Just... Wow. 

I'm surprised. Jon was already a very VERY clingy baby—even before learning how to walk. But now? It's like he gets starved from the privilege of MY love. Which, by the way, I do NOT neglect little brother, no way! Who could ever have the stomach to neglect Jon?

It's just that, after his first time walking, he instantly mastered it in that ONE DAY?! I'm very shocked. And now he uses it to find me and try to grab my attention. (His greed makes me sick. In a good way, though :D )

I always come home very late—well, late for someone my age—because of the science club and a prestigious enrichment program. I just turned 10, and mom and dad keep reminding me so.

They keep going on about bad guys in white Vans or black hoodies that offer "candy". I don't know how to break it to them, but I am not as socially dumb as I look. I know about kidnappers and drug dealers, thanks to Jamie and her "network skills" and "experience" with these kinds of stuff.

I doubt it's experience and more about her getting earful from aunt Marquise and Uncle Cameron, her adoptive parents, about the bad people she keeps encountering.

Still, even with all of their troubles, Mom and Dad want to support me. The Club and Program gives opportunities for "Gifted Children" (Whatever the snobby principal means) like me. They can bump me up a few grades, and with the rate I'm performing, they say I'm ready to get transferred to senior year. 

I'll miss my friends if I do get bumped up. But we'll be in the same school for about two years until I get hauled to college so, probably, no big worries until then.

But that won't stop Jon. His actions after I come home is so exhausting, but I love it either way. The program and club are interconnected in some way, so they always assign joint projects when it's time for activities and curriculars. How is Jon involved in all of this? He just is. 

I do my best to spend time with him, even when I have assignments due, and I always put him to sleep before continuing with work. And I make sure to be gentle when I pry him off of me and lay him on his crib, but every time I leave his room and return to my study table he just climbs out of his crib and searches for me. 

...

It's disturbing my work because he's on the verge of tears every time he finds me. It makes it hard to continue projects because for every sniffle he lets out—a piece of my restraint and self-control just withers away. Something inside of me can't handle the fact that he's crying, and it just plain hurts when he tries to rein his sobs when he reaches for me with grabby motions. 

He cries quietly because he doesn't want attention— I already give him plenty of it. He cries because he genuinely only wants me close, to feel me close. And it works. His cries always work, it makes me stop everything I'm currently doing. I want to continue the work and progress I've done with the program, but I don't want to hurt Jon for it.

...

So, I made my first hard Life decision.

...

 I'm leaving both the program and the club.

I want to continue, I really do, but Jon needs me more. And I see that. So, a little later in the night when Jon finally dozed off— I tucked Jon in his crib, and told Mom and Dad.

They argued with me for a bit, reminding me that I wanted it, and that I shouldn't let the opportunity go because of Jon. I agreed, but I also wanted Jon to be happier, and I didn't want to sacrifice that opportunity, but that doesn't mean I want to sacrifice Jon for that same opportunity. 

They gave me pained looks. They told me that kids like me shouldn't worry about problems like these for meant adults, and that all I should do is continue working hard on what I wanted to be, to continue making most of opportunities like these. I want to be a lot, okay? I want to be an astronaut and explore outer space, I want to be the first person to meet aliens and make contact with them, I want to discover more stars and about them, but that doesn't mean I wanted those for the price of Jon. 

No. I told them No. I told them that things like these come and go. That all I had to do was wait for the next one to show. I can wait. These things can wait. I wait for them or They wait for me, but Jon cannot. I won't make Jon wait. I won't make him wait for me just because I couldn't wait for the future. I wanted this. And I had no doubts. 

I wasn't giving up, I never was. I just wanted to put Jon first.

...

They got quiet. Really quiet. And I got nervous.

...

..

.

——————

A long pause had created a palpable silence. Danny was sat on the living room's sofa with Clark and Lois standing across from him, neutral look and thinning lips on Lois' and Clark's face sent a nervous chill down Danny's spine—it made him squirm in place. Their heavy breathing only adding more weight to the already suffocating pressure.

Clark was the first to cut through the silence.

"Are you sure? That's- You're already dropping a lot for Jon, Danny. Cutting some time from your hobbies, from extracurriculars and other activities you enjoy! You're about to make a breakthrough with the enrichment program and Science club, you just need to finalize some few projects, then you're off to senior year—You can't just give that up for Jon, Danny!"

"I'M NOT, OKAY?! I'M NOT GIVING ANYTHING UP FOR ANYONE!"

Clark and Lois flinched at that. He didn't mean to snap, using such a harsh and loud tone, but he couldn't stop the anger and frustration from flowing out of his mouth. He was angry! And frustrated! Very VERY frustrated. He caught himself before saying anything more. Breathing for a few moments, trying his best to calm down,

"I'm- I'm not Dad. It's just— well it's because— Argh! I just want to, Okay? I'm sure. I'm sure. You're right. They're important, very very important, but they aren't Jon. I can enter space camp with the achievements from the program and club, yes, but what's the point when I'm leaving Jon for it? Dad—Mom, Jon needs me more, okay? Jon is growing. And he's growing fast. He needs me now, more than ever—And that can't wait. But space camp, being an astronaut, and seeing outer space? These things can. They can wait, Dad. Stop making this harder for me, I want this. I want to set these aside, but I'm not quitting. Just waiting. So please, Dad, Mom—Let me. Let me leave the enrichment program and Science club, for Jon. For Me." Danny pleaded with all his soul, his eyes showing nothing but his most sincere wishes, and Clark and Lois had seen that sincerity.

And It hurt them. It had hurt them, so badly. 

Lois sighed, rubbing her temples to ease the growing headache, "Fine. You get your wish, Danny, but don't regret it."

"I won't, Mom." His eyes burned brighter with his earnestness, which morphed Lois' frown into a softening smile. Walking closer to the sofa, she took a seat next to her Son and pulled him into a warm hug, rubbing circles and patting his back—head settled on top of his head. "You better. Now go, to your room! It's already 10 and you're still awake. Get some sleep, Jon isn't the only growing boy in this household." Lois gently pushed him off the couch and made a shoo-ing motion with her hands. Danny approached his dad and gave him a brief yet deep hug, the two exchanging their own farewells "Bye, Dad. Goodnight."/"Goodnight, Danny." Before passing him and exiting the living room. 

Turning the corner on the way to his room, he was met with the awkward figure of baby Jon standing, with his right hand being used as a support—pushing against the wall—and his left gripping his little dog themed pajama shirt.

He must've escaped his crib again to search for him, Danny thought, the commotion he and his parents had made probably had the boy second-guessing wether to continue or go back and return to the crib.

Dismissing his thoughts, Danny approached The little figure of Jon with languid steps, calming the boy down from the fright, "Heyya, bubba. What're ya doin' up? Didn't I tuck you in?" Jon only sat down on the floor, hands used in favor of making grabby hands at his mother older brother, and Danny had only giggled at the insistence of Jon wanting him to be by his side at all times, "Let's get you back to bed, yeawh? My bed this time, so that you don't lose some sleep trying to find me again." 

Danny reached for him and lifted him, with Jon's head resting at The boy's chest—eyes already fluttering from drowsiness. "Off we go, to dreamland!" Danny whispered at Jon's ear in the faintest volume he could manage.

Danny entered his room, making sure to shut the door behind him quietly. He made sure slowly lower himself on his bed—stroking Jon's tuft of hair, the soft feeling solidifying his resolve and dissolving any doubts Danny had before. 'It is worth it, to leave it. For Jon.' 

A few seconds of breathing for Danny—before finally Succumbing to his exhaustion.

.

.

.

———

—Decrepit Tower - Hidden in Time—

———

Upon a mass of unshaped, cloud-like ectoplasm was a small ancient—A being of a core aspect of reality—something that guides the flow of time. And what was thing being doing? Keeping a sphere stable in it's front, said sphere is displaying the peacefully slumbering figures of both Danny Lane-Kent and Infant Jonathan Samuel Kent. 

The ancient's unbidden Fond Smile and adoring gaze zeroed in on the older of the pair.

"Oh, grandson, you always were the selfless hero, weren't you?" Clockwork sighed.

.

..

...