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Chapter Text

The Manor training room was silent save for the rhythmic breathing of two figures seated in perfect meditation pose. Cassandra Cain, her posture impeccable yet somehow more coiled than relaxed, sat across from Rachel Roth. Where Raven embodied a tranquil stillness, Cassandra vibrated with a barely contained energy—part tension, part something more primal.

Meditation had never been easy for Cass. Her body, trained from childhood to be the perfect weapon, struggled with the concept of complete stillness. Her mind, even more so. Memories flickered behind her closed eyelids like fragments of a broken film reel.

The moment her family discovered the truth about Lady Shiva, her mother, played out again. It hadn't been a gentle revelation. Things rarely were in their world. A brutal fight, blood splattered across the warehouse floor, her mother's inhuman speed and strength finally explained by the vampire lineage that ran through her veins.

Until that moment, Cass had survived on carefully measured survival. Little sips of blood from the Batcave's medical bay. The occasional crimson trace on her suit after particularly violent nights of vigilante work. She loved her family—truly, deeply. Duke Thomas, another meta, understood the complexity of being something more than human. But Bruce? Her father's acceptance felt like a carefully constructed facade.

The exception, she thought. We're the exception.

Her fingers twitched involuntarily, disrupting the perfect stillness she'd been maintaining. Beneath her eyelids, visions of past patrols ghosted through her mind – the way her senses heightened when someone bled nearby, the careful control she exerted to keep her teeth from extending fully. The constant, exhausting vigilance.

Raven's empathic abilities meant she didn't just hear thoughts—she felt them. The turmoil within Cassandra was a storm, a maelstrom of conflict, identity, and barely contained hunger.

"You're wrestling with more than just your breathing," Raven said, her voice low and measured. Not a question, but a statement.

Cass's eyes opened, meeting Raven's knowing gaze. Where most would find Raven's constant calm unnerving, Cass found comfort. Another outsider. Another hybrid. Another person who didn't quite fit.

Raven's eyes held no judgment, just quiet understanding. "When my demonic nature rises, I don't fight it anymore. I acknowledge it, embrace it as part of who I am, then guide it toward something productive."

Cass tilted her head slightly. "Different. You... control. I... hide."

A nod from Raven. "Exactly. Denial feeds the struggle."

After a moment of silence, Raven spoke softly. "I know a place. Halfa Haven. It might help you feel more comfortable with both sides of yourself. It's a bar, a place for those who are... in-between."

Cass tilted her head, curiosity sparking in her dark eyes.

"No judgments," Raven continued. "Just people like us. People who don't fit into simple categories."

"People... like me?" Cass's words were halting, unsure.

"Hybrids. Those with dual natures." Raven's lips curved in a small smile. "People who exist in the spaces between definitions."

"When?"

"Tomorrow night? I can pick you up at eight."

A nod from Cass. Then, hesitantly, "Thank you."

________

The next afternoon, the Wayne Manor kitchen buzzed with its typical morning energy. Alfred moved efficiently between counters, preparing a late breakfast for the various members of the family who wandered in and out. Tim hunched over his laptop at one end of the island, muttering about case files between sips of coffee. 

Steph leaned against the counter, watching Cass with unabashed curiosity as she laid out potential outfits for the evening. Dick Grayson entered, ruffling Tim's hair on his way to the coffee pot, his eyes quickly catching on Cass's unusual preparations.

"Wow, actual clothes shopping?" Stephanie's eyes widened at the sight of the brand-new outfits, price tags still attached. "This must be serious."

"So where are you going?" Dick asked, curiosity evident in his tone.

"Bar. With Raven," Cass responded, her movements precise as she compared a sleek black top with a deep burgundy alternative. She had already chosen the bottoms – fitted black pants that offered freedom of movement while still looking elegant.

"A bar? Like a normal-people bar?" Stephanie's eyebrows rose higher. "With actual socializing?"

Cass nodded, holding up the black halter top against herself. It would complement her frame without restricting movement – important for someone who was always prepared for combat.

Dick sipped his coffee, watching the selection process with growing interest. "Does Bruce know?"

Another nod from Cass, this one slightly more hesitant.

"And he's okay with it?" Stephanie's surprise was evident.

"Said be careful." Cass selected the black top definitively, forming a matching set with the pants. "Always am."

"I'm coming too! It's been forever since we've had a girls night!" Stephanie's excitement was palpable as she pushed off from the counter. "Give me twenty minutes to get ready—"

Cass paused, turning to face her. "No. It's for people like me. Like Raven." Her words were soft but carried a weight that suggested no argument would change her mind.

The mood shifted. Stephanie's excitement dimmed, but she tried to maintain a supportive smile. Dick's concern was more transparent—a mix of protective worry and something darker. A recognition of the part of Cass that existed beyond normal understanding.

"It's a meta bar?" Tim asked, looking up from his laptop for the first time.

"More specific," Cass replied, her eyes dropping to the floor. "For hybrids."

Stephanie looked like she might push further, but Dick's hand on her shoulder stopped her. They both recognized that tone. That finality.

"Well, you'll need the perfect accessories then," Stephanie pivoted, her forced cheerfulness only slightly strained. She rummaged through her purse, producing a delicate gold bracelet. "Here. For good luck."

The gesture touched Cass more than she could express. She accepted the bracelet, sliding it onto her wrist with a small smile.

Alfred appeared with a tray of food. "Some sustenance before your evening out, Miss Cassandra." The words were simple, but the careful selection of protein-rich foods showed his understanding of her unique dietary needs.

"Thank you," she murmured, genuinely touched by the small acts of acceptance.

When Raven arrived later that evening, she wore the smallest hint of a smile at the sight of Cass in her carefully chosen outfit. The black halter top and matching pants created an elegant silhouette, accentuated by the silver bracelet at her wrist and subtle makeup that Stephanie had insisted on applying.

"Ready for a night out?" Raven asked, then turned to Bruce who stood watching from the doorway with his arms crossed. With a deliberately light tone, she added, "Don't worry sir. I'll have her back by morning."

The joke worked magic. The tension that had been building in the room dissolved. Her siblings snickered from where they had gathered to see her off, her father's shoulders relaxed incrementally, and even Cass's lips twitched in the barest hint of a smile.

"Be safe," Bruce said, the words carrying layers of meaning beyond their surface simplicity.

"Always am," Cass replied, the familiar exchange somehow more poignant tonight.

_________

The bar called Halfa Haven defied conventional description. From the outside, it looked like a nondescript building in a forgotten corner of Gotham, sandwiched between an abandoned factory and a questionable pawn shop. The only indication it was a functioning establishment was a small sign with an abstract symbol – half moon, half sun – and the faint pulse of music that escaped whenever the heavy door opened.

"Don't be nervous," Raven said as they approached, though Cass hadn't betrayed any outward signs of apprehension. "Everyone here understands what it's like to exist between worlds."

The bouncer – a massive man with subtle ridges along his forearms that suggested scales beneath his skin – nodded at Raven with familiarity. His eyes lingered briefly on Cass, assessing but not threatening, before he stepped aside to let them enter.

The moment Cass crossed the threshold, she understood why Raven described it as a sanctuary. The space pulsed with an otherworldly energy, filled with beings who existed in the spaces between definitions. A woman with scaled skin and gills danced with a partner whose feet never quite touched the ground. At the bar, a man with wolf-like features chatted with someone whose skin seemed to ripple like water.

What struck Cass most wasn't their differences, but the ease with which they carried them. No one here was trying to hide. No one was ashamed.

"What do you think?" Raven asked, leading her through the crowd toward the bar.

Cass took another moment to absorb the scene. A DJ booth was positioned at one end of the space, occupied by a woman with translucent butterfly wings who manipulated both physical equipment and what appeared to be pure energy with equal skill. The dance floor occupied the center of the room, ringed by intimate booths and small tables. The lighting was low but not dim – opalescent orbs floated near the ceiling, changing color in subtle harmony with the music.

"Beautiful," she finally replied.

"Let's get drinks," Raven suggested, gesturing toward the bar. "Anything specific you're in the mood for?"

Cass shook her head, still taking in the variety of patrons. Each carried marks of supernatural heritage mixed with something else – some subtle, others dramatic. A bartender with butterfly wings sprouting from her shoulders mixed drinks alongside another whose hands occasionally phased through the glasses, leaving trails of frost in their wake.

"Don't know what's good."

"Jasmine can help," Raven said, nodding toward the winged bartender. "She knows what works for different metabolisms."

As they approached, Jasmine looked up and broke into a warm smile. "Raven! Been too long." Her voice carried a slight melodic quality, as if she were always on the edge of singing.

"Busy with Titans business," Raven replied with a small shrug. "This is Cassandra, her first time here."

Jasmine's smile widened as she extended a hand across the bar. "Welcome to Halfa Haven! What's your poison?"

Cass hesitated. In the Manor, she kept her specific needs private, discrete. Here...

"She's half-vampire," Raven supplied when Cass remained silent.

Rather than recoiling, Jasmine's eyes lit with interest. "Oh! We have several excellent blood-based cocktails. The Crimson Sunset is popular, blood orange and actual blood with a splash of fizz. Or if you prefer something more traditional, our blood wine selection is excellent."

"Blood wine," Cass decided after some consideration. The words felt strange to say, speaking so openly about her nature.

"Excellent choice! And for you, Raven?"

"The usual."

Jasmine set to work, her movements graceful as her wings occasionally fluttered with her efforts. She produced a deep red liquid in an elegant glass for Cass, and something that seemed to smoke and shift between colors for Raven.

"Enjoy, ladies. First round's on the house for newcomers."

Cass accepted her drink with a small nod of thanks, taking a careful sip. The taste was exquisite– copper and cherry with subtle notes of something darker. It satisfied a craving she usually kept buried beneath layers of control.

"Good?" Raven asked.

A nod, more enthusiastic this time. "Very."

Raven guided them to a small table with a good view of both the bar and dance floor. "So, what do you think so far?"

Cass took another sip before answering, her eyes still moving across the diverse patrons. "Free. They all seem... free."

"That's the point of this place. No hiding, no shame." Raven's gaze softened slightly. "It took me a long time to find somewhere I didn't feel like a monster."

"Not monsters," Cass murmured. "Just... different."

"Exactly." Raven raised her glass in a small toast.

They sat in comfortable silence for a while, nursing their drinks and observing the ebb and flow of the crowd. Raven occasionally pointed out regulars – a trio of elemental hybrids whose hair shifted between fire, water, and earth; a quiet man in the corner whose shadow occasionally moved independently; a pair of twins with matching silver eyes who appeared to communicate telepathically.

The music shifted, becoming more energetic. The dance floor grew more crowded.

"Do you want to dance?" Raven asked. "I'm not much for it myself, but you've always moved like it's second nature."

Cass's eyes brightened. Dancing had always been her most natural form of expression – when movement could say everything words couldn't.

"Yes," she decided, finishing her drink in one graceful motion.

"I'll get another round while you enjoy yourself," Raven offered.

The dance floor welcomed Cass like an old friend. Her body responded to the rhythm instinctively, finding the patterns in the music and translating them into fluid motion. At first, she kept to herself, carving out a small space among the crowd. But gradually, others noticed her – appreciative glances, respectful nods, occasional smiles.

A woman with blue-tinged skin and gills behind her ears approached, movements suggesting she wanted to dance together. Cass nodded, and they fell into a complementary rhythm, never touching but moving in harmony. Others joined their loose circle – a man with antlers sprouting from his temples, another whose skin occasionally flickered to reveal machinery beneath.

There was no judgment here, no fear. Just movement and music and the simple joy of expression. Cass laughed, the sound surprising even herself. How long had it been since she'd felt this free?

After several songs, she made her way back to where Raven waited with fresh drinks. Her face was flushed with exertion and happiness.

"You're good," Raven observed, pushing the new glass of blood wine toward her. "Everyone was watching."

"Was fun," Cass admitted, gratefully accepting the drink. "Different... from training. From fighting."

"Purpose versus pleasure," Raven nodded. "You don't get many chances for the latter."

Cass took a long sip, feeling the wine's effects beginning to warm her from within. Her senses, already enhanced by her vampire heritage, seemed even more heightened – the music more vivid, the colors brighter, the conversations around them clearer despite the noise.

That's when she noticed him.

At first, just a flash of white hair that caught her attention from across the room. But once seen, impossible to look away from. He stood at the bar, surrounded by a small group that hung on his every word. He gestured animatedly as he told some story, his movements carrying the same fluid grace she recognized in the most skilled fighters.

White hair that seemed to defy gravity, bright green eyes that glowed from within. When he laughed, pointed canines flashed—not as razor-sharp as her own, but distinctly inhuman. Beautiful didn't begin to describe him. He moved with an ethereal grace, sometimes seeming to hover slightly above the ground even when standing still.

"Who's that?" she murmured to Raven, unable to tear her eyes away as the mysterious figure cloaked in an aura of cold fire threw back his head in laughter.

"Danny Phantom," Raven replied, a knowing glint in her eyes as she followed Cass's gaze. "More of a regular here than even I am. Half-ghost, half-human. Walks between worlds more literally than most."

"Half-ghost," Cass repeated, fascinated by the concept. "How?"

"Don't know. It's offensive to ask." Raven took a sip of her drink. "He protects a town called Amity Park from ghost attacks. Decent fighter, though his technique could use refinement."

Cass continued watching as Danny said something that made his entire group burst into laughter. His confidence was magnetic, the easy way he commanded attention without seeming to try. So different from her own careful restraint.

"He's well-liked," she observed.

"Most popular regular," Raven confirmed. "Good person, too. Saved the world once or twice."

A moment's hesitation, then "Introduce?"

Raven's slight smile suggested she'd been waiting for Cass to ask. "If you want."

Cass nodded, suddenly feeling uncharacteristically nervous. She'd faced deadly assassins without blinking, but the prospect of meeting this glowing stranger made her palms sweat.

Raven stood, gesturing for Cass to follow. They made their way through the crowd toward the bar where Danny stood, now alone as his previous companions had moved to the dance floor.

"Phantom," Raven called, her usual monotone carrying despite the noise.

Danny turned, his luminescent green eyes finding them immediately. His face lit with recognition at the sight of Raven, then shifted to curiosity as his gaze moved to Cass.

"Raven! Long time no see!" His voice was warm, friendly, with a lilting quality that suggested it could easily shift to echoing if he chose. "Who's your friend?"

"Danny, this is Cassandra Cain. Cass, Danny Phantom." Raven's voice seemed distant as she made introductions.

Cass was too focused on the way Danny's eyes seemed to glow brighter when they met hers. She found herself captivated by the subtle shift of colors within them – not just green, but fractal patterns of emerald and jade and a center so bright it was almost white.

Her hand extended automatically for a handshake, but the moment their fingers touched, something inside her shifted. A jolt of energy passed between them – not unpleasant, but startling. Cold and warm, death and life, perfectly balanced. She couldn't understand why she couldn't let go, why the contact felt like electricity through her veins.

Danny didn't seem to mind—he just stood there, holding her hand, looking at her like... like what? She wasn't sure. She'd never seen that expression before. Wonder? Recognition?

"It's, uh, really nice to meet you," he finally said, his voice slightly higher than before. A green flush had risen to his cheeks, the ghostly equivalent of a blush she assumed.

"Yes," Cass managed, still not retrieving her hand. "Nice."

A beat of awkward silence stretched between them, neither seeming to know what to say next but neither willing to break the strange connection.

"Hey, Phantom! We're gonna play some drinking games, you want in?" Someone called out, breaking whatever spell had settled over them.

Danny blinked rapidly, as if coming out of a trance before quickly removing his hand from hers. "Uh, no. Not tonight. Thanks." His eyes kept drifting back to Cass even as he spoke to the other person.

That was... different. Cass had been watching him earlier, she saw how he'd been the life of the party. Now he seemed almost nervous. No—shy? She'd never been good at naming emotions while she was under the influence, but this was for sure a dramatic change from his earlier behavior.

"So... you're new here?" Danny asked, his voice softer than before. He ran a hand through his white hair, making it stand up even more chaotically.

Cass nodded, suddenly finding words even harder than usual. The energy between them felt charged, like the air before a lightning strike.

"First time," she managed. "Raven brought me."

"Oh! How do you know Raven? Titans stuff?" He glanced between them.

"Training. Meditation." Cass gestured vaguely, aware that Raven had stepped back slightly, giving them space while remaining close enough to serve as a buffer if needed.

"You're with the Titans?" Danny looked impressed.

"No. Gotham." 

His eyes widened slightly with realization. "Oh! You're—" he lowered his voice, "—with the Bat Family. Black bat right?"

Another nod, this one more cautious. Most people didn't make that connection so quickly.

"That's amazing! I've always admired how you guys handle things without powers. Well, most of you." He smiled, the gesture brightening his entire face. "Sorry if that's supposed to be a secret. Enhanced senses—" he tapped his temple, "—I can sometimes tell when people are more than they appear."

Raven, apparently deciding they didn't need her supervision anymore, touched Cass's shoulder lightly. "I see some people I should say hello to. You good here?"

Cass nodded, grateful but also slightly panicked at being left alone with Danny.

"I'll keep her company," Danny promised Raven, that green blush still staining his cheeks. "We'll come find you in a bit."

Once Raven had disappeared into the crowd, Danny seemed to realize they were standing awkwardly at the bar. "Do you want to sit?" he asked, gesturing toward an empty booth nearby. "Or dance? Or... something else? Whatever you'd prefer."

"Sit," Cass decided, finding his uncertainty almost endearing. "Talk."

He led the way to the booth, sliding in across from her. A server approached almost immediately, leaving them with fresh drinks – another blood wine for Cass and something that glowed faintly blue for Danny.

"So," he began, fidgeting slightly with his glass, "what parts of you aren't human? If that's not too forward to ask. Here, I mean. At Halfa Haven. Not that I'd ask somewhere else! I just—" He stopped himself, looking embarrassed. "Sorry. I'm usually better at this."

Cass found herself smiling at his rambling. "Vampire. Half."

"Oh! That's... wow. Cool." He seemed genuinely interested rather than put off. "Through your mom or dad?"

"Mother. Lady Shiva."

His eyebrows rose. "The assassin? That's... wow." He took a sip of his drink, seeming to gather his thoughts. "So you're like, half one of the deadliest humans on the planet and half vampire? That's... intense."

Cass nodded, tensing slightly. This was usually where people started to look afraid.

Instead, Danny leaned forward, his eyes bright with interest. "What's that like? Sorry if that's too personal. I'm just... I don't think I've met a half-vampire before. At least, not that I know of."

The genuine curiosity in his voice made something warm unfurl in Cass's chest. "Complicated," she admitted. "Enhanced senses. Strength. Need some blood, but not much. Sunlight... uncomfortable, not deadly."

"That's similar to being half-ghost in some ways," Danny offered. "Enhanced abilities, but not the full limitations. I can switch between forms, though. Can you?"

Cass shook her head. "Always both. Always... in between."

Danny's expression softened with understanding. "That's tough. At least I can pretend to be fully human when I need to." He hesitated, then added, "Though lately, the lines have been blurring. My powers leak through even in human form. Cold breath, glowing eyes when I'm emotional, occasional floating..."

"Hard to hide," Cass said, finding unexpected comfort in their shared struggle.

"Exactly!" Danny's face lit up at her understanding. "It's like, no matter how careful I am, something always gives me away. And then people either freak out or start asking for ghost hunting tips."

A small laugh escaped Cass, surprising both of them.

"You have a nice laugh," Danny said, then immediately looked like he regretted the words. "Sorry, that was—"

"Thank you," Cass interrupted, genuinely touched. "Don't laugh often."

"You should. It's... nice." That green blush returned, spreading across his cheeks and the bridge of his nose.

A comfortable silence settled between them. Cass found herself studying his features, the way his white hair seemed to move in subtle defiance of gravity, how his skin had a faint luminescence that became more pronounced when he laughed or blushed.

Words were still hard sometimes, but Danny didn't seem to mind. He filled the silence easily, telling her about his life, his powers, his family. His hands moved expressively as he described ghost-hunting adventures, close calls, and the everyday challenges of being half-dead in a living world.

"My parents are ghost hunters," he explained with a rueful smile. "Which made the whole 'surprise, I'm half-ghost' conversation pretty awkward."

"They accepted?" Cass asked, thinking of her own complicated family dynamics.

"Eventually. Took some time. Lots of scientific tests, lots of questions. But yeah, they came around." His expression grew softer. "They're good people. Just... obsessive about their work."

"Understand that," Cass murmured, thinking of Bruce's single-minded dedication.

"What about your family? The, uh, bat situation?" Danny asked, careful to keep his voice low.

Cass took a moment to consider her answer. "Complicated. Accept me, but... careful. Exception to the rule."

Danny nodded slowly. "I get that. The 'we love you but please don't trigger our hunting instincts' vibe."

"Exactly." Cass was surprised by how perfectly he'd captured the feeling she struggled to articulate. "Fine line."

"Always walking a tightrope," Danny agreed, raising his glass in a small toast. "To being the exception."

Cass clinked her glass against his, feeling a connection deeper than shared circumstances. There was something about Danny that felt... right. Like finding a missing piece she hadn't known was absent.

The music changed, something slower but with an intense beat that seemed to match the pulse of her heart. Danny paused mid-sentence, his eyes catching hers with a question in them.

"Wanna dance?" he asked, extending his hand across the table.

Cass took it without hesitation, her earlier nervousness replaced by a comfortable certainty. On the dance floor, they moved together as if they'd been partners for years. His naturally cool temperature balanced her warmth perfectly. Sometimes their feet touched the ground, sometimes they didn't – Danny's powers meant gravity became more of a suggestion than a rule.

He spun her, one hand firmly at her waist, the other clasping hers gently. The sensation of momentary weightlessness was exhilarating, like flying without the fear of falling. When she looked over his shoulder, she caught glimpses of other dancers watching them with obvious appreciation, but she barely noticed. All she could focus on was the way Danny's hands felt on her waist, the electricity that seemed to spark between them wherever they touched.

"You're amazing," Danny murmured near her ear as he pulled her closer. "I've never danced with anyone like you."

The compliment warmed her more than it should have. "You too."

His smile was radiant, green eyes glowing brighter with pleasure. As the song transitioned to something more upbeat, their dance evolved – a playful challenge of movements, each responding to the other's lead with perfect synchronicity. When Danny occasionally hovered or spun in mid-air, Cass matched him with acrobatic maneuvers that had the crowd around them clearing space to watch.

It became a conversation without words, a dialog of movement and expression that felt more natural than any verbal exchange. Danny would execute a complex series of steps, and Cass would respond with her own variation. Challenge and response, question and answer, all through the language of dance.

The sharp fluorescent lights of the club pulsed with the rhythm of the music, casting alternating patterns of green and blue across Danny's face. Cass found herself mesmerized by the way they highlighted his features—the strong line of his jaw, the playful curve of his lips, the unusual brightness of his eyes that seemed to glow from within.

She started to feel strange the longer she was around him. Strange urges she didn't understand kept surfacing. Her vampire side had always been about survival—small amounts of blood when necessary, carefully controlled. This was different. When Danny laughed and she saw his slightly pointed teeth, she wanted to... what? Bite him? But not for blood. She didn't understand.

"Are you okay?" Danny asked softly, noticing her internal struggle as they slid back into the booth.

"Yes," she managed. "Different. Feel different."

"Different how?" His fingers brushed against her arm as he settled beside her, the contact sending sparks dancing across her skin.

How could she explain when she didn't understand it herself? These new urges were overwhelming. Every time he blushed that fascinating shade of green, something inside her coiled tighter. She wanted to keep him. Hide him away. Make sure no one else could look at him the way she was looking at him now.

Monster, a voice in her head whispered. But she couldn't make herself leave.

"Hard to explain," she finally said. "Never felt... this."

Danny's expression softened with understanding. "I know what you mean. Sometimes my ghost instincts surprise me too. Like when my core reacts to someone without warning." He glanced down, that green blush returning. "Like tonight."

Cass tilted her head, curious. "Your core?"

"It's the center of my ghost powers," he explained, one hand unconsciously moving to rest over his chest. "It's like... a second heart, kind of? Mine's ice-based, and it reacts to certain energies. Sometimes people." He held up his hand, tiny snowflakes dancing between his fingertips. "Ghost energy interacts with other supernatural energies in weird ways." He hesitated, then added softly, "It's been going crazy since we met."

"Good crazy?" Cass asked, surprising herself with the question.

"Definitely good," Danny answered without hesitation, his eyes meeting hers with an intensity that made her breath catch. "Really good."

Finally they reached their table, tucked away in a corner that offered a modicum of privacy while still allowing them to observe the colorful crowd. Raven sat there, nursing a drink that swirled with dark energy, her expression unreadable as always.

"I was beginning to think you two had abandoned me," she said dryly.

Danny rubbed the back of his neck, that fascinating green blush rising to his cheeks again. "Sorry about that. The dance floor got a little... intense."

The understatement hung in the air between them. Intense barely scratched the surface of what had transpired—the way their bodies had moved together, the electricity that had sparked between them with every touch. Danny could still feel the phantom pressure of Cass's hands on his waist, the weight of her gaze that had made his core temperature drop even further.

Cass noticed the knowing look Raven gave them but chose not to comment. Instead, she slid into the curved booth, closer to Danny than strictly necessary. Their thighs brushed beneath the table, and she felt him tense momentarily before relaxing into the contact.

The simple touch sent a jolt through her system—something primal and hungry that had nothing to do with blood and everything to do with the half-ghost beside her. She hadn't expected this level of attraction, this immediate pull toward someone she barely knew. Usually, Cass kept people at a distance—a necessity born from years of violence and isolation. But something about Danny's earnest smile and genuine warmth made her usual defenses crumble.

"I ordered more drinks," Raven said, gesturing to the fresh glasses on the table. "The bartender recommended something called a 'Phantom Chill' for you, Danny."

"Oh man," Danny laughed, reaching for the glass that emitted wispy tendrils of cold mist. "These are dangerous. They're mixed with ectoplasm-infused ice that gives ghosts and half-ghosts like me a serious buzz."

His fingers left frost patterns where they touched the glass, delicate crystalline structures that spread outward like fractals. The phenomenon seemed unconscious—a natural extension of his ghostly nature rather than a deliberate display of power. Cass found herself mesmerized by the subtle beauty of it.

"And for Cass," Raven continued, sliding a deep crimson drink toward her, "a 'Midnight Thirst.' Apparently it's popular with the hemovore crowd."

Cass eyed the drink warily. The liquid inside was thick and rich, not quite blood but reminiscent of it. Tiny golden flecks swirled within, catching the light as they moved through the viscous fluid.

"It's synthetic," Danny added quickly, noticing her hesitation. "Developed for vampires and half-vampires who don't want to... you know. They blend it with other stuff for flavor and nutrition."

His consideration touched something in her—the way he anticipated her concerns without judgment or fear. Most people reacted to her vampire nature with revulsion or morbid fascination. Danny's matter-of-fact acceptance was refreshing.

"You know vampire drinks?" she asked, her voice soft but curious.

Danny shrugged, a sheepish smile playing at his lips. "I've met a few vampires in my ghost hunting days. Plus, you know, half-ghost," he gestured to himself, "I get what it's like to have... dietary restrictions." He winked at her, the playful gesture softening what could have been an awkward moment.

Tentatively, Cass brought the glass to her lips. The flavor burst across her tongue—rich and complex, with notes of iron and copper underneath sweeter, fruitier tones. It satisfied a craving she hadn't realized was building again.

"Good?" Danny asked, watching her reaction with genuine interest.

She nodded, taking another sip. "Different. But good."

Raven raised an eyebrow. "You two are going to be sickeningly cute all night, aren't you?"

"Maybe," Danny replied with a grin, his confidence growing as he settled into the evening. "Problem with that?"

"Not at all," Raven said, the barest hint of a smile touching her lips. "Just wondering if I should find other company."

"Stay," Cass said simply, though her eyes never left Danny's face. 

She found herself studying him when he wasn't looking again. The way his hands gestured. The easy confidence mixed with awkward moments. Subtle hints of his otherworldly nature—skin too cool, occasionally flickering solid form, small objects defying gravity when his emotions peaked.

At one point, when he laughed particularly hard at something Raven said, the ice in his glass briefly floated upward before he noticed and quickly corrected it, shooting an apologetic glance around to see if anyone had noticed. Cass found the lack of control endearing rather than concerning—a sign that beneath the hero persona was someone still learning, still growing into his powers.

Danny was dramatically recounting his latest encounter with Skulker, his hands painting exaggerated arcs through the air. "So there I am, playing 'Trapped Ghost Boy' for the millionth time—which, by the way, is getting really old—and Skulker's going full theater kid with his villain speech."

He affected a mechanical, booming voice: "'Your pelt will make an EXCELLENT addition to my bedroom decor, whelp!'" Danny shuddered theatrically. "His BEDROOM. Like, dude, we're allies now—but seriously, who decorates with pelts? Get some IKEA artwork like a normal ghost!"

"That's disturbing even by my demon-dad standards," Raven commented dryly, swirling her tea with a small telekinetic gesture.

"What next?" Cass asked, already knowing Danny would emerge victorious but enjoying his animated storytelling.

"Well," Danny continued, warming to his audience, "I figured since we've established that Skulker loves the sound of his own voice almost as much as Technus—which is saying something—I just went, 'Oh wow, is that a new rocket launcher? The craftsmanship is amazing!'" 

Danny mimicked examining an invisible weapon with exaggerated interest. "He immediately launches into this FORTY-MINUTE lecture about ecto-ballistic modifications while I'm secretly working my way out of the restraints. By the time he got to 'custom-calibrated targeting systems,' I was free and hit him with an ectoblast so hard his mechanical head did a full 360 like some ghost version of The Exorcist!"

"Used his ego," Cass observed with an approving nod. "Smart."

She studied him, her dark eyes intense. "Still dangerous."

A flush crept up Danny's neck. "I mean, he just wanted to chat about rocket specifications in the end! We're actually grabbing coffee next week to discuss non-lethal containment tech." His joke fell flat as he realized she meant something else.

"No," she clarified, her hand drifting closer to his on the table. "Your life. Dangerous."

"Oh! Yeah, the ghost-fighting business isn't exactly OSHA-approved," Danny replied with a genuine smile. "But honestly, after five years, I've gotten pretty decent at the whole 'staying alive while dead' paradox. What about you? I mean, Gotham makes Amity Park look like a preschool playground sometimes."

"Different," she replied. "Humans. Mostly."

"Mostly?" Danny's eyebrows shot up in exaggerated surprise, though he already knew about Gotham's supernatural elements from their previous conversations. "Next you'll tell me Batman's got vampire groupies or something!"

Her fingers moved even closer to his on the table. The coolness emanating from her skin was unmistakable, a silent reminder of her own supernatural nature. Danny's fingers inched closer, his heart doing an Olympic-level gymnastics routine in his chest.

"Some," she acknowledged with the hint of a smile, appreciating his attempt at humor. "Secret places. Hidden communities."

Danny hummed in acknowledgement, trying not to push in case it was a sore subject.

"Ghost hunting is weird," Cass offered, surprising herself by continuing the conversation.

Danny beamed, relaxing into familiar territory. "Yeah, but I've leveled up from 'screaming and running away' to 'occasionally winning without embarrassing myself too badly.' Though Skulker would probably rate me as 'annoying but entertaining prey.'" He laughed, then added, "Professional awareness, right? One hero keeping tabs on another?"

She smiled that barely-there smile that made his heart skip. "Studied my fighting?"

"Yeah," he confirmed, his admiration genuine. "Not in a creepy-stalker way! Just—your fighting is incredible. The way you read movements before they happen. Like you've got your own version of my ghost sense, but for punches."

"How much?" she asked, curious rather than accusatory.

Danny rubbed the back of his neck, that nervous habit he couldn't shake. "Just the public footage. There was this clip of you taking down five armed robbers without even looking—like you wrote the script for the fight before it started." His eyes shone with appreciation. "It's way more impressive than anything I do."

Raven snorted into her tea. "Says the guy who can literally turn invisible and fly through solid objects."

"Different kind of amazing," Danny insisted, his eyes locked on Cass. "That's just ghost stuff. What Cass does takes actual skill."

"Self-taught?" she asked, genuinely curious about his combat training.

"My powers? Yeah. Mostly the 'crash into buildings until you learn to stop' method," Danny admitted with a self-deprecating smile. "The fighting..." He looked embarrassed. "I rely on going intangible when I should be dodging. Ghost powers are basically my cheat codes."

"Show me," she said, miming a slow-motion punch.

Danny demonstrated a fighting stance and punch that he thought looked decent—after all, he'd been fighting ghosts for years. But Cass immediately spotted all the flaws: his weight distribution was all wrong, he telegraphed his moves like he was sending them by registered mail, and his follow-through wasted enough energy to power a small city.

"Not terrible," she offered diplomatically.

"That's Cass-speak for 'You fight like an enthusiastic toddler,' isn't it?" Danny laughed, correctly reading between the lines.

Cass tilted her head, considering. "Could help," she offered.

His face lit up like he'd just won the supernatural lottery. "Really? That would be amazing!" Then, more softly, "And maybe I could help with the whole vampire-human balance thing? Finding harmony between your different sides?"

Cass felt something in her stomach flutter at that, the same way it did when she grappled her way through gotham. Most people treated her vampire nature as something to hide or suppress. Danny spoke of it as something to integrate and understand—just as he had done with his own ghost half.

"Yes," she agreed with a rare full smile. "Good trade.”

A comfortable silence settled between them. Danny's hand moved those final few centimeters, covering hers completely. Electric. Exciting. Terrifying.

"You're warm," he murmured, surprise evident in his voice. "I mean I noticed earlier when we were dancing. I guess it's just surprising because usually-"

"Vampires are cold?" she finished for him. "Half-vampire. Blood still flows."

"Kind of the opposite of me, then," Danny said, a smile playing on his lips. "I'm always running cold. Ice core, remember?"

"Perfect," she said simply, turning her hand to intertwine their fingers.

Danny flushed green again at her words. He became hyper aware of her touch. Of her proximity. Of the way her fingers seemed to fit perfectly between his.

"So," he said, voice cracking slightly. "Sentient hot dogs. Ectoplasmic Uh- stuff. Wanna hear about that?"

Cass raised an amused eyebrow. "Okay."

"Well," Danny began, slightly less flustered now that he had something else to focus on, "growing up with ghost-obsessed ecto-biologists for parents meant our house was basically a walking OSHA violation. We had ectoplasm in the walls, the floors—even the refrigerator wasn't safe. Do you have any idea what it's like to open your lunch box and have your sandwich try to escape?"

He chuckled, at the memory. "This one time, my mom's meatloaf actually grew legs and chased our cat around the living room. And then there was the hot dog incident... The entire package came to life during a backyard barbecue. Twenty little wiener soldiers staging a rebellion against being grilled. Sam was livid—she's already vegetarian, and seeing food literally run for its life just confirmed all her beliefs."

"Sam?" Cass asked, a flicker of something—concern? curiosity?—crossing her features.

"My best friend," Danny clarified quickly. "After the hot dog uprising, she launched this whole campaign to convert me to veganism. Kept saying, 'if your meat is running away from you, it's trying to tell you something, Danny!'" He mimicked a passionate, feminine voice. "Tucker, my other best friend, was horrified at the idea. He's basically a carnivore who occasionally eats french fries."

Cass nodded slightly. "You're close," she observed, not quite a question.

"Yeah, inseparable since kindergarten," Danny confirmed with a fond smile. "They were both there when I got my powers, actually."

He noticed the subtle shift in Cass's posture, the way her eyes widened just slightly—curious but too respectful to ask directly. Danny hesitated, his free hand unconsciously moving to his chest.

"Lab accident," he said simply, answering her unspoken question. "My parents built this portal to the Ghost Zone, and it didn't work at first. I went inside to check it out while Sam and Tucker were watching, and..." he gave a small shrug, clearly uncomfortable with the details. "There was a button inside that I accidentally pressed. Lots of electricity, ectoplasm everywhere, and next thing I know, I'm waking up half-ghost."

Cass's hand tightened around his, sensing his discomfort. "Traumatic," she said softly.

"It was," Danny admitted, then his expression brightened. "But honestly? I wouldn't change a thing. Being Phantom has been complicated and dangerous and completely insane, but..." he smiled at her, genuine warmth replacing the previous discomfort. "I wouldn't be here with you two if it hadn't happened. Some accidents turn out to be the best wrong turns you could take.”

Chapter Text

As the night progressed, the crowd at their table began to thin. A half-ghost with blue flaming hair stopped by, exchanging a few words with Danny before moving on. Raven disappeared for long stretches, returning with different drinks or bits of gossip from around the bar. Eventually, a tall figure with a cloak that seemed to swallow light approached their table, gesturing to Raven.

"I need to deal with something," she said, rising from her seat. "Don't wait up." The look she gave Cass was meaningful, laced with an approving smirk that made Cass's cheeks warm.

As Raven walked away, the cloaked figure nodded respectfully toward Cass, a gesture she returned with equal solemnity. Danny watched the exchange with curiosity.

"Friend of yours?" he asked once they were alone.

"Acquaintance," Cass clarified. "Shadow realm guardian."

Danny's eyes widened with interest. "There are shadow realms too? Man, the multiverse is way more complex than I thought. I should listen to clockwork more."

Suddenly, it was just the two of them in the curved booth. The energy between them shifted, intensified without the buffer of other people.

"So," Danny said, rubbing the back of his neck with his free hand, a nervous gesture she'd noticed he repeated often. "Raven's pretty cool. How long have you known her?"

"Years," Cass replied, her thumb tracing patterns on his palm. "Quiet. Like me. Understands... darkness."

Danny nodded thoughtfully. "She has that vibe. Like she's seen stuff most people couldn't handle." He laughed softly. "She reminds me a little of Sam—my friend back home. Different, but similar energy."

"Tell me," Cass prompted, genuinely curious about the people in his life. "About Sam. Tucker."

Danny's face lit up at the invitation to talk about his friends. "Sam's amazing—fierce, independent, total goth. She's been an ultra-recyclo vegetarian since we were fourteen, and she's probably the most stubborn person I've ever met." His affection for his friend was evident in every word. "She's the one who convinced me to go into that portal in the first place, actually. Not that she knew what would happen, of course."

"She feels guilty?" Cass asked perceptively.

"She did, for a long time," Danny admitted. "But I never blamed her. It was my choice to step inside." He shrugged. "Besides, like I said, I wouldn't change it now."

"And Tucker?"

"Tech genius and self-proclaimed ladies' man," Danny grinned. "Though his success rate with the ladies is... questionable at best. He's been my best friend since we were in diapers. Knows everything about me—the good, the bad, the embarrassing middle school photos."

The conversation flowed more easily now that they were alone, meandering through topics like favorite fighting techniques (his aerial maneuvers, her ground combat), preferred music (he liked space-themed rock, she enjoyed classical), and the challenges of living with unusual abilities.

"The hardest part," Danny was saying, leaning closer to her, his voice low and intimate, "is the temperature thing. I'm always cold. My core temperature dropped like fifteen degrees after the accident. In summer it's great, but winter..." He shrugged. "Let's just say I go through a lot of heated blankets."

Cass found herself smiling, imagining Danny bundled in layers despite his ghostly nature. "Different for me," she offered. "Higher temperature. Always warm."

"Really?" Danny looked intrigued. "Is that a vampire thing or a Cass thing?"

"Both," she replied. "Vampire metabolism. Runs hot." She hesitated, then added, "Bruce—Batman—noticed first. Training. Infrared cameras."

"He can see your heat signature is different?" Danny asked, fascinated. "That's actually really cool. Does it give you any advantages?"

Cass nodded. "Cold resistance. Fast healing." She touched his hand more deliberately. "Your cold. Feels good."

His eyes lit up with interest. "Really? That's..." His gaze dropped to their intertwined fingers, where her warm skin contrasted with his cooler tone. "That's great."

The implication wasn't lost on her. Opposites in nature, complementary in biology. Her warmth, his cold. Her darkness, his light. Something they had address earlier but seemingly more intimate now that they were alone.

"What about you?" she asked. "Ghost advantages?"

Danny grinned. "Besides the obvious flying and intangibility?" He lowered his voice, even though no one was nearby. "I don't technically need to breathe. I mean, I do most of the time out of habit, but in ghost form, it's optional. Comes in handy underwater or in space."

"Space?" Cass echoed, genuinely surprised. "You've been?"

"A few times," Danny admitted, a sheepish smile playing on his lips. "One of the perks of being half-ghost—the vacuum doesn't bother me. I go up sometimes just to look at the stars without light pollution." He hesitated, then added softly, "I could take you sometime, if you wanted. I can extend my intangibility and flight to people I'm touching."

The offer hung between them, intimate and laden with possibility.

"Yes," Cass replied simply, but the single word carried weight.

Hours passed. The bar around them gradually emptied as the night grew late. Music shifted from pulsing dance beats to something slower, more mellow. Their drinks were long finished, but neither made a move to leave.

Danny was mid-sentence about something—she wasn't even sure what anymore. All she could focus on was the way his mouth moved, the glimpse of those slightly pointed teeth, the green flush on his cheeks.

The urge that had been building all night had reached a breaking point. She wanted to bite him, but not out of hunger for blood. This was different—a hunger for connection, for closeness, for something her vampire side recognized but her human mind couldn't quite name.

The internal battle must have shown on her face, because Danny stopped talking mid-sentence, his brow furrowing with concern.

"Cass? Are you sure you're okay?"

"Want..." she began, struggling to articulate the maelstrom of desire swirling inside her. "Want to..."

His eyes widened slightly, darting down to her lips before meeting her gaze again. "Want to what?" he asked, his voice dropping to a whisper.

She didn't consciously decide to bite him. One moment she was struggling for words, the next her teeth were sinking into his bottom lip. His blood was nothing like she'd ever tasted—sweet, sour, and electric all at once, with a coldness that made her whole body shiver.

Shame flooded her immediately. She hadn't asked. Hadn't warned him. She felt him stiffen and started to pull back—

But then Danny made a sound she'd never heard before. Not pain. Not fear. Something... else. A groan but somehow needy. His hands came up to tangle in her hair, pulling her closer. His teeth grazed her lip in return, and suddenly she couldn't think at all.

The taste of him was intoxicating—not just his blood, but his essence. The ghost energy that permeated every part of him reacted with her vampire nature, creating a feedback loop of sensation that left her dizzy. Heat and cold, life and death, human and other—all wrapped up in the press of his mouth against hers.

When they finally broke apart, Cass was breathing hard. Danny's eyes had shifted fully to that luminous green, glowing in the dimness of their corner. His pupils were dilated, his lips parted.

"That was..." he began, then seemed to lose his train of thought as Cass leaned in again, drawn by an instinct more powerful than rational thought.

This time when she bit him, it was deliberate. Careful. She sank her fangs into the soft flesh of his neck, just above his collarbone, and was rewarded with another of those low, needy sounds. His hands clutched at her back, his temperature dropping further as his control over his powers slipped.

"Is this..." Danny managed between gasps, his voice husky and strained. "Is this okay? My blood is mi-mixed with fuck uh- ectoplasm."

Cass pulled back slightly, her eyes meeting his. "Yes," she assured him, though truly not sure if the mix would have any affect on her later. "Not hurting you?"

"God, no," Danny breathed, his fingers tightening in her hair. "It feels... amazing. Different than I expected. Like energy running through my whole body."

"Ghost physiology," she murmured against his skin. "Different reaction."

"Whatever it is," Danny whispered, tilting his head to give her better access, "please don't stop."

The world shifted around them—literally. One moment they were at their table, the next against a wall outside, then somewhere else entirely. Danny's teleportation powers meant location became fluid, meaningless. All that mattered was the way he whispered her name between kisses, the way his hands held her like she was precious, the soft sounds he made when she bit him again and again.

Each new location was a blur—the alley behind the bar, a rooftop overlooking the city, a secluded spot in what might have been a park. Eventually, they settled in what she recognized must be his apartment or dorm room—a small, comfortable space with posters of space and scientific diagrams on the walls.

"Is this okay?" Danny asked, suddenly serious despite the numerous bite marks already decorating his neck and shoulders. "Being here, I mean. I don't want to presume—"

Cass cut him off with another kiss, gentler this time. "Yes," she said firmly. "Want to be here."

The smile he gave her was dazzling, lighting up his entire face. "Good," he whispered. "Because I really want you to stay."

His hands found her waist, drawing her closer with newfound confidence. The earlier nervousness had been replaced by something more certain, more deliberate. His eyes—still that otherworldly green—searched her face with a mix of wonder and desire.

"You're incredible," he breathed, his thumb tracing the line of her jaw. "I've never felt anything like this before."

They fell together onto his bed, a tangle of limbs and whispered confessions. Danny's hands were gentle yet insistent, mapping her scars that could be seen with a reverence that made her heart ache. When his fingers brushed across the mark on her shoulder—the one left by her father's bullet, marking her as a failed experiment—he paused.

"Battle scar?" he asked softly.

"Father," she replied, the single word heavy with history.

Understanding dawned in his eyes, followed by a flash of protective anger. He leaned down and pressed his lips to the puckered skin, a gesture so tender it made her breath catch.

"His loss," Danny murmured against her skin. "His terrible, terrible loss."

The simple words, spoken with such conviction, broke something open inside her. No one had ever framed it quite that way before—not as something done to her, but as something her father had lost. The opportunity to know her, to love her, to see her become the extraordinary woman she was.

"You understand," she whispered, her voice tinged with wonder.

Danny's eyes met hers, serious and sincere. "I've had people try to hurt me because of what I am too. Different circumstances, but..." He shrugged, offering a sad smile. "I get it. The fear. The betrayal."

Cass felt something warm unfurl in her chest at his words. Not pity—she would have recoiled from that—but genuine sadness for what she'd endured, and appreciation for who she'd become despite it.

She responded by running her hands under his shirt, discovering for herself the map of his own battles. Her fingers traced what felt like a large surgical scar down his sternum, but she didn't ask. Some stories needed time.

"Your hands are so warm," Danny murmured, his eyes half-closing with pleasure at her touch. "It's like being touched by sunlight."

The poetic nature of the observation surprised her. "Vampire. Sunlight." She arched an eyebrow.

Danny laughed softly. "Okay, bad metaphor. But you know what I mean." His own hands found the small of her back, cool against her naturally warmer skin. "Is this okay? My temperature, I mean. I know I'm probably colder than what you're used to."

"Perfect," Cass assured him, leaning down to press her lips to his neck again. "Like balance."

As the night deepened into early morning, they explored each other with increasing boldness. Danny's hands left trails of pleasant cold wherever they touched her skin. His ghostly nature revealed itself in fascinating ways—moments of intangibility when she found a particularly sensitive spot, flashes of glowing energy when his emotions peaked, the otherworldly resonance of his heartbeat against her ear.

At one point, as Cass's teeth grazed a particularly sensitive spot, Danny's entire form briefly turned transparent, the bed beneath them visible through his momentarily intangible body.

"Sorry," he gasped, solidifying immediately. "That happens sometimes when... um, when I get excited."

Cass merely smiled against his skin. "Interesting," she murmured, deliberately returning to the same spot.

For her part, Cass felt her vampiric urges integrate with her desire in ways she'd never experienced. The urge to bite, to mark, to claim—it wasn't the predatory hunger she'd always feared, but something more primal yet oddly tender. Each time her teeth grazed his skin, Danny responded with enthusiasm that banished any notion that she was hurting him.

"Your eyes," Danny whispered at one point, his thumb tracing her cheekbone. "They're different."

She knew without seeing that her pupils had elongated, her irises taking on that subtle red glow that emerged when her vampire nature surfaced. Usually, she carefully controlled this aspect of herself, especially around others. With Danny, she had felt no need to hide.

"Vampire side," she explained simply, trying not to visible recoil at his statement. "Too much?"

"No," Danny said immediately, his own eyes glowing brighter in response. "It's beautiful. You're beautiful."

The words, spoken with such sincerity, touched something deep inside her. She buried her face in the crook of his neck blinking away her tears as she felt Danny's hand run through her hair comfortingly. Most people saw her vampire nature as something to fear, something monstrous. But Danny saw beauty. That wasn't something she was used to.

When exhaustion finally claimed them, they fell asleep tangled together—her warmth and his cold creating a perfect equilibrium. For once, Cass's vigilant mind allowed her to truly rest, safe in the knowledge that the body beside her was as capable of defense as her own.

_________

When morning came, she woke in an unfamiliar bed. Danny wore a simple black tank top, the t-shirt he wore over it discarded on the floor—when had that happened? His collarbone and the exposed parts of his shoulders were covered in her bite marks, and something deep inside her beamed with satisfaction at the sight. Through the edges of his tank top, she caught a glimpse of what appeared to be a vivisection scar, but chose not to mention it. He could tell her when he's ready.

Sunlight filtered through half-drawn curtains, casting a warm glow across the room. Cass traced a finger along one of the marks on his shoulder, admiring her handiwork. The pattern of bites formed an almost deliberate constellation across his pale skin. She'd never felt so territorial before, so possessive over someone, but there was something about Danny that awakened this primal need within her. It was somehow both terrifying and euphoric.

Cass propped herself up on one elbow, taking in the scene. The room was a mix of organized chaos—physics textbooks stacked precariously next to comic books, a few model rockets perched on a shelf, posters of bands and scientific diagrams creating an eclectic wall covering. It was so different from her own sparse living spaces that she found herself fascinated.

A NASA poster hung beside what looked like a hand-drawn map of constellations. On his desk sat several framed photos—Danny with two other teens, a girl with dark hair and a boy wearing glasses. Another showed a family portrait, all of them with bright smiles. So different from her upbringing. She found herself wondering about his life, all the stories that made him who he was.

She found herself wondering what his friends and family would think about her.

She had marks too, she realized, touching the light bruises and bites on her neck. But they were nothing compared to how thoroughly she had marked him.

Her fingertips lingered on her neck, feeling the tender spots where his lips and teeth had been. The sensation sent a pleasant shiver down her spine. These marks felt different from any she'd received in combat—these were chosen, wanted, treasured. She wanted to keep them.

She should feel scared, waking up in a strange place. She didn't. She felt... right.

Something about Danny's presence soothed the constant vigilance she normally maintained. His room, with its cluttered warmth, felt safer than any of the sterile safe houses she'd occupied over the years. The thought should have alarmed her—letting her guard down was dangerous—but she couldn't bring herself to regret it.

Danny stirred beside her, his eyes opening slowly. For a moment, he looked startled to see her there. Then his whole face transformed with a smile that made her heart skip.

His bright green eyes brightened instantly upon seeing her, confusion melting into recognition and then pure joy. The transformation was beautiful to watch—like seeing the sun break through clouds. No one had ever looked at her with such unguarded happiness before.

"Hey," he mumbled, his voice rough with sleep. "You're still here."

He reached up, brushing a strand of hair from her face with gentle fingers. The simple gesture carried so much tenderness that Cass felt her chest tighten with emotion.

"C'mere," he murmured, pulling her close. His lips found her neck, pressing soft kisses everywhere he could reach. "Good morning," he whispered against her skin.

The gentle pressure of his lips sent waves of pleasure through her body. Each kiss was careful, intentional, as if he was mapping every inch of her skin, committing it to memory. She felt herself melting into his touch, any remaining tension dissolving.

Cass found herself giggling—actually giggling—as he continued his gentle assault of kisses. She'd never felt this light, this happy. Her hand tangled in his hair, keeping him close, enjoying every moment of intimacy.

"Best night," she whispered back.

Two simple words that contained multitudes. In her typically economical speech pattern, they conveyed everything she felt—the connection, the pleasure, the rightness of being with him.

Danny's answering smile could have lit up all of Gotham.

________

Danny's consciousness returned slowly, warmth seeping into his typically cold core. The first thing he registered was weight against his chest, unfamiliar but welcome. His eyes opened, and for a brief moment, confusion flooded him—someone was in his bed.

The weight was comforting rather than restrictive, a pleasant pressure that anchored him to the present moment. His naturally cool temperature seemed to balance perfectly with the warmth emanating from the body beside him.

Then memory rushed back. Cass. The bar. The dancing. The kisses. The bites.

Images flashed through his mind—her body moving gracefully on the dance floor, the intensity in her eyes when she pulled him closer, the pressure of her teeth against his skin. Every moment crystallized into perfect clarity.

His startled expression melted into a smile he couldn't have contained if he tried. She was still here. Still real. Still curled against him like she belonged there.

Something about her presence made his core hum with contentment. Usually, his two halves felt like separate entities, but with Cass, they synchronized perfectly—both human and ghost equally drawn to her.

He took a moment to study her. She looked peaceful—something he suspected didn't come easily to her.

"C'mere," he murmured, unable to resist pulling her closer once he'd returned to bed. His lips found her neck, pressing soft kisses everywhere he could reach. Her skin was warm against his naturally cool temperature, creating a pleasant contrast that made his ghost core hum with contentment. "Good morning," he whispered against her skin.

He traced the curve of her neck with his lips, savoring the softness, the scent of her. Though he didn't need to breathe, he found himself inhaling deeply anyway, wanting to memorize her unique fragrance—something like rain and sandalwood, with an underlying sweetness that was entirely her own.

The sounds that escaped her caught him completely off guard—giggles. Pure, unrestrained joy. His heart felt like it might burst.

The sound was so unexpected, so delightful, that it sent a surge of happiness through him. Cassandra Cain, deadly assassin and fierce warrior, was giggling in his arms. He felt absurdly proud to have elicited such a sound from her.

"Best night," she whispered back.

The words, though few, carried weight. Coming from someone who used language so sparingly, they felt like a precious gift. His core pulsed with happiness.

Danny's smile grew even wider, his happiness literally making them float a few inches off the bed before he caught himself. He couldn't remember the last time he'd felt this... complete.

He didn't even notice they were floating at first, too lost in the moment. When he did, he made no immediate move to correct it. There was something perfect about the two of them suspended there, existing briefly outside the pull of the ordinary world.

"We should talk," Cass said suddenly, breaking the moment. "About last night."

Her voice was soft but clear, cutting through his reverie. The practical words didn't match the tenderness in her expression or the way her fingers continued to trace patterns on his shoulder.

Danny's smile faltered slightly nonetheless. "Talk? Or regret?"

The question escaped before he could stop it, revealing a vulnerability he usually kept hidden. Past experiences had taught him that morning-afters often came with complications, second thoughts, and take backs.

She reached out, touching his cheek. "Not regret. Never regret."

Relief washed over him.

Her touch was firm, grounding. The certainty in her eyes left no room for doubt. Four simple words that smoothed away his insecurities like water over stone. His shoulders relaxed, tension he hadn't realized he was holding melting away. His core pulsed with contentment, responding to his emotions.

Her fingers drifted to his neck, tracing the bite marks. Danny involuntarily tensed, a quick, almost imperceptible reaction. But Cass caught it immediately, her hand withdrawing as concern flooded her eyes.

Her heightened senses missed nothing. The slight shift in his posture, the momentary flash in his eyes—she registered it all, interpreting it as discomfort with the precision of someone trained to read the tiniest physical cues.

"I hurt you?" The words came out sharp, worried.

Her brow furrowed, an unusual display of emotion crossing her typically controlled features. The thought of causing him pain clearly disturbed her deeply.

Danny shook his head quickly. "No! No, absolutely not. Just—" He saw the genuine worry in her eyes and softened his tone. "Honestly? I loved it. Like, really loved it. It's just a little sensitive right now is all."

His hands reached for hers, bringing them back to his neck in a gesture of trust. The sincerity in his voice was unmistakable, a flush of green tinting his cheeks as he spoke.

When he didn't elaborate, Cass tilted her head. "Loved it?"

Her eyes held genuine curiosity, head tilted slightly in that way he was beginning to recognize as her asking for more information. The question was an invitation, encouraging him to continue.

That was all the invitation Danny needed. His nervous energy burst forth. "Loved it. Absolutely loved it. I mean, not just the biting—though wow, the biting was incredible. Intense. Intimate. Hot. Is that weird to say? It probably sounds weird. But it wasn't weird, it was... magical? No, that sounds cheesy. But magical kind of fits? Because you're magical. Not just the vampire thing—though that's definitely magical—but you. As a person. Or, well, vampire. Not that I'm reducing you to just a vampire! I'm just—oh ancients, I'm rambling, aren't I?"

The words tumbled out in a rush, his hands gesturing animatedly as he spoke. Each sentence built upon the last, his enthusiasm impossible to contain. Little objects around the room—pens, papers, a small model rocket—began to float slightly in response to his heightened emotions.

She closed the distance between them in one fluid motion. Her lips pressed against his, firm and insistent. The kiss was both an interruption and an answer, more sincere than any words she could have offered.

When she pulled back, Danny looked severely embarrassed.

"Sorry," he mumbled. "Nervous rambling."

His voice was breathless, though he didn't actually need air. The effect she had on him transcended his physiology, making him react in entirely human ways despite his ghostly nature.

"I know," she said softly. Her fingers traced the line of his jaw, a gentle touch that made him shiver. "Like it. Your words."

"Yeah?" Danny asked, a hint of vulnerability in his voice.

She nodded, her expression serious. "Most people... too many words, hiding meaning. You..." she tapped his chest lightly. "Words match heart."

Danny felt his face flush green at that, deeply touched by her assessment. "I've never been good at hiding what I feel," he admitted. "My friends say I'm an open book."

"Good book," Cass replied with the hint of a smile. Her hand moved to his hair, combing through the perpetually messy strands. "Page-turner."

Danny laughed softly, the sound warm and genuine. "Now who's being cheesy?"

Cass's smile widened just a fraction. "Learning from you.” Her hand came up to cup his cheek, thumb brushing gently across his skin.

Danny's hands found hers, their fingers intertwining. The core inside him was practically humming with joy. He'd never felt anything like this before—this sense of complete connection, of finding someone who felt like home.

Their joined hands rested between them, a simple connection that somehow felt more intimate than the passionate moments they'd shared the night before. The contrast of her warm skin against his cooler temperature created a perfect balance.

"Last night was..." Danny searched for the right word and came up short. "Everything."

He settled on the simplest term he could find, but invested it with all the emotion he couldn't articulate. His eyes met hers, hoping she could read in them what he couldn't properly express.

Cass's expression softened. Her usual terseness melted away, replaced by something vulnerable. "Yes."

A single word, but her eyes conveyed volumes. Understanding, agreement, reciprocation—all contained in that simple affirmation. With Cass, words were precious, each one carefully chosen and meaningful.

They were quiet for a moment. The morning light filtered through the window, casting a warm glow that seemed to highlight the impossibility of them—a ghost and a vampire, two creatures caught between worlds, finding each other.

The silence wasn't awkward or empty—it was comfortable, filled with unspoken understanding. A shared moment of appreciation for what they'd found in each other. Outside, birds chirped and the sounds of morning traffic filtered in distantly, but in Danny's room, time seemed suspended.

"I want to keep seeing you," Danny said finally. The words were simple. Honest. No rambling this time.

His voice was steady, the statement clear and direct. No qualifiers, no hesitation, just pure sincerity. His eyes never left hers as he spoke.

"Yes," Cass repeated. But this time, it meant something different. A promise.

She squeezed his hand gently, the pressure an affirmation. Her eyes held his, conveying certainty. In her economy of language, that single word carried the weight of a thousand.

Her hand came up, touching the bite marks on his neck again. This time, Danny didn't tense. This time, he leaned into her touch, his eyes softening with a vulnerability he rarely showed. 

He tilted his head slightly, giving her better access, a gesture of complete trust. The marks were a roadmap of the previous night's passion, each one a memory of connection.

Cass's fingers traced the marks gently, her touch almost reverent. Danny's breath caught in his throat, not from pain, but from the intimacy of the moment.

She leaned forward, pressing her lips softly against one of the more prominent marks. The gesture was tender, possessive in a way that made his core pulse with pleasure.

The kiss started slow. Tender. A confirmation of everything unspoken between them. Their foreheads touched first, a moment of anticipation, of mutual understanding. Danny's hands found her waist, pulling her closer gently. Cass's fingers tangled in his hair, soft and searching.

Time seemed to slow, each second stretching out into eternity. The initial touch of their lips was gentle, almost hesitant—so different from the urgent passion of the night before. This was something new, something deeper.

They were floating again—literally. Danny unintentionally lifted them both several inches off the bed. The room around them seemed to fade, leaving only the two of them suspended in this perfect, fragile moment. Neither seemed to notice their weightlessness, too lost in each other to notice anything else.

The subtle glow emanating from Danny intensified slightly, bathing them both in soft, ethereal light. Papers on his desk began to flutter, responding to the energy radiating from him. The physical world responding to emotional intensity.

The kiss deepened, but never became desperate. It was a conversation without words—of trust, of healing, of something that had been building between them for so long. Danny's hands moved slightly, spreading across her back, holding her as if she were something precious and delicate.

His palms pressed gently against her spine, feeling the strength beneath her skin. She was anything but breakable, yet he treated her with a reverence that acknowledged her humanity rather than just her capabilities. His cool touch sent pleasant shivers through her body.

When they finally broke apart, they were both breathless. Danny looked sheepish, a blush rising to his cheeks. "Oops. Floating," he mumbled, looking down at where they hovered just above the bed's surface.

The green tinge to his blush deepened as he noticed their position, suspended in mid-air. It wasn't the first time his powers had responded to strong emotions, but never quite so dramatically or... appropriately.

Cass just smiled—that soft, knowing smile that made Danny's heart skip a beat. Instead of saying anything, she simply pulled him back into another kiss, grounding them both.

Her arms wound around his neck, pulling him closer with surprising strength. There was something almost playful in her expression, an uncharacteristic lightness that transformed her features. She seemed to find his ghostly abilities charming rather than strange.

A shift in Cassandra's posture when they pulled apart again caught his attention. A slight tension entered her frame, though she seemed reluctant to move from their position.

Her eyes darted briefly to the window, gauging the time by the angle of the sunlight. Though she made no obvious movement, Danny could sense the change.

"Need to return," she said softly.

The words were few, but the regret in her tone was evident. Her fingers lingered on his shoulder, reluctant to break contact despite her statement.

Reality crashed back in. Of course she needed to get back.

The real world intruded on their private bubble, responsibilities and obligations that couldn't be ignored forever. Danny understood immediately—her family, her duties, her life outside this room.

"Right!" Danny scrambled up, nearly phasing through the bed in his haste. "I can help with that. Let me just..."

In his eagerness to be helpful, his powers briefly slipped from his control. His legs momentarily became intangible, causing him to sink slightly before he caught himself. The minor slip revealed more about his emotional state than words could.

He made his way to his closet deliberately turning his back as he changed shirts, not ready to address the questions the vivisection scar might raise. Some stories were better left for later, when trust had grown deeper roots.

The bite marks covering his neck and collarbone were... extensive. Not that he minded—quite the opposite—but probably not something he wanted to display to the world just yet.

He examined himself briefly in the mirror on his closet door. The marks formed an impressive constellation across his pale skin, some deeper than others. A flush of pleasure and pride washed over him at the sight. These were badges of honor, not wounds to be hidden, but still... explanations would be complicated.

"I can teleport you to Raven," he offered, pulling out various shirts. "I can probably trace her magical signature."

He rummaged through his drawers, selecting and discarding options. His movements were quick, slightly nervous, betraying his eagerness to be helpful.

A soft hum of approval came from behind him.

The simple sound conveyed agreement, gratitude, and something else—a warmth that made Danny's heart rate quicken. He was beginning to understand her unique form of communication, the layers of meaning in her different types of expression.

After some searching, he found what he was looking for. A sleeveless turtleneck—a gag gift from Sam who thought it was hilarious to give him "goth fashion"—and his favorite hoodie to layer over it. The combination would cover everything while still looking somewhat normal.

He held the items up, examining them critically. The turtleneck would conceal the marks without looking like an obvious cover-up. The hoodie was comfortable, familiar—a small armor against the outside world.

When he turned around, his breath caught in his throat.

The sight before him was unexpected and absolutely stunning. Time seemed to pause as he took in the scene, trying to imprint it permanently in his memory.

Cass sat on his bed, wearing his shirt from last night. It hung off one shoulder, revealing the halter top underneath. She looked... perfect. Like she belonged there, in his space, wearing his clothes.

The t-shirt was much too large for her slim frame, sliding down to expose her collarbone and one shoulder. The fabric pooled around her waist, the hem reaching mid-thigh. The black contrasted beautifully with her skin, making her look somehow both vulnerable and powerful simultaneously. She ran the soft material between her fingers, a slight smile playing at her lips.

"Mine," she said simply, tugging at the shirt's collar.

The single word contained multitudes—possession, affection, statement of intent. Her eyes held his, unwavering, almost challenging him to disagree.

Danny felt his face flush green, his core pulsing with happiness. "Yours," he agreed immediately. How could he not? Everything in him recognized it was the truth.

"You too," she added, her hand moving from the shirt to gesture at him.

Danny's eyes widened slightly, his blush deepening. "Y-yes," he stammered. "Definitely. All yours."

In a movement too quick to follow, she was suddenly in front of him, backing him against the wall. Her hands pressed against his chest, pinning him in place though they both knew he could phase through if he wanted to. He didn't want to though. He REALLY didn't.

"Again," she repeated, more intensely this time. Her eyes burned with possession, desire, and something deeper.

"Completely yours," Danny whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "Couldn't deny you anything if I tried."

Cass's smile was predatory, pleased. She leaned in, claiming his mouth in a kiss that was vastly different from their earlier tenderness—this was possession, claiming, marking territory. Danny melted into it, surrendering completely as his back pressed against the wall. The sudden change in dynamic made his core pulse with energy that caused the lights in the room to flicker briefly.

When she finally released him, he was dazed, his eyes slightly unfocused. "Wow," he breathed out, though he didn't need air.

"Mine," Cass stated for the third time, a note of finality in her voice like she'd just settled on something. She tugged at his new turtleneck, adjusting it slightly to reveal one of her bite marks before covering it again—a private reminder.

He quickly scribbled his number on a piece of paper after she let him go, trying to keep his hand steady despite his flustered state. "Call me? Or text? Whatever you're comfortable with."

His handwriting was messier than usual, betraying his emotional state. The simple act of giving her his number felt like a big step—a bridge between a magical night and a potential future.

She took the paper, smiling as she tucked it carefully into her pocket. "Promise."

One word shouldn't make his heart flutter like that, but it did.

Coming from someone who used words so sparingly, that single syllable carried the weight of a binding oath. Danny's sure he radiated as much joy as he felt, a small book on his desk to float momentarily confirming his suspicion. Not that it mattered. Cass found it cute.

The goodbyes started softly—a kiss that was meant to be quick but lingered. Then another. And another. Each kiss grew more intense, less about goodbye and more about connection. Danny's hands found her waist, pulling her closer. Cass's arms around his neck, her teeth grazing his lower lip just enough to make him shiver.

What began as a simple goodbye transformed into something else entirely. Time seemed to stretch and compress simultaneously, seconds expanding into eternities as they lost themselves in each other. The light outside shifted, shadows lengthening as minutes passed unnoticed.

"We should stop," Danny mumbled against her lips, not moving away.

His words contradicted his actions, hands still firmly holding her against him. The cool temperature of his skin had warmed slightly from the prolonged contact, his core responding to her presence.

"Don't want to," Cass whispered back.

Her fingers tightened in his hair, keeping him close. The admission—a rare expression of want—made Danny's heart race. Any reserve she had dissolved in the intimacy of the moment.

They kissed again. And again.

When they finally managed to break apart, Danny was breathing heavily. His hair was a complete mess, standing up at odd angles despite it naturally defying gravity. Cass looked equally disheveled, her lips slightly swollen, a satisfied smile playing at the corners of her mouth.

"Ready?" he asked, offering his hand. His voice was rough, affected despite his lack of need for oxygen.

Cass nodded, taking his hand. "Ready." Her thumb brushed across his knuckles, a small gesture of affection that sent tingles up his arm.

When they finally teleported to Raven's location, Danny was pretty sure his hair was even messier than usual and his face was glowing a distinct shade of green. But the soft, satisfied smile on Cassandra's face made any embarrassment worth it.

The teleportation was smooth but disorienting, the world blurring momentarily before resolving into a new location. The transition from the private intimacy of his bedroom to the public space was jarring, reality reasserting itself too quickly.

"I'll call." she promised again, stealing one last quick kiss before moving toward where Raven sat, pretending to read and definitely not smirking at them.

Her hand lingered on his for a moment longer than necessary, fingertips trailing across his palm as she stepped away. The gesture was subtle but intimate, a private promise between them.

Back in his room moments later, Danny fell back onto his bed, still able to smell her subtle perfume and hair products on his sheets. His ghost sense went off, but it wasn't danger—just his powers responding to his emotions, making small objects float around the room.

He found himself taking in her scent deliberately, wanting to preserve the memory. Around him, books, pens, and model rockets orbited gently, physical manifestations of his emotional state.

He should probably be worried about how fast this was moving. About how intensely he already felt about someone he barely knew. 

The rational part of his mind knew there were a thousand reasons to be cautious. Their lives were complicated individually—together, they might be impossible. And yet, he couldn't bring himself to care.

A dopey smile spread across his face as he replayed the morning in his mind. The way she'd looked wearing his shirt, the possessive gleam in her eyes when she'd called him hers, the promise in her kisses. Nothing else mattered compared to that.

For the first time in a long time, Danny felt completely, utterly happy. His human half and ghost half were in perfect agreement—Cassandra was special. 

Definitely someone worth holding onto.

He touched his neck, feeling the marks she'd left, and his smile widened. "Hers," he whispered to the empty room, a promise to himself as much as to her. And for once, both halves of his being resonated in complete agreement.

Chapter Text

Raven's apartment was silent save for the soft classical music drifting from hidden speakers. Cassandra sat cross-legged on the plush black couch, watching as Raven carefully applied concealer to the collection of marks decorating her neck. The morning light filtering through the gothic-styled windows cast interesting shadows across the room, making the various mystical artifacts on the shelves seem to shimmer.

"Hold still," Raven murmured, her touch gentle as she worked. "Some of these are quite... prominent."

Cass couldn't help but smile, remembering how she'd gotten each mark. "Danny's fault."

"Says the girl who probably turned his neck into modern art." Raven's tone was dry but amused. "You marked him fast. Didn't take you for the rushing type."

"What do you mean?" Cass tilted her head curious as to how she knew that. Danny had covered up his bite marks.

Raven's hands stilled, her expression shifting to something more serious. "His energy. It's different now. Mixed with yours. Obviously has a suitor claim on it." She paused, studying Cass's face. "Wait. Did you not know you marked him? For courting?"

Cass's eyes widened, a bright smile spreading across her face. "Dating?" The word came out soft, almost reverent.

"Oh Gods." Raven resumed her work with the concealer, but her lips twitched with suppressed amusement despite her slight frustration. "Yes, dating. Though maybe don't get too carried away. Most undead species tend to move faster with these things than regular humans. Batman might have a heart attack if you come home pregnant next week."

The flush that spread across Cass's face was immediate and intense. She swatted at Raven's arm, earning a rare laugh from her friend. "Not funny!"

"Very funny," Raven countered, finally setting aside the makeup. "There. That should hold up under casual inspection. Now let's find you something to wear that isn't obviously someone else's shirt."

Cass followed Raven to her bedroom, where the empath began pulling items from her closet. The room was exactly what you'd expect from Raven – dark colors, clean lines, and an underlying sense of organized chaos that somehow worked perfectly.

"These?" Raven held up a pair of black jeans and a deep purple turtleneck sweater.

"Yes." Cass accepted the clothes, carefully folding Danny's shirt and tucking it into the bag Raven provided before covering it up with her clothes from last night. Her fingers lingered on the fabric, remembering how he'd looked at her when she'd claimed it as hers.

"You're love sick already," Raven observed, but her tone was fond rather than judgmental.

"Happy," Cass corrected, not bothering to hide her smile. Though she couldn't argue with the 'love sick' part. Everything felt lighter somehow, as if Danny's ghostly nature had infected her with the ability to float.

The trip back to the manor would take them past several shops, and Cass had already spotted a convenience store that would serve her purposes. "Stop first?" 

Raven raised an eyebrow but nodded. "Need something?"

"Phone. For Danny." Cass patted the clothes bag where his number was carefully tucked away. "Family checks phones."

"Ah." Raven's knowing smile returned. "Want to keep him to yourself for a while?"

"Yes." Cass's smile turned slightly mischievous, although obviously still lovestruck. "Bruce tracks, Tim and Babs hack. Want him just mine private."

The convenience store was nearly empty this early in the morning. Cass selected a basic burner phone quickly, paying in cash. The clerk barely glanced at her, too busy with their coffee to care. Perfect.

Back in the car, she carefully wrapped the phone in Danny's shirt before tucking it into the middle of her clothes bag. Her fingers brushed against the paper with his number, and her heart did that funny flutter again. Soon she could text him, call him, without her family's overprotective monitoring. Just them.

Wayne Manor loomed ahead, familiar and imposing all at once. Cass could already sense the questions waiting for her inside, could predict the exact tilt of Bruce's head that would convey his concern without words.

"Ready?" Raven asked as they pulled up to the gate.

"Yes." Cass gathered her bag, then paused. "Thank you. For everything."

"Anytime." Raven's smile was genuine but hesitant. "Just... be careful? With your heart and his. Both of your species tend to feel things intensely."

"I will." Cass leaned over to hug her friend briefly before stepping out of the car.

The manor's kitchen was exactly as she'd expected – Bruce at the table with his newspaper, Dick and Tim arguing over the last of the coffee, Stephanie perched on a counter despite Alfred's frequent reminders not to do that. They all looked up when she entered.

"How was it?" Bruce asked, his tone carefully neutral.

"Fun," Cass said simply but still smiling. "Like the place. Want to go again."

She watched their reactions, reading the micro-expressions that spoke louder than words. Dick's shoulders tensed slightly, though he tried to hide it behind a smile. Tim's fingers twitched toward his phone, probably already planning to research the establishment. Bruce's jaw tightened fractionally before he forced it to relax.

Only Stephanie seemed genuinely curious rather than concerned. "New clothes?"

"Raven's. Shower at her place." Cass shrugged, knowing they'd accept this easily. Her habit of "borrowing" clothes from family members and friends was well-documented. It made her feel closer to them, surrounded by their comfort even when they weren't there.

Alfred appeared at her elbow with his usual impeccable timing. "Perhaps Miss Cassandra would like to rest? I shall bring breakfast to your room shortly."

The offer was perfectly timed – technically for her supposed hangover, though Cass suspected Alfred knew more than he let on. He always did.

"Yes. Thank you." She smiled at the butler, grateful for his intervention.

Her room was exactly as she'd left it, though someone (Alfred, definitely Alfred) had turned down her bed and left fresh towels. Cass carefully unpacked her bag, hiding the burner phone in her weapons cache where no one would think to look.

Then, despite the morning hour, she changed into her softest pajamas. Danny's shirt went on last, still carrying his unique scent – something like ozone and mint and something distinctly him. Curled up in her bed, she pressed her face into the fabric and smiled.

A suitor claim. She hadn't known that's what she was doing or exactly what it was, but now that she has a general idea... it felt right. Perfect, even. Like everything else about last night.

Her new phone waited in her weapons cache, Danny's number burning a hole in her pocket. She wanted to text him now, but sleep pulled at her edges. Later. When she woke up, she'd send him a message. Something just for them, no Bats watching over her shoulder. 

The thought of him made her feel all warm and bitey again, she smiled to herself and hugged her pillow as if to pretend she was holding him instead. It actually did help to a certain extent, she found herself starting to drift off with heavy eyes as her surroundings became hazy. She pulled up the collar of his shirt again and inhaled the scent of him, feeling herself heat up even more, barely holding back a groan as she buried her face further into the shirt and pillow.

The last thing she registered before drifting off was Alfred quietly leaving a tray of breakfast foods on her bedside table. She caught the slight upturn of his lips as he noticed her shirt, but he said nothing. Just adjusted her blanket and slipped out as silently as he'd entered.

Mine, she thought again, remembering Danny's green-flushed face when she'd claimed his shirt.

Her smile grew wider.

Then she finally fell asleep, dreaming of him.

________

Danny floated absently above his bed, phone held to his ear as he listened to his best friends lose their collective minds.

"Let me get this straight," Sam's voice carried that special tone of condescension she reserved for when she thought he was being particularly dense. "You're falling in love with a girl you hooked up with once at some supernatural bar?"

"We didn't hook up!" Danny corrected quickly, feeling his face flush green. "We just kissed."

"That's even worse!" Sam's exasperation crackled through the speaker. "Danny, you don't even know her last name!"

Danny bit his lip, staying quiet as his thoughts drifted. He knew her last name, but he decided to keep that information to himself considering his friends would piece together her vigilante persona eventually. "That's not the point. Cass is different."

"Oh man," Tucker's voice dripped with concern. "That's exactly what you said about—"

"Don't." Danny interrupted, his voice firm. "This isn't like Valerie. That was just me getting too attached too fast. This is..." He trailed off, trying to find words to explain something that felt beyond language.

"Danny," Sam's voice softened slightly. "We're just worried about you. You're talking about this girl like she's your soulmate after one night."

"Because she might be!" Danny finally burst out, his emotions making him phase partially through his ceiling before he caught himself. "You guys don't understand. My core can sense these things. Our energies are so compatible it's... I can't even describe it. When she bit me—"

"She BIT you?" Two voices shouted in unison.

"She's part vampire," Danny explained, then winced at the extended silence that followed. "Look, I know how it sounds. But this isn't just feelings or attraction. I can literally sense how much she cares about me, how perfectly our energies align. It's like... remember when I first got my ice powers? How my ghost core just knew what to do? This is like that, but deeper."

The silence stretched for several seconds before Tucker spoke again. "Just... be careful, okay? We're here if you need us."

"Always," Sam added, though her tone suggested she had more to say and was holding back.

Danny knew his friends well enough to read between the lines. They probably thought he was being controlled, or that something was messing with his head. But he couldn't bring himself to be angry about their concern, especially considering his history. They'd been through too much together, seen too many ways things could go wrong.

"I know," he said softly. "And I love you guys for caring. But trust me on this one? Please?"

After a few more minutes of less tense conversation, they said their goodbyes. Danny let himself sink back onto his bed, staring at his ceiling. He understood their worry, he really did. His dating history wasn't exactly stellar, and this whole situation probably seemed crazy from the outside.

But they hadn't felt what he felt. Hadn't experienced that perfect moment when Cass bit him and their energies had synchronized so completely he'd forgotten how to breathe. Hadn't seen the way she looked at him or kissed him against the wall like she could see every part of him—ghost, human, and everything in between—and claimed it all with her eyes alone.

His phone buzzed with a text from an unknown number. His heart soared before he even opened it.

Unknown: [This is Cass.]

The simple message made his whole room light up as his powers responded to his joy, casting everything in a soft green glow. He saved her number immediately, adding a little bat emoji next to her name.

Danny: [I was hoping you'd text! How are you feeling?]

Cass❤️🦇: [Miss you.]

Cass❤️🦇: [So much it hurts.]

Cass❤️🦇: [Strange?]

Danny: [Not strange at all. I miss you too.]

Danny: [So much]

There was a pause, and Danny found himself holding his breath, his heart fluttering against his ribs.

Cass❤️🦇: [Why?]

The simple question made his core flutter with electric joy. Her direct way of asking made him more flustered than any flowery romance ever could.

Danny: [You're making me blush asking that...]

Danny: [But because being around you made me feel complete for probably the first time, as weird as that sounds.]

Danny: [And I can't stop thinking about your smile, your eyes, everything about you.]

Cass❤️🦇: [Don't mind.]

Cass❤️🦇: [Unless you do?]

Cass❤️🦇: [Like knowing I affect you.]

Danny phased straight through his bed at that, his ghost core humming with happiness so intense it felt like stardust in his veins. He had to take several deep breaths before he could even think about typing again.

Cass❤️🦇: [When can I see you?]

Cass❤️🦇: [Need to.]

Danny: [I can come to you, anywhere, anytime.]

Danny: [Just say the word and I'll fly across the world for you.]

Cass❤️🦇: [Have patrol tonight.]

Cass❤️🦇: [Family watches.]

Cass❤️🦇: [Wish they didn’t, could see you now if not.]

Danny: [I could pick you up after?]

Danny: [There's this place in the Ghost Zone I know.]

Danny: [Time moves differently there.]

Danny: [You'd only be gone a few minutes in the real world.]

Danny: [But we could have hours together.]

Cass❤️🦇: [Sensors at manor.]

Cass❤️🦇: [Magic detectors, need to be careful.]

Danny: [We can work with that]

Danny: [Just text when you're clear?I can be there instantly.]

Danny: [I'm already counting the seconds ;)]

Cass❤️🦇: [Want to.]

Cass❤️🦇: [Is this normal?]

Cass❤️🦇: [Moving fast?]

Danny felt warmth spread through his chest like liquid sunshine at her genuine question.

Danny: [I guess it depends on the people, but for me at least it feels right.]

Danny: [It feels perfect even.]

Danny: [It's like everything just clicks with you]

Danny: [Like finding a part of myself I never knew was missing.]

Danny: [Is that okay?]

Cass❤️🦇: [More than okay.]

Cass❤️🦇: [Feel same.]

Cass❤️🦇: [Never felt this before.]

Cass❤️🦇: [Want to bite you again. Everywhere.]

Cass❤️🦇: [Mark you. Claim you.]

Cass❤️🦇: [Make you mine forever.]

The phone slipped through Danny's suddenly intangible hands, falling onto his face. He fumbled for a moment before managing to grab it again, his whole face glowing green like an ethereal lantern.

Danny: [You can't just SAY things like that!]

Danny: [I just phased through my entire bed!]

Danny: [But in all seriousness please don't stop.]

Cass❤️🦇: [😊]

Cass❤️🦇: [Glowing?]

Cass❤️🦇: [Beautiful when you glow.]

Danny: [YES]

Danny: [Very much yes]

Danny: [You're dangerous, you know that?]

Cass❤️🦇: [Trained assassin.]

Cass❤️🦇: [Very dangerous.]

Cass❤️🦇: [But only bite you.]

Danny: [That shouldn't be as heart-meltingly hot as it is.]

Danny: [I'm going to float through the whole house at this rate.]

Danny: [Might end up in space just thinking about you.]

Cass❤️🦇: [Good :)]

Cass❤️🦇: [Want to see you]

Cass❤️🦇: [Need to]

Cass❤️🦇: [Video call?]

Danny's heart skipped a beat as he read her messages, his fingers hovering over the keyboard for a moment before he could respond.

Danny: [Yes! Absolutely yes.]

Danny: [Give me two seconds to make sure I don't look like a complete disaster.]

Danny: [Though to be honest I'd call you even if I was on fire.]

Cass❤️🦇: [Like your disaster.]

Cass❤️🦇: [No hiding.)

Cass❤️🦇: [Mine to see. All of you.]

Cass❤️🦇: [Perfect always to me.]

Danny couldn't help the laugh that escaped him, his cheeks warming at her blunt possessiveness that felt like electricity on his skin.

Danny: [Fair enough]

Danny: [I'm ready whenever you are, been ready since I left you honestly.]

A moment later, his phone lit up with an incoming video call. Danny took a deep breath, willing his powers to calm as he accepted the call.

Cass's face filled his screen, her dark hair slightly tousled and her eyes sharp and intent. She was propped up against pillows, clearly lying in bed. But what caught Danny's attention and immediately sent his face burning was the familiar black shirt she was wearing – his shirt, the one she'd taken from him last night. It hung loose on her smaller frame, slipping off one shoulder to reveal smooth skin beneath. Oh ancients, it was pretty obvious she wasn't wearing anything underneath.

"Hi," she said simply, her lips curving into a satisfied smile through the screen that seemed to claim all his thoughts.

"Hi," Danny managed, trying desperately to keep his eyes on her face. "You, um, you look comfortable."

Cass tilted her head slightly, her smile widening. "Your shirt. Mine now."

Before Danny could answer, she shifted, pulling back slightly to show more of what she was wearing. Or rather, what she wasn't wearing. The shirt barely covered her thighs, and below that, she wore only simple pajama shorts. Danny's mouth went dry, and he could feel his face growing hotter by the second.

"I—yes, yours. It looks—it looks really good on you. Better than it ever did on me, that's for sure, which isn't exactly a high bar to clear but still, you look, wow, and I'm going to stop talking now," Danny said in one breath, tripping over his words as they tumbled out.

Cass's smile grew to reach her ears as she watched him. "Cute when nervous."

Danny laughed shakily, running a hand through his hair. "Yeah, well, you have that effect on me. Just looking at you makes my heart do somersaults."

She settled back against her pillows, eyes bright with joy. "Just woke up. Nap."

"Oh, right. I guess we didn't get much sleep last night, did we?" Danny said, a flush creeping up his neck at the memory of hours spent making out.

"Worth it," Cass replied simply. Her eyes roamed over what she could see of him with undisguised hunger. "Still wearing your hoodie?"

Danny glanced down at himself. "Yeah. I haven't changed since I dropped you off at Raven's. I was talking to Sam and Tucker on the phone, and then you texted, so..."

"Your friends?" Cass perked up recognizing the names.

Danny nodded. "Yeah. I, uh, I told them about you. Not your last name, or the vigilante thing." he added quickly. "Just that I'd met someone. They're pretty protective, so they were a little worried I might be falling too fast, but..." He trailed off, looking at her sincerely. "I told them they'll love you eventually. There's no way not to. You're amazing."

A soft blush colored Cass's cheeks at that. She was quiet for a moment, her finger tracing the collar of his shirt that she wore. "Haven't told family. Won't yet."

"That's okay," Danny assured her.

"Want privacy," she continued. "Hard for us. Want to... keep you mine." Her face shifted to something almost embarrassed as she grabbed a pillow and held it to her chest. "Don't like sharing."

The last words sent a pleasant shiver through Danny like electricity. He smiled at her fondly at the admission. "I'm happy with whatever makes you comfortable. No rush. We can take things at our own pace. I'm yours regardless."

Cass nodded, looking pleased and a bit more relaxed. Her eyes drifted to his neck, seemingly hesitant to ask something but eventually did anyway. "Can I see?"

"See what?" Danny asked, though the sudden intensity in her gaze told him exactly what she meant.

"My marks," she said, leaning closer to her screen. "On your neck. Need to see."

"Oh," Danny swallowed, his core fluttering wildly at the way her voice became almost whiney towards the end. "Yeah, sure. Let me just..."

He began to pull off his hoodie, suddenly very aware of her eyes on him. He wasn't trying to be slow about it, but his nervousness made his movements deliberate as he set the hoodie aside and then reached for the hem of his turtleneck.

"Most healed," he explained as he pulled the shirt over his head, leaving him in just his plain tank top. "Accelerated healing factor and all that. But they're still... there."

The marks were indeed visible – a constellation of faint bruises and teeth impressions scattered across his collarbone and neck. Most had faded considerably since the morning, but one on his lower collar bone remained particularly vivid, as if the healing process hadn't started at all.

Cass's eyes darkened, her gaze moving methodically over each mark before looking slightly conflicted. "Good you healed," she said softly. "Feel weird now they're gone."

"Yeah?" Danny asked, not exactly sure how to respond.

She nodded, adorably burying the bottom half of her face into her pillow. "Need more. Deeper marks. All over you. Want everyone to know."

Danny felt his body respond to her words, a bright green glow emanating from beneath his skin. "Yes," he agreed, voice breathless. "Please. I'd wear them proudly."

Throughout the rest of their call, he caught her glancing repeatedly at his neck and chest, her eyes lingering on the visible marks with obvious dissatisfaction at their fading state.

"How long until patrol?" Danny asked after they'd been talking for a while.

"Four hours," Cass replied. "Too long."

"Yeah?"

"Want you now." Her directness, as always, left him speechless for a moment. "Need you, under my hands." Danny bit his tongue to keep from making any embarrassing noises in response.

"I've been missing you since the moment I dropped you off," Danny admitted, face flushing. "It's like you took a piece of me with you."

Cass's expression turned a bit more happy. "Took your shirt," she said as if she'd just remembered, playing with the fabric like a trophy. Then she lifted it to her nose and inhaled deeply, exposing her stomach in the process. "Smell it constantly. Smells like you. Mine to keep."

Her blunt, unfiltered possessiveness combined with the exposed skin made Danny's heart race to speeds he'd never reached even while flying. He blushed deeply, his eyes glowing with anticipation as he gripped the phone tighter with shaky hands

"I'm glad. You can keep it as long as you want," he said softly. Then he added, "I, uh... this is probably weird, but I've been doing the same thing. I could smell you on my pillow when I got home. Your shampoo or something. I may have been lying on the side of the bed where you slept."

Rather than finding it strange, Cass's expression brightened. "Good. Not weird. Want to be part of you."

"You already are," Danny said with complete sincerity, still getting flustered at her words. "You can have as many of my shirts as you want."

"Will take them all," she stated matter-of-factly, though her smile betrayed her. "When see you next."

"If you want. Though eventually you might need a fresh one. The Danny-smell probably wears off after a while," he joked.

"Will get new one. Often." Her tone was decisive, as if she'd already planned this operation. "Need your smell always."

"I have plenty to spare," Danny assured her, unable to keep the lovesick grin off his face. "And I'm not going anywhere. I'm yours for as long as you want me."

"Forever then," she replied without hesitation. Danny nearly choked when she said it, feeling his eyes burn with tears he had to hold back. Even in the short time he'd known her, she never failed to make him feel wanted. 

"Forever." He responded quietly, relieved that his voice didn’t crack too badly.

They fell into conversation after that, talking about everything and nothing. Cass asked about his ghost powers, and Danny asked about her training. They discovered shared interests in astronomy and martial arts, though Cass was quick to point out that her skills were "Much better. Will teach you. Keep you safe."

When Cass finally said she needed to prepare for patrol, Danny felt as though only minutes had passed instead of hours.

"Text me when you're done?" he asked hopefully. "I'll wait up all night if I have to."

Cass nodded. "Will try. Might be late."

"I don't mind. Ghost, remember? Night owl by necessity. Besides, you're worth waiting for."

She smiled at that, a smile that contained a surreal amount of tenderness. "Miss you already. Hate being apart."

"I miss you too," Danny replied, his core humming with affection. "Be safe out there, okay? I need you to come back to me."

"Always safe," she assured him. "Especially now, have you." Then, with an excited glint in her eye, she added: "Want more marks? Make you mine all over?"

Danny's face immediately flushed green again. "I—yes. Ancients, yes. Please."

Her radiant smile was the last thing he saw before she ended the call, leaving him floating six inches above his bed with a dazed grin on his face and his heart racing like he'd been running for miles.

His friends might think he was moving too fast, might worry this was some kind of trap or manipulation. But they hadn't felt this. Hadn't experienced the way his whole being seemed to respond to Cass's possession of him, as if he'd been waiting his entire life for someone to want him this completely.

He glanced at his clock – still hours before he might see her again. But that was okay. He had the memory of her wearing his shirt like a claim, the lingering sensation of her eyes on his skin like she was memorizing her territory, and the promise of being marked as hers again.

For now, that was more than enough. It was everything.

_______

The moon cast long shadows across Wayne Manor's grounds as Cass silently made her way through the gardens. She'd waited until she was certain everyone was occupied – Bruce was in the cave analyzing evidence, Tim was absorbed in a case in his room, and Dick had fallen asleep on the couch after patrol. Even Alfred had retired for the night.

Her heart fluttered with anticipation as she adjusted Danny's borrowed shirt. She'd purposefully incorporated it into her outfit – a casual ensemble of green straight leggings that tied into the details of the shirt, simple boots and a thin necklace that wouldn't draw too much attention. The oversized shirt hung loosely on her frame, still carrying traces of his unique scent – a mix of winter air and something otherworldly that made her chest ache pleasantly. Their video call earlier had left her yearning for more of his presence, more of his scent. The way his eyes had widened when he saw her wearing his shirt had sent pleasant shivers down her spine.

Once she made sure no one was looking, she pulled out her phone and texted Danny.

Cass: [Clear. Come get me.]

She barely had time to put her phone away before the air crackled with ethereal energy. A swirling green portal materialized before her, lighting up the alleyway she was in, and there he was – Danny Phantom, floating just inside the ghostly gateway. His white hair gleamed in the portal's light, and his green eyes lit up the moment they landed on her. Then they widened, his gaze catching on the familiar shirt hanging loose on her frame. He recognized it immediately, and Cassandra felt a flutter of satisfaction as she watched that same vivid green blush from last night and earlier spread across his cheeks.

"You're actually wearing it.” he said softly, his voice cracking slightly as he hovered awkwardly, clearly just as flustered as he'd been when she'd first taken it. “I mean I know you were already- I just didn't expect for you to y’know- like as an outfit!”

Cass smiled even wider at his flustered state. She stepped forward quickly and threw her arms around his neck, pulling him close. She tried not to be too obvious when inhaling his scent, but it was impossible not to notice how it intensified when she was this close. His whole being radiated that otherworldly energy that called to her.

"Comfy," she said simply against his neck, enjoying how tense he was.

Danny melted into her embrace with a nervous chuckle that she felt more than heard, his breath tickling her neck as his arms wrapped securely around her waist. "I mean-" he managed. "It looks good, don't get me wrong- Like really good. I just didn't exactly expect you to make it part of your wardrobe is all." He explained, still blushing as he hugged her back.

"I like it." She hugged him tighter, thoroughly enjoying the effect she had on him.

She noticed their feet leaving the ground, both of them floating several inches in the air as he held her. It was something he did unconsciously when he was distracted, and knowing she could fluster him this much sent a warm thrill through her chest.

He pulled back just enough to press a gentle kiss to her forehead, then captured her lips in a sweet, brief kiss that left her wanting more. "Ready for an adventure?" His voice carried that mixture of confidence and shyness that seemed reserved just for her, though the slight tremor in it suggested he hadn't fully recovered from seeing her in his shirt again.

"Always," she replied, squeezing his hand and feeling pleased at how easily she could affect him. The thought made her smile wider as they floated through the portal together, leaving the manor grounds behind.

Danny guided them through the portal, and Cass found herself surrounded by the ethereal landscape of the Ghost Zone. The infinite expanse of swirling green ectoplasm was dotted with floating islands and strange doors, but Danny flew them confidently through the supernatural realm. His hand remained firmly clasped with hers as they soared through the air, occasionally passing other ghosts who waved or called out greetings to "Great One" or "Sir Phantom."

They approached what appeared to be a fully-formed city, its architecture a strange blend of Victorian and otherworldly elements. Everything had a slight green tinge, but it was beautiful in its own haunting way. Danny brought them to a stop in front of an ornate building that instantly made Cass's heart skip – it was a theater, its facade decorated with flowing sculptures of dancing figures.

"Theater?" she asked excitedly, turning to Danny with wide eyes.

His face flushed that fascinating shade of green she was growing to love. "Yeah, I uh, might have asked around about what you like. Ghosts are terrible gossips, you know?" He rubbed the back of his neck nervously. "Plus, I noticed how you moved at Halfa Haven. You have a dancer's grace."

The observation, delivered with such shy sincerity, made something warm bloom in Cass's chest. She pulled him down by his collar and kissed him deeply, feeling him literally melt against her as his ghostly form went slightly less solid for a moment.

When she pulled back, Danny looked dazed but happy. "I take it I chose well?"

"Perfect," she assured him, taking his hand again.

The interior of the theater was just as grand as its exterior, with floating chandeliers that cast warm light despite their ghostly nature. Danny led them to a private box high above the main floor, similar to the ones her family used in Gotham. As they settled into their seats, their hands remained intertwined.

The performance was a ghostly ballet company's interpretation of The Nutcracker, with ethereal dancers who sometimes defied gravity entirely. The choreography incorporated supernatural elements that would be impossible in the human world, yet maintained the grace and beauty of traditional ballet. The Sugar Plum Fairy literally dissolved into sparkling sugar-like particles during her solo, reassembling herself with each graceful movement. The Mouse King towered over the other dancers, his shadow taking on a life of its own as it battled across the walls of the theater.

The magical Christmas tree grew not just in apparent size but actually expanded, stretching toward the theater's ceiling as glowing ornaments spiraled around it. When Clara and the Nutcracker Prince journeyed to the Land of Sweets, the entire stage transformed into a shimmering wonderland that extended beyond the boundaries of the stage, making it seem as though the audience too was transported along with them.

But Cass found her attention repeatedly drawn to Danny. He kept glancing at her, checking her reaction to each scene, his face lighting up whenever she showed signs of enjoyment. He was watching her more than the performance, and the realization made her feel warm all over.

During the Arabian Dance -one of the more intense and passionate segments- Cass shifted in her seat, and their joined hands briefly separated. Danny's hand accidentally landed on her thigh, and he yanked it back as if burned, his face flaring that adorable green again. Cass studied his expression carefully – there was no discomfort there, just embarrassment and... something else that made her own heart race.

The contact had felt nice. Really nice. And Danny's body language, despite his flustered reaction, had relaxed into the touch before he pulled away. Following her instincts – the same ones that let her read an opponent's next move or understand a person's true intentions – she deliberately took his hand and placed it back on her thigh.

"This okay?" she whispered, her own voice uncertain despite her bold move.

"Great!" he squeaked, then immediately looked mortified at his eager tone. "I mean, yeah, it's... this is... great."

Cass smiled, relief mixing with the warmth in her chest. She turned her attention back to the performance, but her focus kept drifting to the points of contact between them. Danny's hand was cool through her leggings, and every small movement sent pleasant shivers through her.

Curious about these new sensations, she experimented. She started small, playing with his fingers the way she'd seen couples do at the manor. When his body language remained relaxed and he seemed happy, she grew bolder. She guided his hand in slow movements along her thigh, each touch creating more of that pleasant coolth.

Her training had taught her to read micro-expressions, to understand the smallest changes in posture or breathing. Now she used those skills to gauge Danny's reactions as she hesitantly placed her own hand on his leg. The small catch in his breath and the way he leaned slightly closer told her he liked it, even as his blush spread down his neck.

Everything felt new and a bit overwhelming, but in the best possible way. Each positive reaction from Danny encouraged her to try more, to chase more of those wonderful sensations. When he bit his lip or squeezed his eyes shut, she carefully checked his overall body language – the way he kept leaning into her touch, how his aura brightened with each contact, the slight tremble in his hands that spoke of wanting rather than discomfort.

The end of the performance came far too quickly. As the audience began to disperse, Danny let out a long breath and cleared his throat. He stood and offered her his hand, trying to regain his usual casual demeanor. "I should probably get you home now, huh?"

"Don't want to," Cass said immediately, holding his hand tighter.

Danny's blush, which had just started to fade, returned full force. "I, uh, I actually have the full version of The Nutcracker at my place," he stammered, "I mean, if you want to watch the whole thing? I've got the classic production with Baryshnikov. That's, um, the famous one from—"

"Yes," she interrupted, saving him from his rambling.

He fell silent, nodding quickly before opening another portal. This one led directly into what she recognized as his bedroom – posters of NASA and various bands covered the walls, and a model rocket sat on the desk beside a half-finished homework assignment.

Danny stood frozen for a moment, as if just realizing he'd brought her to his room (again), and his nervous energy made the papers on his desk start to float. "So, uh, movie?" he managed, his voice cracking slightly.

Cass smiled, squeezing his hand reassuringly. "First," she said, pointing to his closet. "Shirts."

Danny blinked in confusion before understanding dawned on his face. "Oh! Right, you wanted... more shirts?" The way he said it made it sound like a question, as if he still couldn't quite believe she actually wanted his clothes.

Cass nodded firmly. "Your smell. Need it."

The blunt admission made Danny's blush deepen, but he gestured toward his closet. "Help yourself," he said, moving to sit at the edge of his bed, watching her with fascination.

Cass didn't hesitate. She went straight to his closet and began looking through his shirts and hoodies, occasionally lifting one to her nose to inhale deeply. Each time she did, she noticed Danny's breathing hitch slightly, his eyes widening as he watched her take such obvious pleasure in his scent.

She had already selected several t-shirts and a flannel button-up when Danny stood up and pulled a small duffel bag from under his bed. "Here," he offered, his voice slightly husky. "For the, uh, the shirts."

"Thanks," Cass replied, carefully placing her selections in the bag.

Danny sat back down on his bed, looking both flustered and amused as she continued her methodical exploration of his wardrobe. When she finished with the closet, her gaze landed on a navy blue hoodie with the NASA logo that was draped over the back of his desk chair – the one he'd been wearing earlier today during their video call.

She must have stared at it too long because Danny cleared his throat. "You can take that one too if you want," he offered, though something in his voice told her it wasn't just any hoodie.

"Special?" she asked, head tilted.

"No!" he said too quickly. "I mean, it's just a hoodie. Not like it's my favorite or anything."

Cass immediately recognized the lie from a mile away, but rather than feeling offended, she felt a surge of warmth that he'd offer something so important to him. She walked over and picked up the hoodie, bringing it to her face and inhaling deeply. It carried his scent more strongly than any of the others, and she made a decision on the spot.

Without warning, she set down the bag and pulled off the t-shirt she was wearing – the one he'd given her that morning – letting it drop to the floor. For a brief moment, Danny caught a glimpse of her bra before he quickly averted his eyes, his face burning green.

"W-what are you doing?" he stammered, staring fixedly at the wall.

Cass didn't answer. She simply slipped on his NASA hoodie, immediately enveloped in his scent and the soft fabric that hung well past her hips. The sleeves extended far beyond her hands, creating sweater paws that she brought up to her face, inhaling deeply once more.

"Perfect," she declared, watching as Danny cautiously looked back at her, his expression starting off embarrassed before shifting to something much softer.

"You look better in it than I do," he said quietly, the sincerity in his voice making her heart skip.

Cass walked over to the bed and gently pushed against his shoulder until he lay back against the pillows. She climbed onto the bed beside him, curling up against his side with her head on his chest, those too-long sleeves wrapped around him as she breathed in his scent.

"Movie now," she requested, gesturing toward his laptop.

Danny's core hummed with nervous energy as they settled onto his bed, his back against the headboard with Cass curled against his side. He'd managed to start the movie playing on his laptop, but he couldn't focus on a single scene. Not with Cass pressed so close, her head resting on his chest and her hand absently tracing patterns on his arm, the sleeves of his hoodie pushed up just enough to free her fingertips.

The familiar music of The Nutcracker filled the room, but Danny found himself hyper-aware of every tiny movement Cass made. The way she occasionally nuzzled closer, how her fingers would sometimes pause their movement when the dancing caught her attention, the slight changes in her breathing.

On screen, the Nutcracker ballet unfolded in its full glory. The classical production captured the magic of the Christmas Eve party where young Clara receives the nutcracker doll, the midnight battle with the Mouse King, and the journey to the magical Land of Sweets. The choreography was intricate and beautiful, performed by world-class dancers who seemed to defy gravity even without ghostly powers.

About halfway through the ballet, during the sequence where the Sugar Plum Fairy performs her famous dance, Danny noticed Cass becoming restless. Her movements grew more fidgety, her pupils started to change like they did last night, and he caught her glancing at his neck more frequently. There was a tension in her frame that hadn't been there before, and her fangs occasionally peeked out when she parted her lips. Each time they did, she would quickly press her lips together, as if trying to hide them away.

"Are you hungry?" he asked softly, trying to keep his voice steady despite how his core fluttered at the memory of her previous bites.

Cass went completely still against him, her fingers freezing mid-pattern on his arm. She looked up at him with wide eyes that held something he couldn't quite read – an emotion that seemed way deeper than the moment called for.

Danny tugged down the collar of his shirt, revealing the nearly-faded marks from yesterday except one. "I heal pretty fast, remember?" he said, his voice growing more quiet. "Ghost thing. So you can... you know. Take as much as you need."

She stared at the marks, then met his eyes searchingly. There was a strange vulnerability in her expression that made him wonder what she was looking for in his face. "Sure?" she whispered, the single word carrying a weight that hurt his heart. He couldn't think of a reason he wouldn't be.

Instead of answering verbally – because he wasn't entirely confident in his voice right now – Danny rolled up his sleeve and offered her his wrist. His hand trembled slightly, not from fear but from anticipation. Ancients, he needed to pull himself together.

Cass took his wrist with gentle hands, her touch reverent as if she couldn't quite believe he was offering this freely. She maintained eye contact as she brought it to her mouth, and Danny felt his breath catch. He knew she was watching to make sure he wasn't growing faint from blood loss, monitoring his reactions for any sign of distress. But the intensity of her gaze combined with the intimate contact made his core pulse with energy, casting a soft green glow on her from his eyes.

The initial bite was gentle, almost hesitant, but Danny couldn't hold back a small gasp at the sensation. It wasn't painful – if anything, it sent pleasant tingles through his entire body, making his powers fluctuate enough that he briefly went partially intangible. Cass's free hand found his other hand and squeezed it reassuringly, her eyes never leaving his face as she drank.

Danny found himself entranced by the sight of her. The way her dark hair fell forward from beneath his hoodie, how her eyes seemed to glow slightly red in the dim light, the careful way she held his wrist... it was all incredibly attractive, and he was having a hard time processing just how much it affected him. Something about the sight of her like this made him feel dizzy with an emotion he couldn't quite name.

He noticed himself starting to zone out, his eyes going unfocused as waves of pleasure washed over him. It felt like floating, like the moment just before sleep claims you, but somehow more intense. Cass seemed to notice the change in his expression, her eyes narrowing slightly in curiosity, but she didn't stop.

After what felt like both an eternity and not nearly long enough, Cass pulled away. She licked the marks clean – which did absolutely nothing to help Danny's composure – and they quickly faded to barely-visible punctures. Her eyes lifted to his face, studying his expression with an intensity that caught him off guard, and suddenly he became very aware of the fact that he was terrible at hiding his emotions. Whatever she saw there – the way he was looking at her with unapologetic attraction, how his pupils were dilated, the blush on his face he couldn't suppress – seemed to affect her in a much different way than he would have thought. Her fingers trembled slightly against his skin, and the look of wonder on her face made him feel like he'd just given her something far more significant than he realized.

"Okay?" she asked, her thumb brushing over the healing marks, her voice thick with emotion.

"More than okay," Danny managed, his voice rougher than usual.

Chapter Text

After Cass pulled away from his wrist, Danny found himself struggling to remember how to form coherent sentences. Every brush of her fingers against the healing marks sent shivers down his spine. His ghost core was practically singing, creating a soft aurora of green light that danced around them both.

The way she was looking at him now, with such profound tenderness and raw emotion, made his heart swell even if he couldn't quite understand what this moment meant to her.

Cass leaned up to kiss him. The lingering taste of his blood should have been strange, but for some reason it just made things more intense. Her hands found their way to his shoulders, and there was a certainty in her touch now that hadn't been there before, as if some fear she'd been carrying had finally been laid to rest.

When Danny's hands settled on her waist, beneath the oversized hoodie, it felt right. When her body naturally shifted to straddle his lap, seeking more contact, it felt even better. She wasn't sure exactly what she was doing, but her ability to read body language told her Danny was enjoying it just as much as she was.

The laptop playing The Nutcracker phased right through his bed, landing with a soft thud on the floor below. Neither of them paid it any attention, too caught up in discovering each new touch, each new sensation.

Cass noticed Danny melted into her touch again as she deepened the kiss, a slight vacancy entering his expression as if he was drifting somewhere pleasant. It happened more intensely when she nipped at his lower lip, so she did it again, harder this time, watching with fascination as he seemed to melt beneath her, his eyes unfocused but filled with pleasure.

She moved her attention to his neck, pressing kisses along his jawline before finding a spot that made him gasp. Following both instinct and the agreement they'd made during their video call earlier, she bit down firmly, not breaking the skin but definitely leaving a mark. Danny's reaction was immediate – his eyes went completely unfocused, a dopey smile spreading across his face as he tilted his head to give her better access.

"More?" she asked against his skin, already knowing the answer from his body language.

"Please," he breathed, sounding almost drunk on the sensation. Her heart jumped at being given permission.

Cass stayed true to her word, leaving a trail of marks down his neck and onto his collarbone, some even on his arms, each bite drawing out that fascinating zoned-out reaction from him. His powers were going haywire, objects floating and occasionally phasing through solid surfaces, small green sparks dancing across his skin where she touched him.

This was all new territory for her; besides the first night they spent together, she'd never done anything like this. Her training had never covered the way her heart raced when Danny looked at her, or how to handle the overwhelming desire to feel his skin. But her lifelong ability to read body language gave her confidence to explore these feelings, knowing she could trust both Danny's reactions and her own desires.

Experimentally, she adjusted her hips, fascinated by how his whole body briefly went intangible and he let out a small whimper much to his embarrassment. Cute.

"Not fair," he gasped, trying to regain some composure as various objects continued to orbit them like planets around a green sun. "You can't just... while I'm..."

Cass's soft laugh against his neck made his core pulse with joy. "Like seeing you flustered."

"You're dangerous," Danny accused without heat, his hands tightening on her waist beneath the hoodie.

"Trained assassin, remember?" she agreed, pressing a kiss to his jaw. "Very dangerous."

The reminder of exactly who and what she was – trained fighter, partial vampire, literal assassin – should probably have been intimidating. Instead, it just made everything more intense. Here was this incredibly lethal person, choosing to be gentle with him, trusting him enough to show vulnerability.

"Flustered," Cass teased, gesturing to the various items still floating around them. A model rocket drifted past, spinning lazily in the air.

Danny blushed that distinctive green shade she loved so much. "Yeah, well, you try maintaining control of supernatural powers while the most amazing girl you've ever met is—"

He cut himself off as Cass's expression shifted to something impossibly soft. "Amazing?"

"Well, yeah," Danny said, reaching up to brush her hair back from her face, his fingers brushing against the soft material of his hoodie. "You're incredible. The way you move, how you see right through me, your strength, your kindness..." He trailed off as she buried her face against his neck, overwhelmed by the praise.

"Talk too much," she mumbled against his skin, but he could feel her smile.

"Maybe," he agreed, stroking her back through the hoodie that swallowed her small frame. "But it's true. Honestly I can't believe you're actually here with me."

Cass pulled back to study his face, her expression serious. "Where else?"

The simple question made his core flutter wildly, sending several books crashing to the floor as his powers surged. "You can't just say things like that," he protested weakly.

"Why not?" She traced his jaw with gentle fingers peeking out from the sleeves. "Truth."

Danny caught her hand and pressed a kiss to her palm. "Because you make me feel like I'm flying even when I'm solid on the ground, and I don't know how to handle that."

"Don't have to handle," Cass said, leaning in to kiss him again. "Just feel."

So he did. He lost himself in the feeling of her lips against his, the way she occasionally nipped at his bottom lip with slightly-too-sharp teeth, how she seemed to fit perfectly against him. Each time she bit down a little harder, he noticed himself starting to drift again, his awareness narrowing down to just the points of contact between them. Cass clearly noticed it too, her eyes curious as she watched him zone out in pleasure, occasionally bringing him back with a gentle touch to his face before sending him drifting again with another bite.

He loved her it.

Time became meaningless – it could have been minutes or hours that they spent trading kisses and soft touches, with Cass's small form enveloped in his favorite NASA hoodie, the sleeves constantly falling over her hands until she pushed them up again.

Eventually, though, Danny's conscience made him reluctantly pull back slightly when he felt her hands start to lift up his shirt. "Wait," he breathed against her lips. "We should... we should slow down."

Cass pulled back enough to study his face, her expression a mix of curiosity, disappointment and what seemed to be a bit of hurt. "Why?"

Danny took a shaky breath, trying to organize his thoughts while his body screamed at him to just keep going kissing her. "Because this is all happening really fast, and I don't want either of us to regret anything." He reached up to cup her cheek. "You're perfect, and this feels incredibly right, but maybe we should take some time to think about things and set some boundaries before we go too far?"

He worried she might be upset, but instead, her expression softened into something unbearably fond. She leaned forward to press her forehead against his. "Thoughtful," she murmured.

"I just... I really like you," Danny admitted, his thumb stroking her cheek. "And I want to do this right."

"Like you too," Cass replied, shifting to curl up against his side again, his hoodie bunching around her as she settled into his embrace. "Can wait."

Relief and affection flooded through Danny as he wrapped his arms around her. On the floor, the forgotten laptop still played the Nutcracker ballet, but he was far more focused on the feeling of Cass in his arms, the way they both occasionally pressed small kisses to the other, and how perfectly they seemed to fit together.

His ghost sense occasionally went off simply from her proximity, but it wasn't warning him of danger. If anything, it felt like recognition, like his very core knew she belonged there. They had time to figure everything out, to explore this connection between them at their own pace.

They lay together in comfortable silence for a while, Danny occasionally pressing kisses to her hair while Cass traced patterns on his chest. The forgotten laptop still played the ballet's music from somewhere on the floor, providing a gentle soundtrack to their quiet moments.

"Should get back soon," Cass eventually murmured, though she made no move to leave his embrace, her fingers still playing with the edge of his shirt.

"Time moves differently here," Danny reminded her, but he understood her reluctance to push their luck with her family. "Though I guess if Batman showed up at my door demanding to know where his daughter was, no amount of ghost powers would save me."

Cass huffed a laugh against his chest. "Would protect you."

"My hero," Danny teased, earning a playful bite to his shoulder – with normal teeth this time. "But seriously, I can take you back whenever you're ready. And maybe... maybe we could do this again?"

"Soon," Cass said firmly, pushing herself up to look at him, the hoodie sliding off one shoulder. "Tomorrow?"

Danny's face lit up, literally glowing with happiness. "Tomorrow," he agreed. "I'll find something special for us to do. Maybe not another ballet since we kind of missed most of this one..."

"Worth it," Cass said with no remorse, making Danny blush again. She glanced down at the hoodie she was wearing, then back at him. "Keep this?"

"Of course," Danny said without hesitation, despite it being one of his few remaining favorites. 

She smiled softly before reaching for the bag of shirts she'd selected earlier. "Need more," she said, and Danny knew she wasn't just talking about clothes.

When they finally did leave, Danny opened a portal directly back to the alley where he'd picked her up. But before Cass could step through, he pulled her close for one more kiss.

"Text me when you're safe inside?" he asked against her lips.

"Always," she promised, stealing a final deep kiss before stepping back, the bag of his shirts clutched tightly in her hands. "My Danny."

Danny's resulting power surge made every streetlight in the alley flicker. "Yours," he agreed, watching as she silently made her way back toward the manor.

He waited until she disappeared from view before closing the portal, his core still humming with joy. They might be moving fast, might be breaking all sorts of conventional dating rules, but everything about this felt right. His ghost half knew it, his human half knew it, and most importantly, his heart knew it.

Cass was worth waiting for, worth trying to take things slow, worth everything he could give her and so much more.

________

A few hours later Danny realized that trying to sleep was a losing battle. Eventually he got up to use the bathroom, still slightly dazed, he caught sight of himself in the mirror and stopped short. His neck and collarbone were absolutely covered in dark marks, some already turning purple. They formed a constellation of possession across his pale skin, stretching from just below his ear all the way down to where his t-shirt began.

"Wow," he breathed, tilting his head to get a better look. He should probably be concerned about how he was going to hide these tomorrow, but all he felt was a warm glow of satisfaction. Without thinking, he pulled out his phone and snapped a few pictures, capturing the impressive collection of bites and bruises Cass had left behind.

He hesitated only briefly before sending the best one to the phone number Cass had given him. The thought of her seeing tangible evidence of what they'd done, of how thoroughly she'd claimed him, made his core flutter with anticipation.

Danny flopped back onto his bed, still feeling the ghost of her weight on his lap, her lips against his neck. He knew he should get some sleep, but his mind was racing, replaying every moment of their time together. He didn't think he'd be able to sleep for days.

Danny's phone buzzed just minutes after he'd sent the photo. A simple text message from Cass: [Beautiful ❤️]

He grinned like an idiot at the single word, his heart racing. Another message followed shortly after: [Can't sleep.]

Danny typed back immediately: [Me neither. Too busy thinking about you.]

Three dots appeared, then: [Call?]

Without hesitation, Danny hit the call button. Cass answered on the first ring, her breathing soft on the other end of the line.

"Hey," he said, voice quiet despite being alone in his room.

"Danny." Just his name, but the way she said it made his core pulse with happiness.

"I can still feel everywhere you touched me," he admitted, fingers tracing over the marks on his neck. "I'm going to have a hard time explaining these tomorrow."

He heard a soft sound of satisfaction from her end. "Good."

"You're not even a little sorry, are you?" he teased, unable to keep the smile out of his voice.

"No." Her voice was firm but warm. "Like seeing marks on you."

Danny swallowed hard. "I like them too," he confessed, voice dropping lower. "I like... I like being yours."

There was a pause, and he could almost feel her intensity through the phone. "Are mine," she stated simply, as if it were an undeniable fact of the universe.

"Yeah," he agreed, feeling something settle deep in his chest. "I am."

They fell into comfortable silence for a moment, just listening to each other breathe. Danny closed his eyes, imagining her curled up in his hoodie, phone pressed to her ear.

"What are you wearing?" he asked suddenly, then immediately felt his face heat up. "I mean—not like—I was just wondering if you're still in my hoodie."

Cass's soft laugh made his embarrassment worth it. "Yes. Smells like you."

"Good," he replied, pleased at the thought of her wrapped in something of his. "I'm glad you took it."

"Won't take off," she promised, making his heart skip. "Sleep in it."

The image of Cass sleeping in his clothing, surrounded by his scent, made his core flare with a possessiveness that surprised him. "I wish I could see that."

"Next time," she said softly. "Your place. Stay longer."

"I'd like that," Danny murmured, settling more comfortably on his bed. "We could watch the whole Nutcracker without... distractions."

"No promises," Cass replied, a smile evident in her voice.

They talked quietly for hours, sharing whispered thoughts and plans for future dates. Cass told him about her training sessions and Danny shared stories about ghost fighting and his college classes, describing the complex aerospace engineering concepts that fascinated him and made her listen with quiet attention.

As the night deepened, their conversation slowed, responses becoming more drawn out as exhaustion began to take over. Neither wanted to be the first to hang up.

"Should sleep," Cass finally murmured, her voice heavy with drowsiness.

"Probably," Danny agreed, but made no move to end the call. "But I like hearing your voice."

"Then stay," she said simply. "Sleep together. On call."

"Yeah," he said, heart full. "I'd like that."

They settled into comfortable silence, just the sound of their breathing connecting them across the miles. Danny felt himself drifting off, lulled by the soft rhythm of Cass's breaths.

"Danny?" Her voice was barely a whisper.

"Mm?"

"Happy."

His eyes stung with unexpected emotion. "Me too, Cass. So happy."

The last thing he heard before sleep claimed him was her contented sigh.

________

Danny woke to sunlight streaming through his apartment window and the call still connected. He could hear Cass's steady breathing, indicating she was still asleep. For a few minutes, he just listened, savoring the intimacy of the moment.

"Morning," came her soft voice eventually, slightly raspy with sleep.

"Morning," he replied, smiling up at his ceiling. "Best sleep I've had in ages."

"Me too." He could hear rustling, imagining her stretching. "Have to go. Training soon."

"Text me later?" Danny asked, reluctant to let her go.

"Always," she promised. "Tonight. Same time."

After they disconnected, Danny lay in bed for a few more minutes, feeling the pleasant ache of the marks on his neck and the warmth in his chest. Eventually, he dragged himself up to face the day, already counting the hours until he could see Cass again.

________

The next week passed in a blur of secret meetings and late-night phone calls. They developed a system quickly – Cass would slip away using her exceptional stealth skills, meeting Danny in predetermined locations far from the watchful eyes of her family.

Sometimes they went to the Ghost Zone, where Danny showed her floating islands and spectral wonders that took her breath away. Other times, they simply found quiet corners of Amity Park where they could be alone together.

The Ghost Zone stretched endlessly before them, a swirling expanse of green ectoplasm dotted with floating islands and strange doors. Cass's eyes widened as she took in the impossible landscape, so different from anything she'd ever seen before.

"It's beautiful," she breathed, still holding tightly to Danny's hand. "Like nothing else."

"It can be," Danny agreed, squeezing her fingers gently. "Though it's also incredibly dangerous if you don't know your way around. Good thing you've got your own personal guide."

He swept her up into his arms, and Cass immediately wrapped her arms around his neck, thrilling at the casual display of strength. "Where going?" she asked as they began to fly through the strange dimension.

"I thought we'd start with something peaceful," Danny said, navigating skillfully around floating debris. "There's a place I found a while back—an island with a natural formation that reminds me of an amphitheater. The acoustics are incredible, and the view..."

He trailed off as they rounded a massive floating rock, revealing a breathtaking vista of swirling ectoplasmic nebulae in shades of green, purple, and blue. Cass gasped softly at the sight.

"Like aurora," she said, watching the colors dance and shift. "Northern lights."

"Exactly!" Danny beamed at her. "That's exactly what I thought the first time I saw it."

They flew in comfortable silence for a while, Danny occasionally pointing out landmarks or sharing brief stories about his previous adventures. Cass listened intently, asking questions when she wanted more details but otherwise content to observe this strange new world.

Eventually, they approached a floating island that seemed to be made of smooth, polished stone. As they drew closer, Cass could see that it indeed had a natural amphitheater formation—curved tiers of rock forming a semicircle around a central flat area, all overlooking the swirling colors of the Zone.

Danny landed gently on the flat section, setting Cass carefully on her feet but keeping an arm around her waist. "What do you think?" he asked, a hint of nervousness in his voice.

Cass took in the spectacular view, the peaceful atmosphere, and the thoughtful privacy of the location. She turned to him with one of her rare full smiles. "Perfect," she declared. "Like it here."

The tension visibly left Danny's shoulders. "Great! I brought some things..." He shrugged off the backpack he'd been carrying and began unpacking a blanket, thermoses, and some containers of food. "I thought we could have a little ghost-zone picnic. If that sounds okay?"

"Sounds wonderful," Cass assured him, helping to spread the blanket on the smooth stone. "Thoughtful Danny."

They settled side by side on the blanket, shoulders touching as they shared hot chocolate and the various snacks Danny had packed. For a while, they simply enjoyed the otherworldly view and each other's company, occasional comments or questions breaking the comfortable silence.

"Do many people know?" Cass eventually asked, gesturing vaguely around them. "About this place?"

Danny shook his head. "Very few humans have ever been here. My friends Sam and Tucker, my sister Jazz, my parents know it exists but haven't spent much time here, and now you." He looked at her with sudden intensity. "I've never brought anyone else to this particular spot. It's always been just... mine. A place to think."

The significance of his admission wasn't lost on Cass. She reached over and took his hand, interlacing their fingers. "Thank you. For sharing."

Danny's smile was soft and warm. "There's no one I'd rather share it with."

The moment stretched between them, charged with unspoken emotion. Then Cass's eyes dropped to his neck, where the collar of his shirt covered most of the marks she'd left.

"Still there?" she asked, reaching to touch the edge of one visible bruise.

Danny's breath hitched at the contact. "Definitely still there," he confirmed, voice dropping lower. "Want to see?"

At Cass's eager nod, he pulled down the collar of his shirt, revealing purple Bite marks down his neck and chest.

Cass made a small sound of satisfaction, reaching out to trace the pattern of bruises with her fingertips. "Beautiful," she murmured.

Danny's eyes fluttered closed at her touch. "They've been driving me crazy all day," he admitted. "Every time I feel them, I think of you."

"Good," Cass said with satisfaction, leaning closer to press a kiss against one particularly vivid mark. "Reminder. That you're mine."

Danny's hand came up to cup the back of her head, keeping her close. "I don't need reminders for that," he whispered. "But I like them anyway."

Cass smiled against his skin before nipping lightly at the spot she'd just kissed, drawing a sharp gasp from Danny. His other hand grasped her waist, fingers tightening reflexively.

"Careful," he warned, voice strained. "Unless you want a repeat of Tuesday."

Cass pulled back just enough to meet his eyes, her own dark with intent. "Maybe do."

Danny groaned softly before capturing her lips with his, pulling her closer until she was practically in his lap. One hand tangled in her short hair while the other splayed across her back, holding her securely against him.

Cass responded eagerly, her hands exploring the planes of his chest and shoulders through his shirt. When she bit his lower lip experimentally, she was rewarded with another gasp and the momentary sensation of Danny becoming partially intangible beneath her touch.

"Still does that," she observed with fascination when they broke apart for air. "When bite you."

Danny ducked his head, a flush spreading across his cheeks. "Yeah, it's... I don't know why, but it really affects me when you do that."

"Like it," Cass decided, pressing closer. "Like when you... fade. Because of me."

The admission seemed to embolden Danny. He pulled her fully into his lap, his hands settling at her waist as he looked up at her with darkened eyes. "What else do you like?" he asked, voice husky.

Cass considered the question seriously, head tilted. "Like this," she finally said, shifting to straddle him properly. "Like being... above. In control."

"I noticed," Danny said with a small smile. "I like it too. A lot."

"And you?" Cass asked, running her fingers through his hair, noting how his eyes briefly fluttered closed at the contact. "What you like?"

Danny took a deep breath, seemingly gathering his courage. "I like when you take charge," he admitted quietly. "When you're... possessive. Claiming me. The biting, the marks... knowing I'm wanted."

Cass's eyes softened at his words. "Are wanted," she agreed, cradling his face in her hands, “cared for.” leaning down to kiss him deeply, her hands cradling his face.

Time seemed to lose meaning as they explored each other with increasingly bold touches. Cass discovered that Danny made the most interesting sounds when she bit the junction of his neck and shoulder, while Danny learned that running his fingers along the small of Cass's back made her whole body arch into his touch.

Eventually, they both pulled back, breath coming in quick gasps. Danny's hair was thoroughly mussed, his lips swollen, and several new marks had joined the collection on his neck. Cass looked equally affected, her usually perfect composure undone by flushed cheeks and bright eyes.

"We should probably slow down again," Danny suggested reluctantly, his hands still resting on her hips. “We still haven't really talked about how far we want to go or how.”

Cass nodded, though she made no move to leave his lap, a small pout forming on her lips. "Right decision. Still hate it."

Danny laughed, the sound relieved and genuine. "Me too," he admitted. "But I meant what I said before. I want to do this right. You're too important to rush."

The simple sincerity in his voice made something warm unfurl in Cass's chest. She leaned forward to rest her forehead against his. "Worth waiting for."

They stayed like that for a moment, simply breathing each other in, before Cass reluctantly slid off his lap to sit beside him again. Danny immediately wrapped an arm around her shoulders, and she leaned into his side.

"Tell me more," she requested, gesturing to the Ghost Zone around them. "About this place. Your adventures."

So Danny did. He told her about his first accidental trips into the Zone, about the friends and enemies he'd made among the ghostly inhabitants, about the strange physics and unexpected beauty of this dimension that existed alongside their own. Cass listened attentively, occasionally asking questions or requesting clarification but mostly content to hear him talk, to feel the vibrations of his voice where her head rested against his chest.

The swirling auroras above them slowly shifted colors as time passed, creating a natural light show that complemented Danny's stories. Eventually, though, Cass reluctantly checked her watch.

"Need to go soon," she said with obvious disappointment. "Patrol tomorrow morning."

Danny sighed but nodded. "I know. Let me at least show you one more thing before we head back?"

At Cass's curious nod, he stood and offered her his hand, pulling her to her feet. "Close your eyes," he requested.

Cass raised an eyebrow but complied, allowing Danny to guide her a short distance across the island. She felt them step into a small depression in the rock, the air suddenly still around them.

"Okay, open," Danny said, his voice strangely amplified.

Cass opened her eyes to find they were standing in a perfect acoustic focus point. When she looked up, the swirling colors of the Ghost Zone seemed magnified and intensified, as if viewed through a kaleidoscopic lens formed by the natural rock formations around them.

"Oh," she breathed, the sound echoing softly around them. "Beautiful."

"I thought you might like it," Danny said, wrapping his arms around her from behind as they both gazed upward. "I come here sometimes when I need to think or just... be. It's peaceful."

Cass leaned back against his chest, savoring the moment. "Thank you. For sharing."

"Thank you for coming with me," Danny replied, pressing a kiss to her temple. "For trusting me enough to enter a whole different dimension."

"Trust you completely," Cass said simply, turning in his arms to face him. "My Danny."

The words sent that now-familiar surge of emotion through Danny, making the air around them briefly shimmer with green energy. "Always," he promised, leaning down to kiss her one more time before they had to return to the real world and all its complications.

_______

The weeks that followed established a pattern. During the days, they lived their separate lives—Danny attending classes and patrolling Amity Park for ghostly threats, Cass training with her family and fulfilling her nightly vigilante duties.

But in the stolen moments between responsibilities, they found each other.

Sometimes their meetings were brief—Danny opening a portal to the alley near Wayne Manor just long enough for them to exchange a few heated kisses and whispered promises before Cass had to return to her patrol route. Other times, they managed longer escapes: midnight explorations of the Ghost Zone or quiet hours in Danny's room, talking and touching and learning each other's bodies within the boundaries they'd set.

They developed their own secret code through text messages on their burner phones.

Lab equipment malfunction, Danny would text when a ghost attack kept him up all night.

Training injury, Cass would reply when she'd been hurt during patrol, assuring him it was minor before he could worry too much.

Family dinner tonight, became their shared code for "I can't get away, no matter how much I want to."

The necessity for secrecy added both tension and excitement to their relationship. Every near-miss with discovery became an inside joke, every successful rendezvous a shared victory.

The first close call came when Dick nearly caught them in an alley three blocks from the manor. Cass had sensed his approach seconds before he rounded the corner, shoving confused Danny behind a dumpster and adopting a casual stance just as her brother appeared.

"Cass? What are you doing out here?" Dick asked, confusion evident in his voice.

"Patrol break," she replied simply, keeping her body language relaxed despite her racing heart. Behind the dumpster, Danny had gone invisible, but she could sense his presence.

Dick frowned, studying the alley. "Thought I heard voices."

Cass shrugged. "Phone call. Informant."

"Ah," Dick nodded, accepting the explanation. "Anything good?"

"Nothing urgent. Following up."

After a few more minutes of casual conversation, Dick continued on his patrol route. The moment he was safely away, Danny reappeared beside her, eyes wide with adrenaline.

"That was close," he whispered.

Cass nodded, her own pulse still elevated. "Very close."

"Should we call it a night?" Danny asked reluctantly.

Instead of answering, Cass pushed him against the wall and kissed him deeply, the lingering danger making every sensation more intense. When she finally pulled back, Danny looked dazed.

"Or not," he amended breathlessly. "Not works too."

________

The second time it happened they realized the risk of meeting up in Gotham when Robin's patrol route unexpectedly changed. They'd been sitting on a rooftop, Cass nestled between Danny's legs as they watched the sunset, when her body suddenly tensed.

"Someone coming," she whispered, immediately alert.

Without hesitation, Danny wrapped his arms around her and turned them both invisible, his heart pounding as a familiar caped figure swung past just yards away from their position.

"That was close," he breathed once Robin had disappeared into the distance.

Cass nodded, her expression serious. "Careful. Next time."

"Maybe we should stick to the Ghost Zone," Danny suggested, still holding her close. "Your family can't follow us there."

She considered this, then nodded decisively. "Safer. Show me more."

________

And so he did. Danny introduced Cass to the strange beauty of the Ghost Zone, taking her to places few humans had ever seen. She seemed particularly fascinated by the way physics worked differently there, adapting quickly to the floating and drifting with the natural grace that characterized everything she did.

As their first month together approached its end, Danny finally convinced Cass to visit Phantom Palace—his permanent residence in the Ghost Zone. He'd been hesitant to bring her there earlier, conscious of how it might seem to introduce her to what was essentially his home so early in their relationship. But after nearly four weeks of dates across dimensions, it felt right to share this part of his life with her.

The palace floated on its own island in a peaceful section of the Ghost Zone, its crystalline spires and ectoplasmic architecture unlike anything in the human world. As they approached, the ghostly guards stationed at the entrance bowed deeply to Danny before casting curious but respectful glances at Cass.

"Your Highness," one guard intoned. "Welcome home."

Danny still hadn't quite gotten used to the deference the ghostly inhabitants showed him. "Thanks, Garrett. This is Cassandra. She's... very important to me. She has full access to the palace, understood?"

"Of course, Your Highness," the guard replied, bowing to Cass as well. "Welcome, Lady Cassandra."

Cass raised an eyebrow at the title but offered a polite nod in return.

Once inside, Danny gave her the grand tour—from the echoing great hall with its ceiling of swirling cosmic patterns to the extensive library filled with both human and ghostly texts. The ghostly servants they encountered all bowed to Danny and greeted Cass with a deference that clearly amused her.

"King Danny?" she asked teasingly when they were alone, wandering through the palace gardens where plants from both dimensions grew in harmonious coexistence.

Danny blushed, rubbing the back of his neck in embarrassment. "Not exactly. It's complicated. After I defeated Pariah Dark, there was sort of a... power vacuum. I didn't ask for any of this, but apparently saving the Ghost Zone multiple times earns you some real estate and a lot of respect."

"Responsibility," Cass noted, her eyes understanding. "Heavy."

"Yeah," Danny sighed, relief washing through him at her immediate comprehension. "Sometimes terrifying, honestly. I'm just a kid from Amity Park who got zapped by a portal. I never expected to be responsible for an entire dimension."

Cass took his hand, her grip firm and reassuring. "Not just kid. Hero. Leader." Her eyes held his steadily. "Good one."

The simple vote of confidence meant more coming from her than hours of encouragement from others might have. Cass didn't waste words. If she said it, she meant it.

"Thank you," Danny said quietly. "It helps having someone who understands both sides of my life. Not many people do.”

Later that evening, they lay together on a blanket Danny had brought up to the roof of the palace, both laying together watching the swirling patterns of the Ghost Zone's atmosphere above them. Cass was tucked against his side, her head on his chest, fingers idly tracing patterns on his stomach beneath his shirt.

"Danny," she said after a comfortable silence, her voice thoughtful.

"Mm?"

"Happy here. With you." She pushed herself up to look at him directly. "Never felt this before."

The simple honesty of her words made his throat tight with emotion. "I'm happy too, Cass. Happier than I've ever been."

She studied his face with that intense focus he'd come to love, then nodded once, satisfied with what she saw. "Worth the risk."

"What risk?" he asked, brushing her hair back from her face.

"Family finding out," she said, her expression serious. "Batman. Not happy if knew."

Danny swallowed hard, feeling the weight of what she was saying. "Because I'm half-ghost?"

Cass lifted her hand to make a so-so motion. "Because anyone. Protective." She hesitated, choosing her words carefully. "Will see you as... unknown. Supernatural. Threat." Her fingers traced along his jaw. "Also just boy. Dating me."

Danny couldn't help but chuckle at that. "So even if I wasn't half-ghost, he'd still have a problem with me?"

She nodded solemnly. "Whole family. Overprotective. Nosy." A rare hint of frustration crossed her features. "Watch always."

"Is that why you've been so careful? With the burner phone and everything?"

"Yes." Her gaze was unwavering. "Protect this. Protect you."

Danny reached up to cup her cheek. "I can take care of myself, you know. Been fighting ghosts since I was fourteen."

"Know. Not point." She covered his hand with hers. "Keep private. Just ours. For now."

"Just ours," he agreed softly. "I like the sound of that.”

They ended their tour in Danny's private chambers—a suite of rooms at the top of the palace's central tower with panoramic views of the swirling Ghost Zone beyond. Unlike the grand, formal spaces in the rest of the palace, these rooms reflected Danny's personality—astronomy posters on the walls, space-themed bedding, a desk cluttered with both schoolwork and maps of the Ghost Zone.

"My actual room here, I spend more time here than in the human realm. The apartment is more of a vacation home if anything.” Danny explained, suddenly nervous as Cass examined the space with her usual careful observation. "No one else comes up here except the occasional employee. It's just... mine."

"Peaceful," Cass declared, running her fingers along the spines of books on his shelf. She paused at a framed photo of Danny with Sam and Tucker, studying it closely before moving on to examine a star chart pinned above his desk.

Danny watched her explore, struck by how right she looked in his most private space. The past month had transformed both their lives—from strangers to something he didn't quite have words for yet. More than dating, deeper than a casual relationship. They hadn't said "love" yet, but Danny felt it building in him, a certainty that grew stronger each day.

"Would you like to stay tonight?" he found himself asking, the words escaping before he could reconsider. "It's late already- in the human world I mean."

Cass turned to him, head tilted in consideration. "Bruce. Will notice."

"Alfred will cover for you, he always does." Danny countered with a hopeful smile. "And time moves differently here, remember? You could stay for hours and only be gone minutes in Gotham."

She seemed to weigh this, clearly tempted. "Need sleep. Patrol tomorrow."

"We can sleep," Danny assured her quickly. "Just sleep. Together. If you want."

A small smile curved Cass's lips. "Want to."

Minutes later, they lay together in Danny's oversized bed, Cass wearing one of his t-shirts as an improvised nightgown. She curled against his side like she belonged there, her head tucked beneath his chin, one hand resting over the center of his chest where his core pulsed with happiness.

"Core. Different," she murmured drowsily, her fingers splayed over the spot where ghost energy gathered in his chest. "When I'm close. Feels it."

Danny pressed a kiss to the top of her head. "It recognizes you. Responds to you, remember?" He hesitated, then added softly, "It's never reacted like this with anyone else."

Cass tilted her head up to meet his gaze, her eyes serious in the dim light. "Special. What we have."

"Very special," Danny agreed, gathering his courage. "I think I might be falling in love with you, Cass."

Instead of tensing or pulling away as he half-feared she might, Cass's expression softened into something tender and vulnerable. She reached up to touch his face, her palm warm against his cheek.

"Think I am too," she whispered, the admission clearly difficult for someone who used words so sparingly. "Falling. With you."

Danny's core flared with joy, bathing them both in a gentle green glow. As Cass leaned up to kiss him, Danny knew with absolute certainty that whatever complications lay ahead—disapproving families, dimensional barriers, superhero responsibilities—they would face them together. They'd beaten impossible odds to find each other. Surely that meant something. Surely that was worth fighting for.

And as Cass settled back against his chest, her breathing slowly evening out as sleep claimed her, Danny made a silent promise to himself and to her: he would fight for this—for her—for as long as she would let him.