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Chapter Text

Danny was in Gotham for several reasons.

Well, no. Danny had come to Gotham for several reasons. Reasons like getting away from his (possibly dangerous) parents (and the reputation that came with them) and going to university to get his engineering degree at a school that accepted him and gave him a scholarship so he didn't have to rely on Vlad for tuition money. Plus Sam loved the architecture and Poison Ivy (and ended up visiting Gotham at least once a year for the Wayne Charity Gala her parents dragged her to each spring) and Tuck loved Wayne Enterprises and Gotham’s mysterious (so skilled Danny, you don’t even understand how amazing they are) Oracle.

But Danny was twenty now. He had graduated from his engineering program (early). Jazz had “accidentally” broken the news to their parents (about him being half ghost) and they accepted him, shunning their false science and starting over again from a more anthropological standpoint. Things were good back home. Danny could have gone home (or literally anywhere else other than the Crime Capital of the east coast) and left Gotham behind. 

So yes, there were many reasons Danny had come to Gotham. There was only one reason he stayed, why he was still staying.

Gotham. Lady Gotham, to be more precise. The spirit of Gotham City, the first person to ever offer Danny a bribe he was actually interested in.

Danny was aware that as the High Prince of the Ghost Zone (coronation to follow his one hundredth death day), he probably shouldn’t accept bribes. But as a young adult who had grown up helping his sister fill out their parents’ tax returns, he understood the value of Gotham’s offer. Fifty years’ help with paperwork was not a small bribe, especially not for what she was asking in return.

Danny Fenton was running for mayor. Of Gotham City.

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The first interview after he applied (turned in his nomination paperwork, easy enough to get when half the folks on certain streets would do anything for a twenty) was the worst one.

Mostly because he hadn’t realized at first that he was being interviewed.

“So, Mr. Fenton,” the interviewer said.

“Hello,” Danny said.

“Are you aware that you are the youngest person to run for mayor of Gotham City?” the interviewer asked.

“Well, it says you can run so long as you’re eighteen, and I’m twenty, so...”

“What made you decide to run for mayor?”

“It’s easier,” Danny said.

“Easier than what?”

“The alternative.”

“Okay...” The interviewer shook their head and plastered their forced smile back on. “What plans do you have for Gotham?”

“Paperwork,” Danny said.

“Paperwork?”

“Yeah,” Danny said. “That’s what she offered, so.”

“What?”

“What?”

The interviewer just stared at him.

“Mr. Fenton,” she finally said. “Would you like to reschedule this interview?”

“Interview?” Danny said.

Only then did he notice the camera pointed at them from... From halfway across the room? (He learned later that it was a precaution taken during all mayoral elections ever since the Joker ran and stabbed seven different camera operators.)

“Yes,” she said. “The introductory interview for mayoral candidates.”

“Oh,” Danny said. “No one told me we were doing that today.” He glared at Lady Gotham, who shrugged her shoulders.

“We could reschedule?” the interviewer said.

“No, you’re already here,” Danny said. “I wouldn’t want to waste your time and I don’t have plans for another...” He looked at Lady Gotham. 

(She held up a sheet of cardstock on which she’d written the number “8”). 

“Eight,” Danny finished.

“Eight?”

“Yes,” Danny said. “So, what was your first question again?”

“Right.” She shook her head. “You are the youngest person to run for the position of Mayor in Gotham City. Is this a statement? Do you believe our city needs new blood?”

“No,” Danny said. “I’m just the right person for the job. It has nothing to do with age.”

“And what makes you the right person for the job?” she asked. “Why did you decide to run?”

“I’ve lived here for the last three years and I now feel a strong compulsion to help this city reach the peak of her potential,” Danny said, skimming the card Lady Gotham was holding up for him to read. “Gotham helped me when I needed it, so now I’d like to return the favour. I believe I can bring out this city’s potential if her citizens will give me the chance.”

“Will you be seeking support from any of the city’s more influential citizens as a way to spread your name, extend your reach?”

(A glance at Lady Gotham’s cue cards.)

“No. I believe my platform will speak for itself. If anyone supports me in any way, I want it to be because they believe the same things I do. I won’t be seeking out contact with any of the wealthy or elite of Gotham’s society, be they famous or infamous.”

“And what is your platform, Mr. Fenton?” she asked. “If you could give just a brief summary for the viewers tonight.”

“We can do better,” Danny said immediately. 

(Lady Gotham face palmed.)

“Beg your pardon?” the interviewer asked.

“Yeah,” Danny said. “Yeah. That’s the platform. We can do better.”

“We can do better.”

“Yeah,” Danny said. “Just give it time, you’ll see.”

“Thank you for your time tonight, Mr. Fenton.”

“Of course,” Danny said. “Thank you for your time.”

The camera lowered and the smile fell from the interviewer’s face. “Were you seriously not ready for the interview? Who was supposed to tell you?”

“I don’t know,” Danny said. “I assume any information about it should have been sent to this number” —he produced a business card— “but nothing came through, so no clue.”

“Okay,” the interviewer said. “Thank you for your card, here’s mine.” She produced one and handed it over. “If you need media coverage at a rally, if you want an interview, don’t hesitate to reach out.”

“Thank you.” Danny stuck the card in his pocket. “I will do that.”

(Lady Gotham shrugged. Apparently she had nothing against this reporter but wasn’t cheering for her either. Excellent, a neutral party.)

The reporter sighed and left, her camera operator in tow. 

Yeah. His first interview could have been better. Could have been worse, though, so that was cool.

Danny actually didn’t have to do a lot to spread his name. Part of that was Lady Gotham’s influence: the few places he did put his name out there (social media, some really basic posters he printed out at the library) spread more than they should have otherwise. But it was also because he was a newcomer, both to the political scene (retch) and to Gotham (three years wasn't all that long, apparently). So Danny didn’t have to do a lot to get attention. People came to him.