Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

It was dinner time. The manor was nothing but pure chaos. Everyone was scrambling to grab what they wanted, bickering like cats and dogs, someone stabbing at someone's hand with a fork, another snarking at someone else about something or another. Just loud, pure chaos. That is, until a portal made of bright familiar green light appeared in the middle of the table. Everyone paused at once, not knowing what to expect, while also expecting a fight at the same time. Then, a thick manila file, like what can be found down in the basement, the cave, is thrown through the portal and drops unceremoniously onto the table. No one moves at first, but one man, with black hair, a white streak, and gun-metal blue eyes breaks out of his stupor first, and grabs the file before beginning to quickly sift through the information.

Name: Daniel "Danny" Fenton- No, Nightingale now.
Original Age: 15, for his sake, his age has been reversed to the age of 4. Past memories removed, locked away. Should his mental and emotional state ever stabilize, recover, memories may be slowly unlock.
Origin: Earth, but a different universe, a different timeline, of Earth. A town called Amity Park, Illinois. Does not exist in this new world
Can be classified as Meta, but not with a Meta gene. He's something we call a Halfa. Half-ghost, half-human. Or better known, half-dead, half-alive.

In his homeworld, his parents were something called "Ecto-biologists". Scientists who study all things ectoplasmic. But, the trust is, they believe ghosts to be non-sentient, non-sapient creatures that are nothing more than emotions imprinted on a ball of ectoplasm, evil and wishing to take over the world. This is only half true. Ghosts, full and half, are beings of emotion. They require ectoplasm to survive, heal, and use their powers. Few are ever truly evil. Only ghosts who were already evil when they died become evil ghosts. In this world, there are pools of a substance referred to as "Lazarus Pits". These "pits" are pools of rotten, or stagnant, ectoplasm that have leaked from the dimension known as "The Infinite Realms". Efforts to recover or even just purify these pools so they no longer harm others have been started as a way to heal this world so that our Prince can grow up safely.

In his homeworld, his parents learned of what he had become. Which, that is to say, he became a Halfa after being electrocuted in his parents home-made portal to a section of the Realms they refer to as "The Ghost Zone". He died, at the same time that the portal opened on his body, flooding it with a whole dimension's worth of ectoplasm, thus also reviving him. In his home world, he was the only hero, protecting it from ghosts that came through the portal. When his parents learned of what he'd become, they handed him over to a government agency called the "Ghost Investigation Ward" to be detained, studied (which merely means experimented on) and extermination. We just barely managed to rescue him before he could be exterminated. He was, unfortunately, vivsected while conscious, before he could be rescued. His older sister, and two- three best friends were killed as they tried to give us time to rescue our Prince. With the GIW and the Anti-Ecto Acts, it is no longer safe in his homeworld. The future of ALL of the Realms in existence needed him to be sent to a different Realm, where there are protections in place for people like him, and that has other heroes so the world isn't relying solely on him.

He is exceptionally good at science and mechanics, and is decently good at Math, but not much of anything else. As a Halfa, he has what is called "Ghost Obsessions". These Obsessions need to be regularly fulfilled in some way for him to be healthy and happy. One is a "Protection" Obsession, which has made him be a "Protector Spirit". The other is a "Space" Obsession. For this reason, we chose a world that has various types of aliens. Especially aliens who are heroes. Should he ever sustain serious injuries, the substance "Ectoplasm" will need to be administered. With him, will be a large bag, a medical kit of sorts, with everything that will be needed for any reason, for medical treatment. The man known as "Hellblazer" should be able to summon more from the Realms.

Aspects of biology: While his human side will need the basics; such as, food, fluids, nutrition, etc. There are some differences that will need to be known for raising him. With X-Rays, his Ghost Core should be visible, images of how it SHOULD look is provided within this file. His core body temperature should be between 90-94 degrees, any higher is a fever. This is due to the fact that his Ghost Core is an Ice Core, which also means he has ice powers. His pulse and heartbeat should be 40-70 beats per minute. His blood pressure should be 70-85. These are normal stats for a healthy Halfa. 

Powers include, but are not limited to, Cryokinesis, Intangibility, Flight, Invisibility, Empathy, Ghost Speak (via Ghost Core and normal vocal chords), Ghostly Wail (is similar but different from Black Canary's Cry), Superhuman Strength, Superhuman Durability, Superhuman Agility, Superhuman Flexibility, Superhuman Speed (can fly at a minimum of 112 MPH), Superhuman Reflexes, Superhuman Stamina, Superhuman Endurance, Superhuman Equilibrium, Superhuman healing (including reconstitution), Paranormal Immunity, Going Ghost (means ghost transformation into his ghost form) which includes an eye/semi-transformation (the man named Jason Todd has this one as well), and Aural Projection, Ecto-Energy Manipulation, Ecto-Energy Constructs, Energy Absorption, Ghost Stinger, Photokinesis, Ghost Sense, X Ray Vision, Overshadowing, and much more. Full list of powers he might develop later and what each power entails is also provided.

Abilities include, but are not limited to, quick learning and Indomitable Will. Full list of abilities and what each one entails is provided. List of known weaknesses are provided, for the one named "Batman" to have contingencies. List of equipment within his pocket dimension within his body is provided. Blueprints for new equipment for both the Prince and the heroes of his new world is provided.

Because he had a clone that he referred to as his little sister, he will most likely show disdain towards the one known as "Superman", but he himself will not fully understand why because the memories will be missing. Because of his status as "Future High King of The Infinite Realms", he is able to purify the ecto in his surroundings, including the rotten ecto within the one called "Jason Todd". Given enough time, Jason Todd will stop experiencing what he refers to as "Pit Rage", and his own Ghost Core will be able to begin healing. With this healing, he may start developing powers of his own, but at this time, we are unsure of exactly what powers he will develop. Because of a distrust towards humans, it has been decided by the Council, that the Halfa, Jason Todd, will be charged with caring for The Prince. A list of possible powers he may develop as his Core heals is provided, but powers that aren't on the list are still possible. Any other related and necessary information regarding Danny and what is in store for Jason Todd's future will be provided. Should there come a point where other information not provided is needed, "Hellblazer" can summon "Frostbite" from the Realms or "Wonder Woman" can summon "Clockwork" who was once known as "Kronos". As Halfas, Danny will most likely age slower than full humans, and once his Core is healed, Jason will also probably age slower than humans. Along with having much the same weaknesses as Danny, Jason will also have an additional weakness for what has once killed him. Because his Core is currently being suffocated by the rotten Ecto, we have been unable to identify what kind of Core Jason Todd has, and because of the side effects of the rotten Ecto, we have also been unable to identify what his Ghost Obsession(s) may be.

On the final page within this file, we require Jason Todd to read what it says, then sign at the bottom, both his Legal Name and his Hero/ Vigilante Name.

Fighting back his Pit Rage at what he read, his quickly flips to the last page and quickly skims through it. The line that states that by agreeing to adopt Crown Prince Daniel Nightingale would make him "Acting King Regent", does not go unnoticed by him, nor does the line that explains all that will be needed from him is the occasional paperwork but that he is able to seek assistance from those who are familiar with any paperwork he receives. Neither deters him from signing the damn thing. He isn't even all that surprised to see the paper just "poof" out of existence before a small bundle is slowly lowered through the portal. Wrapped in a space-themed blanket, cuddling an astronaut bear, is a small boy with black hair. The child is floated over to the man who lifts his arms to reach for the child in awe. The child is placed gently in his arms and his eyes softened as a smile plays on his lips as he watches the child cuddle closer to his chest, releasing a small squeaked sigh. Then, the portal closes and the rest of the family continues watching everything that is going on. He looks up, sees the confusion and awe on each of their faces before tossing the file to the one who he knows he can trust to copy everything onto the large computer down in the cave. He didn't notice that a large box shaped bag had been lowered to the table before the portal had closed. He's too busy looking down at the little face sticking out of the blanket.

Bringing one hand up to the child's face, he gently runs the pad of his index finger over the soft cheeks, silently cooing as the child leans into the touch in his sleep. He appears smaller than a 4 year old should, and when he notices this fact, a ping of fear shoots through his spine and he looks up at his grandfather figure with worry.

"He looks smaller than a 4 year old. Alfie, what if something's wrong with him?" His voice shook slightly, though he tried to not let it.

The older gentleman's eyes soften at this before motioning for the new father to follow him. Together, they take the child to the med bay down in the cave. A quick exam shows that, while the child is definitely malnourished, and in need of medical attention, there isn't anything severely wrong at the moment. A trusted doctor is called to the cave, who treats the wounds that they had been somewhat warned about and she is shown the file while the new father takes the boy up to his room, someone following him with some food so he can continue eating, and he spends the rest of the night watching the child continue sleeping, before eventually, he too, falls asleep with a toddler nestled in his arms.

Chapter Text

Jason's POV

The feeling of a soft "pap" on my cheek has my eyes slowly opening. It only takes a few seconds for the memories from last night to flash in my mind and I can't stop the smile that crosses my face as I bring my hand up to softly trace over his little cheek with my thumb. Icy blue eyes are gazing at me with curiosity.

"Good morning, Danny. Apparently, the Ancients' chose me to be your new dad." I say to him softly, watching as his eyes light up in recognition at the word "Ancients".

"You're safe now. No one is ever going to hurt you again. I won't let anyone take you from me." I whisper softly, pressing my face against his hair.

This makes him cuddle closer to my chest, pressing his face against my throat. He's startled when a soft knock is heard against my door.

"Master Jason, Master Daniel. Master Bruce wishes to take you two up to the Justice League headquarters since Constantine and Wonder Woman need to be made aware of the contents of the file. He also wants to introduce Master Daniel to the Justice League since you will need help with his powers." Alfred says through the door.

"Alright, Alfie. We'll get ready and meet B downstairs." I call back.

Holding Danny to my chest, I get out of bed and make my way to my bathroom. I strip off his night clothes, grab a washrag and run it under look warm water before beginning to gently bathe him, being mindful of his injuries from before he had been rescued. Once he is cleaned, hair damp, I dress him in a Martian Manhunter onesie and baby domino mask Babs had sent to the Manor last night before I'd fallen asleep watching him. His nose scrunches up at the mask and I chuckle lightly.

"I'm sorry, Danny. You have to wear it when we're around the superheroes. You're the son of a vigilante and the grandson of a superhero, which means your identity needs to be kept secret. It's only a technicality though. They know our secret identities after all. So, you don't need to worry about transforming into your ghost half." I explain to him before lifting him into my arms.

I carry him down to the Batcave and make my way to the locker room. I sit him down on the bench and quickly change into my Red Hood gear, minus the guns. I quickly press my finger to the comms I've already placed in my ear.

"While we're gone, can someone get a gun case with lead, so Danny can't get into it by going intangible? I'm leaving my guns here for now and would like for them to be put someplace safe before we get back." I say into the comms.

"I can have a couple ordered and each delivered to the Manor and the safehouse that's best suited for a child. I'll also be ordering other things for you and Danny while you're gone." Barbie responds a few seconds later.

After thanking her, I pick Danny back up and meet B at the Zeta tubes. Stepping in and giving the new code B gives me, I chuckle softly when Danny's face lights up in wonder when we hear "Now Arriving: Red Hood and Phantom". His excited squeals makes me smile and I'm happy I chose to not where my helmet and instead wear my Domino mask as his smile widens as he eyes the soft smile on my face.

"Who the hell is- oh, Hood has- a baby?" Flash comes to a stop when he sees me carrying Danny- er, Phantom, in my arms, but not before the curse word slips out.

I follow Bruce to the meeting room, realizing he apparently called an emergency meeting. He starts with silently handing the thick file to Wonder Woman, who reads through the file with several heroes looking at it over her shoulder. Bruce had forced Constantine to be apart of the reading pile. I found a seat quickly, letting my son- that's going to take some getting used to- sit on my lap facing me. His little legs are on either side of mine and he's leaning his body against my torso, cuddling his head against my chest, and a few eyes look at us as we hear him release a soft little sigh as he relaxes against me.

He seems content to just cuddle against me as we wait a few hours for the heroes to read through the file. Superman had made an odd noise at one point, making me look over at him with a raised brow. He didn't say anything, but the frown on his face as his eyes flit between my son and his clone has my hackles raising. I take a moment to look over at Superboy, who is looking at my son with awe on his face. Grinning at this, I motion for him to come over to us.

"Phantom, I want you to meet Superboy. He's Superman's clone and is Kryptonian, which is a race of alien." I say to him softly as Superboy comes to stand next to me and crouches down so he can meet Danny's eyes, which are wide after he hears my words.

He shrieks softly and then giggles before he presses his little hand to Kon's face. We watch as a sort of inner light seems to start emanating from Danny and his pupils dilate. I chuckle at this softly when I realize this is what it looks like when his Ghost Obsession is being fulfilled to a degree. I hear a small little gasp from near the table and look over to see Martian Manhunter looking over at us. I point to my head, telling him that I want to privately talk to him.

"The mix of child wonder and Obsession fulfillment is an absolute wonder to hear in his mind. Do not fear, he is able to speak, he just doesn't want to right now. Too many thoughts, he doesn't know what he wants to say first. When he feels ready to speak, he will." The martian says into my mind.

"Thank you, J'onn. If you want, you can come and introduce yourself to him as well." I respond back.

He smiles before walking over to us.

"Hello, Phantom. I'm called Martian Manhunter. I come from the planet Mars." He says softly when Danny's eyes look over to him.

Danny squeals in excitement again. Whatever he hears from Danny's mind makes him chuckle softly.

"He's happy the Ancients' chose this world to send him to, and he's happy that they chose you to be his father." J'onn informs, making me smile even more than before. I can't help but press a soft kiss to my new sons little cheek at this.

A sound has me turning back to the table and subsequent odd meeting as Superboy and J'onn continue interacting with Danny.

"Bloody hell. Guess I should start referring to you as "You're Majesty", Hood. And your son as "His Highness". Didn't expect you to become Acting High King of an Interdimensional Kingdom. You're just full of surprises. Though, I'm not sure how I feel about learning that the damned Lazarus Pits are pools of corrupted Ecto that's leaked from the Realms. Also not surprised. 'Splains a lot honestly. Well, so far, most of the information I can personally think we'll need has been thoroughly explained in this file Clockwork sent us. If there is anything further that you need help with, let me know right away so we can summon those who can help." Constantine tells me.

"Thank you, I guess? I haven't had a chance to look through everything in the file myself yet. At least, not anything past the first page, and the page I had to sign. Once he's settled, and I have anything I'll need for both him and myself, I plan to look through it in its entirety. Before we leave, I should probably get a power dampener for at least myself so no accidents occur when my apparent powers come in, maybe him as well until we know he still remembers how to control his powers." I respond.

It doesn't take him but a moment to produce two power dampeners. I put one on my wrist and one of Danny's. He whines a little when I slip it over his wrist.

"I know, bud. It might be able to come off once we know you can control your power. If you need training, it'll have to be on when you aren't training. Don't want accidents that forces us to call for the busy heroes to rescue you from your oopsies." I tell him, rubbing his back.

"As a Princess myself, should you need help with any paperwork from the Realms, I can probably assist you. I can also teach both of you diplomacy as well." Aunty Diana tells me, coming over and holding out her hand. I shake it and thank her.

We spend more time up in the Watchtower before B decides its time we get back to Gotham. The second we're back in the Batcave, not even giving us time to exit the Zeta tube, Danny yanks the Domino mask off his face and chucks it at his grandfather with his nose scrunched. Bruce catches it easily before shaking his head with a smile and goes to change out his Batman gear. I, once again, sit Danny down on the bench in the locker room before changing back into civilian clothes. Picking him up, I carry him back up to the Manor. Within the file, Flash had commented that he saw that Danny requires around the same amount of calories as him, Kid Flash, and all of the Supers. So, it is time for him to get some food. Apparently, I'll also need the same amount of calories once my Core is fully healed from being suffocated by rotten ecto for so long. Flash was going to have some of the emergency meals that have been developed for him and KF to act as snacks for Danny until we can get some proper snacks created for his needs.

"Hey, Jay. The ghost proof gun safe for the Manor has already arrived, been moved to your room, and your guns have already been placed inside. Damian also placed his spare blades inside so Danny can't get ahold of them." Timbit tells me as I pass him on my way up to my room.

"Alright, thanks for letting me know. Barbie also said she would be ordering things for him and I while we were gone. Did any of whatever she ordered us arrived?" I ask him as he interacts with Danny.

"Yeah, a few things have arrived. Things like a car seat, a few sets of clothes, a baby carrier to strap to your body, a bag of pull ups in case he isn't potty trained as a de-aged 4 year old, things like that. She found a few space-themed softies for him, and came across a couple of books for you. She said there might be a chance you have a book-related Obsession, so she wanted to get started on a proper collection for you just in case. She also ordered a child-safe vehicle for you and all the stickers you need for its exterior. I think you'll approve of everything she decided on for it.

Also, here. She sent this to me and had me print it out to give to you when you returned. House viewing times. None of your current safe houses are really suitable for children, so she took the liberty to reach out to a few realtors for you to tour a few options she thinks would work for you. None of the options are far from Crime Alley. She did say that her father wants you to bring Danny by GCPD to introduce him to everyone, in case of an emergency. She gave him a watered down rundown of what he's been through and he wants to do what he can to make sure he doesn't go through more crap." Timbit explains, holding out some papers for me to take. I thank him before heading up to my room to see what Barbie ordered.

There's both a crib and a kids bed pushed against one wall of my room. There's also a changing table in case I need to use it. Looking through the changing table, I find it prepared with both regular diapers and pull-ups, a couple different types of name brand wipes, both scented and unscented. The unscented shows that its for sensitive skin. There's also baby powders, and diaper rash cream. There are also some onesies stashed in the changing table. There's a small kiddie dresser next to the changing table made from dark wood. There's a couple pairs of socks, a couple pairs of shorts, onesies that aren't onesies- what are the onesies that don't have little booties called again?- a couple shirts that I realize have my Red Hood symbol which just makes me smile, and a couple sets of two piece pajamas. It's a good start, but I definitely plan on buying a ton more while I'm out today. I find a toy chest with a few stuffies that make his eyes widen and a squeal escaped him. I stand him up on his feet and let him pick out a toy for the car ride while I continue exploring my room.

In my closet, the sight makes my heart skip a beat. My clothes have been shoved to one side while the other side has some kiddie sweats, a few pairs of jeans for Danny, a black shirt with my Red Hood symbol on the front, a cute red leather jacket that looks just like mine- how did she even find a jacket that looks like my Red Hood one?- a shirt that looks like a tiny version of Superboy's, and a Martian Manhunter shirt. There's also a couple of mini suits for things like Galas. On the floor, I notice three pairs of shoes. One pair are black dress shoes to go with his mini suits, one pair are boots that, once again, look like my Red Hood boots- I realized they are meant to be paired with his other mini Red Hood items- and a pair of space-themed sneakers. I pull out a pair of his jeans, and each of the mini Red Hood items.

He lets me dress him in his mini Red Hood outfit and I can't stop myself from taking like a million photos. I send each one to Barbie. I make sure his power dampener is still on his wrist before moving on to another part of my room, letting him go back to checking out his mini collection of stuffies. I find a few new books on my bookcase that weren't there before and I just can't wait to get started reading them. Maybe she's right about books being my Ghost Obsession. I also find a kiddie tablet on my desk, and checking it shows that she's prepared some kind of app that has full showings of a bunch of kids shows, including Little Einsteins, as well as early childhood development apps, and things for online courses for us to go through together throughout the next couple of years.

Moving on, I check to see if there's anything different in my bathroom and I instantly feels my face going red. Good lord she went crazy on the Red Hood items. How is there this many Red Hood themed kids things? Pushing open the shower curtain that has my symbol on it, I see a couple different types of products. It seems she got both regular kids shampoo, conditioner, and body wash, but she also got some others in case we learn he has sensitive skin. There's even two types of bubble bath stuff. And bath toys. Superheroes specifically. On the back of my sink counter, I find she ordered him a Red Hood themed toothbrush, toxic-free bubblegum flavored toothpaste, and kids safe hand soap, both regular and sensitive skin. I check where I keep my towels and rags and see Red Hood, Superboy, and Martian Manhunter towels and rags. In my medicine cabinet, there's the weird suction thing in case he gets congested from allergies, a thermometer, and a few different medicines Dr. Thompkins apparently brought over for him just in case he ever gets sick. Pain reliever, fever reducer, decongestant and other things that are for Meta children. She also sent over some medicines for Danny to prevent infection while his wounds are healing, which after reading the instructions on the bottle, I take a moment to give him the first dose with some water.

After checking a few more areas of the room and not seeing any more new things, I pick Danny up, while he clutches a bear that says its from Build-a-Bear that has an even tinier Red Hood jacket. Guess that's what he wants to take with him on the car ride. I don't know how to feel about him naming the thing "Hood Bear" but I'm not going to say anything about his naming sense. The child named his ghost form "Phantom" after all. I cooed over the fact that naming his Red Hood bear was the first thing he's said since coming to this world. I eventually located a Red Hood brush -seriously, where did she finds all this stuff!?- and did my best to brush out his incredibly fluffy hair.

"Okay, bud. How is you hair like a pup's fur? Its so fluffy. We'll need to find some place that can figure out what I can do to get your hair to lay against your head instead of in weird spikes." I tell him after fighting with his hair, making him giggle before shaking his head, making his fluffy hair bounce.

Finding a diaper bag, I load it up with things from a list Barbie sent to me while I was exploring, I included both a couple regular diapers, and a couple of pull-ups after realizing that he is definitely NOT potty trained as a de-aged 4 year old. I send a text to Barry about what kinds of snacks I can feed him while we wait for the things they are sending us. Apparently, a child this young with a Flash level metabolism is new territory for everyone. Barbie agreed to take some time to see what options we have for buying some high calorie snacks, while I instead take Danny down to have a full meal for a snack, thankfully Alfred was prepared already. I sat Danny in his high chair- she just thought of everything, didn't she? And of course its another Red Hood themed item, somehow- so he can eat while I grab anything else we need that wasn't in my room. I'm zipping up the diaper bag and putting a Superboy sippy cup of juice in one of the outer pockets, when I hear Danny squeal and start crying. I go to the dining table where his high chair is and see Alfred staring at him with a raised eyebrow for a moment before moving to pick up the two pieces of toast Danny had apparently chucked away from himself.

"Guess that means he hates toast." I can't stop the words from tumbling out as I move to lift him from the high chair to try and calm him. "It's okay, Danny. It's fine. No toast, we understand. Can you tell me if there's a form of toast you will eat?" I ask him gently, softly bouncing and rocking my body with him against my chest. He's grabbed onto my shirt and has nuzzled his face against my chest, where we saw Ghost Cores are located from the image in the file.

"Fren' toas'." He mumbles once his sobs turned to little sniffle.

I peak up at Alfred to see his face has a soft smile as he watches me work to soothe the toddler.

"I understand, Master Daniel. I will only make you french toast when I prepare toast from now on. I'm sorry for not thinking to ask you before hand. Is there any other foods you do not like?" Alfred asks him softly. I watch as Danny's face scrunches.

"'fer Danny. I don' thin' I 'ave any o'ther un-likes wiff food." He says softly, before looking frustrated at his speech.

"Maybe we can see if there is someone who can help you with your speech at some point. They'll have to pass JL level background checks of course. I'll talk with your Aunty Barbara to see if she can find someone that can work with you once you've settled more." I tell him, nuzzling my nose against his little cheek. He nods softly, leaning into my touch.

"Well, if Master Danny thinks he's eaten enough for now, I believe you should be ready to head out. I took the liberty to set up his car seat in your new car, but I will go out with you in case you need help strapping him in." Alfred says before grabbing my diaper bag and motioning for me to go ahead of him.

We exit the front door and go over to the driveway and I have to pause for a moment before a sigh leaves my lips. Danny softly giggles in my ears, telling me he's happy with how the car looks. It's red and black, with both Superboy stickers and Red Hood stickers. There's a sun protector thing over both back windows to keep the sun out of his face, and MULTIPLE baby on board stickers. There's also a few ghosty stickers beside some of the Red Hood stickers. On one of Little Man's doors is my Red Hood symbol, and that just makes him light up more.

"At least I know Red Hood is among your favorites." I say to him softly as Alfred opens the Red Hood door. He makes a face at my words.

"Wha'you mean? Re' 'ood IS my fa'orite. Be'ause 'addy is my fa'orite." He says to me like he's offended. He makes another face at his speech, huffing before crossing his arms.

"Your speech is fine, little man. It's adorable. We'll work on it when we find someone and I can still understand you." I tell him before climbing into the back to try to put him into his car seat.

I say try cause as soon as I go to put the straps over his body, he practically goes ballistic. Screaming RIGHT in my ear, he bursts into tears, clutching the front of my shirt and my black zip-up hoodie. This startles me and I immediately cuddle him against my chest and turn my wide eyes to Alfred, not knowing what to do with the fact that he's apparently terrified with the idea of being strapped down. How am I going to go out with him if he can't be put in a car seat? Alfred quickly pulls out his phone and takes a few steps away from the screaming child so he can speak to whoever.

"Commissioner, we have a small problem and we need your input as a Law Enforcement officer." Ah, that's who he chose to call. "Master Jason is trying to go out with his son. We have a car seat, because he's definitely not at the height or weight requirement. But, when he went to put the straps on him, he started screaming and crying. Do you know of an alternative that would still be within the confines of the law?" Alfred asks before pausing to listen to the man on the other side.

Its a few minutes before he speaks up again, and when he does, he looks over at me, nodding to whatever the Commissioner is saying.

"Master Jason probably won't be thrilled to hear that, but if it lets him take his son out, he'll probably be willing to just deal with that option, however strange it might be. Thankfully, Miss Barbara thought ahead and had one delivered. Now, we just have to figure out if the boy will be okay with this, as he'll still be strapped down. I'll try that and see what happens while you and your men make your way over." He says before hanging up the phone, which just confuses me.

"What did he say?" I ask.

"The only thing he can think of is having someone drive you while he's strapped to your chest in the baby carrier while being police escorted. He's suggested a way for us to work with Danny later to get him comfortable with the car seat, but this will have to do for now. The only reasons he's even slightly okay with this option is because Danny has superhuman durability." Alfred explained to me. He's right. I'm not thrilled. But, its better than just leaving Danny when we've already been warned he isn't going to trust humans in the beginning.

I wait in the car with the door open as Alfred runs in and grabs the baby carrier. When he comes back out with it, I notice Danny side-eyeing the contraption.

"Danny, you're safe. I know you don't want to be strapped down. But, this will strap you to my chest instead of the car seat. We have to at least do it this way so I can bring you with me instead of leaving you home with whoever is currently still at home. You either have to be strapped to my body, or be left with humans. They are family, but still. I know you probably won't trust them for a while." I explain to him, tucking my finger under his chin and gently tilting his head to look at me.

He whines a little, and huffs as a few more tears fall from his eyes, but he otherwise just nods his head at this. Alfred works to set up the odd thing, making sure its comfortable enough for Danny and I feel my son lean his head against my chest. He has his little hands pressed firmly against my pecs, just feeling my chest rise and fall as I breathe. This seems to calm him the rest of the way. It isn't much longer after that, Alfred and I hear a couple vehicles pull up outside the gate and wait for us.

"Would you like for me to drive you, Master Jason? Or shall I get one of your brothers?" Alfred asks me as I run my fingers through Danny's hair. I think about this for a moment.

"I think I'll have you drive this time. I have quite a bit to do today, and you'll probably be able to keep me on task so I can get through as much as I can." I tell him after a moment.

He nods before taking the keys from my hand, closing my door after I've strapped the seatbelt around Danny and myself, and going to the driver's side and starting the car. He turns on the radio for Danny, and sets it to a low volume so it doesn't bother his superhuman senses. He backs out of the drive, and we see a cop car pulls in front of us, as well as behind us. We head to the mall so we can get most of the shopping I need to get done in one place.