Chapter Text
The January air bit at Danny's nose as he made his way through Gotham Central Dog Park's gates, Cujo's leash loose in his grip. He wasn't exactly a puller these days - not since Danny had spent three months training that particular habit out of him. The park was pretty empty for a Sunday afternoon, probably because most people weren't crazy enough to brave the cold. Then again, most people didn't have a walking furnace for a dog.
"Alright, big guy," Danny unclipped the leash, letting Cujo bound forward to sniff at a nearby tree. "Go nuts. Just maybe avoid the mud this time? Some of us have work tomorrow."
He pulled Cujo's favorite tennis ball from his pocket, already grimy from their last visit. The thing was practically falling apart, but Cujo got weirdly attached to his toys. Danny had learned that lesson the hard way when he'd tried to secretly replace the last one.
Movement caught his eye - a kid who couldn't have been more than eleven or twelve, standing ramrod straight while a massive Great Dane sat perfectly at attention beside him. The scene would have been impressive if it wasn't so weird. Who taught their kid to stand like they had a steel rod for a spine?
Danny watched as the boy pulled out what looked like honest-to-god index cards, consulting them before giving his dog a series of hand signals. The Great Dane responded with military precision, executing a perfect series of turns and sits.
"Damn," Danny muttered, impressed despite himself. He'd thought he'd done a good job with Cujo's training, but this was something else.
As if summoned by the thought, Cujo chose that moment to abandon his tennis ball and trot over to investigate the newcomers. Danny started forward - Cujo was friendly, but not everyone appreciated having a 150-pound dog suddenly approach them. Before he could call out, though, something interesting happened.
The kid, without missing a beat, shifted his stance and extended his hand palm-down at just the right height. Cujo, usually too excited to remember his manners, actually slowed down and approached properly, sniffing the offered hand before sitting politely.
"Hey, sorry about that!" Danny jogged over. "He usually needs a reminder about personal space."
The boy didn't even look up, focused entirely on Cujo. "Tt. Your dog shows promising intelligence despite his clearly informal training regiment."
Well, that was... different. Danny raised an eyebrow, more amused than offended. "Thanks? I think. I'm Danny Nightingale, by the way. And this social butterfly is Cujo."
"I did not come here for conversation," the kid stated flatly, still not making eye contact. "Titus and I are here to train, not socialize with random civilians."
Danny couldn't help but laugh. "Civilians? What are you, a tiny drill sergeant?"
That finally got the kid to look at him, if only to deliver what had to be the most impressive scowl Danny had ever seen on someone who probably still watched cartoons. "Your attempts at humor are beneath my attention."
"Okay, your highness," Danny grinned, dropping down to scratch behind the Great Dane's ears. "But your friend here seems pretty interested in socializing. Look at him, breaking protocol and everything."
The boy's eye twitched. "Titus, heel." The Great Dane immediately moved to his side.
"If you must know, I am Damian Wayne, and this is Titus. Who, unlike your overenthusiastic companion, understands the importance of discipline."
Right on cue, Cujo flopped onto his back, tongue lolling out as he begged for belly rubs. Danny obliged him, noticing how Damian's eyes followed the movement despite his apparent disdain.
"You know," Danny said casually, "Cujo here is actually pretty well-trained when it counts. He just knows the difference between work time and play time. Watch this." He stood up, and Cujo immediately rolled over and sat at attention. "Guard."
Cujo's entire demeanor shifted, his goofy expression replaced with alert watchfulness. He moved to position himself between Danny and Damian, head high and stance protective.
For the first time, Damian looked genuinely interested. "Acceptable," he said, which Danny was starting to suspect might be high praise coming from him. "Though his form could use refinement."
"Yeah? Any tips from the expert?" Danny asked, releasing Cujo from his guard command with a quick hand signal.
Damian seemed to wage an internal battle between maintaining his aloof demeanor and sharing his knowledge. Knowledge apparently won out. "His positioning is too far forward. A proper guard stance should allow for quicker reaction to threats from multiple angles. Titus, demonstrate."
What followed was possibly the most surreal dog training session Danny had ever experienced. Damian, it turned out, had strong opinions about everything from paw positioning to ear angles. He delivered these opinions like a tiny general addressing a particularly disappointing cadet, complete with dramatic sighs whenever Danny asked for clarification.
"Your dog shows natural talent," Damian declared after about twenty minutes. "It's almost criminal how you've neglected his potential."
"You know, most people would just say 'he's a good boy,'" Danny pointed out, endlessly entertained by this kid's whole deal.
"Most people are idiots," Damian retorted. He paused, giving Cujo a considering look. "His bone structure suggests pure breeding. Did you acquire him from a reputable breeder?"
There was something in the kid's tone, a hint of genuine curiosity and a lot of judgment beneath the imperious delivery. Danny had a feeling this was some kind of test.
"Actually, it's kind of a rescue situation," Danny said, watching Damian's expression shift slightly. "He belonged to my neighbors back in Illinois when he was a puppy, he's just barely one year old now. They kept him chained up in their backyard, right next to a busy road. Real piece of work, those people."
"Irresponsible," Damian's scowl deepened. "Continue."
"Well, Cujo here decided the best use of his time was becoming a professional escape artist. I'd find him wandering around, nearly getting hit by cars. After about the tenth time I had to grab him and the hundredth lecture I gave them about proper pet care, they just... left him on my doorstep one morning." Danny shrugged, reaching down to ruffle Cujo's fur. "Best spite-gift I ever got, though."
"You intervened to protect an animal from negligent caretakers," Damian stated, and yeah, that was definitely approval in his voice. "Perhaps you're not entirely useless after all."
"Be still my heart," Danny pressed a hand to his chest dramatically. "Was that actually a compliment?"
"Tt. Don't let it go to your head, Nightingale."
The conversation might have continued in that direction if chaos hadn't erupted across the dog park. A chorus of excited barking drew their attention to where a group of dogs were circling one of the park's trees, jumping and pawing at the trunk.
"There's a cat up there," Damian's whole demeanor changed instantly, sharp eyes tracking the movement in the branches. Sure enough, Danny could just make out a grey shape huddled on one of the higher limbs.
"Should we call park services?" Danny started to pull out his phone, but Damian was already moving.
"Unacceptable. Their response time is abysmal." He grabbed Danny's arm with surprising strength. "You will assist me. I require a boost to reach the lower branches."
"Okay, first of all, what's with the royal we routine?" Danny asked, even as he found himself moving to help. "And second, maybe we should think this through?"
"Would you prefer to waste time debating while the cat potentially falls?" Damian demanded. "I am more than capable of climbing safely. Now stop stalling and make yourself useful."
"You know," Danny commented as he laced his fingers together to make a step, "most people lead with 'please' when asking for favors."
"Most people waste time with unnecessary pleasantries," Damian retorted, stepping into Danny's hands with the confidence of someone who'd clearly done this before. "Besides, you were already moving to help."
Which... okay, fair point. Danny boosted him up, watching with a mixture of impression and concern as the kid practically flew up the tree. His movements were way too practiced for this to be his first rescue mission.
"Careful up there, Spider-Man!"
"Your pop culture references are juvenile, Nightingale." Despite the dismissive tone, Damian's movements slowed slightly, becoming more deliberate. "Now quiet. You'll startle her."
Danny held his breath as Damian inched along a branch toward the terrified cat. Not that he necessaryily needed to breathe, it'd just become habit at this point. The kid's technique was flawless - keeping his movements slow and steady, speaking in low, soothing tones that Danny couldn't quite make out. The cat's ears slowly shifted forward, fear giving way to curiosity.
"That's it," Damian murmured, just loud enough for Danny to hear. "You're safe now. I won't let these mindless beasts harass you further."
"Hey!" Danny protested halfheartedly. "Cujo resents that remark."
"Your dog is marginally less mindless than the others," Damian allowed, carefully gathering the cat into his arms. "Now make yourself useful again and help me down. This position isn't ideal for climbing with a passenger."
Danny positioned himself under the branch, arms raised. "Alright, your highness. Try not to kick me in the face on your way down."
"Your lack of faith in my abilities is insulting." But Damian did manage to get down without any facial injuries, so Danny counted it as a win.
The cat, surprisingly, didn't bolt the moment her paws hit the ground. Instead, she wound around Damian's legs, purring loudly.
"One of yours?" Danny asked, noting how comfortable the cat seemed with the kid.
"I ensure the strays in this area are properly cared for," Damian explained, a hint of pride creeping into his voice. "This one is called Victoria. She's usually more selective about her company."
Danny watched as the kid's fingers methodically checked the cat for injuries, movements precise and gentle. "You do this a lot, huh? The whole rescue thing?"
"I maintain a comprehensive care system for seventeen regular residents," Damian replied stiffly, as if expecting his words to be dismissed. "Each one has been properly documented and receives regular medical attention when required."
"That's pretty impressive," Danny said genuinely. "You haven't seen them all recently though? With the cold weather and all?"
Damian's posture became even more rigid, if that was possible. "If you're implying that I'm incapable of providing adequate care-"
"Whoa, not at all," Danny held up his hands. "I was just asking because you seemed worried about them."
"I am not worried," Damian snapped, though his gentle stroking of Victoria's fur suggested otherwise. "I merely... haven't seen Maurice in five days. Or Benedict. Or Charlotte." His voice got quieter with each name. "The shelters I've constructed are perfectly functional, even if they're not..." He trailed off, jaw clenching.
"Not what?"
"Never mind. I don't need to justify my methods to-"
Danny spotted an empty bench nearby and motioned toward it. "Hey, come here for a second. I just had an idea."
The abrupt change of topic seemed to throw Damian off his defensive stance, if only slightly. He followed Danny to the bench, maintaining a careful distance as they sat down.
"I work in aerospace engineering," Danny said, pulling his laptop from his messenger bag. "Been working with some pretty interesting materials - stuff they use in high-altitude aircraft." He paused, fingers flying over the keyboard as he pulled up his CAD software. "What if we could use that same technology to build better shelters for your cats?"
"Tt. And you believe your amateur understanding of aerospace materials could possibly translate to feline habitation?" But despite the dismissive tone, Damian had shifted slightly closer to see the screen.
"Well, that's where you'd come in, isn't it? I mean, you're obviously the expert on what these cats need. I'm just the guy who knows how to build stuff that can survive Gotham weather."
"I… pardon?" Damian blinked, clearly thrown by having his expertise acknowledged so matter-of-factly.
"Look," Danny said, quickly sketching out a rough concept. "We could use this composite material - it's super lightweight but incredibly insulated. The trick would be designing something that can handle Gotham weather while still being cost-effective enough that we could actually build multiple units."
"I can handle the engineering side," Danny continued, pulling up a blank workspace and starting to sketch. "But you're the one who knows what would actually make it a home for them. That is," he added casually, "if you're willing to share some of that knowledge."
Damian studied Danny's face suspiciously, as if looking for signs of mockery. Finding none, he drew himself up to his full height - which, honestly, wasn't much. "You would require extensive guidance. The needs of a feline colony are far more complex than you likely realize."
"Hit me with it then," Danny said, adjusting his laptop screen. "What's wrong with their current setup?"
"The existing shelters are..." Damian paused, like he was choosing his words carefully. "They serve their basic purpose. But the insulation is insufficient for prolonged sub-zero temperatures, and the entrances become compromised during heavy snowfall. Additionally..." He stopped again, eyeing Danny warily.
"Additionally?" Danny prompted, already making notes in a new file.
"The spatial configuration fails to account for proper territorial distribution," Damian said in a rush, as if expecting to be interrupted. When Danny just nodded and continued typing, he seemed to gain confidence. "Cats require clear sightlines of potential threats while maintaining separate defensive positions. The current arrangement forces unnecessary proximity during inclimate weather."
"Okay, so we need multiple levels then," Danny mused, quickly sketching out a rough concept on his tablet. "Something that gives them their own spaces but shares heating efficiency... Here, let me show you what I mean properly."
He switched over to his advanced CAD software, the kind they used for aerospace design. The rough 2D sketch transformed into a proper 3D rendering as he worked. "So if we use this composite material I've been working with- it's similar to what they use in high-altitude aircraft, but modified for weather resistance- we could make something lightweight but super insulated."
"The entrance positioning is entirely wrong," Damian cut in, though he'd moved closer to the screen. "And that platform arrangement would never accommodate Maurice. He's rather... rotund."
"No judgment here - Cujo's not exactly svelte himself," Danny grinned, manipulating the 3D model with practiced ease. The structure grew and shifted under his hands as he adjusted parameters. "How's this? We can angle the entrance to prevent snow buildup, add an overhang for extra protection..."
"Tt. This design would never accommodate all seventeen cats," Damian pointed out, frowning at the detailed rendering. "The territorial disputes alone would be catastrophic."
"Who says we need to fit them all in one place?" Danny suggested, quickly duplicating the model and creating a smaller scale overview of potential placements. "We could make several of these, spread them out strategically. Better than one huge structure that might block paths or create bottlenecks, right?"
Damian's eyes lit up, though he tried to hide it. "That... would be more suitable for maintaining proper hierarchical structures within the colony. Different social groups could establish their own territories without unnecessary conflict."
"Exactly. And look—" Danny pulled up the material properties window before adding new elements to the model. The 3D rendering updated in real-time as he worked, showing clear panels integrated into the structure. "We'll want to use acrylic panels here instead of glass - better impact resistance, lighter weight, and it actually has better insulation properties at these thicknesses. Plus there's less risk of catastrophic failure if something hits it-"
"I am well aware of the comparative material properties," Damian cut in, voice sharp. "I don't require a basic engineering lecture."
Danny blinked, then nodded. "Sorry - wasn't trying to talk down to you. I just tend to think out loud when I'm problem-solving. Actually, your questions about the thermal properties earlier were spot on. I wouldn't have thought about the radiant heat loss through the viewing areas if you hadn't brought it up."
Damian studied him for a moment, then gave a short nod. "Continue."
So he did, honestly Danny had no idea how much time had flown by but he managed to gain a lot of insight from Damians knowledge about specific cats and their preferences.
"Right. So you mentioned Charlotte needs height and escape routes," Danny said, focusing back on the model. "What if we did something like this?" He quickly adjusted the upper level, adding a series of interconnected platforms and a discrete back exit. "She'd have multiple paths down, clear sightlines in all directions, and this overhang here would give her cover while still letting her watch her surroundings."
"That... would suit her requirements," Damian admitted, leaning forward slightly.
"And for Benedict - you said he has mobility issues?" Danny rotated the model, highlighting the lower section. "We could add these graduated steps here, with non-slip surfacing. Make them wider than standard, with gentler angles. That way he can still access different levels if he wants to, but there's plenty of comfortable space at ground level too."
"You're adapting the entire structure to accommodate individual needs?" Damian asked, something uncertain in his voice.
"Well yeah - they're going to be living in it, right? It needs to work for all of them." Danny shifted some elements around. "Plus, designing for the cats with specific needs usually ends up making it better for everyone. Like these wider steps - they'll be great for Benedict, but they'll also help Maurice handle the climbing better, and give the others more passing space so there's less territory conflict."
He could see Damian processing this, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly.
"Speaking of which," Danny continued, "what do you think about adding some kind of modular walls here? So they can be adjusted based on which cats are actually using each section?"
Damian's eyes widened slightly. "You would be willing to incorporate such specific modifications?"
"Are you kidding? Getting to apply aerospace engineering concepts to build better cat houses is way more interesting than any of my current projects." Danny grinned, already adjusting the parameters of their latest modification. "Besides, your insights about their behavior patterns are what's going to make this actually work. I can make it weather-proof all day long, but you're the reason they'll actually want to live in it."
A tiny smile tugged at the corner of Damian's mouth before he caught himself. "Yes. Well. The support beams will need to be reinforced if we expect Maurice to utilize the upper levels..."
Victoria, who had been watching their discussion from her perch on the bench's backrest, let out a loud meow, as if adding her own engineering suggestions to the project.
"See? Even Victoria approves," Danny grinned, already adjusting the support beam calculations. "They'll need to be reinforced if we expect Maurice to utilize the upper levels..."
Damian nodded seriously, but Danny caught the slight upward twitch of his lips. "Indeed. Maurice's... substantial frame must be properly accounted for in all structural considerations-"
"Making friends, Dami?"
Danny looked up to find a young man watching them with a carefully constructed casual expression that didn't quite match his alert stance. Good-looking guy, probably in his late twenties, with the kind of presence that immediately commanded attention.
Cujo, who had been using Titus as a furry pillow, lifted his massive head at the newcomer's approach but didn’t move. Danny found that strange, especially since Cujo was usually enthusiastic about new people. It was then he noticed the subtle intensity radiating from the young man, an intensity most wouldn't pick up on.
"Grayson," Damian acknowledged without looking up. "Your attempt at subtle surveillance is embarrassingly obvious."
Grayson's smile was broad and disarming, but his eyes remained sharp. "Subtle? Me? Come on, Dami, I’m just saying hi." His tone was polite, almost overly friendly, but there was a hint of suspicion in his gaze that lingered on Danny. "And who’s this? A new partner in crime?"
"He's assisting me with a project," Damian cut in, his tone clipped. "His engineering capabilities are... surprisingly comprehensive."
"The highest praise yet," Danny grinned, spinning the laptop around to show “Grayson” their design. "I'm Danny, by the way. Engineering student by day, accidental cat architect by dog park meet, apparently." He joked trying to diffuse some of the tension, although it didn't seem to do much for the man in front of him.
Grayson studied the 3D model with genuine interest, and although his stance relaxed a bit, his eyes retained their cautious edge. "This is pretty impressive stuff. That's a modified aerospace composite for the outer shell?"
"You know your materials," Danny noted, pleasantly surprised. "Yeah, it's based on the coating they use on weather satellites, actually. I'm working at Wayne Aerospace right now, hoping to get some hands-on experience with similar applications."
"Wayne Aerospace?" Dick's eyebrows shot up. "That's-"
"Irrelevant to our current project," Damian cut in. “Nightingale, this is older brother Grayson, he is adopted. Nightingale, explain to Grayson why the ventilation system won't fail during winter storms."
"So demanding," Danny laughed, launching into a detailed explanation of the weatherproofing system they'd designed. He noticed how Damian's protective big brother vibe eased with each technical detail, but Grayson’s intensity didn’t wane.
"The stress distribution across these joints..." Damian was pointing at a particular section of the model.
"Is absolutely fine, your highness," Danny assured him. "Remember those calculations we did? The composite can handle way more force than a couple of cats rough-housing."
"He's got you there, Dami," Grayson grinned, though his eyes remained cautious. "Though I have to ask - what got you two started on this whole project?"
"Damian's cat expertise saved the day earlier," Danny explained, watching with amusement as the kid tried to look both proud and dismissive at the same time. "Figured we might as well put that knowledge to good use."
Grayson’s smile tightened a fraction as he glanced at his brother. "But hey, Dami, weren’t you just saying you needed to check on Alfred? You know how he gets when you’ve been gone too long."
Damian's brow furrowed. "Alfred is fine. He is far more independent than you give him credit for. And I am in the middle of a critical design review."
Grayson sighed, maintaining his polite tone. "Sure, sure. But you know how little brothers are. Always forgetting the time."
Danny decided to address the tension directly. "Look, it’s fine. I get it—it’s Gotham. Can’t be too careful, right?" He gave Grayson a pointed look, keeping his tone calm and genuine. "But I promise, I’m just here for the cats. No ulterior motives."
Grayson studied Danny for a moment, his smile softening just slightly as he read the sincerity in Danny’s expression. "Gotham," he repeated, nodding slowly. "Yeah, you’re not wrong about that." He finally relaxed a bit, though a hint of suspicion remained.
"Here," Danny said, handing his phone to Grayson. "Put your number in. I'll send you the design files and material specs. Plus, I've got access to some of the workshop equipment at GA - might be able to prototype some of the smaller components before we do a full build."
"Why are you giving him your contact information?" Damian demanded, that imperious tone creeping back into his voice. "I'm the one who provided critical insights about feline behavioral patterns."
"Because I make it a policy not to give my number to kids I meet in parks," Danny explained, fighting back a grin at Damian's offended expression. "Even ones who can lecture for twenty minutes straight about optimal cat sight lines and thermal comfort zones."
"That's... actually really responsible," Grayson noted, looking impressed as he input his number.
"Yeah, well, I've got a sister about his age. Pretty sure I'd behead someone if they encouraged her to meet up with random adults she met at parks." Danny ruffled Damian's hair, earning himself a death glare that would have been terrifying if it wasn't so hilarious. "No matter how terrifyingly knowledgeable they are about cat behavior."
"Your concern is unnecessary," Damian insisted, ducking away from Danny's hand. "I am more than capable of defending myself."
"Oh, I don't doubt that for a second, your highness. You've got that tiny warrior vibe going strong." Danny started gathering his things, watching as Cujo gave a big stretch before padding over. "But humor me anyway? It's the principle of the thing. If your family ends up being cool with it you can get it from your brother." He said before smiling down at Titus who was now resting his head on Danny's lap happily accepting ear scratches.
"Besides, this way you have to be nice to your brother if you want to come help with the prototyping phase." He said looking back up at the kid.
"Bold of you to assume I want to participate in your engineering endeavors," Damian sniffed, but Danny noticed he was already turning to Dick. "Grayson, your schedule for next weekend-"
"We'll work something out, Dami," Grayson said, his tone finally more relaxed. "Though I have to say, Danny, you've managed something pretty impressive here. He usually takes way longer to warm up to new people."
"Tt. I simply recognize when someone's expertise could be useful to my goals," Damian declared. "Nightingale's understanding of material science is... acceptable."
"And the hits just keep coming," Danny grinned, clipping Cujo's leash back on and giving Titus one last head scratch before standing up. "You know what? I'm going to take that as a compliment. Same time next week? I'll bring the preliminary stress tests for those support beams you were worried about."
"I wasn't worried," Damian protested. "I was merely ensuring your calculations met basic safety standards."
"Right, of course. My mistake." Danny turned to Grayson. "I'll text you those files tonight. Fair warning though - he's probably going to want to review every single material specification before we start building."
"Someone has to ensure you don't cut corners with inferior materials," Damian muttered, but there was definitely a hint of a smile trying to break through his scowl.
"Wouldn't dream of it, your highness. Can't have my reputation ruined by subpar cat apartments." Danny started to head out, then paused. "Oh, and uh- Grayson? If you guys want to check my credentials or whatever before next time, I totally get it. Can't be too careful."
Grayson's expression shifted to something more genuine. "Appreciate that. You're pretty good at reading situations, aren't you?"
"Eh, like I said - got a sister his age. Plus, you know, Gotham." Danny shrugged. "Better safe than sorry, right?"
"Yeah. Oh- also it's Dick by the way. Dick Grayson." The older man smiled, reaching out a hand for him to shake. Danny's smile widened as he met him halfway.
"Danny Nightingale, see you around."
As he made his way home, Cujo happily beside him, Danny shook his head. He mentally planned design improvements, noting extra thermal tests on his phone to avoid "merely acceptable" work. He sensed Damian's hidden excitement for the project.
The kid had good ideas, once you got past the whole tiny emperor act. And hey, maybe by the time they finished building these cat apartments, he'd even manage to get a real smile out of him. Stranger things had happened.