Chapter Text
My son, my son, my son, my son, my, son.
He had a son. Oh god. When he first met Peter he had instantly taken a liking to him. Who wouldn’t! And he loves Nightwing! His kid loves him as a vigilante so he’ll have to love him as Dick. His kids is already taken with Jason. Jason already loves the kid.
The kid had proclaimed his love for Red Hood and Jason’s face had turned red. Then he let him ride with him on his motorcycle. He only lets Dicks ride it if he’s in bodily harm! Then he let him fall asleep on him. Mr Tough Guy was letting Peter cling on to him like a koala.
Dick would be jealous if Peter wasn’t his kid. Peter already likes a part of his family and if that isn’t a massive win. Peter is going to fit right in eventually. When Dick somehow convinces him to come back to the manor or his apartment. Fuck. He’s turning into Bruce!!!
That shakes Dick out of his thoughts. Peter and him have been walking in an awkward silence. Oh. What if Peter doesn’t like him and was only being polite. Dick was so lost in his thoughts he probably appeared a bit creepy but he needed to process all that information. He is about to ask Peter a question about something. God knows what the question is going to be about, he just needs to hear his kid talk. Until Peter blurts out—
“I LoVe ChEwBaKa”
—and slaps a hand over his mouth in mortification. His eyes are wide like saucers, when he’s looks over at Dick to gauge his reaction. Dick can’t help it . He laughs loudly before going in to ruffle Peters hair. Peter freezes at first before relaxing. Dicks about to jump up and down because of that small victory. That teensy weensy bit of trust.
“I love him too bud. Are you a big fan of Star Wars? I don’t know too much about it.”
Jason had tried to get him into it way back then but he just didn’t have the time. One of his regrets.
Peter’s eyes brighten up like the sun. The kid looks like he’s won the lotto and Dicks poor, poor heart.
“Well it’s only like the greatest franchise in the world!”
The kid rambles on about different characters and plot lines. Different scenarios and what ifs that would change the story completely and would somehow redeem Anakin Skywalker? Whoever that is. All he knows that’s he’s hanging on to every word. He’s cataloguing every character down to memory.
”—and Ned! He had such a cool Millennium Falcon LEGO set and we built that in an hour we were so excited.”
He sighs a bit dreamily, imagining this amazing lego set.
Over the duration of his introduction to Star Wars he somehow had managed to drift closer to Peter. Peter was now underneath Dicks arm. Peter doesn’t seem to mind so he keeps it there.
“Is Ned a good friend of yours then?”
Peter gets a faraway look in his eyes. “Yeah. He’s back in New York.” He sighs sadly. The kid has got a kicked puppy expression on (Dicks internally sobbing) and that won’t do. He needs some distraction to get rid of it.
“Are you hungry.” He asks. Food always cheers everyone up.
Peter looks at him strangely before his gut grumbles loudly. Peter turns pink and tosses a scorn towards his stomach. He think he hears a whispered traitor.
“Eh yeah…my parents are probably asleep anyway they’ll be happy that I’ve eaten. So yeah. I’m hungry.”
It was heading close to six. Soon he’ll have to go and do crime fighting stuff but he’ll be able to stay with Peter for little while longer. He’d stay the whole evening if Peter asked and he could get some DNA for later on. Dick didn’t doubt Peter wasn’t his kid. Others will *Bruce*. A legal test will also help him get custody from these so called parents.
I mean Peter looks so thin and they don’t even seems to care that Peter has been gone for more than half day. He’s always flinching and seems to be preparing for the worse. No. Dick is not a fan of these parents. He’ll just have to win Peter over. Starting with food. The kid certainly needs some. He’ll actually feed Peter unlike those snot nose, trollop looking —and now he’s just being mean. They obviously don’t have enough money and are struggling. He needs to get in control of his emotions.
At least he hopes that’s the reason. Cause if it isn’t….
“Perfect! How do you feel about Bat Burgers.”
Bat Burger is a brightly coloured restaurant that Bruce is still swinging round to. They’re sitting in a booth with Peter lightly swinging his legs back and forth, slurping down an artificial blue liquid. Once he understood that Dick would order everything on the menu if he said he didn’t want anything one more time, he quickly got to picking. They were the cheapest things on the menu but at least he was eating.
He was twirling a french fry between his thumb and fore finger, lost in thought, before tossing it back his throat and dusting off his hands. “Are you a regular here?”
The question is unexpected and knocks Dick off his game. “Umm..no? I don’t really come here much.”
“How come everyone is staring at you then?”
“They are?”
“Yup.” Peter pops the p.
“That lady in the red spotty dress has pointed at you and gasped. The old man who was going to the bathroom did a double take and the girl at the register wouldn’t stop giggling at you.”
Huh. Dick has just gotten used to the attention that he blocks out most of the staring and pointing. Please don’t let this drive Peter away, he internally prays.
“…Do you know Bruce Wayne.”
Peter eyebrows bunch up before he knocks over his drink and then proceeds to catch it in record time. No more than few drops spill. He shakes his head in disbelief.
“No way…” He takes off his glasses and leaves them on the table.
“Eh bud you need those to see.”
“No I don’t. I just wanted to wear them for the first few weeks. Reminds me of home.” Interesting.
“So…” He trails off. He’s now nervous. What if he hates WE or Bruce and now wants nothing to do with them?!?! Dick takes a drink to clear his throat when Peter speaks:
“So you’re rich?”
Dick chokes on his drink and thankfully keeps it in his mouth. “Yeah. I suppose you could say that.”
Peter raises an eyebrow. He has something that comes at every table in his hands. A little cartoon drawing of each superhero/vigilante that Gotham has to offer.
“You suppose?” He asks incredulously. “You live in gigantic manor in the middle of the countryside.”
“Well it’s not just me, there’s my siblings and I mostly live in Bludhaven.”
“You have siblings?!”
“Uh yeah….”
“Who?”
“Uh do want me to name them?”
“Yes please.”
“Well there’s Me of course then Babs, although she’s not really Bruce’s kid but she’s our sister still, Jason—“
Peter eyebrows reach his hairline.
“—then Cass, Steph although her situation is a bit like Babs, Duke, Tim and then Damian.”
“Dam. That’s a lot.” Peter blows out a breath.
“Yeah but I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
“Do you all go by Wayne?”
“Just Damian. He’s actually blood related. Everyone else goes by their owns surnames.”
“Do you have any siblings?” Dick asks cautiously. This could be risky territory. Peters been avoiding any talk about his home life the whole of dinner.
“No I’ve got no siblings. Just me and my parents?”
“The Parker Family has any other relatives.”
Peter huffs. “Just my Aunt and Uncle but they’re long gone. My Dad was adopted by my uncle’s family. So my real name would be Peter Grayson.”
Dick freezes. Peter Grayson. That can’t be a coincidence. Peter must notice his state. “Are you ok?” Dick smiles tightly. “Yeah of course!”
Peter looks at him suspiciously but just shrugs his shoulders. “If you’re sure.”
Dick nods and then checks the time. He has to leave for patrol in 15 minutes. Shit. How has that much time passed already.
“Peter I’m just going to got the bathroom before we go ok?” Peter waves him on. Inside the bathroom he sprays some water on his face.
Peter Grayson. My son. My kid. Peter Grayson.
Peter likes Dick (what a sentence). He was funny and was a good listener. He didn’t mind when he rambled on about Star Wars or any topic. His senses had relaxed in an instant when he was around him. It was weird. They hadn’t taken this quickly to Jason and he was a variant of Ben! He wonders if Dick is some relation of his? That might be the reason. Long lost cousin maybe? Or another uncle….
….Careful….
He was kicking his legs back and forth. A bad habit he knows (Skip once broke one of his legs to make him stop swinging them) when a woman comes up to him. She’s mid thirties with a blonde bob. She has sharp black glasses on and has pen and paper in her hand. She looks vaguely familiar.
“Hi I’m Miss Watts. You might remember me from shopping at Bees?”
Now that he’s really looking at her he remembers her. Bee didn’t like her, Peter wasn’t sure if he liked her either. She was on the phone the whole interaction and complained about the price of the shoes she was getting (They were $16 ) and then proceeded to nearly spill coffee on another incoming customer.
“Yeah I remember you.”
She looks like a cat who’s got their cream.
“Well I’m doing some reporter work about local businesses and their employees and I would just love a picture of you!” She cackles like she told the best joke in the world. “So would you mind.” Peter doesn’t want his photo but if it will help Bee bring in more customers…
“Sure…”
“Fabulous!!! Smile!”
A bright flashing light goes off that make his senses scream. It was a quiet day at Bat Burger so he was fine up until now. The bright light makes his brain and eyes whizz.
The photo shows up and she squeals. “Don’t you just look gorgeous. You’ll be on the front cover. Some day kid you’ll be everywhere.” Then she turns on her heels and promptly leaves. A bit of a weird interaction but whatever. At least Bees will get new customers, hopefully.
Dicks taking awhile in the bathroom and Peter begins to worry. He’s about to embark on the most embarrassing bathroom check ups of his life when a voice rings out.
“Oh Peter, I wouldn’t recognise you in this light.”
A lovely old lady named Madge, who was a best friend of Bees, came by the table. He liked her, she always winked at Peter like they had some inside joke against Bee. It drove Bee up the wall.
“Hiya Madge. What are you doing round here?”
She was balancing on her cane refusing to take a seat. She somehow out stubborned Bee.
“Just came back from the centre. Did you know that that prissy one Leah stole my good needle and wouldn’t give it back!” She had a scowl on her face. You didn’t come between Madge and her Needles if you had any sense. They were her children.
FRIEND HI!!!!!
Dick had finally come back from the bathroom and looked a bit confused at their new guest but not unwelcoming.
“You’re back. This is my friend Madge. She comes to Bees everyday.”
Madge looks at Dick. “Parker how come you didn’t tell me your father was Dick Grayson.”
Peter turns scarlet. Oh god. WHAT! That’s why Dick was so freaked out when he said his biological name was Peter Grayson. Probably thought it was one of those baby scares that Mister Stark used to get all the time. Kids, women, men, all claiming to be Tony Starks long lost love child. They were always negative unsurprisingly. Also did Madge just call Dick his Dad?!?!?! How would she even come to that conclusion. They looked nothing alike.
“We’re not related Madge.” She scoffs. “Dimples you can’t be serious.”
She looks over at Dicks don’t say a word/shitting a brick face to Peter, who is only looking at Madge, afraid that Dicks face is one of disgust at being insinuated that he and Peter could be father and son. With also confusion sprinkled in there.
“Oh Lord you are serious. Well folks Madge needs to get home before the Big Bat shows his ugly mug.” (Bee and Madge hate Bat Man)
Without saying goodbye she hobbles out the door. Peter won’t look at Dick and Dick won’t look at Peter. “We better get going.” Says Dick gathering up his wrappers, Peter doing the same a second later. “Yeah my parents will be missing me by now. Thank you so much Dick for the food. It was delicious.”
“It’s no problem kid.” They’re outside now and Dick smiles at Peter. He gives a wobbly smile back. “Where do you live again Dick?”
“I live in the brightly coloured apartment complex. Isn’t it crazy how that lady thought we were father and son?”
They were walking in the direction of Dicks house when Peter nearly stumbled over Dicks words. He thought this was a situation where they would awkwardly laugh it off and never talk about it. Apparently not.
He couldn’t look at Dick.
Play it cool Parker.
Don’t weird him out.
“Yeah it is weird. I don’t see resemblance at all.”
“You don’t think we look a little bit a like?” Dick asks a little heartbroken.
Dicks got a tanned face, bright blue eyes and unruly black hair. He’s not the tallest man going but he’s got bucket loads of confidence. He’s got muscles on him and he’s so nice. Peter has got plain brown eyes and limp hair. He’s pale and thin and looks unapproachable and unappealing. He doesn’t do well in social situations and has always been labelled as a freak. So no. Peter Parker was not like Dick Grayson on the inside or out.
“Nope.”
“Not even like a little bit. A teeny weeny bit…”
“Not at all.”
Dick seems to deflate at that. “I think we look a like.” Peter looks at him from the corner of his eye. “I think you’re the only one who thinks that. Along with Madge but she’s a bit blind. Oh. We’re here.”
He doesn’t know why he’s disappointed that Dick has to leave. He’s not going to dwell on it. Dick looks a bit shocked that’s he’s already at his house. “Oh! Would you look at that….” Dick says dumbfounded.
Peter chuckles. “Thank you again Dick, for everything.” Dick looks at Peter with an odd gleam in his eye. Like he doesn’t want to leave Peter but that’s absurd. Everyone always leaves Peter. Woah. Where did that come from? Back to the back of his mind that goes.
“No problem Peter. Are you sure you don’t want me to walk you to your house. It would be no problem. Really.” He says it so hopefully but Peter can’t exactly lead Dick to the theatre now can he.
“No I’m sure. Thank you.”
Dick doesn’t look one bit convinced. “Get home safely and come by the library soon, yeah?.”
“Yeah I will, as soon as I can.”
Dick let’s out a hmph. “I’ll be keeping you to that.” He waves goodbye and begins to make his way towards his theatre. It’s about an hour walk but Peter doesn’t mind. He had fun with Dick. He can feel Dicks eyes on him all the way until he turns the corner.
He is exhausted. After his little cold spell he didn’t get much sleep. Like an hour every night and it seems like it was catching up on him. He wished he could change into his suit and swing but he can’t risk it. Not when there’s so many people still on the streets. Peters is not going into one of Gothams alleys either.
He’s around 10 minutes away, dead on his feet, when it begins to rain heavily. Peter sighs and puts up his ho— wait he has a hood?!? He still has Dicks jacket on he realise. Shit. He’ll need to give it back…soon. It’s cozy and keeps the rain out though…and Dick won’t be needing it for at least this evening as he’s already at home.
He reaches the theatre exhausted. He crawls into the window and somehow manages to trudge up the flights of stairs before crashing down on his bed. He woke up at 3 when he heard a gunshot. Spider-Man never sleeps he guesses as he pulls over the mask.
It was a quiet day in the shop. He put up some of their newer items. He’s sewn back his Spider-Man costume after a nasty mugging. His side hurt but it should be fine by tonight. He was finishing up his jacket for Harley.
It was half bright pink and the other half was a forest green. Studs and gemstones were dotted on the shoulders. The pocket had an embroidered heart accompanied by a little leaf. It was a busy jacket but he knew Harley would love it….or he hoped she would. He was a tiny bit nervous to give it to her.
Hmmmmmmm….Powers. Right.
He’s in the back when he hears a voice. He carefully peeks out the back and sees a blonde girl bounce into the shop dragging two boys by the elbow.
The boy on the left was looking like he was getting the same amount of sleep as Peter was. He was pale, had blue eyes and scraggly hair. The boy on the right had a darker complexion and an easy going smile on his face. He had a certain air about him. He must be one of those ‘metas’. Peter bit his lip. He swore metas weren’t welcomed in Gotham (except for the dude Signal who was one with the bats.)Well, Peter was no snitch. The girl in the middle had sleek blonde hair in a high ponytail and eyes that bounced from one article of clothing to the next.
She shooed both boys off to look at the garments and then proceeded to walk up to the front desk and ring the bell.
“Coming!” He shouts. He places the jacket carefully on the table before making his way to the front.
“Hi my names Peter how may I help you?” He asks politely. The girl looked at him like he had grown another head and then shook herself out. A lot of people were having that reaction.
“Hi Peter. I’m Stephanie Brown. Bee has a package for me.” Ah. So this was their most loyal customer. Peter makes sure he smiles a little extra at her but not in a creepy way. He doesn’t want to be rude to their biggest customer…even though she was kinda of rude to him.
“Yup she has your package in the back. You can just follow me.” They have to walk past Harley’s jacket, Bees office and into the little fabrics closet. It’s cramped in that room with almost no space for anymore fabric.
Peter prays when he opens the door that nothings falls like it usually does most times. Parker luck decides to strike again.
Not only does one role of fabric fall, oh no, that would be too simple. Buttons, beads, sequences, glue and 6 rolls of fabrics fall. Peter looks and Steph horrified. Steph looks at Peter looking a bit constipated from holding in her laugh. They share a final look at each other in shock before laughing so hard Stephanie falls to the floor.
The two boys who she came in with come rushing in. One has a high heel in his hand and the other has a ring on each finger. It only makes them laugh harder.
“Your faces!” Steph wheezes. It was true. They look shell shocked but they weren’t looking at the mess they were looking at Peter.
Gothamites had a real staring problem she was starting to notice.
“I’m so sorry about this.” Peter chuckles. He begins to pick up a roll of violet fabric.
“Trust me that cupboard is a death trap.” Steph states as he begins to help Peter clean up. She then whips her head around to the other boys.
“What if that was an intruder. Our knights in shining armour were going to safe us with, what? A couple of rings and a high heel. You could have at least brought the second one.”
One of them looks sheepish the other one turns a little red and huffs. “We panicked Stephanie. My upmost apologies.”
“Very humbly accepting your apology Timothy. I shall forgive you and Dukey.”
Presumably Duke, looks at him and rolls his eyes. Peter lets out a little laugh. “I’m Duke and this is Tim.”
Peter gives a nod at both. Those names, he’s heard them before but where….
“I don’t think I’ve seen you before. Are you new here?” Duke asks.
“Yeah just moved from New York to Gotham. Dad got a new job.” They share a quizzical glance at the word Dad. Weird.
“Are you liking it here so far?”
“It takes awhile to get used to it but it’s fine I guess.”
“Have you started school yet?” Quizzes Tim.
“No I’m still homeschooled.”
“You should definitely apply for the Gotham scholarship. We all go there!” Steph rushes out excitedly.
“I’ll have to ask my parents I suppose. It’s a bit pricy isn’t it.”
“Nope that’s the greatest part. It cost nothing to apply! And they even give you money to help out but I don’t mean you need it or anything like that it’s just an added benefit.”
“I suppose I’ll have to ask and see.”
Silence fills the room for a second before the next topic is brought on quickly. They talk about Stephs bitchy boss and Tim who is trying to go cold turkey on the energy drinks. Duke tells him about this lady Anne who was high on drugs and kept banging on about how Duke was a witch and was going to kill them all. Duke. Who said bless you to Duchess when she sneezed (Peter did too but that’s not the point).
After everything’s put away they manage to get Stephs package. It’s a heavy thing and she pays 460 bucks for it. In cash. No wonders she’s a favourite customer.
Peter walks them out to the door, it feels rude not to when they helped him clean.
“We should do this again some time. All four of us and Cass. She’s my girlfriend.”
He wonders if it’s his Cass she’s referring to. If it is he can see them being a couple. Cute.
“Yeah we should. This was fun.” Agrees Duke.
“Soon.” Adds Tim.
Peter blushes. “Yeah….yeah we should.” With a chorus of “Bye Peters” and promises of meeting up in the near future, they’re gone. Peter doesn’t shake his smile for the whole afternoon.
Later on Peters chilling on his web. He’s thinking about his time in Gotham so far.
I’ve managed to meet every one of Bruce Wayne’s children except for the man himself. I wonder if he’s like Mister Stark now or past Mister Stark.
It kinda sucks I’ve only met one vigilante but Cass makes up for it. Her Natasha would be an unstoppable force. Maybe one day they would meet…maybe.
He has Dicks jacket on for a layer of warmth. He reaches into his pocket and his hand catches on the Bat Burger pamphlet. He forgot he took that.
Batman, Nightwing, Oracle, Red Hood, Orphan, Spoiler, Signal, Red Robin and Robin.
This dude could rival Bruce Wayne in children. Batman has 8 and Bruce Wayne has 8 aswell…. Huh. How bout that.
Holy.
Fuck.
He sits up on his web and stares into both, his only thought being shit.
Of course they’re the same people! Cass is Orphan for christs sake! Nightwing has to be Dick. Damian is definitely Robin. Babs is Oracle. Duke is the daytime hero Signal. Steph is Spoiler and Tim is Red Robin so Jason must be Red Hood. Who knew Ben would be a vigilante and rich in this universe.
He them remembers proclaiming his love for Red Hood in front of the Red Hood. Peter covers his face and wishes to fall off his web and never get up. He wishes Parker luck would just strike and make him invisible. Anything but having to talk to Jason again.
That’s how Batman has enough money for gear and everything. He was this universe Mister Stark but more discreet.
With his mind still buzzing he manages to put on his suit. Gotham still needs him and maybe Peter needs the distraction. He steers clear of any form of noise of the vigilantes. He can’t face them. Not tonight.
He goes about his regular routine but he wasn’t concentrating , maybe that’s why he got grazed (stabbed) by a knife from a mean looking mugger.
He hobbles his way back home and cleans it the best he can. It’ll be fine by tomorrow. Then his stomach rumbles and he remembers he hasn’t eaten all day.
In his defence, he has spent the money meant for food these past three days on a wrench. Why? Well he now had everything he needs in his tool kit. He’ll be eating at Harley’s and Ivys tomorrow anyway. He’ll eat then and then he’ll do his plan and then it’ll be Halloween night and the he’ll meet Damian and then he will go into the school and has the floor always been this close?
“Oh Yanks it gorgeous!” Cried Harley. She was hugging the jacket he had made her.
“That’s a lovely gift Peter.” Ivy smiles and manages to pry the jacket out of her girlfriend’s hand. It was Tuesdays tea time and Harley was bouncing throughout the whole thing, itching to open her gift.
She had yanked the jacket off Ivy who scowled at her before shoving it on. She ran to the mirror and squealed. She then tackled Peter into a hug. Peter tried not to grunt. It was not a good idea to pass out on the cold hard floor. His stab would had healed minimally. Progress was still progress he supposed.
The rest of his time with Harley and Ivy is spent praising the jacket and praising Peter. Peter is positive he’ll never return to his natural colour. He leaves with a phone aswell! Harley insisted he have it when he tried to refuse. Said it was only fair and it was just lying around (in a display case was not added).
Ivy and Harley waves Peter off from the door, watching him till he takes his final left down the street.
Harley sighs. “I’d take that kid in if I didn’t know Nightwing is his Daddy. He’s far too thin.”
Ivy rubs her back soothingly. “I know babe you’re right. I would too in a heartbeat. But I’m afraid we can’t just yet.”
They sit down on the couch, Harley holding the jacket as if it’s the most precocious article of clothing she owns.
“Who do you think the mother is? It’s not Space Princess anyway. Dick and her called it quits a good while back.” Ivy wonders out loud.
She immediately likes the kid. He cares about the environment, cares enough to listen to Ivys opinion and why she does what she does and he cares about Harley. The kid ticks all the boxes. He’s adorable with those big brown eyes and those dimples. You couldn’t not like the kid.
“Do you think Dickiebird knows?”
Harley hums. “Only one way to find out.”
Dickiebird
Your kids adorable
How do you know him?
Met him on the 3rd
We’ve been inseparable ever since
Are you gonna take him
Me and Ivy are looking for kids *named Peter who’s far too nice* and Peter seems to fit the description
Over my dead body are you taking my kid.
You’d be great parents for another kid
Yeah we know
Do you know his phone number
He doesn’t have a phone
He does now as his favourite Aunt Harley gave one to him
Don’t stress Dickiebird
Sharing is caring
*** **** ****
Thank you Harley
Ill bring you some of Alfred’s cookies next time I see you
FUCK YEAH
It’s Tuesday, Dick is in the lab with Babs analysing Peter’s napkin. He felt getting a hair sample was a bit too much. He knew Peter was his kid but that didn’t mean others would have the same strong belief or be comfortable with getting their hair plucked out their scalp. Babs said they needed to be sure. It was going slowly though. So slowly that B might be back soon.
Half an hour later, Dick had nearly gone through the carpet he was pacing that much. Damian had come in at 27%. Cass had snuck in at 68% and Jason and flung open the door at 89%. They were so close now at 98% when Steph, Duke and Tim marched into the room.
They all opened their mouths and then closed them when they read the screen.
“You knew?! About Peter or should I say your potential son!!!” Accused Steph.
“You know Peter?” Asked Dick confused. When did they meet Peter.
“Just now. We were at Bees. He’s really nice.” Replies Duke.
“How did you get his DNA.” Questions Tim.
“Dick took him to dinner and took his napkin, real classy.” Jason says with a sigh.
“Hey! You would do the same thing. !” Dick cried outraged. He looks at the screen as it trickles to 99%.
“Gross.” Steph wrinkles her nose up and goes to stand beside Cass, giving her a kiss on her cheek. “Well when did you meet Peter love?”
“The rooftop. Nice.” Cass replies as she smiles remembering her and Peters little spot. “Looks like you.”
She points at Dick. Dick huffs at that.
“I know but he doesn’t think so. Kept on denying it.” The kid was so adamant that he and Dick looked nothing a like. He says that last part sullenly. Babs stares at him incredulously. “Look it’s almost done!” Duke points at the screen.
99.9%….
10–
*ERROR*
Silence. Then everyone crowds around the computer trying to help. Babs reaches out to grab the napkins from the little compartment. Nothing but dust is left in its wake.
Suggestions are flying around the room of what could have caused it, how they could get another sample.
“I mean would it be so bad to ask him for a sample.”
“Yes, yes it would Timothy.”
“Can we not just do it Bruce style?”
“Jason, what the fuck, exactly, is Bruce style?”
“You know just—“ Jason then made several hand gestures, one included throwing a sack over his back.
“Yeah we all know how well that went for you. Remind me how long did it take for you to not be hostile to me?”
“In my defence Dick…you were a prick.”
“In my defence…so were you.”
“YOU WERE 19!”
“AND YOU WERE A LITTLE SHIT.”
“If you may recall, Peter and I are meeting up Thursday at the park. There I will be able to extract a sample.”
“Without getting caught.” Babs gave him a pointed look.
Damian only rolls his eyes.
They go over the cons and pros but in the end they all agree that it would be the easiest solution.
Steph says she’ll be going to Bees again on Friday as she forgot an earring.
Tim and Duke say they’ll come for moral support.
Jason declares he’ll give them the lift.
Dick said it’ll be rude not to go see his potential son.
Babs is his moral support and Damian wants to scope out any potential weaknesses.
Cass is along for the ride she says.
It’s sorted then. Whether the results come back positive or negative they all love Peter. Damian has yet to decide but he’s agreed to meet Peter at least so a win is a win.
They’ll just need to ditch the Wayne scholarship on Friday. Happens every year. With the help of WE, Gotham Academy gives away a full ride scholarship with extra perks to a good few lucky family.
Since Bruce has been gone for three weeks in space, he can’t really complain if they miss this event. They’ve covered for him now it’s his turn to cover for them.
Cass and Tim began suiting up for patrol. Jason was confined to bed rest once Alfred got wiff of a healing stab wound. Dick was on his day off. Everyone will be out tomorrow for Halloween. They’ll need him then.
Gotham was in capable hands with Bruce already out there. Typical Bruce, goes out to patrol before coming to see them. But what is weird is that he hasn’t contacted yet as to why Oracle isn’t online. Weird.
Peter was grinning ear to ear sitting on the cold hard floor of an alley in Crime alley. He had been watching Jason, waiting for the perfect time to enact his plan. Jason’s birthday was going to be celebrated this weekend and he said Peter couldn’t buy him anything and technically, Peter wasn’t buying him a thing.
He found out Jason lived in the ‘fancier’ end of Crime Alley(aka the part of the city with fewer rats.) He snooped around outside the place quietly and had found a little storage room that would be perfect to work in. From looking in through the sky light, another bike was in there already. One that looked quite expensive and with a bat logo plastered on the front of it. Very inconspicuous if you asked him but hey.
Behind you.
Peter scrambled up the fire escape before Jason came into view. He placed his own bike in the shed and took the bat bike out and was off, but not without putting the meanest looking lock on the shed door.
When training with Natasha she had thought him how to disable alarms, unpick complicated government locks and how to throw a punch. The streets also taught him to do it while looking over his shoulder.It took a few minutes but he was able to get back into the little shed.
Thirty minutes later and he had one tyre off and one more to come. He had already upgraded the engine with any bits of scrap he could find. The bike would last an extra five years now, maybe even seven, but that would be pushing it.
He had made Jason a better seat using some of the less mold infested chairs in the cinema. He had used the left over red fabrics form his Spider suit to make it look nice.
He had this idea that the wheels could have studs that would do damage if anyone was in front of you and they could pop off at any moment. These studs wouldn’t puncture the tires and could be but back inside. It was tricky making the schematics works but he did it.
That was his final instalment on Jason’s bike. He only had so much resources and very limited time or he would’ve done a whole movie makeover on the thing.
He had planned for these studs to go on his own bike before D—Mister Stark shut it down. He knew how it would work. He needed two extra wheels for their rubber and had hit the jackpot while swinging over Gotham dump one day.
He had done one already and it worked like a charm. All he needed was to do the back wheel and connect them up to the top of the bike. He was putting his wrench away when he heard a swoosh. He knocks of his torch and the room is encased with darkness.
LOOK OUT!!!!
A large shadow loomed over him. Peter froze in place. Holy shit. That couldn’t be… the Batman. He grabbed his wrench and slowly turned around.
No wonder every criminal is afraid of him. He’s fucking bigger than Jason. This dude with his all black leather and bats and that cowl that covered his face and those muscles and that mysterious vibe. Who did this guy think he is. Peter is not afraid of him. No sir-ee. Not Peter…definitely totally not. So why was he shaking.
“What are you doing here.” He grumbled out. Even his voice was menacing. Like come on. This dude had struck the lotto on the dark vibe aesthetic.
“What are you doing here?” Challenged Peter.
According to Batman, he has no idea that Peter knows he’s Jason’s dad or that’s he is Bruce Wayne. Peter, as a friend, has every right to be here. Batam, a big scary vigilante does not.
Batman only squints at him. “You are trespassing a private property.”
“So are you.” He makes a point to look at where Batman has crossed the line into the shed and is no longer in the outside.
“I’m not the one stealing tyres.”
“I’m not stealing them.”
It’s too dim with only moonlight for Batman to see him. Peter turns back on his flashlight and waves it around his tool.
“I’m upgrading my friend’s bike. For his birthday. What’s your excuse for being round here.”
Is it just Peter or ever since Batman has been able to see his face he’s gotten paler.
“Your parents must be missing you. Out so late at night.”
“When I get back home I’ll go ask theirs ashes.”
Batmans scowl deepens, if that’s even possible.
“Jeez. It’s ok man. Humour to cope with trauma is kind of my thing. You’ll get used of it.”
Batman still isn’t smiling. “Those frown lines are going to kill your mysterious persona when you 50. Anyway, why are you here again?”
“I saw a light and I came to make sure nothing was being stolen.”
Peter hums. “Yeah forgot that’s kinda your job. Well nothing being stolen! Sooo…”
Batman doesn’t leave. Peter has a feeling he won’t just be able to push him out.
“That’s kinda your cue to leave…so I’m just gonna.” He makes muliple gestures from a thumbs up to a flying eagle before resuming his work red in the face.
The silent statue stays. He can barely hear him breathe. He doesn’t know what to do except to finish Jason’s bike. Forty five minutes later and viola! Jason’s bike is officially upgraded. He turns round to the Batman and wiggles his eyebrows.
“Cool huh. I know you’re jealous. You’re thinking ‘I wish I was that good at making cool upgrades but all I can build are bat themed things’.”
Batman cracks, what Peter would like to think is a smile. Either that or the man’s gone insane. Either option is as equally scary.
“It’s good.”
He’s a man of many words he can tell.
“How would you like to go to dinner…?”
Batman asks…awkwardly. Is he nervous? If anyone in the situation should be nervous, it should be Peter. Which totally isn’t but he’s got the right to!
Why would he want to take Peter to dinner. He doesn’t look that thin does he. Maybe he should’ve ate more this week.
“Is this how you lure your children and collect your Robins?”
“No.”
“Alright you’ve convinced me with that astounding answer. However why do you want to take me to dinner.”
He looks Peter dead in the eye. “It’s very nice of you to fix up my so— someone’s (slick, real slick) bike for their birthday. Doesn’t happen a lot in Gotham and I’m hungry.” Batman mumbles out (more like grumbles).
‘You look like you’re hungry and near the brink of death’ is what’s he thinking. He’s right though. He is hungry. Starving. Batman is a billionaire. It’s not like he doesn’t have money to spare but still. It’s the principle of the thing. He already owes Dick a jacket and for dinner. Now’s he going to owe Batman for dinner. He will pay them back though. When he has the money.
“Yeah I could eat.”
Peter loves sitting on rooftops. Batman had taken him to Batmobile and oh my god. It was freaking AWESOME. Peter couldn’t stop staring at everything. He wanted to press every button but he didn’t want to push his luck. They pulled up at Bat Burger (of course) and they got two burgers two fries and two drinks. His metabolism could rip through 5 of everything and still be hungry, his stomach reminded him miserably. He still hadn’t healed fully (read at all). At least he was eating he suppose.
They got to the window quickly. Their food was handed over by an ‘already over it’ middle aged man. He passed no heed by seeing the most feared vigilante and a 14 year old kid pull up at 3am. Only handed them their food and shouted over his shoulder: “He’s got another one Marie.”
Marie only responded if it was a boy or girl.
They didn’t eat their food in the car asPeter said he knew a spot. So here he was eating two bat burgers (all the food was for him. Batman was on a diet or so he was told) with the Bat himself while looking up at the Bat other identity’s business, Wayne Enterprises. He was hoping he would see Cass tonight or more so the look on her face when she saw him.
Batman had placed his hand in front of Peter when he was insistent that he sit on the edge. He didn’t mind. He trusted him and so did his army of children. Batman was good in his books. So far.
“Do you live in a cave?” He knew he lived in a gigantic mansion but he wanted to ask anyway.
“No.”
“Do you at least have a cave.?” Batman hesitates for a mili micro second before answering. “No.”
“Oh you so do but don’t worry, my lips are sealed.” He mimicked locking his lips and throwing away the keys.
He didn’t bring any jacket out tonight. He thought it would be a quick few hours of work. Not eating dinner in a rooftop with the big man himself. He drapes Batman cape over himself. He looks over at him. He gives Peter a nod so he doesn’t take it off himself. He keeps asking Batman a hundred and one questions to keep his mind occupied.
“What’s your favourite Disney movie.”
“I don’t have one.”
“Liar.”
“…Cinderella”
“AHA!”
“Are you and Superman like best bros.”
“Superman and I are not ‘bros’.”
“Are you Superman’s bro but he’s not your bro. Is that why your salty.”
“I’m not salty.”
“Sorry you just spewed out sea water there. Can you repeat what you said?” He asks innocently.
“Are you and Cat Woman…a thing.”
He found out Selina was Cat Woman a week ago. She just told him so she could tell him about how rude a cop who was guarding a famous painting was to her. She said if he ever met Batman to ask him that question. “Make him sweat.” She just laughed when he asked why.
“Why would you want to or need to know that.” Bruce asks suspiciously.
“Heard it through the grape vine. Need to make sure I’ve got the facts rights.”
“Yes…I think?”
Peter only nods.
“What do you think of Bruce Wayne?”
“He’s alright.”
“I think he’s the Flash.”
“How on Earth did you come to that conclusion?” Batman grunted out. But not one of his normal ones. Oops. Touched a nerve.
“He looks like a fast guy.”
“Well he’s not.” He says like a petulant child who’s just been called young. Sometimes Peter is like that when someone calls him 12.
“You’re right. Bruce is far too cool for that.”
“Yeah you’re right.” Batman agrees.
“Who’s your favourite superhero and don’t say yourself.”
“No superhero needs their ego boosted.”
“True story.”
“What’s yours?” Batman had only asked him the minimal questions. He knew he was itching to ask where he lived and who he was he staying with but Peter didn’t want to lie or answer those questions. So as soon as Batman made any move toward that direction Peter switched it up.
FRIEND!!! HI.
“Hmmm. Well I love—“
“Orphan. He loves Orphan.” Cass plonks herself down. Peter beams at her.
“I was gonna say Red Hood but I suppose you work as-well.”
She gives him a gentle shove and then turned to Bruce. She put her cape on top of Peter aswell. “My friend. Nice.”
“Aw. Your nice too Bats.”
Her mouth mask moved so he assumed Cass was smiling.
“Hmph.” Was all Bruce said. Looking at the pair trying to figure them out.
“Have you met the others?”
“Nah. They don’t come round these parts.” He sounds like he’s in a western movie but it’s true! They don’t come round these parts. Bruce seems satisfied at that. Peter resumes his questions with nothing else to do while he finishes his food.
“So why do you have the urge to adopt children?”
“I do not adopt that many children.”
“I need both hands to count them all.”
“Eat your food bud.”
Peter hums happily away until all his food is eaten. Then a beeping sound is going off on both Batmans and Cass’ cowls. Must be important. As he gets up he grunts. The food will help his healing but he’ll have to sleep first.
“Thanks a lot for the food Mr Batman. It was lovely. Cass always a pleasure.” He’s about to leave when Cass catches his hand. “Hurt.”
Peter heart hammers in his chest. Think Parker.
“Nah, just slept in a funny angle.” Cass nods but he can tell she doesn’t believe him. Hell, Batmans looking like he doesn’t believe him. He feels another question is coming when the beeping comes persistent. They both look at each other. Cass places her hand on his shoulder. “Goodbye Peter.” She then leaps off the building and gets swallowed up into the dark.
He’s left standing there with Batman. “If you ever need help…you can always ask Cass or any of us…” He places his hand awkwardly on Peters shoulder. He doesn’t know who’s more uncomfortable in this situation. 1,2,3 seconds go by and then he’s off.
What a strange man.
Holy Fuck did he refer to Cass as Cass instead of Orphan.
Peter was avoiding the Bat Fam like the plague. It was Halloween night and Gotham Criminals were having just or maybe even more fun than the little kids.
He had gone round with several children and their guardians in case of anything bad happening.
“Hey! That’s not nice.”
Peter dodged the punch that was coming for his head. He sent a web at the man’s hand and stuck him to the wall. Crook No.2 decided it was his time to shine and aimed a kick at his Crown Jewels. He dodged it and sent him flying back at Crook No.1.
Spider-Man:36 Crooks :1.
Someone got a shot at his ribs and he swears he heard a crack but that’s between you and him.
He’s also got a stalker on his hands. Robin has been trailing after him. Watching how he fights. It was kinda creepy cool you know but he thinks it’s time for him to face the music.
“Thanks for helping Robin.”
“Tt. You don’t need my help. Who trained you?”
“Wow I’m good thanks for asking Robin. Also why would I tell you that.”
“Were you trained by the league?” Robin accused. He can’t believe no ones figured out Damian and Robin are the same person. Both have that same ‘get away from me this instant, cat hair standing up’ vibe.
“I have no idea who they are man.”
He narrows his eyes. “You swear.”
“I swear.”
“Well then who?”
“Is it really important you know?”
“Yes.”
“An assassin, an ex-soldier, two scientists, a spy, the streets and far too many others.”
He seems satisfied with that as an answer.
“There’s a mugging on Narrow Street. I would be pleased if you would accompany me.”
“Well since you’ve asked so nicely.”
The rest of the night was spent fighting criminals. Damian was twisting his elbow and the crook put the other one to use by trying to jab Peter in the eye.
“Hey! That’s not very nice.”
The crook voiced his opinion to Peter on the matter.
“ILL FUCKING KILL YOU!”
Peter knocks his legs out and webs him up.
“Reach for the stars little guy.”
Damian huffs. “Do you ever stop talking?”
“Nope.” He pops the P.
“Tt. Very well. The cops will be coming to get this delinquent. Let us go.”
An hour later and the streets are clear. He and Damian stuck to the smaller stuff, which was unusual for Damian he could tell. He heard that the Penguin was out tonight along with Mr. Freeze.
They were swinging and bickering when Damian had admitted to had never gone trick or treating.
“Seriously?!”
“Why would I lie?”
“I don’t know man. I’ve got trust issues.”
“Mhm.”
“Only with certain stuff! Still this is an outrage.”
Peter had 12 bucks and a mission to make a dream to come true, whether Damian wants it to come true or not.
Whoever was in Petra’s Pounch at 2 and saw Robin and Spider-Man buy a trolley worth of sweets…no you didn’t.
Once Damian realised Peter only had 12 dollars on him he threw what was left of the candy into the cart and said he was paying. Peter still gave him his money. Just cause he was rich doesn’t mean the money can’t run out. Damian eyeballed him the entire time. He had a feeling that cash would make it back to him.
“These aren’t that disappointing—“ Damian was a big fan of candy corn “—but I do not know why we have to dress up.”
They were sitting on top of an abandoned shop, munching away on their contraband. Peter had snuck a witches hat, a marker and a red bucket into the cart. Damian actually kept the witches hat on after his initial shock at the offensive garment being placed on his head.
“It’s for fun! Look I’m Red Hood, I’m built like a brick shit house and act tough but I’m secretly a softie.”
Peter had drew Jason’s design onto the bucket and placed it on his head. Damian merely shakes his head.
“You look ridiculous.”
“That’s the whole point silly.”
“You’re strange.”
“So?”
“I like you.” Damian declares.
“That’s good Rockin Robin cause I like you too.”
“May I ask you a question.”
“Only if it’s invasive.”
“Are you Peter Parker.”
“Didn’t think you’d take that literally. No. Who’s that?.”
“You’re a liar.”
They stare each other down. How does he know? He hasn’t been anywhere near the Bats except for Cass. He knows they’ve been watching him. Batman and Red Robin especially. It’s getting to the stage of very weird. Maybe they figured him out but no…that can’t be the case.
It’s a battle of wills and Damian wins out. Something tells him that this is the easier way out.
“Fine. Yes. Yes I am. Happy.”
“Yes. I’ve one upped one of my associates.”
“Always happy to help. How did you know it was me?”
“Your smile.”
Peter immediately pulls his mask down.
“Are you serious?”
“Deadly.”
Damian said it so stoically Peter had to laugh.
“Well no more eating in front of anyone while I’m in the mask.”
“I doubt anyone but me could ever find out your secret identity.”
“Going to have to take you down a couple of notches there. Cass found out before you.”
“Bullshit. That’s utter bullshit.”
Peter was enjoying this. He didn’t know Damian was capable of swearing. “Yuh huh.”
He scowls before letting out a puff of breath. “I suppose since it’s Cain it’s allowed.”
“Well I need to get going. Last time I checked I’ve hit the most lampposts. Wanna have one more round, winner takes all?”
“You’re on.”
“Also I know you’re Damian Wayne.”
Damian nearly falls off the building.
“Ace is not usually like this I apologise.”
Damian had shaken off all his family this morning. After last night he was surprised Father still let him go out. He surprisingly doesn’t regret it. He actually enjoys talking with Peter…and thinks Peter likes him too.
He had brought Ace, Titus and Alfred the cat with him. Alfred had drawn the line at bringing the Bat Cow to the park. More importantly he wouldn’t bring her into the car.
Alfred was going to do his shopping while he was out with Peter. He had spotted Peter immediately as he was the only one at the park. It was four in the evening but he supposed the park was not the nicest one in the world.
It was rumored to hold Killer Croc in its lake but Damian knew that wasn’t true. He knows the reptile prefers the sewers. Although in Gotham, their lakes and sewers look rather similar.
Upon seeing Peter, Ace plonked himself down on Peter and refused to get off him. Peter insisted he was fine. Duchess was on top of Peter head and was looking down upon Alfred. Alfred just cleaned himself on Damian’s lap. Titus was getting the ball thrown to him by Damian.
He was instructed by Father yesterday to tail Spider-Man. He didn’t know how Peter knew where he was. He was completely encased in the shadows. Maybe another session of training with the league was needed.
When asked about this and his powers he only gave a vague answer. When he began to eat, he had lifted up his mask and the dots just clicked into place.
He recognised Dicks smile straight away and there’s only one other person that they know of that could have had that smile. He couldn’t believe it. The one person who was driving their whole family up the wall this month was the same person who they had all claimed as one of their own.
Peter was pretty much perfect for their family. They were told by Cass that Bruce was smitten with Peter and had bought him dinner. Father denied all of it.
Dick had nearly burst a vein. He promptly told. Bruce that he had no rights to his child. Bruce said who said it was even his and if it was how could he have been so stupid. He also told Dick that he would be delighted with Peter as a Grandson. That diffused the big fight. There was still some bickering.
Father then had to be told everything they knew and how Damian was supposed to get a hair from Peter today. Todd had come back for dinner yesterday and told him that the kid had upgraded his motorbike. There were tears in his eyes. He then demanded that Peter must be invited to his Party at the weekend.
He said it would make it far more bearable.
Damian was actually enjoying himself at the park that he didn’t realise that an hour had already passed.
“How old are you?”
“I’m 13 and a half.” Damian replied, his tone indicating that the half was very important.
“Cool I’m 15.”
“What school do you got to?” Damian inquired.
“Oh I’m homeschooled. What about you.”
“Gotham Prep. Do you ever get people telling you look like your parent?”
With such little time left he decided to dam tact and go straight for bluntness.
“When I was little everyone said I looked so much like my dad. Why?”
“Everyone tells me I look like my dad in school. I hate it.”
Damian tolerated it to a certain degree. He just wanted to know if Peter thought he looked like Dick or some insight to his backstory.
Peter nods sympathetically. “Must be annoying.”
Before Damian can ask anymore questions a buzz goes off. Alfred says he’s done shopping and is waiting. Damian thinks fast. He still hasn’t gotten the sample.
He likes Peter. He’d go as far to say that he’s on the way to becoming a close acquaintance. He still needs his hair sample and Peter, how does he say this politely…looks like he’s homeless and starving.
“Would you like to come back for dinner?”
Peter looks a bit taken back. “I wouldn’t want to bother.”
“I assure you you wouldn’t.” Damian says with as much conviction as he can.
“No really I should get going.”
“You could come see Bat Cow.”
“There is no way that’s real.”
“Well there’s only one way to find out. Come on. Alfred is waiting.”
Peter bites his lip. Pondering. “If you’re sure.”
“I am.”
“Alright then. I’d love to.”