Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Peter doesn't know what happened. He remembers saying goodbye to Ned and MJ, a promise (which honestly was a certain lie, after all, Peter only caused misfortune to those who knew him) to find and make them remember. Then, the spell was casted.

Everyone had forgotten who Peter Parker was and the identity of Spiderman was unknown. All records were erased as Spiderman.

It was supposed to be easy, simple.

However, it wasn't as simple as he thought it was. After the spell was casted, it felt like he was being ripped apart. It was slow as his healing factor was trying to keep him together. It was as if he was being dusted again. He couldn't even get out a scream before everything went black. His heart that he constantly hears fell silent.

Everything fell silent. Pain stopping.

He wasn't sure how long he floated within that silence before he opened his eyes with a start. His heart beating frantically in his chest. He tried to inhale, breathe in air that wasn't there. Something was all around him. He was in darkness, drowning in something he wasn't sure of.

His Spidey sense was blaring in his head. Horrible, loud, headache inducing… he needed out. Danger surrounded him.

Peter needed to get out of here.

He tried to swim, swim to the surface but whatever he was in was thick, hard to move in. He couldn't stop the substance from getting into his body, drowning him.

He died not even making it a foot from where he had woken up.

Darkness, unlike last time, didn't last long.

He woke up with a start after what felt like a few seconds of darkness.

He immediately tried to swim out again. Swim upward in what seemed to be a never ending darkness.

Was this his afterlife? To suffer in a never ending cycle? What had he done to deserve this? He never killed anyone. He was good. A hero. He felt the tears come out of his eyes but get stuck inside of whatever liquid he was in. It wasn't water. It was thick, unforgiving.

He died again after two minutes this time, his lungs burning after only making it a few feet.

Time after time, he died, he knew he did. He could hear his heart each and every time, he also heard when it gave out. Stopping beating for a few seconds to a few minutes before beating again as if he was constantly dying and reviving.

Slowly, he started to get angry.

It started small. The anger crept in and stayed, growing. Soon that anger passed the anger he felt when Aunt May was killed. The anger seemed to help him, getting him farther and farther through the liquid as it grew. Soon, light broke through the liquid. He could see the colour. A sickenly green liquid that didn't look like anything he had seen before.

It wasn't long after seeing the colour of the liquid (was it liquid?) he was in, he broke through the surface.

He gasped for air as he finally broke through.

He took a moment to just breathe before taking a look around. His senses were still screaming at him, only this time it was a bit quieter. Which meant still danger but not dying slowly and painfully again and again level.

He was in the middle of a large green pool, was this radioactive? Not like he wasn't already exposed to radioactive material before. He was bitten by a radioactive spider for heaven's sake.

Looking a bit closer, he noticed he was in a cave, the pool seemed to be at the end of said cave as three sides of him were covered in jagged rocks while one side was completely open. Yet, it didn't seem like an abandoned cave, there were lights everywhere. Placed lights and somethings set up near the pool as well as a fence surrounding most of the pool besides a small gap.

Despite how weak Peter actually feels, he forces his body to keep moving. Anger mostly guides him as he swims through the thick green to the opening.

He pulls himself out of the liquid. Spider sense quieter now.

He suddenly realizes that his Spider sense was only going off around that liquid. Whatever it was.

He stood up on shaky legs as he got out.

Using the metal fence a bit as support, he waits a few minutes to get used to standing again before letting it go and stumbling over to a desk. There were a few desks scattered around. Computers on most while others had papers and books. Files were basically on every desk.

He went to the first desk closest to the pool of green.

This desk had a computer on his but also a file neatly organized right besides the keyboard.

Peter sat on the chair at the desk. He closed his eyes, listening. No heartbeats, no breathing. He was alone.

His Spider sense was quiet.

So, with no trouble nearby, he reaches forward to grab the file only to pause.

Was his hand… smaller?

He didn't notice at first but now that he thinks about it, he was small too, wasn't he? He felt the little anger that stayed behind fade away as confusion takes its place. He was small. His hand was smaller than it should be. He was eighteen and he had the hand of a child. Looking in the reflection of the monitor, he noticed how young he looked. How different.

He shoved that thought away.

First he needs to find out where he was too. What was happening took priority. Him looking different wasn't a concern right now.

He reached forward and grabbed the file.

Opening it, he read.

He just stared.

Why were the words all jumbled?

He couldn't read this. Shit… was this another language? It didn't look like any language he's seen before. It was possible it was an alien language but to have this length of technology on Earth for aliens… wait, was he on earth?

Peter shoved the file away from himself and focused on the computer. He went to turn it on only to find it required a password. He was about to try hacking into the computer but froze.

He was right to continue to listen to everything around him. While his Spidey sense wasn't going off, he heard a heartbeat. Sudden and slow.

Peter growled quietly, he paused, he had never growled before. It had just been instinct. He shook his head, he stood, quickly hiding behind the desk as the heartbeat grew closer.

He crouched behind the desk and waited.

He heard as the person walked into this part of the cave.

Peter slowly peaked out from behind the desk as he heard papers being picked up and scanned through. Alien or human?

It was a tall man, maybe six foot if Peter had to guess. He wore a red mask, clearly a mask and not his face. So human, or at least he looks human enough.

The man sighed, “of course it's coded.”

Coded…? Was that a code and not actual language?

“Fuck it, the replacement can decide this.” The man threw the papers back on the desk, Peter ducked back behind the desk as soon as his head turned slightly.

The man walked around for a bit, slow and cautious. He didn't seem to stop at any other desk, the only other place he stopped at was the very desk Peter was behind. The one he had turned on. He made a big mistake turning it on, didn't he? The man was bound to know someone was here.

He hummed, leaving the computer after a few minutes of shuffling the contents on the desk around. He then walked around the desk, towards the green liquid.

The moment he turns around, he'd see Peter. Trying not to make a noise, he tried to walk around the desk out of sight. While his senses say he wasn't in direct danger, they were still going off.

Not to mention, he was naked. He had other worries than waking up naked at that moment. Now that he realizes it, he should've been more concerned about that fact.

Instead of hiding seamlessly, he fell backwards, knocking into the desk and shifting it slightly making the man spin around and whip out his gun from where its holster was on his thigh.

Peter felt tears in his eyes.

He shouldn't be this upset but seeing a gun being pointed at him, he couldn't stop the fear. His tears fell down his face before he could even think about stopping them.

“Shit.” The man muttered, quickly holstering his gun and crouching down, holding his hands up, “it's okay kid, ‘m not gonna hurt you.”

Peter shook his head, standing up fully with the help of the desk but he still felt weak. Were his legs always this weak or was it the adrenaline that made them seem less weak? He didn't stay standing long, he dropped and cried out when his knees scraped against the stone.

“Fuck.” The man stood up and rushed over, Peter flinched back when the man crouched down suddenly in front of him. “I'm sorry kid,” Peter watched as the man took off his jacket and offered it out. “Can I help you put it on?”

Kindness…? Peter didn't stop himself from slowly nodding. He was cold. Any more coldness and he'd be sent into hibernation. If he gets sent into hibernation, who knows what will happen to him.

“Arms?”

Peter slowly raised his arms and the man put it on him, wrapping the jacket that was really oversized for his small body before zipping it up and moving Peter so he's sitting on the end of the jacket instead of being on the rocky ground.

“I need to know something kid, did you come out of that?” The man asked, gesturing behind him with his thumb towards the liquid.

Peter glanced at it. He tensed slightly, he closed his eyes quickly as soon as the feeling of drowning again and again surfaced. “Y-yes…”

“Oh kid…” the man sighed, he was quiet for a minute before he shuffled. Peter opened his eyes only to see the man without the red mask. He had black hair with a white patch on the front of his hair. Vibrant green eyes were toxic, almost like the same green as liquid. “The names Jason,” he introduced.

“P-Peter…” he manages, he hates how young his voice sounds. He sounds like he's five.

“Have a last name Peter?”

Peter didn't deserve the last name Parker. He didn't deserve to call himself a parker after everyone died. Two of his family's deaths were his fault.

He shook his head.

Jason was silent for a moment before asking another question, “any family, then?”

“D-dead…”

Jason sighed, “I can't believe I'm doing this.” He mumbled under his breath, “how do you feel about coming home with me? You'll be safe. I promise.”

Safe.

No matter how much Peter wanted to scream he wasn't ever safe after getting bitten by a radioactive spider, he felt himself relax slightly. A promise of being safe…? Peter knows how hopeless that promise is but he was here. He was in a child's body with no idea where he was. He'd figure it out.

Peter nods.

Jason seemed nice. Something about him also seemed familiar.

Jason smiled slightly, “I'm going to put back on my mask, while it's on, call me Hood, okay?”

“Why?”

Jason grabbed his helmet and put it on as he answered, “I'm a vigilante.”

Peter had a feeling it was something like that. Peter knew most vigilantes, at least by name, around the world. A vigilante named Hood wasn't a name he knew.

“I'm gonna pick you up, okay?” Jason informed him, only moving to pick him up once Peter nodded. One arm went under his knees while the other wrapped around his back.

Jason carried Peter out of the big cave area into smaller tunnels. He noticed plenty of connecting tunnels but Jason seemed to be retracing his steps as he suddenly went down random tunnels. Peter kept looking around, eyes scanning everything in these tunnels. In one of the tunnels, Peter couldn't stop himself before turning his head into Jason's chest, hiding his face.

Jason stopped. “What's wrong, kiddo?”

Peter didn't respond. Only feeling as tears ran down his face again.

Jason must've looked around and saw what Peter had seen. A body laid in a pool of dried blood at the entrance of one of the tunnels. “oh, sorry kid, forgot about that. Keep your eyes closed, we'll be outside soon.”

Peter did.

He felt embarrassed. Why can't he control his emotions? Usually he has better control than this. Usually seeing a dead body is upsetting but he's able to stop himself from crying unless it's someone connected to him. That man wasn't connected to him at all. Why was he crying? Why was he so goddamn upset?

“You can look now,” Jason said just as wind hit him, “we're outside.”

Peter did, slowly looking around at the forest around them. There was no path, no buildings, just a motorcycle by a tree.

“We're pretty far away from Gotham but it shouldn't take longer than eight hours to get home. I know some shortcuts.”

Peter looked up at Jason as he started to head towards the bike. “Gotham…?”

Gotham didn't sound familiar.

“Huh? Where are you from, kid?”

“New Y’rk.”

“I guess New York is closeish to Gotham.” Jason said as he placed Peter on the bike. “Give me a sec, kid, I need to contact someone.”

Peter nodded as Jason stepped away, far enough away where any normal person wouldn't be able to hear clearly, yet Peter was anything but normal.

Jason took off his mask and pulled out his phone, he tapped on it a few times before calling someone and putting the phone to his ear.

“Jay?” The voice on the other end was masculine.

“Hey, I need a favour.”

“What happened? I thought you were checking out that base?” The man on the line asked, “don't tell me you-”

“Listen, I might not do anything the bat asks of me but A asked me so I kinda had to. I did it and the replacement needs to come down and decipher all the files. no danger but I have something I need to do.”

“Something to do…? What did you find Jaybird?”

“A kid came out of the Lazarus Pit. About five or so.”

Five? Peter didn't think he was that small. He thought he was at least nine or ten. Not five. Was Jason bad at telling ages or was he right…? Did he really look five years old? He was meant to be eighteen! This was way too weird.

“Shit, what are you planning?”

“Im taking him home, to my apartment, not the manor. Bruce doesn't get to see the goddamn kid. He's already had to go through the Lazarus Pit, who knows what happened to him.” Jayson glanced at Peter who pretended to be interested in the bike. “Listen, I just need you to drop off some things at my apartment. You still have my spare card B insisted I have?”

“‘course I do. Whatcha need me to get?”

“Clothes that fit a five year old. Shirts, pants, underwear, shoes, shit like that. Also toothbrush and toothpaste for a kid his age. Only essentials for now, leave the rest for later.”

“Can I buy him some toys and stuff on my own card?” Why would this man want to do that?

Jason sighed, “like I can stop you, Dick. Just don't go overboard. The kid just survived hell. If you buy anything for him, get him a stuffed animal or something. Also, get Tim here as soon as possible. I want to know what those fuckers were doing with that pit.”

“I will, Jay.” Dick’s (bad name, who the hell names their kid that?) voice softened. “get back safely. I wanna meet the kid.”

“Maybe once he's settled.” Jason looked at him again, this time Peter looked back and tilted his head. “Tell B he's not to interfere with him. I'm taking care of him and if he thinks he can step in tell him-”

“-to go fuck himself?” Dick finished, “don't worry, I will.”

Jason hung up. He sighed, walking back to the bike and sitting behind Peter, putting back on his helmet. “Feel free to sleep. It'll take a while to get to Gotham.” He said as his arms surrounded Peter and held the handle bars. It wasn't long after he started up the bike that they took off.

Peter couldn't stop the exhaustion he had been fighting off to consume him. He fell into darkness once more, only this time his heart still beat. His lungs weren't drowning in green liquid he couldn't escape from in time.

Chapter Text

Peter wakes up to a heart beat behind his head and the loud roar of a motorcycle moving. Everything's really loud but manageable, he's dealt with worse with Tony in his lab. Explosions were loud, unforgiving to the fact he has sensitive hearing.

He didn't open his eyes, only listened to the steady heartbeat behind him.

He remembers a time he would constantly wake up for a few months straight and would listen for heartbeats in the apartment to make sure May was still alive. That had been after Ben's death. He was terrified she would've died on him too. She did, unfortunately, yet that wasn't until years later and due to a stupid mistake.

Jason, he remembers suddenly, that was Jason's heartbeat.

Peter opened his eyes slowly, they were still driving but this time instead of a forest, they were on a street.

“Huh…?” He blinked a few times as Jason slowed down and parked his bike.

“You awake, Pete?”

Pete? That sounded too familiar. Too close to someone long gone.

“Where are we…?” He manages as Jason turns off the motorcycle and gets off the bike, picking Peter up once again.

“We're at my place. You slept through the whole ride.”

He did? Peter didn't usually get much sleep. He often has nightmares since Tony's death. He remembers soundproofing his room one day after he woke up May. He still felt tired though… didn't Jason say they were far away from Gotham? How long was he asleep for?

Peter managed to glance upward. The sky was dark. Was it night? Wasn't it night when they exited the cave? Peter frowned as Jason entered the building.

Peter didn't mind much as he was carried up the stairs and carried into a room, Jason managing to unlock the door with his hands full. They stepped inside and Jason closed the door with his food before kicking off his shoes.

“Home sweet home.” The man sighed out walking towards the couch. “You mind if I put you down to go get some clothes for you? My brother shoulda dropped them off by now.”

“Brother?” Peter asked, he still didn't like how small his voice sounded now. Small and young. He sounded innocent, as if he hadn't seen multiple people die. As if he hadn't fought nearly everyday. As if he hadn't died over and over again.

“Brother,” Jason nodded, “I have a few, as well as sisters. None blood related but families not always blood. I called him before we left. He shoulda gotten some clothes that should fit someone your size.”

“... Name?”

“Hm?” Jason raised an eyebrow at him, “Richard, but everyone calls his Dick for short.”

Peter nodded.

“I'll be back in a minute,” Jason said, disappearing into a hallway behind the couch. Peter watched as Jason disappeared from sight but he could still hear Jason picking around in a room, his heart loud and present.

Peter took this moment to examine himself a bit. His body felt… different? He didn't feel normal. Maybe it was because of the fact he was in a small, younger body he's used to but there was something else. His eyesight seemed stronger, hearing seemed more heightened… If he truly focused he could hear the blood running through his own veins. He never could hear that before. His wrist also felt off.

Running a hand over his wrist, he noticed something nearly unnoticeable. To anyone not looking, it would seem normal. Non-existent really. Yet Peter noticed. A small bump on his wrist. Slightly black in colour. Was this… no, that's impossible.

He couldnt-

“I'm back,” Jason interrupted, coming back with an arm full of children's clothes. His mask off now.

Peter immediately let go of his wrist.

“Your wrist okay?” setting the clothes on the couch beside Peter, he held out a hand, “can I see?”

Dammit.

It's not like Jason would actually notice anything, right? Peter thinks he knows what it is but Jason might not. Maybe he should make an excuse not to-

Peter extended his wrist. Why did he do that? Why did he listen? He needs to be careful if Jason finds out he's a mutant who knows what will happen? Most people don't like mutants. That much was clear when he was revealed as Spiderman. The names he was called still ring in his head.

Freak.

Sticky bastard.

Spider-freak.

Abomination.

Monst-

Jason lightly took his wrist in his hand and examined it. He brought his other hand up and lightly touched the small black spot on Peter's wrist. He felt the bump. Peter couldn't tell if Jason understood what it was but he nodded to himself before giving it back. “It doesn't look bad, it should be fine. Tell me if it hurts, alright?”

Peter nodded slowly. It wouldn't hurt, or at least it shouldn't. Then again, Peter's never had this before.

“Do you need help changing? Going through the Lazarus Pit takes a lot out of you. I don't want you to fall getting dressed.”

“I-I…” is why he was so weak? That liquid must be called the Lazarus Pit. “I can do it.” He didn't think he could handle Jason dressing him.

“Want to do it in the bedroom or do ya want me to turn around?”

Options, Jason was giving him options to feel comfortable, in control of himself. Peter didn't want to be carried again without being dressed properly but he also didn't think he could walk so…

“Turn…” he mumbled, embarrassed.

Jason nodded, taking a few steps away and turning around.

Peter stayed still for a few seconds before looking at the clothes. They looked like pajamas.

He pushed himself off the couch and managed to stand on shaky legs. He unzipped the jacket slowly and let it drop to the floor.

He put on the underwear which laid on-top of the pile before putting on the pants, only managing to stumble while putting them on two times before pulling on the shirt. Fuzzy black pants with a yellow circle with a black bat in the center on the thigh, which was really comfortable. The shirt had a red bad symbol much like the one Jason has on. Only now realising Jason had the symbol until he saw the large symbol on his own chest.

“D-done.”

Jason turned around, looking at Peter and hummed. “A bit big but it'll do.”

Peter crouched down to pick up the jacket off the floor but he stumbled, nearly falling over but Jason quickly caught him and picked him up, putting him on the couch before picking up his own jacket.

“Don't worry too much Kiddo.” He threw the jacket over the back of the couch. “Any questions for me, kid?”

A shit ton, Peter thought, yet… “What was t-that place?”

“You don't know? Right…” Jason brought a hand to his chin, looking away from Peter. “That was a Lazarus Pit. We thought they were all dealt with but it turns out there was still one we didn't know about in that cave. Know what the Lazarus Pit is?”

Peter shook his head.

“It can do a few things but it looks like that Pit was being used for the resurrection effects of the Pit.” Jason looked uncomfortable but continued, “it can revive the dead, basically. Not always do they come back the same.”

“Not the same…?”

“Don't worry about that kid, you came back the same, at least I think so. You're not crazy and attacking me so you're okay.” Jason got tired of sitting and sat besides Peter on the couch. Not too close where they were touching but close enough where if Peter wanted he could lean on him comfortably. “Anything else?”

Peter did have more questions but none of them would help him stay safe. He didn't want to tell Jason about anything yet. Not about him being a mutant. Not about himself actually being an eighteen year old trapped in this five year old body. Especially not about how he died. He's happy Jason didn't ask him how he did die. He doesn't want to remember. To explain.

He shook his head.

Jason nodded, “how about you-” his phone rang. “Hold on, kid.” He took out his phone and groaned, answering it. “Yeah Dick?”

“You home yet?” oh, it's the same voice from before. The one Jason had get these clothes.

“I am,” Jason gave Peter a side glance before reaching forward and grabbing the TV remote before switching it on and changing the channel from the news to a kids channel. Peter looked at the TV as he listened to the conversation. Not like he had much of a choice. “Did the replacement go to the cave yet?”

“Yeah, just wanted to tell you Tim's got there. He's downloading the files from the computer and looking through the files while waiting. He hasn't deciphered the code yet.” Dick explained, “did the clothes fit him? I didn't know his size.”

“The pajamas you picked out fit, bit big but he'll grow into it. You called for another purpose, didn't you?”

“Yeah, did you see the stuffed animal?”

“I did,” Jason sighed, making Peter look at him. He seemed a bit frustrated. How could the mention of a toy bring him frustration? “Did you have to pick up one of my plushes? That's not even a stuffed animal.”

“To be fair,” Dick sounded amused, “you are the one who brought him outta there. He's bound to look up to you, just getting him something he'd like.”

“Still, I thought you'd get hi’ a teddy bear or somethin’.”

“When can I come over to see him?”

Jason ran a hand down his face, “Dick, I told you, once everything settles down a bit-”

“I don't mind…” he mumbled. Peter liked meeting new people. He always did. Well not always but he should be fine.

“Kid?” Jason pulled the phone a bit away from his ear and looked at Peter who was now looking at the ground.

“He's loud…” he manages, it's all the explanation he wants to give. “I don't mind.”

“You don't have to force yourself. It's a lot of changes happening right now. Dick can be… a lot and you- hm…” Jason thought better of finishing that sentence. Peter could guess what he would've said. “You sure, kid?”

“Mhm…”

“Okay, Dickie,” Jason put the phone back to his ear. “How ‘bout two days from now? While the kid seems fine with meeting you, I still wanna give him a bit of time.”

“Great! I'll bring a gift!” Dick hung up.

Peter wondered why he was acting so weird. His mind told him one thing but his actions said another. He wants to talk more, to speak properly, to not speak in short sentences and not so quietly.

He stared at the TV in thought. May had always said as a child he was quiet after his parents death. Barely talking, never loud. He was sometimes invisible and would scare both May and Ben. It wasn't until he was ten when he started to get loud, confident, never missing in a room. Did his mind reverse him back to those days?

Peter remembers how he was confident alone, yet with others, he'd act much like how he's acting now.

It was weird. This is as if the universe is giving him a second childhood. As if the universe itself felt sorry for him having to even ask everyone he knew to forget him.

Was this a bad thing? Peter didn't know.

“You okay kid?”

Peter looked at Jason, Jason looked worried. He nodded, turning back to the TV.

He didn't see the sad look on Jason's face, despite the sadness, understanding was there as well. Instead, he covered it up, tapping a bit on his phone so Peter didn't see it. “Want to get pizza?”

Pizza? How long has it been since he had pizza? He looked at Jason and nodded.

“You good with pepperoni pizza?”

“Y-yeah,” Peter mumbled out. Okay, he definitely reversed back to his younger years.

“So,” Jason muttered to himself as he ordered through his phone, probably an app. “A pepperoni pizza, garlic fingers, two… hey kid, what drink do you want?”

Peter shrugged, he didn't mind the drink.

Jason contained, “two bat-soda,” the hell is a bat-soda, “and a toy.” Since when do pizza places have toys? Usually that's just McDonald's, right? Peter never had McDonald's much, he never actually had a lot of fast food until Tony came into his life but he had never heard of any other places having children's toys.

“toy…?”

“Hm?” Jason glanced over, “yeah, toy. You're a kid, you should have more toys than a stuffed animal.”

Peter looked away. He was eighteen… he shouldn't enjoy the thought of getting a new toy. Yet, he does. He wonders what toys Gotham has in it.

 

He got, according to Jason, a Nightwing toy. He liked it.

Chapter Text

Peter sat alone in the dark. His knees were to his chest as he sat in the middle of the bed Jason had carried him to. He was still weak from the Lazarus Pit. His legs refused to hold him for more than a couple of minutes. He hated it.

Jason had left him in this room as he sat in the living room on his computer and talking to someone Peter could hear louder than normal. The phone must be on speaker. Jason was trying to be quiet, thinking Peter was asleep but he wasn't, he couldn't.

The plush Dick had given him sat beside him. He had originally tried to sleep. Tried every usual position he sleeps in, even sleeping with the plush thinking his child brain would fall into darkness with it. Nothing worked and he was tired of trying.

So he sat there, listening to Jason's heartbeat as well as the conversation clearly about the documents they found in that cave.

It had been hours since Jason had bought them both pizza. Even having some snacks as he decided to put in a movie Peter had never seen before. Despite all of that, he's still hungry. Damn his metabolism.

He has the body and emptions of a five year old while having the powers of an adult Peter, actually, even stronger than adult Peter.

He looked at his wrist again. At the small black spot. Should he test it?

He lifted his arm and aimed. He did the same motion to use his own webshooters but nothing happened. Maybe it was something different? Afterall technology doesn't work the same as biology. Or… he could just be mistaken on what these were. He just had a feeling he could produce his own webs.

So, how does he do this?

The other Peter could, he never said how different it was though. Just that he never needed web shooters like the other two Peters in the room.

He tried again.

Nothing happened.

Maybe he needs to tense his arm?

He tensed his arm and did the motion once more but nothing.

He was about to try again when he froze, paying attention to the conversation in the other room.

“There's also something odd about these files.” The voice on the phone said, was this Tim?

“Oh yeah?”

“I haven't finished translating it but apparently this Lazarus Pit was used as an experiment to see if they could bring a soul into a from this world body from another earth.”

Peter was an experiment? He's not really surprised by all of this but it hurt a bit to think about whose body this was before he was forced into it. He looks different, sure, but he does look like himself as a child besides the toxic green eyes and the white patch in his hair. According to Jason, it was a side effect of being revived by the Lazarus Pit.

“Another earth?” Jason sighed, “great, multiverse travel.”

They knew what the multiverse was?

“Yeah, can't tell if… uhh, was his name Peter?”

“Yeah, Peter.” Jason hummed.

“I can't tell if Peter is from this world or another. Did he mention any family?”

“Dead.”

“Great, last name?”

“None he can remember.”

“I… hold on.” Tim sounded confused.

“Find something?” Jason was typing away on his laptop. Peter decided to keep trying to make a web while listening a bit more closely. He might get some answers. Something, anything. He needs to prepare himself for when Jason asks.

Tim was quiet, only shuffling could be heard through the phone for a minute. “Peter wasn't the first one in that body.”

“Explain replacement.”

“I translated one of the documents partially, I'm sending it over.” A ding of a phone notification was heard a second later. “Peter wasn't the only one in that body.”

Jason stops typing, assumingly he looks at the message and his heart slows, panic, Peter could tell. What was on that file? Shit, why couldn't they just say it?

“This… this can't be right.” Jason sounded off.

“I'm afraid it is. I fear it's going to get worse the more I go through. This is only the second inhabitant and there's a lot of folders here. Keep an eye on him, Jason, anything happens and he might die.”

Die?

Peter froze.

If multiple souls inhabited this body, what did happen? Would he die like them? How did they die? Was it because of the spider DNA?

He felt anger build. Anger that he desperately wanted to suppress but couldn't. He dropped his arms from trying to create a web, gripping his hair instead and biting the inside of his mouth. He barely even registered the metallic taste in his mouth.

He didn't want to die again. Why did the universe even give him this body if he was just going to die? Stupid Dr.Strange managed to kill him again. Stupid Parker luck. Stupid. Stupid. Stupid. Stupid.

“Hey hey hey, kid, listen to my voice, alright?”

Peter threw a punch as soon as he felt a hand touch him. He didn't collide with anything but once the punch was thrown his hand was grabbed and opened, an object placed in his hand.

“Throw it.”

He didn't even need to listen to the instruction before flinging the object towards the wall.

It shattered.

His racing heart calmed down slightly as he looked towards the sudden sound. Instinct, he reacted on instinct and anger. He stared at the broken pieces of glass scattered on the floor.

“Here,” his hand was grabbed again and another figurine was placed in it. “Throw it.”

This time, Peter looked at it. A small figurine, glass and perfect. It was a figure of a bat. Despite how guilty he would feel about breaking it, he threw it against the wall, same spot. His anger depleted quickly.

“Need another?”

“J-Jason…?” He asked weakly as he stared at the man.

“Yeah kid,” Jason nodded, “glad you can recognize me now. Need another or are you calm?”

Peter glanced toward the shattered pieces and then back to Jason.

Jason seemed to get his question without Peter even needing to say it. “That anger is pit rage. It happens when someone is revived through the Lazarus Pit. Sometimes it can be sudden. Throwing things usually helps although not always. So,” Jason offered him another glass bat figurine, “need another?”

Peter shakes his head.

Jason nodded, shoving the figurine into his pocket before standing. “Care to tell me what happened?”

Peter didn't. He couldn't. Jason couldn't know Peter was a mutant and was eavesdropping, no matter if he couldn't help it or not, on him the entire conversation with Tim.

Peter just looked down, curling his arms around his legs, hugging his legs to his chest.

“Guess not,” Jason sighed but sounded understanding, “that's okay, kiddo, you don't have to until you're ready.”

“S-stay…” Peter said before he could even think about the words coming out of his mouth.

“If you want me to stay with you I will. Can I go grab my laptop and phone? It will only be a minute.”

Peter nodded despite how much he didn't want the man to leave the room.

Jason quickly exited the room and returned with both, keeping the door open the entire time. The only thing that kept Peter slightly calm was Jason's constant heartbeat. Slow and welcoming.

Peter didn't want to be alone. He wanted- no needed someone here with him. Moments like this, Peter always remembers needing someone only for no one to be there. On the rare times May or Ben had been home, he remembers asking for them to stay and they both couldn't hear him, didn't know what he said. He knows they would've if they heard him but they were busy, doing more important things like keeping them lights on while taking care of a child that wasn't even their own. They never said Peter was a burden but sometimes Peter felt like one. May and Ben never wanted children after all.

“Where do you want me?” A choice. Jason offered Peter a choice, although the answer left Peter's lips fast than he could think about it.

“Here.” Quiet, but there, as he patted the bed.

“Alright kiddo, I'll be working for a bit but I'll try and keep it down.” He put the laptop and phone on the bedside table before pushing the blankets down and climbing in. He manoeuvred Peter around so he was sat beside him but Peter grabbed the plush in his arms and leaned against Jason's side. Curling up next to him, as Jason pulled up the blankets. Once the blanket was over them both, Peter grabbed Jason's arm and held it hostage. Not noticing when his hands literally stuck to Jason's bare arm.

Jason didn't try to pull away though, using one hand to reach over and grab the laptop. Opening it up again and turning down the brightness.

Peter's eyes were closed before he even got to glance at the document on the computer. If he had, he would've noticed an article about how to deal with suddenly adopting a kid.

Sleep overtook Peter the first time that night with Jason by his side. He just needed Jason.

 

Jason glanced at Peter, snores quietly coming out of the kids mouth. He examined the kid a bit. The white patch in his hair was a constant reminder of the link they both shared. A link of death and reviving. A kid shouldn't have had to go through that. No matter if this was the original kids soul in the body or anothers.

“How is he?” Tim asked, keeping his voice as quiet as possible to not wake the kid but also talk to Jason through the phone.

“Fine right now, must've had a nightmare that sent him into pit rage.”

Tim hummed, “he sounds touch starved. Say, Dick is meeting him in two days, right?”

“Don't even-”

“I'm not gonna ask to come see him yet. I don't want to overwhelm him. I do want to be the person he sees after Dick though, only when you think he's ready, though.”

Jason nods despite how he knew Tim couldn't see him, “so, what were you going to ask?”

“If you were okay if I gave him a gift from me. A more-so welcome to the family than anything.”

Jason thought about it for a second, “depends on what you plan to give him. He doesn't need any weapons. I'm planning on keeping him far away from this life for a long time.”

“Nothing like that, just a tablet, mainly to help him communicate. It will have some apps locked out with a password only you and I will know so he can't access something he isn't supposed to but it's a good learning tool.”

Jason sighed, “fine, nothing too extensive though. He still just came out of the pit and he is likely to break it.”

“Don't worry, I heard the glass shattering through the phone. We're those my glass bats?”

Jason glanced towards the spot, a small indent into the wall where Peter had thrown the bat. “Yes, turns out something I find hard to break wasn't that hard for him to. He used two before he calmed down.”

“I'll send some extra strength ones over with the gift. I've been working on stronger ones so you break them less often.”

Jason hummed, using one hand to scroll through the article. “Question for ya, replacement.”

“Hm?”

“Does Alfred still have some of those kids books from when I was Robin?”

“Those books? I think so, why? Want me to see if he would send them to you with Dick?” Tim shuffled around on the other end, still deciding some of the files.

“If you could, just ask him if he would. I think Peter would like a few bedtime stories.”

“Will do,” Tim said, “I'll ask him when I return home tomorrow, I should have this document done soon.”

Jason hummed. The two sat in silence as they did work. Jason only stopped what he was doing when Peter shifted in his sleep, a mutter or a whimper before calming after snuggling farther into Jason's arm.

Soon, Jason shut off the laptop and said goodbye to Tim before sitting in silence, watching the kid. He doesn't know when he closes his eyes and falls asleep beside the kid.

Chapter Text

When Peter woke up again, he heard a loud heartbeat right by his ear. It was familiar, relaxing. He opened his eyes when he felt the chest he was on rise and fall.

He didn't know when but instead of being curled into Jason's side, he was now laid on the man's chest with the plush and arm smudged together, in a tight hug against his chest. It must be uncomfortable to sleep like that but Jason was still asleep. He seemed peaceful.

Peter looked down at the plush and arm he had trapped. Why was he acting like this? He wasn't as angry about the situation but it was embarrassing. He is eighteen. Or he was… now he's five in this body. Why did he have to be five? Why did Dr.Strange kill him? No matter if it was an accident or not, he didn't like how bad it felt dying again. Dying hurts. Especially when you have a danger sense throbbing, screaming, every time he dies.

He doesn't realize tears are streaming down his face before Jason uses his one free hand to wipe his tears.

“It's okay, I'm here.” He shushed, voice calm and soft as he spoke to Peter. His voice always changed when speaking to Peter, the boy noticed abruptly. He's being talked to like he's a child and he finds he doesn't mind. Despite the confusion of this situation, Peter knew this was his new life. He would never go back to his original universe. Not that he knew how he could if he wanted to. There was no one to remember him, no one to go back to.

Jason hummed, his chest vibrating which relaxed Peter a bit.

“wanna get up or stay in bed for a little longer?”

A choice again. Peter liked the thought of being in control of small choices.

Peter didn't think much as he tapped Jason's arm once. It had been something May had told Peter to do whenever he had a choice when he was younger. It was easier than Peter repeating an option or just looking away and waiting for someone else to decide for him. He shouldn't have done it. Falling into habits long since dead wasn't going to help Jason know-

“Get up?” Jason repeated, “alright, up we go.”

He understood?

Peter let go of Jason's arm as the man sat up and hugged the plush closer to his chest. “Let's get breakfast, I wonder if I still have that pancake mix?” He mumbled to himself as he stood up, Peter in his arms the entire time.

 

Okay, maybe it was a bit too soon to meet another person. Peter sat on the couch, Tv on some kids channel he was unfamiliar with as Jason cleaned up a bit. Today was the day Dick was coming over to meet Peter and Peter couldn't be anymore anxious.

He knows he's younger. Every minute he's reminded how he basically reverted back to this period of his life. Just with the added issue of still not being able to walk.

With his fast healing, any injuries should've been long since healed. However they aren't. He knows he still has his Spider power but did he lose his fast healing? He didn't know it was possible. He hoped it wasn't. After all he couldn't be Spider-man if-

Spider-man…?

He hadn't thought about being Spider-man since he came here. He was five, both physically and emotionally. Mentally, he was eighteen, or at least he thinks he is. Maybe some of his thoughts are changing but he is helpless to stop it from happening. So, he doesn't even try.

Does he still want to be Spider-man? There's no expectations here. Jason doesn't even know about Peter's powers and-

No. He has to be Spider-man. Ben died because he wasn't. Peter should've been Spider-man then. If he had, Ben would've been alive still.

Peter's thoughts were interrupted by a person approaching the door. His head slightly turned towards the door, was that Dick? Peter listened, a calm, slightly fast, heartbeat.

Jason stopped what he was doing in the kitchen when a few knocks echoed through the apartment. “Just come in, Dick.”

The door opened, “it's rude suddenly entering. I wouldn't want to give a bad impression to your kid.”

Jason's kid?

“Where is he? I have gifts!”

“He's on the couch, hold on a minute.” Jason walked out of the Kitchen and gestured Dick to follow him. Peter noted the two bags Dick was holding in his left hand. They didn't look too heavy. What was in there? “Hey Pete, this is Dick, my brother. Remember, at any time you can give me the signal and Dick will leave.”

Dick didn't seem fazed by Jason saying this, only smiling as Peter watched him for a minute before looking at Jason and nodding.

The signal? Jason decided he wanted to give Peter an out. Since Peter didn't talk too much or walk away, Jason showed him a signal yesterday to basically say leave. Peter thinks it's sign language. He knows sign language but it seems the signs here might be a bit different than where he's from.

“Hi Peter,” Dick glanced at Jason, only to get a small nod making Dick approach him. He didn't sit besides Peter, no he kneeled on the floor in front of Peter to be a bit more at his height but the man was tall. Shorter than Jason but he still seemed tall. Then again Peter's not used to being this size. “I have some gifts for you. Also,” Dick looked at Jason, “I have those books.” Books? Peter tilted his head, squeezing the plush he held closer to his chest. Dick must've noticed but never looked at it or mentioned it. He just looked back at Peter with a smile on his face. “Here, it's from me.”

Dick pulled out a box. The box was black in colour with a blue stripe going across it. There was a plastic covering, showing the toy within the box. Inside was a figurine. It looked like the Nightwing toy he had gotten days prior, only larger, more details, and more accessories.

The Nightwing was standing normally in the box with two batons to the side as well as a couple of bats which Peter couldn't tell if they were just a part of the background or an actual part of the toy.

“Really Dickie?” Jason sighed, approaching the two of them, sitting on the couch besides Peter. He looked at Peter, “go on, take it. It's yours.”

“What?” Dick smiled at Jason.

Peter knew he wasn't getting something. A secret he couldn't fully understand. He'd think it over later, instead of focusing on that, he reached forward and grabbed the box. Dick lets it go as soon as Peter has a grip on it. He pulled to his lap and looked at it closer.

“It's Nightwing, the same as the one you got the other day.” Jason explained, figuring Peter was trying to figure it out. Not knowing that Peter was just trying to remember the last time he got an action figure.

“He got another Nightwing toy?”

“Yeah, I got it from that Pizza place.”

“Bat-Pizza?”

Peter paused. He's never heard of a pizza place called Bat-Pizza before. What connection did a pizza place have to a bat?

“Aren't those really flimsy toys?” Dick asked, noticing the toy staying on the table besides the couch. “He'll break it.”

“Unless he's rough with it, he won't break it. If he does, it only costs a dollar or somethin’.”

Peter flipped around the box. At the top of the box was Nightwing in giant, fancy letters with a small description.

 

Nightwing is a vigilante known to patrol the streets of Blüdhaven.
He works alongside Batman, Red Robin, Robin, Signal, and Black Bat to help the people of Gotham.

 

Peter wanted to know more. No, he needed to know more. There were so many new things and names he didn't know. He doesn't think he could physically be able to ask Jason about it with how bad he currently was at speaking. If only he had a phone or computer. He could search up what he needed and-

“Oh, I also brought along a gift from Tim, I think he got your permission?” Dick reaches into the bag again.

Jason hummed, “he did.”

Peter put the action figure box beside himself. He wasn't sure why these people would buy gifts for a kid they barely knew. Peter was just some kid found beside the Lazarus Pit. He doesn't even understand why Jason seemed to care so much. He seemed so understanding, so protective towards a kid he barely even knows.

“Here,” this time Dick places the box on Peter's lap. Looking at it, Peter can understand why. This was a tablet box.

He looked at Jason, trying to convey how much he couldn't accept such an expensive gift. Instead of Jason magically understanding, he grabs the box and opens it, cutting the tape with a pocket knife he keeps in his pocket.

He takes out the tablet, examining it for a moment before turning it on. It turned on as if someone had already set it up. Did Tim set up parental controls?

“Here Kid, there's some games the replacement thought you'd like.”

“Jaybird, you shouldn't call Tim replacement in front of him. It's going to confuse him.” Dick scolded Jason.

Jason just shrugged, “doubt it. The kid doesn't talk much. By the way, thanks for getting these things for him. I'm sure he's thankful, just can't say it.”

Peter can say it!

Peter laid the tablet flat on his lap and looked at Jason for a second before looking at Dick. He opened his mouth but he couldn't force anything to come out. He closed his mouth only to open it again a second later. “Th-th’nk y’u”

Dick, who had not seen Peter's attempt to speak, looked at him with wide eyes. Clearly he hadn't expected Peter to actually speak to him. Jason must've said something.

Dick smiled, seemingly happier, “your welcome, Peter.” He then turned to Jason, “talk in the kitchen?”

“Sure,” Jason looked down at Peter, “make a noise if you need me. Throw somethin’ if you want.”

Peter watched as the two stood up from where they were too, Dick picking up the bags and following Jason to the kitchen where they both could still see Peter.

Peter watched them for a moment, listening to them talk in quiet voices about something Peter didn't fully understand. Something about Joker and Arkham. Instead, he listens to the conversation in the background as he turns his attention to the tablet. He feels guilty about having accepted such an expensive gift from a person who wasn't even here or knew him.

He looked at the apps. Noting a couple of games like Flappy Bat and Super Farm. Weird and mostly unknown. Besides the fact Flappy Bat looked a whole lot like Flappy Bird.

There were also some websites he knew. YouTube, Chrome, Google docs… also what looked to be a coding software. He saw some learning tools. Like an app to help with writing and speaking, also an app for tracking wellness. The last app he noticed was a notebook app. The others on the tablet weren't worth noting. He ignored the games and went into Chrome.

Thankfully, it looked the same in his world.

What did he want to search up first? What about…

He typed slowly the word, ‘Gotham.’

There were plenty of articles and information about the city. About its dangers and villains but also about those who protect it. Peter read, he read through all the information he could about Gotham and its heroes, its villains, its whole deal.

Gotham was mainly protected by Batman and his allies. Batman also has a no meta rule. Peter hadn't seen that word before, so he opened a new tab, typing in Meta this time. A meta was a mutant. Peter was considered a meta in this world and Batman who protects this city basically refused Peter’s whole existence in Gotham. He can't tell anyone he's a mutant. He doesn't know where he'd go.

His eyes wandered to Jason.

Jason can't know.

Peter had to be careful as he attempts to use his powers to get an idea of them. They seem different after all, stronger in a way.

Peter shakes his head, he goes back to researching a bit more. Every name he came across, he went into a new tab and searched up said name to see the faces of who was mentioned.

He only stopped when he searched Nightwing.

Toys can't reveal what someone actually looks like, not like pictures can. So as soon as he sees a close-up picture of Nightwing taking a selfie with someone, he stares at it. It was familiar. So familiar…

Dick.

Peter glanced at Dick where he was talking with Jason as he leaned against the counter, then looked at the picture. The build and facial structure was the same. Even the smile he gave the camera was similar to the smile he gave Peter, only the smile he gave Peter was a bit more real. Genuine.

Dick was Nightwing… wasn't he?

Peter decided he probably shouldn't know that fact and continued. The next name was Red Hood. It was a bit more surprising than finding out Dick just might be Nightwing.

Red Hood was Jason, sure it wasn't too surprising as Jason has introduced himself as Hood but what was surprising was Jason was a crime lord.

Why help Peter? Why be so kind to a random kid? Why… wait, does Jason know Dick is Nightwing? There's no way he doesn't. It doesn't look like any of the heroes of Gotham has a public identity but there's no way Jason doesn't, right?

Peter continued to look at the heroes. Slowly getting out of Heroes before heading into the villain territory. Why Red Hood was in the hero category, he didn't know. He went through names like Penguin and Scarecrow before finding the name Joker. Searching that up and Peter realized it was blocked. Why was the Joker blocked…? Nothing else has been. Did Tim set up a parental lock on certain searches? Frowning, Peter let the name slip from his mind before continuing to research.

There was a lot to go through but after thirty minutes of research, he was done speed reading up on Gotham, only a quick overview, as well as their heroes and villains with a little description. Minus the Joker which makes Peter wonder what Joker did to cause Tim to parental lock it.

Peter turns off the tablet, deciding he is tired of the light the tablet gave off and places it beside him, picking up the action figure again.

Jason must know who Dick is, Peter realized. That's why Jason said something to Dick. He basically gave Peter an action figure of his vigilante self.

Why would a vigilante and crime lord be friendly?

The question is, did Peter care…?

No, he decides. No he didn't.

He knows the last time he trusted like this, it was with Beck. Beck had wanted something from him, so he took it and exposed Peter's identity when he failed his plan. Beck wanted something but Jason… Jason was a criminal but he didn't want anything from Peter. He had no reason to reveal his identity to a five year old he could've just dropped off somewhere. He could've done anything but let him into his home and bought him meaningless things at the end of the day. He doesn't need as much clothes as Jason has gotten Dick to buy. He didn't need to buy Peter toys or help him with the pit rage.

Peter could see the care in Jason's eyes. They weren't like Beck's. Beck's eyes were cold, empty on most days. Peter never noticed until it was far too late.

Peter went to try and open the box. He forgot these boxes usually have tape on the top to stop people from simply opening it and taking out the product. He helped when suddenly he ripped the cardboard from where he pulled at the top, ripping down to the plastic.

Jason and Dick immediately looked at him. They took a minute to survey the room before Jason started to approach Peter. He sat besides Peter and looked at the box.

Peter screwed up. A five year old shouldn't have this strength. Jason has to know he's a mutant. Peter couldn't stop his eyes from watering as he looked up at Jason. Jason didn't seem mad, if he was surprised he didn't show it, keeping his face calm as he gently took the box from Peter, “let me get him out, Kiddo.”

Jason removed the action figure as well as the accessories from the plastic after taking it out of the box.

Jason handed it over. “Here ya go. Nothing's broken, it's all good.”

Peter realized he's trying to calm him.

“Didn’t know you'd be such a dad, Jaybird.” Dick smiled, leaning against the wall. He didn't seem upset either.

They have to know. They couldn't possibly not know. So why aren't they upset at Peter being a mutant? Was there misinformation online?

“Shut the fuck up, Dick.”

Peter looked at the box he tore. He can't control his strength. He hadn't even thought about controlling it as it was instinct when he was eighteen to hold back doing certain tasks. He'd never use his full strength. That was full strength. It took less than a second to ripe a box like that nearly in half.

“Whenever he talks more, he's going to be swearing his head off if you don't stop.”

“That won't happen, right Kiddo?”

Peter looked up to him, Jason smiled down at him.

“F-fuc’” he mumbled under his breath.

Dick laughed as Jason looked at him horrified.

Chapter Text

He was going to do it.

Peter was determined to make it all work out in the end.

He wanted to walk, so he will try as hard as he can to walk. Sure, Jason wasn't in the room to watch him, hell, he didn't even know Peter was awake. Jason had gotten him to sleep an hour ago, luring him to sleep with a storybook Dick had delivered. He was only asleep for thirty minutes, waking up alone but hearing Jason in the other room doing something. Typing something on his laptop.

Peter had decided less than a minute ago he was going to try and walk. So what if he didn't think this through before shifting so his legs were hanging off the bed, getting ready to jump down and see if his legs could even support his weight.

He braced himself to collapse to the floor as he pushed himself off the bed. Sure enough, his knees buckled and he was on the floor. It didn't hurt but it gave him stronger determination.

using the bed as support, he pushed himself up. When he felt he could keep himself up with the bed's help, he started to move one foot in front of the other. It was slow and his legs felt like they were on fire from the sudden use. Anytime he felt like he'd fall to the floor again, he'd stop, wait until he felt comfortable to move again before continuing.

It hurts.

His Spidey sense was going off, warning him about the pain. It's been going off since he first fell down but ignored it. It was minor. Not like someone was trying to hurt him, he was technically only hurting himself… which sounds bad. He just wants to walk again, so what if he experienced a little pain?

After three minutes he needed to lower himself to the ground for a break. He whined as his legs burned. Why does it hurt so much? He just wanted to walk! Why did it seem like it was just getting worse? Was it the adrenaline that forced him to walk at first when getting out of the pit? Why couldn't that be now?

He froze when the door opened, “Pete?” Jason asked upon seeing him. He should've been paying attention to Jason moving around. Jason approached him and kneeled on the floor in front of him. “What's wrong? You're supposed to be asleep.”

He was still whining like a child as Jason examined him for any injuries. Once he was confident there was nothing physical, he looked at where Peter was located. He seemed to understand something.

“Okay, Pete, I need you to tap me once for yes, two for no. Did you try to walk?”

Peter tapped the bed once.

Jason sighed, “okay, up we go.” Peter immediately let go of the blankets to not pull them with him as Jason put his hands under his arms and picked him up, sitting him on the bed. “Listen Peter, I know you probably don't like being carried all the time but I want you to trust me. You shouldn't be walking yet. It will hurt like hell every time you try.”

“W-why…?”

Jason looked sad and looked away. He closed his eyes and took a few deep breaths. Peter tilted his head, why was Jason acting like this? Was… was there something wrong in those files that cave had? Jason looked at him again with a fake expression of calmness on his face. “Do you remember anything from before waking up in the Lazarus Pit?”

He shakes his head.

Jason nodded, “figured as much. Before you were put into the pit, your body was experimented on. I can't tell you much but your legs and vocals were the main target.” His voice and legs? “If you want to walk, we'll do it in small sessions but you need to tell me when your legs start to hurt. They won't heal if you push yourself so hard.”

Peter looked at his legs.

What did they do to this body? Sure, it wasn't Peter's original body but who the hell would experiment on a five year old? Peter should've been healed from any injuries by now, so what did they do?

Peter looked up at Jason again only to see his eyes glowing green. Once Jason noticed Peter was looking at him, the green in his eyes faded.

“Let's get some sleep, kiddo. Want me to stay with you?”

Peter couldn't stop himself from nodding.

 

Time passed, everyday was nearly the same. Anytime Jason would have to carry Peter, he'd ask if Peter felt like walking. It was slow at first, only being able to walk a couple of feet before Jason picked him up after Peter gave the signal. Soon enough, Peter could walk from the kitchen to the couch without needing to be picked up from Jason.

A week of this constant, he didn't need to hold onto Jason anymore while he walked. He'd still signal sometimes but it was easier. After… How long has it been?

Peter walked out of the bedroom only to see Jason pacing. Sure he heard the man pacing as soon as he woke up but what he couldn't hear was the worried face and his stare at the phone in his hand. He looked like he was debating something, staring at the phone for another minute before sighing to himself and stopping. He typed something on the phone before shoving it in his pocket and turning to head to the bedroom. “Oh, Pete, when'd you get up?”

“Wh-what wrong-g?” Peter was kinda grateful his voice seemed to get a bit better over the past week.

Jason sighed, approaching Peter and kneeling down to his level the best he could. “I need to do some things as Red Hood but I can't leave you here alone. So I'm having my brother come over, you remember him, right?”

How could Peter forget? Dick had been over every second day with a new gift for Peter each time. Every time he did, he would bring take out for Peter and Jason claiming it was on B’s card. Dick was nice but each time he smiled it reminded Peter of those Nightwing videos he saw on YouTube. Each interaction was only solidifying the fact Gotham was a weird place, a weird place where a crime lord and vigilante can be brothers and be close.

If that had happened in Peter's world, the civil war wouldn't have broken out. Maybe the rest of Gotham didn't know but it doesn't change the fact that Peter does.

Peter nodded.

“Are you going to be okay with me being gone? I promise you I will return but there's some things that I need to handle.” Jason tried to reassure him, “I…” his phone buzzed, he ignored it for that moment, “Dick will phone me so you can hear my voice at any point. I will be there, speaking to you, even if I'm busy.”

Peter didn't know why he felt a sinking feeling. Not his Peter tinkle, no, it felt different. He wasn't in danger but he felt terrible that Jason was leaving him alone. Sure, Dick would be here but Jason had been a constant since he woke up in this world. He knows he shouldn't be selfish and expect Jason to abandon all of his priorities for him but he hates this feeling.

He shouldn't feel this bad about Jason needing to do what he needed to do. Peter understood the responsibility even if it might not be the same responsibility.

He just nods, looking at the ground.

Jason sighed, “I would stay with you if I could but Crime Alley needs someone to protect it. Having Red Robin around trying to keep peace is not the same.”

Red Robin? That was another vigilante like Nightwing… did Jason have another brother? Nightwing had a connection to all the other vigilantes and to Jason. Is it possible Red Robin and Jason knew each other?

“And bringing you with me is too dangerous.”

Peter knew it was. He understood that but that didn't stop the feelings. He hates it.

“What's on your mind, Pete?”

He shakes his head, he didn't want to bother Jason with his feelings.

Jason thought for a minute, “you and Dick will have fun, I promise. How about we make a deal?”

Peter looked at Jason again and tilted his head.

“You behave for Dick and I will let you do anything as long as it doesn't affect your health.”

“O-outside?”

Jason smiled, “yeah kiddo, we can explore Gotham.”

Peter smiled, he hadn't gotten to see much of Gotham since he's been here. He hasn't really asked about it because it was hard to convey but knowing Jason would show him around this city that he's only seen images of was a bit exciting. Sure, Gotham was dangerous, but it was his new city. New York would never be his again. Gotham was his home now. It was a strange thought to replace what New York meant to him but he can never go back there, even if he could in this world, it wouldn't be the same. He doesn't have connections there. No memories like his own New York.

“D-d-dick?”

“Hm?” Jason raised an eyebrow. He seemed to think for a second before humming. He pulled out his phone and looked at the message he received. “I'm guessing you want to know when. Well Dickie says he'll be here in fifteen minutes. How about we play a game before he comes?”

Fifteen minutes seemed to fly by as Jason pulled out cards and began to deal cards. Goldfish. It was the same in this world. Peter knows it's to help a bit with his speech and getting used to talking again. Now that he's starting to talk again without adrenaline rushing through his veins, he notices how different it is to talk. He can feel them to an extent, they don't feel like his normal vocal cords.

Jason keeps the game on longer, he can win but he chooses not too sometimes. Sometimes he lets Peter win. Other times Peter wins normally. Yet most times, Jason wins.

“F-Fi-ve?”

“Goldfish.” Peter picks up a card.

Jason goes to say a card before there were Knicks on the door. Sure, Peter heard Dick enter the building mere minutes ago but he shrunk back slightly into the chair at the thought of the man. He's here to watch him for Jason.

“Come in, Dickhead.”

“Jay! going out today?” Dick asked as soon as he opened the door, closing it behind him when he walked inside and practically bounced over to the table where the two were sitting. “Whatcha playing?”

“Goldfish, and yes. I need to take care of some things. Remember what I told you.” Jason glared at Dick at the last part, voice deadly.

If Dick knew the danger he was in, he never mentioned it, barely even batted an eye as Jason glared. “Of course I do, Jaybird. To get ready, I'll play with Peter.”

Jason huffed, he then looked at Peter, “are you okay if Dick takes over for me?”

He nods, Jason has responsibilities, Peter reminds himself as he does. He wasn't leaving yet… he was just getting ready to leave Peter alone with Dick. He really shouldn't be bothered by this.

Jason seemed to study his face before sighing, standing up and passing off his cards to Dick, moving them slightly so Peter could see them.

Oh.

Peter kept the smile off his face as if he didn't see it as Jason walked towards the bedroom. Dick sat down, taking Jason's place.

“So, whose turn is it?”

Peter pointed to himself, knowing it's a lie but Dick wouldn't know that. “A-ace.”

Dick looked at the cards, smiling as he passed Peter the two aces he needed to make four. He placed them down as Dick picked up the remaining cards. He looked at the cards already piled up and made a judgment call, “any fives?”

Peter pulled out the five he had, giving it Dick. Dick placed them down, leaving him with one card and Peter with three. “Ki-king.”

With Dick passing over his last card, the game was over.

Peter didn't even need to count to know he won. Sure, it was close but Peter was mentally counting each stack either one of them got. Peter got two more on Dick.

As Dick counted how many stacks he had, Jason returned. He entered the room in full gear, the gear Peter had first met the man in with his helmet held to his hip. He smiled slightly at Dick counting and looked towards Peter, “so, who won?”

Peter pointed towards himself.

“What? You never even counted your cards!”

“He doesn't need to. He keeps count as the game goes on. He's smarter than you think, Dickie.” He walked over and ruffled Peter's hair, “don't worry, I'll be back in the morning. Make sure he sleeps. He can't really sleep alone so be in the room with him when you get him to sleep. If you can't, call me. Oh and-”

“Jason,” Dick interrupted, “I got it. You sent me a text about how to take care of him. Don't worry. It's not my first time babysitting.”

“Your experience in babysitting is us. This is-”

“Different, I know Little Wing, I know how to adapt.” Dick gave him a comforting smile. “You really think I would've accepted if I didn't think I could handle it?”

“Yes.”

“Okay, maybe, but I'm prepared. I'll call you the second things go south.”

Peter reached up and tugged slightly on Jason's shirt. He shouldn't need to worry about Peter… Peter will be okay. Sure, he didn't like the thought of Jason leaving for a few hours, Peter will manage. He's managed before when Uncle Ben and Aunt May couldn't afford a babysitter on work nights. Leaving Peter home alone most nights. At least Jason has someone watching him. Even if Peter would be okay alone. No matter how terrible the feeling is.

Jason looked down at Peter and sighed, “okay, okay, I'll stop. Remember to signal if you need anything from Dick.”

Peter nodded.

“We'll be fine, Jason. I promise.”

Jason seemed to pause at the last word before shaking his head and nodding, putting on his helmet. “I'll be back in the morning. Have fun Pete.”

“B-by-bye…”

Jason left, only turning around to look at Peter when he opened the door. He closed it behind him when he left a second later.

“So…” Dick brought Peter's attention away from the door. “Wanna keep playing or do something else?”

They ended up playing for a while after that. Dick seemed bad at it because out of the three proper games they played, he lost all of them. Eventually, Dick went and got his tablet from the bedroom while he started on dinner.

Peter wasn't really paying attention to what he was doing, only absentmindedly opening an app and drawing. His shaky hands just moved as if he was MJ drawing her usual people in distress drawings. Peter filled most of those pages… Did MJ still have those? He wonders if the spell erased photos or drawing. Were documents completely missing on him? If those photos still existed, would they just be thrown away to get rid of the weird photo taken with a stranger they don't even remember seeing? Peter hated thinking about it, he hated imagining-

“Is that your family?”

Peter snapped his head up, Dick was right behind him, looking over his shoulder at the tablet.

He looked down.

The drawing was bad, it looked like a five year old did draw it so it was expected. There were five stick figures. The first two were a man and a woman. They were holding hands. Names above them told who they were, May and Ben. The two at the end were also a man and a woman that were holding hands. The words written above them were mom and dad. In the middle was a smaller boy. Peter's name was above it.

It would've been sweet, a family drawing made by a kid who just wanted to draw those important to him.

It should've been.

But there were colors there that implied something. That Peter knew what it implied.

There was red everywhere. Red underneath all four adults and it practically circling Peter. A red dot was there where Ben was shot. Red on the top of May's head, looking like it's falling down her face. Instead of a wound for both of Peter's parents, there was a red X over their faces. Peter had blue strikes running down his face from his eyes.

He didn't mean to draw this. He didn't want to draw this. No. No. No. He cant-

The tablet was taken from Peter instantly, Peter immediately looked up at Dick who turned off the tablet and held onto it. “It's okay Peter,” Dick put the tablet on the other side of the table. “How about we do something else?”

A distraction.

He wiped the tears he didn't know were there from his eyes and nodded. He doesn't want to remember the red. How he remembered every detail he could possibly know about their deaths. Sure, he didn't know much about his parents death besides they died in a plane crash but May and Ben died in his arms. It was too much. It is too much. Peter can't-

Peter focused his hearing on Dick tapping on his phone and calling a number, placing the phone on the table in front of Peter.

“What's wrong?” Jason's voice came through, through the phone Peter could hear muffled sounds but nothing could be made out. Maybe fighting?

“Peter drew something that upset him. I think he'd feel better talking to you for a bit.” Dick explained.

“We'll talk later. Hey Pete, can you hear me?”

“M-mhm…” he needed to be verbal, signs wouldn't work over the phone.

“Good, can you show with your hands to Dick what number?”

Peter did, he turned slightly to Dick and raised his hands.

“Uhh… he's showing a five and a two.”

“Fiftytwo, huh? That's not great but Dick can work with it. Say, Dick, I want you to bring Peter over to the couch and put on channel three. Stay with him on the couch, don't touch him unless he touches you first.”

“Fifty two…?” Dick didn't know what the number meant. Peter thought Jason had this system with his family but to learn it was special between them was heartwarming. “Do you want me to pick you up, Peter? Or do you think you can walk?” He asked.

Peter pushed himself off the chair and hopped down, giving it a second to see how his legs were, he started to walk towards the couch. Dick not far behind with the phone now in his hand. Dick had to help Peter up on the couch but otherwise, he never touched Peter. Only sitting beside him and changing the channel just as Jason instructed.

The channel was a kids channel. One Peter was oddly starting to like. Sure, he knows he shouldn't since he's supposed to be eighteen but he can't help getting invested in this silly show about a bat and birds adventure. They kind of reminded him about the vigilantes protecting Gotham. Maybe this show was inspired by them?

“Is it on?” Jason asked, Peter momentarily forgetting he was on the phone.

“Yeah,” Dick hummed, “are you staying on the line?”

“For a bit, hang up if you hear anything… graphic.”

Graphic…? Peter wonders what that means but it's okay. They're okay. Peter can't let what happened to his family happen here. He won't lose someone again, he can't go through that again.

He makes a promise to himself to do whatever he can to protect the people he knows.

He barely notices how he leaned into Dick’s side, watching the show.

Yeah, he'd protect the people in his life. He just needs to learn how to use his powers again.

Chapter Text

Peter shot up, he was trying to control his breath, gasping for breath as someone ran up to him.

“Hey, hey, I'm here, uncle Dick's here.”

Uncle? Peter squeezed his eyes shut trying to calm his breathing down so he could question the man who called himself Peter's uncle. Peter's uncle was dead, shot.

“Can I touch you?” The man, Dick (wait, Jason's brother?), asked. Peter nodded quickly. Dick gently grabbed his wrist, pulling gently as he guided his hand to a chest. “Follow my breathing,” Dick instructed, “in… out…” his chest rose and fell, over exaggerated breaths so Peter could hear over his panic. “In…. Out…. In…. Out….”

Peter tried his best to follow. It took a few minutes before his breathing finally became normal. After a few more breaths being directed by Dick, Dick let go of his worst and stopped exaggerating his breaths.

“How are you feeling?”

Peter didn't respond, he doesn't think he'd be able to say the right words for what he was feeling. So he doesn't.

After a minute of Peter not moving, not even opening his eyes, Dick sighed, “okay, that's fine if you don't have the words. Mind telling me what happened?”

Peter opened his eyes slowly, the answer was hard to say but… he looked around briefly and looked at his tablet. Dick followed his eyes and didn't waste a second, standing up and walking over to the table. He was back with the tablet in a second, kneeling in front of Peter again as he handed him the tablet.

Peter took it, opening it up only to see the drawing he had absentmindedly made.

He turned it around, facing Dick, before pointing at Ben.

Dick stared at it for a second, examining it, waiting for an explanation to hit him without Peter saying. “Oh I get it…” he said suddenly, looking at Peter again, “you had a nightmare of Ben's death?”

A nod.

“Anything I can do to help you? Comfort snacks or food?”

Anything Dick could do…?

Peter hadn't been asked that before. Ever since Ben's death, he has been having nightmares about it over and over again. Always the same, Peter is unable to do anything to save Ben. Sometimes it is a bit different, sometimes it's Ben's bloodied form telling him it's his fault. May never knew he had nightmares, to be fair they slowed as he grew older, as he became Spider-man and was able to save people. He was able to use his powers for good. Just like his uncle's words. They happened infrequently but they never stopped.

Peter hated every time those nightmares came up. It was a reminder of how weak he was, what he lost.

There was nothing to erase the pain and memory of all the death.

Instead, he looked up to Dick, the man's eyes were soft, understanding, but also sad and determined.

“J-ja-jas-” Peter frowned, he couldn't say, it was too hard. Why was it so-

“Alright, I'll give him a call,” Dick pulled out his phone, typing a number and calling it, putting it on speaker.

“What's happen- oi, get the fuck away from him! -What happened?” gunfire was easily heard through the phone. Peter whined at hearing the gunfire, would Jason get shot? “Pe- kiddo? what's happening Wing?” he was in a fight… was he okay?

“He asked for you,” Dick looked at Peter, “want me to explain it to him?”

It was easier that way. Peter nodded, not thinking much about how in the past he'd lie, never telling anyone about his nightmares even if they saw him wake up from one. A lie was always on his lip, a lie to keep anyone from knowing how sometimes he dreamt of those who died. They were never good dreams. He can't even remember the last good dream he had. Nights without dreams and nightmares were nearly every night for Peter.

Dick nodded and turned his attention to the phone again, “he had a nightmare about Ben's death.”

“who is- nevermind, kiddo, can you- fuck off I'm talking to someone here!” More gunshots rang out, after a few shots, they seemed to switch to fighting close range with hits being exchanged. Jason didn't make any noises telling Peter if he was hit but he could tell there were hits being blown. Jason had to have been hit, right? “Kiddo, can you give Wing a number?”

A number…

Peter looked down and thought about it, his mind slowly drifting away from the dream as he thought about where he was at. He wasn't below thirty but he was definitely not above a fifty. He waited a second, blocking everything out as a loud crack could be heard and Jason saying something, no pain in his voice. The person he was fighting was no longer heard.

Peter held up his fingers.

“Forty six.” Dick repeated to Jason, clearly still confused on what the numbers meant.

“Shit, really? Okay, once I'm finished here, I'm coming home. Wing, I need you to bring him to bed and stay with him. Read him a book or something. I don't care but don't stress him out. I'll be back in… hmmm… half an hour.”

“Should I be worried about what the numbers mean?” Dick asked, raising his eyebrow at the phone.

Peter immediately shook his head as Jason said, “no.”

Dick smiled, shaking his head, “alright, anything else?”

“Just keep him entertained.” Jason said, “I'll be back soon, kiddo.”

“B-b-b…” he huffed in disappointment, why was saying bye so hard? He looked at the floor as Dick ended the call.

“It's okay baby wing, Jason will be home soon. Are you alright with going to the bedroom?”

Peter slowly nodded, not looking up at Dick as he made the signal that he couldn't walk. It's not that he thinks he couldn't make it by himself, no, he probably physically could but the mere thought about getting up sounded impossible to him.

Dick didn't hesitate to pick up Peter, walking to the bedroom. Once there, he set Peter on the bed, taking a quick glance at the small pile of books on the bedside table where Jason reads one book every night, before looking at Peter. “Say, how would you like to hear some stories about Jason?”

“S-sto-stories…?” He managed out. It was more difficult than usual, Peter only just noticing how different his throat felt. He felt it… adjusting. As weird as that sounded to Peter, he just knew it. His throat, his vocal cords, were shifting. Weird, but not something he would focus on at this moment. Instead, he looked at Dick, his head tilting.

Dick sat next to him on the bed, “yeah like…” Dick seemed to think for a moment before smiling at Peter, “like the first time he met our dad. He was living on the streets and was trying to get money by selling Batman's tires. He managed to take three of them off before he came, Jay didn't let him say much before he just hit Batman with the tire iron.” Dick looked away, as if trying to remember what he was told. “Everything worked out, Batman never hurt kids, only offered Jay a place with someone who would care for him. Maybe not as much as he should've… no, not maybe, definitely not as much as he shouldn't but he still loved all of us all the same.”

Batman offered Jason a place to stay? Peter wondered if this Bruce they talk about truly was a friend of Batman or if he was Batman. Once the thought was there, Peter shoved it back, filing it away with the other information he can't possibly ask questions about in his current state.

“There was also a time Jay tried to bake something on Alfred's birthday. He nearly burnt the kitchen down before the alarm went off and me and Bruce found Alfred banning him from the kitchen for a few years. Somehow there were ingredients everywhere, even on the ceiling which was surprising.” Dick put his hands on the bed and leaned back against them as he looked at the ceiling. His eyes are glossy. He’s emotional.

Peter listened to stories about Jason, Dick was leaving out some parts, completely avoiding it as if Peter shouldn't know that part of the story. He knows it's likely due to the secret identities of the others. Yet hearing about everyone in the family, he can imagine them all as vigilantes. It's weird but he can. He doesn't know how accurate it is but Dick is Nightwing and Jason is Red Hood, whose to say the entire family isn't like them?

The stories only stop when Dick hears the door open and close, keys being thrown carelessly on the table, as he went, something was thrown on the couch, as footsteps approach the room. Jason entered and immediately went to Peter, kneeling on the floor in front of Peter. “I'm here, kiddo. Number?”

He still wasn't above a fifty… Peter held up his hands.

“Forty eight? That's good, better.” Jason stood, “do you want to go back to sleep? I promise I'll be here-”

No. Peter immediately shook his head, no sleep. He can't handle going to sleep right now. Sleeping meant a nightmare. He couldn't go through it again, it had been a kinda old death. One that still affects him, yes, it always would but he couldn't handle seeing May or Tony's death again. He wouldn't be able to calm down from it. He doubts Jason or Dick would be able to snap him out of the haze he only breaks out of if he feels pain. His nails digging into his skin and blood dripping down his arm was a grounding technique he accidentally did.

“Hey Pete,” Dick spoke up, Peter looked up at the man. Jason gave his brother a questioning look. “What do you usually do to calm down after a nightmare?”

He usually would put on his Spiderman suit and swing around. Swinging, feeling the cold, helped him. The feeling of just floating was always there. Always calming. The constant motion relaxed him but… Peter looked down at his wrist, but he couldn't. He made his webs. He hasn't been able to find out how to shoot webs yet.

Unknowingly to Peter, Jason and Dick looked at his wrist before looking at each other. Silently communicating that whatever happens now, no word gets to Bruce. Once Dick nodded in agreement, Jason nodded back, lessening his glare and looking at Peter again.

“Making webs?”

Peter tensed, head immediately shooting up to stare at Jason. He wasn't supposed to know, why does he know? How? “H-h-h’w?”

Jason smiled, “a little birdy has been looking into a few papers in that cave I found you in. There's a few interesting things written there.” Jason frowned a bit but tried not to look too sad, "just like how I know about your legs and voice. These…” Jason slowly grabbed his wrists and looked at them, “are where your webs are supposed to come out. Have you used webs before?” Jason looked up.

Jason knew more than Peter liked. Peter wanted to keep his mutant self hidden but… Jason knew and Jason didn't seem mad or upset by the fact. Before responding, he examined Jason carefully, eyes lowering to see anything he could miss. Jason raised an eyebrow when Peter was examining his face. It didn't seem like Jason was hiding anything. Peter looked at Dick, examining him the same. Dick wasn't mad or upset, In fact he seemed relaxed, a smile constantly on his face. Relief that had stayed in his eyes since Jason came into the room. Either these two were good at deceiving or Peter was bad at telling what emotions were true or not… which was accurate, afterall, he trusted Beck.

It's not like he could hide it now anyways if he tried. Peter looked back at Jason before nodding. He looked down at his wrist sadly, “d-diff…” he huffed as he couldn't finish the word, he went to try again but Dick responded for him.

“Different?”

Peter nodded, this was new. Different. This was his actual body and not just a piece of technology he developed alone in his bedroom. This wasn't a formula that he created in his chemistry class, no, this would be web produced from his body. It was way too different.

“That's okay, want help shooting a web?” Jason asked. Peter looked up and noticed the determination in his eyes. As if he's doing anything to make sure Peter was happy. Content.

He did want to swing around again, he loved swinging, his feet off the ground. Free. He nodded looking right at Jason.

“Okay, me and Dickiebird might not have experience in shooting webs but we'll help you the best we can.”

“Of course we will,” Dick agreed. “How should we start?”

“Hm… you shot webs before, right?” Peter nods, “let's see what you did before to shoot a web… aim for my chest.” He raised a hand up and tapped his chest before lowering his hand.

Peter did. He did his usual gesture to fire a web, his hand outstretched, aiming for Jason's chest. Nothing. Peter frowned.

Jason hummed, gently grappling Peter's wrist again, he looked at the small area on Peter's wrist. He stared at it for a bit before looking up at Peter, “close your eyes.”

Confused, Peter followed instructions. With his eyes closed, he felt Jason let go of his wrist.

“Focus on your wrist. Do you feel anything?”

Focus on his wrist?

Peter squeezed his eyes a bit, concentrating. He didn't notice anything at first. It felt normal. His wrist was… huh?

Peter felt it. The small buzz underneath his skin. The feeling was so small he barely even noticed it. It was so hard to actually feel it.

He slowly nods.

“Huh…” Dick hummed, "concentrate on that feeling, try again.”

Again? Does he mean…?

Peter bit the inside of his mouth as he focused on the feeling. He did the motion again but nothing felt different. The feeling was the same. Peter frowned.

“Not that, Jesus Dick, he's not going to be able to just do it now he knows somethin’ there.” Jason spoke, “how about this, focus on expanding that feeling. Try to manipulate it.”

Manipulate the feeling? Could he do that?

He tried.

He doesn't know how he would manipulate the buzz underneath his skin but he does try. He squeezed his arm into a fist, straining his arm and- there! It changed. The slight, nearly invisible buzzing underneath his skin, grew. It grew until it was unmissable, nearly uncomfortable. He relaxed his hand a bit, the buzzing didn't fade. Just… stayed there. Only, there wasn't just a buzzing underneath his skin, there was something there. He felt it. It was abnormal. It didn't feel uncomfortable having it running alongside his veins.

Without being told, he shifted his hand. He did the motion again. This time, something happened.

Peter shot his eyes open when he felt something exit his wrist. Quickly, a thick web was attached to Jason's chest. He had just seen it hit Jason as he opened his eyes. He stared at it.

He did it.

He did it!

“Good job, Pete!” Jason smiled, he didn't move to get the web off of his chest. Just looked at it before looking at Peter again.

Peter was the one who cut the web connection from his wrist to Jason's chest as he practically preened from the validation. He looked down at his wrist again, the web was thick, thicker than his usual web. Thicker than the other Peter's web. It was strange but… he had webs! He could actually swing!

Before Peter could think about the reaction, Peter aimed for the ceiling and shot. It was much easier the second time. He heard Jason and Dick immediately stand when Peter was pulled out of the bed and was hanging by a web on the ceiling. Peter laughed, he was laughing as he swung on the web.

Jason watched proudly but carefully as if waiting for the moment Peter might fall. Dick stared, smiling as the now laughing child. He hadn't seen Peter laugh much, smile, yes, but laughing wasn't something he commonly heard from Peter. Maybe Jason had heard it more since he was constantly with him but not Dick. Dick looked at Jason, knowing the worried but proud look in his eyes. It was the same look he had seen Bruce give Jason when first teaching him how to swing with a grappling hook. Sure, he didn't like Jason at first, afterall he took the mantle of Robin which was his only reminder of his parents. Now, though, he knows it's not Jason's fault. Bruce has been the one who gave away the name he had no right to give away.

Dick wouldn't change anything now. He loved his brothers and sisters. His family.

Dick looked at Peter, and he loves his nephew already even if Jason was insistent he wasn't a dad. Jason hadn't wanted to replace a dad he had no idea if Peter had before coming here.

He looked back only to see Peter using both of his wrists now to create webs and swing from web to web around the room.

Laughs echoed through the apartment and later when Peter finally got tired of swinging and fell into Jason's arms, he was asked to give a number.

Jason hugged him when he showed eighty nine.

Chapter Text

Jason grabbed his keys off the counter, “alright kiddo, do you want to walk or take the motorcycle?”

Peter held up one figure, he liked the idea of riding the motorcycle more but walking around allowed him to take in more. He knows Jason will carry him should anything happen. So, he wanted to walk and see all he could about the area he now lived in.

“Walking it is,” Jason crouched down to Peter's level to make eye contact with him, “there are a few rules, however.”

Honestly, Peter would be worried if Jason didn't give him rules.

Peter tilted his head as Jason started.

“So, rule one, don't ever trust a stranger. Only trust those you know for certain you can or people who know the phrase Birds over Bats.”

Don't talk to strangers was a normal one… what was that rule? Peter has a feeling Jason wouldn't give him many normal rules.

“Rule two, stay with me at all times. If we are separated for any reason, stay where you are. Follow no one claiming they know me and get away if they try to grab you. You can bite, kick, hit as long as you get away. Run away from them. Unless they say the phrase, don't let them take you.”

Peter doesn't know if he should kick or hit anyone. He doesn't know the amount of strength he has. What if he accidentally kills someone? Sure, he knows Jason has killed before, although he rarely does in current years, but Peter doesn't want someone's death on his hands. Even if they would try and kidnap him.

“Rule three, if you see a man in a bat costume, threaten him.”

What?

“Rule four, I am not Red Hood, right now. Me being Red Hood must stay secret. Can you keep a secret?”

Of course Peter could. Peter knew how dangerous it could be when a secret identity got out. He nods, knowing he'd never allow anyone to find out about any secret identities through himself.

“Good. Rule five, you tell me anytime you want something. You get tired, tell me if you want me to carry you. You want to go home, tell me. You hungry, tell me.” Jason continued, “rule six, if you see something going down, ignore it. There's people out there who wouldn't take it well that a kid interrupting their business. You see anything scary, squeeze my hand and look away. I'll block it in a second.”

Ignore crime happening…? What kind of area did they live in? Peter hated ignoring any kind of crime since his uncle's death but this city was different, new. He didn't want to die again and Jason knew more, so he'd listen. He'd allow himself to ignore it no matter how much it hurt.

“Rule seven…” Jason looked away briefly in thought. Did Jason not think much about the rules? “Right,” he hummed, reaching into his pocket and pulling out a small ring. “Wear this at all times.” Jason took his hand and slid the ring on Peter's thumb.

The ring was thin, coloured to match his skin tone. If it wasn't for the coldness of the ring, he'd never know it was there. It was practically invisible.

“I can't stress this enough, any time you leave the house, wear it.” Jason was serious.

Peter looked down at the ring for a moment, touching it lightly as he spoke. “T-tra-tra-cker?”

Jason smiled softly, “yeah kid. It has a tracker on it. I have one too.” Jason pulled his own off of his thumb, “as long as it's on, it'll be tracking your location only my brother has access to.”

Peter looked up, “D-Dick?”

“Na, I have another brother. Actually a few brothers but the brother who has access to the trackers is Tim. He's the one who gave you that tablet.”

Tim? The same person who Jason calls replacement? The one who was translating those documents? Tim seems smart but paranoid to give those he's close with a tracker that blends in with their skin. How did he even know Peter's exact skin colour?

“Tim…?” He muttered, quiet, as he stared at the ring. Could he build things with Tim like he built with Tony? Peter didn't want to give up building things, he hadn't gotten to build anything since his identity got exposed.

Jason nodded, “yeah, I'll introduce you eventually. Don't want to overwhelm you.” He stood suddenly, Peter snapped his gaze away from the ring and to Jason. “I think that's all the rules I have. Let's get going.” Jason reached out his hand.

Peter grabbed it without a second thought. Jason led him out of the apartment and into Gotham for the first time.

 

Peter should've known something like this would happen.

They had been walking around for about two hours, leaving Crime Alley after thirty minutes. In those two hours he's seen about five crimes, all of which Jason had noticed first and turned away, redirecting them both and blocking most of Peter's view. Peter could still hear the words that were said. 2 Muggings, 2 drug deals, and an attempt to get someone to assassinate someone else. It was crimes Peter had wanted to step in to stop, especially the muggings and hiring assassin one but he couldn't. He knew he couldn't. Not in civilian form and not this young.

Honestly, despite how dark Gotham was and the crime rate he felt… connected in a way. It felt like he was in New York, swinging around Queens. He felt like Gotham was his city. His home.

He wasn't sure why he felt so connected to Gotham, even more connected than New York but Peter brushed it off. Maybe it was just his imagination. Maybe it was something more, something Peter didn't understand just yet.

After two hours, Jason had stopped at a small food truck. He was getting them both hotdogs when Peter had seen a butterfly. It had landed on the truck at his eye level before flying off.

He followed it.

Now that he's standing in the middle of a park, looking around to see if he can see the food truck, he's mad at himself for falling into old habits that he thought were long dead.

A habit that his Aunt and uncle had over a dozen phone calls to the police about a missing child. Anytime he saw an insect or animal, he'd follow it until it managed to lose his sight. It got so bad that he had to be put on a child's leash so they wouldn't lose Peter every single time.

It maybe lasted a month until they just gave up and put a leash on him so he couldn't wander. A problem long forgotten but resurfaced now of all times in what Peter can assume is a more dangerous place than New York.

Peter frowned, there was no food truck in sight. So, instead of wandering in a random direction, he sat on the ground and waited. Jason probably was calling Tim by now and getting him to track Peter. He would…

“Hey kid, your dad is looking for you.” A man spoke to him.

Peter looked up, tilting his head at this man. He didn't look familiar but Peter noticed his eyes. Cold. Fake. The smile he wore was extremely fake as well. Might've seen Peter run off and followed him before Jason noticed.

Unless this was one of Jason's friends.

“P-phrase?”

“Phrase? Kid I'm trying to bring you back to your dad. I don't have time for this.” The man dropped his smile and reached down to grab Peter.

His Spider sense is going off a bit in the back of his mind. Peter hissed, immediately jumping up and kicking the man's ankles, the man fell to the floor and before he could do much more than groan in pain, he kicked the man in the dick and took a few steps back.

Peter ran. He shouldn't stay near the man, wasn't that one of Jason's rules? Yeah, rule two or something.

Peter only really registered what he did after a minute of running but didn't stop. He hoped he didn't break the man's ankles or… actually he didn't care. He was a jackass trying to kidnap a kid. After a while, Peter slowed and looked back. He had run out of the park and onto the sidewalk. He glanced around looking at everything before heading into the alleyway nearby. The likelihood of someone finding him here was low unless they had that tracker.

Peter's legs were burning, it's been a while since it burned this much. He pouted, he didn't want to sit on the ground.

Instead, he got an idea.

He glanced at the entrance of the alleyway and walked a bit deeper into it so he was covered by darkness.

He then decided to walk over to the alley wall and climb up it. He never actually did this since coming to this world so to know it was still the same was relieving to know after so much about himself has changed.

He held on the wall with one hand as he made a web between the two buildings, creating a hammock of sorts. Sitting on it felt relaxing. He just sat there and waited. He was covered in darkness, hidden from everyone who walked past the alley.

It wasn't long before a teenager walked into the alleyway, he walked in, looking at his phone again before looking up. He glanced around before walking to the place Peter had been when he had come into the alleyway.

“Shit… Peter, you here?” The teen called out, looking around the dark alley slowly.

He was looking for him. He probably knew Jason but he thought better about jumping down or making a noise. Jason wasn't here. This teen was someone Peter doesn't trust and he hasn't said the phrase.

“Did he lose the ring…” the teen muttered to himself as he looked back down at his phone.

The teen sighed before tapping his phone a few times and putting it to his ear.

Peter heard the ringing. He also heard it get answered a second after the first ring.

“Did you find him?” Jason's voice came through the phone. Does that mean Peter can trust this guy? Jason still wasn't here and he hasn't said the phrase. He won't break any more rules. “Where is he?”

“No, the tracker is here but I don't see him. What's the safety phrase you used? The normal one or…?”

There were multiple safety phrases? How many safety phrases do these people need?

“No, the right one.”

“Really?” The teen smiled, shaking his head, “alright, hold on. Birds over bats, Peter.”

The phrase!

“H-here!” He called out,

The teenager snapped his head upward and saw him. “Huh, cool. I found him, Jay. He's in the alleyway near that Bat-Pizza place.”

“That far? Goddamn, I'll be there soon.” The phone call ended.

The teenager shrugged putting his phone away before looking up. “You wanna come down or stay up there?”

Peter tilted his head. He didn't say anything or move.

The other seemed to understand, “Any way I can come up with you?”

If he knew the phrase then he was trustworthy. So, Peter shot a web at the older, straight in his chest.

The teen flinched back, staring at the web for a second before grabbing it with his hands. Once he did, Peter didn't hesitate to yank on the web with his own two hands.

Peter pulled the teen all the way up, the teen adjusting so he was sitting next to Peter. He managed to let go of the web and pull it off his chest before Peter could do anything else.

“Nice web hammock.” The teen said, looking over at Peter, “I'm Tim.”

Oh, this was Tim?

“P-Peter.”

“You know,” Tim leaned back slightly, “you scared the shit outta Jay.”

Peter frowned and looked down, he really hadn't meant to scare Jason. Childhood habits seem to come back full swing now.

Tim was silent for a minute, “what happened?”

Peter looked at him, tilting his head slightly.

“Why did you run away from Jason?”

Peter glared, he never ran away from Jason. He just… he didn't mean to. Peter thought over the right words before talking. “Di-didn’t run.”

“Didn't run? You just wandered away from him?”

Peter did a so-so motion with his hand. He technically did but he was mainly distracted by the butterfly. So… the butterfly led him away from Jason, he didn't just wander off.

Tim gave him a look but shrugged, he looked towards the entrance of the alley. “You know, we all have a bird or bat nickname. Dick created most of them. He doesn't know what kinda name to give you.”

“W-why?”

“Hm?” Tim glanced over, “oh, Dick likes to welcome new family members with a nickname. Officially in the family or not.”

New family…?

Peter looked towards the alley floor. Dick had claimed he was Peter's uncle, hadn't he? He remembers that. He remembers being confused since the only uncle he ever had was Ben. He hadn't thought about it much at the time since he was trying to calm down but he didn't connect the dots.

Was Dick calling Jason Peter’s dad?

It wasn't as if Peter had anyone to fill that role now. His dad was dead, Tony was dead… he would never replace them. They'd still be dads to him even if he accepted another parental figure into his life. He doesn't think he's ready for family commitment yet. He couldn't take it if someone else died. If another family member died. To get attached was always a downfall but something he did over and over again. No matter the hurt, he always found himself attached to someone else.

He already felt attached to Jason. He couldn't call him a dad until Peter felt like he would stay. Until Peter was sure he wouldn't see another buried.

He didn't mind them claiming it though. Dick claiming to be his uncle was not terrible. It'll take a while before Peter will even consider him one though.

He ignores how the childish part of him, the larger part of himself now, already saw Jason as a dad.

Before Peter could respond, someone came barreling into the alleyway.

Jason took a few quick breaths as he scanned the alley. He reached into his pocket but before he could Tim called out, “up here.”

Jason looked up, he relaxed as soon as he saw the two figures in a web. He didn't say anything as he walked forward and held up his arms.

Peter lit up in recognition.

Jason did that last night. Despite Peter being at perfect level for Jason to just grab, he decided to make it a bit fun, allowing Peter to let go and fall into his arms. A trust fall to the extreme really. He did it, liking the feeling of being weightless for a second before Jason caught him. The feeling he always had when jumping off a building before casting a web out, catching himself.

Peter didn't hesitate.

He jumped off the web, his body being weightless again. The urge to catch himself with a web and swing was there but he knew he didn't need to.

Jason caught him. He didn't stumble, didn't make a noise as he caught Peter, keeping him in his arms and shifting so Peter was held with one arm while the other was free.

“You coming down, replacement?”

“Yeah, yeah, step back.”

Jason did so, when he did, Tim jumped off the web effortlessly landing on his two feet. He brushed off some of the web that attached itself to his clothes. “He's fine, surprised I found him on the web though. That new?”

“Oh yeah,” Jason glanced down at him, “he used his webs last night, swung around my room like a little monkey.”

Peter hummed quietly, leaning slightly into Jason as he rested his head on his shoulder.

He just listened to them for now. Instead of focusing on the conversation or the noise all around him, he closed his eyes and focused solely on Jason's heart.

Chapter Text

Peter is exhausted. Maybe it was because of the web hammock he made only thirty minutes ago. He only started making his own webs last night and it wasn't much. He enjoys making the webs, looking at them and knowing their his. Not something he created in his chemistry classroom because he wanted webs. They were his. His body makes the webs so they were actually his. Not temporary anymore. 

 

Creating that web hammock was a lot. 

 

Or maybe today had just been a lot. 

 

Either way, it didn't stop Peter from leaning into Jason's side as he and Tim talked over coffee. Peter refused any food or drink. Even if Jason got him a donut and a small glass of some drink. He wasn't really paying attention to what Jason ordered for him. 

 

Jason had an arm wrapped around him, comforting for Peter but reassuring to himself. 

 

“So,” Tim drawled, “when are you gonna introduce him to someone else?” 

 

“Probably not for a bit.” Jason took a small sip, “he wasn't even meant to meet you yet.” 

 

“The rest of the family is starting to get suspicious.” 

 

“Dick never mentioned anything.” Jason lowered his eyes, “why?” 

 

“Isn't it obvious?” Tim tilted his head, eyes briefly going to Peter who was half listening but looked completely zoned out. Tiredness was clear on his face but Jason seemed to be waiting for either the signal Peter wanted to go home or for him to sleep. Tim looked back at Jason, “I was looking after the alley for a while. They thought you were injured or something. They know me and Dick know something and we're not spilling.” 

 

“So B doesn't know?” 

 

“No,” Tim took a sip, “he is looking into it.” 

 

“I won't let him take Peter away from me.” 

 

Peter blinked, suddenly on alert. The tiredness vanished nearly instantly at the thought of someone taking him away from Jason. He kept his body relaxed, pretending to be out of it as they spoke but listened carefully. 

 

“And he won't. Dick and I already have a plan if you want to hear it.” 

 

“What is it, replacement?” 

 

“Get the majority of our siblings on your side. Show them that you're better for Peter than Bruce will ever be. We all know Bruce is not exactly the best parent.” 

 

“Ain't that an understatement.” Jason muttered, eyes flashing green for a second before disappearing. 

 

Tim continued, “but showing them how you interact with Peter on your own terms will cause them to be on your side if Bruce tries to do anything.” 

 

Jason hummed, it wasn't a bad plan exactly. He knew that the more people he introduced to Peter, the more likelihood they'd spill the beans either accidentally or on purpose. He looked at Peter, “you awake bud?” 

 

Peter slowly nodded. He really didn't like the idea of leaving Jason. 

 

“How'd you feel about meeting the rest of my siblings?” 

 

How many siblings did Jason have? Surely it wasn't a whole lot… right? “H-h’w m-ma-many?” 

 

“uhh… shit, alot?” Jason thought for a moment, mentally counting. “Seven, I think.” 

 

“You counted Barbara and Stephanie?” 

 

Count Barbara and Stephanie? Were they not technically siblings? Peter gave Tim a confused look but Tim only looked at Jason. 

 

“They both are still our sisters even if they're not officially adopted.” 

 

Peter looked at the table briefly. Jason had seven siblings? Two weren't officially adopted but the others were. He's met Dick and Tim which made five more people Jason considered siblings. Were they all vigilantes similar to Dick? Or were they related to Red Hood? 

 

Wait… 

 

Was Tim a vigilante or crime boss? 

 

Peter looked up, examining Tim carefully. It was a high possibility that everyone in the family wore a mask. Whether that be an illegal one like Jason or a vigilante one like Dick. Peter hadn't looked too much into the other vigilantes yet. It was a bit overwhelming learning so many new things that weren't in his world. Such as Fear toxin or joker gas. Which, he still isn't sure who the Joker even is. That is still blocked. 

 

Going off of the images he remembers of the vigilantes, a few were immediately crossed out. Too young, different skin colour, different gender, already know the identity of, too tall… each image was mentally crossed off before he remembered one image. 

 

Red Robin. 

 

Tim looked about the height of the vigilante, he also had the same hair colour as him as well as the same extremely pale skin. The loose clothes Tim wore made it difficult to tell if Tim had a similar body shape so he couldn't make a point on that one. It was also a gut feeling that said Tim was Red Robin. 

 

Peter relaxed slightly, the tiredness coming back suddenly. 

 

He felt better knowing the people Jason had introduced to him so far were able to protect themselves. They knew the risks and trained. They had to know to be vigilantes as loved and competent as people boast about online. 

 

Jason must've noticed Peter relaxed more as he gave him a small squeeze before speaking. “Who do ya think should be next?” 

 

“Either Cass or Barbara.” Tim hummed, “one or both of them will start looking into your life. It's better they find out from you before they ask Bruce anything about you.” 

 

Jason was silent as he thought. He allowed himself to think over the decision for a second before turning to Peter. Peter who looked on the verge of falling asleep. “Which do you want to meet first, bud, a cool ass silent ex-assassin or the girl behind the scenes.” 

 

An ex-assassin and a person behind the scenes…? Peter's mind whispered Black Widow or Ned. He missed training with Natasha. She had been his trainer ever since the civil war, as Tony called it, ended. She was a good trainer. She also taught him Russian. Sure, he missed Ned, he hadn't seen Natasha since her sacrifice. He knows this assassin wouldn't be like Natasha but he wanted that chance to see at least a little bit of her even if all that connected them was the ex-assassin part.“As-assa-” he huffed, the word was too hard to get out. He tapped on Jason's leg once. 

 

“Cool, Cass it is.” 

 

“Should you really be asking that while he's that out of it?” 

 

“Pete’s fine. He would've chosen her even if he was fully awake. Only if he was awake, he'd overthink about it.” Jason took a sip of his drink, “besides, Cass is gonna love him.” 

 

“You’re not wrong.” Tim hummed, “he's asleep.” 

 

Jason looked down at Peter who had his eyes closed, soft snores leaving the kids mouth. Snores mixed with quiet hissing at times. “Should probably get him home then. I thought he'd tell me when he was ready.” 

 

“I think he just didn't want to interrupt us talking.” Tim shrugged, “what're you going to do about his food and drink?” 

 

“You want it?” Jason glanced at it, “I hoped he'd eat it but I think creating that web cost a lot more energy than he thought.” 

 

“Sure,” Tim shrugged, “want me to warn Cass beforehand or are you gonna surprise her the day of?” 

 

“I'll text her if I wanna give her a heads up.” Jason placed his cup on the table, he manoeuvred himself and Peter around slightly so when Jason stood he stood with Peter in his arms. “Seeya Timbit.” 

 

 

 

Peter opened his eyes when he heard a clank. Metal on metal. Something so familiar he flinched. While it was familiar, Peter hadn't heard it in so long. It was a simple sound, sure, but one he heard commonly in the lab with Tony. 

 

His eyes slowly went towards the sound. There, he saw the back of his mentor. He was hunched over his workstation, the wrench he threw slightly to the side next to him as he picked up the screwdriver. 

 

Peter blinked. 

 

He stared at his mentor for a second before his eyes slowly scanned the room. It's just like he remembered. The messy room, half Peter's, half Tony's. Tables were filled with half finished projects that neither had much interest in other than tinkering with when they were bored. Peter bookbag was thrown carelessly by the door as he often did during lab time. Tools were practically everywhere as well as oil and burn marks. Peter's eyes looked down, while his hands were slightly covered in oil, he didn't have anything in front of him but papers. Papers of some blueprint he couldn't fully remember. 

 

This wasn't a memory, at least not fully. 

 

Peter looked down at himself next, he was normal. He was himself again. Peter Parker, before Thanos ever came into their lives. Before Tony died. Before Peter asked Dr.Strange to do that spell. Before Peter screwed everything up. His eyes went to his wrists, no small holes to produce his own webs. Nothing, only his bare wrist with splatters of oil. 

 

“Mr.Stark?” He said, noticing how his voice felt easier to use. How he never stuttered. 

 

“What, no dad Underoos?” Tony joked, placing the screwdriver down and swirling his chair to face the boy. 

 

Peter looked up at him, “this is a dream, isn't it?” He frowned, he didn't want this to be a dream. He missed being in the lab so much. He missed Tony. He missed everything. It was all too much, it was too much to hear Tony's voice again and remember how much he never actually accepted Tony's death. He never finished mourning. Things just piled on and on until Peter finally died and ended up- 

 

“Yeah Underoos…” Tony smiled sadly, “it's a dream.” 

 

Peter felt the tears run down his face, he missed Tony. He closed his eyes again and turned away. He couldn't break down. He had someone waiting for him to wake up. He had Jason, Peter knew that. He didn't want to worry Jason by actually crying in his sleep. His chest was tight and it felt painful. 

 

“Underoos…” Tony pushed his chair over and grabbed Peter’s chin gently and turned Peter's head to look at him before he spoke again. “Look at me, Pete.” 

 

Peter didn't want to, didn't want to look at his unofficial dad. He was the closest thing Peter had to a dad after his parents death. People often referred to Peter as mini Stark. To the company and all the employees of Stark industries, Peter was Tony's son and no explanations were taken. They already made up their minds after seeing the two of them interact as rumours spread. Tony never stopped it, neither did Peter. They agreed to just let people talk, should it get out of hand, they would have a press conference ready within an hour. Pepper was always ready with those types of things. 

 

Peter opened his eyes after a while, “there you are.” Tony smiled softly, “I might be a dream but I'm still Tony.” 

 

“Youre just the version of Tony I want back.” Peter sighed, “I miss you.” 

 

“I miss you too, Pete,” Tony said immediately. 

 

“I…” Peter pulled away from Tony, he hated his mind for making this up. He hated that this wasn't a memory. He would've preferred a memory and not some half assed dream that Peter was aware of. 

 

A dream like this was so unfamiliar to him. He's never had a dream where he was aware it was. He barely even had dreams to begin with. Why was the universe so cruel to him? He didn't want to think about Tony. Didn't want to cry, didn't want to- 

 

Peter-

 

Huh? 

 

Peter looked around wildly as he heard a distant voice call out to him. Tony seemed calm, smiling at Peter as he looked around. 

 

Wa- -up-

 

The voice was hard to hear, it was muffled… far away just out of his reach. 

 

“He's trying to wake you up.” Tony informed him. 

 

“Who?” Peter asked, hearing another muffled voice but unable to tell what was said this time. 

 

“Your dad.” 

 

“My- I dont-” 

 

Tony interrupted him, “I am a dream of your mind Pete, I know your emotions and what you're thinking. No matter if you want to get attached or not, Jason's your dad now. He didn't replace your bio dad or me but he's your dad now.” 

 

“Dad-” Peter choked, he squeezed his eyes shut. 

 

“Wake up, Peter.” Instead of Tony's voice, it was Jason's voice as clear as day. 

 

 

Peter opened his eyes, he was immediately greeted by Jason's voice, his hands cupping Peter's face trying to wipe Peter's tears away. 

 

“D-d-dad!” He screamed, burying his face in Jason's shirt. His, once again, tiny hands gripped Jason's shirt. Jason was quick to wrap his arms around Peter. 

 

“It's okay, kiddo.” Jason's voice was soft as he placed his chin on the top of his head. 

 

Jason rubbed his back as Peter cried into his shirt. Peter missed Tony. He missed his life before. He missed everyone. Everything. His chest rose with anger at Dr.Strange. Strange had basically killed him with that spell. Sure, it was Peter's fault for all of the events that lead to him casting the spell, but Strange took him away from the opportunity to make his friends and family remember him. He took away Peter's chance to let them get to know him all over again. He took it away from Peter. He took away Peter's chance of ever going to Tony's grave. Ever going to his aunt's grave. Every going to his uncles- 

 

“It's okay,” Jason muttered to him. 

 

Peter hadn't been ready to call Jason dad yet but that dream… seeing Tony- 

 

Peter pushed himself closer to Jason. 

 

“I'm here.” Jason promised, “I will always be here for you.” 

 

Peter just silently cried against Jason's chest, pushing any and all thoughts away as Jason rubbed his back. 

 

He doesn't know how long they sat like that for before Peter's tears stopped and Jason picked him up. He was emotionally exhausted but didn't open his eyes or pull away as Jason carried him out of the room and into the kitchen. He held Peter with one arm as he did something. 

 

After a couple of minutes of moving, Peter opened his eyes and looked at what Jason was doing. He watched as Jason completed the hot chocolate. “You up for some hot chocolate?” He asked softly, “it always helped me when I was a kid.” 

 

Peter nodded slowly. He couldn't remember the last time he had hot chocolate. It's been so long. His aunt and uncle couldn't afford much besides necessities and Tony only bought coffees. Rarely ever did he have tea in his kitchen let alone hot chocolate. 

 

“Up or down?” Jason asked. 

 

Peter didn't speak, not trusting his voice, but he pushed himself farther into Jason. 

 

“Up it is.” Jason picked up one of the mugs and handed it to Peter. Peter let go of Jason's shirt with one of his hands to grab the mug by the handle as Jason picked up the other and walked over to the couch. He placed his own mug on the side table before sitting down, adjusting Peter slightly on his lap to make them both more comfortable before picking up his own mug again. “Number?” 

 

Peter frowned, and held up the mug, Jason took it wordlessly for a second as Peter held up his fingers. 

 

“twenty four?” Jason hummed, handing Peter back the drink, “that's not good.” He thought for a second before smiling, “how about I tell you some stories about Cass?” 

 

The ex-assassin? Peter remembered Jason mentioning meeting her later. He wonders how much later. It would be good to know a few things about her… Peter slowly nodded. 

 

Jason started talking, Peter didn't notice when he started to fall asleep. He also didn't notice his grip loosening on the drink or how Jason took it from him and put it to the side. His eyes slipped closed again as Jason spoke. The words muffled together and Peter couldn't exactly pay attention to the stories. He mainly listened to Jason's heartbeat. 

 

Jason slowly stopped talking when he noticed Peter's eyes slipping closed. He sighed quietly and shifted slightly to grab his phone out of his pocket. He opened it and immediately entered his messages. He had sent Cass a text earlier asking about setting a date to have a small catch-up dinner outside of the family. She usually responded quickly but she still hasn't gotten back to him. He might need to postpone it if Peter is still below fifty by tomorrow but she hasn't responded yet. He would've thought she was on a mission but Tim confirmed earlier that Cass had no missions. In fact, she was supposed to be benched right now for whatever reason. 

 

His eyes went down to Peter. He frowned at how tear stained his cheeks were. Whatever happened, Jason knew it wasn't just the nightmare that caused the tears. Maybe it was a combination of things. Of memories. 

 

Jason wouldn't assume though. Peter didn't deserve Jason making baseless assumptions on why he was upset.

 

His eyes are turned to his phone. He used one hand to type out a message. 

 

: yo, Timbit, does Cass have her phone? 

 

Replacement: yeah?

 

Replacement: atleast I think so… lemme check. 

 

Replacement: okay, she has her phone but it died and she left it to charge and forgot about it. I told her you were texting her and was worried. 

 

: I wasn't worried

 

: thanks

 

Replacement: np

 

Replacement: how's Pete?

 

: had to wake him up an hour ago because he was crying in his sleep. Got him some hot chocolate and told him stories. He's back asleep now. 

 

Replacement: that normal? 

 

:no

 

:the only real issue we had was when he woke up with pit rage and I wasn't in the room with him. 

 

: have you finished translating those documents yet? 

 

Replacement: would you believe me if I said no? 

 

: no

 

Replacement: okay, I have but…

 

: but? 

 

Replacement: we should talk in person about it. 

 

: that bad? 

 

Replacement: after he meets Cass or maybe after he meets everyone else, I'll share it with you but right now I think he needs to meet everyone in the family first. 

 

: nothing I need to know right away? 

 

Replacement: hm

 

Replacement: nothing that would affect anything but yours and his emotional state. 

 

: mentally prepare myself? 

 

Replacement: mentally prepare yourself. 

 

Replacement: just know Peter needs you more than you know. 

 

: way to be secretive with info on my kid. 

 

: there's nothing dangerous in it? 

 

Replacement: nothing that you don't already know. If it was dangerous like that I would tell you. 

 

: good

 

: if there was a danger and you didn't tell me immediately…

 

Replacement: I know, I know. Don't worry, I wouldn't do anything to endanger the kid. 

 

:I need to talk with Cass, get some sleep Timbit. 

 

Replacement: you know I won't

 

 

Jason sighed, maybe it was for the best he did not learn what was in those documents for now. Peter needed him right now, not the pit fueled Jason that would happen if he learned what was in those files. He'd trust Tim for now. Afterall, Tim wouldn't let a child as young as Peter get hurt, he knew that for certain. 

 

He shook his head, going into another chat. 

 

 

Best-sister: I can, brother. 

 

: great, it might not be tomorrow but I'll let you know when, okay? 

 

Best-sister: ok

 

Jason turned off his phone

. He knew Cass didn't speak much. Either in person or over the phone. She wouldn't ask him questions, if she ever did she'd come to his apartment and ask in person. 

 

Jason leaned farther into the couch, he would worry about when Cass was coming over later. Right now he needs sleep.