Stuck in a Web

Peter wasn't sure when he woke up. Stuck in a limbo between being awake and asleep, unsure if the muffled voices were reality or part of a dream. He knew he had to get up but he was too tired, instead choosing to focus on the world around him as his senses began waking up. He listened to the buzz of electricity in the walls, saw the soft natural light through his closed eyelids, and heard the beating of his own heart echoing back to him from a foot away.  Still his body hovered between reality and sleep and Peter was very inclined to give in until a gentle hand gripped his jaw and something plastic was placed to his opened lips. 

That woke him up.

Peter's limbs groaned in protest as he snapped his mouth closed and tried sitting up.  He could feel the tug on his arms as he shifted up to the backboard of the bed he was in. Two blurry figures stood next to the bed.  The smaller was a blob of white as his eyes began to focus, and the other a larger figure clad in black. Still, as much as he wanted to just bolt, his own body was holding him back.  There was a numbness still easing out of him as the effects of what he realised was an accidental hibernation began wearing off.  

“Peter,” Peter's eyes locked onto the smaller figure, his eyes focusing slowly on the elderly woman dressed in a white doctor's coat. “I'm Doctor Leslie, I didn't mean to scare you.  You were asleep for a long time, I was about to insert a tube into your stomach so we could feed you–.”

“What?”  Peter mumbled, hissing as he felt something sharp break inside him as he tried to position his arms behind him on the wall.  Glancing down he noticed the broken I.V. drip and the small trickle of blood.

“Peter.  Lie back down.” came a firmer male voice. “Doctor Leslie won't insert the feeding tube now that you're awake. That being said, you need to lie down.”

“No.” Peter said rigidly.

“Bruce.” the woman reprimanded the older man before turning back to Peter. “You don't have to lie down.  Just let me take those needles out of you before they get any deeper okay?  We’ll take this one step at a time.”

Peter didn't move as the woman approached him, his eyes remained on the imposing figure of Bruce in the corner.  A silent challenge hung in the air, daring Peter to make a break for it.  But as much as he wanted to, his body wouldn't get him very far, not after hibernation. Peter didn't flinch as Leslie carefully removed the broken needle and placed a small band aid on the wound.  Peter's gaze remained firmly on Bruce.  Peter cursed himself for getting caught by Batman after everything. His hands finding a grip on the wall behind him, ready to scurry up at the first sign of him approaching.

The silence of the room was broken as the man he remembered as Jason slammed the door open.  The sudden entrance caused Peter to jump as he finally tore his eyes away from Bruce. Jason stood there glancing over at Peter, before turning to Bruce finger pointed like a parent reprimanding a child.

“You’re the last person he wants to see.” Jason said, “I’ll talk to him, we all know you don't have the abilities to have a normal conversation.”

Peter looked between the two of them while Leslie fiddled with the heart monitor beside him before turning it off. Collecting her notes she headed out of the room and stood close by in order to talk with Bruce about Peter’s rehabilitation now that he was awake.

“Jason,” Bruce said, “I’m perfectly able to have a conversation.”

“No you’re not” Jason turned to Peter, “You gotta talk to someone, me or him?”

“You.” Peter said quickly.

“There.  Sorted.” Jason turned back to Bruce. “You hear that? You can fuck off now.”

“Jason.” Bruce said as if he was going to rebuttal but with a glance to Peter, he sighed and headed out the door, turning back to Jason before he left, “Mind your language. I'll have Alfred prepare dinner for the both of you at six–”

Jason shut the door as soon as Bruce stepped out, cutting him off.  Peter could hear Bruce stand there for a moment before heading down the hall with Doctor Leslie.

“Kid.” Jason began, drawing Peter's attention away from the door. “I just wanna say that the whole kidnapping thing was him 100% of the way. I tried to stop him.”

Jason plopped himself down on the chair beside the bed as if the situation was completely normal.  Peter glanced at the window.

“You don't need to jump out the window, if you wanna leave through the front door I'll make sure no one stops you.” Jason said, “This isn't a kidnapping Peter, it's just an… intervention.”

“Intervention?  I haven't even done anything.”

“I heard you paralyzed Superman.”

“Yeah, well, he was actively kidnapping me at the time so I think it's more than fair.”

“I agree.” Jason said leaning back in his chair, “You're not in trouble or anything the intervention is more a… health and safety one I guess”

“You guess?”

“Look kid, I get that you're pretty shaken up but… look Bruce is pretty shit with kids.”

“I'm not a kid.”

“You are.”

“Am not.”

“Fine by me, I won’t argue.” Jason said, “You wanna sit down or you gonna stay crouched like that the whole time.”

Peter hesitated, glancing back to the closed door before lowering himself till he was crossed legged at the top of the bed. 

“Why are you guys so intent on kidnapping me anyways?” Peter asks, “It’s not very heroic.”

“That’s a good question,” Jason said as he scratched his chin thinking of how to phrase things, “How about this, what would you do if you found an injured kid that was running away from an ambulance.”

“Call CPS or something.”

“And if that injured kid was half spider, what would CPS do?”

“You’ve made your point.” Peter mumbled, “But still, I would have been much better off if you didn’t try to help me.  All the help you guys have given me has left me more busted up than when you found me.”

“You need help.” Jason said, “Look, I don’t agree with how everyones handled it up to this point but how about we start again.  Like I said, at any point you wanna leave, I’ll help you, kay?”

“I wanna leave now."

“And go where?”

“You said ‘at any point’ I could go.”

“You’re right.” Jason stood up, “How about this; you have a shower and I’ll take you out to get some fast food.  In exchange; you try to talk to me about what you’re trying to do and I’ll see if I can help. Sounds good?”

“...that Bruce guy isn’t coming right?” Peter asked, as he hovered his feet off the bed. “If he shows up I’m running.”

“I won’t let him,” Jason said, “You need help getting to the shower?”

“Yeah, my legs are still kinda numb.” Peter mumbled,  “Just don’t gas me like last time.”

“I never gassed you. Almost shot B for doing that by the way.” Jason said as he offered an arm out for Peter to steady himself, “They promised they won’t be doing anymore of that.”

“I don’t believe them,” Peter said as Jason helped him sit on the edge of the bathtub in the conjoined bathroom.

“Yeah, I wouldn’t either.” Jason mumbles watching Peter shake one of his legs. “I’ll get some clothes for you. Don’t fall and smash your head open while I’m gone.”

“You know out of the rest of them I reckon you’re the only actual superhero.” Peter says, wiggling his toes.

“Don’t be saying that to anyone.” Jason calls from the bedroom, “You’ll ruin my reputation."

“Red Hood right?” Peter asks, looking at the open door leading to the bedroom, “What kind of reputation do you have?”

“You don’t wanna know.” Jason says as he rummages through the draws just inside the bedroom. “Nothing really bad though, had a bit of a… mental breakdown?  I’m okay now so you don’t gotta worry.”

“That doesn’t sound reassuring.”

“Yeah well, dying doesn’t leave people the best mentally.” Jason said re-entering the room and placing the folded clothes on the closed toilet seat. “Don’t turn the water up too high, don’t want you getting heat stroke.”

“You can get heat-stroke from a shower?” 

“If you’re in there long enough.”

“Oh…” Peter looked to the shower, the whole bathroom looked rich and he couldn’t help but feel out of place.  It wasn’t the sleekness of Tony’s place with high-tech shower panels and LED lights or the scratched plastic finishings of his old apartment with Aunt May.  No, this room screamed old money.  He was sitting on a porcelain tub with shiny bronze coloured faucets, a large antique looking mirror above the mahogany cupboards of the sink cabinet, and the shower stood in the corner of the room with clear glass panels sealing off the porcelain floor inside. 

“You want help getting into the shower?”

“No.” Peter said quickly, his ego was taking hit after hit today, he wasn’t going to add to the humiliation by getting Jason to help him into a shower. “I’ll be fine, my legs are barely numb anymore.”

“Okay,” Jason said, putting his hands up, “I’ll be in the bedroom, if I hear a loud bang I’m gonna come in, just warning ya.”

“Okay… thanks.” Peter said as Jason closed the door.

Once the door was closed, Peter stood up, using the wall for support as he made his way to the counter. Slipping off his clothes and putting them into the clothes hamper in the corner, he takes a glance at himself in the mirror, his cheekbones jutting through and sunken eyes staring back made him look away quickly.  God he looked… bad.  Getting to the shower he fiddled with the switches for a few moments before he managed to get a warm stream flowing and stepping in.

“Hey, Jason,” Peter called out, poking his head out of the shower so he could hear better, “Do you know where my bag is?”

“Nah, I’ll ask Dickiebird about it later,” Jason called back, “He drove ya here, he’ll know if you had it that night.”

“Oh… Okay thanks!” Peter closed the shower door and quickly washed himself using the expensive shower products unopened inside. He didn’t know who Dickiebird was but he could hazard a guess he meant Dick.

“You want me to ask now?”

“No,” Peter called back, “Can you just stay there in case someone else comes in?”

“Wasn’t gonna leave, I’ll send him a text.”

Peter didn’t reply as he finished washing himself before stepping out, grabbing the soft towel and drying himself quickly.  Slipping into the thick clothes Jason gave him, he finally opened the bathroom door.  Dressed in thick fluffy socks, a knitted jumper under a thick hoodie, and denim jeans that actually fit him.  

“Can we go now?” Peter asked quickly, not wanting to hang around too long in case another one of the bats showed up. 

“Yeah one sec,” Jason was sitting on the bed texting someone on his phone, “Dick said Alfred’s already washed the stuff in your bag and is stitching it up still.”

“So I can’t get it back?"

“That jumper must mean a lot to you huh?” Jason said reading the message someone sent to him, “I’ll grab it off Alfred later, you don’t even have to thank him or nothing.”

“It was my friends, “ Peter mumbled, “We’re not friends anymore but it… it’s really important to me still.”

“Is he dead?” Jason asked, standing up and opening a closet rummaging before taking out a pair of sneakers with the price tag still on them.

“No, he’s just… we couldn’t be friends anymore cause I fucked something up.” Peter said, eyeing the pair of brand new sneakers. “Should I ask why the whole place is decked out in new clothes all in my size.”

“Your dad’s rich.” Jason commented as he handed him the shoes.

“He’s not my dad, don’t be going around telling people that either.” Peter grumbled as he went to put on the shoes. “I have one already.”

“No wait, Dick said you gotta double sock if you’re going out.” Jason said, grabbing another pair of fluffy socks out of the drawer and chucking them at him, Peter catching them easily. “Cold blooded or something.”

“I’m not wearing two pairs of socks, that's stupid.” Peter said.

“Double gloves too.” Jason said, taking out his phone again to re-read the text. “Raynaud’s disease.”

“I’m not diseased.” Peter defended.

“Yeah one sec, imma look it up.” Jason said, “Put the socks on.”

Peter sighed as he slipped on the socks over his other pair before slipping into the shoes and tying the knots.

“You still bunny ear your shoes?” Jason snickers, looking down at Peter.

“I double knot them so it’s fine.” Peter whines. “I don’t wanna hear criticism from my kidnapper.”

“I didn’t kidnap you so I can criticize all I want.” Jason teased as Peter rolled his eyes. “Anyway Doctor Internet here says Raynaud’s is an auto-immune disease that makes your blood overreact to the cold.  Basically you get colder quicker.  So I’m afraid you gotta double glove kid.”

“Fine. It’s not Ray Nards or whatever you called it by the way.” Peter grumbled as he finished tying his shoes and standing up. “Can we go now?”

“Yeah put these on first, Jason said, throwing him two pairs of kids gloves. “You ever ride a motorbike before?”

“No but I really want to.” Peter said excitedly.

“Maybe we should get a lift instead,” Jason muttered, “You just woke from a coma and I don’t want you falling off.”

“I wasn’t in a coma and I’ll just stick to the bike so don’t worry.” Peter said.

“You were literally in a coma for two days.” Jason said.

“Technically I was only hibernating.” Peter said, “And I can stick to things even when I’m asleep so even if I pass out, which I won’t, I still won’t fall off.”

“Hibernating? Is that like…common?” Jason asked looking a bit worried, “Do I gotta worry about you going into hibernation when winter fully kicks in?”

“No, only when I’m really cold for a couple of hours.” Peter said dismissively, “Besides I’m double gloved now so it’s okay.”

“You stick on tight though okay? Don’t fall off.” Jason said, “Quick stop in my room to pick up a helmet and we’ll go.  Dick’s still hovering about and he’ll follow us if he sees ya.”

Peter nodded as he followed close behind him, as they navigated the wooden panelled halls.  It wasn’t long until Jason was ushering him out the front door and towards the heavily modded bike in the driveway. 

“You’re bike is so cool, what does it run off? Is it like fully gas or a hybrid–” Peter continued as Jason slipped the helmet on him and adjusted it slightly, “How fast can it go? Is it even legal I mean you’ve obviously modded the engine cause the frame looks antiquey but everything else looks modern.  Do you like have a pile of speeding tickets under the seat–”

“Shut up and stick,” Jason said, picking Peter up and putting him on the back before hopping on himself. “Hold on.”

Peter stuck himself to the bike just in time for the front door to open and an old man in formal attire looked out with a frown as Jason sped off.  With a jerk, Peter’s upper body was pulled back but his lower half stuck him in place.  Peter quickly wrapped his arms around Jason’s waist and placed his head against his back looking at the manor shrinking fast behind them.

“Who’s the old guy in the bowtie?!” Peter shouted as they stopped at a red light in the center of town. 

“I can’t hear you!” Jason shouted back, quickly speeding up as the lights changed.  They ended up in an underground parking garage before Jason took his helmet off. “You can unstick now.”

“Oh right.” Peter said embarrassed as he realised he was still wrapped to Jason’s waist. Jason hopped off the bike smoothly and pointed up while Peter fumbled with the latch under his helmet.  When Peter looked up, Jason quickly unclipped the buckle and tugged the helmet off him. “Thanks.”

Grabbing the hand Jason offered, Peter jumped off the bike, watching as he lifted the back compartment Peter was sitting on and grabbed out a scratched up leather wallet before dumping the two helmets inside. 

“Damn, you even modded the storage thingy, pretty sure they’re not supposed to be that big.” Peter said following behind Jason as he was led out of the parking garage.

“How do you know how big they’re supposed to be?” Jason asked as they made it onto the buzy street. “You said you’ve never been on a bike before.”

“Movies.” Peter said.

“You can’t trust everything you see in movies, kid.”

“I completely disagree.  You know how many bad guys I got by copying movies?  At least two.”

“You fight bad guys a lot?” Jason asks as he leads him towards a burger place. 

“At least two.” Peter said looking up at the sign above the door, “Batburger is a stupid name by the way”

“The food’s worse,” Jason said looking at Peter once they were inside, “But it’s fast, and I’d rather get the food into you quickly then wait thirty minutes somewhere else.”

“It’s fast food, of course it’s fast.” Peter said looking up at the display menu above the counter “What does jokerize your fries mean?”

“It’s like a chicken flavoured salt but like coloured n’shit.” Jason said. “Getting you a bat-mite meal, you get like a toy with that.”

“So like a happy meal?”

“Yeah, but worse.” Jason said, “You allergic to anything?”

“Not really, a few intolerances and stuff but I can tell if something bad is in the food anyway. Enhanced senses and stuff.” Peter said, “I’ll just throw up in a worse case scenario, heal too quickly to get a full allergic reaction.”

“Fair enough.” Jason said, “Find a seat, I’ll just get you what I’m getting plus that bat-mite meal.”

“Okay, just don’t jokerize the fries, it looks weird.” Peter said, turning to look for an empty booth.  Finding a green booth under a window covered in question marks he plopped himself down, kicking his feet over the edge as he watched Jason order at the counter.  It took a few minutes before Jason joined him, placing the tray of food on the table.

“I got you Fanta for the kids meal and Cola for the adult one” Jason said passing the two drinks to him, “I forgot to ask what you liked.”

“I like everything” Peter said, grabbing the kids meal off the tray, “When I lived with my Aunt she only got the diet stuff.  Something about eating the calories and not drinking them’”

“That makes no sense.” Jason said, passing the big burger and un-jokerized fries to Peter. “Go on, I gotta see what toy ya got.”

“What ones can I get?” Peter asked opening the box and pulling out the foil wrapped figurine.

“Any of the bats.” 

“I hope I get Red Hood then.” Peter says opening the toy and pulling the Batman figure out. “This is the worst day of my entire life.”

Jason laughed as he watched Peter’s excitement immediately disappear when he saw the toy.

“Here.” Peter shoved the toy towards Jason, “You have it, a gift from me to you.”

“I don’t want that.” Jason said, whipping a tear. “Just leave it on the tray, we’ll throw it out after we’re done.”

“It’s like God is mocking me.” Peter grumbled as he took out the bat shaped fries and robin nuggets from the bat-mite box before placing the figurine back inside. He moved the box to the end of the table. “Of everything I could have got, I got him.”

“You really don’t like him? I can’t blame ya.” Jason said, “I hate the guy as well.”

“Aren’t you supposed to like him?” Peter said as he munched on the food, “Same team and all?”

“Doesn’t mean I gotta like him.  He fucked me up real bad.”

Peter nodded.

“Is he your dad?”

“Adopted.”

“He has a habit of adopting kids or something?” Peter asked.

“He’s actually your dad though.” Jason said, “DNA backs it up.”

“I don’t wanna hear it.” Peter grumbled, “I have a dad, a dodgy paternity test isn’t gonna change that.”

“How do you know it’s dodgy?”

“I know for a fact my DNA is too fucked to get anything concrete.”

“A 98.8% match is still pretty high.”

“Yeah well Richard’s got 100% match so pretty sure that means Bruce ain’t my dad.”

“...Richard?”

“Richard Parker, my actual dad.”

“Oh thank god, for a minute there I thought you meant Dickie.” Jason said.

“What? No. More than one person has the name Richard y’know?”

“Yeah I know I know but in this family you can never be too certain.” Jason said, “So Parker? That your last name?”

“Yeah, Peter Benjamin Parker.” Peter said, “I’m not gonna go changing it cause a rich guy has a problem with kidnapping kids.”

“I’m gonna tell you now cause you’re gonna find out later.” Jason said, “And I want to preface this by saying I was really mad when I found out.”

“He didn’t.”

“PeterWayne. Got a birth certificate for ya and everything.” 

Peter sat there for a minute before he grabbed the bat-mite meal with the batman figurine inside and chucked the box into the bin.  Sliding back into the booth Peter looked up at Jason who had an amused look on his face.

“That’s fine, I’m not gonna be sticking around for long anyways.” Peter said as he took a bite out of the burger.

“How about you get to a healthy weight first before you run off.” Jason said, “The weather’s only gonna get colder and apparently you go into hibernation when you get cold.  You’ll be a block of ice before Chrstmas.”

“I’m not going back to that place. You guys are all weirdos” Peter mumbled finishing his food.

“I’m gonna stay at the manor for a couple days just until you're a bit healthier then I’ll be heading back to mine.” Jason said carefully, “You’re free to come with me.  Does that sound a bit more reasonable?”

“I don’t wanna talk to Bruce.  Pretty sure he sent Superman and his kid after me.”

“You’re gonna have to talk to him at some point, but if it makes you feel any better then I’ll stick near ya the whole time okay?” Jason said, “On another note, I’m pretty sure you told me you’d let me know what’s going on with you and I said I’d see if I can help.”

“I don’t really know how to explain it without sounding crazy.” Peter said, “I mean like you guys already think I’m involved in something that I’m pretty sure I wasn’t.”

“Well… how about we begin at the start.” Jason said, “Anything at all and I might be able to point you in the right direction.”

“Um… I think something blew up?” Peter said, “Then I was like in Gotham.”

“Were you in Gotham when this thing blew up?” Jason asked.

“No, I was in New York.  Stark Industries.”

“Stark Industries?”

“Yeah, Tony Stark,” Peter said looking up at Jason, “I’m pretty sure he was there too, I don’t really remember though.”

“Well you had a pretty bad head injury when we found you, it could’ve scrambled some memories getting hit that bad.”

“You believe me?”

“There was a chunk of metal sticking out of you with ‘Ark Ind’ written on it.” Jason said, “Didn’t match anything we had on record but Stark Industries definitely fits.  So I believe you. You were in New York in a building called Stark Industries with a man called Tony Stark.  So far so good. Anything else?”

“If I told you I’m from a different dimension would you believe me?”

“That’s  um…” Jason clicked his tongue, “How about we go more into detail of what you remember first.”

“You don’t believe me.”

“I won’t lie, it’s a stretch but I’m gonna just at least pretend I believe you.”

“How is that any better?”

“If I pretend to believe you then I can still give you advice under the presumption everything you’re saying is true.”

“...I guess that makes sense.”

“Brilliant so, Tony Stark, why were you in a lab with him?”

“He’s like, kind of my mentor but legally my boss I guess?”

“You’re boss?”

“Paid internship. He’s this billionaire superhero that also pays for my apartment.” Peter said, “He fixed my suit a couple times.”

“Your suit?”

“I’m Spiderman.” Peter said, “But don’t tell anyone cause something really bad happened the last time people knew.”

“Is that what happened to… Ned, that was your friend right?”

“Yeah he forgot me cause this wizard guy had to do a spell cause I kind of broke the multiverse I think.”

“Right… back to Stark.” Jason said, “Something blew up, any more info on that?”

“Um, well.. I think it was just me and Tony there and–” Peter glances up at the door as a group of teens enter with an angry looking Damian in front. “Shit.”

“What?” Jason looks towards the door as the angry teen fast approaches, “No. No. No. You’re not sitting with us. Damian no.”

“I don’t take orders from you Todd.” Damian hissed as he sat next to the tense Peter. “Explain to me why you have kidnapped Peter.  He needs a proper diet not grease.”

“The only person you take orders from is Lucifer himself, demon spawn.” Jason sighed, “And for your information Peter likes it, don’t you Peter?”

“Yeah?” Peter answered unsure.

“He’s in recovery, he shouldn’t be eating this crap.”

“I’m okay–” Peter begun but was cut off when two other teens, a blonde girl and a guy nudged Jason over so they could squeeze into the booth.

“I’m Stephanie,” the girl said grinning to Peter, “You get the bite-mite meal yet? Who’d you get?”

“Um–” Peter was cut off again by the other teen.

“I don’t see the box, really Jason? His first time at Bat Burger and you didn’t get him the Bat-mite meal, it’s like a rite of passage.” the other teen said before standing up. “I’ll get him one, you want one too Dami?”

“Drake, I have just informed Todd about how Peter shouldn’t be eating this and now you’re just encouraging him.”

“It’s just for the toy, he doesn’t have to eat the food.” 

“Am I invisible or something? I just told you guys not to sit with us and now you’re ordering food?” Jason complained.

“Shut up Jason, it’s a tradition, new in Gotham and you get a bat-mite meal. Peter doesn’t mind.” Stephanie said, turning towards the teen in line at the counter, “Tim! Get me one too!”

“Does anyone in this cursed family have ears?” Damian hissed.

“It’s not nice when people don’t listen to you, is it Dami?” Jason teased. 

“Shut up Todd.” Damian said, “You still have to explain yourself on why you kidnapped Peter.”

“He didn’t kidnap me.” Peter interjected, “I wanted to go.”

“You were in a coma for two days Peter,” Damian said, immediately switching into a gentle persona when talking to Peter as opposed to the aggressive one he used with the rest of the family. “You have a meal plan.”

“I don't need a meal plan.”

“You’re underweight.”  Damian explained, “They said you were at risk or organ failure the entire time.”

“Oh, I just needed to get some food, that's all.” Peter mumbled playing with the empty food packaging on the table, “I’m sorry I left you in New York by the way. I just didn’t want to stick around till your dad showed up.”

“He wasn’t supposed to show up. If that receptionist didn’t need parental permission he wouldn’t have known and we would still be there.”

“Oh…” Peter mumbled, feeling bad still, “Sorry about leaving you in the rain though… and biting your friend's dad.”

“You don’t need to apologise. Dami deserves being left in the rain,” Stephanie teased, “You really bit him though? That’s really cool, is that how you lost your tooth?”

“Yeah, I didn’t mean too; his arm was right near my face so I kinda just bit it I guess” Peter said, “It wasn’t really malicious or anything.”

“Don’t pester him, Brown.” Damian snapped, “Peter, Alfred is going to take us back to the mansion we should leave before Drake returns.”

“Too late,” Tim said, placing the tray on the table, three bat-mite meals and one normal bat burger meal, “You get nothing Jason cause you kidnapped Peter.”

“I didn’t kidnap anyone, replacement.”

“Don’t be rude in front of Peter,” Tim grinned as he sat back down next to Stephainie and placed the kids' meals in front of Peter and Damian, Stephanie grabbing her one as soon as he sat down.

Peter watched Stephanie rip open her box and take out a purple clad figurine. Letting out a small squeal she shoved the figure in front of Peter. 

“This one’s the best one Peter, it’s Spoiler.” Stephaine grinned as the rest of the table groaned, “Don’t listen to them, they're just jealous.”

“Of Spoiler?”

“Yes.”

“We’re really not.” Timothy muttered under his breath. “Hurry up and open yours, if you're lucky you’ll get Red Robin.”

“Why would that be lucky?” Peter asks, taking out the foil wrapped toy.

“He’s the actual best.”

“You know I know who you guys are right? You weren’t even wearing a mask in the cave.”

“Oh, right.” Tim said, “Still, open it.”

“You don’t know who I am.” Stephanie said, gently placing the Spoiler figurine down on the table.

“I can hazard a guess.” Peter said, glancing between the purple figurine and the sheepish look on Stephanie’s face. Opening his own Peter let out a groan as he pulled out an identical Batman figurine to the one he had pulled earlier. Jason immediately began laughing when he got a glimpse of the plastic cowl.  “I changed my mind, Spoiler’s the best, swap with me.”

“No.” Stephanie whined, picking up her figurine and holding it close to her, “This is the only Spoiler one I’ve ever pulled, I’m keeping it.”

Peter looked to Damian, who was watching the scene play out.

“Who’d you get?” Peter asked, “Actually I don’t care, can you swap with me?”

“Why is Todd laughing like an idiot?” Damian grumbled, opening his own one and scowling when he saw the Red Hood Figure within seconds he swapped it with Peter’s.

Peter grinned as he held up his new Red Hood figurine and showed it off to Jason.

“Now that this stupid tradition you guys have is over can we return to the manor now?” Damian grumbled.

“Can’t. Alfred’s busy grocery shopping.” Tim said, eating away at his food. “You wouldn’t know anything about that would you Dami?”

“Tt”

“Come on Peter,” Jason said, climbing over the back of the seat so he could get out knowing Stephanie and Tim weren’t going to move. “Let’s head back, these guys can take the bus or something.”

“He’s not riding that death trap of yours Todd.” Damian hissed, grabbing Peter’s arm as he tried to get up, “Eat your food Peter.”

Peter sat back down and took out the fries from the box.  It was a bit strange to take orders from a kid but Peter would rather eat then get himself involved in their argument. 

“He got here just fine.” Jason said, crossing his arms. “Thought you wanted him back at the manor.”

“Don’t twist my words.” Damian said. 

“Come on Peter.” Jason said again.

“No. Peter, stay.”

“Peter. Come.”

“Stay.”

Jason groans as he slips into the booth behind Peter and grabs him under his arms and lifts.

“You can’t do that!” Damian shouts, grabbing onto Peter. “Let go of him!”

“You let go.” Jason says, tugging Peter up higher as Damian tries to wrestle him back down.

“Are you two just going to watch?” Damian shouts towards Stephanie and Tim, “He’s actively being kidnapped right now.”

“Is it kidnapping when he’s taking him home?” Stephanie asks.

“I’m not gonna play tug-o-war with Peter as the rope Dami,” Tim says, “You should just let go.”

“Fine but I’m coming with you” Damian said, letting go of Peter as Jason places him on the ground. 

“Only got two helmets, Demon, you gotta take the bus.” Jason said, leading Peter to the exit grabbing the Red Hood figurine as they passed.  Sticking out his tongue for good measure.

“Realmature Todd, I’m telling father about this.” Damian called out towards the pair.

“Boohoo, what’s he gonna do?” Jason teased back as they left the building.

“You guys seem close.” Peter said, grabbing the figurine off Jason and slipping it into his pocket, “Are you all adopted?”

“Nah. Stephaine’s not legally part of the family but she hangs around enough that she may as well be.  Apart from that everyone else is, except Damian, he’s got Bruce’s cursed blood in him.”

“Oh, you weren’t kidding when you said Bruce had an adoption problem.”

“You haven’t even met everyone yet.”

Peter nodded as he followed Jason into the parking garage.

“Do we have to go back right away?” Peter asked as Jason put his helmet on him. “No offense or anything but it really feels like I’m walking into a trap.”

“I suppose not,” Jason said, lifting Peter onto the back of the bike. “Dinner’s not till six so I don’t think they’ll mind too much. Why, you got somewhere else in mind?”

“Not really, just… somewhere else for a bit.” Peter mumbled, wrapping his arms around Jason’s waist. “You wanna see the giant spider web I built in this abandoned Opera House?"

“As long as you’re the only giant spider in the building then sure.”