kismet

His birthday passed without much thought. He had already celebrated his twenty second birthday that year and he wasn’t planning on doing it again. Especially not when he was alone. He had been in Gotham for a little over two months now and it had been… interesting, to say the least.

Gotham hadn’t been kind to him exactly but he’d been able to handle himself when people tried to come after him. Ever since he’d needed Nightwing to come and rescue him from a small time criminal, he’d promised he’d never let himself be caught off guard again.

Work had been his saving grace, Aunt Harley and Aunt Pam fussing over him every time they saw him. Nobody in the bar dared to screw with him, not with both Harley and Pam on his side, at least not on neutral ground.

They’d introduced him to another one of their friends, another member of their little ex rogue club. Selina Kyle was a very intimidating woman, Peter was man enough to admit that he’d almost pissed his pants when she set her eyes on him. But then she’d smiled at him and he’d forgotten all about that, gaining another aunt in the process. Peter knew she was engaged to Bruce Wayne and that made him itchy but her company was nice enough that he ignored it.

School was finally starting. He was both glad for the distraction and terrified. Peter walked into his first day at Gotham University feeling like a nervous wreck.

He was dressed in a new outfit courtesy of his generous paycheck. With the addition of the tips he was earning, he had a comfortable amount of cash on him at all times and a healthy savings beginning in his bank account. Enough money that he’d splurged a little bit. Maybe.

He still wasn’t going to be Spider-Man… yet. But, he had finally repaired his watch enough to communicate with Karen. The AI had kindly altered the nanobots until an innocuous pair of glasses sat on his new desk. Said glasses now sat on his face, a constant input of information always in his line of sight and Karen’s voice in his ear. He also wore his web shooters, disguised as a twin set of metal bracelets. He’d need to buy some supplies soon, so he could create more web fluid.

Karen’s calming voice rang in his ears as his heart began to race. “Boss, your heart rate has risen above normal levels consistent with your previously recorded baseline. Are you okay?” Her synthetic voice lilted with concern and sometimes Peter wondered if she was more sentient than he thought.

Grabbing his phone out of his pocket and pressing it to his ear, he answered “I’m fine, K. Just nervous.” He answered, weaving through the crowded hallway towards the classroom.

“Why are you nervous, Peter? You are excellent at school and you have already taken this class in the Avengers universe.” Karen replied, humming soothingly. Avengers universe and Justice League universe, as he’d taken to calling them.

Peter grimaced, he wasn’t exactly happy about restarting his third year of college all over again. “I know, Kare, but I’m still nervous.” He whispered. If anyone else had been asking he would have snapped at them but Karen was his friend and his responsibility. She may have been a thirteen year old AI but she was always learning.

“I believe you will do wonderfully, Peter.” Karen said after a pause.

Peter couldn’t help his smile. “Thanks, K.” He said, putting his phone away as he entered the classroom and took a seat three rows from the front.

“You’re welcome, Boss.” Karen said warmly.

The room was almost completely empty when Peter sat down, though since he had made sure to be early, that made sense.

He quickly got out his newly bought laptop, though old and beat up, it still worked. Especially with the tinkering he’d subjected it to after he bought it. Sighing as he brought up a document to write notes with, he listened absently as Karen told him about everyone that entered the classroom.

He had been leaning back in his seat, lazily tracing patterns on the table but stiffened forward when Karen spoke next.

“Timothy Drake-Wayne. Adopted son of Bruce Wayne. Double majoring in Criminal Justice and Cyber Security.” Karen informed him.

Peter’s eyes widened and he twisted to look at the man. He’d seen Red Robin following him every once in a while but he’d never met Tim Drake-Wayne.

He was… fuck he was hot. Timothy fucking Drake-Wayne was hot as hell and Peter could feel his face heating up as he looked the man up and down. Lips that were begging to be nibbled on. Blue eyes shining with an attractive amount of intelligence. Fluffy black hair that Peter wanted to run his hands through. He looked like he was taller than Peter, slim and lean and god… he was beautiful.

He let out a very manly meep sound as the CEO of Wayne Enterprises met his eyes, his lips twitching into a smirk as he watched Peter speculatively.

Peter looked away hurriedly, looking down at his computer, face flushing brightly. He kept his eyes determinedly on the screen, his heart racing.

Karen spoke up. “Your heart rate has risen again, Peter. Are you still nervous?” She questioned.

“I’m fine!” Peter whispered furiously under his breath.

“Nice to meet you, Fine. I’m Tim.” A voice spoke right next to him and he turned slowly to see that Tim had taken the seat right next to his and had already set up all of his things.

“Peter!” He blurted stupidly, wanting to close his eyes in despair.

Tim raised a brow, watching Peter with equal amounts curious and amused, with a sprinkle of something else Peter couldn’t name in his eye.

“I’m Peter, not fine.” He clarified before falling into a nervous ramble. “I mean, I am fine! But that’s not my name. Ya know, because my name’s Peter. Peter Parker.”

Tim’s lips twitched again. “Nice to meet you then, Peter Parker.”

Fuck, he liked the way his name sounded on Tim’s lips.“Yeah. I mean- it’s nice to meet you too. I mean, of course-“ Peter bumbled, cutting himself off before he could embarrass himself further.

Tim smiled, eyes filled with mirth. “You’re cute.” He said it calmly, factually.

Peter reared back, letting out a squeak. “Uh-“

Before he could say anything, the professor entered the room, briskly beginning his introduction speech. Peter sealed his lips shut, sneaking glances at Tim between taking notes.

After the class was over, Peter stood up, getting ready to leave when Tim spoke up. “Peter. Give me your phone, I wanna put my number in.”

“M-me?” Peter stuttered, quickly handing his phone over and practically shoving it into the other man’s hands.

So much for avoiding the Waynes. But he was so pretty!

“Yeah, cutie, you.” Tim grinned, handing his phone back open to a contact named ‘future boyfriend’. Peter gaped at his phone for at least a full minute and when he looked up, Tim was gone.

Over the next few days, Tim and Peter texted almost every single one of them. Peter was practically glued to the device, smiling down as he got to know one of the only people he’d promised himself he’d avoid.

But it was fine, right? Totally not like he saw Red Robin following him again the same night he got Tim’s number. It was fine. So Tim was a bit stalkery. Everyone had their moments.

He was just so fun to talk to. They’d met three days ago but Peter felt like he’d known him all his life. Talking about nothing and everything almost all day and night. He was pretty sure Tim had as many issues sleeping as Peter did, given that a lot of the time they ended up talking well into the morning.

It was nice, though they hadn’t seen each other (technically) since they only had a class together once a week. Peter was humming with energy as he made his way into the bar, waving happily at Harley as he ran to the back to change.

When he got back to the front, two of his regulars were there waiting for him with grins on their faces.

Cassandra Wayne and Stephanie Brown came in at least three times a week, always when he was working. They were always pleasant but Peter could never shake the feeling that Cass knew more about him than he would’ve liked, and she knew that he knew more about her than she probably would’ve liked. Stephanie, or Steph as she requested he call her, was a firecracker. She was almost always smiling and cracking jokes though Peter could see a hardness in some of her smiles. He knew who they were but while they were in front of him he would pretend he didn’t.

“Cass! Steph! Welcome back! How’s your day going?” Peter chirped, stepping behind the bar and smiling at the two women.

‘Hello Peter.’ Cass signed, smiling softly.

“Hi Petey Pie!” Steph crowed. “Our day was fantastic! How about you?”

“Oh you know, same old.” Peter deflected with a charming grin. “What can I get for you?”

“I’ll have a strawberry margarita and she’ll have a vodka redbull.” Steph answered for both of them, before grinning conspiratorially. “A little birdy told me you met Tim.”

Peter raised a brow at the wordplay. “Was the little birdy Tim?” He asked, his heart pounding. Had Tim told his family about him. If so, why? Was it because he was suspicious of Peter or was it because he liked him?

Steph gasped dramatically, putting a hand to her chest. “How’d you know?” She asked in faux despair.

“I always know.” Peter hummed mysteriously, moving away to make the drinks.

“You like him.” Cass said knowingly as she grabbed her drink and took a sip.

“I-“ Peter was bright red. He had no idea how to respond to that.

“He likes you too.” Cass continued, an amused twinkle in her eye.

“Oh!” Peter squeaked, mouth falling open and closed too many times.

With a wink, Cass walked away from the bar to their normal table, Steph trailing behind her with nary a goodbye.

The rest of the night continued in a haze of thoughts and the end of it found Peter sitting on the roof of his building, his legs swinging idly off the edge. He listened to the sounds of Gotham; loud and angry but also somehow soothing to Peter’s soul. He hummed as he looked out on the city. He’d slowly been falling in love with the place, broken as it was. And the more he loved it, the more he itched to put on his suit and help. But was it worth the attention he would draw?

“Peter. Red Hood is heading towards you.” He was startled from his thoughts by Karen’s voice and seconds later his spidey sense buzzed lightly and the sound of heavy feet landed behind him. He stayed still, not alerting the intruder to the fact that he knew he was there.

“Buddy, I’m gonna have to ask you to step away from the edge.” A modulated voice said firmly, and Peter turned around to see Red Hood in all his glory. He had seen the vigilante slash crime lord quite a bit, not following him as much as just existing in Crime Alley. He rather liked the man and respected what he did around the city. He didn’t kill personally but he’d long since left behind the little boy who abhorred it. He’d been through too much not to understand why it was sometimes necessary. Some people were just beyond redemption. Also, one couldn’t simply be friends with Wade Wilson A.K.A. Deadpool without bending their morals a bit first. Peter should know.

“I’m not going to jump.” Peter stated calmly, still kicking his legs. “You can sit if you want, Mr. Crime Lord.” He said, gesturing to the open spot next to him.

Red Hood’s head tilted, and he stared for long enough that Peter felt uncomfortable, but he did come to sit beside him. He seemed wary, a bit uncomfortable as he edged father and farther back from the edge.

“What are you doing up here, kid?” Red Hood’s head tilted questioned, his voice gruff and short. Peter didn’t mind.

“Not a kid.” He snapped, green rising up in his chest. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath before looking back at Red Hood. “I like being up high, Mr. Crime Lord. It helps me think.”

Red Hood’s huffed and Peter was sure if he didn’t have his helmet on he would have punched the bridge of his nose in exasperation. “Just call me Hood.” He said, taking off said helmet. Peter took in the black hair with a white streak in it and the same cowl the bats wore and swallowed a sigh.

“Peter.” Peter returned, holding out his hand.

Hood shook his hand, letting out a bemused sigh. “So, Peter, what are you thinking so hard about?” He asked, looking out at the skyline with a small downturn to his mouth that seemed natural.

Peter smiled sadly and chose his words carefully. “I used to do volunteer work back home and when I first moved to Gotham I was a little intimidated.” Hood let out a small snort. “Anyway, it’s been two months and I want to start again but I’m…”

“Scared?” Hood filled in after a few seconds, shifting to face Peter. Peter nodded after a moment, a grimace appearing on his face. “It’s okay to be scared but don’t let fear stop you from doing what you believe in. Don’t let it stop you from helping people. Even if it’s in a small way, I know a few shelters who are pretty desperate for volunteers.”

Peter smiled, trying to hide his surprise and failing. He tried not to read too much into the words, it’s not like Red Hood knew he was basically telling a vigilante to move in on his territory. But he could help! “I didn’t know you did speeches. You don’t seem like the speech type.” He said jokingly.

Hood huffed and Peter could see the motion of him rolling his eyes. “I’m not. You should feel special.”

Peter grinned cheekily. “I am in the presence of the king of motivational speeches everyone!” He said to the sky and buzzing buildings around them.

“Shut up.” Hood grunted, though he was smiling slightly even if he didn’t know it.

“Sorry. Never heard of her.” Peter replied promptly, twisting sharply so he was lying on the edge instead of sitting.

“Woah!” Hood gasped and jumped forward like he was going to catch him. He sat back, visibly startled, and shook his head. “Don’t fucking do that.”

“Sorry.” Peter said unapologetically, tilting his head up with a wide grin.

“You’re a little shit.” Hood said, leaning forward.

“That’s me!” Peter sang, before looking up at the man. “So, about those shelters…”

Hood huffed but nodded.

For Aunt May.

Zombie: Just saw Lazarus kid on a roof in Crime Alley.

The All-Seeing Eye: Voluntarily offering information? Who are you and what have you done with Hood?

Zombie: Ha ha

Boy Genius: Was he okay?!

Demon Brat: Your emotions are nauseating, Drake.

Waffle Queen: what timbo asked

Zombie: He was fine. Said he was just thinking. Funny guy.

Boy Wonder: Be nice to Timmy, Dami! And Jay, you just believed him?

Zombie: Yup

Less than a week later, Peter was headed back to his coding class. Spider-Man had been a constant in his mind, weighing the pros and cons of going out in Gotham, deciding whether it was worth it. As much as he tried not to take so much out of Hood’s words, he couldn’t help it. He was a hero! He had a responsibility to help people. With great power comes great responsibility.

He sighed and stepped into the classroom, the one he shared with Tim. He was equally excited and nervous as he walked into the room and spotted Tim sitting in the same spot he had last week.

The other man lit up as he caught sight of Peter and he couldn’t help but grin stupidly back.

“Hey.” Peter whispered a bit shyly, shuffling on his feet.

“Hi.” Tim breathed back, eyes intent on Peter, looking him up and down with an emotion he refused to name.

They spent most of the class whispering under their breath, thankfully the teacher was too intimidated by the Wayne name to reprimand them. His breath caught in his throat when Tim asked him out for coffee after class was over.

“Yes!” He said before he could even think. Well, looks like he was going on a date with Tim. He certainly wouldn’t complain but a part of him was a little suspicious about his intentions. Was he asking him out because of whatever investigation the Bats had about him? Or was it just a coincidence, just two guys who genuinely enjoy each other’s company.

Tim’s smile was worth all of the concerns in the back of his mind. It was so bright and beautiful and Peter thought if he could make Tim smile like that forever he could die happy.

“So where should we go?” Peter asked, holding onto the strap of his backpack nervously.

Tim gave a reassuring smile and grabbed Peter’s free hand. “I know a place.” He said mysteriously before dragging Peter towards a black Audi.

The cafe Tim had brought Peter was so cute! It was a little hole in the wall type place with polaroid pictures taped to the wall, plants everywhere the eye could see, and fairy lights strung across the ceiling.

Peter buzzed happily as they moved towards the counter to order. He stopped short as he caught sight of the barista and his smile widened tenfold. “Aunt Pam!” He called out, earning a surprised look from Tim.

Pam turned with a soft smile, waving Peter closely and coming around the counter to pull him into a hug. “Peter, sweetheart. What are you doing here? I thought you had class.”

“Oh!” Peter gasped, pulling away from the hug with a blush. He rubbed the back of his neck. “I’m on a date.” He answered, gesturing towards Tim who was still standing shock still.

Pam turned towards Tim, her smile sharpening. “Well well if it ain’t Timothy Drake in my little cafe.”

“This is your place, Aunt Pam? That’s so cool!” Peter piped up a bit nervously, laughing under his breath as he looked around.

“It is.” Pam smiled proudly before her eyes darted back to Tim who had schooled his features into a blank mask. “You better treat my nephew right, boy.”

“Aunt Pam!” Peter cried out, covering his face with his hands. “Don’t make me tell Aunt Harley.”

Pam sniffed imperiously. “She would agree with me.”

Peter stared for a minute before slumping in defeat with a groan. “Ugh. Fine, you’re right. Can I just have a mocha frappe?”

“Of course sweetie.” She said warmly. “And for you?” She asked Tim.

“Black coffee please.” Tim said after a pause.

“It’ll be right out.” She chirped in a fake peppy voice. “Go get a table, sweetie. It’s on the house.”

“Thanks, Aunt Pam!” Peter chirped back happily, dragging a semi coherent Tim to a table in the back corner near the windows.

“So…” Peter hummed, giggling nervously as Tim stared blankly.

“Poison Ivy is your aunt?” He asked dryly.

Peter tilted his head. “I mean not biologically but she and Harley have been looking out for me since I landed in Gotham.”

“Landed in Gotham?” Tim asked, raising a brow, a smile starting to crawl up his face.

“Y-yeah because I flew here from New York when I moved.” Peter stuttered, flushing.

“Hm.” Tim hummed before quickly changing the subject. “How was your week then? Did you really meet Red Hood?”

“Oh my god, yeah! I forgot about that!” Peter brightened, hands gesturing animatedly as he began to weave the story. He stopped to smile at Pam when she dropped off their drinks. Tim watched him with a soft grin and Peter felt warmth bloom in his chest.

The date was perfect and Tim was everything he could have ever wished for and had never imagined.

Peter didn’t really like coffee but he would have suffered through the taste for a moment of Tim’s time. Tim on the other hand seemed like he might be a tiny bit addicted to caffeine. The man shamelessly downing four coffees during the short hour long date they had.

It wasn’t long before one of Tim’s brothers called him with an emergency but Peter didn’t mind, leaving the man with a swift kiss to his cheek. He had stayed at the cafe with Pam for a few hours, helping behind the counter until she finally kicked him out and sent him over to Harley’s.

After a long night and even longer shift, he huffed as he made his way into the apartment, kicking off his shoes as he closed the door behind him.

He really really liked Tim and he wasn’t sure what to do about it. He hadn’t told anyone about where he was from, though he was sure his aunts suspected, and he wasn’t planning on doing it anytime soon.

But did he really want to start a relationship when he had so many secrets?

Though it wasn’t as if Tim didn’t have his own vigilante shaped secrets to hide. It wasn’t like Tim was going and telling Peter the truth after the first date, so why did Peter have to. He didn’t.

The weeks continued to pass in a blur, time moving far faster than Peter could believe and before he knew it he was stepping out into the city, body clad in red and blue.

After another three weeks of agonizing over the idea he’d come to a decision with the astute help of Karen, who was surprisingly supportive of either idea. The AI had firmly reminded him that she only wanted him to be happy and healthy. He might’ve cried a little but that was nobodies business.

He’d made sure his suit was at optimal functioning and had splurged to buy the chemicals needed to make his web fluid. Thankfully, they weren’t all that rare.

It was time. Time for Spider-Man to make his debut. He’d spent weeks agonizing over the decision but in the end he was Spider-Man and Spider-Man was him, he couldn’t let that go.

After three months of getting to know Gotham, he decided it was now or never.

He was ready. Right?

Nerves raced through him as he stood on the edge of the tallest sky scraper he could find that wasn’t Wayne Tower. “All good, Karen?”

“Iron Spider suit functioning at full power. Web shooters at full capacity. All good, Spider-Man.” Karen answered, buzzing slightly in his ear.

Peter couldn’t help the elated grin that crawled over his face as he flipped of the building, letting himself fall until… there! He shot out a web, catching on another building and swinging with a loud laugh.

He was back, baby.

His head darted to the side as he heard a scream two miles east. With a determination in his movements, he swung towards the sound. He heaved a breath when he saw a woman being pressed harshly against a wall as the man screamed at her to give him her belongings. Peter frowned before jumping down, startling both people.

“What the hell?!” The criminal cried out. “You’re not a bat!”

“Nah.” Peter grinned, taking advantage of his shock and webbing the man to the wall. “I’m your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man.” He quickly turned to the frozen woman, keeping his body language open. “Ma’am are you okay?”

“Y-yes.” She stuttered, eyes lined with tears.

“Do you mind calling the police?” Peter called back as he began writing a note and stuck it to the webbed guys forehead.

“Y-yeah.” She said, pulling out her phone.

Webs will dissolve in an hour!

Thanks for your help!

-Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man :)

It was quick and familiar. Stop mugger. Comfort victim. Call police. Leave note. Rinse and repeat.

Yeah, he was back alright.