Fight For Control
Waking up to the sound of depressing silence, Peter stretched his limbs while a soft groan escaped him. In his lap, once again was another batburger and fries. Jayson looked at Peter his eyes wavering a little in worry. Peter just smiled at the boy and began consuming the food in front of him. They’d have to get a job soon if they wanted to be able to afford more appliances and healthier dishes. Jayson spoke up, eyes still looking at Peter softly. “Apologies. I could only get you a batburger again despite you know having it three days in a row.” Jayson hushed out, a little distraught he couldn’t get Peter something different. Peter just smiled and chuckled at the boy, standing up and ruffling Jayson’s hair, an action Jayson wasn’t too amused by but let slide nonetheless. Peter began rustling through the sorted clothes pulling out two of everything. Peter passed Jayson a black tank top, black fluffy hoodie, jeans and combat boots to change into. Jayson looked at the clothes before leaving the room to change into the bathroom, if you could call it a room. Peter pulled out a light red top, navy blue hoodie, black legging and black trainers. A small smile graced Peters lips, at least they had clothes now. Peter began changing his clothes, making sure to put his worn clothes in a neat pile to the side. Jayson made his way out the bathroom and took note of the dirty clothes pile and placed his worn clothes as neatly as he could on top. Peter stretched once more before gesturing to the window, Jayson followed behind Peter as the two scaled down the wall. First thing on the agenda was finding a job and then taking the entrance exam. Peter began surveying the area, on a look out for any jobs that could be available for the two. As they walked the two eventually came across a semi-small café snuggly fitting between two larger building. A small sign asking for job applications plastered on the outer window. Peter looked at Jayson who shrugged, couldn’t help to try. The two walked into the café, a man behind a register staring at the two with wary eyes.
“Hi we’re here to potentially get hired?” Peter stumbled out, a little unnerved by the mans stare. The man gave them both a once over, both recoiling a little, before moving from behind the register and moving into the back. Peter and Jayson looked at each other at the strange encounter. A little weird but this was Gothem not home so they’d just have to get used to it. The man returned with two uniforms in hand before pointing at the opening times and leaving once more, this time not returning. “I guess that means we’re hired?” Peter let out a questioning noise, a little confused at the whole exchange. Jayson just stared at the back door and then at Peter before slowly nodding clearly a little a put off by the whole thing. “Well at least we have a job now. Now we just need to take the entrance exam.” As the two left the café they passed by a strange group, they looked too clean to be from these parts and they kept scanning the area a little suspiciously. Peter and Jayson both subconsciously moved to the darker alleyways to avoid the strange group. As they approached there humble abode, very humble if Peter may add, they picked up the backpack the two shared, they’d eventually need newer ones but this worked for now. Placing the uniform inside Peter slung the bag over his back, Jayson continuously offering to carry the bag as Peter simply smiled at the boy, jogging off in the direction of the café. Peter paused for a second, a sudden realisation reaching his head. “Umm… where is Gothem Academy Prep School?” Peter stuttered out, nervously smiling at Jayson with a worried look in his eyes. Jayson scratched his neck looking away before sighing and walking in front. Looking behind to Peter, Jayson gestured to follow his lead and Peter did so.
After hours and hours of walking the two made it to a literal castle except this castle was apparently a school. A school for the rich and snobby by the looks on the other students faces at Peters and Jayson’s presence. The two made their way into the building, the gothic architecture giving it an almost decrepit, haunted kinda vibe. A cold shiver ran down Peters neck. Inside was a reception room, the walls were a dark almost Victorian style type of pattern, the floor was a dark umber wood colour and the dim lights painted a creepy atmosphere that brought the whole intimidating feeling all together. Peter walked over to the lady at the desk sorting through papers, Peter politely tapped the desk to get the older woman’s attention. The lady peered up at the two, a raised eyebrow gracing her weathered appearance. “We’re here to take the entrance exam. It’s ummm Peter Parker and Jayson Johnson if you need our names.” Peter gave the woman a polite smile, a small hmm leaving the woman’s mouth before she began typing away at her computer, looking up for only a second to gesture the two boys to sit and wait. The two looked towards the plush red velvet seats and sat down, the cushiony fabric practically consuming the two. They sat in silence, the only sound the harsh clicks of the computer. Peter took the time to take in the room as a whole and the school in general. Schools in Gothem were truly intimidating and a sight to behold. There was a clear sense of pride and dignity that echoed throughout the school, prestige was practically pouring out of every orifice’s of the school. The feeling of not belonging only grew in Peter as the minutes ticked on. A slight ruffle to his side brought Peter out of his thoughts as a light gentle touch reached his senses. Jayson began slowly rubbing Peters back, comforting him as they waited to be checked in.
The woman at the receptions desk gave a slight cough, alerting the two boys back to her presence. She gestured for the two to come towards the desk. Peter and Jayson got up from the seats with a bit of struggle and made their way to the lady. “The exam will be 2 hours, all equipment is already in the room ready. The test consists of mathematics like algebra and geometry, science which includes biology, chemistry, physics. History and geography, English language and English literature. As well as foreign language studies. The test is out of 1,650 and to pass you need more than 85% or more than 1,403 points to pass. Here are your passes, the room is the third door to the left down that corridor.” The receptionist spoke in a monosyllabic tone and passed the two a lanyard before returning to her papers. Peter simply nodded and made his way towards the room, Jayson lagging behind a bit. The nerves were slightly getting to the both of them. When the two entered the room there were two desks with a test sheet on them, along with a ruler, pen, pencil, eraser and other mathematic equipment. The two took their seats and the administrator began the timer on the board. Time ticked on and Peter began to notice strange differences in the world of Gothem, some were understandable like history others were just damn strange like the measurement units for certain things. Still Peter adapted quickly to these changes, call it survival instincts if you will. Two hours eventually pass and the test is finally over, Peter takes a glance at Jayson only to see the boy looking back at him, hesitation in his movements. Eventually the two left the room, Peter remembering to bow to the administrator and receptionist as they left, a feeling of accomplishment filling his chest.
The two made their way towards the café as their first ever shift would start soon. They made it to the café where the man before simply glared at the two before gesturing to the staff changing area, the two scurried in and began changing. The uniform was… unique to say the least. Jayson’s uniform consisted of a black satin top with frills and black tuxedo pants with a almost baby blue suit jacket and waiters apron. A little strange but not as strange as Peters uniform. Jayson looked over to Peter in utter shock as Peters eyes remained wide at the sight of his uniform. A white frilly satin and lace top, grey tuxedo pants and to top it off a pastel pink frilly apron with white trimmings. It looked way too similar to the uniforms at a maid café back home except way better quality. Peter grimaced looking over at Jayson who gave him a sympathetic look and broken attempt at a comforting smile. A small blush bloomed on Peters cheek as he changed into the uniform, once changed Peter looked down at the ground, a defected look etched onto his face. Jayson walked over placing a hand on his shoulder and nodding in understanding. The man from before came into the changing room, looked over the two and gestured for them to get to work. The two hesitantly made their way out and begun learning the ropes. It took Peter very little time to adjust to the swing of things, Jayson on the other hand still struggled to interact with the customers despite the glare the man gave him.
Coo’s and awws were heard throughout the café. Many young girls giggled and coo’d at Peters uniform which only further deepened the blush. On the other end many would stare at Jayson, intimidated and intrigued by the boy. After awhile a small group of three entered the café, it wasn’t all that strange to see a group enter the café except this group gave off the clear air of entitlement and rich. Peters other colleagues, who were all wearing slightly different iterations of Jayson and Peters uniform were a little to busy and preoccupied to notice the group, meanwhile Jayson had noticed but shied away from the group. Peter took a long gulp and made his way over. At the table sat three young looking individuals. A young woman with bleach blond hair in a ponytail, sporting a purple hoodie and black denim jeans was smiling widely at her two companions, an air of mischief surrounded her every gesture. Opposite her were two boys, one with tight, dark curled hair with a white hoodie and yellow accents with a gentle and soft looking smile on his porcelain dark face. The other was a slightly shorter, pale boy. Dark circles drew Peters gaze to the boys stunning icy blue eyes that complimented his wild dark hair. The boy wore a red hoodie, slightly stained with coffee and was slumped back in the café chair, staring down at his phone that bathed him in a ghoulish blue light. Getting closer Peter put on his best customer service smile he could in hopes to hide his ever growing embarrassment. “Hello, what can I get you three today?” Peter sung out with a bright kind smile painting his soft features. The three looked up towards the voice only to pause with wide eyed stares. A small cough left the darker boys mouth as the other boy continued to stare at Peter, eyes wide and cheeks… flushed? Huh. Maybe the boy was caught off guard and was embarrassed. The three continued to stare and Peter was beginning to feel a little self conscious. Jayson walked over which only made the three stare and gawk even more, a slew and cacophony of splutters and mumbled words leaving the trios mouths. Jayson tapped Peters shoulder to check if he was okay or needed help. Peter simply shook his head smiling at Jayson who in-turn turned around but not before glaring at the three. The glare seemed to snap the three out of their trance as Peter simply smiled at them. “Is there anything I can get you three?” Peter continued on as if his cheeks weren’t the colour of a summers poppy.
“Ah where are my, our manners. I’m Steph! That’s Duke in the white hoodie! And that’s… oh?” The young girl, now known as Steph, paused for a second as she looked at her other companion, a twisted and mischievous look gracing her features as she continued. “And this grimy, single as a Pringle chap is Tim. He’s the one currently drooling over you at the minute.” Steph teased out as she looked at Peter as she rested her face on her hand and smiled at Peter. Peter made a chocked nervous laugh as Tim pulled his eyes away from Peter to glare at his female companion. The two glared each other, a heated conversation taking place with their eyes alone. Peter swayed nervously from side to side, not quite sure what to do in this situation. Duke, the other boy at the table, gave Peter a sympathetic look as he looked at his two companions with an exasperated expression. Eventually the two came to some sort of agreement, at least from what Peter could make out. “Right we’ll have the double whipped ice cream special, two hot chocolates, one pain a chocolate and one double shot espresso macchiato, please.” Steph beamed out, a smile per mantle gracing her features. Peter simply nodding with a gentle smile, writing their order down before bowing and turning to go towards the counter. From the corner of Peters eyes he could see and feel Tim staring at him as soft snickers left Steph’s mouth as Peter walked away.
From the table Tim stared at Peter before turning to his friends and glaring at them both. “You never said he was cute and hot! Why didn’t you warn me! Shit! I should’ve worn nicer clothes. Damn it!” Tim hushed out, clenching his hoodie in embarrassment as he tried to wipe away the stains permanently soaked into the fabric. Steph simply laughed as Duke looked at his friend with a raised eyebrow and knowing expression as a smirk formed on his lips. Tim continued to blush and mutter away at his earlier stupidity. While the group was reeling in from their encounter, Jayson took note of the three’s reaction, a confused tilt to his head before he continued catering to the tables he was designated to. While the three continued talking, Peter came back with their food and drinks. He placed down the ice cream and pain au chocolate in the middle before placing the two hot chocolates and in front of Steph and Duke and the coffee in front of Tim. Peters hair slightly brushed Tims face and Tim felt his cheeks light up in embarrassment. The three looked at the drinks in front of them, a little curios of how Peter had known whose was whose. Tim peered up at Peter, tilting his head in curiosity. Peter looked down at Tim, a pleased smile on his face as he motioned his head towards Tim’s coffee stained hoodie and then to the coffee the group had ordered. Laughter erupted from the table as Tim’s face grew redder by the second, embarrassed by his sloppy appearance. Peter gave a soft chuckle and Tims eyes stared at the boys widening smile, eyes ever so slightly softening. “Umm we never got your name. Not that you have to tell us or anything!” Tim spluttered out feeling his cheeks burn with rage at his stupidity once again.
Peter simply looked at the boy before chuckling once more. “Peter, Peter Parker. Was nice meeting you, Tim. Nice hoodie by the way, reds the best colour!” Peter beamed out, turning away towards the next table. Before walking away completely Peter turned his head and gave Tim and wink and mischievous smile, sticking his tongue out a little before bouncing towards the next group of customers. Tims face froze as his face was consumed by his blush the only thought on his mind was Peters expression, cute. Peter and Jayson continued to serve customers late into the evening, by the time they had finished the shift Peter could no longer tell if the blush on his face was from the uniform or all the running around serving each table. As time ticked on new and old faces arrived and left and the once busy flow of the café ebbed into a slow hum. The group from before lingered around longer than most, their eyes following Peter and Jayson’s movements and Peter couldn’t help the shy blush etch onto his cheeks. Jayson on the other hand simply glanced at the group, a scrunched up expression of suspicion and boredom painting his features. Tim continued to stare at Peter despite his friends hushed chuckles and snickering, only looking away when Jayson began to glare at the by with an intensity that he only ever saw when working with vigilante’s. It had Tim recoiling and nervously glancing around to avoid eye contact, Barbara was right the boy was intense.
The three from before eventually got up and left, leaving a very generous tip as they waved Peter goodbye and slightly bowed towards Jayson. An action that made Jayson stare at the group leaving a little longer. Peter on the other hand was surprised but welcomed the hefty tip as he and Jayson began clearing up the tables and went to change to get ready to go home. An itching, buzzing feeling flowed through Peter as he changed. He felt the familiar urge to get back into costume. Jayson glanced at Peter, a knowing look on his face, a slow shake of his head as Peter gave Jayson an guilty smile. Jayson knew neither were gonna get a proper nights rest tonight. The two left the café, collecting their tips and measly pay. It wasn’t much but for their first job it would do. They began walking the streets, the smell of crime and the sound of danger invaded their senses, almost attacking them as they made their way back. The sensation only strengthen in Peter as they finally got to the building and crawled through the window. Petr began pacing, his hands itching to grab his costume and swing into the solemn night of Gothem’s desolate streets. Jayson watched the action, eyes narrowing in annoyance. He could tell Peter wanted to go, needed to go, but after last time he was hesitant. He couldn’t tell where the eyes watching was coming from nor did he sense the glass tube falling into the warehouse till a few seconds before it hit the ground. Whoever or whatever was following them he hadn’t picked up on until much later, he was unsure how long they had been there and that thought… it scared him. He wanted Peter to go out and be is vigilante self, he knew Peter enjoyed it and needed it. But if the thing from before was still after them, he feared for Peters wellbeing. He was his friend. He’d protect his friend. That he was certain of. Jayson eventually sighed, drawing Peters attention back to him. Jayson strode over to the pile the two had kept their suits and bent down, picking the suits up he tossed Peters his, making sure not to look at Peters face in fear that Peter would see his fear. “You mean it!” Peter beamed out, bouncing in place. Jayson simply nodded, still staring at the ground and avoiding Peters face. Peter leapt over to Jayson and squeezed him from behind, Jayson simply patted the boys hand gently as he felt the boy run off into the bathroom to change. Jayson finally looked up towards the bathroom, face full of concern and fear.
The two were sitting on a relatively nearby roof surveying the alleys. A relatively loud bang echoed to their left, the sound vibrating the world around them. Peter immediately stood up, sensing screaming, pounding, pushing him towards the blast. Before Peter could leap towards the direct of the blast a firm hand gripped his shoulder, bringing him back down to reality. Peter turned to Jayson who lifted his mask to expose his mouth, giving Peter a soft reassuring smile as bright eyes peered back at Peter. Peter nodded at Jayson placing his hand atop of Jayson’s before turning back int the direction of the explosion. Peter turned to Jayson and nodded before the two began rushing towards the explosion site. Peter swung from building to building, curving and flexing his body to increase his momentum. Meanwhile, on the roofs of the buildings, Jayson sprinted and leapt across the rooftops making sure to keep track of Peters location. The two arrived at another warehouse, a common occurrence in Gothem apparently. There again were men with painted faces and weapons on every inch of their body. Inside the two spotted what looked to be a meeting between one of the painted goons and a slightly rotund man in a black and white tuxedo. The imagery reminded Peter of a penguin. Jayson pointed towards a small opening he believed Peter could fit into, Peter turned to look towards the opening, nodding before silently swinging to the gap. Jayson ran towards a hole in the left wall, making sure to leap silently over unsuspecting guards. Peter climbed through the hole and began clinging to the walls staring down at the scene like a literal spider crawling along the cracked bricks. The goons and tuxedo man began exchanging two brief cases, one full of money, the other a toxic looking green gas trapped in a glass canister that had the tuxedo man smiling maniacally like a true villain. Jayson was positioned behind the men and Peter ever so slightly above them. Within a few seconds Peter dropped down towards the men, catching himself with his webs and staring at the two upside down.
“Sorry to ‘drop’ in but seems this ‘case’ is now under my jurisdiction.” Jayson crumpled inward at the cringey puns and so too did the two men, this is exactly what Peter wanted. Flicking his wrists Peter webbed the two cases, prioritising the case with the unknown substance before scrambling up his web. The two men began shouting and men with guns flooded the warehouse. Jayson began grappling and throwing some of the men aiming for Peter. Peter took notice of the scuffle and webbed the two cases to the ceiling before swinging down to join the fight. Jayson would knock down the opponent while Peter would web them up and then string them up. After thirty minutes or so Peter had managed to finally web up the penguin looking man before returning to the roof to collect the two brief cases before making his way towards the roof. Jayson not too far behind watched as Peter delicately opened the brief case with the canister inside.
Before the two could fully open the case, their senses lit up and bean buzzing at an abnormal level. The two shot up and began looking around while Peter grabbed the brief case and Jayson got closer to him in a protective stance. “Give.” A deep foreboding voice echoed from the shadow, the two turned their heads in sync towards the voice, the person who spoke paused for a moment, a little surprised the two managed to pinpoint them so quickly by voice alone. The person curious and very suspicious moved his position. He watched as the grey spider person turned his head in the direction he moved as the red one got into a crouching position making sure his face was towards where the man was and covering his back. The man continued to test the two, watching as one of them would detect him and move themselves accordingly. He took note that as one would watch in the direction of them, the other would look around for potential escape points, each covering for each other and making sure they were protected. The man watched and took note of the two differences. The grey spider would often notice his change in position first and go to shield the red one, who in return would focus on pinpointing the mans exact location. It unnerved the man, it screamed danger in his mind. “Give me the case.” The man repeated, this time lurching out of the shadows. The towering figure was cloaked in black, a cowl with long horn like structures covered his face and gave off an intimidating aura. The mans cloak slightly billowed in the cool breeze as if the wind itself was on the mans side. From the side of them, the two sensed a second individual, their bodies stiffened as one remained staring at the man before them while the other looked towards where they had sensed the other. This had the imposing man stiffen, almost in a protective way. From the rooftops came a muscular and gymnastic if the theatrical flips were anything to go by. The younger man peered at the two, a soft hmm leaving his mouth. His costume was a dark black with a bright blue bird spreading it’s wings along his chest. He gave off the vibe of freedom, a little like a bird Peter supposed.
“Come now, Bats. These two are clearly new… and young at that.” The other continued to look at them as the man in the dark costume with the blue bird stared at them, what little they could make of his expression seemed to be that of… concern? The man moved towards the dark, shrouded man and whispered in his ear presumably to not let the others hear. “Hey B, don’t you think they are a bit too young.” The man looked over the two once more, his face screaming overprotective urges. Peter looked over to Jayson who just simply glared at the two moving forward a little. The movement had the taller man move back and reach towards his utility belt while the other man went to grab the older mans hand, presumably to stop him from pulling out some sort of weapon which peter was eternally grateful for. Jayson continued to walk towards the two before coming to a stop in front of Peter and then proceeded to position himself so he could shield Peter from the two. A soft pained grunt left the bird mans mouth, clearly a little upset that Jayson had thought they would attack him and Peter. The larger man paused at the boys action for a second.
Peter was conflicted, give the two mystery men the brief case with the unknown, potentially well most likely hazardous substance or attempt to evade the two and do… something with the substance. Jayson looked over to peter before motioning to him to give him the brief case, Peter did so trusting Jayson’s judgement. Upon having the brief case handed to him, Jayson laid it down on the roof and slid it to the two, never losing eye contact with the two men in front of him and Peter. The man picked up the brief case inspecting it to make sure the contents were what he wanted. When they were he let out a rough grunt. Peter slowly stood from his crouching position. Placing both hands on each side of Jayson neck he gave a subtle squeeze to signal Jayson to get ready to run. Jayson leant back into Peter subtly, to let Peter know he got his message. The two men looked towards Petr and Jayson. “Well, while this was fun. I believe it would be best to part ways, now.” At the subtle signal Jayson began racing off with Peter attached to his back, the two men had little time to react before Jayson was already on the second roof as Peter used his webs to swing them further away. Peter looked back before shouting at the two men once more. “We aren’t that young mister blue bird and B!” Peter screamed out towards the two and by the way they flinched back they had managed to hear despite the distance, a cold and cruel look etching onto the large shadowy man as the two swung and ran further away. The other man looked over to the shadowy man, hocked laced his masked face. Jayson simply rolled his eyes, feeling like that comment PETer made was going t bite them in the ass. Big time.
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{In The Group Chat}
~Coffee Addict~ ‘I still can’t believe you seriously didn’t tell me he was cute! And hot!’
~Shine Your Light~ ‘I told you I didn’t pay attention to how good looking he was!’
~Coffee Addict~ ‘Well you should of!’
~Bi Queen~ ‘Honestly best and most reaction I’ve seen out of you in years! Who knew mister insomnia and nerd would fall in love.’
~Coffee Addict~ ‘Shut up!’
~Dead Girl Walking~ ‘Whose the unlucky soul that’s caught the replacements attention?’
~Coffee Addict~ ‘Of course you’re gonna be your snarky self. Asshole.’
~Dead Girl Walking~ ‘I do my best.’
~Bi Queen~ ‘Oh you know just some waiter at the suspicious café.’
~Coffee Addict~ ‘Steph, shut it!’
~Bi Queen~ ‘Oh even better he looked like a total slob, lol.’
~Coffee Addict~ ‘I hate you.’
~Dead Girl Walking~ ‘Oh? Enlighten me.’
~Bi Queen~ ‘Peter Parker.’
~Dead Girl Walking~ ‘…’
~Shine Your Light~ ‘You are so dead Tim.
~Dead Girl Walking~ ‘You are dead. Replacement.’
~Chandelier Swinger~ ‘While I would love to spend all day listening to this, me and B need back up. Just found our two vigilantes. They are… worrisome.’
~Mini Shadow~ ‘I will be there soon to aid you and Father.’