Chapter 27
“How was your first patrol, kitten?” Selina pounced on her son as soon as Damian helped him from the batmobile. She had tried to wait patiently for their return but she couldn’t stop worrying. She spent the past four hours on the batcomputer listening on the comms as Peter chatted through the line.
Bats always had a rule on chatter over the comms but for once he made an exception. Selina smiled at the man who nodded in return. She was glad Peter was allowed to express his joy over throughout the night. Peter stumbled behind Damian, only his brother’s hands kept him steady for long enough to reach her. Peter rubbed his eye tiredly, having stayed up past his bed time for longer than he's had in a while.
She moved closer, lifting Peter easily into her arms. God, she wasn’t ready for the day Peter would be too big to be lifted like this. He had always been small. She knew she couldn’t have this forever, already Peter was proving to be far more independent than she was ready for.
“It was good.” Peter yawned, resting his head on her shoulder. Her heart melted at the sight. It seemed Peter had a good night then. She smiled, turning to take him to bed. She’ll bring his suit back down afterwards.
“He arrested three thieves tonight.” Bruce offered, his mask held loosely in hand.
“You let him fight?” Selina’s smile dropped. They had agreed he would stay far away from any fights. Peter wasn’t ready for that yet.
“There would hardly have been a fight. Even for Peter.” Damian scoffed as he passed the three.
Selina frowned still, trying to recall at what point in the night that happened. She hadn’t heard of it on the comms… unless…
“We didn’t want to worry you.” Bruce tried, resting a comforting hand on her shoulder. She appreciated it but Selina would worry no matter what. Now she will have to take Peter out with her next time.
It was only fair.
“He’ll join me soon enough. And you will not interfere.” Peter should learn of his allies. Harley and Pam would watch out for him if Selina or Bruce were ever to be separated from him. He might have met them already but they should meet the newest baby vigilante. Harley and Ivy would protect him if he ever was separated. Though no one would stop her if he was ever out there on his own.
Besides, she did not plan to let him out as often as he no doubt expects now.
–
Tim walked into the manor after receiving the all clear text from Steph. Was it paranoia to wait for Steph to check that Jason wasn’t there before going to visit his own family? Well, at least that amount of anxiety is on par with any previous Robin. It was only a matter of time before Peter caught up to Bruce's level at this rate.
Selina had said to listen to Peter and Tim knew he would have to hear him out now or he’d never be ready to try again.
A part of him understood where Peter was coming from. He couldn’t blame Peter for being happy with Jason's return even if it hurt him. Still, he should hear what Peter has to say. He could really only avoid that topic for so long before his little brother would orchestrate some crazy plan to talk. Considering he ran into traffic to follow Tim home before, he was a little worried about what Peter would try next.
Tim made his way up to the second floor, heading for Peter’s room. Bruce has said he didn’t bring Peter to work today, mostly because of his tendency for setting stuff on fire in the labs when left with Lucius, so Tim knew he would have to be somewhere here.
If he wasn’t in his room, Tim figured he could check the library next.
He stopped in front of Peter’s bedroom door. Faint words made it through the door where Peter was rambling to someone. Tim considered leaving, maybe he wasn’t ready after all. He could always come back. Or wait until Peter forgot that he wanted to talk and Tim could just pretend for the rest of his life.
“Tim!” Before he could finally decide on what to do, Peter made the decision for him, no doubt hearing Tim's heart through the door. The door swung open, revealing the bright smile Peter always wore around the family. His hands were already dragging Tim inside to where Steph and Cass watched from the bed.
“We’re gonna go to the mall. You boys have fun.” Steph smirked, dragging Cass past them before he could say anything. Peter barely managed to wave after them, focusing more on Tim.
“You’re here! Are you moving back in?” Peter’s eyes were so wide and hopeful, Tim wished he could say yes. He wished he was ready to.
Instead, Tim took up Steph’s vacated seat on the bed. “No, Peter. I… I’m not ready to. And it isn’t your fault. This is just something I need to work through.”
He watched as Peter sat beside him, a small frown tugging on his lips. He should have talked to Selina first. She would have known how to talk to Peter about this. Maybe he should have brought the script he wrote, one of them had to have been accurate enough to the real deal. All those notes he planned flew out of his mind with Peter's eyes set on him.
“What can I do?” Peter asked after a few minutes passed. Tim sucked in a breath, the answer to the question was a vague pit of nothingness. There wasn’t anything for Peter to do. He was just a kid. They all still were.
“Nothing. Peter, this isn’t something that can just be... fixed. It’s just... Well-” Tim sighed, pushing his hair back. “I wasn’t ready to see the- to see Jason just yet. That’s all. I’m fine, I promise. I just need some space from the manor.”
“Was it because I brought Jason home?” Tim cursed himself as tears welled up in the corners of Peter’s eyes.
“No. No, Peter this isn’t anything you did. You just wanted your brother back home. I get it. There’s just… not enough room for all of us. You know?” Tim had gotten used to having a little brother. He just hadn’t gotten used to having serious conversations with said little brother. Bruce was never one for emotional conversation and Tim rarely had any with his actual parents either.
Selina told him to listen to Peter.
She said Peter would explain it. That he would make it all make sense.
Why was it that it only made Tim feel worse?
“But… There's lots of room?” Peter frowned, blinking up at him.
“Right. Yeah, no there is… It’s more like-” Tim sighed, rubbing the nape of his neck while searching for the right words. “Red Hood hurt me, Peter. And I know he’s Jason but it scared me.”
That should explain it. Tim didn’t like admitting he was scared of Jason but… he was. He couldn’t get the image of Red Hood out of his head and it got worse when he showed up.
“Oh… I… I’m sorry.” Peter bit his lip, the usual sign when Peter wants to cry but tries to hold back. Tim didn’t want him to cry. It wasn’t his fault. “I didn’t mean to make you scared.”
“No, no Peter. You didn’t do anything wrong. I just need some time. Okay? This doesn’t mean we won’t hang out, I promise.” Tim pulled Peter in for a hug as his little brother finally let the tears go. He rubbed his back as Peter’s tears soaked his shirt.
Tim stared over his head at the closed door, wondering yet again if he made the right choice. It felt like it was his only choice.
–
Damian led Peter farther into the park. Titus, well trained as he is, ran ahead to sniff at the bushes and trees. He wondered how long it would take before Peter once again joins them in the night. Something that Damian still disagreed with vehemently.
Peter was too untrained and unprepared for Gotham’s crimes. He couldn’t imagine this child breaking apart a trafficking ring without bursting into tears. Maybe smaller crimes were best, muggings and break ins could hardly be a challenge to his little brother.
What had gone through Father’s head when he allowed Peter to join them? They were lucky it had been a quiet night. Frankly, Damian thought they were lucky enough that Peter hadn’t tried to make it on his own. His evasive skills were best at slipping from their sight and should Peter desire to run, he very much could.
“Do you think dad will let me come out again?” Peter asked as expected.
“I doubt he would so soon. You still require training.” He had noticed how Richard took Peter to visit Todd, no doubt continuing the lessons that Peter had managed to con from him. Those short lessons would hardly be enough for Peter. Perhaps he should mention to Father about his own interest in teaching Peter.
Peter had swiftly changed the topic, rambling about whatever inane gossip Brown had shared with him. Damian preferred to silently keep watch as they walked, allowing Peter to fill the air with chatter.
The park was not quite crowded yet, though that was to be expected. Despite it being summer, most civilians were well versed in listening to the news and would avoid crowded locations when a rogue was out of Arkham. Two Face was out somewhere in the city and it was only a matter of time before he took action.
It was only because Damian knew his own skill that he even allowed Peter to join him.
Titus ran farther up the path, disturbing the rabbit that hid in a bush. By the benches ahead of them, Damian spotted classmates ‘hanging out’. The others within the park were unknown civilians that Damian barely cared to register other than a cursory look.
There should be no trouble whilst he and Peter followed Titus.
“Hey!” Peter shouted from beside him, storming towards the students. Damian frowned, speeding up just enough to be at Peter’s heels. “That’s mean! You shouldn’t say that.”
Of course, Peter’s enhanced hearing would allow him to eavesdrop into conversations around them. What had they said to rile him up?
“We weren’t saying anything. This isn’t school, Wayne, can’t buy your way around here.” George LeRoy sneered, leaning back on the bench where he sat. His dark eyes focused on Damian despite Peter taking the lead. It was unconventional to sit on the backrest, too easy to be knocked free from the perch. Especially without bracing yourself.
Damian eyed him as Peter stopped in front of the group to glare at them.
“Yeah, like you aren’t buying your grades.” Peter scoffed, arms crossed. More trivial gossip he must have heard from somewhere or fact? Peter seemed confident and the barest flinch in LeRoy's shoulders was telling. Though his knowledge on LeRoy’s grading was interesting. Damian made sure to note it for future reference, it may come in handy soon.
“What did you say, twerp?” LeRoy stood from the bench, stepping off it heavily. Damian shifted forward, standing closer to his brother.
“Enough, Peter. There is no need to waste your breath on these children.” Damian eyed the group, memorizing the names for a future report should something happen.
Damian was not one to care for the inane remarks of students at his school but Peter was quick to jump in when he thought he could be a hero. This was all unnecessary.
“I think you haven’t been taught a lesson yet, Wayne. Think just cuz your dad is a bigshot you can walk all over us?” Marcus Scott growled, stepping forward in a pitiful attempt to appear threatening. The boy may be 5’5’’, the tallest in the sixth grade but he was hardly the tallest adversary Damian has faced.
“Why don’t ya calm down, yeah?” Todd joined them with arms crossed. It was only his training that kept Damian from startling. He had not seen Todd whilst they walked. How long had he been tailing them? Surely, Damian would have noticed. Peter would have heard him if Damian's skills were lacking.
Damian eyed him warily, noting the barest hint of green bleeding into his eyes. This was not conductive for a safe walk with Peter. “Enough, Todd. Let’s go.”
Turning from the students, Damian made sure to drag Peter along. If only to keep his brother from biting one of them. Surely by now he would know better than to bite first. Damian had taught Titus to only bite on command in his puppy years.
“They bothering you?” Todd followed them, leaning back to keep one eye on the group. Damian scoffed at the insinuation. He was hardly bothered to begin with. Peter was the one to find some reason to pick the fight.
“They were being mean about Dami.” Peter scowled from his side.
“Ignore them.” Damian raised an eyebrow down at Peter. “They have nothing better to do with their lives and merely seek entertainment.”
Judging by the furrow in his brow, Peter was confused. Peter had been raised in Wayne Manor his whole life, he was well aware of the fame their family carried. One would think he would have learned to ignore the drivel of outsiders.
Damian whistled to call Titus as their unwanted new addition trailed along with them. Peter has already jumped at the chance to tell Todd about their uneventful walk. Damian focused on Titus, ignoring the traitorous twitch of his lips at Peter’s attempt to defend him. As unnecessary as it was, Damian found he quite liked it.
–
Jason followed the two back to the manor. Damian tried sending him off like an unwanted guest but it hardly stopped him from his goal. Seeing Peter again, seeing how small and tiny he is reminded him just why he had to see B of all people.
What was the old man thinking, letting Peter go out on patrol? He’s seven.
He didn't even hear about the patrol from B. Jason heard about the Spider making his debut through his men. Rumors circling around the potential identity of the new vigilante rolled over the more minor side of the underworld in Gotham. People were torn between calling him a meta or Kryptonian. Jason had to hear from one of his guys about his baby brother joining the bats on patrol. He had to hear about Peter arresting three thieves from criminals before people who claim to be his own damn family.
“Damian…” Eye contact was enough to send the message. Damian’s green eyes narrowed for a moment, a small uptick from the left corner of his lips before he dragged Peter down the hall just as Bruce walked in.
“Come Peter, we will find Cass for your dance lessons.” Damian pulled Peter down the hall as Jason watched them. The growing anger rolled inside the more he was reminded of how young Peter is.
Too young to be a vigilante. Too little to defend himself against murderers and creeps.
“Ja-” B started before Jason finally let the rage take hold. He threw a sharp punch, surprisingly knocking the old man to the ground.
“Don’t start with that shit! What the fuck were you thinking!? Spider!? He’s seven!” Jason snapped, towering over him. Bruce stayed on the ground, his limbs locked and ready to move. Jason could hear Alfred and Selina stop just within the threshold of the dining room but they went ignored in his rage. “How many kids gotta die before you fucking realize that they’re just kids!”
“Jas-” Bruce was cut off by another punch, Jason crouched over him. He clung tightly to the neck of his shirt as the Pit clawed and growled for bloodshed. Every atom of his being wanted to spread B's blood over the tiles, paint the walls with it before taking Peter from the manor. From his fate landing him in a casket six feet under.
“Jason.” Selina’s voice rolled over him like a wave. Soft and sad as she called his attention. Dainty hands gently pried him from B’s clothes. “Peter will go out with or without our knowledge. He’s done it before to find you. This is the easiest way to have someone watching his back, keeping him safe.”
He’s seven.
Peter shouldn’t be going out at all.
“He’s a kid, Selina.” Jason tried. His voice sounded smaller than he wanted to. The rage clawed at him, howling for retribution. Her hands touched his cheeks, a mother’s adoration. The green rolled over inside, caged against the soft touch. Her eyes peered up at him calmly - unafraid.
“I know. I know, kitten.” Jason crumbled in her arms. He was just a kid. Peter is just a baby. He shouldn’t. He should never have been. The rage warred inside him, tempered by the pure love and comfort he felt in her arms. Something he missed without even realizing.
He always had a mom at the manor. He had a family. And he died for a mom who sold him out without a second thought.
“I’m sorry, Jaylad.” B’s voice, softer than he’s ever heard it directed to him. A large, familiar hand rubbing his back carefully.
–
There are rumors, stories that Gothamites like to tell. Stories about a Lady Gotham who watches the city with her Dark Knight as her soldier. Rumors that only grew as more vigilantes popped out of the woodworks.
There was something about the city that pulled each citizen to stay. Despite the grim and festering crime that boiled over constantly, it was a home.
Even miles and oceans away, Jason felt the pull to come back.
Was it for revenge against the Joker? Bruce? Was it to see his baby brother again?
Or was it the city itself? The place he had called home since birth. He had grown up as a street rat, diving in dumpsters and running from gangsters. It was only the fateful night where he stole tires from the wrong car, an overconfident nine year old swinging a tire iron at Batman out of all people that changed it all.
Did he regret it? Regret the life he could have led without interference from Batman? Would he have had a life at all?
“Wanna see Peter dressed as Batman?” Nightwing sang, sidling up beside him.
Jason, the Red Hood, growled under the mask. He refused to look at his brother, choosing to stare at the near empty streets below them. Ever since Peter had managed to kidnap Jason to the batcave, Nightwing seems to have fallen under the impression that he was a part of the family.
He wasn’t so naive to believe it.
“Not the least bit interested?” Nightwing waved his civilian phone near Red Hood’s face, a picture blurring as it was moved side to side.
Jason snatched the phone before elbowing his brother off the roof. He knew Nightwing was more than capable of catching himself as he focused instead on the phone in hand. Peter had to be no more than five in this, he was absolutely tiny.
Peter dressed in the typical batman suit that was sold in most stores near the halloween season. The usual black suit was made grey for the kids, more so to protect them from the Rogues that would find a reason to target them if they resembled Batman any more than that. Though how a child could fool a grown adult was beyond him. The cowl sat a little too big on his head. Where Batman’s real cowl stops just below the nose, Peter’s hangs just over his lips where they stretch in a wide toothy smile. He was missing a front tooth.
Red Hood noted how the cape was Batman’s real cape. It hung over Peter’s shoulders, pooling around his feet like a pile of laundry. If he looked closely, Red Hood could just make out the reflection of B’s face in the polished floors. He could have sworn there was an uptick in the faint lips mirrored on the wood panels.
“That was rude.” Nightwing swung back onto the roof, grinning as if he hadn’t just fallen four stories. “I can send it to you.”
“No.” He couldn’t have anything linking to his family on his person. Not if the risk of someone else finding it could lead danger to them. He couldn’t risk someone seeing Peter’s picture and targeting him in order to get after the Red Hood.
Red Hood turned to ignore Nightwing’s fallen face, he didn’t have to explain himself. He was a crime lord and a vigilante. He has enough enemies who would want any sort of higher hand against him.
“You sure? Well… what about this one! Peter and Steph drew with chalk on the driveway. It drove A mad since he couldn’t even wash it out without hurting Peter’s feelings.” Nightwing continued to slide through pictures, angling it for him to see. “Oh! This one is when he still hated Tim. You can see him hiding behind the shelves there. See?”
He could. The picture was clearly taken in the library where a younger Tim sat at the table, textbooks opened on the table around him. He could just make out Peter’s head, eyes glaring holes at Tim from behind a bookshelf.
“Selina had to practically carry him out every day… I wasn’t around that much for it but she and Tim told me some stories.” Nightwing frowned a little, his thumb rubbing the side of his phone in thought. “It was hard being at home. I tried, for Peter but... we’ve missed you. We still do.”
Jason could hear what he wasn’t saying. The silent inquiry, pleading with him to return to the Manor.
“You don’t get it.” He grounded out before taking the leap himself. There was real work to be done other than reminiscing on moments he wasn’t even there for. Memories he was never a part of.
“Then explain it!” Nightwing called, swinging after him.
“Fuck off!” The weather just had to reflect their evening as the clouds opened up to rain. It poured down on them as Red Hood tried in vain to shake off the pestering tail.
–
Peter felt the alarm bells before he even heard the movement behind him. Ducking left as he turned on his heels, Peter shot forward again to knock the second guy to his knees. The hit behind his leg was easy enough after the lesson from Jason the week before.
He continued moving as two others came at him. Peter couldn’t block and dodge all the attacks but he wouldn’t fall. He wouldn’t fail.
Tim said he couldn’t fix it but it was Peter’s fault.
Peter had to fix it.
So he dodged. He spat blood to the forest floor before jumping back to his feet as the now three men circled him. Peter could just spot Talia leaning against the crumbling wall, her piercing eyes watching them.
Talia’s lessons were a lot more brutal compared to Jason’s. They ended with bruises and blood, sore muscles and careful retreats to his room. She said he had potential. Training had to be tough if he wanted to reach his goal, especially with how young he was.
So he couldn’t fail her too. He couldn’t stay down if he wanted to even be seen as competent. If he was to protect his family, he had to be better now.
Catching a fist as it flew for him, Peter twisted the arm similarly to how Talia had done it to him earlier. The man didn’t cry out like Peter had, only twisting his arm further as the loud pop startled Peter to let him go. The second one kicked out at that moment, nearly throwing Peter across the clearing.
Rolling with the momentum, Peter shot back up a few feet away. He shifted his stance, eyeing the three men as they crept forward. Talia had said she wouldn’t interfere. Peter could handle it.
He was Spider-man. There was nothing that could keep him down.
Without the use of his webs, Peter had to find another way to incapacitate them. They were all adults, taller than him and aware of the fact. Their heads were protected despite his attempts at bringing them to his level…
So he would have to bring himself to theirs.
Peter ran for them, throwing the caution they carried to the wind as he leaped onto the first man. He stuck one hand to his shoulder while following through with his run, pushing his legs around the man and releasing whilst kicking the second one in the head. The man fell backwards as Peter caught himself in a practiced roll. One down.
The third man moved to intercept him as Peter heard the first one circle around to his back. Peter spat some blood off to the side from an earlier punch, ignoring his throbbing bruises. The guy behind him broke his own arm, Peter would have a higher advantage against him. If he could knock him out first then the final guy should be easier.
Peter stayed still, keeping his eyes ahead at the third guy. All three of them dressed like ninjas, black masks covering their faces entirely. They even had swords sheathed on their backs, though none of them used it.
He felt the warning just as he heard the slightest press of grass behind him. Peter twitched, bolting left as the first guy rushed the spot he had just stood in. Pressing his hands onto the ninja’s back, Peter swung himself upwards- vaulting over him.
The third guy caught his foot, throwing him roughly to the ground before circling again. Both men waited as Peter caught his breath. Peter hadn’t even heard him move… or he was too focused on the first guy to pay enough attention.
“Get up, Peter. You aren’t done.” Talia called, her sharp order was enough to stir Peter from the ground. As comfortable as it was, he didn’t want to disappoint her. She had already told him to focus when he tried to make jokes, Peter bitterly bit his tongue to stave off the snark he would have preferred to share with the ninjas. Even if it would go ignored.
Pulling himself back on to his feet, Peter barely had enough time to dodge the flying kick from Third guy. He stumbled to the right before raising his arms to block the flurry of punches from First guy.
Finding an opening, Peter ducked around First Guy and grabbed the sheath of his katana. With just enough strength behind the pull, Peter dragged the ninja to the ground. Third Guy jumped in with a kick just as Peter managed to punch First Guy out. The kick landed before he could block, throwing Peter back to the ground.
He groaned, blinking up at the branches of the trees. Peter panted, catching his breath in the little break where no one jumped him.
“Peter.” Talia’s order clear in her tone. He groaned in reply, pushing himself onto his elbows to peer up at the last ninja. He couldn’t give up.
He couldn’t stop.
Peter pushed himself back to his feet, stumbling a little where new bruises bloomed quickly. Hopefully they will be gone by morning. They were bound to be more visible than last time and Peter couldn’t lie to his family full of detectives. He pushed himself to stand straight, focusing on the last ninja who surprisingly backed off.
“Enough. You lasted well enough against them for now though this is hardly ideal.” Talia spoke, her words biting despite the lack of emotions behind it. Peter hung his head in disappointment. He really should be better. “Come, we will work on your kicks.”
Talia moved farther from the unconscious men on the ground, waiting for Peter to follow. He did so, pushing against the limp where his right thigh thrummed from the bruise from a harsh hit earlier.
“Can we take a break?” Peter tried. Jason always pushed for breaks when they had trained. Sometimes it was just for a nap or goofing off. Peter liked those breaks, they were always fun and Jason smiled a lot, too.
“No. There are no breaks in a fight. The victor is the one who pushes through it all.” Talia snapped, raising her palm. “Kick as high as you can.”
Biting back a groan, Peter shifted his stance to prepare for the kick. He ignored the stinging in his eyes as his body protested the continued training. Pushing through the kick, his leg barely reached her hand where she waited, instead, he found himself stumbling back before falling to the grass.
Sniffling, Peter pushed himself back up.
He fell again, his foot an inch from her hand.
He fell again, his knee burning as he tried to raise it high.
Dropping back to the grass, Peter rubbed at the tears. Damian never cried.
“Peter.” Talia crouched beside him, watching the tears that Peter tried to push away before she could see. “That’s enough. Cry if you must but then be done with it. Training is hardly over.”
Wiping the tears from his cheeks, Peter took her hand for the extra help. Everything hurt. His bruises burned where they colored his entire body. It was only his attempt at defense that protected his face from any of the hard hits. He was going to show Tim and Jason. He could protect them.