Peter's eye twitched.
"What do you think?" Dick, actually seeming a little nervous, gulped a bit. Peter almost smiled when he heard him, this being a big contrast to how he was when they first met. The cocky facade was down, probably due to Peter's rejection of "help" from him.
'Good,' he thought with mild satisfaction before sighing. "What are you doing here Dick?"
"Just wondering about my uh-" Dick scratched the back of his neck, "gift?" Peter looked at him stoically.
"What about it?"
"Well, why reject it?" Peter's eyebrow twitched imperceptibly.
"It's as I said, Dick," he put special emphasis on his name, "I don't need your fucking charity. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to get my things." Dick sputtered as the chestnut haired boy moved around him to organize his belongings.
"You need it though. Why not take it?" Not looking up, Peter replied,
"It's the same thing with Slade. I can take care of myself." Finished with putting his meager possessions together, he shouldered his backpack and made to move around Dick who percepted him with a gentle hand on his shoulder. "Look," his voice became louder and a bit higher pitched, Peter's annoyance at Dick rising exponentially. He was in the way of him getting to Harley, something Peter didn't appreciate. The superpowered human took a breath. "I can work for myself and earn money. If you want to get into charity, I can refer you to other people and/or organizations who can much more appreciate the work you're trying to do, but I do not take handouts. I will not and you can't make me."
The handsome man's face darkened at these words and Peter curled in on himself a bit, wary of the sudden dangerous aura that surrounded Dick, a far cry from earlier. It seemed that there were many sides to this man and Peter was more than hesitant to discover more. Dick, who noticed Peter flinching away, brought his features back to its pleasantness, aptly understanding that his interest was cautious and that he'd have to show more restraint. His eyes narrowed.
"Even if I can't make you accept it outright, I definitely have other methods." Peter grit his teeth and glared up at the blue eyed man.
'Ugh,' he thought as a phantom headache started flaring up, 'this going nowhere.' He might as well just leave. Peter readjusted his grip on his backpack and forcing his way past the hand on his shoulder, he walked around Dick and towards the exit of the shelter, ignoring the pouding footsteps running after him. Once he was outside, the footsteps slowed to a walk right next him. Peter peeked at Dick out of the corner of his eye and nearly groaned in frustration at the jovial expression on the handsome man's face.
"Is there something you need?" Dick kept his face forward, though Peter could tell that his smile widened.
"Nothing at all. I'm just walking you home." Dick turned his head to Peter, causing Peter to do the same. The grin was suddenly replaced by a smirk, and Peter got the creeping feeling of an ulterior motive, though he couldn't be sure what it was yet.
"Whatever," he muttered, pissed off. He couldn't do anything about it, however, since all he would spout was nonsense about having to protect Peter. They continued to walk in silence for the next couple of blocks before they passed an alleyway. Deep within the darkness of it, Peter's sensitive hearing could pick up the nearly silent sound of a whimper. His head snapped to the alleyway and the need to help the being that uttered the pitiful whine grew.
"What is it?" Dick asked, confused. Peter didn't answer and made to head down the alleyway. Dick grabbed his arm in alarm. "What the hell are you doing?!" Peter shook off the hand and glared at Dick, putting a finger to his lips and silently shushing him.
"Be quiet!" He whispered and went down the alley, Dick following with steadily rising anticipation, hyper aware of the multiple weapons secretly stashed on his person, in case something were to go wrong. Both their footfalls were quiet and the whimpering suddenly got louder. Peter reached for his phone and put it onto the flashlight setting, searching for the source of the sound. A blue tarp covered a large figure of something and Peter paused for a moment, his Spidey Sense strangely quiet, before something underneath the tarp moved. Quickly, the chestnut haired boy bent down and lifted the tarp, safely knowing there was nothing dangerous underneath. The tarp opened to reveal several buckets of cardboard and a small golden retriever puppy. It was on its stomach, shivering and looking up at Peter pitifully, brown eyes and golden fur wet. Peter's heart broke and after handing his phone to Dick, who helpfully pointed the flashlight, he kneeled, reaching slowly for the puppy. It flinched and its whimpers became louder but it didn't move away.
'Or it can't move away,' Peter thought as he spotted some blood matted fur on the puppy's right paw. As gently as he could, he gathered the puppy in his arms, shushing it when it let out a loud cry. He unzipped his hoodie and placed the puppy within, holding an arm underneath to support it and closed his jacket in order to get some warmth into the poor thing.
"Where's the nearest vet?" He asked Dick, who paused to think for a moment.
"There's one about a couple of miles away. Why?"
"I need to take care of it. Obviously." Dick furrowed his eyebrows.
"You're keeping it?"
"Of course." Peter said it like it was supposed to be obvious. Dick stared for a moment before nodding and gesturing to him to follow. Peter nodded and they made their way out of the alley. He waited for Dick to lead the way before the dark haired man's face lit up. He raised a finger and pulled out his own cell phone, Peter's still in his other hand.
"Hey, can you come and pick me up? I'm on-" Dick rattled off their current location. Peter raised his eyebrow when Dick hung up, a cheeky smile stretched on his face.
"Who was that?"
"You'll see!" He said cheerfully. And he did. Not five minutes later, an expensive looking black car pulled up in front of them. Dick hurried before Peter and pulled the door open for him, causing Peter to blush.
"Thanks," he muttered, unaware of the satisfied smile on his companion's face as he slid ungracefully into the warm car, careful of the puppy. Dick slid in after and gave another grin to an unimpressed looking (in Peter's professional opinion) older man.
"Thanks for picking us up Alfred! Was it a bad time?" Still unimpressed looking (still in Peter's professional opinion), the older man shook his head.
"Of course not, Master Dick. I am always available to help. May I inquire about your companions?" Peter stuck out the hand not supporting the puppy.
"Hello, Mr. Alfred! I'm Peter, an acquaintance of Dick's. And this," he unzipped the hoodie to show the puppy resting, now sleeping, in Peter's embrace, "is someone we just found. It's nice to meet you." Dick squawked.
"Acquaintance?!" Alfred nodded, hardly fazed, and replied in his British accent,
"And you as well, Master Peter, but please, call me Alfred. Now, I assume we are to go to the nearest vet?"
"If you could be so kind?" Peter replied politely, glaring at Dick as he snickered which started to turn into full out laughing. Irritated, Peter elbowed him roughly, a satisfied feeling filling him as Dick clutched his side. The blue-eyed man leaned forward and clutched the back of the passenger seat.
"Alfie!" He called out like he was drowning or in immense danger. "He elbowed me!" Peter rolled his eyes as Alfred replied,
"It is not something undeserved, Master Dick," in his kindest tone which, in Peter's opinion, made it all that much funnier. Dick sputtered and Peter started to chuckle.
"The betrayal!" He whined, scandalized. The next couple minutes were filled with Dick's overdramatic tendencies. When they arrived at the still-open-but-nearly-closing vet, Alfred turned over the driver's seat.
"You are being much too dramatic, Master Dick."
"I AM THE DRAMA!" Dick cried (if you know, you know). Peter scoffed with amusement and kicked Dick in the knee. "What?!"
"Are you going to get out? The vet's gonna close if I don't go now." Dick sniffed and begrudgingly got out, holding the door for Peter again, who managed to not blush.
"Can you stay Alfred? We'll be as quick as we can." Peter's eyes widened.
"Oh, that's okay Dick. I can take care of this myself. You go ahead and head home." He frantically tried to get him to go home, but apparently he didn't want to. Dick shook his head.
"I can't do that, Peter. You shouldn't be walking the streets alone at night, even if you are a guy." Alfred peeked his head out of the car.
"He is correct, Master Peter. It is especially dangerous amidst the darkness. So please allow us both to help and get you to safety." Peter hesitated which allowed Dick to surge forward to grab the arm not supporting his precious cargo and gently guiding Peter forward into the building.
"You said it's gonna close if we didn't hurry right? Let's go!" Peter sputtered.
"If I didn't go! Not we!" He went ignored.
"Wait for us, Alfred!" With that, Peter was unceremoniously pulled into the veterinary's building. He stumbled, jostling the puppy, who woke with a whine. He righted himself and glared up at the man with him, who only grinned momentarily before going to the front desk and ringing the bell. A crash in the back caught their attention and a frazzled woman came to the front, a frown on her face.
"Are you alright?" Peter asked in concern, joining Dick at the front.
"Huh?" Her eyes caught both of them. "Uh, yeah!" A fake smile lit up her face and Peter's Spidey Sense thrummed to life, though a bit lowly. Strange. Though not the strangest thing that's ever happened to him. "Anyway, what can I help you with?" Peter unzipped his jacket to show the whining puppy and the woman's eyes softened.
"I think it has a cut on their leg or paw." The woman, her name tag reading Dr. Tasha, nodded.
"I'll see what I can do. This way." She led them back and into an examination room. It was quick, as it turns out it was just a cut on the puppy's paw. With some cleaning and bandaging of the cut and advising that they try to keep the puppy off their paw for a couple days, they were free to go.
"Thank you Dr. Tasha!" Peter called as both he, Dick, and Peter's new puppy made their way out of the building. Alfred was still waiting like Dick had instructed. Dick opened the door for him again but Peter shook his head. "I'll just walk." Dick groaned.
"Petey, I don't want to have this conversation again. Get into the car before I make you." Peter's features twisted but like he knew what was about to happen, Alfred rolled down the passenger seat window.
"Master Peter, I have known and raised Master Dick since he was a boy. I promise you he is a gentleman. He will not let someone such as yourself, or anyone be on the streets if they are not equipped. Neither will I. Please, for your safety, the puppy's safety and our peace of mind, do let us accompany you home." It was the look that Alfred gave him that did him in. Begrudgingly, Peter entered the open door, the puppy clutched in his arms and Dick followed him in. "Thank you, Master Peter. Now, where do you live?" Peter listed off the address and sat back as the car started to move. A minute in, the puppy started whining again and gnawing at the bandage around its paw.
"No," Peter chided, gently prying the paw away from the puppy's snout, "you can't do that." The puppy looked up at Peter, now more comfortable with him and tilted its head in question, its large eyes curious. Peter, playing along, tilted his head too and raised his eyebrow. "What?" It came forward on his lap and leaned its paws against Peter's chest, raising its head towards his face. Peter stayed still and suddenly, a small, pink tongue licked his cheek, leaving little bits of slobber all over. The brown eyed boy laughed, which caused the puppy to become more excited. It started licking Peter all over and he laughed even more, gently pushing the puppy away and wiping away the slobber. "You are so cute!" Peter scratched along its ears and it barked adorably, tongue hanging out and tail wagging with vigor. "Yes you are! You are so cute!" It was as if everyone else in the car disappeared.
Dick, on the other hand, watched the scene with growing interest and horror. Interest because it was interesting to watch Peter interact with something else. Horror because despite Alfred's claims of him being a gentleman, Dick felt the rising want to grab Peter and smother him. This was just too cute for him. So, with a red face and embarrassment, Dick turned, angling his body away from Peter so the innocent boy would be able to see the "problem" with him.
Peter heard the rustling of clothes and found Dick turning away from him. He frowned.
"Dick? Are you okay?" Muttering answered his question.
'Weird,' Peter scoffed internally. He turned back to the puppy, who he had found was a girl. 'What to name her?' He put it on a mental checklist.
"Is he a weird, bad man?" The small bark of response made Peter giggle. On the other side of the car, Dick hid his face and in the front seat, Alfred gave a private, small smile.
Tony groaned.
"I've been staring at this screen for so long, even my coffee cup is sore."
"I don't think cups can be sore, boss. Also, I think the term you're looking for is 'coffee mug.'" Tony growled playfully.
"One more sassy word out of you, FRIDAY, and it's reprogramming for you tonight!"
"I apologize, boss," FRIDAY replied, sounding not at all sorry, "I was just doing my job." The genius muttered under his breath. He cursed the day he decided to make AI's. Speaking of days. Tony blinked.
"FRI, what day is it?"
"If you're asking about how long you've been awake, it has been about 72 hours, sir. Stephen will not be pleased."
"Shit!" He cursed. "Don't tell him-" As if on cue, the doors to his lab slammed open and heavy footsteps approached him. He looked up at his husband of one year with a sheepish smile on his face.
"Don't tell me what, oh dear husband of mine?" Tony stood up suddenly, ignoring the rush of dizziness that washed over him and backed up, his spouse matching every foot.
"Oh nothing, honey. Just that-"
"That you've been 'sciencing' again and have been neglecting your health? Again?" Tony froze, his back reaching one of the walls of his lab, and scratched the back of his head.
"Uhh. No?" Stephen hummed, blue eyes piercing down onto his husband's.
"Lying, are we?" Tony gulped, eyes searching around for any modes of escape. There were none.
"No?" Blue eyes sharpened and Stephen gestured to Tony, who's eyes widened when Capey (as Peter so aptly named it) lifted itself from Stephen's shoulders and wrapped tightly around the billionaire as he gasped, floating behind Stephen as he led them out of the lab. He tried wriggling but no amount of struggling could get him free.
"FRIDAY?"
"Yes, Stephen?"
"Close down the lab." Tony looked down at Stephen in exasperation.
"Wait! No, FRIDAY-"
"Of course." Tony shouted all the way up to the bedroom, yelling across rooms and still struggling inside Capey. No one listened, of course. Stephen stopped in front of the master bedroom and opened the door, Capey and Tony floating through and softly rested on the bed, the billionaire still wiggling around.
Stephen, on the other side of the room, shut the door and immediately shed his outer coat, placing it on an armchair. Tony watched, still struggling to get free, his eyes confused and tired. His husband loosened his tie, taking it off, before reaching down to unbutton his cufflinks, and rolling his sleeves up. He looked at the man on the bed for a moment before snapping his fingers. Capey released Tony and he sat up, about to get off the bed until Stephen snapped his fingers again and golden bands restricted his arms and legs, multiple glowing restraints latching his arms behind his back and his legs together, from his upper arms to his wrists and from his thighs to his ankles. Tony fell back onto the bed, landing uncomfortably on his inhibited limbs with a cry of alarm. His husband came forward to sit on the edge of the bed and with another snap of his fingers, Tony teleported. Onto his husband's lap, face down.
His face burned.
"FRIDAY, turn on the recording camera."
"Yes." The sound of mechanical whirring came and Tony knew that the camera was on.
'Shit,' he thought before the belt around his waist was taken off and his pants and underpants were shoved off, the bands loosening to accommodate for his clothes falling down to the floor, leaving him just in a tattered T-shirt. The belt was thrown across the room, Tony flinching when it seemed to smack something.
"Wait, Stephen-" He was interrupted once again when he yelped at the feeling of a smooth and steady hand coming down on his bare bottom, the hands of a man of medicine and now Sorcerer Supreme (an assholish name if you asked Tony).
"Be quiet Anthony," a rough, stern voice commanded. A golden band, seemingly thicker than those on his body came to rest at his neck and it seemed that no matter how much he tried, no noise could escape from his mouth. He looked up at his husband in horror, who smirked in response. "A new spell. Do you like it?"
Tony shook his head and another slap came to his ass. He jolted.
"It seems that the last punishment hasn't made as much of an impression as I had hoped. We'll have to try again. Oh, and," Stephen paused and reached down to gently press against Tony's bare cock, the billionaire moaning softly at the contact. It wasn't long before he felt something constricting at the base. Tony's eyes widened even more. "No coming until I allow you to. When I'm through, you'll be begging. Won't you, husband?"
'Again,' he thought through cry after cry as Stephen's hand came down repeatedly on his ass, the hand eventually turning into a paddle of some kind, 'shit. FRIDAY is definitely getting reprogrammed.'
"No. More. Neglecting. Your. Health. Do. You. Understand?" Each word that came out was punctuated by a harsh thrust into Tony's upturned, presented, red, and bruised bottom, said man crying through the inhibitor around his throat, no sound coming through. The bands around his legs had long been wished away, though the restraints along his arms stayed where they were. Tony's face was mushed into a pillow wet with tears and drool, occasionally turning to the side to breathe.
It had been hours already, and while Stephen, being Sorcerer Supreme and knowing spells to increase stamina and strength, was not affected in the least, Tony had almost had enough. His cock was straining against the band at the base of it, sensitive and leaking everywhere, desperate for the release Tony's body so craved. Too bad Stephen had yet let him, though Tony had a suspicion that everything was going to end soon. Stephen grunted behind him, thrusts becoming sharper and Tony knew that he was about to come for the tenth time that night.
"I said," a few thrusts with increasing speed and strength, and the band around Tony's throat disappeared, releasing his voice, "do you understand?"
"Yes!" Tony cried through Stephen's approving hum, and the blue-eyed man harshly brought the billionaire's ass to meet his equally rough thrusting and pleasure, a familiar heat, a hot burn started to sear through Tony's gut, wrenching tighter and tighter, the tightest it had been all night. Tony moaned loudly, crying for release. Stephen leaned forward, still bucking into his husband's tight heat, and whispered into Tony's ear.
"Good. Now, come." when Stephen's hips stuttered, the restraint around his cock disappeared and Tony came. Stars exploded across his vision before a bright whiteness overtook the stars.
"FUCK!" Tony screamed, body shivering at the explosion of pleasure, tingles shooting all over his body. It seemed to reach from the roots of his hair to the soles of his feet, and his body convulsed. Stephen emptied himself into Tony and breathed heavily, staring down at the prostrated body of his husband, certain for sure that he finally got the message. Tony collapsed on the bed, eyes blurry with tears and off to sleep. Stephen chuckled.
"You can turn it off now, FRIDAY. I think he learned his lesson."
"Yes." Stephen stood up and went to grab all the things necessary for cleaning up. It was time for some well earned sleep.
"Boss!" FRIDAY's loud voice came over the built in speakers, jolting Tony and Stephen awake, the former groaning as he sat up too quickly. His entire body was sore, his ass even more so. Tony glared over at Stephen who raised an eyebrow, smug satisfaction showing on his handsome face. Tony huffed.
"What is it, FRI?"
"Peter's gone missing!" Alarm and panic shot through both their systems.
"WHAT?!"
"So this is where you live?" Peter paused in playing with Piper, his new Golden Retriever puppy, and looked at Dick who had long disappeared out his weird funk.
"Well, where I'm staying." Dick raised an eyebrow at the dinginess and gloom that seemed to hang over the apartment building.
"Then who lives here?"
"My friend." Dick hummed.
'I wonder if this friend is willing to move apartment buildings,' he thought with a devilish smirk. An idea was forming in his head and he knew just how he could get Peter to accept his favors. Peter opened the door and shouted a thank you to Alfred for driving him home. He hesitated, Dick staring at him.
"I'll see you later, Dick." With that, he closed the door, a wiggling puppy in his arms and made his way into the building, knowing full well that it accepts pets. His face was extremely red. Dick chuckled and Alfred pulled the car out of the parking space and onto residential roads.
"Alfred," he called.
"Master Dick?"
"Remind me to call Kara when I get home and to look into apartment buildings close to the manor." Alfred was silent for a moment before replying.
"Of course, Master Dick." They were silent the rest of the ride home.
"Harley? I'm back!" The door opened to reveal a tired Harley, who was likely asleep. "Sorry, did I wake you?" She shook her head.
"No," Harley yawned and rubbed her eyes, "I was waiting for you."
"Well," Peter said with a smile on his face, "I have a present for you." His friend stood at attention and waited. From behind his back, Peter brought forward a calmer Piper, who started wagging her tail as soon as she saw Harley. Harley squealed.
"OMG! Puppy got a puppy!" Peter huffed a laugh.
"Yeah, I supposed I did," Peter beamed, happy that there was at least some sort of normalcy to this night.
"What's its name?" Harley's eyes were wide with joy, her baby blues sparkling, even through the pain that was evident.
"Her name is Piper. She's your new rescue and support." Harley sniffled with what Peter was guessing was happy tears.
"You mean, our new rescue and support. How did I ever get so lucky?" Peter smiled at his friend, genuinely enjoying their moment.
"You deserve it."
"So…." Steph trailed off, looking at Peter with puppy dog eyes, causing Peter to roll his own. He was back at work, all his stuff at Harley's indefinitely at the moment. The Captain's Bar was louder than usual, he noticed, even with Slade there, sitting right next to Steph and Babs.
"So what, Steph?" He pointedly did not look at her, lightly scratching at a smudge on a glass. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Steph stretch her arms over the wooden counter, a mischievous smile on her face.
"Are you free when you're done here?" Peter paused to think for a moment. When he was sure there was nothing else on his schedule, he said no. Steph's eyes lit up, Babs' nodding along, even though she was on her phone. "Great! Wanna hang with us at our usual place?" Suddenly, Babs' head snapped over to her, and the redhead pulled on the blonde's arm to get her attention. "What? What's the problem?"
Whispering commenced and Peter decided to stay out of it.
"Oh my God, just ask him." Barbara groaned but typed on her phone, nonetheless. Steph continued to smile jovially. Finally, a couple minutes later, a notification appeared on Babs' phone, obviously a confirmation if the way the blonde cheered was any evidence.
"Yeah, we have a hang out if you want to come with, Pete. It'll be fun." Slade side-eyed the trio, keeping a careful gaze on Peter, who didn't take long to nod and agree with a small smile.
"Sure thing! Can I bring a friend though? She's been going through a nasty break up and I don't want to leave her alone for too long." Steph and Babs shared a look and after a quick but silent conversation, both reluctantly agreed.
"Well," Slade started, "if you're going, sweetheart, I'm definitely going too."
"I look forward to it, Slade!" The beaming grin on the cute boy's face nearly made Slade blush. 'Cute,' he thought with an internal smile.
"I can't wait to let you meet some others! You already know Dick, but there'll be some other people there too!" A chuckle escaped the brown eyed boy.
"I can't wait either."
About an hour later, Peter, who had shot a text to Harley saying to meet him in front of the Captain's Bar, met Harley outside and they went on a little adventure to Steph's and Babs' 'lair' as they called it. They were given directions, Harley nervously clinging onto Peter's arm, and finally arrived at a large, elegant (as elegant as you can get for a club) gothic looking building. There were already bouncers outside of the club, even though it was only about 7 in the evening. Peter and Harley approached, Harley shrinking behind Peter.
"Uh," Peter said nervously when they didn't even react.
"Invitation only, kid," the bouncer said, looking down on him menacingly. Peter gulped.
"Yeah, we were told to come here by Stephanie Brown? Do you happen to know her?" Peter wrung his hands, the bouncer's eyes narrowing. He reached for the walkie-talkie hanging at his hip, talking into it. Deep inside the club, Peter could hear the
"Hey Steph, there's a little guy and lady here to see you. Says they know you or something." A chipper response was sent over the device and the bouncer shrugged and let them pass. "Just head straight, you'll find a door that says VIP. Just say you're with Steph to the guards." They did just that, bypassing the guards at the door with ease, Peter's Spidey Sense tingling strongly the entire time. They entered the long hallway, and the door at the end opened, revealing a happy and smiling Stephanie Brown, Babs looming behind her with a gentle smile on her face as well.
"You guys made it!" Seeing Harley, Stephanie's smile became a bit sharper, before the smile dropped altogether.
"Harley Quinn?" His friend's grip on his arm tightened and he placed a hand on her's to comfort her. Peter's eyes softened and he took his arm out of her grip to hook it around her waist and pull into a one armed hug.
"Yup! This is the one and only Harley Quinn. She's been going through a hard time so I invited her." Steph and Babs' faces, once hardened and suspicious, softened as well, hearing that Peter was willing to vouch for her.
"Of course, Pete," said Barbara, her expression welcoming, "any friend of yours is a friend of ours." Peter nodded, happy with the results and he could feed Harley relaxing a bit as well. They approached the door and Stephanie latched onto his other arm when he was close enough, giving him a goofy grin. Suddenly, a loud voice boomed in the room.
"Peter!" Dick was suddenly right in front of him, also grinning like a maniac.
'A handsome maniac,' Peter had to grudgingly admit.
"Dick," Peter greeted with a monotone voice.
"Sweetheart." Another figure joined their group, towering next to Dick.
"Slade! You made it!" Slade nodded, a semblance of a happy expression on his while Dick pouted.
"Why aren't you glad to see me?"
"Huh, I wonder why," Peter deadpanned. Dick got the message.
"Hey! I wasn't the only one you know! He's been giving you huge tips for weeks!" Dick pointed right at Slade, who was busy looking at Harley, tight against his side.
"But he's not that large of an asshole." A deep and familiar voice snorted.
"I don't know what you're talking about. I think they're both raging assholes." Dick turned his head and stuck out his tongue, and Peter leaned over to look at who it was. Unsurprisingly (and correct to his assumption), Jason Todd sat lounging on a couch with a book in his hands.
'Jane Eyre,' he noted, noticing the cover. 'Not bad.' Across from him was Tim Drake, staring at him and Harley. The analyzing gaze made Peter uncomfortable, but he supposed that's who Tim Drake was. An analyzing, calculated and cold man. At least, he must've been in this world.
"Hey wait," Jason said, his eyes also knowing, but now with eyes of lit fire and amusement. "Aren't you that guy from the gym?"
"Yeah? What of it?" Jason stood up, straightening to his full height. The Spidey Sense, while tingly strongly before, was on full blast alarm now and it took everything in Peter not to react. The large male stalked across the room, ending up on Dick's other side, also looming over everyone.
"You owe me a fight." A feral grin crossed his face and Harley shrunk into Peter's embrace. Peter tightened his arm and stared up defiantly at Jason Todd, anxiety high but also another emotion flitting around as well. Peter scowled.
"I never agreed to anything nor do I owe you anything."
"C'mon, princess. Kids like you need to learn how to defend themselves. Besides, I'll guarantee it'll be fun." Peter finally identified that emotion as enthusiasm. He had missed fighting and being able to use his powers. However, in a world where there weren't any superpowered humans, he doubted that it would be normal. He also needed to lay low in order to find a way home. 'Can I even leave? Because of Harley?' Peter glanced in her direction before returning his attention towards Jason.
"Fun for who? You? Because I certainly wouldn't have fun." Jason must've picked up at least some habits from his brother, because he pouted, though it was like if a wolf or an equally scary predator pouted. It was quite weird. "Besides, I'd beat your ass quicker than you can say Charlotte Bronte." Slade laughed out loud at this, Jason joining in. Peter knew that they were laughing because they didn't think he had the chops but that was fine. They didn't need to know anyways. Steph, Babs and Dick were laughing and there was a chuckle from Harley too.
"I like this kid," Jason said as he wiped a tear away from his eye, "he's cute."
"I'm glad you find me so amusing," Peter deadpanned. Another harsh laugh followed as Jason returned to his perch. Dick and Slade moved out of the way as Steph pulled Peter in the direction of a table, two other people Peter hadn't noticed due to Slade's large frame sitting down already. They were both focused on the papers that lay in front of them, though Peter could tell they were listening in and curious about the ruckus. Dick pulled out a chair for Peter and Slade for Harley, everyone in their little group sitting around them. Now that Slade was out of the way, Peter could clearly see who the two were.
Bruce Wayne and Commissioner Jim Gordon. He knew that they were friends in the original comics, but that was about it. Harley slid down in her seat and Peter grabbed her hand, rubbing a finger over her knuckles. She smiled weakly at him, and he returned the sentiment. Unawares to them, the people around them stared at the action in jealousy.
"So Peter," Steph purred, smiling brightly, "after Harley here, am I your bestest friend?" Peter knew she was quick, but he didn't think she was this quick. He smirked.
"Of course, Steph. You and Babs." The redhead snickered when she caught the betrayed look on Slade's face. It was soon replaced with a sly expression however. Peter suddenly felt his left hand being picked up. His head snapped up to see Slade bringing it to his face, kissing the soft skin of the back of his hand and Peter blushed. Hard.
"What about me, sweetheart?" Steph and Dick burst.
"That's cheating!"
"He's mine, you old geezer!" Steph launched herself across the table and mushed her face into the side of Peter's, continually rubbing against him like a cat, causing surprised laughter to escape from Peter. Dick gasped.
"Stephanie Brown!" He ran behind Peter and forced his arms around Peter's neck, dislodging Steph's face and pulled Peter back against his chest, rubbing the bottom of his chin against soft brown curls.
'Heaven,' Dick thought dreamily, 'my little heaven.' A sudden pale hand pushed Dick's head away from Peter's, though he couldn't go far, what with his arms locked around his neck.
"No, he was mine first," Harley pouted resting her head on Peter's shoulder. Peter giggled and tried resting his head on her's, but Dick wouldn't allow it.
"You gotta learn how to share!" Some more squabbling went on, Peter assuring everyone but Dick they were liked. No one noticed Bruce and Commissioner Gordan watching nor did anyone notice Jason motioning to Tim to sit on the couch he was on, before standing up. He silently approached behind Dick and pushed him out of the way, easily making him let go of the brunette. Peter, who barely had any time to react, was suddenly scooped up into a bridal hold, and he instinctively slid his arms around his captive's neck, looking up at the face and seeing Jason. The older man said nothing, and walked back over to the couch where Tim was now sitting and sat down with Peter settled in the junction between his legs. Peter blinked before scowling.
It was about as cute as a puppy growling, trying to look intimidating.
'Cute,' Jason thought with amusement.
"What are you doing?" Peter's legs, which were thrown over Jason's large thigh, were suddenly settled into Tim's lap, pale arms moving over and pressing into the legs.
"Wanted to see what the fuss was about," Jason said while caressing the small of Peter's back. Peter's scowl deepened and everyone at the table migrated over the couch area. Harley flopped onto the couch he was on, right behind him and next to Jason Todd.
"Well, there's no fuss so let me go." Jason hummed, pretending to think about it.
"Yeah. No." The older male picked up his book and began reading again, settling his chin over Peter's locks like Dick did, with Peter's ear to his heart, and arms on both sides of the brunette so he couldn't leave. Peter huffed and tried lifting himself out of the hold, moving his legs as he did so. It seemed that both Jason and Tim were anticipating this, however, and worked in tandem as a seamless team to keep Peter right where he was. Jason's arms tightened exponentially, and Tim increased pressure on Peter's legs. He grunted, realizing that he would have to use his superstrength to get out of this if needed. These people were just as dangerous as Steph, Babs, Dick, and Slade, if not more.
Peter was about to say something when the rustle of clothes and footsteps came over to where they all sat, Bruce Wayne first and Commissioner Gordan following. The Commissioner sat next to his daughter, pressing a kiss to the side of her head while Babs smiled and hugged her dad. Peter softened at the scene, some of his tenseness going away. Bruce Wayne sat in an armchair at the head in between the couches, exuding an air of power he doesn't think even Mr. Stark had.
"Hello there," the timber of Bruce Wayne's voice made it sound like a bedroom voice, deep and heady. Peter flushed slightly but paid attention to him. Out of anyone he's ever met, Peter's Spidey Sense never reacted to anyone quite like it did to Bruce Wayne. Peter shrunk back a bit into the arm behind his back, and he noticed that Bruce's blue eyes tracked the movement. It was as if he tracked every single movement, twitch, or shift he made. It was nerve wracking.
"Hello," he replied shyly.
"You must be Peter. Dick and Steph have told me a lot about you."
"Uh, all good things I hope?" The chest he rested upon rumbled with silent laughter. Bruce Wayne smirked.
"Of course. My name is Bruce Wayne. I'm sure you've heard of me before. I'm the owner of this establishment." Peter furrowed his brows. He remembered reading somewhere that Bruce Wayne, in the original comics, had owned a technology firm, Wayne Enterprises. So what was this?
"You own WE and this place?" Bruce nodded, hiding a smirk. Peter knew it was there.
"And a few other ones like it. It gets kind of stressful but my family and I make it work." Peter nodded, filling some information in.
"I'm sure it does, Mr. Wayne."
"Please, call me Bruce." Peter wrung his hands.
"Uh…" Bruce raised an eyebrow. Peter glanced at Babs, Steph, and Dick, who all nodded. Peter gulped. "Okay then, uh, Bruce." The head of the Wayne household smiled, a certain sharpness to it.
"Anyway, how do you know my sons?" The conversation spiralled from there with people taking turns talking and sharing things. They laughed at Dick's expense when he explained what had happened, him whining the entire time.
Bruce sat back and watched as they all bickered and argued, but with no actual heat. It had been a long time since anyone around the household and its associates were this relaxed. And it all happened when one boy crossed paths with everyone. Even Jim, his old friend, was laughing along with some things. The softness of the atmosphere was nice.
Until the sound of Tim's groan permeated the area.
"I don't get what I'm doing wrong! Seriously!" Bruce raised an eyebrow as everything quieted around them.
"This is why we pay people to get this kind of paperwork done for us, Tim." Said man scowled at his adoptive father.
"You know I don't trust anyone else to do it but me, B." Jason snickered.
"And you're suffering for it. But by all means, Replacement, suffer more. It's fun to watch." Tim sneered at Jason, turning his body to argue with his adoptive brother, revealing the papers in the meantime. Peter took one glance at it and knew exactly what was wrong.
"You have the wrong exponent." Everyone stopped in their tracks, staring at Peter. Tim blinked.
"What?" Peter stared back and pointed at the paper.
"You have the wrong exponent. There should be a negative here. It changes the whole situation if it's a negative." Everyone turned their attention to Tim, who changed what Peter had said and began recalculating. It was five minutes of silence later that Tim collapsed against the back of the couch in relief.
"Finally. You," Tim looked at Peter in reverence, "are an angel." Jason hummed in agreement.
"He sure does look like one." He grinned like a shark when Peter looked up at him with wide eyes. Dick, curious to know, asked,
"How'd you know that, Pete?" The brunette, pointedly ignoring Jason, shrugged.
"I just do." It was silent for a moment before Slade whistled.
"Beautiful and smart. If I wasn't in love before, I am now." The whole of Peter's face went red and he hid it in his hands, laughter and bickering resuming above him.
Bruce relaxed in his chair, a twitch of a smile that was rarely ever shown on his lips. It really was nice.
Harley, who had long explained the situation of her boyfriend to Steph who had prodded, left with a happy smile on her face with promises of a girl's night, clinging to Peter's arm. It was way past midnight when they left.
By the time they had gotten home, Piper, who was being dog sat by one of their nicer neighbors, was sound asleep. Peter and Harley cooed at the pup.
"You look so much like her," the alabaster skinned girl giggled. Peter rolled his eyes playfully and the rest of the night was spent in a relaxed state. Truly, it was one of the best nights Peter's had in a long time.
A couple of days passed and Peter got around to finally purchasing dog gear for Piper. He tried to connect the leash to her collar, becoming fondly exasperated when she couldn't stop chasing her tail to let him do it. Eventually, he just picked her up and connected it before heading out the door, informing Harley of their adventure on their way out. He didn't stay to hear the reply. They walked a couple blocks to the park nearby. There weren't any incidents at first but apparently, when Piper gets excited, there is no stopping her.
So when she suddenly tugged on her leash, Peter underestimated her strength and kept his grip loose, causing her to pull away from him and run around the park like hell was on her heels.
"Shit! Piper!" He ran as fast as he could, trying to get her under control and failing miserably. It eventually got to the point where he nearly had her. She followed along a paved path and ran around the corner, Peter right on her tail when he crashed into a hard chest, obviously muscled and obviously male. The momentum of him caused him to bulldoze the guy over, and they fell, Peter landing on top of the man. It took a second for Peter to regain his senses.
"Oh my God, I'm so sorry!" He scrambled off the man and looked around, seeing Piper starting to disappear in the distance. "Shit! No! Piper!" He called in the hopes of her actually listening and coming back. Big surprise, it didn't work. The man, sitting himself upright, motioned for the large black dog behind him.
"Titus, go get Piper." Obeying his master's command, he jumped into action, running in the direction Piper was headed. Peter groaned and looked at the man, finding himself staring into the greenest eyes he had ever seen.
"I'm so sorry, I was walking my dog when she got out of control and I had to chase her down and-"
"Spare me your useless babbling." Peter's cheeks turned pink. "It does neither of us any good."
"Sorry. Again. I really am." The man sniffed.
"Yes, I heard you the first few times." Peter stood up and reached down, offering a hand to the man. He sneered but took it anyway, Peter using his superstrength to pull him up. He looked mildly surprised.
"You are strong, but you do not look it."
"Yeah, so I've been told. Look, I really am sorry. I can make it up to you, if you want. There's a really nice coffee shop or something down the street. I can get you-"
"There is no need. I have already eaten today." The chestnut haired hoy deflated.
"Really?"
And shit, if he didn't look like a dejected puppy in Damian's eyes. It was his ultimate weakness, his so-called hamartia.
"But," he paused, asking himself if he was really going to do this. Yes, he was. "I am quite thirsty at the moment. Perhaps you can buy me something at that coffee shop." Peter beamed up at the tall stranger, internally noting with a bitter tone that he was even taller than Jason or Bruce was. He did look familiar though. Peter's eyes narrowed slightly.
'Where have I seen hi-' Peter's thought was interrupted when the large black dog came up to them, holding Piper's leash in his mouth, Piper following along.
"Thank you so much for getting her for me." The man nodded at his dog.
"It is not me you should be thanking, but Titus."
"Is that his name? Well, thank you very much Titus." The large dog came forward and Peter sank onto one knee and let Titus sniff his hand, scratching behind his ears when he licked Peter's hand. Piper whined.
"You are in big trouble when we get home, missy." He held onto her leash tighter. "Anyway, my name's Peter. Peter Parker. It's nice to meet you." Peter held out his hand. The stranger took it, stiffly shaking it. Peter giggled internally.
"I'm Damian Wayne. It is nice to meet you too I suppose." The brunette smiled.
"Let's get that coffee now, yeah?"