Peter was looking at his map app for the directions to the high school. As he stared at the directions he scratched his head in confusion. The school was located between uptown and midtown Gotham in a small stretch of land that had more buildings on each square block than the downtown area. Or at least that is how it appeared on the satellite view. He switched the view and the streets became visible. There was only one road that had access to the school by car that took a roundabout way through the area to get there. By foot, from the train, there appeared to be a maze of walkways that weren't exactly inspiring confidence that he wouldn't get lost.

"Chilli dogs!" Peter heard from the parking lot. He turned to look and saw Todd waving a paper bag.

"Get your chili dogs here!"

"Aw, man, I wish I could," Peter said slumping his shoulders. He was hungry, now that he thought about it. But he couldn't imagine heading into an interview with chili breath. That was bad form. "I have an interview to get to."

Todd walked up to him and tilted his head a little. "Interview?"

"Yeah, I'm actually heading there now but I'm not sure how to get there without getting lost," Peter said gesturing to the map app.

"Where is it?" Todd said taking his phone and looking over the address. "This is in the narrows. You've never been to the narrows, have you?"

"Uh, no?"

"It's a terrible neighborhood."

"So I've heard."

"What's the position for?"

"Teacher. At the high school."

Todd looked at him with a raised eyebrow. "Are you sure you want to work there?"

"Why not?" Peter said without understanding the implications.

"Get in the car and I'll tell you," Todd said and walked away without making sure that Peter was following, which he was.

As soon as Peter was buckled in the passenger seat, Todd made his way out of the parking lot.

"If you're hungry, eat. I have mints," Todd said and passed him the bag of chili dogs then a tin can of peppermint candy.

"I don't like peppermint," Peter said tossing it onto the backseat. Then he tore into the chili dogs. "These are good."

"I know," Todd said with a small smile.

"So, why does everyone keep trying to warn me about the... narrows?" Peter said between bites.

"Because it's the worst neighborhood in Gotham," Todd told him. "The cops don't even go there. The ones that do, only do so to take a bribe then they go on their way. If by chance cops that actually care show up, no one ever talks to them. The people who live there would rather turn to the mob for help."

"Do they help?"

"Surprisingly, yes. Sal Maroni settles disputes between business owners and personal vendettas. But if he has to get involved, it's only because it affects his business. The biggest problem is the small-time gangs in the area. They are responsible for most of the crime but not all of it. Don't get me wrong, there are a few good eggs but they are just as responsible for everything that goes on since they turn the other cheek when they see something happening. I don't blame them. If I would've grown up there, it would have been the only thing I could do to make it out of there alive."

"Alright, you painted quite the picture. But that doesn't mean that the kids who live there don't deserve to learn. If they need a teacher and I can fill the position, why shouldn't I?"

"It's your funeral, I suppose," Todd said with a shrug. "But don't say you weren't warned."

"Look, pal, I can take care of myself," Peter said a little more upset than the situation called for. He'd been on edge since he talked to Mila. He took a breath and rubbed a hand over his face. "Sorry."

"Don't apologize," Todd said with a grin. "You need to have a bit of bravado to at least survive the first day with those kids."

"You make it sound like you think all the kids who live there are hooligans," Peter said wiping his face with a napkin. He'd finished the chili dog and felt satisfied. Todd passed him a bottle of water. "Thank you."

"Sure," Todd said and made his way into a parking structure. "Alright. Get down."

"We're walking," Peter said feeling confused. He downed the rest of the water before tossing the bottle into the car.

"Yes," Todd said. "This car isn't mine. If it's stolen while I'm on the clock, I could get fired. We're taking the train over the river. The hoofing it to the school. It isn't far but if you don't pay attention to where you're heading you could easily get lost. I don't recommend taking the main roads either. The sidewalks aren't safe."

"What? That's the entire purpose of sidewalks, to keep pedestrians safe from traffic."

"Sure, everywhere else that's true. Not in the narrows," they went up the stairs to the train platform and waited only a couple of minutes before a train arrived. "Once we step out, you follow me and do what I say," Todd said and gave Peter a stern look. "Understand?"

"Yeah," Peter said with a nod. Geez, this guy is not playing around. Maybe I should take what he's saying a bit more seriously. Then again, I probably would heed his warning if I wasn't Spider-man.

"This is it," Todd said and quickly stepped off the train. Peter kept in step with him. "You'll never go through here alone so don't bother trying to memorize the way. But if you decide to take the job after this little field trip, I suggest you buy yourself a clunker. It'll be cheaper than taking a cab. They'll charge an arm and a leg to get through this neighborhood. Come on, through here."

Peter did see it though, how narrow the streets were. The sidewalks only had room for one person to get by and anyone trying to pass someone up had to jump into the street to do so. It was the only option other than trying to climb the wall made up of buildings on the other side. Peter saw a close call right before he followed Todd through an alley. It was about three feet wide. They couldn't even walk side by side. It was cleaner than most alleys he'd been through but not by much. Instead of asphalt, the floor was cement. And everything that was in the alley was pushed up against the buildings. There were no dumpsters, only nets that held trash bags of different colors. White, black, and green ones that Peter supposed were for recycling. Peter stayed a step behind Todd. As they made their first turn, they heard the sounds of a struggle up ahead. Peter tried to see what was happening but Todd blocked his view and quietly said, "Keep your eyes forward. Don't stop."

Peter looked over from the corner of his eye and realized it was a junkie trying to get more for his money. It was the middle of the day. But from where they were standing, with the balconies of the apartments over their heads and the clothing lines that went across the alley, there was no sky and no way of telling what time of the day it was. At the next turn, the alley opened up. Though the area to walk stayed the same. A few businesses used the alley as storefronts. There were more people walking through to buy food or goods. It reminded Peter of a flea market because of all the colorful awnings. But this area was narrow and cramped.

They made a couple more turns, and Peter was officially disoriented. The alley had closed in even more. Or maybe it was Peter's imagination. Then he heard someone shouting in despair. He tried to push Todd aside. He needed to help. But Todd took hold of his forearm and forced him to face him.

"Keep walking. Slow and steady, I'll catch up to you in a minute," Todd told him.

"But I want to—"

"No," Todd said sternly and forced him to face forward giving him a slight shove to get him moving.

He walked a few steps forward and looked over his shoulder to see Todd lighting up a cigarette. Of all the… Peter cut off his thoughts and did what he was asked. He passed right by a man being mugged at knifepoint. He could easily help him but Todd was behind him if he used his webs… Todd will definitely see me. As Peter, I can't do anything to help.

Once he passed up the pair, Peter clearly heard the thug punch the other guy in the gut. He whimpered and fell with a cry. Peter tightened his fist. I can't just stand by and not do anything!

When Peter turned around, he saw Todd bump into the thug as he was walking away. They exchanged a few heated words before they each went their own way. Todd helped the man who'd been mugged up to his feet, handed him a wallet, and then told him to fuck off. The man scurried up some steps that Peter hadn't seen before. Then Todd walked up to him, stomping out his cigarette when he reached Peter.

"Happy now?" Todd said and nudged Peter to make him start walking.

"Yes," Peter said with a wide smile. "But now I'm going to have to check if I still have a wallet every time you come near me."

Todd huffed out a laugh. "Me pickpocketing you should be the least of your worries," he said before he tossed a knife into a gutter at the end of the alley. They were finally out of the maze of alleys and in front of them stood a senior center with decent sidewalks surrounded by greenery. The three buildings that were visible were short and Peter finally saw the sky. "On the other side of this is the school."

"Lead the way," Peter said cheerfully.

"Still not seeing the problem with working in this neighborhood?" Todd said eying him carefully.

"Not really," Peter said with a shrug. He waved at an elderly man taking a stroll with his pup. The man smiled and nodded before turning around and going in the opposite direction. Peter didn't take it personally. The old man didn't know him from eve and for all he knew they were there to cause trouble.

"Do you know how to fight?" Todd said suddenly.

"What like bullies?" Peters said ruefully and then rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. "I can hold my own. Mila wouldn't have had me around if I couldn't."

"If you say so," Todd said in disbelief. He'd seen the footage, Peter hadn't done anything but distract the thugs while Mila took them out. During the zoo incident, he displayed good instincts but other than running away and depending on Todd for cover, he didn't do much then either. Todd didn't forget Peter had Aiden in his arms the entire time, but still, he didn't carry himself like someone who could hold his own. He seemed kind of wimpy. A perfect target for bullies. And he wanted to be a school teacher. He needed his own bodyguard if he wanted to survive Gotham, no to mention the narrows.

P.S. 31 McCormick was a three-story building. The stairs leading up to the entrance took you to the second floor right to the office. There were side entrances that allowed teachers and students in through a gated labyrinth that they only got past once they showed their ID to the security guard. The front entrance didn't have a sentry. But there were cameras directed to it. And it was framed by a walkthrough metal detector. A few clerks behind the desk kept a watchful eye and off to the side was a security guard sitting behind a computer desk.

Todd set off the alarm. The security guard walked up to him with sure quick steps. Todd moved his jacket to expose his gun and flashed some sort of ID. The security guard gestured for him to follow. They went behind his desk where Todd placed his firearm in a safe in the wall. They hadn't even exchanged words. Peter was telling the clerk about his interview when Todd went to stand beside him.

"Down the hall, first door to the right. He's expecting you," said the clerk gesturing down the hall.

"Thank you," Peter said, receiving a strange look from the clerk. Peter ignored it and went down the hall. He looked over at Todd and raised an eyebrow. "You're not planning on going into the interview with me are you?"

"Why not? Maybe I'll learn something," Todd said with a smirk.

"I appreciate what you're trying to do here, but I don't need a bodyguard," Peter said a little annoyed. "As a matter of fact, I'm sure I can get home fine from here. Besides, you need to get back to Aiden's school."

Todd made to look at his unexistent watch. "Look at that, I have time to spare."

Peter rolled his eyes. There's no getting rid of this guy. Mila probably put him on my tail. She's probably worried I'll be targeted next. Though I think that's hardly likely. But he's right, he does still have time to get back to Aiden. With Helena and Barbara watching him, he's safe. Not that he or Mila were being targeted anymore. Which is a very good thing. Now get your head in the game Peter, time to woo Mr. Acosta.

"Oh dear god, you're real," said a man in his early thirties standing at the door leading to the Vice Principal's office.

Ah, this must be Mr. Acosta, Peter thought.

"You're hired!" he said to Todd.

"Wait, what?" Peter said confusedly.

Todd snorted. "As flattered as I am, you have the wrong Peter," he said and gestured to Peter with a thumb. Mr. Acosta's face fell a little when he looked at Peter who was two inches shorter and probably thirty pounds lighter. "He's Richard Peter, your interviewee. I'm Peter Todd, the tag along."

"Oh, well," Mr. Acosta said looking a little forlorn before plastering another smile. "The fact that you even showed up, tells me a lot, Mr. Peter. You're hired. When would you like to begin?"

"What happened to the interview?" Peter said while he was shaking Mr. Acosta's hand.

"Firm handshake, that's good," Mr. Acosta said with a genuine smile ignoring the question. "Come inside. Sit down, I'll tell you a little about our school."

Peter looked at Todd who shrugged and they both followed the man into his office.

"Before I begin, I don't think I need to tell you about the neighborhood," Mr. Acosta gestured vaguely to his surroundings. "But it's due to it that we can't keep teachers for longer than a year. Most of the administration has to double as teachers if we want to keep the doors open. If you're willing to work here, that's all I need to hear."

"Well, yes, I am," Peter said with a nod.

"Great! Now, Mrs. Engel sent me your resume and I saw that you had a graduate degree in biophysics. All that means to me is that you're overqualified to teach here," Mr. Acosta said and leaned forward giving Peter a beseeching look. "I'm not going to beat around the bush, we're desperate for teachers and are willing to pay whatever you ask."

Peter chuckled and shook his head. He's messing with me. This can't really be happening.

Mr. Acosta wrote a figure on a paper and passed it over to Peter. "That's to start. If you make it past the first three month's you'll get a raise."

Peter looked at the paper then at Mr. Acosta. Todd was looking over his shoulder and whistled. "That's not a normal teacher salary."

In fact, it's more than double what I was making at the previous school I taught, Peter thought.

"No, but we receive generous donations," Mr. Acosta said and waved his hand like that wasn't here nor there.

"You actually had me at you're hired," Peter said folding the paper.

"Great!" Mr. Acosta said and clapped his hands once. "We're also looking for a PE teacher." He looked at Todd expectantly.

"With that salary?"

"Sure," Mr. Acosta said with a small smile.

"I can substitute for a while at the very least."

"Wonderful," Mr. Acosta said standing up. "Head over to HR, down the hall, and to the right. They'll set you up. How soon can you start?" He looked from one to the other.

"Tomorrow?" Peter said looking at Todd who shrugged.

"That's perfect!" Mr. Acosta said and stood up to usher them over to the door before either of them could change their mind.

As they walked over to HR Peter turned to look at Todd with a raised eyebrow.

"So, you're name is Peter, too, huh?"

Todd winked at him and Peter chuckled with a small shake of his head. This guy.