The days seemed to pass by slowly as Prompto waited to hear from Nightwing. He had no idea how long it would take before they would go to talk to Ravus. So, in the meantime, he just had to focus on doing the best he could at school. He had to find the right balance between regular life, and school life, no matter how chaotic things were lately.

But that life also included a Saturday morning basic trips sessions with Cor. Prompto was picked up by him, and that was already scary enough. Though he was certain that Cor originally asked him to come to the Citadel instead, he wasn't going to question the Marshal.

"So uh, how's this all going to go?" Prompto asked once they were walking down the hall in the Citadel.

"As I said, we'll start with basic tips and form. If anything seems worthwhile, we'll go from there," Cor stated.

"R-Right. Got it… uh, sir? Mr. Leonis? Marshal sir?"

Cor sighed as he stopped in front of a door. "Just call me Marshal, understand?"

"Y-Yes sir! I mean Marshal!" Prompto replied quickly.

Cor opened the doors and Prompto found himself inside a training room filled with basic wooden weapons and padded armor. It was probably for Kingsglaive and Crownsguard to train in, from what Prompto could figure. It was still a rather cool room with how high the ceilings were, and the amount of training weapons that lined the walls.

"So uh, what will we begin with?"

"Basic form." Cor turned around to face Prompto. "If you were to face an enemy in an offensive position, what form will you take?"

"That's easy enough," Prompto thought to himself as he dipped into what he would usually do before sprinting at an enemy.

Cor hummed as he walked around Prompto, looking at him from all sides. Prompto couldn't help but feel embarrassed, being stared at and judged for something so simple. But he knew Cor was good at this. He wouldn't be allowed to help protect the royal family if he didn't know how to fight.

"Good for a beginner. But you'll want to raise your arm a little here," he said, tapping Prompto's left arm. "And don't stretch your legs out too far. If you are ready to fight but need to move quickly, you don't want to waste a second adjusting to a standing position."

"Oh, right. Guess that would make sense."

They went through several poses like this. Ranging from offensive to defensive positions, all from different angles. Each time, Cor always had something to point out. It made Prompto feel a bit disappointed in himself. He thought he had done so well, learning to fight as Spider-Man, but it seemed he had a lot to learn in the end.

But it wasn't all too bad. For as much as he was upset that he had a lot of bad poses and positions, he was learning. He was learning to improve himself and gain more experience that would help him out in the field.

When it was all said and done, Cor stood back in the center of the room, crossing his arms. "I think that's all for today."

"O-Oh… well, did I do good? I mean, will you train me so I can help protect Noct if the time ever comes?"

Much to Prompto's surprise, Cor actually nodded. "I think it would be wise, and besides, you do hold potential. I'll see you next Saturday, same time."

Prompto started smiling. "Thank you! Seriously this will be so cool! And I promise I'll be good and practice these poses at home! Thank you, Marshal!"

"No problem, kid. Now let's get you back home."

"Oh uh, I was hoping I could see Noct, actually. Since I'm here and everything."

"He's in a meeting right now, so maybe another time."

Prompto lowered his head. "Ah, okay. Guess that makes sense. Being stuck in the Citadel for protection doesn't excuse meetings."

"Indeed. But I'm sure you'll be texting and gaming with him lately. Now let's go."

Hours later, Prompto finally got that call from the special pager, and Nightwing was calling him to meet up outside of the police station. From there, he planned for the two of them to question and talk with Ravus if possible. Though Nightwing wasn't certain how willing Ravus would be, it was worth a shot to talk to him and see what they could figure out.

Prompto suited up and quickly swung his way down to the police station. There he met up with Nightwing, who already was there of course. Fast and punctual, just as he expected Nightwing to be.

"Hey!" Spider-Man waved as he jumped down next to him. "Ready to do some questioning?"

"Of course. But the real question is, do you know how to do this? I realize, with you being a newbie and all, you've probably never had to do anything like this."

"Does it count if I've watched detective and cop shows? Oh! And some of those lawyer murder mystery ones! Or would this be like a good cop, bad cop type of thing?"

Nightwing shook his head, not laughing at Spider-Man's attempt to be funny. "No. My dad taught me the real way to handle talking to criminals. Even if this is the prince of Tenebrae, we still have to handle it the same way. Follow my lead and don't say anything stupid, okay?"

Spider-Man sighed, but he nodded in agreement. "Alright, gotcha. I'll be good and follow!"

Nightwing led him into the police station, where they were led to the back rooms. Far down the back hallway, they were led into what Spider-Man had to assume would be the room where they would question or interrogate criminals. Though, it was just based on what he knew from the tv shows and movies.

In the room, Ravus was sitting in a chair up against a table. It was rather weird to see the prince handcuffed, especially with one arm still in that weird, purple metal.

"Prince Ravus?" Nightwing started as he took a seat opposite of him.

Spider-Man was quick to sit next to him, waiting to see what would happen next.

"If you wish for me to give answers, I don't know how much help I will be," Ravus replied.

"Prince Ravus, please. There's been a lot of strange things happening lately in Insomnia. Anything that you may have to offer, could help us in our investigation."

Ravus closed his eyes. "Then ask away."

"Let's start with the beginning. What led to the arm?"

"It wasn't my choice, if that's what you are wondering," Ravus grumbled. "None of it was my choice."

"And I guess it ties with your recent disappearance?" Nightwing asked. "I know it wasn't publicly announced, but you have been missing for almost two months now, correct?"

Ravus pressed his lips into a fine line, it seemed that Nightwing had hit it right on the dot. "It is true that your resources reach far. Yes, that is correct. Two months ago I was kidnapped and taken to some form of laboratory."

"And I'm guessing that you never got a good look at who captured you?" Spider-Man said, trying to sound strong and just as serious as Nightwing.

Ravus turned to face him, scowling heavily. "Don't think I forgot our little confrontation on the streets. But don't fret, I… I am thankful for your quick thinking to help stop my rampage, but blasting water from a fire hydrant isn't very soothing."

"Sorry about that… but uh, the question?"

"I never saw who it was. All those who ever came near me wore masks. The masks though, they were…" Ravus closed his eyes, humming in thought. "They were all identical masks that each person wore. Metal I think with a bluish tint, with only holes for the eyes to be seen."

Nightwing leaned forward on the table. "Then we can assume whomever it was must have henchmen, and plenty of them. There must be a leader. Any underground kidnappers group or beyond that always have a leader."

"I would believe you're right, Nightwing," Ravus answered. "I know there was also this. One deep voice I heard from time to time when…" he looked down at his arm. "When they so graciously decided to give me this arm, I could hear a voice. Now, I don't recall what it was that he said, but it was sinister. If I am to assume anything, then he would be the leader, whoever he is."

"Hmm, I see," Nightwing said, relaxing back in his chair. "That still leaves plenty of questions."

"Can I ask another?" Spider-Man asked. Nightwing nodded at him, and he decided to give it a go. "Okay, so we know that whomever this bad group, they gave you the arm against your will. But then why did you go attacking buildings and scaring people here in Insomnia?"

Ravus's eyes closed, his expression softening to something more somber. "I lost myself. After two months of being held captive, torture and forced surgery, I was blinded by rage. They instructed me to do it, and lost in my own anger, I complied. It wasn't until I finally had time to cooled down, that I could regain my senses."

"I'm sorry Prince Ravus," Nightwing said, lowering his head. "I wish there was more that I could do to help."

"Stopping the ones who did this and bringing them to justice would suffice. I don't wish to see any others experience what I have,"

"Then I'll keep doing whatever I can. I can promise you that."

Nightwing stood up after that, looking between Ravus and Spider-Man. "I think that is all we can do for now. If there is anything else that you remember along the way Ravus, please let someone know so they can contact me."

"I shall do so."

Spider-Man was just starting to stand up when he stared back at the arm. "So uh, can I just ask? You said surgery… so is that arm. Like, I just thought it was some metal casing or armor. But you mean it's…"

"Yes," Ravus replied dryly. "They took my arm from me and replaced it with this electricity generating monstrosity. Lift up my sleeve if you don't believe me. You'll see the scars."

Spider-Man shook his head. He already could imagine what it must have looked like, and the thought of how it must have happened made his stomach sick. "No thanks. I believe you, but, uh, yeah. I'm sorry. That's really rough."

Ravus hummed. "I don't believe I got your name. You must be farely new to the superhero life. Despite good questions, I could hear the nervousness in your tone. You should learn from Nightwing to take care of that."

Spider-Man bit his lip. Was he really that easy to read? Just from his tone alone he could be pointed out as nervous? Well, Spider-Man was determined, so he knew in the end he could figure out how to be less of that. He would learn to be like Nightwing, he was sure he could do it.

"Spider-Man," he answered.

"Very well. It was nice to meet you, Spider-Man. And you too, Nightwing," Ravus said as he bowed his head. "I hope your searches go well."

Once outside of the police station, the two superheroes went up to a rooftop. Spider-Man quickly flopped down on the roof once they landed. He stared up at the sky, seeing the gray storm clouds starting to roll in.

"Whew! Glad that's over. I thought I was going to die or something from the way he stared at me!"

Nightwing merely gave a shrug. "That's just how he is. The prince of Tenebrae has a reputation for being rather cold and blunt towards anyone."

"And you've met him before?"

There was a small nod. "Yeah, a few times. When my father and I traveled to Tenebrae for some investigations, we ended up meeting the royals there."

"Wow, you and your dad, uh, I mean Batman, must have traveled all over Eos! I'm jealous! I've never even left Insomnia before!"

"Never?" Nightwing asked as he sat down next to him.

Spider-Man sighed as he shook his head. "Never. Always wanted to travel though. See the world and see what beauty is out there."

"Maybe one day, you'll get that chance."

Spider-Man sat up quickly. "Well, I'm a part of this investigation thing, right? It could lead us outside of Insomnia, right? Since prince Ravus is from Tenebrae and stuff? There could be some keys from there?"

"It's possible. But I have to do more research first, and talk with my father too. He always knows more than I do, so he could probably find something."

A slight hope arose in Spider-Man's chest. A hope he had been thinking about ever since he had first run into Nightwing. "Will I get to meet him? Or even see the Bat Cave?"

"I don't know about that. It's still a top secret place. Can't have anyone finding out where it is or knowing all of the stuff we keep in there. And for my father, he's… well I don't know. He hasn't been out of the superhero life for a few years now, y'know."

All of those hopes seemed to shatter as quickly as they formed. Spider-Man slumped forward slightly, hoping he didn't look too disappointed. "Ah, guess that's true. Is he doing okay? I can ask about that right? A lot of people just assume he died or something, but I figured he isn't from the way you talk about him. Plus you also just said you'd talk with him!"

Somehow, that managed to make Nightwing chuckle. "Yeah, he's alive and he's well. He's just getting older. We don't have super healing like some superheroes may have. All of those battles he fought, it's worn him down over the years. He's not as agile as he used to be."

"Oh wow, sorry, I didn't realize."

"It's okay. Now you know at least."

"Thank you for telling me. I promise I won't tell anyone! I'll keep it sealed tight!" Spider-Man replied as he made the zipped lip motion across his mask.

Nightwing smiled at him. "I believe you. That's why I told you, cause I trust you."

Spider-Man could feel his heart hammering against his chest. Simple words of trust with a smile, and suddenly he was feeling like he could fall apart.

"Darn it! Why does Nightwing have to be so smooth like that! It isn't fair!"

"So…" Nightwing continued after a moment. "Wanna have that race?"

"Race?"

"Did you forget? We agreed we'd have a race one day to see who was faster. Web slinging vs warping."

Quickly, Spider-Man jumped up to his feet, feeling a rush of excitement. It was enough to wash out the nervous feelings that had been there moments ago. He clapped his hands together excitedly, grinning widely under the mask.

"Alright! That sounds like a good plan! Where will we race too?"

Nightwing stood up and pointed out over the city. "I say just to the edge of downtown. Right before the big buildings cut off and it gets to more rural areas. Sound good?"

Spider-Man cracked his knuckles. "Oh it's on!"

"On the count of three then. One… two… three!"

Spider-Man took off as fast as he could, whipping out a web as he fell. He swung himself up and across several buildings. He didn't even try to look where Nightwing would be, knowing that it would distract him from his goal. He just had to go as fast as he could to make it to the end. He would do whatever he could to try and come in first, showing off how quick he really was.

"Geez. I really want to impress him, don't I? I mean why wouldn't I? He's Nightwing! The super cool, suave, amazing Nightwing!" Spider-Man thought.

Just as Spider-Man was about to land on the last building, he felt his spider sense go off, warning him of something coming. Before he could even think of it, he saw a flash of blue on his right and in an instant he was on the rooftop with Nightwing toppled over him.

Now he found himself staring right at Nightwing, his face only a few inches away from his own. He could see how deep the blue of his eyes were. They were deeper than the oceans themselves, and Spider-Man wished he could get lost in them. They were so mysterious and beautiful… so alluring and dreamy.

"I, uh, I'm sorry," Nightwing muttered quickly before rolling off of Spider-Man. "I was so eager to get here before you I misjudged where I was warping."

Pulled away from Nightwing's eyes, Spider-Man could stand up now and brush himself off. "No worries. It happens even to the best heroes."

"Hey!"

"What? Just saying we all crash now and again?" Spider-Man laughed.

Small droplets of rain started to fall down around them. It seemed those storm clouds were finally ready to let go of the water they had been holding.

"Fine," Nightwing muttered. "We all crash. But now we don't know who won."

"Guess we gotta go race again and-"

A woman's scream cut him off.

The two looked down below, and in an alleyway they saw a group of thugs chasing a young woman.

Spider-Man let out a sigh. "Guess the race is on hold again?"

"You know the saying, 'crime doesn't sleep'."

"But what crime would wanna sleep at 4pm?"

Nightwing shrugged before he jumped down towards the ground. Spider-Man quickly followed him and soon they were fending off the thugs from the young woman. It always surprised Spider-Man how cocky thugs could be, trying to fight off a superhero.

"Maybe it's just the big city thug mentality," Spider-Man thought quickly as he webbed up another thug's hands.

It wasn't long before all of the thugs decided they had enough, and ran off just as quickly as they showed up.

"Thank you," the woman said as she stepped forward. "Sometimes those thugs are just awful."

"We're just doing what we can to help protect the people, ma'am," Spider-Man replied.

"Either way, thank you both," she said before running off to get out of the rain.

It started to come down even heavier than before, but it wasn't enough to scare the superheroes off to find cover. Instead, Spider-Man shot a web up on the fire escape that was in the alleyway, flipping himself upside down. He adjusted himself so that he was still eye level with Nightwing, but upside down of course.

"Well that took care of that."

"Yeah. But the thugs won't stop. Give them a couple of days, and they'll be at it again. Never learning their lesson," Nightwing replied as he crossed his arms.

"I don't mind reteaching those guys if it means helping save people. I want everyone in the city to feel safe."

"You and me, both," Nightwing agreed.

He then dropped his arms to his sides and stepped closer to Spider-Man. "Don't you get tired hanging upside down like that?"

"No? It's quite fun, actually."

"And all the blood doesn't rush to your head?"

Spider-Man had never really considered that before. He had practiced hanging upside down, whether it was by webs or just sticking to the ceiling, but he never noticed.

"No. Maybe it's a spider thing? Wait, do spiders even have blood?"

"Hey, don't ask me, I'm not the spider-themed hero."

"Well I didn't choose this because I wanted to be a person who studies spiders!," Spider-Man laughed.

Nightwing raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Then how did it happen? I don't think you told me."

Spider-Man hesitated to answer that. He wasn't sure if he was ready to tell Nightwing about his origins. If he did, there was a chance Nightwing could find out his real identity.

"Then again, his father was the great detective Batman. I'm sure if he wanted too, he could have figured out who I was already… So maybe it's not so bad to say it…"

"If you don't want to say it, you don't need to," Nightwing added a moment after. "I'll respect your privacy."

"O-Oh no! It's okay! I could tell, just maybe, uh, another day? Give me time to figure out how to explain it without revealing too much?"

Nightwing stepped a bit closer. "Makes sense. Maybe next time then. But uh, I got something I'd like to say."

"What is it?"

"You're really something, and I… I want to say I'm sorry."

"Sorry? What for?"

"For how I treated you when we first met. I was a bit hostile and I didn't think you had what it took. But you've really been proving yourself and I… I really admire that."

Spider-man's eyes widened. "You do?"

"Hm… yeah…"

Nightwing reached out and placed his hands on Spider-Man's face. "And I was just curious about something, if you don't mind…"

Spider-Man could feel Nightwing's fingers running along his face and neck. It sent a relaxing, tingling sensation throughout his entire body. He tried to stay strong though, not knowing what it was Nightwing wanted to do.

"Wait a minute! What are you trying to do?"

"I want to see, just a little. I promise I won't take your mask off all the way. I'd never do that as I understand the importance of a secret identity. But I just…"

"Wanna see that I have a normal mouth? And that I don't have spider fangs?"

Nightwing laughed. "I don't think they're called spider fangs."

"Like I said, not a guy who studies spiders! But, um, if you want, I guess. If you want proof."

Carefully, he felt Nightwing pull the front of his mask up. He pulled and folded it gently, stopping just at the top of his nose.

"See?" Spider-Man grinned. "Perfectly normal, human mouth."

"Yeah. I see that. And I… I hope you don't mind if… I kiss you?"

"K-Kiss? You mean, you'd want to kiss me?"

Nightwing started to back off. "Sorry. I don't really know what I am thinking. In the moment I thought maybe, but I don't even know…" he trailed off.

As weird as it was, and as weird as it made his heart race with anticipation, Spider-Man started to smile. It was weird to think about. If he were Prompto right now and Nightwing was asking him he would have probably fallen apart. He would have just let himself crumble in a pile of nerves. But when he was Spider-Man, he could be stronger and more determined. He could be better than who he normally was because no one knew who he was behind the mask.

No one could judge him, or scowl at him because he was from Niflheim. People only saw a hero, decked out in bright colors, swinging around to help save the day. He could be as cocky and geeky as he wanted to be and no one could stop him. It was the best way he could express how he always wanted to be since there was no prejudice when he was in costume. He felt like he had gained so much more confidence ever since he first put on the mask, letting his feelings and emotions run freely.

That also meant he could be more open about things when it came to his feelings. As long as he wore his mask, giving himself a cooler, stronger, persona, he felt like he could conquer just about anything.

"No, it's cool. I, uh, I don't mind," he said, finally answering Nightwing.

"Are you sure? I didn't even think before asking."

"Really, it's fine. I just had no idea that you were like that."

Nightwing finally stepped back in, bringing his face closer. "I guess I didn't either. But if you're sure…"

Nightwing didn't even finish before he pressed his lips lightly against Spider-Man's. It all happened so fast, Spider-Man didn't even have time to process it before it was over. But for that brief moment when their lips touched, it felt like magic.

A second after the kiss was over, Nightwing was already stepping back, staring down at the ground. In the rain it was hard to tell, but Spider-Man was certain that Nightwing's cheeks were red.

"Hey," Spider-Man said after a moment, starting to laugh. "You know, I think the blood may really be rushing to my head now, cause whoa."

Nightwing laughed as well, though there was a bit wariness in the tone. "So you're really okay? Like, you're not mad?"

Spider-Man flipped back down to the ground, tugging his mask back over his face. "You asked me, and I agreed. Besides, I always thought you were pretty hot."

"Me? Hot?" Nightwing gawked.

"Well yeah! Dark and brooding, but mysterious and hot!" Spider-Man said as he gestured to Nightwing.

"And what about you?" Nightwing asked. "I only got a look at your lips. I don't know what the rest is like."

"Just know that I am extremely charming and adorable!" Spider-Man laughed.

Nightwing laughed back. "Alright, I'll keep that in mind. But the rain is getting heavier, we should probably get back to our homes."

"Right. But uh, this was nice. Today with everything. I enjoyed it."

"Me too," Nightwing said before taking off to the rooftops.

Spider-Man swung gleefully all the way back to his house. He snuck in through his window and took off his costume and changed into some dry clothes.

After grabbing himself a small drink and snack, Prompto flopped down on the couch. He was still reliving the moment in his head… reliving the brief, but wonderful, kiss.

He still couldn't believe it. Nightwing had kissed him, and he had accepted it. They kissed and it was in the rain too! That was like peak romantic scenes that people would kiss in the movies! Though, in the movies, one person wasn't usually hanging upside down by their web in the middle of an alleyway.

But it felt just as romantic!

Though that left him with one thought…

"Noctis…" he muttered.

He still felt strongly about Noctis. He was still just as dreamy as Nightwing, just a little different. But now he really had something to think about, really diving deep into his feelings to figure this one out. Did he still try and hope for something between him and Noct, or did he take a chance and try to take things a step further with Nightwing?