"It had been several weeks since Kite Man had returned to Gotham City with his new friends who had decided to leave their old homes to find a new adventure in their lives. Slash and Slobster left Fission City after being abandoned by their creator to figure out what type of creatures they could be on their own, to Golden Glider who wanted out of the criminal lifestyle in Central City after she had her brother convince Kite Man to take her with him. For right now things had been quiet for the four of them not being noticed by the people of Gotham and keeping to themselves, mostly Lisa and Charles after they'd started to get closer to one another. This left Slobster and Slash, who now went by Spinner after realizing that he needed a name that made sense rather than something that made him frightened was figuring out what there was to do in a city full of criminals."

Morning-Kite Man's Apartment

Just like any passing day in Gotham City, Spinner was the first one to wake up in the shared apartment of Kite-Man since they had found a way for each of them to sleep in the small room. Slobster had agreed to the bathroom since his red shell needed to keep him hydrated at all times while Spinner took the living room's couch. Lisa on the other hand was fortunate to share a bed with Charles since the villains had become a couple after the weeks they had spent flying in the air and learning how to properly defend themselves when their in a fight. The swordfish was in the middle of looking at possible jobs that could help with a recent issue that he'd never think he finds himself in, paying rent.

"No wonder half of the humans in this city decide to rob banks. These prices are horrible, not to mention the television packages this guy has. What the hell is a 'Bake Off'?"

Spinner questions the rent price that the landlord needed a large amount of money since the stay of four people in Charlie's apartment went up. Rubbing the side of his gills to figure out how to handle this mess, he didn't notice coming out of the bedroom was Kite Man with his helmet on and wearing a dark green bathrobe with his kite logo on his chest.

"Morning there buddy, anything good on the paper? There was this one article about that hotel Lex owns going up in flames, sucks for the employee but was an interesting read."

He greeted his friend and wanted to see if anything was fascinating for him to read since the newspapers that are written in Gotham always have something for everyone to read. The Seaviate sighed at Charles acting nice to him despite the trouble they were in as Spinner threw the paper at him so he could read the bill.

"That. That's something interesting to read, the money that the landlord wants before he kicks our collective asses out of the apartment. I thought those wedding gifts that Ivy sent to you helped out with this payment."

He brought up the wedding fiasco that Charles was involved in, Ivy had shipped several things that the guests had bought for them over to him in the hopes they could be friends if they ever saw each other again. Looking over at the closet to see several items that were the remaining gifts from his friends, Kite-Man showed an unsure smile on his face at how he didn't sell most of it.

"I kept a few just in case there was something I needed for the occasion. But I did sell most of it for something else you'll thank me for. Promise."

Responding to Spinner's question on what he did with the money it left the swordfish to groan at how he needed to sell everything to keep them afloat until something special came their way. Walking over to the kitchen and starting to make breakfast, Kite Man started to pancakes and bacon since it was important for everyone to get their strength for tonight. Continuing his cooking, the smell made the others wake up as Lisa came out wearing a yellow bathrobe and smiling at seeing Charles cooking up food for them.

"Something smells good babe, meaning it's important. Right?"

She complimented him and gave Kite Man a nickname to show that the two had gotten closer over the weeks they'd spent together. It was a sign that they had started to date, and left Spinner annoyed since their relationship could distract them from getting money to pay for the apartment. Waking up from the smell was Slobster who came out of the bathroom to see the food being made and rushed over to the table so he could get himself some food.

"Damn you, Slobster."

Spinner told his partner to participate in getting food rather than thinking in his head about their situation. Deciding to oblige in getting breakfast and joining the group, Kite Man decided to explain to everyone why he made a big breakfast for all of them.

"Ok, then gang. Spinner has shown me that we're in a pickle with rent and none of us has decided to go and cause crimes since it would draw the attention of the GCPD or various superheroes. Which is why today, I got us our solution."

Announcing to the trio how they get money to afford the place for a little until they get a plan that would get them a bigger space and enough money to keep them afloat. Going over to the piles of mail that he'd had lying around on the counter, Kite Man pulled out a golden envelope which he opened up to show them an invitation that was both special and important which caught Golden Glided's attention.

"Dear Kite Man, having looked at the recent events that you have been involved in and the popularity that you have gotten. We are proud to announce that you have been invited to the 83rd Annual Villy Awards!"

She read in excitement as Lisa rushed over and hugged Charles for him being invited to the show which left Spinner and Slobster confused by why this was an important thing happening. The Swordfish coughed hard to get their attention since this was a way to help them out with the payment plan, noticing how they were getting too flirty, Kite Man and Golden Glider moved back and looked embarrassed at how affectionate they were acting.

"It's a night where villains that have achieved incredible feats of villainy and crime are invited and potentially given an award that can help them with future schemes, lairs, and world-dominating plans. My brother won an award for being the only thief to get away without killing anyone or using his ice gun."

Lisa informed the sea creatures how important this was for Kite Man since if there was a chance that he got an award from them, they would receive money that could help pay the rent or anything else that would be great during their stay in the city. That made Spinner smile at the opportunities they could do if Kite Man won an award, they could even move out of the apartment to afford a bigger one and think of ideas for making money.

"Don't these things have to have a dress code? I don't think those clothes your roommate left won't fit us."

Slobster spoke out about finding clothes that would fit him and Spinner without being ruined and coming off their bodies. Looking at Charles to see if he had an idea for them to participate in the event, they saw a smile growing from Kite Man as he raised a finger waiting for the right moment they heard the doorbell ringing at the right moment when Slobster asked his question. Walking to the door and opening it to see several boxes shipped to his address, he struggled to lift them which had Lisa gestured to the Seaviates to help him out since this was what he meant in getting the right clothes for the award show. Walking over to grab the boxes and bring them to the living room, Spinner opened them up as it showed something that had taken him by surprise since his arrival in Gotham City.

"Holy shit."

He stated in two words as the swordfish and lobster Seaviate had been new clothing to help them adapt to the villain attire that everyone had on in Gotham. Spinner was given a dark purple leotard with the symbol of Kite man's emblem on the right side of his shoulder while Slobster had gotten black shorts with the same emblem as a belt buckle. It came with two tuxedos that were custom-made for their size and their outside exterior that would rip through ordinary clothing.

"Half of those wedding gifts that I sold got me enough money to afford them. It is always important to have a good look when hanging out with well-known villains like myself, speaking of which. There's also something else for you two."

Kite Man explained treating the two like his partners in crime and having the motif that represented Charles's theme, especially with another accessory that could help them get an edge in the city. Looking at the other boxes that were shipped here, they found out that the money that Kite Man had gotten went to Spinner to get a backpack that shot out wings which would allow him to fly in the air like he could. Slobster was given a jetpack that would support his weight and was easy to use.

"The doctor never gave us anything this nice."

Slobster spoke out as the lobster tried to not cry at the kind gifts he was given the crustacean walked over to Kite Man and offered him a hug for getting them these items. Spinner groaned at how his friend was embarrassing himself in front of Lisa who thought it was adorable for the lobster to thank their host for thinking about them in joining him for the award show.

"Can it with the mushy stuff will ya? Let's try them out to see if they can take us in the air."

Spinner interrupted the touching moment as he dragged Slobster away from Kite Man while taking his backpack and the crustacean's jetpack to the roof to see if they'd work. While the boys went off to mess with their new equipment, Lisa noticed another box that hadn't been opened yet.

"I hope you like it. The tailor I went to help make the guy's tuxedos was able to help out with making a dress that would be great with your powers."

Kite Man explained what he had bought for her as he helped open up the box for Lisa which the dress was white with golden straps across the side. Lisa took a second to admire the dress as well as felt speechless that it reminded her of her old costume. While she was ready to hug Charles for the gift, Lisa noticed that all the boxes had been opened up and there was nothing for him.

"What about you? Where's your tuxedo?"

She asked out of concern if he had anything suitable for the award show. Kite man's face fell as he walked over to his closet to show his old tuxedo suit that he wore during his wedding with Poison Ivy. Walking over to get a better look at it, Charles sighed at the moment when he didn't think he wear it again for anything important that would happen in his life.

"Had to save some money left for food and groceries to keep up with our strength, so. It leaves me to wear my old tux for tonight's event."

Kite Man explained to Golden Glider about needing to save the money that he got from selling the gifts for themselves and needing to keep his tuxedo for any occasion. While it was smart of him to not throw it out, Lisa knew it be difficult for Charles to wear it since it could bring up bad memories of the wedding along with everyone reminding about what happened on that day.

"I think you'll look great in it."

She complimented him on the suit as it was the first time that Lisa had seen it since she'd arrived in Gotham. While he wanted to thank her for the compliment and that it was alright, Kite Man could see that she wanted to continue talking to him about the tuxedo he'd be wearing.

"After several weeks I've spent with you, I can see you have a big heart for people you barely know and want to go far and beyond to befriend them. Which would make any girl lucky to be with you, which makes me feel lucky because I want to be one while you're wearing it. Also, if anyone says anything about the wedding and talks shit about you, I'll fuck them up."

Lisa stated as she accompanied him to the Villy Awards and the others in the hopes of getting an award. Kite Man was taken by her words and willingness to hurt most of the people who considered him a joke in the past, right now he wanted to kiss her passionately for the encouragement and being with him for tonight's show. It was interrupted by a crashing sound coming from the roof which showed Slobster being chased by pigeons who were pecking at his shell.

"Get these feathered bastards off me! I don't want to hit another satellite!"

He shouted at the birds while in the background was Spinner in the air laughing at his friend getting into trouble. Kite Man was about to go out and help get the pigeons off him but was stopped by a phone call he was getting from the house line, Lisa decided to help out the Seaviates while Charles took the call. Walking over to answer the phone and see who was calling him, he watched Glider going outside and gliding in the air and scaring off the pigeons from Slobster.

"Hey, Noonan. No, I'm not busy at the moment. What did you want to talk to me about?"

Kite Man asked on the phone about what his friend wanted to discuss with him since it felt like a good time to talk to a friend before preparing for the night of his life at the Villy Awards. Though this time, he'd have a group of his own that would join him and wouldn't mind hanging out with a low-level villain like Kite Man.

Later-After the Villy Awards

After the last hours of getting ready for the night and meeting every villain that was in Gotham City that established a reputation for being cunning and dangerous. There were also surprising moments at the award show such as Glider getting a chance to meet Kite Man's ex-girlfriend Poison Ivy and the mutants that had issues with the Seaviates. Coming back to the apartment were a tired-out Spinner and Slobster who were upset that they had to meet the rhino and warthog.

"Can't believe those jerkoffs are hanging out with two babes! I bet they're doing it because they have hands if I had hands and possibly thumbs. I'd be a major threat."

Slobster complained at how the pair were with Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy who were considerably the most attractive criminal women in Gotham City. Coming into the apartment with Kite Man, Glider noticed how quiet he was back at the Villy Awards since he didn't get the chance to win an award.

"Don't worry about it, babe. That whole show was a bunch of assholes trying to prove themselves to everyone, you already proved yourself to me that you're amazing. Plus, I can't wait to try out that chili Ivy told me about."

Glider encouraged him to be a winner in her book and luckily to be with him. Kite Man nodded at her before kissing her on the cheek, as he decided to get to work on the chili. While it was nice to see the old gang again and help Harley with her relationship issues with Ivy, there was another topic on his mind that was bothering him before leaving for the award show. Meanwhile, Spinner decided to look up anything related to the mutants and any sightings of them along with their old gang.

"Can't believe will be living in the same city as those punks. And I can't even believe that their protective over you must have done something to be on their good side."

Spinner questions Charles about being nice to two dangerous mutants who befriend him despite not having powers and a small reputation. The swordfish didn't get a response from Kite Man as he continued to work on the chili in silence, with their stomachs growling from attending the show and meeting Kite Man's old friends. They walked over to the table where they saw him walking over with a pot of freshly made chili that he made for all of them he handed them a bowl and that of himself before sitting down.

"These smells spicy, it's already making me drool a river over here."

Slobster spoke out about the chili as he dined in on the food Lisa and Spinner took a moment to taste the chili as well as they were soon captivated by the sensation they were eating. Kite Man was the only one who was eating as he had to get out the thought in his head about the phone call he received in the morning.

"Noonan's bar is closing."

He spoke out which ruined the food everyone was enjoying as they could see the sadness on his face about the one place where villains and criminals alike could socialize amongst one another. The Seaviates could tell it was a major blow to him since it seemed important to Kite Man, Lisa felt sorry for him as she patted his hand on the difficulty of losing his special place.

"Which is why I accepted to become the new owner of Noonan's bar."

Kite Man stated to the group which caught them by surprise as each of them looked confused by what he had just said. Waiting for an explanation behind this unusual decision he made on his own, Charles raised his cup to help resolve this issue amongst the group.

"After what happened last night and seeing around half of Gotham's best villains praised for their crimes. I've come to terms that I can do something different than everyone else, such as running a business. I've been there almost every day since I became a villain and know Noonan the best, which is why I want to ask you all if you are up to running a bar with me."

He explained how he felt during the Villy Awards and how he needed to change his lifestyle for the better and be someone else who could be happy with what he'd be doing next. The Seaviates didn't know whether to call him an idiot for accepting this or call him a genius since they would be owners of a bar, they allowed Lisa to be the voice of reason since they'd seen firsthand how dangerous she was with her powers.

"I mean it's not a bad idea since this could be what I've been looking for. It won't be easy since none of us know how to run a bar that's been through a history of fights, deaths, and especially shady acts happening. But I think it can work."

Glider offered her opinion on this business venture of taking over Noonan's Bar and keeping it afloat while not letting it shut down as well as becoming one of the numerous buildings that are abandoned and destroyed like half of them in Gotham. Kite Man smiled at her for telling him the challenges of running a bar but was also ready to help out so she started a different type of career than being a criminal. Looking over at Spinner and Slobster to see what their responses would be, the lobster seemed excited that he'd be getting free meals and cracking heads with the people who be visiting the place, Spinner growled at how this wasn't his idea in finding a new opportunity in his life after leaving Fission City.

"We better make some money from this place. Otherwise, they're getting a drill up the ass."

He reluctantly accepted to work with Kite Man at the bar as Charles raised his cup in the air to congratulate the new owners of Noonan's bar. The three raised their drinks for him to celebrate the moment and then mentally prepare for the hardships of owning a rundown, criminal-invested bar in the most dangerous city in the world.

"This happens before and after Harley Quinn and the Outlaws part when they attend the Villy Awards. The next two chapters will be flashback-based right up to the ones going ahead for the story, comments are welcome and I'll be happy to answer them. Stay tuned for more."