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“Why are we internet stalking him, again?” Steph asked, leaning her hip against the desk and blowing a bubble with her gum.
Tim groaned in exasperation. “Because, Steph! He’s not just some random kid we made friends with anymore! This is Felicia’s boyfriend ! You know, the one she’s been refusing to let us meet for over a year? The one she’s barely tells us anything about? And then they see each other and that’s how they act? Felicia, who hates all men, just jumps into dudes arms in tears? No, something isn’t right here.”
Steph rolled her eyes and snorted, shaking her head in amusement. “You’re acting more paranoid than Bruce, Timmy.”
In response, he pointed a finger at her sharply. “I know you’re curious too. Don’t lie!”
“Sure, I’m curious but that doesn’t mean I’m going to go dig through his entire life and stalk him.” Steph shrugged, cackling when Tim swatted at her.
Tim sighed, refocusing on going through Peter Parker’s history. It was annoyingly solid and painstakingly normal. He had acute asthma but it mostly went away when he was fourteen and broke his arm when he was eight. Was actually sick a lot as a kid. Parents died in a plane crash when he was four and he lived with his Aunt and Uncle until his Uncle passed away in a shooting. He never left Queens in his whole life until his Aunt died and he got a scholarship to Gotham Prep. He’d had a brief internship at a start up technology company called Stark Industries. Unfortunately, the guy who owned it, Tony Stark, died in a fire and the business went under.
Tim was frustrated. There had been something off about this guy since he met him. And it wasn’t just the lazarus green eyes and bleached strand in his hair. Though, he knew what that meant. So when had this guy died?
Tim had fought against the urge to interrogate his new friend. It wasn’t hard not to, especially given the fierce glare Felicia leveled on him anytime Peter wasn’t looking.
He had been begging the white haired girl to invite Peter to dinner with the whole family so that they could meet (interrogate) him for the last month but she’d refused, proclaiming that he wasn’t ready yet. Whatever that meant.
“I can’t do it!” Peter groaned.
“Please? What’s one more genius, playboy, billionaire, philanthropist in your life?” Felicia questioned, fluttering her lashes.
Peter let out an even louder, more miserable groan at that.
“Come on, lover. I want you to meet my family.” Felicia pressed, tugging him down by the arm and pulling him onto the couch.
“I didn’t have to meet your family before.” Peter said petulantly.
“My family is dead in the other universe.” Felicia deadpanned, a distinctly unimpressed look on her face.
Peter winced, holding up his hands. “Sorry.” He says softly before tilting his head curiously and looking towards her with uncharacteristic seriousness. “Why- why did you even come back? Why didn’t you just stay here? You seem to have a much happier life here.”
Felicia sighed, shifting in his arms as she thought about it. She sat forward as she explained, voice soft. “Before the snap, my life was… it was good. Happy. My dad was still alive and even though he was an asshole, he loved me.”
Peter’s chest ached as she spoke and he reached forward and grabbed her hand, earning a smile.
“He killed himself during those five years. I- I was here. I couldn’t get back, I was stuck. And when I came back and found out about everything that had happened… well I’ll just say I thought about not coming back. Just staying in Gotham forever.” She continued, leisurely running her nails up and down his arm.
“Why didn’t you?” Peter asked hesitantly.
Felicia smiled again and rolled her eyes, reaching up to flick him on the forehead. “You, dummy.” She said warmly. “I thought I’d pull off one more heist before I went back, you know, for dad. But then a Spider caught my scent and played the most exhilarating game of tag with me. I couldn’t stay away after that. You made me feel something.” She said, flushing slightly in embarrassment. “Anyway, enough sappiness. Don’t think I didn’t notice you changing the subject. Now, will you pretty please come to dinner at the Manor on Friday?”
Peter sighed heavily, leaning forward to press a single kiss to her mouth before moving back. “Everyone will be there?” He checked.
“Yes.” Felicia nodded resolutely.
Peter huffed and closed his eyes. “I can’t believe I’m agreeing to this.” He muttered under his breath before looking back at his girlfriend. “Fine.”
A catlike smile curled up on the girl’s lips and she laughed in satisfaction. “You’ll be fine, Spider. Don’t you worry.”
Friday night came faster than Peter would have liked. He’d spent the earlier part of the week mentally freaking out every spare moment he had. He’d almost let Felicia’s words about being Spider-Man get to him, if only so he could go swing to clear his head.
He’d also been avoiding Tim, Steph, Duke, and Cass as much as possible, though, it wasn’t easy given that they went to school together.
He wasn’t really sure why he was panicking so much given he already knew half of the people he was heading to meet. He thought he deserved a little time to have a minor anxiety attack about meeting his girlfriend’s family.
He’d done his research on the Waynes after finding out that literally all of the friends he had made were a part of that family. And his girlfriend. Bruce Wayne, Selina Kyle, Dick Grayson-Wayne, Jason Todd-Wayne, and Damian Wayne. Those were the only people he had to impress, he reminded himself, everyone else already knew and liked him.
He had wrapped the fucking Avengers around his finger within a few meetings, he could handle a bunch of socialites. Tony had dragged him to enough Galas throughout their time spent together for him to know how to handle those kinds of people.
He was smart enough not to read too much into the tabloids though so he reserved making an opinion for actually meeting the family.
His thoughts raced from his position on the back of Felicia’s motorcycle. Nerves buzzing underneath his skin.
He fought to keep calm as they approached the gate of Wayne Manor, and holy shit, he knew they said it was a Manor but this place was massive. White marble reaching up at least three stories. It was more intimidating than he’d like to admit.
“This is where you live?!” Peter called out over the wind.
“Only sometimes.” Felicia replied, slowing down as the gates swung open with a distinct metal clang.
Nerves built up once more as they approached the front of the house, Felicia parking her bike next to a bright red Camaro that Peter was sure he’d seen near his apartment building in Crime Alley more than once.
The door swung open as they walked up the steps, an older man in a butler uniform greeting them with a small smile.
“Miss Felicia, welcome back.” He said warmly, his crisp British accent taking Peter aback slightly.
“Thanks Alfred!” She murmured, smiling happily.
Alfred then turned to Peter, his gaze going from warm to curious in a heartbeat. “And you must be Mister Peter.”
Peter blushed, waving his hands. “Oh! Uh, you can just call me Peter, sir.”
“Very well, Mister Peter.” Alfred drawled, but ultimately ignored, leading them through the house and into the dining room. “The others have already arrived.” He informed them.
He caught sight of Felicia rolling her eyes, her cheeks flushed. “Of course, the one time I bring someone to meet them, they’re all miraculously early.” She groaned slightly under her breath.
“This isn’t making me less nervous!” Peter hissed urgently at his girlfriend, bouncing on his feet as they walked.
“It’s fine, Spider.” She whispered, patting his cheek twice. “They’re probably just excited, right Alfie?”
“You would be correct, young miss.” Alfred answered with amusement.
“See? It’s fine, Peter.” Felicia called back, pulling him towards the double doors by the hand.
“Yeah.” He squeaked. “Totally.”
The doors swing open to reveal a large dining room table with nine people staring directly at him, all rising from their seats when they entered. He pulled to a stop in the door frame, staring wide eyed at the opulent space around them because a throat clearing pulled him from his shock. Pulling off his beanie, he shook his hair out before giving a nervous smile.
He tried desperately not to pay attention to the murmured conversation happening across the room.
“Aww! He’s adorable!” Dick Grayson whispered with a small coo.
“Adoption bait.” Cass added in an amused murmur.
Felicia was watching him with an amused smirk on her face, before her attention was caught by a man and woman approaching them. Bruce Wayne and Selina Kyle were practically floating towards him, small smiles on their lips as they watched with equal amusement. Selina’s smile seemed a bit sharper than the others, her eyes flicking over his face, but Peter tried not to notice.
“You must be Peter!” Bruce said warmly, reaching forward and shaking his hand firmly. Peter had to concentrate extra hard on not squeezing too much.
“I- yup. I’m- yes that’s me. I’m Parker- Peter! Peter Parker, it’s um nice to meet you.” Peter bumbled, earning laughs from most occupants of the room.
“We’ve heard a lot about you.” Selina added, smirking at Felicia who hissed through her teeth.
“Oh- uh- well, all good things, I hope.” Peter said with an awkward laugh.
“Of course.” Bruce smiled, leading them back to the table. “I hope the food is to your liking.”
“Oh.” Peter waved him off. “I’m not picky. I’m sure it’s wonderful.” He said as he was led to sit in a spot between Steph and Felicia. Tim opposite him with Dick Grayson and Jason Todd on either side of him, surveying him with curiosity and vague disinterest respectively. Damian Wayne was next to Dick, watching Peter with a sneer on his lips. He tried to ignore the pinging of his senses when their eyes met but a shiver of danger went down his spine. Duke was over to the side of him, next to Steph and the boy gave Peter a warm smile when he saw him. Cass was next to Jason, a proud look on her face as she looked over the table. Selina and Bruce moved to sit together at one end of the table, the billionaire’s arm wrapped around his fiancé’s waist as he led them towards the chair.
Peter watched, a bit stunned, as Bruce picked up his fork, and took a bite of food, prompting everyone else to do the same. Soon enough food was being passed haphazardly around the table, voices overlapping as multiple conversations started. Peter had mostly just listened, chatting quietly with Felicia while he absentmindedly listened to the other conversations happening at the same time, when Bruce addressed him.
“So, Peter, you’re from New York?” Bruce questioned, patting his mouth with a napkin.
Peter swallowed nervously. “Yes, yes sir. Queens.” He answered.
Bruce smiled warmly back, a whisper in the back of Peter’s mind said it was fake. “How are you liking Gotham so far?”
“Oh it’s uh… nice. Pretty different from Queens though.” Peter replied.
”I’ll say.” Felicia said teasingly, mirth lacing her tone.
Selina and Bruce both snickered at that, their tinkling laughs sending a shiver down Peter’s spine.
“So why did you move here? I mean, I’ve been to New York and it’s definitely nicer than Gotham.” Dick asked brightly, his eyes lit with curiosity.
“Yeah.” Peter breathed, eyes widening when he realized what he’d said. “No, I mean. Gotham’s… very nice. It’s just- um… my aunt passed away about eight months ago and well- I knew Felicia was from Gotham so I applied for the scholarship and here I am.”
Sympathy was written across their faces, and Peter flushed under the attention. Some tension fell from his shoulders when Felicia grabbed his hand.
“Unfortunately for him, I was in New York searching for him.” Felicia spoke up teasingly, squeezing his hand.
“Yeah.” Peter winced. “I may have fallen off the face of the earth for a bit there after my aunt.” He said, gritting his teeth slightly.
“Shit, kiddo, that’s rough.” Jason spoke up, rubbing a hand over his mouth.
“Yeah.” Peter sighed, tensing a little under all of the eyes on him. “But I’m okay now.” He said, smiling over at Felicia with adoration.
“I’m glad, kid.” Jason hummed, and Peter had to do a double take.
“You! You’re the guy from the shelter!” Peter gasped, snapping his fingers as the memory hit him and pointing at the dark haired man in the red leather jacket.
“The shelter?” Felicia questioned, her hold on his hand tightening.
Peter shifted nervously. “I might have been homeless for a few weeks when I first got here. Jason helped me out, without him I’d probably still be on the streets.”
“It was no problem.” Jason waved him off, a flush building on his face. It was only then Peter realized that his family might not know that Jason worked for the Red Hood. Best just not say anything.
“No. It was- it was everything, really! I never got the chance to thank you.” Peter pressed, a pinch in his gut.
“Stop it, kid. It’s no biggie.” Jason persisted, waving a hand, his face flushing furiously.
“Awww, Jay, you’re so sweet!” Dick squeaked, leaning over Tim to ruffle his brother’s hair.
“Stop that, Dickiebird or I’ll lobotomize your ass.” Jason grunted, swatting at the hands invading his personal space.
“Guys!” Tim hissed, ducking down in his seat. “Stopppp!”
“Tt. This is an unbecoming way to behave in front of a guest.” Damian spat out, watching the boys with disgust and disappointment.
“Aw, come on, Demon Brat. Peter’s not a guest! He’s Leesh’s boyfriend!” Stephanie called out, cackling when Damian looked like he would try to attack her from across the table.
“So, Peter.” Selina cut in through the chaos, a curious look in her eye. “What do you want to do after graduation?”
“Oh!” Peter perked up. “I’m actually planning on studying chemical, biological, and mechanical engineering, maybe some coding classes on the side.”
Selina’s brows shot up. “Ah. An overachiever, hm?”
“Peter’s very smart.” Felicia cut in, her tone protective. “He’ll do great.” She said with finality in her voice.
“Down, kitten.” Selina purred, obviously amused. “I was just making an observation. I’m sure he’s perfectly qualified.”
“Have you thought about applying for an internship at Wayne Enterprises?” Bruce asked kindly, his eyes narrowed slightly.
“No, not really.” Peter admitted softly. “I had an internship before and my mentor… he died. Haven’t really wanted to apply to a new one yet.”
Bruce smiled sadly and nodded. “Well, if you ever want to apply, let us know.” He said firmly.
“Will do.” Peter replied awkwardly, shooting the billionaire a double thumbs up. He held his hand’s up like that for a moment before blushing and pulling his hands into his lap. The occupants of the table burst into laughter, causing a smirk to twitch at Peter lips.
Maybe this wasn’t so bad.