Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

No matter the city, the nighttime always brought out the criminals. It made sense- the darkness provided cover. Shadows stretched across alleys and streets, turning corners into hiding places and barely little streetlights were no help.

Still, Gotham seemed worse than New York.

City streets in Gotham weren’t just dark; it was like the abyss. They felt almost... predatory. Every alley felt like it was waiting to swallow you whole. Even the air had weight, almost thick like a promise of something going wrong. In New York, a mugger might take your wallet and run. In Gotham? They’d take your wallet, your pride, your dignity, and your life.

The city thrived on fear. It fed into the cracks between crumbling brickwork and the streets. The cops? Half of them were on someone’s payroll. The other half? Too afraid to step out of the precinct after dark. It wasn’t just the petty criminals lurking here- Gotham had predators who wore smiles like masks and masks like crowns.

And tonight was no different.

Somewhere in the city, down at one of the many warehouses located on Gotham Bay, a boat had just sailed in.

“Get moving,” a rough voice barked.

A burly figure, clearly in charge, stood at the edge of the dock, checking his watch impatiently. The cargo needed to be unloaded fast, no questions asked. He knew that Gotham’s harbors were always under someone’s gaze, whether it was crooked cops, rival crews, or worse. The first two were easy to deal with but the latter were what they were trying to avoid tonight.

Well, at least no Spiders or Devils should mess with tonight.

“Let’s get this done,” he growled, gesturing for the others to start unloading the cargo. They moved quickly, hauling heavy crates off the boat and onto the dock.

A smaller man walked up next to him, “Plenty nice of your Kingpin to send us these toys,” the smaller man remarked, glancing at the crates stacked on the dock. 

The larger man grunted in response, his eyes scanning the shadows for any signs of trouble. “Just keep your mouth shut and focus on the job, Tony. We don’t need any loose lips drawing attention.”

Tony smirked, clearly not taking the warning seriously. “Relax, Sal. What’s the worst that could happen? We’re just a couple of guys moving some crates. The last three times we've done it has gone perfectly, hasn't it?”

Sal shot him a look that could slice through steel. “You really want to find out? Last thing we need is a costume freaks crashing in. You think our Kingpin’s going to be pleased if we end up in a body bag because you couldn’t keep it together?”

With a snort, Tony shrugged and leaned against a nearby crate, dragging on his cigarette, “The Bat doesn't kill, plus I doubt he's going to to be here tonight. One of the nuts over at Arkham escaped last night. One of the reasons we plan this little play date tonight.”

Sal’s jaw tightened, his patience wearing thin. “You really think that’s going to keep him away? I've heard the stories. Plus, I know how those masked heros work in New York. They doesn’t need a reason to show up. They are always lurking, waiting for a chance to swoop in and ruin everything.”

As the two men continued to argue, the other goons finished unloading the crates. One of the Gothamites grabbed a crowbar and opened one of the crates. 

Sal stepped forward, eyes narrowing as the crate creaked open, revealing an array of weapons: sleek, black firearms, and packs of explosives.

“Nice haul,” Tony said, his smirk fading as he surveyed the contents. “Mr. Cobb will be very pleased.” 

Sal raised a brow at the shorter man, “And your end of the deal?”

Tony smirked and snapped his fingers, “Don’t worry about my end, Sal. You know Mr. Cobb always delivers.” Two of the Gothamites walk over and bring out some of their own crates. “All the drugs you need for the next couple of weeks, huh?”

Sal hummed, looking over the crates. Tony kept talking about how this was the good stuff and no one else in Gotham would have this good of quality. He was barely listening to the annoying smaller man when he heard it.

“Shut up for a second,” Sal said, raising a hand. He squinted into the darkness, straining to see. “Did you hear that?”

Tony, still leaning casually against the crate, chuckled. “You’re losing it. It’s just the wind-”

“Hey, fellas!” Sal froze, knowing that voice. God, anyone but them. “Sorry to interrupt your little date,” The voice called out, casual but dripping with sarcasm. “I couldn’t help but notice a lot of heavy lifting happening without a permit. You know how it is with the Gotham Construction Department- they're sticklers for proper paperwork.”

Sal cursed under breath, “The Spider.” 

Tony looked over at the bigger man in confusion, “Like… a bug? What the hell are you talking about?”

Sal didn’t answer; his eyes darted to the shadows where the voice had come from. There he saw it. A silhouetted against the dim light of the dock, stood a figure clad in red and blue, a spider emblem resting across their chest. They were perched on a crate, one foot casually resting on the edge, hands on their hips as they surveyed the scene.

“Really? You guys didn’t think to check for surveillance?” Spider continued, swinging their leg off the crate and landing gracefully on the ground. “I mean, I get it, crime and all, but a little planning would go a long way.”

“Get out of here, kid,” Sal growled, clenching his fists. “This is none of your business.”

“None of my business?” Spider feigned surprise, a hand pressed dramatically against their chest. “But I just love crashing parties! Especially when they involve illegal weaponry, shady dealings, and a certain Kingpin.”

Sal's patience snapped. "I said get lost!" He lunged forward, his fist swinging in a wide arc aimed at Spider. But the young hero was quicker, dodging to the side with an effortless grace.

“Wow, you really need to work on your aim!” Spider teased, flipping backward to put some distance between them. “I mean, you're giving New York criminals a bad name. I mean, have a bit of pride.”

The Gothamites, caught off guard, exchanged uneasy glances. Tony took a step forward, brandishing a gun pointed at the Spider. “You think you can just show up here and make jokes? You’re in over your head, kid.”

“I’ve had worse nights,” Spider replied, their masked eyes sparkling with mischief. “But if you're not too busy taking out the trash, I'd be happy to lend a hand."

With that, they launched into action, flipping over the crates and landing behind Tony. Before the thug could react, Spider delivered a swift kick to the back of his knee, sending him tumbling forward. The gun clattered from his grip, skidding across the dock.

"Nice try, but I'm not the one in over my head,” The Spider quipped, before he kicked Tony to the floor and webbed him in place.

A couple of Gothamites, finally coming back to their senses, charged at Spider, brandishing makeshift weapons- a rusty pipe and a broken bottle. Spider smirked, easily dodging the incoming attacks with a combination of agility and acrobatics.

“Seriously, do you guys ever watch the news? You’re going to need more than that!” Spider quipped, dodging to the side and using their webs to ensnare one of the attackers, yanking him off balance and sending him crashing to the ground.

Spider vaulted over the fallen thug, launching a webbing that caught the second attacker by surprise. “Look, I know Gotham can be rough, but I’m just here to help! You guys could use a little more teamwork,” they teased, swinging to avoid another wild swing from Sal.

Frustrated, Sal pulled out a knife, brandishing it threateningly. “Enough games! I’ll cut you down, you little insect!”

“Oh, come on,” Spider said, feigning disappointment. “A knife? I was open to being a little more creative.”

Sal lunged forward, knife glinting under the dim light, but Spider was already in motion. With a swift sidestep, they ducked under Sal’s wild swing and launched themselves upward, using the momentum to flip over the thug’s head. As they landed behind Sal, Spider threw out a web that caught the burly man’s arm, making it fly back and stick to one of the crates.

Sal struggled against the webbing, his face turning a shade of crimson as he fought to pull free. “You little freak!” He yelled.

The vigilante rolled their eyes under the mask, “Really, we need to get you classes in creativity.” With that, they gave a quick punch to the head, knocking the New Yorker out. 

The Spider let out a relieved sigh, looking around the room. They had already dealt with the outside security before they had made themselves known. Now, their nerves were finally at ease, which meant no more threats. 

They turned to Tony, who was still struggling against the webbing, eyes wide with disbelief. “Now, where were we? You were saying something about weapons and illegal dealings?”

Tony shot them a glare that could melt steel, “You think you can just walk in here and play hero? You’ve got no idea who you’re messing with.”

“Ah, the classic villain’s monologue,” Spider replied, rolling their eyes. “I really do love a good cliché. But let’s skip to the part where you spill the beans before I decide to turn you into a human piñata.” They stepped closer, leaning in as if confiding a secret. “I mean, I’ve seen Gotham’s best and worst, and frankly, you’re kind of falling into the ‘not so impressive’ category.”

Tony scowled, but he could feel the webbing tightening around his limbs. He shifted uncomfortably, “I never tell you anything, you ain't as scared as the Bat!” He spit. 

The hero hummed, “Well, that’s a shame," Spider replied, leaning back slightly, a playful smile hidden beneath their mask. "Because I was hoping to learn about your little operation here. I guess I could always ask your boss?”

“W-what?”

Spider’s playful demeanor shifted slightly, and they leaned closer, eyes narrowing. "Oh you know, what was it? Mr. Cobb? Better known as the Penguin? The 'reform' villain?" They reached into the fanny back that rested behind them. They pulled out their phone and hit something on it. Tony's own voice started to play- “Mr. Cobb will be very pleased... Don't worry about my end, Sal. You know Mr. Cobb always delivers.”

Tony felt his blood go cold as the Spider themed hero started to talk again, "This and all the cargo you’re handling tonight might just put you on his radar, you know? And I doubt he’s a fan of loose ends.” Spider leaned back slightly, clearly enjoying the tension in the air.

“What are you talking about?” Tony stammered, trying to regain some semblance of control. “He won't go to jail for this! I'll deny everything at court!”

The Spider shrugged, "It probably wouldn't stick, but that wouldn't place you in any good graces with him. This would be embarrassing to him. Especially if I just post it online.”

Tony's eyes darted around, calculating his options. “Look,” he began, a desperate edge creeping into his voice, “we can work something out, right? Just let me go, and I’ll tell you everything I know. I’ll even throw in some intel on the Kingpin’s other shipments.”

“Interesting offer,” Spider said, tilting their head as they regarded him. “But why should I trust you? You seem like the kind of guy who’d sell out your own mother for a quick buck.”

“Because I want to live!” Tony snapped, desperation lacing his voice. “Look, I’m just a small fish in a big pond. You think I want to end up like Sal?” He gestured toward the unconscious body of his partner, who was still tangled in webbing on the dock. “You want to stop Cobb, right? I can help you!”

Spider narrowed their eyes, weighing the options. “Alright, Tony. I’ll bite. But you better not be playing me for a fool. Or I’ll stick you back to the crates faster than you can say ‘mommy’.” The Spider reached down, easily ripping off the web on the goon.

Tony rubbed his wrists as he stood up, glancing around as if expecting more trouble. “Okay, okay. Here’s the deal. Cobb’s been running shipments through the old docks every month for some old guy in New York, but this next one? This one’s special.”

“Why's that?” Spider pressed, crossing their arms and scanning the area for any signs of trouble.

“I-I don’t know,” Tony admitted, his confidence wavering. “I’m just the delivery guy. But I heard some of the guys talking. They mentioned something about a big shipment of tech- real advanced stuff. The kind of gear that could put Gotham’s worst on a whole new level.”

“Tech, huh?” Spider mused, tapping their chin. “And where’s this shipment supposed to come in?”

“Next week,” Tony replied quickly. “Through the abandoned pier near the old warehouse district. You have to get there before it goes down. Cobb is paranoid, and if he senses anything off, he’ll cut his losses and disappear.”

Spider nodded, the wheels in their mind turning. “Alright, I’ll check it out. But don’t think for a second I trust you completely. If I find out you’re lying-”

“I’m not!” Tony interjected hastily. “I swear! You have to believe me!”

“Good,” The Spider reached back into their pocket and pulled out two cards. 

They handed the first one to Tony, who hesitated before taking it. It was a simple white card with a red spider emblem stamped in the center, the words “Call Me” written in bold, scrawled handwriting.

“Keep that close,” Spider said, their voice suddenly serious. “If Cobb or anyone else comes looking for you, don’t hesitate to use it. I’ll be listening.”

Tony nodded, clutching the card tightly as if it were a lifeline. “Right, right. Just… just tell me you’ll protect me, okay? I can’t go back to Cobb empty-handed.”

The Spider hummed, “I can knock you out? So it looks believable?”

Tony’s eyes widened, panic flaring as he processed the hero’s words. “Wait, what? No! That’s not-”

Before he could finish, Spider waved a hand dismissively, their tone shifting to playful. “Relax! I’m kidding. But seriously, get out of here and find a good excuse. I'm sure you can think of one.”

Tony nodded, starting to hear the sirens in the distance. He took a few steps back, eyeing Spider warily. “Yeah, right. I’ll just… uh… say the shipment was a bust and you came in swinging, yeah?”

“Good plan,” Spider replied with a grin. “Now, you better get out of here without getting caught.”

With one last wary glance at the hero, he turned and sprinted toward the edge of the dock, disappearing into the darkness.

As Tony disappeared into the shadows, Spider took a moment to just breath. They hadn’t expected to find a connection to the Penguin tonight, and the idea of advanced technology being brought into city made their stomach turn. When they had come to Gotham, this isn't really what they thought would happen. They had just followed a lead that Kingpin was selling weapons for drugs. 

It wasn't the hero’s city…but it wouldn't hurt to look into you. However, there was someone in Gotham that could help. 

The Bat.

Chapter Text

The chill of Gotham’s night air clung to Spider’s suit as they swung through the shadows of the city. Buildings passed in a blur of jagged edges and neon signs, the streets made up of flickering lights and sprawling darkness. Even at this altitude, Gotham’s air felt heavier than New York's.

The Spider pulled themselves up and landed on top of one the many rooftops on the city. A shiver ran through them. They really needed to upgrade their suit, or buy a jacket.

They huffed as they sat down, pulling out their phone. Now, who was the one that escaped Arkham? 

The Spider flicked through a few news apps, squinting at the screen as they scrolled. “Come on news app, don’t fail me now.”

There it was: "Riddler Escapes Arkham Again - Gotham PD Issues Citywide Alert"

Beneath it was a grainy photo of Edward Nygma- smug grin, disheveled black long hair, and green body suit with a black question mark. The article mentioned that he had slipped out during a power outage at Arkham, leaving behind a single riddle for the guards: "I live for the day and hide from the night, but if you find me, I’ll shed some light. What am I?"

The Spider groaned and dropped their head back. “Oh, great. The walking crossword puzzle. Just what I needed.”

The Spider sighed, rubbing the back of their neck as they sat on the edge of the rooftop. “So, Mr. Quiz Master’s on the loose. Gotham’s just a never-ending game show, huh?” They scrolled further, noting a few details: last seen near the financial district, where the power grid had conveniently gone haywire during his escape.

“Typical. And let me guess…” they muttered, thumbing through police reports, “No one has any idea what his riddle means.” They glanced at the riddle again: "I live for the day and hide from the night, but if you find me, I’ll shed some light. What am I?"

“Sounds like…” They squinted. “A lamp? Or... sunlight? No, too easy. This guy’s gotta be extra about everything.” They opened another app on their phone, cycling through different databases until they found an alert listing hot spots to avoid. As expected, Gotham PD marked all major intersections and transportation hubs for extra patrols. Too predictable.

“Alright, brainiac,” the Spider mused aloud. “If I were a riddle-obsessed criminal in a city full of rooftops, where would I hide?” They scrolled back to the map, zooming in on areas that hadn’t been flagged by police. Something near the heart of the city, where power outages would matter most. Somewhere with enough foot traffic to prove a point- but not enough to risk running into the Bat too soon.

A grin crept across their face beneath the mask. “The clock tower. A place that lives by day and sleeps by night. And when you find it... it sheds light.”

They stood, flexing their fingers. “Alright, Riddler. Let’s see if I’m smarter than a fifth-grade riddle master.”

-

-

The Clocktower had been good lead, a green box with purple and black question marks. Then, after a riddle, they had ended up going to Gotham's Opera house. Then to a movie theater. And lastly the old Gotham Library. 

By the time they did make it to the library, the GCPD was already there.The Spider perched on a fire escape overlooking the library, watching as the blue and red lights of the Gotham City Police Department reflected off the old stone facade. Officers moved in and out of the building’s entrance, radios crackling as they coordinated their search.

“Late to the party,” the Spider muttered, eyes narrowing. They can see, very vaguely, a person dressed in green down there. He was in handcuff and was what looked arguing with one of the police detectives. The Batman had already dealt with him already.

"Okay, there's the crook." Spider mumbled, "Now where's the cape?" They sighed, did they miss the Bat? They knew the police wasn't that friendly to the Batman, so it would understandable he wouldn't stick around for long.

The Spider watched as the Detective pushed the Riddler into the police car. But as that happened, a flicker of movement caught Spider’s eye. Shadows danced along the edges of the library, and for a moment, the chill of Gotham's night seemed to still. There, on the opposite rooftop, stood a figure cloaked in black- tall, imposing, and exuding an air of quiet menace.

For a moment, the Spider forgot to breath. He was something else, wasn't he? They had heard the rumors about the viriginte, but that didn't seem to live up to the vision that the Spider saw now.

A noise from down below grabbed the Spider attention, making them look down. One of Riddler's goons managed to punch one of the cops. The guy was quickly subdued and placed into the prisoner truck. 

When the Spider looked back up, the Bat was gone. The hero's eyes squinted, now where-?

A shiver ran up the Spider's back, making them spin around just in time to see the dark figure emerging from the shadows behind them. 

The Spider barely had time to react as the figure lunged from the shadows. They twisted to the side, barely evading a strong hand that sought to grab their shoulder. In a heartbeat, they found themselves standing in front of-

The Batman. The legendary Dark Knight of Gotham. Who was standing right in front of them.

The Spider's heart raced.

“Who are you?” Batman's voice was low and gravelly, cutting through the night air like a knife.

“Uh, I’m- ” The Spider fumbled, their instinct to stay cool under pressure momentarily slipping. The Bat was intimidating, that was for sure. “I’m the Spider. From New York?"

Batman narrowed his eyes, “What are you doing in Gotham?”

The Spider instinctively adjusted their posture, trying to regain composure. "I'm here because some businesses from New York, the big crime boss- the Kingpin- he's been making deals in Gotham."

“Kingpin?” Batman repeated, his tone laced with skepticism. He stepped back, letting his cape fall infront of him. It completely covered him. “The main crime boss of New York”

It didn’t sound like a question but they nodded anyways, "Me, and some of the other hero's, plus the NYPD have been hitting his operations hard recently. Especially his drug trade. So much so that he has been outsourcing weapons in exchange for drugs."

Batman remained silent, his eyes locked on The Spider as if assessing their every word. The Spider could feel their pulse racing.

In this moment, it was easy to forget that they had been in the hero business a lot longer then him.

“Look, Gotham has its own problems, and I get that,” they continued, trying to sound more confident than they felt. “And I'm not trying to come in and tell you what to do. But if Kingpin’s trying to set up shop here, it’s going to get messy. You can’t let him establish a foothold in your city.”

“Why should I trust you?” Batman’s voice remained gruff, laced with suspicion. 

The Spider took a deep breath, “Because I want to help. I know how dangerous he can be. I’ve fought him before. He’s ruthless. He won’t stop until he gets what he wants. I can help you. I can help Gotham.”

A flicker of something- interest?- crossed Batman's face, but it vanished as quickly as it came. He stepped closer, challenging. “You think you can help? What do you know about Gotham’s criminal underworld?”

“Not much, but I know criminals,” the Spider replied, standing tall. “I’ve dealt with mobsters, psychotic criminals, and the crazies that come out at night. I know how that works. If we can cut off Kingpin’s operations before they take root, it’ll be one less problem for both our cities.”

Batman seemed to consider this, “If you’re lying or if this is some kind of game-”

“I’m not! It's not!” the Spider interjected, raising their hands defensively. “Look- I know how it looks, but I’m not here to play games. I came to warn you. I want to stop him before it gets out of hand.”

Batman’s expression remained unreadable for a moment. Then, with a slight tilt of his head, he seemed to relent.

If only slightly.

“I’ll look into it,” Batman said, “Just stay out of my way unless I say otherwise.”

The Spider crossed their arms. “I get it. Big bad Bat’s territory. But if we want to stop Kingpin, you’re going to need me. You know Gotham-” They jabbed a thumb at their chest. “I know Kingpin.”

There was a tension between them, unspoken but understood- a tentative truce from necessity, not trust.

“Meet me at the Narrows tomorrow night,” Batman finally said. “Midnight. And don’t be late.”

Before the Spider could respond, Batman vanished into the shadows, leaving only a whisper of his cape and the lingering tension in the air.

“Right... no pressure or anything,” the Spider muttered, exhaling a shaky breath. They shook their head and took one last look at the scene below, where the Riddler was being hauled away. Even in cuffs, the man had a grin plastered across his face.

“Well, at least one of us had fun tonight,” the Spider murmured before firing a web at the nearest building. With a flick of their wrist, they swung into the night, their thoughts racing.

-

-

One thing that was nice with Gotham- rent was cheap. Especially motels. Apparently Gotham wasn't a go-to travel destination.

The Spider landed on the fire escape of a dingy, old motel near the Narrows. A flickering neon sign that read “Rooms Available” buzzed in and out. The Spider tugged off their mask, shaking her head as the cool air hit her face. She hopped through the open window of the second-floor room she’d rented for the week. A cramped little place with peeling wallpaper, a stained mattress, and a TV that was somehow both ancient and broken. But it was a good price for 250 dollars for two weeks.

“Home sweet home,” she muttered, flopping onto the bed with a sigh.

The mattress let out a tired groan under her weight and the stale smell of cigarette smoke clung to the air. She lay there for a moment, staring at the water-stained ceiling.

“So... team-up with the Bat,” she mumbled to herself. “What could possibly go wrong?”

Her stomach growled, a not-so-subtle reminder that superheroing was exhausting.  And not particularly good for a regular eating schedule. She rolled off the bed and grabbed the crumpled fast-food menu from the nightstand.

“Gotham's finest... greasy burgers or soggy pizza,” she muttered. "Yum."

The Spider sighed, rubbing her growling stomach as she scanned the menu options. "Burgers it is," she decided, tossing the menu onto the bed and fishing her phone- her real phone, not the one she used for ‘work’, out of her pocket. The screen blinked to life, and after placing a hasty order, she flopped back on the bed, kicking off the rest of her suit.

She looked into the mirror that was arcossed from, trying to recognize the face that stared back.

Paige Parker was an average looking woman, in her opinion. Her short brown hair was disheveled from pulling off the mask, and dark circles clung beneath her hazel eyes like shadows she couldn’t outrun. She rubbed her face, smearing the remnants of dirt from the night’s escapades, and gave a half-hearted smile at the reflection.

It didn’t quite reach her eyes.

“Yeah, Parker,” she muttered under her breath, “totally killing it.”

She leaned back against the headboard and let her mind wander. Coming to Gotham hadn’t been part of her original plan, but then, when did any plan go right for her? Spider life wasn’t exactly big on carefully laid-out schedules. Kingpin was making moves.

They were so close to getting rid of the crime lord for good, and she would be damned if she let him expand his empire without a fight.

The phone buzzed, pulling her out of her thoughts. A text popped up on the screen: Delivery in 15 min. Your artery-clogging delight is on its way!

She smiled slightly, but it quickly fell as she checked her messages. Nothing from MJ, no surprise there- they hadn’t talked in months. Or Harry, but he hadn't texted anything since he went on trip to Europe. Michelle and Ned also hadn't texted either but it was a school night from them. Aunt May was busy atwith F.E.A.S.T at the moment, and Paige didn't want to bother her. 

The momentary warmth she had faded as Paige scrolled through the silent void of her messages. She frowned, biting her lip, and then leaned back against the headboard, staring at the ceiling. 

“Guess the hero gig doesn’t come with a group chat,” she muttered to herself, a hollow laugh escaping her lips. Was it really so hard for them to check in? Maybe they were just busy? 

Technically, that was a little of a lie. She was a part of a couple group chats, but she didn't want them this late. 

A sudden knock at the door jolted her from her thoughts. “Delivery!” a voice called from the other side.

“Coming!” she shouted, jumping off the bed and quickly made sure that her outfit was hidden. She opened the door a crack, peering out to see a young delivery guy, clutching a brown paper bag and wearing a wry grin.

“Got your burgers. And, uh, extra napkins,” he said, his eyes darting around as if expecting a bad to happen at a moment's notice.

“Thanks,” Paige replied, reaching out to take the bag. She pulled a few bills from her pocket, handing them over with a grateful smile. “Keep the change.”

The delivery guy blinked at her, clearly surprised. “Uh, thanks! Have a good night!” He turned to leave, his footsteps echoing down the hallway.

Paige shut the door and leaned against it, the weight of the brown paper bag in her hands feeling oddly comforting. She dropped it onto the bed and unwrapped it, the warm scent of burgers filling the air and mingling with the musty motel room. She fished out one of the burgers, staring at it for a moment before taking a huge bite. Greasy, salty, and utterly satisfying.

She all but devoured the rest of her food. The hero had a bottomless stomach, and she couldn’t help but wish there was more by the time she was done with her meal. Cursed super metabolism.

After she had wiped her mouth on one of the napkins, she reached for her phone, scrolling through the various articles and police reports she had downloaded earlier. 

She needed to know more about this Oswald “Oz” Cobb and his dealings. She knew all about the Kingpin’s racket, had been dealing with him since she became the Spider, but the Penguin wasn't like him.

Off the bat, she could tell one thing. Penguin was a crime lord who had a knock for the theatrical and staying one step ahead of the law. Loved umbrellas and birds. He also seemed the one in control of the drug trade in Gotham. Even if they were coming from bigger drug gangs: Arkham, Wonderland, or Scarecrow.

So it was on track for Kingpin to make a deal with him.

There was one question that was nagging her mind- what were the weapons for? Especially that tech one's coming in next week- something that she still had to tell the Batman. Normally Kingpin just gave money for his deals, so this seemed a little fishy.

She groaned, letting the phone drop to her side. She was smart, but still wasn’t a detective. And while she liked to have more off the pieces together- she was just going to let the 'World's Greatest Detective" have a crack at it.

With that- she turned off her phone and let sleep take her.

-

-

The next day was...interesting to say the least. 

They had ended up perching on the edge of one of the many gargoyle that were high above the city streets, watching the people below move like ants. Their lenses adjusted automatically, zooming in and tracking small incidents happening across different neighborhoods. Pickpockets, street fights, a shady exchange in an alley.  

It was interesting how the Gothamites reacted to them. Most were like how New Yorkers were when they started their career- but ten more suspicious and paranoid. The kids loved them, though. They’d point excitedly, tugging on their parents' sleeves and whispering, “Look! It’s Spider!” Some of the parents rolled their eyes or pulled their children away, muttering something about how Gotham didn’t need "another costume messing things up."

The biggest surprise was probably the people around the hero's age- late teen to mid 20s. They weren't welcoming but they also weren't antagonistic. It was a stark contrast to the older generations. Who just didn’t seem to like anything.

"Probably some type of psychological study there," they muttered. They did a quick stretch, letting their back pop and stretching their muscles, appreciating the view from high above the city. They could hear the faint sounds of Gotham: honking cars, distant sirens, and the chatter of people below. It was so easy to get caught up in sounds of the city. 

A yawn escaped their mouth. They had been at this since they woke up this morning. And seeing as the sun was about to set- maybe a quick break wasn't out of the question.

“Maybe I should find a café or something,” they mused aloud, their voice barely a whisper against the night air. “Just a quick break to recharge before the night gets interesting.”

With a flick of their wrist, they sent a thin strand of webbing out, catching onto the edge of a nearby building. Spider swung down, landing silently on the sidewalk below. The air was filled with a blend of city smells: street food, exhaust, and a hint of rain that lingered just out of reach. If the sounds were bad, the smells were worse. They remember having a nose plug when they were younger because the smells had overwhelmed them.

Finding a small, brightly lit café tucked between two larger buildings, a neon sign that read Café Triste out in front. Spider approached the entrance, scanning for any signs of trouble. Finding none, they quickly pulled out their phone to see if they could make an order online- probably easier than walking in costume.

“Okay, just a black coffee for now… and maybe a pastry... or two,” they muttered to themselves, selecting their choices before hitting the order button. As they waited for the confirmation, they glanced around, noticing the city’s pulse even at this late hour. People moved in and out of stores, some carrying shopping bags, others huddled together, sharing stories and laughter.

It was nice to see, if they were being honest. The news only focuses on the terrible things that went down in the city- never the small moments of joy.

They waited on the roof of the café, just watching the people walk by. The hero was slowly getting lost in their own thoughts when their phone went off. Pulling out the phone, they glanced at the screen to find out who had texted them. But since this was the Spider Phone it could only be- 

LiteralHotMan- hey! I heard that some1 in gotham @NerdestNerd

LiteralHotMan, better known as Johnny Storm AKA the Human Touch, had been her friend for a couple years now. With a smile, they typed back quickly.

NerdestNerd: Just a little detour in Gotham. You know, the usual heroic antic

LiteralHotMan: Just be careful, okay? Gotham’s not a joke, even for a Spider. LiteralHotMan:Heard they have a lot of weirdos running around lately.

Ironson: you're one to talk, Storm.

LiteralHotMan: Harley, we are not British. First names man.

Ironson: lame 

Ironson: But fr- you doing okay Paige? I can ask dad to send you some stuff if u need it

Paige frowned at her phone, pausing for a second. Harley Keener cared in his own way and while she appreciated it, they she want to seem weak. She was trying to do this on their own. 

NerdestNerd: I’m fine, really. Just getting used to the vibe here. Gotham is… different.

LiteralHotMan: Different? That’s an understatement. Just remember, you’ve got a lot of crazy people out there, including some of my exes.

NerdestNerd: I’ll keep an eye out for any fiery blondes.

With that, the notification for her order buzzed on her phone. She slipped it back into her suit's hidden pouch and swung down upside down. Just in time for the barista to walk out and raised a eyebrow but said nothing. Gothamites were used to strange sights, after all.

“Order for... Spider?” the barista called, holding up a brown paper bag and a steaming cup.

“That’s me,” They said, giving the barista a nod of thanks and grabbed the order before heading back outside.

They perched himself again on the rooftop of the café, unwrapping the pastry and quickly devouring it. 

Her phone buzzed again. 

LiteralHotMan: Seriously though, if you get in over your head, don’t be a hero about it. Call for backup.

NerdestNerd: Got it, mom.

LiteralHotMan: I mean it, nerd. You’ve got enough to deal with without trying to take gotham on by yourself.

They sighed and took a sip of the coffee. Gotham City had a reputation for being the worst city there was- with people in the city known for being tough, cynical, and one step from being insane. 

But, even with the short time of them being here, Gotham wasn't bad as people said. The architecture in the city was beautiful for one, and the city had a certain charm hidden beneath the layers of grime and danger. 

Plus, the city couldn’t be all bad. Her mother had been born and raised here. And... Paige had been born here as well.

-

-

The Narrows was known as the most dangerous and dirtiest neighborhoods in Gotham, and from the short time Spider had been waiting on a rooftop here- it lived up to that reputation.

They crouched low on the ledge of a crumbling apartment building, their lenses zooming in on the streets of the Narrows.

It reminded Spider a lot of the worst parts of Hell's Kitchen- dark alleys that people rushed to get past, homes with boarded up windows, and most walls covered in graffiti or bullet holes. Homeless people drifting around the streets.

They moved silently to perched silently on the edge of a fire escape, getting a better view on the streets below. Everyone moved like ghosts, keeping their heads low, too familiar with the neighborhood’s unspoken rules: Don’t get noticed, don’t ask questions, survive the night.

Ten minutes till midnight.

It's disheartening to see. No matter the city, no one didn't deserve this life. Many just born into the wrong situation.

It was almost easy to forget, but Paige could have easily lived this life if it wasn't for Aunt May and Uncle Ben taking her in. And after Uncle Ben…passing… it was tight situation the last two Parker had lived in for a while. Aunt May had done her hardest to take care of their small family but Paige was still forced to take two jobs to make ends met.

Five minutes to midnight.

Paige also hasn't had a stable housing situation since she had moved away from May. Had been homeless more than once. Juggling college, a job, and being Spider was hard on her. Still was. 

People had offer to help her, Mr. Stark especially. But she didn't want to take advantage of them. She didn’t want handouts or special treatment; she wanted to build something of her own, to stand on her own two feet- something Uncle Ben had always taught her to value.

Two minutes to midnight.

She scanned the streets, adjusting her web-shooters. Technically she didn't need them, but her own natural web fluid tended to run out quickly, especially when she under fed, and she didn’t want to risk running dry. Especially on long nights like this. The web-shooters were her safety net- a small invention she had made but Mr. Stark had help fine-tuned together during the rare times she let him help with tech.

Spider glanced at the small Clocktower at the end of the street. There was a giant crack through the glass and it was absolutely filthy, but it still worked. Just as they were about to start thinking that the Bat would be late, they felt a shiver run up their back.

“On time,” Spider called out, turning around to see a shadowy figure emerging from the shadows of a taller building next to them.

“You're early,” Batman said, his voice low and steady. He moved to stand next to them, looking down at the street.

The Spider straightened up, matching Batman's gaze as they surveyed the Narrows. “I like to be punctual.” Even if every time they tried to be, something catastrophic happened. They shrugged, “Besides, I figured you might appreciate it.”

Batman hummed, scanning the streets, the muscles in his jaw tensing as he took in the surroundings. “We need to find out what your Kingpin is planning in Gotham.”

Spider nodded, "A couple of weeks ago, I was patrolling around the docks when I saw a couple of Kingpins men loading up some weapons into a shipping container. It looked suspicious, and I’ve been tracking their movements since.”

Batman’s brow furrowed, "What did you find out?”

Spider took a deep breath, "Well, I was able to get my hands on their shipping records. It took a little digging, but I found out that there’s been an increase in shipments coming into Gotham from various fronts for a couple of months now. They’ve been using the old Falcone routes to keep things off the radar. They have also been shipping out to Metropolis, but no as much as Gotham. For this last shipment, I stole aboard to see who they were selling to.”

Batman turned slightly, his interest piqued. “And?”

“They were talking about someone named Oz Cobb, which didn't take very long for me to learn it was Penguin. Your Kingpin, basically.” They continued, “I also learned that they are planning something big, something with weapons coming in six days. An abandoned pier near the old warehouse district.”

This got a little more emotion out of Batman, him standing a little taller. “Weapons? What kind of weapons?”

“I’m not entirely sure,” Spider replied, “But the intel I received indicates they’re high-tech- something that could really change the game for the gangs here. If Kingpin is involved, it’s likely that they’re not just for street-level crime. This could escalate quickly.”

Batman’s eyes narrowed as he processed the information. It was obvious he was thinking about something, but it could be anyone's guess.

Spider was about to say something when a scream pierced the air. Instincts kicked in instantly, adrenaline flooding their system as they quickly moved- faster than the Bat could.

They shot a web to swing toward the sound, landing on a nearby rooftop just in time to see a group of masked thugs cornering a young woman in an alley below.

“Give us your purse, and we won’t hurt you,” one of the thugs taunted, brandishing a knife that glinted in the light. “Much.”

“Hey!” Spider shouted, their voice echoing off the brick walls. The thugs looked up, momentarily stunned. In the blink of an eye, Spider shot a web line at the closest thug, yanking him off balance and sending him crashing into the alley wall. The other two hesitated for a split second, which was long enough for Spider to leap down from the rooftop, landing between them and the terrified woman.

“I think you’ll want to rethink that plan,” Spider said, their voice steady as they crouched into a defensive stance, eyes narrowed beneath their mask.

The thug with the knife snarled and charged. Spider dodged easily, sidestepping and weaving a web around his wrist, pulling the knife from his hand before delivering a swift kick to his midsection. The thug stumbled back, winded, while his accomplice made a run for it.

Before Spider could give chase, a batarang whizzed past them, striking the fleeing thug in the back of the leg. He collapsed with a cry, clutching his injury as Batman landed silently beside Spider.

“Nice timing,” Spider muttered, webbing up the two thugs for the authorities.

Batman merely nodded, turning his attention to the woman still cowering in the alley. “You’re safe now. Call the police, tell them everything,” he said in his usual gravelly tone. The woman nodded quickly, grabbing her phone with trembling hands as both of the heros went back up to the roof.

“That intel about the weapons- can you trust it?” he asked as soon as they made it up. 

Spider sighed and shrugged, “As much as I can trust anything in this city. But it's all we've got right now. I was thinking about snooping around the Penguin’s Club- the Iceberg Lounge, right?”

Batman’s jaw tightened at that. “The Iceberg is dangerous territory.” He was gruff and to the point.

Spider tilted their head, a playful edge creeping into their voice. “You’re worried about me? That's sweet.”

Batman shot them a look that could have made a lesser person squirm. “This isn’t a joke.”

Spider could sense Batman’s patience was running low, so they just nodded. “Don’t worry, I’ll keep a low profile. The last thing I need is for Oswald to sniff me out before we get any solid leads.”

Batman grunted softly in response, “I’ll look more into it on my side." His gaze flickered to the rooftops above. "There’s more going on in this city than just weapons. Most Gothomites don't bring outsiders into their business."

Spider crossed their arms and leaned back slightly on the fire escape railing. “Yeah, well, your Gotham’s got more secrets than a priest’s confessional.”

Batman gave no response, his jaw set. Spider couldn’t help but notice how still he was- no wasted movements, no fidgeting. Just pure, controlled focus. The Bat also didn't seem one for idle conversation or banter (bat-ter, HA!). That was fine by them; they’d dealt with worse social partners. Plus, it didn’t stop them from bugging jim.

After a beat, Spider sighed. “Alright, if there is nothing else?"

Batman took a moment to consider Spider's question, his piercing gaze still fixed on the alley below. Finally, he turned slightly, his eyes meeting Spider’s.

“We need to coordinate. If things go south at the Iceberg Lounge, I want to know about it immediately.” He had a voice that left little room for argument. He reached into his belt and pulled out a small handheld device. “This is a Batwave- you use it to connect me.”

Spider smiled under their mask, “So, we’re a team now?” They asked playfully, taking the small device. Batwave, at least he was sticking with a theme.

His face didn't change, “We aren't a team. We have a common goal,” he said, his voice a low rumble.

Spider shrugged, feigning indifference. “Sure, but if we’re both working toward the same end, it’s teamwork by definition.” They leaned closer, their voice dropping to a not-so-quiet whisper. “Plus, it’s way more fun this way.”

Batman’s eyes flickered with a hint of irritation. “This isn’t a game.”

“True,” Spider conceded, raising their hands in mock surrender. “But it doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy the ride.”

-

-

There was another thing that Spider liked about Gotham, it was the lack of expectations and the freedom that came with anonymity. In New York, they had always felt the weight of their reputation, especially in recent years. But here in Gotham, they could shed those expectations, at least for a little while. It felt liberating to navigate the city as just another masked figure, not the embodiment of any past mistakes or burdens.

Soon enough, they had landed on the roof of the Iceberg Lounge. Tonight, they were only going to scout out the Iceberg Lounge on the outside, maybe peek through a few windows. 

From their perch, they spotted a few well-dressed patrons entering through the main entrance, rich and influential people mostly. Corrupt too, Spider could assume. They knew the type- corrupt politicians, business tycoons, and or maybe even a few off-duty cops. 

Peeking through the window, Spider caught a glimpse of the interior- a lavish bar, adorned with chandeliers and fancy furnishings. From the research they had done, it used to be a busy dancing nightclub, packed to the brim with all types of people. But after the fall of Falcone, he had rebranded the establishment into a more upscale lounge, catering to Gotham's elite. 

Everyone in Gotham seemed to owe someone a favor or was paying off a debt.

Just as they were about to move to another window they saw someone who looked very familiar.

James Wesley.

Spider's lens widened as they looked at Kingpin’s right hand man. He was sitting in shadow, but Spider recognized him anywhere. Years of stalking him probably. 

He was in a booth in the far back, half-hidden by the dim lighting and the thick haze of cigar smoke that came from the man next to him. Spider couldn't make him out from where they were. 

Thankfully, there seemed to be a window next to them. 

Spider silently crawled along the side of the building, inching closer to the booth where Wesley sat. They reached the adjacent window, careful not to draw any attention. With a flick of their wrist, they shot a small thread of webbing to keep the window propped open just enough to listen in without alerting anyone inside.

The thick cigar smoke drifted lazily out into the night air, and Spider squinted to get a better view of the man sitting beside Wesley. Through the haze, they caught glimpses of a hulking figure, broad-shouldered and wearing a sleek black overcoat.

They knew this man as well, but only from photos- Oz Cobb, the Penguin himself.

Before they had a chance to take in that information, they could make out Wesley’ voice over the music from inside.

“My employer is still skeptical after what happened last night, Mr. Cobb. He's concerned about reliability,” Wesley said, his voice smooth like any good con-man. “All of the weapons are in police lockup.” 

“Your employer shouldn’t worry,” the Penguin rasped, tapping the ash off his cigar. “I’ve got it under control. Half the department owes me favors, the other half’s scared of me. We’ll have your guns out by tomorrow night and you'll have your merchandise right after.”

Wesley nodded, "Very good, I do hope you understand that if another accident like this my employer will-"

Penguin cut him off with a low, throaty chuckle, “Your employer can huff and puff all he wants, but this is my city. Tell Kingpin I don’t tolerate mistakes, and I certainly don’t make them twice.” He took a long drag from his cigar, "Plus, one of my boys told me that the freak at the dock wasn't a bat, but a spider.”

Tony. It sounded like he was still alive, so that was good. They couldn't help but wonder how he was doing. 

Wesley was silent was a moment, before he nodded slowly. "That is...unfortunate news,” Wesley finally replied, his tone careful as he chose his words. “I’ll inform my employer. He won’t take kindly to this development.”

Penguin snorted, "I've heard that you've been havin' a lot of issues with masked freaks in your city.”

“We're addressing the situation,” Wesley replied, his voice dropping lower as he leaned closer to Cobblepot. “But if your operation is as reliable as you say, then we won’t have to worry about them interfering.”

The Penguin’s laugh was a low rumble, barely hear over the noise of the lounge. “You think a few costumed vigilantes can stop progress? Not in my turf. I’ve dealt with worse. As long as the money flows, everything will go smoothly.”

Their conversation faded after that. With their mind racing, Spider quietly retreated from the window, carefully retracting the webbing holding it open.

The criminals' conversation had only confirmed what they had learned on the docks. Nothing really new to go off on, unfortunately. But at least they knew that Penguin was going to try and get the weapons back. That would be tomorrow job.

The Spider paused on a rooftop, thinking for a second until they shrugged and pulled out the Batwave device- like a Batphone. 

Spider took a deep breath, steadied their nerves, and activated the Batwave. The device crackled to life, emitting a soft blue light as it connected to Batman’s frequency.

They waited a moment, heart racing, until they heard the familiar gravelly voice on the other end.

“Spider.”

“Hey, it’s me,” they replied, trying to keep their tone steady despite the tension. “I just got some intel from inside the Iceberg Lounge. Penguin and Kingpin are definitely working together, his right-hand man is here. James Wesley."

He was silent for a moment, as if processing the name, then- “What did you hear?”

Spider shifted slightly on the rooftop, keeping their voice low. "Nothing new, big shipment coming. But I did hear Penguin say he was going to get the weapons out from the police.”

Batman grunted, “I'll notify my police contact. I'll figure out who is going to get those weapons out of GCPD.”

“Stay alert,” Batman replied, his tone firm yet uncharacteristically light. “I’ll keep an eye on the police.”

“Sounds like a plan,” Spider said, “And hey, if you find out anything about those weapons, you’ll let me know, right?”

Batman grunted before the line went dead. I guess that's a yes?

They shook their head, trying to get rid of the drowsiness. Even if they were almost super human, they still needed sleep. 

True to their word, they only patrol for an hour or so before they head back to their hotel room.

But, a block or so away, they webbed up the Batwave in a discreet corner of an alley, ensuring it was hidden from prying eyes. While they did trust the Bat- they didn't trust him enough to not to track them.

Once they crawled into their hotel room, she took a shower first thing.

After the hot shower, Paige felt a little more like herself, though the long day and night still weighed on her. She wrapped themselves in a towel, staring at their reflection in the foggy mirror. 

God, she looked worse tonight. Her hair was matted and tangled now and her eye bags were darker as well. She sighed, running her fingers through her hair, trying to free the knots that would take a lot more than a shower to fix. Paige leaned closer to the mirror, examining the bruises starting to form along her jaw from a close call earlier. “Gotham's really something else,” she muttered to her reflection, forcing a tired smile.

Paige took a look at her phone, checking the time. It was already past midnight. She frowned in thought. She can't keep eating food or little treats. The only real meal she had was dinner yesterday. 

It wouldn't be good to head out now, probably best to head out in the morning. 

She was going to bed, but she found herself scrolling through her messages instead.

No new texts from Harley, but that wasn’t surprising. He was probably knee-deep in whatever tech project he was working on, a world away from this city's chaotic nightlife. She hesitated, considering sending him a quick message to let him know she was okay, but she didn’t want to worry him. Johnny also hadn't texted, but he was more than likely on patrol right now. Shuri was more than busy with a tech project as well or in something diplomatic. Nebula wasn't really a text person. 

She glanced back at the fogged mirror, her reflection now more of a tired stranger than the confident woman she wanted to be. She walked out of the bathroom and flopped down onto the bed.

Instead of sending a message, she decided to scroll through her social media. Most posts were filled with the mundane- but she looked at her other friends' profiles. Ned was posting updates from his latest Dungeons & Dragons session, with his group smiling around him. Michelle was posting a selfie at a coffee shop, with something about late nights at MIT. She couldn’t help but feel a pang of loneliness.

Paige scrolled down farther, letting it all blurry together until-

MJ's smiling face greeted her.

Paige froze.

MJ's smiling face greeted her, and for a moment, time seemed to stand still. There was something about that smile- bright, genuine, and familiar- that made Paige's heart swell and ache at the same time. The photo was recent; MJ was surrounded by a group of friends, the glow of city lights shimmering behind them. They looked carefree, the kind of carefree Paige hadn’t felt in a long time.

Paige's thumb hovered over the screen, torn between the warmth of nostalgia and the heaviness of her current reality. She remembered how MJ always had a way of making everything feel lighter, like they could conquer the world together, one adventure at a time. But that had changed. They broke up almost a year ago, and for good reason. 

At least that's what she keeps telling herself.

Chapter Text

Paige woke up sore, every muscle aching yesterday's… everything. The morning light was coming through the cheap curtains. She groaned, and tried to shield her face with no luck. She rolled over to check the time on her phone. It was barely seven in the morning, but she knew she wouldn't get back to sleep.

With another groan she pushed herself up while rubbing her tired eyes. When she finally opened her eyes, she noticed the faint bruises on her arms. She grimaced but just shrugged it off. With her healing factor, it would be gone before the sunset.

Paige threw on a tank top and then a Captain America hoodie over her with some black sweats and a pair of scuffed shoes. Paige grabbed her phone, keys, and a wallet, slipping them into the hoodie pockets before heading out. Nobody was outside in the motel parking lot, she noted. Though, from what she saw no one was really ever out here.

She shivered a little as the cold cut through her hoodie. Pagie had always been easily cold, which only got worse after her powers came in. 

Her phone vibrated, pulling her attention away from the quiet street. She pulled it out and smiled softly when she saw who had texted her. Her smile widened as she called the number.

"Hey Aunt May."

Aunt May's warm voice answered almost immediately, and Paige could practically feel the concern through the phone. "Paige, sweetheart! It's so early- are you already out? I did mean to wake you."

Paige chuckled softly. "No, I was already up.  Just got out to ger some coffee and breakfast. Figured I'd stretch my legs a bit."

There was a pause, and May’s tone softened. "You sound tired, honey. You getting enough rest?"

Paige hesitated, glancing down at the faint bruises on her arm. "I’m fine, just... adjusting. Gotham’s a little rougher around the edges than New York. Can't wait to come home in a couple of days." She made her way down the empty streets as she talked, aiming for a small diner she’d spotted the other day. The place had looked modest enough, the kind that promised greasy food and strong coffee- exactly what she needed to shake off the remnants of her exhaustion. Then she would shop for some groceries.

Aunt May’s voice softened even more, a gentle warmth that Paige missed so dearly. The feeling of just running intoher aunt's arms and staying there had to be pushed down. “Just don’t push yourself too hard, Paige. You’re there to work, not to wear yourself down.”

Paige smiled softly, still feeling a bit of the usual homesickness tug at her. “I know, May. Just taking it one day at a time.”

“You’re a good girl, Paige. Remember, it’s okay to ask for help,” Aunt May said gently. “You’ve got people who care about you, and we’re always here if you need anything.”

A lot of feeling surged inside her, that made tears nearly come to come to her eyes. She knew she had friends, a family.

But sometimes, she felt like the only one in the world.

"Paige?"

Paige quickly blinked back the tears, forcing a small smile into her voice. "Yeah, Aunt May, I'm still here," Paige replied. She started to make her way down the street, she could feel eyes staring at but she pushed past it. As long as no one bothered her, it was okay.

There was a silence before, "Have you seen them yet?"

Guilt started to eat at her, "Not yet."

May's voice softened. "It's okay, Paige. Take your time, but don’t forget—you’re not alone. And when you come back, we’ll have all the time to catch up, alright?"

Paige nodded, swallowing back the guilt. "Thanks, May. I’ll try to visit everyone soon."

"Good. Now, go get some food, and call me if you need anything. I love you, Paige."

"Love you too, May."

Hanging up, Paige pocketed her phone, the ache in her chest both soothed and raw. She needed coffee, maybe a stack of pancakes too

When she did make it to the dinner she started up and the large sign above it for a second. Pauli's Diner. She shrugged and stepped in the diner, the ring of a bell and the scent of coffee greeted her. It was quiet, with only a few patrons scattered across the booths; an older couple sharing a newspaper, a trucker sipping coffee, and a woman with a laptop open in front of her. 

She made her way to a booth near the window, where she could see the street outside. A waitress came over to her, wearing a polite smile. It didn't quite meet her eyes. "Morning, hon. What can I get for ya?"

Paige glanced at the menu briefly. "Just some black coffee and blueberry pancakes, please. Extra syrup."

The waitress nodded and walked away. Paige leaned back in her seat, closing her eyes to try to ground herself in the moment. Gotham was still a foreign world to her. Its dark, gritty energy is so unlike anything she's known. Made New York look lively in comparison. 

Her coffee arrived first, and she wrapped her hands around the mug. The warmth seeped into her cold fingers. She took a sip, hoping the bitter taste would wake her up just a little more. Her thoughts drifted to last night. She'd seen firsthand how relentless Gotham’s crime really was, how deeply it affected the people who lived here. Even in the diner, she could see it- dark circles under the trucker's eyes, a weariness in the waitress’s smile. Gotham’s people seemed to have an invisible weight on people.

And Batman… He was something interesting wasn't he? He was intimidating, sure. But she had seen how kind he was with that woman last. 

Paige watched as the waitresses started back with her pancakes. Her attention was pulled away when a bell above it chimed softly. A young woman just walked in on her phone. But, Paige looked away again as the waitresses placed down her food. Paige gave her a thankful smile.

When Paige looked back, it was just in time for the woman to walk right into her table. She stumbled and dropped her phone, but Paige’s reflexes kicked in just in time. She caught the woman’s arm, steadying her and grabbing the phone as well.

“Sorry!” the woman said, almost panicked. She had bright eyes and an apologetic smile, but clearly still embarrassed. “I wasn’t paying attention.”

Paige waved it off with a soft smile. “No worries. Happens to all of us.”

The other woman’s eyes turned to Paige’s coffee and pancakes, “Black coffee and blueberry pancakes? Great choice! Pauli’s does them best in town.”

“You’re a regular, then?” Paige asked, trying to be polite. She hadn’t expected company but wasn’t about to shoo the woman away.

The woman chuckled, sliding her phone into her jacket. “More or less. I’m Tiffany, by the way. Tiffany Fox. ” She extended a hand.

“Paige Parker,” she replied, shaking her hand.

She hummed, “Something tells me you’re new around here. You’ve got that wide-eyed ‘What am I doing in Gotham?’ look,” Tiffany teased with a grin.

Paige laughed, feeling herself relax a bit. “Is it that obvious?”

“Let’s just say, most Gothamites would have yelled at me for running into their table instead of being understanding like you.,” Tiffany said, slipping into the booth across from Paige, “So, what brings you here?”

Paige hesitated. “Just... needed a change of pace.”

Tiffany nodded, looking like she knew there was more to the story but not pushing. “Fair enough. Gotham’s definitely... something else,” she said with a slight chuckle, glancing out the window “But if you’re looking for excitement, you came to the right place. Not a dull moment here.”

“Yeah, I’ve noticed,” Paige replied, taking a sip of her coffee.

Tiffany leaned forward, hushed. “Just stay out of the Narrows at night, and keep an eye out for ‘strange characters.’ Trust me on that one.” She smirked. “But if you ever need someone to show you the safer side of Gotham, hit me up. I know the good spots for everything from coffee to concerts.”

Paige smiled, feeling a bit of warmth in the usually cold and impersonal city. “Thanks, Tiffany. I might just take you up on that.”

Tiffany’s eyes sparkled. “Consider it a welcome gift to Gotham.” She glanced at her watch, “Fuck, I’m late. Here-" Tiffany grabbed a napkin and wrote something on it. When she gave it to Pagie she saw it was a number. "That's my number. Call me if you want that tour. Or just want someone to talk to," Tiffany said as she slid out of the booth. "Take care, Paige. Gotham's... well, it’s Gotham. But you seem like the kind of person who can handle it."

Paige tucked the napkin into her hoodie pocket, "Thanks, Tiffany. I appreciate it."

With a final wave, Tiffany grabbed a brown back that was now on the diner's bar counter and headed out the door, leaving Paige alone with her thoughts and the rest of her breakfast. Paige couldn’t help but smile slightly to herself. 

It had been a while since she had made a new friend. 

Finishing her food, she left a good tip and left the dinner. Now all she had to do was shop and then…

Then she had an Iceberg to watch.

-

-

Coming back to the Iceberg Lounge during the day was a stark difference then what it was at night. While the club was packed full during the night, it was almost a ghost town now. Just a few people around to clean up from the messes made from patrons last night. 

Sunlight streamed through the large windows of the Iceberg Lounge, the plush velvet seating and polished mahogany bar seemed muted now. The sunlight also made it hard to peek their head through a window. Instead, they had used an outside vent to sneak inside. 

Spider was carefully navigated the narrow confines of the ventilation system, moving quietly as they approached the main floor of the Iceberg Lounge. The muffled sounds of clinking glasses and low voices echoed faintly from below.

After some time, Spider finally found a small grate that overlooked the lounge. They slowly pushed it open, peering down at the scene below. Mostly the same of what they saw outside, just a skeleton crew cleaning up.

They slowly climbed in the ceiling, making sure not to be seen. They were just looking for now, but they wanted to find the Penguin office soon.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, two red headed twins walked in. Not to judge on appearance, everything about them screamed hired muscle.

They exchanged a few words with the cleaning staff, who quickly averted their gaze and scurried away. One of the twins smirked, clearly enjoying the power he held over the lower ranks. The other one reached into his jacket, pulling out a cigarette and lighting it as they continued toward the back of the lounge.

Spider’s eyes narrowed as they tracked their movements. This might be their chance. If the twins were headed to the Penguin's office, they could tail them and finally get a look inside.

Spider crawled directly above them, taking note of every turn they made through the winding hallways. Finally, the twins arrived at a heavy, reinforced door near the back of the lounge. One of them tapped a code into a keypad beside the door, and the small click of the lock disengaging was followed by the creak of the door swinging open.

Perfect.

Spider memorized the code: 4-7-9-2. It might come in handy later. They waited a few moments, before they found another vent, carefully crawling forward to position themselves above Penguin’s office.

Oddly, once they made it inside of the vent cover over the office, it was screwed shut inside the vent. For now, they shrugged it off to spy inside the room.

The room was lavish, reflecting the Penguin's tastes- leather furniture, walls lined with expensive artwork and grand oak desk. Of which, the twins were in front of the desk, waiting as Penguin sat in his oversized chair, a cigar perched between his fingers.

“Right, you two,” Penguin said, blowing a puff of smoke. “Tell me everything's in place.”

One of the twins- Spider decided to mentally label him Smirk- nodded. “Yeah, boss. The cops are onboard. Our guy said he can move the shipment out of the evidence locker without a hitch. They'll have it in the alley today, right at sunset.”

Penguin grinned, showing off his gold teeth. “Good. I don't like delays.” He glanced at the other twin, who was flicking ash from his cigarette. “And you? Any news about this Spider-Freak?”

The twins exchanged glances. Spider held their breath, straining to catch every word. Then Smirk shrugged. “Not much. Just another masked freak. We’ve seen them around, but they seem more interested in getting their kicks than getting in our way.”

Ash nodded in agreement, exhaling a thin stream of smoke. “Yeah, they’ve been patrolling around the city, but nothing too serious. Just some jumps from rooftop to rooftop, looking for trouble. I don’t think they’re a real threat.”

“Hmm,” Penguin mused, tapping his cigar thoughtfully against his desk. “I don’t like loose ends. If they’re getting too curious, we need to send a message. Make sure they understand they’re out of their league.”

Spider narrowed their eyes, annoyed. It was getting pretty old very fast of everyone underestimating them.

“Anything else?” Penguin asked, catching Spider attention. 

Smirk shifted slightly, looking uncertain. “Just the usual patrols, boss. I mean, we could tighten the security around the docks, but-”

“No,” Penguin interrupted, waving a hand dismissively. “We’ll keep the usual patrols. Let them think everything is normal. It’ll make the big haul that much easier.”

After that the conversation started to fade, nothing of note being said. Quietly, they reached for a small tool they carried in their fanny pack. It was a tight squeeze, but we were finally able to grab it. They started to unscrew the vent cover with it.

Once the last screw came loose, Once the last screw came loose, Spider caught the vent cover before it could clatter to the ground.  Now all they had to do was wait for all of them to leave.

Spider remained perfectly still, holding the vent cover in their hands. Forever seemed to pass as they listened to the muffled conversation below. Smirk, Ash, and Penguin were still talking, about the club itself and security 

Finally, Penguin let out a dismissive grunt. "Alright, boys, get going. I don’t want any more delays."

“Got it, boss,” Smirk said, and the heavy shuffle of footsteps followed.

Spider held their breath, hearing the office door swing open and shut with a thud. The sound of footsteps faded into the background. 

One left.

From what Spider could see, the man was sitting at his desk behind his desk, nursing his cigar as he flipped lazily through papers, occasionally signing something.

Time was slipping away. They still had a couple of hours before sunset, but they didn't want to cut it close.

Thankfully, a phone started to ring in the room.

Penguin grumbled under his breath and reached for the phone, pausing when he saw whoever was calling him. 

He cursed and answered, “What do you want, Ed?” A pause. Penguin snorted, "Well, maybe the first thing  you do after you break out isn't to cause mayhem."

The crime boss stood up, and started to pace. "Don't take that tone with me!" he muttered, irritated. “But next time, maybe think it through before blowing half the city block to make a point.”

Spider stay frozen in the vent, but they fought the urge to laugh. It sounded like a old married couple argument.

Penguin’s voice lowered as he kept pacing, his heavy footsteps thudding against the wooden floor. "Listen, Ed, I’ve got enough on my plate right now. Just sit tight and keep your head down, alright? I don’t need the Bat snooping around any more than he already is."

Were they a couple? Spider hadn't seen anything in the news about it. Maybe they were keeping it on the down low.

Penguin groaned in frustration as the conversation continued. "I don't care how bored you are. Find a crossword or something, but don’t screw with my operation." Another pause. "Look, I’ll send someone to help you- just don’t pull any more stunts for right now. Got it?”

A very small smile appeared on his face, "Yeah, I’ll see you at dinner tomorrow."

Spider couldn’t stop a smile from appearing on their face. Even if they were criminals, that was kinda cute.

After a moment, the older man below placed the phone back into his pocket and looked around the room. Then he muttered something under his breath and walked out of the room.

They waited a moment longer, ensuring that the older man wasn't coming right back. As soon as they were sure, Spider moved swiftly, landing quietly into a crouch behind the desk. They scanned the room quickly, looking for anything useful- documents, maps, or anything that might confirm the full plan.

On the desk, they spotted a folded manifest. Grabbing it they noticed a sleek black phone under where it had been- Penguin’s personal burner. A sign thought crossed their mind: If I can clone and connect his SIM, I’ll know exactly what’s going down.

Working fast, they pulled a small device from their fanny pack, connected it to the phone, and waited as the cloning software ran. While that worked, they opened up the manifest and started to take pictures of the pages.

It felt like hours as the green bar slowly filled, but finally- ding- it was done.

Spider slipped everything back into place, leaving no trace that had been there. Just as they prepared to look at the manifest they heard footsteps approaching the office again.

Damn it.

They glanced around- no time to crawl back into the vent. Instead, they darted behind the large velvet curtain that adorned the window, pressing themselves flat against the wall as the office door swung open.

They couldn't see anything but they could hear heavy footsteps and a smell of cigar smoke and sardines. 

Penguin was grumbling under his breath, and the Spider could hear him set down at his desk and light up another cigar. The thick smell only confirmed it.

Spider weighed their options. The office was the perfect spot for gathering intel, but they also knew they had to get out before they got spotted.

So- there was only one real option- the window. It wasn’t the ideal escape route, but it was a chance to get out without being spotted.

Quietly, they felt around the window, trying to to find the latch. As soon as they did, they pushed it open as quietly as possible. They paused for a second, listening, before crawling out.

Once they made it out, they were about to crawl to the roof when they peered over to armed guards walking around. So- not that way.

They crawled the side of the wall to make it to the alleyway. Thankfully, no one was there.

Landing gracefully on the ground, they took a second to scan their surroundings for any sign of trouble. Finding none, they let out a sigh of relief.

It had been awhile since they had done something like that. The adrenaline rush was exhilarating, but they needed to focus. Spider took a moment to collect themselves. 

Webbing the corner of the building, they pulled themselves up and swung away. They had about an hour before the weapon pickup.

They had plenty of time.

-

-

They had barely made it.

There had been a car chase with what the Spider that had lasted far too long. They did get to the GCPD lockdown with a few minutes to spare. No Batman yet though, from what they could tell. 

Spider perched on a rooftop overlooking the GCPD precinct, scanning the area for any sign of Batman or the impending weapon transfer. The sun was starting to dip low in the sky, casting long shadows across the pavement, but it hadn't fallen past the skyline yet.

As soon as they had made it to the alley, they had placed a couple Spider-Bugs to try catch anything they would say once the criminals arrived.

As Spider was waiting for anything to happen, they ended up looking around the roof they were on. Something shiny caught their eye, the sun just right to catch it. It was coming from what looked like an old pigeon house. Curiosity got the better of them, causing them to walk over and investigate. 

While the outside was old, the inside was filled with new blankets and some plushies around the small place.  Posters littered the walls: Gotham Knights, a Zatanna magic show, and Hex Girls. There were a couple acrobatics trophies on a shelf and next to them was something that looked like a makeshift police radar. Beside if the shelf was a quark board with some photos.  A photo strip in black and white with two girls posing together. Next to that was a big photo of the two girls in better detail. 

On the left was a bright-eyed 10-year-old looking girl, dark red hair in a short length. Freckles dotted her pale skin, and she wore a mischievous grin that stretched ear to ear. She was dressed in a Gotham Knights jersey that looked too big for her, the sleeves falling past her elbows. In the photo, she held up two peace signs with a playful tilt of her head.

The girl on the right also looked to be around ten, with red hair pulled into a messy bun. Her expression was more serious, though not unfriendly. She had sharp green eyes, her brow furrowed slightly as if deep in thought. She wore a simple black hoodie.

Under the photo read- Red and Red, Best Friends for Life! 

Spider hummed, backing away to keep watch of the ally. They wondered who the little hideout belonged to.

It was quickly pushed out of their mind when they watched a couple of black SUVs pull into a small alleyway. The hero quickly darted low behind the edge of the rooftop as not to be seen. Their engines hummed softly before cutting out, and the alleyway fell into an uneasy silence.

Spider narrowed their eyes, keeping watch as the car doors opened and a few men stepped out, dressed in black and clearly armed. They exchanged low words, casting wary glances up and down the alley as if expecting an ambush. A tall, broad-shouldered man stepped forward, looking like the one in charge. He signaled the others to unload a metal crate from the back of one of the SUVs.

“That must be it…” Spider muttered to themselves, watching as one of the back doors of the precinct opened up and a couple cops walked out. Spider quickly grabbed their phone and started to record and listen into their conversation.

One of the cops, a thin, wiry man with a nervous air about him, exchanged a nod with the tall man from the SUV. Their voices were low, but the Spider’s bugs picked up enough to start piecing together the exchange.

The wiry cop cleared his throat, glancing over his shoulder as if he half-expected someone to come busting out of the precinct doors any second. “You're sure Penguin is going to make good on his end of the deal?” he asked, his voice a barely audible rasp that Spider had to strain to catch.

The tall man scoffed, crossing his arms as he glanced down the alley. “You worry too much. Penguin wants this just as much as we do. If we don’t deliver, he's the one who has to deal with sour business.”

The wiry cop nodded, still looking uneasy. “I just don’t like being out in the open like this. Too many eyes in Gotham. Especially with… him.” 

The tall man just rolled his eyes. “Relax. We’re good. The Bat's probably chasing his tail across town. Besides, we have friends in high places,” he said, giving the cop a knowing look. “Now, let’s finish this.”

The cop nodded, then snapped his fingers to another man in blue. He opened the door, with some other cops wheeling out the guns that Spider had seen the other night. Once the weapons were beginning to get loaded, the bigger man gave the wiry cop an envelope that had to be cash. 

When others said that the cycle of violence in this city was never ending, this was prime evidence of it. Stop the illegal sale of weapons so that cops could sell it instead. Seeing it in action made their blood boil. 

With a quick glance at their surroundings, they ensured they were still unseen, perched high above the scene. They tucked their phone away and were about to jump down when they heard it. Alow engine approaching. Spider tensed, quickly scanning the street until they spotted it: A black car nothing like anything they had ever seen before. It was rounding the corner and heading straight for the alley. 

A smile creeped onto their face. 

The thugs down below froze, their heads snapping toward the noise as the noise roared closer. The wiry cop’s face went pale, and he took a step back, looking at the tall man. “I thought you said-”

“No time for that now,” the tall man hissed, signaling to his men. “Get the guns loaded, now!”

The Batmobile screeched to a halt at the alley's entrance, and Spider watched as a black figure jumbled from the roof. Batman instantly jumped onto the bigger man.

And that was their cue!

They leaped into the air, spinning in a circle to web either side of the street. No one or no car could get out now.

“Hey, gentlemen!” they called out, their voice confident and full of bravado, “Looks like you’re not going anywhere!”

The thugs turned, eyes wide with disbelief. One of them, a burly man with a tattoo of a snake coiling around his arm, sneered. “Who the hell are you supposed to be?”

“Just your friendly neighborhood Spider!” they replied, their tone light as they twirled one of their vans, preparing for a fight. “And you’re under arrest for illegal weapon dealing and, let’s be honest, terrible fashion choices.”

The tall man growled, “Take them down! We don’t have time for this!”

With that command, the men drew their weapons, and the alley erupted into chaos. Spider instinctively dodged as bullets flew, using their agility to weave in and out of the shots. They flipped off a nearby wall, launching themselves toward the nearest thug, delivering a swift kick that sent him crashing to the ground.

The wiry cop, who had been momentarily frozen in fear, finally snapped back to reality and pulled out a gun, aiming it at Spider. “Get back!” he shouted, panic lacing his voice.

Spider twisted mid-air, narrowly avoiding the gunfire that erupted from the wiry cop’s weapon. They landed on a nearby ledge, crouching low and keeping their eyes locked on the gunman. “Is that any way to greet a guest?” they quipped, their voice dripping with sarcasm.

The wiry cop’s hands shook as he tried to steady his aim, eyes darting back to his accomplices who were still trying to grapple with Batman. “You think you’re funny? This is serious!” he shouted, his voice cracking slightly.

Spider couldn't help but chuckle at the cop's flustered demeanor. "Oh, trust me, this is serious. But you really should lighten up; it’ll do wonders for your aim!" They sprang from the ledge, using the momentum to swing toward him.

Before the cop could react, Spider swung a web at his wrist, forcing him to drop the gun as they landed gracefully in front of him. “See? Now we can talk about your fashion choices, too,” they said with a smirk. They quickly knocked him out with a leg kick. 

Spider watched as the wiry cop crumpled to the ground with a dull thud, unconscious. They shot a quick glance toward the other end of the room. Batman was still handling the remaining thugs, dispatching them with ease.

With the goons already down, Spider quickly webbed them up together. 

Turning back toward Batman, Spider saw the Dark Knight silently dismantle the last goon with a brutal efficiency that bordered on surgical. The room was eerily quiet for a moment, save for the muffled groans of defeated criminals scattered across the floor.

Spider gave a low whistle. “Well, I see someone's been keeping up with leg day.”

Batman shot them a stern glare, but there was a flicker of amusement in his eyes- so brief it was almost imperceptible. “Focus.” Batman’s voice was calm but sharp, almost like a parent scolding a child. 

It was annoying but Spider grinned beneath their mask. “What? No ‘thank you, Spider, for locking down the alley and saving the day’? Tough crowd.” Oh, they knew that shouldn't push his buttons. But they had hung out with Wolverine before, they know how to handle the grumpy, brooding type. 

Batman gave them one of his infamous glowers- a stare so intense it could probably curdle milk. But Spider didn’t flinch. Instead, they tilted their heads, waiting for him to say something. The silence stretched for a moment until Batman finally spoke.

“You’re reckless.”

Spider shrugged. “Reckless? I call it creative problem-solving.” They gestured to the webbed-up thugs. “You gotta admit, it worked.”

Batman stepped over one of the unconscious men, his cape trailing behind him. “Next time, don’t engage until you’re certain you have the upper hand. If I hadn't been here-”

“Oh, c’mon, Bats! If you weren’t here, they’d be tucked into bed, snug in a web cocoon. And you know it,” Spider interrupted, folding their arms. “I was watching the whole thing. You just beat me to the punch.”

Batman gave a quiet, exasperated sigh. Spider caught it though, a grin spreading wider beneath their mask. Oh, he’s just like Wolverine. Maybe worse.

Without responding, Batman turned toward the thugs, already reaching into his belt to retrieve zip ties and ensure they were properly secured.

Spider broke the silence again, “I went back to the Iceberg Lounge.”

Batman paused briefly, casting a sidelong glance toward Spider as he crouched to zip-tie one of the unconscious goons. “And?”

Spider jumped on top of one a trashcan and lent back, "And I found Penguin’s personal burner," Spider said with a satisfied grin, balancing effortlessly atop the trash can. "Cloned the SIM and got my hands on a little manifest, too."

Batman’s hands paused for a split second, finishing with the zip tie in one smooth motion. "What kind of manifest?"

"The kind that screams 'illegal weapons' and makes Penguin look real friendly with some of Gotham’s finest," Spider replied, twirling a web-line between their fingers. "Cops helping him smuggle the goods. Found a whole little buddy system in place. Makes you wonder how deep this rabbit hole goes."

Batman’s jaw tightened beneath his cowl. "Details?"

Spider jumped down from the trash can, walking up to him with a bounce in their step. “Didn’t have time to read the whole thing, but I got pictures. You’ll have everything you need." They let out a yawn. "But you owe me a coffee for this one. Triple shot. Gotham’s night shifts are brutal.”

Batman gave them a sidelong glance. "You put yourself at unnecessary risk."

"Aw, come on, Batman. That’s just my brand!" Spider shot him finger guns. “Besides, I do know what I'm doing. I've been Spider for nearly ten years. By myself.”

Batman finished securing the goons, standing up to his full height. “Nine years doesn’t make you invincible. It only takes one mistake- ”

“I get it, I get it,” Spider cut in, rolling their eyes but unable to suppress the grin tugging at the corners of their mouth. “You’re just looking out for me. That’s sweet.” They nudged him playfully, then took a step back, giving him some space. “But you can’t deny it worked out, right? We took down a weapon deal tonight, and you got a lead on Penguin.” They said, holding phone

Batman opened his mouth, but before he could say anything the door flung open.

A woman was standing in the doorway, gun raised. She had a slim, athletic build and an olive skin tone. Dark hair into a high ponytail. The woman's eyes narrowed as she took in the scene before her. She quickly assessed the unconscious thugs and the two heroes in front him.

Spider crouched into a defensive position, while Batman calmly said, “Detective Yin.”

She sighed, lowering her gun and placing a hand on her hip. “Looks like you made quite the mess,” she said, gesturing to the unconscious thugs. She looked at Spider, who was much more relaxed now. “Who is this.”

Spider straightened up, hands on their hips, a playful smirk on their face. “I’m just your friendly neighborhood Spider, here to save the day, you know?”

Detective Yin raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. “You haven't been in Gotham long.”

“Hey, I’m just here to help clean up the mess,” Spider replied, shrugging. “Besides, I couldn’t let these fine gentlemen run amok with toys that don't belong to them, now could I?”

Batman stepped forward, his demeanor serious. “We had it under control, Yin. The weapons transfer was going down tonight, and Spider helped secure the area.”

Yin looked to the unconscious thugs, specifically the cops that were tied up. She looked disappointed, “When I got your message, I was hoping you were wrong.” 

Spider looked off to avoid looking at her disappointment. She knew the feeling of being let down, especially by the people who you trust. 

Batman started talking again,  “I need you to get a team here. These men are part of a larger operation. They’re connected to Penguin and potentially other elements within the GCPD.”

Yin crossed her arms, a look of determination replacing her earlier disappointment. “I’ll call it in. But this is going to be a mess. Even with the cops at the scene, with the lack of evidence they will properly walk.”

Spider perked up, pulling out their phone. “I actually recorded their conversation if that would help.”

Detective Yin looked surprised, her eyes narrowing thoughtfully as she took in Spider's outstretched phone. “You have a recording?”

Spider nodded, flipping through their phone before handing it over. “Caught the whole thing, from the moment they started talking about Penguin and the deal. Should give you enough to keep them behind bars a little longer than usual.”

Yin took the phone, glancing down at the screen. Her expression shifted from mild surprise to determination as the recording began to play. “This is… well, it’s certainly going to make for an interesting report,” she muttered, handing them the phone back. “Thank you.”

Spider grinned, crossing their arms. “Happy to help! I'll make sure that dark and broody send you a copy. Besides, Gotham’s got enough of these guys running around. Anything to lighten the load.”

Detective Yin gave Spider a nod of appreciation before looking back at Batman. "I'll get a unit over here right away. But we're going to need a full investigation if this goes as deep as you’re suggesting."

Batman inclined his head in agreement. "Penguin's network has grown bolder of late. If he infiltrates the GCPD, he's counting on them to shield his operations. The sooner we bring it into the light, the fewer places he has to hide."

Spider watched them, leaning casually against the wall. It wasn’t the first time they’d seen corruption in a city, but Gotham had its own special brand of it. They waited as the two talked. When they did finish Yin glanced back at Spider, before smiling at the Batman. “And here I thought I'll be your only partner.”

Batman remained impassive, but there was a very small glint of annoyance in his eyes as he glanced at Spider, who was clearly enjoying the moment. Batman grunted, “We are not partners.”

Spider didn’t say anything, but a hidden soft smile. So so much worse then Wolverine. They couldn't help but wonder what would happen if the two of them ever met. It was funny though, how easy the two of them seemed to work. There had to be a story there.

Batman turned, "Enough standing around," he muttered, his tone low. "We've got to move before they realize we're onto them." He glanced at Detective Yin, who waved him off in goodbye. She was already calling for backup to deal with thugs.

Spider blinked in confusion. “We?” They asked, “What do you mean? Where are we going?”

Batman cast a look over his shoulder, his expression unreadable as usual. "You heard me. We’re heading to one of Penguin’s supply hubs. We can gather more information there."

Spider grinned, falling into step beside him. “You’re actually letting me tag along? This is huge. Like, do I get a badge? A Bat-signal of my own?”

Batman shot Spider a look that was equal parts exasperation and warning. "Don’t push it."

“Fine, fine,” they replied, still grinning as they fell in step. “But hey, I gotta celebrate the little victories, right?” 

Batman stood next to his car and pressed a button on his belt, the doors opening like bug wings. 

It was, and Paige had to admit it, really cool. Little Paige Parker would have died for a chance to ride inside it. But as she slipped inside the car, a nauseating feeling blossomed in the bottom of her stomach.

Chapter Text

Paige never liked cars, not since she was a child. It was a long story she never liked to think about. Thankfully she could always walk wherever she needed to in New York, and later in life, swing to wherever she wanted. 

But the Batmobile? That was a different story. Mostly.

They tried to hide their amazement as they settled into the passenger seat, the sleek interior humming with technology that was both intimidating and mesmerizing to the hero. They glanced around, noting the various controls and switches. God, they wished they had a chance to look over the car. The technology was amazing. 

"So, this is how Gotham's guardian gets around," they murmured, half to theirself, running a hand over the leather seats. "Not bad."

Batman shot them a sidelong look, his expression unreadable. "Just try not to touch anything."

Spider grinned under the mask, settling back. "No promises."

As the engine roared to life, they tried not to flinch. They tried to collect their breathing and asked, “SO, I have been meaning to ask. Do you actually have a cave or is it a hideout you call a cave- like a man cave.”

Batman’s expression remained stoic, but his gaze flickered to the other hero. "It's a cave," he replied flatly, eyes focused on the road as they sped through Gotham's narrow streets. "More than just a hideout."

The car took a sharp turn, and Paige gripped the seat a bit tighter. She tilted her head, interested. "So, like… a full-on cave, with bats and everything?”

Batman gave the barest hint of a nod. “It serves its purpose.”

They chuckled, unable to resist. “Gotham’s guardian living in a bat-filled cave. Classic.” They glanced at him with a mischievous glint. “Ever thought of redecorating? Maybe some throw pillows, mood lighting?”

The corner of Batman’s mouth twitched, “Focus on the mission, Spider.”

Spider shrugged, “I'll get you to laugh at my jokes, one day I swear.” Before they asked anything else, the Batman turned again. 

Into an alleyway. 

Spider barely had time to brace themselves before Batman hit a button on the dashboard, and the walls in front of them split open, revealing a hidden passageway. As they entered, the hidden entrance sealed behind them, swallowing the car into darkness bathed in blue neon lights.

The younger vigilante glanced around, trying to keep their awe in check. “Okay… secret tunnels. Gotham’s pulling out all the stops, huh?” Batman didn't answer, so they kept talking. “So, how long have you had these tunnels?” Spider asked, almost as if it were casual conversation.

Batman’s eyes remained on the road, but after a brief pause, he answered, "Long enough."

"Right. Of course." They rolled their eyes, knowing by now that anything personal was a lost cause with him. But Paige wasn’t one to give up easily. She leaned her head back against the seat, allowing another grin to break through. "You know, all this secrecy- kind of old school, don't you think? I mean, it feels like something out of a noir comic or film. You really are living the dream of every kid who ever picked up a superhero comic.”

There was a silence for a beat.

“You talk a lot when you're nervous, " Batman noted dryly.

Spider let out a scoff, trying to brush off his observation. "Nervous? Who, me? Please, dark and broody. I’m just making conversation.” Trying to ignore the nervous feeling in the pit of her stomach. “You know, some people appreciate a bit of chat. Keeps the vibe light, you know?”

Batman’s steady silence was all the answer they got, but there was an intensity in his gaze…almost a quiet calculation. They couldn't tell if he was assessing them as a partner or just tolerating their presence. 

Further ahead, a door ahead opened up. The car coasted into an underground parking area and Batman finally spoke. “This isn’t New York, Spider. Gotham works differently. Penguin, the other crime families- no one here plays fair, and trust is a rare currency. You can’t get by on reputation alone.”

Spider arched a brow, intrigued. “Oh, I get it. It’s just... I’m kind of used to being underestimated.” They shrugged, almost nonchalantly. “You know, ‘Friendly Neighborhood Spider’ and all that. Not exactly terrifying to look at, but…” They grinned, a little too mischievous. “Turns out I can surprise people.”

Batman’s gaze flickered over, perhaps just slightly softened by a hint of respect, though his voice remained curt. “Just remember- surprises are useful. Carelessness isn’t.”

Spider nodded, a bit more solemnly now. “Got it, message received.” They paused, then added, almost thoughtfully, “But seriously- no throw pillows?”

For the first time, Batman’s mouth twisted into the faintest hint of amusement. It wasn’t quite a smile, but it was something. “No throw pillows.” He reached over to hit a button on the console, something that looked like an odd phone port. “You can connect your device to upload the surveillance footage you took.”

Spider let out a short fake laugh: “Yeah, no‐ sorry, hun. I don't fully trust you to hack into my tech.” They had good tech, but it was obvious that Batman’s tech was far more advanced than theirs. Whoever the Bat was, he was rich.

Batman raised an eyebrow but didn’t press further. He clearly was not surprised by Spider’s hesitation. "Fine. I’ll give you her information.”

Spider couldn’t help but sigh a small sigh of relief, glad Batman didn’t push the tech issue. They could only imagine what kind of data his gear could pull off their phone and they didn’t need him finding out anything too personal. Gotham was intense enough as it was without Batman knowing all their secrets. 

The next few minutes were filled with silence as worked to send the audio clip to Detective Yin. The car came to a stop on the corner of a street just as Spider finished sending the evidence off. They looked up, “So, what’s next, dark and broody?”

Batman didn’t respond immediately, his eyes scanning the street before them. They had pulled up near a tall building that definitely screamed ‘fancy hotel’. “I want to look over the evidence you collected. You should follow Wesley and see what's going on at his end.”

Spider nodded, glancing up at the hotel with a smirk. “You already know which floor he's on?”

“Seventh floor. “ he said, in a matter of fact tone. “He's in the suite with the view of the east entrance. Likely has guards stationed nearby.”

Spider nodded, glancing up at the hotel. “Not the first time I've dealt with something like this. Anything else?"

Batman’s gaze shifted to Spider, his expression unreadable before shook his head. "I’ll be nearby. Don’t get caught.”

“Wouldn’t dream of it,” Spider said, before slipping out of the car with an exaggerated stretch. They gave Batman one last look, before jumping away.

-

-

Spider crouched low as they landed on the rooftops, the cool Gotham night air rushing past them. They glanced back at the Batmobile’s tail lights disappearing into the shadows, a part of them surprised that they had managed to get Batman to tolerate their presence for this long. It wasn’t every day that someone could get the Dark Knight to crack even the faintest smile.

Batman was very much an enigma to them. Unlike anyone they had ever met. He seemed so detached from everything, leaving a lot up to speculation about his character. For the first time, Spider couldn't help but wonder who was under his mask. Was the Batman a persona? Or was it like Spider- a mask to help be their true self. 

But there was one thing. It was easy to see that he cared. Maybe they were only able to see after spending time with him, but it was easy to see that he cared about others. Maybe not in people he beat- but the woman in the alley came to mind. At the time, he had just sounded the same but looking back? His voice had softened just a bit when he’d talked to her. There was a subtle change, barely noticeable but there, hidden under his usual gruff tone. It was like he couldn’t help himself from reaching out to people, from offering some comfort- even if he preferred to hide it behind his dark, intimidating persona.

They wondered what his eyes looked like. They were covered by a white light- not dissimilar Spider own eye lens- they glowed. Scary in the dark for sure, but they couldn't help but think that maybe they were there to make sure no one could tell what he was really thinking. See the soul through the eyes and all that.

They shook their head, trying to refocus. "Enough sentiment, Paige," they muttered, bringing themselves back to the task at hand. They were acting like a schoolgirl with a crush- they were twenty three for Pete's Sake.

They crouched low, assessing the seventh-floor suite from the opposite building. The suite was quiet, guards stationed at strategic points, and Wesley was seated by the window, drumming his fingers on a glass of whiskey. He looked…tense.

"Alright, Wesley," they whispered under their breath. "What are you up to?"

They watched as Wesley’s phone lit up. He picked it up without hesitation, his posture shifting immediately. Spine straighter, shoulders tighter. Whoever was on the other end of that call had weight. Spider knew who it was immediately.

Wesley pressed the phone to his ear, and though Spider couldn’t hear the exact words on the other side of the phone, they saw his jaw clench.

A moment later, he spoke. “Yes, sir… Everything is proceeding as planned. The shipment’s already en route.”

A pause.

“No, Cobb hasn't been able to recover the weapons and the Batman’s still sniffing around. But we’ve kept things clean. And the Spider- they’ve been seen with him more frequently.”

Another pause. Wesley turned away from the window, as if instinctively trying to shield the conversation from unseen ears. Spider flattened themselves further against the wall, fingers digging into the ledge.

“…Yes, sir,” Wesley continued, voice lower now, almost reverent. “I understand. No loose ends. I’ll handle it.” Spider felt their stomach twist. “Understood, sir. I’ll contact Fisk Tower after the meeting.”

Fisk Tower. So he was expanding his reach to Gotham.Spider’s mind was starting to racing now. If Kingpin was involved in Gotham now, that changed everything. This wasn’t just about arms dealing or drug smugglers anymore. This was a strategic takeover of the city, or at least a part in it. Which was bad, it would mean that a gang war would start in order to balance the new status quote. And a gang war was never good. 

Spider had to wonder if this was due to all the pressure that the Defenders, Punisher, and themselves was putting on the Kingpin. Their police contact, Captain Watanabe, was sure they were only a few months away from finally throwing the man behind bars. Fisk's hold on the drug trade was non existed now.

They reached for their communicator. “Dark and Broody, you’re not gonna like this,” they murmured, watching Wesley pour himself another drink.

Static crackled for a beat before Batman’s voice came through. “What did you hear?”

Spider shifted slightly to get a better look at the guards. “They’re moving up the timetable, I don't know by how much yet but soon. It looks as if Fisk is wanting to make a permanent foothold in your city." 

There was a brief pause before Batman’s voice came through their earpiece again. “Good work. Get out of there. Don’t engage- not yet.”

Spider watched as Wesley finished his drink in a single gulp, “Copy that,” Spider whispered back to Batman, still low on the ledge. “I’ll pull back- I'll circle the building first, see if they’ve got anything else stashed nearby.”

Batman grunted in agreement, “Meet me in the same place as last night, I should have more answers by then.” With that, the line went dead, replaced by the faint hum of static before it, too, faded into silence. Spider exhaled slowly, resisting the urge to curse under their breath. “Kingpin in Gotham…” they whispered to themselves, “Yeah, this city really doesn’t catch a break.”

They sighed, before moving to swing off the building. They had time to kill before meeting up with the Bat, and they had just the idea how to spend it. 

-

-

Spider was getting used to the city now. Swinging through the tight alleyways and over the towering buildings, Gotham's chaotic, unpredictable pulse was starting to feel almost familiar. It was almost like the circus mirror to New York, everything was different but recognizable to the original. 

They had ended up going on a patrol through the East End, keeping an eye on the streets. There wasn't much going on here and they had just webbed up a couple of mugger and left their card when they had gotten a phone call. 

They answered without looking at the ID. 

“You’re doing that thing again where you don't sleep, aren't you?” came the voice on the other end.

Spider blinked, pausing on a rooftop ledge as they recognized the voice. “Harley,” they said, tone caught somewhere between fond and exasperated. “Don’t you have school or something?”

“I did,” Harley Keener replied, voice dry. “Then I decided checking on you was more important. Newsflash, Paige- swinging around Gotham at two in the morning is not what normal people call downtime.”

“Normal people don’t dress in red and blue spandex and punch crime in the face,” Spider countered with a smirk. “Besides, I’m just doing recon. No punches yet.”

There was a pause on the line. “Batman still being cryptic and broody?”

“Obviously. It’s like his thing,” Spider said, rolling their eyes. “But yeah. Big stuff’s moving. Kingpin’s reaching out here. Gotham might be looking at a full-blown gang war soon.”

“Damn,” Harley said, voice suddenly serious. “That explains why Stark Industries flagged a spike in arms shipments to the East Coast.”

Spider frowned, leaning against the ledge. “You’ve been checking the shipments?”

“Someone’s gotta have your back. You’re not a one-person army, no matter how badass you are,” Harley said. “Also… May and Tony have been asking if you’re eating.”

Spider let out a sigh, a puff of white breath in the cold Gotham air. “Tell them yes. Tell them I’m eating. Tell them I’m sleeping. Tell them all the things they want to hear.”

“You know they won’t buy it,” Harley replied, and Spider could almost hear the eye-roll in his voice. “Especially Tony. He’s got satellites now, Paige. He sees things.”

“Ugh. That man needs a hobby.”

“He had a hobby. You. Then you went to Gotham.”

Spider huffed, “It's not like I moved here…”

“...why do I hear a yet in your voice?”Harley’s tone was suspicious now. “Paige. Don’t tell me you’re actually thinking about staying in Gotham.”

Spider stayed quiet for a second too long.

Harley groaned. “Oh, come on. What is it? The brooding hero? The gothic architecture? The eternal cloud cover?”

“It’s… different,” Paige admitted. Her voice was soft, almost thoughtful. “Gotham’s broken, but it’s honest about it. No masks pretending everything’s perfect.”

There was a pause again, but this time Harley’s voice was gentler. “You’re not broken, Paige.”

“I didn’t say I was,” she replied. But the words hung there, heavy and uncertain.

“Yeah,” Harley said eventually. “But you didn’t deny it either.”

Spider didn’t answer that. She just looked out across the city, where the skyline flickered with a thousand yellow lights.

“You know,” she murmured, “for a city built on secrets, Gotham sure makes it hard to keep any.”

“You’re not alone, Paige,” Harley said again, firmer this time. “Not now. Not ever.”

Her fingers tightened around the phone. “I know.”

“You better,” he replied. Then, a pause. “Also, Tony says if you’re not home by the holidays, he’s sending the Hulk to bring you back.”

Spider actually laughed at that, warmth breaking through the cold. “Tell him he better pack extra stretch pants.”

“Already did,” Harley said smugly. “Now go home. Or at least, try sleeping for more than twenty minutes.”

“I’ll think about it.”

“Paige…”

“Fine,” she grumbled. “Maybe one hour nap. Tops.”

“That’s a start,” Harley said, then quieter, “Be safe out there.”

“Always am.”

She hung up, staring at the dark screen for a moment, before tucking it away. Then she looked out over Gotham again.

A mirror to New York. Broken, dark, and still beautiful.

She took a breath, and leapt. They had a Bat to meet with.

Their boots hit the rooftop across the street with a soft thud, knees bending to absorb the impact. The Bat wasn't anywhere to be seen yet. They crouched, resting their forearms on their knees. “He’s late,” they muttered. “Or early. Or just watching me from the dark like some kind of cryptid.”

“I prefer ‘vigilante,’ actually,” came a voice- low, gravelly, and far too close.

Spider didn’t flinch, but their eyes flicked up to see him: perched on the gargoyle behind them, cloak billowing in the wind like it had its own dramatic flair.

“Seriously?” Spider said, standing. “You just hang out up there, waiting for the perfect moment to do the Bat Voice?”

Batman didn’t reply. He just dropped down beside them with the grace of a ghost, “I found something interesting in the files you gave me.”

Spider crossed their arms, tilting their head. “Interesting as in, ‘oh look, a lead’? Or interesting as in, ‘we’re all screwed’?”

Batman handed over a small data drive. “What do you know of Adian Toomes?”

Spider took the drive, “Vulture. My first ever real fight, actually. Cracked two ribs and tore my suit. Guy’s a jerk, but a smart jerk.”

Batman gave a slow nod. "It seems he and Kingpin have been working together more recently. The shipments? That’s their doing. Kingpin agreed to start giving the Penguin exclusive high-tech weapons in exchange for high grade drugs."

Spider whistled, "That’s a hell of a trade,” Spider said, "But makes sense, with all the heat Kingpin has now. If he gets his hands on any new types of drugs, he'll be able to corner a whole new market. And if he gets a hold in your city..."

"And the damage Penguin could do with those new weapons." Batman nodded, his expression grim. “Exactly. If this deal goes through, Gotham’s gang landscape is about to get a whole lot more volatile. The Penguin’s been trying to step up his game, but this could put him in direct competition with the likes of Black Mask, Maroni, and others.”

Spider’s eyes widened as they realized something, "Chitauri...." they muttered, their brain clicking into place. "That's the missing link. The tech... it’s not just standard high-tech weaponry. It’s alien tech. The kind that Vulture specializes in. That's why Kingpin brought him in.

The Batman looked grim, well, grimmer then normal. "Which means, we need to move fast," Batman said, "Today, in the afternoon, the Fisk Tower has its grand opening, if they are moving up their timetable, that would be the best time to do something."

Spider blinked a few times, "I didn’t know that."

Batman's expression didn't change, but it felt like he was pleased. “You’re not the only one keeping tabs on Fisk. We’ll need to be ready. Fisk’s public events are often the perfect cover for his more illicit operations.”

Spider’s fingers twitched, the instinct to act quickly burning within them. “ We might have to spilt up. That deal is supposed to go down at the docks but we don't want to leave Fisk unattended"

Batman nodded. “I'll handle Fisk if you manage the docks, I'll join as soon as I can."

Spider gave a sharp nod, already mapping out the plan in their mind. "Got it. Docks first, then Fisk after." They glanced at the skyline one last time before pushing off the rooftop. "I’ll keep an eye out for Vulture. If he’s around, I’ll deal with him."

Before Batman could respond, Spider launched themselves off the roof, twisting in mid-air as they vanished into the night, heading straight for the shadows of Gotham's underbelly.