Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

Jason was pissed.

There was someone in his territory. Somone who was leaving a trail of bodies behind them. He would not let that slide.

It had been two weeks since the first body popped up and so far he’d been unable to find whoever it was. Even with the Bat’s help, he was stuck. 

This person was crafty, sneaking across the dark, dreary streets of Gotham without notice.

It didn't matter that the bodies were that of League agents and other unaligned assassins. What mattered was the gleeful way the person was killing them, the obvious signs of torture, and the hints of desperation in the kills that still lingered in the air after the person was gone. 

There was no discernable pattern, no reason he could find for a bunch of League agents being in Gotham, no trace of what organization the other ninjas were a part of.

It was strange... even for Gotham.

He would've left it alone if the person hadn't invaded his territory. Hadn't killed on his streets. 

Peter and Jason had been tracking the person for the last couple of weeks without results. It was equal parts frustrating and enraging. The longer they searched, the more infuriated Jason got. As Jason’s frustrations rose, so did Peter’s anxiety.

His husband had been uncharacteristically jumpy in the last few days, more anxious and paranoid than Jason had ever seen him. It was concerning. Peter’s senses had been shouting at him for days and he couldn’t figure out why. Jason could tell it was getting to him.

Which was why for the last few days, Peter had stayed home with their daughter while Jason stayed out all night, hitting the streets.

It had been almost five years since Peter and Jason had gotten married and two since they’d adopted Peppa. Life had been good… really good.

Since the Jokers death, there had been minimal near death experiences. They’d had their fair share of close calls, of course, given their profession. But their lives continued with more peace and happiness than Jason ever thought was possible.

He didn’t mind patrolling alone, he’d done it before Peter for long enough, but a part of him missed his shadow.

It had been years since Spider-Man had made his debut in Gotham and while it had taken a while for him to gain the citizens trust, they eventually came to adore him. It helped that he had the clear approval of the Bats, appearing with them more often than not.

But he patrolled with Jason the most. The couple had learned to fight together seamlessly, as though they were extensions of each other. It was exhilarating and Jason would never tire of it.  They had all been shocked when they’d brought Peter into the training room and he’d beaten all of them, Bruce included, with relative ease. Peter had laughed himself hoarse, reminding them that he’d trained with assassins, gods, world war two veterans, the smartest man in the world, and a lawyer.

The lawyer part was very important to him, though he’d never cared to explain to the other Bats why. Jason knew and sometimes he wished he could meet the blind man who taught Peter most of what he knew about fighting.

It was a privilege to have Spider-Man in a fight by his side and he was thankful for it everyday. A lot of things had changed over the years and Jason was glad for it.

He had stopped killing unless absolutely necessary; i.e. The Joker. So he didn’t tolerate others doing that shit in his city, and they’d crossed an extra line when they’d brought it into Crime Alley.

This night, it was quiet. Too quiet. Jason had just been finishing his patrol, after stopping a handful of muggings and knocking out a quick drug ring, when the quiet was interrupted.

“Take that, you human lump of zebra shit!” A loud, peppy voice shouted. The statement was followed my the sounds of combat, metal clanging against metal.

Jason’s head snapped up and his eyes narrowed. He jumped between rooftops as quietly as he could and leaned over the railing, looking down at the fight that was currently happening. Karen began scanning as he took in the scene.

There were two people, twirling around each other in a deadly dance. Their fighting styles were distinctly different, one composed and sharp and the other wild but lethal.

One of the people, dressed in an assassins kit similar to that of the League except the garb was a deep red color instead of the standard black of the League of Shadows. The person held a sword in their hand, the blade moving gracefully as they parried a blow from the other man.

The man was dressed in a skintight red and black suit with a full mask, a very interesting looking katana in his hand. It was clear to Jason that he was playing with the other guy, and had the clear advantage.

“Scanning.” Karen said. “Figure Identified: Wade Wilson, alias Deadpool. Association: Friendly. Warning: Approach with caution. Subject is known to be volatile.” She beeped, pulling up a few pictures and videos on his visor.

Jason’s eyes widened and he took a step back, breathing heavily. What? Had he heard that right?

“Aha! Take that you buttnugget!” The man, fuckin Deadpool, yelled triumphantly. There was a loud squelch and a groan and then silence. “Aha, victory! Shut up! I know we didn’t learn anything but those shit tacos will lead me to someone who knows! Ugh, don’t be such a downer, yellow!” Yeah, never mind about the silence.

Jason sighed as he heard shuffling from the alleyway. Taking a step back, he leaped forward, landing in a crouch in the alleyway. When he looked up, Deadpool was staring at him with wide eyes, a knife sticking out of his shoulder as he held ahold of the other assassins feet as if to drag him. Well, guess he found who was killing all those people on his territory. He wasn’t really sure what do to given that; one, the man was immortal, and two, he wasn’t really supposed to be in this universe.

“You know that’s really bad for the knees right?” Deadpool started, voice light and airy. Jason felt anything but safe in his presence, there was a tense line to his shoulders and an eerie tilt to his head. “I mean I would know, I get pushed off of rooftops often enough. Why would you even do that to yourself? I mean, you jumped right? Yeesh! Are you like a masochist or something? It’s okay if you are. I’m not judging. I like to indulge in a little bit of pain with my pleasure, myself. Nothing to be ashamed about.“

“Karen, call Spider-Man.” Jason ground out, gritting his teeth. Yup, this was definitely the Deadpool that Peter had described.

The masked man perked up, dropping the other assassins feet carelessly and looking up at Jason like a puppy who heard he was getting a treat.

The line rang and Jason kept his eyes intent on the other man, not daring to blink. It was a few seconds before Peter answered, his voice shaky. “…Hey.”

“Hey.” Jason said. “P, either I’m hallucinating again or your buddy Deadpool is standing right in front of me.”

There was a long silence on the other line before Peter sighed heavily. “Doctor Strange is here.”

“Here?” Jason hissed. He didn’t care how much Peter insisted that spell was his fault, the magic bastard was the one to blame and Jason fully intended to hold him accountable.

“In our apartment.” Peter said after another pause. “Is Wade behaving?”

Jason eyed the other man who was still staring up at him. He winced. “Define behaving.”

Peter groaned. “I know this is probably a terrible idea but can you bring him here? Just tell him that Spidey said he will buy him chimichangas if he’s good.”

“I-“ Jason blinked. “Okay?” He said liltingly.

“Okay, see you soon. Love you.” And then Peter hung up, the dial tone sounding through his helmet. Really?

“I’m gonna need you to come with me.” Jason said firmly, watching the man with what he felt was an appropriate amount of wariness.

Deadpool tilted his head. “Did you say Spidey?” He asked eagerly.

Jason rolled his eyes. “He said that he’ll get you chimichangas if you’re good.” He reluctantly relayed the message.

Deadpool gasped excitedly, jumping up and down, completely forgetting about the dead guy behind him. “OMG! It’s is my Baby Boy! I knew I’d find him! Our love story isn’t over yet! Hear that, readers? It’s not over!” He rambled, almost shouting towards the end while his hands flew to his cheeks and his head jerked from side to side.

“That’s my husband you’re talking about.” Jason bit out. “Follow me.”

Deadpool gasped again. “Petey Pie got married and didn’t invite me?! The betrayal! It’s like I can feel the knife he stabbed in my back- oh wait, ha! That’s just the knife the ninja pin cushioned me with.” He ranted. “Hey, hot stuff. Where exactly are you taking me? Are we going to a super dark secret sexy bunker?”

Jason sighed heavily. He did not sign up for this. “No, we’re going to my apartment.”

“Oh! While we’re in the area, we should probably pick up Double-D!” Deadpool piped up halfway to the apartment.

Jason spun around, eyes wide. “What?!” He said incredulously. He stared at the mercenary, blinking dazedly behind his helmet. Double-D? Did that mean…? Shit.

Peter had talked a lot about his original universe to Jason over the years. Jason wasn’t naive enough to think he knew everything about Peter and his world, but he knew the important bits. And the rest he could find out as they grew old together, he didn’t care.

He knew exactly who ‘Double-D’ was. It seemed Deadpool wasn't here alone. Well, he guessed Team Red was making a comeback after all.

Deadpool nodded happily, bouncing on his toes. He clasped his hands together. “Well I couldn’t come alone!”

“And so…?” Jason trailed off questioningly.

“And so I brought a friend! I didn’t know Spidey would be here too!” Deadpool answered, grabbing the knife in his shoulder and casually pulling it out, stuffing it in one of his holsters. “That’s just pure dumb luck.”

Jason grimaced, his whole face scrunching up. “Where's this… friend of yours?”

“Behind you.” Deadpool said, staring directly over Jason’s shoulder with a smirk that somehow translated through his mask.

Jason spun around, hand falling to his gun. He huffed a breath when he saw that no one was there, turning around and looking back at Deadpool who was now bent over and wheezing.

“Made you look!” He sang through his cackles. Jason clenched his fist. God, he wanted to punch this guy. He hummed, fingering his gun again. He was immortal, wasn’t he? Jason shrugged, lifting his gun and pulling the trigger in one smooth motion. He watched with mild interest as Deadpool collapsed to the ground from the headshot, seemingly dead. It took a few seconds but soon enough he was jerking back up, a pout plastered on his lips.

“That wasn’t nice.” He whined, climbing off the ground.

“Don’t be an asshole then.” Jason ground out. “Now, let’s go get your friend and go to P- Spidey. And remember, you only get the fuckin chimichangas if you’re good.”

Deadpool’s shoulders slumped dramatically and he nodded, gesturing for Jason to follow him.

Jason reluctantly let the other man lead him down a few blocks until they reached an abandoned apartment building. He moved to go through the entrance but Deadpool held out an arm.

“Daddy Devil, come out, come out wherever you are.” He sang. 

A few minutes later, a man in a red kevlar suit with a full cowl came down.

“What’s going on?” The man asked, scowling at the mercenary and giving Jason a few wary looks.

“Guess what!” Deadpool shouted excitedly.

“What?” Daredevil indulged dryly.

Deadpool pouted. “You’re supposed to guess!”

“Wade.” Daredevil growled.

“Petey’s here!” Deadpool blurted. “This is that stupid universe that Doctor Asshole exiled Spidey to.”

“Hey!” Jason said, feeling slightly offended. If anything their universe was the stupid one. He had heard some rather interesting stories about the place that somehow made it seem worse than Gotham.

“No offense.” Deadpool said unapologetically.

“Who are you?” Daredevil scowled, head tilted as he stared directly into Jason’s soul.

“Red Hood, crime lord. I’m a friend of Spider-Man’s.” Jason answered warily.

Daredevil nodded slowly, head jerking up when Wade added a chirpy, “They’re married.”

“Spidey got married?!” Daredevil asked incredulously, his face twisted up. “To you?” The horned annoyance continued, making a show of looking Jason up and down. He almost scoffed, dude was blind as hell.

Jason didn’t bother answering. “Come on.” He bit out, marching away. He heard the others following after him, Deadpool’s annoying voice and the rumble of Daredevil. 

Five minutes later, three masked vigilantes climbed through the window of a random seeming apartment building.

Jason sighed as he entered the living room, pulling off his helmet the second he was through the window. He left the domino, not feeling comfortable enough to remove it. He ignored the crashing and curses he heard from behind him and trailed further into the apartment in search for Peter.

“Amor, where are you?” Jason called out.

“Kitchen!” He heard a faint voice call back.

Looking over his shoulder, he scowled. Deadpool had taken the opportunity to inspect all of the pictures on the fireplace mantle while Daredevil stood eerily still, his head tilted.

“Stay here. Don’t touch anything.” He ordered sternly, pointing at Deadpool in particular. Then, he started towards the kitchen, shaking his head as he heard them shuffle around behind him.

Chapter Text

A soft smile pulled at his lips the second he saw the scene in the kitchen. It was so domestic, something he never thought he’d have until he met Peter.

Life had changed the day Jason met Peter, in ways he never could’ve imagined. He was forever thankful for that. Six years since he’d saw Peter on that rooftop and every day was better than the last.

Peppa was sat on the counter, flour covering her hands and clothes. Her blonde curls were thrown up into the most haphazard bun Jason had ever seen and her new dress was clearly ruined for the day. Jason’s lips twitched up as he watched her little tongue poke out between her lips as she concentrated on adding some vanilla to the bowl.

Peter was standing next to her, equally dirtied and stirring what looked like cookie dough. He was obviously in the middle of some kind of story, roaring dramatically at their daughter, who burst into bright giggles, dropping the little teaspoon she had been holding.

Jason couldn’t contain the smile that crawled across his face as he leant against the doorway to watch. Peter hadn’t even noticed his presence in the kitchen, too engrossed in entertaining the pipsqueak to pay attention to his surroundings. The pipsqueak in question hadn’t noticed him either, eyes squeezed shut as she giggled uncontrollably.

Jason’s chest felt warm, affection and love suffusing his entire being. God, he loved them both so much. Two years of this and he’d never get used to the sight of his sweet little family.

He didn’t deserve them but he would work every day to make sure they were happy and safe. He hadn’t faltered yet and he didn’t ever plan to.

“Daddy!” Peppa sqeaked, still snickering. “You’re silly!”

Peter gasped in response, pointing the spoon to his chest. “Who, me?”

Their little girl had been quite the surprise. And yet so unsurprising, the new addition to their family.

She had been held captive in a meta trafficking ring that the Bats had been tracking, an Alley native. When Spider-Man and Red Hood, the proclaimed heroes of Crime Alley rescued her, she’d become… attached to say the least.

It hadn’t been long before they found out that she was an orphan, and had been living on the streets long before she was kidnapped.

The girl didn’t even know her real name, only Peppa, the name the other street kids had given her. She had only been five when they rescued her, too young to have been through so much already. But they knew better than most that age didn’t matter when it came to trauma.

Evil didn’t discriminate.

They’d promptly adopted her, not hesitating for a second. Dick had laughed himself hoarse when he found out, hysterical at the fact that Jason was following in Bruce’s footsteps.

And anyway, Peter and Jason had been discussing children for a while by the time Peppa joined the picture.

It was almost like fate.

And so, Peppa the street kid became Peppa Catherine Wayne, the most chaotic little gremlin of a child that Jason could have hoped for. She reminded him a lot of himself when he was younger. 

It both hurt and healed parts of him.

Now seven years old, the little girl with seafoam green eyes was much healthier and happier than he could believe. He loved her more than he’d ever thought was possible.

She was wonderful and it hadn’t taken very long for them to get attached to her too. With a fire in her eyes and snark on her tongue, she was perfect for them.

She also had empathetic powers, giving her the ability to read people’s emotions and make them feel her own in return.

Peter has whispered stories of an alien female he had known once named Mantis, who could do something similar.

He also acknowledged that Peppa was much more powerful than that, feeling and influencing emotions without the need for physical contact.

That had been a struggle and tantrums usually ended with all three of them crying their eyes out.

They were working on it.

Peppa looked up as Jason stepped through the door and headed towards his favorite two people in the world. She leapt, launching herself off the counter and giving both Jason and Peter mini heart attacks.

“Papa!” She cried out happily, jumping into his arms.

“Hey, squirt.” Jason grunted, catching her and lifting her into his arms. “Whatcha doin?”

“Daddy’s stress baking ‘gain.” Peppa informed him sagely.

“I am not!” Peter squawked, still focused on making little balls of cookie dough and placing them on a tray.

“Yeah huh! I can feel it.” Peppa argued, pouting.

Jason stifled a smirk, looking down at his beautiful daughter. “Pep, what did we tell you about people’s emotions?”

Peppa grumbled under her breath, sighing. “'Motions are private.”

“And?” Jason prodded.

Peppa sighed again. “And so ‘m not ‘spose to say ‘em out loud.”

“Exactly, good girl.” Jason said, the smirk winning out. He looked up at his husband. “So, stress baking, huh?”

“Pep wanted cookies.” Peter defended, pointing a wooden spoon at him. His eyes darted over Jason’s shoulder at the closed door. “Where are they, then?”

“In the living room.” Jason answered, scowling. He barely paid any mind to the fact that Peter knew about Daredevil as well. “They’re… interesting. Where’s Doctor Strange?”

Peter rolled his eyes. “He left. Said he’d be back in two weeks to collect them. Apparently they’re actually here for a reason.”

“We’re stuck with those two for weeks?!” Jason asked incredulously.

Peter scowled slightly. “Hey. Those are my friends you’re talking about.”

“Sorry.” Jason sighed, scratching his chin. Peppa had climbed her way onto his shoulders, and he reached up to hold her legs so she didn’t fall. “Deadpool just gets on my nerves.”

Peter smiled, eyes twinkling with nervous anticipation. “He has a habit of that.”

“What are we doing about this little monkey?” Jason asked, squeezing Peppa’s leg and earning another giggle.

“I called Dick. He should be here soon.” Peter answered, eyes darting towards the door every few seconds.

Jason sighed heavily, shooting his husband a smile. “Let’s go say hi to these friends of yours, Amor.”

Peter look a deep breath, his face becoming determined. After putting the cookies in the oven and setting a timer, he squared his shoulders and nodded. “Let’s go.” He echoed.

Peppa climbed back down off of Jason's shoulders, wiggling around and allowing him to set her on the floor.

She was obviously curious about what was happening but the tension in the air was enough to keep her from asking any questions. She gripped his hand in her own, a nervous look on her face as they followed behind Peter. Jason looked down, giving their daughter a reassuring smile.

Peter stopped abruptly in the entrance to the living room, his hands clenching into fists at his side. Daredevil had tentatively settled on the couch while Deadpool continued to poke around obnoxiously.

“I said don’t touch anything.” Jason snapped, staring daggers at the mercenary.

“It’s okay, Jay.” Peter said quietly. “He can’t help but be a nuisance.” He teased lightly.

Deadpool practically lit up, rushing forwards and pulling Peter into a bone breaking hug.

Jason and Peppa both tensed at the abrupt motion but Peter let out a loud laugh, falling into the hug and letting the other man swing him around like a rag doll.

“Baby Boy! I can’t believe it’s you! It’s been such a long year without you! I thought I’d never see you again!”

Jason blinked. Had he heard that right?

“A-A year?” Peter sputtered, pulling himself out of Deadpool’s arms.

“Almost ten months.” Daredevil corrected, finally speaking up. He stood from the couch, pulling out Peter into a much shorter hug than Deadpool had. “You sound older.” 

“OMG! He looks older! Total DILF material now.” Deadpool spoke up, eyes of his mask wide.

Jason growled under his breath. He really didn’t like this guy.

“Guys.” Peter said slowly. “It’s been almost ten years since I’ve seen you.”

“What?” Daredevil bit out, head snapping back in surprise.

“Sick!” Deadpool spoke up excitedly. “Our universes are all timey wimey!”

“So it’s only been ten months since you saw me?” Peter asked, voice breaking slightly.

“Longest ten months of my life.” Daredevil affirmed, nodding towards Deadpool who was up in Peter’s face, poking at him relentlessly. “We missed you, Spidey.”

Jason watched as Peter’s hands trembled. “I missed you guys too.” He whispered.

“Who’re you guys?” Peppa blurted, lifting her chin when both of their guests looked at her in surprise.

Clearly they hadn't noticed her beforehand but their sudden and combined attention was making their daughter visibly uncomfortable and Jason wasn't sure how to react. His first instinct was to be defensive and snappy but he had enough forethought to know that probably wasn't a good idea. Peter, of course, came to the rescue.

“Remember how Daddy came here from far away?” Peter asked, kneeling in front of their daughter.

“Yeah, you’re like- like ‘n alien!” Peppa nodded.

Jason smiled and Peter huffed a laugh. “Exactly.” Peter said. “These are daddy’s friends from far away. Matt and Wade.” He explained, pointing to each man respectively.

“Like the wizard?” Peppa whispered, eyes darting nervously towards the people.

“Exactly like the wizard.” Peter agreed, nodding.

“Stephen was here?” Darevdevil asked, tone frosty.

Peter rolled his eyes, climbing to his feet. “Yes.” He said dryly. “He’ll be back in two weeks to collect you guys. Said you were here for something important. Which begs the question, as happy as I am to see you, why are you here?”

Deadpool’s body tensed, his posture straightening. “He took Ellie.” He snarled.

Suddenly Jason felt like there was a dangerous predator in the room. He quickly stepped in front of Peppa, shielding her from the potential danger.

Peter stiffened at the words, paying no mind to the deadly vibe the man was giving off as he too made his shock and anger known. “Who took her?” He growled, brows furrowed and radiating ferocity. The same ferocity he showed when it came to protecting anyone he cared about.

“Fisk.” Daredevil bit out.

Peter’s nose wrinkled in disgust and irritation while his brows furrowed further. “I thought Fisk was in prison.”

Deadpool scoffed dismissively. “Since when has that ever stopped him?”

“Wait.” Peter paused, shaking his head in denial. “Don’t say you’re telling me Wilson Fisk is here?”

“That’s exactly what we’re telling you.” Daredevil said dryly.

Peter scoffed. “Matt, don’t be a jerk.” He turned back to Deadpool. “Why’d he take Ellie?”

The man let out another snarl, beginning to pace back and forth. “He wants to synthesize her abilities.”

“Who is Ellie and what abilities?” Jason piped up, feeling very out of his depth during the conversation. Maybe Peter hadn't told him as much as he thought.

Deadpool growled at him but Peter held up a hand, stopping the man in his tracks.

Grabbing Jason’s hand, he gave what he probably thought was a reassuring smile. “Ellie is Wade’s daughter. She has the same- she has very similar… powers… as what Wade does.” He explained haltingly.

“And who is this Fisk person?” Jason asked, wary and confused. He didn't like either of those feelings.

Daredevil let out a loud scoff. “An evil asshole.” He said dryly.

“Hey!” Peter chided, reaching over to cup his hands over Peppa’s ears. “Little ears.”

Peppa grunted indignantly, wriggling away from Peter’s hands. She frowned up at him. “I know what ‘n asshole is, Daddy” She said wryly. “I lived on the streets, ‘member?”

“I try not to think about it, babygirl.” Peter said honestly, ruffling the girls curly blonde hair.

Jason’s head snapped up as a knock sounded on their door. He hushed everyone, creeping forward to open it only to find… Wally.

“Hey, Dick said Pete called. Told me it was an emergency.” Wally said sheepishly, smiling. There was a hint of concern on his face as he watched his brother-in-law.

“Yeah.” Jason huffed, running a hand over his face. “Some visitors from Peter’s universe. We just need you to watch Peppa for a few days.”

Wally nodded like it was no big deal. “No biggie, bro. She, Irey, and Mar’i can have an extended slumber party. They’ll love that.”

Irey and Mar’i were Wally and Dick’s twin daughters, the five year old half-Tamaranean girls were the apples of both their father’s eyes.

Dick and Wally had (very nervously) approached Kori about being a surrogate for them and she’d happily agreed. They’d decided to both put their DNA in, hoping for the paternity to be a surprise. What Kori hadn’t explained was that Tamaraneans could children with more than one person at the same time.  Now, the three coparented their twins, that of which were both biologically related to all three of their parents, with impressive ease.

Jason sighed softly. “You’re right.” He said. “Here come in, I just need to get Peppa a bag.”

“Already packed.” Peter said from behind him. Jason turned to find Peppa and Peter standing in front of him.

Peppa had a backpack on her back, her little fingers gripping the straps nervously. She shifted on her feet, looking between her fathers. “Do I ‘ave ta go?” She asked with a little whine.

“It’s just a few days, squirt.” Jason said softly, kneeling down to give his girl a hug, not paying any mind to the flour and other ingredients smeared across her clothing. “You’ll have fun with your Uncle Wally and Uncle Dick and Mar’i and Irey.”

“Mar’i and Ie will be there?” Peppa perked up excitedly.

“Of course, kiddo.” Wally answered, a grin on his face. “Now come give your favorite uncle a hug.”

Peppa giggled, rushing forward to hug him. “You ain’t  ‘m favorite uncle.” She informed him, snarky as ever.

Jason and Peter both laughed as Wally let out a gasp, clutching his chest. “What?! Who is it, then? You better not say Tim!”

Peppa hummed, tapping her chin. “Dami.” She answered cheekily.

“What?!” Wally gaped, actual shock crossing her face.

Peppa shrugged, unrepentant. “Uncle Dami’s funny ‘n he lets me come over ta play with da animals.”

Wally took a second to close his mouth before he nodded, visibly swallowing his pride. “Damian, okay. That’s… reasonable.”

Jason barked out another laugh and Peter shook his head.

“Okay, Pep. Time to go.” Peter said, ushering her towards the door.

“Just a few days?” Peppa checked worriedly.

Peter leaned down, pressing a kiss to her forehead. “Just a few days.” He promised.

Jason got in another hug before Peppa was heading out the door, hand in hand with Wally. “Bye Daddy! Bye Papa! Love ya!”

“We love you too, squirt.” Jason called out.

“Love you, babygirl.” Peter added, waving as the door shut.

“Fuck.” Jason sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose as the door clicked shut.

“Yeah.” Peter breathed out, eyes wide. “I can’t believe they’re here.”

“Me either.” Jason replied, pulling Peter into his arms.

Chapter Text

Jason sighed heavily, settling his hands on Peter’s hips, squeezing lightly and pressing a soft kiss to the corner of his mouth. “Are you okay, darling?” He questioned, worry clear.

“I think I’m in shock.” Peter answered honestly, leaning even closer.

“It’ll be okay, Pete.” Jason said, hoping to all the gods that it was true.

“You’re right.” Peter nodded firmly. “You’re right.” He breathed. “Everything will be okay.”

“Right.” Jason agreed, following after Peter with reluctance, his mind racing.

There was very obviously a lot he was missing. He’d barely been able to follow their conversation and he was guessing the one following was going to be even more confusing.

A selfish pang of displeasure ran through him at the situation, he didn’t like this. He didn’t like these strangers in his home and he didn’t like being away from Peppa for extended periods of time. He felt a little bad for it, considering the light in Peter’s eyes and the curve of his smile when he saw the intruders. At least before they told him about the reason they had come.

He decided he would just sit and watch. Peter was happy they were here and that made Jason happy but from what he could tell, things were going to get serious pretty quickly. A child had been kidnapped. He didn’t know enough to know how bad this was but from the way Peter had tensed when Deadpool had mentioned that Fisk guy, it was bad.

“Okay, tell me exactly what happened.” Peter ordered the moment they got back to the living room, running a hand over his stubbled chin.

Daredevil tilted his head towards Peter, his face a mix of curious and concerned. “Fisk obviously broke out of prison.” He started dryly.

Peter scoffed, interrupting. “How exactly did the man get out of The Raft?”

“God only knows, Baby Boy. God only knows.” Deadpool crowed in a mildly impressive country accent.

Daredevil tilted his head in a way that made Jason think he was rolling his eyes. “Anyway, he broke out and started making nice with The Hand again.”

“Shit.” Peter swore. “All those ninjas..?”

“Yup.” Deadpool chirped, popping the’p’.

“The ninjas?” Jason cut in, tone sharp. “You’re the one that’s been killing them, right? Who are they?”

Peter grimaced. “The Hand is a centuries old criminal organization. Think like League of Assassins type of thing. Ninja assassins, crazy leaders obsessed with immortality. Yada, yada, yada. You know, the usual.” He said, trying for flippant and missing by a mile.

He turned towards his three old friends with a sad smile. “And yes, Deadpool is the one that’s been killing them. I thought the whole thing seemed familiar.”

Jason’s face twisted into a frown. “And they’re here?” He asked, a sinking feeling in his gut. “In Gotham.”

“They are.” Daredevil nodded firmly, his voice level.

“And they took my fucking baby! I’ll unalive them all! And if they touched a single hair on her precious head I’ll fuck them up so bad, I’ll make them wish they were dead.” Deadpool raged, pacing back and forth.

Jason frowned, thinking of what he would do if Peppa had been taken, what he did when random kids he didn’t know were taken. His hand absently fell to his hip, where his gun was holstered. Imagining what he would do in that situation.

It wasn’t pretty.

Deadpool paused his pacing suddenly, perking up. “Ooh, that’s a good idea. I like that.” He hummed mischievously. What the hell?

Jason blinked, shaking his head. Everyone else looked completely unfazed, Peter included. He wasn’t entirely sure what the hell was going on. Could he turn back time twenty four hours? Because he would very much like to do that right about now. Peter had told him that Deadpool was crazy, but Jason thought that had meant more wild than actually clinically insane.

He was very wrong.

This was… not what he had been expecting. Daredevil was more or less who Peter had described as far as he could tell.  But… apparently Peter had not been able to communicate how actually unstable Deadpool was.

Was he talking to himself? Yes, Jason was pretty sure he was.

“Do you know where they are?” Peter asked, snapping both Daredevil and Deadpool to attention.

Deadpool shook his head. “I’ve been tracking them. I know they’re somewhere in Gotham but so far, nobody’s been willing to give up more than that.”

“You’ve been interrogating them.” Jason realized aloud, eyes widening.

Daredevil nodded sharply, barely sparing him a glance. “We would’ve come straight to you if we knew you were here, Spidey.” He sighed, pulling off his cowl and revealing a weary middle-aged man with a messy head of brown hair. “But you’re here with us now and hopefully you can give us a hand with this, for old times sake.”

Peter jerked his head to the side, catching Jason’s eyes questioningly. Jason only gave a soft smile, already knowing what his husband wanted to do. He wouldn’t stop him.

“Of course I’ll help.” Peter breathed out in a rush. “It’s you guys, and it’s Ellie.”

Deadpool grinned. “Well, Ellie-Belly has been missing her Uncle Spidey, so this works out perfectly!”

“Tell me everything you know.” Peter ordered, sitting back in his chair and clasping his hands in his lap.

Unfortunately for them, everything they knew, wasn’t very much at all.

It had all been rather abrupt, according to them. Fisk had broken out of prison and within two days he was creating a machine capable of traveling the multiverse and kidnapping Deadpool’s daughter. Nothing to indicate any deeper motives other than apparently synthesizing the immortal abilities of a ten year old.

“What I want to know is how you all ended up in this particular universe, of all places.” Jason sighed, brushing a hand through his hair.

Peter gave a wince, shooting Jason a sheepish smile. Oh lord. What now?

“Yeah.” Peter breathed anxiously. “So when Doctor Strange and America sent me here it kind of opened a… door? Of sorts?”

“A door.” Jason echoed dryly.

“Yeah.” Peter smiled shakily, shrugging his shoulders. “Doctor Strange explained before he left. It uh- it basically means that whenever someone tries to travel the multiverse they are likely to end up here since there’s already a door. It’s not like the only door so it was really only a twenty or so percent chance they would end up here of all places. But yeah that’s… why.” He rambled, wringing his hands.

Jason reached forward, pulling Peter’s hands into his lap and gently tracing a line down his palm. He hummed under his breath, giving a reassuring smile. “It’s not your fault, Amor.” He whispered.

Peter gave another shaky smile, nodding, though Jason could tell he didn’t believe him. Stubborn brat, he thought with affection. Whatever, he’d spend every day for the rest of their lives drilling it into Peter’s brain if he had to.

Blowing out a breath, Peter looked towards his two friends, seeming to debate something for a minute before speaking. “We should take the night to rest and recoup.”

He held up a hand when Deadpool went to interrupt. “It’s late. You two need to sleep and shower. I promise, first thing in the morning we will start looking for Ellie. We’ll find her.”

Deadpool looked dubious but nodded. “I trust you, Spidey.”

Peter slumped in clear relief. “Good.” He breathed out.

“I’ll call Babs and let her know what’s going on. See if she can’t figure something out.” Jason mused.

Deadpool let out a gasp, his previous hesitation nowhere to be found. “The famed Oracle is on the case?!”

Peter snickered, rolling his eyes. “Yes Wade. I’ll get the whole Batfamily in on this if that’s what it takes.” He promised firmly. “We’re getting our Ellie back.”

“No matter the cost.” Daredevil added sharply, eyes narrowed behind a pair of red sunglasses that Jason could swear he wasn’t wearing before.

Peter glanced at Jason out of the corner of his eye, looking nervous and guilty as he spoke. “I’ll show you to the guest room.” He said, voice much less sure now. “Come on.”

Deadpool skipped after Peter without a second glance back, humming a song Jason didn’t recognize under his breath.

Daredevil stayed behind for a moment, locking eyes with Jason in a way that was eerie when you knew you were standing across from a blind man.

“We won’t take him from you.” Daredevil promised.

Jason would deny the relief he felt and the way his whole body deflated when Peter would ask him later.

He just nodded, feeling a bit stupid after doing the motion but the Devil seemed to understand, giving his own nod before following after Peter and Deadpool.

Jason blew out a breath, letting his face fall into his hands.

Why did his life always have to be so complicated?

Why couldn’t they just live peacefully with their daughter?

Just, why?

After allowing himself a moment to mourn the utter monotony their life had fallen into the last few years, he pulled out his phone and clicked on the call button.

“Hey Babs, yeah, you’ll never guess what just happened…”

Chapter Text

Later that night, Jason and Peter laid in their bed, bodies tangled together. Jason leaned closer, letting his forehead rest against Peter’s.

In response, Peter pressed closer, eyes blearily opening to look at him in question.

“How are you? With… everything?” Jason couldn’t help but ask, voice small.

Peter’s lips twitched down, a furrow appearing in his brows. Jason nuzzled their noses softly, prompting Peter to speak.

“I don’t know.” Peter admitted, voice shaky. “I-I never thought…”

“I know.” Jason interrupted softly.

Peter tried for a smile but it ended up being more of a grimace. “I don’t know how to feel. I don’t know what to think. I don’t even know how to talk to them anymore. It’s been ten years, Jay. Ten. Years.”

“I know.” He repeated, jaw clenching. It had been ten years, years where Peter was his, not theirs.

Peter squeezed his eyes closed, taking a deep, steadying breath.

“What can I do?” Jason murmured, cuddling even closer, not that that was really even possible, they were already pressed together, fully intertwined.

“Just be here.” Peter answered after a moment, pressing a kiss to Jason’s chin.

“Always.” Jason promised shakily. He hoped it would be always. He hoped-

“You know I’m not going anywhere, right?” Peter added, seeing straight through Jason. Like he always did. God, Jason loved him so much.. “You and Peppa are my home.”

“I know.” Jason said gruffly, huffing a small, shaky laugh. He knew now. He should’ve known better to begin with. “You guys are my home too.” He added.

“I just need- they mean a lot to me. You know that. I just need to help them with this.” Peter whispered, his breath warm against the skin of Jason’s cheek. 

“Babs is already working on looking for any signs of Ellie or Fisk.” Jason reassured, thinking back to his call with her earlier.

She had been shocked but quick to help, as he had known she would be. If not for him then for Peter. She loved Peter. Hell, everyone loved Peter.

“And I’m sure she’s already got everyone helping her.” He added with no doubt whatsoever. 

Peter let out another deep breath, nodding. It did not appear to be as much of a relief as he’d hoped. “We’ll find her.” He said, more to himself than to Jason.

“We’ll find her.” Jason repeated, thinking about if it were Peppa, Mar’i, or Irey who had been taken.  

He would rip the world apart for all three  of those girls in a heartbeat and he would hold that same energy for this missing child as well, like he would for any child in Gotham.

He thought of the way both Peter and Deadpool had been acting earlier when talking about the missing girl.

To Peter, Ellie was one of his. And that made her one of Jason’s too.

She would be found, of that Jason was sure. 

Jason peeled his eyes open the next morning to find the bed was empty, Peter nowhere to be found in the bedroom. His heart raced for a beat, fearing the worst, until he remembered the events of the night before.

They had guests.

He could hear voices coming from the living room and decided to take a shower and mentally prepare himself before leaving the room.

There were so many complicated feelings flying around in Jason’s head right now, all overlapping and overwhelming.

He wanted to be happy for Peter, to be happy that he could have some closure. He really, really wanted to. Instead, all he felt was bitterness.

It had taken Peter a long time to come to terms with his new reality, and even longer to fully let go of any hope he could go back. There had been many nights where Peter sat, unresponsive as he tortured himself with thoughts of the past.

What if, instead of giving him closure, this just set him back? He thought back to their conversation last night before they went to sleep. Jason had heard the words Peter had been saying, heard the attempts at reassurance, but he had also heard the longing, the mourning.

He kept these thoughts to himself, holding everything in, in a way he had long since learned not to do. Having a husband and a child had pretty effectively trained that habit out of him. Emotional intelligence and all that…

Peter would probably shout at him a bit once Jason finally spoke his mind, but that wouldn’t be until long after his friends were gone, home safe in their own universe.

Whenever that happened.

By the time he’d calmed down enough to leave the room, Peter had finished cooking breakfast and was in the middle of setting the table.

It felt odd, not seeing Peppa helping set the table, or catching her in his arms as she rushed to greet him. He didn’t like it. At all. He felt like a stranger in his own home and it was not a feeling he wanted to get familiar with in the slightest. This needed to be solved, and quick. For more reasons than the most obvious one.

“Jay.” Peter sighed, smiling up at him with a half-hearted sort of effort. “You’re awake.” He said, raising a sardonic brow.

And by awake, he clearly meant finally coming out of hiding.

“Good morning.” Jason nodded slowly, stepping forward to kiss Peter on the cheek, wrapping his arms around his husband’s waist before looking around for the two interlopers.

Peter clearly saw his confusion and spoke up between pressing pecks to Jason’s lips and cheeks. “Wade wanted strawberry milk for breakfast so they ran to the corner store.” He explained, huffing a fond laugh as he pulled away.

Jason’s brows shot up, shaking his head in exasperation. The grown man needed strawberry milk with his home cooked eggs and bacon?

“And this was a two person job?”  Jason drawled questioningly, snatching a piece of bacon when Peter’s back was turned.

Peter rolled his eyes, clearly noticing as he continued to bring plate after plate of breakfast food out from the kitchen. “As if I would let Wade go off on his own in my universe. No, he needed a chaperone.” Shaking his head, he gave a snicker. “Who knows what kind of trouble he would get into on his own.”

Jason’s chest warmed, the words ‘my universe’ falling from Peter’s lips sounded like heaven to his ears.

Outwardly, He nodded. Sure, a chaperone. That part made sense. It was who the chaperone was that didn’t really make sense. “A chaperone, I get. But the same dude who’s been letting him skewer people for the last two weeks?”

Sighing, Peter set down the final plate with a little more force than strictly necessary, a loud thunk following the motion. “Matt is extremely responsible.” He said firmly, but slightly sheepish. “Mostly. He’ll make sure Wade stays out of trouble.”

“Me?!” A voice loudly screeched from behind the front door. Then it swung open, revealing both Daredevil and Deadpool, or Matt and Wade as Jason should probably start calling them. Clearly they would be sticking around for a little while.

They were both carrying many a grocery bag. Okay, so they had obviously gotten more than just milk.

“I would never get into trouble!” Deadpool- Wade continued, looking extremely offended through his mask.

It was then he realized that Wade was still in full costume, covered from head to toe. Matt, at least, had changed into normal clothes. Normal clothes that were Jason’s clothes, but whatever.

“I am a trouble- hey, what’s the opposite of magnet?”

“He tried to rob the store but I made sure to leave enough.” Matt said dryly, immediately contradicting Wade’s declaration.

Peter laughed, shaking his head in fond amusement. Jason didn’t find it so funny and his face must have said so.

“Oh fix your face, you hypocrite. Like Mr. Duffel Bags of Heads over here has the moral high ground on attempted robbery.” Peter said lightly, laughing again when Jason narrowed his eyes playfully.

“Hey!” Jason squawked, only slightly offended but playing it up, if only to make Peter laugh again.

“Don’t worry! Matty here would protect me from the big bad government if I was arrested!” Wade said brightly, setting a gallon of the aforementioned strawberry milk on the table with a loud thud.

“No I wouldn’t.” Matt retorted quietly, sitting himself down at the table with a small nod to Peter in thanks.

“He’s just kidding. Such a joker!” Wade laughed, sitting next to Matt and throwing an arm over his shoulder and clearly leaning a lot of his weight onto the other man. Matt stiffened, looking distinctly put out, but didn’t move or order Wade to get off of him. No, instead he seemed rather resigned to his current position.

Such a strange duo, they didn’t really make any sense as friends… though, Jason really wasn’t one to talk about unconventional relationships.

“Jay, come sit down.” Peter said warmly, patting the spot next to him. It was then that Jason realized he was the only one still standing. Jason rushed to comply, sitting down and grasping one of Pete’s hands in his own.

“And Wade, stop antagonizing Matt.” Peter ordered, sounding the same as when he was lecturing Peppa. Wade pouted but did as he was asked, removing his arm.

Instead of continuing to mess with Matt, the man seemed to decide to fixate on Peter. He tilted his head and bit his lip through his mask. “Oooh, me likey! Talk Daddy to me.” Wade cooed, leaning across the table towards Peter.

Jason bit his lip so hard that he almost yelped and Peter actually did yelp as Jason squeezed his hand unconsciously. Quickly releasing him with a quiet apology, Jason leveled a stern glare towards Wade. “Mine.” He bit out simply.

Peter flushed as his side, looking bashful all of the sudden as he nibbled his lip. “Wade’s just joking, Jay.” He tried, sounding hesitant.

“Yeah, well, it’s not funny.” Jason replied, keeping his glare on Wade who seemed to grow more delighted by the second.

“I approve.” Matt said firmly, nodding towards Peter and Jason like his approval had any bearing on…

Peter’s shoulders slumped slightly in relief, a smile growing to replace the withdrawn one from seconds before. Matt’s lips twitched at Peter’s reaction but he didn’t say anything else, turning to fill his plate and start eating.

“Well, not that anyone cares!” Wade whined childishly. “But I also approve! His antihero origin story is just angsty enough for little ol’ traumatized you. I vote he joins Team Red.” He said, wiggling his brows.

Jason almost groaned aloud at that. He did not need Peter to start this whole thing again. For nearly two years there, he had repeatedly begged Jason to ‘join Team Red’ even when Team Red itself didn’t even technically exist. Now that it was sitting at his dining room table…

Peter grinned, eyes crinkling. “Good luck convincing him. I’ve already tried that.” He said, winking when Jason did groan.

“I’ll just do what I did with Matty, here!” Wade chirped, nodding decisively.

“What did you do with Matt?” Jason asked warily, speaking calmly to Wade for the first time that morning.

“Relentlessly stalked me until I agreed.” Matt answered, voice a tired drawl. Then he tilted his head towards Wade. “Not sure you’ll have enough time for that here, Wilson.”

Wade’s face brightened to an almost alarming degree, as though it were a challenge. Jason kinda wanted to run away and hide.

Luckily, the ding of a text message interrupted the conversation. Jason looked down, fishing his phone out of his pocket and seeing Bab’s contact appear on his screen.

Barbie: Come to the Cave. Bring your guests.

He looked back up to find all three other men staring at him with varying levels of curiosity.

“Babs has news.” He said slowly, watching them all perk up and harden simultaneously. “We’ve been summoned to the Cave.”

Breakfast was quickly forgotten, though he noticed Peter sadly eyeing the pancakes.

Wade gasped dramatically, losing the tiny bit of solemnity he’d had, even if just for a moment. He pressed his hands to his cheeks in some theatric version of excitement. “We’re going to the na-na, na-na, na-na, na-na, na-na, na-na, na-na, na-na- Batcave!?!” He sang cartoonishly, bouncing up and down now too.

Matt snickered, seemingly unable to help it. Jason only rolled his eyes. What was that anyway?

Then Peter giggled, snorted, and promptly burst into full on hysterical laughter. He braced himself against the table, absolutely heaving for breath. Jason turned to him with an unimpressed expression, receiving only a shrug in response. He fought a small smile at Peter’s continued mirth, stubbornly holding onto his irritation.

“Yes.” He answered Wade matter-of-factly, ignoring whatever the hell that was. Weird ass fucking universe.

Could this day just be over already?

Chapter Text

After helping Peter put all of the breakfast food into tupperware containers and putting them in the fridge to save for later, they all piled into the car and headed towards the Manor.

Jason did his best to ignore to two in the back as he drove, free hand held tightly in Peter’s own. It was harder than it sounded, at least in Wade’s case. Matt stayed mostly quiet, just looking down at his hands as they drove.

In just under fifteen minutes they were passing through the waterfall entrance and screeching to a stop in one of the parking bays. Dick and Tim were waiting for them, standing over to the side as he watched them exit the car.

Jason sighed, putting his hands in his pockets as he watched Matt calmly get out of the car, holding a cane with stiff fingers, and then watched Wade practically fall out of the car, already muttering nonsense under his breath as he looked around the Cave in awe.

Peter came around the other side of the car, tucking himself under Jason’s arm and putting one hand in his back pocket.

Wade gave a loud wolf-whistle but didn’t actually comment on the action. Huh, it seemed even Wade could be distracted into being less annoying.

Matt came to stand at Peter’s other side, leaning over slightly as he spoke. “There are live bats on the ceiling. Hundreds of them.” He said quietly, merely an observation.

“Yes.” Peter nodded, shivering in distaste as he narrowed his eyes upwards.

Jason’s lips twitched with suppressed laughter. Ever since Peppa had told them she was scared of bats, Peter had quite the grudge. Jason rolled his eyes at both of them, the little scaredy cats.

“You can hear them from here?” Tim asked curiously, perking up and looking away from his tablet. “Peter mentioned you had hearing like his. What is the range on that? Have you tested-“

“Woah, Timmy!” Peter took a step towards Tim, waving his hand. “Slow down there, cowboy. He doesn’t even know who you are.”

“Timothy Jackson Drake-Wayne, CEO of Wayne Enterprises, and the vigilante Red Robin.” Matt dropped casually, tilting his head towards Jason’s brother. “We’ve done our research on this universe.”

Peter’s nose scrunched up and he muttered something under his breath. “…wish…could…things… fucking easier.”  He cut off, inhaling deeply to calm himself. “Well I guess he does know who you are.” He cleared his throat. “But don’t go trying to run any tests on him without his consent.”

Tim opened his mouth, eye brows furrowed in clear question.

“No coercing, blackmailing, or any other kind of threats.” Peter said firmly, cutting off whatever Tim was about to ask.

Tim, who slumped, pouting. “You’re so boring.” He retorted, crossing his arms with a huff.

Peter rolled his eyes, snickering. “Wow, you’re so creative.” Then he turned to Dick, eyes narrowing and laughter tapering off. “Where is my daughter?” He asked dryly, watching him with a narrow eyed glare.

“Yeah Dickie. Where’s our girl?” Jason watched curiously for an answer. He smiled as Dick gulped. He’d never really stopped being intimidated by Peter. It was hilarious.

“She’s fine!” Dick assured them hurriedly. “She’s upstairs with Alfie!”

Peter relaxed, folding himself back into Jason’s side. “Good.” He nodded, smiling once more. “Now tell us why we’re here.”

“Wow. Petey’s scary now.” Wade whispered loudly. When they all turned to him with differing looks on their faces, he smiled brightly. “I fucking love it!”

Peter sighed, clearly entertained, before turning back to Dick and Tim without saying a word. He raised a brow, silently indicating that they answer his previous question.

Tim nodded, tucking his tablet under his arm. “Follow us.” He said, walking towards the main section of the Cave, where the computers were. “Babs was able to pick up some chatter about a new kingpin in town.”

Jason watched as Peter, Matt, and Wade all had simultaneous reactions of disgust and anger of varying degrees. Peter’s nose scrunched up and his brows furrowed. Matt’s lip curled into a snarl, hands clenching into fists. And Wade, he was actually growling out loud, stroking the guns strapped to his hips.

“Fucking asshole.” Peter snapped, shaking his head. He looked up at Tim pleadingly. “Please tell me we have a location.”

Tim’s lips turned down and then his face went blank, hiding smoothly behind one of his many masks. “Not yet.” He answered slowly, wincing when Wade let out a violent sting of curses. “But we will.” He said assuredly, leading them further into the Cave.

Wade muttered something uncomplimentary under his breath.

Dick’s eyes darted over towards the insane mercenary, smiling reassuringly. “Hey, don’t worry. People weren’t talking to you because they didn’t know you. They trust us. We will get a location soon enough.”

Peter ducked out from under Jason, taking a few steps backwards until he was side by side with Wade. “I pinky promise they are telling the truth.” He said, holding out his pinky with a crooked grin on his face.

Wade’s steps faltered and his head snapped towards Peter. He stared hard for a few very long seconds, Peter matching his gaze. Then, he slowly held out his pinky, linking it with Peter’s. He waved their hands up and down and then his shoulders slumped, chin dropping to his chest. “We need to find her, Petey Pie. If we don’t, I will fucking-“

Jason’s chest ached in sudden sympathy for the man, remembering clearly for the first time that this was Wade’s daughter that had been taken. He certainly wouldn’t be as… calm… as Wade was if he were to be put in the man’s situation. He wasn’t even really sure that Peter would be.

“We will.” Peter cut Wade off, grabbing his fists as he went to reach for his guns again. “We will find her. They need her alive, okay? And she’s strong. She’ll be alright. We’ve got her. You can trust me, remember? Well I trust them.” He said, gesturing towards Tim, Dick, and Jason.

Wade nodded slowly, taking a deep breath and leaning into Peter. He pressed his forehead against Peter’s shoulder, arms dangling limply. “I missed you, Spidey.” He whispered, voice surprisingly shaky.

Peter gave a tremulous smile, eyes shining with tears. “I missed you too, Pool.” His eyes darted towards Matt, who was watching from beside Jason. “And you too, hornhead.”

“Thanks.” Matt said sarcastically. “I really appreciate that.”

“Why are you standing in the middle of the walkway?” Damian asked shortly, crossing his arms as he watched them with judgement. “You are here for a reason.

“Sorry Dami.” Peter laughed, moving forward to link his arm with Damian’s. “Pit stop for a small emotional moment. Lead the way.”

The younger man gave a little harrumph but did as requested, leading them in place of Tim who had been distracted by his tablet during the ‘emotional moment’.

Peter and Damian chatted quietly as they walked. Jason caught only caught snippets of what they were saying, but not nearly enough to understand the conversation flying back and forth between them.

Dick sidled up next to Jason, eyeing Matt curiously. “So, how was last night?” He whispered, like that helped anything.

Jason side eyed his brother in annoyance as he watched Peter stiffen and Matt tilt his head. “It was fine.” He replied quietly, watching as Peter’s shoulders lost some of the tension in them and he went back to talking to Damian. “How was last night for you and the girls?”

“Yeah!” Peter called back, clearly listening to their conversation like Jason thought he was. “How was your night with the girls? Why didn’t you tell me you’d be at the Manor? We made Pep think she wasn’t going to be seeing us for a while.”

Dick cringed, scratching his chin nervously. “It, uh, slipped my mind?” He waved his hands as if to ward off any more questions. “Peppa was fine, she and the girls played princess tea party with Steph and Wally.”

“Your worries are completely unwarranted. Your daughter is formidable, she would be perfectly fine without the both of you.” Damian said firmly, a smirk curling at the corner of his mouth.

Jason’s mouth dropped open, despite knowing that the little shit was making a joke.

Peter sputtered dramatically, eyes darting to stare at Damian. “Wha- you- I-“ He cut off, shaking his head with a sigh. “You know what, thanks Dami.”  He said, voice filled with humor as he ruffled the younger man’s hair.

It was Damian’s turn to sputter, batting Peter’s hands away.

Jason rolled his eyes. “Walk, people!” He ordered, interrupting the conversation. “We have places to be.”

“Yuperoos! Let’s meet the rest of the Batfamily! I’ve got a goddamn daughter to save and a couple of assholes to fucking eviscerate.” Wade said cheerfully, nodding firmly in agreement and looking like he might actually lose it if they stopped to talk again.

Understandably.