Chapter Text
“Kitten,” a soft purr comes from behind them. They both turn, a smile lighting up on Neal’s face as he does so. A genuine, soft, loving smile that Peter had never seen before on Neal’s face. Not even for Kate.
Behind them is a woman in a black armored catsuit with clawed gloves and a cowl with cat ears and goggles.
Catwoman. The master thief who was wanted for dozens, if not hundreds, of heists. Catwoman is here, and Neal is smiling at her with familiarity. Neal and Catwoman know one another.
Damnit, Neal .
There’s a soft smile on her face, an almost loving smile, same as Neal’s.
Please tell me that Neal didn’t sleep with Catwoman .
Though, the next word out of Neal’s mouth was almost worse than if he had. It called for a hell of a lot more paperwork, that’s for sure.
“Mom,” Neal’s eyes shine.
Peter’s eyes almost pop out of his skull, “Mom?!” he shouts. Neal barely acknowledges him, instead going to hug Catwoman (his mother!) who smiles softly and pulls Neal down to press a maternal kiss to his forehead.
“You look good,” she starts softly, almost sadly. “You look happy.”
Neal smiles again, yet this one is slightly sad and broken. It’s as though he doesn’t want to admit something that he knows will hurt her. “I am, Mom,” he finally admits. “I’m happy here, working with Peter. He’s one of the good ones,” they both lightly laugh.
She hums, “Good. I’m glad that you’re happy. We miss you, but all any of us have ever wanted for you, any of you, is to be happy. Safe.” She pulls him down again to press another light kiss to his forehead. After letting him go, she abruptly turns towards Peter, any softness leaving her.
“Take care of him, Peter Burke,” she demands.
Peter nods, “I planned to,” he responds to the mother cat.
“Good,” she moves towards her exit. “I’ll see you around, Kitten,” she whispers towards Neal before swiftly disappearing.
Peter immediately rounds on Neal, expectant. Neal sighs, “we can talk in the car. We need to get back to the office.”
Peter nods and follows Neal to the car, making sure Neal can’t skip the conversation.
Five minutes of silence follow, five uncomfortably silent minutes, before Neal starts to explain. “That was my mother. Yes, one of her aliases is Catwoman. No, I am not giving you her ID. We don’t share a last name, so knowing my name will not help you find hers. She is my mom. She had never, and will never, force me to do anything, including committing a crime. I promise you that.”
“And what? Is your father Batman?” Peter asks sarcastically.
Neal laughs, “It’s complicated. Please, leave it.”
“Fine,” Peter finally replies. “I’ll leave it, for now. If you come to dinner with El and me to explain to us more about your family.”
Neal nods, “It’s difficult to explain, but deal.”