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Chapter Text

The air had been thick with smoke and the smell of burnt flesh, Toomes was unconscious and was bleeding somewhere Peter couldn't pin point. The plane that carried alien tech along with cargo that belonged to the Avengers all laid destroyed, some were actively being burned whilst others were in pieces. Peter was on his back trying to get as much air as he could, his 'uniform' was beyond repair that he knew for sure.

'This is bad, really bad'  the panic was starting to settle in, the police would be here any minute now and if his Parker luck is anything to go by he bets that at least one of the Avengers would show up to personally investigate, after all everything considered confidential to them would be revealed to the public. That in itself is bad. The night despite the plumes of smoke rising up was still beautiful, the sky was dotted with stars some more visible than others. Just as he was about to rest he felt a disturbance on the sand almost as if it doesn't want to be discovered.

His heart spiked up from the anxiety quickly he rose up from where he laid then with the help from the fire and smoke he made sure to remain invincible from whoever was making their way to him. Before he left decided to leave a note, was that stupid? Maybe but he can't help it because a part of him will always feel the need to explain everything. Just as he was about to leave the person had now started to run towards him but Peter had already shot his web and by the time he was in the air the person was nothing but a dot.

That was nearly a month ago now and unsurprisingly people were still talking about the incident. And who wouldn't? It's not everyday that someone had the balls to steal high tech from one of the most powerful people in the world. Ever since that has happened a lot of mutants were now being screened because the Avengers wanted to know who is the person behind the mask. Peter had then decided that he would lay low and not go after major criminals because he now had put a target on his back and it was searing into him.

''Sup dude'' it was Ned his best friend since middle school ''everything okay? You kinda spaced out during English.''

''Yeah I'm fine'' He was not fine but his friend didn't need to know that. They were making their way to the cafeteria when they  were stopped by Liz Allen she was talking to her mom just when she is about to follow her out she spots them. Peter doesn't know what to say accept that he's sorry for how things turned out, Ned sensing that he was hesitating decides to initiate the conversation ''You're really leaving?''

Liz fiddles with the front of her sweater ''Yea um, staying here isn't good for me anymore or so my mom says but...she's kinda right''

''I'm sorry!'' Peter blurts out ''Liz I-

''Forget it Peter I just, whatever you got going on with you I don't think I want to know.''

His gut twists a little at that the look on her face tells him that she's hurt but more so angry, at him? most likely. ''Look I'm sorry for blowing you off at the dance and just being an overall shitty person''

''Yeah well that's in the past so. I gotta go''

''Where are you going?'' Ned intervenes

At that she seems to tear up a little, to distract herself she clears her voice ''Oregon, mom says the air's better over there''

''Liz I..I..''

''Goodbye Peter, bye Ned''

And just like that she walks away, Peters first crush slips away from him and what's left of her is her perfume that lingers taunting him. Ned puts a hand on his shoulder squeezing it lightly a show of comfort. The bell rings signifying the end of recess but to Peter it kind of feels like a chapter of his life has just concluded.

Tim wishes that his mood matched the weather today but being in a board meeting rarely had him in happy spirits. Gotham for the first time in weeks had a clear sky the sun was shining down on everything as if to purge the city of every impurity it possessed although it would be useless because this city had evil in every crevice and crack. Some may say that the city lived for it or rather died for it.

Andrew Mayors has now hit the 15 minute mark with his droning, Tim had started making a game out of how long each board member would be able to relay information without making him bored and so far the one that's leading is Kyle Davenport with Mr. Mayors here coming in at a very close second. Not being able to bear it any longer he straightens his back and raises his hand and Mayors immediately stops. 

Tim could see him starting to get nervous and some part of him feels proud of that. 'Good'. He had worked his ass off to get the respect he deserved, every sacrifice and disappointment all had built up to this very moment, the very thing he had dreamed about ever since he was a kid. Respect and power go a very long way and without those two what's the point?

''Sir?'' 

''I've heard enough for today, everyone out'' they began to move quickly making their way out, Mayors unfortunately couldn't make it out fast enough. Tim zeroed in on him ''Except for you Mayors, I need to have a chat with you''.

The other board members looked on with pity, everyone in the Wayne building knew that if you stepped out of line you will be dealt with and it seems that Davenport did exactly that. Mr. Wayne has very particular rules that everyone should follow

Rule number one: be punctual

Rule number two: Know your work material

and rule number three, the most important one: Never bore Tim Drake-Wayne

It may seem like such a silly rule but in the cut throat cooperate world one needed to be quick with their words and numbers. Andrew Mayors often forgets that and it has seems that the Wayne heir has ran out of leniency.  Tim took his time gathering his thoughts, he carefully ran through different scenarios on how this would go. Right now a part of him wanted to make Mayors an example of what not to do however seeing how scared the man was he knew he had to go easy on him I mean the man was his 60s the poor guy looks minutes away from having a heart attack.

''Sit''

without hesitation the man sat down, a drop of sweat rolled down the back of his neck ''Mr. Wayne I was jus-''

''No'' Tim's eyes snapped to Mayors, glaring at him ''Never speak when I haven't given you feedback, do you understand?'' Mayors furiously nodded his head.

''Do you remember when I changed your position from being a CFO to a COO? I did that because I knew you had potential, I knew that you would be someone who would be able to move the needle however lately you have been disappointing me and you know I don't like to be disappointed''

Tim watched as Mayors eyes grew wide in fear, from an outsiders perspective it would look like a predator that has just caught its prey in a corner. Tim had been wanting to replace Mayors anyways, he was holding Wayne industries back. Every person who knew about Wayne industries knew that it had impeccable standards one that many others wanted to imitate but could never reach it.

''And so as of today you, Andrew mayors''

''No please sir, Mr. Wayne don't do this to me''

''will be relieved of your duties effective immediately all of the privilege's that came with the position will be revoked as of today. That will be all''

And just like that Tim had successfully crushed another mans dreams under his custom Armani shoes. He didn't feel bad per say but he knows that in the late hours of the night his consciousness would torture him but he had long found a way around it, from drinking expensive wines to cracking unsolvable cases he knew that by the time he had to sleep his brain would simply be too tired to bother him and that's the way he likes it.

''Any movement from your side?''

''Nothing so far, but they're bound to come out now, they know that they can't hide forever" Natasha whispered into the comms. They were currently in Siberia doing a little recon but one thing led to another and now they have four SHEILD agents trapped, Clint had insisted on going with her under the false pretense of wanting to catch up, 'For old times sake' Yeah right!

The truth is he was worried about her the last couple of months have been a little tense, Tony and Steve have been at each others throats ever since the Sokovia accords had been put in place. Most people didn't know this but Natasha was in fact a super soldier just not the kind that Barnes and Steve were. She had abilities, ones that she preferred not to disclose to anyone except for the very few she trusts which were Clint and her sister Yelena. When she saw that Vigilante all those weeks ago she had been shocked, because one she had thought that she was the only that had arachnid blood in her and two the fear of the Red Room being active again.

Just the name itself brought back so many painful memories that it physically hurt sometimes. She shook her head willing the bad thoughts away.

''Two agents are making their way out to your right'' Clint's voice sounded crisp a stark contrast to the frigid cold and snow. From where she was she could see him, his bow was posed ready to deliver a guarantied kill. Natasha took her gun from the holster that was strapped to her thigh and with a deep breath she positioned it straight ahead right onto the agents head and pulled the trigger. The sound echoed throughout the open space, birds flew away and for a moment everything was still until it wasn't.

Chapter Text

Both teams had decided that the most neutral place to meet up would be in Monte Carlo, Monaco. At first it would be a weird choice for such a location, why would a bunch of battle hardened heroes meet up at a playground built for rich pricks with too much money on their hands. The simple answer for that would be that Tony Stark had secretly purchased the Monte Carlo Casino at that time he had been young and stupid, Obadiah had told him that such a frivolous purchase would not look good for the company however since he had been a bachelor at that time he had oh so graciously told him to 'Fuck off' But as many things go with him the news broke out and many reporters and stakeholders had been confused by it although at that time no one batted an eye to it since it had been typical for him to pull off such stunts.

Slowly over the years many millionaires and billionaires trickled in, curious on what changes the young Stark would bring and boy oh boy were they surprised because every game one could think of was available although that wasn't what shocked many, Oh no, for every major win each person had the chance to take home a Howard Stark invention! How was that for a surprise. From then on the casino was then renamed the Stark Casino with enthusiastic permission from the previous owner, the casino had managed to rack up a large sum that was used ( By Tony's 'generosity') to not only rebuild Monaco into the haven it is now but to build his own mansion on the outskirts of the tiny country.

On any other occasion Tony would be happy to be back in the country he practically built however after the last recent events things have been...sour. Steve had been at his throat for the past few weeks because ever since that fucking guy named Toomes hijacked their plane they have been receiving non-stop complaints from both the media and the Justice League.

''What the hell was that Tony'' his voice had dropped into a near growl, nose flaring and eyes focused solely on him. Steve. was. pissed. Which takes a lot for a person to do but it seems that whenever they were together Steve just seems to get angry very quickly.

''I did what was necessary, c'mon you know that''

''oh really I know that huh? Why the hell was there alien tech in that plane!? Care to explain that? Because right now I'm getting phone calls from the goddam Batman himself requesting a meeting''

Tony had rolled his eyes, big mistake on his part because Steve looked about ready to punch the ever loving shit outta him. To try and fix the situation he said'' Never took you for the type to be scared of the big bad Batman, look that Alien tech I had was meant for us because I intended to study it alright...and then afterwards I might've told the Leagures of it, just for formalities really''

Steve had let out a long sigh, hands at his hips tired of Tony's bullshit. For years he had been by his side cleaning up his mess but now? He was done, he was going to let him explain himself to the others and he was going to fix this very big problem because he was tired of him, tired of the secrets and lies.

The plane had just landed when he got a phone call from one Rhodey, his long time friend and confidant. ''Hey Tony, are you in Monaco?'' ''Uh yeah just landed matter of fact, hey can you do me a favor?''

''Uh oh, usually when you ask me for favor it always ends horribly''

Tony rolled his eyes at that I mean technically he wasn't wrong but still, couldn't the guy have some faith in him? ''Oh c'mon when I have I ever endangered your life? Wait don't answer that'' On the other side of the line he could hear Rhodey chuckle at what he had said, god he could picture him shaking his head before sighing at him. The thing that makes their friendship so special is their mutual understanding of who they are and what they can do or say to each other without risking an argument, why? because they get each other. He can't say the same thing with Steve.

Rhodey had excused himself from a meeting he was currently in, he went straight to the empty balcony and made sure to lock the door behind him. Truth be told ever since news broke out of the Avengers supposedly 'hording' alien technology he hadn't gotten any rest. As a sort of mediator between the Avengers and the many politicians that are currently gunning for the superheroes in general. Sometimes when the atmosphere is quite and he has time to himself he often wonders what life could have been like if Tony never told the world that he was Iron man.

He would like to think that his life would be less hectic, less looking over your shoulder. Yet he knows that there is nothing he could do and reminiscing about the past is futile at best and so he looks forward. ''Look if it means I get to get out of this meeting I'm down for it.''

''I- wait really?''

''Yes, besides if you need me to do your work why would I pass up that chance? Just means you owe me for anything I would want''

''Of course you would say that'' Tony sighed for what he felt was the millionth time that day '' I need you to do a background check on Adrian Toomes, something tells me he may know that what he lets on''

''You think he may lead us to that vigilante?''

''It's not that I think that, I know he would''.

''Alright I'll do that, I will keep you updated. See you later''

''Yea sure'' Before Tony could hang up Rhodes followed up with his very famous words that he has been hearing since his college days of being an all round jackass. ''Don't do anything to piss anyone off okay? And I mean it this time''

''Bye Rhodes''.

The meeting room was cold, devoid of any color all hard edges and sharp angles. If it had been any other time Dick would have cracked a joke or two however recent events have left him beyond pissed and he is not the only one Bruce had been beyond angry when he found out that the Avengers had somehow gained the upper hand and ever since he has been obsessing over any information on alien tech that could be in New York. Any time Dick wanted to know exactly why it had affected him he would dismiss him or just ignore him entirely. 

Clark and Diana were at a corner discussing something and from where he stood he could tell it was serious, Clarks' shoulders were tense and stance rigid whereas Diana looked so sure of herself, I mean why wouldn't she be? She is is literally a demigod!

Barry was out to 'Check out the perimeter' which was a fucking lie because the only time he went 'out' was when he needed a quick smoke (something many of the League members didn't know about him). Dick used the little time he had to look around the room and saw a redheaded figure headed his way along with a blonde, 'The infamous Black Widow and Golden boy Captain America'. If you were to ask him which other heroes he admired outside of his own circle it would probably be them and for different reasons.

When he was younger he had stories about Captain America, as a kid he was convinced that the man was more or less an urban legend, one that was meant to inspire a sort of American pride. At that time he was still lived at the circus however when such a man like Steve Rogers having existed it was hard to escape the stories of him. If you were someone who didn't know him well lets just say that many people would look at you weird. When news broke out of Captain America being alive again after being trapped in ice for 70 years he. was. beyond ecstatic. That day holds a very special moment in his memories.

Black Widow...man what a character. He had learnt about her when he had gotten word of Slade becoming a sort of mentor for the Red Room. At that time he had no idea what the fuck that was until he did. After a series of trials and unnecessary  hardships he met Black Widow who would later be Natasha. If he could describe their relationship he would say that in front of others it was cordial at best but  when no one is around? It could be likened to an Aunt and nephew relationship or in some situations a sibling one. He had found comfort in her presence, he felt that he doesn't need to be so...guarded.

''Nightwing, good to see you'' Captain America flashed him a smile, handshake firm with confidence a slight danger 'classic intimidation tactic, a little amateur but whatever' Dick returned the handshake with smile ''Cap, always a pleasure to see you'' he quickly let go hand slightly numb from that death grip he was in. He turned to Natasha and said '' Black Widow'' she nodded towards him a slight smirk graces her faces.

''Are the others coming in'' Batman gruffs out, clearly annoyed. 'Fuck is wrong with him?' 

''Yea the others are coming''

The doors to the meeting room open and lo and behold there comes in Tony wearing his signature band tee under his blazer with jeans, his sunglasses covers his eyes however it doesn't do much to hide the fact that he. looks. tired. 

'Good he should be tired, he should feel the weight of is betrayal'  from the corner of his eyes Dick swears he could Clarks eyes twitch from annoyance.

''All I want to know is how the hell a fucking civilian was able to not only get their hands on alien tech nevertheless make a business out of that!'' Green Lantern was beyond angry. You see when he caught news of how Chitauri weapons were left on earth and was being used in the black market he had flown straight from Ooa to here. He barely had any time to himself before he barreled through the meeting room as his eyes zeroed in on the Avengers.

Natasha hadn't said a word yet, she knew that anything she would say would set the Green Lantern would set him off and right now what they needed was a solution. Truth be told the treaty between the Justice League and Avengers had always been fragile at best, both teams still held onto their secrets and no one from either side would ever want to share that. Batman's contingencies and Tony's Ultron project had exposed the very big elephant in the room.

So of course it was a bout time until a repeat of that happened however for something like that to happen so soon? Just when they were all in agreement that they planned on taking on certain positions within the military and the American government. It had been a long time coming anyway since the influx of genetically enhanced people many of those that operated the health and defense sector were at a severe disadvantage. Plans had been made the only parts left were to select those that would be capable of handling the job.

Tony's irresponsibility however was hindering the process, the latest stint he had pulled was not helping the teams image at all with the public. That is why everyone is so pissed. 

 Natasha chimed in ''Perhaps not all is lost, we could fabricate a story and tell the public that one of the leaders of the Marines had been pressuring Tony and when he wouldn't give in he decided to take matters into his own hands by hiring someone else to do his dirty job. Clean cut, no fuss and when that person takes the fall we could either throw him in the Raft or just kill him, problem solved''

''But this has been happening for years,'' Flash said eyes flitting over each member.

''We could just say that Toomes had already been doing his thing until our scapegoat offered to fund him for more alien tech''. The room was silent everybody lost in their own thoughts the plan actually could work out that is if they find the right candidate. Tony's mind was racing a mile a minute already devising a plan on the how's, whos and when's.

''I already have someone in mind the guy has been bothersome for a while''

''So great for you to finally chime in, y'know I was wondering if you have suddenly lost you're voice'' Superman drawled out

''Yea well I figured you would miss it blue scout'' he flashes a quick smile his way making sure that his eyes crinkle at the corners 'god I love antagonizing him, he always seems too serious kinda like Cap'. He straightens up from his chair demeanor now changing ''Besides I don't plan on stopping at just framing one person, why not kickstart in weaseling out those that would be difficult? We have everything that we may need and more. I propose that our plans for a takeover starts at least two months from now''

''I agree, everyone start gathering those that could fill in those positions. Meeting dismissed'' With Batmans dismal a new era for America is now ushered in with the public not a where of what just happened.

A couple days had passed since that meeting and when Dick arrived to his apartment all he wanted to do was to toss himself onto his plush bed and sleep for at least a centaury. His mind didn't let him rest though as nightmares plagued his mind, his biggest fears were coming to life and there was nothing much he could do. One of the many things he had learnt was that heroes should never take positions that would allow them to dictate a country nevertheless play god.

Bruce had insisted that he stayed over for the night and knowing him that was never a good idea. Bruce had showed him files of his plans, things that if they were leaked to anyone else would surely cause an uprising. Multiple manila files that detailed how exactly meta humans would be used to advance the medical field. By looking at the suggested methods he knew that if those plans were set in motion none of those people would survive the experiments. He had looked at Bruce trying to find a semblance of the man he once knew but that man was long gone and what replaced him was something far darker.

Currently Dick was going over cold cases, something that always helped him relax since it was familiar and reminded him of when times were simpler. The sun was setting and the rays casted a warm orange hue inside the apartment, the side of Dick's body and hair shone and he is sure that if someone was setting across from him they would tell him that he looked beautiful and with that he would give them an empty smile and say his thanks

He had grown tired of people calling beautiful or worse a pretty boy .

Just as he was about to open another file he heard the click of his front door opening that was followed by heels clicking against the marbled floor. Rolling his eyes he already knew who it was because for as long as he could remember no one walked like Natasha as she walked as if she floated sometimes. Her usual smirk was replaced with grim determination.

''Oh its you'' he carefully placed the folder he was holding onto the waiting pile ''what brings you here? I thought you were on your way to Moscow''

''Change of plans, Steve took my mission said he had some business to attend there''

''Is that so?''

Natasha exhaled slowly ''We need to slow down this whole thing, things are going way too fast. I had thought that the Sokovia Accords would somehow stall this but clearly that isn't working''

Dick's stauture turned rigid ''I know that, I think...if we want to put a stop to this we need to move on to a new plan, one that would actually work''

''Working on that one but that's not what I came here for''

''Of course you didn't'' he rolled his eyes '' What is it you need'' 

'' I need your help in tracking down the vigilante that took  down the Vulture'' 

The room was silent and in its stillness the sun was now burning its last embers of the day leaving the room to be darker, illuminated by the city lights. Thats when the city really woke up. Dick stood up and stalked towards his friend , the only reason why he uses that term loosely was because the infamous Black Widow was sometimes hard to read. Her intentions often flitted from wrong to right.

''Why would you need my help? I would think that your capable in handling it on your own''

''I have reason to believe that it has something to do with the Red Room, ever since I came back from Siberia I've been having these, visions, ones that told me of a past I thought I would never remember, until now that is''

''You do realize that we technically aren't even supposed to be meeting up like this, could cause a big problem''

Natasha scoffed at that ''Oh please, if I  wanted to be caught I would've done so long time ago, now are you going to help me or not?''

''Sure, on the condition that you start telling me everything I need to know about this Red Room and I meant it Nat, no bullshitting okay?''

''Of course what type of friend would I be?''

Chapter Text

There was a faint sound that came from the small TV mounted at the top. The diner was occupied by the early birds and those that had a really rough night who wanted some respite from the chaos.

"Yes, anything you might need sir?" The waitress had a pastel yellow dress over a white apron, her hair was in an updo that seem to be seconds away from tumbling down.

"Could you turn the TV up I wanna hear what the news is about"

"Sure! Anything else?"

"No that will be all" the man was currently nursing a small bruise with a glass of cold coke whilst trying to eat his fries that were a little too soft for his liking.

The volume was now louder and the words of the news reporter was clearer

"And now onto more pressing matters, multiple protests have been happening around parts of Washington and New York. Mutants also known as meta humans are demanding for a change to happen against the Sokovia accords"

The screen cuts to show the many protests that had gathered by the Abraham Lincoln museum. There was a man who stood on a make shift podium.

He had golden eyes and teeth too sharp to be normal. He spoke into the megaphone and said "For too long we have been discriminated against and have continued to experience the brutality from both the people and police"

People cheered "And I say no more! We as mutants demand an audience with senator Ross and to plead our case to him"

The news anchor was shown again and the man swore he saw a bead of sweat roll down the side of her forehead.
"A statement has not been issued by the government or by the Avengers however it is expected that something will be said in the near future"

Hearing what he needed to, the man put the glass down then put the full amount on the counter then left out into the frigid morning. The sun was peaking through the horizon.

Tim didn't put much expectation when Bruce decided to send him to New York. His mission was simple. 1) investigate how and where the chitauri weapons were found and how they were formed and 2) find the identity of the vigilante and bring them to him.

He was very specific with the vigilante one. On his way there he had the reviewed the little information that was given to him on the mysterious person. So far he theorized that this person must be at least in their early twenties, an athletic and probably is a mutant, one with spider abilities.

He personally found the spider part of the person intriguing and if he had the time he would've personally see to it that he got every information he could get and then some more.

It took at least an hour to make it to the apartment and by the time he got ready to open up his laptop to begin the sun had long set which only left the cacophony of city noise.

In a way it felt like Gotham but cleaner? Where there was supposed to be gargoyles and exposed brick is replaced by steel, glass and the over arching hope of a promised tomorrow.

"Peter! You still coming over today?" The cafeteria was busy as always but today felt a little bit more. Ned had said that he was imagining it but Peter knew better

"Yea of course man, do you still have that lego set?"

"Of course I do anyways I was thinking that instead of-" his friends talking instantly became white noise as his spider sense picked up a change in the atmosphere, it felt wrong.

Subtly he looked around but found nothing amiss. Clearing his voice he said "ah yea how about I just walk with you back to your place? That way there's more time and we can just do our homework together"

Perking up at that Ned grinned "yeah dude that's awsome"

As always the schools day ended and the doors opened to let out disgruntled students. From the distance Natasha could make out who she wanted to interrogate.

He looked no older than fifteen with waves brown hair and lithe figure the boy looked a bit bland almost like he wanted to blend in.

He was talking to another student probably his friend both talked animatedly with wild gestures coming mainly from the shorter boy.

They turned the corner not realizing that they were being followed.

Natasha made sure to wear something inconspicuous and so she wore jeans with sneakers and a long sleaved shirt. Her bright red hair was tucked into a cap.

When Clint saw her ensemble he laughed at her because fucking hell it was so shitty that it worked.

"Oh and dude they just released new merch and we gotta check it out"

"You serious?" Peter knew that he was being followed because he senses have not been able to calm down and he was doing everything in his power to not freak out.

His plan was to act normal until they reached the bodega. They is a secret pathway that leads to a secluded spot and that's where he will tell Ned that they ate being followed.

Of course in his stellar plan he hopes that his friend would not freak out much but he knows better.

The bell chimed signaling their entrance and my god did Peter's heart drop to his stomach because in front of him was Black Widow eating a sandwich, his sandwich, the one he orders and loves so much.

Ned's jaw was dropped and he began to tap him insistantly "Dude, dude it's, your Balck Widow?"

Natasha allowed a small smile to grace her features. To be honest she found the whole thing hilarious the poor boy looked she'll shocked whilst the other was in complete awe.

"Hey boys, how's it going?"

Chapter Text

"Yes Bruce it's the same as last time. No I haven't found anything yet, and I will it's just that thus person has done a really good job at hiding his identity" 

It was the late morning and Tim woke up with a searing headache. He thought eating something would help and it did but not by much. Just when he thought about going back to bed he got a phone call from the last person he wanted to speak to.

Bruce was a very persistent man, and if you get involved in his things he expects you to deliver and go above and beyond what you are capable of.

When he was younger he never liked it but it's not like he could complain because in the end he would not have achieved if it wasn't for Bruce's persistence.

Right now however it was irritating the fuck out of him.

"I need you to work harder the more you stall the closer they are at getting what we want, what we need"

"I'm not!" Sighing he tagged his shoulders and brushed a hand through his shaggy hair, a touch too long for corporate life " I'm trying as best as I can and I know you know that so please just...give me some time okay?"

"I'm giving you a week" with that the call was cut off.

What a dick

Rolling his neck Tim got out of bed and went straight to the bathroom because apparently this case was sooo important.

He decided to wear casual clothes, a rarity in itself. And other person would tell him that he was overworking himself but being a Wayne meant being perfect and so the job never ended.

Grabbing his skateboard, phone, headphones,  wallet and apartment keys he went out into the concrete jungle that was New York.

Skating through it made him forget about his problems just for a while. 

In another life he probably was just an ordinary person that worried about only the mundane such as taxes and getting a good job.

Sometimes when he is alone he fantasies about running away somewhere quiet. Probably a place unexpected like in a village somewhere in Russia or to small town in Wales. Over there Tim would make a living by being a fixer upper of sorts, helping out when he could.

These thoughts are kept tucked away in his mind and has never shared them with anyone, even Conner.

The thought of him made his heart twinge a little, the last time they talked was a year ago when things were okay.

Tim decided to make a pit stop at this small bodega. The letters were in cursive and spelt out Delmar's.

As he entered the doorbell tinkled letting the owner know that there was a new customer. 

He froze as he saw the scene in front of him. There she was looking smug as ever, Natasha Romanov was an enigma and for some reason she has been focused on the two people in front of him until he came.

Her eyes flitted to him and a hint of recognition dawned onto her and just like nothing her focus went back to the boys.

"Pick whatever you like, it's on me"

Since when does she do charity work? And why is she here of all places? 

The irony of that last statement was there because Natasha was probably thinking the same thing.

"Really? Uh thank you so much in that case I'll have the uhhh.." The shorter person broke the silence, unaware of the tension in the little deli.

The other person seemed tense although he doesn't know why he could guess it was because of the Black Widow being in front of them. He understands though, anyone would be scared shirtless if they say the world's deadliest ex KGB spy standing in front of you.

Again that damn smirk would not leave her face and to troll him she seemed to know something he didn't 

Tim has half the mind to go up to her and ask what her deal was but the logical part of him remained where he stood.

"Do you want anything? Perhaps a mountain dew?" 

"No I'm good, I can afford my own, thanks" he replied.

When Natasha finished paying for the boys she went out with the boys to god knows where. For Tim's sanity he hoped that they were just ordinary citizens who were fans of one of the Avengers. 

Snapping at the store clerk "You...what's your most popular food order?" 

Delmar blinked in disbelief that this kid was talking to him with that tone but he relented " Most people go for the Club classic sandwich with a side of Chilli fries"

"I'll have that then, oh and pair that with some Dr Pepper will you"

"Coming right up" Tim swore he could hear a bit of sarcasm in his voice and for a split second he wondered if this man knew who he was or if he simply didn't care.

Though not as famous as the other Wayne's Tim has made a steady climb on the popularity pole. Not that he's bragging or anything.

"Your order, sir. Hope you enjoy your meal." Tim slapped a wad of cash on the counter not caring that the amount was above the price.

"Precite it man"

New York was too bright for his liking, those were one of the first thoughts Dick had when he landed.

His goal was clear, find out more about any possible sleeper agents of the Red Room and eliminate them.

On paper it sounded simple but years of being a vigilante has taught him that it was anything but that. Natasha had sent him possible locations of where they might be hiding.

Dick is still baffled by the fact that she wanted his help but then again he understands why and he was not about to jeopardize it by being an asshole.

He had rented a car, simple and easy to forget. He had packed all the military grade equipment he would need such as long range GPS trackers, small cameras the size of a grape and GSM bugs.

All were gifted to him by a past lover of his of course, he never knew that he was Nightwing and assumed that Dick was a huge fan of anything to do with military history.

"Alright, let's see if you're the real deal. Bruce would kill me if he found out" he muttered to himself.

He quickly set up everything in the suspected house. It seemed that his target went along the classic route of blending in. It was a suburban area you know the kind with white picket fences and kids that play at the front yard.

Maybe the person was fond of the idea of living the simple life.

When everything was set up he left just as how he entered quite with no trace of him being there.Now the waiting begins, he had his work laptop opened and sitting on the passenger seat. Dick knows that his target is bound to come two or three hours from now.

Making himself comfortable he decided to watch a series to pass time.

Tim could not stop thinking about Natasha because even if he didn't want to admit it, she put him on edge he'll the whole Avengers team put him on edge, they were too vague and loose in their ways of doing things.

Before they they overtook the government he was surprised that they were able to operate for so long because the amount of damages and civilian casualties was steep, to this day there are people still missing or orphaned from the destruction of Sokovia.

When the news broadcasted the event most of the Justice League had been off world however when they came back they were beyond furious. Superman had been fuming and nearly leveled a whole city for that.

Then there was the issue of the two boys at the Deli particularly that lanky one. Tim wanted to know more about him specifically.

'What was so special about him?'

Clearly he had something that gained the attention of Black Widow, a difficult feat. Just then it clicked....could he possibly be the vigilante?

'No that would be ridiculous, he looked way too sickly, body a bit too thin and he could not possibly the guy.'

At the back of Tim's mind though he knew that there was something about him that made him interesting.

Mind already planning, Tim made a few arrangements. 

It looks like New York maybe interesting after all. He planned on getting this person's schedule then follow him, he had a hunch and those were rarely wrong.

Mrs Leeds had been absolutely thrilled with having a celebrity in her home even though she scolded Ned for not telling her sooner she had relented.

They all had dinner and Natasha had entertained the Leeds family. They all claimed that she was delightful of course.

Meanwhile Peter was trying not to have a full blown mental breakdown. He now had a headache that wouldn't go away, the food he forced himself to eat all tasted life ash.

He swears that each time he isn't looking Black Widow sneaks a look to him.

When the evening draws to a close Natasha insist on taking Peter home and a part of him dies inside. He already deduced that she had figured out his secret identity and planned on executing him.

The door closed and both were out into the frigid cold of Queens.

"You can relax now"

"What!" He squeaked, terrified out of his mind 

"I just want to talk"

"About what?" She rolled her eyes and began Walking. This is it, he could run away and make sure she doesn't catch up but the chances of her knowing where he lived were high so he sighed and followed her asking sure he was slightly behind in case anything happened.

"So...how long have you been doing this?"

"Doing what?"

"Peter" tone in warning

"Right uhh I've been a vigilante for about three years now, going on my fourth this year"

At that admission Nat was surprised, for him to go on for such a long time. What was even more surprising was how descret.

They had stopped just outside of Peter's apartment, from outside it looked normal, nothing out of the ordinary but each space carried different lives all mundane.

"Listen...me wanting to see you wasn't random. I needed to know..."

"To know what exactly?" 

"That you weren't part of something that I was part of."

'the Red Room, that's what she was referring to'

Peter took a step back shocked at what she had said. The fucking Red Room? Seriously? Gathering his thoughts he asked "So obviously I'm not part of That"

"That I know now"

"Good"

There was an awkward silence until Peter spoke out again.

"What now?"

"Now what you need to do is lay low, don't draw attention to yourself. I'll try to cover your tracks as much as possible"

"Wha-, why are you doing this? Aren't the Avengers and Justice League gonna find out?"

Ahhh naivety, Natasha would be offended if she didn't find his worrying cute.

"Peter I'm the Black Widow and nothing is impossible to me"

And for the first time in a while he felt a tiny glimpse of hope making it's way within him. "Thank you, for doing this but please don't tell anybody else."

Natasha smiled a real smile for the first that  night "Don't mention it".

Chapter Text

It was now dusk and the suspect was only now making his way home. Dick watches as they parked their car at the front and get out of the car, the person was a man and he opted to wear casual clothes and although bland it certainly did the job on making him quite...regular. He looked in shape, maybe in his mid forties with a mustache that remined Dick of a low quality porno. The man subtly looked around trying to see if there were anyone watching before he punched in the code to his house then entered.

From where Dick was parked, he could see the inside of the living room illuminated by a warm light and just as wanted to take a closer look on his laptop that was connected to the tiny camera, he saw someone also make their way to the house. It was a woman and she carried with her a Tupperware she looked a little frazzled but most importantly Dick saw an opportunity. He got out of his car and jogged his way to her.

''Hey there!''

''Oh! Hello, how can I help you?'' 

''Uh well I saw you making your way to John's house and I thought I might help you''

''Help me how?'

''Well you see, Brandon is kinda, how do I put it? He's a bit of a hermit likes to keep to himself and he isn't a fan of meeting new people'' at that the woman deflated, 'god she is painfully naïve'  

''Really? Well I just wanted to give the new neighbours something, you see I just recently moved here and I want to make a good impression.

''Oh? I can understand that since I had moved here about a month ago, so I know my way around here, say what's your name?''

''Ashley Cosgrove and you're?''

''Michael Smith'' and just like that both were making their way too the agents house. One thing Dick can always appreciate about civilians is how easy they are to manipulate, just tell them things they relate too and see how quickly they let their guard down. Every hero has had a crash course on how best to manipulate people and then make them forget you completely and not to be a total pompous ass about it but Dick has been crowned a master at it, it just comes easy for him (the constant lies and misdirection from Bruce helped).

A part of him hopes that Brandon isn't some crazed psycho that kills on site but you never know. He consciously moved in front of her and then with practiced ease he knocks on the door then waits exactly three seconds before the door clicks then opens. Up close Brandon looked good, like really good looking and had it been a different time he may have hooked up and maybe made him a bit of a fling. His eyes were a deep brown but were too dim, something about killing for a living will do that. His hair was shaggy and dry. 

''Can I help you?'' 

Dick spoke first voice a bit too chirpy ''Hey man, remember that you invited me for game night? Also I brought a friend''

The man across from him looked pissed but chose to not say much he nodded 'good, he knows there's a civilian'  Brandon opened his door wider and stepped aside and like the good host he was about to be he smirked ''Oh yeah how could I forget? Come right in I hope you wouldn't mind of the mess I completely forgot work has been a bitch lately''

Both nodded in understanding and Dick for the life of him tried to not laugh out because this stupid plan of his was actually working. Contrary to popular belief he sometimes prefers to go with the flow depending on how difficult the mission would be of course. He knew Brandon had a thing for keeping civilians safe he did too but the other guy took to a whole new level. He wonders if it had anything to do with his past. Ashley handed Brandon the Tupperware unaware of the tension that was building

''Sorry I just had to come here, you see I'm new here and well I had been taught that it would be rude not to  introduce myself to others. I made a casserole I hope you like it?'' She sounded unsure of herself

''uh yea thank you for this...say how do you two feel about aged red wine and Italian food?'' Like hook line and sinker they were let into the house.

They were three wine glasses in when Dick excused himself from them to use the bathroom. The night had went from frigid pleasantries to out right treating each other like they were long lost best friends pulled away by adult responsibilities. Brandon, the supposed agent, was still taking sips from his glass while Ashely was retelling her many stories of growing up in the Bronx. 

The bathroom was well lit and its in there that Dick started looking around for any evidence or clues and when he found none he then went further down the hallway and opened a door to his left which led to a study. In there he quickly started looking around. Just when he was about to switch on the computer he heard footsteps making its way to him. 

He had no time to cover up when Brandon appeared ''Well look at what we have here, what are you doing Michael. ''

It was no use to lie so Dick straightened his back ''Who are you working for Brandon?''

''Straight to the point, I like it however you won't get any answers from me'' the accent was replaced by something distinctly eastern European 'Maybe Romanian? or Estonian?'

''Oh you will, just tell me and maybe I won't have to beat you so hard.'' 

Brandon smirked amused at the kid's tenacity, once upon a time he had also been like him too cocky for his own good. He shrugged off his jacket because he knew that the other would not go down without a fight. He knew who the young man was, he was one of the Bats kid and he was bound to give him a hard time. ''You know...all that arrogance will get someone killed one day. Take it from me I would know''

Wasting no time Dick threw a book that had been lying on the desk as distraction, he then ran towards him intent to punch him. Brandon dodged him and through a right hook right at Dick's jaw, the other blocked it with his shoulders then ducked and swerved to the other side of the room. 

''Whatever you think is right is all a lie, they are lying to you just like they do to the people they swear they are protecting'' He huffed out, Dick rolled his neck then widened into a stance, sighing Brandon said ''But you don't care do you?''. Unexpectedly Brandon tackled Dick and both went tumbling down onto the carpeted floor. 

Without wasting time Dick gained the other upper hand by rolling over on top of him then proceed to punch him repeatedly intent on knocking him out. All of the noise drew Ashely's attention and she went to investigate. She tried and failed to get up and when she did her vision blurred form all the alcohol that was buzzing within her. 

''Guys? Wha- what are you up to?'' her words where slurred ''You better not be having another party without me''

Brandon had managed to escape from Dick by throwing a lousy punch on his face and from then he grabbed a knife from a secret compartment hidden in a shelf on the desk. It was sharp and narrow meant for more quick jabs than anything. He could feel bruises forming on his face and torso, sweat was beading on his forehead and down his back.

Dick was also breathing heavy though not as hard. He was of course trained to go on for longer than the average human so this was more of a training simulation than anything. He took note of the other holding a knife 'Cute' He has faced bigger threats than him. Just when he opted for plan B which was to neutralize him he saw Ashley by the door holding onto it like a life line, her face was slightly red. 'Shit'

''Hey what are you guys...doing?'' Ashely then saw the scene in front of her, Michael and Brandon were both sweaty and had minor bruises and goddammit they looked sexy ''Are you guys...roleplaying? I mean I'm not judging ya but it's kinda weird doing that with a guest which is me, here''

Before Dick could think of an excuse he saw Brandon turn then slash the girls neck, blood spewed out and onto both the man and the carpet. Ashley grabbed her neck as she sank down her eyes were wide and not long after laid in a pool of her own blood.

''What the fuck?''

''She was a distraction, I assume that you don't want any witnesses'' Brandon wiped the knife on his pants blood smeared bright red. Now that pissed Dick off because the one thing he makes sure to never do is put civilians in harms way. Without thinking he charged at the man, ducking and swerving he landed brutal jabs and bunches and when the other was down he kicked him until he wasn't moving, until he heard several cracks from his ribs.

It looks like his intel on him was wrong, he in fact did not care for civilians. Dick however still did and unnecessary deaths pissed him right the fuck off.

The room was now quite except for his heavy breathing and low music that came from the living room. He looked up at the ceiling knowing that he fucked up what was supposed to be simple turned into a shit show and he knows that Natasha would not be happy about it. Sighing he then first looked for all the camera's he had hidden as well as the small audios and then came the difficult part disposing a corpse. He was taught by Tim and Barry on how to do it but he made it a habit to not kill or bury bodies unless absolutely necessary.

He first picked up the now dead Ashely and carried her to the bathroom and put her in the bathtub next he went to the kitchen and searched for hydrogen peroxide and a used cloth. Dick then poured a generous amount of it and let it fizzle then he blotted out the excess to remove the blood. He repeated this method three times afterwards he hauled Brandon over his shoulder and rushed out to put him in the boot of his car. He made sure no one was watching for that part.

Dick realized that he still had to deal with Ashley 'Fucking shit, you really had to make things difficult huh?''  He ran back into the house but not before closing the boot. Ashley had gone cold and it won't be long before rigor mortis would happen and Dick wanted to make sure that before her body stiffened he wanted to be far away from this shitty neighbourhood. 

He carried her like how one would carry their wife an arm underneath her legs and the other underneath her upper back and walked back to the car but was met with an elderly woman who was just about to knock ''Oh my goodness! Young man do you not know that it's impolite to scare someone?'' she held her frail hand onto her chest. She wore knitted sweater over a turtle neck with a pair of cotton pants.

''Oh I'm so sorry for that'' Dick tried to move around her but was stopped again, and his shoulder tensed, normally he would be calm but after today he was officially running low on patience. 

''Why are you carrying that poor girl...you aren't up to no good are you? I know men like you, you lot tend to act innocent but are secretly viscous beasts''

''Look ma'am I'm just trying to get her home, you see she drank too much and now she's passed out'' voice strained from stress and irritation.

The air was still with anticipation, if he had to Dick was willing to drop his supposed high moral to drop kick this old woman

''I see...well let me on my way about''

Sighing from relief Dick successfully opened the back door and shoved Ashely in. Dick closed the door and then took a minute to just breathe, he needed to think and plan his next moves. The sky was now dark the street lamps were bright and showed off the pristine houses and clean street, from afar a man was walking his dog and a couple were not so subtly trying to eat each others face off

'A mundane place for mundane people' Dick thought. He felt a twinge of jealousy and hatred. He rounded the car and sat at the driver's seat and started the car with lights bright he drove out leaving the life he could have had.

Tim had a plan well more like loose idea but it was something none the less. He was going to host an event meant for Midtown High and other schools surrounding the area, he needed to lure in the guy somehow. After that day he had scoured every source of information he could about him until he found it, his name was Peter Parker he was 15 and was labeled a science prodigy and since then has been getting nothing but As. He had to admit that he was impressed and he knew that if this Peter wanted he could skip high school and go straight to any Ivy League. Looking at his medical records next he found that Peter had been a sick kid that probably knew the hospital at the back of his hand and used to wear prescribed glasses but that abruptly stopped when he was thirteen...interesting.

For the next few weeks it was like that, he would go over what he found whilst planning the event. One might say that he was developing an obsession over someone he met once but that's nothing new for him. Years of having too much time on his hands had made him have unhealthy habits. He would unconsciously think about what Peter would be doing on some days and sometimes he would daydream about meeting him and say anything and everything without sounding awkward.

'God you sound insane, get a grip, your on a recon mission for crying out loud' he would scold himself but he couldn't help it anymore. He had told Bruce that he was moving to New York and he wasn't happy but Tim could care less, he needed to see his mission succeed so what's a couple of weeks. He had flown in all everything he would need clothes, gadgets, his suit and other miscellaneous things. He officially moved into a sleek apartment near Queens, he made sure to leave it as it is wanting nothing but to remain focused

'Because this place wasn't home'

But then there would be nights....when he would just wish or more so hope that things were different. He would hope that if the multiverse theory was correct he would wonder if a version of himself was happy, if the version of himself never decided to sneak out all those years ago to catch a glimpse of the protectors of Gotham. The world as he knows it has changed, too fast for his liking because it went from superheros being nothing but fiction to it becoming a reality and that has caused a sort of domino effect. Power does in fact invite challenge and so there has also been a spike in crime however Tim still believes in what they are doing, he knows that the Justice League and Avengers are making the world safer.

And if that means doing the dirty work no else is willing to do then so be it. He too is no saint as he has had to face decisions before, he knows that there were times in which he fucked up and had bared the consequences of those fuck ups. He still has the marks...even faded he can still feel the sting of them, phantom pains.

Brushing his hand through his hair he shook his head, banishing his thoughts from going deeper. Traffic in this city seemed to be a never ending occurrence but he enjoyed have a little time to himself before being thrust into the world again. He turned up the volume of the radio and was immediately hit with a song from ''AJR, Left hand free? What a weird name'' muttering he began to bop his head to the beat. What? It's a good tune.

After what felt like hours he finally made it to 43RD Street, Queens or as he has dubbed it the Parker Residence. If he his timing is right May Parker should have been well on her way to work and Peter should be at school right about now. He planned to to snoop around, see how the other lived then maybe plant a tracker. Upon entry the space was....cramped a far cry from what he was used to but to every other person they might call the space 'cozy'. It's obvious that Peter grew up here because there were pictures of him everywhere ass well as multiple awards he has won throughout his life.

As Tim made his way towards the kitchen he could see some crude drawings still stuck on the fridge as well as a to-do list taped at the top

-Buy groceries

-Make food(try not to burn it

- Talk to Peter

The last line was what peaked his interest because just what has he done? He then went down the hallway all the way to the very last door and when he opened he knew it was Peter's room. He was hit with the smell of fresh linen and lemons 'Clean guy' . Across from him was a bunk bed and next to that was what he assumed was a study desk that was cluttered with bits and bobs. What he found amusing was the many Lego sets that decorated the space. 

'Seems Parker here is a fan'  he mused and my god did he not fall harder for the guy. As if he couldn't get any better he just had to be a nerd. From his pocket he took out a small tracker and placed it on a backpack he knows Peter would use as he often alternates. Satisfied he looked around before he took a Darth Vader piece and pocketed it. With one last look around he left making sure there was no trace of him ever being there.