Chapter Text
Intro Music: Batman: The Animated Series Main Title
The Batcave
BGM: Lego Batman - The Batcave
Deep within the Batcave, the low hum of machines filled the cavernous space as Batman sat before the Batcomputer, gloved fingers moving with precise efficiency across the illuminated keys. Lines of data scrolled endlessly across the screen—crime patterns, financial anomalies, surveillance feeds—Gotham laid bare in cold, unfeeling code. His posture was rigid, his focus absolute, eyes never leaving the screen for even a fraction of a second.
Footsteps echoed softly behind him.
Batman didn’t turn.
The footsteps stopped, followed by a familiar, restrained pause. Then came a subtle clearing of the throat.
“Pardon the interruption, sir,” Alfred said calmly, hands folded behind his back, “but you have a visitor.”
Batman continued typing. “Who?”
“A good friend of yours,” Alfred replied, a hint of amusement tucked beneath his professionalism. “Spider-Man.”
The typing stopped.
For a moment, the Batcave was utterly still, save for the distant drip of water and the quiet whir of the computer fans. Batman’s face remained unreadable beneath the cowl, but the pause alone spoke volumes. Spider-Man was not a name that appeared often in Gotham—especially not unannounced.
After a beat, Batman exhaled softly.
“Let him in,” he said.
Alfred inclined his head. “Very well, sir.”
He turned and headed back toward the elevator, leaving Batman alone once more with his thoughts. Bruce leaned back slightly in his chair, eyes narrowing just a fraction, already calculating possibilities. It had been a week since Christmas. Spider-Man didn’t usually travel just to say hello.
Moments later, the sound of the elevator returning echoed through the cave. The platform descended smoothly, and Alfred stepped off first, followed closely by a red-and-blue figure who looked wildly out of place against the dark stone and steel.
Spider-Man removed his mask almost immediately, shaking his hair loose as he took in the Batcave with open admiration, despite having seen it before.
“Still creepy,” Peter said cheerfully. “Still awesome.”
He walked a few steps closer. “Hey, Bruce!”
Batman turned his chair and rose to his feet, cape settling behind him like a shadow come to life. His expression remained calm, controlled, but not hostile.
“Peter,” he greeted, offering a simple nod.
Peter grinned. “You know, one of these days, you’re gonna smile first, and it’s gonna completely ruin your whole mysterious vibe.”
Bruce’s lips twitched into a small smirk. “Being hard to read is one of my many talents.”
Peter laughed, rubbing the back of his neck. “Fair enough.”
There was a brief pause before Bruce spoke again. “Why are you here?”
Peter shrugged casually. “Well… Christmas was a week ago.” He tilted his head. “And I wanted to deliver your present in person.”
Before Bruce could respond, Peter reached into a hidden pocket in his suit and pulled out a small, neatly wrapped box. He extended it toward Bruce with unmistakable pride.
Bruce blinked once, then twice, before carefully taking the gift.
He studied it in silence for a moment, then peeled away the wrapping.
Inside was a Batarang.
Or rather—a Spider-Man version of one.
It was sleek, carefully balanced, painted red and blue with subtle web patterns etched into the metal. The bat-shaped silhouette was still there, but unmistakably altered—lighter, more aerodynamic, and clearly handmade.
Peter rocked back on his heels. “I made it myself. So… do you like it?”
Bruce didn’t answer right away. He turned the weapon in his hand, inspecting the craftsmanship with a critical eye. Then, finally, the smirk returned.
“I do,” he said. “Thank you.”
Peter pumped his fist. “Yes! Nailed it.”
He spun toward Alfred. “And don’t worry—I didn’t forget about you.”
Once again, Peter reached into his suit pocket and pulled out another wrapped gift, handing it to Alfred with a bright smile.
Alfred accepted it graciously. “You’re far too kind, Master Parker.”
He opened the gift, revealing a simple teacup. It wasn’t ornate or expensive, but it was sturdy, warm-toned, and clearly chosen with care.
Alfred’s eyes lit up.
“Oh,” he said softly, genuinely touched.
Peter scratched his cheek. “I know it’s not fancy or anything, but—”
“It’s perfect,” Alfred said, shaking his head. “Thank you.”
Peter smiled, clearly relieved.
That smile faltered slightly when Bruce stepped forward and held out an envelope.
“We were going to mail this to you,” Bruce said. “But things came up.”
Peter took it, nodding. “Yeah, I get that.”
He opened the envelope—and his eyes widened.
Inside was a gift card. And not a small one.
Peter stared at it, then looked up with a grin. “Wow. Okay. I am officially not broke for the next two weeks.”
Bruce huffed quietly. Alfred smiled knowingly.
“Thank you,” Peter said sincerely. “Seriously.”
Bruce was about to reply when Peter suddenly stepped forward, arms spreading wide.
“Give me a hug, Bats!”
Before Bruce could react, Peter wrapped his arms around him.
Batman froze.
He stood stiffly, arms at his sides, clearly unsure what protocol—if any—applied to this situation. He did not hug back.
Alfred watched with open amusement, a soft chuckle escaping him.
After a moment, Peter stepped back, completely unfazed. “Still counts.”
He turned and immediately hugged Alfred, who returned it without hesitation.
Once they separated, Alfred asked, “How long will you be in Gotham, Master Parker?”
Peter shrugged. “Not sure. Miles has New York covered, so I’m not really in a rush to head back.”
He turned to Bruce. “By the way—where are Dick and Barbara?”
“They’re on a mission,” Bruce replied. “They should be back any moment.”
Then, almost on cue, the elevator descended again.
Robin and Batgirl, AKA Dick and Barbara, stepped out mid-conversation, removing parts of their gear as they walked—until Peter cleared his throat.
Both of them looked up.
“Peter?!” Dick and Barbara exclaimed.
They rushed forward, and moments later, the three were tangled in a playful, warm group hug.
“It’s good to see you guys,” Peter said.
“Good to see you too,” Dick replied, grinning.
“Yeah,” Barbara echoed warmly.
After a beat, the trio would pull away from their group hug, but their conversation would continue.
“So,” Barbara asked, “what have you been up to?”
“Ah, you know. Same old, same old,” Peter said. “Saving New York. Avoiding rent. What about you two?”
She smirked. “Well, nothing’s changed here either. Keeping Gotham safe.”
Dick leaned in proudly. “Oh—and Starfire and I are officially together now.”
Peter gasped dramatically. “Well, it’s about time, Bird Boy.”
Dick laughed. Peter added, “Though I wouldn’t have been surprised if you ended up with Barbara instead.”
Dick and Barbara laughed together.
“We’re just friends,” Dick clarified.
Then, with a mischievous grin, he added, “But I will say… Barbara might have her eyes on someone else.”
Peter blinked. “Wait—what?”
Barbara groaned, nudging Dick. “You talk too much. Ignore him, Peter.”
Dick just laughed harder, looking at Barbara, then at Peter, while proceeding to look at Barbara again with a knowing expression.
Bruce sighed quietly, shaking his head at the sight, but after a moment, he turned to Peter. “Do you want to see Dinah?”
Peter’s eyes lit up. “Absolutely.”
“She’s at the Gotham Clock Tower,” Bruce said. “Barbara recently formed a new team—the Birds of Prey.”
Barbara nodded. “It’s me, Dinah, and Helena so far.”
Peter clapped. “Nice! Is it like a girls club?”
Barbara chuckled. “You’re not far off.”
Bruce turned and began walking away. “We should go.”
Peter perked up. “Hey—can I drive the Batmobile?”
“No.”
Batman’s answer was immediate. Flat. Absolute.
Peter pouted. “Wow. I really thought that would work.”
Dick and Barbara laughed as Alfred watched them go.
“Be safe,” Alfred called.
“We will,” Dick replied.
Gotham Clock Tower
Within the Gotham Clock Tower—the newly established base of the Birds of Prey—the rhythmic thud of fists against canvas echoed through the open space.
Dinah Lance moved with sharp precision, her gloves striking the punching bag in quick, powerful combinations. Each hit landed with purpose, each movement fluid and controlled. Sweat glistened faintly on her skin, but her breathing remained steady. This was her peace—motion, impact, silence. For a few moments, the world narrowed down to nothing but muscle memory and instinct.
Then a familiar voice cut through the rhythm.
“Gotta say,” the voice said casually from behind her, “you definitely haven’t lost your touch.”
Dinah’s fists froze mid-swing.
BGM: Kingdom Hearts II - Lazy Afternoons
Her eyes widened just a fraction before she let the bag sway to a stop. Slowly, she turned around.
Standing near the entrance were Bruce, Dick, Barbara—and Peter, already halfway into a grin.
A smirk immediately tugged at Dinah’s lips.
“Like I ever would,” she replied smoothly.
Peter chuckled, taking a few steps closer. “Hey, I’ve seen people get rusty. Just wanted to make sure.”
They closed the distance between them, and without a word, Peter opened his arms.
Dinah’s smirk softened into a genuine smile. After a brief beat—just long enough to tease—she stepped forward and accepted the hug.
The embrace was gentle, familiar.
“Missed you,” Peter said warmly, his voice playful but sincere.
Dinah arched a brow while still hugging him. “What’s this?” she teased. “You going soft on me?”
Peter laughed quietly. “Don’t ruin the moment.”
After a second, they pulled apart.
Dinah crossed her arms loosely. “So. How’s your aunt doing?”
Peter smiled. “She’s doing great.”
He tilted his head. “How’s Ollie?”
She snorted lightly. “Pretty okay. Still shooting more arrows than anyone reasonably should.”
Peter chuckled. “Sounds about right.”
Then, with a mischievous glint in his eye, he added, “So… you two hooked up yet?”
Dinah raised a brow, clearly amused. “Friends only, web-head.”
Peter nodded slowly, a knowing grin forming.
Before he could say anything else, Dick spoke up from behind them.
“Yeah, had to tell him the same thing about me and Barbara.”
Barbara shot Dick a playful look.
Bruce, meanwhile, had quietly stepped away, his attention scanning the interior of the clock tower. His eyes eventually settled back on Dinah.
“Where’s Helena?” he asked.
Dinah’s expression shifted slightly. She sighed. “Not sure. She’s been… off lately. Not herself on recent missions.”
Barbara nodded. “I’ve noticed too. I’ve been wondering what’s going on with her.”
Bruce was about to respond when footsteps echoed from the far side of the room.
The group turned.
Helena Bertinelli—Huntress—walked toward them. Her expression was blank, controlled, but beneath it lingered a subtle sadness that didn’t go unnoticed. She hadn’t realized she’d been the topic of discussion.
Her gaze flicked to Peter.
“…Hey,” she said flatly.
Peter blinked, then smiled softly. “Hey, Helena.” He studied her face for a moment. “You okay?”
“I’m fine,” she replied immediately.
Barbara stepped forward. “You sure?”
Helena let out a deep breath. “Yes. I’m sure.”
Silence followed.
Everyone knew she was lying—but they also knew better than to push her right now.
Peter took a small step closer. “If you ever need to talk,” he said gently, “we’re all here. Any time.”
Bruce gave a quiet nod.
“Yeah,” Dick added. “Seriously.”
“You’re not alone,” Dinah said.
Barbara nodded. “Never.”
Helena hesitated, then managed a small, restrained smile. “Thanks… I appreciate that.”
Peter smiled back.
But the moment didn’t last long.
An alarm blared suddenly, sharp and urgent, as the computer began to beep rapidly.
Bruce moved instantly, striding toward the console. His fingers flew across the keys as data filled the screen.
“Civilians are reporting strange activity at a nearby greenhouse,” he said.
Dick sighed. “Greenhouse?”
Barbara nodded knowingly. “That’s Poison Ivy.”
Dinah slammed her fist into her palm. “Then it’s time to roll.”
Everyone nodded in agreement.
Peter pulled his mask back on, the familiar confidence snapping into place.
Greenhouse
BGM: Batman TAS - Batman vs. Poison Ivy
The trip to the greenhouse didn’t take long.
As Batman, Spider-Man, Robin, Batgirl, Black Canary, and Huntress emerged onto the street just outside the structure, flashing red-and-blue lights washed over them. The Gotham City Police Department had already established a perimeter, squad cars positioned in a wide arc as officers stood at the ready.
The greenhouse itself was barely recognizable.
Glass walls strained beneath thick layers of vines, enormous leaves pressed outward as if the building were breathing. Plants burst through cracked panels, climbing streetlights and curling across the pavement. It looked less like a greenhouse now—and more like a jungle claiming its territory.
Batman’s eyes swept across the scene with practiced precision.
Then he saw him.
“Jim,” Batman said, stepping forward.
Commissioner James Gordon turned, relief flickering across his face before it settled into something more serious. “Batman.”
Standing beside him was Harvey Bullock, arms crossed, jaw tight.
Jim’s gaze shifted past Batman—to the group behind him. His brows rose when he spotted the red-and-blue suit.
“…Spider-Man?” he asked.
Harvey squinted. “The Spider-Man?” He pointed slightly. “What are you doing in Gotham, web-head? Shouldn’t you be babysitting New York?”
Spider-Man raised both hands in mock surrender. “Wow, tough crowd. Is it a crime to visit friends now?”
Harvey scoffed, but Jim cut in calmly. “We’ll take all the help we can get right now.”
Before anything else could be said, the greenery near the greenhouse entrance began to move.
Slowly. Deliberately.
Poison Ivy stepped out from the shadows of leaves and vines, calm and composed. The plants followed her like loyal sentinels, shifting and coiling at her feet.
Guns immediately came up.
“Hold,” Jim ordered firmly. “No one fires unless I say so. Batman’s got this.”
Harvey groaned but stayed silent.
Batman and the others advanced, stopping several feet away from Ivy. For a moment, no one spoke.
Poison Ivy smiled faintly. “It’s always nice to see old friends.”
Her gaze slid toward Spider-Man, amusement sharpening with surprise. “And you… I wasn’t expecting to see you in Gotham.”
Spider-Man shrugged. “Underrated vacation spot.”
“Enough,” Batman said, his voice cutting through the exchange. “Stop this. Now.”
Ivy tapped her chin thoughtfully. “Tempting.” Then she smiled. “But no.”
“Don’t make this harder than it needs to be,” Batgirl said.
Robin nodded. “It’s six against one. You won’t win.”
Poison Ivy chuckled. “You’re underestimating me.”
She raised her arm.
Spider-Man’s Spider-Sense screamed.
SPIDER-SENSE TINGLING!
“WATCH OUT!”
Vines exploded from the ground, snapping around Batman, Robin, Batgirl, Black Canary, and Huntress, pinning them in place. Spider-Man flipped backward just in time, landing in a crouch.
His eyes widened.
“Ivy,” he said urgently, stepping forward. “You don’t have to do this.”
“I absolutely do,” she replied coldly.
“You’re better than this,” Spider-Man insisted. “You could use your powers to actually help people. Be a hero.”
Silence.
Then Ivy groaned. “Save the speech. It won’t work on me.”
Spider-Man sighed. “You might actually like being a hero. Just saying—don’t knock it until you try it.”
Huntress scoffed from where she was restrained. “Spidey, now’s not the time for an I can fix her speech.”
Black Canary agreed. “Love the optimism, though.”
“Let him talk,” Robin said.
Ivy hesitated—just for a second.
Then she raised her arm again. “It might’ve worked on someone else. Not me.”
From behind the police line, Harvey clenched his jaw.
“I’m done waiting,” he muttered. “She’s about to make another move.”
“Harvey—hold your fire!” Jim shouted.
Too late.
BANG!
The gunshot rang out.
Spider-Man’s Spider-Sense flared violently.
SPIDER-SENSE TINGLING!
He turned—and saw the bullet racing toward Poison Ivy.
No time.
He moved.
The impact hit his chest.
“AAGH!”
Spider-Man crashed to the ground as the others shouted his name in unison.
“SPIDER-MAN!”
Poison Ivy froze, eyes wide in shock.
For a moment, no plants moved. No one spoke.
Then she rushed forward, dropping to her knees beside him. She gently lifted his head, her voice softer than anyone had ever heard it.
“…Why?” she asked. “Why did you do that?”
Spider-Man coughed, wincing. “Because… it was the right thing to do.”
The simplicity and sincerity of it struck her harder than the bullet ever could.
She stared at him—really looked at him.
Then she carefully lowered his head, stood, and glanced at the police… the heroes… and back at Spider-Man.
Plants surged around her.
And then she was gone.
The vines released their hold.
Everyone rushed to Spider-Man’s side.
“Are you okay?!” Batgirl asked.
He gave a weak thumbs-up. “Been shot before. I’ll live.”
Black Canary grabbed his hand, fingers intertwining with his. “Whatver you do, don’t go toward the light.”
He chuckled weakly. “Relax. I’m not going anywhere.”
Batman was already calling the Batmobile.
“Take him to the Batcave,” he ordered. “Now.”
They helped Spider-Man up and into the vehicle. Within seconds, it sped off into the night.
Batman turned back, and slowly walked back to where the GCPD were.
Once he stopped, his expression was terrifyingly calm.
“Who fired the shot?”
Silence. Eerie silence.
Then Harvey cleared his throat. “...I did.”
Batman stepped closer. Too close.
Jim put a hand on his shoulder. “Batman—”
“No, Jim. This needs to be handled now,” Batman said coldly. “He shot my friend.”
“I was aiming for Ivy,” Harvey shot back. “Spider-Man got in the way.”
“It doesn’t matter,” Batman replied.
The silence was suffocating.
“Never,” Batman said quietly, “do that again.”
He summoned the Batcycle, mounted it, cast one final look at Harvey, and vanished into the night.
Jim exhaled slowly, closing his eyes and pinching the bridge of his nose as Gotham breathed again.
END OF CHAPTER 1: I CAN FIX HER
BGM: Batman: The Animated Series - End Credit
Robin: I think Spidey was getting through to Ivy!
Huntress: Eh, maybe.
Batgirl: Let’s just focus on getting Peter patched up, alright?
Black Canary: That would be best.
Spider-Man: Aw, I’m glad I have friends that care about me.
Batman: Commencing bullet removal level 5.
Spider-Man: Wait, what?