Chapter Text
Peter and May Parker appeared in a universe very much like their own. Heroes, villains and aliens were common and known. Unlike their own universe most of the heroes had a secret identity. As they met certain people Peter hypothesized that the inhabitants of the universe had some form of face blindness, not just humans on this earth.
No one paid them much attention. Peter set up fake identities and went to school because May refused to let him become a vigilante without a back up plan. May went to work with her new identity.
They moved from Queens to Gotham after rent increased more than they could afford. This New York had not suffered from the blip or Battle of New York to drive down prices. In their new apartment in a decent Gotham neighborhood May hung her head.
“I’m sorry, Petey.”
“It’s alright, May. I know you tried to keep us in New York.”
“It’s not okay. We have to live in New Jersey. This might not be our universe but New York was still our home.” A look of disgust came over her face. “Now I’m a commuter.”
“You could look for jobs here.” Peter consoled even if he felt like he’d lost his a key part of his identity. Cap had been from Brooklyn. Spider-man was from Queens. Being from New York was was their thing. They were local born heroes.
“I know. I might have to. The commute is long. I don’t want to lose time with you.” Peter smiled. Dying had made them appreciate time together.
“I know, May.”
“Just let me work a few months, Pete. My salary goes a lot farther here than in New York. Let me get a nest egg for us.” May said with a tired smile.
“I applied to Gotham Academy, May. I probably can get in. I’m smart enough. They like geniuses.”
“Gotham isn’t New York. It’s very dangerous here. Get a feel of the villains before you start Spider-Manning again.”
“Yes, May.” Peter agreed because he was completely surprised by how common villains were here.
Peter got into Gotham Academy. He focused on his studies to keep a scholarship. Peter was glad he’d spent time with Mr Stark and Doctor Strange. He was used to very rich people. He didn’t feel lesser than them because of his modest origins. Peter had help save the world, thank you. Okay he died but he had still help save it after coming back.
May used some of their savings and thrifting skills to get nice second hand clothes for a school event they had to attend. It was a Wayne gala. He was a sponsor of the school, several of his kids went there.
He was like Tony Stark if Tony had been known as a himbo and for adopting any orphan who entered his radar. Still he did good. Peter was interested in maybe working in his company if he stayed in Gotham.
The gala came. May was beautiful. Peter had heard people calling his aunt ‘hot’ a lot as he grew up. It had been annoying because ew he didn’t need to hear that. Peter didn’t feel like a loser that night either. His suit fit because they both knew how to sew and tailored it to him.
Peter was happy to network. Tony had told him these things were to network and maybe parade around projects. The school was a project for them to donate to.
May was doing her best to socialize and network as well. She’d charmed a few people. Peter had to admit he was embarrassed to be in the bathroom when Joker and his minions tried to take the gala hostage.
May, who had enough of weird clowns/goblins/weirdos, took a candle holder, snuck up behind the Joker and clobbered him while he gave a villain speech. Peter came out to see his aunt beating the clown prince of crime and other guest attacking his minions, embolden by her action.
“Uh, May. He’s unconscious.” Peter said as he approached her. May, sweaty and looking angry, stopped mid swing.
“Oh, I know. I just needed to make sure.” May said with a smile. “Are you okay, Petey? How’s the peter tingle?” She whispered the question.
“May- I-“ The door burst open and the cops along with Batman froze, surprised to see the crowd safe and the clowns unconscious. May fixed her hair and smiled at the approaching vigilante.
“Got him right here for you, Bats.” Joker twitched. May swung the candle again. “Stay down!” She snarled.
“May, he’s still not conscious.” Peter never thought he’d feel embarrassed by his aunt being awesome but Batman was looking at them with a slacked jaw.
“Thank you, we’ll take it from here.” Batman said after a moment. “You were very brave, May.”
“Just keeping the kids safe. We all have to do our part. My husband used to say -“
“May, I don’t think Batman has time for this.” Peter said. May was about to scold him but Batman took the Joker’s unconscious form and dragged him away before may could continue. A cop took the candle.
May looked at the time. “We gotta, go, Peter. I have work in the morning.”
“Don’t we have to talk to the police?” Peter was sure that’s what people did.
“We’ll see.” No policeman stopped them, several tipped their hat to May. Peter felt his face flush.
Later, he thinks this is likely on purpose. If the Joker got their names he could get revenge on them. Peter would be fine. May might not get another shot at beating the Joker.
He hoped it was the last interaction his aunt got with superheroes.
It was not.
Bruce had to admit he was surprised to see a civilian beat the Joker. He looked her up, certain she was another assassin or someone with a mysterious past.
May Parker worked at a non-profit who helped the homeless. She was widowed. She and her nephew recently moved to Gotham after New York priced them out.
Her nephew was a student at Gotham Academy. None of his children knew him. Peter did not keep to himself but he didn’t stand out either. His grades were good and he had a few extracurricular activities.
He observed them. It was nothing exciting. May would make breakfast for them. She’d head to work early. The commute was long. Peter went to school and went home after clubs. He cleaned and tried, often failing, to make a decent dinner. May would smile and eat it though.
Bruce decided to offer her a similar job at one of his own non-profits with a decent salary. It’d keep her closer to her nephew. He thinks the selfish heroine deserved the aid.
He checked upon on them a few weeks later to make sure once last time they were doing well. He caught May when she was taking out the trash. Peter wasn’t home. It was Saturday though. He supposed he was out like any normal teen. This was a safe enough part of the city.
May glanced up at him.
“Can I help you Batman?”
“Just patrolling.”
“I saw you here the past few weeks.” She sounded threatening. He raised his hands.
“Just making sure you were safe from the Joker, ma’am.” This is usually where conversations ended. He’d swing away.
“Ma’am? I’m not that old!” May said, offended. Bruce knew he could swing away but the woman was oddly charming. He instead placated her. Which ended in a talk about crime fighting and the tools he used to fight it. May was decently knowledgeable about some tech. Peter was a ‘nerd’.
Bruce isn’t sure how he ended up in her bed after that then kicked out so Peter didn’t find him there. He was not aware he could do a walk of shame in the suit.
He was unable to follow up again with the appearance of a new vigilante, a meta calling himself Spider-Man.