Chen Mo woke, his super spider hearing picking up someone counting breaths next door.
"Slower. Don't rush."
"I know. I'm already slowing down."
Peter's voice.
Chen Mo turned his face. His chest plate was open, a thin blanket covered him to the waist, and soft lining supported his back. Something beside his neck tightened with his movement, giving a faint mechanical click that reminded him this new outfit had quite a few rules too.
Plenty of rules, plenty of details. Bat-flavored. He was used to it.
The blood had been wiped off the back of his hand. His five fingers spread beneath the light, the knuckles a faint pink.
Venom was gone.
Though they had met when he had nothing, Venom counted as the wife who had shared Chen Mo's hard times. But what could he do? Chen Mo had always been a scumbag in relationships. Dumped was dumped. The next one would be better behaved.
Chen Mo touched the side of his wrist, where a clasp remained. Following his arm upward, he found a very familiar set of Bat-style aesthetics.
He had finally gotten the spider into black. Batman must have been in a pretty good mood while making this outfit.
Before he left, she stitched each seam tight, fearing he would be late coming home?
Oh God, why had he thought of that line? Batman? That line? A loving mother? How terrifying.
The face beside the bed leaned down.
Bruce had taken off his cowl, leaving his hair somewhat flattened and messy. His handsome, mature face was covered in injuries too. Gauze was taped beside his brow, fresh scabs pulled at the skin along his jaw, and his eyes were full of bloodshot veins from staying awake.
Those eyes fixed on Chen Mo, carefully inspecting everything from his