Solangelo in Gotham

i swear the last few chapters have all only been from Will's POV....

Will's POV:

Will's heart pounded as all eyes turned to him. Jason's smirk, Tim's calculating stare, Dick's forced friendliness—none of it reassured him. He glanced at Nico, whose expression was as unreadable as ever.

For a moment, neither of them spoke. Then, with a sigh, Nico crossed his arms. "We're not staying."

Jason scoffed. "Yeah? And where exactly do you plan on going, Mr. 'Legally Nonexistent'?"

Will winced. As much as he hated to admit it, Jason had a point. They didn't have anywhere to go—at least not in Gotham. With no money, no IDs, and no connections, they were stuck. And with how persistent the Batfamily was, Will had a feeling that sneaking away wasn't going to be easy.

Tim, still typing, barely looked up. "It's a logical choice. You're injured, you don't have a place to stay, and let's be honest—if you were really just 'passing through,' we'd have found records of where you came from." His gaze flicked up then, sharp and knowing. "But we didn't."

Nico's fingers twitched like he was debating summoning his sword right then and there. Will subtly nudged him, trying to ground him before he did something that would turn this conversation into a fight.

Will forced a smile. "Okay, so maybe we don't have, uh, traditional travel records, but—"

"You don't have any records," Tim corrected. "Not since middle school, at least. And let's not even start on your friend over here, who, for all intents and purposes, is a ghost."

Nico clenched his jaw. "We're not ghosts."

Jason chuckled. "Could've fooled me, Dracula."

Nico definitely looked like he wanted to stab him now.

Bruce, who had been quiet up until now, finally stepped forward. His presence alone was enough to make Will straighten up. "You don't trust us," he said, voice calm yet authoritative. "That's understandable. But right now, you have two choices. One, you stay here for a few nights, get some rest, and maybe—just maybe—explain who you really are." His gaze darkened. "Or two, you walk out that door, knowing full well that you're injured, being tracked, and that Gotham isn't exactly known for its hospitality toward strangers."

Silence.

Will exhaled slowly. He wasn't an idiot. He knew a threat when he heard one, even if it was disguised as an offer.

Nico, however, looked ready to risk it all. His fingers curled at his sides, tension radiating off him. Will had a strong suspicion that if it were up to him, they'd already be halfway out the door.

But it wasn't just up to him.

Will placed a hand on Nico's arm, steadying him. Then, with an easy (and slightly exhausted) grin, he turned to Bruce. "Alright, fine. We'll stay. Temporarily." He shot a look at Jason, who still seemed a little too amused. "And if we do, do you promise to, I don't know, chill a little?"

Jason snorted. "No promises, sunshine."

Will sighed. This was going to be a long few days.

Nico, meanwhile, still looked like he'd rather take his chances outside. But he didn't argue. He just exhaled through his nose, shot one last glare at Jason, and muttered under his breath, "Fine. But if any of you try anything, I will make you regret it."

Jason smirked. "Looking forward to it, Dracula."

Tim sighed. "Oh boy."

Dick clapped his hands together, forcing a smile. "Well! Now that that's settled, how about some food? You guys look like you could use a decent meal."

Will's stomach betrayed him with a loud growl.

Jason outright laughed. Nico just groaned.

Yep. This was going to be very interesting.