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In the quiet of their shared apartment, Logan leaned heavily against the arm of the couch, clenching his jaw as the familiar ache in his joints flared up. The strain of carrying around an adamantium-laced skeleton was no small burden, and tonight, it was worse than usual. Every step sent jolts of pain through his body, as if his very bones were grinding against each other. His pride kept him upright most of the time, but right now, his legs felt like they’d buckle any second.
Logan glanced over at Wade, who was sprawled out on the couch, focused on some over-the-top action flick, entirely unaware of the struggle going on just a few feet away. Logan gritted his teeth, instinctively moving down onto his hands to take some of the weight off his legs. He knew this helped—it always did—but the thought of doing it in front of Wade felt… strange. Uncomfortable, even. He didn’t want Wade to see him this way, didn’t want to look like some injured animal crawling around.
But the pain surged, and Logan finally gave in, letting his weight settle onto all fours. Moving like this took the edge off the agony; his joints didn’t scream quite as loudly, and he could almost breathe a sigh of relief. He tried to stay quiet, hoping Wade wouldn’t notice.
It didn’t work.
Logan felt Wade’s gaze before he even turned to look.
“What’s up, Wolvie?” Wade’s voice was softer than usual, no hint of teasing or mockery.
His brow was furrowed, the usual grin replaced by a look of concern.
“Just… hurts more tonight,” Logan muttered, not meeting Wade’s eyes.
He stayed close to the floor, his pride burning with a mix of embarrassment and frustration.
Wade’s gaze softened even more, and without a word, he got up from the couch. He disappeared down the hall, and Logan, confused, shifted to watch him go. A few moments later, Wade returned with a pile of pillows and a couple of blankets, a mischievous smile pulling at his lips.
“Alright, buddy, if the couch isn’t working for you, we’re taking this to the floor.” Wade moved to the coffee table, arranging the pillows and blankets underneath it until it looked like a cozy little den.
He draped a couple of blankets over the top of the table, creating a shaded, enclosed space underneath.
“Wade, what are you doing?” Logan asked, a little bewildered.
Wade just shrugged, that easygoing grin still on his face. “Building a fort, obviously. Every self-respecting hero needs one. Now come on, get comfortable. Movie’s only halfway done.”
Despite himself, Logan felt a flicker of gratitude. Wade’s nonchalance, the way he didn’t bat an eye at the whole situation, took some of the sting out of his pride. Moving carefully, he crawled over to the little setup, easing himself onto the pile of pillows under the table. It felt…comfortable. Soothing, almost.
Wade slipped into the fort beside him, positioning himself so Logan’s head could rest on his lap. Logan hesitated for a moment, but when he felt Wade’s hand rest gently on his back, he allowed himself to relax, letting his head settle onto Wade’s thigh. The tension in his body began to ease, and a low sigh escaped his lips.
Wade reached into his pocket, pulling out a small jar of tiger balm. “Got this stuff for ya,” he murmured. “Thought it might help.”
Logan’s eyes flicked up to meet Wade’s, a quiet gratitude hidden in his gaze. Without another word, Wade unscrewed the cap, dipping his fingers into the balm before gently massaging it onto Logan’s back, focusing on the spots where the tension seemed to settle the most. The cooling sensation mixed with the warmth of Wade’s hands, and Logan felt a bit of the pain melt away, replaced by a comfort he didn’t know he’d needed.
As Wade’s fingers worked into his back, Logan let his eyes drift closed. For once, he didn’t feel like he had to put on a front, didn’t have to grit his teeth and bear the pain alone. Here, with Wade’s touch soothing his aches and the makeshift fort around them, he felt… safe. Accepted. Like he could let his guard down without worrying about judgment or pity.
Wade’s voice was soft, breaking the quiet. “Hey, Logan…you don’t have to worry about this stuff with me, you know? However you need to get around, however you need to handle things—I’m here. I got you.”
Logan’s chest tightened, and he opened his eyes, looking up at Wade.
“Thanks,” he murmured, voice rough but sincere. “Means a lot.”
Wade just smiled, his fingers still working soothing circles into Logan’s back. “Anytime, peanut. Anytime.”
They stayed like that, the quiet of the room wrapping around them, the soft hum of the movie in the background. For the first time in what felt like forever, Logan felt at peace, the pain in his body faded to a dull whisper as he rested in the warmth of Wade’s presence.