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Lin Lie loved being in love with Peter Parker.
He loved the impromptu movie and game nights they had. He loved lying in Peter’s lap and vice versa, listening to his darling rant for hours about science or spider-training with Peni or any of his other special interests. He loved the rough sex and the gentle mornings after, the sunrise lighting up their room, warming their tired bodies, all wrapped up in each other, and making them shimmer like gold.
He loved fighting alongside Peter, knowing the boy and his Spider-Sense always had their backs. He loved going on patrols together, jumping from building to building or stalking quietly through the streets. He loved tending to Peter’s wounds, even if he sometimes resisted the attention, even if the sight of his treasure’s blood made Lie quiver each time; however, the sight of his treasure bandaged afterwards, scars and bruises quickly fading from his tan skin, was worth the temporary discomfort.
One of Lie’s favorite things to do with his boyfriend was let Peter tour him around New York City when they had days off from being multiversal heroes, showing him to different landmarks, neighborhoods, and parks throughout the city.
Lie had traveled to many different places when he was younger, but never to the Americas, though they had always fascinated him. Suffice it to say, he had experienced quite the culture shock when he first arrived in New York, as well as a more general shock, seeing as he had literally been dragged through time and space into a version of a city he’d only ever since pictures of.
Peter was probably the best tour guide Lie could ask for, always making their trips entertaining with stories about villains he had fought in each area they passed through, some cheap but surprisingly really good food, and fun activities for them to do together.
Lie’s favorite borough to visit was easily Queens, not because it was also Peter’s favorite, but because of how comfortable his boyfriend always seemed whenever they stopped by the neighborhood.
It was the side of town Peter had grew up on. As a kid, he had memorized the corners all the best restaurants were on, the streets with all the coolest gift shops. Old family friends and neighbors would call his name and wave, some of them running across the street to give the boy a hug and catch up on each other’s lives. Peter’s aunt had even invited him to bring Lie over for dinner a few times since they’d started dating, and when they were able to go, it was some of the happiest Lie had ever seen his darling look.
Today, the two had yet another trip to Queens planned. They both woke up at 6 AM, sharp - well, Peter woke up; Lie, the clingy bastard, took an extra couple minutes and a lot of kisses to finally coax out of bed - quickly got dressed, grabbed two packs of Pop-Tarts from the communal kitchen space, and practically bolted out the doors of the Avengers Tower by 6:20.
The city was quietly beginning to bustle as the sun rose above the horizon. Lie and Peter’s sprint slowed down after a block or two; New York wouldn’t be super busy for a few hours yet. There was no need for them to rush.
Even still, they walked briskly, fingers intertwined, chatting about nothing in particular between their bites of Pop-Tarts. Peter had created a very specific plan for the day, as he did every time they went out like this, and he would be damned if they missed out on a single activity.
Eventually, the two found themselves in front of the Queensboro Bridge, following the path up to the pedestrian walkway that ran along the lower of the bridge’s two levels.
People on bikes rode past on their morning commutes to work, while others simply strolled by, taking in the morning air before it became thick with car horns, flashing lights, and hundreds of thousands of people.
As they walked, Lie noticed another couple stop walking a ways ahead of him and Peter. One of them looked around hurriedly, then pulled a small padlock and key out of their pocket.
Lie watched them click the padlock onto one of the links of the walkway’s outer fence, locking it into place with the help of their partner. Then, said partner wound their arm back and chucked the key over the fence and into the East River below.
The civilians turned to each other and embraced, kissing, then continued their walk, holding hands and giggling to each other.
As Lie and Peter grew closer to where the padlock was now attached to the fence, Lie slowed his pace, slowing Peter down as well, until they both stood in front of it.
They had walked along this bridge together several times, and Lie had noticed padlocks hanging from the fence before, but never really paid them much mind; he had always assumed they were meant to be statement art pieces that may or may not have been one hundred percent legal, like the little spray-painted doodles that littered the city.
“Is something wrong?” Peter asked.
“No, no, everything’s alright, just…” Lie’s voice trailed off, head turning to watch the couple who’d placed the padlock, still walking along the path. “…what was that all about?”
“What do you mean?” Peter questioned again.
“Those two, the lock, throwing the key into the river,” Lie clarified, gesturing his hand around as he listed each item out. “What was it for?”
“Ohhh,” Peter drawled in realization. He reached for the padlock and tugged it against the fence, giving Lie a better look.
“This is a love lock,” he said.
Lie raised an eyebrow, tail flicking in intrigue. “‘Love lock?’” he repeated, skeptical.
“Mhm,” Peter replied with a nod. “They’re a symbol of everlasting love.”
“How so?” Lie asked.
“Well, once it’s locked in place, you throw the key away, that way it’s never able to be opened again,” Peter explained. “In that way, it’s a promise to your partner that you’ll never leave them, that your souls will forever be locked together, or something like that.”
“I see,” Lie muttered.
“Now, c’mon!” Peter exclaimed, dragging his boyfriend along the walkway once more. “Our favorite coffee shop opens in thirty minutes, and we’re beating that morning rush!”
Lie caught up with Peter’s power-walk as his darling began to list the itinerary he’d planned for their day, to which he only partially paid attention to.
“Zhūzhu?” he interrupted.
“Yes, baby?” Peter answered.
“Are love locks, like…legal?” Lie questioned, voice hushed.
Peter raised his hand, tilting it from side to side, like a scale. “Eh? I mean, technically, they’re considered vandalism, so I guess not. The police go across all of the bridges every now and then to take them down, which is kinda sad. Why do you ask?”
Lie shrugged. “It’s a new concept to me; I guess I was just curious.”
Peter shrugged in return. “Fair enough. Anyways…”
He continued on his rant from a few moments prior, and Lie continued to not entirely listen. He instead looked up at the top of one of the bridge’s large support towers, an idea beginning to blossom in his mind.
He wondered if that antique store Peter mentioned sold any cool padlocks.
~~♡~~
Tonight’s patrol mission had been a success, and it was time for Peter and Lie to head back to the Avengers Tower. The two ran across the rooftops, side by side, cheering about their victory and excitement to finally get some rest as they parkoured towards the Queensboro Bridge.
“Hey, Spider-Man!” Lie yelled over the ruckus of the city below. “I bet I could beat you to the top of that support tower!” He pointed to the first tower of metal beams on the right side of the bridge.
Peter glanced at his boyfriend, a playful look on his masked face. “Are you sure you wanna do that?” he questioned at the top of his lungs.
Lie’s eyes squinted under his own mask from his large, determined grin, sharp teeth glinting in the late-night lights.
Peter rolled his eyes behind the white mesh. This would be too easy. “If you say so…” he teased, shooting a web at the bridge and swinging away effortlessly.
Lie knew he had no chance of winning this race, he just needed an excuse to get Peter alone up there, where no one could see them.
So, he took his sweet time climbing up the side of the support tower, being exceptionally careful, considering the items he held in his pocket.
After several minutes, Lie finally pulled himself onto the platform connecting the tower and the one parallel to it, finding Peter sitting on one of the railings, waiting for him.
“So, what do you owe me now?” the spider asked expectantly.
“‘Owe you?’” Lie questioned, brow raised innocently as he grew closer to his treasure.
“You made a bet, and you lost,” Peter slyly declared, “meaning you have to give me a reward for winning.”
“A reward, huh?” Lie confidently placed himself between Peter’s spread legs, caging the smaller boy in with his hands, now gripping the railing beside his thighs.
“How about you just take whatever you want from me tonight, darling,” Lie offered, voice husky where he spoke against his boyfriend’s throat. “Would you like that?”
Peter sighed heavily. “I very much would,” he replied, a little breathless, pulling his mask over his nose.
Lie immediately began to nip at the sliver of skin between his darling’s jaw and neck that was revealed, little red marks forming, sure to bruise by the time they got back. Peter gently grabbed his chin, lifting his head until their faces were just inches apart.
“My lips are up here, baby boy,” the spider quietly chided.
Lie didn’t have to be told twice.
He leaned forward, lips pressing roughly and a bit messily against Peter’s; between his fangs and Peter’s piercings, kissing was a slightly awkward situation for them, but they’d been getting better in the months they’ve been together.
Lie’s tail wagged behind him as Peter’s hand shifted to the back of his head, playing with his spiky hair and the ends of his mask. In return, Lie slid one hand up Peter’s hip and to the small of his back, making the boy whine oh so pretty.
Peter continued to kiss Lie, feeling the way his teeth poked and tongue prodded at his lips, the way he’d periodically kiss just below them, right next to his spider bites. Feeling the way Lie’s hand trailed up and down his spine, the way his groin gently pressed between his thighs; it all made Peter so dizzy, that spot beneath his stomach starting the burn with want.
“Alright, alright, I get it,” Peter quipped, pushing Lie out of his space, chest heaving, “you’re horny, too. Good to know. We can fuck around when we get back to our room, okay?”
“Wait, zhūzhu,” Lie called, following Peter to the other side of the platform.
Peter chuckled, pulling his mask back down his face. “You’re not usually so impatient,” he teased. “Come on, I know you can be good for me, baby.”
“No, seriously, wait!” Lie reached out for Peter’s hand, holding it tightly in his own. Peter turned to look at him, the eyes of his mask wide with surprise.
“…Please?” Lie muttered nervously.
The eyes of Peter’s mask softened. “Is something wrong?” he asked gently.
Lie shook his head. “No, just…” He turned to the support tower he had climbed, pointing to the very top of it. “Could you web us up there?” he requested.
“Of course,” Peter replied, though his voice was hesitant. Despite that, he wrapped one of his arms tightly around Lie’s waist. His boyfriend secured his arms around his shoulders, then nodded, a sign that he was ready.
The spider shot a web at the peak of the tower, hoisting the two of them up its side, grabbing onto one of the thick, metal bars near the top for support.
Peter then noticed Lie digging a hand through his pocket, assuming he was looking for his phone. A selfie at the top of a bridge would be pretty sick.
However, when Lie lifted his hand into Peter’s view, he held a large, sturdy, heart-shaped padlock, along with its matching key.
“L-Lie, h-how- where did you get that?” Peter shuttered, dumbfounded.
“The antique store we went to the other day,” Lie answered with a nonchalance that awed his darling even further. “I quickly bought it while you were in the bathroom, that way, it’d be a surprise.”
“But, why?” Peter asked.
“You said they’re symbols of everlasting love, didn’t you?” Peter nodded. Lie smiled deeply, something sweet and handsome. “Plus,” he whispered, “up here, no one can take it down.”
“Are you sure you want that, though?” Peter worried. “I mean, I’m a complete mess, and you’re, well- you’re just- god, Lie, you’re fucking divine. I don’t deserve you. I don’t deserve this from you. Besides, you’re immortal, and I’m not; I’m just gonna die-”
“Peter Parker!”
The boy looked up at where his boyfriend’s face stood just a few inches above his own, staring at him sternly, but with a certain tenderness, as if he could cry at any moment.
“I love you,” Lie muttered, so quiet, it was barely heard.
“I love you, too-”
“No,” Lie quickly interjected. “You don’t understand. I love you, Peter. I’ve never loved anyone the way I love you, and I don’t wish to love anyone the same way after you. I want to wake up and fall asleep by your side every single day and night. I want to hold you in my arms every single moment of my life, no matter how much it may hurt.”
Lie snickered in Peter’s arms, but it didn’t sound happy. “Goddamnit, Peter,” he sniffled, “I cry whenever you’re gone! Hee says I’m dramatic, but I can’t help it; you’re my everything, darling.”
Tears began to well in Lie’s eyes, staining the fabric of his mask. “I would bleed every last drop of blood from this cursed body of mine,” he went on, “then apologize for getting your shoes dirty. You could scream at me, beat me into the ground, have me dragged to the farthest corners of the multiverse, and I’d still crawl back to you and beg for your forgiveness. I would bow at your feet and worship you if you asked.”
“I am nothing divine!” Lie sobbed. “I am just a man, but you- Peter, you’re a spirit of hope, my shining light in the dark. My heart, my soul, my entire fucking being belongs to you, and only you.”
“Gods, Peter, I fucking love you!” Lie bawled, head falling onto his boyfriend’s shoulder, tears streaming down his face. “I’ll love you to the day I die, and far beyond that. Please, just let me prove it to you!” he begged.
Peter adjusted his hold on the Iron Fist, pushing him into the cold metal of the support tower, hugging him impossibly close. Lie let his strong legs fall around Peter’s hips, his strong arms wrapped tight around his neck.
“Hey, it’s okay,” the spider comforted, “it’s okay. I’m right here, baby. Shh, don’t cry, baby boy; I’m right here, and I’m not ever letting you go. I love you, too, Lie. I love you so, so, so much - I could rant for hours about how much I love you - and I’m not going anywhere.”
Lie’s sniffles became quieter, and while his previous tears stained his cheeks, no more fell.
“I-I’m sorry,” he stuttered. “I didn’t m-mean-”
“Hey!” Peter interrupted. “Do not say you’re sorry. It’s alright. Do you still want to put our padlock up?” he asked gently.
“Only if you want to,” Lie answered.
“Of course I want to,” Peter said. “I just wanted to make sure you did, too.”
Lie smiled lightly. His head tilted up from his treasure’s shoulder, placing a light peck on his masked cheek. “Hold me steady, okay?”
Peter nodded, moving his hands to Lie’s hips, holding him up against his shoulder. Lie wobbled slightly, tail flicking back-and-forth to help him balance, and he would’ve worried if it was anyone else holding him, but he trusted Peter; despite his smaller stature, the spider was incredibly strong, and his Spider-Sense would know the moment Lie began to fall.
Lie clicked the large padlock around the metal bar, placing the key in the hole at the bottom of the heart. He turned the key slowly, until the familiar clink sounded.
He held the key in his hand delicately, hesitantly. He glanced over his shoulder, down at Peter, hoping the boy would give him an answer to the question he was too anxious to speak.
“We won’t need that anymore, Lie,” his darling declared.
Lie shifted in Peter’s hold, facing out towards the East River below. He wound his arm back, tiny green flames flicking up from his balled fist, then threw the key with a grunt. It flew through the air, lightly glowing with a green energy, landing far away in the water with an inaudible plip.
Lie felt a weight lifted from his chest, a euphoric smile painted on his features. He lowered himself from Peter’s hold, wrapping his legs around the boy’s hips once again. He lifted his treasure’s mask just enough to reveal his lips, pressing a kiss to them.
“I love you!” he mumbled excitedly, then placed another kiss to Peter’s lips. “I love you!” Another kiss. “I love you!” Another kiss. “I love you!” Another kiss, and another, and another.
Peter giggled at his boyfriend’s antics, at the way his tail banged against the metal support tower each time it wagged. He tried to pull his face away, but Lie just connected his lips to his jaw instead.
“Lie, we’ve gotta go!” Peter exclaimed through his laughs. “Cap will start getting worried if we’re not back soon.”
Lie grumbled his disappointment against Peter’s skin.
“We can keep kissing once we’re back in our room, okay?”
That produced a much happier sound from his boyfriend’s lips.
Peter secured his arm tightly around Lie’s hips, then pushed them off the side of the tower, shooting a web to a metal beam ahead, swinging them along the side of the bridge.
~~♡~~
Peter and Lie continued to visit that same support tower on the Queensboro Bridge months, eventually years after they had placed their love lock on that metal bar at the top of it.
Each time, they found that the padlock had, thankfully, not been taken down.
Each time, they never had a single regret about locking it up there in the first place.