Chapter Text
Harley was excited for homecoming. Which was weird, considering he didn't like people, sports, or dancing. But he did like a few things. He liked Peter, for example. He enjoyed the lab. He loved living in the Stark Tower.
Harley stood in front of his mirror, fiddling with the fabric of his suit, trying to get it to look nice- but not too nice. Tony had wanted to get him a nice suit, but Harley refused. It didn't feel like him, and simply was a waste of money. He'd picked up the jacket at a thrift store and called it a day.
He glanced back to find Pepper standing in the doorway. “You look nice. Impressing someone? Peter, maybe?” Her tone turned teasing.
Harley ducked his head to cover his blush. “I'm beginning to regret telling you stuff.” His accent felt heavy in his throat. He didn't want to forget it. Didn't want it to fade. It felt like home. He still thought of that place fondly. Thought of his sister fondly, at least.
Pepper chuckled, “You didn't have to tell me. You think you can call it southern charm, but it's kind of obvious.”
Harley walked over to sit on his bed. He pulled the dark brown loafers –half a size to large– on, slowly lacing them up. “Do you think he knows?”
She stepped towards him, “He's Peter. Absolute genius, but dense as a rock.” She carded a hand into Harley's hair, carefully combing through tangled locks. “All geniuses are.”
Harley held his breath. Nobody ever helped him with his hair. It was sweet. It felt like she cared. Pepper hummed lightly, pulling her hand away, “There. Now don't mess it up. It looks nice.” She pressed a gentle kiss to his forehead, “Have fun, stay safe, and please don't come back sobbing. I'd prefer you just bring a boy home.”
Harley looked away to cover his smile, “Thanks, Pepper.”
Harley couldn't help but watch his friend group. He always walked ahead of them, trying to finish what they were doing as quickly as he could, but now, standing in the back, like an outsider, he found himself very observant.
Ned and MJ were talking. He didn't mind listening to the words but it was interesting to watch their mouths move. It was so human. Occasionally MJ's lips quirked up or she snorted and punched Ned in the arm.
Then there was Peter. He was so small and bright eyed, yet he jumped at every sudden noise. His suit didn't quite fit perfectly, but it was cute. The way it bunched on his sleeves.
Harley looked down and fiddled with his buttons. Staring at a boy was rude. Especially his friend who was probably straight. His crush on Liz was obvious, anyways.
Peter's hand clamped onto Harley's. His gaze immediately shot up. Peter's doe eyes looked at Harley for a moment before splitting off to look at MJ and Ned. “Hey, uh –go on in, okay?” His wide eyes shifted between them, “I'll catch up.”
Ned and MJ both immediately seemed to know what it was. MJ rolled her eyes and pulled Ned through the doorway, “Don't be weird,” was all she said.
Harley held back a retort. Peter was always weird.
Peter stared at Harley for a moment. He looked so beautiful in the dim lights of the streets. His whole body shivered as the wind blew past. It ruffled his hair and forced his hands to clench, almost as if he was preparing to fight.
Peter didn't get in a lot of fights, did he?
Just as Harley was about to fill the silence, Peter's voice came quiet. “Hey,” It was unsure and sent butterflies through his stomach, “Thanks for coming. I –I wasn't sure you'd want to.”
Harley fought the blood rushing to his face. How could the boy manage to act so sweetly? Harley shoved his hands in his pockets to stop the button fiddling, “Why wouldn't I?” He fought every nerve in his body to not tack darlin’ onto the end of his sentence.
Peter shrugged with only one of his arms. Harley could vaguely remember Peter telling him it got injured a while ago. “I don't know. You just don't really do dances. Or people. Or- like, social things.”
Harley's lips quirked up, but he didn't let his grin go too wide. “Yeah, well. Figured I'd make an exception. You asked.”
Harley ignored the flush on Peter's neck. He ignored the way Peter's hands twiddled at his sides. He ignored how Peter's throat swallowed.
Silence met them again.
Peter's gaze dropped to his shoes, “Look, I - I kind of wanted to tell you something. It's not, like… a huge deal or anything, I just…”
Harley quickly stamped out his stupid romantic heart. This wasn't anything. “You okay?” He asked Peter, covering all of his stupid gushy feelings.
Peter's breath went quiet. Then he gasped for it back. He looked like a wreck. “Yeah. Yeah, totally.” Harley was not convinced. “Just… Can I ask you something kind of dumb?”
Harley was metaphorically curb stomping his heart at this point. His hopes were too high and he didn't want to get his dreams miserably crushed. “You always do.” Harley was glad Peter was looking down so he couldn't see Harley's face. He wasn't smirking. Just… staring.
Peter seemed to laugh, or at least that's what Harley thought it was meant to be, but it came out odd. He gently scratched the back of his neck. “I just-” Pause. “I thought maybe, if you're not with anyone tonight, we could –y'know. Go together. Or, not go-go, I know we're already here, obviously, but, like… like go together. As a thing. A date. Kind of.”
Harley swore in that moment, his brain exploded in his skull. “What?” He stared at Peter, then took a simple step towards him. He wanted to reach out and see if the boy was real. “Could you say that again?”
Peter's eyes were wide. He stammered, “I mean, not if you don't want to! Just. It's cool if you don't, obviously. I just… thought I'd ask. Because you- because of how you-”
“Peter…” His voice went quiet. He wanted to reach out and hold Peter close to his heart. He wanted to say yes. Every bone in his body ached to scream at the top of his lungs, yes. But last time he asked out a boy at his school in Tennessee. And everyone found out. His mom yelled. She lifted her hand like-
This wasn't Tennessee. This is New York.
Harley took a deep breath, “I'll go with you Peter. Not go-go. It's a date.”
Peter's lips curled up. He glanced away and murmured something. Harley couldn't hear it.
Harley tilted his head, “Speak up, darling.”
“Can I hold your hand?”
Harley giggled. God. He giggled? Like his sister? He reached for Peter's hand, lacing his fingers through Peter's. “Like that?”
Peter tapped his head on Harley's shoulder, “Yeah.” Then quieter, more reverent, “Perfect, actually.”
Harley's heart drummed in his chest, and where he once prayed Peter wouldn't hear it, he didn't mind anymore. Peter's head turned away for a split second. Then he muttered, “Shit… Shit, shit, shit.”
When Harley turned to follow Peter's gaze there was nothing. “Something wrong?”
Peter's hand peeled away, “I need to go call Mr. Stark. I promise I'll be right back, just- just I-”
Harley quickly nodded, “I'll wait right here.”
Peter stumbled into the main building of the school. He didn't have time for the suit. Hell, Tony would kill him if he tried to take care of it. He speed dialed Tony.
“Kid, I told you to only call in emergencies.”
“It's not an emergency, but… it's important. Super hero thing.” Peter could hear Tony breathing. He sounded tired.
Tony huffed, “Fine. What is it? Make it quick.”
“I know the vulture’s identity, or well- his daughter.”
“What?” Peter could hear he was using a soldering iron. It turned off and Tony's chair squeaked.
“Her name is Liz Allen. Her dad is the vulture. I know because I just saw him in her car.”
Tony sighed, “Thanks Pete, that actually… that helps me a lot. But please, don't act on it.”
Peter smirked, “Yeah, I won't. It turns out I've got a date for this dance.”
“Wait, who is it?”
Peter chuckled. Of course Mr. Stark cared more about his love life than a criminal. “I'm not gonna tell. But, you'd like him I think- if you met him.”
Tony scoffed, “Does Pepper know him?”
Peter held back a laugh, “I don't know. She could. He's smart.”
“I'm gonna kill you, kid.”
“See'ya in the lab, Mr. Stark.” Peter ignored his protest and hung up. He shoved his phone in his back pocket, and practically dashed back to Harley.
He panted for breath as he curled his hand back through Harley's. Harley nearly jumped, “Jesus! No need to jump me like a spider!”
Peter shrugged, “You'd be an easy target if I were a murderer.”
Harley glared at him, “Thanks for letting me know that. Great way to start the date.”
Peter turned his back to the door, moving to hold both Harley's hands, “It's too late to back out.” He led Harley into the dance.
The gym was showered in tacky decorations and dramatic blue lighting. Peter loved it. Harley could tell.
Harley chuckled, “I'm beginning to regret saying yes to you.”
Peter looked up at him, concern filling his eyes.
Harley quickly shook his head, “No, not you, I mean… like the dance is dumb.”
Peter's breath relaxed again, “Oh- oh, okay.” He leaned his cheek against Harley's arm, then quickly pulled back, “Is this okay? Me like… clinging?”
Harley shrugged, “I think it's cute. We spend our weekends with each other constantly anyways.”
“No, like-” Peter pulled away to stand in front of Harley, “Here. In front of everyone.”
Harley felt it click. “Oh. I…” He thought about it. “No. It's okay. I think… it's okay if people know.”
Peter held his hand again, “Okay. Just tell me if you're not comfortable. I get that you're not… out.”
“Yeah, I-”
MJ walked up and hauled an arm around Peter, “So, you asked him?”
Peter shifted, “Asked him what?”
MJ smirked, “C'mon, we all know you like Harley. Even Ned, and he's dumb.”
Ned glared, “I'm not dumb, I have better grades than Peter.”
Peter rolled his eyes, “It's because I miss class, for important Stark internship reasons.”
Ned scoffed and rolled his eyes, “Whatever.”
Harley and Peter had retreated to a dark corner of the gym. They sat together, drinking punch that they'd manage to grab before Flash spiked it.
Peter rested a head on Harley's shoulder, and Harley suddenly felt tense. This was weird. This was wrong. This was-
He wrapped an arm around Peter's shoulder and pulled him to his chest. Then the DJ spoke up. It was time for a couples’ dance. Harley felt Peter pull away. Harley pulled him back, “Where are you going?”
Peter looked up at him with large sweet eyes. He murmured, “Dance with me, Harley Keener?”
Harley felt his cheeks flush. “God- you're so corny.”
Peter's face scrunched into a frown, and it was the cutest thing Harley had ever seen. “That's not an answer.”
Harley stood up, slowly running a hand through his hair. “I will dance with you, Peter Parker.” He dramatically held out his hand. “Show me to the dance floor!”
Peter snorted and grabbed Harley's hand. They walked side by side to the dance floor, along with the other couples who had wandered out. Peter put arms on Harley's shoulder, hands curling behind his neck.
The lyrics were slow. It sounded soft and nostalgic. Harley's hands held Peter's waist comfortably. He tilted his head, “Do you know what this song is called?”
Peter's lips turned up. He closed his eyes slowly, his thumbs tracing patterns on the back of his neck. “Yeah. Love by Lana Del Ray- why?”
Harley looked up and chuckled, “Of course you know this song. I just… want to add it to my playlist.”
The music drew on for a moment. Then Peter laughed dryly, “Harley?”
“Yeah?”
“I was so scared you'd deny me. Call me a fag or something. That happened when I asked a boy in the eighth grade. It was-”
“Penis Parker! And Harley Weiner!? Hah-” Flash chuckled. He was holding a cup of his spiked punch, probably drunk. “I knew Parker was gay, but you too Harley?”
Harley heard Peter quietly murmur, “I'm bisexual, actually.”
“What was that? I knew you liked boys when you asked me out like a faggo-”
Harley' nearly yelled, “Shut the hell up, Flash.”
“Holy shit, dude! It was a joke!”
“Well, it wasn't funny.” Harley put an arm around Peter. The music was turning to something upbeat again. It was the one annoying song about clapping your hands that got under Harley's skin. Harley rolled his eyes at Flash. “First of all, he's bi- so at least know who you're bullying. Second, that's a slur, so grow the hell up!”
Harley shot a final glare at him, then glanced down at Peter, “You okay?”
Peter's eyes were wide, flicking between Harley and where Flash had stumbled off to, most definitely drunk. “I- uhm. Yeah.”
Harley smirked, “Good. Don't think about him. He sucks.” Peter leaned into his hold. Harley could see the circles under Peter's eyes. He pulled Peter out of the crowd and back to where they sat before. “It's late… want to head back to the tower?”
Peter shuffled to sit up straight, “Um, yeah. I just need to call May, tell her that I'm gonna stay the night at the tower. She'll be happy that I asked you out.”
Peter waited as the phone rang next to his ear. Only once.
“Is something wrong, Pete? I can come pick you up if-”
“I asked Harley to go with me.” Peter broke off her concerned tone. It was sweet, but made him feel so small and useless.
“Oh.” May breathed for a moment, “And?”
“He said yes.” Peter timidly scratched the back of his neck.
She laughed for a moment, “Then what are you calling me for? Have fun with him!”
“I am- I am. I was just wondering if I could spend the night at Stark Tower?” He always felt weird asking for things. Aunt May was kind of weird about what he could and couldn't do.
Aunt May hummed for a moment, “Yes, but no funny business.”
“Oh my God this is our first date- I'm not doing anything weird on my first date!”
Peter could hear her smirk, “Yeah maybe, but you're a teenager and sometimes your body-”
“Goodbye, May- see you tomorrow!” he paused, “Love you, sleep well.”
“Love you too, Baby. Have a good night.” And the line disconnected. Peter turned to where Harley was fumbling with the cuffs of his shirt.
“Hey.” Peter mumbled awkwardly.
Harley glanced up, “Ready to go?”
Peter nodded and wrapped his arm around Harley's.
Harley opened the door to his living quarters and did a wide spin for Peter. The two had both already changed into sweat pants and t-shirts. Peter had somehow found himself in Harley's hoodie. “My humble abode! Rules-”
“You have rules?” Peter cut in nearly immediately.
Harley glared at him, “I live here full-time, I want it to be nice.”
Peter's face scrunched up for a moment like he had something to say, yet he stayed quiet.
Harley held three fingers up, “Three rules. Keep your shoes at the door, I don't care about socks. No food outside of the kitchenette. And this one doesn't really apply to you but- but no smoking or vaping or drinking or anything.” He didn't like saying it out loud.
Peter nodded quickly, kicking off his shoes next to a pile of Harley's. He followed Harley to his bedroom and sat down on his bed, both instinctively sitting a couple inches apart.
Harley grabbed the remote for his TV, “Want to watch something?”
Peter shrugged, “Whatever you want.”
Harley rolled his eyes, moving an inch closer to Peter, “What do you want to watch, darling? ”
Peter stared up at him, “Uh- I like Starwars.”
Harley gently pulled Peter into his side. He was tense, legs folded underneath him and arms held tight. Harley turned on A New Hope and the yellow text started to roll.
Harley put a hand on Peter's shoulder, and God- his muscles were tense. Harley rubbed gentle circles into his biceps, then trailed up to his shoulder. “Is this good?”
Peter hummed, and he repositioned so his legs were unfurled next to him. He rested his cheek on Harley's chest, murmuring, “Mm-hmm! Very good.” He was cold- colder than Harley, at least, especially when he curled up against Harley like some weird cat. It was oddly… endearing.
Peter shifted his head. “Han Solo was my bi awakening.”
Harley choked a laugh, “No. No he is not. Please say you're kidding.”
Peter shook his head, “I was eleven, watching Star Wars on my aunt's couch. And he was just like… really hot. I was a dumbass and used my aunt's phone to search up why I thought he was pretty and then I started looking into labels and- and well, bisexual has felt right. Aunt May found out- obviously.”
“What did… did she say?” Harley murmured, hand moving from Peter's shoulders to in-between his shoulder blades, keeping up with massaging the overused muscle.
Peter chuckled, “She didn't care. She's said she'd had a few crushes on a couple girls. She's dated a few too. I think she has a girlfriend that she's scared to tell me about- I don't know.”
Harley nodded, “I'm glad it was… easy, for you.”
Peter nudged Harley in the ribs, “Your gay awakening?”
Harley chuckled, “It's embarrassing…”
Peter stared at Harley- and Jesus he was close. His dark brunette curls were messily shoved out of his face like he had tried to fix and failed a couple times and his brown eyes focused on Harley's. And his lips looked soft and sweet. There was a split at the side too. How old was that?
Peter rested his temple into the spot where Harley's neck and shoulder connected, still staring up at Harley, eyes sparkling, “I won't judge… promise.”
Harley couldn't help but admire how sweet Peter looked, lying there. He took a deep breath, “Fine. Have you ever watched Atlantis? Like the animated Disney one?”
Peter quickly nodded, “Everyone's pretty in that one.”
“It was Milo. The little nerd. He's cute and a genius and he's sweet and does all the right things.” Shit. He's describing Peter. “The glasses too.”
Peter's lips curled up like a cat seeking contact, “Yeah?” He seemed entranced in every word Harley said.
Harley nodded, “I hid it from my family. I lived in Tennessee. My sister knows, but my mom didn't.”
“Your dad?” Peter asked quietly.
Harley opened his mouth but now words. He looked away then murmured, “Left for gas station scratchers, cigarettes and beer. That's why I don't like smoke.”
Peter nodded and leaned into Harley. His weight was comfortable. He didn't try to offer condolences to Harley or anything. It was nice, like he knew what Harley had been through -not exactly- but close that Harley felt understood.
“I asked a boy out and we were in my room, just talking. His hand was on my thigh and my mom walked in and panicked. She yelled at me. She called me words I don't want to repeat. Then she kicked me out. And I moved in here. I've lived in this room since.”
Peter slowly wrapped his arms around Harley's waist. He murmured , “I need to tell you something. Don’t call me crazy or interupt… just for a moment.”
Harley silently nodded.
Peter breathed in slowly, then started, “My uncle Ben died because of me. Because- ‘cause he was in danger and I could have saved him.”
Harley's hand trailed back up Peter's back, into his hair.
“Because… I'm Spiderman. That's why I was anxious earlier. I got intel and I- I needed to tell him. That's why I'm always showing up to school with bruises and split lips-!”
Harley curled his freehand under Peter's jaw, tilting his chin up. Peter flinched, tears bubbling out of his eyes.
“Shhh- sh. It's just me, Peter.” He wiped the tears out of Peter's eyes gently, trying his best not to startle him. “It's okay, you're okay.”
Peter sat serenely as one of Harley's hands worked through his hair, the other drawing lines over the flush of his cheeks. He had stopped crying a bit ago, so Harley had no tears to dry. Peter didn't mind. The touch was nice. Comforting.
As Harley's motions slowed, Peter's eyes drifted open. He was met by the sight of what could've been God if he truly believed. Harley's dusty blonde hair was all tousled, eyes hooded as he stared down at Peter.
Peter lifted up his hand, palms covered by the hoodie he had borrowed from Harley. He glanced for a split second to see the credits rolling on their movie. It was the end of episode five. It auto-played after they finished four. His fingers brushed over the underside of Harley's jaws, slowly moving to the hinge. He tilted Harley's head down, towards him. Harley's pulse hammered under his touch. His eyes were wide. Then slowly -oh, so slowly- he let himself relax into Peter. His lashes fluttered down.
Peter leaned in so Harley could feel his breath. He stopped an inch away from Harley, holding his breath. His hand was still pressed on Harley's jaw.
Harley sat quietly, before he realized Peter was waiting for him to finish the kiss. He was waiting for Harley to lean in. It felt wrong. Deep in his chest, he knew he'd go to hell. He knew his mom would hate him more if she found out.
But his mom was in Tennessee.
Harley was in New York.
In the Stark Tower.
In his bedroom.
Next to Peter.
And he was safe.
He leaned in reverently. The next movie hadn't autoplayed. It was completely silent. And Harley's lips were against Peter's. It was comfortable. Safe.
Peter pulled back first. But it wasn't forced. He only peeled his lips away. Then he bowed his head into Harley's neck. His lips were absently pushed to his collar bone, barely concealing his teeth.
Harley immediately realized. Humans were animals. They were beasts capable of carnage and destruction. Peter's teeth could have torn out Harley's throat right there. Yet, the beast decided to put away instinct. They were able to rip and ruin but they chose other motions. They chose tender movements and kisses and lips on soft skin if they found someone worth it. They didn't think twice about exposed skin, reared teeth or shared hoodie.
And he was safe. He gently pressed a kiss to Peter's forehead. It was probably too early and weird to say it but, “I love you, Peter.”
Peter carefully nodded, “Love you too, Harls.” He didn't say it the way people tended to, just say it back. He sounded like he had wanted to say it too, just scared he would be denied. The nickname made his head fuzzy, stomach doing eight flips and a summersault.
Peter's eyes drifted close as he nuzzled closer to Harley. Harley made a loose attempt to pull blankets over them, then laid his head back. He let his body warm Peter, and stayed otherwise silent. His vision went blurry, mind numb and body tired. Peter was on top of him at this point. Breath light and laced with sleep.
As his chest rose and sank, Harley's eyelids felt heavier, and heavier, until he was asleep, Peter curled against him.