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The city was quiet. So far Spider-Man had only been needed to stop a bar fight amongst two frat boys, and even that had been at the very beginning of his shift. He could try to check with Daredevil in a few hours if things kept up, or he could just go home.
He remained where he sat. Watching the city from above, one ear on his city, the other on a stupid video that had appeared on his for you page. He knew perfectly well he was simply stalling. There were about a million things he could be doing to occupy his time. He could follow up a few old leads. Or he could go home and finish the article so JJJ didn’t actually fire him, though after so many years that threat had turned into nothing but a blur in the back of his mind.
After a few minutes of this he felt a tremble across his back. Not unlike his spidey sense yet incredibly different. Like his body was giving him a heads-up without actually letting him believe he was in any danger. It was unlike anything he had ever felt, and it was completely addicting if one were to ask him.
He could almost hear the soft steps behind him. If he were anyone else he was sure the man would complete his mission in scaring him. But Peter wasn’t just anyone.
For a small second he considered letting the man fulfill his mission. Try to humor him a little. But, well, Peter wasn’t that type of guy.
“Hey ‘Pool,” he teased softly, never taking his eyes off his screen. A woman was mixing her entire batch of slime together which seemed like a waste of money to him.
He could hear Deadpool groaning behind his back, “Goddammit! I hate your Spidey tingles!”
“Not how they’re called,” he grumbled softly, sparing a glance towards Wade who was now taking a seat beside him.
“Whatever,” Wade grumbled back with a teasing tone.
“You know for a shadow op you do a shitty job at keeping in the shadows,” he teased softly making the other chuckle for a second or two. Peter was well aware that had Wade wanted to keep quiet he would have no problem doing just that.
“Slow night?” he said, pointing at the mask that sat just a few feet away from them. So far up, there was literally not one person who could see him. Besides the obvious, of course.
“Don’t jinx it,” he begged, turning his “puppy eyes” towards the man. Wade remained staring down at his lap, sparing a glance or two. Still in shock at the fact that he was now privy to the sight of Peter in all his glory.
Peter had chosen to show himself a few weeks ago to Wade who had been his friend for the better part of two years. It felt right to do so. No better time like the present, he supposed.
The fact that he had begun to have feelings towards the man was nothing short but a coincidence, or so he told himself. Like somehow the only thing stopping them from getting together was his secret identity and not every other issue such as grief that lingered in every aspect of his life.
“I’m sorry,” Wade said, stretching and grasping Peter’s phone away from his grip. “Is our dear Spider-Man avoiding the crimes of this city so he can watch TikTok’s? Is that where we’re at now?”
“DP if there is one person in the world not allowed to judge…” he muttered without finishing his sentence.
“Oh, snarky Peter,” he said delightedly. “I came to join my favorite webslinger on my day off. Bringing food from his favorite joint, which is horrible by the way. And all I get in return is snark? How is that fair?”
Peter eyed the bag with a curious smile, allowing the smell of grease to fill his senses. “You brought food? Score!”
As he went to grab the bag it was quickly taken away from his grasp. “I’m sorry. Were you raised by wolves?” Peter groaned, leaning closer to the edge of the building, barely hanging on with the sole of his feet and still miles away from his goal. “That is not how we ask for things! Don’t you know the magic words?”
Peter snickered, sitting back down. “Thanks for the food, Wade. You’re the best.” And softly he leaned in, until he could practically smell the leather from the other’s mask. He raised a hand towards the other’s cheek, almost feeling the never ending texture of the mercenary just beneath his touch. Softly he closed the distance, letting his lips grace the rough texture.
This was a new development as well. Soft kisses shared between each other. Shared at small specific moments whenever the other did something nice.
Peter couldn’t tell you who started this, though he was pretty sure he had been the first to lean in not even a few months ago. Wade seemed more hesitant about the whole thing, choosing instead to give it his all by kissing back rather than starting anything by himself. It was a simultaneously complicated arrangement that was just as easy as breathing, believe him when he told you he was aware of the paradoxical situation he put himself in.
The kisses remained rather chaste. Making Peter feel like he was in a middle school relationship, or at least an approximation to one since he hadn’t actually had the pleasure of being in one before. Still it seemed almost unbelievable that Wade would manage to keep things so innocent after all the comments Spider-Man had received over the years from the masked man. The thought was almost enough to make him swoon.
He allowed his mouth to open slightly. Allowing his tongue to linger across the used leather, leaving behind a coppery taste in his mouth that had to be old blood the man had not bothered to clean. The thought was enough to make him close his mouth before pulling back, a smile across his face. Kissing Wade was one of his favorite things to do, ignoring the blood of whatever victims had come before seemed easy enough.
“What did you bring?” he wondered, finally in reach of the bag.
“Burgers from that place you like,” he said after a few seconds, reaching inside the bag so he could grab a burger from the very bottom before Peter finished them all. Taking it away like one would from a rabid dog, like Peter would deem so low as to bite his hand away if he dared come too close.
Quickly he shoved the thing into his mouth, desperate to hide his skin less Peter realize just how scarred he actually was. As soon as he was done he pulled the mask back down, barely allowing Peter to take in the sight. “Mmm you can taste the rotten ingredients.”
“They are not rotten,” he replied with a dramatic gasp. Still trying to ignore the ache that came with watching his closest friend hide so desperately from his gaze. Which seemed ridiculous. Peter had seen Wade before, Peter liked what he saw. He thought it was obvious. He guessed wrong. “Besides, the lack of cleanliness really adds flavor.”
“You are disgusting, baby boy,” he chirped, completely enamored.
“Shut up,” he said, shoving the burgers into his mouth, making a very attractive image to his would be lover, he was sure of it. Perhaps Wade had been onto something by literally ripping one for himself.
“Wanna come over after this?” Wade asked after a few seconds. “There’s this movie that I wanna watch. It has Miss Dakota Johnson and that hot stuff, Pedro Pascal! And of course Mr. Captain America! Though he’s not acting very Captain America like in said movie… The point is: I think you would like it. Very bisexual core I would say. Perfect for us, don’t you agree? Even Yellow agrees and he is always such a dick.”
The thought of going home with Pool sounded enticing. Getting to shower, and actual sleep sounded like a dream come true. But, well, he was already out here and it was still strikingly early.
“I was actually going to go check out Hell’s Kitchen, see if DD needed help,” he said out loud. “Wanna join? We can go home after.”
Wade groaned, “Pass! Daredevil will just rope us in his martyr complex thing. I think he has an ever bigger chip on his shoulder than you and that’s saying something!”
“I have a chip on my shoulder?” he asked, amused.
“Puh-lease,” he teased. “We call you Pinocchio behind your back. Because at this point it ain’t just a splinter it’s a whole damn cross.”
“Damn, tell me how you really feel,” he chuckled.
He was sure some of what Wade was saying was true. Trying to hide his never ending concern behind funny jabs was something they both understood. It didn’t exactly take away the fact that Peter had a job to do. He couldn’t blame Wade for not being overly excited, the man’s mission was different to his. No harm and absolutely no foul.
“I could catch you later?” Peter suggested. “You’ve been gone for a few days, I missed you!”
“You did?” wondered Wade, slightly too amazed to be true.
“Of course I did!”
“You missed your food, you mean,” he teased, overly excited. He was shaking his head back and forth, probably having a conversation with the boxes. Peter was growing annoyed by the little fuckers. For once, he wished they had an actual body he could hit just enough times that they got the message.
“No,” he said, shaking his head, leaning ever closer. He reached towards the edge of Wade’s mask, looking deep into the white spots covering his eyes for any sign of discomfort. So far the other man had not made a move to stop Peter’s ministrations, if anything he seemed to be leaning closer.
Without needing to be told twice Peter raised the mask, until it was above Wade’s nose. The other man never really allowed him to do much more than that. With a perfect excuse on the tip of his tongue whenever Peter dared push against such notions.
Deadpool’s ability to show expressions through his mask was a thing to be admired. He was aware his own mask was impressive enough, good enough to show snark. Had been told off by every single member of The Fantastic Four and every old lady in the subway. Yet his minute expressions dimmed in comparison to Wade’s.
The man managed to show what he truly felt without having to move the fabric by an inch. But in moments like this, Peter was reminded that at the end of the day it was still a mask. A mask with the purpose of hiding the beholder, not unlike his own. Whenever Wade wanted to hide his true feelings he could do so like the best of them.
Perhaps, the poker face had been something he needed to develop back in the army. Or perhaps, he had done so since he was a child. A talent like that had to be learned, it had to be.
Or perhaps, Peter should stop his reminiscing before Wade pulled back entirely and took away the last bit of skin he was even allowed.
They weren't in his usual spot by the Empire State, but they were still pretty high up. He was sure Wade had to use his grappling hook to be where he was right now. There was literally not one person that could see them from this high up, which was a blessing. But it also sucked, because there was simply not enough light to truly admire the sight of Wade’s never ending map.
At long last he graced his lips against his lover’s. Was Wade his lover? He didn’t actually know. The only “lover” he had ever had was Gwen. And their entire relationship had followed the entirety of the high school norms. The few Spidey scares they had shared along the way had made it a necessity to have some normalcy to hold onto.
They had taken every step at the time it was expected of them. Their first date, first kiss, shit, even their first time. It all fit in a cookie cutter way. In the most perfect, amazing and nice way of course. But Peter never had to wonder where they stood. Even when Gwen barely flirted with him outside of class, he knew where he stood.
Everyone at school knew it too. Even without Peter making Gwen his girlfriend at first it was an unspoken rule that she was taken, and so was he. It was expected of them to go to the same parties and be seen together all the time. It was as easy as breathing.
But whatever he and Wade had been completely different. Whatever they had, had no timetable in sight. A complete and perfect mess Peter was unsure of how to straighten up.
“I missed you,” he breathed into the space. “Nearly went over to St. Margareth's to get info about where you were at. Decided that maybe getting shot in the head by Weasel would not exactly be an optimal “welcome home” present.”
“Please,” he chuckled darkly, letting his hands fall squarely against his back. “That shit stain has been warned about even sparing a glance at your perfect ass.”
He snorted at the thought. “You have the most wonderful relationship with your best friend. You should write a book or something.”
“He ain’t my best friend,” he clarified easily. Letting his nose grace Peter’s neck, practically melting the boy into his skin with such a simple touch. “I prefer ‘em nerdy.”
“You are such a dick,” he teased with a laugh, pushing the man away.
Wade laughed his ass off for a second before continuing, “So, now you’re going to pretend you aren’t an absolute nerd? Yeah, okay. Literally two days ago you spent an entire hour explaining to me the entire Star Wars saga!”
“I mean, it’s your own fault for not watching the movies,” he grumbled. “I mean, weren’t you, like, alive when the first one came out?”
He knew Wade was barely in his early thirties, but well, being a few years younger than Wade allowed him to pull as many jokes about his age as he wanted.
“Oh,” he chuckled. “Are you into the whole daddy thing?”
“Okay, you ruined it,” he said, finally standing up, waiting just enough time for Wade to get up as he snickered.
“Your reactions are only making you look guiltier,” he teased, waggling his finger in front of Peter like a disappointed parent. Leaning down and reaching for Peter’s mask. His own was still pulled up, allowing Peter to see the perfect smirk across his face.
“I would be into the daddy thing,” he said, holding back a groan at the absurdity. “If “daddy” meant someone who could actually keep up with me.”
Wade went quiet for a second, allowing the words to fill in the space as Peter’s smirk grew. It would seem Deadpool forgot that although he was in fact the “Merc with the mouth”, Peter was “The friendly neighborhood Spider-Man” who could not shut up. By now they could count on one hand the amount of people willing to work with them whenever they were together.
“Oh, my God,” he said with pretended sympathy. “Did I hurt your feelings? Or did you not hear me?”
“You are such a little shit,” he commented with a laugh. “Here you have it JJJ, Spider-Man is in fact a menace. Who would have thought? I owe a lot of people an apology.”
“You started it!” he defended with a smile.
“I was making a joke,” he said with a fake choked up tear. “And I called you my best friend. Two in one, because I am efficient like that.”
“I was also making a joke,” he said, slapping him in the shoulder.
“No, you weren’t,” he said, practically shutting the whites in his eyes. It was freaky how much power he had over inanimate objects. “You truly think I couldn’t keep up with you. Let us find you a daddy who can.”
“Maybe I don’t want another one…”
God, he felt ridiculous. He wouldn’t be able to see himself in the mirror. He just knew it. Still it was all worth it for the bark of a laugh Wade let out in retaliation.
“Jesus H. Christ,” he barked. “Look at you, baby boy.”
“What?” he chuckled.
“You’re getting brave,” he teased. “I have become a bad influence.”
“You are rubbing off on me,” he agreed.
“Not yet I am not,” he teased, hungrily. “But I have dreamed about it enough that it is probably translated into reality. You’re the genius, is it possible to dream it until you make it? That sounds like a quote you would find on a white woman’s Instagram, doesn't it?”
“I think what is actually happening,” he said, walking closer, “is that maybe I’m just tired of thinking you’re the only one who can flirt.”
Wade pointed at him with a perfect smirk across his face. It was such a shame Wade insisted on hiding his face. Sure the scars were enough to make anyone take a double glance, but his smile? That was enough to make anyone fall. Mix it with his perfect jawline and, well, Peter couldn’t even be bothered to pretend to care about the texture surrounding such features.
“See,” he laughed. “This, this is why I like you!”
“Wait, what?” he asked, startled a bit. Sure, they liked each other. That’s what friends did. But the way Wade said it made it feel a thousand times heavier.
Wade groaned immediately, “Oh, don’t do that.”
“Do what?”
“The thing where you pretend you didn’t hear me,” Wade begged.
Peter’s smile softened slightly at that. Wade was definitely the brave one in whatever this was. Always ready to take five steps forward in response to Peter’s retreat. Like somehow Deadpool was making sure Peter’s distance would never end whatever this was.
“I heard you,” he agreed softly.
“Good,” he said, shrugging and looking down at the ground. Peter couldn’t tell how the man was supposed to get down without seriously injuring himself. And perhaps that was Wade’s idea all along. To kill himself and heal, all just to get Peter his favorite burgers.
A beat passed, then Wade's eyes narrowed playfully, “Do you really think I can’t keep up with you?”
Peter looked him up and down, walking from one side to the other, until he was perched overlooking the city. “Not convinced yet,” which made Wade sputter. “I am a scientist. I need more data.”
“Cocky little spider,” he mumbled teasingly. It was said at a volume most people would have never heard. A whisper that belonged to only the wind. The same volume he used to speak to his boxes whenever he was in public without actually making a fool of himself. Still, it was a volume Peter was familiar with.
“Old man.”
They were quiet for a few minutes. Peter decided that perhaps he should actually do what he came here to do. He couldn’t exactly account for keeping Wade company as a successful shift. He could have done that any other day. For today, he had to stop some crime.
Perhaps, if he tried really hard he could even fish something good enough to deliver to Jameson. The man would surely twist his words and make it, so Peter was the actual villain, but at least he would be able to pay rent. So truly, who was the loser then?
“So,” Wade coughed at his side, “you said, you need more data to tell if I could keep up with you, right?”
“I was joking, Wade,” he said, a bit coldly. He really needed to focus. And although he adored Wade’s company, he was usually a bit of a distraction. Especially when it came to overlooking the city. Sure, he was a great company when he was in action, but waiting around was definitely not his forte. Which seemed ridiculous. Didn’t mercenaries wait around a lot of the time? Why was this any different?
“Yeah, I know,” he mumbled, grumbling something towards Yellow of all people. Whenever he spoke to the voices Peter made sure not to follow the string of thought. After all those were all private conversations and in no way involved Peter.
Still, he couldn’t help but feel like he had caused the uproar. Perhaps, the cold shoulder he was giving him now was enough fuel for the boxes to get their fill. Which was a ridiculous thought.
“I know you can keep up with me.”
After a moment whilst Wade’s system rebooted, he shot a quick message to Daredevil. Maybe Matt had something good enough to keep them entertained for the night. A selfish part of him hoped he didn’t, but the martyr complex in him desperately needed to prove himself.
Just as he was about to actually call the man, Wade stepped closer.
“I mean, you don’t actually know,” he continued. “You have a hypothesis, and a good man of science, like yourself, would never keep his first idea. That wouldn’t be very smart. No sir. And I know for a fact you are the smartest man around.”
“Wade-” he tried.
“What I mean to say is that you need proof,” he continued without missing a beat. His words were practically crashing against the other, all trying to barrel their way through. Like if he didn’t speak now he would never do so again. “And I can give you that.”
“You can give me proof?” he said, albeit a bit lost as to what Wade was trying to say.
“Yes!” he said excitedly. “How about tomorrow night?”
And for a small moment Peter wondered if he had lost part of the conversation. His phone was yet to buzz and Wade’s excitement was near enough to make Peter shake.
“What?”
“Let’s say eight-ish,” Wade chuckled. “I would say eight o’clock, but I know for a fact you have a thing with being on time. Not that it’s something that brothers me. If anything we compliment each other!”
“Again I say, what?” he was completely lost.
“Eight o’clock, Parker. I’m testing your limits of your listening comprehension.”
“Okay, asshole,” he teased. “Eight o’clock. Where?”
If Wade wanted to hang out, Peter was not about to deter it. He enjoyed hanging out outside the suit. Although it seemed to happen once in a blue moon.
“There’s this restaurant on eight,” Wade stared, slightly trembling as he took a seat next to Peter’s perch. “They have the best Italian dinner I’ve ever tasted. I mean their lasagnas will change your life, and I don’t throw that lightly. You mentioned you liked lasagnas, remember? Or was that just a BoJack Horseman episode? Whatever. You love food, so I know you will like this.
It has a nice view of the river. And yeah, sure, it’s filled to the brim with complete fuckers that pretend to be above it all. But the food is worth it.”
Peter paused, finally realizing what Wade was trying to do. He did say the other mas was the brave one out of the two, didn’t he?
“Wait.”
“What?” Wade said, finally stopping his never ending speech.
“You’re asking me out on a date?” although it was intended to be a question it was spoken with such clarity that it was clear Peter had realized the truth.
“Well,” he coughed, “when you say it like that, it sounds terrifying.”
“Wade-”
“You don’t have to call it a date,” he tried. “We don’t have to go for lasagnas. We can just do what we always do. We can keep it low stakes, low effort, chill, casual, best friend hang out. Because we are best friends! Who needs-”
“Wade!” he said again. “I’ll be there.”
“Good,” Wade said with the softest smile available to the human race.
“Cool.”
Neither of them moved. Practically ignoring the call of the city in order of seeing each other. Even through their masks this much contact was almost enough to choke them out. It was perfect.
And for a small second he couldn’t help but remember Gwen. God, she had asked him out too. Had Peter ever had a chance to be the ballsy one? She had practically mocked him for avoiding it for so long.
Perhaps, one day he would be the one to take the leap. But for now he was glad Wade had taken the lead.
Still, Peter allowed himself to be happy. No more confusing make out sessions. No more longing for more skin. No more begging to be a small part in Wade’s never ending tragicomedy.
They would go on a date. A date that had rules and properties. They wouldn't just jump around in hopes of hitting the right thing, they would just do it.
Something normal. They deserved such a thing.
The next day he was buzzing with energy. He had even recruited his new friend Betty from the Bugle to help pick out an outfit. She had looked far more amused than she had any right to be. But at the end of the day she had given him pretty good advice.
Calling his aunt to show her his outfit had perhaps been a bit of an overkill. But watching her aunt smile and clap at his complete outfit was almost enough to make him forget the embarrassment.
He was ready.
He had prepared a bag with things he would need in case he stayed the night at Wade’s. Sure he could pretend that he would be an absolute gentleman and would go home with nothing but a peck under his belt. But if one were to call their patrolling “dates” then they had more than enough to make due. Besides, what else could be expected of him when having that strong body right underneath him.
He had made sure to check out the menu during a small break JJJ had given them. Practically rehearsing the best way of ordering the cheapest thing on the menu, after making sure he had enough money in the bank to make due.
Sure, Wade would probably insist on paying. But maybe if Peter was lucky enough he would get to place his card moments before the other. Wade always invited him, it was high time he returned the favor.
He had even left the office early, so Jameson wouldn’t get the chance to scream at him or possibly fire him for whatever reason. By now he just had to finish his early patrol, and he would be on his merry on way.
Sure, Wade had made fun of him punctuality, but he would make it a point to be there on time. If he hurried a bit he could even arrive at the restaurant before Wade. And wouldn’t that be something else.
He had even gone far and beyond, begging Matt to keep an eye on his side of town so they could both enjoy their night. Nothing short of the actual Green Goblin escaping prison would pull him out of this.
He had left his bag just a few blocks from the restaurant. All too ready to wait for Wade with a snarky smile in his face. Surely Wade would be pleasantly surprised upon the sight of a cocky Peter already waiting for him.
But then, something weird happened. Now, Peter was used to weird. His best friend was mercenary who just wouldn’t die, and his other friend was a blind lawyer with a complex so high he managed to hit just as hard as Peter on a good day. The world was protected by four scientists that had gone up into space and came back with powers. There were literal mutants just walking around using their powers for evil and for good.
That was all very well and weird. But next to this, that was all a summer’s walk.
Suddenly a big circle of fire opened up to his right. On the other side a teenager stood, looking perplexed. Peter could do nothing but look into it. God, he needed to call Wade for backup now.
“Peter!” shouted the man, making Peter raise his brows even higher. Who was that and why did he know his name?
“Come on, Peter,” said a girl that couldn’t be far in age to the other kid.
He had absolutely no choice but to follow in. He had to warn Wade, he had to. But, well, they didn’t seem like a threat. And whatever happened next he could always call team Red for backup. Surely his friends would arrive in seconds to help him. All too used to his ever present curiosity and the dangers it presented.
Only he didn’t have the chance to call team Red. If anything his phone didn’t even dare turn on. It would seem being in a different universe affected technology and his shitty data plan did not in fact include interdimensional stuff. Good to know.
It was also good to know that his boyfriend was not insane. Shit, was Wade his boyfriend? That didn’t matter, because apparently he had been right on about a lot of stuff.
Eventually after proving that he was in fact Spider-Man, just not the one they wanted, he felt a deep need to help someone. Like a pull deep inside him. It was a complicated thing. Like without really being told, he could tell the Peter from that universe was in absolute shambles and he required help.
He could almost taste the guilt mixed with hatred. And wasn’t that something he could understand.
Meeting a secondary version of him in less than five minutes was weird. A part of him expected the other to be a carbon copy of him, but upon thinking about it for more than two seconds he realized the foolishness of such a thought.
And although they didn’t look alike, Peter could tell they were very much the same person. It was all in the eyes. In the way he stood. He was just a bit older than him, perhaps even Wade’s age. But he looked like had lived through seven different emotional breakdowns and somehow came out on the other side.
Peter liked him immediately.
He looked tired. Not from a lack of sleep. But from the weight that only Spider-Man could understand.
Sure he had plenty of vigilante friends, but they were all mostly on a vendetta. With a mission to stop once they fulfilled their purpose. Spider-Man didn’t get that. He didn’t do it to reach a quota, he did it because it was his responsibility. And maybe the only person that could possibly understand was Spider-Man.
After retrieving the younger Peter they managed to make a plan, all ready to get back home. Still, well, Spider-Man could not sit quiet for more than five minutes. It was simply against their own nature. Even the kid, who looked far more tired than he had any right to be, seemed to be ready to keep the conversation going.
They talked about villains, which Peter still found terribly unfair. Why the hell did they get cool aliens and fun adventures when he was stuck with shitty robbers and weirdos with mecha suits? It seemed terribly unfair.
They got to talking about their powers. Which were basically the same less one were to count the webs the oldest Peter could create at a drop of a hat.
Eventually, somehow, the conversation turned towards those who they had lost. Peter’s stomach tightened. He didn't particularly enjoy talking about Gwen.
Well, no, that wasn’t true. He loved talking about her. He loved talking about how funny and smart she truly was. About how snarky she could be. About the soft way she always tended to his wounds and how she would stand between the bullies even after knowing Peter could probably hold his own. But then he remembered how her story ended, and the feeling gutted him.
And a stupid, horrible, jealous part of him couldn’t help but tremble at the sight of young Peter kissing his MJ. He just looked so damn happy. Even after the horrible tragedy that was Parker's luck, he still had her. And that was enough to make a bit of sunlight shine through.
Eventually the older Peter asked him
“Do you have an MJ?”
Peter blinked, “An MJ?”
“Yeah,” he chuckled. “I have one too. Mine is called Mary Jane. We’ve been together for years. Never imagined we were apparently destined for each other.”
“Oh,” he looked down at what his hands were doing. “No.”
The answer was far too quick for his own good. Even older Peter got the hint, backing away from such a topic, probably realizing it was a sore thing for him. But, well, if anyone in the universe would understand what he was going through…
He cleared his throat, “I mean…”
Both Peters were looking at him. Still focused on their tasks as they kept on pushing through. It must be a Parker thing.
He sighed, “It’s complicated.”
“How complicated?” asked older Peter.
“Very.”
“I’m sorry," said younger Peter. “Did she…”
“Well, shit, that’s even more complicated," he trembled. “But, no, no it’s not like that.”
“Then what is it?”
Peter opened his mouth yet nothing came out. Because suddenly all he could think about was Wade.
Wade with his stupid jokes that always managed to turn a gloomy day into pure sunshine. Wade brought him burgers whenever he had forgotten to eat lunch, like he had a Peter tingle whenever he forgot to take care of himself. Wade allowed him to see every part of himself, even those he considered ugly. Wade being brave and finally breaking the constant back and forth they had created for themselves by asking him out on a date.
He could almost taste the excitement that had surrounded him when planning for the date. The fact that he had already planned to stay the night, even without knowing how the date would go. Because a part of him knew it would go well. Of course, it would, it was Wade.
“I mean…” he rubbed the back of his neck. “I guess I have someone.”
The younger Peter’s eyes widened, though he still refused to look up from his task, “You do?”
“I guess…”
The older Peter snorted whilst tilting his head, “You guess?”
Peter shrugged, “We haven’t exactly… talked about it.”
“What?”
“I don’t know,” he groaned. “I guess we’re just kind of doing us. And it works, I guess.”
The younger peter stared at him, “That makes no sense. So you are doing you, but you don’t know what that even means.”
“Yeah,” he scrubbed his hand over his face. “I know it doesn’t make sense. But I don’t know. We both had issues letting people in. But, I don’t know. Sometimes what we have seems to be the last bit of normalcy in my life, which is literally insane! But it works, and it calms me in ways that I don’t even understand.”
The older Peter chuckled, “Sounds like a relationship to me.”
The word relationship was almost enough to make him barf. He never really thought of himself as avoidant, but maybe he was. Maybe after so many shits he had lived over the years the trauma had finally caught up with him. Making it impossible for him to be normal about such a simple thing.
What did it say about him that a literal unkillable mercenary was far more stable than him? That could not be good.
“I don’t- I- Maybe?” he finished valiantly.
Both Peters seemed to find his confusion extremely laughable as they stared at each other with knowing looks. Which seemed ridiculous. He was not trying to be funny. He was having a God honest existential crisis and his other selves seemed to be acting like he was putting on a show.
The younger Peter smiled softly, finally looking up from his work. “So, what’s her name?”
Peter’s smile trembled for a second. What were the chances of his other selves actually kicking his ass for being gay? It had to be zero right?
“Wade,” he sighed. “His name is Wade.”
There was a small moment of shock between the others before quickly settling in understanding. They nodded with small teasing smiles on their face.
“Well, tell us about him,” prodded the oldest Peter. “What does he do? How did you meet?”
Well, perhaps not everything had to shared amongst selves.
“He’s…”
There were several answers that would be able to finish that sentence.
A mercenary, that was the most honest.
An assassin, though he only kills bad guys! Perhaps not the best way to sway a crowd.
A professional pain in my ass. It was honest and perfect.
“An anti-hero,” is what he settled on. “An entrepreneur, really!”
Younger Peter turned to look at him with shock in his face, “You’re dating a mercenary?”
Peter immediately frowned, how the fuck did he get that from what he said. “I never said we were dating.”
“You just described a relationship,” accused younger Peter. “News flash, every single thing you just said are things one feels when you’re in love. The feeling of finding a person that makes the entire world seem a bit less terrifying? The feeling of finally being home? Come on, Peter!”
“He’s not my boyfriend!” he defended lamely. The older Peter gave him a look, and okay, maybe lying to himself was not exactly his greatest idea yet. “Okay. Maybe he is.”
That earned him a snort from the older Peter.
“You know, I think sometimes you just have to find someone who matches your crazy,” he answered simply. “And if that’s… Wade? Then you have your answer.”
Peter looked at him with shock across his features. The older Peter shrugged with a small smile on his face.
“I mean, look, we are not the kind of people that get to have a normal life,” he said pointing at the odd situation they found themselves in. “You kinda just have to find the person that matches your weird puzzle and hold onto that. We spend our entire life hiding a huge part of us, might as well choose someone you can be yourself around.”
Peter thought of the way Wade never made him feel insane. Of the way Wade always managed to listen whenever he was babbling about some scientific article he had read, without a hint of mockery across his features. He thought of the ways the other man always managed to fight along his side in a perfect match to his abilities. Even the small jokes Wade managed to drop during a fight perfectly complemented Peter on the best of days.
“Shit,” he sighed. “I think I found him.”
And for the first time since actually breaking the laws of physics he thought, “I need to get back to my universe right about now.”
He had someone waiting to take him to “the best lasagna in town”, which in no way could trump over May’s. One day he would take Wade to May’s, he would show them the true best. He needed to finish this quickly. Save Max, save Connors, save the universe, go home. Good plan.
The fight managed to take a huge toll on him. He was beaten and bloody in the worst ways. Sure, he hadn’t gotten stabbed like Peter 1, but he had enough bruises and cuts to make him drop on the pavement and sleep for a million years. He was hungry and tired and horribly confused.
In a second he was back in his universe, the thought of holding the other Peter straight was quickly diminished as he vanished back home. He managed to get up on the roof, only to get a bright sight of his own JJJ publicly criticizing his own adventures. No more talk or Peter Parker the menace, only Spider-Man.
He was home.
He had about a second to mourn his new-found friends. Hoping against all odds he would see his brothers again. Well, if multiple universes were a real thing, and magic was real. Who’s to say a portal between worlds was an impossible thought?
Before he could even get into what technology he would need for such a thing he bolted towards Wade place. His phone was still down. It would seem changing dimensions twice in twenty-four hours was enough to fry the technology of his world. He had no way of telling Wade he was on his way, he wasn’t even sure what day it was, or what hour.
He hoped Wade would still be awake. Once the man had told Peter he could crash at his place day or night. Basically implying that sleep was not something he usually partook in. And although at the moment it had made him worry with no end, now he just wished the man was being serious.
The lights were on in the kitchen, which made him feel like perhaps he would be on time. He rushed up the stairs, without a care of his aching bones and bloody footsteps. He was still wearing his full Spider-Man costume, mask and everything. Hoping that Wade would allow him to shower before they got to the explanation part of the evening.
Making it to Wade’s place took a lot out of him. His entire body was begging him to take a break. He had just fought five villains, and although it had been a group effort his body had taken a huge toll. He was hurt and bleeding all over. Some so-called scraps he had received were gushing blood down the side of his leg. Yet, he kept on going until he was banging in quick succession at Wade’s door.
Even if the man was asleep the sound of the hits were a sure way of waking up the man.
The door was flimsy enough he could probably break it in half, but he wasn’t entirely sure his Spidey sense was strong enough to avoid literal bullets thrown his way.
After a few seconds the door was pulling over with a terrifying Deadpool standing before him. The man was only wearing a mask on top of some old sweats and a threatening stare in his eyes. Almost ready to pull the trigger, flinching at the sight in front of him.
Peter couldn’t help but grin at the sight, “Wade!”
Wade allowed the gun to drop to the side of his waist, though his hold was still strong enough to leave a dent. He looked stern before he looked off to the side with a dismissive sigh.
“Well,” he said with mock excitement, “look who’s alive.”
Peter’s smile fell in an instant, finally remembering that without any other information he had just stood Wade up. God, for the first time he imagined Wade waiting for him at the restaurant. All ready for what was supposed to be their first date only to realize that Peter had never arrived.
“Wade, I am so sorry,” he tried.
“Nah,” he said, practically shoving the door closed before Peter stopped it with the sole of his foot.
“Wade-” he tried.
“It’s fine, Peter,” he sighed tiredly. And that was nearly enough to punch all the oxygen away from his lungs. Wade never called him Peter. “I mean, don’t worry about it. I wouldn’t wanna be seen with me either.”
“That’s not what happened!” he tried, and for the first time ever, Wade was not allowing him to finish a thought.
“Sure,” he snorted meanly. “Look, Peter, it’s fine! I don’t blame you. You ain’t the first one to run the other way, okay? Probably did yourself a favor! I ain’t going to judge you for not wanting to go on a date with Freddy Krueger’s ugly brother.”
“Wade-” he begged.
“You could do better,” he finished off. “Should probably find a pretty young thing like yourself. Someone you can really parade around town. You deserve so much, Pete.”
And even though Wade was trying to remain stern his adoration lingered through. He meant every word he was saying. Truly he thought there was someone in the world who was a better match for Peter than him. And wasn’t that a laughable thought.
“Stop.”
“Hey, I’m just being realistic,” he finished off. “Don’t get all gallant on me now.”
And that stung. Even if Peter hadn’t tried to leave him standing, the thought that Wade would be foolish enough to think it was intentional burnt his insides.
“Trust me, babe,” he said. “Had I met you before the whole nightmare X, we would be unstoppable.”
And for a second Peter was at a loss of words. He didn’t know how to fix all of this. For a moment the whole multiple universes' explanation was not enough. Because even though it would fix the damage, the years of pain and hurt would remain lodged inside him.
Even if he did convince Wade he wasn’t insane. Even if he managed to be heard. Even if he got a second date. It would never fix the terrible damage he had endured in his life. He would not understand just how deep his feelings were.
He almost died trying to fix everything as fast as he could so he could get back home. He had heartfelt talk for the first time since Gwen was alive, albeit with himself, but he thought it counted. And somewhere across the universe he had two supporters hoping to be heard.
For a second he thought back to all the stupid references Wade did all the time. The amount of times he stared at a wall spouting nonsense. The amount of things he was aware of, that nobody had any clue.
Perhaps, his would be lover was in fact not as insane as everyone thought…
Suddenly a small plan formulated in his head. Surely this would work. It just had to.
“You are my MJ!” he exclaimed finally, putting a stop to Wade’s train of thought.
“I’m sorry, what?” he frowned.
“You are my MJ!” he replied easily. Hoping against all odds that Wade’s madness could account for this.
“How do you-?” he whispered for a moment. “Did you get more wall breaking powers whilst you were away?”
“Does it matter?” he said. “You are it.”
“That’s- that’s a pretty big declaration for a guy who spent the last two years pretending we were just friends who occasionally made out on rooftops.”
Peter’s cheeks warmed at the thought. For how long had he chosen to be ignorant about his true feelings. And for how long had Wade pretended to follow along.
“We weren’t pretending!”
“Oh, my apologies,” Wade said as he placed a hand dramatically over his chest. “We were engaging in the typical completely platonic exchange of bodily affection between bros.”
“Wade,” he whined softly.
“How very heterosexual of us,” he continued. “Is that your way of claiming a best friend or do you go around doing it with everyone. Because I’ll tell you right now trying to hunt Daredevil and Flameboy in a jealous fit might prove to be harder than I am bargaining for…”
“Shut up,” he said. “I didn’t hear you complaining. Besides, you never mentioned how you felt.”
“Everyone knows it’s not gay if you’re wearing socks,” he agreed with a teasing smile. “You’re right, I should have told you how I felt. Would before kissing you silly work or would you have preferred after?”
Peter couldn’t help the laugh that escaped him. It was like literal bubbles boiling out of him, leaving him not choice but to let them out. Wade smiled beneath the mask, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes.
He had gone to a dark place, Peter could tell. But at least he seemed to be getting back online.
“So,” he said, quieter, slightly nervous, “I’m your MJ…”
“Yeah,” he said with a nod.
“Wow,” he said, knocking the front of his head with a loud smack. “But what about my name! I’m WW, not MJ. Does that even work that way?”
“I think being an MJ is more about how you feel around the other person,” he cleared up. “Sure, they are both MJ, but one of them is Michelle and the other is a Mary. Who cares if your name is Wade. In my opinion the rule is pretty homophobic.”
“You could go for Micheal Jordan,” Wade teased, still trying to process what was being said. And for once Peter appreciated the fact that Wade was just as insane as him. Not having to explain his entire adventure just yet, though he could see the cogs moving in that great, beautiful mind.
“You think he would give me season tickets?” he replied. “Might have to think about it…”
“No, shut up,” Wade said, pushing his shoulder, finally letting the door open entirely. “I am your MJ, no takesies backsies.”
Peter smiled warmly up at him, taking a step closer. He could practically smell the sweat and gunpowder of off of his body. And although it was a very nauseating smell on its own, spread on Wade it was the perfect aphrodisiac. God knows how he was planning on going on with his life without admitting how he truly felt.
“I meant it, by the way.”
“I know,” Wade said, looking down with nothing but awe, visible even through the awful fabric.
For once the two of them were sucked out of jokes. There was nothing funny to be said. This was everything.
Peter allowed his hands to trail up Wade’s front all the way to the back of his mask. He tugged it slightly, letting Wade know what he wanted from him. Freezing instantly until he received a go ahead. He raised a brow until he received the most minute of nods.
Slowly he pulled the mask away, giving Wade enough time to back away if he so wished. If Peter needed to earn his trust, he would do whatever it took.
Finally, once the thing was off he saw the most beautiful pair of blue eyes staring back at him. They were perfect. Like the sky and the sea and everything that was beautiful in this world. Truly a shame they had to live hidden away from the public, though Peter felt a sense of pride in knowing the sight belonged to only him.
“I did everything I could to get back to you,” he explained, allowing his still gloved hands to trace the scars surrounding his face.
Wade could only hum in response to the soft touch.
“I just had a few loose ends to tie up,” he explained. “I didn’t choose to leave!”
“It’s okay…” Wade said softly.
“I had an outfit planned and everything,” he tried. “I was on my way to you. Thought I was being all slick being early for once in my life. But of course Parker luck is not a thing to be messed with…”
“It’s okay, Pete.”
Peter’s hands settled across his face, covering all the skin that was in display.
“You’re my person.”
Wade blinked, taking a deep breath before looking over Peter’s shoulder. “Okay, whoever is narrating this…”
Peter pulled back slightly. “What?” A part of him promised to take Wade’s talk more seriously. It was obvious he had a connection with the multiverse after all, but perhaps he was a bit cooky in the head… Not like there was anything wrong with that, he supposed.
“Yeah, you,” he said pointing squarely to a spot on the wall. “Don’t think I don’t know what you’re doing.”
Peter grabbed the offered finger, pulling DP’s attention back to his own face, “Who are you talking to?”
“The audience,” he explained, “freaky little shits.”
“What audience?” he said, turning back and seeing nothing but drywall.
Wade turned back to Peter, enveloping his waist firmly. “Never mind. You wouldn’t understand. Fourth-wall privilege. Very exclusive club. Membership comes with crippling trauma and a disturbing amount of merchandise.”
Peter shook his head with a laugh, “You are actually insane!”
“Yeah,” Wade said with a smile. “But apparently that’s your type. Good enough to have you thinking we’re soulmates and everything.”
Peter rolled his eyes. “You need to let that go. That was just a spurt of the moment thing.”
“Nuh-uh, as I said no takesies backsies,” Wade leaned forward until their foreheads touched. “Does this mean you’ll give that date a shot?”
“I thought we were already dating,” he said cockily.
“Excuse me?” he shrieked.
“Well,” he said, patting Wade’s shoulder, “like you said, no two grown men go around kissing each other for the best part of two years without being in love with one another.”
“No, no, no,” Wade held up a scolding finger. “I have spent two years emotionally constipated, all whilst bringing you the shittiest fast food I could think of and kissing you silly on rooftops, and you’re telling you want to count that as us dating the whole time? Can you even do that?”
“I think I can do whatever I want,” Peter shrugged.
Wade stared at him, “Jesus Christ, you are a menace!”
“I think that was established.”
“Are you telling me I could’ve been getting boyfriend benefits this entire time?” he gasped. “Well, there goes the twenty dollars I wasted on Vaseline.”
“You are such a perv!” he teased with a laugh.
“Your perv.”
Peter’s smile softened a bit, “Yeah…”
Finally, Wade leaned in and kissed him. The kiss was nothing like their usual kisses. There was no joke waiting at the end of the tunnel. The itch in Peter’s body to run away was dimmed entirely. He didn’t have to come up with an excuse to get as far as possible from him. He didn’t have to pretend his heart didn’t ache when they parted different ways at the end of the night.
He wasn’t Spider-Man having a nice make out session with another vigilante. He was Peter kissing Wade, the man he had been in love with for as long as he could remember.
When they pulled apart, Wade smiled.
“So,” he said, “about that date.”
Peter frowned, “You’re still asking me on a first date?”
“Obviously!” he mocked. “You stood me up! I deserve a do-over.”
“I didn’t stand you up!” he tried. “I was pulled into an alternate dimension, proving the existence of the multiverse, by the way. Then I met two entirely different versions of myself and I had to save their lives! It was a whole thing! I have at least two broken ribs and the only reason I’m not completely bleeding out on your floor is because I think I still got some adrenaline rushing through my body!”
“Well,” he grumbled, “that’s even worse! Now you have to tell me all about that over dinner, preferably over lasagna or something!”
Peter laughed, “How about tomorrow night? On me, since I was the one who rudely stood you up.”
“Tomorrow works.”
“Let’s say eight-ish,” he replied. “You know I’m bad at being on time.”
“Eight is fine…”
“I promise to actually be there this time,” he promised. “No more multiverse adventures for me.”
“You are allowed adventures,” he replied. “Just not without me!”
“Will take that into account for next time,” he nodded solemnly. “I love you, Wade.”
“I adore you, Peter,” he replied just as easily. Before turning to the same point as before, “Just for the record,” he said, pointing at a blank space once more, “this is where you say, ‘Awww’.”
Peter groaned, “Oh my God, please don’t do that at the restaurant.”
“What?” he shrugged. “This is a pivotal and emotional moment!”
“Which you are ruining with your bullshit!”
“I am enhancing it!” he replied with stern tone.
“Absolutely ruined,” he groaned.
“Fine,” he sighed, leaning down to pick Peter up from the floor. “Roll the credits!”
Peter laughed so hard he didn’t have time to argue as he was pulled inside the apartment. And for once in their life no more words were exchanged. They had said everything that was needed, and that would have to be enough.