Double Dipping

Walking around the apartment, Wade scanned the mess of half-completed intentions, pans, and ingredients littering the floor. 

He went up to his window, open and actively chilling the room, he peered from it, partly hopeful he would see a glimpse of Spidey, but closed it before returning to his space. Reviewing webbing still strung to the mattress and ceiling, tracing back to the kitchen, mostly degraded and becoming air once he touched it.

Taking steps around the debris, Wade dragged his hands over his face, guilt seeping into the very core of his being, in an attempt to avoid the foolish little things that reminded him of last night, this morning, of Spider-Man.

Entering into the bathroom, he started the shower, reviewing himself in the small mirror above the sink. Shame crept over like ants setting fire to every inch of him. He watched as red-clad gloves wrapped under his arms, possessing his being, even still, tempting him. The feel of that body around his. Shaking away the hallucination, Wade stepped under the lukewarm water to wash away his transgression.

Wade grabbed a set of civies, picking up his suit from the floor and putting his nose to stains streaking over the leather, still smelling of him. Throwing them both to the back of the couch, he reviewed each set, biting his thumb, not knowing which one to adorn when his phone buzzed. Jumping to it, Wade plopped on the bed to open the messenger connected to the name he desperately wished to hear from. 

It did not matter the content, only the fact that Peter was thinking of him, but the bubbles only relayed compassion and an invitation. 

He did not deserve him.

~~~~~~~~~~

Wade was thrilled to hear from Peter, but this was not what he expected when he meant they would reclaim their date.

This must be a trick.

 A deception!

“You all right, big guy?” Peter asked.

The jostling of the subway car was beginning to feel real. He watched Peter sway amidst the high-pitched screeching with a look that resembled how Wade felt. His lips thinned in a restrained grimace, annoyed, but his eyes and brows turned in worry.

Great , Peter was worried, too. 

Wade knew what this invitation meant. It was Peter’s way of opening up to him, showing a part of his life that he had kept secure and untainted. Perhaps he should be grateful that he was allowed into a precious part of his life, but the doubt and paranoia set Wade on edge. Was Peter using him to look less alone to his friends tonight? To be a shield when meeting an old flame? Is Wade a part of a plot to acquire donations for the annual winter festival of a Hallmark holiday movie? In that regard, at least he would be agreeable if he were in his suit. Even though the casual clothes were comfortable, the idea of keeping his appearance hidden under a hoodie and particularly itchy mask all night around strangers he was meant to impress… More than embarrassing himself, Wade did not want to embarrass Peter. 

Dropping into a corner store, Wade watched Peter pull out a two-liter bottle of Coca-Cola from the cold case, not sponsored. 

“What’s that for?” Wade asked, already knowing the answer.

“We shouldn’t go in empty-handed, right?” Peter questionably justified.

“Right. With soda? Are you twelve?” Wade joked.

“Twenty-eight, but close. You think another one?” Peter followed up, looking at other options.

Wade squinted his eyes before rubbing his temple with his thumb and pointer finger, contemplating all the decisions that have brought him to this place in his life. He did not do that often, but with all of the anxiety coursing through him, he had to remind himself why he was doing this, now doing this with a twenty-eight-year-old. Taking the soda from Peter, Wade walked to the other side of the store and grabbed a nice-looking wine bottle on the top shelf. After setting both items down on the counter, he dropped plenty of small bills with them, expecting change to lengthen the time it would take to get to this little gathering. 

“How well do you know these people again?” Wade grumbled, slowing his stride as they traversed the sidewalk.

“It’s funny seeing you all nervous like this.” Peter leaned a little in front of Wade to see what he could of his face. Wade could see an insufferably egotistic smirk on Peter’s face. “Don't worry, it’s cute.”

Wade groaned, checking his phone, hoping to be saved by an emergency text from Spider-Man. He scrolled the Instagram of the X-Men who hadn’t blocked him yet. Perhaps there was an earth-ending event he had not been invited to?

“They’re all nice. No one is going to bite... probably.” Peter continued, squinting in a tease.

“And you’re not worried I won’t?” Wade almost propositioned.

“Hm, if you weren’t going to be you, I wouldn’t have brought you,” Peter assured with a warm smile.

Then he must not know me at all, Wade thought, gulping as Peter buzzed the panel to enter the building. 

In the elevator, the two of them stood in silence. The only sounds came from the machine's whirring and the rustling of the plastic bag hitting Wade’s leg. Both sighed loudly, watching the numbers climb on the screen above the door. He thought when he would finally die he would be going down, not up.

“Nice building.” Wade managed to say, keeping his mind off of what awaited him. Walking down the hallway, he could feel his chest tighten.

Peter did not acknowledge him, knocking on a door with a green wreath filled with fake berries and twigs. After a couple of knocks and no reply, Peter tried the handle. The door swung open, and they stepped into a foyer smelling of cinnamon and cedar. Mm, and is that a hint of vanilla? A welcoming scent. Just the kind that would put an amateur off guard. The sound of voices was coming from the far end of the apartment, where attendees were mingling about. When their presence was caught, a roar came from the group, who seemed to all notice at once.

“Peter!” They all shouted in unison. The call made Peter smile wider than Wade had seen since knowing him. He watched Peter shy from the acknowledgment unsuccessfully, hands in his pockets and tightening his shoulders to his ears. Wade had to do a double take when a stunning woman approached gracefully, wrapping her arms around Peter and giving him a big kiss on the cheek. Wade was glad he was wearing the mask, at least. Feeling out of place and being on his best behavior, whatever that meant.

“Late as usual, Tiger!” The stunning woman scolded Peter with a sparkling smile. She flipped striking red hair away from her face. 

Really nice teeth.

White too.

“At least I showed up this time.” Peter returned jovial.

“True, true. And you’ve brought someone with you.” The woman turned to Wade, and her beauty could knock him over and kill him for sure, but he was on his best behavior. “Hello there, Mary Jane,” She said, holding out her hand to him. “But call me MJ.” Wade shook it, slowly turning his hand to let hers rest upon his.

“Erm, this is Wade,” Peter introduced with a small gesture toward him.

“Pete didn’t tell me his friend was rich and beautiful.” 

“Geez,” Peter winced.

“Please, not for this city,” Mary Jane played. “Pleasure, Wade,” 

But the pleasure was all his. Her eyes were a striking green, relaxing upon him in classic effortless seduction. Wade could see them reflect the jealousy within him. He did not know if he hated her, wanted her, or wanted to be her. Mary Jane awkwardly pried her hand from Wade’s grip and waved her hand, summoning a smooth recovery, “Come now, everyone’s here, oh- and you must see the baby!”

“Great,” Wade said sarcastically. Beginning to sense the communion of people and friendships as Wade walked behind them to a larger group in the living room. It was not a lot of people, but enough to be uncomfortable. Everyone knew each other, already in mid-conversation, in good spirits, and holding concoctions to warm their insides. Everyone was young, good-looking, and dressed in festive niceties. Wade could see eyes looking him over. Could be the lack of showing his face, it could be his size. He lingered behind Peter and his gorgeous friend as attendees approached Peter and started to talk to him about themselves and their lives. Wade did not mind, much. Peter nodded and laughed, responding to his friends with the same excited tones. Peter was happy and had already forgotten about him. Wade knew this would happen. 

Mary Jane turned to Wade, presenting him to others who joined partway through greetings, assisting Peter in the social obligation as if it were second nature. Wade scrunched his face, suspicious, behind the disposable mask at her attempt to include him. 

After what he deemed an appropriate amount of time schmoozing, he separated himself. Wade walked around the apartment, taking in its glitz. It was newly renovated, smelled good with synthesized spices, and was decorated fashionably with pop art. A grand tree in the corner. Wade touched the leaves and leaned his nose to the branches. Huh, real. He almost missed the menorah placed upon the electrified hearth. Testing the candles, Wade accidentally knocked one over quickly and silently snuffing it out with his palm. Looking around, he placed it between the branches of the tree. Whew!

The room was spacious as guests stood and lounged on expensive furniture. The scene could have been straight out of some luxurious magazine. A part of him enjoyed the glitz, but ultimately he knew he did not belong here. He thought about anywhere else he felt at home, a chilly rooftop, a darkened alleyway, an abandoned warehouse. Perhaps not necessarily the environment, rather, the person who he would be inhabiting them with.

Looking over a small end table toward a corner that lacked people, filled with pictures and slow-burning candles. There were many faces, but a frame with a young woman caught his attention. Even in a photograph, he could detect the symmetry of classic features shaped around blond hair. Another frame of a group of bright-eyed teens, all together, obviously being pulled into a small area booth but not knowing what to do with their bodies. Wade detected Mary Jane and the blond girl first, the only familiar ones. Except, perhaps-

“That one there,” A finger pointed to the picture, “That’s Pete.” A voice next to Wade informed, pointing to a boy with thick glasses, an arm hung casually around the blond’s shoulder. “Always liked this one.” Said the man, “All of our eyes are open, and all four of Pete’s, for once.” A chuckle. “Sorry, I’m Harry.”

“Wade.” He returned, shaking the hand outstretched in front of him. “I know you, Osborn’s kid.”

“Oh? Have you worked for my father before?” The God-awful haircut wearing a face questioned.

Wade thought of all the times he worked in both sides of Oscorp, settling for. “Kinda.”

“I thought you looked familiar, have we met before?” Harry further inquired.

Seguing.

“So, how do you know Peter?” Wade asked, genuinely curious.

Harry took note of the change in topic with an equally piqued eye and quickly adopted it. “We grew up together, us and MJ.”

Childhood friends, great.

“So forever.” Wade exaggerated.

“Pretty much.” Harry softened slightly, looking over the frames. “It’s troublesome getting the whole gang together nowadays.” Wade felt a slight tap to his arm. “I don’t know how you did it, but I’m glad you coaxed him to come this time.”

“Right,” Wade could not help but look back to the picture of that young Peter with that girl. “Doesn’t look like everyone’s turned up yet.” He could feel an edge about him. Seeing Peter with an ex was something he had feared and the idea of crossing paths wavered his confidence.

“Mm,” Harry started, reviewing the same image. “Her? Gwen.” He said, voice softer than ever. A melancholy smile crossed his lips as he thought. “She…was perfect. The way they were together, I mean.” Harry paused for a moment, Wade was terrified yet desperate to know more. “She’s precisely where she needs to be. Right here.”

“Okaay,”

“I’ve seen Pete that happy only a few times since then. Guess I could say one of those times is coming around again.” Wade was unsure how to respond to the insinuation, feeling the burden of dynamics he knew nothing about. “He’s my best friend. I just want him to be happy.” Harry finished, looking at Wade calmly, matter-of-fact. “Okay?” 

“Yeah, okay.”

“Good! Now, let’s grab us a drink. Being around these folks requires one or a few.”

“Speakin’ my language, pal.” Wade agreed, relinquishing the heaviness of their conversation. As he moseyed across the room with Harry, Peter’s best friend, gag , pointed out a few faces and names. Still, all Wade could see was Peter awkwardly standing next to Mary Jane as she carried on the conversation with guests, and he put on a face, rehearsed and complacent, succumbing to his fate to socialize. Still, there was an undeniable light in his eye when he looked at her. The subtle cue alerted Wade, ushering him to follow Harry into the kitchen. He needed that drink.

The chatter in the large open kitchen abruptly stopped. Harry seemed to pay no mind, but Wade saw two women resting against the counter, drinks in hand, staring holes into him. They were draped in fabulous attire over their thin bodies, which they managed to match and seem effortless and casual, but Wade could tell the work that went into looking like it took no work. They would be even more beautiful if not for their expressions' questionable menace. 

“Ladies,” Wade greeted, unphased as they snubbed him.

“Pete still likes eggnog?” Harry asked mindlessly, head halfway through the fridge.

“So you’re the one he brought with him?” The brunette inquired. 

“I see word still travels faster than light around here,” Harry commented snarkily, pouring thick white liquid into three glasses and mixing two with brown liquor.

“Add a bit more, would ya?” Wade requested, turning back to the women, feeling their judgments and taunts readying to fire.

“Why do you look like that?” The blond asked, a sneering, irritable smile upon her. “Not very festive. Hiding something? Should have stayed home if he’s so embarrassed of you.”

Wade chuckled lightly at the two’s nasal snickering, thinking of all he had survived to get to this shitty party and how these women were trying to take him down by emasculating him. 

“Deary me, I know some people get turned on by masks,” Wade readied his fingers to his temple. “But how do you feel about-” Abruptly, he pulled down his mask, contorting his face into a frenzied manic. “Scars!”

The women screeched in terror at Wade’s reveal, turning their faces away in horror at Wade’s mangled and open flesh. Glassware held from their hands, and a resounded shatter to the floor silenced the apartment, suspense directed at them. Satisfied, Wade pulled up his mask again, taking the glasses from Harry’s hands, who stood by him in shock. A sickly grin appeared after a moment before robustly laughing. Wade’s cheeks lifted at Harry’s sense of humor.

Clean up on aisle bitch. Wade managed to keep to himself.

“You’re all right,” Harry assured Wade, walking back to the living room together. Eyes slowly lingered upon them before slowly returning to whichever conversations attendees had been in. Walking up to Peter, Wade handed him one of the glasses of eggnog. 

“Everything, okay?” Peter asked pointedly.

“Oh, yeah, we’re good,” Wade assured, a content smile on his face, safely under the mask. 

Wade observed the couple, Gloria and her partner, on the couch beside the woman with the baby, freshly trimmed and styled bob, Betty, he remembered Harry saying. The couple sat cozily as they made sweet faces toward the little human.

“You two would make a real nice lookin’ baby,” Wade said with his best wholesome squint.

“Okay, thank you.” The man said. Gloria clocked her head in a tilt at Wade.

“Why do you say that?” She asked in a direct tone.

“Ah, well, you know,” Wade’s eyes looked back and forth quickly between the couple, not knowing how to describe their differences in a politically correct way. “When two people who are- that look like- what I mean to say is,”

Wade saw the pained faces of the man and Betty. Gloria looked at Wade with transparent disapproval at the would-be comment. Wade turned to look at Peter for support, only to be met with an unspeakable expression, slowly shaking his head and mouthing, ‘No.’

 Redirecting attention, Peter awkwardly cooed at the baby in Betty’s arms. 

“Here, hold him,” Better encouraged.

“No, no,” Peter resisted, but it was useless. Wade watched as the babe was placed in his arms, and Gloria helped him set his hands and elbows at the right angle. At that moment, Wade saw Peter’s face change. From fear to a softened little look he gave to the small face, undisturbed by its handling. He could see Peter smile with paternal tranquility over the little thing, trapped in its new position it held in his life. When Peter met him with a subtle look of transcended wonder, Wade was almost knocked over.

Wow,

He was incredible, so much so Wade could watch him like this for the rest of his life.

“Oh, look at that,” Peter started, “That’s a, erm, it’s-”

“Ugly.” Wade finished.

Betty looked up at Wade with widened eyes. “Excuse me?” She asked, offended.

“Don’t get me wrong, all babies are ugly, am I right?” Wade jested toward Peter, who was horrified all over again. Containing a fit of laughter behind the social decency of how he should respond. “Get this baby a cigar!” Wade called out only half sarcastically, seeing as he was not winning over his audience.

“Imagine that!” Peter half laughed, inciting the babe to begin a heavy cry as he tumbled it back to her. Grabbing Wade quickly and pulling him away from the bewildered woman.

“We’re all open here. If you need to feed it, don’t feel shy.” Wade gestured to cup his pec.

“Ned! Ned!” Betty called out urgently.

“For the love of God, Wade,” Peter scolded.

“What? I just want to make sure she’s comfortable.” Wade justified.

“Seriously?” 

Peter held Wade’s hand, walking as far from the blunder as possible. 

Entering superficial conversations with people he had not spoken to in what seemed like years. He led them as he maintained their intertwined fingers, grounding Wade. The gesture was affirming, even though it started as a way to guide him. Wade felt everyone could see the small intimacy, which made him feel exposed, even under all his layers. However, when he looked at Peter, he was unphased, acting naturally and without care. Wade loved that about him, how cooly Peter showed him off when he behaved. It made him giddy and reinforced a pacified demeanor.

Peter would take a sip of eggnog here and there while others talked about their lives. He kept his responses brief, whether they were topics he had heard before or some he had not. Most people appeared too unsure to speak to Wade, reviewing him nervously and purposefully avoiding eye contact until he found them secretly peeking at him again. With Peter's help, it did not affect Wade the way he thought it would. Even adding to mundane stories of recent events or tiny details that he could tell made Peter fluster ever so slightly. A power play of who could make the most impact of the retelling made his cheeks warm, and it was not from his drink. Instead, he could see Peter beginning to flush with each sip of his eggnog, his hand doing part of the talking for him, his laugh growing louder, more easygoing. 

It was something about how Peter moved, obviously anxious and with restrained energy. Subtle bounces of his heels and the sound of that laugh he loved so much. Slights of his neck and shoulders when he disagreed with the conversation, the lean of his hip when he was engaged and comfortable. It was hurting his head thinking about who it reminded him of. Unsure of the true cause of his pain, where he had seen those same mannerisms before, or where Peter might have picked them up from. 

In need of a break, Wade excused himself. Peter relinquished his hand to let him go, but not before giving Wade’s hand a purposeful squeeze and tender look, one Wade could recognize. A signal to press his mask to Peter’s cheek, just next to his ear.

The balcony was calling to him. Quite, comparatively to the stuffy space of the packed apartment. The air was crisp with the scent of smoke and ash wafting over him. 

He breathed a sigh, hearing the sounds of sirens and honking. He wondered which sound of the city was capturing his other’s attention tonight. Hoping wherever he was, it was only a routine patrol, and he was not having too much fun without him, that he was safe.

Another surge of nicotine prompted Wade to look at the far side of the rail, a thin-faced woman leaning, holding a cigarette. She was looking at him differently than the way people inside did. She did not show fear but a knowingness in piercing blue eyes that captured the small amount of light that was around them. All night, Wade felt like he had exposed himself to the people inside, but out here, he felt seen by her, setting him on guard.

“Can I bum one of those?” He asked.

The woman inhaled, burning the tip of her cigarette and momentarily illuminating her face with an orange glow. Another blond. Hair pulled in a tight ponytail and glasses. It was either the lighting or the shape of her eyes, heavy bags that were dark and sunken. She pulled out a new stick and passed it to him before he leaned close while he inhaled and lit it.

The first inhale pacified him, if only for a moment.

“I know who you are.” She said plainly.

“And here I am, not knowing a thing about you.” Wade countered, breathing in the chemicals wrapped in paper quickly burning paper. Taking sips of his drink he let rest on the rail between puffs.

The woman stared at Wade, it was off putting. They transitioned from wild fear to pointed anger. Wade wondered if he should know her but could not place her. Though, as she muttered to herself, he felt a sense of comfort with her. Not a threat, he determined, but scarred. “This charade you two put on. It can fool them, but not me, not me. I know,” A pause. “I’ve seen,”

Wade took a long puff from his cigarette. “Sure, sweetheart, tell me what you’ve seen.” Wade humored.

The woman seemingly regained her senses briefly, smiling evilly as she narrowed her eyes. “You don’t know, do you?”

“C’mon toots, don’t leave me in suspense.” Wade taunted, finishing his weak drink in a couple of gulps.

The woman laughed slightly, taunting him back. About to speak, she was interrupted by the sound of a communal scene occurring behind glass doors. “Lovely, isn’t she?” Wade looked her over, safely at the distance. Watching Mary Jane from behind the barrier made her movements seem magical and effortless, a certain attraction about her that everyone gravitated toward, including his Peter. Even with all of her elegance, she seemed to only have eyes for him. “Probably for the better. For her. Just as good, for the likes of you.” She added.

“What is?” Wade asked, a curiosity growing, when he heard collective voices raise. 

“That he’s here, with you.” She said. “But just like him, you’ll never belong here.”

Wade looked at the woman before snuffing out the butt of the cigarette, leaving her and her nonsense on the balcony as he entered the apartment of sweet spice and the smell of cooked dishes. 

The warmth of the room was ever more present, seeing Harry wrap an arm around a tall man with a buzz cut of small blond hairs. The man was gregarious, with a booming voice and a large case of lager in hand. Wade could hear everyone chant the man’s name, Flash this, Flash that. Finding out his appearance here was a surprise, having been overseas. Even Peter lit up seeing the man, a firm handshake that was thrust into a macho hug, it humored Wade to see Peter squirm a little from the grand affection.   

“And look who I found!” Flash said with a great wave of his big arm to a large sulking presence behind him.

He did not need the introduction to be alerted to the offsetting presence. However, if Wade had not been paying attention, he would not have caught the glare the other new guest and Peter traded. Though he was welcomed with almost as much as the Flash character, there was a darkness about the other large man. Sporting short blond hair, What is this? The Arian race in here? , slightly overgrown and unkept, but the massiveness of his body rivaled Wade’s. He suddenly did not feel like the only largest man in the room anymore. Almost. He made his way next to Peter, trying to avoid the man that seemed to put him on edge, sharply alerted to Wade’s presence with a quick look when he brushed against him. Wade’s instinct was to touch Peter’s back in a soft stroke. There was something there, but Wade could not put his finger on it.

A private room Wade had not even seen for dining and laid with silverware and frilly things to put under and next to plates.

Placemats and napkins. Those are napkins.

Whatever!

 Guests sat with their meals of home-cooked entrees and sides. Wade was all too happy to dig in. Sitting next to Peter, Wade saw his food, which had barely been touched. When he was not staring at the food, he glared across the table at the large man with a cloud over his head who was glaring back at the two of them. Something was wrong with the guy, but that seemed typical for some of the people he had met already at this assembly of freaks. 

The clatter of metal and fine china resumed for a moment, the chitter of chat facilitating the affinity this strange group of misfits seemed to gravitate toward. Wade stuck a slice of turkey with a fork, dipping it in the cranberry sauce and devouring it, filling his mouth as much as he could handle. The savory and sweet delivered him to a higher plane for but a moment before an obnoxious voice rang over the room.

“So, you gay now, Parker?” Flash asked directly, pointing a steak knife toward him.

A collective distressed sigh emanated from the table. Wade watched Harry lean back in his chair and bellow a quick but deep-seated howl of laughter.

“What now?” Peter questioned, shaken out of his previous disturbance and into another.

“So, what’s the deal with you two? You gay or somethin’?” Flash continued with a cheek full of turkey meat.

“Yeah, Pete, when did you turn gay?” One of the bitch brigade jumped on.

“Oh, my fucking God.” Mary Jane said quietly, holding her face in her hands.

“Langauge!” Betty corrected sweetly yet sharp.

Peter flustered in his seat. “N-no?”

Wade turned to Peter, swallowing his juiced meat. “You’re gay?” He asked dramatically. Peter turned to him with a narrowed and questionable look.

“Is that why you can’t keep a girl?” Flash angled the knife between Peter and the rest of the table. “Cause gay?”

“Stop saying that, I’m not gay.” Peter attempted to correct, a higher tone coming through.

“Are you ashamed of me, Petey-poo?” Wade continued, joining in on the poking.

“Of course not!” Peter defended, becoming more unhinged by the moment.

“Leave him alone, Flash!” Gloria commanded in Peter’s defense.

“What? It’s not like everyone wasn’t thinking about it.” Flash continued with a shrug.

“That’s right, it’s none of your business.” Mary Jane upheld. 

Wade rubbed Peter’s knee under the table, not realizing he would be comforting tonight as his own tapped with nervous energy. Unfortunately, it did not seem to phase him, and as soon as he meant to say something to Peter, the large brooding man from across the table stood up quickly, aggressively shaking a fist toward him. 

“Wish you were dead!” The disturbed man from across the table declared loudly. Everyone at the table suddenly went quiet, setting down their utensils, other than Harry, who continued to take his bites with indulging humor. 

“Woah!” Ned threw his hands up shocked, looking at the disheveled man aggress next to him.

Peter matched the intensity by standing up and pointing repeatedly at the man. “Get it together, Brock! Take a good look at yourself before you start deciding who’s judge, jury, and executioner!”

“We’ll rip your guts out and squash you like the insect you are!” Brock continued to berate, stabbing the table with a fork and knocking over his plate with a provoking swipe, food flying. An audible groan collectively came from the group. 

“You’re trash, Eddie. A creep. A real phony. Come at me when you can start making your own decisions.” Peter spat.

“Rotten puny brat!” Eddie spewed the words at Peter. “Taint everything ya touch!”

“You’re delusional. Beyond hope. Who are you anymore? Do you even know? That why you can’t keep a gig ‘cross the country? Even they know you’re messed up. Inside and out!”

“String meat!” Eddie hurled with a growl.

“Clingy cannibal!”

“Pest!”

“Parasite!”

“Parasite!?” Eddie growled, taking heavy and long strides around the table toward Peter. Instinctually, Wade was calm when he stood up to block Eddie’s path, knowing the disturbed man would never get within arm’s length of Peter with him in the way. 

Just as soon as Wade shielded Peter, he tried to move past him, and Wade found himself holding him back, having a slight of trouble. At that exact moment, Flash and Ned met Eddie partway, using all their strength to restrain Eddie’s movements.

“You heard me! Pa-ra-site! Freakin’ loser. Loooser!” Peter continued, wrestling in Wade’s arms.

“We’re gonna eat yer face!” Eddie screamed, rustling just as ferociously.

“Can I just have one normal dinner with you people?” Mary Jane cried hopelessly to the ceiling with all of her might. The table sat disturbed in silence, looking at or away from the scene except for Harry, who smirked at the two bafoons. “The two of you, cool it. You. There,” Mary Jane pointed to one side of the room, her struck toward Peter, “And you over there.”

Wade wrestled Peter to his time-out corner in the main room, where they could be alone for a few minutes.

“What’s up with you?” Wade asked, baffled and concerned. “It’s kind of getting me off.” He confessed truthfully but hoping to lighten the mood.

“Nothin’! That guy, I just wanna punch ‘em.” Peter confessed angrily.

Wade could smell a hint of something more than just eggnog in Peter’s breath. “Are you…tipsy?” He asked.

“Nah, I’d never,” Peter said, offended, tapping Wade’s nose with his pointer finger. “That’s not what I mean by the holiday spirit.” He said with a grin. The drastic mood swings disoriented Wade.

“Drunk, then. Got it. Maybe we should go?” Wade suggested, petting the hair atop Peter’s head, entertained by the idea of seeing Peter liquored up.

“No! These are my friends, and I’m staying here.” Peter demanded, crossing his arms firmly.

“That baked potato in there, yeah, I know you could take ‘em, Pete-pie. But, just, maybe we don’t throw down at the dinner table tonight?” Peter grumbled, bottom lip protruding as he contemplated the request, finding humor in the excitement of how terribly Peter handled everything. “For me, please, snookies.” Wade encouraged, holding Peter’s hand and making kissy sounds with his mouth. “Best behavior and all that, remember?”

“Fine.”

“Good!” Wade clapped his hands together as they went back into the dining room. “Cause this is tonight’s dinner, so fill up.”

As they re-entered the dining room, Eddie and his handlers also returned, a slight of their eyes as they sat down in their respective seats.

“Rabid dogs, the both of you,” Mary Jane added.

“Control your husband,” The other of the bitch brigade complained, sipping on an emptying glass of red wine. 

Not one person flinched at the comment aside from Wade, who cocked his head questionably at the woman.

“Who?” He inquired. 

A sinister smile spread across her lips. She said everything without saying anything at all. Wade slowly turned to Peter, whose demeanor instantly changed. Peter forced a laugh with a sheepish smile at the attention, shrugging. 

“You’re married?” Wade asked, a hint of defeat in his voice. The chatter of those closest to them subsided slowly.

“Peter,” Mary Jane quietly accused, nervously looking at the both of them.

“That’s your wife?” Wade continued to question, his voice rising slightly.

“Ex-wife,” Peter and Mary Jane said quickly in unison.

Wade stood up, picking up the mostly empty wine glass next to his dish. He thought about how he would like to pour it over Peter’s head, but instead, he sipped the rest and placed it back on the table. Peter looked back at him, observing Wade carefully as he lingered for a moment before walking away.

“Peter!” He could hear Mary Jane say with a wild irritation in her voice. 

“Screwed that up good, didn’t ya?” Flash commented.

“Why’s everyone picking on me tonight? And all you wonder I never come to these things!” Peter justified, rolling his eyes and spreading his arms about him in irritation, knocking over the empty wine glass.

Wade walked into the main room, hands on his hips as he paced, humiliated beyond belief. His heart raced in desperate need of space and air. He wanted to escape, and in the corner of his eyes, attention caught to the front door. The vision of a patterned red glove, trailing fingers past the opening of the front door that shut with a click. He knew it could not be, but he was calling for him, and he listened to the pull, making his way to the foyer when a clack of heels caught up with him.

“Hold on,” He heard Mary Jane call out to him.

Scrunching his face before turning to her, he reviewed the woman, not knowing how to perceive her anymore.

“Are you okay?” She asked smooth and somberly, rubbing her hands together anxiously.

Wade took a moment to sulk under his hood. “I will be.” He said. “Guess I should say, not the most offensive thing he’s kept from me.” Wade forcefully laughed through the thought, knowing he was keeping plenty of shameful secrets himself.

“Well, if there’s anyone who can relate,” Mary Jane perked the side of her lips in comradery. “It’s just his way.” She continued. “I’m really glad you’re here. Please stay.” She encouraged. 

Mary Jane took a soft hand to Wade’s forearm. Her captivating aura led him apprehensively back into the apartment to a set of lounge chairs, each sitting in a respective seat. She crossed her legs and reviewed her nails in thought before looking at Wade. 

“I like you.” She said.

“You don’t know a thing about me,” Wade replied directly.

“I don’t need to. Pete’s a good guy,” Mary Jane started. “Stupid and dumb,” she said a little louder, looking toward the dining area. “But good. He’s got a big heart. If that part of him brought you here with us, then I know you’ve got a good heart, too.”

Wade did not know how to take the flattering words, setting them aside, unsure if there was any rouse yet to be detected.

“He is a good guy, isn’t he?” Wade agreed. “‘Spose that makes me lucky.”

“I see how he looks at you, he’s the lucky one.” Mary Jane comforted with a soft smile. “And that he wanted to share that with everyone here. And me.”

Wade’s heart fluttered, detecting heat at his cheeks. He pursed his lips before daring to speak.

“So, how’d he screw up a good thing like you?” Wade joked, positioning himself more comfortable in the chair.

“Now that’s a long story!” Mary Jane chuckled. “I’ll need a whole night and a bottle of wine, or two.” 

“That can be arranged.” Wade felt the turmoil in him settle. Watching her grace effortlessly change his condition. Magnetic. A moment, solemn and joyful.

“Do you…know?” Mary Jane asked, her voice noticeably lowered and weighty, slight but noticeable.

“Know what?” Wade cocked his head, unclear as to what she was referring to.

Mary Jane narrowed her eyes at Wade, searching for an inclination of something. A myriad of things he knew and possible things he could not played through his mind as her eyes pierced him.

“Hm,” She settled, leaning in the chair and biting her cheek. “Be patient with this one.” She claimed.

“That’s not ominous at all.” Wade lifted a brow at her, unhumored.

“Come, finish dinner.” She said, standing up and offering a hand to Wade. He took it, taking her small, soft palm in his. “If we make it through this meal in one piece, I’ll consider this a success.” Mary Jane confessed with a sigh.

“Is it always like this?” Wade asked.

“Every year.” Mary Jane confirmed with a wide smile.

“If things don’t work out, can I take you out instead?” Wade jested.

“Only if you’re a good dancer.” Mary Jane entertained with an excitable tone.

“Don’t tempt me,” Wade mused. “To forwarn you, I’m a pretty mess.” He finished with a wink. Mary Jane paused before giving him an excitably knowing smile. ”But it looks like you won’t have a problem with that.”

Separating from her, he found his seat next to Peter. Wade grabbed his utensils and cut up the chilled food on his plate, avoiding the inquiring look from everyone, including Peter.

“I’m mad at you.” Wade relayed, annoyed.

“I know,” Peter said, not fighting it.

“We can talk about it later. You’re lucky I like her.” Wade continued.

“Okay.”

~~~~~

The main room was lively with conversation and unhindered laughter. Wade sat with Mary Jane on the couch, which was more stylish than comfortable, as they traded stories and sipped at depleting glasses of wine. Mary Jane held her eyes, listening to Wade talk about how they met while censoring a few details, yet she asked,

“Are you one of them? You are, aren’t you?” Mary Jane inquired with a lowered, scandalous voice. 

“What gave it away?” Wade questioned humored.

“I’ve had a lot of practice figuring these things out all on my own.” She confided.

Wade heard a loud cackle. Looking at Peter in the kitchen with Harry and Gloria partaking in spiked egg nog, Wade saw big smiles and rosy cheeks. Wade was happy to witness this part of him, even if an unsettling aura hung over him. He wondered what Mary Jane implied, wondering if she suffered the same suspicions of the unspoken presence that haunted Wade followed her too. Twisting the glass in his fingers, Wade pondered how he would tell Peter about last night or if he should.

An incline of music began, electric and pop from a recently bygone era. The women gathered around the media system, moving their bodies to the beat of taking a ride on a disco stick. Peter approached Wade and Mary Jane from the side.

“‘Ey, Red,” He greeted. Both Wade and Mary Jane looked at Peter, who looked at both of them with a stupid smile that awkwardly showed all his teeth. “Is it that time already?” He said more as a statement than a question, an entertained concern bending his brows. 

“You know what that means,” Mary Jane started with a mischievous grin, her body seemingly shaken with the need to move.

“Oh, no-no,” Peter waved a hand to Mary Jane, dismissing her.

“C’mon, Tiger. Don’t make me do it all alone.” Mary Jane pleaded, holding her hands sweetly under her chin.

“Yeah, Petey, don’t let her do it alone.” Wade bullied, not knowing what exactly he was encouraging.

Peter grumbled as Mary Jane flew from the seat and placed him on her spot on the couch, egg nog splattering slightly onto his shirt as she joined the other women ’ra-ra-ra-ah-ah’ing like manic little dinosaurs to Bad Romance, showing their age some. Wade nestled a leg under himself as he turned to Peter, whose eyes lowered, a pleasant color under them. When them there eyes met Wade’s, they warmed him more than any liquor could.

Resting his arm on the back of the couch, Peter leaned his head on his knuckles, giving those sweet looks like he did. Wade returned them softly, not meaning to draw his attention but glad he was.

“What’s this? Gonna dance for me some?” Wade assumed, giving a slight look to Mary Jane, whipping her arms and hips, leading the others in attempted careography.

“Maybe.” Peter teased. “Should probably go before it gets too rowdy.” Trailing a hand to Wade’s mask, using his thumb to stroke the small of his skin that showed under the hood, leaning toward him.

“Looks like you’re having a good time though. Enjoy it.” Wade encouraged.

“I’d have an even better time with just me and you.” Peter drew out the suggestion in a purr, making Wade melt.

Tensing at the public display of affection Peter was bold enough to show around these people, his people. “Pete,” Wade whispered.

“I don’t care,” Peter assured. “I wanna tell you something.”

Peter leaned, and Wade reciprocated, allowing his hoodie to be slightly pushed back, holding a hand to the exposed side of their contact. Expecting to hear some sweet nothing, Wade was met with the light smacking of Peter’s tongue along his earlobe, sending shivers to every part of his body. A haltered breath stumbled from him as the tongue slicked to the inner ridges of his ear, eliciting a nervous giggle from Wade as he enjoyed the flirtation that tickled him to his core. A sly pull of his mask, enough to touch heated lips to his. 

Heaven and cinnamon. 

A sustained embrace of little movements left Wade licking his lips when Peter left. He could have grabbed Peter right then, unwrap him like a present, push and lick at him until he called his name until he was left wet and breathless. It would be easy, delightful. What he would give to be alone with him. If he had only kept his promise last night.

“What’re you thinkin’ about?” Peter asked slyly.

“You don’t wanna know.” Wade said, pretending it was a mystery.

“I think I do.” Peter replied, resolute, tickling fingers at Wade’s thigh.

Wade laughed at Peter’s newfound courage, deciding to lean into the provocative inebriations. “Hope you can sing better than these broads.” He mused.

“I’d sing for you all night long.”

~~~~~~~~~~

Wade halfway carried Peter into the elevator, who sang dramatically and wildly out of tune. 

“If I said my- hic- heart was beatin’ loud!~ Escape da crowd s’mhow~”

“Watch your feet, there.”

“If’I said… If I said…”

“If I said I want your body now,”

“Would ya holdit against meee?!~”

“That a promise?” Wade mocked sarcastically, stabilizing Peter down the hallway to his apartment.

“Cause you. Feel. Like. Paaaaradise!~”

Wade rolled his eyes, but he did not mind the intoxication. In fact, he enjoyed the carefree nature he did not know Peter was capable of. Then again, as long as Peter was happy, so was he. Abruptly, Peter’s demeanor changed and went pale.

“I dun feel s’good,” Peter said holding onto the wall, a hand over his mouth, making a sickeningly violent contortion.

“I’m going as fast as I can!” Wade soothed, quickly fiddling with his keys to open the door. Swinging the door open, Wade rushed Peter to the bathroom and rubbed his back as he hurled into the toilet.

“There, there,” Wade comforted.

“Never again! I’ll never drink ag-”

“Just let it out.” Wade watched as Peter held the sides of the toilet rim and outstretched an arm around it, an instinct of wisdom knowing how debilitated he was. Proud at Peter for letting him take care of him like this. Wade determined this might take some time to pass, which benefitted him. “I’ll be right back.” He promised.

“Uhhhhgg,”

Closing the door slightly behind him, Wade reviewed his apartment. Still a disaster as it was this morning, he was never more thankful that the webbing had disintegrated hours ago. He quickly picked up spoiled, burnt, or raw ingredients, placing them in a garbage bag and shoving cookware in the sink. As Peter emerged from the bathroom, he had just stripped the bed of its bedding in several mismanaged swipes.

“Why’s there a chicken in ‘ere?” Peter asked, leaning against the wall. 

Shit, Jeffrey!

Wade ran to the garbage can to pull out scraps of vegetables, that were not charred, and threw them around the apartment. There!

Wade caught Peter stumbling in the open space and laid him on the bed. Grabbing a spare hoodie, Wade attempted to put the garment over Peter, who grumbled through the dressing.

“You’re always cold, you’re gonna want this.” Wade assured through the protests. 

“Side effect, I thinks. It’sa never been tha same.” Peter attempted to explain, pitifully.

“Sure, sure. Let me warm you up some.” Wade dismissed.

He started to wrap an arm around Peter in a soothing cuddle when the familiar feel of hands at his neck lowered him to Peter. Resting on the bare mattress, he could still sense the sweet spoil of Spider-Man. 

Pulled into a sloppy kiss, Wade returned his lips to Peter’s regretfully. Hands grabbed at him rough, forcing him to lean over the body that writhed against him.

“I want you.” Peter breathed. He was hot, and it made Wade want him too.

“You’re drunk.” Wade told him.

“I want you now. Don’t make me wait anymore.” Peter commanded with a whine, tugging at his jeans and failing to remove them.

Wade lay next to Peter, holding his arms around the man swallowed by his hoodie, moving them upward to stroke a heated cheek and meeting bossy eyes.

“You feel so nice. Let’s just lay here a while.” It was one of the hardest things he ever had to deny Peter, again, though he knew it was the right thing to do.

“Mmm, ‘kay.” Peter surrendered, uncoordinated and groping at Wade’s crotch and giggling. “C’mon, C’moon” He continued to beg.

Feeling the anguish of restricting himself from Peter, Wade thrusted into the hand, guilt sweeping over him.

“Just close your eyes.” Wade continued to redirect, petting Peter’s shoulder to sooth away the desire, hoping it would help him too. 

His turmoil was not Peter’s fault. It was not his responsibility. Wade held onto the sin like a bullet in his heart, corrupting it with each little gesture he used to ease the lovely specimen before him. Lulling deeper with every breath, the form in his arms soon relaxed, lightly snoring. Wade held him for a while, feeling Peter’s rises and falls, the scent of his hair. Somehow content and sick all at the same time. 

God, did he love- How he treasured the man safely tucked in his embrace. His innocence. His bravery. His heart. A big heart needing of tender devotion and understanding. Wade knew he could do it. He wanted to, but he did not feel he deserved precious moments like this, like tonight with him. In one fell swoop, he had tainted every moment they had ever had, everything they had ever shared. Wade held onto Peter a little tighter, not ready to let go. His conscience rebuked him, knowing he was lying here, as he was now, with the stunning delusion haunting his every turn.