Chapter 1
After May died, Peter knew she wanted what was best for him. So, Peter pulled through and was starting college soon. He couldn’t just be accepted and then never go. Peter had a real opportunity at MIT, though he felt like he wouldn’t be able to make it without Ned and Mj. He knew he promised Mj he’d find her, but it hurt too much. She’d be better off without Peter and safe from harm.
Peter missed his old life. He blamed himself. If he wasn’t stupid and had known Mysterio’s motive, he could’ve stopped everything. His identity wouldn’t have been leaked, all of the other Peter’s wouldn’t have come to New York, and May would still be alive.
The only way Peter could cope was to look past all of it. He acted like everything was fine, even though he cried almost every night. Peter began looking for jobs and a roommate. He’d rather find a roommate he wanted than be assigned with someone at random. So, Peter went on social media.
Everyone in his class posted roommate offerings. Pictures of them, their college, and their interests were shared. Peter sighed when he found Mj and Ned’s post. It felt weird to see them live their lives without Peter being in them. He had to take a minute to calm his breathing. Peter would’ve offered to room with Ned, but Peter was kind of late and missed the opportunity. He blamed that on himself too. And he definitely did not want to room with Flash either. So, Peter found a decent picture of himself and wrote his caption:
I’m Peter Parker! I go to MIT and am in need of a roommate! I like science and working with mechanical parts. I am a pretty organized person, so you won’t have to worry about any messes. One of my interests is listening to music! If you’re interested, just dm me : )
Peter cringed at how he sounded. He lied about the organized part, but he’d do anything to not have a creepy roommate. Peter sighed and shut his phone off. He had to scrap up a lot of money to pay off May’s rent. It took a lot out of Peter to sell her stuff. He couldn’t afford to keep it anywhere else, and he definitely couldn’t afford living in the apartment.
Peter didn’t have much to pack. He had his clothes, shoes, necessities, and school supplies. He didn’t want to spend extra money on getting a loft bed, so he had a regular one that hopefully didn’t take up a lot of room. Luckily, May had gotten him a nice laptop before she passed. He couldn’t bear thinking about her. Peter couldn’t wrap his head around it.
“Stop.” Peter chanted to himself. He shouldn’t be thinking like this. He could be out right now, but he stays inside crying all day and night. May would want him to be happy, but he didn’t want to move on. Peter didn’t have enough time. He’d have to move in all by himself and pick out his meal plan.
Peter let out a sob at the stupid thought and wiped his nose. College officially starts in 2 weeks and he couldn’t be in this condition. Everyone would think he’s depressed and quiet. No one would want to talk to him at all. Peter flopped down on his bed. The covers were scattered and his pillows were on the floor. He fell asleep.
A week had passed and someone eventually dm’ed him. Peter thanked god and read the message. But not immediately because he didn’t want to come off as desperate. His name was Wade Wilson.
“Hm.” Peter said to himself. He definitely didn’t go to Midtown High School. He checked his account and he had quite a few followers. “Brooklyn Tech?!” Peter gasped. That was the biggest school in New York City! He must be pretty smart to go there. A plus was Brooklyn wasn’t far from Queens.
Wade’s posts were mostly sports pictures. He seemed like his whole life was set ahead of him. One of Wade’s friends had to have been accepted into MIT. Peter couldn’t believe someone like Wade would want to room with him. Not to mention Wade was pretty handsome. He had short, blonde hair and blue eyes. He looked pretty intimidating matter of fact. Peter finally opened the message:
Hi! I’m Wade Wilson. I’m from Brooklyn and majoring in engineering! We share a lot of interests too! I’m down to room, that is if you didn’t find someone yet. I wouldn’t be surprised cause you’re a little cutie. Weird thing, I’m pretty sure I know you from somewhere but it’s easier to explain in person? Let me know!
Peter scrunched his eyebrows. He was confused. He clearly didn’t know who Wade Wilson was, so how would Wade know him? Peter barely talked to people at school, including his neighbors. Peter also chose to not linger on Wade’s comment. He was only used to people teasing him about his looks.
He shook his head. “What am I doing?” He asked himself. He had a roommate opportunity, so he should take it! Peter replied with a “sure, where?” and waited for Wade to text back, which was pretty quick. He said some new café and what day would work best. Peter suggested tomorrow and Wade agreed. He asked more questions about Peter. What’s your major? What other hobbies do you have? What’s your zodiac sign? Your favorite color?
The list kept going and they were basically playing 20 questions now. Wade seemed like a very outgoing person. He’d strike conversation after conversation. He played football and enjoyed hockey outside of school. Wade said he was originally from Canada, which Peter found interesting.
Peter himself wasn’t a very interesting person, but Wade seemed to be very interested. He kept asking Peter to describe himself further and further. Peter knew he shouldn’t get too excited because he was just deprived of any affection. He noted Wade flirted quite a lot and Peter didn’t know how to respond to that either. Mj had jokingly flirted with Peter, and he liked it honestly. Peter was always too awkward to flirt properly.
It was getting late and Wade said he needed to get some rest. Peter agreed, even though he knew he was going to stay up late. Peter felt better than he had in a while. He hadn’t made any human contact in weeks.
It was soon tomorrow and Peter tried to make himself as presentable as he could. The circles were so dark around his eyes it was concerning. Hopefully Wade wouldn’t care too much. Peter wore a random t-shirt and some jeans. It was pretty hot, but he couldn’t care. It was getting to the time and Peter left his apartment with his wallet and keys.
Strangely, Peter loved walking. He didn’t need his license and the sights never got old, even though it smelled terrible most of the time. After about 20 minutes, he found the café and a nervous wave hit him. Peter hadn’t talked to someone in a while, and it was enough for him to be outside. It felt like everyone knew what he was going through.
Peter sighed and opened the door. He immediately recognized Wade and he waved. Wade was a lot bigger in person. How was this guy the same age as Peter?!
Wade smiled. “Peter?” He asked, letting Peter sit down first. He was wearing a t-shirt and basketball shorts.
Peter nodded and forced a smile. He felt so awkward. “Yeah.” He sugarcoated his voice.
“Ok, good. Didn’t want to confuse you as an angel, though you could pass as one.” He winked and Peter’s heart melted. He wanted to reach out and hug Wade. He needed someone to talk to so badly.
Peter laughed and looked at the tiny menu. “I think my great grandma was a zombie actually.” Peter joked. Wade burst out laughing and some people turned around.
“Good one, Pete.” He quieted down. “I hope the walk wasn’t too far?”
Peter shook his head. “Nah, I’m used to walking everywhere.” Wade agreed.
A barista came over and took their orders. Wade ordered a cinnamon sugar oatmeal shaken espresso. “Wow.” Peter laughed at the long name.
“Hey!” Wade turned to Peter. “Don’t judge until you try it!” The barista smiled. Peter found himself laughing again. It was odd for him to laugh this much. The barista turned to him and Peter ordered a simple white mocha latte. Wade rolled his eyes.
“I heard it’s good.” Peter shrugged. The barista left and Wade quickly found another conversation.
“So, this is gonna sound weird.” Wade started, putting his hands up. “But trust me, I’m not lying.”
“Go on.” Peter pressed. He was nervous Wade knew something Peter didn’t.
“Ok.” Wade sat back in his chair. “I had this dream, like, a month ago.” He leaned forward again. Peter noted he moves a lot. Wade’s voice got quiet. “And you were in this red and blue suit and you called yourself Spider-Man.”
Peter’s heart dropped. No one should be able to remember him.
“I’m not lying!” Wade quickly added. “I was there too and I saw your face! I swear!” He kept explaining himself, but Peter stopped listening. It was impossible for Dr. Strange to forget someone. Wade got quiet and then Peter remembered something.
When Dr. Strange was explaining the Multiverse, he mentioned how dreams are windows. And it made sense since Peter met the other Peter’s, but how did Wade know him? There couldn’t be two Spider-Man’s in the same universe.
“I think I get what you’re saying.” Peter muttered. Who was Wade then? Was he another superhero? A future villain Peter should worry about?
Wade’s eyes got big. “Really?! Did you have the same dream?!” He laughed, “So I’m not insane!” Peter joined in, relieved someone remembered him.
“I’m going to sound like the insane one.” Peter butted in. The barista dropped off their coffee’s and they took a sip break. Wade mentioned he had a huge coffee addiction. Peter laughed as he slowly drank from his own coffee. After a few minutes, Wade asked, “So how are you crazier than me?”
Peter breathed in. This was going to be hard, but Wade deserved to know. He started off by saying he was Spider-Man, which Wade was confused by.
“So it wasn’t a dream?” He asked, not recalling a spider-like vigilante. Wade took another gulp from his coffee.
“No.” Peter quickly explained. “There’s a multiverse, hundreds of different people, including you and me. You won’t remember, but I was Spider-Man in this universe, but I kind of broke the multiverse. So, you know Doctor Strange?” He broke off into another rant, trying to explain this to Wade. Wade nodded his head, his eyes almost squinted shut. His coffee was gone now.
“Basically, other Spider-Man’s-Spidermen, I don’t know, were summoned and it was crazy! We fought these villains I never heard of and then Doctor Strange casted a spell so know one remembered my identity.” He didn’t mention how he basically lost his whole life and purpose of living.
Wade gaped at him. “So what would that make me?” He seemed to believe at least some of it. Peter shrugged. “I don’t know. I don’t recognize you at all.”
Wade hummed, thinking to himself. “Maybe I’m a superhero too! Also, how can you prove you’re still Spider-Man?” That’s true, Peter thought. He hadn’t gone out masked ever since Aunt May’s death.
He looked around to make sure no one was watching and grabbed the sugar and creamer rack. It stuck to his pointer finger and Wade seemed pretty surprised. “So you have the powers of a spider?!” He gasped.
“Shhh!” Peter shushed him, putting down the rack. “Yeah, basically. I can show you more later but I don’t want to risk anything.”
Wade nodded. “That’s do cool! So, you’re like an Avenger?” Wade asked the most popular question, other than if Peter’s webs came from his behind.
“I guess.” Peter shrugged like it was no big deal. Technically, he was, but he had declined the offer to look after his city.
“Shit, man. This makes you so much more interesting! I thought you were just this cute nerd who’s all quiet.”
“I’m still, um,… some of those things.” Peter sheepishly answered. This is why he doesn’t like sharing his identity. People favored Spider-Man over Peter Parker. Spider-Man saved lives and Peter was just boring old Peter.
Wade smiled. “That’s ok! I thought you were interesting before all of this.” He gestured, playing with his straw.
Peter’s heart melted even more. He couldn’t be so attached to Wade this quickly. They just met face to face today. Peter’s eyes were prickling and he fought back tears. It had been so long since someone reached out to him, let alone be fond of him.
Wade noticed and panicked. “I’m sorry! Did I say something?!” He shuffled forward and brushed Peter’s hand. Peter shook his head quickly.
“No.” His voice strained. “It’s just-it’s been so long since I talked to someone.” He quickly wiped a tear. He needs to stop them before it gets out of control. Peter wanted to curl up in his bed and cry out his eyes.
Wade looked so sad. “I can’t imagine how that feels.” He grabbed Peter’s hands and held them tight. “I’m sorry that happened.”
Peter took a deep breath, not daring to look up. Another tear slipped out. “I know I sound pathetic, but I promise I’m not that pathetic.” Wade shook Peter’s hands and it made him shake in his seat.
“You’re not, Peter. No one even knew you existed, and you’re still alive!” Peter met his eyes and Wade seemed so genuine it hurt. Peter fought back a sob. “Look, I understand you lost a lot of family and friends, but hey! I found you and now you can restart your life!”
Peter tried not to laugh at the harsh reality of his words. He did need to move on, but he was stuck in time. Stuck on that night. Peter soaked in Wade’s kind words.
“Thank you.” Peter sat at the table awkwardly. He wanted to cry more-to have someone understand him. But Peter knew he shouldn’t waste Wade’s time by ranting.
“Of course.” Wade replied, softly. There was a silence and he pulled away, awkwardly sitting back. Peter wiped his eyes with a napkin, embarrassed. He hated crying in front of people, because he didn’t want to seem weak.
“I know this is complicated for you to talk about, but you sound like you have a lot on your chest.” Wade added.
Peter laughed and nodded. “Yeah.” He took a sip from his, now cold, coffee. Wade shuffled in his seat.
“You seem like a really cool person, Peter.” He almost said to himself, quietly. “And I’d love to be your roommate.”
Peter’s brain stopped. He had completely forgotten about that part! He got so caught up in his emotions. Peter felt a grin pulling at his lips. He wasn’t alone anymore! His mind praised and shouted. Wade kicked his foot. “Hey! Now, no more moping!”
Peter laughed and let his worries wash away. His mind raced now. He wasn’t alone anymore. Peter could see him and Wade making a lot of good memories together in the future. Wade seemed to feel it too because he was smiling stupidly to himself. That made Peter laugh harder and Wade giggled.
“What’s so funny, Petey?” He teased, starting a foot war. Peter shook his head and kicked back, bumping the table.
“Nothing.” He dared not to share how thankful he was for Wade. It was rare someone noticed Peter. If you mentioned Peter’s name, people would ask who? And this was before the whole spell thing too.
Their war ended and they were laughing quieter now. A comfortable silence fell. Peter looked out of the glass window. It was still busy as people were on break.
“So,” Wade started, “are you doing anything for lunch?” Peter met his gaze fast. Wade was such a truthful and genuine person. Peter envied him.
“No, I’m not busy.” He giggled to himself. He let himself feel happy, hell, he greeted it with open arms. Wade smiled that dopey smile again and gave him a suggestive look.
“You know any good places?” He asked, trying to make himself look innocent. Peter shook his head.
“I don’t care where we go. I’m starving.” Peter hadn’t had a good meal in a while. Once a week, he’d restock on the same odd brand foods. It was bad enough with his metabolism. Peter pulled out his wallet, but Wade stopped him.
“Let me. I mean, you believed my crazy dream. I’m pretty sure anyone else in the world would think I’m insane.” Wade pulled out his own wallet, but Peter protested.
“But my nonsense was way more crazier than yours!” They started a little debate on whose story was more crazy. Even though Peter won, Wade still paid. Peter’s face warmed and he found himself really liking him.
“Awe, you’re that happy, huh?” Wade teased. “You didn’t want to pay, did you? This was all apart of your plan!” He put down a 20 dollar bill on the table.
Peter went with it and nodded. It was like a dam broke and he could feel again. He should be overwhelmed with all of his emotions, but Peter felt grateful for them. “Am I that obvious?” He joked, pushing his coffee mug away from him.
Wade laughed and stood up. “You’re more than that, baby boy.” The nickname slipped out. Wade paused and turned to Peter. Peter laughed.
“You did not hear that.” Wade, embarrassed, left the café, Peter following him.
“I did hear it!” Peter laughed some more. Wade sounded so sincere saying it, Peter should really be flattered. It was such a weird nickname.
Wade grumbled to himself, aimlessly walking down the sidewalk.
“It’s ok!” Peter gasped for air. “I like it.” He looked to Wade, who looked shocked now.
“Really?” He bumped into Peter. “Baby boy, baby boy, baby boy.” He chanted, making Peter laugh more.
“Ok! That’s enough!” Peter grasped his stomach, realizing he made a mistake. “Now it’s weird!” Wade joined in, laughing hard.
“We are weird, aren’t we?” He chuckled. Peter nodded, knowing how cringey they were.
“Definitely.” They continued walking down the street, looking for a random restaurant. Peter pretended like he couldn’t see Wade staring at him.