Moving In
Peter’s last week quickly went by. Him and Wade talked every day over text or in person. They submitted their roommate forms and were assigned together. It was soon college move in day and Peter gathered his belongings together.
Thankfully, Wade had a car. He said he had raised money through high school to “get away”. Peter didn’t push it. He seriously didn’t want to rent a moving truck to move. Wade offered immediately that they could drive there together. Peter couldn’t thank him enough. He didn’t know what he would’ve done without Wade.
Now, Peter waited for Wade to come up and help him with his stuff. Peter had already walked around thousands of times, saying goodbye to the apartment. He couldn’t believe he’d never see it again. It felt cheesy recalling all of his memories where the now empty rooms stand.
Peter took all of the pictures and plants May collected. She was always a vibrant person. The funky wallpaper and carpet was all by itself now. Peter left what belonged to the property and sold the rest. He promised to use the money for important things only.
He heard a knock from the other room and Peter sped to open it. The drive was over 3 hours, from New York to Massachusetts. Hopefully Wade didn’t mind driving.
Peter opened the door and Wade stood in the same outfit from before. “Hey, Pete!” He looked around behind Peter. “Wow, this really is a nice place!” He walked through and turned in a circle.
“Yeah.” Peter replied, slightly upset. He didn’t know what else to say so he gestured down the hall. “My stuff is over here.”
Wade nodded and followed Peter, feeling the sadness waft off of him. He didn’t know how long Peter had lived here for, or who he lived with, but he knew for a fact Peter shouldn’t have to do this on his own. Peter doesn’t understand how strong he truly is.
They entered a smaller room that had a couple of boxes and some plastic totes. They were labeled with scratchy handwriting. Wade smiled because Peter seemed like he’d have bad hand writing. He also felt like he had packed too much now. “This is everything?” Wade wanted to make sure. He didn’t want Peter to leave anything behind.
“Yeah. It’s not much, but I can just buy whatever I don’t have.” Peter bent down and picked up one of the bigger boxes. Luckily the apartment complex was newer and had an elevator.
“That’s ok.” Wade shrugged and stacked two boxes on top of each other. “Let’s get going!” They headed on their journey, taking trips up and down the elevator. Wade’s car was small, but not too small. There was a little room left in the trunk and then they filled the back seats. Wade had a whole collection of scented trees hanging on his rear view mirror.
Peter smiled. Wade seemed like he’d hoard a lot of odd things. That was probably why he had so many boxes.
It took under and hour and Peter had to return his key and give his campus address to the landlord. He didn’t seem the littlest bit upset Peter was leaving.
Wade patted his shoulder, comfortingly. “We’re basically college students now!” He announced, walking out of the apartment complex. Peter ignored him and turned to look at the building one last time. He fought back tears and headed to Wade’s car.
Wade sighed and tried to cheer him up more. Before Peter climbed into the car, Wade came up behind him and ruffled his hair. “Don’t be so depressed, Petey! It’s all apart of life! You couldn’t live there forever, you know.”
Peter sighed, flustered. “I know. It’s just-“ He stopped to think. “It feels like I’m leaving someone behind.” He shut the door and looked out of the window. If he was going to cry, Wade wasn’t going to see it.
Wade stared at him, longingly, and started the car. “I know it’s hard.” He put in the directions on his phone. “Whoever they are, I think they’d want you to make this big change.”
Peter knew it’s what May would want, he was just too stubborn. Even if she was still alive, he’d have to leave her at some point. “You’re right.” He admitted, trying to lighten the mood.
Wade smiled at him and handed Peter the aux. “I’m bestowing this upon you, young one. Don’t disappoint me.”
Peter chuckled and plugged it into his phone. He decided to put on his summer playlist and they crossed a bridge. Wade said they’d go through Connecticut to the coast of Massachusetts. They’d try to not stop too much on the way there.
Peter looked over his schedule. He was taking fourteen credit hours, which was a little above average, and Wade was taking thirteen. He didn’t want to stress himself too much for his first semester.
After the first hour, they stopped to pick up some lunch. Peter was giggling to himself after Wade struggled to drive and eat. His burger had fallen apart slightly. Peter noted Wade didn’t really talk about his personal life that much either. Peter was curious if he had lived with his family, or alone like Peter. He wanted to ask, but was too scared it was a personal question.
Wade quickly started a conversation about some of his funny childhood memories. They’d take turns telling their little adventures and how they got into trouble. Wade brought up how he used to get bullied. Peter was surprised and turned to Wade. “Really?”
Wade laughed softly. “Yeah. It was complicated. My dad was kinda an asshole.” Peter realized what he meant.
“Oh.” Peter suddenly wondered if Wade just recently moved out. Or maybe that’s why he moved to the US?
“Yeah.” Wade dragged. “My mom passed when I was little and my dad became a different person.” He shrugged. “I don’t regret cutting him off.”
Peter nodded, glancing at Wade. He could relate to losing his own parents, but of course his situation was way different. Wade was so strong, Peter thought. “Well, I’m glad he’s gone.”
Wade turned to Peter and smiled. He looked a little glum now. Peter quickly blurted.
“I was bullied a lot too, actually. It’s kind of embarrassing.” Peter looked through the windshield. Wade hummed. Peter worried that maybe Wade didn’t want to talk anymore, so he stayed silent.
They threw their trash in the back and continued to not say anything. Peter suddenly felt very tired. It was only afternoon and he could use a nap. He leaned his head on the window and closed his eyes.
“Peter.” He heard a voice in his head. He slowly opened his eyes, being blinded by the sun. “Pete.” Wade repeated, shaking Peter lightly.
“Hm?” Peter mumbled, rubbing his face. Wade unbuckled his seatbelt.
“I stopped for gas. You want anything?” He asked, making sure his wallet was in his pocket. Peter nodded. A snack sounded pretty good right now.
“What time is it?” He asked, shuffling for his phone.
“It‘s 12:36.” Wade answered, opening the driver’s side. “I got gas already.”
Peter unbuckled and rolled his stuff neck. He groaned and stepped outside. They were parked near an exit with fast food restaurants and stores.
“Cmon.” Wade softly touched Peter’s back. Peter smiled and found himself wanting to lean into the touch, but he didn’t want to make Wade uncomfortable.
They walked into the gas station and looked for snacks. Some Starbuck’s coffee, waters, chips, and candy. Peter offered to pay, but Wade declined once again. Peter felt bad he always paid, but Wade didn’t mind.
The gas station worker didn’t say anything and rung up their items. Wade paid and they settled back into the car. “We have a little over an hour left.” He started the car and turned back onto the main road.
“Hm.” Peter hummed, snacking on his chips. He was pretty hungry. Peter also felt bad he left Wade all by himself while he slept. “You don’t mind driving at all?”
Wade shook his head, reaching for one of the waters. “No, I like driving.” Peter nodded, looking away. “How was your nap?” Wade asked.
“It was fine.” Peter finished his bag of chips.
“You really eat fast.” Wade laughed. “You sure you’re chewing?” Peter rolled his eyes.
“Of course I’m chewing, Wade. I’d choke if I wasn’t.” He crumpled the bag and put it in the back. Wade looked at Peter, amused.
“That’d be pretty bad, huh, if I had to pull over and do the Heimlich maneuver?” He laughed again.
Peter smiled. “Yeah that’d be pretty bad.” He took out his phone and scrolled for a while. He didn’t have many games or interesting apps.
Wade turned to Peter and asked. “So, what’s your life story?” He dramatically waved his arms off of the wheel.
“Keep your hands on the wheel, Wade!” Peter scolded. Then, he thought hard. His life was pretty complicated and he didn’t want to compare his life to Wade’s.
“It’s fine!” Wade rolled his eyes. “I’m a good driver!” He looked at Peter again. “But cmon! What’s Spider-Man’s story?”
Peter smiled, a little sad. “Well, my parents disappeared when I was little. They took me to my Aunt and Uncle and never came back.” He started, picking up a Twix bar.
Wade hummed. “That’s odd. What happened to them? Have you seen them since?”
Peter shook his head. “No, I found out they died in a plane crash.” Wade’s eyes widened.
“Wow. That’s pretty brutal.” He huffed. Peter was surprised at his reaction, but he was glad he didn’t rush to say “I’m sorry”.
“Yeah, it was. After that, I was fine in school. I got bullied a lot but that was really it. I, uh, lost my uncle several years ago, though.” Peter fiddled with the candy wrapper. It got easier talking about Ben through the years, especially when May was still around. She was strong and wasn’t afraid to talk about his passing.
Wade glanced at Peter. “Wow, you really do have a superhero backstory.” He sounded just as upset as Peter did, though.
Peter laughed a little. “Yeah.” His throat was suddenly closed shut. He could mention May, but he couldn’t bring himself to. “I got bit when I pretty young, just entering high-school. And then the whole multiverse thing. I lost my friends too. I still see them around sometimes and I don’t know-“ He admitted. Seeing them look at Peter without a second glance hurt. They had no idea that they used to be friends.
Wade reached over and rubbed Peter’s shoulder. “That’s crazy how that happened, though. Everyone in the world forgot you, even if they didn’t know you personally.” Peter sighed.
“I think it’s even crazier you believe me still.” He laughed to himself. Wade smiled.
“Well of course I’d believe you!” He stated, proudly. “I am your roommate after all!” Peter smiled, looking out of the window. He thought for a while.
“What’s your story, Wade? Or are you not qualified to have a superhero story?” Peter teased. Wade scoffed.
“Hey! I am a superhero in another universe! Treat me with respect, baby boy!” Peter blushed at the name. Wade didn’t ever stop calling him that. Sometimes he stopped himself, but he mostly let it slip out. Wade got quiet for a minute.
“Well, I guess my life is pretty boring. I grew up in Canada and lived with my parents. My mom died from cancer when I was young.” He scratched his head, awkwardly. “Then, yeah, my dad dragged me to the US, where I grew up in New York City. I got bullied for my bruises, but I made some friends.”
Peter stared at Wade-really stared at him. He had some scars scattered along his body. Some bigger, some smaller. Wade noticed Peter and smiled. “Then, I got these huge muscles.” Wade flexed, making sure he saw Peter’s reaction.
Peter rolled his eyes and looked away, secretly hiding his face. “You didn’t just get them.” He joked.
“Well, yeah.” Wade replied, sarcastically. “I worked out everyday and started talking back to my dad. I mostly hopped my friend’s houses every week. I probably wouldn’t be who I am without them.” Wade sighed. “But now I’m here with you!”
Peter smiled, feeling warm. They were both so similar, yet different. Peter really looked forward living with Wade. “I’m glad too.” Peter added.
Wade nudged Peter, playfully. “Do you think Massachusetts is gonna need Spider-Man at all?” He wagged his eyebrows. “Huh? Huh?” Peter laughed, getting jolted in his seat.
“I don’t know!” Peter leaned away, smiling so hard it hurt. They were starting to slow down a little as they got closer to the city.
Wade continued teasing Peter. It seemed to grow more and more every day. And Peter found himself growing more fond of Wade every day too. Wade wasn’t like any friends Peter ever had. He was outgoing and nerdy and smart all at the same time. No wonder Spider-Man and him were friends in another universe.
It was now 2 P.M. and Wade was growing impatient with how little they were moving. Peter found himself feeling excited and kicked his legs under the dashboard. Wade noticed and commented, “That shouldn’t be as cute as it is.”
Peter gave Wade an angry look and stopped. Wade laughed to himself. He turned back to the road and crossed another street. “I’m pretty sure we’re pretty close to the campus entrance.”
Peter sat up and looked through his window. Up ahead, he saw the big, column-like buildings. They were coming from the northwest and slowly made their way to the main block. Lots of cars were parked and Wade barely found able a spot.
Peter had looked up MIT, but he didn’t know it was that huge. They were in the East House, which wasn’t far at all from the main building. Peter had read out the information out loud, so Wade could hear it too.
“Apparently they allow cats.” Peter added, raising his eyebrows. Wade gasped.
“Really?!” He turned to Peter, unbuckling his seat belt. “We have to get one then!” Peter laughed at how excited we got.
“We have better things to focus on, Wade.” Peter rolled his eyes and stepped out of the car. He groaned and stretched out. They parked next to their house, which took way longer to find than it should have. There were hundreds of boxes line up outside, waiting to be brought into their dorms.
Peter would have to get used to the almost 200 different buildings. MIT was very popular. Wade stretched and gestured for Peter to follow.
“Let’s go find our dorm first!” Peter jogged to catch up to him. They picked up their keys and entered the building. They both found their dorm with their names on the front door.
“This place is insane!” Peter laughed. Each floor had their own kitchen area, and they were even allowed to paint their dorm if they wanted to. Many of the upper graduates welcomed them and informed them on their culture and events.
Wade had already talked to a lot of people and made jokes. Peter mentioned some things, but mostly observed. One guy offered to help with their stuff and Peter thanked him. It took them even longer to settle in compared to moving out.
Wade asked if anyone had cats and the guy answered, “Yeah. You actually got lucky because only some floors are allowed cats. This one guy, Greg, has a cat. He’s a senior year though, so everyone’s pretty upset it’s his last year.”
Peter was mesmerized. He never really thought he’d leave New York because of Spider-Man. But New York didn’t even know he existed, so Peter took his opportunity to get away.
“That’s so cool!” Wade smiled, setting down his last box. The guy nodded.
“Yeah, MIT‘s a good place. How many credits are you taking for your first semester?” They made conversation, Peter starting to get more comfortable. The guy talked about the courtyard they shared with another house and all of their different sports they offered. He asked if Wade played sports because he looked fit. Wade replied that he didn’t want to focus on sports here.
Soon an hour passed and Peter lied on his bed. He had mostly unpacked and stacked his empty boxes. They both had a regular bed and a desk. Wade made note of all the things they’d need to buy: extension cords, a mini fridge, trash cans, racks, and more storage. Peter was overwhelmed with happiness.
Wade noticed and sat down on Peter’s bed. “Pretty nice, huh?” Peter nodded, sitting up.
“I can’t believe any of this is happening.” Peter laughed. He probably sounded stupid. He felt like a Disney Princess. Wade laughed, pushing Peter over. “Hey!” Peter sat up and pushed back. They soon started wrestling and giggling to themselves.
Soon enough, word got around Greg had arrived, and everyone came running to pet his cat Stinky. Peter giggled at the name. Wade would not leave that poor cat alone.
They took a tour of the campus, which took two hours. They looked at the main building, The Dome. The college offered a food square even. It had not only food but also shops and a train station. MIT mostly offered sciences and engineering, but they also have a nice art department. It was now around dinner and Peter grew hungry again. The walking felt nice after sitting for so long.
“We should buy groceries soon.” Peter reminded Wade. Peter also forgot bedsheets.
Greg stuck around. He was extremely smart and grew fond of Wade and Peter’s relationship. He said that they had a good future ahead of them. Peter sheepishly thanked him.
They lastly picked up Wade’s parking permit. They probably should’ve done it in the beginning, because Wade could’ve gotten a fine. They both had chosen their meal plans and what not back in New York. Each of them had their own dorm key and they met one of their hall directors. He seemed pretty strict, which worried Peter. Hopefully Wade didn’t get them into too much trouble.
They returned to their floor, meeting a couple other freshmen. Some of them didn’t talk, which was ok too. Wade and Peter sat back in their dorm, talking. Peter knew May would’ve loved it here, and he accepted it.
Wade turned to him from one of his spinny chairs. “So, Spider-Man got what he deserved finally.” He narrated in an author’s voice. Peter laughed and rolled his eyes.
“Until Massachusetts suddenly needs me.” Peter may or may not have brought his suit. Wade looked at him, suspiciously.
“So, let me see you climb those walls, Spidey.” Peter smiled and stood up. He jumped high enough to cling to the ceiling, making sure to not bump into anything. Wade was so impressed, he stood up. He tried to reach Peter but he was too fast.
Peter giggled, unable to control his laughter. His stomach hurt and he let himself land back on the ground. He looked to Wade, who was laughing just as hard. Wade suddenly pulled Peter in for a hug. He froze and everything stopped.
Peter brought his arms up around Wade and basked in the moment. He rocked Peter back in forth, interrupting the silence with, “We made it!” He jumped up and down, bringing Peter with him.
Peter laughed again, returning the same energy. “We made it!” He repeated. Peter really needed that hug. They eventually pulled away and it got silent. Wade stared at him as if he was trying to look through Peter. Peter awkwardly flickered his eyes around.
“Is there something on my face?” He asked, confusedly laughing. Wade shook his head and ruffled Peter’s head, his energy returning.
“Just the cutest smile ever.” He grabbed one of his pillows and hit Peter with it. Peter yelped and took cover. He quickly stopped it because it was getting late.
“Shhhh, Wade!” He whispered, blushing madly. Wade grinned at him, not getting enough of Peter. They eventually separated to their own beds. They scrolled on their phones in silence.
Peter felt the grief sinking back into his body. He itched his face, trying to push it away. He was happy and finally moved to his dream college. Why was his body doing this to him?!
Wade saw the distress from the light of his phone screen. “What’s wrong, baby boy?” He looked up from his phone. Peter panicked.
“It’s nothing. I’m just sad I guess.” He replied. Peter just kept ruining the mood. He didn’t want to be rude and lie, though. Wade sat up.
“Yeah. You left a lot behind.” He walked over to Peter and stood there, looking over him. Peter looked at him, confused, and then Wade flopped onto him.
“Wade!” Peter gasped, the air being pushed out of him. Wade’s weight pushed him down into the mattress.
“Don’t worry. This’ll help definitely!” Wade’s chest awkwardly pushed against Peter’s face. He could smell Wade’s cologne and Peter admittedly liked it. He tried not to notice how hard Wade’s pecs were.
“Well I cant breathe!” Peter pushed. He liked the weight, but he knew Wade was doing this to make him happier.
“That’s too bad.” Wade rolled over, still crushing Peter. Their beds were pretty small. Peter gave Wade a dirty look and pushed at his bicep.
“You take up too much space.” He complained. Wade didn’t seem to care, making himself comfortable.
“Don’t care.” He stole a pillow and put it under his head. Peter huffed and stared at his ceiling. It had gotten dark now. They had one window, which was where Wade’s bed was. He had called dibs before Peter could.
“You don’t mind, do you?” Wade asked. “I usually shared a bed with my friends. If it bothers you, I can move back.” He moved to get up. This seemed to be a very important thing for Wade.
“No!” Peter blurted. “No, it’s fine. I don’t mind.” His phone had dropped onto the floor by now. He thought it was sweet Wade had gotten attached to sharing a bed with his friends. It was adorable, honestly. Peter shuffled, making himself comfortable too.
Another wave of sleepiness hit him. Wade had laid back down, stealing most of the blanket. Peter couldn’t bring himself to care. He cuddled closer to Wade and shut his eyes. Wade sighed dramatically.
“What?” Peter sighed. Wade laughed through his nose and turned to Peter.
“It’s just I’m squished up against this wall.” He groaned, complaining. Peter groaned back.
“Well, I’m already on the edge, so I can’t move much.” He met Wade’s eyes and he looked at him, suggesting something. Peter’s face heated up.
“Well,” Wade taunted, “I guess you’ll just have cuddle me then.” Peter laughed. He had only really snuggled with MJ. They dated long enough that Peter had gotten comfortable. So, he shifted so he was on top of Wade.
Wade whistled lowly and hugged Peter to his chest, basically crushing him. Peter sighed, not bothering to fight it. The wide span of Wade’s chest was comfortable, even though his legs almost went off the end of the bed.
Wade didn’t say anything else. He probably fell asleep, Peter thought. He closed his eyes, listening to Wades heartbeat. He felt the pain deep in himself, but it was far away. Peter let himself fall asleep, the most comfortable he had been in weeks.