Midnight Strolls Lead to Love
Cold. That was the first thought that came to mind as he swung to the top of a highrise in Queens, the brisk winter air penetrating deep beneath his suit. His body was littered with cuts and bruises, tonight’s crime was especially rough on him. After he took a large sigh, he laid down across the cool roof, light snowflakes melting as they landed on him. Stretching out, he winced as he felt his back spasm, groaning out in pain.
“So sick of this shit…” He mumbled as he sat up, rubbing his wrists as they were sore from overuse.
He did a few minor stretches to try and loosen up the tension in his body, the coolth of New York winters had always caused his hypermobile muscles to ache. It was a good pain, however. The popping of his back and some of the wound-up tension were also released. With this small window of comfort, he allowed himself just to breathe, looking up at the night sky and wishing he could see the stars. His mask was pulled up over his nose, still and always cautious about keeping his identity hidden. In a feeling of sleep-deprived playfulness, he stuck his tongue out, trying to catch a few of the snowflakes. He was content in this rare moment.
I need to eat something… he suddenly thought, licking his lips as he thought about all of the foods he loved.
Peter’s appetite had been seemingly unsatiable this past month; the amount of work he was doing did not add up to the small amount of food he shoved in his mouth when he left his apartment. Making your own web fluids took more calories and energy from his body than he anticipated. He had been Spider-Man for over two years so far and that fact still shocked him. So, with the spurred-on willpower that food gave him, he sat up, getting ready to swing to the nearest bodega and grab two or three sandwiches.
----
He wandered aimlessly around the streets of Queens as he munched on his second burrito, his mask lifted to reveal his mouth and nose. It had been a strangely successful day. No one had tried to kill him, he was able to carry out all three of his assignments rather quietly as well. And, best of all, he didn’t have to regrow a single part of his body! He was most excited about this part, as he had been getting severely injured these past few weeks. So, in proper Deadpool fashion, he decided to reward himself with some Mexican food. Now he was puttering around Queens, his katanas clanking together quietly as he walked.
Now, it was rather well-known in the superhero community that Deadpool had an… infatuation with Spider-Man. Wade was happy to admit that himself, stating ‘I just can’t keep my eyes off that bug-eyed hunk!’ to many of his friends whenever Peter was mentioned. (Actual heart eyes had formed as he spoke.) He had never stalked or purposefully been on the lookout for the other hero, but when he saw him he was practically attached to his hip. Peter would always say that he hated it, but oftentimes he was happy for the company and it seemed Wade understood this. So, that was the start of their confusing friendship.
Wade was secretly hoping to spot Peter tonight, maybe bump into him while he took his stroll. As if the gods heard and granted his wish, he ran into Peter, quite literally.
----
Peter had swung down from atop the building he was at, leisurely moving from one building to another. He was in his own world at this point, just going through the motions as he glided through the air, heading toward his favorite bodega. However, a large mass abruptly stopped his movement.
“What the-”
“Peter baby!!”
The two of them spoke at the same time, Peter feeling two arms wrap tightly around his waist. He was disgruntled, letting out a strained breath as he felt his back tense once more.
“W-wade,” he stuttered as he tapped the man’s arms “Let me down, my back…”
“Oh shit! Sorry baby boy,” Wade hurried, releasing Peter down slowly.
Wade stepped back to get a look at Peter and his mouth morphed into one of sadness. Peter’s suit was torn up and from what he could see, he was littered with cuts and bruises. His wrists also looked concerningly swollen. At that moment he decided to take care of Peter for the night, wanting to rejuvenate his body and mind.
“Hey bubs,” Wade spoke softly, “How about you come over to my place for the night? No funny business I swear. Plus I got my heater fixed.”
Peter eyed him cautiously, but ultimately nodded yes, weary from his extremely hectic day.
“Keepin’ the mask on.” He stated with a tone of finality, and Wade nodded in understanding before walking toward his home.
“Hungry?”
----
Wade’s home was more luxurious than Peter could’ve imagined. A huge couch sat in his living room, various-sized plushies scattered across the furniture and floor. On the sides of the couch were two chairs, with a well-loved coffee table in the middle of it all. Wade smiled as Peter looked around, telling him where the shower was after a few minutes. While Peter was in the shower, Wade changed and prepared dinner. He was in the mood for breakfast so he quickly whipped up some pancakes and eggs. As Wade was flipping pancakes, Peter walked into the kitchen, towel around his waist and a new mask on.
“Uh, Wade,” he said quietly.
“Yes, lovebug?” He responded in a warm tone.
“Where are your bandaids and first-aid kit and uh, y’know all that stuff.”
Wade set his spatula and turned to face Peter, eyes widening considerably. “Oh my, Peter~” he chuckled. “The first-aid stuff is in the hall closet across from the bathroom.”
Peter just grumbled at his flirty tone and mumbled a ‘thank you’, before walking back to the bathroom.
The two of them were now sitting on the couch, watching a random cartoon as they ate in comfortable silence. Peter was now wearing a pair of Wade’s lounge clothes, the t-shirt and sweatpants a tad too big for him. Wade was more than happy to lend him clothes, saying he could ‘keep them forever sweetpea’. When the episode ended, Peter glanced over at Wade, and if he had his mask off Wade would be able to see a look of apprehension on his face. When a few minutes had passed, Wade turned to Peter with a confused expression.
“Uh, something on my face baby boy? Been starin’ a hole into my face.”
“Ah, uh, yeah sorry,” Peter rushed while flustered, “Just thinking about something…” He trailed off.
Wade looked at him, nudging Peter’s side, “Well?”
“Y’know how I say I hate when you hang around me… I don’t.”
Wade laughed at this, taking his mask off to wipe his eyes, “Oh damn Peter, you thought I didn’t know that? I wouldn’t stick around you if you didn’t like it. I have a little bit of respect, love.”
Peter blushed furiously at this. Mainly at the fact that he could now see Wade’s face, and what the man had told him.
“Pretty…” He said to himself, however, Wade caught it as well. In a spur-of-the-moment decision, Peter took his mask off too, immediately looking down toward his lap in nervousness.
“Oh wow…” Peter overheard, “I- baby, this is- I don’t even know what to say. So pretty…”
Peter looked up from his lap, a small blush coating his features. “Think so?”
“Hun, I know so.” Wade moved closer and took Peter’s face in his hands, tracing over his features with his thumb.
Subconsciously, Peter leaned into his touch, letting his eyes slowly close. He was a bit surprised but didn’t stop himself. He hadn't felt this kind of gentle touch in so long. Wade was more than happy to oblige, moving his hands up to run them through his hair and give him a light massage.
“How you feelin’?” Wade whispered softly.
“Like heaven…” Peter whispered back, a small smile forming on his face.
----
Around an hour had passed and they were still on the couch, Peter now lying on Wade’s lap. There was a comfortable silence between the two of them that Peter decided to break.
“I like you, Wade.” He spoke with confidence.
A large smile grew on Wade’s face as blush bloomed across his face, “Shit baby, can’t just say that without warning! I like you, too, love.”
Peter squirmed a bit before he spoke up once more, “I… I think I really like the nicknames too…”
Wade groaned in his seat as he squeezed his eyes together, “Hun… you can’t just say that, gonna start thinking things and I don’t wanna move too fast.”
Peter just smiled and looked up at him, eyes wide, “Oh wow…”
That night the two of them fell asleep in each other’s arms, and every midnight afterwards as well.