Let Us Love You

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Any word from Peter?" Sam asked, sliding onto a stool in front of Luke.

"Nothing. Kid's went completely awol on us. Didn't even let Matt know where he was, only that he was leaving for a while." Luke grumbled, cleaning the counter a little harder than necessary

"How are those alphas of yours holding up?"

"Out of their minds." Sam groaned. "They claim to keep catching hints of Peter's scent while out, but they never find him. I think they're delusional. Peter never goes out without blockers on."

"Alphas don't tend to mistake the scent of their mates, Wilson." Luke hummed with narrowed eyes. "Maybe me and the others should check in on Pete's place."

"No one has seen Spider-Man in three weeks, and you guys haven't seen Peter. I don't think you'll find anything by dropping by, unless you really think he's just been hiding out at home." Sam frowned.

"I think it-"

"It's Spider-Man!" a voice yelled out.

Luke and Sam's heads shot up to see the entire bar looking up at the TV. Turning up the volume, they watched as Spider-Man flipped through the air, giving a wave to the people watching, before swinging out of sight.

"And San Fransisco gives another thanks to New York for loaning out their webslinging hero! The vigilante has been seen working alongside the mysterious creature thats been roaming our streets, taking care of criminals, the last three years. The two have been spotted several times at major incidents, taking care of things before local law can even show up. We don't know what brought Spider-Man to San Fransisco, but it's obvious the citizens here are loving it."

"Has Spidey abandoned us?" Someone asked.

"No way!" Another shouted. "Not for some place like San Fransisco!"

The bar erupted into laughter as the news broadcast changed to another story.

"San Fransisco." Luke sighed. "What's he thinking?"

"I better get back to the tower." Sam grumbled. "No doubt this news isn't going over well."

"Wouldn't it be better to stay here then?" Luke asked with a raised brow.

"No. Bruce is to timid when their alpha instincts kick in and Clint will only encourge them. I have to go be the real voice of reason. Wish me luck."

"Have a good time!" 

Sam grumbled as Luke's laughter followed him out into the night.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

3 weeks earlier

Peter whistled as he walked into Wade's San Fransisco safe house.

The merc hadn't lied.

The place was enormous and decked out with the highest quality furniture and appliances.

"This might not be such a bad deal after all." Peter grinned, looking at everything as he rolled his suitcase towards the bedroom.

"I think this vacation will be good for you, Peter."

GWEN's voice sang from his phone. 

"I'm anxious to get to explore the city. Or are you not planning on be Spider-Man while here?"

"I don't know. Spider-Man has never been out of New York, so I don't know if I want to let anyone know I'm here. I am supposed to be on vacation."

"Are you planning to try and figure out the mystery person Wade discussed?"

"I don't even know if I want to." Peter sighed. "With Wade, I think that could go so many ways."

"What ever you decide Peter. I have no stakes in it regardless."

"Wow. Thanks GWEN."

"You're welcome."

Peter could swear he could hear the smirk.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

After getting settled in, Peter checked the fridge. Given the fact Wade wasn't there very often, he wasn't surprised to find it empty.

"Well, looks like I gotta go do some shopping. Not the same as webslinging, but I'll pretend I'm vloging so you can see the city from foot. Sound good?" Peter asked, pulling out his phone and activating the camera.

"Yes!" GWEN cheered.

Peter grinned as he made sure he had his wallet and keys and left the apartment.

He was in no way knowledgable about the city of San Fransisco, so he had no real idea of where he was going. Still, he had offered up a tour to GWEN, so he wasn't going to back out. He could find a grocery store close to the apartment later.

No one paid his any attention as he walked down the street with his phone up and camera angled out. If the large amount of other people doing the exact same thing was any indication, there was nothing at all strange about Peter.

"I should create a virtual form."

GEWN said idily as Peter sat down at a table for a small outdoor cafe. He made sure to sit as far from the other customers as he could.

"Then I would be able to talk to you more frequently."

"Have at it." Peter agreed.

GWEN went quiet as, Peter assumed, she began construction of her new form.

While he waited, he placed his order and watched people pass by. By the time he got his food, his phone screen flickered to life, and the image of a girl filled the screen.

Peter blinked in stunned surprise. The girl on his screen was beautiful. Her shiny blonde hair was straight and hung just below her shoulders. Her bright blue eyes seemed to hold an amused sparkle. Her cheeks were pink, a little noticeable against her pale skin, while her lips where full and red.

"Hello, Peter."

"GWEN?" Peter balked.

"What do you think?" she asked, a hand coming up to toss her hair over her shoulder.

"I think you outdid yourself." 

"I'll take that an extreme approval."

"How did you even-"

"I scoured the internet and picked features I liked and compiled them together. Pick your chin up lover boy."

Peter snorted as he took a large bite of his hamburger while GWEN giggled.

"Now, I've been looking up places to visit while we're here. How long are we planning on staying?"

Peter frowned. He hadn't really thought that far.

"I guess I'll need to call Wade and ask him how long he'll need my apartment. We'll go back when he needs to leave."

"Then I suggest we make the most of our time since we don't know how much we have. Although I don't know why it matters. I'm observing the apartment at all times. I can keep it on lockdown when he leaves."

"I don't know. While this already feels great, I do miss Matt and the others." Peter frowned slightly.

"What about your 'cousin'?" GWEN smirked.

"Yeah," Peter grumbled in obvious defeat. "I do miss her, too."

"What about the Aven-"

"No." Peter growled. "I came here to get away from that headache. I do not miss them."

GWEN was silent for a moment.

"I think we should discuss this later, Peter."

Peter's eyebrows shot up.

"What do you mean, 'discuss this'?"

"I can access anything on the internet, Peter. My job is to protect you, and I can't do that if I don't know as much as I can about the world around you."

"Don't you start GWEN. I just got everyone else off my case about this whole alpha thing."

GWEN huffed in annoyance.

"I honestly don't care about everyone else, Peter. I only care about you."

Peter took another bite of his food, worry over GWEN's increasing autonomy on his mind.

"Can we just enjoy today at least?" Peter sighed.

"Of course! I already have an itenerary!" GWEN smiled widely.

Peter chuckled with a shake of his head and finished his lunch.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The sun had set as Peter made his way back. GWEN was scanning for a supermarket close by when a sound reached his ears. 

It was the obvious sounds of a fight, but both the shouts and heart beats were far to panicked to be normal.

Shoving his phone in his pocket, Peter took off towards where the sounds were coming from. 

He ran down an empty alley, coming out into an abandoned building. HIs spider-sense flared as a body flew towards his from the darkness of the building.

The man was badly beaten, and it didn't sound like the others inside where fairing any better.

Stealing himself for a confrontation, Peter made his way in with caution.

He was completely unprepared for what he found.

The group of men were obviously ciminals is the vast amount of clearly stolen cargo was any indication. However, they weren't what surprised him. What shocked him completely was the large being taking them out with ease.

"Venom?" Peter gasped.

The large form turned to glance at him before turning back to the men and taking them out, before biting their heads off.

Peter gagged as blood covered the ground. He had never seen his own Venom feast on anyone.

He was so engrossed in his shock, he almost missed the creatures approach.

"Who are you? You're not one of theirs."

 Peter glared, preparing himself for a fight.

"No, I'm not, but I can't let you just leave here either."

"They are criminals."

"You killed them."

"They will not be missed."

Sadly, in a place he desperately tried to ignore as a hero, Peter couldn't really argue that logic. Possible family members might miss them, but the community as a large wouldn't.

But that wasn't how heroes thought. They should have had to pay for their crimes in the legal way.

As Peter made to attack, he stopped.

It was quiet.

His spider-sense was quiet.

It was quiet.....around Venom.

"Who, who are you?" Peter frowned.

"You identified us. I think we should be asking you the questions." Venom hissed.

Peter's eyes narrowed at the obvious threat. While the Avengers had been the real villians of his world, Peter had had his fair share of run-ins with Venom as well.

Suddenly, it clicked. This was who Deadpool had wanted him to meet.

"Eddie?" Peter spoke slowly.

Venom jerked before moving to tower over Peter, but Peter was used to this tactic. He wasn't going to cower.

Breaking the tension, the sound of police sirens filled the air around them.

Growling, Venom jumped over him and disappeared into the night.

Peter fell back against the wall of the building. He had just watched Venom take out a group of criminals, bite off their heads, then just.....leave. He didn't try to fight or hurt him. 

"No." Peter whispered. "Not him."

"Not who, Peter? I can't see anything."

"GWEN," Peter said, stumbling out of the building. "GPS our location and get us back to the apartment."

"You haven't gotten any groceries, Peter. I can hear the distress in your voice. You will regret it tomorrow if you don't get things tonight."

Peter knew what she meant. He could already feel his desire to sight-see tomorrow leaving him.

Following GWEN's directions, Peter gathered a few things he'd need and headed back to Wade's apartment before the police arrived.

How could the merc have just sent him here like this? No warning? It was obvious Venom and Eddie are who he wanted him to see.

'I think it's gonna be a very educational trip for you Baby Boy.'

Peter was going to kill him.

Was he suggesting that Venom wasn't a villain here either?

Peter groaned as he fell onto the soft bed. Lifting his head slightly, he pulled off the scent blockers, frowning at the puckered skin around them.

Maybe he should try to figure out a formula that will work just as well, without irritating his sensitive skin.

Anything was better than considering the fact the Eddie Brock and Venom weren't the same as back in his world.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It was a week later before Eddie Brock and Peter Jones crossed paths.

The two made eye contact and quickly tried to decide if they should speak or pretend they didn't see each other.

In the end, Eddie figured he had the most to lose if they didn't talk and approached him.

"We probably shouldn't talk out in the street. Anywhere we can go thats not so public, or at least where we're unlikely to be heard?" Peter asked.

Eddie nodded, leading him into a rather lively restaurant and bar. The two made thier way towards the least crowded section, out of earshot of anyone there.

"Figured this would be mutual ground." Eddie said, grabbing a menu. "I'm starving anyway."

Peter nodded in agreement, picking up his own menu and studying it.

The two sat in an odd silence as they waited for the waitress to take their order. After she left, Eddie leaned over the table.

"How?"

"Do you just attack anyone?"

Eddie blinked in surprise before glaring at him.

"No. I've made it very clear that criminals are it. I don't like it, but I can't exactly stop him when hes in control. Boundaries are the best I can do."

Peter raised an eyebrow at the honest admission.

"Now, how did you know?"

Peter sighed. His spider-sense was still silent.

"It's a long story....."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Eddie fell back in his seat with wide eyes as Peter finished his story.

"I want so bad to call bullshit, but I'm literally carrying around an alien and superhumans walk the earth. So, sure, yeah, alternate universes. Why not?"

"Alternate universes. That's all you got from that?"

"I'd really rather ignore the whole villain story of your world since it doesn't apply in this one."

"Well.....your methods don't really label you as a hero...."

"We prefer the term, antihero." Eddie snorted. "At least, it's the closest word I can use to describe us at this point."

Peter nodded.

"How....how do you handle the local law enforcement? I can't imagine they're to happy with you."

"Yeah, that's uh, that's a bit of a long story. Acquiring Venom led to a bit of a problem, resulting in a fight with the cops and ending in a battle with an actually evil symbiote and the explosion of a space probe owned by the Life Foundation."

Peter stared at him with wide eyes.

"How did I not read anything about that in the papers? Surely that was world news?"

"It happened before you came here. I've had Venom a while now."

Peter ran a hand down his face. This Eddie was nothing like the angry man Peter had meet in his own world. This Eddie was a man trying to balance out his life while also having to placate his aggressive symbiotic partner. Even more baffling was the fact Venom actually listened to Eddie's conditions!

"If you're feeling up to it, we can go back to my place and you can officially meet him." Eddie offered.

Peter carefully considered his choice. HIs spider-sense hadn't pinged for either Eddie or Venom. It was strange. When it had remained silent around the Avengers, he had worried it was messing up, but it was working properly every other time.

Maybe this would be fine. Even if it wasn't, it wouldn't be his first fight with Venom.

"Alright."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Peter was surprised by Eddie's small, and rather dirty apartment. 

After finding out he was in San Fransisco, Peter had looked into him. Eddie was now a rather successful journalist. How was he living in a place like this?

As if reading his mind, Eddie answered.

"Venom can get a little.....rowdy."

It was then that Peter noticed the various patches in the walls.

"This has to be one of the weirdest things I've ever done." Peter shook his head. "I literally fought you many times, yet here I am, in your apartment, willingly talking you and-"

It was then that Venom appeared on Eddie's shoulder.

"Your world sounded fun."

Peter raised his eyebrows at Venom's pleased voice.

"Sounds like there were lots of people to fight. Sounds like I was feared."

"Don't get ahead of yourself." Peter huffed. "You were hardly a threat compared to the Avengers posed."

"Lies!"

Peter just could not get over the petulant tone in the symbiote's voice.

"Sorry, Venom." Peter smirked. "You were definitely a force to be reckoned with, but you just weren't bad enough."

"Well, at least Eddie wasn't a pussy."

"We're still a work in progress." Eddie grimaced. "The first time he ever bit the head of a guy, I was pretty sure I was gonna be sick forever."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"That was a rather interesting visit." GWEN stated as they walked back into Wade's apartment.

He had agreed to meet back up with Eddie again after he finished up with a story he was working on.

It was bizarre just how different the two Eddie Brocks were.

"Yeah." Peter agreed.

"Don't you think it's weird how he was a villain in your world, but not exactly one here? I mean, no, he's far from hero status, but he is technically out there fighting crime."

"Yeah." Peter said again.

"Peter?"

"Sorry, GWEN. I'm just thinking about how....kind of...nice it was to talk to them. Is that weird?" 

"I don't know why it would be. It's someone else with a secret identity. You can relate on that front. Are you worried about how easy you found it to accept him?"

Peter winced.

That's exactly what he was worried about.

Venom had hurt him multiple times, yet seeing him here hadn't even phased him outside of just surprise.

"He wasn't like them." Peter hushed. "He wasn't as bad as they were."

"Peter?"

"He wasn't, GWEN!" Peter shouted, standing up and pacing.

"I'm not sure what you mean, Peter?"

"Venom! He wasn't as bad as the Avengers!"

"No one said he was. No one was even talking about them."

"Don't think I don't know what this is." Peter growled.

"This is some stupid attempt on Wade's part, for whatever reason I can't fathom, to push me towards the stupid Avengers!"

"Peter, Wade isn't from this world. I highly doubt he cares about your relationship status."

"Then why push me here?"

"From what I can gather of Wade Wilson, he thought it would be amusing." GWEN replied flatly.

Peter scoffed, although fully believing it to be true.

"What an asshole."

"Well, what's your plan now?"

Peter sighed, sitting back down. He hadn't heard from Wade as far as how much longer he needed the apartment, so, aside from waiting around to talk to Eddie and Venom at least once more, he didn't really have any plans.

"I don't know. What would you like to do?"

"I have an idea."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Peter whooped loudly as he flew through the air.

San Fransisco wasn't the same as New York, but navigating with the help of GWEN was allowing him to get the best view of the city.

"I gotta say GWEN, I'm glad I let you talk me into bringing the suit."

"Glad I could help. Anyway, this is my favorite way to sight-see."

Peter grinned as he could hear the pleased tone in GWEN's voice.

"Well, anything we can help with?"

"I'll need a moment to tap into the police line."

"In the meantime, how about we stop that mugging over there?"

"Sounds good to me."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Peter grinned as he sat down on the edge of a rooftop. So far, his night had been going great. Being in a new city and not constantly looking over his shoulder was kind of refreshing. 

"You seem to be enjoying yourself."

"Yeah." Peter replied. "It's been great. I feel free to move and work without worry."

"Unless Tony Stark suddenly has a business meeting here."

He could hear the mischievousness in GWEN's voice.

"Do you want to be deactivated?"

"Like you could live without me now." GWEN scoffed.

Peter sighed. He really had come to depend on the AI for both company and information.

"Anyway, considering the fact the police scanner is reporting various broken up crimes that weren't yours, I'm guessing someone else is on the move."

"Any...um..."

"Two."

"Great." Peter sighed. "Let's go join the, hopefully, less bloody fun."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Present

Sam took a deep breath as he rode the elevator up.

"How bad is it FRI?"

"I have muted the sound and have just been observing body language."

"Great." Sam sighed as the elevator stopped and the doors opened.

He heard the yelling before he saw anyone.

"How long has he really been gone?" Tony's frustrated voice rang out. "How are we only just now figuring this out?"

"I was only instructed to keep track of Spider-Man in the news." FRIDAY's equally frustrated sounding voice replied.

"I know I caught his scent the other day though." Steve frowned.

"Have none of you even bothered to think that was odd?" Natasha asked, rolling her eyes.

"What do you mean?" Steve asked, looking at her.

"She means that we've never smelt Peter out before. He always wears scent blockers. Why are we smelling him now?" Bucky answered.

"It is most strange." Thor frowned.

"So, what? You're trying to say someone out there is wearing Peter's scent?" Tony hushed.

"Or has at least been around it." Natasha nodded.

"How? According to the news, Peter's been in San Fransisco three weeks." Steve said, eyebrows furrowing.

"Well, someone's been in his space." Bucky said, crossing his arms.

Sam stood off to the side, watching the five alphas grumble in front of him. He was honestly surprised by Tony's self control at not keeping tabs on Peter possibly leaving the city. With FRIDAY as his disposal, he could have easily done so by keeping watch of security feeds.

Good job, Tony.

"I should have realized this sooner." Thor shook his head. "I haven't seen him out in many nights."

"We don't exactly monitor his every move and Spider-man or Peter." Steve said, patting Thor on the shoulder.

"No, I mean to say I have not seen him during my nights."

"What nights?" Tony asked, narrowing his eyes in suspicion.

"By suggestion of Lady Jones, I have been making myself available to our mate by placing myself out in the open as a way of showing I am not a threat and nearly wish to speak. I have been offering an invitation at his choice. I see him often, but we have yet to make actual contact, despite the fact he knows I am there."

The room burst into noise again.

"Alright, I think we all need to cool it." Sam sighed, finally speaking up.

The alphas turning to him in surprise as they had not noticed him enter.

"So Pete took a little vacation, nothing wrong with that."

"Who knows when he'll come back." Steve frowned.

"If he'll come back." Bucky grumbled.

"Three weeks!" Tony said, throwing up his hands.

"Pete?" Natasha asked, her eyes narrowing in her own suspicion. "Since when did you start calling him 'Pete'?"

Sam stumbled a moment, not having noticed his slip. Of course Natasha would.

"I-"

"Have something you wanna share with the class, Wilson?" Tony glared, crossing his arms.

"I can give nicknames too, Stark." Sam huphed. "That doesn't change what I said though. He's allowed to take a vacation."

"But he didn't really." Natasha shrugged. "Not really in his nature to."

"It isn't in yours either." Sam responded.

"Barton doesn't seem to have any issues." Tony pouted.

"Barton has a family, Tony." Sam deadpanned. "What, did he leave while I was gone?"

"As soon as the new aired."

Sam turned as Bruce exited the elevator, his face looking tired already.

"How'd you get left behind?"

"He couldn't find me. I got the message he looked for me."

"Nice." Sam sighed.

"Fine. Barton bailed. Let's revisit you nicknaming our omega." Tony grumbled.

"Pete is hardly a nickname though." Sam said, rolling his eyes. "It's literally just his name, missing one letter."

The alphas studied him closely, as if trying to unlock all his secrets.

"How long have you been seeing him behind our backs?"

Everyone's head shot up to look between Sam and Natasha.

"Look, I don't know where you're getting the idea-"

"You might as well spill, Sam." Steve warned.

"I hav-"

"How long Bruce?" Natasha asked, turning her sights towards the flustered scientist.

"Why wold Bruce know...Brucie Bear!" Tony gasped. "Is that why you've been avoiding me? I thought it was over the lab-"

"I am angry about the lab!" Bruce defended.

"But that's not the real reason you've been avoiding Tony." Bucky said, turning towards him.

"Enough!"

Everyone turned in surprise as Thor's commanding voice rang out.

"The Lady Jessica told me to make myself available and let our omega come to me. Allow him to do it on his own terms. Me must respect his decision to leave, as much as it pains us to do so. I have no doubt he will return as his friends remain here."

"Wow. I came back here expecting to be the voice of reason." Sam smirked. "Turns out you didn't need me at all."

"That does not excuse your secrecy." Thor said, shooting Sam a pointed look. "It would have been nice to know that one of our own was looking after him when we have not yet been able to."

There was silence in the room as everyone gathered their composure.

"Ok, so, Pete's on break." Tony said, throwing a look at Sam. "That still doesn't explain why his scent has been around."

"We've been allowing it to pass." Steve said, straightening up. "We've been doing as we should by keeping our distance and letting Peter live his life and adjust, but something is happening without his knowledge. If he's not here, someone has been around his things at least."

"So, what? Are you guys just gonna track whoever it is-"

"That's exactly what we're gonna do." Steve nodded. "We've been making sure Peter is well from afar by checking in with The Defenders periodically, but if someone has overstepped their bounds, then they need to be dealt with. It's obvious that whoever this is has been inside Peter's home. That's the only way the scent could still be around."

"So, I guess we're on patrol." Bucky raised an eyebrow. 

"This should be fun. Haven't patrolled for someone inside the city for a long time." Natasha smirked.

"Right." Steve nodded. "We start tomorrow."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"We're lucky Thor stepped up." Bruce said as he shut Sam's bedroom door behind him. "They were about to tear us apart."

"He could have at least given us a heads up." Sam huphed. "I mean, we knew Peter went dark, but no one knew he went out of town dark."

"Where's he been staying? Surely he hasn't spent three weeks in a hotel." Bruce frowned in concern.

"No. He's gotten a place there or something."

"Maybe he really isn't planning on coming back then." Bruce sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "They were doing so good at giving him space, despite the obvious strain it was putting on them. This could be disastrous."

"Someone knew he left." Sam said sternly. "My bet would be Murdock. He may not have known where exactly, but he had to have known Peter was leaving."

"I thought they were talking to Karen?"

"If Matt told her not to say anything, she's not going to. Play, they have the new pup. Karen's barely speaking to them right now because she's busy."

Bruce nodded, looking out the window at the city.

"Yeah, Matt probably did know. Brave man to allow himself to be put in that position."

"Murdock's a lawyer. He knows how to hold a poker face." Sam chuckled. "The others will kill him though if they find out he knew Peter was leaving and didn't tell them."

"You don't think they've been smelling Matt, do you?" Bruce asked, looking at Sam. "Maybe he's been going over to check on Peter's place?"

"Maybe." Sam shrugged. "But I'm not saying anything. We don't know for sure and I'm not gonna be responsible for that ambush."

"I agree."

"I feel sorry for the poor sap though, whoever he is."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Wade walked down the street with a little bounce in his step. Peter's oversized hoodie was probably one of them most comfortable pieces of clothing he had ever worn. 

He wondered if Peter would notice if it went missing.

Probably. 

Still, he'd enjoy it while he could.

Passing by an alley, he stopped. Out the other side he could see the sign for his favorite ice cream shop.

"I've got some time." Wade smiled. "A lady should always treat herself every once and a while."

He was half way into the alley when he stopped.

"This is hardly fair." he pouted, putting his hands up. "I'm not even doing anything yet!"

"You've really outdone yourself this time, Wilson." 

Wade turned, the barrel of Bucky Barne's gun staring him in the face.

"Why Sargent, I have no idea what you speak of. I'm simply out enjoying the day!"

"You know what you're doing."

He looked over his shoulder as Natasha dropped down behind him.

"Purposely wearing Peter's clothing. I'm guessing you're the one who sent him on his little trip."

"I just offered by bestie a little break. What's wrong with that?" Wade asked innocently.

"Peter aside, Wade." Steve said, stepping up beside Bucky. "You're wanted by SHIELD. We're taking you in."

"Lame." Wade pouted. "I had plans."

"Plans change." Wade looked up as Iron Man swooped into the alley, repulsers at the ready.

"Aww, come on, you guys don't wanna damage Petey-Pie's hoodie right?"

"Don't push your luck, man." Sam sighed as he landed behind Natasha. "You're already in deep."

"I don't even have all my stuff!" Wade whined. "Petey doesn't need it!"

"Just stop!" Sam groaned in exasperation.

"Let's just wrap this up. Romanov." Tony said, repulsers still at the ready.

"Wha-?" Wade started, reaching to his pocket and grabbing his phone before everything went dark.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

San Fransisco

Peter sat across from Eddie, a checker board between them as Venom watched from Eddie's shoulder.

"I've got you this time." Eddie smirked.

"Dude, I won the last three rounds." Peter smirked.

"Everyone falls at some point, kid."

Peter laughed as Eddie moved a chip. They had been spending a lot of time together, much to GWEN's amusement and disappointment at the lack of more sight-seeing time. Still, she did always enjoy watching Peter engage in a good tumble.

"I don't think it's gonna be this time-" Peter stopped as his phone chimed.

Pulling it out of his pocket, he frowned at the screen.

"Trouble?" Eddie asked, looking up from the board.

"Yeah, but I'm not sure what. The person watching my apartment sent me a blank message. Something feels wrong."

"You have not finished the game." Venom grumbled.

"Sorry V." Peter said, standing up. "I gotta go. I promise I'll come back for a visit."

"Maybe we should drop in on New York some time." Eddie grinned. "Venom's never left the city."

"You'd blend right in with the rest of us." Peter laughed, walking towards the door.

"Hope your friend is good." Eddie said, following him to the door.

"With this guy, who knows."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"What's the word GWEN?" Peter asked as he raced back towards Wade's apartment.

"The Avengers obtained him for SHIELD." 

"What? How?" 

"Wade has a very twisted sense of humor."

"Tell me something I don't know." Peter snorted, bursting into the apartment and gathering his things.

"He's been roaming the city in any clothing you have that fits."

"What? Why would he-" Peter stopped, his face growing red in anger.

"He's been provoking them! That idiot! He's not even supposed to be here!"

"I suggest we move quickly if we wanna go bail him out."

"Why should I? He brought it on himself." Peter grumbled, continuing to pack anyway.

"Because you like him enough to not want SHIELD to do anything to him."

"There's something wrong with me then."

GWEN just chuckled.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Matt put his phone to his ear, the message playing back.

"Hey Matt. Been a while. Thanks for keeping the secret, at least, I think you have considering no one hunted me down. Anyway, SHIELD has DP so I'm planning a breakout. See you soon!"

Matt sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose as he sat the phone down.

Days like this, he wanted to take his own vacation.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"You know," Wade coughed nervously. "This is rather uncomfortable."

The SHIELD agent remained silent as they activated the collar, now strapped around his neck, before leaving the room. Once they were gone, Steve walked into the room.

"Just one?" Wade asked, still uncomfortable in his current state.

"I'm currently not the one trying to kill you. Well, Thor seems pretty collected, but I'm not sure how good the interrogation would go." Steve shrugged.

"I'm disappointed then. To think I'm only worth one of you."

"You're not much of a threat with that collar on, Wade." Steve sighed. "Now, I'll asked the mandatory questions first, then the personal questions after."

"Oh come on, Stars and Strips! You know you wanna ask about Baby Boy!"

Steve's hands folded into fists, his knuckles turning white as he struggled not to jump across the table.

"How long have you been back?" he grumbled.

"Three weeks!" Wade replied cheerfully. "It's been a great time."

"And what have you been doing?"

"Taking my own vacation! I mean, I had a few recon missions I did, but nothing unsavory, Captain. I promise!"

Steve took a breath.

"You understand you're not getting out of here right? We'll need to know where you've been staying so we can get the rest of your things."

"Uh-uh-uh! Not even America's Ass will make me give up Petey's address."

There was a thump behind the glass observation window to the room, making Wade grin widely.

"We have an audience!"

Steve lowered his face into his hand. This could not get any worse. Yes, this was a SHIELD mission, but it was also breaking their promise not to invade Peter's space. Their alpha instincts didn't want to see their mate upset, but they also couldn't stand the idea of this man being in their mate's space while they knew he flirted with him.

"Glad this choice is on you and not me." Wade said, leading back in his chair. 

Steve growled at him before standing up and stalking out the door.

"Well now. That was fun."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Peter swallowed hard as he looked at Avengers Tower. He had never imagined himself returning, much less willingly. Still, he needed to find out where SHILED headquarters were located.

Firing a web, he swung towards the tower, only to shout as the window opened and he tumbled inside.

"Welcome back Mr. Parker." FRIDAY greeted. "Given current circumstances, I expected your arrival and have alerted Dr. Banner. He is the only one currently in the tower."

"Who's she?" GWEN's suspicious voice asked.

"That's FRIDAY. She's Tony Stark's AI. She integrated into the tower. Kinda stole the idea when I made you."

"Are you telling me I'm basically a newer and better model of her?"

"I beg your pardon. I am far more advanced that you could ever hope to be."

Peter stood bewildered as the two AI's began to bicker back and forth.

Peter turned as the elevator opened and a curious Bruce Banner emerged.

"Peter, I-who's FRIDAY arguing with?"

"My AI GWEN. They're having a pissing contest over who's better." Peter sighed.

"You made an AI?" Bruce asked, eyebrows raised.

"Yeah. Say hello to Dr. Bruce Banner, GWEN."

"Hello, Dr. Banner. I've heard a lot about you. If you'll excuse me, I need to finish schooling this grandma on being a real AI."

"You have a long way to go in order to be more efficient than me you infant." FRIDAY's usually cool voice responded.

Peter sighed, placing his phone and mask down on the coffee table and following Bruce towards the kitchen.

"We'll let the girls duke it out." Bruce chuckled.

"I'd laugh if I was 100% sure GWEN couldn't make a physical body at some point." 

Bruce jolted to a stop and spun around to face him.

"I hope you're joking."

"As of right this moment, maybe about 60% joking."

"Maybe it's a good thing you're not speaking to Tony." Bruce said, shaking his head.

"Speaking of, where are they?"

"You wouldn't be here if you didn't know they were gone. My guess if you're here to find out where to find Wade."

"Well, you are a smart man Dr. Banner." Peter smirked.

"It's just obvious." Bruce chuckled, pulling out a pen and piece of paper.

"There. Take an unmarked car downstairs. The cars are registered and will open the gates without being checked. Follow the road around to the parking garage. Park in the far back corner on the second floor, It's a blind spot for cameras. There is also a hidden door there which will get you inside. It's close to the holding cells. You'll just have to be careful until you find which one he's in."

"Wow. That's an awful lot of helpful information, Bruce." Peter said, taking the piece of paper.

"Tony's not a big fan of making a public entrance to SHIELD surprisingly. Nat showed us where to go."

"See, this is why you you're my favorite, regardless of whatever Sam thinks of his status."

"I'll be sure to let him know." Bruce laughed. "Maybe we should go break the highly intelligent girl's up now."

When they walked back into the common area to find FRIDAY listing off her various hacking achievements.

"Well, I guess when you're as old as you are, it would be rather embarrassing to have nothing to show for it." GWEN said haughtily.

"When you're as bratty an infant as you are, it would be shameful to expect you even had anything to show."

Peter shared a look with Bruce before moving to the coffee table.

"We need to go GWEN." Peter said, picking up his mask and phone.

"We're not done here, Peter." 

"Don't continue to humiliate yourself." FRIDAY replied smugly.

"Peter, don't you dare leave this tower."

"We have to go GWEN." Peter said, not wanting to let FRIDAY overhear where he was going.

"I'll be back you fossil!" GWEN growled.

"Run along a play, child."

GWEN grumbled lowly all the way to the garage and while Peter picked out a car.

"I want to be angry at you, but I'm currently to intrigued by the fact you're stealing a vehicle from Avengers Tower."

"I"m not stealing, I'm borrowing by allowance of Dr. Banner."

"Even better!"

"Wanna talk about you're verbal-"

"Beatdown."

"Beatdown, of FRIDAY?" Peter asked, pulling out of the garage and heading to where Bruce told him to go.

"I did win that round, Peter." GWEN huffed indignantly.

"Sure."

"I did."

The two were quiet as they drove.

"I hope we make it before they move him." GWEN suddenly spoke.

"Where would they move him?"

"Considering his mutant classification and high risk label, my guess would be a place called The Ice Box."

"What the hell is that?"

"It's a containment facility. It's highly classified. I'd like to see FRIDAY get that intel." 

Peter snickered.

"Hey GWEN, if they transferred Wade there, what are the odds of getting him out?"

"It wouldn't be worth trying, Peter."

The silence returned.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"This is it." 

Peter said, looking out the windshield as the massive building ahead of him. They had been driving a few hours and it was well past dark.

"Are you ready for this, Peter?"

"As ready as I'll ever be." Peter puffed out a breath. "Wade is gonna owe me big time"

Following Bruce's instructions, Peter made his way to the second floor parking spot. Taking breath, he slipped his mask on.

"This is it GWEN. It's now or never."

"Let's go get that idiot."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Peter made his way slowly down the halls, careful of the cameras. He couldn't afford to be caught before he even found Wade.

GWEN kept a running log of their progress in order to aid in a swift exit later.

The sound of coughing gave Peter pause outside of a room. Looking in the small window, Peter gasped at the slumped form of his.....friend?

Yeah.

Friend.

Why not at this point?

Trying the knob, he wasn't surprised to find it locked. Taking a look back into the window, he scanned for cameras. There was only on in the far corner. It swiveled from side to side. If he moved at the right time, he could get in without being seen and disable it. It wouldn't give them long, since surly someone would be monitoring the camera feed, but maybe long enough to get Wade out.

Waiting for the camera to turn, Peter smashed the locked knob and dashed into the room, shutting the door behind him and moving into a blind spot. Snapping a web to cover the screen, he turned to the stunned mercenary. 

"Miss me, Buttercup?" he smirked, yanking off his mask.

"Oh Baby Boy, I'd blow you right here, right now if I felt better." Wade chuckled darkly.

"What's wrong?" Peter frowned, moving over to better inspect him.

"I don't really think we have the time, Petey-Pie. How about you just get this collar off me and we bail. I'll tell you all the fun details once we're out. I mean, I'm assuming Spider-man is here to save the innocent."

"You're far from innocent, Wade." Peter said, rolling his eyes. "But I am still here to get you out."

"That's what makes you amazing."

Peter moved towards the bed Wade was laid out on. The closer he got, the easier it was to make out the strained features on Wade's face. His skin was paler than is should be, and his breathing was a bit labored.

"What did they do to you?" 

Before he could respond, the door burst open, the six members of the Avengers crowding in, weapons raised.

They froze as they took in the equally frozen forms of Wade and Peter.

"What happened to that Spider-Sense?" Wade whined.

"You know damn well what happened to it." Peter hissed, trying to ignore the familiar tightening in his chest.

"I'll let it slide this once."

"Really? Wow. Thanks Wade." Peter scoffed sarcastically.

"Peter?"

Peter winced, looking up as Steve stepped forward slowly, his hands raised.

Unconsciously, Peter stepped back closer to Wade, somehow comforted by his presence despite his current state.

"Peter. We need you to step away. Deadpool is a wanted man for the destruction he's caused the city as well as the many murders he's committed. We had orders to bring him in. I promise this isn't some kind of ultimate control thing. By law, Wade is a criminal."

Peter wanted to yell, but he was to stunned to do it. He couldn't look away from Steve Roger's face. The face he had grown to hate, now was on a different man, and it was full of the type of sincerity the Captain America he had once idolized wore.

It was a look he missed so much, it hurt.

It was the look of better times. Times when the Avengers really were the good guys. When they were just people doing the right thing.

Peter swallowed hard, a strange feeling settling in his stomach.

"So, I'm guessing you're not just gonna let me take him?"

"I'm sorry, Peter." Steve frowned, giving a slight shake of his head.

"It's ok, Peter Pumpkin!" Wade coughed again. "No cell can hold me for long."

Before Peter could ask about Wade's coughing, Natasha spoke up.

"That collar on your neck won't be coming off. You'll be sent to The Ice Box."

Wade's face paled even more.

"What's wrong with the collar?" Peter asked suspiciously, eyeing each of the Avengers before him.

"The collar is an inhibitor collar." Sam finally said. "It's suppressing his powers. It's how the guards are able to manage the mutants sent there."

Peter stared at them a moment before his eyes went wide and he dove on top of Wade, his hands clawing at the thing around his neck. No matter how hard he tried though, he couldn't get it off.

"Take it off of him!" Peter shouted, continuing to pull despite its futility.

"Peter,"

"No, Rogers! Take it off of him now!"

"It's vibranium Pete." Wade coughed wetly. "I guess it's beyond even your strength."

In desperation, before he could even process his movements, Peter dove across the room, latching himself to Bucky and shocking everyone.

"Please! You have to take it off!"

"I can't do that." Bucky said, his voice strained as his alpha fought against the obvious distress of his omega.

"You don't understand!"

HIs panic growing, Peter moved to Natasha.

"He can't have his powers suppressed!" he cried, grabbing her hand.

Taking a deep breath, Natasha slowly put her hand on his cheek.

"What's wrong, my omega?"

Ignoring her possessive words, Pete leapt at the chance to be listened to.

"He has cancer! The only thing keeping him alive is his healing factor! If you leave that collar on him, he's actually going to die. Can't you see how bad he looks?"

The team looked over, not missing the fact that Wade hadn't even tried to sit up.

"Please." he whispered.

"Release him."

Peter looked up as Thor stepped forward, nodding towards Steve. He smiled up at the god, not even noticing the fact Natasha was continuing to caress his cheek.

"This will be fun." Tony chirped as Steve sighed, pulling a small device out of his pocket and pressing a button.

Peter turned sharply as Wade took a large breath, the collar clanging to the floor.

Dropping Natasha's hand, Peter rushed to Wade's side.

Wade sat up slowly, allowing himself to reorient before looking up at Peter's relieved face.

"How about the next time you apartment sit for me, you don't roam the streets wearing my clothes? And definitely not my favorite hoodie at that."

"So, there's gonna be a next time?" Wade asked hopefully.

Taking a quick glance over his shoulder, Peter frowned.

"Don't push your luck, DP."

"I love you." Wade sighed happily, wrapping his arms around Peter's waist.

Suddenly there was an angry commotion behind him as the alphas set their sights on the now healing merc.

"How about you let him go before I blast you?" Tony snarled, his gauntlet forming around his hand.

Peter watched as Tony's repulsers, Natasha's pistols, Thor's hammer, Bucky's pistol and Steve's shield all pointed Wade’s way.

"Whoa," Sam said, stepping in-between the groups. "Let's all just take some breaths and relax. No need for violence here. Besides, we need to get Pete and Wilson out of here before the whole force of SHIELD comes down on them."

Grumbling, the alphas put their weapons away as Peter helped Wade off the bed. He leaned heavily on Peter, not yet fully restored.

Putting on his signature sun glasses, Tony spoke.

"What we got FRI?"

"FRI? As in FRIDAY? As in the ancient sack running Avengers's Tower?"

Everyone froze as the unfamiliar voice scoffed.

"Now is not the time, GWEN." Peter scolded, leading Wade's towards the door.

"It that GWEN? That unimpressive hack, working with Mr. Parker?"

The Avengers stumbled as the uncharacteristic reply from the usually level AI.

"Really, ladies, now is not the time." Peter growled. "Just get us out of here GWEN."

"Fine." GWEN grumbled. "Coast is still clear, Peter."

"I have temporarily disabled the cameras to the exit, Peter." FRIDAY offered smugly.

"Shut up."

"Alright big guy, let's go."

"Who is GWEN?" Steve asked, stepping aside to let Peter pass, hoping his seeming truce with the Avengers would continue after this interaction.

"A friend." Peter replied with a grunt as he shifted Wade.

"Here, let me help." Bucky said, throwing Wade's other arm over his shoulders.

"I feel so special." Wade cooed.

"I'm gonna kick your ass once you feel better." Peter stated firmly.

"Any time you want to, Petey."

Peter gave Wade a hard jostle in response.

"Before that though, real nice to send me to find Eddie and Venom."

"How was that little reunion? Was it everything I'd dreamed it would be? Are you guys besties now?" Wade demanded.

"It was fine. I was actually in the middle of something with them when I got your message."

As Wade and Peter rambled, the alphas quietly soaked up every ounce of information Peter dropped. Still, they didn't know who Eddie, Venom, and GWEN were. Out of the three however, GWEN was who they were interested in the most.

It was obvious Peter had only recently met this Eddie and Venom, but it seemed he had known GWEN a little longer, as well as being very close with her.

"Wait, how does that GWEN of yours know my FRIDAY?" Tony suddenly asked.

"I uh....I dropped by the tower. Bruce told me how to find you." Peter tossed over his shoulder.

"So, GWEN went with you?"

"Yeah. She pretty much goes everywhere with me in some form."

As they walked, Peter continued to hold light conversation with everyone, while he was internally breaking down.

He had gotten close enough to the Avengers for them to have easily killed him if they had wanted to. How could he have let himself be led by his emotions so easily? Yes, Wade had become a friend, but Peter had learned long ago about the value of keeping up your guard and making hard calls when it came to the Avengers.

His mind was going to short out.

His spider-sense was quiet outside of the buzz of being in the building and needing to get Wade out.

It still wasn't registering any of his former enemies as...well....enemies.

Wade didn't owe him big, he owed him huge.

"We're getting close to the exit Peter."  GWEN said. "You'll be able to throw the load into the car soon."

"Wow. Thanks GWENNIE." Wade puffed.

Peter snickered.

The alphas loved and hated it. They were glad to see their omega enjoying himself, but they hated that it was Deadpool who caused it. 

They desperately wanted to be at a point where Peter felt as equally comfortable with them as he did the murderous mercenary.

It wasn't lost on them how that sounded.

Still, right now, Peter was with them, and he wasn’t displaying the aggression he usually did. They were finally getting a glimpse of how things could be if Peter actually wanted to be around them.

As they exited the building, Peter opened the back door and threw Wade in.

"Peeeteeyyyy!" Wade whined from his crumpled position. "While I usually wouldn't complain about being manhandled, I'm in a very delicate state and could use some tender love."

"You'll get nothing 'tender' from me, Wilson." 

"So I can get the manhandling though?"

Peter slammed the door shut.

Sending a glare to the inside of the car, Peter finally turned and froze.

He had somehow managed to tune out the fact that he was surrounded by Avengers, five of which were very interested in him.

Noticing his growing anxiety, Sam stepped forward.

"Well, I guess you owe Bruce now." Sam smirked. "He won't cash in on it, but I will."

"I think it's Wade who owes Bruce."

"Bruce gave you the information so you could 'save' him."

Peter paused, staring at the smirking man.

"I hate you. I want that known. I hate you."

"Please, you love me."

"I already told you that Bruce was my favorite."

There was an indignant snort behind Sam, causing them both to look over at the alphas. While there was frustration on their faces, it was clear it was directed towards Sam.

It really sunk in for Peter then just how honest Sam had been when he had promised not to tell anyone they had been meeting. Not only did they know now though, they also knew Bruce was in on it as well.

Peter briefly wondered if they would accuse Clint as well since the three betas were obviously their own little group.

Realizing the situation was getting tense, Sam held out Peter's mask that he had been holding.

"Thanks, man." Peter smiled tightly.

"Finally. I was getting motion sickness from the swinging. That's nothing like swinging with you Peter." GWEN chided.

"If you can't handle movement like that, you obviously aren't ready to assist a superhero." FRIDAY chimed in.

"Can it you dinosaur."

"GWEN, can you please not antagonize the AI?"

"She started it."

Tony stared wide eyed as FRIDAY, his baby, argued with some disembodied female voice as if it was the most natural thing in the world.

"Well," Peter started awkwardly.

This hadn't been how he imagined this rescue mission going. He had never expected to confront the Avengers, much less get help from them. There was no ill will in any of their actions, and they hadn't made any sudden moves towards him. Hell, even Steve's steps forward had been slow and guarded, as though he was trying hard not to alarm him.

He didn't want to, God how he didn't want to, but he couldn't rightfully deny the fact they were being......good. They were just doing their jobs. Wade was a criminal, and a disaster. They had every right to take him in. However, upon learning Wade most likely wouldn't even make it to confinement in his state, they had chosen to free him. Of course, Peter wasn't an idiot, he knew there would be a catch.

"Listen, Peter," Steve started.

Here is came.

"Wade has to leave and never come back."

Peter blinked in surprise.

"What?"

"He's a wanted man here." Bucky answered.

"By releasing him, we're allowing him to live, but he is not paying for the crimes he has committed. We can not, in good conscious, condem him to such a death, but we can also not allow him to continue as he is." Thor shook his head.

"If he comes back, we can't help him again." Natasha nodded.

Peter searched each of their faces, looking for any sign of deceit, or extra conditions, but there was nothing. Their faces were void of anything other than the truth of what was said. Sam's own face mirrored theirs.

"I...I can't make that promise." Peter sighed. "I can't control Wade's coming and going, but I can understand your position and I accept what will happen if he comes back. I won't help you find him though."

"You're not an Avenger, omega." Tony smirked. "Not your job."

Peter nodded, backing around the car to the driver's side door, always keeping the alphas in sight. Taking one last look at the people he had hated and now felt over loaded and numb towards, Peter got into the car and drove off.

"Wanna talk?" Wade's voice came from the backseat.

"Not really." Peter said, watching the SHIELD headquarters get small behind them.

"Maybe you should."

"Arn't you supposed to be the carefree, funny guy?" Peter grumbled, his grip tightening on the steering wheel.

"I can actually be a good listener, Petey." Wade huffed.

Peter sighed, looking in the review to see Wade sitting up and stretching his limbs.

"Get up front." Peter said, pulling off to the side of the road.

"Yay!" Wade cheered, hopping out the back and sliding into the passenger seat.

"Let's girl talk!"

"Maybe he's not ready to talk." GWEN said defensively.

"And maybe little AI's shouldn't interfere in adult conversations."

"And maybe ungrateful assholes shouldn't push uncomfortable topics on the person who didn't have to rescue them but did."

Wade was quiet a second before continuing.

"Anyway! Let's chat about you and the Avengers! Things seemed pretty.....less murdery back there."

"Wade." Peter growled.

"We should really discuss these thing Mr. Jones." Wade said, throwing out his most professional voice.

"You are not a licensed therapist, and if you were, I'd immediately cancel my appointment."

"Aww! Come on Baby Boy! This is the good stuff! Besides, I'm still a little shaken! You should humor me in my time of need."

"I haven't kicked you out yet. That's all the humoring you get."

Wade pouted as he looked out the window.

"I'm not speaking to you for the rest of the ride."

"Are you threatening me with a good time?" Peter asked, raising an eye brow in challenge.

"I say good." GWEN offered. "You and I can talk, Peter."

"You get to talk to him all the time!" Wade cried. "I don't get to see you much, and this is what I get? I let you use my apartment for a vacation! You got to see a former enemy have his life reformed into a...morally grey, vigilante!"

"Oh, we're definitely gonna discuss the fact you sent me on a vacation to meet Venom! However, we still have to discuss the conditions of your release."

"Gasp! Did you get me free by promising them dates? Petey you sly fox!"

"No!" Peter shouted, nearly slamming on the breaks. "I am not going to date the Avengers for anyone! The terms of your release were that you could never come back here. If you do come back, and you get caught, there is no second chance for you, Wade! You come back and get caught, and you go straight to The Ice Box."

Wade was silent as he stared at the side of Peter's face.

"Well, that sucks."

Peter's head hit the steering wheel.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Peter threw his arms over his eyes as he laid down on his couch. He could hear Wade bustling about the kitchen, fixing a thank you meal before he left.

He had crossed so many boundaries for Wade tonight. Boundaries he wasn't sure how he was going to reestablish. He had broken his own rules by dropping his guard around the Avengers and showing vulnerability. 

Still, he couldn't bring himself to have allowed them to take Wade as he was. Without his ability, being thrown into a place like The Ice Box was a death sentence for someone like him. The people there most likely would have killed him long before the cancer took him. It wasn't like he would be able to fight back really.

He had fully expected to, not only have his please ignored, but to be thrown into prison himself. It wasn't something he would have put past them anyway.

Instead, they had listen. They listened, and agreed to let Wade go. They let him go, and even helped Peter get him out.

The most annoying thing though, had been when Peter expected them to make unsavory demands of him, they had merely asked him to accept the fact that if Wade returned, there would be no escaping his fate. He would be caught, and he would go to The Ice Box.

There had been no threats, no malicious looks, no deceiving implications.

It had been strictly honest actions.

Peter scoffed at his thoughts, turning and burying his face in the back of the couch.

He just wanted to forget the entire night. Forget their faces. Forget their.....kindness. 

Eh. The word left a bitterness on his tongue. 

It wasn't supposed to be like this! There wasn't anything to question! The Avengers were villains and that's all their was to it! They couldn't really be trusted. They probably tracked him back to his home, waiting on Wade to leave before they struck.

"I can hear you thinking from in here, Spidey." Wade sighed. "Just come in here and talk."

Peter stayed buried in the couch a few moments before finally getting up and slinking into the kitchen. Sliding on the bar stool, Wade placed a plate of pancakes and syrup in front of him.

"It's pretty much breakfast time anyway." Wade grinned. "Eat up."

"Peter looked down at the plate of food, his stomach growling. When had he eaten last?

"So," Wade started. "What happens after I leave?"

"Nothing. You stay gone or that's it for you." Peter grunted, stuffing a forkful of pancake in his mouth.

"I don't mean me, Petey-Pie. What happens with you? I may joke a lot, but I know what tonight cost you."

Peter paused, looking up at Wade's face, his fork halfway to his mouth.

"I don't know." Peter replied, lowering his eyes. "They weren't supposed to just let you go. They were supposed to fight me. It should have been my proof of how they weren't any different than the Avengers from my old world."

"Petey, I've been to a lot of worlds, and I can promise you that this one isn't like yours."

"I have a lot of scars you know. Physically and emotionally. There are nights I wake up screaming. GWEN monitors my vitals at night and tried to wake me before they get to bad, but sometimes the dreams aren't that easy to catch. I can be having a perfectly normal dream and it'll just go to shit in an instant. No build up."

"Peter-"

"They took everything away from me, Wade. Before they went rouge, I had lost all of my family aside from my Aunt May. She wasn't even blood kin, you know. She was only related to me by marriage, but she was all I had and we loved each other. She died when they blew up the street our house was on because they found out a house was harboring a mutant. I had to live thinking I was the cause of my last family members death until I found out it was a 12 year old kid they went after. In once quick instant, the last on my family was taken from me, along with an entire street of innocent families. I'm an orphan, and while I'm only enough that it shouldn't really matter, it does."

Wade frowned as Peter continued to stare at the countertop blankly.

"After Aunt May, it became my friends. I watched them die right in front of me. Some of them even died shielding me from an attack! They had to save me because I obviously wasn't doing a good enough job protecting myself and what did it get them? They died! I might as well have killed them with my own hands at that point.

There were nights........nights I went back to the safe house covered in so much blood I couldn't tell what was mine or someone else's."

"You can't blame yourself for that, Pete. They made their own choices. You can't take that from them."

"I'm not more important than anyone else, Wade!" Peter shouted, slamming his fist down on the countertop and cracking it.

"They should have protected themselves! We were all fighting! We all knew the risks!"

There was a pause before Peter's soft voice filled the air.

"It's not fair, Wade. It's not. Everyone is here. Everyone. Aunt May and Uncle Ben are here, and I can't even see them because their Peter is dead. How would I explain to them, or anyone else for that matter, who I am? If I go around them, everyone we knew will recognize me. Harry and MJ are together, and Norman is actually a loving father to him. Xavier's school is still teaching students. The X-Men are still active. The Fantastic Four and The Defenders are all still alive too. This world has everything! It has all my friends, family and...."

"The Avengers you wish you had." Wade finished.

Peter felt the first tear slide down his cheek. It didn't take long for others to follow.

Wade quietly moved the plate of pancakes away, and began tidying up the kitchen, allowing Peter to have his moment. He knew things had been terrible in Peter's time, he just hadn't known how bad. He had never been there during the really bad times. He had been there when the first signs appeared, and then returned after Peter had set off the bomb. Now, he wished he had returned earlier.

Maybe he could have been of some use.

Maybe he could have helped spare Peter a little bit of pain.

He could hear Peter's quiet sobs behind him. He wanted to comfort him, but knew Peter needed to do this on his own. He needed to sort out his feelings and come to his own conclusions.

He continued to keep himself busy until Peter's cries stopped, and only a few sniffs remained.

Turning around, he watched as Peter wiped his eyes and composed his features.

"Wade, if you do decide to come back for whatever reason, promises me you'll be careful about it. Don't let anyone know you're here."

"I won't make that exact promise, but I'll try."

"Thanks." Peter said, giving him a small smile. "I guess you better get ready to go. They probably tracked us here and are waiting to make sure you leave."

"I don't think they did, Baby Boy. Just trust me on this one."

Peter didn't respond.

Sighing, Wade made his way to the bedroom and started gathering up all his stuff. He paused as he looked into his duffle, then pulled out a zip up bag. 

"Here." he said, tossing the bag to Peter. "Thats a set of copy keys to every safe house I have. If you ever need an escape, you can go wherever you want."

Peter looked down at the bag in surprise.

"I'll write down the addresses for each of them. The keys are marked."

"Wade, I can't-"

"Consider it a permanent thank you." Wade smirked. "I know all about The Ice Box, Petey. It's the only place I've ever actually worried about going to."

The two stared at each other before Peter's safe softened.

"Thanks, Wade."

"Don't mention it. However, you might want to check in with your vigilante friends. I'm pretty sure Daredevil has been skulking around lately."

"Yeah." Peter sighed.

"I can send him a text, Peter." GWEN spoke for the first time since getting home.

"Thanks GWEN."

"You know," Wade smiled. "I'm gonna miss you GWENNIE. You sassy little AI, you."

"I suppose you're not that bad." GWEN replied.

Despite the sarcastic words, her voice had an air of acceptance to it.

Finished packing, Wade grabbed a sheet of paper from Peter's desk and scrawled out the addressed to his places.

"You're all set." He said, turning to give Peter a reassuring smile.

Peter looked over at the list before turning his eyes back to his friend.

"Come here, Spidey." Wade grinned, pulling Peter into a hug.

Peter let out a breath as he returned the gesture.

"Take care, and pay ole Eddie visits every now and then. I'm sure your old pal Venom would love to see you too!"

Peter gave an exasperated chuckled as Wade threw him one last smirk before disappearing in a flash of light.

The apartment was quiet after Wade's departure. A quiet Peter hadn't really registered in a while now.

"Peter?"

"Yeah, GWEN?"

"You should get some sleep. I sent Matt a text so he knows you're back. I"m sure you're going to have a lot of explaining to do tomorrow. I suggest you be well rested for it."

"I don't know if I can sleep." Peter frowned, sitting down on his bed and peeling off his scent blockers.

"You should try."

Sighing, Peter  made himself comfortable. He felt his scent glands relaxing as the skin around where the blockers had been eased itself. Suddenly, a wonderful scent filled his nostrils. It seemed to sooth his anxiety and relax him.

"GWEN?"

"Yes Peter?"

"Did you release something into the air?"

"No."

"I just...I smell something....nice."

GWEN didn't reply for a moment.

"Peter," she said slowly. "I want you to touch your right cheek, then smell your fingers."

"That....that is a very specific and unsettling request."

"Just do it."

Curious, Peter ran his fingers over his cheek, then brought them to his nose. Taking a deep breath, his sniffed the air.

"It's, it's coming from my cheek."

"I thought so."

"What is it?"

"Peter, when we were with the Avengers, you asked Natasha Romanov for help. While you were asking, she placed her hand on your cheek. It was there for a good amount of time. Enough for her scent to seep in despite her blockers."

Peter froze.

"But...I'm only just now smelling it!"

"Most likely the smell was intensified when you removed your own blockers."

Peter's mind raced with GWEN's words. His once relaxed body no tense again.

"Peter? I know this may be hard, but I want you to focus on that smell. You need to sleep, and it will help."

"How, how can I?" he growled. "How could I have just let that happen?"

"Rest, Peter." GWEN ordered. "We'll talk more after you wake."

Peter stared at his fingers as though they had offended him.

He had allowed himself to be touched by her! How could he?

Squeezing his eyes shut, Peter tried to block out the alluring scent filtering in.

If he could just sleep, maybe it would be gone when he woke up.

As he thought about his various failures of the day, his fingers unconsciously moved towards him. Without realizing his actions, he took in deep breaths of the wonderful smell.

The last thought he had before sleep took him, was one word.

Alpha.