Here We Go Again

25: Why Is That Rat Staring At Me.

They watched a movie that night; Peter had Jarvis project Spy Kids (2001) onto his bedroom wall. The two men sat on Peter's bed, side by side, holding hands. Peter rested his head on Wade's shoulder and Wade had the cat in his lap, petting it gently with his free hand.

They barely spoke throughout the film, and only when it was over did either of them dare break the silence.

"I'm glad you're home," Peter said quietly, staring at Wade's hand while he rubbed it with his thumb. "I really am."

"I'm sorry."

"I know."

Wade moved, causing Peter to sit up. "You have to understand why I was upset though."

Peter let out a deep sigh and turned to face the other man. "Yeah, I understand. And you have every right to be mad. I was a fucking idiot," he said with a light laugh.

"Yeah."

Peter gave Wade a look. "You weren't supposed to agree, babe."

"I know. Hey, can we agree on something?"

"Hmm. Maybe."

"Peter Parker," Wade threatened vaguely, raising his eyebrows and giving Peter a hard stare.

"Yes, okay. What is it?"

Wade cleared his throat. "If I ever die again—or almost die again—you'll tell me. As soon as I'm back to normal, you'll tell me what happened. And I don't care if the news is gonna make me flip shit. I want you to promise me that no matter what happens, you'll tell me the whole story."

"Okay."

Wade huffed and straightened his back. The cat did not appreciate this movement and slinked off his lap, taking a spot at the end of the bed. "Can you say it?" Wade asked. A beat passed. "Please?"

"I promise I'll tell you every detail," Peter told him sincerely.

"Thank you." Wade ran his hands over his face, sighed, and started talking again. "Also, please don't ever drink like that ever again. You might have spider-powers or whatever the fuck you call them, but you're just a regular dude. You're not even twenty-one yet, you can't be drinking yourself out of your mind just because you're stressed and upset! I just don't–"

"I thought you died, Wade," Peter interrupted.

"I know that. But still. Even if I do manage to actually die one day. You cannot do that shit, man. I'll come back from the dead and I'll beat you up."

Peter's lips curled into an affectionate smile. "Okay."

"Promise?"

"I promise, Wade. I'll always tell the truth, and there will be no idiotic drinking."

"Good."

"I love you."

A smile rose on Wade's face. It was an unexpected sentence, but he couldn't help but feel warmth bubbling up inside him as Peter smiled that kind, beautiful smile and looked at him with those soft brown eyes.

"I love you. So much. You're.... god, well, first of all you're an idiot. And I love you. You're an angel."

"Oh no, don't get all mushy now, Wade. I said I love you. Don't go off on a whole thing about how I'm the 'best guy you've ever met,'" Peter said, air quotes and all. Wade nodded, looking deep in thought.

"Okay, I see your point, but also you should consider this equally relevant and very true statistic: you are the best guy I've ever met."