He turns the corner sharply and ends up with his face buried in a firm chest. A frankly embarrassing noise comes out of him and there’s an amused huff of a laugh from somewhere above him. Peter looks into a face mostly obscured by a dark gray scarf, sunglasses and a baseball cap, all framed by a hooded sweatshirt.
What little skin Peter can see is blotchy and an angry red in places and his eyes widen in realization as his thinks of Wade’s bright smile at him two mornings ago while they ate breakfast together. Panic flares in his chest but there is no way he could recognized like this with messy hair, dark circles under his eyes and wrapped in a thermal and oversized flannel. He realizes he’s stared for far too long and runs his hand through his hair while offering a lopsided smile.
“Sorry about that; wasn’t paying the closest attention to where I was going."
The taller man clears his throat and even thought Peter can’t see his eyes he feels that gaze sweep over all of him. “You say that like it’s a bad thing. I don’t often run face first into people are gorgeous as yourself.”
Peter’s heart kicks into overdrive; he’d know that voice anywhere. He blushes at the compliment, more affected than he would normally be because it’s one thing if Wade compliments his skills and agility or even how he looks in the suit---focusing on his ass per usual. He’s just plain Peter Parker now and those compliments are very few and far in between.
“That blush is doing things to me, sweet thing."
Peter scoffs, and reaching past Wade to grab the packet of cookies he truly does not need. “Peanut butter trumps Oreo filling any day,”
His teasing is met with silence and he feels a sense of deja vu at the faux argument, mind flashing back to a few days ago when he and Wade fought over the best cookies. He turns his head slowly and finds Wade staring at him pensively, a crooked smile flashing behind his thick scarf.
“I recall having a similar debate with a friend earlier this week. I have yet to prove him wrong.” Wade steps closer and Peter tilts his head to meet his gaze.
“It’s not like you make an effort to hide your real voice. You could’ve been creative and pulled a Bruce Wayne or built a voice-modifier into your suit, baby boy.”
Peter’s face heats up and he snatches the Nutter Butters out of Wade’s hand and dumps them into his overly-full basket. “I have the mask up more often than not, Wade. That plan wouldn’t even work, plus do you really want me to strain my vocal cords?”
That gets a deep laugh from Wade and he easily catches up to Peter before he rounds another corner. “I’d rather strain you in other ways.”
Peter glances at Wade out of the corner of his eye, trying to keep his blush at bay. He feels anxious even though revealing his identity would’ve happened sooner or later, he just wanted it under his own terms and not in the middle of a corner shop where he’s not exactly at his best.
‘Why should I even care about what he think anyway?’ he asks himself, but already knows the answer. His feels have steadily been growing, and now he’s finally bare and exposed in front of Wade who has idolized him for years as Spiderman. He’s let more and more of himself shine through the longer they’ve been friends but it took months for Peter to realize Wade is his best friend. Spiderman is a hero and someone, despite much criticism, many people look up to. Peter Parker is just a slightly socially awkward man, a genius but also
“Earth to Spidey. Come in, come in!”
Peter shakes his head and shoves Wade hard, putting a small touch of super-strength into it. “Just because you found out my identity doesn’t mean everyone else needs to!” He whips his head around, and sees a woman at the opposite end of the aisle with headphones on, bopping along with her music and singing to herself.
Wade whistles and pushes himself away from the cans of soup he nearly collided with. “Reeeeeeal subtle, you are not.”
Peter startles a bit when a large hand presses against the small of his back, and he turns; pressing himself into Wade’s chest as he looks up at him.
“Relax, Webs. It’s just me. I know you’re probably pissed you didn’t get to reveal yourself under your own terms, but you know you’re safe with me.” Peter watches Wade pull his sunglasses down and Peter’s own eyes widen as they meet Wade’s for the first time. They meet his steadily and his heart picks up.
“At least I hope you know.”
Wade’s eyes are so expressive and the softest brown. His hairless brows are knit together in worry and a touch of nerves, and his lips are turned down at the edges. Peter’s gaze sweeps over him slowly and lingers on those lips before looking back into his eyes that are darker and more focused on him now.
Peter blinks and turns more so he’s fully facing Wade. The sounds of people passing them in the street fade into the background when he shifts closer until they're nearly chest-to-chest.
“I know I can trust you, Wade.”
They get onto the Subway together and move through throngs of passengers until the come to an available spot. There’s nowhere to sit but there’s a rail above their heads and Peter reaches up as Wade stands behind him. The car jerks abruptly; he lets himself stick to the floor and rail and naturally sways a bit backwards. A gloved hand rests on his hip and Peter’s lips part with a sound too soft or anyone to hear but stays in place.
They’ve been more free with touches since Peter’s drug-induced admission but he feels so exposed now out of the suits. He glances over his shoulder and feels the weight of Wade’s gaze even behind the sunglasses. The hand squeezes lightly before letting go and Peter feels lost somehow.
“Our stop is next, Pete.”
“Y-yeah. It is.”
Peter curses himself again for not deciding to bring along his backpack to just throw his groceries in and web his way back home. His phone buzzes with a text.
Wade: That blush does things to me, Petey.
Omg who even says things like that??
Wade:Bet ur blushing right now. 😘
His phone accidentally slips out of his hands and Peter groans as it smacks him in the forehead before rolling over and burying his burning cheeks into his pillow.
ya boy is back at it again with the whole procrastination thing, and if I'm going down, ill bring all of you with me.
other recs by me: X
1) Peter Parker's Home for the Wayward Villain by BeanieBaby [90k, complete]
summary: A really long redemption story.
my thoughts: you know how every ship has That One Fic? The one that every person who recs fic recs? This is it. In a world where Peter Parker was never bitten by a radioactive spider (but still lives in a world of heroes), he still has a chance to make a change.
additional info: found family, strangers to friends to lovers, slow burn, POV peter
2) Said the Fly to the Spider by BC_Brynn [20k, complete]
summary: Peter is being courted by Deadpool. With words. And life-saving.
my thoughts: so damn good. the story is character and relationship-focused, with witty banter and dumb jokes - in short, the perfect spideypool fic. Pacing is on point, side characters are in character, just... *chef kiss* beautiful.
additional info: friends to lovers, slow burn, POV peter
3) the kubler-ross theory by antivenom [80k, complete]
summary: Peter loses Gwen in a split-second of motion.
It takes much, much longer for him to find himself afterwards.
(In which Peter deals with a loss that immobilizes him and permeates through every drawn breath. In which his grief is a visceral abstraction that he can touch, that he can feel. And in which, with a little help, with time, with acceptance, with anger, with sadness, with Wade, he learns how to live in a world without her.)
my thoughts: if you read nothing else on this list, READ THIS. It deals with the aftermath of Gwen Stacy’ death, and how Peter copes (or doesn't) with the aftermath. This story is a love letter to everyone who has lost someone - the stages of grief, the anger and confusion and emotion are so real. Everything is brutally honest, the author doesn't hold back punches - in fact, it's because of this that I love how Wade and Peters's relationship is written. They are both shown as flawed characters who are trying so damn hard and their relationship feels real. The same can be said for every character in this fic - the relationships with aunt may and MJ and other supers are beautifully thought out and written.
additional info: HOPEFUL ENDING, slow burn, pre-relationship, hurt/comfort, POV Peter
4) I'll Tell No Lies by doctorestranged [78k, complete]
summary: When a series of murders take place, Peter Parker goes undercover in Sister Margaret’s to get intel on Tony Stark’s prime suspect: Deadpool. Except, Peter is horrible at lying and this seems like a dreadful idea. Peter goes in hoping to get enough information so that Spider-Man can save the day, but like everything in Peter’s life, it becomes a bit more complicated than that.
my thoughts: The pacing is so fun - it’s a murder mystery with a heavy side of romance, featuring Tony not-angry-just-disappointed ok-a-little-angry Stark, a very done Weasle, and one taxi driver.
additional info: strangers to friends to lovers, SMUT, POV Peter
5) Without Ever Letting You Know by TimidTurnip [8k, complete]
summary: So something weird is going on with Deadpool, that's nothing new. Spewing flower petals is hardly the strangest thing the merc has done. The part that is confusing Peter is that Deadpool doesn't want Spider-man around. WTH.
my thoughts: mmm, hurts so good. Love how they examine Peter’s personality and relationship to Wade in this one.
additional info: Hopeful ending, PINING, friends to lovers, POV Peter
6) i know your secret by jilliancares [8k, complete]
summary: “I’m your new neighbor,” Wade forged on, oblivious to Peter’s state of shock, and he stuck out a scarred hand. Peter gripped it, feeling numb, and gave it a shake. Did Wade realize who he was? No, clearly not. He was acting way too normally. Wade was one for dramatics.
my thoughts: Fluff CENTRAL. Wade and Peter are given a playful relationship that can only be described as puppy love.
additional info: fluff, identity porn, friends to lovers, POV Peter
7) The Naked Truth by CAPSING [20k, complete]
summary: Wade is not a cat person. But maybe he'll make an exception to get into some cute guy's pants.
my thoughts: CAT FIC! THERE'S A CAT!
additional info: pining, strangers to friends to lovers, vet!peter, Wade is still Deadpool, POV Wade
8) The Boys Wear Red... by Orcusnox (Cat9894) [108k, complete]
summary: Wade is a hero, Peter is a merc.
my thoughts: HOLY HECK??? if you thought Spider-man 3 was dark, Raimi ain't got nothing on this. My biggest worry going into this was that Peter and Wade would just swap places and character, but that could not be further from the truth. Peter is dark, but in a way that fits who he is, who he would be if he jumped off the deep end. Everything in this feels thought out and works well together - the character writing is smooth and logical, even for side characters. The plot is fun and exciting, the banter even more so.
additional info: Hopeful ending, some smut later, gore/violence, past mentions of abuse, frenemies to friends to lovers, POV Peter
9) Allostasis by ruralfishingcat [42k, complete]
summary: Peter had a tendency to put up walls to isolate himself; even as Spider-Man, he could only suffer through so much death and destruction. It was precautionary, really, and those he'd pushed away would thank him were they aware of the circumstances. Of course, Deadpool had his own tendencies, one of which was to break down said walls (fourth ones included). As grating as it was, a small sliver of Peter hoped the mercenary would be able to succeed.
my thoughts: fucking cute my dude. Identity porn to the max, and a butt crap of pining.
additional info: friends to lovers, protective Wade, identity porn, POV Peter
10) what light through yonder window by hellornothing [14k, complete]
summary: The figure moves quickly, but Peter’s faster. He’s still adjusting to the sudden brightness, so dark red is really the only thing he takes from this initial encounter, but it’s enough.
‘Deadpool?’
-aka the one where they get together via late night window visits
my thoughts: THESE TWO! *clenches fist* ya know? just them realizing they have massive heart boners for each other
additional info: friends to lovers, fluffflufffluff, mama mia that's a lot of F’s, POV Peter
11) Patron Saint by isaDanCurtisproduction [58k, complete]
summary: Peter is desperate. Hungry and alone on the streets, he's ready and willing to do anything to change his situation, even if just for a night. And sharing a stranger's bed would be no hardship, especially when the alternatives include dumpster-diving for dinner and sleeping, arms wrapped around him, beneath a chilly and indifferent sky.
Then a man named Wade Wilson steps into his life.
my thoughts: The plot is simple and allows for GREAT character moments. I clutched my heart cause they were so cute and just GAAAHH! the chemistry is great, the banter is fun, the plot is on point. 10/10 would (and do) recommend
additional info: strangers to friends to lovers, no actual smut, be prepared to clutch a titty, identity porn, pining, homeless Peter, POV Peter
12) better than being alone by darkavengerz (darkavenger) [6k, complete]
summary: Peter's been asked to attend a children's birthday party as Spider-Man, and he's surprised to discover someone else masquerading as him when he turns up at the party.
my thoughts: this is so them. the story is character-focused and just so gosh darn fun. I love my boys just harassing each other for funzies
additional info: friends to lovers, fluff, POV Peter
13) Nobody's Business by DittyWitty [6k, complete]
summary: Peter really wasn't supposed to out himself to Deadpool.
my thoughts: insecure Peter, meet insecure Wade. Now go use big boy words and fucking COMMUNICATE
additional info: friends to lovers, POV Peter
14) you grow up and you lose touch by scarlett_starlett [53k, complete]
summary: Peter always thought that when he had kids, there would be someone by his side.
Instead, he has a mouthy mercenary acting as a chef every night for him and his newly adopted son and a narcissistic billionaire philanthropist paying child support on the sly. But Peter figures it isn’t all bad, especially when Miles loses that dullness in his eyes whenever Wade slips on the banana peels he ‘strategically’ places all over the apartment for Peter as a joke.
my thoughts: usually not one for kid fics - the kids aren't well written and characters tend to be OC. But this one, this one, just shattered my every expectation. The relationship between Peter and Miles, Peter and Wade, and Wade and Miles is phenomenal. The story and plot are wonderful, with themes that you can't help but sink your teeth into. The pining is off the walls. The characters are rounded and complex and grow so much with each other. I cannot recommend this one enough, please by GOD go read it
*** side note: go read everything by this author. go, get outta here! go!
additional info: SLOW burn, friends to co-parents to lovers, PINING GALORE, POV alternating but mostly POV Peter
15) A Vicious Cycle by DecimalDrones [2k, complete]
summary: Peter can't remember the life he and Wade supposedly shared together. It's alright as long as he's happy, though, isn't it?
my thoughts: y’all. Y’ALL. okay, this one is short and sweet but when you finish, go back and read it a second time. The double meaning and context make this fic DELICIOUS. I also recommend checking out their other fics - they’re a bit longer but still easy to finish in a day.
additional info: established relationship, POV Peter
16) on staying around by WylderWolf [4k, complete]
summary: Fourteen pages of loud fart noises.
(also there's some, like, emotions and stuff, and then they bump nasties. it's pretty rad.)
my thoughts: charming little thing with pining wade. Also, they’re both idiots (but what's new)
additional info: friends to lovers, pining, smut at the end, POV Wade
lets just all give a big sigh of relief that there was not one other white male teenage character in spiderman: homecoming, because petermj, peterliz, and peterned definitely wouldn’t have stood a chance. as it is, theres a huge surge of peter x reader, and peter/tony and peter/wade fic (those last two are pedophilia in this reboot btw, peter is 15 in this movie), as fandom literally turns to any alternative rather than shipping peter with friends his own age, because they are poc. i guarantee you, if ned had been a skinny white guy, they would have been shipped like crazy. hell, if flash had been white, people probably would have shipped them too
