Chapter Text
Getting out of bed was the last thing Peter Parker wanted to do when he woke up that March morning. He groaned, blinking his eyes open, trying to adjust to the bright rays that beamed through his apartment window.
When that didn't work, he rolled to his stomach, stuffing his face in his pillow, basking in the comfort of his warm bed. In that moment, there was nothing he wanted more than sleep. Despite a full night's rest, he was exhausted, groggy, as if he hadn't slept at all.
Stress was a likely culprit.
New York streets kept Spider-man busy. J.J.'s epic tyrades left the photographer drained. And Wade's lengthy voyages kept Peter lonely.
Wade had been gone for at least a month now, and it was...frustrating. Peter probably wouldn’t have been so ticked off if Wade hadn’t promised that his so-called ‘mission’ would only take a week.
After he had left, things went downhill fast. Evidently, it was hard to rest without Wade by Peter's side. It didn't matter how early he went to bed, or what tea he drank, or what ambient music he played at night. Every morning, he'd wake up the same. Tired. Stiff. Sad...
Now was no different.
Too bad sleeping in wasn’t an option. Today was important. Presentations. The day Peter turned in his best photos to the Daily Bugle. He had to get up, be on time, and look his best to impress the boss. Whatever it took to land a hefty check to cover his overdue rent...
Easier said than done.
The new guy...Eddie...had a habit of swiping Peter's pay. He was a good photographer...the best of the best he claimed. The guy had an ego that put J.J.'s to shame. Being new didn't faze him; Eddie clearly thought he was the better photographer...and made sure Peter knew it.
Peter scoffed. Better photographer...yeah, right.
Anyone with eyes could see his photos were fake... except of course, the boss...
He sighed, trying not to think about it...no point in adding to the stress.
Peter turned his head and slowly blinked his tired eyes open. He squinted through the sunlight to check his alarm clock, only to find himself staring at his black spider suit that, for whatever reason, was sprawled over the dresser, its mask drooped over his clock, the silver lenses glaring back at him.
Peter furrowed his brow, not remembering tossing his suit there but too tired to try and decipher how it ended up in such an odd place. He reached out and tossed the suit to the floor, then stared wide-eyed at what his clock read. He rubbed his eyes and blinked vigorously, hoping it would change the numbers on the screen. It wouldn't.
He swore he set his alarm for 7:00...so why the hell was it 7:28?!
Ignoring his body's objections, Peter rolled from his bed, tripping over bedsheets, and B-lined it for the closet. He jumped into his black spider suit before throwing on the collared shirt and slacks he ironed the night before, careful not to wrinkle the cheap clothes, before darting into the bathroom.
After washing his face, brushing his teeth, and running a lazy hand through his wild hair, Peter sprinted from his apartment with his camera and satchel full of photos secured on his shoulder, praying he'd make it there before the new guy beat him to the punch.
He raced down the hall, creeping past his landlord's room before jumping down the steps and exiting the building. Once outside, he jogged towards work, doing his very best not to sweat.
The early spring sun brightened the usually dull neighborhood he lived in. Citizens stood outside of their apartments to enjoy the fresh air, some even waving good morning to the brunette as he passed by. The flowers were beginning to bloom on the rare patches of soil that supported the tall, leafy trees by the sidewalk. Children hustled past him in a hurry to catch their buses, probably excited that they would be getting out soon for their spring break. This time of year was really the best. People were always so much happier in the spring.
So why couldn’t he be happy, too?
Peter could feel the hole in his heart grow wider as the reminder of Wade not being there flooded through his memories again. It wasn’t fair. It just wasn’t fair. Peter was never in Wade’s thoughts, so why was Wade constantly in Peter’s? It was... infuriating. He was so angry with his boyfriend. A call, a text message…hell, a telegram from the guy would have made his life so much more bearable.
But Wade didn’t seem to want to. Or wasn’t able to, from where he was.
Either way, Peter missed him. He missed him so much.
Any joy from being outside in the presence of the spring’s bright sun quickly dissipated at the depressing memories. He missed Wade’s intoxicating scent, his body’s heat. He missed his constant talking, his bad jokes, his vulgar stories. He missed his smile. His hugs. His kisses. His sex...
He shook his head, knocking the thoughts to the back of his mind as he approached the Daily Bugle. He looked down at his phone and thanked his lucky stars; he was only a few minutes late...
He stepped into the building’s lobby and forced himself to pause in place, close his tired eyes and take a deep breath.
He was at work now.
He was upset, yes.
He was exhausted, yes.
But he couldn’t let that interfere with getting paid-
“Parker!” the brunette heard from across the room.
Peter opened his eyes and turned his head to the sound of his name, only to grimace and turn away from the source of the noise.
Great. Fucking great.
Of course, amongst the scarce, half a dozen workers bustling through the lobby, the new guy would be there, too. Peter glanced over his shoulder at the other once more, watching as the tall blonde
waved his arm at the brunette as he stood inside an open elevator.
Peter bared his teeth, loathing the very sight of his stupid smirk. It was clear Eddie had a new, sly remark to greet him with. What would he say today?
“Let's go, Parker. Won't wait for you forever.”
Peter rolled his eyes, dragging himself into the elevator, keeping his eyes on his feet as he stepped into the small space.
The doors closed, and Peter scrunched his nose, noticing the scent of Eddie's cologne. He always wore it, and in Peter's opinion, a little too much of it. Still, he couldn't say that it smelled bad...
Eddie hit the button to the top floor and leaned back against the elevator wall. Peter, on the other hand, stood in the center of the box, keeping his eyes on his feet as the two men ascended.
"...so" Eddie started, a hint of playfulness in his tone. "...how's it going? Any luck with the Spider shots?"
Peter looked up, giving Eddie's designer satchel and stupid-expensive camera a passing glance.
Peter turned his attention back to his scuffed shoes.
"Not much..." he said for the sake of being cordial.
"Really?" Eddie mused. "And why's that?"
"Dunno" Peter answered, cutting an annoyed glare Eddie's way. "Spider-man hasn't been out much. Guess he got fed up with his new photographers..."
"That's too bad," Eddie smirked. "I think his new photographer makes him look great...while the others throw fits when someone else gets the better shot. Know what I mean, Parker?"
Peter swallowed his response and turned his eyes to the elevator doors, praying they'd hurry up and open. The rest of the ride was silent, other than Eddie's occasional scoffs. Once the doors opened, Peter exited first, followed by Eddie who stayed a hair too close as they walked to the boss's office.
"You don't have anything, do you?" Eddie pondered as they walked. "What're you gonna show him?"
Peter didn't answer. Why was this guy so interested in what he had?
"You can borrow some of mine if you want..." Eddie offered.
Peter felt his face twist. This guy...
"Keep that photoshopped junk to yourself" Peter muttered before stepping through J.J.'s doors.
Eddie started to respond, but was interrupted by J.J.'s scolding.
"Parker, Bruce! You're late" the boss barked, standing from his puffy leather seat, pulling from the cigar that hung from his lips.
Both photographers stood in front of his desk, trying not to breathe in J.J.'s smoke.
"Deadline's comin' up and I ain't got shit for the front page" the boss briefed. "If you've got shots, I need'em now."
He cut his eyes to Peter.
"Watcha got, Parker?"
Peter reached down and fumbled with his satchel, gathering his prints.
"Spider-man hasn't been out much" he explained, spreading his shots across the table. "But I was able to grab these..."
J.J. quickly scanned over them. Peter folded his hands, silently praying. They were good shots...great shots. Black-suit Spider shots were rare...worth a fortune! No way in hell would J.J. pass them up...
The boss's eyes cut to the new guy.
"Bruce?" he called.
"It's Brock, sir" Eddie corrected softly.
"Whatcha got, smart-ass?"
Peter internally smirked, finding solace in the fact that J.J. could never remember the new guy's name. Eddie, however, was unfazed by the insults, smiling as he reached into his bag and pulled out his shots. Peter nearly scoffed at the unnecessary organization. Posted notes and tabs littered his photographs...
"Don't mean to undercut my pal here," he started, cutting an arrogant glance to Peter before smiling at his boss. "...but I saw the Spider menace just last night."
Peter narrowed his eyes as Eddie spread his shots over Peter's. It was a terrifying sight, but not as terrifying as the look on J.J.'s face. The cigar nearly fell from his mouth as his eyes lightened with a mixture of surprise and delight.
"How much do you want?" he asked Brock. Peter felt his jaw drop.
"400" Eddie said.
"350. Out" boss concluded, pointing to the door.
"Yes, sir!" Eddie exclaimed, giving the brunette a passing glance before strutting out the door. Peter, however, wouldn't leave so easily.
"Come on, boss" Peter sighed, moving Eddie's shots to the side to reveal his own. "Mine's gotta be worth something. Look at 'em-"
"I did" J.J. shrugged, pulling from his cigar. "I've got what I need here" he said, collecting the blonde's photos. Peter pushed his photos closer to his boss.
"W-what about this one?" Peter tried, picking up his best photo. "Even if it's not on the front page. You've gotta use something...I...I've got more experience with Spider-man than anyone else-"
"Which is why..." J.J. sighed, blowing a new cloud of smoke. "...I haven't offered Bruce the staff job. Yet."
"...staff job?" Peter felt his mouth salivate. Regular work days, an hourly wage...benefits!
"It just opened up" the boss explained. "I was hoping you'd show up with something I can work with. But this?" he shook his head at Peter's photos. "How can I give you the job when Bruce's bringing in stuff like this?"
J.J. sat in his chair, taking the cigar from his mouth and pointing it in Peter's direction.
"You've got til next week to make me change my mind. If you can't...Bruce's gettin' the staff job."
Peter straightened up. "Next week?" he parroted, then smiled as confidently as he could, hiding his inner panic. "No problem!"
He cut his eyes to Eddie's photos, then took a deep breath. No denying Eddie was...talented...even if the photos were photoshopped. They'd be hard to compete with...
But Peter had faced far worse. This was nothing compared to the monsters he faced while protecting the city. He'd get the staff job for sure. No question...
Without delay, he gathered his shots and hurried out the door. He had a lot of work to do...a lot of ideas to get the boss's attention. The sooner he got out of there, the sooner he could get to work.
He looked down at his photos, searching for a reason why they weren't good enough...until he bumped into something. He stumbled back, half of his shots slipping to the ground. He looked at his fallen photos, then up to his obstacle, only to find himself staring at the dumb blonde who stole his pay.
Eddie looked the smaller male up and down before scoffing.
"Oh! Parker" he mused. "Better luck next time, right?"
Peter felt his cheeks flare. He quickly leaned down and gathered his photographs, refusing to entertain the man with a response. But Eddie was persistent, kneeling down to help collect the photos.
"I thought you didn't have any shots" Eddie mentioned, handing the disgruntled photographer his batch of photos, which were promptly snatched back. Peter stood and, without a word, made his way towards the elevator. He hit the elevator button and crossed his arms, refusing to look at the blonde who followed close behind.
"I know it doesn't matter now" Eddie started. "But I can see why boss took mine over yours."
Peter said nothing. Eddie scoffed.
The elevator doors opened and Peter stepped inside, followed by the blonde. Peter sighed, once again stuck in the box with the blonde.
"If you want..." Eddie tried. "...I can give you some pointers for next time-"
"Don’t need it” Peter answered shortly.
"But you do" Eddie insisted. "A little feedback won't hurt-"
"Thanks but no thanks…" Peter declined.
Eddie leaned against the elevator wall. Peter could feel the smirk on the man's face.
"I think you're letting that pride of yours get in the way of progress..." Eddie commented.
Peter narrowed his eyes and turned to the blonde. He parted his lips, ready to let him have it, but swallowed the response.
Eddie grinned. He knew he was getting under Peter's skin. Eddie wanted a reaction...
…and Peter wouldn't dare give it to him.
But that wouldn't stop the blonde from trying.
"...I don't want you to be jealous. I just wanna to help" he said, shifting closer. "I think you're work's great. Just needs some adjustments. That's all..."
Peter paused, noticing the shift in the blonde's voice, his soft tone immersed in his ears. He almost sounded...sincere? The hero glanced up, feeling his body tense upon realizing how close Eddie was.
"...let's talk about your shots" Eddie offered. "Over lunch."
Peter blinked, struggling to process.
"Lunch?" he repeated, as if he didn't know the meaning of the word. Eddie smiled.
"There's a new cafe that opened up across the street from my place. Meet me there at noon" the blonde explained, digging in his pocket. He pulled out his business card with an address and handed it to Peter.
"What if I don't want to?" Peter posed, looking up from the card.
He felt his heart thump at the sight of Eddie's smile, and quickly cut his eyes away. What the hell was that?
"It's a free meal" Eddie said. "Your loss if you don't go."
Peter huffed. A free meal did sound nice...but would his pride let him take the offer?
The elevator dinged as they reached the bottom floor. Peter glanced at the card, then to the blonde. Without forethought he snatched the card and rushed from the elevator, refusing to acknowledge Eddie's laugh.
"Remember, noon..." the blonde called as Peter exited the building.
Peter didn't dare look back. He stuffed the card in his pocket and walked in the direction of his apartment, trying to ignore the stupid heart that threatened to beat out his chest.
A block away from the Daily Bugle and he stopped to take a breath. Curiosity made him pull out Eddie's card.
It was a...nice...card. Glossy, metallic...pretty. It even had Eddie's scent on it....
Peter took a quick glance around him, ensuring no one was watching before raising the card to his nose and giving it a curious sniff. He didn't know why, but for some strange and unknown reason, he...wanted to. Needed to. That guy…how could a person smell so...good?
Peter gave the card another sniff before he froze, feeling the confused eyes of a passing pedestrian.
Peter quickly stuffed the card in his pocket again...not like he needed it.
No way in hell he'd entertain that blonde freak with his presence at lunch...
Peter raised his nose to the sky and walked to his apartment, preparing his taste buds for another dull, peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
If only his pride would stop getting in the way. A free meal would've been so nice...