Deadpool

After another mission, Peter returned home late that evening. He barely had time to take off his mask and throw his backpack on the couch when his phone vibrated.

Deadpool:
"Spider, are you alive? I've already started making a list of suspects. I'm number one."

Peter:
"I'm home. And don't start."

Deadpool:
"I haven't even started. I'm the epitome of seriousness."

Peter looked at the screen with a tired expression on his face.

Peter:
"You were never serious."

Deadpool didn't respond for a few seconds. Then he wrote:

Deadpool:
"Okay. Just wanted to make sure you were okay."

Peter reread the message, surprised. Deadpool usually turned every conversation into a joke, so this seriousness was unusual.

The next day, Peter found a bag of food and a note at his door:
"Don't forget to eat. That's an order. From the greatest expert on human care."

Peter sighed, but still smiled.

Later that evening, they met on the roof. Deadpool sat on the edge, swinging his legs.

Peter:
"Why did you invite me here?"

Deadpool:
"I wanted to talk."

Peter:
"About what?"

Deadpool paused for a moment. He wanted to say too much, but instead he merely handed Peter a drink.

Deadpool:
"It's just... you're important to me. That's all."

Peter looked at him, clearly not expecting that answer.

Peter:
"You're acting a bit strange today."

Deadpool:
"I'm always weird."

He turned away, hiding his embarrassment behind his usual mask. Peter didn't know that behind all the jokes, unexpected gifts, and anxiety lay a genuine feeling.

It was easier for Deadpool to continue pretending to be a normal sidekick than to tell Peter the truth one day.