Ritalin

by ChaoticGardenBread

Summary:

There’s no two ways around it, so Peter’s been trying to tell Logan, obviously, but the man takes hints like he takes bullets— they seem to annoy and are hardly effective against him.

Or, Peter quickly comes to realize that telling Logan how he feels isn't as easy as he expected.

Notes:

Written for the Marvel Rare Pair Bingo 2022, Square O3, prompt: “Courtship Rituals” and O5, prompt: “Friends to Lovers”

Chapter 1

Peter’s really gone and done it this time. 

He’s—  slept sleeping with Logan— 

Not actually the problem. 

What they get up to behind closed doors is mind-blowingly awesome and Peter has absolutely no complaints. Zero. Zilch. Nada. 

The actual problem—  Peter’s literally propositioned the man and strongarmed him into a no frills kind of arrangement. 

And it was supposed to be just that. Just a fun distraction, an opportunity to lap up all the affection that came with casual intimacy without the tedious hooks of commitment. A literal win-win situation, something Peter had correctly assumed the both of them could easily get behind. But— and this was the big but — Peter’s gone and crushed, hard, in an embarrassingly short amount of time. 

Not that he would ever admit to this entire clusterfuck of his own making. He’d also solemnly swear to all of his friends that it took forever for him to develop feelings for Logan.

Or, he would, if any of them knew about his problem. 

And that, right there, is the second shocker.

Literally anyone who’s ever had the privilege of being stuck with Peter in a room would be quick to find out— he can’t— not talk. 

Not actually because he’s trying to be an annoyance or a bother. 

It’s probably Peter’s mutation, ADHD, kleptomania, or an unholy combination of all three, that causes sparks to constantly light in his mind. Often, they make their way down his fingertips and toes, staying as a prickle under his skin. When there’s company, Peter can’t move like how he wants, like how they’re telling him to, so he makes do by talking. It’s never been a problem before, but now that he has Logan on the brain, it becomes a major inconvenience. 

Now Peter can’t do what he usually does and just—  shoot off his mouth, can he? Carelessly sharing with a friend stranger his feelings for Logan and their arrangement feels like a gross breach of privacy when the older mutant is concerned. Logan will probably take his head if he finds out.

There’s no two ways around it, so Peter’s been trying to tell Logan, obviously, but the man takes hints like he takes bullets— they seem to annoy and are hardly effective against him. 

Peter’s tried—  nicknames.

Claws. It flows naturally enough, and Logan seems to acknowledge it… Like how he acknowledges his own name. That’s not what Peter’s aiming for.  

Cupcake . Logan had seemed genuinely puzzled with that term of endearment, appearing to resist the urge to do a sweep of the room each time. That’s not what Peter’s aiming for either. 

Daddy . The way Logan had balked, looking— positively constipated— isn’t something that Peter will forget for a long, long time. The older mutant had even seen fit to remind him after they finish, that it stays when they’re alone within four walls. There’s no way Peter won’t slip up somehow, so he decides to let it go. Logan doesn’t seem too pleased by being called daddy anyway. Might be something to do with his actual dad or something.

And so, Logan stays as Logan.

Peter moves on to gifts— the love language— right after physical touch and acts of service— that of which they’re probably giving and receiving way too much already, for anything extra to make a notable difference. 

Anyhow, gifts. He’s totally got this, Peter thinks, confident. 

Only— 

Nothing seems to have changed after Peter’s made it a routine to leave everything he thinks Logan might like in the man’s pockets, or at random corners in his room. Cash? Check. Cigars? Check. Combat boots? Check. Questionable flannel shirts? Check. 

Peter’s heart beats a little too fast whenever he recognizes Logan using or wearing any of those things, but the older mutant doesn’t offer him anything beyond a wry smile. 

He’s impossible . 

But Peter’s not willing to give up on what he had initially assumed to be a foolproof method of getting his feelings across just yet, so he does the only thing he can think of. He steps up his game. Slipping a watch directly on Logan’s wrist when the man is sated and pliant and unlikely to protest definitely qualifies. The watch itself is a pretty thing, catching light perfectly and reflecting it all shiny and silver. Peter is halfway tempted to keep it for himself, but eh, this is important. 

Logan chuckles as he lifts his wrist to take a closer look, and Peter grins happily at him, certain that it’s the right offering this time. Relief is only just beginning to take hold before Logan’s next words send it crawling right back.

“Look Pete, I appreciate that you’re sharin’ your pilferin’ loots with me, but maybe tone it down a little before you give Charles a heart attack.” 

“… Right,” is the only thing Peter manages in his stupefaction. 

Logan must have a pretty low opinion of him. 

Peter isn’t so easy that he simply— shares what he nicks for a good time. Every thief knows that giving away stolen stuff goes against some very fundamental principles. And Peter hasn’t violated that code, he’d simply stolen stuff, for Logan, but Logan obviously doesn’t know anything about being a thief, even if he’s banging one. 

“Told ya my door’s always open, ain’t no need to keep butterin’ me up like this,” Logan says, all rough and gravelly like he’s ready to sleep, throwing out a hand to catch Peter’s midriff and pulling him closer.

It’s probably past due time to just bite the bullet, Peter decides, taking a deep breath before opening his mouth.

“Hey, you wanna be, like boyfriends?” 

A soft snore is the only reply he gets for his efforts.

Peter resists the urge to scream and pull out his hair, only because it’ll wake Logan, whose arms are currently wrapped snug around him, and after weeks of sharing a bed with the man, he knows how much Logan needs his sleep.

 

---

 

Scott’s really gone and done it this time. 

It started out as some harmless fun. 

Okay fine, it started with a harmless prank .

In his defense, Peter had been the first to initiate the situation of sorts by stealing a dozen of his shades only to return them— pink . Of course, the professor had been kind enough to replace them, and while Scott loved the guy, who had insisted that no harm, no foul and all that, Peter’s pranks were starting to wear on his nerves.

And on the subject of wearing on his nerves— for some odd reason, Alex had been badgering him with questions about his love life, and that wasn’t something Scott wished to entertain for much longer.

So Peter needed a taste of his own medicine, and Alex needed a distraction. 

Getting Raven to tell Peter that Alex wanted to exact revenge for his stolen bottle of whisky, and then telling Alex that Peter wanted to date him had seemed like an absolutely hilarious chain of events to set into motion at the time.

How was Scott supposed to know that Peter would be so suspicious that in order to avoid being accosted, he’d simply straight out avoid everyone, and Alex would be so concerned about Peter’s supposed ‘feelings’ that he’d be so relentless in his pursuit of confronting the speedster? 

He’d wanted to make things hard, not impossible.

(Scott knows his brother doesn’t have a thing for Peter and vice versa— they’re simply really good friends; maybe because they’re closer in age, but at this point, he’s starting to worry.)

A week goes by and Scott can only watch with growing horror as Peter continues with his elusive behavior and the inevitable confrontation doesn’t happen, doing nothing to quell the quickly spreading rumors.

 

---

 

Logan’s been having a weird couple of days weeks. 

First, he had let Peter talk him into sleeping together— yeah, Logan’s well aware of how it sounded— like an absolutely terrible idea, no less so now than when he’d first heard it, especially with the younger mutant’s tendency to talk his ears off (come to think of it, that was exactly how this happened)— but Logan can’t say he’s regretting simply rolling along with it.

Quicksilver hadn’t actually been on the list of mansion inhabitants that Logan had expected to get laid with, but the kid man was attractive enough, and when he had taken the initiative— literally prepared himself and taken Logan whole, all gasping and determined— Logan figured he was nice keeping around. 

Although, in typical Quicksilver fashion, said preparation was entirely too rushed and impatient for it to be sufficient. Logan hadn’t managed to hold in his snort at that, only for a rueful twinge to take hold when the speedster had stopped and looked at him, unsure. 

“I got this. More patience next time, mmm?” Logan had said before flipping their positions, realizing that he could be a little soft for the guy when Peter had recovered, smiled cheekily up at him, and said that he’ll hold him accountable to those next times. 

Figures even sex can’t stop that smart mouth. 

So sleeping with the speedster was the first thing, allowing him to stay the night was the second, and receiving gifts from him was the third. 

The second, Logan kind of understood. He’d seen it in the mirror sometimes— the need to feel wanted. Something that the younger mutant constantly seemed to ask from him, and something that Logan can’t find in himself to deny. 

The third is the one that Logan can’t quite work his mind around. It isn’t like Peter to give gifts where gifts aren’t necessarily needed. Logan has heard the chatter going around that Quicksilver’s trying to get Havok to go out with him— surely the speedster could expend more effort on that front instead of spending that time on Logan. Or even his nights, for that matter.

Then again, even after weeks of sharing a bed together, Logan’s still no closer to figuring out how the speedster’s mind works. 

 

---

 

“Breakfast not up to your standards?” Logan asks jokingly as he watches Peter glumly pick apart his side of scrambled eggs, wondering why the younger mutant hasn’t yet already slipped into superspeed, choosing instead to eat at a normal pace with him.

The speedster hasn’t been in the best spirits since they’d gotten up this morning, affixing Logan with an almost accusatory look as soon as he blinked his eyes open. (thinking back to what they did last night, Logan is pretty sure he hasn’t quite done anything to deserve that) 

Peter gives a noncommittal hum, appearing to consider bringing up something before thinking better of it. “Well. Got to run. Things to do,” he says instead, with an air that has less than his usual cheer, before disappearing in a blur of silver. 

Logan blinks, only to snort when Havok enters the room, flustered. Figures. It’s probably some kind of weird courtship ritual they have going on.

The blond-haired mutant visibly deflates when his eyes land on the empty seat in front of Logan, slowly making his way over and plonking himself on it in its stead.

“Was Peter just here? Could’ve sworn I saw some silver.”

“Yeah?” Logan replies, eyeing Havok warily as he waits for the inevitable follow-up question that’s undoubtedly about to spill from the younger mutant’s lips. 

“Um, I’m probably way out of my depth here, but he’s not avoiding you , so maybe, could you, talk to him for me?” Alex asks with a shrug, continuing when the only reaction he gets from Logan is bland disinterest. “I want to let him know that we work better as friends, but I can’t seem to actually catch hold of him to say it.”

Huh . Logan thinks, brows raised in surprise at Alex’s last statement. He’d simply assumed that they were close to sealing the deal and the speedster would be out of his hair soon.

“Please?” The younger mutant tries again. What was with these boys and their wide, pleading eyes? “I really miss my friend.”

Logan lets out a long-suffering sigh, suspicions that he’s soft for Peter confirmed. No way he’d actually get talked into this otherwise. “I’ll ask him to talk to you. No promises whether or not he actually does, Bub.”

“Thanks mate, you’re a lifesaver,” Alex agrees, breaking out into a smile. 

Logan grunts as he drains the rest of his coffee, already getting the feeling that he’s going to regret whatever he’s just signed up for.

 

---

 

Logan’s just about to wind down for the night, freshly out of the shower when he feels the familiar breeze heralding the speedster’s arrival. An involuntary thrill courses through his spine. 

“It’s late, thought you weren’t gonna show,” he plays it off, saying offhandedly.

Peter’s taken up residence on his bed as expected, lounging casually on the left— the side that he’s claimed as his since day one. After identifying the speedster’s whereabouts, Logan reaches out to turn off the table lamp before doing a double take, frozen, as he confirms the two things that are setting off alarm bells in his head. The casual lounging is the first, it’s not— never, a good sign when Peter does that, it usually means the speedster is gearing up to ask something Logan can’t refuse. The second is how Peter’s dressed—  he’s traded his usual black and silver clothes for an oversized tan pullover, and a pair of black skinny jeans that leave absolutely nothing to the imagination. It’s enough to make Logan’s blood warm with want, but combined with the first thing, the entire ensemble screams that the speedster’s gunning to ask him for something illegal.

“You’re impossible ,” the younger mutant says, frowning, like he’s picked up on Logan’s alarmed and conflicted thoughts, flickering to come to a stand in front of him. 

“Because I already know you’re gonna ask me for somethin’ illegal?” Logan questions, arching a brow and wondering if the reason for Quicksilver’s exasperated incredulity is because he’s called him out on his game so quickly.

“What? No!” Logan doesn’t know how it’s possible, but Peter’s frown gets more intense. “What I’m trying to ask for is completely legal. If you hadn’t just fallen asleep yesterday, you would know.”

Well, that explained the reason for the speedster’s moodiness. 

“I’m awake now,” he offers, relenting. Whatever Peter wanted to ask, legal or no, it must be important if it’s been making him unhappy.

“Here goes to possibly the worst mistake of my life,” Peter mutters, before continuing with a little trepidation, “but. Would you like to date?”

“Date?” Logan questions, flummoxed. He’s gotta be misreadin’ something here.

“Yeah, date . Did I stutter?” Peter grumbles, crossing his hands, essentially confirming that Logan’s not actually misreading the room. “I know it’s not your usual shtick, but I swear you’re making this much harder than it’s actually supposed to be.”

Logan feels himself reeling as what Quicksilver is actually saying comes rushing at him. It explained the speedster’s odd behavior over the past couple of weeks, only—

“But what about Havok?” 

“What about Havok?” 

“Aren’t you tryin’ to ask him out?”

“And do all this for you? Sure,” Peter drawls sarcastically, but there’s a hurt in his eyes that’s inconsistent with his tone. “You know what. Let’s just forget I said anything. I obviously read too much into things. You probably don’t even like me, considering the terrible impression I seem to give you.”

“I like you,” Logan says seriously, relief slowly creeping up when he rests his hands on Peter’s hips and though it feels like he’s royally botched this up, the speedster eyes him warily but doesn’t try to escape. “Always have. Just didn’t think you’d want something more.”

“I suppose that’s on me,” Peter admits, dejectedly averting his gaze, and Logan resists the urge to groan. One thing’s for sure, they needed to work on those abysmal communication skills outside the bedroom. 

Logan touches Peter’s face lightly and the speedster turns to look at him. 

“Offer to date you still on the table?” he asks, watching the speedster’s emotions flicker all over the place as the question starts to register. It isn’t long before he’s rewarded with a blinding grin and those soft lips moving against his own.

“Yeah,” Peter breathes as they break apart, as if his actions aren’t obvious enough already. Then again, Logan supposes he’s half to blame for that. He leans back in to kiss his lover again in apology.

“You still owe me, you know,” Peter says petulantly, but he’s draped bodily across him now, legs wrapped around Logan’s waist, making it exceptionally hard to resist taking his demand quite literally, especially when there’s a blush splashed across his face.

“Mmm,” Logan decides there and then that there’s no point in resisting, humming his agreement with an arched eyebrow and a smirk on his lips.

 

---

 

If Quicksilver wasn't so— fast, Logan would be genuinely concerned for the man's safety. His lover's insistence on showing up for food is impeccable, and it makes placing his whereabouts dangerously easy.

Alex’s face predictably brightens when he walks into the kitchen and spots Peter with his plate of pancakes. Logan eyes him, unimpressed. The blond-haired mutant can’t have missed the way Peter has tensed, casually leaning against Logan in a bid to suppress his urge to run. Alex shoots Logan a thankful smile anyway.

“Before you say anything,” Peter starts as Alex nears— because he’s just really bad with any modicum of silence— “I’m sorry I stole from you. But it’s just alcohol, and I could always steal you another one, you know,” he ends with a shrug, selling his pitch like it’s the best thing Havok could possibly want. Logan suddenly has an inkling that he knows where the stolen alcohol— if it’s anything like a Dalmore 30 whisky— has gone. 

“I don’t care about that,” Alex says, brushing it off like it means nothing, which Logan knows it doesn’t.

“Told you,” Logan says to Peter, “guy just wants to talk.” 

“Yeah, yeah, don’t need to get all smug about it,” Peter says, finally smiling as he loses the edge.

“So, we’re good? Back as old friends?” Alex takes the opportunity to clarify.

“Bro. Of course we’re good, now that I’ve established you’re not out for revenge. After all, what else could we be?” 

“Boyfriends?” Alex asks, raising his brows.

“Oh. Sudden change in topic. I’ll bite. Yeah, how did you know?” Peter asks, very much taken aback as he shifts his gaze between Logan and Alex, trying to work out just how Havok’s figured them out. 

“I’m pretty sure that’s not what he’s askin’ Pete. Now that you’re convinced he’s not gonna kill you, I think I’ll take my leave and you two can catch up,” Logan chuckles, patting his boyfriend’s shoulder before making his way out. 

Alex gapes openly at their entire exchange. 

 

---

 

“ That’s not what I was expecting,” Raven says to Scott as soon as Logan's out of earshot. 

“Well, I for one, am just glad that Alex and Peter are talking again,” Scott says, raising his mug of coffee before sipping it innocuously. 

“... You’re the worst person, ever, to pull a prank with . I cannot believe I had to convince you to wait this one out. I mean, look at what we got out of it. Peter and Logan, you’ve got to see it to believe it,” Raven draws out, obviously pleased. 

“It’s certainly a relief,” Scott agrees with Raven readily, for reasons which he knows are entirely different altogether.

 

Chapter 2

Summary:

Things are going great, well, as good as it gets with Wolverine, which of course is good enough for him, and it’s also easily the easiest thing he’s done in ages, but when they have an unexpected guest, Peter realizes that maybe he hasn’t quite thought this one out.

Notes:

Written for the Marvel Rare Pair Bingo 2022, Square N4, prompt: “Secret Admirer” and G4, prompt: “Trapped In a Closet Together”

“Do you think he’s treating him right?” Alex stops throwing his energy blasts just long enough to ask. Raven rolls her eyes, an action that’s slow and deliberate.

Even if Alex hasn’t yet dropped any names, it’s glaringly obvious who he has been thinking about over the course of their hour-long practice. Havok is surprisingly easy to read when he worries about his friends.

“You could always put your ear to their door, and hear exactly how well Logan’s treating him,” Raven drawls, expertly twirling the two knives in her hands.

Alex blushes and splutters in protest at her sardonic response. “You’re such a pervert ,” he says, while the tips of his ears turn an alarming shade of red. 

Raven watches on in amusement as his next blast completely misses the target. Must’ve been quite the imagery that she’s managed to put into his head. “Ha! Pot, kettle,” she teases, sending her knives flying. Naturally, they hit the target right in the bull's eye. 

“Let’s not pretend they’re not fucking like rabbits. I have it on good authority that Logan’s nothing if not a generous lover,” Raven says, all matter of fact, clapping Alex on the shoulder and throwing him a knowing smile. 

“And why on earth would I need to know that ?” Alex exclaims, more flustered than she’s ever seen him, before he recovers and tries again. “That’s not what I’m trying to understand. They can’t just be sleeping together. There has to be something more for it to be an actual relationship.”

“Ah,” Raven says, her fingers deftly reaching up to swipe her prized possessions as the danger room simulation comes to an end, “I see this so-called ‘training session, loser drives the winner out for brunch’ is simply an excuse to talk isn’t it? You’re lucky I actually like you.”

Alex at least, has the decency to look halfway apologetic at being called out. 

“We did train,” he says, following her out of the danger room. 

“Keep doing that, and you’ll quickly find yourself sliding down the ranks of my favorite people to keep around.”

“I’m still getting you brunch?” 

“Better,” Raven agrees with a smile, the one with a bit of teeth, that says she’s not one to be trifled with. Not that Alex has ever doubted that. In fact, it’s probably the reason why he’s simply continuing to trail after her brisk and sure strides toward the exit. 

“It’s just, not usually like Peter, to keep anything a secret you know?” Alex huffs as he narrowly avoids bumping into someone with a headful of chocolate brown hair— Kitty, perhaps. It’s kind of hard to tell when he’s jogging through a sea of bodies to keep up. 

“Now hold on—” someone calls from behind them. 

“What was that about Peter and a secret?” Alex and Raven turn to find themselves facing an apprehensive and worried Charles Xavier, with one Erik Lensherr at his side who's looking equally concerned. “No more melodramatic family members that I ought to know about, are there?” The follow-up question earns Charles a glare from Erik. 

“What is with you guys being such worrywarts all of a sudden?” Raven says dryly, crossing her arms in annoyance. 

Charle arches an eyebrow, gesturing to Erik pointedly, as if to say I can’t believe you forgot, and it dawns upon her that after Peter’s previous ‘secrets’ manifested as the entire Erik and Wanda fiasco which affected just about everyone in the mansion, the professor might have a valid point. 

“Nothing of that sort,” Raven says, deciding that the sooner they put Charles’ question to rest is the sooner they get that brunch. In Peter’s defense, the speedster has never actually kept anything a secret. It’s hardly fair when everyone just thinks that because he’s being selective about who to share it with for a change. “Alex just seems to think that Peter has a secret—”   

“Admirer,” Alex cuts in with a blinding smile. “Just a secret admirer. Harmless really. You’ve got absolutely nothing to worry about.”

“Somehow, that makes me worry more,” Charles frowns, skepticism clearly written all over his face as he trades a look with Erik.

“We’ve really got to go,” Raven huffs, dragging Alex along. Charles and Erik can find out about Peter’s relationship, which they surely will, all in due time. Raven only has enough energy in her to deal with one fusspot at a time, and with the reappearance of Erik at the mansion, Alex’s list of concerns has probably only gotten longer.

 

---

 

Meanwhile, at the other end of the mansion, Peter’s minding his own business in his own room. Minding his own business, also meaning, having copious amounts of sex with Logan. Since getting together, they’ve established a routine where they’ll grab breakfast (and sometimes lunch) together, and spend some time hanging out before it’s time to head off to their respective classes. The older mutant has been cool and uncharacteristically sweet about almost everything, and it’s gotten to the point where Peter feels that it’s strangely effortless being with him.

Which ponders a very important question.

“Logan?”

“Yeah, Pete?”

“Are you tired of me?” 

“What— no, of course not,” Logan says slowly, postcoital lull shattering as Peter’s question sends a wave of alarm spiking all the way up to his throat. So help him, because he had thought that they were doing well enough, and now it appears that Logan’s most certainly not doing something right. It can’t be the sex that’s lacking, so perhaps it’s the number of dates they’ve been on, or perhaps the type of attention that’s the problem. Logan decides that the easiest way to find out is to ask. “Elaborate. What brought this on?”

“Well, when everything seems to be going too well, one’s gotta worry, right?” Peter, unaware of Logan’s internal turmoil, replies candidly, effectively also reaffirming that there’s absolutely nothing wrong. “Oh man, I totally just jinxed it by saying that, didn’t I?” Peter continues, as he starts taking notice of Logan’s expression, nose crinkling as a frown mars his face.

Logan lets go of the breath that he’s been holding, slowly forcing himself to relax. It’s only the tenth time today that he’s wanted to strangle the speedster for unintentionally putting his thoughts through the blender. Although, in truth, there’s no real risk of that happening when Logan’s prone to forgiving said speedster in a heartbeat.

“There’s a never endin' list of things that can go wrong once you start worryin’ Pete. But you don’t hafta worry about what I feel. I’m old— as you often like to remind me. I ain’t got time for games, or not actually sayin’ what’s on my mind. With how your speed lets you see things, you probably understand,” he says instead.

Peter narrows his eyes and bites his lips, turning Logan’s words around in his head. “Never thought I’d see the day where you say I’m the mature one,” the speedster concludes, smiling brightly.

Logan squints at him in fond exasperation. Trust Peter to focus on the least important thing in that loaded statement.

“You’re a paradox, is what you are,” he teases good-naturedly.

“I still don’t hear you denying what you just said,” Peter ribs right back. Logan smiles at him. The banter is familiar enough to transform the emotions that are hanging, thick and heavy, between them, tipping it slowly into a territory flecked with delirium.  

“Before we start again, dinner outside later?” Logan asks, fingers marking a trail down Peter’s back.

“Yeah, yeah, I’d like that,” Peter nods his agreement as he straddles Logan’s lap in response. “Also, you’re wrong, you know. If I’ve got nothing to worry about when it comes to you, then I’ve got absolutely nothing to worry about at all.”

Logan can think of three reasons to worry off the top of his head that he’s pretty sure Peter hasn’t considered yet— one of them starting with an E, but the speedster is already impatiently leaning in to kiss him, and Logan’s powerless to stop them from falling. 

 

---

 

They’re almost getting off again when the door creaks open. In hindsight, maybe it's not the best of ideas to ignore the knocks like how they usually do, but this is the first time someone’s— actually had the bright idea to open the door anyway. Next time, Peter thinks, they’re doing it in Logan’s room. No one would dare just walk in on Logan. Time trickles in slow motion as Peter hurriedly— well more hurriedly than he’s ever had before— barrels them into his closest, discarded clothes and all. 

Through the wood slats, Peter can see that the unwelcome visitors entering his room are actually the two people whom they have a good cause to be hell-bent on avoiding. And huh, now that he’s thinking about it, that’s actually a very good cause for worry. Peter can feel all his desire to continue wilting.

“Really? Your closet? It’s the worst possible place to be stuck in with you. You know that right?” Logan, unconcerned that they have Erik and Charles a few feet away from them, starts to say. Peter can literally feel that his partner is equally miffed by their presence. 

“Shh!” Peter hushes him anyway, making a sign with his hands for Logan to lower his volume, just to be safe. “I panicked, okay?” he says, gesturing at himself first, then at Logan. Dark as it is, Logan supposes it’s meant to refer to their obvious state of undress. He arches an eyebrow.

“You know they’ll probably find out at some point right?” Logan says, reaching out to pull Peter closer. “About us being together I mean? Might as well tell ‘em first.” The action has the intended effect of calming the speedster somewhat, as he ends up tucking himself face-first in the crook of Logan’s neck.

“That’s weird, I’m almost certain Peter was just here,” Charles says to Erik as the eyes the closet with raised eyebrows. 

“Okay, so the Professor already knowing isn’t so bad. Right?” Peter squeaks, looking at Logan for affirmation. “But my dad. What if he decides to, I don’t know, disown me, or something?”

“You know how he is, always cutting it close,” Erik says, with the same dry humor he usually has. At this moment in time, Peter can’t quite find it in himself to appreciate it. 

“Your dad, your choice,” Logan says as Erik and Charles finally exit the room after what feels like forever, “but if I were you, I wouldn’t be too worried. Your dad will sooner end me than disown you.”

“You say the sweetest things,” Peter breathes in relief now that their unwanted visitors are gone. “I don’t want you ended, though,” he adds as an afterthought.

“Oh come on,” Logan chuckles. “There ain’t no need to worry about me. I sure hope you ain’t plannin’ on continuin’, because that killed all of this.” he draws out, not bothering to waggle his brows when they’re surrounded in darkness. Logan’s pretty sure that night vision isn’t on Peter’s list of powers.

“I already know that,” Peter counters right back before planting a kiss on his lips. “See you later at dinner Logan,” he says, before disappearing.

The dull thunk of the door closing is the only confirmation Logan has that the speedster's vacated the room. 

Logan snorts, a smile on his lips, certain that Peter will manage to figure things out just fine.

In the meantime, Logan’s going to teach, and then get ready for that dinner. Who knows, maybe he’ll even dress nice. Unfounded as the speedster’s haphazardly thrown fears may be, Logan figures it’s simply better to cover all the bases. He can’t very well, in good conscience, let a certain special speedster start thinking that he’s getting tired of him.

 

Notes:

I didn't expect to continue this, but here we are anyway. Comments and kudos are always loved!

Chapter 3

Summary:

Peter tells Erik about their relationship and Logan deals with the aftermath.

Notes:

Written for the Marvel Rare Pair Bingo 2022, Square B2, prompt: “terrible choices” and I4 prompt: “a trip to the mall”

Dating Peter came with its own unique set of challenges. You had to listen to what he’s saying.

“I talked to my dad. Well, more like talked at him, but who’s counting? You should be proud of me because I talked it into him. Now Dadneto can’t feign innocence if he kills us. Or me. Or you. Charles would call his bluff, I made sure of it. My work is professional, never one of those half-assed jobs here, no sir. Speaking of which, I deserve some kind of reward. Because— get this, this is the third difficult talk I’ve had to do in a year. My heart can’t take any more of this. A reward would help, you know? Like really, really, really, help.”

… And to what he’s actually saying.

“Yeah?” Logan says, obliging, as he claims Peter’s lips with his own. The speedster’s frenzied energy seems to crash to a screeching halt when he leans in to deepen the kiss, melting into Logan’s arms. When they pull apart, Peter tilts his head, cheek now pillowed against Logan’s chest, to look up at him with deeply lined exhaustion in every inch of his pores.

“I see Erik’s still dad,” Logan observes.

“Yeah. But I think I almost died,” Peter says, all huffy. “Literally the worst talk ever. 10/10 would not recommend.”

And then, of course, there’s also a homicidal father to deal with. 

(Which is nothing new— except this one is more bloodthirsty and murderous than most. Interestingly, the inconvenience doesn’t bother Logan as much, not when he knows that Magneto, royal pain in the ass though he is, can be trusted to love and protect his kid with all that he has.)

“You, of all people, ain’t need to walk on eggshells with him,” Logan points out encouragingly, because while it was one thing for him not to like the man, Logan’s well aware that the familial relationship meant something special to the speedster. 

Peter makes a face that suggests Logan’s advice isn’t as all as cracked up as Logan’s made it out to be when he attempts to put it to practice. 

“I try, man, but I keep tripping over my own feet. When he asked about how we were doing, I literally told him ‘Logan isn’t worried about you killing him’,” the speedster admits sheepishly, complete with exaggerated air quotes.

Logan can’t help but groan, appalled. Could his lover possibly have made that sound like any more of a challenge if he tried? 

“Sorry?” Peter tries, contrite, hoping that Logan’s groan doesn’t actually mean he’s mad with his slip of the tongue.  

“Do I even want to know the response you got?” Logan asks, chuckling, to let the speedster know it’s okay. It’s impossible to be mad when he’s already accustomed to how Peter’s mouth runs faster than his thoughts. It’s a strangely endearing trait.  

“There was this thing about terrible choices,” Peter recovers immediately, pausing for the dramatics of it, “but if that’s unfortunately what I really want, then I’m just gonna do whatever I want anyway,” the younger mutant completes with a grin on his face.

“And am I? What you really want?” Logan asks, the inexplicable need to know grabbing him in a chokehold once he’s picked apart the statement. 

“ Dude. Do you even need to ask? I faced down an almost certain death for you. If that isn’t a declaration of love, I don’t know what is,” Peter says in mock offense. 

Logan stills, at the same time the speedster in his arms tenses, presumably having realized what he’s just said.

(You’re also frequently blindsided by these curveballs—  ironically, as much as the one who’s throwing them)

“Uhh. It’s too much, too soon isn’t it? I don’t know why I said that. Must be all the stress. And the almost dying. Did I mention the almost dying?” Peter says, swallowing nervously.

“It’s too late to take it back,” Logan puts his foot down, marveling at the silver haired mutant in his arms, who he’s only just realized already feels and smells like home, “because I love you too.” 

Peter blinks at him owlishly, like he can’t believe what he’s actually hearing. 

The shared words hang, like a pendulum in between them. And it’s the oddest way Logan’s has ever been told that someone loves him, even if it’s by accident, but coming from Peter, it’s also the most sincere. Logan will gladly take it over some carelessly tossed, run-of-the-mill declaration any day. 

“Wow. Just wow. You really mean it, don’t you? In my defense, you move so slowly that I thought it’ll take you forever, if at all. I never thought we’d be on the same page. At least, not yet, because of course I hoped you’d get there eventually, you know. It’s just— I never meant to let it slip so early. Now, what am I supposed to do with all that?” Peter says, all flustered and stumbling, and just like that the moment is broken. 

(These moments can never quite last for very long)

“Stop thinkin’ so much for one,” Logan says, nipping Peter’s lips playfully, “and get ready to go to the mall. We’re gettin’ your reward the old-fashioned way.”  

“The mall?” Peter echos, all his worries forgotten as delight dances bright in his dark eyes, “which one? I’ve been wanting to grab some new records, but with everything that’s going on, I haven’t actually gotten to it. Speaking of which, I should totally get dad and Charles a thing. What do you think will make a good peace offering? Oh, and then there’s also Alex, and Scott,” the speedster continues, scrunching up his nose that says he’s drawing up a list in his head.

“Sure, we can get Magneto a peace offerin’, why the hell not?” Logan mutters, unable to resist commenting on the most absurd suggestion he’s heard since, well, since they’ve started dating. “Only somethin’ that’s been on my bucket list since forever.”

At Logan’s (not) objection, Peter lets out a laugh that’s both bright and startled. It’s the nicest thing Logan’s heard in a while, and one that Logan now knows he’s going to continue hearing for a long time. 

As Peter prattles off the possible malls they could head to, Logan’s content to simply listen, despite already knowing that they’ll eventually end up going to all of them.

 

---

 

(You start to do easy things the hard way, and hard things the easy way)

“Remind me again why we took my bike for a shoppin’ trip instead of the car?” Logan grouses, trying to keep the bags in front of him that are threatening to burst at the seams from falling off his bike and to their certain demise. Did Peter really need five boxes of twinkies, or was it just part of some experiment to see if they’ll survive the trip? 

“Car rides are boring,” Peter drawls, like it explained everything, which Logan supposes it kind of did. The speedster raises an eyebrow, suddenly assessing the situation and taking pity on Logan’s plight; the baggage in front of him is gone the next time he blinks. 

Logan looks at his companion in mild exasperation. It would have been helpful if Peter had remembered to do that about 2 malls ago— something he ordinarily does in reflex, but the younger mutant has been terribly distracted throughout the entirety of their trip. Considering the bright smiles Logan’s been getting from him from time to time, it’s not exactly in a bad way. Logan doesn’t bother to ask. Peter will eventually tell him, because he’s almost certainly going to want to.

“Except, if I’m the one driving. Hey, how about I drive next time?” Peter carries on without batting an eye, like he hasn’t just made a trip to the mansion and back. 

Realizing he’s getting no response, Peter stops and looks at him expectantly, apparently deciding to wait for one before getting on Logan’s motorcycle. 

“... Only if you insist,” Logan says slowly, with a suitably large dose of apprehension, already picturing in vivid imagery, a couple of cop cars engaged in a high-speed chase with them, and Charles’ imminent displeasure at the end of it all.

“Anddd I can hear that’s a no,” the speedster says, laughing as he finally hops up Logan’s bike, looping his arms around him like it’s commonplace. “You know, I still can’t believe that you love me,” he mutters as his chin comes to rest on Logan’s shoulder, a blinding grin still painted on his face. 

It almost feels like fireworks exploding in his chest when it dawns upon him, that’s exactly why Peter has been so distracted. Quickly shifting his gaze away from those wide searching eyes does nothing to hide the blush on his face, and Logan knows from the bashful smile that Peter’s sporting that he’s caught it too. 

“Well, I can’t believe you made me participate in pickin’ a peace offerin’ for Erik,” he grumbles, kickstarting his bike before the speedster can voice any complaints about the obvious deflection.

When they’re about to hit the lights, Logan chances a glance at his pillion rider. 

He’s rewarded with the sight of those smashing dimples and the way his speedster looks with the wind in his hair. 

Peter, young as he is, appears to have got it all figured out. His bike is way more romantic. 

 

---

 

(Most importantly, It’s about learning about love)

The thing about Peter is— he’s nice and stable and cute—  even sweet, if you’re discounting the majority of the time he’s being an utter menace. 

But the thing about Peter that truly gets him is— he’s always chosen him. 

It’s a rather baffling thought. Put the speedster in a mansion chock full of mutants, some of whom are clearly more logical choices based on their proximity in age alone, and what does he do? Go for Logan. 

Peter’s easily bored, so Logan writes off the anomaly of the speedster wanting to sleep with him for the thrill and novelty he must obviously get in return. His musings prove themselves inaccurate, however, when he finds himself waking up with an armful of speedster on a night where they haven’t actually had sex. 

A week later, there’s no sign that Peter’s starting to tire of their arrangement (a day probably feels like forever to him, so), and Logan’s hit with the reality that Peter’s simply choosing to stay with him. 

Even after the whole misunderstanding with Alex, Peter keeps choosing him, again, and again. 

Every time he does, it cuts like a knife, sharp and messy and painful. 

Logan knows he’s far from brand new. He comes with a mountain of baggage, he’s hard to handle at times, and he isn’t exactly the first thing that comes to mind when you think— boyfriend. It’s the first time that someone’s simply shrugged that all aside and responded with devotion.  

(a year ago he’d pegged it as an impossible feat) 

It hurts a little less, and then eventually it stops hurting at all. 

(It starts to get easy when he sees it staring back at him every day)

(and somewhere in between he falls in love)

“Loogaan! He said yes to the peace offering!” Peter says triumphantly in greeting, popping through Logan’s door, tickets that they’ve procured to the play clutched tightly in his fist. 

(and it’s everything he’s ever wanted) 

Logan snorts. “Told ya he’d say yes, he’ll go just to see us squirm and pretend how much we like it.”

Peter finally stills when the realization of what he actually has to do hits him, “I really wish you could’ve clued me onto that sooner,” he grimaces, expression falling dramatically. 

“Ah well, I suppose it can’t be helped. You win some, you lose some right?” the speedster says, shrugging off the inevitable torture that’s about to come as he flops into his arms.  

(it’s like coming home, because of course it is)

Logan accepts the weight in his arms with a smile.

Someday, maybe he’ll even admit that he’d offer up a dozen other peace offerings to Magneto just for this. 

Notes:

This chapter ended up 95% fluffy and 5% funny. I can’t say I’m upset about that. I’m playing fast and loose with the time that has lapsed in between each chapter (could be a couple of days or a couple of weeks). Read it however you will!

Comments and kudos continue to make me happy :)

Notes:

This is different, idk. Comments and kudos that tell me what you think are welcome!