Wade swears, to hell and back, he hates kids. He’s not a hero, and he has absolutely zero obligation to take in some charity case. So what if you’re a troubled child being mistreated by authority figures because of things entirely out of your control? That’s not his problem.

…He tries to tell himself for the dozenth time as he orders food for you.

Okay, look, he’s just keeping you around because you might be useful. Those powers of yours are pretty nifty. You’ll probably need to be in good shape if you want to use said powers. That’s why he’s buying you delivery from his favorite restaurant, giving you some old clothes, letting you stay in his apartment, and that’s why he risked his ass and his mission to save you from that messed up “orphanage” you were stuck in before.

No other reason.

“Hope you like Mexican food, kid, ‘cause I already ordered,” Wade drawls, flopping down on the couch beside you. You’re all quiet and angsty. It makes his heart clench (with disgust, obviously).

“Thank you, Mr. Pool, you’re the best,” he mocks in an exaggerated copy of your voice, trying to fill the silence, “C’mon, seriously, lighten up.”