31Author's notes: Well, I can see just how anxious everyone is to get to the end. I greatly appreciate everyone's support and patients while I underwent computer difficulties. Laptop is fried, and the Internet connection has been fizzing in and out. Am I not permitted to finish this story?!
So ends my first fanfic for my hero. It was fun. I suppose one reason I playfully call Spider-man my hero is because of all he endures but continues to fight for what is right—no matter the circumstances, what regulations he breaks, who's being threatened, or what villains he faces off against. These heroic attributions are found in his many incarnations. He's not only smart, he's a humble scientist. Even if he's a dilweed and a drama queen from time to time, he has this courageous spirit and fierce drive. I find that admirable. Plus, his quips are pretty funny.
This is my second favorite chapter for the fic. I had a lot of fun writing it and this entire story. Hopefully those Spidey mythology gags I tossed in weren't too cringy. Fear not if any expectations weren't met here. This shan't be my last time writing my hero and the Osborns.
Thanks so much for reading! Any and all reviews are appreciated!
Chapter 10.
After a typical, busy day, the web-slinger returned from the busy city to the secluded Triskelion. Clouds darkened as they coalesced against the unending sky. The wind gained speed. Yet the changing weather didn't divert the wall-crawler from reflecting his time.
"Spider-man is becoming a better hero every day," he muttered to himself. "But is Peter Parker becoming a worst friend?"
Such a fear became realized upon seeing empty beds in the medical wing. Taking off his mask, he eyed the heart monitor and oxygen plugs had been removed. The sheets were unmade.
"He probably left with his dad," Peter sadly sighed. "Wish I coulda said goodbye."
Shutting his eyes, he hung his head. He believed everything would be easier once the secret became uncovered. He never imagined just how difficult that decision turned when those he cared about from one identity came closer to the other.
That's when a voice interrupted his thoughts.
"If there's one thing Harry Osborn doesn't dig, it's a swellhead who thinks he's better'n everyone else."
Peter snapped his head up. He searched for who gave the familiar teasing line. He turned surprised seeing his friend sitting in a wheelchair nearby. He gasped, "Harry?!"
The auburn teen smirked.
Peter became happy seeing his friend. Not only was Harry alive and well, but he stayed within the walls of the Triskelion. He could only respond, "You've been watching your dad's movies again?"
Harry quickly replied, "Better than starring at the ceiling."
Remembering what he came to, Peter frowned. "But your bed was empty."
"I found this wheelchair and had to get used to controlling it. I'm gonna be sitting in this thing for a while. I streamed a few flicks whenever I gave myself a break." Needing some entertainment, Harry was glad his father had returned his phone. He rolled himself closer. His motions were smoother compared to before.
"You got a good handle on those wheels," Peter complimented. "Though, I don't think your place is wheelchair-friendly."
"That's fine. I'm not going back with Dad. I'm staying here fulltime at the Triskelion."
"What?"
"Yep. Recovering here and all that. Dad did say he'll check in every now and then. He even called me a few minutes after he left just to check the phone connection." Harry laughed, "Guess he's not entirely ready to let me go."
Thunderstruck from what he heard, Peter stood still.
((I can't believe what I'm hearing. My once enemy and best friend's dad is permitting Harry to stay. Maybe Norman is learning to trust his son more. But I don't know if I can. Spider-man almost lost a teammate. And Peter had already lost plenty of those close to him.))
"Harr, it's really great to see you're OK," Peter said, forming a sad smile. "But I think you should go back to Oscorp. You should be with your dad."
"Wha?" Harry questioned. He couldn't believe his best bud. "Is this because of The Goblin? I'm cured of that! Nothing bad happened in the end!"
"Exactly. Goblin or not, things could've gone much worse."
Harry tightened his lips. He saw the conversation mirrored the one with his father. Unwilling to shove away his friend, he tried to release his tensed posture. He had to begin discharging the shame he had been secretly carrying. "I understand that your work and that S.H.I.E.L.D. stands for heroism. I can't enroll as a hero. Not until I make amends to my team leader, but also to the one under the mask."
"Amends?" Peter repeated, sounding genuinely surprised. "For what?"
The auburn sighed. "I know I'm not the only one to be blamed for any past wrongdoings. The Osborns have given a lot of grief. Some of these crazy characters and adventures happened because of Oscorp. Doc Ock, for one. And The Goblin, for another. Now Dad is looking to be a better parent. He's probably out dismantling all the hideouts he formed when he was The Goblin. He's gotta make sure he gets rid of those extra gliders and weapons safely."
Peter heard every word. He discerned that despite all Norman had done he remained a hero in the eyes of his son. He could tell the younger Osborn had more to say, so he allowed him to continue.
"It was one thing when you went up against my dad when he was a Goblin," Harry added. "But your work still wasn't easy. Guess it was because I lashed out at you."
"Lashed out at me? When?"
"Like when Dad first became The Goblin, there was so much anger and hatred raging inside of me. I blamed everything on Spider-man. On you. I thought you and your team were gonna really hurt him. Or that something worse would happen to him. You didn't deserve the heat I served. You were only trying to help."
Peter grasped his friend's position. He had to give his assurance. "You reacted the way any son would for his father. When me and S.H.I.E.L.D. tried to protect you from the first time Norman transformed, you fought us off. You wanted to reason with him. Everyone was treating him like a monster. Yet you saw your dad. And when he turned me into Carnage, you willingly became Venom. You fought against your own conflicts. In the end, you didn't want to finish him off."
Harry lowered his eyes. Guilt for all that he had done wrapped tighter around him than his brief time ensnared in webs. Though Doc Ock was the one who had done the manipulation, Harry was the one who committed the acts. Yet Peter managed to still see the good. He debated if he deserved such a kind and genuine pal.
Quietly, he uttered, "I just wanted to say I'm sorry for all that cruel things I spat."
"You know I never held any grudges against you or Norman," Peter sincerely disclosed. "In any case, you're still recovering. With you no longer a Goblin, you don't have its healing factor."
Harry felt his dense disgrace be replaced with viable rage. He snapped, "Being that ugly beast only lasted a couple of days. I don't need The Goblin to define me."
"It's your safety I'm concerned with," Peter admitted. "A lotta trouble happens. Even at the Triskelion."
"Following those gristly footsteps isn't my plan. I was The Goblin."
"Don't worry. I've handled S.H.I.E.L.D. about you before. They won't be hounding you and Norman for this."
The other boy recalled all the problems that had risen because of his hasty action. His time as Venom, followed by Patrioteer, only to be taken over by Anti-Venom, caused problems for those who cared about him. And he was saved by them. If he wasn't behind his father, then he was behind the masked hero, his best friend.
Stoutly, he stated, "I don't want to run away anymore. I want to be a part of S.H.I.E.L.D. My recovery is just a small bump in the road. I can still do the labs. Since I re-entered the program, I gotta watch those cheesy introductory videos again."
Peter shook his head. "Harr, I know you. You're gonna get bored with nothing but labs and lectures. This isn't the same as being a student at Midtown High or even Standard. Being a hero will have you apply what you've learned. As someone who underwent it, improvising is frowned upon here. Don't forget that the Patrioteer armor is outta commission. You can't do any of the field exercises."
"Hard to believe I was actually on the field longer as Venom and The Goblin than I was as Patrioteer. I'm only here now because of Dad and you." Harry lowered his head. "Am I that helpless?"
"That's not what I meant."
Harry studied his fingers and knuckles. They were once covered in black followed by white goop, then blue metal, and then sturdy green. Now he only saw his own hands. He clenched them in to fists. "I don't need Anti-Venom or The Goblin to protect myself. I'm not a failure."
"No, you're not."
"So why won't you let me back?"
The two butted heads like rams. Both had experience against tough opponents. One faced countless villains and S.H.I.E.L.D. directors, while the other figuratively crossed swords against a driven entrepreneur.
"It's about your safety," Peter insisted. "As the leader of any team, I'm responsible for everyone's wellbeing. Even for the ones I had trouble getting along with at the beginning. If anyone gets injured, or worse, that falls on me. I don't want that happening to any of my partners. I sure as heck won't let that happen to my best friend."
"Is this just about teamwork?" Harry asked, drawing concerned from his pal's line. "Or is this because of how my dad gets? I know he grilled Spider-man pretty hard after my mucked up mission as Patrioteer."
"Of course not. He was just looking out for you, his son and my best friend. That's how I saw he was a good guy underneath. I'm sure he's thrilled that you want to use his equipment to be Patrioteer. I also sense that you want that extra time with him. You guys are free from any tricks brought on by The Goblin." Talking about the benefits between the once rift caused a smile to grow on Peter. Such elation, however, faded away. "If you spend anymore time as Patrioteer at the Triskelion, that would interfere with your one-on-one time with him. As head of Oscorp, he's got a busy schedule. I'm surprised he even finds time to eat and sleep."
Harry disbelieved the new outlook Peter was taking. He noted how serious his partner was since the brunet seldom gave a joke. This caused his temper to start rising. "I can't believe you! First, you wanted me back as Patrioteer when I was running around as a Goblin! Now, you want me gone for good?! Are those cobwebs in your head disconnecting?!"
Peter was about to snap back. However, the image of the sharp pole burning his memory held him back. He answered calmly yet firmly, "No, you just shouldn't be a student in the Academy. Like I said, the Osborns once being Goblins doesn't matter to me. I thought we could still hang for pizza night."
Harry was glad his buddy gave no resentment towards his horrid conductions. He tried to drop his anger. "I know. I get it. I was reckless before. But I promise to work hard. I've already learned a lot from my times on the battlefield. And I'm not just talking about playing videogames."
"Yeah, your time as a Goblin proved it." The web-slinger rubbed his achy neck. "I'm still sore from our battles in the warehouse and at the park."
The shame of the auburn's self-management rebounded. He needed to admit his own faults like his team leader had done. "OK, I was dumb for believing Ock and his lies. But I can't let that stop me. I want to keep going. As a hero. Just like Dad and you."
Peter mediated on his buddy's words.
((Looks like with Norman's approval, Harry is able to stay. I'm not looking for the whole pure-of-heart reason to join S.H.I.E.L.D. Maybe it is tougher to be with friends who become teammates then teammates who become friends. Guess our bond really stuck through and through with both of us being so stubborn.))
Harry noticed his arguments made no difference.
"You want to be friends but not teammates?" he challenged. "I know I've been eager before in joining the Academy. But being a S.H.I.E.L.D. agent... I realized how many regulations you broke for me and my family just to keep us safe. I know that musta been hard even for a free-spirit like you. And it definitely wasn't easy with me skinning you alive the whole way."
He lowered his head in an apologetic-like manner.
Peter was aware of the remorse clinging to his companion. As both a leader and a pal, he refused to permit that to carry on. "C'mon, Harr, we're friends. That's why I did it in the first place. I couldn't let you be a Goblin forever. Sure, I needed to save the city. But I wanted my friend back first."
Harry struggled to accept the other teen's words as earnest. The brunet seemed keen on defending his duplicity. What Doc Ock said to him rang in his head. "You still trust that friend of yours? In spite of him keeping his Spider-man persona away from you?"
Harry didn't doubt that the villain was only looking to manipulate Goblin II. It was a fantastic strategy in harming Spider-man. He muttered, "So, what, do I sign a release form and a confidentially waiver if I leave?"
Peter blinked in confusion. "Huh?"
Harry found a pit of truth. He needed answers. "I just can't believe what you're asking me to do. I told you when I was Venom."
"I wanted so much to tell you about what I've been doing," Peter confessed, realizing the hypocrisy. All he could do was explain his judgment. "Believe me. This decision wasn't just for convenience. I had a serious debate about it. I didn't because I had to keep everyone I care about outta harm's way."
"I fell into a coma thanks to Anti-Venom. If I hadn't, would you have told me that you're Spider-man? Or would you have reserved that info from me? And Patrioteer would've teamed up with his best friend without ever getting to know that?"
((I see what's going on. The deception from Spider-man and Iron Patriot was what tore up Goblin II the most. I gotta think about this. I gave away my identity in a desperate attempt to reach Harry before he could be destroyed in the crossfire between Anti-Venom and Carnage. My other teammates like Flash and Cho had found out under different circumstances. Harry and Mary Jane were the only ones I told directly. And even that was only as a last resort to save them.))
"Look, Harr, I told you before. The truth was that I couldn't let anyone get hurt because of me—not you, not M.J., not Aunt May. Plus, you got your own people who care about you." Peter was set to walk out. "I know Norman isn't expecting you back so soon. S.H.I.E.L.D. will get you a ride safely back to Oscorp."
The wind blowing on the outside of the building howled.
Seeing the backside of his partner caused Harry to remember all the times those he cared about walked out on him. He grunted. He placed his hands over the wheels and pushed himself. He turned tightly and cut off the brunet's path.
Peter turned surprised. His buddy was a fast learner.
"I'm not leaving that easy," Harry announced, glaring at his best friend.
"Don't worry about returning the wheelchair." Peter stepped to the side. He only gained a couple feet when heard his buddy yelled, "Did you turn away Flash so easily?"
He stopped walking. "Honestly? Yeah. And some others."
"But you recruited?" Harry asked as he wheeled himself closer. "That was why you were gone so long, wasn't it? Outside your normal crime fighting routine?"
Peter turned around and gave an honest answer, "Yep. Taskmaster was set on drafting other teens with special abilities. I had to find them before he could. I needed members for The New Warriors program."
"So now they're all a part of your superhero network. Flash and M.J., right? She saw the three of us in costume."
"M.J.'s another story."
"Then what? You expect me to sit back while you and Dad face off trouble? I'm not letting you two go against any crooks by yourselves. I'm done being a helpless civilian."
"Norman has experience."
"He's not perfect. He struggled against Ock and those Venom-Spider soldiers." Growing uneasy from those terrible battles, Harry squeezed his armrests. He turned his gaze towards the ground. "I was in the dark about him being Iron Patriot. He wanted to do what he thought was best in making up his crimes as a Goblin. He woulda been done for if not for you."
Peter spotted the close bond. He needed to allow his friend to walk free. He clarified, "I helped him when he was a Goblin and Iron Patriot. But you saved him from Iron Vulture. It's none of my business if you go under Norman's training."
"I'm not looking for training under him. It's not just learning from him or the instructors here at the Academy. I want to be with others also looking for the proper training. They all look ready to use their gifts soundly."
Bringing to mind his fumbles, Peter grew distressed. He ran his gloved hand through his brown hair. "Yeah, some eye I have for recruitment."
"You already got Jameson and S.H.I.E.L.D. members sneering you. You don't need to go criticizing yourself this hard. Support is something you still need. Sure, I'm glad Dad respects my decision to be here. I'm already familiar with the Academy's rules. I can't tell him everything that happens here in the Triskelion. I'm aware he's gonna be critical for what I do let out. But it's better than before." The auburn boy clenched a fist with determination. "Earlier, I was looking for chances. Now, I believe I need to make 'em."
Peter grew happy hearing the bond between the two Osborns carried on despite The Goblin's return. "You've already done plenty for Norman. Like when you stayed up night after night on watch for his return when he was a Goblin. But you don't need to be so keen on coming back. You shouldn't hafta pay for the crimes of Spider-man."
Harry turned surprised. He popped his head up. "Crimes? What crimes? Spider-man has never done anything bad."
"For all the hours I clocked in as Spider-man, I've been tied to just as many villains showing up. I have a responsibility for the city."
"Then what about the one under the mask?"
The fulltime hero's eyes fell to the wheelchair. He still pondered who was the one accountable for his friend's safety.
"I don't ever want to forget about those in my life—you, M.J., Aunt May, Uncle Ben…" he answered. He thought back to his time of inaction. His own apathy cost someone dear to him. He was mindful of other people who could easily avoid the same hardship he underwent. He couldn't permit himself to stop his heroic work. Perhaps one solution involved eliminating one identification.
"You are right about the dangers. But you don't need to worry about me." Looking at his buddy, he smiled, "Really, I'll be OK."
Harry took in the corners of the mouth curving upwards and the gentle blue eyes. He knew what carried out in his buddy's mind. He clenched a fist and shouted, "Don't use that fake smile with me!"
Peter became stunned from the outburst.
"We've been through too much together for you to give me that!" Harry howled. "Do you expect me to go on with some sort of charade? You want me to act like everything's OK while you and your teams run around the city?"
He could feel his heart pump with ire. He discarded his health to focus on the heated topic. Perhaps, deep down, he was envious of those associating with both Peter and Spider-man.
Peter recognized the emotion. He grasped how much the other adolescent despised exclusion. "Just because Spider-man will be doing that doesn't mean I won't need you."
"Only as the defenseless civilian." Rolling his eyes, Harry bitterly drew out, "It's like I was better off as Venom or The Goblin."
That last remark shook Peter.
"No! You aren't!" he roared. He despised how his friend came to that conclusion. He refused to risk losing him once more. "Why is having it like this so bad?! It's not like I revealed my name to the world. You learned my secret. So unless someone goes ape, you'll still have Peter."
Harry spotted the oncoming rage. Like the dispute with his father, he rejected that answer. He roared back, "That'd be impossible! I know I won't solely have Peter! Spider-man will need to leave when some crazy bad guy rears his ugly head!"
Peter realized the quarrel was encouraging the recovering teen to leave his spot. To conserve Harry's safe stance, he firmly placed his hands on each armrest. Still enraged, he countered, "That's because Spider-man will need to take action!"
Both metaphorically and literally, Harry couldn't back down on his own position. He leaned forward and spat, "My point exactly! There isn't Peter without Spider-man, there isn't Norman without Iron Patriot, and you can't have Harry without Patrioteer! And both Harry and Patrioteer are staying at the Triskelion!"
Thunder boomed on the outside. The two glared at each other. No longer was it between the vicious yellow eyes of The Goblin and the mysterious white slits of Spider-man. Two sets of blue eyes met in a lockdown.
"Fine." Peter freed his grip. He intended to make a house call for a ride setup. He shot a web to carry himself out of the room.
"Hey! I'm not done arguing with you!" Harry raced in the same direction. He spun the wheels as hard as he could, gaining speed. He preserved his eyes on the totting web-spinner. Such momentum for a novice driver was too much for him to handle. He lost control. The chair tilted towards one side before falling over, leaving its rider to fall out of his seat. He cried out as he hit the ground.
Peter turned after hearing the crash. Seeing his pal on the polished floor caused his heart to race. His eyes widened. "Harry!"
The injured auburn lied in place. Small groans escaped his mouth. His muscles ached. He was still recovering.
Peter webbed himself closer. The wheel spun aimlessly. The seat had not been damaged. Grabbing a handle and an armrest, he gently lifted the chair. He managed his work to hold his pal in place. He yelled with concern, "Harr! You OK?!"
Faintly, he saw the other boy nod. The events held in the metro tunnel flashed within his memories. Failures saturated him. He was unsuccessful in preventing his teammate from falling in to the villain's clutches. He couldn't prevent his friend from becoming the horrid green beast. He detested how much The Goblin persisted in haunting his life.
Harry's panting echoed around the medical room. He hung his head as his eyes stayed shut. He held his impaired side.
The brunet noted the younger Osborn's condition. He couldn't risk the blue and red metal suit to take action if it meant another green event. He felt himself getting pulled down into his sea of guilt.
"I'm sorry, pal," Peter quietly said. "This time we got lucky. That might not be the case next time."
The novice hero heard the apology. He placed his hand over the wrist covered by a red glove.
Peter saw the act. He remained in place.
"Joining the Academy is more than just having my dad be proud of me," Harry responded quietly but strongly. "I see you want to follow your code about responsibilities. I'm not looking to stop you from that."
He raised his head and gazed directly at the other boy. "It's just I can't forget that my best friend is Spider-man."
Peter cast his gaze away. With a restive voice, he replied, "This is more than just me guarding my identity. I can't forget about Venom or Anti-Venom. Or even The Goblin."
Harry took a moment to catch his breath. He asked quietly, "So you'll be continuing this? Keep being Spider-man even though there's lotsa trouble? Is that responsible? You're almost an adult, too. I only got a couple of months on you."
Peter became lost in thought as he straightened himself. He hung his head.
((I've always been grateful for Aunt May and Uncle Ben taking me in after my parents died. As much of a mother she is to me, I can't stay at Aunt May's place forever. I've always known my residency would be temporary. I want to find a new place when I attend Empire State University. I couldn't believe my luck when I found out my best friend, the one who brought me in the limo on that rainy day, was also aiming to attend the same school.))
"You're also going to Empire State University?" Peter asked surprised.
The two students stood in the living room of the Parker home. Friends alter locations for hang outs. Peter was glad such arrangements were possible. The wealthy classmate never gave sour remarks towards the finanical stature.
As the duo spoke about plans after high school, the brunet mentioned was working for a scholarship within the science department. He was grateful for the time he spent with his friend at Midtown High. He never expected that their time could continue for their future education.
Harry smiled and nodded, "Yeah, just like my dad. He went to study chemistry while also studying business... At least, I'd like to go."
He dismally turned his eyes towards the ground. "Osborns have a legacy at ESU. I might not have a shot with my grades. Or finishing here at Midtown High. Even with Dad's money."
Peter was already familiar with the auburn's academic struggle. On the table in front of them were quizzes with the latest results. He turned joyful finding a way to pursue their connection. He smiled. "I'll be there to help out. You don't gotta worry about facing that battle alone."
Hearing someone siding with him made the other teen smile back. "Thanks, Pete."
"Hey, it's what friends do."
"Best friends."
Of course such vows and connections could easily break. Normal teens have their bonds shaken from petty drama to life changing events. Not so much when the academically gifted student had his interaction with a radioactive spider.
"I don't want any special privileges," Harry confessed. "I need to be like everyone else. I want to be a part of a team. Whatever missions me and you did together, I followed your leadership because I trusted you. I not only want to be a hero. I want to be with our friends."
He looked directly into his companion's eyes. "And friends don't leave friends in the dark. They support each other. Through the good and the bad."
Even before donning the costume, Peter worked to maintain his friendship. Yet always minding his duties, he replied, "My powers are a great responsibility. I won't just abandon that."
Harry reflected that line. He recalled the rage he underwent for the many mysteries. "I can't be mad at you. I shouldn't be mad."
Peter shut his mouth while he left his eyes on the other teen.
"I finally understand," Harry confessed. "Seeing you unconscious while me and Flash were trapped in those glass chambers. H.Y.D.R.A. was aiming to set off bombs that carried Carnage. It's not a game. You were looking to save the city. You were looking to protect everyone."
"Maybe you have a right to at least be hurt," Peter assured.
"And you had your reasons for your secrets."
"What do you mean? What gave you this new stance?"
"There is something I didn't tell you." Harry removed his shirt and turned as much as he could.
Peter's eyes enlarged. His friend's back housed an enormous gash over his left shoulder blade. The wound, however, was now only a scar. His time as a Goblin was unable to heal something so deep.
Facing his friend once more, Harry tried to explain. "I got that only a couple of days after first putting on the Patrioteer armor. After all of us faced Ock and Vulture at the penthouse. Dad was training me when there was an accident."
Peter drew the conclusion. "So that was why Norman was stormin' right after you first joined S.H.I.E.L.D. Academy."
"Yeah, he was worried something worse could happen."
Peter noted the auburn teen's eyes changing when Harry declared, "But I didn't want to sit back anymore. Seeing my dad getting attacked by Vulture and Ock… I couldn't stand it. I wanted to help. I felt so powerless before. Anytime I was attacked, Dad was protecting me. And you got my back both as you and Spider-man. Yeah, helping out Spider-man and Iron Patriot is what I want to do. But sitting back isn't doing any good."
Harry turned quiet for a moment before admitted, "Putting on the suit just made me feel strong. I still need to be Patrioteer."
Peter spotted the hope forming in his friend's eyes. He had cultivated his optimism and mission in his own pursuit to be Spider-man. A lowly Parker befriended a wealthy Osborn because the Osborn welcomed the Parker into the limo on that raining day. Perhaps the duo maintained their ties because of their similarities. Not just hobbies and personality traits, but pursuits for goals that included using great power for a great responsibility.
"Patrioteer has only done so much," Peter corrected, forming a more sincere smile. "It's the one under the armor that matters."
Harry sensed the genuine standpoint. Smiling, he replied, "See? That's why I need to be here. I got a lot to learn."
He reflected on his time as a monster. Heroes could easily succumb to villainous acts. Villains becoming heroes took part in the arduous task of climbing out of their old habits. The young Osborn had traveled both roads. He mumbled, "It's a slippery slope to fall from hero to villain."
"That may be. You were the one who didn't finish off Ock." Peter reminded.
"Hey, it's a job of being a hero, isn't it?" Harry then added, "You always talk about responsibilities. I get that that's your calling card. But you don't have to baby-sit us. That's not your job as a leader."
Within his easygoing manner, the brunet shrugged. "Guess I still have plenty to learn myself. Leaders can discover a lot from their teammates."
"I'm ready for training and studying. As long as there aren't any grades."
"You'll still get help from me."
With the acceptance of a new teammate at S.H.I.E.L.D., other important topics arose. There was still one particular item to discuss.
"Ock knows your identity." It wasn't a question.
"Yeah," Peter nodded, moving himself closer to a window splattering with raindrops. He answered without a single upward curve on his lips or a glimmer in his eyes. "No doubt he's planning something. Something big. I'm gonna be on high alert until I can bring him in. I don't want him to hurt anyone I care about."
Harry followed. His wheels stopped next to the one in the arachnid-based costume. He was quiet for a moment before replying, "I think you should let my dad in on knowing who's behind the mask."
Baffled, Peter looked at his friend.
"I won't say anything to him," Harry vowed. "I like the new relationship me and him have been building. We've become real pals. But I get why you kept it away from everyone—not just me and your other friends, but even Aunt May. Telling Stormin' Norman this is your choice."
Peter turned his gaze away from the recovering patient.
((I'm glad the hostility between one Osborn and Spider-man has finally diluted. But it still seems there is a split between Spider-man and Peter Parker. My dual lifestyle is still proven to be problematic.))
Harry perceived something bothered his companion. He called out with concern, "Pete?"
Guilt formed in Peter's heart. He confessed, "Norman already did find out. When he was The Goblin a second time. I get the feeling it won't go as smoothly as either of us would like."
Harry reflected on that line. "Yeah, I know how Dad is."
"Besides," Peter somberly added. "Things have been great between you and him. Sure, he may be OK with you being a student here… But if things ever went back to like it was with The Goblin… I don't want it to be where you have to choose between Norman and me."
As he fought alongside the web-slinger, Harry became better acquainted with his teammate's pressures and transgressions. He better understood why his friend chose to mask his constant self-blame. Like with Norman, Harry needed to give his own assurance to his friend. "Pete, I've always appreciate you being there for me whenever I was mad at Dad. I get you're all about responsibility. But you aren't responsible for what happens between me and him. He's changed a lot. He's become more understanding."
Peter faced the one sitting in the chair as Harry added, "Besides, this isn't an issue on me picking sides. I'm only suggesting this to make things easier for you."
Harry then sincerely smiled, "But if Ock or whoever else wants to hurt you… The Osborns just want to help our friend. You don't have to go at it alone, Pete."
The brunet shut his eyes as he chuckled a bit.
((I remember my early months as Spider-man. Seeking revenge, I relentlessly hunted down that burglar. I acted without help fighting bank robbers and carjackers as I realized my great responsibility for my great powers. Once I became a member of S.H.I.E.L.D., my work became easier. I wasn't alone.))
"You are right," he nodded. "Spider-man isn't alone. Spider-man does whatever a spider can next to his original team, the New Warriors, and the Web Warriors."
Harry became glad hearing his leader accepting his partnership. Yet feeling something amiss, he raised an eyebrow in confusion. "What gives you the idea Peter was never needed?"
"Peter was only the nerdy student. The teachers are likely glad to rid a know-it-all, and our classmates won't miss Midtown High's professional wallflower."
Spider-man was someone who was great. But Peter was a humble soul.
The auburn teen shook his head. He assured, "Peter is more than just my tutor. There are plenty of things only he can do that Spider-man can't."
"Like what?"
"Though the public eye has different opinions, Peter went from wallflower to wall-crawler. He knows how to reach people, his friends." Harry smiled, "Whether I was Venom, Anti-Venom, Goblin II… All those times, it was Peter who got to me. Not Spider-man."
"The city needs Spider-man. But you guys still want Peter Parker?"
"Of course! Pete's my best friend." Harry placed a hand on his pal's shoulder.
Peter returned the fellowship gesture. "And Harry's mine."
Their friendship expanded beyond Spider-man and Patrioteer, beyond Parker and Osborn. It was just Peter and Harry.
The two shared a smile. They recognized their new adventures were to begin. They had escaped The Goblin's shadow. For now, they looked out and enjoyed the peaceful sound of rain.
Spider-man: "That's a good thing. Since just knowing me is a liability."
Patrioteer: "You've got it wrong, Spidey. Knowing you, that's the part of what makes us heroes."
The End
