Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

“You do this every time! Every! Time!”

How had he missed it? Norman had been scouring every inch of the city and had hundreds of men discreetly watching over thousands of servalliance cameras to catch just a glimpse of his creation but whatever was found never gave him a trail to follow back on.

He could watch the marvel beat a group of criminals in mere seconds, he could observe it scale a fifty-story building in minutes and he had seen the raw power that allowed it to hold its own against the so-called ‘team’ that Spider-Man was a part of.

But he couldn't catch it. As soon as his men were alerted to its presence, it would be long gone by the time anyone arrived to even hope to snatch a sample. He was beginning to give up, coming to terms with the fact that he had just lost the absolute perfect soldier and would have to start again.

But then Harry came into his office. No, more appropriately, he stormed into his office, an action he would reprimand any other time but the boy looked so… dishevelled that he granted him some pity. Spouting some nonsense about how they needed to talk, Norman’s first thought was that he was just sulking over school. God knows it wouldn't be the first time.

It wasn't his fault he brushed him off. Maybe if he had actually tried harder in school then he wouldn't have presumed it was just another childish problem. Oh, how he was wrong.

“But this…can’t…wait!”

To watch it before his eyes…how it changed and morphed his son’s body, made it stronger, made it better. It was incredible, he thought the specimen was at its peak those few seconds it had attached to Spider-Man but it seems he was wrong.

Had it grown? Had it gained some kind of experience, learned from its past mistakes? He knew it had some scraps of sentience inside but Otto hadn't kept it long enough to truly test that theory. The more he thought about it, the more he replayed the attack in his mind he only grew much more excited.

A pity it was that it was trying to attack him of all people but if anything that helped him. Why would his own creation ever try and kill him? No, Norman wasn't afraid of the consequences nor was he scared for his life. His research had finally made some progress and that was the only thing he could focus on.

The potential...he never thought his son would be the one to wield it. But it worked out perfectly. Although, it could've worked out even better if he had known sooner.

Norman cast a glance down at his son, silent as the only noise in the room was the rhythmic beeping of the heart monitor next to him. Lying there in that bed, he looked so small, so fragile. Harry was never one to be interested in sports but in comparison to his current state, it was obvious the symbiote was taking its toll.

How hadn't he seen it? It wasn't like Norman never saw his son. Sure, he was busy and even more so when Venom had escaped but he should've seen it. How many times had he scanned the entirety of New York only for the creature to be hiding right under his nose?

He would laugh if he wasn't immensely frustrated with himself.

If he had gotten to him sooner, the outside world wouldn't have a hint of what was being crafted in secret. S.H.I.E.L.D wouldn't have tried to kill it. Now that they were aware, Norman was sure there was a file being made and precautions behind built to prepare for the next time.

The man mentally kicked himself over and over. If only Otto had managed to keep it under control, he was supposed to be working in secret! If they weren't careful, it would lead back to Oscorp and he would be finished.

As excited as he was about how things had turned out, he couldn't ignore the lingering threat that was watching him. Norman heaved a heavy sigh as he leaned back in his chair, sights still placed on Harry as he shifted in his sleep but remained peaceful.

He would have to do another all-nighter, he needed to figure out the next steps to take on his own. He wasn't sure who he could trust, or who he could speak to about this. Norman relied on ignorance, the great power that money had at urging others to turn a blind eye.

If he wanted thousands in the highest grade scientific equipment only to never have it up in the labs, then he would get it with no questions asked. If he wanted a specialised retrieval unit created to go and capture the new “better” Spider-Man swinging around New York, everyone would agree it was completely normal because he just wanted to keep the city safe.

He had a small group of workers, those with the highest pay grade and the most security permission in the industry to handle it but this felt different. The issue of snatching a hugely disliked superhero for testing could be easily passed off as something greater to the press. But his own son?

The man wiped a hand down his face, his eyes burning with tiredness. This had to be completely kept to the inside. The messages had to be wiped, the receipts had to be burned and the camera footage erased. To the outside world, Venom was gone.

But to the inside, to Norman…he could perfect that beautiful creation in peace. He could turn his own flesh and blood into the pinnacle of human science. Harry could become the perfect being…but most won't see it that way.

No, this had to stay with himself. Things needed to go right this time, he needed to start building the walls up immediately.

Tearing his eyes away from Harry, burying the feeling of familiarity to how he remembered Emily before she passed he stormed towards the door. Luckily, he had sectioned off this unit of the hospital to assure them some peace and quiet. They had told him it was too risky to move his son to his own private hospital whilst in his state but that didn't mean he couldn't adjust the one he was in currently.

He was aware that Harry wasn't bothered by things like that but Norman certainly was.

As he pushed out of the room and leaned against the opposite wall, looking down the hallway to check that the staff had actually listened to his request to leave them be, he pulled out a small tablet and turned it on.

Norman instantly went to the contacts, eyes looking out the window as the rain poured, not needing to see to know just who he was calling. He didn't even wait a second after the call was accepted to speak.

“I’m only going to ask once, Octavius.” Norman snarled, following the path of a car as it pulled into the hospital parking lot. He recognised the men who stepped out, obviously, private police coming to ask him more questions. But that didn't scare him, it was easy to send them away.

“Did you know about this?” Norman turned away, lifting the tablet so he could stare the scientist in the face. “Did you know about Harry?” He grit his teeth, struggling to contain the volume of his voice. He had to remember where he was.

“Of course not.” Doctor Octavius spat back, actually having the gall to scoff as if what the man was asking was preposterous. “How could I possibly now?” The metal claws shudder behind him, flicking across the screen as they react to his anger. If Norman hadn't been the one to make them, he would've guessed they were alive.

“How could anyone know more about your son than you?” He sneered, lifting his head to just the right angle so that Norman could spot his eyes from behind the red goggles. He saw how they narrowed, sly and accusing as he knew he had caught the man in a trap of his own making.

Norman’s hand gripped the tablet tighter as he held that gaze, threatening to snap the gadget in two if he squeezed just a little bit harder. He was his boss, his superior. Norman was the one who saved his life and built him those arms, gave him the most advanced lab money could buy so of course he expected that little bit of respect.

But Otto… seemed to thrive on those little moments where he took that step forward and Norman took one back. They had long passed the relationship of mentor and mentee. Somewhere along the way, it had soured and grown into something sinister. They still shared the same desire for scientific research but nothing more.

And although Norman considered the option of cutting the man off now, watching him shrivel up and disappear into the corners of his mind while he went on and thrived, he knew he needed him. If only for a little bit longer, he needed someone like Octavius to help craft the next steps with Venom.

“Very well.” Norman forced out, breaking contact first and straightening his tie. He had to remember the positions they were in, there was no point lashing out, not unless he was ready to face the brutal consequences.

“In any case, I will be sending you a sample of Harry’s blood.” He looked ahead, peering through the small window into his son’s room to check if he was still sleeping. “Venom…” He said the name with a slight smirk. “I want you to study the sample and upgrade it.”

“You want me to perfect it? Like I wanted in the first place?” Otto asked, his gravelly voice bringing Norman’s attention back down to him. This time, the man couldn't quite contain his temper.

“Don't taunt me, Octavius.” Norman hissed, lowering his tone as he watched the scientist snicker quietly, the metallic limbs twisting in amusement. “If I had known just how powerful it would become then I would've ordered precautions…” He sighed, tapping the side of the tablet. He had already been over this, what was the point of throwing it back in his face now?

Does he know how close he is to getting cut off? Is Otto so foolish not to realise the power that Norman holds over him? He comforts himself with that fact, he’ll let the scientist have this little win. He’ll let him laugh in his face at his mistake, but he’ll remember it. He always does.

“Yes, I’m giving you more time.” Norman relented through gritted teeth, focusing on the future potential of his research with what he had in his possession.

Octavius smiled, his crooked teeth glinting in the gloomy lighting of his underwater lab. He moved away from the camera, pulling up holographic images of the former research and adjusting them with his metal claws.

“Then, if that’s all,” Otto uttered and consequently ended the call, the tablet screen flicking to black before Norman could say much more. As disrespectful as he found it, the man had to admit he was glad that the conversation was over. He couldn’t unleash his pent-up frustration in a hospital so he was forced to swallow it.

Ignore it. And he had an effective way to do that. Work.

Norman dropped the tablet to his side as he went back into Harry’s room. While Octavius was getting ready to perform more tests on the blood, Norman could begin building a plan to ensure full secrecy of his project and make sure he wouldn’t make the same mistake again.

But just as he collapsed back into the chair, Harry groaned from on the hospital bed, startling the father to his presence. He abandoned the tablet on the side table, jumping up as Harry twisted and blinked through tired eyes.

“Harry,” Norman exclaimed, allowing a small smile to appear on his face as he reached out and placed a steady hand on Harry’s arm, grabbing the boy’s attention.

“Dad…?” The teenager croaked, eyes still glossy as he squinted at his father like he wasn’t quite sure if he was there or not.

“You’re alright, son,” Norman reassured, squeezing the boy’s arm gently but it didn’t seem to quell the rising terror within him.

“Dad, I don’t-“ he stuttered, lip wobbling as his eyes suddenly went wide and he gripped the bedsheet. “I-I don’t know if it’s still inside me or not.” He said in a shaky whisper.

Any other time, Norman would be inclined to correct his behaviour as it wasn’t becoming of an Osborn but Norman wasn’t completely cruel. If there was any moment to allow his son some sort of respite, it was now. He had deserved it after his grand display earlier today.

He kept his mouth shut as Harry closed his eyes for a brief moment, biting his lip as he too seemed to recall the day’s earlier events, only he wasn’t as happy about them as Norman was. But that was understandable, he didn’t understand. But he would in time, he just had to take it slow.

Harry was still young, still carried those occasional traits of weakness that he needed to stamp out but he couldn’t do it all at once. Just like he had been doing since the boy was born, piece him together one day at a time.

“I’m sorry.” Harry cried softly, eyes watery as he looked up at Norman for comfort. The man quickly acted, reaching down and grasping his son’s hand as he used the other to run his fingers through his hair.

Memories flashed in his mind, images of a sickly blonde woman lying still in a similar place. The painful noise of a baby’s shrill crying but having no mother to place them with. The nauseating smell of blood, too much blood. The muffled sound of people uttering their condolences, their empty offers of support.

The rage that welled in his chest as he looked down at the one true thing he had ever loved, was gone in seconds.

“Don't apologize.” Words he had said a thousand times, normally packed with bitterness and hostility. But here, he took the phrase and twisted it into something new. The soft comfort his son dearly wanted, he gave it to him despite the awful memories that emerged in response. “And don't be scared!”

He kept his son’s hand firmly in his own, wondering just when exactly the time had gone by and the tiny, chubby hands that could once only latch onto a finger had grown into the hands that could change the world.

“I promise to use all the resources at my disposal to help us figure this out.” His son, he didn't look like he usually did. That cocky attitude had vanished, and that bitterness towards the world he had taught him to use had slipped away amid this madness. Harry was vulnerable, he was scared and he was at his most weak.

There, lying in a hospital bed his body fought to understand what had just entered and blessed it with new strength. He couldn't even begin to understand just the marvel that even his blood had become. But that was ok, but Norman was there. He would be the ever-caring father he needed him to be and do all the hard work for him.

He knew Harry wanted attention, he knew he wanted his approval and he was finally going to get it, all he needed to do was just follow along.

“Together.” Norman soothed, the gentle movement of his hand and the lingering effects of the drugs he had been pumped with slowly lulling Harry back into unconsciousness. With his father’s reassurance, the boy didn't seem as panicked as before so he let his eyes drop shut and soon enough, his breathing evened out and Norman felt his hand go limp in his.

With Harry no longer awake, the man carefully placed his son’s hand back down on the bed, leaving him to return to the chair and eagerly pick up his tablet. He couldn't waste a single second, the faster he took claim over the creature the more he ensured his army before anyone else.

He couldn't even imagine the possibility of someone like Nick Fury taking over his operation. No, Norman had been in this field long enough that minds as bright as his were far and few, he could only trust himself and the special team he had created.

Turning the tablet back on, Norman scrolled to a rather unsuspecting app on the home screen, pressing on it and entering a lengthy password before it allowed him access. From there, hundreds of documents spread out before him, years of work that had been helping him prepare for this very moment.

But he did not need to go over them now. Instead, the man made a new folder, hiding it deep inside a few others for safe measure before naming it:

‘VENOM’

The rain pelted down upon Peter with the same force it had been going at since the sun had gone down, but he didn't make an effort to escape it. He hardly noticed anymore as the water dropped from his head and ran down his cheeks, he didn't care.

Spider-Man didn't do well in the cold, his lack of thermoregulation slowed him down and left him feeling tired and sluggish. As such, if there was ever a day where the weather decided to do a huge ‘fuck you’ to him in particular, he would pack heaters, maybe even wear a sweater and ignore the snickering from the New Yorkers as he swung by.

But today it didn't bother him. His suit was soaked, and his body was chilled to the bone but he did not shake. He remained stiff, and tense as he looked over the edge of the Hospital roof and at the entrance. Harry had been delivered there about an hour and a half ago, the ambulance he rode in long gone but the hero just couldn't find it in him to leave yet.

His gaze hadn't moved an inch from the doors, his mind battling with itself on whether he should go inside to check on him if he should go as Spider-Man or Peter or if he would just be turned away before he even had the chance to try. But he couldn't turn away. That wasn't who Spider-Man was.

If there was something else he could do to help someone, even if he didn't have to, he would do it. Even if it meant staying out on patrol for a few hours longer, even if it meant he powered through broken bones and aching bruises, he would do it. Because he had a responsibility to.

He felt that same desire here, but he wasn't quite sure what to do about it. He was aware his emotions were most likely jumbled, heightened because it was his best friend Harry who was inside that hospital, recovering from a trauma of Peter’s making but he wasn't going to run away.

So he stayed, perched on the edge of the roof like some silly-looking gargoyle until his anxious thoughts finally decided on what the best course of action he would take next. He knew that was stupid, that the longer he remained there staring at nothing he was running the risk of getting the flu for the second time in a month. But Spider-Man was also stubborn, even with himself.

Running away and leaving everything to the hospital staff, leaving Harry with strangers no matter how kind and caring they were, felt so wrong. It felt like he was abandoning him, again and he refused to make the same mistake twice.

It was his fault Harry felt the need to take Venom and it was his stupidity that let him believe that he had just disappeared after their first fight. He just wanted to do something right for Harry because the past few months all he had given him were failures. He was supposed to be his friend, his best friend his-

Peter sighed and closed his eyes briefly, letting his head hang against his chest as the exhaustion caught up with him. He didn't feel like a hero. He may have the powers and wore the flashy suit but it had been a long time since he had finished the night and actually felt as if he had helped people.

Maybe Jonah was right, he was just a menace to the city, he needed to let the professionals handle it instead of jumping in and making everything worse-

“Yo! Webhead!”

The hero jumped at the sound of a familiar voice and he looked up just in time to watch as the rest of his team landed on the roof, walking towards him. Unlike how he usually greeted his friends, Peter didn't have the energy to stand up and greet them and simply turned his attention back towards the hospital entrance.

“…Is Harry ok?” Iron Fist asked, his polite tone almost drowned out by the heavy storm around them. But Spider-Man heard it, perks of having semi-increased hearing, he supposed. Though he didn't exactly feel like celebrating.

“I…I think so but-” Peter finally answered, having an urge to lift his mask and get rid of the suffocating feeling the suit was inflicting on him. But on the roof of a hospital, in clear view? Too risky. “-I’m still worried.” The boy admitted, allowing the confident persona to take a step back as his vulnerable core shone through. “You all saw it, fought it. Venom is…”

“A force to be reckoned with.” Power Man finished for him, crossing his arms with a steely expression.

“More than that!” Nova cut in, floating in front of them. Peter almost winced at his voice, his aura. It was so loud in comparison to everyone else’s and as Spider-Man watched the rain pelt down upon him, he couldn't help but wonder if there was anything that could put a dimmer on Nova’s light. “That thing is a beast- OW!”

Maybe, Ava, Peter concluded as White Tiger took a step forward and cuffed her teammate sharply round the head, cutting off his sentence before he could fully finish it.

“You’re the one who made the Anti-Venom that saved him.” She spoke softly, ignoring Sam’s cry of pain, the girl kneeled at the edge of the roof and positioned herself beside Peter. “And it worked, right?”

“Yeah, but what if-”

“If, it comes back.” White Tiger began, pointing at Spider-Man sternly, shutting him up as she went on. “Through Harry or anyone else, you have a way to stop it.” She reasoned, tilting her head as she allowed Peter a moment to process her words, to understand them.

“He’ll be alright.” The eyes on her suit narrowed, but in a way that the hero knew was because she was smiling. “He has you looking out for him.”

“But I wasn't good enough.” Spider-Man weakly argued, turning away from her as the message had failed to get through. “Vemon came from me.” he jabbed himself in the chest, gritting his teeth as explained. “It was hunting me.”

He could still remember it, those few minutes he was trapped inside that thing. He didn't know how or why it had done it but it had shared its memories with him, letting Peter understand why it was hunting Spider-Man in the first place.

Because they were the same.

“If I had gotten rid of it the first time, Harry wouldn't have gotten involved.”

“How could you have ever known?” Luke reasoned, also kneeling though his larger build made it so that he was still a good few inches taller than their leader.

“There is no point dwelling in the past.” Danny chimed in, placing a hand on Peter’s shoulder, a solid reminder that they were still there and they weren't leaving, no matter what. “What’s done is done, the only path you can take now is the one that moves forward.”

“But I’ve failed him so many times.” Spider-Man sighed, anger bubbling deep inside him that he refused to release, especially on the ones he knew were just trying to help him. But the hero was so certain that he didn't deserve it. All he ever does is put on the suit and try again and yet, it was like he wasn't learning and people just continued to get hurt.

He couldn't even trust himself, how could he ever hope for a whole city to trust in him?

“How do I know I won't mess up again?”

“Uhh, I dunno? Maybe because you literally made serum that stopped it!” Nova suddenly flew in front of him, tone exasperated and shocking Peter back into the present. “Weren't you listening? You made the Anti-Venom! What’s wrong with using it again?” He pointed out harshly and yet, it was the force that finally made a crack in the walls of resentment Peter had built in his mind.

Maybe it was because Sam was normally the first person to jump at the chance to humiliate him, laughing down the comms if he took a hit, blaming him when he missed shots of his own and groaning whenever he asked him to do the simplest task. But after so long, Peter learnt that there was never true spite behind his words.

Though it could use some work and was nowhere near as polite as someone like Danny, it was his way of trying to bond with a person. If he got a reaction out of someone, then he got that attention, he got a conversation. In the end, Spider-Man figured out that all he needed to do was include Nova instead of ignoring him and that prickly attitude slowly calmed down.

Although he still spouted his thick-headed comments and sly jabs mid-battle, Peter couldn't say he was any better. They bounced off of each other and riled one another up so that they were ready and prepared to beat up the bad guy in front of them. He had grown to appreciate Nova, though he would never say it.

So it was the kind words hidden in his snarky response that got to him the most.

Slightly embarrassed by that fact, Spider-Man scratched the back of his neck awkwardly, shoulders loosening up as he finally looked away from the hospital entrance and didn't immediately feel that pang of anxiety. “I guess…” he relented, pretending not to notice when Nova smirked, clearly proud of himself for getting the final word in.

But before anyone could argue against him, all five of their watches abruptly buzzed and everyone jumped as they immediately directed their attention to the communication device and switched it on.

Spider-Man couldn't begin to describe the fear when he looked down at Nick Fury as he came up on the small screen, his disappointment somehow penetrating through the call and stabbing him in the heart. Dramatic, maybe, but he couldn't help it. Male mentor figures hit the hardest.

“And when were you all going to update me that you’d completed the mission and got Venom?” He began instantly, shutting down anyone’s attempt at an immediate excuse or deterrence to a different subject. “Or should I expect to get all my reports from the police now?”

Silence settled throughout the group as they all looked at one another, expressions panicked as they silently gestured and waved, all trying to pass along a silent message that none of them understood.

“Well?” Fury’s voice crackled through the watches, somehow louder than the ripples of lightning that crashed overhead. His presence was as intimidating as it would’ve been if he had stood right in front of them and Spider-Man found himself considering the option of handing in his resignation and then making a run for it, not eager to face the consequences coming his way.

Because he had lied, not just to his team but to Nick Fury. Even when he had given him multiple chances to rectify it, he still kept his mouth shut because he feared the possibility of Harry getting hurt more than himself. Peter would do it again, if it came between him and his friends, he would always pick himself to face the agent’s piercing eye.

But that didn’t mean he felt no remorse about it. As much as he clashed with Fury, he could never deny the fact that he had been looking out for him. He had never scouted out Spider-Man to stop him from causing more trouble like he had initially assumed. He had offered Spider-Man a place at S.H.I.E.L.D. because he wanted to help him.

And Peter had repaid that by throwing his trust back in his face. He had even attempted to sabotage the mission he set to save the ‘threat’ he had aimed to capture. Peter couldn’t help wondering, would he have actually listened if he told him who Venom truly was?

Was the best for Harry to stop S.H.I.E.L.D. from getting to him? Or had he made another stupid decision?

As he looked down at the director on the communicator, he couldn’t stop himself from falling deeper and deeper into that entanglement of self-hatred and frustration. He was opening his mouth before he was aware of it, preparing to finally speak the truth and earn either the punishment of a lifetime or an immediate release from the force.

But someone spoke before him.

“It was a shock, discovering that the real identity behind Venom was someone we knew” Spider-Man looked up in shock as Iron Fist explained calmly, glancing up at the leader with a steady gaze as he led the start of the excuse and then paused to allow Peter to carry on the rest. Luckily, the young hero quickly caught onto what his teammate was doing and, not one to waste a good opportunity to avoid being S.H.I.E.L.D’s next training dummy joined in.

“Uh- Y-yeah I mean- Harry’s my…best friend-“ His eyes flicked between each member, still slightly astonished that none of them had spoken to truth of what had happened today and saved themselves heaps of trouble. They had already done it once a few hours ago, he really didn’t expect them to do it again. “I was just…” He smiled beneath the mask but remembered to look back down and give the director his full attention before he realised something was up. “…really worried about him.”

He felt a huge weight shift off his shoulders as he got through the white lie, thankful that he had finally gained some control over his terrible lying skills and offered a semi-reasonable excuse.

“The report slipped my mind.” He finished with a calmer tone. “I’m sorry, it won’t happen again,” Spider-Man promised the agent, glancing back up at his team as he offered them all a thumbs-up off-camera. When he looked back down, Fury seemed to be mulling it over.

His eye was narrowed, eyebrows furrowed as he looked at the whole team with an expression that clearly said “I don’t believe you in the slightest” but surprisingly, he didn’t act upon it. Either he didn’t have any evidence or didn’t have the energy to shout at them because he just heaved a sigh and ran a hand down his face.

“Fine.” He grumbled, unaware of the silent celebration the whole team was partaking in whilst he wasn’t looking. “Considering you eventually got the job done-“ As soon as he dropped his hand, the whole team went completely still, dropping the excited act. “-I’ll let your error slide.” He placed his arms behind his back, returning to his original professional posture. “Good work. Fury, out.” He added at the end, allowing no room for anyone to comment on it as he immediately ended the call, causing all communicators to go black.

For a beat, no one moved as each hero took the time to process the fact that they had just lied straight to Nick Fury’s face for the second time in one day and somehow were still living. When it did settle, everyone cheered in victory and Spider-Man launched himself at Danny to pull him into a tight hug.

But just as he was about to usher out his thank-yous, the watch blipped back on without even waiting for any of them to accept the call. Peter looked down in utter panic as Fury reappeared on the watches.

“But I’m watching you.” He warned, pointing a finger at them all through the communicators one last time before finally cutting the call off for good. Or at least, Peter hoped so because he wasn’t keen on having a heart attack at the ripe age of 18 years old.

As everyone sighed in relief, no longer retaining the energy for another celebration, Peter spoke before anyone else had the chance. He didn’t want to hesitate again, to miss another opportunity and regret it later because he knew his team had helped him escape from those exact scenarios more than once. He wanted to repay them for that.

But there, sat in the pouring rain on the roof of a random hospital in the middle of the night, he wasn’t sure there was any way how and so settled for the only thing he could do at that time. He talked.

“Thanks guys.” He began, words mixed with another sigh as he shuffled to the right and let his legs dangle over the edge of the roof. “Not just for that but…” he looked down at his feet as they hung, listening to the sounds of confusion of his group behind him as he fell back into that serious tone again. “…but for before as well.” He turned around to face them, amused at their faces as he genuinely thanked them, something he didn’t do enough.

“It really means a lot to me that I could confide in you and you were willing to help me out.” The hero said, guilt still poking at the edges of his words. “Even though it meant you could’ve gotten in trouble as well.” He had held out on telling them for so long, automatically assuming that their friendship meant nothing if they had to choose between him and an order from Fury.

He had judged them when he hadn’t even let them try and that was on him.

“You’re our friend, web-head,” Luke responded with a slight smile on his face as he moved forward and offered out a hand to Peter. “Whether you like it or not.”

Spider-Man looked at his teammate's hand with slight hesitancy, not because he didn’t trust him but because he wasn’t sure if he deserved it. The height of his anxiety today had been when he was preparing the anti-venom, mostly because he was scared that somehow his calculations would go wrong and it wouldn’t work but also because of what would become of his team afterwards.

He expected their anger and frustrations but he had received none. Instead, the first thing they did was comfort him and then keep his secret safe from Nick Fury. Spider-Man had wondered if he would ever be a good enough leader for a team like this and right now, he wasn’t sure.

But he owed it to them to try.

And so he took Power Man’s hand and let the guy pull him up off the wet ground.

“So no more secrets, deal?” White Tiger appeared beside them, pointing a sharp claw in Peter’s direction that left him holding his hands up and nodding nervously. But then Iron Fist walked by, his peaceful aura evaporating Ava’s menacing one in seconds.

“Trust is the strongest bond.” He added wisely, earning a chuckle from his leader.

“Yeah, I know that now,” Spider-Man admitted, still feeling a tad bit sheepish over his mountain of errors made over the past few days but the forgiveness of his team helped to ease the pressure. “I couldn’t have done it without you guys.”

“Well, duh.” Nova piped in, appearing in his view as he carefully walked along, eyes down and arms out as he balanced at the edge of the building. “You would’ve been squashed ages ago if it wasn’t for uuuSSSSS-!” He squealed like a little girl as Spider-Man promptly pushed him as he passed by, knocking him off the building, snorting as he heard a distant ‘RUDE!’ from below.

“If we’re done realising how stupid we’ve been, then let’s get going. I don’t wanna stay in this rain for much longer.” White Tiger exclaimed, raising a hand to cover her head as she looked up into the sky and inspected the rolling black clouds ahead.

“Hah! Is it because you’re a cat?” Nova chimed in again, slowing rising back up to the roof as he floated lazily in the air, a mischievous grin on his face. “Is it? It is, isn’t it?” He giggled, only growing more amused the more Ava glowered at him.

“Do you want me to slice that helmet in half?” She threatened, flicking her hand out and unsheathing her claws as a show to prove that her words were not an empty threat.

“Steady, White Tiger. Leave the slicing for when we get to the training room.” Luke stepped between them, blocking Ava’s view of Sam as he chuckled at his own joke, unaware of the pain he would receive later.

After a short huff, the hero sheathed her claws in silent agreement and the team began to move away, gearing to head back to the helicarrier but Spider-Man didn’t follow. Instead, he found himself looking back at the hospital entrance once again.

“…Spider-Man?” He heard Danny call out for him, but he found it hard to face his team when the pulling in his chest had finally settled on its choice. Taking a deep breath, Peter looked over his shoulder at the group and hoped they could sense his smile.

“You guys go on without me, I’ll catch up with you all later.” He nodded towards them but they weren’t so easily deterred.

“You’re brushing us off? Again?” Nova crossed his arms, a minor scowl on his face as he watched Peter fumble to save himself.

“No! It’s not like that, honest I just-“ he made some sort of vague gesture down at the entrance, somehow hoping that they would understand and eventually sighing when they obviously didn’t. “…I wanna go check on Harry before I call it in.” He said an immediately regretted saying it whilst Sam was paying attention.

“Ooooooh!” He began, drifting on by Peter as he had found a new target to poke fun at. “I get it, you wanna be the knight in shining armour, right?” He joked as he nudged the hero’s side, quickly zooming away when Peter lashed out in response.

“I regret ever introducing you to Harry!” Spider-Man threw his arms up in frustration, feeling his cheeks heat up in embarrassment when Nova just kept on laughing.

“It’s not my fault you’re so painfully obvious!” The cocky hero argued, coming in close for a split second so he could stick his tongue out in Peter’s face and then swiftly escape before he got hit.

“I hate you so much.” Peter hissed through gritted teeth, clenching his hands into fists as Sam just smiled confidently in the face of his rage.

“That’s the best thing you’ve ever said to me.” He responded in a sudden change of seriousness and it was at that point did Ava finally step between them, shaking her head as if she were the adult stopping an argument between two young children.

“Alright, that’s enough, Nova.” She began, placing her hands on her hips when Sam made a noise of disappointment. “Let’s just head back before Fury blows a casket.” She reasoned but obviously forgot who she was trying to reason with.

“Oh, of course, the hopeless romantic is telling me to lay off lover boy.” He shot back, intertwining his hands and bringing them up to his face as he played the part of someone deeply in love.

“That’s it!” White Tiger roared and lunged forward, growling when she only just missed slicing Nova in half as he zoomed out of the way, cackling like a madman as he flew into the distance. Though his opponent wasn’t far behind, instantly commencing a chase as she flipped off the roof of the hospital and launched herself to the next.

Power Man shook his head, quietly chuckling at the two and their antics but silently turned and offered Spider-Man a wave of farewell before he wiped his sunglasses of the rain and started after them.

That left only Iron Fist and Spider-Man on the roof. For a few seconds, the two heroes just stared at each other in silence. While the martial artist still retained his pleasant smile, he looked as if he was analysing his leader, leading Peter to feel a tad nervous and confused.

“Uh…Iron Fist…?” Spider-Man called out to his friend, tilting his head as he tried to figure out the reason behind his hesitancy to leave. Then again, Danny was always the more emotionally aware of the group. While he could convince the others he was handling something, Danny would often linger behind to watch his back anyway.

But he wasn’t exactly hiding anything here. He had just shared his insecurities with the group, there wasn’t anything else he had left he could be hiding. Not unless his teammate was looking to become his next therapist and listen to him drone on about his tragic backstory.

But even through his mask, Spider-Man could see the amusement in his friend’s gaze and the fondness when he spoke.

“Don’t waste your time lost in the past, Spider-Man.” Iron Fist began, turning his hand over and offering his flat palm to the storm around them, watching as the rain fell harshly against his bare skin. “Focus on the future and seize it.” He suddenly clenched his hand into a fist, light exploding around it and a sparkling yellow flame burst from his hand.

After a moment of evaporating the rain that had gathered in his palm, he finally released the tension and the energy dissipated into nothing, as if it had never been there at all.

“Be honest.” He brought his hands together, looking at Peter expectantly as he waited for his response.

Unfortunately, Peter had absolutely zero clue how to respond to Danny’s words of wisdom when he had thought he had already gotten past that and had been truthful with the group. Was this his way of saying ‘Don’t do it again’? But it was such a weird way of going about it, it left the hero wondering if there was something more behind his advice.

“Uhhh…” Spider-Man struggled to think of a good response, scratching the back of his neck nervously. “Will do, Iron Fist…” he shot finger guns at him awkwardly, something that he mentally slapped himself for but luckily, Danny seemed more intrigued by the action than humoured and after examining his own hands for a brief moment, he stiffly copied the action before jumping away.

“Seize the future, huh?” Spider-Man mumbled to himself as he watched the last silhouette of his team fade away amid the raging storm and the darkness of the night, finally leaving the hero completely on his own. Though he didn’t feel any more relaxed.

He urged his body to move despite his mind still reeling from the sudden fortune cookie message. The most logical explanation was that Danny was just reiterating the team’s desire for Peter to be more open with them before he left but something told him he wasn’t quite right.

He crawled down the back of the hospital, ducking under an alcove and settling into the corner of a section shrouded in darkness, hopefully, a spot that no one would wander into anytime soon. As he pulled off the suit, shaking his head at the water that had leaked through the fabric and soaked his hair, he fell back on the original worry that had been plaguing him for the past few weeks.

What did he tell Harry? What did he even say to him in the first place? There was a chance he wouldn’t even want to see him, that he would still be upset over the fact that he had been neglecting him lately and the suspicion over the fact that he still had Venom around.

And now he had just gone through something deeply traumatic, he didn’t need someone like Peter coming in and giving him more stress…did he?

He knew that Harry still cared about him, no matter how much he had hurt him and as long as he still felt that way, there was a chance that he did want someone close to come and try to make him feel better. Besides, Peter didn’t want their friendship to end.

He cherished Harry so much. So much more than he would ever realise but he was content with just keeping the boy by his side. Peter had lost too many people in his life if he wanted to keep the ones remaining safe, he had to keep them at arm's length so that no one got hurt again-

‘Be honest.’

Oh. That’s what he meant.

Spider-Man wasn’t the only one that needed to start being honest with people but Peter did too. He’d upset so many people by hopping between his double life but he had grown to accept that, he had taken the insults without any fight because he had always thought that was the only way.

He had to keep the hero side of him a secret from everyone otherwise the one he held the closest Peter Parker would wound up getting hurt in the crossfire. Being Spider-Man wasn’t a game, as much as he tried to make it seem like one. It was a heavy responsibility, a permanent dedication for as long as he held his powers.

He couldn’t make his choices lightly.

So was this really the right one?

Did he go on lying to everyone around him? To Harry in particular? Things had changed in the last few weeks, even though he knew nothing, he had gotten too close to the fire and Peter was having a hard time keeping him away.

If he went on like he did, would Harry continue to fall deeper and deeper? Maybe Venom was gone but that didn’t erase the resentment that sat within his friend. If he knew the truth, if Peter could finally be there, Harry would know that he wasn’t avoiding him on purpose.

Maybe with the truth, they would actually get closer.

No, he doubted it. With how Harry had been acting around him lately, he would most certainly respond with nothing less than fury. Peter clung to the wall, wincing as another crackle of thunder ripples along the clouds above. He had the chance, he could just throw back on the suit and swing back home.

He would send Harry a message, visit him another day and forget about everything he had just considered because swallowing down all his feelings was so much easier than admitting them and facing disappointment.

But after what he had just learnt with his team, after feeling the relief when they stayed and comforted him instead of turning away and abandoning him, he knew that wasn’t the right thing to do.

He pressed the suit as far into the corner as he could and then webbed it in place to collect for later. Whatever happened, whatever reaction Harry had to him, he would accept it. He would finally be honest because he deserved it. The whole Venom thing was his fault, he needed to pay up for it.

The teen sighed and slipped down from the wall, cringing as he stepped out into the rain and began sprinting towards the entrance, briefly slipping in a puddle but miraculously saving himself from falling.

The trip through the hospital went by in a sort of blur, apart from the rather unpleasant receptionist who insisted that Mr Osborn had ordered complete privacy on Harry’s specific ward and that he could not pass. Unfortunately for her, Peter had disregarded that and passed through a short series of vents to get in without a problem.

Maybe it was for the best that no one bothered Harry but the hero felt as if he needed to be there. He was making a point to show up, proving to Harry that he was serious about their friendship and, he wasn’t going to run away anymore.

And yet, he still hesitated in front of the door. It was the right one, Harry Osborn scrawled on a small whiteboard next to the door along with a few other medical notes that weren’t relevant enough for Peter to focus on. He didn’t need to be there for long, just pop in, tell him the truth and then he would leave.

Easier said than done. Everything was potentially about to fall apart before him and what’s worse was he had nothing to verify or argue against it. He had to make the choice, he had to take the plunge to ruining his relationship with Harry, and no one else.

He didn’t want to lose him, god his chest tightened in pain the more he thought about the outcome where he never spoke to the teen again but if he did nothing, he could lose anyway. To Venom, to depression or to spite, his secrets were tearing Harry apart and he had to fix it.

It was the right thing to do. If he had the chance to ask, he was sure that Uncle Ben would tell him the same. So with a deep inhale, Peter finally took the plunge and pushed through the door, only to blink in surprise when he was met with not one but two people in the room.

It should’ve been normal, for any other person in the world having your parent by your side while you recovered from a traumatic event was expected.

Yet still, Peter found himself freezing as he locked eyes with Norman Osborn who looked back with the same shock in return. But the man recovered faster, building up a pleasant smile as he stood from the bed and approached the boy.

“Ah, Peter. I didn’t expect to see you here, especially not so soon!” He tilted his head as he placed a hand on his shoulder, something glittering in his eyes that Peter couldn’t quite place. Despite the feeling, he ignored it and gave the man his best smile.

“Of course, Mr Osborn. Harry’s my best friend, as soon as I heard about what happened I came straight here.” He looked past the man and towards the bed where his friend was lying down but stirring, seeming to just be waking up from sleep.

Norman chuckled lightly, still keeping his hand where it was. “How thoughtful. Harry is lucky to have such a good friend like you.” He moved out of the way as if permitting for Peter to actually step further into the room.

“But don’t stay for too long!” He added as he went to leave, lingering in the doorway as he held Peter’s gaze from over his shoulder. “After all, it’s a school night,” Norman advised before waving the teenager goodbye and leaving the two alone.

As rude as it was to feel, Peter had to admit that he was a rather… unusual guy at times.

Brushing that aside, the boy turned around and quickly made his way towards Harry’s bed, sitting down on the empty seat and remaining quiet as his friend came to. He wanted to hug him, to tell him that he was sorry and yet at the same time, shout at him for keeping his struggles a secret when he could’ve helped.

But in the end, he was no better, was he? Peter had been playing Spider-Man for a whole year and hadn’t told him once. He’d thought about it, sure, Harry was one of the closest people in his life. More than that but he wasn’t going to admit that to anyone.

And he still hadn’t told him. What did that say about him? He’d been brushing him off for his duties, ignoring his struggles with his dad and then failing to help him against Venom until the very last moment. The only reason he won that battle was because the team distracted him for long enough to produce that anti-venom.

If he’d told Harry sooner, would that have changed it? Maybe if Peter had been a better friend, he wouldn’t have felt the need to use Venom in the first place. This whole thing was on him, he had to own up to it.

Harry rubbed his eyes, a small smile creeping up his face as he moved into a more comfortable position. “Pete!” His voice was all croaky and his eyes had dark circles underneath, an obvious sign he was still tired but wanted to stay awake. That didn’t help with the hero’s guilt. “What are you doing here?”

“Keeping you company, why else?” Peter reached out and gently nudged his shoulder, afraid that if he put too much effort into it he’d send him falling off the bed. Harry gleamed at him and for a moment, Peter felt that energy rubbing off on him but the real reason for his visit loomed over him. He couldn’t back out now.

“I uh…” Peter’s smile dropped and he returned his hand to his knees, balling them into fists. “I’m sorry about what happened, it must’ve been horrible.” What would Harry think about him after it all? Would he hate him? Fear him? Would he be so betrayed that he would reveal the secret to everyone else?

“Hey, it’s not your fault.” Though the boy’s smile remained, Harry reached out and placed a hand on Peter’s as if he was trying to comfort him. Peter didn’t deserve that, he couldn’t even look him in the eye anymore. “It…was my stupid choice that made me into that.” Harry’s eyes misted over as he seemed to return to that time.

“You wouldn’t say that if you…” Peter couldn’t finish the sentence. Maybe Harry would reveal him and he couldn’t blame him for it. He had every right to be furious with him after Peter had failed him. He was supposed to be a hero and a friend and he had somehow fucked up at being both.

“If I…what?”

Peter’s throat was painfully dry and no matter how much he tried to swallow the fear down, the lump at the bottom just grew larger. He loved Harry. He had given up trying to lie to himself about it a long time ago. But he didn’t deserve him.

Harry deserved better, he deserved the truth.

“Peter, what’s…what’s wrong?”

The vigilante looked up, clenching his fists tighter to the point that his knuckles had gone white. He had to face it, Harry and the consequences that came afterwards. He couldn’t just run away from the mistakes he made. He had to take responsibility.

He had a choice, to run away from this and carry on lying, carry on playing Spider-Man or to tell Harry the truth, own up to his mistakes and battle through what came next. And Peter…Peter chose Harry.

“I have something to tell you.” He licked his lips, wishing he had some sort of drink but also knowing that if he did, he would’ve most likely thrown it back up.

Harry blinked in surprise, bringing back his hands. The space placed a painful spike of longing in Peter’s chest. “Ok?” The redhead chuckled but was clearly nervous, looking up and down at his friend as if he was trying to find the answer before it came out of his mouth.

“I-I know you’re gonna hate me for it and I totally understand that-!” Peter internally cursed, still trying to figure out the best way to start the subject but the words just started tumbling out and he couldn’t stop them. “-but I want you to know I never did any of it with the intention of getting you hurt!”

Harry looked taken aback, smile completely gone as he watched Peter get more and more panicked and frantic as he stuttered on.

“I just wanted to keep everyone safe! But you still got…and even then I-I still didn’t do good enough.” Peter ran his fingers through his hair, trying to hide the fact that he had begun shaking. “I didn’t want this, not to you or anyone else but I tried, I really did-!”

“Peter.”

The young hero paused, words lodged in his throat as Harry suddenly cut him off, now looking at him with a troubled expression. “Just…tell me.” He asked, his voice low as he watched his friend slowly deflate, not able to skirt around the secret for much longer.

“Whatever you’ve done, I’m sure it’s not as bad as you think it is-“

“I’m Spider-Man.” Peter blurted out, eyes burning a hole into the floor as he couldn’t quite believe he had actually said it. Silence settled between the two boys, the tension thick as the truth slowly seeped in for one and the anticipation of an explosion grew for another.

“You…” Harry murmured but not quite finishing the sentence, eyebrows furrowed as he looked as if he was trying to solve a problem within his mind. Then, it was silence again for a few minutes longer and with each passing second the anxiety twisted stronger in Peter’s stomach.

He had no right to ask, but he hoped that he would get the punishment over quicker. He wasn’t sure what would feel worse, the betrayal on Harry’s face or the tension in his bones as he waited for what was to come. Then again, Peter knew that he would suffer forever if it meant that Harry had never been hurt in the first place.

“You’re…Spider-Man?” Harry asked but didn’t wait for an answer before he burst out into laughter. Loud, much louder than their conversation and it actually scared Peter, causing him to flinch and look up as he watched his friend cackle in the hospital bed.

“Oh my- Pete, stop it. I thought you were gonna say something serious.” He wiped a tear from his eye, holding his stomach to try and ease the cramp he had gained from the sudden wave of laughter. But Peter didn’t join in. He didn’t take the out he had just been given, he didn’t smile at his friend’s happiness.

Instead, he silently stood from his seat, ignoring as Harry made a confused noise in response and he pressed his hands against the wall next to them. With a deep breath and reassuring himself that they were alone, he pulled himself up.

Just a few feet, he slowly crawled up the wall, not daring to look back down as he just gave himself up completely. And yet, deep down, hidden behind all the anxiety and dread, he felt the tiniest bit of weight shift away as he had finally told the truth.

Satisfied, and also not wanting to scare any nurses passing by, Peter dropped down from the wall and stood stiffly by Harry’s beside, returning his stare to the floor.

“I…I understand if you want me to go.” Peter offered, his voice meek as the aura of the room suffocated him. “I understand if you never want to see me again.” He hoped he didn’t, god he hoped that this wouldn’t be the end. The hero knew it would be for the best but nothing could stop his heart from aching at the thought of losing Harry forever.

It was his fault, but it still hurt.

“Just…believe me when I say I never wanted to hurt you,” Peter told him as genuinely as he could show. He dared a glance up, shrinking under the burning gaze as his friend looked at him from upon the hospital bed. The bed he had put him in.

His mouth was open but not a single noise escaped and eventually, he moved a hand to cover it as the truth slowly started to sink in.

“How…” He shook his head, a spark of frustration igniting and Peter wished that some villain would come along and create a hole beneath him so that it could swallow him up. “This whole time…it was you?” Harry asked in complete disbelief.

Peter struggled to speak, fumbling with his hands. “I…Yeah.”

“And you didn’t…you just…never told me?” Harry asked, the betrayal starting to rise from the jumbled mess of emotions on the boy’s face. “I’m your best friend!” His voice strained with pain and Peter had never felt so scummy in his entire life.

Well, he had. But there was a difference, he was making the effort to take responsibility, to make sure he didn’t hurt Harry again. He was telling the truth. That didn’t change what he had done, but he was at least doing something.

“I know,” Peter whispered, looking at every part of Harry, every spec of strain and every bruise and scratch that had come from the fight he had to endure. He needed to see it, all of it. What he had caused.

“Then why didn’t you say anything you-!” Harry wheezed as he swung his legs over the side of the bed. Peter instinctively reached out to stop him, to help him move back into lying but Harry put a hand up to stop him. “I told you.” The redhead pointed out. “I told you about Venom as soon as I saw you.”

“I would’ve I just…!” Peter tried to explain, tried to find a way to ease the pain he had inflicted but a year’s long lie wasn’t exactly something you could easily fix. “…I was afraid you would get hurt.” Peter decided, not wanting to say anything else than what he truly felt.

Harry went quiet at that, eyes trailing down as he tapped the mattress with one finger, thinking. For a moment, Peter thought about leaving. Not because he wanted to escape, he was determined to sit through every scolding word Harry had for him, but because he didn’t want to stress his friend out more.

He had been brought to the hospital for a reason.

But he hadn’t told him to leave, yet. As long as he had questions, Peter was going to try his best to answer them.

“Who else knows?” Harry spoke up, his voice a lot lower than before but the dejection didn’t hurt any less than the hate.

“No one,” Peter said, but quickly realised that wasn’t quite the truth, at least not anymore. “E-Except a lot of the staff at S.H.I.E.L.D but I didn’t have a choice in that, they practically stalked me!” He scratched the back of his neck, hoping that Nick Fury wasn’t listening in on this conversation either. He didn’t need to deal with his tangents after this. Any other day, just not today.

Harry went silent again, body still as he stared into an empty space in the room.

“…No one?” He mumbled, head down but his eyes flicked up to Peter and for some reason, the tiniest bit of hope flared in his chest.

“No one.” Peter reiterated, kneeling so that he could meet the boy’s level. “Not Aunt May, not MJ- it’s just been S.H.I.E.L.D and- and now you.” He cracked him an awkward smile but quickly dropped it.

“I never intended on telling anyone. Well, one day, maybe but- I just-“ Peter struggled to find the words and cursed himself for being so emotionally constipated in the most serious of times. “-I was so worried about the consequences.”

“You think I would tell people?” Harry asked, hurt evident in his eyes.

“No! No! No!” Peter quickly reassured, waving his hands in panic. Well, he expected it now but that was only because he had hurt Harry. He had fucked up, he deserved to face the consequences. “I was worried about what might happen to you!”

“Me?” Harry repeated, raising an eyebrow as he watched Peter fumble.

“Yeah, I mean- if people caught onto the fact you knew then they might figure that you’re someone close to Spider-Man and then they’d try and hurt you as a way to get at me or some…thing…like that…” Peter trailed off, realising that he’d started anxious rambling again and awkwardly coughed, moving back as he’d somehow gotten very close to Harry.

Harry didn’t seem bothered, in fact, the previous frustration and shock had started to fade away from his body, the tension easing as he looked up at his friend. “Oh.” He replied simply, shuffling back into the bed.

“You…I was fighting you.” Harry said as he saw the past few weeks in a completely different light. “Fuck Pete I-“ He buried his face in his hands, groaning. “-The things I said, the things I did-“

“They weren’t your fault!” Peter rushed forward, taking the risk and placing a comforting hand on the boy’s shoulder. “It was Venom feeding off of you, it made you act harshly.” The boy cringed as Harry looked back up at him, guilt evident when he so clearly shouldn’t have been. “It’s my fault. It’s all my fault you should be mad at me-!”

“Oh, I am.” Harry pointed at him but he didn’t make any attempt to shove his hand away. “I haven’t forgotten how you’ve been an awesome superhero for a year and didn’t tell me.” He pointed out plainly, each word stabbing into Peter’s chest. “But-“ he added, causing Peter to pause in surprise. “-I believe you.”

“B…Believe me?” Peter echoed in confusion, only doubling when Harry weakly smiled at him.

“Yeah. I know you, Peter.” He hesitated, “Well, maybe not that part of you that’s Spider-Man, but I know Peter Parker.” He chuckled, placing his hand over the one on his shoulder. “And I know that you would never keep this from me unless you had to.”

He tilted his head and raised an eyebrow, taking clear amusement in the astonished look on his friend’s face.

“You’ve always told me everything, we’ve always completely trusted each other.” He sighed, reached forward and punched Peter’s shoulder, chuckling when the boy uttered a quiet ‘ow’. “And while I do wish you’d told me sooner, we’ve both messed up lately.”

He pulled the fist back but stopped it halfway, leaving it in the air, an open palm and a clear invitation for something Peter didn’t expect to receive. “I don’t wanna lose you, Pete,” Harry admitted, giving the hero an uncertain look.

“Best buds?” He asked, keeping his hand in the air as he waited for Peter’s response.

The young hero looked down at his hand in shock, eyes flicking between the invitation and Harry, trying to decipher if he had heard the boy correctly or if he was hallucinating to save himself the pain.

But even when he blinked, the hand was still there, the connection had not burnt and snapped like he had expected it to. Harry hadn’t exploded on him, he hadn’t shouted at him or punched him like he deserved.

He…wanted to keep being friends…after everything.

Suddenly, Peter didn’t feel as unlucky as he usually did. He carefully took the hand, holding it tight and for a moment they both said nothing as if they were still digesting what had just occurred between them.

But just as Peter went to apologise again, he yelped as he was yanked forward and Harry trapped him in a hug. It didn’t take long for the boy to reciprocate it, smiling like a fool as the anxiety all but vanished from his mind and for the first time in months, he felt a little bit more calm.

“Thanks, Harry,” Peter said as he pulled away, trying to quieten the beating heart in his chest. “I know it’s a lot but-“

“A lot? You’re a superhero!” Harry exclaimed rather loudly, laughing in mischief as Peter panicked and raised a hand to shush him. “Relax, relax! I won’t tell anyone!” He grinned, but Peter didn’t feel so reassured.

“I wouldn’t blame you.” He uttered out, the guilt not completely washed away. He had still hurt him, he had still thrown him around as Venom. An apology didn’t erase that.

But Harry didn’t look bothered, waving his hand in dismissal in response. “Stop it, it’s all forgotten ok?” He replied, using the moment to flick Peter on the forehead. “…Except for the part where you’re Spider-Man-!”

“Ok! Ok! Ok!” Peter hissed as he shoved his hands over Harry’s mouth but it did little to hide the cackles. Nor did it help that Harry’s excitement was infectious and soon enough, Peter found himself chuckling too. “Just- keep quiet, please!” He flicked Harry in return, jumping back before the boy had the chance to start a full-on fight between them.

“How did it even happen?” Harry asked, eyes shining like stars as he looked Peter up and down, either not noticing the bashful look or not caring. “I mean, did you always have them? Does that mean it’s genetic? Oh my god, does May have spider powers-?”

“What? No!” Peter gawked, imagining the possibility of Aunt May having the incredible powers he wielded, wearing the red and blue spandex and swinging around Manhattan as she took down villains and saved the innocent. Honestly, as much as the image of her in spandex freaked him out, he could see her doing something like that. “No, it’s not genetic.”

Peter sighed and sat down in the chair, the grin still on his face and unmovable as the energy in the room had shifted back into the pleasant calm that their friendship was. “It’s…an interesting story, but a little bit long so listen, ok?”

“I’m all ears.” Harry agreed, settling down into the bed as he placed his full attention on his friend.

And so did someone else.

Ever since he had found out about Harry being the one who controlled Venom, he had placed his full attention on him. Cameras, trackers, everything that made sure he knew where his son was and what he was doing.

Not just because he was enraptured by the new powers but for his safety too. It was clear now more than ever that the boy had struggled wielding the powers and it was impossible for Norman to stay by his side 24/7.

So he had ordered hidden cameras and microphones to be placed in his son’s hospital room. No one batted an eye at his request, Harry was the child of one the richest men in New York, a child who had just undergone a ‘traumatic’ event. If anyone thought anything of it, it was that he was being overprotective and that was it.

He couldn’t deny that either, as he pulled out the tablet while on his way out of the building, curious to see what Parker was going to say to his son, what he thought about the incredible advancement his son had made.

What he didn’t expect was to solve the mystery of who was behind the suit called Spider-Man.

Months of work, weeks of planning, hours of agonising over failures upon failures upon failures to try and figure the hero out and use his power to build an unstoppable army and yet, Norman had accidentally heard it from the man’s mouth.

No, Spider-Man was no man at all, he was a boy. A teenager, a teenager from the same school that his son went to. His son’s best friend. Spider-Man was Peter Parker, the shy, polite genius of a boy who would have never even come up as a joke possibility if he wasn’t friends with his son.

Oh, how many times had he said he wanted Harry to be more like him? To be more determined with his studies, to be more dedicated to his work and yet, Harry was now the one with the mutated genetics.

But that wasn’t to say Spider-Man had become useless. Both the vigilante and its counterpart had their strengths and weaknesses, weaknesses that could be stomped down and strengths that could be used.

Yes…yes, Norman could still make his army, and he could still fulfil his dream of becoming one of the most influential men in the world. Why, all the answers to his prayers had just been given to him, he didn’t need to hunt Spider-Man down, he had come to him!

And now, he had ties. Best friends with his son…Venom and Spider-Man, Norman felt himself grinning as he thought about the endless possibilities that having both the boy’s under his watch could bring.

Flicking away from the hospital camera, Norman trailed down to that hidden-away contact on his tablet, typing in a number and then waiting as it called. Within seconds, the call was answered and Doctor Octavius’ irritated expression filled the screen.

“Mr Osborn.” He greeted sourly, his full attention not even on the screen but instead on something else out of view. “Twice in one day. To what do I owe the pleasure?”

If Norman hadn’t just discovered something so brilliant, he would’ve snarled at the scientist for presenting him with such disrespect, again. But for now, he pushed the frustration aside as there were more important things to talk about.

“Doctor, I have some brilliant news for you,” Norman said, smiling when Octavius peered at him through the greasy bangs. “You’ll be receiving more samples to work with shortly.”

Doctor Octavius raised an eyebrow, turning to fully face the camera as his metal arms chittered and slithered around him.

“You have obtained more samples of Venom?” He asked, voice laced with clear disinterest.

“Oh, I have gotten much more than that, my friend.” Norman chuckled darkly as he split the screen and pulled up the live footage of Harry’s hospital room, watching as he laughed and joked with Peter as he continued his story.

“I have just figured out the identity behind our annoying bug.” He inhaled sharply, mind already sparking with a thousand new ideas.

Doctor Octavius’ eyes widened at the news, immediately dropping the side project he was doing and staring at Norman through the screen with bright intrigue.

“I want you to combine our research, Octavius. I believe we can make an army more powerful than we had ever imagined.” Norman laughed, pinching and expanding the footage of the two boys, focusing on Peter’s face. “I am finally going to capture Spider-Man.”