1.
Harry stared up at the new high school in apprehension. He'd been at the same school system his entire life, and private school at that. They'd lived in Chicago, where his father had run his corporation at the smallest branch. When his mother passed away, his father made a lot of changes. The one that Harry had liked the least was moving to a bigger city, and starting at a public school to influence his father's reputation in the tabloids. His father was of the belief that Oscorp would benefit from a more wholesome reputation than Stark Industries. He continued to ignore the fact that Tony Stark regularly had very good ideas that made his public image seemingly disappear to investors. But what did Harry know about business? He was just a kid after all.
"I know it's intimidating, but you'll be just fine. You seemed to like it when we did the virtual tour," his father pointed out. Harry knew he was waiting for a negative reaction, and he was determined to make the best of the situation just to prove him wrong.
"I did. I just want to remember this moment for as long as possible," Harry replied quietly, pasting on the fake smile that he anticipated wearing all day. "I'll see you at home tonight." He didn't wait for the response before getting out of the vehicle and slamming the door with slightly more force than was necessary.
He made his way up the sidewalk without paying another thought to his father or their situation. He heard the vehicle pull away before he'd even made it four steps, and he wasn't surprised in the least. His father had been itching to start his first official day in the city. Harry shook his head and pulled open the door to the school, almost immediately running directly into the most beautiful boy he'd ever seen. Messy red-brown hair, nerdy glasses that almost hid gorgeous blue eyes, and lips that were fuller than they had any right to be... he was exactly Harry's type. His outlook on the new school brightened considerably as he quite possibly fell in love with this boy. He was so distracted by this thought that he was too late to prevent a brute from shoving the boy into a locker.
"Flash, really? This is getting old," the boy commented, his voice resigned.
"Shut up, Penis Parker," 'Flash' taunted as he slammed the locker door closed. He walked down the hall as he cackled, and called over his shoulder one parting remark. "Let's see you get out this time!"
Harry immediately hurried over to the locker to help the boy out. He was curious to know his real name, and furious that he hadn't been fast enough to prevent the bullying. Harry was physically small, but his father had enrolled him in self-defense at a young age. He would definitely make sure that Flash didn't get the chance to do something like this again while he was around. He paused in front of the locker as he realized he didn't have the combination. He knocked lightly on the locker to make sure that the boy was okay, then realized how ridiculous that would seem. "You wouldn't happen to know the combination, would you?"
"It's my locker," the boy replied, sounding impossibly amused. "And I can open it from the inside if you take a step back. This isn't the first time he's done this. I installed a trigger on the inside after the second time the janitor had to let me out." Harry immediately stepped back to give him room to open the locker, and the boy stepped out almost gracefully. "I'm Peter. I can tell you're new here, because nobody ever tries to help me anymore."
"Then they're all just as bad as that bully," Harry replied, frowning angrily. "I'm Harry Osborn. It's nice to meet you, Peter." He held out his hand, and Peter shook it with a bright smile. Neither of them could have known the significance of that handshake, or what would come from it.
2.
"Peter, wait up!" Harry called. Nearly a year had passed, and the two were completely inseparable. The crush that Harry had formed when he first saw him had blossomed into friendship, then love. The only problem was that Harry didn't seem to be able to get the words to leave his mouth. Peter had no clue that Harry was head over heels in love with him, and at the rate he was going, he never would. MJ found it completely hilarious, of course. Especially since Harry had told her that he was fairly certain Peter had a crush on her. He certainly talked about her enough.
"Harry, what's wrong?" Peter asked, pausing to let him catch up.
"Nothing is wrong. I just wanted to see if you'd like to come over for a study session tonight? I could use some help in biology. My father will literally kill me if I don't get an A in every single science class that I take. You know how intense he is," Harry replied.
"He just wants you to succeed. And we all know you won't be able to run his company later in life if you don't have a basic concept of all of the sciences," Peter shot back. Harry rolled his eyes, but he was smiling. "And yeah, sure, I can come over tonight. Aunt May is working late."
"We should do something nice for her soon," Harry mused. "She's constantly overworking herself. Maybe we can treat her to dinner or something."
"You know she won't let us pay for anything like that. I don't have a job, and she won't like it if you spend your money on her," Peter pointed out.
"I was thinking of cooking, actually. How hard could it be? Maybe MJ would help," Harry shot back. He tried not to let his smile waver as Peter's face lit up at the idea of inviting MJ along. And speak of the devil, here she came down the hall towards them. Harry tuned out as he opened his locker, not wanting to hear the awkward attempts at flirting that he would always wish were aimed at him.
"What time, Harry?" MJ asked, drawing him out of his thoughts with a pointed look. Harry frowned in confusion and she took pity on him. "The study session tonight. What time? I could use your help with history, and I can help you both with your English papers."
"Oh," Harry replied, his heart sinking. It had been a long time since he'd had Peter alone, and he'd briefly entertained the idea of actually telling Peter how he felt while they worked on their homework. "I guess around six?"
"Great! I'll meet you boys then," MJ stated, and then she was backing away. "Maybe Peter should go early, though. I know how much you hate biology." She shot him a wink before she turned to actually leave them alone.
"I can if you need me to," Peter told him earnestly. Harry shook his head, though. He wouldn't be sharing his feelings when he knew MJ would be along shortly. If he was going to tell Peter, it was going to be a time that the two of them could talk without the fear of interruption.
"Nah, you can walk MJ over. There's safety in numbers," Harry told him with his patented fake smile that he'd perfected over the months. Peter bought it every time.
3.
Harry had just entered the cafeteria when he saw Gwen waving at him wildly as Peter hid his (bright red) face in his hands. "Harry! Peter has something to tell you!" She then quickly gathered up her bag and practically darted away. Harry took a moment to observe Peter and think before he sat down across from him. MJ and Gwen were convinced that Peter was in love with Harry, and Harry had (unwisely) confessed his feelings to MJ from the beginning. Now, the two had joined forces in a mission to get them together. Harry had rolled his eyes in the beginning, but this was the first time he'd had actual hope. Peter looked completely mortified, and Harry felt hope beginning to stir.
"Hey, Pete. What's going on?" Harry asked, taking Gwen's seat.
"Um... nothing?" Peter tried, but he sounded very unconvincing. Harry gave him a disbelieving look.
"Gwen said you have something to tell me?" he pressed, not backing down. He couldn't give in if it meant getting what he'd wanted for so long.
"Gwen should mind her own business," Peter muttered darkly, stabbing at the chicken that was in front of him. Then he looked up at Harry and saw how unamused he was. "Sorry. It's just been a long day. I, um, wanted to tell you that-"
Fortunately for Peter, the bell chose that moment to ring. Harry allowed him to grab his tray and run away as quickly as Gwen had, because he knew that cornering his best friend wouldn't end well for either of them. He was strangely okay with how this had played out, though. He hadn't gotten the confession, but he was now almost certain that Gwen and MJ were onto something. He sat back and watched the cafeteria clear out as he thought. Being late to class was the last thing on his mind.
He'd known that Peter was hiding something for a few months now. They'd had that field trip to Oscorp, and Harry had watched Peter on the busride back. Something had happened, Harry was sure, but Peter had just brushed off his concern and carried on as if nothing was wrong. Harry hadn't said a word as he'd watched Peter almost pass out as they unloaded the bus back at the school. Ever since that day, Peter very carefully only discussed schoolwork, or MJ and Gwen. He'd also been avoiding going to Harry's house, and had only invited Harry over once at the insistance of Aunt May. Harry had been worried that he was losing his friend, but now... now it seemed like something else was happening entirely. And Harry couldn't wait to see how it played out. Maybe he wouldn't have to confess after all. With that final thought, he finally stood and made his way to class.
4.
Peter had started spending time with him again, and they were both much happier. Harry hadn't brought up what he'd wanted to say, and he hadn't tried to confess his own feelings, but he knew that they were now building towards something that could only be amazing. Peter seemed to be grateful that Harry hadn't pressed him, thought he never voiced it. Harry spotted him by his locker, and quickly made his way over. He could only grin as he heard the end of the phone conversation that could only be with either Gwen or MJ.
"And maybe he'll slam a door in my face, or break my nose. I'm not ready to tell him yet," Peter said sharply into the phone. Harry couldn't hear the reply, and he knew he had to make his presence known before something was said that they'd both regret.
"Tell who what?" Harry asked from behind him, hesitating when he saw Peter wince. He didn't want to push Peter away again.
"Um... tell Flash what an absolute dick he is," Peter replied quickly. He made a face as he probably realized how dumb that sounded. Harry didn't say a word, just raised his eyebrows and waited for the truth. "It's supposed to be a surprise. Do you actually want to ruin it?" He looked so nervous that Harry almost told him not to worry about it. Almost.
"I want to know what's going on. You don't try to lie unless you're hiding something big. I know you, Peter. What's going on inside that head of yours?" Harry asked in return, hoping he wasn't pressing too far.
"Fine, but you'll have to act surprised later. MJ and I have been planning a big surprise party for your birthday. It's supposed to be this weekend," Peter stated, his voice almost shaking in the way that told Harry he was trying to seem calm.
Harry had almost forgotten that his birthday was even coming up. Peter's statement took him by complete surprise, and the grin that split across his face was completely genuine. He wasn't even disappointed that Peter was definitely lying. It was just one step closer to the ending that Harry was hoping for. "Really? I promise I'll act surprised. I can't wait!"
Peter was completely distracted for the rest of their conversation, and Harry very kindly didn't say a word about it. He figured the party was just the first thing that Peter had come up with to distract him, and now he was actually planning it. He would have to ask MJ what Peter bribed her with later, because he was completely certain she didn't know she'd been volunteered to help with this party. His time was coming, and he knew it. He could wait just a little bit longer.
5.
The party was in full swing when Harry finally found Peter. Peter seemed to be hiding in Harry's bedroom, though Harry couldn't figure out why. Everyone who had shown up had been treating MJ and Harry with respect, and he knew that would carry over to Peter. He closed the door behind him firmly, knowing the sound would get Peter's attention.
"Everything okay, Pete?" Harry asked softly. He sat down beside Peter on his bed, facing him. Peter's expression was carefully guarded, and Harry had a brief moment to think this is it!
"I just needed a second, is all. You know I'm not fond of crowds, and... I was getting claustrophobic," Peter admitted. "I just wanted to get away from everyone for a second. I didn't mean to worry you."
"I'm always worried about you," Harry told him softly. "You're my best friend, Pete. I don't know what I'd do without you. I'll stay in here with you, if you don't mind. It's not a party without you." It was the closest he'd come so far to admitting how he really felt.
"But it's your birthday party," Peter protested. Harry rolled his eyes with a fond smile.
"I'd have been just as happy celebrating with just you," he told him. "I appreciate the party, because you're the one who planned it. But do you know which birthday has been my favorite?"
"Which one?" Peter asked. His shoulders had slowly released their tension, and Harry was glad that his distraction was helping. He'd had some practice in calming Peter down when he had anxiety attacks, but it had been months since the last one.
"The first year that I was here. Do you remember it? You and Aunt May invited me over and baked me a cake. It was the first homemade cake I'd had since my mother passed away, and it was the happiest I'd been since I'd moved. You kept me distracted with funny stories about classmates, or your childhood, and I couldn't stop laughing. That was actually the moment..." he paused, taking a breath to steady himself. Peter had leaned closer, and Harry was sure he hadn't realized it. Just as he opened his mouth to say the fateful words, the door banged open.
"There you are! Get your asses out here!" MJ was glowering at them from the doorway. She noticed the tension between them and the way they were sitting, but it was too late. Peter had practically ran from the room as she mouthed her apology to Harry. Harry, however, glared at her angrily. He gestured for her to come closer, a plan already forming in his mind.
"I need your help," he told her.
+1
Senior prom was the most important right of passage in high school. That was what Gwen and MJ had been preaching, anyways. Peter seemed to believe them, and Harry watched as he worked himself up over not having a date. Harry knew for a fact that he'd asked both MJ and Gwen, but as he'd arranged, both girls had turned him down. It was just a happy coincidence that they ended up going with each other. MJ had asked Gwen in a grand gesture during lunch one day that involved cupcakes and balloons. Unfortunately, Peter had been sick and had missed it.
The day of prom, Harry picked up his tux and the one he'd ordered for Peter. He then took the company car that he'd inherited from his father to Peter's house. Aunt May was expecting him, of course. She was thrilled that they were finally going to get their act together. She had told him so when he'd told her his plan. ("I thought you were finally together when you told me you were going to be moving in together! I suppose this is better late than never.") Harry went to wait in Peter's room for him to get home from his internship at the university lab.
Peter stopped in his doorway to stare at Harry with wide eyes as he took in the sight of both garment bags and his best friend laying on his bed. "What's the occasion?" he asked, as if he didn't know that prom was that night. Harry rolled his eyes at him fondly, a thing that he did often enough that Peter had started to warn him they'd get stuck one of these days.
"I'm not going to let you miss out on prom just because you don't have a date. I don't have one either, so we're going together," Harry informed him. "I had your measurements from the funeral, so I took the liberty of renting your tux for the evening." He found it easier to talk about his father's death than his mother's; his father was more interested in his company than his child, so Harry found it easy to be more interested in the company he'd inherited than his father.
"This is going to end so badly," Peter muttered to himself, but Harry was happy to see that he grabbed the garment bag and was going to change in the bathroom. Harry took the time to change, also, and he was sitting on the couch when Peter left the bathroom. He'd clearly attempted to tame his hair, but it hadn't worked. Peter was just as gorgeous in his tux as he was the day Harry had met him, but Harry carefully kept that comment to himself. Instead, he stood and offered Peter the boutonniere he'd picked up from the florist that afternoon. It was made of carnations that were the exact shade of blue that matched Peter's eyes. Peter accepted it with shaky hands and a watery smile.
"Here, dear, let me help," Aunt May said gently, taking the boutonniere from Peter and carefully pinning it over the pocket of his tux. It made him look dashing, and Harry allowed himself to imagine that this is what Peter would look like if they ever got married while Aunt May took pictures of the two of them together. He knew he couldn't continue to think that way, so he pushed the thought aside and offered his arm to escort Peter down to the limo he'd arranged. MJ and Gwen were already inside, of course. He didn't want to completely freak Peter out, especially if it turned out he didn't feel the same way. At least he would have the memories from this night if that was the case.
"You guys! You look so handsome!" MJ exclaimed as they climbed into the limo. "See, I told you not to worry, Peter. You found a date after all." She ignored Harry's warning look and just grinned at Gwen.
"Oh, leave them be. Can you believe we're going to prom? We're going to be graduating next week! Our lives are moving forward so quickly," Gwen stated, winking at Harry when Peter turned away.
"We're ready, though. Everything is perfectly planned, ready to be acted on. We'll be fine," Harry assured her. Gwen nodded, shooting another smile at MJ. The new couple was impossible to talk to for more than a few minutes at a time. They were definitely still in the honeymoon stage. The rest of the short ride was silent, and Harry couldn't help but notice that Peter kept inching closer to him as the limo made turns. It was certainly encouraging.
The gym was expertly decorated, and couple were already on the dance floor as the DJ played catchy tunes to dance to. MJ and Gwen took off for the dance floor almost immediately, leaving Harry and Peter alone. Peter stayed close to him as they grabbed punch and found a table. Harry battled internally with himself to work up the courage to start the conversation that would change everything.
"Pete, can we talk?" he asked, his voice barely loud enough to be heard over the loud music. Peter nodded encouragingly. "Do you remember when we were sitting in my room at the party, and I was telling you about my favorite birthday?"
"Of course. MJ was so mad at us. She didn't even want to do the party in the first place," Peter agreed. "And I never got the chance to tell you that it was my favorite of your birthdays since I've known you, too."
"Well, I was wondering if I could tell you a different favorite memory of mine," Harry continued. He hoped with everything inside of him that he didn't look as nervous as he felt. The song changed from upbeat to slow, and Harry took the chance as it was given to him. "Let's dance while we talk."
Peter allowed himself to be led out onto the dance floor, but he was clearly confused about it. His face was as red as the time Gwen had tried to out him in the cafeteria, which Harry took as an encouraging sign. "My first day at this school, actually, is one of my favorite memories. See, I was nervous when my father dropped me off. I'd never been to a public school before. I was used to a private catholic school, where there was a rule for everything and severe punishment to those who disobeyed. I kind of felt like I was being thrown to the wolves," Harry started. Peter nodded, encouraging him to continue.
"The first thing I saw when I stepped through the doors, though, changed everything. You know, I never used to believe in love at first sight, but that's what I think happened to me," he continued. He noticed immediately that Peter seemed to deflate, but he couldn't make himself stop. "This person was exactly my type, but completely out of my league. I was blown away, and I don't think I ever recovered."
"Who is she?" Peter asked. Harry could barely hear him over the loud music, but that was okay. Peter was no longer meeting his eyes, and that was not okay. He carefully tilted Peter's face up to meet his eyes again.
"He is the kindest, smartest man I have ever met in my life. He took my breath away back then, and he still does it every day, years later. The first thing I saw when I walked into this school was the man of my dreams rescuing himself from the biggest asshole I have ever met. I told myself that he was exactly the kind of person I could fall in love with. And you know what?" Harry paused, watching Peter's expression change from dejected to painfully hopeful. "I absolutely did."
"Harry..." Peter whispered it, just the one word, and then he leaned in and kissed him. It was everything Harry had ever wanted and more. By the time they broke apart, the song had changed again and everyone was dancing around them. Neither of them cared at all.
"I love you, Peter Parker," Harry told him. "And I will find new ways to show you that every day... if you'll let me."
"Yes! I would... I would love that," Peter stammered, his face turning red as he beamed happily. "I love you too, Harry."
Later, MJ sent them both a picture she'd taken of their first kiss. They didn't see it until the next morning, but they were both happy to have it. It was a memory they'd cherish for the rest of their lives.
