"Have a seat Miss. Vincent, and I shall inform Mr. Osborn and security of your arrival."

"Thank you sir." Sophia slowly took a seat in the lobby and looked around at all the security in the building. Strange…they were so tense, as though they were having some sort of recent problems. It didn't make sense to her, 9/11 was years ago, and security standards were better than they used to be. That being said, it's always better to be safe than sorry right?

Taking out her notebook, the girl placed her phone on the board and sent off a quick text.

'I am at Oscorp now. I'm sorry I won't be able to help you unpack Simone…'

After a brief moment, a reply was received.

'Don't worry about it Sophie. I've gotten ahold of April; she and her boyfriend are coming down to help; so I'm fine! I'll make sure your stuff is saved for you.'

Sophia smiled and typed in a quick. 'Thanks hon'

No more than a minute had gone by before her phone buzzed once more. 'Don't mention it. Also, relax; I'm sure he'll be happy to see you!'

Sophia winced…and then hit her hand to her head in embarrassment.

***OC***

"Mr. Osborn, the damage from the attack on the limo is beyond repair. So instead we opted to buy a replacement vehicle with reinforced armor…just in case that buzzard shows his face once more."

"Fine, Fine; just have it ready before I make my trip to the outskirts today. The Doctor and I have some tests to see to." Norman Osborn swirled his wine glass from where he stood, overlooking the city from his balcony. The tests that he had for today…would hopefully manage to put him ahead and get him prepared for the real project he had in mind. Just a few more adjustments and it would be ready to go. Finally.

"Oh and one more thing sir."

"What is it?"

"There is a lady in the Lobby by the name of Sophia Vincent claiming she has a meeting with you…Shall I send her away?"

"…No" Norman said pleasantly, taking a leisurely sip from his wine and setting the glass down. Turning, the man coolly walked to the main elevator and smirking slightly. "Send her in."

***LB***

Sophia sat as professionally as she could, though she couldn't help but fiddle with the pen tied to her clipboard. When her boss told her that she would be gathering research from New York's finest tech facilities this fall and winter…she didn't expect to be back in the actual big apple. Especially after the events that had taken place last time she was here.

The girl let off a slow breath, and then checked her watch to examine the time…and the picture that was on the face of the watch. It had a picture of her and Simone by lady liberty; Simone had an arm sling and a few bandages on; while she was snug in her fuzzy hat and snug jacket. She wasn't the slimmest girl in the world, but that's the way she liked it. Large enough to be ignored by supermodels, and sleek enough to be at business. Still, she had to make sure that her jacket always was somewhat roomy…considering…

***FB***

"Simone, do stay back please. Miss Sophia? Kindly raise the levels to 40%"

"Certainly Otto…"

"Now, don't be alarmed Sophia, the creature will be fine. In theory this will allow us to understand how it's echolocation can be used for human science."

"…Wha- But Otto- Wait! That one doesn't use echolocation! Stop the machine!"

"Sophia! What are you—GET OUT OF THERE! YOU'LL GET HURT! - N-NO! Simone DON'T FOLLOW! NO! NOOO!"

bBOOM! CRASH!/b

***LB***

Sophia shut her eyes tightly at the memory…perhaps…she shouldn't have made such a rash move…but considering she hadn't seen Otto since that incident…She should at least let him know that it wasn't his fault for the injuries that Simone had sustained. It had been hers. Sophia let out a sigh. If only she had caught his mistake before he had turned the machine on…maybe things would have turned out differently…

"Miss Vincent."

Sophia let out a gasp and quickly stood, dropping her clipboard and all her papers on the floor. The girl winced and then quickly stooped down to pick up the scattered mess, and quickly stood, facing none other than Norman Osborn himself. Letting off a quick breath, Sophia was quick to straighten up the clutter in her hands and tuck them under one arm. "My apologies Mr. Osborn; I was lost in thought."

"Don't apologize." Osborn replied, a haughty smile on his face. "I never do."

Sophia blinked at the statement, before she cleared her throat and offered her free hand towards the highly successful man of New York City. "Uh-…Sophia Vincent; Representative of Allen-"

"Allen Corp Tech; Yes I've been looking forward to your visit for a month." Osborn replied smoothly, taking hold of her hand and shaking it. Her lead was a firm shake once…how interesting, delicate creatures such as her usually had a slow waving form of handshake. Perhaps he was underestimating her. A slight smirk graced the buisnessman's face, before he let Sophia's hand go, and put his hands behind his back. "I do have some news for you though, Miss Vincent. I am needed elsewhere this afternoon, and it requires my full attention. However since you have arrived so early, I will be happy to direct you to my top scientist and discuss the agreements that Oscorp has set alongside Allen Tech."

Sophia had to double check her hearing…how had she arrived early? She was certain that she was 15 minutes LATE. Time zones weren't her favorite thing in the world. Clearing her throat, she nodded. "Yes, of course sir. Of course, we'll also have to make a schedule on what times are better for you; since I have Tri Corp and TCRI to make terms with as well."

Osborn raised an eyebrow. "Oh? And what business do you have with them?"

Sophia paused for a moment, and chose her next words carefully. It's always a better idea, when you are dealing with an egotistical businessman, to tread carefully.

"The boss is thinking about extending to other companies is all; since they have had such success with Oscorp in the past few years." She replied carefully, waving a gentle hand in the air for emphasis towards the direction of the two mentioned businesses. Norman Osborn was silent for all but five seconds, before the same haughty smile reappeared on his face. "Well then, I'm glad that we have been such an inspiration for your company Miss. Vincent."

Sophia let out the breath she was holding, but nodded politely. "I'm only the messenger, sir. I take no credit."

"Come along then. Dr. Octopus will be pleased to meet you" Osborn replied, turning and walking towards the main elevator. Sophia followed, but a highly confused look made its way to her face. Dr. Octopus? Who was he talking about? Hadn't Otto joined Oscorp and become head scientist? Maybe now she had reason not to be so nervous…and…to feel disappointed at the same time.

***AP***

Simone smiled as she placed the dishes in the cabinets, while at her feet, Marril the cat took an enjoyment to his meal. Though mute, the girl managed to let out a sigh…though it was more air than bliss.

"So! Simone; I hear that you're here to help Sophia while she's on her extended research gathering" A young lady with short red hair done up in a ponytail commented, being careful with the pictures that were to be hung on the wall. She chuckled at the fact that most of the pictures had to do with Simone and Sophia being silly, formal, or in-the-now. There were a few pictures of Simone and her fiancé Ray Abiel, Just Simone, Just Sophia, and some of the cats that Simone used to own.

Simone smiled and then looked towards the young lady, nodding and signing with her hands. 'Yes indeed, April. I am here to keep her from stressing, as well as take some leave from my own work. An…incident happened on Griffon Rock, and the Chief talked to my employers about letting me have some time off to recuperate.'

"Oh my" April replied, setting a vase gently on one of the book cases, and looking back towards Simone to get a better look at what she was signing. "Are you alright? Should you be unpacking and stressing like this?"

Simone smiled, and would have laughed if she had the capability to. Shaking her head, she waved April off. 'Oh no, this is actually de-stressing me, believe it or not. I'm more worried about Sophia. She's been nervous and dreading this visit.' Simone walked over and dug through one of the boxes that April had been unpacking…before she took out a small framed photo and showed it to the young lady. The picture was of Sophia alongside a larger man, both smiling gently for a photo by the 9/11 memorial, Ground Zero. According to Sophia, Tri Corp had paid respects to the incident, and Otto had requested her presence.

April took the picture from Simone's hands and looked over it, a gentle smile coming to her own face. "Aww…Why has she been dreading the visit?...Was-…Was she apart of 9/11"

Simone blinked and then shook her head. 'Oh no, She was in high school in Texas during that ordeal. Actually, she's dreading seeing him.'

April looked puzzled…and then looked back down towards the picture of Sophia and the timid-looking man beside her. Frowning, April looked back up and made a wave of her hand. "Why? Did he hurt her? Because I know a few guys that would defiantly keep him away from her if I asked them!"

Simone quickly waved her hands in a negative fashion, before gingerly taking the photo from April and setting it gently on the counter, before looking back towards the woman. 'No, he would never hurt her, even if you offered him the world. But, there was an incident four years ago that Sophia has never forgiven herself for… and she's afraid that he hasn't either"

***OC***

"Now that you're all set, I'm sure we can see the good Doctor prepping for this afternoon." Norman Osborn stopped at the door that they were fixing to go through and then took a good look at his guest. She had shed all of her winter clothing back at the lobby save for a tight business coat and her winter hat. Though her tense demeanor had been replaced for a sullen air to her.

"Is something the matter Miss Vincent?"

"No-…No, I'm just…chilled is all"

iOh nice one Sophie, go ahead and bear false witness why don't cha?/i

"Chances are since the Dr. is prepping his tech, it will be rather warm in there."

"No, that's fine, thank you Mr. Osborn."

Shrugging very slightly, Osborn opened the door and walked in professionally, whilst Sophia walked in more slowly, making sure her apparel was snug.

"Ah Doctor. Do make yourself presentable for our guest won't you?"

"Y-Yes Mr. Osborn, of course."

"Now, I would like to introduce you to Oscorp's top Scientist, Dr. Octopus."

"…Mr. Osborn, please, that name is-…Sophia?"

The mentioned girl froze in her tracks as Osborn stepped out of her line of view…only to reveal a Otto Octavius with…metallic arms growing out of his back. Letting off a sharp gasp of surprise, Sophia dropped her clipboard and took two steps back. The girl had to try and keep herself calm…but it was hard; last time she had seen Otto, he had been screaming at her to get out of the experiment chamber…now he was before her with for metallic…things looming over her.

Otto grimaced as he noticed his former 'partner' backing away from him, and then quickly put his hands in the air. "No Sophia, it's alright! They're simply—"

"No need to be alarmed Miss Vincent." Osborn interjected, making a motion with his hand towards Otto calmly. "The Doctor's invention merely helps his usefulness during important work for the company. They are of no concern to you or anyone else for that matter."

Sophia stopped backing away and looked at Norman Osborn in a creeped out manor…before she looked back towards Otto and his…arms. As if on cue, one of them extended towards her and stopped only a yard away from her. It was…almost as if it was looking at her, and that very fact made her…anxious. Hesitantly, she reached out and touched the metal, then quickly flinched. The arm stayed extended…so she slowly put her hand on it…and then examined it. This…This looked like what Otto had been working on before the accident! Sophia looked perplexed…before retracting her hands and looking back up towards the two men before her. "…Otto…I was-…unaware that-"

"Ahh so you both know each other already." Osborn placed his hands behind his back and then looked towards Dr. Octavius for an explanation. Otto winced but then made a motion with one of his own arms towards Sophia. "Y-Yes Sir. We're…old friends, we're—"

"Well good. This saves me from having to make proper introductions and policy agreements." Osborn looked back towards Sophia and smiled. "Now then, Miss Vincent, since you are already acquainted with the doctor, I shall let you both discuss policies for the next six months in peace." The man glanced towards Otto as he began walking out. "Do make sure that this matter gets settled before 2 this afternoon, Otto."

"Yes…Of course Mr. Osborn."

"Good. Now run your experiments like a good Doctor Octopus."

"…Mr. Osborn—" Otto didn't get anything else out, before the door was shut with the two of them inside. The scientist winced at the fact that his plea had been ignored…and the fact that his once close friend was in the room, holding her clipboard close to herself, and watching him carefully.

…There was silence in the room for a full minute…but to them it felt like hours. To Sophia, she was seeing the man she had drawn close to over the period of a year…all the lessons, all the mistakes…all the times spent knowing each other…and she blew it.

Otto was thinking the direct opposite of his guest, and yet he still couldn't find words to somehow break the silence. Surely she was thinking about the exact thing he was…his failure as a good scientist.

Sophia slowly loosened her arms, but kept her clipboard close and her jacket on tightly. Well…if he was going to yell at her…better get it over with so she could do her job for Allen Tech.

"So…Dr. Octopus? I was…unaware that you changed your title, Otto."

The scientist paused and slowly retracted his mechanical arms, so he would seem less threatening. "No- It's – It's still Octavius; b-but Mr. Osborn has…well…I've told him that the name is so…demeaning." Otto glanced towards the extensions on his back, and then looked back towards his guest, a worried look on his face. "They are…apart of the project that I had been working on while at Tri Corp."

Sophia's tense air seemed to melt slightly as her curiosity got the better of her. Taking a few steps up, she looked over the mechanics, and then looked back towards the larger scientist. "Yeah; the Megalo Pack, but…I had no idea that…it had anything to do with these." Sophia hesitated once more, before taking the head of one of the arms with both of her hands and examining it more thoroughly.

Otto stayed still, for fear of making a wrong move and allowing Miss Vincent to examine his work. The scientist pursed his lips and looked away slightly. "Actually, the Megalo pack had everything to do with this; though…upon my departure, I lost access to it."

"Why?" Sophia looked up towards Otto with a concerned look. "Wasn't that your work?"

"Well- uh, yes…But since I departed to work for Mr. Osborn; I- I guess that the company took over responsibilities for my project." Otto replied, rubbing his head…and then looking back up towards the woman before him. It was strange…the last time he had seen her, she had always claimed that she wasn't too fond of wearing hats; and yet here she was, wearing a winter hat in a humid science lab.

"H-Here, let me take your coat; you must be burning up-"

"N-No…I'm sorry, No." Sophia paused at the flinch that Otto made and then let out a sigh. "Listen…I'm so sorry Otto. I'm sorry all of this happened."

"…I'm not- sure I—"

"What happened four years ago, that was all my fault." Sophia paused and then looked down, clutching her clipboard. She paused and then continued, refusing to look back up at him. "You told me not to go in, but I was more concerned about the animal inside to take into regard what you were trying to warn me against. As a result…Simone got injured…you got in trouble…and I-…" Sophia paused and sighed. "…I just…couldn't face you knowing that I had betrayed you."

Otto looked at the girl before him, shocked…before he slowly took a few steps forward and reached out hesitantly.

"But you-…You didn't betray me; I betrayed you; I ignored company policy by allowing Simone to come in the lab; she had no training – and I-…I figured you would never speak to me again…were you hurt at all?"

Sophia paused…and pursed her lips. "…sort of." The girl looked back up towards the scientist and looked apologetic. "Otto…I'm so sorry."

Otto took in her words…before taking one of her hands from her clipboard and clasping his other hand over hers. "…you owe me no apology…" He replied gently, offering her a timid smile. Sophia blinked…and then smiled warmly back towards her reunited science partner.

"I'm so grateful to know that you're the representative I will work alongside once more…though, I am quite shocked that you came so…so early."

"What? But I was late!" Sophia gently took her hand away and checked her watch, before showing it to the scientist. "See? I was supposed to be here at 9, but I ended up here at 9:15, now it's 9:37!"

Otto blinked and checked the representative's watch…before grimacing and then looking back towards her. "But Sophia…Daylight savings time ended yesterday…"

Sophia blinked…and then quickly whipped out her phone to check the time…8:38 a.m. "Oh my word…" She moaned, putting a hand to her head.

***AP***

"Careful…easy…NO! Be Careful Casey!"

"I'm Tryin'! UNGH! Wouldn't it be better if the guys were here helpin' me?!"

April winced and glanced towards Simone, who wasn't even paying attention, but making sure the placement of things were nice and tidy. The red haired girl let off a sigh of relief, and then looked back towards her boyfriend, frowning. "You know we can't. If you need that much help, why not as Peter Parker? Or Eddie? He's strong."

"Pah, are you kiddin'?! Peter ain't got the same-whhooooOOAAA!"

CRASH!

Simone winced and quickly turned around, only to find that Casey had dropped Sophia's flat screen TV on the floor, resulting in the screen ruined and almost snapped in half. The mute girl grimaced at the mess, before looking up towards her guests hopelessly.

Both April and Casey winced in reply. "I am SO sorry, Simone" April said quickly, putting a hand up. "I'll make sure that gets cleaned up and replaced ASAP." The girl turned and glared at her larger boyfriend, crossing her arms. "Curtesy of the resident klutz…"

Casey grinned sheepishly, rubbing his head, before he let off a sigh and knelt down to pick up the pieces of the screen.

Simone simply smiled, before she took out her phone and scrolled through her contact list. Best not to inform Sophia of the recent…breaking. Pursing her lips, she began a text.

'Mary, please inform your company that we need a replacement flat screen; it has been damaged during the moving in'

Simone waited for a moment, before a quick reply was received.

'Let me guess; you had Casey move it in for you'

Simone would have giggled at the reply, but merely sent an acknowledgment and put her phone back in her pocket. She would have Sophia call Mary later for fees and terms of conditions…but right now she was curious as to why she wasn't getting a text from her cousin just yet. It was nearly noon, and they had agreed to go for pizza since they weren't completely moved in just yet.

Simone looked out the window from the apartment. They were high enough to have a nice view of the Oscorp building, but still it was a ways off. Surely Sophia wouldn't have walked back. Simone knew that her cousin wasn't too fond of subway trains, but even she knew that after she was done with lunch, she had a long afternoon of unpacking…Not to mention, Simone was curious to know if Sophia had patched things up with Otto. She certainly didn't blame Otto for her injuries, but neither did she blame her cousin. She had been told not to follow Sophia, and she did.

Oh why did everything have to be so ironic?

The mute girl's thoughts were paused as she noticed a quick motion below. Barely having time to seriously look down to the street below, a huge web just SUDDENLY appeared on the window, causing Simone to stumble backwards and put her arms up in sudden defence. As if by magic, suddenly Spiderman appeard on the window, and it sounded like he had a harsh landing. The superhero groaned and shook his head, before looking in, noticing the three shocked people looking at him.

"Uh- yeah, you might want to stay away from the win—DOWS!"

Just as quickly as he appeared, he was suddenly shocked with…some sort of electricity, and was sent spiraling down. Simone let in some air and quickly ran back to the window to observe. Spiderman had managed to save himself by swinging on his webs…yet someone in a red and yellow suit was chasing him and…firing strong electric pulses at him. Both of them were heading in the direction of the Oscorp building…NO!

"WHOA! Did you SEE that?!" Casey yelled, he and April quick to run to the window, and watch the retreating frames of the hero and the villain. "This is sick! Not just ANYONE gets ta see the spider in action! Oh wait till I tell Raph about—"

"Absolutely not- and keep it quiet!" April growled, narrowing her eyes at the stocked man beside her. "Simone, I'm so sorry, I can't take him-…Simone?" April turned, and quickly looked around…only to find the mute girl missing.

***OC***

"You know, I'm really impressed Otto." Sophia said as she walked out of the building, the scientist, having shed his metallic arms and having sent them to some van for transport, behind her. Sophia looked up and squinted her eyes at the brightness of the afternoon sky, and was quick to The girl looked through the notes she had taken and let a smile come to her face before dig through her purse and put some shades on. back at the scientist behind her. "The things you're doing here are actually so much sophisticated than what you did at TriCorp."

"Oh…it's nothing really" Otto replied, stopping his stride and looking off to the side for a moment. The experiments that he was called to do this afternoon…were NOTHING like his normal work back at TriCorp. At times, he wished he hadn't taken Oscorp's higher offer, and had just stayed satisfied at his old work place. Especially with the fact that Mr. Osborn was asking him to…

"You know…Simone would love to see you again, Otto."

The scientist was pulled out of his thoughts and looked back towards the girl, who was putting her notes in a briefcase, and turning to face him. The look of dread and hesitation from earlier this morning was completely washed away, changed into accepting and inviting. "Won't you please join us for lunch? It's just some pizza, it's not going to bite you, unless you wear that clean coat while you eat."

"Oh I wish I could; But Mr. Osborn frowns heavily on tardiness…b-but I know you'll be coming this Thursday, so…let me just—oh my." Otto fumbled with cards and spilled a few on the cold ground below. Sophia blinked and was quick to stoop down below to pick up his mess…and paused as she noticed a familiar shape on the ground.

"I'm SO sorry! I'm just- rushed, yes…" Otto quickly stooped down to pick up the cards as well and slowly got up, quick to dust off one of the cards and hand it to Sophia. "Mr. Osborn would most likely prefer a call if you need to come earlier."

Sophia stood up and smiled, gently taking the card from the scientist's hand, and replacing it with the object that she had found. "Of course Otto…" She replied, smiling warmly, before she turned and walked away slowly, heading for the nearest Subway station. Otto watched her leave before he glanced down and inspected the item that he had dropped. The necklace pendant that she had given him before the accident…unharmed by the fall, and just as sparkling as it was when it was first given to him. The scientist gently closed his hand around it, and then put it back in his pocket. Looking back up, he noticed the girl looking back towards him…before she disappeared into the Subway tunnel.

Otto smiled warmly…before that smile quickly faded as he turned and headed back for the Oscorp building. Chances were, he'd need to leave now to tend to what Mr. Osborn wanted him to tend to.

***s***

Sophia let out a small sigh as she sat in the back of the subway train. All that worrying had really gotten to her stomach; and she wasn't too certain that she was in the mood for pizza. At least…at least she knew that her friendship with Otto Octavius hadn't been ruined. She knew Simone was going to ask her so many questions…but one thing she couldn't let go of…was if-

"LOOK OUT!"

"ITS CAVING IN!"

Sophia looked up in time to see the subway train get engulfed by electricity….and suddenly a dark rumbling came, and the train car was suddenly filled with dust and debris from the train itself.

***O***

"NO!" Spiderman felt the enormous pressure of having to somehow get the citizens out of the subway tunnel…but it didn't HELP that Mr Shocker himself was pounding 'the living daylights' out of him as well. Spidey got tossed from one end of the tunnel to the next, and finally he managed to land on his feet. For someone without cat-like reflexes, it was always a downer not having them. The Spider sensation quickly backflipped and sent his feet SLAMMING into the midsection of the shocker, then quickly headed for the train wreck. Some citizens were managing to climb out, others were stuck and calling for help.

"Ain't nothin' wrong with havin' spunk, son" Shocker called out, aiming his weapons at the hero and narrowing his eyes. "But a little too much just plain gets on muh nerve—GAH!"

Before he really had time to shoot, the Shocker's weapons was hit by a long strand of cord that came from the opposite direction. Growling, Shocker turned and shot a few pulses in the other direction. Missed…Missed again.

"Come out and fight, ombre! Yer only bidin' yer punishment time!"

There was no answer…but there was scurrying in the other side of the tunnel, which made the villain quickly turn and shoot. However, as he was shooting, something quickly reeled back and WHACKED him across the back, causing him to stumble and land on his hands and knees. Growling, the man looked up…

Only to see a shadowy form above, with wings spread, ready for battle.