A/N: Thanks for being so patient! I just started my first week of summer school at my community college this past week and was out for two days with food poisoning, so it's been a bit hectic. I've decided to drop the months. Too confusing. Hope you enjoy the update.

Chapter Fourteen

"With our backs to the wall, the darkness will fall

We never quite thought we could lose it all"

—Ready, Aim, Fire by Imagine Dragons

Returning to work that next Monday was a bit of a mood-killer for both Peter and Harry, and they weren't looking forward to propositioning their idea to create an alliance with Stark Industries. When they walked into the meeting room, they didn't expect to already have the Board of Director's sitting around the table. Peter glanced at Harry quizzically, while his boyfriend took it in stride and continued to walk in, "Gentlemen and ladies, to what do we owe the pleasure of your surprise visit?" Harry asked.

Harry and Peter made their way to the front of the table and sat down. One of the older men spoke up, "We have some concerns that have been raised that might threaten investors willingness to invest in the company."

"Go on," Harry said.

"Well, although we are very happy that you and Mr. Parker are happy together, some of our investors may not want to invest in a company that openly supports that kind of relationship," the man said firmly.

Harry took a second to think, before he swallowed and sat up a bit straighter to reply. "You're saying that we are worried about investors interest in our company because we support a Constitutional right of being able to pursue happiness?"

The man narrowed his eyes, "Young man, do not bring social reform into business-"

"Do not call me "young man" when it is so evident that I am your boss. Social reform attracts potential investors. Why would we want the money from people who are homophobic and close-minded. Has our ratings dropped? Has our input-output wavered?"

"No sir, but we fear that it may happen."

"Peter and I have been public, although we have never had an official statement, for six months! Nothing has changed, not since the first picture of us holding hands, to the billionth time we were caught sharing a kiss or an ice cream. It's been six months, and something tells me the homophobic people aren't our investors, but are sitting in this room."

"We have nothing against your relationship, sir."

"Then this matter is closed. Onto the next, Peter has so brilliantly thought of a way to further turn OSCORP into the better corporation that we all know it is. He thinks that I should approach Mr. Anthony Stark and rectify our severed relations, caused by my father." Harry said, calmly.

Peter could see that Harry was still upset about the bombardment from the men and women around the table who suggested that being in a homosexual relationship could hurt business. He gently placed his hand on Harry's knee and patted it. Harry visibly calmed.

"Why would we do such a thing?"

"Never!"

"Stark would never agree to it!"

"You're foolish for thinking Stark would even consider it!"

Harry silenced them, "Last I heard, Stark had nothing to do with the falling out. It was my father's selfish, prideful, and greediness that forced the once working relationship down the toilet. Peter said that Stark would be a good ally, a good friend to have if OSCORP was ever in need. Stark is powerful and rich, but also does a lot of good. We could use that good publicity."

"If you can get Stark to agree to it, then fine. But good luck," a younger women said.

"I'll draw up some papers and have them ready for you all to sign. Dismissed," Harry said, waving them away. Harry stood up and turned around, facing the window behind the table. He waited until they were all filed out before letting out a few curse words.

"How could they corner us like that? Saying our relationship would hurt the business? It's been six fucking months and nothing has changed. They're all dicks," Harry said, frustrated.

Peter stood up and reached out to the other man, pulling him into his chest, "I'd resign before I would let them ruin this relationship."

"No you wouldn't. I need you here," Harry spoke, muffled by him pressing his face into Peter's neck.

"You handled it very well, I would have stepped in if you gave me an opportunity," Peter said, teasing him gently.

"Did I turn green?" Harry said, chuckling back.

"I feared that you might, but you turned red and that was it," Peter said softly, "I love you."

"Love you too." Harry sighed, relaxing into Peter's warm comfort.

Harry pulled away from the embrace and ran his hands over his face, "We should get the contact information to call Stark."

"Alright," Peter said, "While you are doing that I'm going to go down to the lab-"

"Gentlemen, apologies for interrupting, but we have matters to discuss," a voice said, interrupting.

Peter turned around to face the intruder. Harry's eyes narrowed, and that instantly put Peter on guard.

"How can we help you, Mr…?" Harry asked.

"My name is Justin Hammer, and I'd like to become business allies."