Disclaimer: See chapter 1.

Author's Note(s): Ooooooooookay! Check me out! More chapter updates! I'm so awesome! ~does happy chibi dance of awesomeness~ BOO-YAH!

LOL, so yeah, here is another chapter! I think I'll hold off on posting any more chapters until Thanksgiving so I can wish all my readers/reviewers a Happy Thanksgiving! XD Because I'm all nice like that!

All right, so this chapter is going to have some more character development and will have nice, good happy moments. Yay!

That's all I have to say for now, so please, ENJOY! And remember to review!

"Thank You For the Venom"

"The Heart is Always First to Know"

Due to Harry's absence from work, he had quite a lot to attend to once he returned; especially, what with how OsCorp's party was crashed by the Shocker and his gang. And ironically, even more shockingly that the media and the cops believed that Spider-Man had a hand in it too!

It would seem the quilted moron had been the only one unaccounted for besides the web-head and the few crooks who helped them; at least that's what Rose and Harry had noticed when they read the paper the next day, and after discussing the situation with Rose, he'd even did a little more investigating at work, as Rose checked for anyone admitted to the hospitals with the injuries Shocker might have sustained that she'd inflicted upon him. Harry even went so far as to call Peter and ask him about the whole episode. But, Peter simply told him that it wasn't him and that he had no idea who could be behind such craziness. Though Harry did end up hanging up on the angst ridden moron when he suggested that maybe Infinita might have something to do with it; but only after telling him he was an idiot.

So, between that and Rose having to get back into her own routine, the two of them ended up pretty busy for a few days; which caused them to be unable to spend every night together, along with the good doctor seeming to be still upset with the symbiote, much to Harry's vexation. Rose wasn't as distraught about the lack of having him around as he was, but then again the young Osborn was a lot clingier than the dark haired physician, so it was to be expected.

Rose did miss being around him as much, but she understood that it would've happened eventually; so she did her best to see him as much as she could and answer all the texts he sent her and so forth, while trying to get over the loss of the symbiote. Harry really was quite adorable, and the young woman did her best to help him adjust, even if she had her own adjusting to do. And though Harry understood this, it only seemed to make him want to be closer to her.

Though… she had to admit, he HAD been behaving a little strangely since the morning after the party. Rose wondered if perhaps it was due to the stress of running his business or finding out that she was a mutant… The young lass worried that he might not like the idea of dating or even being or having been involved with "her kind"; as she'd heard it put before. Rose really hoped that wasn't the case…

But, as much as she would have liked to think he still liked her, what with the way he'd wanted her to be close and all; Harry always seemed to end up distant and troubled at some point. After the first one or two nights of becoming uncomfortable due to the tension, and how Harry always changed the subject when she tried to ask what was wrong, Rose decided to sleep by herself in her own apartment; no matter how much Harry had protested the idea. Rose explained that she thought he needed time to himself to sort out whatever was bothering him.

This separation of sorts did nothing to help him however, as he found himself forlorn over the loss of his bedmate. The reason Harry was so troubled however, was for a few reasons. He had been trying to sort out his own feelings since Rose had mentioned the word "love"; whether jokingly or seriously, it had made him begin to wonder just how he felt about the fine, young physician.

The young man knew that he cared very much for Rose, more than he ever had for any woman he'd ever known; as he knew he loved his deceased mother and kindly excluded her. And ever since the morning he'd seen her so distraught over the loss of the symbiont, he'd felt even more strongly about the woman, but also a little like he wasn't quite himself… and he wasn't sure why.

Not to mention how Harry found it increasingly difficult if not almost impossible to go very long without coming into some form of contact with Rose; even if it was just sending her a text to see how she was doing. And yes, he knew that these were signs that one was indeed infatuated with another and could be considered love. There was just this feeling of doubt that gnawed at his brain, it said all sorts of things that made him second guess himself, (then again his mind always seemed to torment him like this), that followed as such.

'Does she really love me for me, or is it just a ploy to get my money?' Well, that was definitely the most prominent and bothersome; as he had every right to be paranoid about this since MJ had done this very thing to him. Thankfully his dad had pointed it out, so when it did happen, he wasn't so confused about it. And he couldn't help the surreal sensation, like a voice in the back of his mind; that felt more like a phantom whispering, that told him this was not the case with Rose.

'How can I love someone I haven't even known all that long?' This one confused him as well. He'd heard of "Love at first sight", but had never been one to take stock in something that sounded so corny. EVEN if he felt that he had indeed quite liked Rose upon having first laid eyes upon her… so… perhaps it was more "Extreme like at first sight"? Hmm, that sounded even cornier he decided.

There were a few other minor questions, each met with that ghostly little voice that was more like a feeling than a voice, trying to ease his fears and doubts, and drowning out the cruel and mocking voice that was usually crushing his hopes; but he was starting to give himself a headache with all of this incessant pensiveness.

And the thought of a voice in his head reminded him of his episodes he'd suffer when ever his hallucinations about his father popped up to torment him, which had not happened since he'd almost been killed by his own glider. Though he did hear the voice sometimes like when he thought about those earlier questions… so perhaps this new and nice one, whose words couldn't be heard but rather felt (which was strange in itself), might be an improvement of some kind?

Harry sighed and shook his head, as he sat in his office; doing his best to focus on his paperwork. Finding that he couldn't, he gave a quiet, aggravated growl as he leaned forward to rest his still scarred face in his hands.

The young CEO nearly had a heart attack when he felt a tender touch to his shoulder, and whirled around in his chair to see the deeply worried face of Rose standing beside him; her hand retracted when he had spun around so quickly.

"W-what are you doing here?" Harry inwardly cringed at how a look of hurt and surprise flashed across her features, before she frowned worriedly again and she put her hands in her lab coat pockets. He hadn't meant for his tone to come out so sharply.

"You invited me for lunch… but if you're too busy I can go." His stomach twisted at her cool tone.

"Rose, I didn't mean it like that. It's just really startling when you sneak up on me like that." He tried to explain as he turned back to face his desk and rest his face in his hands again; feeling that headache coming on.

"I tried to get your attention, but when you didn't seem to hear me I tried touching your shoulder." The young woman stepped around his desk so that it was now between them; that way they could better see one another.

"Oh… sorry." He said rather lamely. She just gave a halfhearted shrug.

"Its ok… I know you're troubled about something and that you don't want to talk about it." Harry stared at her from between his fingers.

"You… do?"

"Yeah. It doesn't look like you're any closer to figuring it out either… you look worse every day. Harry, I know I'm probably the last person you want to talk about it with, but is there any way I can help?" Rose gazed at him; her tone and expression radiating sincerity and concern. Wow… that really made Harry feel like a real ass now! And here he thought he'd been doing a good job of hiding it so that he WOULDN'T worry her. Then a thought occurred to him…

"Wait a minute… How do you know that I look worse every day when we don't see each other that often?" He asked curiously, only to see Rose blush and smirk with mischievous knowing.

"Just because you don't see me, doesn't mean I don't see you." The young man leaned forward on his elbows.

"And prey tell why are you keeping an eye on me?" Rose gave him a look as if he should have known this, which made him feel like he probably should have.

"I care about you Harry. The way you've been acting, out of your already interesting behavior, has been downright worrisome for me. I haven't even been able to sleep!" Her voice rose a little as she folded her arms over her chest; wondering why it seemed so improbable for her to like him, but remembering that it was a hard concept for Harry to really grasp or trust.

Harry meanwhile, was taking this moment to actually examine the young woman, and the truth of her words was pretty evident then. She really did look like she hadn't had a wink of sleep; those fair features of hers looking quite fatigued and riddled with anxiety from his troubling behavior. Though her nightmares had popped up here and there to cause her further vexation since Fin wasn't there to block them out.

"I didn't mean to worry you Rose…" Harry felt a tightening in his chest and he was starting to wonder if his torso had been wounded all over again. She sighed and shook her head.

"Harry, you should really learn that when someone cares about you that it's only natural they behave in such a manner when you aren't feeling well; for whatever reason or reasons that may be. I just want you to know that I'm here if you need me." The young man nodded slowly and stood to walk around the desk and over to her; standing with about a decent three feet between them.

"I understand… it's just that so much has happened and has been happening pretty fast. Kinda hard for me to really grasp it all, y'know?" He rubbed the back of his head and exhaled softly.

"Well, what is it you are having trouble "grasping"? If I can't help, it might just do some good to talk it out with someone." Harry hadn't thought of that, seeing as he hadn't ever had anyone with which to do that… He took a deep, calming breath and considered her words. Maybe he could phrase his thoughts in a way that wouldn't upset her or scare the doctor away?

"Okay… I'll try…" Rose nodded and waited patiently for him to sort out what he wanted to say. And he wondered just how one person could have so much tolerance for someone as obviously messed up as himself.

"The night when our date was crashed and you took me back to your place, what you said got me thinki-" Rose looked confused.

"Wait, what was it that I said?" Harry bit his lip; he'd been hoping he wouldn't have to say anything about that. Well, so much for that plan!

"Oh… um… well… I said that "You're weird" and you said tha-" Realization hit Rose and she interrupted him again.

"And I said that I love you. Right?" Harry looked stunned.

"You… remember?!" She rolled her eyes.

"Of course I remember! And I meant what I said too. Hold up! Is this what you've been all distraught over?" Her eyes narrowed suspiciously as Harry looked like he'd been hit with a ton of bricks. It was clear at this moment that Harry hadn't heard a word outside of her confession.

"Harry?" He looked at her in a dazed sort of way.

"When did you…?" He couldn't seem to form the right words to end that question.

"When did I know that I loved you?" She offered with cautious kindness. He nodded slowly. It was a tad blush inducing and all, and it made her feel that nervous mixture one does when explaining their feelings.

"When I saw you get hit by that Shocker twit… My mind didn't register it as quickly as my heart did, but I figured it out once I knew how badly you'd been injured… and then when I told you what I am and you didn't freak out or what usually happens when someone finds that out, I couldn't help how relieved and happy I felt! So, when I was all sleepy and I wasn't thinking about anything except focusing on all those good emotions and thoughts, I sort of accidentally confessed…" Rose looked down at her feet and sighed somberly.

"But… I guess it was naive to think you'd feel the same way for something like me if it has bothered you this much…" The young woman felt her eyes glistening with tears she simply refused to shed; at least while in front of Harry. Showing such a vulnerability as tears in circumstances as this had only ever made things worse for her in the past. It was even made all the worse by the fact that her worst fears had come true, and that Harry didn't want to have anything to do with her either… just like the symbiote, the Phantom Renegades, or even her own mother…

Harry stood speechless; wanting so desperately to say something to console her and feeling so horrible for having made her think she was anything less than amazing! Before he knew what he was doing; for he really didn't care so long as it made her feel better, he swiftly closed the distance between them and pulled her into a tender embrace!

For about a second he thought he'd made the wrong move when he felt her tense, but felt a wave of relief when she relaxed and just let him hold her. She had only been surprised out of her thoughts and by the gesture.

"Rose… I would never think any less of you for being who you are! You know I have trouble thinking anyone could love me! I'm damaged on the inside AND the outside, I'm unstable as hell, and I am wa-aaay too paranoid about someone trying to use me for material reasons! But, I care about you and I'm really trying." He reached up and ran a hand through her silky hair.

"Yeah… you have worst trust issues than my friend Tabitha…" Rose quietly said; a hint of ironic humor in her voice. The misty eyed lass eased away just far enough to look up into a concerned sea of emerald.

"But I still love you despite all of that and in some ways, even because of that!… And you know Harry… I think I can prove to you that I don't need nor want your wealth…" Rose told him, as an idea came to her mind. He quirked a brow as she pulled away and turned to his desk to look for something.

When she grabbed a small, and ornate looking obsidian colored paperweight from off of the small stack of completed papers he'd had it on, and held it in the palm of her hand. Harry frowned in bewilderment.

"With that?!" He sounded very doubtful.

"Exactly! Now, you know its basically just a rock, right?" She asked as she gestured to the paperweight. It was about the size of an orange and in the shape of what she thought looked much like a gumdrop.

"Yeah…?"

"Good! Now, watch me work my magic! Not actual magic mind you, just a figure of speech…" The lad rolled his eyes; crossing his arms.

"Just do it." Rose stuck her tongue out and he smirked a little; though he felt rather nervous for some reason. The young woman kept her hand open so that he could watch as she stared fixatedly on the rock in her hand.

Harry's eyes widened in astonishment as it changed from obsidian to gold! When it had completely changed from rock to a hunk of gold, she handed it to him and he could feel just how much heavier the object was now.

"So… you turned this to gold?" He couldn't help sounding a little disbelieving. Rose laughed, and he was glad for this whole distraction.

"Have it tested if you don't believe me. I'm not as good as my friend is at doing stuff like that, but one can't be awesome at everything. I can't believe I didn't think of this before, but like you said, a lot has been happening!" She gave a shrug as she watched him frown at the rock.

"If you can do this, then how come you live so poorly and you continue to work?" Harry hadn't meant it to sound or be insulting, but he watched as she scowled at him and was very taken aback when she gave him a smack upside the back of his head. It wasn't very hard, but it was the act that shocked him.

"It's called being discreet! Some of us like living simply. Sheesh! Even Tabitha lives in an apartment! And she doesn't even have a TV! And as for the work thing, I rather like being able to know I've helped someone; even if I have to wade through all the annoying jerks to do it. Besides, if it wasn't for my caring nature and the fact that it keeps me busy and out of trouble, I would never have met you." Rose told him, sounding a little perturbed by having to explain what she thought was obvious.

"Huh… okay, I admit, I didn't really think that through before asking. My bad!" Harry couldn't help smiling at how cute and pouty she looked when she was all flustered like that and he ended up laughing. Seeing that talking had actually helped and had made him laugh, made Rose feel a lot better about everything.

"Glad that's finally settled. So, you better not think I'm a gold digger anymore, because I can SO totally make my own! No digging required either!" Rose stuck her tongue out at him again and that caused him to laugh harder.

"Okay, okay! You win!" She gave a stern nod as if to say "Damn right I do!" which she had also thought too for good measure.

"Well now Harry, you now know how I feel. How about you? Is that another thing you've been fretting over?" His laughter died down as he glanced at her.

"Not every day I hear that you know… so yes, I have been trying to sort out how I feel about it all." Rose could understand. She'd had to do the same. Though, she didn't think she'd been as dramatic about it as he had.

"And have you come to a conclusion?" The young woman asked; her voice trying to remain calm, but her heart felt like it was caught in her throat. Harry smiled softly and pulled her so that she was standing in front of him again.

"Heh, if it isn't love that I feel then something has to seriously be wrong with me! I've never been as fond of anyone as I have of you. So… as sickeningly sweet as it may sound, I love you Rose." Harry told her sincerely.

"I love you too Harry." Rose smiled blushingly; leaning in and further expressing her words with a loving kiss. Their arms wrapped themselves around one another as they enjoyed taking in such a wonderful moment!

After that was settled, the two crazy lovebirds were able to finally get to lunch and were back to sharing a bed after that! Though, they still kept things pretty chaste so that they could get to know each other as people first. And only taking turns spending the night at each others places when they knew the other would be there and not at work when they could, since they were still busy adults.

When they weren't having lunch together, sleeping in the same bed, or conversing when they could via cell phone, Harry and Rose learned quite a lot about the other. She learned he liked making technological devices like Tabitha, and was more than happy to help him to repair his busted gliders in the hidden lab he had.

The fine physician may not be as genius as Tabitha, but Harry thought she was pretty good and that her powers were especially handy. She'd even managed to get him a few interesting parts to help improve some of his gear.

Apparently, the "Boffin" as Rose referred to her as, didn't need them and wasn't fond of keeping around anything she deemed useless. Which was good, considering Harry had been able to use some of them to make improvements.

And although that nice and helpful little voice was beginning to grow steadily stronger, the youth was too preoccupied to notice. Because Harry was just happy that he was no longer plagued by the doubts and fears, etc. that he'd had before, and they were doing much better as a couple because of it.

He was beginning to learn that he really cherished having someone with whom he could open up to and discuss about whatever bothered or interested him. Even if he kept the whole voice thing to himself; not really thinking he wanted to get into the whole "I sometimes hear the psychotic voice of my dead dad in my head and now I have a new one that I can't so much hear as feel" thing.

Oh and there was the whole trying to figure out why someone wanted to steal the prototype OsCorp was about to present. Both Harry and Rose were doubtful that someone as idiotic as Spider-Man was behind it; whether Peter had said he wasn't or otherwise. It just didn't make sense.

But, that only raised the question of, out of all the criminals and corrupt citizens of the city, who would want to go to all the trouble of stealing an item that even Harry himself didn't think was worth stealing? Harry didn't seem to care too much since they had other products they could sell and such that were much better, and if someone was framing Spider-Man, then that was really Peter's problem and Harry said he didn't want to intervene unless he was asked too. But mostly because he was secretly angry at Peter for not showing up in time to help at the party and for so many other reasons.

And unless it was to help her boyfriend, Rose preferred to stay out of it and figured the "hero" would solve the whole thing anyway, since Harry had faith in the web-head that he would. She made no comment on that though and merely shrugged.

Besides, when Rose did attempt to see if she could find the Shocker and his crew in her spare time, it had proved to be just one dead end after the other. If they did need to try and find out who it was, they'd have to wait until they tried to bother Harry and/or OsCorp again. Otherwise it wouldn't do any good.

So all in all, besides the voices crap and the other stuff involving the theft, though they may not have had as much time as Harry may have liked to be around one another, he was very happy when they did. And they both were glad that they finally had someone upon whom they could rely!

As always and until this tale ends, to be continued!

LOL! YAY Character development! It is indeed a tricky process! Especially with an OC. XD But I think I'm doing all right, considering.

Well, I feel kind of sad that the symbiote hasn't been in either of these two chapters. ~le sigh~ Ah well! I suppose it is for the best! But it should be popping up again soon, so no worries!

Remember to review!

Also, to anyone wonder, yes I know, "A Black Cat and a White Coat" has yet to be updated in a while, but I have been focusing on this fanfic since it would be better to finish this one first before going back to work on that one and another one I'll be working on. X3 M'kay? Okay!

Until next chapter, tootles!