"Octavius!"
Ock headed along the corridor, tapping something with his computer. He was concentrating so deeply that didn't hear Taskmaster's angry calls.
"Hey, are you listening?!"
*Ignoring*
"Do not walk away from me, you jerk!", the pissed off villain finally managed to jump in front of his boss. Lifting his gaze from the screen, Ock revealed rather an annoying smile.
"Yes, Taskmaster?"
"You heard me, didn't you?! Stop treating us like some brainless idiots! Kraven may be one, but I'm not! And no one is disrespectful to me!"
"Right...", Ock made an eye-roll. "So, how can I help you?"
"I wanna know what the hell you are up to! You said that Spider-Man and his sidekicks are starting to realize what is happening! And you just laughed at it!"
"Oh did I? Well..."
"Nah, forget it! Now, I want you to get rid of that old Osborn. He is related to those fools! How can you accept him in just like that?!"
"Do I sense some jealousy in the air? A moment ago, you were ready to walk out of the set. So this proves you need me after all."
"Hah, as if", Taskmaster muttered.
"What?"
"Nothing. But you better think of something and fast before everything is screwed up."
"Now that you mentioned it, I was going over there right now. And since you want to be the main star so badly, I have a job for you."
"Like what?"
"I have a job for you and Morbius's pet. And to make sure there won't be any setbacks, you must do this...", Ock whispered in his "servant's" ear. Stepping back, Taskmaster nodded in agreement.
"Ah, finally some useful ideas! Leave it to me", he said, disappearing into the shadows. Straightening his glasses, Ock put his hand in his pocket, picking Flash, Alex, and the Osborn family dolls on his palm.
"Hmm, now what shall I do with you? Oh, now I know..."
And so, he continued walking...
"And the itsy bitsy spider faced its doom..."
-o-o-o-
The atmosphere between the four heroes had turned colder, thanks to the argument between the Osborns. Alex and Flash could sense something was wrong, but they were too hesitant to do or ask anything.
"What's up with our lovely father and son?", Flash asked.
"I don't know. It seems like they are mad or something."
"No kidding! Did you tell Harry about what you told us?"
"Yes, and he was shocked. As you said, he took Peter's part very hard. I believe he truly regrets things."
"Toomes said the same. Maybe I should believe him as well..."
"You should. I was able to forgive, so are you."
"I think about it", Flash said. Soon, Harry walked into the kitchen.
"Hey, guys. What's up?"
"Hi", Alex greeted. "How are you feeling?"
"Not very good to be honest", the boy answered, opening the fridge. "I'm going to grab something to eat and then I go straight back to bed."
"Good. Since when the time comes to act, you better be ready!", Flash put his legs on the table, taking a relaxing position.
"Yeah, yeah", Harry answered. "Hey, shoes off the table!"
"Come on, it's dirty anyway. Besides, cleaning should be the last thing that you're thinking about now!"
"It is. Trust me. I'm thinking of Peter all the time. I hope he's okay...but anyway, I promise to rest so that I'm ready for action", Harry nodded, turning to leave. But then, Flash cleared his throat.
"Good, good. It's good that your health is strong. Too bad that the same can't be said about your state of mind..."
"Flash", Alex tried to shut him up. No use.
"Excuse me?", Harry turned around again.
"Nothing, I'm just wondering."
Grunting, Harry was about to say something, but he was too tired and sick to argue. So instead of yapping back, he just showed his tongue and left.
"That was close", Alex took a deep breath. "Seriously, why do you have to harass everyone?!"
"Oh come, what did I do?! I was just trying to find out what's wrong", Flash answered.
"Yes, but there are lots of different ways to do so. Behaving like an impolite idiot only makes you look miserable", Alex grabbed his stuff, leaving the kitchen as well. Crossing his hands, Flash grunted.
Why is everybody against me?! I did nothing wrong!
*Meanwhile*
"Harry!", Alex rushed after his friend who was already on the stairs.
"Yeah?", Harry stopped. "What is it?"
"Look, I'm sorry about Flash's behavior. You know how stupid he can be."
"Don't worry, I'm used to it. Better just leave it be."
"Good. Also, I hope you won't take my theories about Ock too seriously. I might be wrong."
"Yeah, but they sound believable. Oh, Pete...I hope we find him soon..."
"Yes. Oh by the way, about..."
"Alex!"
"Hmm?", boys interrupted their conversation, spotting Norman at the end of the stairs.
"Yes, Mr. Osborn?"
"Well, I was wondering if you would want to identify those minerals right now. I cleaned the lab and it's ready."
"Sure, why not. Wanna join us, Harry?"
"No thanks", Harry refused to make eye contact with Norman. "I'm going to bed", he stormed upstairs.
"Okay...", Alex was a bit surprised about this. What he had learned about Harry was that he was always ready to spend time with his father. But now...
"Look, I don't wanna rush you but if we want to get this thing done, we better start right away. Octavius must be stopped", Norman said, walking quickly towards the door. Wondering this reaction a bit as well, Alex shrugged and followed him. Around the corner, Harry listened and closed his eyes, wiping them with his sleeve before locking himself up into his room once again.
-o-o-o-
"Finally here...", Taskmaster stepped out of the shadows, observing the penthouse from the opposite building.
*Growling*
"Patience, boy. We can't attack yet, it's too early. Instead, let's wait for the right moment. I promise you will get payback. We both will."
"Grrll..."
"Yes, yes I know. Those Osborn fools humiliated you and killed your creator. We are gonna make them pay. Just wait..."
"Grrrrlll, grrrl..."
"That's a good pet! Now, go gather your strength before we attack. I let you know when we're ready", Taskmaster kept watching while his new monster disappeared out of sight. Tapping his fist against the wall, he bit a toothpick between his teeth. He was going to show Ock how badly he has underestimated him.
Enjoy you while you can...since soon, everything's gonna blow up like a rocket!
-o-o-o-
Later that evening, Flash, Alex, and Norman spent a game night and had fun. Harry refused to join them and followed the scene from the upper level, leaning against the railing.
Blah...
"Ah, I knew you couldn't pass this level! Loserrrrr!", Flash laughed, throwing some popcorn at Alex.
"Stop it! It's not my fault I'm not a videogame type!"
"Too bad, since I'm about to kick your ass!"
"I doubt it. I'm the record holder of this game. No one can beat me in it!", Norman grinned.
"Is that so?! Well, I challenge you to a duel! Best out of three, how does it sound?"
"I accept your challenge. Be ready to lose!"
"Okay, you're on!"
As the duo started playing, Harry snorted. Even though he was still mad, but he couldn't help being jealous. Flash was getting the attention that should belong to him...
How can they play like nothing's wrong?! Ock is still out there and all they do is laugh!
Squeezing the railing, Harry tried to ignore his thoughts. Norman made it clear that he didn't want him, so why should he care what he was doing? Now they both were free to do whatever they want. He would be a full-time hero and his...
Tsk, he's not my father anymore! After all, that's what I want. Right? Right...?!
"You know", Harry heard Norman saying. "I have to admit that you're not actually that bad, Flash. I'm sorry how I misjudged you."
What?!
"Nah, don't worry. I usually don't share compliments, but you aren't bad either. I'm almost starting to feel like you're the father I never properly had!"
"Heh, I see..."
HOW can he say that?! , Harry gritted his teeth. Flash is not his son! Ohh I show those two traitors what...!
"Harry?"
"Uhh...yeah?", the young man snapped back to reality, spotting Alex next to the stairs.
"What are you doing up here? Don't you wanna join the game night?"
"Uuhhh no, I'm still tired", he lied.
"Oh, okay. I also came to tell you that thanks to your father's trick, we discovered that those minerals were indeed fake ones."
"They were?", Harry got surprised. "How did you do that?"
"We tested those abilities on them and the results weren't the same as with the original ones. The difference was hard to find since Ock covered it so well. I'm so sorry I didn't realize this sooner..."
"It's okay. Nothing, in this case, surprises me anymore..."
"I know that feeling. I wish more than anything it's over soon."
"It will, I promise. Too bad someone is taking duties lightly", Harry glared downstairs. Alex gazed there as well.
"You mean your father and Flash?"
"Hah, those two don't even want to stop Ock! They are too busy with bonding..."
"They just want to have some fun, I think. Maybe you should too..."
"I don't have time to fool around. I must stop that evil monster and save Peter", Harry said bitterly. Feeling regret deep inside, Alex decided to break the ice.
"Umm...Harry. Can I ask you something?"
"Sure. What?"
"Well uh don't take me wrong but Flash and I have noticed this inflamed atmosphere between you and Mr. Osborn. I don't wanna interfere, but is everything okay?"
"Sure", Harry lied again. "Why not?"
"Nothing, I'm just wondering. Since if..."
"Don't worry, everything is fine. We're just stressed out, that's all."
"Okay. If you say so", Alex nodded, not wanting to pressure his friend.
That's not my business anyway.
"Yeah", Harry said, rubbing his neck. The tension started turning so awkward that the wiser one realized it was time to back down.
"Right umm yes I had something to take care of anyway. See you later", Alex slipped out of sight. After he was left alone, Harry took a deep breath. He wasn't in a mood to open up.
"Man, I lost again! Okay, best out of six!"
"I'm sorry, but I'm too tired. My eyes need to rest."
"Okay then. Well, later!"
"Hah, if you want."
Hearing steps approaching the stairs, Harry retreated against the wall, crossing his hands. A moment later, Norman came up and passed him. Although he didn't notice the boy right away since he was walking so fast.
"So, did you two have fun?"
"Huh?", Norman stopped, turning around. "What do you mean?"
"It seems that you and Flash are getting along better than ever", the younger Osborn answered mockingly. "Your laughter couldn't have been missed."
"We were just having some fun. What's wrong with that?"
"Oh, nothing. You just like to humiliate me in front of my friends. Don't have enough?!"
"Humiliate you? How am I humiliating you?"
"By acting some godfather to everyone! It's embarrassing, so you might as well stop it."
"Now listen to me here, young man", Norman answered sharply. "Even though you are mad, I'm not tolerating such language under my roof. And besides, you made it very clear we're not a family anymore. Doesn't it give me the freedom to do what I want?"
"Yeah, bond with him as much as you please! I don't give a damn", Harry turned his gaze away.
"Don't you? Maybe it's just me, but I can sense a strong bitterness here."
"Bitterness? Hah, let me laugh! How would I be jealous of you?"
"I don't know, you tell me."
"You...you are wrong! I don't care what you do! And never will! BESIDES, YOU HAVE ALREADY REPLACED ME!", Harry yelled and ran into his room. When Norman once again heard the door slamming, he shook his head and headed towards his office where he was going in the first place. At the same time, Flash came out of his hiding place, rubbing his chin.
Hmm...
*Harry's room*
"Jealous?! Hah, he thinks everyone adores him. But he's wrong! After this shit is done, I'm leaving asap", Harry sat down on his bed.
I don't care, I don't! After all, he has already moved on...
*The office*
Norman cleaned some of his precious collector's items. Before Harry and settling down, he and Emily used to travel quite often. He had planned to take his son to see those places but then plans always changed.
"You have already replaced me!"
No, Norman had not replaced Harry with Flash or Peter or anyone. He could never do that. Despite the teen's rough words, Norman loved him.
"I just hope he could see it...how much I've done for him and what I still do. But the only question is...how long can I take this? I feel nothing is enough, nothing..."
As Norman dwelled in his depression, he didn't hear how someone sneaked away from the door while behind the window lurked another one...
*Back in Harry's room*
"Okay, I think I have everything I need...", Harry pushed his back bag under his bed, waiting for it to be ready when it's time to go.
Now, what else...
"If you think you can manage with that tiny little bag, then good luck. Ain't gonna work."
Jumping from surprise, Harry turned around, spotting Flash hanging upside down in the corner.
"Jeez, would you please stop doing that?! Or is it fun to scare people out of their skin?!"
"Hehe", the muscular boy answered, jumping down. "So, is everything ready for the big breakout?"
"Excuse me?"
"I heard you are going to leave home after Ock is captured. Although I don't understand why you wanna trade this all away."
"How can you know about it? Were you spying on me again?", Harry asked, annoyed.
"I didn't need to spy, your outburst echoed all over the apartment when you argued with your Pops. So that's why the atmosphere has been so cold", Flash turned to look at himself in the mirror.
"So? It was just some silly confrontation."
"Mm-hmm", Flash brushed his hair, trying to make it look cool. Suddenly, he stopped and lifted his gaze at his friend. "Tell me something, Harry. Does it feel good to play a martyr over and over again?"
"What...?"
"You heard me. I know what your so-called silly argument was about, I heard every single detail. So you can't deny anything."
Harry felt humiliated. Who was Flash to confront him? This was his house! He had no right.
"Well, it's none of your business. Now leave, if you please", Harry pointed towards the door. But Flash was going to put an end to this nonsense.
"Ohh I don't think so", he landed on the bed, taking a nice position. "I'm not moving anywhere until you have cleaned your shit up."
"Hey, watch your tongue! This is my house and..."
"Blah, cut it out already! As you said, this is your father's house, not yours. So you can't make orders here, Mr. Nitpicker."
"Uurrhh...", Harry grunted. "Fine, what do you want then?!"
"Tell the truth. What is the real reason behind the argument between you and Mr. O? You said something he has replaced you and that you two are family no more", Flash said. "Yeah, I have a pretty good hearing. Hah!"
"I...I don't wanna talk about it", Harry looked away.
"Oh right", the bossier pal stood up. "Let's all feel sorry for Harry. Miserable Harry. Poor Harry. Unhappy and rich Harry. Harry, whose father ignores him over and over again."
"But that's what he does!", Harry hissed.
"Does he? The way I see, he's doing everything to please your sorry ***. But no, nothing is enough. You have a bigger house than the main training room at the whole Academy! You can buy whatever you want and your father worships you. What else do you want?"
"Do you really think this is about money?! I don't care about any of it! Instead..."
"Yeah?", Flash waited.
"Nah, forget it. After all, who are you to judge my life?! Just leave me alone", Harry turned his back. Standing up, Flash shook his head.
"Okay, if that's what you want. But you are only making yourself a fool by acting like a spoiled brat."
"Spoiled brat?! You're the one admiring this shit! Since this all is so fantastic to you, then you can move in after I'm gone! You can be the new son to that hypocrite and you get the father who you seem to admire so blindly! Go ahead, as if I care!"
Listening to Harry's rambling, Flash began to smile.
"Ah, I see."
"What now?!"
"You're jealous", Flash teased. "I can see it."
"Hah, I'm not!", Harry shook his head.
"Yes you are", Flash sat down next to him. "But why? Okay, your father is cool and all when you get to know him but you don't have to worry. I'm not trying to take your place. No one is."
"Again, it's not that. It's..."
"Come on, let it out. Since Pete isn't here, I'm the best friend machine number two. Or, close to it. But go on."
"He...", Harry sighed. "You're right, we had a huge fight before you and Alex came back. Dad said that he regrets my existence."
"Really?", Flash looked surprised. "Are you sure?"
"Well, what else can this phrase mean?", Harry asked, telling the rest of the story. But to his surprise, Flash's reaction wasn't what he waited.
"So...that's it? All this drama because of some silly slip?"
"What do you mean that's it?! He didn't want me in the first place!"
"Oh come on, I bet every single parent doubts their parenting sometimes. I'm sure he didn't mean it."
"Right, why did I even tell this to you? Of course, you can't understand."
"You know Harry, I think the main problem isn't your father. Instead, it's your attitude and behavior towards him."
"Oh, so this is my fault now?!", Harry jumped up. "Well, thanks a lot for the support!"
"See? This is what I mean. You don't even bother seeing things from different pov. You automatically think people are against you. But I'm not", Flash stood up as well.
"Oh really?"
"Believe it or not, up to you. But what I have seen during this mission, is that you are stuck in the past. Okay, you were alone and suffered but it's over now. Your father is immune and has been here for you more than anyone of us."
Listening, Harry didn't answer. It was surprising that Flash Thompson, the former ex-bully was giving him some life lessons.
"I know it is hard to believe things when they are coming from my mouth, but I'm serious. You are stuck in this weird illusion where everything has to be perfect. Your father has to be perfect and he can't do mistakes, otherwise, you flip out. Am I right?"
"Well, maybe at some point. But things are more complicated than that."
"Are they really, or are you making them complicated? Let go of the perfection, dude! Forgive yourself, forgive Peter, forgive your old man and move on. Like Alex forgave me and you, as I have forgiven you."
"So, you aren't mad at me anymore...?", Harry wondered.
"No. It wasn't easy to let go, but I forgive you. Fighting won't solve anything. And besides...seeing Mr. O trying so hard made me understand you. I didn't see it back then, but now I do", Flash nodded.
"Okay...well, thanks. I..."
"Don't thank me, thank your father. He tries, he really does. And he is suffering as much as you."
"Is he? I doubt it. I bet he's just happy to get rid of me."
"Well, it's your choice. But have you considered the fact that some day, he just can't take this anymore? What if some day, he's not around to save you? What if he decides to leave you? Since if you keep doing this, you are just digging your own grave."
Staring at his friend, Harry was speechless. Now everything started to turn clear...he had taken his father for granted all this time. Maybe it was his stubbornness or blindness but he naively thought that he could throw cold water at Norman endlessly and he would be strong enough to stand it.
But what if he can't? Maybe he's as shattered as the rest of us after all...
"I...I don't know what to say. I didn't even think of that option..."
"There's never too late to apologize. You just need to show how much you respect him and his hard work. Since if you're not careful, you are going to lose him."
"I...I don't wanna lose him!", Harry finally said. "Maybe now that I think about it, I overreacted. Dad showed deep self-hatred and regret when he said like that."
"Well, I'm not the one who should hear this, am I?", Flash smiled, pushing the door open.
"Yeah, you're right. I need to fix this right away", Harry put his fist against his chest, walking out of his room. Before the friends separated, Flash began.
"Oh yeah, one more thing."
"Yes?"
"Maybe this surprises you, but your father is actually pretty admired among some of the Academy heroes."
"Really? Why I haven't heard anything like that?"
"They hide it well. But think about it! He's rich, he built your armors all by himself, intelligent, charismatic, badass. Why wouldn't they admire him?"
"Hah, I experienced the opposite. The Goblin, freak, nutjob, crazy man..."
"Attack is the best form of defense. All I'm saying is that be proud and thankful. You won't find a cooler role model and father than him. Even I admit it and remember, we nearly hated each other first. But I was clearly wrong about you both."
"I will remember. Thanks, Flash, I was wrong about you as well. You are fine Spidey number two."
"Of course! But now, I'm going to eat some pizza, my stomach is starving! Happy reunion", Flash teased, elbowing Harry before passing him and heading towards the stairs.
"Jerk", the young Osborn smiled and then ran to the office doors. Before going in, he took a deep breath.
Here we go.
"Dad?", he knocked. "You're in there? Look, I just think that we should talk. Since I..."
Silence.
"Dad...?", Harry tried again, pushing the door open. "Listen, I know that you probably don't wanna see me, but this is very impor..."
Unable to finish his sentence, Harry stood still in complete shock and stared at the sight in front of him. Morbius's creature was behind the desk, leaning over Norman who lay on the floor, eyes closed. Harry wasn't sure was he unconscious or not, although it was highly possible.
"D...DAD!", Harry screamed, grabbed the nearest heavy statue off the shelf and threw it against the monster who got hit on the head. "GET AWAY FROM HIM!"
Grunting, the monster locked its eyes on Harry, letting out a deep growl. Gulping, then teenager made a run across the room. He needed help and fast.
"FLASH! ALEX!", he yelled so loudly as he could. "FLASH, HELP!"
As Harry was about to reach the door, he was tackled down and the creature sank its sharp teeth into his shoulder.
"AAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!"
"Uhh...what happened?", Norman blinked his eyes, holding his head. When he lifted his gaze, he saw what was happening and jumped up.
"HARRY! HANDS OFF MY SON, YOU RUTHLESS WIGNUT!"
"Dad, help me!", Harry yipped weakly. "Please..."
"Hold on, I'm coming!", Norman yelled back, running to his desk. Opening one of the boxes, he grabbed a pump shotgun and without further waiting, shot the monster in the back. Releasing Harry, it whined and fell on the floor.
"It's alright, come on", Norman helped his boy up and they limped fast towards the door. But then...
"Going somewhere?"
Turning around, Osborns saw Taskmaster who landed in the room. Norman pulled Harry behind him and pointed the gun towards the villain.
"What do you want?! Get out!"
"Always trying to fight. It's useless, so do us both a favor and surrender. Then I'll promise to finish you off quickly."
"How dare you make orders in my house", Norman spat angrily. "You have ten seconds to disappear or I blow your brains out!"
"Is that so?", Taskmaster asked.
"Yes! Trust me, I will do everything to protect my family. And I goddamn swear that if you take one single step, I shoot. So don't push your luck."
"D-Dad, maybe we should do as he says", Harry trembled. "Before anyone gets hurt."
"You heard your kid. Sure you don't wanna put him into danger?"
Despite Taskmaster tried to "reason" with Norman, the man refused to throw the gun away. His father's anger surprised and scared Harry at the same time. But at least he was protected.
"Nah, wasting my time! I simply take both of you out NOW!", Taskmaster sprinted towards Osborns, holding his knife.
"I warned you!", Norman lifted the gun and made a couple of shots straight in Taskmaster's chest. Screaming, Harry covered his eyes with his hands as the villain let out a groan and collapsed in front of them.
"Oh no no no no...!", the boy shook his in a panic. Norman wrapped his other hand around his son and rubbed his back.
"It's okay, everything is over."
"Is it? You sure?"
"Yes. Don't worry."
"This was so scary", Harry shivered. "I thought we were done for!"
"Yes but it's over", he was so relieved but then his gaze turned worried. "But how is your shoulder?"
"It hurts, but I've seen worse. Don't worry about it."
"Really? Is that what you want?", Norman asked. Harry didn't want to answer this, so he changed the subject.
"Dad, I...I'm sorry for my behavior. I was a total brat and I wanna apologize."
"Oh, Harry..."
"No, let me finish", the teen interrupted. "This whole situation is my fault. I should have listened to you and not say those horrible words. Maybe I was stuck in the past and I thought that I have a right to throw insults at you. But I was wrong. And I swear I'll behave from now on. If only you won't go away..."
"I won't", Norman smiled. "Since I never even left."
"Yeah, you're right", Harry smiled back. "So...will you be my father again?"
"I'm always your father, no matter what the situation is. A little outburst won't change it. Besides, I knew you were warming up to me."
"How so?"
"Trust me, I know you better than you think. You don't think I was going to let you go just like that?"
"Who knows", Harry shrugged. "For a moment I thought you don't wanna see me ever again."
"Then it's time to learn", Norman patted his shoulder. "You are my baby, and I will hold on to you till the end."
"Baby?! What baby?!"
"Daddy's baby boy. Always", Norman teased playfully. "But in any case, I'm glad you gathered your courage and made the first step. I was going to do the same until you had calmed down first. So, I'd say this is a win-win."
"Yeah", Harry nodded in agreement. Suddenly, he gasped.
"DAD!"
"Huh?!", Norman looked over his shoulder, seeing the monster back on its feet. It screamed, obviously angry that got shot.
"The gun...the gun!", Norman hurried.
"Where?!", Harry looked helplessly around. "It's too dark, I can't see it!"
"It's...!", Norman started but the monster managed to attack first, throwing him violently against the wall.
"HEY!", Harry lost his temper. He wasn't going to let this monster torture them any longer.
*Growling*
"Yeah, that's right! You are gonna leave us alone...RIGHT NOW!", he ran and jumped on the creature's back, wrapping his hands around its neck and started strangling.
"Arrllll...!", the monster tried to throw Harry away but was unable to reach him. Instead, it just tottered from side to side. And it didn't take long before they fell straight out of the broken window.
"NOOOOOOO!", Norman screamed. "GOD NO! HARRY!"
"What happens here?!", Flash suddenly slammed the door open. "I heard screaming and..."
"MY SON!", Norman panicked. "That monster dropped them out of the window! Please, save him!"
"I'm on it", Flash changed into his suit and jumped after the fallen enemies. Forcing himself to get up, Norman moved slowly towards the edge, thanks to his painful bruises.
Please tell me he saved him, please...
Stopping since walking was hurt too much, Norman leaned against the wall, looking nervously towards the window. He didn't hear or see anything.
"B-boys...? Hello...?"
*Moving sounds*
"W-who's there?!"
*Panting*
"If it's that thing, I better..."
"Hey!"
"Huh?", Norman listened. It sounded like...
"HARRY?!", the man ran again towards the window. Soon Flash and his son came into sight, pulling themselves to safety.
"Oh good lord above!", Norman fell to his knees in relief.
"This is the last time I will save your useless corpse, dude!", Flash turned onto his back. "Stop doing such idiotic things!"
"I'm sorry", Harry apologized. "I didn't know what else to do since that thing threatened us..."
"What the heck was that thing even doing here?! And Taskmaster!"
"They attacked us again. And..."
"Hold on just a moment!", Norman interrupted them. "Where is that thing?!"
"I...I shot it", Flash answered. "It was the only way to escape."
"Oh...", Norman said, rubbing his head. "Well, that's a good thing, we finally got rid of it. One trouble less."
"Yes and now that Taskmaster is here, we can...!", Harry started, until they heard laughing.
"In your dreams, boy!", Taskmaster had moved to the window, throwing a bulletproof west away. "You really think you shot me? What mooks!"
"Hey, you again!", Flash covered his face, activating his weapons while Norman pulled Harry and himself behind his desk.
"Correct, spider. And once again, you have hit the nail in the coffin. First, you killed Morbius and now his pet...oh just wait when Octavius hears about this. Cheerio!", he jumped out of the window.
"Crap! Don't worry, I take care of this!", Flash went after him.
"Flash, wait!", Harry yelled after him. "The tracker...!"
"He's already gone. Come on, let's patch you up", Norman pulled the boy up and Osborns walked to the bathroom.
"But it could be a trap! We should have waited."
"Don't worry, I know how to pick up the right signal. And perhaps Flash catches him so that we don't need to track Octavius down after all."
"I just want to find Peter and put this mess behind. That's all..."
"I know you do", Norman cleaned Harry's shoulder. "But please, stop scaring me with those insane stunts. One day I probably get a heart attack."
"Sorry...I just wanted to save you."
"You were very brave", Norman smiled. "Listen, son..."
"Yep?", Harry smiled back. "What is it?"
"You see, I've been wondering about something. Do you know how your friends knew to look for you at Emily's grave that night?"
"You're right, I have no clue. I didn't even notice it before this. How indeed? I swear only Peter knows about Mom!"
"You don't think I'm mad at you?", Norman got surprised. Harry dropped his gaze.
"Hey, how about a little support here, huh? I don't get mad so easily anymore. You don't have to be afraid."
"I do my best. But yeah, how did they know? I'm confused..."
"Well, Flash told me a little story about you and Peter that happened shortly after you joined the Academy. He overheard your conversation."
"Oh...that one. Well, that explains how he knew...", Harry muttered.
"Yes, and it made me think a lot. Would you have wanted a mother figure in your life? Would things have been better if I tried to have a relationship after Emily's passing? Maybe you needed nothing more than a mother's love, but I, unfortunately, cannot give it...", Norman sighed.
This surprised Harry. They had never discussed this before and it was awkward.
"I'm not sure how to answer this. Sure we don't know how things would be but you don't have to feel sorry. All I need is your care. That's everything I have anyway..."
"We both have something more valuable. Each other", Norman hugged Harry who responded happily.
"Yeah. But Dad..."
"M-hmm?"
"Don't take this wrong, but I don't like that you are getting too familiar with my friends."
"But I thought you wanted me to get to know them?"
"I do. But these nicknames, etc don't feel nice. The fact that you get along with them is enough. I don't wanna share you with anyone", Harry blushed.
"Sorry", Norman apologized. "I understand what you mean and I will change my behavior. To be honest, I can't wait to have some private family time after this."
"Sounds good", Harry answered. Suddenly, Osborns heard noises from downstairs and came out of the bathroom, looking over the railing.
"Flash!", Alex said in surprise. "You look a mess! What happened?"
"I chased that goof as far as I could, but he escaped", the tired hero fell on the floor. "Sorry."
"Did Taskmaster escape? Darn", Harry walked the stairs down, Norman right behind him.
"Huh? What do you mean by that? Would somebody brighten me up a bit as well?", Alex spread his hands.
"We'll explain everything later. Now, we must find the right signal immediately. Will, you help me?", Norman asked his young assistant.
"Sure thing. Let's go."
"Good. Stay here, son. We'll be back soon", Norman patted Harry's shoulder as he and Alex passed him and Flash, again disappearing into the lab.
"Well, it looks like you and your old man are talking again. Good for you", Flash rubbed his muscles, sitting down.
"Yeah, thanks for turning my head around. You made me open my eyes and realize how stupid I was", Harry thanked.
"Heh, what would you and Pete do without me?"
"Now now", the young man grinned. "How about pizza night? I can make some greasy junk food!"
"Sounds fantastic", Flash lay down on his back. "But aren't you worried about Ock's plans?"
"Yeah, more than you even know. But as soon as Dad and Alex are finished, we are good to go."
"If you're not sick anymore."
"I feel better, just some good night's sleep and I'm as good as new."
They better find something...
"Okay, it's your call. Now, two slices of salami Turkish pepper, please!", Flash closed his eyes. "And make sure they're hot!"
"Yes, sir...", Harry showed his tongue. He decided to remain quiet about Emily, so Flash will never know.
And that's a good thing.
*A few hours later*
Harry watched some TV while Flash snored on the sofa. It was so annoying.
Come on, what's taking them so long?
He didn't have to wait for long until the door opened and his father and friend came back. Jerking Flash awake, Harry ran to greet Norman and Alex.
"So, what did you find? Do you know where Ock is?"
"Well...", Norman looked unsure.
"Yeah? What is it?", Harry asked again.
"We did find the right signal", Alex scanned his tablet. "Ock had made several fake ones to mislead us."
"How is that possible?! He didn't know about my trick!", Flash crossed his hands.
"Not now, hothead", Harry interrupted him. "So, where is this signal sending signs?"
"Closer than you think", Alex said, giving a disturbing gaze at Norman, then at his friends. "It's...it's coming from Oscorp's ruins."