Immortality. Something Harry would have wanted, at any cost. I remembered learning the truth.

"Hey, Harry," I said, standing in the doorway of his office. His assistant, Felicia, had taken me there. He looked up from his desk, startled and began closing files in a panic. "Is everything alright?"

He was silent, and took a small cube into his pocket. I noticed a strange blemish on his neck.

"Harry, are you alright?" I repeated. I heard no response, so I approached cautiously. "What's wrong? I can't help you-"

"No one can!" he yelled. "Or at least, the one person who can won't!"

"What are you talking about?" I demanded, my voice rising to a shriek. "Help me out here- what's going on?"

He turned away, and stuffed his hands into his pockets. I realized that he was crying and his hands were twitching violently.

"Harry," I repeated gently. "What's going on?"

He took a deep, shuddering breath. "I'm sick, Bella. Retroviral Hypodisplasia. I'm going to die like my father did, unless I do something."

"I'm so sorry," I said. "I can't imagine- but Harry, you're barely eighteen. Your dad lived pretty long, didn't he? You've got tons of money and research, surely you can-"

"The only leads to permanent cures out there are the radioactive spiders and Spider-Man," Harry explained bitterly. "And Spider-Man refused to help."

"I see," I said, thinking of what I was going to say to Peter. "So, research more about the spiders!"

"I can't," he said. "The spiders were all killed."

"What? Why?" I asked.

"Something about investor concerns," he said. "Doesn't matter anymore."

"I'm so sorry," I repeated. "Do you want me to go?"

He turned around, those eyes pleading with me. "No."

"Then I won't."

I embraced him.

The vampires could be the key. But it would have a great cost- maybe. He could just drink animal blood, right? And then everything could be fine. Right?

Naturally, Jessica wanted to know all about my "date" and I had to remind her that I was very much taken. I found Cullen at lunch. I needed more information- for Harry.

"So. What does it take to become one of you?" I asked.

"You don't need to know that," he said. "Not from me. But I was thinking of introducing you to my family on Sunday."

"Why? I'm not your girlfriend," I reminded him.

"That's why."

"Alright then," I said. "Should be interesting. Anything I should know before I go hang out with vampires?"

"Some of my family doesn't like that I told you," he said simply. I turned my head to see said family glaring at me. I rolled my eyes.

"They can get over it." I informed him coldly.

When I got home, I got an email from Peter. I clicked it open, curious.

Bella,

Things are finally settling down in New York. I got the Rhino, and so far Oscorps hasn't thrown anything else at us. But Gwen decided to end it. She said she couldn't handle a long-distance relationship. I don't even know why I'm talking to you, but God, I did everything to save her, and then she dumps me.

What should I do now?

Peter

I sighed. I wasn't exactly the best person for relationship advice. But then I remembered MJ's little confession to me.

Peter,

First of all, congrats on the Rhino. Sorry to hear about your breakup. I think you should distance yourself. If you feel up to dating again, I'd ask the girl next door out.

Bella

I hit send, satisfied in having done cousinly and friendly duty. Then I planned for the Sunday I would hang out with vampires.