"Spider-Man let his team stop over 6 robberies in the last few days and was nowhere to be seen during the latest weapon breakout in city center. Perhaps his local hero gig is finally over, because if he is finally showing his true face to the public..."

Harry shoved the car door close. The driver might've needed an apology, but he never realized how hellish Peter's day-to-day life must've been.

After training came full field experience. Citizens couldn't go on for too long without Spider-Man, and since he took the job, it also meant fulfilling his public position while Goblin had the real deal under his influence. Given he had neither the natural athleticism nor the reflexes to impress, it also meant that he messed up several times over emergency calls and did not do the superhero identity favors.

At least he got a better hang on the costume and web-slinging acrobatics, and it'd net him even higher grades in gym class. So long he could attend.

So far, his new life meant school, hanging with MJ and trying to avoid the "buggy" topic (he'd remember Peter explaining why spiders weren't bugs if he didn't feel a bit conflicted at the time), moonlighting as a novice superhero who couldn't even harm a fly, then go home and hope he'd get a lead on finding where his father and best friend were hiding.

In the meantime, he was able to get in touch with Peter's aunt. S.H.I.E.L.D. had falsified a couple of papers for her to sign from Coulson (on the account she let Peter leave for an extended period) and synthesized Peter's voice to give her a false message, apologizing for not telling her about the contest and promising to send her lots of pictures.

There was the issue of her possibly wanting to talk to him on the phone, but Coulson assured her that his access to phones and Internet would be restricted for studying under surveillance, 'so as to avoid cheating', and that he'd only be allowed to record messages to her. She was obviously upset talking about it over a cup of coffee, but also seemed happy for Peter, just sad to see him go towards his future so quickly.

Knowing that Peter had a loving family home, even if it was just his aunt at the time, and knowing where he actually was, Harry couldn't fault him for bailing out on so many occasions. It at least gave him more resolve to bring Peter back...

Even if he was certain at the rate he was going, Peter would do a better job coming back by himself.

Carnage's world was always shifting.

At times, he was inside a giant web, full of red and black, some blue flies getting caught in. At others, he opened his eyes and his father awaited him for some games. He loved showing him what he knew... even if he couldn't recall why or how he understood those shiny symbols on the glowing plates. He just did.

Sometimes, he saw those people in the screens make odd noises of discontentment, speaking the same language his father meant to teach him. Then their noises became like the flies' buzzing, all he wanted was just to catch them and crush them for his enjoyment. Not that his father seemed displeased with the idea, he liked Carnage's destruction and hatred of those noisy bugs.

He'd often wonder if they'd taste the same as those bugs. His father created a dark blue mush for him to feed on, saying it would make him bigger and stronger. He didn't like the taste too much, preferring to catch the flies that'd come around screaming whenever they'd come by their home. At least he believed that was their home, since he and his father hid from all the noise there.

Whenever Carnage wanted out, his father told him to stay put and that he'd get to come out soon. All they ever did was have Carnage lay down and get a bunch of tubes into his body. He'd feel stronger and could talk more eloquently, but on times like these where he wanted out, he was back to being primal. He supposed he should just listen.

He didn't really mind after all. He was just angry knowing Venom abandoned their father in the first place, and felt much better off without him anyways. He should be their father's only symbiote, it didn't make sense for Venom to want to be back again after what he'd done. Next time he saw Venom, he should just crush him like all those stupid flies.

Strangely, Carnage couldn't tell if he recognized Venom as a brother. He could remember when Venom looked like a powerful symbiote like him, but only recognized his meeker, punier form. He never told his father about it, didn't need to pester him with a useless son when he already had a plenty useful one around.

Yes, it'd be better not to remember Venom. He was much happier without him anyways, his web and his only family was all what he'd ever need. So why even bring him up at all? Venom wasn't part of their family anymore.

So what was missing from this picture then?

"Alright, that's another patrol done. Let's just hope I don't encounter anything on the way home..."

He said that without much thought while swinging from building to building. It was pretty tiresome to keep the city safe, why couldn't the police and army just do that job again?

Then again, he didn't think an officer would look right in spider-themed tights nor be taken seriously by a supervillain. Not anymore seriously than 'Spider-Man 2.0' was being at the time. No one noticed the change, all thanks to Peter not being the only superhero in town.

He'd nearly wish Peter didn't choose to be a superhero. It sounded selfish, but couldn't he have just stayed a normal kid? With a normal life? Normal friends? With a normal planning? Why go the extra mile and risk his life in a city where there were other people to do the job? There were tons of superheroes out there, but only one Peter Parker. And Peter should be aware he saved tons of people every day but only had one Harry Osborn to hang out with.

He knew it was a sense of justice and all that stuff people say about doctors, soldiers, firefighters... none of which Peter was. They were high schoolers, couldn't he just act like one? Heck, he could've taken a school club and Harry would've signed up for it as well. Just why...

Why did he want to be a superhero? There was nothing to like about the job from what he'd seen so far. How could Peter even do this gig anyways? It's not like it paid off any money, and if he had money problems, he was smart enough to do anything but this. He could've even gotten a job at Oscorp anytime, no need to even ask him or...

Or Norman for a recommendation. Even though he was pretty sure Peter would have a high position.

He sighed, having nearly forgotten why Peter was missing at the moment. His dad got what he wanted, his best friend as a son... who likely had murderous urges and anger issues if Harry's experience as Venom was any indication. He wasn't sure Goblin really got what he wanted if he turned Peter into that thing, so why even keep him around? Was the idea of having Peter as a son what mattered? Did he even care who Peter was so long he wasn't like Harry in the end?

Carnage apparently satisfied him since neither was spotted in weeks. They were probably far off somewhere, away from any threat to their new messed up 'family'. He winced at the thought of it. The two people he cared most about in his life, just... gone without him. What did he mess up anyways?

Why did Norman bury himself in his work instead of spending time with him? Why did Peter ditch him all the time to wear this dumb costume and help a bunch of strangers?

He was doing this for them, he swore. So why did they act this way until he decided to wear the costume? Why...

As he swung in the air, he caught a glimpse of a familiar figure. He had left her a couple hours earlier as Harry, but he wasn't sure she was really holding herself all that well, even knowing the cover story they made for Peter was solid enough for now.

At times, she wondered if she hadn't seen too little of him growing up. She was honestly a bit peeved that he hadn't bothered calling her sooner, but she couldn't fault him for jumping on the opportunity, even if she wasn't certain letting Peter rush into things this way was a good idea.

He'd always call in to say he slept at a friend's lately, be it Harry, Mary Jane or any of those kids he hung out with, she had trouble keeping up with him. Maybe this was a sign Peter was getting old enough to do things on his own and that she didn't need to worry, but she'd still wish she could see him more aside from dinner and breakfast. Her nephew was always busy but hardworking, she was sure he'd do a good job for this school event. Regardless, best she could do is resume her activities and make sure Peter gets a good celebration once he'd come back, she had faith in his capacities.

Leaving the nest too soon? Was that what she was worried about? Probably, if any of the books she got from work were accurate. Peter wasn't a little child anymore, but days like these made her realize how much she'd miss daily life like this the day he'd leave and get a job elsewhere. He'd better visit her, though she trusted him to keep to it.

Right now, the most she could get was some good thinking out in the fresh air is some time off for herself and her thoughts. At least the usual supervillain attacks meant not all her excitement in life would be gone while Peter wasn't here.

Speaking of which, she saw a familiar superhero wearing red and blue swinging nearby. She hadn't personally talked with him in a while, and from the looks of him landing nearby in the park, it seemed like he did come to talk.

Spider-Man always seemed like a kind, somewhat flimsy but good-intentioned young man. He also reminded her a bit of how Peter used to act, albeit she doubted Peter was the kind to produce webs and jump all over the place like he did, as amusing as it sounded. She was still surprised he took the part in that school play he seemed so jittery about that other time, maybe he could pose in for the superhero in a few years. If it got less dangerous until then, at least.

He approached her and raised his hand, somewhat awkwardly. Superheroes seemed to have it hard too, these days.

"Erm... hi? Mrs... Citizen?"

"Hello, Spider-Man. I'm May Parker, we already had the chance to meet a couple times before."

"Ah, yes! Sorry, I can't exactly remember everyone I've ever saved. Uhm..."

Okay, that sounded absolutely rude. How did Peter lie to her so easily again?

Actually, probably the same way he did with everyone...

"I mean, it's been a busy couple days, I'm a bit... out there, I keep forgetting stuff and it's a lot and-"

"Spider-Man, you don't have to apologize."

He blinked.

"I know you heroes are always buried in the work of saving others, I understand the strain. It's not so easy maintaining yourself if you have a huge workload on your shoulders. I can tell you seem a bit nervous. I'm sure you have a lot of situations to handle, especially with the recent news."

'The recent news?! What recent news? She knows about Peter? Why didn't she say anything to me as Harry? Is she-'

"That journalist keeps blabbering and blabbering about the things you do for us, it's a wonder if we ever hear any positive of our local heroes. I'm sure you're used to it by now, but you sound a bit worn out. Have you caught a cold?"

Patient, caring, understanding, a bit elusive and right now, panic-inducing. Even if Harry knew that was partially his fault he kept slipping up, he had some respect and slight envy for the costume's previous wearer if he managed to handle this kind of talk with civilians he knew.

With a sigh, he cleared his throat.

"Our work in New York has encountered some... difficulties lately, indeed. I've got to scout out some corners of the town for vulnerable targets and isolated people. Part of my duty."

He was certain Peter didn't talk like that, but he couldn't exactly think of any other way not to sound like himself saying that.

"It's a bit dangerous to go outside on your own these days. I advise you remain somewhere safe or at least accompany yourself with handy assistance. I mean, there's a couple security guards nearby, you shouldn't go too far from regulated areas during this period of the year. Ahem."

"Oh." she said, perplexed. "I see. Not to worry, I've considered taking a self-defense class from a couple colleagues lately. I may not be all young anymore, but I'm not getting any closer to getting mugged by some hooligan than you superheroes giving up on protecting our city."

'Does it count as giving up if your nephew got turned into a monster? I guess not...'

"What are you doing outside at this hour? Not that it's that late, but it'll get dark soon."

"My nephew is on a trip for a school contest, so with me all by my lonesome, I decided to get some fresh air, clear my mind a bit."

'On her lonesome? Why is she-'

Then it hit.

Oh. Peter was the only other person at home. If she was going to be alone, not only was she potentially vulnerable in case Peter 'came back', but even right now, the only remaining family she had was... gone.

"Are you worried? I mean, you did take care of him since he was a child. Erm! So I heard, given the few times I had to save his school. Peter is his name, right?"

"I'm not worried about Peter. No matter the obstacles he had to face before, he always made it through."

'I'm not sure this is as easy as a math problem, Mrs. Parker. Then again, Spider-Man always came through... well, sometimes.'

"No, what I mean is, are you not worried he might forget himself a bit in this situation? You know, teenagers ou- their age. Even if he seems like a smart kid to me, he might try too hard and overwork himself to the point of forgetting what he's doing."

At that, May chuckled.

"I wouldn't exactly say that Peter isn't heads in the clouds sometimes, but I've got to give him a chance to show how far he's gone. I have faith in him, even if it doesn't work out this time."

That...

"I... see. Well, I'm not keeping you any longer. I've, I've got to patrol a couple other areas." he said, his voice slightly choking out. "No rest for the wicked, or for the heroics!"

'That was a good one! Peter should hear it when he...'

As she saw him swing away, May titled her head in slight confusion. Near the end, it sounded like the superhero felt moved by her words. She would've expected someone like Spider-Man to hear similar stories all the time, but then again, there's not enough troubles in the world to take away their care for innocents.

"What is your name?"

The symbiote stared at his father, his eager grin now contained in a simpler smile, albeit his large lips made it hard to differentiate.

"My name... is Carnage."

"Good, good. Now, Carnage. Who are you?"

The symbiote paused, the earlier changes to his body and mind still taking effect. His father wasn't lying, as he could feel his impulses no longer taking over. Even if he still wanted to break out and tear off those flies' wings.

"I am a symbiote. I can conquer who believe I can."

A quote from Virgil, the roman poet. This must've been his previous personality's interest in humanities resurging, or he just wanted to make a good impression showing his knowledge. Albeit he also merely could've been trying to sound fierce for him.

"And who am I?"

"Father."

The Green Goblin gave a pat on the symbiote's head, earning him an open-mouth smile from the red and black monster.

"Atta boy, Carnage. Your next lessons will involve your capacity in infiltrating and demolishing."

The symbiote perked up at that. He could finally go out and hunt! He could prove to his father that they didn't need Venom anymore now that he was there.

Yes, whatever was missing, it wouldn't be undone by his predecessor. His traitor of a... of a...

Who was Venom to him again? Sure, he was his father's son too, but... were they brothers?

Brothers, were they meant to fight? He always fought him before... but why?

If they were not brothers, what were they? Friends?

Friends...

...or bugs.

But Venom was bigger and stronger, but not better. Was he just a big bug? Maybe his father would know...

But his father didn't care about Venom, so it must not have been important.

"You've already learned a lot these past few days. I'm proud of you, son."

'I'm proud of ya, son.'

The Green Goblin returned to work, exploring what parts he'd need for the spider monster's next upgrade. For all the bravado he associated to Carnage for being his son, he himself failed to notice that as soon as he said that, the symbiote seemed lost in thought again.

The spider costumed superhero sat down on top of his house building, recalling what he had heard earlier.

"I've got to give him a chance to show how far he's gone. I have faith in him, even if it doesn't work out."

Peter... didn't really have the same life as he did. He lost his parents very young, his uncle and aunt took him in, then... he had lost one of them. Harry had lost his mother too, but things obviously went differently for the two of them.

His uncle, Ben Parker was gone, and Peter often seemed gloom about the subject. Anyone who'd lost someone they considered like a father would obviously be touchy on the subject... but Peter recovered. And then he was Spider-Man, going on about his days and adding life-saving to his afterschool activities. Maybe he did it out of partial guilt for not being able to save his own family earlier, he would know a thing or two about that...

Harry could just not understand how Peter could keep going on. He himself had started feeling the distance open with his own father when Norman started to bury himself into work, either out of grief or because he recovered faster than Harry did...

He was much relieved when he, Mary Jane and Peter started hanging out. Afterwards, Spider-Man appeared, and the struggle began. For him to get his father a bit more involved in his life, and for Peter to catch up with him. Why would he want that?

Why couldn't he just be content with living his life as a teenager and making the most of it? He didn't even mind the spider thing, if only he knew why Peter hadn't uttered a word about it to anyone aside from S.H.I.E.L.D.'s agents. If it had been Harry, he wasn't sure himself he would've done the same thing, heck he probably would've just used his powers to try and appeal to his dad.

Just as he did as Venom.

Then after today, it just made a load of sense.

Peter's uncle and aunt. They weren't Norman for sure, but it went beyond that. Once he'd listen to them, it spoke volumes on Peter's own behavior.

He had barely gotten to know Benjamin Parker, but if Peter looked up to him like anything he believed in, then his murder would've turned Peter away from letting anything like that happen again so long he was around. New York already had superheroes, but it didn't stop him from doing his part. Then there was Peter's aunt, who showed incredible patience and understanding even with everything that happened to her nephew (especially the things she didn't know about).

Peter had that somehow, his will to intervene and save others wasn't innate like Harry led himself to believe. He learned it from the people who raised him. And while Norman had mostly encouraged him to give the best of himself, Peter just had to do it with no real strings attached. He wouldn't disappoint anyone so long he did what he learned to believe was right.

He didn't have it easy, but rather than just do his best and live life, he decided others should have it easy. Even if it meant meddling between Harry and his dad numerous times, even if it meant...

Becoming Carnage.

Peter wasn't born a hero, he learned to be out of his own struggles and regrets. Becoming Spider-Man wasn't a wish, it was a responsibility. A great one at that, even if it meant making his life outside the mask harder and more strained. And it wouldn't have been possible to keep going if he didn't have good reasons to believe he had to do it.

Even if he sounded like he had fun doing it, he should've known Peter was only making it look like a game. The way Harry knew him, whether he was worried or not, he had a sense of being easygoing when it came to many things, including all the times he heard both Osborns complain about Spider-Man. Which in hindsight must've been downright stressful considering all the times he had to show himself to be supportive while knowing the things he'd hear targeted at him.

Harry wouldn't have had the courage to keep going if it had been him. But Peter did, and it was only now he could realize the patience and forgiveness Peter had to give himself and everyone for it. Had it been anybody else, he wasn't even sure things would remotely be the same. It almost felt like he took Peter for granted, like he had assumed Peter was taking their own friendship for granted before becoming Carnage.

Even in his last moments before becoming a monster, Peter did his best to let him go unscathed... and he did. Which was why he wanted to return the favor in the first place.

But before he could even do what Peter did, he failed to understand why he did it. With a gloved wipe of a tear underneath his mask, the confusion was starting to lessen. He still had a lot to learn about being Spider-Man, but for the first time since he put the mask on...

It felt like he and Peter had closed the gap and returned to how they were back when they were just worried about graduation and what plans they had for the weekend. He wasn't certain Peter would feel the same once this was all over, but a great deal of frustration had evaporated into the cloudy sky. He now knew what motivated his friend to wear this suit and take all these dumb risks, so long it'd be worth it in the end.

So what if he was done for the day? Maybe a night patrol wouldn't hurt. He was still a newbie, and it'd be best to avoid luring unwanted attention to himself if he wasn't good enough at it, but maybe failure shouldn't be an obstacle. Spider-Man didn't have the best of reputations in New York, what's another mistake? So long he could learn to be a hero, he could do this.

As he looked up, rain started falling. The day Peter left, it did too, just as there was a downpour when they'd first talked to each other in high school. Maybe he was meant to do his work in the rain, maybe he should bring an umbrella before he got going.

Either way, as he extended his arm and roped a web to a nearby lamp, he sighed in relief as he felt the cool droplets wash all over him. It'd been a couple years since he felt almost cornered in the odds, not really capable of doing anything to change his situation. Maybe this was his way of breaking out, of disobeying whatever unspoken rule was put over his life.

It was crazy and bound to disaster, but a thrill, one he assumed was Spidey's reason behind doing things, one he had failed to feel himself, started to settle.

The day it'd come, he'd be the one getting Peter saved by the spider hero. Even if things would remain complicated, wearing the costume felt like his best friend was holding his hand out, ready to face it. They weren't a team, but Harry no longer felt like he was doing this alone.