Author's notes: Some submissions guidelines for original stories have word limits, like under 800. To give that a try, I'm challenging myself to write a fanfic under 800 words (which excludes this note and chapter summary). The tough part for me is that I'm used to page length over word count. Enjoy!

At SoManyQuestions: When it comes to stories revolving around the Osborns, I like ones that feature the friendship between Peter and Harry and/or the family bond between Norman and Harry. For me reading stories, there's too many to list specifically, including other categories—comics, live action films, other animated series, etc. I don't collab with any authors because I know that I would fall behind on any work schedule, and that wouldn't be fair to the other authors or readers. So it's easier if I stick to my own infrequent schedule. One episode I like is "The Symbiote Saga" because, while lots of fans despised it, I thought it was exciting. My dislikes are "Itsy Bisy Spider-man" and "Halloween Night at the Museum". The former has the team drawn as chibis but are called babies. I partially saw it and stopped. I couldn't get over how stupid everything was. I haven't seen the latter because it felt like a mandatory crossover with a Disney property solely because Disney now owns Marvel. Harry or Norman? I like them in different ways: Norman whenever he is The Green Goblin and makes an entertaining villain. Depending on how he's written, he'll either genuinely care about his son or toss him aside like trash. And with Harry, his character undergoes an interesting path between civilian, villain, and in this cartoon, a permanent hero. There's also his usual arc in turning away from his father's twisted legacy that is interesting. And, as mentioned before, I like friendship between Peter and Harry. My favorite part that I liked writing was the action and the bond between Peter and Harry in chapter 6 of Escaping The Goblin's Shadow. The action really challenged myself to write. Favorite moments in any story that I read are any strong friendship and/or family scenes. Second will be any well-written action pieces. Lastly, I'm trying to challenge myself to spot patterns in my fanfics and work something differently. One is the 800 word challenge in this fanfic, another one may be to write in present tense instead of past tense, or try a first person POV. I hope this answered everything you asked.

Summary: [Pre-canon] A talk with a friend, a shared snack, and a little joke can brighten a dark day.

Sharing a Plateful

"If it isn't Midtown High's own professional wallflower, Peter Parker."

"Nerd!"

"Geek!"

Rowdy students were gathering in the crowded hallways. The lunch bell had rung. Some classmates were already taunting and gossiping.

The target of mockery was shuffling down the cumbersome corridor. He hunched over, kept his head low, and held his backpack close. This was a time before Spider-man came along. He tried his best to ignore the teasing. That was all he could do.

A leg stuck out. Peter tripped. He dropped to the ground. His items spilled. His glasses fell off. Laughter echoed throughout the hallway. With the mobs of students, he didn't know who caused him to stumble. He only had a guess.

The hordes broke up when the teachers shepherded the students away and the merriment was completed. Peter bitterly gathered his supplies, including his thick, brown glasses.

Alone, Peter opened the door to the chemistry lab. He huffed as he sat by himself at a lab table. He set down his backpack and pulled out a chemistry book. The place was empty. No one would "accidentally" bump into him to mess him up or throw spit-wads in his direction. He was able to study in peace. But sometimes the quiet atmosphere brought loneliness.

"Oh, sorry, didn't know there was someone already here," a voice said when the door opened.

Peter spotted his classmate, Harry Osborn. It wasn't that long ago when a limo stopped by and offered the soaking wet Parker a ride on a rainy day. The two were still becoming acquainted with each other.

"It's fine," Peter insisted. "You can come in if you want."

He watched as Harry accepted the invitation. A part of him anticipated that his classmate would awkwardly wander around the room before leaving. That was what past interactions with other peers have taught him. He didn't expect for Harry to sit next to him.

"Are you here to make up an exam?" Peter asked.

'Nah," Harry answered. "Just looking for a place to sulk."

"Same," Peter nodded. As the school nerd, he could forgo his explanation.

The two sat in silence. Both were obviously having a rough day.

Peter did wonder what was bothering someone as outgoing as Harry. As the two talked little by little, and from what he had witnessed in that limo ride to school, he gained a better understanding. He thought of an idea. He pulled out his lunch. "Want one of my aunt May's cookies?"

Harry saw the offer. He also spotted the bright smile. "Sure."

He took a bite. His eyes widened. "These are delicious."

"Yeah, her cooking is the best," Peter replied. Thinking about something good allowed the pain from bullying to vanish.

As the two munched on the goodies, Peter gathered his courage to ask, "What's with the glum face?"

Harry turned to the table. He debated if he should share something so private. Yet something told him he could trust the brunet.

"It's my dad," he confessed. "We've been getting into a lot of arguments about school. Summer's not even here and already he's got all these plans for me to do. He wants to know what courses I'll be taking next semester. He's always hounding me about every quiz to make sure I'll get the right classes."

Frustrated, he sighed. "I just want to finish this semester. But it's hard when I'm not the class genius."

A little silence came between the two. Peter debated if he should speak up. He didn't want to appear smug. Everyone assumed that because of his big brain. He genuinely wanted to help. He already learned that the Osborn family only consisted of a father and son. Norman Osborn, the father, was an ambitious man, albeit difficult and critical. Peter had his guardians, his aunt and uncle, for encouragement. Perhaps his new friend could use a little support.

"Maybe you can compromise," Peter suggested. "Look to see what classes you'll need to take and see if they have any prerequisites. But also, take a class or two that seems like fun. It'll give you something to look forward to and motivate you to focus on this semester."

Harry reviewed his given response. "Yeah, that might work."

The two looked at the clock.

"Thanks for listening," Harry said. He stood up from his lab chair. "And thank your aunt for the cookies."

Peter wanted to maintain the momentum. He cheerfully invited, "You should come over and try her wheatcakes. They're awesome!"

"Maybe I will. I guess right now I can talk with the adviser."

"Yeah, go do that." Peter held up his textbook. "I'm gonna spend the rest of lunch here in the lab."

Harry smirked, "See ya around then, nerd."

As he watched his pal leave, Peter smiled at the joke.

End Sharing a Plateful