Author's notes: I have zero clue how to write Romance, the good or bad stuff that comes with it. But it's an important aspect for many characters and their stories, and I try to respect that. So please don't see this fic as choosing favorites or partaking in character bashing. Enjoy!
Summary: A time for a father to comfort his son in his hour of need.
A Father's Responsibility
"Why exactly am I doing this?" Spider-man asked. He was standing around a table in the Oscorp penthouse.
The spread at that extensive table was incredible. A long, white tablecloth covered it. Centerpieces involved precisely cut flowers resting in crystal clear vases. Candles in their own cases were lit. In front of each guest was a cloth napkin, a glass water goblet, and a set of pristine silverware.
"I know how to cut steak," the wall-crawler bemoaned. "Even the toughest bit of meat isn't a match for my strength. Except maybe the mystery meat served at Midtown High's cafeteria."
He wasn't alone in this situation. To his right was Spider-woman. She, however, presented a different outlook. "C'mon, Tiger, there's nothing wrong with reviewing a little dinner etiquette."
Agent Venom was across from the two. Curiously, he looked at the many forks and knives. He picked up a tiny spoon that seemed unable to even hold cereal. "I never realized how many pieces were needed for a fancy hamburger."
"Just wait until we get to the gazelle in jelly," the web-spinner quipped. "That'll really send your taste buds flying."
"Too bad the kitchen is fresh out," Harry retorted. "You'll hafta settle for salmon over quinoa and crème brûlée."
He was standing by the hero's left. He wasn't wearing his Patrioteer armor but a nice button down shirt and tie and slacks. Next to him was an empty chair. That seat was intended for someone who had yet to arrive.
"Sounds delicious," the girl remarked. "I love the lemon ones best."
"Never had it," Agent Venom admitted. "Is it anything like cheesecake?"
"You'll get a shot at trying it," Harry assured. "After the soup, salad, and entrée. This is, after all, a full four course meal we're gonna get through. We just need one more guest."
The double doors opened. Entering was a tall man wearing a business suit. "Hello, everyone."
"Dad!" Harry excitedly called. He left his spot and rushed over to his parent.
The industrialist warmly placed his hand on his welcoming son's shoulder. He then looked at his guests. "I'm glad everyone could make it."
"Another rough day at the office, Mister Osborn?" Spider-woman asked.
"A few mishaps have arrived," he answered. "I placed my foot down. I'm giving them two days to fix the problem."
In the past he would've commandeered the entire operation. He decided, however, not to allow his workaholic and perfectionist attitude control him. He had an activity to perform with his son.
"Listen, Norman," the web-head called. He sought any exit he could take. "About this little exercise…. What's up with it?"
"This was Harry's idea," the man explained. "It's one I agreed with. Spider-man is a hero to the city. He'll be invited to the most coveted New York events. A workshop is what you need for survival."
The masked ruffian disliked how everything was worded. He glared at his so-called buddy.
((OK, confession time. Maybe a part of me is intimidated. I've always been more comfortable eating Aunt May's food or grabbing a slice of thin crust pizza in between missions. To actually sit down and be with people of high status? That's alerting my introverted nature. Facing baddies like Kraven or even Ock is preferable to this.))
He then shrugged. "I don't suppose I could just show up at these frilly events and take home a doggie bag?"
Norman discerned the lack of enthusiasm. He assumed such cynicism came from dread. He answered, "It won't take up too much of your time. Consider this exercise a more proper way of thanking you for what you have done for the Osborn family."
Harry was unafraid of his leader's glare. Serving the role as best friend, he already understood the web-slinger's grief. He genuinely added, "You've tutored me in science class and S.H.I.E.L.D. training. Now the ball's in my court. Lemme help you out here."
The web-head doubted. He was viewed as a menace, unlike Captain America or Iron Man. He looked at his other two teammates. They were invited for support. They seemed avid.
"Alright, alright," he mumbled. "Since everyone is eagerly twisting my arm over this… At least there's free food."
All three teens grew excited for the agreement.
"To begin," Norman began. "As soon as you sit, you place the napkin on your lap. Keep it on you until you either are finished eating or are excusing yourself from the table. Place it on the chair if you are excusing yourself temporary. Place it on the table when you are completely done."
The adolescents followed. Their first course was hot soup. Steam rose from the served bowls. The smell was warm and inviting.
The activity required eating. Spider-man lifted his mask, exposing just enough to reveal his nose. His hosts already understood the importance of keeping his real identity a secret. No doubt he would do the same should the imaginary invitation arrive.
Agent Venom and Spider-woman had control of their symbiotes. They pulled the beings away to free their own individual mouths. Their eyes remained covered.
Norman carried on, giving particular instructions that differed from sitting at a fast food joint. There were rules regarding everything in front of them: Using the correct utensil, sitting perfectly in place, passing around essentials, even buttering a dinner role.
As the second course of fresh salad was coming to a closed, the teen heroes were becoming more comfortable with the rigid setting. The older Osborn gave his tips on holding a conversation. He even confessed who bored him at such starlight meetings and advised for how to slip away.
Such an anecdote amused Spider-man.
((Hard to believe even adults mimic a high school lunch. Knowing what tables to sit at and who are the gossipers…. I'm just grateful to be sitting with my teammates. They are my friends. I know I can always count on them for support.))
Anytime the masked ruffian needed a reference, he checked his best friend. So did their teammates. Norman proudly used his son as an example. They kept their backs straight. They watched themselves not to stuff their face. There was no talking with their mouths full.
"Keep in mind," Harry added. "These rules only apply for an American setting. Every country has its own culture for dinning etiquette."
"That is correct," Norman nodded. "For now, we'll focus on what we do here in America."
Spider-man found himself enjoying the lesson. He did have his own question. "You've been around the block before for these, Norman. What else goes on at these functions? Do they do anything fun?"
"Harry and I have both attended these," the businessman replied. "There's usually a concert pianist playing. A little jazzy music keeps the slightly inebriated audience together. Others have included award winning essays or poems read aloud."
The auburn dully added, "Sometimes the most interesting spectacle is the ice sculpture and watching it drip."
"Is that my competition as entertainer?" the web-spinner asked, smirking.
"Only if you can beat a swan," the other teen shot back. "That ice came all the way from Switzerland."
"Those are examples from past events," Norman stepped in. He aimed to keep the setting professional. "We'll see how things go with the newly elected Mayor Bill Hollister. Of course, I would've preferred if his opponent Randall Crowne won. But I was… out and didn't vote."
He had referred to the time when he was a green beast. He straightened his posture. "I have nothing to complain about for that result. Harry and I will see what happens at Mayor Hollister's inauguration."
At the mentioning of the political position, Spider-man nearly spat his water. He and Spider-woman exchanged worried expressions. They then looked at the younger Osborn.
The auburn teen's attitude changed. He held his gaze down. Abruptly, he stood up from the table. The feet of the chair groaned as it slid against the floor. Such an uncouth act caught everyone's attention. He tossed his cloth napkin on the table. He rushed towards the exit.
Spider-man figured out the problem. He rose up from his spot. "Harr! Wait!"
Flabbergasted, Norman watched as his boy left.
The doors slammed behind.
"What was that?" Agent Venom asked.
Spider-man and Spider-woman looked at each other once more.
"It has something to do with the Hollisters," she solemnly explained.
The hero fetched his napkin from the ground. He placed it on his cleared plate. "I should go talk with him."
Norman saw the other teen excusing himself. He looked back at the doors where his son left.
"No, Spider-man," he insisted. "You continue here. I'll go speak with Harry. Whatever the problem is, this is a responsibility for a father."
He turned forward and walked out of the room.
Harry busted through the closed door. He stomped through an empty room. The only company included a couch and a potted plant. He grumbled to himself. He disbelieved what he was expected to attend. His hands covered his face. His mind raced.
"Harry, what's wrong?" someone asked.
The innocent question broke through the teen's tumult. He turned around and spotted his dad. A part of him believed that his best friend would be the one to go after him. A part of him thought discussing his trouble with Peter would've been easier.
"Nothing," he grumbled. "I just needed a break."
Norman empathized with the pressure dinner parties could bring. But they were among friends. He sensed his boy's tone. He couldn't demand that the teen tell him the issue. That wasn't the new relationship that they were building. There needed to be an invitation. "Please, son, what's wrong? You can tell me anything. You know we have no secrets between us."
At one time, those last few words were false. Now, they rang with truth. The young Osborn decided to comply.
"You mentioned Mayor Hollister," he began. "How we're going to see him get into office. I don't think that's a good idea for me."
The older one raised an eyebrow. "Why? Are you coming down with something?"
Harry shook his head. He tried again. "I mean from a social standpoint. Mayor Hollister and during that campaigning season… I was seeing his daughter Lily."
Norman turned surprised. "You're seeing the daughter of the district attorney?"
"I was seeing her. We broke up."
"You… you were together? And you broke up?"
Speaking the truth hurt. Harry spotted his father's wide eyes. He could tell his parent wanted to know when they got together and what drove them apart. Morosely, he unfolded the story. "We were seeing each other for a while. She lost her mom when she was young. I only met her father and her best friend, who she sees as a sister. One day when we were hanging out together, she asked why she hadn't met you. She thought that since I met those close to her, if we wanted our relationship to go deeper, that I should do the same. But all I could do was introduce her to Mary Jane and Peter."
The teen sadly sighed after ending his story.
Norman mulled over his son's words. He tried to recall moments where Harry asked for his time. When he wanted him to meet someone. Often, he would dismiss his son no matter what his boy was bringing up. He regretted such boorish acts. He seemed apologetic. "It was because I was busy with Oscorp, wasn't it?"
Harry didn't answer. He looked away.
Putting the company first allowed it to flourish. The competition was squashed. The industrialist didn't care how many enemies he made. Yet holding such an unhealthy dedication cost him his only family. Guilt enveloped the proud man. "Harry, I—"
"It wasn't because of Oscorp," Harry corrected.
"Then what?" Norman questioned. He knew he had no right, but he grew hurt. Softly, he guessed, "Did you not want me to meet her?"
The teen heard the growing sting. He somberly sighed. "I couldn't have her meet you. You weren't anywhere to be found… Not as The Goblin."
The real issues revealed itself. The Goblin. The green monster that impacted their lives. Such a problem continued its torment even when it was long gone.
After Harry didn't hear a response, he faced his dad. He was aware of how much anguish the man grappled with against his past sin. He tried to level with him. "I know it wasn't your fault. But what was I supposed to say? Was I supposed to let Lily know that you were The Goblin?"
He had a dual complexity. How often he put his father above everyone else. Yet he couldn't bear placing someone in danger.
Norman tried to collect himself. He sternly yet gently asked, "So what did you say? What else happened?"
"She took not meeting you as an insult. I lied. At first, I told her that she would meet you soon. Then, I made up other excuses, like you were outta the city, then the state, then the country on business. Things got tense between us. We started arguing a lot more. About petty stuff. So, we broke up."
With the pain still fresh, the teen said nothing more. He felt tears forming. He turned away. A chance for reconcile was nonexistent. Relationships could only go so far when built upon lies and half-truths.
Norman spotted how hurt his child was. He realized his mistake. He wasn't the one who made himself a Goblin. But he still conducted a misdeed. While he was out gaining power and fighting Spider-man, he had left behind his son. Harry had tried to keep his life together, to move forward. Yet his goal was difficult to achieve.
"Harry," he called. "I'm sorry you had to go through something so unpleasant. Not even that, but by yourself. You had to make due with an awkward position even though none of it was your fault."
That certainly was a nice change from the past. Usually, Norman unjustly cast the blame on his son for nearly every issue either one came into contact with. He tried to be more understanding. "I would like it if you went. But I won't force you to go. And if you want me to meet someone—a future date or a new acquaintance, I'll be there for you from now on. I promise."
Harry appreciated the support. Yet no smile came over his face. He was still lost. "So, then, what do I do? The next time my date asks about the family history? Lie?"
"I'm not saying we shroud our past or run away from it," Norman clarified. "I'm saying that we let someone in step by step. Everyone is afraid of baggage. Mine was how much I needed to work to rebuild Oscorp."
He watched as Harry looked at him. Seeing his boy's blue eyes, he smiled. "I was fortunate your mother accepted that. She allowed my past to become a part of her life."
Harry heard what his father was saying. The pain slowly faded away.
Norman stood strong in his position. "If you feel that this is the right person, then we can discuss it. Until then, it's nobody's business."
Closets held various skeletons. But such doors didn't need to be burst open right away. They had their own right to privacy.
"Let's head back," Norman smiled, placing a caring hand on his son's shoulder. "We still have guests to entertain and dessert to finish."
Harry relaxed and smiled back.
"How is your lipstick not smudging the glass?" Spider-man asked his female teammate. The remaining trio had returned to their courses. The main meal was nearly finished.
"A matted lipstick made just for these types of occasions," the girl winked. She then leaned closer to him. "Care to try it?"
Spider-man felt himself grow red under his mask. He stammered. As he struggled to get any words out, he then noticed the girl next to him offering her lipstick case.
"It might not be the best color on you," she joked. "We can go shopping after this to find something that matches."
The wall-crawler held no interest in enduring another unimaginable task. He didn't need anymore eyes on him than what was already on him. He turned relieved when he heard the double doors open.
The father and son reentered the room. Harry took his seat next to the masked ruffian.
Spider-man noted the fresh attitude the younger Osborn displayed.
((Looks like that situation had been taken care of. Even when Norman was a Goblin, as Peter, I still tried being Harry's friend. I was glad Harry found a little happiness even with Norman gone. I was there when the bad news between him and Lily had split. At least now, Norman is taking his role as a father more seriously. He's finally supporting Harry.))
Norman took his position as a guide once more.
"When you get back to the table," he began. "You place the napkin on your lap again. You only need to place it on the plate when you're completely done."
He looked at his guests. They all turned back to the strict mannerisms from before. Each one already bore through difficulty in fighting villains. He sympathized with their plights. He cleared his throat, which caught everyone's attention. Lifting his glass, he offered one final guideline. "Don't forget an important rule: Relax and enjoy yourself. A party is a party."
The older Osborn took his seat next to his son.
The final dish had been served. The white ceramic cup was topped with berries. Beneath that was an appealing burnt surface.
Agent Venom was the first to take a bite. He gasped, "Wow! Who knew fancy custard could be so good?!"
The table laughed.
Harry took a few bites when his phone vibrated. He knew he shouldn't be checking his messages while he was at a dinner, but he did. Since everyone close to him was present, he was curious to know who contacted him. He looked at his screen. He noticed the name.
"Is your aunt's family back in town?" he asked the web-spinner.
Spider-man answered, "They said they'd be coming over soon for another visit. Why?"
"I just got a text from Amy. Your cousin."
"Oh, right, my cousins from my aunt's side. Amanda, Alexa, and Amy." The wall-crawler realized they had exchanged numbers. He developed a smirk. "You two did hit it off pretty well last time Amy was here. Maybe you should throw a dinner party. You can impress her with your fine etiquette skills over fusion cuisine."
"Or another wild teen party. There's always time to cut loose."
The good friends chuckled. Regardless of the title Spider-man or the Osborn bloodline, they were still teens.
Norman heard the laughter and faced his son. He was glad seeing Harry smile once more. He accepted the close bond Harry shared with the other teen heroes. Keeping in mind the tragic matter, he hope his boy could come to him whenever he was in need. He didn't want Harry to only be concerned about his opinion. He merely wanted to keep their connection. He wanted what was best for his son. That was his responsibility as a father.
End A Father's Responsibility
Lily Hollister/Menace/Queen Cat, see Amazing Spider-Man vol. 1 #545, 2008. For Menace, see Amazing Spider-Man vol. 1 #549, 2008. For Queen Cat, see AXIS: Hobgoblin #2, 2015.
William "Bill" Hollister, see Amazing Spider-Man vol. 1 #546, 2008.
Emily Osborn-Lyman, for initial appearance in a photo, see Spectacular Spider-Man #180, 1991 ("The Child Within: Part 3 of 6"). For full appearance, see Spider-Man: Revenge of the Green Goblin #1, 2000. For her possible return as Emma, see Amazing Spider-Man vol. 1 #789, 2018.
Amanda, Alexa, and Amy Reilly, see Amazing Spider-Man Annual #36, 2009.
