Author's notes: A future fic that includes the more somber events that happen in the Amazing comics. The obvious change is that Norman never died, and he and Harry have a good rapport with each other. Some instances had to be re-imagined to keep this a PG/K+ rating. But it'll keep the overall story and characters' triumphs and tragedies. Also, on Peter's side, it will (unfortunately) include references to the infamous "One More Day" arc. Enjoy!

Summary: [Future fic] Two best friends continue their support for each other while Harry Osborn makes a decision that will drastically change the lives for himself and his family.

Safeguarding the Future

Webs shot across the active city. The unbearable sun beat down as the sharp winds blasted. Swinging from building to building and hiding beneath their long shadows was one way to cool off.

"Another day of New York's finest weather," Spider-man mused to himself. "Fortunately, my webbing is built to stand against these gusts. I just hope any armpit stains don't show through the suit. The A/C unit in my apartment broke, and I'm towards the bottom of the list of attendants waiting for the dallying landlord to fix 'em up. It's gonna be a long hot one."

He resumed his swinging, his patrolling. "I recently stopped a group of criminals from robbing a bank vehicle. I only wished it was an ice cream truck, instead. I could use a cone about now."

As he traveled closer to the companies district, he was approaching a familiar, tall building. "Hmm… I bet Oscorp has running A/C. Gonna pop in for a visit."

Landing on the soaring structure, he peered in the window towards the top. He noted the young businessman sitting behind the extravagant desk. He was working nonstop. The hero sighed.

((Me and Harry Osborn recently partnered up as Spider-man and Patrioteer. It was for a rather unhappy reason. I know he's still going through a tough time. Least I can do is spread some good news.))

He aimed to quietly let himself inside. He didn't realized the trouble such a task would bear.

The indoors of a fancy office was definitely cooler than the outdoors. Harry typed on his computer while eying important documents in his hand. He had regained his work flow from an earlier delay. Now he was about to go through another one. He received a disruptive alarm on his monitor, informing him of an intruder. The security went to work. Above him, he heard a yelp. He swirled his finger around a button on his phone, pondering its action. He pressed it, deactivating his system.

"You know, it's not as easy getting through this whole place like it once was," a voice greeted. He was almost panting. A type of searing emitted from his nearly cooked flesh.

The head of Oscorp looked up. He surveyed the red and blue costume before him. He could hear his jovial voice despite his woes. Harry came to his feet and shrugged off the grievance. "Obviously the security has changed since high school. There's a lot more to protect."

"Like what?" the web-spinner asked. "Additional technology and chemicals?"

Looking around, he spotted the difference.

"Is this your office or a nursery?" he teased.

A baby bassinet was in the corner opposite of the large windows. Attached to the removable canopy was a mobile. The theme was the Avengers. The characters included chibi forms of Captain America, Iron Man, Thor, and The Hulk.

The web-slinger noticed the inaccurate motif. At least to him. "I should get him a new mobile. One that's all Spider-man inclusive."

Harry approached his friend and chuckled. "You don't hafta buy anything. Baby showers are usually for the first born."

"It's the least I can do since the baby swing I originally got was recalled. Unless you want me to make one." The wall-crawler indicated his web shooters. "I could create a carriage with two webs sticking to the ceiling. He'll have a blast bouncing around in that."

The auburn dropped his smile and glared, sending chills down the web-head's spine.

((When it comes to his kids, Harry's pretty protective.))

The masked champion sought to change the subject. "Thought I'd come by and fill you in on how the wedding planning is going. Of course, Aunt May as the bride is leaving no rock unturned. She's paying attention to every single detail. That's always been her specialty."

"And the groom?" Harry asked. "What's his say?"

"Jameson Senior is pretty laid back. Not at all like his son, the blowhard on the D.B.C."

He did feel strange that he would be related to one of Spider-man's biggest critics. But he wanted his aunt to be happy. He noted the elated smile but wistful eyes of his buddy. He also knew of the rocky times that both himself and his best friend had endured.

((Harry had long ago divorced his first marriage. Our old high school classmate Elizabeth "Liz" Osborn became Liz Allan once more. She took back her maiden name. She also kept her custody over little Normie. It was rough on Harry. But not as rough as what happened with his next girlfriend.

((His second relationship was with the daughter of the city's district attorney. Her name was Lily Hollister. They had an interesting bond: Both had lost their mother, they suffered through daddy issues, and their best friend was like a sibling to them. They also had grown up in the public eye. Both were mad about each other. When Harry proposed to her, he rented out the Statue of Liberty! Talk about flashy. Unfortunately, what had dissolved their relationship was her crime.

((Lily was caught in a conspiracy. She wanted to help her father, Bill Hollister, win the election for mayor. She did so by taking on the criminal name Menace. She placed on a goblin costume and caused mayhem at political rallies. Spider-man had the disfavor of unmasking her for the whole city to see. Harry returned as Patrioteer to give a hand when he realized who Menace was.))

He looked at his pal.

((For that couple, there was no wedding. Or even a civil union. The only walk Lily did was to a courthouse for her sentencing. She's now in prison. New York citizens called for the newly elected Bill Hollister to resign. Ashamed, Lily no longer wished to see her ex-fiancé. Months later, she gave birth to a healthy baby boy. But she didn't choose the name. As the sole parent, that was Harry's job. He named his second son Stanley.))

Spider-man had also visited Oscorp to see the newborn. Red boots walked over to the bassinet. He removed his sweaty red cover. He had no worries for exposing his identity to the youngling. Placing on a smile, he set his gentle blue eyes on the infant.

Little Stanley was comfortable lying on his back. Plenty of black hair covered his head. His large brown eyes gazed back at the man before him. His round face scrunched together, showing his displeasure.

As Peter turned baffled, Harry smirked, "I think he actually prefers the mask."

"Makes sense," the brunet replied. "Spider-man was the one to save him from that prison riot."

((Going back to that chaos, Lily went into labor as prisoners caused a breakout. Luckily, that birthing process was a quickie. Stanley came out with no complications. The tough part was keeping him outta the hands of criminals looking to use him as leverage. It's a good thing Spider-man helped out. No telling what I would do if something terrible had happened to him, though.))

Peter playfully wavered his sticky mask for Stanley. He watched as the infant turned gleeful towards the familiar red fabric. Tiny arms and little hands stretched forward. A hearty smile came to his face. "It's so interesting how quickly babies develop their own personalities—their own likes and dislikes."

"He definitely cries less than Normie—" The auburn cut himself off. He never meant to compare one child to the other. He vowed he would never commit such a sin after all he went through.

Peter picked up the lull in their conversation. He ceased his play and turned towards his buddy. "Harr?"

Small Stanley placed his arms down and stared at his parent. The baby could already sense whenever something ailed his father.

The businessman snapped out of his brooding. Turning towards his long-time friend, he smiled, "You better get going. There's probably a lotta trouble stirring on the streets. The city needs Spider-man."

He cast his eyes on his son. He gently placed the back of his fingers on the round cheek. "They need that protection."

The brunet accepted the bid to leave. He dutifully placed on his mask. "You're right. I got a calling to fulfill. Back to the blazing streets for me."

As he left Oscorp with an easier exit, he continued his swinging. Many citizens marched below him. Action and drama was found in every corner. His eyes soon caught something red crossing the street. Stopping his ride, he landed on a building only a few floors above. He watched someone.

"I haven't given the invitation of Aunt May's wedding yet to Mary Jane."

The woman was now working at Stark Industries. He understood the invite would need to be delivered at a later time. Police cruisers sounded their alarm, so he began to swing in that direction, opposite of her.

Anytime he thought about his past relationship with that redheaded stranger, it all just felt like a dream.

Back inside Oscorp, Harry kept an eye on his totting buddy. He didn't know the whole story between Peter and his redheaded love interest. He was in Europe overseeing Oscorp International. When he returned, he was told that it was over between them. But he couldn't dig around. He had his own issues to resolve. He hoped his bad luck in relationships didn't negatively impact his best friend.

"Was that Spider-man?" a masculine voice asked.

"Yeah," Harry answered as he returned to reality.

Iron Patriot entered, pounding metal followed behind him. He lifted his visor. His eyes fell on the bassinet. "What did he think of the new security?"

"He hates it. Which means it's working."

While Norman's position at Oscorp had softened, he still completed his duty as Iron Patriot. He felt the need to correct his mistakes of the past. However, his time outside the office didn't restrain his wits or drive. With any tarriance, he was still quick to his point. "Any luck with Normie?"

Although the room only contained three generations of Osborns, the atmosphere grew quiet.

Earning visitation rights was difficult for the current head of Oscorp. Though the Allans had Molten Man, all criminals seemed less atrocious than The Goblin. It wasn't only the Osborn heritage that caused problems. It was those Harry had surrounded himself with. His imprisoned ex-fiancée and job-hunting best friend weren't reliable sources for a character reference. He also couldn't retrieve Flash Thompson in time because of his role as Agent Venom. However, that wasn't the only dilemma.

When Harry thought he heard something, his eyes immediately traveled to the bassinet. The noise was only little Stanley moving around. The youngling was becoming comfortable sitting up and falling back down. Rarely did tears fall down his face.

"I want to spend time with Normie," Harry confessed. "But I can't leave Stanley behind."

He could only meet up with small Normie at a park. Despite the child's plea for exclusive attention, the young father watched over his other son. He knew of the jealousy that arose in his first born. Guilt washed over him. He at one time felt the same from his best friend and his father. He felt hypocritical.

Norman observed Harry. A pain grew inside him. Even with his son as an adult, he still wanted to enact his role as a father. "I know you are doing your best. But you still have me to help out."

He placed a metal hand on his son's shoulder. "I want to be there to help Normie and Stanley. I love both my grandsons."

Harry was touched. His father had stood by him when he was enduring his divorce. They had their disagreements when the young Osborn revealed he wanted to propose to Lily. But Norman accepted that. He backed away from reprimanding his son on that fault.

Before either Osborn could speak, a machine on the owner's desk beeped a distressed call.

"Oh, shoot," Harry grumbled, breaking away from his parent.

"What is it?" Norman asked.

"I meant to re-fill the paper for this fax machine. But I got distracted by Stanley when he needed to blow his nose. Now I'm getting a long fax. And the supplies are downstairs."

"I'll take care of it," Norman insisted. "You stay here with Stanley."

The young businessman watched as the older Osborn removed his armor and left. He was grateful to have his father by his side. He couldn't imagine running an entire company without him.

A heavy pressure mounded on him. A divorce indicated what needed to be split. Both father and son were fighting to keep Oscorp theirs. Harry couldn't tussle for his company and watch over an infant at the same time. He also refused to place that strain on his only parent. Norman had already bore through that agony when he was rebuilding Oscorp. His best friend was also still traveling and fighting crime. Harry accepted that Stanley was his responsibility. He also accepted he needed help.

He sat at his computer. He went to work putting together an ad for a wanted nanny position.


The young Osborn's private apartment covered the entire floor. He had long moved out of that shared space between himself and his ex-wife. He had said farewell to his old neighbors; Peter and Mary Jane had also decamped after their own split-up. Meanwhile, Liz and little Normie moved to the suburbs. She made a special underground containment for her step-brother. Mark Raxton, still under the influence of his chemical accident, literally burned whenever his former brother-in-law was mentioned. In his own place, Harry now had his bedroom with a California king-size bed. He had the spare changed into a nursery. He allowed his best friend to occasionally crash on his luxurious sofa in between missions and apartment hopping.

Harry stood in front of his extravagant bathroom sink. His sleeves were rolled up. He had removed his tie. A portable baby washbasin was securely placed below the movable faucet. He was giving Stanley a bath. He tenderly washed the soft skin and black hair. The infant had loads of locks when he was born. He seemed rather calm sitting in his own spa.

Using his wrist to avoid his soap-covered fingers, the young father carefully rubbed his eye. He was hoping Stanley would fall asleep. He wanted a break before the afternoon. But coffee and energy drinks supplied only so much energy. The baby also showed plenty of stamina. Harry wanted his son out of sight before any consultations began. He didn't want anyone to actual see the newborn until after the first round of interviews and he narrowed his selection.

"Harry?" a robust voice called from another room.

The auburn recognized it. "Yeah, Dad. I'm in the bathroom with Stanley."

Footsteps came closer. The older Osborn entered the doorway. He wasn't wearing his Iron Patriot armor but his usual business suit. His revealed auburn hair was growing grayer, which went hand and hand with the winkles covering his face. He observed the habitual activity. "Giving him a bath so early?"

"He spat up some baby formula that soaked through his clothes," Harry replied. His young one showed no signs of growing even a single tooth yet; eating solid food was far in the future. He then smiled, "Better this than changing his diaper and he wets himself. Or me. Though, that's a different story with Peter. He thinks Stanley does it on purpose."

He grinned recalling his buddy's attempts in changing diapers. The brunet had practice with his godchild. But between little Normie and the birth of Stanley, he was out of practice. Spider-man could dodge bullets and fists no problem. Peter, however, couldn't pounce past a urinal track.

Norman stepped closer. His aged blue eyes met with a blossoming set of brown. The innocence of a baby greeted him. A smile came to his own face. "He'll understand when he has his own son. Once he settles down, that is."

That remark caused Harry to pause. The break up between Peter and Mary Jane seemed mutual; the two continued to speak to one another. That was more than Harry could say about himself and Liz. He couldn't keep his mouth shut. Resuming the bathing process, he argued, "C'mon, Dad, Peter just has different responsibilities. Besides, having children doesn't always mean settling down."

He looked at his parent. "It didn't stop you expanding Oscorp."

He then returned to his baby, who quietly scoped everything around in such awe. As he pat dried his son, he thought about his best friend. He believed Peter would need someone who was comfortable with his dual personas. He thought he found someone when he brought up The Goblin and the Osborn heritage. No luck came for either man. But that chance didn't interrupt his care for his children.

Norman sealed his lips from such remarks. He had viewed everything he did was a matter of choices. Often, his decisions left him preferring company matters over his only son. Looking at the young businessman and the focus he was giving the infant, he knew Harry was merely teasing him.

He cleared his throat. "Well, Oscorp will have another celebration dinner. Perhaps Peter can meet someone there."

"Only as Spider-man. I doubt Peter will at any of these soirées. He fumbles too much with his words."

With the baby finally clean, Harry lifted Stanley and proceeded to the nursery. He had prepared a fresh set of clothing on a changing table. His father followed. As Harry switched outfits on the newborn, he did so in silence. He wondered what brought over his parent. There had been no calls from Oscorp. But he declined to ask. If Norman made the trip for a matter that couldn't be done over the phone, than he could introduce the topic.

The older Osborn watched his son. The young man in front of him had changed since his high school days. He was managing the company well, he kept his ties with his best friend, and he took care of his children regardless of his marital troubles. He even found a new apartment so quickly. The whole place was peaceful.

As his own situation came to front, Norman asked, "Harry, are you and Stanley happy here?"

There's the question. There's the reason he came over.

Harry kept himself in front of Stanley. He firmly replied, "Dad, I've told you before. It's safe here. Stanley has room to explore and get his exercise, and I have my clear pathway to Oscorp. If there's any trouble with the company, I just grab the stroller and head out the door."

Norman bore trouble accepting that response. Perhaps he had earlier asked such questions because of his own selfish intentions. But as he observed his son, he noted how weary he became. The stress was piling over him like raindrops, which could lead to flooding. He walked closer.

"The offer still stands," he insisted. "You and Stanley can move to the manor with me."

The Osborn manor was beyond the city, past the suburbs. The mansion had its own iron gates and spacious land. It was the home the Osborns lived in before moving to the penthouse atop of Oscorp. Norman then lightly added, "It is a rather large place."

Harry refused to face him. He believed his father was feeling lonely. As a once prominent businessman, he had his share of fellow men with power. Iron Patriot had his own fans cheering for him. Yet that wasn't the same as having a family around. Though they had discussed it, Norman had briefly seen other women; he never re-married. Harry respected that. He only wanted his father to be happy. However, he couldn't approve this idea. He shook his head. "The manor is way out of the city. It's too much to travel back and forth. Especially with Stanley."

"You can always entrust Stanley with me."

"I don't want him traveling so often. He needs to grow up in a stable environment. In any case, I have my own commitments to keep… I need to continue living my own life."

"And you plan on constantly working yourself this hard?"

"You did."

The older man's fault was exposed. Frowning, he lowered his head. "I know. And that was my mistake. I don't want you or either of your sons to make the same ones. That's why I thought—even if it's just you, me, and Stanley—we could still have each other for needed support."

Harry grew amazed. As he finished clasping Stanley's onesie, he reflected. He realized how much his father had changed ever since he was cured of his Goblin persona. He understood his parent only wanted for his family to have a better future. His eyes fell on the wall clock. He was pressed for time.

"Dad, if you're so concerned with everything, will you take Stanley for the afternoon? I have some… potential clients to interview."

Norman shot his head up for the opportunity to be involved. However, he sensed the anxiety in his son. "Is everything alright?"

"Of course," the young businessman answered. "Remember all those times you told me that Oscorp will one day be mine? Now it is. I need to have my hand firm in management."

He faced him and smiled, "Besides, it's not so bad for a grandson to be with his grandpa."

Norman smiled back. He was glad that his son permitted him to take guardianship over Stanley. He surmised that Harry placed in hard work for both family and business and needed a break. Family helping family members was a way to keep their connection.

The older Osborn lovingly held his clean grandson, who was enjoying his newfound ability in kicking. Harry prepared the stroller. It wasn't a second-hand carriage that he once used with little Normie. As children grow, new and improved products hit the shelves. Harry ensured that each of his sons received their individual attention.

Harry then securely placed Stanley in his seat. As the large, brown eyes looked at him, he placed a hand on the infant's round cheek.

Norman set his hands on the stroller's handles. He did have his duty as Iron Patriot to carry out. But his most important responsibility was his family. "We can meet up for dinner, if you want."

"Sure," Harry agreed as he stood up. He was hoping his meetings would finish up by then. "Oh, but if Stanley falls asleep, don't wake him."

He watched as the grandpa and grandson exited. At one time, he would submissively watch his father walk out so he could return to his office. Though their bond had improved, he retained a somber attitude with the departure from his second son. He knew he needed to adapt to that feeling.

Once the door closed, he sat back at his desk in his home office. His blue eyes stared at the screen.

He had received dozens of applications for the job. All applicants wanted their foot in the door to a successful company. His old high school friends like Flash Thompson and Mary Jane Watson teased him about hiring Peter. But Harry refused to place on extra stress for the wall-crawler. Reviewing his electronic stacks, he couldn't trust Stanley to just anyone. He needed to make the hiring process rigorous. He executed all he could to ensure his son's future was safe.

The doorbell rang. He went to answer it.

At the door was a tall woman. Her brown hair smoothed itself around her head but became wavy towards her round shoulders. A dark colored lipstick covered her lips. Her manicured fingers held green nail polish. She smiled in a well-bred manner.

"Hello, I'm here to be interviewed for the nanny position," she greeted. "My name is Emma."

End Safeguarding the Future

Elizabeth "Liz" Allan-Osborn, see Amazing Fantasy #15, 1962. (Properly named in Amazing Spider-Man vol. 1 #4, 1962.)

Norman Harold "Normie" Osborn/Goblin Childe, see Amazing Spider-Man vol. 1 #263, 1985. For Goblin Childe, see Amazing Spider-Man vol. 1 #799, 2018.

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.

John Jonah Jameson, Senior, see Amazing Spider-Man vol. 1 #578, 2009. For marriage to Aunt May, see Amazing Spider-Man vol. 1#600, 2009. For appearance of death, see Amazing Spider-Man vol. 4 #19, 2016.

Stanley Osborn, see Amazing Spider-Man vol. 1 #642, 2010.

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.