Author's notes: Without a doubt, this is my favorite chapter. Enjoy!

Summary: A look in to the interwoven destinies between Spider-man, The Goblin, and the Osborn family.

Brotherhood in the Night

"What can one, little spider do against a great beast like me?" The Goblin asked Spider-man.

The hero faced his enemy. His white slits in his red mask stared at the yellow eyes. His red boots kept their grip on the cold ground. They were in a conventional science lab. He clenched a fist. His covered ears heard the taunting. He had fought him previously when the monster made his deadly debut. Their tussles were historic. It was war. Spider-man had eventually defeated him. He was prepared to battle him again.

"I've gone up against you before, Goblin!" Spider-man courageously replied. "I'm not gonna back down now!"

"We'll just see about that," The Goblin haughtily answered back. He eagerly wanted power, magnificent strength. He had been granted that rapacious wish. Unafraid of parading his newly acclaimed brawny side, he made the first move. He raised his fist high above his head. He swung it down against the teen hero.

Spider-man saw the massive fist aiming for him. The titanic impact could crush him like so many unsullied arachnids. At once he jumped out of the way. The giant balled up hand smashed into the ground. He gave himself good enough distance.

"His brain sought to put together a strategy," a voice narrated. "He needed to remain nimble. He didn't want to be like a hopeless mole in a game of Whack-A-Mole."

"Wait," Spider-man responded, pausing his action. "Who said that? Who's there?"

"He looked around," the voice continued, "trying to locate the voice he heard."

"Well, yeah. I hadn't had time for a proper vacation. But I know I'm not going crazy."

The Goblin reeled himself up from his failed attack. He observed the wall-crawler's distraction. Their battle became less fierce. Refusing to be treated lightly, he sped towards his foe at full force. "Your little trick won't work on me. Pretending to hear voices won't gain you any sympathy."

"You don't hear it?" Spider-man asked. "Something that's, like, reading my thoughts out loud?"

Confusion overwhelmed him. He had no time to analyze the immediate situation. He spotted his adversary rushing towards him. He shot his webs to the ceiling and swung himself upwards. After he saw the bull missing its matador, he came back down.

The strange voice went on, "The two persisted in their battle. A spider versus a goblin. Red tagged along with blue going up against green. Webs and pumpkin bombs sailed through the air. It was their continuous play. Little did the two know that the playing field was about to change."

"Wait, what?" Spider-man questioned the last line.

The whole laboratory shook with a potent force.

"Woah!" he cried. He struggled to maintain his balance. Luckily his boots held their grip.

The entire area split apart. All walls spread like slices of pizza. They were now in outer space. The black sky accompanied by twinkling stars blanket around them. Giant planets holding immense distances were represented as mere spheres found in a child's ball pit. They were standing on the moon.

"Golly!" Spider-man gasped. He stared in awe all around him. He had to dodge a miniature satellite flying past him. "We really are in outer space!"

The Goblin noticed the new arena as well. He gave his full attention to the masked ruffian. He grew angry. "Your tactics won't help you here, Spider-man!"

The wall-crawler heard his name. Despite the heretical location, neither one needed a space suit. He tried to prove his innocence. "Really, Goblin? Do you really think I have the power or technology to teleport us to where we don't need oxygen? I'm not doing this!"

His enemy refused to believe him. He thrust a pumpkin bomb. The weapon missed the masked champion. Sounding off with a boisterous boom, it caused another crater within the moon's surface. Deep within the circular depression something red and black slipped out of it.

As Spider-man fearlessly fought, he knew of The Goblin's great power. The battlefield didn't fall into his favor. He didn't have the luxury of skyscrapers or walls to rely on for his webbing. He barely had time to discover the damage the terrible beast caused. But what was crawling out of the newly formed crater caught his attention. He recognized the goop. "Carnage?!"

The hero couldn't fathom the creature's presence. He bemoaned another enemy coming into play. However, the symbiote wasn't interested in attacking the web-spinner. At least, not yet. It instead sprung for The Goblin.

"No!" Spider-man yelled. He watched, paralyzed, as Carnage overtook the colossal monster. He heard The Goblin as he grunted. He witnessed one opponent struggling to be freed of another opponent. He understood the hassles of submitting to the slime. No matter The Goblin's pains, he couldn't surpass the hungry symbiote. And this symbiote carried an appetite for carnage.

"Hang on, Goblin!" Spider-man yelled. He rushed towards the two monsters.

He barely caught The Goblin shrinking down. His giant height was lowering, and his brawny muscles were thinning out. The wall-crawler tried to use his webbings. He shot them all around Carnage, attempting to yank off the symbiote like a sullen sheet. But his trials were worthless. A red hand with sharp claws struck away the white webbings.

"Gobbie?" Spider-man called. "You in there?"

He heard a sadistic cackling. Something far more sinister stood in place. The creature was even more terrifying than its predecessor. Narrowed, yellow eyes clashed against the burning red skin accompanied with black stripes. The jagged teeth appeared menacing. Unlike the previous Goblin, this one had a tail. Its end was shaped like an arrowhead.

"What… What is that?!" Spider-man gasped.

His enemy examined himself. Pleased with his new form, he shouted, "Behold the power of The Red Goblin!"

"The Red Goblin?!" Spider-man repeated.

The new monster chortled. He tossed a pumpkin bomb. The weapon now held a ghoulish design. As it flowed through the air, a strange smoke followed it, like a ghost's tail.

Fortunately, the web-head evaded the oncoming assault. He saw several more heading his way, followed by a fiendish howl. He felt as though he had entered a haunted house. One that could kill him. He sought for shelter. He darted towards the shadow of a raised rim that was the size of a large hill.

"Don't tell me there's gonna be a Goblin for every color on the spectrum," he huffed to himself. He leaned slightly forward in attempt to catch his foe. "A symbiote and a goblin. Can things get any weirder?"

"Peter?" a male voice called.

A chill swept down the hero's back. He knew that voice. Turning around, he saw an auburn teen. "Harry?"

"The mask remained over Spider-man's face," the mysterious voice announced. "He was confused as to what gave away his identity. To add to his trouble, another Osborn has entered the scene. The one who is his best friend."

The wall-crawler wanted to shake a fist to the voice. He tried to act dumb. "I'm not sure who you're addressing. Besides, you can't stay here. You're in danger. Did The Red Goblin catch you? I gotta get you outta here."

The other boy was not amused. He scowled. "Pete, I know it's you. I don't know why you continue to hide behind your mask when I showed you mine."

Spider-man stuttered as he strained to find a response.

"Harry once told Peter about his time as Venom," the same voice narrated. "He was also open about his new identity as Patrioteer. Yet Peter hid himself away as Spider-man. Guilt chomped away at him."

"You can stop reading my feelings out loud!" Spider-man shouted towards the blackness of space. "I don't even know how you're doing this! It's not like I keep a diary under my pillow!"

The other teen boy was also unable to hear the narration. He turned irritated. "You're always keeping these secrets from me! You were avoiding me at school! You're not at home when I go see you! We barely have time to hang out!"

Spider-man heard the anger, but he also heard the truth. He never meant to exclude someone who allowed him to be a part of his social circle. He tried to defend his choices. "I did this to keep everyone I care about safe. My powers are here to stay. You know I've said with great power comes great responsibility—"

"I've heard that one before!" Harry yelled back. "Sure, you're using your powers to protect the city. But at least you have them. You have other people in your squad."

His angry blue eyes looked past the rim. He spotted The Red Goblin. No doubt he was hunting for the teen hero instead of his son. "If there's only one way to get my dad's attention, maybe I should pick up a new identity. Since red is taken, then green has to be available."

Terror struck Spider-man. "You can't!"

"Indeed," the voice weighed in. "Little Harry has done what he could to impress his father. The black symbiote named Venom came to mind."

Spider-man for once ignored the voice. He tried to argue to his pal, "But that isn't the life you want anymore! You didn't want to be a host to a symbiote! Why be a Goblin?!"

Before the question could be answered, another pumpkin bomb exploded.

"Found you!" The Red Goblin gleefully shouted from a distance.

Spider-man had to move quickly. He shoved his best buddy to the ground, away from the danger. As the rupture shook the crater, green gas began pouring out.

"The young Osborn," the voice explained, "wishes to be a Goblin because his father is the original Goblin. Wasn't that obvious, Spider-man?"

While Harry shoved away the web-spinner, Spider-man asked, "What does that have to do with anything?"

"It is a throne with a king and needed heir. He is next on the totem. He is an Osborn, and an Osborn must accept the family curse."

Spider-man heard a vulnerable yell. He noticed the green gas overtaking the auburn teen. He watched in terror as his best buddy became the same, gruesome beast. He saw the growing green spots. They partly covered Harry's face, running down his neck. His hands became wider and grew claws. Two points grew on his chin. His ears became pointy.

The veiled voice announced, "The next Goblin enters the battlefield!"

A sickening feeling dropped in the web-spinner. His white slits came into contact with raging blue eyes. His best friend never showed interest in becoming a Goblin. Spider-man currently had a green goblin in front of him and a red goblin behind him. He needed to defeat one and protect the other.

"The teen hero had quite the dilemma on his hands," the voice summarized. "However, before the Goblin teen could make a move, his feet were coming off the ground. He noticed himself floating."

Spider-man took notice to the story. His best friend was ascending, as though balloons were tied to his backside. He shot his webbings to bind the other boy. "Harry! Hold on!"

"His red boots slide against the moon's gray surface," the voice commented. "His arms tightened while he clutched the makeshift lasso. As he struggled to preserve his hold, he spotted two silhouettes beyond the younger Osborn. Their forms appeared smaller than the auburn adolescent. Yes, they were the future of the Osborn family."

The wall-crawler understood that whatever the voice opined happened in reality. "So you're the one behind what's going on! How can you do this?!"

"I merely narrate the story. Spider-man saves the innocent citizens as a hero. But a hero is only a hero when he is facing a villain. The hero, however, cannot control the choices of others. Some will pay for the choices of their ancestry."

"Just what are you getting at?!"

"The Goblin has caused great destruction to the innocent lives. It won't be long until the next one takes the throne and assemble his own heirs. The world must rid itself of such evil family dynasties. Therefore, the world will be best without the Osborns disgracing the Earth!"

Before Spider-man could understand the meaning, he heard a fearful cry. He turned towards the older Osborn. He watched as The Red Goblin looked at himself. Yellow eyes stared at his hands and arms. They were becoming transparent. The same pattern happened to his legs. His chest cleared. The stars behind him became visible. Nothing stood where he was.

"He… he disappeared!" Spider-man exclaimed.

"So he did," the voice replied. "The Red Goblin—no, Norman Osborn—ceases to exist. No amount of power or money spared him from an inevitable demise."

"Inevitable demise?! He's gone because you said so!"

"No," a quiet voice gasped. "Dad."

Spider-man looked to the other boy. Harry, kept in place by the webbing, drifted in shock. His blue eyes were wide, and his mouth filled with pointy teeth hung open. His own father was no longer present.

The wall-crawler looked up to the vastness of the black sky. "Bring him back!"

"It's a one-way street, Spider-man. And someone else holds the same ticket."

"You don't mean…" The wall-crawler turned towards Harry.

The other adolescent slowly faded. He looked to the web-head. He tried speaking, but nothing came out. He could only mouth the name of his best friend.

Spider-man was lost of what to do. He was powerless. He painfully watched as the younger Osborn became extinct. The other two silhouettes receded as well.

Spider-man now stood on the moon alone.

The webs sticking to nothing fell to the ground.


"No! Harry!" Peter cried. He bolted up from his position on his bed. He panted. He found himself alone in his quiet bedroom. All he heard was his own heavy breathing. Even the crickets that chirped their soothing melody were absent.

The light of the full moon entered through his window with the drawn apart curtains, illuminating his surroundings, casting shadows everywhere. The cool night air wafted. The whole house was at a peaceful standstill. The awaken teen realized where he was and what had happened to him.

"A dream," he concluded. He placed his hand against his head. "It was just a dream."

He glanced at his alarm clock. The time read 2:00 a.m.

Despite what he told himself, he couldn't relax. Chills raced down his body. His heart continued to pound wildly. He tried to control his breathing. His right hand brushed his mussy brown hair. The horrific images burned in his memory. At one time he shared those frightful dreams with someone who cared about him. But he changed once he placed on his red mask. Like with everything else, he kept it all to himself. His guilt, his fears, and his nightmares.

He recalled the lesson he had learned; he knew he could draw strength from facing his fears. Delivering quips as he fought felons served as his defense mechanism. He knew he had to drive past his jitters if he wished to keep others safe. He made it his mission to keep others out from the hands of danger. That noble goal came from fighting criminals—Doc Ock, Kraven the Hunter, The Frightful Four, HYDRA, and The Goblin.

Peter could feel himself still shaking. The monster he saw in his nightmare was absolutely horrifying. Though the body was far more slender, the red complexion and the yellow eyes sent forth terror. He was hoping to never face a Goblin again.

Dreams could offer comfort. Nightmares could offer distress, a distortion of a person's fears. Reality is not like either. It had its own rules—what goes up must come down, energy is neither created nor destroyed, and many other laws taught in school. Reality could offer hope based on individuals' choices. Norman was cured of the Goblin serum. He had strapped on a suit of armor in place of the green skin. He made for himself a new identity, Iron Patriot. The older Osborn had even forgotten that Peter was Spider-man. That much he knew. The other benefit from the fiasco was that the relationship between father and son was repairing.

Yet despite the hard work and the forgiveness that was dealt, something continued to throw the Osborns in danger. Doc Ock had plans in resurrecting The Goblin. The evil scientist was successful against his own foe Norman Osborn. Spider-man did what he could to keep the older Osborn out of the hands of destruction.

Peter remembered that long battle. His adversary Doc Ock held a disturbing belief that Harry would've made an excellent successor to The Goblin. Had Spider-man not acted swiftly, the younger Osborn could've been part of HYDRA's Goblin army. Clearly Ock forced Norman to undergo agony by using his son because of their own history. Peter wondered if his best friend was doomed to pay for the sins of his father.

Harry had his fair share of using great power for his own personal usage; his time as Venom vouched for that. All the auburn boy wanted was to be someone in his father's eyes. And perhaps it will be that not-so-innocent yearning to cause his end. The image of Harry vanishing came to mind.

Peter couldn't let that happen. He vowed he would never allow anyone close to him be harmed because of his lack of action. Jumping off his bed, he had a mission in mind. He stripped off his pajamas and tossed them on his bed with the tangled sheets. In the dark he hurriedly placed on his costume. He knew the tight risks. He knew he had to brush aside those feelings in order to keep those he cared about safe.

Setting up the window, he took off. He was immediately met with the brisk night air. His immense speed added to the chilly weather. His eyes at once adjusted to the difference in light. At time he used this method to get to school whenever he overslept. Other times it was his way to respond to criminal sightings. He saw the skyline to the city. He increased his effort. He felt like he couldn't arrive fast enough.

As he swung his way closer to the city, he used his free hand to make a call. He continued to web. He heard the phone dialing. He eagerly waited for a response.

"Harr!" he shouted to his phone. "You up?!"

"Pete?" the other line sleepily replied. "I am now…"

Hearing the familiar voice didn't sooth the distraught teen. "I'm heading over towards your place. Can you meet me on the roof?"

"Uh, sure." the other boy answered. While he grappled through his grogginess, he picked up the distress. "Is something the matter?"

"I'll explain when I get there." Spider-man hung up his line.

In silence, he swung towards his destination.


The wide moon cast its glow over the skyscrapers. The scene below wasn't quite dead. Those working the late shifts and lost souls wandered around. By morning, every street and sidewalk would be crammed. At the moment, even for a noisy city, it was peaceful.

A young adolescent came out of the staircase entranceway. Harry's face was stoic. Earlier he was lost in a daze when he received that late phone call. Each step he took after getting out of bed woke him up. He at least grabbed a coat. He waited on the roof. It was a spot for him to venture out to whenever he needed to think. He figured he had to give his buddy some time if Peter was coming via web swinging.

A glow lit up his face. Browsing webpages and news feeds on his phone, he found nothing for crime. But criminals were sneaky. They hid themselves much easier among the crowds than the crooks who wore the striped shirt, black domino mask, and matching ski cap. He pondered if he needed to summon his Patrioteer armor.

His ears soon picked up a sound. It was strange yet familiar to those who have heard it before. Something pierced the late night air. He felt something approaching him. Looking towards the direction of the noise, he spotted the red and blue costume. "Spider-man?"

One last white vine thwipped through. The hero effortlessly flipped and landed on the open space roof. He stood in his spot. The moonlight showcased his brawny figure, highlighting the red and smoothing out the blue. He didn't give any greetings. No quips escaped his mouth. He said nothing about needing assistance. The mask was then torn off.

Now standing in place was a teen with brown hair and floppy bangs. His facial features were outlined by the moon's light. His eyes that were typically cheerful seemed out of character. They were serious and somber. The corners of his mouth were not pulled upwards like they would be for seeing a buddy. It was a straight line.

Harry sensed something was not right with his pal. "Is everything OK—"

He was cut off when the other boy hugged him.

"He's still here," Peter happily thought. "My best friend is still here."

A wave of relief washed over him. He had already experienced great loss in his time before even reaching adulthood. The wall-crawler had gained and lost precious teammates. Peter Parker had lost people even before placing on his red and blue threads.

Harry, meanwhile, tried to make sense of the mystifying situation. He was taken aback by the unexpected greeting. He tried to break apart his grip so he could face him. However, he was no match for Spidey's immense strength. He remained still. He had assumed with the call being so late at night the problem lied with Spider-man. He didn't consider the problem lied with Peter. He needed to invite him in.

"It's getting cold. Why don't we take this indoors?"


The duo came to the living room inside the penthouse. The lights remained on. But the entertainment remained off. It wasn't time for amusement and pleasure. No floor stereos boomed music. The large TV screen reflected who resided in the room instead of celebrities playing roles for cameras. Such pricey belongings didn't sway Peter to staying friends with the wealthy teen. He was content with watching movies and playing videogames at his own place. Even with his secret job as Spider-man, he strived to keep his bond with Harry. He firmly believed the young Osborn needed a friend after all he and his father had been through.

Peter had yet to speak a word. He caught his reflection in the large pane window. At first he noticed the city—with its many artificial lights that matched the stars in the sky. He then spotted the costume he made. He also saw his own blue eyes while his hand held his mask. He recalled the first time he had encountered The Goblin. His original team was thrashed. They lost their home. His best buddy ended up in danger. Harry delivered hatred against the wall-crawler. Spider-man felt responsible for the whole ordeal. He wanted to take on the situation as his own. He later realized how foolish he was. Perhaps it was from pride. Perhaps it was a sense of anger arising from guilt.

As blue eyes noticed another person in the reflection of the sparkling clean glass, Peter turned around. He looked at Harry. The other boy awaited his story. He did wake him up late at night. He knew he was due for an explanation. Taking a deep breath, he unfolded his nightmare.

The images forming from words started off like a tiny stream. It was clear and kept on going, flowing relentlessly. But as Peter went on, the pressure increased. His body grew tensed. His telling came out faster. He mentioned everything—the fight against The Goblin, the battle on the moon, the formation of The Red Goblin, the meddlesome voice, and the complete disappearance of the Osborn family.

Peter felt himself shaking once more. He ended his story and looked at his best friend. The other boy appeared astonished. The expression was similar to the dream version one who had witnessed his own father vanishing. It was enough to set off the fire within the brunet.

"How can I continue doing this?!" His eyes narrowed. "I didn't win against The Goblin! And I failed to save my best friend back there!"

He threw his mask to the ground.

"Is Spider-man any good if he can't protect those he cares about?!"

The question hung in the air.

Harry was unaware of his facial appearance or the impact it made. He listened to his buddy. A dream would always be a dream; it was the impressions and implications that mattered. Until he learned who was under the mask, he never realized how much courage the web-head, or any hero, needed to draw forth. It was tough facing criminals looking to cause trouble or even worse. The auburn had his own taste when he picked up the black symbiote. He later tried his own bravado once more when he became Patrioteer.

"Spider-man has done a lot," Harry began. His voice was soft and sincere. Yet it was also strong and firm. He kept his focus on the troubled boy. "He didn't need to 'win against' The Goblin because he was saving the one who was control by it. He's saved citizens of New York. He's saved his teammates and even his bosses. But he never asks for anything in return…. Even from people who didn't appreciate his helping hand at first."

Peter noted the sheepish tone in the last line. He heard what his pal was sharing. The response wasn't only a friend looking to casually assure a friend. It was a genuine statement.

"Spider-man has his responsibilities," Harry continued. He could tell the web-head wasn't concerned for The Goblin; Peter was worried about his best friend. He added, "But what about Peter Parker? Spider-man would've put a stop to The Goblin, any Goblin. But Peter wouldn't have left me hanging if I somehow became the next Goblin, would you?"

The brunet looked towards the ground. He took a moment to think. He had saved his buddy when Harry was taken over by symbiotes. He put on those bold threads and his mask for a reason. In some cases, however, he was aware of another goal.

"The voice within my dream insisted something else," he replied. He turned away. "A hero can only be a hero when fighting a villain. But there's been times when other disasters strikes—fires in apartment buildings, mudslides, flash floods, car wrecks… If Spider-man fails in those departments, that can harm those I care about far more than any wicked mastermind."

Harry stared at the red arachnid symbol on the costume's back. The insignia carried an enormous weight. To some, it was a disturbance in their schemes. To others, it was one of hope. Harry gave his own truth. Yet he could still see the doubt, the unending questioning. He decided to reveal his own important matter. He approached his pal. He placed his hand on his shoulder. Peter felt the warmth and turned back around.

"We don't hafta worry about me ever becoming a Goblin," Harry explained. "Dad already gave me the vaccine."

Stunned at the revelation, Peter blinked. "He did?"

"Yeah. Back when Ock was trying to turn everyone into a Goblin. After you and your new teammate … What was his name?"

"Scarlet Spider. Ock found a new employer, HYDRA. Nasty organization. They were lookin' to build up a Goblin Army."

"Right. After you guys left, Dad and I talked. We were both really scared about what coulda happened. That's when I accepted the vaccine."

His blue eyes turned serious. "I never want to be The Goblin."

Peter felt relieved. His best friend rejected The Goblin. But even with that knowledge, a piece of him felt something. Perhaps some despair could've been spared had that information been shared. He frowned. "You never told me that."

"Guess it fell outta mind with Anti-Venom and Carnage."

"Oh… right…"

"It was my decision," Harry reiterated. "Maybe some of the reason came from me being controlled by those symbiotes."

He wrapped his own hands around his arms for a moment. To be cloaked by a sentient being and losing control of one's freedom would petrify anyone. He shoved away those negative thoughts. He gained control of himself and added, "But I can tell you in all honestly I wanted to do it for my dad."

"Norman?" Peter immediately asked. He shouldn't have been surprised. The father and son were all each other had for family. Harry sought to be a good son in Norman's eyes. And sometimes that intent led to questionable actions. Keeping his dream in mind, Peter decided to listen.

The auburn nodded. "I could tell Dad wanted me to take it. I don't know how much misery he'd go through if I became a Goblin. But he didn't force me. He allowed it to be my choice. Just like your decision to keep fighting bad guys like Ock no matter what."

Peter knew he had some citizens' respect despite The Daily Bugle's reports about him. He also knew his own leadership did grant him admiration from his teammates and friends. He tried to distinguish the dream-versions of everyone and their reality counterparts. He had always accepted that his couldn't control anyone's decision. He had to trust that his friends would make the right decision when the options came.

"You chose to do something out of love," Peter concluded. He applauded the auburn's courage. "Doing all this work as Spider-man is like a bad itch that I just gotta scratch."

The wealthy teen understood his friend. He could tell Peter was beginning to go back to normal. Even if the brunet's definition was a tad peculiar. But the idea of a return to normal bothered the young Osborn. His own relief washed away. And his guest spotted that.

"Harr?" Peter called, concerned.

"Spider-man follows his responsibilities. You do what you believe is right. No matter how tough it got, you pulled through. Maybe none of that does matter, freedom of choice. For Osborns, anyway." Harry lowered his eyes to the floor. "In what you told me, from your adventures in between dimensions, just about all your selves are heroes. But what about the Osborns?"

Peter took in his pal's words. He did what he could to stop that vicious green beast. In one universe he even sacrificed himself. The fight between a spider and goblin was endless. It was as though facing The Goblin was his life's work, his magnum opus. How often Norman chose the wrong path, and how Harry was doomed to walk down the same road that led to a platform and noose.

The nightmare replayed. The monster with red skin and yellow eyes was terrifying. But something even more horrific happened. It wasn't just the current family disappearing. It was also future Osborn generations. There had a to be a variable that made all the difference. He felt the claws of his fears climbing up on him once more. He fought to maintain hope.

"At least Norman has changed!" the brunet avowed.

Harry kept his stoic disposition. Using an unshaken voice, he asked back, "Is that temporary?"

Peter paused any responses. He was already aware the older Osborn was Harry's only family. He realized another dread his best buddy harbored. He tried to uphold his beliefs. "You mean, like, going back to The Goblin? He won't. He said he cured himself for you. He's Iron Patriot now."

"Then maybe him changing for the better will be his end. And then I'll be next. That's how it goes for these sort of things, right?"

The brunet's mind recalled the horrifying figure. He heard once more the deep voice that condemned the wealthy but reprehensible family. The auburn teen had shared stories about the Osborns and Oscorp. Some sort of sin tainted the souls of each head—typically greed and pride. Peter scoured his mind for something that made the youngest member distinct.

"But you're more than just an Osborn!" he assured, almost shouting. "You've shown your own strength against creeps like The Frightful Four and Doc Ock. You refused to control Venom to destroy the man you respect and love. And…"

For the first time that night, he smiled. "You're my best friend."

The auburn smiled back. He always carried pride in his heritage. He had his own anxieties about what he was to inherit for Oscorp. But to the brunet, he wasn't merely an Osborn, the wealthy Midtown High student, or a candidate for the next Goblin. He was just Harry.

"You're still that know-it-all wall-flower," he teased. "But you're more than that menace Spider-man. You're my best friend."

Peter scratched the side his head and replied, "Spider-man has met a lotta interesting people and heroes. I'm aways ready to lend a hand."

He was glad to have support for the mask he wore. He would always be grateful for those who stood by him even prior to his powers. Feeling lighter, he confessed, "Uncle Ben always told me to look for the best in others. We'd go the park and movies together. We'd also played for hours in the driveway. He was my best friend."

He looked to Harry. He reflected on the adventures they had shared, the identities that have been revealed. Their companionship had changed so much since that rainy day. "I like to think he still is because now I have a brother."

Harry would always be aware of the adoration and respect Peter held for his relative. He smiled at the invitation. He shared his own thoughts. "Me and Dad have gone on trips together. It's funny that the little ones like Coney Island are the ones I remember best. At times, when he'd go into his office for long hours, I wished I had a brother. It would've made things so much easier to get through."

Peter mutually nodded. "At least now, we'll never be alone."

"Spider-man and Patrioteer?"

"Peter Parker and Harry Osborn."

The two clasped hands.

Peter looked back down at his mask. The bits of his nightmare were waning. Perhaps a part of himself needed to review that trust in others. He realized that his dream-self only addressed The Goblin. He knew in real life who the monster was, which was why he had the need to save his best friend's dad. He asked, "Where is Norman?"

"He's out in one of his labs."

"This late?"

"Yep, he's always been the type to be workaholic." Harry heard what he shared. He then assured, "It's fine. We watched a movie earlier today. Dad's just has always been the type that likes to be kept busy."

"I guess counting sheep isn't for everyone." Peter turned glad hearing the bond between father and son was healing. He had always fought for them, and he kept his trust in them. As his legs stiffened, he knew he had occupied enough of his friend's time. "Sorry that I woke you. I should be heading back."

Harry quietly watched as his friend stretched, preparing to leave. He understood the trip would be long and cold. He empathized what it was like to live in a residence while a parent, or guardian, was away. He asked, "Aunt May still on her trip?"

"Yeah. She's giving the authentic cuisine in Cancún a try."

"There are some excellent spots. But since she's still out, why not spend the rest of the night here?"

Peter heard the genuine invite. He gave the suggestion a thought. Friendship required effort on both ends. It wasn't always the life-saving adventures. Sometimes it was the little moments that made the biggest significance. He nodded, "Sure. At least I won't use up anymore of my webbing."

"You'll need to save that. Tomorrow's a brand new day."

"Uh, not really sure what to do about clothing, though. I only came in this." The brunet tugged on his costume to emphasize his point. "I wouldn't want anyone like your dad to think I sleep in Spidey pjs."

"That'd be the least of your problems," the auburn chuckled. "You can borrow something. You're lucky we're around the same size."

The young Osborn led his friend to his closet.


The quiet night continued without interruption. No sirens from police cruisers sounded off. Helicopters searching for news soared the city rather than hover in a circular motion to capture a critical scene. Eventually the black night was replaced by a growing gold.

A door to the penthouse opened. Norman Osborn came into the living room after working late. He was still accustomed to putting in hours until dawn. He needed to ponder ideas and calculate numbers. Regardless of his state, he would find himself drawn to his son's bedroom. He would check in on his boy like any father would.

Before he could step in that direction, his eyes picked up unwrapped snacks and empty soda cans on the coffee table. Something large on the ground caught his attention. Giving a closer look, he became surprised seeing Harry and Peter. The two boys were lying in separate sleeping bags that were used for camping once. Once. Side by side, they were slumbering peacefully. With their sleeping bags separated by five inches, of course.

Norman looked at his son. His boy appeared so peaceful. He worried whenever Harry would draw forth the Patrioteer armor. Despite the advanced tools and the boy's courageous spirit, Norman had endured his own nightmares of Harry becoming the next Goblin. It was only logical—a son follows his father's footsteps. And The Goblin did have a powerful throne with a need for an heir. Norman would then remind himself that his boy accepted the antidote. He was glad Harry rejected the unholy power of The Goblin.

He then looked at the dozing brunet. He smiled.

"I know I still have my son because of the heroic work of his best friend."

The man soundlessly left the room to allow the brothers to continue their impromptu camp out.

End Brotherhood in the Night

Norman Osborn/The Red Goblin, see Amazing Spider-Man vol. 1 #794-800, 2018.

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.

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

Author's notes: Fanfic inspired by What if? Infinity Dark Reign #1, 2010. What if Norman Osborn had The Gauntlet? Answer: In addition to forcing Peter/Spidey relive the death of Gwen Stacy over and over again, he'd make his father, Ambrose Osborn, disappear from ALL existence. Doesn't take a genius to figure out what would happen if that went down. It only makes me sad because without Norman, no matter how much of a monster he is, Peter wouldn't have his BFF around.


Author's notes 8/14/21: This whole collection is either on hiatus or is done. I've got a lot of other projects to do IRL. Plus, I want to work on my own original writing. If I do work on future stories for this collection, IDK when or even if they would be publish. Thank you all who made it this far and waited so patiently.