Peter POV
Peter couldn't bring himself to leave the lab for 3 days.
Don't get him wrong, he wanted too - every single night. But every time he took a look at his costume, or made a move to put it on, his thoughts were jerked back to his irrational paranoia that Otto would not be here when he got back. Peter would kick the dirty costume back under the bed every time.
He stayed closer to his Godfather. He helped around the lab, assisted in any experiments Octavius needed an extra hand with (which was few and far between), and cleaned up any science equipment that needed it - only having to run out of sight twice when Norman Osborn unexpectedly flashed his concrete face on the screens with a question or cold remark for Otto.
Once gone the second time, Otto had turned to Peter with his metallic arms wringing together anxiously, "These frequent visits are beginning to worry me,"
But Peter waved off Otto's concern, not wanting to rile the aging man. "Ah, don't worry about little ol' me," he said, "Norman won't find me. I've become very skilled in the art of hiding under the table."
Otto sighed, but Peter wasn't able to tell if it was in amusement or exasperation. So he went with mildly entertained and got back to work cleaning out the test tubes and beakers.
But, after a couple hours more of cleaning, there was nothing left. There was only so much he could accomplish in a small, hidden lab designed for one. So, humming the 'Fresh of Bel-Air' theme song, Peter set down his rag, sat on a nearby tabletop with his legs swinging, and watched as Otto fiddled with a bit of his DNA under a telescope.
Peter vaguely wondered what was going on under that scope. He's never actually done a close up study of his DNA molecular, but judging by the words Otto kept mumbling under his breath, it seemed like it was something cool. Head tilting curiously, Peter hopped down from the table and slowly looked over Otto's shoulder.
Otto's head turned up to him almost instantly, with the question, "What are you doing?"
Peter took a step back holding his hands out sheepishly, "Sorry, sorry. Just curious."
Otto looked stared at him a second longer, before turning back to the telescope. Rocking on the balls of his feet, Peter twiddled his thumbs innocently as he looked indiscriminately up at the ceiling - yep, the roof was still constructed of concrete and pipes - nothing out of the ordinary there. His head dropped back down at Otto who had been sucked back into the telescope and its data again.
He really shouldn't bother him when he got to work. There was no place for distractions in this lab. But yet, Peter found himself creeping up again hoping to get a look at the glass slide his DNA was on. Maybe later when Otto was sleeping, he could take a small peek for himself.
"Peter, do you need something?"
Peter jumped back again, shaking his head. "Nope. No. All good here. Just go back to working, Otto. I'm just gonna," he jerked his thumbs over to the table. "Go back over there." With that, he slunked away.
Octavius sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose softly with one of his tentacles. "Peter, why don't you go take a break."
"A break?" Peter stopped his random tapping on the tabletop to look up at Otto. "A break from what?"
Otto adjusted the telescope. "From being in the lab," he said. "It's not healthy for a kid to be cooped up inside for so long."
Peter folded his arms with a snort. "Yeah, tell that to any teenager ever." He went back to tapping out a tuneless rhythm. "Besides, I thought you didn't like me going out as Spider-Man, especially with S.H.I.E.L.D on my back now. I would've thought you'd like me staying in here more."
"Then why don't you go out as Peter Parker instead?"
Peter gaped up at Otto, both his bouncing legs and fingers freezing in place. He stared for a while, mouth opening and closing like a fish before he managed to sputter out, "Do-do you - can I really?"
Black hair nodded in verification. "Of course. Well, as long as you're careful. I heard there was a school trip planned to go to Oscorp today. Perhaps you can sneak in with them." Peter was grinning before the sentence was even finished. He instantly jumped from the table, making a beeline for his room to grab his least smelly clothes while yelling over his shoulder "YOU'RE THE BEST OTTO!"
Otto smiled down at the table. "JUST REMEMBER TO BE CAREFUL THIS TIME- OH, AND NO MORE SPIDER BITES!" he shouted back.
His fingers drummed rapidly against his thigh as he leaned as casually against the Oscorp building as he could manage. Now sporting a semi-clean t-shirt, a blue, button up shirt, and jeans, subtly finished off with his web-shooters snapped coyly around his wrists and hidden under his long sleeves, Peter was ready to infiltrate Oscorp.
Okay, maybe joining in with a group of high school students wasn't exactly a grade-A ninja invasion. But he liked to believe – pretend - he was infiltrating Oscorp to hunt down Norman. Once found, he'd corner the jerk, and force him to release his godfather from whatever deal or contract they had and let them both go free. Unfortunately, though, just the thought of confronting Norman face to face left a cold shiver running done Peter's spine, and he also promised Otto he'd keep a low profile today. Meaning, if he was to so much as see Norman, he was to head right out the door and back to the Basement. Which Peter hoped wasn't the case because there was something, in particular, he needed from this trip.
With still no sign of the bus, he sighed, fingers thrumming on full power as he continually glanced up and down the street. What was taking Midtown so long anyway? It was 10 minutes over the time they should've been here. It wasn't exactly courteous to keep the powerfully rich manic and his equally sinister company waiting. Unless they arrived before Peter got here...
Wait a second...did the class arrive before him? Did he just get the wrong time? Were they in the building right now without him knowing it? If so, then there went all his plans for the day and he'd have to return to the Basement to continue pestering Otto. Well, unless he could find a way to sneak in the building. But before he could devise a way to scale up the side of the building without being seen, down on the street a yellow bus pulled itself up from the city traffic and came to a stop at the curb. A thrill of excitement shot up Peter's spine and he had to stick his back to the wall to refrain from running down the steps and enveloping that bus driver into a tight bear hug.
Biting his lip to hold back the goofy smile, he ducked his head and pretended to study the intricate lines of the sidewalk as the students filed out of the bus, filling the ordinary commotions of the streets with laughter and loud chatter that only a group of teenagers could muster. He waited in tensed silence as the kids were hastily put into lines by the chaperones, which, of course, morphed back into clustered groups halfway up to the building.
Up close, he could see them better. The kids, that is. Tall, short, thin, fat, muscular, flabby. It was amazing. Kids HIS age right in front of him. Peter loved Otto to death, but it's not like he could hang out or play video games with him. They couldn't schedule playdates with kids his age, growing up. It had always been just him, Otto and science. Being so close to them now was...exciting and, surprisingly, nerve-wracking.
A frown chased the smile from Peter's face and he took a small, hesitant step back. It seemed like a lot more fun last year when he snuck in with the class from Midtown - the same one as now, maybe - but then again, he had been too drunk off the nervous excitement that came with sneaking out to actually think about what he was doing. That had been one of his first true acts of rebellion. But this time it was different. He had permission. He wasn't high on adrenaline and excitement. It was just him and his rational emotions.
And right now, those emotions were making him feel nauseous. The kind of nauseous that squirmed in his belly and tickled his throat and the back of his tongue, while also making him want to run the opposite direction. But his feet were frozen in their tracks too, so that wasn't an option either.
Oh, come on! Peter chastised himself. If you did it once you can do it again. A flame of determination thawed his cold feet and surged forward to merge in with the back of class before they made it through the doors. He closed the door behind him, taking one last fleeting glance at the open space between the buildings. Nerves still squirmed in his stomachs, but he felt an easy breath pass through his lungs and he smiled, feeling lighter in weight. That wasn't so bad. The first steps were always hardest, right?
He turned and felt his jaw drop. Everything looked so different, brighter, and sharper. Luminescent lights bathed the room in gold light, making the granite floor bright with luster. Receptionists desks were placed in a straight line up front, all sleek and shiny metal with the word "Oscorp" grafted on their shared front in gleaming black. Dark, plush leather couches and armchairs were arranged in a warm and friendly sitting area, with green potted plants spread subtly here and there for personality. The Receptionists sat at their desks either tapping away on sleek Oz-pads and paper-thin computers or waiting with curved smiles to assist anyone who approached. As amazed as Peter was with the new look, he didn't let himself get too wrapped up in it. The class of awed onlookers was already moving toward the receptionist desks without him. Peter quickly followed after.
There, he casually joined in with the cluster in the back where people were less likely to spot him. Now, it was all a matter of waiting for the tour to start. They might do a small role-call, but he was pretty small and the guy in front of him was tall, so no one would notice him. He tapped his foot and waited. Up front, the chaperones were calling out names. Curious, Peter peered past the shoulders of the kid in front of him, and he felt his blood run cold. Up front, the chaperones were holding a bag of student name badges and crossing names off a checklist whilst handing them out to their designated person. Peter felt panic clamp down in his stomach.
They didn't have those last year! When did they decide THAT was a good idea? Peter ducked behind the tall guy in front of him, mind racing with negative thoughts. None of these teachers knew him, neither did the students. He stands out like a sore thumb. He'd be rooted out on the spot, and then they'd question him, and call security and then - oh shit. Would if they called Norman Osborn down? Would if Norman had him arrested for attempting a break in? He'd be handed over to the authorities and when they look him up and find out he has no living relatives they were going put him in the system! He'd never see Otto again!
"No, no, no, no, no," he chanted under his breath as a mantra. Taking a step back, he did a quick glance for the security guards who would spot him at any moment and come running to seize him. His back was turned when a hand suddenly clamped down on his shoulder.
"Something wrong, boy?"
Peter whirled around, eyes wide, and found himself looking into the eyes of one of the chaperones. A tall man, kind of pudgy, but not overly so, with thinning brown hair and unfocused green eyes. He was staring at Peter, with no apparent look of alarm or surprise. Peter swallowed thickly.
"I-I-I was just-" he stammered helplessly.
The adult frowned, "Well speak up. Come on, I can't understand you if you mumble,"
Any minute now. Any minute the guy would realize he wasn't apart of the class and it would all be over. "I-I'm just..."
The old man sighed, "Look, Charlie, we've talked about this. If you have something to say, just say it. There's no judgment here,"
Peter blinked. He did a quick glance behind him but no one was there. Charlie? Who the heck is Charlie? Eyebrows furrowing in suspicion, Peter looked closer up at the man. The guys' eyes were squinting, the retinas under the lids twitching from one side to the other as if trying to find something. It was then that Peter realized it. This man had bad vision. He must be farsighted or something. Why else would he not raise the alarm and call Peter, Charlie?
Maybe he wasn't busted after all.
Peter straightened up. "S-sorry, Sir," he mumbled, trying to lower his voice. He never thought he'd think this but, the less he talked the better. "I, uh...just need my um.."
The old man squinted up at the person handing out names badges and smiled. "Oh," he chuckled. "You need your pin. Ever the shy one, Charles." he roughed up Peter's hair a bit. "Alright, I'll go get it for ya," The old man walked away, Peter watched him, still in shock, unable to believe his luck. The old man cut to the chaperone and mumbled a few words, then was given a badge before hobbling back. He passed the pin off to Peter, who took it with eager hands.
"Thank you," Peter said, quickly clipping it to his shirt.
The man smiled. "Sure thing. But, you know, I could've sworn you weren't coming today. I thought you got that flu that was going around."
Peter felt his grin falter slightly. "I - uh, got better."
"Oh really?" the man challenged, "I don't know, your voice seems kind of high." Peter grin fell. High pitched? He wasn't high pitched! The old man chuckled, as if picking up on his thought, "But alright, get a move on it. Don't want to waste any time do we?" he ushered Peter toward the group, who chuckled sheepishly and reconnected himself to the back where no one would notice him.
After another few minutes of sorting, they were ready to go. Peter looked around for the tour guide but was startled when a metal sphere appeared from behind the receptionist's desk and hovered in the air just in front of the group. A murmur rippled through the students as they looked up at this new object with similar surprise and equal fascination. That murmur heightened into an excited buzz as a blue dot appeared in the sphere and shot out a wide ray of light 4 feet across and 4 feet wide. Leaning forward with curiosity, Peter watched as something began to flicker within the light, hundreds of pixelated colors flashed and connected until a model of a professionally-looking woman appeared. She looked up with computer-blue eyes and smiled at them in welcome, her hands clasped together in the front of her white business suit.
"Hello everyone," her voice was kind but tinted with that level of robotics that left it ringing hollow. "My name is Holly, and I will be your tour guide. Today we will explore the wonders of the many new and industrial discoveries of Oscorp, in both the field of science and technology. Please stay within the group and do not wander off. The various projects funded and discovered by Oscorp are marvelous, but they can also be dangerous and we must take the utmost caution." with that her entire being blinked and suddenly her back was to them. "Follow me please and remember to stay with the group." and then they were off.
Peter hung back, observing from a good distance. It was no problem with his enhanced vision, he could see the presented "Oscorp wonders" with pristine vision as good in the back of the class as he would in front. He especially liked the prototypes of a still-developing radiation scanner that would go deep into human tissue and organs to detect how much radiation is inside the body of a cancer patient when going through treatment.
The new aerial dispersal unit was pretty awesome too.
But what he really wanted to see was the upcoming exhibit. It was what he's been wanting to see for a year now. Holly led them around the bend. Peter looked over anxiously, feeling a nervous buzz settle in his limbs. But when the next exhibit came into view, he felt his excitement fizzle and pop out.
"Here, Oscorp technicians are working on bringing you all the newest and best working Oscorp iPhones," Holly gestured to the numerous workers around the room, working on different small pieces of tech. "With this new phone, consumers will be able to produce their own..." Peter stopped listening at that point. He gazed around the workroom, frown deepening with the weight of disappointment in his chest.
So maybe he didn't come here just to be with kids his age or to see what Oscorp had to offer. He wanted to get to know more about the creature that made him the way he was. This room was used to hold a small collection of experimented on spiders. It was the same room in which he was bitten in last year. A part of him, he now realized was naive, had hoped that the project would still be going. The scientists behind it must've realized that they had something good going, right? One of those spiders gave him SPIDER powers for goodness sake! How could they miss that?
Peter almost raised his hand, intent on asking where the spiders were moved to before recalling that he wasn't technically supposed to even be there. Drawing attention from the students and chaperones would only cause trouble that he preferred avoiding. His mouth clicked shut and he stuffed his hands into his jean pockets, head down. So much for getting some answers.
Soon enough, Holly was moving them along again. But instead of following this time, Peter gradually slowed his pace till the group left him behind and ducked away into a room. Honestly, there was nothing else he wanted to do with Oscorp. All he wanted was the spiders, and it looked like they took that from him too.
He leaned against the wall, lips pursing in thought. There was no way they got rid of the spiders; someone must've figured out their value. So if the spiders were moved somewhere else, then Peter figured he'd just have to find them on his own. Eyes narrowed in fixed determination, he glanced left and right before casually joining in with the stream of people down the hall, leaning himself so he looked small and unnoticeable.
It worked well enough that it got him to the next lab. Inside was a room of lab-coated scientists observing the effects of something behind a wall of glass. There was a small explosion then a flurry of scratching pencils on paper. Peter moved on. The next was similar to the first, only the scientists were looking in microscopes and working with test tubes and beakers. In the corner, a guy suddenly lurched away as the beaker he was using being to dissolve in a puddle of goo - interesting, but not what Peter was looking for.
It was in the next room when Peter felt his spider-sense tingle down his spine. He froze, glancing sideways. A security guard at the end of the hall was watching him. It was a big, beefy guy, with logs for arms and a tree-trunk chest; his eyes were dark and narrowed and definitely aimed in his direction. Peter looked away, grimacing, but kept up his pace. Through his peripheral vision, he saw the guard shift up from his position to follow.
Crap.
Peter increased his pace slightly. He needed to lose this guy, and quick. If he was caught it was game over. He'd be handed back to a class he didn't belong with, then probably have the cops called on him for - for...for something. All Peter know was that Otto would be pissed if that happened - so, definitely, a no go.
He glanced to and fro, looking for any sign of refuge. Turning the corner, the guard was temporarily cut from view which gave Peter just the time he needed. He quickly spotted a small door farther down the hall. His nose wrinkled in objection as soon as he saw. There was no way he was hiding in a storage room or a janitor's closet, that was way too cliche. The guard would find him within seconds. Nope, he needed a better hiding place, like a-like a...uh...okay, screw it, options were limited. Janitors closet it was.
Peter made a beeline for it. He yanked it open and stepped inside, closing it behind him just as the guard turned the corner. He held his breath, praying that the guy was dull-brained and just walked past. But his praying to the deity of science was interrupted by a startled voice to his right, "Excuse me, who are you? What are you doing in here?"
Peter jumped back, and erupted into muffled curses when he hit his toe on the corner of the door. Grimacing and holding his foot, he looked over making out the faint outline of another human being in the black, dusty space. He squinted, willing his eyes to adjust to the new lighting. "Oh, I - uh, sorry. I didn't think anyone else was in here." It was hard to make out any distinguishing features of the new person, even with his enhanced vision.
The person, male judging by their voice, snorted. "That's obvious. You wouldn't have jumped five feet if you did." the guy shuffled a little, leaning against the wall. "So, what brings you to my knick of the building?"
This time it was Peter's turn to snort. He did a quick glance over the space. "You're part of the building? Mops and brooms? What are, the janitor or something?"
"I might be," the voice challenged, though he didn't sound too offended. "But you never answered my question. Who are you and what are YOU doing in here."
Peter squinted, nose wrinkling. He knocked a mop out of his face. "Well, uh - technically, you never gave me a name either," he dully reminded.
A head tilted in the dark. "But I asked first."
"But it's rude not to introduce yourself before asking your guest questions."
A huffed laugh. "So you're my guest now. Alright, touche. How about this, we'll say our names at the same time. That's fair."
Peter smiled. "Fine, sounds fair enough. On the count of 3?"
"Sounds good. 1...2...3..."
It was silent between both. After a few more seconds of dusty silence, the two boys burst into chuckles and giggles. "Alright, alright," Peter laughed. "I'll go first." he stuck out his hand. "My name's Peter Parker. You?"
A hand reached out to take his. "Hey Peter, my names-" but the other boy was interrupted by a sudden flash of light. The door to the janitor closet flung open and a strong hand clapped Peter's shoulder, dragging him out into the hall. The same of which happened with the other boy. Peter blinked dots from his eyes and found himself face to face with the security guard from earlier.
Dumb janitor closet, Peter thought glumly.
"There ya are," a deep voice grumbled. "Thought you could hide, did ya?" a chuckle. "Sorry boy, but nothing gets past me." Peter rolled his eyes, half annoyed with the guard and the other half with himself. He looked past the smug face of the older man and to the other boy.
Red hair, blue eyes, and sharp features. He was wearing a navy blue sweater over a white colored shirt, and jeans. But there was something oddly familiar about him. Though Peter was certain he's never seen the other boy in his life. He'd definitely remember if he had.
The boy looked irritated with the guard too.
"And who's ya friend?" the guard turned his attention to the boy. "And who are you?"
He folded his arms definitely,"My name is Harry," he said, the casual tone from earlier slipping into something more formal. "We got lost from the tour ."
Disbelieving eyebrows raised. "In a janitors closet?"
Harry's blue eye turned on Peter, curious and observing. Peter watched as the boy's gaze snagged onto the nametag on his chest and watched those blue eyes narrow critically. Peter swallowed thickly, knowing this was it. Introducing himself with his real name was a stupid move on his part. But he was surprised when Harry replied. "He's a friend of mine. My dad works here so we hang out here a lot. We were just meeting up with each other." the guard continued staring. "It's an inside joke, okay."
The older man didn't seem convinced, "You kids are supposed to be downstairs with the school class. You're not allowed to roam the building on your own."
Harry rolled his eyes theatrically. "Yes, yes, we know. We were just playing around, okay. But we're headed back to the group anyway."
The guard frowned in contemplation. He rubbed his chin, "How do I know you actually gonna go back?"
Harry sighed in exasperation, giving Peter a look that said can-you-believe-this-guy? Peter stared at him, still not sure what was going on. "You can trust assured, looking back to the guard. "But you can come with us if you want to see for yourself."
That seemed to do it. The guard agreed and gestured for them to get walking. Harry took in stride and moved down the hall. Peter stared at Harry's back before begrudgingly following, feeling his stomach drop. How was he getting out of this one? Now he wasn't just trying to ditch a security guard, but heading back there with a kid who didn't know him yet lied to cover them both up. He watched the other teen through his peripheral vision. Harry didn't know him but still, he hadn't ratted him out...yet. What was the guy playing at? He could've just saved himself the trouble and told the security guard that Peter lied about his name and simply handed him off. But Harry hadn't - maybe because he needed a cover story too, but still, it must count for something.
Peter wasn't sure.
In that moment, a whisper came from his right. "So, what's your real name?" Peter glanced over, barely catching the look Harry sent. When Peter didn't say anything, he continued, "Come on, which is it? Charlie Jones or Peter Parker?"
Peter forbid himself from looking up from the sleek floor of the hall.
Harry sighed. "Fine, I'll just wait till we get back to the class and ask." Peter's breath caught, which he knew didn't go unnoticed. He glanced over his shoulder at the security guard, who had fallen behind a considerable distance and barely out of hearing -range. He looked away again, biting his lip. Harry must've noticed his indecision as he added softly, "I won't get you in trouble, I promise."
Peter rubbed his fingers against the cool surface of his webshooters, feeling his nerves soothe down some. He caught Harry's eyes again, and rushed out in a hushed whisper, eyes pleading, "Please don't take me back to the class."
"Why?" Harry asked, not unkindly.
Peter bit his lip again, now itching for an escape. He was stupid to come here. Why did he always put himself in these situations? Stupid, stupid, stupid. Sure Harry seemed trustworthy, as surprising as it was, but there was still something off about him. Looking at the boy, he seemed genuinely interested and maybe even a little...concerned.
Peter sighed in defeat. Whatever, it was all going to hell anyway. "Al-alright. The truth is...I'm not actually from Midtown." he fiddled with his sleeve. "I snuck in with the group and got a nametag."
From the corner of his eyes, he saw Harry hide a smile behind his hand. Peter shot him with a withering glare. "Gee, thank you for that," he mumbled sharply. "Might I ask what's so funny?"
"No, no, I'm sorry." Harry quickly apologized, cutting Peter off from saying anything more. "It's just," he smiled again, "I already knew weren't from Midtown."
Peter stared at him. "How did you-?"
"Cause I'm from Midtown."
Peter's stomach plummeted for the second time that day. "And that's my class down there," Harry continued, "so I know who Charlie Jones is and you're definitely not him." Peter flushed, looking away again. So much of blending in; Harry saw right through him!
"Okay, so my ninja skills need some work," Peter grumbled, folding his arms. "Don't judge me."
Harry put his hands up. "Hey, no judgment here. Although, I am curious why you were 'sneaking' into our field trip in the first place." regarded Peter coolly. "I don't suppose you're willing to spare a humble teenager some answers."
Peter snorted, causing Harry to raise an eyebrow. "Are you doubting my humbleness?"
"Oh, I would never," Peter assured theatrically. "My most gracious and humble superior. You're the most humble of us all. Your humbleness holds no bounds." he humored Harry with a half bow. There was a soft shove to Peter's shoulder, followed by Harry's "Hardy har har."
They shared a small laugh as they came up to an elevator. This time, the security guard pulled up closer, squeezing in behind them inside the elevator. All conversation fled the room before the doors slid shut. Peter and Harry shared an awkward glance. The ride down seemed perilously long.
However, as soon as the doors open, they fled to the freedom of open space, leaving the guard behind once more. They maneuvered past adults fast at work, moving in a random direction. Or at least, it seemed like a random direction to Peter. At this point, all he could do was follow Harry. He seemed to know his way around here.
Making sure the guard was out of hearing ranging again, Peter whispered. "So, why were you hiding in the janitors closet?"
It was Harry's turn to look at his shoes. "Oh, you know," he shrugged, observing the floor. "Just wanted to...I kind of..." he stuffed his hands into his jean pockets. "Just wanted to get away from the group, I guess. I've already seen all the exhibits, so..." he shrugged again.
"So you decided to hide in a janitors closet?" Peter questioned, quirking a smile.
Harry rolled his eyes. "Hey, don't judge."
"Hey, no judgment here."
"Besides," Harry continued after a moment, "You never told me what you were doing in the closet either."
Should've seen that coming. Peter sighed with a half smile, rubbing his neck as he held Harry's eyes. "I guess...I guess I just wanted to get away from it all too."
They walked in silence a few more steps. Eventually, Harry smiled, "Alright then," and they fell into silence. Peter's heart slapped his ribs anxiously. Any minute now Harry would ask why he was really there, or what he wanted, or why he didn't stay with the class. But it never came. Harry's eyes remained glued ahead, and with each step, Peter felt himself relax and fall into a comfortable silence.
Which was nice for the 5 minutes it lasted. Eventually, they turned a corner and ran smack-dab into the Midtown class. Peter stopped in his tracks, automatically ducking his head. "I thought you said you weren't gonna bring me back here," he hissed at Harry, who had stopped with him.
"Chill," Harry said. "I got an idea. Take off the name pin."
Peter hesitated for a beat, before grumbling under his breath and unpinning the badge. "Okay," he said, pocketing it so it was out of sight. "Now what?"
Harry grinned at him and asked, "How's your acting?" the class came up to them. Harry quickly added through the corner of his lips, "Just follow my lead, alright?" then he smiled and closed the distance between them and the group.
Peter took a step back, considering his options. He could make a run for it. He could use just a little spider power and be gone lickety-split. It wouldn't take much. He could easily outrun any security guard, and maybe later he could come by and wipe the cameras of his face. He knew how. He could do it.
Yeah, because running for it wouldn't cause attention, his inner thoughts argued. Ock said stay low. Drawing attention to yourself isn't staying low.
He was right. Trying to get out at this point would just verify any suspicion. Besides, one look over his shoulder and he could see the security guard watching him. There was no way he could make it out without someone spotting him. Which left is only another option.
Taking a breath and praying that Harry actually had a plan, Peter caught up to the other teen, playing a smile on his face. He tried to look casual, despite the tightness in his stomach. Harry approached the group, quickly catching one of the chaperones attention.
"Aw, Harry, I was beginning to wonder when you'd decide to join us." one of the teachers greeted him. She looked to be in her mid-thirties, slightly over-weight but sporting a pretty face with a bright smile.
"Sorry I'm late," Harry apologized, flashing her a dashing smile. "You know I would never leave you hanging, Ms. Strattin."
"Of course not," she laughed. "But might I ask why you were so late?" she gave him a stern look. "I AM still your teacher."
Harry laughed good-humoredly. "I was just meeting up with a friend," he replied, this time turning to gesture to Peter. "Sorry it took so long, we were meeting up in our usual spot." behind him, the security guard scoffed. Harry turned back to the guard, "Well, we're back. Thank you," he squinted at the guard's name tag. "Lenny, for escorting us back. You can head back now."
THe guys' eyes narrowed, "You don't give me orders kid, I can-" but before he could say more, Harry stepped forward whispered something fiercely at the guy. Interested, Peter would've paid more attention to what was being said, but froze when Ms. Strattin turned her warm smile on him.
"And what's your name, hon?"
Peter swallowed, glancing at Harry who was still talking to Lenny and wondering if it was a good idea to give out his name so much. An awkward silence lapsed between them until Harry swooped back to the conversation and unwittingly to his rescue. "Sorry about that," he grimaced. "Some people just don't know when to back off." he looked between Ms. Strattins awkward smile and Peter's deer-in-headlights expression and it clicked. "Sorry Ms. Strat, but Pete's kind of shy." Peter fright withered in a glare which he leveled at Harry, but Ms. Strattin merely nodded in understanding, also looking thankful for the rescue.
"Oh, that's alright. He's fine. Anyway, here's the worksheet you need to fill out," she passed him a paper from the clipboard in her hand. "Just get it to me by tomorrow so I can give you class credit."
Harry took it with a grimace. "Fine." he did a once over the shirt before asking, "But is it alright if Peter joins us?"
Ms. Strattin glanced over Peter again. "As long as you get your work done," she answered. Harry thanked her with a quick salute and walked to the back of the class. Quite a few students greeted Harry, Peter was surprised to find. Harry must be pretty popular.
They took their rightful place at the back of the pack, once again following behind Holly the hologram, who was completely undeterred from the interruption. "Can you believe this?" Harry demanded, looking over the assignment more closely. "Why can't field trips ever be work-free? Wants wrong with just enjoying ourselves?"
But Peter could hardly care about a worksheet. Doing a quick once over, he realized the security guard was gone. "What'd you say to that guard?" he asked.
Harry looked up. "Huh?"
"The security guard. What did you say to get him to leave?"
"Oh," Harry scratched his head. "Just...just assured him that we were back and all was fine...That's all." Only that wasn't all. He knew Harry was holding something back by the way he found a sudden meticulous interest in the assignment questions.
They both were holding back info. And frankly, Peter didn't want to prob in fear that the same would be done for him. He was lucky enough as it was that Harry hadn't called him out. Heck, the guy lied for him. Peter was grateful, but also kind of wary. Spidey-sense said everything was fine, but his gut told him he needed answers. Peter opened his mouth to voice his questions but found them lodging in his throat instead. Stay low, his head ordered. Just find the quickest way out and GO. Stop digging yourself a deeper grave.
Good idea. He quickly took in his surroundings. They were higher up in the building now, well away from the lobby. He could try sneaking away again but look how well that turned out. He'd be spotted and found by someone not was kind as Harry. And he couldn't kick out his spidey-skills and simply scale the wall, bust open a window and be home free. Nope. Not in Norman's home turf. Besides, Otto would KILL him.
So, waiting out the tour it was.
Which also brought up the fact that Peter didn't even know when the tour ended. He poked Harry's arm. "Hey, when do we get out of here?"
"After the tour," Harry said. "You can't possibly want to try and sneak away again, do you? We all saw how bad that turned out - for the both of us!"
Peter rolled his eyes in frustration. "Well, yeah, I figured that. I meant, when does the tour end?"
"You don't know when the tour ends?" Harry set down the paper. "You snuck into a company tour and don't even know when it ends? Is that why you sneaking into the janitors closet? Because you were trying to find the exit?"
"What! No, I just - I was - I wanted to - Ugh, just forget it. Finishing the tour it is!" he folded his arms and stomped after the group. Harry caught up a few seconds later, but his attention was back to the worksheet.
As hard as he tried, Peter couldn't stay mad. He found himself drawn into Holly's talk about the evolution of nanotechnology and its growing importance in the modern world. Octavius had a keen interest in nanotech, but he never shared any views or ideas on the subject. Always just muttered about something for the future and went off to finish whatever other projects he was working on. But man, the things nanotech could do. Hmm...he could make himself a better suit out of nanofibers. Something more stretchy, sturdy, and comfortable. Maybe he could do complete a costume redesign. It was a growing mental debate of his that the reason for the public scorn was because of his sporting colors and pattern. Peter liked his costume. But Jameson MUST have a reason for hating him, right?
Before he could pick out a new color scheme though, he heard an exclaim of frustration from Harry. "What does D.T.R.S stand for?!" he demanded. "How am I supposed to know? I can't remember everything that's in this stickin building!"
"It stands for Deep Tissue Radiation Scanner," Peter said before he could stop himself. Then added after receiving Harry's questioning looking, "It was downstairs on one of the first exhibits Holly showed us. It's a scanner designed to scan deep into human tissue for signs of radiation residue left after a cancer patient undergoes Radiation Therapy. With it, doctors can make sure no harmful amounts of radiation is left in a patients body where it can do any real damage."
Harry stared at him for a good long minute. Then, "How in the world do you remember that?"
Peter blushed, and shrugged. "I don't know," he fidgeted with his sleeve. "I just thought it was interesting."
Harry glanced at his paper, then back at Peter, and grinned. "So...you wanna help a poor, clueless guy out?"
"Psh, not really,"
"Oh come on! I saved your butt and now it's your turn to save mine!"
Peter pinched the bridge of his nose. Sighed. But looking up, smiling. "Fine, but only because you didn't rat me out." Harry whooped something about saving his grade before grabbing a hold of Peter's arm and pulling him back toward the group, which had gained a good distance from them since they stopped. Once further ahead, Harry went back to work on the paper, alternating between reading a question aloud or asking a question about one of the questions. Peter listened and gave his best reply, while also lending half an ear to the lecture up front. But he didn't let Harry off the hook entirely. He made him think about the questions and come up with his own responses, only telling him the answer when his persistence got really annoying.
It was halfway through the paper that Peter realized he was having fun. It was startlingly delightful to playfully argue over questions with someone, especially when they were only doing it for the sake of argument. He liked talking with Harry, who could be almost as sassy as he was. He hasn't talked with a lot of people who could handle his witty remarks, much less form a proper and equally amusing response back. It was a nice change from the "I will crush you like a bug!" and "Do you ever shut up!?" that he got from bad guys, and the "Peter, stop talking. I'm trying to work." he got from Octavius.
Which made it all the sadder when suddenly they were back at the lobby and preparing to leave Oscorp. "And that concludes our Midtown tour," Holly beamed by the receptionist desk. "Thank you for coming. We hope to see you again soon." she smiled once more, then her image flickered before disappearing altogether. Kids talked in a tired droll just below a hum as they were all arranged in a line. Peter and Harry stood off to the side, watching.
"Aren't you going to line up too?" Peter asked, feeling a twinge of sadness at the thought.
Harry pursed his lips, shaking his head. "Nah, I'm gonna stay a while longer."
An eyebrow raised. "Why?"
"My...dad works here," Harry admitted. "I was just gonna wait till he was off work and..." he picked at the wall he was leaning against. "I don't know, talk I guess..."
Peter shifted uncomfortably. "Oh, your dad?...Um...wh-what's he like?"
Harry snorted, "Ha, where do I start." His arms drifted from picking at the wall to crossing over his chest. "He's...he's kind of a complicated guy, I guess. He's strict. Like, really strict. But not in a bad way, I guess. He gets really into his work though. Sometimes it doesn't feel like he see's me, and when he does..." he trailed off, seeming to shrink in on himself. "I just want to make him proud, ya know?" silence followed after. After a moment, Harry blinked himself back to reality and looked away, cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "What am I dumping this on you for? It's not your problem. I just..." a sigh, "I'm just gonna go. See ya, Pete."
He took one step away before Peter latched onto his arm and pulled him back. "Hey, don't be like that," Peter said. "I thought we were pals, we shared a janitors closet for crying out loud," he was aiming for a smile, but all he got was a grimace. He sighed, letting Harry go. "It's okay Harry, I get it - sort of. I mean, my godfather he's...he's a good guy, but sometimes I feel like I'm too much for him. Like I'm just getting in his way and dragging him down. He doesn't have the best health and...and I feel like I only make it worse. But I know he loves me. Sometimes, it can be kind of hard to see it, on those rough days, but he does. And I'm sure your dad loves you too."
Harry shrugged again, but Peter was relieved to find some tension there gone. "Yeah, I guess so," he agreed. A small smile crept on his face and pushed Peter with his shoulder gently. "Thanks, Peter. You're not so bad."
Peter grinned, feeling a nice warmth spread through his body. The kind of warmth he got when someone thanked him for stopping a runaway car or retrieving their stolen purse or helping their cat out of a tree. "No problem," he shoved Harry softly. "You're not so bad yourself."
They've shared a smile. One of understanding and just a hint of trust, before the moment, was shattered by Ms. Strattin. He walked up, beaming that sunshine smile. "Just came by to thank you, Harry," she said. "For a minute I thought we wouldn't have our field trip this year, but you really pulled through for us in the end. I appreciate it."
Harry's face lit up in a blush from the praise. He smiled and sheepishly rubbed a hand over his face as if to rub the red away. "It was no problem,"
"Of course not, it never is with you. But, tell Mr. Osborn that Midtown sends their thanks. He is a great man for forgetting last years...incident."
"Yeah, he's a g-good dad." Harry murmured sheepishly.
TIme stopped. Peter felt his heart drop like a lead weight. Did Harry just say what he thought he said? Cause if he did...Harry just said that he was...Norman Osborn's son? Harry didn't notice when Peter took a step back, taking a deep breath as if suddenly feeling winded. He felt his world stop and shift from reality. Everything seemed to grey and Harry and Ms. Strattin's voice faded into unimportant chatter as the flimsiness of that statement came crashing down on him.
No...no there was no way - there could be no way his luck is that bad. That - that was...no. No, no, no, no, no, no. There was no way that's true. Because if it was true, that would mean he's been spending the entire day with his worst nightmares son and that was completely ridiculous. Of all the people in Oscorp, there was no way he could run into Harry - Harry OSBORN. Because that didn't happen. It was way too coincidental to be true. Just because they shared the same red hair, and blue eyes, and cheekbones, and nose, and - and...AND HOW DID PETER NOT SEE IT? No wonder Harry had looked so familiar! His dad was the guy who made Peter and Otto's life miserable.
But...but Harry wasn't like his dad. Not like Peter always thought Norman's heir would be. Harry was a good person. He was nice, funny, generous, and smart in his own way. And Norman...Norman was horrible, cruel, maniacal, and selfish. How was it even possible they were of the same blood.
"Peter?"
THe world suddenly sharpened and Peter was abruptly brought down from his emotional high. He looked over to where Harry was watching him, eyes bright with concern. "Hey, you okay Peter? You're looking kind of pale."
"F-fine Harry. Just fine." Peter stammered. "Just - just been cooped up inside all day. I should probably get out of here and get some fresh air."
"Oh, maybe I can come with yo-" Harry was interrupted by the sharp ringing of his phone. He huffed in irritation but fished it from his pockets. Glancing at the screen, his irritation became one of pleasant surprise. "It's my dad," he announced in excitement. "That's weird, he doesn't usually call me. Excuse me, I'm gonna take this."
All Peter could do was nod and stare at the phone, wishing it could just combust. It seemed like some sick omen. There was no escaping the Osborns. Harry turned his back, bringing his phone up to his ear. "Hey, dad, what's up?"
He needed to get out of there, that was the only comprehensible thought in Peter's mind. And he should've left. He knew he should've just run as fast as he could while Harry's back was turned. But, instead, he found himself tapping into his enhanced hearing wanting to hear the conversation between father and son.
"If that silly school trip of yours over?" a cold voice asked over the black screen.
Harry's back was turned, but Peter could see the way it seemed to sag, just lightly, as if disappointed. "Oh, um - yeah. Everyone just left. Why?"
"Because I don't want a bunch of your wild, delinquent friends running around messing with valuable Oscorp property," came the icy reply. "It's bad enough with you constantly running from the bodyguards I assign to you, but the fact that you actually begged for this field trip is even worse. I should've just said no."
Peter frowned, feeling a bloom of pity for Harry. Norman really was as cold as he looked.
"I-I" Harry grasped for a response helplessly. "I -uh," there came an irritated sigh from the other end.
"Good-bye Harry."
"Wait!" Harry burst out. "Will...will you be home today? I wanted to talk to you about-"
"No I will not," Norman interrupted shortly. "There is some work that I need to attend to tonight. and don't you dare stay up again. It's bad enough you go to Midtown High, but I won't have you dirtying the Osborn reputation by failing there too." and with that happy note, the line went dead.
Harry stood there for a moment, phone pressed tightly to his ear with sagging shoulders as if the weight of the world rested on his back. Peter couldn't see his face, but he did notice the shuddering breath that came from him. A quick glance over his shoulder had Harry realizing Peter was still there, and his back instantly snapped straight and he forced out a hearty laugh. "Yep, the field trip was great dad. Midtown sends their thanks...yep...uh-huh...yeah, see you at home. Kay...bye."
Peter turned away, suddenly shamefaced, and feeling as if he just intruded on something he had no right to be. He didn't realize how bad Harry had it. Norman...Norman was all kinds of cruel. And the fact that Harry had to fake a conversation with him because Peter was nearby made Peter want to punch the guys face in even more.
Harry turned around, a smile on his face as he returned the phone to his pocket. But Peter could see the pain in those blue eyes. There was no hiding it. "Well, I should head home," Harry said. "Got a lot of homework to catch up on."
"Yeah," Peter mumbled, "Me too." they stood there awkwardly for a second, avoiding each other's eyes but not wanting to be the first to leave. Finally, after a couple minutes passed, Harry sighed and stuffed his hands in his pocket. "See around Pete,"
Peter turned to walk his own way but stopped. He couldn't leave Harry like this. What kind of person would that make him? Especially after Harry saved him from getting busted. There was no way he was getting a good night sleep with his frie-uh, acquaintance feeling like this. Besides, just the thought of Harry going home to spend the night with a dad who wouldn't be there left Peter feeling sad and goopy inside.
He whirled back around and ran to catch up to Harry. "Hey, so," Peter started, stopping beside Harry. "You want to hang out sometime?"
Harry's lips pursed. "Are you asking me out?"
"What? No." Peter laughed. "Just a friendly outing between janitor closet pals. I don't have any money, but maybe we can go chase pigeon in the park or deface government property or something."
"That..." a smile slowly grew on Harry's face. "That sounds like fun actually. Yeah, I think I'd like to." Peter returned his smile and jerked his head toward the door.
"Come on then, I have a curfew." And with that, they left.
It was getting too crowded in that stinking building anyway.
They didn't actually end up defacing government property, but they did walk all over New York. They had a competition for worst jokes, got chased by a homeless guy for stealing his bench in Central Park, and got attacked by rabid pigeons. So, all in all, it was a pretty great day. Far better than what was expected anyway.
Peter stayed out longer than he should've and knew Octavius would be irritated, but he was glad he did. That was one of the best days he's had with a kid his age, and it seemed to take Harry's mind off his problems too. So, A+, 5-stars, would-do-again if the opportunity ever arose.
But eventually, they had to part ways and Peter himself back in the sewers heading for the Basement. He scaled the walls, taking extra care not to touch anything to mind-numbingly gross, which was not an easy task. But, going through it a consistently made it easier to know where the worst of the scum was and how to avoid excessive contact with sewage. The process of going through the tunnel was quick and soon enough Peter was back in his own room. As fun as the day was, he was exhausted. As soon as he checked in with Otto, he was going to put himself in a self-induced coma and refuse to wake up for a few days. Social interaction was surprisingly exhausting.
Peter yawned loudly, pulling on one of his less holey sweatshirts. He noticed his suit was on the bed, freshly cleaned and folded. Oh, bless Otto's soul! One of the eye lenses were damaged though - thanks a lot, Thundra. He'd need to fix that before he went out patrolling again. Peter grabbed the mask and quickly pulled it over his head before heaving his door to the side. He stepped out into the corridor, humming happily while taking in the complete corruption of the mask lens from inside and taking mental notes on how much it obscured his vision.
"Otto I'm back!" Peter shouted, tapping the lenses curiously. After a moment, he stopped the tapping and slowed his pace when no reply followed. "Otto!" Come to think of it, the lab was eerily quiet. There was always some kind of noise; the humming of the machines, the clinking of science equipment being used by Otto, the fizzling of lightbulbs losing power. But now, everything seemed kind of...dead.
Peter took a small step backward, feeling the hair on the back of his neck rise. "Otto?"
A small noise came from in the Big Room, the clinking of test tubes, and Peter sighed with relief. Tension rolled off his shoulders and he went back to trying to push in the dent in his lense. Goshdarn that man, always giving him a heart attack. Peter strolled into the Big Room, scolding words already piling on his tongue, but as soon as he stepped out he felt the words dry up in his throat.
A lone figure sat in a chair, partially covered in shadows in the center of the room. The dent in his lense obscured and twisted the form into something inhuman, but Peter could make out an eye shining in the light and a smile that seemed to rip right through the shadows. He recognized that face.
Peter felt his world toppled sideways as he heart suddenly raced for an escape. He couldn't breathe as panic clutched his chest and squeezed the air from his lungs, pulling a gasp from his throat. He stumbled back, tripping over his feet and landing roughly on the floor. Undeterred by the ache spreading in his back, he scrambled away from the eyes that looked at him with a keen interest.
"H-how did-" he wheezed, but was unable to finish the sentence.
"Hello Spider-Man," Norman Osborn grinned. "We meet at last,"
Hello! Not particularly pleased with this chapter, but I decided it was good enough. EXTRA LONG CHAPPIE! YAY!
Hope you enjoyed! An update for "Reticent Monsters" is coming up next!