Chapter 12: Promises

"If you don't mind me asking, when do you think that time will come?" George asked.

"Not sure. I prefer not to think about it," Spider-Man admitted.

"Sorry, son."

"You're fine."

"Well, I do need you to promise me something, though," George stated.

"Keep your daughter safe? Don't worry. It's been a priority of mine since we started dating," Spider-Man confirmed.

"Alright, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't constantly worrying about what might happen to Gwen after you told me."

"Can't say I blame you, Captain. She's your daughter. But I promise you I will always keep her safe."

George nodded. "Good."


"Seriously?"

"Yep. He showed up over an hour late. I acted like some psycho and called him out in front of everyone and stormed out of the place," Liz chuckled.

"Well, that's Peter for you," Harry admitted. "He does show up late sometimes when we hang out."

"So I've noticed."

"Why'd you even go out with him in the first place?" Harry asked.

Liz shrugged. "I don't know. I figured it was the least I could do since he tutored me."

Harry and Liz were taking a walk throughout Queens. Since Homecoming, the two had grown considerably close. A decent amount of snow was in the air, adding to the relaxing feeling.

"Anyways, how about you? Being the son of Norman Osborn, girls are probably tripping over each other to get to you," Liz joked.

"Believe me, it's not like that at all. That's only what people think."

"Yeah, your friends know who you really are, Harry. Me, Peter, Gwen, hell, even Flash at this point."

Liz held Harry's hand.

"How's everything been since…you know? Have things been getting better?"

Harry sighed. "I mean, this whole year was just insane. I lost my mom, Homecoming gets attacked, and my dad's fucking tower gets blown to pieces. It's all got one thing in common. That Green Goblin monster, or creature, or whatever."

"That shit with the Goblin is insane," Liz agreed. "I mean, what kind of world are we living in now?"

"Not a normal one for sure. All the shit going on with my family and Oscorp all started with that freak," Harry pointed out. "Makes me ask myself if things are ever gonna get better."

"I mean, there's Spider-Man."

"I get he's trying to be a good role model or whatever, but how much longer is it gonna take for him to kill that monster?"

"It's probably hard to be Spidey. Feeling like he's got the weight of all of New York on his shoulders, living in constant fear. That seriously has to suck," Liz pointed out.

"I mean, he's done so much, but at the same time, not enough," Harry admitted, sitting on a bench.

Liz sat next to Harry, putting her arm around his shoulder.

"You just gotta remember that your friends are always gonna be here, Harry," Liz promised. "If you ever need to talk, I'll always be here. And so will Peter. Even Flash."

Harry chuckled. "Thanks, Liz."


"So, this coming Friday night, at 6:00," Norman confirmed.

Norman was at a venue talking to the workers about renting it out for a fundraiser to hopefully raise some money for Oscorp.

"Okay, so just a reminder that that'll be $950," the worker stated.

"Shouldn't be a problem. For now."

Norman turned to his left.

"Max! Get your ass over here."

A brown-haired man in his early 30s walked over to Norman. "Yeah, boss?"

"Change of plans. I'm promoting you to head electrical engineer for the fundraiser. You've been with us for five years, so don't screw it up."

"Wow! Thank you, Mr. Osborn. I promise I won't let you down," Max exclaimed, elated.

"I'll leave you a list of instructions for set-up. Everything must be perfect. Oscorp's future depends on it. Now, get out of here."

"Yes, sir." Max hurried away.

Norman pulled out his phone and called Harry. The call went straight to voicemail. Although frustrated, he knew he needed his son.

"Son, I know I've screwed up a lot, but I really need you right now. I'm planning a fundraiser that could hopefully help me put Oscorp back on top, and I would like your support. You can even bring that Liz girl you seem to like so much," Norman said before hanging up.


"Parker! Get over here!"

"Good luck," Betty chuckled, patting Peter's shoulder.

"Thanks," Peter responded, walking into Jameson's office.

"Parker, as you've probably heard, Osborn's having a damn fundraiser this coming Friday night-" Jameson started.

"And you want me to go and cover it," Peter assumed.

"DON'T interrupt me when I'm speaking!"

Some of the workers, including Ned, Betty, and Robertson, looked over in surprise.

"Anyways, yes, I want you to go and cover it. Get some damn good pictures. And an interview with Osborn would be great. Bring a date or not, I don't care."

"Got it, Jameson," Peter sighed as he walked out of the office.

"What'd he want?" Ned asked.

"To cover the Oscorp fundraiser," Peter replied. "Should be interesting. Apparently, Norman thinks that people will feel pity for him and donate money so he can fix the building."

"He's messed up. Are you going to take someone?"

"Yep. I'm gonna take Gwen."

"How've been things going with her? Is it tough dating the police chief's daughter?" Betty asked.

"After a while, not really. I didn't make the best first impression."

"Well, knowing you well, the big guy probably grew to love you."

Peter chuckled. "Thanks, Betty."


It was a typical afternoon of Peter and Gwen doing homework after school.

"So to find x, you'd have to multiply by seven, then square and divide by four to find the total-"

"How does a fundraiser sound?" Peter blurted out.

Gwen laughed. "What?"

"My boss at the Daily Bugle asked me to cover Norman Osborn's fundraiser, and he said I could bring a date. Naturally, I thought I would ask my beautiful girlfriend," Peter explained with a smile.

"Well, of course I'll go! Sounds fun!" Gwen answered, kissing Peter on the cheek. "You think Harry's gonna show?"

Peter smirked. "You cheating on me?"

Gwen punched Peter's arm. "You know what I mean."

"Not sure yet. Maybe I'll talk to him."


Thanks for reading. Hope you enjoyed the chapter. Reviews are greatly appreciated. Next chapter is the final chapter.