Peter frowned as he looked into his fridge. There didn't seem too much to eat in there... It had been awhile since he last went on a grocery trip. He sighed and gathered what he could. It looks like he might have enough to make two sandwiches, maybe three. Hopefully this would be okay with Harold. He really wasn't sure if the teen would be able to or should even eat a sandwich. He suppose he'd find out whenever Harold woke. He ran his hand through his hair. He probably should check up on him now...

A soft beep caused Harold to stir some. His body twitched slightly and he clenched his fists as the beep sounded again. Again the beep sounded, but this time Harold was ready. He sat up snarling and growling, assuming that he was still in his cell and that his father was coming back for him.

He cocked his head slightly and blinked as he took in his surroundings.

Where was he?

He glanced around the room and sniffed some. It was slowly coming back to him. The young man in the red and blue suit... He sniffed again. Yes, that was his scent covering this room. But the thing that bothered him was that soft beeping sound. It hadn't stopped.

He stayed as still as possible trying to catch where the sound was coming from.

Beep! Beep!

He growled as he found its source: the clock beside the bed. He swatted and smashed it until the beeping finally died down. Satisfied, he curled back onto the bed. But he wasn't so sleepy anymore. He felt rested which felt like a first. He yawned and stretched, smacking his lips some as he did so. He smiled slightly as he saw his bear beside him. He gave it a fond pat on the head and nuzzled its nose gently with his.

"Dog..." he spoke mentally to his stuffed friend. "I think this person is very nice, don't you? I think we can trust him."

He gave his bear another pat before stretching again. Then like a cat, he kneaded the blankets with his hands before pulling up the blankets to his nose to take in its smell. It held the faint scent of Tide laundry detergent and the stronger scent of the man who had freed him. He buried his face into the blanket. He couldn't get enough of the comforting scent. It was nothing like smells back at the lab. It smelled... free.

"Um Harold?"

He quickly sat up and faced his rescuer somewhat nervously. He, he hadn't done something wrong, had he?

"You want to eat?"

Harold perked up some as he nodded eagerly.

He wanted food... real food, something he had not had in years.

"I hope you don't mind sandwiches?"

Harold shook his head. Anything he gave him would be fine.

Peter look relieved as he motioned for Harold to follow him. Though he did have a queer expression as they headed to the kitchen… Was that pile of plastic his alarm clock? Oh well, he never used it anyways.

He led Harold into the kitchen and took a seat at the table. Harold watched him awkwardly, unsure what to do. Peter smacked himself mentally for not thinking. Harold had been in that kennel for most of his life. What would he know of dinner tables?

"Have a seat," Peter patted the chair beside him.

Harold pursed his lips and hesitated a moment before climbing onto the chair. He was looking very awkward, sitting in the chair like he was squatting. But he seemed comfortable, so Peter wouldn't correct him now.

"Enjoy," Peter said as he took a bite of his sandwich.

Harold stared at his curiously.

A sandwich…

He poked at it before lifting up the top piece of bread.

"Ah… Harold."

He looked up at Peter, cocking his head slightly.

"You eat it like this." Peter held up his sandwich.

Harold cocked his head again and did his best to imitate Peter, which brought a small smile to Peter's face.

"Just like that," Peter encouraged as he took another bite of sandwich.

Harold nodded, smiling slightly as he ate his sandwich. It tasted so good. It took a lot of self-control not to wolf it down.

Buzz! Buzz! Buzz!

Harold stiffened a moment but relaxed as he saw Peter reach out for the vibrating black object on the table. The object, now in Peter's hands, was now recognizable as an iphone. Harold had seen one before back at his old 'home.' He had seen his father use one on occasion. Once, he had managed to get his hands on it and explore… but his father soon discovered it and punished him.

But this man?

Harold studied Peter, crinkling his nose slightly in thought.

Peter had already finished his sandwich and was fiddling with his phone, probably texting.

Harold kept his eyes on him as he finished off his sandwich. He had an idea and just had to wait for the perfect timing.

Thud.

Peter dropped his phone back onto the table and drummed his fingers against it, a bit impatiently. Gwen sure was taking her time replying.

Harold was still watching Peter carefully as he licked the crumbs off his plate and lips before snatching up Peter's phone.

"Hey!" Peter cried out in surprise, but Harold paid him no mind.

He was busy punching in the pass-code (and to Peter's surprise, he got it correct the first time). He then typed something quickly into the phone before passing it back to Peter.

Peter raised an eyebrow before glancing down at his phone. He was surprised to find he had a text from a Harry? He looked at Harold who was now fidgeting some in his chair and staring at his hands. How did he?

He shook his head and opened the text.

-What is your name?-

He blinked some in surprise. "Peter."

Harold straightened and slowly raised his eyes to meet Peter's.

"Peter, my name's Peter."

A small smile tugged at Harold's lips.

"And... you like to go by Harry?" Peter asked, referring to the text.

Harold nodded quickly as his smile widened.

Peter thought it fit him nicely: the nickname and the smile. He hoped that now Harry would smile more often. He mentally shook his head. What was he thinking... he couldn't get attached to the teen, not now. This was only a temporary stay. Harry would be taken by the police and taken care of somehow. Peter was just... watching him for now. He really didn't need to be growing so fond of the teen. It would only bring pain.

Harry sat on the couch clutching his bear and resting his head on his knees as he watched Peter silently. His blue eyes were completely focused on him. It was (to be honest) a bit unnerving for Peter to be watched so closely. But it wasn't like he could blame Harry. After all, he was probably the first human contact outside of his father that Harry had had in forever.

Though what he was doing wasn't really anything interesting. He was just tidying his apartment up. He'd been meaning to get around to it; but working, classes, and being Spider-Man on top of all that didn't really let him have a chance to clean. He had nothing better to do anyways. Gwen still hadn't texted him back about whether or not they would still do their date tonight, and it was the weekend so he was free from any obligations. No homework and no deadlines for work. Not to mention Spidey deserved a night off after defeating the Green Goblin. So… he was stuck tidying things up. A good thing too, he thought a bit grimly. Having a messy place with a guest wasn't polite and Aunt May had raised him to be a polite young man. Ack! Speaking of Aunt May, she planned on stopping by to check up on him soon. So cleaning really was a good idea! And Gwen had been pestering him about it…

Peter cocked his head as he found something underneath his entertainment center. Aha! He flicked his laser light on. Hmmm... he had been wondering where he put it.

Harry's eyes were glued to the glowing red dot on the wall.

Peter pursed his lips. He really shouldn't... but he was curious.

The red dot darted a ways from Harry. His eyes followed it quickly. Peter moved the dot closer to Harry causing him to paw at it. The dot darted back and forth and Harry followed it, batting at it with his hands. He seemed to be rather happy chasing the laser light. He was rather cat-ish. It was... actually rather cute though sad at the same time.

Peter sighed softly and flicked the laser light off.

Harry whined softly and frowned at him.

"What?" Peter asked, confused at why he seemed to be suddenly upset with him.

Harry held out his hand to Peter in silent demand for the laser light. He had discovered the source of the red dot. Peter gave him a sheepish look and handed the light to him.

"Heh heh…"

Ding! Ding!

Harry quickly straightened and looked at Peter with a tensed look.

"It's just the doorbell," Peter explained. "I'll be right back."

Harry watched Peter for a moment before returning his attention to playing with the laser light. He trusted Peter... there was nothing to worry about.

Meanwhile, Peter was curious to know who could be at his door. Maybe the police come to check in on Harry? He hesitated as his hand went to the doorknob. If it was them, would he be okay with letting them have Harry? He shook his head. No, they knew what was best. Harry wasn't anyone important to him. He was just watching him, for now.

"Peter! Are you going to answer the door or what?"

Peter blinked, completely drawn out of his thoughts as he hurriedly opened the door.

"Gwen!"

Gwen raised an eyebrow. "Why do you look so surprised? I told you I was coming."

"You did?" Peter asked confused.

She sighed and held up her phone.

"You texted me? I didn't-"

Buzz! Buzz!

"Get your text…" he finished lamely as he pulled out his phone.

Gwen shook her head. "You really need to get a different phone."

"But iphone is the thing!"

"Its texting is horrible. You always receive my texts late!"

Peter sighed. "I see your point. Next paycheck… I'll try and see what I can do about a new phone."

Gwen just shook her head again but smiling this time. "Don't worry about it. At least it gets my texts."

"So um… we still doing that date?" Peter asked a bit awkwardly, running a hand through his hair.

"If you're still up to-Ah!" Gwen suddenly grabbed Peter.

"Wha?!"

"P-Peter…" she whispered, breath tickling his ear ever so slightly. "Wh-who is your… um friend that is… sniffing me?"

Peter scrunched up his face slightly. "Harry…"

Harry glanced at Peter with a slightly guilty look and took a step away from him and Gwen.

Peter pursed his lips and gently pushed Gwen away.

"Ah well um. Harry, this is Gwen. She's a friend of mine," He introduced softly, noticing how uncomfortable Harry was beginning to look. "Gwen, this is Harry."

Gwen gave Harry a small smile, still a bit shaken. "Hello."

She stretched out her hand towards him.

Harry deadpanned and looked over at Peter with a panicked look.

Gwen raised an eyebrow and withdrew her hand as she cleared her throat. "So…"

"Drinks?" Peter offered.

"That'd be great."

It was rather silent as the three of them sipped their drinks. Sprite for Gwen. Dr. Pepper for Peter. And plain water for Harry.

Peter was feeling rather guilty for making things so uncomfortable for Gwen and for Harry as well. He should have prepared the two for meeting each other, but it just slipped his mind. He hadn't really expected for the two to meet so soon. Well, to be honest, he had been hoping they would avoid seeing each other. Too late now. He'd have a lot of explaining to do to Gwen. And then Harry too… Why did he get himself into these messes? Whether it was Spider-Man or just plain old Peter, he was too nice sometimes.

But glancing at Harry, he couldn't stay upset with himself. The poor teen looked so uneasy… so alone. His eyes were darting back and forth nervously from Peter to Gwen then back to Peter. He, he reminded him of when he was younger. Except, Peter had family then… and still sort of did. Harry? He had nothing. At least, nothing to Peter's knowledge. Harry needed him. No, no, no. Peter mentally shook his head. He was just looking out for Harry for now. No attachments. He could feel bad or sorry for Harry but nothing more than that.

"Peter?"

He immediately withdrew himself from his thoughts. "Uh yeah, Gwen?"

She raised an eyebrow. "You're awfully quiet."

"Ah well…" He glanced at Harry. "I just got a few things on my mind."

She pursed her lips slightly. "Well, I'm listening."

Harry licked his lips nervously and gazed at Peter with an anxious expression.

"Ah well," Peter repeated awkwardly. "Want to go get coffee or something?"

Gwen raised her eyebrow again. "I'm game."

Peter nodded and got onto his feet.

Harry immediately tensed and let out a whine.

Gwen looked surprised but said nothing. She knew Peter would explain this and she didn't want to judge the poor teen. He looked so scared… so small. She wanted to hug him but knew that probably wasn't the brightest idea at the moment. She'd wait on Peter.

Harry shifted in his chair, eyes still on Peter who was fetching his wallet and keys. He let out a soft whimper than another whine.

The whimper and whine broke Gwen's heart. She wanted to know what happened. Peter would have to tell her everything and fast.

Peter bit his lip as he glanced at Harry. He was so torn. He needed to explain things to Gwen yet at the same time he needed to sort of be there for Harry. Was it even a good idea to leave him by himself?

"Ah, Harry? Gwen and I are going out for a bit, okay? Will you be okay here?"

Harry bit his lip some, worried. Peter was going out… but he would be back, right? He made a slight nod.

"We won't be gone long," Peter assured as he motioned for Gwen to come.

Harry nodded, looking rather relieved. He followed them quietly before curling back up on the couch with his bear.

Gwen glanced at him as Peter started to close the apartment door.

"Are you sure it's a good idea to leave him like that?"

Peter's shoulders slumped some as he sighed. "No..."

"Then why are you leaving him?" she pressed as she took his hand. "He looked so scared, Pete."

Peter made a face. "Really Gwen… I don't think he wants to go out and well, I'm sure he's still tired from everything. And yeah…" he trailed off.

"And what exactly is 'everything'?"

Peter sighed again as they headed down the stairs. "It's complicated."

"Go on, Peter," Gwen encouraged. "You can tell me."

"Well, it's about Spider-Man…"

She gave him an understanding look.

"Let me guess, Spider-Man found him and asked you to watch him?"

He cracked a small grin and joked lightly, "In a nutshell."

She grinned back and nudged him gently. "You can explain in detail while we get coffee."

Peter nodded. "All right."

"Harold, did you really think you could escape me?" Norman tsked softly. "Have you not learned your lesson yet?"

Harry whined and whimpered as his father adjusted the straps that held him down tightly against the medical table.

"Never listening… making this so very difficult," Norman continued his complaints as he began attaching cord after cord to Harry's arms and chest. "And if you antics weren't enough, your body…" He shook his head as he turned towards the computer. "Your body doesn't agree with the serum."

Harry shuddered as he saw his father pull out a pack of syringes. He knew what those were for… He clenched his eyes shut tightly as a syringe was jabbed into his arm. He couldn't hold back his yelps of pain.

"Hold still," Norman growled. "I still have a few more."

Harry's eyes widened in fear.

More? But their usual limit was one! What was he doing this time?!

"This is all for your good you know, Harold. You should be thanking me. The little monster you've become… You would never have grown this well if it weren't for me. You were such a sickly child but now look at you." Norman ran his hand over Harry's small but rather toned abs.

Harry flinched and whined weakly. He whimpered as his father inserted another syringe into his arm. This one hurt more than the last… the eerie green liquid made him uneasy. There was something about the color green he never liked and never understood why.

"There…" Norman pulled out the syringe. "Maybe this time you won't be such a disappointment."

Harry looked away, ashamed. He didn't know why he felt ashamed… he didn't want to please this man that was his father. But he didn't want the punishments that came when he did not make his father happy.

"The last tests ran well, so I'm hoping for better results this time," Norman muttered to himself as he started to unplug the cords.

Harry relaxed, relieved that things were almost over and more quickly than he had hoped for. Almost too quickly…

He tensed as his father released his straps and placed the dreaded collar around his neck. He whimpered softly only to earn a warning look from his father. He swallowed and forced back another whimper. He did not want to earn his father's wrath… not when his body was feeling so awful already. This feeling was all too familiar. He associated it with that green liquid his father would occasionally try to inject into him. The symptoms were always the same. His breathing would become labored and heavy. His heartbeat would skip and race. He would feel so cold… yet feel like his insides were on fire. He would cough uncontrollably, leaving green gunks of saliva and flem all over his cell. His skin would be covered with an ugly green rash. Even his eyes would change to that evil green.

Harry whined and started to curl up into a tight ball. He didn't want his pain again. He hated green. He hated this lab. He hated these tests. He just wanted to rest… and be with his bear.

"Harold!" his father snapped impatiently. "Get up!"

Harry whimpered, silently begging to be left alone.

"Get. Up." Norman hissed, tugging at Harry's collar that now had a leash attached to it.

Harry whined but did as he was told. No use resisting. He'd only receive more pain.

"Come on now. We don't have all day."

Harry whined again as he followed his father. He desperately wished that they were heading back to his cell, but they were not. They were heading for the opposite hall to the room where Harry would be pitted against animals of all sorts to test his strength… but most importantly to Norman, to test if the serum had finally done its job.

Harry whined and balked as they reached the entrance of the dreaded room. Couldn't his father see the serum wasn't working? His skin was no longer its usual pale yet healthy color. It was covered in a green rash. His body was cool to the touch but covered in sweat. His heart was visibly beating fast.

Why couldn't Norman see it this test was another failure? Why was he pushing Harry to such limits? Why was he releasing the leash and shoving Harry into the empty room?

Harry growled weakly and slammed himself against the locked door. He clawed at it desperately.

"Harold." Norman called out sternly. "No playing around."

Harry whimpered and whined. He didn't want trouble… but he didn't want this either!

He cringed at the creaking of the door on the opposite side.

Here came his opponent, growling and snarling.

Another dog, Harry thought bitterly as he too growled and snarled.

He bared his teeth and pushed out his claws, ready for battle.

The dog was also ready for battle, snarling and baring his fangs back at Harry.

Make it quick… painless as possible for both of us.

Harry pounced onto the dog and the two wrestled with each other, clawing and biting. Howls and yelps escaped their lips at every bite and cut.

Greenish blood trickled from Harry's wound as he slowly got onto his haunches in victory. If you could call it victory… yes, his opponent was dead, but looking at him? He didn't look like he would make it.

Harry let out a weak whimper as he collapsed onto his side. Every breath he took was like fire to his lungs. His eyes burned as he tried to focus on the feet that were beside him.

"Such a failure."

Harry yelped as he felt a sharp jab to his ribs.

"Such a disappointment."

Tears formed in his eyes as he let out a weak whimper.

Why was it always like this?

Harry jerked up, eyes wide in panic and fear. He was covered in a cold sweat despite the blanket covering him. He cocked his head slightly as he held the edge of the blanket in his hands.

It had been just a nightmare... or rather a memory in the form of a terrible dream.

He shuddered and gripped the blanket tightly. The couch he was on wasn't so comforting anymore... and he didn't like the dark despite being able to see through it just fine.

This meant he had fallen asleep before Peter came back.

He whined softly. Where was Peter?

Peter and Gwen had returned a few hours early and had found Harry fast asleep on the couch. Gwen thought it would be a shame to wake him, so they left him on the couch with a blanket.

Harry wished they had woken him. Maybe that nightmare wouldn't have come… or maybe it would have ended much sooner.

He rubbed his neck gently before picking up his bear gently with his teeth and crawling onto all fours. He wanted to be with Peter… so he made his way to Peter's bedroom door and got onto his feet. His hand was on the doorknob, but he hesitated. Could he just go in? Or should he just go back to the couch? What was it that you were supposed to do?

He glanced down at his bear who he was still holding carefully between his teeth.

"What should I do, Dog?"

He took his bear into his hands and held it tightly against his chest, pondering what to do. He so desperately craved-no, needed-human companionship.

He took in a deep breath before scratching the door lightly and letting out a soft whine.

After a few more minutes of silence, the door opened revealing a half-asleep Peter.

"Hmmm, what is it, Har?" he asked, yawning and taking a moment to rub his eyes.

He whined again and looked at Peter hopefully.

"You want to sleep here?"

Harry nodded shyly.

Peter pursed his lips slightly before opening the door wider. "Come on in."

Harry gave him a grateful look before curling up at the foot of the bed.

Peter smiled slightly as he watched Harry get comfortable. It was kind of nice being able to feel someone be this close. It was so weird… he didn't even know why he was doing this anymore.

"G'night, Harry," he whispered as he crawled back into bed. Maybe getting close wouldn't be so bad.

Author's Note: Hello hello! X3 I hope you guys enjoy this update. I'm pretty proud of this chapter and also pretty proud at the fact that it's over 4,00 words! Wow, never thought I'd ever reach that limit. Anyways... I hope you guys like it. Please leave reviews. It really means alot to me and lets me know if I should continue posting this story. Thanks for reading! :D