Gwen lay on her bed clutching her pillow against her chest as she stared up at the ceiling.
It was getting late… but she couldn't sleep. Her thoughts were distracted with the conversation she had with Peter.
Gwen stirred some sugar into her coffee.
"So… how are you going to balance things now that you have Harry?"
Peter sighed and drummed his fingers against the table absentmindedly.
"I don't know," he admitted quietly. "But it's not like he's going to be staying for that long for me to worry about anyways."
Gwen gave him a confused look. "What do you mean? I thought you-"
Peter shook his head. "The police might come for Harry any day once things are sorted out."
"But Peter!" Her mouth had the shape of a small 'O' as she gave him an incredulous look.
He blinked confused. "What?"
"You can't just… let them take him!"
"Gwen… he's Norman Osborne's son."
Her eyes went wide like saucers.
"He's an Osborne?!"
Peter sighed softly and nodded. "Yeah… that's why the police will deal with him. I'm just watching him for now."
Gwen pursed her lips. "But Peter, can't you do something? You… can't just let him go like that."
"Gwen…"
She stirred her coffee once again. "You saw how scared he looked. He won't do well with the police or whoever is going to deal with him." She hesitated a moment before continuing, "He needs you, Peter. Didn't you see how much he clings to you already?"
"Gwen… I can't. Don't give me that look now, please. I can't do this. It will only bring pain for the both of us if I let him stay."
"Peter," she placed her hand over his. "You don't have to be afraid this time. I think… I think Harry is just what you need."
"But-"
"No, buts Peter. Just, just give him a chance. You need him just as much as he needs you."
Peter sighed again. "I'll see what I can do…"
Gwen gave him a soft smile. "Trust me, this is exactly what you need."
Exactly what they need, Gwen corrected her memory as she yawned and flicked off her light. It was definitely time for bed now. The clock was reading 11:25 PM. She shook her head some as she flopped onto her side. She needed to get to bed earlier.
She yawned again and snuggled her pillow in her cocoon of blankets.
Maybe tomorrow she'd go over and check on the boys.
The sun had barely peeked its rays through the city and into Peter's bedroom when Harry started to stir. The little but sudden burst of light bothered him. He growled sleepily and batted blindly at the thin rays of sunlight. But the sun wasn't going to go away any time soon, forcing Harry to open his eyes. The light blinded him a moment, taunting the teen. He wasn't used to seeing sunlight. It made him squint then sneeze.
His nose crinkled slightly as he sneezed again. It amused him greatly, almost making him want to try to force himself to sneeze again. It was an experience he didn't remember ever having before. It felt strange yet good at the same time. He tried to force another sneeze but couldn't figure out how. Instead, he yawned and sat up, brows furrowing as he felt something beside him. Oh… it was Peter's feet. He shifted some so he could getter a better view of the sleeping Peter.
Harry watched Peter quietly, a small smile tugging at his lips. Peter had such a peaceful look on his face. It made Harry happy though he didn't fully understand why. He crawled off the bed and sat on the floor, chin gently resting on the edge of the bed, inches away from Peter's face. He furrowed his brow again as he stared at Peter. How did people show affection to each other anyways? He couldn't remember… all he remembered were occasional pats on his back and rare and much sought after stroking or ruffling of his hair. He had seen how dogs or cats showed affection. A soft lick to the nose or face was their means of showing love or appreciation.
Harry watched Peter for a few more quiet minutes before he decided it would be all right. After all, Peter was asleep. If he woke and seemed upset, Harry could pretend he had been asleep. If he woke and seemed fine, well, Harry might give him a few more licks. He wanted to show him how much he loved… no, that wasn't the right word, was it? He greatly appreciated him? That sounded better. The man who rescued him from torture at the labs deserved more thanks than soft nudges and whines. So licking it was until he figured out a better way to display his thanks and affection.
He gave Peter's nose a swift lick before backing away quickly. He watched anxiously for Peter's reaction but he got nothing more than a slight twitch of Peter's nose. It puzzled him, but it didn't disappoint him either. He rested his head once more on the bed, just watching the sleeping Peter quietly. He yawned, wondering if Peter would wake soon. His eyes drooped sleepily as he yawned again. Well… perhaps a little nap would be okay for now. He would wake again whenever Peter did.
Peter was softly growling under-breath. "Pick up the phone. Pick up the phone!"
He had been sleeping peacefully when his phone vibrated, jerking him out of his pleasant dreams. If that wasn't enough to damper his morning, he just had to receive an alert about OSCORPs discussing the damage caused by the Green Goblin and Spider-Man. Now that was just splendid! And to make it worse he remembered something he had forgotten!
Ring, riiiiiing.
"Oh Gwen just pick up the-"
"Hello?" a groggy voice managed to croak out.
"Gwen!" Peter cried out in relief.
"Why are you calling me so early in the morning?" she yawned. "Couldn't you have just sent a text or something? It's Saturday… Did you even look at the time?"
"My clock's broken…"
"It's 7:30, Pete. Didn't you check your phone's clock?"
"Bother the time… this is urgent, Gwen!"
"What is it?" Her attention was caught by the urgency in her friend's voice.
"It's… it's about Harry."
"Did something happen?" she asked, concerned. Had Harry hurt himself? Or even worse… had the police already come for him?!
"Yes... no. Harry's fine. But oh bother, Gwen! It totally slipped my mind, but I showed him my face!"
"Um... okay?"
"No, no, Gwen! As Spider-Man! He saw me without my mask!"
"Why didn't you say so?!"
"I thought it was obvious!"
"Oh Peter..." Gwen sighed. "Look, don't worry about it."
"Don't worry about it?!"
"Peter, I doubt he'd give away your cover. Look at him. He's just a scared, hurt teenage boy like you once were. You gave him the break he needed. He trusts you... and I think you can trust him."
"I don't know..." Peter said doubtfully.
"Look, we don't even know if he can talk, Peter. If he can't talk, he can't blow your cover."
"He can text..." Peter mumbled, remembering the message he had received from Harry.
"But who would he text?" Gwen pressed. "And honestly... who would believe him? You're over-reacting. It'll be fine. Don't worry about it."
"Thanks, Gwen."
"No problem. So can I go back to my beauty sleep?" she asked yawning again.
Peter chuckled softly. "If you want to, but I don't think that's something you really need. You're already quite beautiful."
He thought could hear Gwen scoffing at the end of the other line.
"Sure, sure. Just a figure of speech anyways, Pete. Bye."
Peter was smiling some as he ended his call and shook his head some. What would he do without Gwen?
Peter rubbed the back of his neck as he looked at Harry. The latter had woken up shortly after he had finished his call with Gwen and was playing with the edge of the blankets.
What should he…er they do now?
"Um... would you like to take a shower?" Peter suggested lamely. He really sucked at this… not too surprising since he rarely ever had guests spend the night with him. That is if you could count roommates as 'guests.'
Harry perked up some which made Peter take it as a 'yes.'
"Well, I'll get you some clothes then… there should be a clean towel hanging by the shower."
Harry nodded eagerly. A shower would be lovely… it had been some time since Norman had let him take a shower.
Peter went over to his dresser and dug through his clothes until he found a clean pair of basketball shorts and a t-shirt that looked like they'd both fit Harry. It took a while though. Harry was a lot smaller than him. He had to dig through the old clothes he wore before he became Spider-Man. And boy was he thankful that he kept those. Harry should fit nicely in these.
"Here," Peter offered the clothes to Harry. "I'll um be in the living room. Just yell-er just um knock on the wall or something if you need me or something."
He really wasn't good at this… but he was thankful that Harry seemed as awkward as he did. It made him feel a little better knowing the other seemed to commiserate with him.
The hot water was pounding softly. It felt wonderful. Norman rarely let him enjoy a hot shower. Sometimes he was allowed a warm one, but mostly he got freezing cold showers. So this was a real treat.
Harry sighed in contentment as he let the water hit him. It was so soothing… the warmth felt good to his sore muscles. Not to mention it was nice to get clean, really clean. No more of that awful cell. He'd sleep somewhere clean and fresh. He'd be clean, he thought happily as he scrubbed himself. He'd be clean and stay clean.
He rinsed off and turned off the shower a bit reluctantly. He was sad to leave… but he couldn't stay there forever. He'd turn into a wrinkled prune and that wouldn't be nice. Plus, lots of water wasn't extremely comforting. Short bursts sprinkling on him was fine, but the pool of water forming around his ankles made him uncomfortable. He didn't like this shower/bathtub.
He pushed the curtain away and grabbed the towel to dry off with. He shook off most of the water before using the towel. Bad habit from being at the labs, most likely. He had finished drying off and was putting on Peter's boxers and shorts when he caught his reflection in the mirror.
It was so strange. He never had seen his reflection before like this. It was rather fascinating. He touched the mirror curiously.
Was that really him?
He cocked his head, watching the water slowly drip down from his hair and down his neck then down his chest. It was strangely fascinating… to watch the water fall and to watch himself for once not hooked up to some machine or on all fours like an animal.
No, this reflection was who he really was. Harry, a normal boy. A small smile tugged at his lips. He liked this side of him very much. He felt human… he felt real.
He ran his hand through his wet hair. He wondered… Well, only one way to find out!
Harry popped his head out of the bathroom and whined, hoping to catch Peter's attention.
Peter looked up at him in surprise. "Yeah?"
Harry whined again.
"You need something?" he asked, cocking his head curiously.
Harry pointed to his wet hair shyly.
"You want me to dry it for you?"
Harry nodded, cheeks turning a faint pink color.
Peter raised an eyebrow. "Have a seat by the couch, okay?"
Harry nodded and did as he was told.
Peter slipped into the bathroom and returned with a small towel and hair dryer.
"Ready?"
Harry nodded as Peter sat down the couch behind him and gently ruffled his hair with the towel. Harry closed his eyes and leaned his head against Peter's knees. He made a soft trilling sound with his tongue which Peter figured was a sort of purr.
Peter remained silent as he dried Harry's hair. The smaller boy really seemed to enjoy it. He wondered if Norman ever did this for Harry… It would make sense why Harry asked him to do so. Though it was a strange thought. Peter held back a chuckle. Just picturing the Green Goblin drying Harry's hair like this was rather funny. He glanced down at Harry as he turned the dryer off.
Heh… looks like the kid fell asleep. He gently ruffled Harry's now dry hair and smiled softly at the sleeping teen.
Peter furrowed his brow slightly as he inspected Harry. For the first time, Peter was able to have a good, long look at Harry's neck. The most of the bruises from the collar had started fade but there was a spot that had stayed. He had thought it was just a bigger bruise that would go away in time, but on closer inspection he realized it wasn't a bruise. It was a spot... a leopard spot that held a greenish tint. Though unless you were really looking for it, you would mistake it for just a green bruise or birthmark. But for some reason, that spot made him uncomfortable. His spider-senses were twanging weakly. It wasn't Harry they were warning against though… it was the spot. Not the fact that it was a leopard spot, but rather the color.
Green.
Green like the Goblin.
And Peter didn't like that one bit.
It was about dinner time when Harry woke from his nap. He was a bit irritated with himself for falling asleep so easily. But the feel of someone running their hands through his hair… and the warm hair against his head just made him feel wonderful and very sleepy. He needed to work on that.
"Hey Harry."
Harry straightened as Peter popped his head into the living room.
"I'm going out real quick to the convenience store to buy us some dinner, okay?"
Harry made a slight face before nodding. Peter really did need to buy some more food so he couldn't complain.
"I won't be gone long this time," Peter promised before slipping out. He figured the teen was still upset with him for returning so late the night before. He probably thought Peter had left him for good. Gah! Why was he thinking such thoughts anyways? He didn't need to get attached to Harry no matter what Gwen said. Though deep down inside, he knew she was right.
Harry curled up on the couch after Peter left but soon returned to the floor. He was feeling rather restless without Peter there… Last night had been different since he had been tired from everything. But now, he was wide awake and needed something to do. He secretly suspected his nap was to blame for all this energy he had to keep in check.
He paced down the hall a few times before returning to the living room again. So bored… he found Peter's laser pointer and played with it some. The fun only lasted a few minutes. He was already bored again.
He growled and threw a pillow at the wall in frustration.
Peter was taking too long.
Harry huffed and made his way into the kitchen. Maybe he could find something in here to do. Like get ready for dinner or something. If he remembered correctly, Peter had the glass cups in the cabinets above the counter. He climbed up onto the counter and made himself comfortable before inspecting the cabinets. He looked rather awkward and gangly sitting Indian style on the counter. He wasn't use to standing up and looking at the cabinets like a normal person.
He sniffed some before he opened a cabinet. The second one to the left from the sink. He grinned as the cabinet creaked open.
Bingo!
He grabbed two of the cups quickly not realizing how easy it would be for one to slip and-
Crash!
Harry's eyes widened as he stared at the broken glass on the counter. His hands shook some as he gripped the edge of his shorts, not even noticing the blood trickling down his hand.
He was afraid… Peter would be so angry! He, he broke something. He hadn't broken anything this fragile since he was back at the labs. And only God knew how angry Norman would get at Harry for breaking the littlest things. Peter would probably be just as angry. Look at all the glass that was scattered across the counter. A mess… His father hated messes.
As his hands shook, Harry made a feeble attempt to pick up the glass. Maybe if he cleaned up his mess, Peter wouldn't be as angry… Maybe he'd have some mercy on him unlike Norman.
"Harry!" Peter gasped out as he stepped into the kitchen.
Harry gasped before wincing and whimpering. He had been so focused on the broken cup he had missed hearing Peter's return. He moved away from Peter, placing his hands on more of the broken glass in the process.
"Harry, what happened?" Peter asked concerned as he stood beside Harry who was still sitting on the counter.
Harry stared down at the broken glass, afraid to look at Peter. He didn't want to see Peter angry. He didn't want to get smacked for looking up at him either.
Peter suddenly grabbed Harry's hand causing him to yelp in surprise. "You're hurt!"
Harry pulled away and whimpered, tears starting to form in his eyes.
"Harry…"
Peter suddenly wrapped his arms around Harry. "It's okay… It was just a cup. I was worried about you."
Harry looked up at Peter with surprised, wide eyes.
Peter gave him an assuring smile and rubbed his back gently before giving him a comforting hug. This wasn't supposed to happen… he wasn't supposed to get attached to Harry. Yet here he was, so very worried about Harry's bleeding hands. Somehow, he was okay with this. Gwen was right, he thought subconsciously as he continued rubbing circles on Harry's back. He really needed this friendship, awkward and unstable but a friendship all the same.
Harry slowly leaned his head against Peter. He was still hesitant to approach Peter like this. It was so different from when Peter was asleep. He didn't know what to do. He desperately wanted to return the embrace… but he wasn't sure if it was all right for him to do so. Was this a display of affection like how dogs or cats licked each other? He sighed softly and rubbed his head gently into Peter's shoulder causing the latter to smile and gently run his hands through Harry's hair.
"Let me see your hands, Harry."
Harry immediately pulled away from the embrace and whined.
"Harry," Peter sighed. "Please."
Harry whined again and reluctantly let Peter take his hand. Peter was frowning slightly as he inspected the glass sticking out of Harry's skin. He carefully picked the glass out and set it aside on a paper towel that he had gotten from the roll beside the sink. Harry whimpered and tried to pull his hand away.
"Shhh… just a few more," Peter scolded softly and firmly held Harry's hand. "Just a few more… There."
Harry whimpered again and inspected his glass free but still bleeding hand a moment before licking the wound and sticking his fingers into his mouth.
"Hey, ah don't do that, Harry."
Harry looked at him in surprise and cocked his head slightly, his fingers still in his mouth.
"Keep them out of your mouth," Peter instructed as he gently pulled Harry's hand away from his mouth. "I'll bandage that for-" he stopped short as he stared at Harry's hand in shock.
The cut was almost entirely closed and healed. How on earth did that happen?
Harry glanced up at him curiously. Why did Peter look so surprised? That was how you were supposed to heal cuts, wasn't it?
Peter had a dumbfounded look on his face for another moment before he shaking himself out of it.
"Ah I'll get the bandages for your hand," he said hastily as he finished cleaning up the glass and headed to find his first aid kit.
Harry remained on the counter, head cocked slightly. He still didn't understand why Peter was acting so… so surprised.
Author's Note: Just wanted to give special thanks to Ron W.312 and Zio Charmed for their reviews. :) Also just wanted to let you guys know that the next few chapters are going to be mostly fluff with Peter and Harry getting use to living with each other and growing their new friendship.
Ron W.312: Yep, I really love Harry and Peter as cute friends like this. X3 I'm glad you like it!
Zio Charmed: Thank you so much! I'm glad you enjoyed this story. And no problem, I think you're English is just fine. :)