Peter had ordered the pizza and was sitting on the couch next to Harry. Some show was playing on the television and would keep them (or rather Harry) entertained until the food arrived. For now it was the waiting game… not that Peter minded. It was kind of nice to just kick back and enjoy watching something with someone. Well occasionally, he would be able to do something like this with Gwen, but that just wasn't the same as having a guy buddy. Whoa… did he just think that? Harry as his… guy buddy? He snuck a glance at the teen. Just for now, he supposed. He was still struggling with not getting too attached to Harry. He knew Gwen was right and was able to admit (aloud he could admit it aloud…) that she was right. But still, he couldn't get attached. He didn't want to get hurt… Yes, he was being selfish, but this was also for Harry. It wouldn't be good for the teen to get attached either. Both would feel pain when they were separated. The police would come for Harry sooner or later.

Peter sighed. He knew it would most liked be sooner… so it looked like he would have to play the cold shoulder on Harry. He hated the thought, but it had to be done for both their sakes.

Nudge.

Harry was looking up at him concerned.

"Ah… I was just thinking." Peter gave the teen a fake smile. "Just keep watching your tv show."

Harry raised an eyebrow and turned his attention back to the television screen. He wasn't convinced that Peter was 'just thinking.' There was something more… but he would think about that later. He was just going to enjoy the moment. After all, he didn't get days like this back at the lab.

He let out a soft sigh of contentment before cuddling one of the couch pillows. He liked this… and maybe, just maybe, it could stay like this forever. But inwardly, Harry knew this wasn't possible. He really couldn't stay like… well, like this forever. He wanted to be like Peter, like the people on the television. Not to mention, Harry figured Peter wouldn't want to deal with him like this forever. He buried his face into the pillow some before peeking over it to watch the television once more. Soon, he would have to adjust to living differently. Just one step at a time… he was in no hurry, and he didn't think he was ready for any big changes yet. Just getting out of the lab was a big enough change for him. So he really needed a break to adjust. And with Peter with him, he knew he'd be just fine.

Ding! Ding!

Harry straightened some. He understood it was just the doorbell… but the sudden ringing bothered him some.

"Pizza is here," Peter announced as he got up.

Harry looked up and gave him lop-sided smile, watching Peter leave to fetch the pizza. A good thing too… His stomach was beginning to growl softly. He held the pillow tightly against his stomach in hopes of muffling its growls until Peter was back with the pizza. Ah no wait, they wouldn't eat in here. They would eat in the kitchen like the previous night, he thought sadly. He was rather comfortable on the couch. The chairs in the kitchen were uncomfortable and hard but thank goodness they weren't cold or metal. He shuddered. He didn't want or need any memories of the lab.

"You okay, buddy?"

Harry blinked in surprise as he watched Peter set the pizzas and the sodas onto the coffee table. It was okay to eat in here?

"I was thinking we could eat in here," Peter continued as he opened one of the pizzas. "Maybe watch a movie or something."

Harry sniffed the pizza eagerly. It smelled as good as it looked! He licked his lips and glanced over at Peter. He wasn't sure how to eat it… He wanted to just wolf it down right now, but he wanted to see Peter eat first. One step at a time, remember.

But he would have to wait on Peter a bit. The guy was popping in a dvd for them to watch. Though he probably should have put some more thought into which dvd he picked instead of just grabbing the nearest one available. With a click of the remote, the dvd began playing which finally gave Harry an opportunity to see how to eat the pizza. It looked easy enough. Though it was a bit frustrating at how hot and slippery it was! Harry couldn't suppress a growl as his pepperonis began sliding down off his pizza. Peter chuckled, watching Harry struggle to eat keep his cheese and pepperonis from slipping off his slice. Though he couldn't chuckle for long, his own pizza was having its own issues. Pepperonis and cheese were slipping at every movement. But despite those little difficulties, the two were able to enjoy their slices of goodness. Peter was secretly happy to be having pizza, probably why it was so easy for Harry to convince him to order some.

By the midpoint of the movie, Harry and Peter had finished off both pizzas. Peter had already claimed one of the 2-liters and was almost done with it while Harry was taking small sips from his. Peter was wondering how much the caffeine would affect Harry but since he was taking it in small doses… yeah, it would be fine. Just concentrate on the movie.

Harry's eyes were practically saucers as they stayed glued to the glowing television. A horror film in the dark wasn't exactly Peter's best decision for the night. But Harry didn't make any signs of wanting to turn it off, so on went the film.

CRASH BOOM!

Harry yelped in surprise as a bright flash suddenly lit up the room then dispelled into darkness. There was nothing to be seen… the television was no longer glowing. He whimpered and reached out for Peter. The sudden darkness was making him extremely uneasy… and the horror film they were watching hadn't helped. His eyes were glowing softly as he looked to Peter for an explanation. Why did the lights go out? Or more importantly… why did the television turn off?

"Ah sorry…" Peter fumbled around in the darkness. "Guess the power went out."

Harry whined, hoping the lights would turn back on soon.

"But I got that movie on my phone so we can keep watching it, if you'd like."

Harry brightened and gave Peter an affirming nudge.

"All right," Peter turned his phone on. "Just a few clicks."

Harry squinted slightly at the sudden brightness but quickly adjusted as he rested his chin on Peter's shoulder.

"Ah, this was where we were."

Harry made himself comfortable as Peter held out his phone so they both could see.

CRASH! BOOM!

Harry whimpered and scooted closer to Peter. He didn't like the sound of thunder outside. He wasn't familiar with the sound and didn't like how pronounced it was now that the volume of Peter's iphone did not cover it as well as the television's had.

CRASH!

Harry couldn't hold back a yelp as he clutched Peter tightly causing the later to lose grip on his phone.

Peter didn't know what to do. He couldn't see now that his phone slipped onto the floor facedown. Harry's heavy breathing against his neck was a bit unnerving. He probably should try calming the guy down or something…

CRASH!

"Agh!" Peter coughed some as Harry tightened his grip on his shirt.

Harry whimpered apologetically, loosening Peter's shirt slightly.

CRASH, BOOM, BOOM!

Well… that horror film definitely wasn't helping this situation. Peter could almost sense someone approaching the couch and slowly, slowly creeping up and-

"Hey, Peter? You here?"

"WAAAAAAAHHH!" Peter jumped onto the ceiling while Harry managed to duck under the couch.

"Seriously…"

A light flashed up onto Peter's hiding spot.

"You should be glad it's just me not some burglar or something."

"Gwen!" Peter was sure that he had never been so relieved than he was right now. He jumped down and ran his hand through his hair sheepishly. "How did you get in? And why are you here?"

"I know where you hide your spare key."

"You whaaaaa?!"

Gwen chuckled softly before teasing him. "I'm surprised that your identity hasn't been discovered."

"Very funny… But seriously! Why are you here?" Peter asked again.

"I wanted to check on you two." She smiled as she spotted Harry peeking from behind the couch. "Seems like it's a good thing I came."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

Gwen just winked at her friend.

CRASH!

Harry ducked back into his hiding place.

Gwen furrowed her brows slightly in worry. "Is he okay?" she asked shining the light so she could see Peter better.

"I don't know," Peter answered honestly as he shielded his eyes some. "I think he doesn't care for the storm outside."

BOOM!

Harry whimpered from underneath the couch.

"You need to do something," Gwen said softly before she shone her light over the coffee table. "Pizza?"

Peter had a guilty look on his face.

"Boys," Gwen shook her head. "And all the Dr. Pepper probably isn't helping."

She crouched down beside the couch to inspect Harry. Peter was beside her, watching still unsure what he should be doing.

"Hey," Gwen greeted softly. "It's me, Harry. Gwen. Why don't you come on out?"

Harry looked unsure. Peter felt even more guilty as he noticed that Harry was shaking. He should have taken more thought into all this…

"It'll be okay," Gwen assured. "You have me and Peter."

Harry bit his lip but decided he'd trust Gwen and come out. Like she said, Peter was there too. He'd be okay. He crawled out from under the couch, blinking some from the light of Gwen's flashlight.

Peter and Gwen were giving him comforting smiles which helped him relax, but didn't stop his shakings. He whimpered as he heard the rumblings of thunder.

Gwen elbowed Peter and mouthed, "Do something."

Peter stood there awkwardly before he decided to make a move though he seriously had no idea what he was doing…

He gently led Harry back onto the couch. Harry was a bit reluctant but after feeling the pillows he seemed okay with the move. He grabbed one of the pillows and buried his face in it, whimpering quietly. He was still shaking… Peter wanted to fix that somehow. It was his fault for not thinking… He mentally bashed himself as he subconsciously ran his hand through Harry's hair.

Meanwhile, Gwen busied herself with cleaning up the messy coffee table. She threw away the pizza boxes and put the still somewhat full soda bottles in the fridge. It was somewhat difficult to maneuver through Peter's apartment with only a small flashlight to guide her way, but she was able to manage it safely. Though she was a bit miffed that the lights came back on just as she finished everything. Just her luck.

She came back to the living room. "Hey, Pete, do you-"

"Shhhh…" Peter had a finger to his lips and made a slight motion with his head to his lap.

Gwen smiled softly and nodded in understanding. Peter mush have lulled Harry to sleep. That was probably good. She was a bit worried at what could happen if Harry had remained awake through the storm. She had been thinking about giving him some medicine to help calm him and make him drowsy but now that wasn't necessary thank goodness. She quietly sat down beside Peter. She was beginning to be rather tempted to take a picture of the two. It was just so precious… Harry curled up on Peter's lap looking so peaceful in his sleep. And then Peter… he looked so sweet, stroking Harry's hair and comforting the teen as he whimpered in his sleep. It was just adorable to her. She just might try sneaking a picture of the two boys. Then one day, she'd scrapbook this picture as a memory for when the two became friends. She couldn't be more proud of Peter. He was finally moving on some on his own (Yes, she was admitting that she gave a little push, but it was a little push mind you). This was really the beginning of something big for the three of them.

Author's Note: Happy New Year! Glad I was able to finally update this story. X3 I hope you guys enjoy it. This chappie was a little difficult but I think it turned out well. :)

shyangel101: Teehee yep I thought it would be cute with them having pizza. And yes, Harry was being rather adorkable! I hope this chapter was enjoyable as the previous ones. :) More fluffiness to come!