I do not own Spider-Man, The Amazing Spider-Man 2 movie, video game or anything related to the Marvel franchise!
"You didn't have to come with me," the redhead muttered flatly, "it's not like I haven't been here before. Kraven or James or Pete could have taken me."
It was a nice gesture that Harry had decided to tag along to her appointment with Doctor Jacobi at the Burns Unit, but totally unnecessary. She wasn't ungrateful; it was just that her scars were personal. Sure he had seen them before and said that they were beautiful, however Hayley would forever feel uncomfortable about them. Especially since returning every six months to the place that tried and failed to fix her really brought up old memories. There were already too many memories from the past running around in her mind.
"You and your welfare is important to me. I thought…I should take a more active role," Harry explained with a winning smile, his blue eyes shining with warmth and sincerity.
She was about to make a snide remark about him causing ninety per cent of her health problems but quickly stopped herself. Everything about his body language, calm voice and mellow facial expression conveyed that he was being entirely serious. It was like he had done a complete one-eighty over night. The changes in him were small, subtle even, though Hayley had indeed noticed. He had become more attentive since the incident on the balcony. Instead of ignoring her, Harry was now acknowledging her existence again. Holding open doors, informing her if he was going out or arriving back late from work. He had even visited her on their lunch break in the labs at OsCorp! It was great to have the loving Harry back, even if it was slightly suffocating after months of icy neglect.
Maybe I'm not giving him enough credit, Hayley considered. Maybe therapy is working for him?
They walked in total silence through the maze of hospital corridors, looking like a rather odd pair. The redhead was in her trusty Metallica hoody and newly purchased paisley blue skinny jeans; there was really no point dressing up for a simple hospital appointment. Harry however was another story. He was dressed all in black with a leather jacket and boots. His Ray-bans were firmly fixed over his eyes, glistening under the yellow strip lights. Amongst the ill patients and uniform clad staff he appeared like a rock star, a James Dean wannabe. It was all rather pretentious and embarrassing really. Hayley preferred to be as invisible as possible in the hospital – her anxiety was already through the roof.
After a short while they reached the appropriate waiting room. Hayley took the lead and after registering her attendance she plonked herself on one of the uncomfortable plastic chairs. A worn gossip magazine quickly appeared in her hands and she buried her nose in it, anything to remove herself from the situation. They were an hour early since Harry was strangely eager to leave as soon as they had awoken this morning. She didn't even have time to see the news or eat her customary cornflakes.
Harry followed suit and sat down beside her awkwardly, his jacket squeaking against the hard chair. The room was fairly quiet which only made the silence between them seem like an eternity to him. Short of reading some year old magazines or doing a half complete crossword puzzle, there was nothing to do other than watch the minutes tick by. The only other activity he could be doing was to answer numerous emails on his phone. Since that idea did not appeal to him in the slightest, Harry took the opportunity to close his eyes for a few short minutes of rest. With his sunglasses still on no one would be able to tell if he were to accidently fall asleep.
It felt like he had nodded off for only a few seconds but in reality thirty minutes had passed.
A sudden jarring sensation jolted him awake, and his heart raced as the adrenaline for the potential of trouble bubbled in his veins. Glancing down he saw Hayley's pale hand squeezing his wrist with all her strength, whilst her black painted nails dug deep into his flesh. Harry was about to demand a reason for her harsh and irrational action until he noticed the expression on her face.
Hayley's mouth was open slightly, her green eyes wide with a mixture of shock and terror. The palette of her skin had some how become much paler, with a slight green pigment suggesting that she was feeling very ill and uneasy. Her bandaged, burned hand was clenched over her mouth like she was holding back the reaction to vomit. However, the way she gripped his arm held a different emotion; she was quaking with rage.
He had absolutely no idea what had got her so worked up until he followed her eyes to the waiting room big screen television; the news was currently showing.
"…three more bodies have been found and identified as twenty-five year old Ross Cooper, thirty-nine year old Cadence Gillmore, and fifty-five year old Horace Poland All were staff at the renowned Ravencroft Institute for the…"
"You did this," Hayley commented rhetorically for she already knew the answer; her voice was as dead as her eyes.
"…in connection with, what some have dubbed as the "Pumpkin Prince" serial killer, who has been terrorising Manhattan as of late. These recent deaths have been described as the killer's most brutal and barbaric…"
"This is why we left early, isn't it? You didn't want me to see the news."
Damn, she's smarter than I give her credit for, Harry thought bitterly.
"Bingo Ginge!" the Goblin contributed aloud gleefully before Harry could stop him. His green alter ego enjoyed taking credit for their work.
The redhead continued to stare in disbelief at the television, unable to peel her eyes away from the horror being reported. "Why…why would you do this? They were innocent. They only worked with me, that's all. They were innocent," she said flatly. Why had this happened? She almost didn't want to know.
"Their deaths were necessary. They knew too much to stay alive," Harry replied calmly, placing his hand over hers, which was still holding his wrist like a vice.
"…It has been revealed that last weeks fire at Ravencroft broke out in an occupied security guard room. The incident claimed eight victims in total, all guards from the institute. Their deaths are thought to also be the work of the same serial killer after pumpkin remains were found at the scene. All bodies have been identified; guardsman Stuart McCreevy, Colin Hampshire…"
"You killed them all…you killed them all…you killed them all…" Hayley whispered repeatedly, the shock making her feel numb inside. They had only known her; that was their only crime. "You disgust me!" she seethed with venom, her eyes vibrant green with anger, narrowed like a viper ready to strike.
He was about to respond when Doctor Jacobi approached them. As soon as the redhead caught sight of her consultant she jumped out of her seat and zoomed in the direction of his office before the confused man had even said a word.
Sitting in the familiar office helped to slightly ease her anxiety. She had lost count of how many times she had been in this same scenario: her, shifting uncomfortably in an office chair, him, sitting across from her smiling kindly. However, the familiarity did not stop her hatred for it.
Being a consult, Doctor Jacobi's office wasn't as cold and sterile in comparison to the majority of the hospital. Because he also dealt with children on the Burns ward, he kept a small crate of colourful books and toys by child sized plastic chairs in the corner of his room. Hayley recognised some of the stuffed animals from back in the day, as well as a picture book about a phoenix rising from the ashes. She had never quite decided whether or not the book was in poor taste. Ironic, yes. Inspiring? That was up to interpretation.
Apart from the toys, colour filled, abstract paintings decorated the walls. Some were professionally done whereas others had been gifts and mementos from patients over the years. The doctor had dedicated a section of the wall to the not so elegant drawings from his child patients. There was everything from finger painting to stick figures, to the childish usage of two definite lines of blue and green to represent the sky and grass. Right in the centre of the collage was a drawing of a flame haired girl with enormous black wings, flying in the blue strip sky. Holding hands beside her was another girl, smaller than the first, with short blonde hair and ginormous wings that were fluffy and white like clouds. The picture depicted a tiny angel and the angel of death.
Hayley could still remember drawing that picture in her first month on the ward. Seeing that he had kept that silly doodle all this time helped to sober her up, bringing her out of her shocked state a little more. She had to put on the act again, pretend that what had just transpired between Harry and herself never happened. They had to keep up appearances; they had to look pristine and perfect and polished and…
Why am I still protecting him?
"So," the doctor began, crossing his legs and taking a pen to her case file, "how have you been since I last saw you?"
"Fine…I guess," Hayley replied with a nonchalant shrug.
Jacobi tried a more direct and specific question this time – he was used to his patient's verbal avoidance. "We increased your Amitriptyline and started you on a course of Co-codamol, yes? How have you been fairing with those doses?"
"I-I stopped taking my medication," the redhead confessed reluctantly, her posture collapsing in on herself as she spoke. Her eyes avoided the doctor's astonished gaze like a guilty child.
"All of them?"
"Yes," Hayley confirmed, licking her lips nervously, "all of them…except my Sulfadiazine cream."
"And what made you decide this without consulting me?"
What could she say? Because my billionaire boyfriend does not approve of me taking drugs and forced me to stop? That wouldn't go down well…she had to keep up appearances. So Hayley offered Jacobi nothing. No explanation other than looking down at her feet.
"I do not approve of your actions, however if you are managing without them then there is not much I can say. If you are happy to be off them and think you can manage without, then it's your choice. We will have to do further blood tests and examinations now that you have made me aware of the situation," the doctor chastised. "You must be suffering from some withdrawal symptoms, yes? This is why you need to consult a doctor before undertaking something such as this! I've known you for years Hayley, and this is completely out of character for you!"
She felt like a child being scolded. All of this she knew and understood but with the memories of her past uncomfortably in her mind, Hayley didn't have room to think of much else. "I'm receiving counselling, er, for my mood and…and other things."
The caring doctor paused. He took in the girl's sallow complexion, her defeatist aura, and the difference in the quality of her clothing. "The spotlight can be difficult," Jacobi said quietly, offering council and understanding for her situation. His patient was a fragile girl, always had been, and it was difficult for him to witness the suffering behind her façade – he had seen that look in her green eyes when she was admitted to hospital all those years ago. "Shall we continue the appointment? I will need to call in a female nurse to help with the examination."
Hayley sighed and rolled her eyes as he left the room; it was just like last time. Except…maybe it wasn't. The doctor had yet to inspect her scars. After his earlier chastising, was he really just going to record her weight and then let her leave?
Jacobi returned shortly with a nurse in tow, one who looked much nicer than the one from her previous experience six months ago.
"Ill draw this curtain closed, if you could please remove your clothing and slip on this gown," the woman commanded kindly, handing her the hospital gown.
The redhead blanched and physically shrank where she sat, "W-w-what? Why?"
"I need to inspect your scars as well as take your height and weight," Jacobi explained, already anticipating some resistance. "I know this will be difficult for you Hayley, but I haven't looked at the entirety of your scars properly for some time. This needs to be done. You are safe. I have brought in the female nurse to make you feel more comfortable."
"B-b-but I didn't have to do this last time!" Hayley moaned distressfully, hyperventilating as she spoke.
She felt like an animal trapped in a cage with nowhere to go. It was not that she didn't understand what was being asked of her or why she had to remove her clothing and be inspected, it's just that the only person who had seen her naked was Harry. Exposing her body to anyone, even a doctor that she trusted and had known all her life was enough to increase her anxiety tenfold. More than anything, Hayley wanted to run and hide but the only option she had was to comply.
Confidence. The redhead needed confidence and protection in this situation, a stabiliser to combat her intense feelings of vulnerability. Someone or something that could hold her hand and tell her that everything would be all right…
"Can I have someone else in here with me please!" Hayley practically shrieked before realising what she was even saying. Clearly her emotions were getting the best of her.
Doctor Jacobi appraised the scared girl and smiled, nodding his head in understanding. "Ruth," he spoke to the assistant nurse, "could you please go to the waiting room and collect Mr Osborn, the young man in the sunglasses."
Hayley returned his smile gratefully before closing the partition curtain behind her. Nervousness overtook and her hands shook violently as she removed her clothing piece by piece. It took all her concentration not to cry. The cool air hit her bare, scarred back and she hastily covered her partially naked frame with the thin hospital gown. Even though her underwear remind she still felt exposed, naked for all to look upon her past sins.
The door opened and closed, alerting her to the nurse's return with Harry.
"Good day Mr Osborn, I am Doctor Jacobi, it is a pleasure to meet you," she heard her consultant say. "Hayley has requested your presence today because the nurse and I will be doing a full body check up you see, and she would feel more comfortable if you were also in the room with us."
Opening the curtain, the redhead caught the moment of surprise on Harry's face at the doctor's words. He glanced towards her and they made eye contact; his icy blues seemed warmer than usual and the young billionaire offered an encouraging smile.
Hayley knew she was not strong enough to go through something as simple as a medical exam alone. This situation reminded her of when Harry had been examined by those brutes in Ravencroft. All eyes had been on him as he was poked and prodded at their mercy; the whole time, his green orbs were fixed on her. She had been his strength in that moment, so, now it was time for him to be hers.
Inside, Harry was glowing with happiness at being needed, especially after she'd called him disgusting only a few minutes ago. The Goblin was practically doing backflips with satisfactory glee. Her anxiety must be bad if she had sought his help so readily. No doubt her pride would have taken a hit but who was he to argue. He and his Id both watched eagle eyed as the doctor and nurse approached the apprehensive girl, giving her instructions, talking her through the examination as they went.
They may now be sleeping in the same bed but he hadn't seen Hayley's naked body since the last time they had had sex. Greedily, his eyes travelled over her pale back made exposed by the gap in the gown, taking in her shaking and goose pimples. The fact that she was shivering was not surprising. The vertebrae of her spine jutted out painfully with aggravated skin and rust coloured bruises running down the length. Her scars were still glasslike and beautiful to him however he saw no improvement in their appearance; in fact they seemed irritated and raw. A faint outline of her ribs was also visible, and for the first time it dawned on Harry that her delicate thinness wasn't entirely healthy or natural. And by the concerned looks being shared between the doctor and nurse, they too had arrived at the same conclusion.
Even though she was evidently frightened, Hayley was still clinging onto her act. When the doctor questioned her broken fingers, she lied effortlessly, telling the same fib she had done when they had first been injured – the trick was to keep her dishonesty consistent. In fairness her fingers had long since healed, however she continued to wear strapping as a beacon of reminder to Harry that his reckless actions had consequences.
Her newest injury, the burn on her palm, was documented, cleaned, and rebadged by the nurse, Ruth. Yet another lie was given, one of picking up a boiled kettle. The damaged area still stung and felt hot to her. Hot like the flames that had licked and caused her harm. It had hurt Hayley immensely to grab that lighter, but she endured the pain silently because it was her punishment.
"If you could please step on the scale backwards for us so we can record your height and weight," Ruth asked the tiny redhead. Moving the ruler to the correct height, she wrote down the girl's measurements as well as the number displayed on the scale's screen. "Thank you, you may step off now."
Thankful that her ordeal was nearly over, Hayley hid behind the partition curtain as she hurriedly changed back into her clothes. It felt so good to have her skin covered once more, and she let out a long sigh. The shakes that were controlling her body and hands started to subside as the anxiety within her began to mellow. It was over. It was over for another six months, and for that she was truly grateful.
After righting herself she came out from behind the curtain and sat beside Harry, giving his hand a small squeeze in thanks.
"We will be contacting you about extra blood tests since we need to monitor your system after coming off your medication so suddenly," Jacobi said pointedly, fixing the young billionaire with a cold stare, for he was certain that it was the boy's influence. "Your scars are currently severely irritated due to your low weight. Therefore I am also going to recommend you see an outpatient eating - "
"Wait, what?" Hayley interrupted in protest, eyes wide in disbelief. Her breathing became unsteady as feelings of betrayal started to seep into her mind. "Why?! I-I don't have a disorder. I eat! Harry, I eat! Tell them!"
Harry put an arm his ginger doll and ignored her comments, nodding to the doctor in understanding. "If you send the letters to my manor then I will see she attends those appointments," he said speaking to the doctor as if Hayley didn't even exist.
Doctor Jacobi's stern look never faded from his face as they conversed. "Will her insurance cover the cost? Or…?"
"I will be paying for her treatment," Harry confirmed pulling the redhead closer to him possessively, "so there is no need to be concerned about money. I will make sure Hayley receives the help she needs."
She had been ignoring Harry since the hospital visit. It angered her that he would talk with her doctor about her finances, let alone agree with his absurd recommendations. There was no need for her to go to some stupid clinic because she wasn't ill! However Harry and Jacobi had other ideas. It was like they were conspiring against her! It left a bad taste in her mouth but tonight she had to put away all the feelings of betrayal deep down in her heart. Tonight she needed to put on the act again, play the supportive, perfect, socialite girlfriend, and maybe, just maybe, she would even have fun.
They were going to the Halloween gala after all.
"And what are you supposed to be?" Hayley questioned as she entered the living area. The man that greeted her looked absolutely gorgeous, and she had to lean against the doorframe for support as her legs turned to jelly.
Harry turned at her inquisitive voice, his eyes dragging over her body slowly to take in every minute detail; she appeared so sultry and seductive standing like that. "What else would I be?" he responded jovially, his hands rose in question as if the answer was obvious. "But a goblin, of course."
"In a suit?"
"A sophisticated goblin in a designer suit, yes."
Hayley's face broke into a grin, the most genuine and natural smile he had seen in a long time. It took his breath away that she could smile that way for him, like he was the only one she had eyes for.
"You both are impossible," she sighed with a small headshake, giggling at how ironic the situation was.
What else did she expect? For him to dress up like a ghost, a demon, or some toga wearing frat boy? No, this costume was Harry's essence through and through.
His suit was slick and as black as coal, with a slight sheen woven into the material. Whenever he moved and it hit the light, a green iridescent hue sparkled and shined. The shirt he wore was also black, though matte in comparison to his suit, whilst his tie was emerald green.
The Halloween part of his outfit was portrayed in his facial and body makeup. Every inch of his exposed flesh was covered in a deep, jaundice green colour, mottled exactly like his goblin Retroviral Hypodysplasia symptoms. The tips of Harry's nose and ears were pointed to accentuate the ghoulish goblin character he had chosen to dress as. Even his nails and teeth were different, less polished. The overall effect would be truly frightening for those who had never seen Harry in his goblin form – it even made Hayley feel uneasy. It was like she was back in his Ravencroft cell meeting him for the first time.
"Nice makeup," she complimented slowly, "you really do look like the go…a goblin."
"Hmmm? Yes, I do, don't I," Harry replied offhandedly, successfully making light of his costume so as not to arouse suspicion.
"It looks very real! The makeup artist did a fantastic job."
"Keep telling yourself that Ginge. You know in your heart it's not really makeup," the Goblin cackled in his host's mind. "You'll see soon enough…you'll accept the truth."
Harry shook his head to clear away the Goblin's words, needing to focus on the moment. "And what are you dressed as doll? A devil?"
"Close. I'm…I'm one of the four elements," she said awkwardly, glancing at her feet. "Felicia and Karen decided we should dress as the four elements even though there is only three of us. Naturally, I got fire because of my hair."
The melancholy look on her face almost broke him. Knowing the full extent of her fiery past was almost a hindrance in this moment. He wanted nothing more than to comfort her, but to do so would expose his intrusive sleuthing. Instead, Harry had to remain aloof, keeping the façade of only being aware that she was burnt in a fire, not that she had started it and became a murderer.
"Does this costume displease you?"
"You know how I feel about fire…I couldn't give them the real reason why I didn't want to be fire, so I got stuck with it," Hayley sighed heavily, closing her eyes. "It's only fancy dress I know – "
"Try not to think of it as fire," Harry said softly, going over to the distressed girl, "think of your costume as a portrayal of the inner you, of your inner fire."
"My inner fire?" she questioned, her eyebrow quirked with confused intrigue.
Putting his hands on her rouge painted arms, he rubbed his thumbs over the cute goose pimples on her skin, "Yes. You have a light inside you that shines. They didn't just give you fire because of your hair Hayley. I mean is Karen dressing as air?"
"Because she's blonde?"
"Exactly," Harry grinned, glad she caught on to his joke. "The first day I ever saw you, there was nothing behind your eyes, however there was fire in your actions and conviction. That light has burned brighter with each passing day. You were my light, my hope in Ravencroft; you showed me the way. You saved me. The element that describes you best will always be fire. Not because of your past, but because of your strength."
"H-Harry…" the redhead gasped, her eyes wide with emotion, small tears decorating her eyelashes, "…I…I…"
"You don't have to say anything," he murmured, his breath ghosting over her beautiful face.
It was not that she didn't want to express herself but rather that she somehow couldn't. His kind words had left her speechless, his actions at the hospital forgotten. There was so much Hayley wanted to tell him, so much she wanted to say, and yet the words would not form on her lips.
Maybe I don't need words.
Instinctively leaning forward, her eyes glanced at his plump lips, noting how even they were covered in make up. However she didn't care. It had been a considerable amount of time since they had shared a kiss, and Hayley no longer wanted to deny herself that small pleasure. He had captivated her heart with his words, and now she wanted to swoon at his touch.
As their lips met, Hayley noticed how the young billionaire momentarily relaxed, a sigh of satisfaction escaping into her mouth. Electricity soared through her veins and arties causing her heart to thump wildly with passion. A sort of frenzy was building within her. However her body's reaction did not match the sweet and delicate kiss she had received, so she mewled in response with an unsatisfactory lament. Deciding to be bold, Hayley ran her tongue slowly over his bottom lip before delicately biting it. Strong fingers dug into her arms and Harry pressed his body against hers, as he obliged in deepening the kiss. Thank goodness the redhead was still leaning against the doorframe, otherwise they would have both fallen over with the force of his lust.
After a very heated moment, Harry drew back slowly, "You truly look beautiful tonight Hayley."
The redhead smiled coyly in response before also looking down at her very elaborate attire. Her outfit for the gala was far from what she would call a traditional Halloween costume.
Gone were the juvenile days of witches' hats, fairy wings and ridiculous neon tutus bought at Walmart. The rich and elite celebrated All Hallows' Eve very differently, for it was all about getting on to the best-dressed list. The socialites wanted to be the talk of Manhattan, to grab next morning's headlines and fill their pages with vain photography. That meant expensive, tailor-made, designer versions of Halloween staples; high-class caricatures, extravagant dresses and elegant suits with a dash of paranormal makeup. Any publicity was good publicity. The point was to appear like a couture creation instead of a traditional Halloween character.
Realistically the theme meant nothing, as the holiday was just a mere excuse for another fancy ball.
In Hayley's case, in the place of multiple red and orange tutus with homemade paper flames, she was sporting a more refined fire costume. A rouge, satin jumpsuit with a strapless, sweetheart neckline clothed her thin frame. Down the trouser legs the fabric faded to black, creating an ombré flame effect, with dark, strappy heels to match. Across her bare chest were swirls of gold, orange, yellow and red that the makeup artist Lucy had painstakingly painted onto her skin. Tiny Swarovski crystals had also been applied, causing tiny prisms of light to dance over her body. The jumpsuit exposed the top part of her back with the scars on her shoulder blades open for scrutiny. Lucy had been kind enough to carefully paint large flames over the scars, which also travelled down the lengths of her arms. The overall effect was that of flames consuming her delicate body.
As much as Hayley loved her look, the thought of fire overwhelming her was cruelly ironic.
At least her facial makeup was more in line with traditional Halloween dress. Large, red, false eyelashes were fixed over her lids, with an exaggerated smoky eye covering her pale skin in the shape of a thin mask. There were also a ridiculous amount of crystals dotted over her face in sparkling clusters. Her ginger hair cascaded over her left shoulder in loose, purposeful curls, which complimented the mix of sophisticated horror perfectly.
It had taken just over three hours for the makeup artist to complete the redhead's costume, much to Harry's annoyance – he was not a patient man after all, none of the Osborn's were. However, he could not deny that the final look was well worth the wait.
"If we didn't have to leave, I would take you right here against the door," he purred in a voice that he knew would make her melt. The green in his eyes was ablaze with intense lust to once again feel her naked, porcelain skin beneath his hands. Harry slowly stroked her cheek with his long, gnarled fingers, before ghosting them down her throat, "Hayley, tonight, I will make you scream for me."
She shuddered under his touch, not from fear but rather sexual wanton.
It had been so long…
A sharp rap on the living area door signalled that the car was ready for them. If it were any other old function, Harry would make the driver wait, as he did not want to stop their little moment from unfolding further. However, Manners, Felicia and Karen were already in the car and the lawyer would no doubt get grumpy if they were late. That man liked everything to run like clockwork.
Grinning a toothy, goblin grin, Harry reached to take her hand. He was careful not hold on too tightly, mindful of her new burn injury that was covered by a scarlet, organza glove. They had to keep up appearances, and covering any injuries he had caused her was unfortunately part of their relationship in regards to their public image. It made him sad and full of regret for ever picking up that first cigarillo. Though he meant no harm towards her in that moment, he had damaged her; she had become withdrawn and quiet in the days that followed the balcony incident and her therapy confession. However one wouldn't know it from how she was acting this evening.
Hayley smiled in surprise at his gentleness. Maybe tonight would be a turning point in getting our relationship back on track, she thought hopefully.
The limo ride was boisterous and loud because the whole party was there: Manners and his secretary Karen, Felicia, Harry, and herself. It made her feel warm inside, special even, that she had such a large group of friends. Yet, her only friend, the one who had been with her since childhood, was no longer on this Earth. Guilt started to creep in and Hayley shuddered at the thought of betraying Gwen's friendship by having fun with her new friends.
Harry noticed a dip in the redhead's energy so he put a comforting arm around her waist, drawing her close. His hand was firm and possessive but she barely noticed. Peace washed over her and she looked up to see such a beautiful smirk on her boyfriend's face. It was a content, proud smile, and one that made his chiselled features appear soft. Even through the thick, green makeup, happiness radiated from him. Hayley had never seen him so at ease and comfortable with himself – was it all down to her? Could she be the cause of his happiness?
A memory of Gwen abruptly flashed into her mind.
They had gotten into a fight a month before her death. The blonde had confronted her with concerns over Hayley's health, though she couldn't remember the exact topic. The argument had ended in tears with the redhead sobbing in her friend's lap. She remembered what Gwen had said to her that day, and why that memory had appeared so suddenly upon seeing Harry smile.
In that moment of tears and worry, the pretty blonde was smiling also, her kind, Miss America winning smile. "You deserve to be happy, Hayley. That is all I have ever wanted for you."
Gwen's words rang true in her head: be happy.
Her friends in the car made her happy. The man holding her was her happiness.
"Are you alright?" Harry murmured, low enough for only her to hear.
"Yes," she replied with sigh, her green eyes sparkling. Snuggling further into his warmth, Hayley continued, "When I'm with you, I am always alright."
They shared a quiet moment together before Harry quickly pulled her head sharply into his lap.
"Harry! What the fu – "
A small but firm, tan object sailed past them and whacked into the car seat where her head had been mere seconds ago.
"Oops! Sorry Hay!" screeched Karen with a drunken giggle from one of the seats further down the limo. In her hands she held a freshly uncorked champagne bottle, aloft like a prize. "Anyone want some more bubbly? If, if not, hic, Dave will drink it all!" she goaded with a grin, snatching away the bottle when Manners tried to grab it.
Hayley giggled as she watched the pair squabble over the expensive liquor. It was always fun to see the handsome lawyer enjoy himself in a more playful manner. His secretary was bubbly and somewhat garish at times but she did her job well and had turned Manners into less of a player, though he would profusely deny it.
The lawyer had always had a weakness for blondes, and even though Harry didn't find the woman attractive, Manners seemed besotted with her. She got away with murder. Teasing the man and goading him with her womanly wiles and quick tongue - she was slowly breaking down the many walls that prefect breeding had instilled in him. Finally he was no longer so stuck up, and it was all thanks to Karen…and the alcohol.
The blonde secretary was not dressed as the element air like Harry had joked; in fact she had decided to go as water. She wore a strapless, body-con wrap dress with a chiffon overlay. Its colour was myriad of cool blues and deep sea greens, with a pearlescent wave pattern that seemed to ripple as the fabric sashayed with her curvaceous movements. Her face was also painted expertly with a design that mirrored flowing waves perfectly, and her hair was curled and pinned in layers reminiscent of the Twenties flapper era.
"Shhhh! Dave…you can't, can't have it! It's mine!" Karen slurred loudly. "Pink champag…champne…FE! What's the…that fancy, shmansy – "
"Champagne?" the brunette, who had been a quiet observer up until now, supplied helpfully.
"Exactly! Pink shampain is for girls! Hey!"
Manners snatched away the bottle and glugged down the rose-coloured liquid, "Mine now, Karen! Stop being so utterly ridiculous – hey! Give it back!"
"Make me!"
Felicia tutted quietly to herself at the blonde's already intoxicated state, whilst sipping her own champagne elegantly. She touched her hair lightly, checking that her elaborate style was still in place. Her brunette locks had been gathered together to create a bird nest style updo. Faux twigs and tiny, decorative, white birds were used and placed to emulate an ethereal crown. The dress she wore was simple with an A-line silhouette. Its colour was a deep mahogany brown like the earth element she was trying to represent. Muted feathers, small twigs, and moss were in various clusters on Felicia's bare skin.
The redhead couldn't help but to admire and be a little bit jealous of how beautiful her friend was in her simplicity.
"We're late," Manners remarked grouchily, swatting away the roaming hands of his drunken date. He glanced down at his Rolex and sighed pointedly, "Look at the time."
"Calm down," Harry commented back. "Tonight is meant to be fun. At least try and act like a normal human being. I thought you were used to these functions considering your Ivy League background."
"Dressed as this? How am I meant to have fun?"
Hayley offered the lawyer a warm smile. "I think you look rather dashing," she complimented. For he did, indeed, look as handsome as always.
Dave Manners had decided to take a more traditional and subtle approach to his Halloween costume. Never one to be seen out of some type of suit, Manners was dressed as an airline pilot. His navy uniform was an altered, designer suit, embroidered with the appropriate gold patches, insignias, and golden buttons. A pair of aviator glasses and pilot's flat cap completed the look, the latter of which Karen was currently trying to steal from him. Apparently the champagne had been consumed and forgotten.
"He's just upset that he can't flirt with other women," Harry said in a low voice, smirking all the while – he knew his friend all too well.
Reaching to take Harry's hand in hers, the redhead intertwined their fingers, a smile unable to leave her face; tonight was going to be one to remember.
Just like the last ball she had attended, the Halloween gala was held at the extravagantly decked out Waldorf Astoria. This time however, Hayley could feel a buzz in the air of wonder and magic; the excitement of All Hallows Eve was palpable.
The paparazzi were lined up either side of the red carpet as usual, though this time the carpeted path happened to be midnight blue with a subtle damask print covering it. They seemed even more sinister and imposing than before. Many of the men and women holding cameras were sporting masks of every shape and kind. Everywhere Hayley looked there were werewolves, phantoms, ghouls, even a Scream mask. One would think that the photographers dressing up would be comical but not to her. To be unable to see their eyes, their intent, and whom they were watching, made the hairs on Hayley's painted arms stand on edge.
Harry took it all in his stride, posing and turning like a seasoned professional model. Not one person recoiled at his makeup; no one batted an eyelid at how much he resembled his former villainous self.
There had been a lot of media coverage when the young billionaire had been captured and sent to Ravencroft, Hayley recalled. However, the news channels were only able to use stock photographs of his everyday persona and did not have a photo of him in action or in his Goblin form. The only image that did exist of Harry as the Goblin was grainy and barely decipherable. So bar Hayley, Manners, Felicia, and the Ravencroft staff, the public had never witnessed the Goblin's true form; they had only heard about him.
This realisation made Hayley beam because she had been so worried of him being shunned or horrifically rejected due to his lifelike makeup. Only she knew his Id's face…it was their secret. She leaned upwards slightly at the pleasant thought and popped a feather light kiss upon his mouth. The camera's flashed with ridiculous, hungry speed.
"Going for the money shot are we?" Harry purred, reaching out to hold her hip. "I thought you despised the paparazzi? And now you're giving them what they crave."
"You're right Harry, I do dislike them, but I am not giving them what they want," she replied with earnest, "I am giving you what you deserve."
Initially her response caught him off guard, and his heart began to beat wildly. "And what do I deserve?" the Goblin asked with genuine curiosity.
"Happiness."
"Happiness?" The word was foreign, almost forgotten to him; its sound barely ever crossed his lips, let alone his mind. He had never really known happiness.
"Yes. You are my happiness Harry…Goblin. I hope I can be yours."
Warmth filled his icy eyes. "Screw the cameras," he muttered. With one swift motion, Harry cradled her cheek in his hand and kissed her with all the fiery passion he could muster.
The ballroom was even more beautiful than she could have ever imagined.
The grand room was alive with people, the festivities well under way. The usual opulent drapes that framed the room had been changed to midnight velvet with tree shapes spray-painted on in silver. Huge candelabras were stationed around all entrances and exits, appearing like mystical sentinels marking the way for weary, drunk travellers. Black, silver, and dark navy ribbons hung like streamers across the ceiling of the ballroom, dipping up and down in a zigzag, Maypole pattern. Clusters of silver birch tress with fairy lights sparkled in the dim room creating a spooky yet elegantly beautiful atmosphere; their silhouettes twirled wildly like those on the dance floor. Origami bats, frogs, and spiders of multiple sizes found their home around trays of expensive food and nibbles. They had also been attached to the trees and candelabra posts. Dotted around the room were small, circular tables that had various masks for those guests who had forgotten a costume or preferred to go incognito for the night. All the waiters wore crystal like, blue masks to jazz up their normal serving attire, though many had origami animals perched on their shoulders, which made Hayley's smile deepen.
Apparently the theme was "On a dark and stormy night" which explained the blue and silver colour scheme.
Even though the vision for the Halloween ball was far grander than any bash she had been to before, amongst the richness and splendour were also a few elements of fun.
Three photo booths were positioned on the outskirts of the crowded room. Inside them were traditional costume accessories like witches hats, broomsticks, and wands, among other things, for guests to let loose and fun have for a candid picture. It delighted Hayley hugely to see the socialites and aristocrats actually using them with vigour! Maybe they weren't all stuck up like she had previously thought.
The only noticeable absence in the decorations was the lack of the Halloween staple Jack-o-lantern.
The redhead only had a few moments to admire the room before Karen had grabbed her and Felicia, dragging them to the dance floor – apparently the "Monster Mash" was her jam! The song was so delightfully lively and it was almost impossible for Hayley to dance in such high heels but somehow she managed it. It wasn't long before she found herself lost in the music, letting her body sway to the melodies. She was an awkward dancer with absolutely no rhythm; however, one look at Karen's intoxicated and erratic dancing made Hayley no longer self-conscious.
Felicia giggled and shook her head as the blonde began to do some outrageous krumping moves. "I think Karen is trying to get Manners' attention, don't you?" she shouted over in the music into Hayley's ear.
She clocked onto Karen's eye line to see her come-hither eyes and pouty lips directed straight at the lawyer who was standing by Harry. The redhead was having so much fun she had almost forgotten about the boys who stood by a candelabra, away from the dancing guests.
Wait, was she actually enjoying herself?
"I'll go grab the boys," Felicia informed her with a loud yell, "so stay with Karen!"
As her friend waded through the crowd to collect the male wallflowers, Hayley suddenly felt self-conscious again. Without Felicia's calm and collected persona, she noticed that all eyes were on her. Well, on Karen anyway.
"Woooo! Hay, let's dance!" her drunken friend slurred happily, grabbing her hand. "Gotta let loose girl! Those boys need…need to see what they're missing! Time for girl on girl dancing! That does the trick, sends them wild!"
"Wait, what is – " Hayley began before her arms were lifted above her head. Her eyes widened in embarrassment as her friend began to shimmy her hips close to her body. "I don't see how this – "
"You want Hazzer – "
"God, Karen don't call him that!"
"Haz then. You want Haz to notice you? Wana make him crave you? Then shake that lil ass and dance with me! Men can't resist…how do you think I bagged Dave?" Karen giggled knowingly with an over the top wink of certainty.
Hayley wasn't about to mention that Harry's carnal behaviour back at the manor still proved he wanted her, because her friend looked so happy and fired up to educate her in the art of seduction. So moving her hips in a swaying motion she copied the blonde's movements. Their hands remained clasped as they danced and rocked to the beat of the music, using each as an extension of themselves.
At first it felt alien to dance in this fashion but seeing how much fun Karen was having made even the redhead's prudish nature subside. Besides, that was what friends did for one another; sucked up their pride to make the other happy no matter the cost. Like when she told Gwen she has happy for her to move to England even though it would have killed her inside. Though this situation was a little different and had a lot less at stake. Maybe this was how party girls danced anyway, it's not like she would know first hand. There was nothing behind their actions just the bond of a trusting friendship.
"I'm gonna spin you!" Karen shrieked excitedly before drawing in her friend and flinging her away with a considerable amount of force.
Letting out a small yelp, Hayley closed her eyes as the colourful world around her rushed by. "Ompf!" she grunted as she collided with a tall man. "I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to…" the redhead trailed off, eyes turning cold upon seeing an annoyingly familiar face. Could she not have one night without a bit of drama?
"Watch where…oh, it's you," Doctor Scott snarled, his lip curling in disgust at his former employee. "This is a private function, invitation only Miss Carmichael. Who let scum like you in?"
Her face flushed at his demeaning words. "That would be the same man who invited you no doubt! The foundation's founder, Mr Osborn," she challenged, standing a little taller to exude more confidence than she felt.
"Is he still letting a whore like you stick around? I'm surprised he hasn't thrown you away now that he's used you," the doctor continued his rude assault. He suddenly leaned in close, "Or better yet, killed you, Miss ex-Ravencroft employee. We've seemed to be loosing a lot of them lately."
Did he just insinuate what I think he did? Hayley thought wildly, her heart beating a mile a minute. Does he know?
Scott laughed cruelly at her paled face. "Mark my words, I know all about your secrets with that Osborn boy. I will expose you both if it's the last thing I do."
"Who's this stuffpot?" Karen piped up, suddenly realising that she was dancing solo. "Friend of yours Hay?"
"NO!" the doctor and Hayley practically roared at the same time.
"No, we used to work together," the redhead added begrudgingly through gritted teeth.
"He's not wearing a costume," the blonde observed, prodding the doctor in his normal suited chest to prove a point. "Why aren't you wearing a costume? It's Halloween and you have to wear a costume but you haven't dressed up so why are you here if you don't have a costume because this event is fancy dress and – "
"Shut up you idiot!" Scott barked nastily. "Get out of my way!"
Hayley steeped in front of her nemesis, determined to have the final word. "He is wearing a costume, Karen. It's the same one he wears everyday. A special type of costume called an egotistical, sadistic bastard," she said sweetly though her eyes burned, "it looks so good on you."
"One day, your death will be reported on the news, and when that day comes, I will laugh!" Scott growled threateningly with a satisfied smirk. He shoved the redhead away harshly, striding off into the sea of hammered people.
"What a dick!" Karen attributed before quickly going back to dancing seductively. She hadn't really heard anything that madman had said, not with the alcohol dulling her senses, but she could tell he was a nasty prick from a mile off.
From across the room, Harry had observed the doctor converse with his doll. Even from where he stood the hostility was tangible.
It was almost perfect…
However, he did not intervene as Manners and Felicia were already wading through the dance floor to join the blonde and redhead. He watched Scott leave the girls; his eyes flashing green, narrowing darkly at the man who had caused them both so much pain.
"Patience," the Goblin crooned, "his time will come. Just a little while longer."
"I am already looking forward to it," Harry concurred with malice to his Id. They both watched closely Scott until he was out of their eye line. Then Harry pulled out his cell and sent a short text to a number saved under the name Dmitri. "It won't be long now."
Harry decided to let them all dance for a while, not wanting to loose himself in the event entirely. There were things to do, people to watch. Yet, his eyes still seemed to linger on Hayley, and noticed her eyes darting around the ballroom; was she searching for him?
Her concern almost swayed his resolve and he was about to join them, when his sharp eyes noticed two people staring at him suspiciously. Wilson Fisk, in his usual white suit, was standing in a dark corner, though Harry could spot his gigantic figure a mile off. The unpleasant man was conversing with a tall, gangly boy in a blue hoody, a camera dangling around his neck. Even with a generic mask on, Harry could tell that the younger photographer was Peter Parker. He should have anticipated that the spider would be at this event. At least it would be a lot easier to keep a check on his movements now that Harry knew the vigilante was here.
Taking out his phone once more, he sent another text to Dmitri to inform him of the spider's presence. He had had enough reconnaissance work, and decided to join his friends again, when a smartly dressed, older gentleman accidently blocked his path.
"Menken? What do you want?" Harry asked coldly, trying to get the past the man.
Menken jolted at the sound of his boss' voice, and his body began to shake slightly, though he tried to hide it. Harry's presence caused him to shrink back in fear, his face pale and eyes filled with terror. However, he still attempted to keep up his businessman persona.
At first Harry was caught off guard, completely shocked by the reaction he was getting. Usually, Menken would snarl at him and make small digs about his being unworthy of the Osborn mantle. But not this time. Something was different, and he scratched his chin with a gnarled fingernail. And that's when he remembered. Menken had partial witnessed his Goblin transformation down in the depths of OsCorp. He was there that night and saw the Goblin for real. The poor man was obviously terrified, thinking that the Goblin had returned since Harry had dressed as him for Halloween.
"Relax Menken," he said condescendingly, putting a controlling hand upon the man's shoulder. "Have you never seen a costume before?"
The older man cracked a nervous smile, and a small panicky laugh escaped from his lips, "Of course, Mr Osborn. Of course."
"Please, you honestly think I would go public at an event hosted by my own foundation? I'm not that foolish. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a delicious redhead to dance with."
Life happened as it always does with illness. Sigh.
For a treat, look up "Ship Happens AMV" on Youtube – basically the song of all FanFic people!
I had too much fun describing the Halloween costumes – can you tell I took fashion? Haha
As the plot thickens, so does the chapter length….and my descent into madness!
Much Love XXX