Author's notes: Interesting how this USM cartoon ended on a positive note. For one, it wasn't canceled. For another, both Osborns stayed alive with Norman even becoming good. Most inspiration for this fic will be drawn from Amazing/Spectacular comics storylines.

Also, I have no idea how to write babies. Enjoy!

Summary: [Post series/Future fic] A discussion between an experienced father and a new father of erasing family curses for future generations.

Fathering a Brighter Future

"Peek-a-boo!"

A young laughter filled the apartment.

"Peek-a-boo!" An adult Peter was using his Spidey mask to cover his face and reveal himself. His rich, brown hair had shortened. His chin had also developed more. He was playing the childish game with an infant.

The baby sitting on the carpet had wavy auburn hair and wore a yellow onesie. The clapping was clumsy but still displayed unbridled joy and wonder.

An adult Harry was on the other side of the living room. He combed back his well-kept auburn hair. He traded his casual but designer clothing for his own traditional business suit. Halfway lying on the ground, he kept an eye on the infant. He watched in amusement. "You're lucky babies don't remember anything. You think you'd be OK letting my son know one day?"

Peter ceased his game play. He gazed at the red mask he wore for ages. He brushed the flexible material with his thumbs. "I wouldn't want Liz to feel left out. We'll cross that bridge when we get there."

Harry nodded. The once popular Midtown High student Elizabeth "Liz" Allan was now the spouse of the wealthy young Osborn. He hadn't told her about Peter's classified lifestyle, even if the beautiful blonde was Peter's past high school crush. He respected the brunet's wish. The two men, after all, had been friends for years. They knew each other's secrets. They also worked long hours. He yawned.

"Problems sleeping?" Peter asked.

"Oscorp business," Harry tiredly replied. "Plus, waking up late at night whenever Normie cries. Sometimes he's had a nightmare. Sometimes he's hungry or needs a diaper change. I'm usually the one awake, so I let Liz sleep."

He minded his newborn. The little one was gazing around with curiosity. A solemn, discursive question had been surrounding the man's mind. He would do whatever it took to keep his child safe.

"Harr?" Peter called.

The businessman snapped out of his pondering.

"C'mon, Normie," Harry gently coaxed as he sat up. "Come to Daddy."

The baby recognized who called him. Eagerly, he crawled. He was still far too young to even take steps. He squealed in delight when he reached his parent.

Peter watched the new father and his son enjoy each other's company. He noted the dark attitude but chose not to question it. Instead, he smiled. "Look at you taking charge of so much—your son, your company. And to think you were once afraid of not passing high school science."

"What are you getting at?"

"Just days gone by. Seems like yesterday we were at Midtown High."

Harry looked at his first-born. Much had changed since they last opened a textbook for school. The two met in high school. They were both graduates of Empire State University. Who Harry was currently holding meant everything to him. Gently, he released his son and allowed him to explore the safe area. "At least the four of us are neighbors now. And Flash still drops by."

Peter recalled his school bully turned friend. "Yeah, being Agent Venom for S.H.I.E.L.D. eats up a lotta of his time. On the plus side, he gets to travel, too. He spent some time in Iraq. Heard he met a nice woman in Vietnam."

"I tried to get him something still within the city. I offered him a job at Oscorp. He declined. At least he found something post his football star days."

Peter turned his eyes towards a photo. It featured those he knew back at Midtown High—himself, Harry Osborn, Flash Thompson, and Mary Jane Watson now Parker. He had grown close to others who attended the S.H.I.E.L.D. Academy and his college life. But these were people who were comfortable knowing his dual identity. He was also aware of his wife's previous situation. He knew about her staying with her own aunt because her father wasn't the most reliable one. He also held sympathy for Flash. The blond came from a home that was less than ideal. They were fortunate to escape it. They made new lives for themselves.

As the brunet reminisced, Harry realized he hadn't heard anything from his boy. He immediately searched for him. He sighed with relief. Little Normie sat in front of the TV. He stared at the bright screen. Smiling, he seemed to recognized someone there.

"Hey, genius," Harry called. "Your wife is on TV."

The brunet broke out of his daze. He quickly turned his attention to the screen. They watched the redhead give her story. She maintained her dimples and developed a minor clef.

Peter placed on a sad smile. "She used to spend night after night worrying about me. You know, cruising by web. Now that she's traveling all around the country, I'm the one worried about her."

The best friend sensed the pain of departure. He underwent something similar whenever he needed to venture outside the city for Oscorp business. He disliked leaving behind his wife and son. But when he returned, he made sure to let them know that he missed them. He knew his best bud's situation differed from his. Calmly, he replied, "Let her enjoy it now. She won't be able to do much traveling in the future, I'm presuming."

Nonchalantly, Peter shrugged. "Well, it's not like she needs to be concerned for her own aunt as much anymore. Aunt May and M.J.'s aunt Anna are still neighbors. It's great for them to be there for each other."

((Aunt May and Missus Watson are the best of neighbors. It's great Aunt May has a good friend to keep her company in that house. It wasn't easy for me to move outta her place. It's been my home every since my parents died and she took me in. I left when I started attending Empire State University. Aunt May was obviously sad about me moving. I was, too. But she was encouraging and knew this was something I needed to do. Nearly came to tears when she told me her house will always be my home.))

He was aware of the trials his long-time friend weathered with his own wife. While Liz was unaware of her neighbor being Spider-man, she was aware of the Osborn's ominous past. "So how goes the new hires? Was Liz especially ecstatic with who you got a job for?"

Harry understood his neighbor. "I'm grateful that Liz already knows what it's like to have family members… not always being on the right side. Looking back, it wasn't easy for either of us to have had that break up. At least now I understand why she did what she did. She was just being loyal to her blended family. Like she is now."

"Speaking of family, does it feel strange to have an ex-con part of your security team?"

"I learned a long time ago the importance of second chances. Guess I owe a thanks to my old tutor for that lesson."

The two eyes met. They smirked.

((Mark Raxton A.K.A. The Molten Man. Or, I should say, former Molten Man. He was a criminal that got into a bad batch of chemicals that coated his body with a gold alloy that changed his life. He could melt anything when his body temperature rose. Hence, the name. To make matters even stranger, he's Liz's step-brother, making him Harry's brother-in-law. He's crossed paths with Spider-man before. We faced each other in the first round when the Grand Master and his brother were playing their games with Earth. Now Mark's looking to turn a new leaf. Considering Oscorp once was under the rule of The Goblin, it makes sense for Harry willing to give someone a second chance. Guess it's best to set a good example for future generations.))

He looked back at his godchild. He felt proud when his best friend asked him and his wife to be little Normie's godparents. Such an honorable position showed how deep their bond was. The little one seemed ready for a nap. His large, round eyes were drooping. He gave out his own yawn.

Harry spotted his best friend observing tiny Normie. He teased, "Women swoon over babies. Ever thought of expanding your family?"

The brunet blushed. "Uh…"

A wave of police cruisers interrupted the conversation. They rushed past the apartment complex. Their sirens signalized trouble. And with that trouble, no matter how minor, always stirred heroes.

"Duty calls!" Peter announced.

Young brown eyes watched in fascination as the brunet swapped his street clothes to the notorious red and blue costume. He didn't cry when the red mask covered the face.

Spider-man was prepared to leap out the window. He stopped at the frame and turned around. "Any chance Patrioteer would like to take to the sky again one day?"

Harry kept his son close to him. Keeping a straight face, he replied, "You have your responsibilities; I have mine."

Spider-man and the one under the mask respected that decision. "Then do me a solid and lock up when you leave? I don't need a robber rummaging through my comic book collections just because me and M.J. are out. What good is it giving my neighbors the spare key?"

"Don't forget: It was this neighbor who helped you two find a new place to live. And how about throwing parties? Though, for theft, I doubt any insurance will cover something as geeky as your collection."

"Hey, some of those issues I bought back in high school are now worth a bit more than chump change. Maybe one day someone will write adventures about me."

The hero shot his webs and left.

"That'll be the day." Harry turned to young Normie. "Everyone invests differently, I suppose."

He recalled a time when he wore a metal suit and flew between skyscrapers. His motivation for doing so involved the one who raised him alone. He loved and respected his father. He wanted to be that same hero in the eyes of his own son. Such a loving ambition didn't require him to wear the armor. A man in charge of a company also had a bright, loyal wife and a joyful child by his side. Protecting them and providing for them was his responsibility to take on. Fortunately, they didn't have any villains threatening the family. At least, none within immediate proximity.

He stood up. Tenderly, he gathered the baby in his arms and placed him in his stroller.

"C'mon, Normie. Let's go visit Grandpa."

The outdoors were as quiet as a cemetery. The somber atmosphere was appropriate because it was a cemetery. Soft clouds gently sailed by. Trees stood tall and offered shade. The wind blew, brushing the emerald grass. The headstones were at peace.

An older man sat on a bench. His face had grown winkles. Next to him was a bouquet of freshly cut flowers. Keeping his aged blue eyes to the ground, he was deep in thought. Now that his role as head of a vast company had waned as his son's position waxed, he had more time to ponder and reflect. Some of those meditations brought questions.

"I figured you'd be here," a familiar voice called.

He looked up at the sound. His features softened as he became elated. "Harry."

"Hi, Dad." Harry took a seat next to his aging father. He then unstrapped the youngest member of the Osborn family. He gently placed little Normie on his lap before handing him over. His first-born completed his rest while on their drive.

"And how's my grandson?" Norman asked as he accepted the newborn. Lifting him up, he held him close so he could gaze into the deep eyes.

Young hands excitedly clutched graying auburn hair.

Norman was glad how quickly acquainted small Normie became with him. He couldn't believe that his son and daughter-in-law named their first child after him. He was certain that someone from the Allan family meant something more to the new couple. He was aware of the skeletons already in their closet. But he was convinced no skeleton from their side was as big or as green.

He shook his head. He refused to allow such negativity to dwell on him.

"What brings you out from Soho?" Norman asked as he settled down his grandson. He was always present whenever Harry needed to move, like from the rebuilt Oscorp penthouse to a space closer to Empire State University. The change wasn't easy for him. But he accepted that his boy needed to have his own life.

Harry eyed the attachment between grandfather and grandson. He was glad tiny Normie bonded well with the eldest Osborn. Casually, he replied, "I was visiting Peter."

"Your neighbor?" Norman highlighted. He found it amusing how close the two high school friends stayed. They shared an apartment for a brief time while attending college as undergrads. Now, after the weddings, they were neighbors in the same apartment complex. The Parkers lived on the floor above the Osborns.

Harry chuckled at the notion. "I figured with his wife reporting stories across the nation that he'd want some company. So I brought over his godchild."

"Where is he now?"

"Taking care of his responsibilities."

Norman grasped the second meaning. He nodded. He was aware of Harry's decision about Patrioteer. The two had discussed whether or not to pursue that identity after Harry took more control of Oscorp. But he also respected the choice the young auburn made when the next generation was born. So far the only additional member to know about Harry's time as a hero was his wife.

As he noticed that Harry was alone, he asked, "Weren't Liz and Mark with you? I thought you two were showing him around the company."

"We were. We did. Now I'm letting Liz spend some alone time with her step-brother. She wants to be there for him and make sure he's adjusting to civilian life OK." He was glad he married such a nurturing soul. He knew the risks in hiring a former scoundrel. He was aware of Mark indicting Liz in helping him steal chemicals that could help heal his fiery curse. But Liz stood by him. Mark was important to her. Harry was genuine in giving him employment. He refused to be intimidated by him. Or by anybody else anymore.

Still rather young blue eyes gazed at the ground. Such an incident was minor. Something more crucial clawed at his spirit. His face turned grim. "Besides, there's something important I want to talk to you about."

Norman noted how serious his son became. He quit his playing with little Normie and gave his full attention to Harry. "What is it?"

The untrodden businessman took a moment to collect himself. The brooding inquiry that hung over him during those late nights overcame him once more. He looked at his boy before looking at the eldest Osborn. "I want to know how old Normie can be before I give him the Goblin vaccine."

The heavy question rang in the older man's ears. His face fell. The past was still haunting the present. "Oh, Harry, how could you think of such things?"

"How could I not?!" the young man retorted. His loud voice overflowed with anguish.

The baby stopped his bouncy movements and looked at his distraught parent. He questioned the outburst. He became worried.

Harry composed himself. He gently rubbed the soft auburn hair. He then explained in a quieter tone, "When you were The Goblin, you were gone for so long. I was almost a Goblin. I don't want that curse to come on to my son. I can't bear letting him become some Goblin Childe."

Norman heard the plea. He looked at his grandson. The brown eyes were so innocent. The path of the newborn was bright and wide. Like with Harry, Norman wanted what was best. He knew his son wasn't holding his past lifestyle against him. After all, he was permitted to have contact with young Normie. What the new father was looking to prevent was understandable.

"Let me see what I can do," he finally answered. "I'll work on the vaccine. Make sure it's safe. Meanwhile, you talk to your wife about this idea. You don't want this crossing with other shots he'll be getting. Secret keeping is rough on any marriage."

Harry relaxed. "Yeah, I will. I just wanted to get your opinion first."

He took back his son, who was always happy to see him. He was grateful to have understanding people in his life. Those days when his own father was The Goblin were long gone. Such a deep despair slowly lifted.

Norman smiled. He was glad his son continued to appraise his experience. He had grown competitive against his own father, Ambrose Osborn; he worked to be the better provider. But such an unhealthy outlook dropped when he and Harry reconciled. Harry always accepted Norman in his life. He showed no desire to prove to anyone that he would be a good father. The two continued their rapport.

As Norman watched them play, a new question came to his mind. "Harry, are you sure it was such a good idea to bring your son… here?"

The elder father obviously referred to the unpleasantly sights of headstones. The auburn nodded. "Yeah, there's someone I want him to meet."

Norman understood the intention. He grabbed the bouquet and came to his feet. "Then let's go see her."

He watched as his son stood up as well. There was a time when he could place his chin on top of Harry's head. Now that same young adult had reached the same height as him.

Once young Normie was strapped in his stroller, the family walked down the dirt path. It didn't take them long to find the sought after headstone. They had memorized the way—past the wooden bench but before the tall tree with a giant hole. They arrived at a particular grave. Wheels stopped where the patch of dirt started.

The young adult kneeled next to the stroller.

"Normie," Harry called. "This is your grandma Emily."

Young eyes stared ahead. He paid less attention to the headstone and focused more on the spider crawling over it. Its eight legs granted its strange movement. Other visitors may keep their graves tidy, deeming the arachnids and their cobwebs as unsightly. But the spider was doing its part in keeping the area clean from insects.

Norman placed down the fresh bouquet. He was careful not to destroy the arachnid's home. He also made sure the deceased woman's name was visible. As he brought himself up, he turned crestfallen. He had achieved his goal in bringing back honor and meaning to the Osborn name. That was his ambition he shared with Emily. She believed in him. He would always miss her.

Harry spotted the elder man's pain. The father and son had their ups and downs. Yet their bond was unbreakable. He still had his network with his best bud and their long-time friends. He was married to a caring wife and shared a healthy baby. He knew there was plenty to be thankful for. However, one qualm broke the surface. "With us still a family and Liz keeping her ties with her step-brother… I'm glad no stupid Goblin is separating us anymore. I just wish she could've met him."

Old blue eyes left the headstone and landed on the young man's face. He noted the sad smile coming across Harry's features. He assured, "She would've been delighted to be a grandma. She was so joyous when she was a mother."

Emily Osborn had passed on her when her boy was a year old. But during that preparation, she was jubilant. Though her time wasn't long with her own newborn, she treasured those moments.

"We're still together," Norman reminded. "I'm still here. For you and my grandson."

Harry looked at his son. Affectionate eyes gazed back at him. It had been some time since the Osborn family had trickled down to a single father and his only child. Now it had been expanded. He nodded, "Yeah, there's still so much to teach Normie. Like what it means to be an Osborn. That we're family. And that we're working to make his future a bright one."

Norman placed his arm around his son, and Harry smiled.

The stroller turned with the three generations of Osborns heading out side by side.

End Fathering a Brighter Future

Norman Harold "Normie" Osborn/Goblin Childe, see Amazing Spider-Man vol. 1 #263, 1985. For Goblin Childe, see Amazing Spider-Man vol. 1 #799, 2018.

Elizabeth "Liz" Allan-Osborn, see Amazing Fantasy #15, 1962. (Properly named in Amazing Spider-Man vol. 1 #4, 1962.)

Anna May-Watson, see Amazing Spider-Man vol. 1 #15, 1964.

Mark Raxton/Molten Man, see Amazing Spider-Man vol. 1 #28, 1965. For his USM appearance, see S3 "Contest of Champions".

Amberson "Ambrose" Osborn, see The Spectacular Spider-Man Annual #14, 1994.

Emily Osborn-Lyman, for initial appearance in a photo, see Spectacular Spider-Man #180, 1991 ("The Child Within: Part 3 of 6"). For full appearance, see Spider-Man: Revenge of the Green Goblin #1, 2000. For her possible return as Emma, see Amazing Spider-Man vol. 1 #789, 2018.