Author's notes: Just a simple one to balance out the heavier ones. Enjoy!

Summary: [Post series/Future fic] Norman struggles with Harry's departure to college. Perhaps some sage advice from Aunt May can alleviate his withdrawal.

Empty Nest Syndrome

The tinted windows of a luxurious limo reflected the countless citizens walking on the sidewalk. The city streets were packed with other shuffling cars, taxis, and buses. The one sitting in the back seat paid little attention to the outside world. His winkled blue eyes stared at a screen flashing back at him. Scanning through documents, he found himself unable to concentrate. He brushed one hand through his graying auburn hair. Norman Osborn, the head of Oscorp, never bore through car sickness. None of the external noise distracted him. Not even music played via the particularly adjusted speakers. Something else weighed on his heart.

He looked across from him. The other seat was vacant. He sighed. His son was no longer living alongside him in the penthouse atop of Oscorp.

As Harry Osborn grew into a young adult, he had graduated from Midtown High (and S.H.I.E.L.D.'s Academy as Patrioteer). He was accepted into Empire State University. He wanted to live in an apartment near campus. Harry insisted for more space. He wanted to set his own rules and boundaries. His commute to classes would be cut in more than half. Norman had only agreed to pay the steep rent if his boy could find a responsible roommate. Once responsible became a stipulation, Harry enlisted his best friend since high school Peter Parker.

The genius of Midtown High had earned an academic scholarship. The two had agreed on house rules. Unlike their time in high school, they didn't always see each other. Peter was working as a freelance photographer for The Daily Bugle. He also snuck out at random hours to adorn the red and blue costume. Meanwhile, Harry had begun his networking on and off campus. The brainy brunet kept the active auburn straying from his studies. The roles reversed as Harry persuaded Peter to experience their campus life outside the chemistry labs.

Norman had helped Harry move into the upscale apartment. In addition to finding the perfect location, he had also supervised the movers. He wanted to make it clear that he would still lend a hand to his son whenever he could. Time had gone by, and he hadn't received any calls for assistance. The younger Osborn had yet to give a peep past his first couple of weeks in school. He knew his son was busy. He trusted Harry was keeping up with his studies. He understood the young man would need breaks and could associate with his close friends, all who were also chasing college degrees. However, he struggled with the boy's absence; Harry was his only child.

The penthouse had grown silent. No one else was with him during breakfast or dinner (lunch was usually separate because of routines). Perhaps the toughest change was no one greeting the older Osborn when he completed his work for the day. Usually, Harry finished his schooling and would welcome his father. He accepted that modifications were needed. Osborns weren't one for regrets; they sought after their objectives at all costs. Norman, however, rued how long it took him to enjoy his son's company.

Sighing once more, he wished, "If only I had more time to spend with him before he reached adulthood."

All the cars on the road stopped at the red light. He observed the people opposite end of his limo. Some envious eyes were on him, or rather, his expensive vehicle. No doubt their own worries and concerns swirled around their heads as they walked. Living in the city, however, gave people little time to ponder. Everyone needed to run errands and maintain a work schedule to live with the exorbitant rents and rates. Age couldn't be factor in laziness. Having already stored money away, Norman strongly believed retirement could never be for him. And it seemed it wasn't for someone else. Something soon caught his attention. He saw a familiar elderly woman. She placed her items in reusable bags on a bus bench. He noticed a can had slipped out of her belongings.

"Circle the block," he ordered his driver. He opened the door and stepped out. He managed to safely hustle before traffic started moving again. Unharmed, he arrived at the cracked sidewalk overrun with weeds. He bent down and picked up the can.

"Hmm…" May thought to herself. "Looks like I've misplaced something."

She heard someone behind her say, "You dropped this, Missus Parker."

Recognizing the bold voice, she turned around. She spotted a tall man wearing a business suit. She didn't seem intimidated by a corporate powerhouse. Instead she smiled, "Oh, Mister Osborn, nice to see you again."

As Norman turned over the can, he closely studied his son's best friend's guardian. Her hair became whiter, and her face retained more winkles. Yet her eyes maintained a spark for adventure. Her intrepid spirit kept herself from aging rapidly. He was aware of the close bond between the elderly Parker woman and his boy. He believed he could find a reliable news source from her. He aimed to be subtle in his search. "Yes, nice to see you as well. How is your nephew? Still enjoying the shared apartment with my son?"

"I know Peter was excited to start his new chapter at E.S.U.," May replied. Her voice became warmer and more jubilant at mentioning her family. "He had aced his first science exam with Professor Warren. But other than that, I'm afraid I hadn't heard much from him lately."

The industrialist grew surprised with her last remark. "You… you haven't?"

"Not since after I bought a new couch. Peter insisted on moving my old one to the curb by himself. Oh, I know he's up to his ears with his studies, freelance job, and other responsibilities. So I understand. I'm retired. Now I'm keeping myself engaged in maintaining my house, volunteer work, and activities for seniors. And I can imagine you've been busy as ever."

"With Oscorp, of course."

"Also in raising Harry. How has your son been? He was ecstatic when he told me the good news of his acceptance. I'm so proud of him."

Norman took in the question. His hope in finding a reliable wellspring regarding his child went unmet. Sheepishly, he answered, "I'm afraid you and I are in the same boat. I haven't heard a word from Harry. Not after his first week of class."

Her smile faded a little. She studied the robust man in front of her. Over time she had learned to associate with someone who owned a corporation. She and her deceased husband Ben became acquainted with Norman because of his rapport with their nephew and his best friend. But she no longer saw an industrialist. She noticed something they had in common. She spotted a parent like herself. And the two were adapting to a quieter residence.

Norman picked up the lull in their chitchat. He felt ashamed for the lack of contact he had with his boy. Quickly, he added, "I know he's adjusting and settling into his new life. It's a very nice apartment he found. It's just… ever since my wife Emily had passed… it's always been the two of us."

He couldn't believe the last line he blurted. He had always eclipsed his personal life. Even from his only child. Yet talking to the elderly woman he had grown to know eased him. She presented the same caring qualities as her nephew.

Keeping her own life in mind, May understood where he was coming from. She placed her eyes on the taller man and insisted, "There isn't anything wrong with small families."

She saw she caught his attention. She understood the pain of losing a spouse, and the anxiety of caring for a child. She continued, "You and I, Mister Osborn… we've done our part in raising boys who came into our lives. We parented them to become men who give respect, not act as entitled respectable men. I've know Harry since his time at Midtown High. I know he wishes to emulate you and make you proud. He's grown into a fine young man."

Norman had worried he would let down his wife in his child rearing abilities. He became glad his work was noticed. "Thank you, Missus Parker. And you've done an outstanding job with Peter."

"I owe half the work to my late husband Ben. It was never a chore to have Peter stay with us." May then slightly changed her tone. "The trials of parenthood can shape us who we are presently. Neither of us need to lose our entire identity in the parents we became. We've raised our boys to be strong. We'll allow them to return should they need anything. They'll come back to see us. Until then we get to resume our lives or find new beginnings. I've already shared with you my plans. Peter and Harry have their current goals."

Looking the proud industrialist in the eye, she asked, "What is it that you want, Mister Osborn?"

Norman paused. He glanced away as he pondered. He had always fought for his desires. He had placed his entire being into Oscorp. He struggled to bring back honor to the name Osborn. The few moments he had any peace was living alongside his wife Emily Osborn. After the birth of their son and the death of his spouse, he did what he could to care for him. They had only recently patched up their rapport.

"I'm not sure I can do what you're doing, Missus Parker," he confessed. A pain enveloped in his heart. "You are finding ways to busy yourself while in retirement. I'm still in charge of Oscorp. Harry barely began his studies in college. It will be awhile before he's at the company's head. I just don't want him to make the same mistakes that I did."

The woman listened to his answer. They sounded genuine. She replied, "It sounds like you do have a plan. It's the same as mine."

"Huh?" Norman returned his gaze to the elderly Parker. "Pardon me?"

May's warm smile returned. "We both want to be in the lives of our family. Me for my nephew. You for your son."

The businessman realized he wasn't alone in his ambition. Many parents undergo their children setting forth from their home. At least with Peter and Harry their exodus was under good terms. Norman wondered how he could achieve that purpose. He knew he couldn't bombard his child with phone calls or texts. He didn't wish to be controlling as he once was. Yet there was plenty on his plate that he couldn't scrape off into the disposal.

May formed an idea of what was running through Norman's head. She tried to be encouraging. "You still want to run your company, so do it. The only difference between then and now is that you aren't allowing yourself to have it consume you. It sounds more of what you want is to be there for Harry."

Norman remembered his son's time as a teenager. Not so long ago the Osborns were battling against Venom, Doctor Octopus, The Goblin, and Anti-Venom. With his own desire for power, he paid little attention to his son's well-being. He had preferred the black symbiote to take control over his son despite it endangering Harry's health. He was proud of Harry when the boy became Patrioteer. He was afraid for his life when Harry came into contact with Anti-Venom. Their time living peaceful lives seemed so short.

"You won't be gone from his life," May reminded. "He'll still want you around for his E.S.U. graduation ceremony, his wedding, and the birth of his children."

Norman reflected on his life. He had accomplished what he did by pushing everyone away. His son was different from him. Like a coin. Harry had accepted Peter's offer for tutoring, and he learned to work as a team from his time as a S.H.I.E.L.D. student. He was proud of Harry for completing his high school degree and his acceptance into his alma mater. The father and son had come into an agreement that Harry would earn his university degree first before he would wear a tux for any grand, life changing commemoration. A smile came to his face as he thought about grandchildren.

May could see her words made a difference. She smiled. "You had welcomed your son into your life. Harry has his, and he wants you in it. You should still live yours."

Norman nodded. He wanted his son to be a strong man. He believed he had achieved that goal. "Yes, you are right. Thank you, Missus Parker."

He noticed once more the reusable bags she was carrying. His limo had returned to its spot from where he debunked. He asked, "Can I offer you a lift?"

"That's alright. I need the exercise. I'm preparing myself for my trip to the Andes Mountains in South America later this month."

Norman nearly dropped his jaw. He had known her adventurous side. He assumed her senior activities included water aerobics and sewing circles. It seemed age wasn't slowing her down. He grew impress by her commitment. "Oh, well, safe travels, then."

"Thank you, Mister Osborn. And Harry will be keeping his contact with you. He loves you. Remember that."

The two went their separate ways. Norman headed back to his limo, and May resumed her journey to the neighborhood. The hardened businessman felt a tad lighter than before.

The elderly woman had returned from her errand. She made it back to Forest Hills no problem. Presently, she was baking in her kitchen. A heavy-used white apron was around her front. Dirty dishes piled in the kitchen sink. A cake baked from scratch was nearly done cooling off on its rack. The whole room was warm from the cooking oven. She had prepared a bowl of homemade frosting. She was setting herself to ice it when she heard someone entering.

"Peter?" she called as she turned around.

"Yep," a familiar voice answered. He approached the doorway. "It's only me, Aunt May."

"What are you doing all the way out from the city? What about your class?"

"It got canceled today. The professor had a conference to get to. I thought I'd swing by and see how my favorite gal was doing."

May saw Peter entering the kitchen. He had grown much taller. His hair was shorter. But there remained a sense of love in his blue eyes. She would always remember the day her home became Peter's home. As it always would be. The two pulled into a hug. The woman smiled. She was glad her nephew made his choice to give her company. It was clear he still wanted a connection with her.

"How was traffic?" May asked, looking at Peter's blue eyes. They had changed so much from when they were wider and rounder. They now held courage and strength.

"Not bad. Hitting the air fare was only blocked by the usual clouds of pigeons." He knew of what she still had to offer. He wanted to make sure she made time for herself. He was concerned for her safety. "You all set for your trip? Got all the right clothes and shoes? You already exchanged your currency?"

"Just about. No need to fuss over this experienced traveler." She then watched his impish eyes. They traveled away from her and landed around the counter. Having raised him, she knew what he was after. She immediately placed herself between her nephew and the bowl of frosting.

"Don't even think about it," she warned, waving a rubber spatula. She braced herself to use her kitchen supply as a weapon against a full-grown adult. One with super powers.

Peter was set to use his quick speed to snag a taste. His aunt had well-prepared herself over the years of housing superheroes. He dared not try. "Aw, why not?"

"This one is for the church's bake sale."

"You mean I made this trip all the way for nothing?"

"I figured you'd be here. I already made a spare. It's in the fridge."

The brightness in the young man's smile grew. "You're the best, Aunt May!"

"There's also milk in the fridge. You can wrap up the rest. Take it to your apartment and share it with your friends."

"No way!" Peter chuckled. "This whole cake is mine!"

The younger Parker did worry for his aunt. He knew she was one who put others before herself, yet she never forgot to take care of herself. He was glad she was involved in other activities, much like when he was in high school. Feeling satisfied that his aunt was in high spirits, he leaned forward and gave her a kiss on her cheek.

Norman Osborn worked tirelessly in his office. Having returned from his meeting, he resumed his production on his laptop. His eyes dashed between documents. The back of his mind reviewed the advice from the elderly Parker woman. He recalled years ago he would sit in front of a monitor and type away on a keyboard. In the background he would hear a little child cooing and babbling as he played. The noises he continued to hear were his email notifications and his phone lines ringing. No child was present with him.

He leaned back on his office chair and rubbed his head. Having spent many hours in his labs and board rooms, he often missed out on opportunities with his son. He knew he could never go back and regain those moments. He needed to move forward. They both had to. He wished for a way to strengthen their connection.

A door opening caught his attention. He wasn't expecting anyone. But his employees sometimes came to his office with emergencies. He loathed any disruption. He became surprised when a voice caught his attention.

"Hey, Dad."

"Harry?" Norman turned baffled upon seeing his son. He looked at the clock on his monitor. "What are you doing here? Don't you have class?"

The college student had given his father his schedule. He memorized the boy's lectures, labs, and even the room numbers. Having already attended the university, he could easily track down his child should an emergency spring up. He was aware of his son's other activities, such as any tutoring. Yet here was the young man standing in front of him with nothing on his shoulders.

"It got canceled," Harry announced as he approached his father's desk. "The professor's at a conference."

Norman stood up and studied his son. Like his best friend, Harry had grown taller. He retained his short hairstyle. His own blue eyes displayed his courage as his adolescent impulsivity had faded. Questioning the deviation, the businessman asked, "You won't be falling behind? What about your tutoring session?"

Harry understood his father wasn't looking to harangue or scold him. Despite his dad's stern appearance, he could tell when Norman was truly upset. At the moment, the man seemed concerned for his education. Harry assured, "Peter said he'd be gone the rest of the morning. I'll catch up with him, Flash, and Mary Jane to review Wednesday's notes. There won't a be a quiz until later this month."

He worked to keep his ties with his friends. He recalled how Peter felt uncomfortable when Norman had hired professional movers. It was a sense of money. It was also the knowledge that the once wall-flower could easily move any piece of furniture no problem. The brunet still struggled with accepting help. So Harry did his part in allowing them to complete their apartment's chores in their own manner. Like any pair or roommates, they had their fights. But that was a price for leaving the nest. They had to seek shelter somewhere.

Norman grew impress with his son's agenda. He was pleased by how organized his boy became. "It sounds like you have thought ahead."

Harry smiled at his father's praise. "I didn't feel much like going back to the apartment. I thought I'd use the free time to see you. I wanted to see how things have been since classes have started."

He wanted to check on his father's well-being since his departure. He understood his father had it rough, especially after his mother's death. He wanted to keep their communications line open.

Norman couldn't help but smile. When he had moved out as a young adult, he never looked back. Overtime he grew to accept his life and his son's life were different. It didn't have to be a negative disparity. Though the penthouse was empty, he wanted his son to fly back to the nest whenever he needed.

"I hadn't eaten yet," Harry brought up as he checked his watch. "Can we grab lunch?"

The older Osborn looked at the clock on his screen. He had incoming emails. He had revisions to make. He had budgets to approve. At the moment, he turned everything on silence. "Yes, let's do that. You can tell me more about what your professor is teaching you."

As Harry felt his father put an arm around him, he chuckled, "Why? So you can criticize and correct him?"

Norman accepted his new position in his life. There would be moments of bitterness, but he felt he earned those emotions. Now was a moment for him to cherish. He walked with his son back to the door. "If I'm paying all that tuition, you should be learning what's right."

End Empty Nest Syndrome

Empire State University, see Amazing Spider-Man vol. 1 #1, 1963.

Miles Warren/The Jackal, see Amazing Spider-Man vol. 1 #31, 1965. As The Jackal, see Amazing Spider-Man vol. 1 #129, 1974.

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.