Warning: Story contains implied drug abuse

Writing goal: 1,000 words

Author's notes: Both the Raimi and Webb movies portrayed Harry as an alcoholic. In the comics he was more of a pill-popper. I recommend checking out The Amazing Spider-Man Vol. 1 #96-98, 1971. I'm glad Stan Lee and his crew examined the restricted taboo topic. Enjoy!

Summary: The hypocrisy everyone carries.

Hypocrisy

The brown door swung open. Two teenagers and one adult entered a grand suite in a swanky hotel. There were two queen-size beds, a flat screen TV rested a top of a dresser, a medium-sized desk, a small nightstand, and a sizable bathroom. Painted artwork in wooden frames hung on the wall. A fresh linen scent soaked the air. The mini-fridge was cold and stocked with goodies. The pricey room had been prepared for another set of visitors. A topnotch room for a well-deserved vacation.

The two younger guests appeared far more excited compared to the adult. Their smiles were wide. Their eyes took in the posh exterior as they pushed themselves through. Neither could wait to start relaxing. What needed to be established first, however, was who was sleeping where.

"I call the bed next to the window!" Harry excitedly yelled. He plopped his suitcase on the claimed mattress. He unzipped his bag and removed a couple of his belongings—his shirts, socks, and toiletries.

The window was wide. Its cream curtains were drawn all the way back. The clean pane permitted the viewer to see the hotel's grand landscape of luscious green grass and crystal clear swimming pools.

"Hey," Peter protested as he joined the setting. "Why do you get that one?"

"Because the room is under the Osborn name," Harry replied.

"Well, I'm your guest."

"It's a hotel, Pete. We're all guests here."

Norman had remained behind. He silently watched as the two playfully bickered. When he was discussing vacation plans with Harry, he didn't mind boarding his son's best friend. He figured he owed the brunet for maintaining his friendship with Harry during his truancy. He decided to let them figure out their sleeping arrangements on their own. "I'll be in the next room over. We can decide dinner later. You boys don't stay out too late."

He purposefully rented the luxury suite. He wanted to stay near his son but allowed him and his buddy their privacy. He walked towards the shared door. Behind it was another room. It appeared to be as grand. The only difference was a large, single bed. He also had his own bathroom and closet.

Harry, knowing he defended his camp, turned towards his father. "Let's see what you got."

He connected his phone to charge and placed his wireless earbuds, comb, and other items on a side table. He then followed his parent.

Peter watched the duo leave. He was glad their bond had been repaired. He was alone but could hear a growing heated conversation next door. Norman had brought some work along but tried to promise his job would only occur when the two boys were gone. Peter understood his once enemy. Facing against a monster like The Goblin as Spider-man was no easy task. He had his team with him. But he knew how tough the situation was for his pal. He hoped for a compromise but wanted no part in the exchange. He accepted the vacant bed. At least he was closer to the bathroom. He settled his bag on top of the crisp sheets.

Unzipping his suitcase, he found his red and blue costume. His eyes widened, and his heart nearly jumped out of his chest. He hurriedly looked for any Osborn returning. He performed his superhero duty the best he could. He wanted to enjoy the patio and sunshine. Though he had no intention of slipping it on, he brought his gear just in case. He was particular like that. Shifting his bag, the edge smacked against the nightstand. Harry's items slipped. Including an orange container. The lid wasn't sealed all the way. Pills dropped to the carpet. The bottle emptied out.

"Shoot!" Peter gasped. He didn't intend to be so clumsy.

Kneeling, he began picking up the personal items. Harry's medication was last. The hollow tube clacked as he placed the pills back inside. He re-checked the carpet. It was clean. He peeked under the bed. Nothing rolled underneath. Looking at the label, he read the date and the amount. He counted on his fingers for the days that had passed. He looked back into the bottle. He realized he was missing some. Footsteps came behind him.

"What are you doing?!" Harry yelled.

The brunet became startled. He saw his bud had reappeared. Continuing to hold Harry's medication, he knew he needed to explain. "I accidentally knocked down your stuff. Your medicine. I picked up every pill I could find. But I'm not sure if I'm short."

Peter stood up. Feeling awkward, the two boys fell into an uneasy silence.

Harry snatched back the bottle. He lowered his eyes elsewhere. "I've been having trouble sleeping ever since Dad became The Goblin. My doctor prescribed this to help. I… only brought it along so I wouldn't fall from my sleeping schedule."

Peter gazed up. He understood the rage and isolation his pal underwent when Norman was absent. The problem worsened when the industrialist became a giant, green beast. The brunet fulfilled his duty as Spider-man to keep the older Osborn out from permanent imprisonment. His missions as a S.H.I.E.L.D. hero and defeating villains interfered with his friendships. He had sacrificed hangouts. He had spouted white lies to keep his mask. So he suspected the last line was a fib.

"Harr…"

"I'll tell my dad about these. I promise," the auburn interrupted. He griped the orange bottle. He felt his own heart pounding. Though he learned he didn't need to buy off real friends, he said, "You can take the bed next to the window."

Still stunned from his discovery, Peter silently watched as Harry walked away. He was lost for what to do. A problem like this didn't need massive muscles or a scientific mind. He didn't know if he should inform Norman himself. Drug addictions could be fatal. A buddy lost forever. Superhero or not, he needed to find a way to support a friend in need before it became too late.

End Hypocrisy