"Wow," a yawn echoed throughout the room. I slept so well. Evening walks do wonders. I lay back on the bed, my hands behind my head. Saturday morning. What should I do today?
I glance at the bedside clock. Six in the morning. Good old Spider vigor. Four hours of sleep and I'm as fresh as a daisy. This will come in very handy during my student years. I lie around and think: no need to go to work.
All the projects and assignments for the start of the school year were done back in June. I've even already thought about the university issue. Everything is going as usual in the lab. Several projects are just starting out, so I don't see the point in pouring over granite. Of course, I can... My thoughts are interrupted by the sound of a notification. I wonder who's texting at such an early hour.
"Morning, Pete! You're probably still asleep or wondering "who's texting at such an early hour" :) Anyway, I need to discuss something with you, write to me when you wake up." Harry Osborn.
Interesting. As soon as summer came, our friendly circle broke up for a while. Miles and his family went away on a trip for the whole summer. George came up with something similar, in order to strengthen his relationship with Gwen. But Harry was tense, who do you think? Norman Osborn himself. I'm sure Osborn Jr. and I were equally stunned. For Norman to show concern for his son and start teaching him something? I'm not sure there's even a version of the altruistic Osborn Sr. So I'm subconsciously expecting a catch.
Maybe he decided to subject Harry to genetic experiments or something like that? I have no doubt that the future Gobby has long since realized that the newly emerged Spider-Man is connected to the experiments from his lab. Frankly, this is precisely why I've been trying to keep my distance.
Norman and I still haven't crossed paths face to face. So the sudden "question that needs to be discussed" sets the gears in my head turning. I don't deny that it's possible this is just a normal friendly topic. Maybe Harry just wants to hang out? Still, I need to be on guard.
"Morning, Harry. I just woke up and was wondering what to do. So what's the question?"
"Let's do it this way, get ready and come to my tower. Don't worry about breakfast, I'll treat you."
What's he so urgent about?
"Got it. I'm leaving, see you there."
After sending the message, I get dressed and look for my backpack. I put my uniform on the bottom and throw throwers at the suit. On top of all this stuff, I put books and junk to distract me. The reason I don't wear a suit under my civilian clothes is simple: the first layer always rides up and shows the suit. So, even in a critical situation, I can quickly don the spider suit while it's in my backpack.
So far, I haven't had any cases where this method has had a fatal impact on anything. So, I work as usual. I move to the bathroom, trying not to wake the family, freshen up, and go downstairs. I leave a note about my absence and leave the house. While I'm getting to the Osborne Tower, I might as well listen to some music.
***********
Those Queens Central buses. Even on a Saturday morning, the bus is packed. Maybe I should think about getting my driver's license? In any case, I'm here. There's one thing you can't take away from Norman Osborn: he demonstrates his superiority over everyone else by any means necessary. Whether we're talking about intellect, power, or wealth, the Goblin will always try to consolidate his power.
One day, he might even become president. I only have to tell the security that Harry Osborn is waiting for me, and I get a pass without a problem. The elevator rises from the first floor to the very top. I step out and find myself in an incredibly spacious living room. Five of my rooms could fit in here, seriously.
"Hey, Pete!" Harry waves at me from the kitchen.
"Hi, Harry." I high-five and clap my friend on the shoulder. "Did I mention this room is like five of my rooms?"
"Every time you come visit. Don't play poor, Pete. At least your home is cozy and you have family nearby, while I have," Osborn's frown deepened, "well, let's not talk about sad things. I wanted to discuss something," Harry began, inviting me to follow him into the kitchen.
"All attention," I said, sitting down at the table. "Perhaps you've heard that a new generation of children's medical clinics will soon be opening, under the auspices of Oscorp and the financial influence of Wilson Fisk."
"Yes, I heard," I said, 'what's he getting at?'
Harry passed me a serving of cereal, taking a second plate. "Well, I'll be needed at the opening. The official part, then the banquet and all that. I could use some help from a friend. You'll get an invitation, a person with full access, what do you say?"
"I'd be glad to, but the Bugle is sending me to the same event. The gossip column. I'm afraid the society your father wants you to join won't really appreciate a journalist with such access on your behalf."
"You didn't tell me."
"I haven't had a chance yet," I shrug.
Harry pauses. "But you're just a photographer, right?"
"Basically, yes."
"Then I'm sure there won't be any problems," Harry leaned back in his chair nonchalantly. "So my friend came with a camera, and he takes pictures of different objects and people, so what? You're not one of those annoying ones from the tabloids, right?"
"Exactly, my friend, I may be a journalist, but I'm a very tactful journalist," I honestly put my fist to my chest. Harry and I start laughing together.
"In any case, there are still a few months until the opening, they'll have time to do everything in the best possible way. Believe me, Pete, it's going to be awesome."
"Well, yes, a society of pretentious snobs who will look at me like I'm from a third world country just because I'm not wearing a two-thousand-dollar tailcoat is just a dream," I remark sarcastically.
"It's not that exaggerated."
"I know, Harry, I'm sorry, but this is your world, not mine."
"Again, no excuse. Believe me, I've seen representatives of 'high society' who, compared to you, seem to have emerged from a different evolutionary branch."
"Like, not homo sapiens, but homo idioticus?"
"Exactly. But there are also some very interesting specimens, more or less our age. Like the daughter of my mother's friend from Europe. They both do charity work and, at my mother's instigation, Lydia Hardy's company will be expanding in America. And her daughter Felicia will be coming to "build a beachhead."
Oh, what interesting news.
"It looks like it will be interesting, Harry," I grin mysteriously, but Osborn Jr. doesn't pay any attention to it. Suddenly, the elevator doors sounded as they opened. I cast a questioning glance at Harry, but he just shrugs. In the doorway appears someone I've seen on posters, on TV, and in newspapers, but never in person.
"Harry, I need to go back to the lab in ten minutes; I came to pick up the formula from the office. And who is this young man?" Norman gives me a thoughtful look. I try to maintain a calm expression, but my insides clench. I involuntarily strain all my senses. Does he know? Could Norman have found out my greatest secret?
"Dad, this is my friend Peter. We talked a lot when we were kids, maybe you remember?"
"Pleased to meet you, Mr. Osborn," I calmly extend my hand in greeting. Norman seems to consider something for a moment, but then confidently shakes my hand.
"Exactly! Peter Parker, Richard's son. Yes, I remember. Your father was a great scientist, my condolences."
"Thank you, Mr. Osborn." I don't know why, but his goodwill didn't relax me at all.
"Please, Mr. Osborn was my father, so just call me Norman."
"Sorry, my upbringing doesn't allow it, Mr. Osborn."
"Ah, I understand. You were raised by Richard's brother, Ben, right?"
"Exactly."
"I see you've grown into a polite young man. Sorry, boys, but I have to go now. See you tonight, son. Peter," Norman said goodbye, his tone noticeably less colder.
"Wow, you really have a talent for winning people over, Pete. First Flash, then my father. Who's next, the President?"
"Nothing complicated, just politeness."
"Simple? I remember my father speaking so kindly to three people. One of them was my mother."
"Maybe you're right and I really am talented?" I chuckle calmly. "So what were you saying about the discovery?"
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.
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Don't forget to vote with power stones.
And yeah, give your dog a treat from my side if you have one.