The Leeds Family vs. Harry Evans
By the time Ned’s parents finally invited Harry over for a proper meeting, they already knew a lot about him.
First, from Ned himself.
“Oh, Harry? He’s insane. He treats Teddy like his whole world. Everything he does—work, training, even daily life—it’s all centered around making sure Teddy grows up happy. He’s also the reason Peter and I know self-defense. He picks me up and drops me off sometimes, makes sure we’re safe. And—oh yeah—he destroyed Flash’s parents in the principal’s office.”
Then, from Peter.
“Yeah, he’s super cool. He’s got crazy skills, knows everything about law and politics, and he’s like the best big brother ever. But also? He doesn’t exist on the internet. Ned and I tried hacking databases, and we got nothing.”
And finally, from May.
“Oh yeah, Harry’s great. A little terrifying, but in a good way. You can trust him with anything.”
At that point, Ned’s parents had heard so much about Harry Evans that he was starting to sound like some mythical figure.
So they decided they needed to see him properly.
In person.
With Teddy.
Because as much as Ned talked about Harry, his parents wanted to see the kind of man raising a child at sixteen.
So they invited him over for dinner.
And that was how Harry Evans found himself under the sharp gaze of Ned’s family.
Before this, Ned’s parents had already met Harry twice.
The first time was brief—when Harry had dropped Ned home one night.
Ned’s mom had opened the door, looked Harry up and down, and simply nodded, like she was mentally filing away information.
The second time, however, was when Harry had picked up and dropped Ned off after the fight at school.
That was when they really started paying attention.
Because Harry hadn’t just said a few words and left.
He had stood in their home, calm and composed, and personally informed them about the bullying.
Not like a concerned friend—but like someone who took responsibility.
That made them want to know more.
Which led to this moment.
The evening arrived, and Harry, as always, was perfectly on time.
When Ned’s mom opened the door, she immediately took everything in.
- Harry, dressed in a fitted dark-blue button-down, slacks, and a simple but elegant coat.
- Teddy, holding onto Harry’s hand, bright-eyed and curious.
And despite knowing Harry was young, something about the way he carried himself made it impossible to see him as just sixteen.
“Mrs. Leeds,” Harry greeted smoothly. “Thank you for inviting us.”
She narrowed her eyes slightly. “Come in.”
Harry stepped inside effortlessly, unbothered by the scrutiny.
Teddy, oblivious to the tension, beamed up at Ned’s mom. “Hi! Are you Big Brother Ned’s mom?”
Ned’s mom blinked at the title.
Then, after a pause—
“Yes, I am.”
Teddy nodded seriously. “Big Brother Ned says you’re super smart.”
Ned’s mom raised an eyebrow. “Did he?”
Teddy grinned. “Yup! He also said you’re really good at catching him when he tries to sneak extra snacks.”
From the kitchen, Ned choked.
His mom smirked. “Well, he’s not wrong.”
Teddy giggled, already winning her over.
Dinner was quiet but not uncomfortable.
It was a test.
Ned’s parents weren’t hostile—but they were watching.
Because this wasn’t just about who Harry was.
This was about Teddy.
Harry wasn’t just some teenager hanging out with their son.
He was a guardian. A caretaker. A provider.
That was something they took very seriously.
Which is why Ned’s dad eventually broke the silence.
“You’re young to be raising a child.”
Harry didn’t even blink. “Perhaps.”
Ned’s dad studied him. “And yet, you do it anyway.”
Harry took a slow sip of water before responding.
“Teddy deserves a happy childhood,” he said simply. “So I make sure he has one.”
Ned’s mom tilted her head slightly. “At the cost of your own?”
Harry smiled faintly. “Teddy is my life. That isn’t a cost. It’s a choice.”
Silence.
Teddy, oblivious to the tension, happily ate his food.
And after a long pause, Ned’s mom finally nodded.
“You love him,” she observed.
Harry met her gaze evenly. “With everything I have.”
That was enough.
After dinner, as Harry helped Teddy with his coat, Ned’s parents stood in the doorway, watching.
Then, finally, Ned’s dad spoke.
“You have our respect.”
Harry paused.
Turned slightly.
“I appreciate that,” he said smoothly.
Ned’s mom folded her arms. “But I’m still keeping an eye on you.”
Harry gave a small smile. “I wouldn’t expect anything less.”
Ned, standing off to the side, let out a silent breath of relief.
Harry had passed.
As Harry and Teddy left, Ned sighed, running a hand through his hair.
His dad glanced at him. “You trust him.”
Ned nodded. “Yeah. I do.”
His mom tilted her head. “And you think we should, too?”
Ned smiled.
“He’s family.”
His parents exchanged a look.
His mom sighed. “I guess we’ll just have to accept that, won’t we?”
Ned grinned.
The Leeds family officially welcomed Harry Evans into their lives.
Even if they still didn’t fully understand him.
Yet.
It happened unexpectedly.
One afternoon, while picking up groceries, May ran into Ned’s mom.
They exchanged the usual polite greetings, but then—
Ned’s mom tilted her head slightly.
“You trust Harry Evans.”
May raised an eyebrow. “Yeah. Why?”
Ned’s mom exhaled. “I just had him over for dinner.”
May grinned. “Ah. The interrogation.”
Ned’s mom snorted. “You’re laughing, but I swear that kid is not normal.”
May laughed. “Oh, I know.”
Ned’s mom gave her a pointed look.
“So, tell me—what do you actually know about him?”
May hesitated.
That was a very good question.
May and Ned’s mom ended up grabbing coffee at a nearby café, sitting down to actually compare notes.
May sighed, stirring her drink. “Look, I’ll be honest—I don’t know much about him. But I trust him.”
Ned’s mom leaned back. “You trust him why?”
May smirked. “Because I’ve seen how much he looks out for Peter.”
Ned’s mom raised an eyebrow.
May took a sip of coffee, then leaned forward. “Peter doesn’t talk about feelings much. But since Harry showed up? I’ve noticed little things. The way he listens when Harry speaks. The way he actually takes advice—which is rare for him. And then there’s Teddy.”
Ned’s mom hummed. “That kid is his world.”
May smiled. “Yeah. That’s why I trust him.”
A pause.
Ned’s mom shook her head. “He’s still hiding something.”
May laughed. “Oh, absolutely.”
They were on the same page.
Harry Evans was definitely not normal.
But at the same time?
He was good.
for now
That was enough.