Peter excitedly shakes Gwen by the shoulders. She laughs and pretends to be annoyed, finding his enthusiasm rather cute.
“We have to cheer really loud when we see him!”
“Won’t that embarrass him?” she asks, fixing her ponytail so that her blonde hair isn’t covering her face.
“That’s the point,” Peter explains with a mischievous grin.
She rolls her eyes as if she hasn’t already decided to embarrass her boyfriend’s best friend.
Harry is technically her boss but with all the fighting and meddling in the company, the family business isn’t in his hands yet.
Not that the trio is surprised. Being declared legally incompetatnt was no shock to Harry. He knows firsthand how corrupt businessmen operate. What matters right now is that Norman’s dead, making Harry officially free. Everything else will work itself out.
“Harry Osborn,” the announcer calls and the young man walks onto the stage in his green graduation gown with a colorful cap.
“That’s my best friend!” Peter screams, clapping obnoxiously.
“Whoooo!” Gwen yells, matching his energy. “Harry!”
He blushes but takes a bow before exiting the stage.
Next onto the stage is MJ, who Gwen has promised to meet up with after the diplomas are handed out.
After a lot of impatience from both men, the ceremony concludes and Peter runs to hug him, knocking Harry down.
“Jesus, Pete! You haven’t changed a bit.”
Peter smiles so wide that his face hurts. He lets go of his friend and stares into his eyes.
“Holy fucking shit! Harry?”
“Yes?”
“Oh my god,” he exclaims, pulling Harry close again. “Your voice! Your voice is so fucking amazing! Jesus Christ.”
Harry smiles widely but tries to act casual.
“Yeah, I’ve been on T.”
“No shit! Oh my god, I’m so happy for you.”
He blushes and shrugs, feeling euphoric.
“Could you…”
Peter pulls away again to stare at his best friend.
“Anything, Harry. What do you need?”
His heart swells with joy.
“Can you say it again?”
Peter tilts his head but Harry doesn’t explain further, embarrassment taking over.
“Oh! I got you, Harry. Harry, I missed you. Harry, congrats on graduating. Harry, you look handsome. Harry, I love your voice. Harry, I’m so glad to see you again. It’s nice talking to you, Harry.”
Blushing brightly, he can’t put into words how much it means to finally hear the name from Peter in person and not on some letter or text. He holds Peter tight and decides to never let go. He wants to stay in this moment of euphoria forever.