Control

After finishing their lunch, and putting on comfortable clothes other than their work clothes, both Norman and Otto head for their favorite park that was a short walk from their apartment. As soon as they got to the park, they decided to stroll around the wooded area, walking on the small sidewalks that circled a large pond with a beautiful fountain in the middle, water rained down from the fountain which caused endless ripples in the water that mellowed out as they spread through the pond. The pond itself was filled with ducks and swans that were swimming around the large body of water dunking their heads and fluttering their feathers now and then. The pond itself was surrounded by various trees that provided shade on a sunny day.

Since it was very warm, Norman decided to wear a plain black short sleeve shirt with matching black sweat pants and a pair of tennis shoes so he wasn't too hot but would stay warm from the sun's rays at the same time. As for Otto, he donned one of his dark gray turtlenecks wearing his black trench coat over it, a pair of black khakis pants, and a pair of black walking loafers. They spent the first 25 minutes strolling around the pond both their hands clasped together as they strolled, both chatting and making each other laugh. The actuators were behaving as well, all four of them listening to their dads speaking, examining their surroundings, and hugging Norman close. But after a while they stopped at a small park bench next to the pond that was being swarmed by pigeons and ducks, waiting for people to feed them anything they could get their beaks on. Luckily for them, Norman and Otto brought a big bag of seeds that they would always bring just in case.

They both sat on the bench occasionally throwing seeds into the grass in front of them, watching as pigeons and ducks swarm the two men, eating away at the food in front of them. The actuators were watching the birds closely, snapping the tips of their claws happily causing Norman and Otto to grin. The pigeons even began to climb on top of the actuators, inching closer and closer to Otto. It got to the point where most of the pigeons began to perch themselves on all four of the actuators, some even resting on Otto's shoulder who was stiff as a board, afraid to move as he clutched the bag of seeds tightly, causing Norman right next to him to hold in a laugh to not scare the birds. But eventually, Larry suddenly shook his arm lightly, causing all of the birds to flap their wings flying off of Otto who jumped at the sudden movement. All Norman could do was laugh as the pigeons flew off of Otto either flying away or landing back on the ground to eat more seeds looking up at Otto who only gave him a small amused grin before they both went back to feeding the birds.

After they decided to sit in the grass, Otto sat up while his actuators propped him up to keep him from falling back while Norman laid on his back, resting his head in Otto's lap. He would watch as the clouds in the sky slowly move, sometimes covering the sun to give them some shade as Otto ran his fingers through his light brown hair, reading from a novel full of Shakespeare's Sonnets, reading them out loud to Norman as he listened with a smile. He loved it when Otto read his favorite novels to him, his voice very calm and relaxing to him. Norman gave him a small smile as Otto stopped combing his hair, his gloved hand now resting on Norman's chest as he read, prompting him to reach up and hold his hand closely, chuckling as the three actuators began to rest on him as well while Flo loomed over Otto's shoulder, reading the novel with him. Norman then let out a sigh as he closed his eyes, snuggling his head into Otto's lap absorbing the sun's rays to help keep him warm as he quietly listened to Otto read.

A few hours later, they both began to stroll once more, doing a few laps around the pond, getting their exercise for the day, and talking while they did so. Otto was very glad that he took that break to go to the park with Norman. He was starting to feel a whole lot better and not as stressed as before. That and the actuators seem to be listening to him better now because of it.

As they were walking, they both paused to see a group of kids playing with a red frisbee in the grass, tossing it back and forth when it suddenly flew right into a tree, getting stuck on one of the branches. The kids then ran up to the tree, trying to reach for it but it was far out of their reach, stuck on the branch that was several feet up.

"Dad!" A young boy in a blue shirt called out, getting Otto and Norman's attention watching as a man that looked to be around Pete's age run-up to the little boy.

"What happened?" He asked, patting his son on the back as he looked at him.

"The frisbee got stuck in the tree." The boy frowned pointing up at the plastic disk in the tree.

The father looked up, his hands on his hips as he shook his head. "Dang it's way up there isn't it?" he whispered, as he looked from the tree to his boy. "I don't know if I could reach that without a ladder," he whispered, frowning as the kids looked up at the frisbee in sadness.

Otto and Norman looked from the dad to each other, Norman giving Otto a grin motioning to the father and son with his head as he spoke. "Looks like they need some help, hero."

The six-armed man gave Norman a small smile, before turning back to the group who continued to look at the tree. He waited a few seconds, working up some courage to talk to the father before finally taking a step forward and walking toward them. He made his actuators lower slightly behind him to not spook the children as he walked up. He finally made it up to the father and the three children, his father not noticing him due to his back being turned to him, but the children noticed him, their eyes growing wide upon looking at him. Nervously, Otto looked directly at the father as he began to speak. "Um excuse me."

He watched as the dad jumped, turning toward him in question, watching as the man scanned him up and down beginning to back up a bit in shock when he saw the actuators, but he ignored his shocked gaze as he spoke. "Pardon my intrusion but, I couldn't help but notice your Frisbee is stuck and I'd like to offer my assistance."

"Dad! It's Doc Ock!" The boy in the blue shirt beamed, tugging his father's shirt as he pointed at Otto, the other kids looking at him in awe. "He's the hero I was telling you about! The one that helps the Spider-Men!"

The dad looked from his son to Otto who give him a small nervous grin, holding his hands behind his back to keep his hands from fidgeting. Before he was never so nervous to talk to people, able to make conversation with everyone but after the accident and the crimes he's committed, people would run at the sight of him. Now, after fighting crime with the Parker brothers most of the citizens of New York accept him despite all that he had done, but now and then he'll get dirty looks or accidentally scare off some people, but luckily the kids seemed to like him. The actuators finally lift their claws upon hearing Otto's former villain now hero name, looking at the three kids as they began to wave at them by opening and closing their claws causing the kids to laugh, waving back at them. The father's shocked features turned into a smile as he looked at Otto. "Ah, Doctor Octavius! you fight crime with the Spider-Men. That's right! My son's a big fan of you."

"Ah, well I'm honored," Otto smiled nodding his head at the young boy whose smile only grew. He then took his hand from behind his back and held it out to the boy. "What's your name, dear boy?"

"I'm Billy!" the boy beamed shaking Otto's hand happily.

"It's nice to meet you, Billy," Otto whispered before pulling away as he looked up at the tree at the red disk then back at the father. "I can get that down for you if you'd like."

"If it's not too much trouble." The father said as he shrugged with a small grin.

"Not at all, I'd be happy to help, Mr-?"

"Oh, Luke," The father answered, shaking Otto's hand firmly. "Just call me Luke."

"Luke," Otto smiled with a nod, before pulling his hand away, looking up at the tree once more. "I'll get that right down for you. Just need you to back up a bit please." He watched as Luke asked the kids to back up several feet, beginning to back up with them as well to not be in the way of the actuators when they did their thing. After making sure that everyone was safe and out of the way, Otto looked up at the frisbee beginning to focus, asking for the actuators to lift him, hoping that they would listen to him this time. To his relief, the actuators clamped into the ground, beginning to lift Otto to get the frisbee out of the tree.

"Whoa!" he heard the kids exclaim in awe, causing him to grin as the arms lifted him several feet up, stopping right next to the frisbee. He didn't waste any time as he grabbed a hold of the disk, pulling it off of a branch that it was stuck on, backing away from the trees with his actuators looking down at the ground. Once he got the disk in his grasp he began to lower himself, listening as the kids began to cheer. The actuators gently set Otto down on his feet, unclamping their claws out of the dirt and lifting their claws to look up at their owner, who turned to Billy with a small grin, holding out the frisbee. "Here you are."

"Thank you!" The boy grinned as he took it from him looking at it with a big grin before he gasp, looking back at Otto. "Can you sign it for me please?!"

Otto only chuckled at the boy's excitement, reaching into his trench coat pocket for a marker he keeps on him at all times for situations like this. "I'd love to," He whispered as he took the frisbee from the boy, Flo opened the marker for him and he began to write his signature into the red disk and Billy's name. After, the six-armed man handed to marker to the actuators to close and put in his pocket as he held out the frisbee to the boy who was bouncing up and down in excitement. "There you go. Keep it safe. Don't want it to get stuck in a tree again don't we?"

"I'll keep it safe, don't worry!" the boy smiled, holding it close as he looked up at Otto. "Thank you so much!"

"You're welcome dear boy," Otto could only grin, giving the boy a nod.

"Thank you so much for that," Luke began, shaking Otto's hand as he spoke. "You made my kid's day."

"It was my pleasure," Otto then pulled his hand away beginning to back up. "It was nice meeting you all."

"It was nice meeting you too, Doc," Luke nodded his head turning to the kids, motioning at the six-armed man with his head as he spoke. "Say bye, kids."

"Bye Doc Ock!" they all waved him off, before waving at the actuators that did the same, whirring happily behind Otto which caused the kids to grin before going back to playing, the other kids crowding Billy to look at the signed frisbee.

Otto waved the kids and Luke bye, before turning back to Norman who gave him a big grin a look of proudness etched in his features. The six-armed man couldn't help but grin as well, walking back to him, watching as the actuators began to wrap behind Norman's back, pulling him close to Otto.

"You saved the day again, Doctor Octopus," Norman whispered, placing a hand on the side of Otto's face, looking at him with a fond smile.

Otto gave him an amused grin, leaning into his hand with a sigh. "It was nothing."

"I beg to differ, love," Norman argued, taking Otto's hand into his own, both beginning to stroll once more. He then looked down at the actuators that were watching him closely, Larry placing his closed claw under Norman's free hand, wanting him to pet him. Norman let out a small chuckle, petting his head as he turned to Otto. "Looks like they are listening to you just fine now. Maybe the walk did help."

"I believe your hypothesis is correct, Dr. Osborn," Otto joked receiving a light nudge and a chuckle from the smaller man, causing his grin to grow. He then looked from Norman two the actuators his grin unchanging as he pats Moe's claw, feeling him lean into his hand as he spoke. "I wanted to thank you for this. This walk did help a lot," He watched as Norman looked from Larry to him, a small smile on his face as he listened to him speak. "And... thank you for being so patient with the actuators and me... I... know that we can be a little too much to handle and can be a bother sometimes but-."

"Hey," Norman interrupted watching as Otto looked at him in question, going silent. He then pulled Otto's gloved hand close to his face, lightly kissing the top of his hand as he spoke. "You're never a bother. Not you or my little sweethearts," He beamed as he looked down at the actuators who whirred happily. Norman then let out a small sigh, looking up at Otto, whose features softened, tightly holding his hand close to his chest as he spoke. "I wouldn't change a thing... in truth I... I'd be lost if I didn't have you or them around."

Otto could only smile, leaning down and giving a quick peck on the cheek, silently thanking him for his reassuring words. He watched as Norman gave him a loving smile before lowering his head, holding his hand close to him as they walked. His eyes then slowly trailed down to Norman's arm seeing a four-inch scar that looked fairly new, able to see where the stitching once was to help it close properly. This caused Otto to frown holding Norman's arm with his other hand, causing Norman to pause at the touch, getting his attention. "... It's looking a lot better," he whispered rubbing Norman's arm with his thumb.

Norman blinked as he looked from him to the scar on his arm giving him a small nod, smiling as he looked back up at Otto. "It does. Been taking great care of it like the doctor and you ordered," He then let out a small chuckle looking back down at the scar. "The only thing I miss about the performance enhancers is the fast healing."

Otto gave him a small smile but it slowly fell upon looking at the scar once more, remembering how he got it in the first place. While Otto was on patrol with the Parker brothers, they learned that a bank robbery was happening close to them, a group of criminals was holding people hostage within the bank, and Otto was horrified to find out that one of the hostages was Norman, who was at the bank depositing for his businessess. Otto and the Spider-Men were able to apprehend almost all of the robbers but the last one just so happened to have a knife to Norman's throat, knowing who Norman was and that he was important to Otto. However, Norman doesn't go down without a fight so he managed to elbow the robber in the gut and punch him in the face, but his arm was slashed and kicked away in the stomach by the man in the process. Otto and the actuators were beyond furious, the arms grabbing a hold of the man before he could harm Norman any further and slamming him into the wall so hard, the bricks cracked on impact, knocking the man out. It took everything in him at that moment to reel the actuators back, afraid of what might have happened if he let them hold the robber a little longer. He could feel their anger that almost bled into him, able to feel that they wanted to continue to slam him into the wall some more, wanting so badly to grab the man limb from limb and rip-

Otto shook his head, squinting his eyes shut pushing the memory back. That day was very frightening, still in shock about how much damage he could do to someone if he were to lose control. And that was the last thing he wanted to do. He continued to stare at Norman's arm, holding it gently in his hand, pausing from walking which caused Norman to pause in return, looking at Otto in confusion.

Norman's brow furrowed as he looked from Otto to his arm, watching as the actuators began to hover around it, Larry pressing the tip of his claw on the scar before nuzzling into him, the others doing the same like they were comforting him. He then looked back at Otto who still bore a frown on his face, holding his arm tightly as he spoke.

"I just... wished that we got there in time," Otto whispered as he shook his head, his features becoming grim the actuators turning to him as he spoke. "If we waited a moment later he would have-,"

"Hey, don't," Norman shook his head, holding Otto's chin with his free hand, gently forcing him to look up at him lightly pulling Otto's glasses up to see his eyes, able to see the guilt in them from not preventing the scar in time. "Don't blame yourself for this. It's just a cut, I'm okay... I'm still alive because of you. Hell, even if you weren't there in time a slash in the arm wasn't gonna take me down so easily I'm tougher than I look," He chuckled, watching as Otto gave him a small smile, causing him to lower his glasses, resting his hand on the side of his face. "I'd rather have a scar than something worse and I'm glad you and the boys got there when you did."

Otto gave him a small smile and a sigh, reaching up for the other's hand, holding it tightly. "I'm glad too... I'd hate to see what would have happened to him if he suffered your rath."

Norman only chuckled as he pulled away from Otto's face, still holding his gloved hand as they walked, leaning into him as he spoke. "Well, what would you like to do now?"

"I was thinking that we could-,"

"Well if it isn't the notorious Doc Ock and Green Goblin!"

Both Otto and Norman stopped in their tracks their smiles falling from their faces. The six-armed man slowly turned to Norman who visibly flinched upon hearing his former villain name, starring ahead in shock. Otto then heard a low hissing from his actuators, turning to see that they were looking behind him, their claws open as they stared at the figure that must have called them that. After a second they both slowly turned around to see that it was some man in a grey shirt and darker grey jacket, looking at both Otto and Norman with so much disdain in his eyes and disgust in his features. Otto looked from the man to Norman who eyed him nervously before looking back at the man.

Otto then looked back at the man, arching an eyebrow at him as he spoke scanning the man up and down. "Can we help you?"

"Oh like I need any help from you two villains," The man scoffed shaking his head as he looked Otto up and down as well like he was sizing them up. "You two got a lot of nerve coming back acting like you didn't terrorize this whole city!"

Flo: We don't like him, father.

Otto could feel the actuators' uneasiness as they stared at the man and in truth, he didn't blame them. When they first came back, were found out by the city, and were cleared of all charges, people were outraged. They didn't want Doc Ock and the Green Goblin free to roam the streets of New York, thinking that they might cause trouble again. They understood their anger of course, but sometimes they were too much, harassing both Norman and Otto to the point where they couldn't leave their home for a while, needing guards to follow them everywhere they went.

It was like that for a long time, but after Norman stopped doing military contracts and using his company to create the fusion reactor with Otto and when Otto decided to help the Spider-Men in fighting crime, most of New York came around, and no longer saw them as Doc Ock and the Green Goblin, only Otto Octavius and Norman Osborn. But there were still people who would harass them every once and a while, and it seems like this man isn't so easily convinced of their change.

"I don't know why Spider-Man would vouch for you two criminals and be free of all charges just like that. You two should be thrown in jail for all the shit you've done." The man snapped glaring at both of them.

"We had a fair trial and were clear of all charges because it wasn't our fault," Otto tried to explain, getting tired of hearing the same thing over and over from angry citizens who refused to listen. "We weren't in control of ourselves."

"Yeah, yeah I heard it all during the trial and it's all bullshit," The man shook his head, squinting his eyes at Otto. "Saying that the arms were controlling ya and that you have control now~," He then took a step forward causing the arms to perk up a bit, hissing a little louder as the man pointed at him in anger. "You can act like your in control of them now and may act like a hero, but you're still the same fucking monster that killed those people!"

"Hey, you watch who you're speaking to!" Norman snapped, letting go of Otto's hand as he took a few steps toward the man, causing Otto to reach for Norman, holding his shoulder in worry. "Otto is a kind, honorable man who's worked very hard to get to where he's at now and doesn't deserve this kind of disrespect from you! He deserves nothing but the utmost respect from everyone!"

The man only scoffed with an amused grin now looking at an angry Norman. "You think I'm gonna believe a word from a murderer like you?" he snapped, causing Norman's anger to leave him, as his hardened features softened. "You're much worse than him! All those people you've killed, terrorized, injured. You should rot for all the shit you've done, Green Goblin!"

Norman's features soften more as he backed up from the man, his angered features being replaced with a frown. His heart rate began to quicken, and his hands began to tremble, causing him to quickly wrap them around his waist to keep them from shaking. He cast his eyes to the ground, unable to look at the hatred in the man's eyes any longer, beginning to feel sick from being called that vile name. "Stop calling me that," He whispered shaking his head as memories of Goblin began to flash through his mind, causing him to squint his eyes shut, beginning to feel like he could hear him cackling in his head, telling him to shut this man up by force, but he knew it wasn't true. Remembering from his therapist that it was his mind playing tricks on him every time he got upset, creating intrusive thoughts that he couldn't control, so he regulated his breathing gripping his arms tightly as he spoke. "I never wanted that to happen. I never wanted to hurt anyone! it... It wasn't me! It was-."

"You can lie to yourself and hide behind that mask, like a coward all you want," The man interrupted taking a few steps toward Norman who backed away in fear, a trembling hand involuntarily reaching for Otto as he stared at the man with wide worried eyes. "But behind that mask, you're still that same monster that murdered those people in cold blood!" he then jabbed his finger into Norman's chest forcefully, causing Norman to flinch, squinting his eyes shut.

Otto reached for Norman in concern, about to pull him away from the man, hating to see his boyfriend like this. So scared in vulnerable. The Norman he once knew before the performance enhancer wouldn't take this kind of shit from anyone, always calm and calculated, snapping back with the same fire as the person yelling at him, never taking this kind of disrespect from anyone. But after Goblin, Norman became broken and always anxious when someone becomes confrontational with him, reminding him of all the things Goblin had made him do, sending him into a panic attack, thinking he can still hear his voice. He gripped Norman's shoulder once more frowning when he flinched from his touch, curling in on himself. "Norman-,"

"Scared, Goblin?" The man suddenly grinned watching as Norman squint his eyes shut tighter shaking his head as he went to cover his ears with his trembling hands. "Good. No armored suit or pumpkin bombs are gonna save you now, freak!"

Otto glared at the man his teeth clenching in anger about to snap at the man when a loud hissing caused him to freeze.

Moe: He's making dad upset!

Flo: I don't like this man!

Harry: I want to knock him on his ass!

Larry: Father please, dad's trembling. Let's get dad out of-

Moe: I want to rip him apart! Rip his arm off and beat him wit-

Otto shook his head of their voices staring ahead in shock, realizing that their voices were flooding his mind... Like they did when they were out of control. He shivered as they began to hiss louder, inching slowly toward the man with open claws, the light in their eyes flickering from pink to red once more, the man too busy causing Norman pain to notice. Otto could only watch them in dread, able to feel their seething anger toward the man and for a moment, their anger was rubbing off on him, almost wanting to do what they were suggesting like their thoughts were his thoughts as well... Like when the inhibitor chip was broken.

"Someone ought to make you pay for what you did, since Spider-Man is too much of a coward to do it!" The man snapped stepping toward Norman who backed up more in fear.

Dread went through Otto as the actuators continued to hiss getting louder and louder, causing him to mentally restrain them, watching as they were trying to fight back against him. He needed to get Norman out of here. They were only reacting this way because Norman was hurting emotionally. He needed to get his boyfriend somewhere safe before it was too late. So he grabbed a hold of Norman, gently pulling him close causing Norman to look at him. The pain in his face caused Otto's heart to ache as he spoke. "Ignore him, love. Let's just go home."

Norman eagerly gave him a nod, wanting to get out of this situation before he had a full-blown panic attack in a park full of people. They were about to turn around and walk away when the man suddenly snatched the collar of Norman's shirt, yanking him from Otto and pulling him toward him, causing the small man to yelp at the sudden movement, looking up in shock and terror, gripping the man's wrist, his wide eyes looking right into the man's angered ones.

"Don't walk away from me!" The man snapped jerking him forward, causing Norman's head to hurt a bit. "I'm sick of monsters like you getting off scot-free from heinous crimes!"

Norman tried to pry his arm off of him but the man had a tight grip on him, his eyes becoming glassy as he shook his head. He felt very pathetic right now, realizing how much he relied on Goblin, who wouldn't take this kind of shit from anyone. Now he didn't have Goblin or super strength to help him... he really was just a coward.

Otto stared at the man in shock, his anger only rising as he reached for Norman, panicking when the actuators began to hiss once more beginning to shake in anger, sounding like large rattlesnakes. "Hey! Get your hands off of him right-!"

"You and your criminal boyfriend need to get the hell out of our city!" The man yelled rather loudly, before shoving Norman roughly forward. Shoving him so hard it sent him falling back, unable to catch himself as he fell.

"Norman!" Otto and the actuators tried to reach for him but they were all too late, freezing as Norman hit the sidewalk, landing so hard he scrapped his elbow and hit the side of his head on the concrete.

Otto froze in utter shock, watching as Norman slowly sat up with a groan, hissing as he looked at his elbow that had a large scrape but when Otto looked up at Norman's head his eyes grew wide, he and the actuators freezing in terror upon seeing a rather large cut on the side of Norman's head.

Blood began to form on the side of Norman's head beginning to stream down his face, causing the smaller man to reach up to touch the side of his head, hissing at the touch before pulling away as he looked at his hand his eyes going wide in terror, his hand covered in blood.

"Norman!" Otto gasped, trying to reach for him. "Are you-," Otto froze finding that he couldn't reach for Norman because Harry and Larry slammed their claws so hard into the ground it cracked the sidewalk beneath them, the arms shaking in anger both Moe and Flo letting out loud hisses. He slowly looked at them in terror seeing that their lights were now bright red their voices screaming in his head, causing him to flinch trying to plug his ears with the palms of his gloved hands but to no avail.

Flo: DAD'S BLEEDING!

Moe: HE HURT DAD!

Dread went through Otto, watching as they looked from Norman to the man who still hadn't noticed them, too busy glaring at Norman. His grip on them began to waver, as they shook in rage, Moe beginning to reel back causing Otto to watch in terror trying to get him to stop but he wasn't listening prompting him to quickly reach for the arm.

... No, MOE! WAIT!

"What, Not gonna fight back!?" The man snapped, stomping toward Norman who began to crawl back, squinting his eyes shut in fear. "You really are just a coward without that stupid mask and-,"

The man froze when he heard a sudden screeching noise, turning his head to see Flo hissing right at him, his angered glare falling when Moe reeled back before swinging his mechanical arm, hitting him right in the stomach sending the man flying several feet before hitting the ground with a loud thud, rolling onto his side clutching his stomach as he gasped for air, Moe hitting him so hard it knocked the wind right out of him.

"MOE!" was all Otto could muster, staring at the arm in fear, freezing as the other arms began to hiss. All four of them clamped to the ground, causing Otto to realize what they were about to do. "No... GUYS STOP! DON'T-," They began to ignore Otto once more as they yanked him forward. Yanking him so hard it almost gave him whiplash. He looked at them in terror, grabbing both Flo and Moe with his human hands shaking his head as he spoke. "GUYS WHAT ARE YOU-?!"

Harry: THAT CRIMINAL HURT OUR DAD!

Moe: THAT CRIMINAL HAS TO PAY!

Otto's brow furrowed in confusion, shaking his head as he spoke. "Criminal?... What are you-," He paused when Moe and Flo yanked from his grasp, suddenly hoisting him off the ground causing him to panic, kicking his legs trying to reach the ground. The six-armed man then looked down at the arms in anger. "Guys! Put me down and stop at once!" he demanded still trying to reach for the ground. His features softened as they continued to ignore him hissing louder and louder, able to feel their anger once more and it was all toward that man who was now groaning trying to get up. "... Guys?" He watched as they screeched once more beginning to claw their way toward the man stomping on the ground so hard they were breaking through the cement, heading toward the man who was now frozen in fear watching as they were fastly approaching. "Guys! what are you doing?!"

Flo: HE MUST PAY!

Moe: I WANT TO CRUSH HIM UNDER MY CLAW AND WATCH AS HIS LUNGS AND RIBS COLLAPSE UNDER ME!

Fear went through Otto watching as they were now looming over the man. Moe let out another screech as he lifted his open claw raising it over the man, about to act on his thoughts. "NO!" Otto shouted using all of his mental strength to make the actuator miss, the claw slamming right next to the man who jumped back with a scream, both he and Otto watching in horror as Moe slammed through the cement cracking through it once more.

The man looked from Moe to the other actuators that were still hissing, backing away as Moe tried to fight against his father's hold on him slowly lifting his claw off the ground, glaring at the man with his red glowing eye. "YOU AREN'T IN CONTROL OF THOSE MONSTROUS THINGS ARE YOU?!" The man snapped as he crawled several feet back, glaring at Otto who only looked at him with frightened eyes.

"No No I... I'm in control I-ARG!" Otto shouted as their voices began to screech through his head once more, causing him to clutch his head tightly in his hands pulling at his hair, trying to get his head to stop hurting.

Harry: STOP FIGHTING BACK FATHER! HE HURT DAD!

Moe: THAT CRIMINAL NEEDS TO BE PUNISHED!

To his horror, Moe began to lift his claw, his eyes going wide when his blade shot out of his eye, trying to aim at the man. Otto shook his head, beginning to panic as his hold on the actuators was beginning to waver. He knew his hold wouldn't last, he needed help, so he slowly turned to Flo who was still glaring at the man with a red glowing eye like her siblings, hissing at the man, able to feel her anger in his mind... and it scared him. He needed to get her attention... he needed her help, her being the only one that would listen to him. "Flo... Flo, help me," He whispered wincing as they hissed louder in his head.

She continued to ignore him still hissing at the man, trying to fight against his hold, able to feel what she wanted to do to the man that hurt Norman, wanting to tear him apart. Otto let out a strained sigh, feeling that they were beginning to inch forward, causing him to reach for her with a trembling hand, his other hand grasping at his neck, holding the inhibitor chip as he spoke. "Flo, please! Please help me!" he begged his eyes becoming glassy, feeling like his strength was going to give out at any time.

Slowly, Flo looked from the man to Otto, her hissing dying down upon seeing the fear and pain in his eyes. Her hissing soon halted as her red eye glowed white once more, shaking her claw as her anger died down, looking around in confusion, almost like she didn't realize what she was doing.

Flo: Father?

Flo, what's happening?! Why aren't they listening? Why are you all this angry?

Flo: Because Harry and Moe. They're the angriest... It's rubbing off on me and Larry.

Otto's features softened looking from her to Harry and Moe, able to feel that they were indeed the angriest out of the four. That caused him to think for a bit. Maybe, since they are all connected to the same neural link, their emotions sometimes intertwine with each other. If one or two was angry enough, then the others must become angry as well. Otto had this happen to him before as well, back when his chip was broken, his emotions intertwined with the actuators, their anger and rage feeling like his own. He could feel it now but due to the inhibitor chip, they weren't taking control of him as easily... but they were still fighting back against him. His thoughts were interrupted as Flo let out another hiss, her arm shaking as she clamped and unclamped her claw. The six-armed man began to shake his head in terror as the white of her eye began to flicker between pink and red once more.

No, no, no! Flo sweetheart stay with me, please! I need you! I can't hold on much-!

Otto let out a gasp as pain shot through his head, his hold on the hissing actuators finally loosening, watching in terror as Moe charged at the man who was now getting up. Terror went through him as he tried to reach for the actuator.

"FLO DON'T LET MOE HURT HIM, PLEASE!" Otto shouted trying to will him to stop but he wasn't strong enough.

Flo's eyes went white once more as she watched her sibling lunge at the man, causing her to act quickly. She turned her head behind Otto and clamped onto the ground, using all of her strength to yank Otto, Harry, and Larry back, bringing them closer to Norman.

Moe was still charging at the man with his blade out in front of him aiming right for the man's chest but since Flo yanked Otto and the other actuators back the man was out of his reach, the blade merely a few inches from the man's chest.

Otto let out a sigh in relief as looking down to see that Flo was still clamped down on the ground, beginning to pull down to let her father plant his feet back on the ground. The other actuators were still hissing and pulling from both Otto and Flo, still reaching for the man who looked at Otto in frightened anger beginning to back up as he shook his head.

"I was fucking right!" The man snapped as he backed up, getting Otto's attention. "You aren't in control! YOU SHOULD BE LOCKED UP!"

Otto frowned as the man began to run in the other direction beginning to hear the sound of shocked gasps and screams, causing him to look up, his features softening upon seeing that the people that were in the park were all now watching them, frozen in shock and fear, mothers hiding their children that were now crying, everyone looking at him the same way they once did all those years ago. He slowly turned to Norman, heartbreaking upon seeing the look on his boyfriend's face. His eyes were full of shock and terror as he looked right at the hissing actuators.

... Is Norman afraid of me?

"Norman," he whispered, getting his attention, watching as he looked up at him. "I-,"

Harry: HE'S GETTING AWAY!

Larry: WE CAN'T LET THAT CRIMINAL GO!

Fear went through Otto as the actuators began to claw forward, trying to chase after the man, Moe thrashing, his blade retracting as he clamped down, trying to pull against Flo who still held on tightly, trying to ignore their anger so that she wouldn't be angry in return. Otto shook his head, clutching at his hair, beginning to help Flo, planting his feet to the ground as he used all his strength to hold them, making them freeze in place but they were fighting against his hold once more, their anger only rising. But he held on, trying to get them to listen. "No, no Larry... Moe, Harry stop!" he demanded his voice shakey but he continued to speak. "Listen to me, now! He's gone! Please, people, are starring... Norman is-,"

MOE: I WILL SNATCH HIM AND THROW HIM OFF A BUILDING AND WATCH HIM SPLAT ON THE PAVEMENT!

Harry: I WILL CRUSH HIS SKULL!

Larry: WE WON'T LET HIM HURT DAD EVER AGAIN!

"They're not listening," He said in a frightened whisper, looking down at Flo, fear going through him as the area that she was clamped around was beginning to crack, her hold on the ground beginning to waiver. Not only that, but he could feel her anger was beginning to grow as well, her hold on her emotions beginning to slip. All he could do now was hold on but his head felt like it was beginning to split open, their infernal hissing feeling like dangers being stabbed right into his brain. He had to get them to listen. "Guys... listen to me PLEASE!"

"Otto?" Norman uttered in a shaky voice, slowly sitting up, frowning as Otto began to clutch his head, squinting his eyes shut. Norman could only watch in concern and slight horror, never seeing this happen to his boyfriend before never seeing the actuators act like this... and it frightened him. "Otto what's happening?!"

Otto slowly turned to Norman with frightened eyes, trying to muster up the will to answer him but he fell silent, unable to speak now because he was too focused on his hold on the hissing actuators, his head now pounding. However, he froze when Larry suddenly snapped toward Norman, fear going through him, afraid that he might attack him out of blind rage but to his surprise, the red light in Larry's eyes slowly turned white as he shook his claw, now beginning to reach for Norman but he was inches away from his reach, causing him to whir in sadness trying to reach him with a grabby claw.

Larry: Dad! Dad, are you okay?! I can't reach you!

Otto let out a sigh, glad that two of his actuators were finally calm. Now he needed to get Harry and Moe to calm down before their anger spread to the others again. Slowly, Otto reached for the arms resting a hand on them, feeling as they thrashed under his touch, letting out loud hisses. "Moe, Harry please listen to me now... you need to calm down it's over... hey-," Otto jumped when Harry thrashed, shoving his hand off of him in anger, causing Otto to stare in shock, clenching his fists. "Hey! Listen to me!" Otto growled in frustration, his anger spiking each time they ignored him, but he didn't blame them.

Blast that bastard that hurt his Norman!... It was all his fault... He was the reason that Norman was bleeding. He was the reason that the actuators were acting up... it was all him! If he ever gets his hands on that spinless prick he's gonna make him pay.

I'm going to make him suffer! I'm going to rip him apart. I'm going to grab him by the arms and legs and TEAR HIM LIMB FROM LIMB UNTIL HE... wait no... NO! WHAT AM I SAYING?!

Otto froze his anger dying down as horror took over. He had never gotten that angry in a long time... Not since-.

"No," He whispered, shaking his head and beginning to clutch his hair again as pain formed in his features, tears forming in his eyes as he squints them shut. "Nononono, I don't- I don't want to hurt anyone!" he began to grab at the inhibitor chip once more, praying that it wasn't broken or it was malfunctioning. "I don't want to be that monster again!"

Harry... Moe, please... I don't want to hurt anyone. Please stop... Please I-

Harry: FATHER LET US GO! HE HAS TO PAY FOR HIS CRIME

Moe: FLO LET GO OF THE GROUND NOW!

Moe hissed as he turned toward Flo, beginning to attack her arm, trying to yank her out of the ground. But Flo had a strong grip, ignoring her brother as she held on tightly, knowing that he's not meaning to harm her. He's just too angry.

"No, Moe STOP IT!" Otto cried out, using his willpower to make Larry grab a hold of Moe's arm, yanking him off of Flo. He then watched as Moe began to claw at the ground in the direction the man ran, Harry, joining in pulling him forward a bit. He then heard a slow hiss, turning to see that Flo's light began to flicker white in pink, causing him to freeze in fear.

Flo: Father... I'm slipping.

"No, no... Flo please I can't do this on my own I-," Otto let out a whimper as the others hissed louder, another headache coursing through his skull once more, their thoughts getting louder and louder in his head. He began to curl in on himself, the arms keeping him up as he pulled his knees close to his chest, his hold on them beginning to waiver once more. But this time, he wouldn't have Flo's help to hold them back.

Norman could only sit there and watch in terror, too frightened to move a muscle, still shaken up by what that guy said to him. All he could do is watch as Otto began to curl in on himself, clutching his head as his breathing began to quicken, his heart aching upon seeing the state Otto was in, wanting so bad to help him, but he couldn't find the courage to move, lying there as his trembling arms kept him up.

Why can't I move?... Otto needs me and I'm just laying here, watching like a frightened child! God, I really am a coward.

He can't just sit by and let this happen, Norman has to help the actuators calm down, he had to help Otto. The smaller man was then pulled from his thoughts when Larry started to shake his head, the light in his eye flickering back to red as he let out a loud hiss, beginning to join in on the other two, causing Otto to curl in tighter on himself, clutching his inhibitor chip. Norman looked from his boyfriend to Larry, remembering how he instantly calmed down as soon as he heard his voice, causing an idea to click in his head.

If he could talk to the actuators and prove that he was okay, then maybe they'll calm down and Otto would gain control once more. Norman jumped when Flo slowly let out a hiss, her eye flickering from pink to red, beginning to let go of the ground, causing him to panic, feeling like his body was going to freeze up once more but he refused to just sit idly by as Otto was suffering.

Otto needs me. My babies need me... stop being a god damn coward and do something!

Norman watched as she began to let go with a loud hiss, so he quickly sprung up running toward Otto, praying that his plan would work

Otto could feel Flo's strength beginning to waiver, causing him to squint his eyes shut, tears streaming down his face as he clutched his head, begging for them all to calm down.

My children, I beg you! Please calm down! I don't want to hurt anyone! I don't want anyone to fear me again... I don't want Norman to fear me PLEASE!

Moe: WE HAVE TO FIND HIM! HE HAS TO PAY!

Harry: I'm going to KILL him for what he's done!

Otto let out a whimper shaking his head, a choked sob escaping him as his strength was thinning, his head hurt so much he couldn't think straight... beginning to feel so tired from holding on, their voice beginning to cloud his head.

I can't... I don't want to kill, please. I don't want to kill kill kill kill kill KILL KILL KILL KILL!

Suddenly Flo let go of the ground letting out a hiss, joining her siblings as Otto's strength finally left him, opening his eyes in horror as the actuators began to claw their way forward, Moe extending a blade once more, their minds set on finding the man and making him pay for what he did to Norman. Otto could only watch in defeat, tears streaming down his face when-.

"STOP!"

Otto's head snapped up, looking ahead in horror to see Norman walking right in front of the actuator's path, his arms out in front of him like he was going to block them from moving. Fear went through Otto clutching his head once more as he stared right at his boyfriend who was right in the path of danger. "NORMAN NO! MOVE!"

Norman didn't move, he stood his ground watching as the actuators skid to a stop right in front of him, the tip of Moe's blade gently pressed against his chest, causing his breathing to quicken, sweat dripping from his head, getting into his head wound which caused it to sting but he didn't care, all he cared about was Otto who had his eyes squint shut, more tears streaming down his face as he shook his head, like he was trying to shake the voices out. The actuators began to hiss looking over and passed Norman, now trying to go around him but he quickly stood in front of them.

"Hey, Hey no don't go, listen to me," He whispered in a soothing voice, watching as they tried to get passed him, still hissing lowly, their eyes glowing red as they tried to pass him but Norman was persistent. "Listen to me. It's okay, it's okay. It's dad. Dad's here, I'm fine."

Norman watched as Larry and Flo slowly stopped hissing looking directly at him as their eyes turned white, beginning to calm down, causing Norman to smile. "That's it, my sweets, It's okay." He then looked up at Harry and Moe who let out loud hisses, still trying to pass him, causing him to slowly reach up for them as Flo and Larry clamped to the ground to keep Otto up. Norman placed his hands on the two hissing actuators, watching as they flinched back glaring at him with a hiss. "Sh, sh it's alright, it alright, it okay... I'm okay see? I'm alright."

Otto slowly opened his teary eyes, looking up at Norman in shock. He watched as Norman began to stroke the two angry actuators, trying to soothe them with physical contact, trying to prove that he was okay and that they needed to calm down... and much to Otto's relief, it was working.

Norman watched as their red eyes were beginning to flicker to pink, their hissing beginning to dye down. He continued to pet the actuators, whispering soothing words to them. "There we go, see? I'm alright. It's just a few scratches... I'll be fine," Norman kept soothing them listening as they began to stop hissing, going silent as they looked at him, their eyes alight pink now. "Please try to calm down my little ones. You're worrying everyone and me... Father's hurting right now."

The two actuators froze upon hearing that, their eyes slowly turning white as their hissing finally stopped, finally calming down. They slowly looked from Norman to Otto, both pausing in shock and concern, seeing that their father was weak and tired, looking up at them with pleading tear-filled eyes. They then looked at each other and then back at Norman before clamping to the ground once more, all four of the actuators beginning to lower Otto.

As soon as Otto's feet touched the ground, he let his hold on them go, finally letting his mind rest. His legs gave out from under him causing him to collapse right into Norman, who held him up and held him close. At that moment, he let out heart-wrenching sobs, beginning to tremble in Norman's grasp, his body too weak to lift himself. He shook his head, squinting his eyes shut. "They... They tried to... I almost!... I-,"

"Sh, sh it's okay love," Norman whispered, hugging Otto close, beginning to rub his back as he spoke soothing words to Otto. "It's okay, you're back in control. You don't have to worry, now. Just rest a moment," He frowned as Otto began to sob harder, slowly reaching and wrapping his arms around Norman, his gloved hands clutching onto the back of Norman's shirt tightly, hiding his head into the side of Norman's neck as he sobbed. Norman began to run his fingers through his wavy hair, holding him close. "It's alright, I've got you Honey... I've got you."

The actuators looked from Norman to their father that was in his arms, who was still sobbing in emotional pain... pain that they had caused. They lowered their claws in shame, his sobs becoming too much to bear.

Larry:... We hurt father!

Flo: He wanted us to stop.

Harry: But we weren't listening.

Moe:... It's our fault.

Slowly, the arms began to wrap around both Otto and Norman, holding them tightly in their grasp. Otto's sobbing began to die down as he slowly opened his eyes, looking at the four limbs, feeling as Moe and Harry rested on his shoulders, Larry leaning into the side of his face as Flo rested her claw on his head, all of them beginning to hum in his ear. He looked down at the four limbs, able to feel their sadness, feeling bad for what they were about to make him do. Otto let out a small sniffle, leaning into them, squinting his eyes shut, silently telling them that it was okay and that he wasn't mad.

Norman gave Otto a few more minutes to calm down, before slowly pulling away to look at his boyfriend who was exhausted and could barely stand. Norman could only frown rubbing the side of his face, feeling as he leaned into him more tears streaming from Otto's eyes and right on Norman's hand. "Let's get you home," He whispered, wiping the tears from his face. "You all need rest and I need to patch myself up," He watched as Otto gave him a nod, his eyes cast downward as Norman then turned to the actuators. "My sweets, can you help me get him home?"

He watched as the actuators gave him a slow nod, all of them clamping their claws gently on the ground as Norman made Otto wrap his arm around his shoulder, beginning to help Otto walk, who kept his head down, afraid to look at anyone around and see the fear and unease in their eyes. "It's gonna be okay. We'll get you to our home and let you rest while I-,"

"There they are officer! and there's the one that attacked me!"

Both Otto and Norman paused in their tracks staring ahead. Otto could only squint his eyes shut as Norman let out a small growl as he rolled his eyes. "You've got to be kidding me," He whispered as he and Otto slowly turned around to see that it was the man, and an older police officer. The man was glaring at Otto in anger, crossing his arms as the officer looked between both of them.

"He's the one who attacked you?" The officer asked, pointing at Otto who lowered his head, casting his eyes down, looking at the guy with an arched eyebrow.

"That's right, he used those fucking things to knock me down and attack me for no reason," The man answered, pointing at the actuators that lowered themselves, hiding behind both Norman and Otto, not wanting to get their parents into any more trouble.

"Now that is a god damn lie!" Norman snapped, glaring at the man in anger, not scared of him any longer because he was fed up with his bullshit. "They only attacked him because they were trying to defend me. He attacked us first!"

"You can't believe a group of villains," The man snapped, looking at the officer who turned to him in silence. "They'll say anything to keep themselves out of trouble."

"Hey, they aren't villains dumbass!"

Both Otto and Norman jumped at the voice, turning their heads to see none other than Luke who was staring at the grey jacket man, his arms crossed in anger.

"And they're telling the truth," Luke began, as he motioned over to Otto and Norman. "That man assaulted Osborn first and gave him that cut on his head and scrape on his arm so Octavius used his actuators to defend themselves before he could do anything else."

"Yeah! and it was awesome!" Billy beamed, looking up at Otto with a bright smile.

"Why don't you and your little punk mind your business!?" The man snapped, glaring at the two, before looking back at the officer who raised an eyebrow at him. "They're all lying! He attacked me first so I was defending myself!"

"No, you're the one that's lying," A woman snapped, getting his attention, motioning to all the citizens around. "We all saw what you did. We're eyewitnesses buddy!"

Otto's features softened as everyone around them nodded their heads, vocally agreeing with her. They weren't looking at him in fear or unease, they were all looking at the man in anger on his behalf.

"Yeah, and I got video evidence that he attacked first!" A teen said, holding up their phone causing the man to freeze in fear. The teen then walked up to the officer handing him the phone. "Just watch."

The officer gave the young teen a nod before hitting play, holding up the phone to watch it, the screen was in view of Norman and Otto who began to watch it as well, seeing that the teen started recording when the man was yelling hurtful things to them. They watched it play out, getting to the part where the man knocked Norman over causing the smaller man to wince, not realizing how hard he hit his head off the concrete until now. But as soon as it gets to the part where Moe hit the man, Otto hid his face into the side of Norman's neck, not wanting to relive that again, feeling as Norman rubbed his shoulder to comfort him.

And the video stopped there, causing the officer to nod his head, looking back at the teen. "Hmm, you're right," He said handing them back the phone as he looked at Otto and Norman, his hands resting on his belt as he spoke. "These two didn't attack first, so that means you were only attacking in self-defense right?"

"Yes, officer. He was." Norman answered, holding Otto close, who looked at the cop in worry.

"Alright, well I guess that means you two are free to go," He grinned clapping his hands together. "I'm so sorry for the inconvenience. Would you like for me to call you an ambulance or drive you to a hospital for your wounds?"

"That's very thoughtful of you, but I'll be just fine," Norman began with a small smile. "I can patch this up at home and I need to take my boyfriend home.  He needs some rest... We both do."

"Of course," The officer said with a nod. "Just head on home, while I deal with this. Again sorry for the trouble."

"Oh no trouble at all," Norman said, looking over his shoulder at the man giving him a smug grin, watching as he looked at him in seething anger... Good. He then looked back at the officer. "Thank you so much, Officer?"

"Oh, Officer Stan Lee," Officer Lee grinned receiving a nod and a smile from them both. "You two have a good rest of your day."

"What you're seriously not going to arrest them!?" The man snapped, motioning over to Norman and Otto who just glared at him. "They still attacked me too!"

"Oh someone is getting arrested." Officer Lee said, pulling out his handcuffs.

"Good." The man spat but paused when the officer cuffed his wrist, causing him to look up at him in confusion.

"Sir, you are under arrest for harassment, assault, and for obstruction of justice," Officer Lee stated, forcing the man to turn around, cuffing his other wrist.

"I don't believe this!" The man snapped trying to pull away from the officer. "I'm going to jail and those criminals get off scot-free-,"

"Those are not criminals, Sir," Officer Lee argued, beginning to pull the man away. "Doc Ock is a hero. He saved my life when my police car was just hanging off a bridge. Now, I'm going to read you your rights before we proceed."

Otto's features softened as he looked at the cop. He knew he recognized him from somewhere. Both he and Norman then watched as he pulled the man away. The man gave them an angered glare, while the officer was reading him his rights. They then watched as Luke and his son walked up, looking at them in worry.

"Hey, are you sure you're both gonna be okay?" he asked in worry. "Do you need a ride home or anything because I could take you there? Or if you don't feel comfortable with that I could pay for an uber for you."

"Thank you very much, but we'll be okay," Otto whispered, holding Norman close who gave Luke a small nod agreeing with Otto. "We live in those apartments just a few blocks down. We can manage."

"So do we. Small world huh?" Luke smiled before resting a hand on both their shoulders. "I'm so sorry that happened. Hopefully, you don't encounter that man again."

"We could only hope," Norman chuckled with a sigh beginning to rub Otto's shoulder once more. "We better head out."

"Okay. If you both need anything my apartment address is 012." Luke said as he backed away, both of them giving him a small nod and a smile.

"Take care Doc Ock and Dr. Osborn." Billy smiled, waving them goodbye.

"You too, Young man," Otto whispered giving them one more smile as Norman gave the boy a small wave, watching as they began to leave.

Norman watched as they left before turning to Otto a frown forming on his face as Otto cast his eyes downward, his body still trembling. He let out a small sigh, placing a small kiss on his forehead, getting his attention. "Come one. Let's get you home. I'll cook you your favorite meal while you rest, how's that sound?"

Otto gave him a small smile, the actuators lifting him slightly off the ground, beginning to carry him home. "... I'd love that." He whispered, now holding Norman's hand rather tightly. He watched as Norman gave him a small smile before looking ahead, beginning to walk with him. Otto stared ahead of him as well, but his eyelids were becoming heavy beginning to flutter closed. He was so exhausted and couldn't keep awake now, so he just let sleep take him as the actuators carried him home, grasping Norman's hand tightly, feeling safe to sleep just by his calming touch.