Second Chances Begin
It was dark and cold, my mind was racing, searching for any memories or signs as to what I had done to that younger Peter, whom I had hurt that had brought a look of such hatred and pain. I had hurt someone he cared about, I knew that! But I wouldn’t get an answer until I found Otto but until then I was back in our New York with the cold night air grazing on my skin. I looked around, frantic and confused as to where I exactly was. I had landed behind an apartment building the sound of traffic and people chattering in the street greeting my ears. I could feel my heart racing in my chest as I looked around and up the building, trying to gather why I had been placed there. The last I remembered Goblin insisted that we go after..
I got my answer soon enough, Mary Jane Watson had passed by her window. She looked tired and upset, probably from what I - well, what Goblin had said to Harry about her at Thanksgiving. He had come for her, to use her against Peter, to lure him out and finally take him out.. I felt my stomach churn at the thought of hurting her, hurting Peter.. But I was cured! No longer under his control or influence… I was free. Realization finally hit me as I stood there lost in thought. “I’m still in the suit..” I scanned myself and yes, no longer was I disguised by the clothes I had taken in the other Universe, the top of the hood was all that was left with bits and pieces of purple fabric tied almost haphazardly onto my arms and legs. And I still had the glider to deal with.. Well if I was quick and didn’t cause any issues, no one would be able to or even attempt to catch me, hopefully. I took a few shaky breaths before dragging the glider into the middle of the alley, hopped onto it and carefully made my way into the air, making sure to not gain the attention of Mary Jane. I no doubt I had been seen by a few bystanders as I quickly flew over New York and to my Manor. Harry’s bedroom light was out, which was relieving to see. He was either asleep or back at his apartment. I quietly landed on the balcony to my office, the glider making the lightest noises as metal scraped against stone. I had opened the balcony doors and started to bring in the glider but found it surprisingly difficult. The thing practically weighed a ton, I grimaced as I pulled and pulled at it, making only a few inches forward before I needed to stop for a breather. “Shit..” Was all I could manage out as sweat started to build on my brow, breath hard and ragged. I hadn’t realized how much the Enhancers had, well, enhanced my strength until that moment. My mind was racing as I stared at the precarious thing, trying to come up with ideas or plans that would actually help me get this damn thing inside and well.. That part I was still figuring out. I wasn’t sure where I was going to hide it and the armor but I didn’t doubt that I could find somewhere to put it. “Sir?” A familiar voice called out behind me so suddenly. I practically leaped out of my skin as I twisted around to see my faithful butler Bernard standing there. He looked concerned and I started to panic, he couldn’t know about this, if he knew he could - he could!! “Bernard! I uh uhh, this! This isn’t what it looks like I-! I can explain this I promise I!-” Before I could make a further fool of myself Bernard placed his hands gently on my shoulders and said so calmly, so firmly that “I already know sir.” Shock knocked the wind out of my lungs, and all of the bullshit lies my mind was desperately coming up with. I looked into his eyes, my own giving way to my confusion and no doubt my exhaustion. “You do..?” I had let out meekly before continuing on, “B-But how? And why didn’t you say anything to me! To the police!!” Bernard knew.. He could have easily turned me in for everything I had technically done and he would have had every right to, especially for Harry’s sake. But he just smiled at me gently, almost fatherly and said. “I made a promise to always protect you Sir, no matter what. I had known since the beginning when you had come home from the lab, disheveled and carrying what seemed to be Oscorp. tech. You also had blood on you, and it wasn’t yours. I was worried but when I went to check up on you to see if you had gotten hurt..” Bernard paused, his expression growing almost fearful. I had never seen him like that, he could barely keep eye contact with me as he continued on. “But then I saw your eyes and.. They were your eyes Sir.. they were his . And he could tell that I knew that you weren’t exactly yourself and well..” He took in a deep breath, eyes locking with mine as he composed himself. Whether for my sake or his own I don’t know. “He threatened me, Sir. He said that if I ever told you, the police or even Harry about it, he would hurt me quite horrendously, and if not me.. He would go after Harry Sir..” My heart dropped, my senses going cold at Bernard's words. But just as quickly I felt myself growing hotter as a visceral anger rose in me. That BASTARD THREATENED TO HURT MY SON!! “THAT SON OF A BITCH!!” I yelled, stomping away from Bernard and beginning to pace back and forth. I couldn’t believe this! I knew Goblin was ruthless but he had NO place threatening my son’s life! But.. he’s gone now. He couldn’t hurt anyone, not me, not Bernard.. Not Harry. I turned to Bernard, a gentle smile on my face. I placed a hand on his shoulder and spoke softly to my dear friend. “Bernard, I never wanted any of this to happen or for anyone to get hurt! I'm so sorry! But thank you, you did what you thought was right and I am forever in your debt for it, but I promise you, He will no longer be a problem for anyone anymore. I’m cured!” I said happily, a soft feeling I hadn’t felt in so long. It was nice, it was warm. Bernard was speechless, stuttering over his words as he asked me “B-but how sir?” Which wasn’t a normal thing to see from the older man, but a fun sight to see nonetheless. My mind almost went blank though, I couldn’t tell him the truth! He wouldn’t believe me! He would think that I had officially lost my mind or that Goblin was playing a trick on him just so he could be punished for spilling the beans. I swallowed hard, picking my words carefully as I answered Bernard’s question. “I got help from.. An old friend. It wasn't easy but he managed to help me in the end and.. I could never be more grateful.” I let out a light, deep chuckle and Bernard chuckled with me. It was over, we were finally free from the Goblin. “Well that’s wonderful news Sir, now. What would you like to do about that?” Bernard leaned and pointed to the glider that I had barely pushed through the doorway, I sighed and looked back at Bernard embarrassed. “Ah, yes, that. Well I want to hide it somewhere but um, I'm not sure where exactly, heh.” Bernard perked up at this and let out a simple “Ah” Before he turned away and made his way to a wall length mirror, it's dark wood carved with intricate designs and floral patterns. I watched him curiously as he looked at the side of the mirror carefully before digging his fingers into the side and prying at it. A loud CLICK called out as he pried the mirror from the wall and swung it open like a door, revealing a dark dusty corridor. My jaw dropped as I stared down the dark space. How long had that been there? Bernard made his way back to me and stated plainly, “I had seen your other self go in and out of there whenever he was up to his.. Antics Sir.” “Huh..” Was all I could manage as Bernard passed me and made his way to the Glider. I joined him soon and between the two of us it was still a struggle but we huffed and hawed our way though the corridor and into a secret lab filled with bombs and weapons Goblin had designed as well as a spare Glider and a few helmets, their cackling faces mocking me as I heard the echo of his hideous laughter in the back of my mind. But what caught my face was all of the vials of the Enhancer.. He had made more.. Why!? Was he afraid that the enhancers were going to fade and he along with them or was he planning something else, something big.. I ripped my eyes away from the vials, reminding myself that it didn’t matter now, he was gone and all that was left was to make sure that no one found out about this. Especially Harry. Bernard helped me out of the armor, my body sore and tired as I slipped off the heavy thing. He provided me with a set of fresh clothes and a robe to wrap around myself since I was still feeling pretty cold. “Thank you Bernard, I really appreciate it.” “Of course Sir, anytime.” He said with a smile and followed close behind me as I made my way out of the secret lab, closing it behind. For good. Suddenly a wave of lightness came over me, I stumbled on my feet, grabbing at Bernard who held tightly onto me and helped guide me to one of the chairs, sitting me down gently as I tried to gather my footing. My head was swimming and I could barely keep my vision straight, lights and Bernard's figuring dancing around in my eyeline. Perhaps a side effect of the cure? I closed my eyes as I reassured Bernard that I was alright, I just needed some water that’s all.
Bernard wasted no time as he rushed to bring me a cold glass of water of which I chugged down immediately, not realizing how thirsty I was. Wait, when was the last time I had drank anything? I had a coffee back at FEAST but otherwise I don’t think I had any liquids before or after, huh. Well that explains it, I had exhausted myself and needed some water, that's all! I opened my eyes, allowing them to adjust to the room and to Bernard who was watching me like a concerned hawk. How sweet. “I'm fine Bernard. Like I said, I just needed some water, it’s been a while. Now,” I stood up, a small wave of nausea washing over me but I pushed it down and readjusted the robe tighter on my body before looking back at Bernard with a serious expression. “Bernard, I’m not proud of what I've done but, I wasn’t completely myself. And as much as I'd like to turn myself in.. I don’t want to leave this legacy for Harry to live with for the rest of his life! To be known as the son of the Green Goblin! I’ve been an awful father, but I will not put that upon my son. So, we cannot tell him or anyone Bernard! Do you understand!” Bernard went to speak but another rang out saying, “Tell me what?” Bernard and I looked to see Harry standing in the doorway, his eyes red and puffy from sleep. He had probably heard me and Bernard earlier and had come to check up on us. His expression was confused which relieved my heart a bit, he hadn’t heard the whole thing, only the end bit. Bernard smiled to Harry before responding kindly, “About your birthday party Sir, your father wanted to make it special since you’ll be turning 21.” Genius! I turned with Bernard and smiled warmly at my dear Harry. “Yes, but I guess it’s not really a secret anymore is it now?” I teased lightly which gained a mixed expression. Shame at first which twisted to relief and happiness. But why? I felt a pang in my heart as I watched him slip on a comfy smile which was genuine but now clearly was hiding some inner pain. Oh Harry.. What have I done to you? I continued to smile and walked closer to him. “Sorry if me and Bernard had woken you, we were umm, moving some stuff around a little earlier.” I said as to excuse any of the noises we most likely made while moving the Glider. “It’s fine, it didn't disturb me that much.” “Good good..” I smiled at him and wrapped an arm around his back, guiding him out of the room and down the hallway, our pace slow and easy. “Harry, I've been thinking a lot, especially since you’ve been on your own and umm..” I swallowed, my throat thick as my nerves betrayed me once more. “I just want to tell you I love you Harry.. I love you so much and I’m so sorry that I haven’t really been around to say it before which is, well it’s cruel. But I promise you I do and I’m also so proud of you! You may not be an exact copy of me.. but perhaps that’s not such a bad thing.” Harry was stunned, looking down at me with concern. “Father.. I.. Thank you so much, but why are you telling me this?” I sighed and continued walking with Harry close. “Because I’m ashamed of myself son.. I’ve had a lot to reflect on with you gone and with Bernard… bringing things to light I suppose… I've been cruel to you and it’s not fair, it’s not right! I want to fix this, to fix us! To let you know that you matter to me Harry and I’m- I’m going to work on myself! Better myself!” Harry smiled, hope rising in his eyes as he watched me exclaim excitedly with hopeful promises. “I love you Harry, okay?” I stood in front of him, hands resting softly on his arms, hesitant on his words. He just smiled that gentle smile and nodded. “Okay, I love you too Father.” I smiled and pulled him to a deep hug, holding him close and tight to me. We stayed there for a little bit, taking in each other's warmth and security. Feeling at home with each other at last. I was the first to pull away, drying off a stray tear that threatened to fall down my cheek. I sighed aloud and readjusted myself, smiling kindly to my dear son. “Alright, I’m glad we’re on the same page. Now! I’m feeling quite famished myself, how does Pizza sound?” Harry chuckled, taken aback a bit at my suggestion as we continued down the hall. “Pizza?” “I know, I know but, I’m feeling a bit nostalgic I guess hehe.” I retorted lightly, another wave of nausea washed over me, stronger, heavier. It nearly knocked the wind from my lungs and Harry noticed as I stumbled a bit, guiding his hands to my shoulder and the small of my back as he looked at my face concerningly. “Father! Are you alright? You look a bit pale..” I swallowed hard, nodding to reassuring him I was indeed alright but another wave came over me, worse than the others had ever been. I started to cough uncontrollably, my head spinning a million miles, everything was begging to blur as I felt my knees give way under me as I fell hard on the wooden floors. Harry was shouting, his voice scared and frantic as he hovered over me and held one of my hands tightly. I could hear Bernard's shoes running up quickly toward us, calling out my name in the same frantic manner as Harry’s. Their forms hovered and spun around me before they faded into black, bidding me goodnight.
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When I awoke my head was still spinning with a dull ache that rang at the back of my skull. The lights blared and stung as I opened my eyes, I looked around to see a drip attached to my arm and Bernard sitting silently in a chair off in a dark corner. “I’m in a hospital..” Was the first thought that popped up in my mind as I scanned the pale sanitized space, the sound of a heart monitor beeping off next to me keeping me in relative company. “Bernard..” I called out, my voice scratchy from disuse. “How long have I been out for?” He didn’t respond immediately so I called out to him three more times, my voice gaining strength and volume with each call, eventually he awoke and looked at me with slight befuddlement. “Norman..” He mumbled before he gathered himself and made his way to me, a kind but concerned smile plain on his face. “It’s good to see you awake, Sir.” He stated as he glanced over my features, of which no doubt looked tired and sickly. “It's good to be awake Bernard..” I shifted a bit in the stiff hospital bed, sighing deeply as discomfort started to butt its head up my ass. “How long was I out for?” I asked, closing my eyes for a moment to relieve them from the blaring hospital lights that buzzed annoyingly above my head. Bernard wetted his mouth before answering promptly, “You were unconscious for five days Sir..” My eyes popped open as I looked back up to Bernard with worried surprise. “What!? Five days!?” I asked, harshly my mind not seeming to comprehend that I had been asleep for such a period of time. My eyes looked over to the end of my bed as my mind busied itself with questions. “How? What happened?” I asked Bernard in an almost desperate tone which stung as I waited for his reply, “The doctors believe that your body is going through drastic and heavy withdrawals from some sort of chemical Sir. They’re not sure what it is, but I have my suspicions Sir..” My mind filled in the blanks as to what Bernard was implying, “The enhancers..” I mumbled out without thinking to which Bernard subtly nodded in agreement. Of course, it made sense! The enhancers had increased my strength, endurance, speed, and had even strengthened my immune system for over a year. So when I was cured it started to flush everything away and my body reacted negatively as it had grown dependent on the enhancers.. Why didn’t I think about this before, it just makes sense!!
I looked back up to Bernard with my mind feeling a little less busy and heavy. “You should let someone know that I’m awake, so they can assess if I can leave.” I stated plainly, exhaustion from sleeping for such a long period settling more and more in my body. “ God I don’t want to sleep more but it’s not like I feel any better than before.” Bernard gave me another nod muttering a small "Of course Sir." Before turning round and leaving the room. Only a few minutes passed before I was greeted by a young Doctor who looked almost as exhausted as I felt. He explained in a monotone voice that I was apparently lucky to have survived to begin with. My immune system was completely shot and my body had started to attack itself, causing me to have a frighteningly high fever that could have killed me in my fragile state, but luckily it didn't. He was surprised and intrigued but finally cut to the chase, telling me that I would need to stay in the Hospital for a little while longer, to allow my immune system to build back up before I walked out in my fragile state. I wanted to argue but I pushed down the urge, giving the exhausted Doctor a simple nod in agreement.
Long unbearable days passed by, each longer and more boring than the last. I asked Bernard to bring me some books and puzzles to entertain me which satisfied me for a little while, but eventually I had reread all my books three times over and filled out every puzzle I had access to. But that wasn't even the worst part. The Doctors and Nurses treated me like a lab rat, bringing me new medicines and injections to try and test each day. To see how my body reacted to each and every single one. I was sick and tired of this process a week in, but I was far from better and was required to stay. Harry and Bernard came and visited me whenever they could manage which quickly became the highlight of my weeks. Harry recalled everything he had done at school or with his friends all while I listened attentively, just happy to see him by my side, happy and comfortable. Bernard was handling things at Oscorp. for me, relaying any news or changes that the Board was making, as well as relaying my responses or personal changes that I was wanting to implement into the company. Of course the Board didn't exactly agree with my " Passive " changes, but they could cry all they want, it didn't matter in the end.
Little over a month passed by me in that dreaded Hospital, but I was finally stable and free to go. Of course with a bundle of pill bottles in my hands to strengthen myself in the comfort of my home, as per their suggestion. I complained about it to Bernard when I could, but took those damn pills nonetheless, and didn't want to risk getting sick or losing consciousness. Not now.. I had changes to make, to better myself, my company, my friend.. And things were going relatively well as another month passed me by with little bumps in the road. Most of my Board had left, feeling as though I had grown soft or possibly mad! I didn’t care though, it just showed me their true colors and intentions, so I carefully replaced them with new members that I had Bernard help me choose for the betterment of Oscorp.’s future. Stress grew in my mind as I watched our funds decline, buyers and supporters dropping like flies. “This isn’t good..” I mumbled as I stared at statistics and graphs of Oscorp.’s rapid decline in rating and funds, stress and worry consuming my waking hours. “It’s to be expected, Sir. You drastically changed your values and goals for the company, so some backlash is normal.” Bernard stated calmly while he gently pushed a tray of food and tea for me, but I wasn’t hungry. I sighed, nodding in agreement. I knew Bernard was right, to an outsider's perspective my drastic change in my views and values for the company would come off a bit alarming, possibly even mad. “I know. I’m just worried Bernard, I haven’t seen this rapid of a decline since I had started Oscorp.” I tossed the papers haphazardly onto the desk, not even bothering to pick up any that slid off and landed on the waxed hardwood floors. “I don’t know what to do Bernard.. I just don’t..” Bernard watched me attentively as I combed through my tangle of hair that I hadn’t even bothered to brush or style this morning, a five o’clock shadow growing more prominent on my jaw. “I know Sir..” He stated plainly, I was running into a wall and we both knew it, the answers to my dilemma lost in a thick cloud ahead of me. “Sir, as much as I admire your determination and stubbornness for your work, you’re clearly very stressed and need a break. So I suggest you take it.” Bernard stated in a very matter-of-fact tone as he looked down to me with worried eyes. I sighed, nodding heavy as I leaned back in my chair. “..You’re right as always Bernard. Thank you.” I smiled at Bernard as I gave him my genuine thanks and appreciation, he returned my smile in kind. “Anytime Sir.” And with that he bid his silent adieu, leaving me alone in my quiet office, work and papers being my only company. “God I need a drink..”
I made my way downstairs to the mini bar, grabbing out an old scotch and pouring a healthy dose. Sipping on the smooth drink I sighed, feeling the booze add warmth to my core and chest, a feeling I had missed dearly. I wasn’t allowed to drink for a while because of the medication, but now I was free to enjoy any cocktail I wanted. My mind wandered on random non meaningful thoughts as I made my way back up to my office at my own leisure pace. My eyes couldn’t help landing on the mirror tucked in the furthest wall, reminding me of that night. I shook my head, wanting to ignore those memories. I had no time for that, I needed to relax. So I tried to do just that, but it was strangely challenging. I had put away my papers, sitting comfortably at my desk distracting myself with whatever I could get my hands on. Crosswords, books, even videos on the internet but my eyes would always wander back to the mirror, memories consuming my mind each time. Why was I so drawn to it? I wasn’t sure but eventually I gave up and stood up, staring at my reflection intensely, as though daring it to move in some way. Nothing. It was just my reflection, plain and true. He was gone for good. “I’m acting ridiculous.” I muttered as I sipped my whiskey once more.
“Ooooh~ But are you Osborn..” A voice echoed out, causing me to choke on my drink, nearly spitting out back into the cup as I spun around, scanning my surroundings. “Wh-who’s there!” I called out, backing up to a drawer of my desk, ghosting my fingers over one of the drawer handles, ready for anything to strike. “Oh has it been that long Norman?~ Have you forgotten your old friend?~” The voice called out once more, floating around me, its voice horrifyingly familiar. No! It couldn’t be! I-! I turned toward the mirror, desperate to prove myself wrong, to show me that it was just a voice, a horrible taunting voice caused by the pills! But as I turned to the pane of glass, I felt my body grow cold and still, shock causing me to drop the glass, shattering sharply on the floor, whiskey puddling and spraying at my feet.
It wasn’t my reflection, not at all. I saw my body and face standing before me with a wide toothy smile, its expression dark and twisted, its body still as I stared at the horrid image before me. “..Goblin..?” I forced out, my voice timid which caused the horrid reflection to grin even wider. He snapped his fingers at me, a cocky expression playing on his, my, features. “Bingo baby!” He replied confidently. I wanted to scream, run, and demand to know how he was still here! Still alive!! I guess my thoughts were plain on my face because he tsked out, “Ohh, what? Did you think that little science experiment was going to get RID me? Oh no no no Norman!! I am a part of you! Of your MIND!!” He cackled out, his body jerked as he pointed harshly at me and our head, tapping lightly at his temple to emphasize his point. “You may have gotten rid of the enhancers, but that just means that I’ll have to wait to get them back..” I shook my head, shocked to hear those words echo in my mind. “What!? What do you mean!? And why have you shown yourself now you rodent!” I demanded, anger bubbling in my veins, battling the fear causing my hands to tremble. “Simple you idiot, when that brat injected you I was thrown in the depths of your mind to rot! I thought I was going to fade, die in your subconscious.. But I didn’t, I lived~ But I was too weak to take back the driver's seat so I waited and waited until I was able to have a little chat with you.. And as for why? I'M TIRED OF YOU! FOR TOO LONG YOU HAVE LET YOUR WEAKNESS CONTROL YOU AND THIS DAMNED CITY!!” Goblin screamed, causing my ears to ring painfully loud, I nearly fell onto the floor as I cried out in pain. “And soon enough I will take you out once and for all, ruling over this pathetic city and KILL PETER PARKER!” “NO!!” I screamed back to the reflection, fear consuming my mind as the memory of that horrid day came back to me, of the young Peter, Otto, Aunt May. “No. I didn’t.. I didn’t mean to- I don’t want to hurt anyone!!” I cried out desperately as I felt my body growing colder and colder, my fingers numbing despite clutching them into fists, digging them deeply into my palm just to feel them. He was trying to gain control, to bury me away into that horrible darkness. My mind was racing a mile a minute as Goblin at my panic and fear. Harry, Bernard, Peter, Otto.. I wouldn’t see them again, and what would he do to them!? Would he kill all of them, or would he spare some while taking out the others, or would he keep them alive to torture until they begged him for death!? Each thought ended worse and worse, I hated this so much, I felt powerless. I-!
“..Father..? Are you alright?” Harry’s voice called out, breaking the barrage of screaming and noise that rang in my ringing ears. It was clear and clean and far softer from the scratching tone of the Goblins horrid taunts and threats. I tore my eyes away from the horrid reflection, breathing hard and jagged to see Harry actually standing there in the entrance of the foyer, his expression scared and worried. “Harry!” I managed to exclaim, my voice hushed and ragged from screaming. “W-w-what are you d-doing here?” I asked, a harsh laugh echoing above me as I slowly straightened up, hands ringing together as I felt my nerves screaming with rapid fire. I wasn’t safe.. Harry wasn’t safe! “Osborn you FOOL!! Do you think that your precious little Harry is any safer than before? You’re dead wrong..” The Goblin’s voice called out to me, sounding only a few mere feet from me.. Where could he be.. Will he..? “Father, I heard you screaming and I.. are you okay? You look terrible..” Harry spoke low as he slowly made his way to me, I backed further and further from him until I made contact with the mirror, cornering me. “Dad, what's wrong?” He asked, calling me a more personal name which pulled at my heart, he truly is worried. But he knew me pretty well, and was basically demanding me ti tell the truth as he gently reached out his hand to my shoulder, I twitched at the touch, feeling far too aware of my senses as I tried to regulate my breathing. “I- I’m..” I stuttered out, my mind drawing a blank. “I’m fine, just fine.” I stammered out, cursing internally at how weak and scared I sounded “ Dammit! ” Harry clearly didn’t buy it and pressed more. “Dad you look like you’ve seen a ghost, do I need to get Bernard?” Sudden images of Bernard's bloody corpse flashed before me causing me to blurt out, “No!” Harry jumped a bit at my sudden outburst and backed up, good, good. “Okay.. Dad, you're kind of scaring me, what’s going on with you?” He pried, Goblin cackled loudly in my head and I looked to see where it was, truly like a madman searching for the devil. I looked back to Harry and shook my head quickly, trying so desperately to dismiss him. “I’m fine Harry! It’s just the meds I-” “The meds? You haven’t been on those in over a month!? Dad, I promise I won’t judge you but I’m not leaving until you tell me why you're acting so weird!” He exclaimed, concern and stubbornness leaving his mouth and laying heavy on my shoulders, damn boy. What was I to do!? I couldn’t lie in this state! I was too shaken from the Goblin but that feeling.. That numbness was dissipating, he couldn’t.. “ Then should I..? ” Harry turned away from me, reaching for the office phone, but I followed quickly behind, slamming the phone back down. “What the hell!?” He exclaimed at me but I didn’t care. I put my hands on his arms, holding him gently more to ground myself then to comfort him but if it helped that was a plus. I breathed in deep, letting out slowly as I looked Harry deep in his eyes.
“Harry.. I’m the Green Goblin..” I admitted, my voice shaking as my fears and nerves grasped onto my very being. Harry’s expression twisted and turned from concern, to bewilderment, until sinking into deep concern and fear. “What..?” Was all he was able to push out as his eyes scanned me, looking for anything to abide his growing fear of me. But all he had was the equal amount of fear I was expressing. “No.. you’re just unwell! Your mind must have cracked from the stress, we can help-``''NO!” I yelled out suddenly, shutting down Harry completely, his eyes watering with fear, twisting my stomach as I swallowed hard, “ He has to know.. For his safety” I closed my eyes, ashamed to keep a connection with my son. “No.. I am the Green Goblin, or at least I was, and I can prove it. Come” I turned around scanning the detailed carvings of the mirror’s frame until I landed on the hidden button, pressing it and causing a loud clicking noise to escape from the hidden door. I could feel Harry’s eyes watching me intently, very likely confused and shocked to see the hidden passage. I swung it open and sighed deeply, looking back at Harry who looked to me with confusion, his body tense, on the verge of bolting out the door. “Come.” I insisted and made my way in, hearing the close and cautious footsteps of Harry’s feet close behind me. When we made it to the lab filled with all of my Goblin gadgets, weapons, and bottles upon bottles of the enhancers I felt a heavy blanket of shame lay upon my back, bringing me closer and closer to hell’s fire the longer I saw Harry’s horrified face scan the sterile space. He finally looked at me, confusion and horror clear upon his features still as he asked me with a shaky voice, “B-But how!? W-when!??” I sighed and gathered my nerves, looking Harry dead in the eyes as I spoke. “It was about a year ago, there was an accident in the lab.. We were doing research on body enhancers for soldiers and most of our experiments were a success! Except for one where the lab rat had shown signs of high aggression, violent tendencies, and madness. The General didn’t like that, though in reality he didn’t like me, but he wanted these enhancers and threatened that if we didn’t get on human trials within two week he was going to pull out funding and I.. I panicked. I wanted to prove they worked, but I knew that I wouldn’t be able to get a volunteer in time so I.. I tested it on myself. The last I remembered was being placed in the chamber and large clouds of green smoke smothering me and then.. Nothing. Well it turned out that the worst case scenarios came true and I attacked and killed the other scientist. I only found out about it when he started to taunt and mock me in my mind, allowing me to see him in my reflection. He had killed him and destroyed the competition because.. I guess I wanted them gone. But not like that! I swear!” Harry’s face grew cold, staring at me hard. “But.. that day at the parade, you killed the board, and nearly killed MJ!” His voice rose as his anger started to bubble in him, an anger I couldn’t blame. “I know, I never really wanted to kill them, but Goblin.. He didn’t care for their decision to practically kick me out of Oscorp., expecting me to put in my resignation.. I was anger, furious! But-! I never wanted to hurt them or MJ! I wasn’t in control!” Harry’s face grew colder as I went on and on. Horror being replaced with.. Well I wasn’t sure at the time. It was as though all feeling had left him, his gaze growing distant as time passed us by, even after I was finished. We sat there for a few more minutes in painful silence, thinking, processing. “..Where is he..” He mumbled, barely above a whisper. “What?” “WHERE IS HE!?!” He demanded, eyes red from the tears building up in his eyes. I stuttered, breathless but I needed to answer, I needed to. “I’m not sure!! I was able to get in contact with an old friend to find a cure for me and it worked! It ripped away the enhancers from my system which was why I had passed out that night, I was better. But..” Harry snapped in quick, “But what!!” I swallowed. “The Goblin isn’t completely gone, just weakened!” I blurted out defensively. “Weakened!?” He exclaimed, disbelief harsh in his voice. “Yes.. he’s been waiting to gain control again, so he could kill..” I hesitated, my throat growing incredibly dry. “Kill who, dad..” He asked me, his eyes dark. I sighed, defeated and unsure of what else to do but tell the whole truth. “To kill you..” Harry’s face dropped, horror setting once again. He stood there a moment, turning his back from me, leaning onto the wall as the cogs in his head turned. His voice rose up, but he wasn’t looking at me, he kept his head hanging low as he asked, “So.. you put yourself in danger and got nearly hundreds of people killed, including me and MJ all because..” He paused raising his head back, slowly turning back to me, eyes filled with bitterness as he spat out, “All because you were afraid of losing fucking money!?”
I was thrown off, the words hitting me straight in my chest like a knife and without thinking I threw out, “No! Not just for money Harry! For our safety and your future!! I didn’t want you to live like I did, I wanted to keep you safe!” I blurted out at which Harry scoffed. “My safety? Bullshit. You have NEVER cared about me or my safety. You were never in my life to begin with! All you’ve ever done since Mom left was bury yourself in your fucking work and belittle me, tell me how disappointed you were in me! How I wasn’t enough like you! Not ambitious enough or smart enough!! Never enough! I never got your praise, but my best friend Peter did! Peter fucking Parker! You loved him more than me, even if you don’t want to admit it!!” Harry screamed and shouted with all his might, angry tears streaming down his face and staining his shirt as he threw example after example how much I had hurt him and.. He was right. I wanted to fight, to bicker and correct him, tell him that everything he was saying was but I couldn’t do it. I had hurt Harry enough I wasn’t going to do it again, not like my own Dad. Harry deserves to be angry. He huffed, breathing heavy as he stared at me down, eyes full of pure bitter hatred. “You know what sucks about this? Is that I know that you taking that stupid serum didn’t suddenly make you a monster. You already were one.” And with that Harry pushed past me harshly, his footsteps growing more and more distant as he left, slamming the Manor door and driving quickly into the darkening city. I fell to my knees, tears pouring from my eyes and into my hands as I sobbed and shook in that horrible room, alone. For once, truly alone.