Welcome Home Peter

I watched and felt the sunrise fade away only to be replaced by bitterly cold water, and the jarring sound of metal bending unnaturally assaulting my senses. I rose out of the river with a loud gasp, I had returned back to my hideout, but I didn’t have time to adjust. I looked up in horror as metal flew toward my machine, the energy sun growing out of control. “No..” Was all I could utter before lifting myself up out of the water. I peeked my head out to see Peter catching Mary Jane out of the air, mere inches away from the growing sun. He pulled her back down, setting her next to Harry who quickly clung onto her, terror so clear on their faces. Peter told them to run, but they argued with him, both worried and scared for him, insisting he come with them. Peter tried to push them away, telling them they would be safer without him, but they didn’t listen. “If they don’t get out, it’ll be too late to stop it!” I thought to myself before getting up and rushing towards them. “YOU NEED TO GET OUT OF HERE! NOW!!!” They were all caught off guard, Parker assumed I was still ‘Doc Ock’ so he swung at me, I dodged his attack quickly. “Stop! We don’t have time for this! We need to stop the machine NOW!!” He tried to punch me again but I caught his hand with one of the actuators. “And why should I work with you!?” He exclaimed, frustration clear in his voice. I stepped forward, closing the gap between us and looked Peter dead in his eyes. “Because you don’t have a choice.”  I didn't have time to explain that I wasn’t his Otto, that I wasn’t going to kill him. We both stood there a moment, Parker looking at me silently, and much to my own surprise he quietly took off his mask, looking at me in disbelief, quietly asking with uncertainty, “Dr.Octavius?” He paused, his eyes shifting over my face. “Is that you?” I smiled and nodded firmly. “Yes Parker. But we don’t have time for reunions, we need to-” I was cut off as the building lurched, the shabby front collapsing inward toward us. Metal beams, glass, chains, my sunglasses, everything was being pulled to and eaten by my accursed sun. We both watched in horror while Harry and Mary Jane shrieked. Peter looked back to me, his determination clear as day as he commanded, “Get them out of here, Norman is on his way for them, I’ll try to get the plugs.” My mind raced with questions I wouldn’t get answers for yet. But I pushed them down and nodded. “Got it.” We broke away and I swiftly made my way to the others, telling them once more with haste. “You two need to go. Now. Grab on.” They both hesitated for a moment as I opened my arms to them. “No time for dilly-dallying, come on!!” I demanded insistently, which seemed to spook them out of their indecision, quickly grabbing around my middle and each other as I clasped my arms tightly around them, quickly carrying them out, using my actuators to gain more distance as my hideout creaked and groaned loudly around us. I quickly got them onto solid ground, letting them go safely and quickly telling them to get to safety, turning and leaving before they could protest. I rushed back to Parker to see that while he had indeed unplugged the machine, it was too late. The sun had grown too unstable and there wasn’t any stopping it and it’s unending hunger. “My God..” Was all I could let out as I looked on in horror. Peter looked at me, worry and fear consuming him as he asked me to tell him how to shut it down, desperation so clear in his voice. It broke my heart to hear it. I shook my head, I couldn’t believe it. My machine, my dream. Everything I worked so hard for, had turned into this horrid thing. What a cruel joke on me. “We have to destroy it Doc!” Peter yelled, snapping me back to the present. “I know, you’re right. But.. It can’t be stopped.” I answered coldly. “What!?” Parker exclaimed in horror. “It’s self-sustaining now, it can’t be stopped Pet-” “Think!” Peter interrupted desperately. I looked on, a memory of what that man Flint had said, “...Doc Ock, drowned in the river with your machine.” Those words hung heavy in my chest as realization set in. I swallowed hard as I said softly. “The river.” I nodded, “Drown it.” Parker went to turn toward it but I stopped him, an actuator grabbing onto his arm. He looked up at me with confusion. “I’ll do it. You’re in no condition to do it.” I firmly stated as I started to push past him. “But!-” He tried to argue. “No! I started this and I must end it.” He looked at me with a deep sadness, like a son watching a parent leave them. It tugged at my heart but I gave a brave smile. “I’ll be alright Peter. I promise, now go.” I could see the hesitancy as Peter donned his mask back on and turned to leave, that iconic Thwip! Noise telling me everything I needed to know. “Time to finish this, goodbye old friend.” I said softly under my breath as I made my way closer to the machine and down to the support beams. I centered myself between them, grabbing onto each one with my actuators. But as I reached out with the upper right actuator all I could hear was clanging, only to find to my horror that I was missing its claw. Realization dawned on me as I remembered that Green Goblin had cut it off after he had surfaced. My stomach plummeted. How was I going to destroy the beams and get out in time? I had hoped that after being redeemed that I would have avoided my fate, but I suppose the Universe had other plans. I didn’t have a choice. I would have to go down with the ship so to speak. I started to pull, yelling as I mustered all of the arms strength to pull the beams closer and closer to me, metal groaning loudly in my ears. I stared at my creation as it seemed to scream in indignation. I closed my eyes as I strained more and more to pull the supports closer. But not a moment later did I open them in surprise when I heard a familiar voice screaming, “OTTO STOP!!” I looked up to see nearly a second later, a purple glider flying into the hungry sun, the sound of heavy footsteps getting closer and closer to me. No.. It couldn’t be. “OTTO!” Norman’s head popped out over the hole to look at me. He was wearing his goblin suit, minus the torn hoodie. He quickly crouched down toward me, I shook my head. “No! Norman, you need to get out of here!!” I commanded desperately. “And watch you kill yourself after all you’ve been through! Fat chance Otto! I am not losing you again!!” He retorted, anger and worry heavy in his voice. “But there’s no way to stop it! This is the only way!!” I explained desperately. “Ugghh!! You really have a death wish don’t you!” He accused angrily, before looking at the beams, scanning them. I had pulled three of them beyond their limits, a little more and they would break, causing the machine to collapse. A smile curled it way onto his lips before he looked at me simply saying, “I have an idea! But you need to catch me!” I went to yell back but before I could he quickly disappeared and then jumped down into the hole. I panicked as I saw him plummet atop me, reaching and adjusting myself as he landed hard in my arms bridal style. Breathing hard he reached into his satchel and pulled out four pumpkin bombs. “Get me to the beams!! NOW!!” He commanded, and I quickly complied, catching on quickly to his plan. I placed him near each meeting area between the platforms and the supports where he’d click and place a bomb at each one. Time was of the essence, each bomb beeping faster and faster as their timers ticked down. As soon as the last bomb was set Norman wrapped his arms tightly around me and yelled, “LET’S GO!!” And I bolted out, climbing out of the hole and the crumbling building, the bombs exploded with incredible might just as we made it out, the building falling in on itself and into the river below. We breathed hard as we looked back to see my machine and the sun sink, dragging the rest of the building along with it. It's sickening glow getting dimmer and dimmer as it sank further down. I gently put Norman down, both of us watching with bated breath as everything I had worked so hard for sank below, never to be seen again. I couldn’t help but feel a deep sadness in me, and it seems that I wasn’t being subtle about it. Norman looked up at me, his voice soft as he said, “Otto.. I’m so sorry, it was your dream.” I shook my head softly. “I know, but sometimes to do what's right, we have to be steady, and give up the thing we want most… Even our dreams.” I replied solemnly. “But you wouldn’t have had to do so if I had been better. But I wasn’t, I should've done more, paid more attention. I nearly lost y-” Before Norman could go any further I pulled him into a tight bear hug. “Norman, it’s okay. I’m not mad at you, hell I’m not really sure what you’re talking about. I’m just happy to see you alive and well old friend.” Norman stood there, I could feel him breathing hard, his arms uncertain as he hugged back, but soon he fell apart, shaking like a leaf as he clung onto me, crying hard against my chest. Clearly this Universes Otto had given him quite a scare. As heartbreaking it was to witness him break down over me, it was also equally sweet. I held him close, quietly shushing him as he got everything out of his system.

It didn’t take too long before Norman’s tears dried and he composed himself as best as he could, smiling up at me with such overwhelming relief. But the moment was interrupted by familiar voices. “Dad!!” “Dr.Octavius!” We looked to see Harry and Peter running toward us, while Mary Jane followed close behind, clearly feeling uneasy and uncertain to get closer, which was fair. Harry nearly ran Norman over, hugging him hard. Norman looked stunned for a moment but smiled warmly as he hugged his son back. “Harry! I thought I told you to stay back there.” “I know, but I was so worried about you! Plus, you came to save me Dad!” He explained, still holding on so tightly, as if Norman would disappear if he let go. Though it seemed like Norman didn’t mind, it was a sweet thing to see. But my attention was caught by Peter who came to me, relief clear in his smile. “Octavius.. I was so worried, when Norman went after you I thought you were..” “I know.” I answered, closing the gap between us and hugging him gently. “ I know.”

We spent a few moments talking and reassuring that I was back to normal and wasn’t going to hurt anyone, especially Harry and Mary Jane. I groaned, my collective battle wounds finally rearing their ugly head. “Oh Otto, you’ve got to be exhausted, come on, let's get you to my place to get patched up. You too Parker.” Me and Parker both tried to protest, but Norman was having none of it. “You two are beaten beyond belief and neither of you can go to the hospital for help. So we are going to my place to have Bernard patch you up and get some rest, as well as Ms.Watson and Harry.” He stated very matter-of-factly before turning away to pull out a phone from his satchel and began dialing. Me and Peter both just sighed and followed him with Harry and Mary Jane in tow. It didn’t take long for Bernard to arrive in a discrete looking truck, big enough for everyone to sit inside. The drive luckily wasn’t too long, although Mary Jane had requested to be dropped off at her place, to “Process everything that happened.” She explained. None of us pushed the subject, but instead sat in uncomfortable silence as we made our way to the Manor. Bernard went quickly to work as soon as we arrived, having me and Peter undress as much as we could comfortably do so and patch us up as best he could. Harry got off light compared, being the first to be done and the first to bed. Peter was next and had to be practically wrangled into a bed, opting to share Harry’s. So now it was just me and Norman in his office. I winced as I tried to put my sweater back on. It hurt too much to reach behind me for the button on the bottom. “Oh, let me get that!” Norman exclaimed, already behind me before I could utter a word, his hands grazing my own as I struggled to pull the damn fabric. I exhaled with defeat, “Thank you.” He swiftly pulled the button through the bottom, commenting in a light tone. “You know I was curious how you had gotten this on, but this is pretty clever Otto.” I chuckled at the compliment. “Thank you.” “Anytime.” He happily replied. Silence sat between us as Norman languidly buttoned me up, but he didn’t move from behind me. He just stood there silently, which was uncommon for him. I could feel his eyes staring into me, a hand pressed softly against my upper back, fingers tracing my scapula slowly, and though the touch wasn’t unwanted I was a bit worried, remembering how he looked at me, how he said he couldn’t lose me again. “Norman.” I pushed out, breaking the heavy silence. Immediately his fingers froze and pulled away, soft footsteps backing away as he quietly apologized. I sighed, turning to face him. He looked exhausted, deep discolored bags under his eyes and slightly unkempt hair were dead giveaways. But there was.. A distance in his eyes, a burdening sadness taking over my poor friend's mind. He was trying to keep it from me, this horrid thing that had kept him up for many nights. So I took a deep breath before continuing. “Earlier you said you.. You weren’t losing me again. What did you mean by that?” I asked gently, my eyes locked with his before he shifted them away from me, instead looking at the ground. “Otto it’s been a long night and you've been through a lot, I don’t think now’s the time-” “Norman.” “No, I can’t, I shouldn’t. I’ll tell you in the morning-” “Norman.” I exclaimed, his swirling blue eyes looking back to mine. I stood up with a sigh, closing the gap between us and clasping my hands softly onto his bony shoulders. “Please Norman, tell me, what happened in this Universe, I need to know.” I pleaded softly, searching his eyes. He frowned, looking away from me for a moment before closing his eyes, nodded, and looked back at me, “You’re right, you do.” I let go of his shoulders as he moved to sit on a couch, I followed close behind, sitting adjacent to him as he collected himself and began to tell me everything. How he had gotten here and fell ill soon after, dealt with Goblin lashing out at him so much so that he admitted his dark secret to Harry, who in turn told Parker after getting drunk. Parker then interrogating him and calling him a monster just like his son, and afterwards not taking it well and going into a depressive slump to which Goblin surprisingly helped him and admitted that all he ever wanted was to protect Norman. And so he went into therapy to get better and pulled most of his military contracts to have Oscorp. work on projects to help people, which I was more than happy to hear. “Then I remembered you and Rosie, our old college days and how you looked at me back in that other Universe and I.. I suppose I realized how much I had missed you and how sorry I was over how things had gone between us. So I called you, well Gobby told me to. I just wanted to at the very least apologize for what I did..” He said solemnly. I nodded, a bittersweet feeling rising in me as memories of that night came back. I had been so angry, more than I could ever think possible. I had never felt such betrayal, especially from a friend. “And?” I asked hesitantly. “And you, well, this Otto didn’t get back to me.” He answered. “Oh. That.. makes sense. I’m so sorry Norman.” I apologized on this Otto's behalf, despite understanding why another me wouldn't get back with him. I too wouldn’t have gotten back, I would’ve been too upset and conflicted. He just smiled softly at me. “Don’t be Otto. I understood why you, uh, he, didn’t. I had betrayed you in more ways than one and for nearly twenty years I never reached out to apologize. So to expect you to just forgive and forget just like that? I knew I was asking a lot. But it seems like fate was with me in some way. We bumped into each other about a month after and despite your clear hatred for me you still offered to have some lunch with me so I could apologize and even catch up. You made it clear you wouldn’t forgive me for what I did, but instead were willing to give me one final chance, and well. That was more than enough for me.” I smiled, relieved to know that. “We talked for a little while over burgers, catching up for old times sake and then, well, I managed to get you to tell me about your project, your dream you were trying so hard to make real and how it was becoming a real problem finding anyone who would fund it. And I loved it! I couldn’t believe it, renewable energy for the entire world! And so I offered to help, to be your investor, to give you all the money and resources you need to fulfill your dream and in agreement I would look over all the reports and schematics to make sure everything is safe. And so, we go to work. And as you worked we got to spend more time together, chat more freely, renew our friendship. Rosie was happy to see us getting along again. She even helped me with Harry.”

“Months passed, the project's presentation getting closer and closer and despite how hopeful I was I.. I was also equally scared, especially after getting a peak at. Those.” He stated in a cold tone as he looked at the actuators. “And then the day had come! Everything was set up, I had triple checked everything, but I still had this nagging feeling in the back of my mind.. I tried to ignore it, but I shouldn’t have.” He divulged. I wanted to ask for an explanation, but he sniffed and kept going, his eyes pulled away from me. “It was going so well at first, everyone was there, Parker, Rosie, and I all watched in amazement as you put on those arms and activated your machine, to create a living energy source. But something went wrong. The fusion had grown unstable, growing at a frightening rate. Rosie and I told you to stop, to turn it off but you wouldn’t listen, you insisted you could contain it!” He choked out bitterly. “Peter snuck into his suit and tried to pull the plug but you stopped him and then..” He tried to continue but air caught in his throat, choking on a quiet sob. He didn’t want to look at me, to have me see the thin line of tears forming in his eyes. But I leaned closer, placing my hand on his back gently. He sniffled, his breath harsh as he tried to calm himself, pushing forward despite the pain. “A solar flare broke out and Rosie, she tried to save you but I knew she would get hurt so I tried to stop her but it was pointless. We all were touching when- when you got struck. It was so awful! So blindingly painful, it didn’t last long and we all collapsed and- And when I woke, I demanded to kn-know what happened to Rosie and to y-you. Rosie had fallen into a coma but you..” He stopped, looking up at me with watery eyes. “You were dead Otto. They said there wasn’t anything they could do for you and I-.. I was so mad at myself. I promised to keep you safe! To prevent Doc Ock from happening but instead I.. I got you killed Otto.” He pushed out in a whimper. “Oh Norman.” I sighed empathetically. I could imagine his pain so vividly, the immense guilt and grief he had been dealing with being told that. But my mind couldn’t help but draw to what happened to my dear Rosie. She was in a coma. She was alive.. My darling wife was alive in this universe unlike the one I had hailed from. But she was alive in this universe! “You saved her..” I let slip out unconsciously, Norman’s small but clear, “What?” Bringing me back to the present and realize that I had said that out loud. I looked at him a tad uncertain if I should explain, but decided it was best in the end. So with a deep breath I began to explain, “Back in my universe, Rosie.. Rosie didn’t make it. Rosie, my angel, had died in mine. She also tried to save me, push me out of the way, but instead she had only taken what should’ve been my fate. When I woke up and found out I went to our apartment, mostly for clothes but.. It was just too much. All the smells, the sounds, the memories, it was all too much. So I just stole some clothes and her sewing kit and left it all behind. I even threw away my key so I.. I couldn’t go back to that horrible place.” I choked out, unconsciously flexing my hands into a tight fist. “Oh Otto..” He muttered out quietly. I nodded my head in solidarity and took a deep breath before continuing. “Her death, the destruction of my dream, and the damaged inhibitor had been the perfect cocktail for my downfall into villainy. But you saved her Norman, you saved her in this universe! Thank you.” I thanked him genuinely, smiling warmly. He was clearly taken aback by this, his words unsteady as he spoke. “Oh, o-of course. I’d never let anything happen to her.” He assured me and I believed him. “Thank you. Now, what happened after.. Well you know.” I asked, insisting he continue. “Oh, well I didn’t take the news very well, but I kept an eye on Rosie throughout the weeks, hoping she’d wake up so I could tell her about you and, well, apologize to her. But then, well, it turned out you weren’t  dead but instead were robbing banks. You were Doc Ock. When Rosie did wake up, I rushed to tell her, to apologize even more for turning her husband, my dearest friend, into a villain! But, despite everything I said, she forgave me, comforted me. I promised her I would save you, somehow get a new chip onto you and clear your name. But before I could even start you came to me, demanding I give you more tritium. I tried to tell you that it was too dangerous, that Rosie was alive and she missed you but-” “But I wouldn’t listen.” I interrupted, a strong sense of deja vu filling my mind. Norman seemed confused and unsettled before confirming with a, “Yes.” I sat there, strangely familiar, yet unfamiliar memories suddenly flooding my psyche, begging to be spoken, to be finalized and made true. So I continued on. “I called you a hack, claimed you had hired Spider-man to tamper with my work, but he hadn’t and you tried to tell me that but you.. You revealed Parker’s identity.” I looked at Norman for confirmation, horrified by my own claim and even more so when he confirmed it to be true. “I was furious, all I could see was red. I thought you had hired him to befriend me, to make me trust him so he’d tamper with my machine and make a spectacle of myself in front of all of New York, because you need to be top dog. I tried to kill you but then you.. I don’t know, you changed, somehow and started attacking me with ridiculous strength, but I managed to escape, vowing to get revenge and the tritium.” Realization dawned on me as I asked, “That was Goblin wasn’t it?” Norman nodded stiffly. “Yes, yes it was.” “Ah, that makes sense.” Awkward silence sat between us for only a moment before Norman asked solemnly, “Do you remember the rest?” Worry was clear in his voice and I sighed deeply. “Yes.. I do. I’m so sorry Norman.” Those horrid memories, both versions, made me sick to my stomach. In my universe I had only kidnapped Mary Jane to get to Spider-man and take him to Harry in exchange for the Tritium, but I had figured out Parker's secret while fulfilling the exchange. But in this universe I had gone after not only Mary Jane to get to Peter, but also Harry. I used those poor boys as leverage against my dearest friend, forcing his hand to get what I wanted.

I wanted to beg him for forgiveness and as though he could read my mind I felt him scooching closer to me, wrapping his arms tightly around me as best he could, pulling me out of my head with a gentle, “I forgive you Otto, I always will. And I’m so happy to have you here with me, alive and well.” I smiled, shifting around to hug him back, his small frame enveloped in my own. “Me too Norman, me too.” We sat like that for a little while, enjoying each other's embrace. We had been through so much, it was hard to imagine that we had finally reached peace. Eventually we parted, bid each other goodnight, and went to sleep in our separate beds, both hopeful and anxious for the future. When morning had come Bernard had woken everyone up, regarding me and Peter like regular guests which I found a bit entertaining. But Peter, now dressed in some spare clothes, Harry’s I suspected, and Harry did not regard me with such neutrality, they both watched me anxiously, paying attention to my every move. I would’ve been bothered more if I didn’t understand why they were acting like that. Norman, on the other hand, did not appreciate them watching me like a hawk. “Stop staring at him like that! It’s rude!” He badgered on. Harry looked at his father confused, exclaiming loudly as he pointed at me. “What do you mean it’s rude! He kidnapped me and my friends! And you expect me to just be okay with him sitting with us like nothing happened!!” “Harry, I know you are upset about what happened and I completely understand, but please understand that Otto was not himself, and he needs help, so please just bear with it for a little bit.” Norman tried to implore Harry, but the boy was having none of it. “Bear with it!? Are you fucking Serious!?” “Harry-” Peter tried to interject before being cut off by his friend, “No! I’m not just gonna sit here with the man who almost killed you and MJ! I’m out of here!” Harry quickly stood up and stomped out, slamming doors behind him as he left the Manor and the three of us in awkward silence. Peter was the first to break it. “He’s right, you know. You can’t expect us to just.. Except that you’re redeemed and act like nothing’s happened. I mean, you could’ve killed people Doctor, like my aunt, MJ, Harry, and me. I am happy to see you yourself again but, you need to pay for what you’ve done, you know that. You can’t hide, like some.” He said solemnly, looking at Norman, his implication quite clear. And he was right, I couldn’t hide forever and I couldn’t go around acting as though I was without sin, I needed to pay for my crimes. I let out a deep sigh. “I know, and I will, I promise Parker.” I smiled warmly which earned a small smile back. “I’ll hold you to it.” He quipped back with a sly smile. I couldn’t help but chuckle at that and continued on with my breakfast. Once we were all done eating Peter made his way out, leaving me and Norman once again all alone. I sighed and turned to my good friend. “Now, what are we going to do?”

“And?” Peter asked, looking a tad better despite his condition, his advanced healing clearing doing its job. Norman and Otto both chuckled at his insistence. “Well, I knew that I couldn’t just turn myself without getting questioned on how I changed back and why, so we planned to stage that I had gotten a moment of clarity during my fight with Spider-man, stopped my machine and insisted on going to Norman’s aid where he took me to his lab at night to repair my chip and save me from my alter ego. We made sure we both had all the details down and even managed to scrounge up some evidence for the police and the court. But before I turned myself in.. I wanted to see Rosie one last time.”

We had just finished up making all the evidence we would need, making our way toward the police station in silence, but my mind was elsewhere and Norman could tell. “What’s on your mind Otto?” He asked, gently placing his hand over mine. He had decided to sit in the back with me, probably to comfort me despite how much room my damn actuators took up. I smiled at him, trying my best to look positive before it quickly faded. “To be honest Norm, I’m thinking about Rosie. I missed her so much in my universe, and while I’m beyond relieved and happy to know she’s alive and well here I can’t help but still miss her. I suppose I just want to see her one last time.” I admitted, my longing clear in my voice as I explained, my eyes not daring to look directly into my friends. He sat there a moment, thinking, contemplating before offering a comforting smile to me. “I completely understand Otto, and I think it’s a fair enough desire to have. You deserve to see her before it’s too late.” He quickly turned away from me and leaned forward, speaking loud enough for Bernard to hear. “Bernard, take us to Bellevue Hospital first.” to which his butler responded immediately, “Alright Sir.” I couldn’t believe it, he was going to do this for me? But.. “Norman, isn't this too risky? I’m still a wanted man, I’ll get spotted before I even reach her.” I tried to argue but he didn’t budge, pointing at the flimsy disguise we had used earlier to get into Oscorp. “Otto, if one of my security guards didn’t suspect you of anything, then busy Doctors and Nurses won’t even pay you any mind. As long as you keep those arms hidden you’ll be fine.” It wasn’t the best argument but I suppose he wasn’t wrong. I had managed to sneak inside a bank without being spotted, so I suppose this wasn’t too far stretched. And so the drive to the hospital was relatively calm for the hustle and bustle of our beloved city. We stopped in a parking garage near the hospital, prepped me up in my disguise. The upper actuators were wrapped around my waist while the lower ones hung close to my body, all of this was hidden under my duffel coat. Sunglasses and a ball cap helped conceal my face, though I looked a bit ridiculous, but I couldn’t argue with the results. I passed through the crowded sidewalks without any issue, swiftly walking toward the hospital faster and faster as my heart raced in anticipation. Norman had to practically run to catch up with me as we swiftly asked to see Rosie on the 5th floor. My footsteps thumped as hard as my heart as I made my way down the hallway closer and closer to her room. But as soon as I got to the door, my breath caught in my throat and my heartbeat drummed loudly. I hadn’t even noticed Norman had fallen behind, catching up with heavy breath as he placed a hand on my shoulder to lean on me for a moment. “Goodness Otto, I forgot how fast you can be. Whew!” I didn’t respond, just stood there as stiff as a statue staring at the door that my darling Rosie sat behind. “Otto?” Norman spoke up, shaking me a bit. “Otto, what’s wrong?” I swallowed hard, pushing out my words past an invisible barrier. “I.. I’m scared, Norman.” I admitted, looking down at him. “She knows what I’ve done, what I’ve become. What if.. What if she doesn’t want to see me, Norm?” I asked, fear overtaking me, making me feel small and weak. Norman smiled at me, a warm loving smile that he only showed to very few. “I understand how you feel, but trust me Otto. She wants to see you, more than anything in the world. She loves you, more than you can understand. But, I know how scary this is, so I’ll be here with you.” He gave my shoulder a gentle squeeze to emphasize his point. I smiled, my nerves settling a bit. With a sigh I nodded, put my hand on his with a gentle, “Thank you.” Before taking off my flimsy disguise and finally opening the door. The room was deathly silent as we entered, which made me worried that maybe she was sleeping peacefully, but a smile crept on my face when I saw that she was sitting up, quietly reading The Waste Land, one of her personal favorites. I was stunned, she hadn’t changed a bit. She was her. She was Rosie. I hadn’t even realized that I was also scared that this Universes Rosie would be different from mine, that I would be facing a woman I wouldn’t recognize. But I did. She had her beautiful golden brown hair, her bright glowing smile, and those intelligent eyes. Eyes that noticed more than I could ever imagine. I hadn’t noticed how I had slowly made my way closer, quiet as a ghost as I admired and studied her. It was until she had looked at me, her expression curious. Her eyes locked with mine and we both froze, unable to break the connection and the silence that sat so heavy between us. Rosie, the stronger of us; as usual, let out my name in hearty breath, disbelief so clear in her voice as she stared at me with hope. And that's when I broke. I came closer to her, falling to my knees and clutching her hands so tight, so very tight. Fear of losing her, of her fading from my grasp overtaking my sensibilities.

“Oh Rosie.” I laughed. A breathless, hearty laugh. And she laughed with me, squeezing my hands just as tight. Tears streamed down my cheeks as the relief of finally seeing, feeling, and hearing her all clashing with the grief and grim guilt of being the cause of her.. Of my Rosie’s death. She closed the gap between us even more, resting her forehead on mine, noses rubbing gently. “Oh Otto. I thought I lost you forever, I thought you.. That you were-” “Too far gone? I know my love, I know. I did too. And for a moment I was, but Norman and Spider-Man, they helped. They saved me, my love.” I kissed her, passionate and quick, her lips so warm and soft, slotting with mine as though they were made for mine. Oh how I had missed kissing her. “I thought I had lost you too and I am so, so sorry Rosie. I should have listened to you, should have been more careful at the showing. I!-""Otto!” Rosie interrupted. She cupped my cheek gently, thumb rubbing up and down as she searched my eyes in return. She smiled so softly, so sweetly and I couldn't stop the tears anymore. I wrapped my arms around her so tightly, afraid of letting go, of losing her again. I sobbed loudly into her, and Rosie, my darling wife, was so patient and gentle with me as I fell apart. “I missed you so much Rosie. I was so lost without you, so mad. I lost a part of myself when I lost you!!” I sobbed into her hands gently rubbing me as grief overtook me. She managed to pry herself away enough to look me face to face, her smile just as bright and beautiful as the shining sun. “Oh Otto, I’m so sorry that I scared you that bad, oh my. You’re acting as though I died..” Her words trailed as she looked at me, studying me, the cogs in her mind whirring away. I swallowed hard, guilt building in my gut as the truth weighed on my shoulder. Norman had told Harry the truth, and though it didn’t go fantastically well, he knew that he needed to tell the truth, just as I knew I did too. I went to speak but was cut off by words I never thought I’d hear, “You’re not my Otto.. are you?” My eyes widened, shock taking the breath from my chest. And before I could stop myself I uttered in a daze, “ H-how did you guess that?” She chuckled awkwardly. “I had overheard you and Norman talking about Multiverse theory, about the possibility of there being multiple Universe’s similar to our own but also slightly different and well, I thought it was odd how insistent Norm was about the legitimacy of it, but I thought it was compelling in a way, a little fantastical but compelling. I just.. Didn’t think I’d see it was true.” She paused for a moment. “So I’ll take that as a yes?” She asked, knowing too well the answer. “Well, yes, I’m not your Otto, It’s.. a long story my dear.” I had let go of her hand, feeling perverse to hold her after unveiling this truth.

Silence sat between us for what felt like an eternity before she let out a long breath, sat up and patted the side of the bed. “Well, I’ve got a lot of time before I’m discharged, so tell me everything.” She stated firmly, taking me and Norman by surprise. We both looked at each other, equally shocked by how calm she was, how well she was taking this world shattering news. I looked back to her with disbelief. “Are.. are you sure? This is a lot to take in and I don’t want to- ""Otto, I had dealt with the world shattering news of you being dead, and then of you not only being alive but out and terrorizing the city as a villain called ‘Doc Ock’. And yes, this definitely takes the cake, but despite that, I’m just happy to know that you, Otto Octavius, are alive. So come up here, and tell me everything.” All I could do was look at her in astonishment, she truly was taking this like a champ. So I complied and got up to sit next to her while Norman grabbed one of the visitor chairs and pulled up right next to us, ready to help me as we both had a lot to explain. And so with a shared deep breath, I spoke first. “Well first, the Multiverse theory is true and Norman and I are from different Universes.. Kind of.” Rosie nodded along until I mentioned our dear friend, looking him up and down. “Really? How long were you planning on keeping that secret?” She demanded from him, causing him to grimace awkwardly like he’d been caught stealing from the cookie jar. “To be honest? Forever. The only people I told, whether by my own choice or by force, are Bernard, Harry, and Peter.” “Peter? Peter Parker? Why him? Bernard and Harry I can understand, but Peter doesn’t make much sense.” She made quite a point and Norman grimaced, practically squeezing his whole face as he admitted the harder secret. “Because he’s Spider-Man and I was the Green Goblin.” Rosie’s eyes were almost popping out her skull, shock and horror painting her face as she processed what that meant. That her dear friend had been a terrorist, a murderer, and sweet Peter was a vigilante fighting criminals day in and day out. “Oh my God.. You, no, Norman, please tell me that isn’t true.” She pleaded, hand clinging to her chest in dismay. But all Norman could do was give her a solemn look and a quiet, “It’s true, I’m sorry.” She was distraught, trying to form words as her brain worked faster than her lips could handle. “B-But how!? Why!??” “Money Rosie! I did it for money.” He admitted, a shocking and brutally honest answer that left me surprised as well. “I had been working on a Super Soldier Serum for the military, but it was unstable and had risky side effects. We weren’t even out of animal testing before the military was breathing down my breath, demanding we show promising human test results within two weeks before moving onto another company, pulling out all of our funding.”

“I got scared and knew we wouldn’t be able to get subjects fast enough, so I decided to test it on myself and it went as well as you’d suspect. I got super strength, agility, speed, and healing, but I also nearly died, and in those moments of death my mind split to handle the trauma of it all, and thus the Green Goblin was born. My second personality became more mentally unstable, aggressive and cruel. He was practically the embodiment of all my dark and cruel desires. We hurt a lot of people, and after I had attacked Peter’s Aunt I decided to go after his crush and then, Poof! I was in another Universe. But it wasn’t this Universe, but another one entirely. I was.. So confused and scared because in that one I didn’t exist. I had enough clarity to know that something was wrong, that I needed help, Peter’s help, or at least that Universe’s Peter’s help. So, I went and looked for him, and when I found him he.. he was so different yet so similar. I met other Villains like me. A man named Max who had electric powers, or more that he was made out of electricity? Hm, oh and a giant lizard man, he was Conners from another Universe! There was also a man made of sand named Flint, and..” He paused, looking at me with regretful eyes. “And Otto, my dear friend Otto. I couldn’t believe my eyes. It was as though I had been transported into a sci-fi comic.” I smiled, that shared regret taking its toll on me as well. “Yes, we both had been taken there due to a spell that Peter had screwed up apparently. Me, Norman, and all those other men were brought there because it seems we had all figured out Peter’s identity while fighting him as Spider-Man, moments before dying while fighting him. But, despite our terrible sins, he wanted to cure us, to help us before sending us back home, to give us a chance to live again instead of dying like we were before.” I paused, looking at Rosie to see how she was handling all this, and she was.. Well she was handling it all as best as you’d expect. Shock and horror were fighting in her eyes, one hand practically fused to her chest while the other was resting atop one of mine. “Oh my god.. That is.. That is a lot.” I nodded, agreeing with her completely. This sounded like the ravings of a mad man to be blunt, a fantastical spur of nonsense that we were living with as truth. Rosie looked at me and Norman, words at the tip of her tongue, but hesitating as she wasn’t sure she should let them out. But she did anyway. “And, did he?” She asked, fear clear in her voice as she subtly slunk back from us. I smiled, nodding to put her worries at ease. “Yes, with a couple of challenges along the way, but in the end he saved us. He created a new chip for me and a serum for Norman, and all sorts of cures for the others before sending us home and it seems that home was.. Here. Oddly enough. But I suppose we weren’t the same people we were when we were taken, so we didn’t belong in those Universe’s anymore. Or were we supposed to come here? I don’t quite know I’ll be honest, I’m just as confused as anyone sadly.” I chuckled awkwardly, earning a similar chuckle from her and Norman. I felt the tension lower as we laughed, but not gone. Rosie’s mind was still whirring away. “I’m still curious about some things. What happened in your Universe?” She asked bluntly. I felt my stomach drop, her question bringing a feeling of dread I hadn’t realized I had been feeling. But, I knew that she needed to know, she deserved to know. “Well first, in my Universe Norman had died, killed by his own Glider. Word spread the truth of him being Green Goblin, and poor Harry who had inherited his company wanted to redeem his father’s name and reassure his military connections that Oscorp. was still reliable, so when he had heard that I was in need of an investor he quickly came charging in. I was.. Hesitant to say the least, but I knew that I had no place to be picky so I took his offer. And it went well, until the day of the presentation. It all had gone so wrong, and I was too..” I shuddered, memories playing so freshly in mind that I felt sick. But I pushed forward. “You tried to stop me, the core was becoming too unstable, too dangerous. But I insisted on staying, that I could stop it, like a fool. Then a solar flare flew out, and you-” I choked on nothing, words catching in my throat. I felt two hands reach out for me, touching me so gently and lovingly as I relived the worst day of my life. Rosie; my beloved wife, and Norman; my closest and loving friend, were each offering a hand to comfort me, to show me that they were here for me, that they both loved me and didn’t want me to suffer, even if I deserved it. And God knows I deserved it. “I lost you. You died trying to save me.. And I couldn’t, I couldn’t take it. The world fell apart around me after I lost everything, I became Doc Ock, the ruthless villain.” I looked up at Rosie, not recalling when I had started looking down. She was horrified, a deep sadness swelling in those beautiful eyes. Her hands clasped my face so softly, so lovingly, as she let out in a breath, “Oh Otto..” She didn’t need to say more as she wrapped her arms around me and pulled me into a tight hug.

I’m not sure we sat like that, holding each other close as grief overtook us. Eventually we broke apart, looking at each other with tear stained cheeks and warm smiles. Despite everything we’d been through, we were finally back together. “Oh my sweet Otto, I’m so sorry you went through all that alone, no one ever deserves such a terrible fate. But I’m so happy to have you here, you might not be my Otto and me not your Rosie, but maybe this is a mercy for us, that you managed to cheat fate.” I chuckled, amazed by her optimism, but she had a point. I don’t know what would have happened to this Universe’s me, was I to die in this one too? Was she going to lose me? And if so, was I filling in the space he would have left behind? Or was I supposed to be here? I wasn’t sure. “I suppose you’re right my love.” I kissed her gently. “And I promise you, that I will make things right.” That happiness faded from her as worry took over instead. “What do you mean, make things right?” I sighed, a familiar guilt had been eating at me my entire arrival. “Rosie, even though I wasn’t fully in control of myself, I’m still a criminal. I robbed a bank, attacked a poor defenseless woman, nearly beat Parker to death and kidnapped his girlfriend to do so! And to top it off I nearly destroyed the city after rebuilding my machine! And I bet the me from this Universe did similar if not worse crimes! I need to turn myself in Rosie, it’s the right thing to do.” I said solemnly. But I wasn’t finished and I knew she would argue with me to no end. “But don’t worry hun, me and Norman have a plan to make sure that I can prove that I’ve changed, it won’t keep me out of jail, but it should at least prevent me from getting a life sentence. And as part of this plan, you need to keep this little meeting secret, okay?” She wanted to argue but she only nodded. “Okay, but please, don’t take any risks. I can’t lose you again.” I smiled, finding it coincidental that we all held that sentiment for each other. “And I can’t lose you too, my love.” I cupped her cheek softly before bidding her one last goodbye. Now the real work began.

We made our way down to a local police station where I turned myself in. The officers panicked, yelling my rights as they handcuffed me roughly, keeping a close eye on me and my actuators but I was as patient as a saint as I sat and gave my testimony. Soon enough the papers told all of New York of my arrest, commotion roaring in the streets as we waited for my trial. They had got into contact with Norman to help remove the actuators and belt as they were deemed as dangerous weapons, which in a way they were, especially with how both versions of me had used them. I sat in prison for over a month waiting for my trial, enjoying the visits I got from Norman and Rosie, their support and love giving me strength and hope.

But soon enough the trial was finally here and it went as smoothly as it could. I pleaded insanity, and with the help of the lawyer Norman had hired we were able to convince the court that I had not been in full control of my mind and my actions. So while I had committed those crimes, I was under the influence of my machine due to a deadly injury. I served a four year sentence, waiting each grueling year with hope that I would be able to put this all behind and take back my life. And for the most part I did. Norman offered me a job at Oscorp. To help me get back on my feet and to help lessen the public's fear of me, which varied from anxious stares to nearly accosting me in the street.

“That sucks.” Peter commented, looking far better now. Tired, but better. Otto nodded with an awkward smile. “It was to be expected. I actually had to calm Norm down every time, so he wouldn’t sue the poor soul's life out of existence.” He shook his head lightly, Norman shaking his head, not appreciating the joking on his behalf. “A guy threw a brick at you Otto, he deserved to feel my wrath.” He replied back bitterly, to which Otto squeezed his hand in reassurance. “I understand love, but I didn’t want to attract more attention.” Peter nodded, understanding Otto’s reservations too well. He knew that if he had been in his shoes he would have done the same just to earn the people's trust, to show them that he wasn’t a danger. Norman sighed, his frustration fading as he held Otto’s hand back. “I know.” They all sat in comfortable silence for a moment before Peter spoke up, his mind buzzing. “I can’t believe how.. Familiar and fantastical that all sounded, but I guess that makes sense. This isn’t my universe, but now it is for some reason so me and the other me are now the same person I guess.” “We know what you mean. Me and Norman have theorized as to why we have both sets of memories and why we were sent here instead back to our original homes but we’ve kind of settled on that we will probably never truly know, not unless some kind of being or group in charge of this stuff will tell us.” Otto mused, his eyes unfocused as he got lost in thought, his mind wandering over the possibilities. Norman hummed in agreement, looking over to the analog clock on the wall. “Oh goodness, have we been talking that long?” Peter and Otto looked over to the clock to see that it was nearly 1 in the morning, earning a grimace from both of them. “It seems so, but I’m glad we told you everything, well, everything we know. But I would suggest asking your partners about.. What was its name? Oh yes! Venom.” Peter’s eyes got wide at the name, his gut sinking as memories from his original life came flooding in, the pain he had endured and caused. “You.. you know about Venom?” He asked weakly, his voice shaky as he looked at them both. They grimaced, Norman nodding before he spoke up. “We do, but only bits and pieces. All you or the others would tell us was that some kind of parasitic alien had attached to you, made you extremely violent and hostile, to the point it nearly made you kill Flint Marko but you did managed to get rid of it, it possessed someone else so you got Otto’s help to defeat him, and you two did. But, you never told us everything and we never pried, so I would say Harry and Mary Jane would have the answers you’re looking for.” Peter slumped in his seat, feeling a bit deflated but not surprised that he, or well, this universe’s Peter wouldn’t tell them the details. It had already been hard for him back in his universe, the pain, the loss, and the memories that lingered after. “So what, you think I should ask them?” He scoffed, his exhaustion and pressing memories starting to give him a headache. “As odd as it may sound, we do.” Otto replied honestly, his tone even and understanding of Parker’s frustration. “When things had finally settled down and Norm and I were starting to court, we told you everything we could about what had happened to us, to which you had told your partners as well. So they already know about the multiverse and that it was possible that there could be another you popping in anytime if ever at all. So, yes. I think it would be wise to tell them the truth and to ask them about what happened.”

Peter listened intently, his frustration fading into acceptance. “You’re right.” He knew Otto was right, but he couldn’t help but feel worried. He wasn’t their Peter, and in this universe he was with both of them, loving both of them. How would they react? Knowing that the man they love is technically gone, replaced by him? Would they reject him? Would they accept him? He sighed, his headache getting worse as his thoughts started to spiral. Norman and Otto noticed and both offered a hand to his shoulders, giving him warm smiles. “Don’t worry about it Pete, everything will go fine, I know it.” Norman said optimistically before standing up, Otto following close behind. “Now, we need to go and you need to rest. Sleep well Peter.” Norman stated as he and Otto made their way out, leaving Peter with his thoughts. He smirked for a moment before he adjusted himself, slipping back into his sheets and let himself doze off into dreamless sleep.