saudade

Harry spent much more time in the company than usual but what Peter didn’t know was that he wasn’t in the company all the time. He spent even more time in his father’s mansion where he hid his collection of articles and photos of Spider-Man. The promise of revenge wouldn’t be broken. One day, he’d find his father’s murderer and if it’s the last thing he’d do.

Peter had decided to call MJ if she has time to meet with him after his visit at the Bugle. He wanted to ask her for advice because he didn’t know what he could do to distract Harry from the longing for revenge. But first, he had to visit the Bugle to get some money. When Peter arrived in Jameson’s office, he was screamed at immediately.

“Where’ve you been? Mad scientist goes berserk, we don’t have pictures!”

“I heard Spider-Man was there”, said Jameson’s colleague and made the situation for Peter even worse.

“Where were you? Photographing squirrels? You’re fired”, Jameson decided.

Peter sighed. Great, another job he’s been fired from. Maybe there were someone left in the city who would employ him.

As Peter turned to leave, the secretary ran in. “Chief, the planetarium party.”

“Parker! You’re unfired. I need you, come here”, Jameson called. Peter turned around. “What do you know about high-society?”

“Well, my boyfr-“

“Don’t answer that. My society photographer got hit so you’re all I got. Big party for an American hero, my son the Astronaut.” Jameson smiled, full of pride.

“Could you pay me in advance?”, Peter asked which made Jameson burst out in laughter.

“You’re serious? For what? For standing there? The planetarium, tomorrow night. Now get out of here before I fire you again.”

Peter sighed and left the Bugle. At least he didn’t lose his job.

He went to a small café where he wanted to meet MJ.

“Hey, Peter, what’s up?”, she asked and hugged him before she took a seat.

“I need your help. It’s about Harry”, Peter said.

“Is he okay? Did something happen?” She eyed him worriedly.

“Well, after the incident with Dr. Octavius which ruined everything, he had started with at OSCORP, his thirst for revenge is there again. He’s isolating himself, spending way too much time in the company. I barely get to see him and when I do, he’s extremely exhausted. I want to help him, but I don’t know what else I can do.”

“Oh no, that doesn’t sound healthy at all. Maybe you could surprise him with a date? You were so excited about his surprise date on your birthday. I’m sure he’d be happy too if you take him out on a date, distracting him from all the worries”, MJ suggested.

“But he’s always exhausted when he gets back home. It doesn’t take long until he goes to bed. How can I take him on a date then?”, Peter asked. He was desperate.

“Pick him up at the company. Wait for him to get out and take him on your date”, she said.

“What do you think which kind of date would make him the happiest? Going out somewhere or something more casual like watching the sunset or something like that?”

“What about a picnic combined with sunset?”

“MJ, you’re the best. Thank you so much!”, he stood up and hugged her. “I have to visit Aunt May. Maybe she has some cake left.”

“Good luck, Peter”, MJ said.

After a short visit in the flat, he drove his scooter to the quarter Aunt May was living in. Peter entered the house and found Aunt May in the kitchen. “Peter”, she said in surprise and smiled at the sight of him. “How are you doing? It’s been some time since I last saw you.”

“I’m okay but I need your help”, he responded.

“How can I help you, dear?”

“I want to surprise Harry with a picnic because he’s not doing well since the project with Dr. Octavius failed and I wanted to ask if you have a bit of cake left”, Peter explained his plan.

“Oh, that’s so sweet of you. He’ll love it for sure. You’re lucky, I have two pieces of strawberry cake left. I’ll make you two some sandwiches and I give you some cookies.” Aunt May rushed to some cupboards.

“Thank you so much, Aunt May.” Peter pulled her into a tight hug as she handed him a basket full of food.

“Peter? I have an appointment at the bank tomorrow. Would you come with me?”, she asked.

“Of course, I come with you. I’ll help you”, Peter promised, “And if the bank doesn’t want to help you, I’ll speak with Harry.”

“That’s nice of you but that poor boy has already enough worries.”

“He loves you. I’m sure he’d be glad to give you something in return. We’ll help you; I promise.”

“We’ll see. You better hurry to your date. You can take Ben’s car”, Aunt May said and handed him the keys.

Peter parked in front of the OSCORP building so he could see Harry when he leaves the company. Harry frowned as he left the building. The car standing in front of it was familiar to him.

“Do you want me to drive you to your father’s house, Sir?”, his chauffeur asked.

“No, I don’t need your service today, thank you”, Harry said, lost in his thoughts. What did Peter do here? He went towards Peter who smiled at him.

“Pete, what are you doing here?”, Harry asked.

“I’ve got a surprise for you. I want to take you out on a date.”

Harry couldn’t suppress a smile. “What kind of date?”

“You’ll see.” This time, Peter was the one smiling mysteriously. He opened the door so Harry could sit down.

Harry couldn’t hold back his curiosity. “Where are we going? Shouldn’t I change my clothes?” Maybe a black suit wasn’t the best clothing decision.

“You could take off your jacket. Could be too warm, I think since black absorbs the sunlight. And the tie might get in the way”, Peter said.

“Where the hell are you taking me?”, Harry laughed and loosened his tie. But Peter didn’t respond.

They parked at the Hudson River. It was a warm afternoon and Harry was glad to have listened to Peter’s advice to take off the jacket. Peter laid the picnic blanket on the ground and put the basket full of food out of the trunk. “You’re overworking yourself so much lately and I thought a little picnic could distract you. I barely get to see you anymore.”

Harry realised how little time they spent together because he was either obsessing over his work or over his plan for revenge. He was becoming more and more like his father, putting his work before everyone else. It had taken on a dimension Harry had never wanted. He was pushing Peter away without even noticing it. “I’m sorry, Pete. I didn’t mean to neglect you.”

“I know and I don’t blame you. It’s just that I’m worried about you. That’s why I wanted to surprise you. Aaaand I got your favourite cake.” Peter showed him the pieces of Aunt May’s strawberry cake.

“I love you, Pete. Thank you so much”, Harry said, moved by the effort his boyfriend put into his wellbeing. “I’ll take a step back from work, I promise.”

They sat down at the bank of the river; Peter’s arm wrapped around Harry, and they were eating Aunt May’s cake.

“How are things at university going? How’s your aunt?”, Harry asked. They had spent way too little time together lately. He was eager to change that.

“My studies are going okay. And Aunt May is fine but …”

“But what?”

“She has financial problems. On my birthday, I discovered a letter from the bank. She couldn’t pay the rent. Tomorrow we’re going to the bank”, Peter explained and sighed. “I’m worried about her, and the worst thing is I can’t help her.”

“I will not let her lose her house, I promise”, Harry said, and he meant it. Aunt May was like a mother to him.

“We’ll see what the people from the bank say.”

“We’ll find a way to help her, don’t worry.” Harry took Peter’s hand.

Peter kissed him. He missed the feeling of his lips pressed against Harry’s. He missed him.

They were eating Aunt May’s sandwiches and talked about their plans, and they planned future dates. Both wanted to go on dates more often. They cuddled and watched the sun go down. The sky turned pink and orange.

“The sky is beautiful”, Harry said, his head resting on Peter’s shoulder.

“It is indeed.” Peter kissed his forehead. “But you’re even more beautiful.”