why so cheerful?

@greatreward

she didn’t know what to feel right now. her head was full with different things ; thoughts, feelings, worries. arms moved around her knees as she sat on the coach, watching normie play with her cats. it was always a good sign when the cats got along with other people, especially men. they turned into big kittens around normie, that made her more than happy to see. they had always been over protective of her even more so when she moved. the bruise on her side ached every time she moved, she couldn’t keep saying she tripped into a table for too long. people got curious especially if they were both around more often. she did want that.

a pause, her mouth opening to speak before it shut ; turning her head to the side before a smile appeared. she was acting like a kid again, back when she first saw spider - man. this just had to be a crush, right ? she hadn’t felt this in years, felicia didn’t even know if it was real or just her stupid brain playing tricks on her. eyes turn back to him, a smile softening. " — you can stay longer if you want, i have at least three spare bedrooms .. you don’t have to but I feel like if i take the cats away, normie might hate me. "

Hours seemed to pass by fast, Harry losing track of time. He glances down to the watch around his wrist to see that it’s also past his son’s bedtime. The boy seems to be absolutely thrilled about being up late, especially since it meant getting to play with all of Felicia’s cats again. It’s a sweet sight and ever since they got their own? All the adoration for cats just kept growing in Normie. He’ll be talking soon about introducing Pickle to them. What could go wrong with that? Their lives are starting to intertwine and Harry doesn’t mind. Maybe it’s because he does have a crush on her. The word brings forth a feeling that hasn’t been felt in years. He can’t pour all his energy into work and maybe pursuing this will be good for him.

crazy cat lady: i can’t wait for the names he comes up with, ngl, a kid’s imagination is the best

crazy cat lady: nerds aren’t that bad, I guess, i know a few of them 🤷‍♀️

crazy cat lady: it’s just I’m worried you might … what’s the word, overreact? idk i just get scared

rich boy: it’s going to be something so silly but i’ll all act like it’s the best name ever

rich boy: i’m proud to be a nerd

rich boy: overreact? i promise that i won’t. after what happened to my dad nothing really surprises me anymore.

crazy cat lady: yeah, i love history & i didn’t want to name them normal names like button or paws or some shit. i like being strange with the names. crazy cat lady: nerd. ;) no but yeah, i was shit at science at school so pls teach me things bc i know nothing.  crazy cat lady: maybe i will tell you what i do for work, its complex tho crazy cat lady: i did?? he’s a proper gentleman so hesalways welcome at mine

rich boy: button is not the best name. i’ll probably let normie name the cat so it will be interesting to see what he decides on. it will likely be silly as that’s how children are but also sweet since he’ll be convinced it’s perfect, haha.

rich boy: i might be a little bit of a nerd. only a little. 😘

rich boy: i’d love to teach you some science sometime. we could make a day out of it. 

rich boy: whenever you’re ready to? i’ll listen. 

“Sure, kiddo. A castle for Uncle Pete. He’ll be pumped.” Who would definitely not get mad at Normie for playing with his toys, but Johnny might get an earful for opening the box. He was willing to make the sacrifice. 

“Yeah? I only really knew the Batman side, and he was uh, pretty scary. Not exactly running around in bright blue spandex. His face looked like it might be permanently glued into that,” he made an exaggerated frown, “scowl.” Still even, Johnny couldn’t deny that he’d been good at what he did, even if it definitely wasn’t his style. Plenty of people had admired him and plenty mourned him, and devotion like that didn’t come from nowhere.  

How could anyone be made at Normie for something so innocent? He was only doing what the adults gave him permission for but there isn’t any concern felt over it. Little fingers already piecing together different pieces to start the castle for Peter to see when he finally joins them later. Ultimately ignoring the adults and focusing on the toys now.

crazy cat lady: all my cats have to have mythos type names, or things feel off in my life, idk how to put it crazy cat lady: having kids in my line of work is difficult to say the least but i obvs don’t know much about your private life but you seem happy with him.  crazy cat lady: he likes me? score thats the higest praise i can ever get

rich boy: if they all have mythos names and one doesn’t that would just make them the odd one out. It wouldn’t be fair would it? it’s a good theme you have going on. does this mean you’re fond of greek mythology then?

rich boy: i’m the ceo of a multi-billion dollar company . . . which keeps me busy but nothing i can’t handle. i also make gadgets in my spare time. maybe sometime you’ll tell me what you do for work though? and i can show you around my lab? if you’re into that kind of thing.

Johnny had always liked kids. They were fun, usually, but could be the most brutal people on the planet. What came out of their mouths tended to be no-holds barred. Had he had his feelings hurt and ego bruised by a five year old before? Absolutely. That had definitely happened. Still, he liked them, and considered himself to be an excellent babysitter…provided the babysitting took place somewhere besides his own condo, with his own very nice stuff, anyway. Fortunately, Peter’s stuff was much less nice, and he had LEGOs. Perfect.

“There he goooooes,” Johnny said as Normie ran past him and immediately followed with an exaggerated speed-walk. He dipped into the spare room and pulled out an unopened box with a picture of…some kind of Star Wars thing. It rattled as he sat it down in front of Normie and ripped open the side, pouring the blocks into the floor in front of him. “Go wild, kid. Build something for Uncle Pete.”

Only then did he turn and answer Harry’s question. “Honestly, if you take out all the,” he made a motion across his throat with one finger, like a knife, “I’m trying to look on the bright side. No more ban, right?” 

Fortunately, Normie doesn’t appear to be feeling destructive today. He could always get distracted by having something to build whether it was with legos or cardboard boxes — anything does the trick, really. Harry always supports the creativity so when the blocks are poured out on the floor the child is plopping down next to them with an excited gasp. “A castle for Uncle Pete!” He places the action figures of Spider-Man and the Human Torch on the floor next to the blocks in sitting positions as if they were watching him build something grand. Harry figures he got this fascination of putting stuff together from watching him tinker with his safer inventions the last couple years. It’ll be interesting to see what kind of castle is built out of Star Wars pieces.

crazy cat lady: yeah they’re used to having another friend so the sooner i get a fourth, the better in my eyes and then its not all just boys. crazy cat lady: i don’t know, probably something to fit the greek god theme. maybe venus tho thats roman crazy cat lady:  i like kids, i mean, i want a kid someday but rn my cats are my furry children. so i can live my motherhood feelings out through normie. if thats not weird.

rich boy: makes sense when you put it like that! We’ll both be looking for a new furry addition then. should be fun! 😁

rich boy: venus is a lovely name! i can definitely envision a cat with that name.

crazy cat lady:  they’re fine with it, i’ve been meaning to get another one after my fourth cat recently passed away. i need four cats or its too quiet. but it has to be a girl, four boys is too much. crazy cat lady: i look forward to seeing you too. you both.

rich boy: well, that’s a relief. i have read stories about how some animals don’t take well to new additions. i bet that’s nice not having that be a worry. i couldn’t imagine . . .

rich boy: so, four is the magic number? it does make sense if the other cats are used to having a fourth cat around the apartment. do you have any names picked out already?

@greatreward

Johnny tended to know plenty of people all on his own. It came with fame and the easy persona that he slipped into that made socializing and banter and the public as a whole easy to deal with. He was a performer in more ways than one, and his circle tended to be wide, even if it was shallow. Peter had different kinds of relationships with people. Sometimes Johnny absorbed some of it, or at least noticed it. Once in awhile it came edged with just a tiny bit of jealousy, but there wasn’t as much reason for that anymore, luckily.

As he answered the door for Harry, Johnny leaned against the doorframe. “Pete’s out. You can come in if you want,” he nodded over his shoulder and moved aside, letting him into the condo. “He could be back in fifteen minutes or six hours,” he smirked. “Who knows.” 

This is what happens when you don’t call before visiting someone. Harry is usually better about that sort of thing but after what happened in the city? He wanted to check on his best friend. He brought Normie with him who’s holding onto his Spider-Man and Human Torch action figures in his hands while they waited for the door to open up.  The four-year-old is keeping himself entertained while playing by the doorway. It makes Harry smile that despite everything that happens in the world . . . there’s still joy left in it.

Internally, he was compelled to breathe a sigh of relief. The sounds of nearby families in the area were bittersweet, dare he say. His building was at least two blocks away, and he kept the pacing of his steps consistent. 

“It might be a while until my availability frees up,” he admitted, rubbing his left temple with his index finger. “Winter is just around the corner. I’m usually flooded with requests to fix up corporate Christmas events. I don’t mind it but they’re not really my thing.”

//

The idea of being a father was terrifying at first since Harry didn’t have any positive experiences with his own parents. He barely remembers his mother, only having his father for the majority of his life but it felt like even HE wasn’t present either. He can’t say his childhood was all bad though . . . his uncle helped give him happy memories.

“Well whenever you’re free or need a friend . . . you can call me.” Harry is grabbing a business card out of his back packet and a pen. He makes a habit out of carrying one just in case. He writes his mobile phone number on it and hands it over to Joey. “I won’t make you fix up any events . . . only a cup of coffee, or tea if you prefer.”

crazy cat lady: i would love to come, although if i come knowing me, i would get a new cat. which isn’t a bad thing crazy cat lady: yeah, i need the time off. things had been hard recently. i can do wednesday, easily.

rich boy: definitely not a bad thing at all. do the cats you have now do well with newcomers if you brought another one home?

@greatreward​ LIKED for a starter! 🐯

“I’m so glad you’re okay,” MJ breathed into Harry’s shoulder as she hugged him for had to be the fifth time. The citywide panic hadn’t culminated into anything serious, but the experience had been terrifying nonetheless. Seeing Joker’s face on the big screen after her two harrowing experiences with him over the past year had rattled her thoroughly. She was still trying to find her footing. 

Having pizza with Harry seemed like a good idea at the time, but now she was sitting in front of a cold, untouched slice, picking at the stray cheese and frowning. “I haven’t been able to sleep very well.”

//

“I’m glad you’re okay too.” Harry took his family to Oscorp, which is luckily one of the sturdiest structures to be built after too many break-ins over the years back in New York taught him a lesson to be better if they ever expanded. Normie doesn’t know anything about what happened yet but he’s only four so that’s not too much of a surprise. He’s already asleep in his bedroom but their new cat (named Pickle) is lounging on the back of one of the chairs in the space watching MJ and Harry hug.  They barely ate the pizza but he’s just glad they’re both alive.

He manages to take a bite though, listening as his eyes stay focused on his friend. “Do you want to talk about it?” His other arm that wasn’t holding onto the slice is wrapped around MJ for a one-armed embrace.

Despite his experience in the business, there were hardly any in the industry capable of understanding how their operations worked. They felt lackluster, at most. Still, he kept the same level of optimism in the back of his mind that he could find allies. 

“No need to worry about that,” Warren emphasized, nodding in approval of the other’s impressive use of holographic technology presented in front of them. “I’ve got all the time in the world, Harry. The only other commitment I have is to listen to my secretary when she says to pick up my dry cleaning on my own.”

And in (almost) perfect timing, he heard his phone buzz. He reached for the device, glancing over at his message, which was addressed from the aforementioned woman. “Speaking of which, she’d like to know if you were planning to stay for lunch.”

//

It makes Harry laugh, for a moment feeling like someone else finally understands him. “Your secretary sounds like my assistant. Maybe they’re twins or best friends who are living together.” He’s joking with this statement, of course. Which is obvious by the grin on his face while leaning forward in his chair. “My assistant can be bossy.” Which is ironic considering the fact he technically is the boss but it isn’t so bad having someone remind you to do the things that slip your mind. “I swear steam comes out of he rears if someone stops by without an appointment even when I tell her that it’s okay.” He shakes his head but this isn’t really about any of that so he lets the conversation continue on to the subject of lunch and the tour of Oscorp.

“What are we waiting for? We can go take a look at some of the cool things that we’re doing around here.” He stands up from behind his desk, stretching a little before taking off the jacket that went along with his suit and resting it on the back of his chair.  “I could stay for lunch, I don’t have anything planned yet. Did you want to grab something after we’re done here?”  They’ll work up an appetite walking around, right? He’s really trying to make a new friend here, not just a business partner.

.

He’d rather have put off this conversation for a time when he didn’t feel like utter crap. The poison he’d shot himself up with was doing a good job of keeping Venom quiet but it also meant he was fatigued as fuck. Even heaving his carcass out of the chair seemed like an impossible feat right now.

So, Harry would have to forgive him if he didn’t stand up. But he’d always been a smart kid, smart enough to instantly click he wasn’t himself. He sighed and managed a vague gesture at his face, “Did the sunken eyes and slumped posture give it away?” he asked wryly, still continuing to speak in Spanish, he didn’t get the chance to use it as much as he’d like.

“You look good, kid.” he said, nodding in his direction, “Done good too. This place is impressive. Pretty hard for me to get inside.” And there were very few places that could keep him out, none of the were public sector buildings. “I need to stay here for a little while, Harry.” he said bluntly, “Trying to figure some things out and no one will be looking for me here.” The Thunderbolts knew he was close with Norman, but they didn’t know he’d had close ties with Harry, he was counting on that to keep him out of their sight for a little while.  

//

This really isn’t what Harry expected but if anyone was going to sneak into Oscorp? He was glad that it was his uncle and not someone trying to steal from his company again. Those who try are always try to get their greedy hands on any prototypes that can be found. This isn’t about that though because Harry always feels at ease when it comes to being around Mac. He’s aware of what kind of things his uncle has done over the years but that doesn’t change how much he trusts him.  He doesn’t know everything though . . .  and maybe it was better off that way.

Sixteen years of knowing the older man, never quite enjoying the sight of him looking worn down. Harry doesn’t comment on the fact Mac doesn’t stand up but worry still makes a way into his chest. What happened? Which is just one of the questions that started to circulate through his mind.  “Little bit but maybe I’m just observant.” It goes along with being a scientist after all, having a keen eye.

“Aw, thanks. I’m trying to be better than my dad.” Harry thinks that the last six years have shown that he was succeeding. “You could have called me, tío. I would have let you in because you’re family. You’re the only one who has broken through my security, for the record.” Although Harry has to consider that maybe there wasn’t any time for Mac to dial his number and needed to just focus on getting in here.  “You can stay long as you want.” There was a couch in this lab at least. “I should have some blankets up in my office to bring you later?” There would be employees around during the daytime but Harry will keep them out of this room.

The familiar streets around this time of year appeared the same, save for a few cheap window decorations on nearby apartments. The smell of pumpkin spice of several varieties mixed in seamlessly with the cool autumn breeze. He turned his gaze back to the newfound acquaintance, nodding at the mention of being from New York City.

“Can’t say I relate but I lived in San Francisco before arriving here,” he explained. “Because I work primarily from home, I’m usually not seen outside my apartment much unless requested by a client. Going out is more of my sister’s thing and someone’s gotta make sure she doesn’t accidentally lock herself out.”

//

It was interesting to see how different cities celebrated the holidays but it seemed like New York and Star City are quite similar. Everyone buying those cheap window decorations that have cartoon-like designs. There was even some on their own windows because the penthouse looked bare without some sort of flare to their space even if nobody would see them. Unless people flew by their windows at least.

“Yeah? I’ve always liked San Francisco. I don’t go often but the architecture is my favorite part.” The food isn’t bad either but Harry isn’t much of a picky eater to begin with. “Well that’s understandable.” Harry wonders what it was like having a sibling but alas maybe it was better Norman didn’t have more children. “We’ll have to come visit you then sometime for lunch when you aren’t busy, maybe.” It would be nice . . . something close to normal.

crazy cat lady: even you saying your going to be better than him, is miles better than he ever was. i can come with you if you want, to help. crazy cat lady: thursdays & sundays … and wait, i have a week off next week because of holidays. so yeah, next week, anytime.

rich boy: thank you. i always worry about turning into him so i do everything that i can to be the opposite. i’d really like it if you came with us!