Livin La Vida Loca

It was about 5:30 in the morning when Otto finally returned back from the lab, and it was his third time pulling this stunt this week alone He couldn’t help it! He was on the verge of a promising new breakthrough regarding the mechanics of his ambitious design. An invention that would produce clean renewable energy sources, and if done correctly it would change the world. He had the end product in mind, he just needed to figure out everything else.

So he would spend his nights at Oscorp, and more often than not his old college roommate, and current boss would stay to help.

Now, Otto liked to work alone, he didn’t do well with small talk, and he preferred to stay focused on the task at hand, but he soon realized he never minded working with Norman.

He actually enjoyed the smaller man’s company, and despite the tough guy leadership role Norman consistently put up for work, when you got him alone he transformed into this wonderfilled kid. He had this look of constant awe, always wanting to learn more.

Otto couldn't help but admire that side of him.

So when Norman came to his lab, tip-toeing around with a bag of take out Chinese as a peace offering, and the eyes and ears of someone just as brilliant as Otto willing to help, the Doctor never had the heart to turn him away.

Soon it became their routine, and Otto loved every moment.

But when the Doctor had returned home from this particular night out in the lab, he was shocked to see his beautiful wife up, and standing in the kitchen. Waiting for his return.

“Rosie? What are you doing awake so early, my love.” Otto asked softly. He shed his old leather coat, and kicked off his shoes. Rosie raised a brow.

“I could ask you the same thing?” She sighed, pushing herself away from the countertop she had been previously leaning on. Otto frowned.

“I called a few hours or so ago, I told you I wouldn’t be home til late.” The Doctor tried not to sound exasperated. He understood where Rosie was coming from, but this was his work!

“Late is not 5:30 in the morning.” Rosie huffed. Otto’s brows furrowed as he bit back the urge to say something snippy. He didn’t want to have this argument, but he hasn’t slept, and he’s been awake since 8 a.m. and it is far too early for this.

“I'm just saying Otto, you've been spending an awful lot of late nights at the office.” Rosie had a bit less bite to her voice, but something still lingered there. Otto couldn’t quite place it.

“I know, my darling, I’m sorry. I’m just-I’m so close to fully understanding my reactor. I can taste it. And Norman has been helping so much and-“ Rosie was giving him this look. It made Otto hesitate. “What?”

“You’ve been spending an awful amount of time with Norman.” Rosie tipped her head down ever so slightly, and suddenly Otto felt like he was the butt of a joke he didn’t understand.

“Well he’s my boss, and my friend, Rosie. He’s brilliant, and he’s been doing so much for my machine!” Otto cried, a nervous laugh following each word. He knew he sounded defensive. He hated that he sounded defensive.

“Otto, if I ask you something will you promise to be honest with me?” Rosie began cautiously. Otto was hesitant, but nodded.

“Of course.” He whispered.

“Are you sleeping with Norman?” She said the words slowly, but as soon as they were out Otto just about choked on his spit.

“Of course I’m not!” Otto sputtered, and Rosie raised a brow.

“Do you want to be?” When she asked there was a hint of a smile on her lips. Otto was completely taken aback, nearly speechless.

“Rosie, no! Of-of course not! I love you more than anything.” Otto stuttered over his words, completely shocked they were even having this conversation. Rosie was smiling now, and approached the confused doctor with a gentle embrace, her soft hands resting on his cheek.

“I know you love me.” She laughed. “But that’s not what I asked.” She gave him a look, and Otto was sure his eyebrow was twitching from the stress. This must be some test? Some question of fidelity?

“I’m afraid I’m lost, dear.” Otto said quietly.

Rosie sighed wistfully as she brushed her thumb along his cheek. “I see how you look at him.” She hummed. “It’s how you look at me.” She pulled Otto in for a gentle kiss, as if that would answer all of his questions.

“But you’re my wife, and he-he had a wife.” Otto muttered sheepishly. Rosie playfully rolled her eyes.

“Love is unconditional, and once it starts it cannot stop.” She whispered in a sing-song voice.

“You know I love your poetry, but I’m afraid I’m still not quite comprehending.” Otto put it out plainly.

“I’m saying that you can love Norman, and you can love me. It is not a question of who you love more, or that you love me any less. You just love him as well. That is if you love Norman of course, but I would like to think I know you better than you know yourself, and based on how you’re looking at me I think I’m right.” Rosie giggled.

Meanwhile Otto’s face is on fire, he’s sure he looks completely flushed. “You can? Love more than-than just one I mean.” Otto uttered in complete awe. He didn’t think that was possible. He didn't know that was ever an option?

It was like the weight of all the guilt, and suppression he has been carrying for years has finally dissipated. He hadn't even known he'd been carrying it, but now understanding what he felt? And having it out in the open? It was breathtaking.

“Of course you can! Otto, love can’t be tied down, and I understand that your big heart has so much love to give.” Rosie ran her hands through his hair, but Otto was still shell shocked. “Although I question your taste, in men at least. Norman has always been a little uptight.” She chuckled, but Otto shook his head.

“He has his moments.” Otto sighed. “You know you should really see him when he’s in the lab, and he doesn’t have to be a boss? He gets so invested, you can tell he loves every second. It really is a sight, especially because you wouldn’t expect it from him, and- oh my god you’re right.” Otto cut himself off, staring wide eyed at his wife. Rosie couldn’t help but laugh.

1. Otto could never keep anything from his wife, and she knew he pined after Norman ever since their college days. She encouraged him to make a move, understanding he didn’t love her any less by also being with a man. However, Otto was much to afraid to risk a friendship/ his position at Oscorp. Besides going after the biggest businessman in New York during the 1990s was much too taboo for the times.

2. After returning to their universe, Norman desperately needs therapy. However, he refuses to go for the first year because he’d be recognized. Not for green goblin, just for being the deceased owner or Oscorp. Eventually he finds an online service that helps him somewhat.

3. Norman has been recently diagnosed with Bipolar disorder. (I don’t like to just outright say it, because I am not heavily educated on the topic, but from what I have learned, I believe it fits his actions, even before Goblin)

4. Before their fall out, pre nwh, Otto and Norman used to spend late nights in the labs eating Chinese food. It became their thing.

5. Otto doesn’t really cry when he’s sad. However, he’s the one you’ll find bawling at a wedding.

6. Norman, who used to never have any emotions ever, now cries at everything, and he gets very frustrated with himself for it.

7. Otto spends the first year back helping spider-man with crime, however when Peter and Mj have their kid, Otto takes on the full responsibility of defending the city. For all of a few weeks, before he realizes he’s too old for this and can’t seem to keep up. Peter takes over not long after.

8. (I’ll probably write a fic about this soon) Otto and Norman visit Rosie’s, Harry’s and Emily’s grave on the one year anniversary of Otto and Norman’s return back to their universe. It’s easier that way, since neither of them were able to attend the funerals of Rosie or Harry. They now do this every year.

9. Flo, Moe, Harry, and Larry were a bit unsure of Norman at first. But now Otto thinks they like Norman more then they like Otto. They’re constantly showing off when he lets them, and Norman always praises them.

10. And lastly, Otto’s actuators are sensitive to touch, and does get sensations when they are hurt and/or other things

Here’s the proclaimed baby Ottoborn/ octogoblin fanfic I promised 😤🤚

Not ok, man