𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐓 𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐒 | 𝐩. 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐫

𝟎𝟑. 𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞

— 𝐁𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐃𝐎𝐖𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐒𝐄 —

════════ • 🕸️ • ════════

"PETER, WAIT!" DR. CONNORS GRABBED PETER'S WRIST BEFORE HE COULD LASH OUT.

"Pete." Benjamin, one of Peter's other cousins—and Amelia's younger out of her two older brothers, poked his head from around Harry. Apparently he'd been following him up the steps of the house porch. "It's just Harry."

"Harry?" Peter asked. It was the only word that his mind confirmed as the emotions tangling the strings of his heart clouded his head and judgment. There were so many questions running around in his head. Primarily, why was Harry on his doorstep, and why was everyone so calm about it? The man was not only psychotic, but he'd been involved in Gwen's death.

Peter's hands tightened into fists, but relaxed as Connors placed a hand on his shoulder. "Yes, Harry. Your best friend, Peter, and I believe your cousin's—"

"Boyfriend," Benjamin interrupted. "But more importantly, why aren't you dressed?"

Peter gaped, his face twisting with twelve different expressions at once before rubbing his eyes to massage the pain of confusion. "Dressed for what?"

"Harry!" Amelia exclaimed, finally catching up. It had taken her a minute longer than the others to reach the door, and by her hostile look it was clear that Peter wasn't going insane. However, as she received a look from Connors that implied she should calm down, she placed a fake smile on her face with an uncomfortable laugh. "You're looking less green."

"Um, thanks?" Harry replied, deciding it was better not to ask what she'd meant.

"We'll wait here while you change, Pete," Benjamin once again reminded him. "We'll work out some excuse for being late so that your date doesn't get the wrong first impression."

"Date?" Peter questioned, his brows furrowing. "What exactly am I changing for?"

"The theater, Pete." Benjamin sighed. "Harry arranged a double date for this evening, remember? He convinced his co-worker to give you a shot. She agreed. She's what, you're secretary, Har?"

"I gave her that promotion not long after I inherited the company," Harry corrected. "She handles a lot of the paperwork for sure, but I'll let her go into the specifics later. It gives them something to talk about."

"And was I not good enough to receive an invitation to this evening's entertainment?" Amelia asked, crossing her arms.

"I thought you said Michael was getting back from Costa Rica this evening," Benjamin replied. "You mentioned something about crossing genetics with engineering or something similarly smart."