Web of Deception: The Webbed Avenger

Chapter Six: Family Bonds

When they had first met, Stiles's jeep had stopped working during the middle of a storm, leaving him stranded. He had spent nearly an hour working on his jeep to no avail. Imagine Stiles's surprise when he saw a limo stop beside him and roll down the window, the passengers inside asking him if he wanted a ride home.

Flashforward a year to today, and Stiles could have said that was one of the better days he's had in High School, considering this was when he and Harry became friends. They had always talked before, but their friendship didn't really blossom until that afternoon. He was glad that limo stopped by his jeep that day, because if not for that day, he and Harry might have not been best friends by now.

Sitting in this limo today, however, he couldn't have been more creeped out by the strange energy he was getting from Norman. His hands were clammy, and Stiles's throat was dry, like he wasn't meant to say a word.

"So, Stiles... Harry tells me you're planning on going to Empire State University once you graduate. That's a smart choice, especially since you should be able to get a scholarship with your intellect."

"I hope so, because we don't have the money to pay for college."

"I'd be more than happy to help out if you are in need of money," Norman offered, but Stiles was hesitant as he looked towards the elder Osborn and raised his eyebrows in surprise.

"You don't need to do that Mr. Osborn, I'm sure we'll figure something out. We always do." Norman nodded, appearing rather pleased that Stiles was reluctant to have any help. "Anyway, Harry, are you coming over tomorrow to study?"

"Yeah, it's nice for a change to see a lab that's not modernized like Oscorp is." Harry smiled eying his father whose eyes grew wide at the mention of a lab.

"Lab you say?" Norman asked with intrigue, and Stiles could see how the cogs in Norman's head were turning rapidly trying to figure something out. "What kind of lab do you have?"

"It was my mother's for when she came home with her work. She was very devoted to her research, and even had studies of her own that she was trying out. I use it on occasion when I want to test something but otherwise it's mainly where I work on homework."

"Interesting, Stiles, would you like to work at a place like Oscorp one day?"

"Do you mean like would I like to work at Oscorp, or similar fields of work?" Stiles wondered, trying to understand what Norman meant by this offer. Norman's eyes were cold and calculating, and Stiles had this strange feeling Norman was sizing him up trying to figure out the teenager.

"Whichever one you prefer."

"I've always wanted to work at a place like Horizon Labs. I mean, I've thought about Oscorp, because of my mother having worked there before she passed away, but I want to do my own thing, you know what I mean?"

"Ah, I see... you don't want to live underneath your mother's shadow?" Stiles slightly nodded and felt his face turn red as he noticed that sly smile form on the elder Osborn.

Harry saw how nervous Stiles was, and bit his lower lip in defeat knowing that nothing he could do would change this. Norman was intimidating, there was no doubt in his mind.

"Well, if you ever change your mind, Oscorp will be waiting with open arms to welcome you to the family. However, at least you and I can have another chat when you and your class comes to the lab on what, Monday?"

"Yeah, Monday."

"Then, I will see you there."

Stilinski Residence