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Dr. Otto Octavius may not have the best with people, but he knew those close to him. It had been some time since he “adopted” the three Peters and he knew them like the back of his hand. So when the three came back from patrol one morning, he knew something was wrong with his middle child.
Otto noticed the lack of light that usually came from his Petey, who, like his brothers, outshone the sun when they smiled. They could all blind a person with their kindness and smile, but his Petey was the brightest of them all. So it was unsettling to the scientist that the sunshine personified boy was not shining today. He frowned when Petey didn’t greet him with his usual embrace, instead just going to his shared room and shutting the door.
Glancing at the other two, Pete and Peter just shrugged at the questioning look their adoptive father gave them.
Pete walked towards the scientist, plopping his face in the man’s shoulder, nuzzling closer when Otto wrapped his arm around the boy.
“I’m worried about Petey Doc. He isn’t his normal self and I’m worried.” Peter said, sadness and worry heavy in his tone.
Otto sighed deeply, squeezing the boy tight. “I’ll check on him, but for no-“
All three (and 4 mechanical arms) turned towards the room Petey was in when they heard a sob come from the room. Otto frowned, gently letting Pete go as he got up and walked into the room.
His heart broke at the heart wrenching sobs that came from the young man. He walked closer to the bed, running his hand through the soft brown hair. He jumped slightly as the boy jumped up from the bed, clinging to him tightly. Otto turned, sitting on the bed, holding Petey, using one hand to stroke his hair, hoping it would calm him down enough to let him know why Petey was so upset.
Eventually Petey’s sobs turned into hiccups, and Otto felt him pull away and sit on the bed next to him.
“It’s Gwen’s birthday today.” The boy whispered.
Otto sighed at Petey’s words, feeling the pain from days passed. He missed his Rosie everyday, remembering the emotional agony he felt once he got used to being in control of his own emotions when the inhibitor chip was installed. He shook his head, erasing the thoughts that threatened to consume him, knowing now was not the time to wallow in his own emotions. Instead he wrapped his arm around Petey, pulling him close.
“Tell me about her.” Otto whispered, hoping to calm the young man down. He knew giving advice to the boy and forcing him to think of the what-ifs wouldn’t be helpful for his middle child. He hoped that Petey remembering the good times would bring the boy out of his dark mood.
Petey smiled softly as he thought about Gwen. He leaned closer to the good doctor and began to recount all of the amazing memories he had with the blonde from his universe.
Pete and Peter smiled softly as the tears were no longer coming from the room. They glanced at each other as they heard happy chirps from the actuators, knowing that Otto was able to help their sibling. Peter looked towards the door, before looking at the youngest of the group.
“Pete” he called out, getting the boy’s attention,”let’s give them some time together.”
Pete nodded, getting up from his seat. “I’m glad Doc’s here with us.”
Peter nodded, wrapping his arm around Pete’s shoulders. “Me too Pete, me too.”