Chapter Text
“I’m going to get something to eat. Do you two want anything?” Otto asked, getting up from his seat.
“Just a sandwich will be fine, thank you Otto,” Norman gave a short nod. Their relationship had been tense since they returned from Texas.
“A sandwich for me too, please,” Peter smiled at the doctor, who thankfully returned his smile. Once Otto had left, Peter turned to Norman. They were sitting in between Norman and Otto, since the pair silently refused to sit next to one another. Peter thought this whole situation was much too childish to be played out by two adult men in their 40s.
“What’s going on between you and Otto?” Peter asked, leaning in his seat to look Norman in the eyes.
“I don’t know,” Norman sighed, shaking his head. “He’s upset with me for something but refuses to tell me what. I don’t know what would be so bad that he refuses to tell me.” He inhaled gently and rubbed his hand over his face.
“Have you tried talking to him?” Peter gave the man a sympathetic look.
“A little, but he just waves me off.” Norman was close to tears.
“Hey,” Peter put a hand on Norman’s shoulder. “Just give him some time.” Otto returned and handed Norman the sandwich wordlessly. Norman nodded with a small “thank you” as Otto sat and passed the other sandwich to Peter.
~~~~
“This is a nice hotel room,” Peter looked around the room, clearly impressed.
“The job pays better than you’d think,” Norman chuckled, noticing Otto cracking a small smile.
“Well, we should get to the job site. We’re running a little behind schedule today.” Otto adjusted his glasses and exhaled. He was clearly stressed.
“Then, let’s get a move on!” Norman tried his best to keep a positive energy. I really hope he breaks out of whatever funk he’s in.
Otto got into the driver's seat, and Norman took the passenger seat after putting the equipment in the back seat with Peter. “Ready, Peter?” Otto looked at the younger person in the backseat through the mirror. They nodded.
“I’m excited! I wonder if I can get any good pictures.” He was drumming on his thigh, trying to contain their excitement.
“I certainly hope so,” Norman turned to face Peter. Otto shot Norman a glance, and a hint of a smile graced his face. Hopefully I can talk to him tonight…I hate this dynamic…
“We’ve never really had the chance to take pictures, so I’m anticipating the pictures helping us out a lot.” Otto’s eyes were glued to the road, but Norman sensed a feeling of gentleness in his tone. Maybe he’ll be alright…
~~~~
“We’ve arrived.” Otto put the car into park, and the trio disembarked from the car. Norman opened the door to the back and began unloading the equipment. He handed two of the cases to Otto. He simply nodded, not speaking. Norman shook his head annoyedly.
“Ah, you’re here!” A woman entered the parking garage. “I’m Cheryl, the building manager. Well, co-manager. My husband also manages.” She shook the hands of the three. “You must be,” she looked Otto up and down, “Doctor Octavius.”
“Indeed, this is my partner Doctor Osborn,” Norman shook her hand.
“A pleasure,”
“And this is our young photographer, Peter Parker,” Otto gestured towards Peter.
“Hello!” They shook the woman’s hand vigorously.
“Well I’m sorry to say but you’ll only have about an hour in the apartment today. We’re having some emergency plumbing work done and someone needs to use that room to fix our issue.” Cheryl looked down.
“Not a problem! We’ll just look around the apartment today.” Norman answered, brightly. Otto was clearly bothered, but shook it off.
“We can take notes.” Otto nodded, “Lead us up.” Cheryl took the lead and led them to a small apartment on the third floor.
“Well, I’ll leave you all be. I’ll be in the office if you need me, and you have my number as well.” Cheryl shut the door.
“Shall we get to work?” Norman clapped.
“Whatever,” Otto groaned. Norman’s face fell slightly. The three worked in silence for most of the hour, sprinkled with Norman’s attempts at conversation with Otto.
“This place is much better than the Texas house, huh?” Otto groaned at Norman’s comment. Norman paced into the kitchen. A tear slipped down his cheek and he quickly wiped it away. I should talk to him.
Soon, the hour was up and they had to leave. Norman waved to Cheryl on the way out.
“We’ll be back at 10 am tomorrow!” Cheryl gave Norman a thumbs up as she was on the phone. They were quickly back at the car. Yet another silent car ride followed. By the time they returned to the hotel, Norman was tired of Otto’s snide remarks. “Peter.” Anger creeped into his voice.
“Yes, Dr. Osborn?” Peter’s voice shook ever so slightly. He was clearly nervous.
“Stay in the lobby.” Norman ordered.
“Okay,” They nodded and slipped out of the back seat. Norman stormed off towards their room, Otto following hesitantly.