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Peter was lying in the grass under a large oak tree, hands behind his head. He stared up through the leaves at the sky, the sun shining through the gaps making small pools of light that flicked with the wind. He took a deep breath of the early autumn air, taking in any of the last hints of summer. He closed his eyes, relaxing in the cool breeze.
He had only been there for a few minutes before he heard footsteps approaching. They were light, like the person was trying to make as little noise as possible. They stopped about ten feet from him, and Peter gave a small smile.
“You can sit down Harry.” Peter heard Harry blow a small raspberry before sitting down next to him, back against the tree.
“How’d you even know it was me?” Peter opened his eyes to look at him. The sun was breaking through the leaves like a dozen tiny spotlights, highlighting the top of his red hair and lighting up his eyes. Peter admired him for a moment before looking back up at the sky.
“Who else would it be?” Peter asked. He saw Harry shrug before comfortable silence fell between them. They basked in the warm air and chill breeze, feeling autumn in the shade of the oak.
“I got you something.” Harry spoke up finally, reaching for his bag. Peter frowned at him, sitting up.
“Har-”
“I know! You said not to worry, but I saw this and just had to get it for you.” Harry pulled a small gift box out of his bag. It looked like a ring box, black velvet with a red bow around it. Peter scrunched up his face.
“You’re not proposing, are you?” Peter took the box gently, and Harry blushed a little.
“In your dreams Parker.” Harry shoved him playfully, and they laughed for a moment. Peter looked back at the gift, a small lump forming in his throat. It was his first birthday since Ben had passed not long ago. He swallowed thickly and pulled the string off the box. He opened it, surprised at its contents.
Sitting on a soft white pillow, there was a small piece of paper and a single penny. Peter picked up the penny, examining it closer when Harry cleared his throat.
“It’s not really an old or rare penny. I know it’s silly to believe in luck but-” Harry stopped himself, blushing again and looking away.
“What? Is this a lucky penny?” Peter teased Harry, leaning in and bumping him with his shoulder. Harry shoved him back a little, face still pink.
“Maybe! At least, I think it’s lucky. And with that ‘Parker Luck’ of yours, you could use all the help you can get.” Peter looked at the penny again, rubbing it with his fingers.
“Why do you think it’s lucky?” Peter asked, looking at Harry again. Peter had never seen Harry’s ears turn that shade of red before and watched as it spread to his neck a little.
“I found it the day we met back in middle school. Seemed pretty lucky to me.” Harry wouldn’t look him in the face and Peter looked away as well. He could tell from the burning on his face he was probably just as red as Harry now. He felt incredibly touched.
“Thank you, Harry. I really like it.” Peter gripped the penny tight before putting it in his pocket.
“Well, there is one more thing.” Harry said, face returning to almost normal. He pointed at the slip of paper Peter had almost forgotten. He opened it, reading the words ‘Return to receive one favor‘ and snorted.
“That’s right! The Harry Osborn, owes you, Peter Parker, one favor at any time, for whatever you would like!” Peter laughed outright, causing Harry to make an undignified noise. “I’m serious Pete!”
“I- I know! That’s why it’s so fu-unny!” Peter said in between laughs. Harry crossed his arms and started to pout. “Aw, come on Har! Thank you so much, I really do appreciate it.” Peter said, wiping a stray tear from his eye and placing a hand on Harry shoulder. “This is good for anything I want?” Harry nodded, continuing to pout. “Well then here, no more pouting! That’s my wish!”
“No way, man! You have to use it for something real!” Harry said indignantly. Peter laughed again, tears beginning to stream down his face. He felt his heart squeeze and his laughter quickly changed to crying, and he suddenly began to sob. Harry scooted closer to him and wrapped an arm around his shoulders. Peter leaned in, and Harry wrapped him in a full hug.
Gut wrenching sobs wracked his body. Harry pulled him close and squeezed him. He felt Harry rest his cheek on his head and rub small circles with his fingers on his arm. Peter cried even harder, clinging to Harry’s shirt. He could feel himself hyperventilating, and gasping. Harry brought a hand to his head and softly stroked his hair while gently hushing and murmuring to him
He wasn’t sure how long he cried, but slowly, he began to take deeper breaths. He loosened his grip on Harry as his breath evened out and the tears slowed to a trickle. Harry continued to run his fingers through Peter’s hair, and Peter could feel himself relax fully, slumping forward a bit in exhaustion.
“Don’t fall asleep here Pete. Not sure I can carry you.” Harry almost whispered. Peter felt Harry’s hand come to rest on the back of his head, and he felt him shift to look at him. Peter lifted his face, looking at Harry. Their faces were mere inches away.
“Can I give you one more present?” This time Harry did whisper, searching Peter’s eyes. Peter nodded without thinking. “Close your eyes.” Peter obeyed, closing his eyes. He waited for Harry.
Softly, Harry pressed his lips to Peter’s. As quickly as they were placed there, they were gone. It was so gentle, Peter thought he might have imagined it. He opened his eyes to see Harry had somehow, again, turned a new shade of red. He let Peter go and the boys awkwardly sat next to each other again in silence.
“I’m really s-”
“That was really”
They both tried to talk at the same time. They blushed again and looked away. Peter waited for Harry this time.
“I’m really sorry Pete, I- I don't know why I-” Harry was stammering a little.
“No, it’s fine! I was gonna say that it was nice!” Peter cut in, waving his hands in front of him a bit. He could feel his whole face burning now.
“Oh, uhm. Okay. I’m... Glad you liked it.” Harry was redder than his hair. “I’ll try to do it better next time.” Harry mumbled into his hand, looking pointedly away. Peter felt like his brain had stopped working and was simply nodding again.
In the distance, a church bell began to toll. Harry looked at his watch and looked back at Peter, expectant.
“May is probably almost done getting dinner ready, if you want to come over.” Peter asked, trying not to look at Harry. He saw him nod out of the corner of his eyes.
“Yeah, that would be nice. Hey, we should call MJ and see if she wants to come!” Harry said as they stood up.
“Knowing her, she’s probably already there waiting for us.” Peter laughed, and they made their way back to May’s house together. Peter finally looked at Harry and grimaced a little.
“Sorry about your shirt, I can get you a new one when we get back.” Harry turned pink again, and Peter realized the implications and blushed as well.
“Thanks Pete, that sounds nice.” Harry smiled at him, and Peter blushed more. He placed one hand in his pocket and rubbed the lucky penny.