If someone were to ask Keira what her opinions on the so dubbed by the press "Green Goblin" were, they wouldn't get an honest answer in any way, shape, or form. Largely because those opinions changed from day to day. But she would never ever admit out loud that she didn't mind him most days. Or that she was married to the man.

Such a strange thought for her to process.

Obviously it was a generally known fact that the masked figure used their stolen technology... though, was it technically stolen? She designed the flight suit, Norman designed the glider, it was their company who produced both. Regardless, because of this, people often asked for their opinion on the latest chaos the Goblin had caused. If Keira was feeling generous, she'd usually give the same default answer.

"Our technology was involved, though we don't support what the assailant does with it. We can't do anything because we hadn't installed any trackers before the technology was stolen. We're still actively trying to track him down, but as of now, we don't have much to go on."

That also didn't give Jameson much to go on either. Eventually he might say she was deflecting or hiding something, but Jameson always threw out crazy allegations at even the local pizza parlor or the pigeons in Central Park.

And Spider-Man, of course.

Ever since the web-head had been first spotted, he'd been the topic of rumors and conspiracy theories. Keira didn't mind it at first, but as more and more stories popped up about him and Green Goblin going toe to toe, it made her question everything about what she was letting slide. If she ever had the chance, she would ask Peter about what Spider-Man was like.

Somehow Peter had become the sort of "unofficial photographer" of Spidey, able to catch incredible shots and sell them to the Bugle to get by. While Keira didn't exactly enjoy the thought of Peter working under Jameson, one of her most hated human beings, to get by when she and Norman could very easily get him a much better job at Oscorp, she understood his reasoning. She made it a mental note to ask Peter later.

Though, Peter's seemingly mundane job seemed like it would prove to be a bit dangerous. One morning Keira grabbed the paper and saw a bold headline describing an attack on the Bugle's office by the Goblin. She got worried, especially when she noticed that he was allegedly after Spider-Man's photographer. She folded the paper gently and tossed it into the fire like she had to several others.

She was wishy-washy on Goblin's behavior in the first place, but him unknowingly hunting Peter made her even more uneasy. Part of her wondered if the Goblin had ever looked at the papers, Keira knowing Peter got credit for every photo he took.

She ignored it, remembering that Norman was the one who usually read the paper, not Goblin. The two didn't share memories... at least they didn't used to. Their consciousnesses were blending, so it seemed like Norman knew more about the latest crimes ahead of time. He would sometimes speak to her discreetly so she knew what had happened before she read the paper the next day. Also so she could chastise the Goblin with some sort of upper hand.

As far as the Bugle went, Keira wasn't going to give him any hints.

That was one of the days she wasn't exactly happy about this intruder into their lives. One of the days she considered working on an anti-serum. Then days would come where she wasn't as upset, making her ignore the bad things that happened. It was wrong, she knew that, but the Goblin was just so caring towards her. He showed affection differently than Norman did, a little more... on the nose, let's say. Keira didn't mind either way. It was easier to get used to than she had expected. She was the only one who could tell the difference.

It made her heasitant about getting rid of the Goblin despite her better judgement. She had many opportunities to develop ways of doing so that she just... didn't take.

So, no, Keira wasn't entirely sure what her thoughts were. Hostile one day, loving the next. Much like Goblin himself, really. It was enough, however, that she more often than not turned a blind eye to what happened on a day to day basis, especially as Goblin sightings grew increasingly more common.

Norman always ended up at home one way or another, and that's mostly what mattered.

By the time November rolled around, Keira almost couldn't care less. Prospering company, loving husband (could that be two?), and a child just shy of their due date. In the back of her mind, Keira knew that the better things were going, the harder they would crash down. She pushed the thought way far away, more focused on the Thanksgiving dinner cooking in the kitchen of Peter and Harry's apartment.

She wanted to help, but Aunt May kept insisting that she took it easy. So instead she just stood at the counter making light conversation. Keira had only spoken to Peter's aunt a couple of times, briefly at that. Neither Peter, nor Norman had shown up yet. She likely knew what Norman was up to and that she'd probably read it in the paper the next morning. Peter was a bit of a mystery. Then again, Harry had said Peter was a bit flakey lately.

"Do you have any name ideas thought up yet?" May asked.

"If it's a boy, we were thinking Richard after my father or Thomas. If it's a girl, we're stuck between Sophia, Sarah, or Ashley." Keira replied.

"Sophia's a lovely name."

"If you can't decide, you can always make one the middle name." Mary Jane said, kneeling down to check the marshmallow yams in the oven.

"If it's a boy, I suggested naming him after Dad. Or Gabriel." Harry said.

"I don't think he's self-centered enough to want a Norman Junior." Keira replied.

"Call him Normie then."

"That's worse." Mary Jane cut in.

"Well, I'm not the one naming it. I'm just the older brother."

"And good thing, too."

"Hey!"

The door buzzed as Mary Jane pulled the yams out of the oven. Knowing Peter could just come right in, it was likely Norman.

"MJ, would you stop goofing around?" Harry said, suddenly tense.

"Harry, relax!" Mary Jane laughed, taking her nose away from the waft of the marshmallows.

"It'll be okay, kiddo." Keira said.

"I just want this to go well. You know how Dad can be sometimes."

"Mary Jane's a very bright young woman, Harry. He's going to like her, I'm sure of it."

"Aunt May, I'm sorry. Work was murder." Norman said as he walked in. Keira almost gave a haughty laugh, knowing how literal that statement could be taken. "I picked up a fruit cake."

"Thank you, Mr. Osborn, we're so glad you could come." May replied.

"And who's this lovely young lady?" Norman asked. Harry stepped forward with Mary Jane.

"MJ, may I introduce my father, Norman Osborn. Dad, this is Mary Jane Watson." Harry said. It sounded like he had spent a lot of time rehearsing this. Keira smiled as the two amicably shook hands and exchanged short greetings.

Good, easy.

"Everything go alright at work?" Keira asked, giving just a fraction of a second's pause before "work." Norman embraced her and kissed her gently, lingering for just a moment. Keira found it a bit odd, Norman not being one to extend things like that in public. Then again, he was probably trying to set a good example for Harry about how to show affection for a woman...

Bullshit.

"Oh, you know how it goes. Sometimes things get a bit explosive." Norman kept his expression neutral, almost concerned.

Twenty bucks says today's offense was arson.

"Another shouting match with people swinging back and forth... on business deals?" She added the last bit in case anyone was paying attention. Luckily May held Harry and MJ's attention well enough.

"Exactly. Unfortunately I couldn't get a deal today, but there's always next time."

Whatever the hell that means.

"Oh well. You're here now and we can put all thoughts of work aside."

"I'd love nothing more, honey."

Oh fuck.

Norman walked past her saying something to Aunt May, but Keira didn't register it. She didn't know what was happening, but she knew for damn sure Norman wasn't the one at Thanksgiving tonight. Why now when it's such an important day both holiday wise and for Harry to introduce his girlfriend. She surpressed a gag, covering her mouth with her hand and the other resting on her stomach.

"Mrs. Osborn, is everything alright?" Mary Jane asked, now putting everyone's attention on Keira. She coughed a few times and forced out a smile.

"Yes, just... a kick, you know? Very rare for us." She said, patting her stomach as she lied right through her teeth. It seemed like an acceptable answer.

"Now where is Peter? He better not have forgotten that cranberry sauce." May said, tossing a dish towel onto the counter. Almost as if on cue, everyone heard a noise from upstairs as if someone was inside.

"That's strange, I didn't even know he was here." Harry said. Becoming concerned, everyone followed May up the stairs to Peter's room. Opening the door, all that was inside was a cluttered mess.

"How strange. There's nobody here." May said. Keira glanced around, only seeing strewn about papers and clothes.

"Bit of a slob, isn't he?" Norman observed.

"All brilliant men are." May replied as everyone started to move downstairs again. Keira shrugged, knowing Norman was both brilliant and well-organized... she on the other hand worked in a self described "organized chaos." She and Norman moved to leave before they both heard a single quiet watery drip noise. They glanced at each other to be sure they hadn't imagined it. It would have gone unheard if the serum hadn't enhanced both of their hearing.

"Oh sure, it improves hearing but not my damn eyesight?" Keira had griped, spinning her glasses around by the arm. Being the proud holder of a 20/300 eyesight perscription, she had half a mind to get lazer surgery after everything else improved with the experiment. Her aversion to all invasive things optically related shut that idea down.

"I can't imagine you without your glasses, dear. They complement your face." Norman had said after her annoyances, kissing her cheek to corroborate the point.

Upon closer inspection of the source of the noise, Keira could tell right away it was blood. Why Peter would have fresh blood in his room was beyond her. Logically, they both looked up to see only an empty ceiling. They were both suspicious, but Keira scoffed, waving it off before retreating back down the stairs. Norman followed after a minute.

With Peter still MIA, that left for more room for discussions. Mary Jane's next audition, baby shower plans, and the latest art project Harry had finished. Keira had started to get really worried until she heard the door unlock.

"Hey, everyone!" Peter said, coming inside dressed nicely with a can in his hand. Everyone stood up to greet him, cordially yet relieved because they were all very hungry. "Sorry I'm late, it's a jungle out there. I had to beat an old lady with a stick to get these cranberries."

"Whatever happened to respecting your elders, Peter?" Keira teased as May grabbed the can from Peter.

"I can let it slide, especially for cranberries." Harry said. Keira shook her head and smiled as everyone took their seats. She sat next to Peter with Norman at the head of the table to her left. Mary Jane pulled out a can opener to get the cranberries out while May served the turkey, luckily still hot.

Noticing the marshmallow yams next to him, Norman reached over to sneak a bite of the marshmallows. Manners aside, Keira knew Norman had a huge sweet tooth. May shut it down fast, slapping Norman's hand away.

"Norman!" She scolded. Keira looked at Harry, both barely containing a laugh. No one was immune to May's wrath. "Would you do the honors?"

Wordlessly, Norman picked up the knife and sharpener, getting a little too into scraping the knife along the metal stick. Keira's internal panic alarms started to flare up again. Normally she wouldn't have given the action a second thought. Norman knew manners, Norman knew how to carve a turkey like anyone else...

But never ever give a Goblin a knife, especially after denying it sweets.

Keira glanced around to avoid the increasingly awkward and admittedly disturbing scene. She spotted Peter's arm on the table next to her, causing her to raise an eyebrow.

"Peter, you're bleeding." She said, pointing to the elongated bloodstain on his shirt sleeve. Everyone turned to look at the wound, Norman halting his movements to stare.

"Oh, yeah. I stepped off a curb and I got hit by one of those bike messengers." Peter said, shrugging. May came over and unbuttoned the sleeve to reveal a rather nasty looking cut on his arm.

"Oh, that looks awful. I'll get the first aid kit and then we'll say grace. This is the boys' first Thanksgiving in this apartment and we are gonna do things properly." May said, retrieving the kit from on top of the fridge. She set it down as Keira picked it up, pulling out a gauze bandage and some antibacterial ointment. She put some of the ointment onto the cut and carefully wrapped Peter's wrist. Several shattered beakers and chemical spills had made Keira an expert on wound care. Once she was done, she passed the kit back to May.

When she looked at Norman, she got worried. His eyes were glued to Peter's injury almost in disbelief.

"How... did you say that happened?" He asked, his voice shaky.

"Bike messenger knocked me down." Peter repeated. Norman stared at the turkey in front of him before putting the utencils down and standing up. Keira raised an eyebrow, now even more confused.

"If you'll excuse me, I've got to be going." Norman said, grabbing his overcoat off of the rack and throwing it on.

"What?? Dad??" Harry asked, standing up. Keira was too dumbstruck to speak.

"Something has come to my attention. Keira, honey, can I speak to you for a moment?" Norman grabbed the door handle. "Enjoy the fruitcake."

He stalked out the door, all eyes on Keira before she started to rise out of her seat. Harry beat her to the door, calling after Norman. She sat back down, utterly confused. What had gotten Norman so worked up? It had to have been Peter's cut, but why? She zoned back in once she realized that everyone could hear the conversation.

"Harry, please, look at her! You think a girl like that is sniffing around for your personality?" Norman said snidely. Keira gaped.

"What are you saying?"

"Your mother was beautiful, too. They're all beautiful until they're snarling after your trust fund like a pack of ravening wolves." That just made no sense. From what Keira had heard of Caroline, she was a sweet woman who loved Norman just as she did now.

"And what makes her djfferent from Mom, huh? You can't say all women are just gold digging whores when you always treat Mom like she's a goddamn queen."

"Harry, watch your tone and leave her out of this. Besides, her purse is from a thrift store, she couldn't give a rat's ass about money. It's up to you to weed through women who earn what they get through hard work and little girls who have delusions about being a Broadway star. Do what you need to with her and then broom her fast."

The elevator gate slammed shut, everyone left in a tense silence. Keira's face burned and her eyes prickled with tears. She stood up out of her seat and got to the door just as Harry opened it back up. She gave him a hurt look as she brushed past. It told Harry everything he needed to know: everyone had heard everything.

The door shut before he could give any sort of apology. As she waited for the elevator to rise back up, she heard arguing from inside. Wiping her eyes, she opened the gate and descended down, trying to process what the hell had just happened.

Once she was on the ground floor, she found Norman leaning against the wall outside looking almost in pain.

"What the hell was that?" Keira snapped. Norman met her gaze, letting out a big sigh.

"Sweetheart, I know--" Norman started.

"I don't give a damn about who's in control right now! First you just up and leave after seeing a cut on Peter's arm and then you call Mary Jane a gold digger? Norman, MJ's a very nice girl who's genuinely trying to put herself out there. She works hard and could have dated any rich ass she wanted if she only was after money. Harry loves her and I want the best for him."

"That's not what this is about."

"Really? You made a pretty big deal of it." Keira snorted.

"Listen-" Norman started before Keira cut him off, backing him further into the wall with her menacing face. Something Keira rarely ever put on unless she was really pissed.

"No, you listen. I don't know why today of all days you decided to come out and cause chaos, but it was the wrong choice. Give me my husband back, you green son of a bi--"

"Peter Parker is Spider-Man." Norman blurted. That caught Keira off guard. Her angry face melted away and was replaced by one of shock.

"...What? No, it can't be. You're mistaken." Keira said.

"I set an apartment complex on fire to lure him out. Had offered him to join me to put our problems at ease. A means to an end." Norman started.

"Oh, so you did set something on fire?" Keira crossed her arms with an unamused look.

"He said no, so I attacked him with one of those new Razor Bat grenades we came up with. He dodged most of them, but one grazed his arm." Norman continued. Keira slowly put the pieces together, her expression softening and her arms unfolding.

"The cut on Peter's arm...?" She asked, but she had already deduced it. Norman just nodded. "Oh dear god... we've been chasing Spider-Man for weeks and all this time he's been in the apartment with Harry? No wonder he said Peter's been so flakey, staying out late... oh my god, the Bugle photos! It all makes sense!"

"We have to end it." Norman said. Keira shook her head.

"No. I know exactly what you're thinking and no. I can excuse the bombings, the Board, the burned buildings, but I draw the line at people we love."

"You can excuse those other things, sweetheart? Really? And you get mad over what happened here?"

"I'm not letting you do anything rash until we can come up with something. You have two options: You can come back inside, apologize and enjoy dinner. Or you can go home and think it over."

"What will you do?"

"Stay here. Shame to let all the food go to waste."

Norman and Keira held each other's gazes for a moment. Finally, Norman sighed and embraced Keira, resting his chin on her head.

"I need some time to think. We can talk about this when you get back, okay?" Norman said. Keira nodded as Norman kissed the top of her head.

"Don't do anything stupid until I get back."

"I won't, sweetheart." Norman pulled away from her and grinned at her. "Although I would like to see that angry face of yours again." Keira snorted.

"Get out of here, you heathen." She replied, her thin lips quirking up into a toothless smile. Norman kissed her quickly before walking off in the direction of the car. Keira watched him leave before she turned back to go inside.

She bumped right into Mary Jane, leaving in a huff.

"MJ! Are you alright?" Keira asked. Mary Jane exhaled through her nose.

"It's all gone wrong. I can't be around Harry right now after he said those things. Where's Mr. Osborn?"

"Gone home." Keira replied.

"Thank god." Mary Jane winced. "Oh, sorry, I-"

"It's alright. MJ, I'm very sorry for what happened in there. It's not my apology to give and this is no justification, but Norman... hasn't been himself lately. So much stress and he gets these... mood swings."

"I wanted to ask if you always live with that, but I didn't want to be rude."

"No worries. Today just fell on a very bad mood day. It's not something he has much control over. But once things start to level out and all this madness has passed, he should level out."

"It just... it reminded me of my dad, okay? I moved out to get away from him, he always called me trash, worthless, et al." Mary Jane's eyes watered. "I wanted to impress Mr. Osborn so maybe he would take me in like my dad hadn't."

"Oh, MJ, I'm so sorry." Keira pulled Mary Jane in for a hug, letting the girl wipe her tears on her shoulder. "For what it's worth, I know he will once this passes. He would really like you."

"How do you know? This seemed pretty definitive." Mary Jane asked. Keira smiled.

"You remind me a lot of myself, MJ. You have a musical inclination, but you're also passionate and chase after what you want. You're clever, too. If I didn't have those things, I wouldn't be where I am today." Keira gently patted her pregnant stomach with a short laugh. "Norman likes those qualities in a woman, whether he's marrying her or she's dating his son. He'll come around, I promise."

Mary Jane nodded, wiping her eyes with the back of her hand.

"Thanks, Mrs. Osborn."

"Sure. Now, do you want to go back inside and have dinner? I'd hate for yours and May's work to go to waste." Mary Jane opened her mouth to answer before Keira continued. "Harry will apologize if he hadn't already. He owes one to both of us and he was never one for holding back if he was wrong."

"I guess that would be okay." Mary Jane said. Keira smiled and looped her arm through Mary Jane's as they went back inside for the elevator.