Peter Parker: A Spider-Man Origin Story

Peter sat at the dinner table, the Oscorp letter lying neatly on the surface in front of him. The faint clinking of Aunt May setting the dishes on the counter filled the room, her cheerful hum a sharp contrast to Peter's anxious thoughts. Uncle Ben leaned back in his chair, his sharp eyes flickering between Peter and the unopened envelope.

"You've been staring at that thing like it's gonna bite you," Uncle Ben said, his voice light but probing. "What's it about?"

Peter hesitated, his fingers fidgeting with the edges of the envelope. "It's… an internship offer. From Oscorp. Norman Osborn himself."

Aunt May gasped, her hands flying to her chest. "An internship offer? Peter, that's incredible! Norman Osborn's one of the biggest names in science. This could be a life-changing opportunity!"

Ben's expression was more guarded. "Norman Osborn, huh?" His tone carried a subtle edge, his gaze lingering on Peter. "Big names don't hand out opportunities like that for no reason."

Peter forced a laugh, shrugging. "I guess they just noticed my grades or something. Maybe Harry put in a good word."

Aunt May smiled warmly, squeezing Peter's shoulder as she took her seat. "You're a bright kid, Peter. You deserve this."

Uncle Ben, however, wasn't convinced. He leaned forward, his arms resting on the table. "Just… be careful. People like Osborn don't do things out of the kindness of their hearts. They always have an angle."

Peter nodded quickly, trying to mask the nervous flutter in his chest. "I'll keep that in mind."

Later that night, Peter lay in bed, staring at the ceiling. The Oscorp letter sat on his desk, illuminated by the faint glow of the streetlight outside. His mind whirled with conflicting thoughts: the chance to work with one of the greatest minds in science versus the sinking feeling that Norman Osborn knew far more than he let on.

"I have to know what he's up to," Peter whispered to himself, clenching his fists. "Even if it's a trap, I need answers."

The morning sunlight streamed through the school's cafeteria windows, casting warm patterns on the polished tables. Peter sat at his usual spot, absently poking at the peanut butter sandwich in front of him. His thoughts drifted far from the bustling energy of the room, tangled in the weight of the Oscorp offer and everything it implied.

"Okay, spill it," Liz Allan's voice sliced through his haze. She slid into the seat across from him, her eyes narrowing with playful intensity. "What's going on with you? You've been zoning out all morning."

Peter blinked, caught off guard by her sudden presence. "What? Oh, nothing. It's nothing, just… stuff."

Liz raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. She leaned forward, resting her chin on her hand as her lips curved into a knowing smirk. "That's the worst excuse I've ever heard, Parker. Come on, I'm not buying it."

Peter hesitated, his mind racing for a safer response. "I just… got this opportunity, and I don't know if I should take it."

Liz tilted her head, her expression softening. "What kind of opportunity?"

Peter rubbed the back of his neck, glancing away. "It's, uh… with Oscorp."

Liz's eyes widened, genuine excitement lighting up her face. "Oscorp? That's huge! Why wouldn't you take it?"

Peter fidgeted with his sandwich, his voice quieter now. "It just feels… complicated. I don't know if it's the right move."

Liz studied him, her gaze thoughtful. "Well, sometimes you have to take risks to grow, you know? You won't know what's waiting for you unless you try."

Peter looked up at her, surprised by the sincerity in her tone. "You really think so?"

She nodded, her smile gentle. "Yeah. I mean, you're obviously smart enough for them to notice you. That's gotta mean something."

Before Peter could respond, Gwen Stacy plopped into the seat beside Liz, her trademark sharpness in her gaze. "Let me guess—Oscorp?"

Peter's stomach dropped. "How did you—"

Gwen shrugged, a slight smirk tugging at her lips. "Harry mentioned something. Look, Peter, it's not my business, but just… be careful. Sometimes opportunities aren't what they seem."

Peter's chest tightened at her words, her warning eerily echoing Uncle Ben's earlier advice. "Yeah… I'll keep that in mind."

Liz glanced between the two of them, sensing the tension. She nudged Peter playfully, her tone lightening. "Hey, relax. You're taking this way too seriously. Maybe Osborn just sees how smart you are and wants to help."

Peter managed a nervous laugh, grateful for the change in tone. "Yeah, maybe."

Liz grinned, her playful demeanor returning. "I mean, who knows? Maybe this is your big shot. Just don't forget about us little people when you're some hotshot scientist, okay?"

Gwen snorted, leaning back in her chair. "Yeah, Peter Parker, Oscorp prodigy. I can see it now."

Peter rolled his eyes, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Alright, alright. Let's not get ahead of ourselves."

Liz's smile softened, her gaze lingering on Peter for a moment longer than usual. "Just don't overthink it, okay? You're gonna do great."

Peter felt a flicker of warmth in his chest, but he quickly buried it under a wave of uncertainty. "Thanks, Liz. I'll try."

The three of them continued talking, the conversation shifting to lighter topics. But as the laughter and teasing filled the air, Peter couldn't shake the feeling that the decision ahead of him was far more monumental than he let on.

The towering glass façade of Oscorp Industries gleamed under the midday sun as Peter entered the building, his reflection staring back at him in its pristine surface. The grand lobby buzzed with activity—executives hurrying to meetings, scientists conversing in hushed tones. Peter's sneakers squeaked faintly against the polished floor as he followed a sharply dressed assistant toward a private elevator.

"Mr. Osborn will see you now," the assistant said, pressing the button for the top floor.

The elevator ride felt endless, the hum of the machinery matching the rhythm of Peter's racing heart. When the doors opened, Norman Osborn was already waiting, his smile as sharp as the tailored suit he wore.

"Peter Parker," Norman said warmly, extending a hand. "It's a pleasure to see you again."

Peter shook his hand, trying to hide his unease. "Thanks for inviting me, Mr. Osborn."

"Norman," Osborn corrected, his smile widening. "I like to keep things informal with bright young minds like yourself."

As they walked through the sleek halls of Oscorp's research division, Norman spoke with a mix of charisma and authority, weaving stories of innovation and ambition. "Science, Peter, is the key to shaping the future. And you… you have the kind of mind that could help lead that charge."

Peter forced a smile, his eyes darting to the various labs they passed. His gaze lingered on a door labeled "Project Vulture: Restricted Access."

Norman noticed and chuckled softly. "Curious, aren't you? That's good. Curiosity is the spark of innovation." He paused, his tone turning sly. "It's what brought you to that restricted lab during your school trip, wasn't it?"

Peter's blood ran cold, but he kept his expression neutral. "I… got a little lost. That place was like a maze."

Norman's laughter was smooth, almost disarming. "Well, sometimes getting lost leads to the most fascinating discoveries."

Peter's suspicions deepened, but he nodded politely, his mind racing with questions. What does he know?

As they reached Norman's office, Peter overheard a heated conversation from an adjacent room. Alaric Kane's voice carried through the partially closed door. "…unstable. We can't control him much longer. If this backfires—"

Norman's voice cut him off. "You're paid to handle problems, Alaric. Solve it."

Peter glanced toward the door, his heart pounding. Gargan.

Norman turned back to Peter, his smile returning as if nothing had happened. "Shall we continue?"

Peter nodded, his resolve hardening. Whatever Norman Osborn was hiding, he was determined to find out.