Chapter 27: Cuddling and Taking Medicine
“Finn! Finn!”
Urgent shouts rang out in the silence, a lithe figure burst through the doors of the morgue.
Finn also didn't expect Peter to suddenly appear here.
The young man's face was practically overflowing with worry and tension, his pupils suddenly contracted when his gaze swept over that tall figure glowing with a deep blue light.
He rushed forward instinctively, shielding Finn firmly behind him.
I—I have no ill intentions!" Max Dillon was also startled by this sudden intruder. After seeing Peter's defensive posture, he hurriedly waved his hands in panic, the electricity on his body flickering along with his frantic movements as he defended himself with sincerity and confusion, "I really didn't intend to harm Young Master Finn!
Peter's wary gaze remained locked firmly on Max Dillon, likely feeling that the man indeed posed no threat.
"Are you okay?" Peter did not dare to let his guard down, but he still turned his head to look at Finn behind him, his voice still carrying a lingering sense of urgency.
"What are you doing here?" Finn Osborn poked his head out from behind Peter Parker, his voice filled with surprise.
"I sent you a message, but you didn't reply, then.. I asked Mr. Wilson." Since the incident with the tail, Peter's communication with Finn had become even closer, though, of course, it was also to better keep track of Finn's movements. Peter sent many messages to Finn every day, then would naturally ask what the other was doing. Under normal circumstances, Finn would always reply to him promptly, so when Finn didn't reply, Peter would start to worry that Finn had secretly gone off to carry out some "Misery Value" plan.
Finn followed his gaze and saw Joseph standing by the doorframe.
The usually composed butler, looking at Max Dillon who was glowing with a blue light in the morgue, had a face full of disbelief and shock.
“Why on earth would you come to a place like a morgue!” Peter was practically scared to death by Finn, “And this person—”
He is Max Dillon," Finn explained. "You've met him before.
"?" Peter stared fixedly at Electro, as if a face had suddenly flashed through his mind.
When we first met in the Osborn Building," Finn said to Peter. "When the elevator reached the first floor, wasn't he the one who held the elevator door open for us outside?
So.. so you actually remember." Max Dillon's voice was suddenly tinged with obvious excitement, the blue light across his body grew even more brilliant. He had thought that such a trivial matter would never be held in his heart by Young Master Finn. Even though no one could see him, this casual reminder from Finn was like a sudden surge of scorching electricity crashing into Max's long-silent heart, making his eyes sting with heat. "You actually remember.. that person was me.
"How could he.. turn into this?" Peter asked in shock.
Because of an accident," Finn looked at Peter and said, "Didn't you also grow a lizard tail once? Just like you, Max also underwent a mutation.
Peter: "??"
Such ridiculous things sound so normal coming from your mouth!
But Peter also knew that Finn's thought processes had always been different from those of normal people; by comparison, his and Butler Joseph's reactions were the normal ones.
I will go find a suitable coat for this.. Mr. Dillon," Joseph looked at the glowing and naked Max, taking a dull, deep breath to maintain his basic composure as a high-level butler. "Peter, please look after Young Master Finn.
Little Spider-Man nodded quickly.
"So, what are you here for?" Peter still didn't understand.
I'm from the Brand Promotion Department." Finn paused, unable to think of how to explain the situation for a moment, so he just opened his mouth and blurted out a lie, "I received news that an employee died in an accident, so I came over to.. check the situation. After all, we need to manage public opinion in advance. You should understand that, right?
Peter: ".." No, he didn't understand at all.
Perhaps the Brand Promotion Department should handle this matter.
But it certainly wasn't the Young Master Osborn, who was sitting in the Osborn Building drawing hamsters, coming to the morgue all by himself to deal with this matter.
But Butler Joseph didn't say much either; he simply gave him a location, he rushed over in a frantic hurry.
Exactly. Under these circumstances, the Group would naturally compensate you." Finn could clearly see that Peter didn't believe him, but he steeled himself and looked toward Max, speaking with a serious expression, "If this matter were to be exposed, it would certainly have a significant negative impact on the reputation of the Osborn Group. Therefore, you know that I am Harry Osborn's brother, my coming here to resolve this matter represents the level of importance we place on this issue.
No compensation is needed, this was just an accident," Max Dillon hurriedly said, the smile on his face even appearing somewhat bashful and overwhelmed. "I—I'm still alive, am I not? Young Master Finn, I already feel honored that you took the trouble to come to the morgue to see me. I promise you, I will absolutely never leak this to anyone.
Finn: ".." [System PP, come over here and witness this! This is the true peak of a people-pleasing personality!]
It's not just a matter of asking you to keep a secret now." Finn stared at the dazzling light on Max Dillon, his brow furrowing involuntarily, his voice tinged with genuine distress. "You're too bright. As long as you go out, anyone will be able to see that you're an electric man.
"I'm sorry." Max Dillon lowered his head almost subconsciously in frustration, the smile on his lips vanishing once more. He felt a sense of loss, thinking that Young Master Finn had just been praising him for being bright.
"It's not your fault, why are you apologizing?" Finn asked back in confusion.
[Max Dillon's information had to be suppressed before the press conference, but what if Peter finds out now?] Finn began to think to himself, [I have just agreed to cooperate with Marcus. During the press conference, I will use the scandal of Max's accident to shift all the blame onto Harry, taking the opportunity to bring him down.]
Peter’s body went rigid, his stunned gaze locked fixedly on Finn.
[Marcus really knows how to play the game. He actually wants me to expose the Osborn Group's scandals in public at the press conference, using my status as his own younger brother to publicly distance myself from Harry, effectively turning against him in the open. He might even have a series of fabricated scandals regarding Harry Osborn prepared for me, he could likely use the matter of the inheritance to make a massive scene.] Finn's thoughts were still churning; he was conversing with System PP, while also trying to clear his own mind. [At a venue like a press conference, the power of spreading information is immense. Things that can be quietly suppressed on ordinary days will take on a completely different nature once they are brought out onto a stage under the gaze of thousands.]
Harry had placed so much importance on this press conference, only to have it turned into a scaffold—a platform for his own public judgment, orchestrated by others.
This was truly a perfect opportunity to push my relationship with Harry into the realm of life-long nemeses.
A piercing chill climbed up Peter's spine.
Undoubtedly, he had always believed in Finn's kindness and purity.
But hearing Finn's inner thoughts at this moment, his heart could not help but experience a sense of doubt and wavering.
Finn's obsession with the mission he was to carry out would lead his naivety to push Harry Osborn into a terrible predicament through cruel means.
[But actually—]
【This plan was meant for Peter to find out anyway; it's just that he arrived too early.】
The ideal state would be to hide this matter while simultaneously leaving openings for Peter. Peter will obviously investigate further, discover that I am secretly harboring so many malicious intentions, then leak the news to Harry. This way, before the press conference, Harry will have already made his moves, dealing with both Marcus and me in one fell swoop.
But if it turns out like that, I won't be able to celebrate my birthday.
In that brief moment, Finn's heart had already gone through several rounds of internal struggle.
[This is terrible, we already made a promise.]
Recalling that agreement, Finn's pinky finger trembled slightly of its own accord.
Finn thought bitterly that even though such a perfect villainous accomplice had been sent to him, he simply could not seize this opportunity properly.
Peter stared fixedly at Finn, who was slightly frowning in deep thought, suddenly felt all his unease completely vanish.
Along with it, his originally tense and panicked heart also softened inch by inch.
Peter felt a deep sense of relief in his heart; it was truly brilliant of him to have made that birthday appointment with Finn today.
"Is this something Harry can handle well?" Peter asked in a gentle tone.
"Do you think I won't be able to handle it?" Finn naturally questioned with indignation.
"Yes." Peter nodded decisively.
Finn slowly widened his eyes: ".." I thought you'd at least pretend for a moment!
This was an internal accident within the Group, wasn't it? It's like.. what happened to Dr. Curt Connors; it's not something one person could have handled alone." Peter looked at Finn intently and said, "I know, of course, that you came here for Max, you've already prevented things from taking a turn for the worse. But, you weren't exactly an ambitious employee who would take on major responsibilities for the Group, were you?
Finn: ".." Why are you being so sharp with your words today?
Since Peter was already here, Finn had no way to hide Max away again. Besides, Peter would surely tell Harry.
I understand. I'll make it clear to Harry tomorrow." Finn thought it made sense; it was better to stay low-key before the birthday party. He would need to plan carefully tonight on how to deal with Marcus. At this thought, Finn's gaze turned toward Max, who had been behaving properly and hadn't dared to interrupt. "But for the time being, your information needs to be suppressed. I'll arrange for you to stay at my home; after all, your current situation is quite special.
“Okay,” Max Dillon replied immediately, his voice filled with unmistakable excitement. The mere thought of being able to live in Young Master Osborn's home made it feel like he was in a dream.
In the future, you can reclaim your identity and continue working at the Osborn Group, but that will take some time," Finn continued. "For now, you are not allowed to go out, nor are you allowed to have any contact or send messages to anyone.
"Okay," Max Dillon nodded hurriedly.
Finn: ".." Are you a system or something? You only know how to say "okay."
I don't have any friends or family anyway, so you can rest assured; no one will notice if I disappear." Fearing that Finn might feel uneasy, Max Dillon added with a cautious tone, his voice respectful yet tinged with a sense of trepidation, as if afraid of upsetting Finn, "I will follow your arrangements. I can do whatever you need, as long as you need me.
Max thought that as long as Finn needed him, he was willing to do whatever he was asked to do.
Is it okay to dance at the Halloween party?" Finn actually had an idea. "Your look is pretty cool.
Peter: ".." Your thoughts are truly erratic.
".. I can learn," Max Dillon said hesitantly.
It was only then that Joseph finally managed to find some clothing to temporarily cover Max.
Forget it, we can't have you sticking around like a third wheel forever." Finn turned to look at Peter; after all, Peter knew some special friends as Spider-Man, he had also been the one to quickly snap off that Lizardman's tail last time. "Can you try asking your friends to see if there's any way to turn Max back into his original self?
Of course." Being naturally helpful, Peter was more than willing to lend a hand. "Then, right now—
No rush, let's head back first." Finn shook his head. "This place is making me feel quite uncomfortable.
[It's so cold, my legs feel weak.] This chilling environment made the sense of discomfort in Finn grow increasingly intense.
Peter gave Finn a concerned look, then immediately turned around and crouched down with his back to him.
“Your foot injury hasn't fully healed yet, has it?” Peter gave Finn a very reasonable excuse, his tone exceptionally serious. "I'll carry you."
Finn looked at the brace on his ankle, but it actually didn't hurt at all anymore.
But.. Spider-Man actively asking to give him a piggyback ride was the kind of "idol perk" that one could only hope to encounter once in a lifetime.
Finn didn't think any more about it, with a hint of excitement, he climbed onto him decisively.
[Cuddle with Spider-Man!]
Feeling the weight pressing tightly against his back, Spider-Man couldn't help but curl his lips into a smile, his firm, muscular arms wrapping steadily around the young man's thighs, his movements so smooth as he stood up that there was almost no swaying.
System PP: [..] Randomly recording a save file of the two of you looking so cheap while smiling.
Just then, Peter's peripheral vision caught a gaze from the side, meeting Joseph's meaningful eyes.
".." Peter's ears instantly burned red again.
It's already late, just go straight home in a bit. I'll handle Max Dillon's matter. I promise you, I'll talk to Harry about this tomorrow." Finn's voice was still close to Peter's reddened earlobe. "But.. this matter is a bit complicated.
"I'll go home with you. It's fine if I go back a bit late." Peter said immediately. The more complicated it was, the more he had to find out.
Finn thought of something, took out his phone to make a call, didn't bother to hide it, discussing how to arrange for a fake corpse to be buried and what kind of superficial measures needed to be taken.
Joseph and Max both heard everything clearly, neither of them dared to make a sound.
It's a bit complicated," Finn said to Peter again, intentionally letting Spider-Man know that he also had connections to people who did bad things, "You could call it.. high-level business warfare.
"Who is it that you're looking for??" Peter asked hesitantly.
"We also met at a party before," Finn said.
I can introduce him to you if you need him in the future," Finn said, thinking of Peter's special identity as Spider-Man. "He has a real knack for handling crime scenes, he only takes money, no questions asked.
"They might even be able to handle something like a kidnapping," Finn said, intentionally giving Peter a heads-up.
[If Harry suddenly goes missing in the future, you should suspect me as well.]