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vintagefantasies · 2 years

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Norman Osborn X Female Reader

I Forgot My Umbrella - Part 27

Word Count: 3519

Summary: With a work deadline fast approaching, you try to get Norman to understand the stress your under. You make dinner plans with some friends as a way to have some fun, but Norman doesn't seem to be enjoying himself. What could be bothering him?

Warnings: Age gap. PG-13.

A/N: The epic return! I cannot promise I will be back to regular posting. my health and irl responsibilities are unpredictable. Still, I hope I've broken through this writer's block.

Archive

——

The work week began rather hectically. Monday morning, Norman dropped the bomb on you about planning a big important gala. And it was made worse by the fact that this gala had to happen by next Friday. As his assistant, it fell to you to get in touch with all the necessary people to make it happen. Renting the venue, hiring the catering, choosing a theme, creating the invites- it was all very stressful. You spent the whole week trying to get everything sorted but you kept running into roadblocks.

And truthfully, Norman wasn’t helping.

Friday came and it was already an hour past the time you usually left for home. But you were still sitting at your computer, angrily staring at your screen as you tried to design invites. Norman came up behind you and completely broke your focus by pressing a kiss to your neck. You immediately tensed up and pulled away, trying to get closer to the screen.

“Not now, Norman. I’m sorry.”

You could practically feel Norman’s dejection, but didn’t turn to look at him. Instead you clicked on a few more options in the program, trying to decide which font looked best. You may be an artist, but you didn’t do so great with graphic design.

“You’ve been at this all day,” Norman whispered as he tried to pull you back to him, “You need to take a break.”

You rolled your eyes, doing your best to ignore Norman as he nuzzled into your hair. His hands gripped your shoulders and you felt a tinkle go up your spine. It seemed as though he didn’t care anymore if he was spotted on cameras. And right now you were too frustrated to care either. Even if you did want to give in to Norman, you knew you couldn’t.

“I don’t need a break, I NEED to finish it.”

“It’ll be there on Monday, my dear-”

You pulled out of his grasp, swiveling around in your chair to meet his gaze. You were doing your best not to be annoyed, but he was being especially clingy today. This was the fifth time he tried to distract you from work! You loved all the affection, but there was a time and place for it.

And that time and place was not now.

You forced a smile, stood, and reached out to straighten his tie. A pleased smile overtook his face and he leaned a little closer to you. But you did not close the gap as you fixed him with a serious gaze.

“Norman, I love you to death. You know that. And I normally would want nothing more than to go back to your place and have some dinner or go out somewhere nice. But I have a mountain of work to do and you keep distracting me. I don’t bother you when you throw yourself into your equations. This-” you gestured back to the computer, “-this is my equations.”

You smoothed out his tie and pulled your hands away.

“Making sure this gala is planned correctly is very important to me. How would it make you look as a CEO if the gala was a total failure? What would people think of me as your assistant? This is my first big job. I don’t wanna mess this up. Okay?”

Norman searched your face and you saw several emotions flash in his eyes. His brow furrowed and he cocked his head.

“I… I guess I didn’t think about how much work went into planning one of these things… I’ve never done it myself.”

As Norman met your gaze, he reached out to rub your arms.

“But I don’t want you to overwork yourself, my dear. The work week is done. It’s time to relax.”

You rolled your eyes and sat back down. He still wasn’t fully understanding how stressful this was for you. You didn’t have time to relax.

“You should’ve given me more than a two weeks' notice if you wanted me to have time to relax. I still have to figure out what food to cater! At the very least I wanna get the invitations, theme, and decoration plans done today. I would’ve gotten them done hours ago, but you’ve made it your mission to distract me at every crucial point.”

Norman bowed his head and you felt guilty for causing him to look so sad. You wanted to apologize. To give in. That’s what you were supposed to do right?

The two of you stayed in silence and you started nervously twisting your sleeves.

“I’m sorry I shouldn’t have-”

Norman held up his hand to stop you. You feared his anger. But his response shocked you.

“No. You’re right,” Norman admitted as he met your gaze, “I’m the one that should apologize. You are being very responsible while I’ve been acting like… well… a lovestruck teen I suppose.”

Norman pinched the bridge of his nose and you could see the tension in his shoulders.

“The power you have over me…”

His muttered words made you blush and you ducked your head.

“If… if you want me to get this done quicker… you could help.”

Norman met your gaze with a quizzical look.

“It’s your Gala,” you said with an eye roll, “You should have a say in how some of it looks. Plus I just need a second opinion on some of these color choices.”

“I don’t really have an eye for these things,” he warned, “I wouldn’t be much help.”

“I’ll make you a deal. Help me finish the invitations and we can go out somewhere.”

Norman grinned as he spun your chair around and pushed you up to the computer. He leaned over your shoulder, his cheek brushing against yours as he set his attention upon the monitor.

“So what colors were you considering?”

Your breath caught in your throat and your eyes darted towards the camera. But truth be told, you didn’t want to tell Norman to back up. It had been a long week and it felt like an eternity since the two of you were this close. So instead of trying to keep your cover and pull away, you leaned your head on his as you spoke.

“I was thinking purple and green.”

Norman gave a noise of disgust.

“What were your other choices?”

“Red and gold or blue and red.”

“How about blue, gold, and black?”

You changed the colors on the invitations and smiled.

“I think that could work. What about the theme? It needs to be obvious on the invitation. According to the emails, last year was nautical themed and that went over quite well.”

“What were you thinking?”

“Well there’s the fun classics. Fantasy or Masquerade.”

“Why not combine them, hmm?”

You glanced at your boss to find his eyes on you.

“You sure? A Fantasy Masquerade seems a bit cliche.”

Norman shrugged.

“Cliches exist for a reason. People like them. It will also help to encourage people to donate anonymously. Could be a big hit.”

You turned back to the monitor and started making changes.

“Alright then. I’ll add a little image of a mask and type in the dress code… add a gold border… and… wha-la! Whatcha think?”

Norman pressed a kiss to your temple just before standing.

“I think it looks great. Now get that sent to the printers and grab your coat.”

You laughed as you did as you were told.

“You’re so impatient!”

“We haven’t been able to go on a date all week. I want to spoil you as a reward for working so hard.”

Norman grabbed your hand and walked with you to the elevator.

“Please don’t go buying me a bunch of expensive stuff.”

“How about just an expensive dinner then?”

“I suppose I’ll let you do that.”

Norman chuckled as he kissed the back of your hand. The two of you expected the elevator to take you all the way down to the lobby, but the doors suddenly dinged and opened around the 10th floor. You immediately pulled your hand away from Norman’s and stepped away from him. The both of you tensed up and tried to act like nothing was going on.

But, as the doors opened, you watched Norman relax and even smile.

“Otto,” he greeted, “And Rosie! It’s been awhile.”

Dr. Otto Octavius and a beautiful browned haired woman entered the elevator. Norman gave the woman a quick embrace and she laughed.

“It has been awhile, hasn’t it? You haven’t changed much.”

“He smiles more,” Otto laughed.

Norman rolled his eyes as the doors shut. He ignored Otto’s comment, and gave Rosie a pleasant smile as he spoke to her.

“What brings you into the office today?”

Rosie grinned as she patted Otto’s arm.

“This one lost track of time so I came to get him. I have to make sure he eats.”

As you listened to the trio talk, you folded in on yourself trying not to interrupt. You pushed yourself against the back wall, giving them room.

But your presence did not go unnoticed.

Almost immediately after the usual pleasantries, Otto gave you his attention as if you were the most important person in the small space. He brought you to Rosie’s attention, gesturing towards you with a beaming smile.

“Rosie, this is Y/N. The young woman I told you about.”

You instantly felt self conscious as the older woman smiled at you. She offered her hand to you and gave you a confident handshake.

“So this is the woman who tamed the beast?”

You gaped at her, quickly glancing at Norman. His mouth formed a hard line as his brow furrowed. But there was no anger in his eyes. He just looked mildly annoyed.

“He’s not a beast,” you whispered.

Rosie grinned.

“Perhaps not. Still, from what Otto tells me, you’ve really managed to soften him up.”

“Have I disappeared?” Norman snapped.

Rosie leaned in to whisper in your ear as she gave Norman a side eye.

“You’ve got your hands full with this one.”

You grinned and Rosie gave you a knowing smile. Norman glanced between the two of you before rolling his eyes.

“So,” Rosie laughed, “Where are the two of you headed tonight?”

You looked to Norman who sent his blue eyes skyward.

“Haven’t decided yet actually.”

“Why don’t you both join us for dinner?” Otto offered, “We were going to try a new place that just opened by the park.”

Norman glanced at you, awaiting your thoughts on the matter. Quickly you smiled and nodded. It would be nice to be around people who didn’t care about the differences between you and Norman. You had never been on a proper double date. It could be fun.

“That sounds fun! Is it okay with you?”

You looked at Norman, trying to get a read on his expression. At first he looked annoyed. Like he really didn’t want to. But when his eyes met yours, his features softened and he gave a small smile.

“Of course.”

You gave him a grin and you noticed the amused smile on Rosie’s face. She was clearly pleased by what she was seeing. It made you feel self-conscious but also extremely happy. To see someone so supportive of your relationship made your heart soar.

You couldn’t wait to get to know her.

———

Norman fought against the urge to be aggravated. He wanted you all to himself but he knew that wasn’t fair. It would be good for you to get to know Otto and Rosie. They were two people who didn’t have a negative opinion of your relationship so he should be happy about this arrangement.

But he wasn’t.

Still, Norman tried to stay on his best behavior. He kept his cordial smile plastered to his face most of the evening as you chatted with Rosie and Otto. As the night wore on, you became more and more comfortable with them- making them laugh as you told your stories. While Norman found great delight in watching you, he struggled with the overwhelming need to have you all to himself.

“She hasn’t even looked our way all night. They’re taking her away from us!”

As the Goblin’s voice tore through Norman’s mind, he bowed his head and squeezed his eyes shut. He hid his face behind his left hand as he tried to get his mind under control.

Not a second passed before your hand came and grabbed his.

You didn’t even miss a beat in your sentence.

With your eyes still on Otto and Rosie, you held Norman’s hand under the table. He felt his heart quicken for a brief moment- his ears burning. But relief quickly followed as a genuine smile took over his features.

Somehow, even though you weren’t looking at him, you had sensed the worries he was battling.

And, just the touch of your hand reassured him that his anxieties were ill placed.

You were allowed to have connections outside of your relationship with him. You were allowed to give other people your attention. He couldn’t monopolize your time and love.

No matter how much he wanted to.

The Goblin stayed silent for the rest of dinner and Norman was able to loosen up and enjoy himself somewhat. However, Norman had a sinking suspicion that his constant pest would be back.

And he would certainly bring his anxieties with him.

As the four of you were leaving the restaurant, you and Rosie exchanged numbers and addresses. Rosie invited you to visit her whenever you wanted- something that really seemed to make you happy.

That assumption was confirmed as soon as you slid into the passenger seat of Norman’s car.

“I really hope Rosie and I can be friends. It is so nice to be able to talk with someone who can converse about more than boys, drama, and the latest fashion trends.”

“I take it your young friends bore you?”

With a laugh you shrugged.

“They don’t so much as bore as they annoy.”

“Well, I'm glad you enjoyed yourself tonight,” Norman said.

He did his best to sound sincere.

“Me too. I’ve never been on such a mature double date before. It was nice. I had no idea Dr. Octavius was so funny!”

Norman nodded in response, not really feeling like talking anymore. He may have loosened up and fought against his dark desires, but he was starting to feel the weight of his worries again. He imagined you becoming better friends with Rosie. Spending more time with her. Being closer to her than you were to him…

It felt as though the Goblin was right behind him, waiting.

So silence settled between you and Norman for almost the entire ride to your apartment. Norman parked out front and expected you to get out, but instead you turned to him and grabbed his hand.

“Are you okay?”

Concern was written on your face and Norman felt his heart drop. He hated making you worry. He tried to force a smile as he nodded.

“I’m fine. Just tired.”

You scowled, narrowing your eyes.

“You wanna try that again with a smile that doesn’t look like it’s made of plastic?”

Norman rolled his eyes and dropped his facade. As his face settled into an expression of discontent, you scooched closer to him. This meant you had to pull your legs up into the seat and practically sit on the middle console. But you didn’t seem to mind. And Frankly, Norman didn’t either. He hoped that the closer you were the better he’d feel.

“What’s bothering you?” You asked, “You were worrying about something all through dinner, I could tell.”

“It’s stupid,” Norman muttered.

“No it isn’t,” you countered, “If something is bothering you, then it’s important to you.”

“If I tell you… you…”

You cocked your head.

“I’ll what?”

Norman’s anxieties came crashing back upon him as if a floodgate had been opened. Instantly, the Goblin’s gravely voice echoed in his mind.

“She’s already trying to replace us,” The Goblin warned, “If she starts spending time with Rosie, that means even less time with us. You can’t let her do this.”

Norman remembered how he felt at dinner and, while he felt guilty for it, he also felt the need to act upon it. He didn’t want to share you with anyone. But he knew that if he told you, you’d be afraid of him.

“She’ll reject you. Throw you to the curb. I told you, Norman- she’s a weakness.”

Moved by an emotion he had no name for, Norman lurched forward to kiss you.

He wasn’t entirely sure why he reacted this way, but he seemed to be seeking some kind of solace in the action. As if doing so would make him feel better.

Or perhaps he wanted to silence the Goblin.

His hand snaked into your hair as he pulled you to him. His kiss was forceful and angry as his thoughts raced through his mind followed by the Goblin’s maniacal laughter. You kissed him back but he felt you wince when his hand closed into a fist, pulling some of your hair. Instantly, you broke the kiss, pressing your hands against his chest.

“Norman?”

Your worried tone snapped his eyes open and he let go of you. Out of breath, he settled back into his chair and pinched the bridge of his nose.

“I’m sorry,” he mumbled.

“Talk to me,” you prompted, “What’s going on?”

“I’m… frustrated.”

“Okay. About what?”

“Me…. You…. Them…”

“Them?”

He glanced at you and sighed. He had no idea how to explain himself without scaring you. Or without explaining the Goblin. Surely if he fully explained how he was feeling, you would see it as a red flag and leave him.

Or worse.

You might call the police if he told you the truth about the Goblin.

“Norman, I think you’re being dramatic again. Just, please, tell me what’s wrong. I promise I will not laugh or make fun or even get angry. I just want you to be okay.”

Norman sighed but he felt reassured by your words.

Perhaps it was finally time to start trusting you with his thoughts.

“I… I don’t want to share you with anyone. I know I should. I know it’s wrong to feel like this. I shouldn’t…. I shouldn’t want to possess you. You’re a person with your own thoughts and will. I should be happy that you’re going to be friends with Rosie. But we get angry when we think about you spending time with her instead of us.”

“… we?”

Your questioning tone made Norman’s heart fall into oblivion. Horror crawled up his spine as his blood ran cold.

Did he really say we?!

“Did I… did I say we?” Norman forced a smile, “I’m sorry. I’m very tired and I’m not thinking straight. I just need to go home and get some rest.”

Norman rubbed the back of his neck, eyes aimed downward. He wasn’t lying. He suddenly felt extremely tired.

“Perhaps I’m starting to show my age,” he said with a dry laugh, “I’m going senile.”

You reached out to caress the side of his face.

“You’re not senile,” you said with a loving smile, “Dramatic? Sure. Rife with jealousy? Most certainly. But not senile.”

“I’m sorry,” Norman repeated, “You’re right about the jealousy. Sharing wasn’t a lesson I learned as an only child.”

You laughed and moved to hold both of his hands in yours.

“It’s okay. It’s never too late to learn. Just so long as you’re willing to.”

Norman scoffed and met your gaze.

“You’ll have to be patient with me. This won’t be easy for me…. Honestly I’m surprised by your response.”

You cocked an eyebrow, prompting him to continue.

“I just told you that I don’t want you to have any friends other than me. Your immediate response should’ve been to leave me.”

You tilted your head down giving him your best ‘are you serious’ face.

“Norman. I told you from the get-go that I don’t expect you to be perfect. The fact that you’re aware it’s wrong to feel like that speaks volumes. And it’s not as if I’ve never gotten irrationally possessive of you. It happens. What matters is you don’t give into it.”

Norman gaped at you in awe. Unable to even form words, he chose to show his admiration for you in the form of a kiss. This time the kiss was sweet and full of genuine love. He felt you smile just before he pulled away.

“I don’t deserve you,” he murmured.

“Course not. I’m a national treasure.”

Norman laughed. He went to pull away from you but you quickly wrapped your arms around him and snuggled into the crook of his neck. He gently placed a hand on your back before closing his eyes and melting into your embrace.

“Go home,” you mumbled into his shirt, “Get some good sleep. Okay? Maybe tomorrow night we can do something. Just the two of us.”

Norman smiled as he reached up to pet your hair.

“I’d like that.”

#GOD I MISSED THIS FIC SO MUCH

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