073

Mary Jane Watson found herself in an unexpected situation, really unexpected, her mind was trying to imagine and theorize the reasons why Felicia Hardy would be at Osborn Manor, but no matter how hard she tried, her mind simply could not find a satisfactory answer.

The seconds passed quickly and MJ realized that she hadn't answered the question that had been asked, so with uncertainty she nodded her head, "You are correct" she replied somewhat simply.

Felicia nodded at the redhead's statement, "Then come in, I'm sure Harry will be happy to see his old nanny," the white-haired girl told her with an innocent smile.

"Old nanny?" asked MJ with a bit of confusion and strangeness at the words used by Hardy.

"Did I say something wrong?" asked Felicia with equal confusion, "I thought that because you had stopped working as Harry's nanny it is correct to call you like that" she continued.

Before Felicia could say anything else she was interrupted by MJ, "I'm afraid there must be some kind of misunderstanding, my retirement was only temporary and not permanent, so calling me that way is not correct" MJ's words were full of seriousness.

"So it is," Felicia commented as she looked MJ straight into her eyes, the turquoise blue had a fierce encounter against the redhead's green eyes. As the two women had a staring contest, the atmosphere around them seemed to be starting to get heavier and tense.

At least until a small childish squeal of happiness caused both women to withdraw their gaze from each other, only to see a small boy running towards them.

"Miss Watson!" Harry shouted happily at the sight of the redhead as he made his way towards her, seeming to forget Felicia's presence for a few moments.

Harry was soon in front of MJ and as he looked at the bag the redhead was holding in her hand, he began to ask certain questions related to it. MJ just smiled at Harry's enthusiasm as she answered in a simple manner, Felicia for her part was just observing the situation.

"Harry keep calm and let Miss Watson come in, so she can be more comfortable" Norman's voice didn't take long to reach the ears of the three people.

Mary Jane brought her gaze to the figure of Norman, who she had not been able to see for what she considered a long period of time.

Her beautiful green eyes roamed over the man's figure before she thought that Norman seemed to become more attractive as time went on. MJ shook her head slightly to rid herself of such thoughts.

Norman approached in a very natural manner towards where the other three people were standing and in a simple manner asked MJ if she needed his help carrying the bag she was holding.

The redhead was grateful that Norman didn't notice the look she had given him when she saw him and if he had then she thanked him for not exposing her, when she heard Norman's question she nodded, not wanting to reject Osborn's good will.

As soon as her hand was free MJ felt a little tug on the fabric of her coat only to see the look of an expectant Harry, it took a few seconds for the redhead to realize what Harry wanted, so naturally Mary Jane took the youngest Osborn in her arms.

Norman watched the scene between his son and his nanny, it was impossible for him to stop a smile from beginning to adorn his face. He was sure that if someone saw such a scene without knowing them, then they would think it was a mother and her son.

Felicia, who had been silent up to this point, slowly approached Norman. She had managed to see the little sparkle in MJ's eyes as she watched Norman's arrival, she could also tell that the relationship she had with Harry paled a little with the one he had with the redhead.

Norman felt Felicia approach as she came to stand next to him, and his gaze drifted to her. MJ who had been having a small exchange of words with Harry noticed Felicia's closeness to Norman and in an autonomous way her legs began to move as well.

Seeing both young ladies approaching him Norman decided it was a good time to talk "You may have heard of each other at college" commented Norman after all he didn't think they had met before this day, "But let me introduce you two" he continued.

"Felicia this is Mary Jane she is Harry's nanny" he introduced quickly and briefly, "Mary Jane this is Felicia Hardy currently serving as Harry's temporary nanny due to your absence" explained Osborn calmly.

The question MJ had had in her mind ever since she saw Felicia at Osborn Manor was answered, but a small feeling of betrayal formed in a part of her heart before she denied it completely.

It was a completely logical thing for Norman to look for a new nanny in her absence, it was simply an action that had nothing strange about it, still, a part of her didn't feel entirely comfortable with the current situation.

"It's nice to finally meet you, I've heard a lot about you at college," MJ said with a brief smile to Felicia.

Felicia who had remained silent looked at MJ, "Same here, I've always been curious to meet you" the white-haired girl responded in kind.

This time it was Norman's turn to remain silent as he watched the two young women seem friendly with each other, however, the aura surrounding them was something completely different.

Norman was too lazy to do something, so he would simply pretend not to notice the hostile aura surrounding them, perhaps it wasn't the best choice he could make, but he really didn't want to have a headache right now.

After getting lost for a few moments in his thoughts Norman began to speak again addressing the three remaining people around him, shortly after he began to lead the way down the halls of Osborn Manor.

…

Little time had passed since Mary Jane's arrival at Osborn Manor, at this moment Norman found himself watching a very peculiar scene develop before his eyes.

Osborn was holding in his right hand a crystal glass filled with one of the liquors that could be found in the bar of his home. Norman knew that because of Serum 001 alcoholic beverages would have no effect on his body, but he still wanted to drink some.

His gaze was focused on the interaction Harry was having with his two beautiful nannies, as it seemed that all hostility and awkwardness between them had completely disappeared and was replaced by a warm and approachable atmosphere.

The three people were in a position close to the Christmas tree that had been placed in the living room of the mansion, and thus to the gifts that were placed under the tree. All the gifts under the pine had been personally prepared by Norman as presents for Harry as a way of compensating him for the previous years when he did not receive any from his father.

Harry was undoubtedly excited to open his presents, and it showed in his actions and mood, plus every time he opened one of them he would show it to both MJ and Felicia and give little explanations of what they were. Of course, when there was a gift he didn't know about, both women would go ahead and explain in a warm voice.

In case neither of them knew what kind of gift it was they would ask Norman who would calmly answer any questions either of them might have. In that way the time had passed at Osborn Manor.

Osborn brought the drink he held in his hand to his lips before taking a sip, one could tell at this point he was just drinking for the taste, he soon felt Bernard's presence approach him before taking a place beside him.

The butler of Osborn Manor watched the scene for a few seconds, his face was somewhat expressionless, and even Norman didn't really know what was going through his mind.

" You know something Sir when I mentioned to you that you should find a good woman I never thought that you would take my words so seriously, not only have you found one, but you managed to find two" the tone employed by Bernard was of the most normal and although Norman wanted to believe that he was playing a joke on him, he felt that his butler was only speaking with sincerity.

Norman wanted to roll his eyes at Bernard's words, "You know perfectly well that the relationship I have with both of them is very different from the one you want me to have," he replied.

" Maybe for the moment, but I am also sure that if you decide to stop lying to yourself with whatever lies you have come up with you could have a harmonious relationship with either of those two young ladies" casually, Bernard commented at his boss's words.

"I consider that you must have a considerable amount of fatigue to have that kind of thinking," Norman said as he looked sideways at the older man.

"And I consider that every time you act that way you are simply confirming my words and at the same time a slight part of me would like to punch you to see if in that way something changes in your way of thinking" Bernard replied and no matter who was listening could tell that there was something wrong with the second part of his sentence.

"Do you know that if you do that, you will be fired?" questioned Norman as soon as Bernard finished his words.

"I know" the answer came immediately, "But it would be worth taking that risk, of course unless I felt the situation warranted I would never really do something like that" he added belatedly.

Norman shook his head at Bernard's actions, although he knew that if it really came to it his butler would not hesitate to keep his word, of course whether he could carry it out was completely different.

…

The hours passed quickly and all of New York seemed to have a warm aura even though it was winter. Most of the families in the city were about to start tasting the food that had been prepared for the occasion.

This was also the case for Osborn Manor, after Harry had opened all of his gifts and after a period of play time the food was being served by Bernard with the help of MJ while Harry had gone to wash his hands by orders of the redhead. The figures of both Norman and Felicia were nowhere to be found.

MJ had a slightly lost look on her face as she went about the tasks she had given herself. Bernard, who could see that the Watson's mood was confused, asked, "Miss Watson, is something bothering you?".

Mary Jane looked at Bernard before shaking her head, "It's just unimportant things" she told him in an attempt to make the older man have no worries about her.

The look she received in return was one that clearly told her that he didn't believe her earlier words, "If that's the case then there's nothing I can do, but remember if you need advice I'll be willing to listen to you" replied Osborn's butler with sincerity.

MJ seemed to be hesitating a little whether to speak or not, it was so much her uncertainty that she unconsciously bit her lips for a few seconds, "Since when did Felicia start working as Harry's nanny?" after calming down the redhead questioned curiously.

Bernard looked a little surprised at her question, "It should be about two days after you had to leave work due to your busy schedule," he answered.

MJ just nodded it was something she already expected she just wanted to have a confirmation however she didn't dare to ask Norman directly after all maybe it could be misinterpreted as if she was questioning his actions, and she definitely didn't want that to happen.

"However, listening to your question I must say it really is a no-brainer after all the reason Miss Hardy is Harry's nanny is because it was she herself who came up with the idea" Bernard began to say, perhaps in an attempt to lessen the redhead's mood.

"Mr. Osborn had considered that there was no need at all to hire a temporary nanny and would simply wait until you finished your occupations, Miss Hardy offered to take care of Harry so in the end Mr. Osborn didn't want to reject her good intentions" he finished explaining and seeing the thoughtful look on MJ's face he started to head towards the kitchen to continue with his work.

The young redhead had only been silently listening to the explanation Bernard had given her, she was happy because her belief that Norman had replaced her was incorrect and was simply a misunderstanding she had gotten from her crazy imagination.

Still, when she heard about Felicia being the one who had asked to take care of Harry she realized that there was something wrong, because if that was the case then she should have clearly known that her retirement was only temporary and not permanent.

The words she had used were clearly intended to provoke her, and she had succeeded, but why would she do such a thing? The redhead asked herself, and after a few seconds she came to the answer.

Her beautiful green eyes were directed towards the front door of the mansion where Norman must have been saying goodbye to Felicia, even if the answer she came up with was hard to believe, she could not think of anything else that would justify the white-haired woman's actions.

…

While MJ and Bernard's conversation was going on, Norman was making his way to the entrance of the Osborn Mansion along with Felicia.

"Are you sure you don't want to stay for the meal?" asked Norman just to be sure of the white-haired woman's decision.

Felicia showed a smile at Osborn's question, but just shook her head, "I'm sure, after all I really didn't think about spending the whole day with you, I just wanted to spend some time here before going to The Shelter and training" she answered truthfully.

"It's a day off you don't need to go and train" Norman couldn't help but say to Felicia.

"It's strange that the same man who ordered me to train until I'm able to stand on equal terms against a professional assassin would say those words" the white-haired woman mentioned playfully.

"I only did it because I'm sure you could do it, of course if you think you can't make it you can always give up, and I won't look down on you" Osborn continued in the same manner receiving a snort from Felicia.

"Yeah, well that's not happening now or ever" Felicia's words were replete with seriousness and conviction.

In the midst of their conversation both people had reached their destination, Norman stepped forward and opened the door to his home, both man and woman felt the cold winter wind reach their bodies.

Felicia soon took a few steps out of the mansion being followed by Norman, they were heading towards the white-haired girl's car that was just a few meters away from the entrance to Osborn's house.

Before Felicia entered her vehicle, she looked at Norman, "Remember to open my gift, it may not be anything spectacular, but I took my time picking it out for you so the least you can do is appreciate it" she told him seriously.

"You don't need to remind me of something like that because it's something I already know" Osborn replied.

Once Felicia heard Norman's words she nodded her head, clearly she was satisfied with the answer she had received, after a brief goodbye Felicia got into her car to start it and begin her journey to The Haven.

Norman waited until the car disappeared from his vision before turning around and returning to the interior of his home.

…

After Norman said goodbye to Felicia he went to the dining room of the mansion where Harry and MJ were waiting for him, the dishes were already served, and the other two people were just waiting for him.

"Sorry to keep you waiting, so without further delay let's start eating" he told them with a smile.

As soon as his sentence was over, the little Harry began to do as his father indicated, since after having played all morning and part of the afternoon he was hungry.

MJ for his part waited until the older Osborn sat down in his chair before she began to use the silverware on the table to bring the food to her mouth.

At the same time as the tasting of food was taking place by the three people in the mansion's dining room, the adults were talking to each other, as despite keeping in touch via messages or calls they were both the type of people who preferred to have conversations in a more personal way.

Most of the conversation was about the things MJ had been learning on the set of the series, after all it was Norman who gave her the words of encouragement to try, so it felt natural to talk about it with him.

Norman for his part just listened to the redhead and made comments or asked questions from time to time. A smile came to his face as he saw the excited glow in MJ's green eyes, such excitement being a sign of how much she had enjoyed being on the set.

Harry remained silent, but still there were times when he would open his mouth to ask something about what MJ was telling, to which she would respond patiently and calmly.

Bernard who had stayed out of the scene took the opportunity to take a picture of the three people, something Norman noticed, but ended up not saying anything because he wasn't doing any harm.

Once the three people had finished their meals, they simply continued chatting and the time passed in that way. After a while both MJ and Norman noticed that Harry was starting to fall asleep because of the nodding he was doing.

Norman got up from his seat and took a few steps to take his son in his arms, Harry put up no resistance and let himself be carried by his father as he closed his eyes.

"Looks like he just ran out of energy after spending all morning playing" MJ mentioned softly as she stood next to Norman and watched with a smile at the boy who was sheltered on his father's chest.

"Even someone with as much energy as him would be tired after a whole morning of playing and running around" commented Norman with amusement.

Norman started heading towards Harry's room being followed by Mary Jane, both adults chatted comfortably with each other of course regulating their voice so as not to disturb the little boy.

Once they reached their destination, MJ opened the door for Norman, then the older Osborn went inside his son's room and proceeded to place him in his bed and finally covered Harry with his blanket.

Mary Jane just watched Norman's action with a sense of satisfaction and pride, she could still remember the first times Osborn tried to do the same action in all those times he was surrounded by an aura of discomfort and strangeness, but now it was a completely natural action for him.

Once Norman finished tucking his son in he turned around and his vision fell upon Mary Jane, the two shared a soft smile and with quiet steps left Harry's room.

"I guess this is where you are retiring right?" asked Norman, after all MJ had been for a large part of the day at the mansion, and it was only a short time before night fell.

MJ nodded as she walked down the hallway of the mansion, "That's right, I need to go home otherwise mom won't stop bugging me about not spending Christmas with her" she replied.

Norman just listened and found the redhead's words amusing, she really had a good relationship with her mother. Due to MJ's imminent departure, Norman notified Bernard to tell the driver assigned to Mary Jane's transport to be ready.

Once again, Norman was outside his home to say goodbye to his latest guest. They were both waiting for the chauffeur to move the car from the garage, once the vehicle was in front of them, Norman stepped forward and opened the door for MJ.

Mary Jane just watched Norman for a few seconds before pulling a small red box with a gold string from one of her coat pockets. She immediately held out her hand to give the small box to Osborn.

"It's a small gift" she said, somehow, she felt more nervous than usual, but still she could control herself, "It's a way of saying thank you for all the help you've given me and although it's not enough by any means at least it's a start" she added.

Norman shook his head at MJ's words, but didn't mention anything, even if he did, he couldn't make her understand that his actions didn't have to be paid by her.

"So should I open it now or when you're gone?" asked Osborn with amusement.

Mary Jane blinked for a few seconds until a glint of recognition passed through her eyes, "Whenever you like, I'm confident enough that the gift will be to your liking, so it doesn't matter when you open it" she replied as a smile formed on her face.

A small smile formed on Norman's face, "It seems to me that you have become more confident as time has gone by" he pointed out.

"Maybe it's because you have more influence on me than you think" she replied to him with fun and a small hint of sincerity.

The words were said by MJ without thinking much about them, they were simply something that came unconsciously from her lips, and only when she heard herself say them did she realize the ambiguity they held.

With a little hesitation she brought her gaze to Norman only to see him in his usual behavior, in one hand, that fact made her happy, but there was also a small flash of irritation and anger.

After a few seconds of silence, MJ approached the car and before getting into it, she spoke, "I'll see you later Mr. Osborn" after saying those words she took a seat as she looked at Norman.

"I'll see you later Miss Watson" said Osborn with softness and warmth in his tone of voice, then gently closed the door. Shortly thereafter, his gaze only reflected the retreating vehicle until it disappeared.

…

Norman was in his personal office, on his desk were two small boxes, one of which was the one that had recently been given to him by MJ. The other was a black box with a white string that Felicia had given him shortly after her arrival.

Despite being simple boxes, one could see certain traits of both girls' personalities.

Norman took Felicia's box first, it made sense that since she was the first to give him the gift it must have been the first one he opened. After opening it he could see a silver chain attached to a pocket watch of the same color that had a sort of turquoise blue semicircle on it.

Even though Felicia mentioned that her gift was not something spectacular Norman could see that the watch was not something a normal person could buy, Osborn shook his head at the Hardy's carefree attitude.

After admiring the watch for a short time, Norman put it back in its box and proceeded to open the Watson's gift, the green color was the first thing that caught his attention, it took him a few seconds to realize that it was a pair of cufflinks.

Norman looked for a while at both gifts, and somehow he could see the thought process that they went through to choose the gifts, he could also see a certain similarity between the gifts and the girls.

Norman's mind soon remembered the moment they both gave him the gift, he could see in their eyes a certain joy when he received it, as well as a certain expectation and uncertainty as to whether he would like their gifts.

And although he ignored it as best he could, he also realized that there was another feeling in their eyes, even if it was small or well hidden he managed to see it, Norman gave a sigh and took his gaze to the ceiling of his office,

"I'm really in trouble, aren't I?" he asked, even if there was no one to hear him. Again he came to the question he had been deliberately ignoring, and even if he denied, it was one he already knew the answer to.