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"Welcome one and all to the first annual Ascend Convention, where we peel back the curtain and allow the public to get an inside look at our products and initiatives. Please explore the countless opportunities we offer, engage with our associates at the various stands, ask questions, and learn how Ascend Agencies is working to make a better world for all."
Listening to the automated announcement playing over the PDA system, Gwen wanted to scoff and roll her eyes at the overly optimistic and empathetic tone, but she couldn't. 'That asshole, can't he give me one thing I can hate on him for?'
Gwen was, of course, referring to Harry, whom she had practically slapped in the face after leaving his dinner without even saying a word. It was the reason why she was currently walking around the convention incognito with a mask covering the lower half of her face, with a baseball cap and hood on her head, 'I have no problem putting my life on the line on a daily basis but I can't even talk to a guy I hooked up with...god what is wrong with me.'
The worst part was that Gwen was emotionally mature and self-aware enough to know that the blame for her awkwardness and the entire situation lay on her shoulders. Harry had done everything right from the very beginning, offering to help her, creating a possible cure, taking responsibility when that cure failed, and then not abandoning her after Gwen had practically pinned him down and torn off his clothes.
Although the encounter had happened nearly three weeks ago, Gwen's body still heated up when she recalled the way his body had felt against hers, and the duality between his commanding, dominant nature in the moment, and the protective, gentle care he had shown her after, 'You can't fucking bend me over, talk dirty to me, and then treat me like I'm made out of glass afterwards.'
Harry had shown her nothing but kindness, consideration, and selflessness, and how did Gwen treat his good acts? 'By running away from him without saying a word, and then stalking him at his company's convention, secretly hoping that I would uncover some dirt to make myself feel better.'
An effort that, of course, only backfired on Gwen as every kiosk and display she visited boasted some revolutionary technology or program with the potential to change the world, genetically modified bacteria capable of replacing most single-use plastics, microbes engineered to naturally replenish nutrient depleted soil meaning farmers no longer needed to depend of fertilizers that polluted the very earth they cultivated, and fungi that produced bioelectricty by breaking down organic waste over the course of days.
Then there was an entire section of the convention hall dedicated to their pharmaceutical efforts, which Gwen also realized doubled as an active clinic with people lining up to get their yearly physicals free of charge. Though, of course, before they left, every doctor made sure to promote the company's health insurance policy, and while Gwen didn't know much about them, judging by people's reactions and eagerness to sign up, she could only assume what they were offering was a step above others.
But even that paled in comparison to the number of people funneling towards the very back of the convention hall, each one a bundle of excitement as they chatted amongst themselves. And while Gwen didn't share their excitement, she couldn't blame them, who wouldn't want the chance to see a superhero up close?
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"Fifteen minutes until show time," Madison announced as she walked into Harry's dressing room, where he was currently being fitted for a microphone. "We've already filled up both wings and the center viewing area, meaning there are at least two thousand people out there waiting to hear what you have to say."
"Wow, that's just wonderful for my nerves," Harry muttered sarcastically as he pulled down his undershirt and sweater as the audio crew finished their sound check.
Madison rolled her eyes, not falling for Harry's theatrics for a second, "Stop pretending like you don't love the attention, if you didn't, there's no way you would have dressed up in that."
"What's wrong with what I'm wearing?" Harry asked as he turned around and crossed his arms.
Looking him up and down, Madison gave Harry a knowing look. Normally, Harry's outfits hid his body quite well, with long lab coats and straight-legged pants, but that trend was nowhere to be seen in his current attire.
Harry wore a pair of perfectly tailored green tweed trousers, with the cuffed hem just barely grazing the laces of his leather boat shoes, which matched his belt. He paired the trousers with a white cashmere sweater, tucked into his waistband but with the fabric carefully folded over. Despite the heavy material, the sweater clung to Harry's frame, emphasizing his broad shoulders, wide back, and narrow waist. His arms were also rather impressive, considering the size of his biceps and his forearms, which were on full display with the sleeves rolled up.
The outfit was completed as Harry had popped out the green collar of his buttoned undershirt over the neck of his sweater, also displaying the intricate knot of his tie. As a whole, the outfit was a combination of old money and scholarly aesthetic.
"It's concerning that a boy your age knows how to wear this much but leave nothing to the imagination," Madison commented with a frown as she walked over and fiddled with Harry's collar, "You're supposed to be a respectable figure and mature beyond your years...not the next upcoming model."
"You sound mad, but all I'm hearing is compliments," Harry replied, which earned him a stern glare from Madison, and he quickly switched topics, "How's MJ, should I check in on her?"
"Dressed like this, absolutely not, you'll just distract that poor girl even more," Madison muttered as she took a step back and nodded, "I went to see her before coming to you, and she's doing fine. I have a feeling she was born to do these kinds of things, probably would have been an actress if you hadn't dropped the opportunity of the century on her."
"I couldn't agree more, because I didn't drop it on her; she reached out and asked for it. Ambitious and not afraid of taking initiative," Harry corrected, "And you haven't seen anything yet, just wait until she steps on that stage."
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Standing in the crowd, Gwen wondered when the show was going to start when the lights suddenly dimmed and a spotlight fell onto the stage, followed by a voice ringing out through the sound system: "How is everybody doing today?"
Harry then walked out onto the platform, a broad smile plastered across his face as he entered the spotlight to a round of enthusiastic cheers and applause.
"My name is Harry Osborn, and I want to thank each and every one of you for coming today." Harry spoke as he walked towards the center of the stage, "Because each and every one of you represents what Ascend Agencies is about, we are a company of the people. And while you are all unique and distinct in an infinite number of ways, you share the same basic needs."
Harry paused for a moment as if a thought had just occurred to him, "But unfortunately, we live in a complex world, a world that tends to overlook those basic needs sometimes out of necessity and other times for convenience. Scarifies must be made, that is just a factor of nature and life...but here at Ascend, we like to mess with life a little bit."
At that, the back of the stage lit up, revealing itself to be a massive screen that started to sort through a number of informational slides, "In the less than three months that Ascend Agencies has been founded, we have worked tirelessly to ensure that the basic is our core principle whether it be our Medical Uplifting Initiative, which has partnered with over 15 public hospitals throughout the city, offering access to affordable health insurance policies to more than a million people. Or our investment in food security and quality, buying up abandoned infrastructure around the city and converting them into sustainable farms and bioelectric conversion centers."
Each one of Harry's talking points was paired with a slide showing graphs, pictures, and videos of the projects he mentioned, "All of this accomplished within the last three months, so imagine what we'll have to share with you next year."
There was a round of applause, but Gwen could feel the anticipation in the air; everyone was waiting for the grand finale, the reason they had all shown up waiting to see if Harry would deliver on the promise that had made him such a controversial topic.
Clearly sensing it as well, Harry smiled, "But of course that's not all we have to share with you today. And as is custom, I've saved the best for last, so everyone, please join me in welcoming Ascend Agencies' first Ascendant, Crimson, the Scarlet Knight!"