#miguelxreader

Your work ethic was commendable. You’d been recruited by Jessica who raved about how you helped her in a bind apprehending one of the anomalies. You were trained, efficient, ambitious both in the field as well as your personal life as a coach. On paper, you were the perfect worker. The only problem seemed to be…him. 

Whenever you were on a mission with all of them, you were hyper-focus. Your attention never strayed until the work was done and the villain was caught. Like most assignments, they reported back to headquarters to log their most recent anomaly. Miguel gave a brief and further expectations. One by one the room would clear out. For a moment you would just stand there. The second you realized that it was just you and him, he prepared for it, the excuse that followed. You’d suddenly become tense and yell..

“I-I have to feed my cat!!” 

Just like that you were out the door faster than a bullet. 

As far as he knew, you didn’t have a cat. Not that he would call you on it. 

Yes, you were an exceptional worker. You just apparently detested him. 

“What did you do to her?” Lyla's judgmental tone called.

“I didn’t do anything.” Miguel growled. He was just as puzzled as her. It’s true that he’s not the most friendly person, but he was that way with everyone. Most of them had just gotten used to it. He couldn't recall ever yelling at you. You hadn’t even done anything that even warranted a lecture from him. He racked his brain for an explanation but all he came up with was the many excuses you’d presented to escape his presence. 

Like,

“I-I forgot my laundry in the machine!” 

“M-My goldfish is sick!” 

“I-I left the stove on!” 

“I-I have to go!!” 

The crease in his brow deepened. Because he felt like it was just a matter of time before you decided that you didn’t want to work for him anymore. It’s not like he had a scarcity of spider people, but he valued your skills. Especially the fact that he didn’t have to yell behind you like a child. It was nice to have an adult who actually acted like one. 

Unlike Parker. 

“Hey Miguel!!” 

Speak of the devil.  

Peter walked in with Mayday in tow who immediately jumped onto Miguel’s shoulders the second she was within reach. His scowl stayed planted, even when she started messing with his cheeks, her giggles following. 

“Heh, he’s not so scary right Mayday.” 

She nodded with a tooth grin and Miguel just turned back to the platform. 

“If I ignore him he’ll go away.” 

One could hope. 

The week proceeded and he’d gotten back to his analysis, scanning through any more potential threats. Lyla was doing her own little research, hovering over his shoulder as he flipped back and forth through reports and unusual activity. The door opening behind him alerted that his crew had arrived. 

“We have a new sighting on Earth 234.” 

Miguel turned. 

Gwen, Hobie, You and Jessica.

He felt comfortable with the crew. 

“I’ll be coming with you on this one. Lyla said there might be two this time.” 

“Sounds like a challenge.” Gwen cheered. Hobie just leaned against the wall. 

Miguel closed the current tab, eyes moving to his watch as he typed in the necessary coordinates to head out. They all filed in the second it was present, ready for anything. Miguel’s instructions had been to split up into groups. 

“(Y/N), you’re with me. Gwen, Hobie, head to the South. Jessica, North.” 

Everyone nodded, taking off in their instructed directions. Your eyes were fixated ahead as you jumped from building to building right beside Miguel. 

“How bad is the damage so far?” You questioned. 

“The third floor of a building was struck. We’ll need to prepare for a collapse.” 

“Alright.” 

You’d already shifted into battle mode. Miguel couldn’t help but steal a glance. As far as he could see, there was no issue. It was still eating at him. He decided at that moment that after this trip he needed to confront you. Figure out the problem and solve it. 

The screams ahead pulled his focus. 

“(Y/N).” 

“On it!”

You swung around the building, spotting what looked like a mutant lizard. It hissed the second it saw you and you fired a kick, knocking it right off its feet and harshly against the pavement. You landed easily in front of it and Miguel took the opportunity to grab the woman who’d been cornered by the beast. He made his way over to the police vehicle, landing and placing her on her feet. She looked up, grateful and still a bit shaken as an officer guided her away. 

“It’s good to see you again.” The Chief called. 

Miguel nodded, turning back when he saw you tying the lizard up. 

“Is it just one?” 

The Chief nods. 

“As far as we saw. But you need to be careful. He had some kind of device. My officers disabled it, but he’d already released some kind of suction. It took a few items into the air. We’re still getting some falling objects. We’ve blocked off this part of the city. There was activity in the North and South part of town.”

Miguel felt better knowing he’d already sent reinforcements. The others could handle that. He glanced over when he saw a portal close at your side. You were next to him in seconds. 

“Peter just took in our lizard guy, but I just barely dodged getting hit by a metal pole.” 

He saw said pole standing upright, wedged into the concrete. 

“Get all your men to a secure area, we’ll handle this.” 

“You got it, we’ll shelter at the center.” 

He gestured to the officers, yelling for them to fall back. Miguel turned back to you once they cleared the area. 

For the next half hour, you and Miguel spent it using your webs to catch any fallen debris that was present. Jessica, Gwen and Hobie had returned some time after. 

“All clear boss!” Gwen saluted. 

Miguel seemed content with the result. There were no casualties to speak of and the capture of the latest anomaly had gone by very smoothly. He felt confident to call it a day. He turned to do just that, you were not much further behind him. Gwen and the others had already started walking away when he gave the word. Jessica opened a portal and they were about to step in when they all seemed to flinch, turning to him.  

“Watch out!!” 

Miguel was confused about the cause for their alarm. When he looked up, the car that was falling bumper first confirmed their panic. He didn’t have a chance to even brace for impact. He didn’t have to, because two thick streams of web stuck to either end of the car as you forced it in your direction. You grabbed it when it was within reach, holding the weight. They all stared, a bit relieved as you slowly placed the vehicle to the floor. 

The metal creaked at the dropped weight, and you straightened. Gwen rushed over to you with a big smile. 

“That was awesome!!” 

You returned her smile. Hobie trailed over with a smirk of his own. 

“Good catch.” 

You flushed, rubbing the back of your head. 

“I-It was nothing.” 

They continued to flock to you and Miguel simply stared. You’d quite literally saved him from possibly a week’s worth of pain. Lyla popped up with a hum. 

“I guess she doesn’t completely hate you. She could have just let it squash you like a bug.” 

“Thank you for the imagery.” 

He was careful to do an additional scan before they finally left that earth. As he stepped into the lab, he did his usual debrief. With a few words exchanged, the room began to clear. You waited attentively for him to give you any additional comments. With your mask removed you just looked curious. But the minute you took in the lack of other personnel, he saw the change on your face and he could already predict an excuse coming. 

“I-I need to water my plants!!” 

You tried to make a dash for it, but he jumped from the platform, landed right in front of you. You backed away from the door, eyes a bit shaky. Hand clutching your mask. 

“I think we need to have a word.” 

“D-Did I do something wrong?” 

He shook his head. 

“Your work is exceptional. You're a great help to the team.” 

Lyla appeared with a nod of confirmation. 

“T-Then what’s the problem?” 

You were shifting in your spot and Miguel tracked each action, hoping that by some miracle he could figure out why you were now anxious when you’d caught a car not even twenty minutes earlier without so much as a sweat. 

“Do you have a problem working with me?” 

If that was the case he could easily put you in a different area where your meetings would be limited. It would be a bit discouraging to lose you on his main team, but it was better than you leaving completely. He waited patiently for you to speak, but your cheeks turned red and you just started fidgeting with the mask. 

“I-I don’t have a problem working with you..” 

It was said so softly and you refused to look directly at him. Now he was even more perplexed. Lyla tilted her head, and after a second she cooed. 

“Oh! How cute!” 

She was gushing, and he turned, a little annoyed that Lyla seemed to figure it out when he was still lost. 

“What is it?” He growled, impatient. 

“She has a crush on you!” 

Lyla said it like it was the most obvious thing in the world. The color brightened on your cheeks and Miguel looked at you for some kind of denial, but when you looked up at him, his eyes widened. Your gaze held such an innocent adoration that almost made him think he was hallucinating. He’d never really seen you look at him with anything other than respect and professionalism. Your feelings were written all over your face now and he wondered how he could have missed it. After a few moments it finally became too much. You closed your eyes. 

“I-I should go!!” 

You ran around his body, out the door. 

Ibuki

He would freeze, and ask if you're sure

When you assure him that yes, you're sure, Ibuki's eyes get watery

Ibuki is so happy, he can't even speak. Sure, he's also very worried given his line of work, but he can think about that later

He's going to be a father and have a real family, a family that loves and accepts him

What more could he ask for?

So happy he's in tears

Free

Terrified. Full stop, he freezes and feels a wave of cold wash over him

He's not going to take it well. He's not built to be a father (according to him) and hearing you say that is way more terrifying than anything he's had to face in the gang

He says you're wrong, and that you're lying. He's not trying to hurt you, but he's panicking and doesn't know how to take it.

It's best to leave him alone for a while, while he comes to terms with it.

He WILL come around, and get excited, but it'll take a bit of time

Dolph

He pauses whatever he's doing, and looks at you

For once, he's stunned and unsure.

"You wanna keep it?"

He's not celebrating until he knows for sure what you want and what you're comfortable with

Either way, he'll be very supportive

He's concerned, but he'll figure it out somehow

Agata

Very shocked.

After the shock, comes nerves

Agata grew up in a home that was...less than ideal. He's terrified not of you having a kid, but of history repeating itself

After his nerves calm down, he will be excited, he just takes a bit longer to get there

Dope

"Ah...I see"

Excuse him while he abuses zoogle and starts his research

Subsequently, terrifying himself at all the things that can go wrong

He will be supportive, if not a bit overbearing

He's read it online, so he knows things

You will have to tell him to turn it down

Jinma

Jinma actually knew. He heard from a few of his contacts that you'd been acting strangely

"Oh, I know," He proceeds to pull out pamphlets and information

He's already been reading up and come to terms with it.

You're in good hands with Jinma ❤️

Sabu

"Oh...I already knew"

Of course he did

Sabu has a killer intuition, and was just waiting for you to tell him yourself.

He already has baby books for you to read and a doctor's card picked out he heard was good.

"Anything you need, let me know"

Miguel

Freezes, then he grins

Miguel is the one who will pick you up, spin you around while laughing

He's a bit nervous because of being a gangster, but he's ready to protect you and your future child with his life.

Expect him to cook lots of healthy meals for the three of you

Hino

Hino is actually very nervous about it.

Hino...doesn't share well, and having anything that threatens the attention you give him makes him upset

Him potentially being a father is sort of the second thing he thinks about

Hino is a bit slow to come around, but he will

Chief Lion

"...Why did it take you so long to tell me? I found out last week"

Is he happy? Is he upset? He's so stoic, it's hard to tell

How did he find out anyway?

Turns out, Chief already has a doctor set up and hands you a credit card for "any essentials you may need"

While he's not outwardly excited, he's not against it.

Side note: Once you get an ultrasound, all the emotions will come to a head and he will be OVER PROTECTIVE and overbearing.

If he was scary before, he's terrifying now to anyone who dares to give you a look.

Essentially they were all somewhat the same.

That’s why he was a little lost. He’d seen others fumble, but this was next level. Peter insisted that you possessed the same skills. Apparently you’d stopped a car from crushing him. So he was grateful. That’s when he introduced you to the building of superheroes.

What Peter failed to mention was that you had recently gotten your gifts or you were possibly the clumsiest person in the universe.

“This is (Y/N).”

Gwen, Jessica and Peter stood with smiles and Miguel jumped down.

You held out your hand approaching him.

“Nice to meet you I’m-”

Your words were interrupted when you fell face first, right into the ground. Miguel blinked and Peter just laughed awkwardly, moving to your side to help you up. Now that you were upright, you tried to fix yourself. Gwen panicked when she saw your bloody nose.

“You’re bleeding!”

You just laughed it off, wiping your sleeve under your nose to clear the blood.

“It’s fine, this happens all the time.”

At the time he thought you were joking, but further inspection on your character proved otherwise.

In the span of three hours of being in Nueva York you successfully fell off one of the many platforms, lost your interdimensional watch that you were just recently assigned and webbed yourself in the face. He never met a spider person with such terrible depth of perception or coordination.

After you left, Peter was pleading his case.

“Come on, she’s a bit clumsy but she has the right spirit. We just need to train her.”

“I think we’d need a safe room to train her. How did she manage to get herself stuck to the wall with her own webs?” Jessica asked.

Gwen shook her head with a smile.

“So she’s a bit uncoordinated so what? It could be worse, at least this spider woman isn’t evil.” Gwen inputted.

They all winced internally at that.

The last trip was a bit of a headache. Seeing as spider people in that universe were public enemy number one. 

Not a place any of them were looking to go back to.

“She’s a good person. She was scared out of her mind but she jumped onto that bridge and saved half a dozen people, including me. I would have been sore for days if she didn’t grab that car. Just give her a chance.” Peter urged.

Miguel still wasn’t fully convinced, but the last thing he needed was to hear Peter nagging him until he relented.

“Fine, but you’re responsible for training her. “

“Yes boss!!”

That’s how it started.

They decided to recruit you into their little club. You were still getting the hang of everything and when you came back, this time you had a pretty impressive suit. Miguel figured despite your obvious lack of spatial awareness, you were still very much a genius like many of the others. So your training began.

Week 1

“All you have to do is dodge all the beams.”

The training room was the obvious place to start. Miguel stood at the side with a few others as they watched you mentally hype yourself up.

“I’m ready.” You called.

So he clicked the button, starting the program. There were about a couple dozen beams in the room in just about every direction. The first test was honing your senses. An easy enough task since they were basically built into every spider enhanced hero.

It took all of ten seconds for you to get hit by the first circular beam. Then it just went downhill from there.

Each time the wooden poles connected with a body part they would flinch.

“I-I’m okay!”

Another struck you right in the face and you were down for the count. Miguel turned the switch off, looking at Peter with a glare.

“I-I’m sure she’s just testing out how much her body can take.”

A lame defense.

Miguel let out a sigh of annoyance as he went over and heaved your body over his shoulder as he headed to the infirmary.

Week 2

“Hand to hand combat is hero 101. Regardless of any abilities it’s nice to know how to fight. Training improves that. Today we’ll be doing the basics, just block my attacks.” Peter instructed.

Jessica agreed to supervise, just in case.

“Okay.”

You lifted both fists, ready for whatever he was about to dish out. The first blow he delivered hit your arm, and you meant to take a step back to brace and counter, but your legs got caught in each other and you tumbled to the floor. Peter stared owlishly, watching your groaning form on the ground.

“You okay?”

“Peachy.”

You picked yourself up off the ground, rubbing your back as you focused again.

“Ready.”

He looked a little less sure this time.

“You sure there?”

“I’m positive, hit me with the best you got.” 

He wasn’t sure that was such a good idea.

“Alright, how about I just show you how to kick?” He lowered his hands, already heading to the punching bags, but you stumbled after him.

“I-I can fight!!”

Your unsteady steps made you stagger and before you knew what was happening you were falling. Peter moved on instinct to block it, but his haste to assist made you crash right into him, more specifically, your forehead rammed right into his. Just like that you were both knocked out at the force.

Jessica ended up dragging both your bodies to the infirmary.

Week 3

“Just focus on strengthening your core. Push ups, sit ups, hip thrusts, seated rows.”

Gwen’s instruction seems easy enough. They figured there was no way you could hurt yourself.

At least they hoped.

“Got it.”

Gwen smiled, content that he had a solution. She turned to Miguel with a triumphant smile, only to hear the sound of something crash. When she looked back, the shelf of workout items a few inches above your head had broken and all its contents crashed on you.

“W-What! I turned around for like three seconds!”

Miguel merely walked away and Gwen was the one taking you to get medical attention this time,

By week four they’d somewhat given up. 

The plan was to regroup and come up with another plan of action. Looking over the team of superheroes present, you let out a sigh of defeat. Peter, Gwen and Jessica looked a bit worn out. Either from taking hits or trying to ensure you didn’t receive any. Miguel looked as unimpressed as usual.

“I’ll be heading back for now.”

There wasn’t much more you could do. The second the doors closed, they all looked a bit sympathetic.

“She’s really trying, I feel bad.” Gwen commented.

“Maybe we should start fresh next week. “ Peter suggested. 

Miguel frowned.

“Leave her alone for the time being.” He instructed.

They didn’t like it, but at the moment they had the anomaly situation to worry about, so they relented.

Miguel went about the next few days as usual. Assigning missions, tracking activity. He was focused, yet that look on your face refused to leave his mind. He grumbled, and Lyla smiled as her holographic figure sat right above his shoulder.

“Feeling a little guilty there, boss man.”

“Why would I feel guilty, she’s the one who almost took out a half dozen of my members as well as my technology. “

“Maybe she’s just stressed. Not everyone can do the whole brooding spiderman bit.”

“What exactly would you suggest I do?”

“Jump on over to her universe and give her a little pep talk.”

“I don’t give pep talks.”

His eyes moved back to the pad as he continued to organize data.

“She saved Peter.”

Miguel’s hand stopped in place and Lyla hovered right in front of him.

“She could have just walked away or become some super villain, but she chose to risk her life for strangers. That has to count for something.” 

It wasn’t often that Lyla got sentimental like this. Her nature was more playful, easy going, that’s why he knew that this must have meant a lot.

“One trip.” He grumbled.

She was already smiling.

It took some effort to drag him back away from the window. You were strangely thankful that you’d put off getting carpets for your wooden floors, because he’s pretty much smeared blood everywhere.

You were a bit concerned, but when you’d moved the remnants of glass shards and dressed the biggest wound, he looked less like a man on his deathbed. It’s apparent that he has significant trust issues. Seeing as he was willing to tumble over your balcony on the eighth floor.

Then again, given his extracurricular, you couldn’t really blame him.

Once you’d discarded most of the bloodied materials and your gloves, you were propped against the couch. When 5 o'clock came, it became apparent that you would certainly not make it to your job, so you called in for a sick day as you monitored your passed out vigilante. You’d brought a few blankets and a pillow to make his rest a bit more comfortable on your floors. From the looks of it, he was sound asleep.

A good sign you supposed.

Some of the blood had already begun to seep through his bigger bandage, so you knew you would have to redress. When you got the materials and pulled back his bandage, you were stunned.

“That’s impossible..”

Had it looked maybe a bit better you would have understood, but the biggest wound, it had gotten significantly smaller.

Maybe that was an understatement.

It was nothing but a thin slit, almost a smaller scar.

It didn’t make sense. Not at all. Glancing around his body, you noticed that a lot of his smaller cuts appeared to be gone. You were about to pull away, but the second you shifted you were grabbed, and you yelled when you were now the one laying on the blankets. All you could do was stare. He’d pinned you to the floor, and your eyes were wide in slight fear.

Self proclaimed hero or not, this was a stranger and you couldn’t predict what he would do. Your breathing was ragged, and it looked like he was trying to gather his bearings. The both of you couldn’t have been but a breath away, the only thing really separating your lips was the fabric of his mask.

You closed your eyes, almost surrendering and slowly but surely, he pulled away. You weren’t sure you could really get yourself to move. He stood again, and when you were finally able to get yourself to at least sit up, you took in just how big he was.

He was tall, shoulders broad and his build mirrored that of a football player or a pro wrestler. You swallowed, careful to keep your distance.

He didn’t really say anything, just turned his head left, then right, then his eyes moved to your balcony. When he started moving towards it, you didn’t try to stop him. You’d done your part, plus something told you trying to stop him this time around wouldn’t go the same.

With a pull, he opened your balcony door, stepping outside. The breeze hit him, and you could catch the subtle scent of blood and ash. You thought he would just dash right off, but he glanced in your direction.

“Thanks, for the save.”

His voice was deeper than you remembered.

“N-No problem, a-anytime. K-Keep up the good work.”

You grimaced at your own words, and he said nothing more, lifting his hand as a web shot out and he was swinging right off your balcony.

For a full minute you just stared, trying to comprehend if any of that had indeed happened.

You pinched your arm, not even flinching.

“Yep, real.”

"Miguel!! What's up my amigo!"

You were wearing an oversized shirt with a spider insignia over your suit as you held your mask in your hand grinning.

"Like the shirt, I got it from earth 56. They really love Polly over there. She's awesome. I got a large one, so you can borrow it if you want." You slipped it off, tossing it on the chair.

Lyla was smiling as Miguel ignored you, sifting through his files.

"So what mission do you have for me today? Another anomaly adventure? Sign me up!!"

"Right now we're just tracking the activity. This isn't an adventure." He sent you that unimpressed stare in which you returned with a smile.

"Why you always gotta be so brooding all the time, can't you be more like Peter B."

"If you like him so much why don't you just marry him."

It was a grumble, followed by what you could only assume was a curse.

"Oh I would, but last time I checked he's already married. I can't even be jealous about it. Have you seen Mayday? She's adorable!!"

"She is very adorable." Lyla agreed.

Miguel sent the holograph an angry glare. In which she glitched away.

The door behind opened and in walked Peter.

"Hey guys sorry I'm late. Mayday and I were playing this really fun game and I-"

"Not interested." Miguel groused.

"Right, right. I forgot you're the killjoy spider man." You laughed and Peter smiled at you as Mayday jumped into your arms.

Peter and Miguel had gotten into a conversation. With every word they exchanged, you took a calculated step back.

"I hope you're not trying to kidnap Mayday again." You froze.

"I mean, is it kidnapping? It isn't, right Mayday?" She smiled, hugging your neck and that was it.

You took off in a sprint.

"HEY! BRING BACK MY KID!!!"

Mayday was giggling the entire way out as Peter chased after you.

Miguel just rubbed the bridge of his nose. He knows he should be used to it by now, but it was still irritating.

Sometimes he wondered why he even tried.

His eyes shifted towards the door and Lyla popped up next to his shoulder.

"If you were nicer to her maybe she would chase after you instead." She teased.

Sometimes he regretted creating such a perceptive AI.

~~

Miguel was used to it.

Your unnaturally bubbly personality. In a way, he supposed he preferred it. Because unlike a lot of the other arachnid heroes here, your abilities weren't gained through an accidental bite.

You were the product of an experiment by a literal mad scientist. You trusted the wrong people. Which he couldn't truly blame you for. Being an orphan didn't exactly provide a long list of people you could rely on.

He didn't understand why he felt protective.

Every hero under his care had a story. None of them did this job without some kind of trauma. Yet, when he saw you, that's not what he saw.

"Boss man!!"

Miguel grunted as he caught you mid air, swinging to the roof of a building nearby. The second he landed, his glare fixed on you. In which you merely returned with a smile.

"Good catch." You complimented. Miguel rolled his eyes.

He placed you on your feet, turning back to the chaos that was unfolding. Peter and Gwen were struggling to stop the newest anomaly and you had just narrowly avoided an attack said assailant fired. Miguel was losing his patience.

"You're doing that thing with your mask again." You comment.

"Stay here and make a barrier with your webs. We're going to draw him in." You saluted.

"Sir yes sir!!"

Miguel groaned.

He just knew it would be a long day.

If anything, he should expect the antics. When you all returned that day after a long aggravating mission, he stretched his arm, ready to secure the anomaly and write up the report. Everyone else had pretty left to tend to their own matters. Peter was a literal child and Gwen and the others had the luxury of being young and naive. They understood how important these trips were, but there was so much that he couldn't share. If nothing but to keep their sanity.

The door behind him opened, and he looked back.

"Hey."

You were holding a paper bag, and Miguel raised a brow.

"I know you're going to be sitting here all night running up reports, so I figured I'd make sure you had something to eat."

You weren't wearing your spidersuit. Just a pair of sweatpants and a sweater. Miguel stepped down from the platform, taking the bag you had outstretched.

"It's from that burger place that you like. Sorry I only got three. They were about to close."

When he opened it, the scent of the sandwich actually made his body relax. He hadn't realized that this was his first meal of the day until his stomach grumbled at the smell.

You grin.

"Seems like I was just in time."

He'd never admit, but he appreciated this. Given your job description, he wasn't that shocked at the little gestures. You had a tendency to take care of people.

"Gracias."

He muttered.

You nod.

"No problem. I'm about to head out. I need to check in on some kids."

"Have you found a secured spot for them yet?"

The sad smile rose on your face as you shook your head.

"Not yet. The county doesn't have the budget, or maybe they just don't care. It's worrying. There's been a lot of gang violence in that area. I'm afraid what's going to happen if they don't find a different house."

It's times like this that he's reminded that he's not the only one shouldering the world.

"I went into social work because I wanted to fix everything. It's proving a little harder than I thought."

He could relate.

"The world is a tough place to fix, doesn't mean we should stop trying."

The statement causes your head to raise, and you smile.

"I guess you're right. You know for a stick in the mud you're really wise."

His expression turned blank.

"Goodbye."

You laugh as he turns away with his burgers in hand.

"Goodnight!"

You basically skipped out of the room, and Miguel gripped the bag, looking over his shoulder.

"She definitely has a crush on you, boss. You got a shot."

If you were being honest, when Miguel dropped by your place the very next day after your very heated session, well you were sure it was to tell you that it couldn’t happen again. He prided himself in his work and you realized that he wasn’t the type to get distracted.

But here he was, wearing a white and silver tracksuit, clearly still affected by you. He was avoiding eye contact and you couldn’t truly tell if he was angry or not.

“So, we’ll be together?”

Your eyes were hopeful and he finally looked at you. The tenderness you’d seen before was back and you felt the heat of his feelings, just from that look.

“I suppose I could allow it.”

A smile made its way on your face as you stepped closer. His posture changed slightly at the lack of distance.

“So when we’re away from the job, it’s okay for us to touch..”

His tough exterior was starting to falter at the way you were gazing at him with so much fondness, adoration. Before he could reply, you reached out. His breath hitched when your hand laid right on his chest. Your fingers drifted over, as if trying to refamiliarize yourself with his body, with the parts that you’d so effortlessly explored already. By the time your hand finally made it to his cheek, he was leaning into the touch, eyes closed, lips parted.

He came resolved to make his case about boundaries and how the both of you would make this work. It seems that you’d already figured it all in your head. He had no doubt that you would abide by his requests to remain focused on the job, but the anticipation that came with the realization that you were free to indulge when you weren’t on the clock, it had his stomach in knots.

Your fingers grazed his lips, just barely touching his fangs and he took your wrist.

“Muñeca y-you..you need to be careful..”

He swallowed, clearly a bit on edge. While he had control of his abilities, he thought it was better safe than sorry. While his fangs were harmless in this instance with you, they were still weapons he often used in the field. He was never worried about hurting you, his venom needed to be willfully triggered, still, the idea of even accidentally hurting you, it gave him a sense of dread. He lowered your hand and you nodded.

“O-Okay.”

You were being too cutely obedient. He almost couldn’t handle it.

“Are your fangs dangerous?”

“They are, when injected my venom can paralyze or stabilize. It depends on how it’s administered. I would never hurt you but it is better to be safe.”

The fact that he was being so careful almost made you gush right there. You felt obligated to share your own little quirk.

“My saliva has healing properties.”

The statement caught him by surprise. He quirked a brow, clearly intrigued.

“It does?”

With a nod, you take his hand, tugging him to the couch. He followed, ready for whatever you were about to show. When he was standing right in front of it, you pushed him down and he fell back into a seated position, stunned.

“What are yo-”

You were in his lap in seconds, and he barely got in a word before you were kissing him heatedly. His brows lifted, eyes closed. There was a desperation that made his mind run right back to that first kiss. Hands moving around your body, he pulled you close. He couldn’t understand why it all felt so insatiable. It would never be enough. He needed you constantly. That was the only thing that would ever quell this hunger.

He moaned when he felt you bite down on his lip, and as you were drawing back, he felt the slight sting of the small wound. His tongue ran over the sore area, the familiar metallic taste present. Your eyes were locked on him and he saw the remnants of his blood on your tongue as you licked your own lips.

For a moment he was a bit confused, but soon the little knick felt like it was getting smaller and smaller. His tongue ran right over the area again as if to confirm, but there was no wound, no more blood. His eyes flickered back in your direction, astonished. You looked awfully bashfully now, a smile on your lips.

“I cut my finger once while I was cooking. All I did was lick it, just to stop the bleeding, but in a matter of seconds it was gone. I just assumed it was normal given the other quirks I already had.”

It was certainly not common for any of the others.

“That is incredible..”

He had to admit that he was impressed. That was an awfully handy ability to have. For a moment he was doing some mental analysis, but then it dawned on him that you might try to use this on others.

“You’re not allowed to kiss anyone but me.”

It sounded like an order, you were a bit puzzled on why he would think you’d just go around kissing people, but then you realized and you were blushing with a happy giggle.

“I promise I won’t kiss anyone but you.”

 Typing in the coordinates, he was already jumping through the spiraling portal. His feet landed on a rooftop and he straightened, looking over the city.

“Lyla, pull up her file.”

“You betcha.”

The golden icon of a folder popped up and a number of sheets opened. Miguel’s eyes ran over all that he could, settling on one particular piece of information.

“She’s a counselor at Alchemax.” He muttered.

Lyla nodded.

“Your watch has aligned with the time zone, so she should be getting out in about twenty minutes. Maybe you can catch her.” She snapped away the documents and Miguel pushed ahead to the coordinates. The lab was at least twenty minutes away, so he would cut it close.

Feet hitting each hard surface, he swung, jumped and dodged until he arrived at his destination. When he landed on the building adjacent to Alchemax, he stopped. His gaze dropped down and maybe two minutes later you were walking out the building, ID card hanging off your neck, business suit neat, surprisingly so.

“There she is!!” Lyla pointed excitedly, expecting Miguel to just drop in but he didn’t make a move. He just watched you walk down the street.

“Are we waiting for something?” Lyla asked, confused.

“Yes, we are.”

You stopped at the crosswalk, and his eyes narrowed. Just as the light changed you crossed the road and he was stunned.

“I’m not sure if you understand the concept of a pep talk. You actually have to speak to the person.”

Miguel’s blank expression spoke for itself. Taking off, he was careful, staying at just the right distance that he could see you without making his presence known.

“Are we looking for something?”

“We are. It’s been at least three minutes and she hasn’t crashed into everything in sight.”

Lyla placed a hand under her chin.

“You're right. That’s strange.”

It was. He couldn’t fathom why you seemed almost like a different person here. That’s why he tracked you all the way to what looked like an orphanage. His feet stopped, and this time he dove on a smaller building that was directly next to the building. You seemed completely oblivious to his presence.

His eyes watched you walk right through the gate and the second the children playing outside spotted you, they were laughing and sprinting in your direction. The many bodies crashed right into you and you fell with a laugh of your own as they tackled you in hugs.

His eyes softened at the sight.

“Ms. Reilly, look I grew two inches!” The child exclaimed standing upright.

You finally got to your feet, staring in astonishment.

“Are you kidding me! I’ve only been gone for a week. If you get any bigger you'd be taller than me.” The girl looked proud and you gestured for them to gather over the porch. They all flocked around in a circle as you took a seat, pulling out a book from your handbag.

“What are we reading today?” You asked. You held out the book and the smallest lifted her hand as she read the text.

“I-It says psychology.”

“Very good Anne.” You praise.

She looked proud and the others smiled in her direction with little giggles. You settled back in.

“This is for beginners, it’s a tough read but you guys kept asking so I had to. This is actually the one I started with when I got into my field. Back then I was pretty inexperienced. I made a lot of mistakes as an intern.”

“What, that’s crazy, you’re the best!” You smiled.

“I’m better now, but even adults like me struggle sometimes. Actually I’ve recently joined a club and it’s not going so well. I might have made my boss mad.”

“What did you do?” Another child urged.

“I sort of knocked out one of his colleagues during training. Then I broke some of his tech and lost his really special watch.”

Some of them were laughing, because they were somewhat aware of your clumsy nature.

Miguel couldn’t truly get himself to say much. Lyla was watching with the same level of interest.

“It’s okay, I’m sure he knows you’re just nervous. We still love you even if you’re clumsy Ms. Reilly!”

The statement earned nods of agreement and your lower lip quivered.

“G-Group hug!!” You yelled.

In a matter of seconds they were all rushing and you were once again playfully crushed under them. Miguel’s head turned at the sounds of their laughter.

“Wow, you’re a monster.” Lyla commented.

“How is this my fault!!”

She shrugged, and Miguel’s annoyed expression was planted on his face the entire trip back.

The situation was eye opening. If he felt bad before, he feels worse now. That’s why he’d sent a message for you to check in. He fully expected you to walk into the room suited up, but when he turned you were dressed in sweats and a hoodie.

“I’d like to quit.”

That’s not what he expected at all. He straightened in his spot, now focused. He could see the conflict in your eyes. This was obviously something you’d been thinking about for a while.

“I’m not really cut out for this hero stuff. That day on the bridge was just a fluke. I’m really glad Peter introduced me to everyone but I think it’s better if I stay away from all things hero. It’s only a matter of time before I accidentally do some real damage. If I end up hurting someone I..”

You gulp.

“I’d never be able to forgive myself.”

You’d already come to terms with it. This whole thing must have been a mistake. These abilities, it’s clear they weren’t meant for you. Being a hero was the last thing you should be attempting. You’re just disappointed that it took you so long to see it.

“I’ll drop my watch off in the lab.”

You didn’t want to see anymore of his looks of disappointment. You’d already had your full quota in the last month.

Turning, you walk away.

“So you’re giving up.”

His words caused you to halt in place.

“It didn’t go the way you wanted, so you’re done. If that’s all it takes then you’re probably right, you don’t belong here.”

Spinning around, you’re a bit angry. You couldn’t believe he was saying that after you’d spent the better part of those four weeks getting pummeled just trying to prove yourself.

“I-I’m not giving up because I want to!”

“Another excuse.”

“W-What the hell do you want from me!!”

“I want you to prove to me that this wasn’t a mistake. Every person that has ever come in here was brought here by fate. Those gifts you have could have been given to anyone, but you got it. There’s a reason you did. If you just walk away, then you’re saying that I’m wrong. I’m basically a genius, are you really trying to tell me that I’m wrong.”

His logic didn’t make much sense and he looks pretty pissed, but you can’t help but feel a bit of comfort. He could have just as easily let you walk out, but he’s actually trying to encourage you.

The very same person who lacked faith in you the moment you walked through those doors. You’re not sure if it’s pity, or if he truly believes that you might have potential, but you actually smile, despite the tears that had been threatening to spill. You sniffle, wiping the one that does slip out.

With a nod, you straighten your form as you march right back over to him. Stopping right in front of him, you hold out your hand.

“T-Thank you Mr. O’ Hara, I won’t let you down!”

Your confidence has returned and his expression doesn’t truly change, but he reaches over and takes your hand.

“You better not.”

You’re nodding frantically. You mean to pull back your hand, but you apparently forget to open your palm and Miguel is startled at the force applied as his body is yanked and crashes right into your own. You both hit the ground with a groan. Your eyes are closed due to the harsh impact, and when they finally open you practically gape.

Your eyes are wide and Miguel is staring right back at you in shock. His lips are pressed to your own. For a moment neither of you move. Not until he processes the position. He pulls back with a gasp and you look down when you feel pressure on your chest. His large palm is laying on your right boob. You stammer, cheeks immediately turning red.

“Mierda..”

He curses under his breath and instantly he’s upright, clearly at a loss for words. You’re not much better.

“I-I’m sorry!!” You yell.

Another disaster that you’ve caused.

You rush to your feet sprinting out the room. Once you’re gone, Miguel merely stares at his palm, then his hand slowly moves to his lips, licking them experimentally.

“Do you need a minute?”

Lyla’s sudden appearance makes him growl.

“Cállate!”