Work Text:
The two of you fall into a routine. You make sure to always come an hour early, and Miguel pushes all his meetings to a later hour. It turns out that nobody really minds that decision - all spider people involved love the extra hour of sleep they are now getting.
You never really questioned why he prefers meeting like this. Doesn't he take breaks during the day? Well, he did say he is quite busy.
You voice this question to him a week into your pseudo-daily meetings, just as you're setting up a new sign. You finally put up a plate describing your working days. You usually do three days there, and then three back home. It's technically 6 days a week, but, the time spent on Earth-928 is as much work as it is pleasure.
"So, you only come over 'early' in the mornings." You say as you make sure that the sign is properly connected to your wall. "Is there a reason for that or do you just want to spend some time alone with yours truly?" You wink at him from above your shoulder.
It’s so refreshing to have someone close to you like that. The two of you really hit it off, and you honestly can’t remember how your life looked without him in it (a bit dramatic, you know). It seemed as if the two of you were each other's missing puzzle pieces. You felt as if you finally had someone worth calling a friend!
You don’t know why that thought leaves a sour taste in your mouth. The universe saw your suffering and granted you a companion, what more can you wish for?
"If I could, I would spend every moment of my life with you." He deadpans, and the two of you manage to stay serious for two seconds, before eventually sharing a laugh.
"You're such a charmer." You joke back and join him at the counter. "So, what are you in the mood for today? So far you have tried…" you look at the yellow piece of paper held by a bunch of spider magnets on your fridge. "Wow, you actually tried every single flavor of milk I got here." You squint at the paper, going through your list. "So, what's your final opinion on oat milk?"
"It’s…okay. Kinda dry though, definitively not my favorite."
“What’s your favorite then?”
“Sigh, not to be ‘basic’, but I think I like the normal milk just fine.” You snort at his usage of the word. Miguel’s been picking up on some of your vocabulary. He said it in the right context, it’s just… he sounded so silly when he did. “Laugh at me all you want, I won’t change my mind.”
“Whatever you say.” You scoot closer to him and prop your chin on your hands. “So, what are your plans for today?” Hearing you mention actual work, Miguel groans in frustration. “Oof, that bad?”
“Nothing major, it’s just Spider-Ham’s dimension. Physics over there are all messed up and every time we send someone, they end up doing more harm than good.” He pinches the bridge of his nose. “But he requested assistance, so he’ll get it.”
“He’s the one from the cartoon dimension, right?” He nods. “Can’t imagine how wacky-”
You get cut off by someone calling your name.
You and Miguel both turn and see the source of the noise plus his loyal companions.
Great, you think, the kids came early.
“Oh, hello Mr. O’Hara.” Says Pavitr, polite as ever. Hobie says nothing and Gwen just gives him a little wave. “We didn’t think we’ll see you here.”
“Yeah? And why are you here, then? Can’t you see it’s closed?” He looks at them, unimpressed, and you try not to call him out on the fact that by this logic, he shouldn’t be here either.
“I don’t follow their schedule. I’ll come here when I see fit.” Shoots back Hobie, and the three teens huddle together in front of the counter. Miguel gets pushed away from his spot and scowls.
“What he said, and-” Says Gwen, leaning over the counter so that the two of you are face to face. “We’re going on our first mission together. We want some extra caffeine to get us going.” You look at Gwen, and the teen is absolutely beaming, smiling as she turns to her friends. It’s so nice to see the teens actually looking like… well, teens.
“Really? I’m so happy for you!” You tell the teen and grab her hands, giving them a little squeeze. You don’t see how Miguel’s brow twitches at the sight. “Where are you headed?”
“Spider-Ham’s dimension.” Chimes in Pavitr, also visibly excited. “I’ve never been there before, I usually don’t go on such missions, but-” He nudges Hobie. “Hobie told me I can come with them so that the three of us can hang.”
“That’s so nice of you Hobie.” You tell him, and he rolls his eyes as if he doesn’t love his friends and would do literally anything for them. He’s way too easy to read. “But anyway, the cartoon dimension? Miguel was just telling me about how messed up everything is over there.” The trio, as on cue, all turn their heads, looking at the man, who’s been menacingly looming above them ever since they came.
“Yes, I was.” He says through his teeth. “A pity that I never got to finish.”
“Then go ahead boss man, we’ve never been there either. Might be useful to get some intel.” States Hobie, straightening his back as he does. When he’s not slouching, he’s just as tall - if not taller - as Miguel. Why didn’t your spider bite make you a giant too? Seems pretty unfair.
Miguel just stares at him, frowning so hard you worry he might pop a vessel.
“How about you all tell me what you want first?” You propose, getting their attention. “I’m ‘opening’ in like 40 minutes. I should get on it if you want to finish your coffee before 10.”
“I’m in a mood for a latte, lactose-free milk please.” Says Gwen, and Pavirt nods at her order.
“I want the same as her - soy milk though, pretty please.”
“Americano. I’m not in the mood for milk.” Tells you Hobie, and after mentally writing down their orders, you to the only other remaining customer.
“And what would you like, Miguel? I can make you a mocha, we haven’t tried that one yet.”
“No, thank you. I’d like a latte as well.” His tone is so much different from when he was referring to the kids. You wonder what’s that about. “Can you add some sugar to it? I want to try something as sweet as you.” You giggle at his ‘smooth’ line.
“Of course, honey. Coming right up.” You turn, and grab a sticky note, writing down the orders so that you don’t forget what everyone wants. As you start your work, you become oblivious to the scene behind you.
"Congrats O'Hara didn't think you were serious about this at the beginning." Hobie pats him on the shoulder.
"I-"
"Yea! I think you'll look cute together, I can just sense it!" Chimes in Pavitr.
"Listen-"
"And they are so, so nice and caring. Might be a breath of fresh air for you." Devileres Gwen, and suddenly it's all too much, and-
"Shut up. Oh my God, don't you kids have any idea what 'do not get into my business' means?" Miguel hisses and looks above Hobie’s shoulder to make sure you didn't hear. "Just, stop.” He continues under his breath. “Whatever you think this is, whatever you're thinking about doing. It's not, and don’t." He looks back at them. "I make one (1) friend at work, and suddenly, everyone's losing their minds. Peter keeps pestering me about it, Lyla keeps teasing-" The man hides his face in his hands and groans.
"...Ooooh, it's like that." It's Pavitr who breaks the silence. "Should I break it down for him or…?" The boy looks to his friends for advice.
"Nah, it's funnier this way, let him cook." Hobie smirks, crossing his arms on his chest.
"It… hits a little too close to home for me." Quietly chimes in Gwen, looking a little red. "But yea, don't tell him, you're gonna spoil it."
"What are you ever, ugh, just, don't get into our way too much, capisce?" Three, big pairs of eyes are just staring at him, pretending to be obvious. "Please." Miguel adds through gritted teeth.
Suddenly, the four of them sense a slight presence in the back, and as they turn back to face your counter - you are slowly moving in their direction, balancing four cups of steaming liquids on one tray.
"I'm back, sorry for taking so long, I wanted to make sure I got your art right." They all huddle around to see, and surely enough, each cup - except for Hobie’s - is adorned with a small drawing.
Gwen's and Pavitr's have their masked faces, but Miguel's…
"That's me?" He asks the rhetorical question. The picture on his drink is by far the most detailed one (well, as detailed as latte art goes), and he is not wearing his mask. His drawn self is also smiling with small fangs poking from under his lips.
"Yea, I wanted to make it your masks only but," You shrug. "I've only really seen you without it, I don't remember the pattern. I am proud of these non the less.”
“As you should!” Exclaims Pavitr, getting a close look at the art. His hair almost falls into it, so you move it to the side with your hand. “You captured us so well, can I take a picture?”
“Of course.” You beam at the praise. “Bet you regret not having latte now, huh Hobie?”
“Just a little.” The teen in question answers as Gwen and Pavitr take their pics. “At least I can drink my coffee without regrets.” He adds and takes a sip of his americano.
“Oh no-”
“Gosh, you’re right!” Gwen and Pavitr lament over the drawings’ fate, and Hobie laughs at the two under his breath.
As you observe the three of them, none of you pays any attention to the other person present.
Miguel is still looking at his cup, scrutinizing it under his gaze so thoroughly, one would think he’s counting the individual bubbles on the drink’s surface.
He reaches out with his hand, turning the cup in his direction. A wide, soft smile spreads across his face, and he cradles the mug, taking in the whole picture.
“...Gwen.” The man finally says, and the girl in question looks back at him. “Could you take a picture of mine too? And send it to me later, please.” The teen doesn’t move for a few seconds but eventually smiles back at him and takes a few nice pics of his drink. “Thank you.”
“So, I’m gonna take it as you like it as well.” You tell Miguel, as he finally takes the first sip.
“I did. You didn’t tell me you can draw on foam, I thought it’s all about the milk pouring technique-” He pauses, smacking his mouth a few times. “Huh. I forgot I asked for sugar.”
“Yep, you did.” You grin. “How do you like it?”
“It’s- hmm.” He takes another sip. “Well, it’s certainly sweet.”
“No way.”
“Yes way, I was surprised too.” He takes another, much bigger sip. “It’s also really good. I usually don’t enjoy sweet things, but coffee and milk, combined with the sugar… I must admit, it's a good combo.”
“Pff.” Lets out Hobie and Gwen elbows him in the side.
“Mr. O’Hara, you have a little…” Tries Pavitr, but finds himself unable to finish, as a loud laugh escapes your mouth.
“Hahaha, Miguel, you look so nice with a mustache. You should really consider growing one out.” You say, in between the laughs.
The man looks at you all confused. He turns his head in the direction of your coffee machine, checking himself out in its reflective metallic surface-
Some foam got stuck on his upper lip.
He quickly wipes it off, and seeing his reaction, the teens start laughing as well.
“Would you- ugh.” Miguel flusters and a blush overtakes his features. “‘Haha’, very funny.” He rolls his eyes, and is about to argue more, but promptly shuts his mouth as his eyes land on you.
You’re cackling, one hand around your stomach and the other clutching the counter for support. Some hair falls onto your face, so you move it to the side. As you do so, you catch Miguel’s gaze. You give him a big smile and continue laughing.
He can feel his heartbeat quicken. He can feel the blood rising to his cheeks.
Oh.
The teens take in the scene in front of them. They look at each other knowingly, and without making a sound, take their respective cups and go take a seat, somewhere far.
They will respect Miguel’s wishes and leave the two of them alone.