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There were many times he wanted to act on his impulse, and the one time it was almost too late for him.
The first time was when he replaced the Miguel of this new universe. Well, it was your Miguel in this universe. HE was just the intruder, or at least felt like one, until he came face to face with you and the daughter you had together. He didn't know you, but seeing your eyes widen in realization at his safety stirred something within Miguel. He felt wanted, cared for, the fact that someone bothered to care and wait for him. You threw your arms around him in any instant as if you were afraid to lose him when rather Miguel was afraid to lose you.
The second time felt all too perfect. You, Gabby and him had spent the entire afternoon in the park. Picnics, flower crowns, laughter, and the glowing affection in your eyes directed towards him. Miguel felt as if it was all too perfect, like something out of a dream.
The third time was forever burned into Miguel’s core memory. You knew you wouldn’t make it, but for the sake of Gabby you let Miguel take her just to get far away from the rest of the crumbling universe. The last he saw of you was the resigned look of acceptance as you vanished from his existence. The last words just a faint whisper of the last time he would hear your voice.
“I love you.”
The fourth time was ripped away from him. Another version of you had joined the Spider Society but Miguel could never get that close again. Not after what it had cost him before. As much as he tried to deny where his animosity and frustrations came from, there was no helping him as he gravitated towards you in every mission assigned together. What could he say? You were good at your job as you at everything else he remembered.
So damn good that you joined Gwen, Peter and the rest of those who rebelled against him to find Miles.
By the
fifth time
, Miguel could only see red. The last battle against Spot, but this creature of a man would not surrender without one last stand. Fellow Spiderpeople and the crew that went for Miles had all been downed as Spot made his last stand. All but you, and it scared him to see that look again in your eyes.
Don’t say it.
“I love you.”
You’re gone from his side and charging towards Spot just as he’s summoning a new portal. Slinging your webs into one of beauty and finality, you sent the debris of a crumbled building towards Spot with you at the forefront. It was enough to be a success but you knew what the cost could be.
All Miguel can think of is how he lost you in one universe, and how he could almost lose you again. Your crumpled body laid among the wreckage as the rest huddled around you.
*********************
Repairing and rebuilding across the multi-verse would take its time, but Miguel had no interest in any of those affairs. He never left your hospital bed side as you recovered. Coming in and out of your consciousness, Miguel hoped you didn’t hear his undignified sobs and pleas for you to wake up.
Or maybe he did because he no longer cared at this point. It wasn’t worth anything if you weren’t a part of it.
It was only a few number of days until you awoke, eyes glistening from the sleep that claimed you at first. Miguel heard you stir and reached for your hand as you squeezed it back.
Your smile of relief was enough for him as he leaned down for a kiss as much as you could allow.