Miguel O' Hara - AU Scientist (Across the Spider-Verse) - Chapter 8 - Final
Time has given you a chance to really think about all that has happened in your life. The truth is, you lost faith in a lot of things after you lost your uncle. Then Gavin. It felt like you were being punished constantly.
But you’ve come to understand that it’s just life.
You can’t control everything.
Your eyes drift over the news report.
A bank robbery, three people died.
You could have stopped it, had you not been afraid.
“Remember sweetheart, with great power comes great responsibility. Never forget that.”
That’s what your uncle said. You were supposed to live by those words, but you’d just gotten so bitter. You decided that if life was going to screw you over, you would stop trying.
Stop helping.
Seated on your bed, your eyes are trained on the trunk placed before you. The dust that has accumulated at the top makes sense. It’s been almost five years. Reaching for the lock, you twist it, breaking the metal. The pieces drop to the floor and you stare at the navy and ruby suit.
It looks the very same as the day you first wore it.
The spider insignia has a bittersweet feeling. You wear a small smile, reminiscing on the very first time you’d completed the outfit. The feel of swinging through the streets of New York. The rush after saving a life. That genuine satisfaction of making a difference. It’s weird, but so many emotions are all rushing back. You never planned to ever touch this box again. But Spiderman…that Miguel..his words won’t leave.
Even if he was an asshole, he was right.
You have the power to keep people safe with more than just your knowledge as a scientist. But your strength as a hero.
“I had a feeling.”
You’d left the door to your room open, so you aren’t that surprised that Miguel walks right in. He moves closer, staring down at the opened trunk. The suit makes his eyes widen just a bit.
“You told me but I..I still can’t believe that you’re the vigilante. Many people speculated that you had died.”
Exactly what you hoped.
“Are you going to join him, that vigilante?”
There’s a tightness in his voice.
“I am.”
You look over, and you aren’t surprised at the fear mixed in with understanding. You realize that Miguel is essentially powerless in this situation. He can’t stop you from this decision. The look on his face, you can tell he wouldn’t even try. Because he understands. Just as much as you do.
“This time I promise, I’ll protect everything I care about.” You turn to him fully and Miguel takes your hands.
“I’ll do what I can to ensure that you keep that promise.”
You smile.
“How did I ever get so lucky?”
There was a time where you truly thought that you were cursed. Yet, when you look at Miguel, all you feel is blessed.
“I should be asking the same question.”
You move closer, and he squeezes your hand a bit tighter. Miguel leans over, the very moment that you feel the familiar tingling at the back of your head. You flinch, turning to your side. The very same portal opens, and that tall figure steps right through. The suit is a dead give away. Spiderman looks less than pleased.
“Did I interrupt something?"
“Of course you did!! What kind of moron just pops up in a woman’s room! What if I’d been changing. HUH! I know you’re from a different earth but common decency should be universal!!”
Spiderman turns his head.
“Sorry.”
Your frown deepens and you massage the bridge of your nose. If it’s one thing you don’t miss, it's the random appearances of heroes in your residence.
Miguel is still staring at his superpowered counterpart.
“This is still a bit much to take in..sorry.”
You shake your head.
“You don’t have anything to apologize for.” You assure.
Spiderman may be wearing a mask, but from his stance you can tell he’s not very patient, or pleased.
“I didn’t come here for lectures. I need your help. People are in danger and you seem to know more than any other hero in my organization. You can save people, help people. You can’t tell me that you’ll turn your back on that. I need you to see how important this is.”
You sigh.
“No need for the speech, I’m going to help.” He tilts his head, clearly not fully believing you. Especially how much you fought in your first meeting.
“You will?”
“Yes.”
“I told you, all you had to do was ask nicely.” The hologram that pops up at the side of his shoulder catches you both by surprise.
“Now isn’t the time Lyla.” He grouses.
“Artificial Intelligence..” Miguel mutters. You can already see the wheels turning in his head. The expression that he’s now wearing is just too cute. You grin.
“I can already see the equations running through your head Miguel.” He flushes when he realizes he’s been caught, adjusting his glasses a bit bashfully.
“Sorry, it’s just impressive. “
“It is.”
You agree.
“It’s weird isn’t it, you both have the same face.” Lyla is now inches away from Miguel's face, and he stares at her in interest as she takes a selfie with a filter attached. You can’t help but laugh. Despite Spiderman’s sucky attitude, it’s clear that he is indeed gifted.
“He’s kinda cute actually.” Lyla mutters.
“LYLA!”
“Hey, I’m just saying. Throw on a pair of glasses and look more innocent and boom.”
You glance over at Miguel. It’s hard to picture him with a frown 24/7.
“I’m glad you’re my Miguel.” You lean over placing a kiss on his cheeks and he blushes.
“I’m leaving.”
He turns his back and you giggle. It must be a bit awkward watching you kiss a different version of him. He tosses something over his shoulder and you catch it in your right hand. The very unusual watch is what you expect.
“I’ll be in touch.”
Hopefully he’ll give you a heads up before he appears again.
“Welcome back.”
You can’t fight the smile at the statement.
Without another word, the portal reopens and he steps back in.
Miguel looks back at you.
The future is uncertain, but maybe this time, you’ll do it all right.
