Shadowy Love

Miles blinked, surprised at the sight before him. Hobie, leaning against the wall with a casual air, smudged eyeliner tracing the edges of his eyes. His nonchalant expression didn’t match the finesse of his look. Miles tilted his head, scrutinizing him with a mix of amusement and curiosity.

“You wear eyeliner?” Miles asked, the question slipping from his lips before he could stop himself.

Hobie, barely turning his head, gave a sly grin. “‘s smearin’… Wanna help me put more on?” His voice was casual, but there was something in the way he asked it, as if challenging Miles.

Miles nodded without thinking, instinctively stepping closer. Before he knew it, he had seated himself in Hobie’s lap, too focused on the task at hand to notice the sudden shift in their positions. His fingers hovered over Hobie’s face. “How do you get it so perfect?” Miles murmured, impressed as he noticed the precise lines that accentuated Hobie’s intense gaze.

Hobie raised a brow, wrapping one arm around Miles’ waist to keep him from slipping off. “Knives are helpful, a tad.” He rolled his eyes as if the answer were obvious.

Miles chuckled, shaking his head in disbelief. “You’re insane.”

“You love it,” Hobie shot back, his tone dripping with the kind of ease that came from years of confidence. His fingers rested casually on Miles’ side, the warmth from the contact contrasting with Miles’ naturally cooler skin. “Yer body’s naturally cold. ’Ow come?”

Miles shrugged, not looking away from Hobie’s eyes as he worked on fixing the eyeliner. “I’m a winter baby,” he replied softly.

Hobie grinned at that, the corner of his mouth twitching in amusement. “Tidy. Fancy meetin’ ya, Mr. Cold.”

“Then I should call you Mr. Hot, right?” Miles quipped with a teasing smile, fully aware of the double entendre.

Hobie didn’t miss a beat. “Sure, if it keeps ya sane,” he answered with a smirk, enjoying the playful banter between them.

Miles took a step back, finally putting down the eyeliner. He surveyed Hobie’s face, admiring his handiwork. “And… done,” he announced proudly.

Hobie turned towards the mirror, examining the work with a critical eye. “Lovely.” His voice was light, but there was a glint of approval in his expression. He turned his gaze back to Miles, his eyes softening. “Ya did excellent, mate.”

Miles’ lips curled into a small smile, his heart warming at the compliment. Hobie had a way of making things sound so effortless, but it still felt good to hear.

“Hey, uh—” Miles started, then paused, hesitating as a thought crossed his mind. His voice dropped, and he looked away from Hobie. “What do you think about… Spider-people dating other Spider-men… or women… from different universes?”

Hobie quirked a brow at the question, leaning back slightly. The casual grin faded as he hummed, genuinely thinking about it. “Love’s not really my thing,” he admitted, his usual lightheartedness slipping for a moment. “But if I had to answer…”

His thoughts wandered to Miles before he could stop them. He found himself imagining it—what it would be like if he and Miles could be together. The idea was surprisingly comforting, but just as quickly, doubt crept in. What if Miles didn’t feel the same? After all, Miles had never shown any signs that he liked him that way. In fact, Miles had hated him when they first met.

The hesitation must have shown on his face because Hobie quickly backpedaled. “No,” he said quickly, shaking his head. “They shouldn’t be together. It could cause a lot of mayhem, ya know.”

He could see the flicker of disappointment in Miles’ eyes, and Hobie immediately regretted his words. Letting out a sigh, he leaned forward. “I’m playin’, mate. They can be together all they want. Not my choice.”

Miles paused, his expression softening as he considered Hobie’s words. His next question was hesitant, as if testing the waters. “Why’d you ask?”

“I… uh.” Miles stammered, his words slurring together as his nerves got the best of him.

Hobie tilted his head, his usual cocky expression replaced by something more tender. “What’s botherin’ ya?” he asked softly, his voice almost coaxing.

Miles took a deep breath. “I like someone from a different universe. I’m close with them, but I… I don’t know if they like me back.” His lips curved into a small, unsure smile.

Hobie’s heart skipped a beat, though he tried not to let it show. “Yer not the only one,” he confessed. “I fancy a mate, too. ’E means everything to me.”

Miles stiffened, his mind racing at the implication. Was Hobie talking about… him? Before he could process the thought, Hobie stood up, breaking the tension.

“Stay,” Hobie hummed, his casual tone returning. “I’m invitin’ the others for a sleepover.”

Miles blinked, the sudden shift in conversation leaving him slightly off balance. He smiled nonetheless. “I gotta go get my stuff,” he replied, grateful for the change of pace.

Hobie sat on the couch, tapping his fingers on his thigh as he waited. The group was slowly trickling in—first Gwen, followed by Margo, then Pav. The only person missing was Miles. Hobie tried to hide his impatience, though his eyes flicked to the door every few minutes.

Finally, the familiar sound of a portal opening filled the room, and Hobie let out a sigh of relief. Miles stepped through, muttering something under his breath. “Maybe that’s why betting on your kids is the worst thing to do,” he grumbled.

Hobie raised a brow, curious. “Like, c’mon! How’d Dad win for my—” Miles started, but then stopped abruptly, realizing where he was. He quickly shifted gears, offering a wide smile to the room. “Hey, guys!”

“Loverboy!” Margo teased, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

Miles shot her a deadpan look, clearly not in the mood. “Dude, seriously. Chill out.” He dropped his bag on the floor with a huff, rubbing his temples.

“Mylo bein’ annoying again?” Pav chuckled, pulling Miles aside as the girls went off to chat with Hobie.

“You have no idea,” Miles groaned. “I went home, only to find out that my family’s been betting on me and Mylo.” He shook his head, still in disbelief. “Mom betted that I’m a bottom and Mylo’s a top. Dad guessed the opposite. Guess who was right?”

Pav snorted, already knowing the answer. “Mrs. Morales?”

“Yup.” Miles sighed, throwing his hands in the air. “My own mom!”

Pav leaned back, grinning. “Speaking of you and Hobie—”

“Don’t,” Miles cut him off, his voice sharp. “I don’t want to talk about this. He’s already said he’s in love with someone else. Someone he’d do anything for.” His shoulders slumped as the weight of those words sank in.

Pav’s grin faltered for a moment before returning full force. “So, does that mean I can date your brother now?”

“Dude…” Miles whined, his voice full of exhaustion.

Pav, ever the joker, waggled his eyebrows. “Two imbeciles wanna date my brother.”

Miles groaned, burying his face in his hands. “I mean… damn. Mylo and Ganke are sorta fine.”

Pav smirked. “At this point, you all should have a threesome.”

Miles let out a loud groan. “Not a bad idea, thanks for the suggestion, Smiley.”

“Pav, don’t fuck my brother and my best friend!” Miles whined, clearly reaching his limit.

“You suggested it!” Pav laughed, throwing his hands up in defense.

“You’re the worst.” Miles shook his head, but there was a hint of a smile tugging at his lips.

Hobie, having overheard their conversation, strolled over with a knowing smirk. “Oi, whaddya two wanna eat?”

Miles and Pav exchanged a look, then, in perfect sync, shouted, “Enchiladas!”

“Tidy,” Hobie said, nodding as he headed to the kitchen.

Pav grinned. “Oh god, Miles, your aunt’s enchiladas are so good!”

“I know, right?” Miles exclaimed. “Bro, they’re like magic.”

“Can I do your hair?” Pav asked, eyeing Miles’ curly locks.

“Yeah, go ahead,” Miles replied, settling between Pav’s legs as Pav began twisting his hair with practiced fingers.

“So… you remember what we were talking about earlier?” Pav asked, his tone more serious now.

“The matching stuff?” Miles asked, tilting his head slightly as Pav continued working on his hair.

“Yeah, that. I was thinking, what if you and I got matching earrings and necklaces? Then with Mylo and Ganke, we can do matching tattoos and hair clips.”

Miles hummed in thought. “Cool idea. I’ll start looking for some designs. Also, I’m gonna take us shopping tomorrow.”

Pav nodded, satisfied. He shifted slightly as he worked, glancing at Miles out of the corner of his eye. “How’s Marcus been treating you?”

Miles stiffened for a moment before his expression hardened. “Marcus is long gone,” he whispered, his voice barely audible.

Pav frowned but didn’t press. He knew better than to dig too deep when it came to Marcus.

Miles sighed, then quickly shifted the conversation. “Off topic, but like… can we talk about how hot Ganke’s dad is? I mean, holy shit. I’d totally let him rail me.”

Pav rolled his eyes. “This is why you’re a bottom.” He didn’t realize the others had come into the room.

Miles shrugged, not caring who heard. “Okay, but like, I’d let him fuck me in the rain while listening to sex songs.”

Pav shook his head, clearly exasperated but amused nonetheless. “Dude, I just finished your hair, and you’re already talking about this?” He chuckled. “Okay, but hear me out—you’re so fine with these twists. I don’t even know if I want you or your brother anymore.”

Miles laughed, shaking his head. “This’ll be the one time I say choose him.”

“Bro, I want him so bad,” Pav admitted, his voice serious for once.

Miles clicked his tongue, amused. “Who, the rockstar you’re head over heels for?”

“Yes!” Pav grinned, his excitement palpable.

Hobie chose that moment to return, carrying a tray of enchiladas. “Got you nosh, mates,” he said with a grin, placing the food on the table.

Later that night, after they’d eaten and settled in, Gwen grinned mischievously. “You guys wanna play truth, dare, or drink?” she asked, her eyes twinkling with excitement.

Everyone nodded in agreement. Pav nudged Miles, who was half-asleep on the couch, headphones still resting over his ears. “Smiley,” Pav whispered, poking him gently.

Miles cracked one eye open, looking unimpressed. “Sup, Pav?”

“Tryna play tdod?” Pav asked, tilting his head towards the group.

Miles groaned but sat up anyway. “If I get drunk again because of you, I’m gonna beat your ass, bro,” he grumbled, rubbing his eyes as he joined the circle.

Hobie grinned, his eyes glinting with amusement. “Let’s start, then. Hobie, truth or dare?” Gwen asked, her voice challenging.

“’M not a coward,” Hobie smirked. “Dare.”

Gwen thought for a moment before laughing. “Kiss the prettiest or handsomest person in the room.”

Hobie raised an eyebrow, clearly unfazed by the dare. Without missing a beat, he leaned over and gave Gwen a quick kiss on the cheek. Gwen blushed slightly, laughing along with the group.

“Not what I was expecting,” Margo teased, winking at Gwen.

Miles, on the other hand, felt a pang of jealousy twist in his gut. He closed his eyes, trying to shake off the feeling.

Pav noticed and leaned closer to Miles, whispering softly, “You good?”

Miles shook his head slightly. “Not now, Pavi.”

The game continued for another hour or so, with everyone laughing, drinking, and teasing each other. Eventually, Miles excused himself from the group, claiming exhaustion.

“Look, after this, I’m going to sleep,” Miles said, getting up from his spot. “Can I crash on the couch?”

“Ya can, but I—” Hobie started, but Miles interrupted him.

“Gracias, amigo,” Miles said, not realizing how abrupt he’d been. He gave Pav a small smile, trying to soften the moment. “Sorry for interrupting.”

“It’s fine, Smiley,” Pav replied with a smile of his own. “But before you go—truth or dare?”

Miles groaned but played along. “Truth.”

Pav grinned mischievously. “Do you have a crush on anyone in here?”

Miles hesitated, his eyes flicking between Hobie and Gwen. For a moment, he considered telling the truth—about Hobie, about everything. But in the end, he shook his head. “Nah,” he said, his voice firm as he turned and headed towards the living room.

As the others continued playing, Pav made his way to the living room, finding Miles lying on the couch, his face buried in the cushions. He sat down next to him, quietly wiping the tears that had escaped down Miles’ face.

It was early the next morning when Miles woke up, the faint light of dawn creeping through the windows. Pav was still asleep on the floor next to him, his soft snores filling the room. Miles sighed, pulling the blanket over Pav before quietly grabbing his backpack.

He glanced back at his friend, a sad smile tugging at his lips. “I really always love the wrong people, don’t I?” he whispered to himself, shaking his head.

Before leaving, he took his watch off, placing it on the table. He didn’t need it where he was going. Mask on, he slipped out of Hobie’s apartment and into the cool morning air.

He wandered through the city, lost in thought, before eventually finding himself at his uncle Aaron’s old place. The familiar, comforting presence of his uncle’s belongings brought him a sense of peace.

“God, tío, I miss you,” Miles whispered, sitting down on the couch where his uncle used to lounge. “I—I’ll…”

His voice trailed off, a lump forming in his throat. “Just miss you.”

He stayed silent for a while, letting the emotions wash over him. When he finally spoke again, his voice was low, barely above a whisper. “Miguel’s being more of a jerk now. He keeps calling me an anomaly every chance he gets. Jess and the others keep chasing me, scaring me when no one else is around.”

Miles took a deep breath, his hands trembling slightly as he hugged his knees to his chest. “I don’t wanna be here anymore. I don’t want to live on this Earth or any Earth!” he shouted, his voice echoing through the empty apartment.

But even as the words left his mouth, he knew he couldn’t leave. Not yet. “But I can’t leave Pavi,” he murmured softly, his voice breaking. “He’s been so good to me. I’d be so selfish if I left him alone.”

Miles closed his eyes, resting his head on his knees as the tears finally spilled over. “Pav means the world to me,” he whispered, a small, bittersweet smile forming on his lips as he sat there, lost in the memory of better days.