sugar.

Miguel O'Hara would have never imagined himself at a single parents'fair, but there he is, surrounded primarily by single moms and their children, all enjoying the rides, games, and nauseatingly sugary treats.

He was only there because Jessica insisted it was important for Miguelto build a support system that would understand him, and who could understand him better than other single parents?

So, there Miguel stands at the park, watching the kids as they play to their heart's content, his daughter Gabriella squealing with laughter as she jumps on an inflatable castle. The sun is out, and Miguel can feel the cool breeze on his skin, but he can't help feeling like he sticks out like a sore thumb.

He's standing at the side awkwardly while groups of parents chat animatedly or participate in parent-child competitions for silly prizes.It's only now that Miguel realizes that maybe he's socially inept and can't make any friends to save his life. Even Jessica only became his friend because of her own fierce determination.

Honestly, he wants to leave, but Gabriella is having a good time and he'd hate to disappoint her. She deserves to have fun, especially after everything she's been through, so he can suck up the feelings of not belonging if it means she'll smile a bit longer.

"What about kids having the time of their life is making you put on that face?" someone speaks up, and Miguel flinches a little at the sudden voice.

He didn't notice you coming to stand beside him, nor did he realize he was making any type of face until now.

"I'm sorry?" he asks, confused as to why you're suddenly talking to him.

He supposes that's what is meant to happen at an event like this— he's not just here to supervise Gabriella. He's here to talk to other people, to get to know them, to share experiences...Gross.

"You have an intense look on your face," you clarify, offering him a friendly smile. "Not enjoying yourself?"

"Uh, I'm just not great with..." Miguel gestures between you and himself. "This."

"Yeah, I get it," you tell him, and the look on his face tells you he doesn't believe you.

You just went out of your way to walk up to the most unapproachable stranger at the event. Clearly, you're a person with great social skills.

"I'm serious!" you laugh, amused by his doubt. "I've been there. Everyone says, 'You need a support system.' 'You can't do this on your own.' 'Find people that understand you.'Blah, blah, blah. They don't realize that it's not that easy. The truth is, as single parents, a lot of us are used to doing things alone and it feels safer to keep it that way— both for us and the little guys."

Miguel's eyes widen in surprise. "Maybe you do get it." he admits, his expression softening.

You smile, holding out your hand to Miguel, "I'm Y/N. I love meeting people that don't want to make me feel like shit for raising a kid alone."

"Miguel O'Hara." he shakes your hand, "Same here."

"Nice to meet you, Miguel," you reply, and your smile is so genuine that Miguel is a bit taken aback.

You don't give the air of someone who is feigning pleasantries out of obligation. It's like you're actually glad to be meeting him.

And maybe he's a bit glad to meet you too.

You let go of his hand, turning to watch the children enjoying the activities.

"So, which one is yours?" you ask, looking around at the swarm of children.

Miguel points over to a maze, where Gabriella is currently climbing out of an inflatable.

She's a bit apart from the other children, but she doesn't seem to mind, playing happily on her own. Like father like daughter, Miguel thinks.

"She's adorable." you tell him, causing the first glimpse of a smile to grace his expression.

"Her name is Gabriella," he replies, and you're struck by the look on his face.

It's clear that he adores his daughter. His eyes shine with pride as he watches her play.You can't help the knowing smile that grows on your own face as you watch him.

"Gabi! Gabi!" Gabriella perks up at the sound of her name, turning to see who's calling for her.

Her eyes light up when she sees a boy running towards her. He looks quite a bit younger than her, but it's clear they're familiar with each other.

"What a coincidence," you remark with a chuckle as the two kids collide in a bone-crushing hug, "that one's mine."

Miguel is surprised. The boy's arms are flailing wildly as he tells Gabriella something that you and Miguel can't hear, and Gabriella is nodding and waving her own arms around. They're a bit of a chaotic duo despite Gabriella not typically being the wild and loud type.

"His name is Leo," you explain, watching your son fondly. Unlike yourself, Leo is a ball of energy and excitement, always happy to make new friends.

"He's... cute." Miguel says, and it sounds almost awkward, like he's trying his hardest to make a worthy comment.

You can't help but laugh. Something about Miguel trying so hard tokeep up the conversation is endearing.

"Yeah, he's a cutie for sure, but don't let that fool you. The kid's a brat."

Miguel nods, unsure what else to say. He's not really used to having these kinds of conversations, especially not with people he doesn't know.

He glances at you, taking in your features for the first time. All along, he hasn't really been looking at you, using supervising his daughter as an excuse to notmake eye contact.

Now, though, he finds himself a bit lost in your eyes. It's cliché, he knows, but the afternoon sun hits them just right, and they're mesmerizing.

"Do I have something on my face?" you ask, wiping where you think his eyes are landing with the back of your wrist.

He quickly looks away, clearing his throat and feeling a bit embarrassed. "No, sorry."

You smile. You're not oblivious, and you find his awkwardness amusing. It's not the worst thing in the world, seeing him blush.

"You know," you begin, and he's almost certain you're about to tell him off for being a creep, "I don't mean to be a weirdo but I noticed you when I arrived."

Miguel meets your eyes again in surprise, blinking owlishly at your confession. "You did?"

"Well, yeah," you shrug, a small smile gracing your features. "You're not exactly easy to miss."

He's not quite sure what that means, but he can feel his face heating up.

"I've been mustering up the balls to come up to you for the past twenty minutes."

Miguel is even more surprised by your honesty. He can't tell yet if you're flirting or just trying to make friends, butyour approach is refreshing. You're not beating around the bush with him, you're just saying exactly what's on your mind.

Considering Miguel has such an impossible time reading people and their intentions, it's a relief. He likes not having to guess.

"So, was I everything you hoped for?" he tries the joke in an attempt at loosening up, and is unbelievably relieved when you gladly reciprocate.

"I was hoping for someone who didn't wanna be here as much as I didn't and you definitely delivered."

Miguel is smiling now, a real smile, and he can't remember the last time that was brought on by someone who wasn't his daughter.

"You haven't seen anything yet. You see that unicorn cotton candy?" he asks, pointing to a stand a few feet away.

You look at theoffensivelysweet looking confection and then back at him, an eyebrow raised, "What about it?"

"Fucking stupid."

You snort, covering your mouth with your hand at the unexpected response. Miguel watches you fondly, pleased that he got you to laugh.

"Care to give me your professional opinion on the merry-go-round?" you ask, once you've stopped laughing.

"Sure, if you promise to give me yours candy apples."

"Deal."

As it turns out, you both hate every ride, game, and treat at the fair. You both agree that the only plus is seeing your kids have fun, which is obviously worth it, but that doesn't stop you from playfully criticizing everything you come across.

"Oh, come on. How are we supposed to take this place seriously when the prizes are that ugly?" you say, shaking your head in mock disappointment at the sight of a glittery stuffed bear.

Miguel chuckles and you think you're starting to really like that sound. "Right. Who would even want that?"

"I would!" Leo exclaims, suddenly appearing between the two of you, a huge grin on his face.

Gabriella trails close behind him, still grinning, her once neatly braided hair now unbelievably messy from running around all afternoon.

"Oh no, Leo," you groan, faking distress as you scoop up your son into your arms. "Don't tell me you've been brainwashed by the corporate machine!"

Leo is too young to understand your joke, but he erupts in a fit of giggles, nonetheless, clearly enjoying your theatrics.

Gabriella looks up at Miguel, tugging on the sleeve of his shirt and pointing to the glittery bear, "Daddy, I want it."

"Not you too." he replies, ruffling her hair when she sticks her tongue out at him.

"Fine, if everyone wants the bear, let's win the damn bear," you announce, putting down Leo and taking his hand.

"Language." Miguel and Gabriella warn, in unison.

You roll your eyes, and Miguel finds the way you're holding back a smile so incredibly cute.

"Do you guys want the bear or not?" you ask.

Miguel is smiling back, and it's so genuine and relaxed, so different from the awkward, hesitant smiles from before.

"Of course we want the bear!" Gabriella answers excitedly, your use of a 'bad word' completely forgotten.

You look at Miguel, eyebrow raised, silently asking for his input.

"Alright," he nods, taking Gabriella's hand. "Let's get the bear."

The kids cheer, and you realize your cheeks are starting to hurt from smiling.

This is something you could definitely get used to.