Miles was technically watching the movie. His eyes were tracked onto the screen, he laughed every time Gwen did, and he looked like he was immersed in the film. But he really wasn't paying attention.
No, our dear friend Miles was completely too busy freaking out about slipping into headspace around his kinda-but-not-really-girlfriend. But in his defence, this is only like the third time they've hung out, outside of spiderman stuff. It's wayyyy to early to introduce her to the mess that is inside his head.
The first time they hung out, he ripped a handprint into her hair. And although it did give her a cool haircut, most haircuts tend to be pre-planned beforehand, and not, you know, ripped from your scalp?? Gosh, he was surprised that she even wanted to see him again after that trainwreck.
The next time they hung out, she kept the fact that she'd joined a super secret spider society from him, and kinda did nothing whilst said super secret spider society tried to kill him? Bet you can't say that five times fast.
That one had taken a looong time to get over, but he did. And now they're here. Sitting a little too close on Gwen's couch (she's not necessarily welcome at Miles' place after the first name incident) watching a film that he's desperately trying to pretend isn't boring him to death.
He hopes it's working.
He sneaks a glance at Gwen out of the corner of his eye and sees her raise an eyebrow in response. ...And now hes blushing, way to not make a fool of yourself Morales.
"Miles?" She teases with a grin in her voice. She's always teasing him. He didn't know if that counted as flirting, but he sure hoped it did.
"Do you wanna watch a different film? This one's kinda boring, like okay you're fast and you're furious we get it." She jokes, gently nudging him in the ribs.
And, it's not that he didnt know that she only suggested a different film because he wasnt feeling it, but something about admitting it seemed so embarrassing. Like, he could probably enjoy watching this if he wasnt feeling so godamn little.
"No, it's fine I wanna keep watching this one!" He insists, trying not to squee at the way she wraps an arm around him, making him feel secure.
"...well only if you're sure" she smirks, because of course she does. She's always got something to smirk about. Sometimes it feels like she's perpetually one step ahead of him.
He levels the older girl with a side eye, and she giggles a little which makes him feel good. It's only when the film climaxes (hehe) that a problem begins to ensue... There's just a lot of guns and shouting and it's too loud and he just wants to be cuddled everything starts to feel like too much.
He unconsciously starts to huddle in on himself and pouts a little. Gwen, the observant spider she is, notices immediately and turns it down a little.
"...Miles? You okay there buddy?"
No response. It's like he didnt even register her speaking. She turns it off completely, which makes him slowly turn to her, and, okay yeah he's definitely little right now. Sigh. How could he think she didn't know?
"Why'd you turn it off?" he asks hesitantly, sad brown eyes staring right at her. And oh, that was a real heartsqueezer.
"You're too little to be watching this" she said gently, immediately wincing at her clumsy choice of words. The second Miles heard her say little, his eyes widened in shock. Before she could rectify her mistake, he stumbled over some excuse about birthdays and made a hasty retreat.
Great. She'd messed up. Again. Well she wasn't just going to let him leave, especially in this state of mind.
"Miles, wait up!"
He froze. She'd caught him on the stair, stuffing his socked feet back into his trainers and carefully trying to avoid eye contact. That wouldn't do. She walked around and crouched down so that she was directly in front of him, but he still refused to meet her eyes.
So she gently guided his chin up, only to be met with just about the saddest sight she'd ever seen. Miles was crying, silently. His big eyes were puffy, his nose leaking snot steadily down his face, and his lips were quivering so hard she's surprised he's managed to be this quiet.
"Oh come here" she said, arms wide open. And that was all it took, apparently. He met her in a bone crushing hug, and sobbed his little heart out murmuring little I'm sorry's all the while.
They break apart for a moment and Gwen reaches into her pockets for a tissue and begins cleaning him up.
"You don't have anything to be sorry for. If anything, I should be the one who's apologising." She says, in an attempt to comfort him.
"I knew you were slipping, and I should have insisted on a different movie. Do you think you can forgive me?"
Mikes hides his face in his hands, embarrassed. And honestly, she prefers this to him sobbing hysterically.
"How long have you known" he practically whispers. She probably wouldnt have heard it if not for enhanced senses.
"A while." She admits. "When you hang out with a million different spider people, you tend to notice some similarities"
'Like what?"
"Well, we all tend to beat ourselves up over things that aren't our fault" she says, emphasising her point with a little poke to his ribs. He giggles, and it feels like a win.
"We all are some flavour of neurodivergent" she continues. "And most of us are littles" she says, blushing a bit.
He looks at her through the gaps in his fingers and then slowly puts his hands down.
"...you really don't mind?" He asks hopefully.
"Nope" she says, popping the p and booping him on the nose. "Besides, I uh, sometimes feel little. Not very often, but it happens."
She helps him untie his laces again, and puts her hands on her hips. "Now, do you want to watch a movie? A fun one this time I promise! I've got Barbie..."
Miles all but races to the couch eagerly awaiting the film. Yeah, she could get used to this.