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tarjapearce · 8 months

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Bad Teachings (Pt. 7)

Older!Miguel O'Hara x Reader

WARNINGS: A little itty bitty smudge of angst, fluff. Miguel into espectator mode. Tiny bit of jealousy if you squint. Relationship buiding, Slow burn, friends to lovers, tiny bit of Nerdy Miguel

Summary: Getting to know Miguel is as rewarding as a double edge weapon.

Special Thanks to my beta readers @tojismommymilkers00 <3

Pt. 8 Masterlist

The warm touch on your shoulder had lingered a second longer as Miguel said his goodbyes to you.

"Try to get some sleep." He'd mumble with a soft nod, "Goodnight, guapa"

"Goodnight, Miguel."

You couldn't help but look at the shelf with a little smile. A rather pleasant surprise to your aching and bleeding self. A flurry of thoughts came to your mind.

What made him apologize? was the biggest of them all, still, all you knew was he had made an effort first, and such a thing as apologizing was clearly meaningful to you. There were no bad dreams that hunted you tonight. ---------

Miguel's eyes drooped in exhaustion, the triumph over your distress made him close his lids and savor the victory for a moment. Apologizing surely was something he had been doing for quite some years, but that didn't mean it had gotten any easier.

Misunderstandings were just another part of his life, and if he deemed them problematic enough, he'd assess them. Some solved themselves most of the time, but again, a new lesson was learned thanks to you. Communication always leads to better places.

He drove home, a satisfied sigh escaping his lips. No more nightmares came to plague him. ---- Your morning started on the right foot, you found Hobie and exchanged some pleasantries with him, promising to give a little treat for his support back at his shop. Then went to work.

The job was rather easygoing, another day of making people's dreams come true, another day of taking pictures in the company's studio for you to work your magic later.

Bloomsearch had grown, you'd notice a couple of new people that were part of another team. Fingers crossed your workload would be less. After the pictures were taken, you did a bit of editing until your lunch break came.

It hadn't been five minutes since you started eating your salad when your phone buzzed, nearly choking at the name displaying on your screen. Miguel was calling.

"H-Hello?"

"Am I interrupting something?"

"Not really, I'm on lunch break. Just surprised actually"

"Hm? Ah..." He chuckled and there was a little shuffling on his line, "Yeah figured it was better to just call instead of texting."

"You really hate texting that much?"

"I just forget, and wouldn't want to repeat the little stunt we did"

"Right, uhm-"

"What about at four thirty?"

"Hm?"

"After work, to... Julien's Spells"

You giggled "It's Julien's Potions . But yeah, four thirty sounds perfect"

"Well, ahí nos vemos ."

"What?"

"See ya."

"So rude!"

"That's what it means, guapa." A little chuckle.

"Oh... Yeah you forgot I know a peep about spanish."

"Better get learning then"

"Right, right. Nose vemmos "

You butchered the word, he'd probably be hiding his face in his hand out of cringe, but hey, you were trying. ----

Complaints only piled up, thankfully you weren't in the main campaign teams, but your pictures had to be retaken since the client decided on a different packaging at the last minute.

Your name was called by your immediate boss as you were editing. You followed and he took you and your other teammates to a meeting room. Swallowing the sudden anxiousness that took over, you sat nearby the entrance.

Your boss and another elderly man entered the room. He was tall, salt and pepper hair neatly combed to a side, blue eyes that if you look long enough would find something hidden in them. The man was handsome, but something about him flared your mistrust alarms…

He carried himself arrogantly, the way he regarded you all as he entered the room was a bit frightening honestly.

"This is Julius DeSantis, our new Graphic Arts Division Manager."

"Nice to meet you all. As you may know the company is expanding-"

His voice was deep, some of your teammates couldn't help but ogle him, his white hair kind of reminded you the patches of silvery strands in your father's head, his neat lock shaped beard that encaged a pair of thin yet refined lips, reminded you of the Mall Santa's man true identity.

The meeting was over, a pair of icy blue eyes trailing on you for a brief moment.

Of course the talks of how attractive the man was echoed through your section of cubicles.

The I wouldn't mind him talking down at me��, along with more of he's such a dilf! And such straightforward as I'd ride him, made you chuckle at the sudden memory of your classmates saying the exact things about Miguel.

Guys in general were a little known territory for you. Of course you'd had little boyfriends here and there, You had one in your freshman year of college but you'd barely see each other to the point you weren't sure that you were still a thing anymore. And then another in your sophomore year that dropped college to chase a dream in another country.

The only one that had met the little yet honest list of standards you had for a guy so far.

You didn't know if it was the weather getting colder as the year slowly crawled towards its end that made you a bit wistful, or the sudden little changes that added as your life went on. But your mood has certainly improved a little since yesterday.

A little sadness remained in the furthest and darkest corners of the mood shelf, hoping to not be noticed.

Four o'clock ticked and you picked up your things, checked out and went for your car. Nervous fingers dialed a certain geneticist, hesitating for a moment to actually reach back, but how would he know where the place was? Because it wasn't registered on the GPS map yet.

Silly girl.

You dialed, it rang a couple of times before his deep voice erupted from the other line.

" Aló? " (Hello)

"Uh... I will send you the location of the parking lot I'll be in."

"Alright, salgo en cinco." (Coming out in five) "Okay?. Bye"

Your mouth exhaled, but you were proud. Concise and precise.

------

You were the first to arrive, and waited inside your car, a black mini Cooper you had bought in an auction for half the price. A little repairs and restores here and there and it was brand new for you.

You scrolled through social media in the meantime, fetching ideas for your hobbies. A few ideas for your own photoshoots and knitting techniques that surely seemed easier than the current one you were trying

Around twenty minutes later, A red Nissan Pathfinder parked in the opposite row you were. An all too familiar car that made your brain flood with memories you thought buried for good.

Miguel stepped out of his car and looked around but frowned upon not seeing anyone. His lab coat was left abandoned on his passenger seat, he wore an olive green button shirt and a deeper shade of green pants, polished black shoes, of course a belt that always accentuated his waist and to your surprise a pair of sunglasses.

You stepped out of your car as he was calling.

"Hey"

His frowning softened upon seeing you.

"Hola, guapa"

"Ready for a walk?"

"Hm? Thought it was closer"

"It's fine, it's just a couple of blocks away. C'mon."

You gestured for him to follow you. You had gone for a black knitted long sleeved Maxi dress and boots. The belt around your waist only added enough seasoning for your curves to pop out. His eyes fell on your waist and a bit lower just to trail on the road ahead. Your perfume guided him through the streets, a soft yet delicious smell of sweet summer cherries.

He stopped you when you intended to cross a street. Nueva York Streets were always bustling with people. His arm before you, shielded you from any intrusion in your personal space, a new wave of people pushed you further and further away from him. His hand however took a gentle hold of your wrist and pulled you closer.

"Agárrate" (Hold on)

You didn't have to know Spanish on this one to understand that he was instructing you to hold on his arms. Your hand squeezed through his arm and secured it as you kept guiding him through the streets.

You couldn't help but sigh in relief and give a little squeal when you stopped before your little treasure.

"We're here."

Your arm let him go and opened the door for him. The outside layout only allowed him to have a little peek into the bar. It turned clearer as he walked in. A little wind chime echoed, announcing your presence.

Some of the tables were occupied, the assistants glanced briefly before attending their own business. Miguel’s face was sure a treat. His eyes scanned through the place, face contorting in confusion, wonder and of course some resignation.

"Welcome, travelers. Allow me to get you a place." The waiter guided you to a more private stall, away from the people and gave your respective menu charts.

"Thanks."

Pearly painted nails raked over the plastic menu, as he examined his.

"You've been here, what would you recommend?"

"I liked the mango muffin and the red berries cold brew. But they have more elaborate dishes if you're hungry."

You both ordered, he went for the 'Tavern's Special Panini' and a cold iced tea. He had a good appetite.

"How was your day?"

You both chuckled as you spoke in unison.

"Ladies first."

"Right. Nothing new to report except I've got a new division boss. Everyone is... swooning for him."

"How so?"

"A dilf, according to my coworkers"

"And according to you?"

"Uh, sure, attractive, but... ever feel that weird feeling upon meeting someone?"

"It's called anxiety."

You scoff. "Oh trust me, I know about it. And it's more like a "I don't trust him sort of feeling."

"Isn't that a bit prejudiced coming from you?"

"Maybe, but I'm trusting my gut. Besides, sure, older men are something else, but I'm not into that much of an age gap."

He chuckled and leaned on his chair.

You rolled your eyes. "But enough on me. How was yours?"

"The usual, people complain but at least this time we got something done. So, it wasn't that bad."

"Glad to hear so."

After a couple of minutes your food was brought to the table and he didn't waste a single second trying it. You snapped a picture of him after taking the first bite of his panini with a giggle.

"That good, huh?"

"Delete it"

"No. I actually like it."

You showed him the picture and he huffed with a roll of his eyes.

"Can I keep it?"

"No."

"Pleaseee?"

"...Fine."

You chuckled and saved it. "Thank you" You dug into your muffin, enjoyment plastered all over your face.

"This kind of reminds me of something"

"What exactly?"

His eyes turned a bit serious and your lips pursed. "If it's something embarrassing, I'll share one to make it even."

He seemed to consider for a second and exhaled.

"Dungeons and Dragons..." He breathed.

Your eyes went wide then smirked "I'm sorry but that's the most unexpected thing I've ever heard you say."

"I was young once too."

"And a nerd , apparently."

You chuckled but stifled a laugh as he deadpanned.

"I met Peter there."

"Wait... Peter? As in Mr. Peter B. Parker?!"

"You sound surprised."

"Of course I am! Cause you're totally opposites!"

"And?"

"You played with him? "

"And many others, good kind of fun."

You both went silent.

"That sounded...so very wrong."

He swatted your head gently and you snorted.

"My god. This feels like getting classified information from a dangerous source."

He chuckled and continued eating, just like you.

"Please tell me that you have pictures of that."

"No."

"Dammit."

You put a hair strand behind your ear. Conversation slowly spreading through many topics. You'd learn that his favorite color was white, red and blue. That his coffee worked better with the least amount of sugar possible. And that he liked sweet bread, something called 'conchas'. He had a sweet tooth. Flan and Tres Leches are his favorites.

Your eyes came fixed on the little soccer ball keychain attached to his car keys. The edges were faded, some of the enamel had worn out. A little smudged outline of a couple of words you couldn't make out since his large hand covered the resin back.

"I didn't know you were into soccer."

His face turned devoid of all emotion for a moment, muscles rigid, jaw clenched and eyes casted at the keychain.

He knew the trinket and the words on it like the back of his hand, like the algorithm he had been working on.

'Number One Papa!' Scribbled in an infant like penmanship with a sharpie, a too round heart next to the last 'a'.

His eyes turned into something you couldn't exactly pinpoint, but it wasn't good. Hand held the little aluminum thing tighter, his thick and mildly labored breaths made you clear your throat, snapping his attention to you. A chill ran down your spine but words managed to come out your mouth

"I'd love to try some aerial dance."

As stupid as the comment was, he had turned his gears into a different direction.

"Hm?"

"Or dance."

"What's stopping you?"

"I have the movement of a sessile organism." You pinched your fingers together at 'organism, earning a chuckle from him. Amused at your attempt to be science-y.

"Can't be that bad."

"I was the tree in a school play because I moved like them…"

He had to hold back an ugly snort, harder to contain as your brows scrunched.

"Oh c'mon I shared my embarrassing moment! What's yours?"

He took a moment to recover before he cleared his throat. "I was afraid of horses."

You cocked your head "Oh?"

"That's all I'm saying."

You giggled and nodded. "Alright."

The conversation died as you both finished your meals. The sight of a green smudge on his right cheek had caught your attention for a little too long.

"Uh, you have-" Your hands gesture on your cheek, he touched the wrong one, completely missing your cue.

"Open your hand."

He does and you grab it to point at the green sauced smeared area with his fingertips. Your hand, small and elegant against his.

"Why didn't you just wipe it off?"

"Because I don't know if you like having your personal space invaded."

His eyebrow quivered with a mildly amused grimace.

"We've fucked before and you now worry over personal space?"

You sighed at his bluntness. "Just because we did means it's alright to invade people's personal space."

" Como gustes, supongo " (As you like, I guess)

He shrugs.

"How's the shelf going?"

"Sturdy and holding up as it should. Thanks for helping me with it."

"Not a problem."

You clasp your hands together abruptly. "OK, wanna play something?" "Like?"

"Questions."

"Quite curious you are. Aren't we already playing then?"

"Well, I am meeting new people and trying to make new friends, remember? And now that I actually think about it, I didn't know much about you, until today. But, if you are uncomfortable sharing things, it's fine."

" La curiosidad te va a matar, gatita" (Curiosity will kill you, kitten)

"Again, not a peep on spanish"

"Good."

He smirked and gestured for you to continue, indulging you this once.

"What's something new you have recently learned?"

"Some plants react well to blood."

Okay you definitely weren't expecting that. "Uh... what?"

He laughed silently at your alarmed reaction.

"An experiment back in the lab."

"I'm kinda concerned as to what kind of things you actually do for a living"

"You'd be surprised."

"Why genetics though?"

He shrugs.

"Pays well and basically you're paid to fuck around to find out."

"Yeah, I kinda wanna be a geneticist now."

He chuckles

"What about you?"

"What about me?"

"Why knitting?"

"It's calming. Even though I can't get a technique right and it's costing me a lot of yarn. Anyways, last book you read?"

"Not a book precisely but more like a long ass report about an upcoming research. You?"

"Just finished Camille."

" La Dama de Las Camelias? " (The Lady of The Camellias?)

"I... guess? But yeah. I cried, but absolutely loved it."

"You think that Margarita did the right thing?" His arms lean on the wooden chair's arms, waiting for your reply.

"There are many questionable things she does. But if by the right thing you're meaning her giving up Armand's love so his sister could be happily married? No. I don't"

"Why not?"

"Because... She was about to die. She didn't have much time left. She should have enjoyed her love till the very end."

"Hopeless romantic, aren't you?" "I'm a sucker for tragic romances. But it actually surprises me you know the book."

"A gift, really. I'm not usually into pink novels, but gotta give Dumas some credit. Armando is such... a relatable character."

"Strong willed and quite stubborn?" Reminds me of someone."

"Ouch." "I really hated Armand towards the end though"

"He didn't know about the deal."

"Still! I don't understand that... pathological need to get revenge. He had such a fragile ego."

"A proud man that has done almost the impossible to conquer a famous courtesan, that does little to nothing in keeping him in the shadows?"

"Hey, Marguerite spoke clearly to him ever since the begining! But he was too... possessive and impulsive."

"Last bit reminds me of someone"

He said as he poked his ear, you gasped playfully.

"At least it was a piercing and not a letter saying awful things or using a friend to make Marguerite jealous."

"I don't justify nor condone his actions, but Armando deserved the truth."

"On that we can agree. Keeping such a thing from him was terrible."

"What would you do if someone pulled a Margarita on you?"

"Depends."

"On?"

"Their excuse. Some things can't be said right away or face to face because they might be too much to digest. But there are things that can be said on the spot."

His eyes twinkled in amusement as his eyes widened softly at your response.

"Still. It's not that easy"

"I never said it was. They didn't communicate properly and that's how they ended up like they did."

"Communication is key to you?"

"Of course it is!. I mean, I might not have as much experience in relationships, but nothing can't work without communication. Not even friendships."

" Cierto, cierto." (true that) He nodded with a small smile.

"I didn't expect this"

"What exactly?"

"Having fun."

"Are you calling me a bore?"

You snorted. "No. Just... feels different. The first time felt like an obligation. I know you said it wasn't, but I couldn't help but feel like it was."

His eyebrow quirked.

"And this one feels different. It's fun."

"You looked out of yourself, yesterday. It was odd."

"Odd?"

"You're usually all... like that." He gestured at your clothes, "Pretty. Perfect." It was your turn to frown and cast away your eyes from him.

"I hate that word, y'know?"

"Pretty?"

"Perfect."

"Why?"

"You'd have to tell me something really personal too in exchange."

His eyebrows rose in surprise. You sensed an impending tension so you broke it, clearning your throat. "But I think we've shared enough for today."

He nodded, and you smiled softly.

"Thanks for your concern though. Ready to go?"

"Sure."

"Wait. I'll pay for my-"

His hands stopped yours and he shook his head. " Déjame ." (Allow me.)

"What?"

"You really need to start learning spanish."

"Seems so."

"Consider this my apology."

"B-But you gave me macarons yesterday"

"Still, it seems like a last minute idea for an apology. This is better"

A soft blush crept your cheeks and you couldn't help but nod. "Really appreciated."

-----

You had gotten a little muffin box for Hobie and his mom, and another one for yourself.

You walked next to Miguel, silence stretched between you both but this time it wasn't awkward or discomfiting, after all you had spoken, it seemed only right. It was comforting even. Knowing a bit more of himself surely offered a new perspective on what made him Miguel.

Your thoughts however were interrupted by your name being called, both couldn't help but turn at the source.

A man, late twenties, athletic looking, kind face with short and styled to a side hair and a mild stubble approached you with a bedazzling smile.

Miguel instantly turned his spectator mode on, and let everything unfold before him.

You held the muffin boxes in one hand as the mystery man hugged you.

"Simon!" Your voice seemed more surprised than anything, as you hugged the young and attractive man with a little fondness plastered in your face.

"Look at you! So... different."

Miguel cringed inwardly as he stepped away from the both, but the hazel eyes from the young man stared at him.

"Oh... didn't mean to-"

"It's fine. Really. This is Miguel O'Hara."

"Friend." Miguel mumbled as he stretched his hand a bit rougher than intended.

"Right. Simon Morvan." He let his hand go

"Thought you'd stay abroad."

"Oh that... heh. No. Sure it was fun but I like it here better" He smiled and you returned it.

"You're staying?"

"Possibly, yeah."

"Nice."

"Mind if I get your number?"

"Sure do."

Miguel noticed that Simon input his phone number into your phone. Giving you the absolute power of a further interaction with him.

"See you then, gotta go. It was nice to see you again, cherie ."

"Same, take care, Si."

You both watched Simon go and then smiled at Miguel. He just chuckled as you made your way back to your respective cars. You gave him a mango muffin and went home. You gave Hobie the little box and greeted his mom in the process. ----

"Thanks for today, it was fun. Sorry for the sudden interruption, though"

Phone rested on your cheek, body tucked under the sheets as you both talked.

" It was interesting seeing you interact with someone else ."

"You say it like you and Hobie are my only friends."

" Isn't that the truth?" He chuckle and you groaned, mildly annoyed

"You're mean. But yeah. It's true. Didn't know you thought of me as a friend."

" And that is?"

"Good. I'm glad to know you think I am reliable."

" You are, guapa."

"Damn, just remembered, might as well start re-learning french."

" How come?"

"Simon is French"

" No mames, qué cliché " (No fucking way, how cliché)

"I certainly understood the last thing, don't be rude!"

" Spanish first, French later.""In order of arrival."

" Spanish first, trust me."

He pressed and you nodded with a yawn.

"Okay, okay. Goodnight, Miguel"

" Descansa, hermosa." (rest well)

------

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