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"How are you cooler under your mask?" Miles asked, exasperated.
"I was this cool the whole time" came the smooth reply from Hobie, followed by an attractive wink.
Hobie's close friends with Gwen, but she hasn't introduced him to Miles or vice versa. He understands that Miles is jealous, a year since they last met and she mentioned she has a friend named Hobie who she's close with. Hobie appreciates the fact that Miles doesn't envy him, but admires him more.
Miles likes his appearance, style and voice. He also finds Hobie funny. And they've known eachother for the past hour only.
He wouldn't lie, Miles is attractive, but he's already Gwens. Or so it seemed.
Jess and Gwen were walking in front arguing, Hobie and him were following from behind. Hobie puts his arm around Miles's shoulders when they passed by the anomaly section. It was impulsive because Miles seemed like the perfect height for them to click.
"The Prowler", she introduced.
"I caught that one" said Hobie, pointing towards the person in the cage. Miles stiffened and murmured, "Uncle Aaron..."
Sensing Miles's distress, Hobie's thumb caressed the back of Miles's neck in soothing circles. He leaned closer and whispered softly, "That's not your uncle, Miles." His words carried a comforting reassurance, an attempt to alleviate the surge of emotions coursing through Miles at the sight of the incarcerated figure.
Miles pressed his lips together tightly, his gaze wavering before he finally nodded, albeit hesitantly. It was clear that the encounter had stirred up memories and unresolved emotions within him, and he turned away, grappling with the weight of his thoughts.
As they continued their walk, the atmosphere between Miles and Hobie seemed to shift. Hobie, still absentmindedly tapping his fingers on Miles's shoulders, lowered his voice and broached a more personal topic.
"So..." Hobie began, his tone a low murmur that invited a private conversation. Miles redirected his full attention to Hobie, his eyes fixed on him with an intensity that made Hobie's heart skip a beat.
"You got a girlfriend? Boyfriend?" Hobie inquired, his fingers continuing their rhythmic dance on Miles's shoulders as he awaited a response.
Miles visibly grew nervous, his throat tightening as he swallowed before answering, "Well- I uh- no...?"
Hobie raised an eyebrow and pursed his lips, a playful challenge glimmering in his eyes. His voice was laced with a hint of mischief as he continued, "So you're still available, right?"
Miles couldn't help but steal glances at Gwen, their connection pulling at his heartstrings. Yet, he found himself drawn back to Hobie, a mix of intrigue and curiosity taking hold. "I-I mean..." Miles stuttered, his mind racing to process the unexpected turn of events.
Hobie couldn't help but find Miles's fidgeting endearing, his heart warming at the sight of the younger man's nervousness. It was clear that Miles had caught on to Hobie's intentions. God bless heightened spider senses because he'd barely hear Miles's excuse then.
"You're too cool," Miles finally managed to blurt out, his words sincere and genuine.
Hobie halted in his tracks, causing Miles to follow suit due to the arm still draped around his shoulders. Hobie tilted his head slightly, a mischievous smirk forming on his lips as he looked at Miles. "I'm what?"
"Too cool," Miles repeated, eyebrows furrowed.
Hobie let out a scoff, his eyes sparkling with a mixture of surprise and delight. He had expected many possible responses, but the simple statement of "too cool" caught him off guard, stirring something within him that he couldn't quite put into words. He was about to say something else but they were already at the controls.
"Evenin', this is Miles," Hobie introduced, gesturing to his new acquaintance. Miles waved from Hobie's side, his curiosity evident in his eyes as he observed the advanced machinery around them aswell as Margo and her virtual being.
Margo's gaze flickered with interest as it landed on Miles, but a slight flicker of disappointment flashed across her face when she noticed the absence of physical distance between Miles and Hobie.
They talked momentarily before heading to where Miguel was at.
_______
Miles desperately tried to break free from the cage, hitting random places in frustration and panic. Hobie, being one of the few people closely positioned near the cage, had to think fast. He approached Miles, his voice calm and reassuring.
"It'll only be a few days," Hobie said, his tone steady. As he spoke, he subtly accentuated his palms, hovering the red barrier to hint his escape. It was a clever tactic to try and convey the information without alarming the others or drawing unnecessary attention.
Miles caught on almost immediately. His eyes widened in realization, and he focused his energy on the barrier instead of futilely attempting to escape. Hobie almost thanked the lord how damn smart Miles is.
The worst part was yet to come. As the barrier suddenly shattered, unleashing a powerful shockwave that sent everyone nearby flying, Miles eye shifted away from his hands and made eye contact with Miguel, who was standing far but right in front of him. In an instant, Miles turned and sprinted.
Hobie could only wish him luck, he wanted to see Miles alive and happy, it doesn't have to be with him, so he would help out Gwen any way he could.
Starting with a watch.