Beso | Miguel O'Hara

tsasw vol. #4

𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝙰𝚖𝚊𝚣𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚂𝚙𝚒𝚍𝚎𝚛-𝚆𝚘𝚖𝚊𝚗 𝚅𝚘𝚕𝚞𝚖𝚎 #𝟺

Pearl stands at the threshold of her new room in HQ, taking in the familiar yet foreign surroundings. Lyla's virtual projections have worked their magic, transforming the space into a replica of her home universe. The neon lights and vibrant colors wash over her, offering a semblance of comfort in this strange new reality.

Closing the door behind her, Pearl takes a deep breath, trying to steady herself. She knows she needs a moment alone, a respite from the chaos that has unfolded. She can't afford to break down now, not in front of strangers who are still acquaintances at best.

Gently, she runs her fingers over the photograph of her family displayed on a small desk. The memories it holds threaten to overwhelm her, but she pushes them down, refusing to let the tears surface. She promised herself she would be strong, that she wouldn't let her vulnerability consume her.

Miguel, on the other hand, paces anxiously in the hallway outside Pearl's room. He can feel the weight of the multiverse on his shoulders, the pressure to keep everything together. But there's something else that adds to his distress—the intoxicating scent that lingers in his senses, the scent that belongs to Pearl.

He hates it.

He hates that her presence has disrupted his carefully constructed walls, that it has awakened a part of him he thought he had locked away. Miguel has always prided himself on his independence, his ability to stand alone and not rely on anyone else. Attachment is weakness, a vulnerability he can't afford.

But with Pearl, it's different.

Her scent crawls up his nose, teasing him, tempting him. It takes all of his strength to control himself, to resist the primal urges that surge within him. He clings to his self-control as if it were a lifeline, determined not to let his desires overpower his reason.

Inside her room, Pearl takes a seat on the edge of the bed, her posture straight, her expression composed. She knows that appearances can be deceiving, that sometimes putting on a brave face is the only way to get through the toughest moments. She reaches for a book on the nightstand, a familiar tale she used to read back in her universe.

As she loses herself in the pages, immersing herself in the story, she feels a temporary respite from the weight of her circumstances. The characters become her companions, the fictional world a temporary escape from the harsh reality she now finds herself in.

Meanwhile, Miguel's restless pacing continues, his mind filled with conflicting thoughts. He hates that Pearl's scent has this effect on him, that it weakens his resolve. But he also hates the idea of pushing her away, of denying the connection that has formed between them.

He knows he can't ignore her forever. She needs him, and deep down, he knows he needs her too. Despite his reservations, despite the vulnerability it brings, he can't deny the pull, the desire to protect her, to be there for her.

Taking a deep breath, Miguel finally decides to confront his inner demons. He pushes open the door to Pearl's room, his face a mix of determination and apprehension. As he enters, he catches a glimpse of her sitting on the bed, engrossed in her book, her composure a facade he sees right through.

He wants to reach out to her, to offer his support, but her presence, her scent, threatens to unravel him. He clenches his fists, willing himself to maintain control.

"Hey," he says, his voice a little rougher than he intended, "I hope you're settling in okay."

Pearl looks up from her book, her eyes meeting Miguel's. There's a flicker of vulnerability in her gaze, a vulnerability he recognizes all too well.