Chapter Text
Héctor didn't understand where he was.
He remembered briefly as golden shutters racked his body. The faint sounds of someone shouting unrecognizable words filled his head. A bony hand cradled his cheek, as lips lowered to meet his until—
Imelda.
Héctor shot up with wide eyes, covers flying in the process. His heart pounded against his chest as if it were hammering its way out. He scanned frantically around the room for the fierce woman, breath slowing as he caught sight of a figure.
Sunlight filtered through the curtains, which swayed in unison with the warm breeze that broke the boundaries of the room, revealing forth a young woman with hair braided to her side. She glowed as she hummed softly what sounded like La Llorona, hands sewing together a small peachy dress ever so gracefully. The woman did not seem to notice him, until her focus shifted onto Héctor, eyes widening and letting out a surprised gasp.
“Dios mío Héctor, you scared me to death! I didn't know you were up.”
A clumsy smile formed at the end of his lips, words coming out in a stutter.
“I uh— yeah. Yeah, I guess I am huh.”
Her eyes shifted downwards, eyes softening with adoration as her hand came to rest on top of a small bump.
“Good. I'm going to need your músico skills in the morning when this little one arrives.”
Wait, what?
That's when he saw it. This wasn't the full skeletal version of his wife that he only saw moments ago before his death.
This was a fully well and alive Imelda.
Not to mention a very pregnant one.
Ok, ok. Don’t panic. Just stay calm. What do we do? Is this what the final death is? Héctor wasn't very good at thinking logically especially when you're supposed to be completely, totally dead.
His hand reached out, attempting to grab onto something before meeting air. Héctor let out a yelp before stumbling forward and falling face flat on the floor. He managed to bring a fortress of blankets too as he struggled to break out of their cozy grasp. He blew a straw piece of hair out of his face and looked up in awe, mesmerized by the sight in front of him.
Of course the first thing that came out of his mouth would make him mentally slap himself.
“You’re breathtaking.”
Curse him for being his goofy self. Curse him that he married such a beautiful woman.
Imelda blinked at him a couple times, clearly off taken by his sudden charm. The corner of her lips curled, trying to compose herself -- but it was no use. The pressure in her cheeks grew until a small snort escaped before erupting into full fits of laughter. Héctor, as much as he loved making her laugh, he was dying of embarrassment. His blush seared through his cheeks and for a minute he thought his face was on fire.
Imelda, however, was now leaned over slapping at one her legs before letting out a grunt. Héctor heard her sharply intake a breath and immediately raised up onto his feet towards her. She raised a hand out towards him, waving off his concern.
Imelda chuckled lightly before wiping away tears that brisked her vision. “Ay—ow, alright, alright.” She rubbed at her swollen belly. “I agree, your Papá is quite the charmer. He’s hopeless without me.”
Héctor had to smirk at that. “Hey, I'm not that hopeless. Besides, how can I not be a mess with my two wonderful girls?”
It was Imelda’s turn to blush. Her gaze caught Héctor’s and he swore that he fell in love all over again. Those beautiful brown eyes are a million hues. They possessed the sternness of a hardworking woman. There was a love that burns there too, the sort that goes for an eternity.
“You really think it's a she?”
Héctor beamed. “Oh, I know it's a she. Trust me, she's gonna be one amazing girl just like her Mamá.”
Imelda sighed. “I hope you're right,” she paused for a second, a smile forming. “No, I know you’re right.” She gestured over for Héctor to come near her.
She stared up at him with waiting eyes. He made his way over, eyes moving back and forth around confusingly before shyly shrugging his shoulders. She sighed and rolled her eyes, bringing her hand up towards him. He was surprised to feel her warm hand cupping his cheek, guiding him down towards her bump.
“Idiota, come listen. She's kicking.”
Hesitantly, Héctor pressed his head against Imelda’s belly.
Towards Coco he realized.
His hand found itself on top of Imelda’s, squeezing slightly as they both waited patiently for her to make her grand appearance. His heart stopped when he felt a small kick right where his and Imelda’s hands were placed.
Oh. This was cruel.
Héctor didn't even know if this was real. Some sick way to remind him of all the times he missed being with Imelda, with Coco. Was it so cruel to just want to be with your family? Héctor knew he didn't deserve it, but a part of him wanted to believe that they accepted him back. That everything was alright. That this was real.
His thoughts were broken when a forceful kick was brought up to his face. He pulled back, caressing his cheek where a sting lingered.
He let out a chuckle. “Ay, trying to kill me, eh? You really are like your Mamá you'll probably have her aim too…”
Imelda smacked him lightly, letting out a laugh of her own before shifting. She leaned down closer to Héctor whispering,
“You're gonna be a great Papá.”
Those words struck him, making his heart shatter into pieces.
No, he wouldn't.
He wouldn't live to be Coco’s Papá.
All because of him.
He raised up slightly, wrapping one his arms around Imelda and let one of his hands linger on top of Coco. He buried his head deeper into Imelda’s neck, craving for her touch. His sobs were stifled at first as he attempted to hide his grief, then overcome by the wave of his emotions he breaks down.
Please don't go.
She ran her hands through his hair, snaking down towards his back. The feeling made him shiver and he let out a breath he didn't realize he was holding. His eyes felt heavy as she rubbed circles into his back, murmuring reassurance to him. He knew if he drifted off it would be over. It was as if death was giving him his final chance to say goodbye.
This wasn't fair.
Everything was becoming lighter. Héctor felt himself falling back, slipping away from Imelda’s grasp. Something was pulling him down and desperately he tried to reach out towards her.
“—lease, don—go..!” He screamed, words coming out fuzzy.
Imelda only stared at him smiling. There was a sudden flash of golden light, making Héctor shield his eyes for a split second. Looking back up, she was now in familiar purple dress, staring him down with an evident hatred as skeletal bones held a tiny crying Coco in her arms reaching for him.
“—melda! Coco!”
She hissed out, heartbreak in her venomous voice.
“You abandoned us.”
“You're better off forgotten.”
The world became hazy, growing more darker at the second. Orange glowing petals were floating along his side, attaching themselves to him. The images of Imelda and Coco were washed away as a ripple of water erased their faces from his vision.
It hurts.
And Héctor blacked out.